//------------------------------// // Gummy's Warm Welcome // Story: Rarity's Little Disaster // by Saekwaka //------------------------------// I cannot believe I'm stuck staying with Pinkie Pie in her bedroom. This isn't happening. This is not happening. No, keep it together, Rarity. You can endure this. I just had to keep taking slow, deep breaths. Yes, that's it; in, out, in, out. "Hey, Rarity! Lookie! Lookie! We're here!" Pinkie bounced up and down excitedly and pointed with her right hoof towards the top floor of Sugar Cube Corner - which had several holes in it. Wonderful. Only Pinkie Pie would cheer and celebrate the occassion of a damaged building. Nevertheless, I would try not to ruin her good mood. She was, after all, inviting me into her home. "It's, uh, lovely, Pinkie Pie." "Silly, you've seen this place before!" Yes, I thought. But never in the form of swiss cheese. "Come on, we'll make you and Sweetie Belle a spot in my bedroom!" Sweetie Belle and Opal! Oh, no! I can't leave them with Apple Jack without permission first! Well, perhaps after this, I'll go explain the whole mess to her. I silently began working out a plan in my head on how I might address the matter. "Oh, my, yes. Let's uh," I cleared my throat, returning back to reality in time to see that we were making our way up the stairs. "Let's do that." We walked up the remaining stair steps and stepped into Pinkie's bedroom to see furniture knocked down to the floor, at least four holes in the walls, and a giant gap located directly above where her window used to be. That wasn't the worst part, no: in the middle of the messed up room, sat a yellow-eyed, baby alligator. "Gummy!" Pinkie yelled, running towards the little monster. "Lookie, Rarity! He's happy to see you!" Gummy, who had started nibbling on Pinkie's ear as soon as she set him on her back, stared at me. "I believe he is a lot more happy to see you, Pinkie." Thank Celestia for that. "Non-sense!" She said, grabbing the reptile with her mouth. Unsanitary! "Pinkie, dear," backing away from her, I could feel my heart rate increase. "What on earth do you think you're-" "Go, Gummy! Share your love!" She cried, throwing the toothless alligator towards me. I did what any sensible pony would do in my situation: I screamed right when the horrible beast was chucked onto my forehead. Without another thought, I shook him off my face, then darted out of Sugar Cube Corner as fast as my hooves would allow! From her broken window, Pinkie called to me. "Wait, Rarity! We haven't thrown you your party yet!" *** Upon arrival of Sweet Apple Acres, I noticed Apple Jack exiting the barn with Opal's carrier in her mouth. Perfect, Apple Jack! Once again, you proved how excellent you are with timing! I trotted to her. "Apple Jack, dear!" I called. She turned to meet my gaze, then rushed to meet me. Placing the carrier at my hooves, she said, "Howdy there, Rarity! Opal's all cleaned and groomed now; though it took a right lot of effort to do that. As for your sister, well, she and the other two fillies made a huge mess in the kitchen, but don't worry; she's still clean. It's a little early to be pickin' her up, though. I thought she was gonna stay 'til-" "Nevermind that, darling. I have come here with an emergancy." "What kind of emergancy? Is there anything I can do to help yah out?" "Well, that's the thing. See, my house may have suffered a bit of damage due to some certain ponies and their reckless behaviour, and let's just say that I haven't really decided on what my temporary home will be. That, and I can't have Sweetie Belle and Opal trudging the streets with me, now can I? And honestly, I know your house is full enough as it is, but I was wondering if you could let Sweetie and Opal stay for just a bit longer?" "Why, sure thing; Apple Bloom'd love to have Sweetie Belle around here. And you know, it's no trouble if you wanna stay here-" "Great! I cannot thank you enough, my dearest Apple Jack! I am in your debt. How long will they be allowed to stay, hmm?" "Well," began Apple Jack, "I reckon it all depends on how long it'll be before you can find a place to stay while your house is under reconstruction. That is, if you've requested it. But you could just stay-" "I left my money in my saddle bag at my house! Oh, I do hope that hasn't burned as well! Forgetting everything else (including my lady-like manners - what was I thinking?), I sprinted out of Sweet Apple Acres and to the remainder of my boutique. Silently, I scolded myself. Why didn't I grab what could be salvaged BEFORE? And now, I'm even running. I'm so uncivilized! No; I must keep my cool. There are exceptions to everything, Rarity; even manners. You've just lost your house and all you possessions. Don't lose your head, too.