I walk into my work shop. The familiar smell of wet clay, burning metal, the heavy scent of fire and smoke calming my nerves. I walk toward a corner knowing I'll reach my pottery table. I rest my walking stick against my stool as I sit down taking a deep breath when I hear a squeak.
My ears swirl toward the sound. I flap my wings quietly launching myself into the air before opening my mouth letting out a small echoes. My ears swirl waiting for them to bounce back when I feel the familiar image of my work shop form in my mind with something extra...another pony in here.
I tilt my head in confusion seeing something different about this one. I quietly landed behind them as quickly I grab their shoulder. They gave a feminine shriek trying to get away.
I tighten my grip as I hear my work shop door open. The familiar smell of steel and roses reached my nose giving me a clue of who entered.
"NightSong! What did I tell yo..."my sister's scolding tone faded noticing my glare.
"Rose? Please explain why there is a foal in my work shop?" I asked in a eerily tone noticing the young filly's heart beat quicken. My sister, Rose Blade sigh as she walked toward us before grabbing the young filly and pulling her away from me.
"I'm so sorry Captain Blade! It's just during the tour I saw the blacksmith work shop and remember the town ponies say how a blind-I wince slightly as she describes my injury- pegasus is the blacksmith! I had to see her work and ask her something!" NightSong, if I remember her name correctly, exclaimed.
I raised a brow stating, "I'm the blind smith, little one. What is it that you want to ask?" I hear her shuffle her hooves as something makes a small breeze. I tilt my head feeling the breeze realizing she's also a pegasus.
"I well...I-Iwanttobeyourapprentice!" she stammered out quickly.
"Say it one more time but slower please," I asked her.
She takes a deep breath before saying, "I want to be your apprentice...if you let me." I look at the spot I know she'll be at thinking quietly to myself. ~Apprentice? Why would this young filly want to be a blacksmith's apprentice?~ I mulled over this before voicing it out loud.
"Why?" I walked over to my work bench feeling a couple pieces of metal on the table.
"Because...a blacksmith can be isolated and away from others. No pony likes to be associated with a bat pony so I decided I want to do something that doesn't require me to be with others."
I slightly frown hearing this before turning away. I feel my walking stick at my side and gave a thankful grin to my sister. I fold it in and attach it to my apron.
I mumble to myself before turning back to them, "I will consider it after talking to your parents."
There was pure silence before she reply," I have no parents...I'm a orphan."
I nod not knowing what to say to this young filly. I slightly stretch out my own wings feeling them stiffen with stress.
"Consider this an evaluation...you'll become a half-time apprentice till I'm awed by your work. This also means you will learn the arts of not only metal smithing but also white smithing and pottery. I'm the Princess of the Night's royal smith as well as a local one. I will not have a apprentice that only knows one art."
I hear her heart beat quicken as she slowly ask, " When can I start?"
"Not right now kid. I have to take you back to your teacher. I'll send somepony when she decides," Rose Blade buts in before walking both of them out.
I give a slight chuckle shaking my head thinking to myself ~What did I just agree to?~ I slowly run a hand across a piece of white metal feeling the beginning shape of a knife. The door slams open as two ponies walk in. I wince slightly as my jerking movements cause the sharp edge slice into my finger. I turn back and glare at them knowing only one pony that would do that.
"Music Beats would you enter quietly next time?" I ask slightly annoy by my closest friend antics.
"That's her signature thing Snow. You should of got used to it by now," Ruby Rose Melody replies. I huff in annoyance before wiping my bloodied finger on my apron.
I turn my back towards them as I set the unfinished knife down, "What do you guys want anyway?"
I feel a hand rest on my shoulder as they forced me turn towards them.
"There's gonna be a banquet party to welcome Rose's famous sister, Starlight. Rose told her that she'll get to meet all of her fillyhood friends. So put your apron and tools away and put on your fanciest clothes!" Music exclaimed excitingly as she bounces with joy.
I huff pulling away glaring at Music," No."
"Why not Snow? You always lock yourself in your workshop! Time to loosen up and see new ponies!" Music Beats replies.
"I can't really see can I now?" I answer back sarcastically.
"Please Snowstorm? Just to the banquet? I want her to feel welcome!" Rose Melody pleads.
I sigh knowing if I didn't go; they wouldn't leave me be. Plus I do want to see how she's been. She is a old friend.
"Ugh fine! Let's go find my royal suit!" I sign my death warrant.
I flinch hearing their excited squeals quietly groaning. I grab my walking stick before taking off my tool belt then my apron as I stretch my wings feeling them pop. They both grabbed each one of my hands before dragging me out of my workshop and to my room at the castle. Hey being the royal smith gets you your own room.
We reach my room which is really like a one floor apartment. Which it could've been.
"Wait what! You only have suits! No dresses!? Are you sure your a girl Snow?" Music exclaims as she looks in my closet.
I shrug before yelping in pain as Rose runs a hand through my messy ashy gray mane. Her hand runs across my wings and coat that's most likely covered in soot and ash too.
"Your sooo gonna shower before we go! Thankfully Music packed our dresses and Cyan Bass is already dressed and waiting at the train station for her." she said as she pushes me toward the bathroom.
I stumble forward as the door closes behind me. I huff before tugging off my tank top and kicking off my combat boots. I let out echoes again letting the bathroom layout sink into my mind. I remove the rest of my clothes before turning on the cold water.
I shiver feeling the icy water run down my back and onto my wings before sighing in relief feeling my muscle let loose under the cold steam. I quickly wash my hair and body before getting out; I shake my head letting the water drip down coat. I quickly dry myself before slipping on a clean pair of boy shorts and sports bra.
I walk out feeling more relaxed and ready for the banquet.
"This better not be a dress or some girly suit." I warned them.
Rose puts her hand on my shoulder as she helps me dress. My ears twitch and twirl hearing the slight fluttering of dresses.
"Want to see how you look?" Music asks quietly. I gulp and slowly nod my head. I feel another hand on my other shoulder as she mutters the spell.
A mental picture of three mares, a unicorn and two pegasi in their prime fill my mind. Music Beats, a white unicorn that has unruly black hair with red highlights. Her white coat hidden by a mid thigh length dark red dress. Her navy blue eyes look at us uncertainly.Ruby Rose Melody, a black knee length dress covering her soft red/very light pink coat. The dress reveals most of her back showing her wings. Her black and white mane held up in a bun showing a bit of her own natural red highlights. Crimson eyes stare at...me.
My now clean snowy white coat gleaming under a black suit. The jacket and undershirt have small tears to allow my wings freedom. My ash color mane down and covering half my face. I wince slightly seeing the pain and sadness in my own pale teal eyes as tears begin to spill.
The spell suddenly stops but I still recall the image of us.
"Shit! I shouldn't of ask. Now your crying!" Music says as she removes her hand. I shake my head slowly as I wipe the tears away.
"No...it's fine. You two look beautiful by the way." I said grinning even with the sadness crushing my heart. I feel a wing wrap around my shoulder as Rose brings me into a hug.
"You look absolutely hot, Snowstorm! You're gonna make the ladies fall." Music exclaim happily. I chuckle silently knowing these two are gonna try to play match maker.
"No hook ups. I'm only here because of you guys and then after the banquet I'm leaving."
I can imagine the frowns they're giving me but ignore it. Why stay when I didn't even want to go? I mean I do want to see Starlight Melody again but, I don't think she'll like to talk to the depress blind smith that I am now.
After leaving the castle, we walk to a fancy restaurant that was rented for the banquet.
I let echoes out every couple of seconds to make sure I remember the layout when I leave. We reach the restaurant in a couple minutes. A gentlecolt open the door for us revealing a slight relax atmosphere. My ears twitch hearing slight clanking and realized that some royal guards are hidden among us. I look around till I smell my sister, RoseBlade's scent.
She stood most likely in a suit as well since neither of us enjoy female clothing. I follows her scent and smile hearing our parents voices.
"Snowstorm! It's good to see my youngest daughter! Yet you still don't wear those dresses your aunts send you!" I hear my mother greet and scold in one sentence. I feel my smile widen hearing baby brother's babbles. I hold out my arms and nuzzle him cooing, "Good to see you my little Thunder maker."
He giggles and claps his hands making a thundering sound. I laugh out loud at the little earth pony. Yes he is an Earth Pony.
Our parents, Spicy Rose and Wood Chip are both Earth Ponies but me and Rose Blade are a pegasus and unicorn. We got it from our grandparents from both sides.
I wince slightly as I feel dad's hands slap my back.
"Oh look! My other son!" he comically remark. I shook my head before handing him Thunderhooves. I chuckle hearing the thundering of his little hooves before waking away.
I yelp feeling a metal hand on my shoulder before relaxing as a steel scent filled my nose.
"Blade? Damn it gave me a heart attack why don't you," I growl.
Rose Blade chuckles before replying," Sorry Snow, I was just wondering if you wanted me to do that spell..."
I gulp nervously realizing what she was talking about. I feel my skin clamping as my heart beat quickens.
"I can ask Music Beats to do it...if you want," she asks seeing my panic expression. I felt guilty hearing the pain and sadness in her voice. I take a deep breath before giving a small smile and nodded.
"It's alright Rosy...Just take it easy k?" I tell her.
I felt her put her metal hand on my shoulder signaling me to close my eyes. The cold metal seeped through the cloth and into my skin. I shiver slightly but remain still as I felt it warm up. I feel myself tense as the warmth spread from my shoulder to my eyes. After a couple seconds, the warmth disappeared leaving a cold odd feeling.
I open my eyes before hissing as the bright light force me to shut them .
"Bloody hell! That hurts!" I exclaim putting my hand on my face. I hear her chuckle as she grabs my spare hand and puts a pair of sunglasses in them. I clumsily put them on before opening my eyes slowly. I gasp as my vision began to blur before it focuses. I feel a smile tear across my face as colors began to focus on.
"Did it work? " Blade asks as she keep her hold. I smile seeing her gray and metal hand on my shoulders. I look up at her with tears in my eyes as I stare into her crimson ones. I bring her into a hug as I whisper into her ear.
"Thank you... "
I could feel a smile grow as she digs her face into my shoulder. She muffles a thank you before pulling back as a wide smile graces her. Her black and purple hair pulled back in a loose bun. Her gray coat covered in a white suit. Luna's royal seal on the crest as dark blue sash crosses under it. Her metal arm beams in the light as she wipes away her tears. My ears catch the slight creaking it makes.
"You look absolutely beautiful Rosey...yet your arm is making a creaky sound. Why didn't you bring it to me? " I question her as we move to where mom and dad went.
She shrugs as she moves her flesh hand on the metal one as she twists a bolt.
"I didn't want to disturb you... Plus you had a little filly to deal with so I was just gonna take it to someone else..." she says looking away. I quietly gasp as I see them; mom in a beautiful black dress with red roses on it. Her red mane in a braid with flowers in them. I feel my smile widen seeing dad's dark gray coat in black dress jeans and a button up dark blue dress shirt. In his arms, Thunderhooves slept in dress jeans and a dark blue plaid button up shirt.
I quickly walk up to them," Papi, Mami...you look so wonderful... "
Mom stops talking to the ladies around her as she looks over at me surprisingly but with sadness in her eyes, "Oh child, you should know not to say something like that. "
I grab her hand as I stare directly into her eyes smiling as I reach out the other to dad.
"Rosey as given me sight for the night... I shall spend it with you... I have not seen your faces since I became her highness royal smith... " I said with teary eyes as I wrap my arms around them.
I sigh in relief as they return the hugs before pulling back as Thunderhooves slowly shifts awake. I feel more tears as he puts his small hand on my cheek and babbles, "Snowy!" I grab his hand and kisses it nodding.
"Yes, my little Thunderer...I can see how well you grown...you were just a foal in a bundle just leaving the hospital."
Mom kisses my cheek as dad puts his hand on my shoulder. Rose Blade smile as she runs a hand through Thunderhooves mane.
"What's with the lovey family things? I should be in this!" Music exclaims as she puts an arm around my shoulder.
I look her and smile as I see navy blue eyes stare at me. I kiss her forehead grinning as I reply, " Rose gave me sight for today... " Music squeal as she pumps her fist into the air.
"Hell yeah! If I'm allow to interrupt this awesome moment, Cyan Bass and Ruby Rose are over at the entrance with Starlight Melody."
I look at my family who all nodded at me. Mom shoos me away making me laugh. Music grabs my hand pulling me away.
For the first time in a while, I felt at ease. I get to spend my time with my family and meet a old friend. And best of all... I could see. I could see my sister's proud stance, the look of pride in my parents eyes, the cheer on my little brother eyes. Before the spell runs out, I'll go outside to let the moon be that last thing I see.
"Yo! Snow? Here to Snow? " I hear Music shout in my ear. I hiss gripping my ears as I glare at her.
"Ahh! Was that really necessary? " I growl rubbing my ears slightly.
She gives me her Cheshire smile and kisses my cheek as she pulls us to the entrance. Ruby had an arm around a tan unicorn's waist. Her mane was a lovely golden hay color pulled into a bun, her bangs curling in front of her face. My ears twitch as she laughs at something Cyan Bass says. I felt something in my heart but I ignored it. She looks up as our eyes meet.
I give a small smile as they walk toward us. Cyan squeals as she links our arms.
"Snowstorm! You're definitely rocking that suit baby girl," she exclaim happily.
"Thanks Cyan, you all look beautiful especially..." I look at the tan unicorn giving her a wider smile, "You my darling. A beautiful sight for sore eyes."
Cyan rolled her eyes as she chuckles, "Everything is beautiful to the blind. "
I give my own famous Cheshire grin replying, "Blind? I am not for at least this night. "
Ruby and Cyan's eyes widen understanding what I meant.
"Who did the spell?" Ruby questions as she looks at Music.
Said unicorn shook her head with her hands up. All of them suddenly knew and stared at me in shock.
"Y-you let Rosey do it? " Music ask in a quiet voice. I slowly nodded my head before looking at the other unicorn.
"We'll discuss this later, or guest here shouldn't be bothered with my tale. "
They looked at her and have apologizing smiles. I felt at ease as the tan unicorn spoke.
"It is alright Snowstorm. It's good to see you again. "
I stare at her surprised that she knew my name. She gave me a teasingly smile, "What? Did you really forget me Snowy?"
Then it suddenly clicked.
"Starlight? B-but your coat was white the last time I saw you... "
She laugh slightly as her horn glow causing her magic to wash over her . Tan fur slowly became the same snowy white I remember clearly. Emerald green eyes stare at me as her mane became a nice darker golden color. The magic again wash her reverting back to tan.
"Did you forget I could easily change the color of my coat and mane? " she ask teasingly. I got over my shock and hug her.
"It's nice to see you again Star," I said as we pull apart.
"Likewise, it's so good to be back home. Manehattan and Baltimare really did make me miss Canterlot so much. Everypony was rude till they knew who I was then tried to be my friends ... But here, my true friends welcome me home."
We all smile and hug her at the same time. After introducing her to the crowd and our families. We all sat down and enjoyed the banquet. The food was marvelous, all our mothers came togather to make the banquet food. When we were done eating, ponies began to pair up and hit the dance floor. Well but me, I felt the spell weaken as it got darker so I went to my family and told them. I saw tears in their eyes but they understood why I wanted to be outside.
I went upstairs till I found the balcony. I felt more at ease seeing the moon in the dark sky. Sadly living in Canterlot, we can't see the stars but I remember seeing them when I went to Ponyville will before my accident. I must of been so deep in my thoughts that I didn't hear her walk up behind me.
