> Life, Family, Friends > by Shadow Aqua > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: The 8:50 train > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Life, Family, Friends Disclaimer: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is the property of Hasbro, and I own nothing of it. Chapter 1: The 8:50 train The Canterlot train station was packed with ponies filling it with loud voices as I stood there together with my mother, both of us desperately trying to stay out of everypony’s way as we began to say our good byes as the large clock ticked away to 8:35. My mother, her name Moonlit Night; she was a purple coated unicorn with a long magenta mane and tail, mostly were I myself got my bluely purple coat from. Finally we found it quite enough to talk “It’s just such a pity your father couldn’t be here to see his boy leave home, it was his only day off too.” She announced calmly, me just sighing in return as some foals ran right in-between us. “You’re sister couldn’t come either because she had school.” “Can’t help it I guess… I heard there was pretty bad fire down at Cloud Street.” I paused only for a second to make sure was able to hear what I was saying as the noise picked up again. “Besides I prefer my dad saving some foal or filly as a heroic fire pony then seeing me off, and Sugar wants to get into a good job.” In truth I really wanted them to see me off; instead I just shifted my wings trying to look as unbothered as I could. My mother looked at me with an unimpressed expression, stomping one of her front hooves lightly “You’re a horrible liar and you know it.” I just sighed again, never once have I gotten away with lying no matter how I tried somehow they just all knew, I wonder how? “Fine you got me, I ain’t perfect okay? I do wish Dad and Sugar Heart could be here but I know Sugar has school.” Sugar Heart was my twin sister and an earth pony, same age as me but still trying to get her cutie mark meaning she was in fact a blank flank. “And at least you came to see me off Mom.” Slowly the sound of hooves was growing louder as ponies lined up to board the train to Ponyville. “Train leaving for Ponyville departs in ten minutes!” I watched as the clock tick to 8:40, and on cue a loud bell sounded. I turned and faced my mother after throwing my bag onto my back with my mouth, making sure not to hit my wings. Now was the time to say the final good bye for a while. I turned my head to the train “Well it looks like it’s time for me to go…” Turning back to her I saw tears in her eyes, I quickly gave her a hug “See you soon mom, make sure to tell dad and Sugar too…” After letting go I walked over to the train I turned and waved one last time to her putting on the largest smile I could. “Good-bye son… and don’t forget to write home!” She shouted after me, I just rolled my eyes in return as I boarded the train. It wasn’t long after putting my bag in storage that train started to move; now in my seat I watched the train station, my mother and Canterlot itself slow start to disappear from view. ‘So this is how my new life is gonna start huh?’ I thought to myself looking out the window, sighing again (I seem to do that a lot). Now might be as good of a time as any to introduce myself. My name is Cobalt Aqua, a seven-teen year foal who has moved away from home to begin living at Ponyville as a weather pony; apparently Ponyville was under staffed which is why I got the job despite me being underage for work. For a pegasus I happen to be quite large towering over even most colts, as I stated before I have a bluely purple coat my mane and tail were much lighter; one part of them was a bold blue purple and the rest a light lavender colour; my eyes were an emerald green that came from my fathers side. My cutie mark was something that I never understood; it was a cyan tear drop with cobalt coloured chains forming an X shape over top of it. To this day I still wonder what it meant. Moving away from Canterlot was a dream of mine; in all my years spent living there I never felt like truly belonged there. I sighed again. The bullying really hadn’t helped; for 12 long years I had been bullied with my sister, her for being a blank flank and myself for having a thing against clouds. Yes I have problem with clouds, for some reason I can’t stand on them or even move them I honestly hope that someone from the team can fix that problem. Suddenly I heard the breaks on the train; I stood up from my seat and retrieved my bag from the storage, many other ponies doing the same until finally the train came to a full stop. Adjusting my bag to make sure my wings weren’t covered; I only had one thought in mind I stepped towards the door. ‘Here we go’ I stepped out of the train and had taken my first steps to my new life in ponyville. Author’s notes: This is my first fanfic so I don’t expect it to be good but any feedback would be helpful. Also it is just something short to test what people think. Thank you. Credit goes to my proof-reader: Silver Spirit, who will be in the next chapter. > Chapter 2: Did I forget to say I hate clouds? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 2: Did I forget to say I hate clouds? I had been going around for a good hour now completely unsure what to make of Ponyville, no matter where I seemed too look there was always some kind of nature, not surrounded by countless ponies either. Even the simple buildings seemed to work with everything around them unlike Canterlot; this made everything feel so different… but oddly refreshing. CRASH ‘What the hay was that?’ My train of thought had been broken when I heard that loud crash from around the corner. Rushing around, I saw a group of rough looking stallions staring down a single unicorn guard. “Back off, we just want those fillies!” The largest one of the group basically shouted into the guards face. “Never!” The guard stepped back and started glow on his horn, his legs were visibly shaking in fear. I could tell now that there were three of them, the large earth who yelled at the guard, a smaller earth and lastly a unicorn; by the time I noticed it was too late because the unicorn hit the guard with his own magic. That made me act. Without any warning I jumped out at the stallions, I aimed for the unicorn and brought my hoof down on his face knocking him out. The larger stallion tried to buck me but I ducked and dragged my hoof forward tripping him so he landed on his belly. THUD The smaller one galloped towards me in a charge, I reacted by unfurling my wings and leaping in the air letting him pass harmlessly below me. Landing with hardy a noise I made sure I was close enough so that when he turned his charge around to face me again he would meet my back. Surely enough he was as stupid as I thought and charged just like last time but this time his head meet my back hooves as I bucked him. I slow went over to make sure I only knocked him out when I saw the shadow of the larger one behind me; I quickly ducked narrowly dodging his hoof earning a very loud “SHAZBOT!!!” from myself. Moving to a position so I could see him, I knew there was no way I could overpower an earth pony of his size but he knows that right? I just smiled and charged at him and I was right; he didn’t react which allowed me to end my charge early and grab him with my front hooves, then smash him with lower right knee knocking him out cold. Going back to all fours I snorted as I looked at the three knocked out stallions and saw the guard get back up. That’s when he said something that ruined my first day here in ponyville. “Stop right there criminal scum!” He just glared at me, but then he smiled and laughed? “Well that’s what I would normally say but I owe you for saving my flank.” He stepped forward and removed his helmet revealing his dark purple coat and yellow eyes, as well as a deep green mane. “The names Steel Thunder. “ He raised his hoof for me to shake I took it but remained silent, after putting it down he looked me. “Are you new in town? I haven’t been here very long myself but I am pretty sure I would remember someone like you picking fights around here.” He gave a hearty laugh at that despite his small size; I just rolled my eyes. “Matter of fact I just moved here today but honestly…” I looked around and didn’t recognize anything around. “I am lost and I am not sure where to go.” He simply nodded as if he understood. “Well I got a friend that can help show you around, but first I want to get these three to school before they can cause any MORE damage.” As soon as he said that three little fillies came out from barrel just over to side of Steel and myself. The first one was an earth yellow with red mane and tail with a large pink bow, the next was white unicorn with a purple/pink cross of hair, and the last one however was an orange pegasus with a purple mane and tail who just seemed to glare at me. “Thanks for saving us mister.” The white and yellow fillies said in unison. “Rainbow Dash could’ve done better…” The orange one muttered sitting down and crossing her front legs together. Rainbow Dash? Sounds like a name I better remember… “Ah speak of the devil, there’s my friend now!” Steel had broken me out of my trance and was pointing at an earth pony that was approaching us. His short mane and tail were similarly coloured to my coat, his coat however stood out it since he was blotched with light blue and pink; oddly enough he had a fancy watch on his front left hoof. “Sup Steel?” Asked the earth pony looking over me and the fillies. “Just saving these three from trouble.” Steel looked over at me. “And I was wondering if you could show the new colt around.” He pointed towards me, the earth pony stepping forward just smiled at me. “How ya doin? You can call me Silver, your name is?” I just stared for a moment ‘First ponies I meet in this town both have some shade of purple and a metal in the name? This is kind of weirding me out.’ I quickly snapped out of it “I’m Cobalt Aqua, and just as Steel said I am new in town.” He nodded accepting my answer. “Well alright then I’ll leave Cobalt to you then Silver, now to take these girls to school and tell both their guardians and teacher about what happened.” He sighed and started walking off with the three fillies in tow. “Good luck Steel!” Silver called after him leaving the two of us. “Alright well considering your new I might as well show ya everything.” I nodded towards him. “Sounds like a plan.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I had learned a little about Silver while he was showing me around: First off he worked as the official lost and found pony for ponyville and an almost one hundred percent success rate of finding the lost object, what surprized me about it was that there were enough ponies losing things to make a living off of it. Secondly while he was giving me the two bit tour of the districts several ponies came asking for his help to find things, later I learned from him that he has no set work hours so some days he’s got nothing to do and others he is constantly running around. The last thing learned is that I learned about him that despite having so many ponies to help one pony asked for his services far more than the others, I think the name of the pony was Vinyl Scratch? I better try to remember these names. The first place he took me to after showing me the various districts was the library, it’s appearance had rather shocked me when I first saw. It was bloody tree! I had never seen such a building since I lived in canterlot and honestly surprized earning quite a few laughs from Silver as he watched me. Entering the library I was even more amazed at sheer amount of books within it, but was quickly drawn off by the sight of a lone pegasus filly sitting on a pillow. I looked around the room and saw what I think was an entire class of fillies and foals ‘What is she doing alone?’ I thought looking back at her ‘Well standing here isn’t going to help.’ “Silver you got some business you need to do for a bit right?” I asked him while turning to look him. “Why? You an egghead?” He gave a small laugh at my eye roll. “A bit…” I answered honestly with a shrug. He gave me a nod “Alright I’ll be back in an hour just make sure you’re ready to go then.” I nodded and watched go out do his job ‘Alright let’s go find out what’s wrong.’ I slowly approached the filly making sure I didn’t seem like a threat due to my size and asked “Hey what’s wrong?” She jumped a little giving some coughs as fluttered her wings to land safely back down. “Sorry I didn’t mean to scare you…” I said trying to give a friendly smile which seemed to work. “It’s okay mister.” The filly said coughing again, I frowned seeing her cough so much. “Are you alright, don’t you think you should go home and get some rest?” I asked rather concurred. “All I ever do is rest and today isn’t that bad.” She had a couple light coughs but gave a small smile. “Well my name is Cobalt Aqua, what’s yours?” I asked her with another friendly smile. “Aeris…” She said blushing a little. “Well Aeris why are you not with the other fillies and foals?” I asked still trying to be friendly. “I’m too sick to go to school with others…” She let her face fall and looked down. “I don’t get to have fun like them even when I do get to go out…” At that I couldn’t handle seeing this filly not being able to have fun, it reminded me to much of… myself and my sister. “Well how about I tell you about my interesting day so far?” She perked up at that earning a smile form me as I told her about my day so far, from the last of the time I had in canterlot, the train ride, the fight, and lastly my time with Silver showing me around and the joke of me being an egghead. By now she was laughing her head off and was enjoying herself; I just looked up at the clock “Wow three already?” She seemed to be rather shocked at that as she got up. “What’s up?” I simply asked. “I got to go home now…” She looked at the ground again “Will I ever see you again mister Cobalt?” She was pawing it with her hoof, and I can’t blame the girl she seemed like she had a lot of fun. “I’ll try to come in at this time every week if you would like me too.” She smiled at me ran over and gave me a hug, I just smiled back in return. “Thank you mister Cobalt!” She said after letting go, she coughed a couple more times but seemed okay and ran out of the library. Turning around I meant the gaze of a pink mare with a bubble gum coloured mane and tail. “So are you the one that saved some of my fillies this morning?” I nodded at her and she smiled at me. “Oh I forgot to introduce myself, I am Cheerilee and I am the only teacher here in ponyville.” “Cobalt Aqua, I am kind of a new resident here in ponyville.” I scratched the back of my head with my hoof and smiled at her, only to see her smile fade. “What’s wrong miss Cheerilee?” I asked pondering why her smile faded. “I am thankful for what you did, but….” She sighed deeply. “I don’t mean to offend you mister Cobalt, but I don’t think what you did is right.” She shook her head. “What I mean is we should look for other ways to solve problems other than violence.” I nodded at her, she was a teacher after all and I was still technically student. “Sorry miss Cheerilee, I’ll make sure to find another way next time.” She smiled at me again. God do I hate that teacher’s voice, every time a teacher uses it on me it always makes me feel so… weak . “Alright then mister Cobalt I will see you around then.” Cheerilee left as both mares and colts alike came to pick up their children, I just watched as I waited for Silver to show up. I ended up finding myself looking at two of the three fillies, the yellow earth and the white unicorn filly. Watching, a white unicorn came into library with a large amount of grace and elegance, her very curly, refined royal purple mane light bouncing with each step, although it was clear that quite a bit of make had been used but her beauty was outstanding. It reminded me a bit too much of canterlot though. Then I noticed she was approaching me, the little unicorn filly with her. “I want to thank you, kind gentlecolt.” Well that’s different then canterlot. “You saved my little sister Sweetie Belle from those ruffians this morning.” Yep different. “Not a problem miss um…..” Crap I didn’t know what her name was. “Rarity, darling” She answered. “Well me and Sweetie Belle must be off but if you ever need a suit or any other fashion needs I would happy to help you darling.” She looked up in thought for moment. “You do know where to find Carousel Boutique?” I nodded Silver had shown it to me while I was getting the tour. “Great, we’re off then.” I just watched as they left, another mare came in. the mare had orange coat with a done up blonde mane and tail and hat to boot. She ended coming towards me just like Rarity even with a filly too, just the yellow one this time. “That was a mighty kind o' ya to save my sister.” She tipped her hat towards me. “ya’ll seem like a strong colt I think that we could use you at the farm, oh pardon me bein' all pushy an' all I’m Applejack” She raised her hoof me to shake only to have my own hoof almost torn off by the sheer speed of shaking. “That’s very kind of you Applejack but I have to turn it down since I already have a job as a weather pony.” She just shrugged at me and turned away. “Your loss then, y’all have a heck of a time with Rainbow.” She started walking away but stopped and turned back. “Oh before I forget y’all still shouldn’t be afraid to drop by sweet apple acres if y’all want apples after all those apples there are the best in all o' Equestria.” There was a Rainbow name again? Could she be talking about the same Rainbow Dash that the one filly brought up earlier? I shook head and dismissed the idea. “I’ll keep it in mind Applejack.” I said waving as she finally left. Silver came in and walked over to me. “Well I never thought I would ever see someone get famous just by kicking some flank.” He pretended to write it down earning another eye roll from me. “So you ready to go?” Just as I was about to answer him something familiar caught my eye ‘A small purple dragon here? Could it be?’ But as fate would have it the dragon saw me and called out to me. “Hey, Cobalt!” The dragon ran over to me and Silver, I peeked over at Silver who was giving me an odd look. “When did you two meet?” I just let out a tired sigh and gave him a look that said that I would explain later. “I heard you guys moved, but I didn’t expect it to be here.” I scratched the back of head with hoof again. “Is Twilight around?” Spike just nodded. “TWILIGHT!!” God Spike had a set of lungs him. “Coming!” We heard a small crash and heard hoofsteps going down stairs, until a familiar lavender unicorn came into view. “What can I help you with?” Then she saw me. “Hey, nice to see you again Twilight Sparkle.” I just gave a small smile seeing her; ever since I meet her at the canterlot library I had tried several times to become her friend but was never successful, she always had her head in a book and never that seemed to change. She however just smiled at me. “It’s nice to see you too Cobalt!” She stepped a little closer. “So how are you enjoying your trip to ponyville?” What’s going on here? Why is Twilight being FRIENDLY! I snapped out of it and looked back at her. “Well the town is definitely a nice place to live, and I guess everyone seems friendly enough.” She smiled and nodded. “To be honest I am kind of glad I going to be living here as weather pony.” Her eyes opened wide at that. “Wait your living here now?” She shook her head, her face in shock. “What about school, your still just a foal!” Silver in the meantime looked at Twilight, then, Cobalt, and then Twilight again “I don’t think heard you right Twilight, you just said foal?” As he spoke he looked back at Cobalt. “I know, Twilight but job means a lot more to me!” I spread wings out making sure not hit anything. “I don’t care if I am just a seven-teen year old foal I got this dream I want to live and this is the first step to it.” Twilight just closed her eyes and sighed with a smile. “Well I guess I can’t stop you since you’re here, you sure have changed since I last saw you.” I just rolled my eyes ‘Not as much as you.’ “Yeah I kind of excited about working as a weather pony.” I said folding my wings back to my sides. “Oh so you’ll be working with my friend Rainbow Dash?” There’s that name again… WAIT, TWILIGHT HAS FRIENDS? Alright… she’s still the same Twilight but has gotten nicer and made friends… FOCUS FOR HAY’S SAKE! “That’s kind of cool to know…” I looked up at the clock and saw that it said five-thirty. “Well I guess I better go now” I waved at her. “See you later Twilight and Spike.” Silver and I walked out the door after hearing them say bye. “So know any places I can get some food for dinner tonight and tomorrow’s breakfast?” I asked Silver as we stood outside the library which I now found out was named: Golden Oaks Library. He brought his hoof up to his head and thought for a moment “How about we go to Sugarcube Corner?” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Along the way Silver had given me a couple warnings about a pink mare named ironically enough Pinkie Pie. Most of the warnings seemed really weird, like she could pop out of anywhere, or pull out anything, and the one that stuck out the most was that he said that she was “Just being Pinkie Pie.” I was also told that any party planning should go to her since she’s ponyville’s number one party gal, and that I can expect a welcome party for myself. I was still pretty amazed at how Sugarcube Corner looked; after all it’s another one of those buildings you would never find in canterlot. The library was a tree and the local bakery was a gingerbread house. Stepping inside the amount of baked goods utterly shocking since it had almost all the cakes, among other things you could think of. “Wow…” Was all I managed to say. Silver just laughed “I know it’s impressive but I prefer potatoes.” He then waved over at a brown earth colt wearing an apron to come over. “Umm how many I help you today Silver?” He seemed to stutter a bit, so I guess he was just a bit shy. “Well this here is Cobalt and you’ll be helping him today.” A sly grin passed over Silver’s face making the colt swallow hard. “So where’s your cotton candy?” “She’s not my cotton candy!” The colt yelled and if almost on cue a pink mare with cotton candy like mane and tail bounced into the store. “I am gonna talk to Pinkie Pie about your party Cobalt and get it planned for tomorrow.” I just nodded as Silver left me and the colt I just pulled at list out of my bag (Yes I still had it on this whole time.) I passed him the list and he started getting what was on it “My name’s Cinnamon Cream, I am kinda a hired hoof here at the bakery and not very good with others.” He was stuttering more then was with Silver. “Ah don’t worry about it, now what’s this about having a thing for cotton candy?” He just gave a dirty glare and I laughed. “Sorry I couldn’t help it, I’ll tell you what though.” He nodded at me then I continued “I’ll try and help you if I can.” “Really?” He seemed unsure, I just nodded and then he smiled. “Thanks!” He said that a bit too loud which caused Silver and Pinkie to look at us. Pinkie gasped floated in midair then rushed towards me “Soyouarethenewponythatcametotowntodayandbeatthosebigbadmeaniesthatpickedonthecutiemarkcrusaders!” How did she say that so fast and in a single breath!?! “Uh….. Yes?” I said still trying to comprehend what just happened. “I’m Pinkie Pie and its super-duper nice to meet you!” Said bouncing around me. “Silver was just telling me about getting a party ready for you tomorrow and it’s gonna be the best party EVER!” Wow she was like she was on a constant sugar rush. “About that…” I pondered about it for a moment. “I don’t Silver brought this up but can you please not invite half of ponyville to this party?” I asked hoping she would understand. The smile on her face grew into a large grin. “Okie Dokie Lokie!” I noticed that Cinnamon had finished gathering everything and was now at the till waiting for me. “Well it was nice meeting you Pinkie pie.” I went to the till and put the bits down for the baked goods “And you too Cinnamon, but tomorrow I start work as weather pony so I want to get home to rest.” “Wowie have fun working with Dashie!” She started waving at rapid pace while Cinnamon was much slower. My guess is that Pinkie is talking about that Rainbow Dash pony, odd first that filly, then Applejack, Twilight too and now Pinkie? “Alright see you two tomorrow!” Silver came out with me and I showed him an address. ”So this is in the cloud district right?” Ugh of all the places my parents had to pick why one with the name cloud in it? “Yep, just follow Storm Street and you’ll find it.” I nodded at him. “Well I am gonna head home now.” He said while stretching . “See ya tomorrow Cobalt.” “You too Silver.” I watched as he went to the music district on the other side of ponyville and then started my own way through the cloud district to find my new house. ‘Man today was eventful, if this is how things are going be from now I guess I better enjoy it huh?’ By now I had walked across the bridge and found myself on the last little bit of ponyville and to the side of the path was single house, I approached curiously and surely enough of it was my new house. I looked around seeing no other houses nearby but saw a rainbow water fall in the sky? I walked back over to and looked to see where the rainbow falls was coming from. It was another building a cloud house … no cloud castle floating the sky with an endless rainbow flowing from it. Of all the places this was THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. THING. The only neighbor I had happened to own a giant cloud castle which was in plain view of my house. I just turned and walk back to my house with face of complete and utter disgust on it. Did I forget to say I hate clouds? Author’s notes: I feel I may have tried to introduce too much here but just like the first chapter this is just a test to see what readers think. On a side note I am interested in putting music in my story and since I haven’t been on FiMfiction too long I am not sure how to do it so if you could PM telling me how I would be grateful. Lastly for the look Cobalt has at the end the perfect example is this: http://derpiboo.ru/46656 Credit goes to my proof-reader: Silver Spirit Thank you > Chapter 3: Not all men are annoying, some are dead > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 3: Not all men are annoying, some are dead The sound of a blaring alarm woke up from my sleep, lazily turning over I saw my clock saying 6:30. I brought my hoof over to hit button but to my annoyance the alarm didn’t go off even after I kept hitting it until on fifth try it stopped, making me relax, a bit too soon I might add as fell out of my bed onto the floor of my room. I groaned as I picked myself up off the floor, fully awake now from the shock of the fall; It shouldn’t be much of a surprize that I wasn’t a morning kind of pony, yeah sure I could get up in an instant but does that mean I want too? No I don’t. I had ended up falling asleep shortly after arriving at my house; I had been pondering everything that happened that day and had just drifted off, not before I got a couple important things set up first however. Looking at the nightstand, a single framed picture stood; I picked it up and took a closer look. In the picture stood three orange coated ponies and two purple coated ones, each of them were a member of my family expect for myself of course. “It’s only been a day and I miss you guys already…” This was actually the first time I had ever been away from my family but I quick dismissed the thoughts I had ‘I’ll be fine on my own.’ I put the picture back down on the nightstand and looked over my room; the room didn’t have much in it only the bed, the nightstand, and a closet that currently only held my bag. The house itself wasn’t much better; it was a simple five room building with kitchen having a dining room table with two chairs and basic cooking equipment, a living room with a couch, coffee table, and a single chair off to the side and fireplace that looks like it hasn’t been used in years, a single bathroom with the basics and two bedrooms, one being mine and the other being completely empty. By now I had worked my way to the kitchen and was pulling out the bag of goodies I had gotten yesterday, inside were some good old plain muffins that were meant to last until I did some proper shopping. After finishing it I started to head towards the bathroom but noticed something on the top of the table ‘Ah right I left a note for myself about work today… And about these horrible walls.’ Looking at the walls in this house made me sigh; all of them (I do mean all of them.) were a dull tan colour without any variety what so ever, I had taken a personal note to get paint later on to fix this problem. Stepping out of the bathroom I automatically went to table and looked over the note: Weather team is to meet up at 7:00 sharp over the fountain in the Ponyville Park for assignments. Also save bits for cans of paint to fix the walls: 1 deep blue 2 light red 1 deep green I looked up to a clock I had somehow missed over the table. ‘6:49 huh? I am glad it’s a short flight.’ I quickly placed the note back on the table and made a dash for the door, swinging it open and closed as it fast I could; now outside I turned and saw the same cloud castle from yesterday, frowning in disgust I spread my wings and with a powerful burst took to the sky. I hadn’t realized until now since I hadn’t flown yet, but ponyville looked even more amazing from the air; every building, plant and pony seemed to add to the town’s beauty as I flew admiring everything I could on my way to the park ‘I wonder how long it will take me see everything ponyville has to offer?’ I thought flying ever onward. Soon the park came into view and I could already spot a couple pegasi hovering in an area over the fountain standing out amongst the trees, coming closer I could confirm that were in fact four pegasi ‘I knew they were understaffed but this seems a bit extreme.’ One of them turned and faced me and must have realized who I was since he shouted something to others. A mare flew towards but the stupid sun blocked out her colours until she was right in front of my face, that’s when my I saw who she was. Before me was a cyan mare, her mane and tail were the colour of the rainbows you would see only after a hard rain; her eyes were a magenta that seemed to be looking me over and I remained silent until finally she stopped. “Are you Rainbow Dash?” She flew back a bit, confidant smirk appearing on her face. “The one and only!” She did a backflip and pointed to herself. “Why, heard about me?” I nodded. “Your name kept popping up yesterday when I arrived in ponyville.” This made her smirk into a smile. “Well I know about you too Cobalt Aqua.” I flew back in surprize she just laughed at my response. “First, almost everypony knows who you are Cobalt, I mean how many ponies pick a fight on their first day and win?” By now she was wiping tears out of her eyes because of how hard she had been laughing. “Besides Twilight as told me about you.” Her smile had faded now as she continued. “You’re gonna have to step up your game.” I looked at her puzzled and let out a simple “What?” “Although I think it’s cool that you can kick flank when it calls for it, it’s not gonna look good as weather team member. Also you’re underage, I know they didn’t ask for your age when you signed up but I still had to lower your points.” I scratched the back of my head after hearing that ‘Crap a point system, and I already lost points.’ “Look Cobalt, if you got any more problems now would be the time to tell me.” I just sighed; I guess I better tell her about my cloud problem shouldn’t I? “I can’t stand on or move clouds.” I stated rather bluntly, earning a major shocked expression from Rainbow Dash. Shaking her head at me. “Are you some kind of idiot? That’s like the first thing we are taught about after we can fly!” I cringed at it, I knew my actions lately had been stupid but she didn’t have to put it bluntly like that. “Darn it, I’ll teach you on the job but you got full week duty until you prove your stuff. Got it?” I just nodded at her. “Alright you’ll be clearing clouds for a while, I suggest you start at the farm district and finish at the cloud district.” With that she flew off to inform the other team members of their jobs, that mean she took her work seriously. “You all know what to do. Dismissed!” With that I flew in the direction of the of sweet apple acres. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clearing clouds a different kind of experience that never had before today, it was strange really; I mean how often do you crash into a cloud just to have the core made of mist burst around you, then watch the cloud become a fine mist and float to the ground? Not very often unless you work with weather. By the time I finally finished clearing the sky the celestia’s sun was halfway through the sky and I had swung by the fountain to see if everyone was to gather after finishing work for the day. I found it unsurprising that nopony was there by my third pass of it, so I decided since it was mid-day to grab lunch at Sugarcube Corner; there I meet the Cake’s and their children Pumpkin and Pound. We had talked a small bit and I learned that Pinkie had already left to get my party ready, with that I said my good-byes and left. ‘What should I do now? I guess I could go see Spike and Twilight, after all I got nothing better to do.’ As if on cue a familiar voice had called out from behind me. “How ya doin’ Cobalt?” I turned to see Silver and an unfamiliar white unicorn mare, with a rather messy electric blue mane and tail. Her eyes were covered by a pair of overly large purple sunglasses; I swear if you looked into them you could stare into your own soul, only to be further amplified by a crazy smile on her face. He was waving his hoof in front of her by now. “This was the pony I was telling you about yesterday, her name is Vinyl Scratch.” “Yo, what’s up?” Her expression didn’t change at all. ‘She is way different than what I had imagined, and she looks familiar.’ I gave them a nervous smile. “So what are you guys up too?” It surprized me to hear Vinyl speak rather than Silver. ‘Maybe these two are closer then they look.’ “I am getting Silver to find some old tracks that I lost.” Silver snorted after hearing that making both of us look at him. “Well maybe you wouldn’t lose things so often if you cleaned up your house every once and while.” I just faced hooved after hearing that. “Anyway what are you gonna do now Cobalt?” “I was thinking of seeing Spike and Twilight, I only really know them and you after all.” Silver had a small grin forming on his face. ‘You better keep your mouth shut if you say what I think you’re gonna say.’ “You got a thing for little Miss Twilight don’t you?” I groaned loud enough that even some ponies that were passing by stopped and stared at me. “So how did you three meet anyway?” “First off I don’t have a thing for Twilight. And for how we meet, are you sure you got time for it?” I looked at Vinyl her smile was gone as she brought her hoof up in thought, she then said something to Silver which I didn’t quite catch and then went off after brushing rather closely to him. ‘There really is something up with those two.’ “I’ll meet up with Vinyl later, so… can you tell me?” I nodded and began… “The library was place I would often find myself going, it was there that I could find some bliss from the fillies and foals that picked on me and my sister. It almost always after a fight that I would end up going there, sometimes Sugar would come with me but not often since she preferred the comfort of home unlike me. Normally I would be greeted with the friendly face of the old librarian mare, but that day things would be different.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canterlot Three years ago The familiar creek of the doors echoed through my head as I entered the lower floor of the canterlot library. “Miss Hard Cover?” She was the local librarian, I meet her when I was ten and she had been watching over me since then with a friendly smile. This was weird where is she? She normally would have welcomed me by now? Hearing hoofsteps coming from the stairs above. I sighed with relief, and gasped a second later. What came down from the stairs (If school taught me correctly.) was dragon, a really young one. “Is miss Hard Cover around?” I asked bluntly, still pondering why there was dragon here. The dragon just simply turned around and called up the stairs. “Twilight! Got a pony here asking what happened to miss Hard Cover!” It wasn’t long before another voice was heard. “In a minute Spike!” Surely enough after several minutes the sound of hoofsteps could be heard above me again. Soon after a lavender coated filly came into view, my guess is that this was Twilight. She didn’t look much older than me, but seemed far smarter by a long shot. “Miss Hard Cover retired yesterday, so if you need anything Spike or I will assist you.” She turned and started head back up the stairs but stopped without turning she said one final before disappearing from sight. “Since I forgot to introduce myself, I’m Twilight Sparkle.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “That’s it?” Silver asked after I had finished my small tale, by now we had found our way to library and were finishing up conversation. “Leaving all out the failed attempts at trying to make Twilight my friend and having it shoved back in my face, and the chats I had with Spike that’s it. Now shouldn’t you get back to Vinyl before she starts to worry?” He shrugged at that and went towards the music district. “Well this takes a lot off my mind, thanks Cobalt I’ll see you at the party!” I just watched Silver go off when the library door opened and I immediately knew what was going on. “How long were you listening?” I turned and faced Twilight who now stood in the doorway. I was ready to snap at her for eavesdropping and by the looks of it she knew it, her ears down and her expression somewhat scared. “I’m sorry…” I just stared at her, letting my rage dissipate. “I have always wanted to apologize when I head into canterlot, but I never knew where you lived so I never had the chance...” I still just stared at her. ‘She wanted to apologize all this time, for celestia’s sake if I only knew I wouldn’t have gotten mad.’ “Well at least we’re friends now right?” I said every ounce of anger gone now as I smile at her to see her returning it. ‘Glad that is over with.’ Looking towards the sky I realized that I spent much more time then I planned to with Silver and was going to be later for the party if I didn’t leave soon. “Hey Twilight, I got a party I got to go to and I can’t be late. So I’ll see you soon okay?” “Why don’t we go together?” I stopped and looked at her blankly, then just simply nodded. “What about Spike?” It was her turn to stop now and she was clearly thinking of an excuse. “He umm… went on ahead! That’s he went on ahead! After all he wouldn’t want to miss your welcome to ponyville party!” Maybe she wasn’t thinking of one after all. “Well let’s go then.” With a shrug we were off to my home… ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Along the way I found out Twilight had five best friends, given how she was before she left, that left me surprized and even more so when it turned out I had all of them expect for Fluttershy. That’s when I remembered something Rainbow had said this morning. “So you told your friends about me?” Twilight raised her eyebrow at me. “Rainbow said you told her about me.” She knew what was coming next and lowered her head with a small sheepish smile. “Sorry Cobalt, she actually came and asked me about you.” I raised my eyebrow at this. “She wanted to know about the fight that happened yesterday and flew by shortly after you left and from there I just kind of told her.” I just signed. “Well thanks Twilight, honestly it’s probably better that you did do that because at least now she is willing to help me.” That earned me another smile. ‘Well she’s cute when she’s happy.’ WHY THE HAY DID I THINK THAT! Oh wait Silver... “Wow it looks like Pinkie went all out.” Finally breaking out of my train of thought I looked at what Twilight was now gaping at, only to see party of hundreds of ponies… Without a second I bolted into the crowd of ponies searching for a certain pink haired mare. ‘I wanna know just went wrong.’ It didn’t take her long to find me since she popped out of nowhere. “HI!” She called out in front of me barely giving me an enough time to skid to a halt before I smacked into her. “Wowie that looked fun maybe I should try!” Before she had time to I yelled “Focus Pinkie!” Luckily with that she looked at me and gave me enough time to talk. “What happened I told you not to invite half of ponyville!” She tilted head slightly to left. “What are you talking about silly? I invited all of ponyville!” She jumped with joy at the last part causing me to walk to the nearest tree and start banging my head while muttering “Buck my life.” Over and over again. It’s not that I wasn’t a friendly guy, it just well I am shy okay! I felt a pat on my shoulder only to see Silver trying to hold back his laughter as he said a line I had heard all too often when it came to clouds. “Mistakes were made.” I groaned out loud while Silver and another pony fell to floor laughing their flanks off at me. Looking down at the tree I saw two aqua coloured orbs… ‘No wait… eyes?’ They blinked confirming my suspicion and they staring right at me. “Umm… I am gonna see what Pinkie has planned for me.” “Oh… ummm… okay I’ll stay here if you don’t mind…” I just nodded and left the tree behind, putting the mental note of my first meeting with Fluttershy into my head. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The night had been incredibly eventful, from Pinkie introducing me to everypony in town, too small chats with Rarity and Applejack. On the note of those, Rarity and I discussed fashion and was surprized by how much I knew and told her it pays to have to a sister who admires fancy dress which lead to Rarity asking if she could ever meet her. Applejack on the other hoof still seemed a bit sore about the job offer turned down but I told her that it wouldn’t be right to do something other than what I had, which she seemed to accept. Other that the two of us discussed the best way for me to provide for myself and that I should pick up some of their apples later which I agreed too. Aside from those conversations and avoiding cutie marks, something I was brought up doing being told that only close friends and family should share cutie marks, the night ended rather peacefully although still leaving me mentally exhausted. Looking around Pinkie had already finished cleaning up and had left and I guess I should do the same, until a cyan mare came into view staring at me. Doing the only thing I could of at the time, I did something my mother taught me. “What’s up Rainbow Dash? Should I walk you home? She didn’t respond and let her stare intensify making me flinch back a bit until she looked down and sighed. “You’re really weird Cobalt.” She stated rather bluntly. “And don’t get ahead of yourself I am the one and only Rainbow Dash I can handle myself just fine!” She did a backflip to empathize her point and then she pointed to *GULP* the cloud castle. “Besides I live right there!” She then spread her wings and took into and the air hovering just above me. “Remember you got tomorrow so get some rest okay rookie?” And with that she flew off without me even saying a word as I ran a checklist through my brain. ‘My boss is my neighbor, she lives in a cloud castle, best friends with my new friend Twilight, and has already lowered my job scoring while calling me and idiot and weird.’ I took a deep sigh and looked at starlight night. ‘Some guys are better off dead.’ Author’s notes: Sorry about this chapter taking so long, I had a lot of stress and problems around home and it was just making it impossible to write. But luckily I am done with it that now and back to working on it. So this chapter seems a bit plain but was to show the mares of interest in Cobalt’s new life, the next chapter however will focus on more action for those who like that. Credit goes to my proof-reader: Silver Spirit, Warlok Thank you > Chapter 4: Something’s are better left unsaid (Part 1) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 4: Something’s are better left unsaid Part 1 It was common knowledge that the fastest way to travel from canterlot to ponyville was by train so it wasn’t surprizing to find the Ponyville train station packed with ponies as the Canterlot express pulled in, although the filly that gotten off the train found it refreshing that there were fewer ponies here in ponyville compared to the capital city. After taking a good look at her new surroundings, admiring all the nature as she let a smile cross her face as she relaxed her mind. “So this is where he lives now huh?” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Ah've been meaning to ask ya Cobalt, but yer accent is quite similar to the Apple families, now why is that?” I was in the marketplace doing the “Proper” shopping now that is was my first day off from my cloud clearing job (Twilight somehow convinced Rainbow, I probably should thank Twilight later.)Which now lead to me heading to Applejack’s stall to buy some of their famous apples, which then lead to her asking that question. “To be honest Applejack I ain’t sure. I have had it ever since I could first talk, which is even weirder since I was born and raised in canterlot.” I answered while throwing the bits onto the stand. That is ah mite strange if ya ask me.” She handed me a bag of mixed apples which I put into my bag across my back. “Can’t be helped ah guess.” Giving her trademark honest smile she was about to say her goodbye when something caught her eye. “Looks like yer little admirer’s back.” I knew what she meant by that and turned around to meet the gaze of a familiar little filly. The pink filly hide half of her face within her pale tan mane letting a single soft green eye stare at me intently waiting for my approval, which was a roll of my eyes and me motioning to my back with my head. With that the filly raced towards me and leapt onto my back, her little wings flapping to give her extra air. “Nice to see you too Aeris.” She gave a smile and couple coughs earning and frown and sigh from me, but decided to face Applejack with a smile. “Thanks for the apples; I hope they taste as good as they look.” I gave her a wave which she returned. “You two have fun, ya hear!” She called out after us. “You got it!” Aeris was enjoying the ride on my back, something that only started a couple days ago after I talked to her parents, Shallow Whisper and Winter Breeze who happened to work on the weather team with me. Well after getting their permission I basically became her older brother and spent most of my time with her, she would come with me even to visits to see Twilight or Rarity; heck even with Silver and Steel when we did pranks. “So what’s happened with you recently?” “Mommy’s teaching me how to fly!” She finished with a couple of coughs, part of the reason she rides on my back. “What about you Cobalt?” “Well Rainbow Dash is teaching me to use clouds, and do belly flops.” I stopped so I could turn to see her; she was staring wide eyed, until she burst out laughing. I gave in a good chuckle or two while remembering the incident. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outskirts of Ponyville Two days ago “So do you remember what I told you Cobalt?” I nodded at the rainbow haired mare holding a cloud in front of me. “Good! Now fly up here and land on this cloud.” “You can do it Cobalt.” Silver stated, he was sitting watching me. Why he decided to watch? I don’t know, there’s just something’s about that colt I just don’t understand. “Do you really mean that?” I asked, a look of being unimpressed over my face as I waited for his answer. “Maybe, I guess?” He shrugged, earning groan from me and stomp of my hoof. ‘Wait calm yourself, that’s one of the rules for cloud walking.’ I sighed and took to the sky aiming to step lightly on the cloud, I closed my eyes and lowered myself until I felt myself being held up by the clouds. Relaxing that I haven’t fallen yet, I opened up my eyes. Only to watch the cloud disappear under my hooves. ‘Oh hay cakes.’ I thought. “BUCK MY LIFE!!!!” I yelled as I flailed my legs, watching the ground race towards me. Did I forget to say that I tend to forget that I have wings when this happens? I landed on my belly (And other VERY sensitive stallion parts) with a resounding thud, deciding it would be best to let the intense pain in some areas of my body pass before I got up, which I did with a whimper. That earned me some roaring laughter from Rainbow and Silver. Their laughter sounded like the time at the party when I beat my head against the tree (Fluttershy). Silver finally caught his breath. “I’ve seen some weird hay Cobalt, but that hay is just sour.” “Gee, thanks…” I discovered I now sounded like a mare after getting hit in my “Tenders” which hurt the little pride I had felt as foal. “What’s this? Prince Belly flop became a Princess? Priceless!” The rainbow haired mare shouted and was laughing even harder now. This called for one thing: Revenge Luckily Rainbow Dash was lying on a cloud which I flew under and proceeded to touch with my hoof. Now I discovered that sometimes I just need to think something’s through, like what I did just now. Because now I am once again on my belly (among other things) with a cyan mare on top glaring daggers into the back of my skull as Silver roared with laughter for the second time that day. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aeris’s laughter had finally died down, not that I minded since I found it better to hear laugh then cough any day. “So Aeris what do you want to do today since it’s my day off?” I said look at her with a smile as she lifted one of hooves to her head in thought. “How about we go to the library?” I smiled and nodded. “YAY!” Wow I would have never guessed she could be that loud since she was normally as quiet as Fluttershy. We didn’t have to go very far to get to library and Twilight happily let us in, after setting Aeris down I decided to talk to Twilight while Aeris looked through books. “I’m personally really glad to see Aeris doing so well.” She smiled at me. “I owe you for that.” “So that’s why you let me get a day off, well thanks Twilight it helped me get me on my hooves.” I smiled at her and she just gave a small giggle with tiny pink blush appearing. “Oh I didn’t do that much Cobalt…” I was a bit shocked at how she was acting but choose to ignore it. “Oh that’s right I saw a familiar looking filly from canterlot earlier!” I raised an eyebrow at her. “Really is it that uncommon?” I asked rather bluntly, she shook her head. “No I swear I know that orange filly! She used to come by that library in canterlot I think…” Orange filly… I wondered. “By any chance did she have blue ring bracelets around her front left hoof?” I asked trying to get any information I could. “Yes she did in fact! You know her too Cobalt?” Before I could answer Fluttershy burst into room, clearly in a state of panic. “Cobalt come quick! Rainbow and some filly from canterlot are in trouble!” I felt my blood freeze, from what I know about that canterlot filly she just might be my twin. “Where are they Fluttershy!” I demanded, thankfully she was already panicked so I didn’t make it worse. “By Rainbow’s and your place.” With that I bolted out the door took to the sky and rushed as fast as I could to the cloud district. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rainbow didn’t like how this was turning out, she was crouched into a fighting position but had some heavy bruises appearing on her sides and shoulders; she was losing and she knew how to fight! It got worse however because behind her, was a scared filly that she was just showing around with Fluttershy, and in front of her is the pony who gave her those bruises and he didn’t seem to have a mark on him even after she gave him a couple of good bucks. Too top it off he looked plain creepy. He had a pure black coat with dark purple mane and tail, but what bothered her the most was the unblinking, soulless golden eyes staring at her. “You’re not the one my master seeks either…” It said in a deep emotionless voice. “What the ha….” Before she could finish a dark bluely purple figure crashed into side of the pony sending it tumbling several feet away from them. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Giving a snort after making sure whoever that black pony was wasn’t going to be getting up for while from the sheer force of my blow I turned to face Rainbow Dash and the filly. Rainbow’s appearance concerned me greatly; her normally cyan coat had mixed blotches of purple covering her body in various places, she even had a small cut that was bleeding freely. The sight made my rage begin to boil until a voice snapped me out of it. “Cobalt is that you?” I looked behind Rainbow to see the orange filly staring at me with silver blue eyes. Rainbow looked back and forth between us. “You guys know each other?” As if to answer her question the filly ran up to and nuzzled me a tiny bit. “Sugar what are you doing here in ponyville?” I asked after she finally stopped nuzzling me. “We had a break from school… so I thought to surprize you by showing up at your place brother, it’s just I didn’t know where it was so Miss Rainbow Dash was showing me around.” I sighed and looked over at the now confused cyan mare. “Wait a minute… the twin brother you were looking for was Cobalt?” She rapidly looked back and forth between us now. “But you two look nothing alike!” What she said was completely true; Sugar Heart and I looked nothing like each other, I was after all bluely purple and taller than most colts (I was surprized to learn that was even a tiny bit taller than Big Macintosh but there is no way I could ever be as large as him.) Sugar Heart, on the other hoof was smaller than most fillies our age and took her colours from our fathers side, which why she was orange and blonde with blue eyes. I sighed in relief to see she was perfectly fine. Now as much as I wanted to enjoy the reunion of family a grunt came from the pony I knocked over, it turned over and looked at me its face turning from an emotionless blank expression to one of pure rage. “Thanks for saving for saving my sister Rainbow but I am taking over from here.” I threw my bag beside them without a care from the contents; it would be something I could worry about later. Now finally getting a good look at the pony, it was an earth pony and a colt; it didn’t seem to have many injuries either even from the blow I gave it earlier. “I don’t know who you are… But I am not gonna forgive you for hurting Rainbow Dash!” I approached it slowly just in case it decided to lunge at me. Instead it adopted a battle stance and I followed suit. “You… look just like master…” It growled at me clearly enraged by me. “You don’t deserve to look like master!” It lunged at me as expected he would, but at a speed I couldn’t dodge so I blocked with my hooves only to feel immense pain as I was sent skidding back a couple feet by his tackle. ‘Why the hay is he so damn strong?’ I looked over him; he wasn’t anything special in fact, he looked like a normal earth pony. ‘Screw that what the hay is he?’ Using my wings to increase the speed of charge towards the pony, it turning to buck me unaware that I had shifted to the side out of his range allowing me to perform my own buck to its side and follow up by smashing the falling pony’s head with one of front hooves, only too late did I discover I hadn’t stunned him for as long as I hoped as I felt one of his hooves connect with my chest after I hit him in the head. I let out a short cry as leapt back and placed my right hoof to my chest, my heart was beating far too heavily and that worried me greatly. ‘Whatever he is it’s far too dangerous to get close to him on my own, and Rainbow is already injured.’ I only had a single option: Hit and Run. It was risky but what else could I do? Author’s notes: The chapters are going to be shorter from now that way I can try to write them faster and lower my stress levels. Credit goes to my proof-reader: Silver Spirit, Warlok Thank you