The Man Inside the Colt

Chapter 15: Now that’s interesting

I finished my job at Bon Bon’s and had walked to school with Twist. It was turning out to be a boring day, with the career day parents coming in.

“And that is how we make our silverware!” The grey mare in front said, as a slow clap of applause started. I clapped a little harder, since it was actually interesting how she was able to make a paper thin plate of silver.

‘Etching runes on the plates… interesting.’ The mare smiled and took a seat on the side, I watched as Silver Spoon waved to the mare and she waved back.

“Thank you Mrs. Platter for that wonderful demonstration,” Cheerilee said, and then proceeded to introduce the next speaker, “Now Class… I would like to introduce to you Mr. Ray Bolt.”

We clapped as a brown pegasus entered the room. He waved to the back of the room, and I spotted Creese cringe. I then looked at the stallion and noticed his hair was the same color as hers.

The stallion went on to talk about his job as a guard for the sisters, and all the kids seemed to be all in awe about it. Except me, I was more interested in the rune etching thing. It seemed more practical than just standing around all day as a statue.

“Thank you Mr. Bolt,” Cheerilee said, and an explosion of hands clapping followed. Cheerilee held her hands up to end the clapping, “Now kids… kids… Stop your clapping!” From her sudden shout, everyone stopped and stood up straight, the teacher smiled, “Now does anypony have have questions for our guest?”

She looked at everyone, and a just about all of them raised their hands. Cheerilee pointed to a green colt named Snips, “Yes Snips?’

“Yes I have a question for Mr. Bolt.” The stallion in question stood up and faced the colt, as he continued, “How often do you see the Princess!”

“Quite a lot actually,” He said, and rubbed the back of his head. More questions came up about the Princesses and I raised my hand to voice my own question.

“Yes Button?” Cheerilee pointed to me and most of the students turned to me.

“Yeah this ones for Mrs. Platter,” The mare perked up as I said her name. I turned to the mare and asked, “How do you keep the magic energized for the silverware?”

“Well young colt,” She began, and brought up her demonstration piece. She turned the silver plate around, “as you can see from this unfinished platter.” She pointed to the center of the plate, a tiny shimmer of energy flowed from the stone and spiraled through the runes, “The gem in the center gathers magic from its surroundings to power the runes.”

“I see...” I mumbled and I asked another question before they asked more Princess questions, “Is it just a regular gem or is it a specific one?”

She smiled then said, “It can be any gem… but the higher the quality the more runes you can use!”

“Really… that’s interesting.” I said to the mare, I then turned to the teacher, “You can let someone else ask about the Princess.”

“Hey!” Snails turned to me, and I stared at the yellow teen pony, “How’d you know I was going to ask about the Princess?”

I blinked and stared at the teen, and with trying to keep my wording simple so he can understand, “I’ve heard ‘what’s the Princess like’.” I put on a stupid and star struck face, then it dropped to my serious face, “Questions for nearly twenty minutes.” My voice kinda rose at the end, but that may have to do with this mornings session with Celestia.

“Well… how else would we know what her favorite color is?” Diamond Tiara voiced out her own complaint, a smug smile on her pink face.

I blinked and let my mouth slip, “Blue… or more specifically midnight blue.”

She turned to me with a raised eyebrow as her voice grated my ears, “And how would you know that.”

“Because I asked.” Like hell I would tell them that I spent an hour of her tutelage picking out a dress for her. When I’m naked in my dreams, apparently she would be naked as well. Still didn’t buy that excuse, but it was the only thing that made sense so far.

She was about to say something, but the bell rang before she could. I looked at the time, and started to pack, while everyone just stared at me. I closed my pack and started to head out.

As I walked out the building, I stopped and everything I just did hit me like a ton of bricks.

‘What the hell was that,’ I thought, and rubbed the bottom of my chin. I slowly made my way to the road as I kept thinking what I had done, ‘That wasn't me… but it was yet…’ I stopped as I looked at the fork in the road. The one on the left lead to town, while the other lead to the woods.

I sighed as I made my way to a place where I could think properly, ’Maybe a swim will help me.’

I found that stream where I first took a nap on the princess’s lap. It was a full of trees and bushes, giving me proper cover for a swim.

I stripped down until I was only in my underwear. I slowly made my way into the water, my back rested on the sandy embankment, with half my body submerged in water.

“What’s wrong with me?” I asked as I stared up to the tree branch that blocked the sky, “Why do I feel… Like I need to be a dick right now?”

I wasn’t the type to show off, but yet I just… almost blew my cover as the Princess’s protege. I think it’s protege or maybe student.

“Still not happy of the outcome...” I grumbled, as I thought about our relationship. I sighed as the weight of my relationship with the ruler gave me a headache. I turned my head to look at the mountain range, “I hope Twilight can help me…”

It was getting late, as I sat in the library. Twilight was going on about how her friends and her was able to move a dragon away from Ponyville, and how Spike landed in a dragons den.

“Let me get this straight,” I said, and looked the mare dead in the eyes, “you are telling me Spike was jealous… over an owl.”

Twilight nodded, and I looked at her with all seriousness, until I bursted out in laughter.

“HaHa… he almost…” I pounded the table with a closed fist, my head rested on the table. I continued to laugh and talk, “He almost died because of an owl HAHAHA!”

I laughed for a good ten minutes, until I felll on the floor rolling and laughing. Twilight looked on with amusement, and she just watched me laugh.

I tried to to stand up, but as the door opened with Spike and an owl on his head. I continued to laugh and point at the duo.

“What’s his problem?” Spike asked Twilight, as I tried to collect myself. The owl was on the table with its wing splintered, it tilted its head and looked at me.

As I stood up, Twilight was explaining something to Spike, while I introduced myself to the owl.

“Hey there.” I stifled my laughter and held out a hand to the owl, “Nice to finally meet you… Owlicious.”

“Who!” The owl hooted, and I couldn’t help but snicker.

“Hard to believe that’s what you owls say.” The owl latched a claw on my finger and we shook. I couldn’t help but grin at how strong it was. I turned to Twilight, “Thanks for the story Twilight… but I got to head home.”

“Is it that time already?” She looked at the clock and smiled, “Well it’s been good seeing you Button.”

“You too, Twilight.” I put on my backpack and turned to the dragon, “Been nice seeing you, Spike.” I looked at the owl and nodded, “You too, Owlicious.”

The owl hooted, and Spike said, “Not who… he is Button.” The owl just hooted and Spike repeated what he just said.

I snickered and made my way out, as the door closed behind me I turned to look at the mountain range.

“A dragon, eh.” I felt the corners of my muzzle reach their limits, and I grinned as the sun slowly made its ascent, “Lucky I don’t have work tomorrow.”

I hummed a tune and sang a merry song, “I wonder the land that is the sea… The dead come wondering after me… yet I stand to take what belongs to me.” I did a little hop and skip, and a few ponies saw me, but I continued my song none the less, “The sea land god… flies through the sky.” I smiled as I approached my home. I slowed my pace as I approached the door, “as I conquer the world… before me.”

I entered my home, and quickly made my way to my room. I wanted to pack and head out at first light. I needed that scale, and I wasn’t going to delayed any further.

I stopped as I saw my opened book. I slowly made my way to the book and looked over the instructions over again. I closed the book and made my way to the closet, “Soon…”

I looked into my closet and started to get what I needed. Coco came in and rested on the bed, she watched me pack and just watched the entire time.

The next day:

I looked down at my partner, a worn red purse strapped on her back. I smirked at the little coon as I wrote a letter to mom.

“Are you sure?” I asked the raccoon, she jumped on my pack that was on floor. Her little paws opened the sealed backpack, and she made her way inside. I had to hold back a laugh as to not wake mom, I shook my head at her antics, “Just so you know… we won’t be back till the afternoon.”

She let’s out a growl and I just shrugged my shoulders. I finished the note, and strapped on the pack. The sun had not risen yet, and with luck, no pony would see me leave as I head to the mountains.

Coco let out a yawn, as I felt her shift in the pack. I just shook my head and continued to the cave where the dragon Twilight was tasked to deal with resided.

I made it to the base of the mountain as the sun began to crest over the horizon. Coco decided to ride on my shoulder, as I looked at the incline before me.

“Kinda wished I had wings right now,” I sighed, as I tested the solidity of the ground before me, “A little loose… but I could still climb it.” I looked around my surroundings and spotted some trees.

I made my way to the young oaks until I found a branch with a protrusion on the end.

Five minutes in and I came out with nothing but a crooked piece of dried oak. I wacked it against the tree a few times, and it withstood the blows.

“This’ll have to do I guess,” I said aloud, then turned my attention to the mountain. I made my way back and said to Coco, “You better hang tight inside the backpack… don’t want you falling off now.”

I felt her nod and she made her way back inside the confines of my backpack. Once inside I started my walk up the incline of dirt and rock.

I felt rocks lodge themselves into my hoof, and I gritted my teeth at the constant poking it caused. I would have stopped to pry it out, but that would be dangerous to do it then.

“Really wished I had shoes...” I gritted my teeth, as I reached the top of my ascent. I sat on the flat ground and caught my breath, “Wow… what a view.”

I looked at the town over the valley, Coco moved around the bag. I felt her rest on my shoulder as I continued to look at the town.

I got up and dusted my ass, “We better continue if we want to get home by sunset.”

I turned around and from what Twilight said, I made my way down the path… paths.

“What the fuck?!” I said aloud, as I looked to the two paths before me. On one side, I had to hug the wall just to walk down the path. While the other, seemed to be almost safe.

“Really wished I had a map,” I grumbled, and did the only thing I knew when I had to make a hard decision, “eeny meeny miny mo. Fuck it. I’m going right.”

Thirty minutes later, I stared at a rock wall or what seemed like a pile of rocks. I placed a foot on the pile and stood on that single point. All my weight was directed on it, and as I took a step little chunks of rock dislodged themselves.

“Well… here goes.” I swallowed, and slowly made my way up. Just to my left was a terrifying fall and I could feel the rocks shift at every step. What was truly worst, was the tiny little rocks that would get lodged in my hoof.

I gritted my teeth at the constant annoyance, “Once this is over with… I’m going to make a pair of shoes.”

As I reached the top of the rocky mound, I could see a road at the bottom. I slowly made my way down, doing my best not cause an avalanche of rocks.

Coco decided to watch from shoulder, as I continued to scan the area for a loose rock or predators. Twilight did mention something about mountain cats, but she mentioned they only watched.

“Made it!” I sighed as I made it to the bottom, Coco on the other hand started to pat me on the back, “You know…” I started to make my way forward, “I did all the work.”

She just nuzzled my head just lazily laid on my shoulder. I just sighed at her antics, ‘Why do I even bother… you're lucky you're so adorable.’

As I made my way down the zig zaggy path, I found a shaded area to take a lunch break.

I sat down and stared out into the horizon, trees and many mountain ranges was in view. I nibbled on a muffin as Coco ate her own snack.

“Kinda happy I have hands!” I said, threw bites of my muffin. Without my little appendages, I don’t think I’d ever be able to get this far. Especially with the whole area full with mountains.

I took a swig from my canteen, and poured some on my hand to let Coco have a drink. Her tongue tickled my hand, but I held back incase I spilled the water or her off the cliff.

Once she was done, I put my backpack back on and Coco returned to my shoulder.

“Let’s go!” I said, and I felt her nuzzle my side. I just smiled and continued down the path.

“You’ve got to be kidding me...” I huffed, as I made my way into the cave. The place was huge, yet I could see the top of the entrance was broken through. I looked at the ceiling and it was nearly five stories from the ground, “That dragon must have been huge.”

Twilight did say that it almost covered the land with smoke. Though if this was how big a dragon got, I wonder if Spike will ever get that big.

“Now that I think about,” I stopped just a few feet from the entrance, as the thought of a dragon in Ponyville seemed kinda odd, “how did Twilight get a baby dragon?”

Coco began to tap my shoulder, and I lost my trail of thought.

“What is it girl?” I asked, and I felt her tug my ear. She forced me to face the entrance, and I could see her paw pointed at the sun. I nodded, “I gotcha girl… just give thirty minutes.”

I turned and continued my search for a dragon scale.

An hour passed until I found a red scale behind a chest of sorts. There were small piles of gems and gold around the cave, but the dirt brown chest caught my eye.

“I wonder what’s in here?” I gripped the red scale, its size easily as big as my head. I looked from the scale to the box, “I already have the scale… but this is a chest.”

I mulled it over, while Coco yawned on my shoulder, “Hmm… do I open it or just grab those gems… Fuck it.”

I wedged the dragon scale into the opening of the chest. I brought a hoof up, then stomped on the scale. The lid flew open and I yelped in pain.

I hopped in place, as the realization that I cut my hoof on the scale sunk in. Coco dug her claws into me, which added to the pan.

After five minutes of hopping around the cave with a screaming raccoon on my back, I calmed down enough to examine my injury. What I found was that the scale, slit my hoof just where flesh met the hard big keratin.

“Damn… that was a dumb move,” I sighed, and began to retrieve the first aid kit from my bag. Coco huffed and puffed on my shoulder, while her paw began to beat on it.

I held back a chuckle as I continued to wrap my injured leg. The cut wasn’t so deep, it just cut through the skin, but the length of it gave me trouble.

I grabbed some salve, that I picked up from the zebra lady. Applied it to the wound and wrapped it in a cloth bandage. The blood still dripped down my hoof, but it wasn’t the type to kill me.

“Huh… she was right,” I said, as my voice echoed around the cave, “this stuff will kill the pain.”

I looked at the odd blue mixture, I shrugged my shoulders and began to pack up the kit. Coco took a swipe at my cheek, but compared to the dragon scale, it was nothing.

I let Coco down, with some snacks to keep her clawing my eyes out. When I had everything in the bag with a happy munching raccoon on the side, I returned my attention toward the open box and my scale.

As I looked into the box, my mouth fell as I looked into the empty case.

“This… this sucks.” I sighed, as I picked up the scale, the ruby red reflected the light of the day. I smiled when I looked down at it, “At least I have you.”

I turned and began to fashion it on my pack…

“Coco?” I called out for the coon, when I noticed she wasn’t at the feeding area. Her food was only half eaten, and she wasn’t the type to leave food lying around. I looked around for the black and white varmint, “Now where is she?”

I looked around the area, and spotted tiny tracks in the dust. My eyes followed the trail and toward a pile of gems. A little poofy tail poked out from the side and I spotted movement from the pile.

“Now what’s she up to?” I walked up to the pile and as I got there, I watched as my little partner stuffed her purse. She was shifting through the pile, picking through the gems. Her tiny lips formed a smile, when she found a very shiny diamond.

She stuffed it into the purse, and I couldn’t help but smile at her. She had this happy self content look about her, I chuckled as she continued to shift through the gems.

I shook my head and returned to tying up the scale to my pack.

“Got everything?” I asked, as I snickered at the ridiculous necklace around her neck. She fondled the necklace in her hands, I bent down and placed her on my shoulder.

Coco gave me a quick hug, and returned to fondle with her necklace. I made my way out of the cave, both with the scale and a very happy raccoon.

As I headed home, I had a few close calls because of Coco’s constant infatuation with those shiny trinkets. She nearly fell off the cliff, but I was lucky to grab the nape of her neck.

Though, not even the near death experience would keep her eyes off the shiny.

“Really?” I said, at her playful disposition. I sighed and continued down the path, I had more things to worry about than a raccoon and her desire for the glittering gems.

I met the rock wall, with a bit of hesitation. Each step hurt, since the salve was wearing out. The tiny rocks getting stuck in my hoof made things worse.

“Finally!” I sighed, as I reached the top of the rock hill. I took a seat atop the mound and decided to have a little water break.

Coco sat next to me, the necklace still in her paws. I grinned at her adorable antics, and redressed the wound on my leg. I sighed in relief as the pain vanished.

“Really wished I had this when I was growing up...” I mumbled, the bandage wrapped around my leg. I took a drink from my canteen, “That’s good.”

I closed my eyes, letting the semi cool water calm my nerves. I felt a tug on my side, and I looked down at the raccoon. She held up a ring, a silver serpent with green eyes biting its own tail.

She tugged on my arm and I raised an eyebrow at the raccoon. I didn’t know what she wanted, but I could take a guess.

I opened the palm of my hand and she placed ring in my hand.

“For me?” I asked, and she nodded in response. I looked at the ring and brought it up for closer inspection.

For some reason it glimmered in the sunlight, and the gems in its eyes glowed. I picked it up with my other hand, I smiled down at the raccoon, “Thanks Coco.”

Her tail wagged in happiness, I brought the ring to my finger. It was strange, since the ring started to glow. I stopped before it actually went on my finger.

“The fuck?” I turned to Coco, and she just shrugged. I looked at the ring once more, and there seemed to be an inscription in the ring. I brought it closer to my, and I was surprised I could read it.

“The world eater,” I said aloud, and brought the ring to my hand again, “This could be the dumbest thing I’ve ever done… but it’s a magic ring.”

If fascination from rpg’s has ever taught me, it can give me ultimate power or...

“Yup,” I said, as I felt the ring constrict on my finger, “it’s a curse.”

The ring glowed a fiery red, but I didn’t feel the burn. I did smell my burnt flesh and hair, Coco looked on in abject terror, while I just looked on in curiosity.

Sure it harmed me, but I didn't feel it. Whatever this was, I could only hope that I won’t have to cut off my finger, or do some stupid quest.

The ring’s glow died, and as I tried to remove the ring, it wouldn’t budge. I just sighed, while the raccoon just started to look worriedly at me.

“I just hope this isn’t going to problematic.” I started to put my pack back on, and Coco returned to my shoulder. I felt her stroke my head, “I’m fine Coco… I think.”

The ring on my finger glowed, when I looked at it.

“A blessing or a curse...” I mumbled, I clenched my fist with the ring on it. I’m not the type to wear jewelry, but it was strange that I couldn’t feel it around my finger. ‘Really hope I don’t have to do something stupid.’