~Chapter 10: The Party Ponies Perfect Portal Pour Ponyville (And an Elevator)~
Rainbow Dash and I spent a few hours to try and get me to learn the basics; keeping myself steady in the air, slow movement, turning, ascending, descending, basically all the standard stuff. We got all that down, but then Applejack came over to us at one point, letting us know that they didn't have quite everything, and would need some metal shaped into the appropriate types of hooks and the like, so her and Big Mac were heading into Ponyville for a few hours to get everything.
This left us a few more hours to train, and Rainbow seemed to be enjoying it immensely, getting to show off her skills and have another emulate her. She decided to try and teach me some more advanced techniques, now that I could fly well enough. "Okay, thats good. . . Alright, try and tuck your wings a bit more on the rise, . . Yeah, you got it, now arch your back in more. . . Yeah! There! Try one more time!" She got me to perform a perfect backwards loop, in a circle tight enough to wrap me around another pony. I spun around her playfully, and she giggled at me. "Heh, nice. Alright, that should be good for now. If you want any more training some time, come get me. But your shaping up to be a natural."
We both landed now, me panting and sweating from my exertions, but I never felt happier. The freedom granted from flying is incomparable; I suddenly find myself shocked at how I was able to go for so long as a human, not being able to fly. My appreciation for this new way of life skyrocketed at the same time as I flew up into the clouds with my training.
We walked for a while, simply talking about the tricks I was taught, how Rainbow figured out the finer points of them, other modifications I could learn later after I got more experience, more types of tricks, and just anything to do with flying. She seemed ecstatic to have found someone she could talk to like this about flying. We eventually reached a lake on the apple farm, and I jumped into the air, pulling the tight loop the cyan mare taught me, twice in quick succession, then diving straight into the water below. I used my wings as fins under the water, speeding in a couple circles before surfacing with a grin from ear to ear. Rainbow Dash was laughing, and she flew straight up into the air, taking it as a challenge. She went high up, then proceeded to fly straight down. About halfway she turned herself over into a ball, flipping over herself repeatedly. She continued to flap her wings to speed up her spins, and by the time she reached the water, she was a rainbow ball, perfectly spherical.
She hit the water, and I simply stared in awe at the effect. Because of how she spun before hitting the water, she was like a buzz saw. And the water split like it was a piece of mouldy wood. There was an actual fissure for a second, and the water sprayed up in an arc behind her, her spins throwing it up. The water suddenly filled in the gap again, creating tidal waves that threw me into the middle of the lake and under water. I got a full breath before hand, and stayed under for a second, turning around to try and see the mare in the water. I saw her swimming like I had, going at a casual pace around in circles.
I swam up for a new lungful of air, then ducked back under and swam next to her, keeping pace. She looked at me and smiled, and we both surfaced again. Both of us gasping for breath, we swam to the shore and laid on the grass, hind legs dangling in the currents of the body of water. We simply stared at the sky, enjoying the day.
The peace was broken a few minutes later when we heard Applejack calling for us. "Rainbow! Ink! Where in tarnations did you two disappear to now? Git over here!" We turn to each other and grin mischievously, both planning to have some fun with this. We both sprang into the air, RD going straight for the farm pony calling for us. I, however, circled around, to behind her.
Rainbow landed on the ground, and I could hear their conversation. "Hey AJ! Sorry, went for a dip in the lake. Whats up?" I smile at the little hint.
"Well, we got the things we need tah' make the lift, so we were join' tah' git Ink tah' help put 'er up. Where is that pony anyway-- WAAAAAAAAAAH! ! !"
I dove straight for the ground, pulling up at the last second, buffeting Applejack with a wall of wind. her hat flew off into one of the trees next to us. She turned around and up, a scowl on her face, but a grin in her eyes. "What the heck was that fer, yah' little runt?! Why, I have half a mind tah' beat yer' little head in!" We all burst into laughter, falling to the ground clutching ourselves. I guess we were all a little giddy; AJ gets her lift, RD gets a fellow speed demon, and I get the freedom of flight. When we finally got ahold of ourselves again, I flew up to the tree, grabbing the stray stetson stolen by the wind. I returned to the two mares and gave the hat back to the farmer, who inclined the hat to me in thanks after donning it again.
"Alright, enough ah' that. Lets get this here thang up and running'. RD, wanna help?"
"Yeah, sure. I still have to give Ink a few pointers on flying with a heavy load anyway."
"Alright, then, hun, thank ye'. Lets git to 'er."
We walked into the barn, where Big Mac had already gotten to work. He had a sheet of paper pinned on a post next to my sketch, and held a pencil in his mouth, re-drawing it in an easier to read format. We walked over to him, AJ and I looking at his new version. It was a great deal cleaner-- Heh, mine was dirt- cleaner? Get it? Oh, never mind.-- and had the measurements of each rope written next to it. He must have been the builder of the barn to know every measurement by hand.
When he finished, he deposited the pencil in a bag on the wagon of supplies next to him, which I now looked into. Numerous metres of good, strong rope, wooden blocks shaped to hold wheels on axles with enough space to fit the rope, said wheels and axles, metal hooks, and a wooden platform, sturdy enough to support the massive stallion, with rings to tie the rope to. Everything needed to make an elevator.
We looked at the plan again and divvied up the work, Rainbow and I splitting the airborne stuff between us and Applejack taking the general work and aligning on the ground, with Big Mac being our heavy lifter, as expected. We got to work, setting the whole thing up in no time. Upon completion of the job, we all sat back, looking at our handiwork.
The elevator was in the middle of the barn, enough space on each side for two full-grown stallions to walk abreast, and when raised, would meet the loft platform perfectly. "Alright, fellas, why don't you two hop on to give 'er a whirl?" Applejack said to Big Mac and I. We nodded and stepped onto the platform, lying down to distribute our weight better.
Applejack walked over to the winch we installed to control the contraption and rested her fore hooves on the handle. She started to push it forward, and we saw the ropes grow taught. When it reached the bottom of the spin of the lever she slid her hooves over and pulled it towards herself now, completing the turn. Now the platform lurched, beginning its assent. Applejack continued her operation of the winch at a steady pace, and we ascended at an equally steady pace. When we reached the top, the farm pony mare hit the lever next to the one she was turning, engaging the lock to prevent the lift from plummeting to the ground with us on it.
The giant stallion Big Mac and not-so-giant stallion myself stood up, stepping off the platform onto the loft floor. We all can't help but grin at a job well done, but this was only half the process. We stepped back onto it and laid down again. Now, Applejack hit another lever, switching the gear of the lift, allowing it to lower again. She started to crank the winch again, the clicking of the lock matching our pace of descent. When we touched the bottom we all couldn't help our shout of glee-- Big Mac excepted, of course. He doesn't shout.
We all step back again and admire the creation one more time before leaving the barn. "Well, Ink, ah don't know how tah' thank yah' fer that. You just made our jobs-- all oh' our jobs, including yerself-- a heck of a lot easier. Ah' think it's safe tah' say ye got the job, hun."
Big Mac turned to us, and simply stated, "Eeyup!"
I grinned in response. "I can't thank YOU enough. Giving me the job is all the thanks I would ask from you."
Applejack walked over and offered a hoof to shake. "Well, I gotta say, yah' should be valuing' yer work and yer smarts more. Yah' could make plenty of bits on yer own with it."
I continue to smile at the compliment. "Thank you. Is there anything else you would like help with today?" I noticed the sun was about halfway to the horizon from noon now-- the day went quickly.
"Nah, thanks though. We may be behind the schedule fer' today, but usin' this thang tomorrow will bump us ahead of schedule, ah figur'. You more than earned yer' keep today. Here." She walked to the wagon that carried the materials for the lift and grabbed a bag out of it. Walking back over, she dropped it down and counted out some money from it, transferring them to another bag. She slid it over to me. "Here. Yer' keep fer' now is six hundred' bits." My jaw dropped at this. "Seein' as it gotta tie yah' in fer a week, what with rent n' food, plus a little fer yourself as spending' money, you need it." She smiled, nudging the bag again.
I pick it up, slinging it across my back. "Well, thank you very much! I never expected this."
She slugged me in the shoulder. "Well ya' shoulda'! Look at what ye' did fer' us here on the farm! I owe it to yah', fair n' square! Anyway, I ought tah' let ya'll go now. I'll see yah' tomorrow! Later Ink, RD!"
Rainbow and I wave back, and then look at each other. "Well, Ink, want some company back to Ponyville main?"
I smile. "Sure. I'm stopping at Sugarcube Corner before heading back to the hotel, though."
She grinned. "Awesome! Same! Lets get going then!" She hopped into the air, and I followed suit, taking a leisurely pace back to town.
~
We reached the sweet shop after a minute of pleasant flying, and touched down on the confectioneer couple's doorstep. We walked in, a little silver bell ringing over our heads. We looked behind the counter, seeing Mrs. Cake working the till. She looked at us and smiled. "Hello Rainbow Dash! It's great to see you. And I take it you are Ink? Pinkie has been going crazy planning this party for you."
I smiled as I reached the cash. "Hello, it's great to meet you! And yes, that is what I came here for. Where might I find the pony in question?"
She raised a hoof towards the kitchen. "She is making up a few more batches of treats for me. Go on in."
I waved in appreciation. "Thank you!" I trotted over to the door, Rainbow Dash stopping at the counter to buy some sweets. When I stepped in, I couldn't help but smile at the sight.
There was Pinkie, zipping around the kitchen in her usual incredibly fast manner, four different types of food being cooked at once. There was a cake in the oven, a batch of cookies waiting to go in, cheesecake being deposited in the fridge, and finally, yet another tray loaded with, you guessed it, cupcakes. She went to pick it up, but stopped and jumped into the air, flying around the counter with a squeal upon seeing me. She tackle-glomped me, knocking me on my back. "INK! YOUR BACK! Are you out of the hospital now? How are you? OH! OH! CAN WE HAVE THE PARTY NOW?!?"
I smile up at the explosively energetic mare, shaking my head in exasperation. "Yes, Pin-"
"YAAAAAY! 'WELCOME INK TO PONYVILLE PARTY' OFFICIALY ANNOUNCED!" She took off up stairs, and flew by again, streamers and balloons and other bright and colourful party decorations billowing behind her. I got up off the floor, walking into the kitchen and grabbing the cupcakes she forgot about, taking them into the main room and placing them down for Mrs. Cake. "Sorry, didn't realize she would decide to set it up THAT quickly; I knew she would want a good start on it, but this was faster than anticipated."
Mrs. Cake smiled, taking the tray of cupcakes over to a table and starting to arrange them on the display. "That is quite alright. I had a feeling this would happen. If you just wouldn't mind helping me with the rest of the cooking it would much appreciated. Do you know how to cook?"
I shrug. "A little. Enough to help you at least."
~
A couple hours later, the cooking all finished up, Pinkie pie burst back into Sugarcube Corner. "Hey! The party is all set up! Let's get going!" She said with an ear to ear grin that I was surprised didn't split her head in two. I laughed and agreed to come, with Mrs. Cake waving goodbye and thanking me for the help. Pinkie disappeared into the kitchen for a split second, and I heard a fridge door open and close in a flash. She returned with a giant platter across her back loaded with treats for the party. It looked so heavy it would have made Bic Mac cringe, and she was just hopping up and down with it, all the food flying into the air and landed exactly where they were before. We made our way to the party like this, and it seemed to be back at Sweet Apple Acres. We went into the barn, and this was quite the sight.
The entire room was covered in decorations, giant tables on each side, some already stocked with food that other ponies brought, punch, apple juice and cider in giant kegs with cups next to them, a disco ball hanging from the lift we installed, and a fair gathering of ponies already. The rest of the mane six, the Apple family, the Cutie Mark Crusaders (who I realized I had yet to meet), Zecora even, Cheerilee, Derpy Hooves, and a few other ponies I did not recognize, likely just coming over for a Pinky Party.
As we walked in, Pinkie bounded over to an empty table and began to deposit her delicious load of munchies. The other ponies around saw us and welcomed us, me especially, and the party went into full swing. There was dancing, games, socializing, eating, . . It was incredible.
At one point I was standing by the tables of food and grabbing myself something to eat, when three little filly heads popped up on the other side of the table- the heads of the CMC, grinning broadly. "Hey mister! Your Ink, right?" Said Sweetie Belle.
I smiled. "That I am. It's a pleasure to meet you three."
They giggled in unison. Sweetie Belle spoke up again. "I'm Sweetie Belle, this is Applebloom, and then this is Scootaloo!" The other two waved when their names came up.
"So. . . How'd yah' git yer' cutie mark?" asked Applebloom.
"Yeah! Tell us about it!" Exclaimed Scootaloo, and all three nodded their heads in glee.
I laughed a bit. "You might be disappointed there; I have no idea how I got. I woke up in the hospital about a week ago, and have no memories of being a pony."
Their expressions fell. "But what is it for?"
"The one thing I know, is I am an artist."
Their faces brightened. "Hey! Can yah' show us how tah' draw like you sometime?"
I nodded. "Sure. It will take me some getting used to drawing again though; my first few attempts are likely going to suck."
Scootaloo just waved a hoof dismissively. "Nah. It doesn't matter. Once you get the hang of it again, come let us know." The three fillies looked at each and shouted in unison. "Cutie Mark Crusader Artists YAY!" And clapped hooves before taking off again to go play. I can't help but worry about what that might mean for me if I give them paint, leading to a slight shudder.
Twilight walked up next to me, grabbing a treat and taking a bite of it. She chewed for a second and swallowed. "So how are you adjusting so far? Did your day turn out well?"
I smiled. "Sure did. Got a lot done." I gestured up to the lift. "Designed and helped build that for Applejack and her family to make their jobs easier."
Twilight stared at it for a few seconds before looking back at me. "You designed it? Do you have an understanding of advanced physics, by any chance?"
I nodded. "More or less. I studied it sometimes in my spare time. Plus, I played with construction toys the majority of my life." My wings were starting to get a little itchy. I guess after getting a work out with them earlier in the day, my body was telling me it wanted back in the air. I flapped them once and looked back at Twilight. "This too." A wicked grins spreads across my face for a second, and then I push my wings down hard once, thrusting myself straight up into the air and buffeting the lavender mare with wind. She yelped in surprise and covered her face, but that didn't stop the gust of air from completely dishevelling her mane. After the wind dissipated, I stayed in the air keeping myself aloft, beaming with pride in my flight abilities and slight prank on the pony below me. She took her hoof away from her face and saw the state her mane was in, and huffed.
She used her magic to fix her mane and looked up at me with a small smile. "Well, you can fly now. I assume Rainbow taught you?" I continued to smile and nodded. She nodded back. "Figures. Anyway, get back down here. Talking up like this hurts my neck.
I gently settle myself to the ground with a laugh. "I'm sorry. It was too good to pass up."
"Yeah, yeah. . . HAH!' Suddenly, a bolt of energy launched from her horn, capturing me and lifting me into the air. I yelp in surprise as she flipped me over and rubbed the top of my head on the floor. Not enough to hurt me, though. "How do you like that? Lets see what YOU think of your mane getting messed up!" She laughed and quickly righted me.
My mohawk mane was sticking out in every direction now, like an afro stripe going down my neck. I laughed and tipped my head down, rubbing a hoof in it to clean it out and fix it. A few seconds later, it was completely fine again. Twilight huffed at the failed attempt of humiliating me. "Darn. Your stupid short cut mane, so easy to fix." We both laughed, and then another pony trotted over.
"Did I hear something about easy to repair manes? Why would one need to repair their mane?" Rarity said, looking between the two of us.
"Oh, just having fun trying to prank each other a little." Twilight and I smiled at each other, turning to Rarity. She had a look of mild shock on her face, but one could tell it was a feigned reaction. Somewhat.
"Why, whatever would you do that for? The nerve, to mess up another ponies beautiful mane!" We all laugh a bit.
"Well, anyway, I will let you get back to the party Ink. See you in a bit." Twilight said, waving off and trotting over to another group of ponies. That left Rarity and I at the table, but Rainbow soon showed up to.
"Hey, did you just mess with Twilight by hitting her with a gust of wind?" I nodded, grinning again. "Nice!" The cyan mare lifted a hoof and I did likewise, brohoofing with the mare. We continued to chat for a while, and the rest of the evening went smoothly. At the end of the party the last of the treats were divvied up between the remaining ponies and we all went home in great spirits. I returned to the hotel, suddenly realizing that I was doing all of that hard core flying, and worried I might have lost the key in my wing. I was delighted to find it was still securely wound into my feathers. I entered my room and deposited the food in my fridge and dropped into the bed.
Today was a good day.