After years of living with demons, confronting them is an inevitability... even if it hurts.
Skychaser, the dance instructor for the Cutie Mark Sanctuary, has been invaluable with helping the troubled youth of Ponyville find solace and a place to vent. Unknown to them, he was once in their place before finding his purpose. After fifteen years of working there, his past would return once more as memories of his family bubble to the surface in the form of his estranged sister. Thus, Skychaser has no choice but to confront his past to find some semblance of solace.
“Okay, let us begin. A One, A Two, A One Two Three Four!”
Upon Skychaser’s command, the pianist started playing and the young ponies started the dance they’d rehearsed for weeks. He took great pride as he watched the students under his tutelage practicing all he taught them. Internally, he couldn’t help but shed a tear. As the music stopped, he was left momentarily speechless, proud of his students.
“Okay,” Skychaser said, clearing his throat. “Wonderfully done. Remember, the key here is to never be tense. Think of dancing as therapy, a way to meditate your troubles away. Let your mind and body be at ease.” With a collective ‘Yes teacher.’, the students gathered their packs and left for the day. With a relaxed sigh, he turned around only to be met by the appearance of his friend, Scootaloo. With her, they both ran the Cutie Mark Sanctuary where any foals of Ponyville could have a place to vent or seek shelter after a rough patch. For Skychaser, she became his closest friend.
“Scoots,” He warmly greeted. “How did the athletics class go?”
“It went wonderfully, Sky.” She replied with a hug. “They’re having a great time finding their voices. I see that you’re also making great progress with the dance program.”
“Well, it’s not so much making them good dancers as it is letting them have a method to vent and express themselves.”
“Yeah, and you’re doing a hell of a job at it.”
“Well, if you like doing something, do it for a living.”
“Sky,” she said with an impressed look on her face, something Sky has grown used to. “I have to say that you’ve been a great help since you started here.”
Skychaser remembered the circumstances that brought him there in the first place, one that was the farthest from pleasant. He remembered every bit of the yelling, shoving, and cursing of his existence that left him without a home… and a family. The more he thought about it, the more his heart felt that familiar sting. Why was he cast out like common refuse? He knew why and it sickened him his core.
“Yeah,” Sighed Skychaser, “spending months on the streets, it was luck that Copper Top took notice after I got mugged. Hard to believe that it’s been fifteen years since then.”
“Sky,” Scootaloo replied, placing a wing on his head, “you’re safe here and it’s all that matters. It’s not healthy to dwell on the past.”
“I… guess. Is there something you need?” “Yes. There’s a mother and her daughter waiting in the main office. She wants to see about having her daughter come here weekly.”
“Very well. I’ll handle it.”
Nodding, Sky trotted to the main office where Scootaloo handles the paperwork side of things. Aiding her in that regard were her friends Sweetie Belle and Applebloom. Those three had been the closest of friends since foalhood. For him, visiting that room was like routine for him. Though he saw himself as more of a therapist, being forced to adapt to the adult world was the hardest pill he had to swallow, rarely having much of what would be considered a childhood by many. It was always about being kept on a tight leash and any dissent was dealt with harshly. From there, he knew those that reared him didn’t love him at all, seeing him as a tool for their own ambitions. Seeing the office door, he pressed one hoof forward to greet the mother.
“Pardon me, ma’am.” He said, closing the door behind him. “I do apologize for keeping you and your foal…” Turning his head to them, his eyes shot open and body froze at a familiar sight, “...waiting.”
There, sitting on the chairs, was a familiar sight that brought Skychaser both joy and sorrow. It had been a long fifteen years since he’s seen her face and a mix of emotions followed. It was his sister Summer Rush with her daughter Autumn Shine. A dead silence filled the air as the siblings process what to feel about seeing each other for the first time in years. Neither moved or spoke a single word.
“B-Brother?” Summer said, breaking the silence.
“Summer?” Sky’s voice hitched. His heart paced at the speed of a Wonderbolt, not knowing what to say beyond her name. Soon, where he should normally feel joy, he felt sadness and shame. The last time he said anything to her was years ago when he was forced to live on the streets and he remembers the four words he said as clear as the sunrise.
“Then Leave. Me. Alone.”
“I’m here.” Summer spoke up, “Don’t run away.” Nervous and fearful of resentment, Skychaser slowly backed away from her but was blocked by Scootaloo, arriving just in time to see what was happening. She was confused as to what was going on and not knowing why her friend looked like he saw a ghost.
“Sky, what’s wrong?” Scootaloo looked towards the mare and filly. “Is she another friend of yours?”
“She’s… my sister.” Her eyes lit up brightly. She never knew that the pair was her colleague’s sister and niece. Her shock soon grew to a smile as she rushed over to shake her hoof with excitement.
“Oh my gosh!” She gasped. “It’s so exciting to meet you! I’m Scootaloo, a friend of his, Ms.-”
“I’ve never heard him say your name but he always spoke highly of you but seemed so down when he does. Why?”
“Well, it’s complicated.” Looking back and forth between her daughter and shaken brother, Summer knew that there was much that needed to be said between siblings. She didn’t want her daughter to be caught up in it all. “Ms. Scootaloo, if you wouldn’t mind, can you give my little Autumn a tour of the place? I need to have some privacy with my brother.” With a nod, Scootaloo took the young filly under her wing and exited the room, shutting the door behind her. Summer got up from her seat and cautiously approached her brother; her heart beating faster.
“Brother, are you okay?” She worriedly asked, only to be met with silence. Skychaser just sat on his haunches with his eyes fixed to his forehooves. His eyes became moist with tears as he prepared for the worst. In his heart, he felt that his sister hated him for pushing her away long ago. “Brother?”
“S-sister,” Sky muttered, hitching with every word, “do you still hate me?”
“Do I-No!” She gasped, taken aback by his question. “I’ve never hated you, not even in a million years. But, why?”
“Why what?”
“I’ve heard all the fights between you, mom, and dad. The next thing I knew, they kicked you out and you told me to leave you alone. Why did you say that?” The next thing she knew, her big brother was shuddering and softly sobbing. For years, Skychaser had to live with pushing away the only blood relative that treated him with kindness. Dealing with his parents, Lightning Dust and Dumbbell, wasn’t easy for him, especially if his mother had plans for him from the beginning and his father did nothing but watch.
“It’s that… It’s that… if you were truly happy at home, I wanted you to forget about me! I didn’t want to get in your way. I’m so sorry, sister! Hate me if you want but I did it for you!”
That was it for him; Sky couldn’t hold back his swell of tears any longer. He lost himself in his emotions as he braced for the worst. For Summer, she had long suspected the reason why he cut his ties with her. On one hoof, she was upset yet she couldn’t bring herself to get mad at him. It was the first time in years since she saw her older brother and she still loved him. No force in the universe could break that attachment for her.
Trotting in front of him, she got down to his level and pulled him into a hug. Immediately, his eyes shot open as a veil of warmth enveloped his being. With the simple gesture of affection, Sky realized his sister still loved him and he felt guilt for abandoning her. Returning the hug, he buried his snout in her shoulder as his frown gradually grew into a smile. He was happy that his sister still loved him after all that time.
“It’s okay.” Summer whispered as her wings wrapped around his form to calm him down. Slowly, his sobs diminished as tears stain his face, “I’m here. There’s no need for you to feel sad anymore. I’m just so glad to see you again.”
“It’s been too long, sister.” Skychaser sobbed, “It’s been so long. How have the years been for you?”
“Apart from missing you and starting a family of my own, things have been great.”
“Same here.” As he broke the hug, Skychaser looked deep into Summer’s eyes. Soon, those memories came back. Fight after fight, insult after insult, his parents treated him like refuse, sometimes outright ignoring him in favor of his sister. But, he never faulted Summer for any of it. He wanted to carve out his own path through life but his mother was hellbent on making him the next great wonderbolt and they had zero tolerance for deviations. “Summer, I know you want the truth.”
“More than anything.” She agreed. “I just didn’t understand why mom and dad would kick you out. I know you and you aren’t a bad seed. Tell me everything.” With a sigh, Skychaser nodded his head and looked his sister dead in the eye.
“Very well. At some point after mother started training me to become a wonderbolt like she had dreamed, I started having my own dream. I wanted to go do something that I loved for a living and be happy. Slowly, I’ve showed my disinterest and after explaining it, I thought they would understand. But, they didn’t take kindly to it at all. Day by day, they would spit on my name, ignore me, and it got to the point where I had to leave and collect myself. After the cops brought me back when they saw me in a scuffle, then and there, they said I was ‘wasting space’ and kicked me out. That’s what happened and I swear to you it’s the truth.”
“My gosh.” She gasped, “But, why would mother and father do that to you?
“To this day, I don’t know.” Summer sat there in slight disbelief. Since that day, she long suspected that there was more to what was explained to her. As a young mare in her mid twenties, she had more than enough understanding to question the actions and authority of her parents. “Listen, I feel that you won’t completely believe me based on my words alone. All I offer is the truth and nothing more. But if you choose to not believe me, then I’ll understand. I won’t think less of you at all.”
“Sky,” Summer placed a wing on her brother’s shoulder, “if there is one pony I trust, it’s you. I know that you’ve lived your life in fear. Please, don’t be upset anymore.” Looking in his eyes, Summer knew that Skychaser still was wracked with doubt. Taking a brief moment, a thought occurred to her. Though she didn’t account for the impromptu reunion, she felt that the opportunity would allow the both of them some closure. “I know what’ll put your mind at ease. It may make you uncomfortable but I know it’ll work.”
“What?” His ears perked up and his gaze shift towards her face. “What are you suggesting?”
“After I’m done with Autumn’s tour here, I was going to go visit our father downtown.”
“Here?” Sky replied with confusion, “What happened?”
“Two years after you left,” Summer sighed, “things between mother and father deteriorated. Not long after I moved out, they got divorced. Father now lives in the downtown area near city hall.”
“No doubt it has something to do with me.” Sky groaned as he sat against the nearby wall. Putting two and two together, he immediately figured out what his sister intends. He hoped that he wouldn’t see his father after the hell he put him through but he knew that his sister was right. He’ll have to face his demons sooner or later and nothing was stopping him from doing so. The crippling fear of having to face his father after so long held him back. If confronting his father would bring him peace, even if it’s for one last time, he’ll do it, no matter how painful it’ll be.
“I know where you’re going with this.” He sighed, “For too long, I’ve been bemoaning that day. I’m just so sick of staying silent on that, so damned sick of it.”
“So, you’ll go along with this?”
“Yes, I will.” Skychaser said while standing up. “But, I can’t see father being pleased to see me again.”
“Who knows.” The door opens and through it came Scootaloo and an excited Autumn Shine. In an instant, she gallops to her mother’s hooves. “How was the tour, dear?”
“She was incredibly excited and well behaved.” Said Scootaloo. “I think she’ll like going here. As for when she’ll start, next Monday at 4 pm will be perfect.”
“Sounds wonderful. Well, we must be off. After I drop off the little one at my house, me and my brother will go run a few errands.”
“Very well.” Scootaloo said before trotting away. “Oh, and congratulations on your reunion, Sky.”
With a nod, the three left the office and center. For Skychaser, it was a strange feeling reconnecting with the part of his past that he avoided for years. He had a feeling that he couldn’t run from his fears forever. Reconnecting with his cherished sister brought him joy and settling a score with his estranged parents would hopefully deliver upon him some much needed peace. Skychaser’s desire for solace out weighed his fears and he would need to steel himself.
“And in other news, the Wonderbolts are set to perform at the Summer Sun Celebration later next month. Spitfire went on record to say that they've been training rigorously to put on a good show for the many onlookers. We can only imagine how excited they are. Be sure to tune in next week for a special where we'll interview the team in Cloudsdale. This is Time Turner, and we'll be back later this evening.”
*Click*
A click of the remote and the last bite of his sandwich, Dumbbell sighed as he sat back on his couch. Once the plate held nothing more than crumbs, he gently laid it upon the coffee table. The past fifteen years had not been all that well off for him. In his divorce from Lightning Dust, he was left with just enough for a place in Ponyville and to get by. Despite the separation, his daughter Summer Rush has made many visits to him, some of them with her husband, Glidestream. When she announced that she was going to be a mother, his excitement was merely a cover for his sorrow.
Getting up, his eyes shifted to a lone framed photo sitting upon a shelf. Upon closer examination, it was something he remembered all too well, though he wished he forgot it. It was of a happier memory, the birth of his son, Skychaser. He frequently looked to that memory for comfort, a reminder of a time where happiness still existed in his family. As of late, it had become a reminder of his sins toward his estranged son.
“It's a colt,” Lightning softly spoke, “We have a son, Dumbbell.” Walking over to his exhausted wife on the hospital bed, Dumbbell saw his son resting peacefully in his bundle and his mother’s hooves. Though tired, he could tell his son was full of joy, meeting his parents at long last. The air was silent and calm. As far as they were concerned, all was right with the world. “Would you like to hold him?”
“S-sure.” He answered, taking a seat and his bundled-up son in his hooves. As he laid his eyes upon the foal’s face, he began to open his eyes. Upon their eyes locking on one another, the foal began to make a noise as he outstretched his hooves, latching on to his father’s. At that moment, Dumbbell could not hold back a tear as he smiled when joy overwhelmed him. He was proud to be a father and knew he would be a great one. “Skychaser.”
“What?”
“His name. I think it fits, dear.”
“Skychaser,” Lightning mumbled, “a beautifully strong name. I like it. Our little Skychaser.” Dumbbell gave the foal a light peck on his forehead before handing him back to his mother. Staring up at the ceiling, Dumbbell was excited to start a new chapter in his life. His doubt soon gave way to thoughts of happy memories they will soon make. He will love his son no matter what, and that is all that matters to him.
*sigh* “There's probably a special place in Tartarus for stallions like me.” Dumbbell muttered as he sat down, clutching the picture, “I lied to him then, and failed him time and time again. I'm lower than shit!” As he continued to stare at the picture, a feeling of great shame washed over his mind. Knowing how things turned out, the sight of his infant son haunted him. Out of impulse, he threw it against the wall, shattering the frame into pieces, leaving the picture intact.
In his eyes, he was now seen as some monster to Skychaser. Never will he ever see him again and never will he forgive him. When Lightning began the abuse, all he could do was stand by and watch. As badly as he wanted to intervene and get him somewhere safe, the only thing that stopped him was the potential consequences he feared.
“Damn it all.” He croaked between sobs, only to be interrupted by a knocking noise. Snapping his view towards the door, he quickly composed himself. He stood up and dusted himself off, “Come in!”
The door opened and through it, entered Summer Rush. Though surprised, he was happy to see his daughter nonetheless. She trotted over and gave him a brief hug before he smiled warmly at her. He was proud of the day that she became a Wonderbolt, and even attended her graduation. For him, she was a symbol of pride.
“What brings you to my neck of the woods, Summer?” Dumbbell asked.
“Oh nothing, just a friendly visit.” Summer replied. “Just got back from dropping off Autumn at my place. I can tell that she's going to enjoy that dance school.”
“I would bet. She always had an affinity for music. Plus, I see it as an opportunity for her to make some friends.”
“Indeed. So, you have heard about my news interview next week.”
“Just heard about it on the news. Are you nervous?”
“A little, but I'll manage.” Filled with pride, Dumbbell gave his daughter another hug. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a familiar sight he prayed that he would never see again. Silence filled the room as Skychaser trotted in. His heart rate climbed as he heard an audible thump as time seemed to slow to a crawl. He felt as if a ghost had come to torment him for his past sins. “S-son?”
“Father.” Skychaser deadpans, closing the door. “You look like you're doing well for yourself.”
Breaking from the hug, Dumbbell slowly backed into the kitchen. As his estranged son got closer, the voices in his head gradually intensified. Crying, begging, screaming, all of that was his son in torment as Lightning Dust screeched all magnitude of venom. He dearly wanted to intervene and escape the house with him in tow. However, Lightning once made it clear with no uncertain terms that she would divorce him and take the foals. So, all he could do was stand and watch the horrors.
“No, no, no, no, NO!” Dumbell gasped in horror, “Please, leave me alone!”
“Oh no, you are not getting out of this one,” growled Skychaser. “And do I have some words for you.”
As tears were developing in Dumbbell’s eyes, Summer was inspecting the picture among the shattered remnants of its frame. It did not take her too long to put two and two together and deduce who the infant was. Handing it off to her brother, Skychaser immediately saw himself in the photo. He was flabbergasted that his father would keep something of that sort in his possession. Why would he still hold fond memories towards him? As far as he was concerned, he was there for one thing only: answers.
“What do you want from me?” Dumbbell begged, “Name it! Anything!”
“The truth,” Sky snarled, “not just for me but for Summer as well. You have a lot to answer for and I want not a single ounce of bullshit from you. Understand?”
“Yes, my son.” He complied, standing up and meeting his children in his living room. With his two children in front of him, it was difficult to look either of them in the eye. With a deep breath, he gathered as much courage as he could to even talk. “Summer, I have no doubts that Sky told you what happened.”
“He did.” Summer replied, “He told me about how mom treated him like dirt, and you were doing nothing but watch. Was what he said true?”
“Yes… all of it is true.” Dumbbell confessed, much to her shock. “But, there's more to it, something that even concerns you.”
“What is it?”
“Your mother,” *sigh* ”had been playing the both of you from the start. When Sky was born, she'd been talking about making him the next great Wonderbolt as she wanted. However, in reality, she never became a Wonderbolt. She failed in her goal. Your mother began training him for the sole purpose of living out her failed dreams… through him.”
Dead silence, the siblings were both in shock. For Skychaser, it felt like reality had shattered around him. Suddenly, everything clicked into place for him. His mother never truly cared for him at all, only viewing him as an instrument of her aspirations. It chilled him to the bone and made his blood boil with anger. Why didn’t his mother see him as a son? Did all those hugs she gave him mean anything? She never loved him, and it hurt like an icicle to his heart.
“That deceitful BITCH!” Skychaser snapped with anger, “Damn her! How could she?”
“Father, are you certain?” Summer asked.
“As certain as the sunrise.” Dumbbell nodded, much to his daughter’s vexation. “When he strayed from her path, she called you her ‘Plan B’ and began favoring you over him as a result. She used you, Summer!” She frowned until it grew to anger. The trust between father and daughter had been broken, and Dumbbell was ready to bear the consequences.
“How could you do nothing while mother did all that?”
“Because… *Sniff* I wanted to intervene, I truly did. However, your mother threatened that I did anything, she would take the both of you away from me. I wanted to stop her but the thought of losing my children scared me. I'm so sorry I didn't act. Both of you have every right hate me. My cowardice had caused more damage than I thought. I'm sorry.”
Burying himself in his hooves, Dumbbell lost himself in his sorrow. He failed as a father and as a stallion. He will never forgive himself for leaving his son to his living hell. He could have put a stop to it at any point, but fear outweighed his determination. Not only did he betray his son, but he also betrayed his daughter.
“Mother…” Summer shuddered from the revelation, “how could you?” Sensing his sister was distressed, Skychaser wrapped her in a hug, assuring her that everything would be all right, despite what was said. They both were left hurt that their mother used them instead of caring for them as a mother would.
“We've both been played like cards,” Sky muttered. As much as he wanted to thrash his father, verbally or physically, something compelled him to stay his anger. Whether it was pity or the knowledge that his father showed genuine regret, the result was the same. He could not stomach taking his anger out on Dumbbell. His mother was the one who made his life a nightmare. Many dreams had her menacing glare staring back at him; her eyes piercing his soul. She was to blame for all that, not his father. However, he questioned whether to forgive him for his inaction, “Father.”
“Y-yes?” Dumbbell croaked, eyes still puffy and red from crying.
“As much as I want to, *Sigh* I can't hate you completely. However, It'll be a long time before we will be on talking terms again.” Standing up from the couch, Skychaser made his way to the door, “Come on, sister. We're leaving.” Getting up, Summer Rush looked at her father dead in eyes.
“Where are you two going?”
“We're going to mother’s house to set this thing straight.” Summer said, “She has a lot to answer for.” Turning around, she exited the house, upset and disappointed. Before he closed the door, Skychaser took one look back at his father.
"Son, I've not done right by you my whole life and I regret it, dearly. However, no matter what comes of this, I will make it up to you no matter what.”
Without a word or gesture, Skychaser closed the door behind him, joining his sister near a fountain. Their minds were exhausted, all processing what happened moments ago. However, at the same time, they could finally relax now that they have found the answers they sought after. The night was growing closer, and soon the stars will shine, leaving them with little time left.
“It's almost night.” Summer remarked, “Mother usually goes to bed at around ten.”
“Then we'll have the perfect time to confront her.” Summer said with a sigh, “It will be surreal to visit home again after all this time.” Sky’s heart began to race at the thought of seeing his mother again, the bane of his memories. Though it makes him feel nervous and shaky all over, it was something both he and his sister had to do for their sake.
“Be strong, brother. We all know our mother was behind this. Now, she needs to be brought to book on this one.”
Nodding, Sky and Summer took flight towards Cloudsdale, their hometown. For years, Skychaser avoided the place like the plague, only having bad memories. Now, the prodigal son was poised to return to settle a matter with his mother. It had been a long time coming and the time to bury his demons for good was nigh.
Dusk had fallen on the town of Cloudsdale, the city of the sky. All around, the pegasi were either returning home for rest or going to other places. For Skychaser, returning to his hometown was like stepping back through time. It was a long time since his hooves touched the clouds that make up the city’s foundation. As much as he wanted to take in the joy of coming home after fifteen years, he came there with a purpose and a will to see it through… to put his past to rest.
“Here we are, brother.” Summer Rush sighed as they perched on the outskirts of town. “Home.”
“Hard to believe that I'm setting hoof here again,” Skychaser mutters as he looked on towards the cityscape. Lights upon lights lit up the city veiled in darkness. It was familiar yet felt alien to him. “I-I honestly do not know what to say.”
“I know how you feel, Sky.” Summer replied with a hug, momentarily calming her brother’s nerves. “But remember, I believe what you and father said, and you shouldn't have to worry anymore. I'll be there for you.” With a slight smile, Skychaser returned the hug. For a moment, the silence was shared between the siblings, “Now, let's go have a chat with our mother.”
Flying alongside his sister, Skychaser flew throughout the cityscape. As they did, his eyes locked onto a particular area off in the distance. From the lights of the windows and streetlamps, he recognized the shape of it. It was the house he grew up in, now the residence of his mother. Along with all the memories of hanging out with his friends, the unpleasant reminders of his mother’s aggressions danced in his mind. The hell she put him through was unforgivable in his eyes. Now, he has come to tell her off for good.
Landing in front of the house, Skychaser’s equine heart raced at a rate he never felt before. Even after all that time, was he truly ready to face his mother once more? On one hoof, he felt fear but on the other, a desire for closure. All he had to endure was a few moments of venom from her, and he was done. With a long sigh and a bright smile from his sister, he pushed a hoof forward, opening the door and trotting in.
Except for a light in the kitchen, the house was mostly dark inside. Still, Skychaser recognized every bit the interior. Every birthday, nightmare night, and hearth’s warming day, he remembered it all. With the recent revelation, he wondered if it was all a facade, something to get him to be more compliant. However, through all of that, the memories of his sister were the one small glimmer of hope in the darkness.
With a few stomps from his hoof, a shadow emerged from the kitchen, followed by a figure he knew all too well. The turquoise coat, amber and gold mane, and gamboge eyes that could pierce a soul, he would never forget them. Upon locking eyes with Lightning Dust, her expression went from shock to menacing in short order. This was it, the moment his heart had dreaded, facing his mother.
“Well, that's a sight I've not seen in a long time: the disappointment.” Lightning chuckled as she approached. Entering the living room, her gaze snapped to her daughter displeased at her mother’s earlier remark. She was confused at how her daughter would bring the pony she loathed to her house. “Daughter, may I ask why you brought your brother here? He's not welcome.”
“Well mother, maybe you can explain why.” Summer replied with a snarl, “You have a lot to answer for.”
“Oh do I, daughter?” She chuckled as her eyes glued to her son’s face, visibly shaken and angered. “So, why have you come back?”
“I've come to lay a part of my past to rest, mother.” He muttered loud enough for her ears to hear, “I'm through waking up to every nightmare where your face keeps staring back at me.”
Every so often when he went to sleep, Skychaser would be plagued by nightmares of his abuse at her hooves. In every one of them, he would often see her staring at him from the void. It scared him every time, usually jolting him awake with a cold sweat. There were even times where he got no sleep because of them.
“Oh, big words were coming from such a pansy like you. So, how have you been? I thought you've died on the streets.”
“I've been working at a youth center in Ponyville, helping foals that were in the same situation as me. What have you done besides bemoaning your failures?” His last statement shook Lightning to her core. Inside, her anger grew, anger towards her son.
“That's rich, coming from my greatest disappointment.” She laughed as she trotted circles around him. “All you ever did was disobey that pathetic father of yours and me. All I wanted was your cooperation and dedication. What more do you want from me?!”
“I wanted you to treat me like I was your son,” Skychaser shuddered “like I mattered, not like some piece of dog shit that got stuck to your shoe. All you ever did was say that I was worthless and neglected me for my sister.”
“Well, at least your sister knew her place like the good filly she is.”
“Mother!” Summer gasped in outrage over her words, “I'm right here! How could you say that about me?” With a grin that reeked of vanity and pride, Lightning’s view snapped to her daughter. “By chance, I ran into him today, and he told me everything about how you abused him and kicked him out!”
“Oh please! You should know by now that your brother is a liar and disobedient.”
“I'm an adult, damn it!” Summer snapped with visible frustration, “I'm old enough to decide what I believe in! Also, you know what else, father confirmed everything! You never cared about him, Skychaser, or even me!”
“So, you're going to believe that gutless, pathetic excuse of a stallion over ME?! How naive of you, it's funny.”
“She's right, you know.” Skychaser spoke up with an audible hitch in his voice and tears welling up, “All I wanted, what we wanted, was a mother that loved us. We wanted somepony that would watch over and support us no matter what. Instead, all you saw us as were tools, instruments for your own selfish ambition to live your crushed dreams! YOU NEVER CARED ABOUT HER! YOU NEVER CARED ABOUT ME! ALL I WANTED WAS A MOTHER!!! ALL I WANTED WAS YOUR LOVE!!!”
All was silent for what seemed like moments. The only noise that was present was some sniffling from Skychaser. He poured his heart and soul out to his estranged mother. As his eyes fixed on her, she was shocked with eyes wide open and jaw slacked. Though he hoped she would see the error of her ways, the return of her sinister grin scattered those hopes to the wind.
“*Sigh* Oh my dearest mistake,” Lightning insidiously purred, “you honestly think that you could win me over with that sappy speech? Hah, pathetic!” Lightning then got into Skychaser’s face, visibly making him quake. His heart was pacing as he was reliving the unpleasantries from so long ago, “You are right though. I trained YOU to be the wonderbolt I never got to be. When you turned out to be a failure, I had Plan-B over there step in and take your place. To my luck, she turned out better than you did! I was right to throw you out because you're dead weight to me! If I knew you were going to be such a failure, I would have made sure that YOU WERE NEVER EVEN BORN!”
With his mother’s words, Skychaser’s heart felt like it exploded in a red vapor. He stood there, still as a tree, silent as a mountain. The look on his face: shock, horror, betrayal. His mother truly hated him with all the venom in her heart. His pain was immeasurable, and it left him paralyzed, unable and unwilling to move. It was the worst moment for him as his mind defaulted to one question: Why? Summer Rush was none too pleased that her mother would say that about Skychaser. Soon, an argument between mother and daughter ensued.
“H-HOW COULD YOU?!” Summer yelled out, enraged at her mother’s words, “WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT ABOUT HIM?! HAVE YOU NO SHAME?!”
“He should have accepted our wishes from the start!”
“Our wishes?! Bull! You only cared for yourself!”
“Is it that much of a crime that I wanted to be a wonderbolt?!!”
“Through us as proxies, yeah! YOU'VE USED ME!”
“Oh you stupid filly, I thought you were smarter than this.”
“What?! Mother, I'm a mare, and I make my own judgments!”
“Let us get one thing straight here, dear: You're nothing without me!”
“Excuse me?! Despite what you may think… I'M NOT YOUR DO-”
With a loud, audible smack, an angered Lightning Dust delivered a swift back hoof to her daughter’s face, knocking her to the floor. All the while, Skychaser witnessed the scene. Seeing his mother hurt his sister, the pony that he loved the most, shocked him. Soon, his heart paced at an incredible rate, and a veil of red began to cloud his vision as rage flooded his veins. Soon, all he saw was red as his fear of his mother was replaced by hatred. It was the last straw for him, and he had enough.
“BIIIITCH!” He blurted out as, out of impulse, shoulder slammed her into the nearby wall, knocking over stuff from nearby shelves. Lightning was in shock, processing what just happened as she struggled to regain her bearings. Looking up, her eyes met the sight of her son, no longer afraid but simmering with anger. His eyes were like fire, and his frown bore his teeth. Her retribution was finally at hand.
“S-S-Son,” Lightning Dust muttered, wiping a drop of blood from her nose, “what has got-”
“Shut your damned mouth, now!” Skychaser interrupted with a yell, “Not another word!” His blood was boiling, and his resolve was firm. As his eyes began to shed a few droplets of tears, thoughts of all his past abuse came to the forefront. Gritting his teeth, he braced his mind and heart for his rant.
“Mother, through all my life, I always looked to you for your love! I've held on to the faintest hope that you would understand how I have felt. I wanted nothing more than for you to hug me and say “It's okay, son. I love you.”. However, it never came. You stuck to your selfish attitude, never once thinking it was wrong! You forsook Summer and me to use us as puppets! Is that all we are to you?! Huh?! Now, I know that is what you truly think! You are the most self-centered, vile, miserable excuse of a parent!”
That was it, what he wanted to say had poured out. Skychaser was left without words but one desire that clawed at him. She hurt him and now, he wanted to return the favor. Hovering over Lightning, Skychaser raised a hoof as he prepared to let his anger out completely. He wanted to hurt his mother, make her pay for a lifetime of misery. Yet, the face of his sister stopped him just short of landing the blow. After a moment of self-reflection, Skychaser saw himself becoming the thing that he hated. It sickened him to his core, but he maintained his composure. Coming off from his rage, he took a deep breath while still teary-eyed, getting nose to nose with his mother.
“Let me make some things clear!” He growled, “Don't ever come near me again! Don't ever come near her or her family again! I want nothing to do with you for the rest of my life because I HATE YOU! YOU'RE NOTHING TO ME!” Turning around and sniffling, Skychaser made his way to the door, ready to leave his mother behind, one last time. “Goodbye, Lightning Dust.”
Dashing out the door, Skychaser ran to a nearby park. On a nearby tree, he laid against it as his tears began welling again. Where he should feel relief, he felt emptiness, nothing. He finally freed himself from the demons of his past but to find out his mother never really loved him broke his heart. As he silently sobbed to himself, a flapping of wings was heard as Summer Rush trotted to his side, concerned for him.
“Brother,” She whispered, “it's going to be okay. I'm here for you now.”
“I… I…” Skychaser croaked in his sobbing, “All I wanted was for her to love me… however, she did not.” Scooching up next to him, Summer sighed as her brother kept crying in grief, “She loved neither of us! She never even loved me anyway!”
“And now I know her true colors.” She grows more worried for her brother, disheartened to see him upset, “Please, Brother, don't cry. It's going to be alright; I swear.” Her words did little to ease him. She loved him but could not bear to see him upset, not after their reunion. She wanted him to be happy. She didn't want him to feel hurt anymore.
With little warning, Summer Rush pulled Skychaser with her forehooves and gave him a warm hug, wrapping her wings around him. He did not resist, nor did he want to. The warmth of the embrace filled his being, soothing his aching heart. He felt loved, if not by his mother, then by his sister. He buried his face in her shoulder as he continued his crying, returning the hug.
“Shhh, it's going to be alright, big brother. No matter what you think, you are loved. I love my brother, and that won't ever change. You'll never need to feel alone again.” His crying eventually subsided as his frown grew to a smile. Skychaser, at that moment, felt like a new stallion, reborn from his past troubles. Happiness soon crept in his heart, and the pain was washed away.
“Thank you... sister.” Skychaser whispered as he broke the hug, “I promise I will never abandon you again.”
“All I want you to do...” Summer said as they stood up, “is smile from now on.” Still wearing the smile from earlier, Skychaser nodded as he gave his sister one more quick hug. “Come, you're welcome to stay at my house tonight.”
With a silent nod, the siblings departed from Cloudsdale, leaving it behind for good. Through his catharsis, Skychaser felt completely happy for the first time in years. No longer will sorrow wrack his heart with woe and no longer will his past shackle him. At long last, he was freed from the shackles of his past and can look toward a tomorrow with his sister. As far as he was concerned, all was right in the world and would stay that way.
The morning calm was disrupted, startling Skychaser, Summer Rush, and her husband, Glidestream. The latter was the one to answer it. Opening the door, he was greeted by a pair of uniformed police ponies, all with stern expressions on their faces. He wondered what they wanted.
"Excuse me, sir." One officer, a unicorn, started, "I am Officer Hilltop with the Equestrian State Police. Do you have a Mr. Skychaser in this residence?" There, Skychaser knew what they came for. He felt it was only a matter of time before they came for him. With much reluctance and a heavy sigh, he walked out of the kitchen with his head hung low.
"Mr. Skychaser, we have a warrant out for your arrest on the charge of Assault. Now please, come quietly with us, and there will be no trouble."
"Just get it over with." Skychaser sighed as hoofcuffs bound his forelegs. Summer Rush could not believe what was happening. It was only yesterday that she and her brother confronted their parents about her brother's abuse and now his heart would be further rattled with being arrested. Off the bat, she knew very well who made the call.
"Hey, leave my brother alone!" Summer Rush blurted out as walked over to the officer, "Please let him go!"
"Ma'am, if you continue with this behavior, I am going to have to book you for obstruction of justice. You can come to the downtown precinct once his bail is set." Just as she was about to pursue her anger further, Glidestream blocked her with one of his hooves. He hated the situation as much as she did, but the anger was not worth getting arrested over.
"Honey," He muttered, "he'll be alright."
"But-"
"Listen, there is nothing we can do at the moment for him. We can figure this out later."
The two police ponies escort Skychaser to the back of a wagon before heading off toward the police station. All Summer Rush could do was watch helplessly as her brother was taken away. Glidestream did her best to console his wife as she wept. Having only known him for a day, he held his brother-in-law in high regard. After being told of the events of the previous night and the accompanying revelations, his thoughts toward Lightning Dust soured immensely.
Three Hours Later
Another set of knocks were heard, slower in pace than earlier. Both were reluctant to answer it after the ordeal. However, with a sigh, Summer Rush got off the couch with a forlorn face on her. Opening it, she was shocked to see her father Dumbbell with a severe look on his face. Summer never expected his arrival, especially after yesterday.
"Hey, father." Summer sighed. "What are you doing here for?"
"I just wanted to talk about yesterday… moreover, pretty much everything."
Though she held a bit of scorn toward her father for what happened, Summer Rush was not in a mood to dwell on that. With a head gesture, she invited him in, sitting back with her husband on the couch. Glidestream noticed his presence but was not angry with him, knowing what Summer told him.
"I know that you probably did not want to see me after what happened yesterday." Dumbbell sighed as he sat across from his daughter. "If you still hate me, then I understand. You have every right to. I am mainly here to see Skychaser."
"He is not here." Summer muttered. Her distress was known to Dumbbell. He did not want to see her that way.
"What happened?" His question was answered by Glidestream clearing his throat, "What happened to him?"
"Last night after him and Summer talked with you," Glidestream started, "they went to visit her mom at her place near the weather factory. From what I have heard, Summer got into an argument with Lightning after saying something particularly nasty to him, and Lightning hit her. From what Summer saw, Skychaser shoved her into a wall in her defense."
"But what happened to him?"
"Mom got… the police to arrest him."
Dumbbell was as still as a vase upon hearing his daughter's words. Fear, anger, regret, sorrow, all those and many more invaded his brain. In his eyes, treating his son like dirt was not enough for Lightning. Now, she went far as to have him locked up for defending Summer. At that moment, he remembered the first time he held his son in his hooves. Remembering his innocent face from that day instilled a heart-wrenching feeling in him. He failed his son once before, never again. All he saw was red and a desire to right a wrong.
"That damned- EERRRGGGHH!!!" Dumbbell growled, "I have just about enough of her. Come on you two!"
"Where, father?"
"Getting your brother out of jail; that's what!"
"But-"
"I have not done right by him my whole life. I will not allow him to rot in a jail cell. Come on. Let us go!"
Despite her current feelings towards him, Summer Rush saw the determination in her father's eyes. However, she remembered what he said yesterday. Was it his way of setting things right with his son? In her mind, Summer did not see it being anything other than a father upholding his promise. He seemed different to her, the father that he was meant to be.
Soon, they arrived at the police station, both hearts racing. Dumbbell did not even flinch, wink or bat an eye. He, along with his daughter and son-in-law was there to clear Skychaser's name and get Lightning dust to confess. Once they walked through the doors, the clerk at the front desk took notice.
"Can I help you three?" The clerk asked.
"Yeah," Dumbbell started, "I would like to negotiate the release of one of your recent arrestees named Skychaser."
"Okay. What would be your relation to him?"
"He is my son and the two others with me are his sister and brother-in-law."
"Okay, let me go and talk with my supervisor, and we can set up a talk."
After several minutes of waiting, Officer Hilltop, along with his partner, Thunderlane, entered the lobby, gesturing them to follow. They entered a small room with a table and six seats, more than enough to accompany all in attendance. Once they sat down, Hilltop could start.
"Okay, Mr. Dumbbell." Hilltop said, "I am sure by now that you have heard the reason why we had to arrest your son."
"Yes, he assaulted my ex-wife, his mother. My daughter here told me that Lightning Dust assaulted her and that Skychaser pushed her away from her."
"Mrs. Summer Rush, is that true?"
"Yes, Officer." Summer replied, showing the bruise on her cheek, "But, there is also more to this."
"Please… explain." Nodding at her father, Dumbbell sighed and fidgeted around with obvious discomfort. He felt that if he told the police what happened, he would get thrown in jail. However, if it is to save his son, then so be it. He would accept his fate with dignity.
"It all started when our son was old enough to fly. Lightning Dust wanted him to be the Wonderbolt she never got to be. She trained him day in and day out, but I saw that he showed his disinterest in it as time went on. Once that became known to her, she started to neglect him for Summer, even verbally abusing him. I... tried to stop her."
"But why didn't you? You were a parent of the child. You had obligations to step in."
"I wanted to! Damn it, I did! When I confronted her about this, she threatened to leave me and take the kids with her! If that happened, Skychaser would be even worse off than when she kicked him out! However, after the divorce, I have lived with the shame of doing nothing for him! Despite all that, I prayed every single day that he was safe and sound. However, that does not excuse me for my sins toward him. I am sorry I have failed him. Make whatever judgment of me, and I will accept it."
"Well Mr. Dumbbell, we have reason enough to have you in jail for neglect in light of all this. Before w-"
"THAT IS ENOUGH!" Summer Rush blurted out with frustration, eyes watery, grabbing everypony's attention, "My father did not abuse my brother, and the only real harm he did to him was being forced not to do anything! He still loved my brother very much. It was Lightning Dust that hit me and treated my brother, and I like puppets! Because of her and only her, I lost the best friend I have had for fifteen years! Never will I get those years back! I want my brother and my father!"
For a moment, the two officers were left without words. They could sense the certainty and truth in her words. Being upholders of the law, they could not just act on emotion. They still needed a valid proof of Summer's claims.
"Well, Mrs. Summer Rush," Hilltop said, straightening his tie, "we just cannot go on words alone."
"Well, what can be done?"
"If we can bring Ms. Lightning Dust down here and get a confession out of her, it will prove Skychaser's innocence."
"But what of my father?"
"When Skychaser is set free, your father's fate will be determined on whether or not he forgives him."
"Then bring her down here. My brother was there when she hit me." Though she knew her mother was stubborn and prideful, Summer Rush had a feeling that Lightning Dust would slip. It all depended on a mixture of careful talking and luck. For her brother's sake, there was little room for error.
Nearly thirty minutes had passed as the three anxiously waited for the officers. Both of them wondered if Lightning Dust would even be available. The one thing that was on Summer Rush's mind is whether her brother would be cleared of all charges. If there was one thing she did not want, it was for him to spend a lengthy amount of time in jail.
Then, the sounds of curses and shouts grew closer and closer until the door burst open and through it came Lightning Dust. To say she was not happy would be a vast understatement. Once her eyes locked onto her ex-husband, wrath flooded her mind. His face was the very last thing she ever wanted to see.
"You!" Lightning Dust bitterly growled, "I thought I did not have to see your ugly mug again! Also, why have you brought our daughter here?!"
"Oh, you know very well why, dear." Dumbbell replied.
"Yes, mother." Summer sighed, "You have gone too far this time. You attacked me while all Skychaser did was push you away."
"You did not even see the whole thing, dear. That trouble child wanted t-"
"Ma'am!" Hilltop said, "Please, take a seat." She did as the officer ordered, sitting with her forehooves crossed, "Now, these three here have accused you of, among other things, abuse and Assault. Is this true?"
"Absolutely not! I have never abused my children in my life!"
"Okay. However, prior to you coming here, they said that not only did you hit your daughter last night, but you have also verbally abused your son and kicked him out at the age of seventeen."
"Lies! All of that is lies!"
"And that is another lie." Dumbbell said with what little sadness he had left, "You kept me from stepping and stopping you. If I did, you would have taken him, and he would be worse off with you!"
"Okay, very well." Hilltop flipped through his notebook," "Mr. Glidestream, how did your wife get that bruise?"
"It was about nine in the evening when she and her brother came back. When I saw them come in, I noticed she had that bruise on her eye. It was there that Skychaser told me what happened and my wife confirmed it all. I swear to you it is the truth, sir."
"Oh come on, dear! Why did you marry this stallion?"
"Because I love him! It is something you never knew in your life!"
"How dare you talk that way to me, young lady! You would do well to know that I am your mother, your supreme authority!"
"But a mother does not toss her son out like garbage! You thought of me as nothing but a proxy for your failed dreams!"
"You watch that dam-"
A silence fell upon the room as the door opened and Thunderlane stepped in. He walked up to Hilltop and started to whisper in his ear while glancing at Lightning Dust. None of them knew what he said, but it made Lightning nervous. Could it be something she was afraid of? After a collective nod with Thunderlane, Hilltop returned to the task at hand.
"So, Ms. Lightning Dust, Officer Thunderlane had just gotten done talking with Skychaser and he some said things that matched up with their stories."
"Wh-What?!" Lightning stammered with apparent fear, "Why would you believe him?!"
"It is not that, ma'am. We talk to all parties involved in this case, and it just turns out that what your son said matched up with what the others said." At this point, Lightning felt herself being backed into a corner. She did not prepare for any of it, and she did not have a lawyer. "As it stands, the pony in the wrong here is you. It would be best if you would confess and the charges stacked against you will not be as severe."
Lightning Dust was a mare that was too proud of herself. Even if she was in the wrong or was at fault for something, her pride always ruled her decisions. Failure could not hold her back and neither would the three ponies before her. However, as with most prideful people, things tend to slip.
"I do not care; I do not! I do not care what some miserably weak waste of space sa-" Once she saw the looks on the faces of the others, the reality of what she said had set in. It was in that moment that Lightning Dust knew… she messed up. The only option left was to double down. "Fine! I did it. I slapped my bitch of a daughter, abused that rotten mistake of a son of mine and kicked his flank to the curb, and used them as proxies for my failed dreams! Happy now? I bet you all are because I am finally glad to say… You are all fucking worthless to me!"
All in attendance were left without even a single breath. The only jaws that were not slack were those of the officers. Their eyes were opened wide as if they saw something that shocked them. As quickly as their surprise came, they were able to recompose themselves and get their professionalism in gear.
"Okay, we will take that as a confession," Hilltop said as Thunderlane put a pair of hoofcuffs on Lightning. She offered no resistance, "Lightning Dust, you are now under arrest on the charges of Assault and battery, abuse and neglect of a minor, domestic abuse, and blackmail." With a nod from Hilltop, Thunderlane escorted a defeated Lightning out of the room. Once she left, both Summer, Glidestream, and Dumbbell breathed sighs of relief that they cleared Skychaser's names. Except for Dumbbell, the worst was behind them.
"Thank you so much, officer." Summer thanked Hilltop as she shook his hoof.
"It is nothing, ma'am." Hilltop replied as he got up from his seat, "We must serve justice. So now that your brother's name has been cleared, he is now free to go."
"I will go." Dumbbell muttered as he got up, "I should be the one whom he sees."
"Father, why?" Summer asked with worry.
"As I have said, I will do anything to make it things right. If I must take his place, then so be it."
"But father?"
"If he does not forgive me, then I will understand. I have already made my peace with that." Embracing his daughter for possibly one last time, he gave her a light peck on the forehead. "Whatever happens, please watch after him." Nodding, he followed Hilltop out of the room, leaving an emotionally wracked Summer Rush behind with her husband. He did not know whether or not his son would forgive him. All he cared about was his freedom.
Skychaser sat alone in his cell, forlorn and drained. He knew from the start that it was his mother that called the cops on him. Bit by bit, his hope withered away as he feared to spend more years away from his loved ones. It was only yesterday that he reunited with his sister, but all of that would soon be in jeopardy.
No hope… No hope… No-
He heard his cell door open and Officer Hilltop entering his cell. What was he up to?
"Mr. Skychaser, good news. You are free to go."
"What?" Skychaser muttered with confusion, "Who? Why?" Looking to his right, Hilltop nodded before he walked out of the way. What Skychaser saw next dumbfounded him. There, his father Dumbbell walked into his cell with a serious look on his face. "Father? What are you doing here?"
"Remember what I said yesterday?" He sighed as he hung his head, "I promised I would make it up to you; however I can. When your sister told me what happened, I-I just could not let it stand."
"But why do you care?"
"I do care because… you are my son." Dumbbell's eyes started to water up with tears. This was it, his final attempt at forgiveness, "I could not just let you rot in here. After you defended your sister from your mother, I knew what you did was right. Lightning never cared for any of us, and I was the coward that did not help you. I understand if you are still angry with me and you have every right to. If you do not forgive me, then I will gladly take your place here. But know this… I love you, my son."
Skychaser could not believe what he heard, even from his father. Though he was not on good terms with him, Dumbbell upheld his promise with sincerity. Sky did not know any other way to put it other than that his father did indeed care about him. As much as he wanted to, he could not bear to hold such hatred anymore. He wanted his father. He loved his father.
Walking up to a cowering Dumbbell, Skychaser surprised him by wrapping him in an embrace. Emotions flared and sparked between father and son as Dumbbell tried to gather his mind. He thought his son was going to reject him yet he was hugging him.
"Son?" Dumbbell shuddered.
"Shhhh, it is alright, father." Skychaser whispered, "I forgive you."
"But why? I left you to be abused."
"As much as I want you to suffer, I have learned that an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. You came to me. You have kept your promise. That is all that matters. I want to start over with my father. I love you too, dad."
At that moment, Dumbbell accepted that his son forgave him for his sins. He felt an incredible burden lift from his shoulder as he returned the hug. It was the first time in years he got to, and he relished every moment of it. He got his son back, and he could not be any happier.
"Son… thank you." Dumbbell muttered as he broke the hug with a warm smile, "Let us get out of here."
Dumbbell and Sky walked out of the cell and into the lobby where Summer Rush and her husband were waiting. Once she saw them walking side by side, she could not help but lunge at them for a group hug. Her happiness knew no bounds and was happy. Her family was back together in one way or another.
"I am so proud of you, brother." Summer Rush whispered.
"It was better than keeping in hatred." Sky replied, "I am just glad my father is back."
"Now my nightmares haunt me no longer." Dumbbell smiled, relieved his memories would not hurt him again. Now, he looked forward to making new ones. Through the fifteen years he missed him, one thought had him curious. "Hey, son, mind if I ask you something?"
"Ask away."
"Well, your sister got married and had a foal. Is there a mare in your life?" Skychaser paused for a moment at his father's question. He wondered if he would still accept him if he told the truth. However, after what happened, he had a feeling Dumbbell would understand.
"No, no marefriend." Skychaser answered, "I do have a special somepony, and I love him very much."
Dumbbell was surprised to learn about his son's relationship. He never saw it coming yet he understood it completely. If his son was happy, who was he to judge?
"Well, I am happy that you found your special somepony." He replied, "Does not matter who or what they are; I am happy that you are happy."
With his acceptance of him, Skychaser hugged his father once more. Not only did his father free him from jail, but he also accepted him for who he is. For him, it was the happiest day of his life.
"Thank you, father." Skychaser nodded as the group left the police station with their spirits and heads held high. Their familial bonds had been reforged, and nothing was going to break them. One and a half decades of strife had now been put to rest, "Father, I thought we'd all go out for dinner tonight. Want me to invite him to join us?"
