//------------------------------// // Chapter 88 - Cloudsdale Parents // Story: The Master Mev // by kazamacat //------------------------------// On Saturday, Rainbow Dash and Chrysalis stood together outside Twilight's castle. They were waiting for others to arrive, for their planned trip to Cloudsdale. Chrysalis looked as she did back when she first met Rainbow as a master mev, including her wings. "Why do you want to go in your old default dark form?" Rainbow asked with genuine curiosity to Chrysalis. "Hmm," Chrysalis wondered if she could explain it to her friend. "It's sort of a test if that's alright." Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. "What sort of test?" "I'd like to see if the ponies in Cloudsdale are accepting of me as my old appearance. I hope that your kind is not more accepting of my kind because the skin we have happens to be a lighter color. Know what I mean?" Chrysalis pondered. "Not to mention Neighsay, who didn't even find that good enough." "Oh," Rainbow considered. "Well, to be honest, I think most of Cloudsdale hasn't even seen reformed changelings up close." "Am I reformed?" Chrysalis asked with a smirk. "Well, you're not plotting the demise of me and my friends as far as I know," Rainbow replied with a nonchalant air, followed by a returning smirk. Chrysalis laughed. "That is, as you like to say, acceptable," Rainbow added, still smiling. Chrysalis chuckled a little more. "Very well. I assume you aren't going to hide who I am to your parents." "You're the client. How do you want it to go?" Rainbow Dash asked. Chrysalis sighed. "I want to get more comfortable around ponies as a changeling form in some capacity. Can you at least tell me what they're like?" "Enthusiastic. Very, very enthusiastic. They can be a bit much," Rainbow admitted honestly with a subtle edge in her voice. "Proud of me for breathing. I have actual awards from them for stuff like 'Best Bath Taker Ever' and 'Best Napper.' Granted, I was a great napper back when I needed more sleep, but no one else sees that as the wondrous thing they did." Chrysalis chortled. "Alright then. It seems to me that if there are any ponies who can handle seeing me like this outside you and your team, it would be them." "Can't argue with that," Rainbow agreed. "Alright. Well then, since the others aren't here yet, let's see if you're going to need a cloud-walking spell." She dashed away and dashed back in an instant with a lowered white cloud. To demonstrate, Rainbow Dash stood on it. "Pegasi, griffons, and hippogriffs can stand on clouds without actually having to fly—along with walk, sit, and lie down. We have magic in our bodies that allows us to do so. I've never seen a flying dragon do it or a changeling, so today's a good day to find out if a changeling can." Chrysalis fluttered up and found herself plop right through, catching herself before striking the ground "Hmm, so maybe it's the feathers," Rainbow openly contemplated. "I suppose that's a mild perk if we were really were trying to make me an alicorn," Chrysalis muttered dryly. Curious, she tried shape-shifting into an alicorn form that closely resembled her lighter "reformed" look and still slipped right through. "Master," a bright voice greeted. "And Chrysalis." Starlight Glimmer gave them a polite nod. "What are you doing here?" Chrysalis asked. She saw Starlight had two chests with her. "That's a bit much to take to Cloudsdale." "Oh, this is actually for a trip I'm taking with Trixie to Saddle Arabia. I will not be going with you all today. I'm heading out after helping with the cloud-walking spell for those of the group who can't do it naturally," Starlight answered. "Well, most of you. I can give Rainbow a quick lesson if she ever needs to do it." "Oh. Okay," Chrysalis stated with approval. "Are you going to Cloudsdale as an alicorn?" Starlight asked in sincerity. Chrysalis immediately transformed to her dark form. "No, we were actually testing cloud-walking magic right before you got here. Apparently, it is not a power we changelings possess nor can emulate taking on a pony form." "How fascinating," Starlight noted. She looked the dark form up and down. "So, you're going like that?" she asked with the same curiosity Rainbow had earlier. "Yes," Chrysalis said firmly. Starlight glanced Rainbow's way. "She's got her reasons. We already talked about it," Rainbow said. "Well, alright," Starlight replied. Soon after, Fluttershy and the Awesome Crusaders arrived. The entire group took care of matters to ensure everyone would be able to walk through Cloudsdale with ease and that Rainbow Dash knew how to cast the cloud-walking spell. Rainbow Dash decided to escort everyone to her parents' house first. That would clue said parents into the fact that something was going on before she sent her servants and client on their way. As they arrived, the door itself opened wide, and a pegasus mare swooshed out to grab her daughter. "Rainbow honey!" said Windy Whistles with the foreshadowed enthusiasm. Rainbow Dash's father, Bow Hothoof, soon followed and pat her forelock. "Good to see you, kiddo." He hugged her tight as well. Before Rainbow could tell them to back off and give her some space, they noticed her companions. As such, they then backed off and gave her some space. "Fluttershy, it's been awhile!" Windy said with a bright smile. "How are you, dear?" Bow gave a friendly, winged salute as his greeting to her. "Oh, I've been doing wonderful. Thanks so much for asking," Fluttershy said, lifting into a happy hover. "And Scootaloo. We see you brought your friends," Bow noticed. "Greetings yet again, small ponies. How are you three?" Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle smiled giving a "hi" and "hello" respectively. "It's great to see you both!" Scootaloo hugged them each tight. "We've been super awesome!" Her friends nodded in agreement. Windy finally met eyes with Chrysalis. She smiled and blinked uneasily. "You…" she started to say. Carefully, Rainbow began, "Mom, Dad, this is Chrysalis. She used to be the queen of the changelings." Chrysalis gave a polite bow of her head. "Weren't the changelings bad because of her?" Bow bluntly asked. Chrysalis stared at him icily. "Yes." He took a small, timid step back. "Things are different now," Rainbow explained. "She and I recently became friends, and I have some business with her. In fact, I actually came today because I wanted to talk to the two of you. So, Fluttershy, if you would…" Fluttershy nodded. "We'll be back soon." Scootaloo stepped forward and motioned for Rainbow to come closer. "You can tell them about my request. They're like family to me." Rainbow Dash nodded with a pleasant smile. Scootaloo rejoined the group. She and the others waved before parting. "Wow, you must have been busy," Windy said to Rainbow. "You have no idea," Rainbow replied, "but you're about to." "Well come on in already," Bow instructed his daughter. The three family members went in and sat together at the kitchen table. "Oh, I can't wait to hear!!" Windy exclaimed. "Just what has my daughter been up to that leads to such an interesting group to be here with her today?" Rainbow smiled and took a deep, nervous breath. Even if she had done this so many times now, it was different with her parents of all ponies. "I...turned into a vampire." They stared at her and blinked before chuckling. "Good one," Bow said. "Now tell us what really happened." Rainbow rolled her eyes with a smile. She expected as much, but she continued, "That is what really happened. It's specific type of vampire called a 'master mev.' The 'mev' part is an acronym for Magic Eating Vampire." "You can eat magic?" Windy asked, clearly fascinated. "That's impressive though worrisome," Bow said thoughtfully. "It definitely was my first night, but Twilight found this book that explained this transformation better. I was able to find a way to eat without hurting others," Rainbow went on. "Oh, so your friends know?" Windy realized. "Including those five that were just here?" Rainbow Dash nodded. "Yup." It was all coming together for them. "What's the 'master' part for?" Bow asked. "A lot," Rainbow answered. "It's a job to manage and reserve magic, so I'm in charge of that. I was literally zapped by a column of light from the ground to the sky to have this power...I…" she cleared her throat. "I have a pack and am the master of six fledglings...and some other servants. And funny thing, if you actually call me by my title, you get this tiny whiff of power. Well, most ponies. It might be different since you two are my parents. The book didn't really cover that." "Oh well then we definitely have to try it," Bow said. "Master Rainbow Dash." Barely a pause passed before he added, "Whoa! I certainly felt that. It must be stronger for us. You try it, Honey." "Master Rainbow Dash," Windy said as well. Her eyes widened in glee. "That's amazing! You're the most amazing master ever!" Rainbow blushed with an embarrassed smile. "The thing I feel is quite strong, just like your father says," Windy informed her. "That's so cool that your parents get a boost!" she added in delight. "I'll have to tell Twilight. She's taking notes on all kinds of things on my being a master mev," Rainbow said. "We could certainly use some notes ourselves," Bow replied. "Can you tell us more?" "Well, I can't tell the two of you everything. I have clients to protect—" Rainbow started to explain. "Oh, aren't you just the most considerate thing?" Windy said with pride. "But I can tell you that I've traveled a lot to meet up with friends, old and new, to help out in new ways. Oh, I do have something I can show you," Rainbow realized. She quickly showed off her lightning bolt power. Windy leaped into a cradled position in her husband's forelimbs. Rainbow chuckled mischievously. "Lightning for you is just perfect, Rainbow Dash," Bow said, impressed. "Spike thought so too. He predicted it," Rainbow told them. Windy hovered and returned to her seat. "Such lovely colors—six to match your mane and tail and white for all. Simply amazing! What else? Tell us more! You simply must tell us more!" She gasped. "Who's in your pack? Is Chrysalis one of your vampire fledglings?" "Chrysalis is a client, actually, but as far as fledglings go, they're actually my friends. You know, Starlight Glimmer, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight Sparkle," Rainbow answered. "Fluttershy's a vampire fledgling? How fascinating," Windy noted. "Has that affected your relationship in any way?" Rainbow Dash blushed. "Mom, you know I don't like to talk about her like that with anyone. Us turning into vampires hasn't changed that." "Well, I thought it might. Vampires can be such romantics you know," Windy said with a breathy smile. She gasped upon a sudden thought. "The Princess of Friendship is a vampire for you! You two must really be great friends." "We are," Rainbow replied, bashfully stroking her mane. "What about Scootaloo and her two friends?" Bow realized. "You brought them along with Fluttershy and Chrysalis. Oh, are they your other servants?" "Yes. Sweetie Belle is my Rhezenda, and Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are my bodyguards," Rainbow explained. "Filly bodyguards?!" Bow asked. He tapped a hoof to his chin. "Intriguing." "What's a Rhezenda?" Windy wished to know. Rainbow chuckled. "It's a special title she came up with. I thought 'assistant' would be too boring." She went on to explain its meaning between the two of them. "You're absolutely right, dear," Windy said in hearty agreement. "That is just so lovely!" "She must feel pretty special to help you out like that," Bow offered. Rainbow nodded. "She does. I have seen to it." "Because you're just so awesome that way," Windy put her hooves around Rainbow's cheeks adoringly. At the same time, Bow noted, "You even sound like a master vampire when you talk like that." Rainbow backed away from her mother in a small hover. "Thanks." "That can't possibly be all," Bow said. "What else can you tell us? Or show us! You must have fangs and since you're a pegasus, I'll bet you even get bat wings or something." "You're not wrong," Rainbow replied. "That's one of the perks of being a master. I can change my wings, eyes, and teeth at will." "Well come on, show us!" Windy urged while moving to stand closer to her husband since she was slightly scared from the earlier lightning bolts. Rainbow Dash demonstrated her vampire form. "Wow, you are just the most awesome vampire ever, aren't you?" Windy said with pride. "Chosen by the land and sky itself." "A Wonderbolt, off saving Equestria with her friends, and now a master vampire," Bow started to tear up. He buried his head into Rainbow's shoulder. She pat him. "I'm glad you two are taking the news so well." She couldn't fathom anyone else's parents swelling with as much pride over their daughter becoming a master magic-eating vampire. "Of course. We just love you so much," Bow cried. Rainbow smiled warmly. "There's a little more." He looked up in awe. "Really?" "I'm not sure how open Scootaloo has been with two of you about this fact, but she can't fly like most pegasi her age," Rainbow began. "Oh, that's right. You know, she told us when we first met her and went to go see you, but it hasn't come up since," Windy told Rainbow. "It's a disability," Rainbow stated seriously. They blinked and waited patiently for the master mev to continue. Rainbow swallowed. "I offered, and she accepted that I investigate it and possibly find a cure." Windy's eyes watered as she asked in a small voice, "Did you find one?" "Well...we have a plan, but it needs a little more time. In a few weeks, we're going to mix up a potion with the magic that we have stored in our reserve. It'll need a few days, but Starlight's estimate is that it will take effect on Hearth's Warming," Rainbow informed them. Bow teared up again and buried his head into Rainbow. She pat him again too. "Oh, it just has to work!" Windy said filled with tremendous hope. Bow wiped his eyes. "You'll tell us, won't you?" "Of course," Rainbow said with a hopeful smile of her own. "Hey I know! Why don't you two come down to Ponyville on Hearth's Warming? I'll be hanging out with the girls, like I usually do. Stop by Twilight's castle in the afternoon. We'll tell you how it went, or is going. Magic of this caliber takes time. My team's been working on it for a month and a half already. Still have a little over a month to go—although now we're mostly just waiting." "Just wow. Being a master mev has even got you to be more patient," Windy said. "I guess," Rainbow muttered, having not really noticed though it made sense with all the other extra instincts her transformation gave her. "So what's Chrysalis' story? How are you helping her?" Bow wondered. "Classified," Rainbow told them bluntly. "Of course dear," Windy said agreeably. She got excited all over again with a hearty squeal and hugged Rainbow tight. "Alright, I think that's enough 'Confess to My Parents I'm a Vampire' time," Rainbow remarked. She pulled out her cell phone to text Fluttershy she finished that part of her business for the day. "Oh, what's that?" Bow wondered. "It's called a 'cell phone.' It's a magic device for communication. I learned from some humans how they work with a different kind of magic in their world. Thanks to the changelings, including Chrysalis, we found a way to mimic it," Rainbow explained. "Wonders never cease," Windy beamed. Soon after, the rest of Rainbow's friends returned. Windy picked up Scootaloo in her arms with an enthusiastic motherly embrace. The two parents nuzzled her close and wished her well and good luck with her request. Windy then attended to getting drinks for everyone with Apple Bloom's help. Scootaloo tailed them. Rainbow chatted with Fluttershy. Sweetie Belle quietly observed the whole scene in case she was needed in any way. "And you too, Ms. Chrysalis," Bow offered. "I certainly hope I didn't offend you earlier. We look out for our daughter, and the things we've heard…" "Yes, I'm aware. My drones kidnapped her, among others, before I was dethroned. I get it," Chrysalis said. "I was not offended, just as blunt and honest as you were." Apple Bloom passed them each a glass of juice. "You're not still bad, are you?" Bow asked worriedly. Sweetie Belle stared and listened intently. Chrysalis smirked. "I won't hurt your daughter, sir. She is helping me. It is in my best interest to ally with her, so I have. She is one of my two friends." "Oh, who's the other?" Bow wondered. "Twilight Sparkle," Chrysalis replied. "Well, I suppose that's alright then," Bow said, comforted. "Good luck with your request, Miss." "Appreciated," she said with authority in her voice and a bow of her head. The two clinked glasses in a small toast before drinking. Sweetie Belle quietly breathed a sigh of relief to herself and drank her own glass of juice. "How'd seeing Cloudsdale go?" Rainbow approached and asked Chrysalis. "Fascinating," Chrysalis answered. "I've never seen anything like it. Even though all changelings can fly, our hive was—and still is—rooted to the ground. We took to the skies at our convenience but actually staying to reside in them never occurred to me. I'm sure some drones have made their way this far, but I've never seen it so up close myself. And manufacturing weather? That is certainly convenient. Making lightning and thunder sounds fun." "It is. No one caused you any trouble, did they?" Rainbow prodded. "Well, I certainly got some stares," Chrysalis admitted, "which I suppose was expected. But still, nothing much beyond that. I think I overheard a remark about reminding someone of a unicorn who had butterfly wings once." "They meant Rarity," Scootaloo offered and proudly relayed the whole tale of Rainbow's second ever Sonic Rainboom. "Yay!" Windy proclaimed and clapped her hooves in applause. "And that's why she's the pride and joy of this household," Bow boasted. "That's certainly fortunate you were able to pull through in the end," Chrysalis remarked with intrigue, addressing Rainbow Dash. "It seems the layered drama empowered you." "Friendship can do that," Rainbow said with a knowing smile. Chrysalis smiled softly in turn. "We didn't get a chance to see the Cloudiseum if you want to show her that too," Fluttershy told Rainbow. "Sure, let's get a move on. Thanks for everything Mom and Dad," Rainbow Dash prepared to leave. "We'll see you on Hearth's Warming," Windy said. Scootaloo paused and looked at them. "For good luck and support of your hopefully big day," Bow encouraged her. The pegasus filly smiled hugely and hugged them both. "I know it'll be sad if it doesn't work, but knowing you two will be there will help. It means a lot to know I have so much support." The trip to the Cloudiseum went smoothly and easily given Rainbow's Wonderbolt status and access. The group wrapped up their trip and returned home.