The soft pitter patter of rain against the window had a soothing effect on Zero as he recorded yet another dream in the secret journal he had started. Again, it started in an oddly lit room, full of blues, yellows and purples. He soon found images running together at dizzying speeds, making it difficult to interpret anything at all from these odd experiences. He wanted to know their source, which was difficult since he didn't exactly have much to work with; only fragments of images before these visions entered his mind, which seemed familiar, while the visions seemed alien to him.
Zero noted the time as well, which hadn’t changed from the previous nights. He had found it difficult to manipulate, and even hold a writing utensil at first, but eventually he found a way to write by shaving the pencil down and fitting it between a small gap under the filter which served to produce his voice. He often wondered what it would be like to have a mouth, since it would certainly make writing easier.
The lights flickered in the room before shorting out completely. It was rare for the power to be knocked out during a storm, but accidents did happen. Zero’s eyes provided enough light to continue reading, but he hated reading in the dark all the same. The blue light from his eyes made the words hard to read, since his eyes couldn’t naturally filter light the same way a normal pony’s could.
Zero closed the book, a bit miffed that his ritual had been interrupted by the weather ponies of Las Pegasus. All he could do now was listen to the rain until his mind drifted off again. He couldn’t call what he experienced sleep, since that involved several functions that his artificial body couldn’t preform or replicate.
The stallion looked out the window again, looking at his reflection. Two glowing blue eyes stared back at him through his small view of the world. A world he had been numb to the brief time he had walked among the other ponies. Looking past his reflection he took note of the other houses and buildings, observing no lights from within them.
He longed to be outside, but he had been ordered not to venture out until Impulse said. There was a part of him that conflicted with this order, a rebellious string within him. It had been small and controllable at first, but now he was beginning to agree with it. He wanted to see the outside world, not just through a window.
Making up his mind, Zero stood up from his journal and quietly walked towards the door. Stealth was a difficult feat for the stallion, since every movement of his body produced a whir from his joints, or a clank from his metallic hooves. Flying would only create more noise, which ruled out that as a possibility of getting around without drawing Impulse's attention.
Impulse was used to hearing him walk around at night, so it wouldn’t seem too suspicious, until he heard him headed towards the front door. Zero moved slowly, taking his time so as to not draw too much attention to himself.
Zero eventually reached the front double doors only to stare at them as rain cascaded down the smooth see through surface. He wasn’t sure what to do once he opened that door. Sure, he could walk around, but where would he go? He would need to return eventually, he couldn’t stay gone forever.
His urge to see the world compelled him to put his hoof on the door. He felt nothing, registered nothing, lacking the nerves that ponies had. He still wondered if he could truly be considered a pegasus. This thought gave him an idea, providing the last gentle nudge to convince him to open the doors.
Zero pushed on one of the doors, carefully stepping out into the world he had observed from behind a window for what he considered was far too long. Soft clinking sounds replaced the silence as he moved past the doors. He realized that it was the rain hitting his body. It was an odd at first, like hearing an echo within one's own body, but it wasn't unbearable.
Zero's mane and tail flickered and danced, their light reflecting off a puddle that had gathered in front of the building he called home. Making a mental note of the land marks in the area, he began to walk north. Water occasionally ran down his unblinking eyes which reminded him of the window he had been watching the storm from earlier.
He scanned the area from beyond the glass barrier for the first time. Zero treasured every sight; from the simple trash cans, to the beautiful lamp post that dotted the sidewalks bordering the streets. Each building he had dreamed of visiting was right in front of him, only offering the illusion of access.
Zero knew he couldn't see the interior of these buildings yet. As far as not being ready, Impulse was right about that. He hadn't come outside just to enter a different building though. No, he had something else in mind for tonight.
Zero eagerly spread his wings, fully extending them without fear of knocking anything over for the first time. Some small part of him felt satisfied by the simple action. The stallion gave his wings a few test flaps, pleasantly surprised by how sturdy they truly were. As pleased as he was, Zero was now faced the task of actually getting into the air.
During his time within the confines of Impulse's lab, he had relied on him to jump start things. That obviously wasn't an option at the moment, meaning he would have to figure things out himself. Zero remained confident despite the obvious speed bump, and began to run through all of the steps Impulse went through to get him to fly.
It was more about the magic than his wings. The wings helped, but in order to keep him airborne magic was required; a vast amount of magic. As Zero checked off all of the steps, he remember that the magic had to be channeled through certain parts of his body. This compensated for the control most pegasi developed while they were still foals.
"Okay, jump start in three...two...one." Zero said before rushing forward as he directed the magic within him towards the outlets Impulse had spent sleepless nights developing.
Much to the stallion's dismay, he didn't know how much to put out. This resulted in Zero landing head first into a nearby trash can, startling a few stray cats from their potential meal. Thankfully, the rain helped wipe most of the initial muck off.
"Let's try that again." Zero mumbled.
Having learned his lesson, Zero only put out a small amount this time, which was hardly enough to cause him to levitate. Satisfied he had found his control range, the artificial pony slowly started to increase the amount of magic he was using, pushing him higher into the air, at an increasing speed.
Leaning forward, Zero took a standard flying position, using his wings and fore legs for balance. upon doing so the magic shifted, flowing from his wings which pushed him away from the ground with each flap of his silver wings.
Zero marveled as he traversed the normally busy streets much faster than he could walking or running. He noticed his eyes and mane reflecting off the darkened windows, and thought it best to fly a little higher, lest his little private outing become common knowledge.
Once above the city, Zero began to see just what his wings could do. He banked, turned, and flipped numerous times, even as the occasional lightning bolt streaked across the sky. Any experienced flier would have known this was dangerous, and very risky. Zero had little regard for his physical wellbeing however, since it was nonexistent to begin with. While others could be harmed by lightning, he couldn't so much as feel it.
So caught up in the thrill of finally being up in the air was he, that he didn't even notice the building thundercloud that a neglectful worker had failed to disperse. While not unlike the others around Zero, this one's static electricity had built up to a dangerous level. As Zero's metallic body drew closer to the cloud, the electricity within shot towards the stallion at blinding speed.
While Zero felt no pain, he did notice how he was now spiraling out of balance. The lightning had hit one of the outlets that controlled his ability to fly. Zero began compensating for the loss by exerting the rest of the magic in him, in an attempt to regain stability.
As collision seemed inevitable, Zero's wing's came through for him and pushed him up one last time, giving him a chance to brace for impact. The stallion hit the street, hard, making a nice crack where his hooves had made contact.
"With the grace of a rhino." Zero said, taking stock of his now useless left foreleg.
Zero looked around, and soon realized he had no idea where he was. He had intended to still be airborne upon his return, not crippled and stuck to the ground. Despite displaying high levels of intelligence, he didn't know his way around the city. On top of that, his movements seemed to be more sluggish now than they had been while he was flying.
"I hope you've had your fill for the evening." Impulse said from behind him.
Zero turned his head around to see the stallion with an umbrella, keeping the rain at bay. There was a neutral expression on his muzzle, making it hard to tell if he was upset.
"Here," Impulse said throwing a blanket over the artificial pegasus to conceal his metallic body. "I warned you weren't ready."
"I needed to be outside, just once," Zero replied as he took up position behind Impulse. "There weren't even other ponies around to see me."
"Perhaps not, but your spectacle was visible all the same. Did you forget your mane and tail?" Impulse asked.
"I flew, without help." Zero said.
"I know, which is why I'm not as mad," Impulse sighed. "Let's just get you home and fixed."
---
"Crystals like that can't be fashioned overnight you know." Twilight said as I endured one of her lectures.
"I'm aware." I said, mentally sighing as I endured her lecture.
I had a feeling Twilight would grill me for losing the necklace that had taken a while for her to prepare. It had been taken from the Crystal Empire, and was excellent at holding magic. It had managed to contain a small fraction of Isabella's essence, while pulling my from the depths of the form Discord's magic had left me in.
"I still can't believe no pony returned it." Twilight said.
"You'd think they would have, but it was a pretty crowded stadium." I shrugged.
"You seem to be taking this awfully well." Twilight cocked her eyebrow at me.
"You grow used to some things after a while. Besides, by the time that necklace was made, I had to learn how to walk as a human all over again." I pointed out.
"Fair point," Twilight said. “I’ll see what I can do, in the meantime, you’re stuck on four legs.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.” I grinned, standing up from the small table.
“I just don’t want you getting bored. I’m sure flying in a circle at break neck speeds gets dull at some point.” Twilight remarked as she walked me out of the library.
“That’s a rather droll way of describing my occupation.” I rolled my eyes at her comment.
Twilight’s castle had become a bit homier, if a castle could be described as such. Despite its size, it was still technically her place of residence, as much as it was a legal office. Perhaps it wasn’t on the official scale of Celestia or Luna’s castle, but plenty of issues walked in and out of the large double doors.
I followed Twilight the balcony that had been set up with Rainbow Dash in mind. After more than a few complaints about cracked vases, ruined tables, and numerous other objects that the mare’s initial take off had soiled after doing so through one of the many windows, Twilight came up with a solution.
“It’s a shame we don’t get to talk like we once did.” Twilight said.
“We’ll have to do something together soon. Maybe fight crime, slay monsters, or stave off the apocalypse.” I scuffed my hoof against the cool, crystal surface of the balcony.
“So you want to spend an average day with us then?” Twilight giggled.
“Well you have to break the norm at some point in your life.” I replied.
“Take care of yourself.” Twilight said, giving me a quick hug, which I was happy to return.
“No promises.” I chuckled before taking off into the sky, heading towards Ponyville.
I flew a little slower than I normally would over the small town. It had been a while since I had savored the view from this altitude, and watched the others below go on about their day. It was interesting to see what went on around town every so often.
Sometimes, I would make a game out of it. I would often keep an eye out for a few friends like Ditzy Doo, Pinkie Pie, or the ever reclusive Fluttershy, like playing Where’s Waldo, but with ponies. I often wondered if there was a stallion with the name Lost Bystander. A more pressing question would be if the stallion’s special talent would be getting lost in a crowd?
I landed near the door to my house, giving my wings a few halfhearted flaps before folding them against my side and opening the door. I was met by the most terrifying thing imaginable. It was one of my worst fears, seemingly pulled from the fabrications of nightmares crafted by my subconscious. Time seemed to slow down to a crawl as my pupils shrank into pin pricks at the sight of my foe.
"Nooooo, no, no, no, no!" I screamed, leaping up into the air.
The sound of tiny hooves quickly drew near to me. Scootaloo's eyes were wide with panic, as they should be, upon seeing me airborne. I quickly swept down without giving her time to question me before flying as high as the ceiling would allow me to.
"Dad! What's wrong!?" Scootaloo squirmed in my forelegs, to face me.
"The snake!" I motioned with my head towards the snake. "Don't you see it? We have to get you to your room!"
Scootaloo bit her lip trying to stifle her laughter. I raised an eyebrow at the filly silently questioning her. This only caused her to burst into childish laughter, before wiggling free of my grasp before I could stop her.
"That's just Scales," Scootaloo said, casually trotting up to the serpent. "He's harmless, Fluttershy said so."
"Flutter-wha?" I felt my eye twitch. "How did it get in here?"
"I brought him in?" Scootaloo tilted her head at me, as she picked up the elongated reptile.
"Why would you bring in a snake!?" I barely managed to stop myself from squeaking.
"Well...he's my pet." Scootaloo smiled sheepishly, emitting a faint squee.
"Oh no, no, no!" I shook my head, wanting to grab the snake and toss it, but found myself unable to do so. "That thing is not staying inside!"
"Aww, why not?" Scootaloo's ears drooped. "He hasn't hurt anypony. If it's about taking care of him, I already have a house for him and everything."
"It's not about houses." I sighed.
"Then why can't I have him?" Scootaloo's eyes were slowly shifting into the heart melting gaze. It was hard to call them puppy dog eyes, since they seemed a bit stronger than that.
Before I could fall for the charm, the door opened to Cloudchaser, Flitter, and a snoozing Stormwalker. The two sisters looked down at Scootaloo and her "pet" who by now had slithered it's way atop her head. It hung partially off, wrapping loosely around one of her ears until it coiled neatly into a circle on the filly's head.
"Is that a snake?" Flitter asked, pointing at the green creature.
"Yuh huh." Scootaloo nodded gently, careful not to dislodge her passenger.
"Sweetie, you know your father is afraid of snakes." Cloudchaser said as she closed the door.
"He is?" Scootaloo turned back to me, which in turn forced two unblinking yellow eyes to stare at me. "That's weird."
"It's not weird, it's a perfectly normal fear." I backed up slightly.
"Ever wonder which one is the foal?" I heard Flitter ask.
"Occasionally, it's like having three sometimes," Cloudchaser shrugged. "Scoots, how about you explain things from the beginning. I am curious as to how umm..."
"Scales."
"Right, Scales, ended up in our house."
---
For once, Scootaloo was interested in this lesson. It was about the changing seasons, which was something she was already familiar with. With her wings developing and growing stronger than they had been, she was more interested in being involved this time. Since she had her cutie mark, that meant she would actually be able to help when Winter Wrap Up came around. This was assuming she could fly proficiently by that time.
Eventually though, the bell rang, dismissing them from school. Scootaloo knew her father would be a bit late, and had to speak with Twilight. Her mother was with her aunt for the day, but would be home before too long. This brought a sly smile to her muzzle, it meant she would have the house to herself for a bit, which meant it gave her a chance to do whatever she wanted, without fear of waking up Stormwalker.
A shrill cry of terror caught her attention before she could make a decision on what she would do. The filly rushed towards the sound to find Silver Spoon jumping and thrashing violently. At first the display was a bit ridiculous, until Scootaloo noticed the slightly lengthy green strand that seemed to twist and twirl with each violent motion the earth filly made, until it was dislodged from her mane.
“Ew, ew, ew!” Silver Spoon shrieked, rushing to hide behind Button Mash. “What is that thing?”
“It looks like a snake.” Pip said.
“Pfft it’s just a little one though.” Rumble shrugged walking towards the dazed creature, until it rose up.
“Maybe we should tell Cheerilee?” Star Sprint suggested, shying away from the snake as did the rest of the class, save for a few of the braver foals.
“Do ya think it has venom?” Apple Bloom asked.
“I think it’s hurt.” Scootaloo said examining the creature as best as she could from a distance.
She slowly ventured closer, despite protest from a few of her classmates, while others goaded her on with puffed up cries for bravado. The snake, still dazed from the less than gentle ride Silver Spoon had given it, turned unsteadily towards the tangerine filly. It’s small, green head swayed from side to side, not quite sure how to react.
Cautiously, Scootaloo dared to touch the green serpent. The snake slowly slithered up the filly’s foreleg, exposing a knot where it had been injured from the thrashing. From what she could tell, it looked like a baby snake, though she was no animal expert. Thankfully, Scootaloo knew somepony who was.
“Poor thing.” Sweetie Belle said sympathetically, while still keeping her distance.
“Think Fluttershy can help?” Apple Bloom asked as her eyes tracked the serpent’s movement.
“Only one way to find out.” Scootaloo replied as she walked towards her scooter, the crowd of foal’s parting out of her way as she did so.
---
“And that’s what happened.” Scootaloo shrugged.
“Ugh, Fluttershy...why?” I groaned.
“Flitter, do you mind keeping an eye on these two for a little longer?” Cloudchaser asked.
“I don’t mind.” Flitter said, as Stormwalker giggled from his aunt tickling his stomach.
I felt a light pinch on my ear as Cloudchaser passed by. She had nipped my ear, pulling it slightly in order to get my attention. Not wanting to receive another nip, I followed her to our room, closing the door behind us.
“So, there’s a snake in the house.” Cloudchaser mumbled, rocking back and forth on her hooves briefly.
“Yep…” I nodded. “Options?”
“Well, we could give it back to Fluttershy, since it’s hurt.” Cloudchaser offered.
“I like plan A, let’s fund it.” I said without hesitation.
“OR, we could let Scootaloo take care of it.” my wife stopped me before I could say more.
“Babe, honey, I love all of you with every fiber of my being,” I said kissing her on the forehead. “But…snakes.”
“Hmm, the big grown stallion of the house is scared stiff by a small reptile?” Cloudchaser raised her eyebrow at me.
“Yes, terrified.” I said.
“Sweetie…” Cloudchaser started, flashing her eye lashes at me.
“…no…”
“Lover mine…”
“No...”
Cloudchaser sauntered over to me, leaning against me as she put her muzzle next to my ear. This was why she had pulled me away, so that the others wouldn't witness her super powers at work. There was no debate or settling a split decision, it was my forced surrender.
"Let her keep it," Cloudchaser whispered, nuzzling my cheek. "It may teach her some responsibility, and help you get over your fears."
There it was; her logic over ruling things again. She did present a good case though, and the more adult part of me was appeased by this, if only by a small margin. Responsibility or not, that didn't change the fact that there would still be a snake in the house.
"Ugh...fine," I sighed in defeat. "It's her responsibility though, if it croaks over one night before bed-"
"Thank you." Cloudchaser said, parting with a peck on the nose.
"I'm shocked at how placid you are about the whole snake in the house thing." I commented.
"Pfft, why? What did you think I kept as a pet?" Cloudchaser laughed.
"I'm calling your bluff." I replied, following her towards the door.
"Okay, we'll ask Flitter then," the mare smirked at me as if she had just gotten away with murder. “So long as you’re fine with a few duties if I’m right.”
“Hey, let’s go tell Scootaloo about her new pet.” I chuckled nervously, deciding it was best to take her word for it.
Reentering the living room, I saw the snake slowly sliding between my daughter’s forelegs, the filly giggling as she watched. How she could tolerate the snake climbing on her was beyond my comprehension, but it didn’t seem to be aggressive, and it made her happy.
Cloudchaser cleared her throat and nudged me in the side, casting me a smile. I took a half step forward, my eyes immediately falling on the small snake. Thankfully, I managed to refocus on Scootaloo before my mind slipped and I went back on what I had already told Cloudchaser.
“Okay Squirt…” I said after taking in a deep breath. “You can keep him-“
“REALLY!?” Scootaloo’s eyes lit up before I could finish.
“As your pet,” I finished, which earned me her trademark confused head tilt. “That means you have to feed him, keep his house clean and…whatever else you do with snakes, understand?”
“No problem.” Scootaloo smiled, casting a starry eyed look at her new pet.
Oh boy, what have I agreed to? I thought to myself.
---
Lean Streak stared blankly at the pictures on his wall, each one containing some piece of racing history. One such piece was of his current racer. The rest of the photos were simply testaments to what time had taken from him. He had been bitter for so long after the loss of his wife, only to laugh again in his twilight years.
“You would have been proud…” Lean Streak whispered as he traced a hoof over a picture of his mare.
In a week, it would be back to the races, for the last time. Lean Streak knew this day would come, as it would eventually come for his successor, if he didn’t get himself killed first. It was the long term reality of any occupation that time catches up with you, no matter how hard you try to out run it.
Lean Streak was growing tired of waking up at the crack of dawn. He was tired of the drills, tired of the running around, and numerous train rides. It was all starting to take its toll on his body, and as much as he loved the sport, he could tell it was time to call it quits. He would stay for one more season, but he felt Daniel was in good hooves with Mike and Ike, as well as that crazy Wonderbolt mare.