//------------------------------// // Glowing Fish // Story: Sun-Speckled Lake // by Wurd //------------------------------// Update: I was 12 when I wrote this. I revisited it now about 6 years later to get a kick out of it. I'm aware of the typos, I was a kid and wrote it on my first iPhone. I've left them in because I think they're funny now that my age is revealed. ------- I tried to keep up with him. My dad, I mean. Keeping up with him while trotting around Cloudsdale, easy. Keeping up with him while trotting in a forest, surprisingly difficult. A calm, feral one at that. “Dad,” I gasped, “Can you...wait...for...me?” “Oh, sorry,” he apologized. “I'm just a bit over exited.” It was rare to see an adult stallion so exited about something, since old people usually aren't very exited, exited enough to leave their twelve year old son behind. What was even more surprising, was a sick stallion with lung problems running at the speed he was. Yep, my dad was sick. Don't get me wrong, I love him and I'm very worried for him, but sometimes he just surprises me so much with his energy I forget. That's also one of the reasons I love him so much, he's very optimistic and hilarious, but a dry cough or two can send him into a coughing fit that makes me wince. He lets me catch up to him, and begins to walk slowly. “You should slow down, Dad.” “I'm sorry for leaving you behind, sport.” “Oh, no, it's not that. It's just I'm worried that... That you'll get another coughing fit....” “Don't worry about me, sport.” He smiled a wide, happy smile. I decided to change the subject before this became an awkward dramatic talk, “Are...are we almost there?” “Yep! Very close. Can you smell the lavender?” I sniffed the air. Nope. All I smelled was pine, rain, and sweat. My science teacher, Mrs. Cray See Laydee, once told us that people with a disabled sense have another strong sense. My dad was slightly blind, so I guess his super sense was smelling. We walked a about twenty more feet, and I just barely caught the faint smell of a flowery, light scent, one that Aunt Cloudyblossom or Granny would wear. I scrunched up my nose, because the smell of lavenders wasn't the most beautiful smell. Or maybe it was the fact that it was a beautiful smell, and my man muzzle didn't like it. Yep, that was it. I was thinking about how feminine muzzles probably are genetically engineered to think flower blossoms and a waterfall mist or those cheesy names you see on air fresheners smell real nice when I felt my hooves slosh on some sloppy stuff, whom I discovered was mud. I looked up, and what I saw could've made a twelve-year old stallion such as myself cry. It was quite obviously a lake, (hence the title,) but unlike any I have ever seen. It was clear, crystal blue. It was absolutely pristine, with lilies sprouting at a corner near a small, peaceful waterfall that made a rainbow since there was two willows around it letting in a warm ray of sunlight. I swear I could hear the holy angels sing their harmonic jingle thing in my mind. “Woah...” “You like it?” My dad asked, knowing the answer. “It's... It's...” ‘Beautiful’ sounded like something some chic would use. How about... “It's... Awesome!” He smiled widely. “The beauty of the lake isn't all their is. Ever heard of a glowing, lily fish?” “Uh... No.” “They are called the Sun-Speckled Lily fish, hence the name of he lake.” “They sound amazing.” “Sound amazing, look holy. You'll love their little show. They are a bit of show offs, so you won't have to worry about not seeing any. We will just wait until it's nice and dark and their spots glow.” I was getting a bit exited over fish. Fish. They where just fish. Ha, I'm a silly colt. Cause boy, was I wrong about them being “just fish,”.... ------ The forest was perfectly safe at night. Being a feral forest, and the animals having a strong relationship with ponies going waaaaay back, (I actually payed attention in Social Studies.) the animals never really bothered you. Unless, well, of course, if you bring some tart berries a few rabbits might be brave enough to hop their way to you. My dad was right. Well, he always was. But today he was beyond right. He was... Accurately Physic. The fish were... Beautiful. I dare use that word. They where a luminance in the darkness of the lake. Their flowy, long, amazing tails frilled behind them, dancing on the surface of the water. They twirled about, jumping and making perfect splashes. Must've spent forever choreographing that one. Their glowing spots emitted a warm, golden light. I wish mom where here to see this. She probably is, watching up above. First Base is probably asleep by now, being taken care of Aunt Cloudyblossom. I hope my mum is happy, in the place Celestia calls “Sunlight Heavens”. Okay, right. ------ We started walking home afterwards. I missed the lake. I felt a warm, tingly feeling when I saw the fish. Like my mum was there. Aunt Cloudyblossom was putting my little brother, First Base, to sleep. Everyone thought he was so cute. I for one, felt no pang of sympathy. I was eleven years older than him, he was one. I loves him, yes. But... But I didn't like him. He was basically a memory of a tragedy to me. Hi, First Base. You know why mom isn't here? Yeah, you killed her while poppin' out. Happy? Great! Me too. “Shhh,” she said when we lightly flew in. I flapped quietly to my room, flopping myself on my bed. Dad walked in. “Hi.” “Hi.” “I...uh... Just wanted to say Goodnight.” “Oh...” I said a bit awkwardly. “Um... ’night.” Then he slipped away, giving a dry cough. Here we go again with those coughing fits. Bad night. Bad night, not goodnight. If a person is having a nightmare, it be a bad night right? Right. Well, I had a bad night. Or maybe it was real. Maybe the fact that my dad was coughing his flank off while Aunt Cloudyblossom is looking for his medicine. The fact that the coughing won't stop. Or maybe it's just that my dad is now going to the hospital. Woo-pee.