Pony Hearts: A Love Story
Chapter 1: Introduction

"...Yes, I know....well hopefully it will all go according to plan. Find a way to get her--wait." I lifted my head away from the reciever, my ears perking up.

Yes, I thought, definitely footsteps.

"I think someone's coming. Just do your part, and I'll make sure all is well on this end....Don't worry my love. We shall be together soon."

Leaping off the dresser, I galloped across the plains of Superman sheets and climbed onto the computer desk. I had no sooner situated myself by the lamp when my master waltzed through the front door.

I was thankful I didn't have follicles, for sweat surely would have been protruding down my face. It was a good thing I was so quick. My days at the Westchester Derby of '79 really paid off.

He dropped his books on the bed and hastily made his way to the lap top. He looked tired and troubled about something. I didn't have to wonder what about for long; master was never one to be silent about his problems.

"I just can't believe her sometimes," he barked abruptly. I stood attentively before him and watched as he shook his head with dismay.

"Like she just HAS to follow the crowd. Why? Why can't she just do what she wants for a change!"

I did not need to ask who he was talking about. It was always the same person. If I had control of my neck muscles, I would have nodded sympathetically.

"What do you think Captain Oats?" Grabbing me off the desk, he studied my face. I was sure if he looked past the painted on pupils, he'd see the concern in my eyes.

"Yeah, I hope she comes around too," he sighed sadly before putting me back down and heading towards his bed.

For years my master had confided in me; I knew all of his deepest secrets. Though we talked about a variety of subjects, many of our discussions revolved around his one true lady love: Miss Summer, as I called her.

Oh the stories he would tell me. It would be years before our discussions would take a turn for the better...until that time though, I was always around to lend an ear.

And though my heart ached for him, I also could not forget that he was the reason for my own unhappiness. It was he who snatched me away from that Toys 'R Us and thrust into this world of loneliness. I didn't even have any other toy companions, let alone other plastic horses to keep me company.

When I first arrived, I remember plotting his death as he slept. But I was an angry young colt back then, full of wild ideas and saddened by the loss of my home. I've since matured into a handsome young stag, thoughts of murder and revenge hardly ever cross my mind, and I've grown to consider this very bedroom as home.

But I could relate to my master, for I too knew the sting of loving one from afar, the odds all turned against you. I thought often of my own true love....

I remembered the first time I laid my eyes on her. They had just brought in new shipment of My Little Ponies the day before what was to be my last.

I saw the store manager setting them up on the opposite shelf, and when he had finally finished his task and moved his bulky frame out of the aisle, I saw her. She had a beautiful mane of turquoise locks that shimmered in the dim fluorescent light. Her skin was sleek and shiny, tinted a purplish hue. She was the prettiest my little pony of them all.

Our story was truly a horse's tale of Romeo and Juliet, but that will have to wait for another day. I think the first part of our plan is about to be set in motion.

Just as I suspected, my love had come through as a gentle knock was heard at the door.

"Not now mom, I'm studying naked."

"Eww!"

That had to be her, I thought. I looked on as my master went to the door and a girl with a raven mane stepped forward. She was pretty, as humans go, I decided. I wasn't sure what to expect, I mean this was the girl that my master had spoke of for years. She oddly reminded me of my own love. But before I could even think, she had advanced toward me and lifted me up.

"Who is this?"

I teetered through the air and wished that I had eyelids so I could shut them tightly. Heights were one thing that terrified me.

"I don't know," I heard my master say.

Now really, I thought, you can at least aknowledge me after all I put up with.

After a moments hesitation, he finally introduced us.

"Captain Oats, what are you doing here?"

I was about to utter my salutations when she swiftly turned and placed me back in my spot next to the lamp. Before I could even shout my objections, she went into a story about someone in distress. I listened intently to the tale of woe, and was pleased to hear that my gallant master was going dutifully to help, as I myself would have. They soon left the room and I was left alone to think about Miss Summer.

I would have called my Princess, but our phone calls were always limited. I had to make sure Sir Niel would be out of the house, as well as the woman my Princess and Miss Summer, she told me, referred to as "the stepmonster", some dragon creature my lady had informed me of.

I wasn't sure what to make of Miss Summer. Aside from the horrific experience of being suspended in thin air, she seemed very much my master's type. She was also remiscent of my dear Princess. "Eww" had been a word she'd picked up somewhere, and now I knew where from.

Yes, I thought, she's a fine match for my master.

I thought of my lovely Princess Sparkle, something I did quite often, as the night came slowly on and the room grew dark. Hopefully our plan to reunite our masters would work, and then we could be together at last.