Return of the Ura

by Brotato

Prologue

It was early in the morning and the beginning of winter. This meant that everypony would be wearing the latest scarves, boots, or other fashionable articles of winter clothing that suited their fancy. It was quite odd considering they had grown into their thick winter coats to already protect themselves from the cold.
This is what Kid thought as he stuck his hands in the crutch of both arms and exhaled, leaving a mist to float lazily away before disappearing in the air. Even with the white mittens Rarity was so kind to make him, the cold still seeped into his digits.
Zia was nice enough to give tips to Rarity on the Ura's cold-weather clothing. The result was him receiving a thick jacket to keep back the dreaded cold. Not only were they unique in color and style compared to other designer's lines, but the amount of warmth felt like he could survive even the harshest storm.

Too bad he felt like an over-stuffed turkey under the three layers of thick cloth.

The weather wasn't cold enough for snow yet, which Kid hoped the pegasai who handled the weather kept it that way. They settled with a partial overcast today, leaving several rays of Celestia's blessed sun to keep his exposed face warm.
The numbness in his hands started to dissipate as he passed by the market. It was still open and ready for business, but as the days passed by, the stock was clearly starting to dwindle. He still remembered Applejack asking him during the fall to help with her orchard. Of course, how could he not help? They were friends, and it never hurt to have a little more bits to add to his name. Although, he constantly told himself that the throbbing pain in his arms was worth it.
Finally passing by the market, he saw his destination in view: Twilight Sparkle's library.
While he was in Equestria, Rucks had suggested he study more about the new world. Of course he had to say that when Twilight was visiting, causing her to have the amazing idea of teaching him everything in her own library. She had little to do anyway during winter, besides the occasional party with Pinkie. It was a perfect time for studying.
Rapping his knuckle on the door thrice, he quickly stuck his hand back in its cozy home under his arm. No sooner did he knock that soft footfalls were heard, and then the door opening suddenly.

"Hey, Hammer!" Spike greeted happily. How the dragon managed to stay in such a chipper demeanor as a library assistant eluded Kid. The dragon stepped aside to allow him in, which Kid gave a quick thanks. "You're here for the lessons, huh?"

"Yeah... is Twilight around?" Kid eyed the library and took notice of the book shelves. It seemed a lot of ponies were checking out books because the shelves had large empty spaces, which were once filled with literature.

Spike nodded and pointed a thumb toward a wooden door on the opposite side of the room. "She's busy in her laboratory, I'll go get her."
While spike ran off to fetch his teacher for today, he unzipped the ungodly thick winter coat and tore it off. He hung the coat on the standing coat-rack besides the door and made himself comfortable on a chair in the modestly sized kitchen. Just as he found a comfortable spot on the chair, the door leading to the lab opened again.

"I'm in here," Kid shouted loud enough so Twilight could hear. Twilight entered the kitchen from the other open entrance across the room, a happy grin on her face. "Morning, Twilight."

"Good morning," Twilight replied. "I hope you're ready as I've already gathered every book available on today's subject." She pointed toward several large stacks of books in the corner of the room Kid had failed to notice. If he was careful enough, he could probably use the books as stairs to reach the second floor.

"Uh, Twilight. I appreciate the enthusiasm in helping me learn, but that's a lot to read."

Twilight smile didn't falter. "Well, we better get started then!" She levitated a book on one of the stacks and brought it over to the table.

"'So you want to know about Equestria'," Kid read the title with a drone in his voice. The front cover looked like something from a children's book.

"I-it's a good book for beginners," Twilight explained while poking both of her fore-hooves together nervously.

Kid sighed. "Very well." He picked up the book and opened it to the first page. "So you want to know about Equestria. Let's begin with some of its geography," hammer muttered to himself as he read.

Thankfully if he focused his mind on the task, he seemed to soak up the words in the books. He had already burned through a book called 'Pegasai culture and etiquette' before picking up another named simply 'Alicorns'. Strangely the front cover was a pony holding his hooves up to his chest. In-between them was the previously said title.
Before he could open the book, it was yanked away by Twilight's magic.

"Oops! sorry about that. Don't know how that got in the pile," she smiled sheepishly. "Uh, let's just say the author is one candle short of a birthday cake."

By the time he had gone through his sixth book, 'Magic and how to swing it', it was already lunch time. Kid was thankful Twilight had the idea of going out to eat. The thought of trying one of her daffodil sandwiches again brought unpleasant memories. Not that he was saying she was a bad cook.

"So where should we go?" Twilight asked as she gathered her cold-weather clothes involving only a simple purple scarf. "Oh! I know. Have you been to the establishment Zia bought?"

"The same place Zia sang and won all those bits?" Kid inquired. He was saddened he wasn't there to cheer her on.

"Yeah, I hear it's quite popular, but restricted for foals." Her voice held an edge of curiosity as to why. Kid only chuckled at her ignorance.

"Alright, let me just get my coat."

The establishment was located at the corner of a cross-way just a block away from Twilight's home. All the windows were covered with thick curtains to block the sunlight, or to provide the customers privacy from prying eyes outside. Other than that, there wasn't anything interesting about the single-story building.
Upon entering however, was a different story. The bar was stocked with an array of colorful bottles and liquids, the nearby hanging lanterns casting a vibrant array of color across the wall behind them. The floor had plenty of tables for parties of two, while the walls were lined with red-cushioned booths.
To the right of the bar was a small stage for performances, while to the left held more booths and larger tables. The set-up allowed everypony, weather coming to drink or eat with friends, to enjoy any shows.

"Hey, Kid! over here!" Rucks waved a hoof over toward him and Twilight.

The best thing about the establishment? Rucks owned the place. While Zia helped him buy it, thus making them technically co-owners, she declined the offer to help run the place. Leaving him, the kitchen staff, and the bartender known as Sudsy brew to keep the place going.
Weaving through the maze of tables, Kid leaned his elbows on the bar and greeted rucks with a nod of his head.

"What bring the both of you here to this fine ol' place? Thinking of drinking already after a hard session of studying?" He teased.

"We're actually on a break," Twilight piped up. "I've never been here before and I thought it would be a nice experience to try something new." She eyed the array of bottles and one caught her eye. "Oh my gosh, is that a bottle of black rye?" She said several octaves high that it caused her voice to break at the end.
The bottle in question was a thin and tall orange bottle with a black label. The liquid itself was a yellow-green, depending on what color of vineapple was used to create the almost stew-like beverage.

"You bet. The royal guards were nice enough to deliver whatever they could find still intact after the Bastion... well, you know."

The room was silent for a moment as if they decided to have a moment to remember the loss of the Bastion.

"So... " Kid began, trying to break the silence. "What's to eat?."

Rucks chuckled. "Well why don't you both take a seat and I'll see what the kitchen can whip up."

While Rucks disappeared through the kitchen's swing door, Kid helped himself into a seat near the bar. Twilight followed close behind and sat in the seat across from him. The single candle on the table gave the right amount of light to easily see the grains in the wood, but not bright enough to ruin the dim atmosphere.

"Hey, Hammer?"

"Hm?" He responded while his hand propped his head up as he lazily looked around the room.

"What do you have planned after these lessons are over?"

Hammer rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Maybe visit the rest of Equestria. I've been known to have a insatiable hunger when it comes to exploration, and this world seems ripe with new discoveries."

Twilight was about to voice her comment when the front door slammed open and the short figure of Spike stood in the doorway. He ran toward Twilight as fast as his legs could carry him with a small scroll held in his claws.

"Twilight! letter! Celestia!" Spike spouted off quickly as he was out of breath. His message was still clear enough for Twilight to take the letter and not question why he barged inside the establishment.
She undid the wax seal and scanned through the letter with an experienced reader's eye. When she finished, a confused look settled on her face.

"I-It's a summons to see you, Hammer. Immediately." She levitated the parchment to him and he plucked it out of the air.

Dear Hammer Whirl,

This letter is a request for your immediate presence in Canterlot. Certain events with the Bastion have transpired that requires your attention. While the royal guard would normally handle this matter, what is happening is far more dire than I could've imagined. I feared this might have been by Discord's hand, but I haven't felt his presence ever since he disappeared when the Bastion was destroyed.
A chariot will be arriving shortly after you receive this letter. When you arrive in Canterlot meet Luna and myself in the dining room. Everything will be explained when you arrive. If you wish to bring anypony else it's their decision alone.
I apologize if this letter comes at a bad time, but know that I wouldn't ask for your help unless it requires your expertise.

Regards,

Princess Celestia.

Kid read the letter again in disbelief. The Bastion had crashed into the Delamare forest outside of Trottingham. What could possibly be going on that required his attention?

"I need to get back home and gather my equipment," Kid stated. He looked away from the letter and towards Twilight. "Do you think the others would want to come along?"

Twilight shrugged. "It wouldn't hurt to ask. I'll have spike send a notice to each of my friends." She glanced toward the kitchen with a sad expression. "Too bad we wont get a chance to eat."

After telling Rucks they had to leave, Twilight and Kid parted ways to their abodes. Kid still had the hotel room owned by Mr. Lime. The space was big enough for him to store all his possessions, including the weapons the royal guard managed to salvage
As he entered the door to his room, all the weapons rested against the wall to his left. The royal guards had only found his hammer, the scrap musket, and breaker's bow, but it was better than nothing.
His armor and city crest were laid out on his bed as if expecting him. He hasn't found a reason to put it back on ever since the Bastion was gone several months ago. The thought that he would need it again returned that urge for adventure he's been itching for.

Throwing his coat off and putting the armor on, he enjoyed the extra weight that he felt from the armor plates. He grabbed his Hammer, scrap musket, and Bullhead shield before shutting the door behind him and start toward Twilight's home.
Thankfully he didn't need his coat in the afternoon. The sun was at its apex and had already melted away the chilling cold that started at dusk until dawn.
When he saw Twilight's home in sight, he spotted the chariot already there. Twilight and the others were waiting for him as well. They already seemed ready to go since each of them had their packs strapped to their sides.

"That was fast," Kid admired. "Everyone is already here."

Twilight smirked. "You can thank spike. Celestia isn't the only pony he can send letters to." After everypony gave quick greetings toward hammer, she continued speaking to him. "I hope you have everything ready?" Seeing him nod, she smiled. "Good! let's get going. We wouldn't want to be late."

As everypony climbed aboard the chariot, Kid felt that something was about to go horribly wrong. He shook himself like he had a cold chill, breaking the sense of dread.

Don't be silly, Kid. This whole thing is probably something trivial Celestia needs finished...

I hope.