An Afternoon of Flying and Designing
An awkward silence continued between Dash and me. It began to get uncomfortable with how long she just stood there staring at me like I just asked her to kill someone. How is she going to react to my question? I hope she doesn't laugh at me, this is hard enough as it is. Finally Dash breaks the silence.
"Could you repeat that? I don't think I heard you correctly," Rainbow Dash asked. She was rubbing her ear to remove a nonexistent clog.
I knew this wasn't gonna be easy but at least it's better than her laughing at me. "I asked if you could teach me the basics of flying. I haven't flown in years so I am a bit rusty."
She looked surprised by what I said. "How could you not fly for so long?! That would drive me nuts." She flew up into the air to emphasize her point.
"I know it is strange for me to ask you but from where I lived while growing up clouds were uncommon. I stayed on the ground most of the time and when I finally set out on my travels I just walked from place to place. It gave me a chance to meet many different creatures." I explained to her hoping that it was a good enough excuse. If I was born in this world I probably wouldn't have given up flying like that.
"Well what's in it for me?" Rainbow asked.
I look at her confuse for a second before it dawned on me. I need to trade her something that she needs. What could I offer her though? I won't give her a weapon and I doubt she would like anything science related. Maybe something from my military past might interest her. "Rainbow, how good of a fighter are you?"
She glared at me with a look that said 'How could you ask such a thing?' She landed in front of me and stood up on her back hooves. She threw several "punches" in the air to show off her fighting abilities. She has good speed but she lacks any technique. After several punches she stands proudly and looks at me. "Does that answer your question?" She asks giving me a smug smile.
Time to bring her down a notch. "Yeah, you are a terrible fighter." The look on her face is priceless. I also get several gasps from others in the room. Pinkie appears in front of me. Man she is sneaky.
"How could you say that Rezzy? Didn't you just see her moves." Pinkie starts to mimic Dash’s punches.
"Yes I did Pinkie, she has great speed and power." This puts a smile on Pinkie's and Rainbow's faces. "But she lacks technique," and their smiles are gone.
Rainbow couldn't take my insults anymore. "Hey me and my friends have faced tons of bad guys before and we kicked all of their flanks." She glares at me, daring me to come up with a reason she was a bad fighter. I had a very good reason.
I started to pace around her in a wide circle. "Were these bad guys trained in anyway? Could you really say you faced an opponent that was at your level of skill or better? Maybe they weren’t prepared for a fight against a pony? it’s possible they didn’t send their best to fight you. I'm not saying you can't win a fight but if you were to come at me head on you would lose." After I finished my rant I stopped in front of her. I haven't been in this body too long so most of my fighting techniques would be useless but I bet a few could still translate over. I could see in Rainbow's eyes she was ready to take my challenge. I stood up on my back legs and moved my front hooves into a battle stance.
Rainbow charged at me with both of her front hooves out in an attempt to slam me at full speed. As I thought pure speed and power. She lacks any restraint and only looks to the immediate future. Once she is in range I just move around her attack and she goes flying into the wall. The movement felt so natural for me. Being up on two legs was like coming home.
Rainbow by this point was back on her hooves. She shakes her head, probably to get rid of any dizziness from the impact. She charged at me again, dead set on proving her point. Again I move around her attack and sent her towards another wall. This time she is able to stop just before impact. "Well at least your learning." I decide it is time to end this fight and prove my point. She lunges at me one more time but I let her make contact.
"Oof!" She knocked the wind out of me but I am able to hold one of her front legs. I shift my body weight to toss her on the ground. I then pin one of her wings and one of her legs. Rainbow starts to punch my leg with her other hoof and her free wing is buzzing as fast as it can. With each passing second I could feel her hit softening. She didn't lose her will to fight however.
"Come on, face me like a stallion!" She yelled still struggling.
"Just give up. You lost fair and square," I tell her. She doesn't want to give up easily and gives a powerful tug on her wing. I could feel her wing stretching too far. If she kept it up she would hurt herself. "Rainbow, stop it. If you pull too hard you will damage your wing." She ignored me, probably thought I was lying to her. I didn't want to damage her wings. Not only would it be bad for my reputation but I won't be able to learn how to fly. I jump off of her to put some distance between us and not give her a chance to counter. She stands up in a second and glares at me. "Enough Rainbow I made my point. In exchange for helping me fly I will teach you how to fight. Deal?"
Rainbow didn't move from her spot and continued to glare. I was hoping she was considering my offer. If she refused then I will have to find another pegasus but I didn't see many in the town the other day when I was scouting. Rainbow was my best shot.
"Fine."
"Huh? Really?" I was hoping for that answer but I am surprised by how easily she gave in.
"Under one condition."
Aww, now that is what I was suspecting. "What is the condition?"
A smirk appeared on her face. "You tell me how you got your moves."
Well shit, I need to come up with a good story on how I learned my moves. Maybe from an old soldier. It's worth
a shot but now is not the time to talk about it. "Only if you get me started on flying. I will tell you how after we get started."
Rainbow's hoof came up to her chin and she stated tapping it. "Hmmm..." was all she said as she thought about the final offer. After a minute of thinking, she nods her head and spits into her hoof. I didn't think they knew one of the most sacred promises in the universe. I spit into my own hoof and we shook on the deal.
After we finished cleaning up we made our way towards an open field to begin training. The field was not far from the town but far enough that no pony was there. It was probably because Rainbow didn't want others to see her attempts at fighting me. It was understandable, I didn't want others to see me crash into the ground with my first flight lesson.
"Ok before we start with the flying I need to judge your potential. Spread your wings and let me have a look." Rainbow Dash said. I guess it is only fair to let her judge me since I did the same to her about fighting. I close my eyes and imagine birds in flight.
I haven't used my wings since I got them so I have to think hard to find the muscles that control them. I find them but it is slow going in making them pull to extend my wings. Slowly but surely my wings unfold from my sides. The spots the wings had been covering up to this point, have been exposed to the cold air and I shiver in response. Two minutes later my wings are fully out and I open my eyes. Rainbow has an unamused look on her face like I was trying to make fun of her.
"Really? That is as fast as you can open them?"
"Like I said it has been years so it will be a little difficult at first."
If Rainbow didn't like my answer she didn't voice her opinion and she went straight to work looking over my wings. She was like a professional looking over my wings. She would poke and prod them in certain spots to see the reaction. It felt strange for her to be touching my wings the way she was. Perhaps they are sensitive in spots and she wants to embarrass me. I just have to keep my cool while she is touching them. Five minutes of looking over both my wings she steps in front of me.
"Well your wings are in good shape, even though you haven't used them in a long time. That's good because you don't have to do exercises to build up strength again. There are a little bigger than the average size, should help you get more power in flight. Now we just need you to open your wings faster and we should be ready to begin."
I nod to show her I understand and I close my eyes again. I begin to fold my wings again and find that it is easier than unfolding them. After they are folded to my side I unfurl them as fast as I could. I repeat this process over and over again finding that it was getting easier for me to do. The base of my wings were starting to burn with each passing minute but it felt good. With each movement I get closer to my goal of flying.
"Alright, thats good enough." Rainbow told me. I stop my exercises and look over to her. She gives me a nod of approval. "Ok next you need hover for me. Just flap your wings and don't try to go anywhere."
I follow her instructions and begin to flap my wings. I am eager to start flying but I need to start slow to get my rhythm down. It is difficult to get my wings insync with one another but soon I start to increase speed. I can feel myself lifting a little from the ground so I start to pump harder. I can feel me hooves leave the ground and a smile stretches across my face. I scream 'I'M FLYING' inside my head.
I look to the ground and see that I am drifting to the left. I start to lean in the other direction but I over do it and I fly to the right. I became frantic and lose control. "Waaahh!" I start to roll on the ground for several feet before I come to a stop. I start to spit out some dirt when I hear laughter and I look to see Rainbow on her back holding her sides. I glare at her, then I realize I will have my revenge soon enough. "Yeah yeah laugh it up. It's your turn next."
Her laughter stopped and she stands up to continue the lesson. "Well as you can tell next up is you need to lean in a direction. You over corrected yourself so you went out of control. You can use your tail to help balance you and make it easier to correct yourself."
I stood up and shook the dirt off my body. I took her words to heart and started to hover again. I leaned my body forward and I started to move. My body continued to lean so I used my tail to pull myself back up and avoid another embarrassing situation. We practised for about an hour and I had the basic ideas down. Now I should be able to practise on my own and start some real flying.
"Alright Rainbow, it's your turn now."
Rainbow but a hoof to her chest. "I'm ready when you are."
"Ok, get into a stance you would use for fighting."
Rainbow moved into a stance that just screamed i am going to charge at you. I would not doubt that Rainbow could hold herself in a fight but if she learned proper techniques she would be unstoppable. "Ok, the problem with your stance is that you are telling me exactly what you are going to do. Right now you are telling me you are gonna charge. Right?" Her eyes went wide after I told her and she nodded. "Then we need to work on a more flexible stance." I stand in such a way that I balance my body to either block an attack or counter. "See? The way I am standing now allows me to either attack or defend. A flexible stance is the best option."
Rainbow looks at how I am standing and tries to mimic it. I can see she is close but she needs some adjustments.
"That looks ok. You just need some practise and you should be fine. Now watch me and study what I do. I am going to act like there is a challenger in front of me and he is trying to move around me. This will show how you can face off against an opponent and still keep yourself ready for battle." I begin to side step and move in a circle pretending there is a Chimera Howler in front of me. Most Chimera just charge straight into an opponent but a howler acts more like a predator and move carefully to conquer its prey. My movement is smooth and calculated, so is the Howlers. Each hoof moving carefully to keep the stance ready for the attack. It felt so familiar that I thought that a Howler really might be in front of me. I start to tense as I hear the howls from the beast preparing to lunge at me.
"Are you ok?"
Rainbow's voice snaps my mind back to Chimera free Equestria. I shake my head and look at her. She has a concerned look on her face. "Yes, thank you I am fine. I was just remembering something while I was moving. So, did you see how it’s done? I want you to keep a steady stance while moving. It will help control your body and emotions during combat."
Rainbow gets into position and starts to move in a circle. Her movements are not smooth like mine but she is able to keep a fairly good stance. After two rotations I tell her to stop and take a break. "Not bad. With a little luck you could be fighting off the best fighters in no time." She smile at me and I return it.
I then remember earlier how she said she has faced enemies before. I am curious to know what creatures would start a war in such a peaceful world. "Hey Rainbow Dash, you mentioned earlier how you and your friends have faced opponents before. Mind telling me about some of those fights?"
Rainbow Dash looked shocked by my question. "You really want to know? Most don't like about fights around here."
"Yeah, I am curious to hear about the fights you have been in."
"Well there was this one time in Canterlot where the city was invaded by Changelings. We were cornered by hundreds of them and we had to fight our way through. It was like you said earlier, they weren't very good fighters. They tried to trick us by changing to look like me and my friends."
"Why were they invading?"
"Changelings feed off of love, so they came to Canterlot to feed of the love overflowing in the city."
"These Changelings can look like anypony?"
"They try to look like the pony you care about most so they can feed on your emotions for that pony. They want love the most."
"They eat emotions? How is that possible?"
Rainbow Dash shrugs, "Dunno, they just like the stuff. Probably touch their horn to your head or something. Pretty creepy if you ask me."
I nod, "Yeah, that is pretty creepy. Can't say I have met anything like that on my travels. I have met my share of monsters though."
This peaks Dash's interest. "Hey yeah, how did you get your moves anyway?"
"Well I-"
"RAINBOW DASH!" a new voice shouts.
My ears perk up at the new voice. I turn to see Scootaloo racing towards us as fast as her hooves will carry her. Her face was filled with joy of seeing her idol. I turn to see Rainbow smiling and waving at the new arrival. Scootaloo decided to wave back, which caused her to trip over a rock, and sent her tumbling at us. Before we could move Scootaloo plowed into Rainbow Dash and me. All three of us tumble back a few times before coming to a stop. As the dust settles I was able to asses the situation. Both Rainbow Dash and I were on our backs as a dazed Scootaloo lay across both of us.
After we stand up and recover Scootaloo became curious about why we were out here. I explained the deal me and Rainbow Dash made and told her we were out here practising. Scootaloo showed obvious jealousy towards me since she wanted Rainbow to teach her too. I offered her the chance to stick around and watch us and she accepted.
"Alright back to where we left off Rainbow."
Another 2 hours of practise go by before we decide to call it a day. Scootaloo was amazed by my skills as a fighter. She asked if I could teach her a few things but I told her I need to think about it first. Rainbow was very forceful about me teaching her number one fan some of my moves. There is no real reason one as young as her should learn to fight like this but I will keep an open mind and consider it. The trip back into town consisted of Scootaloo telling me all the 'cool' things Rainbow Dash has done and Rainbow Dash stating proudly how she could achieve such a feast. While I normally don't like individuals who talk like they are the best thing ever created, I don't really mind Dash. Sure it could get on my nerves but I shouldn't hold it against her.
After we reached town I parted ways with Rainbow and Scootaloo. I decide to wander through the town and see some of the sites. The buildings for the most part looked the same but each had its little unique touches. I enter the market district to see what vendors were selling. Most vendors sell a single type of food or supply. Most sell the item that their cutie mark represents. A few sell more practical items like cloth or tools. Maybe I could get some tools to fix my guns. Heck maybe I could set up a system to make rounds.
As I wander and look at each stand I notice a familiar filly struggling to pull a wagon containing a mountain of fabrics. The wagon is piled high with a variety of colorful fabrics. It's amazing a filly of that size being able to pull that amount of weight. "Sweetie Belle?"
The filly turned to look at me confirming my suspicion on who it was. "Oh hello mister Hail. I would love to stay and chat but I have to get these fabrics back to my sister." She then turned back and started to pull again. Even though she can pull it anypony could tell she was getting tired quick. I decide to help her and make her job a little easier. I took the straps she was wearing on her back to pull the wagon in my mouth. She was about to protest when I held up my hoof to silence her.
Sweetie Belle sighed and walked in front of me to direct me to our destination. We weaved through several streets before we arrived at a building so unique I thought no one could ever copy it. The building was very flashy and catches the eye no doubt. We walked in through the front door and I could see manakins of ponies all around the shop. I drop the rope from my mouth so I could speak clearly. "So the fabric we brought is going to be used to make clothing."
Sweetie Belle nodded her eagerly. "Yep! My sister is a designer and she takes her job very seriously. She love to make dress for her friends and ponies that come in. Rarity i'm back!" Sweetie Belle races off into the store to find her sister. I was left standing in the main room looking around at all the dress that Rarity has designed. They are too flashy for my taste but all the dress have been made with mares in mind so it was probably very lovely to them. I didn't see any suits for stallions so I need to ask her about that when I get a chance.
I was getting bored quick and decided to look around more. I notice a big white fluff in the corner of the roof. It was in a basket and had a purple bow on it. I walked over to it to get a better look and I notice that it was moving, this made me even more curious. I am close enough now that I can touch it. I took a look at it but it was wrapped in a tight ball so I could not tell what is was. I decide to throw caution to the wind and poke it. I lift a hoof and slowly reach out to touch the mysterious object.
*touch*
The object in question jumped to life and decided to take sharp claws to my chest region. It was a cat and by the looks of it a very pissed off cat. The cat began to claw at my vest and wasn't even phased by the fact it wasn't making a dent in the material. My vest kept the claws at bay while I tried to shake the cat off. I guess it didn't like me shaking so much so it moved onto parts of my body not protected by my vest. I tried to shake even more violently to remove the agitated animal but the claws kept it firmly in place. "Get off me cat!"
"OPAL NO!" Sweetie Belle comes tearing into the room the room and tries to pull the cat from my chest. "Let go of him Opal. He is a guest."
"OWOWOWOWOWOWOW, Sweetie Belle stop pulling you're only making it madder!" I yell at Sweetie Belle. Her attempts are making the cat want to dig her claws deeper into my chest. The claws were ripping through my shirt and piercing my flesh underneath. Suddenly the cat is wrapped in a blue aura and removed from body. I sigh in relief now that the problem was removed.
"Opal, that's a very naughty kitty," a motherly like voice says. I see Rarity lifting the cat over to her bed and place a ball of yarn in front of it. The cat still looked pissed off from me waking it from its slumber but it took the yarn eagerly. "I am so sorry for what she did to you."
I shrug my shoulders, "Forget about it, it was my fault anyway for waking Opal up." I look over my shirt and see multiple rips and tears from the cats on slaught. It would take me awhile to fix all the damage those claws had created. *sigh* "Well I gotta fix that later."
"Oh dear, i'm so sorry Opal ruined your clothing." Rarity said as she looked over my torn shirt.
"No problem, like I said before I have some knowledge in sewing," I say proudly. It was true I had some experience in sewing. Back in the army they taught us how to patch up clothes so we didn't need a new shirt every time we got a hole in it. If you didn't fix the tear it was gonna get cold for you real quick. It also just gave us something to do instead of being bored all day. Now that I think about it it is going to be interesting to figure out how to sew with hooves. Maybe I could hold the needle in my teeth as I thread it through the shirt. It won't be easy but I will make due.
"Well as an apology, why don't you use my sewing machine to fix your shirt? I would love to see you work your magic."
Using a machine would be better than teeth. "Thank you Rarity." We start to walk out of the main lobby and towards another room which contains many different fabrics. It was probably her work room. Many designs of different dresses and suits were lying on tables and tacked to boards. The designs were interesting to say the least. Some of the were over the top in design and each would be unique to the wearer. *cough* Rarity is noticed my staring and reminds me of the original reason I am back here. I smile sheepishly and rub the back of my head. The machine was operated by a pedal underneath the table. I see that there is black thread loaded into the machine so it is waiting for me to start. I remove my Folsom from my back and lean it against one of the walls. I am careful to avoid any of the drawings. I remove my vest next and place it next to the rifle on the floor. Finally the shirt. It take some effort to remove the garment but eventually I get it off without making the holes any worse.
With the shirt in my mouth I start to make my way towards the machine when I remember Rarity in the room. She is looking at me with a look I really don't like. With all the designs around anypony could easily tell she loves what she does. Its possible she is just getting an idea in her head of a new project or she is looking at how my clothing is made. That still doesn't make it any less awkward for me to be naked in a room with a girl. Even though she is nude just like all the others it is still weird. I move over to the machine and sit my shirt down ready to begin. I ready my shirt and start pressing down on the pedal with a hoof. The machine comes to life and slow starts to close the holes in my shirt. I am a bit rusty at this but the stitching should hold until I can earn some bits to pay for a more professional job.
My uniforms were always getting hole is it from my missions. As a Sentinel, I took on the missions no one else would dare do. Bullseye rounds really do a number on fabric and flesh. In the heat of battle you can’t tell if you have been hit but afterwards you can see the holes showing that you had been hit. I lost a lot of good uniforms from being hit too many times. It got so bad that my superiors started to yell at me whenever my uniforms got trashed. A good hour goes by before I finish patching my shirt. Satisfied with my work I turn around to see Rarity looking over my shoulder. "Gah!" is what I said as I fell over from surprise. "How long have you been there?"
"I have been over your should almost the whole time. I am surprised, you were just so focused on your work you didn't even notice. I didn’t think anypony but myself took clothing this seriously,” Rarity giggled. “I am sorry for scaring you, it is not lady-like."
I shake my head, "No it's fine. Just like you said I was so focused I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings. I like doing this sort of thing. It takes me back to some good times." I hold up my shirt to take a good look at my handiwork. "Not bad, but not good either. I am a bit rusty at this so I need more practise to make better stitches."
"Well if you want to learn you are welcome to come by. I will teach you several tricks of the trade." I consider her offer for a moment. It would be nice to refine my sewing skills, but I want to offer something in return for the lessons. Fair is fair.
"What can I offer you in exchange for the lessons?"
"Oh darling, you don't owe me a thing. I would be happy to teach you and it would be nice to have another sewing partner."
"Well it doesn't seem right for me to just get free lessons." I start to think up useful stuff I could give or teach her. I look around the room looking for any clues. My eyes wander over to my gear. She would have no use for weaponry but my vest might interest her. "Excuse me Rarity, but what sort of armor doesn't the army and police wear?" I had seen in the books that they still have swords and spears. So I have to assume they still wear plate metal armor.
"Well they wear armor folded from steel. The poor dears, that armor must weigh a lot."
"What about in exchange for giving me lessons, I tell you how to make lighter armor for them? You could boost sales and really become a hit with not only Military but civilians. My designs could give you new ideas on clothing. Sound like a deal?" I held out a hoof for her to shake. She seems to refined for the spit shake so a regular one should be fine. She tapped a hoof to her chin, deep in thought. From the way she was about to give me free lessons I doubt she would be in this for the money. She may take it just to help others.
She looks my in the eyes and smiles. She nods her head and sticks out her hoof to finish the agreement. I place my hoof to hers and we shake. "Deal"
"What deal?" Sweetie Belle's squeaky voice asked as she entered the room.
"In exchange for your sister teaching me sewing, I will teach her how to make better armor for military and possibly clothing for ponies." I smile at the little filly and she smiled back.
She jumped up and down in excitement. "So we are gonna see each other a lot?"
I nod, "That's the plan." I look outside to notice the sun setting on the horizon. "Well I best be leaving. It's getting late. Thank you again Rarity for letting me use your machine to fix my shirt."
"It was no trouble at all and again I apologize for Opal's behavior. It was a good thing she didn't break skin."
At that comment I looked to see that I was indeed scratch free. The virus must have taken care of the wounds while I was working. I didn't even notice, usually I would feel a slight sting from the wounds closing. "Yeah it is a good thing. It was my fault for startling Opal in the first place. Now I really must be going. You two have a wonderful evening." I put my shirt and vest on. I sling my rifle on my back and make my way towards the exit.
"Bye Mr. Hail! Come back soon." Sweetie Belle's voice called out.
"Yes do come by again." Rarity added.
I open the door and look back at both of them. "I will, good night." I walk out and shut the door behind me.
I start my trek back to my ship to hopefully call it a day and rest up for the apple bucking tomorrow. I take a different path towards the forest hoping it would be close enough to my ship that I could find it. As I walk down the path there is an increase of animals with each passing minute. It was odd that animals were getting this close in such an unusual area. My ears perk up when I hear a soft melody. The sound is beautiful and soothing to my tired body. "I wonder who would be out here singing at this hour?"
I follow the music to its source at another tree that has been converted to a home. The animal activity has peaked in this area, probably due to the music. Speaking of which the song is coming from around back. I move around the home to see and interesting sight. A mare taking care of a large number of animals at once. If it wasn't for the fact she was singing it looked like she was getting mobbed by the little creature. Something about this mare seems familiar though. She was a light yellow and she had long pink hair.
"Fluttershy?"
The singing suddenly stopped. A small 'eep' was made and the timid pegasus was gone.