The story of how Violet Runner went from working on airships in Manehattan, to working in a small shop in Ponyvile, then moving into a warehouse in the mountions.
Violet Runner: A unicorn stallion with a light brown mane and tail, tan colored fur and two interlocking brass gears for a Cutie Mark. He's Steampunk, can fix/make anything that runs on steam, clockwork or early 1900 combustion engine,and specialises in experimental machinery (plains/airships and automobiles) and weaponry (Flintlocks, revolvers and muskets) and tests all of them himself.
This is the story of how he went from working on airships in Manehattan, to working in a small shop in Ponyvile fixing and making clocks and other clockwork items, then moving into a warehouse in the mountions, where he continued to make different machines and weaponry.
It was evening on a hot summer’s day. Banning and other such noises could be heard as two Ponies were working in the hanger of a workshop in Manehattan.
"Hey Runner, can you give me a hoof with this?" A dark brown unicorn stallion called from a maintenance hatch of an Airship.
"Sure thing boss, be there in a second." A tan colored unicorn said as he turned off the welding torch and put his goggles on his four head. He stood back to check his work, satisfied he put down the welding torch and walked down the scaffolding over to the maintenance hatch. “What do you need?”
“*Grunt* Pass me that wrench there, will ya?” Iron Thorn said stinking his head out from under a large engine. Violet Runner picked up the wrench with his magic and levitated it over to him. “Thank. By the way, you finish that welding job yet?” He said tightening a bolt.
“I just finished.” Violet said adjusting his goggles with his hoof.
“Good, because I could use your help with getting the pressure gages and propellers calibrated.” Iron said climbing out from under the engine and whipping some oil off his hooves with a rage.
“Alright, let’s take a look at them” He said as they walked over to the fuel line.
“Alright, I think that will do her.” Iron said tightening the last of the bolts. “How are things at you end?”
“Just finishing the final coat now, sir.” Violet said as he spread the last of the paint on the side of the hull. “Alight that’s it, she’s done.” Violet Runner walked down the scaffolding and joined Iron Thorn.
“The Airship Lunar Dream, I think we out did ourselves this time, ah Runner?” Iron said admiring the airship in front of them.
“Yep. Got any idea why the princess wanted it so close to the Summer Sun Celebration?” Violet Runner asked taking off the smock and whipping some paint off his hooves.
“No idea, But can I be honest with you?” He asked
“Sure, what’s up?” Violet asked.
“Well, you’ve been like a son to me and I’ve done my best to raise you right at the request of your father since he and your mother died. You are also one of my best employees and my favorite apprentice, you even stayed after everyone else went home. That’s why it hurts me to tell you this but I’m laying you off.” Iron said sadly.
“What?!” He said shocked.
“Ya, I’m retiring and closing up shop. This was my last job; I only did it because Princess Celestia herself came here and ask me to.” Iron said rubbing the back of his neck. “
“Have you told the others yet?” Violet asked looking at the closest thing he had to a father.
“Not yet. I was planning on telling them tomorrow, while you deliver the Airship to the princess.” The older unicorn said with a smile.
“Wait, you want me to deliver the Airship by myself?!” He asked excitedly.
“Yep, you’ve earned it. Tomorrow you will personally present this fine Airship to Princess Celestia herself at the Summer Sun Celebration.” Iron said putting his foreleg around Violets shoulders.
“Awesome, so where is the Summer Sun Celebration this year?” The tan unicorn asked.
“It’s here in a small town called Ponyvile near the edge of the Everfree Forest.” He said pointing to the location on a large map.
“Well I better get some sleep; it looks like I got a long journey a head of me.” Violet said with a yawn.
“Come on, let's go home.” Iron said as they left the work shop, Iron magically locking the door behind them.
The Crowed of ponies followed behind the royal carriage as the parade made its way to the town hall.
"Princess Celestia and Princess Luna; it is with great pleasure that I present to you both, on behalf of myself and my master Iron Thorn, who couldn't be here today, The Airship Lunar Dream!” Violet said as the crowd cheered and he unveiled the Airship.
“Sister, did you?” Luna asked looking up at her sister.
Celestia only gave a small chuckle as Violet walked up. He was about to present the keys to her but she gestured to the smaller Alicorn next to her. Violet nodded and walked over to Luna and bowed.
“Princess Luna, these are the keys to your very own Airship. I can personally guarantee it will serve you well.” He said as Luna took the keys in her magic.
“Rise Violet Runner; you have done a fine work in making the Airship and we thank you for it. We accept this gift and extend our gratitude to you and your master.” Luna said as Violet stood up.
“Violet Runner,” Celestia said catching his attention. “It is with great honor that I present you with the Golden Gears and with it the title of Master Crafts Pony as well as this certificate that proves it.” Celestia said as she put the metal around his neck and handed him the certificate.
“Thank you your majesty.” Violet said as he bowed to the princess. “So that’s why he didn’t come. He’s never been good with ceremonial stuff like this.” He thought as he levitated the certificate into his bag and stood up.
“Violet, before we go I have a letter from Iron Thorn here for you.” The Princess of the Day said levitating it over to him.
“Thanks.” He said opening it.
“Dear Violet Runner;”
“Sorry I couldn't be there in person to tell you this and to present you with your new title, but you know I’m not good with that ceremonial stuff. Anyway as a master it is time for you to get your own shop and place to live. I know that the city’s getting a little too crowded for your tastes, so I already took the liberty of buying you a place there in Ponyvile. It has a store and office on the first floor as well as a couple of bedrooms and a kitchen on the second. It also has a garage in the back big enough for you to continue working on your projects.”
“I have already sent it up so that all your mail will be sent to your new address and sent you your tools as well as some new ones. I also sent you an order of different clockwork parts and some bites to get you started; it should all arrive by the end of the week. Your new address is 21 Stirrup St. and is just down the road from a tailor shop called ‘The Caracole Boutique’.”
“I hope you enjoy your new place in Ponyvile as well as the peace and quiet of the country.”
“Sensory yours; Iron Thorn.”
“Well it looks like I’ll be staying and setting up shop here in Ponyvile.” Violet said to nopony in particular as he folded up the letter and put it in his bag.
Seeing that the princesses had left and the crowd was starting to dissipate, Violet Runner slow started his way to his new home in Ponyvile.
It had almost been a week since Violet Runner had moved into his new shop in Ponyvile and most of his stuff from Manehattan had arrived already. But there was still a lot that still needed to arrive. The bell above the door rang signaling that somepony had entered the shop.
“Welcome to Steam & Clockworks, how can I help you?” Violet said looking up from the clock he was tinkering with.
“Hello, I heard that you were a master craftspony.” A white unicorn mare with a violet mane said as she looked around the shop.
“That’s me, what can I do for you?” He asked.
“Well, you see I, own The Caracole Boutique just up the street and one of my sewing machines seems to have stopped working. So I was wondering if you could have a look at it.” She said walking up to the counter.
“Sure, I can have a look.” Violet said clearing a space on the counter.
“Thanks, Oh Spike?” The violet manned mare called.
A baby purple and green dragon walked into the store pulling a wagon with a sewing machine behind him.
“Right here Rarity.” The baby dragon said as he stopped beside her.
“Thank you Spike.” Rarity said as she levitated the sewing machine onto the counter.
“All right, let see now.” The craftspony said as he as he probed the sewing machine with his magic.
“Well?” Rarity asked when Violets magic died down.
“It looks like a few of the gears are out of alignment and it needs a new fan belt.” Violet said as he adjusted his goggles with his hoof. “But it shouldn’t be too hard to fix.”
“That’s good. So when can I expect it done?” Rarity asked.
“Well I’m expecting an order of replacement parts tomorrow morning so I should have it done by noon.
“That would be perfect darling. Now about payment?” The tailor pony asked.
“Well, I haven’t really set up a price system for repairs yet, but how dose ten bits sound?” Violet said as wrote up a claim check.
“That sounds lovely; oh I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name.” Rarity said apologetically.
“It’s Violet Runner, Ms. Rarity was it?” He said as he finished off the claim check.
“That’s correct. Well it was nice meeting you Violet Runner.” The white unicorn said as she picked up the claim check and put her bits on the counter.
“Likewise.” Violet said as she left the shop with spike following behind her. “Well, she seemed nice.” He then started to take the coverings off the sewing machine and began to carefully take some of the gears off.
“Hello? Is anypony here?” A grey Pegasus mare called as she came around the building.
She heard some noises come from the garage so decided to investigate. When she looked inside she saw a tan unicorn wearing brown goggles, a black vest, a white dress shirt and black pants working on some type of contraption.
“Ok, fire’s going, water’s boiling, turbines spinning, pistons working, meter red. Wait a minute, METER RED?!” Violet said looking at the pressure gage and seeing that the needle was in the red zone.
“Um, excuses me, sir?” The gray mare said a little worried.
“Hit the deck!” He yelled as he ran out and tacked the poor Pegasus.
A blast of smock and steam rushed past them as the machine Violet was working on exploded.
“Sorry about that.” Violet said coughing as he got off the grey Pegasus.
“No problem. Are you Violet Runner?” The Mare asked as she got up and dusted herself off.
“Yep, what can I do for you?” He said as he turned the fan on in the garage.
“I have a package for you, so if you could sign here.” She said as she pulled a clip board out of her bag as well as a couple of muffins. “Muffin?” She said offering him one.
“Sure, thanks.” The tan unicorn said as he levitated the clip board over to himself and signed it. He then passed the clip board back to the mail mare and took the muffin offered to him.
“No problem. Here’s your package.” The gray Pegasus said handing it to him. “See you later.” She then took off to deliver more mail.
“Let’s see, I hope that it’s that order of spare parts so I can finish Ms. Rarity’s sewing machine on time. I’ve been waiting all day for them to arrive.” Violet said as he opened the package and sure enough inside was a bunch of gears and fan belts.
Violet checked his watch and saw that he had a few minutes before Rarity was due to pick up the sewing machine, so he went back inside his shop with the parts to finish the job.
The bell above the door rang and Rarity walked in just as Violet finished polishing the sewing machine.
“Well, hello Ms. Rarity. You're just in time; I just finished fixing your sewing machine.” Violet said putting down the rage. “I even polished it up for you a bit.”
“Why thank you darling. By the way I heard there was an explosion here earlier, are you alright?” Rarity asked with a concerned look on her face.
“You heard about it huh? Ya I’m alright, my clothes got a little singed though.” He said as he levitated the sewing machine into the small wagon she was pulling.
“Well that’s good to hear. Anyway I best be off, I have a large order to fill and it should go smoothly now that you fixed this sewing machine. Good day.” She said as she tuned to leave.
“Good day.” Violet said as Rarity left the shop.
When she was gone Violet but up a small sign that said “closed. Will be back at 3:00pm” and went back to his garage.
“Ok, note to self; Hydrogen explodes REALLY EASILY!” He said as he looked at the half destroyed garage. Luckily nothing was broken, except for the failed experiment of course. .
Violet then proceeded to start cleaning up the garage and get everything ready for his next experiment. As Rarity entered her shop she heard another explosion coming from Steam & Clockworks and sighed shaking her head a little.
“Ok, fire’s going, water’s boiling, turbines spinning, using helium instead of hydrogen, pistons working, and…” Violet said as he worked on his news contraption.
*BOOM*
The machine exploded in a cloud of smock. Violet quickly turned on the fan and removed his goggles. He levitated over a clean rage and whipped the soot from his face.
“Um, Hello?” A gray mare called from the entrance to the garage.
“Huh, oh Hi.” He said as he whipped the oil off his hooves.
“I headed you were looking for me.” The cross eyed mare said shifting her hooves worried that she did something wrong.
“Ya, um your name is Derpy Hooves right?” Violet asked and Derpy nodded. “Well, I wanted to apologize for tackling you yesterday. You could have been hurt in that explosion and I heard that you were late for some of your deliveries. So I was wondering if you would like to join me for lunch.”
“Oh,” Derpy said happily with a flap of her wings. “That sounds nice, where did you have in mind?”
“How about that restraint on Mane st?” He asked.
“Ok.” The gray mare said as they started walking.
“Have you decided what to order?” A cream colored Earthpony wearing an apron asked.
“Yes, I’ll have a daisy sandwich and some water.” Violet said putting his menu down.
“Very good and you?” The waiter asked turning to Derpy.
“I’ll have the hayfries and some water as well.” Derpy said also putting her menu down.
“Alright, I will be back with your orders shortly.” The waiter said as he picked up the menus and walked away.
“So you were saying?” Violet said when the waiter left.
“Well, I live here in Ponyvile with my little sister Dinky. I work for the Equestria mail system but I guess you already knew that. I’m a bit of a cluts and because of that I get yelled at a lot and got the nickname Ditzy Doo. But I don’t really like that name because it makes me sound stupid.” She said a little sad.
“Well that’s mean of them.” Violet said concerned look on his face.
“Ya, but I try to not let it bother me.” Derpy said as the waiter came back with their food.
“Here you are; one daisy sandwich and one order of hayfries.” He said as he put the food down on the table and poured water into the glasses sitting on the table.
“Thanks.” Violet said before biting into his sandwich.
“So what about you?” The mail mare asked when the waiter left. “What’s your story?”
“Well, I was born and raised in the Industrial District of Manehatten. My father was a lead mechanic in the Airship yards and my mother was a master clock maker. We weren’t poor but we weren’t rich either. Anyway I got my Cutie Mark when I fix our old family clock that gave even my mom a hard time.” He said with a laugh.
“They sound nice. Where are they now?” Derpy asked as she ate her hayfries.
“They’re…not with us anymore.” Violet said sadly looking down.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” She said looking away sorry that she brought up a painful subject.
“It’s ok, you didn’t know. I don’t mind talking about it anyway.” The Craftspony said dismissively, calming the gray mare down a bit.
“That’s good.” Derpy said relived. “So…how did they die?” She asked cautiously.
“Well, about a year after I got my Cutie Mark, we were offered a free trip on the maiden voyage of the Airship Sky Queen, from Manehatten to Fillydelphia, after my dad did such a bang up job on it and he gratefully accepted. About half way through the flight the ship was attacked by Griffin Airship Pirates and in all the commotion I got separated from my parents. When I managed to make it back to our room I came face to face with the dread pirate Sharp Wing. Surprisingly he spared my life but he had killed both my parents. I still have no idea why he spared me, probable because about that time we were passing by Canterlot and the royal guards must have received our distress call because he fled the ship just before they arrived.“ He said with a sigh.
“Iron Thorn, a friend of my dad and my godfather, took care of me after that. He took me up as his apprentice fixing Airships when I was old enough and taught me a lot of what I know. After we finished the Airship Lunar Dream, I was given the title “Master Craftspony” and he bought me the shop here in Ponyvile.” Violet said finishing his story.
“Wow.” Derpy said as she finished her hayfries.
“The bill sir.” The waiter said as he placed a small tray with the bill and two mints on the table and took the plates away.
“Let me just get this.” He said as he placed a couple of bits on the tray and took one of the mints.
“Thanks, again for the lunch.” Derpy said as she got up and took the other mint.
“You’re welcome, and you know, I had a good time hanging out with you.” Violet said as they walked out of the restraint.
“Really? I mean you don’t mind my crossed eyes?” She asked in surprise.
“I grow up in the Industrial District of Manehatten remember, I know ponies with only one eye. So do you really think I’m going to care if somepony has crossed eyes or not? Besides I think they make you look distinguished.” he said reassuringly.
“Really? Thanks.” Derpy said happily.
“Why hello there.” Rarity called as she walked out of her store and saw Violet walking up the street.
“Hi there Ms. Rarity. How’s the sewing machine?” Violet asked as he walked up to her.
“It’s working wonderfully darling, why I think it works better than it did before.” The white unicorn said enthusiastically.
“Well that’s good to hear. Anyway I got to get back to my shop.” Violet said.
“Of coerce dear, sorry to hold you up. Just one thing?” she said as he started to turn to leave.
“Yes?” He said turning to look at her.
“Do try to Not blow yourself up.” She said with a small giggle.
“Ya, I’ll try.” Violet said with a laugh as he turned to leave.
“Wow, he sounds really nice.” A mint green unicorn mare said sitting in a chair like one of the human in one of her many fantasy books.
“Ya, he does Derpy and he doesn’t have a problem with your eyes?” A cream colored Earthpony mare asked.
“Thanks Lyra and no he doesn’t Bonbon, in fact he said that they make me look distinguished.” Derpy said happily.
“Ok Derpy, it’s just that you tend to fall in love a little too easily and usually end up getting hurt.” Bonbon said worriedly.
“It’s not like that, we’re just friends.” She said even though she knew she was starting to get stronger feelings towards him.
“What was his name again? Violent Runner?” Lyra asked.
“It’s Violet Runner, and he owns the shop; Steam & Clockworks.” Derpy said as she took a muffin from a plate on the table.
The bell above the door rang as the local mail mare walked in and the scent of muffins filled the room.
“Welcome to Steam & Clockworks, how can I- Oh, good morning Derpy. What brings you here?” Violet asked as he looked up from the pocket watch he was working on to see his friend standing in the door way.
They had gotten to know each other over the past week, since he took her out for lunch and as she deliver the last of his stuff from Iron Thorn.
“I have a letter for you from Canterlot.” The cross eyed mare said. As she reached into her bag and pulled out a muffin and a letter.
“Canterlot?” He said as he levitated it over to himself and opened it.
“Her grand royal highness; Princess Luna of Equestria, is pleased to announce that the Grand Galloping Gala to be held at the magnificent capital city of Canterlot on the 21st day of… blah, blah, blah” Violet says as he skips over all the royal mumbo jumbo. “Cordially extends an invitation to Violet Runner plus one guest.” He read as he pulled two tickets out of the envelope.
“Wow, a ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala, you're so lucky Violet.” Derpy said as she eyed the other ticket but decided not to say anything after seeing what happened to the town's librarian the other day. “Well I got to get going; I have a lot of other letters and packages to deliver.” She then walked back outside. “What the?” She said as she froze right before taking off.
“What is it? WOW!” The Craftspony said as he walked out outside and saw a big red stallion walking down the street in a greatly. “Ok…I really didn’t need to see that.”
When the stallion was out of sight Derpy and Violet both look at each other and burst into laughter.
“Well, see you later Violet.” Derpy said as she took off when the laughter had subsided.
“Bye.” Violet said as he went back inside.
“Here you go Mr. Filthy good as new.” Violet said as he levitated the pocket watch over to the brown Earth Pony.
“Thanks and please call me Mr. Rich.” Filthy Rich said as he took the pocket watch and turned to leave.
“Right, sorry Mr. Rich.” He said as one of the closest things to high society in Ponyvile left the shop.
Violet Runner looked at the main clock in the shop and seeing that it was noon he decided to work on his machine for a while. He put a sign up stating he would be back at 3:00 and went around back to his garage.
“Ok, I’ve recalibrated gears and pressure gages, replaced the turbines, lubricated the pistons, and switched to Propane. Let’s try this again.” Violet said as he started up the machine. “Fire going, water boiling, turbines spinning, pistons working, using Propane instead of Helium, and…”
*Boom*
The machine backfired as a big cloud of smoke came out of the exhaust.
“Celestia, damn it.” Violet said as he turned on the fan. “I’m starting to see why the last owner just left it here, all it does is explode. Well it might not if I knew what it was supposed to do or if I had the blueprints but whoever built it took them with him.” He levitated a cloth of and wiped the oil from his hooves. He was about to leave when he thought of something. “Wait a minute, I wonder if?” He opened up a panel on the side and sure enough he found the problem. “Well there’s the problem; it has no cooling fan. I’ll have to order in a new one."
With that he closed it up and went back to the shop and to change cloths.
“What am I going to do with you?” Violet said looking at the extra ticket to the Gala sitting on his dresser. “I don’t want to make a big commotion about it, not after what happened to the local librarian. I could give it to my friend Derpy but I don’t what to her to get the wrong idea and jeopardize our friendship. Oh well, I’m sure I’ll think of something.” He said as he slipped on a new shirt, vest and pair of pants.
The bell above the door dang for the fifth time that day and a mint green unicorn walked in.
“Welcome to Steam & Clockworks, how can I help you?” Violet said looking up from the order form he was filling out.
“Just browsing.” She said looking at the clocks. “How much for that one?” She asked pointing to a clock on the wall that had two mythical creatures on it.
“That one? You're really interested in that one?” He asked looking at the strange clock.
“Ya, how much?” She asked again.
“Ok, that will be five bits.” He said as he came around the counter to get the clock down.
“Hey you wear pants.” The unicorn said curiously.
“Ya, so?” He asked as he levitated the clock into a box.
“Nothing it’s just that most ponies don’t wear them.” She said as she fished some bits out of her saddlebag.
“Well, I find they help keep my coat clean well I’m working on different machines.” He said as he put the bits into the cash register.
The bell above the door rang and a cream colored Earth pony with purple and pink main walked in.
“There you are Lyra. Don’t tell me you’re buying more human junk.” She said looking at the box.
“Just a clock. We needed a new one anyway Bonbon.” Lyra said as she levitated the box onto her back.
“Fine, just hurry up, we’re late.” Bonbon said going back outside.
“Well it was nice meeting you Mr.?” She asked.
“Runner, Violet Runner.” Violet said introducing himself.
“It was nice to meet you Violet.” Lyra said as she exited the shop.
“So what did you think of him?” Bonbon asked as they walked back to their house.
“He seemed nice. He doesn’t seem like the kind of pony who would purposely hurt somepony else.” Lyra said walking beside her.
“That’s good. You’re not really going to keep that clock are you?” Bonbon asked looking at the box on her marefriends back.
“Why not?” She asked.
“*Sigh* Never mind.” Bonbon said shaking her head.
“Hey Violet!” Derpy called from the entrance to the garage.
“Huh? OW!” Violet said as he looked up and banged his head on the machine he was working on.
“Oops, sorry Violet.” She said apologetically.
“It’s ok, it wasn’t your fault and I’ll be alright.” He said rubbing his head.
“That’s good. Anyway I have another delivery for you.” Derpy said handing him a clipboard and pulling out the package.
“Alright, thanks.” Violet said as he sighed for the package and handed back the clipboard and she handed him the package. “Ah, the Cooling Fan I ordered has arrived. I can finally finish this infernal contraption.” He said opening the box.
“Cool. You know I don’t have any more deliveries to make until the evening, so do you mind if I watch?” She asked hopefully.
“Sure, I don’t mind, and I could use some company.” Violet said inviting her into the garage.
Once the fan was installed he began the startup procedure.
“Ok, fire’s going, water’s boiling, turbines spinning, pistons working, cooling fan cooling, aaand….” Violet said as the machine started up.
There was a screeching sound and the garage door started to close.
“…It opens and closes the garage door. Well that was anticlimactic.” He said flatly.
“Well I like it. Sure It’s a bit pointless but interesting to watch.” Derpy said trying to cheer her friend up.
“True. Thanks Derpy, you always see the brighter side of things.” Violet said as he wiped some oil from his hooves.
“You’re welcome.” She said blushing from the compliment. “So what are you going to do with it now?
“I don’t know; probably use it for spare parts.” He said looking at the overly complicated door opener.
“Well, it was nice seeing you Violet.” Derpy said as Violet opened the door with his magic.
“You to Derpy.” He said walking out as she took off. “Well now that I have this useless piece of junk out of the way,” He said kicking the door opener with one of his front hooves. “I can move onto more interesting inventions of my own design. “ Violet said walking back to the shop to retrieve some blueprints.
There was a light knock on the door catching Violets attention away from the blueprints he was studying.
“We’re closed, come back tomorrow. “ He called.
“Mr. Runner? It’s the Mayor. I wish to talk to you.” The Mayor called.
“Oh! Um, just a sec.” Violet said walking over to the door and opening it. “So how can I help you?”
“Well you see, the clock in the towns’ clock tower broke down and its usual caretaker, Time Turner, is out of town for the week. So I was wondering if you were up to the task of fixing it.” She asked pointing to the clock tower.
“Oh, of course. I’d love to.” He said looking at it. “Is there a specific day or time you need it done by?”
“I would prefer if it was finished in time for Applejack's award ceremony tomorrow.” Mayor Mare said fixing her glasses.
“Can do.” Violet said eagerly.
“That’s good. Here are the clock's Blueprints, I trust you can find the problem.” She said pulling them out of her saddle bag and handing them to him.
“You can count on me.” He said as he locked his shop door and began walking towards the clock tower.
“Ok, I think that should do it.” Violet said as he replaced the last gear. “All that’s left is to re-enchant the weight system so they automatically reset, but I’m going to need another unicorn for that.”
Violet walked out of the clock tower for some fresh air, he still had a few hours until the award ceremony so he decided to get some lunch. On his way to the restaurant however he ran into Rarity.
“Why hello there Violet.” The fashion pony said walking up to him.
“Hello Ms. Rarity, how are you this fine evening?” He asked politely.
“I’m doing fine darling, I’m just on my way to Town Hall to help prepare for the award ceremony. What about you?” She asked.
“I’m just taking a break from working on the clock in the clock tower. I’m almost finished to; I just need another unicorn to help me re-enchant the weight system.” Violet said a little matter of factly.
“Well, I’m sure my friend Twilight would love to help you with that. She‘s really talented at all kinds of magic. I believe she’s at the Town Hall preparing her speech. Follow me and I’ll introduce you to her.” Rarity said as she started walking towards Town Hall.
“All right.” He said following her.
“Excuse me, Twilight?” Rarity said politely getting the violet mares’ attention.
“Huh? Oh, hi Rarity. Who’s your friend?” Twilight asked putting her speech down and looked at Violet.
“Hi I’m Violet Runner, I run the shop Steam & Clockworks down on Stirrup Street.” Violet said introducing himself.
“Hi Violet, you’re the pony who give Princess Luna that Airship right?” She asked.
“Yep, that was me.” He said adjusting the goggles on his head.
“Well it’s nice to meet you. I’m Twilight Sparkle. I'm the Librarian at the Golden Oaks Library here in town.” She said also introducing herself.
“Like wise. Anyway, the Mayor asked me to fix the clock in the Clock Tower and now all I need is to re-enchant the weight system but I need another unicorn to help do that and Rarity told me that you are quite adept at magic, so I was wondering if you would give me a hoof with it.” Violet said pointing to the clock tower.
“All right.” Twilight said as she put her speech into her saddle and began walking to Clock Tower.
“Alright, I’ll just set the clock to the correct time and we’ll be done.” Violet said once the weights were re-enchanted. “Thanks again for helping me with this.”
“No problem. I’m always looking to helping the community in any way I can.” Twilight said admiring the inner workings of the Clock Tower.
“Anyway I should be able to handle it from here so you’re free to go give your speech now.” He said as he walked over to the control panel to change the time.
“Alright, see you later.” She said turning to leave.
Once Twilight left and the time was all set, Violet looked out at the view of the town from a small balcony like window in one of the faces of the clock.
“Hey Violet.” A voice said from above him.”
He looked up to see Derpy flying just above the clock tower.
“Hey Derpy.” Violet said as she flew down to talk to him. “How’s your day been?”
“Not bad. By the way I have a letter here for you from Manehatten.” The mailmare said handing him the letter.
“Hey it’s from Iron Thorn.” He said opening the letter.
“What does it say?” Derpy asked.
“It says that he would like me to go see him in Manehatten sometime this week.” He said reading the letter.
“What for?” The gray Pegasus asked.
“Don’t know the letter doesn’t say. He probably just wants to catch up on what I’ve been doing since I moved to here in Ponyville.” Violet said tucking the letter into his saddle bag.
“Well see you later Violet.” Derpy said starting to take off.
“Not if I see you first.” Violet said back as she flew away. "Now to get some lunch." He said leaving the clock tower.
It was a bright and sunny afternoon as Violet prepared for his trip to Manehatten. He was just about to close up shop and head to the train station when two mares came bursting through the door.
“Lyra, Bonbon what’s going on?” He asked looking at the worried faces of the two mares.
He had gotten to know the two of them sometime after Lyra bought the clock with the humans on it, when Derpy wanted him to meet her friends.
“VIOLET YOU HAVE TO COME QUICK!” The mint green unicorn yelled.
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“It’s Derpy, she’s in the hospital.” Bonbon said anxiously.
“What!” Violet said as he ran out the door following the two mares.
“Here she is.” Nurse Redheart said as they entered a room full of sick ponies.
“How ya feeling Derpy?” Lyra asked as they walked up to their sick friend.
Her questioned was answered when Derpy barfed into a bucket.
“That bad huh?” Violet said sadly looking at his friend lying in the hospital bed.
“Yeah, but I’m feeling better now that you guys are here.” Derpy said smiling a little before puking.
“So, what happened? Bonbon asked.
“The Dr. says its food poisoning from the muffins they were giving away at Sugarcube Corner.” She said holding back the urge to vomit. “But I should be ok by tomorrow. “
“I told you your love of muffins would get you into trouble one day.” Lyra joked.
Everypony laughed at the small joke but stopped when Derpy barfed again.
“Anyway, we should let you get your rest.” Bonbon said after a short silence.
“Alright. See you later Derpy.” Lyra said as the group turned to leave.
“Violet can you stay for a second? I want to ask you something.” Derpy said as he started to walk away.
“Sure Derpy. What up?” He asked turning back to face her.
“Can you pick up my little sister Dinky from school and look after her until I get out tomorrow?” She asked in a serious tone.
“No problem Derpy. What time does school get out?” Violet asked looking at the clock in the room.
“It-”Derpy is interrupted by her need to barf. “It gets out in about half an hour from now.”
“Alright, I’ll start heading over there now. I hope you feel better soon.” He said as he turned to leave.
“Thanks, I will.” Derpy said before puking again.
The school bell rang and the young fillies and colts ran out to their parents/guardians and started on their way home. Dinky came out and looked around for her sister but couldn't see her anywhere. Spotting Violet she walked up to him to see if he had seen her.
“Hey Violet.” Greeted the young filly. “Have you seen my big sis around? She’s usually here to pick me up.”
“Hey Dinky. Your sister’s not feeling well so she asked me to look after you until tomorrow.” Violet said looking at his friends’ sister.
“Oh, I hope she’s ok.” Dinky said sadly.
“She ok, just a little food poisoning for eating some bad muffins. She should be good by tomorrow.” He said as they walked out of the school yard.
“That’s good. So what are we going to do tonight?” She asked looking up at Violet as they walked.
“I was thinking we could stay in, get some pizza, listen to some radio. What do you think?” Violet said as they started for Violets’ place.
“Can we make muffins?” The unicorn filly asked.
“Ok, sure.” He said as they turned onto Stirrup St.
“Hello there Violet.” A voice called from in front of them.
Violet looked up to see Rarity coming out of her shop.
“Hello Ms. Rarity. How are you this fine evening?” Violet said as she walked up to them.
“I’m fine darling, what about yourself?” Rarity ask stopping in front of them.
“I’m ok. My friend Derpy asked me to look after her little sister Dinky well she’s in the hospital.” He said gesturing to the filly standing beside him.
“I hope it’s nothing too serious?” The fashion pony said a little worriedly.
“Just a little food poisoning from some bad muffins. She should be out by tomorrow.”
“Well that’s good to hear. Anyway I best be off to meet my friend Fluttershy at the spa. But before I go would it be ok if you stopped by my shop tomorrow?” Rarity asked looking at the town clock.
“Sure thing Ms. Rarity.” Violet said as she turned to leave.
“Please, just Rarity’s fine.” She said before leaving.
“Ok Rarity.” He said as he continued on his way with Dinky.
“Alright let see how they turned out.” Violet said as he opened the oven to take the muffins out.
“Mmm, they smell delouse.” Dinky said as the smell of muffins filled the kitchen.
“Let’s hope they taste as good.” He said as he levitated the muffins on the counter.
They each took a muffin and took a bit. Despite Violets lack of practice, when it came to baking, the muffins came out wonderful. Satisfied they decided to put some aside to give to Derpy when she got out of the hospital and ate the rest. After a while they got hungry again an ordered a pizza, they listened to some radio and fairly soon it was time for bed.
“You can sleep in the spare room if you want.” Violet said as he watched Dinky let out a big yawn.
“Ok.” Dinky said rubbing her eyes with a hoof.
Violet lead her down the hall to the spare room that had a bed all made up.
“Could you sing a lullaby before I go to sleep?” She asked groggily getting it to bed.
“I don’t know?” Violet said trying to think of one.
“Please?” The little filly pleaded.
“Well I do know one.” He said as he remembered the one his parents would sing to him before they died. “Alright here it goes.” He then cleared his throat and began to sing.
“Come little children I'll take thee away, into a land of Enchantment
Come little children the time's come to play here in my garden of Shadows
Follow sweet children I'll show thee the way through all the pain and the Sorrows
Weep not poor children for life is this way murdering beauty and Passions
Hush now dear children it must be this way to weary of life and Deceptions
Rest now my children for soon we'll away into the calm and the Quiet
Come little children I'll take thee away, into a land of Enchantment
Come little children the time's come to play here in my garden of Shadows.
As the last notes of the song echoed through the room, the young filly drifted off to sleep. Tucking her in, Violet turned off the light and went to his room and got ready for bed.
“Thank you so much for coming over darling.” Rarity said as Violet entered the Carousel Boutique.
“No problem. So what was it you wanted to speak to me about?” He asked looking around the shop.
“Well I was hoping you could help me with the boiler, it seems to be on the frits and every repairpony I’ve called can’t seem to find the problem. And seeing as you have experience working with such things I was hoping you could have a look at it.” She said as she led him down into the basement.
“Alright I’ll have a look at it.” Violet said as they walked down the stairs.
“So how’s your friend Derpy doing?” Rarity asked well Violet worked around the boiler trying to find the problem.
“She’s doing great; she was let out of the hospital this morning.” He said as he turned a couple of knobs.
“That’s good to hear. Anyway any luck finding the problem?” She asked.
“I think so.” Violet said as he turned a knob be for reaching into his sattle bag and pulling out a monkey wrench then unscrewing a pipe. “Here’s you problem.” He said as he pulled a toy mouse out of the pipe with his magic.
“So that’s where that went. Opalescence will be so happy to get it back.” Rarity said and as if on cue a white cat jumped in the air and grabbed the toy mouse out of his magical grip and walked away.
“Alright I think that should do her.” He said as he put the pipe back and turned some knobs on the boiler and hit it with a wrench before the pressers gage went into the red.
The boiler sprang to life as little burst of steam escaped it. Violet packed his tools away and they walked back up stairs.
“By the way I couldn’t help notice the makeup you’re wearing. It really brings out your eyes.” Violet complemented.
“Thank you darling, it’s this new make up all the way from Minatare territory. It’s made from Sulfur, Led, and Charcoal.” She explained. “It real goes well with this Saltpeter based perfume.”
“Well it looks really nic-, Wait a minute; did you say that you’re wearing Sulfur, lead, Charcoal and Saltpeter?” He asked with a worried tone.
“Yes I did, why?” Rarity asked raising an eyebrow.
“Those are the ingredients for Gun Powder!” Violet said warningly.
“What! Oh my, I guess I should do my best to avoid any open flames for a while.” She said walking over to a sink to wash the explosive makeup off.
“I’ve heard of being drop dead gorges but this is ridiculous.” He said with a laugh. “Anyway if that’s everything I have to get back to my shop and finish packing for my trip to Manehatten.”
“Alright. Thanks again for coming over.” Rarity said once she had gotten the explosive substance off her face. “and thanks for the warning about the makeup.”
“No problem.” Violet said as he left the shop and headed back to his.
“He’s such a nice stallion.” Rarity thought to herself watching him walk away. “Handsome too.” She added before walking back into her store.
“Alright, I got everything packed. Time to lock up and head to the train station.” Violet said to himself as he locked the door to his shop and headed down to the train station.
When he got there though he saw a large crowed of angry customers standing along the platform.
“What’s going on?” He asked.
“The train to Manehatten broke down.” A dark blue Earthpony stallion said.
“What?” Violet said as he made his way to the front of the crowed.
“I don’t understand, I just gave this thing an over hale last week!” The Engineer, a grey unicorn mare with a steam engine cutie mark, said coming out of the Engine Room. “Looks like the router shot,” She said to the conductor. “I’ll have to get a new one.”
“Um… Mind if I take a look?” Violet asked recognizing the type of engine.
“Eh! Don’t touch anything.” She said coldly. ‘I’ll be right back.”
Once she turned around Violet walked into the Engine Room, tuned a few knobs on the boiler and hit it with a wrench before the pressers gage went into the red and the engine sprung to life.
“She Lives!” The Conductor cried happily.
“Hey! What did you do?” The Engineer asked walking over to him.
“Well this train has an RA7-16 Engine, I used to work on RA7-18 Airship Engines *sniff* back in Manehatten. Now the whole RA7 line has always been a little temperamental so sometimes you just got to; Boom!” He said banging his hooves together for emphases.
“Ya, ya, thank you very much. Now get on the train so we can leave.” She said pushing him to the side and walking back into the engine room.
Violet quickly bought a ticket and got on the train just before it left the station. He took a seat by a window and watched the scenery go by as the train picked up speed. After a couple of hours the train finally pulled into Manhattan’s central train station. From there he caught a trolley down to the Industrial District.
“Ah, the old neighborhood.” Violet said with a slight cough as the scent of sulfur and other pollutions entered his nose.
He walked along the narrow streets and alleyways until he finally reached his destination. He knocked on the door and Iron Thorn opened it.
“Hey, Violet it’s great to see ya. Come in, come in.” The old stallion said moving so violet could enter.
It’s good to see you to Iron. How have you been holding up?” He asked as Iron closed the door behind him.
“I’m doing alright. How about yourself, how you liking your new place in Ponyville?” Iron asked.
“I’m doing good. I’ve made a couple of friends, worked on and completed a few projects.” Violet said as they entered the living room.
“That’s good.” Iron said taking a seat.
“So what was it you wanted to talk about?” He asked doing the same.
“Oh I just wanted to catch-up see how you were doing.” He said scratch the back of his neck. “So how’s your sex life?”
Had Violet been drinking water he would have done a spite take.
“I don’t think that’s really any of your business.” Violet said surprised at the question.
“Sorry, I recently listened to this radio play called ‘The Room’ and a character says that to break the ice with another, so I thought it would be good for a few laughs.” Iron Thorn explained getting up and going to the kitchen.
“Oh, I’ve heard of it, is it any good?” He asked as Iron levitated two mugs of cider into the room and gave one to Violet.
“No. No it is not. It has to be the worst thing in all of Equestria.” Iron said shivering.
“Come on it couldn’t have been that bad.” Violet said taking a sip of cider.
“Oh? You remember the incident with the mongoose and the bag of frozen peas?” He asked putting his mug down.
“Ya, why?” Violet asked with a raised eyebrow.
“It’s that times 2,356.” Iron said taking another sip of cider.
“Wow! That is bad.” He said finishing the cider.
“Indeed, who comes up with that kind of thing anyway?” Iron asked.
“Who knows?” Violet said shrugging.
In the Canterlot gardens a low laugh could be heard from one of the statues.
“Ahahahahah, now that my master piece; ‘The Room’ is being broadcast it won’t be long until I’m free. Ahahahahah.” Discord thought from inside his statue.
“So anyway,” Iron said changing the subject. “Did Luna send you a ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala too?” The master mechanic asked.
“Yes she did, I guess that’s her way of saying thanks for the Airship.” The tan Unicorn said.
“That’s what I figured too. So do you have anypony in mind to give the other ticket to?” He asked.
“I don’t know.” Violet said with a sigh. “I mean sure, I can think of somepony I would like to ask but we’re just friends and I don’t want to risk ruining our friendship, then there’s this other mare that I could ask but I’m not sure she would be into somepony like me.”
“Well why don’t ya tell me about them and maybe I could help you make up your mind.” The dark brown Unicorn said.
“Ok, well first there’s Derpy; she’s a grey Pegasus mare with a blond mane and tale and has a couple of bobbles for a Cutie Mark. She loves muffins and is kind of cute. She’s also the locale Mailmare as well as a bit of a cluts which is due to her eyes which are a bit crossed but I look past it. Better cross eyes then no eyes.” He said with a laugh. “Then there’s Rarity; she’s a white Unicorn mare with a well-kept violet mane and tail. She’s the owner of the Caracole Boutique and was my first costumer as well as the first pony I met in Ponyvile. She’s really into high society stuff and has three diamonds for a cutie mark.”
“Well they both sound nice; I have to admit I thought it would be a little easier to help you choose.” Iron Thorn said rubbing the back of his neck.
“Ya I know and that’s the problem.” Violet said adjusting his goggles.
“Well you should decide soon, the Gala will be here before you know it.” He said a little jokingly. “Anyway, so what have you been up to since you’ve been in Ponyvile?”
Violet told his old mentor and friend about his time in Ponyvile from when he presented the airship to Princess Luna, to fixing the engine on the train. He told him about his friends and about all the failed attempts at fixing the machine that turned out to just open and close the garage door.
“Well it’s good to see you’re making friends.” Iron said taking the mugs back into the kitchen.
“Ya, I do feel a little awkward being the only stallion in the group but they don’t seem to mind. Anyway, how have you been since closing up shop?” Violet asked when Iron came back into the living room.
“I’ve been doing good. Been kind of freelancing a bit, taking on small jobs for old friends and family.” He said stretching a bit. “Anyway,” He said looking out the window. “It’s getting late and I should hit the hay soon. Your old room’s open if you want.” He said offering him a place to stay.
“Thanks, that sounds nice.” Violet said with a yawn.
Violet helped Iron with the dishes before going into his old room, which now lay bear with all stuff in Ponyvile, and went to bed.
Violet Runner leaned over the railing of the Airship Sky Queen, sighing as he looked up at the night sky. As he turned around to head back to his room the Airship suddenly shook. Ponies started screaming as Griffins started to board the Airship.
“Griffins!” Violet said angrily charging at the closest one, tackling him and sending him and another one over the side.
Two more Griffins charged at him but he took them out with two quick bursts of magic. All of a sudden he heard two mares scream from somewhere in the Airship. Recognizing the voices he ran to where the screams were coming from. Opening the door he saw Derpy and Rarity in the tight grip of a Griffin that was bigger than the others.
“Hello Violet.” The Griffin said turning around.
“Sharp Wing!” Violet said angrily firing up his horn.
“Now, now Violet you wouldn’t want to hurt these fine mares would you?” Sharp Wing said putting Derpy and Rarity in front of himself.
“Violet *Cough* help!” Derpy managed to wheeze out.
“Let them go Sharp Wing!” He yelled, each word dripping with venom.
“Hahahaharr,” The Griffin Pirate Captain laughed. “You obviously care for these mares, so I’ll tell you what I’ll do; I’ll let you chose which one you want to live and I’ll kill the other one. Ahahahahah!”
“How can I chose between my friends? With either choice I loss one.” Violet thought looking between Derpy and Rarity.
“Better hurry up and make your decision or I’ll kill both of them.” Sharp Wing Laughed tightening his grip cause the two mares to grunt in pain.
“Ok I’ve made my decision.” He said swallowing a lump in his throat.
“Too late.” The Griffin said snapping both their necks and dropping them both to the floor.
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Violet screamed sitting up.
Panting he looked around the room. He was in his bedroom in Ponyvile. It had all been a dream, Derpy and Rarity were still alive and Sharp Wing was sitting in a Jail somewhere in the Griffin Kingdom.
“*Huff, Puff, Sigh* It was just a dream.” He said rubbing his face.
Looking over at the clock hanging on the wall he saw that it was almost time to open shop so he went to his dresser to get his clothes for the day.
“Well I guess in a way it wasn’t a dream.” He said looking at the two tickets to the Gala sitting on his dresser. “I still need to decide who I’m going to give the extra ticket to.”
He pulled out his clothes for the day and went to have a shower before opening the shop.
Violet walked through town on his launch brake to see if he could find any of his friends. As he walked into town square he heard some kind of commotion going on and a small crowd.
“Hey watch where you going you freak.” A mean female voice yelled.
As Violet got closer he saw his friend Derpy on the ground crying with a bunch of mail and muffins lying on the ground around her.
“Aww, you going to cry now?” A Griffin said in a mocking tone.
“Hey! Leave her alone!” Violet said stepping in-between the Griffin and his friend.
“Oh ya, what are you going to do about it?” The female Griffin asked.
“I’ll kick your flank that’s what.” He said levitating a portable welding torch out of his saddle bag, lighting it well putting his goggles over his eyes and taking a defensive stance.
“Whatever, I’m out of her, later lamewads.” The Griffin said taking off into the sky.
“Griffins.” Violet said shaking his head putting the Welding torch away and his goggles back on his forehead. “Are you alright?” he asked helping Derpy up.
“Y-yeah.” She said still crying a bit as she started to pick the mail off the ground.
“Who was that anyway?” The craftspony asked as he helped her pick up the mail and the crowed despised.
“Some Griffin by the name of Gilda, supposable she’s an old friend of Rainbow Dash.” The mail mare explained.
“The captain of the weather team?” He asked.
“Ya, that’s the one.” Derpy said as she placed the last of the mail back in her bag.
“Boy does she know how to pick them.” Violet said sarcastically.
“Yeah, anyway I better get going, because of her I’m running behind on my deliveries.” Derpy said taking off.
“See you later.” He said as she flew off.
“Ok, if I make the barrel 1 1/4" - 3/8" that should give me a half inch bore.” Violet said to himself, drawing out blue prints for a new invention not noticing that someone had entered the store. “Now, what type of wood should I use for the handle?”
“Excuse me, Mr. Runner?” The Mayor said getting his attention.
“Huh? Oh, hi, welcome to Steam & Clockworks, how can I help you Miss Mayor?” He said looking up from the blue prints and putting them away.
“Well you see, recently I’ve been receiving noise complaints form a few of your neighbors. They’ve been complaining about small explosions and lowed banging.” The Mayor stated.
“Oh, uh, sorry I’m a bit of an inventor you see and I’ve been experimenting with some explosive materials such as gun powder and gasoline. Sometimes the invention or experiment doesn’t work and that what cause the explosions.” Violet explained.
“I hope you have a permit to be handling such dangerous items?” Mayor Mare said raising an eyebrow.
“Don’t worry I do.” He said levitating the permit out of his office and putting it onto the counter for the Mayor to see.
“All right everything seems to be in order. But do you think you can lay off the explosions for a while?” She asked.
“Alright, I have a few orders I have to fill anyway.” Violet said looking at the stack of order forms on the counter.
“That’s good to hear. Any I have to go attend to other matters. Apparently there’s a Griffin who’s been going around town harassing ponies.” The mayor said turning to leave.
“Oh, before you go.” He said pulling a pocket watch out from behind the counter. “A nice stallion asked me to fix and give this to you.”
“Oh, wow.” She said looking at the watch. “Who is this nice stallion?”
“Sorry mam but he paid extra for me not to tell. But I can say he has a lot of bits to through around.” Violet said with a bit of a smile on his face.
“Well if you see him again tell him thanks.” Mayor Mare said walking out the door.
“Can do.” He said as the door closed. “Now if I use maple wood that should make it easier to carry…” He said putting the blue prints back on the counter.
Violet and Derpy were walking through the palace gardens. Taking a brake from the up tight high society types in the ballroom and to get some fresh air.
"Something on your mind?" Violet asked, catching Derpy looking at him with a bit of a blush on her face.
"It's nothing." Derpy said looking away, blushing even more.
"Are you sure? Because your blushing profusely." The Unicorn asked.
"Well it's just that.. well..um. I like you." She finally confessed. "A lot, actualy. As more then just a friend. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I-" she tried to say but was interrupted when he kissed he.
"I love you too." He said pulling back from the kiss.
"Y-you do?" The gray pegasus asked, still flustered from the kiss.
"Yes I do. Ironically I had originaly brought you out here to tell you the same thing." He said with a laugh.
"Guess I beat you to it huh?" Derpy said still blushing.
"Yeah you kind of di-" Violet began but stopped when a small tune began to fill the air. "Do you hear that?" He said tuning his ears trying to find out where it was coming from.
"Hear what?" she asked not hearing anything
"That song. It can't be" He exclaimed, starting to follow it.
"I don't hear anything. Violet!" Derpy said chasing after him as he ran into one of the castle's tower, that didn't seem to match the rest of the castle.
Following the song up a winding staircase. Violet soon found himself in front of a wooden door.
"Violet I don't think we're supposed to be up here." His new marefriend said trying to convince him to leave with her.
"In a minute I need to know who's playing that song." Violet said using his magic to open the door.
On the other side of the door was a large bedroom painted different shades of purple and dark blue with a brilliant mosaic of the night sky painted on the ceiling. In one corner of the room sat a four poster bed with a symbol of two interlocking gears carved into the bed frame and head board.
"My cutie mark." The Tan Unicorn said looking at it.
"Huh?" A new voice asked as the music stopped.
It was at that moment the two ponies noticed a grand piano sitting in the other end of the room.
"Sorry we didn't mean to intrude it's just that- Princess Luna?" Violet sated be for seeing who it was sitting at the piano.
"Correct, and thou art the nice fellow who gave us thy airship." The night Alicorn said walking towards them.
"Yes, and um... was that you playing that song just now?" he asked nervously.
"Indeed it was." She said looking back at the piano.
"It's strange. My dad told me that, that exact song had been passed down by my family for generations. Can you tell me where you heard it and why my Cutie Mark is on this bed?" Violet asked looking up at her.
"Heard it? We wrote it!" The Princess Explained. "We wrote it as a lullaby for our son. This was his room, We still can't believe Celestia had it moved here after the old castle fell into disarray. That was his cutie mark."
"Son?" Derpy asked confused.
"Adopted. But we loved him all the same. A true prince of equestria he was. Though he preferred to be a black smith. He would put his cutie mark on ever piece of armer or weapon he made and it kind of became his families crest." She said putting her hoof on it. "Today would have been his birthday. The Grand Galloping Gala actualy started as a celebration of the young prince's birthday."
"I see." Violet said taking another look at the symbol.
"So you say the song has been passed down by your family?" The princess asked.
"Yep from father to son for almost a thousand years. According to my father at least." The unicorn explained.
"Hmm... What's thy name again?" Luna asked after a moment.
"Violet, Violet Runner. It's been a tradition in my family to name our children after a shade of purple or-" He began to explain.
"Or the night sky." The night princess finished for him. "So you are his descendent." she said as a tear of joy ran down her cheek.
"What?!" Derpy exclaimed astonished.
"I-I knew my family descended from royalty but I never guessed it would be you." Violet said astonished. "But after what you told me it all makes scents. I mean the song, the family crest, the family tradition that everyone born in it should know their way around a forge."
"Indeed it does. Now, please enjoy the rest of the Gala. We think we've done enough wallowing for one night and knowing that at least one of my sons children still lives makes me happy." The princess said as they walked towards the door.
"What was that!" Luna said as all three of them rushed out of the tower and back into the ballroom. "Oh my." she said looking around.
The ballroom was a complicate disaster. Almost every statue and free standing pillar had been knocked over, there where dozens of wild animals running around and the walls were covered with food.
"Well this isn't the worst Gala we've had. Remember the sweet sixteen party." Celestia said standing next to her sister.
"What happened then?" Violet asked.
"Our son had broken up with his marefriend who was the princess of Neighhon. Let's just say she didn't take it well." She explained.
"That's putting it lightly. The katana is still stuck in the ceiling of the old castle." The elder sister said shuddering at the memory. "Anyway it looks like we will have to call this years gala short so the staff can start cleaning this up."
"It's just as well the last train back to Ponyville leave in half an hour anyway. You coming Derpy?" he said putting his hoof around his marefrind's neck.
"Alright." she said kissing his cheek.
As they were leaving the Gala they passed by Doughnut Jo's. When Rarity spotted them she walked out.
"Violet! Oh Violet, I wanted to say I'm sorry for how I acted when you offered me your extra ticket." Rarity said walking over to them and apologizing. "Had I known that Blue Blood would be so unclothe I would have chosen you first."
Violet looked at Rarity then back at Derpy. Taking a deep breath he walked over to Rarity and brushed some of her hair off of her face.
"Frankly my dear," He said walking back to Derpy. "I don't give a damn." He then kissed Derpy before they continued on their way to the train station leaving Rarity there alone outside the doughnut shop.
A month after the gala Derpy and her little sister had moved in with Violet and where preparing to open up the shop. Derpy had the day off so she decided to run the counter while Violet completed some repair jobs. Everything was going great until the mail arrived.
"Hey Violet?" Derpy called from the back door.
"Yes dear?" Violet asked exiting the garage.
"A package just arrived for you."
"Alright I'll be right there." he said wiping his hooves clean and walking inside. "Where is it?"
"Here." Dinky said handing him a small box wrapped in old brown paper.
"It came with this letter." His marefriend said passing him an envelope which he took in his magic and opened it.
"I-it's from my parents!" He said surprised after skimming it.
"I thought you said they're dead?" Derpy said confused.
"Th-they are. I-it must have gotten lost in the mail." The tan unicorn said as he was hit by a wave of emotions.
"What does it say?" The young unicorn fill asked.
"It says that-" He began but was interrupted by a weird noise.
"It can't be." Derpy said running outside followed by her sister.
"Wait's what's going on?" Violet asked following them. "What the hay is that this?" Violet asked seeing a large blue box appear out of thin air.
"Oh hello there." A brown earth pony said stepping out of it.
"Doctor it is you!" The grey pegasus said happily, giving him a big hug.
"Hello Derpy. What have you been up to, and who's this?" The strange stalion said waking up to Violet. "Hello I'm the Doctor, I'm an old friend of Derpy." The Doctor introduced himself.
"Um, I'm Violet Runner." He said unsure of what to make of this strange pony.
"Are you really?" The earth pony said astonished. "Oh I am a big fan of your work. A big fan." he said taking Violet's hoof and shacking it.
"Fan?" Violet asked confused.
"Sorry, spoilers. Forget I ever brought it up." The Doctor said dismissively. "So, are you two married?" He asked looking at Derpy.
"Well.. um no. Not yet at lest." the older Unicorn said blushing.
"Oh of course not. Forget I ever said anything. Derpy," he said changing subjects on a whim. "I've just finished saving equestria for the 50th time so how would you like to take a skiing trip to the ice moons of Galdon?"
"Well I um..." She said looking between him and her coltfriend.
"Everypony's invited of course." The Doctor said looking at Violet.
"Yeah! Dinky said running into the strange blue box.
"Um no thanks." Violet said still not trusting the strange stalion.
"Suit yourself, what about you Derpy?"
"Well... I guess. You did promise Dinky a ride next time you were here and I better go to make sure nothing happens to her." Derpy said after thinking about it for a second.
"That's the spirit. And don't worry. I'll bring her home in one piece." The Doctor said walking into the box.
"Don't worry. I'll be back." she said before kissing Violet on the cheek and following the Doctor into the box.
"Yeah." Violet said as the doors on the box closed and it started to disappear.
When the box had completely disappeared he sighed and walked back into his shop turning the open sign to closed. Taking one last look at the letter from his parents he went up to his shared bed room and began packing. Once he had everything he thought he would need all packed he wrote a note for Derpy and left it on her night stand. He then locked the doors to his shop before walking to the train station.
Violet Runner walked up the mountain road, reading the letter held in his magic grip one more time.
“Dear Violet;
If you are reading this then we have passed on. First and foremost we would like to remind you that we love you very much and hope Iron Thorn is doing or did a good job raising you in our stead. We hope that you are doing well and are living a fulfilling life. Since you were born we knew you would be destined to do something great, that was verified when you fixed the old family clock in the living room and earned your Cutie Mark.”
“Enclosed is a set of keys,” He looked up from the letter and looked at the set of keys he also held in his magic then turned back to the letter. “We don’t know when you will read this; you know how unreliable the mail system can be at times.” He let a small chuckle. “But when you are old enough or if you ever find yourself in a pinch, take the mountain road between Canterlot and New Saddle and eventually you will come to a fork in the road.” He looked up to see he had reached it. “Take the left path and you will come across an old warehouse.” He then turned down the left path and came up to the warehouse. “The big key will open the magic lock on the hanger doors. Inside you will find everything you should need and we hope it will be of use to you. The warehouse has a medium sized three bedroom apartment attached to it. The power generator may need a little work, but you should be able to fix it. It will probably just need new fuel, you should find some in the shed next to the generator in the in the back.”
“Once again, we love you and hope that, where ever you are and whatever you do with your life, you are happy.”
“Yours with love; Mom and Dad.”
He then folded the letter back up and put it back into his saddle bag as he went to the back of the warehouse and walked up to a rather large power generator.
“Ok, before I start this up, let’s see if this thing has any fuel." He said as he checked the fuel gage.
Seeing that it was empty he went over to the shed next to the generator and found a couple of canisters of fuel. He levitated one over to the generator, unscrewed the caps on the canister and fuel tank and poured it in.
“All right now let’s see if you still run.” He turned a couple of knobs then pressed a green button with the word ‘start ’ above it.
The generator started up with a bang. Satisfied Violet walked back to the front of the building stopping at the fuse box to check to see if there was any blown. Seeing there were none he used the big key on the lock and used his magic to move the big heavy doors to the warehouse. The sun was going down so it was hard to see into it so he went inside and found the light switches.
“Ok let’s see what we got in here.” Violet said turning them all on and the lights came on row by row.
On and leaning agents one of the walls were an assortment of tools, tool boxes and tool belts. In another corner was a wood stove with a stack of wood. At the back was a large work bench with some bits and bobs and a roll of paper on it, as well as place to hang blue prints above it. In another corner were a bunch of ladders of different sizes. Along one of the walls was a door with a sign that said store room and another that read living courters, also a long that wall were two washroom doors.
Near the back of the room was an assortment of Table Saws, Miter Saws, and Belt Saws as well as a kiln, smelters and forge. But all of it paled in comparison to what was in the middle of the warehouse.
“Oh ya. I’m defiantly going to enjoy living here.” He said as he stared at the contraption in front of him.
He lit a fire in the stove, grabbed some tools, went over to the work bench, unfolded the blue prints left on the bench and began tinkering with the pieces of machinery that was left at the table.
