//------------------------------//
// Grasping at Clouds 
// Story: Trapped in the Mirror of Worlds 
// by Silver_Wing 
//------------------------------//

	I awoke with a start as my door flew open, slamming hard against the inner wall. I practically fell out of bed as I scrambled to get to my feet and find out what was going on. Panting with adrenaline, I found Breezy to be standing in my doorway, a scowl on his face.

"B-Breezy?!" I said in shock, "What are you doing here?"

"What am I doin' here?" Breezy barked, "What are you doin' here! Class started an hour ago!"

"W-what!? Where?"

"At the Academy boy! Get those feathers outta your ears and get moving!"

He stormed off and I gave a quick look over my shoulder to look out my window. It was day, but I couldn't see the sun. So I had no idea what time it was, but I took Breezy's word that I was late. 

I didn't even think about food. I just ran out of my room and caught up with Breezy. 

He was grumbling to himself about something, so I stayed quiet until we were outside.

"Well, what are you waitin' for, get going!" Breezy barked, "You're already late. You don't want to make the instructors wait even longer do ya?!"

I looked around the palace grounds, but aside from the ever present guards, there wasn't a soul in sight.

"Uhh... Where are they?" I asked tentatively. 

"What do you mean where are they?" Breezy snorted. He gestured skywards and frowned at me. "They're at the school boy, where do ya think they'd be?"

"W-what?" I gasped, "But I can't even fly yet!"

"You proved you could make it that high yesterday didn't ya?" He said matter of factly, "So do it again! Just be sure an' stop once you've broke even with the Academy grounds. We don't need you breaking somethin' on your second day." 

Before I could get another word out, Breezy gave a hard flap of his wings and took off towards the academy.

I was speechless. I may have gotten some air yesterday, but that ended with me out cold beneath a tree. Did Breezy really expect me to be able to make it to the academy on my own? And even if I did make it there, there's no way I'd be able to stay up in the air for a whole lesson. I couldn't hover like he could yet, and it's not like I can walk on those clouds!     

I groaned loudly and stomped a hoof into the ground hard. 

"Whatever," I growled aloud, "I'm either gonna make it, or fail. So I might as well get this over with and find out which."

I opened my wings and stretched long and hard. Making doubly sure to get any kinks I may have out of my system. Kneeling down, I fluttered my wings as a warm up and took a deep breath, steeling myself for the attempted flight. With a snort, I lept as high as I could and began flapping my wings hard. I lurched upwards with the first flap, then with each subsequent one, I began drifting further and further backwards.

"Oh come on!" I bark as I feel myself topple over backwards. A moment later, I was flat on my back in the grass, the wind wholly knocked out of me. 

I heard the sound of trotting approach, then saw a palace guard standing over me. "Are you alright?" He asked.

"Just peachy." I wheezed.

The guard looked at me a little concerned and then nodded his head in a slight bow. "If you should need aid, please inform me. I will be within earshot."

"Sure thing." I said, shakily waving him off.

'Good to know that screw up was seen...' I though, feeling rather embarrassed, 'Bet I hear about this at dinner tonight...'

I laid there for a minute or so, slowly recovering my breath as I prepared for a second attempt. 

Getting back to my feet, I again lept into the air and tried to take flight. 

My second attempt, though not as painful, was equally unsuccessful, and I soon found myself sprawled out on the ground once again.  

'Okay, what am I doing wrong!?' I thought angrily, 'I did alright yesterday, so why can't I even get off the ground today!'

I groaned aloud and dropped my head against the grass.

"If I may offer a suggestion?" I heard the guard call softly from his post nearby.

"Sure," I said flatly, "Fire away." I didn't look over at him, I just kept my eyes closed and attempted to figure out my wings problem.

"You seem very tense," he said, "And your efforts seem a bit... Rushed."

"I'm late for class," I said with a frown, "And I need to be up there sooner than later."

"I understand," he said, "But why rush if you're already late? Relax yourself and get there at your own pace."

I glanced over at the guard, rather dumbfounded by his words. He was right, I realized. Few things ever work out if you try to rush through it, especially something that requires finesse.

I looked up at the distant academy and shook my head. I took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly to calm myself. Opening my wings wide beside me, I gave them a few warm up flaps. A soft breeze grew around me and I quickly felt my tension at being so late fade. 

"Alright, let's try this again." I said. 

With a leap, I flapped my wings and lurched upwards through the sky. I climbed steadily higher and higher with each flap and I grinned widely as I found my third attempt seem to succeed. 

Glancing back, I yelled my thanks to the guard that had helped me. He nodded his head and turned his attention back to his post.

I stumbled a little as I made my way to the the academy grounds, but I managed to keep it together. Within a minute, I was looking down over the plane of clouds that served as the main floor of the academy. I faultered for a moment as I looked down at the clouds and nearly began to tumble back towards the ground, but I quickly shifted my wings to a gliding position. I began a slow circle of the area to save myself as I tried to comprehend what I saw.

I had only seen the academy from below. And yesterday when I was above it, I had been too focused on not plummeting to my death to take in any real details. But looking down at it now, it was a great deal more solid looking than I thought. The buildings were not nearly as fluffy as they looked from bellow, most complete with windows and doors. Most surprising of all though, was that there were Pegasai walking, sitting, and some even laying around on the clouds themselves. I didn't make any sense to me. Clouds were masses of evaporated water, they weren't dense enough to support a solid object atop it. This new revelation answered several questions that had previously confused me though. Like how new students could even attend this school in the first place. I had thought students would start on the ground like I had. Then, once they could fly, they'd just be in the air flying all day. Either circling the palace or hovering above the clouds of the academy. But now that I knew the clouds were somehow solid enough to act like a floor, it made a lot more sense. 

I shifted my wings and drifted towards a large open area, similar to a field, only made out of clouds. I reached my hooves out to meet the clouds, a pit growing in my stomach as I still half expected to fall straight through. I was met with a surprisingly resistant surface. It still had some wiggle to it, and made me think of walking on a giant sponge cake. Before I could experiment with this spongy cloud any further though, Breezy's deep laugh grew in my ears. Looking behind me, I saw Breezy and several other Pegasai flying towards me. 

"What'd I tell ya!?" Breezy said with a laugh, "One lesson with me and he went from no air time, to the fields a the Aerial Flight Academy!"

"I don't care how long you've been teaching Breezy," one of the other pegasai with him said, "There's no way his first flight was that nose dive yesterday!" 

I frowned at the pagasus. He was dark grey, with a black mane and an air of arrogance about him.

"You callin' me a liar Black Mane?" Breezy said eying him seriously.

"I wouldn't put it like that," Black mane said with a snort, "But I expect you're exaggerating your tale a wee bit."

"Well he's not." I cut in rather irritated. I'd never liked arrogant people that and I always had a hard time holding my tongue around them.

"Oh he's not is he?" Black Mane said, turning his gaze to me, "How old are you, huh? And you expect me to believe you ain't never tried flying till just yesterday?" 

"I don't give a damn what you believe," I barked, "I couldn't even open my wings yesterday morning. You have a hard time accepting that, you can either shut up and leave me alone, or go ask one of the Princesses." 

A heavy silence fell over us. Everyone was staring at me and even Breezy seemed speechless. I wasn't sure if my choice of wording was something taboo here, or if this Black Mane was someone important that no one talks back to, but at that moment I didn't care. Being accused of lying always put me in a bad mood.

Eventually, Breezy broke the silence with his usual laugh and trotted between me and Black Mane. "You 'eard the lad," Breezy said with a smirk, "Ask Celestia if you have any issues. Otherwise, I believe you owe me some bits."

Black Mane snorted at him then drew a small bag of coins from somewhere beneath his left wing. "I still don't think this is second day flying," he said tossing the bag at Breezy, "But I'm not gonna bother the Princess over a few coins." He glanced at me and snorted again before flying off. 

A few of the other pegasai followed after him, the rest began handing small gold coins over to Breezy.

"Thank ye thank ye," He said as he took the coins, "Next time ya know to bet with me, eh?"

The pegasai mumbled and laughed a little before flying off.

I frowned at Breezy as he counted the coins he had won.

"You bet on me?" I asked, more than a little annoyed.

"Indeed I did," he admitted with a smile, "It's a teachers perk."

"Uh huh," I said, "And what exactly was this bet?"

"That after only one lesson you could make it here on yer own," He said with a laugh, "You had a rough start, but you done good kid. Never doubted ya for a minute!"

I shook my head and sighed. "I'm not really late for class, am I?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.

"A course not!" Breezy said with a laugh, "Who in their right mind would expect you to be able ta handle a day at the Academy when ya only took your first flight yesterday, eh? That was jus' a little Breezy teachin' ta get you up an in the air." He roared with laughter once again.

I had a great many things I wanted to say to Breezy at that moment, but through no small strain of will, I held my tongue. "So what's the deal with the grumpy guy? Black Mane I think you called him?" I asked, trying to shift my thoughts from strangling this old fart.

Breezy snorted. "He's one of the flight instructors here. Decent enough teacher, but a right stick in the mud when it comes to manners." He burst out laughing and patted me on the shoulder. "You cut his tune short right quick though didn't ya? That little stunt won't earn you point with his good side, but it sure as Celestia raises the sun has got you some points on mine!"

"That mean I can go back to bed now?" I asked, not at all expecting him to say yes. 

"Not a chance boy!" Breezy said, his smirk darkening, "You proved ya can get to the Academy on yer own, so now it's time to learn how to really fly!" 



The rest of my week consisted of being woken up at the crack of dawn by the gruff bellowing of one Blue Breeze. He seemed to get great joy out of waking me up like that. Then we'd head to the academy and eat a quick, small breakfast. After that we'd run flight drill after flight drill until lunch. Then there'd be even more drills until it was time to have dinner with the Princesses. After that, I could finally go pass out in my room until it all started again the next day. It was like boot camp all over again, only if I screwed up here, I'd plummet to the dirt. A stunt I performed more than once unfortunately. I still couldn't do any of the fancy maneuvers, like flying upside down or doing a figure eight. And a ninety degree turn seemed impossible for me. But I finally got the knack of hovering down at least, though I wasn't nearly as graceful as the other pegasai. My only real saving grace was the fact that my wings seemed to something more of a gift than I had first realized. I may be a bit of a joke when it came to acrobatics, but I was gaining quite a reputation when it came to my speed. In a straight stretch, there was no pony at the academy, student or teacher that could catch me. I was proud of that, but I would have gladly traded my speed for the ability to steer. The cloud ring course was always a mess by the time I finished a timed run. I could pass through the first ring just fine, usually the second one too, but after that? Heck no. If the makers of those cloud rings got paid for each ring they had to make, I'd have made them enough to retire in the first day...

Even so, the days went by quick, and the nights were relatively uneventful. Except for one night when Dawn just appeared in my bed out of thin air. I was half awake, too tired that night to sleep very deeply. I had caught a flash of green in my room and then a scream pierced my ears. I lept out of my bed and flapped my wings as hard as I could out of fright. In an instant, I was on the other side of the room, splayed out along the floor with my head firmly planted against the wall. I thought I was a unicorn for a minute with how big of a bump that scenario had left on my head. I was more than a little angry. I figured this was some kind of a prank Dawn was pulling on me, until I noticed she was crying. I couldn't get much out of her, but I gathered she had a nightmare. Apparently she'd been having them all week, and she had no idea how she wound up in my room. She eventually fell back asleep and I spent the rest of that night consoling my throbbing head.



Before I knew it, a full week had gone by. I had finished the last of my drills for the day and was presently enjoying my dinner with the Princesses and Dawn.  

“My my, Silver!” I caught Celestia say with a faint chuckle, “You sure do enjoy carrot salad. That's all you've eaten for the last 4 days!”

“Haha, yeah," I said, "They're just too good not to order though!” There was just something about sweet, garden fresh carrots that I couldn't say no too. And as long as they were in season, I fully intended to eat as many carrots as I could get my hooves on.

“Indeed. So how have your lessons been today?” she asked me.

“Pretty good," I said, "Though I still can't do a 90 degree turn...” I cringed a little as I remembered nearly crashing into the mess hall trying to follow Breezy through the ring course yesterday.

“You will learn," she assured me, "Just give it time.”

"Yeah. Hard as it is, I've always loved a good challenge," I admitted, "Especially a physical one."

"Have you now?" Celestia said thoughtfully, "Then perhaps you would like to consider a new topic of study?"

“Hmm? Like what?” I asked. I was still learning the ins and outs of aerial acrobatics, so why would I switch to something else now?

“The Ariel Guard is not solely for learning the intricacies of flight," she said, "There is also a degree of martial combat to be learned.”

I glanced at Celestia, rather confused by the prospect. “But, how could I fight without hands, or magic?” I asked. 

Celestia chuckled at me. “Accept this new challenge," she said coyly, "And you shall discover this for yourself tomorrow.”

I half frowned at her vagueness. “Alright, why not," I said, "Let's see what your Aerial Guard has to offer"

“Excellent!" She said with a smile. 

Celestia turned her attention to Dawn and spoke. "So how about you Dawn? How are you doing? You've been rather quiet today.”

Dawn seemed to frown at her food. “Frustrated, angry, tired, to name a few.” She said, clearly sounding annoyed. She finished off her dinner and and continued. “I'm making no progress in school. My magic's not getting any stronger, while even the slower children have a brighter light than I can manage, ignoring some of the snobbish ones teasing. I'm studying and not understanding the books at all. And to top it all off I'm not resting well because weird things happen to me when I keep seeing that stupid shadow thing!”  She sighed aloud and dropped her head to the table with thunk.

I winced a little as she finished. I hadn't really spoken with Dawn much the last week. We'd both been rather busy, but I was starting to get worried about her. She had seemed a little more stressed than she usually was the last few nights, and now I knew why.

“Have you tried calling him by his name?” Celestia asked.

“It's just a dream. I don't give names to things in my dream.” Dawn said, returning her gaze to the Princess.

“Have you forgotten already?” Celestia asked.

“Forgotten what?” Dawn asked in reply.

“The name of the pony you saw in the mirror when you came here.” Celestia reminded her.

"Oh, that." Dawn said with a sigh. She paused for a minute,clearly trying to remember. “Star... Something?” She said unsurely. 

“Starlight Dusk...” She said after another moment of pause.

As I listened, I caught sight of a shadowed pony like figure begin to form behind Dawn and I tensed. Neither Celestia nor Luna seemed to react to this apparition, though it was clear they could see it too. I relaxed a little and decided that, if no one else was concerned it must be safe.

The shadow pony walked to the table sat down across from Luna.

“Have you tried talking with him instead of running away?” Luna asked, smiling slightly at the shadow pony.

“I...” Dawn said hesitantly,“...No.”

“Perhaps you should start there.” Celestia said.

“Right,” Dawn said rather sarcastically, “Hi Starlight! I'm Dawn, and I'm terrified of you!”

I sighed a little. I had no idea what was going on. Something with magic to be sure, but I was once again finding myself in the dark due to the simple fact that I didn't have a horn.

The shadow pony's horn glowed faintly and I caught Dawn recoil a little. 

“Really?  That's what you have to say? Fear not?" Dawn abruptly burst out, "The flip is that supposed to mean after chasing me and throwing things at me!” 

I opened my mouth to speak, my concern over this situation hitting a peak, but no words came. I felt a strange tingling in my throat and I looked down in confusion.

'Patience Silver.' I heard Luna's voice loudly but softly in my mind.

I shot a glance at Luna and stared at her rather shocked. 'You're in my head!?' I gasped internally.

'Only to state all is well,' Luna's voice assured me in my mind, 'I am certain this situation is confusing to you. But we ask you to trust that all is well and will be explained in time. Please remain silent and allow Dawn to come to terms with this situation on her own.'

There wasn't much else I could do. So I simply sat there, rather annoyed and embarrassed by the realization that my own mind was apparently no longer private.

Dawn looked away from the shadow pony and it placed a hoof on her shoulder, seemingly trying to comfort her. 

I saw her mouth something to the shadow pony, but I couldn't make out what she said.

“That's a start, Dawn, Starlight.” Luna said after a moment.

Dawn glanced over at her and she continued. “Now that you have remembered Starlight Dusk and have heard his intentions," she said, "I expect your dreams to be far more restful from this point onward.”

“How is my remembering him going to help anything?” Dawn asked.

The shadow pony withdrew his hoof from her shoulder and looked away, seemingly hurt by her question.

"Though you may not fully understand what I am about to say at the present, you will in time," Luna said softly, "To truly wield magic, ponies must know and understand the magic they wish to command. This can be attained through study, apprenticeship, or self experience. However, you must also know yourself. For most, this comes easily. As children, we explore ourselves constantly through our imaginations and dreams, but for you... It is regrettably more difficult. You have not known of magic until you came to our world. Starlight Dusk is a part of you that is in tune with the magic of this world. He is the shadow of your magic, a part of you that you have never known prior to coming here. In order to know yourself and use magic, you must know him."

I was lost, but I did my best to listen and try and understand what was going on. Apparently this shadow pony, Starlight Dusk, was a part of Dawn. Her magic in this world. And in order to get better with her magic she needs to connect with him. Herself? I sighed.  

“You can see him in your dreams easily enough, but the waking world will take practice," Luna continued, "I suggest you take the day off tomorrow to reflect, and see if you can't find him yourself.” 

“But, then why is he so clear now?" Dawn asked, "Why wouldn't he stay that way?”

"Luna has used her magic to draw him out so we could bring the issue of your nightmares to rest." Celestia chimed in.

“But... Then...” Dawn stuttered.

"Do not worry," Luna assured her, "Now that you seek him with your waking mind, and understand his true purpose, he will not be difficult to find. But, should such difficulties still persist. We will assist you come the night."

Dawn sighed and looked between Luna and Starlight Dusk.

“Thank you," She said softly, "I don't want to think of how hard it'd be to struggle through this if I can't manage it alone.”

Starlight Dusk patted her on the shoulder, then slowly faded away. Back into whatever place he had come from.

I wanted to try and cheer Dawn up, to reassure her she'd be alright, but I wasn't sure if I'd be able to speak yet. I couldn't feel Luna's magic on me anymore, but I also didn't want to press my luck.

"I believe rest in order for the both of you now," Celestia said with a smile, "We will meet again tomorrow night to discuss these matters further."

Dawn nodded and thanked the princesses as she usually did, before heading out the door.

With a tentative attempt at speech, I found myself able to speak once again. "Yeah," I said, "Though hopefully without a mute button." I half frowned at Luna for a second, then smiled. Assuring her I wasn't too annoyed by the incident.

"We do apologize," She said with a slight bow of her head, "But Dawn needed to realize her relation to Starlight Dusk. Any interruption could have hindered her greatly."

"Fair enough," I said, "Though I still don't get it. All this magic is just so... Complicated." I laughed a moment, then added, "I guess that's why I'm a pegasus, right?"

"Magic is indeed complicated," Celestia said, "Though not as complicated as you may think."

I shrugged. I had no way of knowing how hard or easy it really was, and I never would, so overall I didn't matter all that much to me.

Celestia and Luna rose to their feet, and i followed in turn.

"Well, I thank you for the meal, Luna, Celestia," I said, "I hope you both have a good night." 

They nodded to me and I headed back to my room. 

I had hoped to catch up to Dawn along the way, but she was nowhere to be seen. I thought of heading to her room, but I decided against it. She no doubt had a lot on her mind, and I needed to get to sleep sooner than later so I'd be rested enough for whatever tomorrow was going to throw at me.