Canterlot
Nimbus sighed in relief as the moisture-laden morning air swept over his sore wings as he took to the sky. It was his last morning of practice before traveling to Canterlot for the Cloudsdale Meet’s competitor banquet, and Storm Runner and Sun Blaze hadn’t wasted a single moment of it. They’d thrown Nimbus through just about every exercise and combat scenario they could think of. Now he was taking his cooldown flight, and both of his coaches were gliding along beside him, giving him advice.
“Now I know this is going to be right after the Summer Sun Celebration,” Storm Runner said, “but that’s not an excuse to stay up all night for the festivities. You need your sleep, so retire early.”
“Well of course,” Nimbus said, panting, “you know I’d-“
“Don’t let the other competitors get to you either,” Sun Blaze interrupted, “odds are, there’s going to be a lot of muscle-flexing, both literally and figuratively during this banquet. Don’t let any of it bother you. Just perform the way you always have.”
“Thanks, mom and dad,” Nimbus groaned, landing on the parade field. His friends left to go grab a few orange cones they’d spread out over the field while Nimbus trotted over to Polaris. The old Pegasus bounced back from his injuries like a champion, and he rarely ever mentioned the attempt made on his life. The aftereffects of the attack on the campus, however, were clear. Because of the school’s proximity to Canterlot, two royal guards were now posted at the entrance to the main hall, and several more roamed the halls, keeping eyes out for suspicious activity. Their presence was clearly having some sort of effect, as nopony had heard from the Awakening since the attack.
“Well done up there today,” Polaris said as his student approached. “You’re fit as a fiddle and ready to take on Equestria’s best, I think.”
“You think so?” Nimbus said, “I’m not going to lie- this is probably the most nervous I’ve ever been.”
“Don’t let the fear get to you,” Sun Blaze said, flying down from out of nowhere and landing next to Nimbus, “or so help me, Storm Runner and I will come to the Meet ourselves and put you through a training session.”
Nimbus winced. “On second thought, I think you just scared the fear right out of me.”
“Is that even possible?” Storm Runner chuckled. “Seriously, Nimbus, you’ll do fine. Now come on- we’ve gotta go pack your bags!”
“Wait-“ Nimbus said, “shouldn’t you and Sun Blaze be getting ready for graduation practice? I thought the Aviator cadets were supposed to be practicing the field flyover today.”
Storm Runner’s eyes went as wide as dinner plates. He turned to Sun Blaze, who simply nodded.
“He’s right, you know.”
“Sweet Celestia, what time is it?” Storm Runner said, flying into a frenzy, “I can’t be late! I have to brush my teeth and shine my hooves and comb my mane and-“ Storm Runner stole a few quick glances around before darting off towards the dorms. “Bye, Nimbus! Good luck!”
Nimbus laughed along with Polaris and Sun Blaze. The silver mare’s outlook on life was improving every day. The past weekend, Storm Runner had taken her out for dinner at a fancy restaurant in Canterlot. Nimbus had teased them, of course, as is the custom for any good friend, but when Storm Runner, in his uniform, escorted Sun Blaze to the carriage that night, all joking was gone. The two were perfect for each other, and Nimbus found his point proven when they returned later, laughing and smiling together. The dinner, of course, had been a complete bust, because while Storm Runner had a tendency to act macho, evidently this attitude did not transfer on his first date. Nimbus got the report later. His nervous friend had managed to not only spill every drink on his table and drop at least one glass; he’d also bumped into a waiter carrying a cherry pie, upturning the desert on the poor pony. Somehow, despite the disaster, the two had found humor in the situation. If they ended up being stationed apart from each other when school was done, Nimbus decided, they would almost certainly find a way to come back together again.
“Take care of my roommate,” Nimbus said finally to Sun Blaze, “he’s gone into his full-blown Narcissistic mode, and you know what he’s like when that happens. The guy can’t wait for a chance to fly over a bunch of empty bleachers.”
“Ha! Don’t I ever?” Sun Blaze chuckled, “we’ll be just fine here, Nimbus. You get yourself over to Canterlot and kick some flank for the two of us, okay? I’d hate to see all those training mornings go to waste.”
“Sure thing, ma’am,” Nimbus said, smiling. “Seriously, though- I’m glad to see you’re doing better, Sun Blaze. The last month’s been hard for you, I’ll bet.”
“Yeah, well what can I say? I have two of the best friends Equestria has to offer!” Sun Blaze said, punching Nimbus’s shoulder, “I’d better go make sure Storm Runner doesn’t get himself into trouble. Good luck, chucklehead.”
Nimbus grinned. “Thanks, Sun Blaze. I’ll see you and Storm Runner soon.”
“Sooner than you think, I’m sure,” Sun Blaze said, darting into the sky in the direction Storm Runner had flown. Nimbus turned to his mentor, Polaris.
“I can’t believe the day’s finally here,” he said at last.
“Are you ready?” Polaris asked.
“I’m nearly finished packing,” Nimbus replied.
“Good, because our transportation arrives in five hours. Meet me out in the courtyard then wearing your dress blues.”
Nimbus nodded. “I’ll be there. May I ask what we’ll be traveling in?”
Polaris grinned peevishly. “Oh come now, Nimbus. That would be telling, wouldn’t it?”
…
Back in his room, Nimbus changed into his dress blues threw the last of his traveling supplies into his saddlebag- just enough for three days away from the school. Before closing the bag, he did a quick check, making sure he hadn’t left anything behind. Satisfied that he hadn’t, Nimbus hefted his saddlebag and walked to the window. It wasn’t time to go just yet, and from here he could see the parade field, where his classmates were practicing for the graduation day flyover. One by one, they flew over the field as their names were called, circling around and landing in a formation on the ground. Nimbus thought he saw Storm Runner and Sun Blaze once or twice, but he couldn’t be sure. They were too far away to tell.
Sighing, Nimbus lay down on his bed. Something inside him suddenly felt heavy. The moment was just too much. Leaving his friends behind, watching them fly together, recalling everything he’d done to get to where he was today- all of these feelings were simply too much to handle at once. It was as if an emotional dam had broken inside of him. Nimbus buried his head in his pillow and sobbed. He wept for the life he’d thrown away almost exactly a year ago, and he cried with joy for Sun Blaze, who had finally had the chance to experience friends and a normal life. Most of all, though, he wept because he needed to. He’d been holding back emotions since he’d arrived at the college. Now, alone, he had the chance to release them.
“Why me?” he asked nopony in particular, “why- why did I get a second chance? I certainly didn’t deserve it. I was a failure last year. I gave up on my dream. I should be out there with my classmates while somepony else goes to Canterlot tonight. Who’s to say I earned this?” Nimbus sobbed and stood up again, trotting over to the window once more.
“Everypony always told me life wasn’t fair,” he said sniffing and wiping his eyes on his hoof, “I don’t know if that’s really true. Maybe life is just a really harsh teacher. Maybe by making the mistakes I made, I turned back on course to who I’m really supposed to be.” Nimbus smiled slightly as a cadet flew quickly across the parade field, overshooting his turn by nearly a hundred feet. “I guess the point is that life gave me a second chance. Maybe I had to pick myself out of the mud to take it, but I still got one.”
Nimbus turned around, grabbed his room key, and trotted out, locking his door behind him. “Nopony ever gets a third chance,” he said to himself, “when I get to that Cloudsdale Meet, the only pony I’m really going to be proving anything to is myself. This is my big chance. I can’t let it go to waste.”
Nimbus took a few deep breaths as he walked on, drying his face when he could. Over the next hour, he visited the dining hall and grabbed a sandwich for lunch, which he ate halfheartedly. He was too excited and nervous to really focus on eating. He spent his entire lunch glancing at the clock, and when it finally struck noon, Nimbus pulled on his saddlebag and raced out the door. As he entered the courtyard, he saw Polaris and waved, trotting over to him. He hadn’t gone more than a few feet when a dark shadow fell over him. Nimbus looked up. Something huge was above his head, completely blocking out the sun. The stallion stood, gaping at the massive… thing. Polaris chuckled.
“Nimbus, I could swear by the look on your face that you haven’t seen an airship before!”
The orange Pegasus shook himself out of his daze as he focused on the craft overhead. Sure enough, he could now make out the airship’s design. Most of the craft was a large, blue gas envelope, but he could also make out a sleek white gondola hanging beneath, partially covered by a glass canopy. The giant flying machine turned slowly, descending until it was hovering above the ground right next to Polaris. Nimbus heard a pony on board cry “prepare to board!” just before a polished wooden ramp was folded over the side. Nimbus took his place next to Polaris as a Unicorn wearing a sharp, well-pressed dress suit walked down the ramp, levitating a clipboard by his side.
“Cadet Nimbus and Professor Polaris?” he asked, not glancing up from his clipboard.
“That’s us,” Polaris said. The Unicorn jotted down a few notes, then vigorously shook Nimbus’s and Polaris’s hooves.
“Welcome aboard the Autumn Zephyr. We’ll be providing you transportation to Canterlot. This school is our last stop before our destination, so relax and enjoy the view. We’re set to touch down in Canterlot at around eight o’clock tonight. You will receive programs for tomorrow’s banquet once you arrive.”
Nimbus almost unconsciously adjusted his suit. Even in the sharpest uniform Aviator Training School had to offer, he still felt underdressed. He followed Polaris up the ramp and onto the deck of the gondola, and was immediately surprised by how luxurious the craft was. The deck was polished oak, and was surrounded by gleaming white and blue accents everywhere. Most of the deck was outdoors, but underneath the glass canopy, Nimbus could see several ponies eating or talking at a few tables. Behind them, stairs led down to the lower level, where Nimbus assumed passengers slept on long journeys. It was all too much for him to take in and the Pegasus simply stood still, stunned.
“Raise ramp, prepare to lift!” the Unicorn called. Seconds later the ramp was on board and the airship began to rise into the air. The sensation of flying without the use of his own wings was odd to Nimbus, but not unpleasant. Beaming, he trotted over to the side of the gondola and watched as his school grew ever smaller in the distance.
“First flight in an airship is always like this,” Polaris laughed. “I was just like you when I flew on one.”
“You’ve been on an airship before?”
“Oh yes,” Polaris nodded, “of course, they weren’t as sophisticated back in my day, but the wonder was still there. I still find it strange to see that flight is possible without wings.”
“Yeah,” Nimbus said, glancing around the deck. His gaze rested on the ponies inside canopy at their tables. “So I take it those are a few of the competitors?”
“They are indeed,” Polaris answered, “if you’d like, we can go talk to them.” Seeing Nimbus’s hesitation at the suggestion, Polaris added, “trust me- they’re really not so bad when you get to know them. Besides, first impressions are important. You may meet some of these ponies when you become an Aviator.”
“You mean if,” Nimbus said, “if I become an Aviator. There are still three weeks of school left.”
“And do you plan on failing my class?”
“Well… no,” Nimbus admitted, “but-“
“Then I’m pretty sure you’ll graduate,” Polaris said, “now come on.”
Nimbus followed his teacher into the canopy. Now that they were inside, the atmosphere had changed. The room was abuzz with chatter. Aviators were swapping stories and drinks, and by the time he and Polaris sat down at a table with an Aviator, Nimbus could have sworn he’d heard the word “Manticore” at least a half-dozen times. The stocky, green Pegasus at the table looked up as they sat down, and immediately gave Polaris an enthusiastic greeting.
“Prof? I didn’t expect to see you here!”
“Nor I you,” Polaris said, shaking the stallion’s hoof. “Corona Flash… you never did pay much attention in my class, did you?”
“You know each other?” Nimbus piped up. Corona raised an eyebrow.
“Ah, so this is why my old mentor’s here. You are the Royal Equestrian Air College’s competitor for the dogfight, I take it?”
Nimbus nodded, shaking the stallion’s hoof. “Yes, and Polaris is my coach.”
Corona nodded, “well, he’s a darn fine teacher. You’re lucky.”
“We like to joke,” Polaris added, “but Corona Flash was one of my star students about, oh, five years ago.”
The green stallion grabbed two menus from the center of the table and passed them out to Nimbus and Polaris. “Now don’t go bringing that up; makes me feel old.”
Nimbus perused the menu as Polaris and Corona Flash caught up. There were dishes he’d never heard of, and the prices were astronomical. “Umm… sir?” Nimbus asked Corona, “these are kind of expen-“
“All paid for. No need to worry, cadet. Your meals and drinks are on the house. Well, except alcohol. I’m guessing you’re still under twenty one.”
“Only for another year,” Nimbus sighed, selecting a rather exquisite-looking alfredo dish. He wrote down his request on an order form and placed it at the head of the table. Corona grabbed it and took a quick glance.
“Cheese sauce, good choice… wait-“ Corona covered his mouth as he laughed. “Oh this is great!”
Polaris slid his own order form to the head of the table, confused. “What’s that, Corona?”
“I’m just now realizing that Nimbus is probably the first dogfighter I’ve ever met to order a Root Beer instead of something harder.”
“Well, I mean, I’m not old enough to-“ Nimbus started.
“No, you’re absolutely right,” Corona cut in. “Nimbus, you have a good moral compass, and don’t you forget that. Stay responsible your whole life. Don’t end up like me and ninety percent of the Aviators in here. We’ll all be village drunks when we retire.”
Nimbus laughed. “It can’t be that serious, can it?”
“Oh it can. An Aviator’s life is a good one, but not necessarily a clean one.”
“Right,” Nimbus said, “so-“ he eyed the ranks on Corona’s dress blues, “Captain Corona-“
“Just Corona, please. We’re all equals here.”
“Right,” Nimbus went on, “Corona, is this your first time at the Meet as well?”
“Second, actually,” Corona answered, “I was here last year, too. Got my flank handed to me.”
“Well if you don’t mind me asking, what was it like? The Meet, I mean.”
Corona leaned back in his chair, clicking his front hooves together. “Heh, well, it’s nothing like the dogfights they have you do in your class. You’re going up against just over fifty other targets, and they all want to shoot you down. Maybe you’re not the first target on their lists, but mark my words- you are on their lists. Heck, you’ll be on mine, too, not to put a downer on this conversation. That’s just the way the game’s played. They’ll start you out with an hour with your instructor, to strategize. Then they send you out onto the field and start the countdown. Once they ring the gong, there’s no going back. You’re in it to win it.”
In it to win it, Nimbus thought as Corona went on, that’s the story of my life so far. How bad could it be? The cadet sat back in his chair and relaxed as Corona went on about his experience the previous year, and for the first time in a while, he felt all his worries simply slip away.
…
The sun was setting by the time the airship docked in Canterlot. All of the craft’s occupants crossed the ramp into a docking tower. As Nimbus crossed, he looked down at the lights below. He’d never been in a big city before. The closest he’d come was seeing Manehattan from a distance. Below him, ponies scurried about like ants. It was dizzying.
“Welcome to Canterlot,” Corona said as Nimbus stepped off the ramp behind Polaris, “the crown jewel of Equestria. I’m guessing you two will want to find out your accommodations. I’m getting pretty tired myself.”
“It was a pleasure seeing you again, Corona,” Polaris said, shaking his former student’s hoof once more, “perhaps we can meet up again tomorrow.”
“I’m sure we’ll run into each other,” Corona said, “after all, Nimbus has to get to the spa for his pre-banquet fix-up.”
Nimbus paled at the mention of the word “spa.” “What exactly are they going to do to me?” he asked Corona nervously.
Corona winked. “That’s for me to know and you to find out.”
Nimbus gulped as he and Polaris headed to the ground floor. He’d never enjoyed any sort of special treatment; he wasn’t even fond of getting his mane cut. Still, if it was a part of the event…
“Right over here,” Polaris said, beckoning Nimbus to a bright yellow carriage, “we’ll take this to our rooms.”
Nimbus climbed into the carriage and took a seat by the window. If the city had looked impressive from the air, it was even more so from down here. Buildings towered around him, and in the distance, he could make out the hazy outline of the royal palace. Canterlot was loud, too. Compared to Hollow Shades, the roar of the city was something completely new to Nimbus. Despite this, however, Nimbus didn’t even fight to stay awake as his head slumped over on the windowsill and he fell fast asleep. It had been a long day, and tomorrow would almost certainly be longer, but Nimbus slept content, knowing that he was one step closer to his dream.