Doctor Visit

The memory was all a blur, but Atchmon could never forget the feeling of having Rarity collapse in his arms.

The worry, stress, and panic, all hitting at once.

"What happened to her!?"

"She's just fainted."

"Let's get her to the hospital."

The air pressed in around him, the tight pressure against his chest was almost suffocating. The strange sensation of movement without moving at all was second to the mare in his forehooves; and in that same instant, they were somewhere else entirely.

From a cold, dank, dark cave in an overbearing forest; to a bright, warm, wide open field.

A town with yellow thatched roofing sat nearby.

Starlight Glimmer growled in frustration, breaking Atchmon out of his dazzled state. "This is why I don't like teleporting with other Unicorns." She sighed in anger. "If we can't agree on where to go, then what's the point of pooling our magic?"

"H-huh?" Atchmon said in confusion while shaking away the strange sense of vertigo.

"Twilight took Rarity directly into the hospital; which is stupid, because somepony else could have been seriously hurt. It's okay though, I'm sure she remembered to reappear in the Emergency Port-a-Chamber." Starlight Glimmer explained.

Starlight's explanation went largely ignored by Atchmon as he realized Rarity had disappeared from his hooves.

Starlight watched with a bemused expression as the stallion looked his forehooves over for the missing mare. "Come on, we can go see if they're checked in already. Can you walk on your own, uh, Hatchmon, was it?" She asked, emphasizing the 'H'.

Atchmon didn't like Rarity being away from him, but all he could do was trust in this new 'person' he just met. She didn't seem overly concerned with the fact two of their party were nowhere in sight, and from that intuition, he figured it would be best to follow her.

"Yeah, I- I think so." Atchmon said as he stood on shaking legs, though he couldn't tell if the shakiness was from his new transformation, or from the surreal experience of teleportation for the first time.

Maybe a bit of both.

Starlight watched impatiently as he tried to take a step with the wrong hoof forward, then promptly stumbled and fell on his face with his forelegs crossed.

Starlight grimaced in pain from the hard fall.

Atchmon smiled sheepishly up at Starlight Glimmer while his cheeks tinted pink in embarrassment, then put on a look of determination as he pushed himself up, and reared up on his hind legs, while flailing his forehooves around wildly to keep his balance as he tried to walk on his hind legs.

Starlight Glimmer balked in confusion, as Atchmon fell to all fours.

Atchmon looked down at his hooves. "This is weird, I can't feel the ground under my feet." All he could feel was pressure and vibration as he scraped at the ground with a hoof. His mind went back to the experience of walking on all fours as a human. His forelegs bent forward instead of outward unlike his old arms.

He was just getting the hang of it when a tingling sensation wrapped around his body.

Starlight couldn't wait any longer, and lifted the stallion with her magic. "Sorry about this, but we don't have time to mess around."

"Y-yah-ah!" Atchmon yelped, reaching for the ground as it shrank away. His stomach lurched along with the feeling of weightlessness as he floated behind the Unicorn sorceress. His hooves naturally curled beneath him, while the pair approached a large, white building.

A red medical "plus" symbol above the double doors clued Atchmon on what the structure was used for, before they entered the building.

The lobby of Ponyville General smelled somewhere between the familiar sterilized smell of a hospital, and the subtle rank odor of a veterinarian clinic.

Atchmon's senses were overrun. Every smell was as distinct and unique as its owner. The room was awash with colors he hadn't seen in ages.

Several pastel colored Ponies were sitting in the waiting room, along with a couple foals playing with children's toys in a corner. The mare's seemed displeased with how Starlight was carrying him, while the few stallions looked concerned. Others were either too sick or injured to care.

Starlight Glimmer paid them no mind as she roughly set Atchmon in a chair, and trotted off to talk to the mare behind the counter.

Atchmon adjusted in his seat to keep from sitting on his new tail. He stared at his new appendage for a moment, before Starlight returned shortly.

"Stay right here, I'll go see how they're doing." Starlight said and walked away without waiting for a response.

"Uh, alright..." Atchmon said as he watched the purple Unicorn leave through a pair of double-doors.

He sat in the hospital lobby, and took stock of his surroundings. Some of the other ponies around him were either visibly sick, or injured; a couple mares looked bored--one green coated with silvery hair, and the other cream with two-toned pink and blue hair--flipped through old, worn out magazines provided by the hospital. The green mare sat in an unusual position; exposing her sex, though no one seemed to care, as the other ponies mostly kept to themselves. The foals seemed unharmed as they played together, occasionally belting squeals of delight as they made their fun.

Atchmon studied the movement of his new legs. They were so rigid and lacked any mobility other than back and forth. He could feel the powerful tension in his tendons. But past a certain point, those 'locks' broke down and he could move his foreleg much more freely; like his old arms, but still to a limited degree from before. There were some movements that were just impossible now.

He won't be scratching his own back anymore for sure.

"Double-jointed, maybe?" he murmured to himself, while turning and flexing his 'arm' before putting it back down and felt those 'locks' bind once again.

Starlight Glimmer trotted down the halls of the Emergency Room. She found Twilight Sparkle looking in on one of the rooms.

"How is she doing?" Starlight asked as she watched the nurses tend to Rarity's wounds. Seeing her friend awake, and clearly irritated, while laying bare on a gurney. Her dirty saddlebags and leather barding were already removed.

"I absolutely refuse to be seen to further, until I've had a proper bath!" Rarity complained.

"They woke her up with some smelling salts," Twilight replied. "She's... a bit fussy."

"I don't need a Dip, I haven't a single bug on me!" Rarity's voice carried from the room.

The nurses present were trying to convince Rarity to go through a full check up. They tried explaining to her that the small wounds could turn into something worse if not treated properly; like an infection, or she could develop cysts or an abscess.

"I am the number one expert of my own body, I shall see my own Doctor, thank you." She finished firmly, pulling her hoof away from a nurse trying to bandage her.

Twilight continued to answer her student. "Overall she's okay, just some minor cuts and abrasions, a few bruises... I'm more worried about her mental state; she spent all that time alone with that, that, whatever that creature was."

"I've never seen anything like it either, what do you suppose it was?" Starlight Glimmer asked.

"I don't know, but-" Twilight stopped short and perked her ears. "Where is- 'he' now?" She asked worriedly.

"He's sitting in the waiting room." Starlight Glimmer answered.

"Alone? Does that sound like a good idea to you?" Twilight asked in an accusatory tone.

"Seriously?" Starlight Glimmer said as she cocked an eyebrow skeptically at her. "We literally just witnessed the source of all Light and Harmony in Equestria turn him from --whatever he was-- into a stallion." She emphasized in a whisper. "Which, by the look of it, turned out to save his life. Does that sound like there's 'evil' afoot to you?" Starlight finished, returning that same belittling tone.

Twilight thought for a moment. "Nurse Redheart," she started, gaining the nurse-mare's attention. "When you're done with her, there's a stallion outside I'd like for the Doctor to have a look at too, please."

"Of course, Princess; your friend has been through quite an ordeal, but there's nothing I see here physically that she can't recover from. We'll clean and treat her wounds and give her some antibiotics, after giving her a thorough washing and then settling her in a room." Nurse Redheart said, after getting a look from her difficult patient.

Every nurse-pony in the room were wearing medical masks to filter out Rarity's stench. The ripe smell of unwashed mare practically rolled out of the room in a fog.

"Thank you, Nurse Redheart." Twilight said before turning to her pupil.

Starlight Glimmer leveled a look at her.

"It's just a precaution!" Twilight said defensively.

"Mmhm, I'll go back and check on him." Starlight Glimmer said as she turned to leave.

"Starlight?" Twilight called out to her pupil, when she turned to leave; and placed a hoof on Starlight's shoulder.

They didn't need words to say what they were both feeling.

Relief that everything turned out alright.

Twilight Sparkle watched Starlight go through the double doors on her way back to the ER waiting room; before turning her attention on Rarity. The mare kept her ears pinned down as she received treatment for her minor wounds.

Twilight took a breath, and prepared herself for the berating to come. Only... how should she apologize? As a friend, or a Princess?

She stepped in and stood before the foot of the hospital bed.

"Rarity, I am so, so sorry for what happened to you; I promise to compensate you for your pain and suffering because of my careless mistake." Twilight bowed her head, and tried her best to keep tears from welling in her eyes. She could see it already; the end of their friendship. She wouldn't blame Rarity if she never wanted to see her again. She was prepared to give up her crown if it meant she'd still have her friend.

"Twilight," Rarity started sternly.

Twilight Sparkle balked and lifted her head, but kept her submissive posture; looking at her friend through misty eyes.

This was it.

The beginning of the end of their friendship together.

Twilight knew it was only the first of the many punishments she deserved.

Rarity took a breath and spoke soothingly. "The only things I want right now are my family, friends, and a hayburger," she thought for a moment. "Hayburger first."

Twilight nearly fell over, but recovered and composed herself. "S-sure, anything you want!" she sniffed and turned to leave, but not before turning back, meeting Rarity's eyes.

Rarity gave her an easy smile, and Twilight knew everything was alright between them.

She teleported off in a burst of purple sparkles to get her friend what she needed.

Rarity sat back and sighed; glad that the tension was over, and awaited her bath.

Starlight returned to the waiting room. "Right where I left you." She said under her breath; seeing the stallion she carried in still sitting in the same seat. She watched him hoofing curiously through a magazine that was left on the table next to him.

He struggled to turn the next page; as he tried to tenderly insert the edge of his hoof between the pages.

Starlight approached the stallion. "Hey, any good reads?" She asked with a mix of casual nervousness.

Atchmon looked at the pink Unicorn mare before turning his attention back to the pages. "Jus' lookin' at the pictures. Some of y'alls letters are backwards, so it ain't e'zactly an 'easy' read." He said, pushing the magazine away. "Rarity had one of 'em with her, mare-mags is what she called it.... Is she doin' alright?" He asked in worry.

Starlight sat in the seat next to him. "She's fine. The nurses are taking good care of her." She assured him.

Atchmon released the breath he was holding and looked visibly relieved as he nodded his head.

Starlight watched him cautiously, as he gave her a sheepish grin, while casting glances her way.

"So you're Starlight Glimmer? Rarity mentioned you a few times." He said, trying to strike up a conversation.

"All good I hope?" Starlight squeaked at the end, knowing full well she didn't deserve any praise for her recent disaster with using magic on a friend.

Atchmon balked and looked uncomfortable. "Ehhhhaha, she- she said you're really great with magic." He recovered after that flounder.

"Heh, really, wow... I thought she'd hate me for sure..." Starlight said, feigning enthusiasm.

"Well... she did say something about turning your hair green, but I don't see how that's much of a revenge." Atchmon commented.

"It is when there's worms, sticks, and birds pooping in your mane." She snarked.

Atchmon looked taken aback, but the duo started chuckling despite the mental image.

Atchmon laughed because he felt relief after hearing good news about Rarity's wellbeing, as well as successfully making a new friend without making an ass of himself. And Starlight laughed because Rarity was still her dear, melodramatic friend.

The duo's conversation tapered a few moments, then grew into a full pregnant pause.

Atchmon's mind raced as he tried to say anything to keep the conversation going. He struggled to come up with anything he felt worthy of conversation, but anything that did come to mind just didn't seem like it would interest the new acquaintance he just made.

Starlight Glimmer felt equally uncomfortable and awkward. She was sitting next to a magical anomaly. An alien in her mind.

Luckily the two were saved further embarrassment as they were interrupted by a nurse.

"Hello Miss Glimmer, I'm Nurse Sweetheart; is this the stallion we're tending to today?" The nurse-pony asked. She had a pink coat that matched Starlight's, and a two-tone purple and white mane which was done up in a bun; she only wore a nurses cap with the red medical symbol stitched in.

"Yep, this is him," Starlight answered. "Are you ready to get checked out-er up, I meant to say 'check up'." She laughed awkwardly.

Atchmon looked around at the other sick and injured ponies.

He hadn't sat there for very long, and it just didn't seem right that he should go before them.

"I-I feel fine, you should let someone else go ahead of me."

"It's okay," Starlight reassured him. "I'll be right here waiting on you when you're done."

Atchmon looked at her a moment, he couldn't believe this 'stranger' would actually look out for him.

"Besides, the sooner we get out of here, the better; I really don't like hospitals." Starlight said with a shudder.

After a moment, Atchmon leaned forward, put his forehooves on the ground, and guiltily got out of his seat to follow the nurse through the double doors.

He looked back, seeing Starlight give him an encouraging wave farewell, before the doors block her from his sight.

The nurse lead Atchmon down the hospital hallway. On the way, he couldn't help but stare at the nurse-pony. Taking in the 'newness' of her coat.

She was a shapely mare, visibly heftier than Rarity. She kept her tail hiked as they walked, giving Atchmon glimpses of her pale-purple-ish sex.

Atchmon remembered when he first met Rarity, she also kept her tail hiked up like that. But as the weeks rolled by, she eventually kept it lowered.

It made Atchmon think she was going through another bout of depression again.

When he asked if she was okay, they had a discussion about proper pony posture. Ponies were viewed as more confident if they kept both their heads and tail held high. Atchmon compared it to humans slouching or standing up straight with their shoulders back.

It was an interesting bit of cultural learning, but now he was shorter than his human self; and certain aspects of the nurse-mares 'posture' revealed more than he ever noticed of Rarity.

Sure, there were times he'd guiltily sneak a peek at her snatch, but he was a guy, a horny, lonely guy; besides looking wasn't a crime, right? They don't even wear clothes!

Atchmon shook his head to get away from where his thoughts were leading him, then flushed and tried to avoid staring at nurse's sex, but the hallway was bereft of any distractions.

He glanced again, this time shamelessly staring at the nurse's rump.

She was a cute, chubby little thing, an "Earth" pony, Atchmon noted as he looked to see if she possessed a horn.

The nurse stopped and turned around abruptly.

Atchmon shot his head up, trying to cover up his guilt.

"The doctor will see you shortly." Nurse Sweetheart said and opened a door for him to walk through.

"Oh uh, thank you," Atchmon said and walked in, not noticing the nurse checking out his flanks before she shut the door behind him.

Atchmon gazed around the room he was in. A doctor's office by the look of it. With a nice windowed view overlooking the town in the distance.

The doctor's office wasn't much different from the ones back home. Except everything in the room was clearly made and used by a pony.

There was a padded exam table with that annoyingly thin sheet of paper, and a doctor's weight scale.

The anatomy posters around the room showed the basic inner workings of the equine body, another warned about Hay Fever and encouraged the reader to get vaccinated. Another listed common hoof diseases like Thrush, and how to easily prevent them with daily cleaning and proper trimming; in the end the poster recommended the reader to seek help from a professional farrier.

The much larger weight scale in the room was just big enough to accommodate his size, it looked designed for a creature who walks on all fours with a base plate that took up a significant portion of the room.

Atchmon closely inspected the little medical baubles on the counter beneath some shelves, and poked a hoof at a wooden model of a pony heart; the contact caused the heart to immediately fall apart in pieces which had labels naming all the different muscles and arteries. Atchmon panicked and tried to put it back together, but without his fingers he only managed to shove all the pieces into a pile, then watched as it fell apart again a second later.

He decided to walk away and pretend it didn't exist. And if any pony asked, that was just how he found it.

He turned and trotted towards the window.

Everything outside was so bright and colorful. Not anything like the drab greens and various browns of the forest.

Was it because it was all new?

He could only remember the Forest being this beautiful in those first few weeks of his arrival.

The sky seemed cleaner, and clearer than any day he'd seen before. Beyond the hospital grounds was the town with the yellow thatched roofing with a single tall building towering above the community.

And above the town were flying ponies! No. Pegasi!

Atchmon shrunk away in fright as a pegasus suddenly appeared right in front of the window he was staring through. The pegasus flitted its wings like a hummingbird while hovering in midair.

The yellow pegasus mare wore a tan janitors shirt and hat, leaving her rear exposed showing off three blue raindrops Cutie-Mark. The janitor-pony gave Atchmon a merry wave hello before cleaning the windows.

Squeegee! Squeegee!

Atchmon cracked a smile at the absurdity of it all, and waved back in disbelief.

The yellow pegasus mare gave Atchmon a happy wave goodbye before fluttering away to clean the next window.

As Atchmon took the view in again, he noticed something strange with his eyesight. Turning his head from side to side, there was a slight bend in the center of his vision.

"It's... almost like a bowtie." He muttered to himself.

He studied his increased field of view, and noticed he didn't seem to lose any depth perception. He could see his muzzle, little more than his old nose.

The human-pony continued to nose around the room, inspecting and studying all the various medical equipment and posters, until his eyes landed on the wide body mirror.

Atchmon stared at his reflection. He marveled at the length of his body, taking interest in his new chestnut colored hide. His eyes trailed from his long, black, disheveled mane, to his thick neck, then gazed over his withers and down his bare flanks, ending at his long, black tail.

He concentrated on that area, lifting his new appendage, feeling the workings of new muscle groups, before letting it drop; sending his long black tail hair into a satisfying wave. He played with his new appendage, quickly waving it to-and-fro while watching the hairs flick up and down, and side-to-side.

Atchmon chuckled at his fun and turned to face the mirror fully.

He curiously inspected the features of his pony face. His dark brown eyes, he noticed right away, were larger. He touched his newly formed and longer jawline, his round cheeks were more horsey-looking than he'd like, but there was something vaguely familiar about his visage.

He smiled, showing off his teeth. They didn't feel much different from before, they were cleaner and whiter than ever; a few extra molars were added; he even kept that one canine tooth that was still a little crooked from the others.

He poked at it with his tongue, as if making sure it was real, then opened his mouth, and stuck out the rest his tongue. It freaked him out to see so much of the wet muscle come out of his mouth. It was much broader and longer than his old one. And more flexible too! As he proved by touching the tip of his snout.

He laughed at his fun as he made funny pony faces in the mirror, working the new muscles around his lips.

"Eyes are bigger, tongue is definitely bigger..." Atchmon muttered to himself, still taking in his visage.

He then grinned deviously, as thoughts rushed to other parts of his anatomy. His cheeks flushed as he bent down to look between his forelegs.

His sight was greeted by the flabby, fleshy pouch of a sheath. Accompanied by a large pair of dangling testes contained within taunt-looking dark skin covered in velvety fuzz.

"Oh my goll!" Atchmon gasped in astonishment, before grinning proudly.

His family jewels were significantly larger compared to his little old coin purse. Now they looked like a pair of ripe hanging fruit ready to burst with its juices.

Atchmon carefully sat down like a dog, looking curiously at his new maleness, then gingerly poked, prodded, and nudged at the flabby, fleshy folds of his sheath with the tip of his hoof-- working out complex mathematical equations on the balls-to-body ratio-- while cupping his large testes.

He then noticed his hooves were solid throughout.

It felt strange not having his hands. He could almost feel the ghostly presence of his appendages haunting within the ends of his limbs. But try as he might, the mental signals he sent to flex --his now nonexistent digits-- went unanswered.

He shifted the weighty appendages, letting them flop back and forth on his 'wrists'; the only real sensation of feeling were where his wrists would have been.

He took the tip of one hoof and pressed it into where his palm would be on the other, and felt nothing on contact. Not even a dull pressure; at least, not one he imagined.

He stared at his 'palms', examining the hard, flat surface as well as the lines and crevices that formed the 'Y' pattern of his frog.

"Guess only girls have those soft pads underneath," he muttered, having only one reference to example; that being Rarity. He worried about her, and wondered how she was doing. He knew she was in safe hands... 'hooves' he mentally corrected himself, uttering a mirthless chuckle.

After a moment of staring off into space, alone with his thoughts, Atchmon dashed his worries and went back to treating his body like a playground with a stupid grin on his face.

"Didn't your dam ever tell you, 'you'll go blind, if you play with that'," a man's voice said beside him.

Atchmon stood up and whipped around so fast, his tail sent a tray of various medical supplies flying around the room, he tried to save the tray from falling but ended up causing an even bigger mess as the tray and everything else clattered to the floor.

"Ah, sorry," Atchmon kept his head down as he apologized bashfully.

It'd been so long since he heard another man's voice. The diamond dogs sounded like gargling beasts. Only... the new voice didn't match what he expected to see. Another pony, a bewildered looking stallion in a white coat, greeted him between the doorway.

Atchmon tried to subtly sweep the mess underneath the medical bed with a back hoof while hiding an embarrassed smile.

The pony in the lab coat was stunned silent for a moment before regaining his professional composure. "Hello, I'm Dr. Stethoscope, or you can call me Doc Scope if you like," the unicorn Doctor introduced himself with a small bow.

"Hi, uh, Atchmon," he greeted while studying the newest Unicorn.

He noticed right away the more masculine squared head and muzzle, and started comparing the Unicorn Doctor to Rarity's more feminine, rounded features. He was distinctly male, a fellow stallion. But the doctor was a head shorter and thinner compared to Atchmon's own height and bulk.

An intellectual type.

"Nice to meet you Mr. Ashmun. I'm here at the behest of Princess Twilight Sparkle to give you a full physical examination." The doctor said, and used his magic to reassemble the model pony heart in only a couple seconds.

Atchmon smiled in excitement. Wondering what kind of magical exams were going to be performed on him.

The examination fell far short of his unrealistic expectations, but learned some new things during the examination. The doctor measured his height in "hoof widths", and his weight in "stones". Then took his temperature which was measured in "farenhoofs". Atchmon almost couldn't stop giggling at the absurdity of the words to allow the doctor to continue.

Dr. Scope checked his ears, which he found difficult to keep still, which agitated the good doctor. Then moved on to checking his other ear, then eyes, and throat; asking him to say 'Ahh'; which Atchmon overdid, stretching his larger mouth just to see how wide it would go, before the doctor had to clamp his mouth shut himself.

"Hmm, you've got some very unusual Hooks in your molars, and pronounced canines. Doctor Colgate in Canterlot is a fine dentist. I'll write you a recommendation to see her. She'll float your teeth and get you smoothed out. You are a little underweight for your size, but other than that, you seem to be a picture of health for your age."

"So... you could say I'm 'healthy as a horse'," Atchmon chuckled nervously.

"Err, quite," Doctor Scope wasn't sure what to make of the near manic laughter of his patient, or the half-crazed look Atchmon's eyes made.

Dr. Stethoscope's stethoscope wasn't as cold as Atchmon expected when pressed against his sides. He had to do a double take and a barked laugh when the Doctor pressed it against his sides to listen to his heart and lungs, but not his chest.

Atchmon sat patiently on the medical bed, trying not to rip the sanitary paper beneath his rump, while the doctor scribbled notes on his clipboard.

Doc Scope shifted away and started pulling rubber pony-shoes over his hooves. "Okay, go ahead and drop for me Mr. Ashmon."

Atchmon stared in silence as he tried to figure out what the doctor wanted. "Uuh, whut?" He said dumbly.

"Now, now, there's no need to be shy or embarrassed Mr. Ashmun. It's just us stallions here." Doc Scope reassured.

"I'm sorry 'Doctor', but drop? Drop what?" he asked keeping his head perfectly still, while his eyes searched for the answer.

"It's perfectly alright, lots of stallions find it difficult to relax in this situation." The doctor sighed.

Atchmon stared cluelessly at the doctor, who then began motioning hoof at his sheath.

Atchmon followed where the doctor was pointing, while everything dawned on him at once. "Oh! Well... I'm not sure I can, or how..." He trailed, looking down at the fleshy pouch of his sheath.

Doc scope cleared his throat. "If you'd like, there are a couple of options that I can offer you, but I must insist on you choosing one so we can finalize your exam."

Atchmon slid off the bed and onto his forehooves. "Alright, what're my options, Doctor?" Gosh, it feels weird calling him 'Doctor'. Were ponies who worked with animals still called 'vets'? Atchmon briefly wondered, and could only assume so. Then closed his eyes and gave his head a little shake to put his wandering mind back on track.

"The first and most commonly selected is that I can stimulate you myself with a bit of physical contact along your more erogenous zones." The doctor offered.

Atchmon made a face at that. Clearly do. Not. Want.

Doctor Stethoscope looked bemused at his patient's reaction to the first option.

"We could do things 'the old fashioned way' and use a more natural remedy. There is also alchemical assistance, though there is a risk of spontaneous premature ejaculation," he finished.

"Natural! Let's do natural," Atchmon said in a rush.

"Very well, if you insist." The doctor went to the cabinet and pulled out a pink glass bottle. Then with his magic, uncorked the bottle and used a rag to absorb whatever substance it contained.

Atchmon pulled away as Doc Scope held the rag in front of his face.

"Come now Mr. Ashmon, I have a lot of other patients I must see to; just take a deep breath." Dr. Stethoscope said laconicly.

Atchmon leaned in a took a small 'test' sniff. The odor off the rag was acrid and somewhat familiar, but there was something else there; an aroma which left his senses craving more. He inhaled more deeply, and melted into the sensation. It had such smooth and rich undertones that teased his nasal passage in the best way possible. He wanted more of it. To smell it, to drown in it, to taste it.

The doctor pulled the rag away, and Atchmon let out an agitated nicker, following where the rag was going. Almost pushing the doctor aside just to get to it.

"Mr. Ashmon, get a hold of yourself!" Dr. Stethoscope's voice raised, while pushing back.

Atchmon's temper spiked and fell as the effects of the rag dissipated, and he came back to his senses. A primal thought had crossed his mind. That this other stallion, his competition took away something that was rightfully his.

He recognized it as an odd thought to have and stopped.

"What- what was that?" Atchmon asked while 'pinching' his eyes and shaking away the remaining effects.

"Was that your first time smelling pheromones? " Doc Scope asked in confusion.

"Pheromones?" Atchmon questioned in disbelief.

The doctor floated the pink bottle in front of his muzzle. The sultry look of a mare blowing a kiss greeted his vision. The bottle turned in the mustard yellow magical aura. There was a lot of pharmaceutical mumbo jumbo written on the label, but there was one distinct line on the ingredients section which read: 'Contains 85% mare-in-heat urine'.

Atchmon stood motionless and distraught as he tried to process what he just read, along with how he felt earlier.

"Most young colts would get used to it, but you're well into your stallion years." Doctor Stethoscope said thoughtfully. "Though, it seems to have still produced the desired results."

Atchmon looked down at where the doctor was gesturing.

A long tube of dark pinkish flesh --about a foot long-- spilled forth between his hind legs. The floppy appendage hung heavily beneath his belly.

Atchmon looked away as the doctor checked his penis.

"I must compliment you on your excellent hygiene Mr. Ashmun." Doctor Stethoscope praised idly.

"Uh, thanks? I try." He answered uncomfortably.

"Ohhhkay Mr. Ashmon, I need you to hold still while I check around your urethra for any beans."

"Beans?"

"Yes beans, though judging from the cleanliness of your shaft, I doubt you'll have that problem."

Atchmon's face contorted into varying expressions ranging from wincing in discomfort, to pleasurable disgust as the doctor's magic manipulated the squishy glans of his penis.

Atchmon gasped like he'd been punched in the gut as the Unicorns magic filled the pocket around his pee hole.

"And sure enough, clean as a whistle!" Chirped the doctor.

Atchmon sucked in a breath as that magical grip wrapped around his testes.

"Go ahead and cough." The doctor ordered.

Atchmon squeaked, before clearing his throat and giving a more manly cough. He could feel the weighty heft and size of his dangling fruit as the doctor finished his examination. A slight discomfort caused him to involuntarily stomp a back hoof.

The magic dissipated, leaving Atchmon to release the breath he was holding. 'He didn't even use his hooves, so what was the point of the gloves?'

"Yes many stallions come in for a cleaning once or twice a year." Doc scope continued, idly talking more to himself. "The smell helps to deter mares from making any unwanted advances. Unfortunately that also means they'll have developed beans, and thus have a little discomfort while urinating. Usually that's when they start to come in for a cleaning; no matter how much stress I put on how important it is to them to regularly wash down there. Even the threat of getting it amputated from infection isn't enough."

Atchmon shook his head. "Yeah... you won't have that problem from me, Doctor."

"Wonderful. Now, I just have to take a blood sample and we'll be all done." Dr. Scope assured.

Atchmon sat down and lifted a forehoof.

Dr. Scope looked at him with an unamused expression, before pushing Atchmon's hoof down and levitated a pair of electric clippers, and buzzed off a tiny patch of hair from his neck before wiping it with a sanitizing cloth.

"Okay, here comes the needle."

Atchmon sat still while the doctor applied antiseptic to the bare patch, then winced when he felt the sting of the needle pierce his jugular, but otherwise stayed stock still.

"We're all finished. Now that wasn't so bad now was it, widdle fella?" Doc Scope chuckled at his teasing. "Do you want a lollipop for being such a big, brave colt?" he continued to tease, while baby-talking.

"Lollipop? Candy!?" Atchmon's eyes went wild, looking for his treat. "Yes, yah, yeah-yeah-yeah, gimme it!" He said in an excited rush, while sticking both his hooves out and nodding excitedly.

The Doctor actually looked a little frightened, and wondered if he took his joke a little too far. Yet still relinquished a tiny lollipop--which were usually only for the little colts and fillies--to the wild eyed, desperate, and large stallion in the room.

In excitement of receiving his prize, Atchmon quickly sucked air in, causing him to squeal a horsey sound he'd never made before. The 'squee' surprised him, but was still secondary to the prize being offered to him.

"I'll... leave you to enjoy your reward Mr. Ashmon." Doctor Scope said uncomfortably as he left through the door, looking a little frightened as he watched and listened to the savage grunts and growls of the stallion mauling the tiny candy wrapper.

Atchmon couldn't tear off the paper wrapping fast enough as he clasped the stem of the lollipop between both of his hooves. No lack of hands or fingers or the impenetrable wax paper could stop him from getting to his sugary prize.

After a short struggle, he 'mmm'd' in pleasure like he'd never felt before; as the flavorful sweetness washed over his taste buds.

He savored the Green Apple flavoring of the tiny lollipop, before crunching down on it, filling his mouth with a huge burst of apple flavor.

Moments after the Doctor left, Atchmon finished his treat in less than three licks.

He stood up, then did a double take at the body mirror. Wondering when he had grown a fifth leg. He just stood there, staring wide-eyed at the sizeable shaft between his legs, and gave the biggest, toothiest grin ever. The tip hung down to his knees!

Taking a hoof, he ran his wrist along the underside of his thick length, playing with his floppy horse dick. He felt his arousal building as his cheeks began to heat up along with the hardening of his shaft.

Then, after feeling a compulsive need to 'flex' his member, Atchmon nearly jumped at the sensation of his cock bumping against his fuzzy underbelly.

Atchmon looked at himself in the mirror again. His thick cock was fully engorged. His eyes leapt between each new detail, from the sheer girth of the base and its bulging veins, to the newly added medial ring, all the way down where the smooth shaft met the flared ridges of his head.

Another involuntary flex, and the crown of his flare doubled in size. He stared wide-eyed and mouth agape at his massive horsecock. The swollen head reminding him of when he'd ball up his fists.

Atchmon took a breath in order to control his excitement. Watching as his enormous flare deflated into a more familiar looking cockhead.

Though it was still a pony dick overall.

'Maybe this won't be so bad.' Atchmon thought with a deviously proud smile.

"Well, how is he?" Starlight Glimmer asked, waiting eagerly outside the door Doctor Stethoscope just exited. "Any mutations, or aberrations?" she asked quickly while biting her lip.

The doctor leveled a look at her over his glasses. "He seems like a perfectly healthy stallion to me; a bit underweight for a stallion of his size; but other than that, I don't see what the Princess was so worried about." Doctor Scope said as he tucked his notes away into a folder that was floating in his magic.

"Complete transformation..." Starlight trailed as she stared off into space.

"Yes... Well, if that will be all Miss Glimmer, I do have other patients to attend to; please give the Princess my regards."

"Right, of course, thank you, Doctor!" She laughed nervously while waving him goodbye.

Doctor Stethoscope rolled his eyes and trotted off to his next patient. "You can take him back whenever you're ready."

Starlight Glimmer took a breath to calm her frazzled nerves. "There's no reason to get excited, you knew there'd be nothing wrong; besides... what happened, happened and there's nothing else for it." She finished, taking another breath, before opening the door to the Doctor's Office.

She found Atchmon posing in front of a mirror, showing off his muscular bulk.

Atchmon noticed the door open a second too late, and quickly tried to hide his embarrassment, and pretend like he wasn't doing anything.

Starlight glanced down and saw a thick fleshy tube flopping beneath his belly. She coughed in embarrassment and pretended to not notice, shielding her eyes away. It was far from the first time she saw a stallions cock, but it was polite for mares to not notice. "Oh, Sorry, I just came to see if you're ready to go- I-I mean, to come get you." She stammered.

Atchmon felt his humiliation quickly retreat back into his sheath, leaving a tightness in his groin; like it didn't go back in quite right. "Heh, sorry 'bout that, uh... do you think we can go see how Rarity's doin'?" he asked.

"Sure!" Starlight chirped. "She's done with her shower and set up in a room now, that's the reason why I came to get you." She added, hoping that he didn't think she came to peek on him.

Atchmon didn't notice, and followed Starlight out of the office.

After awhile, the pair trotted down one of the hospital wings and stopped before one of the doors. It was nice to know ponies had modern conveniences like elevators for their use, since Atchmon didn't feel very comfortable climbing up the stairs.

Starlight started idly talking to herself. "Let's see... Two... Two twenty... Two twenty-one... and there's twenty-two, so three should be..."

Atchmon's ears popped as a burst of purple sparks went off behind them. He squealed like a horse and jumped his rear away from the magical explosion, spinning in place.

"No teleporting inside the hospital!" One of the nurse-mares crowed.

"Sorry!" Twilight Sparkle apologized meekly behind them, bowing repeatedly in the direction of the berating nurse. "Is Rarity ready to receive visitors?" she asked.

Nurse Redheart still frowning in disappointment. "Yes, Princess, we just got her situated in a room; you can go in to see her now."

"Wonderful; thank you, thank you!" Twilight bowed again gratefully.

"Where did you go? The nurse said you left!" Starlight Glimmer frowned at her teacher.

"I'm sorry I took so long, I had to pick up a few things for Rarity; her family is downstairs getting their visitor badges right now." Twilight said, while floating a greasy paper bag next to her, while her voice gradually picked up in a crazed rush the longer she spoke. "I didn't want her food to get cold, so I told them the good news first, but there was a new cashier at the Hayburger who didn't know how to work the register, then I realized I didn't have my Bits with me so I teleported to the Castle and told Spike the situation, and teleported back to the Hayburger, but by then a huge line had formed, and I didn't want to use my Princess Privileges to get ahead, because who knows what ponies would think of the Princess of Friendship if she cuts in line to get her hayburger fix; that and I was still embarrassed by the picture that one ponyrazzi took of me when I was being a sloppy eater and that article they wrote of me; and I know I've gained weight, but I swear I'm going through some kind of an Alicorn growth spurt!" She nearly squeaked at the end, having run out of air; then sucked in a big gasp to catch her breath.

"O-kay... I'm glad you made it back." Starlight Glimmer grinned uncomfortably after Twilight's rant while she caught her breath.

Atchmon stood beside himself as he watched the purple Alicorn. The feeling of 'not belonging' started to creep up his spine. He wasn't sure if he should say something, but for now he was just along for the ride.

Just then a rainbow streak appeared down the hallway, before doubling back and stopping just short of the trio; a heavy gust of wind blew over them, along with medical paperwork caught in the gusts' wake; causing the ponies present to clench their eyes away from the wind.

"No flying in the hallway!" Nurse Redheart chastised, but was otherwise ignored by the newcomer.

The sky-blue coated, rainbow-maned mare that looked worse for wear had appeared. She had dark circles under her eyes, and an unkempt, wind-blown hairstyle that stayed flared back, as if she used way too much hair spray. She and her letterman jacket looked dirty and disheveled, her feathers were ragged and sticking out in places, in need of a good preening.

"Twilight! Thank Celestia I found you, I got great news; I found these!" Rainbow Dash said as she buried her muzzle into the saddlebag on her flank and pulled out several tattered red ribbons.

"Rainbow? What are you doing here? How did you know-" The Princess tried to ask, but was cut off by Rainbow's own rushed explanation.

"I came back to the castle as fast as I could and asked Spike where you were; he said some stuff, but all I heard was 'hospital' so I came right here looking for you." The mare said in her dry, scratchy voice. "I followed Rarity's trail, but eventually it just ended. I searched the whole area as far as I could before the storms came. I'm sorry Twi, I got bogged down by the rain, but I came as soon as I could to bring you these, I couldn't out fly the storm clouds, and I didn't find anything else."

"Rainbow it's Ok-" Twilight Sparkle tried to calm her down.

"She's out there Twi-"

"Rainbow."

"Rarity's out in the Everfree forest, I know it!"

"Rainbow!"

"We gotta go get her!"

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight shouted over her frantic friend.

Rainbow waited, but her body shook as though she were ready to take off at a moments notice.

Twilight placed a hoof on her shoulder. "It's okay, Rainbow; she's right here in her room and she's fine; she just needs a bit of rest." She explained calmly.

"Oh, thank Celestiayahahahaaa!" Rainbow wailed with tearful eyes as she fell to her flank. As all the weight of the world seemed to fall off her shoulders. "C-can we see her -sniff- is she really o-okay -sniff-?" She sniffled snottily.

"We were just about to go in to see her." Twilight explained, as Rainbow tried to compose herself.

Atchmon stood to the side watching the dramatic scene unfold as guilt wrenched his gut.

If he hadn't been so selfish, they would've been rescued a week earlier and never had gone through such a dangerous journey. Rarity wouldn't be in such a state and he wouldn't have been...

Killed.

The thought chilled him to the bone, and he dashed it away just as quickly. Not wanting to think about it.

He saw Rainbow Dash glancing at him, and looked away. He didn't know where to put himself--other than to the side of the door, so he'd be out of the way--but he also couldn't take his eyes away from the rainbow-haired pegasus. His guilt, and the feeling of 'not belonging' quickly melted away as the awareness and sight of something totally new was present before him.

A pegasus.

A real-live pegasus was right in front of his eyes! She looked tired and ragged, the colors of her mane were mixed, making it look like a rainbow had vomited on her head; but with those wings, Atchmon thought she was the coolest, most awesome thing he'd ever seen.

Rainbow Dash was getting uncomfortable with this strange pony looking at her. Rainbow knew she looked like a mess, her wings were thrashed from flying for so long. Her feathers stuck out in every direction, some were obviously broken and would need to be removed, she stank, but none of that matter to her. And why was he still staring?

"Who's this guy?" Rainbow asked curtly, looking at the only stallion present, while she rubbed the tears from her eyes and sniffed away the last of her snot as she toughened up.

"This is- uh," Twilight Sparkle did a double take as she tried to explain; and looked to him to fill in the gaps of her knowledge.

The human-pony realized after a moment that she couldn't remember who he was. "A-Atchmon, my name's Atchmon," he looked around at the others. They were all looking at him, and suddenly he felt very self conscience, and tried to shrink into himself just to hide from their prying eyes.

"Ack-man? What kind of name is that?" Rainbow Dash scrunched her nose, like the name tasted sour, then rubbed her chin in thought, while glowering her eyes suspiciously at him. "So, why are you here, exactly? Do you know Rarity? 'Cause if not, you can beat it," she puffed out in all her brashness.

"Uh..." Atchmon wasn't sure where to put himself. He didn't want to be away from Rarity, but he didn't want to cause trouble either.

"Atchmon is the one who's responsible for putting Rarity in the hospital." Starlight Glimmer explained, but realized too late how that sounded.

"Oh, he is, is he?" Rainbow said as she narrowed her eyes at him, and reared up while thrusting her forehooves like she was punching the air. "Let me at 'em, I'll teach you to mess with my friend; I don't care if you are a stallion!" Rainbow Dash rushed forward and squared up against him.

"Rainbow, stop!" Twilight Sparkle shouted and wrapped the pegasus in a field of magic, stopping her from doing anything stupid; not that she probably would.

Atchmon shied away at the little mare, feeling and looking very uncomfortable with the whole situation.

Rainbow frowned deeply up at him as they squared off, and tried to puff herself up to look bigger, but despite her efforts, she still looked tiny compared to him. She was even visibly smaller compared to the other ponies present.

Obviously the filly was suffering from 'little mare' syndrome.

"What Starlight meant to say was that Atchmon here is the reason she's safe in the hospital." Twilight explained while releasing her magic.

"Yeah, sorry, I've been doing that a lot today for some reason." Starlight Glimmer chuckled bashfully.

Rainbow Dash elbowed Atchmon in the chest in a 'friendly' way. "Really? Oh, well, nothing personal, huh pal?"

"Yeah..." Atchmon chuckled nervously trying to ease his own discomfort.

The four ponies entered Rarity's hospital room. Atchmon went last, finally laying his eyes on the white mare. She looked better than she had in weeks. Her coat, while still unkempt, looked closer to a pure white. Her deep purple mane lay flat and clean, with a slight sheen to it.

"What on earth is going on out there?" Rarity asked.

She was laying on her back in the hospital bed with her upper half propped up on a pillow, while her lower half was covered by blankets. Medical Gauze wrapped around her head, forehooves, midsection, and several small bandages placed all over her body. She looked like a beautiful beacon of light as the sun's rays shone through the windows, making her look as though she were glowing.

A small, young, white filly with a two toned pink and purple mane suddenly burst through the door; followed slowly by two other adult ponies, who entered the room behind her. A hefty pink mare with a purple 'beehive' style mane; and a white, overweight stallion wearing a straw hat decorated with traveling pins and an actual mustache for facial hair.

"Rarity? Rarity!" The filly squeaked, before diving her head into Rarity's chest and giving her an embrace. Then bawled after seeing her older sister for the first time in several weeks laying in the hospital bed. "I'm sorry! Are you okay!? I'm so sorry; I promise I'll be more 'sponsible; please don't be mad at me; I didn't mean what I said; I missed you so much, and I-I'll never be dis-specful or-" Anything else the inconsolable filly said was lost in a mess of high pitched squeaks, sobs, snotty sniffs, and hitching coughs.

"Oh, there, there, darling; I'm quite alright, don't you see? No, of course I'm not mad at you. Oh, Sweetie Belle, I missed you too; Of course, I thought of you every night and day and every time in between, darling; Oh, precious thing, don't cry, it's okay." Rarity tried to console her younger sister in a soothing voice, though her own eyes and blubbering voice betrayed her emotions as tears cascaded from her cheeks like a pair of waterfalls.

After a time, Sweetie Belle was calm enough to look up to her older sister; both siblings eyes were red and puffy. Rarity brushed her younger sister's hair from her damp face, and they shared a sibling hug.

The filly kept ahold of her older sister. "Rarity, who's that pony over there?" Sweetie asked just above a whisper, while casting glances at Atchmon.

"I-" Atchmon hesitated as the half-dozen ponies in the room looked at him with their freakishly large eyes. He could feel them boring into his very soul. It was cute when it was just Rarity, but now it was terrifying. He swallowed his nervousness and worked his mouth, then looked to Rarity for guidance; unsure of whether or not to introduce himself, or what to say.

His brain stalled as questions rushed to the forefront of his mind, while he both searched for answers while avoiding everypony's gaze.

Who was he? Was he anybody, or anypony now?

'Who am I? Am I still me? What do I say? Say anything! Oh, I'm blowing it; blowing it! What am I doing!? Wake up, Stupid! Wake up!' Atchmon's mind blanked, as he frantically tried to remember who he was; while fighting not to 'freudian slip' and say the only familiar thing he was glancing at; which was Hondo's cutie mark.

'Football. Football. What's three footballs even supposed to mean!' he thought while glancing at Rarity's father.

Everypony in the room waited awkwardly as the stallion stayed frozen in silence.

This was good. If he stayed perfectly still and quiet, they won't notice him; maybe they'll lose interest and go away. Ponies based their hunting on movement and friendship, right?

After only a couple seconds, Rarity cleared her throat; gaining everyone's attention. "I'm glad you asked, Sweetie Belle; everypony," she addressed all who were gathered in the room. "This is Atchmon."

Atchmon tried to stand a little straighter, but his nervousness and anxiety were fighting with the fact that he was afraid of a bunch of candy colored little horses; and he couldn't understand why. He subconsciously lowered his head in shy submission.

"He saved my life," Rarity gave him a knowing smile across the room from her hospital bed.

Atchmon's heart warmed as she smiled at him. That one gesture was like a life preserver as he fought to keep from drowning under the strong current of social anxiety.

But that swelling feeling dropped like an anchor as all those big pony eyes in the room were turned on him again. He subtly shrank into himself, before working up the courage to stand straighter. His anxiety rose and breath quickened as they approached him; too close for comfort. Then Hondo--the only other stallion in the room--swiftly took Atchmon's hoof in a tight grip and started shaking it hard; causing Atchmon to nearly vibrate.

"Thanks for bringin' my baby girl home, champ!" Hondo cheered.

"Ha! Welcome to the club, pal." Rainbow Dash laughed as she flitted above him.

"He's quite the catch, honey; do I hear wedding bells in the future?" teased Rarity's mom.

"M-mother!" Rarity's face turned red from embarrassment.

"Well it's about time you found yourself a stallion, hun; I can't wait to meet my grandfoals," Hondo laughed uproariously, while roughly patting Atchmon across his withers.

"Father!" Rarity whined, and covered her head with the sheets.

"Uh!" Atchmon squeaked, and felt his instinct to run kick in.

Sweetie Belle wasn't sure how to feel about the stallion, as she silently watched all the adults pass around greetings and gratefulness for saving her sister's life. She had a deep foreboding feeling that things were going to be different from now on...

After the exchange and introductions, everyone was more comfortable having Atchmon around. They all took their time asking and getting reassurances from Rarity that she was, indeed, alright.

Twilight spoke up. "Oh, Rarity, I almost forgot; I got you some food from the Hayburger," she sang while shaking the paper baggie in her magic. "I got it just the way you like it when you're having one of those extra stressful days; a double hay with extra cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, pickles, and no tomatoes, with a large order of shoe-fried potatoes!" She finished with a cheer.

Rarity bounced in her bed and made a horsey squeal of delight, while clopping her hooves at the wonderful meal. "Twilight, darling, you didn't have to go through all that extra effort for my sake."

"I know, but after... you know, I just want to make it up to you any way I can." Twilight admitted sheepishly.

"Believe me, dear, it's all water under the bridge." Rarity reassured her as she floated the food out of its bag with her magic. "You only got one? What about Atchmon?" She questioned worriedly.

Twilight looked guilty, before laying her ears back. "Oh, I- Uh... I didn't think of him."

"That's alright, darling; I don't mind sharing. What did you bring us to drink?" Rarity asked.

Twilight's eyes shrank to pin pricks. "Drink? The drink! How could I have forgotten your drink!? What if you choke and didn't have something to wash it down!? I can't have that on my conscience!" She disappeared in a flash of purple sparks.

Rarity sighed and shook her head, knowing that it was going to take awhile to pull Twilight out of her self-deprecating ways.

Starlight Glimmer gave her a sympathetic smile, knowing exactly how she felt.

Rarity patted the bedding to her side and magicked over a food tray for them to place their meal upon. "Atchmon, darling, why don't you come over here and partake in this wonderful, heart attack-inducing meal with me."

Sweetie Belle put on a look of betrayal, but kept her mouth shut.

Atchmon felt unsure, but cautiously trotted over into the middle of the crowd of ponies, and sat on his haunches next to Rarity's bed. His large size making him almost level with her.

"I hope you all don't mind if we have a bite, I'm absolutely famished."

"Don't mind us at all, honey." Said Rarity's mom.

"Just go ahead and eat up, hun." Said her dad.

"Yeah, you need to get your strength back!" stated Rainbow Dash.

She used the wrapper and greasy brown bag with the Hayburger logo as a makeshift plate, before dumping the horseshoe fries into a pile. Then with magical dexterity, Rarity evenly parted the buns of her burger along with all the delicious veggies within.

But... There was something really off about the sandwich.

As she parted them, Atchmon noticed some fibrous, grassy material filling the majority of space between the buns.

It was definitely cooked on a grill, judging by the smell and look of char on the grassy food, but it also had hay undertones.

Rarity wasted no time and took a large, crunchy-slobbery bite out of her hayburger. She moaned and laughed in delightful pleasure at the deliciousness of her meal, before levitating a trio of horseshoe fries and munching on each individual one as they floated into her mouth, before she'd even swallowed her first bite.

Atchmon's stomach took the opportunity to make it's protests known right at that moment. His mouth watered excessively at the smells assaulting his nose, but his human mind prevented him from taking a bite.

Rarity came down from her food high, and noticed Atchmon having some trouble. 'That's right, humans don't eat hay. I seem to remember him mentioning that before.' "Here, darling, let me help you with that." She said while levitating his portion of the hayburger for him.

Atchmon stared at the floating mass. 'This isn't what I imagined my first burger would be like after getting back home.' He could almost feel a single tear falling from his eye; realizing that he would never enjoy the flavor of a genuine flame-grilled beef patty.

"Hey," Rarity said to get his attention. "Remember, you had me try a bite of that fish? Just give this a try, I can guarantee you'll love it."

Atchmon swallowed his drool, smell was enticing enough. 'I'm a pony now... So maybe I can eat pony food.' His hunger overtook his sense of reason.

He leaned forward, and bit into the floating greasy sandwich.

The first thing he noticed was the incredible crunchy texture: The bun was soft and spongy, easily parting between his pony incisors, then his ears twitched at the crunch of veggies and grill-fried hay; before laying back in tasteful pleasure. A burst of flavor washed over his tongue, like thousands of tiny explosions cascading over his taste buds. It was so crunchy, so greasy, the pickles-so flavorful, and the whole thing was oh so salty.

He loved it!

After that first bite, his voracious appetite took over, and he savagely attacked the sandwich; pinching it between his hooves, before gobbling it all up. Not caring at all about the slobbery-crunchy sounds he was making.

Rarity smiled proudly as she watched Atchmon devour his first Equestrian meal, and joined him in the feast. She levitated a few shoe-fries for him, and watched with gleeful mirth as he hungrily nipped each one out of her magic.

'Looks like the reigns have switched hooves my dear, sweet, Atchie. It feels oh so satisfying to feed you like you did me those first few days when we first knew each other.' She reminisced.

The other ponies shifted uncomfortably as they waited for the two ponies to finish their meal; which didn't take long.

Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head. "Ehh... I'm not gonna judge."

"So, darling, what'd you think?" Rarity asked curiously, while biting her lip in giddy anticipation.

Atchmon sighed a belch. "It was good, like, really good." He said looking surprised at his own answer, and smiled at her.

With food like this, things were definitely looking up.

*Pop!*

Twilight Sparkle reappeared, her mane looking a little frazzled.

"Twilight, you're going to hurt somepony teleporting around like that!" Starlight Glimmer chided.

"I'm sorry, but I didn't want their drinks to get warm!" Twilight apologized while bowing her head a couple of times, before levitating their drinks. "Rarity, I got your favorite; a Dr. Tuber. I wasn't sure what you'd like, Atchmon, so I got you a Yoke-a-cola." She said while setting their drinks on the tray.

"You're so sweet for going through all this trouble for us, darling." thanked Rarity.

Atchmon cocked his head at the slight mispronunciation of his soda. "Yeah, thanks," he said gratefully while picking up the drink.

The cup, he noticed, was designed in a way that allowed hooves to easily 'grab' the beverage; requiring him to use both hooves and 'pinch' the cup between them, while letting gravity 'hang' the drink on the edges of his hooves; and as a bonus, it thankfully already had a straw in it.

He took a sip. The sugary sweet acidic drink washed over his palette. 'Yes! Now this is more like it!' He thought in delight, before taking a bigger sip and drinking it down without really savoring it. The soda bubbled and fizzled all the way down his long pony throat.

The pair finished the drinks just as quickly as their meal; filling the room with sounds of straws sucking in empty cups.

Rarity and Atchmon finished simultaneously and both gasped thirstily, before each gave a hearty belch, then laughed together.

They looked at each other, neither speaking a word, but both knowing they made it through a perilous journey.

Sweetie Belle caught the looks they were giving each other. She looked to her parents, they leaned on each other and nuzzled; both also noticing the affection between this stranger and her older sister.

But Sweetie Belle wasn't convinced.

"So will the others be along soon?" Rarity asked curiously to Twilight Sparkle.

Twilight's eye twinged. "GAHH, I'm so sorry, I forgot to tell the others!" She yelled before disappearing again in a burst of purple sparks.

"Maybe she should keep a list," snarked Starlight Glimmer.

Rainbow Dash snirked. "Good one, Starlight."

*Knock* Knock*

Everypony looked towards the door as Dr. Stethoscope entered. "I'm sorry to interrupt; is our patient feeling more Equine now that she's had a bath?" he asked jokingly.

"Oh yes, Doctor, very much so; thank you again for letting me wash up first," said Rarity.

"Wonderful, I have your test results back, you don't appear to have any illnesses that we can tell; but given that you've had prolonged exposure to the Everfree Forest, I'd like for you to be on antibiotics and worming medication for the next month just in case."

Rarity nodded along. "Yes, that sounds good, but what about the rash on my shoulder," she asked while motioning to her right shoulder.

"The Rain-Rot can be treated with over-the-counter ointment; as of now, it's not bad, but if it gets worse just come back in and let us have another look at it." The Doctor informed her nonchalantly.

"I'll need to fetch some cream from Zecora's hut, she works wonders with her potions." Rarity said, speaking more to herself.

"And as a last bit of good news, you've lost two and a half Stone since your last check-up," Doctor Scope finished.

It shouldn't have been too surprising, given that Rarity was away from junk food for a full month, plus a few days; forcing her into healthier eating habits, along with eating less overall in order to ration out the food with Atchmon. Not to mention the work he put her through carrying firewood and any other goods they might need; and also the amount of time working on her crafts just to distract herself in order to avoid dying of boredom. Her body also rejected most of the 'raw' vegetables and fruits those first couple of weeks, which caused them to eject from either one of her ends.

"Two and a half Stone," Rarity gasped. "That's incredible! This time I swear to keep it off." She swore to herself.

"Not if you keep eating hayburgers and oat flavored ice cream, you won't," teased Rainbow Dash. "I keep offering to be your workout buddy, but you never take me up on it." She shrugged.

Rarity balked at that. "Ha, yes, well Wonderbolt training is a bit too intense for me, but I always appreciate the offer, Rainbow Dash." She laughed nervously. "Is that everything, Doctor; will I be discharged soon?" she asked.

"There is one last thing," Doctor Scope started. "I recommend we get you a Dip to eliminate any possibility of fleas, ticks, or any other parasites you might've picked up in the Everfree Forest."

"I don't want it, I haven't a bug on me." Rarity said haughtily, turning up her head and looking away while laying her ears flat with a look of indignant disdain.

"Please, Miss Rarity, it's not just for your sake, but the entire towns; I really must insist." The Doctor was apathetic and looked to the others for help. "The last thing anypony wants is a lice outbreak."

"C'mon Rarity, it can't be that bad," said Sweetie Belle. "Pleeease." She smiled brightly.

Rarity wasn't going to budge. She knew very well that the Dipping process would dye her coat green for most of the summer. It wasn't just an ugly color, but socially everypony would know she got Dipped. It was an embarrassing thing to go through, and practically be forced to parade around in public announcing to whole town 'I'm a filthy, flea-bitten pony'. She envied ponies with darker colored, or complimentary coats which could hide the the Dip.

Atchmon spoke up. "Why don't you take the Dip, Rare; you know, just in case." He suggested, much to the surprise of the others around the room.

Sweetie Belle pursed her lips at Atchmon, clearing put off by his attempts to supercede her sibling authority.

The others gave the stallion varying looks of pity. Usually it took pulling teeth to get Rarity to agree to anything she didn't want to do. Until something unexpected happened.

"Oh alright." Rarity acquiesced with a sigh, relaxing her features.

Everypony's attention rose in disbelief, everyone in the room looked around at the others as if looking for confirmation on what just happened.

Did this strange stallion just do the impossible before their very eyes?

"Wow, did you seriously just convince Rarity to do something without all the drama?" Rainbow Dash said aloud without any tact, getting chuckles from everypony else in the room.

Atchmon smiled knowingly, already familiar with Rarity's infamous stubbornness.

Rarity frowned at Rainbow while giving her the stink-eye, but couldn't argue with her.

"Wonderful, now if everypony would be so kind as to exit the room, we'll get Miss Rarity Dipped and later discharged; you can wait for her in the lobby or outside if you like, and we'll wheel her out once we're done." Doctor Stethoscope finished while motioning everyone out of the room.

Atchmon got up reluctantly and gave Rarity one last look and a smile, getting a smile back and a hoof-wave goodbye from her, before following everyone else out.

Rarity waited until the door closed before addressing the Doctor. "Doctor, there's something I wanted to speak to you privately about." She started, while mustering up the nerve to speak about something embarrassing to a stallion doctor. "I haven't gone into my heat cycle yet, and I know it should have started within the first couple of weeks of summer, but, uh... Should I be concerned or..." She trailed, waiting for his answer.

The Doctor pursed his lips. "From what the Princess has told me, you've been through quite the ordeal these last few weeks. I can only guess that your heat has been delayed. And from a biological standpoint, it makes sense. It would do you no good to go into heat while in a hostile environment." he said while shaking his head. "The smell of your estrus alone would attract predators to you. Stress also plays a major role in the timing and cycle of heats, and given where you've been, I've no doubt that you were under a lot of stress."

Rarity nodded along. Everything the Doctor said made sense.

The Doctor continued. "If you haven't gone into estrus before the end of summer, then come back in for a check up, but otherwise, I don't think you should worry. I recommend you avoid stress, rest, and relax until it comes, I'm certain that once things have calmed down for you; things will be back to normal."

Rarity looked aghast. "But Doctor, I can't relax now, I still have to come up with new designs and cloths for all three of my shops, not to mention making my payments in Canterlot and Manehatten. I'll have to be on a train by tomorrow morning if I want to stand a chance at keeping up with the trends, and in the fashion industry that means I'll already be behind everypony else!" She exasperated while dramatically throwing her hooves up in the air, then covering her eyes in dramatic fashion.

"Well, if you want my suggestion, the Nurses were wanting scrubs with a little more flare; something with patterns and maybe cartoon characters for the foals, if that helps any." Doc Scope smiled sympathetically at Rarity's plight, getting a disgusted 'ugh' for his effort.

There was so much still left to do. Not only reuniting with family and friends, but there was the unknown state of her shops. Perhaps she could take today to simply enjoy being back home. The day was over halfway done anyway, ponies would be getting ready to close up shop. There wouldn't be anything Rarity could do anyway.

Rarity laid back and sighed, waiting for her Dip bath to be ready, before her eyes lit up. She had her tattered saddlebags and other possessions in a baggie beneath her hospital bed, and inside those bags were her notes. Notes which contained alien ideas. Human fashion technology would give her the boost she desperately needed to get ahead in the industry.

She smiled toothily, knowing exactly how she was going to pull everything off.

Social Angst

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Atchmon followed behind the others as they exited the lobby to mill around outside the hospital, mostly keeping to himself and only half-listening to the conversation between Starlight Glimmer and Rarity's family.

They were giving Starlight their thanks for her part in locating and retrieving Rarity, when they asked where and how she and Twilight Sparkle managed to find her.

He saw the little filly casting looks his way, which he tried to avoid and pretend not to notice.

"Hey everypony," Rainbow Dash addressed everyone. "I'm gonna fly back to my house real quick and get a shower; I reek," she took a sniff of her jacket and flinched. "Yeah... It was nice seeing you again Mr. Flank, and you too Mrs. Crumbles."

"Thank you for all your effort, Rainbow Dash; Rarity is so lucky to have such a dedicated friend like you," praised Hondo, while his wife nodded with a thankful smile.

Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head and chuckled. "It was nothing, really, I'm just glad she's back and in one piece, I'll see you all back at Rarity's." She took to the air and waved goodbye, before heading off towards the horizon.

The group watched her go until the steady beat of her wings grew too distant to hear.

"Wow, she must really be exhausted," Starlight Glimmer commented. "That's got to be the slowest take off I've ever seen her do."

Rarity's parents mumbled and nodded in agreement.

"So are you from around here, Atchmon?" Cookie Crumbles asked.

Atchmon was shocked to his full attention at the question; not expecting anyone to speak to him and only half paying attention. "Huh? Uh, I-I'm from..." He started to say before noticing Starlight Glimmer.

Her interest spiked as well from the way she was listening intently to his conversation with Rarity's mom.

"America?" He blurted trying to recover from his pause.

Hondo hummed to himself while tapping his chin in thought. "A-mare-ica, huh, hmmm, I'm pretty sure I've heard of it."

"Must be one of those new Earth Pony settlements, hun. Seems like they pop up every year, like Appleloosa. Most of the development going on near Twilight's Castle here in Ponyville is being done by Unicorn crews from Canterlot. They can't even finish a few posh houses before the Earthies build a whole new town." She explained.

It felt good to talk to these new ponies, Atchmon could feel himself opening up and coming out of his shell. He tried to think of everything Rarity told him about her parents, but there wasn't much to go off from there. Other than the one thing that stood out to him.

"So-uh, Rarity said you two won a lottery, or somethin'?" He asked.

"Oh, haha," Rarity's mom giggled. "That's just a little family joke; tell him honey." She addressed Hondo.

"After our daughter became an Element bearer and then a genuine Hero of Equestria, I started joking about how my wife and I 'hit the lottery' with her," Hondo chuckled proudly.

Cookie Crumbles cut in. "And after Rare-bear's career in the fashion industry took off, we joked about it more and more until it sorta took off and became another small town rumor." She tittered.

Atchmon snickered at the name Rarity's mother called her. 'I can't wait to tease her about that later.'

Sweetie Belle's hackles rose. She didn't like how this strange stallion was getting friendly with her parents. Rarity was already under his spell, and she was not about to let them be fooled too.

Not until she was sure he was the right one for her big sister!

Sweetie Belle inserted herself between the talking trio, with a big creepy toothy smile on her face. "Greeeaat, that's great, it's sooo good to see you all getting along so well. Hey, I have just a few questions, you could answer for me," she sucked in a breath. "Who are you exactly, what were you doing in the Everfree Forest, when did you move to Ponyville, where exactly is 'Amareica', how did you find my sister, and why is she all bandaged up, and you're not!?" She gasped out of breath at the end, forcing the last question out at him in a squeaky voice.

Atchmon shrank back and grit his teeth nervously at the little filly's barrage of questions. "Uh-" he hesitated, as thoughts of lies and mistruths rushed to the forefront of his mind.

What would they think if he just told them the truth?

Sweetie Belle waited sternly for him to answer with a suspicious look in her eyes.

"Sweetie Florentine Belle!" her mother chastised.

The little filly's ears wilted at the sound every child dreaded to hear from their mother.

The sound of her full name.

"But I- He's not-" the teenaged filly stammered, gaining more disapproving looks from her mother, then looked to her father for support.

"I believe you owe this nice young stallion an apology," said Hondo coolly.

Sweetie couldn't meet Atchmon's eyes. "I'm sorry," she mumbled reluctantly.

Starlight inserted herself into the conversation. "Why don't we wait to hear his side of the story until after we get everypony together; does that sound good?" Starlight asked, directing the question more at Atchmon.

Atchmon nodded his head, looking uncomfortable. It wasn't lost on him that she wanted answers too.

Everypony stood around awkwardly for awhile.

Atchmon wanted to say something to ease the tension, more for his own sake, but nothing came to mind, until he noticed movement behind the family, and was stunned silent as he stared wide eyed at the creature approaching their group.

It looked distinctly reptilian with long claws and a purple scaled hide, the green spikes above its head waved like a roosters comb in the wind, and ran all along its back and crocodilian-like tail, which was tipped in a matching green flourish.

The predator was coming right at them, and... waving for attention?

"Starlight, hey Starlight!" Spiked called to the group.

Atchmon kept his hooves firmly planted on the ground despite his stallion instincts screaming at him to rear up and drive the predator away from the mares. His human curiosity and thrill of the unknown kept him anchored as he waited for the scene to play out.

The purple drake doubled over gasping.

"Spike!" Starlight cantered over to his side.

"I ran over here as fast as I could, after I figured out what Twilight said after she teleported back to the castle," He gasped.

"What did she say to you?" Starlight asked while rubbing the drake's back, helping him.

"Hayburger, Bits, friends, hospital, alien, Rarity... that's literally all she said," he huffed between words. "But, you know, she 'panicked' it all out." He explained.

"No wonder it took you so long to get here, she couldn't be bothered to bring you along too." Starlight stated, looking miffed at Twilight's infamous inconsideration towards her 'number one' assistant.

"Eh, I'm used to it from her," Spike said, giving a nonchalant wave of his clawed hand, having finally caught his breath. "So is Rarity okay; can we see her?"

"We're waiting on her to be discharged as we speak," Starlight explained.

"Oh..." Spike said distantly, having noticed Rarity's family; more specifically the teenaged filly that was with them. "Hey... Sweetie Belle..." He greeted hesitantly.

Hondo did a double take between his daughter and the drake. "Aren't ya gonna say hello to your friend there, Sweetie?" he asked, oblivious to the tension between them.

"Hi Spike," Sweetie Belle said curtly, while trying to place herself behind her mother. Avoiding the dragon's looks.

Spike flinched at her shortness, before his gaze shifted over to the stranger that was with the group. He didn't recognize the stallion, but the newcomer obviously wasn't used to being around dragons, judging by how he was staring with his mouth agape.

Spike was used to fearful, or panicked looks from other ponies who weren't his close friends, or ones who knew him well; but the strange stallion wasn't giving him one of those kinds of looks. It was more like the look Fluttershy gave him when he first met her.

"Uh, can we help you?" Spike asked the stallion, hiding his irritation.

Atchmon barked a giddy laugh. "Sorry, never met a dragon before," he reached forward, offering a hoof shake. "I'm Atchmon." He greeted, smiling toothily in excitement.

"Uh, Spike?" he greeted back in confusion, shaking his hoof while looking to the others for an explanation as to why this stranger was here with them.

Atchmon frowned as he stared at his hoof while the dragon's claws wrapped around it, forgetting for a moment he didn't have fingers anymore, but smiled toothily as the drake shook his fetlock. He tried to return the gesture to the best of his ability. 'Gosh it feels weird shaking hands with your wrists'. He thought. "So can you, like, breathe fire?" He asked, caught up in his excitement.

Spike snorted out a puff of smoke, looking annoyed. He just ran a few miles across town to see if a dear friend of his--who he hasn't seen in little over a month--is okay; and this random guy wants to get friendly with him by asking silly questions?

Starlight stepped in to save Atchmon from the dragon's ire. "Spike, this is Atchmon, he's the one who's been with Rarity for the last month, and helped bring her into the hospital." She said while choosing her words carefully, learning her mistake from last time. But unknowingly still failed regardless.

Spike prickled at the words 'been with' and did a double take between Starlight and the new stallion. Spike was there when Rarity was teleported into the castle when Twilight and Starlight cast the spell to bring her back. She looked and smelled awful, but this stallion didn't have a scratch on him. He could still hear Rarity's pleading screams to be sent back into the Forest still fresh in his memory, further driving his worry.

Something wasn't adding up.

Atchmon frowned and pulled away, knowing he messed up somehow, judging by the narrowed looks the cat-eyed dragon was giving him.

"Spikey dear, are you doing alright, we don't see you around the boutique anymore?" Cookie Crumbles asked.

"That's right, you were helping us sew new clothes every moment you could spare," commented Hondo. "Did something change?"

"I'm sure he was just busy assisting Princess Twilight with finding Rarity, dad." Sweetie Belle said curtly, still hiding behind her parents.

"Y-yeah, that's what it was," agreed Spike.

Cookie Crumbles sighed. "All of you never took a moment's rest to help our Rarity, I hope you all take some time to rest up and enjoy being in each others company now that this whole travesty is over."

Sweetie Belle laid her ears back.

"Yeah, you bet, I can't wait to see her," said Spike. "When do you think she'll be out?"

"It'll be a few minutes; we haven't been waiting long," answered Starlight.

"Sweetie, is everything alright?" her mom asked, noticing her attitude.

"Everything's fine, mom," She groaned.

"You don't seem fine, honey," said Hondo.

"I am!" She exacerbated.

Cookie Crumbled knitted her brows in concern. "Why are you being so short with everypony today?"

"I'm not!" Sweetie shook her head defensively.

*Pop!*

"Twilight!" Starlight called after the appearance of the purple Princess.

"Oh come on, I did it outside the hospital this time!" Twilight Sparkle groaned.

"That's not it," she waved her down. "Come down here, I need to talk to you." She said while walking away from the arguing family and their teen filly.

"What's going on?" asked Twilight Sparkle.

"We're waiting for Rarity out here, plus I wanted to get away from the parental fallout," whispered Starlight while gesturing a nod to the group behind her.

Atchmon took a step back and assessed the situation. The parents were trying to crack their daughter's emotional defenses, he clearly didn't make a good first impression on the dragon, and the two purple Unicorns seemed to have forgotten him and were talking with each other.

Okay, there was more going on than he was comfortable with, and there was a nice comfortable-looking park bench with his name on it that was nice and far away from all this noise.

"Yeah..." Atchmon nodded, trying to hide his nervousness. "I'm-um, gonna go wait over there," he mumbled lowly, thinking it would be better than making a bigger fool of himself than he probably already did. At least this would give the family room to discipline their daughter.

He sat down by letting his flank fall into the seat, before adjusting to get more comfortable, and waited for Rarity to be discharged.

At least there were other ponies in the distance to watch and keep himself entertained.

Twilight watched as the stallion took a seat on the hospital's park bench, while Rarity's family were talking to their daughter with Spike nervously rubbing his head nearby.

She leaned closer to Starlight, and spoke keeping her voice low so others wouldn't hear. "Did the Doctor find anything out about him?" she asked.

Starlight didn't keep her voice quite as low. "No, nothing; he's perfectly normal."

Twilight looked at her incredulously.

"Well, you know, our kind of 'normal'," Starlight corrected.

"And how has he been acting?" Twilight asked.

Starlight shrugged and sighed. "So far he's been mostly shy and quiet, he was more talkative when it was just the two of us."

Twilight bit her lip. "Were you able to find out anything about him? Has he said anything?"

"All I know so far is that he's from a place called 'Amareica'," she answered back.

Twilight scoffed. "Ridiculous, what kind of name is that?"

"Could be a city, a town, a country of origin, or a whole world for all we know." Starlight offered. "Why are you being so cautious?" she asked.

Twilight whispered harshly. "You should know what kind of danger he poses; to not only himself but Equestria as well!".

"I'm not following," Starlight replied laconically.

Twilight groaned. "Haven't you heard the history of the Eohippus?"

"History was never my strong suit," said Starlight sheepishly.

"Well, long story short, over a thousand years ago when ponies first settled into Equestria, there was already an indigenous group of Equine already living here; they went extinct in just a few generations because they completely lacked immunities to common diseases the first Equestrians brought with them as they settled and traded with the populace. The few survivors were eventually bred out of existence."

"A new plague and possible extinction of the pony race, gotcha," nodded Starlight. "But if that were the case, shouldn't Rarity have caught something long before now?"

Twilight thought for a moment. "You might have a point there."

"You don't think he could be from..." Starlight started pointing a hoof upwards towards the stars.

Twilight scoffed. "Starlight be reasonable, it's more likely he came from the other side of the world, which is likely where 'Amareica' is too." She shook her head in disbelief that her number one and only student believed in Little Green ponies with antenna and a fetish for probing plots.

"That's assuming Equus actually is round and not flat and riding on the back of a giant turtle," Starlight Glimmer teased, gaining a facehoof from her mentor.

Great, she was a 'Flat Equuser' too!

"Tortoise," Twilight corrected her just to tease back.

"Oh so you do believe!" Starlight said in mock shock.

"What!? No, I wasn't trying to imply that-" Twilight tried to defend herself, before somepony cleared her throat to get their attention.

"Mm-hmm, I hope I'm not interrupting," said Rarity as she was wheeled outside the hospital by one of the nurses along with Doctor Scope.

Everypony and dragon immediately stopped what they were doing and stared at Rarity's green-tinted coat.

"Goodness everypony, couldn't you at least pretend it isn't that bad?" she pouted, looking self conscience.

All at once everyone spoke over each other trying to make her feel better.

"It's not that bad." Said Sweetie Belle.

"You're as beautiful as ever, Rarity!" Said Spike.

Sweetie shot him a look, then looked away indignantly.

Spike noticed and winced.

Rarity was too preoccupied to notice the tension between the two teens. "Thank you everypony," she looked passed the others at the bay stallion sitting alone on the park bench. Her brows knitted in concern.

Rarity got out of her wheelchair. "I'm going to go talk to him, thank you again, Doctor; for all your help."

Spike offered her a welcoming hug, which she accepted. "I'm glad to see you're okay Rarity," he said excitedly while embracing the mare.

"Yes, it's good to see you again too, Spikey," Rarity said more autonomously.

Spike frown and deflated at the generic response he got from Rarity, as she continued on towards the park bench.

Sweetie Belle couldn't muster up the enthusiasm to smile at the rejection. Mostly she felt disappointed in Spike that he continued to strive for Rarity's affection despite his continued unrequited love.

Spike looked longingly as Rarity spoke to the stranger, then clenched his fist in jealousy as she sat next to him.

Twilight waited until Rarity sat on the bench next to the stallion, and took a nervous shuddering breath. "Do you have the blood work for the stall- for Atchmon?" she asked the Doctor.

Doc Scope adjusted his glasses while opening a folder with his magic. "Yes, Princess; Atchmon is blood type KT, his blood cell count looks good, we did find some unusual anibodies for pox diseases that don't normally affect ponies, and other than having an absurdly high iron and cholesterol content, he's fairly healthy, though he needs to gain some weight; have him take it easy on the spinach and egg omelets and increase his grains, and he should be fine." He commented.

"What about his temperament, anything unusual?" She asked.

"Nothing out of the ordinary that I don't normally get from my patients. He did get a little huffy with me when I used the Estrus Flask during the physical, but that's to be expected, however rarely. Other than that, I don't see anything unusual here..." he paused to check his notes. "I hope this helped, Princess; will that be all?"

Twilight chewed her lip as she thought. "Yes, Doctor, thank you for all your help; send the bill to the Royal Treasury's office, and I'll have it taken care of."

Doctor Stethoscope and his nurse gave the Princess a bow, before retreating back into the hospital.

Starlight looked at her expectantly. "Satisfied?" she asked.

"Not really," Twilight sighed, watching as Atchmon placed a hoof around Rarity's shoulder. "But I'll relax and leave them alone for now; at least until I can be sure Rarity isn't suffering from some extreme case of Stockhoof Syndrome. I still want to speak with him myself."

Starlight shook her head and rolled her eyes, before giving her an easy smile. "They seem really happy together," she commented as they watched the couple laughing together for reasons only known to them. "I wonder how the other girls will take this?" Starlight said curiously.

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked.

"Rarity has a new guy in her life, things probably won't be the same anymore," Starlight gave her a sympathetic smile.

Twilight pishawed. "Pshhh no, I'm sure everything will go back to normal in a few days," she chuckled nervously, before watching the couple again with a worried look of dread. "Besides you saw what he was before, Rarity wouldn't really court a creature like that." She laughed nervously at her half-truth.

Rarity always batted her eyes at any creature she found attractive. Whether it was their charisma, success, or plain handsomeness. But she knew Rarity never took it beyond innocent flirting.

Starlight looked at her sceptically. "I know you don't handle change very well, but just remember the 'Mare's Code of Honor'," she said mischievously.

Twilight scoffed. "I do so handle change well, just not when it's sudden and unexpected," she said with an air of dignity. "Also the 'Mare's Code'?" She questioned in confusion.

"Fillies before willies, Twilight," she nodded sagely.

Twilight's face dropped, braying like a donkey. "Starlight that's so- so- lewd!" she shook her head, trying to shake the mental image out.

Starlight snickered trying to hold in her laughter at successfully frazzling her mentor.

Twilight and the others approached the couple sitting on the park bench.

Atchmon's left ear swiveled back in their direction and separated himself from Rarity. Both out of fear of her friends ire and out of respect for her parents.

"Are you ready to head home, Rarity?" Twilight asked.

"Any word from the others?" She asked curiously, while getting up from the bench.

"They'll be along shortly," Twilight hinted.

"Pinkie Pie?" Rarity asked knowingly.

Twilight looked away coyly. "I'm not supposed to say."

"Then say no more," Rarity winked.

Atchmon cocked his head in confusion at the exchange.

"Would you like for us to teleport you home, we can get you all there a lot quicker," offered Starlight.

Everypony looked at her as if she were kidding, only Atchmon seemed interested in taking her offer.

"How about a nice, relaxing pony-cart ride instead," Rarity suggested in her graceful 'that's a terrible idea' way.

Starlight winced and smiled sheepishly. "Ooh, right; probably not a great idea since we just got you back."

Rarity took and patted Starlight's hoof. "Don't let it get you down, dear, I do appreciate the offer."

Spike ran to hail a couple pony carts that were setting up to take hospital visitors back into town. "Hey everypony, I got us a ride."

"Oh thank you, Spikey, would you be a dear and grab my things, I left them by the entrance," Rarity asked.

"Sure," Spike chirped and rushed to pick up her hospital baggy, but when he turned to run back, Atchmon was already helping Rarity into the cart; which made Spike's face burn red in jealous fury.

"Why thank you Atchmon," Rarity curtsied, and managed to seat herself while holding onto Atchmon's hoof without losing her stride, even on three legs.

"Would you like some help too, Rarity's mom?" Atchmon offered, tittering the mature mare.

"Such a gentlestallion, and please, call me Cookie," the plush pink mare took his offered hoof and seated herself as well.

Atchmon looked lost when he turned to Rarity's father. "Uh..." He was about to look at Rarity for help, being unfamiliar with the protocol and mannerisms when it came to other men, stallions.... guys.

"Go ahead, champ, best not to keep the ladies waiting," Hondo said, giving Atchmon an encouraging pat on the withers.

It wasn't much different from hauling himself over a raised ledge. You just have to plant your hands, jump up, and while your weight shifted forward, tuck your legs in and find purchase with your feet.

Luckily the carriage offered the convenience of a small step ladder, so it wasn't much of a hassle to get in for the human-pony. Though he did stumble his back hoof trying to plant a back hoof on the step and missing his mark.

Once settled in, the carriage was filled to capacity. The four adult ponies faced each other with two on each side, all sitting on cushion seats.

"Sweetie, why don't you ride with Spike and the others." Rarity suggested.

Sweetie looked at the dragon standing by the other cart avoiding her gaze. She fought to hide her sneer. "But I wanted to ride with you." She complained.

"Oh, I can-" Atchmon started to get up, before Rarity's hoof-blocked him.

"Nonsense, you're my guest, and I won't have it any other way." Said Rarity.

Sweetie Belle's snout scrunched as she tried to hold in her attitude, then reluctantly going to the other cart, shifting away to avoid Spike's offered to help, then sat herself down hard with a indignant huff.

Twilight and Starlight Glimmer exchanged looks after the filly's display of attitude.

"Welp, this is your expertise, Princess; I'm going to see if Pinkie Pie needs any help, bye!" Starlight Glimmer chirped before disappearing in a burst of blue sparks, a pleasant chime of magic resonating in her wake.

Twilight scoffed and shook her head, then put on a look of concern as she approached Spike and spoke low so only he could hear.

"I don't know what's going on between you two, but you should really talk things over with each other," she said, nodding to the cart.

"I know, but she doesn't let me," Spike sighed in defeat.

"Do you want me to talk to her?" Twilight asked.

"No! I mean, I can fix this; just gotta figure out a way how," said Spike, giving her a ghost of a smile.

"Okay, if you're sure, I'll see you at Rarity's," Twilight Sparkle said her goodbyes to Rarity's family, and teleported off.

Spike's friendship with Sweetie Belle was damaged, probably beyond repair, and now Rarity--the love of his life--had eyes for another stallion. Something told Spike there was something different this time. It wasn't some school-filly crush, or passing interest. He followed behind her every second he could spare, ever since he moved with Twilight to Ponyville. He knew Rarity better than she knew herself.

He didn't really want to try, but maybe he can get away with some low-effort interaction just being around Sweetie.

Atchmon and company sat quietly listening to the steady clip-clops of their chauffeur--a stallion who pulled the wagon effortlessly-- while Atchmon's eyes darted over every new detail of the pony town.

Most of the buildings shared the same aesthetics, with timber-framed walls, thatched roofing, and overhanging upper floors. Many were adorned with a heart-shaped weathervane, or flew a yellow standard with two rearing ponies and a pink heart between them.

He saw alleyways with cans of trash, and watched a stallion with a lamp cutie mark climbing up a short ladder to light the street-post for the night as they passed by.

Rarity watched Atchmon with a bemused expression as the curious human-pony took in all the new sights, darting his sight from each new interest to the next.

The town was sparse with many of the residents having retired into their homes for the coming night, but a few were out laughing, drinking cider, and enjoying the Ponyvillian nightlife. Any of Luna's nightly stargazers would be away from the town and it's light pollution.

Rarity watched Atchmon with delightful eagerness at his reactions to her hometown. She bit her lip fighting to hold in her giddiness as he gasped at seeing a pair of Pegasi do a loop-da-loop before landing to join up with a Unicorn friend.

Cookie spoke up, instantly gaining his attention. "So, Atchmon, why don't you tell us about yourself."

Atchmon shared a look with Rarity, seeing her watching him expectantly, letting him decide how much of his previous life to reveal.

"Well, I'm...."

Rarity listened as he told them about his hometown, noting that he avoided saying anything about being a human. She didn't know how to feel about that.

Rarity worried that Atchmon was ashamed of either his past, or present situation. But if she were in his position, how would others feel in the human world if she told them she was a pony in a human body?

She guessed they would think her mad.

Rarity smiled when Atchmon connected with her father about his favorite hobby: fishing.

They talked and laughed a good portion of the journey, sharing their favorite fishing tales.

Both mares had to put a stop to the revels when they started discussing how best to catch, prepare, and cook Craw Daddys, or Mud Bugs as some call them.

Her poor father rarely got to enjoy his hometown bayou food.

Rarity sweated bullets when her mother asked questions about his parentage, which he was happy to answer; but Rarity knew her mother was making sure Atchmon carried strong genes for her future grandfoals.

Her mother seemed pleased he came from a similar background. And Rarity had to intervene when her mother pressed about the passing of Atchmon's late parents.

Rarity already knew the story, but Atchmon was quite open to sharing that part of his past. And told her parents what happened. The pain and hurt she tried to spare him was already healed. A scar was left behind from not dealing with his loss in a healthy way. But maybe she could help it fade.

His mother worked in a factory for over three decades around dangerous things called 'carcinogens'. It eventually caught up to her, and she beat the sickness, but it returned again when Atchmon was born, and she beat it a second time. However, she wasn't so lucky the third time.

His father grew depressed and stopped taking care of himself. Medical bills kept the family perpetually near destitution. But somehow they still made a happy life despite the hardship.

Atchmon said the doctors told him it was a heart attack. But he knew it was instead from a broken heart.

Rarity tuned out the rest of the conversation as she thought about what Atchmon meant to her now. Her eyes aren't really watching the town pass by, while her mind withdrew, thinking of her future with him.

Did she want foals with him? No. Maybe. Definitely not right now.

He was so flawed. Nothing like the perfection she sought from others.

Was that it?

Were those other suitors just not a challenge for her?

He was fun, outgoing, though sometimes a bit rough with physical contact. But she appreciated that it was only because he saw her as a pet in the past, once he explained himself.

Was Atchmon nothing more than a project to her? A thing to be fixed?

And if she were to succeed, and he became what she thought a proper gentlestallion should be; wouldn't she grow bored of him?

Dark thoughts plagued her mind to the point Rarity didn't realize the others had been calling for her attention.

"Oh sorry, what was that?"

"I asked if you wouldn't mind having Atchmon over for dinner sometime?" Said her mother.

"Oh ehhh..." Rarity hesitated, before remembering the time she almost rejected her friends just to make herself look better in front of Canterlot's high-society members; it wouldn't be fair to Atchmon if she did the same to him because of her conflicted feelings. "O-of course not, I'm sure he'd love to," she recovered and cast a smile his way.

"Thank y'all, I would," he smiled back and looked away bashfully at her parents.
Atchmon was surprised by his own words, and the fact he actually meant it. He'd never been invited to anywhere before, though to be honest, in his town's culture no one was invited to anything, anywhere. People who wanted to be there just "showed up" when things were happening.

There was a lull in the conversation, until Atchmon perked up. "Hey, y'all wanna hear the story of when Rarity got chased by a bunch of bees?" He grinned deviously.

Rarity's ears laid back, looking dismayed; and egged the driver to trot faster.

That Teleportation spell was looking much more attractive, and would've been very helpful right about now.

Sweetie Belle rested her chin on a hoof and watched as the town crawled during their pony-cart ride.

This wasn't how she imagined reuniting with her big sister would go. Sour thoughts plagued her mind, as she thought about how Atchmon's mere presence ruined everything. Did Rarity really even miss me? Do I even matter to her? Why am I not happy for Rarity after finding a guy she genuinely likes? Maybe because he's a sister-stealing cretin!'

"Can you believe this?" she scoffed.

"Huh?" Spike's interested piqued.

"I mean, I worked my tail off spreading awareness about Rarity being missing; and she has this- this- guy just shows up out of nowhere!" She exacerbated, throwing her hooves in the air.

"Uh yeah," Spike shifted uncomfortable as the filly had her little tirade.

"Who is this guy? Where did he come from? Why isn't he hurt like Rarity! I mean these are basic questions, ponies!" She squeaked in frustration.

Sweetie Belle huffed in her seat, red in the face before directing her ire to the dragon sitting next to her; who made a habit of avoiding her gaze.

"What do you think of all this? Surely you've got to be frustrated too? I mean, Rarity barely said hi to you, and went to sit next to Hatcha-what's-his-name."

"Yeah, that kinda hurt, but..."

"But not as much as her practically ignoring you?" Sweetie Belle suggested.

Spike nodded in agreement.

Sweetie cast considering glances at the Dragon. "I think we should do something about it." She stated conspiratorially.

Spike's eyes searched for answers. "Like what; what could we possibly do?"

"Didn't you notice anything 'off' about that guy?" she asked.

Spike thought back to his meeting with the stranger. "No?" He shrugged.

"He didn't have a Cutie Mark." Sweetie pointed out.

Spike's attention rose in shock. "That's right, he didn't!"

"And he's old too, well maybe not old-old, but at least Big Mac's age, right?" Sweetie suggested.

"I thought he looks closer to Shining Armor; but yeah, I get what you're saying." Spike nodded.

"We just gotta put him through the ropes, and Rarity will see what a bad choice he is!" She declared.

"Just like Hayseed Turnip-truck, we'll send him packing!" Spike cheered, getting swept up in Sweetie's enthusiasm.

The Dragon and filly locked claws with hoof in a strong bonding agreement; with the common goal of liberating Rarity's heart from the clutches of a talentless-freeloader.

Spike and Sweetie Belle exited the carriage, hearing laughter coming from the other cart; her parents were guffawing at whatever joke Atchmon shared with them, which made both their cheeks heat in jealous fury.

Rarity kept her head lowered and looking crotchety from being the butt of Atchmon's jokes.

Atchmon giggled while finishing up a story. "Then Rarity lifted this huge log over her head and was like 'see, I do so lift-bro'; that's when a slug landed on her nose and she freaked out, running, bucking, and screaming her head off," he gasped laughing, his face red with joy. "I was busy laughing so hard while she ran literal circles around the meadow!" he squeaked at the end, his humor and laughter making him run out of breath, just barely finishing the story. Rarity's parents laughed uproariously. "She was begging me saying: 'it's gross and weird help me, get it off me, geddit off me, geddit off', and it was still on the tip of her nose the whole time!"

Rarity kept her lips sealed tight while enduring the fun at her expense, and hurriedly rushed to get inside her house. The others recovered their breath from the revels, before Rarity's opened the door with Atchmon right behind her.

He admired the unique roundness of her home. It was hard to tell if the carnival-like building was made of tarp just like a circus tent.

Rarity opened her already unlocked front door. Unsurprised, knowing she'd given each of her trusted friends a key to the shop for any reason they'd have need of it.

*BOOM! Fizz!*

"Surprise!"

Atchmon's eyes needed a second to adjust from the burst of color all around the room.

It was amazing!

The room was such a bustle of activity full with ponies of every color, it was impossible to keep track of all the many movements happening around him.

Rarity laughed in delight and went to meet and greet all the towns ponies and friends who came to show her support. Her family filed in behind Atchmon.

Many of the party goers were talking with each other, filling the room with the steady drone of conversation.

Rarity was talking, laughing and hugging, surrounded by loving friends and curious ponies wanting to know where she'd been and what happened during her time away.

It amazed him just how much like people these ponies were.

People...

They're... people...

An oblivious mare bumped into him.

A stallion brushed by too close for comfort.

The noise from the crowd overwhelmed him as their voices melded into a loud droning murmur. Their bodies closed in and surrounded him. He didn't want to be touched. His eyes darted around and saw some were glancing his way. He lowered his head, trying to avoid being noticed.

Some looked like they didn't want him around, but there was nowhere else to go. Atchmon's ears twitched, picking up a conversation. The random party-goers cast glances his way, saying things about a 'cutie-mark' and directing it at him.

What did he do wrong?

"Surprise!" A pink pony shouted in Atchmon's face, sticking a party hat on his head then blowing a loud party whistle that hurt his ears.

Atchmon, in all his situational awareness, couldn't keep track of the pink pony as she bounced around the crowded room speaking miles a minute. Somehow miraculously teleporting from behind furniture, ponies and the giant cake.

Except for Atchmon, who could only focus on her shrill voice over the increasing volume of the other conversations and laughter going on around him.

His chest tightened and felt as though he would suffocate under the weight of social pressure. The walls and ponies were closing in around him, making him feel trapped.

It became harder to breathe.

Rarity, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash all noticed Atchmon's change in demeanor, who all put on looks of concern and confusion.

"Darling, are you alright?" Rarity asked, but her concern was lost in the jumbled mess of background noise. Speaking as if beneath the water.

Pinkie Pie was oblivious to what was going on around her. "And that's why this party was declared 'Welcome back Rarity, Glad You aren't Missing, or Teleported into a Million-Bazillion Pieces, and Grats on Finding a Hot Guy, and also his Welcome to Ponyville part-"

"QUIEEEET!" Atchmon roared with his eyes clenched shut while doubling over, forcing the air out of his lungs.

A record player scratched as the whole crowd gasped at his outburst. The crash of broken ceramic echoed over the room during the prevailing silence as sompony in the background dropped a plate on the floor.

Pinkie stopped and frowned worriedly, wondering what she did wrong.

Atchmon gasped for breath, feeling as though he were being suffocated under the weight of social anxiety, and fought to control his shaking body. He tried his best to mentally block out the crowd's presence, but he could still feel their eyes surrounding him, looking at him, judging him.

When he opened his eyes, he saw every pony in the room was staring at him.

"Wahh-ha-ha," softly cried a foal somewhere in the room.

Atchmon's fight or flight instinct kicked in. He tore the party hat off his head and turned to move for the door, keeping his head low and quickly shuffling passed all the confused and annoyed-looking ponies who he pushed out of the way.

Others watched with wary eyes as the troubled stallion quickly removed himself from the room.

Atchmon reared and kicked at the latch on the door, before shouldering it open with his full weight, causing the door to burst open with the sound of cracking wood against the frame.

Once the stallion was out of sight, Rainbow Dash was the first to break the silence. "Wow, what's his deal? Nopony's ever freaked out at one of Pinkie's parties before; well, except for you Twi."

Twilight Sparkle shot her a vexed look. "Not a good time, Rainbow."

Rarity faced the crowd with a look of worry, before turning and cantering after him.

"Atchmon, are you alright?" Rarity asked in concern; followed closely by her friends. She found him pacing outside, breathing heavily through his nose and exhaling out his mouth.

"Jus' gimme a minute," he huffed breathlessly while shuddering, and took a few deep breaths to calm his frayed nerves. He looked up, seeing a few stars beginning to peak out from the twilight sky. He stared at their twinkling light and lost himself to the comforting void of outer space, swaying his body back and forth; his anxiety melting away.

Pinkie Pie bounced out of Rarity's house. "Hey, what's going on out here? Ooh are we having a block party!?" She asked excitedly, reaching into her hair and pulling out some toy blocks with colored letters painted on the faces.

Her shrill voice brought Atchmon down from his mediation among the cosmos. He turned away from Pinkie, more out of embarrassment of his actions than out of dislike for the hyperactive mare.

He couldn't bring himself to look at any of them. Everyone was silent, waiting on him. He knew what they wanted; waiting on him to make an apology, he could feel their eyes boring into his back. Though Atchmon felt slighted, his wounded pride and embarrassment prevented him from mustering up the courage to apologize for his outburst.

He mentally berated himself, just waiting to get yelled at.

What kind of man acts like that?

Atchmon took a breath, and sighed. "Sorry, ya'll... Guess I freaked out a lil'," he scoffed a nervous laugh.

"A little?" Rainbow Dash questioned sarcastically with a raised eyebrow while hovering above them.

Rarity rebuked her friend. "Rainbow Dash that isn't nice."

Twilight Sparkle stepped forward. "Reintegrating into an unfamiliar society after so much isolation is going to be a challenging process, Atchmon. If you'd like, I'll always be available if you want to talk. Plus, it'll give me a chance to study you on the psychological aspects of- OW!" Rarity stomped on Twilight's hoof to stop the scientific dribble, and gave the bookworm a scowl. "Sorry. What I meant to say was: 'we can talk whenever you'd like'."

Rarity's scowl changed into an approving smile.

"I think... I'd like that," Atchmon felt himself coming out of his shell, and stood facing the gathered ponies.

"Ready to go back inside?" Rarity offered.

Atchmon took a breath and shook his head, seeing the other ponies milling around inside. "Not yet."

"Do you want me to ask them to leave?"

Atchmon blinked at that. He wanted that, but that wasn't fair to Rarity. This was her party and friends; she deserved to reconnect with everyone she loves. It hurt Atchmon's heart to know there wasn't anyone in there for him.

No one missed him.

"Nah... I'll be okay, jus' need some time to adjust, you know?" he reassured her with a shrug, hiding his deep sadness.

Rarity bit her lip and observed him. Atchmon wasn't a human anymore, which made reading him much easier. Ponies showed their emotions differently from humans, mainly in the ears. If Atchmon were still a human, his voice alone would've convinced her. But instead his drooping ears and submissive posture gave great insight into what the stallion was feeling.

Rarity gave Atchmon a comforting smile and trotted back to her house.

Rarity trotted forward and faced the crowd. "I appreciate you all coming here to welcome me back and to show your support, everypony; but right now all I want is a nice peaceful evening with my family and close friends."

The ponies milled around, the obvious question lingering in the air.

"Please understand everypony, he's under a lot of stress. The poor dear hasn't been around the company of others for a terribly long time." Rarity could sense the tension in the room, and she could feel it wound all the tighter after her statement.

Everypony in the room looked around at each other, exchanging looks of confusion, before filing out one by one; respecting Rarity's wishes.

Rarity went inside to thank everypony for coming to show their support, to welcome her home, and wishing her good health and safety.

The crowd left the house, respecting Rarity's wishes, while Atchmon squirreled himself away to avoid the party-goer's looks.

Atchmon hid away his shame. It wasn't fair and it wasn't right for Rarity to do that for him. It made him feel embarrassed, and weak; but also thankful, which just made him mad at himself for getting what he wanted.

Rarity thanked and wished everypony a good night as they left, then joined with her friends once the last visitor was leaving.

The group gathered back inside with Atchmon lagging behind, and still avoid the other ponies gaze.

Confetti littered the floor, while balloons and streamers hung from the ceiling. The vast showroom floor was fairly sparse, save for a long table set with party snacks and toys; like cupcakes, a tub of ice cream, baby carrots with what looked like barbecue sauce, with whistles, blowers, and miniature confetti cannons.

Rarity's close friends and family helped themselves to snacks, and made small talk while they milled around. They filled Rarity in on what they'd been doing while she was gone; when she asked. Which just made Atchmon feel even more guilty after hearing about all the trouble they went through to spread awareness, and distributing Missing Pony Posters.

Rainbow Dash bragged about how she must've flown the equivalent of a hundred Mustang Marathons. But from her friend's reactions, she might've been embellishing.

"Um, I don't want to sound rude, but... who is that?" Fluttershy asked barely above a whisper, which surprisingly made everypony quieten down and watch Atchmon expectantly.

"Yeah, who's the new guy, Rarity!" Pinkie Pie chirped, then squealed. "Ooh , is he the new butler you've been wanting forever, and ever, and ever!"

Rarity gasped. "Oh where are my manners; Pinkie, Fluttershy, this is Atchmon," Atchmon stepped up, his guilt and anxiety held at bay as he was introduced to more of Rarity's close friends. "He's my friend." Rarity finished.

That one word felt like a sledgehammer to his chest.

Fluttershy smiled demurely, while Pinkie Pie scratched her chin.

"Oooh," Pinkie said thoughtfully. "Cause I thought he was your new love-er," Pinkie teased.

"Oh no no no no, dear!" Rarity started defensively. "Our relationship is very..." voice cracked as she searched for the right word. "Casual, yes very casual!" Rarity blurted, laughing nervously.

Like a wrecking ball.

Pinkie bounced around singing a song about the two of them 'sitting in a tree'

"So, um, how did you two meet, if you don't mind me asking?" questioned Fluttershy. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." She added in a whisper.

Pinkie Pie returned in a ziping pink blur as she rapidly finished the teasing school yard song. "Oh, I know! He... he..." she started excitedly, before hesitating. Her curly mane visibly deflated, becoming less poofy, and her eyes became more gaunt, and horrified. "I- I- I can't, it's just too sad!" she cried before running away outside.

"Ooookay," said Rainbow Dash skeptically of Pinkie's antic. "What was all that about? Usually she already knows what a pony is going to say when they're about to tell their backstory. Like, freakishly accurate."

"Atchmon?" Rarity questioned, wondering if she should be the one to tell his story.

Atchmon took a breath and explained where he came from.

The large group gathered around as he spoke. The anchor of social pressure threatened to pull him under the watery depths, but Atchmon focused on telling his story about how he became stranded in Equestria deep in the Everfree Forest, how he survived alone for six years, and how he met and saved Rarity from being eaten by a pack of Dire wolves.

Rarity took over from that point, and spoke about how it was hard to adjust living with a non-pony. Atchmon threw in a joke, talking about how it was weird speaking to food. Which made the others shift uncomfortably at his bad joke, then decided to stay silent while Rarity told her piece. She spoke passionately about their time together, even the rough patches; purposely omitting details that made him look bad; like when he spotted Rainbow Dash, and did nothing. His interest piqued when she hesitated at the part they made love in a mountain after riding on the backs of Ursas. She skipped that part and told about the exciting gladiatorial match and subsequent escape from the Diamond Dog's slave-city. She ended the story by embellishing Atchmon's noble sacrifice. Making it sound like he was the sole reason for her safe return.

He couldn't tell if she was lying for him so he looked good in front of her friends, or if she was embarrassed by him. He couldn't blame her if the latter was the case. It was embarrassing having her lie for him. But he made no reaction to the little falsehoods she sprinkled in her story. He felt she did more for him just by being by his side, than he could ever do for her in ten lifetimes. He was finally out of that forest, and he would be forever indebted to her for that.

The others were attentive, listening to both their tales without interruption.

The reactions of Rarity's family and close friends ranged from skeptical, saddened, wary, concerned, and amazement; when the story ended.

"So, you stayed all that time in Atchmon's house in the middle of the Everfree Forest?" Fluttershy questioned.

"It was more of a cave, really." Said Rarity.

"But Rarity fixed the place up so much it felt like a house," Atchmon commented.

Fluttershy chuckled politely, while Rainbow Dash belly laughed.

"It's a bit of an inside joke." Rainbow explained after the two pegasi came down from their revelry. "Despite that, I find this all hard to believe," she knitted her brows in thought. "This isn't some prank on Twilight and Starlight for messing up the spell, is it?"

Twilight Sparkle stepped forward. "It's all true Rainbow, every word of it... Well, at least about the part where Atchmon was transformed, I don't know about the rest; but I believe if that's possible, then anything is." She finished with a nod of conviction.

Spike and Sweetie Belle looked at each other, and made a silent agreement about this new development. The newcomer was involved with a pony they both deeply cared about, and they would prioritize her happiness above all else; despite his tragic backstory, he still needed to prove himself worthy of courting Rarity.

"If it's all the same to everypony, what do you say we keep Atchmon's secret to ourselves; I think it's only fair he should be the one to decide whom he wishes to reveal his secret, don't you all agree?" Rarity motioned.

Everypony nodded and hummed in agreement... almost everypony.

Rainbow Dash took to the air. "Are you kidding me!? Anypony who can take on a whole pack of Dire Wolves, and ride on the back of a giant Ursa is super cool in my book!" She exclaimed, zipping to hover right in front of Atchmon. "That must've been so awesome!" She squished her cheeks together, making a squee of amazement.

He smiled bashfully and looked around the room, seeing everypony's accepting faces.

Rarity blurted suddenly. "Oh my darling, I just thought of something!" She rushed to tug at the table cloth with her magic, pulling it so hard and fast the fabric slipped under all the snacks, favors, and decor without disturbing a single one. Not even the slightest vibration.

Rarity took that cloth, and wrapped Atchmon's body with it, covering him in an impromptu Saddle Arabian burka. "You must be so embarrassed being exposed in front of everypony without your clothes on, I'm so sorry for not noticing it sooner!" She apologized sincerely.

Atchmon stood there, looking like a mummy. He'd been so preoccupied with all the 'newness' around him, that his indecency didn't even occur to him. He didn't feel embarrassed, or exposed; but drafty to be sure. It wasn't like he wore his pants every single day in the wilderness. There'd been weeks he'd go naked when there wasn't any hunting or gathering to be done. And the one time mistake of hunting without his protective coverings; now that was an unpleasant experience, having all the branches, thorns, and everything scratching, poking, and scraping against his bare skin. But once Rarity came into his life, it was like second-nature going back into making himself decent in front of her, except during times when they'd bathe, or when he'd freely drop trough to use the bathroom.

To him, it wasn't any different than going commando in front of animals, since ponies weren't exactly the same as people. 'Now why would I be okay with running around nekkid in a town fulla cute, candy-colored talking horses, but not with speaking or interacting with them?' The conundrum flummoxed him. He didn't care to dwell on it. Rarity said ponies generally never wore clothes, but some did just like... people... too... right? But they were, weren't they? 'Gah, this is too confusing!'

What was that saying? 'When in... something, something, something... be naked! Yeah, that's what it was.'

"Actually, I think I'm okay with 'dressin' like a local'," he chuckled while shifting the tablecloth off him. He smiled bashfully when his joke made the others laugh with him.

"Well if you're sure..." Rarity felt content to let him be as is. It was a good sign that he could integrate himself in small steps, since clothing was fairly optional. Plus, it was summertime, and that meant it was Rarity's slow season; which also meant less business, and less revenue, all because Ponies didn't feel clothes and hot weather mixed very well.

But Rarity had a few fashionable solutions to that. Her profit margins were going to be absolutely massive if her ideas take off, and she'll owe it all to the alien-human living under her roof.

The group milled around after welcoming and accepting Atchmon into the herd.

"I think it's time for us to leave, darling," said Cookie Crumbles.

"You're going already?" Rarity asked in concern.

"Yes, and it looks like you've got a big day ahead of you tomorrow," said Cookie, giving her eldest daughter a hug. "And a busy night too perhaps?" She suggested with a wink, while gesturing a nod at Atchmon, who was busy speaking with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash about the animals he's encountered and fought over the years.

"Mother, please, that's embarrassing," her cheeks tinted red.

Cookie chuckled. "I know dear, I just want you to be happy, and I can tell he means something to you, mother's intuition you know?" she smiled.

"I like him," Hondo said simply while giving his daughter a hug. "And I'm not just saying that because I want a chance at teaching my grandfoals the joys of being an Angler.

Rarity chuckled as her eyes misted over while she hugged her mother and father goodbye for the night.

"I think we should all go too," announced Twilight Sparkle.

As if sensing the party was over, all of Rarity's friends and family began to file out of Carousel Boutique.

"Wait, what are we gonna do about him?" Starlight Glimmer asked, gesturing a hoof at Atchmon.

He stood beside himself away from the others deeper inside Rarity's home. Atchmon felt unsure of himself. He didn't want to impose, or assume anything. He and Rarity always talked about what they'd do once they made it back to her home. Was it wrong to assume that'd still be the case? Atchmon wasn't even sure if he would be imposing even if he was doing it! What even was 'imposing' anyway? How would he know if he was?

Twilight Sparkle looked perplexed. "Oh, uh, maybe he can stay at the Castle with Spike and I for the night, or until he's able to afford his own place?" She offered.

Spike's hackles rose. Despite being a tad sympathetic to the newcomer's plight, the dragon was not about to give up his bed for the guy. He had to keep some modicum of self respect. What would it say about him if he accommodated the stallion who stole his crush's heart!

Rarity tisked. "Nonsense, he'll be staying with me, of course," she chirped.

Spike's mouth dropped, having not considered that scenario. Luckily Sweetie had his back, or rather her sister's.

"Mom, dad, would it be okay if I stayed with Rarity tonight?" She asked, expressing her most pathetic-looking, sad-puppy dog eyes.

"I don't know Sweetie, with how you've been acting lately..." Cookie trailed, giving her a concerning look.

"I know I haven't been on my best behavior..." Sweetie thought for a moment. "I just missed Rarity so much, and I had a lot of expectations about seeing her again," she avoided looking at the new stallion. "But I promise, I'll be good from now on, pleeeese," she begged.

Atchmon stepped in. "I probably don't have a say in this, but you should get as much time in with your family as you can, Rare, remember you always said your shops were going to take alotta time to get back in shape," he suggested, trying to will his insistence just to do the only nice thing he could for Rarity and her family. Though, he still wanted to be selfish and have Rarity to himself; but reminded himself that this night was about Rarity, and not him.

"Well... if you're okay with it," Rarity trailed in unsurety. 'I don't want to use Sweetie as an excuse not to deal with our relationship, but apart of me wishes he hadn't said anything. Besides, he's right, and I do wish to have more time with her.'

Sweetie Belle's eyes lit up at her parents, awaiting their inevitable permission.

Cookie Crumbles looked miffed, darting her eyes between Atchmon and Rarity, before sighing and nodding her head; acquiescing to the filly's wishes.

Hondo Flanks basically did the same.

Sweetie hugged her parents good night, before they left for home, looking concerned about their decision.

Rarity waved her friends and parents good night, then turned to face Atchmon and her little sister.

Sweetie shifted on her hooves, trying not to notice the large stallion in the room.

Atchmon smiled at her, and she smiled back.

Maybe there was hope after all.

Twilight and the others trotted away from Rarity's house.

The sound of galloping caused them all to perk up and see who was coming in such a hurry.

Applejack's hooves beat against the compact earthen paths that made up Ponyville's roadways. She skidded to a halt, while a dust cloud blew passed in her wake. "Hey all, is Rarity really back, is she in there?" She panted between breaths, gesturing towards Carousel Boutique.

Rainbow Dash hovered above her. "Yeah, she's in there, and she's fine, Applejack, and we're all about to head home; where were you?" She chided, crossing her hooves and looking disapprovingly.

"Ah came as soon as Ah heard, Rainbow," She started defensively, before putting on a look of hurt. "But why didn't any o' ya'll tell me?" She whined in betrayal at being left out, almost on the verge of tears. "I woulda came no matter what!"

Twilight stepped forward. "I tried to Applejack, but you were passed out from drinking too much cider after your work day." She explained, looking sorry at her friend. "I tried shaking you awake, and there's no spell that can sober a pony after having that much alcohol."

"But you coulda... you..." Applejack looked gaunt with shame. She felt like a bad friend, having missed Rarity's first night after finally being found again. She hung her head dejectedly, feeling angry at herself for letting the bad habit get the better of her. She was supposed to be Ponyville's most dependable. Now she was under threat of replacing Berry Punch as the town drunkard.

Applejack turned away from her friends, tears falling from her cheeks. "I'm sorry ya'll, it's my fault as usual, it's always been my fault," she sniffed, her body shaking with emotion, crying silently. "If--sniff--Ah jus'--hic--k-kept my big mouth shut."

Rainbow Dash landed immediately and embraced her friend. "Hey, it was never your fault, AJ," she started comfortingly. "It was definitely Twilight's." She finished without tact.

Twilight Sparkle hung her head, and sighed, taking the blow. "She's right Applejack, I was the one who commissioned the spell; it was just bad luck things happened the way it did." She bit her lip, seeing first hoof how her obsession affected one of her dearest friends. "I never knew you felt like this, Applejack, and I'm sorry for alienating you, all of you," she address all her friends. "It was never my intention to make you all feel that way, and if I had; I'm am truly and deeply sorry." She trotted forward and hugged the sobbing Applejack, who readily accepted the embrace.

Starlight Glimmer came up and hugged her as well. "It was mostly my fault too. I kept pushing, and pushing for Twilight to let me contribute to your Cutie Quests and Friendship Missions. I just wanted to be part of the team."

"Yeah, silly, you're like the last one to blame for anything," chirped Pinkie Pie, joining in on the four-pony hug, making it a five-pony embrace.

"Pinkie, where'd you come from?" Asked Rainbow Dash, before being squished by Pinkie's crushing embrace.

"My 'Pinkie-senses' told me there was a group hug going on, and I wanted in on that action!"

Fluttershy subtly leaned in to the group, nuzzling Applejack where she could.

Applejack felt a warmth grow deep in her heart. Tears of pain, hurt, and remorse gave way to happy, loving ones after feeling her friend's bodies around her.

She broke away from the group hug, and turned to face her friends. Then sniffed, rubbing her snot away with a foreleg, and adjusted her stetson hat, while giving the group a thankful smile. "Thanks ya'll, Ah never knew how much Ah needed that."

"You can always ask, and we'll be there for you anytime." Fluttershy reassured her.

Applejack smiled at her friends as they escorted her back home to Sweet Apple Acres.

All together.

Rarity used her magic to fix Atchmon a place he could rest. "Okay, here's where you can sleep, I'm sorry I don't have anything else to offer you." She stated sadly.

Atchmon gazed at the pillow and blanket setup on Rarity's fainting couch. Hiding his disappointment, the man-pony put on a grateful smile. "Nah it's alright, you don't have to worry about me."

He hoped Rarity would invite him to her bed and they would sleep together lIke they used to, he wanted to stay close to her, even if nothing happened between them; but still guiltily held onto the hope of having sex with her again.

But as it stood, between his mistakes with their relationship, and his outburst from earlier; he couldn't blame her for spending the night away from him.

Rarity shifted on her hooves. "Well... goodnight, Atchmon."

"G'nite Rare... see you in the morning."

"Mhm," she gave a single nod and trotted up the stairs, after flicking the lights off with her magic.

Moonlight flooded the showroom floor as Atchmon settled in.

His head rested on the pillow while pulling the blanket up to his chin. He turned on his side, looking at the stairwell.

Atchmon made to get up from Rarity's couch, placing a hoof on the carpeted floor.

Rarity was in her evening gown, giving her hair a few brushes before bed, having removed many of the bandages bothering her hide.

She tucked herself in, and stared up at the ceiling before casting a look at her bedroom door.

Silence pervaded throughout the quiet home.

Rarity rested her head back. She tossed and turned beneath the silk sheets, looking across the vast empty space of her Princess-sized bed. A cold, lonely feeling crept over her chest.

Rarity's ears perked after picking up the sound of movement in the hallway.

She lifted her head, and stared at her bedroom door.

Rarity heard somepony coming and laid back down, pretending to slumber. She perked back up and quickly smoothed out the sheets of her bed, making everything look presentable, before laying back down again.

Rarity's ear twitched after hearing the doorknob click and the door swung open, then another soft click as it closed.

She felt the presence of somepony moving in her room, approaching her side of the bed, standing right before her.

Rarity's heart raced in excitement at the boldness of Atchmon's intrusion. Her breath hitched while nervously perking her lips for a slumber-ending kiss.

A mint-green light washed over her face, and the faint chime of magic filled the room.

"Rarity, are you still awake?" a small pony asked in a voice far more effeminate than she expected.

Rarity was quick to hide her disappointment, opening her eyes. "Of course, Sweetie; is everything alright?"

"Yes, I just wanted to spend the night with you, is that okay? I brought my own pillow; remember like we used to do?" The little filly levitated her plush pillow next to her, showing it off and giving it an adorable little shake while hiding her snout behind it, as if expecting to be rejected.

"Of course Sweetie," Rarity moved over and opened the sheets for her.

Sweetie Belle plopped herself down in Rarity's hooves and settled in.

"I missed you," Sweetie Belle mewled tiredly.

"I missed you as well, little sister," Rarity whispered back, looking disappointed, then cast a look back at her closed bedroom door.

Atchmon brought himself out of his blank thoughts after staring at the stairwell for a time. Then pushed off with the hoof that was on the floor, and laid back on the couch.

For the foreseeable future, this was his life now. Living under Rarity's roof, and sleeping on her couch.

He stared up at the ceiling. The showroom floor was overwhelmingly large and spacious; lacking the confining comfort of his cave.

It was like sleeping in the middle of the forest all over again. The clothing racks were the underbrush, and the structural pillars were trees. The streamers and balloons were their vines. Moonlight beams pierced through the window shades.

He felt exposed.

Unsafe.

Atchmon closed his eyes, and waited for sleep to come.

Fump! Bump!

Rarity slowly awoke to the muffled sound of movement around in her shop. It wouldn't be the first time Opalescence was up to some late-night mischief. Except, her darling kitty was napping at the tail-end of her bed.

She gingerly removed her hoof from underneath Sweetie Belle's slumbering form, being careful not to disturb her. Then went to check on her house guest.

She descended the stairwell and entered the main lobby of her shop, where she found Atchmon sitting on his rump, while trying to put an article of clothing back on its hanger, and place it on the rack where it likely dropped from.

"Atchmon?" Rarity whispered, causing him to flinch at her voice. She didn't mean to frighten him, and could see most of his concentration was on putting the clothing back where it belonged.

"Sorry, did I wake you up?" He whispered back.

"No," she answered for his sake. "Let me help you with that."

"Nah, I almost got it," he shook his head, while pouring all his concentration into the task.

"Have you slept at all?" she asked quietly in concern, watching him struggle with the clothes hanger.

"I got a couple winks in... I think," he answered in a low voice, never taking his eyes off his goal.

Rarity knitted her brows in concern. 'Is that why he's always such an early riser? Did he hardly sleep at all? Was he always awake watching over me while I slept?' The only time Rarity ever got up before him was when he got injured badly.

Rarity never suspected he was still on-edge simply out of habit, despite being out of the Everfree. In a place like that, danger could come at any time, and he had to be ready when it did. That meant going without sleep sometimes, and developing a lighter sleeping habit.

She noticed Atchmon wasn't using his mouth like he should, and used his hooves too much. He was biting the hanger between his teeth, and using his hooves to manuevener the frock on the hanger, when it should've all been done the other way around.

Rarity watched him struggle for a while, before his frustration finally came to a head, and he dropped the frock harshly against the ground.

Rarity felt no pity for her work, it was last years design and far out of style, but she was mostly concerned for Atchmon's feelings.

"Shouldn't you get some rest?" she asked placing a hoof on his shoulder.

Atchmon stayed facing away from her. "Can't... The couch is too soft..." he admitted.

Rarity watched him in worry. "I'll get you a proper bed tomorrow, we'll go to 'Quills and Sofas', there's a very knowledgeable stallion who works there and-"

"It's not the bed, Rarity," he interrupted with a quiet sigh.

"Then... what is it?" Rarity rubbed his shoulder, encouraging him to speak. "Do you... still wish to go home, to your world?" she asked.

Atchmon scoffed a laugh. "I don't think I have a choice anymore," he said lifting up a hoof and looking at it, giving Rarity a ghost of a smile.

Rarity pinned her ears back sadly.

Atchmon hung his head. "I'm sorry about earlier... I jus' realized they're all... 'people', and that freaked me out. Like, what if they don't like me? What if I mess up and make a fool of myself, you know?" he shrugged.

Rarity placed a hoof on his shoulder. "Just be yourself, dear."

He sighed. "I don't even like myself, and that's just it. How can they like me when I don't even like me?"

She bit her lip. "Just pretend they're all me and act accordingly," she offered.

"You mean plan to kidnap them for a month, then fall in love, only to break their heart?" he chuckled mirthlessly at his terrible joke.

Rarity didn't find it funny at all.

"Sorry, that was.... sorry." he said shamefully.

Rarity frowned in concern, still unconvinced.

The stoic human-stallion spent several moments deciding what to say. "I don't want to lose you... as a friend or... or-" his throat tightened. Too scared to ask, and too afraid to hear her answer, but he had to know. "Rarity, what are we to each other?" he forced the question through his swollen throat. "Are we-" he was about to ask, before a hoof pressed against his lips; silencing him.

"No- I mean, I don't know, Atchmon... I need some time to figure things out too." Rarity laid her ears back in sad confusion.

"It's okay, I get it, but... why are you putting up with me?"

"At the moment this is me paying off a debt of gratitude." She stated autonomously, as if protecting herself from her own feelings.

"You don't owe me a thing. If anything, I owe you everything."

Rarity stared through his eyes with earnest.

It was, at this moment, she realized several things.

There was no doubt that she cared about him. But it wasn't the same love she felt back back when they copulated together. Those feelings of intense passion--of going against the grain of society's expectations--was gone. Where there once held excitement and trepidation--with the possibility of drama and social reform--now only risk remained.

Was that it?

Did she only love him because he was safe? Did she know, at a subconscious level, that it was an inauspicious relationship from the beginning; with no hope of a future together? Or was it the possibility of a scandal that excited her?

Was she really so shallow and selfish? Wasn't him turning into a pony supposed to make things easier?

And another thing.

Atchmon was mentally stunted due to living for years in isolation. Mentally, Rarity was several years his senior, even though he was technically a couple years older than her; assuming the magic which changed him didn't alter his age as well.

Though she didn't see a reason for that to be the case.

In body, he was a stallion well in his prime. A bit underweight to be sure. His lack of muscle mass reflected the harshness of survival in the wilderness; seeing the ribs visible under his copper hide. But a little food and exercise could easily fix that.

Rarity didn't want to believe she was being selfish and shallow; that her only want was to break the hearts of a thousand suitors by coupling outside her species.

What she felt for the former human was real. She knew it in her heart that it was real. And everything else were just little obstacles they could overcome together.

But there was so much she had to do, and so little time to deal with all of it.

Her shops had to be her top priority. Without her income, Rarity didn't see any relationship lasting very long anyway.

"I'm going to tell you now Atchmon, so listen well." she said, and he steeled himself. "You have not lost me as a friend, but as for anything more...." she trailed, unable to finish what she set out to say.

"I'll do it right this time," Atchmon declared. "I- I'll earn your trust back, I dunno how I'm gonna do it; but I will. And if in the end you decide you don't want anything to do with me, then... I can respect that.... but I can't live with not trying anymore... I jus' can't." Atchmon spoke with conviction, despite the emotions threatening to spoil his declaration.

Rarity's heart swelled with admiration for the stallion in front of her, and for a moment she could almost see the human she first fell in love with; staring at her behind those beautiful stallion's eyes.

She felt it would be wrong to hold it against Atchmon for lying, and trying to ponynap her. The circumstances were dire, and he planned for years of his glorious return to Earth.

"We have a big day tomorrow, you should get some sleep."

"Mmm. You too. G'nite Rarity," he nodded.

"Good night, Atchmon. I'll see you bright and early in the morning."

Atchmon waited until her pale blue light was out of sight, before laying back on the couch.

Rarity quietly opened the door to her master bedroom, and could swear she saw movement around her headboard, but chalked it up to the shadows simply playing tricks with her eyes.

She carefully shimmied herself back underneath the covers, and cuddled with her little sister, giving her a kiss on the back of her head, a light squeeze to hug her goodnight, eliciting a tiny mewl from her slumbering little sister, before finally drifting off to sleep herself.

Author's Notes:

~~I don't feel this was a very strong chapter. There wasn't really anything new or interesting. It feels more like an extension of the first chapter. Lots of things I feel like deleting.~~ But I think it does set how extreme Atchmon's isolation has affected him.

So this was a difficult chapter. It was basically the starting point for all my arcs, and I had to make decision on where to go. In my last story, I inadvertently was following basic story structure. If you've ever heard of Dan Harmon's Circle, you'd know that in Phase 1, the character is in a comfortable/familiar place. It's also where the character finds he/she wants something.

So hopefully I accomplished some of that here, if not then definitely in the next chapter.

***In the IDW comics, Hayseed Turnip-truck becomes a very wealthy entrepreneur from his humble beginnings as a podunk turnip farmer; he did this all to gain Rarity's attention, but Spike intervened like the jealous friendzoned guy he is, and lied about Rarity already being taken by another stallion.

Spike and Sweetie's plans against Atchmon: You son of a bitch, I'm in!

Saving Grace

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Princess Luna stood vigil upon her tower, her horn wreathed in magic, projecting herself to stalwartly patrol the dream-realm; as such was her destiny and duty.

Within and outside the Dream she smiled at the bubble of Rarity's subconsciousness. "It's good to see you are unharmed, sweet Rarity; though I apologize for I cannot help you with matters such as modern economics."

Within the sphere Rarity's mind buzzed with questions and worries, her dream-self wore a green visor while crunching numbers on an accounting calculator. Her magic occasionally pulled at the handle, making it belt out an attentive ding and a streaming flurry of paper.

"Okay. We've got 17.5% in T-bills amortized over the fiscal year. 8% in stocks and bonds. Carry the nine, divide by the gross national product. Fortunately, wedding bouquets are deductible!" She explained excitedly.

Luna watched within the room Rarity was working, not letting the mare be aware of her presence unless she wanted her to notice.

"I think, I've got it!" Rarity shouted, bringing the numbers to a boss-like character sitting in an oversize chair which blocked anyone's view, before turning and revealing who it was.

Luna nearly blew a raspberry-laugh at what she saw.

In the oversize chair sat a vastly oversize version of Rarity's cat, Opalescence, in a serious business suit; with an Anthropomorphic build much like the Abyssinians in the far east. And in the boss' lap, sat a tiny version of Rarity herself, only she was licking and purring like an actual cat.

"Meow." Opal said neutrally.

"But, I've got it all figured out, it's foolproof." Rarity explained.

"Meow."

"No, I didn't mean it like that!" Rarity said in alarm.

Opal stood up with cat-Rarity scampering away before sitting and grooming herself. Opal faced away from Rarity, staring dramatically out the window. "Meow."

"No y-you can't." Rarity stammered.

Opal turned back and growled. "Meow."

Rarity fell to her knees, crying out dramatically. "Noooooo!"

Luna stood there awkwardly witnessing the exchange, unsure of what to make of it.

Whatever Opal said was something only Rarity would know, and Luna was in no mood to dive into a deeper level of a pony's subconscious just to find out.

So for the time being, she soothed Rarity's stress, granting her a peaceful sleep. With a little magic, Luna crafted a more relaxing setting, placing Rarity on a picnic blanket, enjoying the company of friends.

"There now, dear Rarity, leave the stresses of the day behind, for the night is the time for the mind to rest." Luna smiled proudly at her work before leaving to help the next pony in their dreams. The Night Princess could traverse dreams in any way she felt. Sometimes it was a hallway full of doors into other pony's dreams, and other times it was a void filled with orbs for every dreaming pony under her care.

Funny enough, dreams tended to arrange themselves by proximity to other ponies. In this case, Sweetie Belle was closest.

"Oh dear, little one, what's troubles your mind this time," Luna said under her breath as she looked upon the filly's dreamscape.

Sweetie Belle was shackled to a sacrificial alter while wearing a pretty dress. Dozens of same-looking tribal stallions danced around her, cheered, and beat on drums to summon their god-monster.

The filly struggled against her bindings, screaming for help; while Rarity--dressed in shamans garbs--offering her little sibling as a sacrifice.

"Oh sister, why do all these dreams have to be so over-the-top?" Luna sighed while shaking her head at the dramatic ritual.

A 200-foot tall Spike appeared from the jungle and roared in a showy display; but instead of taking Sweetie Belle, the Spike-zilla passed her up and worshiped the Rarity-shaman.

"Hey, you're supposed to take me, not her!" Sweetie shouted indignantly.

The Spike-zilla kissed the shaman-sister's hooves, worshiping the very ground she walked upon. The tribes-stallions did the same, bowing before their goddess and ignoring the younger, nubile teen still splayed out on the sacrificial alter, looking bored.

Being forced to witness her older sibling be so favored was more torturous than any fate Sweetie could've face with Spike-zilla

Luna chuckled. "Your time will come, little one, but for now; how about a loyal army of your own," she stomped her hoof. "That new pop-idol colt should do well, all the teen filly's tend to swoon at young sir Feather Bangs."

An army of Feather Bangs rushed to rescue Sweetie Belle.

"I would-"

"I would die-

"I would die for Sweetie Belle," said the entire army, and repeated every Feather Bangs as they helped Sweetie Belle down from the alter, then body surfed her away.

Sweetie Belle in the waking world swooned in her sleep. A dreamy smile spread across her lips.

Luna nodded at her work and moved on to the next recipient in need of her help, while she--in the waking world--sighed in content.

The next dream-bubble caused her to pause.

Most nightmares tended to be dark and turbulent, like swirling storm clouds. But this next one was more like a kaleidoscope.

Nightmares and memories melded and intertwined with each other. One becoming the other, and the other to one; with neither able to become whole.

"What a mess," Luna clicked her tongue, shaking her head. "Looks like we're going deeper," she frowned reluctantly. "Let's see what the root of all this turmoil is."

Luna dove into the kaleidoscope of emotions and appeared in a room with two bipedal beings.

"What manner of creatures are these!?" Luna blurted in shock, forgetting herself and almost revealing her presence to the dreamer. Seeing him pause and look in her direction.

"This... isn't a pony's dream?" She questioned in confusion. The dreamer's memory played out as normal, and Luna felt relieved for not destabilizing the memory.

Doing so would've been disastrous to the dreamer.

The ponies of Equestria may willingly give Celestia their loving devotion of body and soul, but their minds were as much Luna's domain as the night and moon itself. The loyalty and loving bond of her people Celestia built over a millennia, Luna could dismantle overnight if she wanted. An idea planted here, a few nightmares manipulated to her favor there, and Equestria would fall. Even the Tantabus--a mere parasite of her creation--would've been enough, had she not the help of others to stop it.

Such was the great power and responsibility she held.

The two beings were as distinct from each other as a stallion was from a mare. The male was clearly irritated, packing things away in a backpack, while the female stood in the doorway looking haughty.

"You can't leave, you've got responsibilities to take care of; like all the legal work that still needs to be done," the female said. "Mom and Dad left you the house, and you've got no job, so how are you planning on paying the bills?"

"I'll take care of everything when I get back, Sis," Atchmon hissed, packing things more aggressively.

"And how are you going to do that, exactly? Our parents didn't have much money saved; which they also left you," She hissed back.

"So, I'll get a job; what else do you want from me?" he exasperated.

"I want you to go out and find one instead of running off and hiding out around the camping grounds." She said snidely. "Why aren't you taking this seriously?"

"Prolly 'cause it's the weekend and no one is going to be accepting applications, maybe its because I didn't go to college, so no one will hire me without 5 years of dish-washing experience," Atchmon said sarcastically.

"You always do this; whenever things get hard, you run off and hide until it's too late; mom isn't here pushing you to succeed and giving you a hand-outs anymore, and dad-"

"Dad let himself die; he just gave up and died!" Atchmon snapped. "And you're jealous they didn't leave you anything but the land," he spat.

"No, I love you and I'm worried about you," She stepped forward in concern. "I've talked to Bobby, and we're both willing to buy you out for the house; you can stay with us until you get on your feet."

Luna could hear a high pitched noise as Atchmon's anger tried to block the memory of his sister's offer. He grit his teeth as she explained paying rent and splitting utilities.

"Yeah so you can put me out on the streets," he spat, pointing an accusatory finger at her. "I remember you always saying I was mom and dad's favorite; it isn't my fault they wanted me more than you!" His words dripped with venom.

"No!" She sighed in frustration.

But Luna could see she was cut deep with that comment.

There was a tense pause as the 'little' brother finished packing his things, slinging a compound bow and arrows over his shoulders.

"You didn't cry at mom or dad's funeral; aren't you sad they're gone?" The sister asked.

Atchmon scoffed angrily at the indignant accusation.

"Or are you happy with being a slobby loser all your life?" She argued.

"Shut up! Just shut up!" He snapped, and tried to storm out the room, but his sister blocked him.

"No, wait, I'm sorry!" She begged.

"Get out of my way!" He roared.

"No!" She screamed back. "You're not going!"

Atchmon went for the door, but his sister kept it closed with her body. He tried to open it, letting the door push her aside, but she managed to stay rooted. Then he pulled her way by the shoulder, and she half-slapped and half-clawed him with her nails.

Atchmon looked shocked at first, then grew angry.

She tried to stop him, but she was so much smaller than he was. "Atch, don't!" She screamed.

Using his strength, Atchmon grabbed her bodily and threw her out of his way and onto the bed before crossing the threshold.

Luna closed her eyes as the room melted and changed to the perspective of a living room.

"I'm calling the Police!" The sister shouted in threat from the hallway, while Atchmon stormed towards the front door. "They'll throw you in jail!" She half screamed.

Angry tears fell from Atchmon's cheeks, as he stopped before the doorway. "Go ahead, I don't care!" He roared back, then exited the door. Leaving his older sister crying on his bed.

The siblings fight reminded Luna of herself and Celestia. She could only imagine the pain and heartache she caused her dear sister; forcing Celestia to use the Elements on her in order to stop Nightmare from bringing about the Eternal Night.

The dream shifted, and Luna found herself in Ponyville. The dreamer, Atchmon, was naked and wearing a fake rubber horse mask. The human was bound in rope, while a stallion wearing an ascot pulled the rubber mask off.

"You see, gang, he was a fake the whole time," the ascot-wearing stallion revealed.

"Jinkies!" Exclaimed a mare adjusting her glasses and wearing an orange turtleneck sweater.

"Zoinks!" Said a bum-looking stallion.

"Rut-roh!" Said a spotted Great Dane diamond dog.

"Jeepers!" Exclaimed a red-maned, purple dressed mare.

The angry towns ponies chased the man out of the village with torches and pitchforks.

As Atchmon ran, he transformed into a pony stallion; a gigantic Tree of Harmony followed him, its terrifying presence looming over the horizon.

Luna watched in awe, vaguely understanding what's happening.

Interpreting dreams were a large part of her talent. It was a skill she honed over the centuries, even after a millennia of absence, it wasn't difficult for Luna to understand the often abstract ways the mind chose to express its emotions. Her sister, Celestia, could never appreciate such subtle craft.

The transformed stallion was suddenly strapped to an operating table, while Human scientists dissected him as he watched in gaunt horror; their faces covered with medical masks and round head-mirrors.

Luna--and the stallion on the table--gazed across the dark void of the nightmare, seeing a Human also being dissected on a table, but by pony scientists with the same garbs.

"Oh my little... thing," Luna looked sad for him. "You've been through so much," she tutted. "So much anger, fear, confusion, and guilt especially; all twisted up inside." Using her magic, she moved on to the next twisted emotion.

Luna watched as the human sat curled up in a tiny cave as seasons rapidly passed by, while he changed positions with them; each new position looking more pathetic than the last.

"So lonely, with not a friend in the world," Luna felt sympathetic, having spent a thousand years alone on the moon.

"Liar, I trusted you!" A mare's voice echoed from deep within his subconscious.

Atchmon in the waking world winced, and turned in his sleep.

Luna used her magic. "Surely there's a little- Ah, there we are... Oh my, Miss Rarity," She gasped scandalously. "Well, there's no question you're still full of love my dear... stallion, and with-ahem-plenty to give," Luna grinned deviously at her joke, seeing the two entwined in the embrace of lovers.

"This is why I enjoy helping children's dreams the most." She sighed.

There was no accounting of how often she came across a stallion or mare in coitus. Especially with either herself or Celestia, or Creator forbid both of them in bed within an adult's fantasy, or day-dream.

Luna blushed and used her magic, moving on with her mission to soothe the stallion's turmoil.

"There's some happiness," Luna nodded, seeing all the good memories of them together. "That's it, let's focus on the positive," she flared her horn's magic, bringing all those positive emotions to the forefront of the stallion's subconscious.

Rarity's family and friend's smiling faces and welcoming hooves opened up to him.

In the waking world, Atchmon smiled serenely, his body relaxed as he was welcomed into the herd.

"There now, sleep well, dear stallion," Luna smiled at her work, seeing the dreamer surrounded by loving friends.

Atchmon looked up from the crowd of ponies, seeing Princess Luna standing to the side--allowing herself to be seen--and watched her nod knowingly to him, before disappearing from the dream.

In the waking world, Princess Luna opened her eyes to the coming dawn. "There, when you do things right, ponies can't be sure if you did anything at all." She smirked and began lowering the moon just as Celestia came to raise the sun.

Atchmon awoke to the sound of Rarity's fretting.

"Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear this simply won't do!" She trotted back and forth collecting fabrics and sewing supplies, while also reviewing expense reports and other business papers in her magic. Her red designer glasses were askew sitting upon her snout, and her purple mane was done up in a business-like bun with a few loose hairs sticking out in places, making her look frazzled.

"Rare, everythin' alright?" Atchmon groaned, wiping the sleep from his eyes.

Rarity didn't lose her stride as she spoke while multitasking a dozen things at once. "Oh, darling I am so sorry for disturbing your slumber. Please pay no attention to me, but if you're hungry Sweetie Belle is making breakfast, please help yourself, and don't worry about waiting on me." She called behind as she trotted up the stairs to her work studio.

Atchmon sat up while brushing off the covers, only to quickly cover himself right after. The morning brought a familiar stiffness in his member. He looked around making sure no one saw his shame. He sighed in relief as he felt it begin to wilt, and soon retreat back into his sheath.

If it were just him and Rarity back in his cave, it wouldn't have been an issue. His pants would've covered him. And she never raised an issue the few times he popped a stiffy in front of her while they bathed. A couple of those times he purposely exposed himself just to 'test the waters'.

It was only natural as a curious and bored human being, that he'd want to 'poke' and 'prod' the mare to see her reaction.

Strictly in the 'scientific' sense.

The presence of his member made him question if 'hanging loose' was normal in a naked pony society. He wasn't shy about being naked in front of Rarity. Because to him, she was just a little animal. They all were.

He assumed it was okay--since no one but Rarity raised an issue about his 'indecency' at the party last night--but he wasn't about to push his luck and expose himself in front of Rarity's little sister.

That would just be wrong, and creepy.

He got up and followed his nose wherever the delicious smell in the air was taking him.

Sweetie Belle was busy in the kitchen. The smell of eggs and pancakes wafted from the doorway as he entered.

The young mare stood in front of the stove, and turned with a frying pan in her mint green magic. "Ahh!" She screamed in fearful surprise at the sight of the large stallion standing in the doorway; completely covering the entrance with his mass.

Sweetie Belle's magic imploded during her jump-scare, causing the frying pan to fall against the kitchen floor in a clatter of metal and buttery egg-whites.

Atchmon flinched at her yelp of surprise. 'Figures... she's scared of me. I must be every bit of a big, scary, ugly horse as I ever was before.' Atchmon thought lowly, remembering all the times his own family jumped at the unexpected sight of him.

The creepy tug of social anxiety crawled up the back of his neck, forcing him to tuck in his shoulders and lower his head, making himself look smaller for her sake.

"Is everything alright down there?" Rarity's voice called from upstairs.

Sweetie Belle swallowed her nervousness while staring fearfully at the stallion.

"Mornin'," Atchmon greeted sheepishly, keeping his head lowered.

"Sweetie?" Rarity's voice called again.

"E-everything's fine!" Sweetie Belle called back, then turned away from Atchmon while levitating the frying pan and eggs off the ground; instantaneously cleaning up the mess and discarding the ruined breakfast into the garbage.

Atchmon stared in amazement as she even floated the runny yellow egg-yolk from the ground too.

"'Scuse me, dear," Rarity said from behind him, shocking Atchmon out of his stupor. He trotted into the kitchen and shifted his rump out of the way for her to pass.

"Have a seat, darling, breakfast will be ready shortly," Rarity tittered.

Sweetie Belle cast glances at the stallion as he seated himself on the chair in not quite the way a pony should be seating themselves. He had a bit of trouble getting comfortable, all due to not sitting properly like a pony.

He gazed around the kitchen cabinets and counters, the walls were adorned with cookware and utensils.

Atchmon took in the stark normalcy of it all, then placed his hoof on the table as if making sure it was real. It was odd having two living things so close to him inside the homely kitchen.

There were times in the wilderness his imagination ran wild, trying to compensate for the lack interaction and the overbearing isolation. Times when he thought himself back home, those daydreams were sometimes so lucid; which only made it all the more disappointing when he'd come back to reality.

Now everything was flipped on its head.

Everything around him was reality, but he feared waking from a dream.

He watched the two mares cooking, trying to grasp the surreality of it all.

He couldn't help comparing the two. The filly, Sweetie Belle, was like a smaller version of Rarity, if Rarity weren't so green at the moment; her coat taking on a sickly tone. The older sister was more filled out, despite the recent weight loss; but Sweetie had a more pert teenager rump that would've had him drooling, if he weren't so much older than her; and not the younger sister of his one and only friend-slash-lover-girlfriend... person.

He looked away with a blush as the sisters raised and swished their tails while working, it was only a quick flash; but Atchmon saw enough to make a comparison. Rarity was a stark contrast to her little sister. She was dark while Sweetie was a pale-fleshy pink underneath.

Something told Atchmon that Sweetie was the superior sibling, yet her obvious youth prevented him from looking further than that.

He waited at the table, doing his best not to stare while the two mares hips swayed and tails flicked and swished as they talked lowly, making small talk...

"So?" Rarity whispered, and prodded her younger sister. "What do you think?" She asked quietly so Atchmon wouldn't hear.

"About what?" Sweetie asked with a hint of knowing where this conversation was going.

"Having a stallion living in the house."

"I guess it's... different?" she offered.

Rarity sighed while nodding. "It is, isn't it? It feels like there's a strange new energy around here, doesn't it?" She said wistfully.

The two sisters helped set the table and finished making breakfast for the three of them.

Atchmon gazed at the delectable spread. His mouth salivated at the glistening sight of over-medium eggs, the golden brown-ness of pancakes and hash-browns , along with the glinting shine of maple syrup. Sunlight hit the amber liquid just right, giving it a starry glint, as he watched it fall atop his portion of flapjacks.

Rarity was grinning eagerly from ear to ear as she fixed his plate for him. Then poured him a glass of orange juice from a carafe, and fixed him a bendy straw.

Sweetie looked indignant, trying to ignore the feasting beast of a stallion as he half-dove into his meal, eating partially off the plate lIke an animal, while holding his fork wrong by pinching it with his wrists.

It wasn't like her best friends didn't eat like that. Only Unicorns possessed magic which enabled them to eat with utensils. It was only polite to allow Earth ponies like Atchmon to eat however they pleased.

No, it was the fact he was eating like it would be his last meal forever.

"Slow down, darling, you're not going to go hungry anymore," Rarity tittered. "Not under my roof."

"Sorry," Atchmon gasped hungrily before washing it all down with milk, it was the perfect complement to the sweet syrupy goodness, especially after they hit that critical point of absorption which turns the pancakes into delicious paste.

He played with his utensils trying to figure out how best to use them with his new hooves.

Sweetie Belle lost her appetite and glanced between the two while poking at her food.

"That quite alright, dear; please eat your fill," Rarity insisted while placing more food on his plate. "Did you sleep well, Atchmon?"

He slurped up some of the egg that was trying to make an escape from his fork. "Pretty good; how 'bout ya'll?" He gasped hungrily, before accidentally dropping his fork, watching it clatter messily to the floor.

Rarity levitated and dropped it into the sink, then brought him another one from the drawer. "Oh it's quite alright, I should be the one to apologize, I don't really keep any Earth Pony utensils here."

"Think I'm gettin' the hang of it," he said thoughtfully while concentrating on not dropping it again; but was mostly shovelling his food to the edge of the plate before suckling it up.

The trio ate in silence a moment.

"Sweetie, is everything alright; did you not sleep well?" Rarity asked in concern.

Sweetie was caught in deep thought and almost missed the question. "Oh yeah, I slept good." She answered nonchalantly.

"Wonderful, now I hope you both don't mind, but I'll need to excuse myself and get ready to go into town." Rarity dabbed the napkin on her mouth before getting up from the table. "There's letters to send, bank accounts to balance, bills to be paid, and fabrics to purchase!" She declared as she left the kitchen. "Oh I hope I don't need to take out a loan." Her worried voice carried through the doorway.

Sweetie Belle and Atchmon sat silently together.

Atchmon wasn't shy about finishing his meal, while Sweetie barely touched hers.

"Ain't you gonna eat?" He asked in concern, noticing Sweetie's discomfort.

"'M not hungry." She mumbled.

Atchmon chewed his lip while looking around, trying to think of a way to make right whatever wrong he committed against the filly.

"Guess it's pretty weird havin' a guy like me hangin' around, huh?" He chuckled nervously. Then rubbed his neck after seeing Rarity's little sister clam-up even more.

"The eggs sure were tasty, you're a good cooker!" He complimented.

She tightened her lips.

Atchmon gave up and sighed. "Listen, if I'm being a pain, just let me kn-" he started to say, before being interrupted.

"You are," Sweetie snapped at him, her eyes going from pensive, straight to dark, angry circles.

"Wha-?" Atchmon stuttered not expecting so much ire to radiate from the filly. It was plain on her face. The social pressure pressed against his chest, making him want to leave and avoid the confrontation. But some other force of will kept him planted in his seat.

"I know your type, you do one nice thing for my sister, and suddenly she owes you the world; is that it?" She spat at him.

The words hurt, but Atchmon studied the little filly warily. She wasn't the sweet little pony Rarity always described her to be, and was clearly angry with him. But Atchmon knew he didn't do anything wrong, at least not recently. He tried to implement what Rarity taught him about placing himself in another's "pony shoes".

"You're right, after what I've been through, I do feel like I deserve a lot of things," Atchmon sighed. "And I know I'm not a good guy, and Rarity deserves a lot better."

Sweetie Belle was disarmed as she listened to his confessions. No stallion ever admitted such self-depreciating things. They all felt like Rarity deserved them, like they were doing her the favor by just considering to court her.

"You really know how to sell yourself," she said sarcastically.

Atchmon scoffed a laugh. "Yeah, but she's all I got," he shrugged. "But that doesn't mean I don't appreciate everything that she's done for me... that she's still doing for me." He emphasized.

Sweetie's hard look softened as the stallion's features turned melancholy. Why was she acting like this? It wasn't his fault for being stuck here, he was just following his curiosity; if his story is to be believed. And Sweetie couldn't think of any reason why it shouldn't. Even Princess Twilight vouched for him.

Atchmon continued. "So I'm sorry for butting into your life, I know if it was my sister and she brought home some guy... well, I wouldn't've cared, but I'd prolly be mad too if she didn't tell me, at least."

Sweetie Belle nodded along, listening to his every word. She was kinda upset about the turn of events. And more the fact her sister had no way to warn her, which was illogical on Sweetie's part. But that was no excuse for being unpleasant.

She was the sister of the Element of Generosity. Sweetie felt she had to be a little generous herself, at least.

She was practically at that age herself, wondering about boys more frequently; but she never thought about what Rarity or her parents might think if she liked somepony. Or how they would react.

Maybe she was just too used to Rarity being single that Sweetie never thought about how a relationship would affect their sisterhood.

Sweetie still had sibling authority over him. And was sure if she didn't like him, Rarity would listen to her and dump the stallion in a heartbeat.

But she had to at least give him a chance, he was being a nice guy despite everything being new to him. And to top it all off, he wasn't even- himself, if that last part of the story were really true.

Sweetie couldn't imagine not being a pony anymore.

She drooped her ears, and apologized. "I'm sorry for being a mean brat around you... I just imagined everything going differently when my sister came back home." She sighed.

"It's okay, I'm honestly surprised all ya'll took to me as quick as ya did, considerin' what I was before," he huffed a laugh. "I'm not tryin' t' steal her away from ya, if that's what your worried about." He reassured her.

Sweetie Belle sighed sadly. "I know... its just that, I can't help but feel like since she's had you around; she never really missed me."

Atchmon balked at that and leaned forward in support. "Listen Sweetie it- is it okay if I call you Sweetie?" He asked sheepishly, getting a few nods from the filly. "There wasn't a day gone by that Rarity didn't talk about you... It was kind've annoying." He chuckled.

Sweetie giggled at that bit, making her relax and not feel so bad.

He continued. "But it was very sweet. All she wanted was to see you again, and to be by your side when you needed her. Heck, I feel like I know you like you were my own lil' sister. So I know you must feel like you're bein' left on the back burner, but jus' know your sister loves you with all her heart. An' right now, I guarantee you, there's nothin' she would rather be doin' than spendin' time with you. But she's got responsibilities that she needs to get to first, and I think it's our job to help her out as best we can, so she can get back to doin' what she really wants to do; don't you think?"

Sweetie Belle stared at her plate in thought, before a smile spread across her cheeks. "I do... thank you, Atchmon. I forget Rarity does want to spend time with me, but just can't sometimes." She fidgeted sheepishly in her seat.

"And the way I see it, Rarity doesn't owe me anything," 'Even though I don't feel comfortable leaving her side.' But Atchmon wasn't about to tell her or anyone else that. "But if I get to be too much of a problem, I can jus' go live outside, I guess. You're not usin' your bedsheets are ya? I'm gonna need something to pitch a tent."

"What? No, I'm still using those!" She giggled.

Atchmon felt the tension loosen between them after that, and relaxed himself.

Rarity was eavesdropping just outside the kitchen door, having heard the entire exchange. It was an impolite thing to do, but she had to know how they'd act around each other when she wasn't there to keep the peace.

More than a couple times she wanted to pop out and give the two a piece of her mind.

Instead, she smiled gladly, knowing Sweetie took to him so well, and Atchmon managed to conduct himself like a gentlestallion.

Sweetie just needed to grow out of her 'bratty-sister' stage. But she also didn't like that Atchmon saw himself so unworthy of her trust and friendship; but Rarity could understand why.

He truly regrets what he did.

She slunk away using her tippy-hooves before landing with the rest of her hoof, just like Atchmon taught her how to sneak, and soundlessly made it up the stairs without disturbing her two guests.

Sweetie regained her appetite and took a few bites of her breakfast.

"Sho what are your intentionsh with my big sister?" Sweetie Belle asked with her mouth partially full.

Atchmon was caught off guard by the question, and nearly choked on his orange juice. "Intentions? What intentions? I- I don't have any intentions! Who said anything about intentions?" He said quickly, while avoiding her gaze.

Sweetie tittered. "You like her, I can tell, and she likes you too; I haven't seen her like this in, well, ever," she exhausted. "It's not the goofy love-struck look she gives other stallions she's interested in. It's something more... genuine."

"Yeah well, I think that ship has sailed... I messed things up pretty bad with her right before we got rescued." He said pensively.

"What happened?" she asked.

Atchmon pressed his lips together, unsure of how much to reveal, but also not wanting to lie. "I lied to her."

Sweetie knitted her brows. "About what?"

"It doesn't matter... The point is, I lied; I want to make it up to her, but I just don't know how I'm gonna do it," he sighed, shaking his head in defeat.

Sweetie Belle gave the stallion a stern, considering look. "Maybe I can help you with that," she said.

Atchmon looked at her expectantly.

"The first thing I think you should do, is find your special talent," she gestured at his side.

Atchmon scoffed a laugh, following her gaze to his bare flank. "And how do I do that?" He asked skeptically.

Sweetie smirked confidently. "My friends and I can help you get your Cutie Mark, we're kinda like experts on that sort of thing," she finished with an air of dignity while inspecting and polishing her hoof on her coat.

Atchmon considered her offer.

It wasn't likely that he'd get a Cutie Mark of his own. He wasn't born a pony. Plus, humans don't have magic, and he never had one before so it was no great loss to him... but at the same time his bareness would always be a reminder that he didn't 'belong' with the ponies. Even if they accepted him, he would never truly 'be' one of them.

He felt like a wolf in sheep's clothing.

An imposter.

A liar.

And that was the question, wasn't it?

Did he want to be a pony through-and-through?

'Nope.'

Well, actually, his feelings were more complicated than that.

What he wanted was companionship, a sense of purpose, and belonging.

He had plans, or more accurately a vague idea of a plan:

Make a book, get rich, get Rarity back, and live happily ever after.

The end.

There were certain 'perks' to being a pony, he had yet to explore. And at the moment he was kinda just rolling with it all, taking everything as it comes; as was his way in life.

Curiosity was his vice and driving force. He wanted to see what this world had to offer, and to see if gaining his Mark was possible, and from that would come potential, and that could lead him to a prosperous future.

But on the flip-side of that coin, it meant there was no going back to where he came from. No more Earth, no more American burgers, steaks, chili-dogs... sister.

Now that he thought about it, home didn't sound all that appealing anymore...

What did it say about him that he could abandon everything so easily?

He was a man that didn't belong.

Though, there really wasn't anything to go back to other than a shanty house, an overbearing sibling, and crippling debt.

Sweetie Belle watched the stallion come out of his thousand-yard stare after a few seconds of silence.

"You would really help me do that?" He questioned.

Sweetie gave him a reassuring smile and nod.

"Alright... sure, why not?" He shrugged.

"I have classes for most of the day, but me and the girls will get together and come get you this afternoon when we're all free." Sweetie stood up and brought all the dirty dishes to the sink with her mint-green magic. "Rarity always said I should be a gracious host whenever we have guests over, and it looks like you're gonna be staying awhile," she trailed in thought. "So is there anything I can do to help make you more comfortable?"

Atchmon thought a moment, while feeling a pressure in his loins from a belated morning ritual. "Can you tell me where the bathroom is?" he blushed in embarrassment. "You have those here, right? I remember Rarity saying something about it."

Sweetie scoffed a laugh at the unexpected question. "Yes, we have a bathroom, and a toilet with plumbing and running water to take our waste far away from here," she snarked. "It's upstairs, middle of the hallway on the right."

"Thanks, 'scuse me," Atchmon left the table to find the porcelain throne. Or whatever the ponies had that passed for a toilet around here.

Atchmon stared at the bowl-like contraption before him, feeling lost.

Some features of it were familiar.

There was a reservoir made of brass, and a pull-string that had to be the 'flusher'. And there was a pole-hook looking thing that must help keep a pony's tail out of the way, but he couldn't get it to adjust very much or swing around.

He tried a few positions. Rearing up wasn't possible without anything to hold onto, and lifting his leg like a dog wasn't going to work either, since his penis drooped downward and away from the bowl.

He swung a hind leg around and backed up before sitting on the bowl the way he was used to.

Rarity entered through the bathroom door to the awkwardly wide-eyes of Atchmon sitting on her toilet. "Whoopsie, sorry, darling, the door was open; be sure you lock it next time if you want some privacy," she tittered while covering her eyes, before quickly exiting to give him some privacy. "Are you going to be long, deary?"

"Uh, no." he called back.

"Oh Atchie, darling," Rarity said through the crack in the doorway. "You're sitting on it backwards, dear, you see that flat top gives you a little table that you can work on while you do your--ahem--'business'," she advised. "Oh and if you happen to have any laundry just throw them through the 'laundry hole'.

Atchmon looked back at the brass reservoir. "I knew that." He said nonchalantly.

He corrected his position, which felt 'right' when he sat down. His bladder was about to burst, but he held off until his penis dropped from his sheath. There was a distinct 'loosening' of muscles that stretched as his maleness was exposed. He gained some control over those sensations, and managed to expedite the process. Then Atchmon stood up, straddling the bowl when a cold, wetness drenched his tip.

"Ah c'mon," he complained. Then laughed that he was mad about getting his dick 'wet', and from how it happened.

He shook his head at his own dumb joke, and let loose.

*Pssssssssss*

He looked down and saw a stream of urine bigger around than he was used to. It's loudness surprised him. He shifted, trying to lessen the embarrassing volume as it fell into the water.

The pressure in his groin abated as he went...

And went...

And went... to the point he started to feel concerned for his health.

"This has gotta be some kinda record," he muttered in amazement under his breath, before his stream slowed to a trickle, before finally dying out.

He shook his rump, getting the last few stray drops to land in the bowl, while his penis retreated floppily back into his sheath.

"You're gonna listen to me one o' these days," he said to his penis, then tugged on the pulley-string and watched as his waste swirled down the drain with a satisfying flush.

He went to the sink and turned on the hot water tap before touching the steamy liquid with a hoof, feeling the heat radiate through the hoof and to his nerves. "Oh thank you, Jesus," he praised while washing his hooves with some lavender-smelling soap.

He chuckled after wiping off the moisture, noticing that it didn't matter, since his hooves were going to be on the ground. But he figured it would just be polite and respectful of Rarity's home to be a little hygienic.

Atchmon looked at himself in the tri-fold vanity mirror, gazing at his stallion face as he turned it back and forth; noticing the smaller details of his new body. His mane and tail were dark brown, almost black, the same with his hind legs up to his knees. He found no flaw on his copper hide. The excessive amount of hair (Or was it fur?) around his body wasn't much different. He was a pretty hairy guy anyway, except now he was a lot less drafty; save for his hairless nether regions.

He stared at his horse face with his big horse nostrils.

Was this a face a pony could love?

Atchmon snorted irritably.

He checked his back in disappointment, seeing that his Angel-wing tattoo was missing.

The symbol of his late parents, and their memory, was gone; along with all his many scars which were also erased from his body, as if he never lived a life of hardship at all.

"You still with me?" He asked the mirror, not really looking at himself.

It felt like his parents were still with him, but it was nice to have a more physical reminder.

He wondered what they would think of all this. Would they be impressed? Or angry? Embarrassed?

"Yep, definitely the third," he groused.

He thought about his relationship with Rarity.

Would other people understand? Would they even care that she was intelligent; that she could speak, and love, and feel as anyone does? Or would they shun him for not only having sex, but also falling in love with a pony?

Atchmon didn't hold much faith in his own kind.

The best he could've done was take advantage of their greed. But that meant he needed proof, and what better than to have a real, live Unicorn presented before the world.

And that was his true shame: That he was no different than anyone else.

Atchmon felt some shame for having relations with Rarity. But overall, he saw it as nothing more than a natural act. He was male, she was female; and they cared for one another. They were both compatible with each other to get some satisfaction out of the act.

And boy was it satisfying.

Atchmon grinned proudly thinking back to his coitus with the mare. She really enjoyed herself too, and that made the whole act all the better for it.

But despite that, and everything, Atchmon still felt lonely. Meeting Rarity was the best thing to ever happen to him, in every sense of the phrase. But now they were apart. He couldn't be sure they were 'officially' broken up. But from what he's seen thus far, and what he knows about Rarity. The odds weren't in his favor.

It was very likely things wouldn't work out between them anyway.

He made a promise to win her back, and Atchmon knew how bad he was at keeping those. So why should this be any different?

What if some other mare came his way? Could he find it in himself to be with her instead? Or should he consider Rarity's feelings? What if he did that, then lost the other mare because she couldn't wait for him?

"I just don't want to be alone anymore," Atchmon whispered his answer, looking melancholy.

Even if it had to be a mare, and not a girl from his world; he just wanted someone to hold, to give his life purpose and meaning.

Atchmon knew he would make a good boyfriend and maybe a husband if he'd just get the chance. And there's the rub; it was the possibility of such a thing that always eluded him.

Before Equestria, he was a dumb, impoverished, arrogant and fresh-out-of-his-teens man-baby. And now... well, he was still basically the same, but older and a Stallion.

Atchmon sighed in frustration.

Why did he need to convince himself that this was okay? He was a pony now! Everyone was a pony here.

Why not have a little fun before making any big decisions?

"Atchmon?" Rarity called him from just inside the bathroom door.

He was snapped out of his thoughts, having been caught staring through the mirror.

"I knocked... you didn't answer," she said in concern.

He looked away in embarrassment.

"Darling, is everything alright?" she asked in concern.

"Well... I dunno what to do with myself; there's no plants to water, traps to check, animals to hunt..." he flinched, forgetting that Rarity didn't like him mentioning his penchant for ending animals lives to survive. "There's not really anything for me to do anymore..."

Rarity stepped forward in support, listening to what he was telling her.

Atchmon sighed. "I feel just as lost as I was before I met you, I dunno what to do with myself," he shrugged.

Rarity knitted her brow in thought. "I think you'll have to figure that out for yourself, just like everypony else, dear," she finished gesturing with a nod to his blank flank.

Atchmon followed her gaze, looking at his bare hide, and uttered a mirthless chuckle with the ghost of a smile dying on his lips. "You know it'll prolly never turn up, right?"

Rarity knitted her brows in concern. "Perhaps, but wouldn't you like to know what your special talent is if it does?"

"Yeah, kinda, maybe, but... I dunno," he sighed. "I feel like if it does show up, then it means I'm not me anymore."

"A Cutie Mark doesn't change who you are, it's just an outward expression of what's already inside you," she reassured him while placing a hoof on his shoulder.

Her gesture was sweet, and it made him feel better and more intrigued to find his Mark.

Rarity spoke encouragingly. "Why don't you take a few days to get yourself comfortable and used to living here; maybe go out and see the town, make yourself at home; then deal with all the other stuff later; does that sound like a good idea?"

Atchmon considered it a moment.

Every day spent in the Everfree forest was a constant search for food. And even if he'd stock up on that, there were other things to maintain, like his vegetable garden, or his bow and making more arrows. His ceramic craft took up a lot of his time whenever he needed to make something new, or replace what was broken.

This was a chance to rest, relax, and take things easy, and that thought was very appealing to him. Plus, there was a whole new town to explore!

Atchmon nodded with a smile. "Yeah, it does sound good!" he chirped.

Sweetie Belle shouted from downstairs. "I'm off to school, sis!"

"Okay Sweetie!" She called back. "I have to get myself ready too, darling, if you don't mind."

Atchmon smiled sheepishly and removed himself from the washroom.

After Rarity got herself looking presentable, Atchmon waved goodbye from the threshold of the front door.

"Are you sure, you're going to be okay by yourself?" Rarity asked outside of Carousel Boutique. "I'd take you with me, but I'm afraid it's going to be a dreadfully boring errand run; it's not at all how I wanted your first official day as a Ponyvillian to go." She finished, sounding disappointed.

Her hair was done up in the usual curls, and she wore one of her old designer saddlebags around her flanks, along with a bonnet covering her head, while floating a pair of sunglasses to help hide her identity.

Her three-diamond cutie mark was on full display, which made Atchmon question the effectiveness of her disguise. But with her coat colored a lime-green in the sun, she could pass for a totally different pony.

Atchmon chuckled while shaking his head at the umpteenth time she asked about his wellbeing. Brushing off her concern and speaking almost laconicly. "I'll be fine Rare, I spent years alone by myself, a few hours is gonna be nothin' t' me." He stood straighter in the doorway, looking proud of the terribly sad achievement.

"Well... if you're sure," Rarity bit her lip as she considered his words, then nodded. "Okay, I should be back by this afternoon, there's some snacks left in the fridge if you get hungry." She turned to leave, only to turn back. "Oh and-"

"Just go Rare, or everyone'll be at lunch before you get where you're goin'!" He shooed her away, after realizing she was stalling herself for his sake.

"Yes, right, of course, see you again soon," she turned and trotted a few steps before looking back one last time, seeing Atchmon watching her from the doorway.

They shared a look and a comforting smile, then waved each other goodbye, before Rarity finally trotted away to run her errands.

Atchmon waited until Rarity's flank was out of sight, then gazed across the quiet pony town. There were no ponies in sight. But he could hear the quiet drone of activity near the center of town, punctuated by the squeals and laughter of children.

Atchmon felt the cold snap of fear and loneliness creeped up his chest, as he took a hesitant step outside the threshold of Rarity's boutique...

A pony couple cantered around the opposite way Rarity went, talking idly to themselves, until one broke off the conversation as they sensed something was amiss at Carousel Boutique.

"Something wrong, Lyra?" Bon Bon asked while slowing to a trot.

The mint-green mare darted her yellow-eyes around the shop, then stared at it's closed purple door before shrugging. "Guess it was nothing." She said nonchalantly before cantering to catch up to her mate.

Atchmon's back rested against the doorway, his heart thudding against his chest; then checked to see if the coast was clear before taking a breath to calm his frayed nerves.

He looked down to see Rarity's cat, Opalescence, sitting on the carpet staring at him in that tired, disinterested way that cats do.

The kitty's purrs could be heard throughout the quiet shop as she slowly blinked at him.

Atchmon looked outside the front window of Carrousel Boutique. Rarity's home was located nearer the town's center by the marketplace. He could see a multitude of multicolored carnival tents with crates and barrels of goods stacked high around the back of each one. And just on the other side of the market was the town's tallest building. The tower stood tall like a beacon of wonder to him, the numerous spires were adorned with a pink pennant flag around it's circular tower top, waving gracefully in the wind.

Each wave of a flag looked as though they were beckoning him to come outside and explore.

He saw all sorts of candy colored ponies walking by his window, all making their way to the market, some were mothers with young fillies following closely beside them. One adorable unicorn filly spotted him looking outside the window and gave him a wave with her candy sucker.

Atchmon waved back with an awkward smile and a look of wonder.

He stood again before the front entrance of the shop. His imagination running wild with the wonders awaiting him just on the other side.

Then a terrible sinking feeling entered his heart, and traveled down to his gut, freezing his legs in place.

"Come on... come on!" Atchmon growled at himself with his head resting against the door.

He hated himself in that moment. Hated feeling the fear in his chest. After only one day out of the Forest, he'd already developed a fear of going outside.

That was supposed to be his domain!

In an act of defiance, Atchmon tore open the door, then slammed it a second later; breathing hard again with his back against it.

Atchmon looked down at Opalescence, watching him with her cat eyes, having not moved a muscle.

"Don't judge me, kitty," Atchmon huffed to the cat.

"Mrrrrrrowl," Opalescence opened her mouth wide, and gave him a big yawning meow, showing just how unimpressed she was with the stallion.

"Okay, baby steps," he nodded before trotting off to explore Rarity's home and shop, with Opalescence following behind him.

Atchmon explored the confines of Rarity's home. From the shop front with all of its naked ponyquins and the few adorned with fanciful garbs along with racks full of clothes, then to the kitchenette area. The shop front also had a little modeling stage setup, and a miniature hair saloon service in the back.

He tried on a few basic suits that were left out on racks, but none of them were anywhere close to his size.

*Ker-rrriiip*

He panicked after ripping the back of one on accident, taking it off and placing it back on the rack as if no one had touched it.

He followed the curving stairs upward, and entered the first door on the left.

This room smelled very different from from the rest of the house. His senses told him a young filly resided here, confirming what his eyes already saw.

Sweetie Belle obviously had a fondness for music and organization. Her room looked very neat and girly, if the posters advertising 'colt' bands and other pop idols were any indication. She had a vanity dresser with tri-fold mirrors, and her bed was a white, heart-shaped rod-iron frame with purple and pinkish sheets.

Atchmon looked around the room finding a small piano against the wall next to her bed. He trotted over and lifted the covering hiding all its keys, and did a double take between the keys and his large, round hoof; he pressed down, having played three notes at once with the tip of his hoof. Then twisted his hoof and played two notes at the same time with the edge of his hoof.

No matter how hard he tried, the stallion couldn't hit a single note by itself.

Atchmon chuckled, laughing off his inability to play the instrument. Not that he was ever interested in playing to begin with.

Except now, he felt that choice was taken from him.

He shook the depressive thoughts from his mind and looked out the window which overlooked the market way.

He huffed, still not feeling up to going out just yet and moved back towards the exit.

*Clink!*

Atchmon made to close the bedroom door, but stopped to investigate the sound.

On the door handle hung a medal with a microphone emblazoned on the face. Atchmon palmed the medallion and flipped it over seeing writing on the back.

'Best Singer'

He placed the medal back where it was found and closed the door behind him.

Atchmon nosed around Rarity's master bedroom--slash--work studio. It was an incredibly spacious room with a crafting supply closet and a regular walk-in closet, shelves full of threads, and a designers table next to her bed, which was large enough to accommodate his size. He felt miffed that Rarity was hogging such a monster of a mattress all to herself, but let it slide knowing he'd do the same in her position.

Rarity's cleanliness was in stark contrast to her younger sister's. Supplies and clothes were already strewn about like a second layer of carpet.

He proceeded to nose around Rarity's room just like he did with Sweetie Belle's, only more deeply.

Atchmon found a strange wand-like device hidden in Rarity's dresser drawers. There was a crystal stuck to the bottom of it--which is what caught his interest-- and a large bulbous dome at the top. It activated when he moved it, causing the wand's domed head to vibrate rapidly like a buzzing hive of bees.

It took a few hits with his hoof for it to stop. "Hmm, must be for massages, Rarity always talked about how much she loves those," he spoke idly to himself, and thought nothing more of it.

As Atchmon rummaged around her dressers, he noticed there wasn't a single pair of underwear in sight.

Not that he was actively looking for any; it was just an observation!

Which made sense, it would've been a hassle for a pony to put something like that on and off, especially if they had an emergency and needed to use the bathroom.

Next to the dresser was Rarity's worn saddlebags from the Forest. They looked so sorry sitting there looking brown with filth and drooping with overuse.

Atchmon could only spare a sympathetic look to the incredibly useful rucksacks

He felt a little guilty rummaging through her things, but he thought nothing of it. To him, it was little more than a treasure hunt, you never know what you'd find out about a person, until after finding their secret stashes.

And for Rarity, it was a cache of Erotic Novella and magazines hidden in the most obvious of places: under the mattress. The pages read more romantically and lovey-dovey than he cared, plus one was about two stallions getting it on.

"Bleh," Atchmon scoffed in disgust at the cheesey-ness of the narrative, before flipping through a few pages of the magazines next.

All the stallions were very pretty, with manes and tails all done up; some were cut in patterns. Their coats had a shiny sheen to them; stallions of every flavor to sate every mare's taste. From short and cute, to the age-old tall, dark, and handsome; that one being an all black stallion from Saddle Arabia.

Atchmon knitted his brows in frustrated confusion. 'Huh, he doesn't have a Mark on his flank either... so why's everyone pushin' me to get one if there's others out there without one?'

At first glance the stallion seemed like a regular horse back from his world, but there was no mistaking those eyes. They were more akin to a horse, but had that 'Human' look to them.

But the biggest draw in the magazine's targeted demographic, were their dicks.

Horse dick.

Pony dick.

Cocks everywhere; and a Griffon of all things; which Atchmon stared at for longer, only because it was a Griffon and nothing else...

Some were hung like the horses they were, while the more professional models sported shorter, thinner penises. One palomino stallion--the centerfold-- proudly presented his dainty nine-inch member draped across his belly, while he was laying back on a fluffy bed of rose petals while holding a ruler for scale.

Atchmon knew that would've been a god-like size to have as a human, but things worked differently here in the pony-world. 'Rarity did say the girls here didn't like big ones being shoved into them; so I guess smaller ones would be better to them.'

All the magazine did was make Atchmon all the more self-conscious. 'Is this what Rarity likes?' He thought, looking at all the pretty stallions in the pages.

He looked at himself in Rarity's vanity mirror. There wasn't anything he could find in the magazine on himself. His face was more bony than smooth; his ribs showed; which were another thing all the other stallions lacked. The cuts between his muscles kinda showed, but they didn't have that healthy 'fullness' and strength the others had.

The Tree of Harmony must've translated his body to an emaciated stallion form, in the same way his human body was before.

Atchmon knew he was in bad shape, having starved for days at a time, and limiting himself to one meal a day for months at a time.

So many days were spent reminiscing about the times he'd sequester himself to his bedroom with a soda, a sandwich, and a bag of chips all to himself.

Atchmon shook the past thoughts out of his head, and put away Rarity's things, then noticed a sewing tape measure on Rarity's design desk.

He shouldn't, not with her things... but curiosity got the better of him. Plus, he really want to know. So he went and grabbed the tape between his lips and dropped it on the bed.

Now it was just a matter of working himself up to get a proper measurement.

The excitement of measuring himself was enough to make his head poke out its sheath. Atchmon huffed while tenderly touching himself, being careful with the hard keratin hoof while trying to coax the rest of his shaft to appear.

As he bent over to fondle his fruit-sized testes, Atchmon's head lowered closer to Rarity's bed sheets. His imagination went from fantasizing about the busty 'farmer's-daughter-type' high-schooler girls he graduated with, to thoughts about Rarity as his senses filled with her scent, while his mind envisioned her rump.

His stallion instincts took over, making him want more.

There was another feminine smell mixed with hers, he recognized it as the same one from Sweetie Belle's room. But he preferred the familiarity of the former. It was that unmistakable 'pet' smell his mind automatically labeled as "Rarity". But it was different this time. There was an effeminate bouquet laced within that familiarity, the stallion part of his mind labeling it as 'mare'.

Atchmon adjusted and stood half-laying on Rarity's bed, snuffling where she laid last night; while his member slipped from its sheath and stiffened.

He thought about her fair face, and her sex, and her springy, round, white rump. Of the time he parted those curvy, slender, luscious, charcoal-colored lips; and made her his mare.

His cock was sandwiched against his belly and foreleg, while his hips jerked to rub himself more; sending electric tingles around the swollen ridges of his flare.

The intense sensations brought Atchmon out of his fantasies. He rolled over, laying back on the bed, having successfully aroused himself, seeing his member standing proudly before him; stiff and hard.

It pulsated with his heartbeat, every strand of vein twitched as blood coursed through his dark base and mottled shaft. A drop of clear pre-ejaculate dripped from the round, telescoped urethral-hole; landing upon his belly and soaking into the fur. He flexed and watched as the glans ballooned into a massive disk of flesh right in front of his face. It looked abnormally large compared to the stallion's who had them in the magazines, but it was hard to judge scale just from a picture.

He marveled at how long it was, before regaining his wits and looking around for the tape measure. He'd calmed enough that his flare reduced itself to a more 'normal' shape.

He sat up on the bed's edge just like he would as a human--with the tape in his mouth--and with difficulty, managed to place the measure at his base, then carefully drew it along his shaft, making sure the larger number was the one he'd see.

And what a number it was!

"Fourteen..." Atchmon scoffed in disgusted disbelief, then mouthed off a curse, unable to accept the result of his measurement. He remeasured and checked the tape to make sure it was close to his metric system.

But it didn't matter how he looked at it, Atchmon was hung by his standards.

Though in truth for a stallion, he was in the lower-median range. Some of the stallions in the magazine had cocks that were a scant few inches off the ground, and it was a Zebra who owned that member. And there were draft-ponies, workhorses with tree trunks between their legs.

Atchmon sat on Rarity's bed--having accepted the measurements as accurate--while contemplating rubbing one out in the bathroom.

Before Rarity came into his life, the last thing he relieved himself to, was an extra curvy piece of wood he found in the forest; and that embarrassment happened a year before her.

His imagination could only help him for so long, before the desire for release faded, while depression and hopelessness invaded.

Then Rarity happened.

He remembered cleaning off her dirt-covered body. How plush and smooth her coat felt despite the grit. Then curiosity got the better of him, and he lifted her tail to check her sex.

And that's all it was, just a question to answer, nothing more; a boy or a girl.

But then as they grew closer, he couldn't help thinking about that curvy, plump pony vulva. He was ashamed of the thoughts he had, and dealt with them in private during his 'gathering' runs.

It didn't help that Rarity practiced her calisthenics in the cave with him present. The first time she did a 'downward dog' position--her tail curved in an arch above her rump, fully exposing her parted sex--that was the final straw that broke Atchmon's resolve.

He was in the forest, imagining so vividly her delicate folds and the twisting pink within, while stroking his member.

Atchmon wanted to know what it would feel like to sink his cock into that warm, wet little pony pussy. The thought of bumping himself against her plush little plot brought him to new levels of excitement he'd never felt before.

It was so wrong to think of her this way, but the deviancy just made better somehow.

The feeling and excitement grew as he kept touching himself, until it built to a climax.

He finally hit that point of blissful release for the first time in over a year.

White ropes of cum splattered against the tree he was using for leverage, while is body felt euphoric after a hit of dopamine and endorphins clouded his mind.

He panted and pulled up his jeans then wiped off his hand, before doing a bit of gathering to add validity to his lie.

It was an awkward reunion once he got back to the cave. Rarity asked him if he'd brought some more flowers for her to consume. Which he didn't, and asked why she thought that? To which Rarity replied that she could smell a 'delightfully' pungent scent coming from him.

He laughed nervously, and explained that he might've brushed against something while in the forest. But in his mind he was reeling at almost getting caught.

He'd have to remember not to wipe semen on his clothes in the future.

Atchmon was using the crimp of his pastern to stroke himself as he imagined his time spent with Rarity. His new pony cock was painfully erect and tingling with sensitivity. He was getting into it, before a knock at the front door interrupted him.

*Knock! Knock!*

Atchmon froze in place then carefully peered out the bedroom window to see who it was.

The balcony kept whoever it was hidden from his view. He felt panicked when the door was opened with a key, and whoever was visiting entered the shop.

He went to see who it was, but stopped short of the bedroom door when the pony spoke in a twangy accent.

"Rare, ya home?" The mare called out. "Ah'm sorry Ah missed your party last night," she paused. "Awe ponyfeathers, must'a missed 'er," she spat in curse, then closed and locked the door behind her.

Atchmon went to catch sight of who it was in Rarity's window, but by then the mare was lost in a small crowd traveling down the street. He collapsed on the bed, trying to catch his breath.

"What the heck is wrong with you," Atchmon berated himself, trying to recover from the anxiety spike. "If you don't get out there and face the world, the world's gonna find its way inside to you; like it always does..." His pep-talk did little to motivate himself.

He got up and went to face the front door again.

All he could do was stare at the purple wooden barrier between him, and everything else.

Atchmon rested his head against the door, and quietly talked himself up, while bumping his head against the door. "C'mon, you're better than this--bonk--you're tougher than this--bonk--you got this--bonk-bonk--you took on monsters, and rode on giant bears. You hunted. Killed. Survived--bump--You conquered every challenge, and you can conquer this--bang--owe!" He bumped his head a little too hard after getting lost in his pep talk, and started rubbing it.

Atchmon took a breath, and moved autonomously--as if some other force were in control of his limbs, while blocking out the fear--and opened the door.

His hoof hesitantly stepped beyond the threshold.

Then another step.

And another.

His mind blanked, and somehow he was standing outside Carousel Boutique.

His head craned around, looking behind himself at the open door of Rarity's Home and its dark interior.

He turned back, placing a hoof on the handle, while fighting his urge to run back inside where it was safe.

Atchmon backed away, and the door closed with a click.

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"So far, so good," Atchmon whispered to himself, trying to keep his fear under control, while the excitement of exploration spurred him on.

After several minutes, he made it to the end of the walkway in front of Carousel Boutique, before needing to take a breather behind the bushes; out of sight from any prying eyes.

He watched ponies from behind the hedges as they passed, keeping himself hidden, until feeling comfortable enough to continue. His movements were similar to how'd he track and hunt prey back in the forest, while also keeping himself undetectable in order to stay off the menu. Keeping his body low, and moving deliberately, he stayed hidden behind the green hedges with his tail peeking above like a shark fin.

His stress slowly abated and his body relaxed as his mind focused on observing ponies as they passed by; nonethewiser to his presence.

The ponies were less like people too him, and more like the passive animals he was more comfortable being around.

The beaten dirt path transitioned into cobblestone roadways the further into town he strode, until he ran out of bush to hide behind.

Too distracted by the beginnings of a market square, Atchmon emerged from his hidey hole. He felt exposed from being out in the open, and forgot to take stock of his surroundings; having appeared from the hedges right in front of a very confused-looking mare.

Atchmon balked and stood frozen with the carrot-topped mare matching his reactions.

Atchmon and the mare stared at each other for an uncomfortably long time, until she slowly backed away, smiling sheepishly as Atchmon did the same.

No pony seemed to be running off screaming at the sight of him. In fact, hardly anyone paid him any mind other than the few who exchanged a greeting, or a smile, and a foal who stared up at him with a gaping mouth like all babies tend to do.

The ponies were so much like people, but there were little reminders of their animal-like nature that caught Atchmon's attention.

As the foal from earlier demonstrated when it got bored with staring at him and went to go suck on a mare's teat. The foal's mother was busy conversing with another mare who also had a foal nursing on her as well.

They both acted so normal, ignoring their children as they suckled between their hindlegs.

Neither lost a stride in their conversation, which was something about a mutual friend of theirs losing her stallion to another mare who the pair disliked.

Apparently that 'herd wrecker' would "raise her tail to any stallion who'd mount her."

Atchmon missed the rest of the conversation as he strode on, and bumped into a stranger who was busy loading up his cart. The wrinkly equine looked more like a donkey than a pony.

The donkey growled. "Hey, why don't you watch where you're goin'!?" He scolded, looking annoyed. "All you young people think you own the road!"

"Sorry, wasn't payin' attention," Atchmon apologized sheepishly. He could see that the donkey was an old codger, making him less of a threat and more like the familiar old-folks in town. Some of the old codgers back home did little more than sit on their porch heckling passerbys, while others just gave a friendly wave.

"I'd say you weren't," he gruffed while pushing bags of groceries into his wagon.

"Sorry, I'm-uh new around here," Atchmon explained nervously, watching the simmering old jack.

"And? What'dya want from me, a housewarming present?" He snarked.

"Uhm-no?" Atchmon suggested.

The Donkey grumbled. "Listen, bub, I don't care where you're from, but around here, colt's know how to respect their elders; and I say you owe me a favor, given you lack enough sense to keep your eyes up front." He finished while giving Atchmon the stink eye... or maybe that was just how the old donkey always looked.

It was hard to tell.

Atchmon stood there blankly, not getting where the old donkey was going with that, until he gestured to the remaining grocery bags that had yet to be loaded.

Atchmon's attention rose in surprise. "Oh! You want me to help you with those?" He offered, despite knowing the answer already.

"What do you think?" The Donkey said ladonicly.

Atchmon huffed a laugh and sat down to use his hooves in loading the bags. He could see the paper handles were already damp with the Donkey's spit, and he wasn't about to put his mouth on it. Besides, using his new hooves weren't that difficult. He could still hook his hooves in the bag's loops, or pinch them with his wrists.

"Name's Doodle," the donkey offered his name. "Awe Tartarus, it's Cranky Doodle Donkey, go on, laugh and get it over with," Cranky frowned.

"Heh?" Atchmon scoffed a confused laughed and couldn't get out much more than that. "Uh, I'm Atchmon."

"Pleased to meet ya," Cranky greeted... crankily. "Weird name." He grumbled in addition without bothering to lower his voice.

'A talking donkey... don't ask him if he likes to make waffles. Don't ask him if he likes to make waffles!' Atchmon snickered at his thoughts while finishing up loading the cart.

A pair of pegasi flew overhead, distracting Atchmon's attention.

Cranky raised an eyebrow. "Ain't you ever seen a Pegasus b'fore?" He grumbled, wondering why the stallion stopped doing the work for him.

"Ah, no, there's not really any where I'm from," Atchmon answered, lifting another bag with his hooves for the old donkey.

That raised Cranky's brow removing some of his wrinkles, but he dismissed it just as quickly; dropping his brow and bringing them back. "Huh, well you best stop gawkin' or they'll think yer peekin' at their undercarriage; know what I mean?" He hinted with a raised brow again.

Atchmon huffed a laugh. "Yeah I got it, thanks, have-uh, have a good one." He shifted back to leave, and gave a curt wave to the donkey for the sake of being polite.

"No problem, take care now." Cranky shook his head at the newcomer as Atchmon trotted away. "That colt's gonna get more attention than he can handle if he keeps that up." he grumbled, watching Atchmon leave without taking his eyes off the pegasi.

This was good. So long as Atchmon kept the interactions to a minimum of one stranger at a time, he'll do great.

Preferably if that one encounter was every other hour.

Atchmon wandered through the market while doing his best to stay out of other ponies way. Which was nigh impossible as they sometimes lined across the street waiting for their turn at a stall to buy whatever product it sold.

As the stallion trotted between each stall, he couldn't help but listen in on what the shoppers and shopkeepers were saying.

"I'll give you three Bits for a bundle of cabbage," the blue coated, yellow maned Unicorn mare offered.

"Sorry, I can't part with any for less than four, we had a bunny ruin most of our patch this harvest," the green coated, darker green maned Earth Pony mare shopkeeper explained.

"How about five Bits, and you throw in a crate of spinach with it," the shopper counter-offered.

"Make it six Bits and you got a deal!" The shopkeeper mare chirped, then handed the crate of spinach over to the other mare while she in turn handed over the Bits; having agreed to the price after a brief consideration.

Hagglers!

They bid each other good day, and the shopper mare went away with her newly purchased goods.

Atchmon brimmed with excitement. It was rare to find anyone willing to work out a deal. Years of negotiating down independent firework stands, amateur hunters out of their like-new equipment, and little kids with their video games at yard sales were all finally going to pay off!

He always hated how everything was priced all the same back in his world. Especially when he knew most products would eventually be sold at a fraction of what they normally went for, not to mention how much food big businesses threw out every week; a clear testament to their greed that corporations would rather throw good food in the trash, rather than sell it at a lower price and not waste any of it.

The mare that was buying saved herself a couple of Bits, and that was a couple that could be put towards another purchase. Plus the cashier made a little more money than if she just stayed firm on both her prices.

Everyone goes home happy.

"Can I help you find anything?" The shopkeeper asked, shocking him out of his thoughts.

"Oh, no, I'm jus' lookin' around," Atchmon said nervously, while fighting his instinct to run away back to Rarity's house.

"Okay, my name's Leafy Green, let me know if you need anything," she chirped from behind the counter.

"I will," he replied, feigning her perky nature. He saw the green mare had a heart-shaped head of cabbage on her flank when she turned to move some inventory.

Leafy turned back and saw the stallion leaving her tent, then put on a dreamy smile as her eyes roamed over his physique, before balking at his bare flank. She looked pitiful for him as he trotted away.

Atchmon moved on to look and listen in on the other stalls. Some had signs that stated what goods were selling for what prices. A few shops were firm on the price of their goods, while others were more flexible; especially if they carried a variety. A bidding war broke out over the last cherry a gruff-looking stallion was selling. It sold for twenty Bits to a matured pink Earth Pony mare, who kept her nose turned up at everyone around her.

The crowd whined and sighed in defeat, having lost against the rich mare.

"Let's go, Randolph, I haven't got all day," the mare drawled snobbishly, and trotted off without her butler.

The clearly senior stallion struggled to hold all her dozens of purchases, while also collecting the single cherry from the stall. Randolph had multiple boxes stacked atop his back, along with several bags being held in his mouth. "Right away, ma'am," he said around a mouthful with his legs shaking under the weight of his burden.

The other ponies didn't seem to care or take notice of the poor stallion's struggle.

"He always runs out of cherries from Dodge Junction, why can't he order more?" One of the shoppers complained.

'Supply and demand.' Atchmon thought. 'He's playing it smart, keeping the orders low so people will pay extra to have the privilege of getting some.'

"That's why it's best to get here early, before they're all gone," another shopper sighed. "Or you can pay the extra fee and have him order some for you directly."

"But that's too expensive!" The other shopper whined.

'Yep.' Atchmon agreed silently. 'Buying from a middle-man or third-party always costs way more, the only upside is you get exactly what you're looking for; assuming the person you're dealing with knows their trade. That guy must be the only one able to get those cherries freighted to him, or there could be a familial connection with the supplier; you never know with these sorts of things...'

Small businesses tended to be connected in some way, or another. Usually through family in his experience.

Atchmon continued to browse around, seeing what other wares were sold; and occasionally removing himself from the street until the crowd cleared, or until he was comfortable to move again.

He wandered the street with ponies cantering or trotting to and fro around him, until the next stall drew his attention.

Carts, wooden buckets, and barrels full of apples surrounded the stall, which was of course was decorated in an apple motif; like how many of the other shops did, leaving no question as to what the they sold.

The shop owner was a mare who's mane shined in the sunlight like fields of golden wheat, her coat was a unique shade of orange he'd never seen on a pony before. Like fresh squeezed orange juice on a bright early morning.

Before he knew it, Atchmon was standing in the middle of the street, right in front of her stall.

"Lookin' t' buy some apples? We're sellin' our premium stock at half price now, better get'em b'fore they're gone!" She smiled at him.

"I don't have any money on me, sorry," he answered sheepishly, feeling awkward talking to the mare while standing too far away for casual conversation. So he moved closer.

'Her voice sounds familiar. Was she the one looking for Rarity? Then again, it could've been anyone; a lot of the ponies around here carried an accent.'

A green-apple coated elderly mare inserted herself between them. "Well hello there, friend; who might you be?" She asked with interest.

Atchmon was so distracted by the blonde mare, he never noticed the older mare. Her hide looked to be hanging off the poor elderly's bones, making her seem weighed down by her years.

Atchmon's attention rose in surprise. "Oh-uh, I'm Atchmon, I'm new in town," he recovered.

"A newcomer, eh?" The elderly mare came closer. "And what brings such a strappin', young stallion such as yerself to our town?" She asked while resting her chin on a hoof; as if expecting for him to say something interesting.

The blonde mare rolled her eyes at the elder's antic. "I'm sure he's got more important things than to get ogled by you, Granny."

Granny waved her off. "Oh hush, I'm sure he don't mind a little twitterpated filly like me givin' a fine stallion like him the attention he deserves," she went back to him. "You don't mind do ya, sugarcube?" She asked sweetly.

'She's just like my Nanna.' Atchmon smiled bashfully. "Nah, I don't mind." He chuckled.

Grrrrrrgle!

Atchmon's stomach begged for attention, and he was sure the orange mare heard his belly's demands; seeing her glancing at his midsection.

'How can I be hungry already, I had such a big breakfast!?' He thought in embarrassment.

"Land sake's fella, what's a matter with you; ain't ya like eatin'?" Granny rose up in surprise, noticing the stallion's ribs showing. "AJ, get the feller somethin' b'fore he keels over from starvation!"

"Would you like to try a sample?" The country mare offered.

"Well... sure, okay," he agreed with a nonchalant shrug, after a moment's consideration.

The sweet scent of baked goods teased his senses. He could almost taste the gooey goodness within the pies and strudels that were lined along the shelves of the cart.

The orange mare instead gave him an apple, balancing it perfectly on a hoof. "Here ya go, enjoy." She chirped and tossed it to him.

Atchmon fumbled with the apple a bit before pinning it against his chest. "Thanks!" he said gratefully and bit into the fruit. It was by far the crunchiest, juiciest apple he ever tasted. Somehow his pony tongue made the treat taste even more delicious. "Mmm, that sure was good," he licked his lips clean, savoring every last bite.

"If you want some of our baked goods, you can always put an order in a we'll make 'em by the dozen; we'll have 'em in the next day when the market's open," She informed. "We can make whatever you like, jus' let us know what'chu want."

"I sure will, thanks again," Atchmon nodded excitedly, unable to look away from her striking green eyes.

Granny inserted herself again. "So, Atchmon, was it; you got yerself a marefriend?" She asked curiously.

Atchmon looked down, the painful blow to his heart was too much to hide. "I... don't." He winced. It felt like an admission of his failed relationship with Rarity.

AJ paid him no mind and whirled on her elder. "Granny, that's not polite or even professional conversation!"

"Oh hush you, I wouldn't be here at all to straighten you out, if'n you weren't flank deep at the bottom of a cider barrel." She scowled, putting AJ in her place; then turned back to Atchmon with a sweet smile. "Sorry you have to hear us squallerin', sugarcube; but I'll have ya know, my granddaughter here isn't attached either." She suggested deviously.

Both AJ and Atchmon reeled at that.

Atchmon stood motionless while failing to hide his discomfort, while AJ looked away, feeling the same.

It's obvious Granny was practically tossing her granddaughter at him, but Atchmon didn't have a clue what to do or say because of the awkward situation he was thrust into; all he really wanted was to get out of that situation fast.

AJ didn't look comfortable with the situation either.

Atchmon laughed awkwardly while rubbing his shoulder. "I need a couple days to get myself situated in town first before pursuin' anything like that," he stood up. "I gotta find some work first, I think." Atchmon finished thoughtfully, looking unsure of his own answer.

AJ breathed a sigh of relief. She was in no mood to entertain suitors, and she felt like horseapples from cider withdrawal, and knew she must've looked like Tartarus at the moment. So she couldn't blame Atchmon for not taking the bait.

"If work's what'cha need then come on over to Sweet Apple Acres; we'll put your back to work and feed ya ta boot!" Granny offered happily. "Ya look like ya need it." She mumbled under her breath. "I'll make sure my granddaughter gives ya a proper inner'duction to the farm." She hinted, while nudging his shoulder.

"Granny, you can't go given jobs to just anypony." AJ sighed.

Granny scowled at her. "Your brother's been pickin' up yer slack for too long now, and he's got a mare in his life; I won't have him prioritizin' the farm over his marefriend anymore." She turned to AJ and whispered. "B'sides, this fine feller looks like he's got a strong back, and no filly friend to feed 'em." She hinted.

AJ hung her head in defeat.

"Well, thanks for the offer, I'll keep it in mind once I get myself settled in," Atchmon said nervously; unsure whether he should take the generous Granny up on her offer. 'Best to wait and see what else is available. Plus, I don't know what I'd be good at anyway... no hands and all.'

Granny sighed. "Sorry you had to hear all that, AJ's been in a rough patch this last month; but she'll be back on her hooves by tomorrah, jus' you see." She finished, directing that statement at AJ, who nodded her head in resignation.

Granny looked between the pair. "Welp, we better get back to it; always nice to meet new ponies." She said before welcoming the next customer.

AJ shifted uncomfortably, seeing that the stallion made no motion to move on. "Okay... well, uh, I better get to sellin' the rest o' these here apples," she coughed awkwardly.

Atchmon stood there wanting to talk to her some more.

"Ahem, hint, hint?" She hinted, nodding passed him.

Atchmon followed her gaze and jumped to his hooves after seeing a line of ponies suddenly appear behind him; all waiting to make their apple purchases. "Oop sorry," he apologized to the crowd, then got up and wished the apple workers well. "Y'all have a good 'un; thanks again for the snack." He finished brightly and trotted away, occasionally looking back at the orange mare as she helped the next guest.

"Take care!" Granny chirped. "Looks like sompony's smitten for you, Applejack." She teased.

"You shouldn't go settin' me up with every available stallion that buys our apples, Granny," Applejack grumbled.

"Wouldn't need t', if'n you'd put yerself out there," Granny Smith cajoled.

Applejack sighed and rolled her eyes while filling a mare's saddlebag with apples. "Thank ya, come again!" She chirped, then huffed watching the stallion continue to browse nearby stalls. She winced at seeing his bare flank. "He ain't got a Cutie Mark though... weird." She said under her breath.

Atchmon trotted on, looking at all the unique buildings and architecture. The most impressive was the rotund tower that served as Ponyville's Town Hall.

He gazed, marveled, and laughed at how themed every building was. There were Cherry weathervanes atop an ice cream shop, Bowling Balls and Pins for a bowling rink, and a jester's hat-shaped building for a joke shop.

*Sniff! Sniff!*

Atchmon's nose caught a sweet scent in the air, and followed his sense, leading him to a gingerbread-looking building with a waffle-cone roof and a massive cupcake steeple perched atop the building like a second story tower.

'Sugarcube Corner' read the wooden, cupcake-shaped sign hanging on the corner of the building.

"Sure smells good over here," Atchmon said, while slurping up his drool.

Atchmon pushed open the bottom half-door, seeing ponies sitting and conversing over a sweet snack and shakes. There were also cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pies, and all sorts of baked things.

And then, he saw her.

The Pink Nightmare.

"I need a pound of sugar, stat!" Shrieked Pinkie Pie.

She rushed to get it herself--and in a blur--baked a large order of muffins for a grey-coated, blonde-maned mare.

She noticed Atchmon standing fearfully in the doorway, but the customer shifted to give her some money; blocking her sight of the front door.

Pinkie looked around, seeing that Atchmon had disappeared in the split second she lost sight of him.

The Pink confectioner shrugged and happily took the Bits into the register, then wished her customer farewell. "Enjoy, please come again; like you won't, because our muffins are so good." Pinkie stated nonchalantly while polishing her hoof. "Hmm, maybe too good." She added, scratching her chin in suspicious thought.

Atchmon tip-toed away from Sugar Cube Corner, his mind labeling it as a 'bad' place to go.

Once he put enough distance behind him, Atchmon was able to relax once more. The streets grew sparse with ponies the further away he trotted from the marketplace and town hall.

Occasionally he saw one or two ponies trotting around, entering or leaving their home, and some that were workers just cleaning up the town with pride.

He lost himself in exploration, paying no mind to his direction.

Eventually he found himself on the outskirts of town. The drone of marketplace babble grew quieter the further he went outside the city-limits. He soon found peace and quiet traveling along a quaint country road, leading to who knows where.

"Sure is beautiful," Atchmon sighed, admiring the picturesque landscape.

A vast lake stretched far and wide along the road. Its surface was like a mirror, reflecting the sparse white clouds and rolling hills far as his pony eyes could see. The waters were so clean and clear, he could see all the way down to the bottom of its depths, seeing schools of fish swimming in tandem just like the birds in the sky.

As his gaze drew back across the lake, a dark foreboding feeling washed over him; the peace and quiet from before, became a tense, suffocating silence.

Atchmon looked upon the EverFree forest, which neighbored the peaceful pony town like a creeping beast in mid-pounce, threatening to consume the innocent and defenseless village.

'Why would anyone settle so close to such a dangerous place... just like all those towns that sit at the base of a volcano, I'll never understand it.'

The overgrown trees arched above him like great gnashing jowls.

Atchmon stared beyond the trees, and into the gaping maw of the forest; feeling it drawing closer with its dark presence.

He stood as one pony, one being against its insatiable hunger.

"Atchmon?" A quiet mare's voice called for his attention.

The stallion snapped out of his trance. "Oh, uh, Fluttershy; right?" Atchmon brightened as the dark pull of the forest crept back where it belonged.

"I said your name a few times, you didn't answer," she said above a whisper, hiding behind her mane as if afraid she'd offend him.

"You did?" He started in equal confusion. "Sorry, guess I was thinkin' too loud," he chuckled at his joke and gave her an apologetic smile.

"Oh, I didn't interrupt your thoughts, did I?" Fluttershy looked genuinely worried that she'd slighted him.

"Nah, you're fine," he reassured her, while shifting to make himself smaller for her sake.

Fluttershy caught on to his shyness, which made her feel less self conscience. "What are you doing so far from town?" She asked in confusion.

"Jus' explorin'," he shrugged while looking around. "I really like your land; do you live around here?" he asked.

"Um, yes, my cottage is just around that bend," she gestured behind her in the direction Atchmon was headed.

He saw the tree-like house and birdhouses hanging on trees peeking out from the dense growth.

The pair stood awkwardly in silence.

Atchmon struggled to keep the conversation going; in fact, all his conversations with ponies that weren't Rarity were a struggle. Why does meeting new 'people' have to be so hard!?

"So-uh, what are you up to?" he asked.

"Oh, I saw you outside my window," she paused, as if checking to see if that was okay of her to do. "And you were just standing there, and I just wanted to check and see if you were okay; which I guess you are, okay I mean, if that's okay of me to say... okay?" She whimpered at the end, sinking further into herself.

Atchmon stared at her. He'd never met anyone so shy, timid, and submissive. She was like a puppy who'd been abused by terrible owners. Which made Atchmon want to reach out and cuddle the poor thing and let her know everything was going to be alright.

But Fluttershy's body language also caused his stallion side to subconsciously change his posture to a more stalwart stance, in order to reassure and protect the fearful mare from danger.

"So, um... Anyway, since you're okay, I gotta go to Twilight's Castle for some books." Fluttershy said in reserve.

"Uh... want me to walk with you?" Atchmon offered dumbly.

"Oh, you don't have to go through so much trouble for my sake," she declined.

"Nah, it's alright, I'll go back with ya," he turned to head the other way. "B'sides, it looks like there's a whole lot a nothin' out that way," Atchmon flicked his head at the vast rolling hills behind them. "And I hadn't seen the Castle yet."

Fluttershy shifted on her hooves as she considered his offer. "Well... Some company would be nice, if you really don't mind, that is," she said timidly while drawing circles in the dirt. "You still don't have to, but I appreciate the offer." Fluttershy looked away worriedly, as if expecting to be rejected.

"Nah, I don't mind," Atchmon shrugged nonchalantly. "You could tell me a bit about yourself and the town while we walk, if you want." He suggested.

"Oh, that'd would be-" Fluttershy started excitedly, before reserving herself. "Nice, thank you," she beamed gratefully. Her excitement got the better of her, and she tried to hide her cute little smile and blushing face behind her mane.

They strode together, following the road back into town.

Fluttershy kept glancing his way, and he'd glance back before she'd look away again.

They kept up the awkward exchange for an uncomfortable amount of time.

'I like your land? C'mon dude, you can think of something better than that. THINK!' Atchmon thought.

His attention eventually focused on the differences between Fluttershy and Rarity. The yellow Pegasus was taller by a large margin with a lankier frame, but still a head shorter than himself. She was deceptively frail, but Atchmon could tell that despite her being a pony, Fluttershy had legs and a rump that just wouldn't quit.

'Really? We're comparing pony butts now? I guess we should find out if her tits are bigger too while we're at it.' Atchmon thought sarcastically to his devious mind, while his eyes went side-long looking at where Fluttershy's thigh met her mid-section to see if he could; which, unsurprisingly, he couldn't.

Fluttershy's movements seemed to glide over the road as she trot, whereas he looked as though he were 'off-roading' in an ATV by comparison.

Atchmon stared in fascination at Fluttershy's beautiful swan-like wings, looking at the details of every feather; from fluffy down to her large Primaries.

Fluttershy noticed his stares and fidgeted uncomfortably at his looks.

Atchmon caught her discomfort and took a risk at starting a conversation with the mare. "Must be pretty nice to have such big wings." he said.

"Eeep!" Fluttershy squeaked, and shrank into herself.

Atchmon looked around in worry. "D-Did did I say somethin' wrong?"

"I, um, well, yes, or, no, I mean maybe; it- it isn't very polite to talk to a Pegasus mare about her wings," stammered Fluttershy. "Or their size." She barely croaked out in an embarrassed whisper.

"Is it like a Unicorn's horn?" he asked, getting a tight wince and rapid nods from the mare. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know; people--I mean my people--Humans, I mean; we don't have wings or horns where I'm from." Atchmon struggled, trying to recover from his social faux pas.

Fluttershy's face lit up with interest and cooed in wonder; having forgotten her shyness for the moment. "Ooh, is that what your people is called; Huemons?"

"Yeah, but we have airplanes to fly instead," He added.

"Is that like an airship?" she asked curiously.

"You have airships; like big boats in the sky!?" He questioned excitedly, his face lighting up.

"Yup!" Fluttershy tittered. "But I don't like flying very much." She finished with a frown.

"Really?" He questioned in disbelief. "How come?"

Fluttershy looked self-conscience. "You promise to not tease me when I tell you?"

"I won't." He promised, leaning closer to hear.

"I- well, you see, I- I'm scared of heights." She blurted, her face scrunched tight and shoulders tucked in like she was expecting to be struck by a barrage of laughter.

Atchmon almost scoffed a laugh. "Wait, for real?" He questioned in disbelief, getting a nod from Fluttershy who still kept her eyes closed. "So... do you not fly, like, at all?" He asked, still in disbelief, feeling sorry for the sensitive Pegasus.

Fluttershy sighed in resignation and explained. "I do fly, just not very far from the ground; and it doesn't help that I'm not a very strong flier either..." she frowned.

"Well, I still think they're cool," He quipped, trying to perk the mare back up.

It worked. Fluttershy smiled demurely, trying to hide it behind her long, pink mane. "I am pretty good at gliding." She added.

"Makes me wish I had some," he commented. "If I did, then I'd prolly never touch the ground again." He said wistfully, then glanced at his wingless back.

'Would've been real awesome...' He thought, feeling disappointed.

Fluttershy smiled bashfully. "They're... okay, I guess; I hardly ever pay attention to them." She fluffed her feathers. "But my wings get tired after flapping them for awhile."

"Yeah I guess they would, I hadn't ever thought of that," Atchmon said, looking perplexed.

Fluttershy continued. "You have to preen them every day, or the bad feathers will mess up your flying, and it looks like you've just got out of bed; speaking of which, Rainbow Dash is a really strong flier, you'll hardly ever see her touch the ground." She smiled brightly.

Atchmon smiled, glad to see the mare opening up to him. But felt guilty at the mention of Rainbow Dash. The rainbow-haired mare seemed to take a liking to him after telling his story last night, despite the party he ruined.

'Hopefully all that mess is behind us, no reason to tell anyone I'm the reason Rarity didn't make it back sooner. '

There was a pause in the conversation, while Atchmon was distracted with his thoughts.

"Soooo... you like animals?" He asked out on a limb, remembering what Rarity told him about her shy friend.

Fluttershy beamed in excitement. "Oh yes, I just adore all the little critters, especially bunnies, ferrets, turtles, all of them... I love them all so much, it makes me sad knowing they won't all get the care, and attention they deserve," she sniffed, then put on a hard face. "But I'm gonna help as many as I can!" She finished with conviction, despite her whisper-quiet voice.

"I used to have a bunch of dogs," said Atchmon. "Gravy was my favorite, he always waited for me to come home from school; and there was biscuit, dumbest one of the litter. Had to put O.J. down for killin' some chickens," he finished idly.

"Oh no, that's awful!" Fluttershy gasped, clearly upset. "Didn't anypony try to rehabilitate him first, or switch O.J. to a vegetable diet so he wouldn't feel the need to eat other creatures?"

"Uh... no, that's just not how things are handled where I'm from," he replied. 'Can't imagine a dog bein' on a veggie diet.'

Atchmon thought, and gazed at the Everfree Forest as the trees passed by along their path. "What about dangerous animals from the forest, what do you do about them?"

"I care for them just like they were my own," Fluttershy answered. "I have a very strict 'no eating other guests in my home' policy'. So long as they follow that, they can stay until they're feeling well enough to leave," she finished.

"Really?" Atchmon question skeptically. "Even the big, scary, mean ones?"

"Some aren't so big, mean, or scary once you get to know them, but..." Fluttershy chewed her lip. "There are some animals in Equestria that can't be cared for or reasoned with," her ears wilted.

Atchmon thought back to all the huge creatures he's encountered. "Ever had anything big come near town?" He asked, thinking of some of the monsters he's seen before.

"Yes, we've had a few monster attacks in the past." She answered matter of fact.

"Do monsters attack the town very often?" He asked in concern.

Fluttershy looked up in thought. "Mmm, not really; there might be a stray Timber Wolf, or some other creature that wanders near town, but anything big like a Bug-bear or a Hydra is very rare," she explained.

Atchmon knitted his brows in confusion. "Huh, from the way Rarity was talkin', I'd've thought y'all'd've been havin' a disaster every other day."

Fluttershy tittered. "Oh, I'm sure she was just embellishing, Ponyville is as safe as any other town," she looked thoughtful. "Let's see... In the last few years we've had a cranky baby Ursa throw a tantrum in town; there was some damage, a roof or two was eaten, but nothing that couldn't be repaired," she thought for a moment. "Um... then there was the time Para-sprites ate most of the town--just inanimate objects, not any ponies-- at least, I don't think..." She corrected after seeing the expression of shocked alarm on Atchmon's face.

Fluttershy's snout scrunched while squinting one eye shut as she searched her memory. "Nope, I'm sure everypony was accounted for," she nodded and smiled happily at him.

As Fluttershy listed out far more attacks than Rarity ever bothered to mention, Atchmon's unease grew at the idea of being so much further down on the food chain.

"There was the time Queen Chrysalis tried to take over Canterlot. And there was that time Cerberus showed up, but he was just a poor, lost three-headed giant doggy. And then there was the giant marshmallow-pony during the Secretariat comet. The time all the apples at Sweet Apple Acres attacked, the time the tomatoes attacked instead, the time a Bookworm caused all the stories in the Golden Oak Library to become real. The time our whole town was under the mind-control of a Kelpie. Oh, and how could I forget Discord turning Ponyville into his Chaos Capitol of Equestria!" She finished excitedly.

Atchmon blinked at her wordlessly as she beamed happily at him for remembering so many; then Fluttershy remembered herself. "Oh my, I guess that is a lot in a short amount of time when it's said all at once like that... but that's just how life is in Equestria." She shrugged, thinking nothing of it.

Atchmon was a little shaken that the "baby" bear cub he and Rarity rescued was just one of a multitude of giant monsters roaming near the ponyvillian populace.

Ponies were basically horses. As he understood it. A purely prey species. It only made sense that monsters would go where the food is.

It was just nature's way: Big things ate small things, and there was nothing Atchmon could do to change that. He understood that any wild animal could've eaten, or mortally injured him. But as a human, animals were usually avoidant of humanity; choosing to run or hide in the presence of Man. Sure, there was the occasional--but still rare--animal attack; Atchmon couldn't see why Ponies couldn't dominate their world the same way as human-kind.

They weren't that different.

Fluttershy may be naive, but she gave him some insight into what it's like to live in Equestria.

The beaten dirt path transitioned into cobblestone road as they entered into town.

Fluttershy looked to see Atchmon staring at the ground pensively. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you," she bit her lip. "If it makes you feel any better, it's not always monster attacks; sometimes there are magical non-monster incidents too. Like when my friends and I found an Enchanted Spring and became the mean versions of ourselves, o-or the time Rarity was possessed by Nightmare Moon and tried to take over everything with her army of darkness." She suggested, trying to perk up the stallion's mood and failing. "Oh wait, I guess that last one doesn't really count." Fluttershy frowned.

"It doesn't, but thanks for tryin'," Atchmon barely mustered up the ghost of a smile for her sake, then realized too late what she said about Rarity. "Wait, whut?"

Fluttershy winced and grit her teeth trying to salvage the moment. "I know it sounds bad, but my friends and I are always there to save everypony if the worst should happen," she reassured him. "And hardly anypony ever gets seriously hurt."

Atchmon smirked at her in disbelief "Rarity told me a bit about you guy's adventures; I always thought it was all too unbelievable," he sighed. "Makes me wonder, what if you aren't around?" he questioned. "Who protects the town then?"

"I know we can't help everypony, every where, at all times," Fluttershy sighed sadly. "Sometimes there's an attack on a pony who's travelling alone; that's why it's usually safer to trot mostly during the day, or with a herd... usually." She trailed in thought.

"Guess I'm jus' too used t' bein' on top of the food chain," Atchmon said thoughtfully.

The pair rounded the street. "Oh wow; how did I miss that!?" Atchmon gasped in amazement as he looked upon Twilight's Castle. The road stretched straight up to the purple, crystalline structure. The tree-like crystal tower was impossible to miss, but Atchmon's detour around town kept all the buildings blocking his view.

It was worth it for such a breathtaking reveal.

The pair followed the road leading up to the castle. Atchmon felt more comfortable being on the crowded street with Fluttershy by his side. His anxiety held itself at bay while he lost himself in the thrill of exploration; looking at the few remaining shops, before the district transitioned to more tight-nit housing and living spaces.

As they entered the straightaway up to the castle, the town boomed with development going on along the roadsides. Construction crews were bustling to and fro, moving materials between each new housing project. The area filled with the sound of saws sawing, hammers hammering, and construction mares cat-calling.

"Bring that bare flank over here, baby; I'll put a mark on that rump!" One carpenter-mare beckoned, wearing a yellow hardhat, orange safety vest, and brown tool belt.

She was joined by the whoops, hollers, and whistles of her coworkers; who all were taking a lunch, sitting on a pile of building materials beside the road.

The only stallion construction worker with them just rolled his eyes and took a bite out of his sandwich.

Fluttershy knew they weren't talking to her. It'd been awhile for her fame as a model to wear off, so it could only be Atchmon they were directing their efforts towards. It wasn't right that he should be subjected to such unwanted attention.

Fluttershy turned to offer him some encouragement. "Don't listen to them Atch- Mon?" She finished in confusion, having lost the stallion next to her. Then turned around, seeing him conversing with the construction mares as they ogled him.

"Hey cutie, what's your name?" she asked, her tail swishing back and forth.

"Ha-heh-Atchmon..." He chuckled bashfully at the blue-collar mare, looking a bit love-struck with his tail swishing excitedly.

Fluttershy gasped in shock, seeing him falling into the nasty construction mare's trap. "Atchmon no!" She cried quietly and rushed to save him from their inappropriate touches.

"I'm staying at the Haybale Inn & Tavern, if you wanna see me later, Stud," The mare scratched his chin seductively.

"Ha-haha-ha," Atchmon laughed dumbly, almost drooling in lust, his tail stuck straight out at the contact as he melted into the scratches.

"What about the rest of us?" Another mare pouted. "Think you can handle the whole crew, sweetie?" She approached and turned to swish her tail, letting the soft fibers caress his shoulder.

"A workin' mare like me could use a big, strong, sexy Stud like you, honey; what do you say, Sugar? Feel like helpin' us let off a lil' steam later?" The third and biggest mare teased. Her massive size and muscular bulk could've mistaken her for a stallion, but her fair face could rival beauty models.

The draft mare easily put Atchmon to shame on size.

Atchmon felt full on twitterpated at the gaggle of mares before him as the female crew lavished him with attention. He didn't know what was going on, but he felt like he was in love with all of them; seeing hearts in his eyes. He could almost imagine himself floating; like he could fly away just from flittering his hooves.

Until Fluttershy came in to save him. "Atchmon no!" She butted her head against his flank, trying to push him away from the amorous mares. But her meager strength couldn't budge the love-struck stallion.

"Hey lady, that's our eye-candy; get your own!" The first mare growled with the others following suit, voicing their own annoyance.

"Yeah, get outta here!"

"Are you his mare-friend, if not then beat it, hussy!"

"What's it to ya, filly? He doesn't mind; so what's the problem?"

Fluttershy shrank away as if she'd been struck. Her body shook in fear before the stronger construction crew; but she gathered herself and took a breath; working up her courage to protect a stallion in need.

"Hey!" Fluttershy shouted with conviction, and gave a single flap of her wings so she hovered above the mare's heads; making herself more intimidating. "I know what you're doing, and you should feel ashamed of yourselves for trying to take advantage of a Stallion like that. I'm willing to let it slide this time, but if you don't stop; you'll give me no choice but to speak to your manager!" She finished firmly, without sounding unpleasant the whole time.

"Too bad for you, lady; but I am the head fore-mare here," said the first mare. "So what are you gonna do about it now?" She sneered.

The sandwich-eating stallion finished his lunch and whispered in his boss' ear. The Fore-mare nodded and said 'Uh-huh' and 'yeah' a couple times, before her eyes shot wide in fear.

Fluttershy crossed her hooves, looking down on the crew disapprovingly. "Well, what's it going to be?"

"Okay, okay, we'll stop; we didn't know you was close friends with Princess Twilight," stammered the Fore-mare.

"That's what I thought," Fluttershy nodded approvingly, before soundlessly landing back on the ground.

"Y-you really won't tell on us, will ya?" The Fore-mare asked worriedly. "I mean, you can't blame us for tryin'; i-it's just that time for a mare, ya know?" She suggested, nervously fidgeting with her construction helmet.

"You understand, right?" One of the other mares asked.

"We've been workin' so much tryin' t' meet our deadline, we jus' haven't had time for some fun," another explained.

Fluttershy felt sorry for the desperate mares. "I do understand, but you should know better than to take advantage of a Stallion like that." She looked sympathetic.

"We know, and we're sorry, okay? No harm done," said the Unicorn Fore-mare, before turning to her crew. "Alright lunch's over, back to work, ladies; I ain't payin' ya to stand around!" She shouted.

Everypony reluctantly picked up their tools and got back to work.

Fluttershy smiled at the lone construction stallion. "Thanks for your help."

The lone stallion nodded. "Anything for a friend of the Princ-" the stallion started to say, before Atchmon nickered in agitation, then put on a hard face at the more robust Earth Pony construction stallion.

Atchmon snorted indignantly, after having all those mares taken away from him by his competition.

"Easy pal, I don't want any trouble; was just helpin' you out," the construction stallion waved defensively. "Guessin' you never got used to 'the smell', eh?"

Fluttershy gasped, seeing the tension in Atchmon's shoulders and the mean look on his face. "Oh my, we should go, thank you again," she thanked the stallion, before making a draw to pull Atchmon away.

Atchmon nickered a growl and went with her. At least he got to keep one mare to himself.

As fresh air filled his lungs, Atchmon's head cleared. "Whoa, what was that all about!? I was about ready to tear into that guy!" He stated in surprise.

Fluttershy blushed. "Um, I know why, but it's a bit embarrassing."

"What? What is it?" He asked, wanting to know the answer.

She took a breath, readying herself for the question. "Atchmon, do Huemon mares have an estrus cycle?" She asked nervously.

Atchmon's brow furrowed in confusion. "Uh... no, they have a- OH!" His face lit up in realization as his thoughts caught up with him. "You mean to tell me those ponies were in heat!?" He blurted in disbelief.

Fluttershy squeaked in embarrassment at the lewd conversation. "Eep! W-well two of them for sure," she said quietly.

The two continued to trot towards the castle while Atchmon stared at the ground in contemplation, trying to fully grasp the new experience.

Fluttershy matched his thoughtful pace. If they talked about animals then she wouldn't have an issue, but explaining the 'Birds and the Bees' to a full grown stallion was just too embarrassing for her.

'Wait that's it!' Fluttershy thought. 'It's just biology!'

"So you've n-never smelled a m-mare when s-she's..." Fluttershy stammered as her feigned confidence wavered.

"No! Well, I mean, not before now!" Atchmon blurted defensively. "So that's what, uh--what's it called--estrogen smells like?" He asked while his fascination at the new discovery grew.

Fluttershy regained her composure and spoke like Twilight giving a lecture. "No, estrogen is the hormone produced by the female's ovaries into developing their bodies into bearing offspring. What you smelled was her pheromones," she explained intelligently.

"I didn't even realize... I jus' wanted to talk to them, they seemed... nice?" Atchmon trailed in thought. Why did he think that? What was 'nice' about them? Atchmon couldn't put his lack of a finger on it. "All I remember was them calling me over, and then all I could think about was wanting to be around them."

Fluttershy gave him some encouragement. "It's not your fault," she looked away and put on an adorable scowl. "And they weren't being nice, calling you the s-word, and flagging their tails like a bunch of--ugh--like a bunch of floozies!" She blurted in frustration, then stuffed a hoof in her mouth.

A mare walking by had to cover her foal's ears at Fluttershy's obscenity; earning a disapproving look from the mother.

"Oh, excuse my language!" Fluttershy apologized.

Atchmon barely paid attention, being too deep in his thoughts from how easily he'd lost control of himself. "Huh... that's kinda scary, like, how am I ever gonna know when I'm smelling a mare in heat?" He asked openly.

Fluttershy patted him on the withers. "You'll get used to it in time, and by then you'll be able to recognize those feelings and know how to control those urges; instead of letting them control you." She finished encouragingly.

Atchmon didn't feel so sure, but gave her a grateful smile. "Thanks Fluttershy." He voice sounding genuine.

Fluttershy looked away bashfully, her cheeks tinted pink.

The pair reached the base of Twilight's Castle, standing before the great double doors.

"Wow, it's huge!" Atchmon gasped in amazement, and quickly trotted up the stairs with his sense of adventure taking over. He turned to the side to see if Fluttershy was following him. "You comin'?" He asked, seeing her staring wide eyed at him.

"Eep!" Fluttershy squeaked, trying to hide behind her pink mane. "A-A-Atch, y-your thing is..." She pointed below his belly, keeping her eyes tightly closed.

Atchmon looked to the side, and saw his cock dangling thickly beneath him. He quickly shielded himself away from her eyes. "Ah, sorry, sorry, sorry, I didn't know!" He apologized profusely. "C'mon go down, go down--Er--up, I mean up!" He whispered to his junk.

His penis slowly retracted back into its sheath. Atchmon breathed a frustrated sigh of relief. "Sorry you saw that." He mumbled in shame.

Fluttershy felt bad for him, knowing he had to be going through so many hormonal changes, in addition to the changes to his physical body.

"It's okay Atchmon, I know it's because of those mares from earlier," she blushed. "And sometimes, when a stallion d-drops like that, it just means you're comfortable and relaxed; so I know you can't help it, and I shouldn't make a fuss over it." She said encouragingly.

Fluttershy fought to avert her gaze from the knobby head if his member, which had yet to dissappear within his pouch.

"Sorry about that again," he apologized guiltily. "You ready to head inside?" He offered, half-expecting her to turn him down.

"Yup!" Fluttershy chirped, forcing a smile for his sake.

While Atchmon opened the door for them, Fluttershy took the opportunity to fan her rump by flapping her wings, trying to dry off some of the dampness back there.

"Oh no, not me too..." She whispered, feeling a twitch beneath her tail.

"Sorry, did you say somethin'?" Atchmon asked.

"No n-nothing!" Fluttershy said in a forceful whisper before rushing ahead to enter the castle.

As she flutter-galloped away, Fluttershy's tail brushed up against Atchmon's nose. Her smell affected him just like the mares from earlier as he breathed in the tiny traces of scent lingering in her wake.

"Ah c'mon, you just went back in!" Atchmon groaned quietly at his junk. It drooped down, as if disappointed to not find any mare around.

Atchmon released a frustrated sigh, and entered the Castle.

Twilight's Castle

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Spike sat at a desk writing on documents and scrolls containing his work assignments for the week, such was the life of the Princess of Friendship's Number One Assistant.

Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, and Rarity were discussing financial solutions to Rarity's businesses inside the Castle Library.

His mood was sour, since Rarity didn't show any more interest in him from yesterday; only asking for Spike to bring their group snacks, drinks, books, spare parchment, or anything else they would need.

'It's alright,' he told himself. 'Rarity's got a lot to deal with, and she knows I'll be there for her.'

He mostly kept to himself, while the conversation grew a little more heated.

Rarity waved her hoof in refusal. "Darling, I'm fine, you don't have to do this for my sake."

"Rarity, please take the money, if anything, you can think of it as free Bits." Twilight pleaded.

Rarity tightened her lips. "No, I pride myself on never having to lean on the Crown to support myself, and I don't want to start now. Not until I've exhausted every resource at my disposal first." She added.

Twilight sighed in frustration "I don't understand why you won't let me do this for you; you're always so generous towards me and everypony around you, why won't you let me help you." She finished sadly. "Are you mad at me?" She asked.

"Darling, no!" Rarity gasped in worry, realizing her refusal was coming off as ire toward her best friend. "I told you before, I'm not angry with you or Starlight for the accident," She reassured. "It's just that..." She trailed.

"Just what?" Twilight questioned in concern. "Please, I want to understand."

Rarity sighed. "Okay, I've never liked talking about this, since its a personal family matter..."

Twilight leaned in support.

Starlight Glimmer's attention rose along with Spike's as they listened to Rarity's confession.

"You know my parents were not very well off when I was growing up as an only foal before Sweetie Belle was born," Rarity started, getting an understanding nod from the others.

Spike nodded too, even if he wasn't included in the conversation.

"We were in such dire straights in those days, mother and father struggled to keep food on the table during the Apple Blight Famine; Dragon raids were rampant, we lost our home..." Rarity paused to compose herself, remembering the struggle of her youth. "If it weren't for the Crown's aid, providing free food, shelter, and Bits to help us; I'm not sure our family would've survived, or at least stayed here in Ponyville.

"Since that day, I made a vow to pay back all the generosity that was shown to us; I swore that my family would never know hunger, or face destitution ever again. That's why it's hard for me to accept Bits from your own Royal Coffers, Twilight." Rarity looked away. "I promised, I'd never take anything for myself that I haven't earned."

Twilight looked at the ground. "I think I understand, Rarity; you don't want to feel helpless like in your past... but will you make me a promise, at least?"

Rarity nodded.

"Will you be generous towards yourself?" She asked.

Rarity looked away and smiled in embarrassment. Knowing she got her there.

Twilight continued. "You still have a bad habit of giving more to others, than what you give to yourself." She smiled. "You're my best friend, Rarity, I'd do anything for you."

Rarity teared up, but kept her composure. "I appreciate it, really I do; just don't let the others hear you say that, or else they might get jealous." She shared a laugh with Twilight.

"They're all my best friends too, I don't see why I can't have more than one." She smiled at Starlight Glimmer, letting her know she was included in that group.

Rarity smiled and thought a moment. "Okay, I promise if things don't work out, I'll accept a loan from the Crown, that I'll pay back, with no less than three-percent interest per moon." She stated.

Twilight scoffed a laugh, knowing that was the best deal she'd ever work out with the businessmare.

Starlight Glimmer leaned forward. "Is there anything we can do for you in the meantime? I can probably work my magic to help sew new dresses for you. Pinkie Pie can vouch for my speed and quality," she offered. "I mean, that was a cake; but a dress shouldn't be much different." She added with a confident shrug.

Rarity thought for a moment. 'Starlight has a powerful talent for magic, but she doesn't have anywhere near the skill for fine precision as I do. Hiring her would affect the standard of quality I've set for my brand. And for my plans to work, I'm going to need the best seamstresses to help me... But maybe there's a way I could still accept her help.'

Rarity didn't want to be difficult towards her friends, and there was nothing material she couldn't obtain for herself.

And she had a stallion to care for now.

She remembered Atchmon being disappointed in her lack of magical abilities, and yet so intrigued with her meager talent. She felt bad for not being more skilled, but he was very understanding when she'd explain the complexities of thaumatology.

Without his knowledge and training in the wildernes, Rarity couldn't be sure she'd have survived on her own.

She didn't want to be put in that situation ever again.

It was her duty as both a mare and host to care for him as both a stallion and guest. Plus, she felt indebted to him. And she wanted to pay back that balance in full.

"Well... there is one thing you both could do for me," Rarity started.

"Anything," said Twilight.

"Just name it and we'll do it," said Starlight Glimmer.

Rarity gathered her resolve to commit to her new goals. "I want you both to train me in magic." She requested.

Both magic-talented mares balked.

Twilight spoke first. "Magic isn't something you can just 'train' yourself in; it takes years of study and practice; not to mention all the formulas, theories, and equations you need to memorize, and that's just for the intermediate spells." She explained.

Starlight Glimmer tapped her chin in thought. "Not really, Magic isn't an exact science; well, maybe it is to you, Twilight," she corrected, gaining the stink-eye from her mentor. "What I'm trying to say is, Sunburst was always great with Magical Theory, Laws, and all that stuff, whereas I've always excelled in practice, since I learn better by doing, anyway; so maybe we can teach her a few things." She finished in suggestion.

"Are you sure, Rarity?" Asked Twilight.

"I'm sure," Rarity started with confidence. "I've put this off for far too long, it's time I learned real magic like a proper Unicorn."

Twilight wasn't convinced she was telling her everything. "Please don't take this the wrong way, but does this have something to do with Atchmon?"

Rarity clammed up, and looked away. "I was afraid you'd ask that," she faced them with conviction. "But I assure you, I'm doing this more for my sake; plus it'll help me accomplish fashion line of my dreams, I've imagined since I was just a little filly, starting out on a sewing machine." She added wistfully.

Twilight nodded with a smile. "Okay, I'll come up with some primers for you to practice on."

"Thank you." Rarity smiled gratefully.

Fluttershy came through the open library door at a prancing-gallop, "Girls, guess who I ran into just outside my-" she paused and skid to a halt on her rump; remembering herself as her friend's attention were all directed at her. "I'm sorry, was I interrupting?" She looked away.

Rarity shot her a bright smile. "Fluttershy, darling, you're just the pony I needed to see; and no you're not interrupting anything, darling," Rarity said as she got out of her seat, trotted over and gave Fluttershy a welcoming hug and a kiss on each cheek.

"You needed to see me; for what?" Fluttershy asked curiously.

"I was hoping you'd be willing to do a big favor for me, if you're not busy?" She asked sweetly, putting on her charm.

"Sure, what would you like me to do?" Fluttershy said brightly.

"I was hoping you wouldn't mind visiting Atchmon at my house while I'm out running errands today?" Rarity asked.

"Oh, he's-" Fluttershy started, before being interrupted.

Rarity continued, flourishing her speech dramatically. "It's just that I'm worried about him being left all alone, being the lone lonely loner that he is,"

"That's a lot of alone-ness," Starlight Glimmer whispered through her teeth at Twilight, who nodded in agreement.

"Actually he-"

Rarity daintily placed a hoof against her forehead. "I knew he didn't want me leaving the house, but alas my work must come first; and all I can think about is him sulking in some depressing dark corner of my home," she hugged herself, as if she couldn't take the pain in her heart.

"I wouldn't say that-"

Rarity rushed in and held Fluttershy at hoof-length. "And now I must ask you, Fluttershy, to look after him in my stead," Rarity lowered her head and placed a hoof on her chest, like she was ending the scene of a play, oozing morose.

Fluttershy was silent for a long moment, making sure Rarity wasn't going to continue her dramatic request. "Um... no." She answered simply.

Rarity looked heartbroken. "What, b- but why?!" She whimpered.

Fluttershy turned so she wasn't blocking the doorway. "Because he's right here." She revealed cheerfully with Atchmon standing behind her in the threshold of the door.

Atchmon flashed the group a toothy, innocent smile, after hearing Rarity talk about him.

"Atchmon!" Rarity gasped in surprise, and cantered up to him. "You're here, you're out, I- I thought it would be too stressful for you to leave the house?" She questioned in concern.

Atchmon rolled his shoulders in a shrug. "A lil' bit, but I'm makin' it alright." He reassured her, but hid his frown, knowing she thought so low of him. 'It's just because of how I acted last night.' He reminded himself. 'And she's right too.'

Twilight Sparkle came up to him with the others lagging behind; Fluttershy opted to stay where she was, along with Spike, who didn't bother to move or greet him at all; instead he folded his arms over his chest, looking displeased.

"It's good to see you again, Atchmon," Twilight Sparkle greeted. "Are you adjusting well to Equestrian society?" She asked while floating a notebook and pen as if ready to take notes. "Any feelings of dysmorphia, or conflicting thoughts you'd like to share?"

Starlight Glimmer promptly knocked the stationary out of Twilight's telekinetic grip. To which her mentor put on a wounded expression.

"It's pretty different, but also kinda familiar too," he answered with an awkward chuckle.

The others nodded their heads in understanding, and waited for him to say something more, but the tension in the air was palpable.

He wanted to apologize for his behavior of last night to the group. But as Atchmon gazed across the room at those gathered, his discomfort grew.

"H-ick-" His breath hitched as he failed to utter an apology.

His eyes darted between the dragon's scowl, to the three Unicorn's gazes ranging from interested, to concerned and wary, and lastly to Fluttershy's avoidant looks. His lungs felt like they were constricting, preventing him from speaking further. A pressure in his mind formed as the weight of anxiety stalled his thoughts.

He wanted to apologize, but the fear of embarrassing himself in front of Rarity again cemented itself as an impassable obstacle.

The others listened expectantly after seeing Atchmon about to continue, but the awkwardness grew as his silence dragged on.

Starlight Glimmer blurted to save the conversation. "Buh-I guess you'd actually have to be from there to really 'get it', huh?" She suggested.

"Y-yeah," Atchmon chuckled nervously, keeping his eyes averted from the group, and mentally berating himself for messing up again.

Twilight Sparkle cleared her throat. "Spike, would you take Atchmon around the castle, I need to speak with the girls for a bit; you boys can hang out until we're done, right?"

Rarity looked confused.

Spike's attention rose at the request, and darted his eyes between the stallion and the others. "Sure..?" He said slowly, and gathered his things; then walked passed Atchmon, before turning to address him. "Come on..." He groaned like a teenager, who'd been told to do a chore they didn't want to do, and gestured the way with a nod of his head.

Atchmon did a double take between the drake and the Princess, before turning to follow, then looked back at Rarity for reassurance.

"Go on, darling, we'll be with you again shortly," Rarity assured him.

That was good enough for Atchmon, and he followed Spike outside the library, while Twilight shut the door behind them with her magic.

Soon as the door clicked shut, Rarity whirled on the others. "Why on Earth would you do that for?" She asked, sounding betrayed, but keeping her voice low so the boys couldn't hear her through the door.

Twilight Sparkle lowered her head. "I'm sorry Rarity, but I wanted to ask you some things while Fluttershy is here."

Fluttershy flinched as all her friend's attention was brought on her again. "W-what do you need me for?" She asked in confusion.

"I mostly want you here as moral and emotional support for Rarity." Twilight explained. "That is, if she's comfortable with answering some of the more personal questions I have."

Rarity pursed her lips in thought, before giving the pair a nod. She wasn't a paragon of Honesty like Applejack, but she trusted them both with her most personal secrets. And she wanted to reveal a secret or two about herself and Atchmon. If for nothing but to gauge their reactions, and maybe even seek their approval.

"Rarity," Twilight started as she braced herself for the question to come. "Are you okay, if I ask you a few personal questions about you and Atchmon?"

'I see, I figured this would be about him,' she thought. 'I knew there'd be some concern from the others about my decision to let him live with me.' Rarity put on an innocent smile, and spoke cheerfully. "Not at all, dear; you know I'll always be open and honest with you."

Twilight matched her with a sympathetic smile. "Thank you, and if you aren't comfortable with answering, then just let me know and I won't press it further." She informed. "I'm just concerned about some of the decisions you've made, since you've been back."

Rarity nodded her head in understanding and waited expectantly for the questions to come.

Starlight Glimmer looked apprehensive between them and began making her exit. "It sounds like you two have something serious to discuss, so... I'm gonna go and catch up with the boys while you three talk it out." She said as she anxiously slunk towards the door, wanting to make a quick escape...

Until Pinkie Pie suddenly burst through the door, followed by Rainbow Dash hovering in the air behind her, comically smacking Starlight in the face, leaving her seeing stars.

Pinkie didn't notice, and rushed in with a trolley full of baked goods. "I need you all to stop what you're doing and eat these; oh, and stay away from opening doors!" She gathered a bunch of sweet treats in a hoof and held them against her chest, a couple fell to the ground in crumbles as she rushed around the library in a pink-blur to stuff all her friend's faces.

Starlight Glimmer stumbled away in a daze until she suddenly had a muffin stuffed in her mouth backwards, sucking on the paper end of the pastry.

Rarity looked cross-eyed at the muffin stuffed in her mouth, before pulling it out with magic and giving it a nibble.

Fluttershy's missed it's mark when she flinched away as Pinkie zipped by; leaving sticky crumbs on her cheek as it bounced harmlessly to the ground.

Twilight Sparkle conjured a shield in time, watching as the smushed breading slid down the curve of her fuchsia-colored barrier.

Starlight recovered from being dazed, then her attention rose after noticing something was stuffed into her mouth.

"This is a matter of public safety, everypony! I need you to tell me if these muffins are too good, or not!" She plunged her whole head into the basket, eating loudly, with some of the confections spilling over the edge.

Rainbow Dash swallowed hers in one gulp, after Pinkie Pie practically shoved one down her gullet, leaving her coughing up crumbs and teary-eyed. "Caff-caff-hack, Pinkie-eh-cough!" She rasped in complaint, before licking around her lips. "Mmm, not bad," she smacked thoughtfully, before crossing hooves and adding: "But I'm still mad!" She finished, looking cross with her. "This is what you needed my help?"

"Pinkie, we're trying to have a serious discussion here!" Twilight Sparkle scolded.

"About what?" Pinkie lifted her head out of the basket, with a dozen muffins stuffed in her mouth. She then swallowed them all effortlessly. "Ooh, is it about Rarity's new coltfriend?" She cooed teasingly.

That one word triggered Rarity. "He's not my coltfriend!" She shouted hysterically in a higher pitched tone.

Everypony looked at her in varying degrees of fear and skepticism, except for Pinkie who smiled knowingly, after her outburst.

Rarity cleared her throat. "He's a colt who happens to be my friend, and I know some of you may have concerns about him living with me; but I assure you, I am in my right mind when making such a decision." She directed most of her statement at Twilight, while the others shared looks with one another.

Starlight Glimmer quietly made her escape while the others weren't looking, but stopped short of closing the door. Deciding to eavesdrop on the conversation.

Twilight lowered her head. "I'm sorry things turned out like this Rarity, but I just needed to be sure you were okay."

Rarity puffed out her chest proudly. "I've never felt better in my life," then she looked away meekly. "But it would mean the world to me, if all of you approved of him."

"Are you planning to court him?" Fluttershy asked, much to everypony's surprise.

"No!" Rarity burst out again, realizing too late how that previous statement sounded. "I-I meant that as a friend, and as a guest in my home." She looked away guiltily. "I would have surely perished on my own, if it wasn't for his help."

Starlight Glimmer covered her gaping mouth. It was obvious to her what was going on.

The others exchanged looks again, while Rainbow Dash shrugged her hooves. "He seems like a pretty cool guy, we kinda do the same thing in the Wonderbolts, sleeping in the barracks; so I don't see a problem with it."

Starlight wanted to face-hoof herself. Of course Rainbow would be the most oblivious.

Pinkie piped. "Yeah, it's like having a sleepover that never ends, but with a dude-friend!"

"He seems very... nice." Fluttershy added her opinion, then flushed bashfully.

Twilight Sparkle chewed her lip in thought. "If you're okay with keeping him around, then I will be too; but I still want to speak with him myself soon."

Starlight Glimmer could tell her mentor was still in denial.

"Thank you all so very much," Rarity smiled graciously at all her friends. "I know you all haven't had much time to get to know him yourselves... and last night wasn't the best example; but I assure you, he really is quite the gentlestallion... when he wants to be." She added quietly at the end.

Rainbow Dash reassured her. "Hey, if you say he's cool, then he's cool to us too, right guys?"

The others nodded their heads and uttered their agreements, while Twilight seemed a bit reserved from the rest.

After waiting a few seconds, and sensing that the conversation was over, Starlight Glimmer knocked on the door to get the other's attention.

"Sounds like you're all finished up, want me to go get the boys?" She offered.

Twilight Sparkle looked around at the others to make sure they were done, before turning her attention back on Starlight. "Yes, would you bring Atchmon to the throne room, please Starlight, I think we all would like a word with him?" She asked while looking around at the others.

Rainbow Dash shrugged her forehooves. While Pinkie nodded energetically, while helping Fluttershy nod with her as well.

Rarity smiled and gave a single nod of her approval.

"Okay, be back in a bit!" Starlight Glimmer said cheerily, before leaving and closing the door behind her.

She hung her head in thought as she mulled over everything she heard and saw in there.

"Rarity's... in love.... with an alien!" She quietly mouthed off to herself, unable to believe her own words.

Now that Starlight was well and truly gone, Twilight turned her attention back on her friends.

She shook her head while thinking of Starlight Glimmer being still too anxious to make herself part of the discussion. That was a friendship lesson she'd have to assign for later.

Pinkie Pie slunk up next to Rarity and wrapped a hoof around her withers as she spoke conspiratorially. "So, little miss Rarity was all alone in the woods, with nothing but a stallion to keep her company; did you two do anything while you were away by your lonesome?" She teased.

Rarity's face turned a beat red as she spoke in a fluster. "M- I- mh- Miss Pie, I don't like what you are insinuating!"

"Pinkie!" Twilight admonished, then looked apologetic. "I'm sorry Rarity, this isn't how I wanted things to go."

"Oh my." Fluttershy squeaked while covering her face with hooves and wings.

"What? Do what?" Rainbow asked in confusion, after only half-listening.

Pinkie continued to tease. "Oh, so you definitely aren't together?" She hinted.

Rarity blurted and started to sound haughty with a hint of disgust. "No! And even if I did have relations with him--which I didn't--I would never debase myself by doing... activities before marriage!" Her ears laid back in regret after the lie.

Everpony went dead silent as they stared at her.

Pinkie was grinning mischievously as she approached Rarity. "So, you wouldn't care if he and I did some, hee-hee, activities together?" She giggled seductively in front of her.

Rarity felt as though her brain short-circuited. She couldn't think of anything else. All Rarity could see in her mind was Pinkie's grubby little hooves all over her stallion.

Twilight used her magic to drag Pinkie away from crowding Rarity. "Pinkie! I know it's that time of the year, but have some self-control, girl!"

Rainbow Dash complained. "Argh, it is?" She checked her backside. "Nope, nothing." She sighed in relief, then sniffed the air. "But it smells like somepony is... Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy stood quietly off to the side, silently hoping nopony will notice; but when they looked at her, she put on an embarrassed face and slowly hid behind a desk. "I'm sorry, it just started on my way over here." She whimpered.

Twilight Sparkle sighed. "I just realized I'm late; probably didn't get enough Sun since shutting myself inside all the time, while working on the spell to bring you home."

Rarity stated. "I'm late as well, darling; the Doctor said too much stress will delay it." She trotted over to reassure her.

Pinkie Pie stated proudly. "I'm not! My winky-pinky is on schedule, and on the prowl."

The others scoffed in varying degrees of disgust, which delighted Pinkie for getting a reaction out of them.

Rarity warned her. "You better not be planning on taking advantage of him."

"Of course not, silly; but I can't make any promises we won't do some activities together," she tittered. "Besides, didn't you say he's not your coltfriend, and you aren't together?" She cocked her head back and forth.

Rarity had to bite her tongue, before coming up with a more matured response. "Atchmon is a grown stallion, and he can choose for himself, whom he wishes to court." Her gut wrenched as she spoke, as if her words became a blade; and she just committed seppuku.

Twilight spoke up. "Alright everypony, that's enough; Rarity and I need some time to talk alone, so why don't you all wait for us in the Throne room."

The others did as she suggested, knowing Pinkie pushed their frienship, as she often does; but they knew it wasn't entirely her fault.

Twilight placed a hoof on Rarity's withers, and whispered. "You know she doesn't mean it, right? She's just acting like a tart because it's Estrus."

Rarity sniffed, but kept her dignity. "Oh Twilight, you're still so innocent, even after all these years we've known each other."

Twlight knitted her brow in confusion. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Darling, you've never been to one of Pinkie's, or her other friend's more... scandalous parties."

"And you have?" She asked incredulously.

"Yes, dear, I have," she took a breath. "It was just that one time in Canterlot."

Twilight shook her head. "I guess it only makes sense she would know where to find all the best party scenes, especially after seeing her meet my old friend, Minuette; I know she's got friends everywhere, but I never thought about just how wide her friend-network spans."

Rarity nodded in agreement. "After our first night at the Grand Galloping Gala, Pinkie offered to take me to 'a place full of hot studs who'd still give me the best night ever'; to quote her words."

Twilight tried to think back. "I vaguely remember her offering to take all of us somewhere, but I was so tired and full on donuts; all I wanted to do was sleep."

Rarity scoffed a laugh. "Yes the others were quite done with disappointments for the night; but with Pinkie being the 'party animal' she is; she wasn't about to throw in the towel until she had the party she was promised." Rarity sighed, remembering how the night went. "I went along with it, only because I was too angry and hurt with how badly things with Blueblood went; which kept me wide awake."

Twilight followed along. "So what happened, what was it like?"

Rarity had to cover her eyes, but the images of that night were seared into her mind. "Ugh, what didn't I see is more like it," she retched in disgust. "First was how Ponies were 'dancing', if you can call being mounted on the dance floor a 'dance'."

Twilight covered her mouth with a hoof. "You mean they were- in public!" She exasperated.

Rarity nodded. "Pinkie showed me how the stallions like to 'say hello'; in which I witnessed our Pinkie Pie be penetrated by no less than three strangers, before we even found a place to sit and have a drink!" She threw her hooves up. "I just couldn't believe she enjoyed being treated like some- some- receptacle for stallion seed."

Twilight, having read many dirty books, didn't bother to correct her on the proper terminology. "I've heard of those types of parties, but I just never imagined any of us going to them."

"Indeed," Rarity sighed. "I left the moment some dredge tried to seduce me by offering a drink made of his 'essence'." She shivered in disgust.

"I get that you're saying Pinkie will follow through on her words, but I think you missed something there." Twilight informed.

"Like what?" She asked.

"She was asking you, if it was okay for her to do that; and you basically told her 'yes'," Twiligiht poked her chest. "So now I'm asking, Rarity, are you sure you're okay with Atchmon being with another mare while he's living with you?"

Rarity sighed knowingly. "I'm not worried about that Twilight."

"Really?" Twilight asked skeptically.

Rarity leaned in close, as if ready to tell a secret. "Yes, really; because what I'm about to tell you stays between us."

Twilight gave her full attention. "Okay."

"I lied," she started, getting a wide-eyed response from Twilight. "I m-mated with him." She felt a wash of relief after finally revealing her deepest truth.

Twilight's rump fell to the floor in the wake of the truth-bomb, her voice left speechless and mouth agape. "W-while he was- YOU and an alien-!" She half-yelled in disbelief.

Rarity shut her mouth with magic, and got in her muzzle with a dangerous expression. "Yes, and it was wonderful, but Princess Twilight Sparkle so help me Celestia if you mention this to anypony, I will banish you to the moon myself!" She half-whispered, then put on a deranged, innocent smile.

Twilight swallowed her nervousness, knowing that when Rarity committed to a goal; she would stop at nothing to accomplish it. "Your secret is safe with me." She finished while miming the Pinkie Promise.

Rarity relaxed and her expression returned to normal. "But to really answer your question, I'm not worried, because Atchmon's culture requires him to pursue one mare, and only one mare; and that mare just so happens to be moi." She finished, placing a hoof on her chest and looking pleased with herself.

Twilight already had a notepad and pen out. "Fascinating... tell me more." Her voice trailed as she scribbled.

"Will you put that away!" Rarity exasperated.

SPIKE'S ROOM

Atchmon followed Spike outside the library and up the stairs that curved around the castle's hollow core.

It would've been an uncomfortably silent trip following behind the brooding dragon, but Atchmon was too distracted with exploring the castle to notice.

He watched Spike enter his room, setting books and scrolls onto his work desk that set beside the drake's bed.

Atchmon scanned the room, eyeing the crystalline branch-like trim that ran along the walls, matching the head of a bed.

There was a bookshelf alcove to the left of the doorway full of comic books which caught his attention.

Spike turned around and started the speech he'd been mentally practicing since last night. "I've been wanting to talk to you since- Hey put that back!" His voice raised as he rushed over to snatch his comic out of the stallion's hooves. "That's my limited-edition copy of Mistress Marevelous issue number one!" Spike fretted.

"Sorry," Atchmon said and grinned sheepishly. "Is that a good one?" He asked, remembering that some comics could go for a lot of money, if they were rare or special.

Spike couldn't help but brag a bit about his prized possession. "A good one?" He started incredulously, before cracking a proud smile. "This edition has the origin story of the Mistress's worst arch nemesis The Jester, and it has the first ever appearance of the notorious jewel thief Diamond the dog-mare!"

"Nice! That's, uh, good?" Atchmon offered, trying to match the drake's enthusiasm.

Spike narrowed his eyes incredulously. "It's not just 'good', it's in mint condition; or at least I hope it still is," he huffed and examined his comic.

Atchmon looked confused. "Then shouldn't you have that in a plastic bag, or somethin' to protect it?" he questioned sarcastically, after catching that little dig.

Spike narrowed his eyes at the stallion, then put his comic away while grumbling about being too busy.

While he was doing that, Atchmon examined the rest of Spike's room.

It was incredibly spacious with a very high ceiling. It made Atchmon feel a little jealous of the teenaged dragon. The room he grew up in only had enough space for a full-sized bed and a small dresser, while everything else was piled in a closet, along with his TV; or hung on the walls, which was often the case.

An itty-bitty living space for a big-ol' boy like himself.

But now he didn't have a space to call his own. He was taking up room in everyone else's life...

"I wanted to have a word with you about Rarity." Spike began, having interrupted Atchmon's thoughts, before they turned depressive.

Atchmon tried not to roll his eyes. 'Great another "talk", wonder how many more of these are waiting for me?' He thought bitterly, expecting quite a few more from friends and especially family.

'Oh boy... I do not want to have the heart-to-heart with Rarity's dad... give a man time to settle-in, Ponies!'

"I've known Rarity for a long time now, almost my whole life," Spike began.

Atchmon sighed. "I know, she told me a bit about you."

That got the Drake's attention. "Really?" Spike started excitedly. "What'd she say about me?" He asked eagerly, before remembering himself. "No, stay focused, Spike," He whispered to himself, then crossed his arms over his chest, trying to look cool.

Atchmon cocked a brow at him. "Look, you don't have to worry about anything. I'm not so sure Rarity and I are a thing-"

"Yes!" Spike cheered with a fist pump.

Atchmon deadpan stared at him. "Why don't ya tell me how ya really feel." He said laconically.

Spike smiled sheepishly, then coughed into his fist to regain his composure. "Listen, Rarity's happiness is very important to me, so while you're living in her house; I'm gonna be watching you," he said, trying to sound intimidating. "Like a hawk." He added.

Atchmon cracked a smile. "Why, can't you just watch me like a dragon?" He joked to lighten the mood, unknowingly insulting the drake for his lack of wings.

Spike tightened his lips and blushed furiously at the blow to his pride. Knowing he walked right into that one.

The stallion sighed in frustration, knowing he'd gotten off on the wrong hoof. 'Man, that feels weird even just thinking it'.

"Look, I get what's going on," Atchmon started, facing the young drake again, and speaking with conviction. "I've watched all my friends turn into jealous, over-protective assholes after a few days of dating their new girlfriends."

Spike raised his eyes in surprise at the profanity as he listened.

Atchmon let out a heavy sigh, the memories flooded back, as if he lived them over again. "Things always got ugly when one of them got dumped, while another friend picked up the same chick."

Spike looked a little flustered. "Rarity wouldn't- I mean, she and I were never-" He struggled to retort.

Atchmon interjected. "Right, I remember now. She said you're like a brother to her, or like a real good friend."

Spike's jaw dropped as he brayed like a donkey.

"Rarity's happiness is important to me too, so I'm gonna be there for her, like I've been doing for the past month since I found her." He finished with a hoof stomp to emphasis his point. It was a strange, natural reflex, and it felt like the right thing to do after he did it.

Atchmon and Spike locked eyes, each knowing were they stood. A battle of wills raged between them as neither dared to back down.

Atchmon was older and more seasoned in the wisdom of life and strength, and didn't feel this youngster had any sort of authority, or pull, over him. But Spike was miles ahead of him in emotional intelligence and socializing.

Soon, they both relaxed, after coming to a silent understanding.

Starlight Glimmer stood in the doorway, smiling awkwardly after catching them in the middle of a stare down. "Hey guys, everything okay in here?" She asked carefully.

Atchmon looked between her and the drake.

Spike glowered and huffed. "We're fine; does Twilight need me?" He said a tad curtly .

"I know she wants to see Atchmon in the throne room with everypony else, but I just assumed you'd come too." She suggested.

He shook his head. "I'm gonna stay up here, I'm too far behind on my assignments as it is," Spike frowned at the pile of paperwork on his desk.

Starlight cocked her head to the side. "Oookay, come on Atchmon, follow me." She said as she turned around and headed out.

Atchmon followed after her, then looked back at the drake.

Spike raised two claws up to his eyes, then pointed them at the stallion.

Atchmon tried to mock him, but failed, making an odd salute before remembering too late he didn't have fingers anymore; then left while making a face at the drake.

"So..." Starlight Glimmer failed to start a conversation as they walked.

It wasn't for lack of questions, or topics, but more from a lack of social etiquette. She didn't know if it'd be okay to talk about Atchmon's home, or his coupling with Rarity, or anything at all.

Atchmon's head perked up, expecting her to say more, but instead, they kept trotting while awkwardly glancing at one another.

Starlight Glimmer was about to start mentally beating herself for being so bad at conversation, before Atchmon interrupted her thoughts.

"Hey, uh, Rarity said you were really good with magic?" Atchmon started trepidly.

Starlight Glimmer looked at him as she forgot herself. "Yeah, you said that back at the hospital." She commented, meaning nothing behind it; she just remembered him saying that before, then Starlight looked taken aback as she witnessed Atchmon looking embarrassed.

She knew that reaction. It was the same one she'd been having ever since she joined Twilight's ensemble of close friends.

Seeing Atchmon mentally beating himself for being just as bad with conversation as she was, made her feel sympathetic towards him.

Atchmon huffed nervously. "Yeah, sorry I forgot," that was a lie, he was struggling to say anything else, but nothing came to mind. "That's cool, I mean, it's cool that you can do that; magic, I mean, not just remembering stuff I said, which is cool too; ha, good memory," he huffed a laugh, knowing he lost control of the 'conversation plane', and was crashing and burning. "Rarity doesn't do much magic." He finished abruptly.

Starlight started off looking dumbfounded, but gave him a sympathetic smile. "I could show you some magic, if you want, later?" She offered, and was pleased with herself to get a positive reaction out of him.

Atchmon beamed with excitement. "Sure, that'd be cool to see some tricks, I mean, er-um-" he floundered, too late and not enough sense to catch his mistake.

Calling real magic "tricks", would be a huge insult to a real sorceress like Starlight. But she was so confident in her own abilities, that it didn't faze her one bit.

Starlight giggled, watching him flounder his words after accidentally insulting her craft.

He shared a chuckle with her, putting him at ease.

They arrived at the Great double doors which entered into the central core of Twilight's Castle, where her throne room resided on the other side.

Starlight moved ahead and turned to face Atchmon. "Let me check and see if they're ready, first."

"Cool... cool... I'm saying 'cool' way too much, aren't I?" Atchmon stated as he fidgetted nervously.

Starlight Glimmer saw the nervousness in Atchmon's expression, the color seemed to drain from his face as he looked up at the Great double doors. "Hey, relax, it's not a big deal; they just want to get to know you a little better." She said encouragingly.

Atchmon looked thoughtful and sighed tiredly. "I know, but I just don't want to mess things up... well, no more than I already did back at the party yesterday, you know?"

She placed a comforting hoof on his shoulder. "Listen, it's okay, I know things are rough for you right now, but take it from a pony who's been there; you don't have to try so hard to make others like you; just be yourself." She advised.

"That works?" He asked jokingly.

"Eh, I'm still getting the hang of it myself." Starlight said casually as she opened the door. "Even if you do mess up, they're a really forgiving bunch," Starlight paused and turned back to him. "Like really forgiving." She emphasized.

Atchmon watched as Starlight Glimmer closed the door behind her.

Atchmon paced back and forth, but mentally he was bobbing and weaving on his tippy-hooves, like a prize fight getting ready for a round.

"Right, no pressure, just gonna have a talk with all of Rarity's friends. Thats right, I'm gonna talk their ears off." His head flicked. "I'm gonna be so polite and considerate, they won't know what hit 'em!"

Atchmon sat down and mimed with his hooves as if he were serving treats.

"I'll be like 'would you like some more tea, miss?', and they'll be like 'oh no thank you, I couldn't possibly have anymore', and I'll be like 'you've barely touched your tea cake, is it not to your liking?' His voice changed to fill each role.

Atchmon turned his whole body left and right to fill the role of both characters as they conversed as he believed the conversation would go in his mind.

"No, it's fine, really, I can't possibly have another bite." He refused politely.

"Look, this was my Nanna's recipe; and I would be very upset if you didn't have another." He insisted.

He whined in exasperation. "I don't want another, you made them too salty; okay!"

"Fine, if you don't like what I made you, then you can starve!" He finished angrily.

*click*

Atchmon straightened up in an instant before the door opened and Starlight Glimmer appeared.

She looked around the empty corridor. "Were you talking to somepony?" She asked.

"Nope," Atchmon lied and put on his best innocent expression.

Starlight looked him over suspiciously, as he was seated with a perfectly straight face; knowing he must be fibbing. "O-kay, well, they're ready for you." She turned to lead him inside.

Atchmon entered the throne room. The echoes of door hinges and his hoof-steps reverberated off the walls.

The roots of the Golden Oaks library looked like grasping claws, far more sinister and intimidating, than the wholesome and beautiful gift was meant to express.

Without thinking, he took a seat on the only available throne next to the Princess.

His mind retched as he realized too late his mistake. This wasn't his seat. But being too paralyzed with doubt, Atchmon decided to commit to his faux pas.

If they didn't want him sitting there. Then he already expected them to kick his rump out of it.

There was an uncomfortable silence as he gazed around at the others.

"Kinda feel like I'm gettin' called into the principal's office, heh-ehh..." Atchmon chuckled nervously at his joke, trying to lighten the mood; but the others --save for Pinkie, who laughed heartedly-- tittered softly.

"There's nothing to be nervous about, Atchmon, this is a safe space," Twilight responded with a gentle smile.

Rainbow Dash sat with her hooves crossed, giving him an easy smile.

Atchmon locked eyes with Fluttershy, but she lowered them and looked away.

Pinkie Pie proclaimed. "Yeah, there's nothing to be scared of, silly; we're only the greatest and most influential ponies in allllll-gasp-alllll of Equestria, aside from the other Princesses!" She jumped on the table and rushed to stand above him, pointing a hoof down at him, as if in judgement. "Your very life is in our hooves; our favor carries the weight of your future on its shoulders!" She finished dramatically.

Atchmon looked scared and swallowed his nervousness with an audible gulp.

Rarity always told him how important she and her friends were to Equestria. But hearing about something, and seeing it are two very different things. The castle and the thrones were evidence enough of that. Even though Rarity fibbed a little, proclaiming herself as the Princess, it didn't change the fact these were all very important, very powerful Ponies.

The kind of influencers that could take his livelihood away, just because they can.

He felt as if a single hoof out of line, meant a lifetime of misery and wage slavery at a fast food joint.

Rarity used her magic to lift and sit Pinkie back on her throne. "Miss Pie, what have I told you about being ridiculous." She chastised.

Pinkie stuck her tongue out funnily as she was plopped back in her seat. "Uhhh, I dunno?" She shrugged and giggled with Fluttershy at her fun.

Atchmon smiled nervously.

Twilight intervened. "We aren't like that, Atchmon; Ponies are free to choose their way of living, so long as that choice isn't a detriment to their wellbeing, or the wellbeing of others." She reassured him.

Atchmon caught sight of Starlight Glimmer lowering her head in shame for a moment.

"Do you have any questions?" The Princess asked.

"I... Is there something I should be doing?" Atchmon started. "Like getting a job, or- I guess, I gotta find my Mark-thing first, before I can get one, huh?" He asked in confusion.

Rarity interjected and spoke for him. "Oh Twilight, that reminds me, Sweetie Belle has already volunteered herself and the help of her friends to help him find his Special Talent; isn't that wonderful of her?"

Atchmon knitted his brow in thought. 'I don't remember Rarity being around for that, so how does she...'

Twilight worked her mouth, before smiling. "Yes. That is a very kind and noble thing of her to do for Atchmon, who isn't familiar with our customs; being that he isn't originally from here at all."

Rarity smiled knowingly. "Oh, I've already covered that, while we had nothing but time to ourselves in the Everfree Forest, you know, that place I was until recently?" she emphasized.

Atchmon got the feeling there was something more to this weird exchange. Rarity was using that tone of voice, that was as subtle as a wrecking ball, whenever he did something she disapproved of; but he didn't get the feel that she was using it because of him.

He looked between the two quarreling friends, suddenly feeling small and wanting to be someplace else.

His attention rose as Twilight nodded, and she directed her speech to him next.

"Atchmon, I had many reservations about you, but I want to extend my apologies with everypony present, I'm sorry for being stand-offish around you," She apologized sincerely. "I just want to add, that my reasons for doing so were well-founded." She directed a pout towards Starlight and Rarity each.

Rarity smiled serenely, while Starlight grinned knowingly.

Atchmon knitted his brows in confusion. "It's okay?" he offered. "Rarity was pretty weirded out too, when we first met." He finished with a smile towards her, which was returned fondly.

Twilight cleared her throat. "But yes, evoking your Cutie Mark will help with finding where you'll be most happy in our society." She answered.

Rarity chimed in. "But there's no rush, I assume you'd like to take a couple weeks to relax and enjoy not having to struggle for our next meal?" She suggested.

"That'd be great," Atchmon chuckled in relief. "You'd think having two extra legs would help me stand on my own in half the time, but right now, I feel like a stiff breeze could knock me down."

Trotting around Ponyville was easy enough, but every step lacked the confidence of his surefootedness.

Rainbow Dash barked. "I can be your workout buddy, I'll have you galloping in no time; you might even finish in the top twenty when it's time for the next Running of the Leaves, after I'm done with you!"

Atchmon didn't know anything about what she was saying. But it sounded good, so he accepted her offer with a nod and a grateful smile.

Pinkie piped up. "I'm sure Rarity showed you all that fancy-schmacy stuff, but I can show you were all the cool cats and dogs hang out, we'll throw a big party and get you lots and lots of friends; just like when Twilight first came here!"

Twilight cringed at that.

Fluttershy gave her input. "Speaking of animals, I could always use some help around my cottage, all my little critter each have their own special needs, its hard to accommodate them all."

Atchmon looked down, and took a moment to get control of his emotions.

They were all being so nice to him.

"Thank ya'll," he rasped, but managed to hold back tears.

"Is there anything else, Atchmon?" Twilight asked.

"Ha-iff," he started to speak, but hesitated; looking over at Rarity to be sure it was really okay. "Uh, one other thing..."

Rarity spoke. "Go ahead, darling; this is an open forum, just speak your mind, there won't be any judgements here."

Atchmon shifted in his seat, and thought back to his experiences while roaming through the pony village. "Well... I was thinkin', would I have to change my name if my Mark shows up?" He directed the question more at Twilight, who he saw as more the authority on such things.

Ponies had some reactions towards his name. It was only logical to change it. In his mind it offered a slightly higher chance of survival. The Ponies will see him more as one of them; but that was just half the problem. The other being he needed to find his talent.

'May as well try, looks like I'm gonna be here for the rest of my life; don't wanna leave one world just to end up with the same life in another,' he thought bitterly; remembering how much of an outcast he was.

"Oh, well, that's all up to you; most Ponies who aren't part of a big clan will usually change their names when their mark comes," Asked Twilight, not expecting such a question. "Do you have one in mind? I can get the paperwork started, while I'm registering you as a new citizen of Equestria." She offered.

"I dunno," he thought a moment. "What sort of name should I pick?"

"A funny one!" Chirped Pinkie.

"Um... a nice one, would be good." Whispered Fluttershy.

"A cool one!" Rainbow Dash rasped.

"Darling, why pick a new name at all? Yours is fine the way it is." Rarity asked in concern.

Rainbow spoke up. "I'm not so sure Rare, it's an 'okay' name, but it's not really a Pony one. Plus it's kinda hard to say, Ackmin." She shrugged.

Atchmon mulled his thoughts over for a second. "Mmm... Red Baron." He stated.

"Ooh, nice one," Rainbow cooed cooly. "But you're not very red," she critiqued, rubbing her chin.

"No." Rarity deadpanned.

Pinkie Pie listed off. "How 'bout, um, Slim Jim, or Bony Brony; NO! Copper Cutie, Copper Cutie!" Pinkie clopped excitedly.

Atchmon joked with her. "Bacon-Pancakes! Or, no. Sassage-Gravy; Maybe Sea-Biscuit?"

"We're not anywhere near the ocean!" Rarity blurted, unable to take anymore of Atchmon's shenanigans.

"Buahhahahaha; I like this guy!" Rainbow Dash cackled, while wiping away a joyful tear from her eye. "OK maybe Ashman isn't so bad, he-heh." She giggled and wiped a tear away.

"I've never heard names so ridiculous, or so breakfast-related... Why does that sound familiar?" Twilight wondered.

Atchmon declared happily. "Well, I'm gettin' hungry, what's there to eat around here!"

The others agreed on grabbing something from the kitchen, with Rarity suggesting they should have a picnic.

Atchmon felt like everything was going to be okay, seeing all of Rarity's friends treating him as part of the group.

Sensing that the meeting was adjourned, everypony--except Atchmon-- simultaneously got up from their thrones and filed out of the castle with Atchmon lagging behind.

The stallion hung his head and took a breath to calm himself, feeling glad that the meeting was over, before following after them.

He turned back looking at the Castle-Map, and approached it; ignoring the others as they exited the room. The echo of Pinkie's voice carried in from the doorway, the others sighing at a bad joke she told, or her proclaims to eating a barrels worth of cupcakes; he couldn't tell, being too preoccupied with his conflicting thoughts.

Atchmon stared down at the holographic Map of Equestria, his eyes locked onto the familiar visage of Twilight's Castle, giving him a point-of-interest to start with. There was the town of Ponyville spread out among its base, and to the east of that...

The Everfree Forest.

Hundreds of square miles of dense forest blotted a good portion of the idyllic landscape; marring the beautiful, pristine, Utopian continent as an ever present reminder of the dangers which plagued the Pony's world.

His ire towards the relic spiked for just a moment. "Couldn't have gotten to me sooner?" He gruffed at the magic table. Feeling as though he could've been rescued at any time in the past, but somehow the timing (6 years of it) just wasn't convenient enough for the magic relic.

He sighed, unable to sort out his feelings; the foremost of which was apathy towards the relic. Atchmon didn't know how to feel about some magic tree-house-castle-map dictating it's will over his life.

But the map remained stoic, regardless; offering no answers.

Atchmon sighed, knowing he should feel grateful for the second chance at life he's been given now.

And he was grateful to be alive... he just wished it were in the body he was born with, and in the world he came from.

In his mind, the map had the power to do anything. So why didn't it give him that? Was it giving him a choice? To try being a pony over a human? Did it know something, he didn't?

Why was he here?

From what Rarity told him about their Cutie Quests, the map possessed some sort of omnipotent power. Did it just know he'd be happier here, than in his own world?

Or was there a higher purpose he'd yet to fulfill?

Atchmon shook his head of the thoughts plaguing him.

There was little chance he'd be meant for anything greater than what he was now.

A useless bum, sleeping on Rarity's couch, and living under her roof.

Rarity's voice called from in the hallway. "Atchmon, aren't you coming?"

He turned from the crystalline table, then looked back to give the map one last melancholy stare, before cantering away to catch up with the others.

Everypony was outside the Castle of Friendship sitting on a picnic blanket enjoying their snacks, while also looking towards the sky and enjoying an aerial acrobatic show.

"Whoa-ho-ho!" Atchmon laughed and clopped in delight as Rainbow Dash did a fly-by right above their heads, blowing himself and the crowd of friends with a massive gust of wind in her rainbow-streaked wake. "Whoo-hoo!" He cheered, waving his hooves above his head, before cupping his mouth and shouting. "Yeah!"

Rainbow Dash grinned proudly, relishing the praise at her awesomeness, pushing herself to fly faster, to bank harder, and roll tighter. All to impress her newest fan.

"Gosh she's fast!" He gasped with Rarity sitting next to him, sipping her tea like a proper lady. A demure smile played across her lips at his excitement and wonder towards the rainbow speedster's performance.

Rainbow Dash flew high above the castle grounds, soaring ever upwards to put a safe distance between her finale and the spectators.

"Ooh here it comes!" Pinkie clopped in anticipation, while Atchmon squinted at the tiny black dot of Rainbow Dash, trying to shield his eyes from the sun.

Rainbow Dash went into a downward dive, pumping her wing and gaining speed as she dove towards the earth; magically compressed air formed a cone around her body, until she broke through its barrier.

*BOOOM!*

Atchmon flinched at the unexpected explosion and subsequent corona of rainbow colors spreading out from the flier's epicenter. His face fell in awe at the grandiose display.

Rarity laughed giddily at the stallion's reaction, knowing the human-pony had never seen such a beautifully wondrous display.

Rainbow Dash flew at super-sonic speed around the Castle and grounds, wrapping her rainbow-colored ribbon of light around everything before skidding to a halt before the crowd.

"That was so totally wicked!" Atchmon shouted while waving his hooves excitedly in the air.

Rainbow Dash tossed her mane back relishing the praise, while cantering coolly towards her friends, as if it weren't a big deal. She kept her breathing under control just to make herself seem cooler, despite her thudding heart and beads of sweat after the rigorous exercise.

As she got nearer to the group, a tan Pegasus mare with a platinum-white mane landed, blocking her path. The mare wore a business suit, hat and sunglasses; her cutie-mark was a wax seal with a judge's gavel as the insignia.

"You're an easy one to find, Miss Dash," said the mare casually. "I was prepared to wait a few days at your cloudominium for you to stop by, but luckily I don't have to!" She chirped.

The others looked around in confusion, unsure of what was going on with the official-looking mare.

Rainbow Dash put on a look of disgusted confusion. It wasn't the first stalker she had to deal with, and usually Rainbow could deal with those by giving them the ride of their life a few thousand feet in the air at supersonic speed--in the 'not fun' way. Then they wouldn't bother her again, but this pony seemed different; almost too casual and comfortable with being around a famous Wonderbolt.

"Uh, is there something I can help you with?" Rainbow asked suspiciously.

The mare smiled toothily and gushed. "I gotta say, I'm a big fan," then looked regretful. "But unfortunately I'm also here on behalf of the Cloudsdale Supreme Justices," she extended her wing and presented an envelope pinched between her primaries. "I'm sorry to do this to you Rainbow Dash, but you've been served, your hearing is in a few weeks."

Atchmon stayed behind as the others trotted around Rainbow Dash to see what was the matter.

The mare flew away as Rainbow Dash tore open the letter with her teeth and read it.

"What is it Rainbow?" asked Twilight, seeing her friend's eyes darting over the parchment, before her look turned worrisome.

Rainbow whispered in disbelief. "It's a soup- soupy..." She looked up and cried in anguish. "I- I've been served a soup-ticket, Twilight; my life is ruined!" She cried.

Twilight used her magic to swipe the parchment from Rainbow's hooves. Her eyes quickly scanned the page. "It's a subpoena, you're being summoned before the Cloudsdale Military Council for... missed movement, dereliction of duties, and going AWOL."

Rainbow grasped her friend. "Twilight you have to help me, I don't wanna get kicked out of the Bolts!" She cried, clearly looking upset and freaking out.

Atchmon felt like he was 2-inches tall, watching the scene as it unfolded.

Rarity was talking about calling in some favors and looking vexed. Pinkie was throwing out suggestions on what she would do, including infiltrating Cloudsdale High Command, while hiding inside a giant cake.

Twilight tried explaining that it was all out of her hooves. Starlight was pointing out all the flaws in the document and in the law.

Fluttershy was just doing her best to console Rainbow Dash, who looked shell-shocked grasping at her legs while she rocked back and forth in the fetal position.

And all Atchmon could think, was how it was all his fault.

The Alchemist's Tree

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Atchmon's mind was distant as he thought of what transpired outside of Twilight's castle. He stared at the ground, while absentmindedly following behind Rarity towards her next errand.

"She'll be okay, won't she?" He dared to ask, knowing he was the cause of her predicament; being threatened with a dishonorable discharge and losing her place as a Wonderbolt.

"For the dozenth time, darling, I don't know," Rarity answered him. Her fur looked more like a lime green in the sunlight.

"But, I mean, she's famous; like you, right?" He asked, looking to assuage his guilt.

Rarity felt embarrassed. "I'm flattered you'd say that, but we're all famous in our own way, I suppose; however, even if I weren't a humble pony, I'd say Rainbow Dash is easily the most famous pony in our group."

They were outside the town proper, following a beaten dirt path as Rarity continued her explanation. "Excluding the Princesses, of course, since they're in a class of their own; which Twilight is proven to be the most popular among them."

Atchmon's head was starting to hurt from all the guilt and buzzing thoughts plaguing him.
"So they won't kick her out for missing a bit of practice... would they?"

Rarity sighed. "She didn't just miss a few training days, dear, she also didn't show up for a scheduled event; and that, my dear, is a major violation of her contract." She added. "And that isn't the worst part."

"What could be worse than that?" His voice cracked.

Rarity trotted ahead and turned to face him as she flourished dramatically. "Imagine it, darling, a stadium full of little colts and fillies, their spirits so full of hope and wonder, all looking forward to seeing their favorite Wonderbolt with their bright, innocent eyes; only to be so crushed with disappointment when she didn't show up to dazzle them with her amazing display of aerial acrobatics, choreography, and flying prowess; not to mention her signature stunt 'The Sonic Rainboom'! Their tiny tear drops could fill a lake; some may have spent all their hard-earned bits, or waited for years to finally meet the one and only Rainbow Dash." She finished, holding a hoof to her chest and looking sorrowful. "And scene." She added, and returned to her bright, cheerful self.

Atchmon didn't think his guilt could get any worse, but his gut felt like it turned to solid lead after imagining everything that Rarity told him. Now he was responsible for crushing all those little pony's hopes and dreams.

"What if I came forward, and admitted to everything?" He questioned anxiously. "They'd have to let her off the hook then." He nervously trotted in place.

Rarity thought for a moment as they approached the beginnings of a wooded area. "Really, you'd turn yourself in, and admit to everything?" She questioned skeptically, getting a nod from him. "Including your plan to ponynap me, and take me to your world; where I would surely be trapped forever, and parade me around like a freak-show attraction, while you reap the rewards... did i get most of that right?" She asked sweetly.

His eyes widened in realization. "Hrck!" Atchmon's voice caught in his throat as his chest felt like it was stabbed. He hadn't thought that far ahead, and blanched. "You're right, I'm sure with how famous she is, they'll probably just give her a slap on the wrist; no reason to put myself on the chopping block, if that's the case, right?" He chuckled nervously.

Rarity shot a miffed look back at him. "Famous though she may be, none of us are above the law, Atchmon." She emphasized. "Fluttershy was almost forced into indentured servitude, because of a bad trade agreement. But the point of that story is that's the law, and we're all subject to it." She finished firmly.

Atchmon hung his head in defeat. "Rare... about what I did, what I tried to do to you, I wouldn't have- I mean, I really thought we could-"

Rarity turned and placed a hoof gently on his chest, halting their trot. "I know you're feeling responsible for the... predicament Rainbow Dash is in, and that you regret the poor choices you've made in the past."

Atchmon avoided her eye contact and nodded.

"But I forgive you, darling." She emphasized.

Atchmon winced. "How... how can you just 'forgive' me for somethin' like that?" He met her gaze.

"It's because you feel responsible, and regretful for your actions; that you want to make things right." She answered. "You're a good pony, Atchmon."

He scoffed a laugh. "I sure don't feel like one." He said grudgingly.

Rarity gave him a little push with the hoof still on his chest to get his attention. "I wasn't finished," she raised a brow at him, as if daring him to interrupt her again. "You know better than to interrupt a lady when she's not done speaking; haven't I taught you better than that?"

Atchmon gave her a ghost of smile.

Rarity took a breath, looking up at him with caring eyes. "You took care of me, and nursed me back on my hooves; you taught me things I never would've bothered to learn, simply on the off-chance I would need those skills, and you were right to do so; you were my fierce defender, and gave your life to save mine; all to uphold a promise to get me home," Rarity removed the hoof from his chest.

"Now, that all seems like something a good pony would do; does it not?" She suggested. "Why shouldn't a pony like that be forgiven?"

Atchmon shifted in place, pride tainted with shame welled in his heart at her praise, and gave a mirthless smirk. "Yeah, but that doesn't change how I feel." His head shaking in disagreement.

Rarity spoke sympathetically. "I think that's because you need to work on forgiving yourself now, darling; everypony makes mistakes."

Atchmon scoffed. "No Rare, what I did wa'n't no 'mistake'; what I did was downright... evil." He forced the word out as a pit formed in his stomach from his admission.

Rarity sighed. "I think you're being too hard on yourself; but if you believe coming forward is the right thing to do, then I'll support your decision; I just fear it'll all be for naught."

"Why's that?" He questioned.

"It was Rainbow Dash's choice to ignore her obligations as a Wonderbolt, and continue her search for me, after the search was officially called off; but don't get me wrong, I am incredibly grateful for her efforts; however, I wish she didn't jeopardize her career for me." She finished sadly, laying her ears back.

Atchmon sighed in resignation. He knew exactly what she meant. Jobs, or society in general, cared little for the personal hardships that individuals go through; and often punishes those who make the morally right choice.

His ears perked, just now realizing a thing Rarity said. "How'd Fluttershy 'almost' become an indentured servant?" He asked skeptically. "You mean like a slave, right?" He vaguely remembered the meaning back in one of his history classes.

After meeting the fragile yellow Pegasus, it wasn't hard to imagine someone taking advantage of her meek nature. She seemed like such a frail and fragile little mare.

Rarity tittered. "Oh my apologies, it wouldn't have gone to such an extreme; but the terms behind the trade were dubious at best." She said, before explaining what happened.

Atchmon looked skeptical. "So... Princess Twilight was just gonna let it happen?" His voice raised in disbelief. "What happened to Rainbow, did she get in trouble? Isn't slavery illegal here?"

Rarity backed away sheepishly. "Nopony broke any rules or laws, but that's mainly because there was no rule against it; however, Twilight did push for an amendment afterwards." She explained. "Now, if anypony's services are offered as part of an exchange, that pony must also be in agreement that the trade is fair; that way, nopony is accidentally put into indentured servitude without their consent."

Atchmon blew a horsey snort of disbelief. "Ya'll needed a rule for that?" He said sarcastically under his breath.

Rarity continued. "Perhaps in an ironic twist of fate, you could help Rainbow out of her predicament, and correct your mistake in the same way she did for Fluttershy." She nodded in approval, now realizing Atchmon's choice was the right one after all.

Atchmon was less confident it was the right decision than before, especially if it won him a one-way ticket straight to the slammer. He doubted he'd be so lucky as Rainbow. She was a celebrity and he was a nobody; they'd lock him away for life if they could, he was sure of that much. Famous people could get away with anything short of murder... actually, some got away with that too, he remembered.

Damn.

In his mind, Atchmon had committed a crime, and even if Rarity forgave him; he couldn't forgive himself until Rainbow was spared as well; but he wasn't going to jail for her.

He didn't feel that sorry.

So maybe it was best to see how things played out, before making a decision.

"Where're we goin' anyway?" Atchmon asked, realizing they were at the border of the dark forest.

"To see a friend about some healing salves," Rarity answered.

"In the forest?" He questioned in confusion.

"I don't believe I ever told you about her," Rarity explained as they approached a pathway leading into the woods. "She really is a fantastic alchemist, her poultices are made from exotic plants you can only find inside the Everfree Forest."

Atchmon examined the pathway, his hunter's intuition took over from there. He noticed the ground was more sandy than the beaten dirt path running along the forest's border. He assumed the sandier path must go all the way to the alchemist's shop.

'But like all animal paths, if it's been used for any length of time; animals would know this is a place to find food.' He thought. 'At least the sandy soil will dampen any sound we make.

There were strange masks positioned to each side of the trail, he assumed marked the correct pathway towards the alchemist; and there were others further ahead that he could see. A sign pointed the way, with a white painted symbol of a swirling line of a circle with triangles arranged around it.

Rarity trotted on unimpeded, before turning back, and noticing Atchmon wasn't following her.

"Aren't you coming?" She asked curiously.

Atchmon took a few hesitant steps forward, as if expecting to be assaulted by an animal the moment he stepped onto the path. "Do you usually walk up this way?" He asked, following after her.

Rarity stopped and gasped as she realized something. "Oh darling, I'm so sorry, it just slipped my mind; you probably don't want to be anywhere near the Everfree Forest for the rest of your life!" She checked to make sure he was okay. "I don't need to get medicine right now, I can do this later, if you aren't comfortable coming with me."

Atchmon felt indignant. She was completely right, but that didn't mean he was completely helpless. "Nah, we came this far; and if you think it's safe, there's no sense in turning back now." He replied.

"I assure you, darling, it's quite safe; I've visited Zecora's hut on many occasions." Rarity went on ahead. "And thank you, dear; normally I'd wait until Zecora brings her wares into town for peddling, but I don't have much time, and much less a clue when that'll be; she really does make the best potions Bits could buy." She praised.

Atchmon only half listened as the ever-present grip of fear tightened around his chest. He quickly trotted to walk slightly ahead of her; keeping one side of her safe from harm as they faced the forest once more.

Rarity noticed his serious expression, and let a knowing smile grace her lips, but remained silent.

Zecora's Hut

Atchmon was awestruck at the literal tree-house in front of him, while Rarity stepped forward to knock on the door.

A moment later, a black and white striped horse answered with a mildly shocked expression. "Rarity? Kutomba takatifu, ni nini kilikupata!" She greeted rapidly in an exotic accent.

Not a horse, a Zebra, so cool!

"Hello Zecora, it's nice to see you again too," Rarity leaned forward and kissed each side of her cheek.

"Busu zako bado zimelowa sana," Zecora wiped her cheeks like she was wiping tears away. "Rarity, from this world I feared you had depart; seeing you alive, brings warm feelings to my heart."

"Ooh Zecora, you're gonna make me cry; I missed you too while I was lost." Rarity cooed while fanning her face, trying to prevent tears from falling; lest she ruin her mascara.

Zecora glanced in Atchmon's direction. "Many times you've come to see me, but never in stallion company." She stated curiously.

He stepped forward while Rarity introduced him. "Zecora, I'd like you to meet Atchmon." She said proudly.

"Atchmon," Zecora regarded him, before giving a small bow. "Kama mrembo asingekuwa hapa, ningekupeleka kitandani kwangu."

"Uh... thanks! Nice to meet you too." He greeted awkwardly, after the slow and borderline seductive way she spoke; but he chalked it up to it 'being her accent'; which was alluring on its own.

Rarity spoke. "I'm sorry to drop in unannounced, but would you mind if I purchased a few healing salves from you?"

"My friend, for you, I shall make a fresh brew." Zecora smiled.

"Oh you don't have to trouble yourself on my account." Rarity gave a flattered chuckle.

"It's no trouble at all, now while I bring the water to a steam; would you tell the story of why you are so green?" She asked, gesturing to the color of her hide.

Rarity considered the offer. "I suppose we could visit for awhile."

Zecora lead the way inside her home with the two ponies following after her, and asking what Rarity needed specifically. "Tell me, my friend, what ails you to purchase my odds and ends."

"Just this," Rarity answered and turned to the side, showing her rash. The scaled, grey, dry-looking skin affected her elbow and spread up to the shoulder.

Zecora examined it, then leaned back with a confident smile as she went to gather ingredients. "Rain Rot, I see; to cure this will be a breeze." She said coolly.

Atchmon gawked at the various potions and drying herbs strewn around the hut; many were hanging from the ceiling, which he later learned was how Zecora organized her supplies. Mainly for ease of access, it seemed; as he witness the Zebra tipped one hanging bottle and poured its contents into a mixing bowl.

Rarity borrowed one of Zecora's magazines to read while talking about herself, as Zecora worked. She talked about the adventure they had, and everything leading up to when she took the Dip.

Almost everything.

This time was a more abridged version than the last.

While the two mares conversed, Atchmon let his eyes wander around the tree-hut, before ending on the Zebra.

Atchmon thought Rarity was exotic, but she had nothing on Zecora.

She was larger than Rarity overall, taller, and her body had a lot more meat on her bones; her rump looked thick and juicy; whereas Rarity's were more rounded, slender, and womanly.

The Zebra's chest had surprisingly large fuzzy, fatty pads on her sternum, which was another thing Atchmon was beginning to notice on mares; giving the exotic equines a bit of cleavage.

Rarity also had a bit of a bust on her, but it wasn't over-emphasized like it was on Zecora or Fluttershy. The latter he assumed was just because she was a feathery Pegasus.

Zecora's monotone mohawk striped mane was attractive, only because it was so starkly different from all the coiffed colored hair of Ponies.

The long tassle-like hairs on her lion-like tail did a poor job of covering her modesty, he saw few details of her pitch-black vulva; a few yellow glints of gold piercings underneath her tail adorned her sex, which is what originally caught his attention.

The Golden beads of a barbell showed under her dock, and a small ring on her vulva lip; matching the other rings around her neck and ears, though in miniature.

Zecora reared up to reach another ingredient on a shelf, his eyes trailed up her supine striped back, and ended on her face just as she gazed in his direction, with a bottle grasped in her mouth.

Atchmon's ears swiveled to show his attention was fully on Zecora. She noticed this, and the corner of her mouth curled into a knowing smile at him.

"Isn't that right, Atchmon?" Rarity asked, shocking the stallion out of his guilty looks.

Atchmon's heart jumped into his throat, afraid that he was caught staring. He looked at Rarity in wide-eyed fear, before shooting a blind answer. "Huh, y-yeah that's right."

Luckily Rarity was too engrossed in one of Zecora's mare-magazines to notice.

Zecora tisked. "Pony healers are so mean, there was no need to turn you green."

"Those were my thoughts as well, but no matter; I'm glad to be finally out of that horrid place, no offense to those who choose to live here, that is."

Atchmon felt relieved, knowing they only reached the end of Rarity's story. "It was rough, but we made it out with our tails still attached; didn't we Rare?" Atchmon suggested.

Rarity was surprised and looked impressed by his word choice. "Indeed." She agreed.

"Not an easy feat, to survive in the Everfree Forest, I think," Zecora commented and served them drinks on a platter balanced on her back.

Atchmon chuckled in amazement, taking his cup. "How come you rhyme everything you say?" He asked curiously as Rarity floated hers and took a sip.

Zecora looked surprised.

Rarity choked on her tea and coughed, getting surprised looks from the other two. "Atchmon!" She pinned her ears at him, then turned to Zecora with a sympathetic look. "I am so sorry, darling; he doesn't know better, I swear."

Atchmon was left scared, panicked, and confused; double taking between the mares.

"No offense taken, there was no malice intended in his question." Zecora assured Rarity.

"What? What'd I do?" Atchmon whipped his head around in fearful confusion.

Zecora tittered. Even her giggle was lovely and exotic. "Zebra language is quite phonetic, I know not why my ponish is so poetic; some may think strange my words and accent, but the rhyming, I believe, is a happy accident.

"Ooh." Atchmon nodded in understanding, then took a sip of his tea. His eyes bulged and face contorted in disgust at the warm leaf juice; and subtly spat it back into his cup.

Rarity smiled and relaxed, enjoying her own.

Zecora spoke to them. "So glad I am of this moment you could share, but tell me; are you two a mated pair?" She asked curiously.

Rarity was taking a sip and suddenly went into coughing fits. Atchmon patted her back, albeit none too gently with his new Earth Pony strength and hard hooves.

Zecora looked on in concern. She saw Atchmon was poorly withholding his reaction, from the way he was darting his eyes away from Rarity, and Rarity was avoiding eye contact while fidgeting with her tea cup.

Luckily the pot of medicine came to a rolling boil, and Zecora went to tend to it. "Please forgive my inquiry, pony culture is still a stranger to me; now, come if you please, let's cure that ailment, Rarity."

Atchmon watched as Rarity got up and Zecora placed some green goop over Rarity's Rain Rot rash. The scaly grayish bald spot was located where shoulder met barrel. His jaw dropped as her afflicted skin healed from a dried grey to a healthy pinkish-white, then covered with new hair growth.

"That's some good stuff." He breathed in amazement, with a pinch of jealousy coming after. 'Where in the hell were those plants all my life?' Atchmon thought grudgingly, while remembering some of the more annoying injuries he would liked to have healed instantly like that.

He figured a few things out on his own, but nothing came anywhere close to what he just witnessed.

In just seconds, it was like Rarity never had the rash at all! But now she had a pure white spot among her sickly green coat.

"Ah, that feels much better; thank you Zecora." Rarity sighed in relief, and rubbed the spot where the rash had gone; still feeling a little itchiness from the new patch of hide, but it felt soft as a newborn foal.

Zecora excused herself and quickly bottled the remaining medicine. "No thanks necessary, if you'll allow for my earlier sass, perhaps the question was far too crass; Zebra culture does not always translate well, though I'm glad you both stayed for a spell."

"Oh please, you don't need to apologize for anything, Atchmon and I, we're still... sorting things out between us." She looked over at him as if seeking approval.

Atchmon nodded and rubbed his shoulder nervously. "Yeah, things are kinda hectic right now."

Zecora raised a hoof in objection, as Rarity hovered a bag of bits.

"Are you sure you don't want payment? I really don't mind, I have-" Rarity started.

"Bits I do not require, but instead, a chance to inquire; if I'm allowed to pry, I'd like to hear more about your guy." She smiled serenely at the couple.

Rarity's face became flushed, and glanced at Atchmon. 'I owe a lot of Ponies an explanation and spa date, what's one more?' She wondered.

The couple said their goodbyes and gave a final thanks.

Atchmon followed behind Rarity as they left Zecora's hut. He looked back, getting a warm smile and a wave goodbye from the Zebra.

Zecora placed a hoof on her chin in wonder, watching the stallion and mare leave her neck of the woods. "Hmm, just what are you... actually, what aren't you; a question to be answered another time," She whispered, watching the stallion's toned and bare rump shrink in the distance. "Where did Rarity get a stallion with flanks so fine." She chuckled at her devious rhyme. Forced as it was.

A Slice of Life

View Online

Rarity and Atchmon trotted back into the middle of town; being silent the whole trip.

Neither could meet the other's gaze, and whenever one caught the other looking, they both looked away immediately.

The awkwardness of Zecora's inquiry into their relationship followed them the whole way.

'Grrrgle'

Atchmon winced in embarrassment, hoping Rarity didn't notice his stomach protests.

'Are you kidding me! Did that breakfast spoil me, or somethin'? I could go most of the day, before I felt really hungry. Now I feel like I gotta eat every few minutes!' Atchmon exasperated his thoughts.

'Maybe Rarity really was just hungry all those times, and not always eating her emotions as I thought she was; back when we were in the forest? I guess my horse-body just needs more food, more often?'

Rarity stopped and gestured at a nearby building. "Would you like to get a pizza?" She offered.

Atchmon perked up in an instant, and looked the restaurant over.

Parmesan Primavera's Pizzaria was emblazoned with white filigree on the glass door. A big novelty pizzia-pie was drizzling melted cheeze above the shop.

Just the word 'pizza' triggered hundreds of memories flashing before his eyes.

Strings of melted cheese stretched far beyond what physics deemed should be impossible. Sweet, savory tomato sauce. All those wonderfully flame broiled veggies, and meat.

Atchmon felt himself grow lighter, as if he were floating, and beckoned over by the scent of dough and melted cheese. "Ooh that sounds good... can we?" He cooed.

"Of course, my treat!" Rarity opened the door for him with magic, smiling at the entranced Stallion as he trotted in without a second thought.

He looked behind the counter at the brick oven, which already had a couple pies inside. His heart beat in excitement at the anticipation of the meal to come.

Rarity found them a booth to sit at, and floated them both a menu; while Atchmon took his seat.

He had to shimmy his rump in, just like the booths at home, but managed a comfortable position with some effort. The gap between the booth and the table was wider than the ones at home; which he barely fit. The positioning took into account the forward lean he naturally had when sitting like a dog.

Or a pony, he should think.

'Hmm, I can bend my head down far enough to eat off the table.' He observed.

In his excitement, Atchmon picked up the menu --which was already set for them to flip through-- and flipped it open without a thought; until he realized what he'd done, then the menu leaned and slipped out of his hooves like a see-saw, before landing on the table.

'Huh? Don't think about grabbing stuff, and I can; think about it, and it's like whatever I'm holding becomes aware I'm not actually holding it... kinda like Toy Story rules; I guess.' He thought curiously.

A yellow-white teenaged filly in an unfashionable red visor and a checkered red apron--smeared with dough--approached their table.

Her coat had a yellow tinge to it, like dough, and her mane and tail were white. Rarity knew of her. Niece to the owner of the establishment, Parmesean Primovera, Rarity couldn't help but feel a bit threatened by the pie artist's looks.

Great color combination with nary a flaw on her.

Even her privates at least matched her coat, unlike Rarity's.

Sure, she was just a service worker, but if rumors were true, she was apprenticing to one day own and run a branch of her Aunt's business.

Looks, wealth, and smarts. This teen-mare would one day have it all.

Rarity never would've thought of her as competition, but now that she had a stallion involved in her life; she felt a little threatened by the nubile young mare.

"Hi, I'm Mozz, what can I get you two to drink?" She asked brightly, pronoucing her name like 'motts'. Her name tag was labeled with Mozz O.

Rarity took the lead. It was simply her being a gentlemare, but she wasn't so controlling that she would deny Atchmon the freedom of making his own decisions.

Not at all because she felt threatened by a younger, more attractive rival, nor did she feel self conscious because of her green coat; and had to overcompensate by showing a strong hoof.

Nope. Not at all.

"I'll have a Dr. Tuber, Atchmon do you know what you might like?"

"I dunno, I don't really have anything to compare them to... I think?"

Atchmon had a hard time deciphering the blend of normal and backwards English-ish letters and horse hieroglyphics, but found the "Beverages".

"Moun-tain- dew?" Atchmon carefully read on the page, and couldn't help looking perplexed at the familiar drink.

"That's just tap water, darling; lots of resturants will always say it's a special kind of water, when it's simply not." Rarity informed.

"But it does come from a mountain, so it's not a complete lie." Mozz shrugged.

"Oh." He nodded and let a chuff escape him at the funny, yet wrongness of it.

The words got easier to make out as he named them aloud, while Rairy explained them.

Dr. Tuber.

"Hard to explain. Bit of cherry with lots of other root-based flavors."

Yoke-a-cola. He already knew it was the closest thing to coke in his world. 'Wonder if they still put crack in it, or if the recipe changed like in my world?' He chuckled to himself.

Boopsi.

"A lot like yoke-a-cola." Rarity said.

"It's nothing like it." Argued Mozz.

"I'm guessing that's your favorite, huh?" Atchmon teased.

"Guilty." Mozz sang and shrugged with a giggle.

Rarity's muzzle scrunched. She really didn't like how familiar Mozz was getting with her stallion.

Moonkiss. Blueberry flavored soda. Could be interesting.

Smush. Orange-flavored.

Sassparilla. Rarity said Root-based again... probably the same as saying rootbeer?

Rarity felt her timple twitching as she bit her lip watching her stallion struggle with making a decision. Looking at it like he could intimidate it into giving up an answer.

A shameful thought flashed in her mind. It was there and gone like the speed of light. She made a comparison, thinking he was acting just like any unintelligent himbo that could barely read, or make a decision without a strong mare ordering for him.

But more distracting was how the waitress was eyeing her stallion.

She was torn between wanting to help him with the menu, and snapping at the young fresh-out-of-her-teens filly.

Rarity's cheeks flushed with fury as the young mare bit her lip and not-so-subtly looked side-long beneath the table. No doubt looking to get a glimpse of Atchmon's sheath and ball-cleavage.

Rarity was about to call her out on the immature and inappropriate behavior, before Atchmon put down the menu.

"Meh, guess I'll have the same," he smiled up at the waitress, not noticing she was sneaking a peak at his crotch; instead thinking she was about to attempt to help him with the menu. "And whatever you think is good for a pizza, I jus' want one with lots'a cheese." He added to Rarity.

"Two Dr. Tubers, and we'll be having a Large Supreme with extra cheese, thank you," Rarity ordered for them and watched as the waitress jot down her notes and took their menus.

Rarity could've sworn she saw a snide look on the mare, directed at her, just before she walked away.

For a moment it made Rarity more self-conscious of her sickly green coat, now made even more garish by her newly regrown white spot. She ducked her head and hid herself out of embarrassment, and took stock of her surroundings. She doubted anyone recognized her with the bonnet on and sunglasses.

But it was obvious what the teenaged waitress thought of her. ''I bet that mare doesnt allow her trophy stallion any treats, like soda; thats why he doesnt know the flavors; she doesnt want her himbo boyfriend getting fat and sluggish in the sack.' How did a mangey, freshly dipped, flea-bitten mare with an ugly coat, unshorn legs and cracked hooves end up with a stallion like that?' Rarity nastily thought of herself.

The answer was obviously Bits.

Lots, and lots, of Bits.

Rarity was aware of rich-pony stereotypes. And although the 'pie artesian' was correct to assume she had wealth enough to bag a good-looking stallion, she still didn't like the implication that she would purposely mistreat him.

While Rarity was battling her angsts. Atchmon was curiously looking all around the pizza shop with innocent fascination. Completely oblivious to the one having a moment of inner turmoil.

The walls were decorated with many knickknacks that were mostly pizzeria-themed with the restaurant.

He looked across the table at the unicorn mare with him, and smiled genuinely, getting one in return.

Rarity felt those doubts melt away.

'The only pony that matters in this room is him, I shouldn't care what others think of me; so long as Atchmon is happy, I'm happy. Though I do wish to be rid of this coloration with all haste. Speaking of... his bay coat is quite fetching, it suits his breed well... whatever Harmony decided he should be.'

Atchmon tried to avoid eye contact, until he could come up with something to say. It looked to him that Rarity expected him to say something, but nothing came to mind. It was embarrassing having her take care of him. That was supposed to be his responsibility as a man! He just hoped she didn't think of him as a loser for not having anything to pay for their meal.

While he was looking away. Rarity stole a chance to look at his chest.

She examined his short, thick neck and bulky physique. 'Hmm... hard to pin down. Though he's a rather large breed, his size isn't enough to be a Draft, or Clydesdale, more like a Thoroughbred, or a Mustang; maybe a mix of both; but there's something else, something... primal about him.' Rarity pondered, until another comparison thought flashed in her mind. 'My goodness he's got a body like a stallzonian war horse.'

In little time as a moment, her thoughts and eyes drifted downward, landing on Atchmon's breast.

A memory flashed in Rarity's mind, remembering what his chest looked like before the change. She knew most male mammals, even some stallions, had teats; but it was a little off-putting to her, seeing them so openly.

Despite her shame, she liked him better as a pony. And was embarrassed to admit, she--like the majority of other mares--desired large-chested stallions.

There were a number of reasons, but the main point was that the larger surface area, and the larger fatty pads also on their breast, would be more comfortable on the mare's back during mating.

Other than being more attractive; it was especially great for cuddling.

It was unmarely, but stallions weren't the only ones that wanted the affection that came with snuggling into their mate's floof.

The only downside was that a bigger stallion might be heavier than a mare's legs and back can handle; and that's why most mares preferred a smaller, more submissive stallion. Mainly so they wouldn't embarrass themselves for failing to 'hold it up' as the slang term goes.

Rarity couldn't help but roam her gaze over every rising muscular mound on Atchmon's chest and shoulders.

His was big and broad, enough to make the booth look too small for him; but those mounds of fat and muscle were what Rarity found especially attractive.

It was as if Harmony molded his body to be her own ideal mate.

She liked tall stallions. Check.
A shiny coat with a unique color. Double check.
Dark and broody, without the attitude. Check, check, and Check!

Actually, that last bit was from her hooligan phase every filly was going through at the time; but there was a present, unspoken desire among grown mares that they secretly wanted a broody goth-colt with big, breeding-stud-sized balls.

Rarity's face relaxed into a subtle perverted grin at the lewd thoughts; lost in her own world. Shamelessly casting her guilt aside, knowing she wouldn't mind having a colt like that for herself now that she's more matured and successful. It was entirely within her league to court a stallion like that. Like Atchmon.

Rarity let her immaturity get the better of her. 'He might even be JTRHNMR,'
she thought with a lewd grin slowly broadening on her face.

Atchmon was through with looking around at the decorations, and returned his attention to Rarity; finding her looking like she was thinking of something funny.

"What'chu thinkin' about?" He asked.

Rarity's head snapped to attention, a pang of dread in her chest, and half-expecting to get called out for staring at his chest.

The moment passed, and she watched Atchmon still patiently waiting for her answer.

Atchmon fidgetted with his hooves on the table. "You were starin' a hole through me... S'there somethin' on your mind?" He asked again bashfully.

Rarity felt so ridiculous. 'Of course he wouldn't be offended of my looking at his chest. He's practically had it bare and on display since I've known him; if he was ever embarrassed of my looking, he would say so.'

Rarity smiled. "I was wondering how you've been adjusting to being a Pony so far?" She asked brightly, casting aside any doubt about their relationship.

"Good, for the most part," he answered. "Sometimes I can almost forget I'm not... 'me' anymore, but other times there's a little reminder every now and again." He finished by looking at his hoof.

"You've had yourself a little adventure today haven't you; what'd you think of Ponyville, is it anything like you'd thought it'd be?" She asked, genuinely looking forward to his opinion.

Atchmon shrugged, and shook his head while looking out the window into the cobblestone road; more stores sat across the street, with ponies busy shopping and enjoying a meal at other eateries.

"I wasn't sure what to expect, I was afraid it was gonna be like some 'medieval village' with mud and pony poop everywhere," he chuckled, looking back at Rarity, only to see a very grumpy, disapproving face; he balked.

"Heh-eh, but I'm really impressed that it's so much cleaner than my hometown; brighter colors too... the ponies here are nice." He corrected, then scrunched his muzzle as he remembered too late why that group of construction mares were so friendly.

Rarity smiled, but it faded as his words turned pensive.

"Used to think no place could be better than home; I've been to cities and other places, but I never felt like I went anywhere; they all had the same stores, the same restaurant chains; and the people weren't any better; worse, actually."

He sighed. "But it was still enough to make me realize, I was living in shi- hol- uh--um- poverty," he stammered, then looked down in shame. "I've heard so many jokes about 'trailer homes', and here I was thinkin' they were the best houses to live in; and everyone else was stupid for thinkin' they weren't." Atchmon laughed despite himself.

Rarity could only assume those homes were like wagons or wagon-trailers. She knew only so much about them, having lived in one with her parents for a short time. She vaguely remembered the community of like-minded wagoneers. Believing Ponies should return to their ancient, nomadic lifestyle; but it was a bit hypocritical of them to encorporate some incredibly elaborate modern advancements to their wagons. Many were just as flourished as a luxury cloudominium.

Rarity got a little lost in her thoughts, and returned to listen to the one across from her.

Atchmon interpreted a look of pity on Rarity's face, and got self-conscience about over-sharing. "Yeah, so, anyway, what I'm tryin' to say is; this is the first time I felt like I've actually been someplace new; and it's pretty here." He mumbled at the end; feeling insecure in his masculinity from using a 'girly' word.

Atchmon sat straighter. "So what's the word on what you're doin'; get all your runnin' around done?" He asked.

Rarity leaned back "Yes, but just for Ponyville; we have to leave for Canterlot tomorrow morning."

"Oh yeah, we do?" He hinted with a grin.

"Yes 'we' do; I'm not going to leave you home alone for a second day in a row." She said with a small stab of guilt piercing her chest for doing that in the first place.

Mozz came back with their drinks. "Here you go, and here you go!" She emphasized at the stallion, giving him a flirtatious wink; which made Rarity's cheeks flush with envy.

'I swear she's doing that on purpose just to antagonize me in front of him... no, calm down Rarity; there's nothing going on, she was just being friendly... a little too friendly.' Rarity thought suspiciously.

Atchmon watched with a combination of perplexed fascination as the fellow Earth-pony used a tray that was hanging around neck with their drinks. She set the tray on the table, the edge was tapered allowing the drinks to effortlessly slide off with a push of a hoof.

Rarity used her magic to take their drinks, and unwrap the straws for both of them.

There's an unspoken expectation of Unicorns to help where they can. But knowing when to help, and when not to was tricky around Earthies. There was some truth to stereotypes, and having lived in an Earth Pony village has taught Rarity that Earth Ponies were prideful as Griffons, and stubborn as mules. Sometimes it was best to wait for them to approach others for help.

Atchmon took a modest test sip. 'Mmm, this is a lot like cherry-flavored root beer; alright, I guess not everything will be a straightforward variant of what I already know.'

"Do you like it?" Rarity asked, getting a nod back along with some slurps.

Atchmon smiled genuinely, feeling a bit excited about an upcoming trip. "What all do we need to do there on the trip?"

Rarity sighed. "I'm afraid it'll be a terribly short, boring business trip; and I'd hate to have you with me, if I can't keep my promise to show you around."

Atchmon waved his hooves on the table. "Nah, don't worry about me, you do whatever needs done; I can wait until you get all your ducks-in-a-row."

Rarity smiled at the country-ism.

"How's all that going; need my help with anything?" He asked.

Rarity took a breath to steady herself, knowing she was deep in the red.

The fashion industry was cutthroat, requiring artists like herself to plan months or even years ahead of schedule.

Being 'in-fashion' meant she was already behind. Plus there was her tastes for the finer things to consider. She never once sacrificed a chance to satiate her expensive tastes.

Rarity always spared no expense.

Her original plan was to buy up properties to expand her business, then bring in new talent to keep her stores stocked; taking only a small percentage of the profits for her business and herself.

New artists get their names out into the market, which meant she didn't have to work as hard to fill her stores, allowing her to lower prices so the less fortunate can afford clothing, and it gave her passive income to support herself and her fashion empire.

It was a win-win for all, but now everything she had built was in jeopardy.

Rarity felt a pinching sensation in her brain. Her little self was kicking her in the temple and shouting: 'If you tell him you're broke, that stallion is going to dump you for another mare who will support him!'

Mozz brought came back with a large tray next. "Pizza Time!" She sang as she placed the pie on the table.

Atchmon never saw anything so beautiful in his entire life.

The cheese had just the right consistency of brown, with the vegetables having a nice char on some of them.

The aroma of sweet tomato sauce, melted cheeze and dough made his mouth water in anticipation.

It was a pizza just like back home, only much more well done. An option he didn't know even existed; asking for a pizza to be 'well done' only meant it'd be 'done well' in terms of quality.

He never realized how undercooked many of the pizza chains did their pies, until asking it to be well done; from then on he always needed it to be done that way. So it actually seemed cooked.

This wasn't the case here. Atchmon could practically smell the pride and care that was put into the craft.

Rarity was giddy to see the reaction of his first bite. Taking a bit of undeserved pride for bringing him the meal.

She served them both a slice with her magic, taking care to minimize contact so that none of her ambiant magic affected the taste.

Only an Earth pony could truly know the difference, Rarity knew Applejack was one of those ponies-- who believed it affected the quality of her apples-- but she wasnt going to take that chance on Atchmon; plus she felt he deserved a totally unspoiled bite from his second equestrian meal.

Atchmon wasted no time in cupping the slice in his rigid hoof, and taking a bite of the tip, before a chunch of melted cheese could grow too long and slide off.

"Mmmnohmmnohmmhmnomhmhmonm."

Rarity couldn't help but grin proudly at the combination of noms and pleased chuckles from the stallion across from her.

"Pretty good, huh? That one's my second favorite," Mozz said.

Atchmon was in nirvana, enjoying the taste of a well deserved treat. 'This just made it all worth it.' His thoughts mellowed into a trance; until he realized something was missing as he chewed thoughtfully.

Rarity watched as Atchmon examined his slice; and his shoulders slumped a little.

"Oh... there's not any meat." He said in disappointment.

Mozz looked taken aback. "Did you say-"

"Beets! He said beets, they're his favorite." Rarity was quick to correct. "Sorry darling, I'll remember them next time."

"Oh, ya know; most ponies don't think beets belong on a pizza, but I dont mind them," said Mozz, swaying her tail.

"Oh, that's good... me too, apparently," Atchmon offered with an awkward smile.

"It's nice to have something so sweet and ripe to break up all those bitter greens; speaking of, can I get you some desert for later?"

Rarity's cheeks flushed with rage. 'Is she flirting with him, right in front of me!? The nerve of her! I caught that sweet and ripe comment, you flat flanked filly. And that bitter green part is supposed to be referring to me, right!? Just you wait until I get my pure white coat back, you stallion stealing tart." Rarity seethed in her seat; thinking about plans to buy out the resturant just so she can terminate Mozz.

"Um, Rare, can we get some desert?"

The pounding in Rarity's ears quieted almost instantly. "Sure dear, anything you want." Rarity felt her teeth bared like fangs behind her pleasant smile at the waitress.

Rarity didn't hear what he picked for desert, after Mozz made a suggestion for him.

The pounding in her head was deafening as she watched this lower class young mare act as though she were better.

Mozz tried to strike up a conversation, her flanks continuing to sway excitedly. Seeing Atchmon enjoy the company of the young filly over Rarity's own, hurt more than any insult or micro-aggression she might endure from the filly.

But this was love. And love was a battlefield. A battle Rarity was about to lose at the risk of herself.

Rarity's annoyance spiked. Mozz was oblivious to the fact her swaying was causing her tail hair to nearly brush and swipe at Rarity's shoulder.

Rarity interpreted Mozz was doing it on purpose. That, coupled with Mozz's rump facing in her direction, was a huge disrespect among mares. Especially the higher elite.

You never do that!

"Can you please leave us to enjoy our meal; we were having a conversation!" Rarity snapped.

Atchmon and Mozz balked fearfully at her outburst.

"Right, sorry, I get carried away sometimes; I'll... bring that desert whenever you're ready." Mozz said before quickly shuffling away.

Rarity's cheek heated from embarrassment, and looked down at her slice in shame. 'Now I feel bad, she really was just oblivious; and I ruined Atchmon's meal. Have I just been interpreting slight the whole time; is this who I am? A jealous High Horse? Who am I to apply high society conduct on an innocent Earth filly service worker.'

Rarity temporarily forgot the Earth Ponies of ponyville are heavily immersed in old tradition. To face away is to protect. Always flank to flank, facing opposite ways. Earth Stallions working the fields still do this when casually conversing with each other on a break.

She doubted such a gesture went that far.
So Rarity accepted the filly simply got too smitten, and probably didn't think her stance was an issue.

This was just a local pizza joint, afterall; not the posh, hoity toity eatery like at Canterlot's resturant row.

Rarity dared to look Atchmon in the eyes. She could tell he was avoiding the question in the air; but her attitude didn't spoil his appetite at all.

He was already finished his second slice, and reached for a third.

'He's so handsome when he eats.' She thought as Atchmon--unhandsomely--struggled to lap up an extra long stringy line of cheese that refused to break away from the main slice. Unknowingly showing off his neck and chest. Rarity had to hold back a swoon.

Rarity had to take a sip of her soda to keep from feeling so thirsty.
'If I was her age... no, when I was her age, I never ceased talking up the stallions; should I really hold it against her? I mean just look at him, even I must admit he's quite the catch.' Rarity thought, while her little mind-selves restrained the alpha mare in her. The part of herself that wanted to scream 'prize stallion', 'himbo', and 'breeding stud'.

"So... what was that all about?" He managed to say inbetween chews.

Rarity clammed up.

"Rare, you don't need to take care of me, you dont have to help me at all; especially if I'm jus' bein' a bum."

Rarity couldn't believe it. 'He thinks I snapped because of him?'

"I-I'll help where I can, but I'm not sure how useful I can be; you don't need to spend your money on me, I'll get a job, and you can hook a wagon to me and have me haul stuff around for you... that's pretty much all I'm good for; far as I know."

Rarity was dumbfounded. "Darling no," she emphasized, and reached with a hoof to stop him. "I'm sorry I snapped, but I assure you it has nothing to do with you; directly." She added.

"So... what was it?"

"No reason," she lied, avoiding eye contact.

"So you were rude to that waitress for no reason?" He questioned, finishing his third slice and sucking down over half of his soda.

'Damn stallion logic!' Rarity's cheeks heated. More out of embarrassment at being cornered with this battle of wits.

Rarity took a breath to steady herself.
"Really, it was nothing; I just got... a wee bit, mmh, jealous of you talking to that filly." She struggled to say.

"Jealous?" He questioned with a raised brow. "Rare, you know she was just talking me up for a bigger tip, right?"

"Huh?" Rarity looked confused.

Atchmon explained. "Yeah, when I was bussing tables at this restaurant I worked at, all the girls there did the same thing; one of them told me she purposely opens up her shirt to show off her breasts, then she stands around talking to guys; they probably gave her a five-dollar bill every couple of minutes."

Rarity stared at him in disbelief.

"Sorry for her, but I ain't got a Bit to my name, right?" He asked in confirmation. A small pit of dread filled his stomach. He was sure that's what they called their monies. And the confession kinda hurt his pride.

'I've just been given an out, and I'm taking it.' Rarity laughed nervously. "Ha. Ha. Right."

"Are you gonna eat that?" He asked, geasuring with his snout at the last slice of pizza.

Rarity looked down. 'He ate six slices before I've bit into my first one, when did that happen?!'
"Wha- hey!" She laid her ears at him, before snatching the last slice.

Atchmon chuckled. "Sorry, those cucumber sandwiches were a teaser." He rubbed his tummy. "I think, I'm ready for that desert now." He looked expectantly over at the counter; where Mozz was conversing with her coworker.

Mozz caught the message and brought a large portion of chocolate lava cake. Only, the cake was in the form of a volcano with a candy dragon wrapped around the mantle, and hot fudge literally flowing from its mouth and into the crater.

"Oh wow!" He sounded impressed. Though if Atchmon was being honest, it looked more like it was barfing into it, with a goofy looking face. Oh well, that's confection art for you.

'How did they do that!?'

Mozz left without a word, which Rarity felt was cold, but understood why.

She felt guilty. 'I'll make it up to her later.
'

Before she knew it, Atchmon already took his first bite, straight from the top of the piping hot fudge-cano.

"Darling you really should-" she tried to warn him.

"Hah-ah!" He tried to blow off his tongue while the scalding chocolate fudge burned his tongue and cheeks. Then sucked down the last few drops of his soda to cool off his mouth and the bite.

"-blow on that first." Rarity cringed at seeing Atchmon struggling, and offered him some of her drink to help.

"Gah, thanks!" He gasped after taking a panic sip of her soda.

Rarity saw it visibly lower significantly in volume after his one sip; before she'd barely even had a sip of it herself. "Well at least this will give me time to finish my slices, and force you to save me more than just a bite." She teased.

Atchmon belched loudly and smiled sheepishly. "Can I get a refill." He asked. Mozz later came by with a pitcher. "Thanks."

"I'll take one as well." Rarity said, moving her glass for a refill. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Mozz replied autonomously.

Rarity felt the bits in her pouch sprout wings and fly away. 'That's right, Atchmon doesn't know drinks aren't free in my world; but in his world its standard practice; more often I wonder if his world is the better of the two?'

Ding-ding

An orange pony wearing a helmet, came in the store on a scooter. Then kicked the scooter out, flipping it, and had it land resting it on her withers.

"Hey Mozz, I needed to come tell you I can't deliver today because of crusading duties." Said Scootaloo.

"That's okay, Scoots, it's been slow today anyway; but will you be available to work through Hearts and Hooves day and the two weeks after?" Mozz asked.

"Oh right, that's coming up isn't it; I think so, but you know it'll probably be my first time 'working in those conditions', if ya know what I mean?" She hinted.

"Yes, I know; but if we power through it together, it's our most profitable time of the summer; lot's of lonely, emotional mares are going to eat their feelings, and not to mention herds aren't going to want to cook for themselves." Mozz explained.

"Well, if you pay by the pie instead of just the delivery..." Scootaloo lead her on.

"You drive a hard bargain, kid; fine, how's 2 Bits a pie sound to you?"

"Mmm..." Scootaloo pretended to consider the offer.

"Okay, fine; 2 Bits and you get to keep a pie after your shift is up."

"Deal!"

They shook hooves on it.

Rarity turned around and waved. "Oh Scootaloo, come here, darling; you're just the pony I need right now."

Scootaloo looked suspicious, until she recognized who was waving her over. "Hey Rarity; wow you're green, Sweetie told me everything." She greeted cheerily.

"I hope she didn't tell you everything..." Rarity emphasized.

"Oh, uhm, was she not supposed to?" Scootaloo balked then smiled sheepishly.

Rarity looked and snorted in horsey disappointment. "No she wasn't."

Scootaloo's eyes darted to the stallion sitting across the table. "Ooh is this him, is he the guy we're helping?" She bounced excitedly, then looked side-long to see if he didn't have his cutie mark. "Oh so it's true!"

Rarity didn't miss the sudden change in subject. She was going to give Sweetie an earful when she gets home from school.

"Hey." Atchmon whined and unconsciously used his tail to cover up his exposed blank flank, and to hide his indecency from the immature filly.

"This is Atchmon, Atchmon this is one of Sweetie Belle's friends, Scootaloo." She introduced them.

"Hey big guy, wow, Sweetie made it sound like you were a Lion, but you're not nearly old enough to be called that." Scootaloo cocked her head in confusion.

"Scootaloo," Rarity warned, feeling a bit selfconscious about her green coat again.

"Oops, sorry; so what did you call me over for?" Scootaloo asked.

"Will you tell Sweetie Belle to meet me at the boutique, after school; I need to ask her a few things, if you don't mind?"

"No, not at all, but I also double as a messenger service; so..." Scootaloo held out foreleg expectantly, while Rarity gave her a knowing smile and dropped a Bit in her hoof.

"Thank you!" She sang.

"So Sweetie already conveyed to you about Atchmon's situation?" Rarity questioned.

Scootaloo looked unsure, but chose her words carefully. "Uhh... she said he was a grown stallion without a cutie mark, and we were going to get together later to help him out?" She suggested.

"That's wonderful, why don't you deliver my message to Sweetie Belle and she can pick him up at the boutique once we're done."

"Sure thing, see ya later Achiemon!" Scootaloo whipped her scooter around and rolled out the door quick as a flash.

Atchmon was more than a bit overwelmed with the interaction. "So that's one of Sweetie's friends?"

"Mmhmm." Rarity said between bites of pizza.

"So, Canterlot trip, getting my cutie mark, Twilight talks, getting a job; sounds like I'm gonna be a busy pony." Atchmon chuckled.

"As busy as you'd like to be, darling; don't feel obligated into doing what others think you should do, just do what you want and what you think is right." Rarity started on her last slice.

Atchmon admired her chewing. The way her cheeks puffed out was always so cute. "And what if what I want, is to impress you?" He asked carefully.

Rarity stopped chewing and took a hard swallow, nearly choked, before washing it down with soda. "I suppose we should talk about us, shouldn't we."

Atchmon swallowed his nervousness. "I just want to prove myself to you, but I don't want to cling to you either; I guess I'm afraid the day will come when you eventually kick me out, and I'm jus' preppin' for the worst."

Her cheeks blushed. 'Such initiative!' She thought. "Darling, I have doubts and fears too, I was afraid that, once you saw that I could barely call myself nobility--much less a Princess-- you wouldn't want to be around me at all... but, I realize that was just me thinking of you as any other stallion." She explained. "But I promise, once my shops are in order, I can support us both; but I'm not certain that I'm ready for such commitment." Rarity looked down at her plate and ate the last of her feelings.

Atchmon was listening, but he heard an imaginary 'with you' there at the end. "I kinda get what you mean; when I was gonna k- hmph," he sighed and took a drink. "Kidnap you... I thought all my dreams were gonna come true, I was gonna be rich and I'd finally be in a relationship with a beautiful woman; but it was weird."

Rarity felt uncomfortable talking about this; but the ending intrigued her to ask. "Weird how, exactly?"

Atchmon shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I- nah, forget it, it's too weird."

Rarity scoffed playfully. "Oh come on, you already made it passed the hard part of that sentence; tell me, I promise I won't judge."

"Fine... Whenever I thought of who I was with... it was you, but not you-you as you are now; it was the Human you." Atchmon tapped his hoof-tips together nervously on the table.

Rarity looked bewildered at that.

"I guess, I took the long way around in sayin' it, but Rare, when we're all caught up on what we need to do; I'd like to give us a chance; if you want to too, that is." He needed to eat his feelings too, but the only thing left was the chocolate dragon-fire cake; which didn't steam anymore, which was a good enough sign for him.

Atchmon leaned over and paused mid-bite, as a fork entered his vision to stop him.

His mouth was open and centimeters away from the chocolaty peak. His eyes awkwardly darted between the disapproving look on Rarity to the glossy brown shine of the aromic sweet.

"Didn't I say to leave me a piece of that?" She sassed with a raised brow.

"Eh, hehe, of course, I was just testing out how best to attack it." Atchmon reared back and scratched the back of his head.

"Now, as to your previous proposal, I..." Rarity started to say.

Atchmon's eyes grew larger as he waited with baited breath.

"Agree, I'd like that very much, Atchmon; but there's nothing that says we can't play at being a couple in the meantime, right?" She dove the fork into the cake, decapitating the dragon's head; giving Atchmon the best portion with all the gooey, delicious fudge-soaked cake.

He accepted it, nearly making a mess of fudge on his chest.

It was the best restaurant desert he ever ate.

After they finished, Rarity paid for their meal, plus a generous 'sorry for being rude' tip for being a Harsh Whinny.

Author's Notes:

*JTRHNMR
Just the right height, no mounting required.

If you were looking forward to the part where I grovel and ask for forgiveness for taking so long; I ain't doing it here, not ever.

This last year fucking SUCKED. My mom died. People are shit. And most of them can kiss my ass. House is barely keeping together. I need to move on to greener pastures.

Cept for you guys & gals, you're so cool, and smart, 'n shit.

This is one that I could've lasted forever. There for awhile I found it so boring, I almost wanted to cut it out entirely. But I had to remind myself this is a very character driven story, so all the ups, downs, internal feelings are what make this story. And I hope it's a large part of why ya'll stuck with it for so long.

Next chapter features Twilight with a little Applejack. Then the next after that will be mostly CMC followed up with more Applejack. Stay tuned!

the cake is not a lie, it's a symbol.

Clerks

View Online

Rarity and Atchmon trotted around Ponyville's town center.

Rarity watched with amusement as he admired the architecture of their town hall tower.

Atchmon couldn't help but notice the unique oblong and parallelogram shapes found in every building and house. The town hall was more circular, and showed the highest quality of craftsmanship; by his observation.

Unlike the rest of the town, the tower was perfectly symmetrical.

Rarity was thankful the town was able to finish some much needed repairs. Any flaw caused a pinch to form in her brain, since she desired to give Atchmon the best impression of her home.

"Hey, I jus' thought of somethin'." He turned to her.

"What's that, darling?" Rarity asked.

"My teeth are feelin' kinda gritty from that ice-cream, made me think we oughta get me set up with a toothbrush and other stuff, unless you don't mind sharin' yours with me." He grinned.

She suspected he might catch the shopping bug as they browsed around, but he was right about that.

"Yes dear, that's an excellent idea; we may as well stop here and get everything you need." She trotted ahead and waited by a set of double barn doors, the top-half was pane glass.

Atchmon looked up and could barely make out 'Barnyard Bargains' on the sign.

Outside the big store were wagons ranging from foal-sized, to a deluxe apartment on wheels. Rows of seeds, fertilizers, plants and those vintage grass clippers also sat outside the large building.

And lacking any sort of security to prevent a theif from trotting off with anything they want, Atchmon mentally noted. Like the thick cable wire he'd normally see.

Unlike the rest of the businesses nearby, the building reminded Atchmon of the big box, brick and mortar stores from his world. Except without the actual brick and mortar. At least it followed the same half-timber style of the town.

It didn't really blend with the rest of the shopping center's motif; with circus-like tents, tarps, and awnings covering the other sellers wares.

He went up and held the door that Rarity was already holding for him.

She did a double take between him and where his hoof reached far above and behind herself.

Her heart throbbed when he gestured with a nod of his head for her to go in ahead of himself.

Rarity's cheeks blushed. She hadn't felt small next to him like this in some time; and only now did she truly admire his size.

She gladly accepted his kind gesture. It felt wrong, but exciting for her to have a stallion dashing away typical gender roles so casually.

'Don't read too much into it, Rarity; where he's from, the colts take care of the mares.' Despite her own caution, she couldn't help grinning from ear-to-ear at the special treatment.

Atchmon followed after her. Inside was a very familiar setting. Rows of aisles full of various goods.

A filly with a red mane and cream coat was stocking some produce near the door. "Welthcome tho Barnyard Bargainsth, leth me know ifth you need any help findthing anything." She greeted cheerily with a thick lisp.

Rarity paid her no mind, but Atchmon gave them a friendly smile and nod in return.

The filly quickly looked away with a blush, and pretended to fluff some cantaloupe, before sneaking a better look at the handsome stallion, then felt a pang of jealousy and indignation from seeing him with such a drab-looking mare.

Atchmon caught the look of another filly--this one with a two-tone gold, blonde mane, and seafoam green coat-- behind the counter, giving her a friendly smile as well. Her attention was divided between glancing at him, and listening to the slow, slurred speech of another mare.

"Uh... do the tomatoes belong in the vegetable section, or the fruit? What about strawberries?"

He followed behind Rarity as she floated a basket ahead of her and filled it with products he would need. His attention was torn between watching her shop and looking at all the pony products.

It was amusing seeing so many horse-themed items, labels, and advertising.

"What do you think of this, dear, does it fit?" She gave him a oval-shaped wooden brush with a rope attached to it. The bristles were coarse, yet had some give.

Atchmon figured out the notch made on the side was to hold the rope, after it was tied to his hoof, and there was a convex shape that must insert into the shap of his hoof.

Try as he might, there wasn't enough slack for him to wrap it around his hoof; plus the wooden platform was about 3 sizes too small.

"That's okay, we'll special order you a larger one at the counter." Rarity levitated and placed the brush back in the pile with the others.

Atchmon did a double-take, and licked around his teeth and lips, trying not to imagine how many other pony's mouths must've been on that brush.

He was hesitant to take the next one from her. A long handled one that must've been for the back.

Rarity stood there contemplating. "Well, go on, see if you can reach your flanks." She told him.

Atchmon reeled a bit and tried to turn his neck to reach, but that was too short also. So back on the hanger it went.

They passed by some shampoo, a bottle labeled 'Mane & Tail' immediately stood out to him. The bottle in this world was even colored the same.

"Hey look!" He pointed at it, smiling with glee at something familiar.

"Oh no, darling, you want a product for each your mane and tail; and the right conditioner for both." Rarity grabbed four bottles from the shelf.

Atchmon saw a stallion on the label for the Mane shampoo. He was doing that 'lip curl' thing stallions do, at the viewer, and had some luscious hair. He grimaced at it and moved on.

The tooth brushes were comically larger than he remembered them being in his world. A good thing, because Atchmon was certain his teeth were the size of subway tile. There were also large metal files for floating a pony's teeth at home.

Rarity placed those in the basket. They didn't have much variety beyond colors for boys and girls, sizes for yearlings, and grown ponies.

The next aisle had personal care for Stallions and Mares.

Rarity picked up a box of cotton swabs.

Atchmon sighed in relief. "Awe man, I can't wait to use those; that was the number one thing I missed havin': clean ears." He chuckled.

Rarity looked conflicted to tell him the truth for a moment. "Oh, these aren't for your ears, dear, these are meant for your, ahem," she pointed at his chest.

Atchmon looked down in confusion at his forelegs, before connecting the dots. "Oh right, for the beans, yeah?" He asked curiously.

Rarity raised a hoof to her mouth and shushed him, while looking around to see if anypony overheard. Thankfully the cashier filly was busy with a customer at the counter, but the look she gave her wasn't reassuring.

"Darling, I know you've much to learn about being a pony; but surely you already know it's embarrassing to mention anything to do with your genital hygiene in public." She whispered.

"I'm not embarrassed, you're embarrassed," Atchmon said playfully, then looked confused. "Wait, why would you be embarrassed, I thought since ya'll are naked all the time, it wouldn't be a big deal, and don't only stallions get beans, wait, do girl ponies get beans too?" He questioned, and looked surprised as Rarity waved her hooves at him to get him to stop.

"Yes, mares get them too; but I wouldn't know anything about it, because I clean myself regularly." She whispered at him in a rushed voice.

Atchmon looked disappointed. "Oh, I wish you'd've told me that when we were in the forest, I woulda helped ya out back there." He said genuinely.

Rarity's face was red in equal parts embarrassment and affection.

Her only response was to turn and start trotting away.

She couldn't believe it. He was acting and offering help like they were a long married couple. No borders, nor shame, existed between them.

She wasn't expecting such attentiveness, much less was she ready to uphold that level of familiarity.

'I would say there's nothing he has that I haven't seen already; but that would be completely untrue.' Rarity was so distracted by her thoughts, she didn't realize how close they were to the family planning section.

"Hey, hey; what're these for?" She heard Atchmon call behind her again, in a salacious voice. "Is this somethin' I'm gonna need later?" He teased playfully.

Rarity uttered a high-pitched gasp, before snapping quietly at him. "Put those back!"

He guffawed trying to hold back a big belly laugh at her reaction, and did as she said, placing the box of 'Elephant-sized XXXL rubber collection sleeves' back on the shelf.

The label boasted about having less of a cleanup after mating, with a cartoon stallion and mare happily showing off their sparkling clean behinds.

Rarity trotted briskly to the mare's section. Even if he meant it as a joke, she was still terrified at the implication he would need something that size.

Rarity wasn't sure what was about to expire, or what she was short on at home. There were contraceptives like Moon Tea, and absorption pads for mares who suffered from heavy estrus flows; or if they had trouble holding in other fluids and wanted to avoid embarrassing themselves in public.

Things Rarity never considered buying before, since she never had a stallion in her life. The pain of that truth still stung. But it was magnitudes far less noticeable now that Atchmon was in her life.

Or adjacent to it, at least.

But Rarity already invited the chance for more, and she wasn't sure if her resolve to wait and see how things progress was stronger than her desire for a relationship.

And now Rarity was questioning if she was ready for one at all.

She waited until Atchmon was distracted with looking at something else, before quickly swiping some items off the shelf to fall in her basket, before moving on.

Atchmon had to ask a few questions here and there, after finding some deodorizing powder. "Hey, is this somethin' I need?"

Rarity took the bottle from him, getting closer to him than she had been since they left the forest.

They'd both been trotting around for most of the day. She could smell him, and silently thanked Harmony for keeping his scent the same.

Atchmon's smell was still the same sweet, smokey scent she'd grown familiar with, and fond of. Having the barest hint of spice that tickled her senses, drawing her in, making her want more if that teasing sensation.

'Mmm, such a good musk.' She wanted to harvest, distill, brand, package, and pour that scent all over herself. And she could! All she would have to do is get a little closer, and rub herself all over him-

Atchmon watched as Rarity put a dreamy look on her face, and sniffed at his neck; only to snap back her senses the moment she did.

"Ahem, it- it's not really needed, unless there's a special occasion to put it on." Rarity tried to avoid eye contact; but he wasn't letting her off easy. 'Why did Harmony have to make him so handsome and irresistible!'

"Gettin' familiar with me?" He was grinning ear to ear.

It was easy to tell how embarrassed Rarity was for losing herself like that. But it served to fuel his ego and confidence; plus, he was in a playful mood after having such a good lunch.

Rarity put on an annoyed expression and turned away indignantly to hide her blush.

Although he sensed no danger, Atchmon still followed his stallion instinct to raise his head when the mare turned from him; to avoid an in-coming kick.

It was like a flash-memory, instilled tens of thousands of years back on the ancient plains of Equestria.

He saw it happening, felt it, and reacted on instinct, though no kick would come.

Rarity huffed. "N-no, it's not like that, I was mearly being curious; you had a distinct scent before you were a pony, and I wanted to know if it was a different smell now that you've changed."

"Oh? And what's the verdict?" He asked, before fidgeting on his hooves nervously.

"It's the same." She answered simply.

"Ah... so familiar it is, then?" He teased.

"Let's get checked out." She scoffed while blowing a horsey raspberry, before her lip curled into a smile. "Unless there's something else that you need, that you can think of."

Atchmon wasn't thinking about that. Instead his mind was spinning with what just occured.

He replayed the image of her smoldering look before taking in his scent.

It was so akward, leaving him with conflicting thoughts.

'Whoa, when she talked about "playing" at being a couple; I wasn't expecing this! Should I do somethin' too? Should I smell her back? Is this what Ponies do? Does she want me to? What if she won't let me? What if I creep her out?'

Atchmon remembered the many times Rarity had smelled him before; but he dismissed it as nothing more than what a curious animal does when their human wears a new scent.

He wasn't sure of the social implications of such an act. He knew animals identified each other by smell. But he'd read so much more into the look she gave him.

And she liked his smell, he could tell.

Atchmon had always been an outside observer to what couples do. Never a participant. He wasn't ready for...

Dun dun DUUUN!

Public displays of affection.

This was new, unexplored territory he was trekking into.

Part of him dashed away old taboos, while the other half bade him to stop and do nothing.

He put on that same look she gave him. Or tried to. For all Atchmon knew, he had the horse-equivalent of resting murder face.

Rarity's heart dropped as she felt him hover over her, and his head lowered next to hers.

Atchmon wanted to smell her in the same spot she had on him; but he needed to take a step towards her to get there.

Rarity shifted forward, her heart fluttering as his large form overshadowed her. Her hide tingling at his mere closeness.

Atchmon drew a longer breath than she had, and came back up. Her feminine scent was prevalent over the chemical smell of the Dip and hospital soap; and he could detect a hint of baby powder and make up.

It was the same light, fluffy smell, like powered sugar, he'd grown used to; but now it was many magnitudes more potent with his new horse sense.

He didn't just smell Rarity, he sensed her health, youth, and beauty. His body responded, telling him this mare was a delicate flower that had yet to blossom.
A tightness formed in his groin as his flare engorged.

The two filly coworkers watched the couple having a private moment with wide-eyed disbelief and longing.

Atchmon shifted his hindlegs uncomfortably, in an effort to lessen the feeling, rather than hide the embarrassment.

A pinch formed on his brain, baiting him to make light of the situation; in an effort to make it less awkward.

"I like your stank too." He chuckled awkwardly as he pulled away.

Rarity's body listed towards him, as if pulled by an invisible force; she snapped out of the trance at his less-than-dreamy response, before she came to her senses; and layed her ears at him.

Both ponies were blushing deeply and caught the look of the two fillies, making them separate quickly and feel embarrassed; while looking about as if pretending to not be doing anything.

The employees quickly found something else to do as the pair approached the counter.

"May I have a Seers Catalog, dear?" Rarity requested.

Seafoam added one to her bag, all while avoiding looking at the stallion, more out of fear of being chastised by the intimidating mare. Her bonnet and rhinestone sunglasses made the filly think she were a high-profile celebrity, or other wealthy elite, wanting to keep her identity a secret.

Atchmon watched as Seafoam put the booklet in the paper bag, then smiled at the two retail workers, but his gesture largely went unnoticed. To him, they were like shy little animals, not wanting to challenge him by looking in his eyes.

It made him briefly wonder if maybe there was something about himself that made them afraid. Something he couldn't see for himself.

As the couple left the store, both fillies released a huge sigh of relief.

"Oh my goodnessth!"
"Celestia have mercy!"

The fillies fanned themselves.

"They were all over each other!" Exasperated Seafoam.

"Did you sthee the sizthe of that sthallion'sth ballsth, and histh flare?" Twist gasped in disbelief, turning to her coworker.

"I know, filly, his hips must hurt carrying all that around; he wasn't trying to hide them at all!" Seafoam scoffed in disbelief. "And that mare he was with, who was she?"

"I don't know, but how can a mare like that have a sthtallion that young with her?"

"Young? He looked the same age as my sire!"

"You didn't nothtice, he didn't have a cuthie mark?"

"I was too busy trying not to stare and wet myself; he really didn't?"

"Nope, do you think we'll ever get a good-looking sthallion like that?"

"Not without a mountain of Bits, and bigger rumps."

"Oh Luna, why musth you be stho cruel!" She despaired to the heavens, and looked at her flanks.

"I know, filly; I still can't believe he was with that mare." She shook her head.

"I know, right? She obviousthly musth be doing sthomething right; there'sth no way a sthallion would be stheen in public with a mare who justh got hersthelf The Dip.

"Mare, she musth be loaded with Biths; and even though her coat wasthn't the worsth color, her body was sthill really nice, she definitly keeps in shape, and her flanks were pretty big too, I guessth; definitely not the biggesth in town. "

Seafoam nodded. "Maybe, but even if she isn't, it still gives me some hope; like, even though I have an ugly green coat too, it just means I haven't found the right colt who like it too."

"You're coat isn't that bad, our time will come, but would you really want a sthallion like that, though? Just imagine it: 'oh honey, how do I make a sandwich? What color drapes go with our carpet? But, honey, I don't wanna do the dishes one time this week!'" She mocked in a whiney impression of a stallion. "Like, get back out in the fields, stud, and let a real mare take care of the kitchen." She puffed up like a tough mare.

Seafoam giggled at her impression. "It'd be worth the frustration to cuddle up next to a big stallion like that."

They both sighed dreamily. "Yeah, if he doesthn't have a tummy ache, or sthome other excuse."

Seafoam decried. "Seriously though, what are we doing wrong? We have jobs, we've moved out and have a place of our own, we're mature and responsible mares; what more could a guy want; I mean, we still need to herd up with other mares, but it'd be nice to have a guy to myself for a little while, ya know?"

"Only mares with the Bitsth to buy him anything he wants, and flanksth to pop out foals like a factory have that privilege." said Twist.

"Speaking of huge flanks, better stand to attention, here comes Spoiled Milk." Seafoam warned.

The mare burst through the double doors like she owned the place, which everypony in town questioned despite her marriage to the son of the original owner, whom was still living and was rumored to have yet named a successor.

Spoiled Rich scoffed in disgust. "Ugh, did you see that train-wreck of a mare leaving this store? 'Ponies of Baryard Bargains', indeed; such patronage is bad for my business' image; and you both know how important that is to me." Spoiled Rich said in the snobbiest way that even snobs would have to acknowledge how snobby it was.

"Yes, Mrs. Rich." The fillys responded in unison, like schoolfillys.

Spoiled Rich hummed salaciously. "Her beau, on the other hoof, was quite easy on the eyes, I must admit; don't you agree, fillys?"

"Yes, Mrs. Rich." They responded again.

"Judging by the mare he was with, I'm certain he was just a hired breeder, what a stud," she said venomously. "Perhaps I should consider hiring one as well, a bit of competition might motivate my husband to get over his "anxiety, and performance" issues; hmmm, maybe I shouldn't even bother giving him my last few good breeding years. Maybe then he'll realize how lucky he is to have me all to himself, or maybe I should pick a profile from the fertility bank; that would really show him... why are you two looking at me like that, speak up!" She snapped at the fillies.

Seafoam and Twist flinched away, hemming and hawing while searching for a response. "Um, well, ah; you see, I don't think..."

Spoiled didn't wait for a response. "Oh why do I bother, you two will never know anything about what's it's like to be this wealthy and successful, or know what it takes to be keep the best prize stud in this backwater town happy; the only thing I envy of you two, is your lack of responsibility."

"B-but it must make things easier to have a sthallion that has his own money and success, right?" Twist suggested.

"Y-yeah, then you know he loves you for you?" Followed Seafoam.

Both actually looked hopeful, only to have that hope squashed.

Spoiled cackled a high pitched laugh; belaying she found the statement genuinely funny. "Oh how foalish, a stallion will always want to be with a wealthier, more successful mare than himself, it's practically in their nature; if you want to keep a high-quality stallion, girls; then you need to be, and stay, a high-quality mare, yourself." She emphasized to make them feel inferior. "It's why I never have to worry about my hubby wandering astray from me with you two under his employ.

"Take it from a mare who lives that life every Celestia-damned day, girls; not many fillys will have the stomach to take what they want, without a care about what others will think of her."

The double doors to the store opened, and in walked two of the least-eligible bachelors in town: Snip and Snails.

Snip was still short, and stocky; having a build like an Ponish Bulldog. Snails was tall and lanky as ever, but now he was built more like a miniature giraffe.

"Ugh, more "Barnyard Bargain" ponies; those two look more your speed, girls; take what you can from them, then broom 'em fast out the door." The crabby old mare raised her nose at them and left.

The two fillies finally relaxed with a sigh. Each of their bodies feeling exhausted from the tension Spoiled Rich creates everywhere she goes.

Seafoam looked defeated. "She's right, we're gonna have to settle with whatever we can get."

"Don't listhen to her, we destherve a chancthe to be happy too!" Twist declared.

The two teen colts giggled immaturely from the family planning section, before trotting up to the counter.

"Yeah, but what can we do to make more Bits in the mean-time?" Seafoam rang up their purchase: melons, several boxes of 'collection sleeves', and lubricant.

The fillys felt dirty just doing their job.

Snip clicked his tongue. "Hello, ladies, I couldn't help overhearing, but there might be a way to make your money problems go away."

Seafoam deadpanned. "This joke is old as an old mare's tale, Snip; you're gonna have us ring up these three specific items, and ask us to be a 'teaser mare' for your lucrative, and illegal, studding services?"

"I'll have you know, and I'm proud to say, I don't need help with that; and I'll have you know, getting a studding license is easier than ever before; Princess Celestia changed the laws making it legal for colts our age to start 'contributing towards Equestria's growth'." Snips hinted.

Snail chuckled in his dopey way. "Yeah, and we get to keep jobs we can actually do without getting fired for being too slow, or not knowin' stuff, or accidentally breakin' things, or forgettin' stuff, or being too slow, or not-"

Twist interjected. "What isth it, Snip; not one of your get rich quick schemes, is it?" She asked skeptically.

"If it's doing 'creative accounting' with the cashier till again; forget it, that's why Mr. Rich terminated you last summer." said Seafoam.

Snips shrugged. "Hey, it's what my cutie mark was telling me; I was doing work I never meant to do, my dashing good looks brought in a lot of hoof traffic; I felt like I should get a cut of those sales."

Both fillys grimaced at the sparse mustaches, and barely growing neck-beards on both colts.

Snips continued. "Have you heard about a new kind of currency called Pony Notes?"

The fillys looked at each other. Twist spoke. "I heard something about that, yeah, what about it?"

"Buh-bam!" Snips slapped down a piece of paper on the counter. It was a thick, papyrus note with Celestia's face on the left side of the bill; the number 20 emblazoned with complex filigree decorated it's face. On the other side was a printed picture of Canterlot Castle, equally as complex and detailed.

Seafoam looked unsure. "And what are we supposed to do with this?"

Twist shook her head.

"What are you talking about, it's money!" Snips claimed. "You buy stuff with it, like we are; I believe I'm owed some change?" He suggested.

"We are not taking your weird paper money; this establishment takes Bits and bank cheques." Seafoam pushed it back towards him with a wing tip.

"Why would anypony want thisth instead of shiny, clinky gold coin?"

Snips looked put off. "Well, I don't understand all of it; but the two ponies that came up with it: Anon and Themouse came up with this system of trade called Pony Notes, it's all made of paper cotton."

"And how did you get these 'paper monies'?" Seafoam said scandalously.

Snips looked smug. "There's an exchange in town this week, they take our Bit coins, and in exchange we get their worth in Pony Notes!" He finished excitedly.

"What's so exciting about that?" Seafoam raised an eye brow skeptically.

Snips tried to sound convincing. "Think about it, fillies; gold Bits have to be mined out of the ground, which hurts the land and the animals living there; but with Paper money, cotton can be grown in a clean, environmentally friendly way! AND, we get 20 Pony Notes for every Bit of our coins we turn in!"

Twist looked confused. "I don't get it, wouldn't we be right where we started; wouldn't 20 pony notes just equal 1 Bit again?"

Snails drawled. "Nah, Anon and Themouse think this thing called 'inflation' make the wealth between peasants like us, and nobles be more even; and the more paper monies we own, the less valuable their Bits will be worth; Snips says it's genius, and I agree with him on everything; he says I have to." He chuckled, looking as though he saw no problem with that.

Snips looked proud at his friend. "That's right, we can really buck the system in our favor for a change!"

"Yeah, what he said." Followed Snails.

"So what's to stop your Pony Notes from dropping in value when they make more of them?" Twist asked. "I've always been told the value of gold will always go up, because it's harder to find and make into Bits."

Snips looked stumped on that, then sounded indignant. "Um, ah; it's okay if you don't 'get it' new concepts are hard to grasp for older mares, anyway." He turned his nose up at them.

Both fillys looked steamed at that. "We're the same age!" Said Seafoam.

"We were literally in the same class and finished together!" Twist exasperated, losing her lisp.

"Thanks, but no thanks, boys; now I'm gonna have to ask you two to either pay up in Bits, or leave." Seafoam put on a hard expression, meaning she was serious.

Snips paid in Bits and took his things.

"I don't know Snips, maybe they had a point." Drawled Snails.

"Trust me, bro; this is gonna to change our lives for the better." Encouraged Snips. "What do I always tell you?"

"Always listen to Snips." Snails seemed to find comfort in that statement.

Both fillies shook their heads as the colts left.

"It's just so not fair!" Seafoam decried, surprising her coworker. "Boys have it so much easier than us, they can sell off their sperm to the highest bidder, and, like; it's nothing for them to make a living, just find a bunch of mares to take care of them; you think a mare could ever surrogate for a stallion!"

"Not stho loud, do you wanna get usth in trouble!?"

Seafoam looked sad. "Sorry, I'm just... frustrated at the whole thing, you know?"

"Yeah, I know... I don't look old, do I?" Twist asked, sounding self-conscious.

"No, filly, don't listen to those two; you're beautiful, and you have value." Encouraged Seafoam.

Twist sighed, looking grateful. "Thanks."

"I know, we just have to work hard, harder than ever, and one day our effort will pay off big!"

"You really think so?"

"I know stho!" Twist declared with delight; keeping a positive outlook on life.

*whump* *smack* *mare moaning in ecstasy *

"What was that?" Seafoam asked.

Both fillys hearts filled with dread as they continued to hear a mare moaning in the back.

"I think Mr. Rich is making Mrs. Rich very happy right now?" Answered Twist.

Seafoam grimaced in disgust. "Ewe! I don't wanna think about poor Mr. Rich getting bucked in his office by that mean old bag, we sit on those cushions too!"

"I wasn't even sthupposed to be here today." Twist whined.

Who let the Dragon out?

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Spike sat at his desk tapping a quill against his temple.

Try as he might, he couldn't get Atchmon's smug muzzle out if his head. His attitude rubbed the young drake the wrong way.

He scribbled aggressively against the parchment, faster and faster.

Fictional thoughts invaded the forefront of his mind. So lucid that anyone would've believed they actually happened.

Atchmon was a villain with a black cape, top hat, and a cliché mustache, having stolen Rarity from him, her fainting in his forelegs from the stress of being ponynapped.

His thick eyebrows wiggled salaciously as he whisked her limp body away.

Spike's feet were shackled to a concrete block, and with a swift buck from evil Atchmon's back leg; the dragon was launched off a pier to take a nap with the fishes.

Struggle as he might, Spike couldn't escape; but in a spark of brilliance, he focused his fire-breath into a cutting torch, melting the binds around his feet.

When he resurfaced, Atchmon proposed to a still passed out Rarity, using the Fire Ruby Spike gave her on his birthday. It was fashioned into a horn ring and carelessly stuck upon Rarity's horn. The couple was promptly being hitched in front of an officiant.

Another salacious waggle, and Atchmon smooched Rarity's limp form behind his cape.

In a fury, Spike tried to stop the wedding, only for the cheering crowd to block his path.

Atchmon waved goodbye as the train they were on sped away from the ceremony.

"NOOOOOO."

Spike could do nothing but cry out in dismay as they shrank into the distance.

*Snap!*

Spike's pen broke, waking him from the day-mare. He realized just how fast and shallow his breaths were, and the thudding in his chest went along with a pounding in his head.

It'd only been one day, and Spike could already feel Rarity slipping away from him.

"Rarity deserves so much better!" he yelled in frustration.

"What are they doing right now?! Is he treating Rarity the way she deserves to be treated, or even more beyond that; like she really deserves?" He paced around his room until a circular divot was formed in the crystal.

"I can't take this anymore!" He shouted and immediately ran out of his room.

The assignments issued by Princess Celestia was left abandoned, and only a few paragraphs from being finished.

After leaving Barnyard Bargains, Atchmon meandered through the streets of Ponyville; often forgetting Rarity was with him as he lost himself to exploring more of the town.

He felt more comfortable with her there, and gone was the constant dread he felt all day. Like waiting for an axe to drop.

While exploring, there was a constant nagging feeling some pony would call him out as an impostor; but that feeling was also squashed down into a minuscule sense of paranoia he could tolerate.

Any time he felt the eyes of some mare staring at him; all he had to do was look at Rarity, and know that everything was fine.

Rarity would give him a reassuring smile, but once he turned away; Rarity set to snarling and mean-muzzle any potential competition.

Another purple Unicorn mare couldn't take her eyes off him, with a deer-caught-in-headlights look; Atchmon smiled and waved at the periwinkle Unicorn, and she looked around to be sure it was her that Atchmon was flirting with; even pointing at herself.

He was just tickled to find, yet another, purple Unicorn.

Amethyst Star waved back bashfully, her smile quivering under the attention she was receiving from a cute guy; but then Rarity inserted herself between them while shaking her head at the mare.

Amethyst pretended to look elsewhere while trotting away, not wanting to compete with a mare that was comfortable wearing a bonnet.

Atchmon looked bemused at Rarity's overprotective-ness. Then felt bad, thinking it was because of his outburst last night. And a wee-bit insulted that she didn't think he was stronger than that.

Rarity was puffing out her chest, trying to make herself look bigger to intimidate and discourage other mares. Her chest floof was smooth as silk, adhering to and really showing off the curves of her chest.

Thanks to her recent weight loss, Rarity felt stronger and more confident. Her canter changed to a longer stride to really show off the new cuts in her muscles; despite them being barely any more perceivable than before the accident.

She exuded 'high-horse' energy. Every mare that turned away only threw more fuel on the fire of Rarity's runaway estrogen levels.

"Is everything okay, Rare?" Atchmon dared to ask, after watching Rarity trot with her hooves turned more inward and chest puffed out.

The sight made him think of a certain cartoon bulldog.

Rarity felt all her confidence crumble in an instant. Her head lowered in submission. 'Oh buck! What was I doing!?' She'd forgotten herself.

Rarity spotted Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo crossing the street ahead of them. "Oh Sweetie Belle, yoo-hoo over here!" She called to avoid his ire.

Atchmon pouted at being ignored.

Sweetie waved and came over with her friend Scootaloo scootering ahead.

"Hiya again, Achie-mon!" Scoots greeted with a salute.

"Hey sis, Atchmon, Scootaloo said you had a few questions to ask me?" Sweetie Belle questioned.

"Yes dear, uhm, Atchmon, darling would you mind giving us a moment, please, it's a family matter?" She asked.

Scootaloo started to follow, but stopped at Rarity's glare. "I said a family matter, she frowned at the nosey filly.

Scoots smiled sheepishly, then zipped circles around the Stallion. "Hey, mind if I ask a few questions about your world?"

Atchmon started to feel dizzy trying to keep an eye on the speedy filly; while wandering away a few trots; following as the sisters went and found a bit of privacy near a fountain.

Atchmon couldn't help feeling left out, and tried to hear what they were saying--only to test out his new horse sense, not technically eavesdropping--but the fountain helped drown out their words. He pondered if it was intentional, or if maybe just coincidence they found a perfect anti-surveillance water fountain.

"Nah, go for it." he replied to the scootering filly.

"Were you like a pony over there? What did you look like? Do you have Ponies there, what are they like? What did you eat? Did you have a marefriend? Where did you live? Do you have leaders like Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?" Scoots rapidly asked with bright eyes full of wonder; her little wing beating a mile a minute, hovering the little pony above the ground.

He decided to just wander around some more answering Scootaloo's questions, until they were done.

"Yeah, we have ponies; but they aren't like you or me," he started to explain awkwardly, rubbing his head; remembering Rarity's reaction when he first told her about his world. "They're more like animals, they don't talk."

Scootaloo's wings seemed to freeze in midair, looking shocked. "What!? How!? Wait!? What?!" Scootaloo pranced in place. "That's so weeeird!"

Atchmon was bemused. "And my people called themselves Humans, we're omnivores, we ate vegetables and meat; my home was called America, we were Americans and we choose our leader every four years; and no... I didn't have a 'mare' friend." He chuffed half in amusement of his answer to the question, and the other to mask the stinging pain of that fact.

'Mare-friend that feels so... wrong? I don't know... I just want to make up with Rarity... then later maybe we can make out, hee!' Atchmon's thoughts betrayed him, and let slip a goofy smile.

Scootaloo gasped, forcing him to hide his emotions. "You ate... meat... too!?" She whimpered, before asking. "Did you eat Ponies?"

Atchmon shrugged. "Ehhh, I can't really speak for my whole world; I know some people do, but I never did, I was always told horse kinda tastes like a sweeter deer-meat." He informed.

Scootaloo looked at him horrified, before beaming happily. "That's. So. Cool! You really are from another world, huh? I mean, it's still hard to believe, but still; wow!"

"Huh... we're 'sweet', must be from all the treats ponies usually eat, makes sense... eugh!" She shuddered at the thought of eating a pastry-shaped pony. "You've ruined Sugarcube Corner for me for-ever!" She said playfully.

"So-rry." Atchmon mirrored, unapologetically.

A thought occurred to Atchmon. "Can I ask, why do you believe it so easily?"

"Oh, well, I know Rarity is a drama queen, and she isn't above telling a little fib to save snout; but Sweetie Belle is my friend, I know if Rarity is spreading fertilizer, she would call her out on it." She explained.

Atchmon nodded, watching the pegasus filly do some small kick spins on her scooter. "You're pretty good at that." He complimented

Scootaloo's face blushed, and she swayed bashfully. Her confidence soared, not once thinking of her disability.

But like all young, overconfident teens, she felt the need to show-off to keep the good-looking stallion's attention.

"Thanks, wanna see some moves?"

Atchmon smiled brightly and nodded enthusiastically.

"Hey, what's going on?" Asked Sweetie.

"I have something important to ask you, since it will be a big change for us both." Rarity started, her hooves fidgeting with the ground.

Sweetie's ears laid back. "This is about Atchmon, isn't it?"

Rarity was already feeling guilty about the ask, and mirrored her little sister. "Yes, you see, since Atchmon is going to be living with me, he's going to need his own space, and, well... you're more than grown enough to be left on your own, and..." She let the ask hang in the air, mumbling her next words.

Sweetie connected the dots, looking hurt for an instant, before looking downcast. "Oh... I understand, and yeah, he probably should have his own space; it's just that..."

"What's wrong, dear? I swear, I'm not pushing you away, I thought maybe you'd be excited to be left on your own at home." Rarity explained, trying to let her down easy.

Sweetie's head shook. "It isn't that, I didn't think the last time we would spend the night together, was going to be the last time we spent the night together."

Rarity was on the verge of tears. Her little sister was on the verge of marehood. All the years spent baby sitting, caring, teaching, and looking after her came back in a flash.

She felt her heart breaking, and hated to see her little sister look so disappointed.

Sweetie then put on a brave face. "But I'm not a little foal any more, and I shouldn't be in the way of your happiness."

Rarity wiped away the liquid pride. "That's very mature of you Sweetie, if it's alright with you, I'm going to start clearing some space for him today."

Sweetie nodded. "Yeah, it's fine," her tone turned serious, and turned her snout up. "But that doesn't mean I approve of him yet, I still gotta be sure he's right for you."

Rarity looked bemused. Maturity had its limits, and try as she might; Sweetie would always be the little sister to her.

"Now Sweetie, don't be too hard on him; I've taught him much about pony culture, but he still has a lot to learn about being a Pony." Rarity warned with a bemused expression.

"I won't," she perked. "Just looking out for my big sister." She said, smiling and winking her eye knowingly.

Rarity shook her head, matching her smile, and hugged Sweetie.

"C'mon Atchmon, Scoots; we're gonna meet Applebloom at school." Sweetie called out to them; seeing her co-crusader looking shocked and dumfounded.

Scootaloo rushed up to her. "Sweetie Belle, you would not believe the things he's told me, it's so weird!"

Atchmon smiled an apology, when Rarity looked at him quizzically.

"Tell me on the way, we still gotta plan for this year's Cutie Camp."

Atchmon trotted up to Rarity, expecting... something. A hug goodbye? It felt wrong to go anywhere without her. "Off to find my 'special purpose'?"

"Yes," she sighed. "Don't be anxious, darling, and don't be disappointed if it doesn't happen right away; these things take time." She assured.

Atchmon sighed a horsey raspberry. "You seem so sure of it, wish I was; but I'll try." He finish sadly.

Rarity wished he'd be more excited, until a thought occurred to cheer him up.

"No try. Do. Or do not. There is no try."

Rarity said in a forced, sagely way that wasn't anything like the voice of the original speaker.

Atchmon snickered and nearly doubled over. "Okay, I'll do it." He turned to follow Sweetie and her friend with a genuine smile.

"Much better."

Rarity waved goodbye until they rounded a street corner, then floated out the Seers Magazine. The cover featured the company's mascot: a Unicorn mare garbed in sorceresses robes, holding a crystal ball; and looking pleased with herself.

This issue showed a cartoonish mare and stallion couple looking shocked with wide, comical eyes at the slashed price tag shown within the Crystal Ball.

"Now, time to do some ordering," she flipped through and passed the sections for craftsmare-built home kits that would arrive by way of rail, finding the page on home appliances; and read the sections for office supplies.

"Ooh! Same-day delivery! Hmm..." Rarity hummed as she looked at Ponyville's clocktower, showing it had passed mid-day, with only a couple business hours to go.

"Well, we'll see about that, wouldn't want to make a liar out of you; muahahaha!" She cackled faux-evilly at the prospect of getting some great discount coupons, as was the company's policy if they failed to uphold their promises.

She wasn't proud of herself, but desperate times called for desperate measures. She knew every trick and loop-hole when it came to taking advantage of company policies; and stretching a little word-play can sometime garner big savings.

"Ahem," She composed herself after having her fun, and getting some stares from pony passerby's; then began her canter towards the post office.

Bruised Apples

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Spike ran around town in a panic, desperately looking for his beloved white Unicorn.

While at a full jog, he clenched his eyes shut as another vision of Atchmon smooching on his mare invaded his mind.

"Mine." He growled under his breath.

Spike's claws subtly grew longer and sharper.

"Mine."

His teeth grew larger, from cat-teeth to tiger-fangs.

"MINE!" Spike's voice became low and guttural, like a Crocodile. His flowing green head-scales stiffened and became spikes; making him look like a punk.

He opened his paper-thin eye-slits, hissing with his forked tongue, before colliding with a wagon full of watermelons.

Spike tumbled and was drenched sober, after getting covered in a deluge of smushed fruit.

His body instantly reverted back to normal, along with his sense of awareness; finding himself muzzle-deep in a mare's crotch. Her soft teats nearly enveloped around his scaled snout.

"My melons!" Cried the mare, clutching her cheeks at the destruction of her melon cart.

Spike scrambled backwards, his cheeks a blistering red, and shouted. "I'm so sorry, Honeydew! I didn't mean to, I wasn't watching where I was going, please forgive me!" He pleaded while groveling on his knees.

Rarity came running out of the post office. "Spike! I saw the whole thing, are you alright?"

Spike brightened at the sight of his beloved mare, despite her garish green coloration--which he definitely didn't have a problem with, nope, no problem at all. "I'm fine, but Honeydew..."

Honeydew, a greenish-yellow mare with orangish mane and tail and a cutie mark of her namesake; looked on the verge of tears, holding up two halves of a melon, and tried in vain to put them back together among her smashed cart.

"So sorry, darling; let me pay for it all," Rarity started to search her saddlebag, before Spike stopped her.

"No, no, here let me pay!" Spike hurriedly reached for his satchel of gemstones, then slouched when he realized it was back at the castle in his room. "Sorry, Rarity, do you think you can spot me? I promise I'll pay you back."

Rarity handed the mare some Bits and gemstones.

Honeydew looked pitifully at the hefty bag of bits. "My cart still had payments for another year, not even water-mel-on can soothe my tears." She rhymed, deconstructing the word, having always been obsessed with the fruit.

Rarity empathized and threw in some extra gemstones. The fruit mare cheered up after that.

Spike fidgeted meekly. "Thanks Rarity, I'll pay you back as soon as I can."

"Think nothing of it, Spiky."

"No!" Spike said more forcefully than he meant. "I mean, I appreciate it, but I mean it this time, Rarity; I'm gonna pay you back."

Rarity looked at him in surprise. "Well... I will need some extra help with excavating some gemstones in the coming weeks, if you find the time?" She asked sweetly.

Spike felt like he was floating in her lovely gaze. "Anything for you Rare..." Then shook himself out of the haze of lovey-dovey feelings. "I'm still going to pay back those Bits, alright?" He said with the finality of a foal, trying to act like a big pony.

Rarity barely held back her amusement, covering her muzzle. It was adorable to her seeing the baby drake trying to act more mature than his age.

Like all teens these days, just like her little sister.

"I could use some help getting some boutique supplies, is my chauffeur available for the rest of today?"

Without hesitation, Spike was at her side in an instant; standing at her eye level.

"Oh, and before I forget again; would you be a dear and send this letter to Princess Celestia for me, darling?"

Spike took the envelope without question. It was like the time the Princess had all of Twilight's friends sending her letters on the lessons they all learned about friendship.

So to him, it was no trouble at all.

"You betcha I can, just stand back," he stepped an arm length away; outstretching his claws to ward her away. "I wouldn't want you to get burned."

Rarity watched bemused at her little hero as he took a big breath, then spat a small gout of flame, incinerating the scroll.

"There, all done." He said coolly, while dusting off his claws.

Rarity sauntered over and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Thank you so much my big, brave Dragon. Now, come along, we have lots of shopping to do!" She ended brightly and cantered ahead.

Spike nearly melted into the cobblestone. "Yes anything for you, Rare." He crawled after her like a worm, having lost all other motor functions.

Applejack wiped the sweat from her brow, and looked up at the sun.

It was passed mid-day, which meant Applebloom should be getting off school by now. 'Speak of the Demon Lord,' she thought, seeing her little baby sister conversing with Truffle Shuffle as they were about to pass by.

The teen colt was a stout fella, still a little on the heavy side and outpacing Applebloom in size by a small margin. His short, broad neck and body showed little definition other than his chest, like other colts his age. But to Applebloom, he was in that cubby-cute margin.

Applejack heard he'd been dieting, sadly abstaining from her apple treats, but it seemed he was about to hit a growth spurt like all budding stallions his age.

Her little sister took to fashion recently, and wore her new white cowpony hat adorned with her signature pink bow. Her mane was groomed and flowed freely. Only during labor did she tie it up in the usual way.

She was blossoming into a beautiful young mare in her own right, and Applejack knew she wasn't going to be outpaced by much as she matured.

Applebloom was already taking an interest in boys before her time. And Applejack had to curb that enthusiasm with the cold, harsh reality of life.

Applebloom was talking to Truffle as they trot, she and the colt both started giggling, she leaned to nuzzle him, gaining a bashful look from the colt, just before Applejack approached and spoke at her.

"Applebloom, I want you to help Granny pack up the wagon and bring it back home." She said in that authoritarian way a big sister or mother can do.

Her little sister balked and did a double-take between her and the Colt. "Uh, can I do that later, sis?" She hinted while nodding her head towards the colt.

Applejack rolled her eyes. "You can talk to your coltfriend again soon, after the chores are done." She emphasized.

Truffle reeled at that, and shifted away uncomfortably, while Applebloom looked wounded.

Applebloom sputtered. "Applejack! He's not my- I- I never said you were-" She looked between her big sister and the colt.

Truffle inched away. "Uhm, yeah, I think I can make it home on my own; thanks for trotting me most of the way there Applebloom." He then took off at a gallop.

"Thanks a lot Applejack, you just had to be a field rock!" Applebloom laid her ears back.

Field rocks refers to when a rock prevents a plow from cutting through the dirt in order to plant seeds. It doubles as a euphemism term used when a mare prevents another mare from being 'ploughed' by a stallion; mainly used by Ponies in rural areas.

Coequally known as a 'plot blocker'.

Applejack's eyebrow raised and said warningly. "And you can take up my chores too, since you wanna give me attitude today."

"But Applejack, that's not fair, Granny!" Applebloom called up the big guns.

Granny Smith made a turn about-face. "What's this I hear, discord in the ranks? I'll see ya disgraced from the Apple Clan, now ya'll hop-to!" She ordered, and both granddaughters snapped to attention.

Applejack grumbled. "Granny I don't have time t-"

"I don't recall given ya'll permission ta speak; did I give it!?" Granny barked firmly despite the old fry in her voice.

Applejack shrank back and stood straighter. "No ma'am." She shook her head briefly, as much as the tension in her neck and withers allowed.

"I done saw the whole thing, Applejack, tryin' ta shuck yer r'sponsibileries onto yer lil' sister again, fer shame; shame!" She repeated, while ringing a cow bell.

'Not that dang bell!' Applejack ducked while looking around at the other patrons present. 'So humiliatin'. "Please stop Granny, everypony's watchin'." She pleaded, taking her Stetson hat to hide behind after a few mares snickered at the public display.

Since Granny Smith was too old to use a switch on their rumps anymore. Now she favored public humiliation to keep her grandchildren in line. Everypony in town knew hearing a cow bell meant an Apple was being rotten.

And as an Apple family member, you did NOT want to hear more cow bell.

"Applebloom, ya'll catch up to that colt and salvage what'chu can, while I sort this one out." She gestured with a shake of her head at her eldest.

Applebloom brightened, then looked unsure at the frown Applejack gave her, but quickly cantered away from the fallout she created. "Thanks, Granny!" She called back.

"Permission to speak, Granny?" Applejack hesitated.

"Granted." Granny Smith allowed begrudgingly.

"Why are you bein' so hard on me?" Applejack sounded and felt filly-ish.

Granny sputtered as she tried to find the words. "Why!? Ya'll know why! You've had your head buried at the bottom of a cider barrel for a month straight; shucking your chores, sleepin' in, all while your brother and sister pick up the slack!" She listed off her hoof.

Applejack winced and hung her head in shame. "I know... and I'm so sorry, Granny; but I thought I lost my friend; and I know they said Rarity was okay now, but I can't stop worryin' and feelin' guilty until I see her for myself." She looked at her with pleading eyes.

"It ain't me ya ought t' be apologizin' to." Granny snarked.

Applejack nodded. "I know, Granny, and I promise t' make it up to Big Mac and Applebloom somehow; can I please go check on my friend before we head back home, please?" She begged.

Granny Smith chewed on her dentures, before granting permission. "Fine, but you come straight back, ya hear; I don't pay ya ta socialize with your friends." She gave her the stink eye.

"You don't pay us at all," Applejack whispered, letting her sass get the better of her.

"What was that?" Granny Smith scratched her ear. "If ya got somethin' ta say, then say it ta mah muzzle." She warned, while pointing at her snout.

"Uh, nuthin'..." Applejack's snout scrunched at the mistruth. "Thank you, Granny, I'll be right back!" Applejack galloped off to check Rarity's house again for the 3rd time since that morning.

Granny called out to her. "Remember to give'er a nice big smooch when ya see 'er!" She cackled after her.

"Granny!" Applejack whined, much to the giggles and delight of her elder and other ponies shopping their stall at the last minute.

Destiny's Fillies

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Applebloom hung her head dejectedly while dragging her hooves across the dirt road, heading towards the schoolhouse to meet with her friends.

Truffle Shuffle didn't want to see her, instead he sent his mother to talk for him. She said he wasn't feeling well, but Applebloom knew he had to be grossed out at the idea of them together.

'I thought I had a chance, I don't care if he's a little on the heavy side. I like a colt with some fluff on 'em; I thought he'd appreciate that... maybe I need to eat even less than I already am, and should I workout more? But I'm usually so sore after chores anyway..."

Her tummy growled in protest.

She was on the verge of tears, knowing her efforts weren't enough, until the familiar calls of her friends begged her attention.

When Applebloom looked up, her entire body seized upon looking at the bay Earth Pony stallion they were with. The world fell away, replacing it with him alone.

He was facing away, then turned to see her approaching. His long, dark mane flipped out of his face, and cascaded over his neck, silhouetting behind his copper visage.

'Whoa daddy!' Applebloom felt herself melting under his intense, smoldering gaze.

Her eyes darted from one attractive detail to the next. His shiny coat, glossy almost black mane and tail and matching leg socks. A toned rump and muscular shoulders.

'He's a brunette!'

Ponies with black or darker colorations were just as rare and desired as their pure white counterparts. But just as scarce among the colorful pastel ponies, were those of earthy tones.

Applebloom's face was burning, having caught a glimpse of Earth stallion's dangling sheathage when he turned at just the right angle towards her. It also helped that she was slightly downhill and shorter.

From Atchmon's perspective, he watched the little yellow filly seem to nearly pee herself at the mere sight of him. All He did was shake the heavy, coarse hair out of his face, and next she was standing and staring stock still, pinning her ears back, and trembling.

He looked to the others for assurance, but they covering their eyes in embarrassment.

"Oh not again!" Said Scoots
"Oh for peat sake." Said Sweetie.

Atchmon sighed. 'Guess I really am that scary-looking, guess that's one thing that didn't change... I'll try to be nice anyway.'

"Hey, nice to meet you, I'm Atchmon, what's your name?" He went to shake her hoof.

Applebloom reached out autonomously and grasped his hoof. The baritone in his voice shook her to the bone, combined with the firm grip on her hoof, started a chain reaction of synapses that Applebloom was powerless to stop.

It was like she touched a hot electrical wire. The energy coursed from his grasp, buzzing through her leg, down her spine, and ending at the tip of her tail. She felt as though she were floating on fluffy clouds. There were butterflies in her tummy and a growing tingle beneath her tail.

"Hellooo! Equus to Applebloom!" Scootaloo waved a hoof, but Applebloom couldn't take her eyes off the pony of her dreams.

"Every time with a new colt." Sweetie groaned.

"Gotta admit, he is kind of..." Scootaloo left the statement hanging in the air, choosing grin devilishly and gesture sultry looks behind his back.

Atchmon was a little upset the filly didn't take to him like the others, looking disappointed, since she was now pinning her tail down like a frightened animal.

'C'mon don't embarrass yourself now, say something!' Applebloom tried, but found it impossible speak, she could feel her mouth moving, but no sound came out. She tried to swallow her nervousness, but her tongue and throat felt so dry.

"Applebloom, you're clacking!" Sweetie's voice managed to come through.

Applebloom snapped out of her daze, while still making some clicking sounds. She paused, with her pink tongue peeking out cutely from her lips; then quickly turned to cover her mouth.

'Oh gosh, that's so embarrassin', he's gonna think I'm still a foal! I thought I outgrew that habit years ago!'

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle glanced at each other in shock as Applebloom composed herself. They both cringed and shook their heads as their hopelessly desperate friend tried to put the moves on him.

Applebloom cleared her throat, trying to get rid of her twangy accent. "Hai- cough- I mean, pleased to make your acquaintance, m'lord." The yellow filly tipped her white cowpony hat adorned with a pink bow matching the one in her tail; greeting with a borderline seductive inflection. "How may I be of service." She emphasized by holding a hoof to her chest.

Atchmon layed his ears back, fidgeted and smiled uncomfortably as she daintily took his hoof. He looked to the others for help, who both couldn't watch.

She was like a supine cat, the way she saddled up next to him, and was about to guide him toward Sweet Apple Acres.

Thankfully he was saved further awkwardness when a pink pony mare showed up from the Schoolhouse.

"Excuse me, girls, but do you know this stallion?" A mulberry Earth Pony mare asked as she approached.

Sweetie answered before she turned around, knowing who was asking. "Yes, Miss Cheerilee; this is Atchmon, he's our newest client." She emphasized at Applebloom, who smiled and shrugged sheepishly.

He gave the adult mare a welcoming smile. "Hey." He greeted.

"Yeah, he's gonna be the first grown Pony that we'll get to help find his Cutie Mark!" Scootaloo stated excitedly, while rearing up and making little hoofy-kicks.

"Oh!" Cheerilee sounded surprised as she looked him over, noticing his blank flanks. She looked at him pitifully, and spoke very slowly. "Good. To. Meet. You. Atch-mon. You. Are. A. Very. Brave. Colt. Don't give up. You'll Find. Your. Cutie Mark. Even if you don't, you're still a special pony, and you're so brave for trying."

His smile turned into a look of abject confusion, before frowning indignantly. "Uh... Thank. You. That's. Very. Nice. Of. You. To. Say. That." He mocked and frowned.

"Uhm, Miss Cheerilee, he's not one of our 'special' clients." Sweetie informed the mare with a strained grin and chuckled awkwardly.

She cast a glance at the girls, and realized her mistake. "Oh goodness me, I- I am so sorry, if I offended you, I-"

The girls tittered while the adults made amends.

Atchmon waved it off nonchalantly, while keeping his irritation at bay. "It's okay, you just gave me a good idea of what a cutie mark means." He glanced at the schoolhouse. "Are you their teacher, Mrs...?" he asked, gesturing a nod to the Crusaders.

"Yes, the one and only," she chuckled while gesturing to herself. "And it's just Miss Cheerilee," she added with a hint of melancholy in her expression.

"You teach for the whole town, alone?" He asked, and she nodded. "That must be a rough job." Atchmon said casually, while leaning a shoulder on the white wooden fence.

A pink blush appeared on Cheerilee's mulberry cheeks. "It would be, if I didn't love teaching my little Ponies so much." She changed her posture, and stood with a hindleg crossed behind the other.

"But once they get their Cutie marks, and finish basics, fillys and colts go out to find their own way, or apprentice under somepony else to pursue their interests."

The adults mingled for a minute. Atchmon learned more about Equestria's education system. Apparently there was no such thing as "higher education".

He was happy to hear that.

It seemed as if he were living in the old days of his world, where going to a prestigious school was rare and something the whole town celebrated. The most famous and known of which was Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.

Atchmon felt that name oozed bigotry and exclusion. Not all because he wasn't a Unicorn, more at the fact he couldn't go even if he wanted to.

Otherwise public schools taught history and basic life skills. Even cooking!

Atchmon nodded as the conversation died and became a pregnant pause. That same sinking feeling came back. He needed to get better at small talk. So without thinking it through, and keeping the subject related to Cheerilee's profession, he then asked:

"I don't suppose you teach night classes for adults, do you?"

The girls mouths hung agape, and Miss Cheerilee was helpless to cover her giggles.

"I'm probably going to need someone to catch me up."

Sweetie Belle didn't expect Atchmon to flirt with Miss Cheerilee, so she was conflicted about what to do. For one, her favorite teacher was crushing on the stallion who Rarity fancied. Something she would've been very supportive of in the past, just to see Miss Cheerilee happy; but the conflict of interest was causing her pause.

Atchmon just held his smile, clueless as to why his question garnered such a laughing fit from the teacher.

Applebloom looked steamed and wanted some of that attention back. They were in the middle of a conversation after all.

Scoots smiled goofily at the drama unfolding.

Cheerilee liked him. Really liked him. Her hind legs were crossed and she was tittering like a school filly with a crush. She came down from her elation.

"Ooh, well, I could be persuaded to do a bit of home tutoring." She reached to caress his shoulder, but he was tugged away before she could.

Atchmon was going to ask more about the teacher, before his foreleg was pulled, and he was being both pushed and dragged away.

"That's it, time to go!" Sweetie Belle was pulling by his foreleg with magic. He was dragged, leaving hoof sized furrows in the dirt.

"Come on, we don't have all day!" Scoots rasped, pushing from the side.

"We better get a move on, lots to do today, bye Miss Cheerilee!" Applebloom grunted.

"Uh hey!" He smiled back. "Guess I better get goin', it was good to meet you, Miss Cheerilee," Atchmon winked and gave a devilish grin.

"Oh dear, looks like I have competition," she waved back with a bemused expression as the stallion was dragged away by the three fillies.

"Oh Atchmon!" She called out after him, watching him struggle to turn his head around while being flanked by the pushy girls. "When you do get your Cutie Mark, come see me again, would you?"

Atchmon looked back.

Miss Cheerilee turned away, her rump fully towards him as she trotted in the opposite direction, and emphasized each movement with a sway of her hips; doing her best to show off her body. However plain it was for a normal Earth Pony mare.

Any experienced stallion would recognize this as a novice seduction technique. The kind of attempt an unconfident mare would use to express interest.

And Cheerilee was very unconfident. But a mark-less stallion was within her league, even if she was pushing mid-30s; stallions were rumored to prefer older mares. If not for wealth, then experience, among other things.

Cheerilee bit her lip from the excitement of flirting with a stranger; feeling like a school filly all over again. Though doing her best and failing to not show it, she saw her message got through to the stallion, if his expression of shocked disbelief was any indication.

She quickly hid inside the empty schoolhouse and failed to cover her giddy schoolfilly giggles and squeals after flirting with a cute guy.

Something stirred in Atchmon, after seeing all of this, though ignorant to how bad the attempt was; he wasn't blind.

Did the local school teacher have the hots for him?

'Nah, no way! But then again...'

He found himself extra motivated to find his Cutie Mark regardless.

Atchmon and his entourage of young, nubile teenaged fillies trotted from outside the town outskirts; cresting over a few hills along the way.

White fences lined along the dirt road, separating it from an apple orchard.

Atchmon tried to gaze through the thickets, but the apple trees numbered far too many to count.

As they trotted, he reflected back on his life journey as they hopped over a broken section of fence.

Well, the girls hopped over it, while Atchmon carefully and methodically, coordinated each of his legs one at a time over the obstacle.

It was harder to keep an eye on four limbs instead of two. He still clipped a back hoof and did a little stumble-hop.

They cut through the apple orchard. Row upon row trees aligned in mesmerizing patterns.

'Looks like it's the 'Little Man of the Woods' story all over again.' Atchmon thought, and recalled the story from his heritage.

When young boys come of age; a 'little person', a pigmy of the woods, leprechaun, Spirit guide, whatever the name; It would take the boy to meet with three elders, and the boy would choose a path to be of service to the Tribe.

Atchmon was sure his Spirit guide came to him in the form of a kid he never met before, at a family gathering. He made friends with the kid at his cousin's house when he was little, but he seemed more mature than his size and age belied to Atchmon.

They were playing on his cousin's jungle gym. The kid said they were related, but young Atchmon was skeptical, given he looked nothing like his family. Dirty Blonde hair, blue eyes, pale skin.

Then the boy convinced Atchmon to come with him. Why and for what reason, Atchmon couldn't recall; only a gesture with the accompanying beckon was all he remembered.

They didn't journey through a deep forest like in the stories. Instead, they took a short-cut through a wooded lot to his other cousin's house up the road.

He didn't meet three elders, instead they went to his other cousin's house, where most of the men were gathered, including two of his great uncles, and one regular uncle. The 'elders'.

The first 'elder' would carry a bow, or in Atchmon's case; it was a rifle one uncle was showing off. The path of a brave. Lending his strength to his people. Warrior, protector, worker, builder, provider.

The second, a medicine pouch; or a book in his case. Atchmon had no interest in it, but his uncle seemed to cling to it. The path of a shaman. Healer of body and spirit, sharer of knowledge, a holy man, instructor, and teller of stories.

The third, a smoking pipe. Or an offered cigarette, after Atchmon was curious and asked about what it's like. A tribe leader. Chieftain. Pillar of the community. A man of peace. A Politician.

Had Atchmon been more familiar with his heritage at such a young age, he might have given the cigarette more thought beyond 'being allowed to do drugs', and checked out the rifle instead. He didn't hold back, and suffered a coughing fit that scarred him for life from the gateway drug.

Soon after, he and the boy headed back to join the rest of the reunion, and to find where the cooler with all the soda was. They promised to not tell anyone they snuck away and had a smoke. Just as it goes in the story.

Except in the fable, the little person would leave with a warning: 'speak of this to no one, or you will be forever lost'.

Atchmon couldn't recall ever telling anyone about his 'spirit quest'. But it seemed to not matter; he was just as lost now, as he was before ending up in Equestria.

'Guess it's three little peop- ponys this time.' He grinned at how ridiculous the idea was. 'Ooh, or maybe they're the elders... They've been ponies longer than I have.' He regarded them thoughtfully, then flushed and looked away to find something else to think about.

It was all he could do to distract himself from the trio of bare filly butts happily trotting in front of him.

In the beginning, he was looking forward to what guidance they had for him; but as they walked, he became increasingly self-conscious.

At first, he noticed the fillies teenaged girl butts; all three had matching Cutie Marks with a small unique flair for each owner. But that was left forgotten as he began to really compare them to each other.

Applebloom's bright yellow posterior was larger around than the other two by a visible margin; a full, firm-looking rump with some subtle definition, perfectly balanced between the other two.

Sweetie Belle was smooth, with no definition, a near-perfect; albeit, smaller copy of her elder sister. Plush with some jiggle.

And lastly, Scootaloo, hers was such a perky little round butt, the smallest of of three, with a tight suppleness that only a fit athlete could possess.

Despite their differences, the three girls were largely a matching trio. They all possessed a decent hourglass shape from shoulder-to-flank. Only Applebloom was a bit pear-shaped, while Scootaloo was the opposite. Sweetie, again, possessing the best balance between the two.

Atchmon was doing all he could to ignore their raised and swishing tails, which to his discomfort, the girls practiced good posture.

Very good posture.

'Don't look, don't look. Ooh what nice fluffy clouds, and pretty birds, the trees; and... don't you dare look; you can look at that boulder, that's a nice boulder; look at that boulder go, doing it's boulder thing...'

His neck craned back as far as it could go, until he needed to watch where he was going. 'What a boulder!'

Slowly his sight was drawn back to the fillys backsides; catching glances of their delicate flowers as their tails occasionally swished out of the way. A mottled peachy-yellow for Applebloom, a pale fleshy white with a beauty mark for Sweetie Belle. Scootaloo had a dark almost black slit, mottled as it went up to completely salmon pink from anus to dock.

He cursed that male part of himself. The part that always looked at the opposite sex for what they could give him. Isolation, both before and after Equestria, extremely limited interaction with the opposite sex --mostly due to the equally low female population within his bubble-- all culminated to one thing.

Atchmon was too immature and inexperienced to view girls as anything but objects.

He was always fine at the start, treating strangers like friends, whenever he met someone new. But then, even now, he eventually couldn't help but take notice of their feminine features and take notes.

All made worse by the fact the fillies bare asses were hanging out in the wind. So it was inevitable that he'd notice and take an interest.

He couldn't help himself, despite being aware of this flaw. It was only biology. The male part of his brain automatically searched for desirable traits in a mate. Or mates, in this case.

And like biology, he was helpless to resist against the biochemical and hormonal changes hapoening within his body, due to outside stimuli.

'Shit, shit, shit, don't get hard; not now... fuck!' Atchmon's penis emerged from its sheath. The weighty member swung side to side, bumping against his belly after a needy flex, sending pleasurable tingles from the tip.

Atchmon's cheeks flushed as he quickly looked at the ground in equal parts fear, shame, and humiliation. Fear of getting caught staring at what was, to him, clearly jailbait. Shame for looking, liking, and becoming aroused at what he saw. Humiliation for not having the strength to look away, or be disgusted at himself.

'Hold on, are they old enough? They don't look like it, but things could be different here. Don't horses mature fully in a few years? I mean, what is considered mature here? Is it the same in my world, or is it when you get a Cutie Mark?' He thought curiously at the dirt.

Shame came back in spades over thoughts of justifying his lecherous looks. Shame was winning out over everything in this situation.

But his distracted thoughts and questions managed to curb his erection, remaining as a flaccid tube of floppy horse flesh poking out below his waist.

"Hey Atchmon?" One of the girls called his attention.

The stallion's head shot up from staring at the ground, sweating bullets, knowing he just bought a one-way ticket straight to prison.

That thought opened the floodgates to other thoughts, particularly memories, and of what happens to incarcerated people.

Not people. Pony. Pedo Pony prison! The dots connected in an instant. Prison meant he'd end up being somepony's bitch, and likely getting fucked in the ass. That was bad. But Pony prison meant getting fucked in the ass by a massive horsecock; and if his own was anything to go by...

Atchmon's butthole clenched, while his erection made a full reversal. Any faster, he'd be sitting down to have a pee from then on, assuming he could ever unclench again.

"Hay what's with you, buddy?" Scootaloo waved a hoof in front of his face.

Atchmon's expression was of shocked surprise, seeing Scootaloo was trotting beside him now.

"Aww, are you feeling self-conscious about not havin' a Cutie Mark?" The yellow one said in a twangy voice. "Don't worry, we'll help ya out."

Atchmon's head whipped the other way, seeing Applebloom on the other side of him. The two fillys pressed into his sides, too close for comfort. His brain was going in summersaults after feeling how silky smooth and soft their coats were. So much in fact it took several seconds of contact before being sure he felt anything at all.

The girls were fascinated by him, and started asking questions and arguing before he had the wherewithal to respond.

Applebloom looked at him suspiciously. "Is it true that you used to be an alien?"

Scootaloo asked. "Are you and Rarity just friends, good friends, or really good friends?"

"Hey I'm asked him a question first!"
"I already asked him that!"
"So? I wasn't there!"
"Not my problem!"

"Gottapeebye!" He reared up and half bucked all the way, with his front half trying to keep up with the back half.

"See what you did!"
"What I did?"

"Girls, emergency meeting now!" Sweetie Belle squealed. "Applebloom, you need to stop trying to court every available colt that passes by; you've been chasing, what, three boys now!?"

"Well you didn't tell me he was a catch, if I had prior warnin', I could've been prepared; I was denied. Critical. Need-to-know. In-formation!" Applebloom emphasized.

Sweetie bit her lip, knowing she didn't let on much. "Is this because Diamond Tiara stole Rumble from you?"

Applebloom pursed her lips and looked away, wounded. She really liked the idea of courting a future pontential wonderbolt.

Then there was Tender Taps, but he didn't reciprocate her feelings. Snails was a very short while, he actually forgot to show up to their date... actually he didn't remember her at all for several seconds. Like the fact they went to school together for practically their whole lives.

Sweetie looked at the other and said warningly. "Scootaloo..."

"Hey, I've been nothing but nice to him." She shrugged nonchalantly. "I can't help but be fascinated."

She sighed. "I'm gonna go get him, you two go ahead and get set up and... just behave yourselves from now on." Sweetie narrowed her eyes, and was about to slink away to go get him.

The other two smirked at each other, then put on straight faces when Sweetie whipped back to catch them in the act. Finding they didn't move an inch, she left.

"You messed up my pickup line." Applebloom shouldered Scoots.

"Oh yeah, what's that?"

Applebloom smirked. "I was gonna ask if he was an alien, then ask if he had anything to prob with; to see how he'd react."

Scootaloo grumbled. "That's the worst pickup line ever!" 'Dang it, I wish I'd thought of that!' She thought.

After a quick bladder break and a bit of snake wrangling, they made it to the girl's club house, which sat nearby a tree house; with no other trouble.

Sweetie was very accommodating, patient, and understanding of Atchmon's condition.

"It's okay, I'm sure you're dealing with enough as it is, but this will be a quick meet, then we'll go back home for dinner." She had assured him, before leading them back.

After learning their lesson with Bulk Biceps, the CMCs invested and built a larger structure for grown ponies with Cutie Mark problems.

It was just a converted shed, made into an ramshackle office space. Complete with a salvaged desk, stained counselors couch, water jug and tea pot station with packaged sweets --likely where the stain came from-- a large bookshelf sparse with only a few books along with a house plant and hourglass, and finally what looked like a crafting corner. The wall behind the desk was covered with children's drawings of various activities. A whiteboard listed random symbols --cutie marks-- and awarded them using gold stars and pony smile faces.

"Okay, have a seat and make yourself comfortable." Applebloom instructed as he did. The second-hand councilor couch creaked under his weight.

The girls dawned their CMC capes with gold inlay.

'Those are kind of cool, I like the color.' he thought.

"Okay, first order of business is to welcome new members! WELCOME!" They all shouted. Atchmon nearly made a horsey squeal.

They pulled out a long scroll and read off the revised edition of their creed, naming Atchmon in several synonyms as the newest member of their club.

"Congratulations!" They shouted together.

'I feel like this should be a bigger ceremony, with more people.' Atchmon felt self conscious and couldn't match their energy, given how he was the only inductee. He withheld the fuzzy feeling he got from being treated so special. "So... what do I do to make my mark appear?"

"First off, do you know and understand what a Cutie Mark is?" Sweetie Belle asked.

Rarity had explained to him what they were, when they had nothing else to do but talk. So he had an idea of what a Cutie Mark was. Originally referred to as a 'Destiny Mark', they were once rare, but now were commonplace. They were a symbol of that pony's unique traits, consistenting of any combination of talent, skills, and personality. And at times, it sounded as if Rarity was describing the very expression of her soul, imprinted on her flanks for the world to see.

Atchmon answered as much.

Scootaloo explained. "The 'destiny' part is more to encourage foals to get out and discover themselves; most try too hard and end up doing a bunch of things that doesn't have to do with who they are, or what they're good at." They each chuckled and looked between each other.

Sweetie continued. "That's right, it's the purest expression of the Harmony inside each of us." They all bared their flanks towards him.

Applebloom interjected. "But they can also be genetic, like in my family; we all have an apple of some shape or form to show we all belong to the same Clan."

Atchmon blushed and tried to look anywhere else. It was hard to concentrate while having three perfectly shaped, nubile posteriors in front of him.

Scoots spoke next. "We're a somewhat special case, we aren't related; but we all got very similar Cutie Marks." Then Sweetie said. "There's been one other confirmed case, where multiple ponies each got their cutie marks at the same time; so we know they also connect us to others in ways we don't yet understand."

Atchmon started to feel overwelmed. "I kind of get the sense this is important, but I don't really understand how big of a deal this is for me; but I do want to know what it is, but I'm also not really looking forward to finding out."

Sweetie Belle cleared her throat. "Let me put it to you this way for you as a stallion," she took a breath. "It's a really big deal!" She shouted, her voice squeaking at the end. The others answering in quick succession.

"Everypony will treat you like an incompetent foal!"
"Other mares will think Rarity is a foal snatcher!"
"They'll either look down on you, or pity you!"
"You can't go out or do things on your own!"
"You'll be treated like an object!"
"Colts won't want to court you!" Said Applebloom. The others stopped and looked at her.

She shrugged. "What? It's true."
"That doesn't apply to stallions." Scootaloo replied flatly.
"It could!" Applebloom retorted.

Sweetie got between them. "Girls, we're getting off-track!" She composed herself, and spoke calmly. "Basically, it's also a sign of your maturity."

"It shows what you're good at." Scootaloo mirrored.

"And it's an assurance of who you are." Applebloom added.

Atchmon was reeling at the info dump, and briefly wondered if he'd need a crow bar to un-lay-back the ears plastered to his skull.

The girls were wild hellions one moment, then calm, peaceful angels the next. They even put their hooves together.

He asked. "Okay, so, how do I get started finding this thing?" He gestured at his side.

Scootaloo answered. "Today is mainly going to be for introspection."

Applebloom next said. "We'll make a profile using your answers and we'll work through it with you from there."

"Just remember there's no rush, or quick way to get a Cutie Mark, no pony can make it appear for you, or before its time." Sweetie informed.

Atchmon got frustrated. "Now hang on a minute! 'Before it's time' sounds like it'll show up on its own, without me havin' to do anything!" He pouted and folded his legs, confused all over again.

"It's better if you discover it on your own, otherwise we'll have to pivot so you can understand yourself, before realizing yourself; we help grown up all the time who've either lost their purpose, or never thought to discover it after it already came."

Atchmon felt like his brain just caught fire. None of this made sense.

"But you're a special case, so we're excited to help you through it all." Said Scoots.

Applebloom got their attention. "Wait ya'll, he's got a point, he's obviously older than any colt or filly that would've gotten one by now."

"So what should we do?" Scoots asked.

"What can we do, is more like it." Said Sweetie.

"There's a chance we may need to think of new techniques to help him out." Applebloom thoughtfully rubbed her chin. "We've helped plenty of adults reconnect with their Cutie Mark, and a lot never discovered theirs on their own; so it shouldn't be that much different."

Sweetie stepped in. "That's a valid point, but there's nothing we can do about it today, so we should table that for another time, and keep with standard procedure for now."

'When did they start talkin' all business like that?' Atchmon thought.

"All in favor?" Applebloom rose her hoof up.

"Aye." The other two responded, doing the same.

"All opposed?" They looked at him.

Atchmon smiled and answered in a horsey voice. "Neigh?" He and the girls chuckled, tittered, and chuffed at their fun.

The girls got paper notes, stickers, glitter, and crayons before sitting with him.

Sweetie clicked a pen. "Alright, let's begin."

"What do you like to do? What are you passionate about? What is something that makes you special? What is the thing that makes you, you?" They each asked happily in turn.

Atchmon thought for a moment, and wanted to match their excitement; but doubt caught up to him, and he lost much of the enthusiasm he had before starting.

Was it hunting? No. He used to enjoy it, but he didn't always hunt because he like to. Sometimes it was an excuse to run away, and get some good food for a change from their processed meat, Raman noodle, and potato diet. It was as much a necessity as it was a hobby.

He had years to indulge in his hobby, until it lost all the appeal it once held. No longer was it freeing, but work. A lot of work that wasn't optional.

Gaming? He liked it, a lot; but it wasn't a passion that drove him to pursue it. It was always a break to avoid his real life issues.

Math? He was good at it. He could solve fractions faster than anyone in school... but after taking and failing the ACT test, he was certain his teachers didn't prepare anyone for the real world.

Sports? He played, and was only okay at them. Football. Baseball. Basketball. Golf. Bowling. He loved baseball the most. But His school was too small to compete seriously in anything, and there were shortages of players and budgetary constraints a small public school couldn't swing.

He asked Rarity about the sport, and funnily enough, ponies developed horse sports like polo and jousting on their own. But no Baseball.

What good is a talent in baseball in a world without it?

What else was there? There had to be something else. What were his ambitions before Equestria, beyond a vague desire to be wealthy and successful?

He couldn't recall ever having a dream.

Every kid wanted to be an astronaut, firefighter, or policeman; because those were "cool". But as he got older, taller, dumber... His height alone would disqualify him from being an astronaut. Firefighters struggled to make good money, the same could be said for most professions that didn't require college, at that time-- that's what he was always told anyway-- and most he knew were volunteers, so no money there. A cop? Why would he want to join the very force that took food and money from his family, simply because some old guys wrote on a paper that said his people needed permits to hunt food on the very land they were forced to be moved to in the first place! That was some bullshit!

It made Atchmon angry all over again. The old wound was picked open, as if it never had time to heal... but after calming down, his thoughts went blank; unable to think of anything that he remotely liked to do.

Archery? No. He was good at it from years of necessity.

There was scarcly anything he actually liked to do that wasn't dopamine inducing, mindless drivel; and the things he liked to do, he didn't like them anymore, or they weren't something he'd live hand to mouth by.

Atchmon got a dreaded sinking feeling. There was a reason that crystal tree didn't give him a Cutie Mark from the onset. He felt defeated, and had to face facts...

The simple truth of it was...

He wasn't special.

Some Assembly Required

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Applejack didn't have far to gallop, before she was knocking on Rarity's door again.

After not getting an answer, Applejack's head hung in disappointment, before turning around and making a slow trot back to the Apple stand.

"Applejack, is everything alright?" A purple maned, green hide mare asked as Applejack passed by, wearing large sun glasses and bonnet.

"Nope, ain't nuthin' been right." Applejack answered without looking at the mare.

"Ooh darling," the mare cooed. "You look so sad; is there anything I can do to make it better?"

Applejack's heart skipped a beat. The mare sounded a lot like Rarity, and on any other day she'd jump at the offer; but Applejack just wasn't feeling it. "Nope... not unless you can tell me where my friend Rarity is at...?"

As Applejack was passing by, her head was near the mare's flank, her blue 3-diamond cutie mark was at her eye level; but her scent was all wrong, smelling of alchemicals.

"Rare?" Applejack's head raised and squinted her eyes at the green mare in confusion, beginning to recognize her.

"Oh, is that all? Well she's right here, darling!" She said perkily.

"Rarity!" Applejack reared up and threw her forelegs around her neck, nuzzling deep.

"Applej-AHaha!" Rarity half laughed and half high-pitched squealed in shock at the normally stoic farm mare nearly glomped her to the ground.

Rarity felt a little grossed out at the cold wetness of sweat on the farm-mare that she absorbed in the crushing embrace; that was before she realized she couldn't draw breath. "Let- go-" she croaked.

Her words stung Applejack, knowing she had to be angry with her for letting go when she disappeared into the Map portal.
"I ain't lettin' go, never again, not ever," Applejack tightened her grip, and nuzzled deeper.

"Applejack, she can't breathe!" Spike shouted in alarm, seeing his beloved turning blue in the face, while looking like she were about to pop.

Applejack's eyes went wide, while still clutching onto Rarity's neck and hearing something crack. "Oh right," she let go, watching Rarity cough and take a huge gasp of air while rubbing her neck.

"Sorry 'bout that," Applejack apologized sheepishly and pat her back.

"No trouble, dear," Rarity rasped.

"Spike, go put those away and fetch me some water, would you?' She rasped.

Spike pouted at Applejack, never breaking eye contact as he left. "Sure, Rare, I'll be right back. Hooves to yourself." He warned at Applejack, to which she tipped her cowpony hat in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry I missed you last night," Rarity said and rubbed her neck.

"I should be the one who's sorry," Applejack wiped the mist from her eyes, then smiled warmly as Rarity took her hoof and patted it gently.

"You don't have anything to be sorry about, dear; it's all behind us." She reassured.

Applejack sniffed and nodded, then picked herself up and adjusted her cowpony hat. "So, ya got dipped, huh?" She asked playfully.

Rarity scoffed like a teen filly. "Ugh! I really need to make a trip to the groomers." She inspected her hairy foreleg, looking disgusted at her greenish coloration and long, feathered leg hairs.

Applejack chuffed. "I know how it is, I get myself dipped at least once a year; I've heard all the names too, 'sour apple', 'rotten apple', 'Granny Smith's younger sister', nuthin' really original there."

A stallion's voice sounded behind her. "Excuse me, ma'am; but where can I put this down?"

Applejack turned to see a delivery pony with a sizeable package on his back.

A teen Earth colt, barely in his stallion years; with a grey hide, and a slate blue mane. His muzzle and flank were spotted with dapples, more numerous than Applejack's. 'Print Machines, Sky Carriages & Mane care' was embroidered on his jumpsuit.

Rarity and Applejack both felt a pinch in their brains at being called a "ma'am" by the bored-looking young buck.

They were only a few years into marehood. That was for mares that were 30- no. 40 minimum!

"Right this way, darling," Rarity felt her eye twitch, and gestured inside her home. 'Oh poo, no freebies for me this time.'

The teen colt blanched at Rarity. "Um, has the home been treated for pests yet?" He did a dainty shake of his hoof at each of them, while looking disturbed.

Applejack looked grumpy. "She just got back from getting Dipped, ain't no big deal." She answered curtly.

Rarity looked equally put-off, but hid it better behind an innocent facade. "It's fine, darling, I've been away from home and did so as a precaution."

"Okay... Just so you both know, I have a marefriend already." He pointedly looked at both of them.

"I understand, deary; would you mind leaving it just inside the door?" Rarity's smile grit her teeth, but still managed to sound sweet.

Applejack looked even grumpier.

"Actually, I just remembered, it's company policy to not go into customer's homes, so I'm just going to leave this right here." The young buck didn't wait for an answer, and used his tail to slow the package as it slid off his back.

"Thank you for your business," he feigned cheeriness, before cantering away at a quick pace.

Applejack and Rarity both sighed and shook their heads.

Spike came back to ask how Rarity wanted things organized: her usual chaotic, or what he called the 'Princess deluxe'. Which was very similar to how Twilight taught him how to organize things, but reserved only for Princesses.

Instead, he paused at the front door, hiding just around the threshold, after hearing the following conversation after the delivery colt had left.

"Well that was somethin'," Applejack commented.

"He seems quite the catch, I would've made a pass at him; wouldn't you?" Rarity asked, attempting to ease the tension with a bit of mare-talk.

'Are they talking about me?' Spike started to feel giddy.

Applejack looked confused at her. "Huh? Oh, yeah, but looks aren't everythin'; he'd be a might better if he were more reliable; granny always said 'a good stallion is one with a strong back'."

Spike bit his claw in worry. 'What!? I can be reliable, I thought I always was!'

"Oh his 'backside' looked plenty strong enough, didn't you notice?" Rarity hinted.

Spike's heart nearly seized. 'Rar- Rarity likes m-my-' He puffed out his chest in pride, grinning from ear to ear, and checked on his thin lizard tush.

Applejack looked back at those tight little colt flanks trotting away, and what little ball cleavage she could see between his legs and tail. "Yeah, but you can barely see them little acorns he's swingin', bet that lil' saddle blanket couldn't get a mare to foal after a dozen covers."

Spike had never heard the girls talk about him like this. Other stallions, sure, but Twilight always made him leave or magically deafen his hearing whenever their conversations got too adult.

He looked between his legs at his crotch. His testes were internal, leaving him almost completely flat and featureless down there.

He felt self-conscious about his body, and touched himself, running a trimmed blunt claw along the rounded edge of a softened set of scales which formed his genital slit.

"Oh, I'd say he could accomplish the feat in three minimum; youth does have its advantages." Rarity countered playfully.

Spike stopped what he was doing and felt new confidence wash over him. 'Yeah, you tell her Rare! Wait, what does she mean by that?'

His heart thrummed to the very idea of finally being intimate with his true love became a very real possibility. But that was tempered by his new bodily shame. It wasn't enough that Rarity liked him as a friend. He wanted her to want him, to desire him, the same as he wanted her.

Normally, Rarity was above such salacious talk, but this was her gift to Applejack; knowing she was a bit of a mare's-mare. They both laughed. Just two fillies playing, and reaffirming their maresculinity by judging the attractiveness of boy buns, and the size and fertility of their seed packs.

"I can't blame the poor colt for not wanting to place himself in a vulnerable situation; but would you mind helping me with this, Applejack?" Rarity asked; magicking up the package effortlessly.

'I'm not vulnerable, with these scales, I'm practically, mostly, kind of, impervious!'

"Sure-hrck!" Applejack grunted as Rarity dropped the parcel on her back, just as the word left her mouth. She did a double-take between the package and Rarity.

Spike came rushing out. "Give it here, I'll take care of it!"

Applejack paused in surprise, feeling the weight on her back. "You sure you can handle this, Spike, it's a might hefty?"

"I can handle anything you throw at me, I wouldn't want you to think I don't have a 'strong back' after all." He said smugly, using her own words against her.

"Well, alrighty then, here ya go." She bucked, arching her back, sending the package flying over to him.

Spike wasn't paying attention, still too pleased with his wordplay. "Bring it on-OOF!" The package flattened him against the ground, with only his extremities sticking out.

Rarity frowned in concern. "Spike, you sure you don't want some help?"

"No! I- ugh- got it- guah- You. Can. Always. Rely. On. Me. Rare!" He strained with every step, crawling like a turtle.

"Well, if you're sure." She looked at him pitifully, before leaving him to deal with it.

Applejack smiled and rolled her eyes, before following Rarity inside, noticing some new definition in her legs, and a couple ribs showing. "You seem different, you been workin' out?"

She smiled proudly, and struck a pose to show off the new subtle cuts in her muscles. "So kind of you to finally notice, but I don't think mild starvation and wilderness survival counts as a 'workout'."

Applejack flinched, then blew a horsey snort. "I'm gonna give Twilight a good tongue lashin', next time I see 'er." Applejack said bitterly.

"I'm sure she'd love that." Rarity quipped, covering her smile.

"I meant the bad kind!" Applejacks cheeks were pink, before the mares tittered at their fun.

"It's alright, darling; she and I have already made amends, so no lashing is necessary; unless you want to for fun?" She teased, getting a sassy look and knowing smirk back.

"I was jus' noticin' your magic looks stronger too." Applejack complimented.

Rarity glanced up at her horn. "Is it? I suppose it has. I've gotten to use my magic in ways I never thought I would."

Spike gave out and faceplanted on the floor. "Any. Thing. Else. Rarity?" He mumbled into the carpet.

Applejack asked. "So what'd you need my help with?"

"Oh, just moving a few things." Rarity said innocently.

After about an hour, Applejack and Spike worked together to move Sweetie Belle's bulkier belongings downstairs. Now all they had left was her white spinet half-piano.

"You ready?" Applejack called back as Spike lifted Sweetie's piano.

"Yeah, I'm ready!" He grunted, lifting his end by carrying it on his back, with straining effort.

"Okay, here I go," Applejack lifted her neck, pulling up her end with the assistance of some lifting tack wrapped around her head, allowing the strong neck muscles to carry most of the load. They began their decent down the winding staircase, then piano caught on the railing.

"Hol' up, Spike, I need more room, move right a little bit." Applejack grunted.

He gasped, sweat pouring from his brow. "My right, or your right?"

Applejack rolled her eyes. "My right is your right, Spike."

"Oh right..." Spike moved, but felt resistance threatening to remove his grip.

"Wait, jus' gimme a second."

"Applejack, are you on my team?!" He snapped.

"I can't see where my hooves are at, just gimme a second to find the step!" Applejack felt around and found the landing, but her weight shifted as she stepped down, bumping into the weight and causing the transfer of momentum to push into Spike.

His little drake feet were already on the edge of the next step and slipped. Spike reacted by grabbing onto the only thing he had; resulting in him pulling the piano out of Applejack's tack and fall with him.

"Spike!" Applejack called after him.

"Ahhhh!" The piano launched off the stairwell as Spike landed on his back at the bottom.

Spike clenched his eyes, expecting to be crushed, but when he opened them, the piano was floating in Rarity's blue aura.

Spike rolled over to watch his beloved straining, but otherwise composed as she delicately put it down in the middle of her shop with Sweetie's other belongings.

"Hoo-wee! That's some mighty impressive magic ya got there, Rare," Applejack hollered as she trotted over Spike. "Nice save!"

'Save?' Spike got up shakingly. "Rarity, you saved me, how can I ever pay you back!" He rushed to hug her.

"It was nothing, Spikey. Why don't you go make us some drinks, all this life saving has left me rather parched." She went to lay on her fainting sofa.

"You bet, I'll have them out in a jiffy!" Spike excitedly rushed to the kitchen.

Applejack shook her head. 'Welp, looks like Rarity got her wish, hope she don't demand anythin' too dramatic for the boy.' She thought, remembering the time Spike owed herself a life-debt.

Rarity had already cleared a workspace inside Carousel Boutique's main floor. "Applejack, if you aren't too busy, I could use your help with this typewriter I ordered, I need your help setting it up and testing it."

Applejack felt a pinch in her brain. She'd already been visiting and helping awhile already, so if she agreed, she wouldn't be back 'right away' like she told her Granny. If she stayed longer, that would make her a liar, would it? But they didn't agree to a specific time, and to say 'right away' is equally vague as 'over yonder'.

So long as she got back when it was time they usually left, Granny wouldn't be mad at her, right? 'It shouldn't take me more than a few minutes, how hard could it be?'

The words poured out of her mouth like thick molasses. "Nah... I'll- uh, help ya out." Her snout scrunched.

She opened the box and found the instruction booklet, discarding it immediately.

Rarity hummed. "Um, are you not going to use that, don't you think you'll need it?"

Applejack clicked her tongue confidently. "Nah, I know what I'm doin'; instructions are just 'one mare's opinion' on how it's put together."

"Mm-hmm." Rarity deadpanned as she levitated and observed the assembly book.

Applejack knew Rarity's sister treated the boutique as a second home, but Applejack couldn't help noticing things were changing.

Her look turned melancholy as she gazed at Sweetie Belle's possessions, imagining one day she'd have to help move Applebloom out one day soon.

She wasn't ready for it.

"Where's Sweetie Belle at, isn't she usually home around this time?" she asked.

Spike perked and listened in from the kitchen. He felt guilty with how he left things with Sweetie Belle, and wanted to know if she's said anything to Rarity about it. 'Oh no, what if she tells Rarity I was being mean to her!? I never wanted to hurt her feelings!'

He swallowed the lump in his throat.

"Oh she's going to be late, she's helping Atchmon discover his Cutie Mark." Rarity answered idly flipping through pages

"Blehck!" Spike gagged at the mention of... that guy's name.

"Everything alright in there, Spikey?" Rarity called back.

"Everything's fine." Spike sang back strenuously.

Applejack perked at the familiar name. "Atchmon? Oh, yeah, I met him earlier today; well, that's good, maybe she and my lil' sister can help him with that blank flank of his." She began to sort out the box.

"You did, well that's wonderful, what'd you think of him?" Rarity answered cheerfully.

'A smug, handsome, dummy that isn't good enough for you, Rarity!'

Applejack was perplexed at the question. Rarity never paid much mind to what ponies their sisters were helping, and neither did she. But then, he was an unusual case. How often does a grown pony pop up without a Cutie Mark? But figured she must've met him wandering around same as her.

"He seemed nice, Granny plum near loved him up." She chuckled and shook her head. "But he took it 'bout as well as anypony, I s'pose."

Rarity grimaced and chuckled with mirth, just imagining the elder mare putting the moves on a stallion a fraction her age. "Well, as long as he conducted himself like a gentlestallion, I suppose I can overlook a bit of flirtation from our town's founding matriarch."

Applejack nose scrunched. 'Why would she say it like that?' But brushed it off. "Hope Applebloom behaves herself around him, she's been chasin' some boys from her school, has Sweetie been showin' any of 'the signs' yet?" She asked forebodingly.

Spike felt a chill down his spine. He knew about the birds and the bees with Ponies, having a front row seat to how agitated Twilight would get at him. Spike knew when Uncle Estrus was in town, it was best to avoid mares company for the foreseeable week. Even his beloved Rarity became annoyed with him at times, but somehow that just made her more beautiful to him.

Rarity scoffed. "Oh heavens no, thank Celestia; hopefully not for another year... or five; how's Applebloom doing by the way?" She asked, while fixing some lemon juice.

Spike felt relieved. He already didn't want to apologize to Sweetie about what he said, but to have to do so while she was dealing with being all mare-ish. It made Spike shudder.

Applejack sighed. "She's been sweet on some colts from her school, I been doin' all I can to explain to her she needs to wait; but ya know how she is, always thinkin' she's more mature than she is."

"That, I do, first hoof." Rarity shuddered and cringed.

"What was your first estrus like for you?" Applejack asked curiously.

Spike blushed. He'd not heard this before.

"Oh it was a travesty, I ponynapped a colt I had a crush on; my father had to wrench him from my hooves and magic while I professed my love for the poor boy; how about you?" Rarity held a hoof up to her forehead and fell back into the couch, humiliation welling back up after all these years.

He wanted that!

Applejack chuckled and reminisce. "I kept pesterin' one boy I liked, followin' him around town an' pickin' on him, sometimes I'd yell at 'im for no reason, brushing up to him and pushing into 'em; sometimes I'd demand he tell me if he liked me, I didn't know why I wanted his attention so much, but when I did, all I wanted was for him to go way; and then I'd chase after him and shoo away any pony that he got close to; never knew why I did all that, until Granny explained it to me after."

Rarity sighed tiredly. "Oh I am not looking forward to those days, I just hope whomever she fancies, he will be patient and understanding."

Spike heard that. 'I will be, for you my Rarity, I just have to bide my time, and maybe Atchmon will mess things up on his own!' He snickered devilishly.

Applejack chuffed. "I don't think Applebloom will giv'em the option, the filly has always been in such a rush to grow up, I jus' hope she don't do somethin' she'll regret."

"I understand, and I hope the same for my Sweetie Belle, but when Mother Nature calls, we must answer; do we not?"

Applejack hummed noncommittally. "It's gettin' to be that time, ain't it; you have any plans for Hearts an' Hooves day?" she asked.

"Just salvaging what remains of my business, and..." Rarity paused in thought. "I feel like I'm missing something... but it's probably nothing." She couldn't put a hoof on it, but there was something big coming up, she could feel it. 'If only I had Twilight's scheduling and organizational skills, I'm sure I wrote it down somewhere on the calendar, I'll have to remembert to check it later.'

"Well, if you're needin' any help; jus' lemme know." Applejack offered cheerily. "With your business, that is," They both giggled, knowing how doomed they both were as big sisters.

"Thank you, darling; I might very well be taking you up on that offer." Rarity relaxed.

Applejack went for the large parcel and cracked her forelegs before getting to work, turning over the box and dumping all the parts into a heap on the floor.

"Now where is the, there should be a, ah, there you are!" Applejack exclaimed, after rummaging through all the parts to finally find the missing, and only, tools she'll need; picking up the miniature spanner and screwdriver with her teeth.

"Two maremosas, coming up!" Spike set one down for Applejack. "One for you, and one for... the most beautiful, and amazing mare in the world..." he said dreamily, and let Rarity take her drink from him.

"Ooh, thank you Spikey-Wikey, mwah!" She kissed him on the forehead, then leaned back on her fainting couch to read the booklet, ignoring the dopey look on the drake.

"Gee, thanks Spike, I can just taste the love..." Applejack sassed as she sipped, then her eyes brightened in surprise by how good the orange-y tang of it was, then deadpanned to not give the drink, or the lovestruck Drake, the recognition they deserved; not that he would care while fawning over Rarity. 'Dang, aunt, and uncle Orange must be doin' well if their quality is gettin' this competitive.'

Spike offered smugly. "Just let good ol' reliable Spike know when you want a refill on that drink, Applejack." He turned and offered eagerly. "Do you need anything else, Rarity, how about a hoof massage?"

Rarity went into a coughing fit and waved him away. "Oh no, Spike, as much as I would like that, I'm afraid I haven't made time to get a Poni-peddi."

Spike still went for her back hoof. "Awe c'mon, they can't be that b-" He made a disturbed face. Rarity's hoof was overgrown, frayed, cracked, and discolored due to neglect and the Dip. There were still bits of debris from the Everfree forest stuck in the crevices around her frog. The normally soft and squishy pad was hardened due to neglect and miles of trotting over rough terrain.

"I know they're hideous!" Rarity covered her face and took a big, shameful sip of her drink. "My cute little hoovsies are all mangled!" She rasped in her over-the-top way.

Spike couldn't allow his beloved to feel an ounce of shame. "N-no! Just let me go find some hoof clippers, and I'll get them looking presentable again, I promise!"

"Okay, Spikey, you're my hero!" She sang happily, dropping the drama; and casually went back reading the instruction book, and sipping her drink.

Applejack was sticking out her tongue while trying to fit parts together that looked like they could be combined, only to find they weren't compatible; it became more frustrating as she went on; with only the punctuating sound of Spike using the clippers to distract her from the task. She poured herself into the project. Connecting all the little tid-bits together, and only panicking when she misplaced the little spanner and screw driver tools that were needed. Time went on, and the ice in her Maremosa melted after working for a long while, watering it down.

Applejack held up the box with a picture of the typewriter she'd been working on, and gazed at what she built.

It looked like an amalgamation of parts piled up into a small mountain.

"Doh ponyfeathers, why can't I get this figured out?!" She cursed, tossing the box aside.

Rarity was laying comfortably on her side, while Spike was finishing polishing her back hooves. She closed the booklet with a distinctive clap, then cleared her voice in lady-like fashion. "Ahem, allow me, darling."

"Buah, hey!" Applejack jumped in surprise as a few errant parts levitated from beneath her tail, along with her pile, as it all circled around the room in a field of magic.

Rarity was no Twilight, but knew a smart mare poured their heart and soul into the little instruction pamphlet, so that other ponies could enjoy an easy, stress-free assembly. It would've be wrong to ignore such a labor of love.

And so, Rarity organized all the pieces in an easy and professional semi-circle around her. Each matching piece was together with its brethren, and arranged perfectly by size.

She connected piece after piece with the finesse of her fine-precision telekinesis. Multiple screws were simultaneously rotated into their sockets and tightened telekinetically.

"Amazin'..." Applejack gaped in wonder as the parts came together like that Transformares picture show her big brother liked to watch. She knew Rarity was a good multitasker, but never seen her be able to use her magic like this before.

"I know, she makes it look so easy." Spike echoed. "Twilight's able to lift more, but she can't match Rarity's finesse."

In a short couple of minutes there was a brand new typewriter sitting on the floor.

Rarity rubbed the strain out of her heated horn to the cheers and congratulations from Spike. "There now, would you mind testing it out for me, Applejack, darling?" She sighed and suckled on the last of her maremosa.

Applejack looked perplexed, then embarrassed. "Oh, okay, I'm guessin' this is what you really meant when you said ya needed my help?" She smiled sheepishly.

"Yes, but you seemed to be enjoying the process of discovery, and I didn't want to take that away from you." She smiled.

The box came with some scrap parchment to type on. Applejack loaded it up with little effort and typed: Hello there! The keys clacking with a punchy, yet satisfying sound.

Rarity watched over her shoulder. "How does it feel, do you think you could use this to write a book?"

Applejack balked then fidgeted in place. "Rare this is nice and all, but with my livelihood bein' what it is, I don't write enough to use a fancy machine like this here." Rarity looked hurt and confused to her, which Applejack tried to quickly remedy. "But this is mighty generous of ya, I appreciate it, really; I just, are you sure ya wanna be given me-"

"Oh no no no, darling; this gift is meant for someone else." Rarity was quick to correct.

Applejack looked both relieved and confused too, especially at the way Rarity said that. 'Some one?' It pinched at her brain.

"I'm so sorry, dear, I never meant to imply it was yours; I really needed an honest Earth Pony to tell me if this will work as a functional gift, and I can't think of anypony better than you."

Applejack fidgeted bashfully. "Oh, nah, that's alright, it does type good; can I ask who's it for?"

"It's going to be a gift for, Atchmon!" Rarity danced on her hooves excitedly. "Oh I think he'll just love it!" She gushed.

Applejack cocked her brow in confusion. She knew Rarity to be a generous pony to a fault, but she'd never spend so much Bits on a stranger. Only Pinkie Pie had the means and motive to splurge on a new town pony, that was her thing.

"Well, he must be a special fella..."

Rarity shouted in her over-the-top way. "Yes! One might even call him a 'special somepony'..." She hinted mischievously.

"Glck!" Spike made a noise that sounded like a choking duck, looking sick and sticking his tongue out while mock gagging.

Applejack repeated in disbelief. "You mean.. Atchmon is your... special somepony?" She couldn't believe it. Rarity was into mark-less stallions like... that. It couldn't be, she liked classy, strong, independent, successful noble bucks. Not some random wild stallion from the plains. But then, she didn't know much about him.

Applejack could tell Rarity was being genuine. This wasn't the same kind of crush with Trenderhoof. Which threw her for a loop.

'Even I gotta admit Atchmon's a good lookin' buck.' She thought back to what he looked like. That permanent smoldering gaze, his dark mane and tail, the shine of his copper coat.

Applejack personally knew only one other bay colored brunette, Caramel. A rare breed they were; and he lived just a ways from Rarity. More surprising was Rarity never seemed interested in him at all, but then Caramel was a bit of a stereotypical himbo himself, and Rarity did like intelligent conversation.

So what changed?

"Is everything alright, dear?" Rarity asked in concern.

Applejack blinked, having gotten so lost in her thoughts she missed what Rarity was saying.

"Oh, it seems I interrupted a deep thought, haven't I?"

"Whuh? Oh nah, it- I..." Applejack hesitated, then sighed pensively. "I'm jus' so glad you're back Rarity, I missed you somethin' fierce."

"Ooh Applejack, I can only imagine what you and all our friends went through while I was away. " Rarity felt flattered, and cooed at her sweet words.

Applejack's head shook, looking melancholy; wishing she'd asked this sooner. "I've been a right awful mess with you gone, Rare, it made me realize how short our lives are, and I- I was wonderin' if, would you like to- go out and do somethin' together sometime, my treat; we've never really done anything with jus' the two of us."

"Oh Applejack, I'd love to... but it just isn't the right time; I have to get my businesses back in shape, clothes need to be made, fashion competitions to compete in..."

Applejack looked so disappointed, it broke Rarity's heart. "How about this, once I'm back from Canterlot and Manehatten, we'll get together then, sound good?"

She brightened and nodded. "Yeah it-"

*KNOCK KNOCK*

Spike rushed to answer the door, thankful for the interruption. "Oh hi Granny Smith!"

Applejack stood stock still in dread, seeing she'd been over at Rarity's for nearly two whole hours.

That definitely wasn't "right away" as she promised.

Granny deadpanned while looking passed Spike at her granddaughter looking more guilty than when she was caught with an empty cookie jar. "Hi yourself, is my granddaughter in there, Applejack, get your rear over here on the double!" She hollered at increasing volume.

Applejack pinned her ears and tail down, and hurriedly shuffled out the door passed her elder. "Yes ma'am."

Granny sighed and considered Rarity. "Good t' see ya ain't dead, missy; Spike you're growin' like a weed; 'scuse me while I sort out my granddaughter."

"Lovely to see you again, darling; we really must get together for a spa date when I get back." Rarity called after Applejack, before Granny Smith closed the door on her.

"Bye Applej-" Spike tried to follow up.

Ouside, the old fry in her voice was nearly gone as she gave her granddaughter an earful about forgetting about her, and leaving her elder without help.

Romancing the Pone

by sxcbeast

Prologue: Full Transparency - Cloudy

Doctor Visit

Social Angst

Saving Grace

Ponyville

Twilight's Castle

The Alchemist's Tree

A Slice of Life

Clerks

Who let the Dragon out?

Bruised Apples

Destiny's Fillies

Some Assembly Required