My Little Pony: Equestria's Warriors Returns

by Spirit Of Fantasy

After many wars, heavy losses, and violence with enemies. The eldest brother of the royal sisters makes his return, and discovers the student of the sister he blames for their youngest sister's banishment. Now along side this young and talented unicorn, ready to battle evil. He will discover the new world of friendship and love that replaced his world of pain and hateful battles.

34. Chapter 34:The Mysterious Mare Do Well

For those who are sensitive about this specific episode, many others wanted this episode to end differently due to it's... One sided attack on a character. So I've made this not only to tell a story about Thunder, but have it be a bit more fair and balanced for the episode.

Chapter 34:The Mysterious Mare Do Well

Another beautiful day in the cloud filled skies, this was a thought that went through Thunder's head. Almost every day when he's flying high in the skies, those are the thoughts that came to mind. He passed through numerous large clouds that still managed to move on their own. No Pegasus ponies were required for these clouds to move across the great blue sky. They just deserved appreciation for the storms and formations the clouds could transform into.

However, these clouds were a rare sight now a days, thanks to the Wonderbolts and the ponies they grew from. Now most clouds were under their control, being forced against their nature. Being moved by the ponies and even destroyed for the glory of the Pegasus ponies. Something he would never forget, and he would never stop hating the Wonderbolts for what they did. Especially after what their predecessors did to an ancient and now extinct race of peace loving ponies.

He froze for a moment in the sky, for he noticed an interesting formation a massive cloud was taking. Quickly he raced at his full normal speed towards the cloud, seeing it appear to be forming into a city. However his hopes were squashed upon arrival to the edge of the enormous cloud. For the strange formations vanished as quickly as they came, no city was formed that day. He felt a small piece of him die in that moment, and the memory of the fallen pony race come back to him.

"Gee… What was I thinking? Clouds can't form like that… Not without the cloud ponies,"Thunder sighed and looked away for a moment before remembering a little something,"Welp, I can't even remember Cloudlia… Rainbow Dash has the necklace…! I need to stop drinking… Makes me too reckless and stupid."

He took a moment to watch the giant cloud move away and become nothing more but another giant puff ball of a cloud. Before Thunder then turned away and flew down through a tunnel like cloud. After he passed through this final cloud, all there would be from that moment on is Pegasus controlled clouds. None of which would hold any freedom of their own to form or move at their own will. Something that was mildly annoying if they weren't at least treated with respect.

Thankfully as he passed through the last bit of clouds into the skies over Ponyville. It appeared that not much activity was going on, most of the ponies were on the ground currently. Other than what looked to be Rainbow Dash flying down towards what looked like a group of kids. Curiosity struck him as he followed her down in secret, letting his glowing blue markings blend him in with the blue sky. As they coated his whole yellow body in blue, and made him vanish out of sight.

"What about… Super ultra extreme awesomazing?"Rainbow Dash was suggesting a sort of name for some sort of unknown reason.

The kids cheered for Rainbow Dash as she flew over them in a majestic form. From the looks of the scene, Thunder scoffed and snickered once he realized what this was all about. A simple vote on what apparently defined Rainbow Dash among her fans, a simple name is all it was.

"All in favor of declaring Rainbow Dash the most super ultra extreme…uh… Whatever you said, pony in all of Ponyville, say aye!"Scootaloo, the leader of Rainbow's fan base called out to all the fellow fans.

"Aye!"The children cheered for Rainbow as she flew around giggling at the love she was getting.

"That's what the whole thing was about? Finding a new name to describe yourself, Rainbow Flash,"Thunder called out from the hidden sky as they all looked around to find him,"What are you doing soaking up your fans love? That is such a changeling thing, ya know? I might actually have to check ya!"

"Thunder? Is that you?"Rainbow sighed, looking round, knowing he was gonna come down on her fan club.

"Of course it's me…! Who else were you expecting, The Wonderbutts?"Thunder called out before letting himself be known and seen by all the others.

This was done by simply receding the electrical lightning from all over his body. They drained back into his markings, letting his yellow body and gray storm like mane reappear. Allowing for all the ponies to see through his camouflage, overwhelming the crowd of children with his strange magic.

"Not…really…? Uh…what are you doing here?"Rainbow asked while scratching the back of her head with embarrassed blush.

"Listening to your fans praise and get merry over you…! And you soaking it all in,"Thunder cackled and flew around her while laying back and surfing through the skies,"You need to get your head out of the dirt filled glory and back above the clouds there Rainbow…! See the bigger picture."

"What's that suppose to mean?"Rainbow questioned as he floated down to the other kids.

"Hey kids, I gotta borrow your "hero" for a moment. Gotta have a chat with her."Thunder informed while quickly flying back to the rainbow Pegasus's side.

"Sure…! No problem mister Thunder Blitz. We gotta get a meeting underway, any way!"Scootaloo gestured to all the other kids to go back inside the club house.

"Hey, wait! Aren't you the stallion that keeps picking on the Wonderbolts?"The young colt Pegasus known as Rumble questioned after recognizing Thunder for his markings.

"Nope! I'm just the stallion that puts them in their place…!"Thunder chuckled before finally nudging Rainbow Dash towards the skies for some privacy.

"Right… I'll see you kids around. I gotta…go see what this is all about…!"Rainbow kindly spoke to the kids, hoping not to do any sort of embarrassing thing in front of the kids.

"Ok! I totally ship them…!"Scootaloo whispered with all the other kids while Rumble scoffed.

"Sure…! Ship a pony like Rainbow with a rogue bully like Thunder…!"is sarcasm was heard by Rainbow Dash, and she wanted to call the kid out on his taunt.

"Don't pay that kid any mind…! It's what he thinks, and clarifying things for him won't make it any better,"Thunder explained and helped Rainbow Dash fly up to the sky, pass the small clouds,"It'll just add more oil to the fire. He wants to think that way, so be it…! It ain't about looking good for me."

"That's ridiculous! How could you ever be cool with ponies hating you?!"Rainbow could not believe that Thunder was willing to accept the hatred of others rather than their praise.

"Because I know that I'm only doing what's best for my people… They can hate me all they want, as long as I make sure they're safe,"Thunder explained as they finally entered the massive clouds high in the sky,"Which is also what I need to talk to you about…! This whole fandom thing and all this glory isn't something you really need."

Rainbow Dash went silent for a moment, she was really about to get a casual lecture. As they exited the tunnel and flew high in the sky above a sea of massive clouds moving at their own will. It was the perfect spot for the two to enjoy some privacy and talk away from prying eyes.

"What are you saying? What's wrong with enjoying a little love from the fans?"Rainbow Dash asked as that sat down on an island sized cloud that was flat but fluffy.

"Popularity breeds a bunch of unnecessary attention from ponies that like you, and hate you,"Thunder explained the philosophy he stuck by as a warrior and Pegasus pony,"It's better to just be yourself and not care about fame or glory or popularity. You'll be better off that way…!"

"But what's the point of doing something if no pony is there to see it and know what I do?"Rainbow asked while Thunder looked up to see a large cumulus floating across the sun.

"It doesn't matter what other ponies think of you… It's about what YOU think of yourself,"Thunder replied before he then got struck with a thought that came back thanks to Rainbow's appearance,"Hey…! You wouldn't perhaps still have Cloudlia's necklace on you, do you?"

"Oh yeah…! I still have it from the Gala! Need it back for anything?"Rainbow Dash offered the necklace back after taking it off her neck that was covered up by her rainbow mane.

"Yeah, kind of had my head in the clouds about some old memories, you wouldn't be interested."Thunder answered as she tossed him the necklace, and he snatched it up in a flash.

"Oh yeah? Try me…! Is it about the cloud ponies that a lot pony says is a myth?"Rainbow asked as the skies around them became quiet and calm for the both of them.

"It ain't no myth…! Those people existed…! And those Bolt piles of trash… just,"Thunder froze for a moment, feeling a bit triggered while Rainbow went quiet the minute she saw actual anger in his eyes,"They murdered them all… We went there, I think it's just a mission to see how the cloud ponies were managing, and next thing I know… Those…buckers…! They…!"

"Thunder…?"Rainbow began to worry after seeing the rising anger that glowed like his markings.

"Nothing… It's too late now. They're all gone… And now these are the only clouds that have a will of their own,"Thunder sat up and rubbed at the cloud they were both sitting on with respect,"And it's all thanks to the Bolts…! The very group that your Wonderbolts are modeled after."

"Do you think the Wonderbolts know?"Rainbow asked while now struggling with a conflict regarding the truth of the Wonderbolts.

"I don't know… The grunts and field operatives, probably not. The higher ups however…"Thunder responded and thought about how he saw the Wonderbolts operate in the skies.

"That's…crazy…! I mean… How could one-"Rainbow was ready with numerous questions, only to be interrupted by a sudden cry for help.

"Help! Help! Help! Help!"Cried what sounded like a filly in great distress as the Pegasus stood back up.

"Looks like the big chat will have to wait…! There's a little filly that needs to be rescued!"Rainbow flew up and dove straight through the cloud do descend towards the town.

Thunder decided to fly back up and follow her into the clouds towards the calls for help. He felt the clouds blast right through his mane while Rainbow went at full speed, she was impressive. Her speed was not common, and he could see that Rainbow had great potential within her. The last thing he truly wanted was for her talent to be wasted on the scourge known as the Wonderbolts. But the Wonderbolts had deep influence with Equestria, even an Equestrian warrior could only do so much.

As they both exited the cloud, they were zooming in towards what looked like a well. Rainbow Dash picked up some speed while Thunder slowed down to let her take this rescue. He watched the mare disappear into the well and search around for the trapped filly. He the warrior floated down slowly to wait for Rainbow Dash to come up, and hopefully with the frightened child. Suddenly as he came in for a landing, Thunder was then blind sighted by a fast tackle.

He slammed to the ground, rolling across the grass alongside his surprise combatant. He slammed against a tree while the attacker was grinding on his face deep into the thick dirt. Thunder sat up and tried to stand while cracking his neck, before he looked towards his would be foe. What he expected to be a Cinder or maybe even a changeling, it was actually something more interesting. It was a Wonderbolt, but not a grunt or one of the performing ones, this one was different.

His outfit was dark purple, tiny black lightning bolts were seen upon his back. He wore the same goggles, but what made this one stand out was the belt full of jagged daggers and holstered twin sabers. Thunder popped his neck one more time as the new Wonderbolt cracked his hooves. Before he then slowly turned around, letting his black mane swish in the wind. He immediately took out his sabers and twirled them before taking a solid side to side stance against the warrior.

"A Wonderbolt assassin…! Been a while since the Wonderbolt academy and military sent one of you out,"Thunder chuckled while the white stallion in spandex growled while his blades shined,"I must have REALLY peeved off the Wonderbolts to drag one of you guys out here!"

"You're days of terrorizing the Wonderbolts are finished! We are done with your antics, Rogue Lightning Bolt,"The assassin spoke as he clanged his swords together before they a lit with electricity,"You embarrass us in front of the princess, you humiliate our cadets and grunts during the Gala. We have HAD IT with you!"

"Well pardon me for teaching your Wonderbutts a lesson about respect for the cloud ponies…!"Thunder argued and snickered before pulling out only one of his long kris daggers.

"Still belly aching about them cloud ponies, huh? It won't get you anywhere, you know,"The assassin inched closer to the stallion ready to make his move on Thunder,"After all, no amount of weeping will bring those plushy weaklings back! They're gone…! And they're gone forever!"

Thunder was stricken with a sudden realization of peculiar truth regarding the Wonderbolts. It dared to distract him as the Pegasus jumped towards him at full flight speed. He X slashed at the warrior, and Thunder was just in time to lock his dagger into the X slash in mid strike. The assassin quickly pulled his blades apart and then tried a triple whirl wind slash. Thunder deflected and blocked all three combo swings, as the right saber had then suddenly shattered against his dagger.

Thunder watched his foe stumble back, and followed up with a high kick. It cracked against the stallion's jaw, and sent high flying high in the air before he came crashing back down. The attacker was winded and struggled to roll back to his hooves, only to get kicked to his side again. He was forced onto his back before Thunder had jumped and was bringing down his kris. The Wonderbolt assassin growled and held up his remaining saber to block, biggest mistake yet.

The dagger slammed clean through the saber, but the blow was soften up enough to be a kill shot. It simply sliced down the right side of the stallion's face, slicing a piece of his mask and goggles off. He kicked Thunder back and rolled to his hooves once more before yanking out two daggers. The warrior popped his neck and snickered as the stallion prepared to run and double stab Thunder in the neck. While Thunder was already bored of the fight and decided to end it nice and quick.

"Ok, enough of this…!"Thunder decided as the stallion closed in, only for Thunder to make him freeze in a flash of yellow and blue electric light.

Before he knew it, Thunder was in light speed mode and everything around him froze as if time was standing still. He then simply flew right behind the assassin and sliced off the stallion's weapon belt. Before he applied two firm slices to the center of his back, clipping the enemies wings permanently. He then finished his move by gripping both arms cracking them together behind the foe's back. His hooves were now dislocated and in Thunder's grip, as he then ceased his light speed, allowing time to flow again.

The Wonderbolt came to, and was immediately struck with pain in his back. His wings folded up and could no longer move, while his hooves felt broken, forcing him to drop his daggers. Thunder then put a dagger to his throat and sighed, watching the stallion barely struggle at all. For he was now trapped in Thunder's grasped, crippled and disarmed, Thunder had once again out played them. Thunder then kicked the enemy down to his belly and shook his head as he groaned in pain.

"Once again, you had to go into a flash and make us look like fools!"The Wonderbolt panted and growled while trying to bite at a small black string sticking out of his collar.

"Trust me, you don't need me to look like a fool! You Wonderbolts do that just fine by yourselves,"Thunder snickered before his look turned serious when a great truth came to mind,"So… You DO know about the cloud ponies…! You and all those higher ups are aware of what happened!"

"What's it matter? They're all dead now, and the skies belong to us now…!"The assassin tried to look to Thunder while inching closer to the black string.

"Everything…! Those were innocent and peace loving ponies, and your predecessors wiped them out,"Thunder did a quiet growl as he spoke into the assassin's ear with deep anger,"All of them, all those innocent ponies that gave so much…! All slaughtered, and for what? Dominance and control over the skies and the clouds…?!"

"The skies are like lethal beasts…! It takes a strong pony to conquer them and bend them to our will,"The assassin latched onto the string and prepared to give it a sharp and vicious yank,"Those cloud ponies allowed the skies to be beasts. They were weak…! So we as the strong Pegasus race did what the strong do…! Destroy the weak…!"

"Well look at who weak one is now!"Thunder yelled before the stallion yanked the string and lit it up as a fuse that disappeared into his outfit.

"All I'm looking at…! Is a dead stallion! You'll be burned and blown to pieces with me,"The assassin threatened as the fuse hissed within his outfit to some hidden black ball bombs,"Never again will you disturb and harass the Wonderbolts. We won't let you ruin our glory any more!"

"So that's how it's going to be, huh?"Thunder raised an eye brow and once again froze time with his light speed movements.

First he kicked out and shattered the back legs of the would be killer so he could not move. Then he took him to a nice and sort of "safe" place far away from any pony or animals. He made a quick return to the well and took a sigh of relief before it all went back to normal. All he had to do now is watch as Rainbow finally emerged from the well with the young filly in her grasp. While he could hear a distant explosion in the distance, right where the Wonderbolt academy landing strip was.

Thankfully, Rainbow was too busy with the frighten filly and the wind in her mane. Not one noise was heard as she flew back down towards a group of ponies that started to crowd up by the well. She came down lightly and landed before the crowd with Thunder right behind her. They immediately erupted with cheer for Rainbow Dash's heroism as she stood there in confusion. While Thunder only scoffed and snickered, knowing exactly where this was going to go.

"Wow…! What's with the crowd? Uh…thanks every pony. It was really no big deal!"Rainbow tried to calm down the crowd and try to remain humble.

"To me it was! You're my hero, Rainbow Dash!"The filly proclaimed happily as she was released.

"Like she said, it was really no big deal. It's just what we do…!"Thunder reinforced Rainbow Dash's opinion regarding her humble insistence about her actions.

"That Rainbow Dash sure is something…!"Scootaloo admitted within the crowd along side Snips and Snails.

"Something special!"Snips and Snails said in unison before Thunder shook his head and gave up on trying to keep things humble.

"Ugh…! Well, I tried. Just try not to crave the fame, Rainbow…!"Thunder flew up and decided to high tail it for some private time away from the crowds.

"I'll…try my best!"Rainbow called before Thunder was already flying high through the clouds and sky.

Once he was out of sight, he let out a relieving breath from all the noise from the crowds. Not to mention the sudden attack from the Wonderbolt assassin, and Rainbow had no idea. In fact, neither of them did, which was better off being so, for the sake of preserving Rainbow's dreams. He closed his eyes as he went through the more dense and moist clouds high in the sky. Till he came to a graceful exit into the higher skies among the great clouds once more.

With his small exercise done for today, all that was left to do is go full Rainbow Dash, and chillax. He did this by simply floating up, then floating down on his back onto a soft and plush cloud. With the sun as a flashy and bright view for him to enjoy, as he sighed and kicked back for a bit. However, a couple minutes in, the assassin was already back on his mind, he was a lot like the original Bolts. Ruthless, convicted to their ways, and truly a believer of the strong surviving and the weak dying.

Subconsciously, Thunder began to take out the necklace of Cloudlia, the one good memory he had as a Bolt himself. His eyes furrowed, but were quick to soften up the moment the necklace came into view. Another sigh then left him, before he could barely remember her name. But now that he had the necklace, he had everything remembered, from her snowy white eyes to her swirly cloud made mane. Her smile that was whiter than any ordinary mare brushing her teeth on the reg.

Her very last few words that carried him to his conviction as a warrior that would end such evil beliefs. He would never forget them, they were forged into his warrior heart for all eternity. He could remember it all from so long ago, back in old Equestria, before all of it came to pass.

---

1900 Years Ago

He remembered, flying so high through the sky, wearing his bolt outfit all value with no lighting bolts on it. His goggles were always kept clean, while the brothers and sisters next to him were less clean. Most of them were on the lazy and cocky side, while two others were the sociopath types. Constantly sharpening their long swords and looking at them as the shined with sharpness. Not to mention that they always played darts with live mice and rabbits, and the winner was the one that delivered the kill shot to the animal.

As bad as they were, they all paled in comparison to the hard flank captain of their group. Captain Gust Cut, with his purple full outfit with stream line black gloves, he was armed to the teeth falchion swords on his back. With enchanted gold dust in his pockets for imbuing his weapons with electricity for extra kick. He rarely removed his matching purple pony mask with blue changeling like eyes, because under it was a badly scarred stallion. Half blind, and his good eye looked like that of a demon from Tartarus.

Thunder was the only brave one to mess around with him, for he was still a warrior. He just wanted to see what he could do among the Bolts, see if he could make an even bigger difference for the world. However he had no idea of the evils that the Bolts were truly about. But on this mission to the great cloud city of Stratos, home of the peace loving Cloud ponies. He would soon learn a terrible and dangerous truth regarding the true intentions of these lethal Pegasus fighters.

"So is any pony going to give us the situation that needs taken care of in Stratos?"Thunder decided to be the one to break the crippling silence within the small platoon.

"Captain said he would let us in once we were in and he made contact with the city's mayor,"One of the three mare Bolt's replied with a chuckle as they approached the city,"What's wrong? Getting a little antsy for some action warrior colt?"

"No, I was just expecting you to talk about your make up running or something…!Thunder commented and made the mare panic for a moment and have to check her face for flaws.

"Patience! You'll behave till I give the command! No insubordination! No mistakes,"The captain yelled out to the group while he looked to Thunder off the corner of his hidden eye,"That means you Thunder…!"

"Oh don't worry about the mistakes part…! The other stuff you mentioned though…"Thunder made some of the other ponies snicker while the captain growled at the warrior.

They had no choice but to bury any further issues among each other as they came in from a landing. Where they were being flagged down by two male ponies that appeared to look like earth ponies. However they were pure white with ice blue eyes and bodies that were puffy and flickering. The appropriate look of a cloud pony with bird like wings that had clouds instead of feathers. They both waved to the Bolts with friendly smiles, as they came to a stern landing before them.

The Bolts all removed their goggles and fastened them to their foreheads, while folding in their wings. When all was clear they began to walk towards the two cloud pony stallions. While the friendly looking stallions were quicker to approach and bow to the captain and his group.

"Greetings Bolt fighters! What brings you all to our home of Stratos?"The older and more hearty looking stallion greeted the captain while the other Bolts lined up behind him.

"Father, did you not hear from the mayor? We were to expect a visit from the Bolts,"The younger stallion informed his hearty father as he pondered over their leader's words,"The Bolt captain came with a message and a required meeting with the mayor regarding some… potential brighter future for us all…!"

"Oh yeah…! Apologies for that Bolt captain! Must have gotten information mixed up,"The stallion chuckled only to fall silent to the glare of the captain's red eye, and blind eye,"I can take you personally to the mayor for a meeting while your platoon makes themselves comfortable in the city…!"

"That would be much appreciated…! You all heard the pony, right,"Gust Cut called out to the Bolts behind them on the new matter of thriving around the city during the meeting,"Make yourselves at home here! For now…! And remember what I said before!"

"Yes sir!"Every pony announced while Thunder decided to nit pick at Gust one more time.

"Mind explaining it to me again? Something about insubordination and mistakes…! My mind is a blank,"Thunder joked before quickly taking out a dagger to vertical guard the side of his neck from an incoming falchion,"Was it something I said sir…?"

Gust Cut stood their growling with his falchion grinding against Thunder's dagger. Nothing would please him more than to slice open Thunder's throat and make him bleed like a pig. However he did not have the time or strength on his own to bring Thunder down at the moment.

"Is… Everything going to be ok, Captain?"The father asked after freezing with slight fear to the sudden tension between subordinate and Superior.

"Of course…! Some discipline merely needed to be shown to my team here,"Gust decided to stand down and save the issue with Thunder for another day,"No more time should be wasted…! Take me to your leader, immediately!"

"Of course! Right this way, sir."The Cloud pony became a guide for Gust Cut as they flew up and flew casually towards the giant building in the center of the city.

"Welp…! You heard the Captain, lets cut loose in this city while we still can!"One of the two sociopaths announced before they all flew into the sky and soared into the city.

This left Thunder to stand around and take in the view, while sighing in relief. For he had finally got some space after being among an annoying band of idiots and psychos. He popped his neck and began to walk, only to be stopped by the younger cloud pony that merely wished to assist.

"Would you like me to assist, sir? I know some of the finest inns for a Bolt to unwind."The young pony of clouds offered as Thunder walked passed him and sprouted his wings for a stretch.

"Nah, I'll just stretch my wings and fly to the nearest in. No worries!"Thunder responded and floated to the sky to head off to the city, only to freeze to the calls of a gentle voice.

"Fluffous! Have the Bolts arrived yet? Father is anxious for their arrival!"Came a young mare voice, she barely sounded eighteen, it was softer than a shy Pegasus.

They both looked to the air above their heads as a Cloud pony mare floated slowly towards the air strip. She came to a soft landing before the young stallion, her short but thick mane reached to her shoulders. It curled in cloud like swirls along with her long tail while her wings were smaller. Her eyes were pure white with a dull snowy white pupil that glittered like pure frost. The only thing not cloud like about her, was the cloud pattern necklace around her neck made from unknown material.

"Cloudlia! Uh…of course! My father just now took their leader to go see him,"The named cloud pony explained to the mare while Thunder took intrigue at seeing a stunningly beautiful pony made of clouds,"I was just offering this one a tour, but he decided that he'd rather explore. The others were quick to take off."

"I see… I do hope that you enjoy your stay here, Bolt. We welcome you with open arms."Cloudlia turned to Thunder and bowed, only to lift her chin back up out of interest.

"Call me Thunder, ma'am. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Ms Cloudlia."Thunder greeted gentle colt like while Cloudlia turned away and cleared her throat to avoid his dreamy eyes.

"The pleasure is all mine…! If… You're looking for accommodation, the Strato Inn serves great food,"Cloudlia tried to play it cool and inform Thunder of many forms of r&r for him,"There's also a bar if you're into something a bit stronger than water or regular punch."

"Indeed, but… I may get lost looking for it. Stratos happens to be quite a big place,"Thunder suddenly gripped her hoof while the young stallion was suddenly stricken with confusion,"I could use a guide for this city, and what kind of guide would be better than the mayor's daughter?"

"That's…an awfully nice gesture, but I need to return to my father, Sir Thunder,"Cloudlia insisted and politely nudged his hoof off her own and chuckled nervously,"But I really do appreciate the kind offer to be a guide. Please try to understand."

"Actually, your father requested that you take some time to explore the city and meet some new faces, madam,"Fluffous quickly informed Cloudlia as she gasped with shock for her father's sudden response,"He preferred it that the captain and himself spoke in private about the deals."

"What? Why would father say such a thing? He knows we work the best when we're together…!"Cloudlia exclaimed lightly with confusion.

"He just said… You will understand by the end of this day, my lady…!"Fluffous answered while she looked down with solemness and a feeling of complete uselessness.

"Oh father… Why must he always act and talk in riddles and mysteries..."Cloudlia sighed while Thunder took this opportunity to try his luck again.

"You look like you could use a drink yourself, I know how it feels when you're left out of important thing."Thunder offered a drink for her in exchange for a guide around the city.

"Sir Thunder…! Once more, I appreciate the offer, but I cannot just-"Cloudlia had her hoof taken up again, and this time she could not look away from his cute stare.

"Drinks are on me…! Just show me the way to the nearest Tavern and we can unwind from our troubles…!"Thunder offered again before she looked away and sighed, not seeing a way out of the conflict.

"Oh for…! Cosmos sake…! Very well, sir Thunder. If you are so insistent, I suppose I have no alternative,"Cloudlia sighed and allowed Thunder to hold her hoof to accept him as her companion,"Just kindly reframe from anything too friendly, I have more important things to worry about tha-"

"Don't worry about it… It'll be a good time, this will be good for both of us,"Thunder put a hoof to her lips before lifting the both of them into the sky with his mighty light speed wings,"Now try to hold on, I'm sort of a speed demon…!"

He chuckled before flying off at strong gust like speeds, but Cloudlia proved to be prepared for fast flying. As they departed into the city to find the nearest Tavern for a drink to get both of their minds off stressful things. Leaving the young stallion respectfully standing guard on the air strip with only one thought on his mind.

"But… Wasn't I offering to be his guide for the city…?"The young stallion wondered while he waited for the next visitor to arrive.

The good memories that Thunder shared among the city would never be forgotten. Especially after what followed that very same day, the tragic destruction of a peaceful and harmless race of ponies. He would also never forget those nightmarish scenes, his own comrades slaying the innocent. Killing them all like they were nothing, the screams of the cloud ponies, even their children. It was enough to make him vomit, and Cloudlia herself had to witness their destruction as well.

The screams were so loud and full of fear, it quaked his mind violently. Almost as if it was breaking the walls of reality, however he was not in reality, the screams he was hearing were real. And they were what shook him out of his day dreaming, and sent him shooting up from the cloud.

---

He looked around, panting and sweating from the sudden screams of panic or weeps. At first the clouds appeared to be quiet and gentle as always, but a closer listen proved otherwise. He could hear the tiniest of screams and cries of what sounded like a foal in great distress. Thunder was quick to jump at the situation and dive back down through the clouds towards Ponyville. His eyes narrowed through the tunnel, while he saved the confusion of the sudden distress for later.

He went as fast as he could without requiring light speed, until he finally burst from the clouds. He listened for the sound of the foal cries, and let his ears guide his movements. As he followed the cries to a nearby cliff, he already spotted Rainbow Dash going for the foal as well. Closer inspection of Rainbow's trajectory allowed him to see a baby carriage rolling down the hill. With the distressed foal spotted, they both went in for the save before the carriage would fly off the edge.

Thunder slammed down at the edge of the cliff while Rainbow went for the carriage. She grabbed the handle, and pulled back as hard as she could to stop the momentum of the carriage. She struggled, but she was able to stop it thanks to Thunder's conduct in the form of a raised back hoof. Which instantly work like a wall after hitting the carriage from behind, stopping it cold. With the carriage stopped, a crowd of ponies once again gathered to witness the rescue as Rainbow Dash inspected the carriage.

"Oh no! There's something wrong with the baby,"Rainbow alerted the ponies that gasped in sudden silence for what sounded like grim news,"She's not cheering for every pony's favorite hero, Rainbo-"

Rainbow paused the moment Thunder scowled at her for suddenly trying to seek glory. She chuckled nervously as he continued giving her a dirty look for her conduct. Thankfully she was able to kindly remember and embrace his wise words by changing her announcement to something more humble.

"I mean…she sounds like she's hungry. May want to get her a good meal…!"Rainbow retorted her saying from before offering the young foal back to her fearful mother.

"Yeah, that's better…! Everything is under control now every pony!"Thunder announced while the crowd still cheered for Rainbow Dash's deed regardless of the humility.

"There just aren't enough words in the dictionary to describe Rainbow Dash's awesomeness..!"Scootaloo exclaimed with amazement at Rainbow's heroism while Thunder was merely a nexus to all the others.

"Yet according to Rumble, she shouldn't be hanging out with Thunder Blitz, the rogue."Snips informed while Scootaloo remained convicted to respecting both flyers.

"I don't think he's that bad…"Scootaloo believed among the crowd of ponies that cheered for only Rainbow Dash.

"I can think of a few new words…!"Twilight admitted, not feeling as amused after what she thought she was going to hear from Rainbow Dash.

"And I bet modest isn't one of them…"Applejack agreed with Twilight on how Rainbow seemed to handle the attention of others.

"No, but she is kind of awesome…"Twilight had to admit that Rainbow's natural skill was impressive.

"Plus she's got Thunder to keep her from letting all that glory go to her head…!"Orion stood out from the crowd and nodded to Thunder's conduct with Rainbow.

"I highly doubt it. If anything, he may just make it worse…!"Applejack exclaimed while Orion scoffed and shook his head at her quick assumption.

"You clearly don't know Thunder at all if that's what you think of him,"Orion said blankly of to Applejack as they watched the two of them fly away,"He may be a motor mouth and a easy goer, but he became an Equestrian warrior for many good reasons…"

Many hours later, Thunder was on his way to Sugar Cube Corner on a silly request. He had heard that Rainbow Dash had rescued some elders from a collapsing balcony. Some pony threw her a party and was now overindulging in some fan love and self righteous glory, as defined by Orion. So now he had to get to Sugar Cube Corner and talk or maybe even knock some sense into her. This was rearing up to be quite the day, he certainly understood the rush of glory and praise.

However there's more to being a hero than just being a glorious being that is praised. Sometimes you have to accept the hatred of others, sometimes you just gotta do the right things, even if it makes you look like an enemy. That was a lesson he was now going to push upon Rainbow Dash. As he approached the building, where he could already see a line of ponies fully formed up. But he was not one to wait in line when there's a more important mission that needed to be done.

So he went about pushing and skipping through the line to enter the gingerbread building. The ponies around him ranted and raved at him as he cut through the line and entered the building. He entered the room and looked around the room to see ponies in Rainbow Dash designed attires.

"What kind of fun house is this…? Ok, so a regular casual talk won't work,"Thunder assessed as Rainbow posed for camera shots and signed some autographs,"Nah, looks like humiliation will be needed to born some humility in her-"

"Excuse me sir! You have cut the line dozens of times over! Are you touched in the head,"A mare suddenly tapped on his shoulder and ranted for Thunder's conduct with the line,"Kindly get to the back of the line you cutter…!"

"How about you let me be and let me do my job before I cut more than just the line…!"Thunder replied while flashing his electrified kris dagger right in front of her face.

He got no more issues from the ponies after one flash of his electric dagger. Leaving the warrior to go in just in time for Rainbow Dash to start bragging to her friends. So he went with a sneaky approach to catch her off guard and with her non existent pants down, overindulging in glory.

"Awesomely heroic that day and awesomely arrogant ever since…"Thunder caught Applejack spouting some unnecessary trash talk behind Rainbow's back.

"Hey, Applejack! How would you like to be immortalized as my friend?"Rainbow Dash asked while partially hugging Applejack and smiling for the camera.

"Immortal…what?"Applejack questioned only to be hit with the flash of a camera, getting a picture with Rainbow Dash.

"Just what the hay do you think you're doing?! Is this some kind of circus?!"Thunder decided to announce himself to Rainbow Dash and throw in his outrage with it.

"There he is…! Took him long enough…!"Orion murmured as Thunder walked into a silent crowd of ponies, some of which knew exactly who he was.

"The rogue lightning bolt! It's him! The terroriser of the Wonderbolts!"A Pegasus filly exclaimed before the crowd started to mumble and gossip quietly to each other.

"Terroriser of the Wonderbolts… That's got quite the ring to it. But I ain't here to whip tongues around with Wonderbolt supporters,"thunder loudly explained himself before meeting face to face with Rainbow,"You didn't learn anything from our last chat, did you? I thought we could just shoot the breeze and talk in the open about what's more important…!"

"Leave Rainbow Dash alone you big mean menace…!"That same filly ran up to defend Rainbow and tried to kick him in the front right leg.

Only to twist and bruise her leg the minute it slammed against the iron legs of the warrior. She screamed and hobbled off crying with a sore leg, and this only got him a bunch of nasty looks. But this was not about him, this was about Rainbow Dash, and she needed a lesson in differences between heroism and overindulgent self righteousness.

"Ok… Now then, if I gotta teach you a stronger lesson about this fan base crap, I will,"Thunder decided before suddenly gripping Rainbow by her ear and dragging her towards the exit,"Time for you to learn where and how you really stand when you are before other ponies, Ms hero!"

The ponies were rearing up to see this, wanting Rainbow to beat the rogue lightning bolt. But Rainbow's friends were skeptical of Thunder's intentions for Rainbow, given what they got to know about him. There was no way an over confident stallion with a big nonfiltered mouth would help Rainbow in any way. But Orion only shook his head, watching Twilight and the others head to the tables to enjoy some cake. Knowing that they were underestimating what Thunder could do when he gets serious.

This left Thunder to burst through the doors with Rainbow Dash in his grip. With a crowd of fans behind her, she was fearful of the great embarrassment he was possibly going to bring to her. She was blushing badly as he gave her a toss, forcing her to roll in the dirt before getting to her hooves. She panted while her fans were gathering behind Thunder and began to cheer for her. While he only snickered at their rounds of cheers, for they were going to be hating her in mere moments.

"Alright, you think you're such a big shot? Like you're a hero that demands so much love?"Thunder asked while popping his neck a couple times and getting into a defensive stance.

"Thunder, that was not what it looked like…! I was just saying what's up to some of the fans an-"Rainbow was interrupted before she could give an excuse for what she was doing.

"If there's one thing I can't stand it's some pony who thinks she's special and uses self indulging heroism for attention,"Thunder explained before making his daggers appear, only to throw them away to both of his sides,"I'm gonna teach you what being a real hero is about, and you'll learn to not let fame go to your head…!"

"Thunder, I'm not going to fight you…! You know I don't stand a chance!"Rainbow tried to argue with Thunder while crowd immediately grew with concerned gossip.

"I'm not going to fight you…! That would be too easy, and you won't learn much at all from a simple beating,"Thunder answered while slowly starting to approach her before towering over the mare,"You're going to simply try and hit me…! I will do nothing aside from dodging and weaving. Let's see if you got what it takes to be a fast and real hero, Rainbow Flash!"

"I'm not going to try and hit you…! I'm pretty sure I could get arrested for assaulting a warrior,"Rainbow tried for another excuse while Thunder only lifted an eye brow at her,"I mean… Come on, non of this is necessary, Thunder. It was all just a little bit of fun and-"

The crowd gasped the moment she was interrupted again by a sudden light jab. It tapped her right in the muzzle, rattling her front teeth while applying a bee like sting to her nose. She quickly held her nose and rubbed it while Thunder wore a mocking unimpressed look along with a chuckle. This stoked the flames of her anger a bit, but there was still reason enough to not fight him. But Thunder knew more than one way to get under a pony's skin, it was one of his specialties.

"Sorry, did that sting? Didn't know a jab that light was too much for you,"He could see that his mockery was easily triggering her as he sat down and put his hooves behind his back,"Well? Come on now, don't hold back or crash or anything…! I'd hate to also have to start calling you… Rainbow Crash…!"

That was the one, the last trigger he needed to hit her with before he already had to duck. She missed a strong hay maker and progressed with slow but strong jabs aimed for his face. Thankfully Thunder's style of fighting involved being an out boxer, so a slugger was a sacrificial lamb to him. He back stepped and swerve duck under a two jab and hook combo. She took to the air and then started throwing aerial head kicks at him, but his side steps made her only kick the solid dirt. Leaving her fans worried and confused that Rainbow was not showing Thunder off.

He was basically performing a dance routine while she threw wild swings at him. Until she tried simple airborne tackles by soaring into the air and swooping down like war pilot. But all Thunder had to do was tilt his head and avoid high speed swooping uppercuts that Rainbow was throwing. Now that she was using more reckless and more unpredictable moves, it was time to show her off. This would start by him tap dancing and sweeping his way closer to the crowds.

"For an athlete, you're really sloppy and uncontrolled when it comes to fighting…!"Thunder taunted Rainbow and got her blasting steam out her nose like a bull.

She only proved that flaw even more so when she flew for a high speed sucker punch to his chest. Thunder shook his head, snapping his eyes into focus as he got into just the right spot. He then side wind and spun to the side as she passed right by his face in a flash of blinded fury. It was enough to distract her as she accidentally punched a stallion full force in the eye, knocking him onto his back. She did not even bother checking on him, she only flew after Thunder in a rage, leaving a shocked crowd behind her.

Now that her true recklessness was showing, it was time to fully expose it to the crowd and herself. He back stepped right next to the crowd, the ponies watched as Rainbow swung a flurry of hooks. All of which were missing him, but inadvertently striking spectators across their cheeks. The more faces she was striking in a blind rage, the more ponies were seeing their hero's true colors. Exactly what Thunder was hoping for as he then side stepped back to the center of the area.

She turned to him and only to see Thunder suddenly letting his mane fill with static. He lowered his head the moment the blue lightning swirled to the tip of his mane, and shot out like a spear. Rainbow Dash gasped, and quickly cork screw spun her way forward to avoid the shot. Letting a colt take the shot, getting knocked off the back of his mother while she focused on Thunder. The ego bruised Pegasus growled and stood before him, outraged that he actually shot at her.

"What's your problem?! What are you hoping to accomplish by doing this?!"Rainbow demanded answers to Thunder's conduct while trying not to get sour that he attacked her when he said he wouldn't.

"If it was about that lighting bolt, that was my bad. It was all instinct,"Thunder snickered and watched her seethe with anger and prepare to wind up another punch,"Just like your quote on quote, "heroism" isn't actually heroic at all. It's only about you…!"

Rainbow yelled and throw another punch, Thunder did a one eighty side sweep right behind her. Causing Rainbow to strike the one pony that proved to be her greatest fan of all time. Scootaloo could barely see it coming in time after trying to get a close up view of the confusion. This proved to be a great mistake, as she was forced to endure a brutal hoof across the face from her hero. At the very least, this was the one that immediately shocked Rainbow out of her blind rage.

"OW…! Aaaaaaah!"Scootaloo cried as she laid on her side, gripping her cheek in pain that was already going purple.

Rainbow shook her head after her ears flickered and caught notice of Scootaloo's yelps of pain. She looked back to her path of destruction just in time to see Scootaloo slowly looking at her. While Rainbow could see the bruise growing and forming on the filly's cheek.

"Scoots…? oh my gosh…! I didn't mean that! That was an accident, I swear!"Rainbow exclaimed while Thunder stood behind her and shook his head with a sigh.

"Was it? Just like it was an accident for all the others you attacked in your wake?"Thunder solemnly questioned as Rainbow turned to him to see Thunder gesturing to the crowd behind him.

Her mane sadly blew in the wind as she saw three injured kids, an injured stallion. And many others with welts and bruises all over their cheeks, they all groaned with pain. While many more others stared at her with shock and even a bit of fear, fear for her violent and reckless actions.

"What did I just do…?"Rainbow Dash asked herself, while Thunder was more than willing to answer the question for her.

"You got reckless…! You showed that it was truly about yourself, not other ponies,"Thunder explained how all of this was caused by a simple bizarre fight,"When your ego was on the line, you threw care and compassion for others out the window and showed that it was all about you…!"

"No… No…I couldn't have…! It was all an accident, I swear, I'd never…!"Rainbow looked to the ponies she hurt, and then back to Scootaloo before backing away from them.

"I'm sorry, Rainbow. But what you were doing so far was not heroism, it was self righteous glory seeking…"Thunder gave her the hard to swallow truth as she panted backed away with fear.

She couldn't handle it any more, she needed to get away from the ponies she did wrong. She covered her face in shame and quickly took off into the sky as fast as she could. Panting with fear for herself, not wanting to shame the ponies she was helping any further with her actions. This left Thunder to sigh and feel a bit of regret for embarrassing her in such a manner in front of others. But for the sake of teaching her what she was really doing with her heroic deeds, it had to be done.

"I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash… And I'm sorry to all of you…! I set this whole thing up to show you all her colors,"Thunder explained his intentions that beckoned her to go off the rail on others by accident,"Your hero needed to know what it actually takes to be a hero…! So do not hate or blame her entirely for all this. Blame me…!"

With that, he too decided to fly up and vanish into the skies to get away from the crowd. Leaving behind a crowd of confused and minor damaged ponies to figure out what happened. The warrior of thunder and lightning felt deep regret for what happened, but it needed to be done. Right now, all he wanted to do was leave and enjoy the rest of the day high in the sky among the great clouds. He did a spin on the way in through a giant cloud, and burst out the other side into the high skies.

Where all the voices and all the confusion would end, allowing him to relax. Thunder slowly floated down towards the giant cloud and began to kick back for some chill time. He sighed, letting his body ease up and relax itself from the dramatic fight with Rainbow Dash.

"Well… Looks like I'm gonna have to try and sleep without getting messed up,"Thunder spoke to himself as he laid there looking at the sky and sighing while slowly shutting his eyes,"Just doing… What I truly feel is right… Not for me… But for others… Right, Cloudlia…?"

---

The moment his eyes snapped shut, he found himself dreaming once again. This time he found himself picking up were he last was, in the city of Stratos, and having a drink at the Tavern. Even in a Tavern however the hardest drink there was might as well have been for kids, Evap Ale. They might as well have been drinking water with suds in them, that was a coming complaint for the Bolts. However, Thunder was not a heavy drinker back in this day, so light drinks were appreciated.

Especially since he was now sharing to seats with none other than the Stratos Mayor's daughter. Though young Cloudlia appeared less than amused since the info she got from her father. Soon after Thunder finally got some solid food in the form of stuffed turnips, he took notice of her sour mood.

"Care for some of this Evap Ale? Might make you feel better…!"Thunder asked while in the middle of chomping down a turnip.

"Let me ask you something, sir Thunder…? Have you ever felt like a burden?"The cloud mare suddenly answered him with an oddly deep question.

"Excuse me?"Thunder swallowed his food before putting it down to listen to her.

"Have you ever felt like a burden? Like…no matter what you do… You feel alone and…more of a problem than a solution?"Cloudlia asked as she looked to the Mayor's home.

"I use to. Before I joined up with the Equestrian warriors and these egotistical chumps…!"Thunder gestured to the Bolts that were rough housing on the other side of the Tavern bar.

"You are loyal to another group other than the Bolts?"She politely asked out of curiosity as Thunder only chuckled.

"Yeah, I'm a warrior first and a Bolt second, but don't tell that to those guys,"He warned before sitting back in his chair and looking to the clear blue skies,"But before all that, I was a rogue. In a way I still am. My folks wanted me to be a Bolt since I had such flying talent…! But I didn't like the idea of wearing a dumb outfit and following rules and codes of conduct!"

"Then…why are you a Bolt now?"Cloudlia asked as he looked to his outfit and shrugged his shoulders.

"Truthfully, my comrades never told me why I had to try this gig out. If I did, I'd tell ya,"Thunder replied and snickered before it was his turn to get to know her,"So what makes you ask me all that? You feeling a bit disconnected from this place or something?"

"Sort of… This will always be my home… But… No matter what I do with my father or even for him,"Cloudlia sighed and kept on looking to the Mayor's home with solemness,"To our people, I'm always the invisible girl… It's like I'm always seen as an outsider to them…!"

"Do you…love your people, Cloudlia…?"Thunder asked an odd question that made her a bit defensive about it.

"Of course I love them…! They're my people, and I want what's best for them!"Cloudlia yelled and caught the attention of several concerned cloud ponies.

"Then that should be enough…! What's it matter if they think differently about you? It's all about what you think of yourself,"Thunder waved his hoof at her and chuckled before giving her some enlightenment,"The warriors do things that make them look like scum and monsters, but we do it because it's the right thing to do. We love our people, and it's what's best for them."

"But…what if the ponies don't follow me, and they just hate me…?"Cloudlia was already in deep conflict after his words hit her like a rock, was this really his view about what it means to do good things?

"Then just do what you have to do if you truly feel that it's what's right. Plain and simple,"Thunder answered while he felt a bit warm in the Tavern, as did Cloudlia,"They'll understand with time… But all that really matters is what you feel is the right thing to do…"

"I see… It must be a burden to negate and carry the hatred of others just to make a better future for them,"The cloud mare came to a moment of peace and sympathy for Thunder's true role,"I… Apologize for my griping… It was insensitive of me."

"Don't worry about it… You would have never learned that lesson if you didn't…"Thunder finished his chuckling about before he felt her very soft and puffy hoof lightly place itself on his hoof.

"Indeed… So if I may ask one more question. Other than the more obvious answers, why were you so insistent on taking me here for a drink?"Cloudlia asked as Thunder almost snickered at the more personal question.

"Maybe I saw the conflicts you were having? Maybe you looked like you needed a break from you dad's politics,"Thunder sighed before noticing her hoof on his own and decided to go for the more deeper answer,"Maybe I wanted to return the favor for you being the mare that somehow got a one hundred year old warriors heart to beat like crazy and make his stomach flutter…"

She blushed at his response, and the idea that he was already a hundred years old. Yet he never grew out from the young looking stallion he was at this moment, she was a bit confused. Though in a way, she was much more flattered that he would admit that she could appeal to his lighter side. For she knew of a warrior's harden heart, and this moment was not something to soil. So she curled her hoof around his, she swallowed and looked to him as he finished his Evap Ale.

"I'm… Glad I could help you… Thunder…"She surprised him by being a little closer to him than he had expected her to be.

He looked down to her, and felt a moment of deep transfix from her snowy white eyes. They even sparkled like snow, it was hypnotizing as she gave him a face of pure innocence and curiosity. He felt that the curiosity she was now portraying could be the end of her, but his heart sang a different tune. It even controlled his actions as he slowly leaned in with her and let their eyes fully meet with each other. And then she gave a small half smile, and it was enough to make him weak in the legs.

"And I… Was happy to help you…"Thunder replied as she leaned in closer and closed her eyes, after he had did the same.

They were preparing their lips to do something unheard of for any warrior or even regular ponies. The moment felt wrong, but now his feelings for a single moment had taken a mortal turn. A desire to feel as he did before he became an immortal warrior, he truly desired this one moment. However, this moment would be soiled by the sudden screams of panic and horror. It was more than enough to shake them out of their moment, as the Bolts around them took off outside.

Thunder looked to Cloudlia with concern, but needed to go out and see what has happening. He nodded and quickly threw his goggles on before bolting out of the Tavern, leaving Cloudlia in a safe place. He ran as fast as he could towards the sound of trouble, just as the screaming cloud mare ran pass him. He shook his head and continued on towards the source of all the trouble. The Mayor's house seemed to be the source, so he expected his captain to be there on the scene, unfortunately he was.

Thunder stopped right before the rest of his converging group to witness a shocking atrocity. He witnessed a Gust Cut stood over the water leaking maimed body of the Mayor himself. The stallion was masculine with a cloud made handle bar mustache, as he tried to crawl away. But Gust stomped on his back to keep him in place, as he pulled out the weapon he used for executions. A giant curved greatsword, the blade was long but very thin for a curved great sword.

He used it for beheadings and parting bodies into two, something he was about to do to the Mayor. As the cloud pony leader slowly looked to the Bolt captain that hid behind his dark and memorable mask. Groaning and trying to guard his face while Gust only chuckled at him.

"Why…? Why are you…doing this…?! We've done nothing to you…!"The Mayor groaned as Gust Cut dug his blade into his victim's back to watch the water flow.

"Not according to general Swift Wind…! You cloud ponies have threaten our race for too long,"Gust explained while slowly taking out his blade and putting it to the Mayor's neck,"We the Pegasus ponies have been the mighty masters of the sky, and your mere existence has dared to threaten our dominance over the skies…! There can be only one pony race of the great sky."

"You can't do this…! This is treason! This goes against the royal family's laws…!"The mayor groaned and tried to get up while Thunder was trembling with horror.

"That's why this is a black ops, Mayor…! No pony will know what has happened,"Gust spoke as he winded up his sword to take the cloud stallion's head clean off,"Apologies… It's nature's selection I suppose… And as it stands, your people are not fit to live among us!"

The Bolts watched with anticipation and sick chuckles while Thunder was sickened to the core. Then he had suddenly made eye contact with the Mayor, the cloud pony could see his fear. A tear escaped the stallion's eye as he knew that those same eyes witnessed the eyes of Cloudlia. And that mare became the leader's last thought as he heard the wind of the sword coming down. He tensed up for a moment, before it all ended with a clean sweep through his puffy neck.

Thunder shuddered with shaky gasps as he watched the cloud pony's head roll from his shoulders. His body went limp and already started to evaporate and fade away into nothing as the head rolled to the hooves of his comrades. Who disrespectfully kicked it into the air where it to evaporated into nothing. With the leader gone, and many faces around to witness this assassination. The cloud ponies screamed and began floating, flying, and running away for their lives, as Gust Cut cleared his throat.

"Now you all know the mission! Destroy everything! END THE CLOUD PONIES FOR EVER,"Gust announced the mission to his soldiers as they all yelled in a primal respectful rage,"KILL THEM ALL! EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM!"

"YES SIR!"The group of Bolts roared and immediately took off with their weapons drawn.

"FATHER!"Came the shrill cries of Cloudlia as Thunder turned to see her heart breaking arrival to city hall.

Her face was not the same, it was now full of tears and looking on in horror. As she witnessed her father fading away into nothing, she looked like she was going to get sick. Thunder shook his head and panted, only for Gust to take notice of Cloudlia and point his blade at her.

"Kill them all! That's an order, Thunder!"Gust demanded as he pointed at her and commanded that her life must be taken.

"I got this one, captain!"A Bolt mare announced as she pulled at two curved daggers and flew to Cloudlia.

"No! STOP! This isn't right! STOP!"Thunder yelled as Cloudlia looked to the approaching mare that was prepping to jam her weapons into Cloudlia's neck.

She screamed, and Thunder immediately looked to his insane captain, and then to her. He sweated and panted, trying to figure out what to do, but once again his heart guided his next actions. As he pulled out out his kris daggers and ran to Cloudlia with them both at the ready. He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, hearing nothing but the cloud mare's screams that rattled his brain like crazy. It was so much that he had then felt his world explode into nothing but bright light, and force him to awake from slumber.

---

A sharp gasp came with him as he shot up from the cloud he slept on for the longest time. He panted and sat there with his thoughts clouded by the memories of a dark past. He held his head with both hooves to keep his head held straight while grunting with mental and emotional pain. One thing that was certainly raging through his mind other than the screams, was a desire to get a hard drink. But he was willing to wait till he picked and glued his thoughts back together.

"I get it…! You wanted to teach me a lesson…! Show me how I was really acting,"Suddenly Rainbow Dash shocked him with her presence, as she sat right behind him facing the away from him,"I… I acted like a real egotistical jerk…! I let the praise of others fill me with pride and sense of entitlement…"

He groaned and wiped up his sweat before putting on a straight and stern warrior face. He looked to Rainbow off the corner of his eye, as she kept her back to his own. His eyes narrowed with curiosity to hear her admitting her mistake, it was a good sign to finally see humility.

"Now every pony either hates me… Or they're afraid of me… Afraid I'm going to hurt them…!"Rainbow sulked at the new impression the ponies now had thanks to yesterdays conduct.

"Good… I know that's not what you wanted to hear, but now you no longer need to worry about what others think of you,"She looked at him with no amusement for his harsh words,"Because what really matters is what YOU think of you, and what YOU think is right."

"But how can I enjoy anything when others can't enjoy it and see what I do? How can I be their hero?"Rainbow questioned with more defeat in her tone as he looked to the sky.

"I'll say it one more time… Do what you know is right, regardless of what others think of you,"Thunder answered her questions one more time and sighed to let out some steam,"In the end… All that matters is what you think of you… So what do you believe is the right thing to do right now?"

"Well… Apologize to Scoots… I can't stand the idea of her thinking I'm a monster. She's a good kid."Rainbow admitted her caring nature for the filly that truly did seem like her biggest fan.

"That she is…! And she definitely deserves an explanation for what happened earlier."Thunder agreed while Rainbow gave him a sudden confused look.

"Uh… That fight happened yesterday. You slept for like a solid fifteen hours…!"Rainbow informed Thunder that it was in fact a new day for the both of them.

"Oh… I see…"Thunder mused at his silly misconduct resulting in him losing track of time above the clouds.

And so the two took some time to come to peace with each other since they understood why yesterday's events happened. Before long they were able to fly down through the massive clouds back to town. They remained quiet for a bit, this gave Thunder a chance to clear his head. And thankfully Rainbow did not ask about his dream or his reason for the nightmare she had to have seen him having. Perhaps it was for the best, after all he was sure that Rainbow didn't need to listen to more hatred about the Wonderbolts and their predecessors.

They exited the nests of clouds and flew in towards the town of Ponyville, Rainbow appeared nervous. Though as he had said to her, she needed to worry about what she thought of herself. So she simply prayed in the back of her head that she could save at least her biggest fan. However, this was all put on hold by the sudden and very familiar cry for help they had been hearing lately. A mare was calling for help again, this town had to be getting hammered with some sort of wave of bad karma.

The mare was seen plummeting to her unexpected demise from a destroyed hot air balloon. They were quick to spring into action and fly in a spiraling pattern towards the endangered mare. The two Pegasus ponies looked to each other and zoomed in to get under the hot air balloon. With their combined strength, they could easily give the balloon a nice and smooth landing. They let their backs and front hooves do the job as they flew up to slow down the fall of the balloon.

The balloon was quick to slow down, but it was then that their efforts were in vain. For the moment that the air balloon was coming to a slow start, a mysterious mare had then appeared. Her cape blocked the sun and blinded Thunder and Rainbow for a moment, making them lose focus. Causing the hot air balloon to slip from their grasp, while the mysterious mare saved the distressed mare. Thunder shook off the sudden blindness and spotted the mysterious mare with the citizen in safe hooves.

Thunder was able to pick up more slack while Rainbow struggled just to see. Allowing them to set the air balloon back down where it belonged till it was worthy of the skies again. Once they were able to sit the balloon down upon the ground, Thunder gave Rainbow a couple shakes as he held onto her shoulders. Once she was able to see again, they turned to see the mare in distress safely on the ground. While Thunder got a shocking glimpse of the mysterious mare garbed in a very familiar mask.

Even the main outfit was the same, garbed with purple and tight black gloves. The only difference was the witch like hat and the cape, but there was no denying what that mare was wearing. She was sporting the very outfit of a Bolt captain, the mask was the most dead of give aways. He felt his stomach churn and struggle with the shock of a pony daring to wear such an attire. She was even doing what could be potentially deceptive that Bolts were known for to protect their image, petty good deeds.

"What just happened? Where did this mare come from?!"Rainbow exclaimed as the mysterious mare bowed to the crowd and looked to Thunder and Rainbow.

"Don't know… And I already don't like her…! She picked a poor choice of outfits to wear."Thunder responded as the ponies had then cheered for the mysterious disguised mare.

"Holy turnips! That mare came out of nowhere!"A pony exclaimed as the masked mare quickly took off as fast as she arrived.

"I've never seen such bravery in my life!"Another pony followed up as they witnessed the pony watching them from a distant hill.

"That's right! Ponyville has a new hero! A mysterious mare that had done right for our fair town today,"The mayor of Ponyville announced while Thunder grew even less amused,"I dub this new masked hero, The Mysterious Mare Do Well!"

"You don't know that she's a hero by doing only one good deed as appose to what many others including warriors have done,"Thunder decided it was time to call bull scat on what happened here with this new comer,"One that chooses to hide their face and who they are opens the possibility that their purposes could also be of evil as well as heroism. You can't just deem this pony a hero for one deed!"

The ponies all went silent and turned their eyes upon Thunder as he approached the mayor. The mayor was concerned at first, but seeing Thunder only made her scoff at his objection. For she was well aware of what Thunder had habits of doing and being around Equestria.

"Ah…! Of course we'd have a neigh sayer from a warrior of all ponies. The…Mister know it alls of our town,"The mayor announced and did not appreciated Thunder denying her announcement,"And not only that, it's the rogue and menace to our famous Wonderbolts!"

"Nice to see you being a good little politic and believing all kinds of crap too, mayor,"Thunder did his best golf clap impression and approached mayor mare with a smug smirk,"Now, maybe that mare did a good deed today, and maybe she'll do more in the future. Until then, how does one instantly become hero from one simple good deed? Rainbow Dash did several of those within one day before…!"

"Yeah, she also committed a dozen acts of assault while fighting with you!"The mayor announced her own argument while the crowd of ponies agreed and yelled at Thunder and Rainbow.

"Yeah, that wasn't all her fault. I was teaching her a lesson on humility so she could keep being a hero,"Thunder decided if they were going to be technical, he was gonna play that game too,"Ok, if that's how we're going to play. You ponies were over filling her pride with so much praise, just like you did just now for Mare Do Well. Any more and Rainbow would have ended up a self righteous tool…!"

"Uh…what kind of point are you trying to make here?"Rainbow asked with confusion as Thunder kept on explaining.

"You all don't even know this mare outside of her doing this one good deed and you're already praising her like a legend,"Thunder pointed out the crowd's over indulgence in praising heroes too much,"You saw what your praise caused Rainbow to do. What's stopping this stranger from becoming the same kind of pony thanks to all your over praising habits…!"

"Well… Every pony deserves a bit of acceptance and praise for the deeds they do…!"Mayor mare argued for the right to instantly praising Mare Do Well.

"Even if that mare happens to be wearing an outfit belonging to a group of killers I use to work for?"Thunder asked before the crowd gasped and fell silent, a loss for words took over.

He took this as a victory and walked away from the mayor with satisfaction. He snickered, only to change his mood back to serious before he turned to Rainbow Dash upon approach. He went silent for a moment and with peace made between them, they were able to come to an understanding on what came next.

"You go find your little fan… And watch for the Mare Do Well, just in case,"Thunder informed as he took to the air and prepared to depart for a trip to Canterlot,"Until we track her down and find out who she is… She can't be trusted…! For all I know… She may be trying to bring back the glory of the Bolts…!"

With that, he flew off high into the sky to let Rainbow Dash sort her problems out. Leaving him to do some investigation and over watch of the princesses of Canterlot, just as he promised. But now he had yet another thing to add to the list of things he needed to be weary and watchful of. Cinder ponies, Changelings, and now a rogue vigilante with an unknown motive that bares the garb of the Bolts. This troubling time seemed to be getting worse and worse, now he feared the idea of the Bolts rising again.

---

This bothered him all through the day, and even over the night, he was restless. Thunder never even bothered to slumber or rest his eyes, since he now feared the dreams he would have. Upon the next morning he finally began to make his return to Ponyville just as the sun raised. He yawned upon returning to the eastern great swamps where swamp ponies dwell on bayous. Some were even believed to be witch doctors and even mystic healers, a respectable group.

Now it was back to the town that now had a mixed feeling about his presence. The presence of a rogue that was proving to be an uptight stallion who withholds judgment on everything. He could tell that his antics and his opinions were getting under their skin, especially when he had first appeared to be the jester type. But now Thunder was showing that even he had some beliefs and a voice on things. And because of that, he was looking like a thorn in their sides rather than a jester.

He took a deep breath, and prepared to enter the town before ponies would be all over his case. However it appeared that once again there was trouble to be had, they were too busy being in a panic. Now this was getting absurd, and even a bit suspicious, so many disasters happening lately. It was starting to feel like these series of disastrous events were being caused by something. And it was now another thing Thunder had to have on his mind, this day was already looking like a doozy.

He spiraled towards the west of town towards the very same hill they saved a foal on. Only this time, he could see it was not a run away carriage, this was a lot bigger. A carriage bus full of tourists were now rolling down the hill towards the cliff, Thunder slapped his face with cringe. He groaned before flying in to help, while he spotted Rainbow Dash appearing from the behind. She tried to stop the bus, but the bus had too much momentum and force behind it, and it sent her spinning.

Before Rainbow then flew off and slammed to the ground, now it was Thunder's turn. He bolted to the ground, and slammed his hooves down, kicking up dirt before lifting his front hooves. However, as he was about to catch the tour bus carriage, Rainbow pulled her face out of the dirt. Just in time to look and see the masked mare herself appear at the very same time. She had reared her back hooves up for a buck, just as Thunder lifted his front hooves up to stop the carriage.

"Thunder! To your rear!"Rainbow alerted Thunder to Mare Do Well about to strike him in the back with a strong buck.

He gasped and growled before performing a back flip over the mare instead. Leaving Mare Do Well to buck the carriage instead to stop it, as it grounded up the dirt and forced them towards the ledge. Right where Thunder was waiting for the masked mare, he did not take well to her sneak attack. As he stood at the ledge, and prepared a good right hook for retribution. Mare Do Well widened her eyes, as she and the bus came to a slow stop right towards the ledge where he waited.

"You know…! Attacking some pony in the back is not a way to get on their good side!"Thunder yelled and swung his hoof like a solid mace, as it crushed against Mare Do Well's cheek.

He let his body serve as the final wall to stopping the carriage bus cold in it's tracks. As he sent Mare Do Well skipping in the dirt a good ten feet up the hill, right next to Rainbow Dash. Where the element of loyalty could then stomp on the mare's right hoof while letting the masked mare hold her left cheek. It throbbed in her left hoof as she looked up to Rainbow Dash, who appeared less than happy with her. And now she had a warrior letting ponies off the bus before he was approaching her as well.

"I get you're trying to be a hero, but attacking a real hero wasn't a good move!"Rainbow warned as Thunder pulled out his daggers upon approach.

"Now I think it be best to explain yourself before you get into more trouble than you can get out of…!"Thunder warned before the mare suddenly glowed with purple magic all over her body.

In a flash, Thunder and Rainbow were blinded by the purple magic that erupted. And after that flash of light, Mare Do well was gone, nothing but a bit of magic dust was left of her. This left the two to now question what had just happened, this pony was displaying more talents than a single pony could possess.

"Did she just use magic to escape us?"Rainbow asked as Thunder slowly began to nod with acceptance at what they witnessed.

"Yeah… And now we see that she's not exactly friendly towards us…!"Thunder decided on what seemed certain after he unnecessary attack on Thunder.

"Yup, that's for sure…! So what do we do now?"Rainbow asked as they watched the ponies from the bus assess what happened.

"Lets get these people back home and watch for any more Mare Do Well appearances,"Thunder decided on their next course of action regarding the masked mare and these odd occurrences of disaster,"Also… We should be watchful for anything that's causing all these chaotic mishaps…! All these disasters can't be coincidental."

Rainbow nodded, just as Thunder spotted something on the back of the bus carriage. He walked over and slapped his hoof down on the back of the carriage to scoop that something up. He felt it up a bit in his hoof as it fell through the sides of it like sand, hot sand to be precise. He then presented the hot gray substance to Rainbow Dash, and they recognized what it was instantly. Ashes, and where there is ashes among a scene of chaos, there had to be only one type of pony that would produce such a thing.

"Cinder ponies!"Thunder and Rainbow Dash realized, knowing that they now have a suspect for the catastrophes plaguing the town.

Now that they knew there was a Cinder pony among the town, caution was needed. It seemed like chaos was all around them, Cinders on one end, and a masked Bolt supporter on the other. Like the warriors did not have enough enemies to worry about, it was enough to make some crazy. However, it only made Thunder ever more watchful, even after missing out on a day of sleep. And it also made him less in the mood for any non sense, funny Thunder had left the building.

As the day moved on, things were tensed, they wee all basically waiting for the next disaster. And two hours later, that next disaster came in a colossal way that they once again, did not expect. By unknown freakish events, a construction site was suddenly erupting into disaster. All of it beginning with a short circuit from a crane before smoke and a bit of flame exploded from it. Causing the crane to spiral out of control and slam it's cargo into the side of a sky scraper.

Now the place was starting to crumble and fall apart, the building was doomed. But the ponies were the most important part, and now they were in the middle of the disaster. Thankfully the two Pegasus ponies were already converging, and they were quick to take a sharp look around. Seeing as all the ponies screamed and desperately tried to evade the tumbling debris. So far they could not see a suspect or cause, so they switched to rescue mode and went for all the ponies they could save.

Though the debris field proved difficult to maneuver and make out, it was all over the place. A flyer would be at a disadvantage for such a conflict, thankfully Rainbow and Thunder weren't the ordinary team of flyers. After a minute they were able to enter through the debris field with little issue. Aside from some bumps and bruises from falling junk and building pieces, they got in. And at the same time, they spotted none other than Mare Do Well entering the disaster site as well.

While Rainbow Dash and Thunder were able to swoop in to quickly snatch up the smaller ponies. While Thunder was able to view an odd and somewhat familiar trick the mare was doing. She was strangely able to predict where all the debris and rubble was going to land around her. Allowing the masked vigilante to scoop up many other ponies and take them to safety. Thunder tilted his head at this interesting trick, and decided to one up the mare, for she too was missing other ponies.

There was almost a hundred workers still, and the sky scraper was about to collapse. Thunder knew they would not be able to save all the workers like this, four ponies per round around the area. Too slow for Rainbow and Thunder at the moment, even slower for Mare Do Well due to her more cautious approach. Thunder realized all this after collecting a third group of ponies. Thankfully he was able to easily decide on using a secret weapon to buy them all the time they needed.

"Hey Rainbow! Seems like Mare Do Well likes to show off a bit of her talents!"Thunder called out to Rainbow Dash as he charged into the sky scraper that was slowly toppling over.

"Is that right?"Rainbow called before she saw the whole building coming down.

"Yeah! I think she also needs a lesson! You know…! Just to be safe!"Thunder got under the falling building as ponies screamed from underneath.

He let the electricity surge through his fur and alight through his markings. And in another flash of lighting, time was practically frozen, and Thunder was going at light speed once again. He looked around, and flew around the area, collecting ponies at his own leisurely pace within light speed. Collecting the ponies became a breeze, it was just like moving light weight poniquins. Picking them up and sitting them outside the disaster zone between Rainbow Dash and Mare Do Well.

At one point, he was tempted to rip off Mare Do Well's mask half way through the evacuation. But then he remembered that the ponies were more important than a personal endeavor. So he looked away from the mare and continued rescuing all the rest of the ponies. Till there was no more to find, and that was when his work was done, now he could cease his light speed. He stood next to Rainbow Dash and took in a deep breath before a flash of static ceased his light speed.

Allowing all the other ponies to shake themselves out of the light speed trance. It got so much easier to do as they witnessed the sky scraper shaking the ground after crashing to the ground. Dust developed all over the area, ponies were all covered in it as the building turned to a scrap pile. Thunder wiped the dirt on his face and patiently waited for the dirt to settle. So that they could all see another disaster prevented from also becoming a tragic freak accident, the rubble pile was quickly able to be seen.

And all that every pony was thinking at the moment was that they were glad to be alive. This left the two Pegasus ponies to nod in respect with what was done, Rainbow was at long last starting to feel like a real hero. However, this feeling needed to be put on hold as they both turned to Mare Do Well.

"Mare Do well! You have a bit of explaining to do. No more games, you!"Thunder's voice boomed and caught the attention of the mysterious mare.

"What's up with the whole Bolt get up? And why did you attack Thunder when we were all saving those tourists?"Rainbow Dash asked the questions while Mare Do Well gave them a lifted eye brow of confusion.

"What are you fighting for? You trying to bring back the Bolts? Explain yourself!"Thunder demanded answers while the masked mare backed away and looked for an escape route.

Thankfully her chance came in the form of a Cinder pony emerging from the wreckage. One that was oddly blue eyed as he stretched out his Pegasus wings to shrug off the building collapse. Mare Do Well glared, and pointed behind Thunder and Rainbow, fooling them into turning around. The Cinder was instantly spotted as he turned to the crowd and the two Pegasus ponies. They exchanged stares, leaving Mare Do Well to make her escape, rather than help face the cause of these disasters.

"Cat's out of the bag it seems… We must go before our light speed warrior catches us."The Cinder oddly spoke to himself before a sphere of green magic surrounded him.

"Oh no you don't!"Thunder and Rainbow yelled before flying towards the Cinder to stop his escape.

Unfortunately they missed their opportunity, for the Cinder was fully swallowed by the magic. Before it all vanished in a flash of magic, just as they went clean through the area of effect. They looked back to where their suspect stood, fuming a bit that they failed to catch the source of the problem. Not only that, Mare Do Well took the cowards way out by using the real problem to escape. This left them with an even more developed distaste for the vigilante after pulling this stunt.

"So we know it's another abnormal Cinder! Now we just need to capture and destroy him."Thunder decided on their next course of action regarding the trouble brewing Cinder.

"And we need to do something about Mare Do Well, because she just used that guy to escape,"Rainbow pointed out the masked mare's conduct when she was trying to escape,"If she were a REAL hero, she would have stood by our side and helped stop the Cinder."

"Exactly…! Instead she did her deed here and took off leaving the rest to others,"Thunder agreed while recognizing the very same type of behavior that was done by Bolts in the past,"Just like a Bolt would. It was never truly about the people, it was about doing deeds and then soaking in support for a personal cause…!"

"So is Mare Do Well officially an enemy?"Rainbow asked while they watched the workers finally start to collect themselves from all the chaos.

"It's starting to look that way… But we'll never know till we capture her and unmask her."Thunder decided before he decided to take off to the sky to watch over the town while Rainbow was slow to follow.

Another few hours later they were both on their way to the Ponyville dam. Thunder had received an anonymous tip that Mare Do Well was arriving to the dam for unknown reasons. Though from how the tip sounded, it was almost like the masked mare was going there to meet some pony. So it was imperative that they flew to the dam and see if they could learn a little something about Mare Do Well. They wasted no time arriving to the dam and noticed a tiny crack within it's stone wall.

They passed it over for now, but they would patch it up when their main mission was done. So they landed atop of the stone dam and looked around, there were very few workers for today. That would explain the lack of up keep that was being done to the dam with those cracks. Then again, it made little sense that not a lot of employees were not here, and whatever employees there were seemed to be looking the other way. Perhaps a meeting was taking place, and it required that no pony witnessed it.

"Is your anonymous tip trust worthy? Cause So far I'm not seeing anything suspicious."Rainbow asked while looking down to the crack that began to leak with water.

"Of course she is. It's your little fan Scootaloo after all. She's been following Mare Do Well much like the way she follows you…!"Thunder explained as he watched the employees going down for a lunch break.

"Really? Did she seem…ok?"Rainbow oddly asked while judging the crack in the dam.

"What do you mean by that? You did talk to her didn't you?Thunder asked while Rainbow sighed and shrugged her shoulders a bit.

"A little bit, but she still seemed a bit… Scared. Like… I wasn't the mare she looked up to any more…"Rainbow lowered her head a bit to think about the talk she had with Scootaloo.

She did apologize, and she did explain that she was going to change the way she was as a hero. But it seemed to bring little peace to the filly, she had simply responded with, I just don't know who my hero is any more. This deeply upset Rainbow, her pride and joy shattered to pieces. And her friends actually behaved as if she deserved this, all because of letting the glory go to her head. Thunder sighed and walked to her side as they watched the crack together to offer support.

"She'll understand with time… Some things take time to heal and learn from,"Thunder insisted that patience was needed for this struggle to finally end for her,"All you can do, is keep on flying high and doing what you know is right."

"I just hope it's not too much time… She reall-"Rainbow took notice of a green spark and great flame erupting from the crack, and gasped the moment it all then exploded.

Their ears rang the moment the dam exploded in a blaze of red and green fire. Stone chunks, rocks flew in all directions as water gushed over the dam and swept Rainbow Dash away. She screamed while Thunder had barely escaped the water and flew right above the dam that collapsed. He gasped and prepared to try a more recent trick he was hoping to try out. He growled and let a yellow glow surround him, as he felt out for any metallic interiors that helped create the dam.

He felt his body growing heavy, his muscles turned to solid lead from within. As static starting to spark through out the air around him, causing stone pebbles and tiny metal nails to lift off the ground. He took a deep breath in and watched heavier materials start to levitate. He needed full concentration for this to work, he was basically turning himself into a living magnet. One that would be able to pick up all the broken pieces and meld them back together as they once were.

However, he was not given the chance to use this new ability to save the dam. For he instantly got interrupted by a sudden blast of fire scorching and digging deep into his back. His concentration was ruined as he processed the blast of fire that left a large charred mark in the center of his back. He groaned and resisted the urge to scream as he fell onto his belly in pain. He turned to his left and there he saw the suspect himself, all disguised in the form of a dam worker, but his blue eyes gave him away.

Thunder slowly went to get up on weakened legs as he growled at the approaching back stabber. He twisted his neck to pop it, before he faced the disguised enemy that found his pain amusing. He looked to Rainbow as she screamed while being washed away by the river, he then had to look back to the enemy.

"You warriors should be more careful! Never should your backs be exposed!"The pony mocked as Thunder slowly pulled out both daggers to challenge the foe.

"Well I've got a strong back…! So I think I'll be just fine…!"Thunder pointed both daggers at the enemy like a gladiator.

The stallion responded by surrounding himself with fire and green magic before a change occurred. Fake flesh, blood, and fur faded away in a flash to show off an ash made body. As well as an insect like body of complete blackness, this discovery took a shocking turn of events. As a Cinder pony stood before Thunder, while a changeling was latched around the Cinder like a back pack. But for this meeting, the changeling detached and stood next to the Cinder's side.

"So the rumors are true…! Changelings and Cinders are working together,"Thunder realized the horrifying truth that started to become more apparent from this sight,"Heh… What? Did you guys just now realize that you're absolute wastes of time alone, so you both decided to team up?"

"We've grown to discover that there is much common ground between us. You fools protect the weak while the strong fight for ourselves."the Cinder Pegasus explained while slowly pulling out a cinder obsidian short sword.

"Now it is time for us the strong to rise, and crumble these weaklings at last,"The changeling hissed and fluttered it's bug like wings to prepare for a wild attack,"While the strong finally get to take what they fought for so long! That time has now COME!"

"Wow…! You Cinders really have fooled those bug eyed freaks! Congrats!"Thunder mocked while he took a sharp and quick glance to Rainbow Dash.

"They just see the truth and future that this world deserves to have."The Cinder professed that the changelings merely understood their personal stance.

"And your future…! Is DEATH!"The changeling hissed before jumping forth and going for Thunder's neck.

The warrior was quick to back hoof with his dagger and jam it into the right hoof of the changeling. He locked the changeling in and head butted the bug, taking his eyes off the Cinder. Giving the ash pony his opportunity to charge and ram Thunder in the stomach. Forcing them to roll and crash all over the dam, he manage to throw the changeling off in time to block the short sword. Before kicking the Cinder off and jumping to his hooves while the Cinder and changeling trapped him on both sides.

He round housed the changeling and slammed his daggers against the sword. Before he was sweeping, and clashing blades with the Cinder, while his sweeping helped him evade the changelings magic. As he fought with the duo, this left Rainbow Dash with her own problem.

She was slapping around and kicking as she struggled against the current. The water proved powerful, and Rainbow had next to no control over what the water was doing to her. However her strength was then put to the ultimate test once she was able to keep her head above the water. A scream rang in her ears that chilled her spine even more than the frigid water did. She looked around, and there she spotted the flailing tan hooves of none other than Scootaloo struggling in the water.

She gasped, confusion went through her mind at first for the thought of a filly being in such a place. She then shook her head and summoned reserved strength to bravely fight the water. While Scootaloo was losing a fight to keep her head above the water, she was about to drown.

"Hang on Scoots! Just keep paddling as much as you can!"Rainbow shouted and swam as hard and fast as she could to the struggling filly.

"HELP! HELP!"Scootaloo desperately screamed for help before the water finally forced her under the crags and foam.

Rainbow Dash instinctively made a dive for the filly, vanishing into the water as well. She was able to wrap her hooves around the filly before she had gone too deep into the merciless water. She then used her wings to help ascend the both of them up and out of the rushing rapids. She looked around and panted in a panic to find a way out of the water and onto safe ground. She finally decided to settle for the side of the chasm were this was plenty of space for the both of them.

So the element of loyalty summoned the last of her strength and swam to the craggy shore. Her breathing became difficult to maintain, her whole body was already being reduced to jelly from the inside. She panted and used the only hoof she could spare while the other held onto Scootaloo. She spit out some water, and made desperate lunge for the rocks to grip onto them tight. Before she was able to pull herself and the filly onto the shore and out of the deadly rapids.

She put Scootaloo as far up on the shore as she could before getting herself out of the water. Before Rainbow herself crawled out of the water and moved as much as she could. Getting a nice and reasonable distance away from the rapids before she then laid on her back. Giving her the chance she needed to take deep and steady breaths to relax her exhausted body. While Scootaloo coughed and choked to spit out some water and recover from the near death experience.

Soon the filly was also breathing heavy and gasping for some fresh life giving air. She looked up to the sky that she was still able to see, the sun was bright and shiny in her eyes. Even before she was able to swing her drenched tom boy mane out of her face, and whip it behind her head. Slowly her head turned to the right where Scootaloo could then meet her hero. While Rainbow Dash turned her head to look to her biggest fan, and smile to see that the filly was not hurt.

"Hey squirt… That's quite the aqua dynamic mane you got there…!"Rainbow was able to make a small joke and a chuckle with her weakened voice and breathing.

"Rainbow Dash…? Did you just…save me?"Scootaloo asked as Rainbow struggled to get comfortable on the rocky shore.

"Well… I wasn't about to just let a filly drown. Not when she's made my life mean something to me…"Rainbow answered as she began to breath more easily with the filly.

"I made your life…mean something? What's that suppose to mean?"Scootaloo asked with confusion, such a thing seemed a bit far fetched.

"You gave me a deeper sense of meaning of my life, didn't you see how I was when you and your fellow fans were praising me,"Rainbow Dash explained and looked back to the sky as she remembered all the cheers of the children,"I never felt so appreciated and loved in my life…! I really did feel like I meant something to others…"

"Then why did you act the way you did with Thunder?"Scootaloo asked the big question while Rainbow Dash kept gazing up to the sky.

"I made the mistake of letting it all go to my head… I was so filled with every pony's praise that I…wanted more,"Rainbow admitted the inflated ego and desire for every pony's love had started to get out of hoof,"And so… Thunder had to teach me what happens when egos get too big from the constant praise… Now I'm an enemy to every pony in town…"

"What…? How?! How are you suddenly enemy number one in Ponyville?"Scootaloo exclaimed with disbelief that Rainbow's name had been tarnished so quickly.

"Thunder made me realize… Ponies will believe what they want to. I assaulted several ponies and kids including you,"Rainbow explained the mistakes she made that ruined her role as a hero to the ponies,"I did a bad thing, and now I'm paying for it in full. Just like Thunder was always willing to do just so ponies could sleep safer at night."

"But… It was an accident! You were mad and Thunder was teasing and baiting you…!"Scootaloo started to actually defend Rainbow Dash's actions from before.

"He was teaching me a lesson, and he knew many would hate him for what he did,"Rainbow explained the hard lesson she learned from Thunder's baiting trick,"If he hadn't have done that. I would have become a far worse pony, and who knows what I could have lost… Besides… You did hear him say that he is to blame right?"

Scootaloo looked down for a moment, remembering the fight between Rainbow and Thunder. After remembering his words and all the regret she could see on his face from the issue. She had to nod her head before laying on her side to look to the Pegasus that showed such humility.

"I know you would never really mean to hurt me…"Scootaloo admitted with peace and understanding about Rainbow and Thunder.

"Never have… And I never will squirt…"Rainbow reached for Scootaloo and pulled her into a hug.

They let their hug last, while they listened to the rushing waters of the dam's rapids. Peace was at last been made between the fan and the hero she looked up to, their smiles held deep meaning. The flowers and grass that tried to protrude through the stone and rocky shores of the ridge. They all moved with the gentle breeze as any further tension turned to nothing among the two. Leaving them able to understand each other and move on to what really mattered, the issue at hoof.

"Gotta pick myself up and help Thunder… Also… Mind telling me why you came here?"Rainbow finally managed to sit up and brush herself off a bit while flapping her wings.

"I was Thunder's informant, remember? So I wanted to come here and catch Mare Do Well in the act,"Scootaloo explained the reason she came to such a potentially dangerous place,"I was… Going to make a fan club about her but… That's when Thunder warned me about her…"

"She's reckless… Even more reckless than me…! She does some good deeds here and there, but only that,"Rainbow Dash explained while ringing out her wet rainbow mane,"She attacked Thunder, left me and Thunder to try and capture the Cinder pony that was causing all these disasters, and now she's nowhere in sight…!"

"Actually… I think she just showed up…!"Scootaloo warned after seeing purple magic surround the rocks and start to lift up broken pieces of the dam.

"What do you mean by…that…?"Rainbow asked before seeing the answer in the form of stone, rocks and metal pieces floating up in purple magic.

Their eyes widened, as they witnessed Mare Do Well standing on atop of a cliff. As she showed a sudden horn on her forehead glowing with the purple magic that commanded the debris. It was all floating up and being taken towards the dam, right where Thunder was fighting the changeling and Cinder. The debris began to spiral and surround the dam before starting to build the dam like a puzzle. And Thunder was right in the middle of a torrent of dam pieces flying at him and his enemies.

"Thunder! Heads up! It's Mare Do Well!"Rainbow yelled out to warn Thunder of the incoming magic of the masked mare.

"What?"Thunder called back as he turned to see a flying rock twirling towards the back of his head.

The changeling saw an opportunity and hissed before lunging for the stallion again. He ducked under and let the flying rock smash the changeling in the face as the Cinder vaulted over his partner. Thunder prepared to cross blades, only to then have to slice through two stone slabs. Before he barely managed to block the short sword with an X block and double slash the chest. The Cinder backed up and thrust forward as his chest healed from the slash across the chest.

Thunder fell on his back to dodge three round bits of rock before lifting his leg up. Allowing him to kick the Cinder in the gut and force him to fly forward and roll behind him. The Cinder slammed his back against the flowing water from the broken dam and instantly screamed. The ice cold water burned like acid and caused a torrent of steam to explode from his back. He groaned and felt a bit of a struggle getting back up, only to get a very fast glimpse of his demise.

As Thunder then surprised him by being right in the ashen pony's face at the ready. As he rammed both kris daggers in a scissor like formation into the Cinder's chest, crushing the heart instantly. He yelled and gagged, his heart burned and turned to dust as he felt himself ready to burst into flames. He groaned as Thunder stood tall over him and twisted his blades into the wound with a smirk.

"Do me a favor…! Have a nice swim!"Thunder taunted and yanked his daggers out of the Cinder before performing a round house.

A round house that kicked the screaming Cinder in his bursting chest with great force. Sending the Cinder slamming into the flowing water fall where he then exploded with a bubbly scream. Flames erupted, but the water managed to contain the fiery explosion before vanishing down into the rapids. Thunder chuckled and pointed a dagger down to taunt his fallen foe. While the dam was slowly repairing all around him thanks to Mare Do Well, but one thing was forgotten.

The changeling had finally recovered from the sudden rock in the face that left him dazed. His only other injury was a gash on his forehead that leaked green blood down the side of his left eye. He growled and witnessed the destruction of the Cinder pony he worked with. He grumbled and hissed before running at Thunder, his actions were easy to noticed as Thunder heard him coming. So he readied himself by turning around and had his daggers ready to ram them up his gut and hollow him out.

Only to then feel another rock for the dam swing forth and crack him in the back of the head. It shook his vision, leaving Thunder opened to get tackled by the changeling. Sending the both of them falling off the dam and plummeting towards the water as the dam was almost fully repaired. Thunder let his weapons disappear so he could grip at the changeling's hissing jaws. As they tumbled down the dam towards the water, there was no avoiding a dip in the water.

So he at least made sure the changeling did not enjoy his swim in the ice cold water. He did this by head butting the changeling in the jaw and snapping it open, letting him scream in pain. He then ended it with a hard kick to force the changeling away from him. Allowing Thunder to brace for impact and hit the water hard, while the changeling widened his eyes to an even worse fate. It was in the form of a sharp pillar of rock sticking out of the water as it rammed right through the changeling's chest.

Rainbow Dash covered Scootaloo's eyes as the changeling struggled with the pillar. Before he finally gave in and went limp, dying and dangling like a doll as green blood oozed into the water. Rainbow Dash continued to keep the filly adverted away from the changeling. While she then looked around for Thunder, he vanished almost instantly the moment he hit the water. He may have been a warrior, but it soon became clear that it did not mean that the warrior's weren't invincible.

"Thunder?! Thunder! Where are you?!"Rainbow rushed to the edge of the water that started to calm down the moment the dam was fully repaired.

"Try looking to your right, mare…! I'm kind of hard to missed!"Thunder suddenly yelled from her right in desperation.

Rainbow Dash looked to her right and saw Thunder holding onto the shore panting. While one hoof dangled in the water, the other held on tight to the rocks to keep him from being swept away. Rainbow rushed to the stallion, offering a hoof that he gladly took up on the offer. He grabbed her hoof tightly, and let the rainbow maned Pegasus pull him out from the relaxing rapids. She dragged him all the way over to Scootaloo where they could all sit together and recover.

He groaned and cracked his neck with no amusement for what happened this day. He sat up and contemplated from the fight, all the way to him sitting with Rainbow and Scootaloo. Before he looked to his right fore arm to see that it was dangling like a noodle, and way out of it's socket. The two tom boyish ladies cringed after seeing his fore arm bent the wrong way. Until Rainbow decided to be the brave one and give him a hoof with the dislocated limb.

"Here…! Might wanna take a deep breath."Rainbow grasped onto his noodle like limb while he only snickered.

"Not my first time handling these kind of wounds. Go nuts…!"He joked and looked at Rainbow so respectfully as he braced to have his fore arm popped back into his stomach.

He never took his eyes off Rainbow as she sweated and willingly aided him with an injury. Regardless of who she was and what she believed, Rainbow was certainly a hard working friend. And just because she seemed to rock the tough mare look, he knew there was still a lady in her. Something he could not help but remember and like in a mare, much like how he liked Cloudlia. He cringed the moment he felt the pop of his fore arm sling shooting back into place, and a sharp jar of bone.

A grunt left his lips before he released and exhausted deep breath of sweet relief. Before he then got the green to move his fixed up limb and flex it a bit to get the feeling going. While Scootaloo was finally allowed to look, and only see two grown Pegasus ponies looking like they were into each other.

"So… Any pony wanna sum up what happened in this cluster fudge?"Scootaloo asked as they saw Mare Do Well simply looking at the dam and nodding with satisfaction.

"Lets see…! Mare Do Well has muscle, speed, the gift of predicting things before they happen, and she can apparently do magic…!"Rainbow Dash assessed while Thunder rung out his mane.

"And she just proved to us that she's a reckless mare that could have gotten some pony killed,"Thunder added as he glared to the masked mare that looked back to them,"And she sure seems bent on trying to take me out every chance she gets…! Am I missing anything?"

He got an answer in the form of Mare Do Well's most shocking choice of escape. She had suddenly then shot up into the air after a sudden flash of purple magic. Wings had then appeared on her back, and immediately started flapping as she then took off through the air. Startling the trio of Pegasus ponies, this pony appeared to have every talent in her arsenal. This was abominable and almost too much to believe, and it only made the masked mare only more of a threat.

"Well… Apparently she can fly too…! She can do basically…EVERYTHING!"Rainbow exclaimed as Thunder looked away with very real anger for the pony's unnatural gifts.

"And that's a HUGE problem…! Mare Do Well has proven where her recklessness and loyalty lies,"Thunder decided after this final straw with the masked mare and her messy good deeds,"We need to talk with your friends and whatever warriors we can find immediately…!We need to discuss a way to deal with this dangerous vigilante!"

"Till then… No matter what happens Scoots…! Don't trust Mare Do Well, or any pony that supports her,"Rainbow looked to Scootaloo while the filly was being warmed and a lit with spirit from her hero's compassion,"Just stay safe with your friends, and let us handle this…!"

"I… I will…! I promise."Scootaloo agreed and promised Rainbow Dash that she would be safe.

Rainbow nodded and patted the filly back for her promise she vowed to keep. With that, the bond of hero and fan was strengthen to a great degree, almost as if equal respect was between them. Thunder was more than pleased to finally see peace come between Rainbow and Scootaloo at long last.

With that, the two Pegasus ponies were able to take Scootaloo back home. She simply needed a bath so she didn't smell like wet pony and moss, so there was no further issues. Nothing to stop Thunder and Rainbow from finally returning to the town on an urgent mission. First they needed to alert their friends to what was happening, thankfully some kids were willing to tell them where every pony was. So their next stop brought the two of them to the always favorite Sugar Cube Corner.

There was no more time for games, this mare needed to be stopped before she did something worse than what Rainbow could have done. Unfortunately, some ponies did not share the same opinions of what they knew from logic and experience. Upon entering the gingerbread house, they were met with a shocking sight. Twilight and all the other mares were chatting it up with crazy gossip. All of which were about Mare Do Well, not about the things she actually did, but what they believed she did.

"Gotta hoof it to the girl, that Mare Do Well sure can pull off some heroic feats!"Applejack complimented about Mare Do Well's actions and good deeds she was performing.

"I must say, I was impressed by that spell she used to fix the dam,"Twilight gossiped about Mare Do Well's reckless dam repair that nearly got Thunder, Rainbow, and Scootaloo killed,"Seems like something like that would take quite a bit of studying…!"

"Ugh…! You ladies are going way overboard with this Mare Do Well thing. She's not that great,"Orion casually spoke from the candy bar where he was given a root beer float,"Thunder was the one that got to the source of the series of recent disasters while the mare just cashed in on all the good deeds for attention."

"Yeah, right! She's not that kind of mare…!"Pinkie shooed off Orion's assumption with a giggle and fan of her hoof.

"You don't know that…! You don't keep tabs on what she does…!"Orion argued while the girls just laughed Orion off.

"She really cares about every pony's safety…!"Fluttershy chirped about the mare's compassion that Rainbow and Thunder knew was not true.

"Have you seen her costume? It is to die for! If you ask me, she's a hero of fashion!"Rarity exclaimed as Orion saw Thunder and Rainbow Dash at the door, and saw a look on Thunder's face that he rarely ever saw.

"Uh…I think you all need to shut up about Mare Do Well right now…!"Orion warned as the two new comers slowly walked forward to meet with the others.

"And she's modest and humble. She lets actions speak for themselves. Gotta admire that!"Applejack complimented even more so before Orion made a loud and clear for them to hear.

He then slowly pointed out the arrivals of Thunder and Rainbow Dash for them. They turned to see the two friends wearing some looks that were very new and not the kind they wanted to see. However the mares giggled it off and decided to try and greet them casually.

"Ah…! And here come our next group of heroes. Good to see you again, Rainbow Dash, Thunder!"Rarity politely chirped while Thunder suddenly blasted steam from his nose in her face.

"Mare Do Well… Is a menace who cares nothing for other ponies! She only cares about the reputation she can build for herself at our expense,"There mares gasped at the sudden yell that came from Thunder of all ponies,"So do me a favor…! Shut the buck up! Because your hero almost got me, Rainbow, and Scootaloo KILLED!"

"Excuse me…?!"Rarity gasped with great offense for Thunder suddenly snapping at her.

"We beg your pardon? What has your tail in a twist?"Applejack added as Thunder sat with Orion and ordered a drink.

"Yeah! Where's goofy funny dirty Thunder?!"Pinkie questioned before Rainbow pushed through them to answer.

"We've been stuck cleaning up after Mare Do Well! She's a walking disaster,"Rainbow Dash exclaimed while her friends shot her a bunch of confused looks,"Not only did she try to attack Thunder. But she nearly got him killed while he was fighting the cause of all these chaotic mishaps around town!"

"Turns out it was a changeling and a Cinder working together to sabotage and start trouble around town,"Thunder explained while Orion listened intensively at the mere mention of changelings,"They were most likely doing it to keep us distracted on the town while they're free to do whatever they're doing in that forest…!"

"Ugh… Changelings…"Orion groaned and held his head in stress.

"Guess that can happen when you get in bed with a bad bug…"Thunder did his best to make a joke about an odd connection Orion appeared to have with the changelings.

"Well surely Mare Do Well was aware of this, and I'm sure she didn't mean all these things you guys are saying,"Twilight decided to try and defend the actions of Mare Do Well,"Everything she did was for the ponies of Ponyville! You two aren't the only "heroes" in this town…!"

"Yeah…She definitely didn't distract us with the changeling and Cinder to make a quick escape…!"Thunder chuckled and took up his drink while making fun of the mares.

"Or caused Thunder to get pelted and banged up by debris while he fought that changeling and Cinder,"Rainbow added while Orion read the look on Thunder's face and nodded to what they were saying,"Scootaloo was there too! And she almost got killed if I wasn't there to get her to shore! Where was Mare Do Well on THAT!"

"Here we go! Rainbow's gotta go and brag about what she's been doing…!"Applejack groaned only to get a small shock that made her mane stand up a bit.

"That's not what this is about! Stop assuming things and listen for once you catty cow!"Thunder yelled as his mane glowed a bit with static.

"Hey!"A cow poked her head threw the window in protest.

"Not you Betsy!"Thunder informed to get the cow to leave them to their conversation.

"Mare Do Well is doing good deeds, but that's all she was doing while we were getting to the bottom of all the chaos,"Rainbow argued from what her and Thunder experienced out there,"She was basically just cashing in on some good deeds to do so others would appreciate her!"

"Kind of like what you're always doing?"Pinkie asked before she too got a bit of static shot her way.

"She hasn't done that in days ever since me and her stepped out together couple days ago!"Thunder argued after Pinkie tried to justify Mare Do Well by attacking Rainbow about what she did.

"Right…! Because you're such a good influence for other ponies…!"Applejack sarcastically mused at Thunder before Orion decided to stand up for them.

"You mares clearly don't know my comrade if you think he's just a stallion of many dirty, funny, and unserious words,"Orion announced to all the mares as the argument started to get more heated,"Just because Thunder likes to be funny and laid back does not mean he's a bad influence, it doesn't mean he can't be taken serious, and it doesn't mean that his opinions don't matter."

"We never assumed that…! We just feel that he's been more of an enabler and now he's defending Rainbow Dash and shooting down Mare Do Well,"Twilight tried to make their argument more valid while attacking Thunder,"In fact, It's starting to looking like this is just a case of Thunder defending Rainbow's jealousy for Mare Do Well!"

"JEALOUSY?!"Rainbow exclaimed at the sudden accusation that she was just jealous.

"REALLY?! If that's what you dumb mares think! Orion, go ahead and show them what happened that day,"Thunder laughed furiously and patted Rainbow's back to get her leaving with him,"Don't worry you'll all learned what happened and you'll see what I'm all about!"

The mares only glared at him for being so fiercely defensive and coldly factual with them. He only snickered at their sour looks for getting snapped at and told off by a stallion they clearly did not know as well as they thought. While Orion nodded and got out a glowing block of crystal full of images to show from a couple days ago.

"ALSO! Mare Do Well is officially an enemy of mine! And the next time I see her,"Thunder yelled and pulled out his dagger while Rainbow Dash stormed out of the building,"I'm gonna skin her alive! So I hope you mares enjoyed that masked menace's presence while you could-"

He paused for a moment while the mares gasped with horror at his warning. Giving him a chance to notice a little something out of the ordinary, that little something was a purple and black welt. One that was marked across Applejack's cheek and partially shaped like a hoof print.

"Nice welt by the way, AJ…! I wonder how that could have happened…!"Applejack suddenly stepped back while Thunder snickered and finally left the building.

"Alright, that was…quite the show of ridiculous tension…! So you five are clearly misinformed about the recent events,"Orion held up the crystal and prepared to project the images held within,"I think you all need a reality check on what happened between Rainbow and Thunder days ago…!"

While Orion went to clarify things for the clearly misunderstanding group of elements. Thunder finally got outside and released a steamy growl and groan of frustration at last. He shook his head and huffed before he was able to contain himself again, the fire these mares had in them. It was making his spine act out in confusion, not knowing if it was chilled or burning alive inside. It could only be matched by the destroyed Rainbow Dash, her own friends dared to say that her and Thunder were the problem.

They told Thunder that he was an enabler and she was just jealous of Mare Do Well. They truly were clueless and that ignorant about what was going on, they were merely trusting what they hear. Rainbow was truly starting to feel alone in this debate, but Thunder would not let that be so.

"Hey, we know what really happened…! So your friends are just buying a load of trash,"Thunder made their case clear while putting a hoof onto her shoulder,"Orion will sort them out like he always does. Till then WE will handle this Mare Do Well thing, and end it once and for all."

"Even if it means our friends won't like us any more?"Rainbow Dash asked the big question that challenged everything Thunder had taught her.

"Yeah… But don't worry. I have a feeling they'll learn a serious lesson from Orion and get the facts for a change,"Thunder patted her shoulder before they had suddenly shared a moment once Rainbow looked to him,"We just wait and see if Mare Do Well shows up again… And that's that."

'If you say so,"Rainbow asked as they shared in this moment of trust and deep respect that grew between them,"I should… Go see how Scoots is going… I'll see you later…!"

"Yeah… I'm sure we will…!"Thunder admitted and watched the brave mare slowly fly away, while his mind got stuck on the look she gave him.

Her look of doubt that would suddenly fade as soon as she saw the look he gave back. It felt like no matter what, her spirit stayed lit by seeing him look at her with trust and reassurance. He sighed and finally turned back, he was in the mood to get some much needed sleep. So he chose the lazy way out and sit against the wall of Sugar Cube Corners, where he could relax and contemplate on what all happened. And that's when he finally recognized the look that Rainbow Dash gave him.

"She's got Cloudlia's spirited look…"Thunder sighed and looked up to watch the clouds while laying back to rest.

And now he had the cloud ponies back on his mind, his dream was coming with it. Slowly he closed his eyes and began to just let the memories do their worse so they could end. What really stood out to him was that life changing choice he made, once the chaos had started and death was demanded. He made a choice that helped shape him into the stallion he was now. The choice to save a life, rather than take it alongside his own kind that demanded blood from the innocent.

---

He remembered that day, the screams of the cloud ponies before Bolts were slaughtering them. Cutting their necks and their chests, watching them explode into condensation and moisture. Before that too would fade, and they no longer existed in the world of Equestria. However not all the blood spilled was mere moisture and air, some of it was truly dripping red blood. Coming from the drenched daggers of Thunder himself, as he ran with the daughter of the cloud pony mayor.

He held on tight to her hoof while the other was coated in the blood of a former Bolt comrade. He was struggling to believe that he had just slashed open the jugular of his comrade. And he did it for the cloud pony mare he felt an obligation to protect from the chaos that surrounded them. All these ponies he once called his brothers and sisters, murdering and cutting up the innocent cloud ponies. Even foals were thrown to the ground and stabbed like they were ritualistic sacrifices.

Cloudlia had tears flowing and swinging out from her eyes at all the death and destruction. Groups of three to four yanking and pulling down buildings to watch them exploded into nothing. While the Bolts hollered and yipped with happiness and glory to see it all breaking apart and coming down. While Cloudlia could only whimper and scream to see her people dying all around her. It was then that a Bolt suddenly slammed down in front of Thunder and Cloudlia.

"Hold it right there! Where do you think you're running off to, Thunder?"It was one of the sociopathic stallions that approached them and took out a scimitar sword.

"We're heading out…! Plain and simple, Nimbus Sting. Is there a problem?"Thunder questioned while the Bolt noticed the blood on Thunder's kris daggers.

"Yeah… You killed Breeze Beat for following orders…!"The stallion spoke of the mare Thunder killed to save Cloudlia.

"She was in my way…! And I never was one for illegal massacre of a race!"Thunder spat while slowly lifting his dagger up to challenge.

"We do as we're told Thunder…! It's what they pay us for, so we do it regardless,"Nimbus tried to justify the genocide of the cloud ponies that screamed and died all around them,"We're all meant to be monsters…! There's no stopping it! It's just how the world works, and that's how it'll always work…!"

"Not while guys like me and prince Orion are around…! So go buck yourself Nimbus, and step aside!"Thunder warned as his legs built strength for a quick and easy kill.

"Can't let you do that…! No pony can know what happened here…! And if you won't fall in line,"Nimbus aimed his blade at Thunder to challenge Thunder's might as a warrior,"Then you are a traitor to your country, and you need to be stopped!"

"How can you boldly stand there and justify all this simply because of money,"Cloudlia stepped forward and yelled at the stallion with mixes of sadness, sorrow, and outrage,"How can that be all that matters!? We're made of clouds and souls from the next life, and my people have shown more heart than all this! And look at you! You're flesh and blood! Where is your heart?!"

"Heh… I'll show you…! After I tear out yours-"As Nimbus threaten to take her, he paused the moment he felt a clean burning slice strike his neck.

His blade instantly split in two, as a red line of blood developed around his neck. Blood drooled out the corners of his mouth as his outfit became stained in his blood. He choked and his head shook like a leaf before it slowly slid off his neck like a clean slice of butter from the stick. Thunder slowly stood up from behind the beheaded stallion before the body fell forward. And slammed face down while his head went through the clouds and plummeted towards the dirt.

Cloudlia felt her legs shaking as she looked to Thunder with concern. While he looked at her solemnly, letting the burden of this choice sink in and accepting her fear of him. Only for Cloudlia to slowly approach him and try not to look at the dismembered body of the Bolt.

"W-why are you doing this…? You're killing your own comrades…for me…! Why?"She begged for an answer to Thunder's sudden obligation to protect her.

"They were never my comrades to begin with… And I said before that I'm not a fan of illegal genocides,"Thunder took her hoof and continued walking with her towards the Stratos air strip to escape,"But… If you want a more real answer… It's the right thing to do…"

"So… Where are you even taking me? Won't they hunt us?"Cloudlia stumbled as they entered the air strip and started to judge the directions.

"Not when we get to the kingdom. The warriors there will take my word over the Bolts,"Cloudlia asked while Thunder threw away his goggles and found the direction to go in,"Then we'll get some much needed retribution for what these killers have done…!"

"And…What will there be for me any more…? Everything here is dying…!"Cloudlia exclaimed and fell to the cloud surface as she looked back to the city that was dying.

Thunder stopped for a moment and looked back to her, seeing her on the ground like this. As she watched her home burning, and after she had told him how much she loved her people. It was all that she had, and now it was being taken away and destroyed before her very eyes. The eyes that shed the most real of tears, his heart that she warmed with her very presence began to ache. As he slowly knelt down and gripped at her shoulder, rubbing it and trying to get her to look at him just once.

With an encouraging hoof under her chin, she looked to him with a face full of sorrow and tears. A face that felt so broken was all he saw at first, but her eyes changed the moment they met his. The eyes Thunder held were full of trust and care, the emotions her face brought out of him. She then suddenly and buried her face in his chest as buildings came down all around them. She cried and hugged the stallion as he sadly held her, and let her weep for the life that was fleeing her home.

He sighed heavily and nuzzled her cheek to show her the love she helped him feel. Only to see captain Gust Cut and four more Bolts in the distance gathering above the city. He glared the moment he saw them starting to fly in V formation towards him and Cloudlia.

"I promise… We'll make your home whole again…! For now, we need to get you to safety,"Thunder responded and rubbed her back before standing Cloudlia back up,"They're coming! We need to go now! Can you trust me on this?"

"THUNDER! YOU FILTHY MURDEROUS TRAITOR!"Gust called out before Thunder shot down two Bolts with a blast of spear like lightning from his head.

He then looked back to the teary eyes Cloudlia that looked into his stare once more. Her tears threaten to obscure her vision, but his eyes kept her focused and they held only honesty in them. She swallowed her sorrow and wiped her face before the cloud pony slowly nodded.

"Good, now you might wanna hold on tight! And get ready for quite the flight!"Thunder warned before getting Cloudlia on his back and sprouting his wings wide.

"Ok…! I…I trust you…!"Cloudlia agreed while hugging his chest from behind before he lifted into the air.

"YOU CAN'T GET AWAY THUNDER! YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS BETRAYAL!"Gust called out before Thunder flapped his wings and positioned himself like a bullet.

"We'll see who pays for their crimes, Gust Cut! Now eat my bucking dust!"Thunder yelled before Cloudlia desperately held on tight the moment Thunder took off.

Gust Cut and his brigade immediately needed to stop once Thunder was at full speed. He was gone within seconds, flying like a high speed arrow shot by the strongest of crossbows. They watched as Thunder left a stream of static behind him rather than some dust for them to eat. Gust was left to fume and huff with anger, four Bolts dead and another had gone rogue. And now news of their genocide was going to be revealed to the public, but the Bolts weren't done fighting.

"Ugh…! Go and kill any survivors in this city! Nothing is allowed to live,"Gust demanded of his Bolts while staring out to the skies that grew cloudy and dark,"Once it's over, return to the base and inform the general of our success! I will remain here till then. Tell him I'm on clean up duty!"

"Yes sir! But… What will you REALLY be doing sir…?"A mare asked her captain as he sniffled and huffed.

"That cloud pony will get home sick…! So I'll wait for her to return. She has to come back eventually,"Gust Cut explained his plain before slowly walking back to the Mayor's house,"That's the perk of being monsters, private! We don't have hearts to pull us into death traps!"

"Death traps…! He calls having a heart a death trap…! Sure, whatever you say Gust…!"Thunder's voice echoed to such a thought before yell had then awaken him.

---

Thunder heard an aggressive yell that made him flail around before falling on his side. He groaned and gripped at his head while barely seeing a bit of the gingerbread wall he rested against. He growled and shook his head, before he then sat up and pounded at the wall with aggression. There was no telling how long he was out, but in a way he was happy to be awake once again. He pounded at the wall and had a moment of unsteady breathing for the dark memory he had.

"Lets see how mysterious you are without that mask!"Rainbow Dash suddenly shocked him out of his troubles as Mare Do Well herself vaulted over the gingerbread roof top.

Rainbow Dash was right on the masked mare's tail as she flew over him. Thunder glared, knowing that this was the opportunity they had to stop Mare Do Well once and for all. So he shrugged off his grief and shot into the sky before looking around, and spotting the mares. He growled and took off flying at the current speeds that Rainbow Dash went, Mare Do Well looked behind her. And her eyes widened in response the moment she saw Rainbow and Thunder coming up on her tail.

She attempted to escape by taking off into the air with her apparent set of wings. But she immediately proved herself to be a slow flyer compared to Rainbow Dash and Thunder. Ponies were gazing and pointing out the chase as they went across an apparent parade for Mare Do Well. She made a left towards the mayor's house and threatened to go through the window. Only to suddenly teleport in a flash of purple magic and appear behind them as they stopped before the building.

Thunder was able to spot the mare off the corner of his eye as she stared at him like a deer in head lights. Before she then ran on hoof into the ally ways of the town that were cramped and dark. But Thunder simply shook his head and gestured Rainbow towards the direction she ran in.

"She thinks she can lose us in there?! Give me a break!"Rainbow zoomed down to give chase while Thunder flew above the buildings to be an eye in the sky.

While Rainbow pursued the masked mare through the maze of houses, Thunder watched Mare Do Well from above. He pulled out both daggers and slammed their hilts together to make them merge. Before he then pulled them apart like rubber and let them form into a spear. He readied his weapon while his eyes remained on the mare, but it was then that he made an odd discovery. Rainbow Dash was stuck in one all way, thanks to what he could see was at least three Mare Do Wells playing cat and mouse.

They had Rainbow Dash in a bind, they were leaving her as a confused cat in the game. Whatever duplicate trick this was, Thunder would not allow Mare Do Well to escape this time. So he switched from eye in the sky to a surprise attack, he targeted one Mare Do Well, and shot down. While Rainbow Dash spotted one to go after, the other was about to whistle at Rainbow. Only to get sacked by Thunder Blitz, forcing the both of them to smash through two stone walls.

While Rainbow followed a second Mare Do Well down the steps of an ally way that bared these stone walls with holes. Thunder crashed down to the ground and choke slammed Mare Do Well. She was forced to hack and cough a bit while her hat went flying to show off her horn.

"Alright! The gig is up, Mare Do Well! Before I gut you! I want to know who you are!"Thunder demanded before a whistle got his attention.

He turned around to face the source of the taunting whistle, and found yet another masked mare. He glared at this one while the other one instantly disappeared in a flash of magic. He looked back, and immediately huffed and snorted with anger before twirling his spear at her.

"Explain! Is this really some sort of attempt to revive the Bolts?! ANSWER ME!"Thunder commanded, and the mare responded by running once again.

"Fine…! If that's how it's going to be…!"Thunder accepted this game of cat and mouse before focusing electricity into his left back hoof and standing on two legs.

He let out a deep breath and let a flash of lighting go off before he was in light speed. He smirked and started walking as he judged the trajectory and shape of this maze of houses. As he prepared a kick that was going to end this literally in a flash, he just needed to stop the mask mare.

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash had once again lost track with yet another Mare Do Well. So she needed to resort to hopping on the roof tops to try and get the drop on her. She looked to each ally way she could see from the roofs, the mare took a moment to look around to the sky. Before she realized that Thunder was missing, where he went, she did not know and she did not worry. Chances are he was doing the same thing she was, only difference was that she got lucky.

For she peered over one roof, and there she spotted the masked mare herself. Oddly enough, she was just casually walking about like a stranger in a vast city, it seemed to good to be true. But Rainbow Dash was not going to let this opportunity slip away when she was so close. So the element of loyalty took this opportunity to jump and sack Mare Do Well directly in the back. They rolled in the dirt before Rainbow Dash had at last pinned down the mare at long last, there was no escape.

"I got you now! And you're lucky it was me, and not Thunder! So now, Miss Mysterious! Mystery solved,"Rainbow yelled before gripping Mare Do Well's mask and getting the shocking reveal of Pinkie Pie herself behind the mask,"Pinkie?! Whudda huda huda duda huh?!"

"Rainbow! Take an easy! It's just us!"Twilight suddenly appeared as an unmasked Mare Do Well while Fluttershy gently floated down as another Mare Do Well.

"What…? What is all this?! Is this some kind of crazy joke, or a trick?!"Rainbow looked around to her friends that appeared from out of the shadows.

"No…! It was us…! We… We were all Mare Do Well. This started out as a lesson to teach you about bragging,"Twilight explained in a calm and worried voice as she slowly approached Rainbow Dash,"I was the one who used my magic to fix the dam that… Kind of almost got Thunder killed… And Fluttershy was the one flying around afterwards…!"

"And I was the one that saved the construction workers with my Pinkie sense…!"Pinkie explained her part before Rainbow slowly let Pinkie get up and out of the dirt.

"And Applejack was the one that stopped the carriage bus… Though her timing was a bit… Off since she nearly cracked Thunder's back in two…!"Rarity explained Applejack's roll as another Mare Do Well.

"We were trying to teach you a lesson about bragging, but we had no clue that Thunder had kind of taught you a lesson about it already,"Twilight explained their motive for becoming this mysterious masked mare,"We had no idea that we were basically rubbing it in your face and neglecting the truth of what you and Thunder were doing since then…!"

"I… I don't get it…! Why?! You're my friends! And you were all doing all this behind my back?!"Rainbow exclaimed with a bit of outrage for her friends conduct in this endeavor.

"Yes…! And we made a mistake…! We acted all deceptive and laughed at you while Thunder was willing to be frontal and serious with you,"Twilight admitted that they were just as much in the wrong as Rainbow was when she was bragging,"We should have done the same and just sat you down and talked to you about this issue instead of being a bit two faced."

"Well… Yeah…! You should have…! I would have listened to you girls if you had just said what you needed to say,"Rainbow agreed that they were in the wrong, just like she was once in the wrong,"So… If you were all Mare Do Well… Why did you all still choose to appear even after Thunder threatened to kill you?"

"We were trying to say a big good bye and make Mare Do Well disappear before we hung up the outfit,"Rarity explained their way of getting out of the issue without being murdered by a warrior,"But… We did not think about you coming after us… And we had no alternatives for escape other than run and pray that Thunder wouldn't show up…"

"Speaking of which…! Where is Thunder?"Twilight asked before they then got their answer in the form of an exploding wall.

Stone and rubble flew in all directions along with a flailing unmasked Applejack. She slammed on her back and took a pelting cloud of dust in her face while the wind left her body. She coughed and sputtered to shake off the blow, only to feel an electrical jolting hoof on her chest. While a sharp metal spear tip poked at her neck, she was pinned and at the wrong end of a spear. While Thunder growled and readied to stab the face of whoever was behind the mask and the dirt.

"Thunder stop! It's one of my friends! MY FRIENDS WERE MARE DO WELL!"Rainbow Dashed roared, thankfully it froze Thunder and made him look to her for a moment.

Before he then looked back down and saw the dirt settle to reveal one of several unmasked Mare Do Wells. Applejack was panting and catching her breath while sweating with a bit of fear. Being on the wrong end of a warrior's weapon proved to be scary situation to be in.

"Take an easy…! There's no Bolts…! And there's no plots going on…! It's just us,"Applejack tried to mask her fear while trying to talk Thunder down,"Ok…? There's no need to do anything…crazy…! We were just…doing something… A bit stupid."

"You don't say!"Thunder yelled and thought for a moment about letting Applejack go.

He sighed, and closed his eyes before removing his spear from her neck. He then stepped off the earth pony and let her roll to her stomach to slowly stand up and collect herself. He shook his head and pointed to the other mares of the group, as he saw them all sporting the Bolt like outfit. With the thought of betrayal, deception, and ignorance boiling in his brain for this revelation. He was no longer in the mood for games and jokes, he only wanted answers from them now.

"You gotta be kidding me…! You…! All of you! You all better have a reason for all this,"Thunder warned as he made his weapon vanish in a spark of lightning,"And this better be a REALLY good reason!"

---

"So they thought they would teach Rainbow a lesson about bragging by being a fake and non bragging hero,"Orion explained the motive once more as they all once again sat in Sugar Cube Corners,"Unfortunately, not only did they not know about you teaching her a lesson. They learned that they weren't exactly the most thorough and cleanest band of heroes like the two of you were…!"

"Right. So because they were too busy being all secretive and deceptive, they decided to make up a scheme for an issue that could have been easily resolved with honesty,"Thunder put the pieces together and sipped on a flask of hard punch while he watched the mares preparing for a friendship lesson,"So how do you think THAT worked out for ya, ladies?!"

Thunder laughed while every pony but Rainbow Dash looked at him with defeated looks. While Rainbow Dash went from chuckling to actually giving out a tiny girly giggle.

"Yeah, I imagined so!"Thunder finally let out a hearty laugh, showing that his humorous side was back.

"Yeah, and get this…! They came across the Bolt outfit thanks to Angel digging it out of the back yard of Fluttershy's cottage,"Orion explained the origins of the outfit they made,"They took it to Rarity and she modified it with a hat and a cape, and she even duplicated it four times. And she said Mare Do Well was a hero of fashion!"

"My flank it's a hero of fashion…! Now what's the hold up, ladies? You all have a letter to write to Celestia,"Thunder yelled while the mares sighed from getting badgered for their actions,"You know, about Rainbow's humility and you girls being straight forward and honest with friends!"

"I…think they get it Thunder…!"Spike called back while Thunder laughed and watched them write a letter.

It's really great to be really good at something, but it's important to act with grace and humility. And I guess it's important to act with grace and humility when others outshine me!

Rainbow Dash finished her lesson and rolled it up into a scroll to give it to Spike. She then walked over slowly and stood next to Thunder, while her friends all needed to write a letter to Celestia as well. While Thunder and Rainbow got to watch them write out and say what they learned as well.

It's not right to let your friends be cocky and a bragger, and you should try to help them how you can to see what they're doing wrong. But if you try to be deceptive and two faced about what you do to help that friend, then one can never truly be a real friend. It's best to be up front, honest, and kind with your friends to show true compassion for friendship.

"There it is! Are you happy now mister serious storm?"Applejack mused at Thunder after Spike received the second letter to princess Celestia.

"I'm ecstatic! Glad you could all learn a lesson from this! And you should be too,"Thunder incited as the mares sat at the Sugar Cube bar ad groaned with slowly arriving guilt for their actions,"Now how about you all stop whining for getting in trouble, and just enjoy a round of punch on me!"

"Yeah! There ya go, some punch will make it all better!"Orion encouraged as the mares were given cups of punch thanks to a heavily pregnant Mrs Cake.

"Thanks… For understanding me… And…making me a bit of a better pony…"Rainbow Dash giggled and looked to Thunder with gratitude for everything he did.

Meh… No problem. Every pony just needs a turn in the right direction,"Thunder looked back to Rainbow Dash before noticing Rainbow had unknowingly placed her hoof on his,"You got a lot of potential to be a great Pegasus and a world renowned flyer. You just need the right guidance…!"

"Yeah… I'm glad you could be there to help…"Rainbow admitted while slowly starting to blush the moment she was getting his trust worthy and meaningful look again.

"Drinks on me, Rainbow…! Why not get yourself a drink? You could use a cold one."Thunder chuckled and decided to shut down the moment she was trying to have with him.

"Uh…yeah…! I think I'll do that. Again… Thanks…!"Rainbow giggled nervously and walked off after giving him a friendly punch to the fore arm.

"No problem…"Thunder waved her off and simply sat back in his chair to relax.

"You did some good work these last few days… Don't think it didn't go unnoticed."Orion reminded Thunder that he was in fact appreciated for the things that he did.

"I know… And that's all I could ever need. Just knowing that I did the right thing…"Thunder admitted before he closed his eyes to finally get the rest he needed.

---

"Are you sure you want to go back there? We're not far now."Thunder asked Cloudly as they flew together days after they escaped the Bolts and warned the warriors of what transpired.

"Yes… I must at least say good bye to my home… It will soon fade from the chaos they brought to it,"Cloudlia explained as they could see it in the distance pass two storm clouds,"It deserves just a bit of respect before I leave it to fate…"

After days of refuge among the warriors of the old kingdom, it was finally time to return one more time. With the word put out on the destruction of the cloud ponies, the hammer was coming down on the Bolts. The warriors were already going in with many soldiers to raid and slay any Bolts that resisted arrest. The base was being shut down, and authority was going to be stripped from them. As relieving as it was to hear, it brought little comfort to Cloudlia, the damage had already been done.

That became more apparent as they finally came up upon what was left the Stratos City. Cloudlia's face dropped, cloud buildings were crumbling apart and evaporating. What wasn't turned over or broken by the Bolts were slowly coming apart and fading just as the people did. The stallion and mare slowly landed on the edge of the city to see this fading world. While Thunder solemnly stood still and lowered his head to dying city, Cloudlia walked forth.

Witnessing her home's destruction, and no pony was left to see it all die. She panted and struggled to come to grips with this reality, as she then fell to her belly and lowered her head. From the moment she watched her father get beheaded to when she left this place behind. Her whole life was ruined by an act of dominance and a desire to rule the skies. As much as she wanted to seek revenge, vengeance was not a part of a cloud pony's life, they were a neutral and peaceful race.

She shook, and closed her eyes, letting her hooves cover her face once again. Thunder was quick and silent to rush to her side as he could hear her weeping from behind her hooves. He remained quiet, knowing there was nothing he could say that could reason with such sorrow. He knew nothing of such a tragedy, so his words would be wasted and without any sort of feeling. So the only thing the stallion could do is stand before her and hold her arms to pry them from her face.

No matter how sad she got, he was not going to let her face become nothing. Not after what it did for his heart, so even with tears flowing down her fluffy and puffy cheeks. He still looked at her as he did the moment he met her, she wanted to at least keep her eyes closed. But they were what warmed his soul and looked deep into his heart, So he wiped her tears away and put his forehead to hers. This prompted her to finally open her teary eyes with a sniffle and choke.

"My home is gone…! All this time, I thought I never truly was a part of this place, but now,"Cloudlia wept before her face was able to bury into the chest of Thunder,"Now it feels like I've actually lost who I am…! And it's fading along with my home!"

"None of us could have known…"Thunder responded blankly to hold back the ache that remained in his heart.

"Why did you save me…!? What was the point of saving one cloud pony while everything else burned?"Cloudlia questioned as he sighed and closed his eyes to the city that was half way gone.

"Every pony deserves a chance… You deserved a chance. And… I didn't want this face to fade."Thunder answered while she slowly pulled away from his chest.

"What face? There's nothing left…! It's all about to fade into nothing!"Cloudlia shook and wanted to deny this answer to her dying world and her means of survival.

"This face…! The one I saw that actually gave my role as a warrior any meaning,"Thunder put a hoof to her cheek while his forehead touched her own to get the mare to keep her eyes opened,"This place still had you… And it still does… I can keep my promise to you because of this face…!"

Cloudlia groaned and finally gripped his hoof before slowly nuzzling into it. More tears flowed before her eyes finally managed to meet Thunder's once again, leaving her transfixed by them. Those same eyes staring at her, professing his trust and care for her as always.

"You can still be here…! You can be the mare that healed this city and brought back it's people,"Thunder tried to explain what she could do to hep heal this fading city,"That has to be the reason your father wanted you to stay away…! This place's future now rests with you. You're it's new hope!"

"Thunder…"She could only wipe her tears away and keep looking into his trust seeking eyes.

"And I won't stop till this place is made whole again…! And I'll do whatever it takes,"Thunder continued trying to prove that he was going to help her home,"Because I won't let you or this place fade to nothing…!"

Cloudlia breathed deeply to try and pick herself up, and staring into his eyes certainly helped. For they showed her that he could be trusted, this was a warrior of his word. Of all the ponies made of flesh and blood, this was the very first one that showed her such compassion and care. In fact, he was the first pony of flesh and blood she had ever seen, and it was wonderful to have this stallion be the first. It allowed her to at least picture what the true face of a good pony should look like.

"Thunder…!"Cloudlia trembled as she put her hoof to his cheek while her lips trembled with unknown commands.

However, those sweet commands that her body desired to bestow upon Thunder were ceased by the burning hot stab of faith. As she barely felt the flash of lightning before a piercing sharp burn went into her back. While a sudden spear of lightning burst through her chest, forcing out a gasp. Thunder widened his eyes as he looked down to see the weapon, his jaw dropped in horror. Seeing the bright yellow lightning bolt clean through her body and searing apart her insides.

She coughed and tightened her grip on his cheek as water burst from her mouth. Her head trembled and shook, the burning pain of her body frying alive inside. Yet her eyes never stopped looking to Thunder, as his eyes turned to shear terror and shock, he even looked like he was sick.

"No…! No! No! NO!"Thunder yelled as Cloudlia finally felt herself falling and slamming on her side in the clouds.

"Thunder…!"She tried to force through gurgles of water and burned vocal chords.

Quickly, Thunder let his markings glow before he was able to grab the lightning bolt. He yanked it out and let his body absorb it's power, before he then tried to work on her wound. But lightning bolt wounds through the chest were a complicated wound, and they were always fatal. He looked into her eyes as she struggled to catch her breath, he was panicking and yelping. Whimpers and yelps continued erupting as he tried to put clouds into her wound to fix it up.

This proved that cloud ponies were a complicated type of pony to apply medical treatment to. The clouds he tried to use proved useless, as they simply exploded away and out of the wound. Cloudlia gripped at his shoulder as she grunted and struggled to try and sit up.

"I knew you would return! Cloud ponies could never stay away from their homes!"Gust Cut yelled as he slowly floated down through a cluster of clouds with an electric bow in his hooves.

Thunder lowered his head as his loving stare turned into a dark hatred. As he slowly stood up, and looked to his former captain that remained masked by his captain's mask. Cloudlia lost her grip on his shoulder as she slowly looked to see Gust Cut land before them, he very stallion that murdered her father.

"You made quite the crap show for us Thunder! Now the Bolts are under fire by your warriors,"Thunder tilted his head at the captain as Gust tossed his bow aside,"You could have just looked the other way and got paid a whole lot for this mission! No pony would miss these cloud ponies…!"

Thunder only responded by slowly pulling out both daggers fully electrified. Before he then slammed their hilts together and formed them into his lightning spear. He popped his neck and pointed the spear at Gust, while the Bolt slowly took out his curved sword.

"But no…! Some how…You warriors could now get away with following your hearts rather than orders,"Gust mocked as he spun his sword away and floated in the sky to two hoof his weapon,"And you turned our conquest for control over the skies into our complete destruction! How dare you betray us!"

Cloudlia watched as Thunder silently stepped over her and spun his spear to position it behind his back. Leaving her to reach for him, praying that he would not fall to Gust Cut. She then slowly looked back to her home that was just about to vanish into nothing, the mare then found herself crawling towards the city.

"And betrayal is met with lethal retribution…! So I hope all of this was worth it, corporal,"Gust taunted as Thunder took a stance and prepared for an ugly scrap,"Because it's pay back time…! This world loses a race and a warrior this day!"

Thunder growled and prepared to for a fight, as did his former captain of the Bolts. As serious as Gust was taking this fight, Thunder was in no mood to even play around with Gust. He only wanted the Bolt's blood, and he was going to take it as painfully and brutally as he could. He stomped his hoof, and that's when Gust Cut decided to make the first move. As he flew forth and went for a hard swinging one eighty swing with his blade, Thunder threw up a vertical block.

He let Gust throw a flurry of swings clang against the steel of his spear. He was fast as he blocked each one and ducked under the eight swing Gust took at him. Allowing Thunder to weave around and slice at Gust Cut's left back leg in the middle, the captain grunted and turned. Trying to put full strength into a downward swing that Thunder blocked with a horizontal block. He then forcefully shoved the blade up and spun to slash at the Bolt's chest and kick him away.

Gust was already getting angry with Thunder's staggering speed and experience. So he resorted to sacking with his weapon up, letting it clash against Thunder's spear and forcing him up against a cloud. Where he then manage to throw three headbutts that cracked up Thunder's nose and lip. Thunder then showed some resistence by headbutting back with the same force. Till blood seeped from both of their foreheads, he then quickly went for a tactical kick between Gust Cut's legs.

Gust yelled out loud, before Thunder kicked him in his bloody chest once more. Forcing him away before swinging his spear like a bat, and cracking Gust across the face, tearing his mask off. Gust spat some blood out as his mid aged gray face was exposed, as well as his red eye and his blind eye. All of it bloody as he ran to Thunder as he went for a triple spinning slash. Thunder took the first slash on the arm before throwing one end of his spear down and plunging it into Gust's leg.

Forcing the captain to stop his aggressive attack, and subjecting him to jabs. Thunder thrust his spear repeatedly, letting it poke and open small puncture wounds in his legs. Gust stumbled, and then made the mistake that sealed his fate as he went for another full force downward slice. Thunder decided this was his opportunity to end him just the way he wanted to end Gust. So he simply waited till Gust went in for the strike, and dove forward and rolled behind Gust.

As the blade slammed down upon the clouds, Thunder stood up to an exposed back. Where he then rammed his spear right through Gust's back and let it burst out of his chest. The Bolt roared with pain as the static singed his bones and flesh, making him flail from the pain. Thunder took his spear out, just in time to evade a back slash that Gust tried to wildly throw while turning around. Thunder smirked before swinging his spear up and slicing off the hoof that Gust held his weapon with.

Both the hoof and his weapon flew like a tossed pebble aiming for a lake. Causing Gust to yell even louder as Thunder twirled his spear and followed up with another thrust. One that went straight into the Bolt's gut and finally forced the captain to fall to his flank. Thunder roared as he dug his spear in and tore at the insides, watching Gust squeal and groan with pain. Before ripping it violently out of Gust's gut, and slowly pointing the spear right against his throat.

Gust was left coughing up blood that stained his tight outfit, while he gripped his gut. Trying to keep his insides from falling out, slowly he lifted his head up to look into Thunder's eyes. While Thunder put his lips to Gust's ear and whispered his response to Gust's words.

"It was ALL too worth it…!"Thunder whispered and spit a bit in the Bolt's face.

"Before he then raised his spear like a ceremonial knife and threw it down. Watching as it went right down the captain's mouth, blood gushed from his jaws like a fountain. Gust could barely scream before his neck filled with electrical steel that fried his insides and finally ended him. His fore arms went limp as blood coated his entire face, symbolizing his demise. With that, Thunder sighed and yanked his spear out of the stallion's gaping bloody throat, allowing his body to fall.

It came to a soft landing at the hooves of Thunder, only to slowly sink into the clouds. Where his body then fell from the sky towards the unforgiving land that awaited him below. Leaving Thunder to close his eyes and spit where the body once stood, he then turned away. Showing his end of life as a Bolt, and he never could feel any better about his retirement from the Bolts. However his feelings were interrupted by a tragic sight that was hard to watch.

Cloudlia desperately crawled towards the city, panting with a stream of water behind her. Thunder was quick to rush to her, his mind racing and going insane with fear for her life. She could only go one more foot before finally losing strength in her legs, all she could then do was turn around. The mare rolled to her back, letting the wind pick up and blow through her mane. As her mane began to come apart and evaporate to nothing, just in time for Thunder to stand at her side and sit.

He got both fore arms under her, and lifted the cloud mare up and into his grasp. Where she was able to weakly look into his fearful eyes, she could feel his shaky hooves under her. As he witnessed her body starting to come apart bit by bit and fade into the breeze.

"Thunder… I think I really did belong here… Here at the end of all things…"Cloudlia weakly admitted as she saw his eyes starting to grow watery and sorrowful.

"No… Don't go… I didn't fulfill my promise back…!"Thunder felt his heart breaking into two as he saw clouds parting from Cloudlia's back.

"Actually… You did… You made this place whole again… By bringing me back,"The mare slowly reached for Thunder's cheek as her hoof started to evaporate,"Now I'm here…. Back where I belonged…! You did all of this…just for me…"

As water leaked from the sides of her mouth, while tears escaped her eyes. But even then, she was able to smile at the stallion that was breaking apart inside, as she could see tears forming in his own eyes. Finally she was able to touch his cheek and let out a few easy breaths.

"You know… You were the first face I ever got to see outside of my people,"She admitted while he grasped her weak hoof that was about to disappear into the wind,"I'm…happy that it got to be the last face I ever got to see… It's a face…I don't want to see fade…"

Thunder trembled and tried to hold in the emotions that were bursting forth in his chest. But her smile was beyond over powering for his heart, and his head lowered towards her. As his eyes closed and he was silently weeping for her, she rubbed his cheek in kind to cushion this blow as best as she could.

"I won't fade… But you…"Thunder choked as he felt her forehead touch his own one more time.

"I won't fade… Because I'll have you with me… And you'll have me…"Cloudlia closed her eyes and whispered sweet words to the stallion before her body began to fully fade.

But not without giving him a parting gift she had meant for them to share the day it all ended. She wasted no time as her body was fully evaporating into the air, this needed to be done. As she wrapped her hoof around him and finally planted her lips to his own that trembled. He opened his eyes, letting his tears drip upon her evaporating face as they then shared a kiss together. Her lips were softer than anything he felt before, even as they vanished within seconds of touching his own.

He heard her final breath be drawn as Cloudlia finally faded away to air along with her city. He held her tightly, only to feel her phase right through him and vanish before his eyes. He looked up and watched as her remains disappeared into the air and blew away with the wind. Leaving behind only the necklace she wore, as it dangled in his hooves and jingled from the breeze. As he watched it all finally disappear, buildings and everything faded away to nothing, he lowered his head to the necklace.

No longer able to watch as the city of Stratos was no more, all that remained was a desolate plain of clouds. Nothing more, all of it was gone, every beautiful thing that was once, was no more. And all Thunder had left was the very necklace that dangled in his hooves. Before he then slowly took it up and slowly placed it around his neck, letting it serve as an eternal memory to these people. The ponies that all wrongfully died in a struggle for dominance, thanks to the egos of the Bolts.

He remained on all fours, bowing his head to this lost civilization and it's people. And wept in secret for the longest time, for this was his first true experience with a warrior's burden. One that would drive him to prevent such egotistical ponies from becoming the monsters that destroyed this beautiful place. And he would destroy whoever tried to preach destruction and the idea of domination. From that day on, this was his personal mission as a warrior… This is what truly made him… A hero.

Absolute monster of a chapter, I know. But again, I don't want to cut corners and I want to make these all that they can be. I'm sorry if this is a huge chapter to read, I'm sorry for any struggles with it, but I will try to ease up on the size of these chapters. And I hope you enjoyed this exploration to the means of being a hero, and learning Thunder's tragic tale of the cloud ponies. Stay pony every one.