How to Live as a Cyborg Ponyby Ame ShineChaptersChapter 1: The Hooves Of BoneChapter 2: Hooves of MetalChapter 3: Hooves of DirtChapter 5: Hooves of VelvetChapter 6: Hooves of BronzeChapter 7: Hooves and Hearts Part 1Chapter 4: Hooves of FeathersChapter 1: The Hooves Of BoneEverypony has their luck in everything… It was raining, not too hard, but hard enough for Princess Celestia to cover the basket under a wing. She or her knights were expecting rain when they came to visit the Shine unicorns because of the little foal. The little purple sleeping bundle was probably a few weeks old, Celestia didn’t know where she came from, who the parents were and why they put her on the steps. All she knew is that the Shines couldn’t have a child of their own, and were glad that the princess had a solution to their problem. Rainbow Shine always wanted a baby, but she had an accident that prevented her from having one. She didn’t care that the child was a Pegasus, but they looked closely related anyways. They both had purple hides, and Rusty Shine had a light red mane and tail. Rainbow was a good worker; she loved fashion and kept a red ribbon in her hair all the time. Rusty, even though he was from the mines, his knowledge of gems and his works of pocket watches got him to where he is now. Princess Celestia looked at the moon slightly paranoid, if she didn’t get the foal to the Shines soon, the little one might get a cold. She heard a little yawn and the basket under her wing move. The princess smiled at the little Pegasus and looked at the Shine’s home. She was happy that a family was willing to adopt the little mare. The princess wondered what kind of part she will take in the word as they got closer to the home. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ “Mama?” Ame Shine squealed and raised her hooves in the air to her adopted mother, “Mama!” She squealed happily as Rainbow Shine hugged her little bundle of joy. The little foal was now a year old with even brighter pink hair and her eyes blue. Shine was restless but she was careful on what she did. Any chance she got, she tried to go outside and go explore. It only happened once and the Shines were looking for her for a few hours only to find her playing in a bush in front of their house. They were relieved that it wasn’t anywhere closer to the street where the carriages could get to her. “Hello, my little shine, how are you today?” Rainbow cooed as she tried a red ribbon into her daughter’s pink hair. “We get to see the Princess today, so you be a good little pony alright?” “Yes mama!” She giggled as Rainbow liked Ame’s cheek. She licked her mother back with her little tongue. “Mama smells pretty.” Rainbow smiled and helped Shine into the carriage as they waited for Rusty to lock the house. Once they were off, Ame Shine had flash backs of a giant white wing and rain. She was confused, but wasn’t fearful, more like intrigued. She looked at the scenery as they moved on from the city grounds to the castle grounds. Shine never knew there could be so much grass in one spot, and the smell was so fresh, she giggled and smiled. Ame Shine didn’t remember the Alicorn, but she heard of how she came to her parents. Ame Shine believed that Princess Celestia delivered foals to their parents, which also explained why she was so busy. It made sense to the foal in a lot of ways. Her thoughts drifted to some reasons why the Princess wanted them to visit. “Welcome my friends!” A booming, polite voice echoed through the garden, making Ame Shine jump and hide in her mother’s tail. “I’m glad you can make it.” The proud parents bowed before the princess as Ame Shine shook in Rainbow’s tail. She watched the Alicorn walk up to them with her head held high and her crown glistening. She spread her white wings and tucked one in to bow back politely. “I’m sorry, Princess Celestia,” Rainbow Shine stuttered, “I should’ve taught Am…” “It’s alright, Rainbow Shine,” The princess smiled. “Come out, little one, do not be afraid. Nothing on these grounds will hurt you, I promise.” “… Pinkie swears?” Ame Shine squeaked in panic. “Pinkie swear.” Princess Celestia moved next to the shaking toddler and waited for Rainbow to trot carefully away. “Do you remember me at all? Remember how we met?” “I… I remember your wing.” Shine pointed her little hoof the huge, white wings. “I’m glad,” Princess nudged her to stand gently with her horn. “You know what species you are, little Shine?” “Pe-Pegasus?” Ame Shine squeaked again, but started to relax with every question. “I dunno how to fly yet, but I will soon! Maybe…” “Oh, we’ve been looking for an instructor from Cloudsdale,” Rainbow Shine sighed, “They say she’s not old enough. Another year and she’ll be flying to shelves by herself.” “Hum… By now she should’ve started flying.” Princess Celestia looked at her parents, worried. “She may need to get out more. If she still doesn’t fly on her own, then come to me after the year is done and I will try to get somepony to help.” Princess Celestia smiled weakly and looked at the toddler, “Promise me you’ll try and fly?” “Yesh ma’am!” Ame Shine toppled over trying to bow to the white mare too hard. “Let’s get some tea,” The Princess offered, “I would like to catch up on what’s going on!” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ “That was the princess!?” Ame Shine exclaimed while she tried not to hop around in the carriage. “Yes,” Rusty said proudly, “She is the one who raises the moon and the sun each day! But some say it wasn’t always like that!” “Oh dear, I think it’s a bit early for story time,” Rainbow rubbed her head against his. “Why is mama and dada unicorns and little Shine is not?” Ame Shine frowned and looked at them. They both looked at each other; both expected this to be later, possibly when she was older. Now who was going to explain that she was adopted? Rainbow Shine looked at her foal expectantly. “Now, don’t fret my dear, Mama and Dada still love you,” Rainbow started as the carriage started getting bumpy, “But hun, Princess Celestia brought you to us. You were just weeks old and she knew I’ve always wanted a foal. You’re-!” The carriage slipped sideways and down the three of them went onto the cobblestone road. Rainbow and Rusty just had noticed this before it happened, but it still didn’t prevent the little purple Pegasus to fly and skitter across the road. Nor did it prevent the blood curdling noise that followed behind it. “Nooo!” Rainbow screamed in agony as she saw the blood pool in front of her. Chapter 2: Hooves of Metal"Mother?" I looked around the house, making as much noise as possible. It wasn't hard to make noise; my hooves weren't bone and soft squishy flesh. They were metal. It meant I couldn't go on Cloudsdale for sure without falling, flying was harder (but it made me a stronger flyer) and I was unable to fit in. Anywhere. I didn't consider myself a Pegasus, I was far from an Earth pony and I don't have a horn to be a Unicorn. Luckily it was after our visit with Princess Celestia and we weren't too far from the castle. Ever since that day... "Nooo!" My mother, Rainbow Shine, screamed to me after a snarling crunch. The pain didn't hit me, I woke up in a daze on the other side of the road to find a trail of blood leading to a pool of it. It didn't hit me that it was mine. I started to register that the carriage was tipped over, my mother had her hooves on her head and father trying to stop her from having the same fate. Then there was the burning in my wings, light, purple feathers were scattered on the road, following my decent. I remember I was jumping from meeting the princess and wanting to hear my father's story. That's when the pain in all of my hooves started. Except, when I looked down to see my hooves, they weren't there at all... I woke in a dark room, my wings ached but I couldn't feel my hooves. I felt this electricity run through my body to the bed. It was cold and heavy when I tried to move my body. I understood exactly what happened that day. Father blamed himself. Father died two years after that. Mother blamed herself. I'm still trying to convince her it wasn't her fault. It was an accident. Her mane was no longer seven, bright colors of the rainbow. It dulled out like somepony decided to mute the blues with greys and the yellow with brown. She stopped using magic when Father died. Rusty never looked his name. His bold purple hide, his silver hair... all went away. I blamed myself, and I'm still trying to convince myself it was an accident. It's really hard when everypony is expecting you to perform some kind of miracle. Princess Celestia said I should've died. I shouldn't be looking for my mother with a white hide. I shouldn't be here, after 5 years, trying to find a place to fit in, forgive myself or trying to fly. Or running around with a clog cutie mark with smoke trailing behind it. Nope, shouldn't have that. I banged my hooves on the ground gently so I didn't brake the floor. "Mother! We need to go! Princess Celestia is waiting on us!" "I'm coming, dear..." I hear the faint sound of my mother. "I'll be a moment." I frowned and laid down, crossing my front hooves under my chin. After 10 years, I still didn't get to learn about the other pony that ruled the skies along side the Princess. Celestia herself hinted it, she told me a little. Every time we go to the castle for my upgrade, she tells me a little more. This time she's supposed to tell me if it was a friend, family member or a random pony. Either way, it made me miss my father, she was gentle to my mother at least. Sometimes I see another Alicorn and wonder if it's her that helps Celestia. And then rarely there's a purple unicorn followed by a baby dragon. It was 2 years ago, she just came out with her cutie mark and Princess Celestia was laughing with the other unicorns. But it was the little purple one, not the white stallion or the two older ones, the small one. I've must've been a couple years older then she is, but her hide was darker of mine when I was just a foal. They didn't approach me nor did I them. I watched them leave as the princess said her good byes. "You want me to go alone again this time, Mother?" I shouted to the unused room. "Mother?" I stood up after no reply and galloped to the room, and laid there was my mother's body in front of my father's picture. There was no blood, no damage to her hide. She just died of old age. I sat and stared at the picture like there was no where else I had to go. If I didn't show up, Princess Celestia would send a guard to inform me that I had to go. I sat there quietly for what it felt like forever before there was a faint knocking. "Come in." I said mutely without looking away. The door swung open and the sun shone brightly in the door way. The pretty mare sat next to me in silence with a frown on her face too. "The guard told me you never answered the door." She announced quietly. "I never heard it." I stated without bowing, just nodded. "I never heard her leave, I only said we needed to go... I never saw her go, I told her I'm sorry... I'm so sorry Princess! I'm so sorry!" I started to cry, not wiping the tears that fell on my face. I remembered rain... Rain and purple feathers and a silver horn. "I'm so sorry I have you leave you..." "Why?" I stomped at the ground. The Princess eloped me with her golden magic until I couldn't move anymore. "Shhh, let's go. You can stay at my castle until you've settled down. Then we'll find you a new home, alright Ame Shine?" "Do you know what Ame means?" I whispered. "No, I would like to know." "It means Rain," I remember mother and father laying down on either side of me in front of the fireplace, telling me different places. "They named me after the weather you brought me here. I'm the pony with the metal hooves now. I'm a freak who killed her parents out of grief. After that day, they never looked at me the same... After Father died, Mother stopped looking at me." She waited patiently until I stopped crying, offering no comfort words, no shoulder. She waited quietly until I was done. My growth is stunted because of the accident. So instead of looking 11, I look 9. The Princess predicts that I should grow into my age when I hit my teens. I shook my head when I stopped crying and wiped my eyes with my wings. My wings weren't broken during the accident, so those were soft and light. It felt nice then metal across my face. "Are you ready to go, young Shine?" The white, feathered mare asked softly. "Yeah-yes, Princess," I mutely followed. I gave her her formal bow but half way down she put her hoof under my chin and lifted me up. "I'm so sorry that you had to see this, Princess." "You've committed no crime," She smiled at me and started for the door, "so there is no need to apologize. Come, let us be on our way." "Yes ma'am." I hung my head low as I walked to the door behind her. One day, I thought, one day I'll be able to hold my head up high. Until then, I just have to try and keep flying on... Author's Note This was probably the most hardest thing to type. Not what happened that day when the accident happened, but when her mother died. I was almost in tears when I got to that part. Chapter 3: Hooves of DirtMany things happened in a year: I could fly better with lighter metal now in my body. But it was still very visible. They were chrome and a vibrant pink to match my hair. My hooves were still bulky as ever, but they didn't make as much sound as they did a year ago. Princess Celestia put velvet to muffle the noise, which to my surprise, sliding on castle floors was much more fun after they were waxed. Princess Cadence finally accepted her aunt a bit more after her discovering that being with her aunt isn't all that bad. They both started talking more and understood since she foal-sitted a unicorn. The Princess talked with me and kept me company, I'm guessing under the white Princess's order. It wasn't that bad though, having someone to really talk to, knowing as much as the world as I did. She didn't go out very much, I never left the house except to come here and possibly Cloudsdale when the incident first happened. But many things didn't change over the year: I still had nightmares about the first visit to Celestia, the blood and the tainted feathers. What made them worse aside from my father hanging from the hanging lamp inside the house was my mother's dull body under his picture. The screams were loud when I first arrived to the Castle, Princess Celestia and Cadence rushed to my room and the pink mare cooed me back to sleep. They made me re-live it every day by asking me questions about it. My hide turned a unnaturally greyish hue and my mane and tail turned a crimson red. I stopped really going out of my room and I hid from them, muffling my screams until I didn't scream anymore. It felt like I was carrying a ball of guilt in my chest. Everypony knew it was there, some were waiting on when I was going to burst and some watched wondering if I was going to turn out like my father. I started getting headaches from lack of clean air, so I finally walked out of my room and walked to the garden. It was raining when I got out, so I guessed it was fall and the Unicorns felt like the summer was too hot... It felt nice though, the headache didn't really go away, it was better anyhow. The grass was glistening and it was cold. I laid down next to a pillar, crossing my hooves under my chin like I would anytime except sleeping. "I'm so sorry, little one." It was the silver horn again, the one from when Mother died. "I have to hide you from my world, this is the safest place for you." The mare used her magic to bind magic, but it wasn't uncomfortable. She kept crying she's sorry on the steps of the white palace as she continued with her disgraceful job. After it was complete, she nuzzled the muzzle of something yawning quietly and suddenly everything was black. "I hope your enjoying yourself," somepony whispered to me. I mumbled something incoherent even to myself something about Alicorns and magic. "It seems you are. You must clean up, dinner is soon." I opened my eyes a little bit and saw a raw of hope walk away. How come hope has to always walk away from me? I turned on my back so blood could rush to my head. I felt dizzy from the dream but my headache was gone. I wondered what that was all about. I put one of my hooves gently on my forehead and felt a knot. I poked at it more and the headache started to come back, and so did this tingly feeling of another loss. No one knows where I came from except I was left here on these steps, could that dream be of my real mother? If so, if she had a horn and I have wings... Shaking my head I got up and walked inside to my room to clean myself. My room was mostly bare, just a couple of picture of my parents, a two metal statues made of scrap material from my previous upgrades. I came real close to making a hologram of them, trying to cherish my prized memories of them. All that was in the way was lack of magic. I could ask anypony around, but they won't know the memories short of Princess Celestia. I wondered if I could figure out who my real parents are if this worked. Somewhere deep in my memory... "Ow..." I rubbed my forehead, careful of my knot. Nope, have to clean. I'll shine my hooves closer to bed. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* "So how are you, Shine?" Princess Cadence started the conversation, "Aunty said you were dreaming outside. Are you alright?" "Yes, Princess," I say naturally, "I felt crowded in my room so I went outside... The rain... It felt nice." There was silence, then Princess Celestia 'humed' and tilted her head. "I remember when the stallion found you. The Cadet Shining Armor. he just saw some magic being preformed and saw somepony fly off." She started, "You were just so cute, in a little pink blanket. We found a little clog as well. I wonder what that means..." "Maybe somepony was trying to hide something," I whispered to myself. Princess Cadence was the closest and I knew she could hear. "What did you dream of?" Princess Celestia continued as if I hadn't said anything. "A sliver horn... Binding magic and she was apologizing that she had to hide somepony... And then I saw nothing but blackness..." I looked down at my plate full of salad with sesame seeds all over it. I loved it that way. "Nothing else, that's when you woke me Princess." There was an awkward silence again. Maybe that confirmed Shining Armor's story, was that dream about my mother... Chapter 5: Hooves of VelvetIt was night when I took off. I had a bag full of stuff; one side full of tools and camping gear and the other side full of food I took from the kitchens. I was excited about this journey. I had bits with me as well, but I only took enough to get me a home if need be and fare for the train. I had three days until my next update, but I couldn't wait, I didn't want to feel sickly and hurt for a month and try and talk myself out of this. I rubbed my forehead, hoping if I go to Ponyville, the nub would go away with the headache. It's grown a little and a little sharper. It was so weird, but I am hoping it'll go away once I get to Ponyville. I couldn't believe this was happening, getting out of a place I called home by myself. I don't remember leaving the castle grounds since my mother passed. The guilt barely clings to me since I've been talking to Princess Luna about them. She kept pushing so I gave in, talking about what i could've done to ease her guilt about my father and my condition. Walking to the station, taking in the new but last sights of Cantorlot before I left. Not that I would love being away, I had a few memories of trying to get outside when I was a filly. How ironic is it when a mother fears if you play outside because you'll get ran over by a carriage when you get hit by one with your family? I cringed to the memory of all the sight of the blood and tried to lock it back up in the back of my brain. "Last call for Ponyville!" I heard a pony shout. I quickly pay my bits and awkwardly run to the train. My metallic hooves make so much noise as they heavily fall to the ground. I haven't ran before, never had a reason to, so I had my wings help me gain the momentum. The second I get to my cot I look at the window. I was very tired and wanted to sleep, but there was that little voice that said, "The world is out there! See as much as you want!" It was right; I can go where ever I wanted to now. I yawned, my eyes heavy, it was hard to stay awake and see the world outside of the castle's walls. Sleep eventually won when the train entered the tunnel leading away from Cantorlot. Once there, the train warden woke me up carefully and I yawned, thanked him and left the train, looking around to see a small town. Is this PonyVille? I pulled a leg up to my chest and felt relief and freedom fly within me. I was free! I galloped happily out of the train station and onto the town streets as I looked at the sleeping town. Buildings were oddly shaped, flowers were colorful even in the night. There was no light on. I put my head down, I didn't know anypony! I was kidding myself. I walked sadly to a bench and laid down on it. I was lucky it was warm or it would be a very cold night for me. I wrapped my wings around my body and fell right back asleep, hoping no pony would take notice. "Hello?" I heard a high pitched voice greet somepony. "Hellllooooo~!" "Pinkie, why don't cha let that poor pony sleep!" I heard another voice. I twitched my ear and uncovered my face. My white wings were brighter in the sunlight here which made it hard to look at the two ponies in front of me. "Oh, you're awake!" The very pink pony greeted. "Are you new?" "Uh..." I looked at the ground and tried to hide my hooves. "Yeah? I came in from Cantorlot last night." "So you must know Princess Celestia!" Another purple pony walked up to me, I knew her right off the bat, "Oh, I like your hooves." "We need to throw her a party!" The pink one squeaked, throwing her hooves in the air, "What's your name?" "Would ja leave `er alone, Pinkie?" The orange one tapped her on the shoulder, "Can't cha see that she's tryina sleep?" "So?" Pinkie questioned her friend, then she turned to me, "I'm Pinkie Pie, this is Apple Jack, and this is Twilight." They waved less frantic as Pinkie Pie. Twilight smiled awkwardly and looked at me, not sure if she knew me or not. "I'm Ame Shine," I said. Nothing more, I didn't want them to feel bad for me. If anypony knew about my past they would probably get hurt or very sick. I didn't want anything to happen to these brightly colored ponies. That was my first day in PonyVille wasn't horrible, Pinkie Pie did throw a surprise party for and they showed me a good home by Fluttershy's cottage. I paid my bits and walked inside, putting my stuff down and crawled onto my bed. Tomorrow, I thought to myself, I'll find work, I'll get better. Chapter 6: Hooves of Bronze"Never in Equestria has this happened before!" The Mayor of Ponyville exclaimed as I told her my long story of my life. "The Princess has been very generous to you, why did you leave the castle grounds?" I looked away, knowing that somepony would see it that way. It didn't seem very generous for a princess to keep one in a castle for so long and tell them nothing about the outside world. I had to get it from the other two princesses who resided there. Outside ponies were dancing and laughing, some were even talking while they were working. That's what I wanted. "I don't think it was very generous." I said simply without giving an explanation. How can I explain it to a mayor? She stared at me and then sighed. "You might have your reasons for saying that, but don't go around saying that to anypony, alright? I've been wondering, how did she know your parents?" I looked down, trying to go through the muddled thoughts of my life. I frowned as I went past the nights and days of the numbness. The Mayor shook her head and bowed it. When she got up, she nudged me a little and told me to follow her. "I'll show you to your new home. We have never had a use for it like the library, but I guess in your situation it could come of use to you. And you don't even have to depend on flying, Ame." I smiled just enough to show I understood. She nodded back at me as I followed as quietly as I could. I listened to the gears in my hooves and tried to make as little noise as possible. The cobblestone underneath made the announcement that I was here. Stares and whispers from everypony from around us, a vibrant pink pony with the fluffy mane from earlier stared widely. I hung my head even more, it's bad enough ponies will ask about my condition. The gray maned pony stopped in front of an old looking, gray house. It was square and some of it rotting away or chipping off. It had a tower at the side like one at the Castle, but it wasn't as proud or large. "It's not in a very good condition, but if you'd like, I can have some ponies to repair the damaged areas or remodel it for you-" "No," I stopped her, "I like it, almost feels like home already!" I said weakly. It was true that I liked it, but this would give me a project and it fit me. Something broken but not beyond repair. It could use some paint and some new wood and a little loving and care, but I have nothing else to do... "You sure?" "Yes, thank you." I said, habitually rubbing my forehead. The knot was gone for the most part, a little remained. We said our good-byes and she left with a wave. After I settle in and get it fixed up enough I could possibly find work or do something... Opening up the door and turning on the light I found it hollow inside with tools, wires, wood that almost looked new in boxes and paper. The main part of my new home looked like a wood shop of some kind, or a small factory. Some of the lights were broken, but those can be replaced, cleaning it out won't be so hard since it was mostly dusting and sweeping. Something that felt bright and colorful filled my throat. I wasn't used to the feeling and thought maybe I was sick. I wouldn't be able to tell if I had a fever, but I guess it felt nice. I walked across making a mental list of what needed fixing and went to the back of the house to find a kitchen, a small living room and a room full of odds and ends. I put it in my mind I'd have to sort through this junk when I get done with the rest of the house. As for the tower, it was a spiraling staircase with the bedroom on the top of it over looking the front, a side and back yard. I was excited for this, I placed one of the emotions that I was feeling. How long has it been other than to escape the nearly-empty castle that I felt excited? Maybe when I was a foal racing to my mom once. I lay on the pile of hay which was fresh. I thanked who ever changed it and fell on to it. I looked at the moon for the longest time. It wasn't full, but I could still see Princess Luna on it. Mentally I told her I needed this, I needed to search for Ame Shine. The head of the princess nodded and kept watch. Maybe I passed out without knowing it or dreaming, but I thought I heard her say, "Stay safe, young one.". Author's Note Sorry again it took me forever to upload this one and even finish it. I may or may not be starting a new one and it will involve shipping between the two in Equestria Girls. Anyone whose seen it knows who I'm talking about! (Spoilers!) Thank you for reading this and keeping it! I'm promising you now to update more often. Chapter 7: Hooves and Hearts Part 1I looked up from my bedroom window to see the Crusaders out and about, saying something about the day. They ran trough my yard to get to school as a short cut when they're running late - which is often. It's been about a month since I've lived in Ponyville and some of my house is fixed up. Some of the flooring still needs to be replaced, some of the roof is tended to - there was a major leak in my bedroom - but the outside appearance is nicer. It's no longer gray, but a nice sky blue with the tower a slightly purple color. The purple reminded me of when my hide was that color as well. A little color as returned though since I've been here, I'm no longer pure white. I never imagined what it would be like if I ever stayed at the castle. Princess Luna watches me every night while I sleep. Sometimes she comes into my dreams and we hold conversations. Princess Celestia was happy I was safe and close to her student, but a little mad that I stuck out on my own. "I needed my space," I told Luna, "I needed fresh air that didn't smell like I had to schedule time to go outside for it. Not that I had to, but it felt like I was just a lingering presence that couldn't her way." I had learned more words in a month and understood more then I had at the castle. They sent my things here including my experiment. I hid that in the room of random things. I had made a sign of it. So far I've found a cat toy, an old tennis ball, 3 jewel necklaces that looked pretty old, old shoes and some rare fabric that I gave to Rarity which almost made her faint. What ever she found when she dove in there made her happy as well. But I told her to keep the fabric in exchange for curtains and an apron. She gladly accepted and even made me a hanger for all of my tools. I had almost hugged her, but I kept my manners and smiled and tried not to break the cobblestone under my steel hooves. I had to do maintenance on my hooves several times. A couple times myself, but then I had to as a unicorn to help me out. Some things just aren't fixed with mane bands and clips. One of my back hooves need to be completely replaced, but I didn't want to go back quite yet. Life as a cyborg pony was great here. I still helped other ponies fix things like their lights or ovens. If it was high up, I didn't have much of a problem, but I used a ladder mostly. "It's hearts and hooves day!" I heard coming back from my mental list of things to do today, "What should we do this year?" "Not try and use any spells against Cherrolie!" Shouted Scootaloo, "I'd rather not get in trouble again like last year." "Morning!" I opened my window and smiled at the three trouble makers. "How are you three?" "Oh, hi Ame Shine!" Apple bloom smiled back at me, throwing her puffy mane back like she always did when she greeted. The other two repeated the greeting but with Sweetie Bell throwing her head back even more. "What are you three up to today?" I asked, "Not causing trouble now are you? I heard about last year." The three looked at each other thoughtfully and giggled. "Do you have a special some pony, Ame?" Apple Bloom asked. I thought for a minute. I never thought of having another pony like that. I don't think they'd handle me very well. I smiled and shook my head. "No, but don't you be looking out for me, or I'll have to talk to your families!" "Well," Apple Bloom smiled and the other two ran off without her, "Have a good Hearts n Hooves!" "You too!" I smiled after them as they ran to school. Hum, a special some pony... I don't think anypony has thought about me more than another pony with metal hooves. I stared down and saw how rusty they look. Maybe I should put 'cleaning hooves' on my list. I have some shopping to do anyways, I'm low on food. I put on my pack and head for the door as I look at the shop area. It'll take a bit of time, but I'm pretty sure it'll get clean one of these days. I felt a little bad for calling the girls on that, I mean it happened last year. I walked out my door and winced a little from how noisy my hooves were against the cobblestone. It wasn't easy for other ponies to get used to, and I was the butt of a lot of jokes until Twilight stood up for me. It was painful to go outside when I first got here, but now I come outside everyday. Grabbing my bags I was checking over my list of everything I need to finish my house and realized I needed paper too. Grabbing a small bag of bits - the allowable amount I let myself spend - I walk out the door into the sun. I hummed as I walked to the market seeing the specials for the holiday. There were booths for small favors as well, a few kissing booths and some were with hugs or photos with somepony high up. The comment from earlier made me look at everypony's faces, seeing who was attractive or who noticed me. A few ponies waved their hellos and I waved back, starting to get disappointed that I didn't interest a stallion. Get what you came to get, nothing more. I thought to myself sadly. I stopped looking at everypony and went to the stands. Most of them were discounted and some of them I did small favors for. Maybe I should go to Fluttershy's if I'm so lonely. That made me feel better. But my home wasn't ready for a pet that wasn't hardy. I sighed and then giggled at myself. "Uh, miss?" I heard a voice next to me, "You forgot this." The voice startled me and when I looked at the pony who spoke, I danced around my hooves and fell over. The stallion was a little larger then most, his voice not as deep though. He was caramel colored with a blondish mane and tail. He lowered his face so his muzzle was in my face. I felt really embarrassed and couldn't think of anything to say. I looked at the stack of paper in his mouth and sighed. I drop things so often, but not many people help. "Uh... Thank you." I grabbed the paper from him and kind of let my eyes wander a bit. I wasn't all cyborg... Just my legs and hooves. Stashing the paper in my bag and turning back to him, I saw him looking around nervously. "Er..." The colt looked more nervous than I was. "Do you need any help with anything..? I wouldn't mind carrying your bag for you. It has to be mighty heavy on your wings." "You could help me with one thing to start..." I looked down, feeling my face heat up, "what's your name?" Author's Note Since it's been so long since I last submitted anything, I'm going to make this a two part piece. That and it's starting to get extremely long. This will also allow me to go over what I've done two years ago and figure out a name unless people want to give out ideas! Chapter 4: Hooves of FeathersAs each day passed, my headache got worse. I went outside everyday around noon, nap and then get woken up by one of the maids for dinner. Sometimes one of the princesses would come and sit next to me and wake me up when it's ready, mostly Princess Cadence. Even though Princess Celestia is an awesome mare, I liked Princess Cadence more. She was a lot more gentle then most ponies and seemed to know that I didn't know much of the outside world beyond the safety of the walls of Equestria. But I was planning to change that. I wanted to go to Ponyville. After the Dark Day, the return on Princess Luna, I've listened to the letters that Princess Celestia reads to her recovering sister. I've talked to Princess Luna twice; Once when she first came her when Princess Celestia brought her to the castle and then I had a long conversation with her. She just seemed so lonely and it reminded me of when my mother died. I stayed in my room for a long time, never talking to anyone when they came to give me food, never doing anything but live heavily. When ever I think of my mother though, it made my heart ache, so I avoided talking about my family when she asked about them. I would say short, quick answers. Though when she talked, she was so quiet that I had to ask her to repeat herself. When Princess Luna fell asleep, I stayed for a little while just to watch if she was okay, and then left as quietly as I could. I tried today to take though, but I couldn't. I kept thinking about the letters and what Ponyville was like. Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia's star pupil said something about a pony named Derpy who accidentally wrecked a building to commemorate a friend going to an earth pony competition. If a pony like her was accepted as a Ponyville citizen, then I should be too! And I'd be a lot more useful there then I am here. All I do is read books about things related to my talent. Standing up, I realize I have to leave here soon or these headaches won't go away and I can be useful and stop dwelling on the past. I'm not sure if I'll be missed, looking back at a large window with six ponies capturing Nightmare Moon. I'll do something as awesome like that. And remembering when Discord was let out of his prison what kind of chaos it caused. Luckily I was in my room that day without a headache. The life of a cyborg pony kind of sucks, but maybe when I get to Ponyville things will change... Hopefully. Author's Note Sorry about it being so short. I couldn't think so much of it should go for this one. Next one will be better I promise!
Chapter 1: The Hooves Of BoneEverypony has their luck in everything… It was raining, not too hard, but hard enough for Princess Celestia to cover the basket under a wing. She or her knights were expecting rain when they came to visit the Shine unicorns because of the little foal. The little purple sleeping bundle was probably a few weeks old, Celestia didn’t know where she came from, who the parents were and why they put her on the steps. All she knew is that the Shines couldn’t have a child of their own, and were glad that the princess had a solution to their problem. Rainbow Shine always wanted a baby, but she had an accident that prevented her from having one. She didn’t care that the child was a Pegasus, but they looked closely related anyways. They both had purple hides, and Rusty Shine had a light red mane and tail. Rainbow was a good worker; she loved fashion and kept a red ribbon in her hair all the time. Rusty, even though he was from the mines, his knowledge of gems and his works of pocket watches got him to where he is now. Princess Celestia looked at the moon slightly paranoid, if she didn’t get the foal to the Shines soon, the little one might get a cold. She heard a little yawn and the basket under her wing move. The princess smiled at the little Pegasus and looked at the Shine’s home. She was happy that a family was willing to adopt the little mare. The princess wondered what kind of part she will take in the word as they got closer to the home. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ “Mama?” Ame Shine squealed and raised her hooves in the air to her adopted mother, “Mama!” She squealed happily as Rainbow Shine hugged her little bundle of joy. The little foal was now a year old with even brighter pink hair and her eyes blue. Shine was restless but she was careful on what she did. Any chance she got, she tried to go outside and go explore. It only happened once and the Shines were looking for her for a few hours only to find her playing in a bush in front of their house. They were relieved that it wasn’t anywhere closer to the street where the carriages could get to her. “Hello, my little shine, how are you today?” Rainbow cooed as she tried a red ribbon into her daughter’s pink hair. “We get to see the Princess today, so you be a good little pony alright?” “Yes mama!” She giggled as Rainbow liked Ame’s cheek. She licked her mother back with her little tongue. “Mama smells pretty.” Rainbow smiled and helped Shine into the carriage as they waited for Rusty to lock the house. Once they were off, Ame Shine had flash backs of a giant white wing and rain. She was confused, but wasn’t fearful, more like intrigued. She looked at the scenery as they moved on from the city grounds to the castle grounds. Shine never knew there could be so much grass in one spot, and the smell was so fresh, she giggled and smiled. Ame Shine didn’t remember the Alicorn, but she heard of how she came to her parents. Ame Shine believed that Princess Celestia delivered foals to their parents, which also explained why she was so busy. It made sense to the foal in a lot of ways. Her thoughts drifted to some reasons why the Princess wanted them to visit. “Welcome my friends!” A booming, polite voice echoed through the garden, making Ame Shine jump and hide in her mother’s tail. “I’m glad you can make it.” The proud parents bowed before the princess as Ame Shine shook in Rainbow’s tail. She watched the Alicorn walk up to them with her head held high and her crown glistening. She spread her white wings and tucked one in to bow back politely. “I’m sorry, Princess Celestia,” Rainbow Shine stuttered, “I should’ve taught Am…” “It’s alright, Rainbow Shine,” The princess smiled. “Come out, little one, do not be afraid. Nothing on these grounds will hurt you, I promise.” “… Pinkie swears?” Ame Shine squeaked in panic. “Pinkie swear.” Princess Celestia moved next to the shaking toddler and waited for Rainbow to trot carefully away. “Do you remember me at all? Remember how we met?” “I… I remember your wing.” Shine pointed her little hoof the huge, white wings. “I’m glad,” Princess nudged her to stand gently with her horn. “You know what species you are, little Shine?” “Pe-Pegasus?” Ame Shine squeaked again, but started to relax with every question. “I dunno how to fly yet, but I will soon! Maybe…” “Oh, we’ve been looking for an instructor from Cloudsdale,” Rainbow Shine sighed, “They say she’s not old enough. Another year and she’ll be flying to shelves by herself.” “Hum… By now she should’ve started flying.” Princess Celestia looked at her parents, worried. “She may need to get out more. If she still doesn’t fly on her own, then come to me after the year is done and I will try to get somepony to help.” Princess Celestia smiled weakly and looked at the toddler, “Promise me you’ll try and fly?” “Yesh ma’am!” Ame Shine toppled over trying to bow to the white mare too hard. “Let’s get some tea,” The Princess offered, “I would like to catch up on what’s going on!” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ “That was the princess!?” Ame Shine exclaimed while she tried not to hop around in the carriage. “Yes,” Rusty said proudly, “She is the one who raises the moon and the sun each day! But some say it wasn’t always like that!” “Oh dear, I think it’s a bit early for story time,” Rainbow rubbed her head against his. “Why is mama and dada unicorns and little Shine is not?” Ame Shine frowned and looked at them. They both looked at each other; both expected this to be later, possibly when she was older. Now who was going to explain that she was adopted? Rainbow Shine looked at her foal expectantly. “Now, don’t fret my dear, Mama and Dada still love you,” Rainbow started as the carriage started getting bumpy, “But hun, Princess Celestia brought you to us. You were just weeks old and she knew I’ve always wanted a foal. You’re-!” The carriage slipped sideways and down the three of them went onto the cobblestone road. Rainbow and Rusty just had noticed this before it happened, but it still didn’t prevent the little purple Pegasus to fly and skitter across the road. Nor did it prevent the blood curdling noise that followed behind it. “Nooo!” Rainbow screamed in agony as she saw the blood pool in front of her.
Chapter 2: Hooves of Metal"Mother?" I looked around the house, making as much noise as possible. It wasn't hard to make noise; my hooves weren't bone and soft squishy flesh. They were metal. It meant I couldn't go on Cloudsdale for sure without falling, flying was harder (but it made me a stronger flyer) and I was unable to fit in. Anywhere. I didn't consider myself a Pegasus, I was far from an Earth pony and I don't have a horn to be a Unicorn. Luckily it was after our visit with Princess Celestia and we weren't too far from the castle. Ever since that day... "Nooo!" My mother, Rainbow Shine, screamed to me after a snarling crunch. The pain didn't hit me, I woke up in a daze on the other side of the road to find a trail of blood leading to a pool of it. It didn't hit me that it was mine. I started to register that the carriage was tipped over, my mother had her hooves on her head and father trying to stop her from having the same fate. Then there was the burning in my wings, light, purple feathers were scattered on the road, following my decent. I remember I was jumping from meeting the princess and wanting to hear my father's story. That's when the pain in all of my hooves started. Except, when I looked down to see my hooves, they weren't there at all... I woke in a dark room, my wings ached but I couldn't feel my hooves. I felt this electricity run through my body to the bed. It was cold and heavy when I tried to move my body. I understood exactly what happened that day. Father blamed himself. Father died two years after that. Mother blamed herself. I'm still trying to convince her it wasn't her fault. It was an accident. Her mane was no longer seven, bright colors of the rainbow. It dulled out like somepony decided to mute the blues with greys and the yellow with brown. She stopped using magic when Father died. Rusty never looked his name. His bold purple hide, his silver hair... all went away. I blamed myself, and I'm still trying to convince myself it was an accident. It's really hard when everypony is expecting you to perform some kind of miracle. Princess Celestia said I should've died. I shouldn't be looking for my mother with a white hide. I shouldn't be here, after 5 years, trying to find a place to fit in, forgive myself or trying to fly. Or running around with a clog cutie mark with smoke trailing behind it. Nope, shouldn't have that. I banged my hooves on the ground gently so I didn't brake the floor. "Mother! We need to go! Princess Celestia is waiting on us!" "I'm coming, dear..." I hear the faint sound of my mother. "I'll be a moment." I frowned and laid down, crossing my front hooves under my chin. After 10 years, I still didn't get to learn about the other pony that ruled the skies along side the Princess. Celestia herself hinted it, she told me a little. Every time we go to the castle for my upgrade, she tells me a little more. This time she's supposed to tell me if it was a friend, family member or a random pony. Either way, it made me miss my father, she was gentle to my mother at least. Sometimes I see another Alicorn and wonder if it's her that helps Celestia. And then rarely there's a purple unicorn followed by a baby dragon. It was 2 years ago, she just came out with her cutie mark and Princess Celestia was laughing with the other unicorns. But it was the little purple one, not the white stallion or the two older ones, the small one. I've must've been a couple years older then she is, but her hide was darker of mine when I was just a foal. They didn't approach me nor did I them. I watched them leave as the princess said her good byes. "You want me to go alone again this time, Mother?" I shouted to the unused room. "Mother?" I stood up after no reply and galloped to the room, and laid there was my mother's body in front of my father's picture. There was no blood, no damage to her hide. She just died of old age. I sat and stared at the picture like there was no where else I had to go. If I didn't show up, Princess Celestia would send a guard to inform me that I had to go. I sat there quietly for what it felt like forever before there was a faint knocking. "Come in." I said mutely without looking away. The door swung open and the sun shone brightly in the door way. The pretty mare sat next to me in silence with a frown on her face too. "The guard told me you never answered the door." She announced quietly. "I never heard it." I stated without bowing, just nodded. "I never heard her leave, I only said we needed to go... I never saw her go, I told her I'm sorry... I'm so sorry Princess! I'm so sorry!" I started to cry, not wiping the tears that fell on my face. I remembered rain... Rain and purple feathers and a silver horn. "I'm so sorry I have you leave you..." "Why?" I stomped at the ground. The Princess eloped me with her golden magic until I couldn't move anymore. "Shhh, let's go. You can stay at my castle until you've settled down. Then we'll find you a new home, alright Ame Shine?" "Do you know what Ame means?" I whispered. "No, I would like to know." "It means Rain," I remember mother and father laying down on either side of me in front of the fireplace, telling me different places. "They named me after the weather you brought me here. I'm the pony with the metal hooves now. I'm a freak who killed her parents out of grief. After that day, they never looked at me the same... After Father died, Mother stopped looking at me." She waited patiently until I stopped crying, offering no comfort words, no shoulder. She waited quietly until I was done. My growth is stunted because of the accident. So instead of looking 11, I look 9. The Princess predicts that I should grow into my age when I hit my teens. I shook my head when I stopped crying and wiped my eyes with my wings. My wings weren't broken during the accident, so those were soft and light. It felt nice then metal across my face. "Are you ready to go, young Shine?" The white, feathered mare asked softly. "Yeah-yes, Princess," I mutely followed. I gave her her formal bow but half way down she put her hoof under my chin and lifted me up. "I'm so sorry that you had to see this, Princess." "You've committed no crime," She smiled at me and started for the door, "so there is no need to apologize. Come, let us be on our way." "Yes ma'am." I hung my head low as I walked to the door behind her. One day, I thought, one day I'll be able to hold my head up high. Until then, I just have to try and keep flying on... Author's Note This was probably the most hardest thing to type. Not what happened that day when the accident happened, but when her mother died. I was almost in tears when I got to that part.
Chapter 3: Hooves of DirtMany things happened in a year: I could fly better with lighter metal now in my body. But it was still very visible. They were chrome and a vibrant pink to match my hair. My hooves were still bulky as ever, but they didn't make as much sound as they did a year ago. Princess Celestia put velvet to muffle the noise, which to my surprise, sliding on castle floors was much more fun after they were waxed. Princess Cadence finally accepted her aunt a bit more after her discovering that being with her aunt isn't all that bad. They both started talking more and understood since she foal-sitted a unicorn. The Princess talked with me and kept me company, I'm guessing under the white Princess's order. It wasn't that bad though, having someone to really talk to, knowing as much as the world as I did. She didn't go out very much, I never left the house except to come here and possibly Cloudsdale when the incident first happened. But many things didn't change over the year: I still had nightmares about the first visit to Celestia, the blood and the tainted feathers. What made them worse aside from my father hanging from the hanging lamp inside the house was my mother's dull body under his picture. The screams were loud when I first arrived to the Castle, Princess Celestia and Cadence rushed to my room and the pink mare cooed me back to sleep. They made me re-live it every day by asking me questions about it. My hide turned a unnaturally greyish hue and my mane and tail turned a crimson red. I stopped really going out of my room and I hid from them, muffling my screams until I didn't scream anymore. It felt like I was carrying a ball of guilt in my chest. Everypony knew it was there, some were waiting on when I was going to burst and some watched wondering if I was going to turn out like my father. I started getting headaches from lack of clean air, so I finally walked out of my room and walked to the garden. It was raining when I got out, so I guessed it was fall and the Unicorns felt like the summer was too hot... It felt nice though, the headache didn't really go away, it was better anyhow. The grass was glistening and it was cold. I laid down next to a pillar, crossing my hooves under my chin like I would anytime except sleeping. "I'm so sorry, little one." It was the silver horn again, the one from when Mother died. "I have to hide you from my world, this is the safest place for you." The mare used her magic to bind magic, but it wasn't uncomfortable. She kept crying she's sorry on the steps of the white palace as she continued with her disgraceful job. After it was complete, she nuzzled the muzzle of something yawning quietly and suddenly everything was black. "I hope your enjoying yourself," somepony whispered to me. I mumbled something incoherent even to myself something about Alicorns and magic. "It seems you are. You must clean up, dinner is soon." I opened my eyes a little bit and saw a raw of hope walk away. How come hope has to always walk away from me? I turned on my back so blood could rush to my head. I felt dizzy from the dream but my headache was gone. I wondered what that was all about. I put one of my hooves gently on my forehead and felt a knot. I poked at it more and the headache started to come back, and so did this tingly feeling of another loss. No one knows where I came from except I was left here on these steps, could that dream be of my real mother? If so, if she had a horn and I have wings... Shaking my head I got up and walked inside to my room to clean myself. My room was mostly bare, just a couple of picture of my parents, a two metal statues made of scrap material from my previous upgrades. I came real close to making a hologram of them, trying to cherish my prized memories of them. All that was in the way was lack of magic. I could ask anypony around, but they won't know the memories short of Princess Celestia. I wondered if I could figure out who my real parents are if this worked. Somewhere deep in my memory... "Ow..." I rubbed my forehead, careful of my knot. Nope, have to clean. I'll shine my hooves closer to bed. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* "So how are you, Shine?" Princess Cadence started the conversation, "Aunty said you were dreaming outside. Are you alright?" "Yes, Princess," I say naturally, "I felt crowded in my room so I went outside... The rain... It felt nice." There was silence, then Princess Celestia 'humed' and tilted her head. "I remember when the stallion found you. The Cadet Shining Armor. he just saw some magic being preformed and saw somepony fly off." She started, "You were just so cute, in a little pink blanket. We found a little clog as well. I wonder what that means..." "Maybe somepony was trying to hide something," I whispered to myself. Princess Cadence was the closest and I knew she could hear. "What did you dream of?" Princess Celestia continued as if I hadn't said anything. "A sliver horn... Binding magic and she was apologizing that she had to hide somepony... And then I saw nothing but blackness..." I looked down at my plate full of salad with sesame seeds all over it. I loved it that way. "Nothing else, that's when you woke me Princess." There was an awkward silence again. Maybe that confirmed Shining Armor's story, was that dream about my mother...
Chapter 5: Hooves of VelvetIt was night when I took off. I had a bag full of stuff; one side full of tools and camping gear and the other side full of food I took from the kitchens. I was excited about this journey. I had bits with me as well, but I only took enough to get me a home if need be and fare for the train. I had three days until my next update, but I couldn't wait, I didn't want to feel sickly and hurt for a month and try and talk myself out of this. I rubbed my forehead, hoping if I go to Ponyville, the nub would go away with the headache. It's grown a little and a little sharper. It was so weird, but I am hoping it'll go away once I get to Ponyville. I couldn't believe this was happening, getting out of a place I called home by myself. I don't remember leaving the castle grounds since my mother passed. The guilt barely clings to me since I've been talking to Princess Luna about them. She kept pushing so I gave in, talking about what i could've done to ease her guilt about my father and my condition. Walking to the station, taking in the new but last sights of Cantorlot before I left. Not that I would love being away, I had a few memories of trying to get outside when I was a filly. How ironic is it when a mother fears if you play outside because you'll get ran over by a carriage when you get hit by one with your family? I cringed to the memory of all the sight of the blood and tried to lock it back up in the back of my brain. "Last call for Ponyville!" I heard a pony shout. I quickly pay my bits and awkwardly run to the train. My metallic hooves make so much noise as they heavily fall to the ground. I haven't ran before, never had a reason to, so I had my wings help me gain the momentum. The second I get to my cot I look at the window. I was very tired and wanted to sleep, but there was that little voice that said, "The world is out there! See as much as you want!" It was right; I can go where ever I wanted to now. I yawned, my eyes heavy, it was hard to stay awake and see the world outside of the castle's walls. Sleep eventually won when the train entered the tunnel leading away from Cantorlot. Once there, the train warden woke me up carefully and I yawned, thanked him and left the train, looking around to see a small town. Is this PonyVille? I pulled a leg up to my chest and felt relief and freedom fly within me. I was free! I galloped happily out of the train station and onto the town streets as I looked at the sleeping town. Buildings were oddly shaped, flowers were colorful even in the night. There was no light on. I put my head down, I didn't know anypony! I was kidding myself. I walked sadly to a bench and laid down on it. I was lucky it was warm or it would be a very cold night for me. I wrapped my wings around my body and fell right back asleep, hoping no pony would take notice. "Hello?" I heard a high pitched voice greet somepony. "Hellllooooo~!" "Pinkie, why don't cha let that poor pony sleep!" I heard another voice. I twitched my ear and uncovered my face. My white wings were brighter in the sunlight here which made it hard to look at the two ponies in front of me. "Oh, you're awake!" The very pink pony greeted. "Are you new?" "Uh..." I looked at the ground and tried to hide my hooves. "Yeah? I came in from Cantorlot last night." "So you must know Princess Celestia!" Another purple pony walked up to me, I knew her right off the bat, "Oh, I like your hooves." "We need to throw her a party!" The pink one squeaked, throwing her hooves in the air, "What's your name?" "Would ja leave `er alone, Pinkie?" The orange one tapped her on the shoulder, "Can't cha see that she's tryina sleep?" "So?" Pinkie questioned her friend, then she turned to me, "I'm Pinkie Pie, this is Apple Jack, and this is Twilight." They waved less frantic as Pinkie Pie. Twilight smiled awkwardly and looked at me, not sure if she knew me or not. "I'm Ame Shine," I said. Nothing more, I didn't want them to feel bad for me. If anypony knew about my past they would probably get hurt or very sick. I didn't want anything to happen to these brightly colored ponies. That was my first day in PonyVille wasn't horrible, Pinkie Pie did throw a surprise party for and they showed me a good home by Fluttershy's cottage. I paid my bits and walked inside, putting my stuff down and crawled onto my bed. Tomorrow, I thought to myself, I'll find work, I'll get better.
Chapter 6: Hooves of Bronze"Never in Equestria has this happened before!" The Mayor of Ponyville exclaimed as I told her my long story of my life. "The Princess has been very generous to you, why did you leave the castle grounds?" I looked away, knowing that somepony would see it that way. It didn't seem very generous for a princess to keep one in a castle for so long and tell them nothing about the outside world. I had to get it from the other two princesses who resided there. Outside ponies were dancing and laughing, some were even talking while they were working. That's what I wanted. "I don't think it was very generous." I said simply without giving an explanation. How can I explain it to a mayor? She stared at me and then sighed. "You might have your reasons for saying that, but don't go around saying that to anypony, alright? I've been wondering, how did she know your parents?" I looked down, trying to go through the muddled thoughts of my life. I frowned as I went past the nights and days of the numbness. The Mayor shook her head and bowed it. When she got up, she nudged me a little and told me to follow her. "I'll show you to your new home. We have never had a use for it like the library, but I guess in your situation it could come of use to you. And you don't even have to depend on flying, Ame." I smiled just enough to show I understood. She nodded back at me as I followed as quietly as I could. I listened to the gears in my hooves and tried to make as little noise as possible. The cobblestone underneath made the announcement that I was here. Stares and whispers from everypony from around us, a vibrant pink pony with the fluffy mane from earlier stared widely. I hung my head even more, it's bad enough ponies will ask about my condition. The gray maned pony stopped in front of an old looking, gray house. It was square and some of it rotting away or chipping off. It had a tower at the side like one at the Castle, but it wasn't as proud or large. "It's not in a very good condition, but if you'd like, I can have some ponies to repair the damaged areas or remodel it for you-" "No," I stopped her, "I like it, almost feels like home already!" I said weakly. It was true that I liked it, but this would give me a project and it fit me. Something broken but not beyond repair. It could use some paint and some new wood and a little loving and care, but I have nothing else to do... "You sure?" "Yes, thank you." I said, habitually rubbing my forehead. The knot was gone for the most part, a little remained. We said our good-byes and she left with a wave. After I settle in and get it fixed up enough I could possibly find work or do something... Opening up the door and turning on the light I found it hollow inside with tools, wires, wood that almost looked new in boxes and paper. The main part of my new home looked like a wood shop of some kind, or a small factory. Some of the lights were broken, but those can be replaced, cleaning it out won't be so hard since it was mostly dusting and sweeping. Something that felt bright and colorful filled my throat. I wasn't used to the feeling and thought maybe I was sick. I wouldn't be able to tell if I had a fever, but I guess it felt nice. I walked across making a mental list of what needed fixing and went to the back of the house to find a kitchen, a small living room and a room full of odds and ends. I put it in my mind I'd have to sort through this junk when I get done with the rest of the house. As for the tower, it was a spiraling staircase with the bedroom on the top of it over looking the front, a side and back yard. I was excited for this, I placed one of the emotions that I was feeling. How long has it been other than to escape the nearly-empty castle that I felt excited? Maybe when I was a foal racing to my mom once. I lay on the pile of hay which was fresh. I thanked who ever changed it and fell on to it. I looked at the moon for the longest time. It wasn't full, but I could still see Princess Luna on it. Mentally I told her I needed this, I needed to search for Ame Shine. The head of the princess nodded and kept watch. Maybe I passed out without knowing it or dreaming, but I thought I heard her say, "Stay safe, young one.". Author's Note Sorry again it took me forever to upload this one and even finish it. I may or may not be starting a new one and it will involve shipping between the two in Equestria Girls. Anyone whose seen it knows who I'm talking about! (Spoilers!) Thank you for reading this and keeping it! I'm promising you now to update more often.
Chapter 7: Hooves and Hearts Part 1I looked up from my bedroom window to see the Crusaders out and about, saying something about the day. They ran trough my yard to get to school as a short cut when they're running late - which is often. It's been about a month since I've lived in Ponyville and some of my house is fixed up. Some of the flooring still needs to be replaced, some of the roof is tended to - there was a major leak in my bedroom - but the outside appearance is nicer. It's no longer gray, but a nice sky blue with the tower a slightly purple color. The purple reminded me of when my hide was that color as well. A little color as returned though since I've been here, I'm no longer pure white. I never imagined what it would be like if I ever stayed at the castle. Princess Luna watches me every night while I sleep. Sometimes she comes into my dreams and we hold conversations. Princess Celestia was happy I was safe and close to her student, but a little mad that I stuck out on my own. "I needed my space," I told Luna, "I needed fresh air that didn't smell like I had to schedule time to go outside for it. Not that I had to, but it felt like I was just a lingering presence that couldn't her way." I had learned more words in a month and understood more then I had at the castle. They sent my things here including my experiment. I hid that in the room of random things. I had made a sign of it. So far I've found a cat toy, an old tennis ball, 3 jewel necklaces that looked pretty old, old shoes and some rare fabric that I gave to Rarity which almost made her faint. What ever she found when she dove in there made her happy as well. But I told her to keep the fabric in exchange for curtains and an apron. She gladly accepted and even made me a hanger for all of my tools. I had almost hugged her, but I kept my manners and smiled and tried not to break the cobblestone under my steel hooves. I had to do maintenance on my hooves several times. A couple times myself, but then I had to as a unicorn to help me out. Some things just aren't fixed with mane bands and clips. One of my back hooves need to be completely replaced, but I didn't want to go back quite yet. Life as a cyborg pony was great here. I still helped other ponies fix things like their lights or ovens. If it was high up, I didn't have much of a problem, but I used a ladder mostly. "It's hearts and hooves day!" I heard coming back from my mental list of things to do today, "What should we do this year?" "Not try and use any spells against Cherrolie!" Shouted Scootaloo, "I'd rather not get in trouble again like last year." "Morning!" I opened my window and smiled at the three trouble makers. "How are you three?" "Oh, hi Ame Shine!" Apple bloom smiled back at me, throwing her puffy mane back like she always did when she greeted. The other two repeated the greeting but with Sweetie Bell throwing her head back even more. "What are you three up to today?" I asked, "Not causing trouble now are you? I heard about last year." The three looked at each other thoughtfully and giggled. "Do you have a special some pony, Ame?" Apple Bloom asked. I thought for a minute. I never thought of having another pony like that. I don't think they'd handle me very well. I smiled and shook my head. "No, but don't you be looking out for me, or I'll have to talk to your families!" "Well," Apple Bloom smiled and the other two ran off without her, "Have a good Hearts n Hooves!" "You too!" I smiled after them as they ran to school. Hum, a special some pony... I don't think anypony has thought about me more than another pony with metal hooves. I stared down and saw how rusty they look. Maybe I should put 'cleaning hooves' on my list. I have some shopping to do anyways, I'm low on food. I put on my pack and head for the door as I look at the shop area. It'll take a bit of time, but I'm pretty sure it'll get clean one of these days. I felt a little bad for calling the girls on that, I mean it happened last year. I walked out my door and winced a little from how noisy my hooves were against the cobblestone. It wasn't easy for other ponies to get used to, and I was the butt of a lot of jokes until Twilight stood up for me. It was painful to go outside when I first got here, but now I come outside everyday. Grabbing my bags I was checking over my list of everything I need to finish my house and realized I needed paper too. Grabbing a small bag of bits - the allowable amount I let myself spend - I walk out the door into the sun. I hummed as I walked to the market seeing the specials for the holiday. There were booths for small favors as well, a few kissing booths and some were with hugs or photos with somepony high up. The comment from earlier made me look at everypony's faces, seeing who was attractive or who noticed me. A few ponies waved their hellos and I waved back, starting to get disappointed that I didn't interest a stallion. Get what you came to get, nothing more. I thought to myself sadly. I stopped looking at everypony and went to the stands. Most of them were discounted and some of them I did small favors for. Maybe I should go to Fluttershy's if I'm so lonely. That made me feel better. But my home wasn't ready for a pet that wasn't hardy. I sighed and then giggled at myself. "Uh, miss?" I heard a voice next to me, "You forgot this." The voice startled me and when I looked at the pony who spoke, I danced around my hooves and fell over. The stallion was a little larger then most, his voice not as deep though. He was caramel colored with a blondish mane and tail. He lowered his face so his muzzle was in my face. I felt really embarrassed and couldn't think of anything to say. I looked at the stack of paper in his mouth and sighed. I drop things so often, but not many people help. "Uh... Thank you." I grabbed the paper from him and kind of let my eyes wander a bit. I wasn't all cyborg... Just my legs and hooves. Stashing the paper in my bag and turning back to him, I saw him looking around nervously. "Er..." The colt looked more nervous than I was. "Do you need any help with anything..? I wouldn't mind carrying your bag for you. It has to be mighty heavy on your wings." "You could help me with one thing to start..." I looked down, feeling my face heat up, "what's your name?" Author's Note Since it's been so long since I last submitted anything, I'm going to make this a two part piece. That and it's starting to get extremely long. This will also allow me to go over what I've done two years ago and figure out a name unless people want to give out ideas!
Chapter 4: Hooves of FeathersAs each day passed, my headache got worse. I went outside everyday around noon, nap and then get woken up by one of the maids for dinner. Sometimes one of the princesses would come and sit next to me and wake me up when it's ready, mostly Princess Cadence. Even though Princess Celestia is an awesome mare, I liked Princess Cadence more. She was a lot more gentle then most ponies and seemed to know that I didn't know much of the outside world beyond the safety of the walls of Equestria. But I was planning to change that. I wanted to go to Ponyville. After the Dark Day, the return on Princess Luna, I've listened to the letters that Princess Celestia reads to her recovering sister. I've talked to Princess Luna twice; Once when she first came her when Princess Celestia brought her to the castle and then I had a long conversation with her. She just seemed so lonely and it reminded me of when my mother died. I stayed in my room for a long time, never talking to anyone when they came to give me food, never doing anything but live heavily. When ever I think of my mother though, it made my heart ache, so I avoided talking about my family when she asked about them. I would say short, quick answers. Though when she talked, she was so quiet that I had to ask her to repeat herself. When Princess Luna fell asleep, I stayed for a little while just to watch if she was okay, and then left as quietly as I could. I tried today to take though, but I couldn't. I kept thinking about the letters and what Ponyville was like. Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia's star pupil said something about a pony named Derpy who accidentally wrecked a building to commemorate a friend going to an earth pony competition. If a pony like her was accepted as a Ponyville citizen, then I should be too! And I'd be a lot more useful there then I am here. All I do is read books about things related to my talent. Standing up, I realize I have to leave here soon or these headaches won't go away and I can be useful and stop dwelling on the past. I'm not sure if I'll be missed, looking back at a large window with six ponies capturing Nightmare Moon. I'll do something as awesome like that. And remembering when Discord was let out of his prison what kind of chaos it caused. Luckily I was in my room that day without a headache. The life of a cyborg pony kind of sucks, but maybe when I get to Ponyville things will change... Hopefully. Author's Note Sorry about it being so short. I couldn't think so much of it should go for this one. Next one will be better I promise!
