Fortune Favors the Overprepared
Flying Nimbus stood before a backpack as big as he was as he pouredthrough his checklist. The long scroll of items trailed along the ground as he read the list aloud. "Flint and steel, torches, bug repellent, sleeping bag…" He rambled on as he thrice checked his list. "And that should cover all possible situations in the Everfree Forest."
After putting away the scroll, he gave a satisfied nod. "It's a bit light, but it's only for a couple of nights." He thought as he hooked his limbs through the overloaded bag to balance it around his wings. "Now, it's time to head out."
After securing his apartment, Nimbus turned his back to the rising sun before spreading his wings and taking flight. Concrete quickly turned into grassy farmland as he left Baltimare. It didn't take long for the city to slowly shrink in the distance, but he still had a ways to go.
The passing landscape, the occasional birds that he came across, they were the only things around to occupy him on his trip. Not that it mattered, his mind was constantly creating and reviewing all possible scenarios that he would encounter, even some that to would appear nonsensical to others.
He even went so far as to consider that the castle itself crafted the letter as it was given life by ancient magic. He would need to have a counter should that be the case. He wasn't going to be caught flat-hoofed, not if he had anything to say about it.
Time passed along the pony's journey, as did the sun. The orb's light was beginning to get in his eyes, much to his annoyance as it limited his field of vision as he pulled out some sunglasses to block its rays. As soon as Ponyville and by extension, the Everfree Forest was in sight; Flying Nimbus halted his advance and surveyed the area.
Considering that the most effective route would be to come from the southeast through Dodge City. He assumed that whoever was expecting him would focus their attention in that direction, it being the obvious choice. So he would come from another direction entirely, i.e. Ponyville.
That being said, Ponyville would be considered the least effective, as there is the town to deal with. Being skilled with countering espionage tactics, he was as equally skilled when it came to stealth. As he didn't want to be spotted, it was something he would rather avoid. He didn't know who could be watching. So he had a few tricks up his sleeve.
"Looks like the clouds have already been busted in preparation for the race. That will make infiltrating much more difficult without some cloud cover before I can get close enough to land. I'd rather not get spotted if I can help it."
After cracking his wings like fingers, he got to work. The feathers seemed to vibrate, causing the air to shimmer. "Altitude 1000 ft, dew point 10 degrees Celsius, Humidity 40%... the lack of moisture will make this a little difficult, but…" After a bit of concentration, the air around him became white and puffy and in a matter of seconds, he became a small cumulonimbus cloud. Just big enough to hide him and his belongings.
"There, not a bad talent being my own weather pony. I don't even need a factory to make my own natural phenomena." A brief moment of pride slipped through his voice before he focused on his goal, which was not getting spotted.
Using his newly created camouflage, he approached more cautiously, slowly descending to appear more natural. So far, so good and no signs of life or threats. That was until the sounds of a soft voice reached his ears, forcing him to stop in order to ascertain the source of the sound.
His eyes popped out from the cloud towards the conversation to see a yellow Pegasus lying out on a grassy hill. Her pink mane and tail fluttered from the occasional wind that blew by, but what was stranger was the small audience of animals around her. It appeared as if she was talking to them as she drew on a large pad of paper, showing them her work as she did.
Nimbus was astonished at how carefree and happy she appeared to be. Despite the fact that she very much alone, being so far from the town itself… isolated. She was a bit naïve in his eyes as she had little means to protect herself in the event she was attacked. Of course, the bear was a nice deterrent as he did not seem to show any intention of harming the mare.
Strangely though, he was curious about what she was drawing. Against his better judgment, he inched in his way towards her as she clearly was engrossed in her art and wasn't paying attention to her surroundings.
Closer… closer… the details were almost clear.
XXXXX
"See, this is where the hammock will be for all of your naps, this is where the tire will be so you all have a nice place to land should you accidentally fall off, and this is..." Fluttershy explained as she pointed with her pencil. "Oh, I am so looking forward to this after Winter Wrap-up. We're going to have so much fun." She proclaimed with a wide smile.
Angel Bunny, who was only half-listening since her attention wasn't on him, just so happened to be staring up at the clear blue sky and the one lone cloud. A cloud that appeared to be growing bigger; no, it was getting closer and heading right forFluttershy, his Fluttershy.
In a frantic flailing of limbs, he pointed up at the sky, getting the yellow pony's attention.
"What's wrong Angel? Don't you like it?" She asked, oblivious to the looming threat. Angle continued to point, but she didn't understand. Finally, he jumped up, grabbed her head, and turned it as she was now face-to-face with a cloud that was staring back at her.
"AAAAHHHHH!" She shrieked, causing everyone to cover their ears from the high pitched wail.
Nimbus wasn't expecting to get noticed as he cried out from the pain as caused him to kick reflexively. Then he realized his error as the cloud erupted with bolts of lightning.
CLAP, Bzzzz, Bzzzz, the multitude of shocks lit the pony up like a Hearth's Warming Tree and his skeleton momentarily shined like an x-ray before dropping the stallion in a smoking heap, being crushed by his own bag.
This surprisingly, caused Fluttershy to stop screaming as she saw a charred pony sprawled on the ground with stars swirling in his eyes and a body sizzling from the electrocution. "Oh dear, I didn't mean to scare you. Are you alright?" She asked, concerned.
Nimbus groaned as he shook his head to clear out the ringing. "You scared me? Surprised, maybe, but scared? No way." He replied shortly to salvage his pride as he stood up and brushed off the ash as best as he could.
"I don't think I've ever seen you around here. I'm Fluttershy, it's nice to meet you." The mare said, offering her hoof in friendship.
Nimbus hesitated for a moment as he weighed his options. He didn't want to get caught, but that idea had already gone out the window. He briefly scanned her features to determine her motives. She was actually very cute now that he got a better look at her. She didn't appear to be harboring any ill intentions as animals instinctually avoid those they consider dangerous. So he decided to accept her hoof in kind.
"Flying Nimbus, sorry about sneaking up on you like that. I was just wanted a better look at what you were drawing." He explained.
"Oh I understand, I don't like being around others either. Sometimes I like to disguise myself as a tree so nopony can find me." She giggled sweetly.
"That's not a bad tactic. It's not often that I find a kindred spirit." He said in acknowledgement as they stopped shaking. "So what are you drawing, if I may ask?"
"Oh, I don't mind. It's just one of my dreams I hope to start next year." Fluttershy grabbed her large pad and showed him a sketch of what appeared to be a kind of zoo. "With this animal sanctuary, I want all of the animals to live together in peace, harmony, and friendship."
Nimbus rubbed his chin as he looked at the illustration with a stern glare. "Looks to me that it's lacking in protective measures. No walls or fences to keep anything neither out nor in. No means of defense in mind at all." He critiqued.
"Oh no, I don't want my friends to feel caged up. That wouldn't be good for anyone." She corrected. "I want every critter to come and go as they please. That way, they can feel safe and loved in a place they can always call home."
Rethinking her point of view, he modified his response. "Ah, I see. The absence of security can also be a form of security as well. Not to mention, crafting the sanctuary out of the environment itself is excellent camouflage and efficient management of materials. Not a bad job when you look at it that way."
Seeming pleased with his answer, Fluttershy put away her work. "So what brings you to Ponyville, Flying Nimbus?" She asked. "Are you here for the 'Running of the Leaves'?"
"Not exactly, but I have my reasons." He replied, hoping to keep her from prying too deep.
"Oh a secret I see. Well, my house isn't far from here. It would be rude of me not to offer you some tea, being as we're now friends and all." She invited.
Considering everything that had transpired, he didn't see the harm in accepting. Blitz always did say that he wasn't very sociable around others. But he wouldn't be tricked if this was some sort of elaborate scheme to get him to drop his guard.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt to have a cup." He said, much to her glee.
"That's so wonderful."
XXXXX
The two had reached what appeared to be a cottage that resembled a large treehouse. Nimbus was impressed as he would have never noticed it from the sky as it would blend in with the surrounding vegetation. A good choice in the event of an air attack since it's even outside the town's border.
Ever vigilant, Nimbus' eyes were checking every possible place a trap could be, from the bridge, the door, even when he was inside, he inspected his surroundings closely… after fighting to get his backpack through the door of course.
After determining the place was secure, he set his oversized equipment near the entrance as he sat on the large cushy couch offered to him.
"Luckily, I already prepared for a later tea party so I have plenty to go around." Fluttershy said merrily as she brought out a tray with an ornate pot, two teacups and various treats.
Nimbus accepted the drink, but careful to only take a sip just in case it might be poisoned. After not feeling any ill effects, he relaxed enough to enjoy the beverage.
"Thank you. Again, I'm sorry for intruding, but I am aware of who you are, Miss Fluttershy. Although I must admit, despite your renown, I was under the impression that you were, you know… agoraphobic."
"Oh you don't have to be so formal, but it is true. Normally I would be terrified of new ponies, but you looked so hurt that I guess I wasn't thinking about myself." She said, pouring herself a cup.
"That's awfully kind of you." Nimbus stated. "So is that why you are not attending the 'Run' today?"
This question did invoke the mare's flight response, almost literally, as worry crossed her face. "Oh dear no. So many ponies will be there. I'd rather stay here where it's nice and quiet."
To this, the red stallion also agreed. "I understand what you mean. It's not something I'd participate in, either. Fortunately, my business is not involved with it. At least not directly."
"Well at least while you can say that you made a friend when you came to Ponyville." She said, smiling sweetly.
"Let's go with acquaintance for now. It's more accurate." He suggested as a happy medium.
"Ok then. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Flying Nimbus."
"The pleasure is mine, Fluttershy." Be it from the tea or the cozy couch, he felt a little warmer inside.
XXXXX
After some time had passed and some nice conversation between the two, Flying Nimbus felt that it was time to move on.
"Thanks for the tea, Fluttershy, but it is getting late and I can't further impose upon your hospitality. So, I must be going. I've got some things to take of before heading back to Baltimare." He said, hoisting the backpack over his shoulders.
"It was no trouble. It was nice to meet someone on my own. Who would have thought that a friend, I mean acquaintance, would literally fall out of the sky." She replied.
"That's good to hear, also you should always let things be on your terms, not others. Just like that sanctuary of yours. If that is your dream, then don't let others stop you from doing it your way." Nimbus stated.
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."
"But remember, I was never here."
"Your secret is safe with me." Fluttershy bid him farewell as the stallion headed out, his mind returning to the task at hoof.
XXXXX
Within the streets of Ponyville, a comically large bush tip-toed along the ground. Every few seconds, it would stop. After confirming that it wasn't noticed, it would move again. The pattern repeated several more times until finally stopping as a couple of ponies walked by, oblivious to the disguise.
Nimbus popped out as he felt assured that this place was obscured from prying eyes. Now having put on some military garb with green, brown, and black splotches along with a helmet with some branches protruding from it, he was ready to go.
"Just one last touch." Pulling out a watch pouch, he poured its substance on the ground. Stamping his front hoof into the puddle, he vigorously stirred it until it became mud and wiped it on both sides of his face to cover up his red hair. "Now I'm ready."
He could hear sounds of merriment from a nearby party. As a precaution, he wanted to make sure that it wasn't some sort of trick to lure him into a false sense of security. Darting from the growing shadows cast by the moonlight, he reached the lively house as he peeked through a window.
Indeed, it was a party. One filled with balloons, string and everything else one could use for a party. The place was packed with ponies drinking punch and feasting on various sweets and treats without a care in the world with a banner that read, "Congratulations to the Iron Ponies". Oh, to be ignorant of the unknown dangers this world has.
As he was about to depart, Nimbus just noticed a small green alligator toy staring at him. That's what he thought until it blinked at him. It was in that moment that he realized that it was, in fact, alive. "Strange pet." He said to himself before pushing off the wall and darting back into the darkness.
"Hey Gummy, whatcha doing all the way over there?" Pinkie Pie asked as she trotted up to the reptile and picked him up. "Whaaaat? You don't say?... Well why didn't you say that you wanted more pie?" The pink pony tossed the miniature gator on her back as she went back to the party.
XXXXX
Having confirmed that there were no pursers, Nimbus became involved with his own thoughts. Of course, he wasn't expecting it to be a walk in the park. That is why he prepared for every contingency for the known threats of Everfree, even some unknown threats just in case. But still, the reason behind the invitation still nagged him. Specifically WHO would go so far as to request meeting him in such a secluded place?
Since it mentioned security, it's obvious whoever invited him has some knowledge of his history, but why not some other pony? In fact, most didn't get along with him because they mistake his determination and prudency as hardheadedness and paranoia.
Honestly, he could care less how they interpreted his actions. If they only saw the negative parts of his intentions, then they weren't worth being around anyways. The only ones who could see beyond this were his family and… Rolling Thunder.
Pushing the memory from his thoughts, Nimbus paused as he now stood at the edge of the Everfree Forest. Despite the sun still in the air, the forest still gave off an ominous feeling. The darkened trail before him seemed to reject the light as the thick branches shielded it from high above.
The tales of its dangers were well known among All of Equestria. Although there were plenty of other dangerous places where a pony could get hurt. Froggy Bottom Bog, the Ghastly Gorge, the Badlands and other such places. But this place seemed to act like it had a life of its own, not adhering to the normal weather patterns governed by the Pegasus and harboring creatures that otherwise shouldn't exist via natural means.
As much as he wanted to enter the forest to catch their host off guard, his instincts were steering him in another direction.
"Well, I doubt the trail was properly secured here, unlike Baltimare. It just wouldn't sit right with me if it wasn't given another inspection." He sighed as he returned to stealthing towards his new mission. "Guess I've got a long night ahead of me."
XXXXX
A/N
So Flying Nimbus made a new friend, er acquaintance with the Element of Kindness.
