Chapter 1: New Challenger Approaches
It was a mild spring morning in Ponyville. A few clouds hung in the sky. Out in the garden of a small cottage on the outskirts of the town, custard yellow pegasus with a pink mane was tending to the various plants in her garden. She had an ornate watering can in her mouth, and was sprinkling the plants near the gate. She set down the watering can so she could more closely inspect the flowers. She started to sing to herself as she went about her chores, as woodland creatures scurried around the yard. She was so engrossed in her tasks at hand, she had not noticed a tall unicorn pulling a wagon coming down the road with a map in front of his face, not held there by magic.
The tall unicorn was mumbling something about missing a left turn at Albacolte. When he heard the singing. He used his magic to flick a switch on an odd looking satchel bag on his back, causing the map to retract from in front of his face. Looking for the source of the melody, he spied the yellow pegasus just over the fence line.
Finally some pony to tell me where I am, the unicorn thought.
As he neared, the pegasus picked up the watering can again to tend to more plants.
“Excuse me miss...” was all he could get out before a high pitched squeak erupted from the yellow pegasus as she darted up into a nearby tree, dropping the watering can in her haste. The surprised unicorn gawked at the spot that the pegasus had occupied just a moment before. Looking up, he spied a pair of teal eyes looking down at him from a quivering tree. Unhitching himself for the wagon, he walked toward the tree where the pegasus had hidden herself.
“Are you okay miss?” the unicorn asked in soft baritone voice. Only hearing a slight whimper come from the tree, he approached to check on the pegasus. He placed his forelegs on the tree trunk, trying to get a better look at the frightened pony.
“Miss I am sorry to have startled you, but you see I am a little lost.” The unicorn was able to say before letting out a yell and falling onto his back.
The pegasus cautiously poked her head out of her hiding spot, finally getting a look at the newcomer. His coat was light gray, almost sliver, with a short jet-black mane and tail. His red eyes were spinning in their sockets, when she noticed a small white figure standing on the unicorn's chest with carrot pointed at the unicorn's neck much like a sword, and a stone in the other paw.
“Angel!” the pegasus gasped, swooping down from her perch and grabbing the small bunny in her hooves. The small white rabbit struggled to free himself, but the pegasus held fast.
“Now, Angel,” the pegasus said in a soft but strict tone, “hat have I told you about going after other ponies? You know mommy gets startled easily and I thought you learned your lesson with Princess Luna.”
At the mention of the moon goddess' name, the bunny went ridged with a slight twitch in his eye as he remembered the fury of the young looking ruler.
“Now, you be a good little bunny and hop along, alright." the pegasus said, putting down the rabbit. She watched the rabbit run off into some nearby bushes before turning her attention back towards her mysterious visitor. The unicorn had rolled himself over so that he was sitting on the ground with his legs curled under him. He was looking down at the ground while rubbing the back of his head with one of his fore hoofs.
“Oh my goodness,” the yellow pegasus gasped, flying over to the wounded unicorn, her kind caring nature taking over. She held onto the sides of the unicorn's head with her hooves to get a better look at his injury. After examining his head for a moment, the pegasus spoke: “It looks like it will be just a lump.”
“I can feel it,” the unicorn cut in, “that rabbit of yours has got a good arm, but nothing...a...little...ice...” The unicorn trailed off as he looked up, noticing that their faces were just mere inches apart. They just stared at one another while their faces turned brighter shades of red with each passing second, until a small stone landed on top of the unicorn's head, causing him to yell out in pain again. The startled pegasus' wings locked up and she dropped to the ground letting a little “oomph” as she hit the ground with all four hooves. She quickly glared at the bush the rabbit had run off into earlier, but he was nowhere to be seen. A quiet groan from the unicorn reminded her of his presence.
“I-I am...s-so...s-sorry,” the pegasus whispered while trying to vanish behind her long mane. “He is usually more well behaved...”
Shaking off the pain a bit, the unicorn got to his hooves. “No worries, Miss. I've gotten worse from my days playing hoofball. I am sorry that I scared you again Miss.” He got no response from the pink mane, and thinking quickly he had an idea to calm down the filly.
“Where are my manners,” the unicorn exclaimed. “I haven't properly introduced myself. My mother would have my flank for being so rude. Well then, my name is Steel Arrow,” the unicorn said bowing his head, while raising his hoof to cross his chest. But he got no response from the pink mane.
“What is your name?”
“I'm...Fluttershy...” the pegasus whispered.
“I did quite catch that.”
“I'm Flutter...shy,” She trailed off.
“Oh, Fluttersky. That's a lovely name for a pegasus,” replied Steel, “ Now, I was wondering if you happen to know which way I need to go to get to Ponyville?”
“Well... you are in Ponyville, but.” replied Fluttershy, coming out from behind her mane a bit.
“Splendid! But, what is it, Ms. Sky?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. It isn't important.”
“Well it must be important if you wanted to bring it up.”
“Oh-h, O-okay then. I-it's just...”
“It's alright you can tell me.”
“M-my name I-isn't FlutterSKY, its Fluttershy. Oh, I’m sorry. My friends tell me I need to be more assertive. But, you can call me Sky, that is, if you want to.”
“You're not the one who needs to apologize. I am the one who needs to be apologizing, for calling you by the wrong name. I am a little hard of hearing. But, if is it alright with you if I shorten it to just Shy?”
“Um...yes that... would be alright.”
“Excellent, I have just one other question I thought Ponyville was a bit bigger than this, where is the rest of the town?” Steel asked, bringing one of his hooves up to massage his aching head.
“Oh yes,” Fluttershy said with start, “It is just behind those trees. You'll see it once you round the bend in the road. Are you sure you are alright?”
“It is just a little ache, nothing too serious,” said Steel as he brought down his hoof noticing a little red stain on his hoof. He quickly hid the hoof away from Fluttershy, but then he felt a warm, wet sensation run down the side of his face. He put on a nervous smile as Fluttershy stared as his head for a moment.
“Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness,” Fluttershy erupted in a panic.
As Fluttershy continued sputtering out her panic stricken phrase, Steel slowly raised up his other hoof to her face, stopping it just in front of her mouth, successfully quieting the worrying filly without startling her for once.
“I can guess you are thinking your little rabbit caused this. Well, okay, he did cause me to bleed, but it was just a lucky shot with that stone. I hit my head this morning when I woke up in my wagon, so don't be too upset with the little critter, alright?” Steel said while lowering his hoof. “But, could I trouble you for a bandage?”
“Oh, of course it’s no trouble at all.” She squeaked as she led Steel toward her cottage
Steel followed the timid pegasus toward her house. As they crossed the small bridge spanning over an equally tiny creek, he noticed all the various bird houses that peppered the yard and a chicken coop off to one side of her yard. This is all quite odd for a pegasus, Steel thought as Fluttershy opened the door to her cottage. Most pegasi I know prefer to live in cloud houses. Even when they do live on the ground, they don't have houses that are, well, this down to earth. Hay this house is earth. He thought as he bumped into Fluttershy, causing her to let out a little squeak.
“Oh, sorry, I was just admiring your cottage,” he said with a nervous chuckle.
“Um, it is okay. I shouldn't have stopped so suddenly. I was just trying to remember where I put my first aid,” she said while trying to hide her face behind her mane again. Neither of them said anything, the pause turn into a moment, and then the moment turned awkward.
Steel broke the silence, “Should I just wait here while you find your first aid kit, or back outside?”
“Oh yes, in here would be fine.” She replied before trotting off into the adjacent room.
Steel walked over to the sofa and sat down. He looked around the small room, noticing there were more birdhouses along with all sorts of little holes dotting the wall and the small stair ways and catwalks around the room. He made a mental note to ask her if she made those houses herself. His gaze fell upon an odd-looking piece of furniture. It looked to have been constructed from a broken table with an excess of nails, some of which were not nailed in all the way. Steel tried to use his magic to bring the piece closer, only to have his head throb wildly in protest. I hope this isn't a concussion, doesn’t feel like one, he thought while bringing his hooves to his temples, trying to message away the pain. Fluttershy walked back into the room carrying a large white briefcase-like bag with a red cross on its side. Seeing Steel rubbing the sides of his head, she rushed over to the couch, setting down the kit.
“Are you alright, is your head hurting?” She asked, a little concern showing in her eyes.
“My head just started to hurt little more after I tried to levitate that table thing of yours to get a closer look,” Steel said, pointing to the object by the sofa, “That is when it started to throb even more.”
“Oh my goodness, you could have a concussion from all those hits to your head today. Now, keep your head still and follow my hoof with your eyes.” Fluttershy said, bringing her hoof up in front of his eyes, and she began to move it around sporadically. About a minute later, she gave a quick sigh of relief
“Well, I can say it doesn't look like you have a concussion, but you should have a professional look at it.”
“Alright, do I need to add nurse or doctor in front of your name too, to get it right?” Steel said with a chuckle.
“Oh no, I am not a medical pony at all.”
“Then how do you know so much about medicine,” Steel looked at the large first aid kit, “if you don't mind me asking?”
“Well, I am just really good with animals and I am closest thing this town has to an animal doctor, and I have a friend who crashes a lot when she is practicing her new tricks; so I read up on the subject and got some training from Nurse Redheart. Oh, I'm sorry, I don't mean to talk so much, I can be a bit of loudmouth at times.”
“It alright Ms. Shy, I am told I can be a good listener. Are there bandages in that kit?”
“Oh yes.” Fluttershy squeaked, as she opened up the kit and brought out a piece of gauze, a roll of wrap, and a tube of ointment. She then set to work on his head wounds.
“This may sting a little,” she said applying a small drop of the fluid onto a piece of gauze. Steel winced as she applied the bandage. Then she proceeded to wrap the gauze to his head.
“All done,” Fluttershy said in her soft voice a few moments later.
“Thanks, it feels a lot better already.” Steel said as he got off the sofa and walked over a nearby mirror to see Fluttershy's hoofwork. He found it to be on par with any professional he had ever seen.
“Hum, I am usually the one fixing things up.” Steel muttered.
“Why's, that?” Fluttershy asked
“Why is what?” Steel said snapping out of his thoughts.
“Oh, I am sorry I don't mean to pry. But, you said that you're the one who is usually fixing things. Sorry, you don't have to answer if you don't want to.”
“Oh yeah, w-well that is to s-say,” Steel stuttered in embarrassment, “I am a repair pony and I am the one other ponies usually call to fix their stuff.” Pointing to the two black gears that made up his cutie mark.
“Oh okay, so that must be your shop they just finished.”
“Wait, my shop is finished?”
“Yes, I have been watching them work on it every time I go into town, they finished about a week ago.”
“That’s fantastic, I will have to thank cousin Cobalt and his crew for a quick job, and I of course have to thank you for the wonderful care you provided me.”
“Oh, that's not necessary.”
“No, no I insist. It’s the least I can do,” Steel said as he trotted over to the odd piece of furniture that was once table.
“I might not be able to save the table top but the stand is salvageable,” he said while inspecting the piece of furniture. “I could just put on a new piece and it shouldn't take more than an afternoon. In fact, I think I have some nice walnut that would do the trick.” Steel said as he turned to head out the front door.
Fluttershy sat stunned for a moment before getting up to follow Steel.
“No you don't have to go through all this trouble for me.” she said meekly.
“It is no trouble Ms. Shy, especially for a cute filly like you.”
Flutter stopped short of the little bridge at Steel's words. He continued on, Did I really just say that out loud? A loud clank of hoof on metal interrupted his thoughts. His hoof sent a piece of metal flying a short distance in front of him. From behind Steel, Fluttershy let out a loud gasp as she darted forward scooping up the object as she started to cry. In her hooves, Fluttershy held on to the smashed remains of what was her watering can. The container was smashed almost flat and both the handle and spout where just barely hanging onto the container. Steel stands froze in place, his eyes wide with fear and sorrow.
“I am sorry Fluttershy,” Steel offers weakly looking down upon the sobbing pegasus, “I must have landed on it when I fell.”
“It was a gift from my mother,” she says in between sobs, “before she...”
Fluttershy's sobbing doubled after she just barely got out the last part. Steel was feeling bad enough, he wished for one of the goddess rulers to send him to the moon for his crime. But before he could try and comfort the crying pegasus, Steel felt himself being lifted off the ground. For a split second he though, Next stop the moon, before he was spun around like a top and then slammed back down to the ground, not noticing the purple aura around him.
The next thing he saw was a giant red blur coming right at him as he braced for impact.
Author's Notes
First I would like to thank The Paragon For the awesome cover art. You can find more of his work at http://theparagon.deviantart.com/.
Secondly I would like to thank one of my pegasister for editing the draft.
I did borrow the Luna part from Andrew Talon's Fanfic “Progress”. You should check it out. It is quite entertaining.
I also borrow the table thing from the episode Stare Master.
Also I hope you caught my reference to an old Bugs Bunny joke.
Hope you all enjoyed my first Fanfic. Stay tuned for Chapter two.
Chapter 2: Welcome to Ponyville
Near the center of Ponyville, a lavender colored unicorn steppede outside of the local library tree. Before she stepped outside into Celestia’s day she called back into the tree, “Spike, are you sure you'll be alright while I am gone?”
“Yeah, I think so Twilight,” Spike replied weakly from inside the tree. Then a gagging sound came from within the bowels of the tree . “Suspicious gemstones...not fit... never again.”
Twilight cringed at the sound, before yelling back inside. “Rest up Spike, I'll be back from Fluttershy's place soon, okay?” She only heard a groan followed by an emerald green flicker from inside the library.
Closing the door, Twilight turned and began to trot through Ponyville. The town square was crowded with venders and other ponies enjoying the warmth of Celestia's sun. Little fillies and colts frolicked under the watchful eyes of their parents, other ponies had started a pickup game of hoofball while young couples enjoyed each other company as they basked in the rays of Celestia's sun. Twilight let out a sigh at the last sight but continued on her way through Ponyville.
/---------------------------------------\
As Twilight neared the edge of town, she saw a tall and muscular maroon colt pulling a small wagon filled with various bushels of fruits, vegetables, and bags of bird seeds. As she got closer, she called out to the large colt, “Hey, Big Macintosh.”
The maroon colt stopped and turned to greet the unicorn. “Good morn'in, Ms. Sparkle,” the colt replied in his western drawl.
“My, that is quite a large order you've got. But I thought Sweet Apple Acres is on the other side of town?”
“Eee-yup.”
Twilight gave Big Mac a quizzical look, knowing Fluttershy would rather get her own groceries than impose on others. Big Mac looked down at the ground with a sheepish grin as Twilight kept looking at the colt. Then Twilight leaned in closer, trying to coax more out of the colt.
“Well ah'm just... I just thought it would be easier for her, ya know. If I brought her groceries to her, instead of her having to take so many trips,” Big said, putting on a nervous grin.
“That is so nice of you,” Twilight said after moment, a grin growing on her face.
Big Mac just stood frozen in place, thankful for his red coat because his face felt as hot as Celestia's sun in the sky.
“Hey, are you coming?” Twilight shouted back, having walked a little way up the path. Big Mac shook his head and caught up with twilight. Big Mac missed the sigh, Twilight gave as the colt caught up to the mare.
“So why are you off to see Fluttershy?” Big Mac inquired.
“Oh,” Twilight said, snapping out of her thoughts, “Spike found some weird looking gemstones. He ate the stones for breakfast and they made him sick. I am going to see if Fluttershy has any medicine that will help him.”
“What about the drug store in town?”
“Well there was another baked bad incident at Sugar Cube Corner last night. I'm hoping Fluttershy has something that might help,” Twilight said a little worry in her voice.
“Ah'm sure she'll have something to help the little guy,” Big Mac said as the pair continued on to Fluttershy's cottage.
/--------------------------------------------------------\
The pair of ponies rounded the bend in the road before Fluttershy's cottage. Both took note of a traveling wagon parked in front of the gate. Next, they saw a tall sliver unicorn was standing in front of a small yellow and pink figure sitting on the ground. Crying could be heard coming from the yellow pegasus. Twilight and Big Mac looked at each other, and both knew what should be done.
Twilight took off toward the cottage at a full gallop as Big Mac quickly unhitched himself and took off after Twilight. A light purple aura enveloped Twilight's horn, and as she got closer the same aura encased the other unicorn. The unicorn began to slowly lift off of the ground, as her magic got stronger the closer she got to the sliver unicorn. Next, she spun the strange pony around like a top before slamming him down to the ground as Big Mac rushed past her. He was charging with all his might, before a yellow figure stepped in his path yelling, “STOOOOP!”
Big Mac slammed on the brakes, kicking up a dust cloud in his wake. The dust cloud settled revealing a trench leading up to the maroon pony and the yellow pegasus standing on her hind legs before him. Fluttershy stood before Big Mac with her forelegs stretched out, her chin flat against her chest and her eyes closed tightly as she braced for impact. Luckily, Big Mac stopped just a mere inch from Fluttershy.
Big Mac looked down at Fluttershy, her body still trembling, then at the pony he was charging at only a moment before. Big Mac took a step back from Fluttershy, but not before flicking the pony lying on the ground, on the noise breaking him of his fear induced trance. Big Mac would never tell anypony that he took a little satisfaction in that action. Big Mac gently placed a large hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder. The Pegasus let out a little squeak in surprise. “Fluttershy... I,” was all he was able to get out before Twilight galloped over.
“Fluttershy, are you alright? Did this colt hurt you?” she asked, while putting her head down pointing her horn toward the other unicorn.
“Wait, wait, wait,” Steel sputtered as he tried his best to back away, only to stopped by the tree Fluttershy hide in earlier.
“Twilight, please wait,” Fluttershy piped up. “He didn’t hurt me. Well not intentionally, it was an accident.” Fluttershy finished looking down at the mangled piece of metal, almost on the verge of tears again.
Twilight shot a rather nasty look at the unicorn sitting in front of the tree. “Did you at least apologize to her?” Twilight said almost yelling.
“I was in the middle of that.” Steel replied a little anger in his voice.“Ms. Shy I am sorry for breaking your mother's watering can, but I can fix that too, in fact I could do it right now.”
“You broke something else!” Twilight interjected.
“Oh n-no Twilight, it was the table the crusaders broke the other night with the cockatrice.” Fluttershy said.
“Oh yeah, I remember now,” Twilight said, “But how do you...whatever your name is, how are you going to do that?”
“Name is Steel and if you all would step back I will show you.” Steel shot back, as the three ponies took a few steps back.
“Alright this is sort of a two-part spell, okay?” Steel said as his horn lit up with a sliver aura. The area around the mangled metal that was once a watering can began to glow much in the same manner. Black lines began to appear around the metal like a giant quill was writing on the ground.
The watering can was encircled in two circles, the slightly smaller circle just inside the larger one. A triangle with its corners touching the inner circle also surrounded the watering can. Then, three semicircles going through the triangle near the corners, and ending the on the outer circle appeared. Lastly, three lines came out from the zenith of the semicircles converging on the middle of the circle1.
“Wait, is that a...” Twilight began.
Steel suddenly reared up on his hind legs, clapping his fore hooves together before slamming them back down on the circle. A bright blue-ish white light filled the circle and cast the surrounding area in the same light. After the light subsided the other ponies just gawked, for in the middle of the circle was an undamaged watering can, looking as new as the day it was made. Steel trotted into the circle array, picked up the watering can in his mouth and took it over to Fluttershy placing it in front of her. He wore a sly grin on his face as he stepped back from the three ponies still in shock.
Twilight was the first to snap back to reality and break the silence, “Wait a minute, how do you know this ancient form of magic? Only a hoof full of ponies even know about this form of magic, and even fewer know how it works. I know of only two ponies who can even perform this kind of magic. So far you are the only one I have seen that could actually cast this type of magic. No, can't be you're too young, unless ...WHAT did you say your name was again?”
“Twilight, was it? Twilight Sparkle, right?”
“Yes, that is correct, but I am the one asking the questions.”
“Is that so? But really, Ms. Sparkle you have forgotten me already, but yet I can remember our past.”
“Huh!?”
“Ouch, that hurt Twilight. How could you forget the colt you tried to kill with a hundred makeshift arrows made out of quills?”
“Twilight gasped as the memories final caught up to her. “If I remember correctly, it was only ten, and you kind of deserved it too.”
“Okay, maybe I exaggerated with the quills, but I told you I was sorry and besides it was an accident. I tripped over all those books you had scattered over the floor when I came to invite you to Moondancer's birthday party. I didn't mean to break your book stand.”
“Sure, whatever you say,” Twilight scoffed.
“Hay, at least I made you a new one,” Steel said as both unicorns let out a little laugh for old memories.
“Wait you know each other?” Big Mac interjected
“You tried to kill him, Twilight!” Fluttershy squeaked.
“Yes, we know each other. We both attended Celestia's magic school. I didn't really try to kill him, maybe just wound at most, but that is a long story.”
“Say, do you still even have that stand I made for you?” Steel inquired.
“Yes I do, Spike uses it all the time...Oh my gosh, I almost forgot about Spike,” Twilight gasped.
“What's wrong with Spike?” Fluttershy asked.
“He found some suspicious gem stones I have never seen before; I told him not to eat them. But, you know Spike, he ate them anyway. He has a wicked stomach ache now. I stopped by the apothecary but they were all out because of another baked bad incident at the Sugar Cube Corner. So I thought that you would have something that would help him.”
“Yes, I do. Angel had a tummy ache last week and I still have some of the medicine I got for him.”
“That is great Fluttershy. I knew you would have something,” Twilight said.
Fluttershy turned to lead Twilight to her cottage, but before they got too far Fluttershy turned back to Big Mac. “Did you need something too Big Macintosh, some medicine for Winona? That is if you don't mind me asking,” She asked.
“Nyupe,” Big Mac replied.
“Well... um... what brings you out here, that is... um... if you want to say... that is,” Fluttershy asked quietly.
Big Mac gathered his thoughts before he answered. “Well, I was delivering a fresh batch of apples to the cart in town. I notice mah sis and the other venders were organizing a cart of goods. I asked who had ordered such large amount of food. Applejack explained that you ordered it for all the animals that just woke up. She said that you would be by later to pick it up. If I remembered correctly today is a spa day with Rarity. So I thought it would make your day easier if I brought it over to you,” Big Mac said looking at the ground sheepishly.
“Oh, thank you Big Macintosh,” Fluttershy said, “but, where is the cart?”
“It right...” Big Mac started, as his eyes went wide. “Horseapples, I left it at the bend!” He exclaimed as he took off racing back up the road.
Both of the mares let out a little giggle as they trotted towards Fluttershy's cottage. Steel was left sitting under the tree. He decided it would be best to take his leave and continue on to Ponyville. As he reached his wagon, Big Mac came back with his wagon of Fluttershy's supplies in tow. “Look, I... understand you wanted to protect your friend and hay I probably would have done the same thing if I found one of my friends crying and strange pony standing over them,” Steel said, “So no hard feelings, right?”
“Eyupe.”
“Well then let’s start from the beginning. My Name is Steel Arrow, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Steel said, extending a hoof.
“Hello Steel, names Macintosh Apple, but most ponies call me Big Mac. Nice to meet you,” Big Mac said bumping hooves with Steel
“Looks like you two are getting along.” Twilight said, as she and Fluttershy steped out of the cottage.
“Here are your groceries, Fluttershy. Where would you like them?” Big Mac asked.
“Oh you can leave them there; I will take them inside myself,” Fluttershy replied.
“Let me help you with those.” Twilight said, levitating a bushel of food from the cart.
“You don't have to.” Fluttershy said softly, as the two colts also lent a helping hoof. The four ponies made quick work of all the groceries. Celestia's sun was near its zenith by the time the four ponies emerged from cottage.
“Well, I should really get back home to check on Spike,” Twilight spoke.
“Eyupe, I should be getting back to the farm mah-self,” Big Mac said,
“My spa appointment is soon too.” Fluttershy piped in.
“Well, sounds like we are all heading into town,” Steel said, “mind if I accompany you all?”
/------------------------------------------\
During the short walk to town Steel told the events leading up to Twilight and Big Mac’s charge.
The group had walked to the outer edge of Ponyville. They looked upon a newer-looking building with large windows in front. “Well, would you look at that. I would invite you into my new shop for a cup of tea, but I don't have the keys to this place and I am all out of tea,” Steel said stopping his cart near the side of the building.
“I really should be getting to my spa appointment. So, I will have to take one of those... Oh what does Rainbow Dash call them?” Fluttershy said, a little flustered.
“Rain checks,” Twilight offered.
“Oh yes, one of those,” Fluttershy said with smile.
“Ah need one mah-self. I should be getting back to the farm before mah family thinks I ran away,” Big Mac said.
“Alright you two, I guess will be seeing you around town.” Steel replied, as he unhitched from the wagon.
“Now don't be a stranger, you are always welcome on Sweet Apple Acres,” Big Mac said, as he and Fluttershy trotted off into town.
Steel and Twilight waved to their friends. He gave the wagon a little buck sending it around the side the building. His horn glowed as he used his magic to pull a lever on his cart, causing it to slow to a stop.
“I use a system of tension ropes as a self braking system so it would not roll away while I slept inside,” Steel said.
“That is very... innovated, should come stander on all passenger carts.” Twilight replied.
“Yeah it is, but say Twilight would you mind showing me around town so I can get my bearings?”
“I would like to, but I really need to get back to the library to check on spike.”
“Wait, you still live in a library?”
“Yeah, you got a problem with my living choice?”
“No problem here. Next you'll be telling me you're the town librarian too.” Steel said, stifling a laugh.
“Well...”
“Oh Celestia, you are, aren't you?” Steel said, as he broke out into a fit of laughter
“It is one of the conditions; the extra bits don't hurt either.” Twilight said, her face a little flushed.
“Conditions?” Steel asked, claiming down a bit.
“Yes, a condition I have to be the town's librarian in order to live in the library, while I study the magic of friendship for the princess. But, I really should go check on Spike. ”
“Oh that makes sense. Well, would you mind if I say hello to the little dragon.”
“I see no harm in that, Spike did like your company,” Twilight replied, heading for the library.
/--------------------------------\
“SPPIIIIKKEE!!” Twilight yelled into the library as she open the front door. “I got some medicine from Fluttershy.”
“Alright, Twilight. I've got a stomach ache, I am not going deaf geez,” came the voice of the small dragon from upstairs room.
“Sorry Spike, sounds like you are feeling better,” Twilight said. “Oh, I also brought an old friend to see you.”
“Really Twilight? Who is it? Is it Rarity.” The purple dragon said as he walked down the stairs trying his best to look presentable. Twilight stepped out of the doorway reveling Steel standing behind the lavender unicorn. The little dragon let out a gasp before running over to the sliver unicorn. But, before spike could get to the unicorn the little dragon let out a burp along with an emerald green flame, shot directly at Steel. Steel was just barely able to duck out of the way.
“Sorry Steel,” Spike said.
“No problem Spike, at least someone still remembers me,” Steel said casting a glaring look at Twilight.
Twilight gave a nervous laugh, as she used her magic to levitate a small package out of her saddle bag. “Here is the medicine that Fluttershy gave to me,” Twilight said, levitating a single pill out of the box.
“Alright Twilight,” Spike said, grabbing the pill. Then he tossed it up into the air and caught it in his mouth.
“Well, how long until it starts to work?” Spike asked.
“The box says it is fast acting and may cause drowsiness, so don't operate carriages or other heavy machinery. Side effects may be doubled when used by dragons,” Twilight said, as Spike feel asleep on the spot.
“You could have gotten to that sooner,” Steel scoffed.
“Well... quiet you.”Twilight replied, levitating the small dragon up the stairs to put him to bed. “He'll be asleep for a while, so how about the tour then?” Twilight offered, as she came back down the stairs.
“You sure he'll be alright?” Steel asked as his stomach gave a loud groan. “But, first how about some lunch, my treat?”
“Well, now that you mention it, after lunch time,” Twilight said, as she headed out the door.
/----------------------------\
Steel followed Twilight through the town. He was admiring the architecture of carousel inspired styled building. When the front door opened and two ponies stepped out of the shop.
“Thanks again Rarity, I know Gummy will love his new outfit.” Said a pink pony in a sing song voice.
“You're quite right Pinkie darling. Oh, tell Ms. Cake her new aprons will be ready by the end of the week,” Rarity, the white unicorn with a styled purple mane, said.
“Okie doki loki!” Pinkie said as she bouncedtoward Twilight and Steel.
Suddenly she stopped mid-hop, letting out a loud gasp. Then she rocketed off into the town. A bewildered Steel was not sure if he even saw the pink earth pony touch the ground as she sped off.
“Oh my word, what was that all about?” Rarity asked.
“Oh you know Pinkie, she is just being Pinkie Pie.” Twilight said, tilting her head back toward Steel. He was still trying to process what had just happened.
“Ooohh,” Rarity said, getting a sly look on her face. “Who might this be Twilight, your boyfriend?”
“W-what...I-I...No...” Twilight stuttered as her face flushed a slight red. “He is just an old friend, he just moved here from Canterlot.”
“I jest Twilight,” Rarity said stiffing a giggle, ”I would love to stay and chat with Ponyville's newest eligible colt, but I am afraid I'm late for my spa appointment with Fluttershy. But, I am sure I'll get to know him better later tonight. Ciao darlings.”
“Wait, later tonight?” Steel asked, as finally getting back to reality.
“Don't worry about her,” Twilight said as the pair continued on into Ponyvile.
/---------------------------\
Celestia's sun had set and Luna's moon was just peaking over the distant mountains beyond the Everfree forest, as Steel arrived back to his new house. Using his magic to levitate the key out of his saddle bag, he unlocked the front door and stepped into his new shop and home.
What a day, Steel thought. At least Ponyville seems like a quiet town. In fact too quiet. I barely saw any pony as the day went on. I wonder if that is normal for this town, to become deserted as the day goes on. Oh well, better go get my sleeping bag, so I can be up when the movers arrive tomorrow.
Steel dropped his saddle bag on the counter as he made his way through the empty shop to the back of the building. As he opened the back door, a bunch of dazzling lights suddenly came up, along with a chorus of, “Surprise, welcome to Ponyville!” The whole town was in his backyard. A pink blur shot out from the crowd, and stopped in front of the crowd.
“Welcome to your welcome party!” Pinkie Pie said, with a goofy smile on her face.
Steel just stood in the doorway, staring at the crowd as he slowly closed the door with a soft click.
“Well, that was just rude. I go to all this trouble to throw together a quick party and he doesn't even want to come. That, that meanie!” Pinkie huffed, as her puffy mane lost its volume.
“Maybe he is just a little startled, you did just put the whole town in his backyard,” Rarity said, trying to cheer the party pony up. “Twilight, be a dear and see if you can get him to come out, he is your old friend after all.”
Twilight walked over and lightly knocked on the door. “Steel, you alright?” She asked.
She only heard the shuffling of hooves and the mummer of, “You can do this Steel.” She looked back at Rarity and Pinkie, and gave them a nervous smile.
“Ear flop, eye flutter, knee twitch... TWILIGHT, DOOR!” Pinkie shouted.
Twilight gave a little yelp as she reeled back, just as the door burst open to reveal Steel wearing an indigo pinstriped vest and top hat with a pair of ornate goggles wrapped around the base.
“Let's get this PARTY STARTED!” Steel yelled, causing Twilight to jump into the air. She landed on Spike's tail causing the little dragon to fire off an emerald fireball. Ponies scattered out of the green inferno's path, only to have it hit the side of Steel's wagon, as it dissipated harmlessly.
“Oops, sorry Twilight, sorry Spike. Good thing I put a fireproof spell on my wagon.” Steel said.
“Twitcha, Twitcha, Twitch,” was the only reply steel got as all the ponies ran for cover.
“What was that all about?” Steel asked no pony in particular.
“Um, Steel...” Spike said while pointing his claw.
Steel followed the dragon’s claw. His wagon had begun to roll toward one of the large speakers Pinkie had set up for the party. He remembered that he had not yet put a fireproofing spell on his new breaking system. Steel took off after the wagon yelling, “STOP, STOP, STOP,” the whole way.
He stopped short of the wagon as it bumped against the large speaker, causing it to wobble back and forth, but the speaker stayed upright. A collective sigh of relief was breathed by the crowd.
“Wait, isn't something supposed to fall?” A voice said from the crowd.
As if on cue, the door to Steel's Wagon burst open as a tank rolled out,and collided with the speaker, causing it to topple over with a loud crack splitting in two.
Pinkie broke the silence, “Well that does explain the door and the falling combo.”
A white unicorn wearing purple goggles, with a two tone blue mane let out a blood curdling scream. “My equipment!” She yelled.
“I can fix this, I can fix this.” Steel said, pushing the two halves of the speaker closer together.
“Okay, everypony stand back,” Steel commanded. His horn lit up and drew the same circle as earlier in the day on the ground around the broken sound equipment. Once again he reared up on his hind legs, clapping his fore hooves together, before slamming them back down onto the circle. The same blue light filled the circle. Once the light had dissipated, the speaker was whole again.
Steel surveyed the crowd with a small grin on his face until he spied a familiar maroon colt.
“Hey, Big Mac, lend me a hoof?” Steel called to his new friend.
“Eyupe.” Big Mac replied.
After getting the speaker back upright, Steel turned to face the crowd, their jaws still on the ground.
“Well, this is aparty isn't it?” Steel asked.
“Eyupe,” Big Mac came back.
“Well then, let,s party!” Steel yelled.
At that ,the crowd let out a thunderous cheer and stamped the ground with their hooves.
Well no need to print up fliers now, Steel thought as some of the party guests began to flock around him as the party got going again.
Author's Notes
1: Link to a pic of the alchemy circle http://mrfahrenheit89.deviantart.com/#/d4dphux
I would like to thank Torjete a Pegasister for editing this chapter.
My little Pony is property of the Hasbro Company and Lauren Fauste. I do not own the right to some of the characters, places, or ideas. I also borrowed some parts from other Fan ficitions.
