//------------------------------//
// freinds and honks 
// Story: steam metal and hooves 
// by rennan 
//------------------------------//

Night had fallen during our trip, Focus turned out to be a much better source of information than the old pony on the cart. She told me that the city itself used to be a small farming community, until a few of the upper class ponies decided that it would be a great vacation spot. Eventually it grew into what it was today. She even told me where some of the tourist traps were.

I think I'll avoid the museum for now.

I was pulling the wagon up next to the barn when Focus trotted up to her house, probably to inform her parents of what had transpired. A loud steady snore echoed behind me, how anyone could sleep on a pile of bricks is beyond me, but that's not my problem. No, my problem came in the shape of a wagon hitch.

I looked at the stubborn straps in distain. It wouldn't be a problem, if I still had hands, but whatever ponies did to pick things up didn't carry over to artificial hooves. So no gripping then, that only leaves my mouth.

After fiddling with the clasp on the front for a bit, I finally managed to detach the wagon from myself. With a satisfied nod I trotted up to the house. The steady 'thump thump thump' from my hooves was a much appreciated change from the sharp 'clang' of metal striking stone. 

'My hooves' never thought I'd actually have to refer to a body part as that. It was just so much to take in at one time, what was flesh and blood was now metal and steam. I'd frown if I could but I could feel the gold colored metal stay firmly in place.

Forget what this would do to my diet, what would it do to my mind? Showing emotion is a big part of human society and culture, I could only assume it was the same for ponies. All I could do was swivel my ears around, and I have really managed to figure out subtle body movements. 

Even as I moved I could hear gears and pistons whirl and hiss. The dark green tarp wrapped around me muffled most of it, but didn't cover up the sounds my hooves made.

I clacked my jaw in thought, at least my voice staid nearly the same, only a light tinny under tone, as if from a speaker.

Hmm? a speaker just plays sound clips right, so could I imitate sounds? Worth a shot.

"honk"

I jumped at the sound of a car horn blared out of my mouth. I quickly looked around to see if anyone had heard it, but it was just me. I would have smiled if I could, that was awesome!

I was going to mess with so many people.

With a bit more energy than before, I continued on my path. I could see details start to appear on Fucus's house. It was an old thatched cottatage, the exposed wooden beams were beginning to rot away but looked well cared for nonetheless. A soft orange light streamed out of the windows and flickered, telling passerbys that a fire was lit inside.

As I neared I could hear voices, I recognized Focus's right away, I could only guess the deeper, gruff voice was her dad. They seemed to be arguing about something. I strained my ears trying to catch some of the debate.

"I'm telling you he doesn't work for Quick Bit!" That was Focus.

"And I'm telling you that we have no way of knowing! You don't even know what he looks like for Celestias sake!" Yup, definitely  talking about me. "Your to trusting!"

I was standing in front of the door now, unsure of what I should do. Barging in would just piss off the stallion, waiting for them to find me outside the door might make them even more paranoid. I opted to just knock on the door, my metal hoof makeing a sharp sound against the wood. The conversation stopped almost immediately. The door swung open revealing a stallion in his late thirties. His brown coat and white mane looked disheveled from worry, his eyes said otherwise though. The two orbs stared me down with the intensity and anger of the sun.

"Tell your boss that I don't have his money yet, its not supposed to be due until tomorrow."

"Um, what?" Brilliant Brass, just brilliant.

"Don't play stupid with me! I know you work for Quick Bit, so go tell him that I'll have his money by tomorrow!" Somebody is not happy.

"Uh, I just pulled the cart back." I replied lamely.

He looked me over, trying to decide how much truth my statement held. His expression slowly turned from anger to one of confusion. "Are you wearing my tarp?" This again?

"Yes." I deadpanned.

"Why?" 

"I wasn't going to pull a wagon full of bricks for free." He opened his mouth to say something but the question seemed to die in his throat.

"So, you don't work for Quick Bit?" Who the hell is Quick Bit?

"Who?" He looked at me dumbfounded, Focus walked up behind him with a smile on her lips.

"Told you," She stated with pride "he's just some dumb tourist."

"Im standing right here." She smiled at that. "Also your grandpa fell asleep on the bricks, just so you know." My ears flicked forward causing my hood to shift with them.

"Focus? Go get your grandpa and bring him back to the house, you" he pointed his hoof at me. "can stay here tonight. To dangerous to walk through the city past sun down." 

I thanked him and was led inside, the inside of the house looked a lot like the outside. The front door opened up o the living room, a simple wooden table was set up in the middle and was surrounded by worn in looking couches.

I was more focused on the picture frames hanging on the wall. It showed a much younger Focus with her dad and a mare. The picture was in sepia, making it hard to distinguish her coat color but I could see her cutie mark. 
A single gear.