> Wings for a Pony
>  by Brawney Hooves
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The sky over the Everfree forest was still, almost motionless…until a Rainbow streak came through with a force that could have broken the sound barrier. The streak was going too fast for anyone to get a good look at who it was, but the rainbow color however was a dead giveaway. The trail belonged to Equestria’s best flyer, and more recently the newest recruit to the Wonderbolts; a young and brash mare by the name of Rainbow Dash.

She was flying at top speed completely ignorant of the world around her. She shut her eyes and enjoyed the wind flowing through her rainbow mane. Eventually her wings had grown tired, so she slowed herself to a casual speed. She looked down spotting birds hovering above the trees thinking how small they looked from where she was. Suddenly a whining noise hit her ears causing her to come to a stop in mid- flight and cover her ears with her hooves. She couldn’t imagine what could make such a horrible noise as she continued to bury her hooves deeper into her ears trying desperately to drown out the sound.

As she struggled to listen however she realized what the sound actually was; it wasn’t whining it was crying, the crying of a baby foal somewhere in the Everfree forest. Dash began to quickly scan the tops of the trees and locate the source of the distressed infant, and after a minute of searching she came to a clearing and propelled herself downward. After landing she scanned her surroundings until she saw a path leading into the forest. Dash flew to the road and listened, trying to determine where the crying was coming from. Fortunately the foal was making it easy to find with its crying; and she sped off into the forest as fast as her wings could carry her. She knew that if she was looking for this baby, something else would be looking for a meal. Finally after for what seemed like hours she came across a destroyed carriage on the side of the road.

From the look of the crash it had been rammed by something, something big and ill tempered; As she began to imagine what could have done this much damage, she was brought back to reality by the crying she came to inspect in the first place. The crying was coming from inside the damaged carriage which Dash zipped to with blinding speed. The door was jammed by the force of the blow but in addition to being the fastest flier she was also one of the strongest. With some effort she managed to pry open the warped wooden doors, revealing a small bundle with the face of a light yellow colt no older than a year crying his eyes out. Rainbow looked around to see if any other ponies were around or if there were any creatures ready to attack before she lowered herself into the carriage. Then, as gently as she could, she tried to soothe the crying foal.

“Don’t worry kid, I’ll get ya’ outta there.” Using her wings to keep herself hovering she reached down and grabbed the little bundle that was resting on the seat; then gently flew herself and the baby colt into the air. Dash then looked around the area.

“Where are his folks?” Dash wondered, as she continued levitating off the ground. it was then that she realized that the baby was still crying but not quite as loudly.

“Shhh, quiet kid. You’re gonna bring something here that I don’t wanna meet.” Dash said trying desperately to keep the foal quiet, “I’ll get you somewhere safe, but you gotta be quiet ok?”

It seemed to do the trick as the colt began to settle down. Dash gave a relieved sigh, and then flew off into the clear blue sky. As she flew back she started to review her options about what to do about this baby she found, which was now giving delighted giggles. Dash had to admit as she looked into his small brown eyes he did look cute.

~~~~ 

After five minutes of flying back to Ponyville, Dash saw the lone giant tree in the town that was the home of her friend Twilight Sparkle.

“Twilight! She’ll know what to do!” Dash flew downward to her friend’s house, careful to land on her back legs so that she didn’t drop the baby who had fallen asleep on the way over, and was now looking quite content in the mare’s arms. Dash shifted the baby over to one forehoof and knocked quietly on the door with the other. The knock was soon accompanied by her friend Twilight answering the door. Seeing her friend made Twilight’s face light up.
“Rainbow Dash, what brings…,” Dash waved her free hoof across Twilights face and shushed her as she looked down at the baby who was still sleeping. Twilight then noticed the bundle in Dash’s arm and her face contorted into a look of confusion and surprise

“Dash,” The purple unicorn said quietly, “what are you doing with a baby?” 

“I’ll explain later just get the rest of the girls so we can figure out what to do.” Dash whispered taking the baby inside the library. Already inside the Library putting books in their proper place was a little purple baby dragon named Spike, who was so busy that he didn’t even notice Dash until he climbed down the ladder.  He turned at the sound of the door and the sight of his cyan Pegasus friend made him smile

“Hey Dash how’s it…,” His eyes fell on the baby in the bundle, in Dashes arm “Whoa whose kid is that Rainbow, yours?” He said with a slight chuckle.

Dash rolled her eyes as she looked for a place to put the baby down. She decided to place the baby on Twilight’s bed for the time being, while Twilight left to inform the others of this odd event.
After an eternity of waiting, the others arrived. First Pinkie Pie, who was practically vibrating at the thought of playing with a new colt; then Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, and then bringing up the rear was Twilight.
“Where is he, where is he?!” Shouted Pinkie Pie, as she started zipping from one area of the room to the other.

“Shhhh! The little guys upstairs sleeping, Pinkie,” Dash said looking irritated.

Pinkie stopped bouncing and placed a hoof up to her mouth. As Dash came down the steps she saw that her friends were all looking at her.

“What?” Dash said raising an eyebrow. 

“Ah, Rainbow care tah explain why yah brought a little colt tah Twi’s home and then rounded us all here?” Apple Jack said still trying to grasp the situation.

Dash explained what had happened earlier that day as all of them listened with wide eyes. Finally she finished, “So I was kinda hoping maybe one of you guys might have an idea on what to do with the little guy.”
She scanned her friend’s faces with a weak smile on her face, hoping to see that one of her friends would be willing to take the young colt or at least know where to find him a good home, none of them looked eager; not even Pinkie Pie.

“Sorry Rainbow but, uh, mah family can’t afford to raise another pony; all our bits have tah go towards making finale arrangements for Granny Smith. Doc says she’ll be lucky if she makes it past winter,” Applejack said glumly.

“Sorry, but I’ve already got Spike to take care of and he’s a handful enough as it is.” Twilight responded as Spike gave a small grumble.

“And I already have to care for Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said, shuddering at the thought of having another pony in the house.

“I only know how to care for my animals Dash, and I wouldn’t want the baby scaring any of the smaller creatures. S-sorry…” Fluttershy said, looking down at the floor.

Dash had a look of panic on her face as she slowly turned her head towards Pinkie Pie.

“Sorry Dashie, but I already have to take care of Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake when Mr. and Mrs. Cake are out, and they’re a big enough handful as it is.”

Dash’s heart began to beat rapidly and her forehead began to sweat. 
She wasn’t ready to be a Mom, heck she was just barely able to take care of herself. Her friends saw the worry on her face and tried to console her.

“Don’t worry Dash. It’s just until his real parents find him here,” Twilight said placing a supportive hoof on Dash’s shoulder, but Dash simply lowered her head.

“Actually I didn’t see any trace of them at the attack I…I don’t think they…” She went quiet.

“So we might be dealin’ with an orphan?” Applejack asked. 

Rainbow sadly nodded, the others lowered their heads as well. 

“Poor Dear, left all alone in that vile forest,” Rarity said, as a tear formed in her eye.

The room went dead quiet as each of them went about mourning the colt’s parents.

After a time, Twilight began to speak. 

“Well I guess he’ll need to be sent to Ponyville orphanage.” 

Dash flinched at the mention of the place, she had been sent there when her mother died, and it was a horrible place for a filly or colt to be raised.

“NO!” Dash shouted; startling her friends, “Anything but that place.” 

It was then the crying of a foal could be heard upstairs. 

Dash flew up with lightning speed as the others followed behind her; the baby had been awoken by the shout down stairs and was now emitting a loud and heart wrenching cry. Dash had reached the bed trying to quiet the crying infant.

“Shhh, please be quiet kiddo.” The colt continued to cry, possibly even louder than before.

Remembering what her mother used to do when trying to get Dash to calm down, she took the baby in her arms and started rocking him back and forth while making gentle shushes, until finally the colt was once again fast asleep sucking his hoof.

Dash wiped her brow with a forehoof and breathed a relieved sigh, then placed him back on the bed.  She turned around, and suddenly she saw her friends standing behind her; all with heartwarming smiles on their faces. Dash stared at them in confusion.

“What?” 

Applejack approached Dash then placed a hoof on her shoulder. 

“Yah know what yah need tah do, Rainbow.” 

Dash shook her head her eyes wide and stepped back from Apple Jack. 

“Me?” Dash said in disbelief, trying to keep her voice low so to not wake the baby again, “I can’t take care of a baby. I just joined the Wonderbolts, and I don’t know the first thing about foals.”

Dash immediately regretted what she just said as Twilight levitated a book to her titled ‘Foals: A Reference Guide’. Dash’s face fell as she realized that whether she wanted him or not; this colt was hers now. If it hadn’t been for the fact that her friends were watching she would have started crying herself.
‘This is so unfair.’ Dash thought sitting down on the floor almost feeling the most depressed she had ever felt in her entire life. Seeing how sad she had suddenly gotten from all this, the others gathered around Dash, giving her a group hug.
“Don’t worry Dash, we’ll help you,” Twilight said, comforting her friend. 

“You’re darn tootin’,” Applejack chimed. 

“Yes, we will. And besides, now I get a chance to make some baby clothes.” Said Rarity.

“I’ll help any way I can,” Whispered Fluttershy. 

“Oh, and I’ll set up the play dates!” Pinkie Pie squeaked. 

Dash smiled slightly at the group. 

“Thanks guys.” She whispered, at least she wouldn’t be doing it alone. 

The tender moment didn’t last long however as Pinkie spoke up. “Hey I just thought of something, what kind of pony is the little guy?”

The same thought struck the others as they all turned towards the sleeping bundle, he obviously wasn’t a unicorn due to a missing horn, so that left two options. Twilight used her magic to carefully unravel the colt, and after several suspenseful seconds; the blanket was completely removed. The air was still as they leaned in to see that the baby was vacant of wings as well, which meant he was an earth pony like Apple Jack and Pinkie.

Twilight suddenly gasped and her face became filled with worry “Oh no nononononono, this is bad.”

“Why is that, Twi?” Applejack asked. 

Twilight turned to the others “Don’t you see he’s an earth pony. Dash is a Pegasus, and she lives in a cloud house.”

Dash’s face lit up as the realization sunk in ‘Which means he can’t live with me.’

“YES!” She cried, but quickly covered her mouth when she remembered the baby was still asleep.

Dash began to silently do a little victory dance in the air. She thought she was off the hook, but her joy was cut off however when Fluttershy spoke up.

“Um, actually I do know a house that’s for sale in Ponyville. It would be perfect for an earth pony to grow up in.”

“What are you saying?” Dash asked, giving her friend a hard stare. 

“Well uh, maybe you could move…there?” Fluttershy backed away as Dash gave her an unsettling glare.

“Yeah I know the place,” Dash said, still floating in the air, “and it costs 500 bits.  I don’t get my pay until next month, so unless any of you plans on paying; or a bag of money falls from the sky, he can’t live with me.”

Dash looked at Pinkie to see if her Pinkie-Sense was working, but the pink pony was completely still. She realized she had dodged another bullet, all the others started to kick the ground none of them willing to pay for the house. Then, to everyponies surprise, Apple Jack spoke up.

“I’ll pay for it.” 

Everyone gasped. Applejack’s family made good money, but only enough to barely scrape by. And most of it went to fixing the farm or getting new seeds.

“But Applejack, don’t you need that money to pay for Granny Smiths, uh costs. And what will Big Mac think?” Twilight said with concern

“Yeah, I think she’ll understand. She always tells us that the old needs to make way for the new after all, and you let me handle Big Mac; he’s a reasonable pony.”

Rarity approached Applejack. 

“Oh, Darling; that’s very generous of you, but I am the Element of Generosity after all. I’ll use my gems to pay for the house.” She said giving her friend a warm smile.

“Nah thanks Rarity, but this foal is going tah need a good home, and I’m willing to pay to make sure that he gets it. Besides you’ll be needin’ those gems for the baby cloths.”

The ponies laughed at the joke, then Applejack turned to the baby. 

“And we earth ponies need tah stick together, don’t we widdle guy.” She said as she waggled a hoof over the baby a grin on her face.

The others looked at Rainbow Dash expecting her to be scared or angry, but instead she simply stared in awe at her friend’s generosity. She floated to the ground and approached Apple Jack.

“I-I don’t know what to say.” 

Apple Jack again placed a hoof on Dashes shoulder, “Yah don’t have tah say anythin’ Rainbow.” The other ponies looked at Dash. Everything was in place they just needed her, and finally, after a long tense minute Rainbow Dash gave her answer.

“Alright I’ll take him.” 

The others breathed a sigh of relief and then they all approached the little foal, that remarkably was still asleep. Dash looked at the little colt that was now her adopted son, giving a quiet sigh as he stretched his legs. She couldn’t help but let a smile cross her face.
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	
Over the past week, all of Rainbow’s friends have spent their day working hard. Applejack was getting the money ready. Twilight was filling out the paper work for adoption. Pinkie Pie was working on some ‘Special Project’. Fluttershy was filling in as temporary caretaker for the baby. And Dash was making sure that everything she needed was transported from her new place.

After several minutes explaining the situation to her family, Apple Jack managed to convince them to put all their reserve money for the month towards paying for a home for Rainbow Dash and the baby. Dash, meanwhile; was busy getting her things from her cloud home. She knew the kid needed a family to raise it and she knew that she had agreed to be its caretaker, yet she still couldn’t help but feel a little resentment towards the colt.

“This baby is going to completely uproot my life, not to mention cut into my training with the Wonderbolts,” Dash muttered angrily to herself as she began stuffing her various trophies and achievements into a box.

Her bed and other furniture that wasn’t made of cloud had been moved earlier that day, so all she needed were her personal things. As she flew to the doorway she gave one last sorrowful look at her home. She was going to miss it and she wasn’t keen on the idea of getting a downgraded house. Still, she knew that she needed to do this for that foal waiting for her back on the ground. Dash slowly shut the door and never looked back.

~~~~~~~ 

Her new home wasn’t quite as glamorous or as noticeable as her old home, but she figured she could do worse. As she approached the house, Dash was greeted by her friends; all of who had a smile across their faces. The house itself was a two story mauve building with a blue roof and door with four windows on each floor. It was fairly practical as houses went and nothing made it stick out aside from the banner that read “Welcome Home Rainbow Dash”, which made her blush from embarrassment.

She knew her friends meant well, but she wanted the whole moving thing kept under wraps. As she landed, careful not to drop the box she was carrying, the others rushed over to her shouting in unison “WELCOME HOME RAINBOW DASH!!!” the force caused her hair to fly back.

“Heh, thanks guys.” Dash said as she forced a weak smile. She looked around noticing something was amiss.

“Hey where’s the kid?” The others looked at each other and then parted to reveal, to Dash’s horror, a baby carriage. She knew that she would have to take care of the infant, but there was no way in Equestria that she was going to be seen in public pushing THAT around. Twilight trotted over to her friend and hugged her around the neck.

“Oh Dash I’m so happy for you!” 

‘At least one of us is,’ Dash thought to herself as Twilight released her. 

“C’mon Rainbow, take her for a spin,” Apple Jack said, pointing a hoof at the carriage.

Dash gulped and looked around nervously her mind racing to come up with an excuse, “Uh, I would; but, uh, I’ve got my hooves full.”

She raised the box she was holding. The other ponies gave each other worried looks, but they shrugged and opened the door to Dash’s new home. As Applejack pushed the baby in after them; Dash exhaled.

“Another few minutes of dignity left.” 

She then hovered into her new home. The inside was large and spacious, but nowhere near as large as her previous home; she was liking this less and less by the minute. The first thing she spotted was the stairway leading up to the second floor, to the right of that was the living room; and behind that was a spare bedroom with a bathroom next to it.

To the left of her was a kitchen large enough for three adult ponies to fit comfortably and a small table beside it. As she began to wonder where she would put all her things, she noticed that all of her friends were gathered around the carriage making ohhs, awes, and random baby talk that made Dash gag slightly. She placed the box on the floor planning to get at it later, and trotted over to see what the fuss was about.

The baby was still asleep, only this time he was sucking his hoof, which for reasons beyond Dash’s understanding had all her friends going gaga over the little colt.

“Isn’t he just precious?” Rarity said joyfully. 

Dash simply stared still not seeing what they clearly were. 

“So, babies do that all the time.” 

“But he’s so adowable.” The white unicorn continued as she made a cutie face at the sleeping foal. Dash rolled her eyes at the sappy vibes that were around her; she wasn’t particularly fond of cute. She didn’t mind babies though…when they were quiet. The baby yawned and gave a soft sigh, more cooing sounds were made.

“Yah know we really should name the fella.” Apple Jack said suddenly. The others looked at Rainbow who gave them a confused stare.

“What are you all looking at me for?” 

“Well this is your kid you’re raising, so you should name him,” Twilight said flatly. Dash flinched at the word. Pinkie looked at the baby with a puzzled look.

“He looks like a Benjamin to me!” 

“Nonsense!,” Said Rarity putting on airs, “he is a prince and should be named as such like…Regal Crescent.”

Everypony looked as the ‘Prince’ had a snot bubble form in his nose, making Dash and the others give a loud ‘YUCK.’

“Nah, he needs a good earth pony name like Brawny Hooves,” Said Apple Jack, as the ponies began to argue about what to name the still sleeping colt, Dash backed away from the group; staring in shock at how much fuss they were all making over a baby that she didn’t want. If they loved him so much why didn’t they take the baby?

Finally, after a quiet celebration thrown for Dash for getting a new house and becoming a Mom at the same time, Twilight and the others left Dash with her new foal; leaving some last minute advice on how to raise it and promising to be back later to see if she needed help. Twilight chimed in some more pieces of advice as she left.

“Remember Dash, everything you need to know about babies is in that book I gave you. And don’t worry about food; we left some for you and the baby in the fridge. Good luck.”

And with that she shut the door behind her leaving Dash standing in the foyer alone and unsure of what to do next. Dash hung her head in depression over what was happening to her life. After a moment, she heard a soft cooing coming from the carriage and went over to investigate.

The colt had finally woken up and was now staring at Dash with small brown eyes that seemed to stare right into Dash’s magenta ones. For a few seconds nothing happened, like the quiet before the storm. Then it hit in force as the baby began to cry causing Dash to panic. Dash began shushing the baby, waving one of her hooves while the other close to her mouth. The baby still cried; so then she tried rocking him to sleep again.  When still nothing changed, and starting to panic out of desperation, she started making comical faces and noises that she had done once on some royal guards to get them to laugh. It hadn’t worked then and it didn’t work now. As the foal cried louder she zipped around the house looking for the book Twilight had given her.

“Come on, come on where is it!” 

Dash frantically went through several of the boxes that were still unopened, but to her dismay she couldn’t find it anywhere. And as the baby’s cries filled her ears she began to cover them with her hooves desperately trying to drown out the noise. Then as she looked around she saw it the book she needed right on the table next to the baby this whole time. Dash face hoofed and picked up the book and began reading, it covered everything from feeding, burping, changing, and how to tell if a baby was sick.
She flew to the fridge to find him some food. She found jars that contained orange and green goop, Dash undid the lid of the orange jar that was labeled carrots, as she did the smell of liquidized carrots hit her nostrils causing her to wretch.

“I’m supposed to feed him this?” 

Dash didn’t like the idea, but she had to make the baby stop crying. She floated over to the colt carrying the food in one hoof and a spoon in the other, landing next to the carriage. She plunged the spoon into the baby food and removed as much as the spoon could carry.

“C’mon kiddo it’s time for you to eat your…food.” 

She then brought the spoon close to the baby’s mouth, who turned it away in disgust. Dash couldn’t blame him, but she couldn’t let him starve either. She brought it closer to his mouth, but the baby still refused.

“C’mon please eat it.” Dash said using her gentler tone of voice, the infant turned his head away once more; in fact going as so far as pushing the spoon away with his hoof. Dash was starting to get slightly annoyed at the babies’ stubbornness.

“C’mon you little noise maker, eat it.” She said, her voice sprinkled with annoyance as she put the spoon closer to him. But as expected the baby simply kept his mouth shut. Dash sighed for a moment, but then she got an idea.

“SWEET CELESTIA WHATS THAT!?” 

Dash shouted, pointing a hoof in a direction beyond the baby’s vision.  The colt looked at what the Pegasus was looking at, and before he knew what was happening Dash had shoved the spoon into his mouth and just as quickly pulled it back out. The colt gave a disgusted look as the carrot goop sat in his mouth while Dash simply gave a smug smile, that is until the baby spat it back at her face causing her to just stand there with it resting above her right temple, keeping her eye shut to keep it from getting in.

The baby, seeing Dashes displeasure began to give a childish giggle as she slowly wiped the food from her face.

“Oh, you think that’s funny do you?” 

To answer her, the baby kept laughing. Dash took another spoon full of carrot and started bending it back like a catapult and then released it, sending the goop flying into the colts face.

“Ha, how’d ya like them apples?!” 

She said in triumph, her joy was short lived however as the colt once again began to cry his eyes out.
“Oh, don’t be such a baby,” Dash said as she scrapped off some of the food from her face.

“It’s just food, look.” 

She then place the tip of her hoof into her mouth licking the goop from it, but as she did her taste buds were receiving was one of the most revolting things she had ever tasted, causing Dash to grimace and then spit it onto the floor, then she began scraping her tongue with her hooves hoping to get rid of the taste. The baby who had been watching the whole thing began to giggle once again. Dash saw this and chuckled a bit herself.

“Ok I admit that was pretty bad and I’ve tried Sweetie Bell’s cooking.” 

At that moment the door swung open to reveal Pinkie Pie bouncing into the house happy as could be. She stopped however when she saw that Rainbow Dash and the baby had their faces covered with some strange orange goop.

“Did you guys have a food fight without me?” the pink pony asked in her usual high voice

“He started it,” Dash said slightly annoyed. 

Pinkie bounced her way to the baby carriage then looked at the baby who simply smiled back at her.
“You know food goes in his mouth, not on it; right Dashie?” 

Dash rolled her eyes as Pinkie pulled out a napkin seemingly out of nowhere and began to clean his face.

“I’ve been trying to feed him, but he won’t open up.” Dash said to Pinkie, as she wiped her own face clean. Pinkie gave Dash a blank stare, and then got the jar of food to scoop out what was left.

“Ya got to know how to get them to open up,” She whispered back, and then she faced the baby and held the spoon at an odd angle. Then, in high cute voice said “Here comes the food train, choo choo!”

Dash shook her head at what she was seeing as the baby eagerly opened his mouth and allowed Pinkie to feed him. “How in Equestria did you do that?” Asked Dash still shocked.

Pinkie finished feeding the colt, and then turned around giving Dash a smile. 

“I take care of Mr. and Mrs. Cake’s kids all the time remember?” 

Dash recalled the first day Pinkie started taking care of the Cake’s kids; she had started out much like Dash had. Lots of crying from the babies and her, but eventually Pinkie got the hang of it. The Cakes had asked Dash to babysit their twins that day too; however she had already purchased tickets to a Wonderbolts concert and declined.

What she wouldn’t give to be with them right now instead of taking care of this foal.

“So have given him his bottle yet?” Asked Pinkie curiously. 

Dash shook her head in response. Pinkie went into the kitchen and found the bottle of milk that had been left in a pot left to simmer on the stove; Dash had been in such a rush to find the food that she completely missed it. Pinkie took the bottle and did something Dash didn’t see then she said,

“Too hot.” 

“How do you know when it’s the right temperature?” Dash asked. 
Pinkie took Dash’s hoof and squirted the bottle slightly on her leg. It wasn’t scalding, but it was just hot enough to make Dash jump back as it made contact.

“That’s how. if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for him.” Pinkie stated as Dash gave her a glare.

Pinkie waited until the bottle cooled down then brought it over to the foal, who drank it vigorously.

“So, Dashie have you thought of any names for him yet?” Dash looked down at the baby as he continued drinking.

“Oh, I’ve got a few things to call him, like Dream Smasher,” Dash mumbled bitterly to herself, as Pinkie looked at her with those large blue eyes of hers.

“No I haven’t,” Said Dash. 

“Well don’t worry I’m sure it’ll come to you eventually.” 

As Pinkie finished the little foal began to make odd faces and squirmed a little, Dash ran over to the carriage a look of worry on her face.

“What’s going on, why is he doing that?” 

“Dash he needs to be burped, didn’t you read anything in that book Twilight gave you?”

Pinkie picked up the baby placed him over her shoulder then she patted him on the back, which caused him to emit a small belch.

“I was going to until you came barging in.” 

Suddenly a thought struck her. 

“Hey what are you doing here anyway Pinkie?” 

Dash was so glad to have some help she didn’t stop to think about Pinkie’s arrival in the first place.

“My Pinkie sense was tingling so I figured you needed help with the little guy.”

Pinkie placed the baby back into the carriage. 

“You have a pinkie sense for that too?” Dash asked bewildered. 

“I have a Pinkie Sense for just about everything,” She said nonchalantly, after giving Dash some tips on how to take care of a foal Pinkie left to return to Sugarcube Corner, leaving Dash once again alone…with him.

Dash was starting to feel claustrophobic. She needed to be out in the open and feel the wind beneath her wings right that instant, she turned her head to the baby who was looking at her from his carriage.
“Uh, you can just sleep until I get back right?” 

The young foal continued to stare at her. 

“Yeah so I’ll be back later okay.” 

She zipped to the front door her hoof on the knob when she heard a slight sniffle, and when she looked back she was greeted with a colt with a sad pleading look seemed to say ‘Don’t leave me.’ Dash sighed.
“Ok, you can come.” 

The baby’s face lit up instantly. She trotted back to the foal. 

‘I guess I should name you if you’re staying,’ Dash thought for a moment. 

“What about Sky Blitz?” The baby shook his head. 

“Silver Boulder?” 

Again he shook his head. 

“Pip Squeak?” This time he grimaced. 

Dash began to rub her temples after trying several other names until she was down to only a few names running in her head

“Well I don’t know. Applejack could probably come up with a better name for you something earth related like Dust, Dirt, or Clay…”

The baby giggled at the last one. Dash rose an eyebrow. 

“Clay. You like that one?” 

The baby smiled at her and Dash did the same. 

“Okay, Clay it is!” 

Dash then picked baby Clay up and placed him in her saddle bag.  She then placed it on her back. There was still no way she was going to push him around in that thing. Dash walked back to the door opened it and checked back to see if Clay was secure, his head was visible out of one of the sides in her bag.

“Hold on tight, I don’t slow down for Nopony!” 

And with that she took off into the air, Clay giggling excitedly the whole way. 
	
	
	
	
	
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	

Things changed for Rainbow Dash as the years went by. 

She had finally accepted Clay as her adopted son; and when that day came, she was glowing with pride, which was a large turn from wanting him out of her life and not being able to stomach the thought of anything happening to him. Applejack would constantly tease Dash about how she was being so protective of Clay, and Dash would simply chuckle.

“Isn’t that what a mother does?” 

Dash had told Clay about him being adopted when he was old enough to talk and understand what was being said to him. She didn’t want him finding out at a point when he was too old or finding out from another pony somewhere. The talk was awkward and difficult for Dash, but she managed to say what needed to be said, and to Dash’s surprise he handled it rather well. That put most of Dash’s fears to rest.

Clay was now six years old and like most ponies at his age was trying to find his special talent and earn his cutie mark. In her early years, Dash would have suggested doing multiple and adventurous things to find it quicker, but that was before she had a colt of her own. And whenever he went out on his own she would secretly fly overhead to keep an eye on him.

Taking care of Clay the last six years had tested Dash as she tried being a mom and a Wonderbolt at the same time, but with the help of her friends and the passion; she had become one of the Wonderbolts. She managed to find some middle ground where she could still be part of the team and still spend plenty of time with her son. All in all she figured she had it pretty good right now. A high paying job that she loved, a loving son to come to when she was getting back from said job, and good friends there when she needed them. Yep, life was good for the cyan Pegasus; yet each year there was one thing she couldn’t keep down no matter how hard she tried.

“What if somepony claims him?” 

Each time that thought crossed her mind, her stomach would feel like it was doing somersaults. But tonight was not a night to worry about such things; tonight was a special night. Dash hurried to her home, flying in the night sky as fast as her wings would go. She was excited because she wanted to see her son, and she wasn’t stopping for anything, not even to change out of her Wonderbolt uniform.

Dash landed silently at the front door of her house folded her wings, and pushed past the front door to be greeted by her friend Twilight, who was reading a book; and Clay, who’s face lit up with joy at the sight of her.

“Mommy, mommy you’re back!” 

The little yellow Earth pony cried as he ran up to Dash, nuzzling her leg. Dash gave a warm smile.


“Of course I’m back squirt!” Dash said as she ruffled his mane, “did you behave yourself for Aunt Twilight today?”

“Yes, Mommy; it was so much fun today. Aunt Twilight showed me a book on how Pegasus-s-s could fly and make the weather,” The little earth pony squeaked up at her.

“You did? Was it awesome?” Dash said lifting him up onto her back. 

“Yah, it was totally awesome!” Clay shouted raising his hooves over his head. Then his face looked curious, “Hey Mommy, can you really control the weather like the others?”

Dash looked up at him, “Of course I can, I could clear the sky of clouds in ten seconds flat!”

Clay’s eyes widened in amazement. 

Twilight chuckled as she recalled Dash telling her the same thing when they first met. Clay gave a slight yawn covering his mouth with one of his hooves.

“I think it’s time somepony went to bed.” Twilight said glancing at Clay. 

“Aww, but Aunt Twilight; I’m not tired, and mommy just got home. Just a few more minutes please?”

Both Twilight and Clay looked to Dash for an answer. 

“Oh, alright you can stay up a little longer, but then you get to bed okay. Tomorrow is your big day.”

“Yay, thanks mommy.” Clay yelled hugging Dash around the neck before he jumped off her back and ran up the stairs to his room. Dash turned to Twilight.

“Does he suspect anything?” 

Twilight shook her head, “No, he was mostly interested in the book about the society of Pegasi.”

“Good I don’t want his surprise ruined before tomorrow.” 

She had been working on this surprise for Clay for a while. She knew Pinkie could keep a secret; especially when it came to surprises, but Twilight was a terrible liar. Twilight said goodnight, then left for home. Dash sighed from exhaustion then headed upstairs, went to her room and changed out of her uniform. She then trotted down the hall towards Clay's room, where she found him playing with his Spitfire and Soarin collectables, making whooshing noises as he made them do imaginary stunts. He began talking like an announcer.

“Spitfire and Soarin prepare to do their most exciting and most dangerous flight stunt ever, their pulling up at speeds of a bazillion miles per hour, Spitfire and Soarin go into a swan dive spiraling towards the ground what will they…look over there in the sky; it’s Rainbow Dash coming at full speed, she’s starting to break the sound barrier is she…could she…yes it is fillies and gentle colts it’s a Sonic Rainboom!”

He then did an imitation of an explosion, “The crowd goes wild!” 

Dash smiled as she saw Clay’s imagination run wild, it warmed her heart that he still made her the star of his imagination. He may not have been a Pegasus, but he loved the Wonderbolts as much as she did when she was his age. Actually, he found anything having to do with pegasi fascinating. She always found her kind interesting, but she had never seen an earth pony have so much interest in pegasi as much as Clay. From almost the very first moment he could talk, all he would do was ask questions about Dash’s pony race as if nothing else existed.

As Clay continued playing Dash knocked her hoof on the door a few times slightly, startling Clay due to him being so wrapped up in his little play.

“Sorry Clay I didn’t mean to scare you.” Dash said with a slight chuckle. 

Clay picked up his miniature Spitfire and Soarin figures and placed them on his nearby bed stand, then hopped into his bed resting his head on his pillow. Dash walked in and pulled the blanket over his body with her mouth; then she sat down next to him on the bed.

“So are you excited about turning seven tomorrow?” 

“Ah ha I’m gonna be a big pony soon!” Dash continued to smile at the young colt.

“Well not for a few more years, but you’ll get there soon enough.” 

Clay smiled and then turned his gaze to his mother’s Cutie Mark, he then gave a puzzled and slightly worried look.
“Mommy, when am I going to get my Cutie Mark?” 

Dash leaned in closer with a warm smile on her face 

“You’ll get there soon enough, now go to sleep.”   

She kissed him on the forehead got up and turned on his Wonderbolt night light, and started to leave the room; but as she went to the door to turn out his bedroom light Clay said something that made Dash stop in her tracks.

“Goodnight Mommy. I love you.” 

Her heart felt like it was going to explode. She knew he loved her, but this was the first time he had actually told her..."I love you." The words rang in her head and the joy she felt at that moment was…indescribable. She then turned to face him and in a small shaky voice she replied, “I love you too Clay.”

The yellow earth pony then turned over in his bed and drifted off to sleep. As Dash turned off the bedroom light a single tear rolled down her cheek. She walked back to her room leaving her door open slightly in case Clay had a nightmare, brushed her teeth, and got into her bed. But instead of falling asleep from her long tiring day performing tricks, she was now wide awake from the warmth she felt earlier. For a while she stared at the ceiling, unsure if she would ever be able to get to sleep. Dash soon found her mind wandering to multiple occasions she had with Clay, one in particular was Hearths Warming Eve; when she and Clay had gotten up to open their presents. Clay was overjoyed at Dash’s gift, the very toys he had been playing with earlier, but one thing puzzled her.

“Clay, why didn’t you ask for a Rainbow Dash toy to complete the set?” 

What he said next she would never forget as he replied. 

“I don’t need the toy I’ve got the real Rainbow Dash as my mom.” He then hugged Dash with a big smile on his face. That day she watched him play with those toys for hours, just watching with a happy smile on her face. That same smile reappeared on her face as she lay in bed in the present day, until finally Dash’s eyes grew heavy.  

“Tomorrow’s going to be a good day.” 

She finally drifted off to sleep herself with a smile on her face and a tear running down her cheek.
	 	
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clay woke up rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He then realized it was morning. He jumped down from his bed and ran excitedly to his mother’s room where he found her still asleep. Clay hopped upon her bed and began gently nudging her awake.

“Mommy…mommy wake up.” 

Dash stirred but was still asleep, Clay tried again nudging harder 

“Come on mommy you promised you’d be up for my birthday.” 

Dash shifted again and began muttering in her sleep, Clay leaned closer to her what Dash was saying.

“No Soarin I can’t do that with you I’m still tired from before and I need to get back to Clay.”

Clay looked down at his mother confused “What does Soarin want mommy to do?”   

He knew that she would have dreams of Soarin frequently and she would often talk about doing “Special” air tricks with him and once Clay had heard her mention apple bucking; Clay had heard of apple bucking from aunt Applejack, but mommy had never shown any interest in apple bucking before.

So why was she talking about it in her sleep? Still confused Clay began nudging Dash again.

“No mommy it’s me Clay!” 

Dash's eyes opened slowly. As they began to adjust she found herself looking at the smiling face of her son Clay.

“W-what Clay? Oh, good morning Sweetie.” 

Dash gave a loud yawn and started rubbing her eyes; she then kissed Clay on the cheek.

“Happy birthday.” 

“Thanks mommy!” Clay said excitedly, as he hugged his mother around her neck. 

“Can I start getting my presents now?” 

“Sure.” 

Dash gave another yawn; Clay hopped of the bed and ran down stairs to the living room while Dash forced herself to get out of the soft warm bed. Clay found his gifts which were placed in the center of the living room in a neat circle. There were five in all. he picked up the purple one first which read

‘Happy birthday Clay, love Aunt Twilight’ 

As Clay began shredding the paper he had a pretty good idea what it was. It was a book. He knew it, but it wasn’t like the others. Instead of something educational like she usually got him it was a science fiction adventure book in the shape of a blue box titled ‘The timeless adventures of Dr.Whooves: volume 10’.

Clay had never seen this book before, and on the cover it showed a brown earth pony with a neck tie and an hourglass cutie mark on his flank, in a blue box that said police call box holding a silver object in his mouth. Clay had no idea what this was about but he was eager to read it.

Next, he picked the large one from Aunt Applejack, which turned out to be a Stetson hat; much like the one Applejack herself wore. Clay tried on the hat, and found that it was a little big. Even though it fell past his eyes, he still loved it.

Next was Aunt Rarity’s, which was a saddle bag made from the finest silks and was speckled with small gemstones in the shape of a C. He knew that his mom would make him wear it later when they went to visit so he set it aside for now.

Next he opened Aunt Fluttershy’s gift, which was the tallest one. Fluttershy had given Clay a habitat with a small caterpillar climbing the wall. This got Clay excited but also worried. This was his first time taking care of anything other than himself, and his mother’s pet tortoise. He had seen butterflies before, but never had seen a caterpillar. An ugly worm transformed into something beautiful and majestic; the thought of witnessing that fascinated the little pony, who stared at the caterpillar crawling up the wall.

Finally, he opened Aunt Pinkie’s present which was also a book, only this one was about baking pastries. Clay had recently started baking with Pinkie. He was improving over time and now he could do it at home. With his mother’s supervision of course.

Dash had just come downstairs still looking tired and groggy, but still managed to put a smile on her face. As she saw Clay enjoy the gifts he had received, she looked at the slightly oversized hat on his head.

‘Applejack you won’t stop until he’s a regular cow pony like you, huh.’ Dash thought to herself laughing slightly.

It was at that time Clay had noticed something. 

“Where’s your present mommy?” Dash gave Clay a calm smile. 

“Well it’s not so much a present as a surprise.” Clays face lit up. 

“A surprise what is it, what is it!” 

Clay began jumping up and down clapping his front hooves together. 

“If I told you it wouldn’t be a surprise now would it, squirt.” 

Clay’s face became a frown or at least that’s what it looked like under the hat.

“Come on its outside.” 

Clay trotted up to Dash and both of them left the house. Clay trotted along Dash, while she hovered just barely off the ground leading him through Ponyville and giving the occasional wave or nod to a fan or one of her friends from when she was a weather pony. Clay simply stayed next to her.

It used to be that racing and going fast was everything to Dash and as far as the Wonderbolts were concerned that was still true. But when it came to Clay she just didn’t have the heart to race him. She could have easily won any race against her son with or without her wings, yet each time she let him win. It gave her an odd sense of satisfaction to see her own son ‘beat’ her at a race; something she would have asked a rematch for in her younger days.

The same applied with her flying. She would never fly too high for Clay unless she had to get somewhere. Otherwise she simply walked or just stayed high enough off the ground for Clay to still reach her.

Finally, Dash led him to a secluded spot in Ponyville away from prying eyes. Clay wasn’t sure what this surprise was and he was starting to get nervous; however Dash landed softly next to him and smiled down at him. The gesture making any fear he had in him gone. After waiting for several minutes, Dash began to get annoyed.

“Oh where are they! Probably trying to make a fashionably late entrance!” 

Clay wasn’t sure who his mother was talking about and was about to ask when they both heard a feminine voice.

“No Rainbow Dash, that’s your thing remember?” 

Clay looked around. His jaw dropped; standing right in front of them was none other than Spitfire and Soarin themselves. He had seen Spitfire and Soarin before, when he was in the VIP box at their events so he could watch his mother perform, but he had never seen them this close before. They weren’t wearing their uniforms, but Clay could easily recognize them. From Spitfire’s yellow fiery mane and tail and Soarin’s Dark blue one. Clay’s heart began to thump in his chest. The fact that his two idols were standing right there was almost too much for him. Then a sense of shyness overwhelmed him. He slowly backed away, hiding behind his mother. Soarin and Spitfire were busy talking to Dash, not noticing the yellow earth pony hiding from sight.

“So where is the little guy Rainbow?” Dash looked to her side to see that Clay was no longer there.

For the brief moment she panicked, until her back leg brushed against something small and soft. As she looked down she saw her son cowering behind her.

“Come on Clay, they flew all the way from Cloudsdale just to meet you.” 

“Really?” 

Spitfire heard a small voice squeak behind her coworker. 

“Really. Now come out so we can see you.” Spitfire said encouragingly. 

Slowly and timidly the earth pony poked his head out, and then his body, standing beside his mother. slowly raised his head to meet his heroes in the eye.

“Well would you look at that, he really does exist!” Soarin said surprised. 

“Yeah and you owe me ten bits when we get back.” Spitfire said giving a sideways glance at him.

The two ponies then turned their attention to the colt in front of them. 

“So your mom tells us you’re a fan, huh?” 

“Y-yes m-miss Spitfire.” 

Spitfire gave him a surprised look. 

“Miss Spitfire? Well aren’t you formal for a little colt.” 

Clay looked at his mother, “What does formal mean Mommy?” 

“It means your polite sweetie.” 

Clay was pleased that he was making a good first impression to his heroes. 

“So are you doing well in school?” Soarin said to the colt. 

“Yes Sir I do all my homework and I’m never late!” Clay was becoming more comfortable around Spitfire and Soarin.

“And your mother tells us that it’s you seventh birthday today that true?” 

“Yep!” Clay said enthusiastically. 

“Has it been fun so far?” Spitfire Continued. 

“It has been fun, and now that I met you guys, it’s perfect!” 

Soarin, Spitfire, and Dash laughed. 

“Well glad we could help.” Soarin said. 

Clay then turned to his mother and then hugged her as hard as he could. 

“Thank you Mommy. This is the best birthday ever!” 

Both Spitfire and Soarin gave heartwarming smiles at the sight. 

“Well isn’t that the sweetest thing ever.” Said Spitfire. 

Soarin nodded “And it’s not over yet. There’s still one more thing for your birthday surprise.”

Clay looked back at the two Wonderbolts, “There’s more?” 

Spitfire then reached behind her wing and pulled out a large paper roll with her mouth, and then with a flick of her head it unrolled; revealing a Wonderbolt poster which was signed by Spitfire and Soarin. If Clay’s jaw could have dropped any lower, it would have dislocated.

“It’s yours kid, enjoy.” Said Soarin. 

Without thinking, Clay ran up to grab the poster. And then to everyone’s surprise, he hugged Spitfire around the leg with a big smile on his face. Dash had a worried look on her face and Spitfire looked stunned, but then it turned into a smile.

Clay then let go, putting the poster in his new saddle bag. 

“Thank you Miss Spitfire and Mister Soarin; I’ve got to show Dinky this!” 

As Clay ran off, Dash approached her two fellow Wonderbolts. 

“I’m sorry guys he just gets so excited some times.” 

Spitfire simply smiled, “Don’t worry about it, besides me and Soarin should get used to that soon.”

Dash gave a puzzled look, “What do you mean?” 

Spitfire and Soarin got closer to each other and gave each other a suspicious smile, and then Spitfire looked at Rainbow Dash beaming with pride.

“We’re going to have a foal.” 

Now it was Dashes turn to have her jaw drop, “Congratulations you two!” 

Soarin grinned back at Dash, “Yeah we’re pretty excited about having a little pony running around.”

Dash allowed a small smile creep on her face thinking about all the “responsibilities” of raising a foal she had learned while raising Clay.

“This is a pretty big step in a relationship, what brought it up?” 

Spitfire gave Dash an embarrassed glance, “Well, to be honest Dash, you did.” 

Dash was taken aback by what she had heard, “Me, why me?” 

“Well, at first we thought that you taking care of Clay was a big inconvenience for you and was distracting you from your training.”

Spitfire then gave a warm smile to her fellow Wonderbolt, “But as time went on, you actually seemed happier and when you mentioned all the things that Clay would do with you I got… jealous.”

Dash gave Spitfire a confused look, “You were jealous… of me?” 

Spitfire nodded, “Clay is such a cute and wonderful Colt Dash, and we wanted to experience that too.”

Dash stared back at her coworker, “Well, if you think you can handle it, more power to you.”

Spitfire then began nuzzling Soarin’s neck as he spoke to Dash, “Thanks Dash, and don’t worry about Clay; we think he’s going to make a great stallion someday.”

And with that, the two Wonderbolts took off with lightning speed. 

Dash however just stood there, “Great there goes my last chance to be with Soarin.”

Dash lowered her head. She knew that Spitfire and Soarin were a couple, but they had always had an on and off relationship. Secretly Dash had hoped that Soarin and Spitfire would eventually split up and not get back together, and then she would get together with him. She had been looking for a mate for a while, but having a foal gave her limited options; and Soarin had always been her favorite choice.

Now he wasn’t even an option. If he and Spitfire were willing to have a foal of their own, then there was no chance of making him Clay’s step father. Dash looked up at the clouds and gave a sad sigh.

“Oh, well, that’s that.” 


Clay ran through town running as fast as his little legs could carry him looking for his friend Dinky Hooves. They had met in kindergarten and became fast friends for several reasons. First they were both blank flanks so they could identify from that; second, both were raised by single moms that were both Pegasi; and third, even though that they weren’t the same race of pony as their moms they were loved very much by them.

After several minutes of searching Clay finally spotted Dinky with her mother Ditzy Hooves or ‘Derpy’ as most called her. Ditzy was easy to spot from her Cutie Mark in the shape of bubbles, her blonde mane and tail, and her most outstanding feature which were her unaligned retinas. Dinky was a grayish purple with the same blonde mane and tail as her mother, but unlike her mother, she was a unicorn.

Dinky saw Clay and waved at him. Clay waved back and trotted over to the two ponies.

“Hi Dinky, hi miss Ditzy.” 

Dinky replied back but her mother was silent, it wasn’t that she couldn’t talk, but rather she was a mare of few words. Instead she gave a wave and a friendly smile to Clay.

“Happy Birthday, Clay!” Dinky said as she gave her friend a hug. 

“Thanks Dinky. Hey do you want play today, I got some cool presents from my aunts and…a surprise.”

Dinky turned to her mother from her mother, her eyes made her hard to read some times, but the nod she gave was more than enough to get Dinky excited and start running off towards Ponyville. As Clay was about to run off to catch up with Dinky, he found himself being held back by Ditzy. As he turned around thinking he had done something wrong, Clay was relieved to see Ditzy hold out one of her trademark muffins as an offering.
“What’s this for?” Clay unintentionally said out loud. 

Ditzy simply smiled and replied “Birthday muffin.” 

Clay took the muffin, thanked Ditzy, and ran off to catch up with Dinky. 



“Well, come on what’s the surprise Clay?” Dinky said unable to hold her excitement.

Clay had led her to the outskirts of Ponyville, far enough to be out of town, but close enough to still be seen by anypony close by. Clay looked from side to side making sure no one was watching then he reached into his new saddle bag and pulled out the poster Spitfire had given him. As he unrolled it Dinky’s eyes widened in amazement.

“Wow a Wonderbolts poster signed by Spitfire and Soarin, did your mom get you this?”

Clay shook his head, “Nope, Spitfire herself gave it to me.” 

Dinky’s eyes got even wider, “Spitfire is here!” 

“Sorry Dinky I think I saw her fly off earlier when I was looking for you.” 

“Oh, well that’s okay you got to meet your idols, and get an autograph from them. You’re going to be the most popular pony in school tomorrow.”

“There’s no way a ground walker like you will ever be popular!” 

Both Dinky and Clay tensed up they knew who that voice belonged to. A dark blue Pegasus with yellow eyes, a white mane and tail with a single dark blue stripe, and a Cutie Mark in the shape of pairs of wings going at sonic speeds on his flank came up to them, with a sense of arrogance and self-entitlement. His name was Sky Tearer; but to his victims, which were usually earth ponies and unicorns, he was called “Sky Terror”.

His family had a long running history of being in the Wonderbolts. His father, his grandfather, and so on all belong to the group. So of course, he believed he was a sure win for the Wonderbolts; however he took it to the extreme; caring very little for the safety of others, especially ponies that could not fly. He looked down at them, as if they were ants to be squashed and his favorite ants were Clay and Dinky. Out of the three of them he was the oldest.

As he approached the nervous filly and colt he looked at the poster that Clay held in his mouth, and gave an irritated glance “You know what I love about the Wonderbolts? How they are so generous to charity cases like you Clay.”

“He’s not a charity case!” Dinky shouted getting between Clay and Sky. 

Sky simply glanced down with a smug look,“ Like you would know, I mean your mom’s a freak with those eyes of hers; I bet she can’t even fly straight half the time.”

Sky gave a cold laugh as he threw his head back “You two don’t even have dads. Clay was adopted so he has an excuse, but your dad must have grown a brain and decided to leave while he still could.”

At this point tears had begun to form in Dinky’s eyes, “Y-you s-shut up about my mommy!”

“Or what she’ll crash into me when she tries to take off?” He laughed again. 

Dinky was on the point of a breaking down as she hung her head, tears falling to the ground below; Clay was filled with anger at what he was seeing and then placed himself between Sky and Dinky.
“SHUT UP, DITZY IS A GREAT MOM AND SO IS MINE!” 
Sky looked down at the small colt, “Oh, yeah Rainbow Dash is a great mom and Wonderbolt…for a filly fooler.”

Sky threw his head back and laughed even harder, Clay had no idea what filly fooler meant but he had heard that word whispered behind his mother’s back a few times. When he asked his mom what it meant she would simply tell him that it was a word to describe certain mares that was meant to be hurtful, and that she would tell him what it meant when he was older. Sky continued on with his rant when he caught his breath, “It’s sad really. Your mom the ‘great’ Rainbow Dash and she doesn’t have anyone to follow in her hoof steps…well for right now anyway,” Sky said giving an evil smirk.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Clay said, still filled with rage. 

“Think about it. You’re a dirty earth pony; she’s a Pegasus. How is she supposed to leave a legacy if her only colt can’t fly…unless she gets another pony child like her so she can replace you?”

The words stung Clay, “SHUT UP! MY MOMMY LOVES ME AND WOULD NEVER REPLACE ME!” 

Tears were beginning to form in his eyes now, as Sky scoffed. 

“Please. She just took you because she wanted to look like a hero, and then when she couldn’t find anypony else to take you she got stuck with you until further notice. She doesn’t love you; you’re just a burden on Equestria’s ‘greatest’ flyer.” Again Sky laughed.

Clay felt angrier than before, not only had Sky insulted his friend and her mother, but to say anything bad about his mother was enough to make him do something most ponies his age wouldn’t dare to do. He lowered his head, kicked up some dirt with his right front hoof and charged head long into the still laughing Pegasus. Sky was thrown on his back with a loud oomph, while Clay landed on his rump shaking his head from the collision. Sky got up and looked at the still dazed earth pony in front of him with daggers in his eyes, “Why you little unwanted dirt eating mule!”

Sky then charged at Clay and knocked him back several feet in the air before he hit the ground with a loud thud, Dinky could only watch the whole scene happen before her as she looked at the motionless Clay lay on his side. She ran up to him shaking him with a hoof, “Clay, Clay are you okay? Say something!”

Clay opened his eyes and shook his head, while Sky ran over to Clay’s saddle bag that fallen to the ground. He picked it up and flew up to a nearby tree and placed it in a branch, but not before taking the Wonderbolt poster with him as well.

“I’ll be taking this with me! Something this divine shouldn’t be in the hooves of somepony as filthy as you!”

Clay looked on with pain filled eyes while Sky flew off into the distance…with his most prized possession. Dinky walked slowly to Clay trying to think of something to make him feel better.

“Clay, are you alright?” She said placing a hoof on his shoulder. Clay continued to stare at the sky with a look of hopelessness.

“Come on let’s get your mom and we’ll tell her what happened.” Clay suddenly snapped out of his trance and looked at Dinky with terror.

“Oh, no my mom will kill me when she finds out what happened. I’ll be grounded forever!”

Clay covered his face with his hooves tears forming in his eyes, then he looked up at the tree holding his saddle bag and started to walk to it.

“Clay what are you doing!” 

Clay placed his hoofs on the stump and started to climb his way up. 

“Clay please come down you’re going to get hurt!” 

Clay wasn’t listening; he was following his single-minded determination to get his bag back. Dinky started to pace back and forth nervously, until finally she took off to find somepony talk some sense into him.   
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Dash was at Sugar Cube Corner talking to Pinkie Pie about making sure that the rest of the day went as planned.

“So you and the others know what to do right?” 

“Of course, Dashie! Geez you act like I don’t know how this works by now.” 

Dash gave Pinkie an apologetic look “Sorry Pinkie it’s just that…” 

Dash was interrupted when Dinky came barging in. 

“Rainbow Dash, come quick!” She said franticly as she looked around the room. 

“What’s wrong Dinky?” Asked Dash, worried. 

“It’s Clay, he’s doing something dangerous!” 

Dash’s eyes widened as she thought of Clay being in danger. 

“Where is he Dinky!?” 

“He’s climbing a tree just outside Ponyville.” 

Without even asking which one, Dash had flown out of Sugar Cube Corner faster than she ever had before in her life leaving Pinkie and the other ponies baffled. She hovered over Ponyville for several seconds and scanned the area until she spotted what looked like a yellow spot on a rather tall tree not too far from Ponyville. Dash took off again, the wind whistling in her ears as she desperately tried to get to her son.

Clay had climbed trees before, but he had to admit as he slowly edged himself closer to his new saddle bag just dangling inches away from his hoof; that climbing this tree was definitely harder than any other tree before this one.

Still he had come this far and the bag was right there all he had to do was grab it, climb down, and then try to explain to his mom how he lost the poster. As Clay edged his hoof closer to the bag he could just barely grasp the fabric. He moved closer and closer still; until he finally got a good hold on it.

“Gotcha!” Clay exclaimed as he grabbed the saddle bag. 

He gave it a tug but found that it was still caught on the branch. Slightly frustrated he gave the bag another harder tug, but the branch held on to the silk saddle bag still. Clay continued to tug the saddle bag until the branch snapped from the pressure and pulled both the saddle bag and Clay back down to the hard ground below.

Clay screamed or at least he thought he did as the wind rushed passed his ears he couldn’t really hear anything, his heart was racing faster than he thought possible, as he saw the ground begin to get closer and closer.

“This is it.” Clay thought as everything seemed to slow down around him. 

He shut his eyes and awaited the fall hoping that if it did end his life he at least wouldn’t feel it. He did feel something and the sensation made him yelp, but not from pain but rather from surprise. Clay opened his eyes and was relieved and terrified to see that he had been caught by his Mother, who was slowly lowering him down safely on his two hind legs.


Dash released him so he would fall on all fours. Clay was silent as his mother landed behind him, and he knew he was in trouble. He didn’t want to look his mom in the eye, but he knew he had to eventually. Slowly he began to turn around still not looking at her. All he could see were her four cyan blue legs standing up, and then he slowly and regrettably raised his head and met his mother’s eyes. She was mad, no…furious was more accurate. Her usual warm magenta eyes were now replaced by a cold hard stare that Clay had never seen before, and he didn’t like it.

He kept his gaze but didn’t speak; his voice was lost in his throat. Finally, after what felt like ages of silence his mother spoke.

“WHAT IN EQUESTRIA WERE YOU THINKING CLAY! DO YOU REALIZE WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF DINKY HADN’T COME AND GOTTEN ME?” Clay flinched at the volume of his mother’s voice but still said nothing, “You’re not like mommy Clay, you could have gotten yourself killed! Do you know how upset you would have made me if you had died? DO YOU?!”

Dash stopped to take a breath and awaited her sons reply. For awhile he said nothing, for in Clays mind one phrase echoed in his mind.

‘You’re not like mommy.’ He knew he was adopted and had come to accept that and was comforted by the fact that his Mother loved him, but for the first time in his life he truly realized how different he really was from his mother. Dash continued to wait for a response; finally Clay looked back up at his mother his eyes full of tears as he said in a shaky voice, “I’m sorry mommy.”

He then buried his head in her chest as he continued to sob, Dash gave a sigh and then looked down at Clay giving a small smile, and she started stroking his mane.

“It’s okay Clay; I’m just glad you’re safe. I didn’t mean to yell at you that much.”

Clay began to settle down slightly, but he was still very upset. 

“Come on let’s get you to Aunt Twilight, Mommy has some things to do with the Wonderbolts.”

Clay wiped the tears from his bloodshot eyes, while Dash looked up at the tree. 

“What were you doing up there anyway?” 

Clay pointed to his new saddle bag, which had been undamaged from the fall. 

“How did that get up there?” Dash asked, confused. 

“Sky Tearer,” Clay whispered. 

“Oh, him again,” Dash said with an irritated look. 

Dash took Clay to Twilight’s library. Spike was the one who answered the door. 

“Dash...Clay. What’s up?” 

“Hey Spike do you mind if I drop Clay off for a few hours while I get together with the Wonderbolts?”

“Sure thing RD, let me just get Twilight.” 

As Spike ran upstairs to inform Twilight of the situation, Dash led Clay into the lobby,

“Now behave for Aunt Twilight you little squirt, okay?” 

Clay smiled for the first time since he was saved by his mother. Whenever she called him ‘squirt’, it usually meant that she was happy with him.

“Sure Mommy.” 

At this time Twilight came down the stairs, a happy expression on her face. 

“Hi Aunt Twilight!” Clay shouted as he ran up to her. 

“Hi Clay,” She gave him a hug, “did you like the book I got you?” 

“I didn’t get a chance to read it yet.” 

Twilight looked slightly saddened. 

“Oh, well that’s okay. I’m sure you’ll like it, my father read this series when he was your age and then I read them, and I remembered how you said how much you liked adventure stories so I got you the latest one.” Clay looked astounded.

“Your dad read those when he was a colt?” 

Twilight nodded, “It’s a very popular series Clay, all the way from Trottingham with the British ponies.”

Now he was even more excited about the book. 

“Well I hate to drop him off on you Twilight, but you know the Wonderbolts,” Dash said as she started to head for the door.

“It’s no trouble at all Rainbow Dash.” 

With that she kissed Clay on the forehead and left Twilights home where the sound of flapping wings soon followed. Clay spent most of his time with Twilight placing books back in their proper place. It wasn’t the most fun thing to do but he loved helping his Aunts do whatever they needed him to do.

Finally after an hour, Twilight trotted over to Clay as she noticed that he was looking tired.

“Hey Clay do you want to take a quick nap until your mom gets back?” 

Clay normally would have refused. He hated sleeping and wanted to stay up as long as possible, but he had been drained from the climb up the tree and the near death experience. So he nodded his head and headed to the guest room, got into bed and rested his head on the soft pillow and before he realized it Clay was asleep.


Clay was standing in his home, from what he could tell it was bright and sunny outside, the sound of birds could be heard outside singing their usual happy melody’s, he couldn’t remember how he had gotten home, but he realized something was off. Everything had a grayish tint to it and the house itself was dead quiet save for the noises outside. Clay began to search around the house.

“Mom! Mommy…are you home?” 

There was no answer Clay was starting to get worried as he searched every room until he reached his mother’s room and saw that she wasn’t there either. Now Clay was in full panic, he had never been alone at home before. He always had his aunt’s or mother with him. Clay started to hyperventilate when he heard the sound of flapping wings outside the window, Clay raced down the stairs faster than he thought he could and flung open the door; his face lit up as he saw his mother standing outside.

“Mommy!” Clay shouted starting to run up to her, but then he stopped when he got a closer look at her face. She looked sad, not crying, but still sad.

“What’s wrong mommy?” Clay asked worried. She didn’t answer. His mother simply stared at him with the saddest face he had ever seen from her, and then she suddenly turned and began to walk away

“Mommy where are you going?” 

She still didn’t reply and continued walking away, Clay then began run after her, but the more her ran farther she seemed to be. Then after about ten seconds, she stopped walking and began to fly off the ground, causing Clay to panic.

“Mommy I can’t fly, don’t go, please!” 

She didn’t answer or even look back at him; she just flew off farther and farther until Clay could barely see her.

“Come back mommy, please don’t go, please, please don’t go mommy!” 


“Clay, wake up Clay.” 

Clay snapped his eyes open and was greeted by the worried face of his Aunt Twilight.

“Clay are you okay, Sweetie? You were having a bad dream.” 

Clay looked around and saw that he was still in the guest room, and then he realized that his face was damp apparently he had been crying in his sleep. Clay simply shook his head at Twilight.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Twilight asked softly, again Clay shook his head. Twilight had never seen Clay so upset before and the state she saw him in nearly broke her heart. She then hugged him hoping to ease his mind, but Clay still sobbed slightly.

“I think I know what might cheer you up.” She lifted him up and placed him on the ground.

“Come on, let’s get you home.” Clay didn’t say a word as he picked up his saddle bag and walked out the door with Twilight, he felt like he was going to be sick but nothing happened so he continued on with his Aunt.

It was now night time and Princess Luna’s moon shone brightly in the sky making it easier for both Twilight and Clay to find their way to his home, most of the shops were closed and all of the ponies seemed to be asleep by now. Finally the two ponies reached their destination, the house had no lights on except for the front door lamp, Twilight opened the door and stepped aside so Clay could walk past her; his head hung low as he entered the door way.

As he walked in Clay was soon startled by the lights flicking on and the thunderous “SURPRISE!” That accompanied it.

Popping out from behind furniture were various friends and ‘Family’ members including Dinky and Ditzy, as well as the now teenage Cutie Mark Crusaders Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. Standing in front of him were his Aunt’s: Apple Jack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie (who had a party horn in her teeth), Spike, and Twilight who had joined the group.

Clay would have been excited with this being his first surprise birthday party, however he began to feel a wave of familiar panic in his chest as he looked around the room.

“Where’s Mommy!?” Before he could get a response everything went dark causing him to jump, then he heard a familiar voice.

“Guess who, squirt?” 

Rainbow Dash had snuck up behind Clay and had placed her hooves around his eyes to surprise him, when she lowered her hooves so Clay could see he turned around to face her. The reaction she got from her son was not the one she was expecting as his expression went from shocked, to tear filled as he flung himself into Dash’s chest and began sobbing loudly. Immediately the party atmosphere evaporated in the room as every pony there looked at Dash with concern. Dash caught off guard by what had happened looked down at the bawling colt that was hugging her tightly.

“Clay what’s wrong did we scare you?” 

Clay spoke, but whatever he was saying was muffled by Dash's fur. 

“What was that?” Dash said as she leaned in closer, again Clay’s speech was muffled.

“Clay, I can’t hear you. What’s wrong?” Finally Clay lifted his head from his mother’s chest and with teary eyes he looked at her.

“I-I *sniff* thought I’d never *sniff* see you again, Mommy!” 

Dash gave Clay a surprised look. 

“Why would you think you’d never see me again?” 

For a few moments, Clay just stared at her with tears streaming down his face. Then he started again his voice shaking and taking big sobs in-between his words.

“I-I thought that you were m-mad at me and w-wanted to replace me with another Pegasus pony so t-that you could have somepony take your place as a-a Wonderbolt. And…and then I-I had a d-dream where you f-flew away and left me alone.”

Clay then buried his face in Dash’s chest again who at this point was at a total loss for words as she looked at her friends who all looked absolutely heartbroken at what they were witnessing.

“Clay, Mommy would never leave you. Why would you think that I wanted to replace you?” Dash asked, still not sure what to make of the situation. Once again Clay raised his head.

“BECAUSE I’M NOT LIKE YOU, MOMMY!” 

Clay once again buried his head into his mother. Dash’s eyes went wide as she remembered earlier that day when she shouted at Clay when he fell out of the tree. She looked down at her son.

“Is that what you’re so upset about?” 

Clay simply nodded his head still keeping it hidden. Dash began to feel disgusted with herself for yelling at him earlier. Tears began to form in her eyes as she realized how much pain she had caused him. She never wanted to hurt him this much and yet she had. Clay took his head out of his mothers fur, and looked at her with tear filled eyes.

"I'll be good mommy I promise. Please don't leave me and fly away."

Tears began to escape Dash's eyes as she looked down at Clay before she wrapped her front legs around Clay pulling him in a tight hug.

"I would never leave you Clay...you're my son."

Dash wasn’t usually so open with her emotions, but she realized that Clay didn’t need Rainbow Dash the fastest flyer, or the Wonderbolt; but Rainbow Dash, his mother.

As mother and son hugged, the atmosphere in the room had changed dramatically again. The rest of the mane six had tears running down their faces, especially Pinkie who had tears shooting out her eyes like a fountain. Apple Jack had pulled her hat over her eyes but it was still obvious that she was just as upset as the others. Rarity was hugging Fluttershy as they both sniffled, while Twilight, and even Spike who was beside her; cried.

Twilight was one of the smartest and most gifted unicorns in Equestria, yet right now she felt like such a fool for thinking she could just cheer up her ‘nephew’ so easily. In the background Dinky and her mother had also began to hug, wanting to show that while they were different types of ponies, they still loved each other very much and even the Crusaders weren’t immune to the emotions that were emanating in the room, as they all hugged each other.

Finally Dash released Clay, but still had her hooves on his shoulders as she looked down at him tears still in her eyes as she spoke to him.

“Clay I am so sorry for making you feel like I didn’t love you. I’m sorry about today, Mommy was just scared that's all.”
Clay looked up at her, sniffling. 

“Clay, I love you whether you’re a pegasus or a unicorn or an earth pony, I love you just the way you are.”

Clay rubbed his eyes as he looked into his mother’s magenta ones. 

“But…I can’t fly mommy. You have to stay on the ground because I don’t have wings.”

Dash looked at him sadly, tears still falling down her face. 

“I don’t care about that Clay. Mommy loves you no matter what, and I promise I’ll never yell at you again.” Clay looked up at his mother and in a small voice he asked “You promise?”

Dash smiled down at Clay to reassure him. 

“I promise. As long as you promise not to climb anymore trees.” 

Finally a smile returned to Clays face as he hugged his mother again and Dash did the same.

“I promise, Mommy.” 

The room filled with happy sighs as the sadness began to disappear from the room. It got quiet and then Pinkie spoke up making everypony jump.

“Hey what are we all sad about; it’s a party, so let party!” She then threw a hooful of confetti into the air, instantly restoring the intended energized party atmosphere.

Soon after, Clay had gone around talked to all his friends and thanked his aunts for the presents Pinkie brought out a small cake that she and the cake twins had worked on for Clay. Clay looked down at the cake with seven candles sticking out of the frosting; the flames seemed to dance as every pony gathered around.

“Make a wish! Make a wish!” Pinkie said excitedly as she hopped up and down. Clay looked to his mother who nodded.

“Go ahead sweetie.” 

Clay then brought his face back to the cake and focused on what he wanted most, then he took a deep inhale and with one blow extinguished the candles, everypony clapped then Twilight asked, “What did you wish for?”

But Pinkie objected “He can’t tell you otherwise it won’t come true!” 

Twilight rolled her eyes. After they cut into the cake Dash pulled Clay away from the others and pulled out to his amazement the Wonderbolt poster that Sky had stolen. Clay took it and then stared at his mother dumb struck.

“How…” He started to ask, Dash gave a smug smile. 

“I had a little…talk with Sky after I left you with Twilight.” 

Clay looked at his mother with glistening eyes and then gave her a big hug as best he could.

“You’re the best Mommy.” He said happily. 

Dash beamed down at him and wrapped one of her hooves around him giving a light hug.


Finally as all the guests finished having their cake they all said their goodbyes, Dash carried Clay up to his room as he was half asleep at this point. She pulled back his sheets, gently laid him down, and then pulled the sheets back over him.

Then she sat on the edge of his bed and slowly stroked his mane with a motherly smile on her face. Clay was fading in and out of consciousness, but he could still feel his mother through his hair causing him to have a dreamy smile. Dash kissed him on the forehead and said in a quiet whisper.

“I love you, Clay.” 

Clay opened his eyes half way while responding. 

“I love you too mommy” 

Dash got up turned off his bedside lamp, turned on his nightlight, and started to leave the room when suddenly she stopped and turned to him.

“What did you wish for anyway?” 

Clay replied with a yawn half dreaming half awake “To have wings like you mommy.”

Dash stood there her face expressionless, until a small tear began to roll down her cheek. It was hard for her to imagine that six years ago she was worried that the foal she had saved and resented at first would be stop her from reaching the top; was now the one thing that mattered to her more than anything…even the Wonderbolts. She then turned back to the door and slowly shut it behind her as Clay drifted off to sleep. As Dash walked to her room she whipped the tear from her face and said to herself with a slight sob.

“Darn it, being a mom’s made me sappy.” 

> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

~Years later~ 


“Clay, wake up. Aunt Applejack needs you at Sweet Apple Acres.” 

Dash prodded the pony shaped lump in Clay’s bed, which in turn squirmed and muttered something she didn’t quite catch. She poked it again with a hoof. Again it muttered something but this time she could hear it.

“Five more minutes, Mom.” 

Dash shook her head, “What happened to the colt that loved getting up in the morning to help his Aunt Applejack?”

“He learned that he didn’t like to get up at the crack of dawn.” 

Clay pulled the sheets closer to his body. Dash was losing her patience grabbed the sheets with her hooves and gave a hard yank revealing an adolescent yellow earth pony, who let out an annoyed groan as the light hit his eyes.

“Come on Clay you know Applejack hates slackers,” Dash said as she gave a disapproving look.

Clay gave another sigh and started getting up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes while his mother left the room.

“Since when is getting up at the break of dawn considered slacking?” Clay said aloud.

He picked up the Stetson hat that Apple Jack had given him and placed it on his head. As Clay walked down the stairs, still feeling tired he saw his mother making her breakfast. Clay didn’t bother seeing if there was any for him, for Applejack usually served breakfast for him when he went there for work. As he headed for the door, Dash walked up to him and kissed him on the cheek.

“Have a good day Clay,” She said happily. 

“I will mom thanks.” He kissed her goodbye and left to head for Sweet Apple Acres. Clay was still tired, making the walk there feel even longer.

“If only I could fly like Mom,” Clay thought to himself as he continued on his way. Soon Sweet Apple Acres came into view as he started climbing uphill. Applejack and Big Mac were already up bucking the apple trees and collecting the apples that fell, when Applejack noticed Clay.

“Well look who decided to join us Big Mac!” Big Mac glanced over but didn’t say anything as Clay approached.

“Morning *Yawn* Aunt Applejack,” Clay said as walked up to a tree. He kicked it as hard as he could with his back legs, causing all the apples to fall and land in the buckets. 

“Shoot Clay, that hat makes you look like one handsome stallion when yeh work!” Applejack said smiling at her nephew

“I sure hope so Aunt Applejack, you did give it to me.”

Apple Jack smiled, “Why ah remember when tha hat was too big fer your head and now look; fits like ah saddle.”


Clay continued to buck the next tree until the buckets were full. Then he would carry them down to the apple cellar. This continued for the next few hours until every tree in that acre was empty of apples.

Soon the bell was rung and Apple Bloom could be heard from the house. 

“Soups on, everypony!” 
Clay began walking to the farm. The aroma of pancakes and apple slices made Clay realize just how hungry he was. He sat at the table with Big Mac, Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith. Clay had some apple juice and pancakes, while thinking about what he would do with the rest of his day.

‘Visit Dinky…No, she was on vacation with her mom. Help one of my Aunts? I’ve done that today already. Spend time with mom? No, she’s got to train the rookies today.’ Clay gave a slight groan as he cut into his pancakes.


After he finished, he left the house and still feeling tired, he spied a tree that looked rather inviting.

‘They probably won’t mind if I take a quick snooze,’ Clay thought to himself as he propped his back against the tree and tilted his hat at an angle so the light didn’t get in his eyes.

But just as he started to drift off to sleep, a loud whistle startled him. 

“What the hay was that?” Clay murmured, confused. 

He looked around and saw nothing.  He had almost fallen back asleep when he heard the sound again. He shook his head as he searched his surroundings then he saw it, a blurred streak zipped past the sky so fast he didn’t even get a chance to tell what it was. Then he saw it again.

“Mom?” Clay said, knowing only his mother to go that fast. But as he caught another glimpse, he saw that the streak wasn’t his Mother’s rainbow color; but instead a solid pink one.

“What in Equestria is that?” Clay said, getting up to investigate. 

The pink streak kept coming back and forth faster and faster, until Clay thought his eyes were going to fall out of his head just from following it. Then the pink streak lost control and crashed not far from where he was. Clay galloped to the sight of the crash, which was behind a pair of bushes that he pushed his way through.

“Ow, that smarts! Damn it; I almost had it that time!” The filly Pegasus shouted.

Realizing that she could be hurt, Clay pushed his way through the bushes. But when he reached the other side he stopped dead in his tracks.

The light pink pegasus filly no older than him, with a blue mane and tail stood in the center of a small crater; which Clay assumed was where she crashed. Her eyes were a dark purple, and as he looked at her flank; he saw that she had a Cutie Mark with two blue bolts. The filly hadn’t noticed him. As she dusted herself off and gave a frustrated sigh. She had a look on her face that seemed oddly familiar to Clay, and even the way her mane was done had Clay feel like he had seen it before it was…long and unkempt much like his Mother’s mane. In fact that same smug look on the fillies’ face was the same his mother got when she was about to fly some crazy daredevil maneuver; which meant that this Pegasus whoever she was loved going fast.

Clay couldn’t take his eyes off of the filly, even though he knew it was impolite. As he watched his heart began to race like he had ran a race with Applejack, and he found that he was beginning to sweat. He wanted to meet this filly but as he took a step, he snapped a twig. He then proceeded to hide in the bush as the filly turned around.

“Who’s there?! Show yourself before I buck you into last week!” The pegasus shouted, her eyes darting back and forth. Clay kept himself hidden, afraid to be seen by her.

“If you’re planning on getting the drop on me, forget it! I know your there!” The filly shouted at the bush’s. When she didn’t get a response, she nervously shrugged and took off into the air. She gave a quick look at the ground, and when she saw nopony there she flew off into the distance. Clay slowly poked his head out of the bushes and sighed.

‘Who was that?’ He thought as he emerged from the bush. 

As Clay thought about the Pegasus he had just seen. Applejack began calling him and he ran in her direction.

“There yeh are Clay! I thought you done left to be with yer mom or somthin.” 

Clay said nothing as Apple Jack continued. 

“Anyway, we’re almost done. We just need ta take a quick inventory and then yer free to go!”

As Apple Jack walked down to the apple cellar, Clay stood where he was and looked at the sky thinking about the filly again. About how she made his heart race, and how nervous he got when he saw her. And that’s when it hit him, for the first time in his life he…was in love.
 
> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Doctor stumbled into the Tardis, the dark magic working its way through his body. He walked silently through its interior and raised a hoof to his face as it began to glow, and at that moment he knew it was his time.

He began thinking of all the ponies and griffons and other creatures of Trottingham he had traveled with throughout the years on countless adventures. . . and then how in some form or another they all left. That is how he felt now as he looked around the Tardis, alone. All those friends he had made and not one of them were there with him. He knew why, when he regenerated it would be too dangerous for anypony to be around him, but still he hated being alone. But he had to face this death alone and perhaps that was for the best.

As the Tardis traveled through space and time the Doctor looked mournfully at a window with Equestria in its view. He was going to miss it. . . well this Doctor was. Perhaps he would see his companions again someday, but they wouldn’t recognize him if he did.

“Always leaving in some way or another.” Feelings of fear and sadness filled him as he realized that there was no way of escaping his fate this time.

As the regeneration spell began to activate fully he looked back on all he had accomplished in this form and said sadly “I don’t want to go.”

His body began to radiate with healing energy, making him shine like a beacon. 

“I could have done so much more.” The Doctor thought as he began to change, he started breathing heavily as he glowed brighter, purging the dark magic from his body. He fought it at first but in the end he had no choice. He let go, releasing a damaging blast of energy within the Tardis.


“No you can’t go Doctor!” Clay shouted at the book he was reading, tears starting to form in his eyes. His mother entered the room looking startled

“Clay what’s wrong?” His mother asked, worried that he was having another nightmare. Clay shut the book and quickly dried the tears from his eyes

“Nothing’s wrong, Mom.” Clay replied nervously. Dash looked puzzled, so he continued, “I, uh…was reading one of my books and uh…”

Dash smiled at Clay, looking relived. Then she noticed that his eyes were damp. “Are you going to be okay?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine.” 

Dash gave him a look and then closed his bedroom door. 

Clay looked down at the book he was reading and then set it back on the shelf. 

“How can the Doctor just die?” 

He loved the book he had gotten from Aunt Twilight years ago, and the thought that it was over and the Doctor was dead was making Clay feel depressed. He didn’t even want to see the rest of the book as he left his room. The Doctor's death wasn’t the only reason he was feeling sad, he had read the book to take his mind off of the filly that he had seen earlier today.

The whole time he walked back home she was all Clay could think about. Who was she? What was she doing over Sweet Apple Acres? And more importantly would he see her again?

“Clay are you alright?” His mother asked him. Clay realized that he had reached the bottom of the stairs and had been staring absentmindedly when he got there. Clay looked at his mom, who was looking at him with a concerned expression. He then realized that he had never talked about love before or how to handle it. He decided to start now.

“Mom you’re a girl right?” Clay asked. 

Dash looked at Clay blankly. “Last time I checked I was. Why do you ask?” 

Clay looked at the ground and began kicking it. He knew this was going to be awkward. “What do girls…like?”

“Clay, what’s going on with you?” Dash asked curiously, 
Clay slowly raised his head to look his mom in the eyes. 

“Well…I saw this filly today and I think I…like her.” 

Dash's mouth dropped as she looked at Clay and then ran up to him and started to ruffle his mane

“Ha! Your first crush! I can’t believe it!” Dash said happily 

“Mom cut it out!” Clay shouted as he pulled away 

“Sorry, Clay.” Dash grinned. “So what kind of pony is she and what’s her name?” 

“She’s a pegasus, and. . . I didn’t get her name.” 

Dash frowned slightly “Okay, well what did she look like?” 

“She was pink, with a blue mane that kind of looked like yours, and she had a cutie mark with two blue bolts.”

Dash thought for a moment. “She doesn’t sound familiar to me. Sorry, sweetie.” 

Clays face fell. “What if I never see her again.” 

Dash placed a hoof on his shoulder. “Of course you’ll see her again, there aren't that many ponies in Ponyville. You just have to keep looking, that’s all, and so will I.”

Clay looked up at his mother, who looked back at him with a loving smile. He smiled. “Thanks Mom, you…you always make me feel better.”

“Hey, that’s my job as your mom.” 

Clay gave his mother a small hug and then released her as she said, “Oh, I almost forgot! Tonight is the Grand Galloping Gala, and I have to meet The Wonderbolts there. Since all of your aunts are going, I’ve decided to make you my plus one.”

Clays face fell again. “But Mom, the Grand Galloping Gala is so boring! Do I really have to go?”

“I can’t leave you here by yourself, and I have to go. I’m the captain of The Wonderbolts and that includes certain obligations. Now come on, we need to get you to Rarity’s so she can make your suit.”

Clay began to mutter to himself as he followed his mother. 


Clay looked downcast as Dash led him to the Carousel Boutique. He had been to the Gala before when he was younger, Spitfire had been eleven months pregnant at the time and couldn’t attend as she had gone into labor, so his mother had to fill in. She had taken him with her, since none of his aunts were in Ponyville to watch him at the time. He was only eight and was bored to tears while he was there, and the posh ponies who didn’t take kindly to him trying to make his own fun didn’t help. Clay was not looking forward to trying to be on his best behavior while his mother talked with those posh ponies.

Clay and Dash finally reached their destination. Dash opened the door which rang a bell alerting Rarity to their arrival.

“Rainbow Dash, how lovely to see you again!” Rarity said with enthusiasm.  

“Hey Rarity. I guess it's been a while since we saw each other. Since I became captain of The Wonderbolts, at least.”

“Oh I know, it feels like ages since we last spoke. Now what brings you to my boutique?”

“I’m here to get Clay a suit for the Gala this evening. I hope I didn’t get you at a bad time.”

Rarity looked down and noticed Clay beside Dash. “Why look at you Clay, you’ve grown so much that I hardly
recognized you!” She grabbed Clay in a tight hug. “I always have time to make something for my darling nephew. Now come with me, so I can take your measurements.”

Clay gave his mother a pleading look as he was dragged to the back and placed on a stand while Rarity levitated some measuring tape and started measuring him. After she finished, Rarity summoned some fabrics and scissor’ and began to quite literally work her magic in fashioning a suit for Clay. Finally Rarity finished and told Clay to try it on in the dressing room. Clay took the clothes and took a quick glance at his mom as he pushed past the door.
Dash and Rarity decided to catch up while Clay got dressed. 

“So, Rainbow Dash, how is it being captain of The Wonderbolts? Is it everything you imagined?”

“Hay yeah, it is!” Dash said enthusiastically. 

“Well I’m glad to hear it. And how is Clay doing these days is he still feeling. . .  misplaced?” Rarity remembered how upset Clay was at his seventh birthday party and had wondered if that was still an issue.

Dash shook her head “Nope he seems pretty happy around home but. . .” Dash looked to the dressing room and then back at Rarity. “he has some new problems.”

“New problems? Whatever do you mean?” 

Dash looked again at the door and leaned in closer to her friend and whispered, “Clay's in love.”

Rarity’s eyes sparkled “He is?! Oh how adorable!” Dash shushed Rarity. 

“Who is she?” Rarity asked in a quieter tone. 

“He didn’t get her name, but she’s a pegasus and she’s already got her cutie mark.” Dash whispered.

“Love at first sight, how romantic.” Rarity said dreamily. 

“Actually I don’t know if she feels the same way, he wasn’t very big on how they met.”

“Aren’t you going to ask him?” Rarity asked. 

“I will later, but for right now I’m just trying to find out who she is. Maybe you’ve seen her she’s pink with a blue mane and two blue bolts for her cutie mark?”

Rarity thought for a moment then shook her head. “Sorry, I haven’t seen any ponies that fit that description.”

“Ah, well there's still time to find her. I want Clay to be happy. . . and besides I want to meet this filly that stole his heart.”

Rarity blinked. “Is he that smitten?” 

“I don’t know but he asked me for advice. He likes her enough to talk to his mom.”

Rarity wrinkled her brow. “Has he had. . . the talk yet?” 

Dash began rubbing the back of her head. “Heh, no, but I guess he is old enough for that now. Especially since he seems interested in fillies now.”

Rarity smiled. “Well I have faith that you will know when to tell him what he needs to know.”

As Dash and Rarity continued talking, Clay was still in the dressing room banging his head against the wall in embarrassment.
 
> Chapter 8
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Later that evening Rainbow Dash and Clay took a chariot to the palace for the Gala; Dash was in her Wonderbolt uniform while Clay was wearing the suit Rarity had made for him. Clay wasn’t used to going to fancy gatherings and hated wearing the suit, but for his mother’s sake he complied.

“Now remember, if you need me I’ll be at the Wonderbolt VIP section with the team. Just show them this and they’ll let you in.” She handed Clay a ticket with the Wonderbolt’s symbol on it, which Clay stuffed it into his jacket pocket and nodded to confirm he understood.

After a long ride the chariot finally stopped and they both exited. Clay had only been to the palace once before, and he had to admit it was just as incredible as the first time he saw it this close. As he stared at the palace Dash nudged him to remind him that they still had to walk there first. The two ponies walked the path to the front entrance and into the grand foyer, which was starting to fill with the posh ponies Clay detested so much. Dash stooped and looked to her son.

“Now be on your best behavior, okay?” Clay didn’t respond as he looked around the room at all the ponies he would have to behave for. He hated this, the whole thing, the ponies, the awkwardness, all the regulations and rules he would have to follow. Clay wanted nothing more than to head right back home and be with his friends in Ponyville, but he knew how important this was for his mother so he forced a smile and nodded. Dash left Clay and joined the other Wonderbolts in the VIP section while Clay stood there wondering what he could do to not get into trouble. As he thought he ended up bumping into a nearby pony and fell on his rump.

“Oh geez, I’m so sorry, I didn’t…” 

“Clay is that you?” a feminine voice asked. 

Clay looked up and found himself looking at Aunt Twilight Sparkle 

“Aunt Twilight, it's so good to see you!” 

“Likewise, Clay. Where's your mother?” 

“She’s already with the Wonderbolts, so I’m just cruising.” 

Twilight looked at the pony before her; she couldn’t believe that the little colt she'd foal-sat for had grown into such a handsome young pony.

“So what brings you here Aunt Twilight?” Clay asked, hoping to break the silence.

“I’m here to meet the princess, and I was planning to meet up with your mother and the rest of your aunts later.”

“You and my mom get together?” 

Twilight smiled. “Of course we do! It’s our own little way of staying friends even after all this time.”

Clay looked at his aunt who still looked very much the same as when he last saw her, Applejack and Pinkie Pie were the only ponies he met on a regular basis as far as family was concerned; Fluttershy mostly kept to her cottage, Rarity frequently visited Canterlot to fill requests, and Twilight was usually in her library reading books or enhancing her magic. It was nice for him to see his aunts every once and a while and catch up.

“Hey Clay, would you like to meet Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?” Twilight asked cheerfully.

“M-me m-meet the princesses? Uh, no thanks Aunt Twilight. I’m trying to avoid trouble today.”

Twilight gave an encouraging smile “It’s no trouble at all. The princesses are quite nice when you get to know them.”

“Um, thanks but no thanks. I uh, I think I hear my mom calling me.” 

“I don’t hear anything.” Twilight said, puzzled. 

“I’ll be right there Mom!” Clay answered his mother’s fake call. “It was nice seeing you again Aunt Twilight, I’ll see you again soon, bye!” Clay galloped off in the opposite direction leaving Twilight very confused at what she had seen.

Clay kept running until he could no longer see Twilight and then slowed to a walk as he breathed a sigh of relief. He then started thinking again about whether or not he should actually visit his mom. Then he remembered that if his mother was there, than so was Sky Blazer, and if Sky Blazer was there than so was Sky Tearer. Remembering the constant bullying from his childhood riled up bitter feelings, but he soon forgot them when he heard two ponies talking and one of the voices sounded familiar.

“Philomena please stop moving so I can get your dress straight.” A posh pony said as he fumbled with the Pegasus’s dress so that her wing could fit through its opening.

“Dad I hate wearing this stupid dress, and I told you to stop calling me that!” 

“Now my dear, Philomena is a beautiful name for one such as you and not that ridiculous name you insist on using in public.”

“It’s not ridiculous it’s awesome!” 

“Sweetie, you are using the name of a filthy insect.” The posh pony said with disgust.

“Firefly is a cool name and I’m going to use it however I please, especially when I join the Wonderbolts!”

The posh pony scoffed. “I knew those Wonderbolts were a bad influence on you. Honestly flying around at speeds that could get you killed. Your wings should be used to get you where you need to go and to add to your elegance. Not to show off for commoners.”

“But Dad it’s fun, and I feel so alive!” 

“There is nothing fun about doing something dangerous and you don’t need to do something life threatening to feel alive, now come along. I will not hear another word on this.”

“But Dad…” 

“Come, Philomena!” 

As the two ponies walked off Clay couldn’t believe what he saw. The filly that had been talking to her father was the same one he had seen at Sweet Apple Acres, only this time she was wearing a pink frilled dress, an altered hairstyle and a look of annoyance as she walked off. Clay found himself staring again as his heart began to race, he had learned her name and it rang in his head like a school bell, 'Firefly.' Clay gave a happy smile as he continued to watch the two ponies walk off into the distance and then when he could no longer see them he started walking again, eager to tell his mom about what he had learned. Then he stopped as he remembered Sky Tearer and decided that maybe he should get some air in the gardens instead.

Clay breathed in the crisp clean night air as he made his way through the large garden. The scent reminded him of when his mother used to place him in her saddle bag when he was a young colt and fly him through the night sky to help him sleep. He missed that feeling of the wind in his mane, eventually he got too big to be carried around or to fit in his mother’s bag. The very last time he had been flown his mother lasted a little longer than their usual trip. Clay never wanted that night to end and deep down he hoped that his mother didn’t want it to end either.

Clay had always been a bit envious of his mother, of how she could just fly at a moment’s notice, and wished with all his heart that he could fly with her. . . but that day when he fell from the tree was when reality had sunk in, he was an earth pony and was doomed to walk on the ground to the end of his days, no matter how hard he might wish otherwise. Still the thought of seeing Firefly again made Clay forget his sadness as he began thinking of what he would say to her if he ever worked up the courage to talk to her. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard a voice behind him, a voice that filled him with fear and anger.

“Well look who it is. Old blank flank Clay!” Sky Tearer said mockingly. “I didn’t recognize you without you hanging around your mommy! What’s the matter did she finally get sick of you and just fly away? Can’t say that I blame her.”

Clay kept his feelings bottled up but he felt like he was going to explode with rage.

"Don't listen to him! You promised mom to be on your best behavior, so don't do anything stupid! Clay thought to himself as Sky Tearer laughed coldly behind him. He decided it was best for him to just leave and look for his mother or one of his Aunts before things got out of hand, but as Clay started walking Sky Tearer had to keep running his mouth.

“That’s right run! Run back to your filly fooler mom!” 

That did it. As soon as those words reached his ears he stopped, and a switch had been turned on in his head that made him feel like he could take on Nightmare Moon herself. He turned back to Sky Tearer who was laughing at his own remark and then leaped at him with all his might, pinning him to the ground.



Rainbow Dash stood amongst the other Wonderbolts taking pictures with other ponies, talking to complete strangers about things that went way over her head and occasionally checking to make sure that none of the other Wonderbolts got into any trouble. It was long and tiring and she wished that she could hang out with her friends, who were in Canterlot by now. But she was captain and she couldn’t go just yet. She was about to head over to the buffet when a small voice came from behind her.

“Captain Rainbow Dash it’s you!”  Dash looked behind her to see a small white Pegasus colt with a flame colored mane run up to her brimming with excitement.

“Hey Flash, how ya doing?” 

“I’m doing great captain Rainbow Dash!” 

Dash smiled and then looked around.  “Hey, where’s your mom and sister?” 

“Right here, Rainbow Dash,” said Spitfire. She was followed by a small yellow Pegasus filly with dark blue hair.

“Spitfire! You know you're retired, right? You're off the hook for these fancy dress deals.”

“Well I may be a former Wonderbolt, but that doesn’t mean I can’t drop in to say hi to my old team every once in a while.”

After Spitfire had her two foals she decided it was time to leave the Wonderbolts and make Rainbow Dash the new captain. Dash had felt a little guilty, she was the one who inspired Spitfire to have those foals, but in truth Spitfire did seem happy even though she wasn’t living the dream anymore.

“I’m glad you came, it hasn’t really been the same since you left.” 

Spitfire smiled at Dash. “Well I just came to say hi to you and Soarin' and the others. . . but it’s nice to hear that I’m missed.”

Dash smiled back and then looked down to the filly beside her mother. “And how are you doing, Swift?”

The yellow filly began backing behind her mother. “Come on Swift it’s just Rainbow Dash.”

The little filly poked her head out again doing a perfect imitation of Fluttershy. Dash smiled as she remembered when Clay first met Spitfire and Soarin.

Swift slowly approached Dash and spoke in a small voice. “H-hello Miss Rainbow Dash.”

Dash smiled as Swift hid behind her mother again. “You've got some awesome little foals, Spitfire. You must be proud.”

“Swift may be shy, but I'm proud of both of them. Say where's your son by the way? I haven’t seen him since we gave him that poster.” Before Dash could answer a crowd had begun to form around a nearby window and ponies were starting to chatter amongst themselves.

“What’s going on?” Dash asked a nearby pony, pointing towards the crowd. 

“Some pony down there is beating the tar out of another pony!” 

Dash's heart stopped as she ran to the window herself and saw to her horror Clay on top of another pony. “Clay, no!”

Dash took off and zipped out to the gardens. 



Clay was standing over Sky Tearer, letting his hooves fly into Sky’s face, an intense hatred in his usually calm eyes.
“DON’T…EVER…CALL…MY…MOTHER…A….FILLY FOOLER…YOU…NO GOOD…SACK OF MULE….” 

Before Clay could finish he was grabbed from behind by a pony who began holding him back.

“Let me go I’m not done with him yet!” Clay shouted as he still kicked at the air, but stopped when he looked behind him to see the pony that had grabbed him…his mother. Clay stood absolutely still as his mom kept her hooves on his arms. Sky had gotten to his feet, his face bruised and swollen from Clay’s assault.

Clay looked down at the ground while his mother spoke in a low tone, “Clay I think it would be a really good idea if you left. Right now. Go with Aunt Twilight and leave the castle, we'll talk about your punishment later.”

Clay looked up at his mother. “Mom I…” 

“Now, Clay.” Dash said in a low, somewhat angry tone. 

Clay looked back down at the ground and began to walk towards Twilight, who was part of the crowd that had gathered. She looked at him with worry as tears began to fill his eyes, and then escorted him to Canterlot.

Sky’s father Sky Blazer had arrived, he was identical to his son in appearance, except for his Wonderbolt uniform. As he looked at his son he shook his head with a cold glare.

“Shameful, Sky. Letting an earth pony get the better of you.” 

Sky said nothing as his father looked to Rainbow Dash. 

“Fine son you have there, Captain.” He said sarcastically. 

“Yeah, sorry about that. I’ll make sure he's punished for this.” Dash said, hoping to make amends.

“You're lucky he isn’t an Pegasus or I would see to it that he would never join our ranks. That boy of your is savage and out of control. But then that is to be expected from being raised under one so unrefined as you Miss Dash.”

The group of ponies that had gathered around had grown quiet as Dash looked back at Sky with an intense hatred. She may be in charge, but she still couldn’t go at him unless it was self-defense. Besides, even though Clay had left she still needed to set an example.

“First off, my son is not savage or out of control. And he'd never attack anypony without a reason, so I’m sure that arrogant ass of a son of yours is partly to blame. And if you insult my son again, or if I ever see your son harassing him again, I'm gonna make sure that a threat from being expelled from the Wonderbolts will be the least of both your worries.” Dash growled through gritted teeth. Sky Blazer said nothing as he continued to look into Dashes eyes. “Now if you don’t mind, I think that you and I still have some business to finish.”

Dash turned and went back inside to get ready to perform for Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, while Sky Blazer turned to his son and then struck him across the face.

“Don’t ever make a fool out of me by losing to a filthy earth pony again.” He said in a low cold tone.


Clay didn’t say a word the entire walk out to Canterlot. Twilight wanted to talk to him, but she didn’t know what she could say at this point. Eventually they reached Canterlot and headed to the doughnut shop that Twilight and the others had gone to after their first night at the Gala all those years ago. Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and even Spike were already there enjoying some doughnuts.

“Twi, Clay, good to see…” Applejack stopped when she saw Clay's tear stained face and Twilight's worried expression.

“Clay, are you alright what happened?” Asked Fluttershy, concerned. 

Clay said nothing, and walked over to a table and sat down. As he got closer they noticed the dirt from the ground on his jacket.

“Clay, what in Equestria happened to you dear?!” Rarity shouted fearfully. 

Clay looked back at his aunts worried expressions, then he dropped his head on the table and began to sob.

“Sugarcube?”  Applejack said quietly. 

“I screwed up.” Clay said through his tears. 

“How did you mess up?” asked Fluttershy, reaching over to rub his head. 

“He got in a fight with Sky Tearer,” said Twilight as she sat next to him and began rubbing his back.

“That horrid pony that’s been picking on him since he was a colt!?” Rarity gasped. Twilight simply nodded.

“I really tried not to. I really did.” Clay said tearfully. “But then he called mom a…”

The others leaned in closer. 

“A what dear?” Rarity asked. 

“He called mom a filly fooler.” The others exchanged glances as Clay kept sobbing.

“Why of all the no good. . . who does that pony think he is!? That's none of his darn business!” Applejack said, outraged.

“Oh sweetie, you know your mothers not. . . interested in other mares don’t you?” Twilight said still rubbing his back.

“I know she’s not, but every time I hear somepony say that about Mom, I just lose it.” His aunts gave him sympathetic looks as he continued, “And it’s not just today, he’s been calling mom that for as long as I’ve known him!”

“Clay dear, you can’t just attack, no matter what anypony says about your mother. It’s not civilized.” Rarity proclaimed, suddenly Clay looked up.

“Well what am I supposed to do, just let him call my mom a lesbian?!” Clay shouted angrily making his aunts flinch.

“Now Clay, even if your mother was a filly fooler, that don't mean that it's a bad thing." Applejack pointed out. "You'd want your mother to be happy with somepony, stallion or mare, right?”

Clay nodded. “I guess. But it's a lie!” 

“We know, Clay. . .” Fluttershy said sympathetically. 


Twenty minutes later the door opened to the shop, they looked to see that Rainbow Dash had arrived looking tired and slightly angry. Clay looked up to his mom as she approached.

“Clay, I can't believe you did that! I told you to behave and what do you do? You pick a fight with the son of one of my teammates! You could get me into a lot of trouble for this, what were you thinking!”

“Mom, Sky was…” 

“I don’t care what Sky says. I know he picks on you, but you can’t pick a fight with him. It makes you look bad and it makes me look bad. Can’t you just ignore him like I told you to?”

Clay tried to speak again. “But Mom, he said that…” 

“I don’t want to hear it. When we get home, your tail is so grounded.” 

“But…” 

“No buts, Clay! I’m sorry, but I'm not gonna let you get away with fighting.” Dash got quiet as she looked at her son, shaking her head. “You know Clay…I expected better from you.”

Clay couldn’t take it as he got up from the table and left the doughnut shop. 

“I just don’t know what to do with him sometimes!” Dash shook her head and sat down at a nearby table, and then she noticed the looks she was getting from her friends.

“What!” Dash asked feeling betrayed. 

“Rainbow, honey, ya need to talk to him.” Applejack replied. 

“Oh, I will! I thought I told him not to let what bullies say get to him.” Dash started rubbing her temples. “I mean, so they make fun of him. . . he can just walk away or ignore them, but he just makes it worse by giving them what they want.”

“Dash, he’s not picking a fight because of what they say about him, he’s picking a fight because of what they say about you,” Twilight replied.

“Me?” Dash said startled, the others nodded. “What's that kid been saying about me to get Clay so angry?”

“He calls you a filly fooler, Dashie.” Pinkie pie said bluntly. 

Dash blinked. “A filly fooler?” 

Again they nodded. Dash looked down at the table and then sighed before leaving the shop to talk to Clay.

Clay hadn’t gone far.  He sat on a bench next to the shop, looking not sad but angry, something Dash wasn't used to seeing from him. She remained silent as she sat next to him.

“I embarrassed you I get it. Well don’t worry because I'm never going to the Gala again.” Clay snapped.

“Clay, why didn’t you tell me he was calling me a filly fooler?” 

“Because you just would have told me to suck it up!” Clay replied still angry. 

“I thought he was making fun of you.” 

“He does, Mom! He keeps saying that you don’t love me, that I’m a charity case, that I’m a burden to you, he’s been saying that to me for years and he never stops! He just won’t…” Clay hung his head.

“Clay, you know I’m not a filly fooler. Why does it bother you so much?” Dash asked trying to understand her son’s anger.

“But that’s why it bothers me, it's a lie. He doesn’t know the real you like I do. Because to me, you're everything Mom. You took me in when I was abandoned, you raised me for almost my whole life, I can’t even remember my real mom.” Clay shut his eyes as he continued to speak.

“I try so hard to be the perfect son, because you’re the perfect mom, because you treat me like your own even though I can’t fly, because …” tears had started to form in Clay’s eyes again as he looked up at her.

” I love you mom.” As Clay finished he did something he hadn’t done in years, he buried his head in his mother and started sobbing again. Dash simply smiled and slowly stroked the back of his head while he cried. He didn’t even care if anypony was watching, he had been waiting to say that for years and it felt good to finally let his mother know how much she meant to him.

“You don’t have to defend me, Clay. I’m a big girl and I can handle myself just fine. I know what Sky says hurts you, but you know what? I had bullies too growing up that said I would never be the fastest flyer, or join the Wonderbolts, or perform a sonic rainboom and guess what?” She released Clay and held him at arm’s length. “They were wrong on all three, because I proved them wrong and ignored what they said about me. No matter what Sky says about you not being my biological son, you don’t have to listen to it, and do you know why?” Clay shook his head still crying slightly. “Because I love you Clay, with all my heart. And you don’t have to be the perfect son…because you’re already perfect.”

Clay felt overwhelmed. He hugged his mother tightly and began crying harder, not from sadness like before but from joy. Dash smiled and began stroking the back of his head again while behind them her friends looked through the door smiling and crying slightly as they listened. Dash kissed Clay on his head and then let him regain his composure

“Now let’s spend some time with your aunts and then we’ll head home, okay?” 

“That…would be nice.” Clay said, wiping his tears, “Uh, Mom? Am I still in trouble?”

“Yeah. . . but I’ll go easier on you.” She smiled at him and they reentered the doughnut shop while Twilight and the others tried acting nonchalant. 
> Chapter 9
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A whole month, that was how long it had been since Clay last saw Firefly at the Gala, and from that day forward she was all he could think about. He would daydream about her constantly, so much so that he was becoming a bit of a problem for his mom and others around Ponyville. He had asked everypony he knew if they knew where he could find her, but no matter who he asked nopony knew anything about her; she might as well have never existed.

“I'll find her even if I have to search all of Equestria!” Clay told himself one night as he thought about her in his bed before drifting off to sleep.

The next morning Clay had gotten up earlier than usual and was feeling a bit energetic, so he decided to have another look around Ponyville for his crush.

“Maybe I can’t find her because she likes to fly early in the morning.” Clay told himself as he left a note telling his mom where he was before heading out the door.

The cool morning air made Clay feel invigorated as he trotted around Ponyville, keeping his eyes on the sky and his ears open for that sound she made when she zipped by. After walking and searching for 20 minutes he was starting to lose hope of finding her at this hour. He was about to head back home when he heard it, a familiar whooshing sound.
Clay whipped his head around searching the sky for Firefly. His eyes darted back and forth looking for any sign of her, and then he saw it: a pink and blue streak in the sky. His heart stopped as at that moment he had found her.

Clay took off in a full gallop as he followed the pink and blue streak from spot to spot never stopping.

“Wow she’s fast!” Clay said aloud running out of breath as Firefly continued zipping along in a zigzag pattern. What is that filly doing? Clay thought as he continued chasing her. Firefly was picking up speed and starting to give off sparks, as she did Clay realized what she was trying to do. She was trying to perform an old Wonderbolt trick, the Zip Bolt! Clay had only read about that move in a book Twilight had given him years ago, the objective was for a Wonderbolt to fly in a zig zag pattern and built a static field so that when the Pegasus reached full speed they shot out like a bolt of lightning. It was a very complex and dangerous move to perform, only the most experienced Wonderbolts could perform this move and here this filly was trying to pull it off.

She’s got guts, I’ll give her that, Clay thought as he continued to follow Firefly. As she started to build up speed, Firefly started to wobble slightly as the sparks that were forming grew bigger and more rapid.

“Oh no she’s losing control!” Clay said as she gave another violent shake. Just as Clay predicted Firefly shot out like a bolt, but ended up taking a hard swerve. She hit a nearby tree and landed in the lake below it. Clay ran up to the lake to see Firefly starting to sink, completely unconscious. Clay began to panic as she continued to sink and showed no signs of awakening. He had to go in and save her, but Clay wasn’t a strong swimmer and the thought of entering the lake filled him with dread. However the thought of Firefly drowning scared him even more. He jumped in and began to paddle his way to Firefly as she continued sinking. Just…keep…going! Clay said to himself as he made his way to the center of the lake. Finally he reached Firefly and grabbed her mane in his mouth as he paddled back to shore with her in tow. Eventually he made it back onto dry land and gasped for breath, feeling weak from fear and swimming.

Clay turned his attention to Firefly who was still unconscious. 

“Hey, hey wake up!” Clay shouted as he looked her over. Clay placed his head on her chest and was relieved when he heard a heartbeat. He could see that she was still breathing, which brought him more relief, but the fact that she was still out cold had him slightly worried. He began looking at her body closely.

“Well, no cuts or bruises. That’s good. And her wings look fine too.” Clay was no doctor but he didn’t notice anything obvious so that comforted him. “I guess I better keep an eye on you until you wake up.” Clay looked at Firefly as if he expected a response, but all he got was her light breathing.

Clay sat on his haunches and waited beside Firefly until she was awake, the anticipation made Clay feel like he had a knot in his gut. He knew that he would have to talk to her when she woke up, what would he say? As he thought about the eventual conversation Clay found himself getting wound up thinking of all the possible scenarios that could occur. This didn’t last long, as Firefly started coughing and then started to slowly open her eyes.

“Uh…what happened….where am I?” She groaned as she started to regain consciousness.

Clay looked down at her to make sure that she was really awake. He wanted to talk to her, but as he stared into her eyes he felt that familiar tightness in his chest. It was too much, he had to leave. For a brief moment their eyes met, and before Clay or Firefly said a word Clay ran off. As he ran Firefly bolted up to her feet.

“Hey wait I. . .” She started, but Clay was already gone. “. . .wanted to thank you.”

Firefly was confused and slightly dizzy, but otherwise fine. Who was that? She thought as she flashed back to the face of the pony that had saved her, Firefly then started flapping her wings to shake off the water. When they had dried off she headed for  home.

Clay ran as fast as he could back to his house, he didn’t even bother to see if he was being followed by Firefly. He just ran. He finally reached the front door, flung it open, and slammed it closed, panting heavily the whole time.

“Why can’t I talk to her? Why does she make me so afraid?” Clay shook his head in frustration. “I mean she’s just a pegasus. . . a very beautiful pegasus, but still why is it so hard for me to say hello?” Clay sat on the floor and hung his head

“I blew it.” He said quietly. 

“Clay are you okay?” 

Clay looked up to see his mother. 

“What happened…why are you all wet?” Dash asked, concerned. 

“I…I found her mom.” Clay said quietly. 

“Found who?” his mother asked. 

“Firefly.” Clay replied. “I found her and she was in trouble and I saved her and…and…I ran away.” Clay looked at the floor again. “Why can’t I talk to her, Mom?”

Dash placed a supportive hoof on Clay's shoulder. “You’re just nervous. It’s perfectly normal for you to feel like that when you like someone.”

“But how can I tell her that I like her when I can’t even talk to her?” Clay said raising his voice slightly.

“I can’t tell you how, Clay. But if I were you, the next time I met her I'd find the guts to tell Firefly how I felt before somepony else did.”

Clay continued to look up at his mother. “But what if she doesn’t like me back?”

“Well you won’t know if you don’t ask her, now will you?” 

Clay looked thoughtful for a moment, then took a deep breath. “Okay I’ll. . . I’ll try, Mom.”

Dash gave him an encouraging smile, and ruffled his mane. “That’s my boy.” 
> Chapter 10
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clay was sleeping peacefully when suddenly he heard a knock at the door.

“Mom there’s someone at the door.” Clay said keeping his eyes shut, but the knocking continued.

“Mom the door!” Clay said again shutting his eyes tighter, his mother didn’t answer and the knocking still continued. Clay let out a frustrated groan got up and walked to the door.

“I hear you I’m coming!” Clay shouted tired and groggy, he reached the door and opened it to reveal to his surprise Firefly.

“Hi.” She said shyly.

“Firefly w-what are you doing here?” Firefly looked at him with those violet eyes of hers.

“I came to see you.”

“You…came to see me?” Clay said in disbelief as Firefly smiled at him. “Why did you want to see me?”

“Because I realized something that day when you saved my life.”

“What would that be?” Clay asked confused.

Firefly moved closer to him giving him a saucy look “I love you.” Clay blinked.

“You…you love me?” Firefly moved closer to Clay almost touching his snout.

“I do.” Firefly whispered she then shut her eyes and formed her lips into a kiss and Clay did the same; the two ponies moved closer for their first kiss until…

“Clay are you listening?” Clay’s eyes opened as he saw Twilight looking at him with a slightly frustrated expression.

“Wha-what was that?” Clay said startled.

“Clay you were day dreaming again.”

“No I-I was listening.” Clay lied his eyes darting back and forth while twilight gave him an annoyed glance.

“Then what did I just ask you to do?”

“You wanted me to…help put the books back?” He forced a smile hoping he guessed right.

“Hmmm.” Twilight said as she looked at her nephew suspiciously. “Well get to it then.”

Clay gave a relived sigh as he moved to a pile of books and started placing them in their respective spots. He almost got in trouble, ever since he saved Firefly’s life five weeks ago Clay had done nothing but daydream about the day he would meet her again. And for his aunts it was becoming a problem as he almost burned down sugar cube corner while helping Pinkie Pie with some cupcakes. As he placed them away he dropped one of the books and it opened as it landed.

“Crap.” Clay said bending over to pick it back up.

But he soon stopped when he saw the page the book had open to. “Temporary wings and cloud walking spell for fast and exciting travels.” Clay blinked at the words he was reading “Temporary wings?” Clay couldn’t believe what he was reading. He had always wanted to fly. To be like his mother, but he knew that those days of pretending to fly were over when she couldn’t carry him around anymore, but even after that Clay never stopped wanting to fly to be a true Pegasus and not an Earth pony. Clay knew that his mom loved him but when he was younger he always thought that maybe if he had wings like her then he could be her true son and not just some foal she found.
Clay picked up the book after he had finished with the others and found a quiet corner for him to read his new obsession, as he read Clay discovered that with the right amount of magic and if it was truly what he wanted he could have wings for a total of three days before the magic wore off. Clay looked at the last sentence.

“Three days with wings?” Clay thought about whether or not he should continue with this fantasy of his.

“What should I do if I get this spell to work? Should I go to Cloudsdale? Should I just fly around? Or should I…” Clay stopped as the image of Firefly popped into his head.

“No, I know exactly what I’m going to do if I get my wings!” Clay thought getting up with a sense of determination.

“I’m going to find Firefly and tell her how I feel about her, and damn the consequences!” Clay shouted momentarily forgetting where he was as he picked up the book, but then a thought struck him that brought his enthusiasm to a halt.

“But how do I get that much magic to get the spell to work!” 

Clay thought for a moment and then remembered what his mother had told him about the day she won the best young flyers competition, and how all his aunts had come to Cloudsdale to cheer her on. Aunt Twilight had used her magic to give her and the others the ability to walk on clouds.

“Aunt Twilight could do it!” Clay thought his enthusiasm returning.

“Oh but…would she do it for me? No…she’d never let me fly without moms permission, and mom won’t let me fly she’d be too worried about me getting hurt or something.” Clay sighed feeling saddened.

“But if I can’t get Twilight to do it…then who?”

“Clay are those books put away yet?” Twilight called from upstairs.

“Yes Aunt Twilight.” “Alright Clay you can go home now.” Twilight replied from her room.

“Actually I was wondering if I could check out one of the books.”

“Sure just write down your name and the title of the book and I’ll do the rest.”

“Thanks, bye Aunt Twilight!” Clay shouted as he signed the parchment on the desk and ran out the library with the flight spell book.

Clay walked outside and found a nice tree to sit under while he read the spell again.

“It looks complicated. Twilight could definitely do it, but I can’t ask her without her telling mom.” Clay frowned as he thought rubbing his head with his hoof.

As he did a shadow fell on him and he looked up to see Dinky’s smiling face.

“Hey Clay. What are you reading?”

“I found a spell that gives unicorns and earth ponies wings for three days.” Dinky’s eyes widened.

“Really? Oh let me see!” Dinky walked over to Clay’s side and read the book. “Wow I didn’t think a spell like that existed.” Clay shrugged.

“Me neither. But can you imagine it Dinky? I could have wings for three whole days!” Dinky looked at Clay curiously.

“So why haven’t you used it yet?”

“Because my mom and Twilight would never let me fly like this.” Clay sighed sadly.

Clay looked at Dinky who had a slightly saddened expression. He then brought his eyes to her horn…and then it hit him.”

“That’s it!” Clay shouted startling Dinky.

“What’s it?” She asked.

“You could do it Dinky! You give me my wings!” Dinky blinked.

“Me? B-but I just started on advanced spells. I don’t know if I could do it. And besides I don’t want to mess up the spell and hurt you Clay.”

“Come on Dinky you’re my only hope. You have to do it.”

“Can’t you just ask your mom to give you permission?” Clay shook his head.

“No I can’t risk mom refusing me this…it means too much.” Dinky looked to the ground.

“I don’t know about this Clay.” Clay placed his hooves on her shoulders and looked at her pleadingly.

“Please Dinky; you’re the only one I trust with something like this. If I could use magic I’d help you.”

“But you can’t use magic Clay…and what if you get hurt because of me?” 

“You won’t…I trust you Dinky…please.” Dinky looked into Clays eyes and saw the fear and desperation in his face. Finally she sighed and nodded. Clay gave Dinky a big hug which she returned.

“Thank you Dinky…I won’t forget this.” The broke the hug and walked away to find a private field they could use the spell in peace.

As Clay stood in the field brimming with excitement Dinky looked over the spell and then looked to Clay.

“Well it will be hard, but I think I can get it right.” She gave Clay an uncertain look. “Are you sure this is what you want Clay?” Clay became quiet looking thoughtful, and then he looked back at Dinky with a determined expression.

“Yes…I’m sure.” Dinky sighed.

“Alright…here it goes.” She began to concentrate and a white light began to form around her horn. Clay shut his eyes awaiting the inevitable.

As the magic continued to build Dinky prayed with all her might that she wouldn’t end up harming her oldest friend, until finally when she could no longer hold it the magic was released and a flash occurred hitting Clay and sending Dinky flying backwards. Dinky shook her head and looked to see a pillar of smoke where Clay once stood. Fearing that she had obliterated him she called his name.

“Clay! Clay are you alright say something!” There was no response. “Clay, please…answer me.” There was still no response from the smoke. Dinky hung her head as large tears fell from her eyes “What have I done?” She sobbed. Suddenly when she was about to spiral into depression she heard a voice.

“I…I…”

“Clay is that you! Are you alright?” Dinky cried looking to the smoke.

“I...I…”

“Clay are you hurt? What’s going on?” She asked Clay’s shaky voice.

“I…I…I have wings.” The smoke finally cleared and standing in the middle was Clay not as an earth pony, but as a pegasus with yellow wings that gave an out worldly shine in the sunlight.

Dinky stared in awe at what she was seeing as Clay looked to his new appendages and flapped them slightly to make sure they were functional. Clay looked to his right wing and was silent. Finally after a long minute Dinky noticed a tear run down Clays face.

“They’re beautiful…” Clay suddenly ran up to Dinky and held her in a bone crushing hug. “Thank you Dinky, thank you! A thousand times thank you!” Clay released Dinky as she started gasping for air.

“You’re…you’re welcome Clay.” Clay went back to admiring his wings. “What are you going to do now?” She asked.

“I’m going to find Firefly if she won’t come to me…then I’ll come to her.”

“The filly you won’t stop talking about that doesn’t even know you exist?” Clay looked back at Dinky.

“She knows I exist…just not much else about me.” Dinky raised an eyebrow.

“Well I can’t stop you since I used all my magic on that spell, so do what you want, but...please be careful.” Clay smiled.

“I will Dinky…thank you.”

“Just remember that the spell only lasts for three days Clay. After that…it’s over for good.”

“What do you mean?” Clay asked slightly startled.

“I mean that once the spell wears off you’ll never be able to use it again. Some kind of magic failsafe from mutating the pony it’s used on.” Clay looked at his wings sadly for a moment, but his resolve quickly returned.

“Three days is all I need.” He said confidently, he then turned away from Dinky.

“Where are you going?” She said after him.

Clay ran for a few seconds as Dinky followed; and then stopped and looked back to her with a smug smile which for a brief moment reminded Dinky of Rainbow Dash.

“To find the love of my life!” 

Clay splayed his wings to their full extent feeling overpowered and began to flap them slowly and began to remember everything he had learned from books and watching his own mother, he flapped harder and slowly began to lift off the ground. Dinky stared as Clay rose higher and higher until he was several feet off the ground and then with some effort started to move forward if very unsteadily until he disappeared behind a cloud. Dinky watched the sky worried for Clay as he vanished, then out of nowhere she saw him dive straight for her and at the last second pulled up and flew straight up into the sky. As Clay followed her friend he did a back flip into the sky cheering at the top of his lungs as he twisted in the air before diving back down to the ground and pulling up at the last second and once again faded into the distance as he flew off to begin his search. Dinky stared in amazement at what Clay had accomplished in such a short time. Impressive, but reckless.

“Boys.” Dinky muttered as she continued staring at the sky and then picked up the spell book.

> Chapter 11
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 1: The search

Clay smiled as he felt the wind rush through his mane, something he hadn’t felt since he was a young colt only this time it was real. Clay spotted a nearby cloud and a thought popped in his head, he flew down to it and slowly placed his hooves on the cloud and soon began to sink into the white vapor. He quickly rose out again covered win water.

“Guess I’m not a real pegasus after all.” Clay thought sadly as he took off again into the sky. Clay shook his head clearing his thoughts. Now was not the time to be sad and think about what he wasn’t. He had a mission and he only had three days.

“I can’t waste time!” Clay said as he picked up the pace a little “Where would I find a filly like Firefly? Cloudsdale? No her father was an Earth pony they couldn’t live there.” Clay thought back to the day he saw her at the Gala, her father looked rather posh and regal like a pony you would find in… “CANTERLOT!” Clay shouted as he flew to the city as fast as he could, after what normally would take hours Clay reached Canterlot within minutes and made his way into town.

Clay had never been to Canterlot before except for the doughnut shop after the Gala, and now that it was daylight and everypony was out doing their daily routine Clay had to use all his will power not to get caught up in the sights. He asked around the city if anyone knew Firefly and just like in Ponyville he was getting either a lot of head shakes or was just outright ignored, hours passed and he had made no progress, but then he remembered that they probably knew her by her real name; Clay asked the closest pony he could find using the name Philomena and was relieved when the pony nodded and pointed him in the right direction.

Apparently Firefly’s father, Jasper gold hoof, was well known and very important in Canterlot, which wasn’t surprising since he had attended the Gala. Clay flew his way to Firefly’s address and was immediately stunned by the manor he stood in front of.

“Wow this makes my home look like a cardboard box.” Clay said as he approached still marveling at the size of the building.

Clay took a deep breath and knocked on the door three times and waited for a response, within seconds an Earth pony in a black suit opened the door.

“May I help you young sir.” The butler pony asked.

“Um, yes does a Mister Jasper Gold hoof live here?”

“Indeed young sir.” 

“I was wondering if I could talk to him.”

“He is away on business I’m afraid.”

“Oh, well I heard he also has a daughter named Philomena, is she home by any chance?” The butler pony gave him a suspicious look.

“And why would you wish to speak with Miss Philomena?”

“Um because I…I…heard that she liked the Wonderbolts and…”  The butler pony cut him off.

“Ah a recruiter, well I am sorry, but Mister Goldhoof does not favor the Wonderbolts and would be most displeased if he found out you were recruiting his daughter.” Clay started to panic.

“Um I wouldn’t dream of recruiting someponys daughters withought their consent of course.” 

“Hmm, I think it would be best if you left sir, good day.” The butler pony huffed. Before Clay could defend himself a feminine voice spoke up behind the butler.

“Who’s at the door Germane?”

“A Wonderbolt recruiter Madame I was just about to send him away.” 

“Germane, you don’t have to be so formal call me Firefly and I would love to talk to…” Firefly stopped as she saw the pony outside the door. “It’s you!” She said surprised.

“You know this pony, Philomena?” 

“Know him he saved my life!”

“Good heavens! Your life was in danger!” 

“Yep I crashed into a tree and fell in a lake and he jumped in and saved me.” Germane turned to Clay.

“Well in that case perhaps I should allow such a brave stallion to speak. A thousand pardons sir I didn’t realize that…” Clay held up a hoof.

“It was no trouble at all really I just happened to be around at the time.”

“Brave and modest I like that. Firefly said eyeing him up "Would you like to come in?” 

“Uh…I would be happy to Miss Philomena.” Clay said blushing slightly.

“Please call me Firefly.”

“Okay…Firefly.”

Clay entered the manor following Firefly as she gave a tour of her home; as Clay followed he realized just how small his home really was inside and out. Finally Firefly brought Clay up to her room which unlike the rest of the house which looked fancy and expensive, her room was slightly messy and was littered with Wonderbolt propaganda and souvenirs. Upon seeing it Clay was reminded of his own room.

“Sorry my rooms a bit messy I don’t usually get visitors so I don’t try to tidy up.” 

“Oh I don’t mind it kind of gives the room character.” Firefly smiled as she sat on her bed and patted the spot next to her. Clay sat down and looked to Firefly and his heart began to race again.

“You know that was pretty brave thing you did saving me.” Firefly said shyly.

“I took off so fast I’m surprised you even knew it was me.” Clay replied.

“Why did you run away?” Clay gulped as he tried to find the right words.

“I…I was nervous.”

“Why would you be nervous around me?” Firefly asked puzzled.

“Well because…” This was it the moment he had thought about for a month and it was now or never “Because I…like you.” Firefly was quiet as she looked to Clay.

“You…you like me?” Clay nodded, as Firefly was again quiet. Clay was afraid that he had scared her off and his heart began to break, until Firefly’s face lit up “That’s awesome because I…like you too.” Clay was taken aback.

“You like me like, like like?” Firefly nodded.

“Yes I like like you uh…” Firefly facehoofed “Oh, for pony sake I forgot to ask you your name I’m sorry.”

“It’s Clay.”

“That’s an odd name for a Pegasus.” Firefly chuckled.

Clays eyes widened as he had completely forgot about his wings.

“What will she think of me when they disappear?”  Clay though as Firefly stared at him.

“Uh, are you okay?” Clay shook his head as he snapped back to reality.

“Yeah I’m fine I just uh was thinking about a Wonderbolt stunt I saw once.”

“Oh really, which one?”

“The filly flash.” Firefly's eyes widened.

“Oh I love that one, that Rainbow Dash is one heck of a dare devil.”

“Yeah she sure is.” Clay chuckled thinking of his mother for a split second.

“She’s my role model; she’s so brave and agile. And the way she cuts through the air with those tricks…” Firefly eyes glazed over as she envisioned Rainbow Dash performing in the sky “Someday I’m going to join the Wonderbolts and fly right beside her and be just as famous.” Firefly said dreamily.

“Wow she really likes my mom I wonder how she’ll react when she finds out that I’m her son?” Clay thought as he looked to Firefly “You really seem to like her.” Clay said breaking the silence.

“That’s putting it mildly. It must be so awesome to work with her.” Firefly said dreamily.

“You could say that.” Clay said rubbing his head, he then looked out the window and saw how late it was “Uh, sorry Firefly, but I’ve got to head back home and it’s getting late.” Firefly looked slightly disappointed.

“Oh, okay I understand and thanks again for the rescue.”

“No problem.” Clay got up and started walking when Firefly spoke up.

“Um, listen I was wondering if maybe you wanted to grab some lunch tomorrow.” Clay looked back at her.

“You mean like a date?”

“Yeah like a date.” Firefly replied.

“Um, sure I’ll be over tomorrow at your place.”

“Sounds good I’ll be waiting Clay.” Clay smiled and left the room while Firefly fell back on her bed and smiled as well.

Clay flew as fast as he could to beat his mom home all the while trying to figure out how he was going hide his wings from her. He would have congratulated how fast he was flying if he wasn’t so worried about getting caught, but soon he saw his house and dove for the door and shut it with a slam. Clay looked around to see if his mom was home and then went to the bathroom to brush his teeth and brush his now windswept mane, he was just about to go to his bedroom to avoid his mother when he heard the front door open.

“Clay I’m home!” Dash called out.

Clay raced to his room as fast as he could to his room and dove right into his bed making sure that his wings were concealed just as his mother entered the room.

“Clay what are you doing in bed?” She noticed the beads of sweat on his forehead. “Clay are you sick?” Dash asked worried.

“Uh, yeah I don’t feel well mom I think I caught something.” Dash approached Clay and placed a hoof on his head.

“You are sweating a lot and you do feel warm. Still you should have waited for me to pick you up.”

“Sorry mom I didn’t want Aunt Twilight getting sick, so I thought it would be better if I went home and stayed in bed.” Dash gave Clay a suspicious look but soon smiled.

“Well let me know how you feel tomorrow okay. I’ll check on you first thing in the morning.” Dash kissed him on the forehead and told him goodnight before closing the door.

Clay sighed and looked out his window at the night sky “I’ll see you tomorrow Firefly.” Clay said as he closed his eyes and soon fell asleep dreaming of his date with Firefly.

> Chapter 12
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 2: The Date

Clay held the blanket close to his body as he dreamt of meeting with Firefly, a big grin on his face as he imagined kissing the pony of his dreams. A knock at the door woke him from his slumber and he panicked as he remembered that he still had wings, as his mother opened the door he barely managed to cover his new appendages before she saw them.

“Morning Clay, are you feeling any better?” She asked standing over him.

“Uh, yeah I feel better mom, but I think I’m going to stay in bed for a while.” Dash smiled.

“If that’s what you want, then sure. Just don’t sleep in all day okay.” Clay nodded as his mother kissed him on the forehead and started to leave the room. “I’ll be home around nine.” She said as she closed his door, Clay waved goodbye and then listened for the front door to close before getting out of bed and opening his window to fly off. As he did however a thought struck him.

“Firefly will probably notice that I can’t walk on clouds when we go out. I better see Dinky if she has any other spells.” Clay flew to Dinky’s home and knocked on the door knowing if anypony would answer it would be Dinky since Ditzy had already left for her mail route. Clay waited and as he predicted Dinky was the one who answered the door.

“Clay? What are you doing here?” 

“Dinky listen do you still have the spell book?” 

Yeah I have it. Why?”

“I need to find a spell that will allow me to walk on clouds. That way Firefly will think I’m a real pegasus.” Dinky sighed.

“Clay she’s going to find out eventually. Why don’t you just tell her before she finds out the hard way?”

“I will! Just…just not yet.”

“What are you waiting for?”

“I…I’m scared Dinky.” Dinky looked at Clay confused.

“Scared? About what?”

“I’m scared that if I tell her I’m an earth pony she’ll…she’ll never want to see me again.” Clay lowered his head. “I will tell her I promise. I just…don’t want the dream to end just yet.”

“Clay…if she doesn’t love you for who you really are then she’s not the right filly for you.” Clay looked to his friend disheartened.

“If not her than who? Who’d want to date a plain old blank flank earth pony like me?” Dinky gave a sad look.

“Somepony will Clay. If you don’t mind me saying you are…handsome.” Clay chuckled nervously.

“Thanks Dinky.” He said smiling slightly.

“Now let’s find you that spell!” Dinky replied as they walked into her home and she began to look through the book while Clay waited.

“I’m lucky to have a friend like her.” Clay thought as he watched her flip through the pages.
Dinky found the cloud walking spell. Cast it on Clay and then found a nearby cloud to test it on. Clay was pleased when he found that instead of sinking like last time the cloud was actually quite solid beneath his hooves if a bit squishy. Clay thanked Dinky and then returned to flying as Dinky returned to her home.

Minutes later:

Clay felt light as a feather as he soared above the clouds over Canterlot looking for Firefly’s home and began thinking of the day ahead.

“I wonder where our date is going to be?” As Clay spotted Firefly’s house he decided to try her window this time to see if she was home, Clay hovered in front of her window peering inside to see Firefly writing at her desk. He tapped on the window three times causing Firefly to look back slightly startled.

“Clay! I didn’t expect to see you here so early.” She walked up to the window and flew out to meet him.

“Sorry I was excited and I wanted to see you.” Firefly blushed.

“Well use the door next time I don’t want my father to see you peeping through my window…he might get the wrong idea.”

“What do you mean?” Clay asked confused.

“Nothing, my dad’s just very protective of me and he’s not fond of boys being around me.” Clay chuckled.

“My mom’s the same way.” Firefly tilted her head and gave a smug smile.

“You have guys hit on you too?”

“Ha, ha, very funny.” Clay muttered sarcastically.

“Come on let’s get that date started!” Firefly began to fly higher, but she was stopped by Clay.

“Uh, wait. Shouldn’t I meet your parents first or at least tell them where we’re going?” Firefly raised an eyebrow.

“Why do I have to tell my dad anything if he just wants to keep me locked up during the summer? Besides he’s at work right now.” Clay was beginning to get nervous.

“Well, then maybe we should tell Germane instead.” Firefly rolled her eyes.

“What are you a momma’s boy? Our parents don’t have to know everything we do. Now come on!” Clay started to object, but Firefly had already gotten a head start and Clay had to flap his wings harder to keep up with her.
Clay followed Firefly over Canterlot and soon they were beginning to ascend higher than Clay was comfortable with.

“Where are we going?” Clay asked.

“To Cloudsdale the city of the pegasus ponies. You should know that you live there.” Suddenly Clay was relived he had gone to Dinky for that cloud walking spell.

“I don’t live in Cloudsdale I live in Ponyville!”

“Oh…well you must have flown there before with the Wonderbolts right?”

“I never said that I worked for the Wonderbolts!” Clay shouted over the wind.

“Well then how do you know Rainbow Dash?” Clay was about to answer when he saw the enormous cloud like city a head of them.

“Is that it?” Clay asked.

“Duh, of course that’s Cloudsdale. You must have at least gone there for flight school.” Clay panicked as he tried to think of an excuse.

“I uh…was home schooled.” Firefly looked startled at the announcement.

“Home schooled for flying? Who does that to their kid?”

“Somepony who is a good teacher.”  Clay remarked.

The two ponies flew their way over the cloud made streets and buildings as Clay took in the sights.

“This place is amazing…why would mom move to Ponyville if she was born here?” landing softly at the front of a small cloud building with a sign that read “Cumulus Café” Firefly began to walk in while Clay continued to look at the buildings around him in amazement. 

“Hey you want to get some lunch or not?” Firefly asked the mesmerized Pegasus.

“Uh, yeah I’m coming.” Clay shook his head and walked in after her.

The inside of the café was not what Clay was expecting. Instead everything being made of clouds like he expected everything looked solid with tile floors and tables. Clay was baffled at why the interior would look like a normal restaurant, or for that matter how everything was not falling to the ground below.

“Maybe they use special clouds?” Clay thought as he sat at a table with Firefly, as they waited a Pegasus waitress approached with a notepad and quill.

“What can I get for you two?” She asked in a friendly manner.

“The daffodil sandwich please. “ Firefly said handing her menu.

“I’ll have…the daisy top burger with a side of hay fries, please.” He handed his menu to the waitress and began to wait as she hovered to the back.

“So tell me about yourself.” Firefly asked.

“Oh I’m nobody special.” Clay said meekly.

“Clay you saved me from drowning. I’d say that makes you special.” She said smiling at him.

“That’s nice of you to say Firefly, but honestly I’m no pony special.” Clay replied.

“No pony special? Clay not only did you save my life, but you know Rainbow Dash the greatest Wonderbolt ever; that makes you even more awesome!” Firefly exclaimed excitedly “Now tell me about yourself before I force it out of you.” She stared at Clay with an intense interest; Clay took a breath and began telling her everything, omitting the part about not being an actual Pegasus and Rainbow Dash being his mother for right now and not being her biological son. Soon he finished and saw that Firefly looked intrigued “Well you seem to live an interesting life. I can’t believe that you have never been to Cloudsdale before today.” She remarked.

“I guess the thought never crossed my mind…what about you?”Firefly looked to the side. 

“Not much to tell about me. My dad’s a big important pony, I love the Wonderbolts, and my father doesn’t approve of anything I do.” She looked annoyed as she finished.

“Your dad doesn’t like you flying?”

“Heh, he’d rather I had been born without wings so I didn’t get hurt when I do a trick. But it’s in my blood I need the wind in my mane, the adrenaline; I love it all.” She said excitedly. Their food had arrived and they soon began eating.

“There’s something I don’t understand.” Clay said after swallowing.

“What?”

“Germane said that your father hated the Wonderbolts…how did you get all that stuff in your room?” Firefly swallowed what she had in her mouth and looked slightly saddened.

“It’s not mine actually.” Clay cocked an eyebrow.

“Whose is it then?”

“They…were my mom’s things.” She said.

“Is your mom a fan too?” Clay asked.

“No she was a Wonderbolt. One of the best.”

“Was?” Clay asked surprised.

“Before…before she died.” Firefly said sadly.

“Oh…I’m so sorry.” Clay said softly.

“It’s okay…you didn’t know.” Firefly looked down at the table as her eyes began to glisten, Clay began to feel depressed as well and put down his burger slowly.

“You know…I don’t have a dad.” Firefly looked up at Clay slowly.

“Is he dead too?” Clay nodded.

Firefly looked at him silently before replying.

“I’m sorry.” Clay shook his head.

“I’m over it really, I have my mom and she’s all I need to feel like I have a family.” Firefly smiled.

“She sounds like an awesome mom.” Clay smiled back.

“She is…I couldn’t ask for a better one.”

As they finished Firefly paid for their meal and they headed back outside when Firefly had an idea.

“Hey since you're new here how about I show you around?” Clay smiled.

“I’d like a tour if you have the time.” Firefly smiled back.

“Don’t worry Germane thinks I’m still in my room and my dad won’t be back until nine, so that means…”
She looked up to see a giant sundial that read three. “We have plenty of time to look around.” Firefly lifted off into the sky and Clay followed closely.

Firefly showed Clay how rainbows and the weather were made, as well as the giant stadium where the biggest flying competitions were held. After some more sight-seeing Clay and Firefly decided to try some stunts outside of Cloudsdale. Clay was less experienced than Firefly, and ended up failing most of them. While Firefly performed flawlessly. Eventually Clay just gave up and sat on a nearby cloud to cheer Firefly on, after an hour she was exhausted and sat next to him while they watch the sun descend over the horizon. Firefly began to nuzzle up next to Clay as he began to blush.

“Thanks for such a fun time Clay.” She said happily.

“I should be thanking you this was your idea.” Firefly giggled.

“I know but…I just get so restless being cooped up in that house all day. I don’t have any friends in Canterlot because I’m the daughter of Jasper Goldhoof, and my dad keeps me locked up except when I have to go to school, because he’s afraid I’ll get hurt.” She looked over to Cloudsdale.

“That’s why I come here, to feel free from my dad, from who I am, and that stupid name that he gave me.” Firefly frowned.
“It was fun to finally share it with somepony else for a change.” Clay smiled.

“I don’t know I think Philomena is a beautiful name.” Firefly still frowned.

“It’s not good enough for a Wonderbolt though.”Clay cocked his head towards the pink pegasus .

“If you don’t mind me asking why did you choose the name Firefly?” Firefly snuggled up to Clay making his heart race.

“They used to hang around my bedroom window when I was a little filly. I remember thinking about how beautiful they looked glowing in the dark, and my mom used to catch some for me and let me keep them for the night. She used to call me her little firefly…but that was a long time ago.” Clay hearing the sadness in her voice decided to comfort her by draping his wing over her like how his mother used when he was scared or sad. It seemed to do the trick as she rested her head on his shoulder and began smiling broadly.

“I feel so safe around you Clay.” She said softly “I feel like you would never let anything hurt me.” Clay looked down at her and smiled.

“And I wouldn’t.” Firefly looked up at him and they locked eyes and began to slowly move towards each other, however as Clay was about to kiss Firefly he heard the distant ring of the clock tower from Canterlot which rang eight times. 

“Oh no, mom will be back soon!” Clay thought panicking slightly.

“Oh no, dad will be back soon!” Firefly said out loud as she pulled away “Sorry Clay I’ve got to get going. We can catch up tomorrow okay?” Clay was feeling dejected, but nodded.

“Good and by the way…would you mind not telling anypony about that sappy moment earlier?” Firefly asked. 

“Who would I tell?” Clay replied, but Firefly didn’t look convinced.

“Promise that this will stay between us for right now okay I don’t want it getting around that I’m…one of those romance loving ponies.” Clay nodded and she looked relived “Good. I’ll see you tomorrow Clay.” She propelled into the air and headed off while Clay looked on sadly.

“I was so close.” He thought as he started to make his way home. Suddenly he heard his name.

“Clay!” He looked back to see Firefly flying straight at him.

“What are you doing?” Clay asked puzzled
.
“I forgot to give you something.” She said stopping a few inches from him.

“What?” Clay asked, Firefly leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

“That.” She replied smiling before flying away again.

Clay hovered in the air as the realization hit him that he had just been kissed by a girl. He slowly brought a hoof up to his cheek and smiled as his heart began to feel warm inside him.

Clay Hurried back to Ponyville and looked at the clock tower as he landed in the now dark and empty streets showing that it was 8:30.

“Perfect just enough time to get home and hop into bed without mom knowing.” He started to head home when he heard a voice. 

“Cutting it kind of close don’t you think?” Clay jumped and turned around to See Dinky looking at him.

“Dinky…oh thank goodness.” Clay sighed.

“So…how was it?”

“It was awesome! We went to Cloudsdale and it was as incredible as our parents told us it was!” Dinky smiled.

“Really? That is awesome.” She smile turned to a sideways glance. “So…how was Firefly?” Clay smiled.

“She’s great. She wants to be Wonderbolt, she’s rich, and she’s a great flyer. She even…” Clay stopped in midsentence.

“She did what?”

“Uh, nothing.” Said Clay remembering what he had promised to Firefly. “Look Dinky I have to be getting home so maybe I’ll see you tomorrow ok?” Dinky smiled.

“Sure thing.” Clay started to leave when Dinky spoke again.

“Clay…be careful when you’re flying ok?” Clay looked to her slightly confused by what she had said.

“Uh, yeah of coarse I’ll be careful.” Dinky looked at him worried.

“It’s just…you’re my best friend and I don’t want what happened on your seventh birthday to happen again.” Clay walked back to Dinky and looked to her smiling.

“It won’t happen again Dinky I promise…and you’re my best friend too.” Clay pulled Dinky into a hug before running back to his home. Leaving Dinky slightly stunned, but pleased at the same time before she headed home herself.

Clay swung open the front door and raced to the bathroom to get ready for bed. He brushed his teeth and combed his mane before going to his room and pulling the sheets over his body. He turned over to face the bedroom window as he heard the front door open and close.

“Clay! I’m home!” He heard his mother call from down stairs, but he didn’t answer and pretended to be asleep as he heard her hoof steps climb the stairs. Dash poked her head into his room and began whispering.

“Clay are you asleep yet?” She looked over and saw the seemingly sleeping earth pony in his bed, she walked over to him and sat at the edge looking down at him and stroked his side.

“I hope you’re not still sick Clay I worry about you sometimes.” She said softly while Clay listened and kept his eyes shut.
“If anything ever happened to you I…I don’t know what I would do.” She went silent and looked to the sleeping colt.
“I missed you today Clay…being a Wonderbolt captain is tough some times, but coming home and seeing you makes me feel like I could do it forever.” Dash smiled as she continued rubbing Clay through the sheets.

“ I remember when you were little you used to cry when I left and I had to pinkie promise that I would come back…and when I did you were always there waiting for me with that cute smile.” She looked up as the memories came flooding back making her eyes glisten.

“But you don’t cry when I leave or wait for me to come back anymore…I guess I have to remind myself that you’re not that foal I found alone and helpless anymore. Some day you won’t even need me anymore you’ll be…all grown up.” She looked to the ground sadly.

“I guess that’s the down side about being a parent. Eventually they don’t need you for anything other than to tell them that you love them from time to time.” Dash looked to Clay again and smiled sadly.

“Well…at least I have you for a few more years before that happens.” She leaned over and kissed the back of his head before getting up and heading to the door and then turning back she whispered.

“Good night Clay…I love you.” She then shut the door quietly as Clay laid there allowing large tears to fall from his eyes.

“I love you too mom.” He sobbed as he looked out the window and at the night sky.

> Chapter 13
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 3: The Truth Part 1

Clay was flying over Ponyville enjoying his last day of freedom. Doing somersaults and spins in the air.

“This must be what mom feels like all the time.” He thought as he started to dive towards the ground only to pull away at the last second. He cheered at the top of his lungs as he flew higher into the sky.

“I wish mom could have seen that…she’d probably have a heart attack though.” Clay started to ascend higher and higher until he could barely see the ground.

Clay began to drift and shut his eyes feeling the breeze in his mane.

“I wish I could keep these wings forever.” He thought dreamily. Suddenly he heard a whooshing sound causing him to open his eyes and soon found himself looking at Firefly.

“Hey Clay you want to race? You get a prize if you win.” She gave him a cocky smile.

“Sure…what’s the prize?” Firefly’s smile turned seductive.

“Why don’t you catch me and find out.” And with that she flew off at full speed, and Clay followed soon after her.
The wind began to sting his eyes as he flew faster and faster, soon he saw Firefly and his speed picked up even more as his heart began to race. Clay was mere inches from Firefly when he suddenly felt an odd sensation in his back. He turned his head and to his horror he saw that his wings were beginning to disintegrate before his eyes.

“No! Oh Celestia no!” He screamed as they grew thinner and thinner until finally they disappeared completely.

Clay stood in the air for a few seconds before plummeting to the ground screaming. The clouds rushed past him and the wind rushed through his ears making a high pitched whine as his heart pounded in his chest. The ground drew closer and closer and he realized that no one was going to save him this time; he shut his eyes just seconds before he hit the ground awaiting the pain of impact.

Clay awoke gasping for breath and then looked around to see that he was still in his room safe and sound. He looked to his back and saw that the magic wings were still there. Clay whipped his brow and discovered that he was covered in cold sweat. As he sighed in relief there was a knock on his bedroom door.

“Clay…are you awake yet?” Clay slid back down and pulled the sheets higher to cover his wings, when he felt that they were hidden enough he replied.

“Come in mom.” Dash walked in to see Clay huddled in his bed.

“Are you okay Clay? You slept in pretty late.”  Clay rubbed his eyes.

“What time is it?”

“Its 12:00.” Clay raised an eyebrow.

“Shouldn’t you be at work?” Dash shook her head. 

“I decided to take the day off because I wasn’t sure if you were feeling well and I didn’t want to leave you alone.” She walked over to him and noticed that he was damp with sweat “Clay are you alright?” She asked worried, Clay nodded.

“Yeah I’m fine, but what do you mean you took the day off? You love being with the Wonderbolts.” Dash sat down next to him and smiled.

“I do love being with the Wonderbolts Clay, but I love being with you more.” She ran a hoof through his mane making him smile.

“So are you hungry?” Dash asked him, she got her answer when Clay’s stomach made a loud groan.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” She replied, Clay was happy to have his mother home for a change, but he knew that if he left the bed she would see his wings, and then what? 

“I’ll see you down stairs when you’re ready.” She kissed his forehead and left the room, Clay stayed in his bed for the moment as he began thinking about how he was going to hide his wings.

He looked around and noticed a black hoodie hanging in his closet; he then got up and placed the hoodie over his head. When he finished he looked at his back and saw that his wings were perfectly concealed.

“Perfect.” Clay thought as he left his room and went down stairs. Clay saw his mother making what looked like two turf grass sandwiches, and he sat at the table hoping that she wouldn’t ask about the hoodie. Dash set the sandwiches on the table and then took her spot.

“So I was thinking since I was off today maybe we could go someplace and spend some time together just the two of us.” Clay looked to Dash nervously.

“Uh, actually mom Dinky and I have plans today. Maybe I could spend time with you later when we’re done?” Clay lied.

“Oh…uh yeah that’s fine I guess.”

Clay saw her face fall slightly and he felt a twinge of guilt in his ribs. He hadn’t had quality time with his mother in years due to her job and now that she had some free time he had to lie to her face to avoid punishment. Clay took a breath and looked to his mother again.

“You know…I can always spend time with Dinky tomorrow.” Dash looked at Clay surprised.

“Clay you don’t have to do that.” Clay shook his head.

“I want to spend time with you mom…really.”

“But what about Dinky?”

“I’ll talk to her. She’ll understand.” Dash smiled as she realized she hadn’t lost her son to being a teenager just yet.

After they finished their sandwiches they made their way through Ponyville stopping by sugar cube corner and sharing some baked goods and talking with Pinkie Pie. They then went to the park where they played eye spy. Rainbow would manipulate the clouds and Clay would try to identify the object they resembled. It was something Clay hadn’t done with his mother since he was a little colt.
Soon after they met Twilight and the others who had decided to have a picnic and asked Dash and Clay to join them. They agreed and enjoyed the food that had been brought and swapping stories about what they had done today. As Clay saw his mother and Aunts talking and laughing about the day Clay couldn’t help but smile at his decision to spend time with them. As Clay reached for a bottle of sarsaparilla Pinkie Pie spoke up.

“So Clay how has your search for that mystery filly going?” Clay stopped in mid sip as all eyes were on him now.

“Oh my I completely forgot about your crush Clay. Did you find her yet?” Rarity asked excitedly.

“She’s not a mystery anymore girls he found out her name at the gala.” Everyone except Dash looked excited.

“Who is she?” Fluttershy asked timidly.

“H-her names Firefly.” Clay replied choking slightly. He had forgotten about meeting Firefly today and she was probably waiting for him right now.

“Can’t say that name sounds familiar.” Applejack said tapping her chin.

“Do you know where she lives?” Twilight asked.

“I…I found out that she lives in Canterlot.” Dash placed a hoof on her head.

“No wonder we haven’t been able to find her!” Rarity gave a puzzled expression as she thought.

“Funny I know every pony in Canterlot and I’ve never heard of a Firefly.” Fluttershy looked to Rarity.

“That is rather strange.” Clay began to panic his plan was starting to fall apart.

“Clay…do you want us to help you find her?” Dash asked her son.

“Uh, you don’t have to do that mom really I can find her on my own.”

“I’m the fastest flyer in Equestria I can be at Canterlot and back in no time.” Clay was really panicking now. He didn’t want his mother to meet her yet. 

“Mom I can get to her myself let’s just enjoy the picnic!” Clay grumbled, starting to stress out.

“It’s no…” Dash started but was cut off.

“Mom, please, I can find her myself I don’t want your help!” Clay shouted.

Dash and the others looked at Clay startled by his outburst and the atmosphere had changed dramatically, Twilight and the others looked to Dash who looked startled at her son, yet she remained quiet for a short time before finally speaking.

“Clay, what’s going on? You’ve been sneaking around, and now you’re yelling at me for trying to help? It’s like you don’t even want me in your life!” Clay looked at her apologetically.

“Mom I’m…I’m sorry.”

Dash froze, slightly panicked. “No you’re right…you’re a big boy now and you don’t need me to help you with everything.” She bit her lip and looked down. “I’ll just uh…I’ll just stay out of your way and let you handle it.” Clay lowered his head feeling terrible for making his mother feel this way.

Feeling like the good times were over Twilight and the others began packing up the picnic and left for home while Dash and Clay trailed behind not meeting each other’s gaze. As they continued walking Dash suddenly stopped.

“Clay can I talk to you for a sec?” Clay looked to her nervously.

“Sure.” He walked up to her and they sat down while the others continued to walk.

“Clay…are you…embarrassed by me?” Clay looked at his mother baffled.

“Why would you think that mom?” Dash looked uncertainly at Clay. He had always worshiped her. She knew there was a time when a foal got embarrassed by their parents, but she always thought she was too cool for that, that Clay would always think how lucky he was to have such an awesome mom.

“Well…you just don’t want to spend time with me anymore. And you don’t seem to want me to meet this filly of yours so I thought that her meeting me would embarrass you…”

“Mom…” Clay said feeling incredibly guilty.

“But I can be totally cool, ya know. I mean not everypony has a mom who’s a Wonderbolt, or who will go to Canterlot to find the girl they like, right? I mean, I’m kinda awesome for a mom…? ” She swallowed nervously, almost looking scared.

Clay reached over and hugged his mother tightly trying to show that he didn’t feel that way at all.

“You could never embarrass me mom.”  Dash smiled and returned the hug, then after a pause she asked.

“Have…have I been a good mom Clay?” Clay squeezed her tighter.

“You’re the best mom anypony could ask for.” A small tear ran down Rainbows face.

“Thank you Clay.” They finished the hug and began to catch up with the others. Both of them feeling lighter and happier than before.

After a few minutes Dash and Clay reached home, Dash headed inside but Clay stayed back thinking.

“Hey mom is it alright if I stay out a bit longer?” Dash looked back at him.

“Sure…but, um,why?”

“I…I need to think about something for a bit.” Dash nodded and Clay walked off to a quiet spot under a tree to think.
He didn’t have much time left before his wings would disappear, and he was trying to figure out what to do with the time he had left. He knew Firefly was waiting for him so he had to meet her…but what would she think of him once his wings were gone? As he thought Sky’s voice rang in his head.

"Filthy earth pony!" Clay shook his head silencing the voice.

“Will she still like me when I can’t fly anymore? What if she hates me for lying to her?” Clay started to rub his temples with his hooves sighing in frustration. Clay began thinking back to the early years with his mom and he began to remember his seventh birthday, he could remember every detail of the night when his mother tucked him into bed.

“What did you wish for anyway?” He heard his mother ask.

“To have wings like you mommy.” His younger self answered.

Clay now back in the present day looked up at the clouds and thought of all the things a mother and son could do like flying kites, play games in the park, and exploring Ponyville…but there was one thing he could never do with Dash. The one thing that he had wanted to do since he was a young colt, and now he had his chance. Clay stood up with a new determination and began to walk home when he spotted Dinky.

“Dinky!” He called after her and started running to his childhood friend.

“Hi Clay!” She walked over to him. “Just so you know I haven’t told anypony about your wings…have you told your mom yet?” Clay shook his head

“Not yet and I appreciate you keeping my secrete Dinky, but now I need you to make a promise.” 

“What’s that?” Dinky asked concerned.

“Tell my mom to meet me in Canterlot.” Dinky blinked in confusion.

“Why?”

“Because I need to tell the truth…to both her and Firefly.”

“Why can’t you tell her?” Dinky questioned.

“Because I need to get to Firefly so I need you to tell my mom for me while I’m in Canterlot.” Dinky opened her mouth as if to speak, but she soon shut it again and simply nodded.

“Thanks Dinky.” He then started to take off his hoodie and spread his wings making Dinky’s eyes widen in amazement. Clay faced away from her and flew off into the sky when Dinky called out stopping him.

“Clay…what do I tell her?”

“Just tell her that I need to show her something and that she can finally meet Firefly in person.” Clay started to fly again when he was stopped by Dinky once again.

“Clay!” He turned to her in midair.

“Yeah?” Dinky looked at him with sisterly concern.

“Be careful.” Clay smiled and nodded before taking off into the sky again heading for Canterlot.

> Chapter 14
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 3: The Truth Part 2

Clay Hurried to Canterlot as fast as he was able to. He wanted to get to Firefly before his mother met her. His mind raced with questions and his chest was filled with anxiety between the fact that soon his secret would be exposed to the love of his life and his mother. Clay finally spotted the familiar roof of Firefly’s home and landed softly on the path and stopped at the door. He lifted a hoof to the door, but he stopped short as more thoughts ran through his head.

“What if she hates me because I’m an earth pony? What if she never wants to see me again? What if…what if mom hates me?” A tear fell down his face at the thought, but he shook his head and began to look determined.

“No! Mom would never stop loving me, and if Firefly hates me…so be it.”

Clay took a deep breath and raised a hoof to the door again, but before it made contact the handle turned and the door opened to reveal a pink Pegasus.

“Clay! This is so weird I was just about to look for you!” Firefly smiled at him and he smiled back. However Clay’s face fell almost immediately.

“Clay…what’s wrong?”

“Firefly….can we talk?”

“Sure. We can talk later after we get some flying in.”

“Firefly please. This…this is important.” Firefly raised an eyebrow, but nodded in agreement. Clay and Firefly walked away from her home and found a secluded spot so they could speak privately.

“Okay Clay now what is so important that it can’t wait until later?” Clay sighed deeply as he avoided her gaze.

“Firefly before I tell you the truth I just want to say one thing.” Fire fly gave him an odd look, but said nothing and sat on the ground as he did the same.

“Firefly…these last few days have been some of the best days of my life. I’ve enjoyed every minute I have spent with you. I…I think you are the most beautiful filly I have ever seen and I want to keep having days like yesterday with you.” His face began to blush slightly as he tried to find the words. “What I’m trying to say is I…I love you.” Firefly looked at Clay shocked as her face began to redden.

“I…I love you too Clay. I’ve loved you from the moment I woke up and saw your face looking down at me when you saved my life.” Clay smiled at the news that she loved him back, but that love was tainted and it caused his face to fall.

“But…I…I’ve been lying to you.” He avoided her eyes.

“About what?”

“Firefly…I’m…I’m not what you think I am.”

“What…you’re not really with the Wonderbolts I don’t care about that.”

“No that’s not what I was going to say.” Firefly looked at him confused and he took another breath bracing himself.

“Firefly…I’m not…” He stopped before he could finish and looked away from her. He was too scared to admit the truth. He didn’t want to admit that he would never be able to fly with her again or visit Cloudsdale with her after today. As he looked down at the ground he felt Firefly place a hoof on the side of his face and turned it towards hers.

“Just say it Clay. You can tell me.”

Clay felt his confidence return and he began to form the words as he realized there was no going back now. However before he could say another word another voice spoke out.

“Well I’ll be damned. It is old blank flank Clay.”

Clay’s heart froze in his chest as he recognized the voice. It belonged to the one pony he wanted here least of all; Sky Tearer. Clay and Firefly turned their heads to the dark blue Pegasus as he gave a cocky smile at them.

“Where’d you get those fake wings Clay? Your mommy make them for you, so that she can at least pretend you belong to her?” Clay glared at the Pegasus, furious at how he would dare come at a moment like this.

“You shut up! His wings are the most beautiful wings I have ever seen, and don’t you dare insult his mother!” Firefly shouted shaking with anger.

“Stay out of this little filly it’s none of your business.”

“He is my business! I won’t let you insult the colt I love!”

“Oh really? You love this filthy earth pony.”

“What are you stupid? He’s clearly a Pegasus like you and me.” Sky raised an eyebrow and a smirk grew across his face.
“Wait…you didn’t tell her did you.”

“Tell me what?”

“That those wings of his are fake. That he isn’t a Pegasus; he’s really an earth pony.”

“What are you talking about? Clay tell this…loser that he’s crazy.” Clay simply stood there silent as Firefly looked at him, and the longer he remained silent the more confused Firefly looked.

“Clay…it isn’t true…is it?”

Clay still said nothing.

“Clay…tell me that it’s not true.” Clay looked to Firefly sadly and sighed.

“It’s all true.” Firefly looked at Clay in disbelief.

“Your…you’re not a pegasus?”

“No…”

“You…you lied to me?”

“Yes…” Firefly looked to the ground as she tried to understand what was going on.

“I…can’t believe that you…would lie to me.”

“Firefly please I didn’t want you to find out this way.” He started to panic as he saw the beginnings of tears in her eyes.

“I pour my heart out to you about feeling trapped by my father…I tell you about my mother…and…you lie to me about what you are for two days.” Clay fell silent as tears started to fall down her face.

“I…I trusted you.” Clay’s heart felt like it had been stabbed as she saw Firefly continue to cry.

“Firefly…I’m…I’m sorry please let me…” He approached her, but she backed away and glared at him.

“Get away from me! If I ever see you again I’ll…I’ll…” Firefly unfurled her wings and took off to her home. Clay just stood there heart broken and let large tears fall down his face.

“Well that was more fun than I thought it would be.” Sky said smirking. “You should stick to earth pony girls Clay…they’re dumber so they’re easier to fool than our girls…well except her apparently.”

Clay looked to Sky with a look that could have killed if it was possible. Clay turned to Sky and opened his wings slowly before charging at Sky with a pain filled yell.

Back at Ponyville:

Dinky approached the front door of Clays home and knocked three times. Shortly after Rainbow Dash opened the door.

“Hi Dinky, what brings you here?”

“Hi Rainbow Dash. Um…Clay wanted me to tell you that…he wants you to meet him at Canterlot.” Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow.

“Wait…Clay is at Canterlot right now?” Dinky nodded.

“But…how is that possible he would need wings to get to Canterlot that fast.” Dinky kicked the ground.

“Well…actually he does have wings.” Dash stared blankly and then stuck a hoof in her ear wiggling it around slightly.

“I’m sorry Dinky, but I thought I heard you say that Clay has wings.” Dinky gave a sideways glance at Rainbow Dash.

“How…how did it happen?”

“He found a book that had a spell that would give him wings for three days.” Dash panicked as she realized he must have found the spell Twilight had used years ago on Rarity.

“But how did he get the magic to get the spell to work? Twilight wouldn’t have let him fly without my permission.”

“Actually…I was the one who used the spell on him.” Dinky admitted.

“But…why didn’t he ask me?” Dash began to feel hurt that her son would keep this hidden from her.

“He…he was afraid you would say no.”

“But I wouldn’t have said no. I know he has wanted wings since he was little…why doesn’t he trust me?” Dash lowered her gaze sadly.

“He really wants you to meet him there. He said that he would introduce you to somepony named Firefly.” Dash’s expression turned to surprise and worry.

“Well I must admit I have wanted to meet this filly of his for a while now.” She looked to the young unicorn slightly angry. “But…why did you let him go to Canterlot by himself? Why did you give him magical wings? You could have hurt him!” Dinky looked to Rainbow Dash nervously.

“I tried to tell him, but he wouldn’t listen. He was obsessed when he found that spell. He begged me.” Dash began to wonder why Clay would be so desperate when a thought popped into her head.

“He’s not doing this to impress that Firefly filly is he?” She gasped.

“No, he just wanted to look for her.” Dash rubbed her temples.

“What is that pony thinking flying off without telling me? His own mom!”

“I don’t know. I tried to make him listen, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer.” As Dash stood there confused and worried she heard a colt’s voice.

“Because I’m not like you mommy!” Dash’s face fell.

“Doesn’t he know I love him no matter what kind of pony he is?” She thought sadly. Dinky looked at Dash sheepishly.

“I’m sorry Rainbow Dash.” Dash looked to Dinky.

“I’ll be telling your mother what you’ve done when I get back.” Dinky looked worriedly at Dash.

“Is…is Clay in trouble?”

“Oh, he’s in trouble all right! When I find him being “grounded” will have a whole new meaning!”  Dash walked past Dinky and splayed her wings to their fullest extent.

“Tell Twilight and the others that I’m bringing Clay back!” Dinky approached her.

“Please Rainbow bring him back safe. If anything ever happened to him I…I’d never forgive myself.” Dash looked back to Dinky.

“Don’t worry. I’d never let anything happen to Clay.” Dash flapped her wings and flew into the air towards Canterlot.

“I’d never forgive myself.” Dinky whispered as tears slid down her face.



Outside Canterlot:

Clay and Sky hovered over the outskirts of Canterlot trying to hurt each other as much as possible. Clay’s heart was completely broken and he wanted to take all his anger out on Sky.

“YOU HAD NO RIGHT TO TELL HER ANY OF THAT!”

“Oh please, like you really had a chance with her anyway.”

“I WAS GOING TO TELL HER THE TRUTH! BUT YOU HAD TO BARGE IN AND RUIN EVERYTHING!”

“Sounds like I was just speeding up the process.” Clay looked at Sky continuing his death gaze.

“Oh don’t worry I’m sure filly fooler mommy will come and make it all better for her little dirt pony.”

“I’LL KILL YOU! I SWEAR TO CELEASTIA I’LL BUCKING KILL YOU!” Clay shouted his eyes full of anger.

Clay dove straight at Sky ramming him in the gut and they both fell towards the ground below. As they plummeted Clay and Sky dealt each other blows to the head and tried kicking each other to get loose. Before they hit the ground Sky head butted Clay causing him to cringe in pain giving the dark blue Pegasus enough time to fly away. Clay shook his head and flew up after his rival avoiding a powerful kick aimed at his head and then grabbed the leg with his teeth throwing Sky downward.

Sky flew back up at Clay who flew higher trying to put some distance between him and Sky before attacking him again. Sky closed the distance and was mere inches from Clay when he was suddenly bucked right in the face and began to hurdle towards the ground again.

“THAT’S FOR CALLING MY MOTHER A FILLY FOOLER!” Clay shouted.

Sky with his vision blurred shook his head and dashed towards Clay once more. Clay responded by diving towards Sky again readying himself for the impact.

> Chapter 15
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 3: The Truth part 3

Firefly landed in front of her home and ran through the door startling Germane. 

“Ah Miss Philomena how was your…” He stopped when he saw that she had tears running down her face.

“Miss…are you alright? What happened?” Firefly looked away from Germane and ran up to her room slamming the door behind her. Firefly landed on her bed and began to sob heavily into her pillow. Seconds later there was a knock at the door followed by a voice.

“Miss...may I come in?”

“Go away Germane…I…I want to be alone!”

“Madame I simply cannot stand by and leave you so distressed.”

“I don’t need you! I don’t need anypony! Everypony just lies to me!”

“Madame...please I’m not doing this as a butler…but as your friend.”

“I don’t have any friends! *Sniff* Dad made sure of that.”

“That’s not true. Please…let me see you.”

Firefly sighed and opened the door allowing the butler pony to enter.

“I really should clean your room.” Germane muttered.

“Well…go ahead! Say something like it’s not proper for a young filly to act this way. Or your father would want you to be brave.” She said in a mocking tone.

“Philomena…I have known you since you were too young to fly. I would hope that by now you would come to think of me as your friend.”

“Stop calling me that! I hate that name!”

“Why do you despise it so?”

“Because that’s the name of that stupid bird the princess owns. And that’s what I am to my dad…a bird for him to look at in a cage like a prize.”

“Phila…madame. Your father doesn’t keep you indoors because he sees you as a prize; he keeps you here because he doesn’t want you to get hurt.”

“But how can I fly if I stay in the house all the time? And how can I see the world with the Wonderbolts if he keeps me locked up?”

“Madame I know that flying is part of your nature. And I would like nothing more than to see you soar into the sky like the Pegasus I know you can be. But I cannot go against your father’s wishes.”

“Of course you can’t. Nopony says no to dad.” Firefly hung her head. “I might as well face the fact that I’m going to be stuck here until either my dad dies or I do.”

“Madame…you are a strong beautiful pony that can do anything you set your mind to. And I know that one day your father will see that.” Firefly smiled as Germane placed a supportive hoof on her shoulder.

“Now why are you so upset?”

“Because the only pony I ever loved is a fraud!”

“What do you mean?”

“Turns out that Clay isn’t a pegasus he’s an earth pony with false wings.”

“Really?” Firefly nodded angrily.

“Do you hate him because he is an earth pony?”

“No. I hate him because he lied to me for two days and made me fall in love under false pretenses!”  Firefly crossed her forelegs “I told him the reason I chose the name Firefly and he doesn’t have the decency to tell me he can’t really fly. He’s just like dad lying to me just to get on my good side.” Her face fell as she finished. Germane thought and then sighed as if something occurred to him.

“I think I understand…you think he’s just going to keep lying to you if you keep seeing him.” Firefly began to cry again. “Madame everypony lies about something. But to admit it shows their true character.”

“He said he loved me…how do I even know that was true? What else isn’t he telling me?”

“I can see why you are so hesitant…but let me tell you something. That boy saved your life, grew wings, flew from Ponyville and tracked you down when he had almost no hope of ever finding you, and then flew with you to Cloudsdale when he probably knew nothing about it.” Firefly blinked.

“How did you know about that?” Germane smirked.

“You are your mother’s daughter after all.” Firefly avoided his gaze.

“What I’m trying to tell you is that if that colt was willing to do all that for you; I think then his love is very sincere.”

“But he still lied to me!” Firefly huffed.

“Well, he probably was afraid you wouldn’t accept his love I you knew the truth.”

“If he had told me from the start then I wouldn’t have cared, but if he lied to me on our first date how can I trust him at all?”

“Well he obviously told you the truth today if you are so upset.”

“No. He only told me because another pegasus showed up and ratted him out.”

“Seems to me like he didn’t get the chance to tell you.”

“Geez Germane why are you taking his side!” Germane turned his gaze from Firefly looking distant.

“Do you think he’s the only stallion that lied about himself to meet a mare he loved?” Firefly looked at Germane startled by the revelation.

“He may not be perfect, and he may have lied, but I’ve seen how happy he makes you. And I believe you make him just as happy. All I’m saying is that maybe you should give him a second chance.” Firefly remained quiet but still looked angry. “Well it’s your decision and I have given you my opinion…now you have to decide whether to listen to it or not.” He started to leave the room but stopped when Firefly spoke.

“Germane…who was she?”

“Who?”

“The mare that you lied to?”

“Oh…just some young unicorn mare from a place called Carousel Boutique.” Germane started to leave again, but was stopped once more.

“Germane…thanks.” Germane smiled.

“Anytime…Firefly.” Germane shut the door leaving Firefly alone with her thoughts.

Outside Canterlot:

Clay and Sky kicked and dived at each other in the air like their lives depended on it. Clay had bruises around his body and a small cut on his right ear. Sky looked worse with a black eye, a bloody nose, and multiple bruises around his body. Yet despite the pain and exhaustion both were going through neither one of them was willing to surrender. They kept trying to get each other to crash to the ground, but so far neither one of them had been even close. Finally Sky dove towards Clay at his fastest speed.

“Time for you to go back on the ground earth pony!”

Clay locked eyes as Sky approached and raised his back legs in front of him delivering a hard kick to Sky sending him flying into a cliff and crashing to the ground. Clay allowed a smirk across his face as Sky hit the ground hard; Sky soon got to his feet, but then feel back to the ground yelling in pain as he tried to fly again. Sky looked at his back and saw that his wing was sticking at an odd angle. His wing was broken and was now grounded; Sky turned his head back to Clay and bared his teeth in pain. As the two ponies glared at each other a loud crack was heard and they both looked up to see that the spot where Sky had hit the cliff was starting to crumble. A large rock fell and just missed Sky by inches.

Sky tried to move but soon fell to the dirt in pain, his leg was broken too. Another large rock fell nearly landing on Sky’s head; they both realized that he was about to die. As Clay watched the rocks fall around Sky he thought for one second about just leaving him to his fate for all the pain that he caused him over the years. Clay started to fly away, but soon stopped and looked back to Sky who had a look of fear and realization on his face.

“No…this isn’t right! Mom would never leave a pony to die, rival or not. And neither should I.”

Clay flew to Sky’s side trying to dodge and ignore the falling boulders while he lifted Sky onto his back before taking off into the sky again, barely missing another large boulder and then landing on a hill safely. The two ponies lay on their backs gasping for breath as they looked to the orange sky.

“You…you saved me. Why?” Sky asked breathless.

“Because…you needed…help.” Clay replied also breathless.

“I…didn’t…ask for help.”

“You…didn’t…have to.” Sky became silent as they continued to lay there. Then he said something Clay never expected to hear from Sky.

“Thanks…Clay.”

“You’re…welcome.”

“I don’t know how I’ll get to a hospital with this leg and wing.” Sky mused.

“I’ll take you to one if you want.” Clay offered.

“Thanks.” 

Clay and Sky looked across to Celestia’s sun and an odd sense of warmth washed over them.

“Heh, you know if I didn’t know better I’d swear that we were becoming…friends.” Sky replied.

“Don’t push it.” Clay chuckled.

As Clay and Sky watched the sun they heard a thud behind them. They craned their necks to see a large dark blue Pegasus stallion with yellow eyes.

“Dad…what…” Sky started as he tried to get up, but he soon was back handed by his father.

“You have lost your right to call me your father Sky…I saw the whole thing…you…are an absolute disgrace to the word pegasus.”

Sky slowly got back up from his father’s assault only to be hit again as he tried to make eye contact.

“Don’t you dare look at me! I am disgusted with you!” Sky Blazer said with venom.

“What the hell is wrong with you!? He’s your son and he’s hurt!” Sky glared at Clay with an intense hatred.

“You…you are more of a disgrace than my son! You would dare have wings not given by birth! You should not be called a pony, but an abomination!”

“I don’t care what you think of me, but I will not let you hurt another pony when they can’t defend themselves. Especially your own son!” Clay positioned himself between Sky and his father and held his ground As Sky looked at Clay in disbelief.

“Step aside.” Sky Blazer hissed.

“Make me.” Clay said defiantly staring back into Sky Blazers yellow eyes.

“So be it!”

Sky Blazer reared up ready to come down on Clay when suddenly a rainbow blur collided into his side sending him flying. Clay blinked as he saw his mother standing in front of him and giving Sky Blazer an intimidating glare as he got to his feet.

“Don’t…you…dare… hurt my son.” Dash said through clenched teeth.

“He is meddling in things that don’t concern him.”

“All I see is a grown stallion harming two colts that haven’t done anything to you!”

“You are blinded by that one’s filth! They are a stain to the name Pegasus…the same kind of pony as you are. How can you defend them?” Dash positioned herself between Clay and Sky Blazer.

“Because he is my son, and wings or not I love him. In fact I would rather be an earth pony and live with pony’s that accepted one another no matter how different, than be a Pegasus and be like you!” Sky Blazer stood there fuming and then raised a hoof at Clay.

“I will not allow this.”

Sky Blazer took off into the air and looked down at the three pegasi.

“You are no longer my son Sky!” And with that he flew off into the horizon.

“What a freak.” Dash muttered as she looked back to the two colts “Are you two okay?”

“I’m okay, but Sky needs medical attention.” Dash nodded and lifted Sky onto her back.

“I’ll get him to a hospital. Clay…I want to see you at home.” Clay nodded and watched his mother disappear before heading back home.

> Chapter 16
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 3: Part 4 the Truth

Twilight and the others along with Dinky waited outside as the sky began to darken. The six pairs of eyes scanned the sky for any sign of Clay or Rainbow. Twilight was the first to spot something on the horizon.

“Girls I see something!” She pointed to the sky and the others looked to where she was pointing to see a yellow Pegasus colt heading in their direction.

“It’s Clay!” Twilight and the others sighed in relief as he Clay lowered himself to the ground.

“Clay, oh thank heavens you’re safe!” Rarity exclaimed.

“Oh, you’re bleeding!” Fluttershy said panicking.

“I’m fine Aunt Fluttershy really. Just a few cuts and bruises that’s all.”

Once the panic had died down the five mares started to remember that their nephew had grown wings.

“So Dinky was telling the truth. You do have wings.” Applejack said in disbelief.

“I must say Clay they are simply gorgeous. Look how they shine in the moonlight!” Rarity said her eyes absorbing every detail of Clay’s wings.

“They’re so beautiful.” Fluttershy cooed.

“Yeah they’re fine ah guess.” Applejack said uncertainly.

“Are you crazy Applejack? Those are the most super-duper amazingly shiniest most perfect wings ever!” Pinkie Pie shouted bouncing excitedly.

“Wow…I didn’t think my wings would get this much positive attention…thanks.” Clay rubbed the back of his head.

“Yeah, yeah real happy for yah.” Applejack said unenthusiastically.

“Applejack what is the matter with you?” Twilight asked.

“Nothing! Congratulations Clay yah finally got what yah wanted. Now you can go off and do crazy stunts and taunt all us regular ponies.” Clay looked at Applejack startled by her statement.

“Aunt Applejack I wouldn’t taunt you or any others because they can’t fly.” Applejack simply scoffed and started walking back to sweet apple acres.

“Now what was that all about?” Twilight asked puzzled.

“Never mind her Clay. The rest of us love your wings!” said Rarity.

“Thanks…uh listen if you guys don’t mind it’s been a long day and mom should be back soon so I’d like to get home.”

“We understand Clay we’re…we’re just glad you’re safe.” Fluttershy whispered as she gave him a loving hug.

Clay said goodnight to his aunts and trotted back home exhaustion threatening to overcome him. He hoped that his mother would save the lecture for tomorrow. As he walked he saw Dinky looking at him worriedly. She could tell from the sadness in his eyes and his cuts and bruises that things went the worst possible way with telling the truth to Firefly. She trotted up to him and gave him a small hug which he returned as best he could. They then let go and said a silent goodbye as they walked to their homes.

After what felt like hours Clay had made his way home and entered slowly and silently. As he entered his home Clay emitted a loud sigh and collapsed on the couch. Clay ached all over from his fight with Sky, but the worst pain he was experiencing was his heart. The fact that Firefly never wanted to see him again had left him hurt, angry, and devastated. Clay thought back to when she had yelled at him and a tear fell down his muzzle. Clay lay down and rested his head on a pillow. His eyes grew heavy and before he realized it. He had fallen asleep.

Clay awoke to find himself in a forest. It was dark and he didn’t recognize his surroundings. Clay slowly got up and looked around.

“Hello! Is anypony around?” The only answer was the wind through the trees. Clay began to grow nervous when he heard a childish giggle. He spun around to see a unicorn filly.

“Dinky?” Clay asked the filly. The filly giggled again and ran into the trees “Come back!” Clay ran after the filly trying not to lose track of her.

As Clay ran the trees began to get thicker and larger. He was starting to lose sight of the filly when suddenly he came into a clearing. The filly had stopped and was standing in a ray of moon light. Now that Clay could see her he could see that it wasn’t Dinky. The unicorn filly looked around six years old, her coat was white and her mane and tail were beautiful silver. The most outstanding feature about the filly was her eyes. They were a brilliant blood red that could be seen even in the dark.

Clay stood motionless as he looked into the filly’s eyes. Then she started to approach him. Clay wasn’t sure what to do and she was slowly drawing closer. His heart pounded in his chest afraid of the unicorn’s intent. Finally the filly was inches away from Clay as he held his breath. The filly looked into his brown eyes with her red ones; then to his surprise she brought her head closer to Clay’s legs and began nuzzling them like he did with his mother when he was her age. Clay remained silent as the unicorn gave soft hums while nuzzling his leg.

“Who are you?” Clay asked suddenly. Before the filly could answer there was a bright green flash. The filly looked at him in horror. She quickly ran behind him and began cowering and whimpering “What’s going on? What was that light?” Clay asked looking to the filly.

The little unicorn said nothing and began trembling tears running down her face. Clay looked ahead of him and saw a figure approach. Judging from the filly's reaction it was clear that who ever this pony was wanted her.

“Who are you? What do you want with her?” Clay shouted. The figure continued to approach and then began to emanate a green light from its forehead. Before Clay could react the light shot forward and hit him square in the chest, and Clay found himself collapsing to the ground.

Clay awoke startled and saw that he was back in his house. Clay shook his head trying to make sense of what he had just dreamt and his mind flashed to the filly unicorn.

“Who was she?” Clay thought his mind buzzing with questions. Finally he sighed and decided on being a little delusional from the fight. But even as he rested his head again trying to rest, he couldn’t help but think how real the whole thing had felt. 

Rainbow Dash landed outside her home. Her mind was swimming with emotions. Anger at Clay for lying to her and sneaking behind her back. Fear from his injuries, and relief that he was safe at home. She decided to settle on angry and burst through the front door.

“Clay you are so…” She stopped when she saw Clay on the couch out cold. He was sleeping peacefully, but he looked terrible. His body was covered in black and blue bruises, he had a cut on his left ear, and there was even a small bump on his forehead. Surprisingly the only thing that didn’t look damaged at all was his wings. In fact they looked brand new.
Dash looked at his bruise ridden body and walked over to the couch. He looked so hurt and yet so peaceful at the same time.

“I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” She whispered as she grabbed a blanket with her teeth and draped it over his body. 
Clay shifted under the blanket causing Dash to smile. She ruffled his mane slightly and then kissed the side of his face before turning off the lights and heading upstairs to her bedroom.

> Chapter 17
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 4: The Last Day

The smell of pancakes hit Clay’s nostrils and he slowly opened his eyes.

“Mm mm. Smells good mom.” Clay muttered as he got up slowly from the couch and made his way to the table. He took a spot and sat on his haunches as Dash carried a plate of pancakes to the table, before sitting down herself. Clay looked at her and tried to read her face. She didn’t look mad, in fact she looked happy. Clay didn’t know whether to be relieved or worried.

“Did you sleep well?” She asked cheerfully.

“I slept ok I guess. But I had this weird dream.”

“Weird dream?” Dash replied curiously.

“Yeah there was this unicorn filly and I was following her.”

“Was it Dinky?” Dash asked.

“No she was somepony I had never seen before.” Clay squeezed some apple syrup on his pancake stack and continued “Anyway I found her and…then she started rubbing up against my leg.” Dash raised an eyebrow.

“Wait…this wasn’t one of those “special” dreams was it?”

“MOM!” Clay shouted blushing slightly.

“Just checking.” Dash chuckled.

“It wasn’t…that kind of a rub it was more like…a loving rub like she knew me. Almost like…” He paused.

“Almost like what Clay.” Dash asked in mid bite.

“Almost like…when I used to rub you when I was little.” Dash looked at Clay uncertainly.

“You mean like she…was related to you?” Clay nodded “Well…I guess that’s a nice dream.” They became quiet and continued eating.

“Mom I know that this won’t help me not get in trouble, but…for what it’s worth I’m sorry I went behind your back with the spell.” Dash looked at him curiously.

“Clay, why didn’t you ask me?” Clay hung his head.

“I was afraid you would say no.”

“Of course I wouldn’t have said no Clay. I know how much you’ve wanted to fly.” Clay looked at her disbelievingly.

“You mean…you would have let me go through with it?”

“Of course I would. Hell I would have given you pointers. I want you to be happy Clay, and if you having wings is what it takes to make you happy then so be it.” Clay smiled.

“You really are the coolest mom ever.” Dash smirked.

“Tell me something I don’t already know.” They continued eating their breakfast. Then after a long quiet minute Dash spoke again.

“So…I’ve been thinking about your punishment.” Clay stopped eating and looked at her “I’ve decided that you are going to spend the entire day going to all of your aunts and do whatever they need you to do. And I do mean whatever they tell you.” Clay opened his mouth, but then stopped before trying again.

“Alright.” Dash blinked.

“Really, that’s it? No begging, no whining, no saying it’s not fair?”

“Yep. I’m fine with it.”

“Oh…well good.” They resumed eating not looking at each other until Dash spoke once more “You know I’m not doing this to be mean Clay.” Clay looked to her smiling.

“I know mom. I didn’t expect to get off Scott free.” Clay winced and placed his hoof on his head. Rubbing it slightly.

“Just uh…don’t strain yourself ok?” Clay nodded still rubbing the lump on his head.

Before Dash or Clay could say another word there was a knock on the door.

“Who could that be?” Dash asked as Clay got up and walked to the door slowly. Clay turned the knob and pulled back the door to reveal to his complete and utter surprise Firefly.

“Excuse me is this…” She stopped when she saw the colt in the doorway “Clay! What in Celestia’s name happened to you?”

“I got in a fight…what…what are you doing here?”

“I uh, came over to apologize for yesterday.” Clay looked at her uncertainly.

“Why are you apologizing? I was the one who lied to you.”

“No. I should be the one who’s sorry. I should have heard you out first.” She looked meekly at the ground and then back at Clay “So…can we start over?” Clay smiled.

“Of course we can.” Firefly gave Clay a hug and he winced.

“Sorry.” She said blushing before giving him a kiss on the cheek. “So what do you want to do today?” She asked.
“Uh, I can’t do anything Firefly sorry.”

“Why not?”

“I’m grounded.” Firefly looked at him worriedly.

“Are your wings injured?”

“No…I mean my mom says I can’t do anything until I help my aunts with…whatever they want me to do.”

“Can I help?” Firefly offered. Before Clay could answer Dash called out.

“Clay! Who’s at the door?” Firefly looked behind Clay.

“Is that your mom?” She asked.

“Yeah that’s her.” Clay said nervously.

“Well aren’t you going to introduce me?”

“Uh…I don’t know you might get surprised.” Firefly raised an eyebrow.

“Why would I be surprised?” Clay rubbed the back of his head.

“Well my mom has a reputation.”

“What is she one of the elements or something?” She chuckled. Clay said nothing. “Wait…is she one of the elements of harmony?”

“Yeah…” Firefly gasped.

“Who is she? Twilight Sparkle?” Clay shook his head “Fluttershy?” Again he shook his head “Pinkie Pie?” Clay chuckled at that one “Well it can’t be Applejack she lives on a farm. And Rarity lives in Canterlot most of the time so that leaves…” She stopped as the realization hit her “You…your Rainbow Dash’s colt?” Clay nodded. “No way! You’re just making…” She stopped again as Dash came into view.

“Are you two lovebirds going to stand at the door all day or do I have to kick you both out?” Firefly was absolutely speechless.

“It’s…It’s really…Rainbow Dash…” Without warning she fainted.

Firefly slowly opened her eyes and found herself on a couch being watched by Clay.

“Firefly are you ok? You fell pretty hard.” She looked at him confused.

“Was…was that really…”

“Yes that was Rainbow Dash and yes…she’s my mother.” Firefly stood up.

“Why didn’t you tell me before?” Clay looked to the ground.

“Because I was afraid…that if I told you that my mom was Rainbow Dash you’d only want to go out with me because of her.” Firefly gave him an understanding look.

“I guess that would be a good excuse.” They smiled at each other “Hey where is she? Is Rainbow Dash still here? I want to talk to her.”

“Yeah she’s still here.” Firefly began shaking with excitement.

“Oh my gosh I can’t believe I’m dating the son of Rainbow Dash! This is so awesome!” At that moment Rainbow walked in carrying Clay's Stanton hat.

“For when you’re working with Applejack.” Clay took his hat and placed it on his head.

“Thanks mom.” Clay replied as Firefly looked at Rainbow Dash barely containing her joy.

“Holy horse apples it’s really you! Rainbow Dash the captain of the Wonderbolts I can’t believe it!” Dash looked at Firefly nervously “I have so many questions for you like what’s your training routine like? How did you get into the Wonderbolts? Is it true that you did a double sonic rainboom once?” Clay started to leave to go out into Ponyville.

“Well I’d like to stay and chat, but I have some relatives to help.” Clay said smirking as he left the house.


Clay had made his way to Twilights library first. The walk was slow due to his injuries, but somehow he made it. Clay knocked on the door and was soon greeted by Spike.

“Hey Twilight! Clay’s here!” Twilight was busy reading in a fortress of books.

“I’ll be there in a minute Clay just sit somewhere.” Spike looked at Clay as he walked in.

“You look like hell.” Spike muttered.

“You should see the other guy.” Clay smirked.

“Oh Clay you look awful!” Twilight gasped as she trotted next to him and began using her magic to heal him.

“I’m fine Aunt Twilight *ow* really.” Twilight continued with her magic.

“Well I can’t have you helping me like this.” Within seconds Clay’s body was completely healed, and he began stretching his limbs.

“Have I ever told you how awesome your magic is?” 

“Once or twice. Now your mother already told me about your punishment so you are going to do all of Spikes chores while he takes the day off.”

“About time I got a day off.” Spike muttered “See you around Clay.” With that Spike left the library.

Clay began sweeping the floor and alphabetizing all the books on her selves. Then he fed Owloysious and made sure Twilight's check list was ready. As he worked he saw Twilight looking at a picture of herself as a filly and Spike when he was a hatchling.

“Oh, he’s grown so much since I hatched him.” Twilight sighed sadly “Soon he’ll have to live with his own kind and…I’ll never see him again.” A tear began to fall from her violet eye.

“Well…you’ll always have me Aunt Twilight.” Clay said trying to comfort her.

“I know. And I’m very grateful to have a wonderful nephew like you Clay.” Clay gave Twilight a small hug “Thank you…um…I think you’re done here. You can go now.” Clay turned and headed for the door, but then stopped and looked back at Twilight.

“Are you going to be okay?” Twilight nodded still crying slightly. Clay nodded and left the library giving a sad sigh.

Clay spent the next few hours with his aunts. He helped feed the animals with Fluttershy. Put on a fashion show for Rarity which he detested. Helped Pinkie pie and the Cakes with a large order. And then finally stopping by sweet apple acres to buck all the apple orchards and help Big Mac with the plowing. Clay had just finished the last tree when Applejack trotted up to him.

“Why don’t you sit a spell Clay? Yah look plum awful tired.” Clay nodded and sat on his haunches whipping his brow. Applejack sat down as well relaxed from her own chores.

“Aunt Applejack…why were you upset with me having wings yesterday?” Applejack looked at Clay.

“I’m sorry Clay. I was just worried that those wings would go to yer head. You’re a good kid and ah just don’t want yah to get all high and mighty like that Sky Tearer.” She smiled at him “But ah can see that couldn’t be further from the truth.” Clay avoided his aunt’s gaze.

“Well it won’t matter. In a few hours I’ll just be Clay the earth pony again.” Clay’s face saddened.

“Now hold on. There aint nothin’ wrong with being an earth pony.” 

“Why? What makes me so special? I can’t fly or use magic. The only thing I have is being strong. And that just means I’m only good for work.” Applejack trotted over to him and placed her hooves on his shoulders.

“Sugar cube. It aint just about being strong enough for bucking trees or pulling stuff. It’s about being strong here.” She placed a hoof over his heart “Earth ponies have to be strong in both body and heart to make up for not having wings or magic.” Clay didn’t seem convinced.

“When you went to Dinky to get what you wanted most even though you knew it wouldn’t last forever. That took a lot of heart to chase your dream. Not a lot of brains, but a lot of heart. And I’m proud of you for making your dream real. And ah know your momma is too.” Clay smiled and hugged Applejack who returned in kind.

“Thank you Aunt Applejack.”

“Anytime sugar cube.” They released each other and resumed talking “Ah guess it was silly of me tah think yah would get all self-absorbed about your wings like Rarity did. You aren’t as vane as she is.” Applejack chuckled, but Clay looked confused.

“Wait…what do you mean like Rarity did?”

“When she got her own wings so she could help yer mom with the best young flyers competition. Didn’t Rainbow tell yah that story?”

“Yeah, but she said that you all used a cloud walking spell.”

“Well me and the others did. But Rarity had a pair of butterfly wings to get to Cloudsdale thanks to your Aunt Twi.” Clay looked at Applejack startled.

“Wait you both knew about the flight spell? Mom knew about the flight spell?!” Applejacks face fell as she realized her mistake and saw Clays temper rising.

“Now take it easy Clay I’m sure she had her reasons for not telling you.” She said trying to defuse the situation.

“I…I can’t believe that mom lied to me! She lied to me about my dream!” Clay sat up and flew off into the sky angrily.

“Clay where are you going?!” Clay didn’t answer and flew off into the distance.

Clay was fuming as he saw his house come into view, and landed outside to see his mother and Firefly laughing and enjoying themselves. They spotted him and left to meet him.

“There you are! Man Clay why didn’t you tell me that your fillyfriend was such a daredevil? I would have…” Dash stopped when she saw his angered expression “Clay, what’s wrong?”

“You…lied to me.” He growled.

“What?”

“You knew about the flight spell and you lied to me!” Dash and Firefly looked at him startled.

“Clay what are you talking about?”

“Aunt Applejack told me the story of the best young flyers competition. The real story. The one where Aunt Rarity had her own set of wings!” Dash stared at him as his anger rose “Why didn’t you tell me there was a spell that would give me wings, huh? Did you just think I would never find it? Why didn’t you tell me?!” Clay glared at his mother as she tried to speak.

“I…I was…just trying to keep you safe.”

“Keep me safe, or keep me grounded?” Clay spat.

“Clay calm down we can talk about this.”

“What else aren’t you telling me huh? What other secrets are you hiding from me?”

“I’m not hiding anything from you Clay I promise.”

“Why should I believe you? You told me when I was little that there was no spell, and that I would never have wings. Well I have them now, so fess up! What aren’t you telling me?”

“Clay I…” She started but was cut off.

“Where did you find me huh? Did you really find me at your door step or was there more to it? I find it hard to believe that a pony like you would already be living in a home on the ground. Did you live in the sky and then move to the ground because of me? What about my real parents? Are they really dead or was that a lie too?”

“I said they might be dead.” Dash said trying to defend herself.

“So my parents could be out there right now looking for me? How can you not tell me that?”

“Clay what does it matter if your real parents are alive or not? You’re my son and I love you.”

“Do you love me mom? Or did you just keep me because you couldn’t get one of the others to take me? Tell me the truth mom! I want the truth!” Dash could only stare at Clay as tears began to fall from his eyes “How much of my life is a lie? Tell me mom I need to know!” Dash continued to say nothing as he ran up to her and began beating his hooves into her chest “Tell me! For Celestia’s sake tell me! Please tell me the truth damn it!” He sobbed uncontrollably as he left his head buried in her chest. Dash wrapped her forelegs around him and cried.

“I do love you Clay…that’s the truth.” Clay looked up at her and then shook his head.

“No…no I don’t believe you!” Clay pushed Dash away and backed up “You don't love me! I’m just some earth pony you just found!” Dash approached him reaching for his face as he cried.

“Clay please…you're breaking my heart.” Clay saw her hoof and backed away.

“Leave me alone! I…I need to think! And don’t follow me mom, or I swear I’ll never speak to you again!” With that Clay flew off leaving Dash devastated and heart broken.

“Rainbow what’s going on? I heard shouting.” Twilight asked as she galloped towards her.

“I…I’m losing him Twilight.” Dash sobbed. Twilight saw her friends distress and trotted over to Rainbow.

“What happened Rainbow?” Dash took a shaky inhale.

“He…he found out the truth about the young flyers competition and…he was…” Dash fell on her back legs and cried into her hooves. “He hates me.” Dash cried.

“He doesn't hate you Rainbow. He’s just upset.” Dash sniffled as Twilight wrapped a foreleg around her.

“I’ll talk to him Rainbow Dash.” Firefly offered. Rainbow nodded and Firefly flew into the air and began searching for Clay. Hoping that there was still a chance to fix this argument.

> Chapter 18
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 4: The Last Day Part 2

Clay sat under a tree crying his eyes out as he felt his chest tighten. His trust in his mother had been shaken to its core. He didn’t know what to think anymore. As Clay sobbed he heard a soft thud and looked up. The noise had been caused by Firefly.

“Mind if I sit with you?” Clay shrugged as Firefly sat next to him. “Clay…I know you feel betrayed. But don’t you think you overreacted a little?”

“You mean like you did?” Clay muttered.

“Fair enough. But…you know you really hurt her Clay. She’s back there crying her eyes out because she thinks you don’t love her anymore.” Clay looked at her startled.

“Of course I still love her. I just…I just don’t know if she loves me. How can I trust her if she kept the one thing that I wanted hidden from me?” Firefly rolled her eyes.

“For pony sake Clay she raised you and gave you a home of course she loves you! There are foals out there that are stuck in an orphanage because they don’t have a mom and dad to love them. If she didn’t want you she would have just dropped you off there.” Clay looked at her silently.

“I…I guess I never thought of it that way.” Firefly placed a hoof on his shoulder.

“And I’m sure that whatever reasons she didn’t tell you about the spell. She did it to make sure you didn’t get hurt.” Clay looked back at her “You know while were gone all she talked about was how proud she was of you for having the guts to make your dream come true. She was so happy.”

“She…she was?” Firefly nodded.

“I’ve only known her for a few hours, but even I can tell that she loves you Clay. You’re very lucky to have a mom like her.” Clay looked to the ground and then put his face in his hooves.

“Oh, Celestia what have I done? She must hate me.”

“She doesn’t hate you Clay…but her hearts broken. And you need to do something before it gets worse.” Clay lowered his hooves.

“I…I don’t know. My mom isn’t the most forgiving pony. What if she hates me forever because of those things I said?” Firefly smiled.

“You’re her son of coarse she’ll forgive you.” Clay lowered his head.

“I’m not her son…” A tear slid down his face. Firefly’s expression saddened as she tried to think of something comforting to say.

“Even if she doesn’t…you still have me.” She placed her hoof on his. Clay smiled slightly when suddenly his ears perked up.

“Do you hear something?”

“Like what?” She asked.

“Like a voice.” Firefly perked up her ears and listened. As she did she heard a muffled shout.

“I do hear a voice.” Clay and Firefly flew into the air and searched for the sound. Eventually they heard it more clearly.

“Help! Somepony help!” Clay’s heart dropped.

“Sweet Celestia that’s Dinky!” Clay bolted towards her voice and Firefly followed.

As Clay and Firefly drew closer they saw that Dinky had been cornered by a large timber wolf that looked at her with hungry eyes. Without even stopping to think Clay charged in at full speed and rammed right into the beasts side.

“Clay? What are doing here?” Dinky shouted.

“We came to rescue you now get out of here!”

“We?” Dinky looked and saw Firefly above her.

“Dinky take my hoof!” Firefly reached for Dinky and began pulling her on top of the wall. Clay seeing that they were safe left the wolf and flew up to them.

“Thank you Clay and Firefly. I thought I was a goner.” Clay smiled.

“I’d never leave a friend hanging.” Dinky hugged Clay tightly.

The rescue was short lived however when the timber wolf started climbing the wall.

“Run!” Clay shouted as the wolf poked its head up.

The three ponies ran as fast as they could with the timber wolf hot on their trail. After what felt like hours they ran into a dead end the path cut off by a raging sea below the cliff they stood on.

“What do we do now?” Dinky asked frantic.

“I have a plan, but you have to do what I tell you.” They both nodded as the wolf emerged and bared its teeth “On three jump out of the way.” The wolf dug at the ground. “One…Two…” The wolf charged snarling at them “Three!” They jumped in unison and the wolf missed Clay and tumbled off the cliff. The wolf managed to grab the edge and was trying to climb back up, but the ground broke and it brought the wolf and Dinky tumbling into the sea.

“Dinky!” Clay screamed his heart leaping in his throat.

Clay flew in after her as fast as his wings would go trying with all his might to reach her before she hit the water. Clay could see the terror in her face before he flapped harder and reached a hoof out for her. For a spilt second time stood still and then…contact. Clay grabbed Dinky’s hoof and hung her in the air as they watched the wolf splash in the crashing waves. Clay began flying back up and carefully placed her on solid ground. As Clay also landed Dinky hugged him tightly crying tears of joy.

“Thank you Clay…I…I couldn’t ask for a better friend than you.”

“Same here.” Clay whispered as he hugged her back. Dinky then let go and turned to Firefly.

“Thank you Firefly for pulling me to safety.”

“Hey you needed help. And if you’re a friend of Clays than you’re a friend of mine.” Firefly and Dinky bumped hooves giggling slightly and then turned to face Clay.

“Man Clay that was some awesome flying! I’ve never seen a pony fly so fast!” Firefly said gleefully.

“I have to admit you did look pretty cool Clay.” Dinky chimed in.

“Thanks, but I’m just glad you’re safe Dinky.” As they smiled at each other Clay began to squirm.

“Whats up with you?” Firefly asked.

“I…my back feel’s weird.” Clay grunted as he twisted his body. At that moment Clay splayed his wings and Firefly and Dinky gasped “What is it?” Clay asked worried.

“Clay your…your wings are glowing!” Dinky said alarmed.

Clay looked at his back and sure enough they were giving a faint glow.

“What’s going on…why are they doing that?” Firefly asked. Clay looked at the position of the sun and his heart sank.

“Oh no…” Clay whispered.

“Clay what’s wrong?” Firefly asked. Clay looked back to his wings which were still glowing. Then he looked back to Firefly and Dinky and they saw that his face was streaming with tears.

“Clay…” Dinky said quietly. Clay took several shallow breaths before answering.

“It’s over.” He whispered sadly.

As they watched Clays wings glowed brighter almost blinding them. Clay stood where he was and shut his eyes as he continued to sob. His wings glowed brighter still giving off sun like rays. They kept growing brighter and brighter until they began to disintegrate before their eyes. Golden dust flowed in the breeze as the wings began to disappear until finally they were completely gone.  Firefly and Dinky looked at Clay as he turned his head and saw that his back was blank once more officially making him an earth pony again. They approached him looking sympathetic. Clay hung his head and allowed his tears to fall. He knew that his dream was now over.

“Clay…It…it’ll be okay.” Dinky said kindly. Clay fell back on his back legs and continued to stare at the ground through tear filled eyes.

“How can you love me now Firefly?” He choked out. As he wept Firefly stepped in front of Clay and lifted his head with her hooves staring into his eyes. Then she slowly brought her face close to his and gave him a soft loving kiss on the lips before parting them. Clay looked at her surprised.

“I still love you Clay.” She whispered with tears in her eyes. She then brought him into a tight hug. When she finished Clay stood back up.

“Are you okay?” Dinky asked.

“No…no I’m not okay.” Clay sobbed.

“Is there anything we can do?” Firefly offered.

“Just…just don’t talk about it right now.” Clay said sadly.

They nodded in agreement. Dinky and Firefly started walking, but Clay stayed behind. He looked to the sky and saw two birds a mother and its baby learning to fly. Clay sighed and looked back to the ground when something caught his eye. He approached a shiny object in the grass and picked it up. As he did he saw that it was a yellow feather and he recognized it as his. It was the only proof that he ever had wings at all. He watched it sway in the wind giving off a brilliant shine in the sun’s rays.  He scoffed and was about to let it blow in the breeze when something compelled him to hold on to it. He tucked it behind his right ear and began trotting to Dinky and Firefly slowly and sadly.

> Chapter 19
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Clay, Firefly, and Dinky walked through the forest making their way home. Clay hung back gloomily while Firefly explained the argument Clay had to Dinky. She looked back at him but said nothing. Eventually they saw the familiar and welcomed sight of Ponyville. Clay and Dinky continued walking, but Firefly hung back.

“Uh guys. I have to get home so I’m taking off.” Dinky and Clay nodded, Firefly walked up to Clay and gave him a quick kiss. “Good luck.” She whispered before taking off into the sky.

“I should be going home too. My mom’s probably worried sick about me.”

“Yeah…I guess she would be.” Dinky looked at Clay with concern.

“Are you going to be okay?” Clay hung his head.

“I don’t know Dinky…I honestly don’t know.” Dinky placed a hoof on his shoulder.

“Well if you need somepony to talk to, you know where to find me.” Clay smiled weakly.

“Thanks Dinky.” She gave him a small hug.

“It’ll be okay Clay. I promise.” She let go and began walking back home.

Clay stayed where he was for a moment. He wasn’t sure how he was going to be able to face his mother again after the way he acted. He sighed and began making his way to back home. Along the way he began picturing his mother yelling at him, and telling him to leave and never come back. He knew he wasn’t her real son what was stopping her from disowning him like Sky. The thought broke his heart as he spotted an all too familiar house. He stopped just outside the door and took a moment before opening it. Clay slowly walked in preparing for the worst.

“Mom! I’m home!” The house was silent. “Mom, are you here?” The house was still silent. Clay made his way to his mother’s bedroom and saw that she wasn’t there either. Clay was starting to get worried as he made his way to his room. He trotted to his desk and pulled out a small chest. He opened it and grabbed the feather behind his ear and placed it in the chest. 

Suddenly he heard the door open and close. He left his room and made his way down the stairs. He saw his mother as he reached the bottom of the stairs. She heard his approach and looked at him, as she did he saw that her eyes were bloodshot and the fur around her face was tear stained. They looked at each other for a small period of time not sure of what to say. She took a quick glance at his back and realized that his wings were missing. She looked as though she was about to speak, but said nothing. Finally Clay took a small step towards her and looked her in the eye as best he could.

“Mom…” Clay said his voice shaking as Dash looked to him in anticipation. “Do you…still love me?” Tears began to fill his eyes as he spoke. Dash walked over and held him in the tightest hug he had ever received from her as tears fell down her face once more.

“Of course I still love you.” Dash cried as she held her son close “I could never stop loving you Clay. I don’t care if you have wings or not, you’re still my son and I love you just the way you are.” Clay let out a choked sob as Dash began to stroke his back.

“I’m sorry I said those things mom…I didn’t mean any of it.” Dash stroked the back of his head.

“I know Clay…and  I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the spell. I was scared that…that you would fall like you did in the tree. I wanted to make sure I knew where to find you and watch out for you.” Clay wrapped his forehooves around his mother.

“I know mom…you’ve always been there for me…I never should have said that you didn’t love me.” He pulled away and looked into her eyes “I promise I’ll never doubt that again.” Dash smiled and stroked his mane; Clay however continued to look at her disheartened.

“What’s wrong Clay?” She asked him.

“I…I…” He started crying fresh tears “I don’t deserve you mom!” He shouted before burying his head in her chest.

“What …what are you talking about?” Clay shut his eyes and continued sobbing.

“You’re too good for me mom. You’re the fastest flyer in Equestria. You’re the captain of the Wonderbolts. You saved the world twice. And…and you saved me when I was a foal. You’re a hero…you’re my hero mom. I don’t belong with you.” He looked up at her with blood shot eyes. “I…I thought that if I gave myself wings than maybe I…I could feel like your real son.” Dash looked at him dumbfounded “But no matter how hard I try I can’t ignore the fact that I’m just your adopted earth pony son…not your real son. If I had wings then everything would be right. We could live in a cloud home, you wouldn’t have to be tied to the ground because of me, and I could fly with you whenever I wanted…I wanted to do that after I told you about my wings. But then Sky came and…and…I never got chance because of that stupid fight! It’s all my fault! It’s my fault you have to live like this!” Clay was a complete wreck as he took shallow breaths and cried his eyes out. Dash was at a loss for words as she looked at him.

“Is…is that why you wanted wings so badly…to feel like you belonged with me?” Clay looked up at her.

“Do you know what it’s like to grow up with a mom who is a living legend? Do you know what it’s like to see your mother fly off knowing that you can never join her? Do you know what it’s like to know that your mother is the most awesome pony that ever lived that has proven the impossible knowing that your nothing but a plain blank flank earth pony. Who doesn’t even know where he comes from?” He took a deep breath and started again. “That’s all I ever wanted mom. To have ponies look at me and think there’s Rainbow Dash’s son, not there’s Rainbow Dash’s son that can’t fly!” He hung his head “I know you love me mom, and I love you too, but…I’m not your real son, and I never will be.” Dash tried to calm him down.

“Clay…is there anything…anything at all I can do to make you feel better?” Clay looked up at her again.

“Not unless you can make me like you mom.” Clay pushed himself away and ran up to his room locking the door. Dash simply sat where she was trying to absorb what she had been told.  She began to think of all that she had accomplished in her life and realized that she did have a large reputation. She also realized how large her shadow must look to Clay.

“Rainbow you idiot.” She muttered to herself. She got up and walked up to her room feeling drained. She got in her bed and tried to sleep, but it did not come. She kept replaying the last words Clay had said to her “What am I going to do?” She muttered as she looked at the ceiling. She began rubbing her temples forcing her brain to work…and then she got an idea. “I can’t make you like me Clay…but there is something I might be able to do.” Hoping that her plan would work she shut her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

> Chapter 20
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clay sat on his bed looking out the window occasionally spotting a bird or pegasus pony fly by. He sighed and was about lay his head on his pillow; when suddenly he heard a knock at his bedroom door.

“Clay! I’m going over to Twilights and I’ll be back in an hour okay?”

“Okay mom.” He said unenthusiastically. Clay rested his head on his pillow and fell asleep.

“Clay. sweetie. Can you come out? I want to show you something.” Clay recognized the voice as his mothers and he awoke startled.

“What is it mom?” He asked.

“I’ve got a surprise for you.”

“I don’t feel like coming out right now mom.” Clay answered.

“Clay, please come out. I really need to show you this.” Dash pleaded.

“I don’t want to mom.” Clay retorted.

“I think it will cheer you up.”

“What did you get me mechanical wings? I’m not interested.” Clay scoffed.

“Nope. Even better.” Clay lifted his head and looked to the door.

“Like what?”

“Come downstairs and find out.” Clay sighed and walked to the door.

Clay slowly made his way down the hall and down the stairs to see his mother with a grin on her face.

“Okay what did you want to show me?” Clay groaned.

“You’re looking at it.” Dash replied. Clay looked around.

“I don’t see anything.” Dash smiled wider.

“Notice anything different about your old mom?” Clay looked her up and down.

“You…did something with your mane?”

“Nope.” Clay furrowed his brow.

“Contacts?”

“No.”

“Hooficure?”

“Guess again.” Clay rubbed his head in annoyance.

“Mom I’m really not in the mood for this just tell me.” Dash smiled.

“Look harder.” Clay scanned her carefully, but saw nothing new. Same blue coat, same rainbow mane and tail, same rosy eyes, same cutie mark. She was the same from her hooves to her back to her…
Clay brought his eyes to her back again to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating. But when he did he saw the same thing; her back was vacant of her cyan blue wings.

“Mom! What happened to your wings?!”

“I uh…got rid of them for a while.” Clay blinked.

“You got rid of…how…why?”

“Well I went to Twilight earlier and we found a spell that could make a unicorn or pegasus an earth pony for a few hours.” Dash smiled at the baffled colt. “I couldn’t make you like me…so I became like you instead.” Clay shook his head in disbelief. Flying was everything to his mother. He probably knew that better than anyone. The fact that she would willingly get rid of her wings was an impossible thought for Clay to understand. Finally he got his thoughts straight and found his voice again.

“Why…why would you do that?” Dash approached Clay and sat down placing her hooves on his shoulders and looked him in the eye.

“Because I love you Clay. I couldn’t stand to see you so upset. This was the only thing I could think of that would make you happy.”

“How does you losing your wings make me happy?” Clay asked.

“I didn’t lose my wings. I’m an earth pony like you. They’ll grow back in a few hours, but until then there is no Rainbow Dash the Wonderbolt, or the fastest flyer in Equestria, or even the hero of Equestria. Just Rainbow Dash the earth pony…and her son Clay.” Clay looked at her absolutely stunned.

“You…you gave up your wings…just for me?” Dash nodded smiling warmly. Clay’s eyes moistened and he flung himself at her hugging her tightly. Dash returned the embrace feeling relived that Clay was finally smiling.

“You didn’t have to do this mom.” Clay said burying his head in her neck.

“I know…but I wanted to. You’re my whole world Clay.” She lifted up his head and looked into his eyes. “I would give it all up the fame, the Wonderbolts, even flying for the rest of my life…if it meant seeing you smile again, and to let you know how much I love you." Large tears flowed from Clays eyes as he smiled.

“You don’t have to…I think I finally understand…thank you mom.” Clay and Dash hugged again letting the warmth wash over them.

“Good because giving up flying would have been reeeaaally difficult.” Clay chuckled as he let go. “I’d still do it though…for you.”

“I know mom…thanks.” Dash kissed his head as they stood back up.

“Sooo. What do you want to do first with your new earth pony mom?” Clay tapped his chin as he thought.

“I think I know just the thing.” Clay walked past her and out the door.

“What?” Dash asked as she followed.

“Just follow me!” Clay walked on with Dash in tow until they reached a flat field.

“So what are you planning?” Dash asked as Clay looked over the horizon.

“A race.” Clay replied.

“A race, really?” Clay nodded “Wouldn’t you rather do some apple bucking or something at Aunt AJ’s?” Clay smirked.

“Why? Afraid you’ve gotten slower in your old age.”

“Watch it Clay. I may not have my wings but I can still beat you in any race.”

“You sure about that? I mean I can understand if you’re scared of losing to your kid.” Clay cocked an eyebrow “I want to race you for real this time not like when I was a kid.” Dash looked at Clay uncertainly.

“Are you sure? You know who you’re talking to right?” Clay smirked.

“You wanted to be an earth pony, so that’s what we’re doing. Since we can’t race by flying we’ll just have to do it the old fashion way. And I want you to give me your best mom one hundred percent!” Dash gave a cocky grin.

“I’ll give better than that! I’ll give one hundred and ten percent!” Clay looked back over the field and pointed.

“First one to the big tree and back wins!”

“Which will be me naturally!”  Dash smirked.

Clay and Dash took their positions and prepared for the run.

“Ready?” Clay asked.

“Ready!” Dash replied as she licked her lips.

“On the count of three.” Clay took his position as he began counting down. “One…two…three!” In the blink of an eye Dash had taken a huge lead and was smirking as she was already halfway to the tree.

“Sorry Clay, but you can’t outrun Rainbow…” She was cut off as a yellow blur sped past her and her mouth hung open in shock before she grinned and picked up the pace. Rainbow Dash rounded the tree and soon was caught up with Clay as they raced towards the makeshift finish line. They both ran as fast as they could. Making their muscles ache until finally they crossed the dirt line and collapsed on the ground panting and sweating heavily.

“I *gasp* didn’t know *gasp* you could run so fast *gasp *Clay.” Dash said gasping for air. Clay simply smiled as he too panted “I guess *gasp* I’m a little *gasp* out of practice.” She continued.

“That was *gasp* a good race *gasp* mom.” Clay replied.

“You said *gasp* give you one hundred and *gasp* ten percent Clay.”

They both stopped talking and waited to catch their breath. Finally they stood up again and smiled.

“So who do you think won?” Clay asked.

“It doesn’t matter.” Dash said putting her head against Clay’s “We both won.” Clay smiled.

“Hey…don’t you have to work with the Wonderbolts this week?”

“I asked for some time off.” Clay raised an eyebrow.

“How did you do that?” Dash smiled.

“I told them I was grounded.” There was a pause. Then Clay and Dash both busted out laughing and fell on their backs with tears running down their faces.

The race finished Clay and Rainbow went through the rest of Ponyville talking with friends and just enjoying the day together. Clay hated to admit it, but his mother being an earth pony did feel right. He didn’t feel like he was living in her shadow at all. In fact he actually felt like he belonged with her for the first time in his life. Eventually they made their way to the local park and met the others. Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack were stunned to see Rainbow Dash wingless, but the shock wore off and things presumed normally. Clay and Dash sat and talked with the others just enjoying the day out.

Clay spotted Spike and a thought popped into his head. He walked up to Spike who was talking to Twilight.

“Hey spike. Can I talk to you?”

“Sure Clay. What about?” Clay looked to Twilight and she walked away to talk to Applejack taking the hint.

“Spike…You’ve been with Twilight for years and she hatched you. Do…do you see her as your mom?” Spike shrugged.

“Uh, I guess she kind of is my mom. Why do you ask?”

“Well…you don’t seem bothered by it.”

“Why would it bother me?” Spike asked.

“Because she’s an element of harmony and saved Equestria. Because she isn’t…you know…your real mom.”

“Well she may not be my real mom, but she is my mom so it doesn’t bother me.”

“But why?” Clay asked his cousin.

“Because she loves me, and I love her and that’s all I need to feel like I belong with her.” Clay looked to the side and thought about what he had been told. Then a smile formed on his face and he looked to Spike.

“Thanks Spike. I think you made me finally understand something.”

“Anytime Clay, but uh what brought the question on?” Clay shrugged.

“Just curious.” Clay left to talk Pinkie Pie and Applejack smiling. He now knew who he was.

Twilight pulled Dash to the side while Clay talked with Pinkie Pie and Applejack.

“So, how are things going between you and Clay?” She asked curiously.

“Better than I hoped. He’s so happy Twilight. I can’t thank you enough for finding that spell.” Twilight smiled “So…is it ready yet?” Dash whispered.

“Yes, I have it right here, but Rainbow…are you sure you want to go through with this?”

“Yeah of course I’m sure. Why wouldn’t I be sure?”

“You know what this will mean…it will change everything.” Dash looked to Clay laughing over Pinkie’s shenanigans and a smile crept on her face.

“For Clay I would do anything Twilight…anything.” Twilight gave an uncertain look, but complied and handed Dash her saddle bag.

“Hey what are you two doing?” Clay asked trotting over.

“Uh, nothing Clay! We were just talking is all.” Clay looked at her suspiciously “Hey Clay…can I talk to you privately?”

“Sure uh, we can talk.” Dash lead Clay up a small hill and they both sat down looking at the sunset “So how was today? Was it…fun?” Clay looked to her and smiled.

“It’s been one of the best days ever mom. Thank you so much.” Dash smiled.

“I’m glad. Now what if I told you it didn’t have to end?” Clay cocked his head.

“Mom…it can’t last forever. You said the spell would only last for a few hours.”

“Yeah I did…but me and Twilight found…something else.” She reached into Twilights saddle bag and pulled out a bottle filled with blue liquid.

“What is that stuff?” Clay asked looking at the bottle.

“This is a potion that makes a spell cast on a pony permanent. If you had drank this when you had your wings they would have been real.” Clay lowered his head.

“It’s s a bit late for that mom.” He said glumly.

“It’s not for you Clay…it’s for me.” Clay looked at Dash slightly confused “If I take this potion before the spell wears off…I’ll be an earth pony forever.” Clay looked at her dumbfounded.

“Mom you…you aren’t really going to do that are you?” Dash shook her head.

“I’m not going to decide…you are.” Clay’s jaw dropped.

“You’re letting me decide!” Dash nodded “But…but why?”

“Because I saw how happy you were that I was like you. And…I love you Clay. I want you to be happy no matter what it takes. And if that means never flying again…so be it.”

“But what about your job?! What about the Wonderbolts?! What if Equestria needs you again?”

“I can get a new job, maybe work on the farm with you and AJ. And Soarin is next for Captain so he would take over. And I don’t need wings to be a hero. So the only thing that’s keeping me from becoming a real earth pony is your decision.” She handed the bottle to Clay “My future is in your hooves Clay…And whatever you decide I’ll live with it.” Clay looked at the bottle as his heart began to race. He knew that this would change everything about their lives…was he really willing to take away what made her Rainbow Dash?

Clay looked at his mother and saw the tension in her eyes. She was scared but she would go through with it. Clay brought the bottle to his mouth and popped the cork spiting it onto the ground. He then took another look at the bottle before slowly handing it to Dash who started reaching for it. Dash was inches away from taking the bottle when Clay stopped. Dash looked at him curiously when suddenly he turned the bottle and poured the liquid on the ground. Dash looked at him confused as he set the bottle on the ground and looked to her and then pulled her into a tight hug.

“Don’t ever change mom, not even for me.” Dash hugged Clay back and nuzzled his face.

“I really thought you were going to let me do it.” Dash said sounding relieved.

“I thought about it…but you don’t need to be an earth pony for me to belong with you. You love me and I love you…that’s all that matters.” Clay and Dash released each other and stood up.

“You really are the best son ever.” Dash said happily.

“Tell me something I don’t already know.” Clay replied.


As the sun began to disappear Rainbow Dash began to glow illuminated in the dark. Then in an instant her wings erupted from her back and then rested on her sides.

“You look better with wings anyway.” Clay said grinning. Dash walked off and was about to fly once more as the sky called her when she turned and looked at Clay who simply watched her.

“You know…I can fly later. How about I walk you home?” Clay smiled and walked to her side and they began the walk home.

“I love you mom. Just the way you are.” Clay whispered as Dash smiled.

“Same here Clay.” She replied nuzzling his face.

For the first time in Clay’s life. He felt acceptance in his heart.

> Chapter 21
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Clay was propped under a tree. His Stanton hat tilted at an angle to keep the light out of his eyes. He was enjoying the warmth of Celestia’s sun when he heard a soft thud in front of him. He tilted his hat to see Firefly looking down at him smiling. 

“You look comfortable.”

“Comfortable enough.” He replied.

“Is there room for one more?” She asked giving him a saucy look.

Clay moved over slightly giving Firefly room to sit next to him and prop her back against the tree. Clay spoke but kept his eyes shut.

“Wouldn’t you rather sit on a branch?” He asked her.

“No way. Who would want to sleep in a tree?”

“My mom used to sleep in trees all the time.” Clay replied “She even let me sleep with her in a tree when I was little.”

“Weren’t you scared you would fall?” Clay shook his head.

“When I’m with my mom I feel like nothing could happen to me.” Firefly rested her head against the stem of the tree and looked at the clouds pass by “Are you and my mom you know…getting along?” Clay asked her.

“I think she likes me. She’s always showing me her best moves and she even said she would try to get me in the Wonderbolts!”

“Glad to hear it.” Said Clay.

“There is one thing though. Yesterday she called me…what was it again…squirt?” Clay chuckled.

“That means she does like you.” Firefly leaned her head and rested it on Clay’s shoulder “So me being an earth pony without a cutie mark doesn’t bother you?”

“Not in the slightest.” Firefly said snuggling up next to him “Clay, can I ask you something?” Clay nodded.
“Your friend Dinky. Exactly how close are you two?”

“I’ve known her since kindergarten. So we’re pretty close.”

“Oh…that long huh?” 

“Eeyup.” Clay muttered. Firefly was quiet in thought before speaking again.

“So…are you friends or are you and Dinky “friends.” Clay opened his eyes and looked at her.

“We’re just friends.” Clay retorted.

“Does Dinky feel the same way?”

“Well she never said anything or asked if I wanted to be her coltfriend, so I think so.”

“But she was the one who gave you those wings. And…I’ve seen her…looking at you sometimes.”

“I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding.” Clay replied.

“She seems to really care about you Clay…a lot.”

“We’ve been through a lot together. And I care about her too.” Firefly placed a hoof over Clay’s chest.

“Clay…would you have jumped in and saved me like you did for Dinky when that wolf showed up.”

“Well you have wings I wouldn’t need to.”

“I know, but you didn’t even hesitate when she fell. And if I didn’t have wings would you have done the same?” Clay looked at Firefly with suspicion.

“Firefly what’s going on?” She avoided his gaze.

“I just…I just don’t want to cause any tension between you and Dinky. I don’t want her getting jealous.”

“She won’t get jealous. Because she doesn’t feel that way about me.”

“Are you sure?” She asked.

“Yes. I’m positive…pretty sure…maybe…” Clay rested his head and started stroking Firefly’s mane “Either way I don’t have feelings for Dinky. She’s more like a big sister to me honestly. And the only pony I love is you. So there is no need for you to be worried…okay?”

“Okay.” Firefly whispered as she shut her eyes and rested her head on his chest hearing his heartbeat. “I love you Clay.” She whispered dreamily. Clay lowered his head and lightly kissed the top of her head.
“I love you too.” He whispered as he rested his head on the tree and slowly closed his eyes.


“Psst…psst….excuse me you two.” Clay opened his eyes and was met with the  friendly wall eyes of Ditzy Doo.

“What? Oh, hey Miss Ditzy what brings you here?” He looked down and saw that Firefly was still fast asleep her head resting on his chest, and her tail wrapped around his.

“I uh, have a letter for you.” She reached into her mail bag and handed a letter to Clay.

“Who’s it from?” Clay asked as he unrolled the scroll.

“I don’t know. It came from Canterlot general hospital.” Clay finished unrolling the letter and began reading.


“Clay. I don’t know if this letter will reach you, but if it does than I want you to meet me at Canterlot Hospital. I need to talk to you and it would mean a lot if you came. I understand if you don’t, but please think about it. I’d rather talk to you in person. If you don’t want to see me just send a letter. If you do I will be waiting. And don’t worry about missing me, I won’t be going anywhere for a while. I hope that you will come. Until than I will wait for either your letter, or arrival.”
Sky Tearer.


Clay looked at the letter in disbelief “Sky wants me to meet him at Canterlot?” Clay was a bit skeptical about meeting him, but a part of Clay wanted to see him. If nothing else just to see how his leg and wing were doing. Clay thanked Ditzy for the letter and watched her fly away feeling slightly envious.
“Firefly…come on its time to get up.” She shifted and muttered “Come on Firefly I need to get up.”

“Five more minutes daddy.” She muttered.

Clay frowned as he tried to think of a way to get her up. He then brought his head in and gently kissed her on the lips. Instantly Firefly’s eyes fluttered open and she smiled as she saw Clay’s smiling face.

“Well…*yawn* I better get back home before dad gets back.” She stood up and lightly stretched before kissing Clay goodbye and flying back to Canterlot.

“Now how am I going to get there?” Clay thought as he walked home. As he walked a bright flash appeared before his eyes making him shut them tightly “Gaaah, what the hell?” Clay shouted as he rubbed his eyes.

“Oh my goodness I’m so sorry Clay!” Clay recognized the voice.

“Aunt Twilight?” He slowly opened his eyes and was greeted by a purple unicorn “What…what was that?”

“Sorry Clay. I was testing out a new teleportation spell that could get me from one city to the next. I meant to teleport back in the library, but I guess I miscalculated.” Clay finally got his eyes to focus and his ears perked up when he heard her say teleportation spell.

“Did you say that you can go from city to city?” She nodded.

“Well to be honest it’s actually a scroll not a spell. But they are effective, though not entirely accurate.” She began shuffling through her saddle bag.

“Hey Aunt Twilight. Do you think I can use a few of those scrolls?” Twilight raised an eyebrow.

“Why?”

“I need to get to Canterlot. I got a letter and I need to meet somepony there.”

“Sure you can. Just be sure to get your mothers permission this time.” She gave him a look.

“I will. I promise.” Clay galloped back to his home and found his mother sitting on the couch reading the latest copy of Daring Do.

“Hey sweetie.” She said not taking her eyes of the page.

“Hi mom.” He walked over and looked at the book “Which one are you reading this time?”

“Daring Do and the crystal dragon eye.” She said excitedly “This book is beyond awesome!” She flipped a page and continued reading.

“Um, mom. I need to get to Canterlot and Twilight has these long distance teleportation scrolls. Can I use them to get there?”

“Yeah, sure just be careful. And wear a jacket or something there’s a big storm coming this way. I don’t want you getting a cold.” Clay knew she was probably too wrapped up in her book to question why he needed to go to Canterlot, but he didn’t care.

He ran upstairs and placed his rawhide hat on his desk chair and put on his black hoodie in case it rained. He left the house saying he wouldn’t be gone too long and went to Twilight to use the scrolls.

“Now remember just say the name of the destination where you want to go and then open the scroll and it should take you there in no time.”

“Thanks Aunt Twilight I appreciate this.” He took three scrolls. One for Canterlot, another for Ponyville, and a spare just in case. He stepped back and cleared his throat.

“Canterlot general hospital!” He opened the scroll and in a flash of light he was gone.

Clay reappeared and shook his head.

“That was one heck of a trip.” He said his eyes spinning. Clay looked around and saw Canterlot hospital, along with several startled ponies.

Clay took shelter in Canterlot general hospital as the clouds began to grow darker. As he entered he was greeted by a white sterile looking interior with doctors and nurses making their rounds. Clay approached the front desk hoping to get the nurses attention.

“Can I help you sweetie?” The white earth pony nurse asked.

“I was wondering if I could see a patient here? His names Sky Tearer. The nurse picked up a clipboard and began reading down the list.

“Ah yes he’s been here a few days. He’s in room 20.” Clay thanked the nurse and made his way down the hall.
After thirty seconds of walking he came to a door with a plaque that had the number 20 on it. Clay made his way into the room preparing for the worst. Sky was lying in a bed with his right wing and left foreleg in a cast. He looked slightly dazed possibly from pain killers. But he still was alert enough to notice Clay’s approach.

“I can’t believe you came.” Sky said surprised.

“Me neither.” Clay replied as he walked next to his bed.

“What happened to your wings?” Sky asked.

“I…don’t really want to talk about it.” Sky nodded. “So the letter said you wanted to see me.” Sky looked at Clay but his eyes were looking at the ground as he inhaled.

“Look…I…I know that I almost died and you saved me despite our…history.” Sky looked up at Clay making eye contact. “I just…I just wanted to say…thank you and…I’m sorry.” Clay was surprised by this but said nothing “I’ve uh…I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and…I realized that a lot of things I did were wrong and a lot of things I thought about other ponies were wrong. I…I was wrong about you Clay.” Clay still remained silent as Sky took another breath and rubbed his neck “This…isn’t easy for me, because I know I don’t deserve it. But…I…I wanted to start over you know…be…friends.” Now Clay was really surprised.

“You…want us…to be friends?” Sky nodded.

“I know I don’t deserve it after how I treated you and Dinky, but…I really want to start over. I…when I was thinking back I realized that I didn’t like who I was becoming, but…by that time I had that nickname and everypony else hated me, so why bother?” Clay raised an eyebrow.

“But why do you want to start now?” Sky lowered his head slightly.

“Because that day when you saved me you…you stood up to my dad…MY dad of all ponies. Anyone else would have just let him beat the crap out of me. You…were the only one who gave a flying feather about me.” Sky’s voice became saddened and quiet as he continued “My dad wouldn’t have risked his life to save me during that avalanche…he would have left me there…but you…you didn’t.” Clay and Sky became quiet. The only sound being the heart monitor “I don’t think I can ever repay you Clay. But I want to start by being somepony you can trust. If you need me just ask.” Sky looked to Clay uncertainly “So…can we put the past behind us and…start over?” Sky held out his good hoof as a gesture.

Clay looked at it unblinkingly and said nothing. After a while Sky gave a sad sigh and lowered his hoof when suddenly he felt it being grabbed. He looked up to see Clay holding it with his own and…he was smiling.

“Sure thing.” Clay replied. Sky looked at him surprised, but it soon turned into a smile.

“Thank you. I promise you won’t regret it.” They released their hold.

“So how long are you going to be here?” Clay asked.

“Doctor says I should be good to go tomorrow if I stay off my wing for a few days afterwards.” Sky replied looking to his injured wing.

“Good. I was worried that I may have crippled you.” Clay said sounding relieved.

“Nah. I’m still air worthy. You would have had to be a dragon or ripped it off completely to get a pegasus crippled.” Sky looked to Clay looking apologetic. “I’m uh sorry I ruined your chances with that filly.” Clay shook his head.

“Don’t worry about it. We patched things up.”

“Glad to hear it.” Sky replied smiling “So…just so we’re clear we are friends now right?” Clay nodded.

“For now. As long as you never call my mother a filly fooler or pick on Dinky or her mom ever again deal?” Sky smirked.

“Deal.” They shook once more.

“So are you going to be okay? With your dad disowning you I mean?” Sky’s face fell.

“Yeah I…I think I’ll be okay…thanks though.”  Sky said smiling slightly. Suddenly a nurse walked in.

“Okay sorry kids but visiting hours are over.”

“Guess I’ve gotta go.” Clay said turning to leave.

“Wait Clay!” Sky called “Be careful…when my dad says he won’t stand for something he will put an end to it. I…I think he might be planning to attack you. So just…watch the skies.” Clay looked worried, but nodded.

“Thanks for the warning.” Clay replied as he left the room.

“I hope to Celestia that I’m wrong.” Sky said as he leaned back into his bed.


Clay used his second teleportation scroll and ended up a few miles outside Ponyville instead of in Ponyville.

“Guess I’m walking the rest of the way.” Clay sighed.

As Clay walked he heard a loud clap of thunder and he realized he wouldn’t make it to his home in time before the rain hit. He pulled the hood of his sweat shirt over his head and continued walking.

“Watch the skies.” Sky’s voice rang in his head as the rain started to fall. Clay continued walking until he heard a twig snap making him gasp. He looked around but saw nothing.

“Get a hold of yourself Clay!” He thought shaking his head. The wind began to pick up and the rain fell harder seeping through his hoodie. Clay continued to trot until again he heard a noise.

“Is somepony there?” There was no answer. Clay’s heart began to beat faster in his chest as he was becoming paranoid. He walked again only to be startled by another loud thunder clap “I’ve got to get home.” Clay said as he continued.

“Oh you won’t be going home.” A cold voice said behind him. Clay gulped and turned around to find a pair of striking yellow eyes looking back at him. “I told you I wouldn’t stand for your actions.” Sky Blazer hissed. Clay was frozen with fear as Sky Blazer began to approach. “And now…” He whispered “Now I will end them!” Sky Blazer was on top of Clay before he could react and had his front hoof on Clay’s throat crushing his windpipe. “Mommy won’t be saving you this time.” He whispered as Clay struggled to breath. “It’s a shame you don’t have your cutie mark yet…I would have loved to send them to your mother in a box.” Clay’s vision began to fade as Sky Blazer gave a cruel chuckle. “Scream for me…you filthy earth pony.” Sky Blazer whispered as he leaned closer. A mad gleam in his eyes along with Clay’s refection. 
Clay gasped for breath and pushed at Sky Blazers face with his hooves, but his vision was growing darker and darker with each second. At that moment Clay knew he was dying.

“Come on! Scream!” Sky Blazer cackled as he pressed harder on Clay’s throat “Don’t shut your eyes boy! I want to see the life leave your eyes!” Clay tried to think of a way out, but the lack of oxygen and the pain was making it impossible.

“Firefly…mom…Dinky…I’ll never see them again.” A tear slide down his face. Sky Blazer gave a mad smile as the rain and lightning surrounded. Clay couldn’t believe that after all he had been through that this was how his life would end. As he started to black out he gave one last thought “I’m sorry mom.”

Sky Blazer put his face inches away from Clays face and gave an evil smile.
“Go ahead…scream for your mommy. Nopony is going to save a worthless worm like you.” As Sky gloated Clay made one final attempt and aimed his back leg at Sky Blazer’s crotch and kicked as hard as he could. He was rewarded with a scream of pain and he took the moment to head butt Sky Blazer buying himself time to breath. As Clay saw Sky Blazer stepping back his face contorted in pain; Clay stood up and began running as fast as he could. He felt like had just started when suddenly he was knocked to the ground and then felt pressure on the back of his head.
“Nice try. But you can’t outrun a pegasus you little fool!” Clay tried to look up, but Sky Blazers hoof was making it impossible.

“Any last words earth pony?!”

“Go to hell you sick freak!” Clay shouted.

“No…that’s where you’ll be going.” Sky Blazer lifted his right foreleg ready to bring it down on Clays head. Clay shut his eyes awaiting the pain.

However just as he was certain that his life was about to end; he heard a swooshing sound and then a loud grunt from Sky Blazer as he was knocked to the ground
.
“Did mom just save me again?” Clay thought. He knew that sound he heard earlier was from a Pegasus fly. Clay slowly opened his eyes and saw a pony standing over him. But it wasn’t his mother or even Firefly. In fact he didn’t recognize the stallion standing over him.

The stallion was slightly taller than his mother. He was lean but still muscular, looked to be in his late thirty’s. He had light blue eyes, a light yellow coat and a brown mane and tail. On his flank was a cutie mark in the shape of a flaming comet leaving a fire trail behind it. Clay looked to the stallion not sure who he was or why he had saved him, but he figured not to question it for now. Sky Blazer got to his feet and glared at the stallion.

“How dare you!” He spat with venom.

“I was about to say the same thing to you.” The stallion said calmly.

“That pony must be executed!” Sky said shaking with anger “He has stained the name pegasus! And upset the natural order! That colt is an abomination!” The stallion looked at Clay and then back to Sky.

“He looks like a normal earth pony to me. So why don’t you just fly back to whatever hole you crawled out of and stay there.” Sky gave the Pegasus stallion a murderous look.

“Step aside and let me end him or I will consider you a traitor to our kind!” The stallion lowered himself and gave a smug smile.

“Why don’t you make me?” Sky Blazer began digging at the ground as he continued his death gaze.
“Listen kid no matter what happens. Stay out of the way and if this goes south…you run as fast as you can, got me?” Clay nodded as the Pegasus turned to face Sky Blazer who let out an enraged yell and charged “This is going to get ugly.” The stallion muttered as he prepared to fight Sky Blazer.

> Chapter 22
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The two pegasus stallions flew into the air and began kicking, ramming, and dive bombing each other. Clay could only stay on the ground and watch as the fighting continued.

“What the hell is your problem?! He’s just a kid!” The mysterious stallion shouted as he ducked.

“That “kid” upset the natural balance of pony kind! He has inflicted the greatest insult one can to a pegasus!”

“Well whatever he did to insult you I’m sure it’s not worth committing murder over!”

“You are a sympathizer! Just like that Rainbow Dash and that simpleton Derpy!” Sky Blazer made a lunge at the stallion and missed as he swerved out of the way. As the stallion looked around he saw that Sky Blazer was nowhere to be seen and the rain and lightning made it harder for him to see.

“Behind you!” Clay shouted. The stallion looked up to see Sky Blazer dive towards him hitting him in the chest and sending the stallion crashing to the ground. Sky Blazer landed on top of the stallion and prepared to finish him off a mad look in his eyes as he started raising a hoof.

“Run kid!” The stallion shouted. Sky looked to Clay smiling wickedly.

“Yes run! It won’t do you any good!” He then turned his attention back to the stallion and prepared to stomp on his head. The stallion shut his eyes awaiting his end.

*BANG*

A loud clap of thunder was heard making Clay go deaf for a few seconds. But he still could see, and what he saw was a bolt of lightning shoot from a nearby cloud and strike Sky Blazer. Sky stood there frozen and then slowly began to tip before collapsing to the ground as smoke emitted from a large scorch mark on his back. 
Clay and the stallion looked at the smoking body that was once Sky Blazer and they both slowly approached him.

“Is…is he…?” The stallion nodded.

“Yes. He’s gone.” Clay craned his neck to see the lifeless eyes of the stallion that had tried to kill him. He shuddered at the thought that he almost died. Or maybe it was because he was soaked to the bone.

“Are you okay?” Clay asked looking to the pony that had saved him.

“I’ll live.” He replied “Which is more than I can say for that psycho.” He looked to the colt “What about you? He didn’t hurt you did he?”

“Just a sore throat.” They both chuckled. The stallion saw Clay shiver and remembered that it was still raining.

“How about I walk you home.” Clay nodded and began trotting beside his rescuer.

“Thanks for saving me.” Clay said as they walked.

“Don’t mention it.” The stallion replied.

“No, I mean it. If you hadn’t come when you did…”

“I said don’t mention it.” The stallion said again smiling slightly. Clay smiled at the pegasus starting to feel safe again.

“Hey I didn’t get your name.” Clay said.

“Names Comet Blaze. But you can call me Comet.” The stallion replied.

“I’m Clay.”  Comet smiled.

“Nice to meet you Clay.” The introductions finished the two ponies continued walking “So…you want to tell me what that was about?”

“It’s a long story. I just want to go home.” Clay replied glumly. Comet decided not to press the matter and walk silently next to Clay.

“If you don’t mind me asking what were you doing out here?” Clay asked.

“I was just making my way to the nearest town when I heard a scream.  I thought somepony needed my help.” Out of the corner of his eye Clay noticed Comet glancing at him.

“Why do you keep looking at me like that?”

“Sorry. It’s just uh…you remind me of somepony I used to know that’s all.”

“Who?”

“Somepony who has been gone from my life for a long time.” Comet replied sadly.

“I’m sorry.” Comet shook his head.

“It’s old news. I’m trying to move on.”

They didn’t talk for the rest of the walk to Ponyville wanting to respect each other’s privacy. Soon they came upon the quiet town and made their way to Clay’s home. As they approached the front of the house the front door opened and a rainbow blur came rushing out, and Clay soon found himself in his mother’s tight embrace.

“Oh thank Celestia you’re safe Clay!” She began peppering his face with kisses “I was so worried when you didn’t come back and the storm hit.”

“Mom, I’m fine relax!” Clay grumbled slightly embarrassed. Rainbow stopped and noticed the bruise around Clay’s neck.

“Who did this to you?! I want a name!” She shouted her temper rising.

“It…it was Sky Blazer.” Dash’s eyes narrowed and there was a murderous look in them.

“Where is that bastard? I’ll kill him!” Clay and Comet gave shifty glances.

“I don’t think you have to worry about him anymore Mrs.?”

“It’s Miss Rainbow Dash. And who the hay are you?” Dash pulled Clay in closer as if trying to shield him from Comet.

“ His name Is Comet Blaze mom. He’s the one who saved me. He’s cool.” Dash looked at Comet eying him suspiciously.

“Well thank you for saving my son. But I’ll be the one to decide who is cool to be around my son.” Comet chuckled.

“I understand Rainbow Dash. I’m just glad I was there.” Dash released Clay and turned to Comet.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.” Comet replied.

“Hey Comet. Am I going to see you again?” Clay asked hopeful.

“Well I’m going to be staying here for a few days so yeah I’d imagine so.”

“Great! I can show you around!” Comet chuckled at the colt’s enthusiasm.

“That sounds great Clay.” Dash moved to Clay's side.

“Alright now get inside and dry off before you get sick.” Clay looking slightly disappointed headed back inside.

“Hey Rainbow Dash. Do you know where the closest inn is? I can really use a room?”

“The horse shoe inn is the closest one in town. Just say my name and they’ll give you a discount.”

“Thanks.” Comet turned to leave.

“Comet.” He turned to look at Dash “Thank you for saving Clay. But don’t think for a second that means that I won’t be watching you. Got it?” Dash threatened.

“Yeah…I’ve got it.” Dash gave him one last glare and then trotted back into her home. As Comet walked to the inn he couldn’t help but think of Clay “That kid…he seems so familiar…he almost reminds me of…” He shook his head “No! You swore that you would never think of that day again! You know what that leads to.” Comet feeling slightly depressed made his way inside the inn. He mentioned Rainbows name and was given a discount and a room. He walked to his temporary living space and dried off before getting settled into his bed. His mind turned to Clay once more before shutting his eyes and getting some much needed rest.

“You will see me again Clay. I’d like to learn more about you.” Comet thought to himself before entering the dark void of sleep.

> Chapter 23
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Clay awoke early the next morning and made his way to Ponyville hoping to meet Comet once more before he left. He made his way to the horse shoe inn and asked where he could find him. The desk attendant pointed upstairs and Clay ran up excitement filling his body. He wasn’t quite sure why he was so excited about seeing Comet. Maybe it was because he saved his life, maybe it was because he was an outsider, or maybe he was excited talking to another male for once besides Big Mac. He approached the door and knocked three times. Soon after the door opened to reveal Comet.

“Clay? What uh…what are you doing here?”

“I’d thought I’d give you that tour I promised.” Clay replied smiling.

“Already? But it’s still early.”

“I know. I have to work with my Aunt Applejack today! And I want to make sure you meet my whole family.” Comet raised an eyebrow.

“Uh, Clay. I’m flattered, but why do you care if I meet your family?”

“Because I saw how mom didn’t trust you. So I think if you make a good impression with my aunt’s maybe she’ll lighten up.” 

“Clay I don’t know about…” Clay gave a pleading look. “Huh…fine.” Comet sighed smiling slightly.

“Awsome! We can start at my Aunt Twilght’s first.”

Clay led Comet around town stopping at the library. Clay knocked at the door and soon Spike answered.

“Clay! What’s up cuz?”

“Hey Spike. I came over to show Comet around town, and I decided to start here.” Spike looked at Comet and he did the same.

“Uh…Clay…you do know that Spike is a dragon right?” Comet muttered.

“Don’t worry Comet he’s not like those other dragons.” Comet looked at Spike uneasily.

“Nice to meet you Spike.” He said trying to be friendly.

“Like wise! I’ll go get Twilight.” Spike waked back into the library while Clay and Comet followed.

“Hi Clay. Didn’t expect to see you here so soon.” Twilight spotted Comet “Clay…who is this?”

“This is Comet Blaze. He saved my life the other day, so I’d thought I’d show him around.”

“Oh my goodness! What happened? Are you alright?” Twilight gasped.

“He’s fine Miss Twilight. Some crazy pony jumped him the other day and I just happened to be around at the time.” Comet reassured her.

“Well…thank you Mister Comet. Clay means a lot to us.”

“Don’t mention it”

“Well we better go. I’m supposed to be at sweet apple acres.”

“Okay. Bye Clay be safe. And goodbye to you too Comet.”

“Goodbye.” Comet replied as he left the tree “Your Aunt’s a unicorn?”

“Yeah. She’s the best magic user in Ponyville.” Clay replied with a small measure of pride.

“So besides your Aunt Applejack. Are there any other relatives I should meet?”

“Well there’s…” Before he could finish there was a loud gasp and as Clay and Comet looked around they saw a pink blur rush past them.

“What in Equestria was that?” Comet asked startled.

“Oh…that was my Aunt Pinkie Pie. She’s…a bit hyper. Oh and uh, don’t be surprised if there is a party waiting for you at your room.”

“What? Why?”

“It’s kind of her thing. She throws one for all the new ponies in town.”

“Alright. Any pony else I need to meet?” Clay tapped his chin as he thought.

“Oh yeah there’s also Aunt...ugh…” Clay was unable to finish as he was soon hit by a pile of bags.”

“Oh, good heavens Clay! Do forgive me it’s just so hard to see with all these supplies!” Rarity said apologetically.

“It’s ok Aunt Rarity. It was an accident.” Clay replied as he got up. Rarity was picking up her materials she caught a glimpse of Comet.

“Well hello there handsome.” She said batting her eyes at him.

“Um…hello.” Comet said uncertainly.

“Oh right. Aunt Rarity this is my friend Comet.”

“Pleasure to meet you Rarity.” Comet replied.

“Mmm, the pleasures all mine.” She drew herself closer to Comet and gave him a seductive smile.

“Uh…sorry Aunt Rarity, but we need to get to Applejacks. You know how it goes.”

“Ohhh. But cant your “friend” stay just a little longer?” Rarity asked as she rubbed her head against his neck.

“Sorry. But the kid needs me so where he goes I go. Maybe next time?”

“I’ll hold you to that.” She gave him a wink and sauntered away risking a quick glance at Comet’s toned flank as he and Clay continued walking.

“I’m so sorry about that Comet. Rarity is always into romantic stuff.”

“She certainly is.” Comet looked back to make sure Rarity wasn’t stalking them. “You have a lot of…unusual mares in your life.”

“And you haven’t met the other two.”

“Other two?” Clay and Comet stopped when Fluttershy came prancing towards them singing a lovely tune.

“Hi Aunt Fluttershy!” Clay yelled causing Fluttershy to shriek and hide behind a tree “Sorry.” 

“Oh Clay. It’s just you.” Fluttershy whispered. She caught sight of Comet and shrieked again covering her face.

“Easy Aunt Fluttershy. He won’t hurt you he’s a friend.” Clay said trying to calm her down.

“Hello Fluttershy. I’m Comet Blaze.” Comet said being friendly.

“H-hello…I’m f-fluphhephy”She gave him a nervous glance as she mumbled quietly.

“I’m sorry what was that?”  Comet asked. Fluttershy gave a small whimper.

“Uh, I think we better keep moving.” Clay said tilting his head to sweet apple acres.

“Nice meeting you Fluttershy!” Comet said as he followed Clay.

Finally they came across a hill with a typical farm house and red barn perched at the top. As they climbed they spotted Applejack already bucking a nearby apple tree.

“Hi Aunt Applejack! Sorry I’m a bit late I was showing Comet around town!” Applejack looked to Comet and furrowed her brow.

“Clay. Do you know this pony?”

“Yeah he saved my life when I got attacked yesterday.”

“You were attacked!? Who was it I’ll buck em’ so hard…”

“That…won’t be necessary Miss Applejack.”

“Whatcha mean by that?”

“He…won’t be attacking anypony ever again.”

“How do you know that?” She snapped. Comet gave Applejack a look that told her to trust him on it “Alright…Clay why don’t you start working on the trees while I help Big Mac with the gardening?” Clay nodded.

The next few hours were spent with Clay bucking apples from their branches and carrying them to the apple cellar. While Comet watched and answered any questions Clay asked. Soon Clay began asking questions trying to understand the colt better.

“So, you’ve never been to manehatten?” Comet asked.

“Nope. Lived in Ponyville all my life. It’s not too exciting, but it’s my home and I love it here.” Clay gave a tree a hard kick.

“And your mother Rainbow Dash. If you don’t mind me saying you don’t look much like her, and I haven’t met your dad yet.”

“I don’t have a dad. And my mom adopted me when she found me abandoned.”
“You were adopted?”

“Yeah. My mom told me that I was left on her door step at first. But recently she told me the truth. That she found me in the everfree forest.”

“She…she found you in the forest?”

“Yeah she was flying by when she heard crying and when she went to investigate she found me in a broken carriage.” Clay was still bucking apple trees, but Comet was dead silent “Comet…what’s wrong?” He asked worried.

“Nothing…nothing it’s just…that’s a very sad story that’s all.”

“Well it is sad. But I have my mom and my aunts, and I couldn’t be happier.” He bucked another tree.

“You really mean that don’t you?” Comet said looking at Clay with an expression Clay couldn’t place.

“Are you okay Comet.” Clay asked.

“Yeah I uh…I just need to be someplace that’s all, so I better get going.”

“Oh…well then I guess this is goodbye.” Clay said to Comet glumly.

“For now. Thanks for showing me around Clay.”

“You’re welcome.” Clay said sadly.

“Hey tell you what. Tomorrow I’ll show you some of my air tricks. Sound good?”

“That would be cool. But my mom is an ace flyer and I’ve already seen all of her moves.”

“Maybe so, but mine have a…flare to them.” Clay smiled.

“Sounds great. I’ll be over at the inn when I finish work and stop off at home.

“You’ve got it champ.” Comet ruffled Clay’s hair.

“Ow!” Clay shouted rubbing his head.

“Sorry. Guess I don’t know my own strength.” Comet waved goodbye and flew back to Ponyville. But he didn’t stop at the inn. Instead he landed outside Twilights home and knocked on the door. This time Twilight was the one who answered.

“Oh, hello Comet. What brings you here?”

“Hello again Twilight. I was wondering how good are you at doing DNA spells?”

“I’m quite good at any spell actually. A DNA should be foals play. Why do you ask?”

“I uh, need to know something.”

“Well as long as you have some DNA it should be easy. What do you want tested?”

He pulled a few strands of hair from his mane and then handed another strand to Twilight. She levitated the hair samples and concentrated.

“Should take just a few seconds.” Twilight said as she squinted her eyes focusing her magic. Slowly the purple aura around the hair samples turned blue.

“What does that mean?” Comet asked.

“It means that these two hair samples share common DNA. That means whoever the other sample belongs to is related to you. Who’s was it?” Twilight asked excitedly.

“It’s Clay’s…” Comet said quietly.

> Chapter 24
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clay walked through the streets of Ponyville feeling slightly tired from his hours of apple bucking. Still his stamina had improved over the years so he still had enough energy get around, if a bit more slowly. As he continued walking he saw Comet leaving Twilights library.

“Comet!” Clay ran up to the stallion with excitement.

“Oh…uh, hey Clay.” Comet shifted uncomfortably.

“Is something wrong?” Clay asked noticing his expression.

“Um…Clay…I need to tell you something.”

“Sure. What do you want to tell me?” Comet looked into Clays eyes not sure how he would react. He then took a breath preparing himself.

“Clay…I don’t know how else to say this but…I’m…” Before he could finish they both heard another voice from above.
“Look out below!”

They looked up to see a pink blur head straight for them. They barely had enough time to back away as Firefly landed with a small thud.

“Firefly! I didn’t expect to see you here!” Firefly walked up to Clay and gave him a quick kiss making him blush.

“What? A filly can’t drop in and say hi to her boyfriend when she’s in the neighborhood?”

“Boyfriend?” Comet remarked.

“Who’s this Clay?” Firefly asked turning to the stallion.

“Firefly meet Comet Blaze.” She walked up and held out a hoof.

“Nice to meet you Comet Blaze.” She said in a friendly manner.

“Nice to meet you.” He took her hoof and they shook “So…you are Clay’s fillyfriend?”

“Yeah we’ve been going out for two weeks now.” She replied happily. 

“How did you two meet?”

“Well first he saved my life. Then he went all the way to Canterlot to find me. Then he…”Comet chuckled slightly “What’s so funny?” She asked him.

“Nothing…its nothing.” Firefly and Clay looked at each other and then to Comet “So why were you stopping by?”

“Oh yeah I almost forgot!” She turned back to Clay “I was thinking we could do something special for today.”

“Why today?” Firefly raised an eyebrow.

“You do remember what day it is right?” Clay tapped his chin then shrugged “Clay its Hearts and Hooves day! How can you forget?”

“That was today? Oh damn!” Clay cursed as he facehoofed “Sorry Firefly. Something happened yesterday and I guess it slipped my mind.”

“Huh…its fine. Just don’t forget next year or I’ll buck you.” She nuzzled his face.

“So what did you have in mind?”

“Well I thought we could go out. Get some dinner maybe spend some time at your place and work on our…kissing.” A grin grew on Clay’s face.

“I like that idea.” Said Clay “But uh, first. What did you want to tell me Comet?”

“Uh…it can wait. I don’t want to interrupt your romantic day together.” Comet smiled slightly “You two make a cute couple by the way.”

“Thanks Comet.” Clay and Firefly began walking away. Comet on the other hand had a battle going on inside him.

“A girlfriend? He has a girlfriend? Damn it! As if this wasn’t hard enough!” Comet kicked the ground in frustration “Ok Comet you can do this! You have to tell him! He needs to know who he is!” Comet looked at Clay and Firefly as they walked resting their heads against each other’s “Still…it can wait a little longer.” Comet then walked back to his room at the inn. As he pushed past the door however he saw that the room was dark only to have the lights come on and have a thunderous “SURPRISE!” hit him like a wall. Comet blinked and saw a handful of ponies in his room along with a pink earth pony that looked like she was the one who set up the whole thing. Soon she was talking nonstop and Comet groaned.

Firefly and Clay decided to start their romantic day together with a simple stroll enjoying each other’s company. They either nuzzled each other or gave each other doe eye looks. As they walked they heard a voice from behind them.

“Clay, Firefly wait up!” They turned around to see Dinky running at them before she vanished in a flash and reappeared a few feet away from them “Guys guess what you won’t believe…” She saw their close proximity “Oh…I’m sorry was I interrupting something?”

“No we were just walking.” Firefly replied.

“What’s up Dinky?” Clay asked her.

“Guys guess what?! I finally got my cutie mark!” Firefly and Clay looked astounded as she turned to show her cutie mark which was an ink bottle with a quill dipped into it.

“That’s great news Dinky! Congratulations!” Firefly cheered happily.

“Yeah that’s great…how did it happen?” Clay asked curiously.

“Well I got bored so I took a scroll out and started writing a short story for fun. Then I showed it to my mom and she loved it. And I realized that I love writing and…well you can guess the rest.” Clay gave Dinky a hug.

“I’m so happy for you Dinky.”

“Thanks. Mom was happy too.” Firefly looked at her cutie mark.

“So your special talent is writing? I can’t wait to see what you write Dinky.” Dinky smiled, but it soon faded when she saw Clay looking at his own blank flank.

“Don’t worry Clay you’ll get yours soon enough.” She said kindly.

“That’s what mom told me. But…the longer it takes…I mean most ponies find their cutie marks when they’re still kids. Why don’t I have mine yet?” Clay began to look disheartened.

“Clay…even if you never find your cutie mark and you will. You’ll always be the perfect stallion to me.” Firefly kissed him on the cheek.

“Thanks…but I’d rather if I did get my cutie mark.” Clay muttered.

“You will.” Dinky said confidently. Clay smiled weakly “Well I better leave you two alone. Today is Hearts and Hooves day after all.” Dinky started walking away when Clay called out.

“Hey Dinky! Who are you spending Hearts and Hooves day with?” Dinky turned back to them.

“Well…that’s a secret.” She answered nervously.

“Why?” Clay asked.

“You wouldn’t believe me.” She then teleported in front of their eyes and was gone.

“What did she mean by that?” Firefly asked.

“Beats me. Come on lets enjoy the rest of Hearts and Hooves day.” 


Clay and Firefly went to a local restaurant that was giving a discount for couples. After they finished eating they made their way to the park and sat down watching the stars with other couples. Firefly draped her wing around Clay bringing him in closer his warmth making her relaxed and excited. They turned and began kissing slow and loving.

“You’ve gotten better.” Firefly said taking a break.

“Good. I want to give you my best Firefly.” They resumed kissing and Firefly tried to sneak in some tongue. But the shock and suddenness of it caused Clay to back away.

“Sorry. Am I moving too fast?”

“No. You just surprised me that’s all.”

“Uh, we can stop now if you want.” Firefly offered.

Clay nodded and they returned to cuddling while most couples were still tongue wrestling. Firefly looked at Clay and saw him with a saddened expression.

“You didn’t do badly. In fact you were great; we can do more advanced stuff when you’re ready.”

“It’s not that.” 

“What’s wrong then?”

“It’s my mom. She’s always alone on Hearts and Hooves day. I know she’s not into romantic stuff, but she always seems so…lonely. And I know she has fantasies about…stallions when she sleeps.” He looked at the other couples “Everypony has someone…except her.”

“I’m sure she’ll find some special somepony to call her own.” Firefly reassured.

“She always has trouble finding one. Either because they don’t fit her standards, or they already have somepony, or…because of me.”

“You?” Firefly asked.

“No stallion wants a mare that already has a kid. I scare them off…or she does.”

“She’ll find somepony Clay. Everyone has some soul mate out there.”

“My mom deserves the best though. Somepony that’s strong, brave, athletic, and can keep up with her, and doesn’t care that she has a kid. Somepony like…like…” A thought began to form in Clay’s head “Comet!” Clay shouted startling Firefly.

“What about Comet?” She asked.

“He’s perfect for my mom! He’s brave, he can fly really fast, he seems to like me, and he is strong and good looking…right?”

“Yeah he’s handsome.” Firefly replied blushing slightly.

“Mom and Comet Blaze…I like that.” Clay said dreamily.

“But…how are you going to get them to meet?”

“I’ll think of something.” Clay rested his head on Firefly “If it works…I might get a dad. And mom won’t be so lonely on Hearts and Hooves day.” Firefly shifted slightly.

“You know…you haven’t met my dad yet.”

“Have you told him about us?”

“Not in so many words. I only told him that I was leaving to meet with a pony I might be interested in. And I might have left out the fact that his mother is a Wonderbolt.”

“He’s going to find out you know.”

“Don’t worry I’ll tell him everything. I just want to enjoy the time I have with you before he starts judging you and your family.”

“Sounds like fun.” Clay replied. Firefly looked at the blackened sky.

“The stars are beautiful tonight.” She whispered.

“Not as beautiful as you.” Clay whispered back.

“Softy.” She muttered as she rested her head on his shoulder.

Clay wrapped his tail around Firefly’s as they shut their eyes and enjoyed each other’s warmth and love. As far as Clay was concerned nothing could ruin what he had in his life. Nothing…

> Chapter 25
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Dash was sitting on the couch of her home reading her Daring Do book. She was on a chapter where Daring Do had injured herself once more and was being stared down by a hungry tiger. She was unable to fly or move to safety. The tiger began to bear down on Daring when suddenly a colt emerged and rammed the tiger out of the way before getting between her and the great cat.

“Get out of here kid! That thing will maul you!” Daring shouted.

“I’m not going leave you Miss Daring!” The colt shouted staring down the tiger.

“Just go! I’ll be fine!” Daring winced as she spoke.

“No! I’m not leaving you after you saved my life! I owe you!” The tiger growled and charged as the colt did the same. They were inches away from colliding when...

“Mom. I’m home.” Dash looked up from the book and saw her son walk into the house.

“Oh, hey Clay.” He gave her a quick kiss on her face.

“Still reading that book I see.”

“Yeah, it’s getting intense. I can’t wait to see how it ends.” She set the book down and stood up.

“Hey mom. I was thinking we could go out today. You know spend some time together?”

“Wouldn’t you rather hang out with Comet Blaze? He’s all you talk about now.” She grumbled.

“No today I just want to spend time with you.” Rainbow still frowned.

“Good. I mean it’s not like he’s cooler than me or anything.” Clay cocked an eyebrow.

“Wait…are you jealous of Comet?”

“What!? No don’t be ridiculous! There is no way he’s awesomer than me! So why should I be jealous? I mean it’s not like you’ve been spending the last few days with him instead of me!” She quickly retorted. She sounded angry, but Clay knew that she was feeling hurt. Clay walked over and nuzzled her face.

“You know I’ll always be your number one fan mom. No matter what.” Dash smiled.

“Oh, I can’t stay mad at you squirt.” She ruffled his mane “Sure we can go out.”

“Great I know just the place. I’ll go get my suit.”

“You’re wearing a suit to dinner? Well don’t I feel special.” She chuckled.

“Yeah and you can wear your gala dress!”

“Well I don’t usually like to dress for going out, but if you are than so am I.”

“Thanks mom. I promise this will be fun.”

“Great. I love fun things!” Dash retorted.

Clay dressed in a black suit with gold cuffs, and Dash in her Grand Galloping Galla dress minus the head dress; her mane slightly braided made their way to the closest thing to a Canterlot restaurant in Ponyville the red herring.

“Clay I feel silly wearing this. I must look like one of those uptight ponies at the galla.

“You look beautiful mom. Dress or no dress. And I don’t care what they think of you.” Dash smiled.

“Thank you Clay. And you look very handsome.” They made their way to a table and sat down waiting for a waiter “So what made you think of this place?” Dash asked Clay.

“Oh you know…you never know who you might meet.” Dash was about to ask what he was implying when they heard a voice.

“Clay...Rainbow Dash?” They looked to see Comet Blaze walking through the restaurant. Dressed in a suit with openings for his wings.

“What are you doing here?” Dash asked frowning.

“Clay said he wanted to talk with me at the red herring. I didn’t know you would be here too.”

“He told me he wanted to have dinner with me here. He didn’t mention you.” They both looked at him.
“Did I forget to mention that?” He said innocently.

“Clay…you lied to us.” Dash grumbled.

“I didn’t lie. I did want to have dinner with you mom, and I wanted to talk to you Comet.”

“Then why did you go behind our backs?” Comet asked.

“Because I know mom doesn’t like you. So I thought maybe if you got to talk you would start liking each other.” Dash placed a hoof on her face.

“Clay of all the dumbest…”

“No. Actually this is perfect.” Clay and Dash looked to Comet.

“Why is it perfect?” Dash said suspiciously.

“Because I need to talk to both of you.” He sat down across from Dash and Clay.

“Well it will have to wait because here is our waiter.” Clay said noticing a unicorn mare with menus.

“Where did you get that suit?” Dash asked Comet.

“Oh uh, Rarity made it for me.” He admitted.

“That’s Rarity for you. Always willing to impress for a toned flank.” Dash muttered.

“Toned huh?”

“Oh don’t act stupid! No pony with that kind of body isn’t aware of it.” Dash, Comet and Clay looked at their menus. A few minutes later the waitress returned and took their orders.

“Would you excuse me I have to use the little colt’s room.” Clay stood up and walked away leaving Rainbow and Comet alone.

“So…Clay seems to really like you.” Dash said fiddling with her glass of water.

“Yeah. Everywhere I turn he’s right there. I think he’s just grateful I saved his life.”

“Funny how you would happen to show up when he was in trouble.”


“Just luck I guess. I was on my way to town when I heard the commotion.”

“Uh- huh.” Dash grumbled.

“Then again he could just be happy with having a guy to talk to.”

“What? You don’t think I’m interesting enough to keep my own son happy?”

“No. It’s just that…well he is surrounded by a lot of fillies and mares. Maybe he just feels like he needs to spend more time with colts and stallions that’s all.” Before the conversation could go any further Clay returned.

“So…how are you two doing?”

“Lousy.” Dash grumbled.

Soon their food had arrived. They began eating hardly speaking to each other. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. Eventually they reached the end of their meals and pushed the plates away.

“Well set up or not. That was delicious.” Comet said whipping his mouth.

“Yeah. It was good grub.” Dash replied giving a slight belch.

“Well now that the food is out of the way how about we talk. Get to know each other?” Clay said sounding hopeful.

“Clay I know you want me to like Comet. But I just don’t trust him right now. I mean we only met him a few days ago. What if he set Sky Blazer up to attack you? We don’t know anything about him.”

“That’s a bold accusation Rainbow Dash. I hope you weren’t expecting me to pay for the meal.”

“I make plenty of bits! I can afford anything I need!”

“Except a husband.” Comet muttered.

“The fact is that we just aren’t compatible. We’re too different and don’t have anything in common.” Dash said ignoring the comment.

“Sure you do. Your both Pegasus ponies, you’re both athlete’s, and you both care about me right?” He turned to Comet “You do like me. Don’t you Comet?”

“Clay of course I like you. You’re a great kid and your mother is very lucky to have you.” He looked uncomfortable as he continued “In fact uh…I was wondering if it’s alright with your mother I could take you with me to Manehatten.”Clays eyes widened.

“Really!? You’d take me to Manehatten? I’ve always wanted to go there! ” He said excitedly as he turned to Dash “What do you think mom? Can we go?”

“Actually…I can only take you Clay.” Dash frowned.

“Uh-uh. There is no way in hell that you are taking my son to Manehatten without me!” Clay looked to Comet.

“Why can’t my mom go?”

“Because…well…it’s complicated.”

“So complicated that you can’t tell me when I’m right here?” Dash scowled.

“The trip isn’t meant for you Rainbow. It’s for Clay. I’m sure he wants to know more about his heritage.”  Dash and Clay looked at Comet puzzled.

“What are you talking about?”

“I know where Clay comes from. I know what he was meant to do.”

“He doesn’t belong with you or in Manehatten! He belongs with me! And I’m not changing my mind!” Dash drew Clay in with her wing.

“Rainbow the boy needs to know who he is if you would just let me explain…” He was cut off.

“Why should he go with you!? Why should I believe anything you say!” Her voice was rising with each second.

“BECAUSE HE’S MY NEPHEW DAMN IT!” Comets outburst caused the whole restaurant to go dead quiet as Clay and Dash looked at him in disbelief. Comet regained his composure as Clay tried to speak.

“You…you’re my…” Comet nodded.

“Yes Clay…I’m your uncle. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”

“No! I don’t believe you! You could still be lying!” Dash shouted.

“Twilight did the test herself. Go ask her.” Dash got up.

“Come on Clay we’re leaving!” 

“Rainbow please we need…” Dash shot Comet an angry glare.

“You stay the hell away from my son! If I see you near him again. I promise I’ll buck you back all the way to Manehatten.” Dash stormed out of the restaurant while Clay slowly got up.

“I’m sorry Comet.” He whispered.

“I know…it’s not your fault.” Clay left the restaurant sadly while Comet rubbed his temples “I knew that wouldn’t go well.” Comet looked to a nearby window and saw Clay and Dash walk back home “I can’t return without Clay…not now.”

> Chapter 26
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authors note: This chapter has been rewritten and the previous entry is no longer cannon.


Dash and Clay made their way back home. Dash was still enraged, but Clay was confused and intrigued.

“Who the buck that pony think he is trying to take you away from me! He may be your uncle but you’re my son!” Clay looked to his mother uncertainly “Well don’t worry Clay I won’t let him take you. If he wants to take you to Manehatten he’ll have to do it over my lifeless body.” Dash pulled him into a tight hug.

“Mom…maybe I should go.” Dash looked at him startled.

“W-what?”

“Mom he’s my uncle my real family. He knew my birth parents I have to go.”

“No you don’t! You don’t need him! You have me and the others…we’re you’re family.” She held him tighter.

“Mom. I know it hurts, but I want to go.” Clay said pulling back slightly “Mom he is my only hope of discovering who I am.”

“I know who you are! You’re my son that’s all you need to know. I love you Clay…please don’t leave me.” Tears began to fall from her eyes.

“Mom…I’m sorry. I have to go with him.”

“But why? Why do you need to go!?” Her voice cracked as she shouted.

“Because I’m still a blank flank mom. I haven’t discovered who I am yet, and I think it’s because I’m not with my real family. If that attack had never happened maybe…maybe I would have my cutie mark by now.”

“Clay…I don’t care if you never get you’re cutie mark. I’ll love you just the same whether you have one or not.” Tears were flowing down her face and Clay’s heart was beginning to ache for causing his mother pain. But he had to know.

“I’m sorry mom…but it’s my decision.” Dash looked at him blankly, but soon her expression then turned to anger.

“Fine! Go! If this is how you want to thank me for raising you for thirteen years then go with your real uncle and family! Stay there forever for all I care! I hope you’re very happy with them! Just don’t expect me to accept you into my life when you come crawling back!” Dash shoved him and flew up to her room slamming the door.

Clay sighed and looked to the floor. Clay stood up and slowly walked to his room.  As he walked to his bedroom he heard the heart broken sobs of his mother behind the closed door. Clay approached and thought about going in to console her, but he knew that would just make it worse. He sighed and walked into his room closing the door behind him.

The next morning wasn’t any easier. Clay went down stairs and found his mother on the couch reading the paper.

“Morning mom.” He said cheerfully. Dash didn’t even flinch “Anything in the paper?” She was still silent as she flipped a page “Mom I know what you’re trying to do and I must say this is childish.” She flipped another page “Mom please stop this. I know you’re mad but that doesn’t give you an excuse to act like this.” She still said nothing “I’m not a colt anymore mom it’s my choice.” Dash was still quiet “Well I’m heading out to help Aunt Applejack. When you’re ready to talk like an adult let me know.” Clay placed his hat on his head and closed the door.

Under the hot sun Clay was bucking the apple orchards. Today though would be different. This was the time of year when the zap apples would be in bloom and Clay was looking forward to it.

“Speed it up Clay! The storms approaching and those zap apples will be sprouting like wildfire soon!” Clay gave the closest tree a hard kick and the apples feel landing in the buckets underneath. As Clay walked he looked over to the everfree forest. That was where his mother had found him all those years ago.

“Could…could the carriage that she found me in still be there?” Clay thought as he saw the leaves dance in the wind. He knew the forest was dangerous and that all sorts of creatures lived there, but he had to know. Even if he didn’t find anything he had to be sure. With the last of the apples gathered Applejack walked over and hoisted them on her back.

“You alright hon? You’ve been awful quiet today.” Clay looked to his aunt.

“Me and mom had a fight.”

“Well that’s the first time I’ve heard of you two fighhtin’. What was it about?”

“Well…I recently found out that my real family is from Manehatten. And I wanted to go there to discover who I am. Only…mom doesn’t want me to. I told her it was my choice and she got angry. And now…now she won’t talk to me or even look at me.” Applejack looked sadly at her nephew.

“Sugar cube there’s something yah gotta understand about your momma. She doesn’t take no for an answer very well. And she doesn’t like to fail. You see to your mom winning is everything. And you’re her way of becoming the best mom in Equestria. So when you want to leave her it’s kind of like she’s become the worst mom. Ah know that sounds strange but Rainbow is a complicated pony.” Clay tried to understand what was being said to him “Don’t take it personally Clay. She still loves you she just…doesn’t take losing very well.”

“But she can’t treat me like a foal forever! I have to grow up some time!”

“Ah know sugar cube. But this is hard for your mom. She hasn’t accepted the fact that the little foal she found and raised for so long doesn’t need her that much anymore.” Clay lowered his head.

“But I still need her. I need her for support. I need her to just make me feel like I have a home…and she said she didn’t care if I ever came back.” He began to sniffle slightly and Applejack gave him a light hug.

“It’ll be alright Clay…just give her time. And if she still won’t listen than I’ll make her listen.” Clay whipped his eye.

“Thanks…I think I’m going to go home.” Applejack nodded.

“If Rainbow won’t let you back in you’ll always have a home at sweet apple acres Clay.” Clay smiled and began walking. However instead of heading home like he said he made a detour…to the everfree forest.


Rainbow Dash sat at the dinner table staring blankly at the cup of coffee she had made. She had tasted it before and it tasted bland. She couldn’t bring herself to eat as she realized that she was losing her son. A tear slid down her muzzle and dropped into her coffee.

“Why would he want to leave? He has everything he needs in Ponyville.”  She dried her eyes and continued staring “Did I do something wrong? Did I make him unhappy? Why would he want to leave me?” Her mind flashed back to when she had yelled at him and said to never come back “How could I say that to him? I…I really am a terrible mother. He probably will run away now and it will be all my fault!” She began to cry large tears. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. She got up and was startled to see Fluttershy looking frantic.

“Rainbow you have to come quick!”

“What’s wrong Fluttershy?”

“It’s Clay! I saw him enter the everfree forest and there is a storm coming!” Rainbow’s eyes widened and without a second thought she flew into the sky and headed for the forest of her nightmares.


Clay walked the dirt road looking for any sign of the carriage he was found in. Yet as he went deeper into the woods it became darker and harder for him to see. And he began to hear noises coming from all sides. His heart began to race as he imagined all sorts of creatures that might be waiting to attack him.

“Come on Clay! Mom risked her life to save you! You have to do this and get some answers!”

He continued trotting along the path when he heard a snap. Clay stopped and gulped. When he heard nothing he continued walking. Eventually after what felt like hours due to his fear he came across what he had been searching for. An old rotted overturned carriage with the side doors yanked wide open. Clay approached the carriage and dared to peek inside. Clay lowered himself in and began to search the interior.

“There has to be something. Anything!” He searched every nook and cranny, and when he found nothing of interest he was losing hope.

Clay sighed and removed his hat scratching his head. Then…out of the corner of his eye he spotted a slip of paper under a pile of dirt. He picked it up and removed the dust, as he did he discovered that it wasn’t a piece of paper, but a photo. He looked at it carefully and saw…himself? No…not himself in the picture he was older. And beside him was a Pegasus mare with light pink hair and stunning blue eyes with a white coat. And around her neck was a pair of Wonderbolt goggles. Clay was deeply confused. Why was there a picture of him with a mare he had never seen before? Clay moved his back leg and it brushed up against something; looking down he saw a pair of goggles. He picked them up and examined them. Clay looked to the picture again and noticed that the goggles were the same as the one the mare wore.

The picture was still slightly dirty and he brushed the rest of the dirt on the bottom of the photo. As he did he stopped suddenly; there looking back at him was a small sleeping light yellow foal in a bundle being held by the stallion and mare. That’s when it hit him. The photo was of him and his birth parents.

“Mom…dad…” As he looked at the photo tears began to escape his eyes as he realized why Comet had been so suspicious that they were related. Clay looked just like his father in every single way save for the age difference. He looked to the goggles in his other hoof and held them tightly to his chest as he cried.


Over the tops of the trees Rainbow Dash searched franticly for any sign of Clay. As she searched she heard a male voice.

“Clay where are you!” Dash looked up to see Comet flying ahead of her.

“Comet!” Dash called out.

“I’m looking for Clay! I don’t care if you want my help or not!”

“Comet…thank you.” Dash whispered. Comet nodded and they resumed their search.

Rainbow Dash looked through the trees and she spotted movement.

“Clay! Is that you?” She flew to Clay her chest tightening in anxiety “Clay it’s okay I’m not mad I just want you…”She stopped when she got a clear view of the thing she was chasing…it wasn’t Clay.

Clay began walking home with his items from the past when he heard a noise. As he listened he realized it was screaming. Clay followed the screams as he knew who they belonged to.

“Mom!”


Rainbow Dash was on the ground her head pounding and her wing and leg were in pain. Her vision blurred she tried to look at the creature that had attacked her. Standing above her was a large timber wolf with a hungry look in its glowing yellow eyes. The wolf licked its muzzle as it prepared to kill the injured pony. It opened its maw revealing sharp wooden teeth. Dash shut her eyes knowing that this was the end. Suddenly there was a yell and a yellow blur emerged from the trees that rammed into the wolf knocking it to its side.

“Get away from my mother!” Clay shouted as he positioned himself between her and the beast.

“Clay…get out of here.” Dash groaned weakly.

“No mom I’m not leaving you to die!”

“Clay please…just go…” she was fading fast. The wolf had gotten to its feet and snarled.

“Come get some!” Clay shouted as he charged at the wolf ramming it in its midsection. The wolf fell on its back and Clay began beating his hooves into its face.

“Don’t…ever…mess…with…my…mother!” The wolf swiped at Clay and he was thrown against a tree. He shook his head and charged at the wolf again ramming it in its sides. The wolf quickly recovered and rammed into Clay sending him flying and he landed on his back. 

As Clay looked up he saw the wolf bearing down on him and he prepared for the worst. However before the wolf did anything A blue blur emerged and tackled the wolf causing it to fall to its legs. Clay blinked certain that he was hallucinating. The blur that had saved him was none other than Sky Tearer.

“Sky!? How the hell…?” 

“You going to lie in the dirt or are you going to help me teach this beast a lesson?” Clay got up and walked to Sky’s side.

“You ready?” Clay asked.

“Always!” Sky grinned as they charged in unison and rammed the wolf sending shock waves through its body. The wolf snarled in pain as the two colts assaulted it again and again with quick blows. Eventually Sky and Clay became rapid moving blurs as they rammed and bucked the living hell out of the timber wolf.

“Think he’s had enough?” Sky asked Clay.

“No…but we should let it go.” They stopped and the wolf stood there limping and leaking tree sap. As Clay and Sky turned to check on Rainbow the wolf made one last lunge at them only to be rammed by Comet. Sky and Clay looked to him.

“This ends now!” Comet shouted. He ran at the wolf and within seconds he had a flaming trail behind him. Comet became a speeding flame as he connected with the wolf setting it on fire and the wolf howled in pain. The wolf writhed in agony as its cries began to die down and then stop completely.

“Damn…” Sky muttered. All that was left was a smoking ruin of the timber wolf. Comet cooled down and trotted back to Sky and Clay.

“Are you two alright?” They both nodded. Clay remembered his mother’s condition and ran back to her side.

“Mom! Mom wake up it’s over now!” Rainbow kept her eyes shut and didn’t move “Mom please get up!” Clay was starting to panic as he shook her harshly “Mom…please…wake up.” Tears began to fall from his eyes and fell on to her fur. Clay buried his face into her rainbow mane and began to sob loudly. Sky approached Clay and placed a hoof on his shoulder.

“I’m so sorry Clay.” Clay looked up and to his surprise Sky actually had tears in his eyes. Clay continued to sob as Comet approached held him in a tight hug.

“She loved you Clay…she would want you to know that.” Clay continued to cry as he rested his head in his uncle’s mane.

“Why…why must I have two moms taken away from me by this place!?” Clay choked out. Comet rubbed his back affectionately.

“I know the pain Clay…this place took my brother, your father away from me. It hurts deep.” Clay pulled away and sobbed. “We should…let everypony know what’s happened.” Comet got up and walked away.

“I’m…I’m going to stay here with her if that’s okay?” Comet nodded and left with Sky.


Clay trotted over to his mother and lay down beside her. He looked at her motionlessform and his heart broke knowing that he was responsible for the death of both his parents.

“I’m sorry mom…this…this is all my fault.” He said as if he was expecting her to answer “I wish we hadn’t fought…I wish…I wish I had never came into your life…at least then you would be alive…and you wouldn’t even know me.” He inched closer to her and felt his fur press against hers. As he looked at her for even the slightest sign that that she was still alive, tears flowed down his face “I…I tried so hard to be the perfect son for you mom…because you were perfect…I was wrong mom. I didn’t need wings…you were my wings. You were always there for me like an angel…and the one time you needed me to save you…I couldn’t do it.” He buried his in his front hooves “I failed you mom…I failed you…I would give up my past…my magic wings…my life in a second…if it meant that it would bring you back.” Clay had never felt so alone in all his life as he did right then and there.

As he lay there crying his eyes out he suddenly felt somthing nuzzle the back of his head, Clay looked up and saw two beautiful magenta eyes looking back at him. He knew those eyes anywhere.

"M...mom?" His voice shook uncontrollably.

"Hello Sweetie." She whispered.

"Mom! You're alive!" Clay stood up and hugged his mother for dear life as tears escaped his eyes.

"Of course I'm alive. You can't keep me down forever." She winced slightly as Clay looked at her with teary eyes.

"I...I thought I'd never see you again mom. I was so scared." Dash felt his tears dampen the back of her neck as he let out loud sobs.

"Shhh...it's alright Clay...I'm fine, so stop being sappy before you make me all sappy." She gave a slight sniffle "Did you really mean all those things you said Clay?" Clay nodded still holding his mother tightly.

"Of course I did...I would have given anything to make sure you were okay...I love you mom...more than you'll ever know." Clay sobbed.

“I love you too Clay…with all my heart.” The two ponies sat in the forest caught in that loving embrace. When suddenly there was a flash. Clay and Rainbow looked around and  Rainbows eyes fell on Clay’s flank.

“Clay…your flank!” Clay craned his neck and he saw there for all of Equestria to see was a rainbow bolt minus the cloud like his mother’s crossing with a flaming comet similar to his uncles.

“I…I…I don’t…” Clay began to cry even harder. “I have… I…” Dash smiled at Clay warmly.

“I told you would get there soon enough.” They gave each other another hug before standing up and walking out of the everfree forest.

> Chapter 27
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dash and Clay made their way out of the forest not really sure how to explain what had happened to the others. As they emerged they were met with surprised gasps from Twilight and the others.

“Rainbow! Clay! You’re alright!” Twilight shouted joyfully and soon both ponies found themselves in a large group hug.

“We thought we lost you! Comet and Sky came back and said that you were…” Rarity halted unable to finish.

“I wasn’t dead I was just…sleeping.” Everyone laughed nervously.

“Oh my goodness look! Clay even got his cutie mark!” Twilight gasped. Twilight and the others began crowding around Clay to see it.

“Oh my. What does it mean Clay?” Fluttershy asked.

“Who cares?! Dashie and Clay are back and Clay has his cutie mark, so let’s party!” With that they all made their way back to Ponyville anticipating the celebration Pinkie no doubt had in store.

“Clay. If you don’t mind me asking what do you think your cutie mark means?” Dash asked Clay as they hung in the back.
“I think it means that I have two families that love me no matter what.”

“Well that does make you unique.” Dash chuckled “But what made it appear?”

“I guess when you came back I started thinking of where I belonged in this world. And I realized that I was only truly happy with you and with Uncle Comet. And it made me realize that no matter what I may face I’ll always have you and Comet looking out for me.”

“Well this time you saved me Clay. I can’t believe you took on that timber wolf all on your own.” Dash smirked ruffling his mane.

“I didn’t do it alone. Sky helped.”

“Sky was there? Well that’s…that’s…unexpected.” They finally arrived home and encountered Comet and Sky.

“Oh, Celestia…Rainbow you’re…you’re alive!” Comet said startled.

“Of course I’m alive! You can’t keep me down!” Sky looked at Rainbow baffled.

“But…but we saw you…and the blood…”

“I’m fine really so stop worrying.” Said dismissively.

“I…I guess you’re right. I’m just glad that both of you are safe.”

“We are safe. And Clay here found his cutie mark in the process.” Clay turned to show his new cutie mark to Comet and Sky.

“Well I guess I can’t call you blank flank Clay anymore can I?”  Sky chuckled.

“Nope. Guess you can’t.” Clay replied. Sky smiled and began to leave “Where are you going?” Clay asked.

“I have a filly waiting for me to tell her that you and your mom are alive and well.”

“Who?” Sky didn’t answer he simply just flew off into the air and didn’t look back “Why do I keep feeling like evrypony has something they aren’t telling me?” Clay muttered.

“Clay.” Comet spoke “I thought that if I brought you to Manehatten it would explain who you are better. But considering what has happened…I think it would be best if I tell you right now.” Clay looked to Comet in anticipation “Clay…are you familiar with the Wonderbolts?”

“Of course! My mom’s captain of the Wonderbolts and I love their air shows! Why were all my family members Wonderbolts?” Comet chuckled.

“Were they members? Clay…they founded the Wonderbolts.” Both Clay and Dash’s jaw dropped.
“You’re kidding!” Comet shook his head.

“No. Our family established the Wonderbolts when princess Celestia saw one of our ancestors perform. Since then we have made quit a name for ourselves.” Clay was speechless “Me and your father were supposed to take over when your grandfather passed on. But then…well you know. That’s why I wanted you to come with me to Manehatten so that you could learn how to manage it.”

“But…I’m not a pegasus pony it wouldn’t be right.”

“Neither was your father. Your grandparents were shocked to discover that one of their children was an earth pony. But we treated him the same as any other member of the family. They loved me and your father Clay, and they would love you wings or not. But the choice to stay here or going to Manehatten is up to you Clay. I don’t want to force something on you that you just only discovered.” Clay began to contemplate his options. He looked to his uncle, then to his mother.

“Uncle Comet thank you for the offer but…I think I’m just going to stay here for now.” Comet smiled.

“I understand. And Clay this doesn’t mean I will ignore you. You’re family and we take care of one another. If you need anything, anything at all just name it.” Clay tapped his chin.

“I don’t really need anything. But there is another pony I know that could use a little *ahem* financial help.” Comet and Dash raised an eyebrow.

“Who?” They asked.

“Aunt Applejack. She’s the one who gave us our home mom I want to return the favor. I want her to be paid 500 bits so she can fix up sweet apple acres.” Comet smiled.

“500 bits should be easy enough.” Dash looked at Clay happily.

“You’re going to make Applejack very happy Clay.” Comet turned from Dash anf Clay.

“Well I should get going. I need to let my folks know that they have a grandson here in Ponyville.”

“Wait, Uncle Comet! You are going to come back aren’t you?” Comet ruffled his mane.

“Of course I will champ.” Dash approached Clay.

“Clay why don’t you head home? You’ve had a long day.” Clay nodded and began walking back home when he suddenly stopped and walked back to his uncle.

“Uncle Comet. When I was in the forest I found the carriage that mom found me in. I looked through it and I found these goggles and this…” He handed the photo to Comet and he stared at it in silence “I thought you should have it to remember my dad.” Clay continued looking at the picture and a small tear slid down his face.

Thank you Clay…but I have my memories of my brother. And when I look at you…it’s like I have him back.” Comet handed the picture back to Clay “You keep it Clay, so that you always remember that you have a family that loves you.”

“No I don’t have a family that loves me…I have two.” He gave his uncle a tight hug “Goodbye Uncle Comet…be safe.”

“You too kiddo.” They let go and went their separate ways.


Clay slowly and groggily made his way to his bed. He got under the covers and went to sleep, exhausted from the day’s events. As he drifted into the dark void he dreamt of all the times he had spent with his mother old and new. Some happy, some sad, and some terrifying. But as he saw the moments flash before his closed eyes he relized just how lucky he was to have a mother that not only was he proud to call his mom, but was there for him every step of his life. Clay awoke and began stretching. He then got out of his bed and left his room. As he did he saw that the light to his mother’s bedroom was on and walked in to check on her “Mom…are you okay?” Dash looked back at him and smiled.

“Of course I’m fine Clay. I actually feel better than I have in years. I guess that means I’m getting old huh?” She chuckled. Clay looked at her, she was wrapped in bandages and she had several cuts across her body, she looked terrible but he still smiled. 

“Well you still look great to me mom. After what happened today I…I wanted to be sure you were alright.”

“Thanks Clay. I’m fine I promise.” Clay started backing away “Clay can I talk to you for a minute?” Clay walked into her room and sat on the bed with her “Clay. I’ve been thinking about what you said about you not deserving me for a mother. And I want you know that you are wrong. The truth is that I’m the one that doesn’t deserve you.” Clay tilted his head in confusion “Before I had you I was just a hotheaded not a care in the world cocky pegasus with a dream. I didn’t really have any plans beyond becoming a famous Wonderbolt and living off of the fame of being the element of loyalty.” She then placed a hoof on his head and stroked his mane “Then I found you. This little foal all alone in the forest with no parents. I was scared when I was the one who had to take care of you because I didn’t want to screw up your life. And then…then you said your first word, and you know what that was?” Clay shook his head “You called me mommy. That was the first time you said that to me, and I promised myself that from that day that I would love you and protect you like noponies business. You…you made me a different pony Clay. You made me feel like for once in my life I didn’t screw up and that I could be a good mother.” She placed her hooves on Clay’s shoulders and looked him in the eye “So when I say that I love you no matter what…please believe me when I say it’s true.” Clay smiled.

“I know mom. I figured that out when you gave me the choice of whether you should stay an earth pony. I’m sorry it took me so long to figure that out.” She hugged him and rubbed his back.

“It’s okay. I know that it couldn’t have been easy for you to feel accepted with your mom being a living legend. Just promise me that when you do decide to leave and start to find your way that you’ll never forget me.” Clay wrapped his legs around Dash hugging her tightly.

“I could never forget an awesome pony like you mom.” Tears fell from Dash’s eyes.

“I can’t believe how much you’ve grown up. It seems like only yesterday I was flying over Ponyville to help you fall asleep. And now…now you’re saving me from wolves.”

“I had a great role model.” Dash hugged him tighter.

“I love you squirt.” Dash whispered.

“And I love you too…mommy.” He whispered back. It had been years since he had called her mommy, but he didn’t care. That I love you was as sincere as when he had said it to her on the night before his seventh birthday. And it would always be true no matter how old he got.

> Chapter 28
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	

*Months Later*

Clay gave a loud yawn as he made his way down the stairs and entered the downstairs kitchen where Dash was busy making a rather large stack of pancakes.

“Hey sleepy head. I was wondering when you would get up.” Dash walked over with the plate balanced on her back and then slide it down her wing.

“These look great mom thanks!” Clay dug in taking large bites from the pancakes he had selected.

“Easy Clay! I know you’re still growing, but slow down!” Clay looked at her with shock.

“Is the all awesome Rainbow Dash actually telling me to slow down?”

“Hey I may be the fastest flyer in Equestria, but I’m still you’re mom.” Clay shrugged and continued eating “Hey when you’re finished there is somepony I want you to meet.” She said smiling.

“Who?” Clay asked.

“It’s a surprise.” She teased.

Clay finished his breakfast and followed his mother to Ponyville.

“Can’t you just tell me who it is?” Clay asked.

“Where is the fun in that?” Clay grumbled as he and his mother stopped at the Ponyville train station. No sooner had they gotten there, that they heard the train approach and then coming to a halt. As they waited the doors opened and ponies began to exit in droves, and then Clay saw among the sea of ponies was his Uncle Comet.

“Uncle Comet!” Clay shouted as he ran up excitedly.

“Hey champ!” Comet hugged Clay and then ruffled his mane “I told you I would be back.”

“I knew you would!” Clay replied happily.

“Nice to see you again Rainbow.”

“Nice to see you too Comet.” Dash replied grinning.

“So what did I miss while I was gone?” Comet asked.

“Well turns out Dinky and Sky are dating.”

“You’re kidding?” Clay shook his head.

“Nope. They started a while ago. They actually seem happy together believe it or not.”

“I don’t believe it! Anything else?” Comet replied.

"Oh, yeah! Firefly got accepted into the Wonderbolts. She starts training soon."

"Good. that filly deserves to be in the Wonderbolts." Comet said smiling.

“So do you have anything for me from Manehatten?” Clay asked.

“Well no, but I do have some news that might make you happy.”

“What?” Clay’s eyes had widened. Comet walked over to Rainbow Dash and stopped by her side.

“Clay…you’re mother and I talked before I left about what to do about this family situation and…well.” He looked to Rainbow.

“Comet's going to be your legal guardian Clay.” Clays jaw dropped.

“Really! You mean…I have a dad?”

“Well godfather really, but if you want then yes…I am your dad.” Clay looked at him uncertainly.

“Do…do you have to go back?”

“No Clay. I’m staying to help take care of you. I won’t be going back anytime soon.” Clay looked up at them and soon tears filled his eyes.

“Clay? Are you alright?” Comet asked panicking.

“My whole life…I’ve wanted to say mom and dad, but I couldn’t…and now…now I can…Uncle Comet.”

“Yes Clay?”

“Can I…can I call you dad…just once?” Comet smiled.

“You can call me dad whenever you want.” Clay pulled Dash and Comet in a tight hug as he sobbed.

“I love you…mom and dad.” They both stroked his mane.

“We love you too Clay.” Dash said kissing the top of his head. She looked to Comet and saw a single tear slide down his face.

“Come on…let’s go home.” He said drying his eye.

“Sure thing…dad.” The three ponies walked through the now filled streets of Ponyvile. This time as a real familly.

> Chapter 29
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Clay now 23 years old walked through the halls of Canterlot castle with his mother. He wearing a fetching black suit, and she her traditional Wonderbolt uniform.

“Now Clay if you need me just show…”

“Just show the ticket and they’ll let me in. I know mom.” He chuckled.

“Sorry Clay. I just keep forgetting you’re a stallion now.” Dash looked around and smiled “She’s here.” She whispered.

Clay looked to see Firefly in a pink and blue elegant dress that matched her coat and mane. Clay walked up to her and she did the same.

“Hey there beautiful.” He said.

“Hey yourself handsome” She replied. Clay and Firefly walked off to join the crowd, along the way they ran into Twilight and the others saying their hello's and catching on current events.  As they continued moving through the castle they met Dinky and Sky. Dinky was wearing a purple silk dress and Sky a dark blue suit.

“Didn’t expect to see you two here.” Firefly said surprised.

“Well we were due to go somewhere civil.” Sky replied.

“You two look great.” Clay commented.

“So do you two.” Dinky said blushing slightly “Sky I don’t know about this. I’m not galla material.” Sky smiled at her.

“You are exactly galla material Dinky. Don’t let anypony tell you otherwise.” He nuzzled her face and she blush slightly.

“So how is that book coming along Dinky?” Clay asked.

“It’s going great I already have a publisher.” She said excitedly.

“You’re making a book? What’s it called?” Firefly asked.

“Wings for a Pony” She replied with some pride.

“What’s it about Dinky?” Clay asked.

“It’s about you.”

“Me?” Clay asked stunned.

“It’s about you getting your wings. I think that your story could send a real positive message to all those colts and fillies that don’t have parents, or don’t feel accepted with their adopted parents.” Clay smiled.

“I’m flattered. I hope it goes well for you.”

“Thanks. I’m a little nervous actually.” Sky wrapped a hoof around her.

“I know that whatever you write I’ll love it.”

“Of course you’re supposed to love it, you’re my coltfriend.” Dinky teased.

“Well we better get going. Good luck.” Sky said to Clay as they walked past them.

“What did he mean by good luck?” Firefly asked.

“Beats me.” Clay said shrugging.

“Clay what going on? I know when you're planning something.”

“Hey lets go to the gardens it beautiful this time of year.” Clay started running and Firefly soon followed.

“Hey get back here!” She shouted at him. They laughed and chuckled as they raced each other to under the largest tree; they sat down trying to catch their breath from laughing so hard. When they got a moment Clay and Firefly looked up to see countless fireflies dancing and glowing in the dark.

“They really are pretty.” Firefly mused.

“Yeah…but you’re the prettiest one there is.” Firefly snorted.

“Oh Celestia you are cheesy!” Clay looked to Firefly and smiled.

“I have two things I want to give you.” Clay reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a pair of Wonderbolt goggles “It’s for when you start training.” He handed her the goggles.

“Thanks Clay…but they look a little old.” She turned them over and even though they had been repainted and cleaned there were several indications that it wasn’t new.

“They were my mother’s…I want you to have them.” Firefly looked to Clay and then to the goggles.

“Clay…I couldn’t, they belong to you.” Clay shook his head.

“No. You need them more than I do. And it would mean a lot to me if you kept them.” Firefly smiled as she placed the goggles over her head and rested them on her neck.

“And for your second gift I want to ask you a question.”

“A question?”

“Yes. Will you answer it?”

“Sure.” Firefly shrugged. Clay reached into his other pocket.

“My question is this.” He retracted his hoof from his pocket and pulled out a small box “Firefly…” He opened the box and revealed a large diamond ring “Will you marry me?” Firefly looked at the ring absolutely speechless. She looked up at Clay silently as the fireflies continued to dance overhead. Finally after a slight pause she smiled.

“Yes.”

“Y-yes?” Clay stammered.

“Yes.” She giggled. Firefly flung her arms around Clay as they became engaged under Luna’s moon.
“You know, the grand Galloping Galla was always the worst night ever.” Firefly said as she looked at Clay “But now I think it’s the best night ever.” She said smiling.

“Me too.” Clay whispered. They gave each other deep and loving kisses as they sat there and it seemed as if time stood still just for them as they sat under the bright moonlight.

> Chapter 30
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Everything was perfect. The weather was nice. The apples on the orchards were red and appetizing.  And friends and family were everywhere. Clay couldn’t be happier between his fiancé Firefly his best stallion and mare Sky and Dinky, and his mother and uncle living together. Best of all he had met Firefly's father and had actually made a good impression. It was shaky at first, but even with his mother being a Wonderbolt things were fine between the two famillies. Clay was feeling so energized that he was bucking through the red delicious trees like noponys business. He took a moment to rest and removed his old Stanton hat to wipe the sweat from his brow.

“Thirsty Clay?” Applejack said offering a container of apple juice.

“You know it.” Clay replied taking the juice and chugging it and whipping his mouth.

“Land sakes! At this rate we’ll be out of apples before sun down! You’re really putting in the work today nephew.”  Clay smiled as he placed the hat on his head.

“Well you know how my mom loves your cider. I want to make sure she has plenty of it.” Applejack smiled and placed a hoof on Clays shoulder.

“Ah couldn’t ask for a better worker or nephew.” Clay smiled back.

“And I couldn’t ask for a better boss or aunt.” As Applejack began to blush the sound of wings were heard. They looked up to see Firefly land gracefully a few feet away from Clay.

“Hey honey I didn’t expect to see you here.” Clay walked over and kissed her on the lips. “You just made my day a lot better.” Firefly smiled at her fiancé. “So what brings you here?” Clay asked.

“I need to talk to you about something.” Clay raised an eyebrow.

“Can it wait? I’ve still have some trees to buck.”

“No this is…really important.” Clay looked to Applejack and she nodded. Firefly and Clay walked to a secluded spot and faced each other.

“So…what do you want to talk about?” Firefly kicked the dirt nervously and avoided Clays gaze.

“I’ve been thinking about the future…our future and…I want you to know that I’m glad that I’m sharing it with you. But…something came up.” Clay’s eyes widened.

“Don’t tell me you’re getting cold hooves before the wedding! It’s in two weeks!” Clay said panicking.

“No, no I’m not I promise! It’s just…” She looked away.

“Firefly…what’s going on? You’re starting to scare me.” Firefly looked back into Clay’s eyes and he saw that she was crying. “Sweetie…what’s wrong?” Firefly took a deep breath.

“I’m…I’m pregnant Clay.” Clay looked at her stunned.

“You’re…you’re pregnant?” She nodded tearfully. “This…this is great news Firefly…why are you crying?”

“I…I thought that if I told you I was going to have a foal you’d…you’d leave me.” Firefly began to sob harder. Clay placed a hoof on her face and smiled.

“I’d never leave you Firefly…I love you.” Firefly looked to Clay tears running down her face.

“I’m scared Clay. I don’t want to go through the…changes and the mood swings and cravings. I…I know I’ll be hard to live around when I get like that.” Clay kissed her on the head.

“I’ll put up with it, and I promise that no matter what happens…I’ll still love you.”

“Even when I’m…fat.” Firefly sniffled.

“Even when you’re fat.” Clay said giving her a loving hug. Firefly gave her own hug and smiled.

"Clay...how can you be so calm? If my dad finds out that we rutted before the wedding he'll kill you.

"He won't find out. We live miles away from Canterlot. And he only visits every couple of months. We'll tell him some time after the wedding and he'll be none the wiser."

"What if I get sick during the ceremony?"

"Nerves." Clay said calmly.

“I couldn’t do this without you.” Firefly said quietly.

“You won’t have to.” Clay replied.

“Hey what’s the holdup you two! Yah aren’t done apple buckin’ yet Clay!” Applejack shouted.

“I’ll be there soon Aunt Applejack. I’m just enjoying the news!”

“What news?” Applejack asked raising an eyebrow.

“You’re going to be a great aunt!”

“Beg your pardon?” Applejack asked curiously. 

“Never mind. You’ll find out soon enough.” Applejack rolled her eyes and walked to the farm.

“Clay…”  Firefly said sheepishly. Clay turned his attention to her. “What if…what if the baby doesn’t like me?” Clay wrapped a foreleg around her.

“Of course the baby will like you. You’re its mother.” Firefly didn’t look convinced. “Look if a pony like my mom can have a son that’s not hers that loves her with all his heart, then so can you.”

“I’m no Rainbow Dash.” Firefly whispered.

“No you’re not. You’re Firefly…soon to be greatest mom in Ponyville.” Clay gave her a gentle nuzzle.

“I love you Clay.” Firefly said nuzzling him back.

“I love you too Firefly.” Clay whispered. Firefly kissed his cheek and flew into the sky to tell the others the news. Clay walked back to the trees and took a moment to reflect.

“Good friends. Two families that loves me. A fiancé that loves me. And a foal on the way. I was wrong before…now my life is perfect.” Clay thought as he went to the nearest tree and gave it a solid kick with a warm smile on his face.


Two Weeks Later:


Clay and Firefly had just said their vows and were making their way to a flying chariot similar to how Twilight had arrived in Ponyville. All around them family members and friends including Twilight, Spike , and the others, his mother and uncle, Sky and Dinky, Firefly’s father and Germane, Soarin and Spitfire with their two children, the cutie mark crusaders, Big Mac, and even Shining Armor and princess Cadence cheered while in the background the song Love is in Bloom blared above the crowd. As Clay and Firefly stopped to wave to the group, Clay caught sight of his mother and Uncle Comet. Both of them had joyful smiles on their faces. 

“Firefly…do you mind if I talk to them before we go?” She nodded.

“I need to talk to my dad too. Meet you back here.”

Dash and Clay gave each other shy looks, and then they gave a brief hug. They looked at each other with teary eyes.

“I’m…I’m so proud of you Clay. You’ve made me so happy.” Clay smiled.

“I’m glad mom…thank you.” Dash raised an eyebrow.

“For what?”

“For finding me and…for being the most awesome mom in Equestria.” Clay gave his mother a tight hug as they both let tears run down their faces.

“We’re both proud of you Clay.” Comet replied.

“I know Uncle Comet…thanks for being here.” Clay wrapped a foreleg around his uncle and hugged them both tightly. “I love you both so much.” Clay whispered.

“We love you too Clay.” Dash whispered back. Clay released them and whipped his eyes.

“She’s waiting for you.” Comet said looking past Clay.

Clay looked back to see his wife smiling at him in her gorgeous white dress.

“Don’t forget I’m going to be performing next week. I need my number one fan there.” Dash said ruffling Clay’s mane.

“I wouldn’t dream of missing it mom.” Clay gave her a quick kiss on the side of her face and smiled “Love you mom.” Clay turned and ran to his wife’s side, and they both entered the carriage. Clay and Firefly gave a final wave to the crowd and then Firefly threw the bouquet which landed in Dinky’s hooves. She turned to Sky giving a loving smile while Sky blushed nervously.

“So are you ready to start your new life?” Clay asked Firefly.

“No.” Clay looked at her startled. “I’m ready to start our life.” She smiled and kissed him on the lips.

The chariot took off into the sky and it was soon met with a loud bang and was soon met with another. Clay and Firefly looked to see a double sonic rainboom in the distance. Clay chuckled and shook his head.

“That’s my mom for you.”  Firefly looked to Clay looking worried.

“Clay…are you sure that you’re okay with never flying again? I mean…there is a good chance that our foal will be a pegasus too. I just don’t want you to feel like you have to be a pegasus to connect with our foal. ” Clay smiled.

“You, my family and this baby…” He placed a hoof on her belly. “You all are my wings…and I wouldn’t trade it for all the wings in the world.” Clay and Firefly smiled and nuzzled each other lovingly as they slowly faded into the distance.

> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Months later:


The evening breeze rushed through the trees scattering the dead leaves scattered on the ground. The path outside Ponyville was silent and vacant save for a lone earth pony stallion that walked the path at a slow pace. Clay was exhausted from his apple bucking earlier and right now all he wanted to do was get home to his wife Firefly. Her smile always made him feel better no matter how he felt previously. He hated leaving her alone as she was now 10 months pregnant and wanted to take care of her, but she was on maternity leave so he had to be the provider until she went back to the Wonderbolts. Being a farmer for his Aunt Applejack wasn’t as exciting or glamorous as a Wonderbolt, but it paid well enough. Clay looked up at the sky and breathed in the night air, and he was reminded of his colt years when his mother would fly him at night to help him fall asleep. His reminiscing was interrupted however when his ears picked up a noise. Clay stopped in his tracks and listened. At first all he could hear was the wind, but then… 

“That sounds like…” He continued to listen and the sound of a heart wrenching cry could be heard on the winds “A baby!”
Clay took off with a burst of adrenaline as he feared for the foal’s safety.

Clay followed the sound of the infant and came to the edge of the everfree forest. For a moment he hesitated as fear began to fill him, but he soon heard the crying grow louder and his resolve was restored. Clay shook his head and charged into the forest following the cries as best he could. As he ran past the trees he came into a clearing that seemed to be illuminated by the moon. His eyes began to adjust and he saw what looked like a small bundle in the center of the clearing; Clay slowly approached the bundle and saw a small white filly unicorn with a silvery mane and striking red eyes crying for protection.

“It can’t be…” Clay muttered as he recognized the unicorn from his dream years ago.

Clay looked around for any sign of the filly’s parents, but he saw no trace of them. Clay approached the infant and as she saw him her crying began to grow quiet.

“How did you end up out here?” The baby simply stared at him as tears began to fall down her face. “You poor thing.” Clay said to the filly, being reminded of what his mother told him of when she discovered him. The baby started to whine as he approached.

“Shhh, it’s okay…I won’t hurt you.” He brought his face to the filly and began to nuzzle her affectionately, and the foal began to coo quietly.

Clay took one last look to see if he could find the filly’s parents, but they were still nowhere to be seen.
“Well I guess you’re coming with me then.” The filly reached her hooves towards him giggling as she did, and Clay smiled. He grabbed the bundle between his teeth and started to walk back to his home…with his new daughter.

Years Later:


Clay walked back to his home late at night and was greeted by his wife Firefly and his two children as he opened the door.
“Pops you’re back!” Said a red pegasus colt with dark blue hair and brown eyes.

“Yay Daddy’s back!” Cried a white unicorn filly with a silver mane and red eyes.

They ran up to their father and gave him a tight loving hug.

“Hey not so rough my joints are still tender from bucking!” Clay said as he looked down at them and kissed them on the heads.

“We missed you daddy!” Said the filly unicorn, as Clay smiled at them.

“I missed you guys too.” The two ponies released their father and backed away slightly. “Isn’t it past your bed time?” Clay said raising an eyebrow.

“We stayed up so we could see you when you got home!” The red Pegasus said eagerly.

“That’s very sweet, but you both should be in bed, so you can grow up big and healthy like me and mommy.” The two ponies looked at him glumly. “Hey how about I read you two a chapter from Dr. Whooves Volume 11 to help you guys sleep okay?” The pony’s faces lit up.

“Oh please read us another adventure about the Doctor, please daddy!” Clay chuckled as the filly gave him sad puppy eyes.

“How can I say no to that face?”

“Yay thanks Daddy!” The two ponies ran up to their room and Firefly shook her head.

“You spoil them do you know that?” Clay shrugged.

“I just want them to know that I love them that’s all.” Firefly smiled.

“They do know you love them Clay. You’ve been a good father and husband, and I couldn’t be happier.” She kissed him on the lips and he blushed.

“So how was your day?” Clay asked Firefly.

“Oh the usual. Do death defying stunts, the crowd cheers; I go home to two loving kids and a wonderful husband…then I stop off over here to check on you and the kids.”

“Ha, ha.” Clay muttered furrowing his brow.

“Oh I’m only teasing Clay lighten up!” She gave him a playful shove.

“Oh you’re hysterical.” He said rolling his eyes as she drew closer to him and gave him a loving gaze.

“Seriously though Clay. I love you and the kids, and it makes me happy to see you feel like you finally got that family you wanted for so long.”

“I did have a family, and she was the best mother ever…” He gave her a light kiss on her pink lips. “But you are the best wife ever.” Firefly and Clay smiled at each other their snouts almost touching.

“Come on Dad what’s taking so long!” The colt whined.

“Sounds like you better get up there.” Firefly whispered as Clay pulled away and headed up the stairs.
“Daaaad!” The colt whined again.

“I’m coming Bolt jeez!” Clay sighed as he walked up the steps.


The Doctor and several royal guards stood shoulder to shoulder as the weeping pegasi drew closer and closer with each blink they took. The Doctor remained quiet as he began to work up a plan on how to stop their stone assassin’s.
“Doctor…what do we do?” Asked one of the guards.

“Just remain calm, and try not to blink.”

“Why can’t we blink?” Another guard asked fearfully.

“Because as long as something is physically watching them they can’t move, but if you blink they can, and when they reach you they will send you back in time and absorb your destiny.” The Doctor continued to stare at the weeping pegasi statue in front of him.

“Absorb our destiny?” A guard asked sounding terrified.

“Yes. Everything you were supposed to do will never happen and they will feed on that energy source, so unless you want to live in the dark ages while a stone Pegasus devours your destiny I suggest you keep those eyes open until I come up with a plan.” The Doctor remained silent as the statue glared at him.

“Do you have a plan?”

“Just one, but I need the three of you to do exactly what I say.”

“Why should we listen to you?”

“Because I’m the only thing standing between you and a bizarre, yet painless death.”

“Do what he says” Replied the higher ranking guard. The others nodded in agreement.

“Alright now on the count of three I need you three to blink.” The guards became confused and scared.

“But you told us not to.”

“Well now I’m telling you to blink so do it!” The Doctor hissed.
“But we’ll die!”

“Trust me if this works nopony is going to die.” Again the guards nodded.

“Alright get ready. One…two…three.” The three guards blinked, and prayed.

“So what happened? Did the Doctor make it?” The unicorn asked excitedly.

“Sorry, but that’s going to have to wait for another day.” Clay closed the book.

“But why?” Asked Fire Bolt.

“Because I’m tired and its way past your bedtime, and besides you have your first day of school tomorrow.”

“Awww, but daddy!” The filly whined.

“No, buts! You two need to get some sleep so you can get up for school.”

Bolt and his sister huffed, but they got under their covers and rested their heads as Clay walked up to them.

“Goodnight Fire Bolt. He kissed him on the head.

“Goodnight dad.” Fire Bolt shut his eyes and turned over in his bed.

“Goodnight Evening Star.” He kissed her on the head.

“Goodnight daddy.” Clay started to leave, but stopped when Star spoke.

“Daddy.”

“Yes sweet heart?”

“When are we going to get our cutie marks?” Clay smiled getting a sense of deja vu.

“You’ll get them soon enough.”

“But…what if I never get mine…what if I don’t have a special talent?” Star frowned.

“Of course you’ll get your cutie mark. I did and I didn’t get mine until I was thirteen.” Clay turned to show his cutie mark to Star.
“That’s when grandma Dash and grandpa Comet decided to live together right?”

“Yes it was…but you know she doesn’t like to be called grandma Dash right?”

“I know daddy.” Clay smiled at his daughter.

“Good, now go to sleep okay.”

“Okay.” Star yawned and began to shut her eyes.

Clay walked over turning off the lights and headed for the door, but before he could reach it he was once again stopped by his daughter’s voice.

“Goodnight daddy. I love you.”

Clay stood frozen in place as the words reached his ears. His mind flashed to when he had told his mother the same thing. Clay turned back to Star and smiled.

“I love you too Star.” Star smiled back and turned over in her bed.

Clay walked out of the room and gave one last look at his two children smiling at them while they began to dream, and as he slowly shut the door a single tear ran down his face.




THE END