Real life, dreams, and fantasy all get merged together in my first fanfic.
Danny is a normal human being, works everyday and doesn't really have much luck. Being a lucid dreamer he embarks on a journey he has never been on before. One day he finds himself in a different world, he's injured and is taken to hospital where things start to make less sense - upon waking he discovers everything is far more ideal for him after the initial shock of what he's now become. He believes it's all a dream, but is there something more?
Join Danny as he discovers himself in a different world with plenty of questions why this has happened.
(Written in the first person perspective/journal style - you may find it a little different than you're used to)
I woke up and stopped my alarm, it was a dream. It was a little short to make sense of it, I sit up and grab my notepad and I jot down what little details I could remember. I've been keeping a journal of all my dreams for over a year now, I've been trying to increase the frequency of my lucid dreams. So far I've only had one so far and I woke up straight away, it's a start. But as they say, practise makes perfect. "Morning, Pinkie" I say to my figure of Pinkie Pie on my bedside table. I've been a brony for nearly a year now, my only regret is that I didn't discover it earlier. Right then, time to get ready for work. I get out bed and I head downstairs into the kitchen where I put the kettle on. I grab a mug from the cupboard and place it on the counter, I then put in a tea bag and two sugars.
*CLICK*
The kettle has boiled, I fill my mug with the water and I proceed to the fridge where I grab the milk and put some into the brew. I take a sip then head over into the living to sit down for bit. I hate waking up early, I'm not a morning person personally I'd prefer if work started later in the morning. Work pays the bills, so I should stop complaining really. I grab my cuppa, finish it and head to the bathroom to clean my teeth. I then get dressed into my work gear head back downstairs, I grab my car keys on my way out of the house.
Driving to work is usually pretty dull, with the slow moving traffic and frequent stopping I usually let my mind wonder. Not too much of course, don't want to cause an accident. Anyway, I arrive at work and sit at my desk - it's an open plan office, not really the best environment when it gets noisy and you need to concentrate. A few other colleagues start to come into the office one-by-one as the workday begins.
*RING-RING* *RING-RING*
I check the caller ID, it's Bill one of our biggest customers who I mainly do work for. I answer it.
"Hello." "Morning, Danny-boy. How's it going?" "Tired, but at least it Friday tomorrow. How's yourself?" "Good good, anything planned for the weekend?" "Nothing much really, just a few things to sort." "Excellent. Dan, I need to change a few things to the accounts system to make it easier for the staff to use. I'll send over the specifications for it via e-mail." "No problem, Bill. I'll start it as soon as it arrives." "Good stuff, I'll call you later to how you're getting on." "That's fine, see you later." "Bye." "Bye."
I put the phone back on the receiver.
*BLING*
My e-mail client pops up with the e-mail from Bill, that was quick. I open it and fire up the attachment then read it through. Hmmm, very straight forward. Few screen changes, removal of buttons, etc. - no problem. I open up the IDE and open the accounts project up. While it loads I decide to catch up on the events over on El Reg and Memebase. Few new memes over on MLB from the latest episode of season three. Anyway, the project has loaded so I crack on with it.
After a few hours the work is done and deployed, Bill is happy. The boss comes over to me.
"Dan, need you to start this project." "What is it?" "We've got a new customer which requires some major customisations." "Let's see them."
The boss hands over the specifications.
"Hmm, nothing major at all - will take me the rest of the day to complete it." "That's good, as we need them by first thing tomorrow." "Sigh." "What's wrong?" "Nothing, I'll start now."
The boss leaves. Typical, always leaves things to last minute. Better get started.
The day passes uneventfully while I completed the project until it's 5PM - time to go home. Uughh, I'm tired. Don't mind being tired, it allows me to put my mind into a different state. It's hard to explain but it lets my mind wonder off where I can see images and sometimes hear sound. I leave work and head to the car then I set off home.
Back at home I make myself something to eat and sit on the sofa. I sit back with my eyes closed, I let my mind wonder for a second.
It's dark, pitch black but wait there's something there. A faint colour, hard to make out what colour it is. I then leave my alternative mind state, odd - I can usually stay in that state for longer. Interesting, wonder if it was related to the dream I had earlier? The evening moves along swiftly until eventually it's bedtime. I brush my teeth then hit the hay.
Night world, night Pinkie - see you in the morning.
"Are you okay?" "My head and side hurts." "You've had a fall and you're hurt."
That voice sounds familiar, but I can't put my finger on it. Someone is here with me, I try to open my eyes but I was only able to open them slightly. I can see a green, light-blue figure - unusual shape I can't make it out enough to describe it.
"We need to get you to hospital."
I then get the feeling of being picked up then I get the sensation of being moved quite rapidly. I think I'm outside, I can feel the wind against me.
*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*
"!" I woke up from my sleep to the sound of my alarm clock. I disengage it. Well, it appears we have a continuation of a dream that doesn't happen very often. I grab my notepad and I make note of it in my dream journal. I get out of bed and go downstairs for a morning brew, I sit down on the sofa and I let my mind wonder for a little bit. Damn it, can't get into my different mind state. No problem, I'll try again later on. I finish my drink head back upstairs and start to get ready for work. After cleaning my pearly whites and slinging on my work clothes it's time to leave.
On my way out to the car a gust a wind blows past me. It triggers a momentary recall of the dream I had earlier: -
I remember being outside while being carried by someone, running somewhere. I can't hear anything, just an eerie silence.
Hmmm, is that dream trying to tell me something? I need to find something perhaps? Not sure. Anyway, I make it to my car - I get in, start the engine then head off to work.
Later I arrive at work, I'm the last one to arrive. I check my watch, I'm on time. Not like everyone else to get here extra early on Friday. That's unusual. Something always happens on Friday I find, especially when combined with the dreaded 13th day. Thankfully, it is isn't the 13th. I am not really superstitious but I believe in luck and that everything happens for a reason no matter how absurd. I can't accept the fact that something happens for no reason.
I fire up my e-mail client and it throws an error. Oh, here we go knew they would be something. I think I grab a cuppa and see if it sorts itself, heh - not often that happens. I head to the kitchen and start to make a brew. Lisa from the support team enters the kitchen.
"Morning, Dan." "Morning."
Ah, Lisa. What can I say about her? She's a cute, lovely woman. She tends to flirt with me at times and is always interested in what I've been up to, I'm sure she likes me. Perhaps I should ask her out sometime? No harm in asking I suppose.
"Hey, Lisa?" "Yeah?" "I was wondering if you would like to go out for a drink sometime?"
She then gives me a strange look, almost like the "seriously" face from the meme.
"No." "No?" "Sorry, but I don't actually like you in that way." "Oh." I say slightly discouraged. "Never-mind, sorry I asked."
Oww, that comment hurt if not confusing as well. Great, now I feel awful for asking. This kind of thing normally happens to me, I only seem to ask the wrong women out. I'm quite a shy person it's not often I ask someone out unless I'm really sure, I've been hurt before. I'm not willing to discuss that at length right now.
I brew a cup of tea then I head back to my desk. Can't stop thinking about that comment, come on get a grip - work needs doing. I find keeping busy helps me at times, so I'm not left alone with my thoughts. Anyway, let's check my e-mail. It's now working, perfect. See, if that was working fine a few moments ago I wouldn't feel awful now. Funny how certain decisions can affect things, what would have happened if I flipped a coin posing the question? What would have happened then? Argh! Oh well, I'll just add that to my ever-increasing "mistakes" list - never get a break. If I had a time machine I would certainly make numerous different decisions in my life.
Right-o, I see some support tickets have arrived in my e-mail from a few of our customers. I better deal with them. The day passes fairly quickly, just how I like it. Since it's Friday we finish earlier than normal. Time to go home.
I leave work and get in my car and head back to home. I'm still thinking about that comment. Come on, man - let it go, move on! I arrive home and I make myself something to eat. I look at what I've got in, hmmm... Ah, pizza - perfect thing to cheer me up. I cook it up and sit down on the sofa. I turn on the television, looking at the programme guide there isn't anything worth watching on. I then turn off the television, pointless having it on. While I'm eating my pizza I run through the events of the day in my head. I actually feel a little sad. Lady luck sure doesn't give much luck. I finish my meal and sit down to rest for a little bit, feeling a bit tired it's been a busy week. I'll close my eyes for a bit...
I feel the wind blowing against me, it's quite cool. In fact, I'm cold - I'm soaking wet. It's raining, I can hear a few distant rumbles of thunder along with the sound of heavy rain. I try to open my eyes, still I can only open them partially. I try to work out where I am with what little of my senses remain. I start to hear something: -
"We're here. Can somepony help me? He's had an accident."
Then I hear a sound of a trolley getting louder, then in a blink of an eye I'm on the trolley.
"Where... Where I am I?" "You're at A and E, we're taking you to bed so we can diagnose your injuries."
I try again to see what's going on. Can't make much out. I can see two white figures either side of me, I guess they are the orderlies, I can also see that familiar green, light-blue figure as well at the foot of the trolley.
"I can't see very well, my vision is blurry." "You've had a blow to head. You might be concussed."
Blow to head, I can't see things very well, I can't make sense of things - what on earth happened to me? The trolley then stops moving, I take it we're at my bed. The orderlies lift me and place me onto the bed.
"What happened to me?" I shout. "Argh!" I started to wail my arms as I momentarily lose control of myself. "Nurse, get the tranquiliser!" "What!? No! Arrghhhh!" I shout as the tranquiliser is administered. "Calm down, it's for your own good. You need to rest now." "Owww! Ugh... Where... Who... Meh..." I mutter as my muscles start to relax.
Now I'm starting to get really sleepy, as I fall asleep I see that green light-blue figure who brought me here at my bedside. Who are you? Thank you for getting me here. Hope you're there when I wake up so I thank you in person. Perhaps you can answer some questions for me.
As my eyes start to close I see weird colours forming patterns, I'm able to control them make them do what I want - form different shapes, move them around. A few moments later I fall under the drug induced sleep.
I open my eyes, I take a look around - I'm not in a hospital, I'm at home in my bed. I take a look at the clock it reads 11:57AM, what? Did I over sleep? I check the clock again now reads 27:99 PM. Okkkayyy. Wonder if I'm dreaming, I take a look at my hands to see if everything seems in order - it does, eight fingers and two thumbs. Hmmmm, let's see if I bend the rules of physics. I get out of bed then I try to lean on the wall - I fall straight through it. Well, well... I think I'm certainly dreaming here, better not get too excited otherwise I could wake up. I go over to the window and have a look outside. Well it ain't a window due to absence of glass. Very odd. I take look outside, my my, everything is different. There isn't a modern building out there! There's a huge castle which appears to be set in stone on a mountain side in the distance while nearby houses made from what appears to be stone and straw with a large forest connecting the two together. Where am I? I'm certainly not in my home town. I head out my house to take a better look outside, as I walk out my door there is a blinding white flash. When my eyes re-adjust to the surroundings I couldn't believe my eyes, my jaw dropped in surprise. It would appear that I've gone back in time, don't know what century to be precise. I look around and see knights in full armour riding on horses through the village. I manage to stop someone passing by.
"Excuse me, can you tell me where I am?" "Of course, my friend. You're on the outskirts of Camelot."
Woah. Camelot? As in King Arthur? That puts me around the 5th century. This is an interesting dream, never had one like this before. I decide to explore further but as I start walking I get side swiped by knight passing through on his horse at speed. I fell to ground and everything went black.
"It would appear he's suffered a minor blow to head, he's slightly concussed. He's also sprained his left wing, just needs to rest it for a while. Could have been a lot worse given where he fell from, he's very lucky. The tests have been sent to the lab, we should know more later." "Thanks doctor."
My head is starting to feel a little better, not great but certainly better. I open try to open my eyes... Yes, got them open. Just need them to focus now. I blink furiously as I try to get my pupils to focus with the bright light, after a few seconds my eyes focus. I can see perfectly!
This must be a dream, none of this makes sense. Come on alarm clock start to go off, it's usually around now you do this. I am dreaming, right? Right!? It would appear that isn't the case.
"You're awake!" "Yeah, I suppose I am."
The green light-blue figure who I couldn't work out isn't human, it's a pony who can talk.
"I was so worried about you." She said in a worried voice as she came across and nuzzled me. What's this now? I can't remember my name, where I am, or anything. I take a look at myself, I in a hospital robe. Wait, I'm also a pony - a light grey one. I've got hooves, not hands. A mane instead of hair on my head. This is one strangely vivid dream, I've never experienced one like this before.
"What's wrong? Why are you looking at yourself?" "I'm just looking." "You're lucky you didn't seriously hurt yourself after that fall." "Fall?" "Yes, don't you remember?" "No, I don't remember. I don't even know my own name, or who you are?"
She's then looks shocked and a little upset.
"I'm sorry, I've upset you haven't I?" "No no, the doctor said you're slightly concussed." "So, what's your name?" "My name is Lyra."
Finally, a name to a face!
"Hi, Lyra. Thanks for getting me to the hospital so fast." "No problem, I'll do anything for you. Especially ever since you saved my life."
Lyra then smiles at me.
"Saved your life?" "You don't remember do you?" "No I'm afraid I don't." "It's the day we first met and we became each others special somepony."
Woah, nellie! This is moving awfully fast. Argh! My head, need to take it easy - this is too much all at once. Better slow down.
"Are you okay? You look a little woosie." "My head doesn't feel quite right. I can't even remember my own name." "Don't worry, I'll help you remember everything. My dear Storm." "Storm? That's my name?" "Yes."
The doctor then comes into the room.
"Ah! I see you're now awake." "Doctor, my head hurts and I'm struggling with my memory." "Well that's perfectly normal, you hit your head when you fell onto the ground. You should start to remember everything in a day or so." "Can I leave the hospital?" "Not just yet as we're waiting on the results back from the x-rays. They're due soon." "Thank you, Doctor."
The doctor then leaves.
"Guess I'm here a little longer." "Don't worry, I'm here for you."
I blush a little bit. I'm not used to this.
"Thanks." "How's your wing feeling?" "Wing?" "Yes, you've got wings - you're a pegasus." "What!?"
I fling off the bed sheet with my hooves and their they are. Two wings, my left one is bandaged up.
"Be careful, you don't want to hurt yourself any more!"
I grab the bed sheet and put it back onto myself.
"Sorry, it's just that I can't really remember anything right now. Everything is just freaking me out at the moment." "Stop apologising, the doctor said you will get better soon." "Yeah, you're right." "Do you remember how you got your cutie mark?"
My cutie mark? I have a think for a moment... Nope, nothing.
"No I don't." "You got it just after you saved me."
I have another think about it... Still nothing. I look under the bed sheet and take a look at my cutie mark. It's looks like two snakes forming a plus symbol with a lightning bolt through the middle. Where have I seen those snakes before? They aren't green as you might expect one is blue and the other is yellow.
"Doesn't ring a bell, I'm afraid." "I guess I'll have to jog your memory when we get home." "Home?" "Of course, home. We live together."
Right, let's sum this up. Somehow got I injured which so far I've got no idea how and I think at this point that question doesn't need to be answered. Then Lyra brings me to hospital and she's my special somepony and we live together. This is some great dream I'm having here, I'm actually doing pretty well for myself here apart from the accident of course. Nothing like this ever happens to me in real life. This has to be a dream, nothing else can explain it.
The doctor then comes back, this time with an x-ray with him hovering in the air by his magic.
"Good news, nothing is broken. You can leave straight away." "Really!?" I shout. "Indeed, just ensure you get plenty of sleep and rest that wing for while. Before you know it you'll be back as yourself." "What about my memory? When will I remember everything again?" "It will improve in about a day or so, if not come back and we'll check it out in-case it's something more serious." "Thanks doctor." "Sign this discharge document for me would you?" "Sure."
I sign the document and the doctor then leaves.
"Well then, shall we getting going?" I say to Lyra. "Of course, I'll show you around Ponyville to see if helps with your memory." "That sounds great."
I remove the hospital robe then Lyra and I leave the hospital side by side.
"I'm going to love showing you around again." "Again?"
It's the morning, a beautiful bright day - not a single cloud in the sky. Lyra and I are just leaving the hospital when I hear a familiar voice shout out: -
"There you are!"
A blue pegasus then dashes from the sky in a rainbow coloured marquee straight in front of us. Wait, is that Rainbow Dash? Huh, I remember her name for some reason.
"I've been looking for you since last night, been wondering what happened to you. You haven't reported back to Cloudsdale." "Well, Rainbow - I've just left the hospital."
Rainbow then realises my wing is bandaged.
"Oh my celestia, are you okay?" "Yeah, just hurt my wing a little bit and I can't remember anything." "The doctor says he should get better soon." Lyra adds. "Do you know what happened to me, Rainbow? I don't why or where I fell from." "Really!? You don't remember!?" "That's what I just said." "Well, you was out on your weather monitoring patrol with the other pegasi last night during the thunderstorm then all of the sudden there was flash and then I lost sight of you. Perhaps you got struck by a lightning bolt?" "A lightning bolt? I would thought I would have sustained from more injuries if that was the case." "Could have been a near miss. But I did lose sight of you. Perhaps someone else saw you?" "Maybe, any ideas who?" "Someone on your team might know." "My team?" "Gotta dash, I need to get cloud clearing over in Canterlot. See you later!" "Wait! Argh!"
Rainbow Dash then zooms away towards Canterlot in a rainbow coloured blur. My team? Who is on my team? So many questions, I think I'll leave that one for later.
"Come on." I say to Lyra. "Let's see if anything can jog my memory, where are we going now?" I ask. "I think it would be best to show you around Ponyville first. Maybe we'll go to Sugarcube Corner for a cupcake or two." "Sounds like a plan to me."
Lyra and I then trot our way over to Sugarcube Corner. During our journey I look around to see if anything helps bring any kind of memory back. There's a library made from a large tree which what appears to be telescope on a balcony, wonder if someone lives there? Strange thing to have at a library. There's an owl perched outside one of the windows wearing what appears to be a bow tie, not sure if that's more unusual than the telescope. Before I know it we arrived at Sugarcube Corner. We enter and Mr and Mrs Cake are at the counter serving up a new batch of cupcakes. I can smell the aroma of freshly made baked goods. We head over to the counter.
Lyra then gives Mrs Cake two bits and then we collect the cupcakes.
"Oh my, what happened to you?" Mrs Cake questions looking at me. "I've had a little accident, just a sprained wing." I reply. "Yes, but you've also lost some of your memory." says Lyra. "I hope you get better soon." says Mrs Cake. "Don't worry, I'm going to help him remember everything." Lyra replies while giving me a little hug.
We then exit Sugarcube Corner while we have a bite of the cupcake. It's a bit awkward walking on three hooves, then again Lyra isn't having any trouble.
"You okay?" "Just finding it a bit awkward to eat this cupcake while walking." "Come on, we'll have the cupcakes at home." "Sure."
Lyra then puts the cupcakes into her saddle bag. She then takes me back to our house.
We arrive at the house and she opens the open with her magic. I let her in first then I enter. I look around and see a numerous photos on the wall, I take a closer look at one.
"Remember anything?" Lyra asks.
I look at the first photograph, it's Lyra and I think her friend - a light yellow pony with a blue and pink mane.
"That's you and your best friend." I say. "Yes, do you know her name?" She asks. "Errrr..." Come on brain, try to remember... Ah! "Yes, it's Bon Bon isn't it?" I ask. "Yes, that's right we've been friends since we were fillies. What about this picture?" She asks pointing to another picture.
The picture has both Lyra and I in it with two other ponies, one earth and the other a pegasus. The earth pony has a light brown coat and a dark brown mane while the pegasus has a grey coat and a blonde mane.
"Come on you know this." She says. "I do?" "Yes, they are your best friends. You've known them for quite some time."
I stared at the picture trying to remember.
"Hmmmm... That's Time Turner and... Derpy!" I shout. "Excellent, you're starting to remember! You first met Derpy in Cloudsdale, she is also in your team."
Ah! Well that's gives me one pony I can question about last night. I'll have to find Derpy later on and ask her, I've got other priorities to sort out first.
Lyra then walks over to the table and picks up a photograph which is in a frame shaped like a love heart and brings it over to me.
"Take a look at this one."
I have a look, it's Lyra and I with a young little filly - a pegasus. She's got light green coloured fur a few shades lighter than Lyra and a white mane, no cutie mark. Then another memory comes back.
"She, she's our daughter." "See, it's all coming back now."
I start to feel a bit emotional, a tear starts to roll down from my eye. I remember the day she was born at the infirmary a few years ago, I was there with her and I was so proud.
"What's wrong?" She says while she wipes the tear from my cheek. "I've... I'm a family pony. I've got my own family. We're a family." "Of course, we're all very happy." "What's her name?" "I let you name her, she's called Twister." "Twister. Where is she now?" "She's at school in Ms Cheerlie's class with the other students. She'll be home soon with a few of her friends."
Wow, I don't believe it. I've got a family, friends - this is so perfect, I can't believe my luck. This most be the most perfect dream I've ever had, but why hasn't it ended? But I don't want it end. Something seems different, just can't put my hoof on it... Let's keep on going while I can.
"I think you should have a little nap, you've taken a lot in." "You're telling me!"
I trot over to the sofa and lay down on it, Lyra also comes over and joins me.
"I'm glad you're starting to remember, but there's much more yet."
I then stretched out my right wing and place it over Lyra to comfort her, she looked at me and smiled - I smiled back. We then fell drifted off to sleep.
It's all black, what happened? Where am I? I open my eyes... I'm on the ground, outside.
"You sir, are you okay?"
I get up off the ground and onto my feet. Feet?! Now I'm human again - I must have woken up. Argh! Knew it was too good to be true.
"Yes, I'm fine." I say as I dust myself off. "I'm sorry but my stallion got startled by a strange flash. I think there's a sorcerer around - I'll investigate immediately, sir."
Stallion? Sorcerer? I take good look at my surroundings, I'm back in the outskirts of Camerlot - but I dreamt that when I was sedated at the hospital where I'm actually a pegasus. Huh? What's going on? This doesn't make sense. I look at myself, I'm in armour armed with a sword - guess I'm a knight of some kind. I notice the crest I'm wearing, three yellow lions on a dark red background. In fact, the knight who swiped me is also wearing the same crest - I think we're part of the same knighthood. Walking around is going to take ages, I need a horse.
"I need a stallion to get back to Camerlot." I ad lib. Hope this works... "Sir, take mine. I'll find another."
He surrenders his horse and I get on, we then gallop down the street and enter the forest.
I slowly open my eyes and I see Lyra lying next to me, she's awake looking at me.
"You've got beautiful blue eyes." Lyra says. I blush a little. "Thanks. You have lovely golden eyes." I say returning the compliment.
We smile at each other.
"How long were we asleep for?" "A few hours, how are you feeling?" "Better, thanks."
I start to lift my wing from Lyra.
"Please hold me for a bit longer." "Sure."
I then place my wing back on her.
"I was worried about you when you got hurt, I'm glad you're okay." "What was you doing outside during the storm?" "I heard a loud crack and a flash so I looked outside and I saw you on the ground so I ran out to see if you were okay." "Good job you did, I could have been there for ages before someone noticed. Does Twister know about what happened to me last night?" "No, I didn't want to upset her. Bon Bon watched her for me while I was with you at the hospital." "That's fine. I don't think she needs to know about it."
The front door then opens.
"Mum, dad. I'm home." It's Twister, she has come with her friends.
"How was school, dear?" Says Lyra. "It was awesome, Cloudburner got his cutie mark." "That's great, sweetie." Replies Lyra. "Wish I had my cutie mark." Twister says sadly. "Don't worry, that's why you're with us!" Shouts Apple Bloom as she comes through the door followed by Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.
Scootaloo looks over to Lyra and I and sees us cuddling.
"Ewwwww." She says. "Would you like a hug, Scootaloo?" Says Sweetie Belle? "No thanks!" "Are you sure?" Injects Apple Bloom. "Yes I'm sure! Come on, let's get crusading - no time to waste." Says Scootaloo. "Cutie Mark Crusaders, go!" Shouts all of the members of the CMC as they all leave. "Be careful." Lyra shouts. "We will." Twister replies as she closes the door.
"Well... That was quick." I say. Not sure what to make of that. "Don't worry she'll be back before you know it." "Want to continue my tour of Ponyville?" "Sure."
We both then get up and head out of the house.
"So where shall we start?" I say to Lyra. "I think it would be a good idea to remind you on how you got your cutie mark." "Sounds good, let's go."
As we trot towards our destination I see a familiar face from one of photographs, it's Time Turner.
"Hey, Time Turner." I shout. "Oh hey, Storm. How are you doing?" He replies. "Been better, took a little tumble yesterday." "What happened?" "Not quite sure, but I apparently fell onto the ground during my duties last night. My left wing is sprained and I'm suffering from a little memory loss."
Time Turner then looks a little worried almost suspicious.
"You don't know how it happened?" He questions in a slightly nervous tone. "No, I don't I'm afraid. Lyra is helping me get my memory back, piece by piece. She's doing well so far." "In that case, I won't keep you two much longer. I'll come by your house and see you later on. Goodbye."
He then leaves. Odd, seems like he didn't want to talk to me. Perhaps he's busy?
"So, where are we heading?" I ask Lyra. "We're going to the apple orchard." She says while pointing in the distance.
I have a look where Lyra is pointing and I can see acres of apples trees with two large buildings, one looks like a red barn and the other is an orange structure.
"Let's go." I say. We both head towards the orchard.
A few minutes later we arrive at the entrance of the apple orchard, I take a look around and I can see an orange pony bucking apples from the trees nearby. There's also a large fire-damaged tree which Lyra heads towards.
"Here we are." She says. "Does this ring any bells?"
I take a closer look at the tree, the fire was caused by a direct lightning strike. Looks like the bolt ripped straight through it and tore it to shreds. I rub one of my hooves on the bark of the tree, the bark crumbled off - I think it's dead. I then looked at Lyra.
"I remember!" I say to her as the memory comes flooding back: -
It's night time, the thunderstorm has arrived on time just as the pegasi from the weather factory said so.
"Come on, let's go!" I shout to my team members. Cloud Kicker, Derpy, Airheart, and I then take off from the ground. "This storm is going to a big one, we need to monitor it to ensure it doesn't get out of hand." I say to the others. "Why are we having such a big storm now?" Cloud Kicker asks. "There's some excess energy left over from the season, we need to use it all up before winter arrives. A thunderstorm is the best way to use it all up during summer." I answer. "Try not to land on any of these clouds, they are charged up more than your average storm cloud. Be careful." I add.
My team and I then stop to take look around. There's a lightning strike at least one a second more often twice per second - the storms intensity is rising, that wasn't intended.
"Airheart!" I shout. "Yes, Storm." She replies. "Get a message to Cloudsdale and tell them the storm is getting more intense, then return to me." I say. "Right away!" She says and then flies off. "What is that!?" Cloud Kicker shouts.
We all have a look and there's a funnel cloud starting to form on the south-west of Ponyville, that isn't possible. Only pegasi directly can create a tornado.
"That isn't good." I say. "How's that possible?" Airheart asks. "I don't know, but we don't have time to find out." I reply.
The winds start to get stronger and less stable, the rain is getting heavier - we're struggling to stay in the air.
"Woah! Derpy, get down there and warn the Mayor there's a tornado forming. We may need to evacuate or get under ground." I shout. "Okay." She says as she flies towards the town hall. "Airheart, stay close we need to keep an eye on that tornado." I say.
We start moving towards the forming tornado, the wind is picking up even more.
I then start to feel something, my fur starts to stand on end, my head starts to hurt. Then a bolt of lightning arcs across the sky in a magnificent display of cloud-to-cloud (CC) discharges. My head then stops hurting.
"Are you okay?" Airhearts asks. "Yeah... I'm fine." I say.
My head starts to hurt again.
"Argh!" I shout as I close my eyes. I open them back up, things seem a little different. Time seems to slow down, as I look over towards Town Hall a lightning bolt comes down and strikes the tower. Time then appeared to return to normal.
"You sure you're okay?" Airheart asks. "I'm not sure." I reply.
I take a look around, looks like Derpy has got the word out - ponies are evacuating and are heading for cover. Where would the best cover be around here? No-one in this part of town has a cellar or a basement. Ah! They'll be heading to Applejack's barn, she has a large cellar. Then it dawned on me, to get to the barn you have to go through the orchard - plenty of very tall trees, not a good place to be around in weather like this. Somepony could get hurt!
"Airheart, change of plan - I'm heading over to the orchard. You keep an eye on the tornado, let me know if it heads in my direction." I say. "No problem."
I then fly towards the orchard, the wind is really starting to pick up. I'm almost going backwards at times, this storm is far too intense something has gone wrong. As a battle through the wind I see Derpy who is also struggling.
"Derpy!" I shout. "Yeah?" She answers. "Come with me to the orchard, stay close."
We're almost at the orchard, I look back to where the funnel cloud was forming - thankfully, it hasn't reached the ground. My head starts to hurt, much worse than before. I closed my eyes for a second then I opened them. Time appeared to slow all the way down. I could see each individual raindrop falling in slow motion. It seemed almost peaceful. Then I see a streamer starting to form from one of the treetops near the entrance, I look at the bottom of the tree - No! There's somepony there running by, they could get hurt! There's no time to shout, I enter a nosedive towards the pony. As I dart towards the ground gaining speed I look up and see the streamer getting higher and brighter forming the leader stroke, the main strike is getting close. I start to gain even more speed, I've almost made it. I take another look up, the leader stroke has made it - the main strike is now starting to fall down. I've got fractions of a second left to make it.
"Arrrrggghhhhhhh!" I shout as I collide with the passing pony knocking them away from the tree.
*FLASH*
*BOOM*
The lightning bolt hits the tree with enormous force blowing it to hundreds of pieces as its insides were evaporated setting what's remaining on fire. I awoke a few moments later, time had returned to normal. I looked around for the pony who I saved, she was green unicorn who was unfortunately unconscious. I need to get to her to the hospital, it's too dangerous to fly her there. Where's Derpy? I can't see her.
"Derpy!?" I shout. "Where are you?" No reply.
I pick the green unicorn up and place her on my back, I then gallop my way to the hospital through the heavy rain and winds. I look round to see if I can see anyone from my team to get a message back to Cloudsdale but there isn't a single pegasus in the sky. I arrive at the hospital.
"Somepony help me, she needs help!" I shout as I burst through the emergency room door.
The orderlies spring into action and she is wheeled off to get taken care of, I follow close behind.
"What happened?" The doctor asks me. "She was trying to reach cover in the barn when a bolt of lightning was about to strike the tree she was passing. I managed to swoop down and get her out of the way." I reply. "Okay, fill these forms out and leave them at reception." "I'm not leaving her alone, I want to ensure she's fine." "Really, there's no need." "I insist." "Fine."
I stayed with her the whole night, I couldn't sleep. Just wanted to ensure she was okay. She woke up the following morning: -
"Huh? Where am I?" She questions. "You're at hospital, I brought you here." I reply. "Oh my celestia." She shouts. "I nearly got struck by lightning!" "Nearly indeed." "You... You saved me. Thank you so much, you're my hero." "Come on, I'm no hero. Just doing what anypony else would do." "Maybe your talent saved me, you've got a lightning bolt on your cutie mark." "My cutie mark?!" I shout. "I don't have one!"
I look at my flank and there it is - two snakes, one coloured blue and the other yellow forming a plus symbol with a lightning bolt through the centre. When did that appear?
"You must have got after you saved me." She says. "I guess so. So, what's your name?" I ask. "Lyra. What's your name?" "I'm Storm, Storm Force." I reply. "Nice to meet you, thanks for saving me." "Come on now." I say slightly embarrassed. I'm not used to getting compliments. "Say, I better get back to Cloudsdale and let them know what went on last night." "Don't go, stay here with me." She says as she grabs hold of one of my hooves.
I look into her lovely golden eyes while she looks back into mine.
"...Sure, I'll stay."
"I remember. I remember how I got my cutie mark." I say to Lyra as I looked at the charred remains of the tree. I turn to her and give her a hug and a little nuzzle. Another memory pops in my head, I'm going to purpose the question to Lyra on Hearts and Hooves day! Oh no, I can't remember where I put the ring! I think I've hidden it, don't worry there's still time - I've a got a couple of days to find it. Maybe Time Turner knows where I hid it? He's coming round later on, I'll ask him then. The sun begins to set.
"We better be heading back home." I say.
We started to head back to the house as the surroundings begin to turn into beautiful shades of red and orange. During our walk back Lyra spots Twister playing with Scootaloo, Lyra calls her over to join us on the walk home.
"Mum, can Scootaloo stay over tonight?" Twister asks. "Only if her parents say it's fine." Lyra responds. "Quick, go home and ask!" Twister says to Scootaloo. "Race you." Scootaloo says. "Ready.... Go!"
They both then zoom off. After a nice long slow walk we made it home.
"You can play for another half hour then it's time for bed." Lyra says to Twister and Scootaloo. "Okay." They both say as they dashed upstairs.
"What a day." I say to Lyra. "Yeah, I'm glad you're starting to remember." She replies. "Me too, it's all starting to come back piece by piece. But I still don't know what happened last night." "I'm sure you will either find out or remember, just give it time." "You're right." I say as I give a Lyra cuddle.
*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*
What is it about that door when I cuddle Lyra? I go to the door and open it.
"Oh, hi Time Turner." I say. "Hi Storm. Is now a good time to talk?" He says. "Sure, come in. Take a seat." I say as I let him in. "Hello Lyra." He says. "Hi Time Turner. Is Derpy with you?" She asks. "No she's in Cloudsdale at the moment, I'll be seeing her later on." He replies. "I've got that muffin recipe for her, I'll go get it before I forget." Lyra says, she then goes into the other room. "Thanks, Lyra. How have you been, Storm? I was in a little rush earlier." He says. "Not too bad I suppose, my memory is coming back. Lyra is helping me out, she's really helping." "How's your wing?" "A bit sore but I should be able to fly again soon. How are you doing?" I ask. "I'm doing fine, thanks." "Say... Can I ask you something?" I question. "Of course." "I've been have some strange dreams over the last few nights." "Oh?" "There's one I had when I got sedated at the hospital after taking last nights tumble - I dreamt that I was some kind of being, I wasn't a pony. I was in a foreign land which kind of looked like Equestria in some way but... Different." "Different?" "Yeah, it's hard to explain. I just don't understand, I know dreams don't always have to make sense but these last few recently seem more unusual than the others." "I wouldn't think anymore about it, they're just dreams."
*CRASH*
That came from upstairs. Lyra comes back into the room.
"I'll go check up on them." She says as she heads upstairs to check on Twister and Scootaloo. "Okay." I say. "It's getting late, I better be heading back." "No problem my friend. I'll see you later. Oh, wait!" I shout. "Yeah?" "I can't remember where I hid the ring." I whisper. "Oh, you asked me to look after it. It's in the Tar... Ta... Errrrr, teapot - yeah, I've hidden it in one my teapots." I look at him a little strangely. "The teapot?" I question. Wait, did he say one of his teapots? How many does he have? "Yeah, why not?" "That's fine, as long as you don't drink it!" I say while laughing. "Ha ha." He chuckles nervously. "Anyway, best be off - see you later." "See you later." I say.
He then leaves and heads back to his house, I decide to hit the hay myself so I head to the bedroom. Lyra has tucked in both Twister and Scootaloo and is now also going to bed. I walk over to the mirror on the wall and take a look at myself. I don't think I want that bandage on anymore, I removed it and give my wing a little stretch. Bit stiff but certainly better, I dispose of the bandage in the bin near the window - don't think I'll be needing them any longer. As I looked up from the bin I see Time Turner just going in to his house...
"Tardis journal entry: 161940371-C Delta
It would appear that an experiment myself and my assistant was doing last night during the thunderstorm had a side effect. We were testing the new quantum jump drive which allows us to jump between different dimensions or timelines when it appeared to malfunction. We turned on the drive and set the coordinates for the dimension we required but after a few seconds the drive exploded hurling the Tardis to the ground - the drive is severely damaged but repairable. I'm not sure if the drive suffered damaged from the unusual amount of static electricity that was occurring during the time. However, my best friend got caught in the shockwave from the explosion - this unfortunately knocked him out in mid-flight and he hit the ground. Thankfully he's okay and only suffered a slight concussion and memory loss. I should have known better then to do the jump in that region during the thunderstorm especially since the drive has never been tested before - he's always out in thunderstorms performing his duties for Cloudsdale and of course for the whole of Equestria. His ability from which is what his cutie mark is from, is very unique. He's able to detect where a bolt of lightning with very high accuracy within a fraction of second before it strikes. No other pony I know has this ability, his cutie mark is made from two snakes and a lightning bolt. I can see why the lightning bolt is there but I'm not sure about the snakes, I've seen a yellow snake before but not a blue one - very strange. Using this ability is how he met his special somepony, Lyra, which he's told me he intends to marry very soon, he's asked me to be his best man. He intends to propose the question on Hearts and Hooves day, which is in two days time. He's going to propose the question while at the apple orchard with all his friends there.
I find the memory loss my friend suffers from a little unusual. I've spoke to him and he says he couldn't remember anything about himself or others straight after the accident but could recall those memories if given a strong visual reference. He's told me that he had a some strange dreams recently, I'm not sure they are related to the accident. They include being on a different planet which resembles Earth but he isn't a pony but couldn't describe what he was. The only explanation for this I can come up with it that somehow the quantum jump drive when it malfunctioned merged two or more timelines together, twisted perhaps causing his being able to move and maybe even exist between them.
I am sorry about the accident. But now I'm faced with a decision whether to tell him or to keep things secret preventing further damage to himself and everyone he's connected to. He doesn't even know that I'm a timelord or even who I really am, so I would have to explain everything to him. I think for now the best thing to do is to not tell him that I'm responsible for the accident, at least until I find out more about what's going on. I will continue repairing the drive and then I'll see if I can work out what's going on for certain.
DW." "I've brought you a muffin - it's a new recipe. Oh, you look a little troubled." "Thanks Derpy, I'm just filling in the journal nothing to worry about."
I've been working on the repairs to the quantum jump drive for the last 12 hours, it's almost morning now. I should have it completed in a few hours. I can't test the drive until nightfall, don't want to cause too much attention especially after the incident. I will ask Derpy to try and keep out of Storm's sight for now as I'm sure he'll be asking everyone about his accident. I can only hope he doesn't remember, not until I've worked everything out.
DW." "What does this quantum jump drive do?" Derpy asks. "It allows the Tardis to jump between different timelines or dimensions where as at the moment we can only travel through time on the same timeline we're on now." Doctor Whooves replies. "Timelines?" questions Derpy. "There's a theory were there's a universe where each possibility has been played out. It's called the Multiverse Theory. For example, they could be universe were Ponyville was not founded or was founded by somepony else. The differences can be very small or extremely large, all we know is that there is an infinite number of universes and no two universes are exactly the same. Plenty of places we can explore." "Sounds like fun." "Yes it does but we do need to be careful as we can alter the different timelines by our actions - I believe we may have twisted a few timelines together from the first test. That's why I need to get the drive working so I can begin fix it." "How long before we test it?" "A few more hours. Before I forget, I need you to stay out of Storm's sight for a while - he'll be asking questions about the accident. Ensure he doesn't find you." "No problem, I'll hide in Cloudsdale." "I wouldn't go there, that's probably the first place he'll check." "Where should I go?" "Hmmm... I know, head over to Manechester until nightfall. I don't think he will look there for you." "Okay, I'll set off now." "Be sure to be back before midnight, the drive should be ready for testing by then."
"I bet I can jump from the top of this cupboard, glide down and then land on top of that table with my eyes closed." Scootaloo says to Twister. "Bet you can't!" Twister says. "Oh yeah? Watch this."
*CRASH*
"Argh!" I shout as I wake up at the same time as Lyra. "What was that?" "It came from downstairs." Lyra says. "I'll go and check." I say.
I get out of bed and I take look into Twister's room, she's not not there. Neither is Scootaloo. I think this has something to do with them. I head down the stairs and see that the small table in the living room is broken. I trot over to the pair who are sat next to the broken table.
"Well then, who broke this then?" I say to them both rather like an old English policeman. "It was me, Storm. I'm sorry." Scootaloo says sadly. "Are you okay? You haven't hurt yourself have you?" I ask. "No I'm fine." She replies. "How did you break it?" I ask Scootaloo. "I betted Twister could jump from the top of that cupboard and land on the table." "Sigh. Don't worry about it, just be more careful next time. Go on you two, get ready for school." I say.
They both then head back upstairs while I take care of the table placing the broken bits into a bag. Heh, who needs alarm clocks when you've got fillies doing crazy things in the morning?
I head back upstairs as well to check on them, they're packing their saddlebags. I then trot back into the bedroom.
"What happened?" Lyra asks. "Scootaloo broke the table downstairs." I reply. "Is she okay?" "Yes she's fine. Scootaloo still can't fly properly, wonder when she will?" I question. "Speaking of flying, I see you have removed the bandages - I take it you're going to try and fly yourself now?" Lyra questions. "Yeah, I'm going to head up to Cloudsdale after taking Twister and Scootaloo to school." I answer. "I thought you would do, I'm popping out myself today. Bon Bon and I are going to the spa." "I better get going, you both have fun." "You too." Lyra says while gives me a little nuzzle. "Twister, Scootaloo - let's go!" I shout. "Bye, mum." Twister shouts. "Bye!" Scootaloo adds. "See you later." Lyra replies.
Twister, Scootaloo and myself then head out of the house.
As we start walking towards the school I see Twilight trotting along with a book in front of her. Maybe I should ask her a few questions? Sure, why not? I call her over.
"Hey, Twilight!" I shout. "Oh hey, Storm." Says Twilight as trots over us. "I heard about the accident the other night, are you okay?" "Yes I'm fine, thanks for asking." I reply. "I was going to come over and see if you needed my memory spell to help you out." "That's kind of you, Twilight but I'm doing fine. Everything is pretty much back to normal." "Glad to hear it." She smiles. "I better get going, got to get them to school." I say as I look over at Twister and Scootaloo - they give Twilight a smile. "Okay then, see you later." Twilight says. "Oh, Twilight." I say. "Yes?" "Who did you hear about the accident from?" I ask. "Fluttershy told me." Twilight replied. "Fluttershy, I best go see her when I'm at Cloudsdale." "Cloudsdale?" Twilight questions in a strange tone. "Err, yes?" "You won't find her there." "Really?" I ask. "She lives in the cottage in Ponyville. Are you sure you don't need me to cast the memory spell for you?" "No no, I'm fine. Just a few things are still a little hazy, I'll be fine." "Let me know if you change your mind." Twilight says as she trots off. "No problem." I say.
Hmmm, why doesn't Fluttershy live in Cloudsdale with the other pegasi? Of course, she looks after the animals at her cottage - suppose the majority of animals live on the land rather than the sky, makes sense really.
"Dad, we're going to be late." Twister says to me. "Come on, I'll race you both to the school - no flying though." I say thinking of Scootaloo.
We all then run all the way to school. As we approach I slow down to let one of the fillies beat me.
"Ah-ha! Getting tired are we?" Scootaloo says as she takes the lead. "Quick, we're nearly there!" Twister shouts. "Yes! Beat you all!" Says Scootaloo as she makes it to the school grounds first followed by Twister and then shortly myself. "That was fun." Twister says. "There you are, we were wondering where you was." Sweetie Belle says as she came running across the playground towards us with Apple Bloom behind her. "Come on, don't want to keep Ms Cheerilee waiting." says Apple Bloom. "See you later." Twister says. "Have fun." I say as they all go into school.
Right then, I better head to Cloudsdale to have chat with Derpy to see if she know anything about the other night. I take a look up at Cloudsdale in the sky and see numerous other pegasi heading towards there. I stretch out my wings, lick my lips and then start to flap my wings slowly at first. My wings feel fine so I start to flap faster and I then start to take flight, looks like I can remember how to fly. As I head up towards Cloudsdale I take a little look down. I start to feel a little queasy.
"I see you're back in action." Says a familiar voice from behind me, I turn around and I see it's Rainbow Dash.
"You okay? You look a little uneasy." She asks. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just feels like I haven't flown in a while." I say. "It's only been a couple of days." Rainbow Dash says. "Feels longer for some reason." I reply. "Sorry for rushing off earlier, I had a few things to sort out." "Don't worry about it. Have you seen Derpy today?" I ask Rainbow Dash. "Not yet, why?" She questions. "I just need to ask her some questions about the night of the accident." "Well, she might be in Cloudsdale - is that where you're heading?" She asks. "Certainly am." I reply. "Let's go then."
Rainbow Dash and I then start flying towards Cloudsdale. After a minute or so Rainbow starts to get ahead of me, I don't seem to be as fast as her.
"Hey! What's wrong?" Says Rainbow Dash while she flies back towards me. "I'm just taking it easy with my wing." I say. "Don't worry, you'll be able to keep up with me soon." "Surely you're the fastest pony around here, Rainbow?" I say. She blushes a little. "Yeah, you're right." She answers. I think I caught her off guard with that comment, I better change the subject. "Come on, let's keep on going." I say.
We continue flying and shortly afterwards we arrive at Cloudsdale. Rainbow Dash lands first rather gracefully, while I land rather more softly - kind of shy if you will. Feels like I've never walked on clouds before.
"Huh." Says Rainbow. "What?" I ask. "You seemed a little nervous then when you landed." "It just felt... Well, odd." I say. "Odd? But you're a pegasus, you land on clouds all the time." Rainbow Dash says to me while looking a little puzzled. "I think it's my memory, it's a little fuzzy still in places but it will get better." "Hmmm, maybe Twilight can help you out? Maybe there is a spell she can use." Says Rainbow. "Actually, I spoke to Twilight earlier this morning. She offered to use the memory spell on me if I needed it." "That's okay then." Replies Rainbow while looking a little happier. "I best find Derpy." I say. "I need to ask her a few questions." "You best do that a little later on." "Why's that?" I ask. "You haven't reported back yet." "Oh yeah." I say. "Where do I go?" I ask. "The weather factory." Rainbow answers. "Errr..." I say looking a little confused as I don't remember where it is. "Sigh. You don't remember where it is, do you?" "Yeah, you're right Rainbow." "I really think you should let Twilight cast the memory spell for you." Says Rainbow Dash. "I'm fine. As I said before it's all coming back piece by piece." "Come on, I'll show you where it is. Perhaps it will help you remember." She says. "Lyra was helping me with my memory yesterday. She made me remember quite a few things." "That's good. Shame she isn't a pegasus then she could help you here in Cloudsdale with your memory." "It is a shame, she would love to see what goes on up here." I say to Rainbow Dash. "Hey, I've got an idea. Won't don't you ask Twilight to teach her spell which allows her to walk on clouds? She's done it before." "That's a great idea! I'll have to find her again later on and ask her. Why didn't I think of that earlier?" I question. "No idea. Come on, I better show where the weather factory is."
Rainbow Dash starts trotting off towards a large building, I follow her.
We arrive at a flight of stairs which led up to a set of large doors. We fly over the stairs to the door and land. Wonder why the stairs are even there? Rainbow Dash then opens the doors to the weather factory. I take a look inside - the room contains numerous tanks for storing the final product of the weather which in this case appears to be snowflakes. There are also lines of other ponies in laboratory coats creating and checking each individual snowflake with microscopes. Looks like some serious business.
"This is the snowflake section of the factory. Try not to flap your wings around too much in here otherwise the snowflakes will start spreading all over the floor." Rainbow says. "Didn't something like that happen before? I seem to remember something." I say. "Can you remember what happened? I was here with all the others." "Hmmm..." I say while trying to see if something comes back. "Ah! It was Rarity wasn't it? Twilight used a spell to give her wings for a little while." I say. "Hey! You remembered. Yes, she caused a little trouble in here before." says Rainbow Dash. "So who do I need to see?" I ask. "The general manager - he's called Sunburst. He'll be around here somewhere." Says Rainbow while looking around. "What do I tell him?" "About how the thunderstorm was acting last night, of course." Rainbow replies. "Ah, well... I don't recall that part of my memory yet." "Oh. Just tell him him that then, I'm sure he'll understand given the accident." "I suppose you're right." I say to Rainbow. "There he is!" She says while pointing to the other side of the factory. We start trotting over towards Sunburst.
"Hello, Rainbow Dash. How are you today?" Says Sunburst as he turns to look at Rainbow Dash while holding a clipboard. "I'm fine, thanks. I've brought Storm over so he can give you the report." Rainbow says to Sunburst. "Brought?" Sunburst questions looking a little puzzled. "You didn't hear about the accident Storm was in?" She questions. "No, I didn't - everyone except Derpy has come in today but no-one mentioned it." "Derpy hasn't come in?" I question. "Well, not so far but we're expecting her." Sunburst answers. "That's good as I need to ask her a few questions about the accident." I say. "What happened?" Questions Sunburst. "Well during my patrol I was hit by something and I fell to the ground." "What hit you? Wasn't a lightning bolt was it?" "No, it was something else. Can't explain it. Anyway, I was in hospital for a little while with an injured wing and suffered memory loss." "Are you okay?" Questions Sunburst. "I'm not 100% myself as not all of my memories have returned but they are coming back slowly." "Can you remember anything else about that night?" "No, I'm afraid not. It's still a little hazy that night." I say looking a little perplexed.
Sunburst writes something down onto the clipboard.
"That's fine, I'll pass this onto my boss and let him know. She likes to know what goes on." Sunburst says. "Anything else you need to know?" I ask. "Nope, that's it for now. You're free to do anything you want now, there isn't any thunderstorms planned for the next week or so. Looks like you've got a little break." He says. "Excellent." I say looking happier. "If you get bored there's always odd jobs that you could help out with." Sunburst says. "Ha ha. Sure, if you need the help then I'll be glad to help you out." I say. "Okay then, I best be getting on. I'll see you both later." Sunburst says while trotting away from us. "See you." Rainbow says. "See you later." I add.
"Well, that went better than I expected." I say to Rainbow Dash. "How so?" She questions. "I thought I would, well... Get in trouble for not remembering anything about that night and therefore didn't do my job correctly for Cloudsdale." I answer. "I wouldn't worry about it, under the circumstances I'm sure they understand." "Suppose you're right." "What would you like to do now?" Rainbow questions. "I think I should find Derpy." "Would you like any help?" "That would be great." I answer. "Where should we look for her?" I question. "Hmmm, good question. All we know is that she hasn't come in to Cloudsdale yet so I suppose we could look outside for her." "Good idea. Come on, let's go." I say.
We both then trot our way outside the factory closing the huge door behind us. I take a look around and start to realise that "outside" is a very large place to look for someone, especially since Cloudsdale alone is vast and has hundreds of places she could be.
"Errr, can you be a bit more specific on where outside she could be?" I questioned Rainbow Dash. "Yeah..." Answers Rainbow realising what a task this would be. "I don't know where to start." She adds. "Perhaps we could ask other ponies to help look out for her?" "Who? It would take too long to ask everypony." Rainbow answers. "You're right, we need to think more logically. Where would Derpy be at this moment if she's in Cloudsdale?" "Maybe she is with your other team members?" "You're full of good ideas today, Rainbow!" I say. "I know where they would be at this time, they'll be at the training centre." Rainbow says. "Perfect, let's go."
Rainbow Dash then flies off, I follow close behind. We arrive at the training centre a few minutes later and immediately I spot them.
"There they are!" I say to Rainbow Dash.
She gives me a nod and we need head down to see them. Rainbow lands first on the training ground which is entirely made of clouds, I then land.
"Hey, Storm." Cloud Kicker shouts while flying over to me. "Hi." I say. "You here to train up? We're trying to get our wingpower up especially since that last storm." She says. "I'm not here to train but I am here to ask about that storm." I say. "It was quite a bad one wasn't it? We lost you entirely that night." Cloud Kicker says. "Didn't you try to find me?" I ask. "We couldn't, we we're having other problems." "What happened?" I ask. "There wasn't just normal lightning being created in that storm, they were reports of strange flashes of light which weren't coming from the storm." Cloud Kicker answered. "Where about was this happening?" "On the south side of Ponyville, in fact - in the same region as your house." "How odd." I say. "After the flashing there was an explosion." "I got caught up in that explosion, I fell to the ground." I say to Cloud Kicker. "Oh my celestia! Are you okay?" She says looking worried. "I'm doing okay at the moment, I was in hospital for a little while." I answer. "You weren't the only one caught up that explosion." She says. "Oh?" I say. Rainbow Dash comes over. "Your new member of the team. She only joined us the day before, she was transferred." Says Cloud Kicker. "What's her name?" I ask. "I thought you know that." "I've been having problems with my memory." I say. "She's called Cloudchaser. She has also been having some memory issues as well." She answers. "Where is she?" I question. "She isn't here in Cloudsdale, she was in the hospital but she's out now at home for a few days - didn't you see her while you was at the hospital?" "No, I didn't." "I would maybe go and see her. She may know more about that night since she was with you that night." Cloud Kicker says. "Fair enough, I'll leave you to it." I say. "Okay, come back if you have any more questions." She says. "I do have one." I say. "Yes?" "Do you know where Derpy is?" I ask. "No idea, she just disappeared that night as well. We thought she got caught in that explosion but Time Turner sent a message to let us know she was fine." Cloud Kicker answers. "Why would he do that?" I ask. "Beats me. But she hasn't been to Cloudsdale since that night. I would assume she might still be in shock and she's taking some time off." "Hmmm, this is getting strange." I say. "Was anypony else caught in it?" I ask. "Nope, just you two." Cloud Kicker answers. "How did she get taken to the hospital?" I ask. "Don't know. How did you get there?" She questions. "Lyra found me on the ground and took me. I would have thought Lyra would have taken Cloudchaser as well if she saw her." I answered. "The explosion was quite large, maybe it threw her in a different direction?" "Perhaps, but I best go and see her and ask her myself." "No problem, see you later." Cloud Kicker says. "Don't train too hard." I say.
Cloud Kicker then flies back to the others.
"This is getting ridiculous." I say to Rainbow Dash. "It is a bit strange that Derpy hasn't come back yet, maybe she is at home?" Questions Dashie. "Everyone seems to be at home at the moment, but I think we should see Cloudchaser first. Where does she live? In Cloudsdale?" I ask. "Nope, she lives in Ponyville. Not every pegasi lives up here you know." Rainbow answers. "That's fine, let's head there then." "But I don't know where she lives." "Cloud Kicker!" I shout. Rainbow starts to cringe with the volume of my voice. "...Yeah?" She shouts from a distance. "Do you know where Cloudchaser lives?" I shout back. "Of course, she lives next door to the spa in Ponyville." Cloud Kicker shouts. "Thank you!" I shout. "You're welcome!" She shouts back. "There we go." I say to Rainbow Dash. "Problem solved." "Couldn't you just have flown over to ask her rather than use the 'Royal Canterlot' voice?" Rainbow questions. "I could have done, I suppose." "Let's head to the spa then." "Lyra should be at the spa with Bon Bon, she said she was going today." I say. "Come on, let's head down there then." Says Rainbow.
We both then make our way back to Ponyville.
*GONG* *GONG* *GONG* Strikes the clock tower at town hall indicating it's now 3PM.
"3PM already!" I say to Rainbow Dash as we land outside the spa. "Time sure flies when you're, well... Flying." She says. "Oh, you!" I say to her with a little grin.
Lyra and Bon Bon then come out of the spa.
"Oh hi, Storm." Lyra says while giving me a little nuzzle. "Did you find what you needed at Cloudsdale?" She questions. "Almost, I need to see Cloudchaser - she lives next door to the spa." I answer. "Yes, in that house there." She says while pointing to it. "Lyra, about the night of the accident." I say. "What about it?" "Was they anypony else nearby before you took me to the hospital?" I ask. "No, just you. Why?" Lyra asks. "Apparently, Cloudchaser got caught up in the explosion as well." I answered. "Oh my! Is she okay?" Says Lyra looking shocked. I don't think she knew about Cloudchaser. "We think so but that's why I've come to see her. She may know more about what went on that night."
Rainbow Dash starts to look at Bon Bon's cutie mark.
"What's wrong? Is there something on my flank?" Bon Bon asks Rainbow. "You're cutie mark is making me hungry." She answers. "Well, when you're done at Cloudchaser's why don't we all go out for something nice to eat." Says Lyra. "Sounds like a plan to me." I say. "That does sound good." Says Rainbow Dash. "It's settled then. We'll see you in a while." Lyra says. "See you later." I say.
Lyra and Bon Bon then head back to our house.
"Right, let's see Cloudchaser." I say.
We both then trot over to Cloudchaser's house next to the spa. I knock on the door.
*KNOCK* *KNOCK* The door opens slightly.
"Hello?" Says a quiet voice. "Cloudchaser? It's me, Storm." I say. "I need to ask you about the other night."
The door then slams shut.
"What the hay?" I say to Rainbow looking confused.
I knock on the door again. *KNOCK* *KNOCK*
"Cloudchaser, is something wrong?" I ask. "Go away!" Cloudchaser shouts. "What happened? Let me in and we can talk about it." I say. "No!"
Rainbow Dash then knocks on the door more firmly than I did. *KNOCK!* *KNOCK!* *KNOCK!*
"Come on, let us in." Rainbow Dash shouts.
No answer.
"Right." Rainbow says. She turns around and starts to buck the door.
*BUCK*
"Rainbow! Stop that!" I say to her. "We need answers and she's not telling us. Come on, Cloudchaser! Don't make me get Applejack to buck this door down!" Shouts Rainbow. *BUCK*
The door then opens up fully, Rainbow stops bucking the door. Cloudchaser then comes into doorway looking rather sad and down.
"What's the matter?" I ask. Something is upsetting her. "I... It's... Just so... Sad... Confusing..." She says then starts to cry. "Woah come on, tell me about it inside." I say trying to comfort her.
We all then entered Cloudchasers home.
"What's going on? Cloud Kicker says you're off for few days." Rainbow Dash says to Cloudchaser.
Cloudchaser wipes the tears away from her eyes.
"It's just since... That night. I've been having the most strangest dreams." "What about?" I ask. "It's hard to explain but... I keep having dreams about somepony who isn't a pony." Cloudchaser answers. "Not a pony? Then what?" I question. "Don't know, some kind of creature but was living just like us... It was just so... S-Sc-Scary."
I start to have a think about it, why does that seem familiar? Did I dream that as well? I'm not sure.
"Then I was in a large forest, I was lost. I was galloping around trying to find a way out but I couldn't. It's like a nightmare!" Cloudchaser says while beginning to start crying again. "It's okay. It's just a dream, they don't mean anything. Dreams can't hurt you." I say trying to comfort her. Wait, a large forest - where have I heard that before? I'm not thinking of the Everfree Forest. "So this started after that night?" Rainbow Dash asks. "Ye... Yes." She answers. "What do you remember about that night?" I ask. "Not a lot. The last thing I remember was we was flying side by side then all of the sudden there was huge flash and an explosion then everything went dark. I thought we got stroke by lightning. When I woke up I was in hospital, I have no idea who took me there. By the time I woke up I remembered about you, I asked the doctor if you were admitted as well but he said you've already been discharged earlier that morning." Says Cloudchaser. "Hmmm, you just missed me then. I had no idea until today that you were with me at the time - my memory hasn't been good neither. Otherwise I would have come and seen you earlier." I say. "Don't worry about it. After the doctor left I feel asleep, that's when these strange dreams began." "This might sound odd to you but for some reason, those dreams you've been having sound familiar to me." I say to Cloudchaser. "How so?" She questions. "Well, I had a dream where I was some kind of being and there was also a forest." I answered. "You think this is somehow related?" "I think is it, seems too much of a coincidence." "What can we do about it?" Cloudchaser questions. "I'm not sure." I answer. "Why's not see Princess Luna, she helps ponies with there dreams." Says Rainbow Dash. "Brilliant idea, Rainbow!" I say. "What's the best way to contact Princess Luna?" I question. "I would go and see Twilight, she can send a letter to the Princess." Rainbow answers. "Perfect. We best head there." "But I thought we were going out for something to eat?" Rainbow questions. "Ah yes... Tell you what, we'll go for a bite to eat with everyone then we'll head to Twilight's on the way back." I answer. "You can come with us as well, Cloudchaser." "That's sounds nice, thank you." Cloudchaser says looking happier. "Let's head back to my place, everyone is waiting for us." I say.
Rainbow Dash, Cloudchaser, and myself then head back to my house. I enter the house first.
"Lyra, Twister. I'm back." I say as enter through the door. "Daddy!" Calls Twister as trots over to me and gives me a hug. "Hello, sweetie. Have you had a nice day at school?" I ask. "Yeah! We're starting to make cards for Hearts and Hooves day." She answers.
Oh my celestia! I just remembered, I need to get the ring from Time Turner. It's Hearts and Hooves day the day after tomorrow, I must remember to pop by his house after we've been to see Twilight.
"What's wrong?" Twister asks. "Nothing, nothing. That's great. Are you ready to go for something to eat?" I question. "Yes." "Okay then. Lyr." I say while getting cut short mid sentence. "We're here." Lyra says while giving me the usual nuzzle. Bon Bon is stood next to her. "Ah, looks like everyone is ready." I say. "Hi Cloudchaser. Will you be joining us?" Questions Lyra. "Yes, if that's okay with you." says Cloudchaser. "That's fine, the more the merrier." Says Lyra. "Where should we go?" Bon Bon asks. "How about the Pegasus Profiterole? They do the best desserts there." Rainbow suggests.
Everyone looks back at her with a strange look.
"Aren't you forgetting something, Rainbow?" Lyra questions. "Errr..." Rainbow says. I wave my wing at her to give her a clue. "...Oh yeah, how silly of me." "What about Hay Haven?" Bon Bon suggests. "That's fine with me." I say. "Fine." Says Lyra. "Yeah." Twister says. "Sounds good." Cloudchaser says. "Okay." Rainbow adds. "Let's go. Bon Bon, lead the way!" I say knowing that I don't remember where it is.
Lyra, Twister, Bon Bon, Cloudchaser, Rainbow Dash, and myself then leave the house following Bon Bon to the restaurant Hay Haven. Who names these places anyway? Although the Pegasus Profiterole sounds more appetising to me.
Later after a short trot we all arrive at the restaurant and have a nice meal. We all leave the place after a few hours, much to my surprise when we exited everything was dark...
"What the hay?" I say. "It was daylight when we went in, I didn't think we went in for that long." "We've been there for ages, what time is?" Lyra asks. "Only 7PM." Bon Bon answers. "7PM!? We need to get to Twilight's before it's gets too late." I say to Rainbow Dash and Cloudchaser. "Why do you need to go and see Twilight for?" Questions Lyra. "We need to send a letter to Princess Luna, we thought it would be best if we went to see Twilight so Spike can send it directly." Rainbow Dash answered. "Why Princess Luna?" Lyra questions. "It's about the dreams we've been having since that incident." I answer. "Do you think she can help?" Questions Lyra. "It's the only thing we've got at the moment." I answered. "Do you want to come with us?" I question. "No it's okay, I better be getting Twister to bed." Says Lyra. "Okay doky." I say. "I best be getting back myself, I'll see you tomorrow morning Lyra." says Bon Bon. "No problem, see you later." Lyra says to Bon Bon. "Bye." I say. "Bye bye." Rainbow Dash and Cloudchaser say in unison. "Bye!" Twister says. "Let's get you home then. Will I see you in a little bit then?" Questions Lyra. "Yes, I don't think we'll be too long." I answer. "Okay then." Says Lyra.
Lyra and Twister then head back to my house.
"Come on, we best be getting to Twilight's before it gets too late." I say.
Rainbow Dash, Cloudchaser, and I then head to Twilight's house. I take a look at the house, well tree and I can see some of the lights are still on. Looks like she's home, I knock on the door.
*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*
Spike answers the door.
"Hello guys, how are you this evening?" Says Spike. "We're doing okay, Spike. Hope you're well." I say. "I'm great, thanks. What can I help you with?" Questions Spike. "I would like to see Twilight, well... Both of you really. There's something I would like to ask you both." I answer. "Oh, I best get her then - she's in the study. Come on in, I'll tell her you're here." Spike says.
We then enter Twilight's home. Spike goes off to fetch Twilight.
"Hi Rainbow, Cloudchaser, and Storm. Spike tells me you want to ask us something?" Questions Twilight entering the room with Spike. "That's correct, Twilight. As you know I've been have trouble with my memory, well it appears that Cloudchaser is also suffering from the same issue." I answer. "Do you want me to use the memory spell for you both?" She questions. "No thanks, that's not why we're here." I answer. "Oh?" Questions Twilight. "Cloudchaser and I have been having some weird dreams since the accident, she was also with me at the time. I believe that this isn't a coincidence and I was wondering if we could send a letter to Princess Luna asking if she could help us out." I say to Twilight. "I don't think that would be a problem. Spike, prepare a letter." Twilight says.
Spike fetches a scroll and a quill.
"Ready, what would you like to send?" Questions Spike. "Dear Princess Luna,
My apologies for this unexpected letter. My name is Storm Force, I'm writing via Twilight Sparkle asking if you can help me and another pony, Cloudchaser.
The other night Cloudchaser and I was performing our duties for Cloudsdale when something unexpected happened - there was a flash and an explosion. We both fell to the ground and ended up in hospital, we're doing fine apart from one thing we both seem to be suffering from. We appear to be having shared dreams, this started after the incident.
We're wondering if you can help find out why this is happening to us. We don't know what caused the explosion so we're hoping you might be able to help us by coming in to our dreams and see if you can figure out what's going on.
I look forward to your response.
Regards,
Storm Force and Cloudchaser." I quote to Spike. "Anything else?" Spike questions. "That's it." I answer. "Okay, Spike. Send it." Twilight says.
Spike goes over the window and opens it and sends it on it's way with a green-flamed breath.
"Done." Says Spike. "When do you think Princess Luna will reply?" I ask Twilight. "I think she will answer as soon as she can." She answers. "Right then, will you let me know when she replies?" I ask. "Sure, no problem." Says Twilight. "Okay then, I better be heading home. Lyra is expecting me. Thank you both for doing this for me." I say to Twilight and Spike. "Any time. I'll see you all later." Twilight says.
Rainbow Dash, Cloudchaser, and I then leave Twilight's home.
"I better be heading back home myself." Rainbow Dash says while stretching her hooves out. "Okay Rainbow. I'll see you tomorrow. Thanks for helping me out earlier." I say. "No problem. See you tomorrow. See you, Cloudchaser." says Rainbow Dash. "Bye." Says Cloudchaser. "Thanks for the meal." Rainbow says. "No problem, Rainbow." I say.
Rainbow Dash then zooms off towards Cloudsdale.
"Right then, I'll take you back home then I've got to go and see Time Turner." I say to Cloudchaser. "That's okay, I'll be fine on my own." She says. "Are you sure?" I question. "Yes, I'm feeling much better now." "That's good. If you have any more of these dreams let me know." I say. "Of course. I'll pop by to see you in the morning." She says. "Okay, see you later." "Bye." Says Cloudchaser.
Cloudchaser then trots back towards her home.
Right. One last job for the night, I need to get that ring from Time Turner. I'll be needing it soon.
I then head over to Time Turner's home, when I arrive I knock on the door.
*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*
Huh. No answer. I take a look around and I don't see any of the lights on - I think he's out.
"Argh!" I shout in frustration.
I'll have to try again in the morning. I then head back to my own house.
"I'm home!" I say as I enter my home. "There you are. Have you sorted things out?" Questions Lyra while sitting on the sofa. "For now, yes. Just need to wait and see what Princess Luna says." I answer. "When will that be?" Lyra questions. "Not sure. But Twilight will let me know when she does." I answer. "That's okay then." Says Lyra. "Well, what a day - I'm knackered." I say as I head over to the sofa and sit next to her. We exchange a little nuzzle. "You look like you've flown all over Equestria." "Pretty much have done looking for Derpy. What a wild goose chase that was." I say. "Did you find her?" Lyra questions. "No. She hasn't been to Cloudsdale since the incident. I can't find her anywhere." I answer. "Have you tried at Time Turner's?" She question. "Yeah, just been there to ask Time Turner about the r..." I stop mid sentence realising was I was about to say. "Huh?" Questions Lyra. "Sorry, yeah - I've just been there but no-one is in." I say hoping she doesn't question me any more. I need to keep this a surprise. "Nevermind." Says Lyra. "I'll see if they are in the morning. *Yawn*" I said while stretching my wings out. I place one over Lyra and we start to cuddle. "Is Twister asleep?" I ask. "Yes she is." Lyra replies. "Good good." I say. "How's your memory been today?" Questions Lyra. "Not bad, still a little hazy in places - I was struggling a bit in Cloudsdale but Rainbow Dash helped me out. Oh! That reminds me, I know you've always wanted to see Cloudsdale and I've got an idea for how you can." I answered. "Oh?" "Twilight knows a spell which allows anypony to walk on clouds. I thought I could ask her to teach it to you." "That's sounds great. Did you ask her while you was there?" She questions. "Ah! No, I forgot. I'll ask her in the morning then after you've been with Bon Bon I'll take you up there." I answer. "That would be wonderful." Says Lyra while smiling.
Mental note for tomorrow: -
1. Ask Twilight about the cloud walking spell for Lyra 2. Ensure everypony can make it on Hearts and Hooves day at the apple orchard - the main event!
Thinks that's everything.
Hmmm, going to have to squeeze in a lot tomorrow. Hopefully I can get it all done in the morning leaving the afternoon free with just Lyra and myself.
"What are you thinking about?" Questions Lyra as I drifted away for a moment. "Oh, just thinking about tomorrow. You know the things that I can show you in Cloudsdale." I say. "Come on, let's hit the hay." Say Lyra. That was a close one. "Sure."
We both then head up to the bedroom and fall asleep together. Night-night everypony, see you in the morning.
"Okay, Derpy - coordinates entered for quantum jump. It's time to activate the quantum jump drive." Doctor Whooves says. "Starting countdown. 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... 0 - activating drive!" Derpy shouts.
*FLASH*
"Did it work?" Doctor Whooves asks. "Well, it didn't explode this time." Derpy replies. "There was a flash but seems like nothing happened." "We better take a look at the drive." Derpy says. "I'll have a look." The Doctor says.
*BANG*
"Argh! What that the drive?" Derpy asks. "No, we've hit something. I'm running a scan to see what it was... Oh." "Oh? What is it?" "We've hit some kind of wormhole, but we have also travelled to another dimension - it's still the same day, month, and year. So the drive works, I guess." "Are we still in Ponyville?" Derpy asks. "Running location scan... Ah, no. We're not in Ponyville." "Then where are we?" "Well, all I can tell is that Equestria doesn't exist. They are no landmarks which I recognise, neither does the equipment." "What should we go?" "Explore of course, let's have a look."
Doctor Whooves and Derpy then step out of the Tardis and look around.
"Well, we're in a forest. Hard to tell where we are at this point. Derpy, fly up and see if you can see anything." The Doctor says. "Sure." Derpy replies.
Derpy then starts flying upwards above the trees and takes a look at where they could possibly be.
"What do you see?" Doctor Whooves asks. "Lots of trees, this forest is huge. In the distance I see some kind of castle." Derpy replies. "Let's head to the castle then, perhaps we can gather more information. I'll turn on the stealth on the Tardis, no-one should find it here." "I see someone coming!" Derpy shouts. "Who is it?" The Doctor asks. "It looks like Knight riding on a horse." "A horse, you mean like us?" "No, different perhaps more feral." "We better hide, quick into those bushes!"
Doctor Whooves and Derpy then dive into the bushes trying not to be seen. The Knight gets closer and then stops close by to where the Tardis is cloaked.
"I could have sworn I saw something." I say. I dismount from my steed and take a look around to see if any stands out.
*RUSTLE*
I turn around and draw my sword. "Who's hiding in the bushes? Show yourself!" I shout.
"You had to move didn't you Derpy?" "Sorry."
Doctor Whooves and Derpy then reveal themselves from the bushes.
"We don't mean you any harm." The Doctor says. "What on earth? A talking pony!" I shout. "My name is..." "Doctor Whooves, also known as Time Turner." I interrupt. "How do you know my name?" The Doctor asks looking puzzled. "I'm... I'm not sure." I answered. "What's your name?" The Doctor asks. "I am Sir Daniel of Camerlot." I reply. "Camerlot? Did you say Camerlot?" Asks the Doctor. "Indeed I did." I replied. "Sounds almost like Canterlot, wonder if it's somehow related?" "Canterlot? That sounds familiar." I say. "Do you know why it sounds familiar?" The Doctors asks me. "No I don't, something strange seems to be going on. It feels like I don't belong here seems almost like a dream but it's far more real." I answer. "I think I know why but I need more evidence to backup my theory." The Doctor says. "Would you like to share your theory?" I ask. "At this point I don't want to say anything. Derpy, we better head back." Says the Doctor. "Back? Back where? What about me?" I ask. "Sorry, I can't tell you where we're from. But I will be back later if my theory proves correct. Derpy, now!"
Doctor Whooves and Derpy then start running from the bush and start running round a nearby tree, I follow them.
"Ah-ha! Got you now!" I shout.
I take a look around the tree and they're gone. Where have they gone? There's no way they could have disappeared. I start to search the bushes nearby and look up at the tree in-case they climbed them, no sign of them. I mount my steed and continue on to Camerlot.
"He's gone." Derpy says. "Okay, let's head back to Ponyville first." The Doctor says. "First?" Questions Derpy. "Yes, we'll need a few supplies before head off to the next place." "Where's that?" "Another dimension, Derpy. I need to find out more about what happened. That was only one dimension they will be many more where we need to gather evidence." "Okay." Derpy replies. "Activate the quantum jump drive, we're heading back." The Doctor says. "Co-ordinates entered, starting countdown. 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... 0 - activating drive!"