//------------------------------// // Moving Day // Story: Forever Roaming // by Yuki Harima //------------------------------// Forever Roaming Chapter 10 Moving day Chris notice Nightstar and Rick walk into the dining room. “Finally!” he exclaimed. “ I can have some food.” Nightstar chuckled as he walked into the room. “That is good. I hope the chefs don’t mix up the orders, from what I have been informed humans cannot eat a good amount of our food.” The way he was acting he was trying to act like a normal pony. Rick didn’t respond but was reaching into his satchel, after a moment he pulled out an item wrapped in cloth, specifically the one he was working on before. “Chris, catch!” Rick called out and after a moment, giving Chris enough time to get ready, gave them a under arm toss towards him. Chris caught the item that Rick threw at him. When the item reached him the sound of metal hitting metal could be heard. Nightstar perked his head and ears up and in Chris’ direction wondering what it was that was wrapped in the fabric. He was currently sitting away from Princess Luna and was sitting more with Rainbow Dash and Applejack. “A small gift, go ahead, open it.” Rick said with a nod of his head as he walked over to take a seat somewhere. Chris open up the item in the fabric to reveal a pair of steel gauntlets. With a curious glance he looked towards Rick for an explanation. “I figured how William and myself seem to have something to defend ourselves with I thought perhaps I could make something for you to use as well, though I do not know what type of weapon you might have been use to I thought of hand to hand, or to claw or hoof and whatnot.” Rick replied with a spiral motion of his wrist. Chris carefully put on the gauntlets on his hands. “Wow...metal boxing gloves.” Chris moved his fingers in the piece of equipment to get a nice feeling from them. “These seem nice and all but I don’t know how to fight well with these.” With a shrug Rick replied. “Well, perhaps one of these days I can teach you how to defend yourself. I know how to wield a good fortune of things so I should be able to help you.” With a shake of his head he realized something. “I am sorry for the wait, I had distracted myself to the point in which I did not know the time of day.” “Well I am sure I can put these to good use and I might last longer out there with them on.” Chris thanked Rick. “OH!” Pinkie Pie shouted as she leaped into the air. “How did the prank go Star?” She asked with a giggle as she created a nickname for William’s pony form. “Not well, seems that he was able to see through it, but thankfully it was in a way that only he knew it.” he paused. “Oh... this secret.” He waved a hoof over himself for emphasis. “Remains a secret please, if needed Pinkie Promise level.” Chris was pondering over the idea of a pony doing a Pinkie Promise. “But...how can you do that without any pinkies...or finger for that matter?” “But I’m right here silly!” Pinkie replied next to Chris making him realize what he meant. “Ooooh... I see.” He replied a moment after still not getting it at all. He looked at the gauntleted hands, realizing that he might want to take them off to eat. “So what is for dinner, I am starving that I can eat a...” Chris stopped himself before saying something he might regret. “Eat a what?” Pinkie Pie asked. “Nevermind.” Chris replied. After a moment a small, herd of wait staff came out with trolleys of plates with round domed metal containers. The unicorns used their magic to place a plate in front of every single person and pony and then as one pulled the trays lids off showing a very delicious meal. Even the salads for the humans were presented in a grandiose and pleasing presentation to the eyes. “I just want to let you all know that these apples are from Sweet Apple Acres courtesy of the Apple Family.” Applejack called out with pride. Rainbow Dash looked over to Applejack. “Really AJ? That is awesome, please tell me you brought cider with you as well?” “Yep, thought it would make a good wedding gift to Shining Armor and Cadence. But we have two extra barrels. So enjoy Rainbow.” After the short conversations the group started their meal. The group enjoying themselves with small idle talk and some jokes passed around, though a couple remained quiet during the meal it was still a wonderful time for them all. After some time they had finished and were on the conversation topic of where the three humans would live. Chris having mentioned  the want to join the Ponyville Gazette gave them the basic idea. “You three could all live in Ponyville. I know of a house that hasn't been sold and is still available. Does that sound alright for you three?” Princess Celestia mentioned. Rick, having no knowledge of the town only shrugged and looked towards the others. “I know the six of you live there so, perhaps you could enlighten us about the place?” “How do you know about the unused buildings and homes within Ponyville? Were you planning something with Rick when he arrived? Is that why you knew this information?” Nightstar looked down at his empty plate. “I don’t know, I’d rather live in a cloud villa, clouds are more comfortable.” It seemed being a Pegasus had made him a little more confrontational. PInkie Pie only laughed. “Oh, Ponyville is the most wonderful exciting none boring town you can live in. I mean We all live there and we never are bored.” She paused putting a hoof to her mouth. “Well there was that one time-” “I think they got the point Pinkie.” Rainbow Dash interrupted quickly. “But I would agree that Ponyville would do well, not as crowded as Canterlot, and would be better for a Pegasus to stretch their wings, after all I am the Captain of the Weather team so I can approve flight times for any Pegasus, which right now is Open skies, unlike here in Canterlot where you have to go through three different folks usually to fly around.” “How do you get around that?” Nightstar asked with curiosity. “Oh, I got a license for unlimited flight from the Princesses, it also doesn’t hurt that I am the element of Loyalty.” Dash chirped in pride of the accomplishments. “That makes sense.” Nightstar muttered with a small grin. “I guess this seems like an appropriate place, though I am curious, does there happen to be a forge I would be able to work in, or perhaps even a run down forge I could fix up? I do not mean to seem ungrateful for the home but I will be honest, I might need that less my mind wander.” Rick said, then placing his hand on his chin in thought. “A distraction of sorts...” Nightstar looked up with a grin. “If their isn’t I am sure you can build one from scratch... that might be better actually, since if I recall the forge from the other world, they worked on simple farm tools so another forge for your use could help and not clog up things.” Applejack paused and furrowed her brow in thought before speaking slowly, “Well, the Apple Family does have an on site forge for repairin’ of tools, but it is a bit small and we’d wouldn’t mind it iffin’ you expand it as you wish. You can use the forge, but we might be asking you to help here or there on a few repairs iffin’ that fits your preference.” Rick eyes widened a small bit. “That sound wonderful! It would be a pleasure to fix up any mishaps and things that need repair.” Rick said with a small smile on his face. With a glance at the other humans he shrugged. “Shall we give it a try? Moving to Ponyville?” “Sure, I wouldn’t mind going there. It saves me money on traveling fees and I at least know some ponies are there.” Chris said. “I am not a fan of the upper class ponies as they don’t like the “garb” I am wearing.” “Well, I think I wouldn’t mind going back to Ponyville, its a nice town, and I might need the time to actually fully plan on what to do, and if I can return home, most interesting things.” “Then I guess it is settled, from what I have heard we will move to Ponyville.” Rick said with a smile. The group ended up staying for one last night in Canterlot and packed their gear so they can leave bright and early tomorrow to arrive at Ponyville in the afternoon.Chris packed all of his gear into his messanger bag, Rick’s gear into his satchel with his swords sheathed one on his side and one on his back, his hammer was on his other side, and William with his rucksack and rifle. When tomorrow came, they woke up early to get their gear packed into the chariots so they that they can leave after breakfast. They ate a light breakfast with the rest of the ponies. After they finished eating, they left for ponyville on the chariots. William was in his pony form and was looking like he was going to fly next to the chariot. The rest of the ponies and two humans instead chose to ride inside. After a very eventful flight, involving Pinkie, Chris, and a whole lot of cupcakes, they arrived a Ponyville, only to step off and immediately lose Spike as two small colts ran through the group towards somewhere. “Well there goes Spike with his friends doing what youngsters do best...cause trouble” Chris mumbled to himself. Nightstar looked at Chris, “It looks more like he was shanghaied to me.” He blinked and looked towards where the two colts took off to. “I wonder what’s going on over there, looks like a literal herd of ponies gathering.” He looked at the others. “You want to check this out?” His voice showing giddy excitement. “This is Ponyville, excitement happens all the time.” He smiled and looked at Dash, “You want to race there?” Dash only grinned and the only answer was a cloud of dust, moments later a smaller dust cloud formed where Nightstar had been. “Gosh Darn it Dash.” Applejack swore, “Now Ah got to make sure those two don’t hurt themselves. What is the deal with Pegasus and antics like that, no offense Fluttershy.” “Oh, no problem, I’m okay with keeping my hoofs on the ground.” Fluttershy began to slowly canter away. “I better go check on Angel Bunny. He doesn’t like it when I leave suddenly.” Twilight sighed and began to canter towards the crowd. “I hope Spike is okay,” She looked back at the other two Humans. “Uh, you are more than welcomed to follow, seems we won’t be moving you in just yet.” With a shrug Rick replied. “No problem, things are always bound to happen.” “And when things do happen, Chris Olsen is there to report it for the Ponyville Gazette.” Chris tries to say it in a heroically manner. “You mean the job you have not accepted yet.” Rick said while starting to follow Twilight. “Hey! I did accepted it. Thi-” Chris started to say but was cut off by Rick. “You still have yet to head to their building and accept it, I would suggest doing that tomorrow, for today you can settle in.” Rick told Chris, his head turned to face him. “Fine, I do it tomorrow and give them this as a thank you for hiring me present.” Chris complained. the two started walking to the big crowd that was forming in front of them. Nightstar landed just as he heard Dash’s voice responding to a reply he did not hear. “No one can beat Twilight with her magic, She’s the best in magic.” Nightstar landed and snorted a little before looking around. “Did I miss anything Miss Dash?” His voice showing confusion while his eyes scanned the area and already something was forming in the pit of his stomach. “Oh, just that Snip and Snails think that this Unicorn is the most powerful magic user in all of Equestria.” Rainbow Dash responded with her own snort and ruffled wings. “Ah, well, you ever thought that maybe it’s an act?” Nightstar spoke as he sat down for the moment. “From what I see, a traveling wagon, a wooden sign with what is a traveling permit of some sort, and an audience and the proclamations. It could be all an act and a stage production.” Dash paused and looked at Nightstar in confusion, So Nightstar decided to come from another place. “You know about plays and acting right?” “Well, duh, I was Commander Hurricane for Hearth Warming Eve pageant.” Dash was puffing herself up in pride. “Then this Unicorn is proclaiming this to bring in a crowd. All I can say is,” here he lowered his voice so only Dash could hear. “She is more powerful than any magician in my world, she had the real stuff no need for smoke and mirrors.” Rick simply shrugged in the background towards Chris, both of them just barely hearing the conversation. Chris then took out his camera and started to get it ready in case something special happens Before anypony could really respond to Nightstar’s comments smoke and fireworks exploded around the wagon as it expanded into a stage. A puff of blue smoke erupted on stage and where it was once empty was now a blue unicorn with a star cape and pointed hat. “Come one, Come all and witness the amazing magic of the Great and Power Trixie.” She yelled as she rolled the r sound. “Watch in awe as the Great and Powerful Trixie performs the most spectacular feats of magic ever witnessed by pony eyes.” She looked up and blinked at seeing the two tall beings in the back. “As well as creatures from far away.” She pointed a hoof at the two humans. “Come now, what be your names? Let us see if I am not the most powerful. Come on stage and let us see if I am more powerful than these creatures from afar. We all know I am the best at Pony Magic, but what of these? Can they even know Magic?” Nightstar blinked and looked befuddled. “This already happened, this happened before hearth warming, but...” he shook his head while Rainbow Dash was laughing a little at what was happening. “Oh, she is going to be in for a surprise.” Her voice speaking to Applejack. They were actually in the back of the crowd due to them getting into Ponyville by chariot. “Come on up, or are you both too stunned by the Great and Powerful Trixie.” Once more magic fired off causing sparks and fireworks to explode around and some of the props to move. Rick simply crossed his arms. “I have seen showing off, but this is just...” He commented while shaking his head, not going to finish his sentence. “I can do some amazing magic!” Chris exclaimed. He made his way through the crowd of ponies with Rick following behind, arms still crossed. “Then I shall let you show what you can do, and then the Great and Powerful Trixie will show she can do it better than you.” Trixie reared back onto her hind legs and pawed at the air with her front hooves. “Okay then. First, I will need a deck of cards.” Trixie levitated a deck of cards for him to use. “Alright. I the Great and Amazing Chris Olsen will do a spectacular card trick to amaze you all!” Chris boasted, trying to mock the same tone Trixie did. Chris took a pause to see if fireworks would come out for him. “Hey...why didn’t the fireworks come out for me?” Trixie only smirked and one small firework exploded for him. “Happy?” Her smile just patronizing him. Chris frowned at the display trixie did but went back to doing his trick. “Okay, for my trick I will be able to read the mind of my partner and pick the card he has chosen.” Chris turns to Rick. “Rick pick a card for me.” With a shrug, Rick picked a card from the deck. “Thank you Rick. Now I want you to memorize that card and put it back into the deck.” He then placed the card back in. “Now I will shuffle the deck and pull out the card that he chose.” Chris shuffles the deck so that the card is mixed in. “And now the moment of truth. Rick, is your card the...two of diamonds!” Chris pulls out the card in a dramatic fashion to make it look flashy. “No.” Rick bluntly stated with a raised brow. Chris started to get nervous as he goes through the deck to find the right card as Trixie in the background laughs at his screw up. Rick tapped him on the shoulder to gain his attention. “I think she was meaning arcane magic. You know,” His hand lit in its typical blue fire. “This.” “Oh...” Chris understood what Rick told him. “Well I got nothing.” Trixie smirked. She first took the cards in Chris’ hand in her magic aura and turned the cards into multicolored cards as they began to float and spin around the stage before they all vanished into puffs of blue smoke and flames. She yawned a little. “So I have bested one without a problem and used the second’s magic to beat the first.” She looked at the creature with the blue flames. “Tell the Great and Powerful Trixie.” Fireworks exploded around her as she reared up suddenly and looked more eager at the coming challenge. “Is that the best you can do?” Rick rolled his eyes. “No.” He then mumbled something under his breath about showoffs. Which no one heard but Trixie who only grinned. “Welcome to show business.” She replied. Her voice rose for all the crowd to hear. “The Great and Powerful Trixie shall let the creature from afar to go first.” Ricks right hand lit itself as he slowly started to raise his hand, only his two left fingers out. In the process of this the stage seemed to be covered lightly in his blue aura and began to lift. Ricks expression did not change in the slightest as he seemed to be slightly annoyed. After raising the stage about two or three feet he closed his hand and his aura cut out, the stage hitting the floor once again. “Though I am not one to show off, if you ask I shall show.” Trixie only grinned. “Now, it shall be my turn.” She lit her horn with her magic and lifted Rick up and carried him over the heads of the crowd and dropped him lightly to his feet. “Now, as it seems that we have seen the very first magic of a new creature on the stage of the Great and Powerful Trixie. Who shall step forward to test her skills?” Nightstar just stared in wide eyed wonder. “Wow.. this, she’s got her attitude but,” he paused... “Maybe us being here caused a change and show how her show really was meant to be.” He stood up and began to walk towards the other humans only to hear Trixie’s voice call out. “The Olive Green Pegasus, are you willing to test the Great and Powerful Trixie?” Nightstar turned and looked up at the stage before shaking his head. “No thank you, I have had a long day and wish to rest. I was just moving.” Nightstar spoke. “Oh, so are you in awe of the Great and Powerful Trixie’s powers to attempt?” Trixie’s eyes shone in victory. Nightstar found that a Cyan multi hued mane mare had taken to the air. “Oh yeah? I think he is too modest to step up there but I think he can beat you in tricks.” Rainbow Dash landed and looked at Nightstar and whispered something into his ear only to cause Nightstar to shake his head frantically. Still Nightstar found himself picked up and carried to the stage and placed upon it. “Now, Show the Great and Powerful Trixie what you can do.” Nightstar sighed and took up a stance that a few ponies in the crowd recognized but not many. Without any warning the Dark Olive Green Pegasus began to move and jab and kick. Many other Pegasus recognized the martial arts fighting style. Still he worked hard. Not seeing Trixie adding her own magic to create the illusion of him fighting a Ursa Minor. The magic and effects hiding most of what Nightstar was doing, however with his eyes closed he did not know that he was being upstaged by magic. When it was done Nightstar found that the crowd cheered for the performance, Trixie yelled out. “Give a stomp for a veteran of the Royal Guards. For only one of them can perform like that.” She smiled as Nightstar slowly stepped down from the stage. She began to speak. “It was thanks to their training that the Great and Powerful Trixie was able to defeat an Ursa Major in combat and save a small traveling band of mages who taught many of the Great and Powerful Trixie’s skills and knowledge. The Great and Powerful Trixie has traveled from the Griffin Empire to the Badlands all to become and show the world that Trixie is truly Great and Powerful.” In the background, Chris had started and continued to photograph the exchange and events of both Rick and Nightstar. As Nightstar stepped down the stage, Applejack stepped forward. Nightstar stepped next to Rainbow Dash who raised her wing to give the equivalent of a high five. “That was awesome.” She cried with a squeak of her voice. “Those were intense moves, but not as intense as my moves.” “That was awesome Nightstar.” Chris complimented, “You should teach me some of those moves.” Chris turned to Rick “Rick that was weak. We all know you can do more than lift a stage. “Well, I cannot really teach you, unless you become a Pegasus, then I can teach you some of those moves.” Rick simply crossed his arms. “I would rather not attempt to show off. In all honesty, I would rather head to our home.” “Fine, we can head home. I don’t want that blue pony making a fool out of me again.” Chris said.   Rick started his walk towards their new home, Chris and Nightstar following behind him.