Author's Notes:

BOOK 1: PART 4: COMMITMENT

“So, what is there to do on leave?” Shadow asked as they flew.

Cardinal Spitfire chuckled. “A movie, a play, skating, shopping, they have a good symphony from what I hear, the Cloudsdale Memorial, and there are several other things to check out like the Weather Factory.”

“So, you have been?”

“A few times. My parents and the farm is about three hours away.”

“Is that three hours Enclave time, or three hours your time?”

“Enclave. Why?”

“We have plenty of time for you to spend some there.”

“And what? Leave you in the city? Besides, it is leave, I don't have to see them even being that close.”

“Not even getting them to come into the city for dinner?”

Cardinal Spitfire rolled her eyes. “I forgot, again, how important family is to you.”

“I just do not want you to regret this unique opportunity.”

“We'll see. First, we need to nab a place to sleep and then get you new clothes.”

“They said it was a day's flight for most soldiers. Lets pick up our speed and beat that!”

Cardinal Spitfire nodded, slid her goggles down and they raced off. Shadow was wearing the clothes he had picked out with Early Blossom and Cherry Tart. Cardinal Spitfire was wearing the dress she had been wearing when she got back from her time off after graduation. Since they were not flight suits, it slowed them down some. Clothing had to stay on.

They came to the city in the early afternoon. A designated landing and leaving area for visitors had been designed. It made things safer. They were forced to come to a hard stop to wait in line for permission to land. Without Enclave business, they were regular visitors.

“There is the visitor's booth,” Cardinal Spitfire pointed. They will give us a good idea about hotels, what we can do, where to get you clothes and such.”

“First time to NC?” The old mare behind the counter asked.

“For me, no. Him, yes. We are on leave and are needing a good hotel and plenty of options for several days.”

“Here is a basic city map. Blue is hotels, red are points of interest, yellow is city attractions and green is food. The names are on the back along with cost range by stars. Food is rated by quality and price. And here is a brochure on the places with military discounts.”

“You print these up to give them out free?” Shadow asked.

“Yes. Why?”

“That costs a lot of money. With no return.”

“He doesn't come from a big city,” Cardinal Spitfire said to her.

“Shadow, if it isn't a city one, they have to pay which covers the cost,” Cardinal Spitfire explained. “This is called advertising. It only makes visitors want to stay longer, come back, and the places get more business because we look at this, and see what we want to do because we know these and the basic information.”

“Here is also a brochure on special events for the month and another one on the Cloudsdale Memorial and Weather Factory,” The mare said giving him several more.

“Thank you Ma'am,” Cardinal Spitfire said. “I think this is all we need.”

“I am glad you are here,” Shadow said looking at everything. “I could not do this without you. It is all so much. So very much. So busy and more noise than the firing range.”

“Just stick close to me. If you want to stop, let me know. For now, I have a hotel in mind.”

The lobby was nice with a red carpet and lots of brass.

“Welcome to the Mareiott Hotel,” They were greeted by well dressed Pegasus behind the desk. “We have a lot of suites and rooms available to suit your very needs.”

“I hear you have a military discount?” Cardinal Spitfire asked.

“Sure do. So long as you have your IDs.”

Cardinal Spitfire pulled hers out. “Then one room with two beds for the next five nights.”

“Two beds? Are you sure?”

“We are just on leave from some training. Same unit and bunk together in the same barracks,” Cardinal Spitfire explained.

“Oh, well that is a new one. Even on leave, two pegasi coming in here…”

“I get it,” Shadow said annoyed.

Cardinal Spitfire looked at him shocked.

“Not your fault, Sir,” Shadow said coming around. “Just rubs me the wrong way. My home town, you don't share a bed or anything until after the wedding. Even the hint of anything... We are here as friends on leave together.”

“I am sorry I made you feel uncomfortable, Sir.”

“Don't worry about him,” Cardinal Spitfire said. “He is in shock. Never been to a real city.”

“Ah, I see.”

Cardinal Spitfire paid in advanced and they were given their room keys. It was a nice room and Shadow spent plenty of time looking at the shower.

“It almost looks like you have never seen a shower,” Cardinal Spitfire laughed. She was leaning against the door frame watching him.

Shadow chuckled. “The barracks had better showers than my house. And hot water. My family would only use hot water in the winter or special reason. It took thirty minutes to heat the tank up. One of the few times we would use electricity. Those times, my parents would double up, and then when she got married, Lunar and Buck would double up.”

“Some shower fun. Nice.”

“Huh? It was always wash quickly and then get out so the next in line could go.”

“Of course,” Cardinal Spitfire said rolling her eyes. “But I would have thought you would be more interest in the TV.”

“I have seen and used them before in El Nino. A novelty. That is all.”

“Well, we should get going. We have plenty of time to get you a wardrobe instead of the closet full of cloaks.”

“I wish it was a closet full,” Shadow groaned. “But yes, lets go get more.”

They left and soon headed into a big building.

“All of this is a store? It is over twenty stories tall!” Shadow marveled.

“No silly. The store is the bottom level. Above is apartments and housing.”

“I do not like this place,” Shadow said a minute later. “Everything is choppy.”

“That is why it is called a department story. Each department has a specialty. And there is the stallion section. Or at least their shoes.”

“Hello, can I help you two?” A pegasus asked when they entered the stallion's shirt sections.”

“This is a lot of nice stuff,” Shadow breathed.

“We pride ourselves ourselves on quality products. What are you looking for?”

“He needs clothes,” Cardinal Spitfire answered. “You are looking at his only set. Farmer by trade, now and Enclave soldier. Both of us are on leave, so I am taking the time to make sure we fix that oversight.”

“Hmm,” The pegasus said. He pulled the tape measure from around his neck and took some measurements.

“I am sorry, but anything we have would just be too big. And our colt section won't fit you properly.”

Shadow's head was in his hoof. “Thank you Sir. It is much appreciated. I know my odd size is… odd.”

“I would hit the fashion district. You still have plenty of time before shops begin to close. They will be able to get something nice and fit it to you. We do not do alterations here.”

“I should have seen this coming,” Cardinal Spitfire smiled. “But I am not used to stallion clothes. Thank you.”

“I am so glad to be out of that weird place,” Shadow said as they exited.

Cardinal Spitfire laughed.

“If we are wanting to make it to the fashion district, we need need to fly and merge with them up there. Stay on my wing and everything will be fine.”

Shadow nodded and they took off. Signs were posted and it was easy to find the fashion district. It was odd for Shadow to be flying in a street. All different Pegasi were present, including fouls and chariots, both delivery and travel.

“The fashion industry can easily become expensive,” Cardinal Spitfire informed Shadow. “In boutiques, things are hoof produced. Not like in a factory in that department store. The work and often individuality of each piece takes time. But we don't have time for anything custom designed for you, only minor alterations.”

Cardinal Spitfire chose a shop on their side of the street and they entered.

“Welcome you two,” A stallion said. “Let me guess, you Sir, can't find anything in your size at the regular stores.”

“Correct Sir,” Shadow nodded. “And coming from a farm, we didn't exactly have the bits for clothes. If we did have clothes, we made them ourselves.”

“I commend your abilities with a needle and thread. It is rare that a stallion knows how to use them, let alone make their own clothes.”

“I am from a farm way, way out. On leave from Fort Wind right now. You are looking at my only non Enclave clothes,” Shadow chuckled.

“Our stallion section is small compared to the mares, but I know we have plenty of options and can find what you need. How many are you looking at getting?”

“At least three,” Cardinal Spitfire replied. “I know price will really stack up quickly.”

“Well, lets see what we can find first. I would not mind adding a discount for your service.”

“Thank you sir,” Shadow said.

“Dear, I could use your expertise. Small stallion that will not grow anymore.”

“Well hello,” A tall and lean pegasus with a flowing red mane said coming out of the back. “Oh my, I do see the problem. But we can adjust things to fit you properly. Easily and before you have to leave.”

“We were bunked side by side,” Shadow said. “There may have been a few days we accidentally switched uniforms. No way to tell that we had. And I know my dress uniform is marked mare. No difference for looks. Most surprising, I am from a farm.”

“He can make his own,” The stallion added. “But obviously there is no time for our hard working soldiers.”

“Onto our stallion section in the back here!” She said leading them. “I have some outfits in mind already. You will look like the stallion you are once we are done.”

The price did stack up. It wiped out half of Shadow's account, even with the discount, but he got five good sets and a nice sport coat. The shop had been closed for a few hours when they finally left, but the owners had no problem with the time.

“That was weird spending so much on clothes, or anything,” Shadow admitted. “Good purchases, but weird.”

“They will last you for years to come,” Cardinal Spitfire confirmed. “And she delivered her promise, to make you look like the stallion you are.

“They are exquisitely made,” Shadow added.

“Okay, dinner and then bed,” Cardinal Spitfire decided. “Well, planning our leave before bed.”

“Sounds good,” Shadow nodded.

With little restaurants open in the fashion district this late, they ended up dropping off Shadow's clothes before choosing an inexpensive take out place. Noddles with a variety of vegetables and sauces. It was a new style of food Shadow had never heard of.”

“Tomorrow, we have to get you to the Cloudsdale Memorial,” Cardinal Spitfire said in between bites. “That is free. We might as well do a tour of the weather factory. That isn't expensive.”

“Okay,” Shadow replied. He was confused with all the brochures he was looking at. It was a lot to take in.

“Depending on time, maybe a movie,” Cardinal Spitfire offered. “I know you have never been to a movie theater.”

“Nope. Never actually seen a movie either.”

Cardinal Spitfire rolled her eyes. “How does that sound to you?”

“Wonderful,” Shadow replied. “I am really interested in the memorial. Don't understand it though.”

“The next day we can visit my parents. After that, I have no plans.”

“I like it,” Shadow nodded. “I am really happy to have somepony with me. I would not make it on my own yet.”

Shadow smiled at Cardinal Spitfire with all the sweetness he could. “And I am really, really happy that the somepony is you.”

Red coat or not, you could easily see that Cardinal Spitfire was blushing by her eyes.

“Oh, that reminds me,” Cardinal Spitfire perked up. “Can you help get these braids out? I would like to have them out for tomorrow.”

Shadow had finished learning how to under the braids the morning of the graduation, so it didn't take long. Shadow also showered before bed. He enjoyed just standing there, letting the hot water soak into his coat and massaging his muscles. A single light was on when he finished, but Cardinal Spitfire was out cold.

When Shadow woke up he almost panicked as it was after 0900. He had to take a few minutes to calm down before he rolled out of bed. Cardinal Spitfire was up and in the shower. She didn't want to go to bed with wet hair.

Shadow had never faced the problem of having to choose what to wear.

“It really doesn't matter,” Cardinal Spitfire said as she came out of the bathroom. She surprised him.

Shadow shrugged but froze. He still had no idea what to do. Cardinal Spitfire picked up the first one and shoved it into his chest.

“This one,” She said urgently. “Now hurry so we can get breakfast. There is a small breakfast place across the street. We are not on a schedule, but lets not dilly dally.”

Breakfast was fast and they flew out to see the memorial. Cardinal Spitfire put Shadow in lead to get him used to flying in a city. He did well, as she expected he would. He was an expert flier and even going recon, ACS still would hold him to their criteria for safety.

“So, its just a cloud… house?” Shadow asked looking at it.

He tried to view it sideways to make it make sense. It didn't. Neither did the fountains around it or the reflecting pool besides the building.

“It it's a building, not a house. It has several wall sections open for free traffic. And the design was made by some hot shot artist. Lets head under the roof and show you why it is so important.”

“Wow,” Shadow said taking it all in. “So, that is how many died? And why they targeted Cloudsdale first.”

There was the whole history of Cloudsdale and how it was significant to Equestria before and during the war.

Two armed guards were standing in front of a heavy encased cloud.

“A piece of the original Cloudsdale,” Cardinal Spitfire said quietly. “Taken before the clouds were sealed up to understand the weapon launched at the city. Well protected so it doesn't harm us. Just look at the sickly green color. We use red to train, but those clouds are dyed and obviously very different in their form.”

Shadow walked up to the rope blocking ponies from getting too close. He just stared at it. Trying to unlock it's secrets.

“They will be changing the guard in a few minutes,” Cardinal Spitfire whispered. “It is a big ceremony. It is a big honor and takes great skill to be chosen to guard the cloud and Cloudsdale Monument. It is always guarded the Military. Always.”

“That isn't a real cloud,” Shadow blurted. “No, that is more of whatever struck than cloud.”

“I assure you sir, it is a fully formed cloud,” A stallion in a fancy uniform came over.

“And you are?” Shadow asked.

“A keeper of the memorial. We are here to answer questions. It is odd because it is tainted, but it is a fully formed cloud.”

“Have you personally studied it?” Shadow asked.

“No, but it was intensively studied in the early years. It is well shielded, but still potent.”

Shadow just shook his head.

“You doubt me?”

Cardinal Spitfire rolled her eyes. “Thank you Sir. Lets not get him going. You have better things do than argue over the validity of the cloud. So does he. All of this is way to new to him.”

The changing of the guard was simple, but not. They made it look so easy. It seemed like a lot for nothing.

“Well, how did you like the whole thing?” Cardinal Spitfire asked as they were walking away.

“The guard ceremony took great skill, there was stuff to learn, but not vital. This whole open area is just wasted space in my eyes. I think too practical.”

“At least you realize it,” Cardinal Spitfire chuckled. “Last month you would not say that.”

“Excuse me,” Another Keeper said coming up. “I believe I heard that you had deeper questions about the cloud.”

“No sir. No deeper questions,” Shadow said.

“I must have the wrong couple. I was pointed to you and told you didn't think it was a cloud.”

“Oh, that,” Shadow rolled his eyes. “I am not a weather pony, but that is not a cloud. Mostly whatever binding agent it is. Too loose to be a cloud.”

Cardinal Spitfire had her head in her hoof. She groaned. “Don't start this. Either of you. Please.”

“You are an expert on clouds?”

“No,” Shadow said. “A farmer from way, way up north. The weather teams never go out us, they just push things in our direction we are so far out. And most of our weather comes off the mountains. I know a lot of different clouds and and easily read weather patterns. Have to where we are.”

“I am Specialist Cardinal Spitfire,” She said annoyed. “And this is Sergeant Shadow Flare. We are on leave and he has never seen the monument, let alone a real city. He thinks to practical. In fact, next is the Weather Factory for a tour. You can call off the law enforcement officers off to my 5.”

He didn't know what to do with Cardinal Spitfire knowing they were being watched. Both of them had been looking at him and fully engaged.

“They are not here for you,” He finally said. “Just the safety of all. They may be right there, but not because of you.”

“What about the others on my 8?” Shadow asked. “Or the not subtle ones approaching from the front.”

“Great,” Cardinal Spitfire groaned.

“This is why I hate cities,” Shadow declared. “More trouble than they are worth.”

“Here is my ID. And my leave pass,” Cardinal Spitfire grumble. She pulled them away before he could grab them. “No! Mine!” She barked. “I am not losing my leave because you stole them.”

“We are both in Aerial Combat School,” Shadow explained. “Our Captain and superior officers will not be happy if you make the move you want to. I know they are 7 feet off my side. You can't make it into Aerial Combat School without being aware of everything around you.”

“Soldiers or not, please come with us,” A lieutenant asked.

Cardinal Spitfire sighed. “I can already hear 'Damn it Filly Fooler'.”

“No,” Shadow shrugged. “She will be glad to get away, and then murder them. Captain Marble Falls already had to rescue me from idiots who tossed me in jail. When they run my ID, it will come up with specific orders to let me go.”

“Now you are resisting and threatening a superior officer,” The Lieutenant said.

“Hurt feelings?” Shadow asked. “And all over a stupid opinion over that puff of air?”

Shadow pulled out his ID and his leave pass.

The Lieutenant stepped away for a moment and was obviously using his radio. He came back a few minutes later.

“Let them go,” He said. “They wont make trouble, and we won't get in trouble.”

Cardinal Spitfire pushed her way passed, bumping into the Lieutenant as she trotted away. Shadow followed civilly after her.

“Well that was fucking stupid,” Cardinal Spitfire grumbled. “Yes, I am making a formal complaint. Or we are.”

“Or we could just leave it,” Shadow suggested. “It was stupid on their part, but we could leave it. I am the only one who would question it. I am the one heading into recon and have to watch for that stuff.”

“Fine,” She said annoyed. “Lets get off to the Weather Factory.”

The tour wasn't the actual factory. They had built a mini factory next to it. Everything they saw was working and being used to produce clouds and weather patterns. The real factory was too big and dangerous to put a tour through it all.

“That was enjoyable,” Shadow announced. “Very informative. They do amazing work. Very valuable to our survival.”

“Glad that was positive,” Cardinal Spitfire said. “And practical.”

They both chuckled.

“Its close to lunch,” Shadow pointed out. “And I prefer the heartier food they have been serving us.”

“Agreed. We can plan for the afternoon. I didn't think it would go this fast.”

A place was right in front of them so they went inside and soon were working on what to do next.

“Our hotel has a spa,” Cardinal Spitfire suggested. “I am not sure what the prices are, but a massage would be nice. Maybe we should leave that to the last day.”

“Make the most of it,” Shadow agreed. “That is the better plan. But you are out of idea?”

“Direct attractions, yes. I have only been here twice.”

“Okay, so lets skip the attractions. El Nino had market day once a year. Surely there is a market that is going on all the time.”

Cardinal Spitfire smiled. “They have a large shopping district. All kinds of small stores, neat things, and more. I guess, I was thinking too big. But I never thought shopping.”

Shadow chuckled. “You know me. Simple is my cup of tea. But shopping, I like it. I never get to do it, nor is there a point when you have no bits.”

“I wanted to make a good impression,” She chuckled. “I guess I failed.”

“Nah. The memorial, sure, but the factory was very worth it. And even the memorial, I can say I saw it and the changing of its guards.”

“Shopping it is then,” Cardinal Spitfire proclaimed.

It was a nice afternoon, just the two of them, walking around and checking out all sorts of fun things. Shadow was confused by nik naks. If it didn't serve a purpose, he had no idea why anypony would by it.

“I wish there was something worth it here for my homes,” Shadow said looking around.

“We have plenty of time to find something,” Cardinal Spitfire commented. “Maybe it doesn't have to serve a purpose other than remind them of you while you are gone. Shipping can cost a several bits, but it would be worth it.”

“Good point,” Shadow said.

They continued to browse. Eventually they came to a store that was dedicated to window gardens.

“May I help you?” A sweet mare asked coming up to him.

“Just looking,” Shadow replied. “And marveling. I am from a farm. So all this, except for the flowers, is grown right off the back porch.”

“I didn't know farms were allowed to do that,” She said. “I just try and bring a little cheer to the pegasi in this city.”

“It is a unique idea,” Shadow said. “Great idea. If I lived here, I might try it. I have no green hoof, but try.”

“Well, perhaps some flowers to grow on the front porch our lawn?”

Shadow chuckled a bit. “My little sister just took that over. She’s a local healer and is growing all the herbs she needs.”

“How far out are you?”

“Far enough,” Shadow chuckled. “Way up north. Just on leave from Fort Wind where I am stationed for training.”

“I didn't know the clouds could be farmed that far north.”

“It isn't easy work,” Shadow smiled. “It is all I know though. Get up, work, relax a bit before bed and back to work the next day. We enjoy it. But thank you for your time.”

“I found something,” Cardinal Spitfire said coming up to him. “Easy to ship and meaningful.”

They were decorative hoof knit towels. They were meant to be displayed on the wall in the kitchen.

A mare approached them. “I hoof knit them myself. A small way to brighten up your apartment or house's kitchen. Do you two have a theme?”

Shadow and Cardinal Spitfire chuckled.

“Just friends on leave together from Fort Wind,” Cardinal Spitfire clarified. “Shadow?”

“Well, my family lives way up north, farming. I am toying with the idea of sending home something to remind them of me. Everything has a purpose in my house. So, I was thinking that sending the right thing to remind them of me might be its sole purpose. These are pretty. Do you have any with cherries?”

“I do,” She said looking through another pile. “Cherry farmers?”

“My sister is. My parents are turnip farmers.”

“I do not have turnips. Nor could I do that up quick.”

“Do you do lettering?”

“I can quickly add some letters. What where you thinking?”

“My mother is Rain Jubilee and my Dad is Turnip Lance.”

“I could easily do RJ & TL.”

“Yeah,” Shadow smiled. “Lets do that.”

She took the time to do it right, but it only took 15 minutes to add the letters.

“We can send it tomorrow from my house,” Cardinal Spitfire told Shadow. “I know where everything is and it won't take long to do.”

“Sounds like a good play,” Shadow smiled.

“Lets find a good place to sit down for dinner,” Cardinal Spitfire said. “We have to game plan for my parents house. The questions will flow.”

Shadow just nodded and followed Cardinal Spitfire's lead. A good place was not hard to find. Sitting down, Cardinal Spitfire was obviously getting nervous.

“Relax Card,” Shadow smiled at her. “Lets start with your parent's names. I never caught them at graduation.”

“Right,” Cardinal Spitfire chuckled. “A lot was happening. My mother is Spearmint Spitfire and my dad is Yellow Seed. Don't ask the origin, just call him Yellow. And you can probably get away with calling my mom just Spearmint, but be ready for the whole name. And always use my fully name.”

“You will also meet my two brothers. Auburn is the oldest and Fire is in between us. Fire took a fall early on and broke his back. Which is why I am here. My family got permission first. He does what he can, but is officially a cripple.”

“That takes care of that,” Shadow declared. “Now, the inevitable.”

“I dread this,” Cardinal Spitfire admitted. “There is no good ending with my family.”

“What is the best ending for them right now, not us, but them?”

Cardinal Spitfire had to think it over. Their food came and Shadow went to eating. She needed time to think.

“If we tell them we are again teammates on the same Unit and just friends, my mother will try and play match maker and will end up forcing our hooves at some point. If…”

Shadow let her pick at her food for a while.

“How would your parents react?” She asked him.

“They trust me to tell the truth,” Shadow replied. “So long as we laid things down clearly, they would say nothing and act accordingly, which would be to bring you in as a friend and show you all the hospitality they could. But we would have to tell them exactly what we are.”

Cardinal Spitfire stared at her food.

“Card, relax and lets talk back at the hotel where it is more private.”

Cardinal Spitfire looked up and smiled warmly at Shadow.

As soon as the door close to their room Shadow spoke.

“We went from enemies hating each other… well mostly you hating me, for six weeks and then tossed it aside when we were thrown together. We built a friendship out of nothing. A strong, deep friendship. I know that no matter what, it is strong enough to weather anything.”

Shadow sat next to Cardinal Spitfire on her bed and smiled at her. She was just staring at the floor. Shadow leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. It was the first time he had reciprocated the gesture.

“That felt nice,” She said after a few minutes. “Right, but in one week…”

“So?” Shadow asked. “We are stubborn enough to make it work. We can always take leave to come together for a visit. Do you really think we do anything different?”

Cardinal Spitfire turned and kissed Shadow on the lips. She wrapped her arms around a stunned Shadow and pushed him all the way down to the bed. She broke the kiss but left her face close to his. “This had better not fuck up our final tests.”

Shadow brought her back in for a kiss. “No, it could not. We are better than that. But I hope you know I won't do anything… yet…”

“I know silly,” Cardinal Spitfire said kissing him again. “One more kiss before bed.”