Near the center of Ponyville, a lavender colored unicorn steppede outside of the local library tree. Before she stepped outside into Celestia’s day she called back into the tree, “Spike, are you sure you'll be alright while I am gone?”
“Yeah, I think so Twilight,” Spike replied weakly from inside the tree. Then a gagging sound came from within the bowels of the tree . “Suspicious gemstones...not fit... never again.”
Twilight cringed at the sound, before yelling back inside. “Rest up Spike, I'll be back from Fluttershy's place soon, okay?” She only heard a groan followed by an emerald green flicker from inside the library.
Closing the door, Twilight turned and began to trot through Ponyville. The town square was crowded with venders and other ponies enjoying the warmth of Celestia's sun. Little fillies and colts frolicked under the watchful eyes of their parents, other ponies had started a pickup game of hoofball while young couples enjoyed each other company as they basked in the rays of Celestia's sun. Twilight let out a sigh at the last sight but continued on her way through Ponyville.
/---------------------------------------\
As Twilight neared the edge of town, she saw a tall and muscular maroon colt pulling a small wagon filled with various bushels of fruits, vegetables, and bags of bird seeds. As she got closer, she called out to the large colt, “Hey, Big Macintosh.”
The maroon colt stopped and turned to greet the unicorn. “Good morn'in, Ms. Sparkle,” the colt replied in his western drawl.
“My, that is quite a large order you've got. But I thought Sweet Apple Acres is on the other side of town?”
“Eee-yup.”
Twilight gave Big Mac a quizzical look, knowing Fluttershy would rather get her own groceries than impose on others. Big Mac looked down at the ground with a sheepish grin as Twilight kept looking at the colt. Then Twilight leaned in closer, trying to coax more out of the colt.
“Well ah'm just... I just thought it would be easier for her, ya know. If I brought her groceries to her, instead of her having to take so many trips,” Big said, putting on a nervous grin.
“That is so nice of you,” Twilight said after moment, a grin growing on her face.
Big Mac just stood frozen in place, thankful for his red coat because his face felt as hot as Celestia's sun in the sky.
“Hey, are you coming?” Twilight shouted back, having walked a little way up the path. Big Mac shook his head and caught up with twilight. Big Mac missed the sigh, Twilight gave as the colt caught up to the mare.
“So why are you off to see Fluttershy?” Big Mac inquired.
“Oh,” Twilight said, snapping out of her thoughts, “Spike found some weird looking gemstones. He ate the stones for breakfast and they made him sick. I am going to see if Fluttershy has any medicine that will help him.”
“What about the drug store in town?”
“Well there was another baked bad incident at Sugar Cube Corner last night. I'm hoping Fluttershy has something that might help,” Twilight said a little worry in her voice.
“Ah'm sure she'll have something to help the little guy,” Big Mac said as the pair continued on to Fluttershy's cottage.
/--------------------------------------------------------\
The pair of ponies rounded the bend in the road before Fluttershy's cottage. Both took note of a traveling wagon parked in front of the gate. Next, they saw a tall sliver unicorn was standing in front of a small yellow and pink figure sitting on the ground. Crying could be heard coming from the yellow pegasus. Twilight and Big Mac looked at each other, and both knew what should be done.
Twilight took off toward the cottage at a full gallop as Big Mac quickly unhitched himself and took off after Twilight. A light purple aura enveloped Twilight's horn, and as she got closer the same aura encased the other unicorn. The unicorn began to slowly lift off of the ground, as her magic got stronger the closer she got to the sliver unicorn. Next, she spun the strange pony around like a top before slamming him down to the ground as Big Mac rushed past her. He was charging with all his might, before a yellow figure stepped in his path yelling, “STOOOOP!”
Big Mac slammed on the brakes, kicking up a dust cloud in his wake. The dust cloud settled revealing a trench leading up to the maroon pony and the yellow pegasus standing on her hind legs before him. Fluttershy stood before Big Mac with her forelegs stretched out, her chin flat against her chest and her eyes closed tightly as she braced for impact. Luckily, Big Mac stopped just a mere inch from Fluttershy.
Big Mac looked down at Fluttershy, her body still trembling, then at the pony he was charging at only a moment before. Big Mac took a step back from Fluttershy, but not before flicking the pony lying on the ground, on the noise breaking him of his fear induced trance. Big Mac would never tell anypony that he took a little satisfaction in that action. Big Mac gently placed a large hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder. The Pegasus let out a little squeak in surprise. “Fluttershy... I,” was all he was able to get out before Twilight galloped over.
“Fluttershy, are you alright? Did this colt hurt you?” she asked, while putting her head down pointing her horn toward the other unicorn.
“Wait, wait, wait,” Steel sputtered as he tried his best to back away, only to stopped by the tree Fluttershy hide in earlier.
“Twilight, please wait,” Fluttershy piped up. “He didn’t hurt me. Well not intentionally, it was an accident.” Fluttershy finished looking down at the mangled piece of metal, almost on the verge of tears again.
Twilight shot a rather nasty look at the unicorn sitting in front of the tree. “Did you at least apologize to her?” Twilight said almost yelling.
“I was in the middle of that.” Steel replied a little anger in his voice.“Ms. Shy I am sorry for breaking your mother's watering can, but I can fix that too, in fact I could do it right now.”
“You broke something else!” Twilight interjected.
“Oh n-no Twilight, it was the table the crusaders broke the other night with the cockatrice.” Fluttershy said.
“Oh yeah, I remember now,” Twilight said, “But how do you...whatever your name is, how are you going to do that?”
“Name is Steel and if you all would step back I will show you.” Steel shot back, as the three ponies took a few steps back.
“Alright this is sort of a two-part spell, okay?” Steel said as his horn lit up with a sliver aura. The area around the mangled metal that was once a watering can began to glow much in the same manner. Black lines began to appear around the metal like a giant quill was writing on the ground.
The watering can was encircled in two circles, the slightly smaller circle just inside the larger one. A triangle with its corners touching the inner circle also surrounded the watering can. Then, three semicircles going through the triangle near the corners, and ending the on the outer circle appeared. Lastly, three lines came out from the zenith of the semicircles converging on the middle of the circle1.
“Wait, is that a...” Twilight began.
Steel suddenly reared up on his hind legs, clapping his fore hooves together before slamming them back down on the circle. A bright blue-ish white light filled the circle and cast the surrounding area in the same light. After the light subsided the other ponies just gawked, for in the middle of the circle was an undamaged watering can, looking as new as the day it was made. Steel trotted into the circle array, picked up the watering can in his mouth and took it over to Fluttershy placing it in front of her. He wore a sly grin on his face as he stepped back from the three ponies still in shock.
Twilight was the first to snap back to reality and break the silence, “Wait a minute, how do you know this ancient form of magic? Only a hoof full of ponies even know about this form of magic, and even fewer know how it works. I know of only two ponies who can even perform this kind of magic. So far you are the only one I have seen that could actually cast this type of magic. No, can't be you're too young, unless ...WHAT did you say your name was again?”
“Twilight, was it? Twilight Sparkle, right?”
“Yes, that is correct, but I am the one asking the questions.”
“Is that so? But really, Ms. Sparkle you have forgotten me already, but yet I can remember our past.”
“Huh!?”
“Ouch, that hurt Twilight. How could you forget the colt you tried to kill with a hundred makeshift arrows made out of quills?”
“Twilight gasped as the memories final caught up to her. “If I remember correctly, it was only ten, and you kind of deserved it too.”
“Okay, maybe I exaggerated with the quills, but I told you I was sorry and besides it was an accident. I tripped over all those books you had scattered over the floor when I came to invite you to Moondancer's birthday party. I didn't mean to break your book stand.”
“Sure, whatever you say,” Twilight scoffed.
“Hay, at least I made you a new one,” Steel said as both unicorns let out a little laugh for old memories.
“Wait you know each other?” Big Mac interjected
“You tried to kill him, Twilight!” Fluttershy squeaked.
“Yes, we know each other. We both attended Celestia's magic school. I didn't really try to kill him, maybe just wound at most, but that is a long story.”
“Say, do you still even have that stand I made for you?” Steel inquired.
“Yes I do, Spike uses it all the time...Oh my gosh, I almost forgot about Spike,” Twilight gasped.
“What's wrong with Spike?” Fluttershy asked.
“He found some suspicious gem stones I have never seen before; I told him not to eat them. But, you know Spike, he ate them anyway. He has a wicked stomach ache now. I stopped by the apothecary but they were all out because of another baked bad incident at the Sugar Cube Corner. So I thought that you would have something that would help him.”
“Yes, I do. Angel had a tummy ache last week and I still have some of the medicine I got for him.”
“That is great Fluttershy. I knew you would have something,” Twilight said.
Fluttershy turned to lead Twilight to her cottage, but before they got too far Fluttershy turned back to Big Mac. “Did you need something too Big Macintosh, some medicine for Winona? That is if you don't mind me asking,” She asked.
“Nyupe,” Big Mac replied.
“Well... um... what brings you out here, that is... um... if you want to say... that is,” Fluttershy asked quietly.
Big Mac gathered his thoughts before he answered. “Well, I was delivering a fresh batch of apples to the cart in town. I notice mah sis and the other venders were organizing a cart of goods. I asked who had ordered such large amount of food. Applejack explained that you ordered it for all the animals that just woke up. She said that you would be by later to pick it up. If I remembered correctly today is a spa day with Rarity. So I thought it would make your day easier if I brought it over to you,” Big Mac said looking at the ground sheepishly.
“Oh, thank you Big Macintosh,” Fluttershy said, “but, where is the cart?”
“It right...” Big Mac started, as his eyes went wide. “Horseapples, I left it at the bend!” He exclaimed as he took off racing back up the road.
Both of the mares let out a little giggle as they trotted towards Fluttershy's cottage. Steel was left sitting under the tree. He decided it would be best to take his leave and continue on to Ponyville. As he reached his wagon, Big Mac came back with his wagon of Fluttershy's supplies in tow. “Look, I... understand you wanted to protect your friend and hay I probably would have done the same thing if I found one of my friends crying and strange pony standing over them,” Steel said, “So no hard feelings, right?”
“Eyupe.”
“Well then let’s start from the beginning. My Name is Steel Arrow, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Steel said, extending a hoof.
“Hello Steel, names Macintosh Apple, but most ponies call me Big Mac. Nice to meet you,” Big Mac said bumping hooves with Steel
“Looks like you two are getting along.” Twilight said, as she and Fluttershy steped out of the cottage.
“Here are your groceries, Fluttershy. Where would you like them?” Big Mac asked.
“Oh you can leave them there; I will take them inside myself,” Fluttershy replied.
“Let me help you with those.” Twilight said, levitating a bushel of food from the cart.
“You don't have to.” Fluttershy said softly, as the two colts also lent a helping hoof. The four ponies made quick work of all the groceries. Celestia's sun was near its zenith by the time the four ponies emerged from cottage.
“Well, I should really get back home to check on Spike,” Twilight spoke.
“Eyupe, I should be getting back to the farm mah-self,” Big Mac said,
“My spa appointment is soon too.” Fluttershy piped in.
“Well, sounds like we are all heading into town,” Steel said, “mind if I accompany you all?”
/------------------------------------------\
During the short walk to town Steel told the events leading up to Twilight and Big Mac’s charge.
The group had walked to the outer edge of Ponyville. They looked upon a newer-looking building with large windows in front. “Well, would you look at that. I would invite you into my new shop for a cup of tea, but I don't have the keys to this place and I am all out of tea,” Steel said stopping his cart near the side of the building.
“I really should be getting to my spa appointment. So, I will have to take one of those... Oh what does Rainbow Dash call them?” Fluttershy said, a little flustered.
“Rain checks,” Twilight offered.
“Oh yes, one of those,” Fluttershy said with smile.
“Ah need one mah-self. I should be getting back to the farm before mah family thinks I ran away,” Big Mac said.
“Alright you two, I guess will be seeing you around town.” Steel replied, as he unhitched from the wagon.
“Now don't be a stranger, you are always welcome on Sweet Apple Acres,” Big Mac said, as he and Fluttershy trotted off into town.
Steel and Twilight waved to their friends. He gave the wagon a little buck sending it around the side the building. His horn glowed as he used his magic to pull a lever on his cart, causing it to slow to a stop.
“I use a system of tension ropes as a self braking system so it would not roll away while I slept inside,” Steel said.
“That is very... innovated, should come stander on all passenger carts.” Twilight replied.
“Yeah it is, but say Twilight would you mind showing me around town so I can get my bearings?”
“I would like to, but I really need to get back to the library to check on spike.”
“Wait, you still live in a library?”
“Yeah, you got a problem with my living choice?”
“No problem here. Next you'll be telling me you're the town librarian too.” Steel said, stifling a laugh.
“Well...”
“Oh Celestia, you are, aren't you?” Steel said, as he broke out into a fit of laughter
“It is one of the conditions; the extra bits don't hurt either.” Twilight said, her face a little flushed.
“Conditions?” Steel asked, claiming down a bit.
“Yes, a condition I have to be the town's librarian in order to live in the library, while I study the magic of friendship for the princess. But, I really should go check on Spike. ”
“Oh that makes sense. Well, would you mind if I say hello to the little dragon.”
“I see no harm in that, Spike did like your company,” Twilight replied, heading for the library.
/--------------------------------\
“SPPIIIIKKEE!!” Twilight yelled into the library as she open the front door. “I got some medicine from Fluttershy.”
“Alright, Twilight. I've got a stomach ache, I am not going deaf geez,” came the voice of the small dragon from upstairs room.
“Sorry Spike, sounds like you are feeling better,” Twilight said. “Oh, I also brought an old friend to see you.”
“Really Twilight? Who is it? Is it Rarity.” The purple dragon said as he walked down the stairs trying his best to look presentable. Twilight stepped out of the doorway reveling Steel standing behind the lavender unicorn. The little dragon let out a gasp before running over to the sliver unicorn. But, before spike could get to the unicorn the little dragon let out a burp along with an emerald green flame, shot directly at Steel. Steel was just barely able to duck out of the way.
“Sorry Steel,” Spike said.
“No problem Spike, at least someone still remembers me,” Steel said casting a glaring look at Twilight.
Twilight gave a nervous laugh, as she used her magic to levitate a small package out of her saddle bag. “Here is the medicine that Fluttershy gave to me,” Twilight said, levitating a single pill out of the box.
“Alright Twilight,” Spike said, grabbing the pill. Then he tossed it up into the air and caught it in his mouth.
“Well, how long until it starts to work?” Spike asked.
“The box says it is fast acting and may cause drowsiness, so don't operate carriages or other heavy machinery. Side effects may be doubled when used by dragons,” Twilight said, as Spike feel asleep on the spot.
“You could have gotten to that sooner,” Steel scoffed.
“Well... quiet you.”Twilight replied, levitating the small dragon up the stairs to put him to bed. “He'll be asleep for a while, so how about the tour then?” Twilight offered, as she came back down the stairs.
“You sure he'll be alright?” Steel asked as his stomach gave a loud groan. “But, first how about some lunch, my treat?”
“Well, now that you mention it, after lunch time,” Twilight said, as she headed out the door.
/----------------------------\
Steel followed Twilight through the town. He was admiring the architecture of carousel inspired styled building. When the front door opened and two ponies stepped out of the shop.
“Thanks again Rarity, I know Gummy will love his new outfit.” Said a pink pony in a sing song voice.
“You're quite right Pinkie darling. Oh, tell Ms. Cake her new aprons will be ready by the end of the week,” Rarity, the white unicorn with a styled purple mane, said.
“Okie doki loki!” Pinkie said as she bouncedtoward Twilight and Steel.
Suddenly she stopped mid-hop, letting out a loud gasp. Then she rocketed off into the town. A bewildered Steel was not sure if he even saw the pink earth pony touch the ground as she sped off.
“Oh my word, what was that all about?” Rarity asked.
“Oh you know Pinkie, she is just being Pinkie Pie.” Twilight said, tilting her head back toward Steel. He was still trying to process what had just happened.
“Ooohh,” Rarity said, getting a sly look on her face. “Who might this be Twilight, your boyfriend?”
“W-what...I-I...No...” Twilight stuttered as her face flushed a slight red. “He is just an old friend, he just moved here from Canterlot.”
“I jest Twilight,” Rarity said stiffing a giggle, ”I would love to stay and chat with Ponyville's newest eligible colt, but I am afraid I'm late for my spa appointment with Fluttershy. But, I am sure I'll get to know him better later tonight. Ciao darlings.”
“Wait, later tonight?” Steel asked, as finally getting back to reality.
“Don't worry about her,” Twilight said as the pair continued on into Ponyvile.
/---------------------------\
Celestia's sun had set and Luna's moon was just peaking over the distant mountains beyond the Everfree forest, as Steel arrived back to his new house. Using his magic to levitate the key out of his saddle bag, he unlocked the front door and stepped into his new shop and home.
What a day, Steel thought. At least Ponyville seems like a quiet town. In fact too quiet. I barely saw any pony as the day went on. I wonder if that is normal for this town, to become deserted as the day goes on. Oh well, better go get my sleeping bag, so I can be up when the movers arrive tomorrow.
Steel dropped his saddle bag on the counter as he made his way through the empty shop to the back of the building. As he opened the back door, a bunch of dazzling lights suddenly came up, along with a chorus of, “Surprise, welcome to Ponyville!” The whole town was in his backyard. A pink blur shot out from the crowd, and stopped in front of the crowd.
“Welcome to your welcome party!” Pinkie Pie said, with a goofy smile on her face.
Steel just stood in the doorway, staring at the crowd as he slowly closed the door with a soft click.
“Well, that was just rude. I go to all this trouble to throw together a quick party and he doesn't even want to come. That, that meanie!” Pinkie huffed, as her puffy mane lost its volume.
“Maybe he is just a little startled, you did just put the whole town in his backyard,” Rarity said, trying to cheer the party pony up. “Twilight, be a dear and see if you can get him to come out, he is your old friend after all.”
Twilight walked over and lightly knocked on the door. “Steel, you alright?” She asked.
She only heard the shuffling of hooves and the mummer of, “You can do this Steel.” She looked back at Rarity and Pinkie, and gave them a nervous smile.
“Ear flop, eye flutter, knee twitch... TWILIGHT, DOOR!” Pinkie shouted.
Twilight gave a little yelp as she reeled back, just as the door burst open to reveal Steel wearing an indigo pinstriped vest and top hat with a pair of ornate goggles wrapped around the base.
“Let's get this PARTY STARTED!” Steel yelled, causing Twilight to jump into the air. She landed on Spike's tail causing the little dragon to fire off an emerald fireball. Ponies scattered out of the green inferno's path, only to have it hit the side of Steel's wagon, as it dissipated harmlessly.
“Oops, sorry Twilight, sorry Spike. Good thing I put a fireproof spell on my wagon.” Steel said.
“Twitcha, Twitcha, Twitch,” was the only reply steel got as all the ponies ran for cover.
“What was that all about?” Steel asked no pony in particular.
“Um, Steel...” Spike said while pointing his claw.
Steel followed the dragon’s claw. His wagon had begun to roll toward one of the large speakers Pinkie had set up for the party. He remembered that he had not yet put a fireproofing spell on his new breaking system. Steel took off after the wagon yelling, “STOP, STOP, STOP,” the whole way.
He stopped short of the wagon as it bumped against the large speaker, causing it to wobble back and forth, but the speaker stayed upright. A collective sigh of relief was breathed by the crowd.
“Wait, isn't something supposed to fall?” A voice said from the crowd.
As if on cue, the door to Steel's Wagon burst open as a tank rolled out,and collided with the speaker, causing it to topple over with a loud crack splitting in two.
Pinkie broke the silence, “Well that does explain the door and the falling combo.”
A white unicorn wearing purple goggles, with a two tone blue mane let out a blood curdling scream. “My equipment!” She yelled.
“I can fix this, I can fix this.” Steel said, pushing the two halves of the speaker closer together.
“Okay, everypony stand back,” Steel commanded. His horn lit up and drew the same circle as earlier in the day on the ground around the broken sound equipment. Once again he reared up on his hind legs, clapping his fore hooves together, before slamming them back down onto the circle. The same blue light filled the circle. Once the light had dissipated, the speaker was whole again.
Steel surveyed the crowd with a small grin on his face until he spied a familiar maroon colt.
“Hey, Big Mac, lend me a hoof?” Steel called to his new friend.
“Eyupe.” Big Mac replied.
After getting the speaker back upright, Steel turned to face the crowd, their jaws still on the ground.
“Well, this is aparty isn't it?” Steel asked.
“Eyupe,” Big Mac came back.
“Well then, let,s party!” Steel yelled.
At that ,the crowd let out a thunderous cheer and stamped the ground with their hooves.
Well no need to print up fliers now, Steel thought as some of the party guests began to flock around him as the party got going again.
Author's Notes
1: Link to a pic of the alchemy circle http://mrfahrenheit89.deviantart.com/#/d4dphux
I would like to thank Torjete a Pegasister for editing this chapter.
My little Pony is property of the Hasbro Company and Lauren Fauste. I do not own the right to some of the characters, places, or ideas. I also borrowed some parts from other Fan ficitions.