//------------------------------//
// Lightning Strikes 
// Story: A Flash of Lightning 
// by Summer Knight 
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The next morning, Flash Magnus groggily rubbed his eyes and yawned. His evening flight around Canterlot hadn't cleared his head at all—quite the opposite, in fact. He'd done at least five laps of the city, and each lap had taken him past both the arena where the Washouts' show had happened, and the nearby hospital where (he assumed) Short Fuse was recovering from the accident. He'd returned home with his mind still full of what he'd seen at the show, what he'd said afterward, and countless things he wished he'd said to that insufferable mare.
All of which was to say, he hadn't slept very well last night. 
Well, no matter; a lousy night's sleep was hardly a new experience for a soldier, and it was nothing that a hot breakfast and a cup of coffee wouldn't fix. That was when Flash discovered his next problem: He'd forgotten to go shopping yesterday. 
Oh, buck me hard. He'd been so preoccupied that his errands for the day had totally slipped his mind. If he wanted anything besides oatmeal and slightly-stale bread, he'd have to go out for breakfast. With his mood already slipping from bad to worse, he splashed some cold water onto his face, hastily brushed his short, red mane, and trotted out the door. 
Flash flew in lazy circles around his neighborhood, waiting for someplace to catch his interest. There was a little diner around the corner, but it was empty for a reason. Fritter's didn't serve breakfast. Donut Joe's wasn't too far, but Flash would never understand how some ponies could eat donuts for breakfast. 
Soon, Flash's circles grew wide enough that he could see the arena—as if he hadn't seen enough of it yesterday. The Washouts' caravan was still parked around the venue, though it seemed like all of their things had been packed up. They were probably just waiting for everypony to wake up before they left for their next show, wherever that was. 
Leave it to Lightning Dust to get a late start, Flash thought grouchily. He landed on a cloud with a clear view of the arena and glowered down at it. He'd been hoping that she'd be gone already; gone from the city, and gone from his mind. His mood slipped another notch, to full-on ornery.
Finally, he shook his head, now mostly angry with himself. What, was he planning to stare at the arena until the Washouts finally left? Or was he just hoping to bump into Lightning again? Either way, he was being bucking ridiculous. There was a plate of pancakes and hay bacon waiting for him somewhere in Canterlot, and it sure as Tartarus wasn't here. 
However, before Flash could spread his wings and resume his search for breakfast, a soft thump announced that another pegasus had just joined him. Even without turning, he knew who it was.
"I told you not to come back," Lightning Dust snarled. It sounded like she was in almost as bad a mood as he was.
Flash scoffed. "You don't tell me where I can go." 
"You can go straight to Tartarus!" 
"Make me."
A low, animalistic growl rose from Lightning's throat. It was the only warning Flash got before she tackled him. 
Magnus's breath burst out as the other pegasus slammed into his side. His only saving grace was that she'd only had a few feet to build up speed; she could have broken his ribs if she'd been going much faster. The two of them plowed into, and then through the cloud they'd been standing on. 
Flash quickly twisted in midair and used his hind legs to kick her away. The momentum from the kick sent him into a tight flip, which also served to put a little distance between himself and his opponent. However, by the time he'd righted himself, Lightning Dust was nowhere to be seen. 
"Where'd she—oof!" Lightning knocked the breath out of him again as she crashed into him from above. Her attacks were wild and unpolished; but what she lacked in technique, she made up for in speed and strength. Once more, Flash rolled out of the way and back to create some breathing room for himself. This time, he kept a careful eye on the mare as he spun, and watched her contrail disappear into another cloud. 
Got you.
He feigned confusion and pretended to look around for Lightning Dust. As he did so, he intentionally presented his side to the cloud where she was hiding. It was an irresistible target, and the inexperienced fighter took the bait. 
Flash's ear pricked up at the rushing sound of a pegasus approaching at high speed. He braced for impact, while at the same time relaxing his wings; he allowed the hit to move him through the air instead of trying to take it head-on. 
As Lightning Dust collided with him for a third time, he snapped his wing tightly around her, pinning her to his side. Then, in a single deft motion, he twisted so that she was wrapped in his forelegs instead; face-to-face, with her limbs pinned under his. That left his wings free to keep them both in the air. 
When Lightning tried to kick with her hind legs, he trapped them with his own. She tried to headbutt him in a last furious effort, but he tucked himself tightly into her shoulder and shifted one foreleg to pin her head down. At this point, they were stalemated; as long as he held this position, there was nothing she could do. 
"If this were a battle," Flash whispered, his breath harsh in Lightning's ear, "I would bite your neck right now, and you'd die."
Lightning's ears suddenly stiffened, and she shuddered.
"So," he continued, "are we done here?"
Slowly, shakily, Lightning Dust nodded. 
"Good." 
Flash loosened his grip; he didn't let her go yet, just gave her enough leeway to see if she'd try anything. She attempted to pull away, only to find herself still trapped. 
"Hey, what are you...?" Lightning's question trailed off as she came practically nose-to-nose with Flash Magnus.
Flash was suddenly extremely aware that he and Lightning Dust were breathing heavily, flushed with exertion, and pressed against each other. Lightning's breath was hot across his face—it was minty, but her toothpaste didn't quite mask the scent of rain. His mind seemed to have gone blank, aside from the realization that he was holding a young, fit, and very attractive mare in his arms. 
"Uh—" From the dazed look in Lightning's eyes, she didn't seem to be faring any better. 
"Uh... oh!" Flash suddenly realized what he was doing, and finished letting her go. He quickly turned away and cleared his throat, but found that he didn't have anything to say. For once, the sergeant couldn't seem to think of a good insult or one-liner to throw. 
After a long moment, Lightning broke the silence. "Why don't we, uh, take a break on that cloud over there?" she suggested quietly. 
Flash licked his dry lips and swallowed. "Yeah. Yeah, I could use a break."
The two pegasi drifted in a lazy spiral down to the cloud that Lightning Dust had indicated. The soft cloudstuff felt good on Flash's hooves, and helped to cool him off a little. However, it did nothing for his face, which couldn't have felt any hotter if he'd tried to eat a lightning bolt. 
The two stood in silence for what seemed like ages, and studiously looked everywhere except at each other. Finally, right when Flash was wondering if he should have left after all, Lightning spoke up. 
"Why did you come back?" 
Magnus took a deep breath. "I... I couldn't stop thinking about the show, and about you," he admitted. "I flew off the handle yesterday because I was scared for you three, but you took everything I could throw and gave it right back. Later, I realized that I hadn't felt that kind of a thrill since a thousand years ago. That's when I realized... you scare the hell out of me, Lightning Dust. And I like it." 
Lightning nodded slowly, thoughtfully. "You know what?" she replied. "I respect that. That took guts to say." 
"Pillar of Bravery," he reminded her.
"Oh yeah? Well, Mr. Pillar of Bravery, I... was thinking about you, too." She said it directly to his face, without flinching or looking away. In fact, he noted with some amusement, she looked like she was challenging him.
"You were?"
"Yeah. See, you're the only pony who's ever stood his ground against me; not gonna lie, it was pretty hot," she said with an attempt at her usual smirk.
"Really? The only one?" He raised an eyebrow. "What about the Wonderbolts?"
Lightning snorted derisively. "That wasn't a fight. Rainbow Crash went crying to Mommy Spitfire, and Spitfire just pulled rank. She couldn't handle me, so she gave me the boot."
"Your squadmates?" 
"Nah. Short Fuse backs off when I really get going, and Rolling Thunder just doesn't give a shit."
Flash chuckled. "So, it takes the literal symbol of bravery to stand up to you. That's pretty impressive."
"Hay, I'm just glad that you live up to your title!" Lightning gave him a playful shoulder-check, and Flash barely held back a wince of pain. He was sure that nothing was broken, but he'd have some nasty bruises from their little scuffle.
"Oh yeah, speaking of Short Fuse, how's he doing?"
Lightning shrugged. "The docs say he'll be fine, but he's grounded for a bit. He's gonna stay here in Canterlot 'til he recovers, and catch up with us when he can."
"You not going to wait for him?" 
"Can't afford to," Lightning sighed. "That dragon prop was expensive; it was supposed to be reusable."
"Yeah, it doesn't seem like you got your bits' worth on that one," Flash noted. "So, when do you leave?"
Lightning shrugged. "Whenever. Our next show isn't for a week, and we're only going to Neighagra Falls."
Flash nodded; that trip would only take them a few days. "So, what you're saying is, you've got time to get a drink with me."
"Hmm... I suppose I do." Lightning brushed up against his side. "Now, did you mean a drink, or—" she drew her tail suggestively across his haunch, "—a drink?"
"A drink," Flash repeated firmly. He couldn't quite keep the blush out of his cheeks, though. "My treat."
"Ugh, you're so old-fashioned. Fine. Is there someplace around here that does breakfast and drinks?" 
"Depends on your definition of 'breakfast.' I don't know about you, but I could go for a hayburger after that little workout."
Lightning smirked. "Fritter's, then?"
Flash nodded. "Best spot in town! It's where I met you, after all."
Lightning gagged. "Alright, if we're gonna do this, you need to dial way back on the cheese."
"Huh. Mares used to think I was charming."
"Pfft. Maybe a thousand years ago!"
Flash shrugged. "Sorry. I guess I've got some catching up to do."
"Don't worry," Lightning replied, "if you start to say anything stupid, I'll shut you up."
"You'll shut me—mmm," Flash trailed off as Lightning Dust pressed her lips against his. He closed his eyes as the scent of her filled his nose, and warmth filled his chest. She broke the kiss after a long moment, leaving behind a faint tingle.
"So, what were you saying?" Lightning asked.
"I have no idea."
"Good. Now, about that drink..." She stepped off the side of the cloud and spread her wings. Magnus was an instant behind her.
"Oh yeah," Lightning Dust said as they flew side-by-side, "one other thing."
"Hmm?" 
"What you said about biting my neck? I'm gonna hold you to that."