A pegasus pony wakes up in a tree with no recollection of who he is or where he came from.
A pegasus pony wakes up in a tree with no recollection of who he is or where he came from. This is his story as he tries to remember his past, even as he tries to create the future with the mare of his dreams. This is my first fanfic so any constructive criticism will be helpful! I hope you enjoy it! A.N.- changed rating to teen just to be safe for the future. "Um...excuse me...but if it's not too much trouble...could you please rate this story? I mean...if you want to...if that's ok with you..." - Fluttershy
Silence. I opened my eyes to find myself staring at the ground. But I wasn’t on the ground. Weird. I looked around, trying to get an account of where I was, and fell out of the tree I was in.
Ah. That explains that little conundrum. But I still have no idea where I am. Or, for that matter, WHO I am. Odd. How could I possibly forget who I am? Or how I got in the tree? Hm. Maybe somepony knows who I am. Oh what about her? She might know me, even if I don’t.
I decided to start with a friendly greeting. That should be a good idea...
I opened my mouth to speak, but that was as far as I got, for as soon as this preposterously pink pony saw me, she just gasped, jumped like five feet in the air (seriously), and kinda...disappeared.
Huh. Well that was certainly interesting...I guess I’ll try to follow where she went.
And so I did. As I went along, I started examining myself to make sure I wasn’t hurt, or overly terrifying or something.
Yeah, as if I could scare anyone in this odd getup. Still, doesn’t explain why that pony just ran away from me. Unless she’s extraordinarily shy. Eh, good enough a reason as any, I suppose. I wonder where this path..hey...what IS TH-
WHAM!
“OW!” Ugh...who said that..?
I shook my head a little to try and clear it, and promptly fell over thanks to the dizziness that overwhelmed my world. I took a quick glance around and noticed a bright blue...um, cyan maybe, pony just kinda...slumped against a tree.
Crap. I...whoa. She’s a pegasus. That explains how she came to fall seemingly out of nowhere. Hope she’s ok...
“Ugh! I can’t believe I messed that up AGAIN!” She exclaimed loudly, pounding her hooves against the dirt. “Oh hey, were you the pegasus I just ran into? Heh...sorry about that. You ok?”
Hey...I’m supposed to be making sure SHE’S ok. When did that change?
So, obviously, I just stood there like an idiot while she just sat there and stared at me with an odd look growing on her face.
“Weeeeeeell alright then chatterbox don’t bore me to tears with your life story or nuthin,” she chuckled, “maybe I’ll see you again sometime when the cat don’t got your tongue!” And with that, she sped off into the air, leaving me quite...befuddled, to say the least.
Alright, I need to stop making a foal of myself. First things first, find a town. Then I can start trying to find out who I am...and how to fly. ESPECIALLY how to fly. I wonder if I could be as fast as..
Whump.
Oh for the love of...what did I run into now?
It was a house. A plain ordinary house, next to other houses, which were subsequently next to other buildings. I found a town!
Awesome! First thing done! Alright, next I gotta...whoa. Is that me??
Staring back at me in the reflection of a shop window was quite possibly the oddest looking pegasus I’ve ever seen. Or at least, the oddest looking clothes to say the least...
The glasses I was wearing were bright green with bright purple lenses in them. My boots were bright red. And the suit...well...to be honest, the suit was white with colorful polka dots all over it. And inside each polka dot was a symbol. I couldn’t quite make out what they were.
Well I’m certainly feeling self conscious now...I gotta get outta these clothes!
Of course, considering how self conscious I was feeling now, I had to find a place to change. FAST.
“Oh my!” Uh oh...I can already tell what this is going to be about...
And so I turned to confront the source of the outburst, which I can already tell is about my rather silly outfit. And whaddaya know, it was!
“Excuse me dearie, but I must ask you why would you EVER wish to prance around in a getup like that?” Prance? I don’t prance! And who the hay is asking...wow.
Standing in front of me, was quite possibly the most beautiful pony I had ever seen. I took off my glasses to get a better look. She had a spectacularly white coat, with a brilliant beautiful purple mane and tail. I opened my mouth to say something, but she beat me to it.
“I say! You’re eyes are the most intense shade of grey I have ever seen! Your suit does absolutely nothing to help that keen glare you know. Oh! I could whip up the perfect set of clothing for you! What do you say??” She asked breathlessly, hope shining in her eyes and a big smile on her face.
Well...it WOULD be nice to have some better clothes...but do I have any bits? “Um...I don’t know if I have any bits..”
“Oh don’t worry about that dearie! I’ll GIVE it to you if you’ll just promise to throw those clothes away!”
Ouch...she really hates my outfit. Well, it’ll give me a chance to look normal. Hopefully.
I shrugged and nodded my head, smiling what I hope was a sheepish grin at this beautiful unicorn.
“Fantastic! Follow me then, we’ll head to the Carousel Boutique right away!” She said, walking with the utmost grace down the street. It took me a few minutes before my brain realized I was staring at her and decided to catch up. Which I did, right in the middle of her continuing monologue.
“...name is Rarity, and I run the Carousel Boutique here in Ponyville...” This town is called Ponyville? Doesn't ring a bell... “And my dear have I got the BEST idea for an outfit to replace this...this monstrosity!” She exclaimed with a little too much flair if you ask me. “And what is your name? I just realized I haven’t even tried to get to know you!”
Crap...Now what? Should I just tell her I don’t know who I...
“Ah! We’re here! Come in, come in, and let me work my magic on you! ...Did she just try to hit on me? ..Nah.
Rarity walked me over to the center of the room and looked me over. “Now you get out of that...thing and I’ll go look for the right supplies I’ll need for your clothes!” And with that, she was out of the room, leaving me to my privacy.
Well...at least I’ll have privacy. Maybe my cutie mark will give me some hint as to who I am. I take off the clothes as quickly as I can. What do I do with it now? I look around for some sort of clothing disposal bin, but all I see is myself, in a rather extravagant mirror.
Whoa...
The pegasus looking back at me has a soft, powder blue coat with a jet black mane and tail, both of which were...well jagged, kinda like a lighting bolt.
I’m HOT...those mares are going to be all over WHERE’S MY CUTIE MARK???
I panicked, turning round and round trying to find my missing cutie mark. Ugh, I gotta sneak out of here and get some answers...
And with that thought, I turned and walked out the door.
Straight into the cyan pegasus from before.
“Hey watch it!” She exclaims, giving me an evil glare, “Why don’t you walk where...hey...aren’t you that stallion I ran into a little ways outside Ponyville? I gotta say, ditching those clothes was a great idea” She chuckled, “ ‘Sides, I bet Rarity practically dragged you here after seeing you in those things huh? You know, you're kinda cute without those strange clothes.” She laughed loudly, bumping her flank against mine, winking at me as she spoke.
Wow. I have no idea who she is. Or vice-versa. And I'm pretty sure she just hit on me. But she seems to know Rarity...maybe Rarity could intro-
“Hey, we’ve never been properly introduced! I’m Rainbow Dash! Although you’ve probably already heard of me!” She said with a cocky grin plastered onto her face, “Who are you?”
Ah crap. I was really hoping I could talk to somepony else about my whole situation. But oh-
“Ah Rainbow Dash, how nice of you to be on time for once!” Rarity said as she walked up next to me.
“Whaddaya mean ‘for once’? I’m on time alot!”
“If by ‘alot’ you mean once in a blue moon then yes you are!”
“Why you...”
It was approximately around this time that I decided to leave. What to do now...I need to talk to someone smart...and smart people would probably be at a library! ...If this town even has a library.
I kept just wandering around town, until I saw a little purple dragon run right past me, almost tripping me in his rush to go...wherever the hay he was going.
“Oh man Twilight’s gonna kill me for being this late! I gotta get back to the library pronto!”
...This is almost too easy. I followed the dragon as nonchalantly as I could, and eventually we reached a tree that doubled as a building. Interesting place for a library...
“Twilight I’m back!” The little dragon said as he walked right on in. “Sorry I’m so...”
Huh. Out of earshot. Oh well, I didn’t really want to listen anyways. So I guess this is the library then huh?
I walked up to the door and began to raise my hoof to...
WHAM!
And before I knew it I was on the ground after being hit by the forcefully opened door.
“Oh my goodness! Are you ok?? I am so so so sorry! I didn’t know you were there!”
I tried to focus on who was talking, but my vision was blocked by a fuzzy purple blob. Unless whoever’s talking IS the fuzzy purple blob...and the fuzzy blob-ness might be because I just got my ringer dinged.....wait what did I just think?
“Hello? Can you hear me? Oh no, Spike go ready the bed I think I hurt him!”
“Oh come on Twilight, it was just a door! How much damage could it have done?”
Oh man...the world’s spinning...somepony make it stop...
“He really doesn’t look good Spike!”
“On the contrary, I think he..”
Next time I came to I was in a bed, inside what I presumed to be the library. Mainly due to the large number of books in the room I was in.
Wait why is there a bed in a library?
“Oh good! You’re awake! I was so worried!”
I turned to see if the fuzzy purple blob was back, and promptly fell out of the bed.
Holy cow she is GORGEOUS why in Equestria did I ever think she was a fuzzy purple blob not even Rarity compares with her! Oh man did she just ask me a question?? I have no idea! Oh it was probably something about her hitting me with the door but I don’t even care but I gotta say something I just gotta make it real smooth!
I tried to say something, but she was too busy laughing at what she calls my ‘antics’.
Oh that was smooth alright. Show her how graceful you are by falling out of bed. Nice one. Idiot.
“Hahaha...oh my...are you ok?” She asked as she shook with mirth, “Here, let me help you up.”
As she helped me to my hooves, I realized something. I should tell her about my problem! I want her to know! I want her to help! I want...
But my thoughts were cut off as she abruptly stopped helping me up and I fell to the floor again.
“Wh-where’s your cutie mark??” She asked in a hushed voice, eyes wide. “Did...did you never get one?”
I picked myself up off the ground and looked her in the eyes, but I couldn’t hold the eye contact and looked away, unable to answer.
“Wh-who are you? What is your name?” She asked me; but all I could do was look at the ground, wanting to tell her everything, but unable to bring myself to speak! “My name is Twilight Sparkle...”
Talk! Tell her everything! This is your chance! NOW!
“Ok...if you don’t want to talk that’s fine...again, I’m sorry I hit you with the door. Let me show you the way out..”
I nodded my head glumly, hating myself for what I was doing. Or rather, for what I WASN'T doing. YOU IDIOT! YOU’RE GOING TO PASS UP THIS CHANCE?? Twilight reached the door and started opening it. DO IT!
I seized the chance, finally, and turned to face Twilight who was already exiting the room.
A/N: Alright, I've given this chapter its first edit! I plan on editing it again in the future in case I missed something obvious. To those reading it and disliking the way it's written, please continue with the other chapters. It does get better xD I promise :3
Twilight and I sat down on the bed, and with a deep breath I told her everything that had happened to me since I had woken up in the tree. She listened intently, chuckling as I told her about the odd appearance of the preposterously pink pony, and grinned as I told her about my meeting with Rarity and her astonishment at my clothing.
"Well this is certainly a problem now isn't it?" She asked, "Hmmm..."
My sweet goddess...she sticks out her upper lip when she thinks! That is SO-
"Oh!" She exclaimed, "Did you find any clues in your suit before you got rid of it?"
I swear my jaw hit the floor as I stared at her, flabbergasted. How did I not think of that?!?
Twilight frowned as she saw the look on my face. "That didn't occur to you huh?"
"No," I said, "I was too occupied with trying to get rid of it...Rarity practically dragged me to the Carousel Boutique.."
"Yeah...I bet she did," Twilight said with a slight chuckle, "but maybe she still has your suit somewhere! We should go check right now!"
"Hold on Twilight...there's one more thing I need to talk to you about..."
"Yes? What is it?"
"I...don't remember how to fly...and it's really bugging me.."
"Oh...well I'm not the right pony to talk about that...I'd suggest you talk to Rainbow Dash about anything that has to do with flying." She said with a thoughtful frown on her face.
"Oh...I was hoping to not tell her about it because...well..." How do I put this into words...
"Ah...I think I get it," Twilight murmured, looking down with a slight blush upon her cheeks, "do you..do you have feelings for Rainbow Dash?"
I opened and shut my mouth several times, trying to find out how to go about this question. Well, what do I say to this? I don't think I have feelings for Rainbow...although she is rather spunky and adventurous...wait no what am I saying? I barely even know her! But it is true that I don't want her to know about my inability to fly...I don't want her to think less of me...why is that? Why am I thinking so hard about this? Maybe I DO have feelings for her! Wow...never would have figured that. Especially because the mere sight of Twilight made me fall out of this very bed. Speaking of which...she's looking at me really weird now...awww she just twitched her nose...that was adorable! Ok I need to snap out of it and say something!
"I...I don't know Twilight..." I mumbled, "I just don't want her to think less of me."
"Oh, ok!" She said, hiding a knowing smile on her face, "I understand."
Hmm, if I didn't know any better (and I probably don't) I'd say she thinks I have a thing for Rainbow Dash! Which I might. I'd have to spend more time with her to find out for sure...gah! I need to focus! I have to go find my suit!
"Umm...anyways..." I managed to say, "Shall we go locate my suit?"
"Yes!" She exclaimed, jumping up from the bed, "Let's go! Rarity should still be at the boutique!"
"Then onward we go!" What the hay did I just say?
And so we sped off, racing towards the Carousel Boutique at a reasonable speed.
Wow...she even runs-
THUMP
Ow...I can't believe I just tripped! Ok, yes I can, but I blame Twilight. For being so-
"Oh my gosh! Are you ok??"
Oh geez, she's worried about me again...and that's just so cute! Ok, enough of this, we have to go!
"Yeah, yeah I'm fine!" I said as I struggled to my hooves, "Come on we gotta keep moving!"
"Right!" Twilight said, a big smile spreading across her face, "Let's go get your suit! I'm rather interested in seeing it myself." She finished saying with a sly grin.
"Heh...right." I chuckled while we sped off once again. Oh geez...what will she think when she sees the suit?
"Oh and by the way," Twilight said, breaking into my thoughts once again, "do you enjoy parties?"
I almost tripped again as her completely-out-of-the-blue question reached my ears. "That's an odd question at this time isn't it?"
"Well the 'preposterously pink pony' you ran into happens to be my friend Pinkie Pie, and whenever a new pony comes to Ponyville she throws a huge party for them. She did it for me when I first got to Ponyville, and she's already done it for you too. I got my invitation right before I hit you with my door." Twilight informed me.
"When is this party supposed to be?" I asked nervously, "I don't like being the center of attention of large groups..."
"Oh well don't worry, you won't have to stay for very long," she said with a smile, "I'll help you come up with an excuse to leave early!"
"Thanks Twilight! I have a feeling I'm really going to owe you one." I said with a chuckle.
Gosh...she's so nice to me even though she has no idea who I am...but then again, I don't know who I am either...
"Well howdy there Twilight! Who's your new friend? Is this the mysterious new pony that Pinkie is throwing this new party fer?"
Hmmm, seems like I've encountered another one of Twilight's friends...time to socialize once again! I wonder if Twilight will bring up my-
"Oh hey there Applejack!" Twilight said, slowing her run so she's walking with her friend, "To answer your question yes he is that new pony!" She said with a smile.
Alright, so this new pony's name is Applejack, good start.
"Well what's your name stranger?"
...Crap.
"Actually Applejack...he doesn't know who he is. He has amnesia." Twilight said somberly.
Well, that solves the riddle about how I'm going to handle this!
"Gee Twilight, he don't know nothing about 'imself? Ain't that just terrible?"
"It sure is Applejack...we were just on our way to Rarity's see if we can help him try and remember anything."
"How in Equestria is Rarity going to help him?"
...I hope they realize that I'M STILL HERE!!
"You see Applejack, he and Rarity had met earlier today, and Rarity took his clothes, which apparently looked ridiculous," Twilight said with a sly glance in my direction, "and it never occurred to him to check his pockets for clues about his identity."
"Aw, that's ok sugahcube," Applejack said, turning to me as we continued towards the boutique, "if it's any consolation I wouldn'ta thought o' that neither."
"Heh, yeah...I was just anxious about getting out of those clothes." I said with an odd grin on my face.
Hmm...I hope they don't take that out of context...I really should've worded that differently...
"Here we are!" Twilight said, as we arrived at the Carousel Boutique, "Let's go in and find that suit!"
And in we walked, and what should I do but trip and fall again?
WHUMP.
Ok, this time I did not trip over myself...
"Hey, watch where you're going mister!" a high-pitched voice said.
"Uh, I'm really sorry I didn't see...you..." I stammered.
Oh...it’s a filly...
"Oh! Sweetie Belle! Mind your manners! I'm terribly sorry about that sir, I...oh. It's you! Hello Twilight, Applejack."
"Howdy there Rarity."
"Hello Rarity"
"Excuse me," I said, "but I have a question for you Rarity."
"Oh my! You CAN talk! And where in Equestria did you run off to?? I couldn't even get your measurements for your clothes! Oh but before I go off again, what's your question dearie?"
Why does she keep calling me dearie? Does she call everyone dearie? It's like she's my grandmare or something...
"Well, I was hoping you still had my suit somewhere.."
"Why would you want that old thing back??" Rarity asked, shock evident on her face, "It was hideous! No offense hun, but it was one of the most horrid outfits I've ever seen."
"Maybe so, but there might've been something in the pockets that can help me!"
"There 'might've' been? Wouldn't you know if there was or not?"
Damn...she got me there...I guess I’ll have to tell her...
"Ah'll explain it to Rarity," Applejack said. And so she did!
Wow...these ponies are really nice to strangers...or at least to me. I don't have to explain my problem...except for my flightlessness...Hm. I wonder where Rainbow Dash is...
"Oh my! That's awful!" Rarity exclaimed once Applejack was done explaining my predicament, "Well I'll be happy to help in any way that I can! I'll go see if I can find your suit."
"Thank you Rarity," I said with a smile, "I just want to know who I am at least..."
"I understand dearie." Rarity said with a sad smile on her face.
"And all o' us 'n' our friends will help you out!" Applejack said confidently.
"All the way to the end." Twilight said, sidling up next to me and giving my neck a quick nuzzle.
Oh my dear goddess that was amazing knees like jelly I can't collapse now that would be awful I gotta SAY SOMETHING
"Heh, thanks everypony," I said with a grin, "My memory can't hide forever!"
"What's this about somepony's memory?" A loud, raucous voice asked.
Oh for the love of...why did SHE have to show up?
I turned around as a chorus of greetings emanated from the ponies that surrounded me.
"Hi Rainbow..." Wow genius that was eloquent. Is that all you can say?
"Well well! Who said we were on such casual terms cutie?" Rainbow Dash said slyly as she strutted over to me and bumped our flanks together, "Not that I mind or anything of course. Which reminds me, I don't even know who you are you creeper!" She said with a wink.
So of course, me being who I am, (whoever that is) I decided to let her know of my problems in the most exquisite way possible!
"Uh...see...meern...fusro....dah?" Rainbow Dash just took away my ability to speak. I have no idea what I just tried to say. She's reduced me to a mere babbling foal!
Meanwhile, everypony in the boutique was busy laughing over my babbling. Eventually, Twilight got herself enough under control (though she was still giggling) to walk over to me with a big silly grin on her face.
"Oh I'm so sorry," she said while she nuzzled me again, "we shouldn't laugh so hard at your embarrassment."
Hay, I’d be embarrassed for the rest of my life if it meant she would keep nuzzling me!
"Oh dearie! I'm so sorry I'll go look for your suit right away!" Rarity said as she sped off into some side room of the boutique.
"Lemme help ya there Rarity!" Applejack stated, "Ya'll gonna need as much help as you can git here in this pigsty!"
"And I will stay here and talk to the mysterious hunk of pony standing before me." Rainbow Dash said with a gleam in her eyes.
"Rainbow Dash, there's something you need to know about him.." Twilight began to say, but I cut her off.
"No Twilight, I'll tell her." I said, looking Rainbow straight in the eyes, "Rainbow Dash, I can't tell you who I am-"
"Oooh keeping it a mystery huh?" She said winking at me seductively, "I'm ok with that."
"No Rainbow, I can't tell you who I am because I don't even know who I am! I know nothing about me!" I exclaimed, "That's why we're here, to see if there's anything in my suit to give me a clue about myself!"
"Oh dang dude," Rainbow Dash said with wide eyes, "that's really heavy!"
"I know..." I said sadly, breaking eye contact and looking at the ground.
Gah! Where's Rarity with my suit?
"Um...dearie I'm afraid I have some bad news..." I heard Rarity stammer from behind me.
As Rainbow and Twilight gasped beside me, I turned around quickly, only to see...
Rarity stood there, holding my suit. Or rather...what was LEFT of my suit.
Oh...my...goddess...what in Equestria happened to my suit??
"R-rarity...What happened??" I asked anxiously.
"I assure you dearie, I have no idea what has happened to your suit!" Rarity exclaimed with a slight tinge of emotion I could only discern as nervousness.
My suit, which was being levitated before all of us courtesy of Rarity's magic, was utterly destroyed. What was once a suit (using the term loosely of course) was now just some strips of oddly fashioned fabric.
It's as if my suit was tossed in a blender...that was set to annihilate...
Twilight put her hoof on my shoulder, a sympathetic look on her face, "Rarity, are...are the pockets still intact?"
"I'm terribly sorry Twilight...but I have no idea where the pockets would even be now..." Rarity said with a sad little sigh.
"Why the hay are you apologizing to Twi?" Rainbow Dash asked, stomping towards Rarity, "It's HIS suit that you ruined! If you're going to apologize to anypony you should apologize to...uh..HIM!" She stammered angrily.
"Hey now Rainbow, don't ya'll be gettin' up in Rarity's biz over somethin' she ain't responsible for!" Applejack stated, walking over to stand protectively in front of Rarity, "She said she didn't have nothin' to do with this here suit's destruction and as her friends we oughta believe her!"
"Well then what are your ideas as to what happened to the suit AJ?" Rainbow Dash retorted, "Obviously SOMETHING happened in the small bit of time that he left the suit here with Rarity!"
"Girls!" I yelled, scaring Twilight away from me, "This is getting us nowhere! I don't give a flying filly about the suit! If there's nothing to be found then there's nothing to be found alright? I'll have to find out who I am in a different way!"
"He's right," Twilight said, looking at everyone in succession, "all this arguing isn't getting us anywhere to finding out who he is. And no matter what he has to go through, I for one will be with him through its entirety." She finished, turning to face me with a reassuring smile on her face.
"As will ah sugahcube." Applejack said, walking over to stand with Twilight, grinning at me as she did so.
"And of course I shall be joining you." Rarity stated, gracefully walking over to stand on the other side of Twilight.
I looked over at Rainbow Dash, as I had expected her to speak up way before this, "And you Rainbow?"
"Please, you think I'm just gonna let you go off and have a bunch of fun without me?" She said with a wink as she walked up next to me, "As if doing anything when I'm not involved could ever be considered fun right cutie?" She murmured into my ear as she nuzzled into my neck.
Well isn't she just getting comfortable? Wow she smells nice...she smells like...wow I can't describe this...she smells like adventure...and confidence...and..wait. What am I saying? Those aren't scents..
"Umm...thanks everypony," I said, blushing as I shied away from Rainbow, "I really appreciate all of this. Does anypony have any ideas about what to do now?"
There was a pause as everypony thought about this, giving my blush ample time to dissipate. Let's see...what to do...
"OH! Ah have an idea!" Applejack said, "We should go to the first spot you woke up and couldn't remember anything!"
"Applejack that's a great idea!" Twilight said, "Where did you wake up?" She asked me.
"The last thing I can remember was waking up in a tree a little ways out of Ponyville!" I said excitedly, "I'm pretty sure I could find it again!"
"Then what're we waiting for ponies??" Rainbow Dash yelled, "Let's go wild!"
Yeah I bet she'd want to go wild. Damn that mare has some nice fla- Whoa. She's rubbing off on me. Gotta focus
"Alright then everypony, let's go!" I said with a grin, leading the way out of the Carousel Boutique.
After a short trot, we five ponies eventually arrived at the tree I fell out of, under the branches of which there was a light yellow pegasus pony with a soft pink mane and matching tail trying to coax out a little squirrel who, from what I heard, "had a scare from a mean ol' falcon."
"Oh hey Fluttershy!" Twilight said smiling, "How are you?"
"Oh...hey Twilight...hey everyone" this soft-spoken pegasus shyly said, "who's...." *squeak*
Did she just squeak? "Hello, uh...Fluttershy, right?" I said, walking forward but she kept shying away from me. Wow, FlutterSHY is right...she won't even make eye contact with me! "I, uh, don't know who I am...I have amnesia and I can't remember anything about myself.."
"Oh...my...that's awful..." Fluttershy whispered, voice barely louder than a squeak, "I'm...I'm so sorry to hear that..."
"It's terrible," Twilight said sadly, glancing over at me, "We actually came here to see if we can find any clues around this tree that might help him."
"Yeah," I said, "when I first woke up with amnesia I was in this very tree. Have you seen anything?"
"Um...no I haven't..." She said, "Wait, you said you woke up IN the tree?" She asked with some more authority in her voice, "Then YOU must've been the 'mean ol' falcon' that scared this poor little squirrely!" She stated with a firm stare in my direction
Uh...uh...did I do something wrong?? I can't remember!! "Um...maybe? I don't remember Fluttershy..."
"Ah right...you have amnesia...I'm sorry..." She said, switching back to her timid self.
Whoa...that was kinda scary... I grinned, "Hey now, don't worry about it!"
"Oh, ok...I'm really very sorry..." Fluttershy said again.
"Just fuhgeddabout it Shyfly." I said, smiling confidently at her. Wait...where the hell did that come from?
Fluttershy blushed a deep shade of crimson, squeaked multiple times, and flew away fairly quickly. What was all that about? She's so...timid...
"Whoa now, why does she get a nickname and not me?" Rainbow Dash said with a look of mock anger upon her face, "I've known you alot longer than she has, and alot better than anypony here I would think." She said in a strange voice. Did her voice just get husky? I gotta keep my distance...
"Now Rainbow keep yer flanks away from the poor guy till he knows his name at least!" Applejack said, coming to my rescue and diverting Dash's interest from the growing blush in my cheeks to a defensive point with Applejack.
As Rainbow and Applejack argued over "whose ponies' flanks I wanted to get my hooves on," and Rarity tried to calm the argument, Twilight and I walked over to the tree and began looking for anything that might've been mine.
"Why DID you call Fluttershy that?" Twilight asked in a low voice, "It IS kind of odd that you would make up a nickname for her so fast..."
What is that tone in her voice? Is she...sad? Jealous maybe? But why would she care...unless...no...it can't be...
"I really don't know Twi..." I trailed off, unknowingly calling Twilight by her nickname.
"Aww that's sweet but you don't need to call me by my nickname," Twilight said, with a small but happy smile on her face.
"What? Oh, uh, yeah, ummmm..." I stammered, unable to comprehend what had just happened between us. Well whatever the hay I did, it obviously scored me some points with Twilight... "Look over there! It's a journal!"
We ran over to where the journal lay behind the tree, and using her magic Twilight picked it up, levitated it in front of us, and opened it. What I saw was complete gibberish. A bunch of drawings with mathematics adorned almost all the pages. The rest were blank.
"It's a flight journal." I heard Rainbow Dash say behind me, "And if these drawings are accurate of the tricks they refer to, then it is certainly an intense one."
"Flip to the front Twilight," I heard myself say, mouth suddenly dry, "I think this is mine."
"Ok!" Twilight exclaimed, excitement overtaking her as she hurredly flipped to the front of the journal.
Right there, on the inside of the cover, were the words "This journal is the property of......"
FLASH! Pictures. Images of ponies crowding me, chanting my name. FLASH! A light cream-colored earth pony walking up to me with a huge smile on her face, greeting me by name. FLASH! That very same journal falling through the sky as I try to catch it.
When the images stopped, I lifted my head and looked around. I found myself back in the bed that was in the library. I still don't know why there's a bed in the library...wait. I know who I am. I KNOW WHO I AM!
"Oh so it is your journal?? That's great!" Twilight exclaimed while she walked into the room.
Oh crap I must've said that out loud "Yeah! Twilight Sparkle, I know who I am" I said with a satisfied smile on my face.
"That's wonderful!" Twilight said with a huge smile, "Follow me so you can introduce yourself to everypony correctly!"
"That's a great idea Twi," I said, laughing at the slight blush that appeared at the use of her nickname, "where is everypony?"
"Oh they're out getting some food, come on I'll take you to them." Twilight murmured in my ear as she tried pushing me out the door, "I can think of at least one pony who wants to enjoy a meal with you."
I shivered as her warm, breath wafted down the back of my neck, "Yeah, so can I," I chuckled.
Twilight looked at me with her eyes wide, a strange look in them, "Really? You know?"
Is she...scared? Or is she nervous? "Well yeah, I mean, did you see Rainbow Dash? It was like she was trying to get me in her flanks and didn't care who knew!" I laughed loudly, trying to sort out my own feelings about these mares.
"Oh! Oh yes, Rainbow can be quite blunt in trying to get what she wants," Twilight said with a relieved smile on her face, "especially if what she wants is presenting a challenge to her." She finished looking pointedly at me.
Uh...what did she mean by that? Was I challenging Rainbow? I don't think so...maybe she was just overcome by my rugged good looks! "I...think I understand..." I said slowly.
"Good!" Twilight said happily, "Now let's go!"
The next thing I saw was her horn glowing a bright magenta color, then everything went black.
I opened my eyes to find myself in a very brightly colored room, that was filled with balloons, streamers, sweets, pastries, and ponies. Wow...there are a lot of ponies here...where am I?
"Um...hi everypony..." I said as I got to my hooves, "wh-what's going on?"
"THIS IS YOUR PARTY!" Something very pink said as it jumped in my face, "Your welcome to Ponyville party of course! Welcome to Ponyville!"
"Heh, sorry I had to do that to you," Twilight said walking up to me, "but Pinkie Pie here wanted you to be surprised when you got here and that was the first thing I had thought of." She said smiling shyly.
"Wow...wow! All of this is for me?" I said, looking around at everything and everypony, "Th-this is incredible! Thank you so much Pinkie Pie! I love it!" I finished with what might've been the biggest smile I've ever had in my life (but how the heck would I know?)
"I'm glad you like it so much! Because it's time for you to introduce yourself to everypony! Now get your flank onstage and introduce yourself!"
"On....onstage?" I stammered, "I'm not sure that's a very good idea..."
"Oh well!" Pinkie said, "Too late now!" And with that she bounced off the stage that she and Twilight sneakily led me up onto as they were talking to me.
"Don't worry, you're going to do fine," Twilight said as she gave me a quick nuzzle, "enjoy yourself and have fun! It is your party after all." She said as she walked away.
So I turned to look out into the audience, practically having a heart attack as I saw all those ponies looking up at me with big smiles on their faces as they enjoyed this huge party, that was just for me. I walked up to the microphone that Pinkie had arranged to be put on the stage for me and took a deep breath to calm my nerves.
"He-hello everypony!" I said, trying not to make too much eye contact with any one pony, finally locking my eyes with Twilight's and smiling as I felt my nerves instantly calm themselves, "I'd just like to thank all of you for coming here to greet me to Ponyville, with a special thanks to Pinkie Pie over there," I said as I pointed over to Pinkie with my hoof, "and if it wasn't for all of her friends," I continued, casting my hoof over all of them, "I wouldn't be able to introduce myself to you now. It was thanks to them that I was able to beat back a small part of my amnesia to learn my name. Residents of Ponyville, my name is Cloud Runner, it is a pleasure to meet all of you and a great honor to be inducted into your town in such a fashion. Thank you all." I finished, letting the waves of applause wash over me as my already huge smile stretched to impossible lengths.
Suddenly, some odd feeling took over my body, and before I knew what I was doing, I turned to the dj, a pony I didn't meet personally yet, and shouted, "YO DJ PON3! LET THESE PONIES PARTY!"
Oh...Goddess...what happened...that was one crazy party...
I opened my eyes and tried to get up, but my efforts were in vain as something was keeping me grounded. As my eyes got into focus, I realized I was looking into two bright magenta orbs as a certain blue pegasus lay on top of me, smiling coyly.
"Well look who finally decided to wake up! Good morning stud." Dash said, as she lay her head back into the crook of my shoulder. Uh oh. Why is she calling me stud? We didn't...No...Not in Sugarcube Corner...
"Uh...Rainbow?" I asked, "What the hay happened last night?"
"Well, the most important thing I remember is you dancing and serenading me all the way to 'Cloud' 9," she said as she climbed off of me, giving me a sultry look as she did so.
I danced with Rainbow? And I sang to her? "That is all we did right?" I asked nervously as I looked around the messed up and mostly empy room, "I mean, nothing happened between us right?" Please say yes please say yes oh please...
"Well, we did trip and fall while dancing and fell asleep together," Rainbow said with a grin, "and you are one awesome wing massager!"
"Um...I think the proper term is masseuse..." I said quietly, trying to take in all this information, "I, uh, I gotta get going though. Twilight said she wanted to talk to me after the party and I obviously didn't get a chance to." I said with a quick wink at Rainbow Dash, "I'll see ya later ok Rainbow?"
"Alright Cloud," Rainbow said as she nuzzled my neck before flying out the door, "bye!"
Oh man oh man oh man! I gotta find Twilight! She's probably really upset!
I galloped off towards the library as fast as I could go, hoping that Twilight would understand that what had happened with Rainbow and I last night had just been an effect of my drinking too much. At least, I assumed I drank too much, seeing as how I couldn't remember anything from last night. Unless Rainbow drugged me! Which is a little too believable...
I finally arrived at the library and burst through the door. "Twilight! Twilight are you here?" I asked loudly as I walked from room to room, "HELLO? ANYPONY HOME?"
"Oh, you're that new pony the party was for right?" the little purple dragon I saw yesterday, Spike, if I remember correctly, said as he walked into the room, "Sorry, but you just missed her. She muttered something about going to see her friend Fluttershy, she seemed upset about something." He said, giving me an odd look, "Why do you need to talk to her so badly?"
"I think I need to apologize to her for something I did last night at the party," I said, "can you tell me where I can find Fluttershy?"
"Um, she's probably at her house next to the Everfree Forest..." Spike began, but I didn't stay to listen to what else he had to say. I bolted from the library as fast as I could, following the path to the tree I woke up in which, according to Twilight, was on the path to the Everfree Forest.
After a short while past the tree, I came upon a nice looking cottage that was just filled with wildlife. My intuitive genius mind tells me this must be Fluttershy's house... I looked around, but saw neither Fluttershy or Twilight around. As such I did the only natural thing; I walked up to the front door and knocked.
"Um...yes? Who is it?" I could barely hear from inside. That's obviously Fluttershy
"It's Cloud Runner Fluttershy," I said, "I need to talk to you."
"Oh! Um...alright...one moment please.." I heard.
And so I waited. And waited. And waited some more. Until finally the door opened just a crack and Fluttershy poked her head out. "Ah...hello Cloud...what brings you here?"
"Spike said Twilight came to talk with you. I need to see her!" I said urgently, "It's really important!"
"Oh...uh...I don't know if that's such a good idea...when Twilight got here she was pretty upset...something about Rainbow Dash...and, uh...I just don't know if you should see her...if that's ok with you..."
"Well...can you at least tell her I'm here and let her decide if she'll talk to me?" I asked, looking at the ground as I spoke, "I at least want to say that I'm sorry..."
"Ok...I'll go tell her. Wait here" Fluttershy said as she closed the door.
And so I waited. And waited. And waited some more. I think they're making me wait on pur-
But before I could finish my thought process, Fluttershy's door burst open, a purple blur ran into me and tackled me to the ground. Oh man this cannot be good
I closed my eyes as Twilight held me on the ground, waiting for her angry words to rain down upon my ears. Well now Cloud, you've gotten two desirable mares on top of you in less than a day. What a playa! Shut up! I told myself, This is serious!
But the words never came. Instead Twilight just buried her head into my shoulder and cried. I tentatively raised my hooves around her and hugged her close, rubbing my right hoof along her withers and stroking her mane with the other. "Twilight," I murmured, moving my head so I could look at her in the eyes, "I don't know the entirety of what happened last night, but I'm sorry I hurt you so badly and I-"
I was interrupted by Twilight somewhat clumsily pressing her lips against mine, shutting me up rather fast. My eyes shot open as I tried to comprehend what was going on here, both physically and emotionally. Twilight's kissing me! I can't believe this is happening! Alright, I wish it was under happier circumstances but...it's wonderful...
We held the kiss for what seemed like hours, even if it could've only been minutes. Twilight's lips being abnormally moist thanks to the tears that continued to run down her face, her warm breath mixing with mine as our lips began to open, raising the intimacy of the kiss to a level that I had not experienced since...since....
I broke the kiss, throwing my head back as I gasped with pain as images began flowing through my mind.
Flash! That cream colored earth pony walked towards me, a gift held in her mouth that could only be a book from the shape of it...Flash! She smiles widely as I open it and literally jumped for joy at the sight of a new flight journal for my training...Flash! We sit beneath a tree together, her in my hooves as we watch the sunset together over a wonderful picnic she laid out for my birthday. Flash! She's backing away, tears forming in her eyes as we fight over what truly matters to me...Flash! I'm flying, night flying, too fast to see, not that I could even see otherwise, thanks to the tears flowing down my face. I bump into somepony and the journal I could barely hold in my quivering jaws begins to fall...
The next time I opened my eyes, I was in Fluttershy's cottage. Fluttershy herself was keeping watch over me, getting ready to put a fresh washcloth on my forehead as she quietly hummed a tune.
"Fl-fluttershy? What happened?" I asked as I struggled to sit up, but I collapsed from the piercing headache that still ailed me, "Is Twilight still here?"
"Oh! You're awake! Thank goodness I was starting to get worried!" Fluttershy said, her face showing her worry, "No Twilight went home a few hours after your...episode.." She finished quietly.
Episode..? I guess she means when those images started flashing in my head... "Is...is she ok?"
"Oh yes, I think she started feeling much better after you two...well...you know..." She stammered, a blush quickly forming on her cheeks.
Oh right...Twilight kissed me! But...who's that earth pony in these memories..? Oh man Rainbow Dash is going to flip over this...and not in the good way
"Ah, right, that," I said, a blush rushing to the surface of my own face, "exactly how long have I been out Fluttershy?"
"You've been unconscious for exactly one day!" She informed me, "And you are not leaving this bed for the rest of THIS day mister!"
Whoa...she's kinda scary when she's authoritative...
"Yes ma'am!" I replied with a mock salute, "I will follow your orders to the letter!"
"Good! Now I bet you're hungry aren't you?" She asked me in a cooing voice, as if I were a hurt animal, "I'll go get you some nice warm soup to fill your tummy."
Geez, it's not like I'm a filly...but still, I really have no room to complain, especially since she's been taking care of me all day. "Thank you so much Fluttershy. This really means alot."
"Oh it's no problem at all Cloud," She assured me with a small smile, "I love taking care of animals, and ponies as well!"
"Well I'm glad you're getting more used to talking with me." I said as she brought me the soup, "I was actually hoping you could help me out with something...OUCH!" I exclaimed as I burnt my tongue on the hot soup.
"Oh goodness! Are you alright?" Fluttershy fussed as she hurried to get me some water, "I'm so sorry! I should've made sure the soup was at a more reasonable temperature before bringing it over to you..." She rambled, her voice winding down to little more than a squeak.
"Heh, it's ok Fluttershy, it's my fault for trying to eat the soup so soon," I assured her, wanting to hurry up and ask for her help, "but about my problem..."
"Oh right, do you mean your amnesia?" She asked, looking at me with concern in her eyes.
"In a sense, yes," I said slowly, carefully eating some of the soup. This is delicious! "My problem is that, thanks to my amnesia, I cannot remember how to fly..." I ended quietly, staring down at the soup in shame, "I was hoping that you could maybe help me learn again."
"Ah...um...I see..." Fluttershy stammered, suddenly looking very uncomfortable, "I'm not exactly the strongest flier...you should ask Rainbow Dash...she's a really good flier..."
That's a bad idea in more ways than one...although I would like to see Rainbow again...
"Well, I was actually hoping for Rainbow to not know about this..." I said, unable to make eye contact with the soft-spoken mare, "I don't want her to think less of me."
"I understand," Fluttershy said, placing a hoof on my shoulder, "I'll help you in any way that I can."
"Oh thank you Fluttershy!" I exclaimed, turning to look at her with a grateful smile on my face, "I can't tell you how much this means to me!"
"Now, now, I said I would help you, but you're still not leaving this bed for the rest of the day!" She admonished me, "But first thing tomorrow I'll teach you everything I know." She said softly, smiling a cute little smile at me, "I'm kinda surprised you don't remember flying, you always were such a great...EEP!" Next thing I knew, Fluttershy had covered her mouth with both of her hooves and had retreated to the other side of the room.
Wait, what did she mean by that?? "Shyfly, what are you saying?" Damn, there's that nickname again!
"N-nothing Cloud! I just figured th-that a pegasus as athletic looking as you would've been a great flier!" She said, obviously lying.
"Fluttershy, how would you know that I was 'such a great flier'? Why do I keep calling you 'Shyfly'? There's something you're not telling me! I want some answers!"
"I-I'm sorry Cloud, but I don't know what you're talking about," Fluttershy squeaked from behind her hooves.
"FLUTTERSHY!" I yelled, jumping out of the bed, spilling soup everywhere. Goddess my head! I collapsed onto my knees, then pushed myself back up and marched over to her, "I'm sick and tired of everything I know being hidden from me by my own mind! I don't need you to do the same!
Fluttershy didn't respond, hiding behind her hooves and refusing to make eye contact with me.
I pulled her hooves away from her face and forced her to look at me, "Fluttershy, tell me what you know."
"I-I don't know anything..." She whispered, breaking our eye contact as tears began to form in her eyes.
"Look at me." I said coldly, moving back into her line of sight, "Tell. Me. The. Truth."
A/N: Yay for Twilight kisses! :3 and of course yay for lots of Fluttershy! (Or should I say ʸᵃʸ?) The end of this chapter was surprisingly hard to write cuz I didn't like being mean to her...but I think this'll turn out well for the plot! Anyway, the main reason of this author's note is for name ideas for the earth pony in Cloud Runner's memories! So if anypony reading this has any ideas they think are good for her name, or just general ideas for the plot in the future feel free to message me! I'll try to update as fast as I can! :D
I stared at Fluttershy, my gaze unwavering, as I waited for her to come clean. She knows me from somewhere. I'm going to find out what she knows! I guess that explains why I call her Shyfly...because I've met her somewhere before! But where??
"Um...well...we, uh...we met a long time ago...when we were just fillies..." Fluttershy murmured, so quietly that I almost thought I imagined it, "our parents, um, introduced us when we were really little, and we, um, played alot together. You started calling me...Shyfly...um...because I was so timid you used to tease me...you said that a fly would, um, be more noticeable than me, so you, um, started calling me Shyfly. You always stood up against the bullies for me and helped me with my flying once we got older..."
Gah! This isn't bringing back any memories! I need more! "When was the last time you saw me Fluttershy?"
"It was...it was at a summer flight camp one year..." Fluttershy said, a little calmer now that the truth was out, "it was actually the same year I got my cutie mark, which made me sad because I wanted you to be there when I first got it...because I was there when you got yours but when I tried to find you you had already left..."
"Wait, you were there when I got my cutie mark?? I asked, pushing Fluttershy up against the wall, unaware that I was still holding her in what most ponies would call a 'suggestive' position, "What was it? Do you remember??"
"Um...no..I don't...I'm sorry," She whispered, a slight blush appearing on her cheeks as I moved closer to her, "It was so long ago...since I last saw you...I almost didn't recognize you because you changed your manestyle..."
My mane used to be different? "How was my manestyle back then?"
"You just had it completely straight...covering the right side of your face...your mom would always ask you to change it because you had such a handsome face...eep!" Fluttershy squeaked, her blush intensifying till her whole face was red, quickly breaking eye contact again.
"Aww Fluttershy did you think I was cute?" I teased, a gentle smile on my face as my innerselves battled. This isn't helping! Let's just stop all this! No! There must be something that can help us! Just a little more! It's pointless! She's told you everything! Not quite everything...
"Fluttershy," I began, "I need to ask you something-" But I was cut off. By the one pony that would blow this situation WAY out of proportions.
"Whoa now there Romeo! I thought what we had was special!" Rainbow Dash said loudly as she flew into the room, "But from the looks of things it seems clear that you're definitely not a one-mare kinda stallion am I right?" She asked as she glanced from me to Fluttershy, as if waiting for a show.
"Looks of things? What do you mean by..." I trailed off, as the image of how Fluttershy and I were positioned right now sunk into my mind, "Oh Goddess!" I yelled as I jumped away from Fluttershy, "I'm so sorry Fluttershy! I didn't realize what I was doing!"
Rainbow jumped in to reply before Fluttershy could. "Don't worry about it Cloud, I can think of at least one mare here who wouldn't mind you doing that." She said with a sultry wink in my direction. "In fact, I think she would encourage it." She finished, flanks swaying from side-to-side as she walked over to stand by Fluttershy.
She's totally walking like that on purpose...to try and get my attention...and oh my goddess did it work...You do realize we're totally putty in her hooves right? Oh yes, but I bet her hooves were made to mold this putty! Oh Goddess, one sashay of those flanks and you're mostly brain dead! At least get to know her before doing anything brash with this wild mare! Oh, I'll get to know her alright...like just how 'wild' she can be...
"Alright Rainbow, the reason I was holding Fluttershy like that was because I was asking her some questions." I explained quickly, wanting to get the matter resolved as soon as possible.
"And what questions were they?" She asked in a low voice as she strutted over to me, "Were you asking her if she liked it? Oh I bet you were you naughty, naughty colt." She sighed into my ear as she rubbed up next to me, "I was thinking we could spend the day together, you know, hang out, get a bite to eat, have a normal day?" She asked as she pulled away, the look in her eyes making me unsure if she was seriously asking me.
"You're asking me to hang out?" I asked incredulously, "You're not just gonna take me back to your house and tie me up with a little bow on my head are you?" I inquired, nervously laughing as I did so.
"Well there's always that option if things get boring later," Rainbow said with a wink as she turned to go through the door, "hurry up with Fluttershy 'Cloud 9' because I want my turn!" She ordered as she left, her hips swaying back and forth, causing me to stare as she left.
"Um...oh my...that's ok you can just go!" Fluttershy faltered, her face redder than a red delicious apple, "There's nothing we need to finish up!"
"But Fluttershy!" I said urgently, "What about my flying lessons?"
"Oh...right.." She replied, thinking as she looked past me to the clock, "I guess they'll just have to wait. I can't imagine Rainbow leaving us alone now...after that whole spectacle..." she finished nervously.
"You're probably right," I sighed as I began to move towards the door, "thank you again for taking care of me Fluttershy, and for telling me about our past. I'm sorry for being so mean to you. But I hope you understand that I had to."
"I do...but thank you for apologizing," Fluttershy said quietly, "have fun with Rainbow."
"Well...thank you?" I said, not completely sure that's the best thing she could've said to me, "Any tips about the flying?"
"O-oh...um...only one comes to mind," She stammered, "you always used to tell me to never give up and to always trust my instincts. But the most important thing you always said was that a true flier must feel it inside of them."
"You know...that does ring a bell," I said, "thank you for the advice Fluttershy. Will you tell Twilight I'm alright? And that I'll go see her soon. For that matter, where does she live?"
"Oh, she lives in the library! You didn't know that?" Fluttershy asked, giving me an odd look, "But she put you in her own bed!"
Ah, that explains the bed in the library. Wait, I was in TWILIGHT'S bed?? I...she...no...nooooo....
"Ah, that makes sense," I said, opening the door with one hoof, "I guess I'll see you later huh Shyfly?" I asked with a playful wink.
"Yeah I guess so." Fluttershy said sheepishly, with a little blush in her cheeks, "Goodbye Cloud."
And with that I walked outside, straight into Rainbow Dash's arms as she pushed me up next to Fluttershy's door, fiercely pressing her lips against mine, prying my mouth open with her tongue and proceeded to dominate the inside of my mouth with it. I pushed back with my own tongue and she relented, allowing me to enjoy the feeling of her mouth, before forcing my tongue back out and our tongues wrestled for dominance as we kissed ferociously. After holding the kiss for what seemed like an eternity, neither one of us wanting to be the first to admit we needed to breathe, we both pulled back, panting, crazed looks of lust in our eyes as we tried to catch our breath.
"Well...what...happened...to a...normal day?" I managed to gasp out between breaths.
"I got...bored...while waiting...for you..," Rainbow panted.
"Does...this mean...you're going to tie me up?" I asked, grinning slyly at her as I did so.
"Depends on if you're going to try and run," Rainbow replied, a seductive gleam in her eyes, "because then I'd have to catch you and punish you for running away." She whispered as she began to kiss and nibble on my neck.
I pressed my face into her mane, letting a soft sigh escape through my lips as she stopped what she was doing and proceeded to kiss me again, a little gentler than before but still fierce enough to give me the feeling that even us kissing was a contest with her. Well Twilight certainly wasn't lying when she said that Rainbow loves a challenge...and this is one contest I am not going to lose!
After a short while, which still seemed like ages, we broke apart again and pressed our foreheads together, looking into each other's eyes as we tried to catch our breath. Again.
"You are...a much...better kisser...than I hoped..." Rainbow panted as she rubbed her muzzle against mine.
"Well...that's what...you get...when you want the best..." I panted, flashing her a cocky grin.
"I don't know...about the best," She murmured into my ear as she bit my neck. Hard. "I think I already have that position filled."
"I beg to differ," I whispered as I bit into her mane and pulled equally hard, a small gasp escaping her lips as I did so. I pulled away from her and grinned slyly at her, raising an eyebrow in an unspoken question.
"What?" She asked, blushing at the look in my eyes, "What's going through that mind of yours?"
"Oh quite a lot I can assure you," I said quietly, looking deep into her magenta eyes, "would you consider it presumptuous of me to ask you out to dinner some night?"
"Please, I don't even know what that means!" Rainbow said, laughing at my use of a fancy word, "But I would love to go to dinner with you Cloud. And of course, what might happen afterwards." She finished with a sensual smile.
"Great!" I said, a large smile on my face, "I'll meet you at your place tomorrow at six! Sound good?"
"Actually, can we make it seven? I like to nap for a few hours around four or five in the evening." Rainbow said with a sheepish grin. "And how about I'll meet you at the fountain in Ponyville's town square? It's closer to the restaurants and all."
"That's a great idea!" I said, pulling her into a hug, "Tomorrow at seven then! It's a date!"
"Alright!" She said with an excited look on her face, "I look forward to it! But I gotta get going, weather patrol and all. I'm sorry for just leaving like this but I'm already late as it is!" And with that she was up and away, leaving me staring up at her in wonder. I totally just asked Rainbow Dash out. After an amazing make-out session. Why didn't I ask Twilight out? 'Cause you were busy remembering random facts about your past remember? Ah...right. I wonder how she would have responded...why in Equestria are you wondering that? You have a date with Rainbow Dash! You can't just go ask Twilight out now! Good point. I should go look for a place to stay.
So, with Ponyville as my destination once again, I set off at a happy trot. Being completely lost in my thoughts about ideas for tomorrow's date, I didn't even see a certain purple pony until I had almost ran into her.
Oh look, it's Twilight! I wonder if she knows where I can stay...oh but first a drink, I'm parched after kissing Rainbow!
So I quietly walked off towards the small river, not wanting to disturb Twilight, until I hit a certain protruding rock and fell straight into the river. Sputtering, I climbed to my hooves, shaking the water from my coat.
"Oh hi Cloud! I'm glad to see you up and about! I was wanting to talk to you." Twilight said.
Stupid rock. It must've planned this. Yes, because that rock just wanted to RUIN your life right? Oh shut up.
"Hey Twi," I said, grinning abashedly as I walked out of the river, "what did you want to talk about?"
"Well, it came to my attention that the whole reason you went to Fluttershy's house in the first place was to talk to me correct?" She asked, making it sound more like a statement than a question, "Well, thanks to...certain events....that transpired after we met, we never got the chance to talk." She finished with a slight blush on her cheeks.
"Ah, right," I said, blushing myself under the circumstances, "well, I mainly wanted to apologize for what had happened at the party Pinkie Pie threw for me. I know it must've upset you."
"Oh...that's alright Cloud. You did have alot to drink at the party," she said with a small smile, "I was glad you showed up, I had something to tell you!"
"Really? What do you have to tell me?" I asked, excitement and nervousness rising up inside me simultaneously.
"Well, if you would be ok with it, Spike and I cleared up the spare room and put another bed in there..."
"...Okaaaay?" I said, trying to get her to say more.
"And, if you wanted to I mean, you could stay in the spare room at the library till you remember who you are..."
"Oh. Oh! You're inviting me to stay with you?! I'd love to Twilight!" I exclaimed excitedly, happy that my house problems are solved and that I'll get to spend time both in a library, which has knowledge that might help my amnesia, and with this wonderful mare.
"That's wonderful!" Twilight squealed, enthusiasm plainly showing on her face, "We should celebrate!"
"Brilliant idea!" I said, "I'm up for anything besides a Pinkie party!" I interjected, chuckling heartily at the memory of the party. The bits I remember at least...
"Great! Then tomorrow we should meet at Ponyville's fountain and go to dinner! How does seven o' clock sound?"
"That sounds excellent Twilight. I can't wait!" I exclaimed, excitement growing inside me. Hey genius... "It's a date!"
"Ok! I guess I'll see you back at the library later then! So we can get you settled into your room and everything," Twilight said with a happy smile on her face, "Goodbye Cloud!" And with that, she cantered off towards Fluttershy's cottage.
I, on the other hand, continued down the path towards Ponyville. I have a date with Twilight! Yes. Yes you do. And it just so happens to be at the same time as your date with Rainbow Dash. Oh...no...Oh yes. You are in quite the pickle now Cloud Runner. I...can't believe...this...
A/N: The bold italicized wording in Cloud's thoughts stand for the more rational side of his mind. Just in case it was confusing anypony. Also, the noose is tightening for a name for Ms. cream colored earth pony, please send me any ideas you may have! :3
I stood, frozen in the middle of the path to Ponyville, as I wrestled with my myself about everything that had transpired in the last couple of hours. What am I going to do?? Well, the RIGHT thing to do would be to talk to either Rainbow or Twilight and break off the date you have with them. But they're both so excited...I don't want to hurt either of them...Look, you don't have to necessarily 'hurt' either one of them, if you really have to you can just reschedule one of the dates. Huh...that seems like a plausible idea. But with whom should I reschedule? Well, to me the most logical choice is Twilight. You could reschedule your dinner from tomorrow night to tonight, celebrating your moving in on the very same night that you do! Brilliant! Next time I see her, I'll ask her to dinner tonight instead! I started walking down the path again, taking in the sights, and even stopping to smell a rose.
Once I got to Ponyville, I decided to seek out advice from the one pony I knew I could find right now. I headed over to the Carousel Boutique and knocked on the door, only to have it opened by a trio of little fillies wearing red capes.
"Oh hey there mister!" The little white filly I ran into (literally) said when she noticed it was me, "Are you hear to talk to my sister?"
"Yes I am," I said, smiling down at the three fillies, "your name's Sweetie Belle right?"
"That's right! And these are my friends Apple Bloom and Scootaloo," Sweetie Belle said, tilting her head to a light yellow filly with a rose colored mane and tail, sporting a large red bow in her mane, and an orange pegasus filly with a fuchsia mane and tail sporting a cocky, overconfident look on her face, "and we're the CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!!" All three of them yelled at me with great force, "my sister isn't here right now though." She finished.
"But ya sure are welcome ta wait with us!" Apple Bloom said excitedly, "You can help us think of some ideas ta get our cutie marks!"
"Ah, so you three fillies are trying to get your cutie marks together?" I asked, "You know, I don't have my cutie mark either!"
"REALLY??" All three of them shouted at me.
"But you're so old! How do you not have your cutie mark??" Scootaloo asked me incredulously.
"Well girls, I actually have amnesia. So I don't know my past. I barely even know my own name! So my cutie mark disappeared because I no longer know who I really am, and what my purpose in life is."
"Oh...well you can be an honorary Cutie Mark Crusader!" Sweetie Belle said excitedly, "Come on in, we can think of some ideas to do till my sister gets here!"
"Haha, sounds like fun girls," I said, "let's start brainstorming!" Well...maybe this will help me find my cutie mark! Do you honestly think that these fillies might just happen to stumble upon your special talent? It's worth a try! These fillies are really happy! I'm going to play along, what have I got to lose?
"What should we try first ever'pony?" Apple Bloom asked, pacing back and forth in front of all of us as we sat on Rarity's almost-too-fancy-to-touch couch, "There's just a whole mess of things we haven' tried yet!"
"Oh! We could be Cutie Mark Crusader Ghost Hunters!" Scootaloo suggested.
"That's ridiculous Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom said, "Ghosts don't even exist!"
"And if they did," Sweetie Belle piped up, "how would you go about catching one?"
"You don't know for sure that ghosts don't exist Apple Bloom!" Scootaloo said angrily, prompting Apple Bloom and her to start arguing profusely over the possibility of ghosts.
I get the feeling this kinda thing happens alot with these fillies. I smiled and just watched as the two fillies verbally battled. "Hey, where did Rarity go anyhow?" I asked Sweetie Belle, turning over to her on the couch.
"Oh, she had to go out for supplies," Sweetie Belle replied, "apparently she's making dresses for her friends Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle. Do you know them?"
"Oh yes...indeed I do," I muttered, my dates with both of them looming in my mind, "they're the reason why I'm here to talk to Rarity actually. I have a bit of a problem..."
"Did somepony say problem?!" Apple Bloom asked loudly, breaking away from her argument with Scootaloo, "Maybe we can be Cutie Mark Crusaders Problem Solvers!!"
"Hey, yeah!" Scootaloo agreed, the two of them eagerly walking over to me, "What problem do you have with Rainbow Dash and Twilight?"
I think they're a little too young to help me with this problem...well that's what you get for 'playing along.' Oh shut up.
"Ah haha...sorry girls I think you're a little too young to be helping me with this particular problem...but I'm sure somepony in Ponyville could use your help!" I said, trying to steer the conversation away from my problem.
"There must be!" Apple Bloom said excitedly, "Come on Cutie Mark Crusaders! Let's go help somepony!"
And with shouts of agreement from the other two fillies, the Cutie Mark Crusaders ran out the door, right past Rarity, who was levitating inside many bags of materials. Why in Equestria does she need all this material for two dresses?
"Ah, hello Rarity," I greeted as I slid off her couch, "I have a problem, and I was hoping you could help me out with it."
"Hello Cloud! What seems to be the problem?" Rarity asked as she used her magic to begin measuring my body size.
"Uh...well first off, why are you measuring me?"
"For your suit of course!" She exclaimed, giving me an incredulous look, "Don't tell me you already forgot that I was going to give you a new suit!"
"Oh right, that." I said sheepishly, I totally forgot! "Actually, I have a much more pressing matter to attend to, and I could really use some advice."
"Well let's not take too long sweetie, I simply must get to work on these dresses! They're for Twilight and Rainbow Dash you know. They BOTH have dates tomorrow night! Why, once I heard the news I knew I HAD to make them some new dresses to impress their colts!" Rarity rambled, finishing up her measurements and tossing her tape to the side.
Impress their COLT you mean...Well don't just stand there like an idiot, ask her what you should do! "Actually Rarity," I said quietly, "I'm the colt that Rainbow and Twilight is going out with. Through some unfortunate events that befell me, both the dates happened to get scheduled at the same time and I don't know what to do! I don't want to hurt either Rainbow OR Twilight, but I can't think of a way to resolve this without somepony getting hurt in the process..." I trailed off, looking down at the ground.
Rarity gasped, a little melodramatically if you ask me, "You mean they're BOTH going out with YOU?"
"Well...yeah!" I said, slightly offended at the tone of her voice, "Why do you say it like that?"
"Well, practically everypony knew that Rainbow had a thing for you," Rarity said, "she could barely keep her hooves off you!" You don't know that half of it... "But I never expected Twilight to be so forward as to go out with you so soon after meeting you!"
"Well, I don't really know if the date with Twilight should be considered a romantic one," I said slowly, "we're going to celebrate the fact of me moving into the library with her."
"Dearie!" Rarity gasped, "Of course there's going to be a romantic element for that date! She asked you to live with her and you said yes! She obviously wants to spend more time with you!"
"Well, then I'm an even bigger idiot than I thought!" I said exasperatedly, "And to top it all off, I'm getting some memories of a pony who might've been my marefriend before I got amnesia! But I'm also attracted to Rainbow Dash AND Twilight and I'm looking forward to my dates with them but I'm not sure if I should! I don't know how I should deal with all of these feelings!!" I finished loudly, practically yelling inside the boutique.
"Ok Cloud, calm down," Rarity soothed, "the first thing that you have to do is to decide which one you wish to date tomorrow."
"Well that's much easier said than done," I grumbled, "but let's say I do that. What do I tell the mare I decide not to date?"
"The truth dearie." Rarity said simply, "That's the best thing you could tell her."
"I suppose...but how am I supposed to choose??" I asked desperately.
"Search your heart hun, you'll find the answer you need inside yourself." Rarity murmured, giving me a quick hug.
Yes, that helps us ALOT...Oh shut up, at least she's trying to help us. I sighed, "You're right Rarity, I have to go somewhere quiet and think this over for a good long while."
"I think that is a great idea Cloud." Rarity said with a smile.
"Any suggestions on where I could go?" I asked mildly, the only place coming to mind is over at Fluttershy's, which wouldn't be the best idea since Twilight is probably still there.
"Well, you could go down to the lake, or into the field right outside Ponyville," she offered.
"Oh, I know! I'll go to the Everfree Forest!" I exclaimed, "Thanks a lot Rarity, you give some great advice!" I said as I walked out her door, "I'll be sure to let you know how it all turns out! Good luck with your designing!" And with that, I was out of the Carousel Boutique and heading down the path to the Everfree Forest.
After skirting around Fluttershy's cottage, I found myself at the entrance to the Everfree Forest. "As long as I stay on the path, I should be able to find my way out easily! After some quiet alone time, I'm sure I'll have my mind made up!" And with that being said, I started off into the forest.
Twilight Sparkle had just left Fluttershy's house after a short chat, and had started her way back to Ponyville when a thought struck her, Maybe I should find Cloud and see if we should just have a get together of all our friends instead of just a one-on-one kind of a thing... she thought. I don't know if I'm ready to be in that kind of atmosphere with him...Oh there's Applejack! I'll ask her for advice!
"Hey Applejack!" Twilight said cheerily, walking over to her friend.
"Well howdy there Twi!" Applejack greeted heartily, turning to face Twilight, "Whacha got goin' on?"
"Well, I was wondering if I could ask you for some advice..." Twilight trailed off.
"Advice concerning what sugahcube?" Applejack asked curiously.
"Well...it's about Cloud," Twilight said quietly, a blush growing on her face, "he and I have a date tomorrow evening to celebrate him moving into the library, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to be in that kind of situation with him yet..."
"Hold on there a sec sugahcube," Applejack said hurredly, an odd look on her face, "you said the two of ya have a date tomorrow? Now ya'll are sure of that?"
"Yes, I am!" Twilight answered, beginning to get confused, "We said we were going to meet at the fountain in Ponyville square at seven. Why do you ask?"
"Oh...uh nuthin' Twi," Applejack said, quickly looking away from Twilight's eyes, "if ya'll are looking for some advice about that there colt, you should go 'n' talk to Rainbow about 'im. I'm sure she can help you out."
"Yeah, she probably can," Twilight muttered, "do you know where I can find her?"
"Actually, I just saw her over at Sugahcube Corner talkin' with Pinkie Pie." Applejack said, nodding her head over in Ponyville's direction, "If'n ya'll hurry, you should be able to catch her."
"Thanks Applejack, I can always count on you." Twilight said, smiling at her friend, "I'll see you later alright?"
"A course you will Twi," Applejack said, smiling right back at her, "bye now!"
And with that, the two mares went their seperate ways, Applejack heading in the direction of Fluttershy's house, and Twilight heading to Sugarcube Corner.
OF COURSE she would advise me to ask Rainbow Dash, Twilight thought darkly, Rainbow couldn't keep her hooves off Cloud if she TRIED...
Soon enough, Twilight was walking into Sugarcube Corner, and spotting Rainbow and Pinkie over by the counter walked over to them, "Hey Rainbow...can I ask you something?"
I looked around, scanning the forest around me, looking for any sign of the path that I somehow lost. I was RIGHT on the path! I honestly don't know how you managed to lose the path. Oh man oh man oh man, I gotta get outta here! Did it ever occur to you that Rainbow Dash and Twilight might find out THEMSELVES about your little mess-up?
That thought made me fall on my rump. "Oh Goddess...that would be awful..." They would hate me! They would just think I was leading them on!
I yelled in frustration, the stress of my emotions and finding out I'm utterly lost finally getting to me. You know what you have to do to get out of here right? What would that be? You have to learn to fly again Cloud.
I walked through the forest, trying to find an clearing with enough room for me to learn to fly. Unfortunately, since it was in fact a forest, I couldn't see the clearing for the trees. Well that's obvious you idiot, if there weren't any trees then you would already be IN the clearing! I know that! Shut up!
After an indeterminable amount of time, I was still surrounded by trees. I started running, as fast as I could, in some random direction, searching for some bit of sky so I could at least try and determine the time of day. But everything seemed to be for naught, as the part of the forest I was in was so dense that no amount of sunlight (or moonlight, depending on what time it was) could show through. I finally stopped, panting for breath, and sat down against a nearby tree. I guess I'll just have to try to learn to fly without a large open space...Makes you regret coming into this damn forest huh? Yes, indeed it does.
"Yeah Twilight, I guess I could help you out," Rainbow Dash said shrugging, "what's up?"
"Well, I wanted to ask you for some advice..." Twilight trailed off, an embarrassed look on her face.
"Really? YOU came to ME for advice?" Rainbow asked incredulously, "Why me? Why not Rarity or one of the others?"
"Well...it has to do with Cloud." Twilight said, looking Rainbow Dash in the eyes, "And Applejack said if I was asking for advice about him I should ask you."
"Oh." Rainbow said, suddenly looking rather unsociable, "What advice could I possibly give you about him?"
"Well, Cloud and I have a date tomorrow, and I'm just not sure if-"
Whump!Ow...Indeed. That one hurt a bit more than others. I think I'm getting the hang of it though...Oh please. Don't even try to fool yourself. That was horrid and you know it. Yeah...it was...Remember what Fluttershy said. You have to feel it inside you.
I picked myself off the ground for what must've been the one hundreth time and looked up at the tree I kept climbing for altitude. This isn't working! No it isn't. Maybe we should start smaller. Smaller?? I'm somehow managing to mess up GLIDING TO THE GROUND! How much simpler can you get?? Maybe we should try just hovering. Right here, hovering a foot above the ground. Simple enough for you? Don't try and challenge me...I'm you. You can't goad yourself into a challenge. Ah...so deep down we're just a chicken, or a Scootaloo, as that little Apple Bloom would say. I am no chicken! Says the guy who won't try and hover a measly 12 inches above the ground. Fine! I'll show you...myself...whatever!
I put on my game face, and extending my wings to their full wingspan. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to find my inner focus, but whenever I closed my eyes I began to think of Rainbow and Twilight, and my heart would start to beat faster, knowing that at literally ANY time now (I never did find out what time it was), they could find out about my diabolical double date and start to hate me!
Stop it. Focus on what you know. You are Cloud Runner. Live up to your name.
I felt my heartbeat slow as I began concentrating on the absolutes in my life, however few they may be. As I started to flap my wings, I felt a strange sense of calm come over me as a sudden realization struck me. Twilight and Rainbow don't matter right now. If I don't learn to fly then I will probably die here. I HAVE to do this.
I began to flap my wings harder, feeling my wings begin to take the weight of my slim flier's body. I grinned, knowing that with my calm realization about my possible demise, I had found what I had been missing: True determination. But it wasn't from trying to save my own life. It came from the decision I had made before I found out I was lost. Rainbow Dash and Twilight deserved an explanation, and I wasn't planning on going anywhere until I gave them one.
I laughed triumphantly as I noticed I was a FEW dozen inches in the air, not noticing my increasing height due to my concentrating. Well well well...looks like I showed...um...myself? Indeed you did. Pat on the back time. Just don't fall again.
I laughed again as I glided towards the ground and pulled up, flapping my wings increasingly harder as I soared towards the branches above me. With the practiced aeronautical acrobatics of one who had been doing this all their life, I twisted and turned between the branches, using them as my own makeshift obstacle course, before I closed my wings and dove at the ground.
Aaaaaaand...now! I opened my wings and pulled up at the last second, closing them again as I pulled off a backflip and landed on all four hooves. Now THAT'S how we do it where I come from! Wherever that is. ...Touché.
I took off from the ground again, going much faster than last time, trying to find an opening in the treetops. With my new point of view, finding an opening to get out was much easier than I could have hoped, and before I knew it I was speeding out into fading daylight. Oh Goddess! How long was I in there?? Well I think it's doubtful that you were in there for more than a day, so this is probably the evening of the night you scheduled your dates with Twilight and Rainbow. I hope I'm right..
"AND THEN HE ASKED ME OUT! WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT HOW HE FEELS ABOUT YOU?!"
"HE'D MUCH RATHER BE WITH ME THAN WITH AN EGGHEAD LIKE YOU!"
"THEN WHY WOULD HE AGREE TO MOVE IN WITH ME?!"
"BECAUSE HE HAD NOWHERE ELSE TO LIVE!"
"WELL I'M SURPRISED YOU DIDN'T OFFER YOUR OWN BED WITH YOURSELF AS A COMPLIMENTARY BLANKET!"
"AND WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!"
"IT MEANS EXACTLY WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE IT MEANS! YOU CAN'T KEEP YOUR HOOVES OFF CLOUD!"
"WELL HE CERTAINLY DIDN'T KEEP HIS HOOVES OFF OF ME EITHER!"
"AND YOU THINK HE JUST LAID MOTIONLESS AS I KISSED HIM?!"
"AT LEAST MY KISSING DIDN'T MAKE HIM LOSE CONSCIOUSNESS!"
"WHEN I KISSED HIM I BROUGHT BACK A PART OF HIMSELF! YOU CAN'T SAY THAT ABOUT YOUR KISSING!"
"MY KISSING TOOK HIS BREATH AWAY!"
"Um....girls?"
"AT LEAST I DIDN'T HAVE TO TRY AND SEDUCE HIM TO GET HIM TO KISS ME!"
"NO, ALL YOU DID WAS TACKLE HIM TO THE GROUND!"
"G-girls? I really don't think-"
"WHY DO YOU THINK YOU SHOULD GET CLOUD??"
"BECAUSE HE ASKED ME OUT FIRST!"
"BUT HE DIDN'T KNOW I WANTED TO GO OUT WITH HIM THEN!"
"YOU JUST SAID THAT YOU WEREN'T SURE IF YOU WERE READY FOR A ROMANTIC SETTING WITH CLOUD! YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE TWILIGHT!"
"GIRLS!!!"
Twilight and Rainbow Dash backed down from their intense argument and looked in shock at their usually timid, soft-spoken friend.
"That's better," Fluttershy said, an intense glare in her eyes as she stared down her longtime friends, "now I know you two are arguing about Cloud, and over who deserves to get him. But he isn't a prize! He's a pony, just like us! He's quite capable of making his OWN decisions in life, especially over whom he loves!"
"Yo-you're right Fluttershy," Twilight said begrudgingly, as Rainbow muttered her agreement, "the only pony who can truly decide this is Cloud himself. We have to find him."
"Yeah, and kick his tail for making dates with both of us and not bothering to cancel either one!" Rainbow said angrily.
"Now Rainbow, do you really think Cloud would try to play both you and Twilight?" Fluttershy asked in a calming voice.
"I don't know! And you know what else? NOPONY ELSE KNOWS EITHER!" Rainbow shouted, tears beginning to form in her eyes as the argument over this mysterious colt continued, "Not even Cloud himself! He might've just had his fun with us and moved on! Why did we trust him??"
"DO YOU REALLY THINK CLOUD WOULD DO THAT TO US?" Twilight shouted up at Rainbow Dash, who was flying agitatedly around Sugarcube Corner, "WHAT HAPPENED TO LOYALTY?"
"OH DON'T ACT LIKE YOU WEREN'T THINKING THE SAME THING!" Rainbow shouted back, flying down into Twilight's face, "YOU'RE JUST AS SCARED AS I AM THAT HE DOESN'T REALLY HAVE FEELINGS FOR YOU!" She yelled, tears flowing freely down her face, "We're both foals Twilight. Simple naive foals."
"Yes Rainbow," Twilight said, trying to keep her voice level, "that thought did cross my mind. But I truly believe that Cloud is a meaningful colt. He wouldn't do that to either of us."
"Then we're both even bigger foals than I thought before," Rainbow said angrily, beginning to fly towards the door, "because I believe that too."
"Wh-where are you going Rainbow?" Fluttershy asked, worried about her friend's current emotional state.
"I'm going to find Cloud, and I'm going to get some answers." She stated firmly, glancing back towards her two friends, "Are you coming with me?"
"Yes," Twilight replied, walking over to the door, "Cloud should be over at the library by now. We can question him there."
"I-I think I'll stay here and help Pinkie clean up this mess..." Fluttershy said quietly, wondering just where exactly the pink party pony had gone.
"Alright then," Rainbow said as she and Twilight left Sugarcube Corner, "let's go."
I was back beneath the treetops, zooming through the branches as fast as I dared, pure adrenaline flowing through my blood as time after time I narrowly missed branches with my inuitive flying abilities. Damn...Fluttershy was right! I AM good at this!
Soon though, it got too dark underneath the treetops to fly, so I flew back up into the night sky, heading for a river that marked the midway point to my journey back to Ponyville. Oh man...it's really getting late...Yes it is. Maybe Twilight's getting worried? Maybe she'll try to find you, enlisting the help of some of her friends? SHUT UP! I should be back before anything too extreme happens...
"SPIKE!" Twilight yelled as she and Rainbow Dash burst into the library.
"What is it Twilight?!" Spike exclaimed, greatly scared at the expressions on the two mares' faces.
"Nothing important pipsqueak!" Rainbow Dash said angrily, "Just tell us where Cloud is!"
"Cl-Cloud?" Spike said, confused, "Um, he's not here. I haven't seen him all day!"
"Great. Just great." Rainbow snarled, turning to Twilight, "I thought you said he'd be here!"
"He should've been!" Twilight spat back, "I don't know where else he could be at this time!"
"Um, if I may intervene here," Spike piped up, "I believe Rarity said something about making a suit for Cloud. I, uh, just happened to pass her by earlier today." He finished hurredly, a blush quickly forming on his cheeks.
"He must still be at Rarity's!" Twilight and Rainbow said simultaneously, "We have to hurry!"
And off they sped, leaving one very confused baby dragon in their wake.
"Cloud. Is. Going. To. Get. It." Rainbow Dash spat as she and Twilight sped toward the Carousel Boutique.
I frantically swerved to avoid being hit by some rampaging river beast, who was writhing in what was either extreme rage or extreme agony, and flew straight back into the treetops.
It's too dark! I can't see! I CAN'T S-CRASH!
Antagonizing pain lurched through my body. I was rendered unable to scream as the breath is ripped from my lungs as I tumbled through the branches to the forest floor below.
WHUMP!
G-goddess...that thing...what was it's problem?? I must say that beast, whatever it was, did have one fabulous moustache...or at least half of one... Please shut up...
Clop...clop...clop...clop
"Well well well you clumsy colt, into the ground you crashed you dolt!"
Who said that?? I snapped my head around, trying to locate the source of the mysterious voice, but the sudden movement proved to much for my injured body, and I collapsed back on the ground.
"It seems you have suffered great injury, I must ask that you let me see!"
I nodded my head dumbly, feeling darkness beginning to envelop me. But before it wrapped me in it's warm embrace, I summoned the strength to mutter one last thing.
A/N: Hoo boy! I felt good writing this chapter, I think I captured the intensity I was trying to display between Rainbow Dash and Twilight! And our hero just can't seem to catch a lucky break can he? Hahaha, just wait! There's alot more to come before Cloud's story is finished!
"Oh Cloud," Rainbow murmured, "I was beginning to worry about you."
"You never have to worry," I murmured back, nibbling on her ear as she sighed into my neck, "I'll always return to you." I grabbed hold of her and rolled us over so she was underneath me.
"Good," Twilight whispered as she kissed me passionately, "It gets awfully lonely in the library sometimes."
"Well then it's a good thing I'll be living there with you then." I murmured as I kissed her neck softly, "You'll never have to be alone again."
"That's good to hear," She said as she rolled back on top of me, "I wasn't planning on letting you slipping away again." Rainbow said seductively as she began to kiss me ferociously, rubbing her hooves along my sides.
I placed my hoof behind her head and pulled her deeper into the kiss, rubbing her flank with my other hoof. After we broke the kiss, I placed my hooves on her shoulders and flipped her over on her back, staring deep into her blue eyes.
"I missed you so much Cloud...why did you leave?"
"I'm sorry..." I said quietly, "I promise I'll always return to you Shyfly..."
Fluttershy gave me a soft kiss on the lips, "ʸᵃʸ..."
"AH!" I yelled, bolting upright in the bed I was in. What the hay...Why was Fluttershy in my dream? Well you obviously have some feelings for that mare. She's important to you because she was a part of your past. That's true...maybe I should talk to her. Yes, do that. Right after Rainbow Dash and Twilight kill you. Right...I gotta get back to Ponyville!
"Um...hello?" I called out, "Is anypony home?"
"Ah good morning you injured colt, it seems you had a nasty jolt!"
There's that voice again...and it's still talking in rhyme!
"Uh...who are you?" I asked, searching for the source of the voice, "And for that matter, WHERE are you?"
"If searching for me is such a chore, just look for me beside the door."
I glanced over to the door, and saw the pony I had to thank. Wait...that's no pony! It's a zebra!
"Ah, hello there!" I said carefully, "My name is Cloud Runner."
"It is nice to meet you Cloud, Zecora is my name, of which I'm proud."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Zecora," I said, smiling over at her, "But could you tell me what happened to me?"
"Well, you swerved to avoid a serpent of the sea, and in doing so you ran into a tree." Zecora said, "Where I walked by and found that you had fallen upon the ground, and noticed a wicked sprain had cursed your wing, where I brought you here and made you a sling."
"Oh...why thank you Zecora!" I said gratefully, "How long have I been unconscious?"
"You have been out for a few hours, which gave me time to go collect flowers." Zecora informed me, "Flowers for a special brew, which will ease the pain that must plague you."
"Oh...so it's morning now?" I asked. Goddess...everypony's probably worried sick! Either that or they're extremely angry at you. I know! I gotta get out of here! "Hey Zecora, do you know the way to Ponyville?"
"Why yes I do," Zecora said, "in a short while I'd be happy to guide you."
I smiled happily at her, knowing that this nightmare was almost over.
FLASH! I was a young pony, walking next to a zebra that looked like Zecora, but it couldn't possibly have been her. We laughed and bumped our hooves together, then started racing for a house that was close by....FLASH! Now I was walking side by side with Fluttershy, telling her about my adventures with my someone named Zak, and she just listened in awe...FLASH! Now Fluttershy and I were walking somewhere late at night, when I heard the sounds of a fight coming from an alley close by...FLASH! I stood by the zebra from before, both of us injured but grinning at each other. "Hey now Zak...you didn't think I'd just leave you hangin' now did ya?" I asked, laughing at the situation. He thanked me for standing by his side, and Fluttershy gasped as she walked into the alley, unwounded, but astounded by what she saw. Then I noticed a flash of light and a deep warmth spreading from my flanks. "Cloud!" Fluttershy squealed, "You finally got it!"
"Hello? Anypony home?"
I opened my eyes to see Zecora standing over me, a worried expression on her face, "H-hey Zecora..."
"Ah, it is good to see that you are awake, I thought maybe you were bit by a snake." Zecora said, a relieved smile spreading across her face, "But maybe you would like to tell me about, exactly what it was that put you out?"
"Ah, well Zecora," I began, "I have amnesia. And...I just had some memories come back. I always black out when it happens...it's kind of annoying." I admitted, "But it is nice to learn more about my past."
"Well do you think you are well enough to move?" Zecora asked, "Remember that you don't have anything to prove. We can leave for Ponyville at any time, I suggest we wait till you're at your prime."
"No, I'm ok!" I said hurredly, "I have to get back to Ponyville as soon as possible!"
Twilight had collected all her friends inside the Carousel Boutique, and they had been up all night looking for Cloud. "Come on girls," Twilight said urgently, "there must be somewhere we haven't looked!"
"I already told you ladies!" Rarity exclaimed exasperatedly, "Cloud said something about going to the Everfree Forest to think about what he was going to do!"
"He wouldn't be dumb enough to go in there and stay there all night!" Rainbow Dash argued.
"Unless he went 'n' got himself lost..." Applejack said thoughtfully, "Ah think we should go into the Everfree Forest an' look fer 'im!"
"Um...I think that's the best thing we can do..." Fluttershy said quietly, "Maybe we can go ask Zecora to help us..."
"That's a great idea Fluttershy!" Pinkie Pie said excitedly, "It's been awhile since we've talked with her! This'll be exciting!"
"Pinkie Pie!" Rainbow shouted, snapping Pinkie out of her own little world, "We have to focus on finding Cloud! He could be seriously hurt! And if he isn't he's GOING to be..." She finished darkly.
"Ok girls, here's what I think we should do," Twilight said, taking control of the situation, "I think Rainbow, Applejack and I should go into the forest to look for Cloud, and the rest should stay in Ponyville in case he comes back on his own."
"Okey-dokey Twilight!" Pinkie said loudly, "I can plan a party for when he gets back!"
"Oh he'll be getting a party alright," Rainbow said darkly, "a special party that Twilight and I will throw for him."
"Oh! You already have a party planned??" Pinkie asked excitedly, "Are we all invited??"
"No Pinkie," Rainbow sighed, "Only Twilight and I can be there."
"Oh..." Pinkie said, her hair deflating, "Okay...I'll just have to throw another party for the rest of us!" She exclaimed.
"Alright girls, do we all know what we're going to do?" Twilight asked, receiving confirmations from all her friends, "Then let's move out!"
Zecora and I walked along a path, not going as fast as I would've liked as my stupid bandages and injuries slowed me down considerably. But Zecora seemed fine with our current speed, and I got the feeling that she was used to going at her own pace.
Hmm...so I had a zebra named Zak for a friend when I was younger...and he and Fluttershy were there when I got my cutie mark...whatever it was, and whatever it meant...
Zecora and I were walking in silence, as I was too lost in my own thoughts to hold a meaningful conversation. I can't get that dream out of my head...the way the mare I was with kept changing...especially when Fluttershy showed up...You're life is totally messed up right now isn't it? Yeah, it is. And I still don't know who that earth pony is! She might not even be anypony important! Judging from my memories, she was or still is somepony important to me! And I'm going to find out how important!
Zecora and I kept walking along the path in silence. Until I finally had to break the silence.
"Hey Zecora," I started, "is the path to Ponyville a long one?"
"Usually it does not take so long, but sometimes the trip I like to prolong."
"Ugh, I wish I wasn't hurt! Then I could just fly back to Ponyville!" I exclaimed, "I don't see how things can get any worse..."
"Worse things can always occur, it is up to you the lessons you infer." Zecora stated, glancing over at me as she did so, "What troubles ail you my friend? Maybe I can help you bring them to an end."
"Well, first off, I still have amnesia," I started, "that's an important one. The other more immediate problem is that I made two dates with two different mares for the same time tonight."
"It seems your situation certainly is bleak," Zecora said, "Who are these mares of which you speak?"
"Um...a pegasus called Rainbow Dash and a unicorn named Twilight Sparkle." I informed Zecora, not noticing her expression change to one of shock.
"Those are the mares you wish to date??" Zecora asked alarmingly, "With them both, you must come straight!"
"You know them?" I asked, equally shocked, "I know I need to come straight, but I got lost in this forest! I've been trying to get back to Ponyville so I can talk to them about it!"
"Do not worry my new friend, I'm sure your relationships with them you can mend." Zecora reassured me, "Those mares are very kind, I'm sure that they will not mind."
"Thank you Zecora," I said, smiling over at her as we increased our pace slightly, "I'm glad you found me in the forest."
"I am glad as well my friend," Zecora replied, smiling back at me, "for soon your troubles shall be mended."
Oh these mares just won't quit with all their fussin' Applejack thought tiredly, as Twilight and Rainbow alternated between arguing over the situation and completely ignoring each other. Ah just wish that this whole mess were over with.
"Hey wait a minute," Rainbow Dash said suddenly, "isn't it a dumb idea to look for Cloud on the path? If he was still on the path then he wouldn't be lost now would he?"
"Well...that's actually a good point Rainbow," Twilight said, not looking at her friend, "If we want to try and find Cloud, we'd have to leave the path."
"Alright ya'll, here's what ah'm thinkin'," Applejack said, "Ah'll go on ahead to Zecora's place, while you two look for Cloud."
"That's a good idea AJ," Twilight said, "does that sound good to you Rainbow?"
"Well, I can't think of a better idea," Rainbow said begrudgingly.
"Alrighty then everypony, let's go find us a forgetful colt!"
It was getting much easier to talk with Zecora, as our short walk turned into a long trek to Ponyville. But on the inside, I was still being tormented by my thoughts. This is taking too long. I have to find Twilight and Rainbow before it's too late. Also, my wing hurts. Really bad. Shut up, I think our Twilight/Rainbow problem is much more important than our sprained wing! Maybe right now. Just you wait till it has to be amputated. It's a stupid sprain! It's not going to be amputated because of a stupid sprain!
"Cloud?"
"Sah huh whuh?" I said, shaken out of my reverie by Zecora's voice, "What is it Zecora?"
"Do you hear that? It sounds like somepony's in combat."
I stopped and listened carefully, straining my ears for whatever Zecora was hearing. I could faintly hear the sounds of somepony yelling and some monster roaring in the distance.
"Cloud! There ya'll are!"
"Huh? Applejack? What are you doing here?" I asked incredulously.
"Me 'n Twi 'n Rainbow came into the forest to find ya! And here you are!" Applejack said excitedly, "Now we can all get outta here! But," she continued, suddenly turning serious, "you best tread lightly around Twi and Rainbow right now. They're some o' mah best gals and I won't stand for one o' them bein' hurt by you."
"Wait," I said, equally serious, "they're in the forest RIGHT NOW? Where are they??"
"Well, we didn't think ya'll would be on the path, so they decided to search the forest for you." Applejack said, "But here ya'll are! Right with Zecora! Looks like Ah made the right choice!" She chuckled.
I looked over at Zecora, and she stared at me with a concerned look on her face.
"We must go and find those mares!" She said urgently, "Because I think they are in quite the snare!"
I nodded, and turned toward where I heard the sounds of battle. "You two stay here. I have something I need to do."
And with that, I ran off into the forest, with Applejack calling after me and Zecora keeping her from following me.
Gah! Dammit Twilight! Why did you have to get hit by that branch??
Rainbow was crouched in front of Twilight, trying to protect her friend from the manticore that had snuck up on them a short while ago. The manticore roared and charged them both, forcing Rainbow to pick Twilight up and move out of the manticore's reach yet again.
I can't keep this up much longer... she thought desperately Somepony help us!
I leapt in-between Rainbow and the manticore, staring at the beast as it eyed me warily. My wing hurt, the bandages Zecora put on me tight around my midsection, but I barely noticed the pain knowing that I had somepony to protect. And, no matter what, I was going to protect Rainbow and Twilight.
"Rainbow," I said quietly, still staring at the manticore, "take Twilight and head that way." I flicked my tail in the direction of Zecora and Applejack, "I'll catch up with you as soon as I can."
"I'm not going to leave you here with that thing!" Rainbow said, a certain undertone in her voice betraying her fear, "After all Twilight and I've been through over you I'm not going to walk away as you face it alone!"
"It's fine Rainbow!" I said firmly, feeling a familiar warmth pass over my flanks as a flash of light illuminated the forest around us, "This is what I'm meant to do."
A/N: Well, another chapter comes and goes. So to explain the dream sequence (in case anypony was confused) everytime Cloud switched positions the mare changed, from RD to Twi to RD to Fluttershy. There was only one mare at any given time in the dream, she just kept changing personas. I'll try to update again later tonight, but if I don't then I won't be able to update again until sunday. Thanks again all you guys for reading my story! I hope you're enjoying it! :3
I stared calmly at the manticore, keeping its attention on me as I listened to Rainbow Dash carry Twilight over to Zecora and Applejack. Well, what's your battle plan? Keep it distracted long enough for the others to get away, then lose it in the forest. And if it follows you? Then I'll go faster! Ah, this plan can't POSSIBLY fail.
The manticore roared at me, trying to scare me into running, but I stood my ground and stared it straight in the eye, unflinching. It leapt at me and swiped at me with its claws, but thanks to my nimble, agile flier's body I was able to stay just out of reach of those deadly claws. We should give it a name. Why in Equestria would we want to do that? Then I could try to taunt him...her...it...whatever! I'll be able to verbally fight back! Fine, how about Steve? No that's a stupid name for a manticore. We should call it Corey! Oh yes, because that's SOOO much better than Steve. Alright fine, I won't name the damn manticore!
I grinned at the manticore, who was beginning to get frustrated with its inability to hit me. But I forgot one important thing about manticores. Namely that they have a scorpion-like tail at their disposal. And it was that very same tail that allowed the manticore to get the upper hoof.
"AH!" I yelled as the manticore's tail slammed into my side where my sprained wing was, flinging me up against a tree. Ow...at least I avoided the stinger. Not entirely. It snagged on your bandages. Oh crap...Zecora's gonna kill me..Well she's going to have to wait in line behind the manticore, Rainbow Dash and Twilight!
I felt the bandages slide away from my body, trying to hold my bad wing as close to my as I could, but extending my good wing, trying to think of any advantages it could give me. It can make me more agile! I'll be able to dodge its attacks easier! True. Or you could use your one good wing to go on the offensive. Actually fight back.
I used my wing to give me a little more distance away from the manticore's claws, and jumped nimbly over its tail as it tried to impale me again. Flapping my good wing as hard as I could, I moved towards the manticore and kicked it in the jaw, using its shoulder as a means to propel myself away from the manticore. My assault on its jaw only angered the manticore even more than it already was, and it leapt at me before I landed on the ground. I did the only logical thing I could at that time, which was to dive under the manticore as soon as I touched the ground. Fortunately for me, the manticore completely missed me, and instead ran straight into a tree trunk. Well now...this might just work!
I continued to goad the manticore into charging me, only to dodge out of the way at the last second and having the manticore run into trees. But I could tell that the manticore was beginning to wise up to my tricks. It's not going to work again! I have to finish this now!
I had only one idea on how to beat the manticore, and it was crazy. Totally. Bucking. Crazy. Rainbow Dash would be proud of this idea. Yeah, if it even works. Only one way to find out!
I ran straight at the manticore, and ducked underneath his outstretched paw as he tried to tear my face off. Knowing full well that what I was about to attempt was idiotic, I headed for the manticore's tail before it could turn around. Grabbing its tail in my mouth, I dug my hooves into the ground and started pulling with all of my strength. Astoundingly, the manticore began to get dragged around by me, as I continued to spin in a small circle, slowly gathering speed and eventually getting lifted off the ground from the gathering force. I spun faster and faster, hearing the manticore roar in frustration at being unable to get me to stop spinning him around in a circle. I felt my muscles begin to give way, and with a loud battle cry, I released my jaws grip on the manticore tail, hurtling the manticore straight into a thick oak tree. I collapsed to my knees, keeping a steady eye on the manticore in case it got ready to retaliate again. Please, for the love of Princess Celestia, stay down...I honestly cannot believe that worked! Thankfully, that last blow the manticore took from the mighty oak tree had rendered it unconscious, so I was safe to lay on the ground, as my muscles screamed at me in protest of what had just transpired. I did it...
Oh! I got my cutie mark again! I jerked my head around, wincing at the pain in my neck as I did so, "Oh Goddess that's gonna hurt real bad in a little while." I groaned, as I folded my wing in to look upon my cutie mark.
My cutie mark consisted of two clouds, the larger one on the right side of the smaller one, and had a shooting star traveling from one cloud to the other, with the tail of the shooting star ending at the bigger cloud and the tip of the star just touching the smaller cloud. I finally have my cutie mark! And its meaning? I'm like a shooting star. I'm the hope that some turn to in an otherwise dark and cold night. Zak needed my help in my past, and I brought him hope when I showed up to help him. Rainbow and Twilight needed a miracle, and I brought them hope when I saved them from the manticore. You can't count Twilight, she was busy being unconscious remember? Whatever, you know what I mean.
I began to hear voices as I lay on the ground, still watching the manticore. That's probably the others, beginning to worry now that the manticore has stopped roaring.
"There he is! He's ok!" I heard Rainbow Dash yell from somewhere above and behind me. Then I heard everypony gather around me as they noticed the manticore laying over by the tree.
"Holy Celestia," Applejack said, the awe apparent in her voice, "did you knockout that manticore Cloud?"
I nodded my head, not looking at anypony, anxious butterflies raging in my stomach.
"Well it certainly is quite a feat, when a manticore is singularly beat." Zecora said, beginning to walk away from us, "I must return to my abode, I am quite sure you'll find the road. Goodbye my friends." And with that said, she disappeared into the brush.
Twilight staggered over to me, obviously still hurt by her run-in with the manticore, and buckled in front of me, giving me a tired look in her eyes. Rainbow flew over and laid down next to her, their bodies touching from the close proximity.
"Cloud," Twilight began, but Rainbow cut her off.
"We are going to talk, here and now." Rainbow said firmly, looking me straight in the eye. I could tell just from looking at them that they had been up all night, looking for me. And yet they're still beautiful... I knew I couldn't look much better, with a wing sprained and covered in cuts and bruises from my attempts at learning to fly. I began to laugh.
"What's so funny?" Twilight asked, a confused look on her slightly angry face.
I just shook my head, smiling at the mares in front of me. I struggled to get to my hooves and stumbled over to them, collapsing just in front of them.
"Thank you..." I murmured, giving both of them a quick nuzzle on their foreheads, "I don't deserve your friendship after everything I've put you through." I continued, looking at them in the eyes, calmly switching from one to the other, "Judging from the looks of things you already know about the dates I planned with both of you correct?" I asked them, receiving rather perturbed nods from both of them, "Good. Saves me a bit of explaining." I chuckled, "First off, I was not trying to play you two. I just want to get that right out in the open. But this is where things might get a little confusing. I DO have feelings for both of you. I'm quite sure of that. I also know that I don't want to hurt either of you, or to have you angry with me." They nodded slowly, hanging on my every word, "So...the real reason as to why all this happened...I'm an idiot. I spent a very long time thinking about it before I got lost in these infernal woods, and that was the real reason why this happened. I wanted to date both of you. I still do actually."
"Twilight," I said, looking directly at her, "I was extraordinarily happy that you invited me to stay at the library with you. I think some of the books in there might be able to spark my memory into coming back, and I was overjoyed at the thought of spending more time with you."
"Rainbow Dash," I continued, looking over at the cyan pegasus, "I asked you out because I truly wanted to get to know you better, better than just some overly hormonal ponies who can't keep their hooves off each other," I said, smiling at the memory of her kissing me ferociously.
"Then there's my memory." I said slowly, "I keep recalling memories of an earth pony with whom I may have a relationship with already. I'm going to have to find out about her before I can truly be with either of you." I informed them, noticing the crestfallen looks they wore on their faces, "But that doesn't mean I can't spend time with either of you!" I assured them hurriedly, "If you two wouldn't mind, I would still like to have dinner with you two some night. Either together or apart. I don't want to lose our friendship because of my stupidity..." I began to trail off, realizing how long I had gone on rambling, "I'm so sorry..." I whispered, tears forming in my eyes as I hung my head, finally getting everything off my chest that had gathered within the last few days out in the open.
I felt Rainbow Dash and Twilight lay down on either side of me, so close that their sides constantly touched mine, and nuzzled each side of my neck, the feeling as their pent-up emotions released in tears rubbing off on my coat. I looked over at both of them and lightly kissed them on the forehead before we all lay together and cried quietly, glad that all that had happened between us was over at this moment in time. I heard Applejack go over to Rainbow's other side and lie down next to her. I started feeling bad because I completely forgot she was there.
After a short while of us lying there I decided we had to get going before the manticore woke up. I stood up, silently motioning with my head that the others should follow me, and we all walked close together as we moved toward the edge of the Everfree Forest, nopony wanting to ruin the moment that had obviously passed between us.
We reached the edge of the forest rather quickly, and standing in the open sun, knowing that I could finally go somewhere and rest, I felt a massive wave of fatigue wash over me, almost causing me to collapse again. Apparently one does not get much rest when they're unconscious...
I turned to look at the ponies who had gone through so much torment because of me. They looked so tired, barely standing upright, looking back at me with quizzical expressions.
"If'n ya'll excuse me," Applejack said, stifling a large yawn, "I gotta get home 'n sleep!" And with that Applejack started trotting away from us, heading to her home.
"Hey," I said quietly, still looking at Rainbow and Twilight, "I'm going to tell you what we're going to do." They both looked at me, questions practically written all over their faces.
"We're going to go to the library and sleep," I started, then smiled a tired smile, "and then I'm going to take you both out to dinner when we wake up. Sound good?"
Twilight and Rainbow almost fell over with the effort it took them to nod their heads, so before we all fainted from exhaustion, we all started walking down the path to Ponyville together.
Well it certainly seems that you dodged a bullet. Indeed I did...Zecora was right. These mares are wonderful...I really am lucky to know them. Indeed you are.
"So wait'll you hear this," I said, laughing quietly to myself, "I had the craziest dream..."
A/N: I felt warm and fuzzy inside as I wrote this chapter :3 I'm going to continue writing tonight, so keep your eyes open for another chapter just in case! :D Seems like things are finally turning around for Cloud!
By the time I had woken up, the late morning sun had moved into late afternoon, although I had the sneaking suspicion that a whole day had passed. I glanced to my right and was rewarded by the sight of Twilight laying up against me, her head resting on my right hoof. I looked to my left and saw Rainbow Dash, lying perpendicular to me, resting her head upon my withers. Hmmm...they were much more tired than I was. I can't wake them now. Sorry to bring this up, but we have a problem. What would that be? How are we going to take them to dinner without bits? Oh crap! I totally forgot!
I tried to think of a way to get enough bits for my date with Rainbow and Twilight later, but none came to mind. At least, none that would rationally work. Well now...I obviously didn't think this through. Of course you didn't. You were exhausted. That's a good reason to not think things through. Maybe so, but now what am I going to do??
I got up carefully, using my wings and hooves to slowly lay Rainbow on the ground without waking her. I walked out of the library and looked around Ponyville, still trying to think of a way to get bits for tonight. Maybe they'll just keep sleeping. You can't rely on that possibility. Also, they're not going to sleep FOREVER. Good point.
I continued to walk slowly through Ponyville, quietly greeting anypony that greeted me, avoiding eye contact as much as I could.
"Why hello there!" I was greeted cheerily by a rather well-proportioned magenta pony with a two-colored pink mane, "You're Cloud Runner right?"
"Yes, yes I am." I replied, giving her a small smile, "I'm sorry but I don't know your name..." I trailed off sheepishly.
"Oh, but where are my manners??" She asked, a horrified looking flashing across her face, "My name is Cheerilee, I'm the schoolteacher here in Ponyville!" Mmmm....yes Miss Cheerilee you have to teach me a lesson now...What the hay is wrong with you?? Well...she IS rather shapely...Keep it in your flanks. Besides, what about Rainbow and Twilight? Ok, good point. But she IS kinda hot. And she's a teacher. The sexiness has been doubled! Maybe so, but you need self-control. That's why you're here. ...touché.
"Oh I see." I said, my smile growing larger, "I take it you were at the party Pinkie Pie threw for me?"
"Oh yes, I had a wonderful time." Cheerilee said, smiling at me, "And if I remember correctly, you had quite the evening yourself." She stated, winking at me.
"Ah...which part do you mean?" I asked, nervously laughing, unable to recall that particular night due to my alcohol consumption.
"You...don't remember?" She asked, going wide-eyed and blushing slightly at the memory, "You and Rainbow Dash were certainly getting quite...intimate." She informed me, her blush growing heavier by the second, "If you don't mind me asking, is she your...marefriend?"
"Ah! No, no she isn't!" I exclaimed, perhaps a little too loudly, judging by the looks I received from ponies passing by, "I just...got a little carried away from drinking too much." I finished sheepishly, looking away from Cheerilee as I did so.
"Ohh I see." Cheerilee said, a little laugh in her voice, "Well I suspect she would be one lucky mare if she was." She said, giving me another quick wink, "You know, there was quite a commotion about you a couple days ago."
"There was?" I asked cautiously, "Why?"
"Oh, apparently a few ponies were really worried about where you were!" She informed me, "I heard about it from Rarity over at the Carousel Boutique, she was making a new dress for me."
"Oh Goddess..." I muttered, "I wasn't expecting Rainbow and Twilight to bring the others into this!"
"Oh, so what happened? If you don't mind me asking that is..." Cheerilee trailed off, looking embarrassed.
"Nah, I don't mind." I assured her, "It is somewhat of a long story though...would you like to walk with me to the Carousel Boutique while I tell it?"
"Sure!" Cheerilee exclaimed happily, "I don't have anything planned for the rest of the day!"
And with that we started walking together towards the Carousel Boutique, me telling her everything that had happened to me since I woke up in the tree, obviously leaving out some of the more personal things, such as details of kissing Rainbow and Twilight, and the rather intimate dream that I had. Her reaction to it all wasn't quite what I was expecting.
"Wow...you kissed them both and got dates with both??" Cheerilee exclaimed, "Looks like somepony's certainly a player!" She laughed, "No, I'm kidding, I'm sure you're not that kinda colt."
"Thank you," I said, relief flowing through me, "I know what I did was stupid, but I was totally out of it!"
And when I told her of how I fought the manticore in the Everfree Forest, she stared at me with her eyes wider than I've ever seen anypony's eyes go before, "You really beat a manticore all by yourself??"
"Well...yeah!" I said, blushing from embarrassment, "It's...it's not that big of a deal!"
"Um...actually Cloud...it IS a big deal!" Cheerilee said, astonishment spreading across her face, "I can't think of anypony who's beaten a manticore alone before!"
"Oh...well...um...yeah," I stammered, embarrassment growing rapidly, "I had to protect Rainbow and Twilight...I really didn't care what happened to me at that moment in time..."
"Well then aren't you a regular knight in shining armor?" Cheerilee asked me, a sneaky glint in her eye, "I bet your 'non-marefriend' wanted to thank you for that didn't she?"
My jaw dropped. Literally. She can't be implying...that can she?? Why not? Because she's a teacher? "Well," I said nervously, a blush quickly forming on my cheeks, "actually once the fight was over Rainbow, Twilight and I had a big discussion over everything that had happened in the last few days, then we all went back to the library and slept together."
Cheerilee's eyes got really big as a very deep blush began to form on her cheeks, "Y-you mean that you...ummm...with both? S-simultaneously?"
My eyes got as big as hers as my face turned into a giant red delicious apple. Oh my goddess she thinks that I...with...BOTH?? Indeed she does. You didn't quite word that in the smartest way. "NO!" I exclaimed, "Goddess no Cheerilee! I didn't have a threesome with Twilight and Rainbow!
"Well that's certainly good to hear Cloud." I heard somepony utter sharply behind me. Uh oh...
I turned, my face turning to an incredible shade of crimson, to look into the irritated eyes of Rarity. "Ah...hello there Rarity."
"Hello." Rarity said coldly, "What's this I hear about you, Rainbow, and Twilight?"
"No! You don't understand!" I exclaimed, "I told Cheerilee here," I tried to gesture towards her but she was gone. Whoa...where'd she go?? "Umm...anyways..I told Cheerilee that Rainbow, Twilight and I slept together at the library, and she misunderstood and thought I meant we...you know...got physical, when in reality we all walked inside...and collapsed in exhaustion." I explained, hoping that Rarity would calm down, "I actually came over here to tell you everything that's happened."
"Very well," Rarity said, defrosting slightly at my explanation of the misunderstanding, "come inside, please."
This is not going to be pretty...
I followed Rarity into the Carousel Boutique, and she slammed the door shut with her magic. I tensed, dread coursing through my veins as nervousness dominated my stomach.
"So tell me Cloud...Why did you go to the Everfree Forest?" She asked authoritatively.
"Umm...I went to the Everfree Forest so I could be alone while I try to think about what I was going to do about my problem with Rainbow and Twilight..." I said slowly, trying to get everything right.
"Then what went wrong?" Rarity demanded, "Do you have any idea what you put Rainbow and Twilight through?? They were up all night, yelling at each other and worrying over where you were! All because you just HAD to have your cake and eat it too!"
"Rarity," I said, "If you'll just LISTEN to what I have to say everything will be clear! I KNOW I messed up alright?? But I fixed it!"
"Alright," Rarity said firmly, "I'm listening." And so I told her of everything that had happened to me since I stepped into the Everfree Forest. When I got to the fight with the manticore, her reaction was the one reaction I dreaded to hear. "You mean Twilight and Rainbow put themselves in extreme danger to try and find you?! They almost DIED Cloud!"
"You think I don't realize that??" I yelled at Rarity, "I'm well aware of the fact that they could've died Rarity! Why else do you think I would go face the manticore alone?! I had to protect them, no matter what the cost! And I did!"
"It's a good thing you did!" She said coldly, "Otherwise the rest of us would've hunted you down and made you wish you never forgot your memory."
"It's a little late for that Rarity," I informed her, "I've been wishing that ever since I woke up in that tree."
"Then maybe you should just go stay in that tree!" Rarity said angrily, "If you'd rather never have come here to Ponyville in the first place!"
"I don't regret coming to Ponyville at all!" I said exasperatedly, "I just regret coming here with absolutely no idea of who I was!"
"Then maybe you should leave until you know who you really are!" Rarity shouted at me.
I stepped back, feeling as if Applejack had just bucked me in the chest. Th-those words...
FLASH! The cream-colored earth pony and I were fighting, tears of frustration running down her face as she questioned what I cared about most. "You just don't care anymore Cloud!" She shouted at me, "All you care about is that stupid competition! It's an obsession!" "It's not an obsession Hazel Swirl." I said quietly, "I have to practice for the Best Young Flier's competition. I've never put the competition before you. You should know that." "Well I used to think that!" She said, sobbing hard, "But now I just don't know anymore! You spend all your time either flying, attempting some dumb trick, or sitting under that damn maple tree writing in that stupid flight journal!" "The flight journal that YOU got for my birthday last year!" I said loudly, "You know I've always wanted to meet Spitfire! That's why being the Best Young Flier is so important to me! Well you need to decide exactly what is most important to you! Me or Spitfire!" "Goddess, I'm not in love with Spitfire!" "Well I'm starting to think you don't love me either! Maybe you should leave until you know who you really are! Equestria's 'Best Young Flier', or the colt I fell in love with!" "Fine!" I shouted, "I WILL leave!" And so I did, out into the dark night.
When I came to, I was in an incredibly soft bed with silk sheets lying on me. Whoa...I want to meet Spitfire? I don't even know who Spitfire IS....and I really messed things up with Hazel Swirl...Should you even care? You can be with Rainbow or Twilight now remember? NO! Not until I've settled things with Hazel. Very well. Then find her and settle it. I will.
I sat up in the bed, and took in my surroundings. Judging from the state of this room I'd say I'm still in the Carousel Boutique. "Hello?" I called out, "Rarity?"
"Oh...good you're awake." A familiar voice said quietly, "Rarity came and got me after she put you in bed. I was beginning to worry about you Cloud...especially after you disappeared.." Oh...I wasn't expecting HER to be here...
"Ah...hello Fluttershy," I murmured, looking around for her, "so am I to understand that you've been taking care of me again?"
"Um...yes...I did..." she said quietly, still hidden from my sight, "Are you ok Cloud?"
"I'm trying to find you.." I whispered, unsure why we kept talking in lower voices, and how we could still hear each other, "Where are you Shyfly..?"
"I'm right next to you..." Fluttershy murmured as her hooves wrapped around my neck, kissing my cheek before nuzzling my neck, "Just as I'll always be..."
"Good..." I said softly, and with that I turned and kissed her deeply.
When I next came to, I was in a different incredibly soft bed, with different sheets, but they were still silk. The main difference, though, was that Fluttershy was no longer with me. "Fl-Fluttershy?" I called out, "Shyfly where are you?"
"Calling for Fluttershy now? Moving past Rainbow and Twilight so soon?" That's most definitely NOT Fluttershy...
I looked around the room and spotted Rarity sitting on a ledge by a window. Oh crap...What the hay did I do now? Seems like your subconscious played a trick on you. "Ah...well that was a really lucid dream..."
"You had a dream about Fluttershy?" Rarity asked, walking over to where I lay, "DO tell me all the details."
I felt the blood rush from my face as the prospect of telling Rarity about my rather intimate dream about Fluttershy. "Well...ah...you see..." I stammered, trying to think of a way out of this, "It was..." Oh I know! Ask her how long you've been unconscious! But Rarity had already pounced on my hesitation.
"Oh my!" Rarity gasped, "Don't tell me that the dream was risqué in nature?"
"Well...in a sense yes it was." I said semi-defiantly, "I was in a bed like this, ALOT like this actually, and Fluttershy was next to me and we kissed. But that's all we did!"
"Why in Equestria would you dream about Fluttershy though?" Rarity wondered, "And why do you call her Shyfly? Is there something you're not telling me?"
"No! Well, kinda," I said sheepishly, "Fluttershy and I used to play together when we were foals. But then my family moved away and I haven't seen her since. Until I had come to Ponyville of course." Rarity pondered over this information with a thoughtful expression on her face.
"Well...has this happened before?" Rarity asked me.
I blushed, thinking of the dream that I had of the three desirable mares I've met since I came to Ponyville, "It happened once before, but in that dream there was one pony I was with, but she kept switching between Rainbow, Twilight, and Fluttershy..." I trailed off awkwardly, unable to look Rarity in the eyes.
"Well well well..." Rarity murmured as she placed a hoof upon my brow, "You don't have a fever so that's good, do you have any idea why you would pass out?"
Wait...what about my dreams? Hmmm...interesting. She's going off on an entirely different tangent. I wonder why... "Well, actually Rarity I passed out because I had some memory recollection. Some pretty important recollection, actually."
"Oooh! Do tell dearie!" Rarity exclaimed, a bright gleam in her eye, "Tell me all about it!" And so I did. I told her about all of the memories that I had recently gotten back since I left her boutique just a couple days beforehand. She listened calmly as I climbed out of the bed and stretched all my limbs, taking extra care in stretching my left, sprained wing. Well...just some minor pain now...Probably good to fly on, but not for prolonged periods of time. Good idea...Of course it is.
"You had a zebra for a best friend?" Rarity asked me, surprise obvious on her face, "Where exactly did you live?"
"Well...I don't exactly remember Rarity." I said, "I haven't gotten that part yet." Although I'm going to need to start somewhere if I want to try and find Hazel...
"And what about this...um...Hazel Swirl?" Rarity asked, a thoughtful expression on her face, "You can't morally be with Rainbow OR Twilight if you're already with somepony!"
"I'm well aware of that fact Rarity." I sighed, "I've already let Twilight and Rainbow know about that situation."
"Well did you tell Fluttershy?"
"Did...did he tell Fluttershy what..?" A small, timid voice squeaked from the doorway. Oh damn it!
A lone pony walked into Ponyville, the late evening sun illuminating his muscular body underneath his crimson coat, gleaming off his unicorn horn, broken off approximately five inches from the base, his white mane hanging straight over one-half of his face. Three little fillies who were running around playing suddenly stopped dead in their tracks when they saw him arrive into Ponyville. One of the fillies, a light yellow pony with a bow in her hair walked up to him and gave him a friendly greeting, but quickly scampered off thanks to the scowl upon his face and the glare she received from his ice blue eye. (His hair covered the other one) "Ha. Why would he be hiding in this pitiful excuse for a town?" He spat on the ground, tossing his head to move his mane, "I'd have never figured him to be a coward where his friends were concerned." He chuckled, reaching a hoof into his onyx-colored vest, withdrawing a letter that he had received just two days prior. He read over it again, making sure he had not misunderstood its meaning. Finding that he had not, he put the letter back into his pocket and smirked. He can't hide forever...and certainly not from me.
I just stared blankly at Fluttershy, who still stood in the doorway to what I assumed was Rarity's bedroom. Crap. I REALLY didn't want to tell Fluttershy about these dreams...What if she takes it the wrong way? Well it looks like that's a risk you're going to have to take.
"Wh-what do you need to tell me Cloud?" Fluttershy asked shyly, walking slowly into the room, "Is...is it serious?"
"No! No Fluttershy, it's not serious." I said, a little too loudly, "It's just some...dreams that I've been having." I said quickly, jumping into it with all four hooves.
"Ah, dearie, I almost forgot!" Rarity interjected, "Your suit is just about done! Let me go downstairs and finish it up for you while you two talk up here." And before I could object to her leaving, she was gone. Damn...she teleported...
I turned to face Fluttershy, who by that time had walked right up next to me, so close that our noses almost touched. I swear I had gotten lost in her eyes before I heard her quiet voice snap me out of my reverie.
"Um...Cloud? Ar-are you ok?" She asked, a worried expression on her face, "Do you need to sit down?"
"Ah...no...I'm fine Fluttershy," I said quietly, "I do have something to tell you though, about the dreams I've had."
"Oh, you do?" Fluttershy said, suddenly looking very nervous, "Wh-what happened in your dreams..?"
"Well...I had two dreams of a somewhat...intimate nature.." I told her slowly, "And you happened to be in them..."
"I-I was??" Fluttershy asked, blushing furiously as shock flashed across her face, "Wh-what do you mean when you said they were intimate??"
"Well by intimate I meant that we seemed to be in love...and we kissed. Both times. Then I woke up." I informed her, "It mainly consisted of us promising we would always be there for each other..." I trailed off, realizing I was beginning to ramble on again.
"So you...have feelings for me..?" Fluttershy asked, her face turning an even deeper shade of red, "Ha-have you always had them?"
"Well...I'm not entirely sure what the implications of the dreams are..." I said, "I mean, in one of the dreams you turned into Rainbow Dash and Twilight, so right now I'm basically confused about all of this, and I still don't know what I'm going to do about Hazel Swirl!"
"Wh-who's Hazel Swirl?" Fluttershy asked, a befuddled look on her face, "Does she live in Ponyville?"
"Ah no Hazel...um...Hazel is...hmmm..." I paused, trying to figure out how to explain my current relationship with Hazel. Thankfully, I was saved by Rarity walking into the room with a beautiful cobalt suit. Holy Celestia...is that the suit she made for me?? It certainly is a beautiful suit.
"Here we go Cloud! It's all done!" Rarity told me happily as she examined my reaction.
I swear my eyes were sparkling as I walked towards Rarity and this beautiful suit. I was physically unable to look away from it. This suit...is MINE...I can't believe it! "Rarity...it's beautiful! Thank you so much! I absolutely love it!" I began to babble about how much I loved the suit, completely oblivious as I began to caress the fabric between my hooves.
"Also," Rarity said, cutting into my fantasy of wearing the suit, "I gave you a big bag of bits for you dates with Rainbow and Twilight." That snapped me right out of my daydream.
"Whoa now Rarity," I said hurriedly, "I can't possibly accept that!"
"Oh yes you can!" She assured me, "After all, you did save the lives of two of my best friends!"
"Whoa...wh-what are you t-talking about?" Fluttershy stammered, alarm showing plainly on her face, "What happened?"
"Ah..." I uttered, totally forgetting that Fluttershy didn't know what had transpired in the Everfree Forest, "I'll fill you in later ok? I'll walk you back to your house and tell you there." I said quickly.
"Oh...um...alright..." Fluttershy murmured, instantly making me feel guilty of hiding something from her. Snap out of it! You're going to tell her soon!
"Well...Thank you again Rarity!" I said, "I honestly cannot thank you enough for all this!" I looked in the front pockets of the suit and found the bag of bits that Rarity had talked about. Opening the bag, I noticed that it was absolutely FULL of bits. "Whoa...Rarity this is way too many bits!"
"Absolutely not dearie!" Rarity said firmly, "You saved Twilight's and Rainbow's LIVES! No price can be put on that!"
"But it's way too much!" I tried to protest, but Fluttershy cut in.
"Um...Cloud...You may as well take it...Rarity is extraordinarily generous when it comes to matters like this."
"She has a point there dearie," Rarity said, smiling at me as she handed me the suit, "I'm not taking anything back and that's final!"
I tried to continue to give her back at least SOME of the bits, but as Fluttershy had predicted, Rarity would have none of it. So, as I continued to thank her endlessly for the suit and bits, Fluttershy and I left the Carousel Boutique and began walking towards her cottage. An awkward silence fell over Fluttershy and I as we walked, until I was struck by a sudden realization.
"Oh no!" I exclaimed, "I have to get back to the library!"
"Wh-what..?" Fluttershy asked, suddenly looking astonished and relieved simultaneously, "Wh-why do you need to?"
"I told Rainbow and Twilight I'd take them to dinner when we all woke up!" I informed her, itching to get to the library before Twilight and Rainbow woke up and discovered that I had left them again, "I'm so sorry Fluttershy but I really really need to go!" And before Fluttershy could respond, I had taken off into the air, stretching my wings as I quickly flew to the library.
I went through the door to the library as quietly as I could, thanking Princess Celestia herself that neither Rainbow Dash nor Twilight had woken up yet. Wow...they must've been EXHAUSTED... I smiled as an idea formed in my mind.
"Hey you two," I said sweetly, nuzzling first Twilight, then Rainbow awake, "you're going to be late for our dinner tonight!"
"Mmmmmph...I can't make it tonight Cloud..." Twilight murmured as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, "I simply have too much to do here at the library, and Spike can't take care of it all by himself..."
"Ah...well then we'll go to dinner another night!" I assured her as I nuzzled into her neck, "What about you Rainbow?"
"I'm totally free tonight baby!" Rainbow exclaimed, full of energy after sleeping for so long, "You know, I heard there's a club here that has DJ Pon-3 there tonight!"
"Alright!" I said excitedly, bumping my flank against Rainbow's, "Let's go clubbing!"
A/N: Whew! Literally took me ALL day today to write this chapter! Couldn't think of a good way to end it so that's why it's about twice as long as the other chapters. Cloud better enjoy his peaceful time while it lasts, things are going to begin to heat up once again for our unfortunate protagonist! I love you guys!
Rainbow and I walked briskly from the library, being buffeted by a strong evening wind as soon as we closed the door. Immediately Rainbow started flapping her wings and took off from the ground leaving me (literally) in the dust.
"Hey come on slowpoke!" She called down to me, "I wanna see those wings of yours at work!" She finished with a sly wink.
I grinned up at her, feeling my wings begin to unfurl of their own accord. Well now...why do this now? She wants me to show her what I can do! And the idea of that turns you on? Um...I guess so? I'm not averse to a little exhibitionism. I physically felt my grin turn devious. And if Rainbow gets to watch...well I'm more than happy to oblige. Yes, I can tell. MUCH more than happy to oblige...
I took off, flying a circle around Rainbow Dash as I observed her figure while she flew. She may be a blunt, overly athletic persona while she was grounded, but in the air she was lithe, and graceful. I could honestly say that I had never seen a more beautiful sight than Rainbow floating in mid-air, flapping her wings steadily as she turned to watch me fly. I felt my blood rush, getting a charge through my body as I knew she was watching ME, her eyes were on ME, and it electrified me. I dove underneath her, pulling up to a stop right in front of her.
"Like what you see?" I asked her in a low voice as I wrapped my hooves around her mane and pulled her in for a kiss. While not nearly as explosive as our first kiss, I felt something there that wasn't there before. A...certain type of warmth. Caring, compassion, a tenderness that definitely wasn't there for our first kiss. I pulled her in closer to me, our bodies beginning to rub against each other as the kiss grew more passionate. I could feel the compassion between us begin to turn into a competition again, so I thought it prudent to break the kiss while I could still feel my lips.
"I must say," Rainbow murmured into my ear as we nuzzled each other in mid-air, "I do desire to spend more time with this spectacular body of yours..." She sighed as I chose that particular moment to nibble playfully at her ear.
"Oh so you're just in this for my body huh?" I asked her merrily, pushing her away from me with an expression of fake shock on my face, "I should've known you were all about being physical!"
"Hey now, what're you trying to say Cloud?" Rainbow asked mockingly, "Would you rather I stop being so...physical?" She asked me, quickly moving closer to me as she smiled sensually.
"Hey now!" I exclaimed, grabbing her hooves and pulling her up against me, "I never said that!" I looked into her rose-colored eyes and gave her another small kiss. Hey, what about Hazel Swirl? She doesn't exist right now. Tonight, it's only Rainbow and I. Very well. Just don't do anything rash. With Rainbow? That's practically impossible! Ok, Now that was just ridiculous.
"Hey," Rainbow said quietly, breaking into my thoughts, "we should probably get going so we don't miss Vinyl Scratch at the club."
Vinyl Scratch? "Who's Vinyl Scratch?" I asked, a quizzical look upon my face.
Rainbow's jaw dropped as she looked at me, pure astonishment showing on her face, "Vinyl Scratch?? You know, DJ Pon-3?"
"Ooooh," I said, suddenly feeling very stupid, "I feel like I should've known that..."
"Ah it's ok if you didn't," Rainbow assured me, "since you have amnesia and all. I just hope you don't turn out to be an egghead!" She laughed, lightly punching me in the shoulder.
"Hey, what's wrong with being an egghead?" I asked, lacing my voice with mock anger.
"Well, no offense to Twilight or anything," Rainbow said, "but being an egghead isn't exactly cool ya know?"
"I see," I said slowly, "I, for one, hope that I AM an egghead."
"Why would you want to be an egghead?" She asked quizzically.
"Because then I can go around telling everypony that an egghead beat the famous Rainbow Dash in a race to the club!" I said quickly, pushing away from Rainbow and flying off in the direction of the club. I glanced over my shoulder to see Rainbow's face turn from one of astonishment to realization to confidence as a cocky grin spread from ear-to-ear. She quickly took off after me and we raced side-by-side, neither one of us really caring who won, because we were just enjoying the moment together. You know, this is something Twilight couldn't give you. What do you mean? Twilight's a unicorn. She wouldn't be able to fly with you. I know, but I'm not going to base my decision on that alone. I heard the rhythmic sounds of the club before I saw it, bright lights flashing in time to the music. I slowed down, allowing Rainbow Dash to fly ahead of me as I descended to the ground.
"Ha!" Rainbow gloated as she turned to face me, "Looks like the egghead lost!"
"Oh please," I scoffed at her as I walked up, "I let you win and we both know that. Besides, I never said I WAS an egghead remember?" I stuck my tongue out at Rainbow as I bumped our flanks together.
"Maybe so," she said, moving closer so we were constantly touching, "but I still would have kicked your tail in a real race!"
"I'd like to see you prove it!" I challenged her, feeling my wings unfold subconsciously. Really? This again? What can I say? She pushes all the right buttons. Keep it in your flanks lovercolt. "Of course, I'd have to be flying backwards in order for that to happen!" I said, grinning cockily over at her.
"Oh I will prove it!" Rainbow retorted, "And maybe we can make it interesting?" She asked me quietly, stopping me in my tracks as she nipped at my ear.
"Oh? And how can we do that?" I murmured innocently as I planted a small kiss on her cheek, knowing full well what she meant.
"We make a bet." She whispered as her hooves wrapped around my neck, grazing her lips against mine.
"Oh really?" I whispered back, placing my hooves on her hips and bringing her closer to me, "And what exactly would the stakes be?" I asked softly, our lips brushing together.
"Oh we'll settle that when the time comes." She said in a sultry voice, "I for one, already know what I want."
"And what would that be?" I asked, raising my right eyebrow to give Rainbow a quizzical look.
"You'll find out when we make the bet." She said teasingly as she pulled me in for a deep kiss. We didn't hold the kiss for very long and after we broke apart from each other we started walking towards the entrance of the club. As soon as we got there though, the bouncer stopped us.
"Yo, cutie marks?" He asked us gruffly, giving us a dead-pan stare. Rainbow and I lifted our wings and showed him our flanks, after which he let us in the club with no more hassle.
Inside the club was a plethora of dancing ponies, multitudes of flashing lights, and incredibly poppin' music. I noticed the DJ pony that was at my Pinkie Party up on stage, working her magic (literally) on the deck in front of her. That's odd...What is? We were never introduced to her...yet we already knew who she was. Ah, you mean at the Pinkie Party right? Of course I do. What else could I be talking about? Relax, somepony probably mentioned her name. No. Nopony mentioned who she was. We were on stage remember? Oh. Right. She might hold a clue to our past! No! Tonight is about Rainbow! Not about finding my past! But who knows when we'll get another chance to talk with her? No. I'm not going to worry about that. Because tonight, it's only Rainbow and I.
I followed Rainbow over to the bar, claiming two stools right as their former occupants left to go dance. The bartender, a tall and thin unicorn stallion, trotted over to us.
"Well hey there Rainbow, I haven't seen you here in awhile!" He said as he greeted Rainbow warmly, "And who, may I ask, is this lucky gentlecolt?"
"Cosmo, this is Cloud Runner, Cloud meet Cosmo!" Rainbow introduced, "His real name is Cosmopolitan but he prefers Cosmo. And he can make any drink in Equestria!"
"Damn straight I can!" He boasted confidently, "So what'll you be having tonight Rainbow? Your usual?"
"Better make it two Cosmo!" Rainbow exclaimed, "We have a long night ahead of us and I'm gonna get this colt hammered!" Something tells me I'm not the only pony who's gonna get 'hammered' tonight...Seriously? What the buck is wrong with you? Oh please, like you'd try and stop me! That is besides the point! No it isn't!
Cosmo suddenly planted two rainbow colored drinks in front of Rainbow and I, "Alright Rainbow that'll be four bits."
"Hey Cosmo this one's on me." I interjected, placing the four bits on the counter, "As are all the rest of the drinks we get tonight."
"Oh ho!" Cosmo exclaimed heftily, winking over at Rainbow, "Looks like somepony finally snagged her a date!"
"What's that supposed to mean??" Rainbow said defensively, "You've met some of my dates before!"
"Yeah Rainbow, AFTER you met them here and AFTER they all had a few drinks in them!" Cosmo guffawed, slamming his hoof into the counter as he tried to regain his composure, "This is the first time you actually arrived with a date!"
"So?" Rainbow mumbled, suddenly taking a strong interest in her drink, "It's not like you need to point it out..."
I placed my hoof on Rainbow's shoulder, trying to comfort her as I turned towards Cosmo, "Hey, thanks for the drinks." I told him, "I'll let you know if we want anything else okay?"
"Alright dude! You two have a good night now, ya hear?" He said as walked down the bar to serve some other ponies.
"Hey Rainbow," I said quietly, leaning closer to her so she could hear me, "you okay?"
"I guess so..." She said softly, turning over to face me, "I just wish he didn't say that."
"Aw, who cares what Cosmo thinks?" I said, taking a quick sip of my drink. Holy Goddess that's good! "All that matters now is that we're here together. And besides," I continued, winking at Rainbow, "I'm glad I'm the first date you brought here."
"I am too Cloud." Rainbow said, giving me a quick peck on the lips, "But tonight has barely even started!" She exclaimed suddenly, downing her whole drink as I stared at her, completely flabbergasted. "Well?" She asked, looking at me with a cocky grin on her face, "You just gonna sit there while I outdrink you?"
I grinned back at her as I grabbed my drink. This mare's right up my alley! "Yeah, you wish!" I challenged, as I too downed the colorful beverage. Hot DAMN that's a good drink! Just don't do something you'll regret. Like I'd regret doing anything with this wild mare!
"Now THAT'S more like it!" Rainbow yelled, her grin growing even wider as we turned to find Cosmo, but Cosmo had already found us.
"Hey there you two," He said, winking at both of us, "anything else I can get ya?"
"Yeah!" I said before Rainbow could answer him, "Two shots of the strongest you got!" We'll just see who can outdrink whom! This is a terrible ideeaaaghgm... What? Ah buck it, I have a competition to win!
"Uh..you sure 'bout that Cloud?" Cosmo asked cautiously, "I mean...that stuff has quite the kick."
"You heard 'im Cosmo!" Rainbow exclaimed, an excited gleam in her eyes, "I guess he just wants to lose big time!"
"Well...alright then." Cosmo said, turning to go find the bottle.
I turned to Rainbow, an idea suddenly forming in my head, "Hey Rainbow," I asked slyly, "how about we make that bet right now?"
"Really?" She asked, looking at me with her eyes half-closed, "Want to lose the bet that quickly?"
"I'll make you drink those words!" I said defiantly, "What shall the stakes be?"
"How about the loser has to do whatever the winner wants for the rest of the night?" Rainbow suggested seductively, leaning closer to me to kiss my cheek. However I intercepted her and pulled her in for a kiss.
"Alright you lovepegasi," Cosmo said, levitating two shot glasses in front of us, "you two be careful with this stuff now."
"Will do Cosmo." I assured him as Rainbow and I picked up the shot glasses, "It's not like she'll last very long or anything."
"Oh. It. Is. ON!" Rainbow shouted as she wrapped her hoof around mine and prepared to take her shot.
"Damn right it's on!" I shouted back as I suddenly began to have doubts about this. What if I lose? Then you'll have tooghs... Gah, that stupid rainbow drink was stronger than I thought! Oh well, I can't back down now! Here goes nothing! And on the count of three, we both tilted our heads back and took the shots. It felt like somepony had slammed a hoof into my throat, "Oh my Goddess!" I exclaimed, my throat burning.
"Holy Celestia that stuff is strong!" Rainbow said, grimacing as she felt the effects of the shot herself, "But it does only get easier from here on out!"
"Doesn't matter how easy it gets," I informed her cockily, "I'm still going to win! And then you'll have to do what I want!" I said, giving Rainbow a big grin and a wink.
"No way!" Rainbow laughed loudly at the prospect of me beating her at anything, "Tonight you're going to be my slave!" Mmmm...maybe I should just lose...Can yoasdfoin evidfh... Whatever. I'll go for one more then I'll call it quits. Then I'll be Rainbow's 'slave'...I felt my wings extend quickly, a blush forming on my face as Rainbow cocked her eyebrow as she noticed, "Well well, looks like someone might want to lose now!" She teased, leaning in and brushing a hoof along my wings. I snapped to attention, stimulation suddenly coursing through my body as she rubbed my wing. I quickly got off my stool and walked over to Rainbow, wrapping my hooves around her waist (which was level with my chest.) "Hey now, what about our bet?" She asked quietly, looking down into my eyes.
"Buck the bet," I said softly, leaning up to kiss Rainbow, "tonight I'm all yours Rainbow."
"Mmm I already knew that," She murmured into my mouth, "tell me something I don't know."
"Well let me see..." I said, massaging her folded wings to their full wingspan quite easily, "I DO enjoy dancing..."
"I know that too." Rainbow said, hopping down from her stool, "I want you to tell me something I DON'T know!"
"But Rainbow," I said innocently, "I thought wanting to learn things meant you were an egghead!"
"Well...I...Oh shut up!" She stuttered as she kissed me, pulling me over to the dance floor. We started to dance, eventually setting our movements to be in time to the beat. I slowed my movements, focusing mainly on the way Rainbow moved her body. I watched as the lights danced over her lithe, muscular body, moving her wings as well as her body in time to the music. Goddess...this is like a dream...bjdsdidhdsd....sidfhwo. She's so beautiful...
The crowd around us suddenly got very dense, pushing us closer together, but at the same time they all seemed to disappear. Rainbow's body pressed against mine as we both danced, our wings splayed out, shamelessly showing off our emotions to anypony who cared to look. I placed my hooves on Rainbow's shoulders, slowly beginning to rub her upper arms as we grinded our bodies together. Rainbow placed her hooves around my neck, pulling me in for a kiss while I moved my hooves down to her sides. Time slowed to a stop, everypony else was gone, the only thing on my mind was Rainbow Dash. Our kiss grew more passionate as my hooves trailed down to her hips, when, on an impulse, I pressed my right hoof into her cutie mark.
"Ooooooooh." Rainbow moaned, her hot breath pouring into my mouth, "Th-that felt amazing..."
"Oh really?" I murmured, smirking as I suddenly found myself in control, "Then maybe I should do it again?"
"Yes...please....do it!" Rainbow gasped, abruptly pulling my mouth against hers fiercely, shoving her tongue past my lips and dominating my own tongue. Ooooh no you don't...I started rubbing her cutie marks with both my hooves, getting a smug grin as she began to gasp and moan. Suddenly, Rainbow pulled away from me, her eyes filled with lust.
"What are you doing?" I asked slyly, winking at her as I did so.
"Let's go." She said hungrily, spinning me around and pushing me towards the door.
"Go where?" I asked innocently, knowing full well she was probably going to drag me to her house if I didn't cooperate.
"I'm taking you to my house, and then you're going to be my slave 'cause I won the bet!" Well...I don't have a problem with that! fjffjdfisdhighidhsdhg. Indeed. I should go through with it.
"Oh alright," I said, walking on my own so she wouldn't have to push me anymore, "let's go then!"
We left the bar, moving a little too quickly for my head, and I had to lean against a tree for a short while so my mind would stop spinning. "Hey Rainbow," I heard myself say, "where do you live?"
"See that cloud way over there?" She said, pointing to a cloud in the distance that had a small rainbow on it. Why is there a rainbow on that cloud..?
"You mean the one with the small rainbow on it?" I asked quizzically.
"Yep! That's the one!" She said happily, looking over at me with a sly gleam in her eyes, "Just wait'll you see the inside!"
"I bet it's amazing," I said, still trying to get my head clear, "why don't you go on ahead and I'll catch up?"
"Oh fine," Rainbow said with a small pout on her face, "but you better not take too long! I get things set up quickly." And with a seductive wiggle in her rump, she took a few steps and took off, heading for her home in a slight serpentine fashion.
"Whew..." I sighed, beginning to walk down the street towards her cloud. I hope I can fly up there....I can barely even walk! I continued walking down the path, trying not to swerve too much, when I was suddenly aware of how alone I was. The street I was on, usually having at least somepony else on it at any given time, was completely empty. Silent. What the hay...where is everypony? I continued walking down the street, stopping abruptly as I felt somepony's gaze piercing my back. I turned around quickly, and saw a brief flash of scarlet as I was picked up and violently thrown into the side of a nearby building.
WHAM!
"Ahh!" I yelled as I fell to the ground, snapped sober by this sudden attack. Who the hay was that?? I turned and faced my attacker, only to find that the pony had disappeared. Uh oh. Where'd he go? Well, he's obviously not in front of us, and it makes sense for him to not be below us. He can't be to the left because this building is in the way. I'd try looking up. Looking....up? I glanced skyward and jumped backwards as a crimson pony slammed the ground where I just was. Holy Celestia! Who is this guy?? I studied this newcomer, this unicorn, and immediately noticed that his horn was broken.
"I finally found you Cloud Runner!" The crimson unicorn said in a brusque voice, "Prepare yourself!"
Tons of questions were pouring through my head, but I only asked the one question that was predominant in my mind.
A/N: Whew! This chapter took me much longer than it should've! I got distracted by an awesome twitter-clone called rainbowdash.net, if any of you guys haven't been there yet you totally should! One last thing, I'm getting too many story ideas DX I want to write all of them but I'm already so busy! So chapter updates will be coming even slower, so please bear with me! Love you guys!
I stood in front of this crimson pony, mind still a little fuzzy from clubbing with Rainbow Dash, trying to think of any reason why this unicorn would randomly assault me. Unless it isn't a random attack...You can worry about that later. Right now you have to beat this guy. Yeah yeah, I know.
"So....Who exactly are you?" I asked, buying myself a little time while my mind frantically tried to think of some way I could beat this guy.
"Don't play dumb Cloud! I've come here for my revenge!" Needless to say, my idea wasn't working out.
"I assure you, I am not playacting right now." I said cautiously, getting a better look at our surroundings while keeping a wary eye on this stranger, "I have amnesia, so I honestly have no idea who you are."
"A likely story." The stranger said menacingly, "But no matter. Time to die Cloud."
...This is bad. Oh you don't say? START FLYING GENIUS! I turned and took off as fast as I could, only to be brought to a sudden stop as the unicorn's magic grabbed hold of me and flung me into a nearby tree trunk.
WHAM!
Ugh...holy teats of Celestia...I looked up just in time to see his horn flare up as he picked me up and slammed me into the ground at his hooves.
WHAM!
I struggled to get onto my hooves, but the unicorn colt put his front hoof on my head and pushed me back down.
"I waited too long for this Cloud Runner." He said as he increased the amount of pressure on my cranium, "This is going to hurt you A LOT more than it hurts me!" I felt a sudden release of pressure as he lifted his hoof up and prepared to crush my head with it.
Welp, never thought it would end like this...
"CLOUD!!"
I looked up just in time to see a familiar purple unicorn tackle the crimson unicorn off of me.
"T-Twilight?" I stammered, as I pushed myself to my hooves, "What are you doing here?"
"I was going to go visit Fluttershy because she wanted to talk to me, but I heard a lot of commotion coming from over here and then I found you with this guy! Who is he anyway?"
"I honestly don't know Twilight." I said as I looked at the strange pony.
"Stop lying to everypony Cloud Runner!" The crimson unicorn shouted, "You lied, you cheated, and ultimately ran away from your responsibilities, just like you always did! You left your family, abandoned Hazel, and are hiding out in this rathole of a town claiming you have amnesia! I'm ashamed to have ever been your friend Cloud Runner."
Whoa whoa whoa. WHAT?? "Wait, we're friends?" I asked stupidly, "But you're trying to kill me!"
"We're no longer friends Cloud. That ended when you left everypony behind."
I stood there for a few minutes, just looking at this unicorn, wishing I knew what he was talking about. I glanced at Twilight, who was staring at me with a look that pierced my soul. I looked back at the crimson unicorn, and in a flash of discovery, I found his name in my foggy memories.
"Look Supernova," I said loudly, "I'm not entirely sure what you're talking about. I just now remembered your name! But I'm sorry, I really don't remember doing anything like that."
"Then that's your problem Cloud." Supernova said quietly as he turned away from Twilight and I, "One day, your little maretoy won't be around to protect you. And when that day comes, I'm going to end this once and for all. Goodbye Cloud Runner." And he turned around and walked away.
"Thank you Twilight," I said, looking over at her, "If you hadn't shown up I would've died."
"Don't mention it Cloud." Twilight said as she stared at the receding unicorn, "But don't you think we should go after him?"
"No Twilight..." I murmured as I started walking in the opposite direction, "This'll get resolved in due time."
"Alright..." She said as she walked with me, "So...who was that guy?"
"His name is Supernova." I said, keeping my gaze focused on the ground in front of me. "Apparently we used to be friends, and he despises me now because apparently I ran away from everything in my past."
"So...did you run away from your past?"
"I don't know Twilight. I don't like to think of myself as the type of pony who runs away from his responsibilities."
"But apparently he IS the type of pony to run away from relationships." A menacing voice said coldly from somewhere above us. I looked up to see Rainbow Dash hovering about ten feet above us, glaring at us (especially me) with eyes that looked ready to kill. "What the hay is going on here?"
"Ah...Rainbow!" I said wearily, not liking the way this seemed to be going, "You will not believe what I just went through."
"Oh no Cloud, I'm quite sure I already know what you two have been through since I went off to my house." Rainbow said through gritted teeth, the anger in her eyes betraying her cool demeanor, "Now that our date seemed to be over you were just going to go be with Twilight huh? I see how it is..."
"No Rainbow! That isn't what it's like at all! I got att-"
"SAVE IT!" Rainbow shouted, making me cringe with the tone of despair in her voice, "I trusted you. I thought you really cared..."
"But...I do care..." I trailed off as Rainbow turned and bolted away for her house.
"Wow..." Twilight said, astonishment clear on her face, "I've never seen Rainbow act like that before..."
"It's because she's...ah...inebriated," I informed Twilight, "She's not in her right state of mind. I'll talk to her once she's sobered up..."
"That's probably a good idea..." Twilight said as she looked around at the empty street, "So...Do you want to head to the library? I can make up the guest room for you..."
"No...I think I'll head to Fluttershy's with you if that's ok." I said, looking at Twilight, "There's little chance of me getting to sleep anytime soon anyways. Also, my right wing hurts so I thought maybe she could wrap it up for me."
"Oh, alright." Twilight said, beginning to trot off in the direction of Fluttershy's cottage, "Hurry up slowpoke!" She called back over her shoulder, "I was supposed to be there already!"
I nodded my head, more to myself than to Twilight as I trotted behind her. I can't believe that just happened. You can't really blame her can you? You told her to go on ahead, and when she came back to look for you she found you with Twilight. I know. But I still wish she'd have let me explain what had happened. You'll just have to wait. Give her some time to cool down. Besides, she was dru-
WHUMP! "Ow..."
"Well that saves us having to knock I guess." Twilight said, suppressing a giggle as she looked at me sitting on the ground holding my slightly bruised snout, "How did you not see Fluttershy's door?"
"I was deep in thought geez..." I said, getting back to my hooves.
"About Rainbow?" Twilight asked, giving me a worried look, "I'm sure that everything will work out between you two."
"I hope so...I didn't expect her to overreact like that..."
"W-what happened?"
"Well like you said Cloud, she was intoxicated. She'll understand once you explain what happened with Supernova."
"W-who's Supernova?"
"I hope you're right Twilight. I don't want Rainbow to hate me over this."
"E-excuse me..?"
"She won't." Twilight assured me, "Rainbow is one of the most loyal ponies I know. The worst thing that might happen is that she might not want to be in a relationship with you anymore..."
"I know...But that is pretty bad...Not that I don't like you anymore, 'cause I do, but I didn't want things to turn out like this. I wanted to make the decision myself, between you and Rainbow and Fluttershy, not have it made for me because of some crazy unicorn from my past trying to kill me." You DO realize what just slipped out right?
"WHAT??" Twilight and Fluttershy both exclaimed simultaneously, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN-"
"BETWEEN ME, RAINBOW, AND FLUTTERSHY??"
"SOME CRAZY UNICORN TRIED TO KILL YOU??"
"Uh....." I said stupidly, my mind instantly kicking into overdrive, "Well would you look at the time, I gotta get going!"
Yes, that is the genius that my mind came up with. I turned quickly and prepared to run away, but suddenly I was enveloped in a magical purple aura that stopped me in my tracks.
"OH NO YOU DON'T!" Twilight shouted as she lifted me into the air. Turning to Fluttershy she said sweetly, "Fluttershy, may we trouble you for a few minutes of your time?"
"U-um...Yes Twilight, you may." Fluttershy said, stepping back into her cottage to give Twilight enough room to levitate me inside. Twilight was right behind me, giving me a look that made me wish I was still fighting Supernova. She dropped me (unceremoniously I might add) onto Fluttershy's couch and stood next to Fluttershy as they stared at me with looks of worry (Fluttershy) and thinly veiled contempt (Twilight)
"So..." I started to say, but Twilight cut me off harshly.
"When were you planning on telling on telling me about this?" She asked angrily.
"Well, actually, I-"
"Excuse me Twilight, but if it's alright with you I'd like to hear about this unicorn who tried to kill Cloud first..."
"Well, you see-"
"Of course Fluttershy. I understand you must be worried."
"Well of cour-"
"Oh I am...I don't want anypony getting hurt."
"Trust me, me ne-"
"I can't promise that he'll make it through the night unscathed though Fluttershy."
"In case you forgot, I'm already-"
"I understand Twilight...I can tell you're really upset..."
"But it was just-"
"Thank you Fluttershy. Well, what happened was that after Rainbow and Cloud had finished their date, Cloud told Rainbow to go on ahead to her house."
"Wait, shouldn't I be-"
"Then when he was alone, he was attacked by a crimson unicorn pony named Supernova. I showed up and stopped him from killing Cloud, then he started saying some unsavory things about Cloud."
"Oh my...What kind of things?"
"They were all lie-"
"He started saying something about Cloud lying to everypony, abandoning his past, and running away from his responsibilities."
Fluttershy gasped at this obvious heresy against my good nature, "Th-that doesn't sound like the Cloud Runner I knew growing up..."
"I'm sure it doesn't Fluttershy. I'm sure it doesn't."
"But who exactly is this Supernova?"
"He's a uni-"
"He's a pony who claims that he and Cloud used to be friends before Cloud left his old life. Now he's vowed revenge against Cloud for what he did."
"Oh my goodness! That's terrible!"
"Yes, I suppose it is. So what did you want to talk to me about Fluttershy?"
"O-oh...well...ummm...I was...hoping we could...talk in private...if that's okay with you..."
"That's fine with me Fluttershy. Will tomorrow work for you?"
"Yes Twilight...That's fine with me..."
"Good. Now if you'll excuse us," Twilight said as she levitated me with her magic again, "We're going back to the library to have a nice long talk." And with that she dropped me (again, unceremoniously) outside.
"O-ok Twilight...I'll see you tomorrow then. Goodbye Cloud." Fluttershy said quietly as she closed the door behind us.
"Alright Cloud." Twilight said, staring at me with a scary glint in her eyes, "We're going straight to the library."
A/N: Here's the next one guys. Sorry for the massive break. A lot of stuff has gone down in my family and I wasn't able to update. But most, if not all, of the drama is over so I'll try to update way more often. I'm really sorry everyone. I'm working on the next chapter of my other story next, so if any of you are reading it stay tuned for an update on it. On a lighter note, Cloud seems to have a dark side to his past. Or does he? And now he's pissed off both Rainbow AND Twilight. Things can't get much worse...or can they?
