Chapter 1: Finding Friends in New Places
“ Are we there yet?” the little colt uttered for what seemed like the 1000th time.
“Rivet, does it look like we are anywhere near civilization?” answered the stallion. Rivet glanced around, taking in the beautiful rolling hills and numerous forested areas of the Equestrian country-side. True, there were no houses that could be seen, but this little trip of theirs was starting to wear on the little pony, which was strange considering he was more of an outdoors pony than his brother. Yet he marched on, determined to reach their destination.
“ No, I guess not. Sorry Bolt…” the colt answered sheepishly. This just made Bolt feel worse than he already was. For the past three days they had marched onward, Rivet oblivious to the reason why until only a day ago. To make a long story short, Bolt was in dire need of an intervention, or so his parents greatly exaggerated. Bolt grew up as your average foal, nothing really special happening in his life until he reached that oh-so-awkward teenager stage. Bolt never had too many friends, and the ones he did grew more and more distant as the years went on. He became more and more reclusive, staying inside after school and tinkering with his carving kit he’d gotten as a present on Hearth’s Warming Day 15 years ago. After his brothers birth, Bolts parents hoped this would bring the young stallion out of his slump, and it worked for the most part. Bolt loved his brother more than anything in the world, and tried to teach him all the little games he had learned (and nearly forgotten) as a little colt. This made Bolts parents extremely happy, but they soon realized something. While great for the night life and happily grown (and rich) mares and gentilcolts, Fillydelphia was no place to raise their children the right way. So it was with heavy hearts that they gave Bolt some saddlebags, a marked map leading to a very distant town, and told him to take Rivet with him. Bolt was confused, not to mention very upset, but complied with their wishes. Rivet was also confused, but seemingly more accepting of what Bolt called “ The Great Exile”.
Bolt reflected on all this, and saw that his parents had meant well, even though they had sent him away from the only home he had ever known.
To break the tension, Bolt finally said, “ Sorry for snapping, Rivet. It’s just… its been so long since we’ve seen anypony and…” he trailed off.
“It’s okay Bolt. I was just wondering if we were close, is all,” replied the colt. That was what Bolt loved about his brother. Almost nothing bothered him, an ability he wished he could emulate.
“You’ll know when we’re there, Rivet. They say you can see Canterlot from anywhere in the town.”
“Hey Bolt, why do we look so different?” asked the colt, seemingly not caring about the previous question or answer, an ability Bolt found a bit annoying.
“Well…” Bolt trailed off, trying hard to come up with an answer. To be honest, Bolt had no idea why he and his brother differed so greatly. Bolt was a light storm cloud grey with a messy black mane and tail, his blue eyes holding a small sparkle (of madness or genius, he and Rivet could never agree on). Rivet, however, was a charcoal black with snow white mane and tail, deep purple eyes, and an odd white spot around his right eye. Sure, almost all siblings looked a little different, but for as long as he had been alive, nopony at first ever believed Bolt when he claimed Rivet was his brother. “Well, sometimes siblings just look different.”
“Yeah, I guess that makes sense,” Rivet said, obviously not pleased with the answer. “Bolt, what does your cutie mark have to do with carpentry, anyway?”
Bolt gave a deep sigh at this oft asked question. Ok, yes, I can see where ponies would get confused, you don’t see statue crafters and carpenters using a screw driver and wrench on stone and wood, but COME ON! How many times do I have to explain myself! “Rivet, like I’ve told you before, it doesn’t have anything to do with just carpentry. My talent is creating. That includes statues, houses, air balloons; anything that can be built, I can build it,” Bolt replied, saying the last bit with a small smile. He knew he was capable of building just about anything. Rivet had always doubted that, and it showed.
“So, can you create life?” the little colt rebutted with a winning smirk.
“ Given the resources, yes, yes I could.” Bolt knew he was lying, but he hated it when Rivet won an argument. The only weapon against his smarty pants brother’s logic was a bit of illogic. Rivet looked like he was ready to continue the argument when something caught his eye. He stopped in his tracks, mouth agape at some far-off interest. “What? Cat got your tongue? Rivet? Rivet! What are you looking at-” Bolt stopped dead as he saw what had caught his brothers attention.
In the distance, on the tallest mountain either brother had ever seen, sat the capitol city of Canterlot, Celestia’s great castle nestled in the middle. It’s amazing, Bolt thought. Those towers are giant, way bigger than any sky scrapper I’ve seen in Fillydelphia. I wonder if the princess would let me examine the schematics? So much history! It’s…It’s…
“Tacky,” Rivet said, the look of wonder replaced with boredom. Aaaannnnddd the magic of the moment is dead.
“Jeez, Rivet, does anything hold your interest?!” Rivet appeared to think over the question before giving a small I-don’t-know shrug. How ARE we related? The stallion gave an exasperated sigh as they continued on their trek. It was only a few minutes later that their final stop came into view: the sleepy little town of Ponyville. The town seemed to glow with happiness and sunshine, and a few ponies could be seen working in and around the numerous thatch-roofed buildings. Well, this place does look like a nice town to raise Rivet. Then again, he’ll probably scare everyone off with his cynicism and unending questions, Bolt thought, his small frown a blight on this bright and happy day.
“Hey, what’s that?” Rivet pointed to the sky, his mouth once again hanging open. The elder brother glanced in the direction of the hoof and saw it: what appeared to be a moving rainbow. Rainbows don’t move, at least, they don’t move in Filly. The rainbow danced about the sky, doing loops and figure-eights before disappearing behind a cloud. The rainbow then burst through the cloud and flew at a break-neck speed… right at the brothers!
“Rivet, look out!” Bolt shouted, pushing the colt out of the way moments before the rainbow collided with him head-on. “Ahhh, sweet Celestia, that hurt!” the stallion moaned, flat on his back and holding his pounding head. He wasn’t the only victim of this incident. Rocking back and forth on her hooves, a Pegasus mare was struggling to keep her balance.
“ Bolt, are you okay? Hey you, what was that for!?” Rivet shouted at the stallion and mystery mare. Bolt opened his eyes and took her in. He now knew what the rainbow had been, as the cyan Pegasus had the flashiest mane he had ever seen, ever color of the spectrum dancing about on her head and tail. He righted himself and walked over the still-disoriented flyer. She gave her head a small shake and looked at the approaching stallion.
“Hey, sorry ‘bout that, I guess I just wasn’t paying attention to where I was flying. No hard feelings, right?” she said with a little smirk. Oh no, no problem at all. I’m sure my concussion won’t have ANY ill effects on me at all.
“Yeah, never better. Hey, you know about Ponyville, right?”
“Sure, I know it like the back of my wings! What are ya looking for?”
“It’s a little shop call the ‘Steel Colt Workshop’. You know where it is?”
“Uh, yeah, you see, once you get into town, you take a…left at the gazebo, then…uh…” the mare went on and on, obviously not knowing where the shop was. Bolt let her continue, not wanting to call her out on her lack of knowledge.
When she finally finished, the stallion could only barely remember any of the mostly wrong directions. “Uh, thanks Miss…”
“Names Dash. Rainbow Dash. Remember that name, ‘cause everypony in Equestria is gonna know it!” With that, she sprang into the sky and, true to her name, dashed away. Conceited much? Meh, maybe I can find someone in town that’ll help. Bolt looked around for Rivet, but saw him already at the entrance to Ponyville.
“Rivet, hold on! Wait! Mom and Dad will kill me if you get lost!” the shouting barely slowing the little colt as he disappeared into a crowd, Bolt breaking into a gallop towards the town. The elder brother was now deep in the crowd, whipping his head back and forth looking for his missing sibling. After five minutes of searching, Bolt began to lose hope, until he heard his brother laughing. He trotted towards the sound and finally caught a glimpse of Rivet and- No way. No no no no no, that’s not possible. Was that a… a… a dragon? Dragons don't exist... at least, I thought they didn't! The stallion stumbled at the sight, but righted himself and continued his great charge after his oblivious brother. He was almost on top when-WHAM- Bolt ran into the second hardest object he had ever known: a bright pink pony with what looked like cotton candy for hair.
“Hiya! Hey, you’re new, aren’t you? I know what can cure that big ‘ol bumpy wumpy and that li’l frowny face. A GREAT BIG PARTY!” The stallion was blown back by the overwhelming amount of joy and happiness(and that voice way too strong for a mare like this). Bolt was part angry at losing Rivet, part overjoyed that he was already invited to a party, and part confused as the bubbling pink mare had appeared out of thin air right in his path.
“Uh, great, that sounds great. Say, you didn’t see a little black colt and a dragon run by, did you?”
“You didn’t see a little black colt and a dragon run by, did you?” the pony shouted back, the already giant smile on her face growing bigger.
“Wait, what?” Bolt uttered, now fully confused at this very strange mare.
“You told me to say ‘You didn’t see a little black colt and a dragon run by, did you?’ and I did! My turn! Ok, say sarsaparilla mystery cake!”
“Sarsa-what now? Look, did you or did you not see my little brother? Please, I need to find him!” Bolt begged, hoping he could penetrate this mares thick headed personality.
“Oh yeah, I saw him! He and Spike ran back to Twilight’s house to play. I can take you there!” Finally, he had gotten through to her. Hopefully Rivet was alright.
“Okay, lead the way…”
“I’m Pinkie Pie, party planner EXTRAORDINAIRE!”
“Right… anyway, thanks for the help Ms. Pie, you’re a life saver,” the stallion said as he breathed a sigh of relief. I bet this was just a rough start. All I need to do is follow Ms. Pie and me and Rivet can finally settle down for some relaxation. Things can only get better from here.
“No silly, I’m made of flesh and other gooey stuff, not rubber and air! Okay, maybe a little bit of air, but not a lot. Can you imagine being made of air? I bet you could go anywhere! If I was air, I’d go up to Cloudsdale and visit that rainbow factory again, maybe they’d let me get some in a jar and take it home. Do you like rainbows? I love rainbows, especially after it rains, even though that’s usually only when rainbows happen, except when my friend Rainbow Dash flies around, then there’s always a rainbow! Ooh, ooh, and, and…” I lied. It can totally go WAY more downhill than it already is.
~~~~~~~~~
After what seemed like two hours, Bolt and the perpetually partying pony Pinkie Pie finally arrived at the Ponyville Library.
“…and then I said ‘No way, cupcakes are totally baby cakes, and I have proof!’ and Ms. Cake said, ‘Now Pinkie, for the last time, that was just a fake cake filled with cupcakes.’ and I was all like-”
“Pinkie, please, for the love of all that is good in the world, please just stop talking!” Bolt gasped, his eyes now twitching uncontrollably for the last half-hour. Please please please, just for one minute, that’s all I’m asking, just one minute of peace and quiet! In retrospect, I should have slipped away after we visited Sugar Cube Corner for the 12th time, but then I would have been lost, and Pinkie is just trying to help, but dear Celestia, I think my brain is going to implode!
“Hey look, we made it! I told you I could take you there!” Bolt managed to stop his eye twitching long enough to see his brother and the dragon (Spike, I presume) playing outside with what looked like little figurines. They both looked up at the sound of Pinkie’s voice, and Rivet waved as if nothing had even happen. Oh just you wait. When we get to the shop, you’re unpacking everything. Wait… since when did Rivet play with toys!? Nothing holds his attention for more than a few minutes, so how did this Spike manage it? Hmm, maybe I can drop him off here while I work? That’d keep him out of trouble.
“Hey Rivet! Didn’t you here me calling!? You had me worried you’d been foal napped.”
“By who, Spike? He’s a year younger than me! Besides, I can take care of myself just fine,” the colt rebuked, wearing his ever present smirk.
“That’s no excuse! You know I’m responsible for you, and if this is going to work, I need your cooperation. That is… unless you want to go back to Filly…” Bolt replied, putting as much ominous power as he could into that last sentence. It seemed to not work at first, but Rivet’s smirk soon turn into a frown, his eyes losing their spark of rebellion. That’s what I thought. Now, if we could just-
“Spike, is that little ponies brother here yet?” called a mysterious voice, followed by the libraries front door opening.
At that moment, Bolt was struck dumbfounded. Out of the doorway cantered a light purple unicorn, her indigo mane flowing in a sudden gust of wind, her eyes instantly drawn to him. “Ah, you must be Rivet’s brother! You must be so glad he’s alright. I was a bit confused when Spike brought home a friend, but he said you’d come for him. Oh, by the way, I’m Twilight Sparkle, and it’s a pleasure to meet you!” Twilight stood there awaiting a response, but Bolt was tongue-tied. Just say something, ANYTHING, don’t just stand there like an idiot! Curse this selective shyness! Why does this happen when I meet the first pony that hasn’t bashed my head in. The gears in the stallion’s head finally began cranking, but all he could utter was a pathetic “Hi.”
“Um, hello? Well, uh, you know my name, so you have me at a disadvantage. What’s your name?”
“Hi,” was all Bolt could say. No no no no, you’re blowing it in front of the cute unicorn! Do some- cute? Where did that come from!? Ok brain, that’s not funny. Stop putting words in my metaphorical mouth! While Bolt struggled to come up with a sentence more complex than three words, Twilight could only stare in confusion as the stallion waged an unseen war with his psyche.
“Uh, well, if you have other business to attend to, then I’ll just-”
“NO WAIT!” the stallion roared, knocking back all except the still-bouncing Pinkie Pie. Everyone gave him a confused look, Twilight looking about ready to jump out of her skin. “Oh… sorry, it’s just that… well… I get a bit nervous around some ponies. Sorry for being a little weird,” the stallion giving a little sheepish grin.
“I-it’s okay. I kind of know how to deal with a shy pony.” said the beautiful ( BEAUTIFUL! That‘s it, brain, you‘re going into time out. You too, hormones!) purple unicorn.
“Also, my name is Bolt. Me and Rivet are from Fillydelphia. It’s been a long trip, but I think it’s paid off,” said the still nervous stallion.
“Ooh, I’ve never been to Fillydelphia! I read that a lot of great ponies come from there! Do you know anyone famous?” questioned Twilight. I can’t tell if she’s serious or not. Filly is one of, if not the most boring city in Equestria. Then again, she does look interested.
“Well, my dad, Jack, and his brother Sledge run the Hammer Bros. carpenter store. They’ve built a lot buildings in Filly and Manehattan, but other than them, no, I don’t really know anypony famous.” It was a weak answer, and probably not the one she wanted, but Twilight still looked interested.
“Wow, so you’re family must be rich! I read that a lot of carpenters make A LOT of money!” Bolt wanted to give her a positive answer, but that would mean lying.
“Actually, we’re kinda not doing so well. Dad hasn’t gotten a contract in awhile, so we’ve kinda just been floating by,” Bolt said, his fake grin faltering. She didn’t need to know that, why bother telling her. Not only does she think you’re awkward, now she knows you’re almost flat broke. This just gets better and better. Yet, Twilight looked like she was genuinely saddened by his sentence.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I hope things go better for your parents. Say, if you want, you could stay for some tea.” The resulting “YES!” came almost before Twilight was finished. “Good, plus, I can introduce you to my other friends. I see you already met Pinkie!” said Twilight gleefully.
“Yeah, we’re pretty acquainted…” muttered Bolt as they walked into the library. I’ve probably had enough of Pinkie to last a lifetime. Still, she promised a party, and that’ll be the best way to start out me and Rivet’s new life. Plus, I’m making some more friends right now! Ok, I’m sure that things can only get better from here on out. Sure as sure can be. Ok, maybe a little doubtful…
~~~~~~~~~~
“…and this is Fluttershy!” exclaimed Twilight, finally finished introducing every pony in her residence. Fluttershy only gave a small intelligible murmur as an answer, before ducking behind her chair. So, we got Ms. Fashionista a.k.a Rarity, an apple farmer by the name of Applejack, the somewhat rude yet apparently loyal Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie: Perfect Party Planner, the lovely Twilight(Braaaaaaiiiiinnnn!), and the just as shy as me Fluttershy. I gotta say, you probably couldn’t find a stranger group of friends, but I shouldn’t complain, considering I have few and far between.
“Once again, it was a pleasure to meet you all, and I hope we become the best of friends!” Bolt said happily, the smile on his face the first genuine one in months. The girls all return the smile, even Fluttershy popped back up to give a quick grin before anxiety took hold and she threw herself to the ground. “Now, I don’t wish to bother you anymore, Ms. Sparkle. You’ve been a gracious host, and I thank you, but Rivet and I must be going before it gets too late.”
“Well, if you must, then I cannot hold you back any longer. Maybe in the morning, we could get together for breakfast and I can show you about town. Though, I’m sure Pinkie already showed you the majority of it,” she said with a little chuckle. Nope, she only showed me every eatery over a dozen times. Breakfast? Sure, why not, I mean, it’s not like it’s a date, though a date would be great. I wonder if she likes roses- Ok, hormones, I realize you’re the main culprit here, but BRAIN, you’re the one listening to him. THINK before you… well… think. Nah, Twilight prefers tulips to roses, unless they’re blue roses, then she absolutely LOVES them! Hey, who said that!? Oh, no. It’s happened. I’ve finally gone crazy, and my other personality is a relationship expert… wait… that’s not a bad thing! Thank you, whoever you are! No problemo! Besides, I did show you more than just places to eat. Also, you might want to say something. The girls are getting pretty impatient and Twilight’s giving you this funny stare! What? Wait, PINKIE!? Wha- how are you in my head!? It’s easy-peasy-lemon squeasy! I just gotta concentrate and-POOF- I’m in your head! One last thing. You might want to speed this part up a bit. It’s starting to drag, and people will probably be bored or confused and most likely stop reading. You gotta keep it exciting, like maybe add a wild cart chase or something like that. People love wild cart chases! What!? What people!? What are people!? Bolt finally came back to his senses and realized that a very long, awkward silence had fallen over the room.
“Heh, sorry about that. Sometimes, I have these little conversations with myself, and they kinda… just keep going. Heh…” Twilight appeared to buy the very lame and strange excuse.
“So, about eight o’clock?” the unicorn questioned. Bolt gave a simple nod, afraid his inner monologues might spill out if he even opened his mouth. He looked at Rivet and gave a small jerk of his head toward the door. The colt got the idea, gave everypony a goodbye hug, and trotted after his elder brother, who was already waiting outside. As they made their way from the library, Bolt realized he still had no idea where the Steel Colt was. As if reading his mind, Rivet said,
“Twilight said to keep walking forward from her house, then take the second path on the right. The Colt will be right there.” Bolt gave a sigh of relief, glad he wouldn’t have to walk back and make a foal of himself. As if on queue, Rivet followed up with, “You like her, don’t you?”
“What? Who?” the stallion replied, already knowing that his brother had him in a choke hold.
“You know who. Just admit it, I’m right and you like her,” he said with that accursed winning smirk. Bolt knew he had lost.
“Fine, yes, I like her. What’s it to you?” Bolt answered, his anger flaring up.
“She likes you, too. Just thought you’d want to know,” Rivet said, nonchalantly. Bolt’s anger instantly fizzled and died, now replaced with a mix of anxiety and joy.
“What? How do you know? If anything, she’s probably glad to be rid of me.”
“That’s what she may have sounded like to you, but her body language said otherwise. When ever you talked to any other pony, you were relaxed. Yet, when you talked to her, both of you tensed up and began sweating, plus, your lips would tremble every now and then. Easy things to spot, if you’re looking hard enough.” Bolt was a bit stunned. His brother had done this often at home, picking two ponies out at the little parties their dads’ business threw every year and always knowing they would eventually end up together, whether it be at the party, or a month down the road. He was always correct, and now he was using his bizarre talent on Bolt. The stallion felt a little better, knowing his abrupt crush on a stranger was somewhat mutual.
“Well… thanks for the information. Maybe it’ll make things a little easier between the two of us,” Bolt said, feeling sleep finally pull at his legs ,causing him to stumble occasionally. The brothers continued on in silence, making the turn on the second street on the right, and there it stood.
The Steel Colt Workshop was a sight to behold. Some pony had found it funny to build the workshop as a giant toolbox, complete with giant, not to mention pointless, tools sticking out of the top. What made the whole thing strange was that the sign hanging over the door bore the same image of Bolt’s cutie mark, as if it had belonged to nopony but himself. Though somepony probably just put it up recently. That doesn’t bother me, though. What does is that I needed help to find the shop that looks like a giant BUCKIN’ red toolbox! I could have found it without directions! I wouldn’t have had to waste two hours with Miss Party Expert! The stallion stopped there, too tired to continue his mental putdown. Bolt found the key under the mat (Ooh, that‘s original), unlocked the door, and stepped into his new business. The inside was lit with numerous candles, though there was also plenty of strange white gems placed in holders all throughout the main workshop, all of them giving off a strong glow. To the right of the door was the main desk, where all orders were taken in and processed. The rest of the main room was enormous and empty, save for several toolboxes and power tools strewn about. Off to the far left was a simple wooden door, obviously the bedroom. Bolt ignored everything and made a beeline for the door, ready to finally sleep in a bed for the first time since he and Rivet had began their trek. Upon opening the door, Bolt was even more overjoyed to find that he and Rivet not only had separate beds, but that they were large enough to hold four full grown stallions. I’m in heaven. This is going to be the best experience of my life. I get to work hard, earn some bits, hang out friends(!!!), and sleep like a prince.
“Whoa, those are GIGANTIC! I might get lost in one of those!” the younger brother yelled, sleep finally calling to him, too.
“Yeah, they sure are. Alright Rivet, make sure to get some good sleep, because tomorrow, we begin our life as responsible adults. We're going to have to make our own money, buy our own food, and make sure we don’t go bankrupt in a week. Now, I’m going to need some help, so I’m putting off your school registration for a few days, but don’t think you won’t have to go back eventually,” Bolt said with as much authority as he could manage. It didn’t do much.
“Awwww, can I pleeeeeease just stay in the shop? I promise I’ll work extra hard. Please? I’ll… I’ll make all our meals and… and… everything!” the little colt whined, obviously displeased at the thought of going back to school. This little chink in Rivet’s otherwise impenetrable armor of coolness caught Bolt off-guard. Rivet never whines. Sometimes hard to remember he’s just a kid. What could be bothering him that much?
“What’s the matter with school? I thought you loved learning new things?” Rivet looked down at his hooves, obviously holding back some truth. Finally, he came clean.
“Remember all the friends I said I’d made? Those were just with the teachers. All the other colts and fillies laughed at me and called me an ‘egghead’. They made me miserable. Can’t I just stay with you, please?” Bolt was surprised by the sudden out pour of emotion. In truth, Bolt had always striven to be more like Rivet, but the ability of friendly conversation always managed to escape him. Now his brother had come clean, admitting he had no friends his age, no one to play with or invite over for a sleep-over. Bolt realized that the signs had always been there, but Rivet always diverted the questions back at the asker, always hiding his misery in arguments. The elder brother was now struggling to come up with the right thing to say to his brother, who now looked on the verge of tears.
“Hey, now. Shhhhh, it’s alright, Rivet. Just calm down,” Bolt said softly, trying to emulate his mothers soothing voice. “ Look, I can’t let you go uneducated. You have to go to school. But I promise you, just be yourself, and you’ll find some friends, just like that!” Rivet sniffled and looked up at his big brother, a smile growing larger by the second.
“ You *sniff* mean it? You really think it’ll be *sniff* that easy?”
“Think so? I know so! Now, lets get some sleep. Big day ahead, remember?” That seemed to at least calm Rivet down a bit, much to Bolts joy. Kid had it rougher than I thought. But I know he’ll do alright. They may have been adults, but he had ten times the amount of friends I had. Rivet trotted over to his bed, pulled the covers back, and hopped into the hay-filled monster. Bolt cantered over, tucked him in, and gave Rivet a good night kiss on the forehead. As he blew out the candles and found the switch that dimmed the gems, Bolt already heard the quiet snores of his little brother. Bolt smiled, glad that he didn’t have to live out here alone, probably just as friendless as he was back in Fillydelphia. As he pulled his covers up and sunk into the extremely comfortable bed, thoughts raced through the stallions mind. This is weird, not wishing mom and dad goodnight. I hope we can make them proud. This is just so crazy! I actually have friends! At least, I hope we’re friends. And Twilight! If Rivet is right, I might have that special somepony the colts and fillies at my old school always talked about. Please let it be true. Please let it be true. Please let… it… be true. Please… It was then that Bolt drifted off to sleep, images of beautiful purple unicorns and shy grey earth ponies dancing in his head.