For the Future

Chapters

Chapter 1: Arrival
Chapter 2: The New Face
Chapter 3: Incoming!
Chapter 4: Meeting the Crew
Chapter 5: Parties and Prophecies?
Prologue

Chapter 1: Arrival

The rain beat down hard upon the roofs of Ponyville. It was the heaviest storm of the season, or so said the weather pegasi. With that much downpour, it was not much of a surprise that there was no one about to see the lone figure pulling a heavy cart as it entered the town. The creaking of the wheel axle was masked by the drumming of the water as the figure moved slowly, a single destination ahead.

Eventually, the figure made its way to one of the largest buildings in the town, the great tree known as the Library. Within the Library, Twilight Sparkle was just settling down to a good book, a treatise on advanced mathematical principles. Spike was asleep in his basket, having worn himself cleaning up after his friend and mentor. Her tea steeping next to her, Twilight sighed happily and turned the page.

Without warning, a loud banging came from the door, startling the poor lavender unicorn badly. Leaping to her hooves, Twilight first checked on Spike to make sure he was not rudely awoken. That done, she rushed to the door to open it, just before an odd looking hoof almost struck again. Squinting into the slashing rain, she peered at the figure before her. “May I help you?” she asked peevishly.

The pony before her, wearing a huge black slouch hat, bobbed his head slightly. With a deep voice he responded, “Sorry for bothering you, miss. I was told to come here and ask for a Ms. Sparkle. Would you know where to find her?”

“I’m Twilight Sparkle, how can I… oh, where are my manners? Please, come in out of the rain. Can I get you some tea?” Stepping away from the door, she started to turn towards the stair. As she inhaled to summon Spike she paused. He seemed so tired, she thought it better to let him rest.

“I would appreciate the tea, Ms. Sparkle, but I’d rather not drip on your floor.”

“No, I insist. Please, come in and dry off mister…?”

“Coaldust is my name, Ms. Sparkle. I’m mighty thankful for your invitation, that’s a real kindness.” Stepping in, he was careful not to drip too much beyond the entry. Finding a coat hook, he first shrugged off his pony-sized duster to hang and dry, then hung his hat off of the same hook.

Eying the new pony, Twilight was a bit intimidated. He seemed as big, if not slightly bigger, than Big Macintosh. His coat was black with white roots, making him look like he was coated in a fine black powder… likely how he got his name. The marks on his flanks were a pair of crossed mining picks. His mane and tail were tied in tight bundles, but she could tell they were the same ice blue as his eyes and set off from his coat nicely. With a smile to her guest, she gestured towards the fire. “Go warm up, Coaldust. I’ll get your tea.”

With a slight flick of her horn, she summoned the cup, saucer, and tea pot. As she poured, she turned to watch her guest again. The way he moved struck her as odd. “Are you all right, Coaldust?”

“Yup, Ms. Sparkle. I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

“Well, you’re limping. Are you sure you didn’t turn a hoof or something?” Bringing the cup and saucer closer, Twilight let a bit of concern show in her voice. Yes he was a stranger, but she hated to see someone in a situation that she could not help.

“Oh, that.” Coaldust shrugged and laid on a pillow near the fire. “Yup, I’m sure I didn’t turn a hoof. Old injury. Can’t do anything about it, and I’m so used to it now I don’t even notice.”

It was as he took the cup and saucer that Twilight saw what he meant. His right foreleg and hoof were much thinner than the rest of him, and turned at a nauseating angle. The fact that they still worked was obvious, but it certainly didn’t look right. So surprised was she, that Twilight was unable to stifle a gasp.

Using both hooves to set the cup and saucer down, Coaldust then picked up the cup and took a sip. “Quite good, Ms. Sparkle. Oh, and don’t worry. You didn’t offend me. It’s the rare pony that doesn’t respond that way to m’ leg.”

Twilight settled down across from Coaldust and looked down. “I am so sorry. I may not have offended, but that was still very rude.”

“Nothing to worry your little head about, so don’t fret.” Smiling at the unicorn before him, he noticed her avoiding looking at his leg. “Well, if you’re like most, you probably wonder how this happened. Simple enough story. I was down in the mine when I was just a young foal, trying to buck a seam. Mining runs in my family, so I was trying to help. Well, I didn’t know what I was doing and was too proud to ask. Bucked the wrong area, and down came the wall. Right on my leg. Took the family a few hours to dig me out, and my squirming and trying to release it didn’t help.”

Ignoring the now shocked look she gave him, Coaldust took a sip of the tea and continued. “The doctors did what they could, but I grew up in a very small town. Lodestrike is it’s name, not much more than a speck on a map really.”

“I’ve heard that name before, a lot of valuable things come out of there.” Twilight’s voice drifted for a moment before her focus returned to her guest. “Still, couldn’t they have done better? I mean, Ponyville is pretty small, but we can still deal with something like a broken limb.”

Coaldust shook his head and looked at the young mare before him. Ice blue eyes looking into lavender ones. “I wasn’t clear, Ms. Sparkle. It wasn’t merely broken, it was smashed. Smashed just like dropping a rock on an egg. Our doc was good, but he’s no unicorn and certainly no Princess to fix that much damage. He did what he could, but the damage was done.”

“If it was shattered, how can you walk? How can you work?” Blinking, Twilight cocked her head, “For that matter, what do you do?”

Chuckling, Coaldust grinned at her. “Third question first, I’m a miner.”

“You’re too old to be a minor, plus you have your Cutie Mark.”

“No, not minor, miner, as in works in a mine. Before you ask, I’ll answer the second question which will answer the one I see in your eyes. The doc made a brace that allows me to take half of my full weight on my forehoof. I have to wear that when I’m bucking a seam, but it does allow me to work.” Another sip and the tea was done for. “As to walking, I just worked at it until I could.”

“But… doesn’t it hurt?” Twilight’s analytical brain was working overtime to keep up with the somewhat contradictory information coming at her.

“Yup, it does. I’m used to it though, I just have to push through it. If I didn’t, I’d just be a useless lump somewhere. Nothing doing, my family didn’t raise a quitter or a shirker.”

“Heh, you sound like my friend Applejack. There’s a mare that doesn’t understand the meaning of the word ‘quit’. We’ve even had to keep her from working herself into the ground once or twice.” Rolling her eyes in remembered frustration and exasperation, Twilight lifted the tea pot with her horn. “More tea?”

“Thank you, Ms. Sparkle. I could certainly use it.” As she poured, Coaldust thought for a moment. “Applejack… Applejack. She one of the Apple family?” Seeing her puzzled nod, he smiled. “We’ve got a branch of them at Lodestrike. The mare o’ the family is Apple Spice.”

That caused Twilight to giggle. “They really are everywhere, aren’t they?”

A playful glint showed in Coaldust’s eye as he responded with a deep drawl, “Eeyup.”

After a short but heartfelt laugh on both of their parts, they both paused to drink and get their air back. “Oh, by the way Coaldust, you said you were told to come look for me?”

“Yup, I was told to find you and have you give me directions.”

“Directions? Where to? I know I have maps around here somewhere.” Jumping to her hooves once more, she started to look around the Library. “I’m sorry, I’m normally much more organized than this. Of course, my assistant really does most of the organization of the Library itself, but if you give me a moment….”

“Please, Ms. Sparkle, relax. I promise, I’m in no hurry.” Coaldust was quite amused to see the rapid shifts the obviously bookish mare had when it came to finding information.

“Call me Twilight. I’m sorry, each time you’ve said ‘Ms. Sparkle’ I’ve been looking for my mom!”

“Twilight, then. Just relax, less’n of course you want me out of your mane.” That caused Twilight to pause, then return to her pillow. “As for where I need directions to, well, I don’t really know. I’ve got a piece of paper… a claim really. See, I was sent here to start a coal mine for Ponyville.”

“Oh, that’s great! That means we won’t have to import as much coal, so it’ll save money all the way around. I guess the claim has the boundaries, so I can check the town’s map….” Her voice fading off for a moment, Twilight started making a mental checklist, then stopped herself as she looked out the window. “Drat, it’s getting late. Even if I got that information for you, there’s nothing you could do about it.”

“That’s okay Ms… er, Twilight. If you want to wait, I can head to the hotel and get a room then come back tomorrow.”

Another glance outside showed the rain not slacking, if anything it was getting worse. A flash of lighting caused Twilight to make a decision. “No, you’re not going to the hotel. I don’t have a spare bed,” at least not one that’s not in my room, “but you can stay on the pillows down here by the fire tonight.”

Coaldust opened his mouth to object, but stopped at the sight of her raised hoof. “I won’t hear no for an answer.”

He knew when he as defeated. “Yes ma’am.”

She smiled at the stallion before her. “Oh, don’t look so glum. Just get some rest. Besides, my assistant is one of the best breakfast cooks in Ponyville.” Standing once again, Twilight headed for the stairs. Pausing, she looked back over her shoulder. “Good night, Coaldust. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night, Twilight. And thank you for the hospitality.”

Author's Note: And so it begins. I normally only do original work, sometimes set in a shared universe, so this is my first fan-fic. Please comment and critique, as it can only help me to get better.

Chapter 2: The New Face

Normally Coaldust awoke before the ringing of the town bell, and that had held true during his move from Lodestrike to Ponyville. The day after his arrival, on the other hand, he was woken up by something bumping into his shoulder. A young, male, voice half-shouted in irritation, “Twilight! Why did you leave this pile near the fireplace?”

The angry tirade shut off as Coaldust lifted his head to turn and look at the voice. Near his left shoulder stood a smallish purple and green dragon, a rather young one at that. “Pardon the ‘pile’. Ms. Sparkle had me sleep here last night. Am I in your way?”

Spike stumbled backwards, and turned his head towards the stairs without removing his eyes from the strange stallion. “Um, Twilight? Twilight?!”

From the top of the stairs a tired voice called back. “What is it Spike? If someone needs a book, just get it for them, okay?”

“Twilight, there’s a strange pony down here. Said something about sleeping here last night?” Spike continued to back slowly towards the stairs as he spoke, keeping himself between the stairs and Coaldust.

After a brief pause, Twilight herself came down. “Relax, Spike. I’d like you to meet Coaldust. He just moved to town, arrived last night as a matter of fact. I couldn’t just kick him back out into that storm.” Turning to the stallion, she smiled and gestured to the dragon with her hoof. “Coaldust, meet Spike. He’s my assistant, the one I mentioned last night.”

Coaldust blinked, having expected a pony to be the mare’s assistant. “Well, ain’t that just a surprise? Well, nice to meet you Spike. I hear you’re the one who keeps this place in order?”

“That he does. Oh, Spike? Could you please get me the land book for Ponyville before you start breakfast? I need to look up Coaldust’s claim so we can get him situated today.” She then turned back to the stallion, “I hope you’ll stay for breakfast. AJ would give me a thump in the flank if I let you go without feeding you something before we head out.”

“AJ? Oh, right… your friend Applejack. Yeah, that sounds like the Apples. Can’t say I’ve ever gotten away from their homestead without thinking I ate way too much.” Standing up, Coaldust balanced on three legs as he stretched and worked the kinks out of protesting muscles. That finished, he turned and picked up a book with his mouth before moving to return it to the shelf where he got it from.

Puzzled, Twilight turned her head to read the spine as he walked by. “Immortalis. Isn’t that the Princess’… I mean, Princess Celestia’s book on philosophy?”

Setting the book on the shelf, Coaldust turned to face her. “Yup. I find her writing style a bit easier to read than some of the other philosopher’s in the past.”

“You read philosophy?” If Twilight’s jaw were any longer, he swore it would have bounced off of the floor. Spike, returning with the requested book just snickered as he walked by.

“Something wrong with a dumb miner readin’ him some philosophy?”

“Yeah, Twilight,” Spike grinned as he crossed again to start breakfast. “I know very few ponies have checked out books, but you’re acting like you’re the only smart pony here.”

Twilight shook her mane, then looked properly ashamed. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have made an assumption. I guess I thought that someone who worked physically for a living wouldn’t want to read something that….”

“Advanced?” asked Coaldust softly. Seeing a blush starting to form on the lavender pony’s cheek, he relented. “No real mystery to it, honestly. Had to do something while I healed up.”

“Speaking of healing up,” came Spike’s voice from by the stove. “What’s up with the freaky leg?”

“Spike!”

Chuckling, the stallion shook his head at Twilight. “Don’t worry, common question. Ask Twilight about it, Spike. She already knows… just wait until she gets back, okay?”

“Yeah, yeah. Hey, how do you like your daffodils?”

#

After gorging on a great breakfast, Twilight and Coaldust stepped out into the open space before the Library. The air still smelled of the rainstorm from the night before, but the sun was bright and there were only a few clouds in the sky. Twilight closed her eyes and leaned into a sunbeam that struck the porch just as the came out. “Ahh. Right on time. Rainbow’s always good about that, even if she is lazy the rest of the time.”

Coaldust looked around, then back at Twilight. “What rainbow? Can’t see one anywhere.”

The unicorn giggled and looked sideways at the much larger pony. “Not that kind of rainbow. My friend, Rainbow Dash, is one of the weather ponies here in town.”

“Ah, I see. Sorry for the confusion then, just makes me look a bit dumber than I already am.”

Walking towards his cart with him, Twilight’s voice took on a sharper tone. “No pony who can read Immortalis is dumb, Coaldust.” Watching the stallion head to the cart then get into harness, Twilight blinked. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I forgot to ask last night if you had your belongings. Gosh, I hope they’re not ruined.”

“Nah, they’re fine Twilight. Got a couple layers of oilcloth over them, so there shouldn’t be any water damage.” With practiced motions, and one good shake to settle everything in place, he got himself hitched up and grinned at her. “Well, lead on Ms. Sparkle.”

Twilight rolled her eyes, grinned, then started leading towards the other side of town. She was surprised at how strong the pony was, even with the one bad leg. The cart was heavy, she was sure of that… at least as heavy as one of Big Mac’s carts when he was hauling a harvest into town. The mining pony was pulling his cart with ease.

“So, what can you tell me about my claim?”

Startled from her reverie, Twilight shook her head to organize her thoughts. “Well, it’s just inside the Everfree forest. It should still be safe, if a bit untamed. If I read the book right, there’s an open meadow that adjoins the ridge where the coal should be. It’s big enough for you to build a house as well as start your mine. We’ll need to get a road run to your mine so you can transport your coal though.”

“Sounds good. Any neighbors nearby?”

“No, most of the ponies live here in town. The only one near you would be….” The sudden thought striking Twilight caused her to stop suddenly, which in turn almost made Coaldust run over her. Spinning in place, Twilight turned huge eyes on Coaldust. “Oh my, we may have a small problem. You’ll be living near Fluttershy, another friend of mine. She takes care of all sorts of animals at her place, and she wouldn’t care for the extra noise the mine would cause.”

Coaldust considered the situation for a moment, “Actually, it may not be that much of a problem, Twilight. Once I got a good ten feet into the hillside, the noise will be practically non-existent unless she’s in a straight line from the opening. Now, if it were my whole family bucking a seam in there, all bets would be off.”

“Oh, well in that case, maybe we could get her to come to Ponyville until you got in that deep.” Twilight nodded and started walking again. “At least we have a possible solu….”

“Oh wow! I’ve never seen you before! And you’re walking with Twilight, double wow!”

Coaldust found himself stopping quickly as he looked into the bright blue eyes of a bright pink, fuzzy, ball of energy. “If I’ve never seen you before, that means you’re new here. GASP! And that means you need a party!” The larger pony backed up slightly at the pure nuclear energy that the pink pony radiated. “But wait, you’re walking with Twilight and I’ve never seen you before…. That must mean you’re her secret coltfriend! Oooooooh!”

“Eh-heh. Um, Pinkie Pie, he’s not my coltfriend. He just moved here and….”

“Well, if he’s not your coltfriend, can I have him? Huh? CanIcanIcanIhuhhuhhuhhuhhuh?”

Coaldust looked in panic to the blushing lavender unicorn. Twilight in turn sighed and used a hoof to hold Pinkie Pie down. “Pinkie, he’s his own pony. I can’t just give him to ponies. I’d like you to meet Coaldust. Coaldust, this is our resident party mare, Pinkie Pie.”

“Good to meet you, Ms. Pie. I’m afraid I ain’t looking for some mare right now, but that might could change in the future.”

Pinkie Pie giggled and bounced around the other two ponies. “Aww, that’s all right though. You do like parties though, right?”

Nodding, he tried to track the bouncing pink pony. “Sure do.”

“Good! Then I’ll give you a Welcome-to-Ponyville-but-not-looking-for-a-mare party! We’ll have balloons, streamers, games, music, dancing… wait, you probably don’t dance. That’s okay, everyone else can dance and you can enjoy the music. Byeeee!” On that high note, Pinkie dashed off in a pink blur.

Twilight tugged her displaced mane into some semblance of order, then grinned wanly at Coaldust. “Sorry, she’s a bit enthusiastic.”

“Just like the ocean is damp, right?” Coaldust let a little bit of sarcasm leak into his voice.

“Okay, so I might have understated just a little bit.” Twilight made a ‘come on’ gesture with her head and started walking towards the edge of town again. “She’s harmless, crazy, but harmless.”

“If you say so, Twilight.”

Fortunately, there weren’t any other encounters as they headed to Coaldust’s claim. Upon reaching the site, the mining pony took his time to look around. “Looks about like you described it. Doesn’t look like we’ll have to move your friend either.”

“Oh, why do you say that?” Twilight stepped up and looked around herself.

Coaldust pointed with his hoof towards a cave. “The seam’s in there. Pretty big one too, if I’m any judge. It’s about fifteen feet back, so I shouldn’t disturb any pony. The most noise will be while I’m having my house built.”

“That’s good. We’ve got some unicorn and pegasus carpenters in town. They should be able to get your house built quickly and quietly. I think I’ll ask Fluttershy which team she uses when she has work done on her home. So, before I head back, do you need anything else?”

“Nope. Thanks for bringing me here, Twilight. I’ll just set up my tent and get started on the base work. Should I come into town tomorrow to finish registering?”

Twilight watched while Coaldust removed his harness and started unpacking some of his belongings. “That sounds good. I’ll even buy you some lunch… wait, buying lunch would be a bad idea. Pinkie Pie will probably grab you for the party, and if you don’t eat the snacks she gets pouty. Trust me, a pouty Pinkie is *not* a good thing to see.”

Coaldust chuckled and nodded to his new friend. “All right then. Have a safe trip back, and see you tomorrow.”

“You too Coaldust.”

Chapter 3: Incoming!

Setting up the tent took no time at all. Laying out the canvas was as simple as nudging the roll, then unfolding each seam. Propping up the ends with the tent poles came next, followed by laying out the guy-lines. Finally Coaldust stamped each of the tent spikes into place to hold the guy-lines taut. He had to grin as his first thought on stamping a spike into the ground was of the wooden shaft turning into a miniature version of Twilight’s assistant. “Huh, I’ll never be able to look at these things the same way again.”

Chortling to himself, Coaldust then dragged his cart into the cave to protect it from the elements. Grabbing a few items, he made his way back to the tent so that he could rest comfortably at night. Once that was done, he started looking for a good place to scrape a fire pit. Due to his concentration, it took a few moments for him to hear the odd whistling sound that was slowly getting louder.

“…oah. Whoa. WHoa! Dang it, will you stabil…. Gah! LOOK OUT BELOW!”

Coaldust looked up quickly to see a predominately blue, but also multi-hued pony dropping straight out of the sky towards his camp. Seeing as they appeared quite out of control, he considered his options rapidly. Seeing no other choice, Coaldust reared onto his hind legs balancing carefully. Crow hopping twice to fix the angle, he gathered himself and watched the plummeting pony.

“Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!”

At the very last moment, Coaldust leapt at the falling pony to collide with them… his chest to their shoulder. Wrapping his good hoof around them, he banked his body around so that he struck the ground and they struck him in turn. The impact wound up sliding them several pony lengths across the clearing, and thoroughly knocked the wind from the stallion.

As he gathered his breath, the other pony rolled off of his chest to sit beside him. The blue pony shook its… no, her, multi-colored mane as if clearing her head. “Eh-heh. Wow. I’m going to feel that in the morning.” Rose colored eyes turned to look at Coaldust. “Thanks, whoever you are. I appreciate the help, but I totally had that under control.” Blue wings flared as the pegasus pony posed with an assumed air of nonchalance.

“Sure you did,” coughed Coaldust. “All the pegasus ponies I know land nose first.”

“Pfft. Whatever. You just happened to be in my flight path as I was practicing.”

“Practicing, right. Looked more like falling to me.” Coaldust grinned, recognizing a tomcolt when he met one. “Then again, maybe you were practicing. Sure seems you need it.”

The rose pink eyes narrowed as the mare turned to face him. “Oh, you did not just say that.” She advanced on him, poking her hoof in his chest. “I’m the best flier in Equestria. The only reason I’m not on the Wonderbolts is because I haven’t had a chance to show them what I can do in the open air.”

“I can understand that.” Coaldust gave her a sly grin, “After all, you need to be in the open air for you to do that.”

The pegasus’ jaw dropped, and she sputtered for a few moments with incoherent rage. Her obvious lack of words caused Coaldust to roll onto his side, laughing hard. “What’s so darn funny?” the pegasus demanded.

“Y… you should see… your face!”

That took the mare aback for a moment. “Wait, you weren’t serious?”

Coaldust shook his head as he gathered his breath again. “You are too easy, miss. Woo! I haven’t had a target that easy since my little sister.”

“You were teasing me?” Her indignation only lasted a few moments, before she too started laughing. “Okay, you got me. I’m mare enough to admit it. Ya know? For a big lunk you’re pretty cool.”

“Heh, thanks. Name’s Coaldust, and as you can probably tell, I’m new to these parts.”

“Really? Hadn’t noticed.”

The stallion rolled his eyes and groaned. Rolling to his good side he started to stand up. “Well, you know who I am now. Ya goin’ to introduce yourself, or am I just goin’ to have to call you ‘hey you’?”

“I guess I can tell you, though you should know me. After all, I did win the Best Young Flyer’s competition last time around.” Turning to pose side on to Coaldust, the mare flicked her mane to one side. “I just happen to be….”

“RAINBOW DASH!” Another mare came bursting into the clearing, this one an orange earth pony with a cowpony hat over a blonde mane. “There ya are, sugarcube. Ah been tryin’ to figger out where ya came down. I was worried ya’d bust a wing….”

“Ugh. Did you have to come running in right then?”

“Well ah was worried, and… whoa!” The orange mare suddenly realized the two of them were not alone.

“From your cutie mark, you must be one of the Apple family. Ms. Applejack, if’n I could hazard a guess?”

Applejack’s eyes narrowed, “An’ jest how do ya know my name?”

“Well, a unicorn named Twilight Sparkle mentioned it when I met her upon coming to town.” Still feeling a bit playful from the teasing he had given Rainbow Dash, he gave Applejack a grin of her own. “’Course, if Apple Spice had mentioned she had a cute family member in Ponyville, I might’a come here sooner.”

The blush that started to form on the orange mare’s cheeks faded as soon as the name he had dropped registered. “Ya know Auntie Spice? Well, why didn’t ya say so sooner? That almost makes ya family.” She closed the distance rapidly and started pumping his hoof like the lever for a water pump. “Ya jest gotta come over ta Sweet Apple Acres and meet the rest of the family. I’m right sure they’d love ta meet ya, an’ we are always looking for news from the rest o’ the family.”

Gently disengaging himself from the shaking, Coaldust smiled. “I just might take ya up on that later. Though ya might want to know my name first, Coaldust. Can’t be having some pony over whose name ya don’t know.”

“Y’all are the one that’s Twilight’s coltfriend, right?”

Rainbow’s eyes got big as her head snapped around to look at the stallion. “You’re kidding, right? You just got into town and you’ve made a move on Twilight? Dang, you move almost as fast as I fly!”

Coaldust sighed and shook his head, “Ya must have spoken with that pink ball of energy. No, I’m not Twilight’s coltfriend. That Pinkie Pie made an assumption on seeing Twilight walking me out to my claim here.”

“Eeyup, that sounds lahk Pinkie all right.”

“He just knew he could try to get a better piece,” Rainbow said playfully. “Bet he’d like a piece of this.”

“Nope, not interested.” The stallion winked to Applejack before moving in to whisper to an insulted looking Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow looked even more shocked at the whisper, then caught the gleam in his eye. “Dang,” she giggled, “got me again.”

“Ahm not even gonna ask. Ah jest don’t wanna know.”

“Good, ‘cause I’m not telling, AJ.”

The orange mare rolled her eyes then turned to smile at Coaldust. “So, ya gonna come over tonight? I jest wanna know so I can tell m’brother an’ Granny how many ta cook fer.”

“Nah. I got to finish setting up the mine tonight, but I’ll be headed into town tomorrow. Would that work for ya?”

“Yup. Hey, y’all could come by for lunch.” Applejack’s grin got wider as she thought, “Yeah… that’d work out real good. We could get our friends together an’ make sure ya knew ‘em all. I know Pinkie’s workin’ on a party, but this’d be more intimate like.”

Coaldust nodded, “Sounds like a plan ta me. I’ll not be keepin’ ya both any longer. I still have ta finish up after all.”

“Raht. C’mon, Rainbow, let’s git back towards town. Nice ta meet ya, Coaldust. See ya tomorrow.” Applejack smiled and started prancing out of the clearing.

Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof, took to the air in a lazy spiral upwards. “Yeah, see you tomorrow Dusty.” She started to fly in the same direction as her orange friend, before looping around to zoom back, hovering just in front of her new friend. “Oh, and just so you know… if you change your mind, I never leave my friends… hanging.” With a wink and a laugh at Coaldust’s dumbfounded expression, she took off like a shot to follow Applejack.

Author's Note: For those who are wondering, I am aware his usage of 'you' and 'ya' shifts around quite a bit. That's intentional. He's sort of an 'educated redneck', and his accent does slip around a bit.

Chapter 4: Meeting the Crew

The following day found Coaldust back on the road to Ponyville from his little encampment. He had slung his saddlebags over his back, but as it was a wonderful and clear day he went without the duster and slouch hat. Both bags appeared full, but one rode noticeably lower than the other. His preliminary work on the mine had lead to some finds that he wanted looked at by professionals.

Not having to haul his cart meant that he made good time. His cantering slowed as he once more approached the Library, he didn’t want to break down the door, after all. As had happened the first day he had been in Ponyville, the door opened before he could knock. This time, instead of the violet mare that had greeted him, a smaller blue-indigo filly practically walked into him as she was looking over her shoulder. “Thank you again, Twilight. It was a most enjoyable… meep!”

Coaldust smiled reassuringly at the young filly, hardly older than a foal, as she backed up from the sound of his cleared throat. “Pardon, miss. Didn’ want ya to run me over.” He watched her watch him for a moment, something going on behind her large aqua eyes.

Twilight came trotting up in a hurry, concern on her face. “Selena? Are you okay? I heard… oh. Hi Coaldust. I see you met my student, Selena.” She grinned and nudged her student playfully. Selena, on the other hoof, turned her head and looked away from the stallion, obviously embarrassed.

“N..nice to meet you, Mr. Coaldust.” The younger filly's voice was soft, just loud enough to be heard. “I’ll see you next week, Twilight. Okay?”

Sensing the young filly was in a hurry, Coaldust moved to one side of the door. Twilight just grinned at her student. “That’ll be fine Selena. Just keep practicing. Oh, and say ‘hi’ to your sister for me, will you?”

“I will. Thank you again.” Selena hurried past Coaldust, disappearing around the corner a few moments later.

Coaldust stepped into the Library at Twilight’s gesture. “Cute foal. I didn’t take you for a teacher, Twilight.”

“She’s been having a few problems with her studies. Her school is my old alma mater, so they got permission from the Princess to send her here once a week for lessons.” Twilight lead him over to a nearby table with papers on it as she spoke. “The Princess thought it would help me learn a few things, so now I teach her once a week.”

“I wouldn’t have thought that the local folks would’a needed to get the Princess’ permission.”

“Well, I am the Princess’ student, so they would want to check with her just in case it might interrupt my studies. That said, Selena isn’t local. Like me, she’s from Canterlot.” Coaldust could feel his mental gears grinding as he took in the information. He hadn’t expected to meet someone that close to the Princess. “Okay, this stack is the one you need to sign. It lists the geographical limits of your claim, gives you the mineral rights, property rights to build your house, as well as the necessary permits to build both the house and the road.”

Blinking a few times, Coaldust regathered his thoughts and nodded. “Okay. Where do I sign again?”

After another thirty minutes of him reading and signing, Twilight took the papers and wrapped them up to be sent via Pegasus mail to Canterlot, with a copy going to Mayor Mare’s office. “There you are. The mine is officially yours, congratulations.”

“Thank you kindly, Twilight. You coming over to Applejack’s farm for lunch?”

Twilight blinked at the stallion. “Lunch? I knew she had borrowed Spike, but I didn’t know…. Oh, wait. She probably mentioned that she was having lunch and invited me, but I think I tuned her out after she asked to borrow him. I was getting ready for Selena when she dropped by.” A beat passed, and she cocked her head. “How do you know AJ?”

“Met her yesterday after your other friend, Rainbow Dash, um… dropped in to visit.” A slight snicker escaped him as he remembered Rainbow’s parting comment.

The violet mare just groaned and facehooved. “Let me guess. Another one of her tricks that didn’t work out?”

“Yup. Does that often, I’m guessing?”

“Let’s just say that I’m never sure if I’m having an earthquake, or a Dash-quake. That, or she has something metal in her skull and my Library is a magnet.”

Coaldust laughed. Mischievousness lit his face as he playfully asked, “Bucking magnets, how do they work?”

Twilight just rolled her eyes and lead back out into the street.

#

The smell of apples was the first thing that Coaldust picked up as they reached Sweet Apple Acres. That was to be expected, of course, since it was an Apple family homestead. As they reached the main building, it didn’t take long for Applejack to come trotting around to greet them. “Raht on time. Welcome to the farm, Coaldust. Twilight, good ta see ya sugarcube. Everybody else is already here, so let’s get y’all some seats an’ get some good grub into y’all.”

Applejack lead them back around the building to an open area where a few tables sat, each one holding baked goods aplenty. It didn’t take long for him to notice the nuclear powered Pinkie Pie nor the multicolored Rainbow Dash, as they were the only other ponies he knew. Nor could he miss Spike, staring dreamily at a very attractive white mare with a deep purple mane. In addition to them, there were three ponies, three foals, and a zebra. The last surprised him, as he hadn’t expected to see any in Ponyville.

“Well, here’s the rest of the friends and family. The green mare, that’s Granny Smith. The big red ‘un is my brother, Big Macintosh. Over there we have my little sister, Applebloom and her friends Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. The pony Spike’s starin’ at is our friend Rarity, Sweetie Belle’s sister. The shy one is Fluttershy, and the zebra, that’s Zecora.”

As he was introduced, Coaldust nodded to each. Granny Smith was dozing, so he got no response from her. Big Mac just looked at him with what may have been some hostility. The foals bounced and giggled, just like any foal would. Rarity smiled and very obviously sized him up. All he got from Fluttershy was the odd nervous glance. Zecora smiled and nodded back, obviously very comfortable in this group.

“Well, I’m right glad to meet you all. Don’t know what else to say, other than I hope I can get ta know y’all.” As the interrupted conversations started back up, he made his way over to Zecora. Once he got within polite earshot, he started speaking in a strange tongue. Zecora’s head came up rapidly in surprise, then she smiled and responded in the same language.

Coaldust grinned back at her. “And that’s all I know of zebra. Sorry.”

“That is fine, my young friend. Your attempt did not offend. I hope at me, you’ll not be mad, when I say that you sound quite bad.”

He shook his head, still smiling. “Nah, I’m not mad. Never got much practice in zebra. For that matter, you’re only the third I’ve met. Knew two back in Lodestrike, worked with ‘em in the mine. ‘S where I learned that greeting.”

Zecora bobbed her head in understanding. “Then for now, that will do.” She then looked over his shoulder. “Ah, I believe someone has come for you.”

He turned to see the white unicorn heading for him, a smile on her face. “It is so nice to see a new face here.” She held out a hoof to him, “I am Rarity, fashion designer.”

Coaldust took her hoof and kissed it gallantly, all of that reading paying off. “Well, Ms. Rarity, I’m just simple Coaldust. A miner of coal and sometimes other things.”

“Ooh, a gentlecolt. A very nice change from what I normally see here.” Though her voice was pleasant, he could see the unease at his announced profession. She also managed to withdraw her hoof quickly, if still within the limits of decorum. “What sort of ‘other things’ do you mine?”

“Well, I just happen to have some things with me. Maybe you, as well as your friends, can tell me where to have a professional look at them.” He started making his way towards a table, Rarity following in his wake.

“If I may ask, why do you have your mane and tail bound?” Rarity’s fashion-sense was starting to get the better of her, especially since she was used to the free flowing manes of Ponyville.

“Loose manes and tails are a good way to get hurt in a mine, Ms. Rarity. I’d rather not have that happen.” Glancing over his shoulder, he saw that she didn’t understand. “Hair that’s not confined can get trapped in rocks as they fall. They might catch a support. You could even get it caught when your buddy is bucking a seam. So we tend to wrap them up to prevent accidents.”

“Oh, I see.” The white mare considered him for a moment. “Well, you are not in a mine now. Why don’t you let your mane down.”

Placing his saddlebags on the table, Coaldust thought for a moment, then shrugged. Sitting back on his haunches, he undid the knots holding his mane and tail in place. Rarity gasped, and there were a few other admiring sounds as the ice blue hair tumbled free from its confines. He was certainly glad there was no breeze.

“Oh my. I didn’t expect you to have this much! It’s almost as long as the Princess’ mane.” Rarity’s hooves were instantly in his mane, stroking it and feeling its weight.

“Well, I’ve not cut it since I was a foal. Just kept it bound up. Uhm… would you mind not playing with it, Ms. Rarity?”

“But… the things I could do with it.” Her eyes lit up suddenly, “Idea!” A blue glow surrounded a pair of working shears on a far table, which in turn started heading towards Rarity. They stopped when a purple glow started to form around them in turn.

“Rarity, stop it.” Twilight stepped forward and looked her friend in the eye. “I know you like giving makeovers, but he may not want one. He hasn’t cut his mane in a long time, after all.”

Rarity tried to stare Twilight down, then sagged. “Bother, you’re right. I am sorry, Coaldust, I just get carried away sometimes.”

“Not a problem Ms. Rarity.” Coaldust sighed quietly in relief. Opening one of his saddlebags, he tipped out the contents. A large black chunk fell out, followed by a few clear gems. “Here’s what I’ve been able to mine so far. Does any pony know where I can get them appraised?”

“I know someone in town who can see how good the coal is,” offered Twilight. “They have all of the right test equipment. The diamonds though….”

“Diamonds?” It was weird hearing the same word in both male and female voices. Rarity’s and Spike’s voices overlapped as they responded to that word.

“I could certainly use those at my shop.” Rarity’s eyes glowed as she considered the gems on the table. “I have a few dresses that would be all the better for some diamonds.”

“Diamonds….” Spike’s addition to the conversation was simple, and drool filled. Coaldust cocked an eyebrow at Twilight who shrugged.

“Dragons eat gems.”

“Ah.” Looking at the pile, Coaldust found a very flawed diamond and flipped it over to Spike. A crunching sound and a satisfied burp followed soon after.

“Mr. Coaldust, I’d be willing to appraise the diamonds and buy them from you.” Rarity’s gaze hadn’t left the pile of gems as she spoke. “My talent is finding gems, after all. Part of that is knowing the quality, and I assure you I would pay a fair price.”

Not knowing exactly why, Coaldust nodded his head. “Done then. You can have these, since I didn’t really plan on taking them home with me.”

Noticing that all but two of the ponies had come closer during the whole exchange, he thought it was time to handle the second saddlebag and one of the ponies. Picking up the still full saddlebag, he headed for the yellow and pink mare.

Stopping about ten feet away from Fluttershy, he lowered himself to the grass, lowering his head below hers. “Hello, Ms. Fluttershy, I’m your new neighbor.” A nervous glance and a squeak is all he got in return. “Now, I hope you’re not frightened, ‘cause I really don’t mean to frighten any pony. ‘Sides, I need your help.”

That got a confused look, followed by a squeak and Fluttershy hiding behind her pink mane. Pretending he didn’t notice, Coaldust gently tipped over the saddlebag and scooped out a tiny ball of fur. A moment later, two pointed ears appeared from the ball, and a small mouth full of sharp teeth yawned. “You see, I found this little guy in my mine last night. I waited for a while to see if his mama would come, but she never did. I’m not very good with animals, but I did manage to get some warm milk into him. I was hoping….”

Once she saw the little kitten, the yellow pegasus swooped right by him, the kitten now cradled in her hooves. “Oh, you poor kitten. Now don’t you worry, I’ve got a nice place for you to stay. I also have lots of friends for you to play with.” A soft mew answered her, and she looked around. “You must still be hungry. I’ll see if I can find you some milk.” Rotating in the air she looked at Coaldust. “Thank you for saving him.” With a blush, she headed for the farmhouse.

Applejack, and the rest of the ponies, were slightly shocked. She rarely said anything to a new person, especially someone much larger than her. “Well, don’ that just beat all?”

Coaldust shrugged as he sat up and smiled at the other ponies. “I heard she was good with animals. I figured it was the best way to break the ice.”

Rainbow Dash laughed, “Dusty, you are one smooth operator.”

“Rainbow… unlike you, I never.” All the other ponies started laughing as Rainbow Dash lost it, and also lost her perch, falling out of a tree. All the ponies but one, that was.

Big Mac was glaring at Coaldust.

Author's Note: Here you go folks, the next chapter. I'll be honest, I'm not fully happy with this chapter. It feels a bit clunky to me. The introductions are done now, so we can start moving on into some of the more... interesting... parts of the story. Enjoy!

Chapter 5: Parties and Prophecies?

The party got started in the Library later that afternoon. It seemed that most of the town showed up for it, surprising Coaldust. He was assured that this was normal for one of Pinkie Pie’s parties. The only ponies from lunch that did not show to the party were Granny Smith (fell asleep), Fluttershy (Oh my! I would, but the kitten…), and Big Mac. The red stallion had gruffly begged off when reminded about the party, saying something about minding the Crusaders.

By the time they reached the tree, the thudding bass of the dance music could be heard quite clearly. Twilight smiled wanly at the dark coated stallion, and braced herself before opening the door. The aural assault almost knocked the ponies on their haunches, which seemed to amuse Pinkie to no end. The music was turned down low enough for the party pony to announce, “Let’s welcome Coaldust to Ponyville, every pony!” The welcoming cheer was quickly covered by the music being turned back up.

Twilight lead Coaldust to a cushion, then lifted two cups of punch over to them. Initially she tried to engage him in a conversation over the philosophy he had read, but quickly realized that shouting over the music was no way to carry on such a discussion. She instead started pointing out ponies she knew, and making observations about them.

She was not his only companion through the party, either. From time to time some she would switch out with one of her friends, leaving him in their capable hooves. When they weren’t sitting with him, the mares he had met would bring friends over to meet him. Rarity, in particular, spent more time winnowing through the amassed town to find business opportunities for him, when she wasn’t pestering him about letting her ‘do something’ about his mane and tail.

Pinkie Pie, as promised, was adamant about stuffing him with various goodies. She also bounced around the party with more energy than a foal hopped up on sugar, which he found tiring to watch. Coaldust could certainly see why she was the go-to mare for parties!

Though he couldn’t join in the dancing, he did see his new friends enjoying themselves on the dance floor. Even Spike was out having fun, wearing a lampshade and a silly grin. Eventually, as with all good things, the party slowly wound to an end. As ponies streamed out the door, he went and found the hostess. “Pinkie, thank you for the party. I really do appreciate what you did.”

Pinkie Pie wore a huge smile as she bounced in place. “You’re welcome Dusty! Didja really like it? Didjadidjadidja?”

“Yup. Good friends, good food… what wasn’t there to like?” Seeing three of the other four mares walking up behind Pinkie, he transferred his smile to the rest of them as well. “Thank ya all very much.”

“I guess this makes you an official part of Ponyville,” commented Twilight with a smile. “Don’t be a stranger.”

“Indeed, Coaldust. I’m glad I was able to help with your business venture.” Rarity’s smile turned playfully calculating, “Of course, if you ever change your mind on your mane….”

Coaldust chuckled, “I know exactly where to go.” Looking around, he couldn’t find the blue pegasus that had been regaling him with her exploits. “Rainbow’s not going to say goodbye?”

Pinkie Pie giggled and bounced even more. “Nope, but that’s okay. She’s passed out and Twilight’s going to pour her into bed, like always.” That earned a laugh from them all.

“Ladies, it’s been a pleasure… but I need to git. It’s a long walk back to the mine. Good night.” With a last smile and a nod to the herd of mares, he stepped out the door. The last thing he heard before the door closed was Pinkie’s voice.

“Hey! Maybe we could have an After-Welcome Party Party for him tomorrow!”

#

Laughter, nothing but laughter surrounded her. She had failed, again, and they were laughing. They always laughed. They didn’t understand, they couldn’t. No one could. Standing once more, she shook herself. Gathering her will she took flight again, soaring up into the clouds. Up here, she couldn’t hear them. The sky was her realm, here she was untouchable.

Success, that was all that mattered. Success, that would bring her daddy back into her life. Growing up he was rarely around, gone on one errand or another. Her mother never told her what he did, only that it was important. Her mother encouraged her gifts, pushed her towards her goals. It was because of her daddy that she pushed herself to be the best, but it was her mother that allowed her to believe it was possible.

She needed to be special, to succeed. If she wasn’t special… she didn’t want to think about it. Starting the intricate pattern once more, she bobbed and weaved through the clouds. With careful precision she caused vortexes and whorls to appear and disappear, almost at whim. Higher and higher she flew, third cloud height, fourth cloud height, fifth… finally reaching apogee and stalling out. She hung in the sky, momentarily motionless, Celestia’s sun streaming through her mane.

Arching her back, she rolled into a dive. Pushing herself once more, she beat her wings mercilessly. Speed, more speed. That’s what she needed, what she craved. No one could understand that, could feel what she could feel. As she accelerated, she could feel the air pushing back against her. The elastic resistance almost starting to glow before her. Focusing on one, small point. Her eyes squinting, she pushed herself faster….

With a loud bang she was through. Glancing back as she pulled out of her dive, she saw the rainbow shock-wave, her signature. With a fierce exultation, she finished the rest of her planned routine. There were no laughs now.

Gliding to a rest, she sat on her favorite overlook. Daddy was sure to come now. No one else could do that. It was special. She was special.

Light became a dark, inky blackness. Her head and wings drooped. He didn’t come, he never came, she wasn’t special. She never would be, that’s why the Wonderbolts never noticed, why her daddy never noticed.

“You’re special to me,” a deep voice from behind her said. Looking over her shoulder, she got the impression of another pony. Familiar, but yet not recognizable, other than it was a stallion.

She was gathered into a hug, and she returned it. Here, here was some pony who saw her for what she was. Some pony that didn’t need to see the brave face and Nightmare Moon-may-care attitude she always projected. Some pony that could let her drop her brave act.

Her muzzle turned instinctively towards his. This is what she needed, he knew it and was willing to show her he cared about her, not her image. Their kiss did not stay innocent for very long.

With a gasp, Rainbow Dash sat up in the bed. Her heart beating loudly in her chest, her breathing loud and harsh. Looking about rapidly, she took in her surroundings. She was in Twilight’s room in the Library. The lavender mare had placed her in the spare bed, and was still sleeping in her own. Pre-dawn light streamed in through the window, filling the room with a gentle glow.

A dream, she thought as she lay back down. It was only a dream. Damn. Shifting to get comfortable, Rainbow tried to go back to sleep. Sleep, however, eluded her as she waited for dawn.

Prologue

The hour was just after dusk when Celestia’s door opened. Curious as to who would disturb her this late in the day, she raised her head to see the midnight blue countenance of her sister as she trotted softly through the door. “Good evening, Luna. I thought you’d be about your work by now?”

Luna bobbed her head in a distracted gesture. “Sister, I have been thinking….”

“Well, that certainly sounds ominous.” Celestia’s tone and gentle smile took any possible sting out of the teasing.

“It is just… we are not connected to the Elements any more, correct?” After receiving a nod, Luna continued in a troubled voice. “Then we need to rely on the Bearers, yes?” Another nod followed her question. “So what will we do when they eventually pass to the Equestrian Fields?”

Celestia blinked at the small, soft voice that her sister finished in. Timidity was not normal for her. “Well, there will always be their descendants.”

“What if their descendants are unwilling or unable to take up the task? What if one or more does not have descendants? What would we do then?

“Calmly, sister. Please, let me think a moment.” Lowering her head, Celestia thought rapidly for a moment. Her head snapped up suddenly, a gleam in her eyes.

“I recognize that look, ‘Tia. What has your devious mind thought of now? Give over, dear sister.”

“Oh no, I’m not going to tell you,” smiled Celestia as she climbed to her hooves. Walking over to Luna, she nuzzled her sister’s neck. “I want to surprise you with my idea.”

“A pleasant surprise this time, I hope,” grumbled Luna. “Thy… your last surprise was not that fun for me.”

Celestia’s laugh pealed through the room like a silver bell. “Trust me, Luna. I will guarantee that you will enjoy it.”

And, perhaps, heal your heart in the bargain my dear, dear sister.

Author's Note: Since I've not seen much on pony beliefs, I decided the Roman idea of the Elysian Fields would be appropriate, thus the genesis of the Equestrian Fields. I also do know that this is very short, but keep in mind that it is just the prologue. I'm working on Chapter 1 as you are reading this. Patience, kind reader. :)