The Sanguine Chronicles

The Sanguine Chronicles

Chapter 4

Making Some Quick Bits

Our heroes progressed down to the train station at the edge of Ponyville. Sanguine ground to a halt when he thought of something. “So do either of you have currency?” Sanguine asked. This also halted Forrest and Jessica. So, they checked their saddle bags.

“I only brought the essentials for roughing it.” Forrest said closing his bags.

“And I brought mainly food and water.” Jessica sighed. They heard the sound of running hooves coming closer.

“I got some bits!” the pony said. The three turned to Gold Waters who was coming their way.

“What are you doing here? Don’t you have duties?” Forrest asked.

“I decided to join in your adventure. I thought I could be of help.” Gold replied. Forrest and Jessica pondered this when Sanguine stepped up to Gold Waters.

“Welcome aboard then!” Sanguine said cheerfully.

“What?!” The other three said.

“You seem like a kind mare and highly intelligent. More knowledge is always good. So do you have bits for the train?” Sanguine said. Gold Waters shook her head to focus her head.

“I have enough for two only. So does anyone else got bits?” She asked. Sanguine shook his head.

“Afraid not. Any bright ideas?” Sanguine asked the others. The group thought carefully.

“We could just have two hitch a ride in an empty car.” Jessica said.

“I think we should be smarter than that. We got to get some more bits the nice way.” Gold Waters replied.

“Well is there anywhere we could make quick cash?” Forrest asked. The group continued to think when Sanguine noticed something.

“I think we have our answer.” Sanguine said. Sanguine pointed from his cloth to a poster. The poster was for a day worth of work on Sweet Apple Acres. It was offering more than enough for the train tickets for the other two.

“Oh yes, they were offering this to newcomers. After all, only three ponies can work so much of the orchards. “Gold waters said.

“I know trees and I have bucked a few back in Hoofville. I can do it!” Forrest said determined to get the bits.

“Maybe I could help too. I have my magic. Plus we might need some extra bits.” Jessica said.

“The Apple Family strictly only allows for hooves on work. So you wouldn’t be allowed to use the magic you have.” Gold Waters clarified.

“Darn!” Jessica said kicking up some dirt.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll be going to find some more “clean” attire.” He said pulling on the worn fabric he had thrown over his wings.

“I’ll take you to Rarity. She makes clothing here.” She replied.

So the groups split up. “So, what is this Rarity like?” Sanguine asked.

“Well she is a very nice mare. She makes clothing for Manehattan and Canterlot. Here we are.” Gold Water said. The two came to an elegant building. Gold Waters pushed open the door causing a bell to chime. A white mare with purple hair turned their way.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique! Oh Gold Waters, to what do I hold the pleasure?” Rarity asked while looking at the stallion Gold had brought in.

“I need some adventurer’s garbs Ms. Rarity.” Sanguine said.

“Oh very well mister. Anything in mind mister...?” Rarity asked while holding a notebook.

“Sanguine, Ms. Rarity and just something that looks nice and can take a beating on the road. Also I need to disguise some wings and my face. Just to not stand out too much.” He replied.

Rarity frowned slightly. “Well I will try. It shall be done before tomorrow.” Rarity said.

“Good, we don’t have to leave until tomorrow anyway. We have some friends who took on the apple volunteer job.” Sanguine said satisfied at the news. Rarity perked her ears.

“Oh I see. That makes it easier. Well see you tomorrow!” Rarity said returning to work. The two stepped out of the door back to Gold Water’s house.

Meanwhile…

Forrest and Jessica trotted to a beautiful orchard next to the forest’s edge. They came to the main house and knocked on the door. “Are you sure this will work?” Jessica asked Forrest with worry.

“We’ll do fine. We just do our best.” Forrest replied. An Orange mare opened the door.

“What can I do for ya?” Apple Jack asked. Jessica nudged Forrest.

“We are here for the quick volunteer work on the flyer.” Forrest said after clearing his throat and grabbing the flyer from his bag.

Apple Jack looked over the two ponies. “Well you two look like you could help us very much. We need one to buck in the fields and one to help with maintenance.” AJ said.

“I am a more woodsy type. I will do the bucking.” Forrest replied.

“I guess then I’ll help with the maintenance.” Jessica said sheepishly.

“Alright then. Mr. Pegasus come with me. Big Mac!” Apple Jack yelled to someone in the house. A large red pony came up.

“Eeeyup.” Said Big Mac.

“This unicorn is here to help with the maintenance work. Show her what needs to be done.” Apple Jack said. Big mac nodded and motioned Jessica to follow. Forrest was hard at work bucking the trees at a tremendous pace. Apple Jack was stunned by the ethic of him.

“How did you learn to do this?” she asked. Forrest wiped his brow.

“Well, when many ponies need to multi task to keep the town alive, you pick up many tricks.” Forrest replied.

“Well I’ll be darned. I’m impressed.” She said.

Jessica and Big Mac worked on simple barn work. Jessica levitated tools and other things. While Big Mac worked hard hammering in nails and placing in boards. “Is this all?” Jessica asked.

Big Mac lowered a hammer. “Eeyup.” He replied.

“Phew. My magic is starting to take a toll.” Jessica said wiping her brow.The two walked away from the fixed barn and towards the inside. Apple Jack and Forrest also came in with a few sandwiches and juice.

“We brought yawl some food.” Apple Jack said putting down the meal. Everyone sat down and ate their meal. After a while, Apple Jack spoke again.

“So why did you take the job anyway?” She asked.

“We needed money for the train.” Forrest said.

“Yes. We have business in Canterlot.” she continued. This left AJ curious.

“What would you be doing in Canterlot?” She asked.

“We are helping out a friend. We wanted to come with him.” Forrest said and Jessica nodded in agreement.

“Well do ya got a place for the night?” AJ asked.

“Ms. Gold Waters is allowing us to rest at her place. She wanted to join on our little adventure.” Jessica said. AJ picked up the empty plates and silverware.

“Well you best be heading back. The train for Canterlot arrives early tomorrow.” She stated.

So the two departed for the home of Gold Waters. They saw Sanguine and Gold sitting around. One was reading while the other was off on their own drinking some tea. “Ah, there you are.” Sanguine said as he closed the book. “How went the bit collecting?” Gold Waters asked without looking their way. Forrest held up a small bag of bits.

“We have enough. We best get to bed soon.” Forrest said.

Sanguine put the book on the coffee table and laid down on the couch. “night.” He said pulling a blanket over himself. The other three went to sleep. While everyone was sleeping, Sanguine was dreaming. He saw the blurry image of two ponies talking to another fuzzy figure in the dream.

“This is… he will be your teacher.” The closest one said. That one sounded like his father.

“Hello there.” Said the further blur. The figure was too blurry to make out and the voice sounded distorted and unclear. Then the memory flashed away as he heard a distorted noisy static sound but he couldn’t see anything. His vision returned to see something. It was a blurry pony who was looking down at him.

“Doctor, is he okay?” said the same feminine voice from last time but the voice was distant again.

Then his vision went black and he stopped dreaming…