Hammer & Anvil

Jackboot never saw himself as special, despite what some tell him. He was a light gray young unicorn stallion with a dark brown mane that, like his tail, was cut rather short as he liked it and was the same color as a chocolate. Much like other ponies in Canterlot, he wore set of clothing, which consisted of a white button up shirt, a brown vest with a gold watch, a red bow tie, and a brown cloth cap. What really made him stand out were the boots he wore on each of his hooves, which were, like his cap and vest, were also brown with five gold buttons.

The only thing he thought he was good at was his magic, especially when he was fallowing in his late father’s footsteps as a handypony, which led to his cutie mark being a hammer and anvil. His father, along with his mother, taught him several lessons about life that he has taken deeply to heart, a strong work ethic, a sense of self-reliance, and a sense of individuality.

Unfortunately, social skills were not something he never really caught onto, as Jackboot preferred to be alone; essentially he became that colt who had his head in a book at recess. This is what led to him getting bullied, often at times, being reduced to tears. This bullying had continued on until one particular incident. An incident involving in which he used his magic. An incident he has tried to forget ever sense he was a colt.

Not wanting to have her son not deal with bullying anymore and to make sure that such an incident never happens again, Jackboot’s mother got him enrolled in Princess Celestia’s Magic School for Gifted Unicorns. This is a decision that Jackboot had thanked his mother ever sense, mainly because his teacher was Celestia herself. But despite his good experience at Celestia’s school, he still couldn't make friends.

But that is about to change…

Current Time: 1:32 PM, Monday

“There we go.” Jackboot said to himself.

Jackboot was in the royal suite of Canterlot Castle, in the process of replacing the chandelier. The new chandelier he had actually made himself. It had taken several days to make it and he was very proud of it. After he got the ladder in place, he proceeded to climb it.

“Easy, easy.” He said, trying to balance at the top of the ladder. “Alright, let’s get started.”

Jackboot had cut off the gas flow to the chandelier earlier, so taking the glass bulbs off was no trouble without the flames going. After he set the last of the bulbs down, he then turned his attention to carefully disconnect the chandelier from the gas line. This involves having to keep hold of the chandelier while also removing the screws and disconnecting the gas hose, all at the same time. Jackboot took a deep breath.

“Alright.” He said. “It’s now or never.”

Jackboot used his magic to take hold of the chandelier. Each screw slowly came out of each one’s socket.

“Careful.” Jackboot said to himself. “Be very careful.”

All the screws were perfectly taken out without trouble.

“Alright, now for the difficult part.” He said as he took a breath. “I can’t rush this.”

He then started to unscrew the hose from the chandelier. Much like with the screws, disconnecting the gas hose was something that cannot be rushed. The gas hose, more specifically the connectors, were surprisingly fragile, any mistake could cause the hose to break, and more importantly, the chandelier would fall. Whether or not it was not going to be in use anymore or not, Jackboot didn't want to leave a large dent in the floor.

“Got it!” He said as the hose disconnected with a loud click. “Perfect execution.”

He then gently set the old chandelier down onto the floor below.

“I bet that antique store down the street from home would love that.” Jackboot said with a sigh of relief. “Now for the just as difficult part. Connecting the new one.”

He then levitated the new chandelier in place of the old one. He then carefully held it in place before taking hold of the gas hose again. As he began to put the two connectors to together, a suddenly felt a tickle in his nose. But before he could begin to disregard it, reflex took over and he let out a loud sneeze, causing him to lose his hold on the chandelier.

“NO!” He shouted.

Suddenly, there was a large flash and then Jackboot found himself at the floor. Without a second thought, he grabbed the chandelier with his magic before it hit the ground.

“Thank Celestia I know how to do that.” Jackboot said with relief.

Jackboot then set the chandelier down gently and climbed up the ladder again. Again, carefully balancing at the top.

“Okay, let’s try this again.”

He once again took hold of the chandelier and brought it up to its rightful place. He then connected the gas hose to it, this time without the interruption of a sneeze. The hose emitted its loud click, indicating that the connection was successful.

“Thank Celestia.” Jackboot said. “Smooth sailing from here.”

Jackboot screwed in each of the screw back into their respective sockets. He then let go of the Chandelier, allowing it hang freely. All Jackboot had to do now was place the bulbs back in place. After he placed the last bulb perfectly back in place he then proceeded down the ladder.

“Job well done.” He said to himself aloud.

After his hooves made contact with the floor, he suddenly heard somepony speaking to him.

“A job well done indeed.” She said.

Jackboot almost jumped out of his skin. He turned to see who was speaking to him, only to find, his hero, his mentor, the Princess of all of Equestria herself standing at the open door with a smile on her face.

“Princess Celestia!” Jackboot explained with surprise before bowing before the white alicorn who stood before him.

“How have you been Jackboot?” Celestia asked in greeting. She then looked up at the new Chandelier. “That looks great, Jackboot. Thank you so much for it. I hope it wasn't too much trouble.”

“It was no trouble what so ever. It’ll look better once I get the gas going and light it.” Jackboot said, no longer bowing. “And I must say you’re looking beautiful as ever today.”

Celestia chuckled cheerfully at Jackboot’s compliment.

“Is there anything else you want of me?” Jackboot asked. “Any windows needing polishing?”

“That won’t be necessary.” Celestia said. “I was actually wondering if you could meet me out in the garden. I need to speak with you.”

“Of course, Princess.” Jackboot said without hesitation. “I’ll be there once I turn gas on and get this old chandelier out of here.”

“Don’t worry about that.” Celestia said. “I’ll have somepony get that done.”

“Are you sure?”

Celestia nodded.

“Alright, I’ll see you in the Garden.” Jackboot said. “After I return this ladder of course.”

The sun shined brightly overhead. The birds chirped and the squirrels ran amuck in the Castle Gardens. Jackboot took a breath of the sweet summer air as he strolled through the garden. He always enjoyed coming here. He and Celestia, along with several other students, often practiced their magic here.

As he looked around, he spotted Celestia in a clearing up ahead. She seemed to be talking to somepony, but Jackboot couldn't see who it was due to Celestia’s majestic mane blocking his view.

“There she is.” Jackboot said.

As he got closer, he caught the Princess’s attention. When Celestia turned around, he got a clearer view of who she was peaking to. This pony was a light green unicorn mare with a puffy mane and tail of the same color both with several streaks of pink and a pair of silver eyes, the same as his. Jackboot then saw the mare’s cutie mark and saw it was were two green buttons and needle and thread and she wore a red ascot around her neck. This mare’s name is Emerald Button.

“Mother?” He asked. “What brings you here?”

“Nice to see you as well sweetheart.” His mother said. “Celestia was telling me what a great job you did on that Chandelier.”

“It was nothing.” Jackboot said. “Anyway, what did you want to speak me about, Princess?”

“Oh yes.” Celestia said remembering what she called Jackboot out for. “You see, Emerald and I have noticed what a great impact you've had in regards to keeping the Castle in top shape.”

“And keeping all of Canterlot in order for that matter.” Emerald added.

Jackboot blushed as he rubbed the back of his neck. He was aware of how much work he’s done for Canterlot, but he never really expected praise for it, or wanted it for that matter. He didn't care how many bits he received for his services, he just loved doing it.

“You see, the Summer Sun Celebration is being held in Ponyville.” Celestia continued. “You’re familiar with this town, right?”

“I am, yes.” Jackboot said. “That’s where Princess Luna made her grand return.”

“Well, your mother and I have been talking and we decided…” Celestia looked at Emerald and then back at her son. “…we decided that this is a good opportunity for you, say, expand on your talent.”

Jackboot processed what his mother and the Princess had told him.

“So you want me to help out with this Celebration?”

“With your skill, you’re the perfect pony for the job.” Celestia said. “After all, who else could I send to help Twilight? Of course there’s…”

“Wait a moment.” Jackboot said suddenly. “Sorry to interrupt you Princess. Did you just say Twilight? As in, Princess Twilight? As in, Princess of Friendship Twilight Sparkle?” Excitement filled Jackboot’s voice as he went on. “That Twilight Sparkle?!”

Emerald and Celestia smiled, both noticing the amount of excitement in the young stallion.

“Yes that Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia said with a chuckle.

“I've always wanted to meet Twilight Sparkle ever since her coronation.” Jackboot said. “Not to mention, she used to be your most faithful student. And also the bearer of an Element of Harmony.”

“So you will go?” Emerald asked.

“If I knew I was going meet Twilight Sparkle herself, I would've run all the way to Ponyville myself.” Jackboot said. “Excuse me, but I’m going to go and pack right now. Thank you so much for this opportunity Princess, thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Jackboot was acting as if he received the toy he saw in the store window on Hearth's Warming Morning.

“You’re very welcome Jackboot.” Celestia said. “But you might have to wait a day or so. Part of the train tracks leading out of Canterlot is under construction. So it’ll be a while before you leave.”

Jackboot then gave the Princess a sly look.

“Not if I have anything to say about it.”