> A New Beginning
>  by Mr101
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> Departing
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                 

The sun was rising over Equestria as Celestia took over from her sister Luna, ponies everywhere were still fast asleep in their beds save for the ones who were either awake for work or waking up to go to work, milk mares and mail colts were delivering their goods shop keepers began the mundane task of stock checking and setting up cash registers such was a normal day in Coltchester. However for one particular colt sleeping away, today was a special day one that would forever change his life for the better.

Ratchet woke with a loud yawn and a grumble about the time, he was an average colt of medium brown fur with a medium lengthed brown mane, he slumped out his bed yawning once more his cutie mark, a spanner and a hammer in an ‘x’ position was displayed on his flank. Ratchet wondered lazily over to the bathroom and splashed some water on his face to try and wake himself up from his sleep, blinking into the mirror with his ice blue eyes before it hit him like a ton of brick what today was as his face lit up grinning from ear to ear excitedly wide eyed.

“I’m finally getting out of here...” he said to himself quietly.

Ratchet was the only child of Mr Spanners Fix it, a colt of identical fur and mane colourings as his son save for a few noticeable grey and white hair strands forming and Mrs Ruby Fix it, who was a white furred Pegasus with a beautiful blonde mane. His father was a successful handy pony going around doing jobs for everypony ranging from simple DIY to cart and train repairs, his mother on the other hoof was a tailor. They had been childhood sweethearts and despite different job professions loved each other dearly, Ratchet was born to them and got his cutie mark during a wood work lesson at his school where he built several perfect birdhouses from scratch. This made his father over joyed and when he left school he worked alongside his father for a while in his shop however his real passion was for inventing. Over the course of many months Ratchet had created various knick knacks to assist him and his father…some not so successful but more than most worked. Ratchet had always dreamed of living his own life and his chance came after he received a large pay check from the local train company after he had fixed several of their locomotives.

After washing his face and fully snapping back into reality he put on what appeared to be a saddle with two not so large bags on either side, he looked at the mirror and noticed his mane was rather messy. As if from nowhere two robotic tendrils either side of him each with a humanoid hand on the end emerged from the bags and neatened his mane into backward spikes before retreating back into the bag with a beep.

“Thanks APAU” he grinned as the bag beeped loudly happily; APAU (A-POW) was one of Ratchet’s favourite and best inventions, it stood for Automatic Pony Assistance Unit. He had originally created it to help his father when he left but his father insisted on not wanting as he put it “I’m fine by myself my boy, don’t need no pony…or no machine standing by me all the time, gotta live my life” Ratchet was a little disappointed by this but decided to use the machine himself and it assisted in his work easily, although not fully AI Ratchet sometimes wondered if his machine was aware of its surroundings. 
After he had come had some food and brushed his teeth he headed downstairs APAU was carrying his suitcases as his mother sniffled slightly tearing up as her husband hugged her with one arm smiling.

“You’re going to do us proud kiddo” the old colt grinned clapping a hoof on his sons back; Ratchet smiled hugging the colt tightly.

“Thanks dad…” he closed his eyes replying.

It took several minutes for his mother to stop sobbing dramatically and nearly choked him from how tightly she clung onto him, his father having to pry her off as she sniffled softy
.
“I’m just going to miss my baby boy” she said through chokes of sobs, Ratchet smiled softly nuzzling under her chin and gave her one last hug before departing the house, APAU placed the bags on the taxi cart climbing on he was driven away, looking back one last time to wave goodbye to his parents. Arriving at the train station Ratchet carried one suitcase in his mouth the other was being carried by a porter, he didn’t use APAU because not many ponies knew of its existence and he didn’t want to cause alarm. 

Ratchet stood on the platform looking down the station to the horizon, the train wasn’t there yet and it was still early morning however he took note of the several ponies standing on either side of the two platforms some dressed up in smart fancy suits, he began to wonder as he did whilst waiting where they were going and what they did for a living. 
He was brought back to reality by a loud whistle of a large steam locomotive that was pulling in from the southern part of the station; the train came to a loud stop hissing out steam as the guard called from the back.

“ALL ABOOOOOOARD THE NON-STOP EXPRESS TO PONYVILLE!!” the colt bellowed out.

Ratchet winced slightly forgetting he was still tired and the loudness of the shouting had rumbled in his head, he boarded the train and took as seat looking out of the window as the train started to pull away from the station slowly at first he watched as the last sight of Coltchester disappeared from sight, relaxing he smiled to himself, he was one his way to a new life.

“A new life…” he whispered to himself smiling as he watched the scenery go by.

> Arrival
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                             
Twilight was busy talking to Rarity who had stopped by to pick up a book on hats when Spike suddenly burst in through the door holding a letter but before he could say anything he saw Rarity blushed causing him to trip up and drop the letter, Twilight caught the letter using her magic and tilted her head at Spike he swayed to his feet.

“Are you ok Spike?”

“I’m fine thank you Susan” Spike murmured in response before shaking his head and blinking twice. “I came to give you a letter but I don’t know where it…” He looked up seeing the letter hovering “Oh you got it?” Spike tilted his head in confusion as Twilight giggled.

“Go have a cookie Spike, thank you for the letter”

“Yeah…ok Twilight” Spike walked to the kitchen still confused as Twilight opened the letter and read it aloud.

“Dear Twilight

I have an important task I need you to do, as you may or may not be aware of Ponyville needs a new engineer and such a pony has been found and is on his way here. Please can you meet him at the train station and welcome him to Ponyville and give him a grand tour, thank you.

Yours, the Mayor”

“What kind of job is that?” Rarity asked her tilting her head. Twilight giggled and explained

“It’s a pony who works to fix things like the carts or trains or anything like-“she was cut off by a disgusted Rarity

“You mean they get covered in…FILTH?!?” Twilight tried her hardest not to laugh at her horrified face.

“Yes Rarity they do tend to now and again get dirty but without engineers there would be no-one to repair the trains or maintain them. Then how will you get your lovely imported silks?” she teased Rarity.

“Well I uh….” Rarity tried to respond but Twilight had already begun to laugh loudly as Rarity first scowling her then began giggling as well.

“We should go and get the other girls especially Pinkie” Twilight suggested to Rarity who nodded in agreement. Spike emerged from the kitchen now smiling his face covered in cookie crumbs.

“Spike can you stay here and make the place spotless? I reckon Pinkie will want to have a party for the new guy here” Twilight giggled seeing Spike covered in cookie crumbs, he saluted with a smile before dashing off back to the kitchen.
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Ratchet had fallen asleep on the long train journey and was awoken by a smiling mare pushing a refreshments trolley, after buying some apple juice he sipped it slowly and looked out of the window. It was nearing mid-day and the train was rushing by woodland as far as his eye could see, a crackle was heard over the intercom before a cough followed by an old colts voice
“Attention passengers –cough- we will be arriving in Ponyville in one hour –cough-“the intercom crackled again.
“That long huh” Ratchet thought to himself “I wonder what the ponies there are like…” he let his mind drift off as he let out a 
soft yawn and closed his eyes quietly dozing as he listened to the sound of the train rumbling down the tracks.

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Walking down the road near the station Twilight had gathered her friends to join her in welcoming the newcomer to Ponyville, Pinkie was rapidly talking about how she would throw a massive party weather or not it was to be a surprise party or a party at the station if she should use her party cannon, her friends just ignored her for the most part chattering amongst themselves.

“What ya’ll suppose he looks like?” Applejack asked Twilight who was going over an additional letter the mayor had given her.

“From what the mayor has said he has a brown-“before she could finish Pinkie popped up next to Twilight with a loud scream of delight holding a large chocolate cake.

“THIS CAKE IS PERFECT FOR THE PARTY!” she squealed in delight before landing awkwardly on her hoof and losing her balance dropped the cake over Twilight covering her, and the letter, in chocolate cake. There was a brief silence before Applejack and Rainbow Dash burst into fits of laughter rolling on the floor as Rarity struggled to stop giggling along with Fluttershy, Pinkie just blinked and licked a large portion of the cake from her cheek as Twilight scowled at her.

“For buck sake Pinkie!” she yelled” look what you did to the letter! Now we won’t know who the pony is other then he has something brown about him” Pinkie rubbed the back of her head with a sheepish grin.

“That’s not the only thing that’s brown!” Rainbow said pointing as hoof at Twilight before all the girls began laughing again, Twilight scowled at Rainbow before giggling and then laughing herself.

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As the train approached the station Ratchet stood up and stretched out his body descending from the train smiling as he took in his surroundings, Ponyville station was much like Coltchester’s only smaller looking around he found the porter and collected his luggage and spotted a small room with the sign ‘Tourist Information’.

“Seems a good enough place to start on knowing my new home” he thought to himself as he wondered inside, as he did Twilight and her friends stepped onto the platform still giggling over the chocolate cake incident, Twilight scanned the platform and cocked her eyebrow up when she saw no pony matching the description she was given.

“Alright girls, spread out and see if you can find a brown coated pony with a cutie mark resembling something engineer like” The girls nodded and began to walk up and down the platform Twilight Fluttershy and Rarity went towards the start of the train and Pinkie Pie Applejack and Rainbow Dash headed towards the bottom part of the train, Twilight was just about to enter the tourist information room when she head Pinkie call out.

“THERE HE IS!” she pointed with her hoof bouncing on the spot to a brown coated colt who was fast asleep on the carriage, her excitement suddenly vanished as the train began to pull away and she stood there mouth agape.

“BUCK!” Applejack shouted “The fellah musta fallen asleep!” Twilight began to panic as she watched the train pull away she began to pace rapidly.

“No no no no no no!” she said rapidly in a worried tone “The Mayor will be disappointed with me what am I going to do?!” she was tapped on the shoulder and she spun round to see an elderly mare in a porters uniform smiling at her.

“Is there a problem my dear?” she inquired softly.

“We were supposed to meet some pony here but we think he fell asleep on the train and now we don’t know what we should do” Twilight replied sadly, the mare smiled and chuckled softly placing a reassuring hoof on her shoulder.

“Not to worry my dear, you lot come with me and we will telephone the next station and ask them to send your friend back to here” she led the six to an office at the southern end of the station where Pinkie Applejack and Rainbow Dash had walked to earlier “Erm…what does he look like dearie?” the mare inquired as they entered the room just as another pony left the room on the far side of the station.

“Ok thanks!” Ratchet called behind him as he left the tourist office, as he turned he saw the six walk into an office saying ‘Railway Assistance’ “Hope there ok” he thought and walked out of the station building towards the taxi lot.

> A new friend
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                   

“Well…he has a brown coat…or mane I think we don’t really know” Twilight said to the mare before shooting a glare at Pinkie who rubbed the back of her head grinning sheepishly. “All we know really is that he is an engineer”.

“Hmm…well that’s not much to go on…” the old mare stroked her chin “But I’ll give them a ring none the less” she replied reaching to the phone on her desk and dialling a number in, there was a brief pause before she spoke again. 

“Hello? This is Bethany Porter of Ponyville station…it’s nice to hear you to Coalman how’re your trains running since you retired? Excellent news listen I need a favour. It appears a pony destined for our fair town fell asleep on the train that should be arriving near you soon could you please help him back here it sounds fairly urgent….Uhuh….Brown…mhm, possibly brown as well his friends say he was on the last carriage of the train…yeah…ok Coalman thank you talk to you soon good bye!” and with that the mare placed the phone down smiling to the group “Your friend will be sent back and be here in about thirty minutes or so” she smiled to the group who burst into cheers.

“Oh thank you thank you thank you!” Twilight almost screamed hugging the laughing mare as chattering began again Pinkie was going on and on about giving the new engineer a brief welcoming party on the platform the girls agreeing to this headed out to the other platform Pinkie already placing streamers and other various party decorations around the platform much to the confusion of the other commuters.

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Meanwhile a fair distance down the road from the station on route to Ponyville, Ratchet sat happily in a cart being pulled by two earth stallions at a quick pace taking in the awe of the beautiful scenario he passed. 

“This is more beautiful than any place I’ve ever seen…” he whispered to himself watching as he passed by ponies of every colour and breed “I’m going to love it here…I just know it!” he proclaimed loudly causing some onlookers to turn to his direction startled by the sudden outburst, not realising how loudly he said that he nervously chuckled and remained quiet as he was pulled up to a building that said ‘Ponyville Taxi cart service’ jumping down as some other staff collected his bags he walked to the two that had been pulling the cart and thanked them giving them ten bits each as a tip to which they thanked him gratefully.

He then turned to the owner of the taxi service and paid the fare amount before collecting his bags one in his mouth the other riding on his back again not wanting to use APAU just yet in case some pony got freaked out, he headed to the location on his map that he got at the tourist information office where his new home was, he stopped for a moment to look over the map to make sure he was going in the right direction when he heard the sound of frantic wings flapping and some pony screaming.

“LOOK OUT MISTER!” but it was too late as Ratchet felt something large collided with him and his vision went black. Ratchet murmured as he opened his eyes his vision somewhat blurry he could make out several ponies around murmuring concernedly; he shook his head and blinked as his vision returned to him.

“Oh my gosh mister are you ok?! I’m really sorry!!” a grey mare with a blonde mane looked at him worriedly Ratchet noticed her eyes were in different positions.

“Y-yeah I’m fine I think” He got up to his hooves “What about you are you ok?” he asked the pony who nodded, the crowd started to disperse satisfied that Ratchet was ok though he heard a couple muttering how he now owed another pony three bits for losing a bet about him being unconscious for an hour or something Ratchet didn’t catch it all, he and the other pony picked up his cases and then her own letters which were surrounding them.

“I’m Ditzy by the way” the mare announced “But most ponies just call me Derpy, can’t think why though” she giggled as she handed him his case.

“Thanks” Ratchet handed her several letters which she placed in her mail bag “I’m Ratchet I’m new in town” he grinned as she gasped.

“Oh my gosh! Welcome to Ponyville!” She wrapped herself around him and pulled him into a tight bear hug.

“C-choking not breathing!” Ratchet choked out as his eyes bulged, giggling Ditzy released her grip on him Ratchet coughed regaining himself smiling “Could you help me I think I’m lost…” he held up his map coughing a bit more. Ditzy giggled and agreed taking a look at his map scanning it over with a look of determination which kind of spooked Ratchet slightly.

“AAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLRIGHTY! I can get you there in a jiffy!” She suddenly shouted out, grabby Ratchet’s hoof his eyes widened he saw her extend her wings.

“Wait Ditzy waaaaaAAAAAAAAITTTT!” He yelled loudly as she suddenly took off dragging him with her causing ponies left and right to dive out of the way as the screaming colt was dragged down the street. What seemed like an eternity of being dragged helplessly clinging to his suitcases Ditzy suddenly stopped dead in her tracks forgetting she was dragging Ratchet let him go as he whizzed straight into a tree with a loud thud.

“I’m sure it was around here somewhere….” She frowned looking around biting her lip until she heard a series of thuds from the rustling tree as Ratchet fell to the ground his eyes spinning in his sockets as he murmured to himself.

"OH MY GOSH RATCHET I’M SO SORRY! She dashed to his body helping him up “Are you ok?!”

“D-did someone get the license plate of t-that bus?” Ratchet murmured before shaking his head again “Where are we? Are we there yet?” He looked around excitedly before lowering his ears in confusion.

“Well we uh…kinda sorta…may be…”Ditzy mumbled the last word rubbing the back of her head.

“Were lost…aren’t we Ditzy” Ratchet looked at he looked at her with a bland expression.

“…Yeah” Ditzy replied hanging her head sadly, Ratchet patted her back with a reassuring smile.

“Not to worry Ditzy, I’m sure another pony can point us in the right direction” he grinned at her as she smiled slightly feeling better. After ten minutes of asking several ponies they were finally pointed in the direction of the old repair shop, as they approached it Ratchet smiled surveying what he was going to be calling home from now on.

“Well, it took a while and was…rather interesting but we made it, thank you Ditzy” he grinned to her extending a hoof out to her, she stared at it tilting her frowning slightly.

“Oh…does this mean you don’t need my help anymore?” she sniffled looking up at him her ears lowered tears at the corner of her eyes, Ratchet frowned and then smiled at her.

“Well sure I need some more help my friend!” he grinned as she just stared at him mouth agape.

“You…you mean that?! You consider me a friend?!” she started to hover as her eyes widened and mouth started to pull into a massive smile.

“Well…yeah course I do you did help me out after-“Ratchet was cut short as Ditzy tackled him into the ground giggling pulling him into a massive bear hug once again.

“Oh my gosh I’m so happy I made a new friend and helped him out!” she giggled shaking him left to right slightly in her hug, Ratchets eyes bulged as he choked again.

“Choking not breathing!”

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Back at the station the girls were standing around chattering excitedly to one another about the new comer.

“I wonder if he likes animals…” Fluttershy said quietly 

“Maybe he is a fashion lover like moi!” Rarity said placing a hoof on her chest tilting her head dramatically

As they were all talking about what he would be like Rainbow Dash leaned to look down the track thinking that something caught her eye, she jumped up and hovered a few feet shielding her eyes as she peered down the track.

“What do ya pegasus eyes see Rainbow Dash? Applejack asked her peering herself along with the others squinting their eyes.

“I think I see….YES! I CAN SEE THE TRAIN COMING!” she landed as the girls began to chatter once more Twilight speaking up.

“Ok places every pony places!” all the girls scrambled to their hiding positions as the train slowed to a halt every pony grinning from ear to ear as a brown coated stallion got off the train clearly looking annoyed.

“Who the hay told me I had to be back here why I’m going to be late for-“he was cut off as a loud bang erupted from Pinkie’s party cannon as confetti showered on the clearly startled and alarmed stallion who backed up slightly in fear “WHAT THE BUCKING HAY!?” he shouted as all the girls all jumped out of their hiding places.

“SURPRISE!” they all shouted in unison. “WELCOME TO PONYVILLE!” The stallion just blinked flabbergasted as his hoof was suddenly shaken by Applejack

“Well howdy partner glad to meet ya!”

“I beg your pardon-” he began before Rainbow gave him a light punch to his shoulders “Hey what the-“

“Welcome to Ponyville home of the amazing Rainbow Dash!” she proudly puffed out her chest hovering slightly”

“Can some pony tell me-“he was cut short again as Pinkie suddenly appeared in front of him giving him a tight embrace.

“WELCOMETOPONYVILLEIMSOGLADYOUCOULDMAKEITDOYOULIKEPARTIESILOVEPARTIESWEAREGOINGTOTHROWYOUTHEBESTPARTYEVER!” she screamed with a manic grin that frightened the poor stallion more than anything as he cowered ears folded slightly in panic, not able to recuperate from the sudden burst from Pinkie his hoof was snatched once again by Rarity who, nose up high and a smile across her elegant face shook his hand daintily.

“Rarity I’m charmed to make your acquaintance if I do say so myself!”

“Uh...” was all that came from the stallion’s mouth as he now shook slightly from fear Twilight being the last to shake his hoof.

“And I’m Twilight Sparkle it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our town! I’m sure you will be a fine engineer and a-“this time it was Twilight who was cut off by the stallion.

“Look here missy!" He suddenly shouted "I don’t know what the hay your problem or what the buck is going on here but I am not an engineer! I’m a florist for bucks sake!” his face recovering from his fear as his anger showed visibly, the girls eyes widened startled themselves this time from his outburst were a loss for words. Fluttershy made an ‘eep!’ as she hid behind Applejack shaking as they looked at his flank to see a flower in a plant pot where his cutie mark was.

“I...I’m sorry sir we thought you were someone else…” Twilight apologised lowering her ears.

“And another thing I don’t live in Ponyville I live in Canterlot! Next time make sure you get the right damn pony instead of giving me a damn heart attack!” he glared at Pinkie as she hid behind Rainbow Dash nervously grinning. “I pity the poor sod you girls actually meant that for!”

The stallion angrily stomped off to the bridge connecting the two platforms muttering about being late and silly girls and their damn pranks leaving the girls on the platform speechless surrounded by confetti.

“Twilight” Applejack started ”Ah don’t think that was him…”



> Helping out
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                    

It had only taken the two ponies an hour or so to clean up the shop and they sighed in content as they sipped some lemonade Ditzy had gotten from Sugarcube Corner.

“Place isn’t looking to bad” Ratchet said to her as he rolled his head admiring the floor space thinking in his head where he would places things. “Think I’ll add more to the store tomorrow when I can take stock of what I need, Ditzy?” he turned his attention to the mare who downed the last of her lemonade turning to face him tilting her head “Can you show me around town? I’d love to be able to know where everything is, plus if it’s not too much trouble could we visiting Sweet Apple Acres? I’ve read about how famous its apple products are and wanted to see the source” he asked politely, Ditzy’s expression turned into a large grin.

“Sure Ratchet I can show you around!” she giggled as they both placed their glasses on the old rickety table inside of the shop before heading out. “So where do you want to go to first?” She asked him as Ratchet pondered in his mind he rummaged in his suitcase finding his goggles and put them on resting above his eyes.

“I think…the marketplace first followed by whatever you think is best” he smiled at her as she nodded heading in the direction of the marketplace, shortly the two came across a very busy market scene with ponies trying to sell their goods from bananas to cherries Ratchet looked around taking in everything he saw and smelt unable to stop himself from grinning as he watched what to most ponies was just their normal day but to him, to him it was his first day as a fellow citizen.

“Hey Ditzy!” a voice called over from one of the stalls, they both looked over to see a light green pony standing with a yellow pony who appeared to be her friend waving them over, Ditzy squealed happily running over with Ratchet walking behind. Ditzy hugged the two ponies one after the other in the same manner to which she had hugged Ratchet earlier, chuckled at this as their eyes bulged before coughing slightly Ditzy apologised rubbing the back of her head.

“So Ditzy…who’s your friend?” the green one asked her eyeing Ratchet up and down “I haven’t seen him around before” the yellow mare nodding in agreement.

“Huh? Oh this is Ratchet he just moved here and he’s my new best friend!” Ditzy announced grinning, the two other girls made an ‘ooo’ noise and smiling both extended their hooves. Ratchet shook them one after the other.

“I’m Lyra” the green one grinned.

“And I’m Bon-Bon darling” the yellow mare said afterwards “Welcome to Ponyville!” Ratchet smiled back at them.

“Thank you, it’s nice to make your acquaintances” he replied, the two girls blinked staring at him. Ratchet blinked back ‘Was it something I said?’ he wondered before an ear piercing scream of excited girls rattled in his ears as both Lyra and Bon- Bon stared at him both grinning.

“Y-YOUR ACCENT!?” Bon-Bon started “YOUR FROM COLTCHESTER!” 

“Y-yes?” Ratchet answered as if he was unsure his head still ringing from the scream the girls began giggling and stared at him again as if waiting, this made Ratchet uneasy. “Is…that a problem?” he hoped not.

“PROBLEM?” Lyra shouted excitedly “HECK NO” she giggled more along with Bon-Bon, Ditzy just stood there confused tilting her head, by now other ponies were joining them all chattering and smiling excitedly at Ratchet who flattened his ears now very uneasy.

“It’s just we haven’t had any pony come from Coltchester in a long time darling, your accent is so….wonderful” she cooed as fluttered her eyelids at him. Ratchet blushed slightly feeling awkward.

“Oh I see, r-right well…yes I’m from Coltchester I’m the n-new engineer for Ponyville” he stuttered out as a round of chattering erupted in the circle every pony was shaking his hoof grinning and smiling welcoming him to the town.

“Welcome to the community kid!” one pony said.

“Mind you watch out for that young mare Pinkie Pie, she’ll wanna through you a massive welcoming party the likes you’ll never recover from!” came another pony who’s face changed from happiness to seriousness “I mean it kid, she pops up anywhere at any time”  to which a lot of nods and murmurs of agreement. Ratchet just stood there nervously thanking every pony and smiling, Ditzy was talking to Bon-Bon and Lyra.

“I don’t get why you guys are acting like this, it’s just his voice” she tilted her head confused.

“Oh darling you’ll never understand” giggled Bon-Bon as Ditzy just shrugged.

After the greetings had finished and everyone had dispersed, Ratchet and Ditzy headed off around town as she showed him more and more of the town’s sights from Twilights library to the school, Ratchet was enjoying himself despite being stopped every now and again by greetings and welcomes of random ponies including several mares who kept asking him to say words with his voice each time screaming in delight confusing Ratchet. 

“Ponies be crazy” Ditzy said to no pony in particular.

“I’ll say…it’s just my voice” Ratchet agreed, APAU sneakily tapped his shoulder sticking a note in front of him which he held up and blinked at it, Ditzy turned round to see what it was.

“What’s that?” she asked him.

“…It’s a phone number” he replied blushing “Bon-Bon’s and Lyra’s to be exact”

‘It’s going to be…interesting living here’ he thought to himself as he stuffed the note into his bag and continued with Ditzy in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres.

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Twilight sat on a bench outside of the station and sighed, she had no idea where the new resident was or what to do and she daren’t tell the Mayor, Rarity gave a reassuring shoulder hug with her right hoof giving her friend a soft smile.

“Thanks guys…any pony got any ideas where to start looking?” She asked her friends. There was a brief pause as the five silently thought for a moment before Applejack spoke up.

“Maybe we should just ask some of them fellahs who work around here if they seen him or not?” she suggested, Twilight grinned jumping up causing Rarity to fall off the bench with a quick ‘eep’.

“Applejack that’s a brilliant idea! Ok girls spread out and ask every pony who works here!”

The girls spread out and began asking questions to the various staff members who sadly couldn’t remember seeing a pony with a brown mane or coat due to the vast amount of people who use the trains, as the others asked people around the station itself Fluttershy became distracted by squirrel.

“Well hello there little friend, and how are we doing today?” she softly asked it, it made several squeaking noises and Fluttershy giggled. “Well yes I am fine thank you, I’m trying to find a certain pony that may of gotten off the train earlier, do you think you can help me?” Again the squirrel began to make squeak noises flailing its arms if to tell a story “Oh I see, you saw a brown coated colt with a brown mane take a taxi to Ponyville?” the squirrel nodded and Fluttershy gave a sweet smile “Why thank you Mr.Squirrel I’ll ask the nice taxi drivers right now” she leaned down to give the squirrel a soft kiss, it made a squeak rubbing its little head and ran off into a nearby tree. 

Fluttershy walked up to a nearby cart with two stallions who were chattering to one another oblivious to Fluttershy.
“Uhm…e-excuse me” she whispered slightly scared upon approaching the two stallions nervously, they carried on chatting to themselves as if she wasn’t there, Fluttershy gulped and then spoke louder “Uhm…excuse me?” still to no avail the two stallions still chattered t one another as she gulped before the same squirrel taped her shoulder and squeaked in an annoyed tone, Fluttershy nodded and glared at the two stallions inhaling before screaming (to any pony it would sound like a normal toned voice) “HEY YOU TWO!” the stallions jumped in surprise attentions as they looked at the mare who backed up slightly looking slightly scared. ”uhm that is if you’re not too busy….c-can you help me?” she timidly asked.

The two stallions smiled at her and kindly told her about their fares that day and then mentioned about a colt who had tipped them both generously who was indeed brown maned and brown coated, Fluttershy gasped thanking the two and rushed to tell Twilight who within minutes, had asked the two stallions one important question.

“What was his cutie mark do you remember?” her response from the two caused her to grin from ear to eat.
“I believe h had a hammer and spanner on his flank in a cross shape” the one on the right started.

“Yes he most defiantly did have that, I don’t forget kind tippers in a hurry!” the second on added. Twilight beamed at them thanking them as she turned to the other girl’s firs giving Fluttershy a big hug before speaking.

“Girls let’s head back to Ponyville, our new resident is there somewhere.”

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After being bombarded with more questions and requests to say things in his voice Ratchet and Ditzy had finally been able to make their way to Sweet apple Acres, Ratchet let out a sigh of relief at the fact it was only him and Ditzy there, he looked around the farm he took note of the size and scale of it all.

“Wow…so this is Sweet apple Acres…” he muttered to himself, Ditzy standing beside him giggled as she rummaged in her bag pulling out two muffins offering him one.

“Muffin?” she asked him Ratchet turned to her and looked at the treat, his stomach rumbled brining him to remember he hadn’t actually eaten since the beginning of the day, blushing as it did he took the muffin.

“Thank you” he said eating away at the muffin, as he went back to taking in the impressive sight he noticed a young filly coming up the dirt path. Finishing off his muffin he dusted his mouth of crumbs as the filly approached them she kept her eyes on Ratchet with a cautious look.

“Howdy Miss Ditzy, what ya’ll doing here?” she asked Ditzy keeping her eyes on Ratchet.

“Hey Applebloom” Ditzy replied with a grin “I’m just showing Ratchet here Ponyville, he’s new here!” Applebloom’s expression of cautiousness turned into a smile.

“Well howdy Mr Ratchet, welcome to Ponyville!” she gave a courtesy giggling.

“Thank you” Ratchet replied “Nice to make your acquaintance” Applebloom tilted her head at Ratchet and blinked.

“You sure do sound funny Mr Ratchet” she giggled again “you’re not from around these parts are you?” Ratchet chuckled and nodded to her.

“I’m originally from Coltchester” he told her.

“Mah Granny visited there once, she said all of the ponies there talked funny missing out words an such. But you sound normal to me well…besides that strange accent you got there” she giggled at him. Ratchet laughed ‘Well least she isn’t going crazy like the others’ he thought to himself.

“So whatcha doing all the way out here anyways?” Applebloom inquired.

“Well like Ditzy was saying she’s showing me all around Ponyville, and I asked her to bring me here because I’m pretty certain Sweet Apple Acres is the main attraction here no? “He grinned at her causing the little filly to jump in excitement like a filly who had just been given a present.

“Well shoot Mr Ratchet your right about that! Can ah show you around the farm can I can I?” Applebloom’s ears flattened as her eyes became big and puppified.

“Well I don’t know…”Ratchet said teasingly stroking his chin, Ditzy giggled “See, Ditzy here was going to show me around buuuuut” he paused pretending to think.

“Oh please please pleeeeeease!” she looked at Ditzy with her puppy eyes.

“Awww go on Ratchet let her be nice” Ditzy giggled.

“Weeeeeeeeeeeell….oh alright I suppose I should” Ratchet grinned and looked down at Applebloom “Can you please show me around your farm?” Applebloom nodded frantically as she began to race to the family house Ratchet and Ditzy behind her sharing a silent giggle.

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Back in Ponyville Twilight and her friends had arrived at the taxi lot and had confirmed that Ratchet had been there and was indeed in the town when a voice caused them to turn on the spot.

“Well hello girls, Twilight how is our new engineer?” The Mayor’s voice caused Twilight to freeze in panic.

“I uh well he is uh-” she began panicking before being interrupted.

“He’s fine Mayor! He’s just in the taxi office paying his fare!” Rainbow Dash butted in Twilight letting out a sigh of relief.
“Well then I’ll go introduce myself!” The Mayor’s reply caused Twilight to freeze again.

“NO!” all the girls, except Fluttershy who whispered, shouted causing the Mayor to jump in surprise.

“We mean uhm” Twilight began

“The thing is Mayor...” Rarity added

“He’s uhm” Applejack said

“He’s going to be a while! Something uhm...happened! On his trip from the station he uh….lost a suitcase! That’s why we are outside waiting while he uhm…discusses it with the taxi owner!” Pinkie Pie blurted out. The girls looked at her blinking.
“Well then…I’ll come talk to him later then” The Mayor replied slightly confused “I’ll see you girls later then.” And with that she walked away to her office. ‘I can’t believe that worked…’ was the collective thought of the girls.

“Ok girls” Twilight turned to her friends “Split up and search for clues, we’ll meet up back here in an hour and go from there” the girls nodded and headed off in separate directions.

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“And this is where we keep the apples after they have been collected” Applebloom indicated a large red barn.

“I see” Ratchet said looking up at the height of the barn “And who picks all the apples?” he asked Applebloom.

“Well there’s only mah sister and brother who get all the apples but she’s out at the moment looking for some pony or other and my brother-“she stopped as a red stallion exited the barn, Applebloom called over to him.

“BIG BROTHER!” she shouted, the stallion looked to her and came over. “Mr Ratchet this here’s mah big brother Big Mac!” she said proudly, Ratchet smiled and extended a hoof to him.

“Pleased to meet you Big Mac” he smiled, Big Mac paused the shook his hoof. “So you and your sister do all the work here?”

“Eeyup” was his reply.

“That must be tough work”

“Eeyup”

“I see…well uhm…do you get a good profit from all the apples you sell?”

“Eeyup”

Ratchet tried to think of another question but Applebloom tugged in his hoof and pulled him away.

“Ah’ll see you later big brother!” she called back.

“Eeyup” was the reply she got

“You’ll have to forgive him he don’t say much” she told Ratchet. It took about an hour or so of Applebloom showing him the farm house and the area by it deciding not to take him out to all the orchards due to them being the same things each time and they came to were Big Mac was busy trying to pick up some planks of wood on the far side of the barn near two pots of paint, next to the paints was a ladder that led to the roof, he was holding a hammer in his mouth and balancing a bucket with nails in it and he looked like he was struggling to stay balanced.

“Big Mac you need sum help?” Applebloom asked, Big Mac didn’t notice they were there and startled he lost his balance the bucket of nails falling away from him with a clatter as the nails fell out, Big Mac banging his head against the side of the barn. Applebloom Ratchet and Ditzy all cringed and shared a collective sharp exhale. Applebloom and Ditzy helped big Mac to his hooves as Ratchet collected up the nails into the bucket then looked to the wood and then the roof, he could just see a couple of holes that were showing.

“You ok Big Brother?” Applebloom asked him concernedly. He nodded to her and rubbed his head.

“Ahm fine lil sis, gunna be a pain in the flank to git this work done though…” he looked up as Ratchet had an idea.

“I can do it for you if you like” the three turned to look at him. Ditzy was the one to speak up

“Help? What do you know of repairing stuff?” she had completely forgotten about Ratchet’s position and shop. Ratchet grinned as he picked the hammer up.

“Lots Ditzy…just…”he frowned slightly “Please…no pony get scared about what I’m going to do though.” They all looked at him confused but agreed none the less. “Ok APAU” he said “It’s time to go to work!” there came a couple of beeps that sounded excited that came from Ratchets side bags as APAU’s two robotic tendrils emerged and picked up the nails and wood, the three ponies stood there mouths agape just watching him. Ratchet then with a grin lowered his goggles over his eyes and placing the hammer in his mouth he ascended the ladder. 

Ratchet began to repair the holes with ease APAU handing him the wood and holding the nails for him, as he worked the others just stood there in silence not sure what to say about what they were witnessing. After a few minutes APAU’s tendrils zipped down to the floor the hands stopping and seemingly conversing to one another before one of them reached over and gave the stunned Big Mac’s cheek a light pat before grabbing the paint cans and brush and zipping back up to Ratchet who had finished sorting out the planks of wood.

Ratchet propped his goggles back up smiling at his finished work the roof now looking like new, he slid down the ladder to the ground and smiled as the three just stared at him.

“W…what the hay are those?!” Ditzy stuttered staring at the tendrils of APAU that were above Ratchet imitating a bow.

“Them? Oh that’s APAU” Ratchet grinned “He’s my assistant and-“he was cut off by Applebloom.

“APAU?” she tilted her head backing slightly as the tendrils went back to ‘conversing’ with one another. “That’s ah funny name”

“It means Automatic Pony Assistance Unit, I invented it about two years ago to help my dad with his job” Ratchet replied, he noticed she was shaking a little from fear and gave her a reassuring smile “Don’t worry he’s friendly!” as he said this the two tendrils zipped down to her level each taking a turn to shake her hoof, they began to ‘argue’ with one another and start a make shift slapstick routine for her which made the filly giggle and grin, Big Mac just stood there staring trying hard to comprehend what had just happened.

“I like him!” Ditzy announced giggling at the show APAU was doing, Ratchet let out a sigh of relief ‘Thank Celestia…’ he thought to himself as APAU shook Ditzy’s hoof. A voice from the house caught their attention.

“Kids come and have some apple juice!” The voice belonged to an elderly mare who was smiling at them.

“Granny Smith!” Applebloom darted to her excitedly “Come meet the new guy and his machine!”

‘Ok…now let’s hope she doesn’t have a heart attack’ Ratchet thought as they went over to the mare.




[Just in case some of you are wondering why the part with Lyra and Bon-Bon had them over reacting to Ratchet’s voice, it’s a play on real life where some Americans especially the women are obsessed with the English accent which is represented via Lyra’s and Bon-Bon’s reaction, Ditzy who didn’t get phased by it represents the other Americans who don’t go crazy over the accent]

> Some food, a scare and a flying blur of pink
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

                    

Granny Smith cackled heartedly as APAU put on a performance for her pouring drinks and passing food around, she clapped her hooves in approval, Big Mac now sort of used to him was smiling as he watched the show.

“Well mah oh mah what ah delightful contraption!” she cackled once again applauding APAU who did on overdramatic bow.

“W-well I’m glad you think so” Replied Ratchet smiling ‘Don’t think I could of handled being held accountable for the death of an old mare on my first day’ he thought to himself taking another sip of juice “And I must say Mrs Smith this apple juice is just fantastic” He grinned downing the rest of the juice “It’s like no Apple juice I’ve ever tasted!” Granny Smith smiled going to pour a glass before APAU performed a ‘please allow me’ action and poured Ratchet another glass.

“Well thank ye kindly and please call me Granny dearie everyone else does” she cackled again along with Applebloom, Ratchet just grunted from his glass as he enjoyed his third helping of apple juice.

“Ratchet careful, you’re going to get hiccups silly” Ditzy giggled, there was a brief pause as Ratchet finished the glass with a sigh, he blinked once then began to let out high pitched hiccups loudly sending the room into hysterics including Big Mac.

“Yeah –hiccup- yeah –hiccup- reeeeeal funny” he glared trying his best to look serious his facial reactions when he hiccupped however had other ideas.

“You sound like a filly that just saw the Slendermane!” Ditzy said between laughs, Ratchet scowling gave her a light shove with his hoof. Granny smith and Apple Bloom were leaning on one another for support tears streaming down their cheeks whilst Big Mac rested his head in his hooves laughing as Ratchet tried to regain his posture and struggling to do so.

“Oh mah stars” Granny Smith began wiping a tear with a hoof “Ah ain’t laughed like that in years!” the laughter started to die down as did Ratchet’s hiccups. There was another pause before Ratchet spoke up.

“Anyway…I DO NOT sound like a scared filly who just saw the Slendermane Ditzy!” he turned to his right to see she wasn’t there, blinking he turned to ask the other two if they had seen her but was greeted by Ditzy who was face to face hovering upside with a horrifyingly evil looking face and spoke in a dark almost demonic voice.

“Boo”

Ratchet screamed like a little filly that had just seen the Slendermane and flailed in his seat a terrified expression on his face as he fell backwards onto the floor with a loud crash. There was another pause before all three burst into hysterical laughter holding their sides as Ratchet twitched on the floor, APAU reached over and high hoofed Ditzy.

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Twilight had headed towards the north end of Ponyville to search for clues.

“Excuse me” she called out to a couple who turned to look in her direction “I was wondering if you could help me with something?” 

“Sure ok” the one on the right replied to her.

“I’m looking for a colt, he’s new to Ponyville and-“she was cut off by the one on the left.

“Oh you mean Ratchet!” she started” Why he was at the marketplace earlier with that cross eyed mare uhm Dippy Ditty…”

“Ditzy dear” the one on the right corrected her “She said something about giving him a grand tour of Ponyville” Twilight frowned slightly ‘But that was going to be my job’ she thought sadly, but dispelled the feelings as she was at least happy someone was helping him out.

“Oh thank you I’ll head over there now!” Twilight thanked them and headed off to the marketplace ‘He won’t be there but at least I’ll be able to find out where he and Ditzy headed off to’ she thought.

At the same time Rainbow Dash had bumped into Applejack who told her she was heading to the marketplace, soon after that Fluttershy and Rarity had joined the two at the entrance to the marketplace. They looked over to see Pinkie having a conversation with one of the market stall owners, well, she was talking to him at least.

“And after that were going to have a big party and then were going to give him presents and then were going to have another BIGGER party and then-“

“Uh…Miss?” the stallion tried to speak but Pinkie soon drowned him out again.

“OHMYGOSHWEHAVETOGETANOTHERCAKEBECAUSETHEOTHERONEGOTRUINED!” and with that she sped off to Sugarcube Corner leaving the stallion speechless. The ponies went over to him Rainbow Dash addressing him.

“Was she trying to ask you something my dear?” she inquired.

“Uhm w-why yeah she was she wanted to know about the new guy who just moved here but she kept interrupting me so I couldn’t give her an answer” he sighed with a shrug.

“Well would you be a darling and tell us please?” Rarity asked him battering her eyelids.

“U-uh yeah o-ok he and Ditzy were talking to L-Lyra and Bon-Bon” he indicated with his hoof to the two ponies who were outside a café chatting away.

“Thank you kindly darling” Rarity thanked him blowing him a kiss causing him to blush and fiddle with the stalls supplies nervously, the girl then headed over to the two who looked up as they approached.

“Oh hey girls” Lyra waved to them” How are you today?”

The girls greeted them and then began to question them.

“The fellah over there says you two seen the new guy do y’all know where he is?” Applejack started, Lyra and Bon-bon giggled to each other before Bon-Bon replied to her.

“Why yes we have, you must mean Mr Ratchet” she giggled again with Lyra.

“What’s with the giggling?” Rainbow Dash almost demanded her.

“Well our new citizen is from Coltchester…” Lyra started by she trailed off into a giggle as Bon-Bon finished her sentence for her.

“He has the most looooooooovely accent” she cooed as she joined in with Lyra giggling, Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes face hoofing.

“Well could y’all tell us where he and Ditzy were headed?” Applejack asked impatiently.

“Last we heard they were heading to your farm” Lyra replied taking a sip of her water “Ratchet wanted to look around there before he settled in”
.
“Then that’s where were heading y’all!” Applejack announced, as the girls turned round they saw Twilight running towards them.

“Hey girls” she panted for breath taking a moment to regain her composure “Found out anything helpful?”

“Sure did Twi! He’s over at Sweet Apple acres right now! Wait…where’s Pinkie Pie?” she asked looking around for her. The girls just shrugged.

“She uhm…ran off to get more cake…I think” Fluttershy replied quietly.

“Oh, well I’m sure she will meet us there, mare has an unnatural ability to appear wherever and whenever”. Twilight sighed the girls nodding in unison in agreement before heading off towards Sweet Apple Acres.

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With the lunch and teasing of Ratchet finished Ratchet Ditzy and APAU helped Applebloom and Big Mac to clear up the table letting Granny Smith sit in her rocking chair.

“Granny Smith it was a pleasure to meet you and thank you for lunch it was absolutely delicious” Ratchet thanked her shaking her hoof, Granny Smith chuckled as she smiled APAU shaking her hooves happily.

“Why it weren’t no trouble dearie, when Big Mac told me about how you fixed the barn roof it was the least ah could do besides ah got to meet a new fellah and uhm...fellahs” she looked up at APAU who was retracting into the bags. 

“Well it wasn’t a problem, and if you need any help with repairs around the farm let me know” he smiled “it’s on the house”

“Well that’s mighty kind of you” Big Mac grinned shaking his hoof, Ditzy and Ratchet headed out of the building waving to the Apples.

“Bye! See you guys later!” Ditzy called back to them as the two and were about to head down the path when Applebloom shout out.

“BIG SIS!” she shouted jumping on the spot looking down the path, Ditzy and Ratchet turned to see who she was calling to just in time to see a mass of Pink tackle Ratchet to the ground.

“HIMYNAMESPINKIEPIEWELCOMETOPONYVILLEIMSOGLADTOFINALLYMEETYOUDOYOULIKEPARTIESCOSWEREGUNNATHROUGHYOUAMAJORPAAAAAAARTY!” She screeched like a hyperactive child into his startled face.

“Uh...” Ratchet began before Pinkie was covered in a glowing purple aura lifting her off Ratchet and to the side.

“See I told you she’d appear…Celestia knows how she does it though…” Twilight turned to Ratchet who was being helped up by Ditzy “We meet at last” she smiled extending her hoof to Ratchet “My name is Twilight Sparkle and I’m-“Ratchet cut her off.

“Sorry to interrupt but you were at the train station weren’t you, I think I saw you six heading into the railway assistance room next to the tourist information room when I left for the taxi lot.” He asked them the girls stared at him blinking for a few moments ‘Oh Luna not again’ he thought bracing for the over reactions to his accent.

“Uhm…well yes, yes as a matter of fact we did go in there we must of missed you by a second or two” Twilight replied, Ratchet scanned the girls none of them seemed to be ready to scream except Rarity who was acting like Bon-Bon and then his eyes caught Pinkie Pie’s who was about to pounce him again. Sensing this Twilight stopped her in mid pounce just in time.

“OHMYGOSHYOURVOICEISSOTOATALLYAWESOME!!!!” she cried out trying desperately to pounce Ratchet, the girls, having regained themselves face hoofed sighing as Applebloom hugged her sister.

“You shoulda seen him Applejack! He helped Big Mac fix the barn roof in a matter of seconds!” she grinned up at her.

“Coupla seconds? That job was the work of at least two ponies how in the hay did he do it so fast?” Applejack tilted her head at Ratchet as if to size him out.

“He did it with APAU!” Applebloom replied pointing her hoof at Ratchets bags ‘Crap…how are they going to re-act to him?’” Ratchet thought as the girls looked confused.

“A…PAU?” Rainbow Dash blinked confused “What the hay is that?” Ratchet sighed and looked at them.

“Promise me you won’t over react….much” He looked at Pinkie on the last word seeing her still being held by Twilight’s magic. The girls like earlier with Ditzy Big Mac and Applebloom nodded in slight confusion. “Ok…APAU come on out” and with that APAU shot out dramatically giving an overdone bow to the girls, they stood their mouths agape all except Pinkie who seemed to know that it was going to happen, Applebloom Ditzy Big Mac and Granny Smith snickered at their expressions.

“W-what is…”Twilight stuttered as APAU shook her hoof before shaking each of the girls one after the other.
“APAU is my friend, he’s a robot I built and stands for-“

“Automated Pony Assistance Unit” Applebloom cut in sticking her chest out proudly. Ratchet and Ditzy chuckled.

“Precisely” Ratchet confirmed as he grinned APAU now messing around with a very delighted Pinkie Pie who was now free of her magic prison and hoof wrestling APAU. 

“Well then…” Twilight began watching APAU before turning to Ratchet “We were meant to take you around town but it appears that’s already been taken care of” she shot a glance at Ditzy who looked embarrassed.

“Sorry about that Twilight…I didn’t know” she said softly looking down.

“It’s ok Ditzy, seems you two had fun anyway so that’s good all that’s left is for you to meet the Mayor Ratchet and you will of officially moved in” Twilight stated.

“Fantastic!” Ratchet replied “Lead the way!”

And with that the girls and Ratchet said goodbye once again to Big Mac Apple Bloom and Granny Smith and headed off down the path back to Ponyville.

‘I’m going to love it here’ He thought to himself grinning as he watched Ditzy tell the others about the fun at lunch, Ratchet sighed ‘I think…’


[Added another reference in here let’s see who gets it first, hint, it’s from an old British Claymation cartoon]

> Dealing with a show off
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        
“Well it is a pleasure to finally meet you Mr Ratchet” Mayor Mare smiled at Ratchet shaking his hoof “I trust you got everything sorted with your missing suitcase?” Ratchet blinked and looked at Twilight and her friends who in turn blinked.

“Uhm…what suitcase-“Ratchet was cut off by Rainbow Dash sticking her hoof over his mouth

“He sure did! We helped him sort that mess all right!” she grinned nervously as Ratchet just blinked.

“Uhm…well then…I’m glad…” She eyed Dash and the girls with some suspicion before turning to Ditzy “and you say he has been shown to his new home and shop?” 

“Yes Mayor, we even managed to get it fixed up but…it’s kinda bare” Ditzy frowned slightly.

“Oh in that case Ratchet do you need any help with equipment?” she turned to Ratchet.

“No thank you Mayor, my dad’s going to send me stuff I need from his old workshop so I should be fine but thank you for the offer” Ratchet smiled to her, the conversation continued with the Mayor telling Ratchet about events in the town as well as the names of the ponies in charge of the emergency numbers. When she had finished she shook his hoof again and waved him and the girls off as they left her office.

“Well now what ya’ll wanna do?” Applejack asked out loud.

“I don’t really know but I can’t help think I forgot something…”Ditzy replied stroking her chin trying her hardest to think.
“Uhm…Ditzy darling…” Rarity began “have you delivered the rest of your mail?”

“OH SWEET SUGAR HOOVES!” Ditzy shouted her wings suddenly shooting out as she flew off at high speed down the road almost crashing into two ponies who dived out of the way just in time, after ditzy had left Ratchet turned to the girls.

“I think I’d better go get my store ready girls, it was nice meeting you all” he smiled as APAU peeked out slightly waving goodbye.

“Ok Ratchet, hope you have a good evening and once again welcome to Ponyville” Twilight replied smiling, the girls then went off towards Twilight’s home as Ratchet headed back to his shop. When he entered he looked around, APAU began writing a list above his head as Ratchet muttered things he needed. “And I need a tool rack there” he continued to mutter, about fifteen minutes of this he looked up to APAU who finished writing the list ‘turned’ to look at him.

“Got all that buddy?” he asked him, APAU gave a thumbs up as Ratchet grinned “Ok, I need to relay that to dad” he walked over to the telephone and dialled some numbers.

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As the sun rose up over Equestria Ratchet got up with a loud yawn smacking his lips as he got up to freshen himself up, as he headed down the stairs there was a knock on the door. ‘Bit early for someone to knock’ he thought to himself. He opened the door and then grinned happily as he was greeted by an equally happy looking Ditzy.

“Well good morning Ditzy how are you?” he smiled.

“Great thanks Ratchet, gotcha a big order here” she indicated behind her to a cart carrying a large assortment of equipment, Ratchet grinned as he stepped outside, ‘Blimey that was fast’ he thought.

“Great! These are the bits of equipment I need to set up shop” Ratchet and Ditzy then carefully started to carry the equipment into the building with APAU’s help, it took the trio not too long as APAU set everything up, Ratchet’s stomach then rumbled as he blushed. “I haven’t had breakfast yet...” 

“Well neither have I to be honest…wanted to get this delivered first” Ditzy replied with the same blush rubbing the back of her head “Was wondering if you wanted to have breakfast together?”

“Sure sounds great” Ratchet smirked “Muffins?” Ditzy’s face lit up as she giggled flapping her wings.

“How’d you know?”

The two happily chowed down on a breakfast of muffins and apple juice, when they finished their breakfast Ditzy hugged Ratchet and took off to finish her other deliveries. Ratchet carried on setting up some projects he wanted to work on when he wasn’t working and turned the sign in his window to ‘open’.

“Ready to start the day” he said to himself softly.

The day began slowly as he had thought it would, a couple ponies coming in with a couple of knick knacks such as broken clocks and toasters. He happily fixed them placing the bits he earned into the till, at around lunch time Ditzy opened the door holding a paper bag in her mouth smiling placing it on the table.

“Hey Ratchet thought you might me hungry!” she giggled sitting herself down at the table

“You thought right” smiling as he sat down with her, she took out two wrapped up newspapers containing two portions of hay fries. The two chattered as they ate their food when they heard a loud commotion outside, the two ponies got up and walked to the window peeking out. 

“Wonder what the hay is going on out there” Ditzy tilted her head.

“Not sure, want to go check it out?” Ratchet turned to her, Ditzy nodded and headed out of the shop Ratchet quickly equipping APAU followed her out and they both walked with the crowd of ponies who were heading towards a large wooden coat in the town square. The hushed chatter of the ponies had mixed ideas of what was going to happen.

“I heard it’s a travelling sales pony!” one pony said.

“Well I heard it was a travelling show pony! Another pony replied.

As the chatter grew more excited Ratchet spotted Rarity Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy near the front of the stage and nudged Ditzy, she looked to where he was pointing his hoof and they both went over. 

“Morning girls” Ratchet greeted them with a smile.

“Oh morning Ratchet morning Ditzy” Rarity greeted them back “How are you today?”

“Good thank you wondering what all the commotion is about” Ratchet replied scanning over the cart curiously “Any ideas?” the girls gave a shrug.

“Apparently she’s this unicorn who has amazing magical talent” a voice came from behind them, turning round they saw it was Spike Snips and Snails followed closely by Twilight.

“Oh hey sugar cube wondered where you were “Applejack smiled. As the girls chattered about the strange stage Ratchet scanned it then turned to Ditzy.

“I got a bad feeling about this…”he whispered. Ditzy was about to speak when a voice suddenly spoke up over the crowds of ponies.

“COME ONE COME ALL! COME AND WITNESS THE AMAZING MAGIC OF THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE!!” the voice boomed out, as the last word was said the cart suddenly expanded out into a make shift stage followed by a puff of smoke in the centre revealing a blue unicorn with a light blue mane in a hat and cape, the crowd gasped watching the unicorn some in confusion some in awe.

“Watch in awe as the Great and Powerful Trixie performs the most spectacular feats of magic every witnessed by pony eyes!” She announced standing on her back legs as fireworks shot up exploding in the sky. The excited chattering erupted again in excited whispers.

“My my my, what boasting” Rarity sneered.

“Come on” Spike started “No ponies as magical as Twil-“he abruptly stopped as Rarity looked at him, he coughed awkwardly “Rarity I uh…MOUSTACHE!” he suddenly blurted out. Rarity blinked then looked back towards Trixie as Spike sighed and face palmed himself.

“Smooth” Ratchet whispered teasingly nudging him, Ditzy giggled as Spike gave Ratchet an annoyed shove.
“There’s nothing wrong with being Talented is there?” Twilight asked Rarity looking a little worried.

“Nothing at all” Applejack replied turning her head glaring at Trixie who was performing simple tricks “Cept when some pony goes around showing off like a school filly with fancy new ribbons”.

“Just because one has the ability to perform lots of magic does NOT make one better than the rest of us” Rarity added.

“Especially when you got me around being better than the rest of us” Rainbow smirked before receiving a glare from Applejack Rarity and Ditzy. “Uhm…I mean, yeah magic schmagic…boo!” she quickly added before shooting a glance at the glaring ponies, Ratchet was getting a bit bored now as nothing had really happened, he wanted to go back to his shop and finish his project and looked somewhat annoyed as Trixie sneered at Rainbow.

“Well well well, it seems we have some neighsayers in the audience who is so ignorant as to challenge the magical ability of the Great and Powerful Tri-“she was cut off.

“Yes yes we get it your ‘Great and powerful’ woo…” Ratchet said in an annoyed sarcastic tone shaking his hooves when as he said great and powerful. “Can you just get on with whatever it is you’re going to do some of us have work to do” some ponies in the crowd giggled Rainbow struggled to keep from bursting out laughing, Trixie snorted.

“Do you not know you’re in the presence of the most powerful unicorn in ALL of Equestria?!” she glared at him sending off some sparks from her horn that turned into fireworks that exploded into the shape of some badly drawn monsters, a loud gasp came from the ponies behind him. Ratchet just looked up at her unimpressed, this annoyed Trixie slightly.

“Pfft just who does she think she is?” Rarity whispered to Twilight.

“Yeah!” Spike butted in “since we all know that Twilight here is-“

“Spike Shh!” Twilight cut in, she then nudged him away from the crowd to speak to him privately as Ratchet looked back at Trixie along with the girls as she began making more fireworks appear again standing on her back legs. Rainbow had also had enough and shot up onto the stage.

So ‘Great and Powerful’ Trixie” She said sarcastically “What makes you think you're so awesome, anyway?” Trixie scoffed and stuck her nose up at Dash before puffing her chest out.

“Why only the Great and Powerful Trixie has magic strong enough to vanquish the dreaded Ursa Major!” she proudly proclaimed as more fireworks shot off around the stage producing a weak outline of a strange creature above the stage, the audience gasped in awe at her statement she surveyed the crowd happy knowing she had them hanging on her every word as she continued. 

“When all hope was lost the ponies of Hoofington had no one to turn to, but the Great and Powerful Trixie stepped in and with her awesome magic, vanquished the Ursa Major and sent it back to its cave deep within the Everfree Forest!” Ponies in the crowd started to murmur in approval, Ratchet looked left and right before raising his hoof up.

“Uhm…excuse me Trixie but if you defeated this so called Ursa Major, why is it I have never read anything about it in any of the papers I mean SURELY” he emphasised the last word with a coy smirk “Something as amazing as that would of made the headlines in every front page!” the ponies began to mutter between themselves.

“He’s got a point I never saw anything about it in the papers” one whispered

“And something as big as an Ursa Major would have been a great story to earn bits” another whispered.

“No pony from Hoofington ever mentioned it when I was there come to think of it” a colt in the middle called out to Trixie, Trixie’s posture wavered slightly unsure on how to proceed, Ratchet smirked to himself as she smirked back confusing him.

“Why of course you ponies have not heard about this, I politely declined an interview as I wished to be treated like normal ponies and as a thank you the wonderful citizens of Hoofington promised to keep it a secret for the Great and Powerful Trixie!”

“Well that makes sense…I think” a voice whispered.

“Wow she’s so selfless and so amazing!” replied another, Ratchet face hoofed in disbelief ‘Didn’t they JUST hear her talk about being better than every pony?’ he thought as he sighed.

“It's true, my enthusiastic little admirers. Trixie is most certainly the best in Ponyville” she suddenly announced, there was a long pause as ponies looked at her some in admiration others in confusion. “Don't believe the Great and Powerful Trixie?” she chuckled to herself “Well then, I hereby challenge you, Ponyvillians” she scanned the crowd shooting a glare at Ratchet as she passed him “Anything you can do, I can do better.  Any takers? Anyone? Hmm? Or is Trixie destined to be the greatest equine who has ever lived!? How about you my out spoken friend?” she pointed a hoof at Ratchet gritting her teeth almost forcing out the word friend. Before Ratchet had a chance to answer Spike, who was now irritated, stood in front of him.

“Please! Your nothing compared to Twi-“Twilight muffled him quickly with her hoof much to his protests as she pulled him back, Twilight nervously looked away from the gazes of the other ponies as Trixie who spotted Twilight’s horn smirked ignoring her hatred for Ratchet turned her gaze to Twilight locking her eyes with hers.

“Hmmm, how about…you!” she smirked pointing her hoof at Twilight. Twilight shrunk back slightly worried as every pony turned to focus their gaze on her. “Well how about it? Hm? Is there anything YOU can do that the great and powerful Trixie can’t?” She smirked at Twilight “Well little hayseed?” Twilight began to stutter but before Twilight could utter a single word though Applejack, who had clearly had enough of the arrogant unicorn.

“That’s it I can’t stand for no more of this!” Applejack walked up onto the stage and pulled out a lasso. “Can your magical powers do this?” she challenged her as she started to perform tricks with her lasso the crowd of ponies going ‘ooo’ and ‘Aahh’, the lasso then grabbed an apple from a nearby tree pulling it into her mouth, the crowd applauded the girls the loudest. “Top THAT missy” Applejack smirked at Trixie. Trixie simply chuckled loudly and scoffed at Applejack.
“Oh ye of little talent, watch and be amazed at the magic of the!-“again she was cut off.

“Great and Powerful Trixie we get it already!” Ratchet glared annoyingly, some ponies tittered again Ditzy let out a small giggle. Trixie scowled at him before carrying on.

“At the magic of the GREAT and POWERFUL Trixie!”” she emphasised the words glaring again at Ratchet who glared back. He didn’t particularly like ponies that were THIS arrogant. Trixie’s horn glowed as applejacks rope seemingly came to life startling her, Applejack watched closely as the rope began to sway hypnotically in front of her, not noticing the other end wrapping around an apple. Suddenly Applejack felt her hooves being tied together before being dangled upside down, before she could speak she had an apple stuffed into her mouth muffling her protests, the crowd began to laugh with the exception of her friends Ratchet gritted his teeth angrily, something he disliked more than an arrogant pony was a bully who was arrogant.

“Once again the Great and Powerful Trixie prevails!” she puffed out her chest, she looked down at Ratchet and smirked almost trying to egg him her face saying ‘Where’s your snappy comments now?’ he was about to speak up when Rainbow Dash shot up to the stage once more confronting her.

“There’s no need to go strutting around and showing off like that!” she said angrily. Trixie simply scoffed.

“Oh?”

“That’s my job” Rainbow glared at her before zipping off at high speed towards a windmill flying around the rotating blades before shooting up into the sky punching through several clouds leaving a perfect circle, before stopping briefly only to shoot down straight back through the holes only this time several water droplets shot after her at close neck speed. She flew around the blades once more before coming to a stop on the stage just as the water droplets collided with her back splashing to form a miniature rainbow behind her, smugly, Dash smirked at Trixie. 

“They don’t call me ‘Rainbow’ and ‘Dash’ for nothing!” the crowd broke out into whoops and cheers for her Trixie however was unimpressed.

“When Trixie is through, the only thing they’ll call you is loser!” her horn lit up gain shooting a beam at the Dash, the rainbow around her suddenly wrapped her up tightly and began to spin rapidly lifting Dah into the air in protest before bringing her to the ground on her front her eyes spinning in their sockets. 

“I think I’m “she gulped swallowing “gonna be sick” she trailed off Applejack ran over to help her up.

“Seems like any pony with a ‘dash’ of good sense would think twice before tussling with the Great Trixie!” her horn lit up again making a small storm cloud appear behind Dash a bolt of lightning zapping her on the flank causing her to yelp in pain, the crowd and Trixie began to laugh again Ratchet, looking at them left to right was getting more and more irritated, Dash may be one of the most arrogant ponies he knew and granted he didn’t like that but he liked her as she was a good friend and Dash didn’t go out of her way to humiliate and hurt ponies.

“She needs to be taught a lesson” he whispered to Ditzy who nodded in agreement her scowling face fixed on Trixie although it was hard to take her seriously with her eyes, Spike nodded next to him.

“What we need is another unicorn to challenge her, some pony with some magic of her own” he said, Dash and Applejack nodded.

“Yeah A unicorn to show this unicorn who’s boss” Dash bitterly added.

“A real unicorn to unicorn tussle” Applejack added with a nod, Ratchet frowned a little, as much as he didn’t like Trixie and her behaviour he felt that the who thing was getting way out of hoof.

“Uh...” Twilight began nervously, Ratchet saw this and spoke up.

“Guys I think that-“Ratchet was abruptly cut off as Rarity swung her mane accidently brushing his face as she puffed out her chest importantly.

“Enough enough all of you, I take your hint but Rarity is above such nonsense. Rainbow Dash and Applejack may behave like ruffians, but Rarity conducts herself with beauty and grace” She scoffed, Trixie had overheard this and smirked seeing another opportunity to show big herself up even more.

“Ooo what’s the matter? Afraid you’ll get a hair out of place in that rat’s nest you call a mane?” there was a silence. Rarity glared darkly at her causing Spike to hid behind Twilight slightly afraid, Rarity almost growled out.

“Oh, It, Is, ON! You may think you're tough with all of your so-called powers, but there's more to magic than your brutish ways. A unicorn needs to be more than just muscle. A unicorn needs to have style” as she spoke her horn lit up and pulled one of Trixie’s curtains form behind the stage off its support and encased herself with it before turning it into an elegant looking dress, she had also restyled her mane posing with grace as the crowd gasped in awe of her look. “A unicorn is not a unicorn without grace and beauty” Spike sighed at her in content.

“Rarity won’t let Trixie get the best of her! She’s strong, she’s beautiful” Spike emphasized that as he battered his eyes at Rarity” She’s-“he stopped mid-sentence mouth agape as the whole crows gasped. 

“QUICK! I NEED A MIRROR! GET ME A MIRROR! WHAT DID SHE DO TO MY HAIR? I KNOW SHE DID SOMETHING TERRIBLE TO MY HAIR!” Rarity screeched as Trixie looked on smirking. The girls Ratchet and spike looked at each other for a moment.

“Nothing” Twilight said.

“It’s fine” Rainbow added.

“It’s gorgeous” Applejack nodded.

“It’s green” Spike bluntly said, the girls scowled at him “What?” Rarity’s eyes welled up with tears.

“No! Green hair! Not green hair!” she ran off the stage sobbing “Such and awful awful colour!" she sobbed more running past a pony with green hair looking quite annoyed at her.

“Well I never! She said, Spike looked up to Twilight.

“Well Twilight guess it’s up to you” she looked down at him with a worried expression her ears flat “Come on show her what you’re made of!” he nudged her leg.

“What do you mean? I’m nothing special?” she replied spike scowled at her getting impatient.

“Yes you are! You’re better than her! Spike tapped his foot on the ground, Ditzy was noticing how uncomfortable Twilight was getting and nudged Ratchet who nodded walking up to Spike.

“I’m not better than any pony” Twilight firmly said.

“Spike…Don’t-“Ratchet started but was interrupted by Trixie’s loud laugh.

“Hah! You think you're better than the Great and Powerful Trixie? You think you have more magical talent? Well, come on, show Trixie what you've got. Show us all” She grinned down at Twilight who began to back away slowly.

“Who me? I'm just your run-of-the-mill citizen of Ponyville. No powerful magic here. I, uh... I think I hear my laundry calling. Sorry, gotta go.” And with that Twilight dashed off with spike chasing after her. Ratchet turned to glare at Trixie who laughed louder the crowd joining in.

“Ha! Once again, the Great and Powerful Trixie has proven herself to be the most amazing unicorn in all of Equestria. Huh, was there ever any doubt?” she smugly said walking to the back of the stage as the crowd applauded. ‘Oh that does it’ Ratchet thought turning his head up.

“HEY!” he shouted, the applauding stopped as everyone looked at him. Trixie turned round and glared at him. “You think you’re so much better than every pony here?!” he walked up onto the stage his glaring eyes never leaving hers “You’re nothing but a bully and an arrogant show off!” Trixie just scoffed at him.

“Well Trixie has already proven herself ‘thrice’ that she is Greater and more Powerful than any pony here” she smirked, two young colts started to boo Ratchet.

“Doesn’t give you the right to proclaim yourself the best Trixie, every pony has their talent talents that no other pony can do” he looked into the crowd “Take Dash” he indicated a hoof at her as she just blinked “She has no idea how she would go about fixing a locomotive, does that make me, a pony who CAN do that better than her? No, same goes for me, there isn’t a chance in my wildest dreams to be able to fly and pull off the amazing stunts she does but that doesn’t make her better than me!” as he finished several cries came from Rainbow Applejack and Ditzy.

“You tell her sugar cube!” Applejack called out

“Yeah you go Ratchet!” Dash whistled, Trixie scowled at Ratchet and then smirked.

“If you feel that is the case then why don’t YOU take on the Great and Powerful Trixie hmmm?” Ratchet just scoffed dramatically at her.

“No, because unlike you I’m not a petty silly little filly” he turned and began to walk off the stage Trixie laughed behind him.

“Oh Trixie sees how it is, your just a big talentless CHICKEN!” she smirked waiting for his retort as the crowd all collectively went ‘ooooo’ Ratchet slowly turned to face her.

“No pony…calls me chicken!” he started to walk back to her glaring angrily when he heard Applejack and Dash call him.

“Hey Ratchet don’t fall for her ticks just walk away like the bigger pony!” Applejack said.

“She’s got a point Ratchet, walk away while you still have your pride” Dash added, Ratchet was about to walk away when Trixie began to make chicken noises, the two young colts Snips and Snails began to join in followed by the other ponies in the crowd. Ratchet glared and stood opposite her, Trixie smirked as she braced herself. ‘Need to think of something…can’t hurt her myself it goes against what I said…but if I walk away and don’t stand up for my friends what kind of message does that give to ponies about bullies’ he through worryingly, he glance to Applejack and Dash their faces mixed with worry and suspense as the crowd cheered. Ratchet looked back to Trixie who laughed again.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie will let you go first” her horn lit up ready to counter anything he did, Ratchet stood there for a moment trying to think of a way to resolve this when a loud frustrated sounding series of beeps emerged from his bags, the crowd stopped cheering confused as to the noise. Trixie lowered her guard slightly confused. “What magic is this?” she demanded.

Ratchet was about to reply when APAU shot up from the bag both tendrils clenched into a fist, a collective gasp ran across the crowd as Dash and Applejack looked at each other grinning Trixie stared at the two mechanical tendrils stunned. There was a brief pause before the two hands nodded to one another and slammed into the stage plank Trixie was standing on causing it to break and catapult her into the air over and behind Ratchet with a loud screech as she flew straight into a pile of decomposing fruits and vegetables that were near the market stalls ready to be taken away with a loud squelch.

There was a deathly silence before Trixie’s head popped up from the compost bin covered in rotting fruit and vegetable spitting out bits as she glared angrily at Ratchet. The crowd just stared at her mouths agape, Dash blinked twice and suddenly erupted into a loud laughter followed soon after by Applejack and Ditzy then the entire crowd, Trixie glared at them all as she clambered out of the bin covered head to tail in compost. Ratchet got down from the stage and began to walk through the crowd trying not to laugh as the three girls walked alongside him still laughing.

“Oh man that was PRICELESS!” Dash said through laughter as she high hoofed APAU.

“Gotta say, that was worth getting mah legs hog tied like that “Applejack said wiping a tear from her eye. Ditzy just couldn’t stop giggling as they walked towards the library APAU retracting back into the bags by his sides. Trixie scowled after them as the crowd dispersed.

“Oh you’ll regret that Ratchet…mark my words the Great and Powerful Trixie will have her revenge!” she angrily shouted point a hoof into the sky dramatically. 


[Sorry for any errors and such also, there are two references to two films in here can you find them both?]




> Feelings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        
It had been nearly two months since the Ursa attack on Ponyville, the town had settled since the event and life carried on as normal. Ratchet was on a roof inspecting part of it that was newer then the other sections of the roof, satisfied that the repairs were still intact he climbed down the ladder and propped his goggles up smiling at the blue mare that was waiting for him at the base of the ladder.

“So how does it look Ratchet?”

“No problems at all Colgate the repairs are holding together nicely”

“Thanks Ratchet, still can’t believe that Ursa took a bite out of my home” 

“Yeah, can’t believe that Snips and Snails actually found one in the first place”

“I know right?”

The two laughed and Colgate thanked Ratchet who nodded and said his goodbyes, waving to Colgate who grinned back showing off her unusually bright white teeth. APAU picked Ratchet’s tool box up and placed it on his back before retreating into the saddlebags, Ratchet began to trot back to his shop humming a little tune. His mind raced back to that night’s events remembering how he had awoken with a start in the middle of the night to witness the Ursa take a chunk out of Colgate’s house as well as damaging other ponies’ homes, he also remembered how Twilight had used her magic to stop the Ursa.
Ratchet couldn’t help feeling impressed and finding a new found respect for her after that night. He turned a corner and was greeted by a little filly who screeched to a halt in front of him narrowly avoiding a collision, Ratchet blinked and looked down at her as she looked up at him.

“Hello Mister Ratchet!” the filly grinned bouncing in place.

“Hello Dinky” Ratchet replied with a smile.

“You gunna see my mummy today?” she asked tilting her head.

“I might do, where is she anyway?” 

Before the filly could answer Ratchet heard a familiar voice from behind her, looking up he saw Ditzy coming up looking mad.
“Dinky Hooves there you are! What have I told you about running off like that?”

“Sorry mummy…” Dinky’s face dropped and shuffled her front leg in the ground, Ditzy couldn’t help but smile and pull her into a cuddle.

“It’s ok muffin” she looked up to Ratchet and smiled “How are you Ratchet?”

“I’m fine Ditzy, and yourself?”

“Same here just picked my little muffin up from school” she ruffled Dinky’s mane who giggled and began bouncing on the spot again.

“I see she’s in a good mood” Ratchet chuckled watching Dinky bounce around her mother; it reminded him a lot of Pinkie.

“Yeah, she was selected to play a big part in the school’s end of term play” Ditzy said proudly.

“Well done Dinky” Ratchet grinned giving her mane a playful ruffle, Dinky giggled and batted at his hoof with her own.

Ratchet and Ditzy talked for a while about their days with Dinky interrupting now and again to make sure Ratchet knew about her day to, Ratchet had met Dinky the day after the attack when Ditzy had asked him to come round and repair her front door. At first the little filly had been nervous around Ratchet but soon calmed down when she was introduced to APAU, since that day Ratchet had been round Ditzy’s home a few times for lunches and dinners and vice versa they had visited Ratchet’s home, he had become a firm friend to the filly even babysitting for Ditzy when she had to go out of town. But recently he had been feeling different, every time he had met up with Ditzy or greeted her in the street his heart seemed to beat faster and his mood would instantly perk up.

“Well it was nice seeing you Ratchet but I need to get this one home for dinner” Ditzy indicated the bouncing Dinky who was chasing after a butterfly, Ratchet chuckled and nodded.

“Ok Ditzy I’ll see you later, see you later to Dinky”

“Bye Mister Ratchet, can we have muffins for desert mummy?”

“Of course my little muffin”

“YAY!”

Ratchet smiled watching the two walk of before heading off down the road humming to himself, as he approached his shop; he stopped to greet Twilight Rarity and Spike who were walking towards him.

“Hello Ratchet, you’ve been busy today then I take it?” Twilight said.

“Mhm, just been checking in on the repairs I made after the attack, everything seems to be in order” Ratchet replied with a grin.

“Still cannot believe that Trixie!” Rarity sniffed “Tricking those two young colts into believing her ridiculous stories”

“The way you used your magic to deal with the Ursa is still just incredible!” Ratchet said as Twilight blushed a little rubbing her leg with her hoof.

“I know right? She’s the best magic user in Equestria!” Spike pointed upwards in a dramatic pose with his declaration, the three ponies snickered and Spike blushed when he noticed Rarity giggling.

“Oh Spike, it seems your Twilight’s number one fan as well as her assistant, best watch out though” Rarity brought her head close to the side of his face causing him to blush more “I have good information saying Pinkie is after that position so watch yourself”

“Yeah Spike, you can never tell when she will appear she might just…” Ratchet smirked before looking around, Spike looking where he did “GET CHA!” He suddenly loomed his face close to Spike who jumped off Twilight startled and landed on his backside panting as the three chuckled.

“Did the mean engineer give you a fright my dear Spike” Rarity cooed as she picked him up with her magic and gave him a hug, Spike blushed harder than before. “Well my dears I must be off, I have a new dress I am dying to start, good day” and with that Rarity walked away, Spike sighed contently as he watched her walk away.

“Hey earth to Romeo” Twilight giggled as Spike snapped out of his trance. “We should be going home too”

“I need to perform some maintenance on APAU anyway, have a little tinker with his circuitry” Ratchet held back a snicker as both Twilight and Spike stared at him confused.

“I wish I could come watch Ratchet but I have some studying to do for the Princes...” she frowned slightly as Spike jumped up suddenly.

“Can I go Twilight pleeeeeease? I’ll write down what I see for you so you can put it in your next report” Spike’s eyes became soppy as he looked up at Twilight who giggled at him.

“Do you mind Ratchet?”

“Course not I wouldn’t mind the company” he grinned as Spike clambered onto his back. “I’ll have him back before bedtime”
“Ok then, see you to later, be good Spike” she waved them both off as Ratchet walked back to his shop Spike waving back to her.

The two sat at Ratchet’s work bench as Ratchet placed the saddle bags on the bench carefully removing APAU with the help of Spike, Spike gasped as he saw what the base of APAU was. APAU was a twin pair of metal boxes that had ‘APAU’ etched onto one side on both the boxes, at the tops they both had a small square on the top with a line going down the middle.

“What’s that for Ratchet?” Spike asked pointing to the small square

“Watch” he replied with a grin “APAU can you come out right side so I can check your hand”

The square slid open as APAU’s tendril slowly came out the hand stretching as it waved to Spike, Spike waved back with a grin.

“Awesome!”

Spike watched as Ratchet opened each of the boxes with Spike asking questions regarding the insides, he helped Ratchet now and again handing him tools. After an hour or so Ratchet was satisfied with his inspection, Spike had jotted down on a scroll what they had done and Ratchet set APAU to go into standby mode before placing the boxes back in their bags and placing the saddle bags near the door on a table then turned to Spike.

“Hungry?”

“Mhm” 

Ratchet went into the kitchen followed by Spike and handed him a ruby, Spike took the gem and looked at him confused.

“How’d you know I eat gems?”

Ratchet thought back to his first night where Pinkie had thrown him a ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party at Sugarcube corner, he chuckled slightly at the memory of a drunken Twilight trying to chat up a hat stand.

“I saw you eating some at the party at Pinkie’s party, so figured I’d get some in case you and Twilight ever came round”

Spike smiled as he began to eat the gem, Ratchet helped himself to an apple as they sat at the kitchen table.

“So Spike, how long have you liked Rarity?”

Spike nearly choked on his ruby as he coughed looking startled.

“W-who told you that I mean why would y-you think that?”

“Well it’s a bit obvious the way you stare at her” Ratchet snickered.

“Ok fine, I have a crush on her but” Spike looked down sadly “I don’t think she likes me back that way”

Ratchet frowned then an idea popped into his head

“Spike, you want me to be your wingcolt?”

“What’s a wingcolt?”

“A wingcolt is a friend who helps his friend hook up with a mare” Spikes eyes lit up as he started to grin excitedly.

“You mean it? You’ll help me win Rarity over”

“Sure, what are friends for” Ratchet grinned extending his hoof to Spike who bumped it with a closed fist.

The two talked a bit more and discussed ‘strategies’ on how to woo over Rarity both sharing a chuckle and a cup of coco, they had settled on calling it ‘Operation Dragonlove’ a name Spike had insisted on. They began to finalize the details of the plan which was to have Spike be Rarity’s assistant for the day, helping her out and showing Rarity how good Spike was and impress her thus getting the girl. They just needed to get co-operation from Twilight.

“Say Ratchet…do you have a special some pony?” Spike suddenly asked him.

Ratchet blinked, he hadn’t really given the idea of a marefriend much thought. But every time did he couldn’t think of anyone but Ditzy, then it hit him. The strange feelings he had been felling around her recently ‘Do I have a thing for Ditzy?’ he thought to himself. As his mind trailed back to his earlier thoughts on Ditzy smiling to himself, he saw Spikes mouth twist into a grin as he shook his head quickly coughing.

“Uh…no not at the uh moment…” Ratchet lied; Spike cocked his brow with a smirk.

“Uhuh…” 

Spike was about to press him for further answers when he noticed it had gotten dark outside.

“It’s getting late, I should head back home before Twilight gets mad”

“Alright, I’ll walk with you” 

The two got up and left the shop, Ratchet let Spike ride on his back as he walked through the streets to the library. There were still a few ponies out and about the majority of them heading back home after a long day of work, Ratchet’s mind trailed away into his thoughts about Ditzy again.

‘So…you do like Ditzy then?’

‘I’m not sure…I mean yeah I like her but that’s just as a friend…however’

‘However you’re now questioning that after giving it a bit of thought’

‘Yeah…how’d you know?’

‘I am you…idiot’

‘Shut it’

“You like Ditzy don’t you?” Spike suddenly said brining Ratchet back into reality, he was caught off guard as he realised what Spike had said and stumbled to find an answer.

“N-no whatever g-gave you that idea  I don’t like her uhm I-I mean well yes I like her but I mean oh never mind…” he sighed as Spike grinned at his answer.

“Hah I knew it you do have a special some pony”

“Well…I suppose so yes, it’s something about her I don’t know, I just feel comfortable around her I guess.  Every time I see her and talk to her my heart beats quicker and I feel warmer inside and happier, you know what I mean?” 

“Same way I feel when I'm around Rarity” Spike nodded.

Ratchet nodded as the two carried on down the road.

“Hey maybe I can be your wingcolt and we can go on a double date” Spike grinned.

The two laughed as they approached the library, as they came closer to it Ratchet turned his head to Spike.

“Spike…can you keep my feelings secret, I need to figure things out about them first before I do anything”

“But why not just ask her now?” the dragon tilted his head “Seems the best thing to do”

“Oh like you telling Rarity your feelings?” Ratchet retorted with a smirk as Spike shot him a glare. “It’s complicated Spike…just…promise me ok?”

“Ok I promise but can I still be your wingcolt though?”

“Of course, and tomorrow we will start ‘Operation Dragonlove’” he said with a chuckle, Spike grinned nodding and slid off his back opening the door to the library. 

“Night Ratchet”

“Goodnight Spike”

Spike closed the door as Ratchet headed back to his home his mind racing with his thoughts about Ditzy; he arrived at his home and let out a sigh shaking his head of his thoughts before heading to his bed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ratchet woke up slowly the next day, groaning as he slowly got out of bed. He had spent half the night awake thinking about his conversation with Spike on his feelings for Ditzy before falling asleep; he headed downstairs to make himself some tea before helping himself to some oats when he heard a knock on the door. He opened the door to see Spike grinning away with Twilight next to him who was smiling at him.

“Good morning Ratchet”

“Morning Twilight, Spike, what brings you round here so early?”

“Well” Twilight began “Romeo here told me this morning all about your ‘Operation Dragonlove’” she giggled as Ratchet rubbed the back of his head sheepishly “So I have allowed him the day off to see this ‘plan’ through, just…make sure he doesn’t get himself hurt. I care deeply for Spike and would hate to see him crushed”

“Don’t worry Twilight; the plan is fool proof “Ratchet replied with a reassuring smile.

“Also…” Twilight grinned as she looked to Spike who went wide eyed and hid behind her “You didn’t know that Spike talks in his sleep…”

Ratchet gulped and looked down to Spike who shrugged biting his bottom lip.

“Sorry Ratchet…”

“It’s ok” Ratchet sighed “Some pony would have figured it out sooner or later”

“Well I think it’s nice you feel that way about Ditzy, are you going to tell her?”

“I’m not sure how to really Twilight…”

“Hmm…well you could always take her to the Canterlot fair tomorrow, that’s always a good place to have fun at and you never know you may be able to open up to her more”

Ratchet thought for a moment rubbing his chin with a hoof. 

“You know…that might just be a good idea”

Twilight smiled and nodded giving Spike a hug

“Good luck Spike” and with that Twilight left leaving the two standing there, Ratchet quickly picked APAU up and closed his door.

“Ready to go?”

“You bet!” Spike replied enthusiastically and clambered onto his back, the two headed off down the pathway to Rarity’s shop talking to each other about the plan soon coming across a group of ponies and fillies walking towards the school. They spotted Rarity in the crowd with Sweetie Belle, Ratchet’s eyes lit up when he spotted Ditzy and began to quickly approach the crowd.

“Morning girls” he called out to them with a grin

“Oh hello Ratchet and Spike how are you my dears?” Rarity replied with a smile.

“Hey Ratchet” Ditzy waved with her wing as Dinky bounced up to Ratchet and began to circle him giggling.

“I’m fine thank you” he chuckled as he watched Dinky “And hello to you Dinky”

Dinky giggled as she bounded to her mum as Spike hid behind Ratchet’s head blushing slightly.

“Psst…Spike ask her” Ratchet whispered looking back at him.

“Ask who what?” Rarity asked walking side by side to Ratchet, Spike blushed and stumbled with his reply.

“W-well Twilight g-gave me the day off and I was wondering…” he twiddled his claws nervously “If you needed any help today? I wouldn’t mind at all!” 

Rarity stroked her chin thinking for a moment when Ratchet chipped in.

“You shouldn’t pass up the opportunity Rarity; you know how much of a good worker he is”

“Yeah, Twilight keeps saying how she doesn’t know what she’d do without him” Ditzy suddenly added giving Ratchet a knowingly wink.

“You do have a point…ok then, Spike can help me today I’m sure we’ll enjoy our day together” Rarity smiled giving Spikes head a playful rub as she headed up the school path with Sweetie Belle and Dinky who was racing Sweetie to see who would win.

Ratchet smiled and nodded as Spike silently fist pumped the air whispering a victorious ‘yes’, Ratchet turned to Ditzy biting his lip nervously, he felt Spike nudge the back of his head and he turned hisd head to Spike who mouthed at him.

“Ask her to the fair” Spike whispered, Ratchet gulped softly as he turned his head back to Ditzy.

“Ditzy…would you like to come with me to the Canterlot fair tomorrow? That is if you haven’t got any other plans…” he gritted his teeth waiting for her answer for what seemed like an eternity.

“S-sure that sounds awesome” Ditzy replied with a smile and a slight blush.  “I need to a-ask someone a favour, I’ll see you tomorrow”

“O-ok Ditzy”

Ratchet waited for Ditzy to walk up the school path and let a sigh of relief, he then waited for Rarity to come back, he turned to Spike when he saw Rarity approaching them.

“You ready?”

Spike nervously nodded his head.

“Remember, stay calm and cool, remember what we talked about and you’ll do fine. Mind your manners and show her your worth” Ratchet whispered to him

Spike nodded again smiling more confidently as Rarity approached. Spike blushed again, raised his hand up then lowered it exhaling then regaining his composure.

“Ready to go Spike?” she asked with a sweet smile, Spike looked up with a smile.

“I sure am Rarity” Spike jumped of Ratchet’s back and bowed to Rarity “Mare’s first”

“Such a fine gentlecolt” Rarity giggled and started to walk off Spike happily walking beside her, he turned to Ratchet and waved. Ratchet waved back and smiled

‘Good luck Spike....’ he thought to himself.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike stood inside of Rarity’s shop holding several rolls of fabric for her, he had been there a good few hours assisting her in fetching her materials and making her drinks and light snacks. Rarity was in the middle of making a new outfit for a client in Canterlot and was levitating several different fabrics in the air as well as a bunch of sapphire’s, moving them in front of each other fabrics trying to decide on what to use. Frustrated she let out a sigh and rubbed her head with a hoof.

“What’s wrong Rarity?” Spike asked her placing the fabrics on the ground.

“It’s hopeless Spike, I can’t decide on what fabric works best with the sapphires I purchased specifically for this outfit, none of the fabrics really bring out the natural blueness of the gems”

Spike looked at the fabrics in the air and tapped his chin; he glanced to Rarity’s cutie mark before an idea popped into his head. He jumped up and grabbed a sapphire and picked up a white fabric, Rarity watched him curiously as Spike picked up a purple fabric and laid them out on the ground with the purple on top of the white. He stood up after placing the sapphires on the white fabric and turned to Rarity with a smile.

“How’s that look Rarity?”

“Why…it’s so simple, but it looks perfect!” Rarity smiled happily as she levitated the three items and placed them over the mannequin, the white fabric forming into a makeshift dress with the purple fabric acting as a highlight around the edges, she placed the sapphires around the neck and back near where the flank was and giggled to herself. “Oh thank you Spike, I never knew you had a good eye for fashion, what gave you the idea?” 

“Well…I just thought of beautiful pony and it came to me...” he said blushing slightly poking his claws together.

Rarity thought for a moment then blushed as she figured out who he was talking about; she shot a glance to her mirror then the makeshift dress and noticed it was based off her appearance; she looked at Spike who was looking away rubbing his arm. She smiled and gently leant down and gave him a kiss on his cheek and giggled as Spike blushed his eyes widening.

“Thank you Spike…sincerely” she smiled softly as she levitated the materials over to her sowing machine, Spike stood there mouth agape as he softly stroked his cheek ‘She…kissed me…’ Spike was brought out of his thoughts by Rarity’s voice.

“Spike would you like to come over here a second?”

“S-sure”

Spike walked over to Rarity who had begun to sew the fabrics together, Rarity was humming to herself as she paused for a moment to turn to Spike.

“I have an order to make some clothing for young colts I need to start after this dress, would you like to model the materials for me?”

“But…I’m not the same size as a colt” he replied hoping he hadn’t upset her, she simply giggled at him.

“I’m well aware Spike; I just need to wrap the materials around you like a mannequin to see which material works with what.”

Spike was enjoying himself, he had spent the rest of that afternoon wearing several makeshift bits of clothing doing his best to pose like a professional model making Rarity giggle as she worked on the orders, he was saddened when he looked at the clock seeing it was time to head home for dinner.

“Rarity…do you need me anymore? Only it’s nearly dinnertime and Twilight will-“he was cut off by Rarity.

“I was going to ask you if you wanted to have dinner here Spike, Twilight won’t mind if I keep you for it besides, you have earned a meal for your excellent work today” she smiled as she pulled him into a hug; Spike blushed hugging her back and smiled.

“O-ok then”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ratchet had spent the majority of the day doing odd jobs around Ponyville, around midday he started to head back to his shop to have some lunch, his mind drifted to his plans with Ditzy at the fair.

‘What in Celestia’s name am I doing…this is going to go badly I just know it…’

He sighed and tried to focus on his next job after lunch, his mind however raced with thoughts as he trotted down the road not really paying attention to where he was going. Before he knew it he had walked straight into Applejack who was pulling a cart off apples and fell onto his flank.

“Oh sorry I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going” he apologised to her rubbing his head.

“Not to worry sugar cube” she helped him onto his hooves noticing a worried look in his eyes, she tilted her head at him “bit for your thoughts?”

Ratchet looked up at her about to speak but let out a long sigh.

“It’s a long story…”

“I got time” she smiled as unclipped herself from the cart after pulling it to one side, Ratchet followed her sitting down by the cart as he told her about his conflicting feelings for Ditzy and what Twilight suggested.  Applejack sat there in silence taking in his words nodding now and then a serious expression etched on her face, Ratchet talked for what seemed like hours before he let out another sigh.

“I just don’t know what’s  going on…I really feel great being around her and I feel this warmth inside of me whenever we hang out but…I don’t know if she feels the same way and I don’t want to ruin our friendship with stupid feelings…” He sighed closing his eyes “Am I just kidding myself or what?”

“Well, from what I can tell hun you genuinely seem to really care for her, sometimes ponies can develop feelings for other ponies either at first sight or after a while of knowing em. Ah can tell you’re not lying about the way you feel and if you ask me, you shouldn’t question your feelings. Just go with them but don’t rush it, just take your time and have fun at the fair tomorrow, you never know” she smiled at him placing a reassuring hoof on his shoulder.

“Thanks Applejack…” Ratchet smiled back at her.

“No problem Ratchet, now what in the hay is this ‘Operation Dragonlove’ Twilights been telling me all about” 

Ratchet let out a snicker as he explained the plan to her, Applejack couldn’t help but laugh.



> The Canterlot Fair
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       
Ratchet knocked on the door taking a deep breath as he waited patiently for a reply, the door opened and Ditzy smiled greeting him. The two headed off towards the train station to catch the train to Canterlot, Dinky was staying round a friend’s house for the day whilst Ratchet and Ditzy had the day together. As they arrived at the station they noticed Spike and Rarity the latter wearing an expensive looking outfit.

“Hey Spike, hey Rarity good morning” Ratchet said to them in a cherry tone as he and Ditzy approached them “Didn’t know if you two would be coming”

“Well Spike made dinner last night for me and Sweetie Belle and I thought it was the least I could do” Rarity smiled giving Spike an affectionate nuzzle. Spike grinned and blushed.

“But wait, does Twilight know you’re coming?” Ditzy asked tilting her head.

“I’m coming as well” Twilight called from behind them, Ditzy and Ratchet turned round “I need to visit the Princess personally anyway so I thought it would be nice to let Spike and Rarity spend  the day together.”

The group talked amongst themselves as the train pulled into the station with a slow chug and came to a halt with a loud hiss as it let off steam, the doors of the carriages opened and a few ponies stepped off and onto the platform as the group and other ponies that were waiting stepped into the carriages. They sat down at a nearby table with Ratchet and Ditzy on one end, Rarity and Spike on the other, Twilight opted to sit in the seat beside them as not to be a third wheel, she pulled out a scroll ink and quill from her saddlebag and began to scribble away a smile on her face as the others conversed with each other. 

“So Rarity, I take it you had a good time yesterday?” Ditzy asked with a smile.

“Why yes Ditzy dear, Spike was just simply excellent” She patted a white box next to her smiling “He helped me with this design which is just fabulous!” 

“I-it was nothing Rarity” he replied

“Nonsense Spikey Wikey you were such a big help! Not only did you help me with my design but you cooked me and Sweetie Belle dinner. A true gentlecolt!” she gave him a kiss on his cheek with an added ‘mwah’ sound as Spikes whole face just went red.

“Spikey Wikey?” Ratchet said stifling his snickers as did Ditzy, Spike shot the two a glare as Ratchet got off his seat “I’ll get us some drinks, anyone want one?”

“Lemonade for me please” Ditzy smiled

“Tea please if they have it darling” Rarity asked

“Tea for me to Ratchet” Twilight said lowering her quill.

“And what about you Spikey Wikey” Ratchet grinned as Ditzy and Twilight held in another wave of snickers. Spike shot him another glare

“Lemonade as well please”

Ratchet left the carriage and began to snicker off into the food cart leaving the girls and Spike alone, Twilight looked down the carriage waiting for Ratchet to be out of earshot before turning her attention to Ditzy.

“So what do you and Ratchet plan to do at the fair?”

“Dunno, just have fun I guess and stuff”

“You’re not nervous?” 

“Why would I be nervous Twilight?”

“About spending the day together…alone”

Ditzy tilted her head in confusion.

“We hang out nearly all the time why would I be nervous about today?”

Twilight looked over at Spike was shaking his heads and chuckled nervously herself.

“Oh…no reason” she returned her attention to her scroll as Spike let out a sigh of relief that Twilight hadn’t ruined Ratchet’s plans. Ditzy looked puzzled and was about to ask Twilight what she meant before Rarity, sensing the tension, turned her head to Ditzy.

“So Ditzy dear, how is that lovely little filly of yours doing?” Rarity asked her smiling changing the subject. Ditzy beamed and proudly puffed her chest out.

“She’s doing fantastic; she just got a part in the schools play”

“I heard that she’s doing a duet with my dear Sweetie Bell”

“Mhm I’m so proud of her”

The two continued talking about Dinky and Sweetie as Spike slipped from his seat to go and find Ratchet, he came across him as he was returning from the dining cart a tray balancing on his back holding their drinks.

“Hey Spikey Wikey what’s up?” he snickered as Spike scowled at him.

“Shut up, we have a problem”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s Ditzy, Twilight asked her if she was going to be nervous today and I think Ditzy thinks something is amiss so thought I’d give a heads up”

“Wait she suspects something” Ratchet’s eyes began to show the panic now building inside of him.

“I think so yeah”

“Crap…”

Ratchet sighed and followed Spike back to the seats, the girls thanking him and collecting their drinks and Ratchet returned to his seat. The rest of the journey was relatively normal with the group talking about various subjects and what they plan to do for their day as the train came to a stop inside Canterlot station, they got off the train and made their way through the busy crowds of Ponies coming and going from the trains and the station building before coming out of the building and standing to one side.

“Ok well I’m going to go and meet with the Princess now so say meet back here at the end of the day?” Twilight said to the group.

“Sounds good darling, me and Spikey Wikey” Ratchet and Ditzy held back snickers “Need to bring this order to the client who ordered it and then we shall take lunch and have a look around the fair, come along Spike” Rarity smiled as she levitated the box and was closely followed by Spike.

Ditzy and Ratchet said their good byes to Twilight Rarity and Spike before heading off straight towards the fair, they walked in silence as Ratchet’s heart beat increased as he tried to think of ways to express his feelings without screwing up. Ditzy caught wind of Ratchet’s silence and tilted her head at him.

“You ok Ratchet your kinda quiet…”

“Huh? Oh y-yeah I’m ok”

“You seem a bit…nervous”

“Me? Nah I’m j-just…”Ratchet paused for a moment “Excited about today”

“Oh…ok then” Ditzy turned her head to take in the view of the fair, her face turned into a massive grin as her wings gave a couple of flaps at the sight. The square was filled with different stalls and tents each with a variety of games and foods ranging from simple sweets to extravagant looking cakes, Ditzy had been to fairs before but they were the ones held in Ponyville but compared to this she had never seen anything like it before in her life. Ratchet took a chance and pointed with his hoof at stall nearby with a ‘knock the cans’ down game, it was filled with a few of Canterlot’s locals nobles from what Ratchet could see then remembered what Twilight had told the group on the train.

“The fair was created by Princess Celestia so that the nobles of the town as well as the lower classes could interact with each other and enjoy a shared and equal time of happiness and fun”

‘And enjoy it I shall’ Ratchet thought to himself as he and Ditzy went over to the stall, Ditzy suddenly gasped and her wings flapped as she spotted a medium sized teddy bear plush dangling from the tents roof turning her head to Ratchet she grinned.

“My little Muffin would love that teddy!”

“Then why not win it young miss?” the unicorn behind the stall’s table called to her grinning “You only need to knock all of the cans down “he indicated behind him the triangle tower of cans that was five cans across.

“Ok let me at em!”

Ditzy gave a determined grin as she placed her bits on the counter and picked up the first ball and closed one eye, she let her tongue lop out as she carefully tried to visualise hitting the cans. She launched the first ball which sailed past the cans missing them and hitting the wooden panel at the back of the tent with a thud, Ditzy frowned as she picked the second ball up and launched it again however she missed the cans and it hit the back of the tent with another thud. A noble couple next to them started to titter; Ditzy sighed and launched the third ball which missed the cans again sending the couple into a round of taunting laughter. 

“Such a bad shot, what fun” The stallion sniffed as the mare chuckled.

“Indeed my dear and those eyes are just…creepy you should really see a specialist dear” he shuddered as they continued to laugh.

“Quite, and that coat and mane dear honestly, what WERE you thinking?” the mare looked down at Ditzy as she turned to walk away tearing at the eyes and sat at a nearby table. Ratchet angrily gritted his teeth as he jabbed his hoof into the stallion.

“I say!” the stallion said startled

“You think you’re better than her? She’s better than both of you put together!”

“My dear boy you are deluded, she’s nothing more than a country bumpkin she will never be as good as us” the mare snorted at him

“At least her beauty is real unlike your with your make up” Ratchet smirked as the mare gasped and stuttered, the stallion stood in front of his wife.

“Now see here!”

“And as for you, so what if she missed the cans most ponies miss their shots as well not everypony wins on these things, in fact” Ratchet placed some bits on the counter and smirked” I bet you one hundred bits I can knock those cans down in less hits then you can”

The stallion snorted in anger as he placed some bits down on the counter grabbing a ball.

“I shall enjoy taking those bits of you”

“I’ll have you know my husband is the greatest shot in Canterlot simply the best out of the Gentlecolt’s lodge” the mare sniffed 

Her husband lined his first shot up and closed one of his eyes to take better aim, he threw the ball as hard as he could taking out half of the cans in an instant his wife clapped her hooves.

“Good shot my dear”

He turned to her nodding his head as he threw his second ball, the ball took away the other side of the cans leaving only two remaining in the middle at fair distance apart carefully he lined up his third shot taking his time to angle it correctly before he launched it. The ball slammed into the left side of the can on the left sending it spinning into the right can sending both to the floor, the mare clapped once more as the stallion sneered at Ratchet.

“Beat that urchin”

Ratchet picked up his first ball and looked at the structure of the cans before aiming for the wooden panelling that encircled the entire tent; he threw his ball of course from the cans at the panelling as the Stallion burst into laughter. But he soon stopped when he heard a loud crash and saw all of the cans had been knocked over, he stood there with his wife mouths agape his left eye twitching as he tried to find words. Ratchet snickered and took the bag of bits the stallion left on the counter and tutted.

“You really shouldn’t have your mouths open like that; it’s bad for the noble image”

The two nobles shot an angry glance at him before storming off with their heads up high, Ratchet turned to the unicorn that ran the stall, and the unicorn grinned at Ratchet.

“Good job kid, sometimes the nobles forget were all equal, oh and here” he levitated the teddy bear off the hook and placed it on Ratchet’s back “For knocking down the cans, I’m sure your marefriend will love it” Ratchet blushed slightly

“T-thanks for the prize”

“You’re welcome kid” the unicorn snickered as Ratchet walked off before turning his attention to clearing the cans up. “Ah young love…”

Ditzy was at the table sniffing as tears slowly trickled down her face when she felt a hoof on her back starling her, she turned round to see who it was and was greeted by Ratchet smiling at her with soft eyes and he wiped the tears of her cheek.

“Hey…you ok?”

Ditzy sniffled and nodded “Y-yeah...”

“Well I know something that wants to say hello to you”

She looked up at him confused as he reached back and held out the teddy to her, she gasped and pulled him into a tight embrace.

“Oh thank you thank you thank you! Dinky’s going to love it!” she looked over to the stall and saw the two nobles had left “Where did they go?”

“I put them in their place, don’t worry about it” he held her chin up to his face and smiled “Ditzy, don’t ever let any pony tell you you’re lower than they are. You are an amazing mare and don’t ever forget it” Ditzy blinked as a light blush covered her cheeks.

“T-thank you Ratchet…”

The two carried on the day with their spirits rising higher playing many of the games and stalls that were around the air each enjoying the others company. They purchased some food before finding a table to sit at and began to eat their meal.

“Don’t ever let any pony tell you you’re lower than they are. You are an amazing mare and don’t ever forget it”

Ratchet’s words still played over and over in her mind; she didn’t understand why some pony would say those things to her. She had never received any hearts and hooves day letters from any pony but that never really bothered her too much, she had only ever thought about a coltfriend when she would see the couples collecting their children from school and envied them slightly. The only real colt she had spent a lot of time with in the time she had spent living in Ponyville was with Ratchet and she was happy to be around him, he made her laugh and cheered her up when she was down. He also was good with Dinky who also liked it when Ratchet was around. She paused for a moment to think and smiled softly coming to a conclusive thought about Ratchet.

“Whatcha thinking about?” Ratchet said brining her out of her thoughts.

“Oh nothing just…how I feel about some pony”

“O-oh I see…and who might that be?” 

“Some pony we both know” she giggled as Ratchet blushed slightly.

“W-well…cool I guess…I-is he handsome?”

“Y-yeah he is…” she looked up at him blushing slightly as Ratchet swallowed hard.

‘Now or never…’

“Ditzy…will you be my marefriend?”

Ditzy blushed more and was about to reply when they heard Rarity call over to them, they turned to see she was walking with Spike who had the biggest grin Ratchet or Ditzy had ever seen in their lives.

“Hey guys” Ditzy giggled “How’s your day been?”

“Well” Rarity began “We arrived at the address of the client and delivered the dress which she LOVED” Rarity dramatically lifted her hoof up as she said the last word. “Then my darling Spikey Wikey here took me to lunch at the most gorgeous restaurant and treated me like I was Princess Celestia herself!” she pulled Spike into a tight hug which he gladly returned still grinning, Ratchet and Ditzy both noticed he wasn’t blushing this time.

“So all in all a good day then?” Ratchet asked.

“You bet! It got better when I well…you know…got it off my chest” Spike replied

“Wait…you asked her?” Ditzy gasped as Spike nodded.

“Rarity is my marefriend” Spike grinned as Rarity gave him a kiss on the cheek smiling happily.

“Congratulations you guys!” Ditzy said as Ratchet and Spike high hoofed. As Ditzy and Rarity giggled and spoke together Spike took ratchet to one side.

“Hey man did you ask Ditzy yet?” he whispered.

“Yeah…but you guys turned up before I got an answer” Ratchet sighed as Spike rubbed the back of his head.

“Oh…sorry man”

“It’s cool…just gotta wait I guess”

“Watch were you’re going you dumb bitch!”

The two spun round to see an angry looking stallion standing near Ditzy and Rarity with two others next to him, a blue Pegasus on his right and a light grey unicorn on his left. Ditzy was on the floor and Rarity was trying to help her up. 

“I-I’m sorry mister I didn’t see you-“

“With eyes like that I can see why” the white stallion growled as his to cohorts laughed.

“Why you brute!” Rarity glared at him helping Ditzy up.

“What the hay do you think you’re doing?” Ratchet shouted angrily as he ran over with Spike standing between him and Ditzy ”No pony talks to Ditzy like that!”

“What are you going to do about it boy! Maybe if your little marefriend had better bucking vision she wouldn’t have walked into me like the dumb bitch she is!”

“Maybe you should open your eyes and watch out for other ponies” Ratchet shouted back, by this time there was a crowd gathering of ponies some muttering to themselves

“Some pony better get a guard this looks like it’s going to end nasty”

“Ten bits on the big guy”

“Nah twenty on the lil on”

Ratchet ignored this and kept his eyes on the three in front of him.

“Apologise to her”

The stallion snorted and smirked “I’ll apologise…if the bitch comes back to my place and gives me a ‘reason’ to”

Ratchet snapped, turning his body around he suddenly bucked hard with his back legs into the Stallions face. Startled the Stallion fell onto his flank holding his face roaring in pain.

“GET HIM” he shouted at the other two

The two were about to charge Ratchet before the sounds of ponies being pushed aside were heard and they turned to see two armoured guards holding their spears up with their magic glaring at the group

“What’s going on here” one of them demanded.

The stallion Ratchet kicked stood up and smiled at the guards. “Nothing sirs…just a ‘disagreement’ between friends is all…we’ll be on our way, come on boys”

The stallion pushed his way out of the crowd followed by his two associates leaving the guards with Ratchet.
“What was that all about?” one of the guards asked him.

“I’ll tell you what it was!” Rarity snapped “Those brutes shoved my dear friend Ditzy here down and insulted her, all Ratchet was doing was protecting her!”

“Is that true sir?” the guard asked Ratchet, before Ratchet replied some pony in the crowd called out

“It is we saw the whole thing!”

“The guy had it coming officers”

“Yeah…and you owe me twenty”

The guards took note of it and nodded.

“Very well…would you like us to arrest them Sir?”

Ratchet shook his head “No thank you…think I gave him something worse than being arrested.”

“Very well, carry on” the guard nodded as the crowds dispersed one pony happily holding a bag of twenty bits in his mouth.
Ratchet turned to Ditzy and was taken by surprise as she wrapped herself around his neck in a tight hug and sniffled.

“Thank you Ratchet…no ponies ever stood up for me like that…and you’ve done it twice today…”

“It’s fine Ditzy…that guy had it coming he had no right-“He was cut short by Ditzy.

“Yes”

“What do you mean?”

“I will be your marefriend…”

Ratchet was about to say something but was interrupted by Ditzy kissing him on the lips, he blinked a couple of times as Ditzy giggled. Rarity clapped her hooves and Spike gave him a grin, the group noticed it was getting late and headed off to meet Twilight at the train station. When they arrived Twilight was waiting there reading a book she had picked up and looked up to see them, she smiled  seeing Spike on Rarity’s back with her smiling and Ditzy and Ratchet walking very close to one another who were both also smiling.

“I take it todays been a good day?”

“And how!” Spike grinned as he kissed Rarity’s cheek.

As Rarity Spike and Ditzy brought Twilight up to speed and boarded the train waiting at the station Ratchet had the feeling he was being watched and turned around to scan the area, he didn’t see anything and got onto the train, as he did a hooded figure ran from the station onto the streets before slowing to a quick walk and looking up to see two stallions looking like they were searching for some pony. The figure stepped to one side and followed them for a while before one of them spoke up.

“Damn we lost the little brown guy and his crossed eyed bitch” 

“The boss is gunna be mad at us”

“Come on we better go tell him”

Under the hood of the figure unseen to any pony an evil smile was etched on its face as it followed the two Stallions, after a short while the two came to a building in the lower parts of the streets of Canterlot and looked around before entering it. They climbed up the stairs and knocked on a door before entering, inside was the same white stallion from the fair holding an ice pack his expression angry. The blue Pegasus spoke first

“Sorry boss…we lost him at the train station”

The stallion leant back in his chair and growled placing an ice pack to his cheek.

“Your both complete bucking idiots…” he swivelled the char to face the window “Now I can’t pay that little bucker back for injuring me!”

A mare’s giggle made the three in the room turn to face the doorway, standing there was a cloaked figure that started to approach.

“Hold it there you don’t come any closer to the boss!”

The figure stopped and lowered the hood of the cloak.

“I know where he lives…” she said with an evil smirk on her face

“I see…and what do you want in return for giving me this info?” The stallion asked

“Exactly what you want” the blue mare brushed her light blue mane from her face and smirked again "Revenge..."




> Revenge
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       
The white stallion stroked his chin as he eyes the blue mare up and down cautiously but smiled and raised his hoof to his guards who stepped aside.

“So tell me miss, what do I call you?” 

“You do not need to know me name, only know I’m helping you in return for getting my own personal revenge against that brute Ratchet and I suspect you would love to just have that too don’t you…Flicktail”

The stallion snorted and raised his brow curiously not sure how the mare knew his name but offered no sign of suspicion and merely smiled at her.

“Very well…tell me what you know…”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The group sat on the train as it rolled down the tracks on its way to Ponyville their moods higher than ever, Rarity and Spike were snuggling close to one another as Twilight and Rarity talked about the Princess and their days. Ratchet and Ditzy were sitting beside them Ditzy had drifted off asleep and was cuddling into Ratchet a soft smile on her face, Ratchet was looking out the window enjoying the peacefulness and smiled enjoying the soft breathing coming from Ditzy.


“I’m glad that incident with those three ponies didn’t escalate too much before some pony really got hurt, but something about the description you gave on the leader bothers me…” Twilight said scribbling down something on her scroll. 
“In what way dear” Rarity asked her.

“He just sounds familiar that’s all…something the guards were talking about when I was with the Princess, it’s nothing don’t worry about it” Twilight smiled as she rolled her scroll up.

Rarity was about to press further when Spike yawned loudly and rubbed his eyes.

“Hmmm…what you two talking about?” he murmured blinking his eyes lazily.

“Nothing Spike” Twilight giggled “Seems we need to get you to bed”

“No I’m fine twilight I’m…” Spike interrupted himself by yawning long and wide before smacking his lips. “…fine”
Rarity giggled softly and pulled him in for a warm hug “You should get some rest when you get home Spikey Wikey…you’ve had a long day”

“Ok Rarity…for you I’ll “He yawned mid-sentence again and leant against her drifting off to sleep smiling to himself.

The train continued to roll down the tracks the sounds almost quiet and non-existent to the group on board, Twilight smiled as she re-opened her scroll to continue writing the moon’s light filling up the carriage as the others slept softly. She began to write whispering to herself the words she wrote.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

I don’t know much about how a relationship between two ponies who love each other can really affect other ponies around them, but after witnessing the emotions between Rarity Spike Ditzy and my latest friend Ratchet, I can happily report that I know how their feelings can make others feel.

Today, my dear assistant and friend Spike finally asked Rarity to be his marefriend as Ratchet asked Ditzy and they both said yes and when they met back up with me I could feel a radiating power coming from all of them. I could feel the power of their love and it was as strong as magic. I am happy to of been able to feel this power and I’m very happy for the two couples, I’ll be more than happy to continue reporting on my findings on the power of love for you Princess alongside my reports on friendship.

You’re faithful Student.

Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight smiled finishing her letter and was about to ask Spike to send it to the Princess but remembered he was asleep and giggled to herself softly.

“I’ll send it tomorrow…” she whispered to herself as she pulled out a book she had picked up at the Canterlot archives and began to read.

The train came to a stop at Ponyville as the group descended from the train except for Spike who was resting on Rarity’s back sound asleep; the others chuckled as Twilight lifted him up with her magic and placed him gently on her back. Rarity came over to him and kissed his cheek softly prompting a murmur and a smile from Spike; she giggled and whispered to him.

“Good night my Spikey Wikey…”

Rarity said goodnight to Twilight Ratchet and Ditzy who in turn said their goodnights and went their separate ways, Ratchet and Ditzy walked side by side enjoying each other’s company in the light of the moon, the teddy bear Ratchet had given to her balancing on her back. They arrived at a house belonging to a grey coated unicorn who smiled as she let them into her home.

“Thank you so much again for looking after Dinky today Star Charmer” Ditzy said to the mare

“Not at all Ditzy dear” Star Charmer smiled as she looked over to the two fillies that were asleep on the sofa “Cloud Dancer and Dinky had a great time today”

“That’s good, so how is everything? How’s Iron Clad doing?”

“Oh he’s fine; he’s currently on patrol near Appleloosa”

The two talked more about their lives as Ratchet went to check on Dinky, as he approached the little filly stirred and opened her eyes slightly.

“Ratchet?” 

“Hey kid, me and your mum have come to take you home” he smiled down at her as Cloud Dancer woke up flapping her little wings.

They were joined by Ditzy and Star who came over smiling; Ditzy produced the teddy bear and Dinky gasped before pouncing it and snuggled it giggling Cloud fluttered over to her mother and looked up at her with eyes saying ‘I want one’.

“How are you my little muffin?”

“I’m fine mummy; did you have a good time with Mr Ratchet?”

“Yes I did” Ditzy giggled and she leant down and nuzzled Dinky’s cheek.

The three gave their goodbyes to Star Charmer and Cloud Dancer and made their way to Ditzy’s home with Dinky riding on her mother’s back, she murmured as she nodded off silently cuddling the teddy. Ditzy and Ratchet smiled to each other as they approached her door, Ditzy quietly opening the door she turned to Ratchet and smiled at him.

“Thank you….for today”

“No problem…” Ratchet smiled back at her.

“No I mean it…today was one of the best days ever…” she blushed smiled leaning in kissing Ratchet on the lips, Ratchet smiled before returning the kiss. “Well…better get this one into bed” Ditzy smiled looking back at the sleeping Dinky.

“Ok…I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Definitely” Ditzy giggled and kissed him again before entering her home and closing the door, Ratchet stood there for a while smiling to himself before heading off towards his home humming to himself softly.

‘I can’t believe how well today went’ he thought to himself as he turned a corner, he stopped for a second as a strange feeling came over him. He turned around to scan the area squinting his eyes to peer into the shadows, after a while he couldn’t see anything and shrugged as he continued walking to his home.

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“That was to bucking close…” the blue Pegasus said quietly peeking out from his cover to see if Ratchet had moved away, he felt a smack to the back of his head and turned growling at the blue mare. “What was that for?!”

“For nearly giving away our cover! We need to get to the flat I rented out and discuss the plan there”

“I don’t understand why we can’t just rush him now”

“Because you simple minded idiot” the mare smacked his head again “Your boss put me in charge of this and we will do this MY way understand?”

“Whatever, I still don’t get why you had to write down the plan for the boss and leave it with him” The Pegasus grumbled rubbing his head, the mare turned back with a scowl as she watched Ratchet slowly disappeared from view.

“Because you idiot, it shows a level of planning which you and your boss seemed to of lacked” The Pegasus glared at her but she ignored it “Soon Ratchet…soon you will feel the awesome and powerful revenge of the great-“the mare resisted the urge to say anymore fearing it would give her position away and wake some pony up “Come on” she said leading the two stallions towards a building.

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Ratchet woke up early the next morning feeling cheerful and almost lept out of bed heading downstairs to have some breakfast, he was planning on surprising Ditzy and Dinky by inviting them over for dinner after he had finished inspecting the trains at the station. Finishing his breakfast and cleaning his teeth he equipped APAU and headed out of the shop, it was still fairly early so not many ponies were out yet only a couple were up and about, Ratchet spotted the other mail pony that resided in Ponyville pushing a package into a tree before an angry looking squirrel threw it back at him.

He chuckled to himself and trotted off humming to himself as he headed towards the train station, again he stopped for a moment getting the same strange feeling he got the previous night. He turned round and scanned the area once more only seeing the mail pony and a couple of the stall owners setting up, after a while he shook his head and carried on walking.

‘Coulda sworn I felt some ponies eyes on me…’

From behind the trees a grey unicorn watched him carefully before heading off down the road looking up to a building and nodding at the blue Pegasus that was watching from the window who nodded in response.

“He’s gone to the station”

“Good” replied the mare “We can now start our plan”

She left the room using her magic to levitate the hood over her head once more and was followed by the Pegasus and re-joined the unicorn in the streets and headed off avoiding the main road towards Ratchet’s shop, as they approached the Pegasus and unicorn turned around facing away from the door standing guard as the mare inspected the door. She gave it a quick kick with her hoof and then cast a spell on the lock with her horn unlocking the door, she entered by herself and scanned the shop front and made a mental note of the layout, walking to the different machines giving them a good looking over before nodding in satisfaction and leaving the shop. She used her magic to relock the door and beckoned for the two stallions to follow her back to the flat.

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Ratchet paused for a moment as APAU tweaked a bolt on the train’s wheel and looked towards the town.

‘What an odd feeling…must be the oats” he thought to himself shrugging it off as he carried on with his work, he spent a good hour and a half checking over the two trans that were stationed in the sidings before reporting to the drivers and confirming both engines were fit for duty. They thanked him and as he left the station his stomach rumbled.

“Time for lunch!” he said to no pony in particular.

He headed to the local café and he saw Ditzy and Dinky coming down the road and immediately he grinned his pace quickening as he went to greet them,  APAU shot out and waved to the pair Dinky was the first to see APAU and gasped before running over and bouncing around him giggling loudly.

“You love mummy you love mummy!” she said over and over.

“Hehe…yes I do” he smiled up at Ditzy who giggled at him.

“I told her this morning and she demanded we seek you out for lunch”

Ratchet laughed as he ruffled Dinky’s hair and she sat at a table, Ratchet and Ditzy sat with her and a waiter came over to take their order. Ratchet ordered a sandwich as did Ditzy Ratchet turned to Dinky and smiled.

“You can order anything you like Dinky”

“REALLY?” Dinky gasped and scanned the contents of the menu a hungry glare in her eyes like a lion watching a gazelle “I’ll haaaaave….hay fries please Mr Waiter”

“Very good young miss-“

“OH AND SOME CHOCOLATE CAKE AFTERWARDS!” Dinky interrupted grinning as the waiter nodded taking the menus and headed back to the kitchen. 

“Oh I nearly forgot would you like to come round for dinner tonight?” Ratchet asked Ditzy.

“I don’t know, I’ll have to ask my little muffin “she giggled turning her head to Dinky who was playing with the salt shaker “What do you reckon, shall we have dinner at Ratchet’s tonight?”

“That depends” Dinky said in a serious tone of voice catching Ratchet off guard, she glared at hi m her face etched with pure concentration “…Will there be….muffins?”

“Oh yes Dinky, many muffins” Ratchet grinned.

Dinky just burst into fits of giggles with Ditzy and Ratchet soon following suit and laughing, soon after their orders arrived and the three tucked into their lunches.

“They look like a family don’t they?” Fluttershy said to Twilight as the two walked from the library to the café for their lunches as well seeing the three eating their food, Fluttershy balancing some animal books on her back.

“They do as well, it’s so nice to see Ditzy and Dinky happy, I’ve never really known who Dinky’s father was” Twilight replied
“W-well no pony does really…”Fluttershy said her tone sad “Ditzy’s never told any pony…”

Twilight frowned as they approached the café, they greeted Ditzy and Ratchet before sitting at their own table, and they let the three eat in private smiling at the scene which still reminded them of a family. After the three had finished their food they said goodbye to the two girls and headed of down the road, they came to a stop as Ratchet turned to Ditzy.

“Well I gotta go do another job so I’ll see you two tonight then?”

“Ok, we need to go and get some groceries as well as pick up other bits and bobs so we will see you later” Ditzy replied, they both kissed each other as Dinky giggled and began to sing as she left with her mother.

“Ratchet and mummy sitting in a tree k-i-s-s-i-n-g”

Ratchet chuckled to himself as he went in the opposite direction smiling to himself. As the day went by Ratchet returned home and place APAU back on his stand and set him into standby before he headed for the kitchen, he decided to cook a pasta bake for the girls and set everything up alongside ingredients he would need to make muffins. He hadn’t made muffins before so propped open his cook book he had borrowed from Twilight and began to read its pages, the whole thing didn’t take him that long but he realised he hadn’t gotten a baking tray for muffins, frowning to himself he had an idea and poured the muffin mixture into a large glass bowl placing it in the over. Nodding happily he checked his pasta bake and smiled and noticed it was getting dark so he headed upstairs to have a quick shower before the girls arrived.

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The blue mare was pacing back and forth occasionally looking out of the window waiting for Ratchet to return, the two stallions behind her were sat at a table playing a game of poker and drinking in silence.

“Urgh I cannot stand this infuriating waiting!” she said stomping a hoof out of frustration.

“Relax…he’ll be back soon enough” the unicorn said lacing his cards on the table, Pegasus gowned in annoyance as the unicorn used his magic to pull the pile of bits towards him.

“I’ll relax once I have gotten my revenge” she retorted before going back to pacing, she didn’t have to wait long before she spotted Ratchet returning to his home. She grinned and levitated her hood over her head “Were on”

The two stallions smirked as they followed her out of the building and down the road towards Ratchet’s home. As they approached the door the blue mare peeked in through the window to see Ratchet ascend the stairs, taking the opportunity she turned to the two stallions and whispered to them.

“You two idiots know the plan?”

The blue Pegasus looked annoyed and grunted “Yeah yeah you get yours and the boss’s revenge and then we leave to catch the last train back to Canterlot we know”

“Good, now follow me”

Carefully she used her magic to unlock the door and they silently made their way in the unicorn and stallion checking the coast was clear and carefully she relocked the door, they heard the sound of hooves coming from the stairs and heard Ratchet start coming down the stairs.

“I knew I forgot to do something-“he stopped at the bottom of the stairs as he stared at the three in the room instantly recognising the two stallions “You two again? What do you think you’re doing here and how the hay did you know where I live?” he demanded as the two laughed, the blue mare stepping forward.

“Because I told them” she lowered her hood as Ratchet growled angrily slamming a hoof in to the floor.

“YOU!”

“Yes Ratchet it is I the Great and Powerful Trixie!” Trixie stood on her back legs smirking “I said I would have my revenge and tonight I will have it!”

“Are you stupid or something Trixie? What makes you think you’ll even get away with this exactly some pony will hear me if I yell loud enough” Ratchet smirked at her but was confused as Trixie laughed at him.

“You fool! You think that I the Great and Powerful Trixie did not have a plan!” to demonstrate she used her magic to turn on all of Ratchet’s machines he had in the store front filling the room quickly with the loud sounds easily drowning out any cries for help he could yell. 

Quickly he ran to the nearest one trying to turn it off but no matter how hard he tried he couldn’t turn it off and noticed the switches and buttons and power cables had Trixie’s magic glowing around them.

“It’s no use Ratchet” she levitated a long length of rope above her planning to tie him up like with Applejack” now you will feel the wrath of the Great and Powerful Trixie-“

Trixie was cut off as the two stallions stepped in front of her both with menacing looks in their eyes.

“What are you two idiots doing?! You’re ruining the Great and Powerful Trixie’s revenge! This isn’t part of the plan!”
“Shut it bitch, were doing what the boss wants us to do not you!” the Pegasus growled at her and bucked his legs into her face sending her into the wall, she hit the wall with a thud and slid down it holding her face in pain as blood poured from her nose, tears streaked down her face.

“W-what are you d-doing!” she shrieked at them as they advanced on Ratchet and ignored her.

“We’re here to teach you a lesson in respect you little shit” the unicorn said his horn glowing.

Ratchet backed up slightly in fear, he quickly glanced at APAU hoping to be able to dodge the two and grab him and use him but the unicorn caught his glance and smirked.

“Oh you want this?” he levitated the bags to him and smirked “Lucky the blue bitch told us about him isn’t it?” he laughed loudly along with the Pegasus as Ratchet looked at Trixie, he saw he crying softly trying to avert his gaze as he growled at the two.

“Put him down!”

“Gladly…” the unicorn smirked slamming APAU into the wall hard with his magic, a loud smash of metal was heard as APAU fell to the floor the twin boxes falling from their bags slightly battered. Before Ratchet could run over to him the Pegasus s suddenly brought his hooves down onto the boxes and crushed them beneath his hooves.

“NO!” Ratchet cried out before being picked up by the unicorn’s magic and thrown backwards into the wall hard, Ratchet’s eyes widened as he coughed blood up and slumped to the floor. Trixie gasped and shakily stood up.

“S-stop please! This isn’t what I w-wanted”

“Exactly, this is what the boss wanted” the unicorn replied.

Trixie whimpered slightly and started to conjure a spell, the unicorn laughed and picked her up with his own magic and threw her against the door laughing.

“Just stay down you stupid bitch, our problem is with him”

Trixie winced and cried out in pain looking to Ratchet who received a hoof to his stomach by the Pegasus, she scrambled to her hooves and unlocked the door stumbling out and limped as fast as she could towards the library.

‘I need Twilight’s help!’ she thought as she hurried as fast as she could.

Ratchet tried to stand up as blood poured from his nose before receiving another magic slam into opposing wall with a crunch and screamed in pain, his front leg bending at an unnatural angle as he fell to the floor looking up at the two stallions who only smirked maliciously at him.

“Come on you little bucker, where’s all that spunk from earlier gone eh?” the Pegasus mocked as he kicked Ratchet in the face again sending him to the floor holding his closed eye in pain struggling to focus coughing more blood onto the floor.

“Hey smell that?” the unicorn sniffed the air smelling the pasta bake “Seems he’s cooking dinner, and from the look of how everything is set up…he’s gunna have company” 

“I bet it’s that crossed eyed bitch from earlier”

“N-no…don’t you bucking g-go near her” Ratchet said weakly as he struggled to stand breathing heavily as he stood in front of the two, the unicorn shot him back into the wall before launching him up into the celling and slamming him into the floor. Ratchet cried out in pain again as blood poured from his face and he slowly tried to stand up.

“And what are you going to do eh?” the unicorn taunted him as Ratchet slumped down again his vision becoming blurry” You can’t even stand straight”

“We better wrap it up the boss is gunna expect us back soon” the Pegasus said to his friend.

“Your right” he levitated a knife Ratchet used on wood and smirked “Maybe we should…pay her a quick visit and have some ‘fun’ with her” he laughed with the Pegasus heading to the door.

Ratchet suddenly yelled out in anger and with the last of his strength pushed himself up and ran at the two determined to not let them get to Ditzy, the two turned round startled at him and before they could react Ratchet launched himself at the Pegasus.

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Ditzy was humming to herself as she brushed her mane in front of the mirror; she was looking forward to the dinner and a chance to spend time with her two favourite ponies, ever since she and Dinky had gotten home from shopping all Dinky would talk about was how well Ratchet could make muffins and had pleaded her mother to let her make an evaluation list on his cooking skills. Ditzy giggled to herself as she remembered letting her but only if she could keep it secret from Ratchet till afterwards.

She headed out of her bedroom and was about to open Dinky’s door when she heard her talking, curiously she poked her head in and saw Dinky with her back to her playing a tea party with her dolls.

“And tonight Mr Teddy we’re going to Ratchet’s house for dinner!”

She paused for a moment and nodded at the bear simulating it replying.

“That’s right Mr Teddy, the pony who won you for me, what’s that Mrs Rabbit?”

She turned her head to the pink rabbit to her left.

“Well I want him to be my daddy, he loves mummy and they look happy together”

Ditzy blushed and smiled softly at her little muffin and her mind began to wonder.

‘Maybe I should ask Ratchet if he wants to move in with us…I know Dinky will like that’

‘And who knows…he may even pop the question in a couple of months and she can finally have a proper family…’

‘Well just hold it there missy, first things first we will have dinner then see how it goes from there’

“Mummy? “ 

Ditzy snapped out of it and saw Dinky tilting her head at her.

“Whatcha doing?”

“Uhm nothing Dinky, just came to see if you’re ready to go to Ratchet’s”

Dinky giggled and bounced up and down

“I’m so hungry I could ride a manticore!” Dinky paused for a moment “I don’t get it….I guess I could ride it to the store”
Ditzy couldn’t help but giggle as she led the filly out of the home and towards Ratchet’s house.

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Blood

There was blood all over the floor and it was still coming, Ratchet winced as he looked at the Pegasus his eyes wide who in return was staring at Ratchet’s side his mouth agape, Ratchet slowly looked to the unicorn who had the same expression before turning his head down to see the knife embedded inside of him and blood pouring from the wound. The unicorn let go of the knife with his magic and Ratchet stumbled back slightly before collapsing breathing rapidly crying in agony, the unicorn began to panic.

“Oh buck we aren’t meant to kill him!”

“Shit what do we do!?” the Pegasus said biting his lip.

“I don’t know I…” the unicorn stopped and looked to the kitchen then back to the Pegasus “Burn it…”

“You what?!”

“He’s cooking dinner if we set fire to the place then it looks like an accident with the cooker!”

“But what about the bucking blood?!-” the unicorn smacked the Pegasus in the face.

“The fire should get rid of it now come on!”

The Pegasus pulled the knife from Ratchet who screamed in pain as the blood formed a pool around him, the unicorn ran into the kitchen levitating a plank of wood and returned a few moments later with it on fire, and quickly he began to light the work place with it. As the fire began to kick off around the machines he dropped the plank and opened the door with his magic.

“Come on quick!” he yelled at the Pegasus who just stared in disbelief at Ratchet.

The unicorn used his magic to drag his friend out before slamming the door shut and both Stallions ran for the station, the Pegasus discarding the knife in a nearby bush not noticing the trail of blood it left behind.

Ratchet began to cough violently as the smoke filled his lungs, tears formed in his eye as he groaned in pain trying to crawl forwards but struggling to gain any movement. Defeated he slumped his head down as he coughed more and more his vision going hazy as he silently began to sob.

“Ditzy…Dinky…I’m sorry…”

His vision then slowly went black.

> Comeuppance
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       

Twilight lay in the middle of the library a book levitating in front of her as well as several scrolls, her face switched between each of them as her eyes shifted taking in each word with concentration, she let out a groan of frustration as the books and scrolls fell to the ground with a loud thud. Spike, who had been asleep upstairs woke with a start grumbling loudly having had his perfect dream ruined, he got up and stumbled lazily down the stairs to see his once clean floor covered in books glared at Twilight who was now standing up pulling book after book scroll after scroll from the bookcase scanning each one.

“Twilight what are you doing…I’m trying to sleep here” the dragon grumbled as he scratched his stomach.

Twilight gasped as she heard his voice dropping some books she was levitating onto the floor further annoying spike.
“Oh sorry Spike I was just trying to find something…”

“You’re still obsessing over that stallion from the fair? It’s over Twilight he left without causing a fuss just go to bed...”

“I can’t Spike, I have a bad feeling about him that’s all and besides I-“she was interrupted by a frantic banging at the door causing both her and Spike to jump up startled. 

Spike walked to the door throwing his arms up in annoyance as the banging continued “ALRIGHT I’M COMING KEEP YOUR MANE ON!” he opened the door and glared at the cloaked visitor “Look pal the library is closed so HEY!” the figure pushed past him looking around franticly for Twilight, she lowered her hood and heard Twilight behind her.

“Who is it Spike-“she was cut off as she gasped and glared at the mare who burst into the room hearing Twilight’s voice 

“Trixie?! What in Luna’s name are you doing here!?” Trixie looked up at her lowering her hood tears and blood staining her cheeks, Twilight’s face changed to that of worry” what happened to you…”

“There’s no time to explain I need you help please!” Trixie pleaded as she started to cry softly “I-I didn’t want it to g-go this far but they a-attacked me and now R-Ratchet….” She choked back a sob, Twilight’s eyes widened as she used her magic to force Trixie’s head up and she glared at her angrily along with Spike who had becoming alerted to Ratchet’s name being said.

“What about Ratchet? What did you do?”

“I-I just wanted to embarrass him like h-he did me but Flicktail’s thugs-“ 

Trixie suddenly felt Twilight’s magic stop as Twilight ran to her bookcase pulling out a book and flipping through the pages. As she came to the page she was looking for she gasped and turned round to face Trixie anger etched no her face, Trixie began to cower as Twilight spoke coldly.

“What.Did.You.Do”

Trixie began to sob hard as she told Twilight and Spike what had happened earlier that day.

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Ditzy was walking with Dinky next to her smiling to herself as she trotted calmly through the town; she watched Dinky bounce around her clearly excited and giggled softly.

“Keep bouncing like that and you not going to have any energy to eat Ratchet’s yummy food”

“But I can help it mummy I’m just so excited!”

Ditzy giggled at her little muffin her behaviour mimicking and almost rivalling that of Pinkie Pie, as they approached the town centre Ditzy stopped as she looked up to the sky seeing smoke rising up, she tilted her head for a moment.

‘Is some pony having a bonfire?’

Dinky stopped as well looking up to her mother’s face then to where she was looking and back again, she caught sight of several pegasi flying past each carrying what appeared to be buckets.

“Mummy what are they doing?” she point skyward with a hoof.

Ditzy looked up and her eyes widened recognising the uniforms the pegasi were wearing as the fire fighter uniforms the towns brigade wore.

‘Oh no…is some poor ponies house on fire?’

She told Ditzy to climb on her back as they quickly turned a corner towards the library they were overtaken by other ponies who were equally concerned with the rising smoke some of them carrying their own buckets in their mouths. As they came close Ditzy’s eyes widened as she came to a stop near the door staring at the smoke with a horror stricken face.

‘No….Celestia please don’t say it’s…’

Her thought was interrupted by Twilight coming out of the library looking up at the smoke gasping then noticing Ditzy staring at it wide eyed, Ditzy slowly turned her head to Twilight as tears formed in the corners of her eyes.

“It’s Ratchets home…” she whispered softy before taking off like a shot in the direction of the fire tears streaming down her face, Twilight with Spike on her back took off after her with Trixie close behind. Ditzy ran past several ponies as Dinky held on to her neck whimpering softly not sure what was going on 

“Oh please Celestia please don’t let it be-“she came to a halt as a fire pony blocked her path holding her back, she just stared in horror as she choked on a sob, Dinky looked to where her mother was looking confused and whispered softly her voice breaking.

“Mummy…why is Ratchet’s house on fire…”

Ditzy couldn’t reply she broke down crying as Twilight and Spike caught up to her both being blocked by the fire pony, Twilight tried to get past as the fire fighters threw buckets of water on the blaze as well as tackling it with hoses attached to nearby hydrants but was blocked again by the fire fighter.

“Let me past!” she screamed at him “I can help!”

“Sorry ma’am no civilians allowed near the blaze we got this under control so if you-“

“MY FRIEND RATCHET IS IN THERE PLEASE LET ME PAST!” she screamed at him, the fighter turned round as he yelled to his colleagues.

“WE GOT A CIVILLIAN IN THE BUILDING!”

Immediately two of the fighters who were unicorns used their magic to form a protective aura around their mouth and noses and cautiously but quickly entered the blaze, Twilight turned to Ditzy embracing Dinky tightly who didn’t know what was going on as her mother sobbed. Twilight felt her eyes water up as she saw more and more ponies arriving some forming a pony bucket brigade passing what seemed like endless buckets down the line to the fire fighters, she saw her friends in the crowds and called them over. Rarity immediately went over to Ditzy and Dinky with Fluttershy to console them as Applejack ran over to offer assistance with fetching water buckets, Rainbow Dash flew up and joined the increasing number of pegasi in pushing clouds over the blaze in an attempt to use the rain stored in them.

There was a loud crash from the building that made some of the ponies scream.

“IT’S GUNNA CAVE IN!”

“SWEET CELESTIA LOOK OUT!”

Ditzy looked up to hear the roof groan loud followed by a sicking crack of wood snapping

“NO!” she screamed loudly as the roof suddenly caved in with a mighty crash.

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The Pegasus looked out of the window nervously as he tapped his hoof on the table watching the stream of smoke slowly fade away into the distance, his associate was looking nervous as he held his head in his hooves.

“What if he survives…what do we tell the boss?” he whispered to the Pegasus.

“I-I don’t know…the boss could easily deny being involved in an assault but this…I-I dunno” the unicorn replied.

“Tickets please”

They both jumped at the voice of the conductor who raised an eyebrow at the two.

“Huh? O-oh yeah uh…here” the unicorn handed him two tickets which he stamped before heading off.

“How long till we get to Canterlot I’m freaking out here”

“Not long, it’s the express train so not too long…”

The two remained silent both avoiding each other’s gaze as the train silently rolled down the tracks.

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Ditzy had closed her eyes and shielded Dinky’s as the roof came down, she expected the worst and turned her head away, there was a brief moment were every pony was silent before some pony called out.

“LOOK!”

Ditzy shot her head up quickly as she saw the two fire fighters emerge from the dust the roof falling in had caused levitating between them something large, Ditzy’s heart rose for a moment as she started to smile but it was soon replaced by horror as she saw Ratchet’s body battered bloodied and bruised being lowly carried out towards a cart with a red cross on it.
She pushed tried to push past the fighter nearby who in return tried to stop her, Rarity looked shocked brining a hoof to her mouth as Fluttershy began to tear up backing up slightly.

“Ma’am I can’t let you past it’s not safe!”

“You need to let her past!” Twilight said to him biting her lip worryingly as she watched Ratchet’s body being carefully placed on the cart.

“Ma’am I can’t-“

“I’m his marefriend please sir…please let me past” Ditzy begged him as tears flowed down her cheeks.

The fighter paused for a moment and stood aside to let her pass.

“Rarity can you keep an eye on Dinky please? I-I need to go with Ratchet I’ll call if anything h-happens” 

“Sure Ditzy, now go, everything will be alright” Rarity tried to reassure her, Ditzy turned and ran over to the cart and got aboard holding back more tears as the cart began to race off towards the hospital.

“Miss Rarity…where are they taking mummy and Ratchet…” Dinky asked sniffling”

Rarity was at a loss for words and just pulled the little filly into a tight embrace where she started to softly cry. Twilight turned to try and find Trixie seeing her hiding behind a building and began to approach her with Spike following her, her face full of anger which made Trixie back up slightly in fear. Twilight used her magic to keep Trixie firmly in place.

“Ok Trixie if you’re really sorry…going to tell me everything you know about Flicktail…Spike…take a letter”

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Flicktail sat in his office watching outside his window watching every pony outside on the streets as they went about their business finishing up for the day, his eyes focused on two stallions that were walking fairly quickly down the road towards the building both of them looking anxious and nervous.

He slowly turned around in his chair nodding to two other ponies he had in the room with him by the door, they nodded in response and headed out the door. A few silent moments passed by before a door was opened below him and muffled voices rose up followed by the sounds of a scuffle and groans of pain from two different ponies,  the two minions returned and pushed the Pegasus and unicorn into the room both of them looking battered groaning in pain as Flicktail slowly rose up.

“Well…I’ve been hearing all sorts of news from Ponyville…”

The two froze and started to shake slightly.

“Some very…very…VERY…interesting news…” he slowly walked in front of them pacing left and right.

“Boss-“the Pegasus began before being struck round his face by Flicktail’s hoof, he cried in pain as he held his cheek and fell to the floor.

“DID I SAY SPEAK!” he growled down at the Pegasus.

The Pegasus franticly shook his head whimpering softly.

“Now…as I was saying…I been hearing some interesting things from Ponyville…would one of you like to tell me what the BUCKING HELL YOU TWO MORONS DID?!” he slammed his hoof down as he stood in front of the pair.

The unicorn swallowed as he shakily started to explain.

“W-well b-boss we did as you w-wanted and let that b-bitch think she was leading us…”

“A-and we got her to l-lead us to his house and we uhm…” the Pegasus continued. 

“We r-roughed him up, like y-you wanted us to boss but uh…” 

“But?” Flicktail said coldly, the two other minions by the door shifted slightly.

“S-something happened…and he well u-uh…” the Pegasus trailed off his answer swallowing hard.

“I-we accidently…s-stabbed him In-n the chest…” The unicorn quietly whispered.

“A-and we…se-set fire to the h-house to cover up the e-evidence…”

Flicktail’s expression remained unfazed; he turned towards the window to look out of it.

“And the blue mare…what about her” Flicktail asked not moving his body or head.

The two stallions froze up their eyes widening in fear having forgotten that Trixie had run off during the fight, they remained silent.

“I thought so….do it”

The second he finished his sentence one of the minions by the door nodded and fired a bolt from a concealed crossbow into the head of the Pegasus who let out a sudden cry of pain before falling into the ground dead his eyes wide in fear, a pool of blood slowly formed around his head. The unicorn turned to his friend’s dead body and whimpered looking between Flicktail and the two minions.

“N-n-no Boss please! I’M S-SORRY!”

His plea fell on death ears as the second minion fired his concealed crossbow into the unicorns head killing him instantly as his body fell beside the Pegasus.

“Useless idiots….dispose of their bodies and send word to the others…were going to have company…”

The two nodded and dragged the bodies using their magic out of the door as Flicktail returned to his seat contemplating his next move.

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The gurney trundled down the hallway with Ratchet laying on top being pushed along by two nurses with Ditzy close behind them, they eventually came to a stop inside a large operating theatre as the two nurses levitated him off the gurney and into the bed where the doctors began to hook him up to machinery, one of the pointed his hoof at Ditzy muttering something she didn’t hear and a nurse ushered her outside.

“I’m sorry, you need to wait out here, we’ll come find you if anything changes”

“O-ok…” Ditzy relied softly

She sat herself down at a nearby chair and waited until the nurse had disappeared before placing her head into her hooves and softly wept into her hooves.

“Please Celestia…Luna….let him be ok…” she softly said between sobs.

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Twilight sat in a chariot that was speeding through the air rivalling the speed of Rainbow Dash; she was sitting in the chariot with Trixie, Applejack, Pinkie and Rainbow. The group remained in total silence as they raced to Canterlot, even Pinkie was quiet her mane had gone from being poofy and crazy to flat and dull.

“She did WHAT!” Rainbow yelled being healed back by Applejack as she tried to take a swipe at the cowering Trixie.

“Easy Rainbow settle down now!” Applejack grunted holding her back.

“Why should I she nearly got Ratchet killed!” Rainbow angrily replied as she struggled.
“I know Dash I know…even though it was stupid of her I believe her when she says she had no intention of him getting hurt and didn’t know who Flicktail was or what his plan was” 

“I agree darlin and you know I can tell if a pony is lyin” Applejack agreed.

Rainbow settled down but continued to glare at Trixie.

“Fine…but if she so much as DARES try anything…”

Twilight looked out of the chariot and sighed looking in the direction of Ponyville, she felt a hoof on her shoulder and turned to see Applejack who offered a small smile to her.

“He’ll be fine Twi…”

“I know…I’m just worried about Ditzy and Dinky…”

“We all are Sugarcube…Rarity said she and Fluttershy will go to the hospital and check up on her and Ratchet…we just gotta stay positive”

Twilight smiled softly back before returning her gaze outside of the chariot. As the chariot arrived in Canterlot they all slowly descended out of it with Trixie following behind slower than the others her ears flat against her head, they looked up to see five  guards that were expecting them  however, these guards weren’t wearing the standard amour the royal guard usually wore. Instead they all wore grey armour etched with a symbol on the front Twilight recognized as belonging to the Equestrian Foreign legion.

Twilight tilted her head in confusion as to why members of the legion were waiting for them, she was approached by a steel coloured coated Pegasus stallion that was missing his mane and had larger than average wings and she instantly recognised him.

“Sergeant Iron Clad!” Twilight smiled as she greeted the stallion with a hug “I thought you were still on tour on the border?”

“Just got back Miss Sparkle and I keep telling you, call me Iron Clad” he hugged her back before smiling at her.

“And I keep telling you to call me Twilight”

Iron Clad chuckled lightly “Noted, I was informed of what has taken place involving the criminal Flicktail and Princess Celestia and your brother asked for me and my men to take care of the situation personally”

“Is my brother around?”

“I’m afraid not Miss Sparkle, he had to leave on urgent business in Manehattan a couple of hours ago”

Twilight frowned slightly before heading back to her friends and Trixie.

“Uhm Twi? Who is that?” Dash asked her 

“Didn’t you know? That’s Sergeant Iron Clad” 

Pinkie and Dash looked at her confused before Applejack spoke up.

“As in Star Charmer’s husband Iron Clad?”

“That’s the one”
Dash and Pinkie all made sounds of realisation and nodded understandably, Twilight turned her attention to Trixie who remained quiet hiding behind Applejack slightly.

“Is this the mare you spoke of Miss Sparkle?” Iron Clad said as he approached the group looking down at Trixie making her whimper in fear.

“It is Sergeant”

Iron Clad slowly approached Trixie lowering his head down to her face and glared into her eyes.

“Are you certain you can lead us to Flicktail’s hideout?”

Trixie just whimpered and nodded before Iron Clad turned to his men and nodded at them, they all saluted him and he returned to Twilight.

“Thank you for the assist Miss Sparkle but we will take it from here”

“But Sergeant…we want to help” 

“I’m sorry but-“

“But nothing, we defeated Nightmare Moon we can help you!”

Iron Clad chuckled and gave her mane a playful rub.

“Seems I can’t argue against that Miss Sparkle, ok you can assist us”

“Wait what?! But were not soldiers!” Dash protested.

Iron Clad turned to her cocking his brow.

“Oh? So it was just my imagination you and your friends defeated Nightmare Moon is it?”

“Well no but-”

“And are you not the Element of Loyalty?”

Dash paused for a moment and puffed her chest out.

“Yeah, yeah I am!”

“Then show your strength of loyalty by helping us”

Dash grinned and saluted him.

“Yes sir!”

Twilight giggled softly with Applejack before Iron Clad turned to his men.


“So what’s the plan Sir?” one of the soldiers asked.

“Simple, Miss Trixie here will lead us to the hideout as soon as possible so we don’t lose the cover of the night; we will then split into two groups at each side of the building’s exits. Squad A will consist of myself, Miss Sparkle, Miss Trixie, Miss Pie and Privates Metal Coat and Shadow Tail. Squad A will take out any opposition at the front and on the ground level.
Squad B, which will be under the command of Corporal Silver Dagger and will consist of Private Razor Wing as well as Miss Dash and Miss Applejack, will stand at the exit of the building to prevent any pony from fleeing and will only enter on the all clear. We will then take the rest of the building by force with or without Flicktail alive”

“Sir Yes sir!” the Corporal replied saluting him.

“Move out!”

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“Miss Ditzy?” 

Ditzy raised her head suddenly at the sound of the nurse’s voice and wiped her eyes.

“Y-yeah?”

“Mr Ratchet’s stable now you can come see him” she smiled as Ditzy gasped and smiled before stumbling up and quickly entering the room.

The room was quiet save for the soft beeping of a heart monitor hooked up to Ratchet, he lay on the bed his eyes closed breathing softly. His front right leg was in a cast and he had a couple of stiches and bandages around his head and neck, a tube connected from his nose to a tank labelled ‘Ox’. Ditzy slowly sat in the chair beside him and held his left hoof stroking it holding back another wave of tears smiling to herself.

‘Thank the Princess’s your alive…thank you Celestia…Luna…thank you’

“Would you like us to call anyone Miss Ditzy?” the nurse asked her.

“Yes…C-can you phone Miss Rarity and tell her? She’s looking after my daughter for me”

The nurse nodded and left the room leaving Ditzy alone with Ratchet.

“I wish you were awake to hear this Ratchet but…I love you…I want you to come live with me and Dinky”

She leant over and kissed his cheek nuzzling at his neck softly

“Please…wake up…we need you…”

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Iron Clad hid with his squad in the shadows of an alley a few houses away from Flicktail’s headquarters; he scanned the area carefully making out two earth stallions guarding the front door sharing a jug of what appeared to be cider, he made an assumption on the amount of guards at the rear of the building. He nodded to Pinkie who grinned and zipped out towards the guards bouncing as she went, they looked at her confused for a moment.

“HI!” Pinkie beamed at them.

“Uh…hello, Miss you need to leave it’s a restricted area” one of the replied before blinking at where Pinkie had just been standing but not anymore. “What the?”

The other guard stood there mouth agape trying to see where the pink pony had vanished to, he went to take another swig of cider but noticed it wasn’t in his hoof, turning around quickly to try and find it only to see Pinkie Pie now giggling with the cider jug on her back. Suddenly she took off down the road bouncing as she went.

“HEY!” the guard shouted as he and the other guard began to run after the giggling Pinkie.

Iron Clad waited a moment before being satisfied she had led the guards away, he turned to the group to order them to move out but noticed Twilight looking concerned.

“Don’t worry Miss Sparkle, from what you’ve told me Miss Pie will be fine”

Twilight smiled as she Trixie Metal and Shadow followed Iron Clad quickly to the door, he motioned to Shadow who used his magic to wrap the door and waited before nodding and he carefully opened the door.
“What are you two-“

A guard inside turned to see why the door opened and was immediately struck round the head by the hilt of Metal Coat’s sword he was levitating and fell to the ground unconscious, the other guard in the room didn’t have a chance to register what had happened as Metal’s sword collided with his face dropping him to the floor. A door opened and Metal Shadow and Iron Clad charged into the room quickly Metal and Shadow drawing their swords as Iron Clad hovered using his hooves to wield his sword, five guards burst into the room each holding swords and daggers. 

“Drop your weapons now and your lives will be spared” Iron Clad said calmly.

The guards ignored his demand for surrender and charged at the three soldiers who retaliated, as they fought three other guards panicked upon investigating the noise and ran for the back door but screeched to a halt as two spears pointed at them and were kicked in the head by Applejack and Dash knocking them out cold. Iron Clad parried the unicorns sword before dodging to the side to avoid another sword and deflected the attack away before lunging at the unicorn driving his sword into the chest him killing the unicorn instantly.

The guard attacking Metal Coat went wide eyed at the sight of the dead unicorn giving Metal an advantage as he disarmed the earth stallion he stumbled backwards and threw his legs in the air surrendering, Shadow had killed one of the stallions who had charged him and disarmed another by knocking him out cold with his sword’s hilt. The final stallion had quickly moved around behind the group and was about to lunge his sword at Metal who turned round at the last second.

“METAL!” Shadow cried.

Metal shut his eyes expecting death but opened them to see the sword hovering a few inches from his face, the sword itself was shaking as purple and blue fought for control of the sword. The purple energy won and the sword shot across the room landing with a clash as a chair shot back colliding with the unicorn and knocking him out. Metal looked to see Twilight’s horn glowing purple and her panting.

“Thank you Miss Sparkle” Metal bowed to her as she smiled softly at him.

“It was nothing…” she beamed at him

“Shadow, go and give the clear to squad B we need to move quickly no doubt Flicktail’s been alerted by us. Metal can you tie the prisoners up”

Both soldiers saluted and went to do their orders, Trixie who had remained near the door came over to Metal levitating several lengths of rope, he took them smiling.

“Thank you Miss Trixie”

Trixie smiled slightly happy  she was assisting them, a few moments later Shadow Silver and Razor came in with Applejack and Rainbow Dash dragging the unconscious bodies of the guards they dealt with outside. After securely tying them up Iron left Shadow and Razor who were the two unicorns of the squad to keep guard over the prisoners, Applejack offered to stay behind to keep an eye on them as well.

The rest of them advanced up the stairs the soldiers at the front except for Silver who took the back, they were greeted by six guards who had been waiting for them and began to attack them. Iron Clad quickly took down the leader of the six with a quick slice to his neck; Iron quickly blocked the swing of a sword as Metal rushed forward and drove his sword into the chest of the attacker. The remaining guard backed up slightly realising they were no match for the soldiers and Iron spoke again.

“Drop your weapons and you will be spared”

Hesitantly they complied and threw their swords by his feet, nodding to Metal and Silver they escorted them downstairs.

“Miss Dash can you fly to the castle and have them send over a transportation cart?”

“Yes sir” Dash saluted and shot down stairs and into the skies heading to the palace.

Iron Clad turned to Twilight and Trixie as Metal and Silver returned.

“We’ll take it from here you two, you should-“

He was interrupted by Trixie who since Ponyville had remained quiet.

“S-sergeant Iron C-clad…I want to do this…I-I owe it to R-Ratchet”

“We both do Sergeant” Twilight added standing beside Trixie

Iron sighed before nodding

“Ok, but stay behind us…I expect Flicktail has a few more tricks for us…”

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Flicktail leant on his desk facing the door calmly sipping from a glass as he heard the fighting below him, his two guards either side of him had their crossbows out, and the pair of them looking nervous. As the sounds of fighting stopped they shot a glance to one another before raising their crossbows to the door, there was a long pause as the guards front began to shake into fear as they waited for the door to open, the door suddenly burst open and the two of them immediately shot their bolts into the corridor missing their targets and thudding into the wall. 

They tried to reload but were met by twin daggers flying into their necks dropping them to the floor dead. Flicktail’s expression didn’t change as he calmly drank the rest of his glass as the group entered their weapons aimed at him.

“In the name of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna I hereby arrest you” Iron Clad approached him carefully his sword still raised.

Flicktail looked at him and smirked before rising up from his seat.

“I don’t think so Sergeant…I don’t intend to go to prison”

From behind them Trixie shrieked as the guards that were tied up advanced on them menacingly from the stairs, Metal turned round and raised his sword up along with Shadow pushing Twilight and Trixie behind them, Iron Clad shot a glance to the guards then to Flicktail anger etched on his face.

“You honestly think I didn’t expect this?” Flicktail smirked as.

“What did you do to my soldiers” Iron Clad growled. 

Flicktail just laughed as his guards began to attack the group, Metal and Silver retaliated and clashed swords with the attackers, Iron Clad quickly whisked Twilight and Trixie where he could easily protect them and blocked a blow from a sword aimed at Trixie, the sounds of metal rang through the building as the soldiers were forced back against one of the walls surrounding the two mares in a protective circle.

“Now…you will die” Flicktail laughed as he stomped his hoof.

The guards began to advance but stopped as two of them fell to the ground spears imbedded in them, the rest turned surprised as Shadow and Razor charged in with Applejack killing another guard.

“What! Impossible!” Flicktail began to panic as his guards were forced back against the other wall; only two remained who were quickly dealt with. Iron Clad looked at their bodies and sighed.

“Fools…Now Flicktail…do you surrender or shall I just end your miserable life?”

Flicktail growled at him and threw his glass at him, Iron Clad deflected it with his wing as Flicktail jumped through his window with a crash and fell onto some crates before galloping off down the road.

“Damn, after him!”

Iron Clad lept from the window flying after him being followed by Metal as the others ran down the stairs into the streets to give chase, they came across Dash Pinkie and several of the royal guard and a carriage and quickly explained the situation and broke off into squads to hunt Flicktail, Silver and Shadow along with two other royal guards were sent to guard the train station along with Applejack and Pinkie Pie, Dash Metal and two other pegasi took to the skies to look for him.

Iron Clad went with Trixie and Twilight along the road that led to the observation point of the city where chariots usually land to bring visitors to and from the city. The soldiers had their orders, Flicktail was now give the crime of attempted murder of civilians and members of the military, he had one chance to surrender or he was to be executed.

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Flicktail galloped as fast as he could down the alleys of Canterlot cursing Iron Clad as he went, he stopped to take a breather as he nursed the gash he had gotten from jumping out the window. Looking around he came across a pay phone and picked it up before dialling a number and waited.

“It’s Flicktail…there’s been a situation sir….yes….I need transportation to Manehattan….understood…thank you sir…I’ll meet them at the observation deck…”

He placed the phone back before heading off to the observation deck keeping to the shadows, it will be a while before the chariot arrived and by then it would be day time meaning it would be harder for him to escape. He wasn’t going to prison that’s for sure, he needed to hang around the deck in order to be able to get aboard it quickly before the guard could stop him, he certainly didn’t want to be interrogated. He had heard tales of the royal interrogator who was called Dream Eater, he was said to have the power to enter a ponies’ mind and torture them.

He shuddered at the thought of his mind being invaded like that as he turned a corner he quickly ducked back in as two guards went by holding his breath. As they disappeared from view he shot out down the alleyways heading towards the deck.

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Iron Clad Twilight and Trixie arrived at the deck and scanned the area, Iron pointed to an alleyway nearby they could hide in and wait for Flicktail to show up.

“What makes you think he’ll come here?”

“Because Miss Sparkle it’s the only logical place he can go if he hasn’t already been found by the guards, the train station will not only be guarded by both ends but he doesn’t control the schedule. My guess is that if he is undetected he will contact someone to arrive here and help him escape.

“That makes sense” Twilight nodded as they hid

They waited for what seemed forever before they saw movement, Iron Clad motioned them to keep quiet as he watched the figure emerge from the shadows, it was indeed Flicktail and he hadn’t noticed them. Flicktail darted his eyes around before heading to the deck to try and find a hiding spot to wait in before Iron Clad softly moved out from cover followed by the two and approached him.

“It’s no use Flicktail; you’ve nowhere to run to so just surrender”

Flicktail spun around instantly and growled being surrounded by the three ponies and backed up slightly.

“I am NOT going to prison and I am NOT having Dream Eater interrogate me!” he roared out

“You shall not pass!” Iron Clad roared back as he raised his sword up pointing it at Flicktail “Give up!”

“NEVER” 

Flicktail roared as Iron Clad charged him only at the last second see a large crate fly towards him and collide hard into him sending the soldier hurtling into the floor. He slowly stood up spitting blood from his mouth, Iron Clad went for his sword ducking another crate as he made his way to Flicktail who began to throw anything he could find in a blind panic backing up more and more to the edge, Iron Clad brought his sword down and it collided with a metal bar Flicktail had pulled from a crate. The two remained locked for a moment as Iron pushed his weight down onto the unicorn with all his might, Flicktail, fearing he was about to break grunted and shut his eyes as his horn glowed brightly making Twilight and Trixie close their eyes.

A loud explosion echoed in the streets as the two opened their eyes to see a panting Flicktail shakily standing but Iron Clad was nowhere to be seen, Twilight saw a line ash that ended at a nearby building where Iron Clad’s body lay smouldering.

“IRON CLAD!” Twilight cried she began to run over to the pegasi.

A beam of magic shot past her brining her to a halt as she turned to see Flicktail laughing, Twilight slowly charged her horn tears in her eyes.

“YOU THINK YOU CAN STOP ME?! I JUST KILLED A BUCKING SOLDIER YOU LITTLE BITCH!” 

“You’re a monster!”

Flicktail just laughed manically as he began to charge his magic again, Twilight ran to Trixie who was frozen to the spot terrified.

“Trixie I need your help!”

“T-Twilight I-I can’t he’s t-t strong”

“I can’t do it alone Trixie, we can do it”

“B-but how”

“We need to combine our magic, only then can we beat him!”

Trixie sniffed as she looked to Twilight fearfully.

“I gave you the benefit of the doubt Trixie….please…help me”

Trixie nodded slowly and they began to charge their magic, Flicktail just laughed louder as he braced himself.

“YOU’RE BOTH GOING TO DIE!”

He shot his magic from his horn at the same time as Trixie and Twilight did the beams locking in the air, a loud crack like a thunderstorm echoed around the town as the beams fought each other for supremacy, Flicktail’s began to push theirs back as he laughed louder and louder. Twilight heard Trixie whimper.

“We can do it Trixie!”

“I-I can’t!”

“Yes you can! Don’t be afraid!”

Trixie clenched her eyes tight as her horn glowed brighter and the combined beams began to push back Flicktail’s who began to visible panic his legs buckling from the strain of the spell.

“I-IMPOSSIBLE”

He roared out as his concentration broke and his magic failed as Twilight’s and Trixie’s beams slammed into him throwing him off the edge with a howl. Twilight and Trixie let out a sigh of relief however, it was short lived as a beam shot up and grabbed Twilight dragging her over the edge.

“TWILIGHT” Trixie screamed as she ran to the edge looking over.

Twilight desperately clung to the side of the deck Flicktail holding onto her back legs with his magic laughing manically as he dangled there.

“IF I DIE THE BITCH DIES WITH ME”

“Trixie I-I can’t hold on!” Twilight cried as she started to lose her grip

“I-I’ll get help j-just hold on” Trixie looked around franticly as Twilight screamed, Trixie looked down seeing Flicktail started to ‘climb’ up using his magic pulling harder on Twilight, Twilight’s left hoof slipped and she screamed again holding on to the side with her other hoof for dear life.

“TRIXIE” she screamed looking up tears in her eyes.

Trixie clenched her eyes tightly as her horn glowed and then sparked out.

‘Come on Trixie COME ON!’

Trixie groaned as she focused her magic her horn glowing brightly, she pointed it down as it shot a blue beam out that severed the line between Twilight and Flicktail; Flicktail let out a ear piercing scream as he fell from the side of the deck and down towards the forest at the base of the mountain flailing his limbs, his screams of distress died down as he disappeared from view. Trixie then pointed her horn at Twilight and levitated her up and onto the deck before collapsing and panting from exhaustion. Twilight pulled her into a tight hug sobbing softly.

“Thank you Trixie…”

“N…no problem Twilight”

Trixie smiled at Twilight before hearing a groan coming from where Iron Clad was, they gasped and ran over to the stallion who stood up shaking his head.

“Urgh…what the hay happened…”

The girls smiled and hugged him tightly causing him to wince in pain.

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Ratchet felt something under his leg and slowly opened his eyes slowly glancing down and he saw Dinky curled under his leg resting her head on his chest asleep. He looked to his left seeing Ditzy leaning on the bed asleep as well before looking around the room.

‘A hospital…what happened to me’

He suddenly winced in pain and groaned loudly stirring the two sleeping ponies.

“R-Ratchet?” Ditzy looked up slowly her eyes widening.

“Hey Ditzy…”

Ditzy started to cry again but tears of joy as she hugged him.

“RATCHET!” Dinky shouted cuddling his neck smiling wide as Ratchet chuckled softly.

“Hey Dinky…”

The door to the room burst open and the girls ran in all gasping before cheering and gathering around him chatting away.
“You had us worried there man” Dash said giving him a playful punch to the arm to which he winced at.

“I’m glad you’re ok Ratchet…” Fluttershy said quietly

“THIS MEANS WE NEED TO THROW YOU A PARTY!” Pinkie shouted bouncing in place as the others laughed. Ratchet smiled and turned to Ditzy stroking her mane looking up to the girls

“What happened to me…?”

Twilight looked to the girls before she began to explain what had transpired over the past few days, Ratchet listened nodding his head every now and again, He had been in a coma of sorts for the past few days and learnt Ditzy had never left his side. Twilight mentioned Trixie and turned to the door where Trixie stood her ears flat looking ashamed at him, Ratchet beckoned her over.

“Ratchet I’m s-so sorry I didn’t know what they-“

“It’s ok Trixie, I forgive you” Ratchet cut her off smiling as she smiled back

“Thank you…”she whispered

He smiled softly but his smiled slowly faded as he turned back to Twilight.

“What happened to APAU…?”

The girls looked at each other sad as Twilight levitated a half broken and singed metal box on the bed.

“I’m sorry…”

APAU’s hand slowly came out and waved gently before falling over and struggling to keep up, Ratchet pressed his standby button sending the arm back into the box.

“I’ll repair him once I get back home”

The girls looked at each other again.

“Sugarcube, your house burnt down remember” Applejack said softly.

“Oh yeah…”

Ratchet frowned as Ditzy nuzzled his cheek.

“I want you to move in with me and Dinky…”

“Ditzy…”

“Please Ratchet” she looked at him and smiled sweetly as her eyes watered up again “We nearly lost you and…I want you to be with me…I love you Ratchet”

“I love you too Ditzy…”

They stared each other for a moment before Dinky tried to push their heads together.

“Now kiss” she commanded sending the room into laughter.

Ditzy and Ratchet didn’t need to be told twice and quickly locked lips kissing each other smiling as she wrapped her hooves around his neck hugging him. 

‘Well…this certainly was an interesting beginning….but I’m glad it’s got a happy ending’ Ratchet thought to himself as he kissed Ditzy again who happily returned it.