//------------------------------//
// Chapter I 
// Story: Rolefic 
// by Banan1 
//------------------------------//


Chapter I


Stainless Steam was nonetheless care-worn as he walked past the entrance of the inn’s garden. He was thinking whether they’ll succeed or fail in their quest. He never had so much responsibility before. Two days ago he was in Ponyville, chasing mares and tinkering… Beside flying, these two were his favorite pastimes. The problem wasn’t that he had to leave. He was an adventurer in heart. His long, brown mane was always disheveled, just like his tail and beard. His glorious white fur and feathers dirty from the dust of the road. Poaches full of gems, and a longsword hanging from his belt. Although he liked adventures, it wasn’t the reason why he chose this lifestyle. As any pegasus, he was born in one of the few cities above the clouds, but the circumstances forced his parents to move to the ground. Even nowadays, Steam was clueless what happened back then. Below, they could only afford a small shanty. About a year later some plague took his parents with half of the population of the town.

The foal – he was about sixteen – snaked up on a boat, and started his journey to the unknown. A few months later he ran out of money, so he became a blacksmith’s apprentice. That was when he found out how fond he was of metalworking. Slowly, the weak little foal became a strong colt. A couple of years passed like this, but one day an older pony came to his master. He discovered the talent in Steam, and took him as his prentice in Germaney. There Steam became an engineer. The relationship between him, and his mentor became strong soon. The old pony treated Steam like he was his own son. Soon, Steam learned how to tinker smaller machines. 

It was a calm and simple life. But that wasn’t what the pegasus had in mind when he left home for the first time. He wanted to see the world, to meet other ponies, and visit faraway lands. He wanted to leave, but not without telling his mentor first. When the conversation took place, he took Steam out to a field next to their workshop, and looked up to the skies.  “Son, I see the wings on your back. I know how it feels when the distance is calling you. I’ll miss you, but you’re free to leave.” 

Steam was glad that his mentor would let him leave, there was only one problem. He didn’t know how to fly. He was never taught to, and never even tried to fly. He wasn’t even sure if his wings could hold him. They were never used for almost twenty years, so the muscles wasted away. His mentor saw it too. He could offer only one solution, but it was risky. Wing guards made of a special alloy. They would be light enough for Steam to fly, and strong, to endure even a bash from a two-hooved warhammer, but they would also be permanent. “I’ll have to drill through your joints, and cut nerves out.” His mentor said. Only hesitating for a moment, Steam nodded.

They started to build his armor together, but soon the old pony started to grow weak. His age caught up with him. While finishing the second of the guards, Steam had to take care about him as well. A few days after finishing the armor, he passed away. Steam mourned him for a long time, but he understood soon that there was nothing left for him in the workshop anymore. That was when he got his Cutie Mark as well. Two gears with a longsword and a pair of goggles in front of them. He knew he was ready. He paid one more visit to his mentor’s grave, then spread wings for the first time in his life. His journey continued.

He lived like a lone wolf for several years. Travelling through countries, visiting every big city, trying out himself in lots of professions, but he never found any real friends. He had tons of companions over the years, and he shared his bed with even more ponies, but he had no close friendships, not even relationships. He was afraid to let anyone close to him, because he feared to lose them like his parents, and his mentor. He crossed smaller towns as well, but rarely stopped for more than a bunch of days. He visited Canterlot and Ponyville multiple times, but one of these occasions was different. Last time he was to Ponyville he met some other adventurers. Flameray, another pegasus running from his past, and his lover, Diane, who was a pegasus too. Accompanying them, there was a younger stallion, Rinkashime.

Steam spent days with them, just drinking in a local tavern, telling stories. It was a nice period of time, but they know little of the war coming. They heard rumors of an unknown enemy burning cities to dust, but they couldn’t care less. Then, one faithful day, the Royal Guard from Canterlot stepped into the tavern, and took Steam to the palace. He was told in secrecy that he has to go on a mission, and retrieve some kind of relic. They knew - or at least told – nothing about it to Steam, just that he is the only one that can use it, since he is the only descendant alive to the family that created the relic. Steam was skeptic at first, but he couldn’t say no. Not because he was ordered by the military, but because they gave him a chance to put an end to his wandering. Next day he, and the three other ponies, Ray, Diane, and Rinkashime left the capital. They bought a smaller ship on the other side of the mountains, and started their journey on the Great River to the distant Eastern Provinces.

“What if we can’t find that artifact?” Steam thought to himself. “We don’t even know if we’re going to the right direction, or what exactly we’re looking for anyway. What if…?
He was interrupted by a bump. A bump into someone, to be precise. Taking a step back embarrassedly, he looked up to the other pony. The first things he saw was a pair of beautifully gazing, blue eyes. Not being able to look somewhere else, he just cleared his throat.

“Sorry.” Steam said with a smile. “Looks like I’ll have to pay more attention to where I’m going.”

“Oh, n-never mind!” Stuttered the mare in front of him. “It was my bad anyway. I should be more careful.”

She finally closed her eyes, allowing Steam to look away. First of all, he inspected the stranger from hoof to mane. Pale turquoise fur, deep blue and white, mid short mane and tail. A pair of average wings, and a pair of sidebags accompanied with a shortsword. Judging by these, the mare could easily be mistaken for a traveler, but one thing caught Steam’s attention. A pair of flying goggles. They could be just accessories, but they told Steam that there was more in the mare than meets the eye. Although she had no scars, and her fur was somewhat clean – cleaner than his for sure. With her eyes closed, she even looked like an everyday mare in some fancy big city. Perfect. He needed someone just like her to have some fun at night. Instinctively, he put up his womanizer smile.

“How could it be your bad? It was rather my mistake not to see someone this beautiful.” He said.

She blushed instantly.

“No, no… I’m sure it was me…” She said looking at some flowers. “And I know I’m nothing special.”

“I think I wandered enough to say, that you are highly above an everyday mare.” Continued Steam with the compliments. “Oh, how rude of me! I didn’t even introduce myself!” Stepping closer to the mare, he grabbed one of her front hooves gently, pulled up to his face, and planted a soft kiss on it. “Stainless Steam, at your service.”

“Bluemoon… My name is Bluemoon.” She said quietly, blushing even harder, especially when Steam took another step closer.

“I have to say, there are rather beautiful flowers in this garden. It would take an eternity for one to choose the best. But I think I’ll have an easier job.” Said Steam, looking straight to Bluemoon, leaning a bit closer.

She retreated immediately, closing her eyes once again. “I’ve already told you that I’m nothing special. I know, so you’re just wasting your time.” She paused for a moment, then turned away. “It’s better if I just leave.”

Steam looked after Blue for a couple of seconds as she walked away, but he couldn’t let her leave. He quickly galloped after her, and tried again. He knew that the closest inn was a long walk away from there, which game him an idea.

“Let me accompany you till the town then. If it’s not a problem to you, of course.” He smiled at her.

“No, it’s not a problem at all.” She smiled back shyly.

“So, what is a mare like you doing here?” He asked, gaining more confidence from the small success.

“You could say I’m just passing by.” Blue answered. “I’m on my way home. I just wanted to spend the night in the village.”

“Exactly where is your home?” Asked Steam a cautiously. He was sure that if she lived western from there, her home was most likely burned to the ground by the changelings.

“I live in Ponyville. It’s a small village next to Canterlot.” She said.

Steam let out a silent grunt upon hearing the answer. His smile vanished, and his voice turned sorrowful as he turned to the mare.

“I’m sorry that I’m the one to inform you, but… There’s war raging on the other side of those mountains. Ponyville was attacked, and burned to the ground. If you had friends there, and they didn’t escape, well…” Steam didn’t finish the statement. He was afraid that she will break under the weight of the news. Surprisingly, she only let out a sad smile.
“I have no friends. Nor relatives. That’s why I’m traveling. To forget that I’m lonely.”

Steam couldn’t tell what shocked him more. What Blue said, or how she said it. Like she already told it to millions of ponies. Like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Oh, I’m sure you have friends. Even admirers!” Said Steam to cheer her up, but the only thing he achieved was another sad smile, and a soft sigh.

“I’ve told you twice. I know how I look on the outside. All I deserve are harsh words, and taunts. I’m not even sure why you are still talking to me.” She stopped right after finishing the speech. They arrived to the gate of the garden.

Steam stood in front of her, and looked into her eyes. “I meant what I said earlier. You are more beautiful than most of the mares walking around. I’m rather surprised that others don’t see it in you.” He smiled at her again, making her shut her eyes.

“It was really nice talking to you, but I can make it to the town alone. Maybe we’ll meet again” Not even looking to Steam, she walked past him, going down the road to the nearby town.

Steam looked at her again, but only realized after half of a minute, that if she leaves, he’ll have no fun at night. Not only that, but something what he couldn’t describe made him want to go after Bluemoon. He galloped up to her again.

“Is there anything I can help you with?” She asked with a small smile.

He quickly cleared his throat, and asked something, that only a few mares could refuse.

“Wait! Wouldn’t you like to sleep here, in the mansion? I can rent you a room if you don’t want to share with others.” Steam was sure, that Blue will say yes, but the mare surprised him.

“Thanks, but I’m sure I’ll find myself accommodation in the town.” She said with a soft blush. She finally realized what the game was about.

“In the town you can spend the night on a wooden bench in a tavern. I’m offering a luxury suite. And I promise to behave as a gentleman for the rest of the night.” Steam promised with his womanizer smile.

“Like a gentleman, huh?” She asked back with a somewhat kinky look. “Well, this late I wouldn’t even find an open inn anyway. But doesn’t this mean, that I can’t get my own room here as well?”

Steam’s smiled widened in victory, but as she stepped closer, he got that unknown feeling like before.
“I’ll sleep on the ground then.” He said while getting just a bit embarrassed.

“Oh, I don’t want you to miss the comfort of the beds here. I’m sure the bed will be wide enough. Furthermore, didn’t you say, that you’ll be a gentleman?” She asked, biting her lower lips. “What would I have to be afraid then?”

She successfully made Steam mute for a couple of seconds, but then he smiled at her again, nodding at the front entrance. “Ladies first.”

Blue gave him a playful smirk, and turned to the building. Now that Steam saw her from behind up close, he had to say that Bluemoon isn’t only slim, but she had curves as well. Watching her walking up to the gates, he could swear, that she was moving her hips left to right this much on purpose.


* * *


Following Bluemoon up the stairs, Steam imagined what was ahead of him. It wasn’t his first time with a mare by far now, but he could feel that unknown affection growing stronger inside of him. They all rented rooms on the third floor, but Steam’s was the biggest. It had its own bathroom and kitchen, even a balcony, but more importantly a queen sized bed. Walking straight up to the door, Blue turned to him with a smile.

“Room 64. This is it, right?” She asked.

Steam just nodded, and opened the door with his key. The door opened, and the ponies went inside. Once there, Steam hesitated no more. He stepped close to her, staring deep into those beautiful eyes.

“I won’t be here this time tomorrow you know…” He started out quietly, almost whispering. “We’ll have no other chance to be together.”

She blushed upon hearing those words, and broke the eye contact. Blue knew, that she joined the game, but she wasn’t sure if it was a good idea anymore. Unable to say anything, she moved one of her front hooves on Steam’s chest, rubbing it gently. She could feel how muscular he was, and it almost made her change her mind. Almost. 

Steam felt her hoof on his chest, making him think that she gave in, but when he saw that Blue became uncertain whether or not they should continue, he brought his left forehoof to her chin, and pulled up her head. She opened her eyes in surprise, meeting Steam’s gaze again. When he was sure that she won’t move away, he started to lean in slowly. It felt like an eternity for him that second to pass. Then, he finally met her lips. Sadly, the kiss only lasted for about a second too. Blue jerked her head to the right with a confused look. She did enjoy the kiss. She couldn’t lie to herself about that. But she knew what was about to follow that kiss, and she wasn’t sure that she wanted that too.

“What’s wrong?” Steam whispered into her ear.

“I… I d-don’t think I should…” She stuttered. “I just… I mustn’t!”

“Why mustn’t you? We’re both young… There’s nobody to stop us…” He tried again.

Bluemoon didn’t answer, but she faced Steam again. He moved his hoof from her chin to the back of his neck, and started caressing her mane gently. While doing so, he leaned in again, even slower this time. Surprisingly, he saw Blue move her head closer too.

“I can’t…” She still whispered again and again. “I can’t…”

Not even listening to her, Steam pushed his lips onto hers, making her whine. She didn’t pull away this time. Steam felt like thousands of sparks were rushing through his veins as he tasted her delicious lips. He could hear small moans from her, and he involuntarily grunted once or twice too. Trying to make the kiss more passionate, Steam pushed his tongue between her lips, meeting the tip of her tongue. Unfortunately, the only thing he achieved was making her break the kiss again.

“I… I…” She panted. 

Bluemoon wasn’t sure what to say or think anymore. She wanted to continue the kiss badly, but she knew that once she gave in, Steam could do whatever he wanted with her. Blue moved her head closer repeatedly, just to pull back in the last second every time. When Steam saw that she won’t continue the kiss on her own, he took the initiative again. Continuing where he left off, he met her tongue once again. Steam could almost feel the walls of resistance breaking down in Blue as he caressed the velvety insides of her mouth.

Not even breaking the kiss for a second, he started pushing Blue towards the bed. She tried to resist for the first few steps, but then she finally gave in. In no time, Blue’s hind legs met the side of the bed. Once there, Steam stood up on two legs, pulling Blue up with him. Letting her hoof fall down from his chest, she started undoing his belt. In return, he did pretty much the same, except throwing her goggles on the ground first. Upon hearing both weapons land on the floor, Steam let themselves fall onto the bed.


* * *


As great as the night was, the morning could not be worse for Steam. He woke up wheezing and panting, covered in sweat. He had terrible nightmares ever since they left Canterlot. He saw his friends dead several times, occasionally with their blood on his hooves. Steam fall back into the bed as the remaining memories of his dream faded away. It wasn’t a whole week since the beginning of their journey. They wanted to get to the Eastern Provinces before the changelings, so they choose traveling on the Great River. They left the capital in secrecy, and only stopped when necessary. Steam could still remember what the commander told him. According to some old parchments, his distant family obtained some artifact that could turn the tides of the war. He never heard of such thing, but then again, he never knew anything about his family. He could easily be the last descendant alive.

Sighing in despair, he turned his focus on the room. The first thing he noticed was the calm, consistent breath of the mare next to him. It looked like she didn’t wake yet. Smiling, Steam examined the pal, fur covered face. He had to admit once again that she - What was it, Bluemoon? – was beautiful. Almost if she could feel being looked at, Blue opened her eyes. She smiled as soon as she saw the stallion.

“I hope you enjoyed last night.” He said, kissing her afterwards.

“I really enjoyed it.” She answered, laying her head on Steam’s chest.

“You won’t regret it. I promise.” Steam pulled her up to his face again, kissing her passionately. Letting the kiss stretch longer, he suddenly felt a hoof sliding downwards from his stomach. “Blue, what are you doing?”