//------------------------------// // 3. Helping Hoof // Story: A New Impetus // by Zykov //------------------------------// The clock hit three. The rain and thunder had finally calmed down, and only a slight drizzle remained. Wild Soul looked out of the window of his office and let out a deep sigh, relieved he no longer has to worry about his stuff getting wet now. The stallion walked back over to his desk and lifted his saddlebag from the ground, setting it on his back and starting to gather his equipment: a wine red, blocky laptop, a few official papers, pens and a half-empty bottle of water. Closing the door behind him as he left the room, he walked over to a big staircase and took the staircase downstairs, heading over to the dial in order to clock out. There wasn’t much going on in the hallways. Most of the workers are either in their offices, working, or in break rooms having idle chit chats. The laughter in there could be heard all the way through the hallway. Soul very rarely joined the groups during breaks since he could never keep himself in the conversation. As Soul arrived at the dial, he saw a familiar yellow mare who was about to clock out. He thought to himself, say hi and stay to talk, or just clock out and wave to her? There wasn't really any time to 'deeply' think on this. He was still debating this decision when Mineral's voice broke his train of thought. “Oh, hello there!” Mineral chimed and immediately snapped to smile, quickly clocking herself out and turned to face at the stallion. “End of your day too, eh?” Soul immediately put on a smile too and nodded, digging up his time sheet and clocked himself out. “That’s right, nothing too interesting has been going on after my meeting. How are you feeling by the way?” He turned to look at the mare with an eyebrow raised. ”I haven’t seen you around since the cafeteria scene.” Mineral quickly stood up straight and puffed out her chest but flipped her hair back as it fell in front of her eyes. “Never better!” she declared with a strong tone but gave a chuckle afterwards, returning to a more relaxed posture. “I’ve just been resting in my office and tried to get some work done before the day ends.” Soul gave the mare a gentle nod and they started to walk towards the exit. “That’s good. It must be hard struggling with asthma, especially if you get attacks that are as bad as that last one.” Mineral’s smile fell. “Well, I admit that it’s not exactly a fun thing to have and it has affected me a lot, but...“ The smile returned to her face just as quickly as it had left and she looked around and swiped her front leg through the air. “Here I am, working in the capital of Equestria, and in one of the greatest design companies of them all.” As they reached the exit, Soul opened the door and held it for Mineral, who gave Soul a big smile and a nod as a thank you. “Very true.” Soul said and closed the door, he then looked up at the sky. “Though what startled you like that? Was it the lighting?” Soul asked as he turned to look at Mineral with wide prying eyes. Mineral’s heart skipped a beat and she let out an awkward laugh. “N-No, of course not. Only foals are afraid of lighting, right?” She crossed her forelegs as she stopped at the side walk. Before Soul even got a chance to answer, Mineral already changed the subject, she cleared her throat. “Anyway, how have you liked it here in Spectrum?” Thrown off guard by Mineral’s sudden awkward reaction, a blank look overtook Soul’s face. Mineral clearly didn’t want to talk about it, so he decided to just drop the subject. The stallion looked up at the building with a smile. “It sure has been nice working here so far.” Mineral made a bold statement, “Best workplace ever if you ask me, sis!” she chanted with a big smile on her face. “It’s fantastic that you enjoy working here.” Soul gave the mare a nod in agreement and dug up a lemon pastille package from his pocket, popping one in his mouth. “This first year here sure has treated me well.” He raised his hoof and a confident grin rose upon his face. “When I was a trainee here one and a half years ago, I was sure this was the place for me.” Mineral flicked her tail and stood a little taller as she put a hoof on her chest, holding her chin up high. “I sure know the feeling. Most of the ponies who come here usually stay here if they can. They could have a better food selection though,” she said with a bright chuckle following. Soul joined the laugh and tilted his head back and to the side. “You said it.” He was about to put the package back in his pocket, but he paused and offered one to Mineral. “Want one?” “Oh! Sure.” The mare smiled and took one of the pastilles with her magic, shifting her focus toward the sky. “Thank Celestia, the weather has gotten better.” Mineral’s statement caused a soft chuckle to escape Soul’s mouth as he lifted a hoof to ask a question. “Isn’t the weather usually used as a last resort in conversations?” Mineral replied gave a light chuckle as she shrugged, “Weather ponies must have very awkward conversations if that’s true.” A grin spread across Soul’s face and he looked away. “Good point.” Mineral turned to look at the big bell tower that was a bit further from Canterlot Spectrum. “Well, I have to go. I’m organizing an event today and being late is not a viable option.” Soul dipped his head to the side and raised his eyebrow as they stopped at the edge of the sidewalk. “That’s right, you work as an event organizer too. Almost forgot that.” Mineral gave him a nod with a big smile, placing her hoof on her chest. “Indeed! I would tell you about it but the clock is ticking.” She tapped the back of her hoof as if she had a watch on and started walking away from the stallion, but kept her attention on him. “Tomorrow you can tell me how that meeting went with that marketing director if you want.” Soul nodded and tapped his forehead with the tip of his hoof and flick his wrist as a goodbye. “Alright, sure! I’ll see you tomorrow then.” Mineral nodded back and waved her hoof before she turned to leave. Soul also began walking away in the opposite direction. Even though the rain had calmed down, Soul could still feel light drops hitting his fur. Sunbeams were brightly gleaming behind the clouds, causing the air to be rather warm. In a way, it was calming and relaxing. Though before he even reached a block away from his workplace, he felt vibrations coming from a pocket on his saddlebag. Soul immediately stopped and looked in the direction of the vibration and dug up a book with his magic. It was a small, red book with writing on it; “Instant Message.” Soul instantly stopped and was about sit on a bench nearby but at the last moment lifted his flank back up when he realized it was obviously soaking wet. The stallion just opened the book to the first page, on the upper corner it had a name written on it; 'Noble Poet.' On the page some text had appeared. “Hey Soul, I was wondering, would you like to go have some cider with me after my shift ends. I could REALLY use a drink, It’s been one of the worst days I’ve had in awhile. My normal, eat, have a few sweets, bury my head in a pillow and sleep WILL NOT cut it. So what do you say, same place as always?” Soul drew his neck back and scrunched his eyebrows together as he felt heavier rain drops falling. He glanced up and looked around for a shelter so the book wouldn’t get wet. He quickly spotted a small one close by, and ran under it. Taking a pen from his bag, he started writing on the right, empty page of the book. Though before writing anything, Soul took a good bit of time to think about what to respond with. Eventually he hit the paper with his pen and the words began to flow. As Soul finished writing, both of the writings disappeared, meaning that the message was sent. After the text disappeared, Soul closed the book and put it back into his pocket, taking a light breath as he glanced over at the Hotel Liakada that could be seen a few blocks away. It didn’t take long util Soul moved again and headed to do his daily routine. First, to the grocery store to buy food, go home and doing something to kill time, like read books or some random comics, play piano a little, draw or just lay on a bed and let his mind wander, or like now, meet Noble. It only took one hour before Soul’s I.M. Book vibrated again and Noble reported that he got out of work and was going to change clothes then head to their regular place at the mall. Soul grabbed his jacket and bag and headed back out again. The rain had completely stopped and the sun was shining one-hundred percent. Once again, Soul wandered through his thoughts during the walk since the streets had nothing of interest. Just upperclass ponies avoiding puddles like they were toxic. Eventually Soul arrived at the mall and headed in. The mall was more lively than usual, since it seemed like some kind of big food court event was going on. Every single kiosk and restaurant in there seemed to be offering free samples. Regardless, he headed straight out to a place called “Cider Cycle.” A small eatery with a pub-like decor. He had to look for a bit until he spotted his friend sitting at a table, already having cider. Soul let out a light sigh before heading behind Noble, he leaned against the bench and gave the tan stallion’s head a light bump. “You sure didn’t waste any time.” Noble, who was lost in his own thoughts, suddenly winced as he snapped out of it, his cider accidentally going down the wrong way, which caused him to cough for a good bit and some of it even spilling on his blue button up shirt. After managing to catch his breath, he turned to look at Soul while rubbing his nose and glaring at the stallion behind him. “Ahh… Dang it, Soul. What was that for?” he inquired in a raspy voice. The white stallion raised his hooves, having a guilty grin on his lips. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to almost cause you to choke. Didn’t realize you were that deep in your thoughts.” He lifted a few napkins on the table with his magic and handed them over to Noble. “Maybe this is a sign meaning that your wardrobe would need an upgrade.” Noble took the napkins and wiped his chest and legs clean of cider before rubbing over his mouth and blowing his nose in it trying to relieve the sting of the cider. "It's fine no harm done. Sorry for zoning out like that," he stated before giving a short laugh. Soul gave him a friendly laugh, “I’ve noticed you do that from time to time by now.” He leaned back from the bench and looked over at the counter. “Just a sec, I’ll get my own drink.” “Of course.” Noble responded reaching out to get a final napkin to dab at the spot once more. Soul walked over to the counter and ordered a pear cider. Of course he had to show his ID since there’s obviously an age limit for alcoholic drinks. He paid for his drink and walked back to Noble, holding the drink with his magic. He sat down on the seat opposite of his friend. “It seems like there’s some kind of food court event going on.” Noble raised his head and turned to look at the exit of the eatery. “Oh yes, I heard about that a few days ago at the hotel. Every restaurant, kiosk et cetra participating here are giving out free samples along with some special offers. It seems pretty intriguing.” Soul’s ears perked up and he looked back at the court. “Is that so? Wanna go there in a bit? I want to see what they got.” Noble gave his friend a small smile. “Sure! I’m curious to see too.” “It’s a deal then,” he said with a nod and took a sip of his cider before bringing up the reason Noble wanted to come, “So… Your day. Not the best one?” The smile on Noble’s face faded away and he looked away from his glass, taking a big breath before he nodded as frown filled out his face. “Yeah… It’s been a few months since she became our new manager, but it still feels like she doesn’t belong there at all. She’s just horrible; the worst kind of high society narcissist there is. She just bosses us around, without showing anypony any gratitude or appreciation.” Soul drew his neck back, the corners of his mouth dropping as he scrunched his eyebrows together. “Oh… Dang...” “And if that’s not enough…” Noble paused for a moment and took a sip from his glass before continuing, looking at the dog tags hanging on his neck. “She once again, bad mouthed me, my dogtags and finally, I embarrassed myself in front of all the high society ponies by slipping on a on a drink that a guest had dropped on the floor…”’ “Wow…” Soul started rubbing his neck as he lowered his head. “Sounds like luck hasn’t been on your side today...” Noble let out a groan and took another, big sip of his cider. “Yeah… no. It never is.” He glared as he looked down into his cup, the thought of Double Bit still running through his head. Soul followed the example by taking a sip as well. “Come on, that’s not true. Has she been that bad from the beginning? You’ve given me the idea that she’s just annoying.” Noble gave a light nod and sighed. “At first she was annoying when she was primarily enforcing her excessive rules and regulations on the receptionists and those in the public light, but recently she has been stricter, enforcing them on everypony. Even the kitchen staff is not safe. If you displease her she will just order you to work extra hours without overtime, threaten to fire you and assault you with words…” “Without a reason?” Soul was on the edge of his seat, eyes wide, taking in every word his friend spoke. “I guess she wants to prove her worth in the position to every single individual there. She is mostly doing these things for her higher-ups and herself. She loves throwing her power in other’s faces, just to toot her own horn.” Noble took a long swig of cider before giving a mighty huff holding himself back so he doesn’t slam down his mug. Soul shook his head and let out a long sigh. “That’s wrong in so many ways.” He reached out, moving the mug to the side and placing his hoof on the table, his leg bent at the elbow as he offered a supportive hoof to his friend. He tried smiling and kept the elbow bent to ensure this was not overly awkward. “But what happened after you fell?” Noble sighed. “You know that hurt, but… I had no other option than to just stand there and take it. She of course made me clean it up later. She ordered that no other pony touch it but me.” “What? Seriously?“ Soul’s forehead began growing warmer and his eyebrows dropped, “I would leave that place immediately after something like that.” The earth pony hooked his friends hoof with his shaking it from the shoulder, his anger melting into despair. “You know it’s not that easy for somepony like me. You’re a unicorn, so you wouldn’t have problems finding a job. I’m just an earth pony. I can’t leave my job, just like that.” The white stallion leaned back and pulled his hooves away since it started to get a bit too wakward for him, looking away and furrowing his eyebrows. “Yeah, it’s true that earth ponies don’t exactly have the easiest time getting jobs here. Even Canterlot Spectrum only has a few earth ponies working there.” Noble ran his hoof around the rim of his glass. “I would take your job anyday if I had your creativity.” A light laugh escaped Soul’s mouth and he leaned against the table. “Well, working in a design company isn’t always easy. It’s a busy place and sometimes work hours stretch quite a bit.” Noble grabbed his glass and leaned back. “At least you have a good working environment and some encouraging management. Or that’s the conclusion I came to from how you describe it.” Soul gave his friend a nod. “Yeah.” Noble quickly sipped his cider again and then let out a long sigh, burrowing his face into his forelegs as he crossed them on the table. “But I don’t know if I should dare show my face at work again…” The white stallion immediately leaned forwards and lightly bumped his hoof against the table. “Hey, listen now. It was an accident caused by a terrible customer. Who knows how badly you could’ve been hurt. There’s no way your co-workers can think that’s funny.” “Believe me, I heard plenty of laughs and I was given a few remarks and blame from everypony, even from a couple of the co-workers...” Noble spoke lifting a foreleg just enough so his voice could be audible. Soul’s jaw immediately dropped and he smacked a hoof against his face. “Oh my Celestia, how big of idiots can some ponies be?” Noble looked away shoving his face into his crossed forelegs. “Tell me about it… I just want to hit my head against this table right now.” His voice was muffled but still audible to Soul. Soul scrunched his eyebrows together as he leaned forward with a grin upon his lips. “You’re gonna suffer if you hurt my best friend, you know,” he said following it up with a laugh.. “Just don’t let them get to you. You’re a valuable, hard working guy and a great friend. Or would I be sitting here having cider with you if I thought otherwise?” A light laugh escaped Noble’s mouth as he sat back up. “Thank you, you always manage to help me when I’m down.” He lifted a hoof up toward Soul. “Consider it my duty,” Soul stated with a friendly laugh. He lifted his hoof as well, clapping it against his friend’s outstretched hoof in support with a small smile and poured the last drop of cider into his mouth. “Well then, shall we go and expose ourselves to many, many calories?” Noble stood up from his seat and nodded his head. “Yes, with pleasure. After you.” The Earth pony bowed his head and extended a leg. Soul grabbed their glasses with his magic and stood up as well, taking the glasses to a return cart. After that, they headed back to the mall’s square and to the food court. Soul told his friend about his workday and how the client chose the logo Soul liked less, and how his co-worker Mineral had an asthma attack during their lunch break. Naturally Noble asked if she was alright now and if Soul helped her. Soul followed up and explained how it went as they arrived to an ice cream shop that advertised free milkshake samples. Noble lifted a sample of a toffee milkshake and spoke up before sipping it. “Sooo, what else is going on besides these… interesting, situations at work?” Soul followed the example and thought for a bit before answering, "Well I've bought a couple new very stylish shirts. One red and the other one has a genius patterning." Noble shivered in delight then opened his eyes to before speaking to Soul agian. "Awesome, sounds pretty neat," "One of the greatest ones I've seen. Fits pretty darn well with my other, black jacket. The colors fit together so well." Noble gave a soft smile, even though it was slightly forced since Noble isn't that into clothes. “That’s good.“ He then turned to look at the mare who was running the stand and held up his empty cup. “This milkshake is delectable, ma’am.” The mare gave the stallion a big smile. “Thank you, mister! Be sure to buy it before the court ends.” Noble nodded at her reply as a thank you and started walking toward another stand with Soul. After tasting a few samples from different courts, they decided to search over the more excotic part of the court. Soul knew that Noble was a far more adventurous eater than he was and did not want to prevent him from trying all the foods he wanted to partake of. After awhile, they arrived at a big stage that seemed to still be half-built, though it also seemed to have surprisingly few workers building it. As they were bypassing the stage, frustrated murmuring and sounds of paper caught their attention in front of the stage. Noble nudged his friend and chuckled. “Somepony seems to be having a difficult time.” The one who actually was there having a rough time was someone Soul wasn’t expecting to see, especially here. He stopped Noble and scrunched his eyebrows slightly while squinting his eyes. “Hey, that’s one of my co-workers. Mineral, the one who had an attack today.” Noble focused on the mare putting up the banner. “Oh. Well she looks like she’s having a difficult time with that poster.” “Banner,” Soul quickly corrected with a quick laugh. He motioned for Noble to follow him and walked over to Mineral who had already put the banner down and hopped to the edge of stage, burying her face in her hooves. Noble froze and stared at the mare for a moment. Unable to see her full face but able to see enough to get a good idea his heart began to beat faster as a pink hue cast over his cheeks. He leaned over and whispered to his friend. “Oh wow, now that I can see her better, she is kinda cute… Do I look ok?” The pale stallion stopped alongside his friend and drooped his head with a sigh. “Noble please, don’t start one of those starflight crushes again.” He gave a short laugh raising his head and looking at his friend with an eyebrow raised and a half faced grin. Noble slung his head back, widening his eyes and flicking his ears back. “What...? Are you saying, I’m not supposed to search for my special somepony?” Soul quickly shook his head. “No, I’m just saying that I could make a list of all the mare’s you’ve fallen in love with and lost your interest on the same day, it would be about as long as Equestria’s history.” He took a deep breath and gave his friend a light, yet still a bit sarcastic grin. “I’m just trying to save you from throwing your ‘feelings’ all around, and her from the awkward puppy eyes and ‘I found my true love’ moment.” Noble looked down for a moment with rather gloomy face, but then turned his attention to Soul again with an awkward smile as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, you have a point there… Thank you. I will just drop it. Though I wouldn’t call it love, just a crush. There is a difference." Soul gave Noble a gentle smile. "Don't worry buddy, Mineral isn't the kind of calm and quiet mare you like, so you won't lose a 'true love' there," Soul stated with a joking but friendly laugh and they started walking toward Mineral again. Noble gave his friend a shrug. “If you say so.” He followed, trotting behind Soul to the corner of the stage that Mineral was sitting at. Back at the stage, Mineral was mumbling to herself and was breathing heavier than normal. She even already had her inhalator in her hooves. “Calm down Mineral, calm down. Just…. stay calm and get the job done and you’ll manage.” “Mineral?” Soul spoke up as they arrived at the front of the stage, tilting his head to the side at the sight of her breathing heavily. Mineral immediately raised her head with a gasp, her eyes bulging and a light smile rose upon her face as she saw the white stallion. “Oh, look who’s here!” She jumped off the stage and lifted her hoof. “Just a second.” The mare quickly placed the inhaler into her mouth. She took a deep breath of her medicine and held it for a few seconds before exhaling to speak. “There, much better.” Soul gave a quick nod and looked around himself in the court. “So this is the event you had to organize?” he stated and turned his attention back to the mare, tilting his head up. “Seems like you’re a bit… stressed?” Mineral plopped her flank on the ground and let out a long, rough groan as she rolled her eyes. “Tell me about it! A few helping hooves didn’t arrive to help us after all and now I’m stuck with a wheedler.” The mare tilted her head at the pony who was dragging a big, rolled up screen on to the stage. The stallion to whom Mineral was referring to clearly could hear her comment. His ears were perking up and he turned to look at Mineral, lowering the sunglasses he had. “Thanks, sweetheart! You’re such a flatterer.” “I’m your manager here, Neon! Just get that screen hung,” Mineral groaned and closed her eyes while starting to rub her temple, turning her attention back at the two stallions before her. “We’re lucky that we managed to set most of the event up in time, but dang, this is giving me headache and is elevating my blood pressure.” “Um, if I may say, I’ve really liked this court so far,” Noble spoke up and gave the mare a smile. Mineral’s attention snapped to Noble. “Oh, thanks!” she said, with a smile, though quickly tilting her head and shifting her weight to her other leg. “Who might you be?” “Just my servant. Does all the dirty work, you know,” Soul stated with a laugh and gave a quick glance over at his friend. “Soul!” The earth pony snapped turning to the stallion with a huff. Soul waved his hoof while putting on a smile, he gave Noble’s shoulder a little pat. “Kidding. Noble, this is Mineral Tint, my co-worker. Mineral, this is Noble Poet, a.k.a my best friend. Don’t worry if he’s acting weird, it will go away quickly enough,” he joked and turned to look at Noble, who gave Soul a glare which changed to a stoic expression, indicating that he wasn’t going to say anything silly. “Wha-?” Mineral’s jaw dropped immediately and her eyes kept darting from side to side for a split-second, till she drew her neck back. “Excuse me for my abrupt comment but you have friends?” she quickly spoke with a joking laugh. Soul lightly scrunched his eyebrows together as a confused look took over his face, and he lifted his hoof. “Yeah…? Why are you so… shocked?” A light laugh could be heard escaping Noble’s mouth as he nudged Soul with his elbow. “Come on, I don’t blame her for her reaction; at least not one hundred percent.”. Soul simply rolled his eyes and turned to look at the confused Mineral. Mineral quickly shook her head and snapped out of the state, clearing her throat and standing up straight. “Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, sis!” She stretched out one of her front legs toward Noble, offering to shake. Noble tilted his head slightly and slowly stretched his own leg to shake with Mineral. “Uh… Sis?” “She calls everypony sis,” Soul quickly noted. Mineral shrugged and gave a cheerful chuckle. “It’s my thing. Can’t help it.” She turned to look at Soul and dipped her head to the side. “But yes, I’ve always had the impression that you are kinda like a lonely wolf.” Before Soul even had a chance to open his mouth, Noble had already taken a step forward and let out a chuckle. “He does and doesn’t. He always enjoys the company of ponies he knows and trusts.” The earth pony put on a wide ear to ear smile. “Trust me, despite that, there is a stable guy in there.” Soul’s eyebrow closest to Noble rose, and he gave a half smile as he raised and tilted his head. “You don’t have to speak for me.” Noble quickly took a step back and raised his hoof behind his head, looking away with a slight frown. “Sorry.” Soul jokingly laughed and raised his hoof. “It’s alright.” He then turned his attention back to Mineral and started rubbing his neck. “So umm, yeah. That’s that.” Mineral stood up straight with a big smile. “Well it’s good to know there’s action in your limbic system.” “Uh...” A blank look immediately took over Soul’s face. He drew his neck back and raised his hoof as he looked back and forth at Mineral and Noble. “Limbic system?” Noble seemed to be as unaware, keeping his muzzle shut and looking back and forth between the two as Soul, just giving a shrug. Mineral chuckled and tapped her head. “The part of the brain that adjusts our emotions.” “Oh!” both stallions exclaimed. Soul scratched his head and glanced around furtively. “Well... good to know I guess.” Mineral nodded with a chuckle. “It is.” Though the smile fell pretty quickly and she let out a sigh as she climbed onto the stage again. “Anyway, I’d better get back to work. Every wasted minute means more anger and disappointment…” She glanced away at the ceiling, clearing her throat. “I... sure wish there would be some more help.” Her voice was clearly waving. There was no question what Mineral was going for. Soul turned to look at the tan stallion next to him. “Noble, do you think we could lend a helping hoof?” Noble gave his friend a nod and smiled. “Sure, why not.” Mineral had already started walking away, but she immediately stopped, her eyes widening and she turned to look at the stallions behind her with a smile. “Oh, would you be that kind? Thank you guys! I can’t pay you with any bits though since you don’t have a contract and we don’t have time to make one, but I’ll offer you two dinner or something.” Soul stood straight. “We have a deal.”