On Light Hooves I Tread
a Fanfic by Adam J Nelon
Chapter 7: Ponyheart
The train to Ponyville screeched slowly to a stop as the dawn's early light filtered in through the curtained window. The evening train had taken the whole night to reach its destination, and rightfully so; I was too exhausted then. However, the soft motions of the evening train and the calmness of the night had aided me in my rest. As it often was, Ponyville was thankfully quiet this morning. Then again, I wasn't expecting a Hero's Welcome for winning a fashion show. As I peered out the window, most of the ponies I could see at all were mostly either the station's regular attendees, or those early birds who needed to catch the earliest train to wherever the heck they needed to go. I guess most of the mane six's families were asleep, and by the time they left the train, they'd either be at home sleeping again, or working to their normal devices.
As for me? I had a job to do for my dear friend, Fluttershy.
As the train hissed to sleep, signalling the journey's end, the pure beams of sunshine sprayed across my face, awakening me from my slumber. If not the sunshine woke others, then the conductor slowly coaxing them to wake would certainly do the trick. Alongside me, Pinkie Pie woke, stretching her legs, bellowing a loud roar of a yawn as she hopped out from her bed. Rarity awoke not long after, her awakening being a mite more graceful than her pink-maned friend. Then, Twilight woke somberly, and crawled out, shrugging away her morning sleepiness. Applejack, being the only one either than me to be eager to wake early, fanned out as wide as she could, cut a large yawn, and hopped out. And last but not least, Fluttershy woke in the least visible manner, her morning tremors only barely showing beneath the sheets as she poked her head through the sheets, carefully removing them and leaving the train, myself then following suit.
As I had anticipated, everypony had went to their places of residence, leaving we two pegasi to make for Fluttershy's Grove.
The small grove outside of Fluttershy's house was probably the only place truly bustling with any life. Birds chimed their symphony of tweets, ducks glided softly across the stream beneath the pond, and rabbits hopped out of their hutches, ready to great the autumn sun. Fluttershy kept herself to a self-executed oath of silence to not disturb the wildlife. To be honest, I couldn't blame her in the least. These creatures seemed to in total harmony, which I envied. A rabbit hopped down, staring me down with a pair of black beads. Fluttershy told me he was Angel. Something about this rabbit's stare implied the word "Angel" was the exact opposite of what it really was...
"Um...I don't have much time to waste, you see, but you can refer to this list I put together for the details..." The meek Pegasus noted, smiling while she unfurled probably the longest scroll of information I've ever seen. I'm not joking; this thing was so long, it sprawled across the whole of not only the living room, but the kitchen. I didn't even have time to ask questions, because she darted straight out the door as I was focused.
This scroll that was about as long as a common novel seemed to have every single hour planned. I'm aware animals take a lot of care and attention, but this was rather...excessive. Regardless, I read the first of the instructions:
1): Angel eats three times a day, but he can be very demanding. Don't try too hard to feed him. He's very independent.
I looked to "Angel", then beginning to get to the kitchen. He hopped up as I began to take a stock of what I could make. I decided to make diced carrots. A simple dish, but it would make nice finger food (or in this case, paw food) for the bunny. As I attempted to work the knife with my teeth, Angel bore a look hinting he was not amused. The more I attempted to keep at it, the more he was frustrated at me. Eventually, he forced me out of the way and worked to his own agenda. I could see what Fluttershy meant by "independent". I could see the first third of the first task was out of the way, so I made my way to the second part of the agenda.
2): The birds' birdseed holders should be filled after Angel has been fed. Food should be in the Pantry, next to the basement door. But, unless you can't help your curiosity, I highly advise you not to enter the basement.
I looked about the kitchen's perimeter, taking a few rounds to locate the pantry, before coming across two doors, connected end on end. The pantry led to a small corridor with shelves of bags, jars, boxes, and other containers for food, all organized by species. It seemed Fluttershy was taking stocking lessons from Twilight. Everything was even labeled.
Thanks to that bit of foresight, I was able to get a bag of birdseed in my mouth and began to locate the aviary. It would've been nice to have a map, in hindsight. However, I began to see some guidance in the sound of songbirds cheering away gayly. When I found my way to the aviary, my jaw practically hit the floor. Cages upon cages, within an even larger cage, where one could get a nice view of the birds before they fed them. With gawking now behind me, I took to the task of climbing on a rolling ladder so that I could pour seed into the more famished pits. The birds chirped their thanks as they began to nibble away at their food tenderly. As was frankly every other task possibly executable as a pony, working about the aviary was a work that needed careful action. I would have the taste in burlap inside my mouth for days, but such was the fate that I had assigned myself to.
"There! That's one more task done!" I mused to myself with a smile. As I began to consider the completion of my task, curiosity came to my head...What was it that Fluttershy hadn't wanted me to see?
With that thought lingering in my head, I slowly stepped into the basement, beginning to hear the tinkling sound of a music box. It was playing a lullaby that I very easily recognized. Although, the tinkling of said music box conjured a strange spell to me, and within moments, I lost all consciousness, lulled by that tune.
Within (I guess) and hour of being put literally to sleep by the song emanating from the basement, I found myself being slapped about repeatedly. My eyes met the beady view of Angel, who I supposed was generally worried for me. I guess maybe his name wasn't as against his nature as I thought...
As I rose, Angel draped the overly-long list about my head, and I was lead to total shock: He had done a good bit of the work I was to do on his own, while i was asleep. I wasn't sure whether to be glad, grateful, or afraid. Among the many crossed out tasks, there was left a remaining ten.
90): Inspect the cages and hutches for droppings and collect them.
I furrowed my brow. Why did I expect this to be on there somehow? Regardless, I went to work, wearing rubber slips on my hooves to collect the the droppings. I certainly wasn't going to pick up these things in my mouth. But, of course, Angel was quite a stinker. I don't think anything else needs to be said.
91): Inspect the bandages of any and all injured critters around and replace as needed.
This task wasn't nearly as grotesque as the last one, but it would be something that needed examination. I wasn't a medical type, but I knew when something looked bad. I checked every bandaged creature's bandages as carefully as my little pony body allowed. Most were still fresh as when they were first applied, but some had large splotches of red. My teeth made cutting and setting bandages an equal part easier, and an equal part harder, as well. one more reason why Unicorns seemed to have an easier lot. Thankfully, only five of the animals in total that I examined needed any serious replacements. I suppose that much was a good thing indeed.
92): Tend to the flowers.
Finally, something a bit easy. I went to where I was in reach of a watering can, filling it near the brim with water. Angel was busy doing goodness-knows-what, which left me to gingerly water the garden that was sure to be in store for me...
And what a magnificent sight it was. If a rainbow existed on land, this was certainly one such example. I couldn't even identify all the fauna in this fluorescent field! It was made of such vibrant and bright colors! As water trickled form the can to each petal, a rainbow in miniature glistened in the sunlight's bright glow. A simple sight, yet one of regal stature as anything in the world natural.
Another task crossed off the list, another part of my duty to Fluttershy done.
Next was a task that didn't involve just the rounds about the moss-laden shrine known as the cottage of Fluttershy.
93): Go to Leo's Pet Emporium in Ponyville and Purchase Provisions. (Payment placed on the Patio)
Alliterative much? I nodded that into my mind as I walked to the Patio, where Angel had a small bag of what I guessed was money in his hands. However, as I craned to grab it, he shyed away the tiny sack. I felt compelled to ask why he kept me from the money. I was no master at interpreting charades, but from what I gathered, he wanted something more premium than the standard pet food that he was often given, but upon mentioning that we may not have enough money, he assured me otherwise. Of course, why I'm trusting the not-words of a bunny rabbit I'll never know.
The trek to town was a simple endeavor, but a task that was done quickly. The Pet Emporium was an aptly-designed place, with a stylized sign of a Border Colly enthusiastically holding a rubber ball. Easy enough to spot. Upon entering the store, I saw the most uncanny mane I'd ever seen on a male pony. An Earth Pony stood behind the counter with a mane more like a lion's than a ponies. I didn't even have to ask what his name was. His tan-yellow color scheme told me everything, if not that bizarre name.
"You're Leo, right?" I asked, to which the Earth Pony beamed and nodded enthusiastically.
"Why, yes! Welcome to my Pet Emporium! What can I do you for?"
I smiled with a nod. "I'm here to pick up pet food on Fluttershy's behalf. Angel in particular wanted some real premium rabbit food, and I was afraid it'd be too pricy."
"Say no more, my friend! I've got ya covered! You wait right there while I ring everything up."
I nodded, crossing my legs a bit as I leaned back. I was tapping out a song I recalled from my deeper conscience, humming out the gist of it in my head.
We are livin' our lives...abound a sea of information...
My melodic thoughts were slowly drowned out by a cacophony of pots, pans, bags, and boxes clattered clumsily about.
Part of me wanted to to go back there and investigate, but my conscience told me otherwise.
Thankfully, it didn't last long, but as Leo reemerged, he was covered in what was most likely dust.
"Sorry for the wait. It's chaotic in the storeroom. I really ought to get it organized."
I chuckled a slight bit as the Lion-maned pony wiped off the dust about his form as he placed the large assortment of foods into a heavy-duty cart. This wasn't going to be easy to carry, given how massive this pile was getting. But, regardless, I payed the shopkeeper the hefty sum of coin money and began tugging off my haul back home. I hope I got the right food for Angel, otherwise, that thing really will be an Angel.
"Ya'll come back now, you hear?"
The weight of this massive haul of pet foodstuffs made it impossible for me to take to the skies and fly it home. Then again, considering the fact that a lot of the tat in this cart was swaying a bit as I walked, maybe flying would not be the best course of action. Every step was fairly difficult to manage, but it wasn't impossible. However, as with what happened with when I worked with Big Macintosh, vermin of the most ravenous degree were attempting to make way with this swagger I had attempted to collect. In my state, I couldn't try to fight them off. I thought I'd lose all that food I had been entrusted in procuring.
But, as I thought on this, a clap of thunder shook the air, as the cries of shrews of many types filled the area about me. Something from above came to be my saving grace. As I dared look up, the source had become clear as the light of day above my head. Rainbow Dash had just protected me from theft.
"Hey, Haze! You look busy! What's up?" She asked, landing beside me.
I smiled as my friend in wings touched down and joined me in the completion of my task.
"Thanks for your help. See, Fluttershy is nursing kittens, so she trusted me to watch her house for her and attend to the chores that she would be leaving behind...right now I'm on number...Ninety-Three." I said, smiling curtly.
"Oh, so you're doing her dailies?" She asked, smiling with me as she brought up my list. "Then you might like what you'll be doing for Ninety-Four!"
I raised a brow. "And what would that be?"
I read the 94th item on the list.
94): Meet with Rainbow Dash for Lunch Break and aid in her work if needed.
A grin came to my face as I looked to Dash with a smile.
"Nice! We get to have a little time to ourselves, huh?"
Dash grinned and hooked her foreleg around me. "That's the plan!"
As we crested a hill, the house was soon in sight.
"Well, as soon as I'm done delivering this cart, I'll join you!"
"Alright! I'll be waiting!"
I nodded, as I carefully descended the hill. If I botched this up, I'd be run over by my own cart. Thus, I had to gently and slowly moved down the slope with a steady backpedaling. But, as it often was, the invisible mare governing my luck made me draw the shorter end of the stick, as I stepped on a stone, completely losing my balance, falling backward, and being put into motion by my own cart. When the cyan Pegasus caught sight of me, at first she burst into laughter, but as the severity of the situation dawned on her, she quickly rushed to my aid. By the time she got there, though, the being drug about by a literal example of putting the cart before the horse had made me black out.
Yay, sweet unconsciousness.
As I woke up, I woke to a warm sensation, my ears filling with steam. I heard the giggling of two mares in close proximity.
"Oh. I think he's coming to, Rainbow! Shall we?"
"Sure!"
My eyes greeted me to...Rainbow Dash and Rarity in towels?
"Where....where am I?" I asked, holding my head, noticing the terrycloth about my hair.
Rarity giggled to me as she held my shoulder.
"You're at the spa, darling! Dash told me everything that happened. I didn't believe what became of you until I saw you for myself! Then, it hit me: Usually, Fluttershy and I go to this Spa at least weekly. But, since she wasn't able to make it, I supposed you could take her place! And besides, you've been through much work as of late! You simply must take some time to relax! A lit of self-nurturing will help your bruises!"
I chuckled heartily then. "I suppose you've got a point,"
With that, I propped myself, soaking in the warm, moistened air as I smiled. Bliss filled my pores, at least until realization dawned on me:
"I still have work to do!" I started, getting up from pure worry before Rainbow Dash stopped me.
"No, you didn't. I took care of the rest while Rarity got you here. No need to thank me; That's just how a loyal friend should be..."
I smiled, putting a hoof at my friend's shoulders, humming, "Thanks, Dashie. You're a pal."
"Hey, it's what I'm here for, isn't it?"
We all laughed at that comment before Rarity let out a sigh of exasperation.
"Ah, well I'm getting rather hot. What do you say we leave the sauna and have a nice full-body massage? Given what you two have been doing, I'd recommend it!"
Given that, I stretched out, getting onto my hooves again before shuddering away my exhaustion to join my companions in enjoying the massaging tables.
What happened at the tables was something amazing. Several days (and possibly by proxy, several years) melted away like chocolate in the summer sun...My overworked body was given the finest form of release available. My joints and bones felt more fluid and proper in their positions, like they were moving as they were supposed to. My skin didn't feel as fixed to my skin as it was. All in all, I felt renewed...Rarity noticed my blissfulness and giggled.
"My dear! You seemed long overdue for a good massage! Don't tell me you've never had one!"
In between my moaning, I was surprisingly coherent.
"Well...ah....I never thought...oh....that I would need-whoa-one!"
"Well, a good massage is good for anypony who's been overworked. Given your reactions, I say you sorely needed it," Rarity chuckled back, as if used to being worked over by the work of someone else's hooves.
Probably the only one who was enjoying it more than I was was Rainbow Dash. Fitting, really, that the athlete of the ensemble would be the one who needed to be worked over most. Her sighs of bliss as her tension seemed to melt made her seem like it was almost putting her to total rest. I stifled a chuckle at the sight of my feathered friend's blissful exhaustion.
"You really must come here more often, dear. You work yourself like a martyr, and I dare say it can't be good for you!" Rarity advised me, chuckling.
I nodded. "Should I have a good reason, I'll come back here to recuperate with you. Does that sound reasonable?"
"Reasonable? It's downright smashing!"
I smiled. "It's settled then. Now, let's just enjoy our session."
Utter bliss. 'Tis all I can describe it as.
When I got back to the cot, the most logical result I could have expected from my absence had ensued. Without their regular master, nor my companionship, some of the animals inexplicably were loosed in the house, turning it into a disaster area. Rarity cut one of her trademark shouts when she saw the mess. I stood there in awe. I'm gone for maybe, what, an hour, and when I make it back, I'm greeted with this horror?! I could barely even process so much as a single thought, I was so shocked.
"This...this is..."
"A NIGHTMARE!" Rarity blurted out, spooking the animals.
I nodded, but then as I looked to Rarity, I saw a flare of courage in her eyes.
"By Celestia's grace, this travesty upon natural beauty shall not besmirch this home for long! As a friend to Fluttershy, it is but my sacred duty to right what has gone wrong here!"
What I saw was something I never would have anticipated in a mare like her. I mean, this is Rarity we're talking about, here. The single cleanest mare of the gang, who would bemoan anything remotely related to anything dirty, was now taking on a role as a cleanliness crusader. The very same mare who chastised me for working myself too hard was now using her magics to make the house as pristine as it once was! She was like an eraser; everything dirty before her was gone as she passed. The delicious irony of it all both amused me, and shocked me, to the point where my surprise and exhaustion made me fall flat onto my flank.
"H-How did you..." Rainbow Dash asked, flabbergasted.
"Think nothing of it, dear! I simply couldn't let a mess such as that go uncleaned! Now, I think I'll be going now. Coming, Dash?"
It took a moment for Rainbow Dash to respond, still in shock, but she soon shook it off.
"O-oh yeah! Be right with you!" She shouted, starting for the door. "Catch you later, Haze!"
"Um..Haze! I'm home, now!"
Fluttershy had finally returned home after a hard day's work, and I was glad she was.
"I hope it wasn't too troublesome for you. Was it?"
I shook my head. "No, not at all!"
"Good...wait a minute...what's this on the table?"
Wait, what?
"Leo's Pet Emporium..."
Fluttershy gasped when she saw the total.
"What could you have bought that cost this much?!"
I shrunk where I stood. Had I really messed up? Or was she just genuinely wanting to know what I bought? Regardless, I simply took the path of honesty, as it was the best of policies.
"Well, uh...you see, Angel wanted a more premium rabbit feed than what you normally fed him. He wouldn't let me leave with the bits unless I complied to his demand, so..."
For a moment, I was locked in a staring bout with she who was normally the meekest of the six fillies I had gotten acquainted with. I already went into strenuous detail describing how Fluttershy's signature stare once. To sum it up, think the intensity of being stared down by a tigress (or heaven forbid, the world's deadliest of vipers) to the 10th power. Such ocular intensity was enough to force even those largest of legendary and sacred beasts to bow in fear, and given I was just an average Pegasus with a natural capacity for the intelligent, I was unable to endure.
Eventually, however, I was able to break the stare, and the cold stare turned back into a warm glance.
"Oh, how could I have been so insensitive? I should have left a little more for you!"
Wait a minute. was she just now apologizing?!
I practically fainted on the spot then. Scratch that, I did faint.
As I came to, Fluttershy was at my side, yawning, until she snapped into an alert state upon seeing my awakening.
"Oh! You're awake! Sorry if I frightened you. I just didn't know what to expect! I was just about ready to get to bed. You're welcome to sleep here for the night. I feel I must reward you in some way, so a good night's sleep should be just the thing..."
I nodded then, turning about-face beneath the covers. I was beginning to lull myself back to sleep, but then, I heard a familiar tune. That music box from before. That chiming collection of lullaby notes. When I last heard that, it was in the mysterious basement, and now, I heard it even clearer. Out the corner of my eye, I saw Fluttershy wearing an innocent grin. Or, at the least, it appeared innocent. But it was one of those types of "innocent" grins that secretly meant, "I saw what you did."
While this image did disturb me, the disturbance was counteracted heavily by the lullaby. Such odd irony was at work, but I couldn't be bothered to question it. I just allowed myself to sleep.
The morning brought me a natural awakening through what was exclusively the many myriad sounds of birds chirping. Such a great feeling comes from when you are gently awoken without the aid of such things as an alarm clock. Which leads me to an interesting note. You know how on Earth, clocks we have generally have 12 hours, and an Earth day takes 24? In Equestria, it seems that the clocks are 8 hours, with the days being 16 hours long. That means that, in appearing here, I've lost eight hours of sleep. How in the world do I even have this energy?!
Before I could ponder the physical (im)possibilities of the situation, a knock came to the door. Fluttershy was fast asleep, from what I could tell, so that left me to answer the door. At the door, I saw two ponies dressed in golden Centurion armor. One of them had the cutie mark of a curved sword, the other of a hardened shield.
"Hello, sir. We are looking for somepony. Are you the one known as "Morning Haze"?" The larger of the two colts asked.
"I am. And who, may I ask, are you?"
"We are Steel Sabre and Iron Sides. Princess Celestia has ordered us to locate you on account of a personal visitation."
"Personal visitation? What for?"
"She has preferred to not release the details. It is a surprise, she says."
"Very well. I suppose I can trust your word."
"Good. Come along."
With this, I boarded a golden chariot, and from there, I took flight into the morning sky...