The locomotive shut off steam and glided towards the station. It was surprisingly smooth and gentle throughout the journey, thanks to its experienced engine crew.
As it pulled up level with the platform, Midnight learned off the carriage window and stretched out his front legs.
Midnight Snow was released from the hospital a week after the memorial service. He was originally meant to stay in Ponyville, but being so close to the crash site was not advised by Dr Horse, fearing Midnight would have more flashbacks. And when Foxtrot became his chaperone, it was decided that Midnight should stay with her.
There were some issues with this. Least of all was the idea of Foxtrot sharing a home with a stranger and a male one at that. However, she battered away these concerns by pointing out that she was clearly older than Midnight’ and she would be able to handle any rumours.
There was also the fact that Midnight was an alicorn and the issues that this could bring. Twilight came up with the solution of using a modified saddle bags to cover over his wings, or wing and stump. Rarity was in her element. Not only did she make a set perfect fitting bags with secret slots in which he could hide his wing and stump, Rarity had used gold coloured silk and ribbons to stitch it together’ which matched up with his coat.
Midnight adjusted these bags before getting off the carriage seat. He helped Foxtrot get her luggage off the overhead rack and carried them off the train.
Midnight’s luggage was scant, mainly stuff donated by Celestia and Twilight Sparkle. They did find his bag amongst the wreckage’ but it had ripped open’ and its contents cast into the flames.
Now on the platform’ Midnight took a moment to take in his new surroundings. Canterlot was hanging high above them and below it where they were, was the suburb of Hoofly. It had cities goods railyard was located and where the home for many of the lower class workers.
He felt Foxtrot nudge his shoulder, beckoning him to follow. She led him out the station into a small square outside.
“Before we head to my house,” -Foxtrot turned to him- “We need to go to the local market. Left my cupboards kinda empty.”
Midnight smiled and nodded, before following Foxtrot down the street. The market lay at the centre of Hoofly and was abuzz with life. Dozens upon dozens of stalls selling everything produced in Equestria and beyond. Many ponies and a few griffons from many walks of life were busy selling and buying. Foxtrot headed over to a stall run by an old white feathered griffon bearing a fair sized gut.
“Hey Stonie,” Foxtrot called out’ trotting over.
“Foxtrot!” Stonie called back. “I haven’t seen you in awhile lass.”
“Been on official duty” She giggled’ as Midnight caught up.
“Oh, do you mean Ponyville?” He asked. “Are the rumours true?”
Foxtrot froze for a second, this question when Midnight was well within earshot couldn’t have been more ill-timed.
“What rumours?” Foxtrot tread carefully.
“That something fell from the sky and created an inferno,” Stonie conveyed.
Foxtrot took a breath and remembered her training and Celestia’s words.
On the day of the memorial, the residents of Ponyville had been gathered in the town hall. There’ they were addressed by princess Celestia’ who asked of them “A Great Favour”.
She wanted the news of the portal and the plane to be kept a secret for now’ to avoid a panic and unnecessary fear to spread across the land. Several ponies were unhappy with this arrangement’ but went along with it. They trusted their princess.
“There was an explosion,” She said calmly. “The cause is still being investigated. I was just there to help.”
This was neither truth nor lie’ and the best she could give. Stonie nodded’ then looked other at the newcomer beside her.
“Who’s yeah friend?” He asked.
“Oh’ this is Midnight Snow,” She introduced as midnight mouthed hello. “A friend of mine. He’ll be staying with me for a while.”
“Nice to meet ya kid,” Stonie grinned. “So you want double your usual order’ Foxtrot?”
Foxtrot and Midnight wandered down the street that her house was located, overloaded with shopping and luggage. They went to three other stalls in the market and the same questions were asked. Were you at Ponyville? Are the rumours true? Who’s your friend?
The trip round the market had worn them out, physically and mentally. Making them walk in silence.
“May I ask a question,” Midnight said’ wanting to end the silence. “Do ponies belong to clubs or gangs? Cause everyone has tattoos on their flanks.”
“Tattoos?” She said puzzled’ before looking at the flanks of two passing ponies. “Oh, that's a cutie mark.”
“A cutie mark?” His voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Yes,” she said’ matching his tone. “When a pony finds their special talent’ a mark appears on their flank”
“Ah’ I don’t know what to think about that ” Midnight replied.
“so you have no equivalent in your world,” She asked.
Midnight shook his head, then looked over his shoulder at their flanks.
“Whats that make us then?” He asked innocently.
“Blank-flanks,” Foxtrot sighed.
“So, no special talent for us then?”
"Oh, no no no,” She corrected “It just means we haven’t found it yet”
She smiled, he chuckled, both relieving the stress that had been building.
“Well’ here we are,” Foxtrot said’ halting in front of a green door. As she fumbled around for her keys, Midnight looked at the building.
It was a small cottage with a thatched roof. It was nicer than he had been expecting for someone in her profession.
Foxtrot opened the creaky green door before stepping inside. She turned back to him and beckoned him in.
“Welcome to my home.”