Fire Bolt

CloudsDale

Fire Bolt kicked at a small pile of clouds in front of him, he was nervous, that much was clear to the few Pegasai who still walked around so late in the afternoon. It was today that he had decided to tell his father what had been on his mind for more than half his life; today was the day that he would tell his father that he was not going to take the exam to become a Wonder Bolt. No, today was the day that he was going to leave the family business and become a Cloud Herder, to work for the Weather Company, serve all of Equestria the sweet and beautiful rain that it needed and bring life to the trees. He stretched his wings up, wings that had been trained for speed and nothing else, wings that any other Pegasus that looked on would envy. "Ok, here we go..." he said to himself taking a step forward, before quickly retracting and hiding under his wing, "Ahg I can't do it!"

He lay there with his eyes glued to the plaque that hung on the door of his Father's office. Chief Cinder Bolt, Honored Leader of the Wonder Bolt, was printed in bold letters showing the pride and strength of the Bolt family. Fire Bolt's ears drooped, he knew that his father would not approve of what he really wanted, and he had always had great ambitions of his son becoming a great member of the Wonder Bolts just like him. Fire turned his gaze to the many honorary plaques and trophies that the Wonder Bolts had acquired over the years many of which had his Grandfather’s name on them, Warren Bolt, the greatest Wonder Bolt that had ever lived, surpassed only by the honor that came to he who could earn the Rainbow badge, a medal created in honor of Rainbow dash, a pony who had died many centuries ago.

Fire stood up and headed over to the Statue of Rainbow Dash, now old and worn, Fire had spent many of his early years imagining how it would be to grow up to be just like her. Loyal, Brave and kind to others, it was what he wanted to be yet he was not sure if he truly had to be a Wonder Bolt to make that happen. He flicked his tail, "oh Rainbow Dash,” he stated to the statue, “help me. I can't tell him, I just can't. He would never understand. All he wants is for me to be a Wonder Bolt, he'll never listen..." the bronze statue shimmered slightly in the faint sunlight that managed to break through the low hanging clouds, "If mom was still around then at least I could talk to her, she always listened..." he lowered his head as a tear rolled down his cheek, "I don't want to be a Wonder Bolt..."

"So what is keeping you here?" A voice he recognized all too well spoke from behind him causing him to jump a foot in the air. Fire turned to the source and stared wide eyed at the Pony behind Him. "Professor Doo..." he gasped turning to face him completely, "What are you doing here?"

His old Professor smiled, "I'm here to coordinate the Best Young Fliers Competition with your father." He looked upon the young Pony with genuine concern, "But I can spot a more important issue when I see one." he held his gaze on Fire.

Fire curled up feeling suddenly very self-conscious, "Um... Well... The thing is-." Just then the door to his father's office opened and Mr. Bolt exited laughing along with one of his fellow Wonder Bolts. He saw the two standing in the hallway and without losing a moment's composure he smiled and said, "Why Dr. Doo, Fire Bolt. Are you here to see me?" Fire just nodded while Dr. Doo stepped forward to say, "Why yes Cinder, I'm here to discuss a few details regarding the competition."

"Ah yes The Best Young Fliers Competition, why don't you wait in my office as I show Dash to the dormitories, he’s our newest rookie." Dash waved at Dr. Doo looking nervous as all rookies did on their first days.

Fire could remember many rookies that he had seen exit his father's office over the years, all proud of what they had become, having worked hard for it all their lives. Fire Bolt wished that he could have just a fraction of that kind of passion for joining them, and then perhaps he would not be in the predicament that he was currently in. He watched his father leave and decided that he would try to speak to him another time. He started walking away but Prof. Doo stopped him, "if you don't say anything now you never will." he said his voice calm and reassuring.

"But, it's so hard..." Fire Bolt said his voice sounding more like a colt than anything else. "He'll never understand... All he wants is for me to be a Wonder Bolt like him..."

Prof. Doo only smiled, "You know, I have important business to attend to in Canterlot, and I could use some company while I'm there." Fire Bolt looked at him a bit confused, "You can use the time there to figure out how to best bring up the subject with your father."

Fire Bolt thought about this then nodded, "Y-yeah I think I can do that." Next Chapter: Cherrie Pie Estimated time remaining: 20 Minutes