Trust
Chapter 8: Trust
As the sun’s first rays lit Rainbow Dash’s cloud home, Storm woke with a deep yawn. He stretched his limbs and lay still for a moment before rising, making his way quietly over to her room. He stopped at the door and watched her for a moment, amazed at how someone so energetic could sleep so peacefully. Storm slowly shook her awake, and he immediately discovered that she was definitely not a morning pony as she groaned and pushed him away, attempting to roll over but coming partially awake as Scootaloo gave a surprised squeak, having been slightly crushed. Storm quickly reached in and grabbed Scootaloo, hoisting her onto his shoulders as Rainbow Dash pulled the covers over her head.
“Thanks for letting us stay the night, Rainbow Dash. I’ll see you at nine for weather duty?” The answer to his question came in the form of a single grunt and he made for home, Scootaloo quickly coming alive as Storm flew. Their parents were just exiting the house as they arrived, and even though it was still early Storm couldn’t help but lay into them.
“You two must have put on quite a show yesterday.”
“Uh, son? What are you talking about?”
“Princess Celestia was blushing when she came from your place, Dad. You sure know how to entertain.” He hadn’t intended the statement to sound so lewd, but as soon as it escaped his mouth he burst out laughing, the facial expressions of his parents too priceless. Even if he had gotten a beating for it, that moment would have been worth it.
“Nothing happened between us and the Princess, Storm Blitz!” Quakehoof shouted, stomping a hoof and causing Storm to fall over, his legs already weakened by the snickers that wracked his body.
“Well, I wouldn’t say ‘nothing,’ dear,” Flying Grace said with a smile, placing a hoof on his arm.
“Grace!” Quakehoof exclaimed, wondering why she saw fit to fuel their son’s assumptions. Scootaloo was too lost by the flow of conversation, but she couldn’t help but join the laughter, her brother’s loud cries of mirth waking most nearby ponies. Quakehoof was hard pressed to keep a straight face and soon gave a good natured chuckle; it had been quite a sight seeing the Princess of the Sun suddenly appear in his bedroom, even if he had been otherwise engaged.
As they all calmed down they made for the station, the mood quickly turning somber as they realized they wouldn’t see Flying Grace again for years. Scootaloo didn’t quite know how to deal with the situation. On one hoof, Grace had lied to her about things just like Proud Skies had. And yet, she could see that Grace really did care for her, and that much was no lie. As Grace stopped to say her final farewells, Scootaloo ran to her and clung to her leg.
“Mom, do you really have to go?” Scootaloo couldn’t have imagined how badly those words hurt for Grace, who wanted nothing more than to live out the rest of her days in Ponyville. Proud Skies would never allow it, and the notion threatened to break through the facade of strength and poise that she kept up at all times.
“Yes, sweetie, but I’ll be able to see you again in three years. Be a good girl until then, ok?” Grace wrapped a hoof around Scootaloo, and she was soon enveloped in her son’s arms, and all three of them were dwarfed by Quakehoof’s massive gray hooves. That moment branded to Grace’s memory, forever locked away as source of strength for the dark times that undoubtedly lay ahead. The last boarding call was made, and they waved as the train started it’s journey, building speed and disappearing into the horizon.
Storm was glad that he had weather duty to look forward, or else he likely would have spent the entire rest of the morning brooding. He took the opportunity to fly Scootaloo to school, where she introduced him to Applebloom and Sweetie Belle. The two had seen him at a distance at the party, but they couldn’t help but gawk at his massive size.
“Scootaloo, yer brother’s like if Big Mac sprouted wings an’ fell into a bath full o’ paint!” Applebloom exclaimed, walking a circle around him.
“Hmmm, I suppose so. You related to Applejack?”
“Yup, she’s mah big sister! How could ya tell?”
“Call it a hunch. And you are?” he said, turning to the little unicorn that was prancing under his legs as if he was a bridge.
“I’m Sweetie Belle, Rarity’s little sister. I’m really glad you and Scootaloo got things patched up. Me and Rarity have had our share of squabbles, but it always hurts to see other siblings fight.”
“Indeed it does,” he said as he stopped momentarily to remind himself not to say that again. He was spending too much time around Quakehoof. “Thanks for looking out for Scootaloo, you two. Have fun today, I gotta get to work!” Scootaloo beamed with pride as her friends watched him take off before going inside, the clamor of the last bell beckoning them to hurry. Storm made it just in time to find Rainbow Dash reclining on a cloud, leisurely awaiting his arrival.
“You sure are slow. You sure you’re the grandson of Lightning Wing, ‘cause I find that kinda hard to believe,” she quipped, cracking open an eye and staring at him as he stood over her. He disappeared from sight and she was about to call after him when the cloud suddenly gave way, causing her to quickly spread her wings to keep from falling. Rainbow Dash grinned and smacked him in the shoulder, careful not to show that had actually hurt a little. Storm was unfazed, and together they made their way to the weather factory. Today's forecast was to be overcast, no patches allowed. Perhaps one of the most strenuous weather details, as the clouds had to be stretched thin enough yet not too thin so as to dissipate throughout the day.
It had been five years since Storm had worked the weather, and Storm had some difficulty adjusting. He found it slightly insulting how Rainbow Dash would quote the instructions for the cloud formation word for word like a textbook every time he made a mistake, as if he didn’t know already. Well, that’s not entirely fair; he had forgotten some of the things, but he was loathe to admit it. His lack of flight time had also caused his muscles to atrophy, and by the time they finished around noon he was in desperate need of a break. Rainbow Dash, on the other hand, was annoyingly eager to get started on her training.
“Ok, so what’s first on the magical list to make me a Wonderbolt? Awesome stunts, super secrets to boost my speed... more awesome stunts?”
“Weights.” Rainbow Dash’s countenance fell, the lackluster response being anything but cool.
“That’s kinda lame, Storm Blitz. Every pegasus knows those don’t really work.”
“I guess you just don’t want to learn the secrets then,” he said, feigning annoyance.
“No, I do! It’s just... is that really your grandfather’s secret?” she asked, incredulous.
“Just one of many. Who do you know that could design something like that?” Storm replied. Rainbow Dash thought for a moment before perking up.
“Since it’s something that’s worn, Rarity can make it. Let’s try Carousel Boutique first.” Rarity was fortunately not actively making a dress, and they found herself in one of the spare room throwing spools every which way in an attempt to spark a new idea. She was thankful for the intrusion, and greeted them happily.
“Why hello, Rainbow Dash, Storm Blitz. What brings you here today?”
“I was hoping you could make something for Rainbow Dash,” he said, handing her the specs for the weights and harness.
“Is this meant to be an insult?” she asked, completely serious. Neither Storm nor Rainbow Dash had any idea what she meant, and Storm carefully gauged his response.
“I’m sorry Miss Rarity, but what do you mean? I assure you no insult was intended.” The colt had spoken well, she’d give him that.
“The design was atrocious! An absolute crime against all things fashion. I can hardly believe that anypony would ever where such a contraption. I’m sorry, but I cannot stomach the idea of making something so garish. You’ll have to find somepony else for this.” Rainbow Dash stepped in, realizing that Storm had no idea how Rarity’s mind worked.
“Rarity, this isn’t the finished product. This is more like the bones, or something. It’s for training so it needs to be heavy, but if anypony can make this fashionable, I knew you were the one to turn to!” Rainbow declared, and Storm watched as Rarity’s mood instantly swung around.
“Well, why didn’t you say so? It will be so much fun taking on this challenge. Do not worry, Rainbow Dash. You will look stunning in these, er, weights. I’ll make sure of it!” With that, she immediately set about her work, sketching and making a list of supplies she’d need for her newest project. “Come back in a few hours, all right?” Their thanks fell upon deaf ears as Rarity fell into her groove, her mind thoroughly ensnared by her work.
“Next order of business. I need to know your strengths and limitations so I can put together the best set of exercises.” Rainbow Dash flew a short distance ahead and struck a pose.
“Strengths? Everything! Limitations? None!” she declared, holding her regal position until Storm’s snickers poked a few holes in her ego. Storm looked up to see Dash looking peeved and a tad hurt, and he instantly collected himself.
“I know you’re good, Dash, but this is serious. Many ponies have gotten hurt, crippled even, trying to pull off some of Lightning Wing’s most famous stunts.”
“Like racing lightning bolts?” Storm nodded before continuing. He recalled watching Lightning Wing pull off the feat once, and it was the single most impressive thing he had ever seen. Dodging lightning in and of itself required great skill and speed, but racing a bolt and winning? He wasn’t famous for nothing.
“I’m not going to risk teaching you something that I’m not confident you can handle. So again, strengths and weaknesses.”
“Well,” she started, hesitating, “my main weakness would be sudden stops and pre-show jitters. I won the most recent Junior Fliers Competition, but I nearly ducked out, and messed up every stunt except one.” She awkwardly pawed at the ground, the nausea coming back slightly at merely mentioning the event. “I also find it hard to shake off dizziness. I pull a lot of loops and I ended up dislocating a wing a while back from a pretty nasty crash.” Having to actually verbalize her known faults was hard, and it made her facade of confidence difficult to maintain. Storm sat silently digesting the information, which made her even more uncomfortable. “But I’m super fast and great at everything else. Obstacles, 180 degree turns, speed - you name it, I can do it.”
“What’s the best trick you’ve ever pulled off?” Rainbow Dash beamed ear to ear as she made her declaration.
“The legendary Sonic Rainboom!” Storm stared at her for a moment before shaking his head. “What?”
“Rainbow Dash, I need you to be honest.”
“I am being honest! I’ve done it twice!” she countered, now genuinely frustrated that he was doubting her abilities. Even in his prime, Lightning Wing had only broken the sound barrier three times, and that was with all his training. For this mare to make that kind of claim was simply unbelievable.
“Ok then, prove it to me.”
“...I can’t.” Storm could tell that the look on her face was genuine, but he still couldn’t quite bring himself to believe it. “Like I said, I’ve only be able to do it twice. If you don’t want to believe me, fine. Suit yourself.”
“Did anypony see this happen that could back up your story?”
“What, so my word isn’t good enough?” she shouted, marching up to him. “You’ve done nothing but give me veiled responses since we’ve met, and you can’t bring yourself to trust me the moment I say something unlikely? Fine, I’ll prove it to you. Every single one of my friends has seen my Sonic Rainboom! Well, except Cerulean, but he will too! Come on!” she demanded as she took the to skies, and Storm struggled to keep up with her fast pace. “Doubt me, will he? Well, let’s see what the Element of Honesty has to say about that,” she muttered under her breath.
They arrived at Sweet Apple Acres to find Applejack in the fields as usual, but Storm had to wonder why she was placing buckets around the stretch of withered trees. Rainbow Dash immediately recognized the signs, turning to Storm with a sly grin as the wind suddenly picked up, howling all around them. “Ok, step one to prove you can trust me. In about ten seconds the sky over these trees is going to be shrouded with dark clouds that will rain lightning down on every tree in this field.” Was this mare crazy?
“Rainbow Dash, there’s no way that could possibly...” A thunderclap sounded overhead and he looked up, the overcast gray turning dark and violent at a moment’s notice. And just as Rainbow Dash predicted, lightning coated each and every tree, causing dark red leaves to pop out. It was unlike anything Storm Blitz had ever seen or heard about, and he stood completely transfixed by the magnificent display.
“The first sign o’ the zap apple harvest. Bet you’ve never made clouds like that before, have you Storm?” Applejack asked with a chuckle. He shook his head slowly, still gazing at the once again normal skies. “Now, I’m pretty busy preparing the trees but you two obviously came here fer a reason. What can I do for ya?”
“Rainbow Dash claims to have done a Sonic Rainboom. Have you ever seen her complete one?” Storm replied, shaking his head and trying not to think about how or why the clouds had behaved that way.
“That’s what this is about?” Storm nodded, and Applejack fixed him with a stern look. “Before I answer, has Rainbow Dash ever given you cause t’ doubt her?”
“No, but I...”
“No ‘buts’ about it, partner. Rainbow Dash may enjoy the occasional prank or two, but she don’t lie, and you’d do well to remember that. An’ yes, I’ve seen her Rainboom twice. Once when I was a little filly, and at the last Junior Fliers Competition. Now, if that’s all you needed, I have work t’ do.” Storm turned to apologize but Rainbow Dash’s face told him it would be pointless.
“...I’m outta here. We’ll train another day.” She had thought that proving him wrong would help ease her anger, but it had only made it worse.
“Rainbow Dash please...” he started, watching her take off and quickly recede into the distance. “...wait.” He felt the anger rise and he bucked a zap apple tree in frustration and was quite literally shocked as the current recoiled and sent him flying a short distance. He lay there for a time, wondering about what he could do. He knew why she was upset, but had no idea how to approach the situation as he had never really had any experience with mares, though he was quickly learning that it was no easy matter. Storm took off towards the library, thinking that maybe Cerulean would have some advice for him.
Twilight had fallen asleep to Cerulean gently stroking her mane as she rested her head in his lap, who was feeling much better after the previous day’s prank. He was thankful that Celestia had talked to her, because she seemed to have calmed down a lot. Honestly, he didn’t know if he’d make it the full eleven months if she hadn’t eased up. Something rushed passed the window and he heard a dull thump outside the door. Not wanting Twilight to awaken, he cracked open the door downstairs with his magic and soon heard the hesitant hoofsteps of a rather large pony. He tossed a hoof full of snow over the edge of the railing, which Storm saw and quietly ascended the steps.
The gentle snores of the lavender mare were undisturbed as Storm approached. He beheld the pair with wonder, noting the adoration in Cerulean’s face even as he had been so abused on her tyrannical whims. Cerulean hadn’t ceased to caress her mane, and with a spare hoof he motioned Storm over to the bed.
“Hello, Storm Blitz. What can I do for you?” he said softly, glancing up from Twilight to make eye contact.
“I was hoping that you could give me some advice. I really ticked Rainbow Dash off, and I want to find a way to fix it... again,” he replied, careful to match Cerulean’s tone. Cerulean listened intently as he explained what had transpired, thinking for a time after Storm had finished.
“If I understand correctly, you doubted her reliability about something that you found to be true?” He nodded miserably. “Storm, I told you before that she isn’t what she seems. Her willingly sharing her weaknesses with you only to have you turn and doubt the first strange thing she tells you had to hurt her pretty deeply.” Cerulean carefully watched his reaction, nodding his approval as he found no traces of anger. He made no attempt to justify his actions, and waited patiently for him to continue. “She shared something personal with you, something she wouldn’t just tell anypony. Perhaps you could put a little faith in her and do the same.” Of course, it was so simple. Why hadn’t he thought of that?
“Cerulean, thanks for talking with me. I think I know what I need to do.” He stood to leave and turned at the stairs, looking back at the couple. “You really love her, don’t you?” Cerulean chuckled softly before responding.
“Aye. And contrary to what you may have witnessed, I know she loves me just the same.”
“It’s the truth,” Twilight giggled, having heard most of the conversation but remaining still. She nuzzled closer to Cerulean before cracking open an eye and looking at Storm. “Storm, be careful with Rainbow Dash. She’s a dear friend to everypony here.”
“I will. Thank you Twilight, Cerulean.” And with that he galloped out of the house and off to find Rainbow Dash. It didn’t take long, as she was laying on a low flying tuft of cloud on the outskirts of Ponyville, away from the hustle and bustle of the town. She didn’t even bother to open her eyes as he landed next to her, the cloud barely large enough to support them both.
“Rainbow Dash?” She said nothing, her fore hooves behind her head and one leg crossed over the other. Storm took a breath and made his revelation. “I’ve never had a fillyfriend.” Rainbow cracked open an eye, which Storm at first took to be a good sign, though he quickly realized it wasn’t as she spoke.
“What’s your point?” Ok, definitely the wrong subject. But since he had already gone there, he may as well finish it.
“I was plenty popular growing up. Lot’s of fillies wanted a chance with me, but none of them really interested me. And even if I had found myself interested in one of them, I was forbidden to date under any circumstance. I wasn’t allowed to be seen with them alone, either.” Rainbow continued to act indifferent, though he had caught her attention with the revelation. “Most of my friends ended up being colts, so when it comes to dealing with mares, I’m kind of a dunce.”
“So I’ve noticed,” she prodded, looking at him briefly before again closing her eyes.
“Rainbow Dash, I know it was wrong of me not to trust you, especially after you’ve been so open with me. It’s just... it’s hard to live your life having to lie to everypony and then suddenly be free of it. It’s difficult to trust other’s when you’ve been beaten into submission...”
“Wait, what? Proud Skies beat you? Or were you being figurative?” Rainbow Dash immediately knew the answer as the look in his eyes confirmed her suspicions. “But, you’re huge! How could he...”
“Physical size does not determine one’s strength of heart, Rainbow Dash.” His normally cheery voice was reduced to a pained whisper, and her previous anger was forgotten as she imagined what it must have been like for him. “Rainbow Dash, I’m not trying to unload on you, I just thought it would be fair for you to know, since you’ve trusted me with so much. So have one of my secrets in return.” Rainbow slowly wrapped her arms around his middle, barely able to touch her hooves together as she held him, and lay her head against his chest. She smiled as she felt his arms drape around her, blushing slightly as they brushed her wings.
“Don’t sweat it, you dunce.” Storm laughed quietly as he realized the irony of such a statement bringing such heartfelt comfort, closing his eyes and enjoying the sweet sensation of forgiveness.
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HHHNNNNNGGGGFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
(I qan haz furtchst?) :D
Missing words! Missing words everywhere! I usually don't take the time to proofread anything on this site since the vast majority of the stories aren't worth it, but for you, I'll make an exception.
“Princess Celestia was blushing when she came from your place, Dad. You sure know how to entertain.” He hadn’t intended the statement to sound so lewd, but as soon as it escaped his mouth he burst out laughing, the facial expressions of his parents too priceless. Even if he had gotten a beating for it, that moment would have been worth it.
It had been five years since Storm had worked the weather, and Storm had some difficulty adjusting. He found it slightly insulting how Rainbow Dash would quote the instructions for the cloud formation word for word like a textbook every time he made a mistake, as if he didn’t know already. Well, that’s not entirely fair; he had forgotten some of the things, but he was loathe to admit it. His lack of flight time had also caused his muscles to atrophy, and by the time they finished around noon he was in desperate need of a break. Rainbow Dash, on the other hand, was annoyingly eager to get started on her training.
The words in bold are the ones that appear to be missing. Or I could just be reading it wrong....I haven't slept much....
328016
its more of a HHHHRRRRRGGGGGNNNNHHHHH
Yeah, I like Storm a lot better
Now kiss!
Not to be "that guy", but you forgot RBD's sonic rainboom at the royal wedding. Shes done it three times. Anyways, I'm really enjoying the story so far, and can't wait to read the next ones in the series!
2514928
And, not to mention, that time she did it on command, going upwards. I guess if this takes place before that, she would have had trouble with it while going downwards, with the help of the gravity, like she did in Sonic Rainboom.
3364538
This takes place before a canterlot wedding
Unlike with Bangles, I have no reservations towards blaming Proud for absolutely everything that happened to Storm.
I actually really liked Bangles. She was a good pony. The only reason she did what she did to Cerulean is because Spikeflail was controlling her. With Proud, however, there is no Alternate to blame. He is just a manipulative idiot in a place of power. I will be glad seeing him get whatever he has coming to him. I dislike (some would say hate) him as a pony, but like him as a character.
I hope Bangles from the alternate ending comes back into the story. I'm not sure if Spikeflail is dead in the original ending, but I know for sure that Spikeflail died in the alternate ending.
Nah, man, that’s just a hug.