//------------------------------// // A Stallion's Resolve // Story: The Toymaker // by AtomicMuffin //------------------------------// Days become weeks and weeks become months. Soon six months had passed since Finishing Touch opened his shop in Ponyville. And in that whole time, Dinky remained his most loyal patron. She would never buy anything, but he valued her companionship and candid humor nonetheless. To be honest, he was very fond of the little filly. She would come in at least twice a week and play with one or another of Finn's new creations. Her eyes always sparkled with wonder at even the most simple designs. Finn loved having her around the shop; soon she was coming over every day after school. "Dinky, can I ask you something?" The purple filly set down the Anti-Gravity Spinning Top™ and cocked her head inquisitively. It was a miracle that Patchwork didn't fall off of her perch atop Dinky's head. "Sure Finn. What's up?" "Well Dinky, I've noticed that you visit me everyday -don't get me wrong, I enjoy having you around- but I also noticed that you haven't been spending any time with your other friends. Is everything alright?" Her face fell. "I... I never really had many friends. Most of the fillies and colts in my class don't want to hang out because they think my mom is weird. I keep telling them how great she really is, but they don't believe me. I can't stand ponies thinking that mom's stupid or broken." She perked up slightly. "That's why I have her, and you, and Patchwork. Even the Doctor comes by sometimes." Finn listened intently to her explanation and came to a startling realization. Dinky really had no other friends. A small drop of liquid pride threatened to blur his vision, but he slapped on his trademark grin and dove straight over the counter as if he was jumping into a swimming pool. With an aqua flash and a puff of smoke he resurfaced, clutching a small shimmering object in his hoof. He ran over to Dinky and said, "Hey Dinky, how would you like to work for me? I could sure use an assistant keeping this place clean and running properly. I would have to ask you're mom of course, but you might as well get paid since you are here everyday any-" He didn't get the last word out because Dinky tackled him in a rib cracking hug. "Let me go get her! We'll ask her right now!" And just like that she bolted out of the door and left Finn chuckling on the floor, still clutching the shiny object in his hoof. Just as he was about to roll over on his hooves he noticed his small wooden friend jumping up and down on his stomach trying to get his attention. He looked down at his friend and inquired, "What is it, Klaus?" The primate stopped jumping and proceeded to make a circling motion with one arm and jabbing his tail toward the back room. "Oh." He raised a hoof for Klaus to climb on and positioned him along the brim of his ever present top hat. He drew the curtains on the windows and switched the sign on the door to read "Be back soon." With a last whistle the lights dimmed and he walked solemnly into his small living area. Over the mantle gleamed a massive mirror rimmed in a frame that was studded with opals. With a flick of his magic the mirror rippled and his reflection morphed into a familiar shape. His informant always refused to show his face, so he hid his body in a black cloak and cowl and covered his face with a plain white mask. The only feature Finn could distinguish was a single eye. It had a slitted feline pupil and the iris was a strange silver. He was an unnerving stallion, but he was good at his job. "What news do you have for me?" "I have located the amulet. It is being hidden by a zebra who resides within the Everfree Forest. Be warned! She is a powerful shamane with unknown powers at her disposal. If this is something you aren't willing to die for, then I would advise that you give up now." "My ancestors created that amulet. It is my duty to see to it that it fulfills its purpose. Thank you for the information, sir. Your payment, as promised." Finn tossed a leather sack of bits through the mirror and it passed through with a slight ripple. "If you are correct then we will never have to speak again. I would like for this to be a touching parting, but it really isn't. May the stars never lead you astray." And with that final blessing, Finn slammed a hoof into the mirror and sent a cascade of shards onto the hard wood floor. All these years of preparation. All these years. He had given up friends, family, even his home and title pursuing this moment. He will finally rid his family of their eight hundred year burden. A crazed smile leaped to his face and he cackled maniacally in the light of the fire burning in the hearth. But he stopped abruptly as a small glint caught his eye. He trotted to the ruined mirror and saw a small piece of shiny metal glinting in the firelight. With a swift tug of magic he ripped it from the wall and observed the object. It was a key. A golden key with the head shaped like a wrapped present, and on the shaft was inscribed one word. Dinky. Finn's face paled and the key fell to the floor with a dull ring. "Awww, but the shop was just open a minute ago!" Dinky pouted. Derpy swept her daughter onto her back and chimed, "I guess we will just have to come back tomorrow then. You know Finn is a busy stallion. Maybe he just stepped out to get supplies or to fix a toy that may have got broken. You know how he is." Derpy launched into the air and the pair made their way home. That night... Finn, wrapped in a dark cloak, skulked through the still night. His heart was heavy, but filled with resolve. He had to complete this mission. There was no doubt about that. But he will lose the only friends he had. He would never see Dinky again. Never hear her bell-like laughter or see her shy smile. Never again watch her eyes widen with awe or glow with love. Even her clumsiness was somehow endearing. And he will never get to see- SNAP OUT OF IT! Finn held his head high and adopted a resolute stare that would have made a royal guard proud. His mission was of the utmost importance. He had waited too long and sacrificed too much to give up now. There was no price that he wasn't willing to pay. No length that he wouldn't go to. At least that is what he kept telling himself. He still indulged in one final selfish act. In the dead of night he sneaked to Derpy and Dinky's small cottage on the outskirts of Ponyville. He had visited many times and dined with them on several occasions. Dinky's window was dark and and closed, but luckily the shutters were open. With just the slightest touch of magic he levitated the key hung around a leather cord. He navigated the key to rest upon the window's latch. He paused and bid one last farewell to his dear friend, then bounded stealthily into the night and the Everfree Forest.