//------------------------------// // 13. Seth's Renewal (rw) // Story: Tales of the Oppressed // by Terran34 //------------------------------// “I don’t think going back is a good idea,” I voice with trepidation, coming to a stop just as Ponyville comes into sight. Rainbow, who has been flying just ahead of me this whole time, wheels around to face me. “What? Why not? We’re almost there,” the mare presses a hoof to her rumbling stomach. “I’m hungry!” “So you’ve said three times so far,” I return wryly. “The thing is, I left Ponyville without planning to return. I...told Twilight some nasty things. She was getting too pushy, and I took everything out on her.” “That explains why she was so down in the dumps today.” Rainbow turns around to give me a glare. “You should apologize to her. She was seriously worried about you.” “If she was before, she certainly isn’t now.” The thought of apologizing for what I said doesn't sit well with me; if I had said something I didn’t mean—sure—but those were my true feelings. “But you’re missing my point. I probably angered Twilight, I skipped out on farm work even though I gave my word to Applejack I’d help her with the harvest, and I didn’t even bother making my first payment to Vinyl yet.” “Sooo…?” Rainbow seems clueless as to where I’m going with this. “What’s your point?” “They likely don’t want me in town anymore.It would be better if I stayed far away.” Instead of understanding the sentiment, Rainbow just gives me a deadpan stare. “We were just over this,” she reminds me. “Nopony is gonna hold this against you. If I held a grudge every time I argued with my friends, I wouldn’t have any friends left.” “They’re not my friends,” I say plainly, much to Rainbow’s frustration. “Of course they are! I mean, we’re friends now so, by extension, they are too!” Rainbow points out stubbornly. “First of all, only one of us seems to think we’re friends. Second of all, that’s not how that works,” I say, already feeling the beginnings of a migraine taking form. “It is too how it works!” “What are you, five years old?” “If I’m five years old and I understand friendship, what’s that say about you?” Rainbow shoots back with a smirk. I do a double take, looking back at her with surprise. The point she’s making isn’t what shocks me. Rather, it’s the fact that she’s smack talking me. My head tilts to one side as Rainbow prods my cheek with a hoof. “Are you two years old, wittle guy?” “Quit that,” I grunt, pushing her hoof away from my face. A hint of nostalgia comes back to me as I recall the times Amaryllis and I would talk smack to each other similarly. Granted, I’d typically end up on the losing end of those conversations, but they were fun nonetheless. So lost was I in my grief and need for revenge, I’d forgotten what that felt like. “Fine, I guess we should keep going.” “Good! Sooner we’re back, the sooner I can eat!” The two of us start to get moving again. I gaze at her for several moments as we walk, as if trying to etch her features into my mind. Yet no matter how long I look, I can’t figure out what to think about her. Ponyville looks the same as always. It’s still early in the afternoon, so activity is high. And despite the fact that it hasn’t changed, it feels different to be back. If there’s no way back then this is home now, whether I like it or not. I suppose I should bother learning my way around the place. The throng of ponies in the street assault my eyes with their various colors. I find my gaze lingering on some of them. These are ponies whom I’ll be living with from here on out, so learning their names might prove beneficial to me. I know what I should do, but finding the motivation to do any of it is turning out to be a challenge. The questions still linger on my mind—why should I bother? What’s the point? I suppose I still have much to think about. I just need to find the time to do so. “Rainbow! You found him!” That’s Twilight’s voice; just hearing it causes me to wince. I close my eyes and take a few brief moments to mentally prepare myself, even as I hear the sound of hooves rapidly approaching. When I open my eyes, Twilight is standing right in front of me, looking very relieved, yet still very much concerned. There isn’t a trace of anger in her expression, despite what I said earlier. “Seth, I’m so glad to see you! Are you alright? I heard from Vinyl that you didn’t come home last night and I was so worried that something might have happened to you!” Behind Twilight, I can see several more ponies catching up to her: Rarity, Applejack, Vinyl, Pinkie, and the one Twilight referred to as Fluttershy. I grimace; I hadn’t planned on dealing with them all at once. I don’t even know what to say to Twilight, for crying out loud. “I’m fine for the most part. I just needed some time away from Ponyville,” I reply, disliking how close to lying I am. There’s no way in hell I’m telling any of these ponies about what really happened on the cliff. The only possible outcome from that would be in them becoming insufferable in their attempts to ‘fix me’. “You didn’t need to bother sending one of you after me...especially one that you know I don’t get along with.” “Of course I did! Nobody had heard from you for nearly twelve hours!” Twilight returned, her tone making it clear what she thought of my words. “Seriously, dude, I was about to get the guard involved before Twilight found me,” Vinyl chimed in as she caught up with us. “If you’re gonna wander off, let somepony know first, okay?” “As far as we knew, you went missing. Rainbow’s the fastest there is, so if she couldn’t find you, nopony could,” Applejack adds, the farmer putting on a smile as her eyes meet mine. I don’t get it. It was only twelve hours; it’s not as though I were gone for days. “By the way, why are y’all covered in dirt?” “I would like to know the answer to that question myself. You both look absolutely atrocious!,” Rarity comments, turning up her nose at our current condition. My skin is scraped and smeared with dirt due to our altercation, and my jeans are torn in several places. “Don’t you roll your eyes at me, Rainbow Dash. Your muzzle is practically a different color!” “I...uhh…” I’m finding it hard to come up with an answer, especially when pressured by the gaze of all these different ponies wanting answers. “I pushed him down a hill,” Everyone’s attention switches over to Rainbow brushing her mane sheepishly with a hoof. “What? He was being a jerk.” “And your muzzle?” Rarity questions. “I shoved her face into said hill,” I join in on the story Rainbow is conveniently weaving. The fact that she’s not telling them about what really happened is both surprising and relieving. I glance up at her gratefully—a glance that she catches and gives a discrete wink in return. “I just said we didn’t get along. I don’t know why you’re acting so surprised.” “We’re cool now though,” Rainbow hastily assures them. The other ponies look at one another, and then back at her, not entirely convinced by that. “It’s fine. More importantly, are we done here?” Now I get the odd looks; no doubt because I didn’t refute Rainbow’s words. I don’t know if I’d call us “cool,” but I’m not about to argue while surrounded by eight other ponies that would most certainly gang up on me. “This is starting to feel a whole lot like an interrogation, and I’m not really in the mood.” “Ain’t nopony interrogating you, Seth,” Applejack stepped forward to stand in between Twilight and Rarity. “Now, I don’t know much about what’s going on with you, but s’far as I hear, you’re not here cuz you wanna be. If you need time off, you can have it.” I avert my eyes, feeling distinctly uncomfortable by her understanding words. However, I don’t get a chance to respond before Rarity jumps in. “Don’t forget about all the clothes I’ve made for you. I’ve been waiting on them for days. Why don’t you stop by the boutique first? I’ll even let you use my shower to clean up. You look positively dreadful, dear.” I roll my eyes. “Thanks.” She’s right, however. If I’m going to be staying here, I need clothes more than ever, maybe even that shower. The time I’ve spent here has not been kind to my hair; it’s stringy, greasy, and matted—nothing like the silky smooth feel and neatness that I once worked so hard to maintain. “I’ve also got some leftovers from last night’s dinner, if you wanna just stay home and relax,” Vinyl adds, giving me yet another option on what to do with the rest of my day. “Sounds like you have a lot on your plate!” Twilight chimes in next. Pinkie giggles beside her, causing her to check her wording. “Er, no pun intended. Oh, I could help you plan if you’d like! I find having a well organized schedule is a key factor in reducing day-to-day stress!” “I’m thoroughly capable of managing my own time, thank you.” I decide to nip that in the bud right away; the thought of Twilight micromanaging my schedule is less than appealing to me. I glance at the two ponies that have legitimate claims on my time and sigh; neither option seems particularly exciting at the moment. “It would make more sense if I got some work done with Applejack today before visiting you, Rarity.” “Works for me. No sense in gettin’ all dolled up and then comin’ to work,” Applejack replies with a nod. “I suppose that’s true, but I must insist you come to see me the very instant you finish up at the farm! I guarantee you’ll be pleased with what I’ve designed!” Rarity insists with only a slight hint of disappointment present in her voice. “I intend to pass by, you don’t need to be so pushy,” I say with some irritation. “Applejack, can we please go?” “You sure you’re up for it? Like I said, I don’t mind givin’ you time if you need it.” “Anything’s better than staying here,” I shove my hands into my pockets. “I need to get out of your way so you can all go back to doing whatever it is you were doing before I disrupted your day yet again.” “Even though everyone seems convinced everything is fine, Twilight still looks like she’s wants to say something. The possibility of another argument with her is already causing a headache to form behind my eyes. “What the hay, I’ll go too. Applejack, do you have food at your place? I had to miss lunch, so I’m hungry!” Rainbow interjected before Twilight could get started, earning a huff from the latter. I never thought I’d say this, but thank God she’s here. This could have gotten so much worse had Twilight figured out what I tried to do. “I always got plenty of food. I don’t mind letting y’all eat if ya need to,” Applejack says. “Anyhoo, we’re all good here?” “I’m good. Catch ya at home, Seth,” Vinyl replies, breaking away from the group. “See you later. You too, Dash. You coming to my next gig, right?” “Ha! As if I’d miss it.” Rainbow says, earning a grin from Vinyl. “I guess we’re done. I’m glad you’re okay, Seth,” Twilight finally relents, although she doesn't look all that satisfied. I notice Rainbow giving me a pointed look—she wanted me to apologize to Twilight. “Whatever,” is all I can bear to say to her before joining Applejack as we start to make our way to the farm. I hear Rainbow huff disapprovingly behind me, but I don’t pay her any attention. I may have been overly harsh on Twilight, but I wouldn’t feel right apologizing for it. I shouldn’t have to apologize for saying the truth, harsh though it may be. “You sound beat,” Applejack comments, noticing how out of breath I sound. I can’t bring myself to answer immediately—I don’t recall the last time I felt well-rested or comfortable. “You sure you don’t need time to rest?” I shake my head to clear the fuzziness away. “If I let myself relax for even a second, I’ll be out for days,” I say, earning some amusement from the two ponies. “You say that like it’s a bad thing,” Rainbow retorted as she performed a few lazy twirls in the air. “Sleeping for days is the best!” “Don’t you go influencin’ Seth with your bad habits now, Rainbow Dash.” “They’re not bad habits! I still get things done!” Rainbow shoots back. The two of them start to bicker good-naturedly with one another, until I eventually decide to just tune them out. As the farm comes into view, I shake my head in disgust. Despite everything, nothing has changed. I’m still in the same situation I’ve been in since I learned of Sombra’s death. There’s no real future for me except to keep working on this damn farm day after day. Like a machine, but at least a machine doesn’t feel. I glance at Rainbow, who is currently attempting to talk around Applejack’s hoof, for whatever reason. Rainbow said that I shouldn’t give up… that Amaryllis wouldn’t want me to give up. But what else am I supposed to do, then? “Alright, let’s settle down now,” Applejack finally brings me back to reality as the three of us reach the farm. “I’ll whip us up some lunch real quick. Seth, if you wanna get started, there’s some laundry that needs foldin’ out in the yard. Or you could sit by and wait. Makes no difference to me.” “I’ll get to work on the laundry,” I say. Applejack nods and points to where all the laundry is gathered for me—a clothesline out front containing towels and bedsheets. “Alright, I’ll bring lunch out when it’s done. You comin’ with me, Dash?” Applejack askes. “Nah, I’ll wait out here with Seth,” Rainbow responds. Applejack raises one eyebrow, and Rainbow starts to look rather uncomfortable under her gaze. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?” “Just thought you two didn’t get along, is all,” Applejack slowly repeats my words back to us. “Yeah, but I said we were cool. Seth and I are buds now!” Rainbow quickly proclaims. If Applejack could look any more skeptical than she does right now, I would be frankly impressed. She then glances at me anxiously, as if worried about how I am reacting. Rainbow looks at me as well. It would have been easier for her to keep that little titbit to herself. At least then she could get by without having to justify herself to her friends. Is she deliberately choosing to make things harder on herself? “Well then, ‘bud’, if you’re feeling so chummy, how about helping me with the laundry?” The sarcasm is practically dripping from my tone. Applejack lets out a sigh of relief, before chuckling. “Work? Yeah, right! This time, I’m here for moral support!” Rainbow declares. She then zips up to the skies, soaring all the way up to the cloud layer. As I watch incredulously, she tears away a pony-sized chunk of cloud and brings it all the way down to us, a few feet overhead. She then plops down on top of it as though it were no different than a piece of furniture, a smug expression on her face. “You can do it!” I stare up at her with one eye twitching. “...I don’t even know what to say,” I express with exasperation as I turn away from her. I’m not even going to try to reason how she did what she did with the cloud. “I’m ever so glad to have such a dependable source of motivation watching over me.” “You’re welcome!” Rainbow’s reply sounds so disgustingly smug I feel the strong desire to flip her right off of that cloud, if such a thing were even possible. “Right. Well, y’all have fun now. I’ll be back in a few,” Applejack tells us, the farmer pony smiling warmly at the interaction between Rainbow and myself. She retreats back to the farmhouse, leaving me alone with Rainbow. A silence falls between us as I get to work, doing my best to ignore Rainbow’s presence behind me. Yet this only results in the return of my prior thoughts. I have to admit one thing to myself. Rainbow was right; Amaryllis would find my current state totally unacceptable. She was always the one to cheer me up whenever I was down, typically by dealing me a merciless tongue-lashing of cold, hard logic that would help me recognize how stupid I was being. Even now, I can already hear her in my head, calling me ‘princess’ and asking me if I wanted a hankie to cry in. I smile bitterly at the thought. I’ve never thought about it before, but meeting her in that classroom that one day was probably the best thing to ever happen to me, despite the rocky start to our relationship. I shudder to think what might have come of me if I’d never met her. I might not even have made it this far in the first place.. What I don’t understand is that even though I know Amaryllis would knock me back into shape out of this funk I’m in, I honestly don’t know what she’d tell me to do. I’d spent my whole life following a plan that was laid out for me. Now that I don’t even have that any more, I’m at a loss. “Rainbow?” I get her attention as I fold up another set of towels. It makes me disappointed in myself that I have to ask her for help, but she’s literally the only pony now that knows the extent of my feelings. “What keeps you going?” “Huh? What do you mean?” Rainbow lifts her head from the cloud, looking confused by my sudden question. “What gets you out of bed in the morning? What do you say when people ask you what’s next?” I elaborate. Understanding dawns on Rainbow’s face, and she presses the tip of a hoof to her muzzle as she ponders my questions. “That’s easy! It’s-” Applejack frustratingly chose that moment to return from the farmhouse with a picnic basket hanging from her mouth. “Hold that thought.” Once Applejack arrived, she spread out a blanket on the grass, and the three of us dig into a meal of cheese sandwiches and apple slices. Despite the simplicity, it tastes delicious, especially after a full twelve hours of running on empty. “I still got a bunch more apple trees to buck before the snows come in, but I got a few other chores that need doin’ around the farm,” Applejack addresses me as we eat. She passes me a piece of paper. “I wrote up a list. Once y’all are done with laundry, if you could hit each of these before the sun goes down, I’d appreciate it.” “Applejack, I can’t read,” I deadpan. “Oh yeah. Give it to Rainbow then. At least then she can say she did something.” I shrug and pass the paper to Rainbow, who glances over it once and then tucks it beneath her chest. “That reminds me; you’re sure you’re okay taking time off work, Rainbow?” “Oh that?” Rainbow waves a hoof dismissively as she finishes up her meal.  “It’s fine. All I gotta do is clear up a few clouds by the end of the day. Even Cloud Chaser could do that.” “If you say so.” Applejack finishes up her meal as well and starts cleaning up the spread. “I’ll leave you to it, then. I’ll come get you if I need anything special. No more shoving each other down hills now, ya hear?” “No promises,” Rainbow calls after her. She waits several minutes until she’s sure Applejack is completely out of sight before turning to me. “So to answer your question, I’m going to be a member of the Wonderbolts!” “I have no idea what those are.” I say as I get back to working on the laundry, feeling pleasantly sated for the time being. “You don’t know who the-!?” Rainbow explodes before quickly calming down. “Right, new to Equestria. Listen up, then!” While she drones on and in about these ‘Wonderbolts’, the excitement in her words is palpable. “So, in summary, the Wonderbolts are only the coolest, fastest, and most skilled team of flying pegasi in all of Equestria! And they only accept the best into their ranks!” “The ‘fastest,’ huh? I thought you said you were the fastest flier in Equestria,” I turn towards her, a smirk already on my lips. “Are you freely admitting that there are ponies out there better than you?” “Hey, I am the fastest flier in Equestria! They...just don’t know that yet,” Rainbow scratches the back of her neck sheepishly with one hoof. She laughed nervously. “There’s more to being a Wonderbolt than just being fast. But I’m gonna keep practicing until they recognize my greatness!” “So that’s your dream, huh?” I finish folding a set of bedsheets and place it neatly in the basket with the rest. I look over at her, feeling envious at her innate sense of purpose. “So everything you do, you do towards that goal.” “Not everything. That’s my end game, but before that, there’s all my friends. It’s not cool if I had to do all this on my own, right?” Rainbow points out. “Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and even Twilight; I’ve got all these cool ponies around me.” “Right...friends.” I grab the next sheet with a little more force than I’d intended, nearly causing it to fall on the grass. “That must be nice for you; to know what you want, have friends to support you no matter what. I don’t even have that anymore.” “Why not? What did you want to do back when...before you came to Equestria?” Rainbow hops back into her cloud, crossing her front hooves and gazing down at me curiously. Her question causes me to pause, no quick answer coming to my mind. What exactly was my dream back then? “I…I don’t know,” I honestly admit. It didn’t feel like it at the time, but is it possible even back then, I didn’t have much of a purpose? Didn’t I have some greater meaning to aim towards? I thought I did, but upon closer inspection, Amaryllis was involved in every single one of my goals. Once again, I realize just how much she meant to me. Without her, I’d honestly would have felt no different than I feel right now. I let out a sharp exhale to relieve some of the stress I’m feeling. “You don’t know?” Rainbow looks utterly confused by that. “Wasn’t there anything you wanted in life?” “I was in school, training to get a good job, but I don’t think I had any particular desire for the end of that road. All I knew is that that’s what I needed to do to survive in that world, because that’s what everyone else told me.” I find it increasingly harder to focus on what little laundry remained as I talked. My every thought is screaming at me not to confide any more in this ridiculous multi-colored pony, but now that I’ve gotten started, I need to finish. To find closure. It’s becoming clear that I can’t go any further without an answer. “I knew what I didn’t want; to be a minimum wage employee like the vast majority of those who never got an education. But that doesn’t really counts as a dream, like what you have.” Rainbow didn’t seem to like that answer. “Who cares about work? There has to be something that you did that you really enjoyed for the sake of enjoying it. Like how I really like to fly and sleep.” I almost mention Amaryllis, but I catch myself. There’s no way in hell I would tell any of these ponies about something so deeply personal. Besides, I don’t think Amaryllis counts as a dream. As I start thinking about the sorts of things she and I did together, I recall something so obvious that I almost smack myself for not thinking about it sooner. I always wore a set of headphones when I walked between classes so I could listen to my favorite classic rock tunes. Amaryllis eventually learned what type of music I enjoyed, and she started to take me to different bars to dance, and a few times, she even took me to live performances of bands I particularly loved. I’ve always loved music. Even after all that witch put me through when I was younger, my love for music never faded. I’ve dabbled in all sorts of instruments over the years such as guitar, piano, and cello; At my college dorm, I owned an electric keyboard and a simple acoustic guitar, and I’d play them from time to time, one day hoping to play them for Amaryllis. “Music,” I answer simply, having come to that realization. “That was my hobby. It was never anything special though, just a part of the background.” “Of course it was something special! Ah, this makes so much sense!” Rainbow slaps a hoof to her forehead. “The first time I see you talking to somepony without snapping at them, it was about music. And you’re working for Vinyl Scratch, who’d only ever let someone else who liked music as much as she did work with her. How did I not see this sooner?” I shrug, not sure how to respond to that, despite the fact that she’s right. I don’t see how this is meant to help me. “There you go! You could be a DJ like Vinyl, or a pop singer like that Sapphire Shores that Rarity sometimes talks about, or maybe even a member in the Canterlot Royal Orchestra! Or better yet, a rock star! That would be pretty sweet; I could totally see you rocking the metal look,” Rainbow just isn’t slowing down. It’s strange how she’d show such enthusiasm about something that isn’t even about her. Yet, what she’s saying sounds appealing. The idea of standing on stage is a daunting one, but if I could be like those front men that drove the crowds wild and sold out stadiums as large as whole towns… a small shiver runs through me at the thought. Yet my realism kicks in almost immediately. There’s no way someone like me, who struggles in even the smallest crowd, could ever do something like that. Additionally, I was once told that musicians no longer made much money on album sales due to the onset of the internet… which ponies don’t have... huh. So maybe a career in music wouldn’t be so impossible after all. It sounds infinitely more enjoyable than that desk job I would have had back in my time. But… can I really do it? Start over without Amaryllis? “I don’t know…” At this point in time, the laundry and work left is basically forgotten. I sit down, different thoughts and visions of the future rolling around in my head. “It can’t really be that simple.” “But it is! Put your sights on the goal, and don’t let up! That’s how I won the Young Flier’s Competition, difficulties aside.” Rainbow lets off a bit of an awkward chuckle. She then lights up, as though she has just come up with an excellent idea. “I just thought of something. Be right back!” I watch curiously as Rainbow zips off of the cloud at speeds I can scarcely follow with my eyes. It’s one thing to see from a distance, but up close, her speed is unreal. She really is unfathomably fast. No sooner had that thought entered my head than Rainbow was already back, holding an acoustic guitar. “Here, try this!” Rainbow presents the guitar to me, looking rather pleased with herself. Despite how fast she’d just gone from here to the farm and back, she doesn’t look like she’s even broken a sweat. “Where did you even get this?” I take the guitar from her, treating it as though it were made of gold. It resembles the dreadnought base model, with six strings spanning the neck. It feels surreal to be holding one again. “Oh, I borrowed it from Applejack. It was just hanging on the wall anyway—not like she uses it much,” Rainbow looks at me eagerly. “Go on, play it! Applejack won’t mind if you give it a whirl.” I adjust my position until I’m kneeling, the guitar resting on my raised knee. My left hand runs up the neck, instinctively forming the chord shapes that I’ve memorized. With my right hand I form a makeshift pick by placing my thumb over my index finger, and using the latter to strum each individual string. “Hm…standard E tuning,” I observe before running through a quick scale, finding the sound it produces to be pleasant, almost nostalgic. I repeat this action a few times in different locations on the guitar. Once I finish with scales, I run through the chords I remember. Recalling a particular song that uses these chords, I run through the first verse, humming the tune under my breath. “You’re not bad! See, you could totally do it if you tried!” Rainbow stamps her hooves on the ground, looking pleased with what she heard. “So what do you say? Wanna shoot for being a rock star?” I lay the guitar across my lap, making sure not to let it touch the ground. The chance to hold an instrument again, I can’t deny that it felt good. Even more so when I could hear those melodic chords again. I think about what Rainbow is trying to tell me. Just like how she wants to be a Wonderbolt, she’s saying I should strive for something musical, to give me a reason to wake up in the morning. There’s some sense to that; instead of my money going towards traveling up north, I could save up to buy instruments and other musical equipment. Then, performing wouldn’t be out of the question. I start to feel a little excited at the thought. “Okay.” I stand up, handing the guitar back to Rainbow. “There may be something to what you’re saying. I dunno about being a ‘rock star’, but I wouldn’t mind being able to play again.” “Awesome! You should totally tell Vinyl, too! She’d totally support you on that. As would I. Cuz what’s the fun of having a goal without friends to support you on the way?” Rainbow accepts the guitar, giving it a few strums herself, somehow managing to make a chord despite having cumbersome hooves. Despite watching her do it, I can’t figure out how she can hold strings down with hooves. “So now, you can…” “Are y’all still doin’ laundry?” Applejack suddenly passes by us, a cartful of apples rolling along behind her. When she notices the guitar, she stops and just stares at Rainbow. “Rainbow Dash, what are you doin’ with my guitar?” “What, this?” Rainbow promptly shoves the guitar back into my hands with a sheepish grin plastered on her muzzle. “Nothing. I don’t see a guitar.” “Don’t just give it back to me, idiot!” I immediately give the guitar back to her, not wanting to be implicated in Rainbow’s scheme. I was under the impression that Applejack wouldn’t mind, but her accusatory tone tells me otherwise. “Don’t call me an idiot, dummy!” Rainbow attempts to give the guitar back to me, only for Applejack to snatch it out of her hooves and place it on her back, eyeing the both of us suspiciously. Rainbow quails slightly under the look her friend is giving her. “Um...hi AJ.” “Just what in tarnation is going on between you two? First y’all are sayin’ how much y’all can’t stand each other, then you’re dancin’ together, then y’all’re shoving each other down hills, and now you’re all friendly?” Applejack demands, her curiosity getting the better of her at last. “What gives, Rainbow? What exactly happened between you two?” “Uh...sorry, I can’t say anything.” Rainbow, much to my surprise, refuses to tell her, despite being put on the spot like that. Applejack blinks; whatever answer she was expecting, I doubt she expected not to receive one. “Ask Seth if you want to know. I doubt he’d like it if I spilled the beans. You know how it is.” “I guess I can understand that.” Applejack then turns her gaze to me expectantly. “Seth?” “I choose not to answer,” I say as my lips flatten into a thin line. “Figured as much,” Applejack sighs and gets the cart moving again. “I guess it ain’t my business. Rainbow, quit distractin’ Seth and let him work.” “Sorry,” Rainbow leaps back up to her cloud, scratching the back of her neck again. “By the way, next time you wanna use my guitar, just ask first. I don’t mind.” Applejack trips her hat, gives us a grin, and makes her way back to the farmhouse to store her apples, leaving me to finish up the laundry that I’d been slacking on. “I’ll see y’all in a few hours!” “That was awkward.” I turn back to the laundry, finding myself relieved that Applejack wasn’t angry. “I blame you for that. You told me she’d be fine with it.” “She was fine with it! She just… said to ask first next time,” Rainbow retorts stubbornly. “At least you got to play some! That’s what matters, right?” “I guess.” I finish folding the last piece of laundry, and lift the basket, grunting under its weight. I curse and stumble a bit, my knees nearly giving out. I quickly set it back down; I shouldn’t overexert myself with my body in this state. I resolve to tell Applejack that I’m finished when I see her next. “By the way… I’m glad you didn’t tell any of them anything.” “That’s just not something you tell other ponies,” Rainbow confesses, looking distinctly uncomfortable. She then puts on a reassuring smile. “Besides, I said I had your back, and I meant it!” “Whatever.” I begin the walk back to the farmhouse, steeling myself for the hours of work to come. I think about her words, unsure how to deal with the respectable behavior she’s been showing me. It’s likely that she’s doing all of this in order to ease her own conscience; to be able to tell herself that she did something. There’s no doubt in my mind that she’ll eventually tire of the effort and revert back to the way she was before. That’s just how people, and by extension ponies, are. The rest of the work day passes uneventfully, and before long Rainbow and I are waiting in the farmhouse for Applejack to return with my pay for the day. I have no doubt that the amount will be small, having skipped most of the day. “So, you’re headed to Rarity’s after this?” Rainbow hops onto the nearby couch lazily. “I can’t avoid it any longer.” I glance at the couch longingly, but I’m not callous enough to lay my sweaty and dirt-caked body onto Applejack’s furniture. “Do you still intend to follow me around?” “Nah, if I go with you, Rarity’ll try to put me in something too.” Rainbow makes such a disgusted face at that prospect that it earns some mild amusement from me. She’s as tomboyish as they come it seems, given her athleticism and her overall lack of concern for her appearance. “I dunno though...will you be alright without me?” “What’s that supposed to mean?” I give her a sharp look at that question. “You know, it’s just that…” Rainbow pauses before continuing, taking a moment to glance around to make sure there were no other ponies nearby. “I want to know you’re not gonna try to...to...when I’m not looking…” “I get it.” I save her the trouble of having to complete that sentence that so clearly disturbs her. Her words essentially explain why she’s been hanging around me all day, even after I started work. A hint of bitterness falls over me, sensing that reversion I mentioned coming. “I bet that would make you feel better, huh?” “Of course it would! Why do you sound so irritated?” Rainbow seems offended by the question, lifting her head to gaze at me oddly. Because the moment you know I won’t got back to the cliff, you’ll stop with the friendly act you’re trying to pull, I think bitterly to myself. Because you’re no different than anybody else. Because no matter what you say, you’re only doing this to ease your own conscience. Because it’s always about you, isn’t it? “It doesn’t really matter,” I sigh, lacking the mental fortitude to argue with her further. Any further rebuttal by Rainbow Dash is cut short by Applejack’s return, a small bag of bits held in her mouth. She passes it to me, which I add to the bits in my pocket. With this, I’ve a total of sixty bits; more than enough to pay for my rent with Vinyl, and leave me with some leftover cash. “Thanks for your work, as always. Wanna stay for dinner?” Applejack once again offers. Each day I work with her, she’s been giving me that same offer. “No thanks.” I give her the same answer as well, which as usual doesn’t perturb her. “I need to get to Rarity’s before she sends out a search party.” “Probably a good idea. Will I see you tomorrow?” Applejack walks beside me as I head for the door. Rainbow leaps off of the couch to follow us as well. “If you’re still alright having me around. Hopefully I’ll be in better shape tomorrow.” Before Applejack can give a decent answer, we walk right into the path of Apple Bloom and her two friends, on their way back from school. “Oh no…” “Hey, it’s Seth!” Apple Bloom runs up to us with a smile, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo just behind her. Scootaloo doesn’t rush to me completely, the filly skidding to a halt the moment she sees Rainbow Dash. Sheer admiration shines bright in her eyes. “Wow, you’re a mess; you musta been working hard!” “Maybe he has a cutie mark in construction? Digging maybe?” Sweetie suggests, chiming in after Apple Bloom before I could even get a chance to answer. “It’s Rainbow Dash…” Scootaloo appears to be in her own little world, her words spoken in a reverent whisper that I can barely hear. “That’s one way of putting it.” I remark to Apple Bloom, finding it easier to use work as the explanation for my ragged state. “Hold on, you three know Seth?” Rainbow interjects, looking surprised by both that and the fact that we seem to be exchanging a regular greeting. “Yeah. They seem to like me, for whatever reason.” I look towards Rainbow, glad to have a distraction. I just don’t know how to handle children, ponies or not. “He’s really nice! He stood up for us a few days ago when we were getting picked on!” Sweetie Belle says. “You should have heard what he said!” Apple Bloom adds. “He was so cool!” Scootaloo finishes for them. “Really now? That I didn’t know,” Applejack looks at me with a surprised and grateful expression. “Thanks so much for stickin’ up for my sister. You’re a decent sort, Seth.” “Oh, he stood up for you, huh?” Rainbow’s expression grows smug again, and she gives me a pointed look that makes me rub my forehead, wishing I was anywhere other than here. “What a nice thing to do…” “Wipe that smirk off your face,” I pointedly tell her, earning a snicker from her. “But just to clarify to you three, I don’t have a ‘cutie mark’ at all.” “What?!” The three of them chorused all at once as if that one statement had overturned their entire view on life. When I repeat myself, Sweetie Belle falls over in a faint, while Apple Bloom looks dumbfounded. “Girls, we should make him an honorary Cutie Mark Crusader! Sweetie Belle, could you make another cape?” “I could ask Rarity to borrow some more of her fabric. Scootaloo, are there any activities we haven’t tried yet that we could include him in?” “I can think of a lot of things we could do with him! Do you think he’d be any good at riding a scooter?” “Ooh, but what if we could take him to our favorite crusading spots!” “We could show him our clubhouse!” “Maybe we could get our cutie marks in helping humans?” “Cutie Mark Crusaders Human Helpers, yay!” The three of them cheer loudly, clapping their hooves together. Their excitement is just growing more and more, while Applejack and Rainbow are snickering at my steadily growing look of horror. “Well, I’m gonna leave you to it. Have fun with the girls, Seth!” Rainbow decides that now is the best time to make her exit, devious intentions plastered all over her stained muzzle. “No, don’t you dare leave me alone here…” Despite my threatening, Rainbow zips away in a flash, cackling to herself as she abandons me to these terrifying fillies. “...with them. I hate you so much right now.” “You should come play with us tonight, Seth! You can join us in finding all of our cutie marks! There’s all sorts of fun things we can try!” Apple Bloom addresses me directly at last. My brow shoots up into my hairline, shocked that they’d even ask me of all people. “Come on, what do you say? Want to be a crusader with us?” I sigh heavily, aware of Applejack’s expectant gaze on the back of my neck. I don’t understand how to deal with children, especially those wanting me to ‘crusade’ with them, whatever that means. “You would probably be better off finding someone else to play with. I’m hardly the most entertaining company,” I break it to them gently, knowing that if I’m even the slightest bit rude, Applejack will get onto me—this is her little sister to whom I’m speaking. “Besides, I think I can’t even get a cutie mark. Humans don’t have magic like ponies do.” “You’ll never know if you don’t try!” Not even that is enough to dissuade the three fillies, Apple Bloom serving as their spokesman. “Come on, it’ll be fun!” “Again...I’m not the playing type. You’ll find out you can’t stand me after a few minutes.” “Please?” Apple Bloom retaliates by using the most vile, the most despicable, and the most effective form of persuasion known to mankind; she looks up at me with wide, liquid eyes, her lower lip ever so slightly poking out and trembling. I’ve never seen such an expression from anyone before; at least not one being directed at me. Coming from a small pony like her, the effect is tripled in intensity. What’s even worse, is that both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo do the same thing. “That’s playing dirty…” I grumble, averting my gaze from the unbearably cute display. What am I supposed to do now? I’m just not interested in playing with a bunch of children. I also know that if I give in now, they’ll forever think I’m receptive to the idea and I’ll never have a moment’s peace. Either way, I refuse to deal with this. “Perhaps another time. I’m busy this evening.” “Awww,” the three fillies look down with disappointment, before Apple Bloom hits me with the rebound. “Maybe tomorrow then?” “We’ll see,” is the best that I can give them. More than anything, I really hope that something comes up tomorrow evening so I have an excuse to decline their offer. It’s too much to hope for that they would forget. I never thought that telling off Diamond Tiara would bring such unwelcome consequences. “Now, if you all will excuse me. I must get going now.” Seizing the earliest opportunity I can get my hands on, I retreat from the four of them perhaps a little more hasty than would be proper. I don’t stop until I leave the farm behind, barely registering their assorted farewells. I have absolutely no idea how to handle children. I think as I sigh with relief. For the first time since the cliff, I’m alone with my thoughts. I keep walking forward, trying to make sense of the emotions running through my mind. In the back of my mind I can still feel a sense of hopelessness towards my whole situation—the absence of Amaryllis hurts more than I can put into words. And my anger. My anger hasn’t been tempered yet. I wish more than anything that I could still make Sombra pay, and I resent the princesses for depriving me of that chance. But...I can feel something positive growing within me. I’ve learnt that I enjoy music as far more than a simple hobby, leaving me with a plethora of potential opportunities to explore. It’s odd that I have to do so in a world filled with sapient ponies, but I guess it’s not much different than humans, physical and magical differences aside. I re-enter town, navigating the streets in an attempt to recall the way to Rarity’s Boutique. In the process, I end up taking a wrong turn and end up in unfamiliar territory. I’m forced to cut back through the park where I first encountered Lyra. It’s rather late by now, so there aren’t many ponies around. As I pass through the fountain clearing, I pass by a group of two ponies that are clinging rather tightly together. It isn’t until I draw closer that I realize that they’re kissing passionately, likely believing themselves to be by their lonesome. It doesn’t take me long to notice that they’re both mares. I do a double take, and then I keeping walking in veiled discomfort, not wanting to disturb them. I’m not oblivious to the concept of public displays of affection. If I went far enough out of my way back at college, I could find a couple or two hiding within the shadow of the parking garages or the classroom buildings. What shocks me is that the two of them are the same gender. I can’t say I’ve ever seen anything of the like, even in my era where various movements for and against such things were gaining traction. It’s one thing to hear about it... Another pony walks through the fountain clearing behind me, the mare giving a slight chuckle upon seeing the two ponies, but otherwise doesn’t bat an eye. Judging from that alone, such relationships must be somewhat common and accepted by the average pony. I suppose it makes sense considering the disproportionate amount of mares to stallions in town, but nevertheless it’s a rather hefty pill to swallow. As much as I don’t care for displays of affection or relationships, it’s probably best I learn that from observation. This way, should I encounter a same-sex relationship among the ponies I live among on a daily basis, I won’t accidentally offend them. I momentarily entertain the thought of asking Rarity, but that idea is quickly shot down. Such curiosity will pass. It’s none of my business, anyway. A few minutes after that disconcerting revelation, I find my way to the Boutique. I barely knock on the door when Rarity opens it, a wide smile spreading across her muzzle. “There you are! I was wondering if I would have to come visit you on the farm,” Rarity steps aside to allow me entrance, the mare ushering me inside with emphatic hoof gestures. “Do come in! I have a veritable sea of clothing for you to try on!” “A 'sea’?” I repeat wryly, wondering just how much clothing that entailed. The first thing I notice are the three sets of mannequins lined up in front of a circular stage. They’re human shaped and are about as tall as me, leading me to reason she’d created them based off of my measurements. All of them were clad in the sort of clothing that I’d expect to see in a legitimate human fashion establishment. To say that I’m impressed would be an understatement. “Just how many outfits did you make?” “Ten, I believe. Three sets of work clothes sturdy enough to handle the rigors of physical labor, three sets of casual clothing for everyday use, three sets of winter clothing, and one set of swimming trunks. The coats are interchangeable, of course.” Rarity used her magic to pull back the curtains covering one of the alcoves, revealing a rack filled with the remaining seven outfits. “Would you care to use my shower before we begin?” “Part of me suspects that you wouldn’t let me anywhere near your clothes unless I agree,” I comment, knowing full well how disgusting I look. “You would be correct. Up those stairs, if you please! You smell like a diamond dog, darling. I’ll bring to you one set of casual clothes for you to change into once you’re finished.” Rarity practically shoos me up the stairs as though I were a child. “Chop chop, now!” “I’m going!” I speed up a bit to get ahead of her, a little irritated. I don’t believe I’ve been to the second level of her home before, so I don’t know which of these rooms is her bathroom. In the end, I simply try every door. One of the rooms looks to be a child’s room; most likely Sweetie Belle’s. Another looks extravagant, complete with a sizable four poster bed,  several shelves containing various rolls of fabric, and a desk upon which a sewing machine was situated. I have no doubt that I’m looking at Rarity’s room. I find the bathroom just before the second staircase that leads to the third level of the boutique. I’ve only ever seen Vinyl’s bathroom, so I’m not the least bit prepared for the luxury that awaits me within. Once I step inside, I let out a sharp exhale. The bathroom has plenty of room to walk around it, complete with a double vanity at the base of a mirror that spans the whole wall, a bathtub deep enough to comfortably fit my whole body, and a shower twice the size of Vinyl’s that is completely enclosed by gorgeous mottled glass. It hardly needs to be said, but the whole room is immaculately clean and well cared for. I strip out of my ragged clothes and set them and my rifle aside, then I step into the shower. To my surprise, there’s even a place to sit down inside, and the showerhead is large enough to cover my whole body. The overwhelming luxury I’m experiencing is start to make me giddy. A few minutes in the shower is enough to wash away all the dirt, grime, and sweat that had accumulated on my body over the past few days. Unfortunately, there’s little I can do about my hair. Although I can scrub it to get some of the filth out of it, I’m much too anxious to try using any chemicals on it. During my shower, I hear the door open. I feel the urge to cover myself, but I calm down, realizing that the mottled glass does an excellent job of obscuring me from the outside. “Do you mind if I take your old clothes from you?” Rarity’s voice sounds from inside. She doesn’t seem to care about the fact that I’m still in the shower, and very much naked. She can’t see me, but I’d think there’d be some kind of social rule about walking into a bathroom while someone is showering. “What do you plan to do with them?” “Why, dispose of them, darling!  They’re in tatters—to wear garments in such poor shape would be a crime against fashion!” Rarity says as if it should have been obvious. “Surely you’re not that attached to them.” “I’m not, but make sure to go through the pockets. There are a few things in there I’d rather not lose,” I direct her carefully. I hear the sound of her rifling through my jeans a moment later. “I have found a folded piece of...is this…!?” Rarity sounds appalled for a moment, and I recall with a start that my wallet is made out of leather. I didn’t think about that. Now she’s probably going to- “Oh, my mistake. For a moment I thought this was Griffon-made leather. And, what is this? This is a rather odd device.” “That’s my phone. It’s human technology that would take too long to explain. It’s useless now, anyway. Just set it aside.” I respond, trying to absorb the fact that she just referred to griffons as though they were a real creature. Ponies. Minotaurs. Dragons. And now griffons? There’s just no end to this nonsense. “Very well. That seems to be everything. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to toss these into the nearest fire.” Rarity gives a malicious-sounding giggle and I hear the clopping of her hooves along the tiling recede. “I’ve left your new clothes on the vanity.” “Thank you.” I hear the door close, so I shut off the shower and dry off with a fluffy purple towel that had been hanging on a rack built into the door. Once I’m dry, I move over to the vanity to get a closer look at myself. I note that some minor peach fuzz is forming on my face. I scowl with disgust. I’ve always had a hard time growing facial hair, so this is the most that I can get. That being said, I find it ugly, and I’ve never hesitated to shave it all away. Unfortunately, I don’t see any razors in here. I’ll have to ask Rarity. I spend several minutes tending to my hair with less than satisfactory results. I haven’t used shampoo, so there’s plenty of grease and buildup in it, and I can’t even get a brush through without running into innumerable amounts of knots. I sigh heavily, feeling more than a little depressed at the state my once beautiful hair is now in. Eventually I determine that there’s little to be done, so I stop trying and resolve to get it cut later, despite how greatly unappealing the idea is to me. Next, I turn my attention to the clothes Rarity left for me. First is a pair of skinny blue jeans much like my old ones, except the material they’re made out is surprisingly soft despite being made of denim. On top of them is a set of boxers colored black with a plaid green pattern. They’re incredibly soft, feeling almost as though they were made from satin. I slip them on, finding them to be extremely comfortable, as though I were wearing a cloud. Yet there is a single flaw with them; there isn’t much room in the front, causing it to be somewhat tight around my crotch. I suppose I can’t blame her for that. Ponies are constructed differently than humans in that regard. The jeans come next, and I find them to fit my legs snugly and comfortably. Following that is a raglan patterned long-sleeved shirt, colored white with black sleeves. It’s been a while since I’ve worn a shirt, so the sensation causes me to shiver after slipping it on. Lastly, I slide on a sage green denim jacket complete with two pockets on either size. Glancing in the mirror, I turn my body, finding everything to both fit me well and look good. For the first time since arriving in Equestria, I feel warm and comfortable. I’d almost feel like normal, if it weren’t for my hair. Rarity really went all out for this. For clothes of this quality, I feel like I should be paying her everything I have, especially if she made ten full sets. I make sure to grab my wallet, phone, keys and rifle, and then I return to the first floor, where Rarity is waiting expectantly. She beams upon seeing me. “There you are. Well? How do they feel? Do they fit right?” Rarity looks so excited to hear my answer that I fear she might burst. “Don’t be shy now.” “Rarity… they’re excellent. I have no other words to describe them.” I decide that being honest is the best reward I can give her. Setting aside my thoughts about her personally, I can’t deny that she possesses real talent. “How did you manage to recreate my jeans to such intricate detail?” “I’m so glad you like them! I was worried that you might not. Ponies don’t usually wear pants in this style, so it took me multiple attempts to get the details just right.” Rarity lets out a sigh of relief. “You’re telling me you created these from memory?” I indicate the jeans. “I can’t say I did so completely from memory; I did have some pony clothes made from denim that I could reference.” Rarity admits, though it doesn’t make her work seem any less incredible. “That’s impressive. They’re everything I could have asked for. You’re certain I can’t pay you for this?” I’m already starting to fish out the bag containing my bits, but the moment I pull it out, Rarity shoves it right back in my pocket with her magic. “Uh-uh-uh!  We made a deal, did we not?” Rarity puts on a smirk for a brief moment, but then her expression becomes somewhat sheepish. “I will admit I got the teensiest bit ahead of myself and pushed off my other orders. If you would like more clothing, I would need to ask for some compensation, as much as I would rather not charge you.” “That’s only fair.” I agree. I’d very much rather not be indebted to this mare. “Now, if you’ll do me a favor and try on the rest of these outfits so I can see how you look in them…” Rarity starts to suggest, but then she trails off, regarding me with dissatisfaction. “Hmm…but maybe...” “What?” I ask, noticing with some confusion that she’s gazing intently at the mess that is my hair. I take a step back, feeling a little worried. “I’ve decided! I’d like to do something with that mane of yours, if you wouldn’t mind indulging me,” Rarity proclaims. “It’s been bothering me every since you came downstairs.” “Absolutely not. No one touches my hair except me,” I say instantly without even having to think about it. “Come now, darling, it’s your most defining feature! Yet it’s only been getting worse and worse each time I see you, and it’s simply a tragedy. It would be a crying shame to let it deteriorate!” Rarity insists. “With a little bit of work, I promise you I could make your wonderful mane shine!” “Did you not hear me? I said no. It’s already in pretty poor shape, and I don’t trust you, nor anyone else, not to ruin it any further,” I snap. Her questions aside, I’m surprised she picked up on the fact that I value my hair so highly. “Ruin it!? Pffff,” Rarity scoffs as if physically disgusted by the very idea. She then run s a hoof delicately through her meticulously groomed mane. “You don’t think I keep my own mane styled so fabulously merely through luck, do you?” “Pardon me if I don’t pay attention to pony aesthetics.” My sarcasm earns a huff from her. “Besides. It’s hardly the same thing. Pony hair products are designed for ponies, not for humans. What if using your shampoo irreparably damaged my hair?” “I hardly think it could look any worse than it already does, to be entirely honest,” Rarity’s blunt words feel like a smack in the face, making me mourn the loss of my once proud hair even more. I self-consciously twirl my fingers in my hair, already feeling the grease building up on them. “Furthermore, I don’t believe there’s a real difference like you say. Your mane is made from keratin, is it not?” Rarity levitates a stool in front of her and hops atop of it. “Let me see. hold still if you will.” She extends her hoof and starts feeling up my hair, grimacing at the grease that ends up on her hoof. That makes me uncomfortable, so I push her away after a few seconds. “My apologies. As I expected, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. It feels the same as any other mane, grease and filth aside.” She actually brings up a fair point; one that I feel stupid for not thinking of earlier. By trying to protect my hair, it’s only grown progressively worse. In the end, keratin is still keratin. Yet the idea of trusting her with my hair is still not an appealing one. “I don’t like it. I’ve only ever let one person other than myself cut my hair, and that’s only because he was doing it since I was born,” I grumble, but any further arguing on my part would just make me look stubborn. “But I guess you’re right. It can’t really get any worse than it already is,” I begrudgingly concede. “How are you going to do it, and how much will it cost me?” “Come along with me and I’ll show you!” Rarity’s face lit up. She practically bounced across the room to the door behind the stage and to the right, gesturing for me to follow her. “Don’t worry about payment this time. If you think about it, I’m simply being selfish because I don’t want you leaving grease stains on your brand new clothes.” “That’s probably the only technicality from you that I’m willing to accept.” I follow her despite my mind screaming at me not to accept any more services from her. I pass through a doorway into a room that I can only describe as a hair salon, complete with vanities lining the walls and large hair dryers. Yet it’s clear that all of these tools are designed for ponies due to their shape. For example, the vanities lack the hole in the front where the neck should go, because ponies are constructed differently and can just lower their heads in directly. “Hm...one moment. I’m sure I can put together something to make this easier on the both of us.” Rarity starts by pulling over one of the chairs in the room towards one of the vanities, where she cranks it back until the top of the chair is level with the edge of the sink. “It’s not ideal, but I can work with this.” “What exactly are you going to do?” I eye the whole setup warily, second thoughts circling through my mind. “I’m glad you asked! First things first: I intend to give your mane a thorough washing. There’s a great deal of grease and buildup, and it’s all tangled from neglect. I have just the shampoo that will help clear all of that away!” Rarity produces a bottle and shows it to me, a pony with a sparkling mane emblazoned on the label, along with a great deal of Equestrian scrawl that I can’t decipher. “Then, once everything is nice, clean, and smooth, I’ll work some conditioner in to give it back some shine! I promise you’ll be most satisfied with the result, if you just trust me for a little longer.” Rarity pauses and looks at me with a tentative expression, as though she’s waiting for my permission. I recall that I once told her that I didn’t trust her before. That much hasn’t changed, and it seems like she’s picked up on that. “Like you said, it can’t get any worse than it already is.” I shrug and avert my eyes, gazing at the mirror instead. I sit down in the chair, guessing that it’ll be the nearby vanity in which she washes my hair. “I guess do what you’re going to do.” “Thank you; I appreciate you giving me the opportunity! Now lay your head back, if you would.” Rarity turns the faucet in the sink, the sound of running water filling my ears. I do as I’m directed, though I find it very difficult to relax. “Your mane is very long for a stallion; just think of the different styles I could implement! I could braid it in the back, or work it into a ponytail—pardon the pun.” “I just want it straight and smooth, like it normally is. Don’t try anything else.” I cringe at the thought of having my hair anything other than my standard. I had enough people telling me I look like a girl without going out of my way to make it easier for them. “Aww, but you could do so much more with it!” Rarity whines, the mare looking put out by my words. When I don’t respond, she heaves a sigh. “Alright, I suppose it is ultimately your decision. Lie still, if you please.” I shudder as a jet of lukewarm water strikes the back of my head, soaking my matted hair and cascading down my scalp. After the initial shock, it begins to feel relaxing. The next sensation I feel is extremely odd; what I presume to be a hoof presses against my head as Rarity starts to work some of her shampoo deep down into the roots of my hair. Her hooves don’t feel nearly as tough as I expected; instead, her hooves feel firm, yet ultimately soft. The strangest thing is that I can feel portions of her hooves moving around as she massages my scalp. I almost ask her about it; horses in my time could never exhibit such finesse with their hooves. I wonder if this is the secret behind how ponies hold objects without having hands or magic. “There we go...look at all that grease just wash away! And look at all that loose hair! This was a long time coming, darling.” Rarity sounds particularly pleased with herself as she works. I notice her eyes falling over my face, and she clicks her tongue lightly. “Do you mind if I make an observation?” “As long as it doesn’t get too personal,” is my blunt response. Typically when someone asks for permission to say something, it has the potential to be something I don’t want to hear. “I merely wanted to comment on your physical appearance. To tell the truth, you’re rather easy on the eyes,” Rarity says with a smile. I blink, wondering with a sinking feeling in my gut if I heard her correctly. “A lot of ponies appreciate the fair of face, including myself. No doubt you’ll turn quite a few heads once my work here is done.” “Back up a bit. What!?” I have to stop her; her thoughts have gotten too absurd to entertain any longer. “I think I need to have my ears checked. Because it sounds a lot like you just called me attractive, and I know that can’t be right.” “I’m merely stating my honest opinion. Why do you sound so put off?” Rarity questions as her hooves leave my head just long enough for the jet of water to run through my hair again. “Because you’re ponies. You should not under any circumstance find someone of another species attractive, especially one so wildly different from you. That’s just twisted and unnatural.” I decide to lay out my feelings as clearly as possible, in order to avoid another situation like with Lyra. Unlike Lyra, I can’t just cut Rarity out of my life as easily. “Now, I think you’re reading much too far into this. As a fashionista, I work with beauty, and I’ve come to appreciate it where I can find it.” Rarity taps my head lightly, causing me to turn my head long enough for her to wash that side easier. It almost sounds like she’s scolding me. “As you may have heard, there are more than just ponies in this world; I’ve had the personal pleasure of meeting several of these species. Griffons, minotaurs, diamond dogs, even dragons, each is beautiful in their own way, unique to that species. Do you mean to tell me I can’t find a dragoness with sparkling violet scales beautiful?” “I suppose not, if that’s all there is to it.” I wince as Rarity runs a comb through my wet hair, finding each and every knot in the strands and smoothing them out. “You’re the first I’ve seen of your species; the closest species I can equate you with is the minotaurs. In comparison, you are far the fairer one.” Rarity continues. “Based on your vehement reaction, you seem worried that my interest may lay beyond that of a simple compliment. Rest assured it does not.” “Thank God. I’ve already had one pony show that kind of interest, and I’m not speaking to her anymore. I was beyond disgusted.” I’ve never felt more relieved to hear her explanation. I couldn’t afford another Lyra. “Why is that? One would think you would be flattered,” Rarity appears legitimately confused by my reaction. “Do I seriously have to explain this? I repeat: you’re ponies. You should be attracted to other ponies.” Disbelief colors my tone. “Aren’t there laws or something against this kind of thing?” “Of course not! Perish the very thought; what kind of fiend would ever place a restriction on love!?” Rarity’s reaction is just as vehement as mine, shocking me. She starts to work conditioner into my hair as we continue our conversation. “Unless...this is yet another difference in culture between ponies and humans.” “That’s one hell of a difference,” I mutter. “So you’re trying to tell me that any relationship is acceptable, regardless of species or sex?” “Precisely! I am of the mind that love is beautiful, wherever one may find it,” Rarity answers. I scoff under my breath at her wording. I believe the word she’s looking for is lust—love is but a prettier way to refer to the same thing. Contrary to what she just said, there is absolutely nothing beautiful about lust… but I won’t get into that with her. “I’m glad I was able to tell you about this; when we’re finished here, I doubt that pony you mentioned will be the only one to show interest. Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to broaden your horizons?” “Hell no. Never,” is my immediate response, earning a disapproving glance from her. “Just great. That’s exactly what I needed. Can we change the topic please?” “Very well. I shall mind my own business, if that is what you desire. Do with my compliment as you may.” Rarity’s words are short and clipped, suggesting that she’s not very pleased with my reaction. I ignore her tone, feeling more than a little disconcerted by that conversation. I’ve learned that according to pony society, Lyra isn’t screwed in the head for flirting with me, a member of another species. As disturbing as that is to me, I reassure myself by reasoning that it’s unlikely I’ll have any further troubles. Lyra is the only individual in my entire life to show any kind of attraction towards me, so the odds of that happening again ever are slim to none. Rarity turns off the water and dries my hair partly with a towel. Then she uses a hairdryer over the course of the next few minutes to gradually remove the remainder of the moisture, while running a comb gently through my hair to remove any remaining knots. When she’s finished, she sets the comb aside and winches the chair back up. “Finished! Take a look! I think you’ll be very pleased,” Rarity announces, the pride evident in her voice. I sit up slowly, and before I even look at the mirror, I can already tell that my hair is back to normal, just from the way it settles on my neck. Rather than feeling like greasy string, it feels once again like smooth silk, as it should. Additionally, my scalp feels pleasantly cool and free of irritation. I turn to look at the mirror to see a man I don’t feel disgusted to look at anymore. My hair is back to its former glory, my locks shimmering and resting around my neck neatly, the ends perfectly aligned. Seeing this in conjunction with my new clothes does wonders for my state of mind; I feel like myself again. I’m very pleased. I reach into my bag and withdraw five bits, extending them out to Rarity. She glances at them in confusion. “You don’t need to pay me, dear. I’d thought we’d discussed this,” Rarity reminds me, making no move to take the bits from me. “We did. Consider this a tip for exceptional service.” Despite the fact that Rarity claims she’s getting as much out of this as I am, I feel that she’s going to an incredible amount of effort for me, and that makes me uneasy. “Oh! Well, I do appreciate it, but isn’t five bits a little much for a tip?” Rarity points out. “Isn’t giving me ten free outfits and a hair cleaning a little much for artistic enjoyment?” I counter instantly. “Despite your valid reasoning, fabric isn’t cheap, and neither are hair products. You’ve set yourself back significantly for my sake.” “Well yes, but...it’s really nothing. I’m simply happy I could help.” Despite her misgivings, Rarity does take the five bits from me, setting them on the counter. “Thank you for the tip! Now, shall we return to the main room? I have nine more outfits for you to try!” I nod, and together the two of us make our way back to the main room. I glance into the mirror again as I pass, running a hand through my hair and sighing with satisfaction. It’s been a very long and arduous day, and my life has the potential to be very different from here on out. I’m not sure if Rainbow is right and that pursuing a future in music will help me past the despair I still feel deep in my subconscious and give me a reason to keep going, but I do know that facing the future with a set of warm clothes and a well groomed hairstyle is a good first step in the right direction. I only have to go through nine pairs of clothing before I can go home tonight.