Chapter 1: Wonderbolts, Assemble!
Stormy Skies
Chapter 1: Wonderbolts, Assemble!
One year. It's been one year since my life was turned upside down and inside out. One year since I met the love of my life. A lot's happened in a year, and now the biggest chapter of my life is about to begin. Things couldn't be better, right?
But I'm getting ahead of the cart again. So, let me explain a little bit. I'm Cloudchaser. And life for me a little topsy turvy. You see, one year ago I fell in love with the most awesome stallion ever. He's the one with the silver mane, and his name's Thunderlane. I have an awesome sister, the best one in the world. She's my twin, and her name's Flitter. She's got her own beau, by the name of Winter Storm.
Then of course we've got Blossomforth, Thunderlane's one-time ex marefriend. Now I know that at one time, Blossom and I didn't exactly see eye to eye. She even claimed she was pregnant to try and get back at me for dating Thunderlane! But guess what? Now we're close friends, and hang out all the time. She's really turned her life around for the better. Now we get together almost every other week, when Thunderlane and I aren't training that is.
To give you just a little background, Thunderlane and I met amidst the insanity known as “Tornado Day”. Crazy kind of falls everywhere in Ponyville, and Tornado Day was no different. Between dealing with Blossomforth, my own feelings for Thunderlane, and Rainbow Dash's insane training schedule, we somehow managed to pull of getting all that water up to Cloudsdale. After all was said and done, I got a card inviting me to apply for the Wonderbolts Academy by Spitfire! Spitfire, of all the ponies in the world!
Ever since then, we've been training our flanks off. Both Thunderlane and I decided that if the Wonderbolts Academy was going to be a goal, then we would do it together. And what do you know? We actually got in! Tomorrow... tomorrow we head off for the Academy, and I couldn't be happier.
******************************
*BEEP BEEP BEEP*
I groaned, turning over in my bed and nearly falling off. Only the gentle tug of a dark gray wing stopped me from descending all the way to the floor. I opened my eyes, sighing. It was too early. Way too early. Even Thunderlane was still asleep. I grinned, feeling a little playful. Nuzzling the stallion a little bit, I pushed just enough to turn him over. Thanks to just how small my bed really was, he fell over and landed with a *thud* on the floor, his eyes opening widely as he yelped. I burst into laughter, rolling over to give him a cute little stare.
“Mornin, hot stuff,” I said, flaring my wings out to emphasize my point. Thunderlane chuckled.
“Morning,” he said, standing up and stretching. I almost burst into laughter again. Lane was cool, but sometimes he just didn't get the hint. “I can't believe tomorrow is the big day. Seems like it was just yesterday that we got our acceptance letters.”
“Yeah,” I said, rolling onto my back and giving Thunderlane another cute stare. “Yesterday...”
“Chase? You alright?” Thunderlane said. I rolled my eyes.
“Of course, you big goof,” I said. “I'm just being playful, that's all. Now come here and give me a kiss.” Thunderlane snickered and reached down, planting a kiss on my lips. I sighed, melting into the stallion's embrace. Thunderlane pulled away and smiled. Then his eyes widened.
“Oh. Oh... I almost forgot about tonight,” he said. I cocked an eyebrow.
“What about tonight?” I asked. Thunderlane grinned sheepishly.
“You know... the party,” he replied. “And your... your parents.” My eyes widened too. I had almost forgotten about it as well. In all of our preparation for leaving for the academy, Flitter had decided to put together a little party, renting out Sugarcube Corner for the evening to wish us off. And of course... she had invited our parents.
“Oh, right. That,” I said. I rolled back over, standing up next to my coltfriend. I placed a hoof on his shoulder. “Hey, it'll be okay. Trust me. They'll love you. I mean, they've technically met you once already.” Thunderlane chuckled.
“I know that, but still. I'm nervous, Chase,” the stallion said. “I just don't wanna look like a screwup in front of them.”
“And you won't,” I said reassuringly. “I mean, you're getting into the Academy with me! This is as much your party as it is mine. Besides, Rumble's gonna be there. He can win over anypony.”
“I suppose you're right,” Thunderlane said. “Well... do you want to get some breakfast? Last day and all before its mess hall food for quite a long while.” I nodded excitedly and followed my love out into the hallway. Despite what it looked like, Thunderlane and I had been spending a lot of time together training. Many evenings when Flitter was watching Rumble, we'd just be too exhausted to go anywhere else. Flitter didn't mind, really. Our once shared room now became mine, and Flitter herself moved over to the other bedroom. Rumble stayed over a lot too, usually sleeping on the couch bed downstairs. We tried to convince the colt to sleep in an actual bed, but he seemed to enjoy it so very much that we decided to not press the issue.
I stopped past Flitter's bedroom door. It was open and she was gone. A sizzling sound from down the stairs told me all I needed to know. My stomach rumbled loudly. Must be hungrier than I thought, I thought, giggling softly to myself. Emerging from the upstairs, a blue blur zipped past us and into the kitchen. I chuckled, entering behind Thunderlane. Flitter was at the stove, working her culinary magic on a skillet of hay bacon and a pot of yummy smelling oats. Rumble sat at the table, his mouth watering.
“Morning, you two. Was wondering when you'd get up,” Flitter said, grinning widely. I rolled my eyes. I'd had several discussions with my sister that neither Thunderlane or I had done... well, you know... that. Still, she took every opportunity to tease me about it.
“Sorry, Flits. Last night's training session was a bit exhausting,” I said. Flitter giggled. “Shut up. I'm still not awake. Food now. Teasing later.” Flitter laughed as I plopped down in between Rumble and Thunderlane. I reached out and toussled the colt's mane.
“Sis! Stoppit!” He cried out. I giggled.
“Lookin' good little bro,” I said. “You gonna miss me when I'm gone?” Rumble rolled his eyes.
“Of course I'm gonna miss you,” he said. Thunderlane smiled softly.
“Just remember to pay attention in Miss Cheerilee's,” he said. “And be good for Flitter. She's being very gracious in keeping you while we're going to be at the Academy.”
“I will, big bro,” Rumble said. “You gonna bring me back anything cool?” Thunderlane chuckled.
“We'll see, kiddo,” he said. “It's not exactly going to be a vacation after all.”
“Speaking of... I need to go down to the store today and get everything ready for the party tonight,” Flitter said. “You two need to be there by seven thirty sharp. Do not make me get after you.” She lifted her wooden kitchen spoon, pointing it at me. I grinned.
“Don't worry, Sis,” I said. “We're not doing any training today. Figured we might as well take a break, go out and take a walk or something. Thunderlane and Rumble are going out to do their own thing, I might stop by the park, see if Ditzy or Blossom are around or something.”
“Alright,” Flitter replied. “Seven thirty. I mean it.” I rolled my eyes. “And stop that! What's with all the eye rolling?!”
“Talk about eye candy,” Rumble blurted out. Thunderlane glanced down at his little brother. The colt sheepishly grinned and looked away. “Sorry, bro.”
“Ah, it's alright,” the stallion said, rubbing his little brother's mane with his forehoof as Flitter doled out our breakfast. I dug in ferociously, laughing and chuckling with my family. Family, I thought, stealing a side glance at Thunderlane. Yeah. That felt like the right word.
Breakfast ended just as quickly as it had begun, prompting us to get started on our day. Thunderlane and Rumble had their own plans, the two brothers had tickets to some studly sporting event. Rumble was super excited about it, and I chuckled as I watched my little brother and the stallion I loved fly off. I waved goodbye to my sister, and took off on my own for the park. Ponyville had already woken up, the street market in the town's tiny square bustling with activity. I waved to several friends as I flew overhead. Life in Ponyville had been completely crazy in the past year, but it was still the town I loved the most. The ponies who lived here made it worth all the insanity that seemed to follow the town.
Ponyville park was pretty busy, being a beautiful day and all. Plenty of ponies milled about, walking and talking and generally having a good day. I flew over, searching for a specific mare. I spotted her green and pink mane before she even saw me. She was sitting happily next to one of the lakes. Grinning, I turned into a dive that would have made even Rainbow Dash proud and landed behind the white pegasus with a resounding *thud*. Yelping in surprise, Blossomforth nearly fell over into the lake, saved at the last moment by a frantic wing flap.
“Cloudchaser!” The multi-hued maned mare shouted. I started giggling loudly as my friend lowered herself back onto the ground. “That wasn't funny!”
“Gotcha, Blossom,” I said. The mare gave me a flat look that told me she hadn't appreciated my joke. “Sorry. I couldn't quite resist.” Blossomforth started giggling herself.
“Well, I have to admit I didn't see you,” she said. “What are you up to? I thought you and Lane would be out training.”
“Break day. We're leaving tomorrow, remember?” I replied. Blossomforth nodded silently.
“I nearly forgot,” she said. “I can't believe you're going to the Wonderbolts Academy still. That's just... so cool.”
“I know, I can't wait to get there,” I said, sitting down next to the white mare. “So, are you coming to the party tonight?” Blossomforth's eyes shifted about nervously.
“I... I don't know, Chase. You really think I should?” Blossomforth said. “I mean... I don't know if I'd...”
“Blossom. You're like my best friend now, right?” I said softly. Blossom thought for a moment and then nodded. “Then that's settled. You're coming. You and I both know just how hard you've been working on being more sociable and nice to others.” Blossomforth sighed and hung her head.
“I know. I just don't want there to be any hard feelings between anypony,” she said. I smiled, placing a hoof on her shoulder.
“That just means you really care,” I said. “If you didn't you wouldn't be worrying about this so much. Besides... Flitter and Thunderlane both forgave you anyways.”
“You're... You're right, I suppose,” Blossomforth said. “So... are you doing anything else until later tonight?”
“I didn't have any real plans,” I said. “Just thought I'd come here and see who was out, and hang a little. Why?”
“No reason. I just thought maybe we could go do some shopping or something,” Blossom said. I grinned.
“That sounds like a great way to unwind,” I said. “Let's go for it.”
***********************************
I trotted along the streets of Ponyville, feeling quite content about the day. Blossomforth and I had gone over to the market and ran into Ditzy while we were there. Being the tail end of summer, Ditzy was spending her days getting her daughter Dinky ready to go back to school. We spent most of our time helping her get everything situated and then went off to lunch. After lunch, I bid the two mares farewell and headed over to the spa for a bit of rest and relaxation, of which Aloe and Lotus were only too happy to oblige.
After heading back home to check on things, I started off towards Sugarcube Corner. As I walked I felt strangely nervous about all of this. Sure, it was Thunderlane's first time meeting my parents and all, and I wasn't overly worried about that, so what was I worried about? Did I think that maybe my parents wouldn't be proud of getting accepted into the Academy? Sure, in the letter they'd sent letting us know they'd be attending the party it sounded like they were happy, but I never could tell with them.
I sighed and continued forward. I was going to have to face them anyways. I mean, I couldn't exactly avoid them. Well, I could but it would be really really hard. Plus Flitter would probably just drag me to see them anyways.
The familiar form of Sugarcube Corner came into view as I rounded the corner. Thankfully I didn't spot Mom and Dad's skycoach anywhere yet. Maybe I'm early, I thought, grinning as I trotted up to the sugary door. Pushing it open, I stepped inside. It was dark inside. That gave me a very uneasy feeling as I started to walk forward.
“Hello...?” I said.
“SURPRISE!!!!” A thunderous roar erupted as the lights flared on, revealing a small crowd of my best friends, my sister, and of course at the back, my mother and father. I nearly fell back, startled by the sudden onset of light and sound. At the head of the throng of ponies sat Ponyville's premiere pink party pony planner extraordinaire, Pinkie Pie. She had a massive grin on her face as she literally bounced in front of me, while the rest of the partygoers mingled.
“Were you surprised? Huh, were ya? I bet you were, you sure looked surprised. Your sister tried to tell me it wasn't a surprise party, but where's the fun in that?! Surprise parties are so much better!” She chirped. I blinked.
“Pinkie, I knew this was going to be here,” I said flatly. The other mare continued grinning.
“But you were surprised! So it worked out!” She said loudly. A ring of the doorbell behind me indicated the door opening. Pinkie's eyes widened as she latched onto Thunderlane and Rumble, who had entered. “Surpri – awww, it's no fun when nopony else does it!”
“Pinkie, darling,” a voice wafted from the back room over the din of the small crowd. “I need your help in the kitchen!” Pinkie leaped into the air exuberantly.
“Right, Mrs. Cake, I'm coming!” She shouted back, speeding off in a pink blur towards the back room. I blinked again, feeling Thunderlane step up beside me. I sighed and looked up at him.
“You alright?” He said. I nodded.
“Better, now that you're here,” I replied, smiling softly. Flitter appeared out of nowhere at that moment. Winter Storm was right by her side, faithful as ever to my sister. He waved at Thunderlane, smiling.
“Hey you two,” Flitter said. “Come on in. Mom and Dad are here already.” I blinked.
“I... I noticed,” I said. I took a deep breath and motioned for Thunderlane and Rumble to follow. We made our way through the party crowd, waving and getting well wishes from the other attendees. I snickered a bit when I saw Blossomforth and Cloudkicker hanging out by the sweet table, chatting and laughing loudly. I knew she could make some friends, I thought to myself. At the back of the party beyond the dance floor, sitting at one of the tables set out was my parents.
Sky Chaser looked up and smiled as she saw us. Mom was an ice blue pegasus with a brilliant white mane. Her cutie mark was a symbol much like a weathervane, representing her talent for weather control. Her husband, and my father Stormy Winds, sat across the other side of the table. Dad was older than Mom, but still quite spry at his age. He was a jet black pegasus with a deep blue mane. His cutie mark was a symbol for wind like off a map superimposed by a lightning bolt. Dad's talent was in extreme weather, such as storms. I hoped that maybe he and Thunderlane would get along on their shared interests.
“Hi Mom... Hi Dad,” I said sheepishly as I stepped towards the table. Sky Chaser rose first, coming over and pulling me into a hug.
“Oh it is so good to see you, dear,” she said softly as we embraced. She pulled away and her eyes drifted past me to see Thunderlane. “And you must be Thunderlane. Come on over here.” Thunderlane grinned nervously as he made his way to my side.
“Ma'am,” he said.
“Oh, listen to that, honey. He's so polite,” Sky Chaser said. “Not like you were at his age.” She grinned at this. My father snorted and stood to meet us.
“Well, your parents weren't as nice as we are,” Stormy Winds joked, catching the glare from his wife's stare. “I mean... Hi there, Thunderlane. It's nice to meet you finally. We've heard a lot about you.” He extended a hoof to my love. Thunderlane lifted his own and hoof bumped my father.
“Ahh... hopefully good things,” he replied. My father chuckled.
“Don't worry, dear. She's been very kind to you in her letters,” Sky Chaser interjected. “It's nice to finally meet the stallion who's caught my daughter's heart so. Chaser, you didn't tell me he was a handsome one.”
“Heh, heh,” I said. “Yeah... I didn't did I?”
“Are you alright, kiddo?” Stormy Winds said. “Not coming down with anything, I hope? Big day tomorrow.”
“I'm... No I'm fine,” I said softly. “Just happy to see you two. I didn't see your skycoach out front. You two never go anywhere without that thing.”
“Hah, well you see we had to get rid of it, actually,” Stormy Winds said. “Your mother actually got into a bit of an accident and it was kind of totaled.”
“To be clear, I didn't feel that crosswind until it was too late,” Sky Chaser said, winking at me and Thunderlane. Something tugged at my mother's wing and she looked down, seeing Rumble. “Oh, and who are you my little darling?”
“This is Rumble,” Thunderlane said. “He's my little brother.”
“Oh? What a charming young colt he is, too,” my mother said. “And what about your parents? Are they here as well?” Thunderlane's face went a little red at this. I placed a hoof on his shoulder, smiling. The stallion's parents were always a point that made him a little angry. For several years, the stallion's parents had abused him and his brother to the point where Thunderlane removed Rumble as soon as he was legally able to.
“They're not here,” I answered. “Long story, Mom. We'll... we'll talk later about it, alright?” My mother nodded, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She opened them and smiled at my love, who was starting to calm back down.
“Sorry, my dear Thunderlane,” she said. “Let us never speak of it again. Now then... Cloudchaser tells me that you're going to be joining her at the Academy.”
“Yes, ma'am,” Thunderlane said. “We've been training hard for a whole year to get in.”
“That's incredible, darling. Don't you think so, dear?” My mother said, nudging my father with a hoof. My father grinned.
“Yeah, that's great. You guys are wanting to go be Wonderbolts and all!” He said. “Seriously... I'm happy for you two kids. You're gonna have a great time.”
“I uh... wow. Thanks, Dad,” I said, placing a hoof on his shoulder. “I was sort of worried you guys... I don't know...”
“Didn't think we would support our little girl in her ambitions?” Sky Chaser said, smiling wryly. “What kind of parents do you think we are, darling?”
“I'm... I'm sorry, Mom,” I said, hanging my head. My mother stepped up next to me, embracing me softly.
“It's quite alright, dear,” she said. I looked up and returned her embrace and smile. “Now... I think perhaps you'd better go enjoy your party. We have one more stallion to finally meet.” She shot a glance over at Flitter, who began to blush. “A certain white pegasus, I believe?”
“Hehe, yeah... that's right,” Flitter said. I giggled. Now she was in the hot seat! I motioned to Thunderlane, leaving my sister to fluster her way through introducing Winter Storm to the family as well. We made our way to a secluded corner of the party, where we could have a moment to ourselves.
“So... that's the parents,” I said nervously, smiling up at the stallion I loved.
“They're nice,” Thunderlane replied. “Really... I'm just glad I didn't like... make a complete fool out of myself back there.”
“You did fine,” I said, rolling my eyes. “I... was kind of worried though. About you. You're alright?” Thunderlane looked away and smiled.
“Yeah, I'm okay. Just... hard, you know,” he said. “To be doing something so awesome and they don't even care. I just... It hurts.” I sighed, reaching up and pulling the stallion close to me. I nuzzled his neck and nickered.
“I know,” I said softly. “But tomorrow we'll be off at the Academy! And on our own for a while. We'll make the most of it, I promise.”
“You're right,” Thunderlane replied softly. “It's gonna be awesome. We're training to be Wonderbolts after all! Fearless fliers in the face of danger!” I grinned. That's the spirit! I thought. Shouts were coming from the front of Sugarcube Corner, drawing my attention. The party had grown quiet all of a sudden, except for the noise.
“Please? Anypony, I'm looking for my son,” a mare said. Nopony answered her. My ears perked up. What in the world was going on? A glance up at Thunderlane told me all I needed to know. His eyes had grown dark at the sound of the mare's voice.
“Lane?” I said cautiously. “Lane, listen...”
“Chase, it's alright. It's okay,” he replied evenly. He stepped out from our corner into the party area. The mare was a pegasus, of course. I knew already who she was. Her son looked just like her, except for the fact that she was a lighter gray. Her eyes scanned the room frantically, falling finally on Thunderlane.
“Thunder?” She said, shaking at the sound of her son's own name. I hopped up into place next to Thunderlane.
“Perhaps we should go somewhere private,” I whispered. “Let the party get back on.” I motioned to the side room. Thunderlane nodded, walking past the frightened mare. I followed behind her, closing the door. Thunderlane sat down in the center of the room, glaring at the mare.
“You want to tell me why you're here?” He said, an edge to his voice. The mare looked up at me, shaking hard. Her eyes held sadness in them.
“I... I know you don't want to see me,” she started to say.
“Then why are you here?” Thunderlane replied, cutting her off. The mare winced at the sound of his voice. I glanced over at my love.
“Lane,” I said firmly. “You're scaring her.”
“Oh, what, you're on her side?” Thunderlane growled. I flared my wings, stepping up to the stallion.
“No, I am not. But look at her, you big goof. She's scared out of her mind to be here. At least listen to her,” I said. “She's your mother, after all.” Thunderlane glared down at me and finally softened. The mare at the other end of the room met his gaze.
“Mother,” he said.
“Thunder... I... I wanted to... I don't even know how to say this...” she said, fumbling with her hooves. I trotted over, placing a hoof on her shoulder.
“It's alright, take your time,” I said, flashing a smile over at my coltfriend. He nodded. “What's your name?”
“Th-Th-Thunder Flash, dear,” the mare said. She looked up at the stallion. “Thunder... I'm...” She fell to her forehooves in front of the stallion. She began to cry profusely. “I'm so sorry!!! Please... please forgive me... please...” Thunderlane's eyes widened.
“Mom?” He said softly. The mare nodded, tears streaming from her eyes.
“It was... it was your father... I never... I never meant to... to hurt you...” she choked out. “I... I loved you. I love you. So much.”
“I... I don't... I don't know what to say, Mom,” Thunderlane said. I sat back, watching the two. “What happened to Dad?”
“I... I left him,” she said. “He was... he was getting bad, Thunder... I couldn't stay... not after you and Rumble left...” Thunderlane looked over at me, raising an eyebrow.
“I... I'm not sure what to say,” he said. “So why did you come here?”
“I saw the announcement in the paper about the new trainees for the Academy,” Thunder Flash said shakily pushing herself back onto her haunches. “Your name was listed. I did some asking around and found that you moved here to Ponyville. I thought maybe... that...”
“You thought I'd forgive you, and we'd be a happy family?” Thunderlane said. Thunder Flash looked away.
“I... I don't know what I thought,” she said. “I... I understand if you don't want to see me again. I just wanted to tell you congratulations on making it into the Academy. You'll be a fantastic Wonderbolt, I just know it.” She pushed into a standing position, making for the door. “I... I'll be going, then.”
“Wait,” Thunderlane said, before the mare could reach the door. She stopped cold in her tracks. She turned around. “I... I want to believe you, Mom. I really do. But I can't just ignore what you did. It's going to take some time.” Thunder Flash nodded mutely. “I... I would like for you to stay the night. We can talk.” My coltfriend smiled briefly at me. I winked back at him.
“I'd... I'd like that,” the stallion's mother replied. “Very, very much.”
“Good,” Thunderlane said. “There is only one condition though... Rumble. I... I have to protect him. He'll be spending the night over at Cloudchaser and Flitter's house. In the morning... well, we'll see.”
“I... I understand,” Thunder Flash said. She looked over at me. “I... I didn't get your name before, dear. I'm sorry you had to see me like this.” I waved a hoof frantically.
“Oh, that's alright,” I said. “I'm Cloudchaser. I'm sort of... well, I'm Thunderlane's marefriend.” Thunder Flash's eyes widened.
“A marefriend?” She said. Thunderlane nodded. His mother smiled softly. “I see. I'm very happy for you both. Love... love is never easy. I know that all too well. I have a lot to make up for. But... but I want to.” Thunderlane smiled, trotting up beside her. He reached out, pulling the mare into a short embrace. He turned, grabbing a pad of paper from off the nearby desk, scrawling something onto it. He handed the piece of paper to his mother.
“I live here. I'll meet you there soon, alright?” he said. Thunder Flash nodded.
“I... I'll get out of your mane then. I... I love you, Thunder,” she said, turning for the door. Thunderlane sighed.
“Love you too, Mom,” he said. The mare left the room, leaving us alone again. I stepped up next to my coltfriend and nuzzled his neck.
“You okay?” I said softly. Thunderlane nickered, nuzzling me back.
“I'm... I'm alright,” he said. “Thanks for talking me down.”
“Anytime, you big lug,” I replied. “Now come on. We'd better get back to the party before everypony thinks we've ran off.”
********************************
*BEEP BEEP BEEP*
My eyes fluttered open at the sound of the alarm and I sighed. I'd forgotten what it was like to not have Thunderlane there in the morning. I supposed I was going to have to get used to it at the Academy anyways. Not like we could bunk together. From what I remembered on the brochures it was mares in one section, stallions in another.
I reached up, clicking off the alarm. It was early, but then again I was supposed to be up. We had a long flight ahead of us to get to the Academy, and I wasn't planning on wasting any second. I stretched out, sitting up and rolling off the bed. I looked about, making sure I had all of my things in order to go into my saddlebags. Everything was nice and neatly packed at the foot of my bed like I had done the night before after I got home from the party. The events of the night before played back in my mind. Thunderlane's mother of all ponies! Just... a crazy night. I hoped that he had a chance to really talk to her before leaving today. She had seemed.... sad. Hopeful? I couldn't really tell.
Picking up my bags, my eye caught a picture on my nightstand. It was a picture of Thunderlane and I from one of our dates at the amusement park. The stallion had a thing of cotton candy stuck in his mane and I was trying to get it out with my teeth. The look on his face was that of pure annoyance, while I appeared like I was trying my very best to not burst into laughter. I sighed, grabbing the picture and sliding it into my saddlebag.
I trotted downstairs, hearing the sizzle of the kitchen song. Flitter was inside, working feverishly. She smiled brightly at me as I entered.
“Hey,” she said. I waved.
“You didn't have to get up this early just to make me breakfast, Flitter,” I said. Flitter grinned.
“Please... when is my only sister going to the Wonderbolts Academy again? Oh, right... today,” she said. “You're gonna be gone for quite a while, Sis. I just...” I smiled, trotting up to her and pulling her into a hug.
“It'll be fine,” I said. “I'm gonna miss you too. You've been so supportive of me.”
“I... I know it's gonna be an awesome time,” Flitter said. “You really deserve to do this, Chase.”
“Thanks, Sis. I love ya, you know that right?” I said, smiling. I felt Flitter nod in my hug.
“Love you too, Sis,” she replied. I pulled back and grinned.
“I'm sorry you had to get up so early. I wasn't really planning on eating much. Don't wanna weigh myself down on the trip,” I said. Flitter nodded.
“At least take a muffin,” she said, pointing at the table. I nodded and picked up one of the yummy looking treats. I set it gingerly inside my saddlebag and beamed at Flitter.
“I guess I'd better get going,” I said. I hugged my sister once more and then I was out the door. Ponyville was only just waking up. It was far too early for market, but not too early it seemed for Applejack to be on her way to Town Square. I waved as I passed her, heading towards Thunderlane's house. I flew up to the cloud structure, knocking on the door softly. I figured it was only polite if Thunderlane's mom was still around. The door opened, revealing the stallion. He looked tired, but had a smile on his face.
“Hey,” he said. “I was just about to come get you myself.”
“Oh? How'd it go last night? You know, with your mom?” I asked. Thunderlane sighed.
“It went... interesting. We can talk more about it on the way,” he said, grabbing his saddlebags. He closed his door and we spread our wings, taking to the sky.
“So what happened?” I called out after a few silent moments of flight. We were headed north towards where the Academy was. It was a long flight, and would take us a good portion of the day to get there.
“Well... I guess mom left dad about three months ago. When we left, he turned on her,” he said. I gave the stallion a concerned look.
“She's okay though, right?” I said. I couldn't even begin to imagine what she had gone through. Thankfully, Thunderlane nodded.
“She's fine now. Some friends of hers convinced her to seek help, and get out,” he said. “After she left, she started talking with some doctor up in Cloudsdale. He got her to come down and see me.”
“So where is she now?” I asked.
“She headed back to Cloudsdale last night. Said that she would try and send me a letter on how she's doing. This doctor fellow, he sounded pretty nice,” Thunderlane replied. “He's got her on a recovery program for ponies dealing with these kinds of situations.”
“So... everything is good then, right?” I asked, cocking an eyebrow.
“Yeah... I suppose it is,” he said. “Not what I was expecting to have to deal with before our trip, though. I'm sorry that this happened.”
“Don't be,” I said. “If anything, this means you get your mom back, Lane. That's a good thing. Rumble gets his mom back, too.” Thunderlane nodded in the affirmative.
“I told her already that she can come visit me at the Academy once the first half of the term is up,” he said. “Flitter can come up too and bring Rumble.” I nodded and we continued on in silence. An hour passed as we flew.
“Lane?” I asked, breaking the silence. He looked over at me. “What do you think the Academy's going to be like?”
“Not getting cold hooves, are you?” Thunderlane said. I shook my head.
“No. I was just wondering what it's gonna be like,” I said. “I mean... it's the Wonderbolts! We're probably going to spend every day flying and training, and learning awesome new moves!” Thunderlane chuckled.
“You know there's more to being a Wonderbolt than just cool moves, right?” He said. My jaw dropped.
“You mean, that's not it?” I said. Thunderlane simply laughed.
“I think we're both going to have the time of our lives,” he said. “And we'll both become Wonderbolts. Together.” I grinned at that though. Together, I thought. Yeah, that sounds about right. “Besides, we get to stop wondering about it now, because there it is!” The stallion pointed out across from us. There it was, indeed. Sitting out in the middle of nowhere was a massive plateau. Across its top was a landing strip. Buildings dotted its landscape surrounding the strip. Cloud obstacles, rainbows, and other various instruments of training were all around the place. It was... intense. Pegasi of all colors, shapes, and sizes flew about, each of them garbed in the traditional blue and gold flight suits that all Academy students wore. Instructors roamed back and forth, watching their charges train. I grinned.
“Wonderbolt Academy, here we come!” I shouted.
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Question: Will we get to hear Snowflake sing?
Also, you know that Lighting Dust is my favorite character so I will be watching you like a hawk.
That was good, and first
So...I guess the million-bit question is where Thunderlane's dad is now that he has no one left around to abuse. That's the kind of problem that can crop up at the most inconvenient time imaginable.
Thanks for the heads up, I am happy to see this continue and I really like the twist you added with Thunderlane's mother. I have the feeling that is going to be a very interesting piece of drama and I am very much looking forwards to seeing where you go with it.
I also liked the little nod to Winning Pony you added with Cloud and Blossom talking at the party, although I cannot see anything else happening with either of them for the simple reason that they are not going to the academy.
I am also curious to see what you do with Spitfire given the interaction between her and Cloudchaser in the last story, especially if she is frustrated by the romance on her training field.
Great set-up. 'Lane's mom showing up out of the blue was a pretty interesting moment. I wonder if it'll affect his performance later on.
More music? The day Snowflake and LD sing will be a grand day indeed.
i.qkme.me/3rpqih.jpg
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Answer: Yes.
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You've shown me the ways of Winning Pony, and I've never looked back. So glad, too. It really is excellent. Also. I'm sure Spitfire's interactions will definitely be interesting.
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Snowflake / Lightning Dust duet. GO. Make it so, internets.
Are you going to link to the songs, for those of us who haven't heard of them?
"Talk about eye candy."
UFP reference?