Almost Easy

by RamenWolf1485

Rating: teen
Tags: Slice of Life, Comedy, Romance, Random, Adventure
Length: 10977

The story of a farmer pegasus pony making it out on his own and the ponies he meets, and loves.

Calecune (Pegasus, farmer) left his foster parents to set out on his own, ending up in Ponyville. There he finds friends and ponies who care for him. This is the story of his life and those he meets and shares his time with. His friend and those he loves stand by his side through thick and thin… although sometimes alcohol doesn't help. And sometimes, those you gave your heart to, but no longer love… can come back to haunt you in ways you never would see. Some romance, with a bit of action and randomness, this is the life of Calecune. (Due to how i have the time setting set up… the mane 6 have not been born at this point. For it to work out it has to be this way. Also there are some crossover features that are purely for fun)

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2012-10-26 05:43:02 UTC

Ch.1: Love Walks In

(Author's Note: First MLP Fanfic... rate and comment. PLEASE! Critique as well... just don't be like "OMG YOU SUCKKKKKKKKKK!" k? Anyways...)

((UPDATE 1: 10/26/2012; Made it easier to read and edited some parts))

Outside Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville:

“See ya Mr. and Mrs. Apple! You too Granny Smith!” The blue pegasus waved to the farming family, himself being a farmer.

“See you too, Calecune, sonny!” Granny Smith called back as they walked back through the gate leading to the farm. The sign reading “Sweet Apple Acres”.

Calecune walked on, adjusting his black cowpony hat. “Ah… ‘twas a nice day to be apple-bucking… made 1... 2... Carry the 4... 25 bits! Works for me… should last a bit. Heh. Bits, bit… PUN!” He said to himself, walking down the dirt road. “Hehe… Mrs. Apple is pregnant again too! No wonder they keep asking for my help… Didn’t realize that… glad to help, though! Now then… food… need food… ack, can’t say no to a little nap…” He spots a large sturdy-looking tree nearby. “PERFECT!” He flies up into the tree, laying down on a large branch, flipping over on his back and putting his hat over his face and falling asleep fast.

You see, Calecune (or “Cale” as he likes to be called by his friends) is unlike most pegasi… for one he was fostered by an Earth Pony couple… for you see his biological parents were killed by a rogue clan of dragon a long time ago… and this Earth Pony couple just happened to be close friends of his parents… so they took him in soon after the incident.

Cale grew up on the farm, so he knows the value of hard work. He left the farm when he was around 18 years old, setting off on his own… At first it was difficult, finding work in cities like Manehattan, Hoofington, or Fillydelphia… no need for a farmer pony. Then he came upon Ponyville… where he took on odd jobs to earn money for himself… mostly to just support himself. He didn’t have a house… just slept in random trees he found. He spent most of his time working at Sweet apple Acres… a local apple farm just outside Ponyville. He fit right in.

The Apple Family greatly appreciates his help, and he’s become known around Ponyville as a very hard worker and an overall nice stallion. A lot of the mares liked to hang around him, but he really hadn’t taken much interest in them, having had his heart broken so long ago by a yellow pegasus with a mane and tail that resembled fire. He also helps Little Macintosh, The Apple Family’s youngest son, learning the ins and outs of being a farmer when Mr. Apple isn’t around to do so.

Course, in a tree very few took notice of him… which works fine for him… course in due time that would change…

Now, everypony knows the Wonderbolts… fastest and most acrobatic team of ponies in Equestria… Performing shows is tough on a member of the Wonderbolts. So training is key, and Misty knew this by heart. The yellow pegasus joined them just recently, beating out a bunch of other hopefuls for the spot. Naturally, she practiced every day.

She had always wanted to join the Wonderbolts… it was her dream. And when she got the part, she was ecstatic. Course… their training program was harsh. Flying long distances in record times, winged push-ups, it was all intense. Course she pushed on through the pain… and now was a loyal member to them.

The pale yellow pegasus had a light blue-on-teal mane and tail… which was a stark contrast when those looked at her. Definitely attracted some of the stallions… course she ignored them as well, more or less focused on her training. She hadn’t a clue of what would happen though… none at all.

Misty was having the time of her life, doing complex spins and flips… barrel rolls and upside-down flying… course, she was getting a bit exhausted and decided to rest a bit… She spotted what seemed like a perfect little area, shaded by lots of strong, sturdy trees. She took off for them, and tried to land, but tripped immediately, and went sailing into a tree, which fell over.

“OW… Oh buck!” She said, getting up and brushing herself off, picking up her flight goggles that had fallen off. “Well, that went SWELL!” She said, sitting down near a tree, looking around at the scenery. “Beautiful day today…” She sighed, thinking she’d never be as good as the more veteran Wonderbolts, she couldn’t even LAND right… each ended in failure. Usually hurting herself or somepony else...

She sighed again and stood up. “I’ll never nail that landing… BUCK!” She kicked the nearest tree as hard as she could with her back leg, suddenly all went black.

“BUCK!” Cale awoke suddenly when he heard the scream, only to feel his tree suddenly shake and him losing his balance and falling onto… softness? He couldn’t figure it out, the ground was supposed to be hard and… gritty… He got up, dazed and seeing stars in his eyes and felt around… he felt something soft, like cloth, and got up, and shook his head a few times.

What he saw unnerved him, after regaining his vision… he had fallen on somepony! “Oh dear Celestia… What do I do?? WHAT DO I DO-… water, need water!” He scurried off to a nearby river, scooping up water in his hat and returning to the now unconscious pony. He immediately dumps the contents of his hat onto the pony.

“WAAA!” She immediately jumps up and smacked him really hard, out of defense for herself.

“OW!” he said, rubbing his snout. “What the buck was that for?!” He seemed a bit irritated that she had slapped him after HE saved her… technically.

“Oh my gosh! I-I’m sorry!” she looked at him rubbing his nose, “I-I didn’t mean to… it was an accident…”

“Some accident… that hurt!”

“I’m sorry…”

“You’re fine…. What’re you doing out here anyways?”

“OH… I was practicing…” She looked back up at the tree, “What were you doing?”

“Oh…I was napping when it seems you kicked my tree I was sleeping in… then I fell… on you.” He looked her over. She was stunningly… attractive, probably about his age, little shorter than himself… and… that outfit… a Wonderbolt? He couldn’t believe it! Out of all the ponies he could fallen on it was a Wonderbolt!

"I-I’m sorry I kicked your tree... I didn't mean to..." She looked down. He couldn't tell if she was blushing or not.

"Hey, hey... Don't fret! You didn't know..."

"If there's anything I can do to make it up to-... DINNER!" She yelled.

"Make it up to dinner? Heh?" He looked at her oddly.

"Dinner... I mean... Let me treat you to dinner! It’s the least I can do... Being as I disturbed your slumber and what not..." She looked at him and smiled.

"Oh... Umm... I'm... Fine..." Is she asking me out? he thought to himself, "You don't have to do that..."

"Oh it’s my fault for waking you! I want to make up for it and I won't take no for an answer!" She had already started off towards... "Err... Where am I?"

"You're near Ponyville. Unfortunately if you keep going that way you'll just enter the Everfree Forest." He chuckled to himself.

She blushed, although he couldn’t see through her flight suit. “Oh… uh… well then this is awkward…”

He laughed a bit. “Here, I’ll escort you to town… you look like you need a bit of rest after I fell on you!”

“Oh… you don’t have to… you have a house I assume?”

“Uh… no… I don’t” He scratched his head, “I just… sleep in trees when I need to. I don’t have a place of my own at the moment.” He smiled slightly.

“Oh? But why?” She was looking at him with her head cocked to the side.

“Oh, no reason… just really haven’t a use… now c’mon…” He said, taking her hoof and walking her in the opposite direction she was heading.

“Where are we going?” She asked him, clearly forgetting what she offered him.

“Uh… you said you’d buy me dinner… and we really need to make sure I didn’t accidentally damage anything when I fell on you.”

“OH YEAH! I forgot… whoops!” She giggled lightly.

“Heh.” he said to himself, letting go so she could walk herself.

“So… what’s your name?” She asked him, catching up to his fast-paced stride.

“Oh… It’s Calecune. Or ‘Cale’ for short… my closest friends call me ‘Cune’ but I prefer ‘Cale’ better.” He smiled at her warmly, “What’s yours?”

“Misty. I’m a recent recruit to the Wonderbolts…”

“Oh Celestia I LOVE the Wonderbolts! Been to a ton of their shows! Maybe I seen you there!” Maybe this day will turn out better than I thought…

“Oh, I‘ve only been in a few shows so far… More of the halftime show than anything…”

“…oh… I usually go and stuff my face with nachos when that happens…” He hung his head a bit after saying that, thinking he offended her.

“Oh, it’s fine really… I don’t mind. I’m getting better… it’s just I missed the landing back there whilst practicing and kicked your tree in frustration… Which I’m still REALLY sorry about…”

“Calm down, geeze… you sound like a broken record… in a good way of course, heh…” Better not try and blow this… She’s offering to buy me dinner… She is really attractive though… ack, get a hold of yourself Cale… You said you weren’t gonna date anypony after… her… But what if this is second chance for me? Better try and not screw it up… see where this takes me… “…But I don’t mind, honestly… the only way anypony woulda known I was up there is if they looked straight up… which nopony does.”

“If you say so…” He is kinda cute… change subject… Course this is the only way I know of to repay him… Could invite him to my place back in Cloudsdale… nah, he wouldn’t agree to it… wow he seems strong… a really good-looking stallion at that… handsome too… She was totally lost in thought.

“So then… how’s it like… being a Wonderbolt and all?” He thought he caught a glimpse of her checking him out. Must be my head playing tricks on me… that was one hard fall… Yeesh…

She snapped out of her trance as her eyes immediately focus back on his face. “Oh… I-its awesome! I love it! Being able to fly free and do tricks and stuff… it’s awesome! You look like you could fly very well!”

“Oh… uh… I’m… not a good flier. These wings… almost never used so they barely have enough muscle to even lift me off the ground. Nah, it’s the rest of me that strongest… I do odd jobs and work on a farm for a living.” He looked off into the sky.

“Oh…” A pegasus that can’t fly? Wow… that’s… odd… He seems really nice, though…

“…Anyways we’re almost to Ponyville… I think you’ll be fine… I don’t see any adverse effects from the impact.”

“Oh ok… Ummm… You point out the restaurants… I’ve only been to Ponyville once…” She looked at the town covered in the sun’s orange glow. It was getting late.

“Okie dokie then… Umm… There’s a really nice diner not too far from here…” He looked to a rather large building draped in white, green, and red.

“Ooooh! That one right there?” She asked him eagerly.

“Mmmmhmm…”

“WELL C’MON!” She grabbed his hoof and literally dragged him down to the entrance of the restaurant, his face smashed into the ground.

After realizing she’d done that she quickly backed up. “Oh my gosh!” She put her hooves over her mouth.

Cale stood up, and shook the dirt off his coat, and spit out some grass he caught on the drag up there, “Pfft… peh… patooey… Calm down a bit… If I didn’t know any better I’d say you’ve developed a crush on me…” Good going Cale…

She blushed deeply. “O-oh u-uh I-I’m just doing this… because I feel like I owe you for… disturbing your slumber!” Better not rush things, Misty... you're in no position to be dating at this moment... even if the stallion in front of you is extremely cute...

“Anyways…” He walks up to the pony standing by the door ready to seat the next pony. “Table for two, please.” He told him.

“Right this sir and Madame…” He led them to a fancy booth and laid two menus down on the table.

“I’ll be right back… restroom!” Misty bolted off towards the mare’s room and Cale sat down and looked at the waiter, “Nice accent Mark.”

“Do you really think so? The boss says I need to practice on it…” He seemed to lose his Italian accent rather quickly.

“Haha… It suits you…”

“You really think so? Oh right… who was that beauty you walked in with?” He asked him.

“Her name’s Misty… she’s Wonderbolt…”

“Fine piece of work she is as well… how’d you score?”

“Well… this isn’t a date. She offered to buy me dinner after knocking me out of my tree on accident.”

“Dude… you should keep her.”

“Oh?”

“Ch’ya… Who knows, this could be a way of forgetting about Spi-”

“SHHH… I told you not to mention her name… I don’t wanna go through that again…”

“Then get this mare before another stallion snatches her up!”

“Like you?”

“Oh well uh… Dill wouldn’t appreciate that…”

“I thought you broke up with her?”

“Almost… oh, here she comes, dude. I’m serious… Grab her and don’t let go. Now, what shall we have, mademoiselle?”

Misty took her seat across from Cale, Looking at the waiter she tells him, “Well… just a… daffodil and daisy sandwich, hay bacon strips, and a tall glass of apple cider.”

“Cider? Whoa. Didn’t see that coming… anyways I‘ll have the same…” Maybe he was right… I should try and see if I can get her… Celestia be my witness…

“Cale?” She giggled.

He jumped at the sound of his name. “Oh, oh uh… sorry, got lost there for a moment…”

“This place is nice…” She changed the subject rather quickly.

“Ya… I come here for their breakfast… eat lunch at the farm where I’m employed… and dinner at my friend Shade’s house.”

“So… you work on a farm?” she eyed him as he removed his hat and laid it aside.

“Yep… every day. I’m also a tutor to their youngest son, and only son… Teaching him about farm life… I grew up on one.”

“So you grew up on one? But you’re a pegasi! You have wings!”

“Ya, so? I lived with Earth Ponies… They were my… foster parents, per say.”

“Foster… wait you’re adopted?”

“More or less orphaned… my parents died soon after I was born.”

“Oh… uh… s-sorry I asked…”

“Nah, you’re fine…” He looked her over.

“…Getting kinda hot in here isn’t it?” She said, fanning herself.

“A little bit.” He said, eyeing her.

“Mind if I take my outfit off? It’s getting a bit stuffy…” She said, unzipping the front.

“Oh.. Uh… I don’t… whoa.” He watched as she slipped out of her suit, her mane falling freely for a change, as she revealed she was a beautiful pale yellow, and, quite frankly, the most beautiful mare he’d ever laid eyes on.

She laid it next to her and pulled a brush from her pocket in it and began brushing her hair. “Something the matter?” She giggled.

Cale hadn’t a clue that his mouth was wide open. Here he was, sitting in front of this exquisite-looking mare and he couldn’t speak! She was everything… well, everything he liked in a mare, appearance-wise... And she was very nice too, course… he’d have to get use to her. Maybe if he could ‘provoke’ her to buy him dinner again…

“What, too much?” she looked at him, giggling, “Close your mouth, or flies might get in.”

Cale regained his composure and redirected his attention away from the stunning mare, “No… not at all.” He smiled weakly. Nice save, Cale, nice save…

“You know… this is nice. It really is.” Cale looked at her as he said this, her glistening light-blue mane flowing through the bristles of her brush.

“Well, it should be!” She put her brush away and looked up at him.

“Heh?” he was puzzled.

“How many ponies get treated to dinner by a Wonderbolt?” She smiled slyly.

“Heh… didn’t think about that.” The waiter had just set out their drinks. “Thank ya…” Cale took a large sip through the straw and gagged, Misty couldn’t help but laugh.

“WHAT THE…. Oh… this isn’t my drink…” He had apparently stuck his straw not in his drink, but, mesmerized by her looks, stuck it In the randomly open ketchup bottle! “Bleh…” he returned his straw to his actual drink this time, turning a deep rose red.

“I’m sorry but that’s hilarious!” She couldn’t quit laughing, this only made Cale blush deeper.

Cale continued to sip his drink slowly, as Misty calmed herself down and took to looking around at the other ponies in the restaurant. Finally, their food arrived. “ABOUT TIME!” Cale said enthusiastically.

Mark set their food down and then hastily stepped away, Cale stared at his food as it was going to do a trick of some sort.

“Cat got your tongue?” Misty asked, picking up her sandwich.

“Ladies, first.” It’s all he could think of but he said it with a smile.

Misty giggles and took a bite of her sandwich, of which Cale then took a bite of his.

They both remain silent for much of the meal, both pegasi enjoying their food whilst they looked into each other’s eyes. After a while all that was left was a few crumbs and a random rock Cale got in his sandwich, which nearly broke his teeth.

Cale was still busy rubbing his sore tooth when another waiter laid their bill on the table. Cale reached under his black Stetson and pulled out his wallet, only to be shooed back by Misty’s hoof, “Oh no you don’t, I said I was gonna pay for this meal so allow me, Monsieur.” She reached into her Wonderbolts outfit and pulled out her checkbook from the chest area and wrote out a quick check, placing it in the bill holder and setting it back down, putting her checkbook away. She also proceeded to fold her outfit up as well, “Welp, might as well keep it off… gets hot in there at times.” She giggled as she laid it on the table, folded neatly.

“I bet.” Cale hopped out of his seat and took the bill up to the counter and within a few seconds walked back to the table, “Shall we?” he said, extending a hoof and helping her out of her seat.

“Delighted!” she grabbed her suit and held his hoof to support herself as she got down from the booth.

They both walked to the front, and stood there for a minute outside the entrance and looked at each other.

“Um… That was nice! Thanks…” Cale scratched the back of his head nervously.

“I enjoyed it as well, Cale… We’ll… have to do this again sometime.” She threw her suit over her shoulder.

“Oh, no, no, no… I shouldn’t burden you like that.” He looked back at her.

“OH, I’m sure my leader won’t mind… I take off for a week soon, maybe we should get together then… You’re nice to hang out with… I need someone to help me forget about work sometimes.”

“Really, now?”

“Mhmm.” She nodded and spread her wings, “I’m afraid I’ve kept you too long, I must get back to Cloudsdale…”

“Aww…. Won’t… won’t you stay for a little longer?”

“I’m afraid I can’t, Cale… I’m sorry. I’ll keep in touch, though… until then bye!” and with that she flew away. Cale watched her silhouette in the moonlight, slowly getting smaller and smaller until she disappeared from his sight. Cale sighed to himself and stepped off the front entrance to the restaurant.

“Dude… I’ll take her if you won’t.”

“Shut up, Mark.”

Ch. 2: With a Little Help From My Friends

(Author's Note: Chapter 2... yes... time for an OC party... EVERYPONY DANCE NOW. Rate and comment...)

((EDIT 1: 10/26/2012; MAde easier to read and general clean-up of grammar and language))

“Dude… Cune… calm down. You’re gonna wear a hole in my floor!” the dark blue pegasus was watching Cale pace back and forth in his house.

“I dunno Shade… It’s just… I don’t wanna screw this up like I did with… with…” Cale never could bring himself to say her name.

“Ok, ok… I get it… She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Geeze, lighten up… you’re worse than Shadowtrot crafting a new sword.” Shade looked down at Cale, who had indeed worn a rut into the floor.

“Uh… whoops!” Cale looked up at Shade from inside the hole, “Sorry Shade…”

Shade sighed and face-hoofed. “No, no… it’s fine… I’ll just… Fill it in later…” He was obviously annoyed.

One of Cale’s longtime friends, Shade Ryu is a blue pegasus with a teal blue and red tail and teal blue and red Mohawk mane. His eyes are both like a dragon’s, but also are colored teal blue. He also had a small teal blue beard, not very big, though. A black military-like vest completes his look.

Cale hopped out of the deep hole. “So like… what do YOU think I should do, Shade?”

“I think you should go for it, she seems nice like I told you a hundred times already.”

“…and this is coming from a colt who can’t keep a marefriend for long…”

“HEY! That’s only because they’re afraid of my parents!”

“Well, not every colt has Dragons for parents, geeze.” Cale smirked.

Yes, It’s true, Shade was raised by the Ryu clan of dragons. Unlike most dragons, though, these were friendly towards the ponies living in Equestria. They don’t want harm to be brought to anypony.

“Hey, leave my parents out of this!” Shade was getting a bit furious.

“Hey, hey… I was just ribbin’ ya, dude!” Cale said, mussing up Shade’s mane.

“Well stop… it’s not funny!”

“I thought it was funny…”

“You’re mean…”

“Only to you, Shade. Only to you.” Cale chuckled a bit.

“Whatever…” Shade walked over to a cabinet near the door and pulled out some things that looked like potion vials and set them on a nearby table.

“What in Ponyville are you doing now?”

“Well, before you got here I was gonna make myself a little something…”

“Oh, no… you ain’t usin’ my feathers for another love potion are ya?”

“Pfft… I’m not doing that again… that was horrible…”

“Ya, cause Granny Smith got a hold of it!” He fell on his back laughing.

“Oh shut up… It was a test sample… I’m just glad we got that sorted out…”

“WE?” Cale stood back up, “If I recall… it was ME that fixed that problem… while you just sat back and hid.”

“I had a legit reason for that… Granny Smith is scary like that…”

“Wimp.”

“Oh shut up. Least I can talk to a mare without screwing up every sentence.”

“Don’t even start.”

“Alright, alright…” Shade moved on to pull out some odd powders and such, and Cale never knew what any of the stuff was… like he cared, anyways… If it didn’t concern him he didn’t care too much.

“So…. What is it this time? Potion to cure the feather flu? Pony-pox? Or is it that potion you claimed would get rid of parasprites?” Cale was looking over his shoulder at his work.

“HEY! How was I supposed to know the fumes would cause ponies to break out in green spots?!” he fumed.

“Well… maybe TESTING it would’ve been better.”

“Oh… well… maybe I should…” he turned with a creepy look on his face to Cale.

“Wha-… oh, uh uh, UH UH! You ain’t gonna use ME for no testing, no siree!” Cale started backing up slowly.

“Darn it… who can I get then?”

“Umm… I dunno… but if you ever need me I’ll… be in town…” Cale was slowly backing out the door as he said this, “So I’ll just… catch you later… BYE!” He bolted, leaving a cloud of dust that was in the shape of his silhouette which disintegrated.

“…Well ok then…” Shade closed the door and returned to his work.

Cale was finally far enough away from Shade’s cottage when he decided to slow down and walk the rest of the way. “Why does he live all secluded out here anyways… Oh, well…” He continued walking down a path that lead to Shade’s cottage. He’d traveled it many times in the past, mostly because Shade, despite his obsession with potions, is actually a very good cook, so Cale spends his dinners there usually along with their other friends Scott Colt and Shadowtrot Sabremane. Cale liked Shade as a friend a lot… just sometimes he had his moments. After all, he only almost blew up Ponyville twice… both prevented by Cale.

Cale was content living without a house. He often was asked by Shade if he needed a place to bed down. Cale always declined. He enjoyed living out in nature. He always said: “If I need a house I’ll build it myself!” and that became his mantra. Sure he appreciates help sometimes, but if he knows he can do it he will.

“Oh, Celestia what a beautiful day you’ve brought us… Welp, Granny Smith told me to take the day off… better find something to do then…” Cale was talking to himself as he took in the scenery. Birds tweeting, squirrels scampering, deer frolicking, he loved it.

Nearby, though, someone… or rather, something… was creeping up on Cale. Course, he didn’t notice. The figure inched closer and closer to Cale as he walked. Suddenly, it lunged towards Cale, pulling out a sword on the way, but is met with a powerful kick to the face, seeming that he noticed his ambush, the figure stumbles back.

“Ugh…” Cale seemed irritated, “Shadow… again? I mean seriously… how many times you gonna try that on me?”

The figure rises to his feet and re-sheaths the sword. “Well dang I was just practicing!” He dusted himself off.

“Well, stop or you’ll kill someone, I thought you were gonna use those old manikins I bought you…”

“I did. They’re all dead.”

“Good lord, dude! They were made of metal!”

“Ya, well… I make really good swords.”

The yellow earth pony got back up, and turned towards Cale, his brown mane and tail flowing in the wind. This was one of Cale’s closest friends, Shadowtrot Sabremane. His cutie mark is that of a sword and a hammer, as he is somewhat of a blacksmith and forger of swords. He makes them for a living. Always carries his best work on him.

“Apparently…” Cale stared at him, “…Fixed my old katana yet?”

“OH! Right… hang on…” And with that he was gone almost instantly.

Cale sighed and walked into the woods, towards Shadow’s house. He knew where it was by heart. “Just like Shadow to ambush me and forget to bring my stuff…”

Cale arrived at his house, a small shack-like building in the woods, a bit further from it was Shadow’s smithing building, really just a crude shack made from trees and leaves, with a giant anvil and an assortment of knives, swords, and other sharp and deadly objects lining the walls. Cale couldn’t understand how Shadow lived like this… course most of his time he’s doing orders for the Royal Guards in Canterlot, because he also specializes in metals… and is the only pony Princess Celestia trusts for the armor, mostly because he tests every product out before shipping it, usually having Cale deliver it for him.

Shadow walked out of his workshop, holding a gleaming katana, with Cale’s name inscribed on the blade.

“OH, dude, thanks!” Cale took the sword and twirled it a bit, before taking his old sheath and strapping it back onto himself.

“No cost this time… I owe you for getting that large order to Hoofington.” Shadow looked at him and smiled slightly.

“Whoa… thanks dude! I won’t break it this time… promise.” Cale looked back at him.

“Make sure of it… its easier to make these than fix them ya know?” He turned and walked towards his workshop again.

“You sure you don’t want me to pay for it?” Cale said, taking out his money pouch.

“Positive.” Shadow called, “Just think of it as repayment for that delivery.” And with that he returned to his workshop, and a few seconds later all that could be heard was the banging and clanging of metal.

“Welp… Better head into town, I guess...” Cale turned and walked away from the house.

He arrived back into town without really anything happening, and just walked through town, glancing around at the buildings… judging by the position of the sun it was already noon.

“Alrighty then… What do I need… Well… I never get a day off… hmmm… aw crap… I need something to do- OOF!” he smacked into something soft and fell over.

“OH MY GOSH! CUNE I’M SO SORRY!!!” The pony said, helping him up.

Cale recognized the voice, “You’re fine, Golden Ring… I wasn’t paying attention anyways..” Cale looked up at the maroon unicorn mare, behind her was a easel with a drawing pencil on it and a nice portrait of Sugar Cube Corner done in pencil, “Drawing again I see?”

“Yep yep yep! You know I love it… Thought I’d draw some buildings for a change! Get away from drawing those mythical beings… Humans. Whatever they are… that “My Little Human” show is so gay, don’t you agree?” she was straightening her green and maroon mane as she babbled on. Her cutie mark of two golden rings stuck together shone in the light and blinded Cale, who shielded his eyes with his hoof.

“Yes… very… umm… you’re cutie mark is blinding me again…” Cale moved around her so it wouldn’t blind him, “Ok better…”

Golden Ring had gone back to her drawing. “Sorry about that… it does that.”

“I’ll say..” Cale turned his attention to her drawing. “Say… why is your cutie mark two golden rings and not like… art supplies?”

“WELL… I dunno. Maybe cause it’s like my NAME!!!!!!!” She smiled wide and continued drawing.

“….ok then… well… I’m gonna… leave you to your.. Art… laters!” And with that he walked off.

“BYE!!!” she called to him, resuming her drawing.

Cale resumed walking. “Eccentric, isn’t she?” he said to basically nopony. Chuckling to himself, he said, “Anyways… need something to do… something to… oh, hey!” He walked over to the library, where a couple random construction ponies were adding onto the Library. He talked with them for a bit, and then convinced them to let him help.

About 8 hours later, somehow they had completed the new edition, with Cale’s speed and help. They graciously thanked him and explained they were behind schedule as it was earlier… and that he just saved them a lot of time, so they gave him a few bits as a thank-you.

Then it hit him. “Hey… guys?” he asked them.

“Ya?”  the more buff yellow one replied.

“…You think the owner would let me y’know… stay here… as my house? I can pay rent and everything, I just don’t have a place of my own.”

“Oh, uh… hang on. Rick, go ask her real quick…” the smaller red construction pony nodded and took off, returning moments later. “She said you could, I explained how we finished on schedule thanks to you…”

“SWEET! IF you ever need any help with ANYTHING… don’t  hesitate to ask me!” and with that Cale charger into the building, through the main part and up to the new edition to the library, “Welp…” he looked around the bare room, nothing there but a ledge at the window… the one they replaced twice because it kept falling out, “Er… maybe I should go and get my stuff…” he trotted off back downstairs and slid out the front door heading to Ponyville Self-Storage, where he kept a multitude of stuff… like a homemade bed, chairs, table, some lamps he bought, and a lot of photos his Foster Parents gave him when he moved out.

He arrives at the place in no time, being it was very close to begin with. Once he got there he noticed a familiar figure, a brown unicorn colt with a brown mane and cowpony hat.

“HEY YO SCOTT!” he called to the figure, which turned to him and yelled “Ah’ do declare… Cune, dude, where ya been?” in a very southern accent.

Cale galloped on down to the colt, whom was busy putting stuff in his own storage locker.

“Dude… I ain’t seen you in ages!” Cale gave him a huge bear hug.

“Cune… partner…. Calm down… can’t breathe…” Scott was struggling for breath.

“Oh, sorry…” he let go and stared for a second, “So… where ya been?”

“Oh, jus’ got back from Appleloosa… been there for a while. Workin’ the farm up there…” Scott took a piece of straw and put it in his mouth.

Out of all the ponies… Scott Colt was the only unicorn Cale knew to be a farmer. Course he was also the only pegasus Scott had seen to be a farmer. So they became quick friends even as colts. Only difference? Scott actually got married.  To an explorer unicorn named Lilly, whom many say is the inspiration behind the newly released “Daring Do” series of books.

“Then what are you doing back here in Ponyville?” Cale wandered over to his unit, and pulled a key out from under his hat, unlocking the unit and raising the door.

“Ah, y’know… Me an’ Lilly getting’ ready to go on a expedition… ah’m lookin’ forward tuh’ it.” He looked at Cale’s unorganized mess in his storage unit, “Lawdy, Cune, cain’t ya like… organize a bit in there?”

“Oh, sorry… I don’t organize very much and I ain’t gonna start so don’t pester me on it… got me a place of my own, for a change.” He started removing the large bed first.

“Ah… ah’ see… settlin’ down with that gal you date, eh? What was her name… Spitfire?”

Cale immediately shoved his hoof in Scott’s mouth, “SERIOUSLY? You just HAVE to mention her, didn’t ya?” he removed his hoof and pulled out a pull-cart from the corner of the unit.

“Wha… wha’ happened, Cune? I thoughts you two were like peaches and cream.”

“Stuff, Scott, stuff happened and I don’t wanna talk about it. Just don’t mention that name again. I got a new mare… well I hope so… her name is Misty. She’s a Wonderbolt…” he pulled the bed fram out and attempted to load it onto the cart.

“Here, cune, let me help ya…” Scott lifts the other side with his hooves and him and Cale hoist it onto the cart, “A Wonderbolt, eh? Nice score, bro!”

“Ya… she’s the most beautiful thing I ever met… or seen. I dunno I just think she’s perfect.”

“Gots a picture of her?” Scott hoisted Cale’s nightstand onto the cart.

“Not yet… maybe soon. We’ve only done one date so far.”

“Ah… makes sense.” Cale and him both hoisted the large dresser that had belonged to Cale’s grandmother (foster parent’s side) onto the cart as well as several lamps, and boxes of knick-knacks.

“Need help, pardner? I can help ya hoist these items into your house.” Scott looked at Cale who was locking the unit back up.

“Sure.” He said, putting the key back under his hat, “Thanks, dude.”

“Not a problem, dude. Yer one of my friends, and that’s what we do.”

“You’re like a bro to me, y’know?” Cale lightly pushes him playfully and hitched himself to the cart, starting to pull the overly-heavy load with relative ease.

They talked the whole way back to Cale’s new digs, mostly about their love lives, and catching up with each other. Cale and Scott go back, see… to when they were foals. So when he left with Lilly, Cale was alone… but soon after he met Golden Ring, Shade, and Shadowtrot, so it wasn’t all bad.

“Alrigh’, Cune… you want this in the house now?”

“Yep… second floor.”

“Lawdy, Cune…”

The hoisted all the boxes and lamps into the main part first, then lifted the heavy dresser into the library, and up the stairs, sitting it against the back wall. Next came the bed frame…Cale had already had the mattress up there, so they hoisted the bed frame up the stairs and put it together. Then came the nightstand… and the lamps… and the knick-knacks. And everything was set.

“Welp… ah’ think that about does it, bro. need anything else?” Scoot was admiring their handiwork.

Cale looked around and then outside, noticing it was dark. “Uh… we’re good, Scott… I think it’s getting late.”

“Ya don’t say?” Scott turned towards the stairs. “Ah’ imagine Lilly is lookin’ for me… I’ll see ya around, Cune.” he walked down the stairs and out the library.

Cale crouched and leapt into his newly-made bed, having slept in trees for the last couple years, he fell asleep immediately from the comfort… Dreaming about Misty, and the fact that he didn't have to sleep in the elements for a change... which was a big change for him.

Several hours passed as Cale woke up suddenly. “Geeze… what a dream… freaking weird… gack…” he hopped out of his bed and walked to the ledge, laying on it and looking out the window, up at the moon with the silhouette of the mythical Nightmare Moon embossed into it. “So much to do… so little time…” he muttered to himself, pulling out a locket and opening it, revealing a picture of a nice pony couple… his biological parents. His dad, a stout and handsome navy-blue pegasus with a lightning bolt and raindrops as his cutie mark, and his mom, a beautiful off-white unicorn with light blue streaks in her mane and a water droplet as her cutie mark. They were weather ponies… and Cale was their only foal. Cale glanced down at his cutie mark… an odd creature he had found out was called “Suicune”, a large dog-like creature from another planet. He found it was embedded with the power of water. Of course Cale doesn’t have water powers. He couldn’t figure out why it was there, or what talent it represented. It just… appeared one day. He did take note that it’s colors matched his, which confused him even more. It was an oddity, “I’ll never figure it out…” he said as he pulled out an acoustic guitar and started to play a random song he knew, stopping midway and putting it back down, gazing back into the sky. “Whatever my destiny is… I hope it’s a good one…”

Ch. 3: One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer

(Author's Note: Yes. This is based off the George Thorogood song... cept for the landlady and losing the rent. CAUTION: Contains drunk ponies. Rate and comment...)

((EDIT 1: 10/26/2012; General cleanup and made easier to read...))

“Oh yes… Misty, yes! I’d love to!” Cale was walking alongside Misty on a beach in Las Pegasus, right after a very emotional and intense night on the town, and in the hotel (and the hotel room, the bathroom, that random taxi… too much?). She had offered to him; a walk on the beach with her, and he gladly took that offer.

“You were amazing last night, Caley~!” She nuzzled up to him as they walked.

“You too, babe~! Ah that was… incredible!” Cale was thinking back to the night before… all his emotions coming out at once… and his passion and love for her as well.

“I knew you were athletic but Celestia, that was amazing!” Apparently she liked it too much, that’s all she had talked about… Course Cale didn’t care, he was spending time with his special somepony, and the action last night was more intense than ever.

“I know, babe…” He lay down on the soft, white sand and invited her to lay with him. She obliged, resting her body on his with her head on his soft blue-furred chest.

He stroked her mane slowly, watching the sun set over the horizon, meaning Luna’s beautiful moon would soon envelop them in her beautiful darkness… Misty nuzzled under his chin and embraced his neck, smothering him with kisses. “You know, we could be like this forever…” she smiled and nuzzled him again.

“Ya… I’d hope so~!” he looked down at her and noticed she had fallen fast asleep. He smiled at her, chuckling, still stroking her beautiful light-blue and teal mane, “Well, that was fast…” His eyes cast out into the ocean, taking in the breathtaking views, “I am the luckiest stallion alive… luckiest… stallion…” SPLASH!

“GAH!” Cale leaped out of his bed faster than a phoenix that just had its tail plucked and hit the ceiling with enough force that his head got stuck in it, leaving him hanging from the ceiling, and desperately trying to get free.

“Told you that would wake him up.” That voice seems familiar…

“Ah’ noticed.” So does that one… Cale knew it was somepony he knew.

“So… how do we get him down?” It was a third voice, and of course Cale recognized that one too.

“Fire?”

“No, no… Ah’ haven’t mastered fire spells, yet.”

“Grab your sword then!”

“Mine? Hell, no! I’m not gonna hurt him! It would be fun but he’d kill us!”

“Would you three mind shutting up and getting me out of here? It ain’t exactly cool up in the attic.” Cale was getting frustrated trying to pull himself out.

“Alright, Cune… everypony, grab a leg.”

“But there are three of us.”

“Heh?”

“Ah’ think he means to just grab Cune’s legs.”

“So… he has three legs?”

“Whaddya mean “he has three legs?””

“Well… there are three of us, and you said grab one of his legs… and there would have to be 3 legs for each of us to grab…”

“AHEM!”

“OK, ok! Grab a leg, boys!”

The three ponies grabbed a leg, two on one and one on the other and started pulling as hard as they could.

“Good… Celestia… Gah!” Cale was choking a bit… If only they had used butter… or some sort of lubricant beforehoof...

“C’mon! We almost got ‘im!”

“I think I’m getting a Charlie-human…”

“Shut up and pull!”

They kept at this for a few minutes, until the wood on the ceiling surrounding Cale’s head started to crack.

“It’s a crackin’, boys!”

“You… ugh… do realize we’re stallions, right?”

Finally, the wood cracked and Cale, along with some debris and a random suitcase, tumbled down upon the three ponies.

When the dust cleared, Cale was on his back, on top of somepony, the suitcase, containing almost nothing but Cale’s rock collection, had knocked one of Cale’s rescuers out, and its contents were spread about the room.

Cale’s head was spinning rapidly.

“CUNE? CUUUUUUUNE? You ok?” One of the ponies was standing over him, shaking him violently.

“Auntie-M is that you?” Cale said shakily, not comprehending what he just said.

“Eeyep… he’s fine.” Cale recognized the blurry figure as Scott, and shook his head a couple times. “Scott… What the hay are you doing here? I thought you and Lilly were gonna be out explorin’!”

“Sorry ‘bout that, Cune… It was delayed til’ tomorrow. Somethin’ came up.” He helped Cale up and Cale glanced over to see Shadow looking down at Shade, who had been the victim of a suitcase full of rocks to the head

“Why are they here?” He asked Scott.

“Long story… I was gonna tell ya Granny Smith wanted ya on the farm, and Shade and Shadow ‘ere just… stalked me. Then Shade decides it’s funny to wake you up on your first nigh’ in the new house by dumpin’ a load of freezing-cold water on ya.” Scott looked at him nervously.

Dammit... that was a great dream too… gah, she’d never want that… I’m getting too attached. She’s just a friend. “Well, thanks. But you woke me up from a very good dream. And I mean VERY GOOD.”

“Was it about that mare you met? Hmmm…?” Scott looked at him and winked.

“Maybe… None of your business!” Cale looked over at Shadow who was just now bringing Shade to.

“What hit me…?” Shade looked at Cale.

“A suitcase full of rocks.” Cale was trying to hold back his laughter.

“Why do you have a suitcase full of rocks???”

“Cause there wasn’t room in my dresser.”

“Why not outside?”

“Because they’re mine. And I don’t want them to weather down and get wet.”

Shade inhaled, ready to make another outburst, but Shadow put his hoof over Shade’s mouth, “Don’t you have a job to get to, Cune?” he asked him.

“SWEET MOTHER OF CELESTIA! I FORGOT!” He started to dash around the room, grabbing his saddlebag, and trademark Stetson, and rushing out the door… or rather, INTO it. Hard.

“…ow.”

Scott chuckled and opened the door,  helping him up.

Cale rubbed his head and suddenly remembered, “Oh, ya… you said you weren’t leaving til’ tomorrow with Lilly, right?” Cale asked him, looking over at Shade admiring a new blade Shadow had pulled out to show him.

“Uh… ya.” Scott looked at him oddly, “Cale, we are not gonna do a three-“

“NOT WHAT I WAS GONNA SUGGEST.” Cale looked at him, annoyed he had jumped to conclusions… sure, Scott’s wife was really hot, but he’d never ask for that. He wondered why Scott thought that way sometimes… “I meant me, you, Shade, Shadow, and the bar on the outskirts of Ponyville. Little going-away party, drinks on me, tonight.”

“OH… alrighty… I’ll take you up on that offer!” Scott blushed then looked at the other two, “Y’all gonna go come to the bar tonight?”

“…I’ve never drink before…” Shade looked down, as if that was a blow to his stallionhood or something.

“This should be interesting, then.” Shadow re-sheathed his sword and walked towards the door.

“So… like… What? We just show up there? I dunno where it is.” Shade looked over at Cale who chuckled and pointed to Shadow, “Shadow knows the way… we go there together sometimes.”

“Ya… it’s fun, and there’s a fencing arena there!” Shadow looked excited.

“Well, there wouldn’t be if you hadn’t’ve suggested they build one there.” Cale chuckled a bit.

“Oh, ya…”

“Welp, anyways, boys… I gotta go. If I’m late Granny Smith’ll throw me in the pot and fire me up! She almost did once…” he started down the stairs.

“Can we come?” Shade followed him.

“Ya, Cune, can we???”

“Heck no… I’ve been friends with the Apple Family for years… the only reason they trust me is because I’ve known Mr. Apple since like… forever… and now that Mrs. Apple has another confirmed pregnancy I’m doing double-duty as a worker and foalsitter for Little Macintosh… who surprisingly is now as strong as me… Stout little guy… Where’d Scott go?”

They all looked around but all that could be seen was a random black burn mark on the floor.

“Guess he teleported out… prolly getting ready… Now you two…” Cale turned to them, “I’ll see y’all… tonight.” And with that, Cale bolted out the door and took off for Sweet Apple Acres.

“Noooooow listen here, sonny, there’s no need to back-talk your elders!” Granny Smith smacked the tree with her bag, “You’re slackin’ on the job soldier so MOVE YOUR CABOOSE!” The tree said nothing.

“Granny Smith?”

“Who is it be that’s talkin’ ta me?” she responded.

“It’s Calecune, ma’am. I’m here to work?”

“Ooooooh, yes, sonny… the north field today… I’m puttin’ the troops in their place, so just go ahead and start there, young’un!” she smacked the tree again, “I HEARD THAT.”

Cale chuckled and walked past her, through the groves and groves of apple tree, looking up through the leaves to see the sun’s rays beaming through them down onto the ground. This was paradise to him. It was also a symbol of home, his home, back on the farm… and the groves of apple and pear trees he was to harvest… Course there are no pear trees here, but he doesn’t care. Work is work, and the pay is good enough to sustain him through his life… and his occasional drinking runs. He doesn’t drink, usually, only for special occasions, prefers the imported Kentucky Bourbon, which is imported from a completely different dimension… he hadn’t a clue how they did it, but he didn’t care.

He continued walking through the trees, taking in the smell of the fresh ripe apples ready to be bucked out of the tree at any given moment. North Field… interesting, she usually tells me to do the south fields… oh, well, it’s not as big as the south field… I can deal with it.

Arriving at the North Field, Cale took a moment to prepare himself, stretching his legs and back, and taking a few practice kicks in the air. “Ah… that’s better… Now… Time to work!” He dropped his saddlebag near a tree and set up a few baskets that had been lying nearby around the tree and backed up to it, giving it a strong kick, all the apples falling off from the blow into the baskets, a few missing and popping out. Cale picked them up, put them in the basket, and started on the next tree… and the next tree… after a few trees he loaded up the apple cart and pulled it to the barn, where Mr. Apple was standing and took the cart from Cale and helped him unload them into the barn. Now, the only reason Mr. Apple wasn’t doing this himself was that, due his wife’s new pregnancy, had to stay with her the whole time… and Cale constantly had to take care of their son, who was helping his dad at the moment.

After loading up the baskets, Cale trotted back down the hill back to the other trees, cart full of the now-empty baskets, and started on the next batch of trees.

Later that day, around lunch time, Cale situated himself under one of the apple trees and pulled a daisy sandwich out and leaned against the tree. “Ahhh… lunch… the one hour I don’t have to work… not that I mind of course.” He took a big bite of his sandwich when a head popped down from the tree.

“AH!” he nearly dropped his sandwich.

“Hey there, Cale!” Misty was hanging upside down from the branch.

“W-what… M-Misty? What are you doing here? Why are you here? How you kn-“

She put her hoof over his mouth, “My, aren’t we asking a lot of questions today… I was taking a break and spotted you down here and thought I’d drop by and say hi!” She righted herself and hovered down and sat beside him.

“Heh… if I knew you were stopping by, I’d’ve brought another sandwich.” Cale looked at her and smiled nervously.

“Oh, it’s fine, I already ate. Just decided to take a bit of a flight anyways.” She pulled back the hood covering her head, her mane falling down to her shoulder, “Phew… it was getting stuffy… so… this is what you do?”

“Eeeyup. Most every day... It’s the main way I make income and what not.”

“Sounds… difficult. Harvesting apples, I mean.”

“Nah… Watch this!” He trotted over to a tree full of apples; he had prepared it earlier for harvest, but got distracted by lunch. He gave it one hard kick, and the hard contact loosened every apple from the tree and they all fell into the baskets.

“WOW!” She looked enticed by the sight, “Just ONE kick? You must be pretty strong, then!”

“Eh… sorta. It’s just… like I told you… growing up on a farm… you develop your muscles… like how most of my legs are strong I bet your wings are stronger than mine.” He looked at her wings… Yep, they were toned extremely well, he could tell they were way stronger than his own. He looked his over… they looked a bit flabby, no tone or muscle to them. All he figured he could do was open them… didn’t know if he could fly or not.

She spread her wings and rubbed them a bit. “Well… you have a point there… I remember you said you didn’t know if you could fly or not?”

“Eh…”

“Well, I’ll help you then… no use being a pegasi if you can’t fly now is there?”

“Well… uh… I… I like the ground… it’s… safe and… not so high up…” Cale didn’t want her knowing he was actually very afraid of heights.

“Well… tell ya what, I’ll come by next week when I’m off and I’ll help you get your wings back.” she jumped up and hovered over him for a moment.

“…Nothing in return?”

“Nope… I just can’t stand to see a fellow pegasi grounded!” She giggled at him.

“Well… thanks, Misty… really.”

“No problem… now, I don’t like to rush a convo but I gotta get back to Cloudsdale… We got a show to do tonight… oh dear I’m gonna be late… bye, Caley!” She does a backflip and flies away, bolting off into the distance.

“…What a mare…” Cale shook his head a couple times, “Must continue… need to get this done…” Trotting over to another tree, he continued his work… right after finishing the rest of his sandwich.

With the cart put away, the apples piled neatly in their barrels, and a quick lesson on Applebucking to Little Mac, Cale was quickly figuring out the sun was setting fast. He bid farewell to the Apple Family and exited Sweet Apple Acres.

“Hopefully I’m not too late…” Cale made his way down the dirt path, through the center of town and onto a side road leading what seemed to be nowhere. Cale looked around cautiously, as he was ambushed there once before. He slipped between the trees and in front of him stood a small sign reading ‘Ponyville Bar’ and hastily scribbled underneath it was ‘…and fencing arena’. Chuckling to himself, Cale continued down the path, reaching a rather modestly-large building, made of stone. He could hear the juke box inside blaring some of Ozzy Ozzmare’s music. Cale slowly opened the door and stepped inside.

“Hey, Cale! What’s up my main stallion?” a voice from behind the counter boomed across the room to Cale.

“Hey, Jackie, whaddup, girl?” Cale galloped over to the bar and took a seat next to the register, “It’s been a bit ain’t it?”

“Yup… business is slow nowadays… but ah’m still making it”. Her raspy voice pierced Cale’s ears. Cale had known her for a while now, she served him every time he came to the bar. She’s a dark brown Earth Pony, mane and tail are jet-black… her eyes are a bright candy-apple red, and her figure is similar to a model mare’s. Cale never figured out how, for her age, she kept her figure looking so young. Oh, and her cutie mark is a whiskey bottle. Her name is Jackie Daniels after all.

“So, then Mr. Calecune, whaddya here fer? I thought you’d done gone and abandoned me, haha!” she laughed.

“Well, I just thought I’d lay off the alcohol for a bit… tonight’s special, though… ifen they ever get here.” He set hit hat on the counter and looked around.

“Special occasion, eh? You gettin’ married or somethin’?”

“Not yet, Jackie… still searching for that one…”

“Well, ah’m still available."

“…”

“Ah’m just pullin’ yer leg, darlin’. You’s is one-third my age… and a good-looking young stallion at that. They didn’t make em like you back when ah was a courtin’.”

Cale blushed, “Thanks, Jackie…”

“No problemo, son. Now… whats the occasion?” she pulled out a towel and started dusting the glasses.

“One of my best friends is goin’ out of town with his wife on an expedition… I wanted to give him a going-away party… y’know. Cause I’m a good friend.”

“That ya are, Cale… that ya are. Wish ah had a son like you…”

“What happened to him again?”

“Murdered. In the dead of nigh’… whilst he was a sleepin’ with his wife… Those hoodlums killed him in cold blood… took all their things and left… their two kids… bless their little hearts… traumatized ‘em. Prolly for life. Or longer than that… I tried to get custody of ‘em… but they said a “Bartender ain’t no fittin’ ta be a mother in this day an’ time.” So her parents got ‘em… prolly fer the best… Her folks… they come from Canterlot, see? An’ that’s where they live. She was a unicorn… migh’ pretty one, too… He did right, choosin’ her… Dear Celestia I miss him… been almost…. Er… 3 years since that night… and I ain’t never gonna forget it either…”

“Guess we both have things that we like to but can’t forget…” Cale looked down at the wood grain on the counter.

“Oh, c’mon now… Don’t let this ol’ granny sadden ya with her stories… You gonna be a fine stallion, son. I believe it. Just git yerself a nice young and hearty mare and you’ll do fine. Jus’ don’t forget yer old Auntie Jackie when you got 20 little ones runnin’ around, aight?” she patted his shoulder.

“Thanks, Jackie… you really know how to cheer a stallion up.”

“Jus’ doin’ ma job, sonny.”

“I thought your job was being a bartender.”

“Nearly 45 years and still kickin’ at it!” She smiled and poured him a glass of Bourbon,

“First one’s on the house, sonny.”

“Thanks!” Cale wrapped his hoof around the handle and lifted it up to his mouth, sipping it a bit and setting it back down, “Ah… That’s better…”

“Sonny, you so young, I don’t rightly understand why you even taken to drinkin’”.

“In moderation it’s fine… I’m not like Otis.” Cale took another sip.

Jackie laughed. “That’s true, boy. I swear he comes in here, and after just one beer is drunker than a mad hatter!” she smacked her knee and kept laughing, prompting Cale to start laughing as well.

“He’s a nut. I’ll give ya that… but ya, I don’t like to do this very often. I know its bad for my health.”

“I’ll let you in a little secret, son…” she leaned down next to him and whispered, “I ain’t drank in nearly 3 months. No foolin’!”

“Really? Congrats! So the therapy classes I suggested are working?”

“You better believe it, boy! And here’s a bit of gratitude for ya… fer helpin’ me with my problem.” She reached under the counter and pulled out a dusty box, “I mean ta give this to ya fer yer birthday but I forgot and got ya that fire ruby instead.” She hoofed him the box.

“Wow! Thanks, Jackie!” Cale tore into the box and pulled out what seemed to be an antique watch and chain. “Wait… this isn’t…”

“Buddy’s, yep. Mah late husband’s watch. It’s all yours, sonny.” She looked at it for a moment.

“OH, but Jackie…” he started to give it back to her.

She waved it away. “That’s a gift from me and Buddy. Celestia rest his soul… He’d want somepony kind enough to have it. Ol’ Bud Weiser… mah Buddy…” She glanced over to an old picture of the two of them on their wedding day. To this day, she never goes anywhere without that picture. Buddy passed away about 10 years ago due to a rare health condition… Jackie, of course, never remarried, and kept up the bar her and her late husband had started so many years ago. Cale had stumbled upon it one night during a late-night walk. Jackie and him had become fast friends, despite their extreme age difference. At first, Jackie didn’t want him coming inside due to his age. But when he hit the legal age in Equestria, she let him in. He never drank hardly anything, no more than a glass of Kentucky Bourbon whilst he was there, and he gave no trouble to the regulars, rather just starting up a conversation with them… Jackie liked having him around, maybe because he reminded her of her son.

“Thank… thank you Jackie. I’ll hold on to it for as long as I live!” He opened it and examined the insides, the hoof-built frame was astounding… gleaming in bright gold, the word “Foalex” embossed on the watches face… and, true to a Foalex, Cale put it up to his ear… no ticking. It was genuine. Such a watch was worth thousands of bits… but he’d never sell it, never get rid of it. Something this valuable was worth keeping. He slowly shut the watch and tucked it neatly into his saddlebag.

“Hey, Cale.”

“Jackie?”

“Are those yer friends bai the door over there?” she pointed to three familiar faces, Shadow, Shade, and… Scott.

“Eeeyep. HEY GUYS OVER HERE!”

Scott turned to look at Cale and galloped on over, Shade and Shadow close behind.

“Cune, bro you’re here!” Scott took a seat beside him, while Shadow took the other seat next to Cale, leaving Shade to sit by Shadow.

“It’s been like an hour I’ve been waiting here for y'all.”

“Sorry… Shade got scared…”

“DID NOT!”

“…like ah’ was saying, he got scared and we had to literally drag him on out of his house.” Scott set his hat next to Cale’s.

“Hmm… I’m gonna go fencing for a bit..” Shadow hopped down and trotted to the fencing room, allowing Shade to steal his seat next to Cale.

“Shade, Scott… this is Jackie Daniels” Cale introduced them, “Jackie these are Scott and Shade, two of my close friends.”

“Well then howdy-doo to the two! Nice ta meet ya there, young’uns! Jus’ call me Aunt Jackie, now what can I serve you handsome stallions tonigh’?” she supported herself using the counter.

“Uh… j-just a beer… please.” Shade was nervous as heck.

“I’ll have the same… I’m not gonna go and git myself hammered…” Scott leaned back in his chair, watching Jackie poor the two beers.

“Two beers fer the gentlecolts, and do ya want another bourbon, Cale?”

“De-caff coffee would be fine…”

“Alrighty, one De-caff coffee!” She poured it and slid it across the counter, where he caught it in his hoof.

A couple hours later, both Scott and Cale were dragging a drunken Shade out of the bar, Jackie in the background yelling “Ah tried ta warn him!”

“18 beers… lawdy…” Cale was struggling to lift the struggling stallion.

“Gerroff me!” Shade struggled, but being so hammered, he couldn’t hit anything.

“Least I had the decency to stop after two!” Scott also striggled to lift him.

“Heavy for such a little guy, ain’t he?” Cale finally just dropped him.

“OW!”

Scott let go as well. “Well… we can’t exactly carry the poor thing.”

“WHY IS THE SKY SPINNING?”

“Hey… have you mastered the levitation spell yet?” Cale looked at Scott.

“Uh… partially.”

“Use that! You’re a unicorn!”

“Alrighty then… here goes…” Scotts horn began to glow as he strained to concentrate his energy on picking up Shade. A warm glow surrounds Shade as he’s lifted into the air (“Hheheheheheh… I’m flying!”).

Scott then starts walking, with Cale walking beside Shade, who has resorted to muttering random nonsense.

About a half-hour walk later, they arrive at the downhill slope that leads to Shade’s house. Unfortunately, this is where Scott’s spell wears off, dropping Shade.

“OW… OOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWO…” Shade rolled and rolled down the hill, Cale and Scott watching in horror, but to their surprise, the force of his slamming into his front door knocks it open and closes itself.

“…It’s like they say… there’s more than one way ta pluck a buzzard!” Scott laughed a bit.

“He’ll feel that in the morning. Along with one big hangover.” Cale chuckled.

“So… guess this is goodbye for now, pal.” Scott turned to Cale.

“Ya… hope to see you back safely, dude.” Cale stuck out his hoof, but Scott hugs him instead.

“We will see each other again, right?” Scott asked him.

Cale hugged his best friend back, “Of course, bro.” he broke the bro-hug, “I’m never leaving Ponyville, that’s for sure.”

“Alrighty… well… I’ll check on Shade then head back ta Lilly… bro?”

“Ya?”

“Treat that gal you got nicely. I have a feeling it’ll work out. Trust me bro.” Scott galloped down to Shade’s house to check on him.

“Later… bro…” Cale turned for home, “Wait… Aren’t I forgetting something? …nah.” he walked onwards to his residence.

Back at the bar/fencing arena, Shadow was hanging from the ceiling. Apparently he was shot up there by his fencing sword. How? Who knows? He’s afraid of heights, though… that’s for sure.

“Cune? Scott? Shade? Anypony?” he called out, his voice echoing the building.

Jackie came by the room, humming to herself and shut the lights out in the room, apparently oblivious to Shadow’s cries for help… or her hearing aid’s battery died. Then she turned around, walked past the counter, and left the building, locking the door behind her.

“…Crabapples.”