//------------------------------// // Chapter 13: Cloudsdale, Pt. 2 // Story: Dawn Before Twilight // by Dawn Darkness //------------------------------// After meeting Sapphire, she, Rainbow and I were trotting about in Rainbow Dash’s former school area. Rainbow and Sapphire, from what I had gathered as information, were friends and best friends with Fluttershy after the shy pegasus attended the school. It actually amazed me that Rainbow had such a good friend who would help them in defending Fluttershy from those who bullied her. It kinda reminded me of Merlin when he defended me from Buff, Butch and Boris back on Earth. He always had my back whenever they bullied me before I and my parents were moved to Bloodonia and lived there for one year when Butch’s father, the Danish general, arrived with the Danish army. Anyway, back to matters at hoof. Rainbow was showing me where they had attended school together, and then they decided to show me the Wonderbolt Academy after we had met Spitfire, the Wonderbolts’ leader. I must say, when Spitfire showed us around, I was impressed with the Academy, which was Rainbow Dash’s big dream to join them. And I was sure she would be able to join them if she tried hard enough. “And here is where we hold the Best Young Flyer competition,” Spitfire said as we were at the Cloudeseum. I admit, it kinda reminded me of the Colosseum from Rome, except that this was made of clouds instead of bricks. “So, Dawn,” Rainbow said. “What do ya think of Cloudsdale?” “It’s impressive,” I admitted. “Yeah, I know, right?” When I saw Spitfire look at me, she said, “What do you think of joining the competition once it starts, Dawn?” I blinked, but Rainbow came in my defense just in time. “Whoa, whoa. Easy there, Captain Spitfire! Don’t be so rushing on him. He’s just relearning what we Pegasi do.” “Oh, right.” Spitfire recalled. “You did mention that, Rainbow Dash.” “No worries. I shall see what I can do when I’ve got her teachings down,” I said, smiling at her. Besides, what else can I do once the Best Young Flyer competition starts? Based on what Rainbow had told me, she had once entered the competition when she was a filly and performed this ‘Sonic Rainboom’. “Good. That ends my tour for today,” Spitfire said. “I’m looking forward to the day when you decide to join the competition, Dawn Darkness.” I smiled at her after she turned and left us to do her duties. “So,” I started to Rainbow, who said goodbye to Sapphire, “where else should we go?” Rainbow grinned at my question. (Later) Let me tell you when I was surprised to see Rainbow’s former home before she moved to Ponyville. It was nice to see where she had lived when she was young. “So, this is where you lived?” I asked as we stopped by the door entrance. “Yup,” she nodded. “My parents are inside.” At that statement, the door opened, revealing a light blue female pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail. She had the same eye color as Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow!” she exclaimed, happily hugging her. “It’s so good to see you again!” When she looked at me, she blinked. “And who are you?” It was a question, which I happily answered. “I’m Dawn Darkness, Rainbow Dash’s friend. Pleased to make your acquaintance.” “It’s nice to meet you, Dawn. I’m Platinum Dash,” she introduced herself as she let go of her daughter, as she smiled at Rainbow, stating, “I never thought you’d have a special somepony, Rainbow.” What? “What?” Rainbow echoed my own thoughts. “No, Mom. He’s not my special somepony.” “I’m just teasing you,” Platinum chuckled heartily. Rainbow groaned. “And I said I don’t like being teased, Mom.” I chuckled. They reminded me of my own parents who also liked teasing me whenever I was oblivious to what it was they were saying. “So, are my grandparents here?” I asked Platinum. “As a matter of fact, yes,” Platinum nodded. “They’re inside.” And so Rainbow and I trotted in the house. I must say that her home was something I’d expect from a house in Equestria now. There was a carpet on the floor, while everything else was white from the clouds. “Dawn!” Grandma spoke. “I see you and Rainbow has arrived.” “How was the tour?” Grandpa asked. “It went well,” I nodded. “Rainbow was showing me where she went, and where the Wonderbolts Academy was.” “Good,” Grandpa said, sounding pleased. “Why don’t you show him your room, Rainbow?” Her father asked. He was the same as Platinum; rainbow mane and tail, although his mane was a bit messier than Platinum’s. Rainbow smiled, then looked at me. “C’mon, Dawn! Let me show you my former room!” And we went to her room that was upstairs on the second floor in the house. Once we were in, I took in the room’s appearance. There was a poster of the Wonderbolts hanging on a wall, and there was a rainbow-styled bed near the window. “So, what do you think?” I looked at Rainbow, who was laying on her bed. “It’s nice. I see you are idolizing the Wonderbolts very much.” “Are you kiddin’?” Rainbow smiled at my statement. “I dream of being in their team one day.” “And I think you’ve got the talent for that to happen.” “Thanks!” she said gratefully. This was indeed a nice place. I looked around as Rainbow was lying on her comfy bed in the meantime as I glanced around. It’s a great place, I’ll admit. “So, what is there to do while my grandparents and your parents are talking downstairs?” At that question, she gave a grin of happiness. “I’m glad you asked, Dawn.” (Later) I was playing with Rainbow as she had her cards and played one. I was having a bit of trouble knowing this card game. I played a game called Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG back on Earth, and since Rainbow knew where I came from, I told her about it. “Sounds like it could be fun,” she stated. “Yeah, but it’s pretty hard for newcomers to the game,” I explained. “Every Monster you plan on placing on your field needs to be four stars or lower to be played. Anything five stars or higher will need to be what they call, Tribute Summon.” “What’s ‘Tribute Summon’?” “It’s where you Sacrifice up to three cards for a higher leveled Monster.” “Wow, it sounds hard,” she admitted. “It is, believe me,” I nodded in agreement. As soon as I finished my explanation, I continued the current card game with Rainbow and played what I had in my hoof. “Ha! Bad move, Dawn!” She played a different one, and she had won the round. “All right!” she cheered. “Damn, this is hard to get back into card games,” I sighed. Rainbow chuckled. “Don’t worry; you’ll get the hang of it.” “And once I do, I will beat you next time,” I grinned. “As if you can!” We laughed at our exchange. A knock on the door was heard as Grandma peeked through the doorway. “Our late lunch is ready, you two.” “Great!” Rainbow smiled, standing. “I’m also a bit hungry, too,” I noted. And so we joined them downstairs.