Another thing that I was horrible at; keeping my own secrets. As soon as I blurted out that I let Hahli handle a level 7 disc, the moment shifted from a celebration to a crime investigation.
“Where did you get a level 7 disc?” My father asked.
“There was a mix-up in the piles of the forges,” I answered.
“Then why didn’t you return it to the authorities of the forges?”
“I didn’t know what level it was until Hahli pointed out its inscription,”
Both my parents glanced over to my sister, giving her the ‘We’ll deal with you later’ look. “Lhikan, do you have any idea how dangerous a level 7 disc can be?”
“Hahli was fine, she came out of the workshop with only metal splotches.”
“You’re lucky your sister was able to handle a level 7 disc, it could’ve killed her,”
“Wait… a level 7 disc has the power to kill a pony?”
“Yes!” He trotted upstairs. When he came back down, he had a book in his mouth. He set the book down on the table, next to the half-finished fried rice. Opening to a specific page, he tapped his hoof on the page and coaxed me over. “Here, you’re a scholar, read this,”
I read over the contents ‘Level 7 discs- lists of hazards and how to avoid them using precautions’ Just by reading the first paragraph, I realized the true nature of Kanoka discs. “You mean Level 7 discs have an incredible magic to them, if they even snap in half, a shock-wave is released, enough to put a pony or Matoran into Comatose?”
“Yes, that is why skilled mask makers have forges that are high quality. If it wasn’t for the shock-proof walling, the whole Metru would be in a constant earthquake.” He closed the book. “You’ve studied history, what happened to disc dueling once the Metrues developed?”
I knew this. During the Age of Transition, A sport named disc dueling was very popular, but deemed illegal in the end. Bitter opponents often ended up with major injuries and in some cases- death. Level 1-6 discs were relatively harmless, while 7 or higher were capable of killing a Matoran… or a pony, for this matter.
“Due to the nature of the discs, the sport was illegal once the Metrues developed” I answered.
“There you go, Level 7 discs are highly temperamental,” He put the book under one of his wings. “I’m going to make sure that you get the proper discipline at the forges,”
My eyes went wide. As much as I disliked my job, I didn’t want to lose it. It was the only thing keeping me from drowning in school bills. “Wait! Are they going to fire me?”
My dad rolled his eyes “Of course not, you’ll only get fired if you do something illegal or slack-off too much,” He trotted upstairs to put the book back.
My mother glared at me with a raised eyebrow. I gave her a nervous smile and backed away slowly.
Hahli quietly asked, “Doesn’t anypony want to see the mask I made?”
My mother quickly shifted gears. She smiled at Hahli and patted her on the head. “Let’s go take a look at that mask then…” They both trotted toward the workshop.
My father descended the stairs “Lhikan, next time you run into something you have questions about, ask mom or me first,”
I nodded in agreement. At least they understood that it was an honest mistake. The feeling was mutual. I also understood them for acting a little scared or angry. We could’ve lost Hahli if that disc snapped.
“Honey! Come take a look at this!” My mother shouted from the workshop. My Dad and I rushed through the doors into the workshop.
“What is it Darling?” My dad asked in concern. My mother glanced back from the anvil, pointing her hoof towards the mask sitting on the cool, metal surface.
As we both approached the mask, all of us realized that Hahli not only carved a mask, but carved a legendary mask.
“Hahli, where did you get the idea to carve a mask like that?” asked my father.
“I’ve seen it in one of Lhikan’s books, I decided to make a copy, with my own personal touches”
“Um… sis, do you even know the mask you just carved?”
“No…” She said “All I know is that it was from one of your books.
I picked up the mask and held it in my hooves “Hahli, you just carved the copper mask of victory.” I hoofed the mask over to my father and he inspected it.
“By the adjustments and markings you’ve made, you shifted the enchantment to a stronger state of victory” My dad ran his hoof over the notches and grooves she made. It was usually hard to impress him with masks, since he works with them a lot.
“That mask is meant for the winners of a Kohlii match. To many, it is a supposed trophy, but legend says that each mask in possession raises the chances of winning a match,” I recalled.
My dad snapped out of his trance. “What are we doing just standing here? This is a work of art! I’ve got to get this to Toa Nirva and Princess Luna as soon as possible!” My father trotted into the dining room and fetched his pack. He carefully slid the mask into the saddlebags and place it on his back. “Hahli, hop on my back, I must make sure you take credit of your work.”
She leaped up on his back. Quicker than parasprites through a basket of apples, they took off before anypony could say ‘goodbye’.
So instead, we waved goodbye to Hahli and Dad. My mother turned to me and sighed “That was interesting… your father is acting a bit weird today. It’s probably because his little filly has gotten her cutie mark” She prodded me to head upstairs “Well, better get ready for tomorrow, you have a rough day ahead of you”. I sighed as I trotted upstairs. One thing I did not look forward to. The Probation. Probation meant that I am supervised like a 4-year-old foal and I take a pay cut… a hefty pay cut.
I headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth. I pick up the toothbrush with a special device for a hoof. Unicorns are spoiled. They have the capabilities to hold anything in their magic, making life ten times easier.
I brush my blackened teeth. Easy fix. Because of the soot of the forges, a pony’s teeth is covered with a layer of chalky black substance. To get rid of this problem, I use a strong toothpaste engineered by unicorns to blast away the grime of the day. After I finish, I douse my toothbrush in hot water to keep the contaminants out. It is important to keep your dental health, it reflects the health of your whole body.
I make my way over to my room and do a little more studying. This textbook wasn’t going to read itself. I skim over the quick history of Equestria. As I flip through the pages, I come to the realization that a lot has happened over the course of a thousand years.
As I’m reading, a shaft of yellow light catches my eye. I look over, finding it to be the stone Toa Nirva gave me. The stone was set on my pillow like it was relaxing. I take a closer peek at the rock, finding it has a rift in its side, right across the emblem.
Darn, Hahli broke it. Through the crack, a golden light stretched forth its tiny rays, seeping through aimlessly. Picking it up, I examine it once more, inspecting for any other fractures.
My heart leaps out off my chest as the rock splits. Pressurized air hisses as the stone splits into its core parts. The outer layer or the rock acted as a canister, or a shell, protecting a more precious item inside. It was a round, parabolic, translucent gemstone, shining bright like the sun.
At this point, I have no idea what to do. Do I put it back into the shell? Or is it meant to be this way? I spot a folded note stuffed in the shell. I concluded that this was not an accident, Toa Nirva purposed it for this.
Right as I was about to pick up the note, I heard footsteps coming up the stairs.
I scramble to hide the Stone. Flustered, I resort to my only option- keep it under my pillow. I act natural when a familiar pony peeks her head past my door.
“Back so soon Hahli? I thought you and Dad were visiting the Princesses” I do my best to act natural.
“Turns out the Guards won’t let us in until morning. To make it all the worse, we had to schedule an appointment, which takes us back until the day after tomorrow, very early in the morning,” she groans in frustration and enters my room.
“Well, I guess you have to respect the guards for what they do. The Princesses are always busy, you know,”
“I guess so,” She falls face-first on my mattress, burying her head in the blankets
“I didn’t hear you come in,” I mentally facehoof. She could probably tell that I was hiding something. I usually don’t ask questions like that.
Lucky for me, she was too tired to notice. “Huh,” She took a deep breath and laid face-up.
“Hey Lhikan,” She has the particular look in her eye, one that I’ve been able to recognize over the years. She had an Idea.
“Yeah sis?”
“Could you tell me how you got your cutie mark again?”
Oh boy, I wasn’t prepared for this. I paused for a second and said “Yes,”
She got up and moved to a comfortable spot on my bed while I took a seat at my desk in my swivel chair. I clasp my hooves together, looking for a place to start.
“So, it began on a hot summer afternoon, and we were preparing to take a field trip to the Great Temple,”
“Wait, Isn’t summertime the time when school is out… wait… that is right, you had summer school,”
“Yep, you know me so well, I am a nerd,” I got back to the story. “Unlike you, I was one of the last ones to get their cutie mark. If I recall correctly, 4th to last.”
That was good, give her something to relate to. “So, when we were on the school bus, I decided to waste time by reading about the great temple. The whole time, I had my snout stuck in that book while my fellow blank-flanks were plotting more schemes to get their cutie marks. Usually, I’d put a book down and join in with them, but I was extremely fascinated by the workings of the Great Temple. So naturally, I ignored them.”
Hahli listened attentively, her fire- orange eyes focused on me. “Once we got inside the great temple, we marveled at the historical carvings in the wall. I came to realization that I was standing in the same spot where Toa Vakama and the Toa-metru began. I noticed more of the engravings, as they led further in time. Soon, I found myself looking at the most-recent fulfilled prophecies, then looked into the future of Equestria-Nui.”
“As I marveled at the engravings, wondering what the future had in store. In deep thought, I answered my own question. The future may be perilous, but all of us will be just fine. Immediately, flash of golden light illuminated the room, or so my classmates say. It caught everypony by surprise, and before I knew it, this appeared on my flank,” I gestured over to my cutie mark, the symbol of Mata-Nui. The three virtues, Unity, Duty and Destiny. “Even though it may be extremely vague, I know what it is for, it means I know my history well, I am a scholar of Equestria-Nui”
Hahli smiled and came up and hugged me. “Thanks, Big brother, I needed to hear that again,”
I embraced her back. “No problem Hahli, anytime,” As we pulled away from each other, I look her in the eye “You know what? You now have an amazing story to tell about how you got your cutie mark.” I shift my tone for a quick impersonation. In a thick accent, I playfully say “You can tell ponies how you’ve rescued a level 7 disc from the evil hooves of Lhikan-uta.”
“Yeah! I can’t wait til’ tomorrow!” She hops up and down. “Now I can show off to my friends!” She struts in front of me, posing her cutie mark like a fashion model. “Take a look at me, I’m a skilled mask maker! Ha! Take that regal ponies, a new pony has her cutie mark, and her name is Hahli!”
I fall out of my chair as we laugh together, rolling around on the floor.
“Now, Now, you two, it’s time to go to bed. This might’ve been a special occasion, but it is still a school night,”
“Aww man,” She moaned and reluctantly exited my room.
I got back to a little studying, while my mom took a seat on my mattress. After a long, awkward silence, she started off the conversation “So… Hahli got her cutie mark, isn’t that exciting?”
I looked over to her. “Yes, It has finally shown up,” I look back to the book, trying to find my place.
“Speaking of her cutie mark, I’m going to transfer messages to our family members all across Equestria-Nui. I think we should host her party on the day of the Kolhii Tournament,”
“Wait… that is next month…” I hop up and check my Calendar on the wall.
“Yes, do you think we all should go to the Kolhii match as a family?”
I go back to my chair “I think that is a great Idea, enjoying the big game as a family. Oh, and it works as a present too,”
“Great!” She yawned “I think I’ll do it tomorrow, my sea-pony body isn’t going to let me stay up,” She trotted out of the room and shut off the light “Goodnight Lhikan, don’t stay up too late,”
“Don’t worry, I know my limits!”
I closed my door to make sure my parents and sister couldn’t see. I flicked the light switch on my lamp, setting it to dim so it wouldn’t disturb the others. I rushed to my bedside and picked up the stone from underneath my pillow.
I find the note and use the dim light to read what it says.
“Dear Lhikan, I know this may be highly informal, but we require your presence at Canterlot Castle as soon as possible. Get here as soon as you can, and bring this golden gemstone with you. We’ll talk there about what is happening.
As always, Toa Nirva, Toa of the Sun”
Toa Nirva was being extremely vague, but if they needed me, then I would do it because it is my duty to Equestria-Nui. I took another look at the Toa stone. Its golden light flooded outward, reaching out to every corner of the room. Even my yellow fur, dulled by the soot from the forges, shone golden as the light caressed it.
For once, I skipped my studying and decided to have a good night’s rest. Even though I was excited for all the things that lied ahead, my body had other plans. Trust me, if you had 3 hours of sleep the night before, worrying about the deadline for a mask, your body tends to choose sleep over excitement.
My probation was finally over. Sure, it was annoying to have a “foal-sitter” in the background, making sure you are on task, but as long as you’re carving something, or just using the torch, they just sit in the corner, pull out a magazine or newspaper and relax.
It just so happened that Hahli’s cute ceanera was today after work. My parents permitted me to work late, as long as I show up for the Hahli’s cute ceanera. That means I get to rush home as soon as possible.
Mintfire and I were just packing up from work, since our shift was over.
“Hey, Mint, are you going to the Kolhii tournament tonight?”
“Uhm, no, sadly. I gotta head over to the Ga-Metru by tonight. It cannot wait,”
“Oh,” I picked up my bag, which was lighter than usual. “Well then, let me know how it goes.”
“Yeah, I will,” then parted into the steam. He shouted back, even if I couldn’t see him “By the way, tell your sister Congrats on her cutie mark,”
“Sure thing, have a good one,” I headed out a different way, since I had to take a detour and stop downtown.
Even if could be late, I could make on time it if I hurry. I break into a gallop upon exiting the forges and hop into the nearest taxi.
The store I was going to was hailed several times over for their quality work. I did a little research, to see which companies were reliable, trying to avoid the bias. But upon reading a relatively-candid inspection, I knew this was the place to go.
As I trot into the store, the chime sounds and the clerk at the desk recites “Hello, welcome to the Forges Depot,” I look around and find what I am looking for. I lift a quality welding torch in my hooves and bring it to the front desk.
“One welding torch, that’ll be 500 bits”. I shell out a couple pouches of bits, ones that I accumulated for working overtime. I’ve been saving up ever since Hahli got her cutie mark.
“Could you place that in a box?”
“Sure” the Clerk reach over and put the torch in a protective box and hoofed it over, taking the bits in the process.
I thought to myself, I could wrap it on the way home. I quickly took another taxi, and headed home. Hopefully this surprise doesn’t cost me my punctuality.
I make it home, just right on the dot. The party was about to start, and family members and friends were gathered in the living room.
“Oh Lhikan! You’re just in time!” my mother stated, “Come, I need your help,” She motioned over to the garage and lead the way in. Right upon entering, I knew what help she needed. In the back of Dad’s wagon was a decent-sized cake. She lifted her side with magic and I carried the other side on the handlebar with my mouth.
“Now careful, this was a pain in the rump to get,”
“Alrighth,” I said as best as I could, the handlebar crippled my speech as I replied.
As soon as the cake appeared in the kitchen, it caught the eye of the little fillies and colts at the party. My mother used her magic to set a special candle down. All Hahli had to do was blow it out, and the rest would be the spectacle of the party.
Cute Ceaneras are like special birthdays, same format and style, yet very different in the way they are planned. This would happen to be one of the differences.
Hahli blew out the special candle knowing what would happen. She has seen it couple times before. As soon the wick was flame-less, the rather bland, empty white cake changed color. The base color flowed outward, turning white to the same color as her coat, a light-green hue. But in the center, a special symbol. It was the welding torch carving out the Avohkii, her cutie mark.
Same thing happens at most cute ceaneras all across Equestria-Nui. It was a spell specially made by a unicorn, all you have to do is copy the signature of magic from the cutie mark onto a prepared candle, and you end up with this result.
Everypony got their slice of cake, along with a scoop of ice cream. Hahli is simplistic, yet likes being intricate, so the flavor of the ice cream matches the pony’s personality. The flavor she choose was cookies and cream, mixed together in such a way, it seems more like art than a desert.
I got a chance to meet her friends from school, most of which are still blank, except for two, and those two are her “besties”. As I tried to make my way over to her, I was attacked by a horde of fillies and colts asking me how to earn a cutie mark.
Hahli must’ve of sent them over to me, since I know the best answer for the questions. That is probably why she was early in earning hers.
“Look, every filly and colt, there is no way how I can tell you how to earn your cutie mark. I can give you the advice I gave to Hahli however: Don’t worry about it, explore while you are still young and try new things. It will come in its own time”
For the most part, that did the trick. I’ve known that secret forever now. That is the reason why I was one of the last in my class to earn theirs. I was caught up in the nonsense of trying to earn mine so I fit in. It took me a while, but until I started to care more about my studies more than my cutie mark, my flank remained blank.
The party continued on, and not a few minutes later, my mother announced it was time to open presents.
For the most part, Hahli received the “default” present from friends. If you don’t know what I mean, I mean bits. Lots and lots of bits. I would daresay enough to rival my month’s paycheck.
But, when it came to family, they knew exactly what to get her. Regardless of special talent, they knew what she wanted. First present from family was the grandparents. She ripped the wrapping paper open to reveal a copy of the newest book to her favorite series.
She might’ve read the book a couple dozen times, but there is no shame in collecting a book for your personal shelf.
Aunts and Uncles got her some hoof-made items from their Metrus. For instance, from the relatives from the Po-metru, they got her a special stone carving of her cutie mark.
Now, it came time for the present from me. Upon opening it, she was overly-eager, more than the other presents. While the others looked at the torch in disgust, there was no way to contain her excitement, since carving masks was her knack. That was another mystery of cutie marks. Somehow, it influences the items that ponies like and dislike.
Although I had put a lot of thought into getting her the perfect gift, my present was nothing compared to the present from mother and father.
I knew what it was from the beginning. I helped sign it and prepare it, after all. Their present to her was minimally related to her cutie mark, but rather focused on the sentimental value of things.
It was three items, a book, a journal, and a picture. The book was about the detailed portion of certain masks, and a brief history behind them. The journal was for her to keep track of her findings while carving masks. But, the final one, the picture, was a picture of the family, so she always has us near.
My parents and I picked out an item each for this present. Like usual, I picked out the book with a detailed outlook on every mask. While on the other hoof, my mother picked out a journal for her to record her experiences and findings. Dad, who picked the perfect present, put in a framed picture of the family.
That brought tears to her eyes. She knew what this meant, and it meant a lot to her. After her touching moment, Dad invited the whole family to listen to her cutie mark story.
She took a stand at the front of the living room, surrounded by everyone.
She began “Well, many of you may have heard this story, but I’ll tell it to you again… this time accurately”
The whole family laughed. Hahli chuckled and started “Well, it started on a quiet evening. I was bugging my brother to death during his study time.” She smiled as the family had another laugh “Finally, after a while of nagging, he let me help him on his “take work home” job. We just finished a mask, saving his rump for the hundredth time, until I noticed the disk in his mouth.”
“Now, I have no idea how he got his hooves on a Level 7 disc, but there it was, in front of me.” She shook her head “I didn’t know what got into me. First, I had the crazy idea of playing with it, then carving it, and before I knew it, I created a mask.”
“By the time I was finished messing around, I was covered in metal splotches, which ironically covered my flank. It wasn’t until I used a cleaner that my mother found a cutie mark on my flank.”
She looked around to all the family members and friends. “I can say I am one of the first ones in my class to get their cutie mark.” She pointed her hoof at me “My brother, Lhikan is the main reason why I have mine so early. No so much for the Level 7 Kanoka disc, but rather encouraging me and giving me useful tips about special talents.”
“He taught me to explore your horizons and do as much as you can before you get your cutie mark. Because once you get it, your freedom to explore and try new things is greatly decreased. But nonetheless, finding the thing that makes you special is a milestone in life. I look forward to what my future has in store for me.”
“Thank you everypony, this has been a great cute ceanera!” She made her way back to her friends, and soon the whole household began mingling again.
My mother tapped a fork to a glass a couple times to get everypony’s attention. “The party doesn’t end here! We have yet another surprise!” She put down the fork and glass and picked up a golden ticket stub with her magic. “Princess Luna and Toa Nirva were kind enough to give the whole party admittance to the Kolhii match held at the coliseum!”
Everypony cheered. “Everypony find a ride to the coliseum. We’ll meet out front, I’ll explain the rest later”
The crowd dissipated and made their way outside, taking to a vehicle immediately. Everypony was excited to go to a Kolhii match meant for champions.
The looks on Everypony’s face, whether it be family or friend, was all the same. A twinkle in their eyes, the sign of wonder and happiness. A sign of a childhood memory. A sign of Joy. This is what happiness is meant to be like. Doesn’t matter what circumstance you are in, as long as you are with the ponies you love, happiness always finds a way into their hearts.
This was going to be a night to remember.