//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: The Story Of Violet Runner // by Violet Runner //------------------------------// It was evening on a hot summer’s day. Banning and other such noises could be heard as two Ponies were working in the hanger of a workshop in Manehattan. "Hey Runner, can you give me a hoof with this?" A dark brown unicorn stallion called from a maintenance hatch of an Airship. "Sure thing boss, be there in a second." A tan colored unicorn said as he turned off the welding torch and put his goggles on his four head. He stood back to check his work, satisfied he put down the welding torch and walked down the scaffolding over to the maintenance hatch. “What do you need?” “*Grunt* Pass me that wrench there, will ya?” Iron Thorn said stinking his head out from under a large engine. Violet Runner picked up the wrench with his magic and levitated it over to him. “Thank. By the way, you finish that welding job yet?” He said tightening a bolt. “I just finished.” Violet said adjusting his goggles with his hoof. “Good, because I could use your help with getting the pressure gages and propellers calibrated.” Iron said climbing out from under the engine and whipping some oil off his hooves with a rage. “Alright, let’s take a look at them” He said as they walked over to the fuel line. “Alright, I think that will do her.” Iron said tightening the last of the bolts. “How are things at you end?” “Just finishing the final coat now, sir.” Violet said as he spread the last of the paint on the side of the hull. “Alight that’s it, she’s done.” Violet Runner walked down the scaffolding and joined Iron Thorn. “The Airship Lunar Dream, I think we out did ourselves this time, ah Runner?” Iron said admiring the airship in front of them. “Yep. Got any idea why the princess wanted it so close to the Summer Sun Celebration?” Violet Runner asked taking off the smock and whipping some paint off his hooves. “No idea, But can I be honest with you?” He asked “Sure, what’s up?” Violet asked. “Well, you’ve been like a son to me and I’ve done my best to raise you right at the request of your father since he and your mother died. You are also one of my best employees and my favorite apprentice, you even stayed after everyone else went home. That’s why it hurts me to tell you this but I’m laying you off.” Iron said sadly. “What?!” He said shocked. “Ya, I’m retiring and closing up shop. This was my last job; I only did it because Princess Celestia herself came here and ask me to.” Iron said rubbing the back of his neck. “ “Have you told the others yet?” Violet asked looking at the closest thing he had to a father. “Not yet. I was planning on telling them tomorrow, while you deliver the Airship to the princess.” The older unicorn said with a smile. “Wait, you want me to deliver the Airship by myself?!” He asked excitedly. “Yep, you’ve earned it. Tomorrow you will personally present this fine Airship to Princess Celestia herself at the Summer Sun Celebration.” Iron said putting his foreleg around Violets shoulders. “Awesome, so where is the Summer Sun Celebration this year?” The tan unicorn asked. “It’s here in a small town called Ponyvile near the edge of the Everfree Forest.” He said pointing to the location on a large map. “Well I better get some sleep; it looks like I got a long journey a head of me.” Violet said with a yawn. “Come on, let's go home.” Iron said as they left the work shop, Iron magically locking the door behind them. The Crowed of ponies followed behind the royal carriage as the parade made its way to the town hall. "Princess Celestia and Princess Luna; it is with great pleasure that I present to you both, on behalf of myself and my master Iron Thorn, who couldn't be here today, The Airship Lunar Dream!” Violet said as the crowd cheered and he unveiled the Airship. “Sister, did you?” Luna asked looking up at her sister. Celestia only gave a small chuckle as Violet walked up. He was about to present the keys to her but she gestured to the smaller Alicorn next to her. Violet nodded and walked over to Luna and bowed. “Princess Luna, these are the keys to your very own Airship. I can personally guarantee it will serve you well.” He said as Luna took the keys in her magic. “Rise Violet Runner; you have done a fine work in making the Airship and we thank you for it. We accept this gift and extend our gratitude to you and your master.” Luna said as Violet stood up. “Violet Runner,” Celestia said catching his attention. “It is with great honor that I present you with the Golden Gears and with it the title of Master Crafts Pony as well as this certificate that proves it.” Celestia said as she put the metal around his neck and handed him the certificate. “Thank you your majesty.” Violet said as he bowed to the princess. “So that’s why he didn’t come. He’s never been good with ceremonial stuff like this.” He thought as he levitated the certificate into his bag and stood up. “Violet, before we go I have a letter from Iron Thorn here for you.” The Princess of the Day said levitating it over to him. “Thanks.” He said opening it. “Dear Violet Runner;” “Sorry I couldn't be there in person to tell you this and to present you with your new title, but you know I’m not good with that ceremonial stuff. Anyway as a master it is time for you to get your own shop and place to live. I know that the city’s getting a little too crowded for your tastes, so I already took the liberty of buying you a place there in Ponyvile. It has a store and office on the first floor as well as a couple of bedrooms and a kitchen on the second. It also has a garage in the back big enough for you to continue working on your projects.” “I have already sent it up so that all your mail will be sent to your new address and sent you your tools as well as some new ones. I also sent you an order of different clockwork parts and some bites to get you started; it should all arrive by the end of the week. Your new address is 21 Stirrup St. and is just down the road from a tailor shop called ‘The Caracole Boutique’.” “I hope you enjoy your new place in Ponyvile as well as the peace and quiet of the country.” “Sensory yours; Iron Thorn.” “Well it looks like I’ll be staying and setting up shop here in Ponyvile.” Violet said to nopony in particular as he folded up the letter and put it in his bag. Seeing that the princesses had left and the crowd was starting to dissipate, Violet Runner slow started his way to his new home in Ponyvile.