Cirrus' Aria (Original Draft)

This is the original draft of **Cirrus' Aria**, the tenth episode of the Punch Time Exploders Chronicles series.

## Summary

The Mane 6 prepare to head home after Rainbow Dash's day with the Wonderbolts, when they come across a young pegasus named Cirrus Aria who had never set wing or hoof on solid ground in her life. When they offer her a chance to stay in Ponyville for at least a day, she quickly runs into the wrong crowd in the form of another pegasus who calls herself Poison and appears to have been wronged by the Wonderbolts in the past and plans to get revenge by hiring an accomplice named Strong Thrust to keep Cirrus away from the heroes to further her own plans. Meanwhile, a monstrous cloud demon called Nimboar is fast approaching Cloudsdale and will ravage everything unless brave heroes step in. Can they rely on the Punch Time Exploders to help Cirrus Aria before things go too far?

## Trivia

* This episode takes place after *Sonic Rainboom*.
* During initial production of this episode, the writer had writer's block and made the foolish decision to allow Scroopfan to help, but due to a misunderstanding, the latter caused the story to deviate from the original plan, leading to creative differences involving clashing ideas, which, in turn, led to the episode becoming controversial example of early development of a Scroopfan Redux. However, after careful consideration and self-deliberation, this episode will be worked on as a solo episode.
	+ During the first attempt, Scroopfan showed contempt for the original vision by criticizing it as "a bland Wonderbolt hater story", and tried to separate Poison as two separate characters.

## Original Transcript

### Opening

(In Cloudsdale, the Mane 6 are gathered, with Rarity in the hot air balloon)

Rarity: I want to apologize to all of you for getting so carried away with my... beautiful wings. I guess I just lost my head.

Fluttershy: It's okay.

Applejack: Oh, don't worry about it, kiddo.

Pinkie Pie: We still love you.

Rarity: (to Rainbow Dash) And I'm especially sorry that I was so thoughtless as to jump into the contest at the last minute after you had worked so hard to win it. Can you ever, ever forgive me?

Rainbow Dash: Aw, it's okay. Everything turned out all right, right? I just wish I could have met the Wonderbolts when they were awake. [a hoof taps her shoulder, and she gasps when she sees it's the three Wonderbolts that she saved] Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!

Wonderbolt Leader: So, you're the little pony who saved our lives. We really wanted to meet you and say thanks.

Rainbow: Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! (Suddenly Celestia arrives onto the cloud stage)

Twilight: Princess. (the Main 6 bow before her)

Princess Celestia: Hello, Twilight Sparkle, and hello to your friends too.

Rarity: Princess Celestia, I am sorry I ruined the competition. Rainbow Dash here really is the best flyer in Equestria.

Celestia: I know she is, my dear. That's why, for her incredible act of bravery and her spectacular Sonic Rainboom, I'm presenting the grand prize for Best Young Flyer to this year's winner, Miss Rainbow Dash! (The crowd cheers as the crown is put on Rainbow's head)

Rainbow Dash: Ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh!

Celestia: So, Twilight Sparkle, did you learn anything about friendship from this experience?

Twilight: I did Princess, but I think Rarity learned even more than me.

Rarity: I certainly did. I learned how important it is to keep your hooves on the ground, and be there for your friends.

Celestia: Excellent. Well done, Rarity.

Rainbow Dash: This really is the best day ever! (Rainbow's three bullies arrive)

Dumb-Bell: Uhh, hey, Rainbow Crash.

Hoops: Dash!

Dumb-Bell: Oh! Uhh... Sorry. Rainbow Dash. Uhh, we just wanted to congratulate you on winning the competition.

Hoops: That sonic rainboom was awesome!

Rainbow Dash: Heh, thanks, guys.

Dumb-Bell: Uhh, we're really sorry we gave you such a hard time before.

Rainbow Dash: Aww, that's okay. Don't worry about it.

Dumb-Bell: Hey. Do you want to hang out with us? Maybe you could show us how you did that incredible trick!

Rainbow Dash: Sorry, boys... (flies off to meet with two Wonderbolts) But I've got plans! (unknown to her, a pegasus with a sinister glare watches her from the audience as the other Wonderbolts join her)

???: So do I, sister... so do I... (Smiles evilly)

### Chapter 1: Sky Full of Dreams

(The following day, Rainbow Dash comes back)

Pinkie: Hi, Rainbow Dash!

Rainbow: Hey, guys. (notices Rarity walking on the clouds) Rarity, I see Twilight had that walking on clouds spell ready for you.

Rarity: Well, it's the least I could do after my inexcusable showboating.

Rainbow Dash: "Okay easy on going Fluttershy on us and apologizing profusely, we get it already."

Twilight: How was your day with the Wonderbolts?

Rainbow: It was awesome! Although...

Rarity: Although what?

Rainbow: It did get a little dodgy in spots.

Fluttershy: Dodgy how?

Rainbow: No, it's nothing.

Applejack: Rainbow...

Rainbow: (sighs) Well, you see, what happened was...

(Flashback)

(At a bowling alley)

Spitfire: You know, Rainbow, you're a pretty cool pony.

Rainbow: REALLY?! (calms down) I mean... yeah, I'm pretty great, all right. But I'm not as cool as you guys.

Soarin': Heh, yeah.

???: Hey, got room for one more player? (a light-green pegasus arrives, much to the apparent disapproval of the Wonderbolts)

Rainbow: Uh, do I know you?

Pegasus: Oh, sorry, where are my manners? I'm Happy Glider. I was just passing by, and I just had to meet the incredible gayb- I mean the pony who saved the great Spitfire of the Wonderbolts!

Rainbow: Oh, that's okay.

Spitfire: No, it's not. Be careful with this one. She's trouble.

Happy Glider: Hey, come on, is that any way to treat a fan?

Soarin': You're no fan of ours.

Rainbow: What's with the attitude? Do you know this girl?

Spitfire: We used to.

Happy: But I just want to hang-

Spitfire: "Look, it's not that busy of a bowling alley, and this lane is ours."

Happy: Okay, then... if that's the way you feel... I'll head down to another lane. (Leaves)

Rainbow: Oh-kay... I think I'm up. (she bowls)

(Later, at a movie theater...)

Rainbow: (quietly) Wow! I can't believe you guys managed to get the Wonderbolts movie to pay here.

Spitfire: Yeah, well, when you're celebrities like us, you know how to pull some strings. (suddenly popcorn spills on them, and they turn to see)

Happy: Oh, Happy, you are such a butter-hooves. Oh, hey, guys.

Rainbow: What the-- are you following us?

Happy: No, I wasn’t following. I just happened to see that this movie was playing here, and I just happened to be sitting here.

Spitfire: "Look, I know for a fact this isn't just a random coincidence! You are following us! I don’t know what you’re up to, but you’re not gonna ruin the day we have planned with our fan here.

Rainbow: "Let's try a different seat, guys."

(Flashback ends)

Rainbow: Long story short, everywhere me and the Wonderbolts went, she was right there!

Fluttershy: Oh, well, she sounds awfully persistent.

Twilight: Well, it was probably a coincidence that this Happy Glider followed you into the bowling alley and the movies.

Rainbow: And the Cloud Ski resort, and the all-you-can-eat buffet, and the blizzard testing area, and the cloud museum, and near Air Kiss Cliffs!

Pinkie: Wow, Dashie, it sounds like you had loads of fun!

Applejack: At Air Kiss Cliffs?

Fluttershy: That last part may or may not be Wonderbolt-related.

Rainbow: Of course not. We only went there to try and throw her off the trail. And that ain't even the half of it. After we managed to get away from her, Spitfire warned me about some wanted pony called "Poison".

Applejack: Poison?

Rainbow: Word is, she's a pony who's had it out for the Wonderbolts after an unfortunate accident. Don’t know if the two are related, but they told me not to take any chances. (two pegasi, one with Pinkie's hair style but white, the other with Rarity's eyes but yellow with Fluttershy's hairstyle, run up to the Main 6)

Pegasus #1: Excuse me, have you seen Princess Celestia?

Twilight: Oh, I think she left a little while ago.

Pegasus #2: Oh, poo. We had hoped to catch up with her and ask her about the upcoming gala.

Pinkie: Wait... you want to go to the Grand Galloping Gala?

Pegasus #2: Well, no...

Rainbow Dash: "THEN WHY THE BUCK DID YA WANT TO-"

Pegasus 2: But our friend does.

Rainbow: Wait a minute... Who are you girls?

Pegasus #1: Oh, sorry. She's Fancy Feathers, and I'm Soft Clouds, but my friends call me Softie.

Fancy Feathers: when we saw you talking with Princess Celestia, we had a feeling you were good friends with her, and we figured that-- well, never mind that now.

Soft Clouds: We thought you might be able to help us with our friend's problems.

Rainbow: yeah, we'd love to, but we kinda gotta get-

Pinkie: We'll do it!

Fancy: You will?

Rainbow: We will?

Twilight: Well, it depends on what kind of problem she has.

Softie: Well, maybe it's best if you see for yourself. (Softie and Fancy lead the ponies somewhere)

#### Meet Cirrus Aria

(In a quaint cloud house, a young sky-blue Pegasus pony with a long mane with a cloud and a musical note for a Cutie Mark was moving some stuff around, humming a little tune before moving onto a room with a large cloud sculpture)

Pony: Well, all I need is a little something to finish the tower, then it's all set to go. (suddenly the bell rings) Now who could that be? (she answers the door, and she sees Softie and Fancy) Softie! Fancy! (the three of them hug) What are you girls doing here?

Fancy: Can't two very special friends stop by and visit their favorite song-pony?

Pony: Oh, Fancy. (notices the Main 6) Who are they?

Softie: Oh, these are some tourists we picked up.

Twilight: Hello. My name is Twilight Sparkle, and these are my friends, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy.

Pony: Wait... you mean the ponies who saved Equestria from Nightmare moon? It's an honor to meet you all. I'm Cirrus Aria.

Applejack: Pleasure to meetcha, Cirrus.

Rainbow: Hmm... Cirrus Aria... why does that name sound familiar?

Fluttershy: Um... do you mind if we come in?

Cirrus: Oh, of course. (the ponies enter)

Rainbow: Nice place you got here.

Pinkie: Do you live here all by yourself?

Cirrus: Yeah, most of the time. My mom helps pay for the place sometimes.

Rarity: Oh, really? What does she do for a living?

Cirrus: She's a... well, you know how sometimes you see those funny shapes in the clouds?

Pinkie: Oh, yeah, like last week I saw a ducky chasing a small alicorn. Of course, the horn was a little broken off and the wing of the duck were a little off-center, but it was there.

Fluttershy: Your mom's a cloud sculptor? That job is usually for ponies who take time and focus to get all of that right.

Cirrus: Yeah. It helps her pass the time, and she says the smiles when ponies see them make it all worthwhile. Plus, the pay is good, and it pays the mortgage. (suddenly a jet sound is heard) Oh, no... Aw gees, back already? I didn't have time to get to show ya around!

Applejack: Who's back already? (Suddenly an older mare bursts through the door)

???: Hey, Cirrus!

Cirrus: Hi, Mom. You're early for lunch.

Cirrus's Mom: Yeah, I decided to go back early. Found the perfect cloud just for you. (tosses a duffel bag onto the ground)

Rainbow: (pauses) Miss Nimble?!

Nimble: Rainbow Dash?! (the two hug) It's been years! I thought my little girl was plucking my feathers when she told me you were coming back here.

Rainbow: Yep. Best Young Flyer in the house!

Twilight: Uh, Rainbow? Who is this?

Rainbow: Guys, this is Nimble Strut. She was my old schoolteacher. She was almost my coach in flight school, but stuff happened, and I hadn't heard from her since.

Nimble: (she notices Fluttershy) Is that Fluttershy? Aww, look at her, she's the spitting image of her grandma.

Fluttershy: It's nice to see you as well, Miss Nimble.

Nimble: And you look all grown up yourself, Rainbow.

Rainbow: Aww, thanks.

Cirrus: So, what kind of cloud did you get me, Mom? (opens the duffel bag and a cirrus cloud creeps out) Wow, thanks! This is just enough to finish the last of the towers! (grabs the cirrus cloud and runs upstairs)

(Upstairs, Cirrus works on the sculpture as she carefully molds the clouds together)

Pinkie: (most of the Main 6 burst in) is that Canterlot castle?

Cirrus: AHHH! Don't scare me like that! Cirrus clouds are very sensitive! Not to mention I almost ruined the tallest tower. (she sculpts it back)

Rarity: You'll have to forgive Pinkie Pie. She is quite... excitable.

Pinkie: I'm practically a one-pony noisemaker. (Plays such a noisemaker) (Chuckles)

Cirrus: "WOULD YOU PLEASE?!"

Twilight: Did you make this all by yourself? It's very good, although you are a little off on some of the details.

Cirrus: "Hey fair's fair, clouds are not exactly clay, we're working with mistified water here."

Pinkie: "I always thought they were albino cotton candy."

Twilight: "...... Your mind is a magnet for scientific research, Pinkie Pie."

Rainbow: Yeah, cuz I'm pretty sure Canterlot and Ponyville are several miles of each other.

Cirrus: Yeah, well, when you got a view like this... (opens curtains to reveal a beautiful view of Canterlot and Ponyville) You have to work with what you got.

Pinkie: Wow!

Rarity: This view is gorgeous!

Applejack: Hoo-wee! Hey, I can see Sweet Apple Acres from here.

Twilight: It's all accurate to the sculpture. You really have an eye for detail, Cirrus.

Cirrus: Thanks, but if I were a real artist, I'd sneak out for some rainbows and paint it. But for now, I gotta work with my mom, the cloud sculptor.

Nimble: Yep, best freelance improvised sculptor in the business! Unless my boss finally catches wind of my thunder-locker prank. But hey, that's between you and me, huh?

Fancy: Typical Mrs. Nimble. Always keeping in touch with her inner filly.

Pinkie: MRS. Nimble? She's married?

Cirrus: No, she's a widow. We don't like to talk about it, but we've adjusted. (everything goes quiet for a bit)

Nimble: Uh, so, Softie, how's your brother?

Softie: Oh, he's fine. Got into a little trouble for his little rain prank again.

Nimble: My sister-in-law really needs to rein him in more.

Fluttershy: Um, excuse me. Isn't there a problem Cirrus has?

Fancy: Oh, yes, that's right. I nearly forgot.

Nimble: Problem? Something the matter, Cirrus?

Cirrus: Oh, well, I was just thinking... What with the Grand Galloping Gala coming up, I wanted to get Princess Celestia to--

Nimble: Cirrus Aria, I thought we talked about this. The Grand Galloping Gala is full of snobby ponies who are extremely hard to impress. Besides, who needs those earth trotters anyways? (she remembers there are Earth ponies and unicorns present) Oh, duh, not that I'm prejudiced. It's just, I had a bad experience in the Gala once... (everything goes quiet again)

Softie: Okay... this is awkward.

Nimble: Well, help yourselves to anything in the kitchen. I'm just gonna grab a sandwich and get back to work.

Pinkie: Thanks, Mrs. Nimble!

Twilight: Don't expect us to stay over. We have to get back to Ponyville. (The other ponies trot downstairs)

Nimble: All right, honey, make sure the guests feel comfortable. Don't go wandering off while I'm gone. See you when I get home! (she flies off)

Cirrus: Yeah... home.

Cirrus Aria:

Safe among these windows and these parapets of cloud

Gazing at the ponies down below me

All my life, I'm watching as I'm wondering aloud

Thirsty for the histories they show me

All my life, I'm witness to their hoof steps

Knowing them as they might never know me

All my life, I wonder how it feels to pass a day

Not above them

Twilight: (spoken) Is she singing?

Cirrus:

But part of them

Fancy: (spoken) She is.

Cirrus:

And down there, underneath the sun

Give me one day down there, all I ask is one

To hold forever

Down there, where they all live unaware

What I'd give

What I'd dare

Just to live one day down there

Down there among the millers and the weavers and their wives

Through the air and vapors I can see them

Every day they shout and scold and go about their lives

Heedless of the gift it is to be them

If I was in their skin

I'd treasure every instant

Down there, going up like stairs

Feel the morning down there, like ordinary mares

Who smile and cry and frown there

Just one day to dare and swear

To be content

With my share

(She flies up to a position where the sun shines directly behind her)

Won't resent

Won't despair

Old and bent

I won't care

I'll have spent

ONE DAY DOWN THERE!

Cirrus: (She flies back to the balcony) Ah... feels good to get it out of my system. Really like that song from that Disney movie I saw once. Now, off to serve some lunch to my guests. (She enters the room) AHH! (The main 6 have arrived, some with happy tears in their eyes) Uh, hey, girls... how much of that did you hear?

Pinkie: Pretty much around the first chorus. Great Disney Song choice by the by.

Rainbow: Cirrus, if you're so worried about heading to the Grand Galloping Gala with strangers, why don't you come with us and spend a few days down in Ponyville?

Cirrus: I don't know. I'm not exactly what you call a normal pegasus?

Rarity: Not a normal pegasus? What are you talking about? You're graceful in flight, you have an amazing voice.

Applejack: So why do you hesitate, sugarcube?

Cirrus: Uh... well, I'm not proud to say this... but I was born in... cloud captivity! There, I said it! I have never ever set hoof on solid ground!

Rainbow:.... Is that all? That's not as bad as you make it sound, I'd met Pegasi that were sky-fliers for life, especially here in Cloudsdale.

Cirrus: It's complicated with me... My parents have been on solid ground, but since Mom lost her teaching job, she's been kinda hard-pressed on me seeing the rest of Equestria. Apparently, you try to schedule ONE field trip to the Triple-G, you get pegged for life. So every year, I recline on a cloud and watch the gala, and every year I almost get caught by the guards. Paranoid jerks. There was another reason involving my dad, but I don’t want to talk about it.

Applejack: Well, on the subject of the Gala, ain't you ever thought about goin' there instead?

Cirrus: Sure, but Celestia would never turn an eye upon us common folk.

Twilight: HEY, she's nicer than that! Anything you might’ve heard about Celestia being a mightier-than-thou alicorn goddess is a GROSS misconception made up by her critics to get us to question even having alicorn rule!

Cirrus: Oh, so I guess all my failures were just because of either guards being jerks or she leaves before I can get to say anything!

Fancy: Seems like it.

Rainbow: And even then, we're common folk, too, and we got tickets.

Twilight: Only because Celestia gave them to me.

Cirrus: Oh, yeah, I saw that whole fiasco a long while ago. (the Main 6 look at her funny) Hey, sometimes I get curious. But Mom will never let me go down there. I'm a young adult, shouldn't I take responsibility for my own actions and follow my own dreams? (Pinkie points behind her) What? (She turns and sees her mom with happy tears and quivering lips) Geez Louise, what is it with me and surprise audiences lately?! Mom! I was just, uh...

Nimble: No, I understand. My little girl is growing up and needs to see the world... (She hugs Cirrus) If it means that much to you, I'll let you go to Ponyville.

Rainbow Dash: "Well that's parental/child conflict surprisingly wrapped up quickly-"

Twilight: "SHUSH!"

Nimble: Just promise me one thing: if something happens and you don't like it down there, you just come right home to your mom, okay?

Cirrus:... Okay.

(Later, the Main 6 are seen leaving in the hot air balloon, with Fluttershy and Rainbow flying by them, but Cirrus hesitates)

Rainbow: Aren't you coming? (Cirrus nods no) Well, why not?

Cirrus: What if the ponies down there don't like me?

Rainbow: Come on! Everypony's gonna love you! I mean, we don't know you very well, but we'll work on that over time. (the trio fly after the hot air balloon, but unknown to them the wing flaps scatter a cirrus cloud, which floats toward a larger cloud far away, and deep inside it, an lightning eye opens, revealing a creature waking up)

### Chapter 2: Cirrus Finds Solid Ground

(the hot air balloon parks down on the ground)

Applejack: Here we are! Home sweet home in Ponyville. (Cirrus, who is still flying, is hesitant to land)

Rainbow: Come on, it's okay. (Cirrus slowly lands on the ground and feels her hooves)

Cirrus: Wow... solid ground feels a lot harder than clouds.

Fluttershy: You'll get used to it after a while. I did.

Cirrus: (She paces around) Wow... walking on the ground isn't so bad. It's just like Cloudsdale, only literally harder.

Rainbow Dash: That's what she said- (Applejack smacks her) OW!

Twilight: See? Nothing to worry about.

Cirrus: Boy, I can't wait to find out what I've been missing!

Applejack: Oh, now, hold on, Cirrus, we don't want to bite off more than we-- (Cirrus runs off)

Twilight: (sighs) We'd better show her around. (the main 6 follow her as the pony from earlier, having hitched a ride inside the balloon part of the hot air balloon, watches them)

Pony: it's time to put a stop to this Wonderbolt wannabe's nonsense right now. (she grabs a dark cloak and scrambles out)

#### A Week of Fun

(Montage: Cirrus has a lot of fun prancing around Ponyville, trying on Rarity's outfits, going to the spa, eating different foods, buying thing from the marketplace, swimming, taking a brief train ride, and rolling down a grassy hill)

Cirrus: Oh, wow! Most pegasi can't BUY that kind of fun!

Twilight: "Technically they can, it's just the sky version of it-"

Cirrus: Let me enjoy this!

Pinkie: I think she really took a shine to Sugarcube Corner. She was about ready to be customer of the week.

Applejack: And I never seen anypony with so much energy on the farm.

Rarity: And she really "kept her cool" at the spa.

Rainbow: And it only took a few hours out of our busy schedules.

Twilight: Speaking of schedules, we should've been on our way to our homes, by now.

Cirrus: So, what's next? Catch a movie? A race around the town? Man, this place is fun! I can't wait to see what we'll do tomorrow!

Fluttershy: Tomorrow?

Twilight: Uh, Cirrus, would you mind excusing us for a little bit?

Cirrus: Okay, then. (the Main 6 leave as the mysterious pony from before watches them)

(At Twilight's library)

Spike: (He sees the Main 6 arrive) Hey, girls. How was Cloudsdale?

Rainbow: It was awesome! I won the Best Young Flyer competition and got to spend some time with the Wonderbolts!

Spike: That's great! But... why are the others so worn out?

Applejack: Well, we picked up a little tourist on the way home.

Rarity: A rather excitable one, at that.

Pinkie: She's just happy about her first time on the ground. Sending her home now would only hurt her feelings.

Fluttershy: I just wish there was something we could do.

Twilight: Wait. What if we found someone who would be happy to stay with her tomorrow? That way, she'll get her fair share of fun on the ground, and when she decides to come home, she'll come visit whenever she wants, and everything goes back to normal.

Applejack: Not that that ain't a bad idea, but where are we gonna find someone that'll give her a good time on such short notice?

Rainbow: Well, we'll have to figure it out later, because I am bushed!

Pinkie: Yeah, all that welcoming Cirrus to the neighborhood has me pooped! Think I'll turn in for the night. (everypony else leaves, saying good night)

(Later that night, in Rainbow Dash's house, the pony flies in quietly, snatching a bunch of stuff from her and leaves, then flies down and meets with a stallion)

Stallion: Okay, you got the stuff, Miss Poison?

"Poison": Yeah. Now you know what you're supposed to do, Strong Thrust?

Strong Thrust: Yeah, just make sure none of this stuff is wrecked by the time I'm done with the new girl.

"Poison": That's what I'm counting on. (Snickers evilly)

(The next morning, Ponyville is woken up by Rainbow Dash's screaming)

Rainbow: ROBBERS! BURGLARS! BOLT-SNATCHERS! I'M GONNA-- I'VE BEEN-- HOW DID-- WHAT AM I-- I CAN'T-- AHHHHHH!!!

Twilight: (she and the others gather) Rainbow Dash, what's wrong?

Rainbow: What's wrong?! Someone stole all my Wonderbolt merchandise!

Rarity: What?!

Applejack: Someone swiped all your stuff?!

Rainbow: I've been collecting that stuff since I was a kid, and they went and took it all in one night! (Cirrus arrives with a yellow Earth Pony stallion with a short mane and tail)

Cirrus: Hey guys, take a look at this neat guy I just met.

Pinkie: Hey, Strong Thrust! Good to see you again.

Strong Thrust: Hey, girls.

Cirrus: I met him outside the hotel, and he offered me a good time showing me around Ponyville. Could you believe it?

Applejack: You sure that's a good idea, Cirrus? You barely know him.

Fluttershy: That's right. Especially since-

Cirrus: Anyway, we heard the shouting, and we wanted to see what was going on.

Twilight: Apparently, someone stole her Wonderbolt merchandise.

Strong Thrust: Oh, man, that's too bad. Those Wonderbolts are so awesome. It's just sad how they couldn't save a prissy unicorn from falling to her doom and had to be saved by some rainbow-haired wannabe.

Rarity: Prissy?!

Rainbow: Wannabe?!

Applejack: Say, how did you know about that incident at Cloudsdale?

Strong Thrust: Oh, that? I, uh... I read about it in the papers. Yeah, that's it. Right by that article about the growing storm headed near Cloudsdale.

Fluttershy: A storm? I thought Cloudsdale made all the weather. (Suddenly, Happy Glider runs over to them)

Happy Glider: Hey, it's that Rainbow Dash kid! What a coincidence!

Rainbow: You?! What are you doing here?

Happy Glider: Oh, I just happened to be passing by. Sorry if I was interrupting.

Pinkie: Oh, it was nothing at all. Welcome to Ponyville, Miss...

Happy Glider: Glider. Happy Glider. (Pinkie gasps and runs away) Oh-kay, then. Well, I was about to head to my new home, then I'll be out of your hair.

Strong Thrust: Yeah, us too. Come on, Cirrus. Let's continue our little stroll.

Cirrus: Okay, Thrust. (the three ponies leave the others, with Happy going in a different direction)

Rainbow: Call me skeptical, but I'm not buying the act for one minute.

Rarity: I'm sorry, but what act?

Rainbow: My stuff gets stolen last night, then Cirrus arrives with some guy who badmouths the recent accident, then a supposed stalker comes by and moves into Ponyville without notifying the neighborhood! I have a feeling those two are up to something.

Twilight: Although, that does raise concerns, we can't know if there's foul play involved. Princess Celestia was there; she might know how to clear things up.

(Back in Cloudsdale...)

Cirrus’ Aunt: She left?! What do you mean, she left?!

Nimble: She wanted to get away from Cloudsdale for a week, so I decided to let her go.

Cirrus: Nimble, do you remember what happened at Cirrus Storm’s funeral? It wouldn’t stop raining up here for almost a year!

Softie: Oh, come on, you’re not still on about that, are you?

Nimble: Yeah, Cumulus, even Cloudsdale wasn’t immune to our own weather changes.

Cumulus: Well, if it wasn’t because of Nimboar, what else could it have been?! It wasn’t until Aria sang “My Heart Will Go On” that the storm dissipated!

Nimble: And she got her cutie mark. I wish my big handsome Storm could’ve been here.

Cumulus: We are about three days away from the worst storm in Cloudsdale’s history. And I find out the only one who could subdue Nimboar is out of town for the week! Softie, I want you to go down to Ponyville and bring back your cousin.

Softie: But, Mom, that Nimboar thing is only a theory.

Cumulus: I don’t care. You and Fancy are her friends, she’ll listen to you.

Softie: (sighs) Fine. I’ll go... but keep an eye on Strats.

Cumulus: Oh, no worries. There is no way Strat Feathers could ever face that monster no matter how confident he tries to be!

Softie: All right, then. (she flies off)

Nimble: Good luck.

### Chapter 3: Trouble Under the Sky

Elsewhere, where Cirrus is.

Cirrus: (Giggles) You're so witty and opinionated, Thrust.

Strong Thrust: Yeah, I mean, everypony has their own opinions on things. I mean, they give me a lot of flack for having a... let’s just say my little brother has a few, things to work out.

Cirrus: Like what?

Strong Thrust: I don’t think you want to know. Anyway, let’s talk about you. What made you decide to go out into Ponyville?

Cirrus: Well, I guess it all started with my dad. He was a great Wonderbolt who did everything for his family. He was fighting this giant cloud demon with his fellow Bolts and managed to subdue it. My mom was traumatized by the event that she didn’t want me leaving Cloudsdale, and it only got worse when Dad died a year after that battle and Mom lost her teaching job after trying to schedule a field trip to the Grand Galloping Gala.

Strong Thrust: Man, that’s rough. Did the demon thing prevent you from making friends?

Cirrus: No, no, lots of pegasi loved me. They respected me for being the daughter of a hero. Even my cousin helped me adjust to life in the clouds. She even defended me when I said my singing driving away the return of Nimboar was just a coincidence.

Strong Thrust: Nimboar? Then that means, Cirrus Storm was your dad? I heard about him. He’s a great hero!

Cirrus: But earlier you nitpicked them for not saving Rarity and having to be saved by Rainbow Dash.

Strong Thrust: Well, it’s not like I have anything against them personally. It’s just they haven’t been as good as the Golden Age Wonderbolts.

Cirrus: Oh. Well, they’re really good ponies nonetheless. I’m sure you’ll learn the meaning of their methods some time.

Strong Thrust: (pauses) You know something? You’re all right, Cirrus. You’re so kind, and considerate to others. I haven’t really been this close to a girl since my ex-girlfriend Divine Trail. She broke up with me because of the brother I mentioned. Could you believe it? (the two giggle)

Cirrus: And you’re the first guy I ever told my story to.

Strong Thrust: Because I insisted.

Cirrus: It’s almost like... we were meant to be together. (The two stare longingly at each other as the Main 6, plus Spike, are watching them from a safe distance)