the Adventures to be had.

The very boring town of coal

Boring; That’s what this town is, Boring. You want to know why? The hospital only had four other patients and It was a one floor hospital at that. The town, you ask? The only people out, or should I say ponies since all the residents seemed to be ponies, were old and sitting on porches watching the hustle of the town, or should I say lack thereof.

I thought that, when gold told me this was a mining town, it would be a lot like the way they mine back on my planet: Huge trucks carrying loads of dirt, people running about all over, factories that extracted the elements from the dirt. You know, 21st century mining. Instead it looked more like this town still mines like they did in the Wild West. Someone needs to push the Cray Button, and fast.

“…And this is the town square.” Silver finished as he took me on a “Tour” of the town. Really the town was really just a very long road that cut straight through the town. There was a few turns here and there that went off into, God knows where, but mostly the whole town crowded around this one strip of road and around the square, but it was more like a cul-de-sac then a square. Basic geometry people; next thing you know, your gonna start telling me squares fit in round holes.

“It’s nice.” I said half mindlessly. I was too focused on studying the town to really pay much attention to the silver unicorn.

“Hello, Earth to Excel?” Gold said waving a hoof in front of my face.

I blinked and put my focus back on the two ponies. “Oh, sorry. What?” I asked.

“We asked if you wanted to go see the coal mines.” Gold asked. Well there really was no use standing around here, so why the hell not.

“Okay, sure.” I responded.

Gold and silver led me away from the town to what looked like a large wall made of stone that stretched on in both directions for miles. there were a few small farms Off in the distance, but I couldn't see any signs that the farms grew anything.

This puzzles me. “Hay, are all those farms abandoned?” I asked my tour guides, pointing in the direction of the farms.

Gold, without looking back, said flatly, “Those are all rock farms, duh.”

Rock farms? Whoever heard of farming for rocks? I mean really. The more I learn of this place the more backwards it seems to be. First that creep Lucius, then demon squirrels, then a mining town made up by talking ponies. Why did I not see farming rocks coming?

“Why would you farm rocks?” I asked confused.

Silver piped up to answer the question. “You don’t really farm rocks,” he explained, “They just use the rock for a whole ton of stuff.”

“Like…?” I asked, letting the question linger on for a second so they knew I had no idea what they meant.

“Well,” Gold started, “For one: they ground up empty rocks to turn into gravel, or melt it down to be used to cheaply pave roads or be reshaped into bricks.”

Empty rocks, what on earth, no pun intended, could that possibly mean? I was unaware rocks would even have anything inside them other then, well rock. What, were they like those capsule prizes you buy out of those twenty-five cent things you see outside of the grocery store? If they were, then that was yet another thing I could add to the ever growing list crazy things in this world.

To UN-confuse me I asked “why would a rock be empty?”

Gold put her hoof to her face. “Man, you ask a lot of questions. It’s like this: they mine rocks to see if there are any gems inside.” She answered, a hint of annoyance in her voice, “and just to answer any future questions, I have a feeling you will ask,” She put a hoof up, “simply because you have no knowledge of rock farming: They move the rocks around the fields, every so often, in hopes they will produce more or rare gems.”

Okay, I knew as crazy as this world was, there was no way that was true. “That sounds like a load of superstition bull, to me.” I commented. “As crazy as this place seems to be, I don’t think a rock chooses to have gems inside, if you move it around.” I then realized something, Gems? What did that mean? “Wait, gems?” I asked.

“Ya, this whole town, as we have stated before, was founded on mining. That would include gems.” Silver explained.

I was dumb founded. My mouth was frozen in the beginning of asking what. “Wh-Wh-Wh…ugh never mind.” What they said made no sense. In fact this whole damn place made no sense. I was kind of wishing I was with Lucius. Then again that would be going from one crazy nightmare to a whole new one.

I felt like I wanted to cry, I felt like I wanted to just crawl into a bed and will myself to go to sleep in hopes I would wake up, back home, I wanted to dance and sing in hopes that the plot gets more developed then this, But this was all too real, it was not a dream or a Stephen Sondheim Musical.

We stopped at the entrance to a cave, there was a larger pony stallion standing in our way. He was larger in size and build then either of the ponies who led me here. His coat was a brown color; his mane and tail were a messy back. He also had black smudges all over face and large hooves. On his flank there was a, tattoo? I looked over to gold and silver really quick, knowing I saw something similar to that on their flanks.

Gold had a heart shaped gold jewel on her flanks and silver had a few bars of silver on his. I then looked back at the large pony in front of us, not realizing he was giving me a semi-scared, semi-curious look. Ignoring it for the moment, I study his flank. he had the image of a pot of melted silvery stuff.

I looked back at his face, he was now scrutinizing me through squinted eyes. I was about to say something when gold lightly pushed me behind her and smiled innocently.

“Good afternoon, Lead.” She greeted the pony. “How’s the coal mining coming?” she asked sounding a bit nervous.

Lead had not taken his eyes off me; I was feeling a bit un-easy. He lifted a foreleg to point at me. “That diamond dog?” he asked.

Silver answered, not sounding the least bit worried. “Hay Lead, this is new friend, Excel.” He patted me on the back causing me to take a jerked step forward. “We wanted to show her the mines.” He continued. “Is that alright?”

Lead relaxed his face, now looking at Silver. “Sorry there, Silver, but Y’all know we can’t let diamond dogs in th’ cave.”

Silver looked downhearted. “but she’s only half diamond dog.” He said, probably hopping that would let him change his mind.

It didn't, lead just shook his head slowly. “Eenope, can’t risk it. We need all th’ coal we can get our hooves on.”

“So the rumors of the shortage of coal are true?” Gold said sounding very concerned.

Lead responded with an, “Eeyup, but how'd you know 'bout that?”

“But couldn't that destroy the Island?” Silver asked.

Before he got an answer I asked a question of my own. “What are you talking about?”

“The other two towns on this island, and the trains that run through the Island, and the boats to the Equestria main land, all run using coal.” Gold answered quickly.

Wait a minute, the Other ‘Two’ towns? This island only has three Towns, go figure. But wait, did she say ‘boat to the Equestria main land’? I had to get to that boat, I want off this stupid island.

“Yes, and we need to save up as much coal as possible. So get that filthy rock eating animal away from here.” Lead said, jerking me back to the conversation.

“Filthy…ANIMAL?!?” I screamed at the insult. I’d show him a filthy animal. I wanted to punch that Bastard so hard in the jaw his Dentist would feel it.

I was ready to lunge at the large earth pony but I was suddenly unable to move my legs. I looked down and saw a soft silver glow around them.

“Oh would you look at the time, we really should be going.” Silver said quickly. His horn was glowing with the same light that trapped my feet. “Come on Gold, let’s get back to town.”

forcibly, i was tugged away from Lead and followed Gold and Silver back to the town. “Hay wait, I wasn't finished with him.” I said, straining to get out of the grip of the strange force that had me.

“You really are a hot head, aren't you?” Gold asked with a smirk.

Okay so maybe sometimes I lose my temper, but I always had a good reason to, right? I mean that guy insulted me. But still, gold did bring up a good point, maybe I am a hot head. Nah, I’m right there wrong.

Silver’s freaky magic didn't let go of me until we were halfway back in town, and by then my stomach was beginning to make the rumblies that only chef Chef Boyardee could satisfy. “I’m hungry.” I half muttered to myself. surprisingly, getting pulled around against your own will takes a lot out of you.

“I’m sure we can find something for you to eat when we get back in to town.” Gold assured me. She then began to walk faster, wanting to get something to eat as well, I imagine.

Okay this can’t be the same town I was in a little while ago: The streets where filled with ponies walking to and from buildings, kids were out playing, and colorful lights were twinkling and flashing. “Whoa, what happened here?” I asked. “Just this afternoon this town was quiet and drowsy.”

“It’s the end of the in-town work day and the start of the night shift.” Silver said cheerfully. “Come on, I know a great place for dinner.” He then started to basically skip down the main street.

As I began to follow I heard a groan from Gold. “I think I know right where he wants to go.” She groaned out loud.

I tilted my head to side, letting one ear droop to show confusion. Now that I think about it, I must have looked more like a dog then anything ever, you know minus the antenna, giant black eyes, and the fact that I look nothing like a dog…but still you get it right?

Any ways, Gold knew I was confused. “He want to take us to,” She put a hoof up to face as if to do some sort of face-palm, but I guess it was more of a face-hoof, considering the lake of having a palm. Gold let out a small sigh and mumbled, “Puchu’s pizza arcade.”

I’m not quite sure why Gold was so down on wanting to come to this place, it seemed light-hearted enough. It was built like a Chuck-E cheeses, except they actually let people over the age of thirteen in. what? At the Chuck-E cheese in my town, unless you’re with an adult then, teenagers aren't allowed through the door.

The only weird thing were the games, stuff I've never seen in an arcade before, even though I have only been in a hand full of arcades. They had standard stuff like sky-ball, air hokey, and those games that give you tickets even if you have like zero to no skill. But there were also games like: a first person, rail-shooter called extinguisher redemption: rise of the AI’s, and a drilling game, that one was fun though and even a game where you have to guide a ball down a rail without letting it fall, but lets just say I didn't seem to be able to do the "Don't let it fall part. Other than the strange games, it seemed legit.

It was then when I saw the mascot, a giant teddy bear thing with a pink tutu and holding a stupid looking wand, that I knew why Gold hates this place. I don’t know if the thing was cute or just god damned creepy. I leaned over to whisper to Gold. “What is that thing?”

Gold sighed and said, “That thing is Pizza Puchu.”

An overly cheery pony dressed in a Puchu outfit came over to give us our pizza: a large pizza on whole wheat crust, with 1/3 plain, 1/3 covered in oats and hay, and 1/3 covered in, asphalt?

When the creepy waiter left I finally asked, in the most polite way I could manage, “Um, why is part of the pizza covered in rocks?” but I think it came out more like 'He dropped my pizza in the road, that bastard!'

Silver, who finally took his eyes off the strange band playing on the stage, answered. “I didn't know what to order for you when I got here. I know Diamond dogs eat rocks, so I just asked if they could just take some rocks and use that as a topping.” He used his magic to levitate a slice up to me. “I hope you don’t mind.”

I gave a very unconvincing grin and grabbed the slice of pizza. I know better than to try and make a scene in public, so doing something completely out of character, I opened my mouth and took a small bite of the end of the pizza. It tasted good. to my utter shock . The asphalt tasted nothing like asphalt should have; it kind of tasted like a sweet meatball or meatloaf. I took a bigger bite and found that for some reason my teeth could chew the rocks up with ease, like the rocks were made of cooked meat.

“I can see you like it.” Silver grinned happily.

I shook my head. “Yeph, its goodf.” I mumbled around the food in my mouth. I got to remember to add, eating rocks to the list of strange and weird things about this town.

Alone again, in the room that Gold had provided me. After dinner I was just plumb tucked out. Silver asked if I wanted to go take a look around the town, but all I did was yawn out, “I’m tiered.”

“Oh, do you have a place to stay?” Gold asked. Of course I didn't, they found me half dead in the woods, and I have been with them all day, but instead of bring that up I just shook my head no. “Well then you can just stay with me at my house.” She offered. so ya, that was nice.

But Really? Somebody they met just twenty four or so hours ago and they have already; paid my hospital bill; showed me around their town; bought me dinner; and now they want to bring me into their home to stay? Okay these ponies must trust way too easily, or they'er planning something, like in "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" or what ever movie it was.

Anyways, I’m now in the spare room in Gold’s house. Speaking of her house, Gold lives alone in a one story, two bedroom house, that’s at the end of one of those branches off roads I saw earlier. It’s really nice how she made her house look as nice as it did for only having those two bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room, and kitchen that she also uses as a dining room. its all cute and small and stuff. The room I was in, was next to Gold’s room, and had one small bed, a closet, a tiny dresser with a mirror, chair and a candle?

It dawned on me that in the whole house the only electric lights were in the bathroom and a small porch light. I thought I saw a fridge and oven in Gold’s kitchen, and wondered if they ran on electricity. So maybe this place gets most of its light from candles? maybe, but I'll have to ask later.

“I’m surprised that you have survived your first few days.” That voice made me jump. looking around the room, I saw the "ever so charming" face of Lucius in the mirror. I turned my head to where he should be standing but he wasn't  there. He was only in the reflection. again I saw, Weird.

“How are you doing-.” I started to ask but Lucius stopped me by raising a claw.

“I just wanted to congratulate you on a First job well done.” Suddenly balloons and confetti appeared out of no-were and Lucius had a party hat on his thin red head, and Mariachi Music, coming form no where in particular, played. My vision flashed and the words “go through the woods and find the small town” appeared with a large green check mark next to it. Another flash and my vision cleared.

I scowled at Lucius, he had confetti blowing everywhere. “Is that really a cause to celebrate?” I hissed to him. “And keep it down. Gold might here you.”

Lucius stopped his Whooping and frowned. “Oh pooh, you’re just no fun at all.” He huffed. “And about your silly little friend, I sound proof this room. She can’t hear us.” I just rolled my eyes, smart-ass

“Okay, what do you really want?” I asked. “Unless you’re as crazy as I think you are, then I’m sure you did not come here to celebrate that I found the town.” I looked him squarely in the eyes.

“hmhmhm, It’s not that you found the town, which you didn't by the way. It’s that you came up with a name for yourself, made some friends, and you tried some new food.” A party whistle popped out of nowhere and Lucius blew it. “That’s quite the accomplishment.” He commented.

“Okay, so?” I asked.

“The more you can do by yourself while doing the little ‘Quests’ I have for you, then the stronger you become in mind, body, and spirit.” And again, he lost me.

“Stronger, What do you mean I’ll become Stronger?” I asked.

Lucius scratched his head in confusion. “Oh, that’s right. I haven’t given you your weapon yet.”

My, what now? Did he just say weapon? I think he did. I wanted to ask what He…she…it? What is Lucius anyways? Off topic right. I wanted to ask what Lucius meant,but he spoke before I could ask. “You don’t think I would leave you out here without a way of protecting yourself, did you?” he asks sarcastically. “Where is the fun in seeing you die the first day out? There are dangers and other players out there who would want nothing more than to see you suffer.”

“Wait, are you saying that I might meet these other players?” I asked.

“Not unless you get off this island first.” He tuttered

“Damn,” I muttered.

“Oh, but would you look at the time?” he said, pulling a pocket watch out of nowhere. “It’s late and you really do have a big day tomorrow.”

Big day, now what could that mean? I’m starting to have suspicions about Lucius. What is he not telling me? But he waved a good bye before i could ask.

“Au revoir, I shall see you soon.” He said and just like that, in a puff of pink, he was gone...again.

“Well that was just-whoa.” I started to say when again a dizzy feeling came over me, much like the last time I spoke with Lucius.

I just decided to shrug it off. I looked around the room, and everything seemed to be unchanged, as if He was never here. “I guess he’s right.” I thought to myself, “I really should get some sleep.” Who knows what adventures are out there just waiting to be had, by me?

Of course, what adventures could be had here, in the little boring town of coal?