Mulleb: *Pacing back and forth as Sistine rolled her eyes* Why in God name did I wrote this?
Sistine: Because you like writing and anything you write helps you become better at it.
Mulleb: Yes, I know tha, but of all the things in the world why does it have to be ponies.
Sistine: *Shrug* Well, it written and done and there no point of not posting it.
Mulleb: In all honesty I'm not agasint posting it. It just that I don't know how to feel about it? Oh well, here is my first story for My Little Pony. *Glance around nervously*
Sistine: Something wrong.
Mulleb: No, but I really hope that Pinke Pie won't come around.
Sisitine: Not much of a party man.
Mulleb: No and I hadn't seen head or tail of any of the cast. Let keep it that way for now. As for the readers enjoy the read.
Chapter One
Chirping of insects was the only sound that penetrated the cool late night air. In fact, the night was so old that it was about to die away in other to give birth to a new day. The lower curve of the crescent moon glazed the horizon as if the princess of the night was tempted by the idea of keeping it out just a little longer. Stars that are usually seen only by creatures of the night, earlier raisers, and astronomers said a farewell to the moon by twinkling as it rapidly descended into the ground. Though, the setting of the moon wasn't as spectacular as that of her brighter sister. Shades of color ranging from a dark blue to pitch black filled the sky for the minutes it took the moon to disappear.
For several minutes the stars dominated the sky, but the sun proclaimed it arrival by lighting the horizon a light orange. Than the crown of the sun pocked over, coloring the sky different shades ranging from dark orange to a gentle pink. At first the sun look to be an orange, but as it drift lazily into place it will be its own shade of yellow. By than the sky would be its normal hue of blue and the stars would have disappeared.
Animals and ponies alike will struggle or spring out of sleep to face the new day with whatever emotion they had to share with the world. For one pony he had easily gotten out of bed just in time to see the sun rise. However, seeing this beauty of nature was not the reason he was up.
On the outskirt of a small, sleepy town was a lovely and will maintain farm. A dirt road made by the treading of hundreds of hooves over the years lead up to a white, wooden arch laced with two apple trees that had several apples hanging from them. Hanging from the arch by thin iron chains was a wooden board, a portion of it carved out to form an apple. To each side of the arch was fencing of same color and material that goes off for miles in both directions.
Beyond that were several buildings, the biggest being a red barn mortified into a home. Potted plants grow outside the windows and apples and vines were painted on its walls. On top of its roof was an extra room which its roof ending in a point. From that point an arrow, swinging slightly due to the wind, with a large, red, metal apple sat on top of it.
The other buildings were that one would normally found on a farm. A chicken coop set up over here and several sheds over there. In the front yard was a well, its opening cover by a slanted roof. Several fields of vegetables grew on the rolling hills that the farm called home. Hay that was either bale or put into piles were scattered all over the place.
Within the house the family that tended to this land for several generations begin to stir. At the crack of dawn they prepare themselves for another day of hard, backbreaking labor. However, one pony was already out in the fields. With a plow strapped to a yoke on his neck, he had been plowing the fields for an hour now. At the moment he paused to watch the sun breach the horizon.
It would be hard to overlook the large stallion. A dark red coat covered rolling muscle earned by many years of heavy lifting and bucking of thick apples trees. Short, shaggy, sandy mane accompanied by a bobbed tail showed his trade as easily as the yoke does. Green eyes a shade darker than his cutey mark- a light green apple cut in half located on his flank- with a mouth set in a thin line made him look solemn. A set of freckles under his eyes were a bit hard to spot from afar, but easily seen up close.
For several more seconds he stood there watching the sun before he got back to work. Tugging the plow a little to make sure it wasn't stuck, he was about to start when out of the corner of his eyes. A cyan blur dashed on by, leaving a rainbow trial behind. Rainbow Dash, was the single thought he had as he begun working.
At a reasonable rate he dragged the sharp blade through the earth, breaking the soil up so they could plant the crops. Which crop he didn't know, but that decision had to wait until the plowing was done. As he worked he divided his time between listing off his chores of the day and watching the cyan blur.
Dew that had gone on unnoticed started to chill his skin. Shivering slightly, the earth pony wished the sun would bring its heat a little bit faster. Already most of its bulk was over the earth, but was still changing from orange to yellow. With the change of color more light filled the sky, making it easier to see objects around him. It also helps to morph the blur in the sky into a pony.
High in the sky was a cyan pegasus doing all sort of aerial, acrobatic tricks. From the ground the earth pony couldn't tell if the pegasus was a she or he. By design most of the winged ponies were slim and even though the males were usually stockier. It was impossible to tell just a small detail where he was. However, there was only one pony he knew of who mane and tail were rainbow colored and left just a colorful trail. The image of the mare came to mind to fill in the details he couldn't see. Ruby eyes that were usually cocky, a rainbow colored lighting bold shooting from a cloud planted on her flank, and, unlike her friends, straight eyelashes.
Rainbow Dash, he mused again as he kept on working. He wasn't at all surprise that the city pony was awake. Every day at this time she would come out into this general location to practice her flying skills. Based on what his sister said she planned on joining the Wonder Bolts one day. Maybe it was just his personal opinion, but the mare might have an honest shot at it. She may be tad lazy, but she sure does have a passion for flying. It was what she does best. Of what he heard she rather be flying than doing her job.
A slight frown crossed his face as he glanced over to the general location of the apple orchard. Off in the distance he could just make out the trees. Speaking of her job, where's the rain when you need it. Everyone in Ponyville knew that Rainbow Dash was the weather pony for the local area. For some reason in the past month and the half there hasn't been a single drop of rain- considering the fact that it was spring that got him worried. He wasn't concern about the trees, but seeds needed water to germinate. Though apples were the main product this farm produce, they do grow other crops to scrape in a little more money. It could make a different between a good year and one that they barely got by.
Then there was his younger sister, Applejack. For the past two weeks he had kept an eye on the skies due to his sister's request. Since he was out in the fields more often and doing a job that doesn't require his full attention all the time. He could afford to take quick glances upward. At the time, he didn't bother to ask about the strange request, but after a couple of days he figured out why she wanted him to do this.
Clouds by nature drift around, but the higher up in the weather making business in the city of Cloudsdale made a schedule that tells if the sky should be partly cloudy or overcast. For a month and a half the skies had been filled with thin wispy clouds and the occasional puffy clouds. And with no signs of changing any time soon.
The pegasus answer to this was that something up in the cloud making factory had broken down. Until they could figure out what the problem was her orders were to keep the clouds as they are. On the surface the explanation seemed plausible. In the past when the factory was first built there had been yearlong droughts due to the smallest of things. One gear popped out of place or one slightly jammed could do the trick. The problem with this explanation was that Fluttershy, another of his sister's friends, had just return from the city of clouds. She was visiting family and decided to see how repairs on the factory were going. To her surprise the factory had been working overtime.
The local weather pony had other reasons for neglecting her job. She may have a good reason to do this or maybe she doesn't, but for right now. All he wanted was someone to take care of the weather.
For several more hours he plowed the fields. By the time he was done the mare was gone, the sun was yellow, and his body was bathed in sweat and dirt. Coming to the end of the plot of land, he stopped right at the fence. Glancing over his shoulder, he looked to see if the lines were straight. As he looked them over he noticed that he tended to lean a little to the right. Hardly noticeable, but the lines were slanted.
Sighing, he rebuked himself for watching the pegasus a little too much. Leering wouldn't have been the word, but he knew that his eyes lingered a little too long on the mare. Granny Smith, his grandmother, told him it wasn't wrong to look at mare over. But unless he was planning to do more than that he shouldn't be staring at them.
His worries of staring were put aside when a low rumble from his gut reminded him he had a light breakfast. Better get home and grab a bite to eat. Taking himself off the plow, he made a mental note to put it away later before trotting back to the house.
When the house came into view he found that someone was waiting for him in front of it. An orange earth pony mare, wearing a cowboy hat, stood by a food stand filled with apples. She swing her head from side to side, green eyes likes his own scanned the area. A blonde mane kept neatly together by a red hair band at the end of it, she done the same thing to her tail, went back and front over her shoulders. On her flank three red apples in a pyramid formation stood out proudly. Much like her older brother, years of bucking trees and moving heavy loads could be seen due to the well devolved muscles in the legs and back.
She kept on shaking her head until her eyes settled on the incoming stallion. "Morning Big Mac," said Applejack with a southern drawl. "You had been working out in the fields?"
"Eeyup," he said in his low, rough voice.
Smiling, the cowfilly said, "Good to hear, but I wish you picked another day to wake up early." Tilling her head at the stand, she said, "I need you to go into town today and sell these apples." The slightly movement of his facial expression turn into what could pass as questioning look. "I need to take Granny Smith into town to get her checkup and you know how distrusting of doctors she was."
A slight nod of his head confirmed that statement. It wasn't that Granny Smith doesn't trust doctors. It was more on the lines of she still liked to believe she was fit enough to get on without them. "Who's going to watch over Apple Bloom?" The youngest of the three siblings Apple Bloom was a filly that needed to be look after. She was not problematic or anything liked that. She just another energetic filly that get into trouble without trying to.
"She already offs to school and this afternoon, she staying over at Rarity to play with Sweetie Bell." A serious look came over her face as she asked, "Had R.D been out over the fields?"
"Eeyup."
"Was she doing anything with the clouds?"
"Ennope."
Sighing, the mare said, "Sometime I wish being the Element of Honesty give me some special ability to get the truth out of others."
"Don't we all," he replied with a small smile.
Returning the smile with one of her own, she gave a slight nod as she said, "Diffidently would make life easier. Now stop yakking and go take a quick shower. No one is going want be in a country mile of you must less buy apples smelling like that." A sound of glass crashing came from inside the house followed by an old voice cussing a bowl out. Both of them glance that way as the younger sibling said, "I better go check that out. See ya later."
Applejack dashed inside shouting something on the line of what just happened and was Granny alright. The stallion watched his sister leave before glancing over at the stand. A feeling of dread built up in his chest as he looked it over. He had always hated it when he had to man it. Business wise he had no problem, but it was the interaction with other ponies that he didn't care for. But the apples needed to be sold and he knew it wouldn't be that bad. All he needed to do was put on a friendly face and say the few necessary words to get in a decent day pay.
With that in mind he head inside to clean this morning sweat and dirt away. After a quick shower he stole a freshly made muffin off the kitchen counter and made off without anyone seeing. Back at the stand he quickly gulped it down before placing the stand harness on his back. Than with little trouble he walked through the arch that welcome all and headed toward town.
It doesn't take long to get from the farm to town. Depending on the gait, the longest it could take would be ten minutes while the shortest more like five. Since the stallion was going at a leisurely pace it would most likely be the sooner. He didn't mind in the less for during this time he was alone in his thoughts.
The dirt road which he was on doesn't pass anything of great interest. Except for the bridge that crossed a nice size creek there was nothing to worry about. All that was around him was a plain of lush green grass with a tree dotting the landscape. Off in the distance one could see hills and mountains that lined the horizon. On one of the tallest mountains, seeming to be sticking out of its side was the city and castle called Canterlot. From there Princess Celesta and her younger sister, Princess Luna co-ruled all of Equestria and governed night and day.
A nice sight to look at from afar, but Big Mac had heard of ponies who visited it describing it as one of the most beautiful cities on Earth. Though, he wouldn't have known for he never been there before. Working on a farm doesn't allow him to travel much. The only time he does was for family reunions and even than none of them was in the big cities.
Coming upon the bridge, his thoughts turn on that of the farm. Sweet Apples Acres, the reason that Ponyville even exist. Started by his grandma's parents the property had been passed down from hooves to hooves for three generations. Either his sister or he will become the fourth generation to own it. As soon as Granny Smith pass away that is.
Now that was a bitter sweet thought. When he was a colt his mother died a few days after giving birth to Apple Bloom. Nobody knew why it happened. Just a few days to the birthing she was as healthy as any pregnant mare could be. The death came as a surprise to everyone. Needless to say it hit the family hard, but his father was hit the hardest.
He still remembered the day Ma died. Surrounded by love ones she held in there long enough to tell her family her final words. Pa had been holding her hooves when the light left her eyes. As soon as she died Pa fall into a deep depression. At first everyone thought it was just the natural grieving that a husband should be doing. However, as time went on it became clear that something on that day died with Ma.
For a year the widower with the help of Granny worked the farm and cared for the three siblings. Truthfully, if it haven't been for the old mare Pa probably wouldn't had lasted that long. One morning just before Big Mac and his sister head out into the fields. Granny told Applejack to go wake up Pa. It wasn't unusual for him to sleep in late after a restless night. So there was no reason for alarm when the filly went up to his room.
When Applejack came galloping back, tears streaming from her eyes, shouting, "Something wrong with Pa! He won't wake up!" It was more or less expected by the old mare. Later that day a doctor came to cheek the corpse. She ruled it off as a heart attack that took him during the night. He didn't suffer at all. Though, if one were to ask one of the family members they would have said 'His poor broken heart got tired of waiting and gave out so he could be with the one he loved.'
Since none of the siblings were old enough to inherit any of their parent's property it was signed over to Granny. The logic was that the mare was already well advance in age. By the time the two eldest children come of age she would be close enough to death that she could give the farm away when she thought either of them was ready.
As it was the farm might as will belong to either Big Mac or Applejack. For some time now they had been doing a majority of the work load. Heck, the cowfilly might as well be the face of Sweet Apple Acres. However, Granny was still the legal owner of the property. It was for her to choose who will become the new owner.
Stopping on the middle of the arched, stone bridge, the stallion peered over his shoulder. The stand blocked his view, but he knew he should be able to see the farm from here. If Applejack came to own the farm would I really mind? After a few seconds of mulling over it he came up with a simple answer. No. Probably be disappointed that he wasn't picked, but he wouldn't hold a grudge over it. If he had to work under his sister for a few more years so he can save up the money to get his own farm. Then he would be more than happy to do so. He wasn't afraid of doing hard work.
Thinking this over, he frowned slightly as a ping of sorrow echoed in his soul. What was that about? He wasn't going to be upset if he needed to work to get his own... There it was again. It was very faint, but it was there alright.
It would seem that for some reason he wasn't fully commented into settling for a life of a framer. But that can't be right. He was a simple stallion who wanted the simpler things of life. He loved tending to the fields, watching plants grow, get down and dirtier, feed the animals and everything that goes with the life style. Sure there were hardship with the occupation, but he wouldn't trade it for the world.
Shaking his head in hope to clear away the unwelcoming feeling, it seemed to grow a little stronger when he spotted Canterlot. Go away, he demanded with little success. It kept on pinging some more before he decided to ignore it. There were better things to do than worry over a feeling he doesn't understand. Though, between soul searching and selling apples he didn't know which were the lesser of two evils.
After walking for another five minutes he spotted the edge of town. Ponyville, a little town that had almost anything a pony would need. Two stories buildings built from hard wood with straw roofs was the norm, but there were variety to the mix. Open to the world were flower and vegetable gardens beside ponies' homes, telling of her or his worry about thieves. Here and there trees were planted to beatify the town. Some of the businesses or stands that were all over town advertised their wares by hanging wooden signs from roofs or poles. Morning ponies of all three races- earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasuses- were already out on the street in force and if one stop to count the males to female ratio. It would seem that the stallions were badly outnumbered by the opposite sex.
As the farmer strolled into the center of town a few of the ponies give him a friendly wave. Acknowledging each wave with a quick nod, he would than pick up the pace a little more. Thankfully, only a few chose to give him a second glance. It wasn't at all surprising. Though the entire town had heard of Applejack's big brother only a few actually knew him. He spent more time on the farm than he does in town, giving little chance for anyone to get to know him. An arrangement he doesn't really mind that much.
Soon enough, though not fast enough for the farmer, he found himself in town square. Town square was more of a circle than a square. House surrounded the area at its perimeter on three sides while a river cut off the square to the south, land on either side of the water connected by several stone bridges.
Within the square were two noticeable structures. The first one was town hall itself. A tower like structure its cylindrical, white walls consist of its first two stories while a cone shaped, brown shingled roof made up the third which had a viewing area half way up. Each floor led out to a patio which may explain how the roof can be wider than the floor below it. Arched purple windows were all over the building, giving a pony a three hundred and sixty degree view of town from within. On ground level stairs lead up to a raise platform.
The second landmark was a purple fountain of a mare standing on top of a sphere. While one of its legs was on the sphere, it giddily kicked the other three in the air. Its smiling mouth was open but no water sprayed out. On its back was a cloth of some sort. How long that statue been standing there no one was really sure, but someone must be taking care of it for it was quite clean since birds love to use it as a perch.
Other than those two building there were some flagpoles scattered all over the place. A few colorful tents clustered together stood off to one side. A few other stands were also about, but other than that the square was pretty much empty.
As the day goes by the area will become the social gathering it was meant to be. For now most ponies were still getting ready for the day. The place was the next thing up from being deserted, which meant that Big Mac could pick any spot he wanted without much trouble. Taking refuse under a nearby tree, he placed the stand just so that when the sun get higher in the sky. He would benefit from the shade that the tree had to offer later today.
Once he was in place he got behind the stand and stood there. The first couple of hours were as slow as molasses in the middle of winter. A few ponies came by and decided to buy an apple for breakfast, but for the most part the farmer was left staring at the skies. He stared at the unrelenting clouds, willing them to do something more than float around. Sadly, only a pegasus could control the weather and he haven't seen one up in the air.
He hated it when he had nothing to do. At the farm there were always something to keep one occupied. With this stand he had to wait for someone to come to him. Not saying he was an impatient pony, but he didn't like it when he felt he was wasting time. You're not wasting time, he told himself as he looked at the ground. He doubted there was any wheat which he could chew on, but it didn't hurt to look.
Just wait till noon come around and there be plenty of ponies who be looking for something to eat.
"Good morning A.J," said a feminine voice, ripping him from of his thoughts. "I would like to order the usually."
Standing in front of him was a lavender unicorn reading a thick, brown leather book that covered her face. He could see her horn pocked out of a dark purple mane with a strip of pink running through it. A pink glow engulfed the levitating book as the unicorn absentmindedly read on. On her flank, was a pink spiked star with several smaller white stars surrounded it.
"I would love to do that Miss Twilight," said the farmer with a small smile. "But I think you have confused me with another pony."
The book went over the unicorn's head to reveal for a split second a set of confused, violet eyes. "Big Macintosh," said the unicorn as a light blush shined on her cheeks. "I'm sorry. I just wasn't expecting to see you."
After surpassing a chuckle, the farmer said, "It's quite alright Miss Twilight." A quick glance at the book gave him an idea to resolve the embarrassment. "What are you reading?"
Her face lighted up as she thrust the book toward the farmer. "A novel I found the day before," she said, excitement lacing her voice. "When I found it I thought it was just another autobiography about somepony." Big Mac looked the cover over to found a title. On the spine he found imprinted in the wrinkle leather in bold silver writing, Tales of the Silver Clan. "Instead I found a book that tells of ponies who had explored the world outside of Equestria."
There that same pinging feeling again. "Now that sound mighty interesting," said the farmer, meaning every word.
"Trust me when I say I can't put this book down." Of what he heard of the mare, that wasn't saying much. As if insulted, the book hovered back to the unicorn. The pages started to rustle as she scanned through them. "Earth ponies who can wield magic, areas in the world where weather can't be control, and ponies who eat other ponies in cultural rituals is just a few of the things that is so interesting." Rustling of pages came to a sudden stop as the unicorn said, "Here it is."
More or less shoving the book into his face, the farmer got the terrible delight of having a well done sketch of a snarling Serbian tiger in his face. "The best part is that it got pictures! Some are better defined than others, but..."
The more the unicorn talk the stronger the pinging feeling in his chest grew. "Excuse me Miss Twilight," said the farmer, hating to interrupt but saw that the mare wasn't going stop any time soon. His voice was slightly muffled due to the book. "As much as I like to chat I got costumers waiting and your holding up the line."
That got her to quiet up real quickly. Glancing over her shoulders, she saw that there was indeed about half a dozen ponies waiting on her. With an unease laugh, she said, "Oops, sorry." To the farmer's joy she pulled that awful picture away from his face. "I'll take two apples please."
"That will be two bits per apple," said the farmer as he put a hoof out. Nodding her head, the unicorn used magic to levitate four bits into the hoof. At the same time the unicorn picked up the two apples with her levitation spell. "Nice doing business with you," he said as he put the four golden coins away into the stand.
"Same here," said Twilight as she turned to leave. Pausing for a second, she turned her head toward the farmer with a worried expression. "Applejack isn't hurt or anything like that, is she?"
"Ennope," he said, in a cool and calm manner.
The worry give way to relief as she asked, "So why are you manning the stand today?"
"Granny needed a checkup," he said, believing the answer would do.
Apparently, it was for the mare gave a knowing nod. "Okay than. Well, have a good day." With that said she left, which cause a few of the ponies in the now ever growing line to mutter.
Guess today job had just started, thought the farmer as he greeted his next customer. For the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon he was quite busy. There hadn't been an endless line of ponies, but even during the low point of the day. About eight minutes or so someone would come over to buy an apple. By the time he was ready to pack up he earned a decent day wage. It hadn't been that bad either. Well, once when a highly energetic pink pony came over she talked nonstop for nearly half an hour before buying one measly apple. Half of the time he couldn't make sense of what she said.
Overall the day hadn't been wasted. So instead of packing up immediately he thought to hang around a little longer. What compelled him to do so, he had no idea. Maybe he thought he could scrape in a little more money. Every bit does help keep the farm going. Though, ever since Twilight showed him that book he wondered if he could get his hooves on it. It truly does sound interesting. Than why was he standing there, stalling? Early today he could have told himself that he can't leave the stand unattended, but now with the sun far in the west. It wouldn't take long to go over to the library and check the book out. That is, if the unicorn was done reading it.
At the moment a few groups of ponies occupied the town square, but none of them glanced toward the farmer's stand. Big Mac gazed at the sky again, hoping he would spot a rainbow streak taking care of the clouds. A couple of fillies were toying around with a ball and a colt was walking alongside his mother. It was peaceful and quiet, a day without something going wrong; a usually day for the town.
"She'll be coming around the mountain when she comes," sang a deep voice, scattering the silence. "She'll be coming around the mountain when she comes." For some reason the voice seemed to draw ponies' attention to the singer. Whoever was singing didn't have a great voice- it wasn't terrible either- but it had a strange accent to it that gave it a certain charm.
Big Mac was no exception for he looked as will. The sight that greeted him for a moment or two did not compute. Strolling this way, across the bridge, was an average size pony dressed in a tux pulling a large, topless, wooden wagon behind him. Of the stallion fur that could be seen was snow white, while his well brushed mane and tail a dusty gray. Bright silver eyes filled with mirth scanned the area over as he strolled in.
Due to the dull red jacket's long tails one couldn't see his cutie mark. Along with the jacket- which doesn't seemed to be wrinkled by the harness on his back- was a white undershirt, a red bow tie, black shiny shoes for each hoof, and a red top hat with a white piece of cloth around its mid-section. Strip to his back, above the harness, was a long black cane with both ends colored a bright white.
As said before he was pulling a large wagon. It was made out of a light brown wood that seemed to be toasted under a flame. Though, the wagon on closer examination wasn't topless. Actually, there seemed to be no opening in it. It looked as if someone built a large rectangular box and decided to put wheels on it.
All the while to complete the absurd scene the pony kept on singing. "She'll be driving six white horses when she come," he sung the next verse; oblivious to the fact that ponies were watching him. He sung the verse a couple more times before coming to a stop in front of town hall. The singing lowered into a soft humming as he threw the harness off his back. Taking a few steps away from the wagon, he pulled a monocle from a pocket on his jacket and placed it above his right eye.
For some reason he glance the area over as if getting a good look at it for the first time. With a nod of his head accompanied by a kind smile he took the cane off his back and got on his hind two legs. Walking with such ease that can only be done after many hours of practice, he went up to his wagon and jump on top of it.
By now, the strange pony had gotten everyone, who was in the town square, attention. A few ponies from within nearby buildings even stop what they were doing to take a quick peek outside. With one last glance around the square the strange pony never waning smile grew a little bigger. Without warning he whacked the end of his cane hard against the wagon's side. The first loud thud caused several ponies to flinch. The second thud hushed anyone who had been muttering. The last thud brought the wagon to life.
A faint blue glow that could only be magic tainted the wood. Wood groaned as its sides expanded upward and outward. The wheels shrink a little for the newly form large opening to be just below a normal pony eye level. A door with a wooden handle formed on the new south facing wall. Carved into the door was an image of a two coins over lapping the other. When the blue glow subsided the wagon had transform into some type of store.
The ponies who were in a position to see into the opening could tell that it was store because of the items inside. On a counter was a gray metal cash register that looked brand new. Beyond that was what could only be called exotic. Placed on shelves in a neat order were things that few ponies- or at least those ponies- had ever seen. On one shelve there was a mask of a snarling creature which can only be described as a black and yellow pig with three horns above blood red eyes. Beside that was a shrunken head of a bull, its neighbor several pieces of jewelry made out of bones. Statues, jewelry, rugs, books, furs, clothing- from elegant dresses to simple straw hats- pottery, and much more were display. And all of them had a price tag to them.
At first, Big Mac thought that stallion was a unicorn, but when he took off his hat and gave a deep bow. No sign of a horn pock through that well-kept mane, meaning an earth pony just than did the impossible. "Good afternoon Ponyville," said the stallion as he straightened himself up. Though the smile had yet to crease, the farmer for some reason didn't found it disturbing. In fact, he found it every welcoming and a bit disarming.
"It is an honor today to come along just a fine little town." Placing the cane in front of him, he lend on it as he gave his monolog. "For those who can see I have brought to you today items that one won't see every day." Several ponies looked tempted to come closer, but a former visit of two brothers had made them a little wry. "Don't be shy. I won't bite unless you try to steal something."
The strange pony chuckled a little as if he told a funny joke, but what he said had a positive effect. The bravest and curious among the ponies trotted right up to the store to get a closer look. As those ponies moved in Big Mac kept his place behind the stand. A more rational side told him to stay where he was just in case a pony tried to take an apple. However, curiosity was pestering him to see what wonders this pony may have.
It didn't help that the ponies that got right up to the store started to oh and ah. "Those things are interesting, no?" asked the strange pony, lending dangerously over the edge of the roof. "Would anypony mind to make a deal?" A congregation of yes followed. "Then please make way as I come down." That was the only warning he gave before he jumped off the store's roof. Ponies quickly got out of the way as he landed in a crouch.
He didn't stay there long. He hopped through the window and got behind the counter. "Give me a moment to change into something more appropriate," he said, as he ducked down. On the wall to the right a white buttoned up shirt, apron, and a square straw hat hung by a peg. A hoof quickly took them down and replaced them with the clothing he was just wearing.
Ten seconds later the strange pony reappeared in his new outfit. The only thing that hadn't change was that he still wore the monocle. "Now," he said, clapping his shoeless hooves together, "who will be my first costumer of the day?"
While the strange pony was doing this Big Mac was pondering if he so go over or not. After several more seconds of debating he decided to take a risk of leaving his stand. At a slow pace he walked over to the hushed crowd as the strange pony waited for someone to come forth.
"I'll like to see your wares," said a feminine voice within the crowd.
"Then come forth," replied the strange pony. "No one is stopping you." A grass green unicorn with a red mane and brown eyes step forward. As she examined his produces he said, "Please, take your time. There is much to choose from and a pony only got so many bits."
A minute went by before the unicorn said, pointing a hoof, "What is that over there?"
Glancing toward where the hoof was pointing, his gazed fell upon a painting. The painting was of a harbor filled with ships with a foreign looking city in the background. "That's my dear," he said as he went to retrieve it, "is a picture of Singapore's harbor sometime in the nineteenth century."
It wasn't a large painting, but it was a little wider than the pony that was carrying it. He stumble a little as he walked back to the counter, but managed without incident. Placing the item on the counter, he peered around the picture to speak with the costumer. "As you can see it is painted with nice colors." Flipping it around, he said, "No signs of damage or fungi. Only painting known to exist though the artist isn't well known. Every heard of Yellow Brush?" That got him a blank stare. "No? Not at all surprising. He was more popular in the Far East."
The unicorn looked the painting over before saying, "How much does it cost?"
For the first time the smile faded away into a thoughtful expression, but his eyes still made him look jubilance. "I'll be very frank with you. The price is negotiable, but let say the starting price is at two hundred and fifty-three bits."
"One hundred and seven-five is more like it," said the unicorn, apparently was no stranger to haggling.
"Not possible," said the businesses pony with a shake of his head. "Two hundred and thirty."
"One hundred and eighty."
Back and forth the two went until the businesses pony finally said, "Two hundred bits and no lower."
"Are you sure you can't go one hundred and ninety," egged the unicorn.
"Nope," he said with a shake of his head. "Two hundred bits or you can go half way across the world yourself to find a similar painting."
After a few seconds of thinking the unicorn asked, "Are you sure that there no other painting somewhere in Equestria."
"My dear mare," said the stallion with a small smile. "You already know the answer to that."
A few more seconds of thinking got the unicorn to extend a hoof out. "Two hundred bits it is then."
Wrapping his leg around her leg, the two shook as the strange pony said, "Now I hope you have those bits in cash. I will not be accepting any credit or check."
"Understandable," said the unicorn as she took her hoof back. "Just give me a moment to get your payment." The unicorn dashed off, leaving a very please business pony behind.
"After a hundred years in the family I finally got rid of the thing," said the strange pony to a watching crowd. "Does anyone else like to buy something?"
"Excuse me," said a yellow pegasus who was standing right now to Big Mac who was standing near the back of the crowd. "But what do you mean by that last statement."
"Exactly what I said," said the business pony as he give the painting one last look over. "This painting had been my family for over a hundred years. Some of the junk I have in here is nearly three times that old."
"Junk," asked filly, a little worried that all that she was seeing was fake.
"Don't worry little one," said the business pony as he looked at the crowd, that disarming smile back in its place. "My family had always sold genuine artifacts. However, to me these things value only count when it comes to money."
While the ponies tried to decipher the meaning of that statement, Big Mac was eager to ask a question. Usually, the big stallion was a shy pony who rather not be noticed. However, saying nothing won't get him what he wanted. "Excuse me sir," he said, being careful to use the right words. "It fine and all that you come to sell your items, but if you plan on staying awhile. It would be kind of ya to give us your name."
The question draw every pair of eyes on him expect for the pony that the question was directed to. "How rude of me," said the business pony, his smile solidifying into the equivalents of a neutral expression. Turning to face the farmer, those silver eyes never lost their mirth as he looked him over. "Silver Dollar the Third was the name my parents gave me. Though..."
He was interrupted by the green unicorn who rushed toward him with a levitating bag. "Here the cash as promise," she said, huffing a little. The bag was roughly placed on the counter before the now proclaimed Silver Dollar. Laying the painting down, he quickly looked into the bag and picked it up. "Thank you for your business," he said as he placed the bag under the counter. "But before you go," he added as the unicorn careful levitated the painting up. "How about I offer you a deal of a life time?"
"I'm sorry but I don't want anything else," she said as she began to walk off.
"Really," he said nonchalantly, "than I guess it won't be possible to take you half way across the world if you refused to listen."
"What?" she exclaimed as she stopped in mid-step, vocalizing everyone thoughts.
"In truth," said Silver as he exited the store through the door, "that my true intentions of coming here. Not to recruit you per say, but the offer still stand." Standing horizontal to the crowd, the outfit he was wearing allowed them to see his cutie mark. On his flank was an image of a map being hold down by four golden coins at each corner.
Facing the crowd he said, "I will be more than happy to sell- I'll also be willing to buy items- during the duration I'm here. How long that is I'm not sure. However, looking for ponies for a world tour is the reason I came. This,"- pointing to store- "is a wagon filled with memory of mostly those who are long gone. Among my family, it is a sin to let just petty things to get in the way of making our own memory. And that is exactly what I plan on doing. To travel the world to see it glories and it blunders. Any of those who would like to try to become one of my employees are more than welcome to. We'll talk about the expenses and all that when the time comes, but for now all that is needed to know that anyone can apply at the hotel where I'm staying. If anyone has a quick question, speak now or forever hold your peace."
"How long will this trip take," yelled the farmer for reasons he doesn't know of.
"Two and a half years to three years at most," said the business pony as he looked the crowd over. Many of them were a little surprise by the news. "When I said I'm traveling the world I wasn't kidding. For some of you that may seem like a long time, but trust me. Roll the dice and see what happen." The smile softened to that of glee. "It's a gamble one must take." Saying no more on the topic, he went back inside his store and added, "Now, who's my next costumer."
Once the business pony was done with his speech, most of the ponies stayed to check out his wares. A few decided that the day was over and went home. Big Mac thought that was a good idea as well. He walked back over to his stand and after one quick search for missing apples he hitched it to his back.
For some reason his heart felt a little heavier as he left town that day. Why that is he wasn't sure. He was sure it was because of Silver Dollar giving a chance of exploring the world. Though, he doesn't know why that was. Even if he wanted to take the job there was no way he could just abandon the farm for three long years.
As his thoughts tormented him on the way home at less two issues were settled. Tomorrow, he was going into town and getting a certain book from a lavender unicorn.
Mulleb: Before anyone get on my back for calling their world Earth or using a 'human' place. I just like to say that I'm not good with names and what else am I suppose to call their world. Not Equestria which I must note is a country rather than the name of the world.
The main six: *From out of nowhere.* We're going to taveling the world!
Mulleb: *Nearly had a heart attack as he jump a foot in the air.* Where in the world did you six come from?
Pinkie: The door was left open, silly. So we invite ourself in. *Hop right up into Mulleb's face.* So who are going to travel the world.
Applejack: *Grab Pinke by the tail with her mouth and pulled her back to give Mulleb some space.* My best guess is that one of the ponies is my brother based on the story. Whoever else it is will be told later on.
Rarity: Oh, you must pick me my dear. Imagation all the different clothing and fanishon designers there all.
Pinkie: Or the many sweets.
Twlight: Girls, I'm sure whoever he choose will be the best pick.
Fluttershy: *Whispering* W-well, I would like...
Sistine: *Interupting* Before anyone, man or beast, decide to became the writer let remember none of you are. *Shaking her head* As for the readers please review. Flames, good criticism, and comments are welcome. Also, if anyone is good with coming up with new names for the MLP world. Don't be afriad to share them with us. We'll give whoever gave us the name credit for it. And finally, have a good day.