> Lost in the clouds
>  by AskNightmareLuna
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> 1 The long fall
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The first thing I remember was flying. Normally this wasn't uncommon for me but this time it was different. I was being chased, again not uncommon for me, by several insect armored pegasi. They were intent on seeing my body smashed against the ground below. Trouble was none of them even had half my skill in flying. It also helped me that they had to slow down to keep from smashing themselves against the cliffs. I however didn't see why they had suddenly stopped until it was to late. I had looked just in time to see a crackling vortex before me. This was a twister not even I could have even dreamed of. Lightening struck from the funnel and it seemed to glow despite the dark gray of the tornado. I tried to strafe away but it had already caught me in the suction. The world became a blur and then darkness overcame me.

The next thing I remembered was falling. Then came the landing. My own armor had taken most of the blow but my wings gave sickening cracks as the air was knocked out of me. I coughed as stars filled my eyes. I was barely aware of the growing murmur gathering around me. "Oh buck me sideways!" I had managed to cough out. I rolled getting my hooves under me as the pain shot through my body. "OW! For buck sake not again." I shook my head looking back at my blue right wing hanging at an awkward angle. I knew already it had to be broken. I also knew I had to get out of sight fast.

A lighter blue mare with a rainbow mane suddenly landed next to me with a shocked look on her face. "Are you alright?" she had asked. I took a deep breath and shook my head. A clump of purple mane fell into my face. Then I looked at the mare again narrowing my eyes. It couldn't be. She had been dead for nearly two hundred years, but there she was and she was young. Instinctively I looked towards the sky and saw the nearly cloudless blue. This wasn't right. Where was I? The mare's voice broke my thoughts as she asked, "What's your name?"

I blinked looking back at the mare. "Dread Storm... But my friends call me Stormy." I gave a half hearted grin. I could tell every pony had noticed the armor I wore. "Where.... Where am I?" I half expected to hear I was dead but the laughter was no clue to me. I kept looking around unable to believe what I saw. No ruins at all. No ponies waiting to shoot me. Nothing I was expecting was there. What I did notice was the warmth of the sun and lack of the cloud curtain.

"Ponyville where else?" asked the other Pegasus. I blinked looking at her with shock. I was in Ponyville but that was miles from where I had been when I blacked out. Even at top speed I couldn't have hoped to have flown this far in a short time as I had. I guess I had been staring since the mare tapped the top of my head with a hoof. "Uh hello. You're not from around here are ya?" I shook my head looking around again.

"I shouldn't be here... I should be.... further south," I said raising a hoof to tap the visor I wore with a hoof. My heart sank. No familiar radio signals and I was indeed a very long way from where I should have been. I tapped the visor's button again I couldn't believe what it displayed. The pain of my wings which I had almost forgot came back. I winced having tried to fly up reactively. I felt hooves gripping me.

"Hey not so fast. Looks like you hurt your wings pretty bad," the mare said stretching out the word pretty. I made note that I'd find the closest bar as soon as I could clear the tears from my eyes. I needed a drink or eight. "Name's Rainbow Dash." I had blinked looking at the mare. She puffed herself up proudly. Reflexively I looked towards my flanks. My mark was hidden but it was just as well. It had been burned away moments before my game of dodge the cliff with those others. Moments before I was here and I was vaguely aware of the pain lingering there as well. "Come on. Let's get you to the doctor." Reluctantly I followed still in a daze.

I was keenly aware of the multitude of stares I got. It wasn't until much later that I would learn it was my armor rather than the injured wing that caused ponies to stare. I admit that looking back I hadn't seen any pony wearing anything sturdier than a dress or coat since I arrived. Then I realized something else. I had a bag full of bottle caps but only a few bits in what I had. I hadn't seen any pony using caps. "Oh bucking hell! How am I going to pay for this?" I had unknowingly said aloud drawing more the a few startled stares. Rainbow Dash just shrugged and winked at me.

"Don't sweat it. If you can't afford it I'll pay for ya." Now it was my turn to stare shocked at what I heard. Back home no pony would make such an offer without a price. "Just one condition." And there is was or so I though as she continued, "Get better soon, and try not to get hurt to quickly." I snorted but gave her a grin. I lifted my chin and puffed up my chest.

"That fall is only because I was caught by surprise. I can out fly most any Pegasus." This boast had made Rainbow Dash laugh. "I'll do you one better! I'll get better and I'll show you just what I can do." I held out a hoof which Rainbow Dash shook giving me a look that said it was on. I didn't even know then what I had just gotten myself into but then again my mouth did get me into lots of trouble back home. I didn't know at that time that most ponies didn't wear armor not because of a lack of danger but that normally only guards wore it. It was when Rainbow Dash left me in the waiting room to get a doctor where I noticed how many stares I was getting.

First let me explain better. Here I was wearing armor that looked like the carapace of an insect with a wickedly sharp knife on the end of a scorpion like tail. The armor was pitch black an barely covered by the tattered remains of a cloak I normally wore. I was broke from my contemplation of just how out of place I was when Rainbow Dash returned with a stallion in a white coat. "What seems to be the problem miss" He paused looking at me expectantly. 

"Stormy," I supplied hastily. The doctor eyed me curiously.  I noticed he was glaring more noticeably at the tail of my armor. I suppose I should be lucky none of these ponies knew about power hooves which I wore on my front hooves. I quickly tucked the tail under me glancing around nervously. "I um... hurt my wing." The doctor looked at the limply drooping wing then to my face. He then looked at Dash with a displeased frown.

"Another one of your stunts gone wrong?" Rainbow gave a shocked look and quickly denied any credit. "Then how the blazes did she hurt her wing?" He waited with his eyes locked on the cyan mare. I cleared my throat drawing his attention. I regretted the action as he turned his gaze on me. "Well?" I swallowed hard. Few ponies could ever scare me but this one did. Not I the fear for my life but in that foal who just got caught taking a cookie way.

"I blacked out and woke up to late to stop myself from falling." I must have sounded scared because his voice softened suddenly while he was trying to comfort me. It's not that I didn't enjoy the attention but I wasn't a foal anymore. He had somehow managed to lead me through the halls to a room. I don't even remember walking and I was suddenly aware that Dash was not with me. I didn't really know her very well but she was the closest I had to a friend in this place and now I was alone with a strange stallion. Paranoid didn't even come close to describing how unhinged I was at this development. Then came the pinch and coolness entering my body. My vision blurred and the world went dark yet again.
> 2 Needles and nurses
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I awoke in a bed after what felt like days, though in truth it had only been about an hour maybe two. There were six ponies huddled around me. A purple face caught my blurry gaze. "Girls she's awake!" I heard the murmur of the others as they pushed I to look at me. The purple one smiled as she spoke, "Dash told us about what happened. I find it quite fascinating though not sure how a Pegasus can teleport." I frowned slightly as this mare babbled from one theory to the next before realizing she'd forgot something. "Oh sorry. I was rambling again. I'm Twilight Sparkle and you are?"

I looked around seeing Rainbow brush her mane back with a shrug. Looking back at Twilight I took a breath. "Call me Stormy, but the name is Dread Storm." I had came to the conclusion that if what I remembered was true the others were the friends I'd only read about. My history didn't do these mares justice. First was my shock that Twilight was actually quite energetic when it came to asking questions. Dash seemed to enjoy describing my embarrassing crash in a way that it sounded like I had done something very cool. Then when I heard her call it awesome I frowned. "What's so awesome about a busted wing?"

Dash laughed wiping tears from her eyes. "You didn't see what I saw. There's no way any pony could have pulled up and honestly I'm surprised you only hurt one of your wings." I blinked looking at myself. It was true on wing was bandaged. "Stormy, if I didn't know better I'd say you had to be my sister." At that the orange earth mare slapped her face with a hoof. The others muttered to each other. "Still I'm not sure you could keep up with me." I felt my pride surge inside of me. I wanted to prove to Dash just what lay inside me.

"Oh you don't do you? I accept your challenge! I bet I can drink you under the table any day and still fly straighter than you can." I grinned as Dash just gasped at my claim. the others were equally amazed. The orange mare looked at Dash with a grin and chuckled. She then looked at me. She leaned closer like she was going to whisper but her voice carried well.

"Sugar cube ah'd like to see that trick mahself. Iffen you can beat Dash at drinking and still fly then it might make her think a bit harder before she makes another boast. Name's Applejack and it's been a pleasure meetin' ya." She smiled at me an held out a hoof which I shook. I could tell she was strong and it felt like... Yes she was holding back trying not to hurt me more. I grinned as I put a little more of my own strength into the hoof shake. This surprised Applejack who just matched me with a friendly grin. I winked at the orange mare.

"Nice to meet ya. Oh I'm sorry. Did I hurt you?" The others just watched as me and Applejack sized each other up. "I keep forgetting not every pony is as made out of sturdier stuff." This made the room burst into laughter from me, Applejack, Dash and the pink mare. From the sound of it this pink earth pony would have laughed at even the dumbest jokes. I quickly ran through my head. I'd been introduced to three of them. I could guess the rest f the names. I took a deep breath and recited sadly the names I knew from history class. "Pinky Pie..." The pink earth pony blinked and seemed to stop in mid bounce before rapidly shooting off questions about how I knew her name. It turned my gaze on the white unicorn ignoring the other Pegasus for now. "Rarity..." The white unicorn drew a breath then puffed herself up with a beaming smile providing her own explanation of how I could know about her. Now I lowered my eyes to the bed I as in as I whispered, "Fluttershy."

They were all staring at me now. I didn't have to look up to know it. I could feel the eyes on me. I barely heard the door open as the doctor from before entered. "I see you are awake now. Sorry about that but you had a panic attack." I slowly looked up leveling my gaze on him. He continued unperturbed, "Given what we found once we managed to get you out of that armor... I can't blame you. That was a nasty burn on your flanks. I've never seen anything like it before." He scratched his chin with hoof. He then looked t me. "I am Doctor Stable. Your wing was surprisingly not broken but you dislocated it and pulled the muscles with your landing." I frowned looking away. The pain of being branded was still fresh in my mind. I then felt a light hoof on my shoulder. "I'm sorry we couldn't save your cutie mark but we did treat the burns as best we could. Now for the wing we got the joint back in place but knowing miss Dash we decided to keep you for a few days to make sure it heals properly."

I had shot a glance at Rainbow only to see that she was rubbing the back of her neck with a hoof. I held my gaze on t cyan mare. "What? I hurt my wing before when a trick didn't um..." She looked around quickly changing the subject, "Just hurry up and get better. Any pony that can hoof wrestle AJ has to be awesome." I nodded silently before looking at the doctor again.

"How... How much is this going to cost and where is my..." I heard my voice cracking and noticed now my mouth felt like I was chewing cotton balls. I cleared my throat to no avail. I was shocked when the doctor passed me a glass of water. I took it sniffing it before taking a sip. It was the survival training that had been drilled into my head combined with years of having to make sure I wasn't drinking something bad. It also wasn't smart to drink to fast in a case like this.

As I drank clearing my mouth of the dryness the doctor spoke. "Your stuff is fine. Fortunately it was labeled so we could get the armor off. The cloth was a bit different. We had to throw it away since it would have fallen apart trying to wash it." So my cloak was discarded and now I was in a gown that was barely enough to keep me warm even with the blankets on me. Not that it was that cold but I still felt chilled from it.

"It was my favorite cloak." I looked at the bed I was in. "It took me ages to find that." I felt a comforting hoof on one of my own. Looked over to see the radiant white unicorn gazing at me with a compassionate expression. "I know I shouldn't be surprised but it just feels... It feels like I was just told my wing had been cut off." I heard Dash say something in a hushed whisper though I couldn't make out the words. Rarity merely nodded and smiled.

"Visiting hours are over but you may return tomorrow to see your friend," said doctor Stable. The doctor looked at me pointing a hoof. "You need to rest and let that wing recover and given your test results I have instructed the staff to bring you foods to help with several deficiencies. You should be better in no time." I wasn't looking forward to this and he knew it from my expression. The other mares, whom later I'd be proud to call friends, filed out waving and saying their good byes. Then the doctor left leaving me to stew in my own thoughts. This was how my first day in Ponyville went and thus ended.

First I crashed into the ground hurting my wing. Second I freak out in a hospital and had to be sedated. Third I find myself bandaged up in a bed. Then finally being told to take it easy and eat stuff that wasn't exactly my choice of food. I can't say it was all that bad but it wasn't good either. I mean where was the beer, whiskey or ale. I'd have given almost anything for even a sip of spiced hard cider. Alright I admit I am a bit of a drunk, but I used to be much worse. The days seemed to move slowly but still passed quickly.
> 3 Take to the sky
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I was again wearing my armor which without my cloak looked more frightening. The shiny black carapace that covered me drew even more stares now. Then I saw Dash and Rarity standing in front of me. It felt good to be walking again and no bandages on my wing or flanks. The white unicorn smiled as she floated a box to me. I looked down into it and gasped. It was a new cloak like I hadn't seen before. I soon found it draped about me and cinched tightly in place. My eyes met Rarity's "Thanks. Where did you find this? It's perfect."

"My dear I am an artist. Dash asked if I would make it for you." I was amazed and I guess it showed as Dash beamed proudly, but it felt good seeing Rarity smile and happy that I had liked it. No, I didn't like it. I loved it. It was light and designed to allow me to fly unhindered. I gave Rainbow a sly grin as I turned my gaze towards the sky. With a flap of my wings and a leap I was in the air. Dash was close behind me.

"We'll met you later at Twi's," called Dash down to Rarity. The cyan mare looked at me with that challenging look. "Let's do this!" I grinned and narrowed my eyes with a nod. She wanted a race then I was going to give one.
Soon I found myself straining to keep Dash in sight. Before I go on let me say I wasn't the fastest but my skill and fighting strength had always been my best traits. I had rounded a turn flying high when I saw the boulder crashing towards Rainbow Dash. I didn't have time to think I let out a scream diving at my fastest pace. My power hooves crackled making a thunderous sound as they met with the boulder. My hind hooves dung in trying to slow the massive weight above me. Then I felt myself being tackled. The large rock crushing the place I had been just moments before. My muscles ached but we were both unhurt.

It was when we were at Twilight's that I got to hear Dash talking about how strong I was. I didn't really feel that strong. I mean it wasn't like I had smashed that boulder into pebbles. I had only slowed it down and nearly gotten crushed under it. My ears perked when the purple mare spoke up. "I'm certain it was quite exciting but I'll have to see it and conduct tests of my own Rainbow." Despite myself I had a sudden surge of pride making me want to tell this mare just what I could do with just my head alone. "If what you said is true then perhaps Applejack would like some extra help for apple buck season. It would be a great test to see just how strong she really is."

It was late afternoon when we arrived at Sweet Apple Acres. The orange earth pony was looking out at the orchards with a frown. Twilight explained what she was hoping to see. "I reckon I could let her help with the southern land. We had a rather large crop this year and Big Macintosh has gotten sick. Last time I tried to do it alone you saw what happened. Thank ya again Twi. Iffen you and the others hadn't helped I'd never gotten finished with the harvest." Applejack eyed me though I don't know if it was me or the armor I wore. The new cloak didn't exactly hide it but rather it did soften the frightful appearance it had. "Let's see what  you got sugarcube."

I looked at the mares watching me and stepped towards the nearest apple tree. I glanced up then grinned. One of my hind hooves drew up then I felt the jolt as I connected. The tree shook as I walked away calmly. The orange earth pony looked as if she were bored but the others looked impressed. "Not too bad. That's one down, but ya still got a lot more before this day is done." I merely grinned looking at the trees that still needed to b bucked.

"What are we waiting for? I need to stretch my legs after being in a bed for so long." I was boasting but it did get every pony moving. Me and the orange mare set to work bucking the trees while RD caught the apples in a basket. Twilight was also helping as were Rarity and two other mares who'd arrived to visit the farm. I found my eyes drifting over the others, I learned their names were Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, The yellow cream pony had taken over from Dash who'd started to fly from tree to tree shaking them. It wasn't until the wagon broke an axel that I finally impressed Applejack.

"Whoa Nelly! Now ain't that something." Applejack watched in awe as my front legs trembled slightly. The weight of the wagon upon my back and spread wings. The large red stallion worked replacing the broken parts. It didn't take very long, but I was still soaked with sweat. My body was shaking from the strain. "I reckon that deserves a tall mug of the good cider," said Applejack. I'll be honest at that point I'd have been glad for any thing to drink even, and I shudder at this, milk. I made a mistake and accepted the offer.

Before I tell you what happened next I should say as with offers of a free drink from hard stuff, one drink became several. The second thing you should know is a drunk pegasus tends to boast a lot and loudly. Dash had challenged me to an endurance race, and I didn't back down. Now we were flying through Ghastly Gorge with little concern for our own safety. That was what resulted in my second visit to the Ponyville Clinic. It was also how one of my dark secrets was found out. It was also this secret that saved Rainbow.

I heard the first rumble and my eyes went wide. I could feel my heart racing. My mind screamed, "Ambush!" as I looked around spotting the falling rocks. I had no time to think as I dove. Dash was faster than me, but this was endurance not speed. I was there just moments after the rock slide had settled. Rainbow's left wing pinned under a large rock. She was surprised as she saw me strike the rock with my front hooves. The force of my hits were enhanced, and the first had made large cracks. The second caused the cracks to spread. A third shattered the rock entirely. It was together we crossed the finish line. I would awaken I a room with Dash I the bed next to me.
> 4 Disturbed dreams
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	No matter how many times I try to escape, I keep going back to that place. I still hear the screams. I can still see the gruesome scene. I can still feel the pain and tears. I can taste the blood in my mouth. I want to run. I want to hide. I want to vomit. I want to join my lost wing mates. I don't want to be here. I want... I want to scream. This when I wake covered in a cold sweat and panting. I heard hooves galloping towards me and the door opens. "Is everpony alright?" I'd heard the question, but had failed to put on a brave face like I thought I was doing. That's when I noticed who was standing at the door. Twilight had come to see why I had screamed. Her I could have handled but it was the large blue mare behind her.

Princess Luna pushed past Twilight looking at me with knowing, concerned eyes. I looked away with a frown. "It's just a bad memory." It was true but I didn't want Twilight to worry. I felt a wing drape over my back. "It's been coming more often." I fell silent as the night princess comforted me. Once more I fell into a deep slumber. Thankfully, the bad dream didn't return. It was to my surprise that I was soon to see a pony who'd be asking me questions I didn't feel ready for.