//------------------------------//
// Getting a Hoof Up 
// Story: Building Blocks 
// by BirdyTheEarthPony 
//------------------------------//



Chapter Six

Getting A Hoof Up.

I slept like a rock, as I should have. That was the hardest I had worked since my last weeks of physical training. I was sore but I still had to get up to go work yet another day. I opened my eyes to find a soft grey filtering through the libraries main floor. I looked over to the desk where Twilight had been before and smiled; there she lay, an open book under her face and a completely burnt out candle at the very edge of her desk. Her nostrils flared every time she drew a breath and every so often she would twitch; deep in some dream no doubt. She looked so peaceful and soft. I on the hand was a wreck. I could feel my ruffled mane sticking up, my eyes seemed glued together with after sleep and to top it off drool had run down my face at some point and soaked the cushion I was resting on. I quickly turned the cushion over, concealing my night’s mishaps. It would be time to leave soon anyway.  I drug myself off of the couch and groggier than before, found my way to the kitchen sink. I turned the faucet on and splashed cold water on my face. I wet my mane, attempting to make it stand flat but to no avail. I made my way back into the main room and took one last look at Twilight before leaving off towards Applejacks. 


The morning was crisp and cool; a slight fog had moved in and was receding quite rapidly. It was certainly going to be a very humid day. My coat was already clinging to me as beads of sweat found their way to the surface of my skin. I walked alone for some time before I finally made it to the orchard. There were so many trees left! As I was admiring the orchard Applejack had walked up behind me at some point. 

"Beautiful isn't it?” she said while staring over the orchard with me. "We built this here orchard from the ground up, using only our hooves and minds" she sighed. "Planted every tree here that you see." She began walking towards the orchard. 

"You coming? Or you gunna look cross at the trees all day? “She asked cutting me a sly smile, "I'll race ya!"
She beat me by a mile this time though, her muscles were used to manual labor and quick recovery.  I was used to.....well nothing yet! 

We worked hard and long up until lunchtime. Off in the distance we heard a bell ring as a raspy old voice called out to us to come home to eat. Of course it was a race; this time closer,  as my muscles had limbered up some. When we got to the front yard of her house there was a picnic table set up with food and drinks waiting for us. A voice called out from above,  "Hey AJ mind if I join in?" Before I could look a blue Pegasus was sitting next to me, looking at Applejack. 

"Howdy Rainbow Dash, awful nice of ya to drop in on us." Applejack chimed in.

Dash brushed this off, already stuffing her face with pie, "Yea yea so who's your friend here?" She inspected me closely, just inches from my face; causing me to blush. 

Applejack scolded, " Dash don't be rude now, this is that pony that pinkie threw a big fuss over a few days back. Had a party an everything!"

Rainbow Dash seemed to think before putting a hoof to her mouth "oooohhhhh yyyeeeaaaa you’re that pony who was in a coma then got scared and then ran off right?"

Applejack looked absolutely horrified, as Rainbow dash just shoved pie in her face. I couldn't help but to burst into laughter. Seeing them there, complete opposites; contradicting each other all too well.

Applejack cut in “Ah’m mighty sorry some ponies just can't hold their TOUNGE!" She said, glaring at Rainbow Dash. 
In response she just lay down on the bench, belched and asked, "well its true isn't it!?"

I noticed she was looking directly at me, "Well yea I chickened out I guess. Just had to get away and have some alone time." 

She nodded "yea Pinkie can get kind of overwhelming sometimes, ya know, unless your me. I can handle anything “she said smiling to herself. 
I noticed her rainbow mane; I mean how could I not? It was practically in my lap.  It was short and spiky, but it was cute on her; her tail was the same story. I caught myself looking for a little too long before I broke my gaze and started to turn back to my food. Before my eyes made it I glanced at her flank, just a little too obviously.  She caught me, "Hey man watch where you stare!" 
I stammered, my face turning an obvious fuchsia "I was just...uh I - uhm....Your cutie mark. I mean just because I don't have one I was wondering how I get one and yea.....sorry" 

She sat up, immediately looking at my flank, " oh wow you don't have one do you?! But you don't look much younger than me! You need one!"

I sighed, “I’m in no hurry at all. I have plenty of time to find what I'm good at." 
She looked dissatisfied "Boring. Hey you look pretty strong, maybe wanna race with me and AJ really quick?" 
Applejack looked up “Heck yes! Let’s go Ethan c'mon!" 

Before I could protest we had already been lined up by Rainbow Dash at the entrance to the orchard. "Okay we are going to race to the end of that line of trees, around the house and then back here!" 
I and applejack nodded, it wasn't too far and I should be able to keep up at least a little! I cut them both a grin.

Rainbow lined up next to us, before she started her count down. Right before she said go I saw her look at me and wink. Then we were off.

I lost by what seemed a mile, I rounded the corner of the house to see applejack and Rainbow Dash talking casually.  I ran up, out of breath and wheezing, “Good....hhh ....race girls...." I lay on the ground. They chortled and helped me up. 

Dash looked at me and smiled, “I like your style kid, and you didn't give up even though we whipped you by like 8 miles!" 
I cut her a sarcastic grin before turning to Applejack, "So when do we get back to work?" 

She thought for a minute, "Ah say we call it a day actually, me and Dash haven't hung out for some time now and we got catchin' up to do." 
Rainbow Dash nodded, “Yea your more than welcome to tag along if you want!" 
I laughed, "no way I could keep up with you two, I think I am just going to go around town and see what trouble I can get into. Kind of explore a bit" 
With that the two ponies nodded and said their goodbyes as I walked towards the town. I could hear them bickering about who was faster without wings as I walked away. 

I made my way through town, eying the other ponies wandering about. They all seemed very happy; lazing about and talking causally. I took note that they all wore what looked to be saddlebags.  I needed one I decided; it would help when I went to collect things. I had planned to go on several adventures when I had time off from the orchard, just to find unique items, just as I had in my past life. 

Nearby, a light tan colored pony stood looking bored. I walked over to the pony and asked casually,  " Hi, I was wondering where I could get one of...those?" I pointed towards her saddlebags.

She looked inquisitively at me " oh these? You can get them from anywhere really, but by far the best ones are made at the carousel boutique! “she pointed towards a brightly colored,  very fashionable, building. 
I thanked her and made my way towards the peculiar looking building. 



When I got to the door of the boutique I heard a light struggle going on within. Without thinking I burst through the door, setting a small bell in motion that was there to alert the owner of any new customers. I looked about my surroundings; the walls were adorned with bright colored articles of clothing that looked to be professionally made by some pony. A voice from behind a nearby door rang out, “If you would kindly wait just a few more seconds I will be right with you!".

The voice sounded exasperated and hurried, I wondered what was up.  Why would a pony be in such a hurry? I didn't have to wait long for a striking white pony entered the room. Her mane was long and purple; it easily put the items on the wall to shame in terms of beauty. She looked at means apologized immediately. " I am so very sorry for the wait! I am Rarity, the most fabulous designer in all of equestria! What may I help you with?" She wiped beads of sweat from her forehead. 

“Hi, I'm Ethan. I'm new around here and I was wondering if I could get a..." I stopped to notice her eyes darting around the room hurriedly. “Ma’am is there something wrong? Maybe I could help?" 
She looked at me, her pent up problems spilling out, "Yes! The absolute WORST. POSSIBLE. THING. Has happened!" She feigned, a luxurious red couch coming from behind to catch her. 

I was confused by the drama of the matter, " uhm....what may I ask?"

“You see I need a special dress done for a royal mare in Canterlot, I have it complete; except for one thing! It’s missing the jewel that is supposed to tie the entire piece together!  I would just go get another but I have no pony to help bring it back to town!" 

I chimed in, "I’ll help! Where do we need to go?" 
Her ears perked up, "You will? Wonderful!!! But we must hurry! " 
I soon had a shovel in my mouth and   was rushing out the door with Rarity close in front. 
We hadn't made it ten hooves when she started to walk, casually eying nearby floral bushes; commenting on making spring dresses and such. Nothing of too much importance to me I thought. When we had reached the outskirts of town she turned to me, "Aren't you that pony whom was in a coma his entire life? I saw you at pinkies party didn't I?" 
I nodded, “sure am, still trying to get my hooves on the ground really. But I have a job and am making bits so that's always a plus!" 
She smiled, “By the way dear, sorry for being absolutely rude earlier! What was it that you wanted anyway?'

I laughed, trying not to act too charmed by this graceful mare, "I just wanted a saddlebag to carry my things, trinkets and such!"

She eyed me thoroughly; getting very close to me. Sizing me up no doubt. “Hmm well it wouldn't be too hard; it would need to be a bit stouter in build. Maybe a white saddlebag to compliment your luscious caramel mane! Or maybe a dark black to compliment your rugged features!" 

She lost herself in thought. Just in time to for I had began to blush a bright red. No pony had complimented me on my looks yet and it caught me off guard. 

A few minutes later we came to the mouth of a gaping cave. Rarity looked up, "This must be where we can find one! Let me see..." she illuminated the cave momentarily, showing several large gems imbedded in the dirt about 30 yards into the cave. “Please if you wouldn't mind digging those up for me?" 
I nodded, walking to them and sticking my shovel in the ground, “sure thing! Be out as soon as I'm done!" 
“Thank you dearie!  You are a true life saver!" She turned around to the mouth of the cave and sat down a red couch upon the ground. She was promptly fast asleep.

I began digging in the dark cave, not much bothered by the work nor the darkness. After what seemed like hours I got to the first jewel. It was a bright lustrous diamond, already cut to perfection. I thought that it was odd that natural gems were cut, also in the ground...... something was up. I climbed out of the hole I had dug, blinking my eyes in the dark. Suddenly I was hit from behind knocking me to the ground with a thud.

"WHAT!! ARE YOUUU doing stealing OUR gems?!" A nasally voice said behind me. I swiftly turned around, only to be struck again; this time opening a large gash above my left eye. Not that vision helped me much but I could still tell blood was running into my eye.  I heard a shuffle behind me and I bucked in the sound of the noise. I connected with a sickening thud as something flew against one of the cave walls behind me. I thought that I was safe but just then two more beasts grabbed me by the front hooves. A sharp sting flew through my back, sending rivets of pain through my body. I could hear Rarity scream and come rushing in; she illuminated the room revealing my attackers. 

Three dog like figures stood around me, staring, waiting to attack. Suddenly the bigger one went directly into the soft earth below. I knew what was about to happen.  I counted in my head. 
One.

Two.

Three.

GO!
At go, I lifted my back legs and slammed them into the earth as hard as I could

I was met with a loud crunch as the earth below my hooves gave way. A scream pierced the cave's silence as the uninjured attackers rushed to the thirds aid, completely ignoring me. Rarity saw opportunity and quickly lifted the gem from the hole I had dug. "Ethan, run!" 

That's all I needed, I bolted towards the door, stumbling about with blurred vision. Rarity and I ran all the way to Ponyville, not once looking back. 

As we burst through the doors of the boutique we let out a collective sigh. Rarity dropped the gem and rushed over to me, "Let’s get you to the Fluttershy now! We can't take our time at the hospital let’s go!"

I pushed her away and laughed, " it’s just a scratch! " I felt very tired suddenly. 

She pushed me towards the door, "No its not please let's go!"

Why was she in such a hurry? A little gash above the eye---- then I saw it. I was looking in one of the rooms many mirrors when it hit me. My entire side was covered, dripping in blood. Right above the blood stained coat was a jagged rock that looked to resemble a knife. It was jabbed in all the way to the hilt. “Oh I guess I need to see soneonei just dontthink that need to ....run...maybe walk..." I closed my eyes, trying my best not to pass out.

Time was slipping around more fluidly now. I was at a strange house with a yellow Pegasus when I opened my eyes one time, I would blink; then I was on a gurney.  Then at last when I opened my eyes I was at the hospital surrounded by six ponies.


I blinked, clearing the fog that had previously clung to my vision. My left eye felt swollen and sore. I turned from my side but was met with a sharp pain. Wincing, I looked to the six around me, “Wha-what happened?”
Rarity spoke up, “You were attacked by diamond dogs while you were digging! The dreadful creatures knocked you to the ground and tried to murder you! I feel just dreadful for making you go in there alone! " 

Twilight chimed in, "Fluttershy was close by thankfully and she heard Rarity scream in the boutique, she rushed in and made sure that you didn't reach critically low blood levels." She looked at Fluttershy.

I smiled at the Pegasus,  “Wow so you saved my life! Thank you so much!!!" I would have hugged her but I didn't want to move.  
She hushed her tone "Oh...um you’re welcome...." she took several steps back. 

I wondered if I had scared her or said something wrong but before I could finish a thought Rainbow Dash was in my face " That was so awesome!!! I wish I could have seen it! I bet you were kicking them left and right and up and down!" She gave a quick Buck in the air, knocking down my IV drip. Applejack caught it before it fell scolding Dash. 
"Rainbow Dash stop right this instant! He needs 'is rest and relaxation. Can't have you missin from the orchard for too long now can we? Ya jus' needa few days an I'm sure--" she was cut off by a loud party Popper exploding into her face. 

Pinkie pie bounced around my bed, tossing confetti about. "You saved my friend and that make you my friend and I throw parties for my friends! Or play pranks on them!  Or bake cakes for them!" She gasped!  “Since you were grumpy-wumpy on the first party we can throw you a 'you saved my friend from a pack of diamond dogs' party! " 

I had met this pony twice and she had decided to throw two parties. It was ridiculous but I couldn't help but smile.  “That sounds great Pinkie, I'd love that!" 
She pounced towards me but before impact a purple glow enveloped her. "No pinkie we need to let him rest. He needs to get better and nurse Redheart needs to see him" twilight started walking out with the other 5. They all said their goodbyes, waving and saying their thanks. 
Then they were gone, I was alone. I sat there and smiled, enjoying the residue of their friendship.  For the first time in a while I felt completely content, you know; for being almost killed and all.

I closed my eyes expecting a rest , but no more than 5 seconds passed before nurse Redheart walked in. She slowly made her way to my bed and sat beside it. 
“look I....." she didn't get the chance to finish. I leaned over to her and hugged her. She started to cry. 
Through her muffled sobs I was able to decipher one single word-


Son.