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// Chapter 12: A Different Feeling Altogether  
// Story: Believing in Something that is True 
// by Nightglimmer22 
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Chapter edited by: Brickbrock24



The mare flew like she had never flown before. Each flap of her wings carried her further away from the place she once called home. The setting sun painted the sky a vivid array of soothing colors as Cloud Dancer flew across it, unclear of where she was headed. The adrenaline of hate fueled her wings and gave her the energy to fly non-stop. She was never as fast as Thunder Skies. She probably never would be. Tears streamed down her face as she gazed down at the endless landscape of hills and trees that covered the ground. Every town Cloud Dancer passed kept reminding her of the home she had left and the family that could have been.



The night soon turned to morning. She was at the brink of exhaustion, but Cloud Dancer didn't stop. She couldn't stop knowing that her journey had a purpose. In view, Cloud Dancer saw an old abandoned factory hovering off the ground on a fluffy white cloud. Cloud Dancer figured that the building could serve as a refuge where she could rest. Cloud Dancer's ambition was clear in her mind, and she didn't want any distractions that would cause her to change paths. Back on the Wonderbolts' mission, she had found the source of the power to control. A crystal the size of a pebble that glowed bright blue, pulsing every few seconds. It was buried in the side of a canal that the group flew through and Cloud Dancer had spotted its glow. Curiously, she ventured out to take a closer look. What had changed her ambition was a mystery.
Back when she was a filly, all Cloud Dancer wanted to do was serve with the Wonderbolts. It filled her with great pleasure and honor when she had made it into becoming a recruit. The years of training finally paid off, but it had now changed. The accomplishment of becoming a Wonderbolt had been replaced with the goal of gaining power. Cloud Dancer wanted to have the kind of absolute power that would make others tremble as they bowed to her. Cloud Dancer had never felt so alive. For so many years, she had thought she had gained it all. A wonderful job, a loving husband, and a beautiful daughter. But that meant nothing now.
The musty building creaked and echoed as Cloud Dancer landed and peaked inside. Fortunately, nopony was there so Cloud Dancer could have a peaceful nap. She saw a neatly made bed of hay to the left of the entrance, buried in a corner. Cloud Dancer trotted over to the bed. It was perfect for her. She stepped onto the bed and smoothed it out to get comfortable. In no time, Cloud Dancer instantly closed her eyes and lay her head on the soft hay.



The day quickly turned to night when Cloud Dancer woke up again. Her stomach rumbled, demanding to be fed. For a few moments, Cloud Dancer was confused on where she was, she looked around at the dark room. Dust covered everything, and the darkness that shrouded the room gave it a slightly unsettling ambience.
A baby blue colored mare trotted into the abandoned factory. She saw Cloud Dancer sleeping in the corner and trotted over to her.
"Hey, who the heck are you?" The mare said with a sneer as she approached Cloud Dancer.
"Who are you?" Cloud Dancer retorted.
"I asked you first, now answer my question." The mare said as she came closer. Cloud Dancer sat up and started back at the mare. "This is my home, do you know that?"
"Um, no, I'm sorry. I just needed a place to stay and gain my bearings," Cloud Dancer said defensively.
"You should be sorry. You know, I could report you to the authorities for breaking and entering!" The mare said as she paced in front of Cloud Dancer.
"Well, actually, the door was open, and I didn't break anything. You have a very lovely home, by the way." Cloud Dancer said looking around the empty room, Dust covered every nook and cranny, and spider webs covered the walls. The corner that Cloud Dancer had slept in had a berth of hay.
"Thanks," The mare said sarcastically, "Now, who are you?"
"Um, my name is-" Cloud Dancer stopped for a moment. She realized this was a chance to start over. This was a chance to begin a new phase in her life and leave the life she despised behind. She looked the mare in the eyes and told her, “-Nightshade.”
"Well nice to meet you, my name is Star Blitz." The quick change in tone of the mare surprised Nightshade.
"I'm sorry I intruded into your home. I just didn't think anypony lived here. I'll leave right now," Nightshade said as she got up and began to walk towards the exit.
"Wait!" The mare called out to her, "You can stay a little while longer if you want."
"What?' Nightshade stopped and turned around, the mare was staring at her then said.
"I haven't had any company in a while. If you want, you can stay."
"Oh, thank you," Nightshade said with a smile.
"So where are you coming from anyways?" Star Blitz asked.
"Someplace far away," Nightshade said.