//------------------------------// // Chapter 13: Labour And Luxury // Story: The Bridge Between Worlds // by Artemis Orion //------------------------------// Labour And Luxury It was late into the night in the land of Equestria. Most animals were curled away in their nests or barrows, asleep, preparing for the day ahead. Flowers and plants retracted, awaiting to bloom the next day at the break of dawn. In Ponyville, not a single lamp was lit in the darkness, as ponies slept throughout their quaint little village. Not a single lamp, that was, except for one. The town's blacksmith wiped a bead of sweat off his forehead with a hoof, at the expense of a blueprint that was presented before him. He was equally as puzzled as to why a Human was presenting it before him. "I've never seen anything like it, Human." "I know..." "I've done my share of horseshoes and metalwork, but this... this might be a little more than challenging..." "I understand. You need not finish it tonight, I'm not asking you to. All I'm asking, pleading from you even, is that it may be done. Please, Sir?" The old colt lifted an eyebrow behind his smoke grey mane that hang over an eye. He didn't trust this Human. But then again, it was not everyday you were offered something unique like this; A detailed illustration of a Human weapon. Plus, he enjoyed being called 'Sir'. "Alright... I'll see what I can do, but don't expect anything great..." "Thank you, Sir. I'm going to leave this in your possession for now. I will be back tomorrow. Thanks for everything." With that, the Human disappeared into the shadows of the night. The old blacksmith returned his attention to the picture. It was certainly detailed enough for a first-timer, but how it would be accomplished was usually easier said than done. If it weren't for his passion for what he did, he would not have accepted this request. He did have a hammer striking an anvil as a cutie mark after all. The Earth Pony rolled up the blueprint with his mouth and retreated to his study. It would be a sleepless night tonight. As much as he enjoyed his rest, his work was what drove him. He would get his son to help, but whether he was willing was another thing. "These Humans are crazy." he muttered rather bluntly as he put out the dim lamp that lit the forgery, and returned to the confines of his work. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Someone is here..." "I know..." "He has it..." "Of course..." "We must get it back..." "Indeed..." "But how?" "Do not worry over the inevitable. He knows we were here... he will come to us soon... ...very soon..." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *GASP* I woke up with a start, drenched in my own cold sweat. I propped myself up on an arm as I rubbed bits of sleep from my eyes. As if on instinct, I clutched the Pendant that lay on my chest.Taking deep breaths, I tried to recall what got me so worked up. Other than visiting the blacksmith, nothing of memory came to mind. So why do I feel like I just had a nightmare? "Something is bothering us, Keith." You too? "Yeah, but I don't know why. Maybe we're just panicking over nothing." The light of the outside world was seeping in through the closed door, and from beneath the curtain that prevented the rest of the light. I looked around the space of Twilight's guest room. It was nothing great. There was just a desk, a bookshelf that was rather empty of books, and the bed, which I lay on. She had let me stay the night, after made my request to the blacksmith. I never even got his name. I groggily got up, sitting on the edge of my bed. I stretched as I let out a long, self-satisfying yawn. I may not have slept as much as I had hoped for, but it was enough. I slipped on my shoes. The same black-based, white-striped pair of Adidas shoes that I wore for almost three years. If they were worn out, I didn't care about it in the least. I stood up, hearing my kneecaps pop at the joints. I strode to get my trusty black hoodie, where it hung on the doorknob. It was looking a little worn out by now. Not to mention everything else I wore was beginning to either smell, or fade, or tear. Or all of the above. I turned the creaky knob and pushed the door open. Sunlight streamed in from the high windows of the library. Casting shapes of light on the floor and shelves of hundreds of books. But other than dust specks that floated in the sun's rays, I was alone. But the door to the kitchen was ajar... "Is he still asleep, Twilight?" "I think so. Poor guy, he came back a little late last night. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't get up anytime soon..." I trudged to the kitchen, where the voices that I knew all too well of spoke. Curling my finger, I tapped on the door softly. "Who is it?" "It's me..." "Oh! Well don't just stand out there! Breakfast is waiting in here!" The word 'breakfast' brought the attention of the rumble in my stomach. I stepped into the room, being greeted with the sight of Spike wearing a blue apron, clearing plates from the table. Twilight was sitting there as well, she turned her attention from the newspaper that she was reading. I smiled inwardly at the title of the paper. Equestria Daily "Blueberry pancakes. You should be able to eat them just fine." I responded with a bland emotionless: "Mmm..." I sat down opposite the lavender unicorn, staring into the plate of food Spike served. Twilight must have realized that something was up. Her expression said it all. "Keith, are you alright?" "I'm fine..." "Really? I mean.. I knew you were tired and all from last night, but you just seem down in the dumps now." I placed my hands over my eyes, trying to get rid of the invisible burden on my shoulders. I felt stressed, but I didn't know what I was stressed about! "I... think I had some sort of nightmare. But I woke up not being able to remember what I was dreaming about. But now I feel like there's something bothering me. I just don't know what!" I gave out a huge sigh, but it failed to remove the burden. "I don't know, Twilight. Maybe I'm just too worked up about recent events. What with all the upcoming journey and all..." "Keith?" She spoke as she floated a wooden fork and knife across the table towards me. "I think it's nothing. There's nothing to worry about. Maybe you just need to relax today, trust me. We all need a break sometimes!" "Heh, maybe you're right." As I ate, I tried to get over my anxiety mentally. It's nothing. You're getting upset over nothing. Maybe Twilight's right. Maybe I just need to relax... And maybe that's what I'll try to do today... God, these pancakes are good... After breakfast, I remained at the table. I wanted to ask Twilight a few questions. "Twilight Sparkle?" "What's up, Keith?" "...You knew about it didn't you? The show, the community, the other world? Because you didn't seem to surprised with what we discussed on the train here." She sheepishly smiled, eyes staring at the ceiling. "Well... it was to be deduced. I mean c'mon! I figured Pinkie Pie had to be talking to someone! Although it is kinda hard to tell when they're watching or not..." "How long has it been since the Night Mare Moon incident?" "About one and a half years now. Why?" "Just asking..." I decided to tease her a little bit, to lighten the mood. "So are you aware of a horrible movie that is named after you?" "What's a 'movie'?" "...Nevermind..." It was worth a try. Our conversation came to an end when an abrupt knock on the kitchen was followed by a rather 'dramatic' voice. "Helloooo, my dears! Is anyone home?" "Good morning Rarity! Come in! What brings you here?" "Oh, I just wanted to check on our frie- *GASP*" Her expression changed from cheery to downright shock and disgust. She was looking at me in particular. But what for? I looked at myself trying to find what was wrong. But then I realized what it was. I prevented myself from groaning, and from expecting what would come next. She was staring at my dirty, faded clothes. "KEITH! YOUR CLOTHES! THEIR ABSOLUTELY FILTHY, NOT TO MENTION SO PLAIN AND BLAND!!" "But I like black and white." "COME! YOU'RE COMING TO THE BOUTIQUE WITH ME THIS INSTANT! I CAN'T STAND YOU WALKING AROUND IN THIS WORN OUT GARMENTS!" And so, taken by the sleeve with magic of a babbling white Unicorn, I waved goodbye to Twilight and Spike, who were snickering as I was dragged away. "Remember, Keith! Relax today!" "By now, I doubt it!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Three hours... ...three hours after being measured, seeing stitchings and designs, I'm still at Rarity's place! I openly groaned now. It didn't matter to Rarity anyway because she couldn't hear me. She was going on and on about fashion and culture. Although I had to admit that she was really nice. She had already given me more than a few sets of clothing, cleaned and patched up my Earth clothes, and she still asked for nothing in return. The Element of Generousity strikes again! I was now wearing a grey cotton shirt, and a darker thin second layer over it. The pants I wore were similar to denim and were black. I insisted that the colours remained the same. I looked like a medieval messenger without the armour. Not that I cared much. How I looked here was never much of a concern with anypony anyway. But even though I appreciated everything that Rarity had done for me, I really wasn't the type for fashion. But how could I put it to Rarity? Uh... so bored... "Screw it, just excuse yourself." "Uh, Rarity?" I tried to get her attention from her sewing machine while she continued her lecture. Although by now, the only living thing she was lecturing to was Opalescence. "And I still remember the time I made that dress for Fluttershy for the Gala..." "Rarity..." "I never knew she had such knowledge of fashion and design..." "Rarity..." "And then there was Rainbow Dash, who gave no opinion about her's at all! All she ever said was 'cooler' this and 'cooler' that-" "RARITY!" That snapped her out of her rant. "Something bothering you, my dear?" "Listen, Rarity..." I scratched the back of my head as my mind raced for an excuse. I never thought about what I would say to pardon myself. "It was nice of you to do this for me and all... but,uh... I gotta go check up with the Blacksmith." "Oh, what a shame. But here..." She magicked a a brown leather satchel from her shelf and tossed all the clothes she had made for me into it. "You might want to keep these. They're your's now, darling!" The satchel levitated onto my shoulders. The straps tightened around my chest and back, squeezing a bit of breath out of me. It was meant for ponies, but it'll have to do. "Thanks, Rarity. I'll pay you back once I find a way to get some bits-" "You will do no such thing! Think of it as a favour." I followed her to the door, just as other customers entered the boutique. "Customers! I'm afraid I'll have to tend to them, Keith! Bye now!" "Yeah, I'll see you later!" I slowly closed the oversized door to her boutique. Once it closed, I gave a sigh of relief. Freedom at last! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I hope you realize how much of a video game this is turning into." What? "I mean, think about! You're going to get a sword, you have a bag for inventory, you have a mount, and with me you have some form of magic and spells! All you're missing is the damn shield!" ...Cut it out! I sound like a mix of Legend Of Zelda and Skyrim... the thought brought a bit of both shame and pride. I had checked with the blacksmith. He said that the sword might just be finished by dusk. He looked weary from his work, and I felt a little guilty for making him do it. I promised him I would repay him somehow. But for now I was on the way to Sweet Apple Acres. It was easy, recalling the route taken from flying there. I had promised to visit Applejack's farm after all... As I came up to the long, dirt path to the farm, I spotted a speck of pink flying lowly, leaving the farm. It was Fluttershy. She flew closer, but she hadn't noticed me. There was a strange dreamy look in her eyes, and she wore a warm, soft smile. She hummed as she stared on at nothing in particular. "Hey, Fluttershy!" She squeaked in surprise. She looked down to just find her Human friend speaking to her. Her warm smile turned to a sheepish grin, blushing all the while. "Oh...uh... hi, Keith..." "You seem happy today?" "Um... I guess I am..." she looked away again, covering her face with her mane. "Why are you out here at the farm?" "Oh... I... just wanted to check up on the animals here... yeah... that's all." "Oh, okay then. I guess I'll see you later?" "... Sure, bye!" She took back to the skies, higher this time so she couldn't be seen from the ground. I shook my head in derision as I continued down the dirt path. Check up on the animals? She's a terrible liar. She had obviously been here to see somepony. All those shipping fanfics were coming to life! I reached Applejack's house, no more than a block from the barn. Big Mac was just leaving the barn, but he didn't have the same unchanging look on his face. As he trotted back to the house, he was staring dreamily at the sky, with a big smile across his face... Oh-ho, no! "AAAWWW YEEEAAH!" It would have taken an idiot to not realize what was up, but I thought it best to not speak of it for now. "Good day, Big Mac!" I gave a huge grin, trying not to laugh. His reaction was almost the same as Fluttershy's. "Oh, uh... hey there, Keith!" "Working the fields again, I see?" "Uh... sure!" As if he just remembered what he was supposed to do, he galloped off to the fields. His expression showed obvious embarrassment. Aaaw, well that's sweet! "Fluttermac? Are you friggin' kidding me!?" Just then, Applejack trotted out the door. "Keith! Nice to see yer again! Ah'm just about to go Applebuckin'! Care to join me?" "Sure, but I'm not sure I'll be as fast as kicking the trees though!" Applejack giggled as she got her cart from the barn. "Well, the company's good for a change anyway! Now c'mon, there's apples to harvest!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sun was setting once more over Equestria. It made the sky empty, space for the moon and stars to fill next. We had returned from applebucking. And although I wasn't as fast as Applejack, it was still fun! I watched as she gave a tree a single, skillful kick. It shook the tree and all the apples dropped almost instantly. I recalled how she had kicked me in the head with that same technique. She apologized, and said I could turn in at her place for the night. I hadn't told her about Fluttermac. I didn't know if she already knew. But now, I was on my way to see the blacksmith once more. By now, the sword would have finished, or so he told me. The glow from the smelter was dim, and there was no activity around it. Had they finished? The blacksmith's sons were standing outside, resting. I had seen them taking over their father's work earlier today as he took on the project. I approached the pair of dark coloured colts. They looked up and seeing who it was, they yelled into the house. "FATHER! HE'S HERE!" The old colt appeared from inside the house. A grin of triumph shown. "Ah ha ha! Human! So glad you're here!" He rushed from his door to something that lay on his table. He brought it outside to the workbench. It was wrapped in cloth. "So you've done it? You've created the weapon?" "I've done it, Human! In all my years, I've never done anything quite like this! But I believe I did it almost perfectly!" He pulled off the roped that held the cloth in place. Then, he yanked the cloth away with his mouth. And beneath it, lay a shiny sword. It was indeed perfect, accurately down to the symbols and emblem that embossed the handle. In the center of the handle on either side, was a smaller version of the harmony symbol. The handle had no real design, but patterned grooves allowed for better grip. The entire handle was golden. "How did you do this?!" "Let's just say I have my ways. Well, what're you waiting for?! Pick it up!" In all the excitement, I had forgotten the reason why I had asked for it to be forged. I brought an open hand to the handle. The handle was bigger enough for both my hands. I lifted it off the table, expecting it to be significantly heavy. But it wasn't as heavy as I thought it would be. The length of the blade was approximately that of my arm, and it glinted in the moonlight. I weighed it in one hand, and then in both. It felt rather easy to manage. "Woah there, Human! Careful where you swing that thing! That's reinforced steel, and nopony wants to lose a head!" The black Earth Pony returned to his house and came back with a holster. It was a long adjustable leather strap. It had a sort of buckle mechanism on the back, where the sword was meant to be placed. I strapped it on, beneath my newly acquired satchel. It fitted nicely. "Thank you so much!" I cautiously placed the sword behind me, searching for the buckle mechanism. The sword slid into the buckle and locked in place. "This is more than what I had asked for! I must repay you somehow!" "It's alright Human. The experience alone was rewarding! Think of it as a favour and return it as you see fit." "Thank you, Sir... but I'm afraid I never got your name?" "You can call me Ingot. And you are...?" "Keith. Thank you, Ingot. I will return this favour, I promise!" I turned to leave. Ingot's sons made way for me, watching in awe at the blade that was now on my back. As I headed back in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres, one of the sons spoke up. "It looks like you were meant to use it, Human. But on whom?" I stopped walking. I never actually thought about killing anyone. Could I even kill anyone? "I'll let you know when I find out..." I replied in monotone, and allowed the shadows to engulf my figure once more as I walked.