A non-so-typical HIE story focused around the Wonderbolts.
The story follows a Human turned pony in Equestria. He knows nothing of the MLP universe and must learn to adapt to this new life. The Wonderbolts are main characters in this.
Comments are appreciated! Art by Swaetshrit (No longer drawing) commissioned by Derpytwizzle | Full Image
“My life starts now! If it was not for everyone doing almost the same thing, I am sure I would be getting some weird looks right now, but I don't care, I have just finished University! The long awaited day where I could take a step in to the world, and find my place, had finally come. My desired area was of course system engineering, I had after all just spent five years learning about it. Finally! I can finally put away the books and actually start working, get a job, get a house, no a home! This truly is the best day of my entire life!”
That was just over a year ago, how stupid was I, thinking it would be that simple. I stared over the slim metal balcony; the tide was out, and the beach itself empty. The sun was setting, and leaving nothing but a thin crimson line in the horizon behind. This was the only thing worth admiring these days. I was six foot tall, fairly well built and had short brown hair. During my days at university I tried to go to the gym as often as possible, it was more so a personal thing, I told myself that I could eat whatever I wanted as long as I went, a poor excuse for my university eating habit, but I made more effort than most to rectify it at least.
My phone was once more vibrating, no doubt to remind me of the voicemail I have been ignoring for the past several hours, I had hoped my phone would have grown sentient by now and realized I wasn't going to check if I hadn't the past several times it bellowed to me to do so.
I sighed, even that seemed too loud for this location. Everything was so quiet, it was always quiet, I don’t know why each day i expect different. Not that I am complaining about having the space to think, but it would be nice for this barren little town to have something in the way of a distraction.
I sat down on the balcony overlooking the sun-baked beach, my feet dangling over what must have been a twenty foot drop down. If I did fall I am sure the sand would cushion most of the impact anyways. Fine.. Lazily pulling out my phone, I clicked on the voice mail notification. A short silent beep rang from my phone, before finally replaying the message it had been alarming me about.
“How are you doing? I have been trying to call you, is something wrong?” "End of Message, press -"
I stopped the playback. The message was nothing new. That has to have been the fifth message this week from her. Though her voice was sounding more and more distraught with each one. I know parents are meant to worry about you, but this was getting trivial. Though she was right to a degree. In the hope of finding work I moved out to this dead town. As luck would have it, the economy here took a swing for the worse soon after getting here, any work I could find was normally low pay, enough to pay rent, yet nowhere near as much as I expected when I thought about my career at university. Being a System engineer I had seen myself working in large teams, managing massive projects doing something with my life, an aspiration I looked forward to, at this point at least, but knew that it wouldn't get fulfilled if I stayed here in this ghost town.
I picked up my bag, a sleek brown Messenger bag that I had bought soon after finishing university. It was light, to be expected,, just a few scraps of paper and my phone charger. I bought the bag in hope that I would be carrying my own tools, or maybe folders of important information. As sad as it may be from an outside perspective but the lack of said items was slightly depressing, if not for the reason it reminded me of how things had turned out.
I must had been here at least an hour now. The sun was no longer visible, the moon now illuminating the sky tinting it a dark blue. I was in no rush to head back, it's not like I had much to go back to. My apartment had the bare essentials and even they were of low standards, it didn't even feel like my house let alone a home. I can still picture the foolish ideal of a house I had in mind that day I finished university, a two story house with it’s own garage for if I ever learnt to drive, a large living room and my own personal study. It’s silly when you think about it, why would someone need so much room? I can’t give you the answer, I was hoping I would find out if I ever actually got a hold of it.
“Agh!” My hands flying to my eyes, “What the hell!?” My vision suddenly blurry, something or someone was shining what seemed like high-beams directly into my face. Wait, I swear I fell backwards, where was the pain from hitting the floor, or the cushioning blow of sand beneath me if I had fallen to the beach. Moving my hand away, the light somewhat dimmer if not only for my eyes trying to adjust. I stared at what seemed to be a black dot in the distance, slowly growing larger, wait was it coming at me? No, I feel like I'm moving, though for the lack of any wind I’m unsure how I could tell exactly, but in any case I was moving directly to whatever that black dot is.
Thump, I felt my body finally make impact, though, what exactly I had fallen on, did not feel like concrete or sand, no it was something.. softer. Opening my eyes, still partially disoriented from whatever that light was, I stared down, an indistinct white, almost cushioning was beneath me. Shaking my head, and then re-opening my eyes, I looked forward. There, in front of me.. clouds, it hit me, I was not on the ground any more, nowhere near it, the final justification was when I glanced over the thing I was sitting on, only to be hit with sudden vertigo as I looked down to the ground, which now seemed to be miles away. Shaking my head once more, I stood up. Looking down, I realized what I was standing on, a cloud like the one’s I had observed in front of me, somehow I was standing on a collection of water vapor. I would have focused more on this, if it was not for the thing I saw next...
My arm, well what was my arm, now was a leg, a leg covered in fine silver fur, stretching down to a hoof. I must have hit my head hard. I looked, raising my arm just to clarify it was mine, it was and so was the other one parallel to it. Turning my head back, I noticed this was not all that had changed. I was now standing on all fours, a brown tail sagging behind me, I was a horse. No smaller than a horse, I was a pony. Wait wrong again I was a Pegasus. The wings, which had blended with my sides matching the silver fur that now covered me, moved a little involuntarily. It’s sad, a lucid dream such as this and yet I feel like the things on my sides are foreign, I certainly can’t trigger whatever muscle they were attached too.
Letting out a small laugh, I looked down, the vertigo hitting me once more, though I knew this had to be a dream, I bet if I jumped I would either wake up face first in some sand, or with a massive headache from hitting the concrete. The sand was the best option as long as it didn't just coat some jagged rocks below.
“Fuck it” I jumped, the wind now tearing at me, Still smiling, I was waiting to wake up. Still falling... That can't be good. I started to panic, frantically swinging my new hooves around until it dawned on me, I was not dreaming this was real, and so was the ground that was getting closer and closer with each second. I closed my eyes accepting the inevitable, my only thoughts being of how stupid I was for jumping, that and the thought of what a Silver pony Pegasus splatter might look like.
The wind stopped almost instantly, well the majority of it, had I hit? Was I dead? Opening my eyes, I saw below me the grass covered ground. Somehow I had stopped, had I fell for any longer I would probably be a stain of red on the green grass. Letting out a breath of relief, one that I did not know I was holding until that point. I wanted to see what or who had stopped me. Turning my head, I squinted into the glare of the sun, barely perceiving the silhouette of my savior
It was a pony, another Pegasus from what I can assume. The Pegasus looking back at me with a look that I can only describe as a disquieted and concerned stare. The blur of the pony now coming into focus, A luscious yellow fur covered face, only outdone with the flame like mane that rested atop her head.
Since when I did I start using the word “luscious”?
I stared up for a moment, trying to take in more of the strange figure's features thump .
My head made contact with the ground, a lot less heavily than if it had hit from falling earlier, but still with enough force to make me cringe a little. I heard the landing of hooves next to my head. Rubbing my head, I got up, still a little shaky, going from two legs to 4 was weird enough, but not having actual feet made it that much harder.
"Are you crazy!?" my head shot up, the pony that just saved me was staring at me confused, her voice was calm though slightly worried, I guess that's only fair considering.. Wait... did a pony just talk? I guess that's only logical considering the circumstances, but still, a talking pony, I could not help but chuckle, I know I should be more freaked out by all of this, but for some reason despite the epiphany that this wasn’t a dream, the fact I wasn’t dead made me think this may just be a semi-lucid dream after all.
"What's so funny?" I realized how me laughing randomly could come across as rude, I quickly stopped my self, and brought my head level to hers. She was about the same height as me, a sunny yellow coat, flame colored mane that spiked up and almost looked like it was leaning back, her tale matching the color scheme, her eyes a magnificent orange... I guess I should reply, but what do I say?
"No, I fell" I tried to hide my nervousness through a bad smile, though I can tell she was not buying it.
"You have wings, how exactly, did you fall?" Her voice now changing tone, slightly more sarcastic, never the less still a little confused. But she does have a point, I do have wings, though at the moment I have no idea how to move them, let alone use them. I could try explaining to her what happened. No that would just make me sound stupid.. Unless this happens a lot.. I don't feel like taking the risk.
I started to stammer, I could not find the words, heck I could not find a good reason. "I can't fly" For a moment I thought I had nailed it, then quickly realizing that I just said that I, some what mature Pegasus can't fly....
"Oh...Then how did you end up there?" Yet another good question, and yet once more I fail to have an answer. I was never any good at lying, even that last thing was not exactly a lie, but this next thing would have to be Staring blankly, trying to hide my obvious panicking state.
"I am not sure, I was sleeping, next thing I know, I am standing on a cloud looking over, a gust of wind pushing me off" Once more, I tried to force a smile, once more my lack of acting class’s showed.
"Probably somepony pulling a prank. Well where are you from, I can take you back there if you like" I had somehow seemed to convince her, either that or she didn't want to pry and had given up. I let out a sigh. Wait, where am I from? Damn it, I don't even know where I am. Ok time to come up with something, something that will reflect on my actual situation, without actually giving the full story.
"I am not from anywhere, Well not anymore" Come on think, I have the start, now to finish it "My parents owned a farm really far away, but they could not afford to have me living there anymore, so I have set out to find a new home..." That seems to work, it sounds like something from a bad movie, but it's good at least.
"Do you know where you are going?" Seriously what's with all the questions.
"Nope" I said, trying to make it as if this was somehow a depressing statement for me.
"Well there is a town nearby, I was just heading there, you can come if you want."
I guess that's better than nothing, maybe I can find some answers to how I got here. "Sure, that would be great" A genuine smile this time came across my face, that seemed to have wiped her expression as well, smiling back she started to walk away with my following behind.
It had been at least five minutes since we started walking, I thought it best to start up a conversation. "So who are you?" I asked, trying to sound friendly, though for some reason it seemed to take her by surprise.
"You don't know who I am?" She asked almost accusingly, was I meant to know who she was?
"No, sorry" I stuttered, trying not to cause offence. Though I got the opposite, she seemed to smile then looked forward and carried on walking.
"Well have you heard of the Wonderbolts?" her tone was now a little condescending, but I am not going to lie to her
"Nope?". This seems to have shocked her even more, for a moment her face just looked shocked, then slowly relaxed in to that smile again.
"My name is Spitfire, May I ask what’s yours?" Spitfire, that's a weird name... or was it?
"My name is..." What if her name isn't weird? What if my name is? it could be like when you go to a different country and suddenly the norm is the strange. Well it's not like it matters, I can just come up with one. now what sounds cool... "My name is Lucid" Yea that sounds pretty good, "Hi My name is Lucid" I said to myself, just making sure that it sounds alright.
"So if you can't fly... What do you do?" The question seemed a little, patronizing but that's understandable.
"I am a system engineer" I said proudly.
"A what?" my ego shattered almost instantly. Wait a moment. I am talking to a pony, does she even know what a computer is? Do they even have computers here? Crap what if they don't what am I meant to do...
"I..I take systems like managing and then..I help them?" I don't know why I was asking her, when I was meant to be the one explaining..
"You lived on a farm, and you’re a manager?" crap, didn't think this through..
"Yea, I never actually worked on the farm, that was just my parents, I helped around the local town and such" Another well executed lie on the spot, I was getting better at this.
"Oh, that's cool. So are you hoping to do that as a job?" I was about to reply, when I noticed she was looking at my...Well my rear
"Is something wrong?" I asked accusingly, why was she looking at my.. flank.. I think that's the actual term.
"You don't have a cutie mark?" A cutie what? Is that some kind of innuendo? No how could it be..
“No..?" I said blankly, then I noticed that on her flank, she had a symbol...Why was I staring at hers? I guess it's justifiable considering she did look at mine..
"Oh no, sorry I didn't mean it like that, I just..." Why was she getting so worried?
"It's fine, I like your picture" Wow worst reply ever...
"My picture? Oh you mean my cutie mark?" So that's what it is..
"Yea it looks cool, where did you get it?" It seemed that she expected me to have one, so I guess I may as well find out where.
"Well I got it when I was younger, it appeared after my first flying event..but that's a long story" Flying event? was it a reward for completing? What kind of parent would give a kid a tattoo as a reward.
"That's cool." May as well go along with it. She continued to look at me as if she was worried she had offended me, I stared back getting more confused by the second, a little paranoid now
"Really, it's ok" She returned back to smiling, I guess telling her once that it was fine was not enough..
For the next twenty minutes or so, we walked in silence, I was more captivated by the scenery, then not having anything to say. She seemed to be in thought, so It's not as if I was being rude. We eventually came to an opening, I looked down in awe, below us was a town, a town with what looked to be out of limestone and hay, while other buildings looked, well decorated but still basic. Spitfire looked at me then laughed, I was not sure if she knew I was lying about earlier, or just my facial expression alone was funny. After a moment of staring, I noticed she had already began walking towards town, I ran over to catch her up, then began making my way to this... Medieval town I guess?
I was right, this town looked like it belonged in the medieval era, and from the looks of it there was no technology of any sort. Though we had only just gotten to the edge of the town, Well this what I could tell from the street we were looking down, Spitfire had stopped, staring down the street that was bustling with activity. I looked at her bemused, wondering the reason for the sudden stop, then noticing that her face carried an expression of either concern or annoyance. Suddenly she turned away from me, and walked towards an alleyway between what I assume is a bakery and some pony's home. Trailing behind her, I was trying to think of what to say, was she going somewhere in particular? was there someone she was trying to avoid? She did not look like the type of pony to have enemies. Well, she didn't come across that way in the time I had known her.
“Why are we going down here?” I tried to keep my voice down, I was not sure where we were going but it seemed that she didn't want any other pony seeing us, so drawing attention was probably not the best idea. After a few more moments she stopped and looked back. Had I said something stupid? that would not have surprised me, but still I felt I did not deserve the empty glare.
“I would rather not attract any attention” her voice was low like mine was. but what did she mean? why would she attract attention? had she done something wrong?
“What do you mean?” I asked keeping my voice quiet, probably even softer than before. Her face changed once more, this time revealing more troubled expression, after letting out a small sigh she pointed over to a poster that was conveniently hanging on the wall. ‘The Wonderbolts’, greatest flying team in Equestria performing this week in Ponyville!” I tried to deconstruct the poster, at the top was the writing I had just read, big bold letters overlapping the image of the sky, below that was several pony’s all in costumes covering them from head to.. hoof. The pony’s them self all looked about the same height, some a little taller but nothing strange. Then I noticed it, the pony in the middle had the same mane as Spitfire. I looked back at her, remembering her asking me if had known about the Wonderbolts earlier, now I could see why, and the reason why we were sneaking around. It was no different than a celebrity back home, some don’t like the attention, it’s mainly those that don’t really have a talent that try and grab the spotlight, unfortunately those that did not feel the same way, were still lumped in with the celebrity status and were treated as so.
“Ok, but then why did we come here” My face puzzled, not only to emphasize the question but also as a reaction to her own, It seemed she was shocked that I did not react more, shocked at this sudden realization was hanging around with a celebrity, really I was a little surprised, but I realized the fact that she didn't like the attention, so why be a dick and start doing exactly what she was trying to prevent by avoiding all those ponies earlier. She turned around, ignoring my question, a little annoyed I followed anyways.
We eventually came out to an opening, it was a small park area where I could see some younger ponies playing, Foals as they're called I guess. We walked around the fence separating the gravel and the grass, and eventually walked onto the grass itself. The park was not big, it was mostly grass two benches, and a set of small play equipment for foals, in other words the place to go when parents want to sit back and let their kids entertain themselves. Though I guess the reason we were here was in fact the fact kids... Foals are not really in to the whole celebrity thing, not in the same way adults are. During my thoughts I did not notice spitfire sitting down, I flailed over eyeing the bench, staring at it for the first time in my life, a question that I never thought I would ask ‘How do I sit down?’
“What’s the matter” Spitfire was looking at me just as confused as I was looking at the bench, examining how she was sitting, well it was more like lying down, even that looked complex. I climbed up, standing on the bench, she looked at me with more confusion this time accompanied by a raised eyebrow. I tried to sit down as I would normally, but I slipped off the bench as soon as my flank made contact, once more pulling myself up I tried a different approach, trying to remember how a dog would sit, with it’s back legs stretched out and it’s forehoovs holding the front up. This to a degree worked, though felt extremely weird. at least Spitfire was no longer looking at me like I was mad. No wait she was staring at the foals, did she know them? No otherwise they probably would have come over.
“Is something wrong” My voice now back to normal volume, however she was not responding, her gaze still fixed on the foals, obviously deep in thought. I sighed, my guide was day dreaming and I was sitting on a bench with no idea what to do, where I am, or what I am going to do. At least I am not dead, I have that much to be thankful for, well Spitfire to be precise. Actually that raises another question, why was she still with me? From what I gathered earlier she was going to walk with me to town, but we had walked around town to this park. Wait... I followed her, is that the reason? Well she has not said anything so I guess I am not in the wrong, perhaps I sho-
“If your looking for a job, I may know of one” I snapped my neck around, back to spitfire. She was now focused on me, and was offering me information on a job. A job that I have no prior experience in... But I guess if I am going to survive here I am going to need money, and a place to stay.
“Really? Do you think they would hire me” Realistically I doubt they would, but the question was worth asking , though perhaps spitfire’s celebrity status may help me. Wait no I should not try to use her as a I should not use my acquaintance with her as leverage to get a job to get a job, she had saved me and was now offering to help me, and all I can think of is ways to exploit her. Then surprisingly she let out a small laugh, then tilting her head back to the foals, great time to be ignored again.
“I am sure they will, though there might be a few conditions” now she’s not even looking at me while talking, I thought I was the one being rude.
“Conditions” I said, actually looking at her. Though I doubt even if I fulfilled these conditions I could get the job.
“Well for one, you're going to have to learn to fly. Secondly you have to keep it secret that you have the job” Secret? wait is this going to be Illegal? not that it matters, I can’t fly anyways.
“Well I can’t fly” I guess that would be the most important thing to state, questioning the ‘secret’ part is pointless unless I can fulfil the first condition.
“You can learn on the job” her voice, seemed like it had more humor back in it. Wait if that’s the case then I guess I can ask more
“So why do I need to keep it secret?” This is what I really wanted to know, to be honest I don’t want to be doing something illegal as my first job, well any job if i can help it.
“Well I don’t think your going to want all the attention it brings with it, having direct access to celebrities means that your like a foot in the door for some pony getting to meet said celebrity's “
That makes sense, I mean Public representatives and those that work for celebrities normally keep it quiet for that reason Wait what? What is she talking about, she is going to get be a job where I have... “Your offering me a job?” She can’t be serious, we met earlier today, and now she is offering me a job.
“Yea, you don’t seem at all affected by talking or being with me, and since you already have skills in management you sound ideal for it” Would this be a good time to say I was lying? Actually, this might just be the time to keep my mouth shut
“I would love to, when do I start” That came out way too eager, but I don’t care, if I can get a job like this then of course I am going to sound eager, this is better than the jobs I was aiming for back home!
“Whoa, calm down, I am going to have to introduce you to the rest of the team before we do anything, after all you will be helping in managing the entire team so I think they're going to want to meet you” Sounds reasonable, I assume that by the other’s she means the other ponys I saw posing on the poster.
“Okay then, where are they?” This is great, not only did she save my life, but now she was giving me a job anyone would die for.
“Well they're in Cloudsdale, training probably, I was just flying from there before bumping, well catching you” Not going to live that down I am sure “So we need to go back there” A sudden feeling of weightlessness enveloped me, looking down I could see the bench getting further away with each second. Looking up I was being held up by my waist by spitfire, and she was carrying me, and flying...very fast...
The speed which Spitfire was maintaining was astounding, I dare say this easily rivaled a plane back home, far more convenient as well. If this is what flying feels like, I can't wait to learn how to use my wings, at the moment they were nothing but dead weight; I can't even get them to move, they feel like they are not even attached, but the wind thrusting against them reminded me they were.
A journey that should have taken hours was reduced to minutes, a populous of white blobs started to come in to focus, closer and closer I could see them slowly taking shape, some turning into buildings, others remaining but blurs. I was still awe stricken, this was the most exhilarating thing since getting here.
We slowly decreased in speed, now going as fast as perhaps walking pace, Spitfire removed her goggles with one of her free forehooves, her mane seeming to fall back into shape. Mine however sadly can’t have the same said for it, what was something of morning hair, now was pinned back, as if it was still catching up to us.
As Spitfire carried me through this cloud metropolis, I could not but feel amazed at the architecture of the buildings, the difference alone in style compared to the town we had just left. Upon different clouds stood large proud buildings, the only description I can think of would be to say they are themed like Greek temples. Though the majority of it was white, luscious colors fell from a few of the clouds, from solitary colors to full blown rainbows, trickling down like water to the ground so far below. I don’t know how they liquefied rainbows, but at this point, having been turned in to a Pegasus, being able to stand on clouds and traveling faster than I thought possible, I really should not be so surprised.
I could not help but feel embarrassed. Almost everypony flying by, or walking along was staring up at us. My first thought was because it was Spitfire, than I realized they were looking at me, well more precisely looking at Spitfire carrying me. I can’t really blame them, their faces bewildered as to why a Pegasus, who seemed completely fine was being carried. Unable to take the looks any more, I looked up to Spitfire, her head still fixated on whatever destination she had in mind, she seemed to pay no heed to the looks around her, probably used to the attention by now, even if it is not completely focused on her. Using my head to nudge her chest, she looked down, a puzzled and slightly annoyed look hung across her face.
“Hey, can we walk from here?” She looked at me confused, but I think she understood why. My hooves touched the cloud, a strange feeling and a little scary, the last time I was on one of these was when I had almost died. I looked around, it seemed a few ponies were still staring at me, as if waiting for me to explain to them, others seemed to have gotten bored and carried on with whatever they were doing prior.
“So where are we going exactly?” My eyes still taking in the new surroundings, Spitfire landed next to me, ignoring the gasps and whispering around us, somehow we had managed to create a circle, a celebrity force field would probably be more appropriate.
“To the Colosseum, It’s not far ahead” Her voice seem to trail off as she walked ahead, I followed behind her, trying not to make eye contact with the various ponies staring at us. I tried to focus on other things, the buildings, the colors, the scale of the clouds we were walking on, where we were going, the ponies flying above us, even the odd crack in the cloud that showed just how high we were. It really was breathtaking, I was enjoying the placid scenery so much that I walked right into Spitfire's flank, I glanced at her apologetically as she announced our arrival at our destination. Before I could utter a word, my jaw dropped...
“We’re here” I glanced at her apologetically for bumping in to her, but before I could let a word escape my mouth, it was too late, my jaw had dropped, in front of us was a monolith of a building, stretching both vertically and horizontally as far as I could see. Once more Spitfire walked ahead, leaving me to looking dumbstruck. Suddenly noticing her absence, I quickly chased after her, though I had lost her in the maze of corridors that stemmed off from one of the many entrances. I contemplated waiting for her here, but why not take the chance to look around?
Walking from room to room, down corridor after corridor I found myself at a dead end. Turning around I saw two ponies approaching me, both wearing costumes from the poster. One stood about the same height as Spitfire, a Winter snow colored mane, with a tail to match, her eyes hidden behind her goggles. The other slightly taller, broader, most likely a male, followed next to her. His mane a dark blue though the light illuminated parts, tinting them a lighter shade.
“Hello?” My single word seemed to freeze both of them, both slowly turning their head to face me, it was intimidating to say the least, the white walled corridor suddenly felt a lot narrower. I could not be sure, but if they were not wearing their goggles I am positive bemused eyes would be staring at me now.
“Hey? Can we help you?” The white maned pony stepped forward, her posture a little more relaxed.
“I’m a little lost, I was following Spitfire, but we got separated near the entrance...”
“You were following her?” Clearly some sort of accusation.
“Not like that, she brought me here to meet the Wonderbolts, from your outfits I assume you are them?” They both looked at each other, probably trying to discern if I was telling the truth, or was just playing dumb.
“Yes we are... Who are you?” It sounded like she was trying to catch me out.
“My Name is Lucid, Spitfire hired me to help with the management” I looked back, trying to match their expression. Quickly their expressions changed, from distrustful glares to mischievous grins. They both seem to relaxed, and walked over to me, the Male locking my head against his chest with his arm, then dragging me down the corridor laughing.
After a few minutes of being dragged by my head through the winding corridors, we reached a door. ‘Wonderbolts Lounge, Permitted access only’ They have their own room? I know their famous, but I was expecting at most a changing room, not an entire room. Stepping in, my head was released. I looked around the room, it was a large open room, the walls plastered with posters of the Wonderolts, next to the door were cupboards hung from the wall, looking forward there were various couches positioned oddly around a small clutter topped table.
“Welcome to your new work station” the male Wonderbolt jokingly stated, at least I hope he was joking.. Both of them walked over, slouching onto the couches and began taking off their costumes. I stood there at the door, still waiting for some sort of explanation, what were they talking about?
A few moments later both had stripped out of their costumes, and flung them at me, both missing and landing either side of me. The male like his mane had a blue coat, though a more sky blue color the solid blue, his eyes.. who cares about his eyes, My eyes darted over to the mare, her coat was light grey, similar to mine but with more grey than white, her eyes were aqua blue, I probably stared at her longer then I should have..
“Ahem...” I could feel the scowl drilling into the back of my head, shakily turning around to see a pissed off Spitfire, I could hear the other two laughing at me, though Spitfire ‘s expression refused to change. “Hmp” Did I do something wrong? Whatever I did she did not seem too happy.
“Soarin, Fleetfoot, this is Lucid, he is going to be our new errand pony” Wait errand pony!? I thought I was going to help manage?!
“Errand pony?” I tried to hide the anger from my voice “I Thought you said I was helping out with management?”
“You are, you’re helping management out by doing errands so they don’t have too”
I knew this was too good to be true, but It was something. Really what’s the worst they would make me do?
An hour had passed since I had arrived in the lounge. Soarin had been telling me about what he had done throughout out the day, needless to say I was bored, had I thought it was possible for somepony to talk this long about a single uneventful day, I would have avoided the topic altogether.. I looked over to Spitfire and Fleetfoot they were standing near the door talking, their voices were drowned out by Soarin’s, who I guess had yet to realize I was not paying attention.
“And that’s when we met you!” Finally he had finished, I was tempted to stop him and ask him more questions, but if he manged to turn “How was your day?” in to a full blown speech, then I didn’t dare see what he could do with broader questions. I was more curious to what this new job actually entitled . What sort of errands would I be doing? How much was I going to get paid. That was another issue I was realizing of late. I had no idea how the currency worked here, I did not know what they called it, what the value of it and how I would even go about using it.
“Are you listening?” My head turned to Spitfire, she had moved closer to me with out be knowing, probably due to the fact I was no longer paying attention to my surroundings, more importantly what anypony was saying. “Sorry, I dazed out their” She still looked angry for what ever reason since she came in, but if there is one thing I know, it’s not to ask a female what’s wrong as it normally leads to more problems. Problems for me.
Fleetfoot walked over once more I tried not to stare though I was drawn in by those deep aqua eyes, I hoped no one noticed. “I guess an explanation of what you’re going to be doing would help?” Her words slowly brought me back into reality. “That would help...” This time I did not care if they caught the irritation in my tone, the fact that Spitfire had deceived me was reason enough to be irritated.
“Simply put, you will be doing errands for us. Management have been getting aggravated at us, something about getting them to do trivial things all the time when they could be doing actual work.. So they told us to hire somepony to pass the jobs on to, and that pony is you!” I could tell from the grin forming across Spitfire’s face that what ever errands they were referring to would me as trivial as management had said.“What type of errands?” My tone now genuinely showing my confusion.
Fleetfoot’s interjected “Just the random jobs we can’t be bot- don’t have time to do. Getting our outfits washed, ordering food, sorting out Fan-mail, cleaning up. Nothing much most of the time you will probably be just relaxing, I don’t see why management got so up tight about it” Fleetfoot’s words were a little reassuring, the job didn’t seem that bad, after all the ideal job is getting paid to do nothing, something I could get accustomed to.
“How much do I get paid?” Not that it matters, if their currency is as weird as their culture then I would probably need more help managing it. “Nothing, not a bit” Soarin voice interjected from behind me. This to say the least left me confused, were they seriously suggesting I worked for nothing? “What do you mean nothing what am I meant do for food, and more importantly living arr-”
“Food and living quarters are provided, the guys in charge don’t tend to trust us with money any more... “ Soarin’s eyes landed on Fleetfoot, jokingly insinuating she was the reason. “So they manage the money and pay for acommdatiation here, in terms of food we just order what we want and the bills get paid later” Admittedly this could not be any better, not only do I have to not worry about managing my money and gave me more time to figure out how it worked, but I am getting living arrangements sorted out for me.
“Though we can’t actually get another room, so... you're gonna have to share with one of us for the time being” And there was the catch. Actually this might not be so bad, I always wanted a roommate. In University my apparent roommate was never there, he was on a completely different course to me, so when ever I was in the room he was in class, not to mention our social circles were almost polar opposites, really the only time we talked was when he was yelling at me for coming in at three in the morning and waking him up.
“So who am I staying with?” All three seemed like acceptable roommates, though preferably I would prefer one of the mares, nothing perverse but I don’t like the idea of having to listen to Soarin talk about his day as he did earlier, especially when I was probably going to be there with him through the majority of it.
“You can stay in my room if you like, just as long as you don’t touch my stuff” Fleetfoot, I guess she would be a good roommate though I don’t actually know a lot about her. In truth other than Spitfire I had only just met the other two over an hour ago, and other than getting an in-depth detailed explanation of Soarin’s day, I had not actually spoken to Fleetfoot for more than a few words, and Soarin was still somewhat a stranger to me.
“-It’s fine my room has a pullout bed anyways” Spitfire’s voice almost seemed rushed, like she was trying to get that out before I could reply. “That would probably be better, So I guess your staying with Spitfire then” I figured I wouldn't have a say in this, though I was little confused as to why Spitfire was offering her room considering for the past hour she has been giving me leery looks, and Fleetfoot had already offered to share hers.
I cringed, suddenly feeling the tight hold of hunger gripping at my stomach, it only just dawned on me that I have not eaten anything since getting here, admittedly I had not eaten anything before getting here. “Speaking of food...” my eyes focused on the cupboards at the back of the room, assuming that’s where things like food would be kept.
“Great idea, you can order us some food” once more Spitfire’s words returned to a mischievous tone, obviously happy that I was already being put to work. I looked around the room, did they have phones here? Is it like ordering room service?
“How?”
“Write the order on something, then drop it down that pipe” Looking over to the wall, there was a small pipe that had been painted to match the beige wall. assumed it lead down to who ever takes the orders, a little unorthodox but on the upside it means I don’t have to venture out again in that maze of corridors. Noticing a pencil on top of the table I reached over to pick it up. Suddenly it hit me, I don’t have fingers, I don’t even have a hands I have hooves now, how am I meant to pick up things? I can’t believe this is the first time I have faced this problem, and I could not remember a time where another pony had picked something up, even opening the door was done by simply pushing it.
“Soarin can you pass me that pencil?” Watching Soarin pick up the pencil made no logical sense, it had just attached to his hoof. like it was glued on by an invisible force. Hesitantly I reached over and touched it, Soarin pulled back and there on my hoof I could feel the pencil, as if I was holding it normally. It was like I was holding something with actual hands, fingers an all.
I reached over and picked up some paper off the table with the same amount of ease. The paper was small, blank and did not seem to have come from anywhere in particular, the table it rested on was littered with random objects, but nothing that looked like it had once owned the paper it self.
“What do guys want?”
“Daffodil sandwich with out the crusts” Buck. I had forgotten pony’s are vegetarians, meaning no meat & probably no junk food . I have never been a fan of vegetables, let alone ever considered eating a Daffodil. I guess basic fruit like apples and such are not so bad, but living on them? This was probably going to be the hardest thing I had to adapt too.
“Just write Pie, they will know what you mean” Soarin was grinning, but if they really did have pie at least that’s something I could eat. The thought of an apple pie made me drool, thankfully not much to draw attention but the sudden urge was a little bewildering.
“Three blueberry muffins!” Muffins? So they have cakes? Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.
Fleetfoot rushed over and lifted the table up, sending everything that was on it crashing to the floor behind. Staring bemused at her, I was too hungry to even begin questioning her reasons. Walking over I rolled up the piece of paper and dropped it down the pipe, It slid down perfectly, soon disappearing in the black void, it must have been far down, that or there was a curve at the bottom where it was being redirected.
Walking back over I sat down, Spitfire was still glaring at me across the room, while Soarin and Fleetfoot stared at the table expectantly. A sudden burst of light came from the glass table, soon replaced with plates holding the food I had requested just moments ago. The two reached down and took their respective plate’s, then began devouring it at an alarming rate, leaving me to gasp at the instant service, that not only got her fast, but appeared literally out of no where.
“What just happened?” My voice stuttering, still try to comprehend what took place moments ago.
“They sent us our food, what else” Spitfire trotted over and picked up the sandwich she had requested, unlike the other two she sat down and ate it slowly and was actually taking time to swallow between each bite.
“I know that, but how?!” I was now leaning forward on my seat, looking under the table to see if there was some sort of mechanism that brought the food up through the floor somehow. There was nothing, just an empty space looking directly through the glass tabletop to the plates and the ceiling above.
“They teleported it here, how else?” Spitfire’s tone sounded almost mocking, like I had asked a stupid question. I guess to her I had, to me I was baffled. I know I said I should not be surprised at what happens here considering what I have seen so far, but teleportation used for such a trivial thing as room service, I don’t think we can even teleport anything back home!? this was just absurd.
“But how?!” I was now standing over the table, realizing I had not actually made an order my self, I grabbed the pencil and another piece of paper that was now lying on the floor in a clutter of random things that once rested on top of the table. Writing down ‘Apple‘ I ran over and dropped it down the tube once more, then returning back to the table and staring eagerly at it. Just like before, a flash of light then there, an apple resting on yet another small white plate.
“They have unicorns down there, they just use there magic and send it up here, I would have thought that was obvious” Wait unicorns?! This place has bucking unicorns!? This was seriously getting weird, ok the liquid rainbows and the Pegasus's were weird enough, I was still wrapping my head around that, but Unicorns and magic? This is something I had to see. But I guess that will have to wait, dare I step out back in them corridors I would probably get lost, let alone find a Unicorn.
Picking up the apple, once more still confused at how I was actually holding it, I took a bite, expecting the same the same sweet apple taste I remember. It was not the same sweet apple flavor I remembered. No this was far better, this tasted better than any apple I had before, this tasted better than most things I've had before!
“What type of apple is this?” The question seemed stupid, but at this point, what I deemed stupid and illogical was being proven to be wrong by the second.
“It’s an apple, just an apple” Fleetfoot stared at me like I was crazy, obviously she had not tasted this particular apple. I threw it at her, gesturing with my fore hove to eat it. She took a bite then looked down at the apple unamused.
“Like I said, it’s a apple...” I knew something was not right. Reaching over to pick up one of the daffodil's that had slipped out of the rear of Spitfire’s sandwich, the one she was still eating surprisingly, I took a bite. Truth be told the flavor was strange, Strange but good. This is one thing I was not expecting, though I was thankful for, at least my sense of taste had changed, I doubt I could lasted long with my old one.
I looked up, all three were now staring at me, Soarin, somehow had managed to get pie around his face, Spitfire was just finishing the last of her sandwich and Fleetfoot, looking at me bewildered as I was her.
“I guess they just taste better here..”
“Right...Well it’s getting late, I think it’s time we went to sleep...” Spitfire stood up, still staring at me curiously while I returned a blank look to her. Then I realized that she was expecting me to follow, considering I was sharing a room with her, and not knowing where said room was, it seemed logical that I would accompany her back to our room.
The walk to Spitfire’s room was somewhat awkward, any attempt to try to start up a conversation was ignored, I was seriously getting paranoid at this point. Eventually after several minutes of walking we reached her room, the door was like the other’s except the tag on it read ‘Spitfire’s Room’.
Stepping inn I was stunned, the room like the other rooms which also seemed to be painted with the same white finish, butt it felt a little brighter than the others. Immediately in front of me was a clearing, beyond that Spitfire’s bed, A queen sized four poster bed with a silk quilt laying immaculately on top of it. To the left was the sofa I assume would be my bed, but that was not the thing that caught my attention. In front of the sofa a large glass window stood where the wall should be, the view overlooking the vast majority of cloudsdale. I am not sure how we had ascended to this floor considering we did not walk up any stairs to my memory.
The sofa front faced the window, I was looking forward to the view when I woke up and went to sleep, even though the night shrouded most of the view in darkness anyways. To the right of Spitfire’s bed stood several wardrobes, odd as the majority of pony's I have seen have not actually been wearing clothes.
Spitfire walked over to the window and sat down, her face showed no expression the same face she had the entire walk up to the room. Sticking to my previous logic about not wanting to ask if their was something wrong, I turned my attention to the sofa. Spitfire said it was a pullout bed, so I assumed since we came to sleep it would be wise to try to set it up. However, I could not fathom how to, not only did there not seem to be any sort of lever but the actual structure of the sofa showed no indication of it even being a sofa bed. Normally you can tell, the front would be large, and you could see where it unfolded, but there was nothing of the sort. Just a sleek black sofa, with two pillows on either side. I looked to Spitfire for help, though it was met with ignorance once more, what ever she was thinking about was a larger priority then me getting to sleep.
Eventually giving up on trying to work out the mechanics of he Sofa, I knew that I would have to ask spitfire for assistance but that mean disturbing her and that in itself was a risk.
“Spitfire, is something wrong?” I knew I would regret asking, but I needed help. She turned her head to me, still with that same emotionless look, almost paying no heed to my question, just.. staring at me, It felt like she was staring in to me, this was unnerving and a little scary.
“Where did you say you were from again?” Her voice was calm, her expression had not charged it only added to ominous thoughts racing through my head.
“I was raised on a farm with my parents” I think that’s what I told her earlier anyways.
“But where? Where was the farm?” This felt more like an integration then a simple conversation now.
“U-Up North” I hoped that my guess at the geography was right.
“So Near Manehatten?” Her tone now sounded more suspicious, and the once Bright room suddenly felt a lot smaller, and a lot darker...
“...Sure” I Tried to hide my insecurity by pretending to try and figure out once more how the sofa worked, a ploy really attempting to change the subject, one that was unsuccessful. Spitfire turned her head back to the window, I could tell something was wrong but unsure if it was with me or her.
“Why do you ask?”
This time she didn't turn her head. “When we first got here and we were separated, I started asking around about you, just out of curiosity. You see a lot of ponies come here to do various things. Like last week, there was a convention on farming, some of the contestants were still here, and as the agriculture community is quite well connected, I thought some of them may know you...”
My heart sank, I knew where she was going with this and it was not good.
“Well My paren-”
“And one of the contestants farms a large plot of land near Manehatten. I asked about if there were any other farms in the area, she named of a few. Though when I described you, she said she had never met anypony fitting the description. Can you explain that?” Her head still fixed in place, staring at me through the reflection.
This was bad, I tried avoiding staring at her, knowing that my expression would give away my obvious panicking look. I looked over to the door, was it too late to run? No I had to stay, where else would I go. No I needed to try and think of something, something to justify why..
“I ever really talked to the other farmers, my parents did, I just worked where needed...” Was that the really the best I could think of? I needed to work on my story, why had I not thought more about it until now.
“Lucid...” Her tone had gone from suspicious to what seemed like an attempted at hiding anger, sending a shiver down my spine.
“Y-Yes Spitfire?” Spitfire turned, walking slowly walking towards me, her eyes locked on mine, it felt like I was paralyzed by the glare, I tried to move but my body simply would not budge.
“Have I lied to you?” her tone seemed strangely calm once more, but I could not help but feel anger radiating off her.
“No...” I was stuttering now, she was a few feet away. She stopped, her eyes still fixated on me. Suddenly her expression turned to anger, hitting her hove against the sofa that stood between us, I immediately jumped back landing on my back, staring up at her in fear. She regained her posture, her face once more returning to that eerie look.
“Then why, why lie to me?” my heart felt like it had stopped, any noise that once filled the room was now gone, only her words echoed in my head. I did not know what to say I could not tell her the truth, could I?
“I-I’m sorry..” I hung my head in shame, I knew it was wrong lying to her in the first place but I didn't expect it would leave me feeling this bad. I looked over to Spitfire, she had gotten closer, and was staring down at me, her eyes once more felt like they were penetrating my very being.
“So what’s the truth? Was that stunt you pulled just to get my attention, you're not just doing this so you can spend time with the wonderbolts are you?” Her voice was low and piercing.
“No.. you did actually save me...and before I met you I did not know who the Wonderbolts..or even you were..” She didn't move, I could feel her breath blowing against me, reminding me just how close she actually was and how hard it would be for me to escape.
“Then why did you lie?”
I was trapped, not only physically but mentally. Somehow I had been backed in to a corner, and I could not bring my self to lie anymore.
“If you knew the truth, who I really am you would think I was crazy...” I looked away once more, my eyes fell on the plain white door separating us from any other pony. I turned my head back, to my surprise the look on her face was not of anger, no it was more of shock. She leaned up and walked over to the sofa, jumping up and motioning for me to join her. Hesitantly I got up and walked over, not trying to make eye contact I climbed up and sat once more in the only position I knew how. She stared at me as if waiting for me to talk, I guess there was no going back now..
“I am not actually a pony.. Well I guess I am, but prior to waking up on the cloud I fell off I was not, in fact I am actually a human..” Her looked puzzled me I was not sure if she thought I was crazy, or was trying to process what I had said.
“A human? What’s that?” Well I guess that clarifies that there aren't any humans here, but that also means I am going to have to explain.
“Humans are...” I had never really thought about what truly defined a human other than physical attributes I guess there was not much different, other than our self-destructive tendency's.
“They are like pony's, but stand on two legs, they have feet not hooves, there arms are relatively shorter normally, and at the end we have a hand with fingers. We don’t have fur, thought we do have hair on our head, not like a mane, but I guess similar...” I really did not know what more to say, I could go in to detail, but Spitfire’s blank expression stopped me from doing so.
“So why are you here?” I was surprised she did not question the detail I gave her, I don’t know if she simply did not care or accepted it straight away. Her question how ever was one I could not answer, I shook my head then dropped it once more.
“I don’t know, I was sitting down and then suddenly I was enveloped by this light, next thing I know I was lying on that cloud...” I gazed out of the window as if looking for an answer.
“Well I guess what’s done is done...” I shot my head back to her in shock, was she seriously just going to accept what I had told her? A smile broke out across her face, before I had a chance to reply she got up and walked over to her bed leaving me speechless.
“Wh-What do you mean?”
“Well your here now, and I am grateful that you decided to tell me the truth considering how absurd it sounds, but; I believe you, thank you Lucid” She climbed on to her bed, perching her self down and continued staring over to me.
“You’re not mad?” I squinted at her, I was still expecting her to throw me out, call security if this place had any. I could not help but feel a sudden relief, as if a burden had been lifted, I guess I did not feel right about lying to her but still I was unsure why I cared so much, after all I have lied to people before I may not be a good lire but I still have and I had never really felt guilty about it either.
“Honestly, no.. I know I should be, but I am just happy that you felt you could tell me the truth...” It felt like she was holding something back. Then it clicked, I knew what it was. Thinking back to when we were in the other town, when she told me who she was, what she was I could remember the look on her face she was ready for me burst out in excitement like you would when meeting a celebrity, something she obviously didn't want, I knew that there and then. After all when I had told her when we first met I did not know her, or the Wonderbolts she seemed almost glad, at first that puzzled me but I could understand why now.
“So..Can you help me with this” I pointed at the sofa with a confused look more than relieved to change the subject, I felt a lot more relaxed now so I returned my efforts to getting my bed in order/ready, I was tired now and wanted to go to sleep soon. Spitfire walked over, raising her hoof to her face to gesture she was thinking, she turned her head and smiled.
“Woops, I guess I don’t have a sofa bed after all” Grinning mischievously she walked back over to her bed. “I Guess we’re going to have to share mine for now”
I froze, was she seriously considering that? had she known before hand? She couldn't have why would she, considering what just happened. Unless, unless she had planned this. Would she have thrown me out if I had lied to her again?
I walked over, It only just hit me what she was suggesting. However... This only brought up another issue. One that I was not prepared to face...
It was late and Spitfire had long since fallen asleep on the very edge of her side of the shared bed, I however was finding it alot harder to fall asleep... I pulled myself up quietly, luckily for me and spitfire weighed about the same, so my movement did not make the bed concave towards me, but to be safe I slowly climbed out, resting what quilt I had slowly back down to not make any more noise then necessary.
Moving silently I slowly made my way over to the window, the only light in the room was coming from the moon shining through it illuminating a small patch near the window and dispersing around the room in a faint glow. The night sky was breathtaking with the stars positioned almost like they had been given there own place by someone and in the middle was the large crescent moon giving off the dim light as far as I could see. I guess being this high up has it’s benefits when it comes to scenery...
As much as I was taken away by the night itself, I had more pressing things on my mind, something that had been laying dormant in my head for a few hours now. It had not been until meeting Soarin & Fleetfoot and starting my job, that it had hit me what I was doing. I had just accepted all of this. I don’t know if it’s just because I was tired or that now that I have time to think but it’s finally becoming apparent to me.
I was no longer at home, I was no longer on earth as far as I could tell. Was I just going to accept this? Was this something I could just live with? So many questions racing through my mind, family, friends my entire life had just been taken from me and replaced with.... A day ago my priorities were finding more work, paying back my university loans, making my parents proud and showing them that all them years studying was not for nothing. That was all gone sure the debt won’t be missed but...
Family, will I ever see them again? What will they think when they find out I have vanished, oh god I can see my mothers face now when she hears the news... My heart tightened it was not enough that I was worried about myself, but the thought of how upset my parents would be, my friends they probably would assume I was dead...
I wiped the tear away from my face, staring at my hoof, it alone was the reminder that all this was actually happening, that all my worries were real and that... that I was not sure if I was ready to face them. I lowered my head trying to hold back the tears that would surely follow but what caught my attention was the reflection in the window. It was faint but what I did see was enough. In the window I could see Spitfire, the pony who had saved my life and pretty much taken me in. Another Epiphany hit me hard, I was not upset with my situation as such, I was more concerned with the others I had left behind. I had accepted this fate, no I wanted this, my life back home was going no where, I had no real purpose, my ambitions had been shattered and the only thing that kept me going was the the hope something would happen, and something had happened, this, this had happened. Sure it may have been something I have no understanding of, and is certainly not something like winning the lottery like I was hoping for, it was not a surprise job given to me by some amazing company that would help turn my life around. I don’t know what this is, but what ever it is I am certanly not regretting it.
In the day I had been here I had found what I hope was new friends, I had got a job that even though it was questionable, provided me with more then anything I had done previously not just the free food and somewhere actually good to sleep, but from what I could guess I would be doing something enjoyable, spending time with Spitfire was something that I was looking forward to, especially now she knew the truth, even if it seems like she accepted what I said a little too easily... That aside this world alone was enough to keep me here, things that defy logic and take my breath away, even myself, I was a pony that could talk, even more I was a pony with wings! Even if I did not know how to use them...
I dropped my head once more, I was not sure what this feeling was, it was not happiness and it was certainly not sadness I don’t know what it is I am not sure if I want to know, perhaps I should just go with it and see what happens, after all it’s only been one day. I have some time to find out what happened, perhaps even find a way back before anyone notices!
The thought of going back and seeing my family seemed perfect, but turning around and gazing over once more at the bed and my eyes had landing on Spitfire turned that thought sour, was I really just going to leave? I had a Chance to do something here much more then I did back home at any rate. This was turning out to be alot harder then I thought, I had made almost no progress in finding middle ground to this ordeal. If anything it was even worse now...
I once more slowly crept across the room, my eyes felt heavier now, I don’t know if it’s my mind being exhausted from all this thinking, or that the darkness in the room was making me feel more and more drowsy by the second. I reached the bed and let out a sigh, I was going to have to face these questions again but at least not right now.
I climbed back up the bed, but the obvious need for sleep was making me clumsy, accidentally slipping back down and hitting my head on the bed letting out a groan of pain from the sudden jolt, I felt the quilt tug from under me. Looking up I noticed Spitfire lazily raising her head across the bed followed by a yawn.
“..Lucid, what are you doing?” her voice was drowsy and quiet, she turned her head to me her eyelids falling over her eyes. I struggled up to the bed once more, it was high up and being tired was not helping. Letting out a yawn of my own as if I had caught it from Spitfire, I looked over to her. My eyes still partially wet from the tears but thankfully hidden in the darkness.
“S-Sorry I needed some air..” I failed to realize that walking over to the window in the same room would hardly fall under ‘getting some air’ but being useless when it comes to lies and the added exhaustion hardly gave me headroom to think of something better. Spitfire leaned over turning on a lamp positioned on her side of the bed. The light quickly spread across the room blinding me along with it, I quickly swung my hooves to my eyes, for a brief second it felt like the same light from last night which brought me here, but that thought quickly passed when I moved my hoof down and saw Spitfire. I was not sure if I was disappointed or relived..
Spitfire sprung to life and walked over the bed then jumping off, leaving me disoriented from the mixture of tiredness and the sudden light that blinded me. I regained focus and watched as she walked over to one side of the window, pulling it open. A gentle breeze blew across my face, the coldness dragging me back to consciousness partially.
I was about to walk over when I watched in horror as Spitfire fell from the window ledge, running over in panic I looked down in the dark abyss. I was now fully awake and very worried, I was about to turn around and head for the door when I heard a laugh coming from above.
My head shot up, Spitfire was flying just above the window “What are you doing!” I probably shouted way to loud considering she was a few metres away and especially considering how late it was. Before I could speak, I felt myself being lifted up, the sudden feeling of weightlessness and the familiar pull at my chest by Spitfire’s hooves as she once more lifted me up. I was going to speak up but I felt us descending so I stayed quiet assuming an explanation would be given when we touched down.
Eventually we landed on the cloud floor that we had walked across to get to the Colosseum..
Spitfire finally spoke up “What better way to get some fresh air then go for a walk, well flying would be..” her tone was energetic and almost mocking, mainly at the flying part.
“Well when I learn to how to fly then you won’t need to carry me..” I stared at the wings on my side, they still felt like dead weight and I still had not figured out how to move. Once more I fount my self questioning if they were actually mine.
“Don’t worry about it, you will be flying in no time” I was about to reply when I noticed she was staring at me with a smile, it may have been dark and in all honesty I could not see more then a few meters in any direction, but even the coldness seemed to fade away with that smile.
Shaking my head to snap out of the daze I had suddenly found myself in, I looked to the cloud flooring that I had slowly started to get use to.
“How about we actually walk then.” I turned my head to Spitfire who had already began walking into the darkness, not wanting to be left alone I quickly caught up with her.
***
We had been walking for approximately thirty minute's now, equally it could have been more or less. The fresh air and the cool breeze was doing wonders for my mind, I was thinking more clearly now much more then back in the room. Though honestly I don’t know if that was a good thing, my mind soon went back on to the subject that I was trying to stay away from. I could not help but picture my parents looking at a grave stone with my name on it, unsure if they were more distraught over the gravestone or the fact that there was no body to accompany it. Once more I felt my heart tighten as the emotions that were surfacing were beginning to show physically in the form of tears building in my eyes as they had earlier.
My eyes fell on Spitfire, she was still walking a little ahead of me and from what I could tell was in her own world with her own thoughts. Seeing her once more brought up the conflicting feelings of not only my friends and family but if I wanted to actually go back, sure I would want to go back if not only to inform them of where I was and not to be worried, but even that meant that I had already accepted that I would rather be here then there. How could I praise this world so much after only spending one day here, what was it that was chaining me down to the concept that I would rather be here, unqualified, without family and a real background, what was it that made me prefer this more then being home with my family and friends, the qualifications that I had spent years studying and stressing over...
I stared up at the night sky as if looking for answers a tear falling off my face and being absorbed into the cloud below me. Even in the countless stars and the giant magnificent moon I could not find solitude in any reasoning that I tried to think of. Eventually I came to a conclusion.
“..Spitfire?”
At first it seemed like she had not heard me, unsurprising considering I said it so quietly trying to hide my obvious distraught tone. After a few brief moments she stopped, and seemed like she was returning back to this world mentally.
“What’s up?” Strangely her tone sounded as distraught as mine...
“Do you have any idea of how I might have got here?” my voice remained quiet. Though her response was simply a shake of her head.
“..Why?” She leaned forward, her face seemed worried as if she had been contemplating the same question prior to me asking.
“Well....I am sure you can understand what would happen if I stayed here....” I looked up hoping that she understood what I meant, but her face had fallen to what seemed like sorrow to my confusion. “Did I say something wrong?”
“N-No... I think it’s time we went back though, it’s getting late...” The obvious attempt to change if not avoid continuing the conversation was apparent even to me. Though I had little time to think of a reply before I felt myself once more being lifted by Spitfire though this time it felt like she was gripping my chest alot tighter.
Eventually landing back in Spitfire’s bedroom. It had take considerably less time to return I assumed Spitfire would have gone slower as to not make as much noise due to the time, however it felt like she had rushed to get back oddly. Once more snapping out of my dazed thoughts, I noticed Spitfire was already climbing back on to the bed, and was soon under the quilt on the far end of the bed facing away from me as she was before.
I closed the window, and stared out once more at the night sky before returning to the bed and falling asleep.
A warmth slowly began to fill the room replacing the cold air that had crept in last night when Spitfire had opened the window. I squinted through the beam of sunlight in my eyes, I was not used to seeing the sun, of all things. When I awoke normally it would be the grey wall of my apartment, but this was a welcome change.
As I had started to pull myself up from under the quilt, I rubbed my eyes, memories of what had transpired last night slowly came creeping back. I looked over to Spitfire who was now cocooned in the quilt. Still bemused as to as why our walk had ended so abruptly I dedicated a moment to contemplate it but fell short of any reasonable conclusion. What really puzzled me was what time it was, I was use to being awoken by my alarm every morning at six am sharp, though admittedly I would not get out of bed until at least seven. I glanced over at the bedside table next to Spitfire, the only thing that adorned it was a picture with Spitfire Soarin and Fleetfoot on what seemed to be some sort of beach. I could not find a clock anywhere in the room but I felt it was safe to say it must still be early due to how low the sun was in the sky.
I climbed out of bed making sure not to cause too much noise I was not yet entirely sure how thick the floors and walls were, so waking up Spitfire as well as any other pony at this hour would just be rude. Letting out an exasperated yawn. Then moving on to a full body stretch, I started by carefully stretching my legs one by one, four fetlocks cracked, then I followed by flexing my haunches. My back and chest followed, everything was disproportionate to how I remembered but somehow it just seemed natural once again I marvelled at how i could use this body with such ease and grace I even felt my wings twitch subtly, maybe I could use them after all.
glanced over at the window. I could not but feel important as I stared over Cloudsdale, the fog that had shrouded the cloud metropolis had dispersed and I was fairly high up looking down over the majority of it thanks to my vantage point. As captivated by the view as I was I know that now was not the time to take in the scenery but instead I turned my attention to the more pressing matter that had been the main topic of the conversation the prior night. How was I going to get back to my world? First off I would need to find out how I got here and go from there. Now I am aware that magic exists thanks to the demonstration with the food yesterday, and the technology here did not seem very advanced so I felt it safe to assume that magic probably had some participation in my trip.
“You’re up early” Bringing my self back to reality I turned my head to Spitfire, who amusingly did not seem to be a morning pony at least when it came to appearance. Her Mane a mess and her coat equally mussed from sleeping.
“Honestly I don’t normally get up this early but I don’t normally sleep that well, what’s the bed made of anyways?” It was true that I had slept comfortably, considerably more than I was use to on my hard mattress I had grown accustomed too.
“The same as all the beds in Cloudsdale I think, ‘Soften cloud’ I think is the actual name” I stared at her puzzled not sure if that was just a brand name or it was some sort of altered cloud.
“Sorry if this sounds a little stupid, but are you insinuating there are different types of clouds?” As far as I knew the only type of cloud was the wet kind, but from personal experience I knew this not to be true here.
“Well of course.... ah..” Spitfire’s face had changed from confusion to annoyance and to emphasis it she brought her hoof to her face and hit it slightly.
“What’s wrong?” I made my way over to the bed and climbed up it once more, this time simply sitting on it staring down at Spitfire who had yet to even sit up.
“I am interested, what else here has left you stumped since coming here?” I thought for a moment and honestly almost everything had to this point.
“To tell you the truth everything; Food, pony's that can not only talk but can fly and apparently do magic and magic being something in it self, liquid rainbows, apparent variations in types of cloud I think that about covers it up to this point” Now that I had listed them off I could see the issue that Spitfire had fount.
“ugh, ok so what types of cloud did you have?” I was unsure if Spitfire had noticed she said ‘did’ as if she knew I planned to stay.
“The wet kind the kind that if you touched your hand would go straight through and come out moist, there was no walking on them and there was certainly no variations... Unless you count thunderstorms, snow and other various weather that derived from them” Spitfire’s face seemed to fall deeper into annoyance.
“Great..ok and what about magic?”
“There is none in fact the very concept of it belongs to fantasy storeys and myths, though no one believes them and others explain that it’s just the result of hallucinations and anomalies that can be explained through science.” I was one to go with the explanation through science and this was something I prided my self on.
“No magic? But how do you change between day and night.. “ The fact she had just woken up and had realised the task she had brought about on her self when she asked me for the truth, had obviously built up in annoyance as she coverd her head with the quilt and let out an annoyed groan, something that I was more or less doing on the inside now that I realized that I truly did know nothing about this world. Removing the sheets from her head Spitfire stared at me as if she had already given up hope.
“Well I guess that since you're the only one that knows about me, then you’re responsible for me now” I could not help but laugh at the remark and after a moment neither could she.
“I guess so..”
I moved out of the way giving Spitfire more room to move as she pulled her self up and out of the bed walking over to what I assumed was the bathroom. Curiously Looking over to the open room I was surprised at how bare it was. Inside the bathroom was a normal looking toilet; a plain white sink with a single nozzle at the center; a mirror that had a gold frame and seemed to just stick to the wall and at the end a small vertical line going across the ground. Spitfire closed the door leaving me to question the quality of the bathroom but I decided to leave any more questions until I had access to it my self.
Instead I turned my head to the wardrobes that lined the back wall of the room. As I had previously noted ponies don’t seem to wear much in the way of clothing, accessories like hats and such sure but in terms of actual clothing it seemed our coats were the only thing we had. So why did Spitfire have not one but three wardrobes? I jumped off the bed and walked over to the first wardrobe making sure not to cause too much noise as might Spitfire of heard me and thinks I am looking through her things... which essentially I was.
Upon opening the first wardrobe I was taken back. Inside were various formal garments many seemed to be lined with diamonds and gems while others simply looked sleek and fine. Feeling I should not be looking anymore I quickly closed the wardrobe and moved over to the second. I assumed that surely all three could not be the same; I was right, in the second wardrobe there was only Wonderbolt costumes, some had different markings on them probably for different events and causes though still just costumes nevertheless. Moving on to the third was my interest peaked, if the first one was formal wear and the second one costumes essentially work wear, what was in the third?
As I moved to open the door I heard another door behind me beginning to open, I immediately pulled back and leaped on to the bed. Spitfire walked out. Her mane was now back to it’s former glory and her coat refined. I stared at her blankly trying to hide any indication of what I was doing moments ago.
“Do you need to do anything?” Spitfire looked at me bemused obviously questioning in her mind my empty expression. A moment passed before it finally clicked in my head, with a nod I jumped down and walked in to the bathroom closing the door.
Now inside I could see the finer details on the various things in the room. Everything seemed to have a colorless sun insignia on it, probably the brand symbol for who ever manufactures them. Looking in the mirror I noticed how much of a mess my mane was, though really this was the first time I have had a chance to truly look at it in an analytical perceptive. My face was simple looking nothing odd or strange; I had lime green eyes; my hair turned mane was short and brown but somehow managed to still look a mess. Now however I had certain needs to attend to, though worried at first I figured out how to use everything without it resulting in too much of a mess After finding that my limbs were no longer required for these functions I turned my attention to my mane, combing it down with my hooves alone into something I thought was marginally presentable, I turned on the tap and made a cupping motion with my hooves; water quickly falling from them I brought them up quickly to wet my face. Shaking off the water I took one final look at my self, happy with my appearance I made my way out the room.
Morning preparations out the way I felt my self ready for the day ahead, the first full day of being here. Spitfire seemed to be in another daze something it seemed we both did often.
“So what now? it’s still early” I waved my hoof in her face bringing focus her back to the room.
“True though it’s your fault were up so early. Really your on the job twenty four seven, so how about we go get some breakfast, and by we I mean you” it dawned on me that she was right I just hoped that fact was not abused, I didn’t really want to be doing things in the middle of the night. I followed Spitfire out the room; through some more maze like corridors eventually we came to the entrance which unsurprisingly was deserted. Taking one final look back to see if I had forgotten something, we made our way down the cloud formed street and in to what seemed to be more of a town like area.
The walk from the Colosseum seemed mostly consist of Spitfire yawning and me failing to think up a conversation topic. I was more interested in the buildings that were on either side of the road, something I am sure Spitfire would have no interest in. The buildings were strange, each seemed to have their own shape and did not seem to have any support or foundations simply formed cloud houses with windows and doors and other minor details that gave them a form of individualism from each other, amusingly these were just normal homes.
Eventually we came to an area which no longer seemed to be prominently houses Instead larger more official buildings dominated the area. Some looked like sky scrapers from back home while others looked like Greek temples, the architecture alone for these buildings was amazing varied and if not a little strange. Trying to figure out what building served what purpose seemed to be impossible.
“Are we going anywhere in particular?” Spitfire was still walking slowly probably still tired, I felt bad for waking her up so early if I knew what I was doing I would not need her to be a guide but evidently she would have to for a little while at least.
“We’re going to get breakfast aren't we?” Her voice was low and lethargic, not wanting to pry and instead just trust her I nodded and continued to follow.
We had come to an area where the buildings were less imposing and official looking and more like what you would find on a high street in a smaller district. The majority of buildings that lined the streets seemed to be shops of sorts. None were open yet, understandably due to the time; it only reminded me of how early I had made Spitfire get up making me feel that much more guilty..
In the distance I noticed ponies walking over to one of the shops on the left hand side of the street, either they were going to open it or it was already open and if that was the case I presumed that was our destination.
“Is that it?” I looked to Spitfire eagerly hoping it was indeed where we were going, from what I could tell beyond this street seemed to be more homes and eventually a dead end. literally. the cloud just stopped and beyond it was presumably a drop straight to the ground.
Spitfire turned her head lazily, letting out a small yawn before replying “Yea it’s a small cafe that not that popular, ideal for when you want to relax with out causing a scene”
Once more Spitfire showed that she was not someone to strive for attention and would rather have her career and private life separate even if she was something of a celebrity. It was a little strange though, I had yet to see someone come up to her and ask her for anything like an autograph or a photo. I contemplated whether this was just by chance or that Spitfire had planned out a strategic strategy to avoid it. Thinking back to yesterday when I first arrived in Cloudsdale I think I was the reason no one had approached her.
A few minuets had passed since I started thinking of how Spitfire managed to avoid attracting unwanted attention, was it clear that she did not want the hassle while not working and so ponys had learnt to respect that? I know back home no matter how much a celebrity pleaded for privacy it was something they were never allowed the privilege to have. However the difference between Spitfire and and the celebrities back home is that she seemed to understand that once you break the wall between your private life and your career it’s very hard to build it back up.
Finally reaching the cafe I took note of it’s appearance. It was fairly subtle in that it did not deviate from the basic structure of build to the other buildings on the street. A small cloud-made frame around the area of the front the building it self with an opening in the center on all sides. A collection of round tables were positioned out symmetrically inside the the the boundary's of the fence. Each table had four chairs around them and all were tucked neatly away underneath.
Above the cafe main door a sign reading ‘Mares Tail’ in a some form of fancy calligraphy. Two large windows positioned on either side of the door. The door it self had a Solid white frame and the rest made out of glass; I questioned whether they though had though of security when they selected the door.
Upon entering the cafe I was welcomed by the aroma of freshly backed goods and the faint hint of tea that had engulfed the room. The interior was as simple as the exterior. The walls were a solid white and it seemed the only source of light at this time was from the sun outside which had risen slightly higher from when me and Spitfire had awoke. Similar looking tables were positioned around the room close to the walls, however these actually had ponys sitting at them all who seemed to be conversing with each other and those sitting alone were enjoying there drinks. Through my observation of the cafe I hadn't noticed Spitfire sit down, to my surprise at the same table sat Soarin.
“I didn't thing I was going to see you here” I said as I walked over to the table and took a seat once more sitting awkwardly which of course raised a few eyebrows around the room.
“Soarin is normally up at this time actually” Spitfire interjected before Soarin could comment.
“I am not a big sleeper and Spitfire and Fleetfoot aren't normally awake for another few hours...” I was unsure if Soarin was irritated that we here or that he was annoyed Spitfire had spoke for him. “So why are you awake so early Spitfire?” he said while picking up of a cup of what I presumed from the smell was tea.
“Well apparently Lucid is not much of a sleeper either and I worry what he would do if left unsupervised” Spitfire jested before she and Soarin shared a laugh, leaving me to feel like I was some sort of a child.
Before I could reply I heard the door open, I turned my head and was taken back to see a white coated Pony wearing solid gold armor with astern look across his face. All eyes instantly fell upon him.
“I am sorry to interrupt you all at this time, however there is a matter of great urgency that must be given priority.” The deadly seriousness in his voice was unnerving, this was the first time I had seen any form of apparent authority since coming here. “I can not go into details but I ask if any you have seen any strange pony's around here, anypony acting strange that you have not seen before or causing problems or asking odd questions.” Spitfire's eyes quickly fell on me in worry it was obvious that she though I might be the one the male pony was talking about and admittedly I shared the concern. I looked round as if to search for somepony who might fit the description in both attempt to see if there was as well as to draw suspicion away from my self.
“I’m sorry but I don’t think we have, especially not in here” A mares voice shot across the room in a soothing calm tone, I turned my head to see a red coated mare standing behind the cafes counter she was carrying a plate of apples so assuming she worked here.
The stallion stared at her before replying “Thank you for your cooperation if you do suspect anything please contact one of the guards in the vicinity immediately” He took one final look around the room seemingly taking no notice of me even though I was sitting peculiarly, then nodding to the red mare he walked out closing the door behind him. Through the window I could seem him fly off, I let out a sigh of relief before turning my head back to Spitfire and Soarin. The cafe fell into a brief silence as everyone stared at the door then equally as fast returned back to the way it had been prior.
The red mare walked over and placed the plate of apples on our table. She was about the same height as Spitfire her coat was a solid red and her mane aqua blue, eyes crimson. She stared down at me bemused indubitably the way I was sitting was odd but I did not make eye contact in worry I would have to explain my self.
The mare spoke “Your in early today I never though you were one for festivities” Spitfire placed the apple down and looked up to the mare frowning.
“I’m not going to ponyville if that’s what your referring to Daisy” I looked to Soarin for some insight on what they were talking about but he seemed to busy eating the apple to pay heed to me and probably the actual conversation.
“What’s going on in ponyville?” Both mares stared at me as if the answer was obvious, then something in Spitfire’s head seemed to click.
“it’s the Summer Sun Celebration remember?” It took me a moment to notice the hint in Spitfire’s voice before replying.
“Oh yes of course.” I stared blankly at the the mare who I now presumed was called Daisy, who was still was looking at be questionably. I was trying not to bring any attention to my self especially after what just happened but I felt even more liable to be though of as a possible suspect.
“Soarin would you mind showing Lucid around Cloudsdale?” Spitfire picked one of the apple’s and gestured towards the door with it , immediately Soarin seemed to understand the situation amazingly. I looked to Spitfire with appreciation before standing up to wait for Soarin.
“Yea sure I know some useful spots he should know about if he is going to be working for us” I contemplated what would class as useful locations to Soarin, perhaps if I had listened to him when we were talking yesterday I would have an idea of where we were going, though before I could ask he had already begun walking to the door, motioning me to follow with his head. I looked to Daisy who had now started walking back to the counter carrying the plate which was now bare, I just hoped I did not do anything to make her report me to the ‘guards’. Spitfire had her heads tucked away under her hooves probably asleep a little odd considering it was in public, but from the lack of care Daisy showed I assumed it was not something odd.
Stepping outside I noticed it Cloudsdale was slightly more active, shops were beginning to open and I could spot some ponys flying in the distance, the street it self however remained somewhat quiet other then the noise of doors opening in the distance. I looked to Soarin who had stopped a few feet ahead of me and was staring down the street.
“You can’t fly right?” He looked at me casually, though really I was a little ashamed at the fact I could not actually move my wings let alone fly.
“N-no...” I rubbed the back of my head with my hoof in shame.
“Right then, the closet place to get to by walking is probably the general goods store in town” With that he began walking down the same street me and Spitfire had used to get to the cafe. I was surprised at the lack of care in his voice, I would have though it would be strange from anyponys point of view if a Pegasus of my age couldn't fly though on the inside I was glad that he did not seem to think of it as a major issue.
Walking along side Soarin,I had once more started to take in my surroundings; still fascinated by the various architecture that seems to have been constructed from clouds alone. I was confused by how they managed to shape clouds let alone keep themselves in position and maintain an actual form, but that was something I had learned not to question in the short time I had been here. I was more hoping on doing some research of my own, I just hoped that had some sort of facility where they would keep such information I had yet to see a library or something along them lines, honestly I was never a a large library user but I think my attitude towards them is going to have to change considering how little I know now.
My eyes jumped over to a small filly sitting outside one of the stores, peering through the window at what seemed to be a collection of toys. It had me thinking about how I was essentially doing that with this world. I was taken away by the wonders, yet I felt like I was simply observing them, and was not actually part of it. I turned my attention to the sky, being on top of the clouds meant that there were not any actual clouds above, leaving only the clear blue sky. I had never really taken much notice of the sky, it always seemed like an inaccessible location that served no real purpose, but now I saw it more as an open playground to the Pegasi flying around.
What it must feel like to simply take off and fly through the wide open space; to have complete control of where you’re going with out any form of constraint. From the time I had woken up this morning, I had set for myself numerous goals in order to stop me thinking of more depressing thoughts. One of which is learning how to fly, not only out of my own personal interest, but out of the fact that it would be a handy skill to have if I am to be living in a place where flying is as normal as walking. Something that became clearer with each passing observation as I could see more and more clouds floating alone only accessible through flight. Sure I could ask for help in the same way Spitfire had brought me here; but if I was going to be staying here, I would prefer to be self-reliant and especially not ask any more of Spitfire than I already had.
“So where are you from again?” Soarin spoke with a calm voice still looking forward paying no attention to the ongoings around us.
“A farm near Manehatten,” I can remember Spitfire mentioning that place when she had interrogated me last night; so it was probably best to stick to what I had said, even if she now knew I had been lying, “Why do you ask?”
“No reason, just though it would be best to get to know each other if you’re going to be working for us. So how did you meet Spitfire? I am fairly sure she has not been out Manehatten way in a while”
Trying to think back to the story I had told Spitfire, “Well I set out from the farm I lived on in hopes of finding something better for myself, not that the farm was bad in anyway but it did not really feel like it was the place for me. One night when I had fallen asleep on a road that branched out from Manehatten,a group of Pegasi moved me and placed me atop a cloud near by. I am not sure if they did that out of jest or simply because the cloud was a safer place then simply lying next to the road ,but unfortunately they did not know that I had yet to learn to fly...” I paused in attempt to show that I truly was depressed from not being able to fly;honestly I sort of was. “When I woke up, I found my self so high up I was surprised to say the least.In an attempt to get down I fell... honesty I though it was going to be the end for me, but that’s when I met Spitfire, well...more like she caught me before I hit the ground,but really we went from there.”
Soarin paused and looked at me astonished, presumably at how unlikely the circumstances were he had probably been thinking more along the lines of meting each other in town and bumping into each other not Spitfire saving my life.
“Wow that’s.. I guess you owe her your life then in a way” He laughed and carried on walking were as I had stopped. It was true I had not really given it much thought but if it were not for Spitfire I would probably be dead right now I owed her more then I thought. and I was disappointed at my self that it had taken me this long to realize that. I have always believed that you should pay back a debt no matter the cause, and to not have realized how big of a debt I was in, made me feel like a hypocrite to my own philosophy.
“..So why is it you can’t fly?” Soarin carried on, I think he had realized what thoughts he had provoked and not wanting to dwell on them had attempted to change the subject.
“I..” I brought my attention back to the conversation making a mental side note to come back to the issue later. “I never really had anyone to teach me, both my parents were normal ponies.My Pegasus genes seemed to have derived from my grandfather who did not live with us. So I had learnt to get along with out them truth be told it was not until I had awoke on that cloud had I really felt the need to use them”
Once more Soarin, seemed surprise at my response, but I was more surprised at how smoothly I was creating my fake back story more than anything.
“But you are going to learn to fly right?” He looked at me as if unsure that I would even try to learn now. This was understandable, considering I had apparently been able to get by for so long with out them, but really learning to fly was one of the things I looked forward to the most.
“Of course, as soon as possible!” The enthusiasm in my voice was obvious, I just hoped it did not come across as strange or even worse...suspicious. No, I doubt it would,of course anyone would be enthusiastic about learning how to fly! Why would it be strange?
“Well,moving along to more recent events, how was last night?” It took me a moment to understand what he meant, but the obvious hint in his voice was a dead give away.
“W-what do you mean?”
“Well,I know for sure that there are no pullout sofas in any of the rooms, why would there be? After all,them rooms are made for set amount of ponies, thus,why would they go through the extra cost and trouble of creating more places to sleep when they are only getting payed for the ponies that put down for actual beds?” Once more he spoke suggestively, I knew what he was getting at,and frankly made me question what he thought had gone on between me and Spitfire.
“Nothing happened, yea we shared a bed but have you seen the size of them beds?! You could easily fit several ponies on there! So of course I slept on one side and Spitfire the other...” I was taken back by the sudden change in Soarin’s attitude. Did he really think that something would happen just after just meeting Spitfire? What more was that now he had brought the subject up my mind had began thi-
“Yea I didn't think so.” His tone returned back to that calm casual tone. I was unsure if I should be insulted or relived he dropped it so easily. Though,unfortunately, my ego got the best of me this time.
“What do you mean by that?” My tone now slightly more irritated than it should have been.
“It’s not really my place, but I am just going to say that I would be surprised no really surprised if something did happen” His voice seemed to trail off as if regretting bringing up the subject; it only left me confused and,really, I was still thinking he meant it mockingly.
“Hey I know I can’t fly, and may not be the mo-”
“No, not like that.Just forget about it for now, we’re almost there.” Soarin’s tone dropped low before he turned his attention back to the street. I guessed it would be stupid to pry obviously whatever it was he was not going to tell me, but if he was not referring to me in that way, what was he talking about? Was it something to do with Spitfire? Before I could think more in to the subject,I found my self being intoxicated by the smell of bake goods once more. Had we gone back to the cafe? No, this was different.
I looked to Soarin who had quickly gone from a serious look to a childish expression with a grin across his face. Looking to where his eyes had landed, I realized that the smell was coming from the shop in front of me. It was a bakery, well, I assumed it was; there was no sign to indicate directly,however, the rows upon rows of various foods was more or less a giveaway.
Following Soarin into the bakery, I turned my attention to the stallion standing behind the shops counter, a brown coat with a black mane and a picture of a loaf of bread on his side, a far less impressive cutie mark to the one I had seen on Spitfire. With that thought in my head It came to my attention that ponys outside, well the ones that were visible also had random pictures tattooed on there flanks. Here I thought it was just something Spitfire had, but from the looks of it... everypony had one. I turned my head to Soarin then glanced back he had one too though I questioned what his was, I couldn't really see it due to his wings stretching back and covering the majority of it, but he defiantly had one. I suddenly became self conscious, was it normal to have one of these? I looked out the window once more, the filly I had seen earlier was walking down the street next to an older pony presumably one of her parents, an innocent glance at her flank showed that she did not seem to have one unlike her parent. I guess that’s understandable but why would ponies have random pictures that frankly were not that impressive tattooed to them for all to see? It could not simply be just a trend could it?
Thinking back the the one the stallion behind the counter had, guessed it was something to do with a hobby or a job, but why have something as unimpressive as a loaf of bread?
“Familiarize yourself Lucid, this shop sells the best baked goods in Cloudsdale; way better than the stuff we are given back at the coliseum.” I turned my head to Soarin in confusion, was this really an important place? “If I ever tell you to get me something to eat,make sure you come here, ok?” So that’s it, I had not picked Soarin to be a massive food-love, but then again, I did not know a lot about him to start off with.
“Sure...” I looked to the stallion behind the counter,hoping the look of confusion was shared. However,he just looked back with an obnoxious grin,obviously flattered by what Soarin had said.
“If I hadn't just eaten, I would buy something..” I chuckled under my breath at how important Soarin had placed food in his mind. I looked forward to what next “important” thing Soarin was going to show me, probably something just as absurd.
Stepping out of the bakery I began to think more of the pictures on ponys flanks, then that thought drifted back to the conversation I had with Spitfire earlier. Adding the images to the list of things I did not understand. I began to go over the other things I had yet to comprehend, the one that seemed to interest me the most was the idea of magic. I had seen it with my own eyes, well what was supposedly magic for all I know the thing with the food could have just been tricks and mirrors or maybe these ponys are more technologically advanced than their letting on...
Turning to Soarin with the question in mind. “Soarin what do you know about magic?”
Soarin kept his head straight and maintained the calm expression. “Magic in theory can be found everywhere, but it’s just that unicorns supposedly thanks to their horns can use it”
So unicorns do actually have horns, that was something to remember though I am sure I would notice if I were to meet one. Unless their horns are really small or something... “What kind of magic?”
“Who knows probably all sorts, but really how can you not know this? Don’t tell me that in your entire life a unicorn never once came to your farm?”
Taking a moment to think I raised my hoof to my chin, taking a moment to think of a lie to reply with while at the same time trying to make it look like I was simply thinking back to my imaginary life. “Well yea, but they never really used magic from what I can remember...” I hoped that was feasible.
“I guess not all unicorns like to show off then” A smirk emerged across his face “Hey you were near manehatten do you ever remember seeing an azure unicorn with a hat and cape?”
My mind blanked, then suddenly filled with thoughts of doubt. Was I meant to know? Was there a famous unicorn there? Is soarin trying to catch me out? I hoped that they were just thoughts and not truth, smiling back uneasily hoping that my reply would be taken as sarcasm if my doubts were in fact the case. “...No can’t say I have”
I panicked as Soarin began laughing. “Well you missed a show then. It was a few weeks ago when I saw her, she had set up close to where we were performing and was trying to sell the story that she had recently returned from the Everfree forest after rescuing several ponys from wait for it... twenty manticores!” With the last word he started laughing uncontrollably. Unsure of what he was actually talking about I went along and began to laugh, thankfully I managed to sound moderately convincing.
Eventually after a few moments Soarin began to calm down, wiping a tear from his eye and taking a breath. I slowly brought my laughter to a stop trying to time it with his, unsure of how to respond I thought it best to change the subject. “So Soarin, how did you and Spitfire meet?” Almost immediately the entire look on his face changed from joy to what seemed like anguish. “Did I say something wrong?”
Shaking his head he brought his face back up to eye level. “No it’s just that story brings back some memories...” Looking at him awkwardly I was about to speak, though I was taken back by the sudden grin that appeared once more across his face. “It’s a long story, if we get time later I will tell you, though probably going to have to get Spitfire to help me out. Right now the next place I wanted to show you is coming up” The grin was obviously fake but I went along with it. Really I wanted to know was why whenever Spitfire was brought up he suddenly tried to change the subject, there was something that he obviously did not want me to know.
It had taken me a few moments to realize what he had actually said, bringing my attention back to the surroundings I was taken back at how fast the scenery had changed. At some point we had obviously left the street as now we were standing on a large open cloud in which the only building that occupied it was a large Greek themed temple similar to the one’s I had seen though this one seemed greater. Probably due to the amount of room it had around it, but that just made me question why Soarin had brought me here. Walking up the steps and over the short distance from the top to the oddly small open doors.
Stepping in I was a little disappointed. The entrance area was no more then a few seats, a green mare who was staring at us with that oh so familiar exaggerated grin similar to that of the shopkeeper in the bakery; she was sitting behind a bland cloud formed desk . Other then her the only other thing that stuck out in the room were the several other doors & various paintings hanging from the walls. The paintings them self were mostly of Cloudsdale each depiction featured rainbows, massive buildings & various ponys flying around seemingly happy. Ok so they were pretty accurate now that I thought about it.
Soarin began to speak bringing my focus away from the paintings “This is the town center, honestly I only wanted to show it you because it’s easy to find so if you get lost just look for the giant building hoggi-”
“Soarin!” A loud energetic voice bellowed across the room stopping Soarin mid-speech. I looked over to the origin of the interruption. Standing at one of the various doors around the room. She like soarin had a very pale Azure coat, however her mane was a much lighter shade of blue then Soarin’s. I turned to Soarin in hopes of an explanation though I hesitated to ask when I noticed his face had begun to redden from a steadily building blush. “If I knew you were coming to visit I would have set aside some time!”
“I am not here to visit just showing a pony around town...” I felt invisible, only Soarin had actually acknowledged me and even he did not look at me directly.
The green mare behind the desk quietly began to speak “Umm sorry to interrupt Mayor you have a meeting in five minutes in room twelve..” All eyes fell on her including my own, unintentionally making her sink back in to her seat; obliviously shy, a little odd considering she seems to be a receptionist. It’s then when It clicked that she was talking to the azure mare, thus making her the mayor.
The mayor once more began to speak “Post-pone the mee-” Though quickly interrupted by Soarin.
“No mom go to your meeting, I just told you I did not come to visit I am busy right now anyway” Wait a moment ‘Mom’? Soarin’s mother was the mayor of Cloudsdale!? Wait, was that even important here? I know that being the kid of someone in power back home normally got you a few perks and normally led to you becoming a little egotistic in some cases... Though Soarin did not really strike me as the kind to do that, well he had not gave them impression in the short time I had known him anyways.
“Well ok then. I guess I will see you next week then” The mayor walked through one of the other doors now accompanied by two other ponys carrying various folders in there mouths. The green mare behind the desk slowly began to sit upright again following the mayor closely, then sitting her self up fully and returning to grinning the moment the door closed. Soarin had now walked over to one of the paintings and seemed to be enticed by it, I took the opportunity to talk to the green mare.
“So what’s your job?” I knew the question was stupid but I could not think of any other way of starting up a conversation without it either being about Soarin and the mayor or why she seemed to shy away from the mayor herself.
“My official title is Junior receptionist, my boss is on his lunch break so I am watching reception on my own, what about you?” I was not really surprised to hear she was an assistant, I can see her being the head receptionist when she one had not actually greeted us when we walked in, and two seemed to lack the courage to talk to the mayor personally. Though she had caught me out with her question. Unlike her I didn’t think I had an actual job title, and remembering what Spitfire said about telling ponys what I actually do, no matter how small it was I was still technically had access to her and the others and as she said I didn’t really like the idea of being ‘The pony who can get us The Wonderbolts’. Thinking on the spot I finally replied.
“I don’t have a job yet, still don’t really know what I want to do” Strangely my response did not seem to surprise her.
“Well I not knowing what your talent is yet does not help that much” It took me a moment to come to terms with what she was talking about, then I noticed she was staring at my flank. Well she was staring at where those pictures ponys had. Looking at hers I noticed she had an image of a parchment. Rather optimistic considering she was an assistant what happens if she looses her job, would she remove the image? Well considering she linked the picture with a ‘talent’ I guess she would look for another job in the same area considering she was essentially boasting she had fount her talent, and from a quick interpretation of the image I assumed it was something to do with organisation.
“Uhh yea still looking I guess” I looked back at her blankly, she had once more returned to smiling, I questioned weather she was actually just putting on a smile for her job or she was just genuinely this cheerful. “So anything I should know about Cloudsdale?” This was actually a good question, I mean it’s her job to help ponys out with Cloudsdale related matters.
“Well I am sure you know the important things, but if your looking to learn up on Cloudsdale history and other information then I would suggest going to the Cloudsdale Library.” She spoke almost as if reading from a script, probably rehearsed it before hand.
“Oh yea I suppose that would be a good place to show you next” Soarin had finished admiring the painting and was now standing at the door waiting for me.
“Well it was nice meeting you..” I looked down to the desk and noticed a name engraved on a small wooden block “Lilly?” I looked up at her checking to make sure I had got the right name.
“It was very nice meeting you too, be sure to stop by if you have anymore questions” Once more she seemed to recite her words.
***
Soarin and I were now walking back towards the direction of the bakery, I assumed we were going back to the Cafe to meet back up with Spitfire. Though the thought of Spitfire brought the question that had been lingering in my mind ever since Soarin had avoided the subject. Taking more caution with my wording I finally spoke.
With a slow and cautious tone I attempted to start the conversation up. “Soarin if you don’t mind me asking, I mean by all means just tell me to shut up. Why are you so hesitant to talk about Spitfire?” He turned to be with a confused look on his face though slowly I could see the cogs in his head start to move and his facial expression once more change to that unsure look.
“It’s not that I am hesitant to talk about her. Well I can see why you might think that, it’s more to do with I don’t want to say anything I shouldn't. Wait that sounds wrong, I mean I am unsure Spit would like me talking about certain things, mostly regarding her past, honestly I only know a little and that’s only from being there through some of it....” His voice trailed off as he turned his head to the sky. Understanding what he meant I began to think what could possibly be so bad. Was it something embarrassing? Whatever it was I admired Soarin’s loyalty to his friend. Really I should know better then to pry, I had only met them yesterday and I am already asking personal questions. Well whatever it was, I am sure I would find out when Soarin and Spitfire are willing to tell me, if they let me hang around that is.
A little while later, and Soarin and I were sitting down outside a small building. From the set up and what I could see, it was a restaurant of some sorts. Like most of the buildings here it didn’t exactly have much in the way of decoration. The walls were made of cloud, the windows were empty for some reason, and the interior looked fairly bland.
Soarin waved his hoof in front of my face, bringing me back on my mental critique of this bland building. I turned to him with a confused stare, after the conversation we just had I wasn’t sure if I was going to get much in the way of chitchat, but obviously he had something on his mind.
“So then about those wings” he spoke with a little too much joy in that, from the smirk he had, I was a little unsettled at the least, though glad he recovered so quickly and was at least willing to joke with me.
“What about them?” I asked, my lips forming a small smile. What I hoped is that he’d suggest we go somewhere and maybe teach me how to use these things, after all, being able to fly would be a little more than just handy, but down right awesome!
“Didn’t you ever get curious? I mean I'll admit as a foal I was a little adventurous despite being told to wait and learn about my wings. I remember once I climbed to the top of a tree near Fillydeplhia and jumped, hoping somehow in that moment, flying would just come to me, and as you can expect the only thing that came was the ground, followed by a bruised hoof and the realization that I had only jumped from a few meters high.” He chuckled lightly, from the look in his eyes, half way through his little speech there, he had begun recollecting his past more than actually pressing for an answer.
The time had come once more, where I'm on the spot, and my oh so glorious farm days had to be elaborated on more. I guess I could say I did the same thing, from a hay bale? I think from the top of a barn might be a little too extrem- actually, that might just work. “Oddly enough, I did something similar, though not a tree. See I thought deep down that flying would be easy, and the only reason why I couldn't do it was because it’s hard to do off the ground, not many pegasi around where I lived. Sooooo I went from the barn roof, managed to climb my way up there from the second floor, there was an old hole in the roof that I used to go through to sit and hide from my parents.” I'm getting pretty good at this lying thing, I'm not sure if that’s a good or bad thing, but right now I would rather not question it. “So anyways, one evening I climbed up, went to the edge, and jumped, spreading my little wings, I had it all planned out, I would open my wings, and I'd start flying. No... I went straight down, if it weren't for a stack of hay I might not be sitting here, but regardless of what they say, hay isn’t as soft as it’s cut out to be... I fractured a few rubs, and broke my left ha- hoof” that was close, that’s what I get for questioning it “that...that kind of put me off flying for a while honestly...”
Soarin seemed shocked, well if his mouth hanging open was any hint that is. “Ouch! I understand why you’re not flying, if that happened to me I’d probably be in the same position, I mean I was put off for a few days but what happened to me was minor compared to you!” First time I’ve seen him really get into a conversation since we got walking, and to think it’s on the back of a lie I just made up on the spot.
“Yea...” I wasn’t really sure what else to add at that point, a little too surprised my lie actually paid off.
Soarin sat there for a few minutes, asking me more about my recovery after the accident. Luckily that lie wasn’t too far from the truth, kinda. When I was young I had an accident regarding one bike, some steps and metal railing. Suffice to say the injuries I claimed to have had, I did actually have. So all I had to do was convert my recovery from back then into a farm setting, remember my wording and all should go fine.
Near the end, Soarin spoke up “Your mother’s name is Rachel? That’s a peculiar name” Crap, of course that’s a weird name, they have peop- ponies here called Spitfire, Soarin, heck my name’s Lucit, of course ‘Rachel’ probably sounds odd.
“I never actually asked about that” a hoof to my chin “I guess so, I’ve not thought about it honestly” Seriously, when did i get this good at lying?
Soarin agreed, luckily he seemed to understand where I was coming from, almost tempting to ask if he’s had a similar experience but with my luck that will probably end up with me having to comment on something that’s actually probably normal for me. More lies, best avoid them before I really do make using them a habit.
After a few moments I finally suggested the idea of grabbing some food, Soarin seemed all to eager to comply with this and stood up. "So what are you having" the question a simple one, a question that no one should ever really have trouble answering. Unless of course they’re from a different world, with a different diet and no idea what would be deemed normal to order from a restaurant.
"I'll have what you're having, you seem like you’re healthy so I guess that says something about your diet right?" Phew, think that should be passable. After a nod, Soarin walks into the bland building, seriously compared to some of the others, I am a little surprised at just how bland this place is. Thinking back to home though, "minimalistic" popped into my mind, maybe they have that crazy trend here too? A designer’s method of not actually doing much design with the reason lack-of-design is the intention. Maybe there are similarities after all, lazy designers! "heh..."
While Soarin was sitting inside, ordering who knows what, I decided I would take it upon myself to try and, well, come to terms with what I've seen so far. This wasn't an odd thing for me to do honestly. While doing my studies I fount taking a break every now and again and evaluating what i've learnt as a good way to get on top of things and mentally file things away.
Starting from the top, how I got here. Honestly the only thing I can recall was a sense of falling, then that bright light and next thing I know a comfy feeling below me. Somewhere between laying on top of a cloud in a world inhabited by ponies with wings and horns, and sitting on a railing above a beach inhabited by humans, I had become a pegasus. Maybe i'm actually in a hospital right now, and I really did fall and hit my head? Honestly though i would rather no risk that and stick to this is actually happening.
Next, I have managed to get a job under what seems to be the equivalent of a cross between some famous flying team and what I imagine a band to be like. Laid back, team oriented and a mixture of personalities. Among them, Spitfire who I do honestly owe my life too. Then there’s Soarin, the great friend, probably team moral and now it seems he’s the kid of the cloud city mayor. I would comment on the other’s, but I haven’t really got to know them yet.
Moving on. Cutie marks and magic. Starting off, ‘cutie marks’ seem to be from what I can tell imprints on flanks representing something about the individual. I wonder if I could get one for what i'm good at. Actually, no.. judging from Spitfire’s reaction, my profession, my studies that cost me probably several years of earnings, means absolutely naught here. Luckily so does the cost, I doubt my university’s reach for paying back debt stretches out to here. On that note, right now I essentially have zero skills. Anything physically I was good at before, like sports, doesn't really count when i don’t have hands or feet. There aren't any computers that i've seen so there goes that option. I can't even fly, what am I good for? Honestly I think if Spitfire didn't give me this job, I wouldn't last a day. More debt to her I guess.
As for magic, I think i'm going to leave that for now too, until I see a pony walking around with a horn on it’s head and doing, uh, magic? I'm going to stay impartial too it.
“You know someponies might think you fall asleep with your eyes open” Soarin’s little quip startled me again out of my daydreaming. At some point he had got back, sat down, began eating, gave me my food, all without me noticing.
“Just thinking about everything that’s happened since I, um, set out from the farm.” I looked backed at him with a blank expression, in my defence even if my story was true, a lot has actually happened.
“Fair enough, anyways food’s there” he said motioning his head towards a plate on the white, cloud table. The meal consisted of one slice of bread at the bottom, some cucumbers on that, leave petals and a sprinkle of something, pepper maybe? Looking over at soarin, he had folded his in half, essentially making a small sandidge. Mimicking this, I took my impossible hooves and did the same, raising it to my mouth I took a sizeable bite. Tasty, juicy, a little after taste, what is that? It’s building at the back of my throat, it’s kinda hot.
Taking a quick look towards Soarin, who was sitting there with once more that smirk, I finally realized what I had just eaten, well, what that mystery ingredient was. Hot. Really hot. Getting hotter. Dear god, get me some milk.
“You're looking a little red there Lucid, something wrong?” Soarin’s smirk grew. My hoof was to my throat, my mouth, gasping for air. Slamming my hoof down gasping, I looked around for something, anything to drink, my throat felt like it was literally burning, Jumping out of my seat I looked around at the surrounding tables, right now I was willing to steal someone else’s drink and deal with them after. Nothing, either this place doesn't actually serve liquids, or my luck just came to an end.
“W-water!” I managed to say gaspingly towards Soarin. Soarin just raises his own sandwich, which unsurprisingly lacked whatever was making me pant like a dog on a sunny day. I didn't want to take any chances and I ran straight inside the restaurant. The interior was just as bland as the outside, but the time for critique was over. Running to what was presumably a counter, I shouted at the poor innocent mare on the other side, who currently was looking at me like I was just let loose from wherever they keep crazy ponies.
“W-water, please, anything!” I begged, the mare’s gaze broke as she realized my situation. A moment later she was holding out a glass from under the counter, oddly full of water. Greedily I snatched it from her hoofs, fell back and held it towards my mouth, I wasn't going to take the time to aim it, so I just held my mouth open and let the water drop over my face. Sweet relief~
I placed the glass down, panting still more so from running in here and thrashing around than anything. “I prepared this glass the moment Soarin ordered that. You're not the first to fall victim to that” the olive mare giggled behind her counter. Mentally I was picturing myself holding soarin down and dumping a barrel’s worth of whatever was on that sandidge into his throat. Though on the outside I was smiling, if what she’s saying is true then maybe Soarin see’s me more than just some guy passing by, and feels brave enough to pull a prank on me.
“Thanks, anything else I should know about? oh, My name’s Lucid” i held my hoof out, she shaked it, still retaining that smile.
“Sorry, customer, waitress trust, I can’t go out and blurt secrets now can I” So yea, keep my guard up. Sighing I turned and left, I wasn't too concerned about my face being drenched, after all it's pretty sun out, it should dry off pretty quickly.
“Flying is one thing, but drinking too?” Soarin’s smirk remained.
“Haha, very funny, just remember who’s going to be ordering your food from now on” That’s actually true. Though despite the urge to get him back, I think i'll retain from annoying my employer for now.
Soarin stood up, leaving his now bare plate on the table and walked past me, hitting my right fore hoof with his own as he did. “Come on, I need to get some stuff sorted so I'm going to dump you off on Fleet for a while” Nodding I followed, maybe not the best of wording but I'm sure he doesn’t mean any harm with it. After all, I can’t be that much of a burden. Sure I can't fly, don’t know anything about this place, honestly know less that apparently a foal here and maybe I keep spacing out. How the hell was I not fired yet?
As I walked behind Soarin, trying to keep some focus so I don’t drift off again, I found myself thinking of Spitfire. More notably about why after finding and helping me she would shoot off like that, I can only guess there’s something she needs to do that I don’t have permission to know. Especially since Soarin knows and he won't tell. I wonder when I'm going to get them to trust me enough so I can get inside these team secrets?
Inadvertently I started drifting off again, the only reason i didn't stroll off was because I had managed to set my body to follow Soarin’s tail. I hope no passer by’s get the wrong idea, I don't want ponies mistaking my tactic for keeping on track as me staring at Soarin’s hind. Then again even if they did, everyone’s walking around naked, naked! Weirdly enough this was only just starting to actually click in my head.
Everyone, was walking around, in the nude. Wait wait, maybe i'm paying a little too much attention to this, I mean other than a sadel what do ponies actually wear. Wait, do they have saddles here? Would that even make sense? Why would ponies wear something that’s designed for carrying bipedal beings around? Especially when ponies seem to be the dominant race.
This was one of those times where I began making comparisons about here and back home, this time it’s what if humans just walked around naked? I sure wouldn't complain about that at university, especially with some of the girls there... Hm. It’s weird, I'm thinking back to home, and I'm imagining naked girls walking around my university campus, girls who I would have traded my entire scholarship for for a single night, and yet I don’t really feel...anything? Well, that’s something to think about the next time I get a break I guess.
“So where are we heading” Lifting my head, so if Soarin looked back, he wouldn't be one of those ponies thinking I was staring at his hind.
“I think Fleet said she was going to the library right? In any case I'm going to leave you there for a few hours. Maybe you could look into a few flying books? Or how to drink water?” Up until those last few words I was nodding, i glared a little at that damn smirk of his. But he had me there, and actually this isn't so bad, an inside joke is part of a friendship right?
“Well I'll look into what I can find sure. Where are you going anyways?” Tilting my head. Where would the male flying star go in his spare time? Other than to a restaurant to pull a practical joke anyways.
“I'm going to the hospital, my aunt’s had an operation and I promised my mom I would go check in on her.” he said it a little too calmly to sound like it was anything serious, but I thought it better to ask anyways. Hm, pony surgeons..
“An operation?” I copied the calm tone, walking to his side so I looked less like a dog following him around. Soarin seemed a little hesitant to talk about it, naturally I started to get a little worried that he was about to tell me something sad and i had made him preemptively think about it, or worse he think’s I'm prying and potentially harm what I think is the start of a friendship. Actually that’s a little selfish, thinking the latter is worse, see I knew getting into the habit of lying was a bad thing after all!
“Y-yea, Nothing serious, I think it was just a broken rib from an accident, doctors said the operation should set it right” He turned his head forward, avoiding eye contact. Odd. Well, at least he answered, if not seemingly a little hesitant.
“Broken rib? Ouch” In honesty, A broken rib didn't sound too serious after all. Deciding Ing not to push it any further due to a large building coming into sight, which I can assume was a library considering we were walking towards it. I’ve never actually been in one of those large libraries you see in movies, I remember as a child I pictured that all libraries were massive, with books that would take years to finally read. Boy was I annoyed when I went to my tow library and found it was just a small building with about five book racks and an elderly librarian who in all honesty should be told about soap.
Ascending the large steps, and looking through the two large doors, peering into my childhood dream of a large open library, with bookshelves as high as the ceiling. For a moment I was looking around for one of those ladders that you normally see here, the one’s you use to move around and get the really high up books. Than I remembered that to the majority of the ponies here, ladders were probably a foreign concept. Actually, those without wings, how did they go about getting their books? I guess magic? But what about those with neither, can they climb ladders? With hooves? I'm actually kind of excited to find out weirdly. Oh the joys of the simple things aye.
“Alright, am I good to leave you here Lucid?” Soarin said, stopping a few steps in to the library.
“Huh? Yea sure, do you want me to come meet you down here at some point?” I asked,still staring around the library, so many books, they even have a fountain in here, in a library, on a cloud, this place didn't just meet my expectations as a child, it smashed them!
“Heh, nah I'll find you if Fleet ain't in here. “ I can only assume he laughed at me staring open mouthed around the room, I bet he thinks this is the first time I've seen a library. Which in some regards is true, this is my first time seeing a library quite like this... I mean, everything looks so ordered, the tables, they look pretty comfy actually, is that a cloud sofa book corner? I wonder what’s on the second floor balcony area! Actually, I’me having an internal struggle, should I learn about flying, or try and read up on some general knowledge? Maybe I should just browse for a while, I don’t know!
I turned to ask Soarin about this great question, and was met with an empty spot and a confused filly walking out who probably thought I was staring at her. Well truly I was, for a moment i though the possibility that Soarin had somehow changed not only gender, but age as well, and color after all I was just thinking about magic. Well with Soarin gone, and Fleetfoot nowhere in sight, I guessed it was time to take a look around, heck I might even get lost in here, I've always wanted to do that.
I decided my best plan of action was probably to find a center point, so if I do end up getting lost in here, I'll have somewhere to get back too. A few minutes into the library and I eventually found what seemed to be a seating area set out in a circle. It was pretty large, one large cloud-couch around the edge, and on the inside a few tables and normal looking, well, cloud made, but normal as I could expect up here chairs.
The seating area was relatively full of various ponies either ideally chatting amongst themselves separate from the others, and the obvious larger amount reading various books. I looked around from here, it did seem that the large bookshelves all span off from this point. From here the gap between each one was narrow, probably enough space for two or three ponys to walk, as they stretched out further the gap grew wider.It seemed a little impratical, but I’me not going to question it, after all this is still way better than the libary I was use too.
Now then, it’s time to decide what exactly I should read first.I decided to check out what books the pony’s around me were reading, maybe one or two of them will have some books that I could actually use. I wasn't really surprised at what I saw, most of them were reading fiction books, it was odd though, I saw the same pony across several book coverers, she had a dull mane and a yellowish coat, though I couldn't, well wouldn't want to, get close to read the title. I don’t want to get kicked out for bothering ponies.
Giving myself more time to explore, and procrastinating the actual reason why I wanted to come here I soon found that the book shelves from the center stopped at another outer ring that seemed to cover the entire library. I guess this entire place is actually circular in the regards of it’s layout after all. The difference here was covering about half the larger outer ring was the edge of the balcony on the second floor, where I could hoofs clopping as quietly as they can along. Below was another set of shelves, the ceiling seemed to have lights in them, but they looked more like glowing rocks to be honest,
I still hadn’t found any sort of labelling to the bookshelves, and although I could work out what some of the titles meant on the books, like one about agriculture, most of them seemed to diverge into topics that had my head spinning. There was even one on the process of making a rainbow and using the rainbow to grow spices! I was having trouble distinguishing what was fiction and what actually may be real.
Eventually after following one branch of bookshelves I came to the edge of the library, which was actually a wall made out of the same glass Spitfire had in her room. It looked pretty durable, although i have yet to see any crime here, or really why someone would break into a public library, I guess it’s useful to make sure in a floating city where ponies are flying around at speeds I wouldn't dare try and reach in a car (If I had one), and actually carrying things. I wonder how many times they've dropped something on another pony, or not looked where they're going and flew straight into one of these windows..
At this point the bookshelves were pretty well spread. It would take me about thirty seconds to walk from one to the other meaning the view from the window was sort of panoramic. I could easily see myself sitting here reading a book.
“There you are! Geez why are you all the way back down here, I didn’t take you for someone who reads old weather reports!” Fleetfoot came walking up the space between the shelves looking notably annoyed. I hadn't even bothered to check what these bookshelves had, I guess it makes sense to keep the boring things out this far.
“I was just looking around, I didn't even know you were here, Sorry Fleetfoot.” I know it wasn’t exactly necessary to say sorry, but she IS the boss.
“I’ve been walking around looking for you for the better half of an hour, I saw Soarin flying through the window on the second floor and guessed that he’d dumped you. I looked over and saw you, but by time I had put my book away you vanished!” she began to chuckle lightly stopping a few feet in front of me “You know considering you can’t fly, your pretty fast on your hooves” I guess that’s one thing I’ve got going for me, though honestly I was daydreaming the majority of the time so that’s probably why.
“Well I was just taking a look around the place, It’s pretty big! The library back in my town was kinda small...” This seemed to coax and uneasy look from her. Crap what did I say?
“Manhattan's library is pretty damn big, really only second to Canterlot, and way bigger than this place..” she tilted her head. Crap, I guess I'm not that good of a liar after all. Think, think...
“Oh I didn't mean there, I meant a smaller one on the outskirts of town, it’s not very well known I think there just a small branch off for those that don’t want to walk the extra few miles...” I grinned, sweating slightly. Fleetfoot seemed to be a lot more observant that Soarin, so I wasn't sure how well I could lie to her.
“Ohh! One of the branch libraries, makes sense. You never visited the main one than?” Although her tone suggested she believed it, I had doubts that she was buying my story, any of it to be honest.
“Well I was always kept busy on the farm, you know how work heavy they are..” once more grinning slightly, I hoped that farming here was as hard as it was back home, though I wouldn't be surprised if they had some magic thing that harvested and planted everything at once.
“Yea back in Filly the farm ponies always seemed to be busy. Keeps them in great shape though.” They have a city, or a town called Filly? I assume it’s a big one else it probably wouldn't have a short name. Actually this gave me an idea..
“Filly huh? I've never been there, what’s it like?” I sat down smiling, trying to get her into a conversational mood, maybe if I started asking the questions she would lay off me for a while, plus as a bonus I actually get some information that could be useful in a conversation.
“Filly? Well other than the big buildings and the big focus on sports there isn't much else to say. You might actually do well down there playing for one of the hoofball teams since you worked on a farm” She followed suite sitting down, and then unexpectedly lances over my body. It took me a moment to figure out what she was doing, and then it clicked. I was apparently some hard working farm hand, yet if I'm right in guessing my figure also transferred over. I mean, I wasn't out of shape, but then again my university life consisted of long study nights with a load of junk food to provide the sugar. Sports was never really my area, and even if I went to the gym once or twice it’s no way going to make up for years working on a farm.
“You think? Well I’m not all that strong, I really just did the small chores like planting seeds, feeding the animals, my father was the heavy lifter”
“Makes sense, no offence dude you're not exactly an adonis” a sly smirk wrapped her face, I was getting a little worried that the entire team shared that trait “Don't worry, I'm sure Spit’s going to have you join in with the team exercises to keep you in shape, a few hundred laps around the field to warm up should get your blood flowing~” Oh god please tell me she’s joking. I guess I might have some more stamina as a pony, but depending on what she classes as a field, and how she intends for me to do those laps.
“S-sounds good....”
“Come on, I want to get back to my book and chat some more with you. I'm very excited to hear some stories about your farm life Lucid...” Well that settles it, she’s on to me and I really doubt I'm going to last long with her... I just really hope if she does find out, she will take it as good as Spit did. Which, considering the tale, I’m still amazed how calm she was about it.
Fleetfoot led me over to yet another seating area, this one tucked away behind several bookshelves, but the view outside and over the balcony itself was pleasant, though in all honesty I was far from calm once we sat down. Fleet sat across from me, she apparently had picked up a book on the way to the table, I guess I was too busy making up a fake life that I didn’t notice. I really should start focusing more on what’s going around me, especially in a city where walking off the path means, well, yea.
“So you must be good with animals right?” She said while opening the book. I didn’t check what she was reading, my eyes were fixed on hers as she stared at me. The question itself stemmed from the fact that I said I fed animals, but part of me trying to figure out the lie on the way over here was stopping me from answering fully.
“Yea” blunt, but that’s all I could say.
“What kind? Just curious, different farms and such so I figure different animals right?” how was she doing that? It was if she knew I didn’t have a the full answer yet, the one issue being if ponies are the equivalent of humans here, what about farm animals? I haven’t exactly seen any other creatures than birds, but I couldn't go and ask them to stop so I could check if they could talk too, so what animals would they farm here? I mean, it’s not like the eat meat, but I guess they could use milk. That’s all I could think of, cows.
“Oh we really just had cows on the farm, the rest of my work was in planting seeds and collecting stuff from the tree’s we had” I managed to say that with a relatively calm tone, but the more she stared at me the more I felt like I would just break down and blurt out the truth.
“Cows? Why would the cows need you feeding them?” her look went from calm to confused quickly, even if she knew I was lying, I’m guessing mentally she was trying to find an actual reason “I mean, was it some amazingly tasty food that if left lying around would cause a stampede?” I had to pause before I could reply, a hoof up about to correct her with the made up reasoning I had came up with, but now it was my turn to pause and start trying to imagine that scenario.
“Uhh, heh, no no” so going off this, cows can likely talk, but having them on a farm was still completely fine, but they are self sufficient “I meant more like I just ensure that there was food for them while they were at the farm, after all there were a lot of them, too many to just sit around the table in our house, so I was often buying food in bulk and giving it out” the best I could think of for the cows were they were like farm workers, and even though I wasn’t brought up on any large farms that required hiring of additional workers, I figured that there was someone who likely went out to them in the fields to give them some refreshments, at least if I were working in a field, I would want someone like that!
“Oh, so like waterboy. Wow, I mean I don’t know many ponies whose life ambition is water boy, but I gotta admit, going from a farm to the Wonderbolts, you gotta have a good career plan in your head” her look was surprised, serious and impressed, but the tone didn’t seem sarcastic, which worried me. Did she really think that my life ambition was to be a water boy? No offence to anyone that has that as a goal, but I didn't think I come across like I was exactly ecstatic of being a chore pony.
Though, it does work in a way, if I keep my ambitions low, again no offence to aspiring water boys, than I might get away with making her believe my lackluster life so far. “Well I mean being a water boy for life isn’t really my hopes and dreams, but I do see it as a good way to get to know others and learn from them in action, right?”
“In a weird way, I guess? You know that doesn't mean you're getting out of running laps with us, you’re still gonna be the one giving out the water bottles though, that extra bit will allow you to slowly get in better shape and catch up” So she wasn't lying about the running. I could see it now, a giant field, me panting as we get to the first bend, the others falling to the ground in laughter, Spitfire looking at me with a face begging to burst into tears of pity with the others, but holding on and giving me a reassuring look, only for me to let her down as I fall flat and give her my best puppy dog eyes in hopes of getting out of it.
“Um...Y-yea, like I said, I'm not exactly a runner, it’s hard to plant seeds while running after all, and I doubt the cows would have found it easy to get any food if I run past them with it” I said while rubbing the back of my head.
“Nonsense! You’re with the Wonderbolts now, nobody, and I mean, no body in this team get’s out of doing laps! Plus, I'm looking forward to monitoring your progress, I mean the data from you starting out to finish will be great in figuring out new ways to get others into shape and more!” She seemed more and more excited with each word, that last one was accompanied with her throwing her forehooves in the air as if she was finishing a great reveal. That reveal being a future of cramps and heaving for me. Maybe it will actually be better for me in the end to let someone else manage my physical activity, I wasn't exactly doing great my self back when I had hands and feet.
“Woooo..” I said with a deflated tone, though I was smiling, showing that while I wasn't exactly ecstatic about the idea, I wasn’t too down about it.
“Oh come on, wait till fly to your farm and your parents see how great you look!” What. When was the proposal for going to my fake farm a thing. It made sense in a way, my only proof I wasn’t lying about the farm, was the farm itself, the fake farm..
“Well, if were doing that, than I want to be in the best shape I can be before going back, and able to fly!” I knew that I was extending the time until the inevitable collapse, but I was hoping by then I could come up with another lie, like that my parents did in fact make an irresistible food, left it out, and the entire farm was destroyed in a stampede, and my parents were then kidnapped by the government because they knew the recipe to the great food. Not sure how I would know the last part, but I could present it as a theory.
“Sure thing, though I’m gonna need the address and information for the personal records, I hate not having them up to date..” Apparently she was doing more managing than I though. Hoping to divert the topic, I played on how her sentence seem to fall off near the end
“Why? Soarin mentioned you might have some stories? Is this one of them?” She froze, for once she was the one trying to come up with the lie, this was how it felt to be watching it for once. Though eventually she gave in, apparently she was more willing to tell me the truth that I was with her.
“It started out with me planning Spitfire’s birthday party a few years ago. It was a surprise birthday party so I couldn't exactly go verify all the details with her, so I took the information I had on paper. The plan was to go to Spitfire’s house and hide there, make sure the lights were off, and then throughout the day not be completely oblivious, but not work the fact I was birthday up too much..” Fleet had close the book, staring down at it as she recalled her story.
I already had an idea of where this was going, but still, giving her time to tell me the story meant I had time to figure out a way to prevent her trying to surprise me at my fake farm home.
“So after work, Soarin took her to get some drinks, usual friday affair, me and the others had volunteered to stay behind for an hour to clean up and give Spitfire the night off, letting her and Soarin go early. After they left we immediately flew to her house, we had ordered the party stuff there, food and drinks, and some uh, things I would rather not say. See, the thing about Cloudsdale is everything made of clouds, go figure, meaning there isn’t too much in the way of locked doors, not that there needs to be. So we all went in to her house, hid in our respective places and waited….” She sighed “and waited…”
“How long were you waiting? Did Soarin and her get lost on the way to hers?” I chipped in, trying to keep her going.
“Well actually Soarin did take her time, at the time we said too. Though when they got there, we weren't there, nothing was, just her house. I give credit to Soarin, he played it cool, had a drink or two there then went home..or so those to say, anyways, what happened to use, well a young filly and her parents were very surprised when the Wonderbolts threw them a surprise party on the fact that she had good feedback from her parents evening at school. Her parents knew that wasn’t true, but they went with it. Luckily we hid the drinks and...things, in the kitchen, Echo managed to take them out back before the family saw them..” her face showed shame and embarrassment, but almost immediately she looked up with a grin and laughed. I’m glad that she found it funny and didn’t turn the meeting into anything awkward. I was not exactly the best at cheering up people I didn’t know all that well. “That’s why I am VERY on the dot about getting the right information from EVERYONE on the team, including you! Sorry if I came across a little hostile, I’m still learning to pry information and figure out when ponies are lying!” I was hoping that she would not get better at it if only for my sake. As much as I wanted to tell everyone the truth, I know that it would just come out like I was insane. Sure Spitfire hadn’t strapped me in a straight jacket, but her unusual calmness towards it wasn’t something I expected to get lucky with twice.
The story did bring something of interest up though, as far as I could tell Fleet wasn’t exactly knew to the team yet she had no idea where Spitfire lived, not had anyone else on their team except for Soarin. Did they just not tell Soarin about which house they were going and assumed he knew? Had Soarin opted to not tell them they had the wrong house? Why was Soarin the only one who knew where she lived? “I’m guessing you don’t throw many house parties than?” I was hoping that the reply would be subtle enough to bring about a reasoning without directly asking what was on my mind.
“Huh? Sure we do, my place, Soarins, Echo’s, and- ah, Well, Spitfire doesn’t really offer all that much for parties, never at her own place at least. Sure, if were in a hotel or where we are now, she’s completely up for it, and it took me a while to pry out where she actually lived, apparently she’s concerned some hot head on the team might have one too many drinks and bring a party of ponies to her place, she lives in a relatively quiet place, so all that noise would put her on bad terms with her neighbours. “ She didn’t seem too sure of what she was saying herself, either she was lying or she doubted what she was told.
That didn’t really answer all the questions though, I would have to ask Soarin the next time I met him. “Well, bringing up houses and such, if we're not staying where we are now permanently, than uh, I’m gonna need a place to live..” It was true that I had not realized that the current arrangement wasn’t permanent, nor did I know how long we were going to be there. “Uhm, Well I guess you're going to be with one of us till you can get your own place, not because it’s expensive around here, but you can’t fly and a lot of the houses ain't exactly a direct route from each other by hoof. It’s pure luck that you can most places via hoof from where we are for you.” That was fairly lucky! Though that does mean that whoever I’m with, I am going to have to relive the shame of being carried around and getting some looks again..
“Well I’m up for some parties, but I’m not sure I could handle it every night, so I guess I'll need to ask around. What better place than to start now? Woul-” I was cut off with her holding her hoof up
“Sorry dude, my place is too small to have two ponies living there, I mean it’s got a great open space for parties and stuff, but that’s downstairs in the building, my actual room has barely enough space for me and all my stuff! I’m thinking of moving, same building, I have my eye on this one room, just gotta wait for the guy to move out” There was that than. I would need to get to know the others better before I could ask, meaning now Spitfire and Soarin were my two options. If what Fleet said about Spitfire is right then she will likely turn me down, Soarin however, hopefully anyways might be able to lend me a couch.
I wasn't too unfamiliar with couch surfing, back in university I left finding a new room fairly late, meaning almost each year I would get a room for a year than have to start searching, and procrastinating that and end up sleeping on a friends couch for a few weeks. Though, if I’m with one of these guys, I’m sure the couches are extra comfy, more so than my bed probably! I am a bit curious about this “Open-house” thing though, I mean it makes sense that you can't really lock a cloud, I think, maybe with the magic stuff? Anyways, the crime rate here must be almost non existent if ponies are this relaxed about it. That or ponies don’t keep much of value to steal, I hadn’t exactly seen anything that looked too expensive yet.
“Anyways, let’s get out of here and head to the office and get your details down!” Fleet said placing the book on a return shelf, I’m unsure if she actually read any of it or just had it for show. I just hoped the office was one of those fortunately lucky places we could get to by hoof.
![http://s23.postimg.org/rvyiqwe5n/2keq2p_1.png[/img]](http://s23.postimg.org/rvyiqwe5n/2keq2p_1.png[/img]){kind=link}
