A New Song to Play Pt. 1

The train ride back to Appleloosa was calm for the most part. Amy and Megan talked about figuring out what her powers were and what she could do with them for the most part while I just sat and listened.

Amy was leaning back in her cot. “So... you are completely sure it’s just plants?”

Megan nodded. “Yes. Well... the sentiment did a lot with plants so... I just kind of figured...”

Amy laughed a little and waved a hand. “I’m joking! You’re probably right on the money.” She furrowed her brow. “But how did that let you heal that manticore? I mean, if your power is plants that shouldn’t tie into healing.”

I looked over at her with a raised brow and a smirk. “Plants are symbolic for life. I think it fits just fine.” Megan glowed slightly and gave me a thankful smile as Amy tossed a pillow at me. “What? You asked.”

Amy was grinning despite her glare. “I didn’t ask you smart ass.”

I feigned being hurt. “See Megan? I get no respect here.” We all had a small laugh and the train kept heading on.

Megan was still giggling slightly. “Anyways, um....” She fidgeted for a second. “When I activated my weapon... why was it pink and glowing? If you don’t mind telling me that is.”

I sighed a little before rubbing the back of my head. “Well.... I think Death explained it to me once some time back so I’ll give you a brief explanation. Our weapons are fueled by our souls so the color of our weapon is dependent on our soul’s color and sometimes our sentiment abilities. The glowing thing is just cause it’s ethereal and not made of truly physical materials. Is that good?”

Megan nodded and gave me a small smile. “Yes, thank you James.”

Everything was silent for a while until Amy spoke up again. “So what are we going to do when we get back to Appleloosa? I know for a fact you aren’t one to plan things ahead James.”

I tapped my chin and hummed. She has a point... “Well.... I almost got enough to buy this house that’s on the outskirts of town....” I stood up and walked around the car while tapping my chin. If I could get about another.... ten... twenty bits, I could afford that house when we get there.... I grinned and slammed my fist into my open palm. “That’s it! I know what I’m doing today!” I ran to the outside of the car and climbed to the roof.

Amy and Megan were hot on my heels as I got onto the metal top. Amy shouted as I got near the edge of the car. “The hell are you doing!?”

I flashed her a calm smile as I waved. “See you guys there! Restriction one release, Solar Winds!” The wings sprung to life and I took off from the train. I laughed as I soared past the train and over the remaining plateaus that were between me and Appleloosa. I only took about twenty minutes, give or take, and I landed on the edge of town. “Alrighty now... just need to find Braeburn and get my paycheck a little bit early.”

I walked calmly over to the orchards and looked around. It wasn’t long before I found Braeburn loading some buckets of apples into a cart. “Well hey there James! Glad to see ya back!”

I smiled. “It’s good to see you to Braeburn. Hey, do you think I could get paid a little early this week?”

He hitched up to the cart and looked over. “Sure partner. May I ask why though?” I chuckled and nodded.

“I just need a couple more bits to pay for a house. I can’t be mooching off of Choc’s family forever.... That, and the fact that my little family is getting a bit big.”

Braeburn laughed as we got in front of the barn. “That’s alright James. Just help me get some of this inside and I’ll get yer pay.” A quick unloading later, Braeburn had given me my pay and I was off to the Mayor’s office at Town Hall.

The town hall wasn’t that big of a building. It was two stories, with only three offices in the whole thing. The first floor was mostly the lobby and a few necessities for a public building. The offices were on the second floor and the largest was the Mayor’s. I waved to the secretary and the kind mare waved back as I started up the stairs.

When I got to the top and turned down the hall, the Sheriff and Mayor were talking in the latter’s office. The Sheriff sounded far from happy and was ranting and raving at the Mayor to the point that the old stallion's white mane was being blown back some. “Ah’m tellin’ ya, he shouldn’t be allowed to stay here! This town’s been free of gunslinin’ trouble makers since it was built and Ah plan on keepin’ it that way!”

I walked down the hall and took a peek into the room. The Mayor’s grey face remained calm as he stared into the mad sheriff’s eyes with his own auburn ones. “And it will stay that way if I did let him buy property here. I don’t see any reason that he can’t buy land other than you being sore about who he is. Get out of my office Silverstar.”

The Sheriff glared for a few more seconds before walking out the door. The moment he saw me, his mood worsened and he stormed off grumbling to himself. I looked at him as he left before sighing. He’s still mad about our first introduction..... man that guy can hold a grudge.

I took a moment to clear my head before turning into the Mayor’s office and knocking on the open door. “May I come in?” The Mayor lifted his head away from his hoof and looked at me before smiling and waving me in.

“James! It’s good to see you. What brings ya here today?” He grinned a little before leaning over his desk. “You didn’t blow up another barn did you?” I let out a dejected sigh while he started to laugh. “Oh come now James. You didn’t expect me to let you live that one down now did you? It was hard enough to get the press to accept that you wanted to remain anonymous let alone fix the mess.”

I gave him an awkward smile and rubbed the back of my head. “Yeah, and I’ll forever be grateful that you did.” I sat up and looked over to the Mayor. “Anyways, About why I came over. I was wondering if that house on the outskirts of town was still available.”

The Mayor nodded. “Yep, No one really want’s ta buy it other than you. You finally got the bits ta buy it?” I lifted my coin purse and placed it onto his desk.

I started to pull out the bits and soon there was a pile of 5300 bits. “There you go Mayor. That should be enough to cover the expenses.” He looked over the bits before sighing and resting his head on a hoof. “Um.... is there a problem?”

He didn’t move an inch as he started to move some bits into a separate pile. “James, how much were ya told the house cost?”

I blinked a few times before scratching the side of my head in confusion. “Um.... 5300. Why?”

The Mayor finished moving the bits and took about 1500 from the pile. “I’ve had that house’s mortgage on record since the town was founded. It’s not even half of that. I’ve also been tryin ta get that through the pig headed mare that owns it.” He sighed and pushed the extra bits back to me. “At least ah can stop hearin’ her complain ‘bout it. Old bat’s been nothing but a pain.”

I shrugged my shoulders and took the extra money back. “Well that and the fact that I don’t have to pay so much are positives. Now what do I need to sign?” After a bit of time, I’d signed some papers and got the deed of the house signed in my name. With a brief nod and a wave farewell from the mayor, I stood up and started to leave the room. “I’ll see you around Mayor.”

He waved back and smiled warmly from his desk while putting the papers in a drawer. “Don’t be a stranger James!”

I waved behind me with a smile as I headed off. “I try not to!” As I walked to my new home, I couldn't help but chuckle. "I've got a good feeling that this week will finally let me relax."

Author's Note

IT'S FINALLY OUT OF HIATUS! ENJOY THIS PATHETICALLY SHORT CHAPTER! BLAME MY VAGABOND MIND FOR IT"S WANDERING NATURE! I AM BUT A MUPPET!

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This is why I need to sleep regurlarly