A Crafter's Dream Ch. 58: Meeting the People (Part 2)
Now, without further ado, I present,
“A Crafter’s Dream”
Steve had just missed her.
By the time he’d made it to the dining room, one of the guards had informed him that Celestia had left less than half-an-hour before, though the guard had been given instructions beforehand to make sure Steve was fed, to which the Crafter gratefully accepted. His personal supply of food had slowly been dwindling over the last few days and he hadn’t been able to restock before leaving Ponyville the previous day.
Steve slowly chewed his breakfast sandwich, a small little thing comprised of two slices of bread, a cooked egg which the chef had called a ‘scrambled egg’ and a thin slice of something he’d learned was called cheese. Steve didn’t know what it was, but it sure tasted good.
As he ate, he contemplated the day ahead of him. Celestia had informed him the day before that ambassadors and rulers from various countries would be coming together for some kind of meeting. He’d asked why. She’d informed him that, for one reason or another, they were just as curious about Steve as the ponies of Equestria were. That little tid-bit had really caught him off-guard.
Sighing, Steve tossed the last bite of sandwich into his mouth and chewed, leaning back his head slightly and closing his eyes. After swallowing, he rubbed his face with one hand and groaned.
“What am I gonna do?” He muttered to himself.
Suddenly, the large double doors nearby opened with a slight creak. Immediately afterward, Steve heard the sound of talons clicking on the smooth tiled floor, accompanied by voices, three of them in fact, two of them female while the last was distinctly male. The Crafter looked up.
There, standing a short distance away, were some of the strangest creatures Steve had ever seen, and that was saying something. The first was a tall, white furred, griffon-like creature, with large white wings and a beautiful orchid-colored feather-mane and tail. The sky-blue feathers on her chest matched the three feathers that stood proudly at the front of her golden crown.
The second was much shorter than the first, with a yellow coat of fur and a similarly colored pair of feathered wings. She had a cyan-colored mane and tail, with a strange pink flower behind one ear. Around her neck was a simple necklace with blue and pink gemstones.
The last was undoubtedly a guard of some kind, tall and powerful-looking, only further implied by the golden chestplate and helmet the creature wore. His fur and feathers were blue, while his mane and tail were fuschia colored.
None of them noticed him at first, too busy talking about something as they walked inside the dining room. It wasn’t until they started to approach the table that Steve was sitting at that the guard happened to glance up and see him. Immediately, he froze up, his blue eyes widening at the sight of Steve. His companions noticed this and looked up as well. The yellow one stopped short, freezing on the spot just like the guard. The tall one had a look of surprise on her face.
For a few moments, no one spoke a word, instead continuing to stare in silence. Then, Steve spoke.
“What in the fuck are you?”
All three of the creatures blinked in surprise at his rather blunt question. After a moment, the tall one responded.
“I’m sorry?”
“What the hell are you?” Steve reiterated. “Because I’ve seen a lot of weird things since I came here, but I’ve never seen anything like you guys before. You look a lot like griffons, but different at the same time.”
‘I believe they are hippogriffs, Steve.’ Nightmare Steve quietly informed.
“We are hippogriffs, strange creature.” The tall one spoke, her voice calm and collected despite the confusion and shock she was probably feeling. “I am Queen Nova.” She gestured to the shorter yellow hippogriff, then the guard. “This is my daughter, Princess Skystar, and this is Commander Typhoon, my most trusted guard.”
Skystar smiled and waved. “Hello.”
Typhoon simply gave a nod. “Greetings”
Steve grinned. “Wassup? I’m assuming you’re all here for the summit today?”
Queen Nova nodded. “Yes, we are. Now, if I may ask, who are you, strange creature?”
Steve grinned while gesturing to himself with a thumb. “I’m Steve. Although, I suppose my full title would probably be something like ‘Steve of Minecraftia,’ or something like that but I don’t know. I was never really one for formalities.”
Skystar’s eyes widened in recognition. “Wait, you’re Steve!? You’re the dude who’s been causing so much trouble around here for the last few months!?”
The Crafter groaned before smacking his forehead into the table in front of him. He repeated this action a few times. After the fourth time, he let out a loud sigh. “Well, good to know my reputation precedes me.” Sighing, he turned his head to look at the trio of hippogriffs. “Just so I’m aware, what do you guys know, or rather think you know about me, exactly?”
They all glanced at each other for a moment before Nova responded. “Well, reports first said that you were a mysterious, violent being, able to take out entire squads of guards with little effort.”
Steve thought for a moment, then sighed. “Well, at least they got that right.” He glanced back at them. “What else?”
Queen Nova blinked in surprise, while Commander Typhoon narrowed his gaze.
“You aren’t going to like, I don’t know, deny it?” Skystar asked, sounding confused. Steve shook his head.
“Well, it’s not as if they’re entirely wrong. Given what I’ve had to do to protect myself and my friends, and, given how many people got hurt in the process, they have more than enough reason to think so. I’m not saying it’s right or correct,” He stated, raising one finger to emphasize his point. “I’m just saying it’s at least reasonable. It’s not as if I wanted to fight, after all, but it’s not like they gave me much of a choice.”
“...I must say, you are not at all what I expected.” Queen Nova stated, with a hint of disbelief.
Steve looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “And what exactly did you expect?”
“I’m not entirely sure, but I know it wasn’t this.”
“Agreed.” Typhoon confessed. “While I mean this in the best way possible, after hearing about what you’ve done, seeing you here now is kind of, well, underwhelming.
The commander’s comment slightly stung Steve’s pride, but the Crafter let it go. It wasn’t as if the hippogriff had meant it as an insult, anyways. Sighing, Steve rested his chin on one hand. “Well, I’ll admit that I’m usually not this mellow, but I’m still recovering from the shitty couple of weeks I’ve had. Not to mention that I’m a bit stressed about the summit today. Trust me when I say I’m normally not this out of it.”
“Excuse me?” A new voice spoke up, coming from behind the three hippogriffs. They all turned around to see a guard standing a short distance from the door, looking just the tiniest bit nervous. He glanced up at Queen Nova and did a small bow.
“Your Highness. I apologize for having to cut your conversation short, but Mr. Steve’s presence has been requested.”
“Really? By who?” The Crafter asked as he sat up, turning to face the stallion.
“The Black Claw, sir.”
Steve furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. “What do they want?” The guard shrugged and shook his head.
“I don’t know, sir. They didn’t tell me why, just that they wished to speak with you as soon as possible, preferably before the summit.”
Steve leaned his head back and sighed, glaring at nothing in particular before nodding and getting to his feet. “Alright. It’s not like I had anything else planned, so may as well see what the hit-squad wants.” He turned and gave a small bow, for formality's sake. “See ya around your Highness.”
“Goodbye, Steve of Minecraftia.” Queen Nova spoke, returning the bow.
“It was nice to meet you, Mr. Steve.” Princess Skystar chirped.
The Crafter smirked. “You too, Princess.” Glancing over, he smirked and gave Typhoon a two-fingered salute. “See ya around, Commander. Maybe, if you’re up for it later, we can spar a bit, see if you still think I’m underwhelming afterwards.”
The commander examined Steve’s face, looking for any hint of hostile intent. He found none. After concluding that Steve really meant no harm, Typhoon smirked back, then nodded. “You’re on.”
“See ya then.” With that, the Crafter and guard both swiftly left the room, the solid doors closing with a dull thud.
* * * * *
Steve walked through the halls of Canterlot, his echoing footsteps accompanied by the quiet clanking of metal-coated hooves, emanating from the guard by his side. Neither of them spoke as the guard lead Steve through the maze of halls that was Canterlot Castle. Eventually, they came to a set of big wooden doors. Stepping forward, the guard knocked three times.
Nothing for a moment. Steve and the guard stood there for a full minute before they heard the sound of quiet jingling and muffled cursing. Then, a slat on the door opened up and two familiar, glowing draconic eyes stared back.
“Who the… Steve? The fuck are you doing here?” Thorn asked, his gruff tone accompanied with a hint of surprise.
“This guy said that the Black Claw wanted to speak with me.” Steve answered, gesturing to the guard beside him with a thumb.
Thorn looked very confused for a moment before a flash of realization flashed in his eyes and he face-palmed with a groan.
“Oh for fuck’s sakes, Nog.” The dragon muttered, rolling his eyes. The wooden slat slid back in place a moment later, followed by even more jingling and the door swinging open. Thorn stood in the doorway, his face set in a scowl. “I thought you were supposed to be going to that royal meeting the Sun Princess is setting up.”
“The meeting isn’t for another hour.” The guard beside Steve informed.
“Yeah, I got time. Besides, I’m curious as to why the Black Claw wants to speak to me, despite our less-than-ideal past.” Steve spoke, arms crossed and one eyebrow raised.
Thorn didn’t respond for a moment, continuing to stare at Steve with a level expression before glancing over at the guard. “Wait here.” With that, he walked back in the room, this time leaving the door open. Getting the hint, Steve followed through, the door slamming shut behind him.
Inside, Steve found himself in what looked like a small lobby, with a wooden desk parked over to the right with a large cork board hanging behind it. On it were a few dozen papers with scribblings on them that Steve couldn’t quite make out.
“C’mon, this way.” Thorn spoke. Steve glanced up to see the dragon about to enter a door over on the other side of the room. The Crafter walked over as Thorn, instead of knocking like a normal person, punched the door, slamming it open with a loud bang.
“Nog, you big, brown asshole, where the fuck are you!!” He yelled, stomping into the room.
“The buck are you yelling about, Thorn!?” Steve heard a familiar voice shout back.
Steve walked in, looking around the rather large room he’s just entered. It looked like a military bunk room, only it was much bigger than any he’d ever lived in back home. There was one bed in each corner of the room. One in the far left was entirely covered by thick blankets that hung from the ceiling, blocking sight from whatever lay within. The one directly to his left was covered in a whole slew of weapons and armor, all made for a being who was much taller and stouter than he was. On the far right, a rather large pile of gems and gold sat next to the bed, far more than Steve had ever seen in in place, except for maybe the Stonetop royal treasury. The bed directly to his right was covered in stray feathers and torn blankets. On the wall was a few posters of some armored griffon that Steve didn’t recognize. Who Steve did recognize, however, was the irritated griffon that lay in the make-shift nest that was on the bed.
“Riz?” The Crafter asked with a surprised tone. The griffon, who’d been focused on Thorn, whirled around in shock at the Crafter’s voice.
“Steve!” Riz yelled before he shakily got to his feet and jumping off the bed, though he stumbled slightly upon landing, wincing in pain. Quickly shaking it off, he bounded toward Steve, quickly wrapping his arms around the Crafter, hugging him. “You’re okay!”
Steve swiftly returned the hug, grinning down at the griffon. “Of course I’m okay, man! This is me, we’re talking about! I’m a tough son of a bitch.”
Riz nodded, stepping back from the hug. “I know, but after hearing about what happened while I was out, I was worried. You’re tough, yeah, no doubt about that, but you’re not invincible.”
“True.” Steve agreed. “Anyways, do you happen to know why I got a summons from the Black Claw?” Riz thought for a moment, shook his head.
“I know that Nog wanted to talk to you, but I don’t know why.”
“Steve.” Nog’s familiar voice spoke from behind the pair. Turning around, Steve saw the minotaur standing a short distance away, with Thorn standing next to him.
“Yeah?” Steve inquired, looking between the two with a puzzled expression. “What is it?”
“Riz told us of what happened. In Mindscape.”
“Oh. Okay, cool. Good to know.” Steve looked from minotaur, to dragon, to griffon, then back. “That doesn’t explain why I’m here.”
“Riz wasn’t around for half of the actual fighting, since you apparently got to his Nightmare later than the others, and he wasn’t conscious to see the ending of the fight with you all and that asshole What’s-his-face.” Thorn spoke.
“Herobrine.”
The dragon deadpanned at Steve before continuing. “Anyway, Nog here wanted to hear about what happened from your perspective. Though I can’t imagine why you had to be brought to our private quarters to tell us.”
“This room secure. No listening ears.” Nog replied.
“You’re being paranoid.”
“Better safe than sorry.”
Steve glanced at Thorn. “He’s got a point, you know.” Thorn scoffed. Shrugging, the Crafter focused his gaze back on the minotaur, crossing his arms. “So, what do you want to know?”
“Everything.”
“Alright, but I’ll have to summarize a bit since it’s a long story and I have to get ready for the summit soon.”
Nog nodded. “Fair.”
Steve glanced at Riz, who was watching him intently, before looking at Thorn, who appeared to be listening but the Crafter wasn’t sure. Taking a deep breath, Steve sat back against a nearby wall and began his tale.
* * * * *
Steve hurried through the halls of Canterlot Castle, hoping that the guard running beside him knew where he was going. He’d wasted too much time recounting the events of the Nightmare Gauntlet, only managing to finish up ten minutes before the summit was supposed to begin, which explained why the guard had been knocking furiously at the door, yelling for Steve to hurry up.
They turned sharply down a hall, Steve nearly knocking the stallion over. A short distance ahead, Steve spotted Celestia’s assistant, Raven, standing in front of a door. Upon seeing him, she grit her teeth and gestured for him to hurry up.
“Where were you!?” She growled once the pair got close enough. “The meeting’s already started!”
The guard, gasping for breath, merely pointed a hoof at Steve.
Steve rolled his eyes. “Got held up.” He replied, panting slightly as he quickly caught his breath. Near infinite stamina really had its uses. “Are they all in there?”
“Yes!” She exclaimed.
“Well then, best not keep them waiting any longer, eh?” Steve replied, walking over to the set of double doors, hand already reaching out to open them.
“Wait.”
Steve’s hand stopped just inches away from the door handle. He glanced over at Raven with a questioning expression.
“What?”
She looked away for a moment before glancing back at Steve. “Look, leaders and representatives from almost every nation are going to be in there. There’s a lot on the line here, for everypony. Please, for everypony’s sake, be careful.”
Steve stared down at the mare with a serious expression. Sure, he didn’t particularly like her, given how she treated Trench badly, but he could see that she was really worried, and he couldn’t blame her.
He smiled. “Don’t worry, Ms. Inkwell, everything will be fine. This ain’t my first rodeo, after all.”
She gave him a surprised look. “You’ve done this before?”
He nodded and his smile fell into a slightly grimmer expression. “Yeah, twice. Neither was for the best reasons.” Sighing, he turned back to the doors. Stepping forward, he placed his hands on either door.
“Showtime.”
With a firm push, the doors swung open, and Steve stepped inside.
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no problem man keep doing what your doing and don't let people think other wise. if your late for a reason,don't let them bring you down with why was the chapter late or why did it so long to make this chapter or something. you do your and we read what you write. do take you time if you need too and keep making a great chapter and story. also if someone says your story sucks just ignore them and keep doing what your doing
Was that inspired by The Incredibles?
9907754
Maaaaaaaaaaaybe.
One or two leaders properly wants Steve head for what happen
9907777
I'll take that as a 'yes'
Why do I feel like some leaders are about to get owned?
Also don't worry making a late chapter is no big deal since you have made such a huge and good story it's perfect
Ooh, that sounds like fun.
To (slightly mis-)quote from a different comment from a different story:
It’s better to have a good quality chapter that took longer to write than a low quality chapter that was written on time
Is it bad that I honestly want Steve to accidentally piss off literally all of the leaders?
Hmm. I can predict a lot of scenarios going throughout the summit. 60% of it saying this may end well and Steve can be at ease while the rest, not so much.
U are such a good writer. I hope to improve my skills to your level one day. How long does it normally take you to write an average chapter?
when a chapter and/or story as good as this is anything to go by you are a hell of a good writer and it shows so keep at it and we who have read up into now know that you make this as fast as you can but do not over do yourself and take a brake if you have to, I know I can spoke for somepeole in the comments that we like how you make this story. (Sorry for making a long comment just wanted to say all that.)
9910152
Usually I can get a chapter written in four to five days, but as you can see, this last chapter took over a week to finally post.
Also, thank you for the encouragement, but my writing is mediocre at best. There's a lot of ways for me to improve, and I won't stop till I get there!
NO! You and you're cliff hangers!
I seem to forget one important - and possibly spoiler-territory - detail about this story's Steve. Steve has mentioned that he rallied an army of his kind to face against Herobrine and whatever monsters he summoned... so by all means, Steve is technically not only the last one of his kind, but also, "King of the Crafters"... I really should of seen this coming the moment Steve mentioned he led an army.
9913870
You, my friend, are absolutely correct. I've been dropping hints towards this for a while now, but you're the only one so far that's connected the dots. Congrats!
9913967
Wait, ARE YOU SERIOUS!? I mean it was so obvious, but I was too busy absorbing the story and other stuff, and didn't have the time to put things together... I feel dumb for not commenting on this sooner.
9913981
Well, as of now, you're pretty much the only one who has figured it out. I haven't been making a whole big deal about it because, well, it hasn't become relative to the story, yet. It will later, though.
I'm patient. Also, I was offline for a week.
9913981
9913997
Holy shit.........
WAIT, HOLY SHIT!!!!!!
9914381
Welcome to the club of unexpected twists
9914381
9914870
You're welcome. I'll be here all week.
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9915293
Yeah......holy shit......
So I never get
*Shoot to Thrill plays*