Steel Applesby SilentpegasusChaptersChapter 1.Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 8Chapter 9Chapter 10: EndChapter 7Epilogue.Chapter 1.Apples of Steel Chapter 1. Steel Hammer was a typical young unicorn blacksmith. He banged away at the glowing piece of metal against the pitch black anvil. Steel loved his job, the smell, the feeling, the fact that he was creating something another pony can use. After he was done beating the newly made chisel, he set it in a barrel to cool before he started the hardening process. Steam erupted from the barrel as he inserted the red glowing piece of metal into the cool water. He then removed his heat mask and coat, revealing his deep brown eyes, tight muscular body, grey colored coat and jet black mane, his cutie mark was a black anvil being struck by a hammer. He went and got himself a drink from the cooler he kept in the back of the forge. Steel withdrew a bottle of spring water and began to guzzle it down with haste. It was getting close to closing time and he decided to put off the hardening process till tomorrow morning. Steel closed up the forge and headed upstairs to get some well deserved rest. He decided to continue reading his favorite book. “Lord of the Horseshoe” by R.J. Colton. He didn’t know what the ‘R.J.’ meant but he didn’t care, he loved the though that one little horseshoe could throw the world into darkness. Most ponies wondered why Steel chose to become blacksmith, most of physically exhausting work was left to earth ponies. He knew growing up that he didn’t want to be like his father, a prissy, posh banker pony. Steel loved the feeling after a good days work. The forge was his home, he felt alive there, he felt like he mattered, he felt like he was important in some way. He decided to go to bed early and laid down to got to sleep, which he hated. He’d work all night if he was able too, finally after nearly an hour of tossing and turning he finally drifted off to sleep. GONG! GONG! GONG! GO- Steel shut off his alarm clock and made his way to the kitchen and fixed himself some oat meal. Steel sat there reading the Equestria Daily newspaper as he did every morning, skimming the articles to see if anything popped out at him. Nothing, as usual. Steel glanced at the clock 4:15 AM. Right on time. he thought to himself. Steel finished his breakfast and made his way down to his shop. He had to get their early to allow the crucible and furnace to heat up it only takes around a half hour at most but he loved the sound the two made when they were activated. He didn’t open up his shop until 6:00 AM, that gave him time to finish up any work he might be behind on. Ponies mostly go to him if they need a tool replaced or fixed. More classy ponies like Rarity, who owned a dress shop called “Carousel Boutique’ went to him incase they needed a piece of jewelry fixed. Steel never allowed any pony to watch him work his craft, for safety reasons and he never liked being judged by others. He was a quite pony, but a nice one at that. Steel had become friends with the local librarian Twilight Sparkle, Ponyville’s number one flyer, Rainbow Dash and Rarity, the mare that owned Carousel Boutique. Twilight and Rainbow came in from time to time to chat or if they needed something fixed. Rarity mostly came in when she needed a piece of jewelry mended. They were good company but he couldn’t really relate to them. He glanced at the clock again it read 6:00 AM. Steel trotted over and opened up the shop for business. Steel just stood in the door way as the sun rose over Ponyville. He loved to watch the sunrise and sunset, the colors reminded him of the crucibles fire. Steel didn’t have avery special some-pony, he was more engrossed with his work than anything else and thats how he liked it. After the sun rose he went back inside and started to set up his equipment. His welder, his sand casting pit, the crucible and lastly his anvil ‘Time’ and his hammer ‘Creator.’ Both names were engraved on the tools in golden lettering. These were his favorite tools, no matter how hard he worked them he knew they wouldn’t break. Steel then donned his tool belt, slipped creator into it’s proper place and trotted up to the front desk waiting for his first customer of the day. It was almost 9:45 AM and no-pony had come into his shop yet, not that Steel minded, he had found ways to keep himself busy, like double checking the temperature gauges on the furnace, or inspecting all of his tools. The bell on his door suddenly chimed meaning that there was customer. Finally he thought to himself. Steel hurried into the shop portion of his business, the room was rustic looking, metal tools hung on the side of the brick walls. He trotted up to the front desk to be greeted by an orange mare with piercing emerald eyes, blonde hair, and was sporting a brown stetson hat. “Howdy partner,” she said with a grin on her face. Steel couldn’t help but notice her southern accent, and her well toned body. “Morning, how can I help you today Miss?” “Applejack, my names Applejack. I was look’n to see if you had any barrel bands for sale. About 24 inches wide will due.” “Let me check in the back.” Steel said as he left to go check the back closet. The closet was filled with different kinds of metal everything from iron to aluminum. After around two minutes of searching he finally came across a 24 in. steel barrel band. He levitated it and hurried back to his customer. On the way back he couldn’t tell if he was blushing or he cranked the furnace to high again. “Will this due Ms. Apple?” “Please just call me Applejack. I’m not old enough to be a Miss yet, and thank you kindly this will be a perfect fit.” she said as she put the hoop around her neck. “Might I ask why you need one that big?” Steel asked in curiosity. “I own Sweet Apple Acre’s and one of our barrel band’s finally rusted off. So we need to replace it. How much was this thing again?” she asked as she was digging in her bag for her bits. “Fifteen bits” “Shoot, all ah got on me is thirteen.” she said in disappointment. Steel didn’t want the poor pony to make the same trip twice. “Tell ya what Applejack since your my first customer of the day I’ll lower the price by five bits. Deal?” he said as he gave her a grin. ‘Well shoot that’s mighty kind of ya. Thanks I’ll make it up to ya somehow.” she said as she put the bits on the counter and headed out the door. Steel felt good for doing that. He’s sure that if his dad were there he would probably ask for more than it was worth. His train of thought was interrupted by the same orange mare that had just left. “Ah’m sorry, here you are being so generous and ah don’t even know your name.” she said with an embarrassed look on her face. Did she just blush? “My names Steel Hammer, but you can call me Steel.” he said with a smile on his face. “Right well see ya later Steel.” Applejack said as she trotted out the door. After she was gone two more customers came in. One was a mint green unicorn that needed one of her lyre strings repaired and the other was a small orange pegasus with a scooter that had broken an axel. It was easy enough to fix. By the time those customers came and went it was time for lunch. Maybe I’ll go out to eat for a change. Steel closed up the shop and went out into Ponyville to find some place to eat. As he made his way down the busy streets of Ponyville he came across an apple stand that was being run by a familiar farm pony. She noticed him and waved him over. “Hey, Applejack what’s up?” “Not much, just sell’n some apples. You?” she said with a grin. “Looking for lunch, how much are the apples going for?” Steel asked. Applejack suddenly had a sly grin creep across her face. “Tell ya what, Since you were my twenty third customer today you get a discount. First two apples are on the house.” “Applejack you don’t-” “No, I insist” she said as she gave him two apples. “Well, okay then. But remember your not off the hook yet, I lowered the barrel belt by five bits.” Steel said in a playful tone. “Yeah, I know and one apple costs two and a half bits.” Applejack said with a smug grin on her face. “Well played Applejack, Well played.” Steel said as he took a bite from the apple. “So how come I ain’t seen ya around before? You new in town or something?” Applejack said as she cocked her head sideways. “I moved here around three weeks ago.” Steel said as he swallowed his food. “Where did ya move from?” “Canterlot.” “Canterlot? So why did ya move here then?” “Wanted a change of scenery, I never liked the big city. To busy and all the ponies there are too stuck up to appreciate the finer things in life.” “Like what?” “Well, a good days work for one thing.” Steel said as he finished the first apple. “Thats what ah keep say’n! Ponies nowadays have no appreciation for manual labor.” Applejack said as she raised her hooves over her head. No way! A mare like that likes to work. She is so cool. “Hey, your preaching to the converted. Oh well, their loss” “So what is it that you do specifically?” Applejack asked. “Well I run the metal and forge shop, I make all my merchandise from scratch,” “Really? You made all of that stuff hanging up in there? That’s surprising” she said with a surprised look on her face. “Yeah, why is that so surprising?” Steel said in a flat tone. “Well it’s just that your a unicorn and, no offense but unicorns ain’t exactly the laboring type” If theres one thing I love more than working, it’s messing with other ponies. ‘Well, Applejack I do take offense to it, are you implying that because I’m a unicorn I can’t work hard?” Steel said as he put on his best poker face. “What? No... it’s just that.....uh....you see my friend Twi is.......um.” Applejack tried to find the right words. By this time Steel couldn’t hold back any longer and burst into laughter. “What’s so gosh darn funny?” She looks so cute when she’s flustered. “AJ, relax I’m just pulling your leg” he said as he fell on the ground laughing. “Ha ha, laugh it up.” she said with an aggravated look on her face. Steel had managed to calm down and regain his composure. “In all seriousness, I can see why you’d be shocked, a unicorn getting his hooves dirty. That used to be my dad’s favorite joke.” Steel said with a low grumble. “What was he like?” Applejack asked as she rested her head on her front hooves. Steel glanced at the clock and realized he had to get back to work. “I’d love to stay and chat AJ, but I need to get back to work. Maybe this afternoon? Around 4:30 PM?” “Sure, you know where Sweet Apple Acre’s is?” Steel nodded. “Alright, then see ya.” “Bye.”Steel said as he walked back towards his shop. “Can’t wait.” she said as he walked away. Steel was taken back by the eagerness of her. last statement. Wait, does she think that it’s a date? Steel forced the question out of his mind and got back to work. There weren’t that many customers that came by. Soon enough it was 4:00 PM and Steel decided to close up shop and head over to Sweet Apple Acre’s. *Authors Note: A crucible is a container, (in most cases a bowl) that can withstand very high temperatures and is used for melting down metal and glass into liquid form. Sand Casting is a mold made in sand in which liquified metal is pored into. The sand can be molded into a variety of different shapes and designs. Chapter 2Chapter 2. Steel made his way down the dirt path, past the outskirts of Ponyville and came across a massive farm. Hundreds of rows filled with apple trees. Steel couldn’t help but marvel at the sight. Steel made his way down the long path until he hot to the farm house, It was typical big red barn complete with white trim on the beams. He then noticed a red stallion working in the fields pulling an old plow behind him and was chewing on apiece of hay. The stallion was little bigger than steel and looked just as strong if not stronger than him. Steel trotted up to the stallion as he finished plowing a row. “Excuse me, but do you know where Applejack is?” “Eeyup, she’s in the south field behind the barn.” he said as he went back to his work. This stallions probably her colt-friend. Figures all the good mares are taken. “Thanks.” Steel said as he took his leave and went to the barn. Before he could circle around he was tackled to the ground by a flying orange and purple blur. As Steel recovered, he noticed that the orange blur was the pegasus filly that he fixed the scooter for. “Oh man, sorry about that.” the little filly said. “It’s alright, accidents happen.” Steel said as he got to his hooves. “Hey I know you, your the guy that fixed my scooter earlier today.” “Yeah, name’s Steel Hammer.” “Well I’m Scootaloo, Cutie Mark Crusader.” “Cutie mark what?” Steel said as he raised an eyebrow in confusion. “The Cutie Mark Crusaders are dedicated to help ponies find their special talent and earn their cutie marks.” she said with a smile. Two more fillies trotted beside Scootaloo with worried looks on their faces. One was an earth pony with a red bow in her hair and the other was a white unicorn. The two trotted up next to Scootaloo. “Are you alright Scootaloo?” said the unicorn. “Yeah I’m fine.” The earth pony then turned her attention towards Steel. “Who’s he?” Steel noticed that she shared the same accent as Applejack. “This is Steel, he’s the one who fixed my scooter this morning.” “Pleased to meet you three.” Steel said as he grinned. “What brings ya to Sweet Apple Acres?” asked the little yellow filly. “I’m here to see Applejack, she’s supposed to be around her some-” Steel didn’t get to finish his sentence due to being cut off by a familiar voice. “Applebloom! What have I told ya’ll about doing’ yer crusading on the farm?” said the cross orange mare. “Sorry sis.” the little filly said with a sad look. Applejack then noticed that Steel was standing beside the three little fillies. “Howdy Steel.” she said with a grin. “I see ya’ll already met my sister and her friends.” “Yeah, we just ran into each other.” he said with a small chuckle. “I gotta finish up this field here. You’re welcome to come I could use the help.” she said with a smile. “Sure, I don’t mind lending a hoof.” Steel said as he walked past the three fillies and over to the orange mare. “Great, sooner we get done sooner we can talk.” she said as she turned and went back to the orchard. “Alright, good luck with the crusading Scootaloo.” he said as he waved goodbye to the small fillies and went after Applejack. He followed her to the spot were she was bucking. Before she started she seemed to glare at Steel with an analytical look. “Um, Steel why do ya have that thing with ya?” she said as she pointed to his hammer that was secured on his tool belt. Steel took the hammer out and held it with his magic. “I always have this on me, better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.” he said with a chuckle. “Right.... So, do you know how to buck an apple tree?” AJ said as she turned back to the tree. “You kick it right?” “Heh heh, just as ah figured, it ain’t that easy city boy.” she said in a playful tone. “You gotta find the right spot and hit it with just enough force.” she said as she angles herself in front of the tree, brought her hooves back and kicked the tree, the apples came tumbling down. Steel wasn’t sure if it was the amount of apples that fell or Applejacks’ muscular toned body that made his his jaw hit the ground. He quickly pushed the though out of his head and hid his blush from the mare. “Ya see ya have to hit it just right. Hit it too little and nothing will happen, hit it too hard and ya might uproot the tree.” she said as she turned back to Steel. “Impressive, let me try.” “Be my guest.” AJ said as Steel walked in front of the next tree, out of the corner of his eye he though he saw Applejack eyeing his flank. Steel put his ear tot he tree and lightly tapped it with his hammer. He found the weak point on the bark and scratched an X on the spot with his hoof. “What the hay are you doing?” Applejack asked as she cocked an eyebrow. Steel then took his right hoof and struck the spot. Steel saw a small ripple move through the tree and the apples started to fall. Steel stepped back and basked in his accomplishment he then turned his glance back to the orange mare, who stared in amazement. “That was amazing, how did you do that on yer first try?” “I listened to the tree.” “You did what now? Yer starting to sound like Fluttershy.” she said as she tilted her head in confusion. “I sent a vibration through the tree with my hammer, which let my find the right spot to hit it.” he said as he lifted his hammer in front of Applejack. “So ya cheated using magic!” “No! I only used my magic to find the right spot. The force that caused the apples to fall came from my own strength, and I usually never use magic when I’m woking.” “Really? I find that hard to believe.” AJ said as she squinted at the stallion in disbelief. “Well, I mostly use levitation spells to hold several tools at once or to change the shape of metal for sculpturing.” he said as he scratched his chin with his hoof. “How did you get that strong?” AJ asked as she calmed down. “Years of using a hammer.” Steel said as he put the hammer back into his belt and gave her a smug grin. “I guess I can believe that. I think that’s the last one. So what do ya wanna wanna talk about?” she said as she started trotting back tot he farm house. “What we were talking about earlier?” Steel said as he trotted up next to her. “Well, you said you were from Canterlot and then you mentioned your dad.” “Ugh, him. Great.” he said as he rolled his eyes and let out a huff of annoyance. “Sore topic?” “Yeah, you still haven’t told me anything about you. What’s life like on a farm?” “Well it’s pretty nice, hard work, early mornings and good food. So ah can’t really complain.” “Do you hire workers to help harvest?” “Nope, just me and Big Macintosh.” “Your colt friend?” “What? No, he’s mah brother, you probably saw him on your way in.” “Big red stallion, hauling a plow?” he asked the orange mare. “That’s him, and why did you assume I had a colt-friend?” Applejack asked as she stopped and started glaring at stallion. Steel started to blush at the question. His mind drew a blank and he couldn’t seem to pull his words together. “Umm....I just assumed that......uh...” “Relax, I’m just messing with ya.” AJ said as she began to laugh. “But I don’t have a colt friend, haven’t found the right stallion yet. You?” “Not really, I’m more addicted to my work.” Steel said as continued to walk down the dirt path. “I can respect that. So what’s it like being a blacksmith and all?” “Dull most of the time, I usually stick with making tools and other household items.” “Ever make weapons?” Applejack said. Hearing this Steel stopped on the path and let out a heavy sigh. “No, not any more.” he said with a flat tone. “Why not?” “I don’t want to talk about it AJ.” he said as he held his head low. “Oh, um okay.” Applejack said as she tried to make the conversation less awkward. “So why did ya leave Canterlot?” “Never liked the big city, always felt at home in small towns. Even when I was a colt I knew I wanted to live in one. My parent’s didn’t share my views, so when I saved up enough money I moved here.” Steel finished as he continued to walk next to Applejack. “So what about your parents? What are they like?” he asked the orange mare. “My parents are.....gone.” she said with a sad look on her face. “Oh AJ, I’m so sorry I didn’t know..... I’m such an idiot.” Steel said as he face hoofed. “It’s fine sugar cube you din’t know and it happened a long time ago.” “No it’s not okay. I just made a fool in front of a mare who I really-” Steel shut his mouth just as he was about to blurt out his feelings. Applejack then shot him a look of surprise. “A mare you really what?” she said as she gave a slight blush. Steel began to panic and tried to form words. “A mare I really.........value...... as a.....friend.” Steel said as he was fighting the blush that was starting bubble to the surface. “Oh, for a second there, I though you were gonna say that you were sweet on me.” she said as she gave a light chuckle and a hint of disappointment. “Well AJ, I’m not gonna lie, you are attractive....stunning in fact not to mention a hard worker. But I-” Steel didn’t have time to react as two orange hooves grabbed his head and brought him into a passionate kiss. At first Steel’s mind drew a blank and he was frozen in shock, he then came back to reality as she broke the kiss. “Ah’m mighty sorry. It’s just that you were such a gentle colt, then you want to hang out and start complimenting me. I’m really sorry I did that Steel.” Applejack said as she sat down on the ground and started to sob. “I’m not.” Steel said as he wrapped his hooves around her and planted his lips on hers. The two stood there for what seemed like an eternity just enjoying the embrace. Steel then broke the kiss and looked back at the stunned orange mare. “Wow, that was just....wow.” AJ said as she regained her composure. “Took the words right out of my mouth.” he said as grinned back at her. “Steel, you taste like ash.” Applejack said in a playful voice. “So? Mares find that attractive in a stallion.” “Yes, they do.” she said as she began to nuzzle his chest. Steel couldn’t believe that he was sitting with one of the most beautiful mares in Equestria. “Hey, AJ.” “Yeah.” “Are you free tomorrow night?” “No, why?” she said as she tried to hold back a giggle. “Well, I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner with me.” “Where at?” “How about Sugar Cube corner at around 7:00 PM?” He said giving her a smile. “It’s a date.” she said as she gave him another quick kiss on the cheek. The two headed back to the farm house quickly. After Steel had dropped AppleJack off at the house he made his way back to the shop. As he opened the door he let the familiar smell of ash and flame wash over him. He headed straight upstairs and decided to go to bed. While lying there he couldn’t help but think about the date with the mare of his dreams. Chapter 3Chapter 3 Steel woke up and glanced over at the calendar it read Saturday the twenty fourth. Ugh, what am I doing up? Saturday’s are my day off. He decided to try and go back to sleep, he couldn’t. Steel decided to open the newspaper and began reading. He glanced at the clock, 9:15 AM. Steel put the paper down and trotted out the door into Ponyville. He dropped by the library to pay Twilight a visit. As he entered the library he noticed that the lavender unicorn had company, the marshmallow white unicorn Rarity. “Hey Twi, hi Rarity.” he said as he walked over to the two mares. “Steel, how wonderful to see you dear.” the white unicorn said with glee. “What brings you to the library?” “Just decided to pop by for a visit.” “Well good timing, I was going to ask if you would like to go star gazing with us tonight.” Twilight said as she used her magic to levitate a book. “Sorry girls but I have a date tonight.” he said with a small blush on his face. Rarity’s jaw hit the floor, and Twilight lost her concentration and sent the book falling to the ground. “WHAT?!” both mares exclaimed. “I have a date tonight.” he said again as he raised an eyebrow. “How long have you been dating?” Rarity asked. “Tonights our first date.” he said with a grin. “Come darling we must help you prepare.” Rarity said as she took Steel by the hoof and dragged him out the library with Twilight following close behind. “Rarity, I don’t thinks thats necessary, it’s just a calm, casual date.” “How many dates have you been on?” she asked as she eyed him with a condescending look. Steel’s just realized that this was his first ‘real’ date. “I thought as much. Now let’s get you cleaned up.” she said as she opened the doors to her boutique. “So who’s the lucky mare?” Twilight asked "Applejack." “What’s that?” “Applejack.” “Didn’t quite catch that.” “Applejack.” “Oh for the love of Celestia, just spit it out already.” Rarity said with aggravation in her voice. “I’m going out with Applejack!” he said loudly while blushing. Rarity and Twilight’s expressions were a mix of excitement and shock. “Oh the two of you would make such a cute couple.” Rarity said as she laughed in delight. “Yes, and I would appreciate it if you kept it on the down low.” he said as he eyed the two mares. “Mums the word.” Twilight said as she made a zipper closing motion over her mouth. “Of course, not a word.” rarity said as she went through the traditional Pinkie Promise motions. “So tell me darling, where are you two going tonight?” “Sugar Cube Corner.” he said as the two mares looked back at him with a scared look on their face. “ARE YOU CRAZY!?” Twilight exclaimed. “What? It’s a nice place.” “That’s not the problem dear.” Rarity said. “Then what IS the problem?” “I believe that it’s pink colored and has a spring in it’s step.” Steel then understood what she meant. “Pinkie Pie.” he said as the two mares nodded in agreement. “How could I have over looked that?” he said as he face hoofed. “It’s alright darling. We’ll help you.” Rarity said as she put a hoof on Steel’s shoulder. “We?” Twilight said. “Yes, you and I are going to be on Pinkie control while Steel is with Applejack.” “No, I can’t ask you to do that, I’ll just reschedule.” “NO! If it’s one thing a mare hates it’s having a date rescheduled.” Rarity said with an angered look in her eye. “Alright, fine you can help me, just be discreet.” “Of course.” Twilight said. “So when is this date?” “7:00 PM.” “Excellent, that should give us just enough time to prepare.” Rarity said with an eager look in her eye. “Why do I have a bad feeling about this?” Steel said as the two mares converged on him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Across town at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was working hard, her head filled with thoughts of a certain unicorn blacksmith. She was as giddy as a school filly. With her head in the clouds she didn’t notice a certain cyan colored pegasus trot up next to her. “Hey Applejack what’s up?” “Oh, nothing Rainbow.” she said with a heavy sigh of happiness. “You okay AJ? You seem kind of goofy.” Rainbow said as she cocked an eyebrow. “I’m fine hun. I’m just excited is all.” “Excited about what?” Applejack then began to giggle, she drew her friend close. “Promise not to tell any-pony?” “Sure, what is it?” Rainbow said as she listened close. “Pinkie promise?” “Fine! Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye! Now tell me what’s got you in such a good mood!” Applejack drew her friend closer and whispered. “I gotta date tonight.” Applejack said as she blushed in delight. “WHAT!? WITH WHO?” the cyan mare exclaimed in anticipation. “Steel Hammer, the unicorn who works the forge in town.” she said with a giggle. “Ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh! He is such a good catch!” “Ah know! Tonight were going to Sugar Cube Corner and-” Applejack was cut off by a frightened Rainbow Dash. “WHAT! WHY ARE YOU GOING THERE OF ALL PLACES?” “Why not?” “Have you lost it! Who works at Sugar cube corner?” “Well there’s Mr. Cake, Mrs. Cake and Pink-......Oh sweet Celestia.” Applejack said as she just realized the issue. “Now do you see? If Pinkie sees you two on a date, you can bet your hat that she’s gonna wanna throw some big party!” “Well, maybe she won’t this time.” she said with a weak grin. “AJ we BOTH know how Pinkie gets.” Dash said with a blank look on her face. “Yer right, I guess I’ll tell him to cancel.” Applejack said as her ears dropped in disappointment. Rainbow then rushed in front of her friend “Wait, what if I help you out?” “Girl, what in the hay are you talking about?” AJ said as she tilted her head in confusion. “You just focus on Steel and I’ll deal with Pinkie Pie.” she said putting a hoof around her friends shoulder. Applejack grinned at the offer. “You mean it RD?” “Course I mean it! I’m not gonna let my best friends first date be ruined. I just want details afterwards. Deal?” Dash said as she held out a hoof. “Deal.” AJ said as she shook the cyan hoof. “Great! When are you two going to Sugar Cube Corner?” “7:00 PM.” “Great, I’ll see you there and don’t worry about Pinkie you got the best flyer in Equestria helping you out.” Rainbow said as she took flight and shot off into the sky. With that Applejack couldn’t wait until tonight. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Well darling how do you feel?” Rarity asked gleaming at her ensemble, she had put Steel in. “Ridiculous.” Steel said with a huff as he said looking at the the light blue jacket and the insane hair style she had selected. “If I had wanted to dress up like a pony with a superiority complex I would have stayed in Canterlot.” he said as he took the outfit off. “You’re from Canterlot?” Twilight said in surprise. “Yeah, born and raised unfortunately.” he said with a low grumble. “What made you come here?” Rarity asked chiming into the conversation. “Wanted to get out of the city, find a small town and start my forging business.” he said as he started to mess up his mane. “Ya know there was a forge in Canterlot run by a really nice stallion his name was...” “Iron Sword.” Steel finished. “Yeah, you know him?” “He’s the stallion that taught me everything I know about forging. I’m surprised that you know him though, he prefers to keep a very low profile.” he said as he eyed the lavender mare. “Well, when my brother, Shining Armor got promoted to captain of the guard he had Iron Sword make special armor for him.” she said with a smile. “Your Shining’s sister? I recall him saying that his sister moved to some small town. Didn’t know it was this one.” he said with a chuckle. “Small world isn’t it?” Rarity said. “Yes, and Rarity thanks for your help but I think I’ll skip the outfit this time.” he said with a weak grin. Rarity’s lower lip started to quiver. Oh great she’s gonna cry. Gotta find a compromise. Steel’s eyes darted around the room until he saw a small black bow tie. “But, I’ll sport this bow tie. Bow ties are cool.” he said with a grin as he put it around his neck. Rarity smiled in approval. Whew, crisis averted. Twilight then took a step forward. “Now that we have that out of the way it’s time to focus on the hard part. Dealing with Pinkie.” she said with a serious tone. “Right, how are we gonna deal with her?” Rarity said while scratching her mane. Steel racked his brain looking for answers. His gaze drifted to Rarities clock 6:50 PM. Steel’s eyes became the size of pin heads. “GAH! I’M DUE AT SUGAR CUBE CORNER IN TEN MINUTES!” he hollered. “WHAT!?” the two mares said as they glanced at the clock and saw he was correct. “OH NO, OH NO, OH NO!” WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?” Steel said as he started to panic. “I’M GONNA BE LATE! THEN MAKE A COMPLETE IDIOT OUT OF MY SELF AND THEN-” Steel then felt a white hoof slap across his face. “Thanks Rarity.” he said with a surprise look on his face. “I needed that.” he said as he began to rub the sore spot. “Anytime darling, now hurry along or you’ll be late! And don’t worry I have a plan for dealing with Pinkie.” she said as she pushed Steel out of the door. “Thanks guys, I owe you big time!” Steel said as he galloped to Sugar Cube corner with haste. Twilight and Rarity stood there with smiles on their faces waving goodbye. “You don’t have anything planned do you?”Twilight said as she held the awkward smile. “Not a damn thing.” Rarity said holding the same expression. Authors note: Yes, that was a “Doctor Who” reference concerning the bow tie. Chapter 4Chapter 4. It was 6:55 PM. Rainbow Dash was talking with Mr.& Mrs. Cake concerning Applejack’s date situation. “Please Mrs. Cake can’t you just give Pinkie the night off or something?” Rainbow pleaded. “I’m sorry dear, but we need her tonight. Were jam packed and we can’t serve the customers without her help.” Mrs. Cake said as she took cupcakes out of the oven. Rainbow hung her head in defeat and zoomed out the door and just so happened to run into a certain grey unicorn sporting a bow tie. “Hey, Rainbow what are you doing here?” Steel said with a grin. “I was.........just.......um.....checking.......on......my order. Yeah that’s it! I ordered a special cupcake from the Cakes and I wanted it to see if it was done yet.” she said with a nervous grin on her face. “Well....okay then. See ya round I guess.” he said as he walked past the cyan pegasus as he gave her a suspicious look. As soon as he went was inside Rainbow wiped her fore head in relief. She then noticed two familiar looking unicorns sneaking in bushes near Sugar Cube Corner, she followed them with haste. “Twilight what are we going to do?” Rarity asked with a worried look on her face. “I don’t know, but we promised to help Steel out in whatever way we can.” “What are you two doing back here?” Rainbow said as she hovered over the two unicorns with an intense look in her eye. This caused both unicorns to scream, their mouths were soon covered by the pegasus’s hooves. “Shhhhhhh! You’ll blow my cover!” Rainbow said as she poked her head in the window to see that Applejack had arrived. “Rainbow what are you doing here?” Twilight said softly. “Making sure Pinkie doesn’t ruin AJ’s date. What are you guys doing here?” “Same reason. We want to make sure things go smoothly.” Rarity said as she peered into the window. “Twilight and I have been thinking of different ways to stop her but we’ve had no luck. Do you have any ideas?” “I tried to get the Cakes to give Pinkie the night off, but they need her to handle the crowd tonight.” Rainbow said with a defeated look on her face. The three mares then turned their attention back to their friends date. Back inside Sugar Cube Corner, Steel and Applejack had found a booth and began to talk. Soon Mr Cake came over to take their orders. “Howdy Mr. Cake” AJ said as she tipped her hat. “Hello Applejack, what brings you here?” Mr. Cake then noticed Steel sitting across from her. “Is this is a da-” Mr. Cake was cut off by both ponies making the ‘hush’ sound. AJ then whispered to Mr. Cake. “Yes it is and we would appreciate it if you wouldn’t tell Pinkie, we’re trying to be discreet here.” Applejack said with a concerned look on her face. “Of corse, don’t worry were so crowded I doubt she’ll even notice you and I’ll be your waiter this evening.” he said as the two ponies breathed a sigh of relief. Mr. Cake then took out his note pad, “Now what can I get for you two?” “I’ll have the hay fries with a salad.” Applejack said. “I’ll have the same.” Steel said as he handed the menu’s to Mr. Cake. “Alright, be back in a couple of minutes with your food.” Mr Cake said as he took his leave. Steel then looked at Applejack who had a blush across her face. “You were worried about Pinkie too?” Steel said with alight chuckle. “Yeah, but don’t worry ah got Rainbow to keep her busy.” she said with a sly grin. “Oh you did? Because I kinda told Twilight and Rarity to do the same.” he said as he scratched the back of his mane in embarrassment. “Well, it looks like the Cakes and Pinkie have their hooves full at the moment, so I think we’re in the clear.” AJ said as she winked at Steel. Mr. Cake had just come back with their food, and the two began to eat and talk while Rainbow, Twilight and Rarity all watched from the nearby window. “Awwe, they are so cute together.” Rarity cooed. “They do seem pretty compatible.” Twilight said. “Who’s compatible?” “Steel Hammer and Applejack who do you think Rainbow?” Twilight condescended. “Um, Twilight I’m up here.” Rainbow said as Twilight looked and saw that Dash was above her. All three mares turned their head to see a giddy pink mare barely able to hold in her excitement.“Uh oh.” before the pink pony could burst inside she was stopped by a magical purple cage. “Hey! What gives! I wanna see who AJ’s dating and throw them a par-” Pinkie was cut off by a cyan hoof. “Thats the problem Pinks, they don’t want a big party right now. The reason why we didn’t tell you earlier is so that they could have their first date in peace.” Rainbow said as she put a hoof on her friends shoulder. “Oh, is that all? Okay then I’ll throw them one some other time.” she said with a smile and started to bounce away. “Wait! you mean to tell us that you WON’T disturb them? Just like that? No crazy scheme, no party cannon? ” Rarity said in surprise. “Well, ya c’mon it’s AJ’s first date and I don’t want to mess that up. Plus if their expecting it then it won’t be a surprise.” Pinkie said as she trotted back inside leaving the three mares dumbfounded. “How did she get out of the cage?” Rainbow said, but soon let it go. If it’s one thing the three mares learned from their friend its ‘don’t question the Pinkie Pie.’ When Twilight looked back through the window she saw that Steel and Applejack were gone. “C’mon city boy, this way!” Applejack said as she led Steel through Sweet AppleAcres. “Where are you taking me?” Steel said as he kept up with the orange mare. “You’ll see.” she said as they made their way into a clearing. The clearing was on top of the highest hill in Sweet AppleAcres except for a lone apple tree. Steel then sat down next to his mare friend and began to stare up at the sky. Applejack then rested her head on Steel’s side and began to nuzzle the stallion. The two sat there for who knows how long. the two then made their way back towards the farm house. Steel kissed Applejack goodnight and headed home himself. Once he laid down in his bed he couldn’t help but smile at the result of the night. Authors note: Okay, I know this chapter wasn't as good as the others, I haven’t been able to focus on this, I have too much to do with finals and term papers right around the corner and I just wanted to get this chapter over and done with. The rest of the story will be way more interesting. Chapter 5Chapter 5. It had been nine months since that first date, and things couldn’t be better between Steel and Applejack. On their second date pinkie threw them the biggest couples party they had ever seen, they knew that it was inevitable so they embraced the situation. Applejack introduced Steel to the rest of her family. Applebloom and Granny Smith welcomed him with open hooves, Big Mac was still suspicious of him but he started to accept him after Steel forged him a new plow. Steel spent his days off working at Sweet AppleAcres with Applejack. “Hey hun can ah ask you something?” Applejack said as she finished picking up the fallen apples. “Sure, ask me anything.” “How come I haven’t met your family yet?” the orange mare said with an eager look. Steel froze at the thought, he’d hope that she wouldn’t have asked this of him. Steel knew he couldn’t avoid it forever. “Okay, you’ve been patient and I think you have the right to know. When I left Canterlot my father was furious. He had been berating me and breaking me down for years, ever since I discovered my forging talent. He had been trying to convince me to become a ‘proper stallion.’ I didn’t want to have anything to do with my fathers banking business.” he said as he glanced over at Applejack who had stopped working and was hanging on every word. As he continued tears started to form in his eyes. “One day he finally pushed me over the edge, he said that I was a complete and utter waste of his time and money. He then proceeded to say that it was my fault that my mother died and that I was nothing but a disgrace to the family. I lashed out and knocked him unconscious.” Steel then began to cry into the orange mare’s shoulder. “It’s okay sugar, you don’t have to tell me any more.” Applejack said as she wrapped him a tight hug. “No, I have to say this before I loose my nerve. After that I went to my uncle, on my mothers side who supported my dream. He gave me a couple hundred bits and I ran to the nearest town. I laid low for a couple days and eventually made my way here.” AJ couldn’t hold back any longer and began crying uncontrollably at the sad story. “For all I know my father thinks I’m dead. Sometimes I get letters from my uncle to make sure I’m alright. Even though he’s from Canterlot he’s very kind and understanding.” Steel finished his story with tears streaming down his face, he looked at Applejack and saw the same. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories. Have you ever tried to patch things up?” Applejack said with hope in her voice. “I sent my father a letter to tell him that I was fine. It was returned soon after, unopened. He’s washed his hooves of me and that’s just fine.” Steel said wiping the tears away. AJ brought him into another hug. “Thanks AJ, for everything. I’ve been carrying that around with me for so long I never really coped with it.” “That’s what I’m here for.” she said as she gave him a quick beck on the cheek. The two ended the embrace and went back to work. Steel then saw three fillies hurrying up the path way leaving tracks behind them. “Hey, Steel we need a favor.” Scootaloo said with a small grin. “Well what is it?” Steel said as he picked up the fallen apples. “We kinda volunteered you for metal working demonstration at school.” Sweetie Belle said with a sheepish grin. “YOU DID WHAT!?” “It’s just that we were learning about the different kinds of crafts like wood working. Then I mentioned that I know you and one thing led to another. Can you please do it?” Applebloom said as the three fillies used their notorious puppy eyes on the grey stallion. Damn it! They got me! There should be a law against kids using that look. “Alright girls, I’ll do it. Just tell me where and when.” Steel said as he let out a sigh. The three fillies beamed at his response. “Thanks Steel. We need you tomorrow at the school yard.” Scootaloo said as the three zoomed away. Steel just stood there with a defeated look on his face. Applejack then returned and trotted over to the stallion. “What’s up sugar?” “Your sis and her friends pulled their sad eyes on me and now I have to do a demonstration in front of the school on Monday.” “Ahh, so that’s what’s got you down. Tell ya what, how about I help you with the kids?” “Really? What about the farm I don’t want to keep you from your work.” “It’s no trouble you’ll just owe me something.” she said with a mischievous grin. “Oh no, what is it?” Steel said with concern in his voice. Applejack drew closer and whispered a few words to his ear. Steel’s face suddenly became contorted with shock and his right eye started to twitch. “Steel?” AJ said as she waved a hoof in front of his face. “Ah, think I just broke my colt-friend.” “Eeyup.” Steel replied giving a sly grin to the orange mare. “Very funny city boy.” she said as she gave him a kiss. The two trotted back back to the farm and parted ways. Steel’s decided to pay Ms. Cherilee to confirm his visit on Monday. He decided to check Sugar Cube Corner and saw her sitting in a booth. “Hey Cherilee.” “Steel, I’m glad I ran into you I was wondering if you could possibly-” “Yeah the CMC got me to agree to a demonstration earlier.” he said as he scratched his neck “Oh good, do you have any preferences?” the maroon mare asked as she sipped her drink. “I think I can use my travel kit out in the school yard to make some bowls for the kids. Is that alright?” “I think that would be perfect. Sorry for asking this of you, I know you’re busy.” Cherilee said as she got up. “It’s no trouble and it would be a good learning experience for the kids. Plus Applejack is going to help me.” “Thank you so much, see you tomorrow.” she said as she trotted out the door. Steel waved to the mare and trotted home. Steel entered his shop and got his supplies together for the demonstration. After he had, he decided to get some well deserved sleep. Unfortunately his sleep was stirred by a memory, long forgotten. One year ago. Steel Hammer ran through the dark and rainy streets of Canterlot to the only place that he felt at home, the forge. He began to knock hard against the door until a large earth pony stallion with a black coat and red mane opened it. “Steel? What in the hay are you doing here at this hour?” he said as he ushered the wet unicorn inside. Once Steel was inside he explained to his mentor what transpired between him and his father that night. “I’m sorry, Iron. I just didn’t know where else to go.” Steel said as he hung his head in shame. Iron sword then looked over to his apprentice and gave him a cup of coffee. “Steel, you have nothing to apologize for. I’m glad that you stood up to him.” Iron said as he put a hoof on his students’ shoulder. “I know, but what am I gonna do? I have no job, I can’t stay in Canterlot, and no idea what to do next.” Steel said as he held his head in shame. “True. But you do have something.” “Oh yeah, what?” he said as he lifted his head. “A bag full of bits, a hammer and some-pony who believes in you.” Iron said as he gave Steel a smile. “You believe I have what it takes?” “Do you remember when I first met you? You were no older than eight, no cutie mark, no future and no talent what so ever. But the one thing I did see in you was potential, that’s why I chose you to be my student.” he said as he began to dig through his closet. “Thanks Iron you’ve given me so much I only wish I could make you proud of me.” “You already have my boy, now close your eyes.” he said as he pulled a box out from the closet. Steel did as he was asked he then felt a heavy object land on his lap. Steel opened his eyes to see a black hammer. “That is a one of a kind hammer my friend, the hammer was forged using a dragons flame and the metal itself is made from the birth place of forging, The Cauldron. No matter how hard you use this hammer it will never break and this has a special feature. Once this hammer bonds with it’s true creator it cannot be used by any-pony else. You are this hammers maker.” Iron finished. Steel just stared down at the master piece that lay before him. “What? Theres no way I could’ve made something as perfect as this.” “No, not yet. This hammer still needs one more thing before it is complete.” “What’s that?” “A little bit of magic. For this hammer to be completed it needs to bond with the users magic and soul, so that the two are one. Only forge masters have been able to achieve this and I believe that you are worthy.” Iron said as he put a hoof on his friends shoulder. Steel began to pour his magic into the hammer, it started to glow, Steel and the hammer started to levitate. Steel’s eyes glowed white with raw magic, suddenly a beam of light shot through the house and into the sky piercing the cloud layer. Iron looked in awe as his student was lowered back down to the ground with the hammer in hoof that now had an imprint of his cutie mark on the face of the hammer. Steel stood there trying to catch his breath. “Congratulations, your a forge master.” Iron said as he put a hoof on his student’s shoulder. Steel then turned around and embraced his mentor in a hug, Iron returned the hug. He then heard a series of loud knocks at the door. “Royal Guard! Open up!” said a gruff voice. “Oh no, My dad’s got the guards looking for me! I gotta hide.” Steel said in fear. “No you need to leave Canterlot! Do you have someplace you can stay?” “My uncle! He’ll take me in.” “Then go now! I’ll distract the guards, you slip out through the back door. And Steel.” “Yeah what?” Steel said as he took one last look at his mentor with tears in his eyes. “Take care of yourself.” Iron said with a grin. Steel then bolted out the door with tears in his eyes he didn’t stop until he reached his uncle’s estate. The butler recognized Steel instantly and led him inside to his uncles’ study. The butler then returned with Steel’s uncle he was a tall White unicorn with a light blue mane. Steel then began to explain everything, Steel’s uncle understood what he needed and threw him a bag filled to the brim with bit’s. Steel wanted to protest but he knew that his uncle was right. “Don’t worry old chap, I have friend in the guards who will be able to take you out of Canterlot undetected.” he said as he put a hoof on his nephew’s shoulder. “You can come in now.” he said as the butler opened the door to reveal a tall white unicorn stallion. “I trust you understand the situation?” “Yes sir. Get Steel Hammer out of Canterlot quickly and quietly as possible.” he said as he gave a salute. “Excellent, Steel do you know where to go?” “No, I’ve never really been anywhere except Canterlot. Do you have any suggestions?” Steel asked the tall unicorn. “Yes, I know a small town not to far from here, the ponies are nice and they’re in need of a black smith. I think it’ll be perfect for you.” The guard said as he scratched his chin. “Excellent, a nice small town. When does the train leave?” “The train is too risky. We’ll have to hoof it to the south end of Canterlot that’s the closest I can take you, just follow the road and you’ll get to the town in no time.” he said with a grin. “Fine by me. Uncle can do you think you could-” “I will personally look after your equipment until you send word.” “Thank you, all of you. When do we leave?” Steel said as he looked at the guard. “We leave in ten minutes, leave all that can be spared. We travel light. I’ll be waiting for you out near the front gate.” the guard said as he left the study. Steel began to pack his saddle bags with food and supplies he kept his hammer in his bag at the bottom. He was ready to go when his uncle called him into the study, one last time. He handed Steel a first edition book signed by the author. “The Horse. An Unexpected Jour-neigh” by R.J. Colton. “Uncle Fancy, one last thing. Please tell Iron Sword I made it out alright, I don’t want him to worry.” Steel said as he left the study. “Of corse lad. Now Go! Before the sun rises.” he said as he pushed his nephew out the door. Steel gave his uncle one last hug and ventured out into the night with the guard. By the time Celestia’s sun began to rise over Canterlot Steel and the guard had made it just beyond the city limits. The guard suddenly stopped and caught his breath. “I’m sorry this is as far as I can take you, you’ll have to hoof it on your own for a while.” the stallion said as he looked at Steel. “That’s okay, thank you for aiding me.” as Steel began to trot down the road he turned back to the guard. “By the way what’s your name?” “My name is Armor. Shining Armor.” he said with a smile. “Thank you Shining Armor. If we meet again drinks are on me.” “I’ll hold you to that.” Shining said as he galloped back into the white city. Steel then turned to the path ahead of him. He took a moment to take in what had happened, he then broke into a gallop. Every day he looked ahead hoping to see the town. On the fifth day of his journey his eyes laid on the prized he sought, Ponyville. “I have a good feeling about this place.” Steel said as he made his way into the small town. The dream had collapsed and Steel found himself waking up to his alarm clock. He trotted over to a small wooden black box. He opened it to reveal the black hammer Iron had given to him, he set the box and hammer back in it's proper place as he trotted out the door with his supplies for the demonstration. Chapter 6Chapter 6 Steel got to the school yard early and began to set up his tools. He started a fire and placed a small crucible in the center, he off loaded his anvil with his magic and set it down next to the blocks of metal he brought with him. As he sat there he took out his pipe and began to chew on the end, he only did this when he was nervous. The pipe belonged to his grandfather that he left for him, it was hoof crafted in Gryphonia and very rare to come by. One by one he saw the children enter the school and looked at him with excitement in their eyes. Applejack soon arrived and helped off load the rest of Steel’s equipment. Soon the children began to funnel out into the school yard and circled around Steel and his equipment. “Okay, my little ponies. Steel Hammer has volunteered his time to give you a demonstration of how to craft metal. Please give him your undivided attention.” Cherilee said as she eyed the students. “Thank you Ms. Cherilee.” he said as he turned his attention to the little fillies and colts. “Alright kids who here knows what forging is?” Steel saw a familiar white unicorn raise a hoof. “yes Sweetie Belle.” “I think it’s the art of crafting metal into a different form.” the little filly said with a blush. “Correct.You see I heat the metal until it is reduced liquid form and then re-shape it into anything I choose.” he said as he dipped a metal ladle into the crucible and took out the bubbling silver liquid. “Now in this form metal is extremely dangerous, if it get’s on anything it will burn and will harden soon afterwards.” he said as he put the liquid back into the crucible. He then saw two fillies starting to leave the group, a grey and pink earth pony. “Um excuse me, where are you two going?” “Well we have no interest to learn how metal is made. It’s dirty work and why should we take orders from a dirty blacksmith and a farmer?” said the small pink filly. “Why you two little-” Applejack began but then was cut off. “It’s alright Applejack.” Steel said as he turned his attention back to the two fillies. “Are you Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon?” “Yes, why?” “Your reputations precede you. And I suggest you sit and listen unless you want me to fail you both for today.” he said with a small grin. “What you can’t do that! Can he Ms. Cherilee?” asked Diamond Tiara “Yes he can, Mr. Steel is in charge for the day, he and Ms. Applejack have the same authority as I do.” Ms. Cherilee said with a cold stare. The two filly’s returned with a small grumble. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom let out a small laugh. The rest of the day went smoothy, Steel decided to make some bowls and cups for the kids to take home. As the day wrapped up he saw a small green unicorn with scissors as a cutie mark raise his hoof. “Yes, in the back?” “Um have you ever made any weapons?” Steel bit his lip at the question. “Yes I have, in the past but I don’t any more.” “Why, not?” “Never really much call for it in Ponyville. Plus I had a bad ‘experience’ with forging a dagger one time.” he said as he began to clean up. “What happened?” “Sorry, but that’s on a need to know basis. And you all don’t need to know.” he said as he packed up the last of his equipment. “Sorry kids, It’s time I take my leave, good luck and stay in school.” He said as he loaded up his cart and trotted back to the shop with Applejack following close behind. “So why don’t you make weapons anymore?” Applejack asked. “AJ, please don’t ask me that.” he said as he opened his shop with a sad look on his face. “Alright, Ah won’t pry.” Applejack said as she trotted inside the shop. “Thanks for your help today AJ, those kids were a handful.” “Don’t mention it, plus you still owe me for helping ya.” she said as she walked past him as she brushed her tail under his chin and trotted up to his home. Steel followed with haste after his mare friend. Steel began to show her around his home. When he came back from the restroom he found his mare friend sprawled out on his bed with her hat off and hair undone. Steels jaw dropped at the sight of such beauty. “Hey, city boy how about a roll in the hay?” she said with a devilish grin. Steel walked calmly over to her and kissed her passionately. “Well, I’m not one to deny such a beautiful mare.” he said with a grin as he turned out the light. Steel woke up to the smell of apples and sweat. He looked over to the orange mare sleeping peacefully next to him. Steel got up off the bed and went to the restroom and washed up. Steel returned to his room seeing that AJ had woken up and was now sitting on his bed with a satisfied grin on her face. “Morning, partner.” “Morning.” he said with smile. Applejack then got to her hooves and stumbled a bit. “Great, how am ah supposed to buck apples if I can’t even walk straight.” she said as she tried to regain her balance. “Sorry.” he said as he trotted over to his mare friend. She then gave him a quick kiss. “I’m not.” Applejack said as she nuzzled his chest. Applejack then went into the kitchen to make them some breakfast. Steel went down to the store and started to set up shop until he heard a knock at the door. Steel opened it to see Rarity. “Hello, Steel I have a friend here who-” Rarity stopped as she saw Applejack descend from the stair case. “Oh, I didn’t realize you had company, I’ll come back later and..oof!” Rarity said as Steel grabbed and pulled her inside the shop. “Well I say!” “Rarity you’d better not tell any-pony about this!” Applejack said with an angry look in her eyes. “Of corse darling, I wouldn’t dream of it.” “You said you had a friend with you?” Steel said as he crossed his front hooves. “Yes, a friend of mine from Canterlot, he claims to know you. You can come in now.” Rarity said to the figure standing outside the door. “Hello old boy.” said the familiar voice. Steel was shocked beyond belief at who stood before him, his Uncle. “Uncle Fancy! I can’t believe it!” he said as he hugged the stallion. Rarity’s and Applejacks face were frozen in state of shock. “Fa-Fancy Pants is your u-uncle!?” Rarity said as she tried to come to terms with the situation. “Yeah on my moms side! He helped me get out of Canterlot.” Steel said to the white mare. “Have I ever told you how much I love metal.” Rarity cooed but soon felt a hoof on her shoulder. Applejack was giving Rarity a stare that would make an Ursa Major cower in fear. “Don’t even THINK about it!” Applejack said with rage in her voice. “Come now Applejack, do you really think that I would come between you two?” Rarity said with a smile. Fancy’s attention then shifted to the orange mare. “Ah, so you’re Applejack. My nephew has told me quite a bit about you in his letters. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Fancy said as he bowed his head. “Well, shucks mister it’s nice to meet the stallion that helped my colt-friend.” she said as she trotted next to Steel. “So, Uncle what are you doing here? Hows Iron doing?” “I was doing some business with Rarity, when she mentioned a certain blacksmith entered town a few months ago. And I decided that I should check and see if it was you.” he said with a grin. “Iron Sword is doing fine he asks me about you a lot, he’ll be overjoyed when I tell him that I saw you.” “That’s great! tell him I’ll visit soon.” Steel said with a big smile on his face. “Who’s Iron Sword?” Applejack asked. “He was my mentor back in Canterlot he taught me everything I know about forging. He’s the closest thing to father I have. No offense Uncle.” “None taken. I have an Idea, how about you three show me around Ponyville.” Fancy said. “Great idea! Is it alright with you AJ?” “It’s fine I just ned to stop at Sweet Apple Acres to let my family know I’m okay.” “Perfect that’ll be our first stop. I just need five minutes to get ready.” Steel said as he hurried up stairs. “I’m glad he found you Ms. Apple, I haven’t seen him smile like that since before his mother died.” Fancy said as he looked at the orange mare. “What was his mother like?” “She was a very cheerful unicorn, my sister. Whenever I was down in the dumps she always made me feel happy again. Then she was taken from us and that’s when Steel stopped smiling. He blames himself for her death, he’s had to carry that burden for so long.” “Why does he blame himself?” Rarity asked. Fancy realized he’s said too much. “I’m sorry ladies it’s not my place to say.” Fancy said with a sad look on his face. Steel then returned to the group freshened up and with a smile on his face. “Ready to go?” “Yes, lets get going.” Rarity said as she turned towards the door with Fancy right behind her. Applejack managed to fake a smile as Steel passed her and trotted outside, she couldn’t help but wonder about Steel’s mother as the group made their way to Sweet Apple Acres. Rarity and Fancy began to talk and gossip about business. Applejack led the way to Sweet Apple Acres, once the group got to the farm Applejack introduced Fancy to Granny Smith, Applebloom and Big Mac, who then pulled Steel inside the barn. “Can ah talk to you for a minute?” Big mac said to the blacksmith. “Sure what’s up?” “Why is my sister walking with slight limp?” Big mac said as he glared at the unicorn. “Um....well I......oh forget it. We spent the night together.” Steel said as he looked the large stallion in the eye. Big mac then took a deep breath. “Ah appreciate ya for being honest with me. However I still gotta do this.” he said as his right hoof collided with Steel’s face sending him flying out of the barn. “Sorry about that.” “WHAT THE BUCK WAS THAT FOR?” Steel said as he clutched his face in pain. “It was nothing personal, just my brotherly duties. I would’ve had to do it to any stallion that took my sisters virginity, it just so happened that it was you.” Big Mac said as helped Steel up from the ground. “And I’m only gonna say this once break her heart and I’ll break you.” he said as his eyes narrowed on the unicorn who was now bleeding from his nose. “Wouldn’t even dream of it Mac.” he said as he shook the stallions hoof. “But, I’ll have to get you back one day for hitting me.” Steel said with a grin. “Ah suppose that’s fair.” Mac said with a chuckle the two friends then trotted inside the farm house to rejoin the others. Applejack rushed to her colt friends side with a worried look on her face. “What happened?” “Just stumbled over some farm equipment.” he said to his mare friend. “Right, I’m pretty sure it was red tool.” she said as she eyed her brother who had started to whistle. “Well, lets get going.” Steel said as he put a hoof on his mare friends back and led her out of the house where Fancy and Rarity were waiting for them. The group then headed down into Ponyville. They stopped for lunch at Sugar Cube Corner, and then visited Twilight at the library. Fancy was impressed by Twilights knowledge and book collection. When Celestia’s sun started to lower Fancy escorted Rarity back to Carousel Boutique. The trio went back to Steel’s shop. “Well old boy, it was great catching up with you, but I must take my leave and return to Canterlot.” Fancy said with warm smile. “Yes it was great to see you too and tell Iron I’ll visit him soon.” “Of corse, goodbye.” Fancy said as he left the shop and trotted back to the train station. Applejack then began to walk back to Sweet Apple Acres after she kissed Steel goodnight. The black smith decided to go to bed it had been an exhausting day and he had to get up for work tomorrow. He laid down in his bed and drifted off to blissful sleep. Chapter 8Chapter 8. The five ponies were waiting in the hospital lobby hoping that heir friend’s were okay. Rainbow and Rarity were doing their best to comfort Applejack that was sobbing in the corner. The doctor soon came out to the five ponies, suddenly two stallions stepped into the hospital and joined the group, one of them wasFancy Pants and the other one was a red earth pony with a sword for cutie mark. Fancy took a moment to apologize for being late. “Doctor are they going to be alright?” Twilight said as the other ponies trotted to her side. “Ms. Pinkie Pie only has a cracked rib and will be up and about in a few days.” “What about Steel?” Applejack said through the sobs. “He had the worst of it I’m afraid. His right cheek bone is shattered, his skull is cracked which is causing massive swelling in his brain and his right hoof has permanent nerve damage.” Applejack then broke down in tears Rainbow took her aside. “I’m so sorry but he has forty-sixty chance at recovery and even then severe brain damage is expected. Honestly it’s nothing short of a miracle that he’s still alive.” the doctor said to the now teary eyed Twilight. The doctor then left the ponies who had all started to sob. Fancy pants was close to tears as well, the red earth pony walked over to the sobbing orange mare. “Who’re you?” Rainbow said to the strange stallion. “My name is Iron Sword, I’m Steel Hammers mentor.” “Why’re you here?” Applejack said through the sobs. “To help my pupil. Did one of you grab the hammer that was used?” he said as he ran his gaze over the mares. “Yeah, I did.” Rainbow said as she withdrew the hammer. Iron took it from her and began to look it over, a smile spread across his face. “Steel should be just fine.” he said with a laugh. The other ponies were now looking at him as though he had grown an extra head. “What are you talking about? Did you hear the doctor’s diagnosis?” Twilight said. “What’s Steel Hammers’ room number?” Iron asked the nurse. “It’s C25 but you can’t-” she was cut off by Iron walking past her. The other ponies followed him with haste to the room. As they opened the door they saw a familiar pink mare laying down half asleep and on the next bed over was a familiar grey unicorn strapped up to a series of machines. Iron walked over to him and put the black ox on the foot of the bed and went over to his apprentice and began to examine him. “Yeah, he’s should be just fine.” at this Applejack couldn’t hold back any longer she marched up to the red stallion and slapped him across the face with her hoof so hard it left an imprint. “WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU? YOU’RE HIS MENTOR, STEEL LOOKS UP TO YOU LIKE A FATHER AND NOW SEEING HIM HERE LIKE THIS ALL YOU CAN SAY IS ‘HE’S GONNA BE FINE.’ WELL A’HM LOKING AT HIM NOW AND HE DOESN’T LOOK FINE!!” Applejack screamed as tears were poring down her face. “You must be Applejack his mare friend, and the reason why I’m like this is because I think I can cure him!” he said as he rubbed his cheek where the orange mare had slapped him. “How can you do that when the doctors have tried every thing?” Rainbow said with puzzled look. “Steel’s a forge master, forge masters have this little trick for healing serious injuries by storing some of their power inside their tools, so they should be able to heal him." “Should?” Twilight said with a condescending look. “This process is a bit...risky. If it doesn’t work then he could die.” Iron said looking down at the bed. “But if it does work, then he’ll be the same as he ever was.” “So, let me get this straight. If it works then he’ll come back, if it doesn’t he’ll die and if we sit and do nothing then he’ll be vegetable for the rest of his life.” Twilight said as she scratched her mane. “In a nut shell, yes.” Iron said as he looked over the faces of the ponies crowded into the tiny room. “Listen, his letters said that you guys are his best friends so if you want to take the risk then you have my support.” Iron said looking back at his student. “Mine as well.” Fancy said to the group of mares. Twilight and the other girls looked at Applejack who had finally stopped crying. “Are you sure that this thing can bring him back?” “Theres a possibility, yes.” “Than theres nothing left to talk about. Do it!” Applejack said as she got up and trotted over to her colt friends side. “Alright, It’ll take some time. Fancy I need you to go to his shop and find a hammer. It’s a black hammer it should be in a black wooden box.” “I’ll depart immediately.” Fancy said as he galloped out the door. “What should we do?” Rainbow said to the red stallion. “It looks like your pink friend is awake.” Iron said as he pointed to the pink blob that was starting to wake up and look over to the group of ponies. The four friends then trotted over to Pinkie Pie. Pinkie began to tell them about to fight between Steel and Thunderlane and his goons. “Why that son of a bitch! I’m gonna destroy him.” Rainbow said with fire in her eyes. The other mares managed to calm her down. Iron then walked over to Applejack who was still by Steel’s side. “Can I talk to you for a minute?” “S-sure.” AJ said reluctantly. The two trotted outside the hospital room and sat down in the lobby. “Listen Ah’m really sorry about hitting you earlier. It’s just that I love Steel and I...” Applejack was cut off by Iron. “You have nothing to apologize for, I was only putting on that attitude back in there to reassure Fancy, to be honest I’m scared to death of what might happen to him.” Iron said as tears began to form in his eyes. “Steel is like a son to me, I was there when he got his cutie mark, when he graduated from school and when he showed talent in forging I took him under my wing. When I saw your reaction, I could tell that you love him.” “So can you help him?” “I believe so, I hope so, not just for our sake but for Fancy’s as well. Stallions’ already lost his sister, Steel is his only connection to her he has left.” “How did Steel’s mom die?” Applejack asked as she wiped the tears away. “He didn’t tell you? I guess you deserve to know. Steel was working on the forge when a strange looking stallion came in and bought one of the daggers Steel had made. Later that night his family went out to see a play, on the way back they were ambushed and his mother was killed right in front of him. Luckily a guard was nearby and managed to subdue the stallion before he did anything else. The stallion was the same one that bought the dagger form the shop earlier that day. Since that day Steel never crafted another weapon and has felt guilty ever since.” Iron finished the story and looked back towards the orange mare. “Ah-ah never knew he felt so guilty. It wasn’t his fault it’s not like he stabbed her.” Applejack said as she tried to calm the situation. “True, but he feels guilty that something he made had ended another ponies life. A forge master must take responsibility for their creations, that’s the burden all forge masters share.” he said as he put a hoof on Applejacks shoulder. “I’m glad he met you.” Fancy Pants then burst through the hospital doors carrying a black wooden box with his magic. Iron took the box and went back inside the room Applejack and Fancy followed close behind. Iron set the box on the foot of the bed and looked at every-pony else with a flat look on his face. “Now, we begin.” Authors note: Brony of Truth, you called it. Chapter 9Chapter 9. The group of ponies all crowded around Steel Hammer who was still lying in a comatose state. Iron sword withdrew the hammer and wrapped steels hooves around it. “Well, here goes nothing.” he said as he connected the hammer with Steels horn, Suddenly the hammer began to glow and levitate and produce a magical aura that enveloped the grey stallion. A bright light began to shine between the hammer and it’s master, suddenly Steels eyes began to glow and rise from the bed being suspended by the growing magic coming from the tool. A sudden flash of light, both the hammer and steel fell to the bed. The ponies suddenly rushed to his side, Applejack was in tears Steel took one look at his apprentice and began to cry. Steel awoke in a place that was shrouded in white, a voice called to him from beyond. Steel knew this voice but his mind couldn’t believe it. “Mother?” “Yes, it’s so good to see you again.” said the angelic voice. A body started to appear a unicorn mare with a light blue coat black hair and piercing red eyes. She came over and gave her son a long awaited hug. “Wait, if I’m her and you’re here then does that mean that I’m...” “I’m so sorry, yes.” “Mom, I’m so sorry that I...” Steel was cut off by his mothers voice. “What happened to me was not your fault, you must forgive yourself.” “But I built the thing that killed you. How can I ever forgive myself for that?” he said as he began to cry. “I know my son would not intentionally build something for destruction, it was just fate that this happened to me and no-pony is to blame. Not even your father.” “But of I hadn’t become a forger then none of this would have happened and we would be a happy family.” he said with anger in his voice. “So are you saying that you’re unhappy now? Remember you have ponies who love you and will support you.” “I have my friends, I have my family and I have....Applejack.” he said with a smile. “She is a good mare and loves you with all her heart.” she said as she wrapped him in another hug. “I love her too. She make me feel like I’m the luckiest stallion in the world and I can’t bear the thought of losing her.” “Imagine how she feels right now.” Steels mother said as she broke the hug. Steel began to glow and fly up. Steel looked confused at what was happening to him. “It looks like it isn’t your time yet, be good to her Steel and remember that I love you and will always watch over you.” she said with tears of joy in her eyes. Steel began to feel life dwell within his body once more he felt the air in his lungs but more importantly he felt a familiar pair of lips pressed against his and a voice saying ‘Ah love you Steel Hammer.’ “I love you too Applejack.” he said as he began to open his eyes. He saw all the ponies he cared about with tears streaming down their faces. Applejack brought him into a hug strong enough to crush a manticore’s spine. “AJ......can’t........breathe!” he said as she loosened her grip. he returned the hug with what strength he had. The others soon joined the hug. For the first time in along time Steel Hammer felt at peace with himself. Steel and Pinkie were discharged from the hospital two days later with a clean bill of health. He heard that Thunderlane had been sentenced to four years in prison for assault and battery, Steel didn’t really pay attention all he wanted to do was focus on Applejack. Two years had passed since that incident, in time Steel managed to save up enough money to buy a house, Applejack moved in with him and still worked at Sweet Apple Acres. Steel’s forging soon became famous all over Equestria, so much that he had to hire some help, and Iron Sword just happened to move to Ponyville. Steel was getting orders as far away as the Crystal Empire, this gave him the chance to experiment with forging crystal metal. One night he and Applejack went out to Sugar Cube Corner, the two sat in their usual booth soon their friends started to arrive. “What in the hay are y’all doing her?” she asked as she raised an eyebrow. “Applejack, theres something I need to ask.” he said as he took out a small box. “What is that?” she said as Steel took her hoof in his. “Applejack, before I met you my life was hollow and un-eventful. You’ve been there for me through thick and thin, I know I haven’t always been there for you, but I’d like to change that.” Steel said as he opened the small box revealing a golden necklace with an amber cut in the shape of an apple in the center. he then got down on one knee. “Applejack Abigail Apple will you marry me?” Applejack had tears of joy running down her face she grabbed steel and pressed her lips against his. “Yes! Yes I will!” AJ said as she put the necklace on, all of her friends now had tears pouring from their eyes. As Steel and AJ left after Pinkie had thrown them the biggest engagement party any-pony has ever seen. Steel and Applejack went to the spot at Sweet Apple Acres where they ended their first date, the two decided to spend the night under the stars and apple trees. Chapter 10: EndChapter 10 The day had finally arrived, the day Steel had been waiting his whole life for, the day he married the mare of his dreams, He was sporting a jet black tuxedo with a red tie. He chose Iron as his best stallion and Princess Celestia was overseeing the ceremony. He stood at the alter waiting for his bride to be. Applejack walked to the alter wearing a stunning white dress complete with a white stetson holding the veil, Steel couldn’t take his eyes off of her. The rest of AJ’s friends were the brides maids, Rainbow was the mare of honor and the CMC were flower fillies. “Do you Steel Hammer, take Applejack Apple to be you lawfully wedded wife and promise to cherish and love her for as long as you both shall live?” “I do.” “And do you Applejack Apple, take Steel Hammer to be your lawfully wedded husband and promise to support him, to be there for him always in sickness and in health?” “Ah do.” “Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you Mare and Colt.” she said as she levitated the two rings, Steels’ was on his horn and Applejack’s was on a necklace. “You may now kiss the bride.” Steel then swept Applejack off her hooves and kissed her passionately. As they ended the kiss Steel saw that all of AJ’s friends were in tears even the tough as nails cyan pegasus and the worker red farm stallion couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. After the ceremony they headed to the reception hall and began to party. Pinkie was the obvious choice for running the event. Soon Steel and Applejack made their way over to Fancy Pants and his wife Fleur. “Congratulations, my boy!” he said as he shook Steel’s hoof. “It was such a beautiful ceremony.” said Fleur as she trotted next to Fancy who now had a nervous look on his face. “What’s wrong uncle?” “Steel theres some one here you need to talk too.” he said as he pointed to the stallion sitting in the corner. Steel, Fancy and Applejack trotted over to the unicorn stallion, his coat was a dark blue mane was bright red and his cutie mark was dollar signs. Steel’s eyes widened at who sat before him. “Dad?” “Hello son, it’s been awhile.” he said as he sipped his drink. “Dad what are you-” Steel was cut off by his father raising a hoof. “Before you shout, I just want to say something, something I should have said a long, long time ago.” he said as he took a deep breathe. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the way I acted that night, I’m sorry for not being there for you when you needed me, I’m sorry for blaming you for your mothers death. I know I was a horrible father to you and I know that theres nothing I can do to make that up. I just want to let you know that your my son and I love you and you have my blessings.” he said teary eyed as he began to trot towards the door he was stopped by a grey hoof on his shoulder that then brought him into a hug. “Dad, I forgive you. What matters to me right now is that your here. But why didn’t you read my letters I sent you?” Steel asked with tears in his eyes. “I was too ashamed of what I’d done, I didn’t have the courage to face you. I was afraid that you’d throw me out of your life a second time. I was ashamed that I let the best thing in my life run right out the door due my stupid ego.” he said as he returned a hug. “Dad, I love you too, and I want nothing more than for you to be apart of this family.” Steel said as he finally broke the hug. “Come, I want you to meet my wife.” Steel said as he led him over to Applejack who was smiling at Steel with tears in her eyes. Fin. Authors note: I literally cried while writing this, hope you all enjoyed it. I plan on writing and Epilogue. Chapter 7Authors note: Wow, three chapters in one day, didn't know I had it in me. Enjoy! Chapter 7 The next day was like any othe,r Steel went to work until around noon and spent his lunch with Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres. After her colt-friend left Applejack went back to work in the south field until she was interrupted by a certain cyan pegasus. “Hey AJ.” Rainbow dash said as she landed next to her best friend. “Howdy Rainbow, what brings you to the farm?” “Just in the neighborhood.” Rainbow said as she put on a sheepish grin. “Okay...well I gotta get back to work.” AJ said as she returned to bucking the trees. “Well I was wondering if I could ask you something.” Dash said as she flew in front of the farm pony. “What is it Dash?” “Well....I was kinda wondering.” she started to giggle as she drew her orange friend close. “Was it good?” “Was what good?” “C’mon AJ, you know what I’m talking about, and don’t lie to me.” Rainbow said with a flat tone. Applejack still had a confused look on her face. “Tell me how well Steel ‘used his hammer.’” Rainbow said with a giggle. Applejack’s face then turned scarlet with embarrassment and anger. “THAT”S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS, WHO TOLD YOU!” Applejack said as the cyan mare rolled on the ground in hysterical laughter. “No-pony told me I swear, half the town heard you guys the other night. I never knew you were a screamer AJ.” Dash was now finding it hard to breathe due to the amount of laughter. Applejack’s rage was now replaced by pure embarrassment. “Oh dear Celestia, how can ah show my face in town again?” “Maybe invest in a sound proof room?” Rainbow said between the laughter. “RAINBOW!” “I’m just kidding AJ. Relax, it’s nothing to be ashamed about. So you had sex with a Stallion you really like. I mean you guys have been dating for like what? A year now? Big deal.” Rainbow said as she put a hoof over her friends shoulder."When was the last time some-pony gave you grief for having a good time?” “True, thanks RD. I needed that.” “Any time.” the cyan mare said as she gave applejack a high hoof. “So tell me how was he?” Rainbow said now getting a little impatient. Applejack took a quick second to look around to see if any-pony else was listening. She motioned for her friend to come closer. “He was fantastic.” Applejack said with a giggle. “He’s so kind and generous. He made me feel things I never knew existed. I love him Rainbow, with all my heart.” “AJ, don’t you lose him. And if he does break your heart Mac and I will put him in his place.” she said with a wink. Soon, Applebloom came running up the dirt path way towards the two mares with a worried look on her face. “Applejack! Rainbow Dash! Steel needs help!” said the small filly out of breath. “Where is he kiddo?” Rainbow said. “At Sugar Cube Corner! You gotta come quick!” Without a moment to spare Rainbow Dash took off towards Sugar Cube corner with Applejack in hot pursuit. As Rainbow reached Sugar Cube corner where a crowd of ponies had gathered. In the center were three badly beaten pegasus stallions and a barely concise grey unicorn in the center breathing heavily. As he saw the cyan mare make her way through the crowd he collapsed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As Steel trotted back into town from Sweet Apple Acres he was catching glances from both mares and stallions, he decided to stop at Sugar Cube Corner to see Pinkie, who was behind the register. “Hey Pinkie.” “Hey! What’s up?” “Not much just decided to pop in and say hi.” he said as he eyed a group of pegasi that were giving him a less than pleasing look. “Hey Pinks, you ever get the feeling that you’re being judged?” “I can kinda see why you’d feel that way, considering what you and AJ did the other night.” she said with a giggle. Steels face turned bright red. “What! How did you hear about that?” he said in a hushed tone. “Well no offense, but half of Ponyville heard it.” Pinkie whispered to the grey stallion. Steel face hoofed and realized that’s why every-pony would awkwardly smile at him as he passed by. “Yeah, no kidding we had to plug our ears just to get some sleep.” said the ring leader of the pegasi. Steel knew him, Thunderlane, Typical hot shot flyer. Still always came in second due to Rainbow Dash. He had been pestering Steel for months now. “Shut up Thunderlane.” Steel said as he returned his attention back to Pinkie. “Well now that I heard what little hick sounds like in bed maybe I’ll take swing at her.” he said with a smug grin on his face. Pinkie and some of the customers let out a gasp as Steel whirled around and punched Thunderlane in the face, sending him out of Sugar Cube Corner and into the street. The other two pegasi grabbed Steel by the mane and smashed him against the wall, head first. As Thunderlane went back inside one of his cronies noticed that Steel’s hammer had come out of it’s holster and began to beat him with it. Steel began to wail in pain as the hammer came in contact with his front right hoof. Pinkie then jumped on the back of the pegasus with the hammer and pulled him off of Steel. "Hey! Let him go Mr. Meanie." Pinkie bellowed. The pegasus pulled Pinkie off of his back and hit her in the stomach with the hammer, making her slump to the ground in pain. Steel then pushed off the wall and pushed the pegasus into the opposite wall knocking him out. Steel then turned his attention to the hammer wielding pegasus. Steel rushed forward and caught the hammer with his magic and ripped it out of the pegasus’s grasp and threw it away from the fight. Steel then proceeded to slam the pegasus up against the bar and beat him until he was unconscious. Steel then rushed over to Pinkie that was sobbing on the ground in the corner. “Pinkie-” Steel saw a look of horror on the pink mares face. Steel turned around to see a black and blue Thunderlane holding his hammer in his right hoof that was fast approaching his face. Steel could feel bones break from the force of the hammer. Steel fell to the ground without a sound. Thunderlane then proceeded to walk over to Pinkie with a menacing look in his eye. Thunderlane then felt a force holding him back he turned to see a bloodied grey unicorn, who’s black mane now resembled flames and eyes glowed whit with magic and rage. Thunderlane began to swing at Steel but was stopped by his magic, Steel then encased the pegasus in a magical aura and proceeded to pull on his wings until he heard a snap come from both appendages. Steel then sent the trio flying through the door and out into the street which was now filled with curious ponies who had heard the commotion. As Steel made his way outside his magic started to vanish and his pain soon returned to him, but not before he saw a familiar cyan pegasus speeding towards him, he fell to the ground and everything faded to black. Epilogue.Epilogue. Steel woke up to the smell of Applejacks famous cooking, he rolled out of bed and woke his daughter and son. His son was an earth pony and shared his mother’s yellow mane and green eyes, his coat was a tint of silver, His daughter was a unicorn with his black mane brown eyes and had a bright orange coat. Both of them were only eight and didn’t even have their cutie marks, both meant the world to him he suddenly heard Applejack ring the bell. “Soups on Every-pony! Hurry up or you’ll be late to visit Grandpa!” she said as the two ponies raced down the stairs and entered the kitchen with smiles on their faces. “Hey dad can we visit the zoo with grandpa when we get there? Please?” his daughter said as she used the puppy dog eyes on him. “Where did you learn that look?” he said as he tried to resist it. “Aunt Applebloom taught it to me.” she beamed. “That explains it, and you need to ask your mom if it’s okay.” she suddenly teleported out of the room and reappeared in ten seconds flat. “She said yes.” “Fine by me then.” he said as he picked up his daughter and put her around his shoulders. The Family of four made their way out the door. As they began to walk to the train station, Applejack trotted next to Steel with a smile on her face. “Ya know, I saw Silver Seed trying to pick up a hammer the other day.” she said with a grin. “Like father like son I guess and I saw lil Copper Apple here trying to buck some loose barnches off our tree yesterday. I guess you’ve been teaching her to do that?” he said with a smile. “Teach? You don’t teach that sugar cube that’s just natural.” AJ said as she gave him a peck on the cheek. Steel finally felt at home, he had a thriving business a home and most of all a family that will be there for him always. Suddenly his two children popped up in front of him. “Hey dad how did you and mom meet?” his son asked with eager eyes. Steel looked at Applejack and gave a chuckle. “Well you see son it went something like this....” Authors Note: I just want to thank all those who supported my first completed fan-fic. I wouldn’t have got this far without all your support. ~ Silent.
Chapter 1.Apples of Steel Chapter 1. Steel Hammer was a typical young unicorn blacksmith. He banged away at the glowing piece of metal against the pitch black anvil. Steel loved his job, the smell, the feeling, the fact that he was creating something another pony can use. After he was done beating the newly made chisel, he set it in a barrel to cool before he started the hardening process. Steam erupted from the barrel as he inserted the red glowing piece of metal into the cool water. He then removed his heat mask and coat, revealing his deep brown eyes, tight muscular body, grey colored coat and jet black mane, his cutie mark was a black anvil being struck by a hammer. He went and got himself a drink from the cooler he kept in the back of the forge. Steel withdrew a bottle of spring water and began to guzzle it down with haste. It was getting close to closing time and he decided to put off the hardening process till tomorrow morning. Steel closed up the forge and headed upstairs to get some well deserved rest. He decided to continue reading his favorite book. “Lord of the Horseshoe” by R.J. Colton. He didn’t know what the ‘R.J.’ meant but he didn’t care, he loved the though that one little horseshoe could throw the world into darkness. Most ponies wondered why Steel chose to become blacksmith, most of physically exhausting work was left to earth ponies. He knew growing up that he didn’t want to be like his father, a prissy, posh banker pony. Steel loved the feeling after a good days work. The forge was his home, he felt alive there, he felt like he mattered, he felt like he was important in some way. He decided to go to bed early and laid down to got to sleep, which he hated. He’d work all night if he was able too, finally after nearly an hour of tossing and turning he finally drifted off to sleep. GONG! GONG! GONG! GO- Steel shut off his alarm clock and made his way to the kitchen and fixed himself some oat meal. Steel sat there reading the Equestria Daily newspaper as he did every morning, skimming the articles to see if anything popped out at him. Nothing, as usual. Steel glanced at the clock 4:15 AM. Right on time. he thought to himself. Steel finished his breakfast and made his way down to his shop. He had to get their early to allow the crucible and furnace to heat up it only takes around a half hour at most but he loved the sound the two made when they were activated. He didn’t open up his shop until 6:00 AM, that gave him time to finish up any work he might be behind on. Ponies mostly go to him if they need a tool replaced or fixed. More classy ponies like Rarity, who owned a dress shop called “Carousel Boutique’ went to him incase they needed a piece of jewelry fixed. Steel never allowed any pony to watch him work his craft, for safety reasons and he never liked being judged by others. He was a quite pony, but a nice one at that. Steel had become friends with the local librarian Twilight Sparkle, Ponyville’s number one flyer, Rainbow Dash and Rarity, the mare that owned Carousel Boutique. Twilight and Rainbow came in from time to time to chat or if they needed something fixed. Rarity mostly came in when she needed a piece of jewelry mended. They were good company but he couldn’t really relate to them. He glanced at the clock again it read 6:00 AM. Steel trotted over and opened up the shop for business. Steel just stood in the door way as the sun rose over Ponyville. He loved to watch the sunrise and sunset, the colors reminded him of the crucibles fire. Steel didn’t have avery special some-pony, he was more engrossed with his work than anything else and thats how he liked it. After the sun rose he went back inside and started to set up his equipment. His welder, his sand casting pit, the crucible and lastly his anvil ‘Time’ and his hammer ‘Creator.’ Both names were engraved on the tools in golden lettering. These were his favorite tools, no matter how hard he worked them he knew they wouldn’t break. Steel then donned his tool belt, slipped creator into it’s proper place and trotted up to the front desk waiting for his first customer of the day. It was almost 9:45 AM and no-pony had come into his shop yet, not that Steel minded, he had found ways to keep himself busy, like double checking the temperature gauges on the furnace, or inspecting all of his tools. The bell on his door suddenly chimed meaning that there was customer. Finally he thought to himself. Steel hurried into the shop portion of his business, the room was rustic looking, metal tools hung on the side of the brick walls. He trotted up to the front desk to be greeted by an orange mare with piercing emerald eyes, blonde hair, and was sporting a brown stetson hat. “Howdy partner,” she said with a grin on her face. Steel couldn’t help but notice her southern accent, and her well toned body. “Morning, how can I help you today Miss?” “Applejack, my names Applejack. I was look’n to see if you had any barrel bands for sale. About 24 inches wide will due.” “Let me check in the back.” Steel said as he left to go check the back closet. The closet was filled with different kinds of metal everything from iron to aluminum. After around two minutes of searching he finally came across a 24 in. steel barrel band. He levitated it and hurried back to his customer. On the way back he couldn’t tell if he was blushing or he cranked the furnace to high again. “Will this due Ms. Apple?” “Please just call me Applejack. I’m not old enough to be a Miss yet, and thank you kindly this will be a perfect fit.” she said as she put the hoop around her neck. “Might I ask why you need one that big?” Steel asked in curiosity. “I own Sweet Apple Acre’s and one of our barrel band’s finally rusted off. So we need to replace it. How much was this thing again?” she asked as she was digging in her bag for her bits. “Fifteen bits” “Shoot, all ah got on me is thirteen.” she said in disappointment. Steel didn’t want the poor pony to make the same trip twice. “Tell ya what Applejack since your my first customer of the day I’ll lower the price by five bits. Deal?” he said as he gave her a grin. ‘Well shoot that’s mighty kind of ya. Thanks I’ll make it up to ya somehow.” she said as she put the bits on the counter and headed out the door. Steel felt good for doing that. He’s sure that if his dad were there he would probably ask for more than it was worth. His train of thought was interrupted by the same orange mare that had just left. “Ah’m sorry, here you are being so generous and ah don’t even know your name.” she said with an embarrassed look on her face. Did she just blush? “My names Steel Hammer, but you can call me Steel.” he said with a smile on his face. “Right well see ya later Steel.” Applejack said as she trotted out the door. After she was gone two more customers came in. One was a mint green unicorn that needed one of her lyre strings repaired and the other was a small orange pegasus with a scooter that had broken an axel. It was easy enough to fix. By the time those customers came and went it was time for lunch. Maybe I’ll go out to eat for a change. Steel closed up the shop and went out into Ponyville to find some place to eat. As he made his way down the busy streets of Ponyville he came across an apple stand that was being run by a familiar farm pony. She noticed him and waved him over. “Hey, Applejack what’s up?” “Not much, just sell’n some apples. You?” she said with a grin. “Looking for lunch, how much are the apples going for?” Steel asked. Applejack suddenly had a sly grin creep across her face. “Tell ya what, Since you were my twenty third customer today you get a discount. First two apples are on the house.” “Applejack you don’t-” “No, I insist” she said as she gave him two apples. “Well, okay then. But remember your not off the hook yet, I lowered the barrel belt by five bits.” Steel said in a playful tone. “Yeah, I know and one apple costs two and a half bits.” Applejack said with a smug grin on her face. “Well played Applejack, Well played.” Steel said as he took a bite from the apple. “So how come I ain’t seen ya around before? You new in town or something?” Applejack said as she cocked her head sideways. “I moved here around three weeks ago.” Steel said as he swallowed his food. “Where did ya move from?” “Canterlot.” “Canterlot? So why did ya move here then?” “Wanted a change of scenery, I never liked the big city. To busy and all the ponies there are too stuck up to appreciate the finer things in life.” “Like what?” “Well, a good days work for one thing.” Steel said as he finished the first apple. “Thats what ah keep say’n! Ponies nowadays have no appreciation for manual labor.” Applejack said as she raised her hooves over her head. No way! A mare like that likes to work. She is so cool. “Hey, your preaching to the converted. Oh well, their loss” “So what is it that you do specifically?” Applejack asked. “Well I run the metal and forge shop, I make all my merchandise from scratch,” “Really? You made all of that stuff hanging up in there? That’s surprising” she said with a surprised look on her face. “Yeah, why is that so surprising?” Steel said in a flat tone. “Well it’s just that your a unicorn and, no offense but unicorns ain’t exactly the laboring type” If theres one thing I love more than working, it’s messing with other ponies. ‘Well, Applejack I do take offense to it, are you implying that because I’m a unicorn I can’t work hard?” Steel said as he put on his best poker face. “What? No... it’s just that.....uh....you see my friend Twi is.......um.” Applejack tried to find the right words. By this time Steel couldn’t hold back any longer and burst into laughter. “What’s so gosh darn funny?” She looks so cute when she’s flustered. “AJ, relax I’m just pulling your leg” he said as he fell on the ground laughing. “Ha ha, laugh it up.” she said with an aggravated look on her face. Steel had managed to calm down and regain his composure. “In all seriousness, I can see why you’d be shocked, a unicorn getting his hooves dirty. That used to be my dad’s favorite joke.” Steel said with a low grumble. “What was he like?” Applejack asked as she rested her head on her front hooves. Steel glanced at the clock and realized he had to get back to work. “I’d love to stay and chat AJ, but I need to get back to work. Maybe this afternoon? Around 4:30 PM?” “Sure, you know where Sweet Apple Acre’s is?” Steel nodded. “Alright, then see ya.” “Bye.”Steel said as he walked back towards his shop. “Can’t wait.” she said as he walked away. Steel was taken back by the eagerness of her. last statement. Wait, does she think that it’s a date? Steel forced the question out of his mind and got back to work. There weren’t that many customers that came by. Soon enough it was 4:00 PM and Steel decided to close up shop and head over to Sweet Apple Acre’s. *Authors Note: A crucible is a container, (in most cases a bowl) that can withstand very high temperatures and is used for melting down metal and glass into liquid form. Sand Casting is a mold made in sand in which liquified metal is pored into. The sand can be molded into a variety of different shapes and designs.
Chapter 2Chapter 2. Steel made his way down the dirt path, past the outskirts of Ponyville and came across a massive farm. Hundreds of rows filled with apple trees. Steel couldn’t help but marvel at the sight. Steel made his way down the long path until he hot to the farm house, It was typical big red barn complete with white trim on the beams. He then noticed a red stallion working in the fields pulling an old plow behind him and was chewing on apiece of hay. The stallion was little bigger than steel and looked just as strong if not stronger than him. Steel trotted up to the stallion as he finished plowing a row. “Excuse me, but do you know where Applejack is?” “Eeyup, she’s in the south field behind the barn.” he said as he went back to his work. This stallions probably her colt-friend. Figures all the good mares are taken. “Thanks.” Steel said as he took his leave and went to the barn. Before he could circle around he was tackled to the ground by a flying orange and purple blur. As Steel recovered, he noticed that the orange blur was the pegasus filly that he fixed the scooter for. “Oh man, sorry about that.” the little filly said. “It’s alright, accidents happen.” Steel said as he got to his hooves. “Hey I know you, your the guy that fixed my scooter earlier today.” “Yeah, name’s Steel Hammer.” “Well I’m Scootaloo, Cutie Mark Crusader.” “Cutie mark what?” Steel said as he raised an eyebrow in confusion. “The Cutie Mark Crusaders are dedicated to help ponies find their special talent and earn their cutie marks.” she said with a smile. Two more fillies trotted beside Scootaloo with worried looks on their faces. One was an earth pony with a red bow in her hair and the other was a white unicorn. The two trotted up next to Scootaloo. “Are you alright Scootaloo?” said the unicorn. “Yeah I’m fine.” The earth pony then turned her attention towards Steel. “Who’s he?” Steel noticed that she shared the same accent as Applejack. “This is Steel, he’s the one who fixed my scooter this morning.” “Pleased to meet you three.” Steel said as he grinned. “What brings ya to Sweet Apple Acres?” asked the little yellow filly. “I’m here to see Applejack, she’s supposed to be around her some-” Steel didn’t get to finish his sentence due to being cut off by a familiar voice. “Applebloom! What have I told ya’ll about doing’ yer crusading on the farm?” said the cross orange mare. “Sorry sis.” the little filly said with a sad look. Applejack then noticed that Steel was standing beside the three little fillies. “Howdy Steel.” she said with a grin. “I see ya’ll already met my sister and her friends.” “Yeah, we just ran into each other.” he said with a small chuckle. “I gotta finish up this field here. You’re welcome to come I could use the help.” she said with a smile. “Sure, I don’t mind lending a hoof.” Steel said as he walked past the three fillies and over to the orange mare. “Great, sooner we get done sooner we can talk.” she said as she turned and went back to the orchard. “Alright, good luck with the crusading Scootaloo.” he said as he waved goodbye to the small fillies and went after Applejack. He followed her to the spot were she was bucking. Before she started she seemed to glare at Steel with an analytical look. “Um, Steel why do ya have that thing with ya?” she said as she pointed to his hammer that was secured on his tool belt. Steel took the hammer out and held it with his magic. “I always have this on me, better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.” he said with a chuckle. “Right.... So, do you know how to buck an apple tree?” AJ said as she turned back to the tree. “You kick it right?” “Heh heh, just as ah figured, it ain’t that easy city boy.” she said in a playful tone. “You gotta find the right spot and hit it with just enough force.” she said as she angles herself in front of the tree, brought her hooves back and kicked the tree, the apples came tumbling down. Steel wasn’t sure if it was the amount of apples that fell or Applejacks’ muscular toned body that made his his jaw hit the ground. He quickly pushed the though out of his head and hid his blush from the mare. “Ya see ya have to hit it just right. Hit it too little and nothing will happen, hit it too hard and ya might uproot the tree.” she said as she turned back to Steel. “Impressive, let me try.” “Be my guest.” AJ said as Steel walked in front of the next tree, out of the corner of his eye he though he saw Applejack eyeing his flank. Steel put his ear tot he tree and lightly tapped it with his hammer. He found the weak point on the bark and scratched an X on the spot with his hoof. “What the hay are you doing?” Applejack asked as she cocked an eyebrow. Steel then took his right hoof and struck the spot. Steel saw a small ripple move through the tree and the apples started to fall. Steel stepped back and basked in his accomplishment he then turned his glance back to the orange mare, who stared in amazement. “That was amazing, how did you do that on yer first try?” “I listened to the tree.” “You did what now? Yer starting to sound like Fluttershy.” she said as she tilted her head in confusion. “I sent a vibration through the tree with my hammer, which let my find the right spot to hit it.” he said as he lifted his hammer in front of Applejack. “So ya cheated using magic!” “No! I only used my magic to find the right spot. The force that caused the apples to fall came from my own strength, and I usually never use magic when I’m woking.” “Really? I find that hard to believe.” AJ said as she squinted at the stallion in disbelief. “Well, I mostly use levitation spells to hold several tools at once or to change the shape of metal for sculpturing.” he said as he scratched his chin with his hoof. “How did you get that strong?” AJ asked as she calmed down. “Years of using a hammer.” Steel said as he put the hammer back into his belt and gave her a smug grin. “I guess I can believe that. I think that’s the last one. So what do ya wanna wanna talk about?” she said as she started trotting back tot he farm house. “What we were talking about earlier?” Steel said as he trotted up next to her. “Well, you said you were from Canterlot and then you mentioned your dad.” “Ugh, him. Great.” he said as he rolled his eyes and let out a huff of annoyance. “Sore topic?” “Yeah, you still haven’t told me anything about you. What’s life like on a farm?” “Well it’s pretty nice, hard work, early mornings and good food. So ah can’t really complain.” “Do you hire workers to help harvest?” “Nope, just me and Big Macintosh.” “Your colt friend?” “What? No, he’s mah brother, you probably saw him on your way in.” “Big red stallion, hauling a plow?” he asked the orange mare. “That’s him, and why did you assume I had a colt-friend?” Applejack asked as she stopped and started glaring at stallion. Steel started to blush at the question. His mind drew a blank and he couldn’t seem to pull his words together. “Umm....I just assumed that......uh...” “Relax, I’m just messing with ya.” AJ said as she began to laugh. “But I don’t have a colt friend, haven’t found the right stallion yet. You?” “Not really, I’m more addicted to my work.” Steel said as continued to walk down the dirt path. “I can respect that. So what’s it like being a blacksmith and all?” “Dull most of the time, I usually stick with making tools and other household items.” “Ever make weapons?” Applejack said. Hearing this Steel stopped on the path and let out a heavy sigh. “No, not any more.” he said with a flat tone. “Why not?” “I don’t want to talk about it AJ.” he said as he held his head low. “Oh, um okay.” Applejack said as she tried to make the conversation less awkward. “So why did ya leave Canterlot?” “Never liked the big city, always felt at home in small towns. Even when I was a colt I knew I wanted to live in one. My parent’s didn’t share my views, so when I saved up enough money I moved here.” Steel finished as he continued to walk next to Applejack. “So what about your parents? What are they like?” he asked the orange mare. “My parents are.....gone.” she said with a sad look on her face. “Oh AJ, I’m so sorry I didn’t know..... I’m such an idiot.” Steel said as he face hoofed. “It’s fine sugar cube you din’t know and it happened a long time ago.” “No it’s not okay. I just made a fool in front of a mare who I really-” Steel shut his mouth just as he was about to blurt out his feelings. Applejack then shot him a look of surprise. “A mare you really what?” she said as she gave a slight blush. Steel began to panic and tried to form words. “A mare I really.........value...... as a.....friend.” Steel said as he was fighting the blush that was starting bubble to the surface. “Oh, for a second there, I though you were gonna say that you were sweet on me.” she said as she gave a light chuckle and a hint of disappointment. “Well AJ, I’m not gonna lie, you are attractive....stunning in fact not to mention a hard worker. But I-” Steel didn’t have time to react as two orange hooves grabbed his head and brought him into a passionate kiss. At first Steel’s mind drew a blank and he was frozen in shock, he then came back to reality as she broke the kiss. “Ah’m mighty sorry. It’s just that you were such a gentle colt, then you want to hang out and start complimenting me. I’m really sorry I did that Steel.” Applejack said as she sat down on the ground and started to sob. “I’m not.” Steel said as he wrapped his hooves around her and planted his lips on hers. The two stood there for what seemed like an eternity just enjoying the embrace. Steel then broke the kiss and looked back at the stunned orange mare. “Wow, that was just....wow.” AJ said as she regained her composure. “Took the words right out of my mouth.” he said as grinned back at her. “Steel, you taste like ash.” Applejack said in a playful voice. “So? Mares find that attractive in a stallion.” “Yes, they do.” she said as she began to nuzzle his chest. Steel couldn’t believe that he was sitting with one of the most beautiful mares in Equestria. “Hey, AJ.” “Yeah.” “Are you free tomorrow night?” “No, why?” she said as she tried to hold back a giggle. “Well, I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner with me.” “Where at?” “How about Sugar Cube corner at around 7:00 PM?” He said giving her a smile. “It’s a date.” she said as she gave him another quick kiss on the cheek. The two headed back to the farm house quickly. After Steel had dropped AppleJack off at the house he made his way back to the shop. As he opened the door he let the familiar smell of ash and flame wash over him. He headed straight upstairs and decided to go to bed. While lying there he couldn’t help but think about the date with the mare of his dreams.
Chapter 3Chapter 3 Steel woke up and glanced over at the calendar it read Saturday the twenty fourth. Ugh, what am I doing up? Saturday’s are my day off. He decided to try and go back to sleep, he couldn’t. Steel decided to open the newspaper and began reading. He glanced at the clock, 9:15 AM. Steel put the paper down and trotted out the door into Ponyville. He dropped by the library to pay Twilight a visit. As he entered the library he noticed that the lavender unicorn had company, the marshmallow white unicorn Rarity. “Hey Twi, hi Rarity.” he said as he walked over to the two mares. “Steel, how wonderful to see you dear.” the white unicorn said with glee. “What brings you to the library?” “Just decided to pop by for a visit.” “Well good timing, I was going to ask if you would like to go star gazing with us tonight.” Twilight said as she used her magic to levitate a book. “Sorry girls but I have a date tonight.” he said with a small blush on his face. Rarity’s jaw hit the floor, and Twilight lost her concentration and sent the book falling to the ground. “WHAT?!” both mares exclaimed. “I have a date tonight.” he said again as he raised an eyebrow. “How long have you been dating?” Rarity asked. “Tonights our first date.” he said with a grin. “Come darling we must help you prepare.” Rarity said as she took Steel by the hoof and dragged him out the library with Twilight following close behind. “Rarity, I don’t thinks thats necessary, it’s just a calm, casual date.” “How many dates have you been on?” she asked as she eyed him with a condescending look. Steel’s just realized that this was his first ‘real’ date. “I thought as much. Now let’s get you cleaned up.” she said as she opened the doors to her boutique. “So who’s the lucky mare?” Twilight asked "Applejack." “What’s that?” “Applejack.” “Didn’t quite catch that.” “Applejack.” “Oh for the love of Celestia, just spit it out already.” Rarity said with aggravation in her voice. “I’m going out with Applejack!” he said loudly while blushing. Rarity and Twilight’s expressions were a mix of excitement and shock. “Oh the two of you would make such a cute couple.” Rarity said as she laughed in delight. “Yes, and I would appreciate it if you kept it on the down low.” he said as he eyed the two mares. “Mums the word.” Twilight said as she made a zipper closing motion over her mouth. “Of course, not a word.” rarity said as she went through the traditional Pinkie Promise motions. “So tell me darling, where are you two going tonight?” “Sugar Cube Corner.” he said as the two mares looked back at him with a scared look on their face. “ARE YOU CRAZY!?” Twilight exclaimed. “What? It’s a nice place.” “That’s not the problem dear.” Rarity said. “Then what IS the problem?” “I believe that it’s pink colored and has a spring in it’s step.” Steel then understood what she meant. “Pinkie Pie.” he said as the two mares nodded in agreement. “How could I have over looked that?” he said as he face hoofed. “It’s alright darling. We’ll help you.” Rarity said as she put a hoof on Steel’s shoulder. “We?” Twilight said. “Yes, you and I are going to be on Pinkie control while Steel is with Applejack.” “No, I can’t ask you to do that, I’ll just reschedule.” “NO! If it’s one thing a mare hates it’s having a date rescheduled.” Rarity said with an angered look in her eye. “Alright, fine you can help me, just be discreet.” “Of course.” Twilight said. “So when is this date?” “7:00 PM.” “Excellent, that should give us just enough time to prepare.” Rarity said with an eager look in her eye. “Why do I have a bad feeling about this?” Steel said as the two mares converged on him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Across town at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was working hard, her head filled with thoughts of a certain unicorn blacksmith. She was as giddy as a school filly. With her head in the clouds she didn’t notice a certain cyan colored pegasus trot up next to her. “Hey Applejack what’s up?” “Oh, nothing Rainbow.” she said with a heavy sigh of happiness. “You okay AJ? You seem kind of goofy.” Rainbow said as she cocked an eyebrow. “I’m fine hun. I’m just excited is all.” “Excited about what?” Applejack then began to giggle, she drew her friend close. “Promise not to tell any-pony?” “Sure, what is it?” Rainbow said as she listened close. “Pinkie promise?” “Fine! Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye! Now tell me what’s got you in such a good mood!” Applejack drew her friend closer and whispered. “I gotta date tonight.” Applejack said as she blushed in delight. “WHAT!? WITH WHO?” the cyan mare exclaimed in anticipation. “Steel Hammer, the unicorn who works the forge in town.” she said with a giggle. “Ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh! He is such a good catch!” “Ah know! Tonight were going to Sugar Cube Corner and-” Applejack was cut off by a frightened Rainbow Dash. “WHAT! WHY ARE YOU GOING THERE OF ALL PLACES?” “Why not?” “Have you lost it! Who works at Sugar cube corner?” “Well there’s Mr. Cake, Mrs. Cake and Pink-......Oh sweet Celestia.” Applejack said as she just realized the issue. “Now do you see? If Pinkie sees you two on a date, you can bet your hat that she’s gonna wanna throw some big party!” “Well, maybe she won’t this time.” she said with a weak grin. “AJ we BOTH know how Pinkie gets.” Dash said with a blank look on her face. “Yer right, I guess I’ll tell him to cancel.” Applejack said as her ears dropped in disappointment. Rainbow then rushed in front of her friend “Wait, what if I help you out?” “Girl, what in the hay are you talking about?” AJ said as she tilted her head in confusion. “You just focus on Steel and I’ll deal with Pinkie Pie.” she said putting a hoof around her friends shoulder. Applejack grinned at the offer. “You mean it RD?” “Course I mean it! I’m not gonna let my best friends first date be ruined. I just want details afterwards. Deal?” Dash said as she held out a hoof. “Deal.” AJ said as she shook the cyan hoof. “Great! When are you two going to Sugar Cube Corner?” “7:00 PM.” “Great, I’ll see you there and don’t worry about Pinkie you got the best flyer in Equestria helping you out.” Rainbow said as she took flight and shot off into the sky. With that Applejack couldn’t wait until tonight. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Well darling how do you feel?” Rarity asked gleaming at her ensemble, she had put Steel in. “Ridiculous.” Steel said with a huff as he said looking at the the light blue jacket and the insane hair style she had selected. “If I had wanted to dress up like a pony with a superiority complex I would have stayed in Canterlot.” he said as he took the outfit off. “You’re from Canterlot?” Twilight said in surprise. “Yeah, born and raised unfortunately.” he said with a low grumble. “What made you come here?” Rarity asked chiming into the conversation. “Wanted to get out of the city, find a small town and start my forging business.” he said as he started to mess up his mane. “Ya know there was a forge in Canterlot run by a really nice stallion his name was...” “Iron Sword.” Steel finished. “Yeah, you know him?” “He’s the stallion that taught me everything I know about forging. I’m surprised that you know him though, he prefers to keep a very low profile.” he said as he eyed the lavender mare. “Well, when my brother, Shining Armor got promoted to captain of the guard he had Iron Sword make special armor for him.” she said with a smile. “Your Shining’s sister? I recall him saying that his sister moved to some small town. Didn’t know it was this one.” he said with a chuckle. “Small world isn’t it?” Rarity said. “Yes, and Rarity thanks for your help but I think I’ll skip the outfit this time.” he said with a weak grin. Rarity’s lower lip started to quiver. Oh great she’s gonna cry. Gotta find a compromise. Steel’s eyes darted around the room until he saw a small black bow tie. “But, I’ll sport this bow tie. Bow ties are cool.” he said with a grin as he put it around his neck. Rarity smiled in approval. Whew, crisis averted. Twilight then took a step forward. “Now that we have that out of the way it’s time to focus on the hard part. Dealing with Pinkie.” she said with a serious tone. “Right, how are we gonna deal with her?” Rarity said while scratching her mane. Steel racked his brain looking for answers. His gaze drifted to Rarities clock 6:50 PM. Steel’s eyes became the size of pin heads. “GAH! I’M DUE AT SUGAR CUBE CORNER IN TEN MINUTES!” he hollered. “WHAT!?” the two mares said as they glanced at the clock and saw he was correct. “OH NO, OH NO, OH NO!” WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?” Steel said as he started to panic. “I’M GONNA BE LATE! THEN MAKE A COMPLETE IDIOT OUT OF MY SELF AND THEN-” Steel then felt a white hoof slap across his face. “Thanks Rarity.” he said with a surprise look on his face. “I needed that.” he said as he began to rub the sore spot. “Anytime darling, now hurry along or you’ll be late! And don’t worry I have a plan for dealing with Pinkie.” she said as she pushed Steel out of the door. “Thanks guys, I owe you big time!” Steel said as he galloped to Sugar Cube corner with haste. Twilight and Rarity stood there with smiles on their faces waving goodbye. “You don’t have anything planned do you?”Twilight said as she held the awkward smile. “Not a damn thing.” Rarity said holding the same expression. Authors note: Yes, that was a “Doctor Who” reference concerning the bow tie.
Chapter 4Chapter 4. It was 6:55 PM. Rainbow Dash was talking with Mr.& Mrs. Cake concerning Applejack’s date situation. “Please Mrs. Cake can’t you just give Pinkie the night off or something?” Rainbow pleaded. “I’m sorry dear, but we need her tonight. Were jam packed and we can’t serve the customers without her help.” Mrs. Cake said as she took cupcakes out of the oven. Rainbow hung her head in defeat and zoomed out the door and just so happened to run into a certain grey unicorn sporting a bow tie. “Hey, Rainbow what are you doing here?” Steel said with a grin. “I was.........just.......um.....checking.......on......my order. Yeah that’s it! I ordered a special cupcake from the Cakes and I wanted it to see if it was done yet.” she said with a nervous grin on her face. “Well....okay then. See ya round I guess.” he said as he walked past the cyan pegasus as he gave her a suspicious look. As soon as he went was inside Rainbow wiped her fore head in relief. She then noticed two familiar looking unicorns sneaking in bushes near Sugar Cube Corner, she followed them with haste. “Twilight what are we going to do?” Rarity asked with a worried look on her face. “I don’t know, but we promised to help Steel out in whatever way we can.” “What are you two doing back here?” Rainbow said as she hovered over the two unicorns with an intense look in her eye. This caused both unicorns to scream, their mouths were soon covered by the pegasus’s hooves. “Shhhhhhh! You’ll blow my cover!” Rainbow said as she poked her head in the window to see that Applejack had arrived. “Rainbow what are you doing here?” Twilight said softly. “Making sure Pinkie doesn’t ruin AJ’s date. What are you guys doing here?” “Same reason. We want to make sure things go smoothly.” Rarity said as she peered into the window. “Twilight and I have been thinking of different ways to stop her but we’ve had no luck. Do you have any ideas?” “I tried to get the Cakes to give Pinkie the night off, but they need her to handle the crowd tonight.” Rainbow said with a defeated look on her face. The three mares then turned their attention back to their friends date. Back inside Sugar Cube Corner, Steel and Applejack had found a booth and began to talk. Soon Mr Cake came over to take their orders. “Howdy Mr. Cake” AJ said as she tipped her hat. “Hello Applejack, what brings you here?” Mr. Cake then noticed Steel sitting across from her. “Is this is a da-” Mr. Cake was cut off by both ponies making the ‘hush’ sound. AJ then whispered to Mr. Cake. “Yes it is and we would appreciate it if you wouldn’t tell Pinkie, we’re trying to be discreet here.” Applejack said with a concerned look on her face. “Of corse, don’t worry were so crowded I doubt she’ll even notice you and I’ll be your waiter this evening.” he said as the two ponies breathed a sigh of relief. Mr. Cake then took out his note pad, “Now what can I get for you two?” “I’ll have the hay fries with a salad.” Applejack said. “I’ll have the same.” Steel said as he handed the menu’s to Mr. Cake. “Alright, be back in a couple of minutes with your food.” Mr Cake said as he took his leave. Steel then looked at Applejack who had a blush across her face. “You were worried about Pinkie too?” Steel said with alight chuckle. “Yeah, but don’t worry ah got Rainbow to keep her busy.” she said with a sly grin. “Oh you did? Because I kinda told Twilight and Rarity to do the same.” he said as he scratched the back of his mane in embarrassment. “Well, it looks like the Cakes and Pinkie have their hooves full at the moment, so I think we’re in the clear.” AJ said as she winked at Steel. Mr. Cake had just come back with their food, and the two began to eat and talk while Rainbow, Twilight and Rarity all watched from the nearby window. “Awwe, they are so cute together.” Rarity cooed. “They do seem pretty compatible.” Twilight said. “Who’s compatible?” “Steel Hammer and Applejack who do you think Rainbow?” Twilight condescended. “Um, Twilight I’m up here.” Rainbow said as Twilight looked and saw that Dash was above her. All three mares turned their head to see a giddy pink mare barely able to hold in her excitement.“Uh oh.” before the pink pony could burst inside she was stopped by a magical purple cage. “Hey! What gives! I wanna see who AJ’s dating and throw them a par-” Pinkie was cut off by a cyan hoof. “Thats the problem Pinks, they don’t want a big party right now. The reason why we didn’t tell you earlier is so that they could have their first date in peace.” Rainbow said as she put a hoof on her friends shoulder. “Oh, is that all? Okay then I’ll throw them one some other time.” she said with a smile and started to bounce away. “Wait! you mean to tell us that you WON’T disturb them? Just like that? No crazy scheme, no party cannon? ” Rarity said in surprise. “Well, ya c’mon it’s AJ’s first date and I don’t want to mess that up. Plus if their expecting it then it won’t be a surprise.” Pinkie said as she trotted back inside leaving the three mares dumbfounded. “How did she get out of the cage?” Rainbow said, but soon let it go. If it’s one thing the three mares learned from their friend its ‘don’t question the Pinkie Pie.’ When Twilight looked back through the window she saw that Steel and Applejack were gone. “C’mon city boy, this way!” Applejack said as she led Steel through Sweet AppleAcres. “Where are you taking me?” Steel said as he kept up with the orange mare. “You’ll see.” she said as they made their way into a clearing. The clearing was on top of the highest hill in Sweet AppleAcres except for a lone apple tree. Steel then sat down next to his mare friend and began to stare up at the sky. Applejack then rested her head on Steel’s side and began to nuzzle the stallion. The two sat there for who knows how long. the two then made their way back towards the farm house. Steel kissed Applejack goodnight and headed home himself. Once he laid down in his bed he couldn’t help but smile at the result of the night. Authors note: Okay, I know this chapter wasn't as good as the others, I haven’t been able to focus on this, I have too much to do with finals and term papers right around the corner and I just wanted to get this chapter over and done with. The rest of the story will be way more interesting.
Chapter 5Chapter 5. It had been nine months since that first date, and things couldn’t be better between Steel and Applejack. On their second date pinkie threw them the biggest couples party they had ever seen, they knew that it was inevitable so they embraced the situation. Applejack introduced Steel to the rest of her family. Applebloom and Granny Smith welcomed him with open hooves, Big Mac was still suspicious of him but he started to accept him after Steel forged him a new plow. Steel spent his days off working at Sweet AppleAcres with Applejack. “Hey hun can ah ask you something?” Applejack said as she finished picking up the fallen apples. “Sure, ask me anything.” “How come I haven’t met your family yet?” the orange mare said with an eager look. Steel froze at the thought, he’d hope that she wouldn’t have asked this of him. Steel knew he couldn’t avoid it forever. “Okay, you’ve been patient and I think you have the right to know. When I left Canterlot my father was furious. He had been berating me and breaking me down for years, ever since I discovered my forging talent. He had been trying to convince me to become a ‘proper stallion.’ I didn’t want to have anything to do with my fathers banking business.” he said as he glanced over at Applejack who had stopped working and was hanging on every word. As he continued tears started to form in his eyes. “One day he finally pushed me over the edge, he said that I was a complete and utter waste of his time and money. He then proceeded to say that it was my fault that my mother died and that I was nothing but a disgrace to the family. I lashed out and knocked him unconscious.” Steel then began to cry into the orange mare’s shoulder. “It’s okay sugar, you don’t have to tell me any more.” Applejack said as she wrapped him a tight hug. “No, I have to say this before I loose my nerve. After that I went to my uncle, on my mothers side who supported my dream. He gave me a couple hundred bits and I ran to the nearest town. I laid low for a couple days and eventually made my way here.” AJ couldn’t hold back any longer and began crying uncontrollably at the sad story. “For all I know my father thinks I’m dead. Sometimes I get letters from my uncle to make sure I’m alright. Even though he’s from Canterlot he’s very kind and understanding.” Steel finished his story with tears streaming down his face, he looked at Applejack and saw the same. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories. Have you ever tried to patch things up?” Applejack said with hope in her voice. “I sent my father a letter to tell him that I was fine. It was returned soon after, unopened. He’s washed his hooves of me and that’s just fine.” Steel said wiping the tears away. AJ brought him into another hug. “Thanks AJ, for everything. I’ve been carrying that around with me for so long I never really coped with it.” “That’s what I’m here for.” she said as she gave him a quick beck on the cheek. The two ended the embrace and went back to work. Steel then saw three fillies hurrying up the path way leaving tracks behind them. “Hey, Steel we need a favor.” Scootaloo said with a small grin. “Well what is it?” Steel said as he picked up the fallen apples. “We kinda volunteered you for metal working demonstration at school.” Sweetie Belle said with a sheepish grin. “YOU DID WHAT!?” “It’s just that we were learning about the different kinds of crafts like wood working. Then I mentioned that I know you and one thing led to another. Can you please do it?” Applebloom said as the three fillies used their notorious puppy eyes on the grey stallion. Damn it! They got me! There should be a law against kids using that look. “Alright girls, I’ll do it. Just tell me where and when.” Steel said as he let out a sigh. The three fillies beamed at his response. “Thanks Steel. We need you tomorrow at the school yard.” Scootaloo said as the three zoomed away. Steel just stood there with a defeated look on his face. Applejack then returned and trotted over to the stallion. “What’s up sugar?” “Your sis and her friends pulled their sad eyes on me and now I have to do a demonstration in front of the school on Monday.” “Ahh, so that’s what’s got you down. Tell ya what, how about I help you with the kids?” “Really? What about the farm I don’t want to keep you from your work.” “It’s no trouble you’ll just owe me something.” she said with a mischievous grin. “Oh no, what is it?” Steel said with concern in his voice. Applejack drew closer and whispered a few words to his ear. Steel’s face suddenly became contorted with shock and his right eye started to twitch. “Steel?” AJ said as she waved a hoof in front of his face. “Ah, think I just broke my colt-friend.” “Eeyup.” Steel replied giving a sly grin to the orange mare. “Very funny city boy.” she said as she gave him a kiss. The two trotted back back to the farm and parted ways. Steel’s decided to pay Ms. Cherilee to confirm his visit on Monday. He decided to check Sugar Cube Corner and saw her sitting in a booth. “Hey Cherilee.” “Steel, I’m glad I ran into you I was wondering if you could possibly-” “Yeah the CMC got me to agree to a demonstration earlier.” he said as he scratched his neck “Oh good, do you have any preferences?” the maroon mare asked as she sipped her drink. “I think I can use my travel kit out in the school yard to make some bowls for the kids. Is that alright?” “I think that would be perfect. Sorry for asking this of you, I know you’re busy.” Cherilee said as she got up. “It’s no trouble and it would be a good learning experience for the kids. Plus Applejack is going to help me.” “Thank you so much, see you tomorrow.” she said as she trotted out the door. Steel waved to the mare and trotted home. Steel entered his shop and got his supplies together for the demonstration. After he had, he decided to get some well deserved sleep. Unfortunately his sleep was stirred by a memory, long forgotten. One year ago. Steel Hammer ran through the dark and rainy streets of Canterlot to the only place that he felt at home, the forge. He began to knock hard against the door until a large earth pony stallion with a black coat and red mane opened it. “Steel? What in the hay are you doing here at this hour?” he said as he ushered the wet unicorn inside. Once Steel was inside he explained to his mentor what transpired between him and his father that night. “I’m sorry, Iron. I just didn’t know where else to go.” Steel said as he hung his head in shame. Iron sword then looked over to his apprentice and gave him a cup of coffee. “Steel, you have nothing to apologize for. I’m glad that you stood up to him.” Iron said as he put a hoof on his students’ shoulder. “I know, but what am I gonna do? I have no job, I can’t stay in Canterlot, and no idea what to do next.” Steel said as he held his head in shame. “True. But you do have something.” “Oh yeah, what?” he said as he lifted his head. “A bag full of bits, a hammer and some-pony who believes in you.” Iron said as he gave Steel a smile. “You believe I have what it takes?” “Do you remember when I first met you? You were no older than eight, no cutie mark, no future and no talent what so ever. But the one thing I did see in you was potential, that’s why I chose you to be my student.” he said as he began to dig through his closet. “Thanks Iron you’ve given me so much I only wish I could make you proud of me.” “You already have my boy, now close your eyes.” he said as he pulled a box out from the closet. Steel did as he was asked he then felt a heavy object land on his lap. Steel opened his eyes to see a black hammer. “That is a one of a kind hammer my friend, the hammer was forged using a dragons flame and the metal itself is made from the birth place of forging, The Cauldron. No matter how hard you use this hammer it will never break and this has a special feature. Once this hammer bonds with it’s true creator it cannot be used by any-pony else. You are this hammers maker.” Iron finished. Steel just stared down at the master piece that lay before him. “What? Theres no way I could’ve made something as perfect as this.” “No, not yet. This hammer still needs one more thing before it is complete.” “What’s that?” “A little bit of magic. For this hammer to be completed it needs to bond with the users magic and soul, so that the two are one. Only forge masters have been able to achieve this and I believe that you are worthy.” Iron said as he put a hoof on his friends shoulder. Steel began to pour his magic into the hammer, it started to glow, Steel and the hammer started to levitate. Steel’s eyes glowed white with raw magic, suddenly a beam of light shot through the house and into the sky piercing the cloud layer. Iron looked in awe as his student was lowered back down to the ground with the hammer in hoof that now had an imprint of his cutie mark on the face of the hammer. Steel stood there trying to catch his breath. “Congratulations, your a forge master.” Iron said as he put a hoof on his student’s shoulder. Steel then turned around and embraced his mentor in a hug, Iron returned the hug. He then heard a series of loud knocks at the door. “Royal Guard! Open up!” said a gruff voice. “Oh no, My dad’s got the guards looking for me! I gotta hide.” Steel said in fear. “No you need to leave Canterlot! Do you have someplace you can stay?” “My uncle! He’ll take me in.” “Then go now! I’ll distract the guards, you slip out through the back door. And Steel.” “Yeah what?” Steel said as he took one last look at his mentor with tears in his eyes. “Take care of yourself.” Iron said with a grin. Steel then bolted out the door with tears in his eyes he didn’t stop until he reached his uncle’s estate. The butler recognized Steel instantly and led him inside to his uncles’ study. The butler then returned with Steel’s uncle he was a tall White unicorn with a light blue mane. Steel then began to explain everything, Steel’s uncle understood what he needed and threw him a bag filled to the brim with bit’s. Steel wanted to protest but he knew that his uncle was right. “Don’t worry old chap, I have friend in the guards who will be able to take you out of Canterlot undetected.” he said as he put a hoof on his nephew’s shoulder. “You can come in now.” he said as the butler opened the door to reveal a tall white unicorn stallion. “I trust you understand the situation?” “Yes sir. Get Steel Hammer out of Canterlot quickly and quietly as possible.” he said as he gave a salute. “Excellent, Steel do you know where to go?” “No, I’ve never really been anywhere except Canterlot. Do you have any suggestions?” Steel asked the tall unicorn. “Yes, I know a small town not to far from here, the ponies are nice and they’re in need of a black smith. I think it’ll be perfect for you.” The guard said as he scratched his chin. “Excellent, a nice small town. When does the train leave?” “The train is too risky. We’ll have to hoof it to the south end of Canterlot that’s the closest I can take you, just follow the road and you’ll get to the town in no time.” he said with a grin. “Fine by me. Uncle can do you think you could-” “I will personally look after your equipment until you send word.” “Thank you, all of you. When do we leave?” Steel said as he looked at the guard. “We leave in ten minutes, leave all that can be spared. We travel light. I’ll be waiting for you out near the front gate.” the guard said as he left the study. Steel began to pack his saddle bags with food and supplies he kept his hammer in his bag at the bottom. He was ready to go when his uncle called him into the study, one last time. He handed Steel a first edition book signed by the author. “The Horse. An Unexpected Jour-neigh” by R.J. Colton. “Uncle Fancy, one last thing. Please tell Iron Sword I made it out alright, I don’t want him to worry.” Steel said as he left the study. “Of corse lad. Now Go! Before the sun rises.” he said as he pushed his nephew out the door. Steel gave his uncle one last hug and ventured out into the night with the guard. By the time Celestia’s sun began to rise over Canterlot Steel and the guard had made it just beyond the city limits. The guard suddenly stopped and caught his breath. “I’m sorry this is as far as I can take you, you’ll have to hoof it on your own for a while.” the stallion said as he looked at Steel. “That’s okay, thank you for aiding me.” as Steel began to trot down the road he turned back to the guard. “By the way what’s your name?” “My name is Armor. Shining Armor.” he said with a smile. “Thank you Shining Armor. If we meet again drinks are on me.” “I’ll hold you to that.” Shining said as he galloped back into the white city. Steel then turned to the path ahead of him. He took a moment to take in what had happened, he then broke into a gallop. Every day he looked ahead hoping to see the town. On the fifth day of his journey his eyes laid on the prized he sought, Ponyville. “I have a good feeling about this place.” Steel said as he made his way into the small town. The dream had collapsed and Steel found himself waking up to his alarm clock. He trotted over to a small wooden black box. He opened it to reveal the black hammer Iron had given to him, he set the box and hammer back in it's proper place as he trotted out the door with his supplies for the demonstration.
Chapter 6Chapter 6 Steel got to the school yard early and began to set up his tools. He started a fire and placed a small crucible in the center, he off loaded his anvil with his magic and set it down next to the blocks of metal he brought with him. As he sat there he took out his pipe and began to chew on the end, he only did this when he was nervous. The pipe belonged to his grandfather that he left for him, it was hoof crafted in Gryphonia and very rare to come by. One by one he saw the children enter the school and looked at him with excitement in their eyes. Applejack soon arrived and helped off load the rest of Steel’s equipment. Soon the children began to funnel out into the school yard and circled around Steel and his equipment. “Okay, my little ponies. Steel Hammer has volunteered his time to give you a demonstration of how to craft metal. Please give him your undivided attention.” Cherilee said as she eyed the students. “Thank you Ms. Cherilee.” he said as he turned his attention to the little fillies and colts. “Alright kids who here knows what forging is?” Steel saw a familiar white unicorn raise a hoof. “yes Sweetie Belle.” “I think it’s the art of crafting metal into a different form.” the little filly said with a blush. “Correct.You see I heat the metal until it is reduced liquid form and then re-shape it into anything I choose.” he said as he dipped a metal ladle into the crucible and took out the bubbling silver liquid. “Now in this form metal is extremely dangerous, if it get’s on anything it will burn and will harden soon afterwards.” he said as he put the liquid back into the crucible. He then saw two fillies starting to leave the group, a grey and pink earth pony. “Um excuse me, where are you two going?” “Well we have no interest to learn how metal is made. It’s dirty work and why should we take orders from a dirty blacksmith and a farmer?” said the small pink filly. “Why you two little-” Applejack began but then was cut off. “It’s alright Applejack.” Steel said as he turned his attention back to the two fillies. “Are you Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon?” “Yes, why?” “Your reputations precede you. And I suggest you sit and listen unless you want me to fail you both for today.” he said with a small grin. “What you can’t do that! Can he Ms. Cherilee?” asked Diamond Tiara “Yes he can, Mr. Steel is in charge for the day, he and Ms. Applejack have the same authority as I do.” Ms. Cherilee said with a cold stare. The two filly’s returned with a small grumble. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom let out a small laugh. The rest of the day went smoothy, Steel decided to make some bowls and cups for the kids to take home. As the day wrapped up he saw a small green unicorn with scissors as a cutie mark raise his hoof. “Yes, in the back?” “Um have you ever made any weapons?” Steel bit his lip at the question. “Yes I have, in the past but I don’t any more.” “Why, not?” “Never really much call for it in Ponyville. Plus I had a bad ‘experience’ with forging a dagger one time.” he said as he began to clean up. “What happened?” “Sorry, but that’s on a need to know basis. And you all don’t need to know.” he said as he packed up the last of his equipment. “Sorry kids, It’s time I take my leave, good luck and stay in school.” He said as he loaded up his cart and trotted back to the shop with Applejack following close behind. “So why don’t you make weapons anymore?” Applejack asked. “AJ, please don’t ask me that.” he said as he opened his shop with a sad look on his face. “Alright, Ah won’t pry.” Applejack said as she trotted inside the shop. “Thanks for your help today AJ, those kids were a handful.” “Don’t mention it, plus you still owe me for helping ya.” she said as she walked past him as she brushed her tail under his chin and trotted up to his home. Steel followed with haste after his mare friend. Steel began to show her around his home. When he came back from the restroom he found his mare friend sprawled out on his bed with her hat off and hair undone. Steels jaw dropped at the sight of such beauty. “Hey, city boy how about a roll in the hay?” she said with a devilish grin. Steel walked calmly over to her and kissed her passionately. “Well, I’m not one to deny such a beautiful mare.” he said with a grin as he turned out the light. Steel woke up to the smell of apples and sweat. He looked over to the orange mare sleeping peacefully next to him. Steel got up off the bed and went to the restroom and washed up. Steel returned to his room seeing that AJ had woken up and was now sitting on his bed with a satisfied grin on her face. “Morning, partner.” “Morning.” he said with smile. Applejack then got to her hooves and stumbled a bit. “Great, how am ah supposed to buck apples if I can’t even walk straight.” she said as she tried to regain her balance. “Sorry.” he said as he trotted over to his mare friend. She then gave him a quick kiss. “I’m not.” Applejack said as she nuzzled his chest. Applejack then went into the kitchen to make them some breakfast. Steel went down to the store and started to set up shop until he heard a knock at the door. Steel opened it to see Rarity. “Hello, Steel I have a friend here who-” Rarity stopped as she saw Applejack descend from the stair case. “Oh, I didn’t realize you had company, I’ll come back later and..oof!” Rarity said as Steel grabbed and pulled her inside the shop. “Well I say!” “Rarity you’d better not tell any-pony about this!” Applejack said with an angry look in her eyes. “Of corse darling, I wouldn’t dream of it.” “You said you had a friend with you?” Steel said as he crossed his front hooves. “Yes, a friend of mine from Canterlot, he claims to know you. You can come in now.” Rarity said to the figure standing outside the door. “Hello old boy.” said the familiar voice. Steel was shocked beyond belief at who stood before him, his Uncle. “Uncle Fancy! I can’t believe it!” he said as he hugged the stallion. Rarity’s and Applejacks face were frozen in state of shock. “Fa-Fancy Pants is your u-uncle!?” Rarity said as she tried to come to terms with the situation. “Yeah on my moms side! He helped me get out of Canterlot.” Steel said to the white mare. “Have I ever told you how much I love metal.” Rarity cooed but soon felt a hoof on her shoulder. Applejack was giving Rarity a stare that would make an Ursa Major cower in fear. “Don’t even THINK about it!” Applejack said with rage in her voice. “Come now Applejack, do you really think that I would come between you two?” Rarity said with a smile. Fancy’s attention then shifted to the orange mare. “Ah, so you’re Applejack. My nephew has told me quite a bit about you in his letters. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Fancy said as he bowed his head. “Well, shucks mister it’s nice to meet the stallion that helped my colt-friend.” she said as she trotted next to Steel. “So, Uncle what are you doing here? Hows Iron doing?” “I was doing some business with Rarity, when she mentioned a certain blacksmith entered town a few months ago. And I decided that I should check and see if it was you.” he said with a grin. “Iron Sword is doing fine he asks me about you a lot, he’ll be overjoyed when I tell him that I saw you.” “That’s great! tell him I’ll visit soon.” Steel said with a big smile on his face. “Who’s Iron Sword?” Applejack asked. “He was my mentor back in Canterlot he taught me everything I know about forging. He’s the closest thing to father I have. No offense Uncle.” “None taken. I have an Idea, how about you three show me around Ponyville.” Fancy said. “Great idea! Is it alright with you AJ?” “It’s fine I just ned to stop at Sweet Apple Acres to let my family know I’m okay.” “Perfect that’ll be our first stop. I just need five minutes to get ready.” Steel said as he hurried up stairs. “I’m glad he found you Ms. Apple, I haven’t seen him smile like that since before his mother died.” Fancy said as he looked at the orange mare. “What was his mother like?” “She was a very cheerful unicorn, my sister. Whenever I was down in the dumps she always made me feel happy again. Then she was taken from us and that’s when Steel stopped smiling. He blames himself for her death, he’s had to carry that burden for so long.” “Why does he blame himself?” Rarity asked. Fancy realized he’s said too much. “I’m sorry ladies it’s not my place to say.” Fancy said with a sad look on his face. Steel then returned to the group freshened up and with a smile on his face. “Ready to go?” “Yes, lets get going.” Rarity said as she turned towards the door with Fancy right behind her. Applejack managed to fake a smile as Steel passed her and trotted outside, she couldn’t help but wonder about Steel’s mother as the group made their way to Sweet Apple Acres. Rarity and Fancy began to talk and gossip about business. Applejack led the way to Sweet Apple Acres, once the group got to the farm Applejack introduced Fancy to Granny Smith, Applebloom and Big Mac, who then pulled Steel inside the barn. “Can ah talk to you for a minute?” Big mac said to the blacksmith. “Sure what’s up?” “Why is my sister walking with slight limp?” Big mac said as he glared at the unicorn. “Um....well I......oh forget it. We spent the night together.” Steel said as he looked the large stallion in the eye. Big mac then took a deep breath. “Ah appreciate ya for being honest with me. However I still gotta do this.” he said as his right hoof collided with Steel’s face sending him flying out of the barn. “Sorry about that.” “WHAT THE BUCK WAS THAT FOR?” Steel said as he clutched his face in pain. “It was nothing personal, just my brotherly duties. I would’ve had to do it to any stallion that took my sisters virginity, it just so happened that it was you.” Big Mac said as helped Steel up from the ground. “And I’m only gonna say this once break her heart and I’ll break you.” he said as his eyes narrowed on the unicorn who was now bleeding from his nose. “Wouldn’t even dream of it Mac.” he said as he shook the stallions hoof. “But, I’ll have to get you back one day for hitting me.” Steel said with a grin. “Ah suppose that’s fair.” Mac said with a chuckle the two friends then trotted inside the farm house to rejoin the others. Applejack rushed to her colt friends side with a worried look on her face. “What happened?” “Just stumbled over some farm equipment.” he said to his mare friend. “Right, I’m pretty sure it was red tool.” she said as she eyed her brother who had started to whistle. “Well, lets get going.” Steel said as he put a hoof on his mare friends back and led her out of the house where Fancy and Rarity were waiting for them. The group then headed down into Ponyville. They stopped for lunch at Sugar Cube Corner, and then visited Twilight at the library. Fancy was impressed by Twilights knowledge and book collection. When Celestia’s sun started to lower Fancy escorted Rarity back to Carousel Boutique. The trio went back to Steel’s shop. “Well old boy, it was great catching up with you, but I must take my leave and return to Canterlot.” Fancy said with warm smile. “Yes it was great to see you too and tell Iron I’ll visit him soon.” “Of corse, goodbye.” Fancy said as he left the shop and trotted back to the train station. Applejack then began to walk back to Sweet Apple Acres after she kissed Steel goodnight. The black smith decided to go to bed it had been an exhausting day and he had to get up for work tomorrow. He laid down in his bed and drifted off to blissful sleep.
Chapter 8Chapter 8. The five ponies were waiting in the hospital lobby hoping that heir friend’s were okay. Rainbow and Rarity were doing their best to comfort Applejack that was sobbing in the corner. The doctor soon came out to the five ponies, suddenly two stallions stepped into the hospital and joined the group, one of them wasFancy Pants and the other one was a red earth pony with a sword for cutie mark. Fancy took a moment to apologize for being late. “Doctor are they going to be alright?” Twilight said as the other ponies trotted to her side. “Ms. Pinkie Pie only has a cracked rib and will be up and about in a few days.” “What about Steel?” Applejack said through the sobs. “He had the worst of it I’m afraid. His right cheek bone is shattered, his skull is cracked which is causing massive swelling in his brain and his right hoof has permanent nerve damage.” Applejack then broke down in tears Rainbow took her aside. “I’m so sorry but he has forty-sixty chance at recovery and even then severe brain damage is expected. Honestly it’s nothing short of a miracle that he’s still alive.” the doctor said to the now teary eyed Twilight. The doctor then left the ponies who had all started to sob. Fancy pants was close to tears as well, the red earth pony walked over to the sobbing orange mare. “Who’re you?” Rainbow said to the strange stallion. “My name is Iron Sword, I’m Steel Hammers mentor.” “Why’re you here?” Applejack said through the sobs. “To help my pupil. Did one of you grab the hammer that was used?” he said as he ran his gaze over the mares. “Yeah, I did.” Rainbow said as she withdrew the hammer. Iron took it from her and began to look it over, a smile spread across his face. “Steel should be just fine.” he said with a laugh. The other ponies were now looking at him as though he had grown an extra head. “What are you talking about? Did you hear the doctor’s diagnosis?” Twilight said. “What’s Steel Hammers’ room number?” Iron asked the nurse. “It’s C25 but you can’t-” she was cut off by Iron walking past her. The other ponies followed him with haste to the room. As they opened the door they saw a familiar pink mare laying down half asleep and on the next bed over was a familiar grey unicorn strapped up to a series of machines. Iron walked over to him and put the black ox on the foot of the bed and went over to his apprentice and began to examine him. “Yeah, he’s should be just fine.” at this Applejack couldn’t hold back any longer she marched up to the red stallion and slapped him across the face with her hoof so hard it left an imprint. “WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU? YOU’RE HIS MENTOR, STEEL LOOKS UP TO YOU LIKE A FATHER AND NOW SEEING HIM HERE LIKE THIS ALL YOU CAN SAY IS ‘HE’S GONNA BE FINE.’ WELL A’HM LOKING AT HIM NOW AND HE DOESN’T LOOK FINE!!” Applejack screamed as tears were poring down her face. “You must be Applejack his mare friend, and the reason why I’m like this is because I think I can cure him!” he said as he rubbed his cheek where the orange mare had slapped him. “How can you do that when the doctors have tried every thing?” Rainbow said with puzzled look. “Steel’s a forge master, forge masters have this little trick for healing serious injuries by storing some of their power inside their tools, so they should be able to heal him." “Should?” Twilight said with a condescending look. “This process is a bit...risky. If it doesn’t work then he could die.” Iron said looking down at the bed. “But if it does work, then he’ll be the same as he ever was.” “So, let me get this straight. If it works then he’ll come back, if it doesn’t he’ll die and if we sit and do nothing then he’ll be vegetable for the rest of his life.” Twilight said as she scratched her mane. “In a nut shell, yes.” Iron said as he looked over the faces of the ponies crowded into the tiny room. “Listen, his letters said that you guys are his best friends so if you want to take the risk then you have my support.” Iron said looking back at his student. “Mine as well.” Fancy said to the group of mares. Twilight and the other girls looked at Applejack who had finally stopped crying. “Are you sure that this thing can bring him back?” “Theres a possibility, yes.” “Than theres nothing left to talk about. Do it!” Applejack said as she got up and trotted over to her colt friends side. “Alright, It’ll take some time. Fancy I need you to go to his shop and find a hammer. It’s a black hammer it should be in a black wooden box.” “I’ll depart immediately.” Fancy said as he galloped out the door. “What should we do?” Rainbow said to the red stallion. “It looks like your pink friend is awake.” Iron said as he pointed to the pink blob that was starting to wake up and look over to the group of ponies. The four friends then trotted over to Pinkie Pie. Pinkie began to tell them about to fight between Steel and Thunderlane and his goons. “Why that son of a bitch! I’m gonna destroy him.” Rainbow said with fire in her eyes. The other mares managed to calm her down. Iron then walked over to Applejack who was still by Steel’s side. “Can I talk to you for a minute?” “S-sure.” AJ said reluctantly. The two trotted outside the hospital room and sat down in the lobby. “Listen Ah’m really sorry about hitting you earlier. It’s just that I love Steel and I...” Applejack was cut off by Iron. “You have nothing to apologize for, I was only putting on that attitude back in there to reassure Fancy, to be honest I’m scared to death of what might happen to him.” Iron said as tears began to form in his eyes. “Steel is like a son to me, I was there when he got his cutie mark, when he graduated from school and when he showed talent in forging I took him under my wing. When I saw your reaction, I could tell that you love him.” “So can you help him?” “I believe so, I hope so, not just for our sake but for Fancy’s as well. Stallions’ already lost his sister, Steel is his only connection to her he has left.” “How did Steel’s mom die?” Applejack asked as she wiped the tears away. “He didn’t tell you? I guess you deserve to know. Steel was working on the forge when a strange looking stallion came in and bought one of the daggers Steel had made. Later that night his family went out to see a play, on the way back they were ambushed and his mother was killed right in front of him. Luckily a guard was nearby and managed to subdue the stallion before he did anything else. The stallion was the same one that bought the dagger form the shop earlier that day. Since that day Steel never crafted another weapon and has felt guilty ever since.” Iron finished the story and looked back towards the orange mare. “Ah-ah never knew he felt so guilty. It wasn’t his fault it’s not like he stabbed her.” Applejack said as she tried to calm the situation. “True, but he feels guilty that something he made had ended another ponies life. A forge master must take responsibility for their creations, that’s the burden all forge masters share.” he said as he put a hoof on Applejacks shoulder. “I’m glad he met you.” Fancy Pants then burst through the hospital doors carrying a black wooden box with his magic. Iron took the box and went back inside the room Applejack and Fancy followed close behind. Iron set the box on the foot of the bed and looked at every-pony else with a flat look on his face. “Now, we begin.” Authors note: Brony of Truth, you called it.
Chapter 9Chapter 9. The group of ponies all crowded around Steel Hammer who was still lying in a comatose state. Iron sword withdrew the hammer and wrapped steels hooves around it. “Well, here goes nothing.” he said as he connected the hammer with Steels horn, Suddenly the hammer began to glow and levitate and produce a magical aura that enveloped the grey stallion. A bright light began to shine between the hammer and it’s master, suddenly Steels eyes began to glow and rise from the bed being suspended by the growing magic coming from the tool. A sudden flash of light, both the hammer and steel fell to the bed. The ponies suddenly rushed to his side, Applejack was in tears Steel took one look at his apprentice and began to cry. Steel awoke in a place that was shrouded in white, a voice called to him from beyond. Steel knew this voice but his mind couldn’t believe it. “Mother?” “Yes, it’s so good to see you again.” said the angelic voice. A body started to appear a unicorn mare with a light blue coat black hair and piercing red eyes. She came over and gave her son a long awaited hug. “Wait, if I’m her and you’re here then does that mean that I’m...” “I’m so sorry, yes.” “Mom, I’m so sorry that I...” Steel was cut off by his mothers voice. “What happened to me was not your fault, you must forgive yourself.” “But I built the thing that killed you. How can I ever forgive myself for that?” he said as he began to cry. “I know my son would not intentionally build something for destruction, it was just fate that this happened to me and no-pony is to blame. Not even your father.” “But of I hadn’t become a forger then none of this would have happened and we would be a happy family.” he said with anger in his voice. “So are you saying that you’re unhappy now? Remember you have ponies who love you and will support you.” “I have my friends, I have my family and I have....Applejack.” he said with a smile. “She is a good mare and loves you with all her heart.” she said as she wrapped him in another hug. “I love her too. She make me feel like I’m the luckiest stallion in the world and I can’t bear the thought of losing her.” “Imagine how she feels right now.” Steels mother said as she broke the hug. Steel began to glow and fly up. Steel looked confused at what was happening to him. “It looks like it isn’t your time yet, be good to her Steel and remember that I love you and will always watch over you.” she said with tears of joy in her eyes. Steel began to feel life dwell within his body once more he felt the air in his lungs but more importantly he felt a familiar pair of lips pressed against his and a voice saying ‘Ah love you Steel Hammer.’ “I love you too Applejack.” he said as he began to open his eyes. He saw all the ponies he cared about with tears streaming down their faces. Applejack brought him into a hug strong enough to crush a manticore’s spine. “AJ......can’t........breathe!” he said as she loosened her grip. he returned the hug with what strength he had. The others soon joined the hug. For the first time in along time Steel Hammer felt at peace with himself. Steel and Pinkie were discharged from the hospital two days later with a clean bill of health. He heard that Thunderlane had been sentenced to four years in prison for assault and battery, Steel didn’t really pay attention all he wanted to do was focus on Applejack. Two years had passed since that incident, in time Steel managed to save up enough money to buy a house, Applejack moved in with him and still worked at Sweet Apple Acres. Steel’s forging soon became famous all over Equestria, so much that he had to hire some help, and Iron Sword just happened to move to Ponyville. Steel was getting orders as far away as the Crystal Empire, this gave him the chance to experiment with forging crystal metal. One night he and Applejack went out to Sugar Cube Corner, the two sat in their usual booth soon their friends started to arrive. “What in the hay are y’all doing her?” she asked as she raised an eyebrow. “Applejack, theres something I need to ask.” he said as he took out a small box. “What is that?” she said as Steel took her hoof in his. “Applejack, before I met you my life was hollow and un-eventful. You’ve been there for me through thick and thin, I know I haven’t always been there for you, but I’d like to change that.” Steel said as he opened the small box revealing a golden necklace with an amber cut in the shape of an apple in the center. he then got down on one knee. “Applejack Abigail Apple will you marry me?” Applejack had tears of joy running down her face she grabbed steel and pressed her lips against his. “Yes! Yes I will!” AJ said as she put the necklace on, all of her friends now had tears pouring from their eyes. As Steel and AJ left after Pinkie had thrown them the biggest engagement party any-pony has ever seen. Steel and Applejack went to the spot at Sweet Apple Acres where they ended their first date, the two decided to spend the night under the stars and apple trees.
Chapter 10: EndChapter 10 The day had finally arrived, the day Steel had been waiting his whole life for, the day he married the mare of his dreams, He was sporting a jet black tuxedo with a red tie. He chose Iron as his best stallion and Princess Celestia was overseeing the ceremony. He stood at the alter waiting for his bride to be. Applejack walked to the alter wearing a stunning white dress complete with a white stetson holding the veil, Steel couldn’t take his eyes off of her. The rest of AJ’s friends were the brides maids, Rainbow was the mare of honor and the CMC were flower fillies. “Do you Steel Hammer, take Applejack Apple to be you lawfully wedded wife and promise to cherish and love her for as long as you both shall live?” “I do.” “And do you Applejack Apple, take Steel Hammer to be your lawfully wedded husband and promise to support him, to be there for him always in sickness and in health?” “Ah do.” “Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you Mare and Colt.” she said as she levitated the two rings, Steels’ was on his horn and Applejack’s was on a necklace. “You may now kiss the bride.” Steel then swept Applejack off her hooves and kissed her passionately. As they ended the kiss Steel saw that all of AJ’s friends were in tears even the tough as nails cyan pegasus and the worker red farm stallion couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. After the ceremony they headed to the reception hall and began to party. Pinkie was the obvious choice for running the event. Soon Steel and Applejack made their way over to Fancy Pants and his wife Fleur. “Congratulations, my boy!” he said as he shook Steel’s hoof. “It was such a beautiful ceremony.” said Fleur as she trotted next to Fancy who now had a nervous look on his face. “What’s wrong uncle?” “Steel theres some one here you need to talk too.” he said as he pointed to the stallion sitting in the corner. Steel, Fancy and Applejack trotted over to the unicorn stallion, his coat was a dark blue mane was bright red and his cutie mark was dollar signs. Steel’s eyes widened at who sat before him. “Dad?” “Hello son, it’s been awhile.” he said as he sipped his drink. “Dad what are you-” Steel was cut off by his father raising a hoof. “Before you shout, I just want to say something, something I should have said a long, long time ago.” he said as he took a deep breathe. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the way I acted that night, I’m sorry for not being there for you when you needed me, I’m sorry for blaming you for your mothers death. I know I was a horrible father to you and I know that theres nothing I can do to make that up. I just want to let you know that your my son and I love you and you have my blessings.” he said teary eyed as he began to trot towards the door he was stopped by a grey hoof on his shoulder that then brought him into a hug. “Dad, I forgive you. What matters to me right now is that your here. But why didn’t you read my letters I sent you?” Steel asked with tears in his eyes. “I was too ashamed of what I’d done, I didn’t have the courage to face you. I was afraid that you’d throw me out of your life a second time. I was ashamed that I let the best thing in my life run right out the door due my stupid ego.” he said as he returned a hug. “Dad, I love you too, and I want nothing more than for you to be apart of this family.” Steel said as he finally broke the hug. “Come, I want you to meet my wife.” Steel said as he led him over to Applejack who was smiling at Steel with tears in her eyes. Fin. Authors note: I literally cried while writing this, hope you all enjoyed it. I plan on writing and Epilogue.
Chapter 7Authors note: Wow, three chapters in one day, didn't know I had it in me. Enjoy! Chapter 7 The next day was like any othe,r Steel went to work until around noon and spent his lunch with Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres. After her colt-friend left Applejack went back to work in the south field until she was interrupted by a certain cyan pegasus. “Hey AJ.” Rainbow dash said as she landed next to her best friend. “Howdy Rainbow, what brings you to the farm?” “Just in the neighborhood.” Rainbow said as she put on a sheepish grin. “Okay...well I gotta get back to work.” AJ said as she returned to bucking the trees. “Well I was wondering if I could ask you something.” Dash said as she flew in front of the farm pony. “What is it Dash?” “Well....I was kinda wondering.” she started to giggle as she drew her orange friend close. “Was it good?” “Was what good?” “C’mon AJ, you know what I’m talking about, and don’t lie to me.” Rainbow said with a flat tone. Applejack still had a confused look on her face. “Tell me how well Steel ‘used his hammer.’” Rainbow said with a giggle. Applejack’s face then turned scarlet with embarrassment and anger. “THAT”S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS, WHO TOLD YOU!” Applejack said as the cyan mare rolled on the ground in hysterical laughter. “No-pony told me I swear, half the town heard you guys the other night. I never knew you were a screamer AJ.” Dash was now finding it hard to breathe due to the amount of laughter. Applejack’s rage was now replaced by pure embarrassment. “Oh dear Celestia, how can ah show my face in town again?” “Maybe invest in a sound proof room?” Rainbow said between the laughter. “RAINBOW!” “I’m just kidding AJ. Relax, it’s nothing to be ashamed about. So you had sex with a Stallion you really like. I mean you guys have been dating for like what? A year now? Big deal.” Rainbow said as she put a hoof over her friends shoulder."When was the last time some-pony gave you grief for having a good time?” “True, thanks RD. I needed that.” “Any time.” the cyan mare said as she gave applejack a high hoof. “So tell me how was he?” Rainbow said now getting a little impatient. Applejack took a quick second to look around to see if any-pony else was listening. She motioned for her friend to come closer. “He was fantastic.” Applejack said with a giggle. “He’s so kind and generous. He made me feel things I never knew existed. I love him Rainbow, with all my heart.” “AJ, don’t you lose him. And if he does break your heart Mac and I will put him in his place.” she said with a wink. Soon, Applebloom came running up the dirt path way towards the two mares with a worried look on her face. “Applejack! Rainbow Dash! Steel needs help!” said the small filly out of breath. “Where is he kiddo?” Rainbow said. “At Sugar Cube Corner! You gotta come quick!” Without a moment to spare Rainbow Dash took off towards Sugar Cube corner with Applejack in hot pursuit. As Rainbow reached Sugar Cube corner where a crowd of ponies had gathered. In the center were three badly beaten pegasus stallions and a barely concise grey unicorn in the center breathing heavily. As he saw the cyan mare make her way through the crowd he collapsed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As Steel trotted back into town from Sweet Apple Acres he was catching glances from both mares and stallions, he decided to stop at Sugar Cube Corner to see Pinkie, who was behind the register. “Hey Pinkie.” “Hey! What’s up?” “Not much just decided to pop in and say hi.” he said as he eyed a group of pegasi that were giving him a less than pleasing look. “Hey Pinks, you ever get the feeling that you’re being judged?” “I can kinda see why you’d feel that way, considering what you and AJ did the other night.” she said with a giggle. Steels face turned bright red. “What! How did you hear about that?” he said in a hushed tone. “Well no offense, but half of Ponyville heard it.” Pinkie whispered to the grey stallion. Steel face hoofed and realized that’s why every-pony would awkwardly smile at him as he passed by. “Yeah, no kidding we had to plug our ears just to get some sleep.” said the ring leader of the pegasi. Steel knew him, Thunderlane, Typical hot shot flyer. Still always came in second due to Rainbow Dash. He had been pestering Steel for months now. “Shut up Thunderlane.” Steel said as he returned his attention back to Pinkie. “Well now that I heard what little hick sounds like in bed maybe I’ll take swing at her.” he said with a smug grin on his face. Pinkie and some of the customers let out a gasp as Steel whirled around and punched Thunderlane in the face, sending him out of Sugar Cube Corner and into the street. The other two pegasi grabbed Steel by the mane and smashed him against the wall, head first. As Thunderlane went back inside one of his cronies noticed that Steel’s hammer had come out of it’s holster and began to beat him with it. Steel began to wail in pain as the hammer came in contact with his front right hoof. Pinkie then jumped on the back of the pegasus with the hammer and pulled him off of Steel. "Hey! Let him go Mr. Meanie." Pinkie bellowed. The pegasus pulled Pinkie off of his back and hit her in the stomach with the hammer, making her slump to the ground in pain. Steel then pushed off the wall and pushed the pegasus into the opposite wall knocking him out. Steel then turned his attention to the hammer wielding pegasus. Steel rushed forward and caught the hammer with his magic and ripped it out of the pegasus’s grasp and threw it away from the fight. Steel then proceeded to slam the pegasus up against the bar and beat him until he was unconscious. Steel then rushed over to Pinkie that was sobbing on the ground in the corner. “Pinkie-” Steel saw a look of horror on the pink mares face. Steel turned around to see a black and blue Thunderlane holding his hammer in his right hoof that was fast approaching his face. Steel could feel bones break from the force of the hammer. Steel fell to the ground without a sound. Thunderlane then proceeded to walk over to Pinkie with a menacing look in his eye. Thunderlane then felt a force holding him back he turned to see a bloodied grey unicorn, who’s black mane now resembled flames and eyes glowed whit with magic and rage. Thunderlane began to swing at Steel but was stopped by his magic, Steel then encased the pegasus in a magical aura and proceeded to pull on his wings until he heard a snap come from both appendages. Steel then sent the trio flying through the door and out into the street which was now filled with curious ponies who had heard the commotion. As Steel made his way outside his magic started to vanish and his pain soon returned to him, but not before he saw a familiar cyan pegasus speeding towards him, he fell to the ground and everything faded to black.
Epilogue.Epilogue. Steel woke up to the smell of Applejacks famous cooking, he rolled out of bed and woke his daughter and son. His son was an earth pony and shared his mother’s yellow mane and green eyes, his coat was a tint of silver, His daughter was a unicorn with his black mane brown eyes and had a bright orange coat. Both of them were only eight and didn’t even have their cutie marks, both meant the world to him he suddenly heard Applejack ring the bell. “Soups on Every-pony! Hurry up or you’ll be late to visit Grandpa!” she said as the two ponies raced down the stairs and entered the kitchen with smiles on their faces. “Hey dad can we visit the zoo with grandpa when we get there? Please?” his daughter said as she used the puppy dog eyes on him. “Where did you learn that look?” he said as he tried to resist it. “Aunt Applebloom taught it to me.” she beamed. “That explains it, and you need to ask your mom if it’s okay.” she suddenly teleported out of the room and reappeared in ten seconds flat. “She said yes.” “Fine by me then.” he said as he picked up his daughter and put her around his shoulders. The Family of four made their way out the door. As they began to walk to the train station, Applejack trotted next to Steel with a smile on her face. “Ya know, I saw Silver Seed trying to pick up a hammer the other day.” she said with a grin. “Like father like son I guess and I saw lil Copper Apple here trying to buck some loose barnches off our tree yesterday. I guess you’ve been teaching her to do that?” he said with a smile. “Teach? You don’t teach that sugar cube that’s just natural.” AJ said as she gave him a peck on the cheek. Steel finally felt at home, he had a thriving business a home and most of all a family that will be there for him always. Suddenly his two children popped up in front of him. “Hey dad how did you and mom meet?” his son asked with eager eyes. Steel looked at Applejack and gave a chuckle. “Well you see son it went something like this....” Authors Note: I just want to thank all those who supported my first completed fan-fic. I wouldn’t have got this far without all your support. ~ Silent.
