“Goodbye, and thank you for shopping at Hoofington Bakery!” Rang Sapphire Swirl’s voice as she handed over a carefully crafted cake and drew the bits to her side, and levitated them to her register. She looked at the corner of her bakery.
He was still there, looking at Sapphire. She didn’t want to be rude to the pony, but if he didn’t leave in a few minutes she would have to kick him out. He was wearing all black, and had a Black briefcase next to him.
She walked to the back to finish off frosting a simple cupcake, which would take her approximately five minutes.
She put frosting roses around the side and lightly dusted the inside of the rose circle with white sprinkles. It was, to perfectly describe it, a masterpiece. Then, she lifted the cupcake and injected a rich custard into the bottom.
Opening the cupboard, she carefully took out a scarlet paper liner. Then she put the Paper liner around the cupcake, finishing it off.
She walked to the front, noting that her hooves were growing heavier. It was almost time to close up.
“Here you go! Thank you for choosing Hoofington Bakery!” She said as she pushed the rosy cupcake.
“Thank you, miss!” A red and white pony cheerily giggled, biting into the cupcake. She handed over the bits, licking off a bit of frosting on her nose.
“Delicacies like these are hard to find, especially considering the circumstances that are going on these days.” The red maned mare said, carefully selecting her words.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. Come back sometime soon!” Sapphire Swirl smiled, but her eye caught the stallion in the corner. He stood up and walked over behind the red pony, waiting silently.
The pony left and the stallion stepped heavily forward. He was quite handsome, and looked about Sapphire’s age.
“Can I get a Gem Flapjack?” he said, in a Slow English accent.
Sapphire was annoyed. He had been there all day, just sitting there. And now he was ordering one of the least expensive item on the menu. He could’ve made up to her by getting a cake or something.
“Yes, sir. That’ll be fifteen bits.” She said, narrowing her eyes a bit. She plastered on a fake smile and headed to the back.
She poured batter into the griddle. She just stood there, watching the pancake cook. She flipped it, and pulled it off. She was beginning to feel light headed.
“I’m tired...” She muttered, as she topped the pancake with gems of every color. Of course, they were edible.
She took it out, and the stallion was looking at Sapphire.
“Here you go.” She said, handing the plate to the stallion. He took it, handing the bits over.
“I’ve never had anything so good since before the war!” he exclaimed.
“I’d be more careful with my words if I were you.” Sapphire hissed. “Referencing anything to the war is illegal. You could get executed.”
He fell silent. Then, he left. Without any words. Sapphire Flipped the open sign to closed, and began to clean up. It was beginning to get dark. She began with the big stuff first, like cleaning the tables, and putting the food supplies away.
Suddenly the lights turned off. They had been turning off lately, saving power and unsuccessfully confusing enemy troops. Time passed.
...
Her hooves clicked softly as the pale ivory pony was finishing cleaning up the shop. She sighed, muttering under her breath. The moonlight splashed down its watery white-silver glow onto the city, bathing her shop, illuminating it. And in the distance the trees were silhouetted against the deep velvety sky. Occasionally, Bright flashes came from a long ways away.
She worried. The war was coming closer and closer. If Hoofington was to fall, nopony could comprehend what would happen.
Sapphire swirl sighed as she finished up closing. She wished she could have her employees back, they were the best bakers in the city, and maybe even Equestria. But they had gone to fight, and nothing could stop them, not even her.
And everyone had to donate most of their precious metals such as silver, iron and such. That included her door bell, so she didn’t know when customers were coming in. She was usually in the back baking.
Sapphire Swirl let cold water run over her hooves and slowly walked up the old, creaky stairs. When she reached the top of the steps she took a quick gaze down. It looked empty, abandoned. Just how she felt.
She slowly walked to her room, pausing only once to straighten a picture frame. Using her Dark turquoise magic, she slowly turned the rusty old doorknob. It fell with a clank on the floor, and with her horn glowing she put it back in place. It then proceeded to fall off again, and she sighed, giving up on it.
“I need a new doorknob.” She muttered to herself, and slowly walked in. She lifted up the blinds and pulled an old book of one of the many bookshelves in her room. The faded light blue walls were dimly lit up by the icy touch of moonlight. She began to read.
As I walk these dimly lit halls,
Children cry and babies they crawl.
The traps always ensnare
And we’re all in despair
But the bell will keep ringing
And choirs keep singing
And joy will flood through the streets.
Sapphire put down the book, and closed her eyes. That was enough reading for the night. She was preparing to slip into the covers and fall asleep, but suddenly, ringing pierced the silence. She groaned, and levitated the old receiver to her ear, her eyes still closed.
“You better have a good reason to call me this late.” She muttered.
“Sorry. Did I wake you up?” the voice on the other side questioned.
“Not technically, but I was almost asleep.” She replied.
“This is the PWD, short for Pony War Department.” Sapphire’s eyes flew open and she sat up immediately. “We were just calling to inform you, that you are being drafted. But not just as an average soldier. There is a meeting tomorrow and we will send someone for you. You may know him as the business pony who was in your shop all day, who ordered the gem flapjack. Thank you, and bye. Save your questions for tomorrow. Goodbye, Sapphire Swirl.”
Sapphire’s heart sank. She was a baker, not a soldier, or any kind or war pony. She was exhausted. She lay back down, but could not fall asleep.
Author's Note
I'll add more tags as i go on.
Also, the white pony in cover picture, with turquiose and tealish hair is Sapphire Swirl.
“We are putting you on the front lines.”The general said. “It wouldn’t be this case if you contributed to the war in any way.”
“But I have contributed! More than the average citizen!” She said, panicking more and more.
“And in what way have you, Miss Swirl? I’m sorry but if you refuse, you will be eliminated.”
“I contributed! I donated most of my metals, and I even made soldiers treats!” She looked around wildly.
“Eliminate her.” Said the general. But this time it was in a robot’s voice. His eyes turned red, and Sapphire felt a searing heat on her forehead. Everything went black.
Sapphire eyes flickered open, but then she immediately closed them. Sun was pouring into the cracked windows, producing a brilliant light.
6:15. Perfect time to wake up and open the shop. Sapphire got out of bed and put on her uniform. She then walked down the stairs.
Oddly, she was in a good mood. Even considering the circumstances. She cheerfully sang as she prepared her breakfast. She whipped up some pancake batter. She picked out bacon slices and placed them on the griddle with the flapjacks, and read the newspaper as they cooked.
She ate, and then paused. She heard ponies outside, probably waiting for breakfast. She quickly finished, and flipped the sign to open. A steady stream of hungry customers made their way in.
“Hello, welcome to Hoofington Bakery, how may I help you?” Sapphire rang out cheerfully.
Suddenly she saw the line. It was long. So, so, so long. She wouldn’t be finished with these orders until dinner!
“Um, can I get a Vegan croissant?” The filly ordered, in a very valley girl voice.
Sapphire nodded and motioned to a seat. She prepared to take the next order.
Suddenly, a stallion galloped in. “Sapphire!” He shouted. It was the same stallion in the corner yesterday, the one who order the flapjack. But he didn’t have the English accent. Was the accent yesterday just a cover?
She noticed something she didn’t notice the night before. His mane was black, with a yellow streak through it, similar to a lightning bolt. He wasn’t wearing his black outfit either, showing off his wings. And his white coat of fur.
“Sapphire!” he said once more. “I’m so sorry I’m late!” He yelled in a penetrating voice.
My ears went flat, mainly because he was loud. What was he playing at anyways? Help me? He stared at me with his amber eyes.
“Here, you cook. I’ll take over front.” He whispered to me, motioning with his back hoof to the kitchen.
“Don’t try anything” Sapphire Swirl hissed.
He looked hurt. “What do you mean? I’m just here to help.”
Sapphire Turned around and started on the filly’s order. She topped on the ingredients, glancing ever so often at the stallion. He was acting normal, talking to a pony to get their order. But was he going to pull something bad?
No of course not. He was part of the PWD. Probably
She trotted to the counter and placed the croissant on the table, with a pretty china plate. “Order number one!” She shouted out. The filly came and picked it up, placing the bits on the table.
“Sir, may I ask you your name?” Sapphire asked to the stallion.
“Yeah. The name is Fallout Shieldhunter. Pleasure to meet you sapphire. I’m your new employee.”
“Do I have to pay you?” She asked Fallout.
“Nope. I’ve always wanted to work at a bakery.” He replied with a smirk. “Also next order is three flapjacks, no gems.”
“Ok, will do.” Sapphire replied and walked to the back.
_____
Hours passed, and the two ponies were almost done cleaning the shop. They both did this in silence, only talking when one needed the washcloth or food item. Finally Sapphire broke the silence.
“Sir, do you have a place to rest? If not, I have room specifically for employees here. If you want, I mean.”
Fallout Paused, then said in a soft voice, “Call me Fallout, not sir. And I was thinking about spending a night at a hotel, after the meeting of course. But if you’ll allow it I can sleep here.”
Sapphire nodded. She finished up the area she was cleaning and went to inspect Fallout’s work.
“Very good. Shall we go?” She inquired.
He nodded and informed her, “You need to be blindfolded. Maybe even put out.”
She put her ears back. “Why?”
“The place that we’re going to is confidential. Ready? I’m going to give you a shot and blindfold you.” He replied seriously.
She stiffened. “What happens if I resist?”
“The PWD will come and you’ll be forced to come anyway. And mind you, injuries will happen.”
“I’ll take the blindfolds thank you.” Sapphire muttered.
Everything went black and Fallout sighed. “Sir, I’ll bring her now.”
“Well done Fallout. She is an important part in this war. Maybe the meaning of win or lose.”
“Yes sir. I’ve seen her work as well. I don’t think she’ll fail us.”
“Good.”
“Yes.”
Fallout drove on in the night and at one point stopped for cocoa. He was getting sleepy, but he couldn’t stop. This was an important meeting, and Sapphire was close to waking up.
“So Sapphire… I’m sorry I put you asleep.” He murmured.
No answer. Obviously.
“Sapphy… Do people call you Sapphy?”
“What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? Mine’s Vanilla.”
Fallout sighed.
He kept driving. Small white flakes started falling from the sky, making the night even more beautiful than before. He turned the corner and went into the underground parking lot. He pressed a button in his car and a gate opened, letting him into the base.
He drove into the darkness, turning on his headlights to a dim setting. He pulled into an empty space, putting the car in park. He got out, and woke up Sapphire.
“Are we there yet?” She asked drowsily.
“Yeah. Now get up, we need to hurry.” He replied.
She stood up, brushing herself off. Her head started to fall.
“Wake up Sapphy” Fallout muttered.
“Sapphy?” She asked.
“Er, I mean Sapphire miss.” He corrected himself. “Look, just follow me.”
Sapphire Swirl Started stumbling along, pausing every now and then to yawn. The medicine’s effects still had their effect. “Fallout I can’t go on… I’m too tired…” She whispered, almost tripping.
“Don’t worry. We’re here.” Fallout replied.
He opened the door and stepped inside to a well-lit room, filled with chairs and a table.
“Have a seat.”
Author's Note
Hope you like this chapter! And i was kidding with the title.
Criticism is welcome, and wanted.
Be gentle, though, please.
