The Mare Devil

"Alright everypony! Lets take care of some cloud busting today! Got to make clear skies before the Running of the Leaves! We are tasked with the Galloping Gorge sector today so let's make sure that we do a good job!" Shouted a white coat/yellow-maned Pegasus with a blue cap and a megaphone. "Any questions?"

"Yeah, when's lunch?" A pony asked, getting some chuckles.

The head pony facehoofed himself. "Ugh, that joke never gets old, does it?" He muttered. "You'll get to eat when we're done with the job. Now…" He surveyed the couple dozen or so Pegasai before him.

"Shoeshine, your group takes the West side. Storm Chaser, your group takes the South. My group will take the East and…" He looked around, seeing that someone was not in attendance. "By Celestia, where is she now?"

XXXXX

High atop a mountain in the Unicorn Range, a young mare was dressed in thick white clothes, which contrasted with her fire engine red coat. The long soft curls of her cobalt blue mane with a purple lightning streak fluttered in the strong mountain winds. She grinned at the precarious white slope before her as she gripped the snowboard tightly in her hoof. Her plasma yellow eyes glinted with excitement as she lowered her tinted goggles and adjusted the chin strap of her helmet.

"Time to show Mother Nature who's boss." She boasted as she leaped onto the board and shot down the white powder in a streak with an exhilarated shout.

The pony laughed, tilting back and forth in a slalom that kicked up waves of snow around her. "Yeah! Woohoo!" She yelled as she performed methods, 1080 degree backflips, mule kicks, and 50/50 grinds on fallen trees at every opportunity.

"Come on, I'm falling asleep over here! Give me everything you've got!" She shouted into the sky.

Either because of her shouting or by some divine coincidence, a large section of snow broke away and gave chase as if to answer her challenge.

The pony's ears picked up the thunderous sound and looked back to see the fast approaching wall of snow that threatened to engulf her.

"That's more like it." She crouched lower and focused on going straight, granting her a boost in acceleration. The white beast continued to grow in size and strength, consuming everything in its path of destruction.

The pony's grin couldn't get any bigger as the rumble grew louder with every passing second behind her. "Now this is what I call fun." She weaved through a small forest without hesitation, ducking low limbs and hurdling stumps with incredible skill and precision as the avalanche plowed through the trees like bowling pins seconds after. She exited the forest and hit a snow bank that hid a 30ft chasm. Not even looking down, she grabbed her board into a 360 Ollie and mute as the wave of snow reached out like an icy hand to grab her and almost plucked her out of the air as she landed and the chase resumed.

"You almost had me there! Don't give up!" She said with a smile as she approached a steep ramp at top speed. Despite this, the avalanche was faster as the roar of the mountain had become cacophonous to the point of drowning out everything around the pony as it finally swallowed her.

In a howl of victory, the mare broke through from the ramp, taking to the sky in an explosion of white as she unfurled her wings to maintain altitude. "Cut it a little close there, didn't I?" She chuckled as the avalanche had finally ceased its rampage below her. After her near-death experience had passed, a thought crossed her mind. "Wasn't I supposed to do something today?"

"BLIIIIIITTTZZZZZ! Where are you!?" A voice echoed throughout the sierra.

"Oh, right. Work, hehe." In a flash, she took off, leaving her thick clothes and snowboard behind, spinning in the air.

XXXXX

"Late again. Why do I put up with this?" The red Pegasus groaned as the other ponies murmured and chuckled as they waited.

A streak of blue and red shot by, the force from the wind causing the group to lean.

"Don't worry everypony! Blitz Krieg is here! " The excitable pony swooped in smiling at her entrance. "Now we'll have these clouds busted before lunch."

"More like Blankz Krieg, if you ask me." A pony muttered mockingly.

"Who said that?" She turned to the voice, looking right at Shoeshine and came muzzle-to-muzzle with the dark tanned stallion. "Wanna say that to my face?"

"About what? I'm just stating a fact about your lack of a cutie mark. That's all." The larger pony answered, smirking as his group mimicked his look.

Blitz growled as she was about to deck the pony before the white Pegasus was behind her.

"Blitz Krieg!" The pony berated the young mare who plugged her ears from the megaphone right next to her head. "What kind of stunt was that?! Plus, you're late!"

"Hey Light Mane, how's it going? Didn't see you there, Hehe. I just got done snowboarding through an avalanche on my way across Unicorn Range. So it took longer than expected. " She rambled.

"You WHAT!" Light Mane blasted again.

"Relax, I didn't cause it. At least I don't think I did. I just seized the opportunity of a natural disaster to have a bit of fun."

"A disaster is how she's still a blank flank. Ow!" Shoeshine whinced in pain from a quick rap on the head from another pony.

A familiar pony wrapped an arm around her neck. "No worries,Light. She's here now, ain't she? And those clouds ain't going to bust themselves." Her thick Aussie accent catching the mare's attention.

"Rolling Thunder! I mean, 'Rollin Thundah', Long time no see!" Blitz turned to her friend, in which the purple pony smiled. "Yeah, it's been a while. I see you're still markless as evah." She playfully poked the Pegasus.

The mare went defensive as she reflectively covered her flank with her tail and hooves. "Haha, very funny." She blushed in embarrassment.

"Sorry, I was only teasing. You know I'm not like that." She said in her defense.

"Riiiight." Blitz looked at her suspiciously before shrugging it off. "You know you're the only one that can get away with it."

"Oh I know." Rolling Thunder agreed.

"Enough, Blitz, you're with Rolling Thunder's group in the North. Now get going!" Light Mane ordered as his group broke off.

The two mares hoofbumped in solidarity. "Team Thunderblitz for the win!"

XXXXX

The North group was busting clouds in record time, mostly due to Blitz and Thunder being in a competition to see who could bust the most.

Pop, pop, pop. The skies went from gray to blue in quick order thanks to the weather ponies' collective efforts, Blitz and Rolling accomplishing a larger share of the work.

"Oh yeah! That makes 153!" The mare crowed in victory as she took a moment to admire her work.

Rolling Thunder flew up with a confident smirk. "Not bad, but still not my 160."

This caused the young Pegasus to stare in disbelief. "But how? I was going full speed the whole time."

"I could tell, you're a fast filly, but you didn't adjust your flight angle to compensate for crosswinds, which caused you to double-back a few times, lost yourself a sec or two there." Rolling Thunder critiqued.

This caused the mare to roll her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, that's why you're at the Wonderbolt Academy and I'm stuck in the Reserves." Blitz making air quotes to state her annoyance.

Rolling Thunder scratched the back of her head. "Wellll, not anymore."

"WHAT!" Blitz grabbed the purple pony's face and brought it to her's. "What do you mean? You're one of the best flyers out there."

"And don't you forget it. Of course, ever since the incident with Lightning Dust at the Academy way back when, the Wonderbolts became less lenient with more dangerous maneuvers. I tell you, the Wonderbolts really like their rules. I mean where's the fun if it isn't any danger."

"I know, right? I mean, just being accepted as a Wonderbolt reserve is a great honorl. It's every Pegasus's' dream to be a Wonderbolt. But where's the excitement without testing your limits to see if you break them, or they break you." Blitz agreed.

"I hear ya, but that's not what the Wonderbolts are looking for, sadly." She sighed a bit. "So how's your brother? I haven't seen him around lately."

This put the mare in a sour mood as her attitude deflated. "Flying Nimbus? You just had to bring him up, didn't you? You know we don't see eye-to-eye." Then Blitz got a mischievous grin. "Thinking about getting back together?"

"What? No. I just wanted to change subjects that's all. It really wasn't going to work out between us. He said he couldn't handle two wild ponies in his life." She explained. "Not that he was wrong."

"You got a point, but I'm glad we're still friends. It's really too bad, though. It would have been nice if I had a sister."

"Aww, do you really see me like that." She peeked behind the mare for a moment. "Nope, no cutie mark in flattery. Sorry."

"Hey, cut that out." Blitz stated with annoyance.

"I was only kidding." Rolling Thunder laughed.

"Anyways, to answer your question. I haven't talked with him for a few weeks. He's been doing some work in Baltimare. Security counseling or something like that."

"Yeah, he always had a thing about security. To think he quit the Castle Guard after calling Princess Celestia a short-sighted witless foal."

"Hehe, hearing that he called the Princess a foal was pretty funny. Well he speaks his mind, that's for sure, but the way he acts. I can't believe we're even related."

"Worse, you're twins with completely opposite personalities. You're a thrill seeker that throws caution to the wind while he's so paranoid about danger lurking around every corner and is suspicious of everyone. To think he and I used to date once upon a time."

"At least he's not so paranoid that he's a shut-in. He's just a Know-it-All who thinks he can protect Equestria better than a thousand year old immortal Alicorn."

"Yeah, and I'm the Princess of Friendship." The two giggled at the joke. "Well it looks like we're done here. Let's head back everypony."

"Race ya!" Blitz shouted, not even waiting for an answer.

"Hey, what kind of way is that to start a race!" Rolling Thunder shouted as she bolted after her.

XXXXX

With a day of cloud busting over in preparation for the 'Falling of the Leaves' , Blitz and Rolling were walking through Cloudsdale, enjoying their conversation.

"So you up for a bit of cider?" Rolling Thunder suggested. "First rounds on me. Seconds on you. And don't try and skip out this time."

"Hey, can't blame a girl for trying." Blitz laughed nervously as she instinctively rubbed her head, remembering the last time she tried to get out of paying.

The two went to their favorite watering hole, Cloud Nine. It was a nice place, not too big, not too small. It was a little different from her normal excursions as she preferred a quieter place to relax. A pony couldn't be at high speed all of the time.

"Nothing makes a day feel better after knocking back a few cups of Cider." She said as she opened the door, then her mood soured as she noticed Shoeshine and his group, who also noticed them.

With a momentary glare, she and Rolling Thunder made their way to an open table and sat down.

"Two Ciders over here!" Rolling waved. "So planning on participating in the 'Running of the Leaves'?"

"Doesn't sound all that exciting. It's just running from Point A to Point B. Maybe if it were a bit more interesting."

Cups were placed on their table as bits were exchanged and they took a long draught.

"Well I heard that the competition between Rainbow Dash and Applejack was pretty interesting. Of course, their rivalry is legendary. You got to get out a bit more. You're always on the lookout for big thrills that you don't really go out with other ponys. The only reason we ever spent any time together was because of your brother."

"See, I got you. We like a lot of the same things so it worked out." Blitz took another drink.

"Yeah, but I'm not always gonna be around. The Wonderbolt Academy kept me busy as it was and once I find something to replace it. I'm probably going to head out again. What about you?"

"But I haven't been called to the Academy joined the Reserves. Especially since Firestreak retired and Rainbow Dash took his place. If you leave, then who will I hang out with?"

Audible laughter caught their attention. "Guess once Rolling Thunder is gone. You'll go from one pony to zero. Get it. Cause you're blank." Shoeshine and his group laughed around their own series of cups.

Blitz really had enough as she finished off her cup and stormed right up to Shoeshine's table before Rolling could stop her.

"What's your problem Shoeshine? You've been like this ever since we were foals. Do you ever get tired of being a horse's rear." She blasted.

"Problem? No problem. It's just that seeing a grown pony without a cutie mark is just so hilarious. So it's more like YOU have the problem." He sneered.

"Well it seems to me that you like to look at my flank." She retorted.

Shoeshine almost spat up his cider as his friends laughed at him as he blushed with embarrassment.

"Blitz, let's get out of here. He's not worth it."

"No, I want to know. What have I ever done to you?" She demanded, the cider allowing her anger to come full swing.

Shoeshine, being emboldened by his own liquid courage, returned her gaze. "You wanna know why? Fine! I was supposed to be in the Wonderbolts! Me! I trained hard for my chance and you… you Blank Flank, somehow got accepted! That's why! It was my time to shine. Not some no-talent markless pony like you! So why don't you turn into your flank and disappear!"

Blitz's eyes flashed with rage as her anger finally erupted. In an instant, she kicked the table over violently, spilling cider on the group and everypony gasped at the commotion.

"Let's go, now!" Rolling grabbed Blitz and quickly dragged her out.

"Yeah, you'd better run!" Shouted the stallion.

"BUCK YOU!" Blitz shouted as she slammed the door, the force smashing the surrounding windows.

XXXXX

The two walked through the night streets, Blitz softly sobbing as Rolling consoled her.

"Guess we're not going back there for a while." Rolling said, trying to lighten the mood, but noticed that it wasn't helping. "Sorry that happened. Shoeshine's got a real big chip on his shoulder. You deserved being accepted into the Wonderbolts. Forget about him."

"I know, but it still hurts." Blitz wept, wiping tears from her eyes. "It's not like I haven't tried, it's just hasn't happened."

"I know, but don't rush it. You'll get it when you're supposed to." Rolling assured her.

"Thanks." Blitz took a breath to calm herself down. "It did feel good to do that to Shoeshine."

"Yeah, I felt a little scared and proud at the same time, but he totally deserved it." Rolling said as they joined in laughter. Finally, Blitz was smiling again.

The sound of flapping wings from above caused them to look up as a mailpony landed.

"Letter for Blitz Krieg." Said the pegasus with a gray coat, yellow mane, and googly eyes.

"Hey Muffins. It's been a while. How's Ponyville?" The mare asked as she accepted the envelope.

"Oh you know, ever since we got our very own Princess, it has been a little crazy every now and then." The mare replied with a smile, handing the letter over.

"Who's it from?" Blitz asked, looking at it.

"No idea, but it was priority." The mailpony answered.

"Seems kind of suspicious to me." Rolling said with slight concern.

"I think a little bit of my brother rubbed off on you." Blitz teased.

"What? No, but you have to admit that it's strange." Rolling said.

"Well you have a point there." Blitz agreed.

"Well anyways, I gotta go. The Doctor has some new invention he wants to show me before it gets too late. In my opinion, he's not all there." She whispered, looking around as if expecting him to hear it.

Blitz was elbowed in the ribs by Rolling who moved her head towards Muffins in a hint-hint fashion.

"Uh, glad you like it there. Maybe I'll come by your neck of the woods next time."

"Sure. Sounds like fun. See you then." Muffins flew off as Blitz and Rolling waved.

"See, that wasn't so hard now, was it?"

"You have no idea." Blitz replied. "Well it was an eventful day. Guess I'll turn in before it gets too late." She yawned and stretched to make her point.

"Are you sure? We could always go to another place." Rolling offered.

"Nah, it's ok. I'm fine, really. I'm sure I'll feel better after I get some sleep."

"Ok, well good night then." The purple pony waved before taking off.

Blitz's attention returned to the letter as she curiously opened the envelope and inspected its contents.

"If you are seeking the Ultimate thrill, come to the Castle of the Two Sisters at midnight after the Running of the Leaves?"

She stared intently at the letter, feeling as if this was some sort of calling in her life. "Ultimate Thrill, huh? Maybe I'll be stopping by Ponyville sooner than I thought."

XXXXX

A/N

Another letter for another pony. The mystery grows as well as the guest list. Who is next to receive this invitation? Who is sending these letters? Only more questions that seem to lead to more questions.