The following morning, Rolling Thunder made his way over to Short Hilt's home. He had finished unpacking and wished to discuss opening a shop once more ponies moved in. While in Canterlot he hated being pushed around by his ex-boss. He hated his business practices that just treated ponies like bits, rather than friends and valued patrons. The day he quit would remain in his mind forever. One last day of toil and scrutiny as a server at the Golden Trough. He bid farewell by placing his apron on the front desk and without a word, he left the establishment to begin a new life in Ponymunity. He never did hear back from his boss, nor did he want to.
He knocked on the door and Short Hilt promptly answered as if she were standing there waiting for him, "Good morning, Thunder!"
"G-good morning, Hilty...say, um," he cleared his throat, "would it at all be possible for me to open up a shop here in town?"
A giant smile spanned across her face. It almost seemed manic, "Of course! What kind of shop do you wanna open up?"
"Well, I dabble in potion making every now and then so I was hoping to open a shop with useful potions and salves. In case anypony gets hurt or sick I at least want to be able to offer medical services before we get an actual hospital up and running."
"That sounds like an awesome idea! Did you have a storefront in mind?" Hilty flew over and landed behind him.
"No, I haven't been to the shopping district yet. Do you know of one that would suit a potion shop best?" Thunder turned around and smiled.
Short Hilt pondered for a moment, "I think I have one in mind. Follow me!" She led the dark grey unicorn into the eastern side of the town where many empty storefronts lined the streets. She pointed to the shop with the blue roof just a few buildings down, "How about that one?"
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Pepper Blaze awoke with a jolt. A nightmare kept him from sleeping most of the night. He sighed with relief that it was finally morning. He tried recalling what his nightmare was about, but he had forgotten. All he knew was that there was a sinking feeling in his gut. Perhaps breakfast would help. He opened his bedroom door which led to the living room. His house was still bare aside from his bed, a chair and small table in the kitchen, a couch, and basic kitchen supplies; all pre-furnished. In his haste he had totally forgotten about furniture, but at least it was covered for him and he didn't have to sleep on the cold floor. His hoofsteps were loud on the laminated floor of his kitchen, "I should get some music," he muttered. His fridge was barren since he had only brought some apples with him. He closed the door and with a loud 'thud' his head made contact, "Ugh...I had no idea moving was so hard. I really don't want apples..." His stomach growled and beckoned him to go on a search.
He walked out of his home and was greeted by the bright morning sun. Making his way to the shopping district, he finally realized, "Oh, wait...none of the restaurants are open...dang it," he kicked a rock with his hoof sadly, "Maybe there are some supplies somewhere. Where's Hilty at...?"
As if it were planned, Short Hilt and Rolling Thunder emerged from the new potion shop. Short Hilt's attention was immediately set on the noisy galloping coming from the red earth pony. He skidded to a stop, "I'm hungry!" he blurted.
Short Hilt smiled, "I know where to get some apples, oranges, and peaches if you like! Patina showed me an awesome orchard just beyond the waterfall! I was actually talking to Rolling Thunder about getting a harvest going."
"Aaaanything but apples..." he whined.