The Traveler and the Craftsponyby screenaholicChaptersThe Journey HomeMemoriesComings and GoingsAn Audience With the PrincessLoving SentimentsThe Journey HomeRush. That's the best word to describe what Wind Walker felt when he flew. The rush of wind against his face, and through his hair. The rush of adrenaline as he soared high above his natural habitat on the ground. The rush of his senses as every single perception seemed to be amplified ten fold. And of course, the rush to his ego as he heard the oohs, ahs, and cheers coming from the crowd below. I'll give them another fly by, the kids always love them. Wind Walker gave himself a grin as he tilted his wings down and soared straight at the crowd below. He pulled up not ten hooves above the ground and flew it's length. As he slowed, he turned into a wide arc heading for the front of the crowd. As he reached his destination he jumped off, landing with a flashy (and admittedly cocky) twirl. "Thank you, thank you all!" He waved his hoof at the cheering crowd, as his wings folded on top of each other while consumed in a light olive aura, topped by a beautiful amethyst. "I do accept donations in the forms of bits and free drinks," he joked while he took a bow. However, before he could rise from the bow, it was interrupted by something hitting his head with enough force to knock him to the ground. Gasps filled his ears. "OW! Son of a..." He rubbed his head, feeling a small amount of blood seeping from it. His eyes spotted the offending object on the ground near by. "Who the buck threw a hammer at my head?!" His eyes searched the crowd that stared back at him. "What in Equestria did you do to my wings boy?" Wind Walker froze as he heard the familiar voice come from behind him. He turned slowly to find a large dark gray earth stallion with a red mane staring daggers at him. "Oh, hey Vulcan," Wind Walker chuckled nervously. "Uh, long time no see?" Wind Walker was reunited with his old friend the ground, with the assistance of another hammer being thrown through the air. "Are you deaf boy? I asked you what you did to my wings" The imposing stallion walked towards him. Wind Walker managed to get back on his hooves while rubbing his throbbing head. "I, um...improved them?" Wind Walker met the third of the hammer brothers. "Say that again and you'll regret it." Vulcan picked collected his hammers and replaced them in his bags. "Believe me, I already do." Wind Walker managed to, miraculously, get off of the ground once again. He looked around to see that the majority of the crowd was holding back laughter at the situation. I liked them better when they were cheering. He looked back to Vulcan to find him holding the wings and inspecting the amethyst before shoving it in his bag. "Hey! What are you doing with my wings?" "I'm taking them back to my shop for a proper inspection." Vulcan walked to Wind Walker and grabbed the collar of his coat. "And you're coming with me boy." Wind Walker sat staring out of the window of the train, holding and ice pack to his head. "You didn't have to drag me through town you know." He turned to the stallion across from him. "Keeping a good reputation is hard enough without you embarrassing me." "You embarrassed yourself with that flashy little show of yours." Vulcan was a large stallion, with muscles earned through years of hard work. He was much older than Wind Walker, but more physically able than most ponies half his age. He had a dark gray coat, with a short red mane and tail. His cutie mark was a hammer and anvil, and his face had multiple scars. "You always were one for theatrics though weren't you?" "All the world's a stage Vulcan." He returned his gaze to the landscape rushing by through the window. "What were you even doing in Fillydelphia anyway?" "I was looking for you boy. It's time for you to pay me back for making those wings for you." "And how am I going to do that?" "First I have to look at what you've done to my wings. If I still let you live after that, then I'll tell you." Wind Walker bit back another comment about improving them, not wanting to further risk a concussion. "Can I at least have them back? I don't like not having my things." "No. They stay with me until I inspect them." "They are mine you know." "Only because I allow you to have them." Wind Walker glanced at Vulcan's bag, and he could see the wings sticking out of them. He briefly entertained the idea of grabbing them, but quickly thought better of it. Instead he decided to change the subject. "I haven't been back home in years you know." "I'm aware." "How is everypony?" "They're fine." Wind Walker stared at the mountains in the distance. He was getting a little annoyed at the elder's short answers, he always was a stallion of few words. "...How are my parents?" "Out of town on business when I left. I don't think you'll be seeing them." "Oh." Wind Walker lowered his head. "...I think I'm going to take a nap, try to sleep off this headache. Wake me up when we get there." Vulcan grunted an acknowledgement, and let Wind Walker drift to sleep. MemoriesA strong hoof shook Wind Walker out of his sleep. "Wake up boy, we're here." Wind Walker rubbed the sleep from his eyes and gave a grunt. "I'm up, I'm up." Wind Walker looked at Vulcan as he turned around and headed for the exit. He slung his bags onto his back and followed his companion. As he stepped out of the train he looked around at the sights he had known since he was a colt. The town of Barrel Valley. He mumbled to himself. "Home sweet home." "Wind Walker? Wind Walker is that you?" The voice came from a yellow earth mare behind the train station gift stand near by. "That is you isn't it? I haven't seen you in years!" "Sunny? Sunny Smiles! How are you doing?" Wind Walker galloped over to the mare coming out from behind the stand and gave her a hug. "Oh I'm great!" Sunny always was a very up-beat pony, her name suited her well. "What are you doing back? Oh we've got to go down to the pub! You have to tell me all about your travels." "That sounds great Sunny, I'm-" "Busy." Wind Walker turned to look at an impatient Vulcan standing behind him. "...Right, I'm busy. Sorry Sunny, I'll swing by as soon as I can." "Oh, I getchya." Sunny winked. "Don't want to make the old grump angry do you? Try to make it by tonight, I'll spread the word that your back so everypony will come by." "I'll do my best, it'll be good to see everypony again." "Come on boy, let's get moving." "I'm coming, I'm coming. See you later Sunny." The two companions turned and headed towards the other end of town. "Bye Wind Walker, I'll save you a drink. Don't beat him up to much Vulcan," the peppy pony shouted after them as she returned to her stand. Vulcan lived on the western edge of the town. It was the most isolated part of Barrel Valley. The town's biggest industry was the brewery on the north side of town, and the train station was on the east. With the majority of shops and businesses in the town square, that left virtually no foot traffic on the west side. Vulcan preferred not to be disturbed without reason. Vulcan's home itself was a shop on the ground floor with a living area above. The shop consisted of a front room displaying examples of his work, a forge where he worked metals into whatever shapes he desired, and a workshop filled with various tools for finer work. By the time the two ponies arrived at his home it was late afternoon. As Wind Walker approached he was flooded with the memories. Learning to fly was the most prominent, but not nearly the only one. "I haven't been here in a long time," the traveler said to nopony in particular. "You can get a drink from upstairs if you want," Vulcan said as he unlocked the door. "Then meet me in the workshop." He stepped into his home and headed straight for the work shop. Wind Walker followed Vulcan through the front door, but headed for the stairs instead of the workshop. He climbed the steps, each one bringing back a different memory. I'll teach you the value of hard work boy. As he topped the final step, he found himself standing in the craftspony's living room. Stand up for yourself boy. Make them respect you. He walked to the far end of the room and into the kitchen. He found a bottle of wine and poured some into one of Vulcan's tankards. You're a stallion now boy, don't grimace when you drink it. Show it the respect it deserves. He took a deep gulp and stared into the dark liquid."Hurry up boy!" It took Wind Walker a moment to realize that it wasn't a memory. "I'm coming old man, calm yourself!" he shouted back before descending back down the stairs, his drink following above him. He walked into the workshop to find Vulcan carefully inspecting the amethyst on the wings under various magnifying devices. "You're going to explain to me exactly what you did to my wings boy," Vulcan said without looking up. "The amethyst is a magical catalyst." Wind Walker roamed the room looking at various devices and designs while enjoying his drink. "It let's me store energy that I can later use to power the propellers." "And what precisely drove you to alter my craftsponyship?" "It let's me go faster than before, or frees up my focus to concentrate on maneuvering." Wind Walker was by no means a dumb pony, in fact he was quite intelligent, but he couldn't even guess as to the purpose of many of the complex designs hanging on the walls. "Well it looks like you at least left the work to a half way decent craftspony." He scratched his chin in contemplation for a moment before facing Wind Walker. "Who was it?" Wind Walker walked next to Vulcan. "A dress maker named Rarity, she works with a gems a lot." He floated his drink back to his lips. "You entrusted my work to a dress maker?" Vulcan grabbed the wine away from Wind Walker's mouth and took a long drink for himself. "Couldn't you find a proper craftspony?" Wind Walker took back his drink with an annoyed huff. He tilted it back against his mouth, to be rewarded with nothing more than a drop. "She does great work old man, and I know that you can see that." Vulcan turned back to wings. "I guess you're right." He sat in thought for a minute before addressing Wind Walker again. "Go enjoy yourself at the pub boy, ponies are waiting for you. We'll be leaving again tomorrow." "Care to tell me where you're dragging me?" "Canterlot." Vulcan stood and began to walk out of his workshop as Wind Walker followed. "And why are we going there?" "Business." Vulcan began to walk up the stairs and Wind Walker stood at the bottom. "Are you going to tell me anymore tonight?" "No." With that Vulcan reached the top of the stairs and walked out of Wind Walker's vision. Wind Walker stood at the base of the stairs and shook his head. "That old man drives me crazy." Knowing he wouldn't get anymore from the craftspony that night, he left the building and headed to the town pub. Comings and Goings"Oh ponies come from far and wide just to buy our city's pride, but all their drinking dilly dallies compared to the colts of Barrel Valley. We create the finest brew that anypony ever knew. We ship the loads by the barrel, and let them drink at their own peril. So come have fun one and all. Drink until you bucking fall, for there's good times in every alley with the colts of Barrel Valley." The singing ended with cheers and the sounds of guzzling as everypony in the pub eagerly drank their drinks. As Wind Walker drained his mug he slammed it down on the bar in front of him, he was rather enjoying his homecoming celebration. "Oh I missed this place. You ponies would be surprised how little ponies in other towns drink, some don't drink at all." "Well we got a responshibility to our lovely town," a drunken stallion slurred as he threw a hoof around Wind Walker's shoulder. "We'ves got to taste test the drinks. How cans we take pride in our home ifs we don't enshure we export only the finest products?" "There isn't any product left to export after you get your hooves on it!" Somepony in the pub shouted, resulting in laughter from the crowd. "You don't have to miss us you know," Sunny said as she sat down next to Wind Walker. "You're always welcome in Barrel Valley." "Yeah, we take care of our own!" another faceless member of the crowd shouted as the rest of the pub cheered in agreement. "I'll remember that everypony," Wind Walker responded with a laugh. "I wish I could stay here longer, but the old man is dragging me to Canterlot tomorrow." "Ooh, that sounds fun. Whatchya gonna be doin?" Sunny always radiated optimism. "Don't know, he won't tell me. I swear that old man is just trying to drive me insane." Sunny giggled. "Oh please, you know Vulcan cares for you." "Cares for me? The first time I see him in years he throws hammers at my head, steals my most precious possession, and drags me all across Equestria and back with no explanation!" "He also has taken care of you since you were a colt. He always helped you with your problems when you came to him. Not to mention he made those wings for you in the first place," Sunny countered before taking a drink. "Meh, he was just trying to get rid of the rumors that he ate little foals. A rumor that you started if I remember correctly." Sunny laughed. "I did didn't I? I had forgotten about that. But even so, when has Vulcan ever cared about silly filly rumors like that? Face it, he always treated you like a son." A son? Wind Walker sat in thought for a moment, before responding. "Yeah...I guess your right..." Sunny smiled and slapped him on the back. "Come on Wind Walker drink up. If you're only in town for a day we gotta make it count, right boys!" She shouted as she raised a mug to the other ponies in the pub, and they shouted in agreement. Wind Walker just gave a smile to his friends and drank along with them. "-Drink untils you bucking fall, for there's good times ins every alley with the colts of Barrels Valley." Wind Walker mumbled and stumbled through the streets in the dead of night, making his way slowly but surely towards Vulcan's home. As he neared the house he saw somepony standing at Vulcan's doorstep, talking to the craftsman standing in the door way. "Alright Vulcan, I can give you one more month but no more. I'm sorry, but it's just business," the pony said before turning and leaving as Vulcan went back into his home. Is that Bits? What's he doing here? Bits noticed Wind Walker shortly before the passed each other. "Wind Walker, I heard you were in town. How are you doing?" "I'm goods." Wind Walker swayed a bit as he stood there. "I'm guessing you're coming from the pub?" Wind Walker ignored the question. "What were you talking about with Vulcan?" He did his best to control his speech and stand straight. Bits frowned. "I was just...." He looked back at the closed door. "...It's not really my place to talk about it. I've got to get going, take care Wind Walker." Wind Walker thought about saying goodbye, but decided it would be easier just to grunt as he headed for Vulcan's house. When he entered Vulcan wasn't in sight. He decided he was to tired to look for him (this certainly had nothing to do with his intoxication, he was just tired,) and instead decided to go to bed. He made his way upstairs and into the familiar guest bed room. He was just able to fall down on top of the bed before falling asleep fully clothed. "It was good to see you Wind Walker, come back soon." Wind Walker remembered Sunny bidding him farewell at the train station as he stared through the train window. "I would have enjoyed spending a little more time back home, you know. First time back in years and you drag me back out after one day?" "You could have come home at any point since you left." Vulcan sat across from Wind Walker, smoking from a wooden pipe and blowing the smoke out the window. When he first started an attendant told him smoking wasn't allowed in the cars, and he would have to go outside. Vulcan gave no audible response, and only stared at him until the attendant muttered and apology and left. Wind Walker assumed he was more lenient since they were alone in the car. "If you miss home so much you can go straight back after we finish our business in Canterlot." "And what exactly is our business Vulcan?" Wind Walker hoped that the craftspony wouldn't notice he ignored the idea of going back. "You'll see." "For Celestia's sake old man!" Wind Walker snapped at his companion. Little things that normally wouldn't bother him always seemed to tick him off when Vulcan did it. "Just tell me what we're doing. If you don't I'll jump off this train now, I have my wings back and nothing's stopping me." Vulcan let out a long exhale from his nose and two columns of smoke blew from his nostrils. "Fine. I need you to give a demonstration of the capabilities of my wings. A potential client is interested in buying some." Wind Walker knew the shock was visible on his face. "You...you're making more wings?" "Potentially." "What happened to every creation being unique and taking pride in-" Bits. Wind Walker stopped abruptly as he remembered seeing Bits talking to Vulcan the night before. Pride doesn't put food on the table or roof overhead. He looked at the old pony across from him. Wind Walker knew Vulcan better than anypony else, but even he could see no signs of anything on Vulcan's face. "Vulcan...if you need any help-" "The only help I need from you is giving that demonstration boy, no more." Wind Walker bit back another offer of help. This will be hard enough on him as it is, offering help will only hurt is pride more. Wind Walker reclined back in his seat and resumed looking out the window. "So who's the client?" "Princess Celestia, and the Royal Guard." "WHAT!?" An Audience With the PrincessWind Walker had been to Canterlot a few times in the past. He had been down the very streets he was going down now before, he had seen the sights he was seeing now before, but somehow it all seemed different sitting in a closed carriage being pulled by the Royal Guard. Princess Celestia had sent a carriage and escort to pick them up from the train station and help them with Vulcan's heavy equipment. Now Wind Walker usually wasn't one for such luxury as a carriage, but Wind Walker knew better than to turn down a courtesy offered by the princess herself (and he certainly wasn't enjoying feeling like a lord in the days of yore returning from war, absolutely not.) "Open the gates!" Wind Walker heard a guard shout. Shortly after he looked out the carriage window to see the carriage was passing through the castle gates. "I've never been behind these walls," Wind Walker said as a smile grew on his face. "This is going to make a great story." "Must you brag about every little thing that happens to you boy?" Vulcan sat idly smoking his pipe. "Bragging's got nothing to do with it old man," Wind Walker responded truthfully (or close enough to it.) "Stories are better than bits if you know how to use them. It'll get you food, supplies, a place to sleep; do you know when the last time I bought my own drink was?" Vulcan ignored the question, and soon the carriage came to a stop. "Don't embarrass me boy." Vulcan stood and opened the carriage door. The two ponies walked out of the carriage to find themselves at the foot of the steps to the main hall of Canterlot castle, with Princess Celestia and her personal guard descending them. Wind Walker had been accused of having problems dealing with authority in the past. He never liked to admit another pony held power over him, or was greater than him, but even he would not show disrespect to the ruler of Equestria. He bowed low, and Vulcan did the same. "Rise my little ponies," Princess Celestia said, "and welcome to Canterlot Castle." "Thank you your highness," Vulcan said as he and Wind Walker straightened themselves. "It is good to see you again Vulcan," the princess said with the most delightful smile Wind Walker had ever seen, "and I assume that this is the pony who will be demonstrating your invention?" She turned to look at Wind Walker. Wind Walker's felt his breath catch in his throat. He had never seen an alicorn up close, but he had heard stories of their beauty. Her entire presence seemed to radiate in an aura of beauty. He took an instant to compose himself before answering. "Yes your highness. My name is Wind Walker, it'll be an honor to demonstrate my abilities for you." "I look forward to it Wind Walker, but I am sure you two must be tired for your travels. Lunch is prepared in the dining hall. After we eat we can watch your demonstration, if you will be ready by then Wind Walker." "Of course your highness, I am ready whenever you wish." "Wonderful, then please follow me to the dining hall." Wind Walker was nervous that he would mess up his flying and embarrass himself in front of the princess, but when he got on his wings all his worries melted away. He loved flying, he loved the sky, and he loved that rush. He turned his wings straight up and looked down to the castle grounds and saw Vulcan and Princess Celestia talking to each other. Probably talking about the wings. That or the old man is putting the moves on her. Wind Walker chuckled at the thought of Vulcan putting the moves on anypony, let alone the princess, as he killed the magical flow of energy to the propellers and let himself begin to plummet out of the sky. Who knows, maybe it's true love. It'll be a beautiful wedding, I'm sure the old man cleans up nice. He laughed aloud as he pulled up, leveling out about ten hooves above the ground. He slowed down and long turn ending in front of Vulcan and Princess Celestia. As he jumped off he folded his wings in his magic and gave a bow. "Very impressive Wind Walker." "Thank you your highness, you honor me," Wind Walker said as he rose. "Wind Walker has been practicing for many years your highness, but was able to achieve basic flight after roughly an hour, and he was only a colt then. I'm sure that your guards would learn quickly," Vulcan said. "Wonderful. I'm very pleased with this. I've wanted to start a flying unicorn division of the guard for quite a while now, and I believe that your wings are exactly what I need to do so." "Does that mean that you will be purchasing my creation your highness?" "Yes, it does. How long would it take you to make twenty-five?" "At an estimate, roughly three weeks your highness. I can start tonight." "Splendid," the Princess smiled. "My guards have moved your equipment into a workshop we have prepared for you in the south tower, along with rooms for both of you." "Thank you your highness," Vulcan said. "Helping Hoof," the princess called. "Yes, your majesty," a blue mare said as she approached the princess. "Please escort our guests to the south tower and show them their rooms. I want you to make sure they are taken care of during their stay." "As you wish, your majesty." "Thank you Helping Hoof. I have some business to attend to, but I will want to inspect your work soon Vulcan. For now, farewell." Princess Celestia gave a curt nod to Vulcan and Wind Walker before departing. After she disappeared into the castle Helping Hoof turned to the two companions. "If you'll please follow me," she said as she turned and walked to the south tower, Vulcan and Wind Walker following closely behind. Loving SentimentsWind Walker looked around the workshop Vulcan had set up in Canterlot Castle. It was quite impressive how he was able to make the elegant architecture look like his old run down workshop back in Barrel Valley. The walls were covered in various tools, schematics, and materials. "You know, I liked being the only pony with these wings. What am I gonna get for helping you sell them to the princess?" "I'll let you keep my wings boy." Vulcan sat at his work bench assembling the inner workings of a pair of wings. "They're my wings old man," Wind Walker mumbled under his breath. "Calm yourself boy, these won't be the same." Vulcan examined his work in progress. Wind Walker looked at the elder pony confused. "What do you mean?" Vulcan sighed and set his work down. "I spent a month making those wings boy. I ensured every piece was as flawless as equinely possible. I made certain that they were assembled perfectly. Take good care of them, and those wings will be around long after the two of us are gone." "What, and these wings are going to be a pile of trash?" "Watch your mouth boy, you know I would never put my name on poor quality." He shot at Wind Walker, who waved the comment away. "These will be fine quality, but not as fine as the first pair. The princess wants them made fast, so they'll have to be a cut in the work I put in them. They won't be as aerodynamic, and will probably only last about ten years with good care and frequent use." He went back to his work. "Besides, even if I had all the time in the world, they wouldn't be as good as your wings." "And why is...wait." Wind Walker turned to face Vulcan straight on. "Did you just call them my wings?" Since their creation, Vulcan had always called them his wings. Never once did he call them Wind Walker's. Vulcan decided to ignore the second question, instead focusing on the unfinished one. "These wings are for a group of ponies I don't know or care for. I made those wings for you. I put my heart and soul into them, and they're the finest piece of work I ever made for that reason." Vulcan never faced Wind Walker the entire time he spoke, he just continued to stare at his work. It took a moment for Wind Walker to realize that was all he was doing, staring blankly at the parts in front of him. Wind Walker smiled and turned away. "Thank you Vulcan." He started towards the door. "So when will I see you again?" Vulcan asked as he resumed his work. The question made Wind Walker stop in his tracks. "What makes you think I'm leaving, I could just be going to bed." "I know you boy, you'll be gone before the sun rises." Wind Walker didn't answer his question. Neither pony looked at the other as Wind Walker walked out of the door. Wind Walker would have left immediately, but his bags were in the room that had been prepared for him. He made his way straight for the room and opened the door. "Good evening Wind Walker." The very last thing Wind Walker expected to find in his room was a princess waiting for him. "Princess Celestia." Wind Walker was so surprised that when he bowed he did so so fast he nearly hit his head on the floor. The princess chuckled. "Relax Wind Walker, I'm just here for a friendly chat." "Uh, of course your highness." He rose and shut the door. "I'm just a little surprised to find you here." "Well I would have waited until morning, but I've heard you have a habit of disappearing the middle of the night," Celestia said with a smirk. "Who told you that?" "A student of mine, I believe you met her a few months ago." The princess gave a wink. "...You mean Twilight." Wind Walker suddenly felt guilty and exposed, like he had been caught doing something bad. "I...I didn't know she told you about me." "Twilight is my most faithful student Wind Walker, she tells me everything." "Of course she does." He felt stupid for thinking that Twilight wouldn't have told her teacher about him. He averted his gaze, unable to look at Celestia. "Don't worry my little pony, I'm not here to punish you." "How is she?" He couldn't bring himself to ask what he really wanted to. Does she hate me for leaving? "Twilight is doing fine, although she wishes to see you again." Wind Walker looked back at Celestia. "Is that an order?" Wind Walker had all of the respect in Equestria for Princess Celestia, although the thought of him giving him such a command made him begin to feel his natural rebelliousness. "Of course not, I can't make you do anything you don't want to Wind Walker...Well I can, but I won't." Celestia laughed at herself and smiled at Wind Walker. "While I do hope you decide to go see her again, that decision is yours to make." "Your highness, I want to see her again, I really do...but..." Wind Walker had trouble finishing the sentence. Celestia stared down at Wind Walker, and waited a moment for him to finish before realizing she would have to urge him on. "But?" "...To be honest your highness, I'm scared." He looked up at her sheepishly. "Scared?" She tilted her head in a questioning manner. "...She asked me to stay in Ponyville, and I'm scared to that if I go back I will. But even worse than that," he lowered his head, "I asked her to come with me, and I'm scared that if I go back she will." "Why does that scare you so much Wind Walker?" Celestia gave a look of concern and intrigue that Wind Walker knew was genuine. It's true what they say, she truly does care for each of her subjects. "Ponyville needs her, and I need the road. Both of us are exactly where we should be, neither of us can leave." The two stood for a moment in silence before the princess broke it. "You're wrong Wind Walker." This surprised the traveler. "Your highness?" He asked in confusion. "You can do whatever you please Wind Walker, and so can my student. If you want to stay in Ponyville then you should, and if she wants to leave she should. Everypony holds their destiny in their own hoofs." Wind Walker was silent as he contemplated Celestia's words. "...You're right princess, and maybe someday I will settle down somewhere, maybe even in Ponyville." He looked at his saddle bags by the bed and floated them onto his back. "But that day is not today." He walked to the balcony door and opened it as he took his wings out of his bag. "...You won't tell Twilight what I said, will you princess?" "Of course not Wind Walker." "Thank you your highness." "Please, call me Celestia." Wind Walker smiled. "Thank you Celestia...Tell her that I do miss her, just as much as she does me." Celestia smiled and gave him a nod. "I will Wind Walker, and good luck on your travels." Wind Walker gave no verbal response. He only nodded before jumping off of the balcony and onto his wings. He flew off into the night sky over Canterlot, and towards his next journey. Author's Note Thank you all for reading. I hope you enjoyed it, although to be honest I'm not as happy with this as my first story. Still, hope you liked it, and I hope you like my future works.
The Journey HomeRush. That's the best word to describe what Wind Walker felt when he flew. The rush of wind against his face, and through his hair. The rush of adrenaline as he soared high above his natural habitat on the ground. The rush of his senses as every single perception seemed to be amplified ten fold. And of course, the rush to his ego as he heard the oohs, ahs, and cheers coming from the crowd below. I'll give them another fly by, the kids always love them. Wind Walker gave himself a grin as he tilted his wings down and soared straight at the crowd below. He pulled up not ten hooves above the ground and flew it's length. As he slowed, he turned into a wide arc heading for the front of the crowd. As he reached his destination he jumped off, landing with a flashy (and admittedly cocky) twirl. "Thank you, thank you all!" He waved his hoof at the cheering crowd, as his wings folded on top of each other while consumed in a light olive aura, topped by a beautiful amethyst. "I do accept donations in the forms of bits and free drinks," he joked while he took a bow. However, before he could rise from the bow, it was interrupted by something hitting his head with enough force to knock him to the ground. Gasps filled his ears. "OW! Son of a..." He rubbed his head, feeling a small amount of blood seeping from it. His eyes spotted the offending object on the ground near by. "Who the buck threw a hammer at my head?!" His eyes searched the crowd that stared back at him. "What in Equestria did you do to my wings boy?" Wind Walker froze as he heard the familiar voice come from behind him. He turned slowly to find a large dark gray earth stallion with a red mane staring daggers at him. "Oh, hey Vulcan," Wind Walker chuckled nervously. "Uh, long time no see?" Wind Walker was reunited with his old friend the ground, with the assistance of another hammer being thrown through the air. "Are you deaf boy? I asked you what you did to my wings" The imposing stallion walked towards him. Wind Walker managed to get back on his hooves while rubbing his throbbing head. "I, um...improved them?" Wind Walker met the third of the hammer brothers. "Say that again and you'll regret it." Vulcan picked collected his hammers and replaced them in his bags. "Believe me, I already do." Wind Walker managed to, miraculously, get off of the ground once again. He looked around to see that the majority of the crowd was holding back laughter at the situation. I liked them better when they were cheering. He looked back to Vulcan to find him holding the wings and inspecting the amethyst before shoving it in his bag. "Hey! What are you doing with my wings?" "I'm taking them back to my shop for a proper inspection." Vulcan walked to Wind Walker and grabbed the collar of his coat. "And you're coming with me boy." Wind Walker sat staring out of the window of the train, holding and ice pack to his head. "You didn't have to drag me through town you know." He turned to the stallion across from him. "Keeping a good reputation is hard enough without you embarrassing me." "You embarrassed yourself with that flashy little show of yours." Vulcan was a large stallion, with muscles earned through years of hard work. He was much older than Wind Walker, but more physically able than most ponies half his age. He had a dark gray coat, with a short red mane and tail. His cutie mark was a hammer and anvil, and his face had multiple scars. "You always were one for theatrics though weren't you?" "All the world's a stage Vulcan." He returned his gaze to the landscape rushing by through the window. "What were you even doing in Fillydelphia anyway?" "I was looking for you boy. It's time for you to pay me back for making those wings for you." "And how am I going to do that?" "First I have to look at what you've done to my wings. If I still let you live after that, then I'll tell you." Wind Walker bit back another comment about improving them, not wanting to further risk a concussion. "Can I at least have them back? I don't like not having my things." "No. They stay with me until I inspect them." "They are mine you know." "Only because I allow you to have them." Wind Walker glanced at Vulcan's bag, and he could see the wings sticking out of them. He briefly entertained the idea of grabbing them, but quickly thought better of it. Instead he decided to change the subject. "I haven't been back home in years you know." "I'm aware." "How is everypony?" "They're fine." Wind Walker stared at the mountains in the distance. He was getting a little annoyed at the elder's short answers, he always was a stallion of few words. "...How are my parents?" "Out of town on business when I left. I don't think you'll be seeing them." "Oh." Wind Walker lowered his head. "...I think I'm going to take a nap, try to sleep off this headache. Wake me up when we get there." Vulcan grunted an acknowledgement, and let Wind Walker drift to sleep.
MemoriesA strong hoof shook Wind Walker out of his sleep. "Wake up boy, we're here." Wind Walker rubbed the sleep from his eyes and gave a grunt. "I'm up, I'm up." Wind Walker looked at Vulcan as he turned around and headed for the exit. He slung his bags onto his back and followed his companion. As he stepped out of the train he looked around at the sights he had known since he was a colt. The town of Barrel Valley. He mumbled to himself. "Home sweet home." "Wind Walker? Wind Walker is that you?" The voice came from a yellow earth mare behind the train station gift stand near by. "That is you isn't it? I haven't seen you in years!" "Sunny? Sunny Smiles! How are you doing?" Wind Walker galloped over to the mare coming out from behind the stand and gave her a hug. "Oh I'm great!" Sunny always was a very up-beat pony, her name suited her well. "What are you doing back? Oh we've got to go down to the pub! You have to tell me all about your travels." "That sounds great Sunny, I'm-" "Busy." Wind Walker turned to look at an impatient Vulcan standing behind him. "...Right, I'm busy. Sorry Sunny, I'll swing by as soon as I can." "Oh, I getchya." Sunny winked. "Don't want to make the old grump angry do you? Try to make it by tonight, I'll spread the word that your back so everypony will come by." "I'll do my best, it'll be good to see everypony again." "Come on boy, let's get moving." "I'm coming, I'm coming. See you later Sunny." The two companions turned and headed towards the other end of town. "Bye Wind Walker, I'll save you a drink. Don't beat him up to much Vulcan," the peppy pony shouted after them as she returned to her stand. Vulcan lived on the western edge of the town. It was the most isolated part of Barrel Valley. The town's biggest industry was the brewery on the north side of town, and the train station was on the east. With the majority of shops and businesses in the town square, that left virtually no foot traffic on the west side. Vulcan preferred not to be disturbed without reason. Vulcan's home itself was a shop on the ground floor with a living area above. The shop consisted of a front room displaying examples of his work, a forge where he worked metals into whatever shapes he desired, and a workshop filled with various tools for finer work. By the time the two ponies arrived at his home it was late afternoon. As Wind Walker approached he was flooded with the memories. Learning to fly was the most prominent, but not nearly the only one. "I haven't been here in a long time," the traveler said to nopony in particular. "You can get a drink from upstairs if you want," Vulcan said as he unlocked the door. "Then meet me in the workshop." He stepped into his home and headed straight for the work shop. Wind Walker followed Vulcan through the front door, but headed for the stairs instead of the workshop. He climbed the steps, each one bringing back a different memory. I'll teach you the value of hard work boy. As he topped the final step, he found himself standing in the craftspony's living room. Stand up for yourself boy. Make them respect you. He walked to the far end of the room and into the kitchen. He found a bottle of wine and poured some into one of Vulcan's tankards. You're a stallion now boy, don't grimace when you drink it. Show it the respect it deserves. He took a deep gulp and stared into the dark liquid."Hurry up boy!" It took Wind Walker a moment to realize that it wasn't a memory. "I'm coming old man, calm yourself!" he shouted back before descending back down the stairs, his drink following above him. He walked into the workshop to find Vulcan carefully inspecting the amethyst on the wings under various magnifying devices. "You're going to explain to me exactly what you did to my wings boy," Vulcan said without looking up. "The amethyst is a magical catalyst." Wind Walker roamed the room looking at various devices and designs while enjoying his drink. "It let's me store energy that I can later use to power the propellers." "And what precisely drove you to alter my craftsponyship?" "It let's me go faster than before, or frees up my focus to concentrate on maneuvering." Wind Walker was by no means a dumb pony, in fact he was quite intelligent, but he couldn't even guess as to the purpose of many of the complex designs hanging on the walls. "Well it looks like you at least left the work to a half way decent craftspony." He scratched his chin in contemplation for a moment before facing Wind Walker. "Who was it?" Wind Walker walked next to Vulcan. "A dress maker named Rarity, she works with a gems a lot." He floated his drink back to his lips. "You entrusted my work to a dress maker?" Vulcan grabbed the wine away from Wind Walker's mouth and took a long drink for himself. "Couldn't you find a proper craftspony?" Wind Walker took back his drink with an annoyed huff. He tilted it back against his mouth, to be rewarded with nothing more than a drop. "She does great work old man, and I know that you can see that." Vulcan turned back to wings. "I guess you're right." He sat in thought for a minute before addressing Wind Walker again. "Go enjoy yourself at the pub boy, ponies are waiting for you. We'll be leaving again tomorrow." "Care to tell me where you're dragging me?" "Canterlot." Vulcan stood and began to walk out of his workshop as Wind Walker followed. "And why are we going there?" "Business." Vulcan began to walk up the stairs and Wind Walker stood at the bottom. "Are you going to tell me anymore tonight?" "No." With that Vulcan reached the top of the stairs and walked out of Wind Walker's vision. Wind Walker stood at the base of the stairs and shook his head. "That old man drives me crazy." Knowing he wouldn't get anymore from the craftspony that night, he left the building and headed to the town pub.
Comings and Goings"Oh ponies come from far and wide just to buy our city's pride, but all their drinking dilly dallies compared to the colts of Barrel Valley. We create the finest brew that anypony ever knew. We ship the loads by the barrel, and let them drink at their own peril. So come have fun one and all. Drink until you bucking fall, for there's good times in every alley with the colts of Barrel Valley." The singing ended with cheers and the sounds of guzzling as everypony in the pub eagerly drank their drinks. As Wind Walker drained his mug he slammed it down on the bar in front of him, he was rather enjoying his homecoming celebration. "Oh I missed this place. You ponies would be surprised how little ponies in other towns drink, some don't drink at all." "Well we got a responshibility to our lovely town," a drunken stallion slurred as he threw a hoof around Wind Walker's shoulder. "We'ves got to taste test the drinks. How cans we take pride in our home ifs we don't enshure we export only the finest products?" "There isn't any product left to export after you get your hooves on it!" Somepony in the pub shouted, resulting in laughter from the crowd. "You don't have to miss us you know," Sunny said as she sat down next to Wind Walker. "You're always welcome in Barrel Valley." "Yeah, we take care of our own!" another faceless member of the crowd shouted as the rest of the pub cheered in agreement. "I'll remember that everypony," Wind Walker responded with a laugh. "I wish I could stay here longer, but the old man is dragging me to Canterlot tomorrow." "Ooh, that sounds fun. Whatchya gonna be doin?" Sunny always radiated optimism. "Don't know, he won't tell me. I swear that old man is just trying to drive me insane." Sunny giggled. "Oh please, you know Vulcan cares for you." "Cares for me? The first time I see him in years he throws hammers at my head, steals my most precious possession, and drags me all across Equestria and back with no explanation!" "He also has taken care of you since you were a colt. He always helped you with your problems when you came to him. Not to mention he made those wings for you in the first place," Sunny countered before taking a drink. "Meh, he was just trying to get rid of the rumors that he ate little foals. A rumor that you started if I remember correctly." Sunny laughed. "I did didn't I? I had forgotten about that. But even so, when has Vulcan ever cared about silly filly rumors like that? Face it, he always treated you like a son." A son? Wind Walker sat in thought for a moment, before responding. "Yeah...I guess your right..." Sunny smiled and slapped him on the back. "Come on Wind Walker drink up. If you're only in town for a day we gotta make it count, right boys!" She shouted as she raised a mug to the other ponies in the pub, and they shouted in agreement. Wind Walker just gave a smile to his friends and drank along with them. "-Drink untils you bucking fall, for there's good times ins every alley with the colts of Barrels Valley." Wind Walker mumbled and stumbled through the streets in the dead of night, making his way slowly but surely towards Vulcan's home. As he neared the house he saw somepony standing at Vulcan's doorstep, talking to the craftsman standing in the door way. "Alright Vulcan, I can give you one more month but no more. I'm sorry, but it's just business," the pony said before turning and leaving as Vulcan went back into his home. Is that Bits? What's he doing here? Bits noticed Wind Walker shortly before the passed each other. "Wind Walker, I heard you were in town. How are you doing?" "I'm goods." Wind Walker swayed a bit as he stood there. "I'm guessing you're coming from the pub?" Wind Walker ignored the question. "What were you talking about with Vulcan?" He did his best to control his speech and stand straight. Bits frowned. "I was just...." He looked back at the closed door. "...It's not really my place to talk about it. I've got to get going, take care Wind Walker." Wind Walker thought about saying goodbye, but decided it would be easier just to grunt as he headed for Vulcan's house. When he entered Vulcan wasn't in sight. He decided he was to tired to look for him (this certainly had nothing to do with his intoxication, he was just tired,) and instead decided to go to bed. He made his way upstairs and into the familiar guest bed room. He was just able to fall down on top of the bed before falling asleep fully clothed. "It was good to see you Wind Walker, come back soon." Wind Walker remembered Sunny bidding him farewell at the train station as he stared through the train window. "I would have enjoyed spending a little more time back home, you know. First time back in years and you drag me back out after one day?" "You could have come home at any point since you left." Vulcan sat across from Wind Walker, smoking from a wooden pipe and blowing the smoke out the window. When he first started an attendant told him smoking wasn't allowed in the cars, and he would have to go outside. Vulcan gave no audible response, and only stared at him until the attendant muttered and apology and left. Wind Walker assumed he was more lenient since they were alone in the car. "If you miss home so much you can go straight back after we finish our business in Canterlot." "And what exactly is our business Vulcan?" Wind Walker hoped that the craftspony wouldn't notice he ignored the idea of going back. "You'll see." "For Celestia's sake old man!" Wind Walker snapped at his companion. Little things that normally wouldn't bother him always seemed to tick him off when Vulcan did it. "Just tell me what we're doing. If you don't I'll jump off this train now, I have my wings back and nothing's stopping me." Vulcan let out a long exhale from his nose and two columns of smoke blew from his nostrils. "Fine. I need you to give a demonstration of the capabilities of my wings. A potential client is interested in buying some." Wind Walker knew the shock was visible on his face. "You...you're making more wings?" "Potentially." "What happened to every creation being unique and taking pride in-" Bits. Wind Walker stopped abruptly as he remembered seeing Bits talking to Vulcan the night before. Pride doesn't put food on the table or roof overhead. He looked at the old pony across from him. Wind Walker knew Vulcan better than anypony else, but even he could see no signs of anything on Vulcan's face. "Vulcan...if you need any help-" "The only help I need from you is giving that demonstration boy, no more." Wind Walker bit back another offer of help. This will be hard enough on him as it is, offering help will only hurt is pride more. Wind Walker reclined back in his seat and resumed looking out the window. "So who's the client?" "Princess Celestia, and the Royal Guard." "WHAT!?"
An Audience With the PrincessWind Walker had been to Canterlot a few times in the past. He had been down the very streets he was going down now before, he had seen the sights he was seeing now before, but somehow it all seemed different sitting in a closed carriage being pulled by the Royal Guard. Princess Celestia had sent a carriage and escort to pick them up from the train station and help them with Vulcan's heavy equipment. Now Wind Walker usually wasn't one for such luxury as a carriage, but Wind Walker knew better than to turn down a courtesy offered by the princess herself (and he certainly wasn't enjoying feeling like a lord in the days of yore returning from war, absolutely not.) "Open the gates!" Wind Walker heard a guard shout. Shortly after he looked out the carriage window to see the carriage was passing through the castle gates. "I've never been behind these walls," Wind Walker said as a smile grew on his face. "This is going to make a great story." "Must you brag about every little thing that happens to you boy?" Vulcan sat idly smoking his pipe. "Bragging's got nothing to do with it old man," Wind Walker responded truthfully (or close enough to it.) "Stories are better than bits if you know how to use them. It'll get you food, supplies, a place to sleep; do you know when the last time I bought my own drink was?" Vulcan ignored the question, and soon the carriage came to a stop. "Don't embarrass me boy." Vulcan stood and opened the carriage door. The two ponies walked out of the carriage to find themselves at the foot of the steps to the main hall of Canterlot castle, with Princess Celestia and her personal guard descending them. Wind Walker had been accused of having problems dealing with authority in the past. He never liked to admit another pony held power over him, or was greater than him, but even he would not show disrespect to the ruler of Equestria. He bowed low, and Vulcan did the same. "Rise my little ponies," Princess Celestia said, "and welcome to Canterlot Castle." "Thank you your highness," Vulcan said as he and Wind Walker straightened themselves. "It is good to see you again Vulcan," the princess said with the most delightful smile Wind Walker had ever seen, "and I assume that this is the pony who will be demonstrating your invention?" She turned to look at Wind Walker. Wind Walker's felt his breath catch in his throat. He had never seen an alicorn up close, but he had heard stories of their beauty. Her entire presence seemed to radiate in an aura of beauty. He took an instant to compose himself before answering. "Yes your highness. My name is Wind Walker, it'll be an honor to demonstrate my abilities for you." "I look forward to it Wind Walker, but I am sure you two must be tired for your travels. Lunch is prepared in the dining hall. After we eat we can watch your demonstration, if you will be ready by then Wind Walker." "Of course your highness, I am ready whenever you wish." "Wonderful, then please follow me to the dining hall." Wind Walker was nervous that he would mess up his flying and embarrass himself in front of the princess, but when he got on his wings all his worries melted away. He loved flying, he loved the sky, and he loved that rush. He turned his wings straight up and looked down to the castle grounds and saw Vulcan and Princess Celestia talking to each other. Probably talking about the wings. That or the old man is putting the moves on her. Wind Walker chuckled at the thought of Vulcan putting the moves on anypony, let alone the princess, as he killed the magical flow of energy to the propellers and let himself begin to plummet out of the sky. Who knows, maybe it's true love. It'll be a beautiful wedding, I'm sure the old man cleans up nice. He laughed aloud as he pulled up, leveling out about ten hooves above the ground. He slowed down and long turn ending in front of Vulcan and Princess Celestia. As he jumped off he folded his wings in his magic and gave a bow. "Very impressive Wind Walker." "Thank you your highness, you honor me," Wind Walker said as he rose. "Wind Walker has been practicing for many years your highness, but was able to achieve basic flight after roughly an hour, and he was only a colt then. I'm sure that your guards would learn quickly," Vulcan said. "Wonderful. I'm very pleased with this. I've wanted to start a flying unicorn division of the guard for quite a while now, and I believe that your wings are exactly what I need to do so." "Does that mean that you will be purchasing my creation your highness?" "Yes, it does. How long would it take you to make twenty-five?" "At an estimate, roughly three weeks your highness. I can start tonight." "Splendid," the Princess smiled. "My guards have moved your equipment into a workshop we have prepared for you in the south tower, along with rooms for both of you." "Thank you your highness," Vulcan said. "Helping Hoof," the princess called. "Yes, your majesty," a blue mare said as she approached the princess. "Please escort our guests to the south tower and show them their rooms. I want you to make sure they are taken care of during their stay." "As you wish, your majesty." "Thank you Helping Hoof. I have some business to attend to, but I will want to inspect your work soon Vulcan. For now, farewell." Princess Celestia gave a curt nod to Vulcan and Wind Walker before departing. After she disappeared into the castle Helping Hoof turned to the two companions. "If you'll please follow me," she said as she turned and walked to the south tower, Vulcan and Wind Walker following closely behind.
Loving SentimentsWind Walker looked around the workshop Vulcan had set up in Canterlot Castle. It was quite impressive how he was able to make the elegant architecture look like his old run down workshop back in Barrel Valley. The walls were covered in various tools, schematics, and materials. "You know, I liked being the only pony with these wings. What am I gonna get for helping you sell them to the princess?" "I'll let you keep my wings boy." Vulcan sat at his work bench assembling the inner workings of a pair of wings. "They're my wings old man," Wind Walker mumbled under his breath. "Calm yourself boy, these won't be the same." Vulcan examined his work in progress. Wind Walker looked at the elder pony confused. "What do you mean?" Vulcan sighed and set his work down. "I spent a month making those wings boy. I ensured every piece was as flawless as equinely possible. I made certain that they were assembled perfectly. Take good care of them, and those wings will be around long after the two of us are gone." "What, and these wings are going to be a pile of trash?" "Watch your mouth boy, you know I would never put my name on poor quality." He shot at Wind Walker, who waved the comment away. "These will be fine quality, but not as fine as the first pair. The princess wants them made fast, so they'll have to be a cut in the work I put in them. They won't be as aerodynamic, and will probably only last about ten years with good care and frequent use." He went back to his work. "Besides, even if I had all the time in the world, they wouldn't be as good as your wings." "And why is...wait." Wind Walker turned to face Vulcan straight on. "Did you just call them my wings?" Since their creation, Vulcan had always called them his wings. Never once did he call them Wind Walker's. Vulcan decided to ignore the second question, instead focusing on the unfinished one. "These wings are for a group of ponies I don't know or care for. I made those wings for you. I put my heart and soul into them, and they're the finest piece of work I ever made for that reason." Vulcan never faced Wind Walker the entire time he spoke, he just continued to stare at his work. It took a moment for Wind Walker to realize that was all he was doing, staring blankly at the parts in front of him. Wind Walker smiled and turned away. "Thank you Vulcan." He started towards the door. "So when will I see you again?" Vulcan asked as he resumed his work. The question made Wind Walker stop in his tracks. "What makes you think I'm leaving, I could just be going to bed." "I know you boy, you'll be gone before the sun rises." Wind Walker didn't answer his question. Neither pony looked at the other as Wind Walker walked out of the door. Wind Walker would have left immediately, but his bags were in the room that had been prepared for him. He made his way straight for the room and opened the door. "Good evening Wind Walker." The very last thing Wind Walker expected to find in his room was a princess waiting for him. "Princess Celestia." Wind Walker was so surprised that when he bowed he did so so fast he nearly hit his head on the floor. The princess chuckled. "Relax Wind Walker, I'm just here for a friendly chat." "Uh, of course your highness." He rose and shut the door. "I'm just a little surprised to find you here." "Well I would have waited until morning, but I've heard you have a habit of disappearing the middle of the night," Celestia said with a smirk. "Who told you that?" "A student of mine, I believe you met her a few months ago." The princess gave a wink. "...You mean Twilight." Wind Walker suddenly felt guilty and exposed, like he had been caught doing something bad. "I...I didn't know she told you about me." "Twilight is my most faithful student Wind Walker, she tells me everything." "Of course she does." He felt stupid for thinking that Twilight wouldn't have told her teacher about him. He averted his gaze, unable to look at Celestia. "Don't worry my little pony, I'm not here to punish you." "How is she?" He couldn't bring himself to ask what he really wanted to. Does she hate me for leaving? "Twilight is doing fine, although she wishes to see you again." Wind Walker looked back at Celestia. "Is that an order?" Wind Walker had all of the respect in Equestria for Princess Celestia, although the thought of him giving him such a command made him begin to feel his natural rebelliousness. "Of course not, I can't make you do anything you don't want to Wind Walker...Well I can, but I won't." Celestia laughed at herself and smiled at Wind Walker. "While I do hope you decide to go see her again, that decision is yours to make." "Your highness, I want to see her again, I really do...but..." Wind Walker had trouble finishing the sentence. Celestia stared down at Wind Walker, and waited a moment for him to finish before realizing she would have to urge him on. "But?" "...To be honest your highness, I'm scared." He looked up at her sheepishly. "Scared?" She tilted her head in a questioning manner. "...She asked me to stay in Ponyville, and I'm scared to that if I go back I will. But even worse than that," he lowered his head, "I asked her to come with me, and I'm scared that if I go back she will." "Why does that scare you so much Wind Walker?" Celestia gave a look of concern and intrigue that Wind Walker knew was genuine. It's true what they say, she truly does care for each of her subjects. "Ponyville needs her, and I need the road. Both of us are exactly where we should be, neither of us can leave." The two stood for a moment in silence before the princess broke it. "You're wrong Wind Walker." This surprised the traveler. "Your highness?" He asked in confusion. "You can do whatever you please Wind Walker, and so can my student. If you want to stay in Ponyville then you should, and if she wants to leave she should. Everypony holds their destiny in their own hoofs." Wind Walker was silent as he contemplated Celestia's words. "...You're right princess, and maybe someday I will settle down somewhere, maybe even in Ponyville." He looked at his saddle bags by the bed and floated them onto his back. "But that day is not today." He walked to the balcony door and opened it as he took his wings out of his bag. "...You won't tell Twilight what I said, will you princess?" "Of course not Wind Walker." "Thank you your highness." "Please, call me Celestia." Wind Walker smiled. "Thank you Celestia...Tell her that I do miss her, just as much as she does me." Celestia smiled and gave him a nod. "I will Wind Walker, and good luck on your travels." Wind Walker gave no verbal response. He only nodded before jumping off of the balcony and onto his wings. He flew off into the night sky over Canterlot, and towards his next journey. Author's Note Thank you all for reading. I hope you enjoyed it, although to be honest I'm not as happy with this as my first story. Still, hope you liked it, and I hope you like my future works.
