//------------------------------// // Chapter 12: Cloudsdale, Pt. 1 // Story: Dawn Before Twilight // by Dawn Darkness //------------------------------// “Come on, Dawn! You know you can do better than this!” Rainbow cheered me on as she continued teaching me to fly faster than what I currently need to. What were we preparing for, you might ask? A visit to Cloudsdale, the home of the Pegasi of Equestria. I was so excited to finally be able to see what Rainbow’s home was like before she had moved to Ponyville. Since I was born a pegasus, I might as well learn more about them during my trip up to Cloudsdale with Rainbow Dash, who was continually commenting and commanding me on reaching better speed. It was currently a beautiful morning in Ponyville. I was thankfully ready for the trip to Cloudsdale after my speed training with Rainbow Dash. She had indeed improved me on my speed through her training methods. It wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, but it helped nonetheless. I was on my way to the Golden Oak Library to pack the things I needed ready for the trip. In case you’ve wondered, yes, I moved to the Golden Oak Library with Twilight after I had stayed a bit at my grandparents’ place for the first couple weeks I’ve been here in Ponyville, and Equestria, for that matter. Although it was pleasant, I missed having my parents’ company. Thinking about them was making tears come from my eyes for a moment, but I wiped it before anypony could notice. There were currently ponies here and there outside in the morning, while the rest of Ponyville was just about getting up and about. “Hi Dawn!” Pinkie Pie’s voice came just then. I blinked and looked at the pink party pony, and I smiled. “Hello Pinkie, how are you doing this morning?” “Good! I was just thinking about if you wanted to help me with something at Sugarcube Corner.” “Sorry, but I’m currently planning to visit Cloudsdale,” I sighed. “Oh,” Pinkie nodded understandingly. “How’s Crimson doing?” “Why are you asking that?” “I was just thinking out loud,” she smiled widely and turned, before bouncing away. I shook my head fondly at the bouncing Pinkie Pie. She sure is weird sometimes, but that’s what makes her special in some kind of way. She’s happy, joyous, hyperactive. That makes me feel positive for some reason whenever I am around her. How she is doing that, I wonder, I may never find out. I continued making my way to the library. Once I got there, I was met with Spike. “Hey Spike, what’s up?” “Well, Twilight expects to have a slumber party with her friends,” he replied. “And by that, I mean Rarity and Applejack.” I tilted my head. “They’re in there?” “Yes, so it’s best not to interrupt.” “I’m just packing my stuff, I’ll fly up to my room, then,” I said, spreading my wings and flying up to my balcony of the house. I trotted inside the room, getting a bag ready with some stuff I needed for the trip. I might as well make sure to inform Twilight about the trip while I’m on it. Although Spike told me not to interrupt them, I made sure to open my door and peek out, seeing the girls having fun. “Oh, Dawn,” Twilight noticed me. “Twilight, I’m just here to tell you I will be out for a while,” I told her. “Sure thing,” she nodded. “Have fun with your slumber party!” I called before closing the door. I stepped out of the room and from the balcony, I flew up towards my grandparents’ house in the clouds. Once I reached it, I knocked. “I’m ready, Grandma, Grandpa.” Grandpa opened the door, smiling. “Good to see you here, grandson. And we’re just making the final preparations ready for the trip.” “And while you do that, I’ll wait for Rainbow,” I said. Lo and behold, the pegasus has arrived. “I’m already here!” She landed beside me. “I was getting anxious, so I came just in case I got bored with waiting.” I chuckled. “All right. So, are we good to go?” “We are now,” Grandma announced, arriving at the door with two bags. “Great!” Rainbow smiled. “Let’s get going!” And so we took off. I was actually very glad I was able to see Cloudsdale today with my friend and grandparents. I never had the idea to join Twilight, Applejack and Rarity in their slumber party for the day. What actually surprised me was the fact there were black clouds below the sky and a thunderstorm. Huh, good thing I’m not down there, since I technically could control the weather as per my pegasus ability… “Can you three teach me about controlling the weather?” I asked them. Rainbow blinked. “You’ve never done that, Dawn?” I stared at her, eyes with a reminder. “Oh, right,” she recalled my explanation after the Nightmare Moon incident. “I forgot.” “Sure we can, Dawn,” Grandma smiled. “You do need to be taught some other things, as well.” “Indeed,” Grandpa agreed. “We shall help you with everything there is to learn as a Pegasi.” “Thanks,” I thanked them gratefully. “We’ve arrived,” Rainbow announced, looking forward as I looked ahead. There, floating in front of us, was Cloudsdale. It was actually a great looking cloud city. If you could see me being surprised, that would be what I was. “Let me show you around, Dawn,” Rainbow said, eager. “Sure thing,” I nodded. “We shall be looking elsewhere, then,” Grandma said. “Have fun with your friend, Dawn!” Grandpa called as I followed Rainbow into the cloud city. Rainbow was excited. “Let me show you where I used to go to school!” I nodded to her and followed her toward the school building. As soon as we arrived there, I was immediately greeted with an amazing sight. There were clouds everywhere, and pegasus ponies were coming around from all directions. “Rainbow!” Somepony greeted us. “It’s good to see you again.” I looked to the left with Rainbow, who was surprised to see… “Sapphire,” Rainbow acknowledged. “Who is she?” I asked. “A friend I once had in school here,” Rainbow replied. “‘Once had’?” Sapphire raised a brow, her sapphire blue color showing her brightness. “We’re still friends, aren’t we, Rainbow Dash?” “Oh, uh, sure,” Rainbow laughed nervously. “And who is he?” Sapphire pointed at me. “This is Dawn Darkness,” Rainbow introduced me before I could speak. “He is a friend I made when he and I met in Ponyville.” Sapphire smiled. “Pleased to meet your acquaintance, Dawn Darkness.” “Just Dawn,” I smiled in return. “And it’s my pleasure to be your acquaintance as well, Mrs. Sapphire.” She recoiled at the politeness. “Sorry, but no ‘Mrs.’, please. I’m not too old for that yet.” “Oh,” I gave a nervous laugh. “So, what are you two doing here, Rainbow Dash?” Sapphire asked. “I’m just showing Dawn here around, letting him see the awesome sights of Cloudsdale.” Sapphire smiled. “Mind if I join you? It’s been too long since we properly had a conversation, Rainbow.” “Sure!” Rainbow nodded her acceptance. “I’m more than happy to allow you to come with us. Won’t you agree, Dawn?” “I don’t see why not,” I shrugged. “Great!” Rainbow looked pleased. “Let’s get going, then!” And so off we were.