//------------------------------// // Chapter 8 - Gadgets and Gizmos // Story: A Gizmonk in Ponyville // by Moheart7 //------------------------------// Applejack and Apple Bloom had to have been looking for Goggles for a good hour before reaching town, he was nowhere on the farm so had to have been there somewhere. Needless to say Apple Bloom was starting to get extremely worried. “Oh where could he have possibly gone?” she asked. “It’s not like him to just wonder off.” “Don’t worry Apple Bloom,” Applejack reassured her sister. “We’ll find him.” Apple Bloom frowned at that, she knew that her sister was trying to be positive but she was finding a hard time believing her. Suddenly her train of thought was interrupted by a small of group of ponies talking amongst themselves about a very interesting subject. “Hey, did you hear about what’s happening down at Sugar Cube Corner?” one pony asked. “Yeah, I hear that some weird animal is messing up the kitchen,” the second one answered. “Let’s go check it out!” the third one announced. And with that all three ponies ran off towards the direction of Sugar Cube Corner, leaving Applejack and Apple Bloom to look at each other in suspense. A weird animal? That could only mean one thing. # By the time both Apple sisters got to Sugar Cube Corner, there was already a massive crowd of ponies huddling around the windows trying to get a peek at what was going on inside. Among those ponies was the rest of the Mane Six, the two Pegasi, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, the Unicorn, Rarity, even Twilight and Spike were there. The only member of the Mane Six that didn’t seem to be among the crowd was Pinkie Pie, which made sense since she was probably inside. “Hey Applejack!” Rainbow Dash called, ushering her over. “You gotta check this out! Some strange animal is doing something crazy in the Cakes’ kitchen.” Applejack dreaded to think what was going on, but if her suspicions were correct, then Goggles must have something to do with it. As Rainbow Dash dragged her and Apple Bloom to the window of Sugar Cube Corner, were fears were realised when she spotted a familiar looking Gizmonk rushing to and from the kitchen. “GOGGLES!” she yelled, grabbing his attention. “What in tarnation do y’all think you’re doing!?!” However instead of cringing in fear, Goggles smiled in response and rushed to the door, with one swift move he grabbed Applejack and Apple Bloom by the hoof and pulled them inside. Once inside the smell of oil and sugar filled their nostrils and both wondered what was going on, suddenly a pink blur came zooming out of the kitchen and stopped in front of them. “Hey Applejack!” Pinkie Pie said with her usual cheerful smile. “Glad you can get here, Goggles has been working non-stop for ages First the oven blew up, then he fixed it, then it blew up again so he fixed it again, and then he upgraded it but then he noticed that the kitchen was a mess so he kept going and going and going and going and…” “PINKIE!” Applejack shouted, interrupting Pinkie Pie’s insanely quick explanation. “Whaaaaaaat?” Pinkie moaned, hating the fact that she was interrupted. “Look if Goggles has done any damage I’d be happy to pay for it but…” Applejack began. “Damage?” Carrot Cake chuckled as he walked in from the kitchen. “That pet of yours made our kitchen even BETTER!” “He did?” Apple Bloom said raising an eyebrow. “Yeah,” Pinkie Pie answered. “Come take a lookie!” Pinkie Pie and Carrot Cake then led the two sisters into the kitchen, needless to say, they were amazed at what they saw. The oven was now taller so that it could bake at least twice as many cakes as before, the sink had been fitted with some kind of device that shoots soap and water onto the dirty dishes in certain holders, thus allowing less cleaning time, and the kitchen worktops were now littered with several devices that looked like upgraded versions of the Cakes’ cooking utensils, one of which being what appeared to be a whisk that spun rapidly when a trigger is pulled. As Applejack’s jaw dropped in awe, she failed to notice the rest of the Mane Six as they walked in behind her. “Whoa,” Twilight exclaimed. “This is absolutely astounding,” Rarity added. “Applejack, you never said that Goggles could do stuff like this,” Fluttershy pointed out “Ah… didn’t really know myself,” Applejack admitted. “Why y’all here anyway?” “You DID see the crowd of ponies outside right?” Rainbow Dash asked sarcastically. “Almost everyone in town heard about what was going on here.” “We only just managed to sneak in through the back door to avoid the masses,” Spike added. “So this is what a Gizmonk looks like?” Spike couldn’t help but examine the creature before him, by comparison Goggles was at least a few inches shorter than he was, although that could be easy remedied by Goggles using his tailing like a spring and rising up above him. Applejack couldn’t help but giggle at Spike’s frustration as Goggles looked all smug, towering over him, of course she found it quite adorable. In fact she had found a lot of things about Spike a lot more interesting these last few months, ever since he had saved her from a pack of Timberwolves she couldn’t help but blush whenever he was in the room with her. However she was then snapped out of her train of thought by Twilight, who was at the moment taking a look at Goggles’ creations. “I must admit, what this Gizmonk is capable of is quite intriguing,” Twilight commented, causing to Goggles to blush. “I’d love to see what else he can make.” Applejack frowned at that, he then looked down at the Gizmonk who looked back up at her sheepishly. “Well y’all are gonna have to wait for that,” Applejack said as she picked Goggles up by the tail. “Ah still have to have a little word with him about wondering off and causing trouble.” “Oh don’t be too hard on him Applejack,” Fluttershy pleaded. “Yeah, you know he was just having fun,” Apple Bloom added. “And there’s nothing wrong with having fun!” Pinkie Pie stated. “Be that as it may, he’s still in trouble for getting us worried and causing a scene,” Applejack said sternly, though slightly muffled from the tail in her mouth.” Seeing no point in arguing any further, Apple bloom followed her big sister out the back door. Once outside they snuck behind the crowd of ponies and ran off towards Sweet Apple Acres, trying carefully not to be seen by the crowd or else get swarmed by a mob. Once they were sure that they were out of sight, they slowed their pace a walked the rest of the way home. Along the way, Apple Bloom suddenly noticed Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Silver Spoon standing by the town fountain, all three of whom seem to be ushering her over. “Apple Bloom!” Scootaloo called. “Over here!” “Could you give me a second AJ,” Apple Bloom said looking towards her sister. “Ah gotta speak to my friends a sec.” “Sure,” Applejack replied. “Just don’t take too long.” Applejack then continued walking home as Appl Bloom ran towards her friends. “Is it true?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Did Goggles really do something to the Cakes’ kitchen? “Yeah but he didn’t trash it or nothing,” Apple Bloom explained. “He just upgraded it, that’s all.” “I thought so,” Silver Spoon said with a grin. “Then maybe this CAN work. “Maybe WHAT can work?” Apple Bloom asked inquisitively. “Silver Spoon came up with the idea,” Scootaloo explained. “A new thing to try to get our Cutie Marks… Cutie Mark Crusaders-Business Partners!” “Uh… say what now?” Apple Bloom asked confusingly. “It’s simple really,” Silver Spoon explained, adjusting her glasses. “We start a business and each make a profit, and if it goes well we might just get our Cutie Marks in the process.” “Ah’m still running on confused here,” Apple Bloom admitted. “What KIND of business?” “We let Goggles build stuff for other ponies,” Silver Spoon said bluntly. “You saw what he can do, If he had the freedom and materials, he can make something for EVERY pony and we can each earn some extra money off it by selling them. And it’ll be good for Goggles cause it’s something he obviously loves to do, after all you did say he needed to let off some extra energy didn’t you?” “She does make a good point,” Sweetie Belle pointed out. Indeed Silver Spoon DID have a good point, Goggles absolutely needed to let off extra energy ever since his leg was better and he obviously loved building and fixing stuff, maybe there was something to Silver Spoon’s plan. However she couldn’t help but notice one small flaw. “But where would he even get the materials?” she asked. “Goggles won’t be able to make anything without them, and metal and lumber can get pretty expensive.” Silver Spoon only smiled at that. “Just leave that to me,” she said with a slight smirk. “My dad’s been looking for something generous to do with his money ever since he made his millions selling off that silver. And I think this counts as a good investment don’t you?” Apple Bloom wanted to say yes, but regardless she knew she had to be cautious about this. “But will your Pa really go for it? She asked. “Trust me,” Silver Spoon replied. “He’d never say no to his little girl.” # The next afternoon, after the rumours about Goggles had finally died down amongst the citizens of Ponyville, there was a knock at the door of the Apples’ house. Finishing early from another day at the orchard, Applejack answered it. The guest at the door was a slender, grey Earth Pony stallion with a sleek, silver mane and moustache, and wore green-tinted glasses, by Applejack’s reckoning he looked somewhat wealthy, though with a rustic appearance. “Good Afternoon miss,” he said in a deep, gentle voice. “My name is Silver Lining, I trust this is the residence of one Mr Goggles?” To say Applejack was confused would have been an understatement, since when did Goggles get any visitors from strangers? “Uh… yes?” Applejack answered hesitantly. “Wonderful!” Silver Lining exclaimed. “Now I understand that this… what did she say he was again? Oh yes, Gizmonk, is capable of creating amazing contraptions with tremendous speed?” “You could say that,” Applejack said with a shrug, though no less confused with the whole situation. “But why are you interested in Goggles?” “It has come to my attention that Goggles is intending on creating these contraptions for everyone in Ponyville,” Silver lining explained. “And as such I am interested in such an endeavour. However such a task cannot be done without the proper funding, therefor I am here to propose a deal.” Applejack’s eyes widened at this, needless to say she wasn’t expecting something like this, suddenly she came to a realisation and narrowed her eyes with irritation. “Right,” she said. “Would you excuse me for just one minute?” “Of course.” Silver Lining said with a smile. Applejack then walked back inside the house and closed the door¸ however that didn’t stop Silver Lining from hearing her angry voice from the other side. “APPLE BLOOM!!!” # A short while later, after Applejack has had the chance to calm down, she, Apple Bloom, Granny Smith, Goggles and Silver Lining, all sat down in the Apples’ living room, all enjoying a nice cup of tea that Goggles had brewed. “I must say this IS a tasty beverage,” Silver Lining said with a smile, taking another sip. “That critter does make a good cup of tea, ah’ll give him that,” Granny Smith added. “But good drinks aside, I believe that we should get to business,” Silver Lining said, placing his cup down onto the coffee table. “Yeah, about that,” Applejack said, hoping to straighten this situation out as best she could. “Ah don’t know what you heard about Goggles, but ah can assure you that ah have no idea what has been going on.” “I am quite aware of that Miss Applejack,” Silver Lining explained. “I myself have just heard about the subject at hoff because my daughter told me of it, as I understand she is friends with your sister.” “So you’re Silver Spoon’s Pa?” Apple Bloom asked. “Indeed I am,” Silver Lining answered with a smile. “And I am also a very rich Silver tycoon looking to make a new investment that peaks my interest. Silver Spoon has told me that this Gizmonk of yours is a very skilled inventor, and that there is definite potential in putting these skills to good use whilst also making a small profit. Now as I have said, I am a very rich stallion so no there is no expense that I can think of that will be of great concern to me, therefore I wish to discuss the details of a potential business between us.” “What kind of details?” Applejack asked. “It’s quite simple really,” Silver Lining explained. “Your Gizmonk loves to fix and build, however he cannot do so without the proper materials, and that’s where I come in. I shall provide the materials necessary for the construction of these creations, Goggles uses them to create whatever he believes the customers require, and your family sells them off however you see fit. And the best part is that is shall be of no financial cost to you Apples, and should the whole thing collapse on itself then it is only a small dent in my own money that I can easily make back within a month. I trust this arrangement sounds fair?” Applejack thought for a few moments about this arrangement, it DID sound like a fair deal, however there were certain things that needed to be taken into account. First of all, since this was clearly another one of the Cutie Mark Crusader’s plans to get their Cutie Marks then there were definitely going to be complications concerning them, secondly it wouldn’t feel right if Goggles was being taken advantage of for his skills. However upon looking at the pleading face of the Gizmonk, she knew that this was something he desperately wanted to do. Even Granny Smith and Apple Bloom seemed interested in the idea as they listened in. “Ah don’t suppose we could get this in writing?” Applejack sighed in defeat. # It may have taken another week to get things set up, but it was worth the effort. True to his word, Silver Lining payed for everything so there was nothing the Apples needed to worry about. After clearing a space in the barn, Goggles had managed to set up a makeshift laboratory so that he could make his creations properly, it was a decent sized area in the far corner of the barn so that it was out of the way and left enough room for everything else in there, the Apples were generous enough to give him the space so he was certainly appreciative of that. As Applejack expected, Apple Bloom and the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders including Silver Spoon, wanted to be involved with the whole thing, which made sense since this was their idea in the first place. After Goggles had finished setting up shop in the barn, the CMC took the liberty of advertising the whole project, as such they had several posters printed and placed them all over town, all of which instructed ponies to come to Sweet Apple Acres for an Opening Day that would display Goggles’ talents. When that day came, a small crowd of ponies came to the farm, among those ponies were Twilight, Rarity, Spike, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, the Cakes and their twins, Cheerilee, just to name a few. Applejack was actually amazed to see how many ponies actually showed up to this Opening Day, then again it was Ponyville so stranger things have happened. As part of the Opening Day, Silver Chalice thought it best to put some of Goggles’ previous creations on display, including some of the Wagons he made for the Apples and the toy train he made at Apple Bloom’s school. As the crowd admired the creations on display outside, Goggles was preparing himself in the barn. “Y’all ready for this Goggles?” Apple Bloom asked as she helped fix his hair. Goggles responded with a thumbs-up and a smile. “Then let’s do this,” Apple Bloom said as she led the Gizmonk towards the door. Applejack waited on the other side of the door with the rest of the CMC, waiting patiently for Apple Bloom and Goggles to come out. “Ah really hope this don’t come back to bite us in the flank,” Applejack said nervously. “If this goes belly up…” “Oh would you relax Applejack,” Scootaloo said confidently. “This is gonna be fine, we show Goggles off, he shows of his talents, ponies line up to buy gizmos, easy.” “Yeah, but ponies might not like to put their faith in an animal that they had barely seen before now.” Applejack pointed out. “But wouldn’t they have seen Goggles when Apple bloom brought him home?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Plus every pony in school has already seen him.” “Well that’s true but…” Applejack began before her sentence was interrupted by a small knock on the barn door behind her. Instantly reacting Silver Spoon opened up the door slightly so that she could peer in. “You guys ready?” she asked. “Ready!” Apple Bloom’s voice squeaked. “You’re up Applejack,” Silver Spoon said in response, turning towards her. Taking a gulp of uncertainty, Applejack turned away from the barn and addressed the crowd. “Uh… could ah have every pony’s attention, please!” she called nervously, causing everyone to turn their heads towards her. “Now ah know y’all are here to take a ganders at what Ponyville’s newest resident has to offer, so um… please allow me to introduce the creator of these um…” Suddenly Applejack felt a small tap on her shoulder, she turned her head and saw Apple Bloom holding up a piece of paper that Applejack could only assume was another note from Goggles, which read: YOU CALL THAT AN INTRODUCTION? As if on cue, Goggles kicked open the barn doors and jumped out, causing the crowd to jump back in surprise and Applejack to cringe with embarrassment. After a few moments of awkward silence, Goggles suddenly clicked his fingers and a burst of music erupted from a set of wubs, operated by none other than Vinyl Scratch at her turntable, who had been asked to play music for the event. At first no pony knew what was going on, but as soon as Goggles proceeded to dance to the tune, causing much amusement amongst the crowd as he did, Silver Spoon began to understand where Goggles was going with this, as such she began to sing: SILVER SPOON: His gizmos shall make your lives all grand, Come on folks just give them a small try, And did I mention the first one he makes is free, I think you’re gonna love this guy! Needless to say the crowd was intrigued by the amusing display of Goggles’ talents as he proceeded to move amongst the audience and build several small devices as the music continued. Picking up on the idea, the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders decided to join in on the song. APPLE BLOOM: Goggles’ builds all these things from scratch, Cause his imagination’s limit is the sky, He fixes and mends any type of tech, Ah think you’re gonna love this guy! SCOOTALOO: Everything you ponies need, is at his fingertips, And if he hasn’t made it yet, add it to your wish-list! SWEETIE BELLE: He can make so many wondrous toys, Not one shall make your dear foals cry, He has but one request, Please put him to the test, I know you’re gonna love this guy! At this point, Goggles had started displaying his skills at making toys in front of the Cake Twins with all four of his paws, much to both foals’ amusement. In fact almost every pony in the crowd had begun tapping their hooves to the upbeat tune of the song, Pinkie Pie especially as she bounced in place. Even Applejack had to admit to herself that this was starting to enjoy the show, as Goggles continued to bounce around, displaying his talents to the enchanted audience, she couldn’t help but sing the next verse. APPLEJACK: When you use a Gizmonk’s mind, you’ll find yourself with gold, He cares for each and every one, right until they are sold, At those words the crowd cheered with delight, by now they have become so enchanted that they began singing along. APPLE BLOOM: We've never had a guy like him in town, SILVER SPOON: He’s very glad to volunteer, CROWD: He’d like to be our friend, One who loves to build and mend… Now came the big finale of Goggles’ performance, as he proceeded to jump into audience and surf the crowd back towards the barn a large grin smeared across his face. Upon reaching the door he rushed inside the barn, reappearing seconds later with what appeared to be a replica of Pinkie Pie’s party canon, only this one was bronze and pointed upward. APPLE BLOOM: Ah think you’re gonna love him, SILVER SPOON: I know you’re gonna love him, SWEETIE BELLE: I’m sure you’re gonna love him, SCOOTALOO: Darn right you’re gonna love him, ALL: We know we’re gonna love this guy!!! And with those final words, Goggles slammed a fist onto the controls of the canon, allowing it to fire a burst of luminescent blue flares, amazing the crowd with its magical wonder. Once the song was over, every pony cheered as Goggles took a bow, Applejack couldn’t help but smile at that. Seeing this new burst of enthusiasm amongst her fellow ponies, she once again spoke. “So…” she said. “Who wants to make a request first?”