And here's how I met Lightning Strike. A rather short flash back.
His mother, Spitfire, was busy with the Wonderbolts, leaving Lightning to roam around the busy streets of Cloudsdale.
He was curious about the Summer Flight Camp.
Being the son of Spitfire had its advantages. He didn't have to go to Summer Flight Camp.
Lucky bastard. Oh well, I liked it at the camp.
Lightning notices my flying.
"HEY, YOU'RE PRETTY GOOD!" he calls so that I can hear him.
"THANKS!" I call back.
I land so we don't have to yell.
"No problem," he replies.
"So, where are you from?" I ask him.
"Right here in Cloudsdale. You?" he answers .
"I'm from Canterlot. My dad sent me here because he knew I would need to know this for the future," I reply.
"Hey, that's pretty cool," Lightning said.
"LIGHTNING! TIME FOR PRACTICE, SON! LET'S GET FLYING!" Spitfire shouts.
"That's my mom. Gotta go," Lightning said and zoomed away.
"Alright, bye," I said.
Until now, I had never seen nor heard from him again.
"Acoustic? You've got to stop with the flashbacks," Rainbow says.
"Sorry, y'all. I don't exactly have any control over it," I say.
"It's okay," Twilight said.
"Alright. Let's go," Lightning says.
We say goodbye to Rarity and leave the Carousel Boutique.
The four of us decide to go to my house. It's a humble one story. Nothing to gawk at, but I like it just the way it is.
"Nice place y'got here," Lightning said.
"Thanks," I say.
"Anytime, broski," Lightning replied.
"So, what do you do, AP?" Dashie asked.
"I play guitar as a hobby. I'm currently attending Canterlot University, I'm going for a degree in Meteorology," I answer.
"Oh, I love guitar!" she replies.
"As do I," Twilight added, a smile on her face.
"Alright. We've all got something in common. Pretty cool, y'all," Lightning joked.
"Damned straight," I reply.
I go to my little 'studio', which is just a spare room with a chair and my newly bought guitars. I got an Electric in memory of Dad and the Acoustic for my true talent.
"You gonna play or are we just gonna look at them?" Rainbow asked impatiently.
"Haven't really composed anything. I can strum a few chords if it's any consolation," I admit, slightly embarrassed.
"That'll do just fine. No need to worry," Twilight answered.
"Alright," I reply as I start to play.
"How long has it been since you've played one?" Rainbow asked.
"A year," I reply.
"A YEAR?!" Lightning echoed.
"That's what I said," I answer.
I put the guitar down.
"Fuck it. I can't play right now. Sorry, y'all," I apologize.
"It's cool, bro. Don't worry about it," Lightning replied.
Rainbow and Twilight nodded in agreement.
"What do y'all want to do now?" I ask.
"Have you ever thought about joining the Wonderbolts?" Rainbow asked.
"No, not after I watched Dad die. Not after killing Chrysalis! Not after killing Sombra! NOT AFTER KILLING DISCORD! ", my voice raised higher and higher as my memories went wild.
"Why hold grudges against ponies when you can just kill them?", Chrysalis's voice echoed in my head.
"I'm sorry I asked," Rainbow replied. She seemed to be upset.
"No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you, I've been through hell over the course of this past year. I've seen enough bloodshed, I can't take it anymore," I say.
"Are you okay?" Twilight asked her.
"What? Oh, yeah, I'm fine," Rainbow replied. She was obviously not.
"Low blow, Acoustic," Lightning said, shaking his head.
"Rainbow, what's truly bothering you?" I ask her. I knew something was wrong with her, and it wasn't because I turned down the Wonderbolts.
"We haven't seen each other since we were kids and I found something we can do to catch up, and you blast at me like you're fucking Spitfire! That really wasn't necessary, AP," she snapped.
I just remember what my mom had told me 11 years ago, be her shoulder to cry on. This'll be twice in my life that Mom's advice has saved the day.
I give her a hug and say, "Sappy, I know, but it's something my mom told me when I was little."
"She was such a nice mare. I'm sorry you lost her," Rainbow replies, letting go.
"Yeah. I miss her. Dad and I were tight too, but Mom was special. I can't quite explain it. And if it makes you feel better, I'll join the Wonderbolts Reserves with you and Lightning. Twilight is a Princess too, I heard, unless I'm mistaken," I ramble.
"Yep. The Library is a castle. I'm the Princess of Friendship," Twilight replied, flapping her wings.
"Oh, shit, you are! My buddy's an alicorn, that's wild! How did I miss those?" I laughed.
"Alright! Let's get you somewhere to study for that test, AP," Rainbow said, cutting me off.
I chuckle and ask, "Since when did you study?"
"Since I decided to become a Wonderbolt," she answered.
"Good answer," I say with a smile.
The four of us fly back to the library. Twilight leads us into a room filled with books about the Wonderbolts.
"Everything you need to know is in this room," she says.
Rainbow and Lightning stared awkwardly and laughed as I choose the biggest book in the room.
Twilight gave an approving nod, "That one's a good choice."
"Bigger books have more information. Better to study," I say, and they get quiet.
Joining the Wonderbolts will be a piece of cake. I do love reading. I'll nail that test with high marks. Seriously, how hard can it be? And it's the reserves, not active duty. Piece of cake, I tell you. Hell, I could go for some cake right about now.
I look around at all my friends. So glad that the gang's all here again. Just like old times. I wouldn't want it any other way. They're my best friends. Hell, they're my only friends.
END OF CHAPTER 3!