//------------------------------// // Chapter 8 // Story: Normal Life // by Hiver //------------------------------// “Hey, Cloud! Wait up!” I called out as I spotted a familiar shape before making my way over as the white-furred pegasus with a blue mane so pale it was almost white stopped and looked in my direction before he grinned. “Page! Hey, I have not seen you in ages.” Coming to a stop, I nodded. “I could say the same. How is basic?” He shrugged his wings. “Just as tough as Swift said.” he answered before he grinned. “You sure you are not going to join up?” I quickly shook my head. “No way, I know my limits.” I said, thinking back of the latest training session with Luna. “I even dropped the class.” “I did hear you found another way to spend your time.” He said with a grin. “I never thought one of those rumors would end up being true. How in Equestria did you, of all people, end up with one of the Princesses? And Princess Luna at that?” “I'm just that awesome.” That earned me a thwack over the back of my head with his wing. “So what are you doing out and about anyway? Break from training?” I asked with a grin. “Yep. Weekend off. So what are you up too? Seen Swift lately?” “This morning, actually, met him at the castle, he was on patrol. I actually don't have anything to do right now, just grabbed a cup of tea at my normal place. You?” He shrugged his wings. “On my way from visiting my parents. Wanna do something?” “Sure. As long as it doesn't involve drinking.” “Why, your girlfriend have you on a short leash?” There was no way I'd leave such an easy one hanging, “Only if she asks nicely.” The look on his face was hilarious. “No, just messing with you. There is some stuff I need to do later.” More specifically, getting my arse kicked across a field during training with Luna. It was difficult enough when sober. Her pace was difficult to keep up with. He flicked his ears and nodded. “Ah. Well, wanna grab some food anyway?” Nodding, I trotted along. “So, what's guard training like?” Thunder Cloud shrugged his wings. “Pretty similar to what Swift's was. Just change magic lessons for flying ones. Formations, air tactics... that kind of thing. Lots and lots of practice.” “Huh. Yeah, that makes sense.” I said with a nod. “So... you are basically a Wonderbolt now, then?” That got a snort from the pegasus and he shook his head with a grin. “Ha! I wish.” he answered. “You've seen them fly. I have never even gotten close to that kind of speed.” he shrugged and continued; “Besides, they are not guards.” “I thought they were military.” He tilted his head in thought. “Well... they are. In a way. Technically. But they are not guards. Nowadays they are mostly a show and exhibition team, though.” “...I feel like I should have known that.” I said with a frown as we entered the 'Hayburgers all 'round'. Never actually been here before, but I heard it was a pretty okay fast food style place. “Most ponies don't know that.” Cloud said as we got into the line. “Not even most in the guard. Not exactly the kind of thing most ponies keep track of.” “So, how do you know it?” He grinned at that. “My grandmother was a Wonderbolt. I wanted to be one when I was little, before I realized that I'm simply not that great of of a flyer.” I raised an eyebrow at that. “...I've seen you fly, dude. I might not have wings, but I know good when I see it. You are really annoying to hit.” “Practice.” Thunder Cloud said with a shrug. “Besides, I was always good at the whole air maneuver thing. It's speed I'm bad at. Don't have the stamina and my wings are a bit too large for me to ever get that fast. That does give me great low-speed maneuverability though.” “What can I get you?” The pink earth pony mare by the counter asked with a smile. “Uhm... burger and fries, grape juice.” I ordered and turned to Cloud. “My treat. I'm the rich one.” That earned me a snort. “No arguments there. I'll have the same as well.” As she moved to fill our orders, I turned back to my pegasus friend. “Wait, why does wing size matter for speed? I thought pegasus flight was mostly magic.” He grinned at that. “It is. Most unicorns don't think about that.” “Most unicorns are not me. I have a slightly different perspective.” That got me a chuckle. “True, true. Anyway, yes, it's a kind of magic, but it's wings as well. Don't ask me how. Your marefriend likely know more.” Need to remember to ask. That was a bit odd. Maybe it was an issue of aerodynamics? No, that didn't make sense. The wings was the least of the problems with the aerodynamics of a pony. Picking the tray up with my magic, I put the bits on the counter with a smile and a thanks to the mare before making my way over to a free table. “Oh and I read your latest book, by the way.” Cloud said as we sat down. “It was pretty good. Liked the ending.” “Thanks.” “Also, I think we are being followed. Fan of yours?” I frowned. “Huh?” “White unicorn mare, two tables down. Changeling from the wings.” Glancing back I smirked and turned back to him. “Oh, that's Skitter. She is my bodyguard. Luna insisted I needed one. We compromised and I have a changeling guard for public relations reasons.” “She is cute.” “Changeling. She can look anyway she like.” “Still cute.” Cloud said and leaned to the side to look around me and over at her. I rolled my eyes. “You need a marefriend.” He snorted and returned his attention to his food. “Like I have the time right now. Maybe when I graduate. Besides, I'll probably be assigned somewhere else when I'm done with basic and need to move.” “Ah yeah. Still not going to join the Night Guard?” Cloud shook his head. “No, my family has always been wearing the golden armor. I see no reason to break it.” “Well... here's to hoping you end up in Canterlot. There is a chance, right?” He nodded. “Not too bad. The best couple in class usually do, I think I'm doing okay... I give it a 50/50 odds. But I don't want to start anything before I know.” “Yeah, I suppose that's a good idea.” “Introduce us?” Sighing, I turned to look back over at Skitter to motion her over. He did just spend months away from everything female...