Chapter 69
As Rainbow Dash, Windyday and Fluttershy left Immelmane off at his apartment, Soarin, Spitfire and Frost arrived at Stratos. Cruiser was still working the door and the line to get in was even longer than it had been on Friday. Frost went to talk to him first.
“Hey Cruiser,” she said, “I need to talk to you for a second.”
“Hi, Frost,” said Cruiser, “I didn't expect to see you back here so soon after last night. Wow, I didn't expect to see you two either. Hi Spitfire, Soarin, it's been a while since you've been here.”
“Hi Cruiser,” said Spitfire, with a smile, “it's good to see you again.”
“You're not here about last night, are you?” asked Cruiser. “That was just one guy being a jerk. If he had known who Windy was I know he wouldn't have done what he did.”
“It's sort of about that,” said Frost. “I just want to make sure that nopony goes after the guy. I don't know who he was but I would rather see the whole matter dropped. If something would happen to him, it wouldn't please anypony. Get the idea?”
“I think so,” said Cruiser, “So what should I do?”
“Just help spread the word,” said Frost. “You know most of my friends. Just tell them I said to let it go.”
“Sure Frosty,” said Cruiser, “I can do that. Reflex and the Big Dude are inside right now. I'll be sure to tell them when they come out. You might want to check the line out. Maybe some of the others are there.”
“Sure,” said Frost, “thanks Cruiser, you're the best.”
“I appreciate it too, Cruiser,” said Spitfire. “Our new Wonderbolts don't need anymore trouble. It's hard enough to get used this life without legal hassles and reporters looking for stories that aren't there.”
“I understand,” said Cruiser. “If it means anything, they were all well behaved last night. A lot of mares would have belted that little snot instead of just talking to him.”
“It does mean something,” said Spitfire. “I think we picked some good ponies and I want to keep them around.”
“Sure Spitfire,” said the bouncer, “I'll do whatever I can.”
“I know,” said Spitfire, “you have a good night. Take care of yourself Cruiser.”
The three Wonderbolts walked down the line. Frost looked in vain for a pony that she knew. Where ever her old friends were, it wasn't at Stratos. At the end of the line she stood and thought for a moment.
“Do you think telling Cruiser will do the trick?” asked Soarin.
“I hope so,” said Frost. “The thing is, I'd like the word to spread a little faster. I was hoping to get the message out to more than two ponies. Not all of the old gang hangs around together anymore. I've been more involved with Golden Sun and haven't seen some of them in a while. Others have gotten jobs and some are married but I'm not worried about them. Lets try one more place before we call it a night.”
“Okay,” said Spitfire. “Where is it?”
“Down below,” said Frost. She waited to see how Spitfire and Soarin took this. Down below was a vague term that referred to the lowest levels of Cloudsdale. It mostly contained small factories wedged in between the colossal supports that held up the city but there were also a few bars, restaurants and apartments that served the workers in the area as well as the poorest of the poor.
Spitfire and Soarin looked at each other and then back to Frost. “Please tell me you're not serious,” said Spitfire.
“It isn't a bar or anything,” explained Frost, “it's more of an abandoned building where ponies hang out. It's safe as long as you don't ask a lot of questions. I'm pretty sure that some of my old acquaintances will be there. You don't have to go. I'll be okay on my own.”
“No,” said Soarin, “I think we should go along.”
Spitfire swallowed hard and nodded her head.
Frost smiled a wicked grin. “Alright,” she said, “let me show you how the other half lives.”
Lifting off, Frost led the way down several side streets that continually sloped downward. The path went from street to lane to little more than a path as it descended and they were forced to land. The lights of the city shed little light this far down but Frost walked on, confident of her way. Occasionally dark doorways and passages opened on either side. Something caught Soarin's attention and he glanced quickly to his right. There was only a dark blur and the gleam of eyes that vanished into the darkness. Soarin became even more alert and began to think that coming here had been a bad idea.
Ahead of Frost was a more lighted area. It was only two lamps on either side of the street but after the long walk in darkness it seemed as warm and welcoming to Soarin and Spitfire as Celestia's Sun at midday. Frost walked up to a doorway near one of the lights and opened it without knocking. She walked in followed closely by Spitfire. Soarin took a quick look around the empty street and followed Spitfire inside.
The doorway opened into a long narrow room. Here and there lanterns illuminated the room in a soft flickering light. Ponies lazed around the room in small groups and behind curtains others slept on the cloud floor. There may have been some other activity going on behind the curtains considering the moans and the occasional movements that could be seen but no pony seemed to mind. Looking up, Soarin saw that the ceiling was quite high and there were more ponies occupying higher clouds. The room widened to a large square at the back and contained several platforms of various sizes left over from the building's original purpose as a factory.
Spitfire was no less wary than Soarin. She also felt that she was overdressed for her surroundings and felt silly. She kept her face blank and followed Frost as she walked towards the rear of the room.
As they neared the back wall, a group of ponies could be seen in the gloom. They were talking quietly and laughing as they passed a bottle of something around. Frost walked up to them.
“Hello, Meteor,” said Frost as she neared.
A young stallion squinted through the gloom at Frost but seemed reluctant to rise. This was partially due to the mare sleeping with her head on his shoulder but he was also obviously feeling the effects of whatever was in the bottle. His companions turned towards Frost who was silhouetted against the lighter background.
“Frosty?” said Meteor, “is that you?”
“Sure is Meteor,” replied Frost with a smile. “How have you been?”
“The same,” said Meteor. “By Luna's starry mane, it's good to see you again. Who's that with you?”
“Soarin and Spitfire,” replied Frost, “I think you know them.”
Meteor laughed and the mare leaning on him awoke. “Who would have thought we'd see a Wonderbolt here, let alone three of 'em,” said Meteor. He struggled to get to his hooves and walked towards Frost. When he got close enough he suddenly lunged forward and embraced Frost in a crushing hug. The others in his little group got up and came forward slowly.
“Come on in and have a seat,” said Meteor, “we were just having a little party. Brights … acquired a bottle of something she says is brandy. I think it's more like some sort of cleaning fluid but it's not too bad once you get used to it.”
The three Wonderbolts entered the more private area and sat down. One of the ponies produced a lantern from somewhere and the alcove was lit with a yellowish light. To Spitfire's eyes it did little to improve the décor or the appearance of the ponies. Meteor was a rugged looking stallion with a short mane and several scars. Despite his weathered appearance, he was obviously younger than Frost and maybe even younger than Rainbow Dash. The young mare that had been leaning on him looked back at her with half closed eyes and a blank expression. The other ponies seemed to be Meteor's age, give or take a few years. Most were dirty with unkempt manes and tangled tails. Here and there some of them sported jewelry that ranged from cheap gaudy chains to expensive pieces that wouldn't have looked out of place at a Manehatten party. They were a rough looking crowd that reminded Spitfire of old tales of pirates.
Soarin was just as shocked as Spitfire but kept a smile on his face and tried to appear relaxed. He looked around at the walls of the place, noticing the scrawls of artwork and graffiti that covered most of the walls. There was even a few depicting the Wonderbolts. He was about to call Spitfire's attention to them when he noticed that one of the more obscene ones was of his companion. He hurriedly ushered Spitfire forward and took a seat in the group of ponies.
The group reformed around a low, makeshift table and the bottle once again began to circulate. Frost took a drink and passed it to Spitfire. Spitfire didn't really want to try the unknown liquid but thought it imprudent to refuse. She took a sip and then a larger one. It was strong. It was some sort of brandy but the maker apparently was more interested in potency than in flavor. She managed to swallow the stuff without choking and passed the bottle to Soarin.
Soarin was not as careful as Spitfire and took a strong pull on the bottle. He managed to swallow the fiery potable but shivered and shook his head afterward, much to the amusement of the younger ponies.
“What do ya think of that?” asked Meteor.
“You're right,” said Soarin, “I think it's cleaning fluid too.”
Meteor laughed. “You just have to get used to it,” said Meteor. “I guess it's a little rougher than what you're used to.”
“I don't actually drink very often,” replied Soarin. “Kind of a jock thing, you know?”
“Right,” said Meteor as he nodded his head, “you have to stay sharp. I didn't touch it either while I still went to school, I was into sports then. I got bored with the classes though, mostly useless stuff.”
“Why do you say that?” asked Soarin. “It could help you get a job.”
“Nah,” said Meteor, “I'm a pegasus. All I have to do is know how to fly. There's always work for a good flier. I'm flying for the weather department as an independent contractor. I'm doing alright.”
“Meteor,” said Frost, “I hate to interrupt but I, we, need a favor. I guess you heard about the trouble outside of Stratos last night.”
“Sure I did,” said Meteor, “that dude was lucky some of us weren't there. Hey, you're not looking for some pony to get that guy are you? 'Cause I don't do that kind of work no more.”
“No,” said Frost, “just the opposite. I want you and your friends to pass the word around that Windyday and the Wonderbolts just want the matter dropped. No acts of revenge. The guy was humiliated in public and Windy thinks that's enough.”
“Sure Frosty,” said Meteor, “I'd be glad to. I guess that's why you two came to visit us too, huh.”
“Mostly,” said Spitfire, “but I've heard a lot from Frost and Rainbow Dash about their former lives in Cloudsdale and I thought I'd like to meet some of their friends.”
Meteor chuckled as did some of the others. “I guess you're pretty disappointed,” he said.
“Not really,” said Spitfire. “at least you're not boring. Some ponies that are considered high class can get under my skin fast.”
“I guess,” said Meteor. He was silent for a moment. In the background, some pony began to gently play a guitar. “Yeah, at least we're real. Wow, old Dashie made the team. Frost doesn't surprise me too much but Dashie. That's hard to wrap my head around.”
“I'll say,” said another voice, “she was one crazy little mare before she got into weather school.”
“You said it Lightning,” said Meteor. I was really surprised when she took off for Ponydale or wherever she went. Good to see that some of us made it to the top though.”
“It's Ponyville,” said Spitfire. “You do know that Rainbow won the best individual competition, don't you? Immelmane himself picked her to be the one he'd train.”
“I knew she was picked to be the soloist,” said Meteor, “but not that she won the individual competition. I didn't know old Immelmane picked her either.” Meteor laughed. “I thought they hated each other.”
“They managed to put the past behind them,” said Soarin. “They're good friends now even though it's also a coach and student relationship.”
“That's so cool,” said a mare from back in the shadows, “I always liked Dash. Nothing could keep her down for long. She was such a super fast flier too.”
“She still is,” said Spitfire.
“Misty?” said Frost. “Is that you? I didn't see you back there.”
“Yeah,” said Misty, “it's me. Still hanging around with these guys.”
“I thought you were going to go to weather school,” said Frost. “What happened?”
“I ran out of bits,” said Misty. “Then my mom got sick and I had to stay and take care of her and the kids. I just haven't tried to get back.”
“Your dad still working in Trottingham?” asked Frost.
“Yeah,” said Misty, “he has to move around a lot though. I think he's in Baltimare this week. He sends us money regularly so at least we have a home and enough food.”
Frost tried to smile but failed. “Hope you get back in someday Misty,” said Frost. “You'd make a good weather pony.”
“If Dashie could be a weather pony, then so could you,” said Lightning. “She was always a great flier but was never very good in school.”
“She'd have been okay if she could have stayed awake,” said another pony. This got a laugh from the others and even Spitfire smiled.
“She still likes to nap,” said Spitfire. “Starshine had to wake her before her solo performance on the last day of the tryouts.”
The group all laughed at this and Meteor took another drink from the bottle. “That's Dashie alright,” he said. “Glad she's still cool after all this time. Celestia knows I'd like to see her again. Try to get her down here, will you Frost?”
“Sure Meteor,” said Frost, “I'll do that. We should get going. Any idea where some of the others might be? I stopped by Stratos and talked to Cruiser already.”
“I guess you've already talked to Golden Sun,” said Meteor. “Most of the old gang has moved on. There aren't too many ponies left that would do anything like you're worried about. I'll let every pony here know what you said and by tomorrow the word should be all over Cloudsdale. A lot of the older ponies do go to Stratos so Cruiser will take care of them. No, no place really comes to mind.”
“Okay,” said Frost, “thanks for your help, all of you. It was good to see you again.”
“Leaving so soon?” asked Lightning, “you just got here.”
“Sorry,” said Frost, “but Spitfire has a morning training session with Dashie and I have to judge a competition to choose the new flier for Golden Sun.”
“New flier for Golden Sun?” said Meteor. “Who quit?”
“I did silly,” said Frost with a laugh. “Since I'm a pro now I can't stay on an amateur team.”
The other ponies laughed. “Yeah,” said Meteor, “I guess not. Who's running the team now?”
“Razor,” said Frost, “they elected her almost immediately. I think she'll be a good leader.”
“Maybe,” said Lightning, “once she gets used to calling the shots. She's smart and she's a great flier but she'll have to quit clowning around.”
“She'll be okay,” said Meteor, “like you said, she's smart. She'll figure it out. Come on Lightning, let's walk our guests out. I'm surprised you made it down here without any trouble.”
The Wonderbolts said their farewells to the rest of the ponies and followed Meteor and Lightning out of the old factory. They wound their way back up from the depths of Cloudsdale. There was some awkward small talk but they walked silently for the most part. They were from two different worlds and Frost found herself between them and uncomfortable in both. At last they arrived in the safer sections of the city and Meteor and Lightning said goodnight to Frost and the two Wonderbolt leaders. Frost hugged them both and gave Meteor a kiss on the cheek.
“Goodnight Meteor,” said Frost, “take care of yourself. You too Lightning, I don't want to see your name on any posters.”
Lightning and Meteor laughed. “Take care, Frosty,” said Meteor, “you're welcome anytime. So are you, Spitfire and you, Soarin but I guess you have more important ponies to see than the likes of us.”
“We may meet again,” said Spitfire, “and don't sell yourselves short. You're still young and have your whole lives ahead of you. Who knows what the future might bring? Anyway, a friend of a Wonderbolt is a friend to all Wonderbolts. That makes you as important as anypony else. Good night, it was nice meeting you.”
Soarin nodded at the two smiling ponies and followed Frost and Spitfire to a place where they could take off. Soon they were winging their way back to the compound. Frost was silent. Spitfire brushed against Soarin lightly and looked him in the eye. She jerked her head up as a signal. Soarin nodded and gained altitude and dropped back a little bit. Spitfire flew up along side of Frost.
“Are you okay?” asked Spitfire.
“I guess so,” said Frost. “It's been a while since I've been down there. It's the way I remember it but it's not the same. It seemed like a haven when I was young. Now it's just...sad.”
“Maybe it's because most of the ponies you knew are gone now,” said Spitfire.
“Maybe,” said Frost, “but there were some there that I knew. They're just older and living like we did when we were younger. Sure, a lot of us moved on, grew up but some are still hanging on to the past and there's more young ponies moving in. That place isn't just a hang out you know, it's a home for some of them.”
“They live in that place?” said Spitfire. “Why? Don't they have family? Some pony to take them in?”
“Some don't have homes, some don't like the one they have, some are just rebels like me,” said Frost. “I guess you could say I grew up there. I'd stay for a week or two, go home for a while and then I'd have trouble at home or school and I'd be back again. After I was old enough to be on my own I lived there for almost a year before I got my own place.”
“Oh Frost,” said Spitfire, “I had no idea.”
“Don't pity me,” said Frost. “I can live with my decisions. I knew what I wanted to do and I did it. I got fed up with the kiddy school stuff real fast and just went out on my own. So what if I missed the senior prom? I was down there with good friends having a great time. I had a job, I got to fly all day and party until I collapsed every night.”
“What about your education?” asked Spitfire. “Don't you feel that you missed out there?”
“Education for what?” sneered Frost. “Like Meteor said; we're pegasi, all we have to do is know how to fly. I didn't want to work weather duty like Dash but I was a great courier. I didn't want some boring office job or to be stuck in the weather factory all day. I trained and built up my strength and got good at aerobatics and racing. If I had gone the regular route, would I be a Wonderbolt now? I didn't have a rich family like Windy or a Wonderbolt father like Firewing, I had to make my own way.”
“I don't know,” said Spitfire, “but there are some things you, every pony, needs to learn.”
“Yeah,” admitted Frost, “and I learned what I needed to from school. I'm not illiterate and I can do most of the math I need to do without help. I'm just not interested in all the other junk they teach you; history and all those 'ology' things. Who cares? Dashie was the same way. She slept through most of her classes. She was into the weather classes though. She really did like being a weather pony.”
“Did Dash hang out down there too?” asked Spitfire.
“Oh, yeah,” said Frost, “not as much as me. She never stayed there except for a night now and then. The longest she stayed was a week. That was after she dropped out of flight school and was afraid to go home. She knew her family would be disappointed even though she was a certified weather pony. She got lucky and landed the Ponyville job. She sneaked home when no one was there, grabbed her stuff, left a note and was gone.” Frost laughed. “I sure missed her after she left, even if she was a irritating little feather head.”
Spitfire laughed too. “She was the same back then?”
“Pretty much,” said Frost. “but not the great flier like she is now. She always had your back and was ready to fight anypony. She'd do anything to help out too. She tried to take the rap for one of the younger ponies once. That could have gotten her in real trouble. Luckily there were some witnesses. She even got a little credit from the cops on that one.”
“What happened?” asked Spitfire.
“Kid broke into a house and stole some bits,” said Frost. “She got away but a couple of neighbors saw her. Dash didn't know that but found out that the cops were looking for her. She got her to give her the bits and turned herself in.”
“Wow,” said Spitfire, “I don't know what to say to that.”
“She got caught in the lie though,” said Frost. “The witnesses said it wasn't her and also she had picked that day to actually go to class. She couldn't have done it. Rainbow was never that great with her alibis.” The memory made Frost laugh.
“That took guts just the same,” said Spitfire. “I guess you're alright. You seemed a little down before.”
“I'm okay,” said Frost. “I guess I felt ashamed that I was embarrassed bringing you to see my friends. It wasn't until I saw you together that I really noticed.” She gave a short laugh. “And look at me; dressed up and on my way home from a ballet. It felt like I was throwing my success in their faces.”
“You didn't do it on purpose,” said Spitfire, “and it might even give them some hope.”
“Maybe,” said Frost, “at least I went there asking them for help. That should make them feel better about themselves. What you said didn't hurt either. Thanks.”
“Anytime,” said Spitfire, “but not too soon. I don't feel like having another adventure into the depths of Cloudsdale just now.” She lightly slapped Frost on the shoulder with a wingtip.
“Where are you two going?” asked Soarin suddenly. “We just flew past the compound.”
Frost and Spitfire looked at each other and laughed. They banked around and followed Soarin down to the compound.