//------------------------------// // 294. Aiming High, Falling Short - Part 2 // Story: Blaze the Pony Tale // by Wolven5 //------------------------------// The long line of mares and fillies, and a few stallions and colts stretched down the way to the point of being ridiculous to Blueblood. Sure, Big Macintosh had told him the week or so leading up to Sisterhooves Social was typically a busy time for Rarity, But this is insanity! Groaning in woe, he backed from the window, Sweetie Belle asking, “Are you okay, Blueblood?” “Uhhhhh....vvvv course, Sweetie Belle,” Blueblood forced a smile as he cleared his throat, “I’m... well, it’s just a tad early right now and I haven’t had breakfast yet.” “Well, I’d be happy to help,” offered Sweetie Belle before she smiled, “Tell you what, I’ll make you some breakfast while you help the first few customers with whatever they want.” “Hmm,” Blueblood considered, finding Sweetie Belle’s offer to be sensible and very helpful before smiling, “Very well, little filly. You have me convinced, and grateful for whatever help you can provide.” Then Sweetie Belle surprised Blueblood with a big hug before saying in an adorable way, “Anything for my future big brother!” The filly’s words struck a chord in the white stallion that he returned the hug in daze and carefully wiped a tear welling up in his eye, before smiling at her and raising a confident hoof, “Then let’s get to work!” After Sweetie Belle left for the kitchen, Blueblood quickly brushed his coat, mane, and teeth, put on his casual lapel with the blue bowtie, and finally opened the door, welcoming the first two customers, Amethyst Star, who was a volunteer big sister to Dinky Doo. Thankfully, having spent a lot of time with his Rarity in her boutique, Blueblood knew where all the materials and sewing kits were, and it wasn’t long before he was fabricating lovely accessories for all the sisters eager for the arrival of the Sisterhooves Social. Nor was it long before it became wearying, as it wore on his patience. The same questions over and over. Does this bow match my coat? Does this ribbon complement my hair? Will this cap ruin my mane? Do you have this in another color? Thankfully, the line had eased and Blueblood kindly asked those still waiting to come back in an hour while he broke for brunch. He was glad they didn’t raise a fuss, and collapsed against the door after closing it. “OK! Okay, whew!” Blueblood panted as he slowly stood back up on his hooves before the grumbling in his stomach reminded him he hadn’t eaten since he’d woken up and remembered Sweetie Belle had gone to the kitchen. “I hope I didn’t keep her waiting too long.” But the moment he stepped into the threshold of Rarity’s kitchen, Blueblood’s jaw dropped to see the mess Sweetie Belle had made of it, and he was certain he could smell some lingering scent of something burning. Just as he began to grow cross however, Sweetie Belle popped up, levitating a tray as she said, “I hope you’re hungry, Blueblood!” Her chipper tone and eager smile stalled Blueblood’s ire, and his hunger completely quelled it when he saw the meal the little filly had prepared for him. “I made this strawberry crepes and scrambled eggs with cheese just for you, Blue,” Sweetie Belle levitated the tray onto the dining table and Blueblood saw besides the crepes and eggs, Sweetie Belle had also prepared half a grapefruit, a tall glass of chilled orange juice, and even a steaming mug of coffee. He calmly sat down and levitated the coffee to his mouth, testing the flavor, and found it to his liking. “Mm! A well-made brew, Sweetie Belle,” he complimented, “since when do you know how to make coffee?” “Rarity taught me,” Sweetie Belle answered while levitating her own plate and juice onto the table and joining him, “Sometimes whenever I sleepover at the boutique, I’d help her out by preparing her breakfast. I kinda... wasn’t the best cook at first, but Rarity showed me the ropes.” “Well, I’d say you learned well,” Blueblood smiled as they continued to enjoy their brunch together. After finishing their meal, Sweetie Belle insisted she’d clean the kitchen and the dishes, which was just as well since Blueblood still needed to finish that order he’d been working yesterday. As the hour wasn’t up yet, he had just enough time to complete the order, and welcome back the customers for their Sisterhooves Social accessories. Fully refreshed and with a good meal in his tummy, the rest of the day wasn’t so bad, and it was even better after Sweetie Belle finished cleaning and came to assist Blueblood. It was after 3 o’clock when finally the line of customers ended and Blueblood and Sweetie Belle phew’d in relief that it was over. “Glad that’s over...” the stallion sat in the middle of the floor, Sweetie Belle beside him, whom he smiled at tiredly but gratefully, “and thank you very much for all your help, Sweetie Belle.” “I was happy to help, Blue,” Sweetie Belle gave him an adorable smile and hugged his foreleg, “it was a lot like helping Rarity, only with a brother instead of a sister.” The filly’s words warmed up Blueblood’s heart as he pulled her into a hug, and said, “And thank you for showing me what it’s like to have a little sister of my own.” They stayed that way for a long tender moment - *Knock, knock, knock* - until they were interrupted, causing them both raspberry their lips in irritation, as Blueblood got up, “I swear, if that’s another pair of sisters asking about mane ribbons...” He answered the door and stifled a gasp to see it was, “Midnight! Oh- Uh... Apologies, my friend, I wasn’t expecting you today.” “I’m sorry to drop in like this, Blueblood,” Midnight sounded a tad worried, “but I came to let you know - The meeting we’re having with Techorse and Dr. Whooves? It’s gonna be tomorrow instead of tomorrow after!” “I- You- Wha-wha-ga-” Blueblood stuttered and jumbled, his weary mind trying to wrap itself around this sudden development, when he felt Sweetie Belle hug his foreleg again, and it helped to calm him down and he cleared his mind, using Cadance’s calming technique. “Tomorrow?! Where did this come from?” “Well, they both sent me letters explaining they each had something come up,” Midnight explained, ”and both asked if the meeting could be a day early. I’m sorry, Blueblood, but if that doesn’t work for you, perhaps we can reschedule the meeting for a later-” “NO!” Blueblood’s outburst caused both Sweetie Belle and Midnight to flinch, and their reactions caused Blueblood to clear his throat and recompose himself, “No, that... that won’t be necessary, my friend. After all the project this meeting is about is too important to delay it, and... we must be accommodating to our friends who want to be a part of it.” “But Blueblood, what about the other two orders Rarity has that you said you’d fill for her?” Sweetie Belle pointed out. “Not to worry, Sweetie Belle, my dear,” Blueblood pulled a confident and dashing smile, “I’ve handled deadlines plenty of times before, this won’t be any different. Besides, I have the rest of this day to work on the next order, and the rest of the week to finish the last, not counting the day I have to go to the meeting.” “Now Blueblood, I’m not doubting your word,” Midnight spoke up, “but I don’t want you to overextend yourself and be too tired for the meeting tomorrow unless you’re certain.” “It’s fine, Midnight,” Blueblood waved off the concerns, “I just need to manage my time well enough and work diligently. It’ll all work out just fine.” Midnight and Sweetie Belle shared a look and the former sighed, “Alright, Blueblood, if you’re certain.” “However...” Blueblood paused a moment in consideration, “I’m afraid I’ll have to close the boutique early today, to have as much time as I can to work on the second order.” “What if more ponies come, looking to buy something for the Social?” asked Sweetie Belle. “Well, I’m afraid they’ll have to look elsewhere,” Blueblood answered evenly, “These orders are more important to your sister’s business than making accessories for a bunch of mares and fillies. So then, I’m going to rest for a bit and then get back to work. Sweetie Belle...” Blueblood’s horn lit up and a sign popped into existence in a burst of sparkles, and he levitated it to the filly, “Place this on the door. I am in need of my beauty sleep.” As Blueblood started for the back, Midnight couldn’t help but rib him, “Trust me, brother - There aren’t enough hours in the day!” “Rrrrggghhh...” Blueblood threw Midnight a stink eye but mock-harrumph’d as he proceeded. Sweetie Belle read the sign to see it said: Closed Until Further Notice - Apologies for the Inconvenience The rest of the day was still busy for Blueblood. He worked on the second of Rarity’s orders, and it was even more detailed than the first. At one point, he thought he was missing two pieces of material crucial to the design and left the boutique to go buy them in town. However, when he got back and looked at his progress again, he realized he’d already added them to the dress! He cursed himself for wasting time and money and for not paying attention though he somehow managed to do Cadance’s calming technique and realized he was putting just a little too much stress upon himself. At least, that’s what he thought. “Phew!” Blueblood sank back into the fainting couch, having just finished the dress a minute ago, and he noticed it was dusk. The events of the whole day had worn him out, and he was ready to hit the hay, except he had to plan for tomorrow. Lying on the couch, he gazed up at the ceiling and said aloud, “Tomorrow, tomorrow... Well, I’m sure Midnight will come and inform me when the meeting is starting, but just in case perhaps I should ask somepony to look after the boutique while I’m gone. So then... In the morn, I’ll find somepony to manage things for a few hours, make sure I’m ready, and attend the meeting - This engine project must yield its first prototype, and the help we’re getting will be vital.” “I could take care of the boutique for you, Blueblood!” Blueblood turned his head to see his dear little Sweetie Belle, looking ready for anything. Chuckling, he caressed her cheek, saying, “That’s kind of you, little filly, but you have school tomorrow, and I doubt your sister or your parents would appreciate you skipping, even if it was to help me.” “Aw, I guess...” Sweetie Belle moped but then perked, “Well, at least let me clean up the boutique for you and you can go ahead and get a good night’s sleep.” “Hmm, I suppose that’s fine,” Blueblood nodded sagely before giving the filly his most charming smile, “Thank you, Sweetie Belle.” “Happy to help, future big brother,” Sweetie Belle threw her forelegs around Blueblood’s neck, surprising him with such a tender hug, before she got to work. Pulling his blanket on, Blueblood considered his future. With Rarity, with his friends, and especially with Sweetie Belle. His plans for the future were to make sure this engine project become a reality, something to revolutionize the airship industry and inspire technological innovation. More importantly, he planned to make a life together with Rarity, though he was still waiting for the right time to propose to her. He could imagine it clearly - Himself in his finest suit, waiting at the altar for his bride, watching dearest Sweetie Belle spread flower petals along the wedding aisle to make way for his special somepony. He wasn’t certain how her wedding dress would look, but he had a feeling her friends might insist on making it for her instead of Rarity making her dress herself. Then, of course, his dreams of marriage transitioned to what could result of their union. Blueblood had never really pictured himself as a father, but he did find the idea of sharing his passion of airships and technology with a foal of his own. Colt or filly, it wouldn’t matter to him so long as they could share in each others’ interests and he could raise this foal given to him by his Rarity with her to become a pony of worth immeasurable. Then, the image of his Rarity fat with their foal made itself known in his mind, and he felt a stirring down below, and was relieved Sweetie Belle wasn’t around to see him pitching a tent. He re-positioned himself to make sure his roused stallionhood would remain unseen, and relaxed, letting his hopes and dreams cast him adrift into peaceful rest. The next morning, Blueblood woke up to find himself alone, but Sweetie Belle had left a note explaining her parents had come to pick her up. She’d done a fine job of tidying things up and her note told him to make sure he had breakfast before doing any work today, making Blueblood smile at the concern for him. Remembering the meeting today, Blueblood decided to get started - Since he didn’t know what time the meeting was, he took the time to send a letter to an acquaintance in Canterlot with a special quick-delivery spell he’d often used back in his company when he’d needed fast communication with his employees. The letter returned with an answer, and he was relieved to see the pony he’d contacted was already on her way, and would arrive in an hour or two. So he took that time to have a filling breakfast, and then made sure everything was where it should be. Time flew, and so had the pony he’d contacted when he heard a knock at the door and answered. There stood a pegasus mare with a pale lavender coat, her mane colored pink, violet, and periwinkle, and her cutie-mark was a rose pink diamond. “Diamond Rose, thank you very much for your quick response.” “Prince Blueblood, the one that got away,” Diamond Rose tittered as she entered at Blueblood’s inviting gesture, “I’m just kidding, sweetie, I’m happily married and am happy to help out Cadance’s little brother.” Blueblood smiled gratefully. Technically, he and Cadance were adoptive cousins, but Cadance’s fillyfriends back from their Canterlot Academy days always saw her and Blueblood as sister and brother, due to how close they were. They’d drifted apart somewhat back when Blueblood started using his ‘royal pain’ persona to ward off gem-diggers and delusional mares looking for a fairytale prince, and Cadance had been sad that Blueblood had all but given up on love.... until that night at the gala when he met Rarity. Diamond Rose marveled at the couture of the boutique, “I must say, Bluey, your Rarity has quite the exquisite tastes! Her new store, Canterlot Carousel is taking the City of Unicorns by storm with her new princess dress! I can’t tell you how excited I was by your letter.” “Well, it’s only for today, Diamond,” Blueblood explained, “I have a very important meeting that I simply cannot miss, but I would be remiss to close my muse’s business for the day just to take care of my own. So then, you can handle running the boutique for me just for today?” “It would be my pleasure,” Diamond Rose affirmed with an excited smile. “Excellent. So, let me show you a few things in particular, and then I’ll leave you to your devices,” Blueblood showed Diamond Rose where to find what she may need, what to do or say, what to expect from the mares and fillies who might show up for the upcoming Sisterhooves Social, but before long he had to leave. “Now, in case I’m not back soon, you can expect a filly named Sweetie Belle to drop by. She’s Rarity’s younger sister and she’ll be happy to assist you in case you need it.” “I’ll be on the lookout for her, and don’t worry about a thing, Blueblood,” Diamond Rose said as she walked him out, “I’ve handled my own jewelry business and worked at a few fashion stores in my time. I’ve got this!” “Very well, good luck and good day,” Blueblood bade and trotted off to the Castle of Friendship. It felt good to be out and about, having spent so much time in the boutique, and the fresh air and sunshine was doing wonders for Blueblood. He smiled contently and would give a friendly wave or hello to passerby, many of which he’d become well acquainted with since moving to Ponyville. The brisk trot to the castle felt energizing and upon arriving, he was about to knock when the doors opened and he and Midnight found themselves almost bumping into each other. “Oh, Blue! I was just about to come get you.” “I’m here, and looking forward to this meeting,” Blueblood struck a confident pose, causing Midnight to chuckle. “Glad to hear it. Come on, let’s head to the train station,” Midnight trotted out, Blueblood following. “You’re looking refreshed compared to how I saw you last.” “Well, my good mane, there’s only so much sewing and intricate needlework one can do before one begins to lose one’s mind,” Blueblood sighed a little theatrically, “But I am sworn not to let my Rarity down! Nor am I inclined to let this meeting and project go on without me.” “You finished up those orders Rarity has?” asked Midnight, “I recall you mentioning they were kinda ambitious to make.” “Just finished the second one last night,” Blueblood reported, “and I have the rest of this week to complete the last. But for the present moment, this meeting and project take precedence. A prototype for the Electro-Storm Engine is long overdue, and we still must devise a way to efficiently harvest solar energy to fuel it.” “Agreed, but let’s save the rest of this conversation for when the others arrive,” Midnight suggested, “there’s the station, and... Oh, there’s the Doctor, too.” Doctor Time Turner Whooves was already waiting at the station for the two princes and waving them over. Upon joining him, the Doctor said, “Good day, Your Highnesses, and Great Whickering Stallions am I excited!” “Glad to hear it, Doctor,” Midnight smiled, “and glad that you’re on board with this project. It wouldn’t be the same without you.” “Indeed. After seeing your lab and your engineering skills,” Blueblood added, “I say we are very lucky to have you as a member of this team.” “You’re both too kind, but we all know most of my projects still have a few bugs to work out,” Doctor Whooves smiled sheepishly, “Still, thank you all the same for making me a part of this. Oh, and I checked the schedule, and Techorse’s train should be arriving...” - he glanced over towards the clock on the platform when they heard a distant train whistle - “Ah! Looks like he’s just about here.” They waited patiently, and before long a train that bore the insignia of the Iron Horse Locomotive company on its side pulled into the station several cars behind it. It was a powerful and imposing locomotive made of brass metal plating, heavy and clearly capable of hauling freight in addition to passengers. The behemoth's tall stack cast a thick fog of steam that blanketed the platform before the car doors opened and out stepped the arrivals. “Iron Horse Locomotives?” Blueblood asked with a raised eyebrow, “I thought they never run through Ponyville unless...” “Unless you're heir to the Iron Horse fortune,” Midnight bragged. “He rerouted one of his family's trains to come here?!” the unicorn chuckled, “I like this stallion!” Through the thick steam dumped out by the trains' boilers, a green earth pony stallion wearing nothing but a pair of mechanic's goggles and a mysterious metallic saddle on his back emerged pushing his suitcase. Upon spotting Midnight with his blue eyes, he quickly removed his goggles from his rather messy brown hair and dropped them into a door that opened up on his saddle. Then with a big smile and a quick trot, he walked up to Midnight and greeted his buddy. “Midnight! Glad to see you again!” His alicorn friend met him halfway on the platform and stuck out his hoof for the shake. Techorse's saddle opened up at the sides with the whir of servos driven by sub-arcane motors, a thin robotic arm and leather gloved hand emerging and grabbing Midnight's foreleg in a tight shake. Blueblood felt a bit impressed by the saddle, curious as to how an earth pony was controlling it without unicorn magic. “So, everypony's here, right?” Tech asked as he looked behind Midnight, “we're still keeping the development team to just us four?” “Correct,” he answered as Techorse’s robotic limb slid back into the saddle, “we need to keep our project a secret though, Tech. Don't ask too many more questions until we get to the warehouse.” “Just as long as we're following the law,” joked the inventor, approaching the Doctor and offered his hoof instead of the cold metal limb, “Good to see you again, Doctor.” “And you as well,” the other stallion replied, completing the 'hoofshake'. Blueblood got his turn next, “Thank you for coming all the way from Fillydelphia for this meeting, Techorse. I didn't want you to miss this discussion, your skills will likely be vital.” Turning to Blueblood, Techorse tried to avoid being rude, “You're welcome, but remember, this project is a little bit outside of the usual kind of engineering I specialize in.” “I wouldn't sell yourself short,” the prince said with a hint of smile, “there's a lot of different pieces to this kind of puzzle, and I bet you'll solve some of them!” “Then let's get started!” Techorse responded positively, glad to be needed. “Right, follow me to the meeting room,” Midnight said, “we'll bring you up to speed on what's new since we last talked.”