“Are you sure this is a good idea? I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Star Bolt looked back at Gem while they continued flying, “I'll be fine Gem, what worries me is why you’re coming with me. You have been sick the past week and I don’t think you should be out in your condition. By the way, what did the doctor tell you this morning?”

Gem shook her head, “I'm fine Star, he just said it was the stomach flu. There isn’t anything to worry about.”

Star Bolt looked forward and continued as they flew, “I just don’t want you to risk yourself, this sort of thing can be dangerous, I am meeting with dragons after all.”

Gem sighed, “Star I'm not a foal anymore, I can take care of myself, so don’t think I'm helpless.”

“Sorry Gem, I guess I'm just nervous, I heard the last pony who signed on for this job was dead in two days. But I guess if I just treat the dragons with the respect they deserve then all will be well. But please Gem, don’t strain yourself. Just because it’s a simple flu doesn’t mean it won’t hurt you if you ignore it.”

Gem turned her head to hide her smile and mumbled, “Simple flu… right, if you only knew.”

Star Bolt looked at Gem, “Did you say something?”

Gem looked back with her smile, “I just said you worry too much.”

Star Bolt turned back to face the direction they were flying and replied, “I'm your husband, it’s my job to worry about you, it was like that yesterday, it was like that last week, and it was like that six months ago when we got married.”

Gem gave Star Bolt an unamused look, “Thirteen.”

“What?”

“We have been married for thirteen months.”

Star Bolt felt uneasy as he replied, “Thirteen? So… last month was…”

“Our anniversary… yes”

“Uh… ops…”

Gem smiled sinisterly, “Its ok, I gave you a freebee this year, next time… I'm going to have to kill you. Does that sound fair?”

Star Bolt replied, “Yes ma’am… hey look… we are here… see, that’s Dragon Mountain.”

Star Bolt and Gem, both landed on the ledge outside the cave entrance at the top of the mountain, as they approached the entrance a small dragon about Star Bolts height stopped them, “You must be the pony who wants to control the weather around the mountain, aren’t you? The council is waiting for you, I'll be your escort, but they said there would only be one pony, so the other must wait out here, and you better not try anything funny.”

Star Bolt looked back at Gem, “Wait here, they only need to see me anyway.”

Gem nodded her head, “Be careful Star.”

As Star Bolt followed the dragon, he decided to ask, “You’re a baby dragon aren’t you.”

“No, I'm a teenage dragon. What of it?”

“Oh nothing, I just thought the dragon who would meet me would be taller.”

The dragon turned around and glared at Star Bolt, “Listen here pony… I may be a growing dragon but that doesn’t mean I can’t charbroil you, so don’t talk to me like a hatchling. While you’re here, you better not disrespect any members of the council, especially the dragon elder.”

Star Bolt shook his head, “I meant no disrespect all, I was saying is that you’re not what I was expecting. This is the first time I ever met a dragon. All I knew of your species was what I heard in stories and saw in pictures.”

The young dragon smiled as they continued traveling into the cave, “Then this will be interesting for the both of us.”

The two went deeper and deeper into the cave until they reached a large underground aquifer that was full of gems. Star Bolt decided to keep his attention on his own actions, so he wouldn’t seem greedy towards the dragons. Finally, they approached two massive dragons who seemed to be waiting for them. The young dragon spoke to the other two, “I brought the pony from Cloudsdale.”

One of the large dragons spoke, “Thank you Thorn. Pony, approach us!”

Star Bolt slowly approached the two dragons as the other dragon of the two spoke. “State your name!”

Star Bolt replied as respectfully as possible. “My name is Star Bolt; I'm a pegasus from Cloudsda…”

“We know why you are here, what we don’t know, is why?”

Star Bolt felt confused, “I don’t understand what you mean sir…”

The other dragon spoke, “We understand why you are here. You wish to become the weather pegasus for Dragon Mountain. However, what we don’t understand is why? You must have a good reason for requesting to be in our presence.”

Star Bolt replied, “Years ago there was a family who lived on this mountain, do you remember them?”

The first dragon replied, “Yes I believe it was a pegasus named Black Stone, along with his wife and filly.”

Star Bolt continued, “Their daughter Gem Stone happens to be my wife and sh…”

“IMPOSSIBLE! The Stones died thirteen years ago. You are disrespecting their name by spreading such deceitful lies!”

Star Bolt continued, “It is true that the family was killed thirteen years ago, but Gem Stone made it out alive and she…”

“STOP LYING TO US!!! All the Stones are dead; continuing to talk in such a manner is trying my patience…”

“BUT IT’S THE TRUTH… “

“THAT IS IT!!! For speaking such nonsense, I'LL CONDEMN YOU TO DEATH!!!”

As the enraged dragons began to move toward Star Bolt, a loud voice stopped them, “STAND DOWN BROTHERS, I WISH TO SPEAK!!!”

The two dragons stepped away from each other as an old gray dragon emerged from the shadows behind them. The old dragon looked at Star Bolt with his eyes closed, “Pony? You say your name is… Star Bolt, correct?”

Star Bolt nodded his head and replied, “Yes sir, it is.”

After hearing the reply, the old dragon opened his eyes. Star Bolt was amazed to see that the irises and pupils of both his eyes looked like Ice, Star Bolt muttered to himself as silently as he could “Blind?”

The dragon smiled, “Yes, it is true that these old eyes can no longer see. However, I can still tell everything about a pony or dragon, just by the sound of their voice, which is why I'm a little confused. You say your name is Star Bolt but you voice says that you are both lying and telling the truth. Which would leave me to believe, you don’t know your real name?”

Star Bolt replied, “That is correct I lost my memory years ago, my home, my parents, my age and my name, all forgotten.”

“Hmm, and what you said before, about little Gem Stone being alive. Is that true?”

Star Bolt replied, “Yes sir, she is my wife.”

The old dragon became intrigued, “So tell me, why it is you wish to control the weather for Dragon Mountain?”

“When we were little, Gem and I were best friends. In fact, she was my only friend. She would talk often about this mountain. Exploring the forest, planting a garden with her mother, and all the things she would love doing on a day-to-day basis. You see, she was the first pony I truly cared about, and I want to make her happy, and from as much as she talks about it, I think she would be happiest if we were to live on this mountain together.”

The dragon smiled and nodded his head, “Your love is true and your heart is pure, but do you realize the responsibility that comes with being allowed to live near this mountain?”

Star Bolt felt a little uneasy as he replied, “Wouldn’t weather be the only responsibility?”

“Tell me pony, do you have any family?”

“No, my wife is my only family.”

The dragon smiled, “My family is the dragons both to the left and right of me. Another is the young dragon standing behind you, as well as all the dragons that can be found in, on, and around this mountain. Black Stone was also a member of my family. In addition, as a member of my family, the dragon responsible for his death was executed for betraying our family. Together we are a clan, and a family. And we all look out for each other, if one betrays one, than he betrays us all. And as a family we will always protect one another. My question to you is, can we trust that you will protect this family?”

Star Bolt replied, “Yes, if I am to join your clan, then you will have my trust as I will respect yours.”

“But what proof do you have that you will keep my trust? Equestria has been at war for more than a year now. The sun which brought light to the mountain hasn’t shown itself from behind the moon which seems to have imprisoned it. What proof, in this time of war do you have that will allow you to keep my trust. If the Nightmare Legion were to attack would you fight for us? If the Celestial Crusaders came to mine the metals from this mountain for their weapons, would you defend our home?”

Star Bolt replied with confidence, “Elder Dragon, you have my word on my life that I would do everything in my power to not only protect the security of this mountain, but the trust that you put on me as a member of your clan.”

The old dragon thought to himself, as he did the other two dragons had their suspicions, “Elder, I don’t trust this pony, he must be lying we should kill him now while we got the chance.”

“Elder, our brother is right; this pony can’t possibly be trusted with the sanctity of this mountain and the forest that surrounds it. What in Equestria, can this pony do to ensure our safety? He is nothing but a pathetic pony. What power could he possibly hold?”

The elder looked at the dragon who just finished speaking, “Brothers this pony holds more power than you know. I can hear it in his voice; I can feel it in the ground he stands on. I haven’t felt a presence nor power like this since the great commander Hurricane once stood before me. This pony no doubt holds the power of the Lightning Orb in his hooves. My biggest question is, does he have the power to use it, and if so, would he use it responsibly.”

The two dragons looked at each other in amazement then one spoke, “Are you sure he has this power elder? Perhaps you’re not feeling well…”

“Enough! How dare you question my ability, and my authority as your elder! This decision is mine to make and mine alone, is that understood!”

The two dragons bowed and backed away as they replied, “My apologies elder.”

Star Bolt felt uneasy hearing the dragons argue amongst each other over his request, but he was also amazed. This elder dragon may have been blind, but he seemed very wise and experienced in reading those around him. Being able to tell whether a pony was lying or telling the truth just by hearing their voice. Then being able to tell that he knew how to use the Lighting Orb, just by being in the same room as him. It was both amazing… and terrifying at the same time.

Star Bolt stepped forward and spoke to the elder dragon, “It is true, I have used the Lighting Orb, however I don’t want to. This power is too dangerous even for me. I hope I never have to use it again, but I also hope to learn how to control it. This ability can be a gift or it can be a curse depending on how it’s used.”

The dragon nodded his head, “You speak the truth, Commander Hurricane sought to use it to create a utopia for all pegasi, but it the end, it only brought him regret. I suspect you will use it wisely, though you are still young, you have a great amount of courage, honesty, and respect. For this, I will allow you and your wife, permission to live on this mountain. However, to be here, you will not only become a member of this clan, but you will become the voice of the dragons.”

Star Bolt was confused, “Voice of the dragons?”

The elder smiled, “We dragons are terrifying creatures, because of this, we try to avoid conversations with ponies so that we don’t start a panic. Nevertheless, if you will speak for use then if something is needed, than you can speak to them in our stead. Not to mention, it will assist in keeping peace between our two species. Do you accept this?”

Star Bolt nodded his head and smiled, “It would be an honor to speak for the dragons. I and my wife owe you our thanks.”

The elder continued, “Furthermore, I will teach you to control the Lightning Orb. However in return I ask that you tell no one about its power, or that I'm teaching you to use such a power.”

Star Bolt nodded his head, “Once again I owe you my thanks and hope I don’t let you down.”

The elder turned around and began walking back into the shadows, “See that you don’t, because if you ever give me reason not to trust you, you too will share the fate of the one responsible for Black Stone’s death… I will kill you.”

Star Bolt felt uncomfortable with the elders tone, but he understood what the elder was saying. After the elder dragon disappeared into the shadows, one of the remaining dragons spoke. “You gained the elders trust, something that hasn’t been received by a pony in many years. Now go and meet your wife. We are done here; we will send Thorn to get you if you are needed. In addition, even though I disagree with the elder’s decision, I must welcome you and your wife to the clan. Now go.”

Star Bolt bowed in respect then he turned around and spoke to Thorn, “Shall we?”

Thorn nodded his head and started to escort Star Bolt out of the cave. As they were making their way out, thorn turned back to Star Bolt, “Pony? Can you really use the Lightning Orb?”

Star Bolt lowered his head, “This is the reason I don’t know anything about my past. However, that doesn’t matter to me anymore. I like my life, I love my wife and I know that we will be happy so long that we are together. And helpfully so…”

At that moment a explosions echoed through the cave, interrupting Star Bolt.

Thorn looked concerned, “Is the mountain under attack?”

Star Bolt and Thorn rushed as fast as they could until they reached the cave entrance. At the edge of the cliff, Gem stood watching with horror on her face. As soon as Star Bolt looked off the edge of the cliff, he could see what was making the noise. In the distance near the edge of the Everfree Forest was a battle between the Celestial Crusaders and the Nightmare Legion. As the three watched, they didn’t notice the dragon elder approach them from behind, “These old ears can’t read distant objects, what is it that we are watching?”

Star Bolt sighed, “War. We are watching as two large groups of ponies, kill each other over a senseless cause.”

“I thought I could hear cries of pain and death, it is terrible that you must bear a burden in such a time as this.”

Star Bolt continued, “No it isn’t, because they will never know of my gift, I won’t be used as some puppet for a princess.”

Thorn looked over at Star Bolt, “Don’t you want to see the sun again?”

“Whether the sun rises or sets, makes no difference to me if I'm lying dead on a battlefield. Besides, the war is being fought by others; there is no need for me to get involved if I don’t have to.”

The elder dragon spoke, “I couldn’t have said it better myself, a wise pony doesn’t look for a fight, but he is always ready for one. You will go far in…”

Gem interrupted the elder, “Look!”

Over the Nightmare Legion’s front line, was an orange light that could be seen even from the mountain. Star Bolt asked, “What is that?”

Gem replied, “It looks like an arrow with some kind of orange flame.”

Both Thorn and Star Bolt looked at Gem in confusion.

Gem looked at the group, “What?”

Star Bolt replied, “You can see that far?”

“Yea… can’t you?”

“No.”

Gem blushed, “Oh… well… I didn’t know you couldn’t.”

Thorn laughed, “That’s a good eye, Mrs. Bolt.”

Star Bolt looked back at the battle and spoke, “It looks like the Nightmare legion is retreating from the battlefield. I wonder if that arrow was the signal to retreat, or something like that.”

The Dragon elder spoke next, “It would seem that Nightmare Moon underestimated her sister’s forces, or her commander didn’t know how to handle such a force.”

Star Bolt nodded his head, “All this for the sun, such senseless murder.”

The Elder spoke, “Everydragon and pony alike will find something they value, and fight for it.”

As the Nightmare Legion’s forces retreated into the Everfree Forest, the Celestial Crusaders pursued until all that was visible were the wounded and dead still lying on the battlefield. The elder turned to Gem and smiled, “It’s good to hear you’re safe little Gem Stone, when I heard of your parent’s death I assumed the worst had also happened to you.”

Gem Smile, “I was able to make it out alive, but I'm afraid the loss nearly ruined my life for good. It was this reckless colt that pulled me from my pity party.”

Star Bolt smiled, “It just took a little push to wake you up, but I think I got more of a wake up out of it then you did.”

Gem giggled as she nudged Star Bolt, then the elder replied, “Its good to hear you’re safe, and I'm happy you found such a noble suitor, would you like to place your home in the same place as the last? It will save us time, and it will make thing easier for you to start resting.”

Star Bolt was confused, “Resting?”

Gem replied, “I would like that elder thank you, I hope it won’t be too much trouble.”

“Not at all, I wouldn’t want you to over work yourself, especially in your condition. My brethren and I will begin building your home in the morning.”

Star Bolt tried to continue, “Condition it just the stomach fl…”

Gem interrupted, “Your dragons will build our home?”

The Elder continued, “You were too young to remember. We built your home for your father way back when. We take care of members of our clan you know. So there is no need to worry, with all my brethren helping your home should be finished in two days.”

Gem Bowed as the Elder turned around to go back into the cave, “Thank you elder, it was good to see you and I hope your brethren don’t over strain themselves.”

The Elder smiled while he and Thorn continued into the cave entrance, “It’s the least we can do for our favorite filly. You have a safe trip back, oh… and congratulations!”

Star Bolt was now too confused, “Uh… Gem what was that about?”

Gem giggled, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Congratulations? Condition? Rest? Is there something you’re not telling me?”

She continued taunting him, “Maybe.”

“What are you hiding?”

She continued giggling, “Star he is blind, and even he understands what’s going on.”

“Gem, he is practically psychic, and possibly senile, but I can’t read your steps or your voice like he can.”

The elder’s voice echoed out of the cave, “I heard that!”

“See!”

Gem smiled, “Alright if you really want to know then I'll tell you. You know that I’ve been sick for the last few days, right?”

“Yea the stomach flu…”

Well I only told you that because I didn’t want you to worry, it’s not the stomach flu.”

Star Bolt felt concerned, “Ok if it’s not the flu, then what is it?”

Gem started to blush while she replied, “Well…”

Next Chapter: Ch4 The Storm and Mist Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 32 Minutes