Awakening after a good sleep I stretched feeling my legs sticking over the edge of the bed I was in. My eyes flew open, I'm still here! It’s real! At that moment I noticed Spike standing on the headboard looking down at me.
"Humph, still here I see. Here I was hoping you'd disappear back where you came from." Shaking his head he frowned. "Sorry dude, I don't mean to be so rude. It’s just… Twilight means a lot to me. She's my best friend; we've been together a long time. Since I was hatched. If anything happened to her..." I rose up to a sitting position looking at Spike seriously.
"Look Spike, I can see you care for Twilight deeply. All I can tell you is I would never do anything to hurt her. That’s a promise between us men." I offered my hand and after a second he extended his and we shook on it. I could hear Twilight's hooves clopping back and forth down below on the floor; she was muttering something to herself.
"What’s up with Twilight?" I asked.
"Oh, she’s just overreacting over some minor thing. Again. Oh by the way Pinkie Pie would like you to stop by Sugarcube Corner for breakfast, she had something she wanted to ask you."
I got up put on my socks and boots and headed downstairs. Twilight was pacing back and forth a list held magically in the air in front of her.
"Oh good morning Rick… Now if I move my meeting with the mayor ahead a week maybe I’ll have time for… Oh!" Remembering something she turned to me. "Did Spike tell you Pinkie wanted to see you?" I nodded.
"What’s wrong Twilight? Maybe I can help?" I asked.
"Oh, well. Its just Rarity's birthday is coming up in a month and I forgot to set aside some time in my schedule to get her a nice gift! She given me so many nice things, dresses and things she's made by hoof. I need to get her something special!" She was beginning to look a little freaked out so I cut in.
"Ok, well do you know anything she's looking for?" She shook her head no. "Hmm well. And you want it to be a surprise right?" She nodded.
"Yes definitely! She deserves it." I thought for a second.
"Well you can't ask her yourself. How do you feel about being sneaky about it?" She looked at me a second then came to a decision.
"Spike. There’s no way you can keep this a secret from Rarity. Go back upstairs a second would you?" Spike turned around and clomped back upstairs muttering to himself.
"Jeez, just get her a big beautiful gem like I'm going to." Twilight smiled.
"He's a bit enamoured with Rarity. Shh he’s a little sensitive about it." Spike turned and groaned.
"Not upstairs yet. Could you wait until I'm out of earshot at least to tell my secrets? Ugh!" I held up my hands in mock surrender to Spike.
"Didn't hear a thing buddy." He went up the last few steps and I leaned down close to Twilight and whispered in her ear. "Ok, well I'm sure to see Rarity at some point before her birthday. So I'll start up a casual conversation, ask about what dresses she likes or what she's interested in lately. I'll relay it to you and you can get it for her. Surprise." Twilight smiled.
"Yes! That could work. Oh thank you Rick." I smiled back, captivated.
"Anything for you Twilight… Uh well I better run Pinkie Pie is waiting. See you later Twilight. Later Spike." I said as I headed out the door.
"Ya, ya, later. Now are we ready to get to work Twilight?" Spike replied as I closed the door behind me and started into town.
Sugarcube Corner was pretty easy to spot so I headed right there, I saw a few ponies on the way and waved in greeting, a few of them even waved back. At least none of them screamed or ran. Coming to the store I pushed open the door ducking a bit to enter. From behind the counter popped that bright pink mare Pinkie Pie.
"Yay! You made it! Come in! Come in!" She rushed over grabbing my hand by curving her hoof around it and dragged me to a side room pushing me down in a chair beside a table. Taking a seat herself she started talking.
"Okay! What kind of a party would you like? I can do all kinds!"
"Gee Pinkie I don't know. I haven't had a party thrown for me since I was a little kid." I replied.
"What! No Parties? That’s so sad. Oh would you like some breakfast? I was just about to eat!" From one extreme to another I was beginning to see.
"Sure Pinkie if it’s not too much trouble that is." She zipped out of the room quickly and was back in a flash with a tray with waffles, powdered sugar, syrup and juice on it.
"What the... How did you…” I stammered.
Pinkie giggled. "Well I had it all ready of course silly." She grabbed a few waffles drowning them in syrup and sugar. "Now then what do you think you would like for a party? All my friends have their favourites of course." She said digging into her breakfast.
I grabbed a few waffles and poured a bit of syrup over them, I filled my glass and Pinkies with juice.
"Mmmm, thank you." Pinkie said swallowing.
"Well I really don't know Pinkie…” I said between bites. "Um, what kind of a party does Twilight like?"
"A Twilight party?! You mean in the evening and all? That could be fun!" Pinkie gasped.
"Oh. Yes that’s what I meant of course." I mumbled as I finished off my breakfast.
"Yes! I can see it now! Well not right now I'll have to make some stuff… Invite some ponies. But you'll see it'll be great! Ok, ok you'll let me take care of everything right?!" She asked, clearly excited now.
"Of course Pinkie, your the expert right?"
"Yes! I am! Bye Rick! Ooh I've got so much planning to do!" As I headed to the door Pinkie zipped up to me a package held in her mouth.
"Mood youth mliver iss or me?" I took the package from her so I could understand what she was saying. "Thanks! It’s for Applejack! It’s got a surprise in it so no peeking!" And with that she sped off.
"Thanks for breakfast Pinkie!" I said leaving. Back on the street I tried to orient myself. Now what way was Sweet Apple Acres... A pony was stopped nearby staring at me; she had a silver and grey mane and tail and a light brown body as well as wearing glasses. I cleared my throat quietly.
"Excuse me. Could you direct me to Sweet Apple Acres?" She started back for a second but quickly regained her composure.
"Ahh yes of course. Your the… Human? Twilight told me about? I am the Mayor of Ponyville. Pleased to meet you." She extended her hoof in greeting and I gladly shook it.
"Thank you for allowing me into your town madam Mayor. I really appreciate it."
"Well. You’re not what I expected at all. I think you'll be fine here." She smiled. "Sweet Apple Acres is just that way, down this street and keep going you can't miss it." She pointed the way.
"Thank you. See you again Miss Mayor." I bowed slightly and started heading the way she had indicated. It was quite away farther then I had imagined, it was getting on to past noon and I was feeling a bit tired by the time the Orchards came into view. All that fast food and little exercise don't pay off here I thought to myself.
I stopped to rest for a moment when I heard a loud THUD come from in the orchard. I stepped over the fence and went cautiously to investigate. I came to a small clearing and saw Applejack turn and slam her back hooves into a tree causing the apples above to fall precisely into waiting baskets she had placed. She turned and saw me standing there.
"Well howdy there. What brings you out to these parts?" She greeted me.
"Oh, sorry to intrude. Pinkie Pie asked me to bring this package to you. She said it was a surprise… Oops I guess I shouldn't have said that."
"Hmm a surprise from Pinkie? Put er down there a sec." She said indicting to a turned over basket. I did as she asked and she came over and unwrapped it carefully, using her teeth to untie the string and peel back the wrapping to reveal a pie. She sniffed it and stuck her hoof lightly into it pulling it back out and giving it a taste.
"Ha! A zap apple jam pie! She must have used up the last of her jam to make this. How sweet. Well it’s about time for a break and frankly you look a bit tuckered out. Care to come and have a slice and rest a bit?" She asked.
"Yes please Applejack." As I followed her up the cottage through the orchard she shouted out.
"Hey Mac! Apple Bloom! Sweetie Belle! I got Pie!" As we came up to the house two little fillys came running up I recognised from the day before as well as another pony. A very large one! Standing very nearly as tall as me and quite massive he had a dark red coat and a dark yellow mane and tail.
"Big Mac this here’s that human feller I was tellin ya about who’s staying with Twilight, Rick.” Big Mac looked me over once and extended his hoof in greeting with a.
"Eeyup." I shook his hoof grateful that he didn't seem to feel the need to crush me. As we entered the house I noticed an elderly looking pony in the corner of the room slowly rocking back and forth in a rocking chair snoring peacefully.
"Granny wake up we got a guest." A small snort was the only reply. "Watch this." Applejack smiled as she took a small piece of the pie over to Granny waving it under her nose. She sniffed a second and her eyes shot open.
"What’s this!? Mmm Zap jam pie." She sniffed again taking a quick lick. "From two seasons ago! An excellent year for zap apples!" She opened her mouth and chomped the piece of pie down and immediately fell back asleep.
Laughing Applejack lead us into the kitchen where she grabbed some plates and cut up the pie giving everyone a piece as well as a glass of milk. The pie was amazing. Sweet and tangy at the same time, I could have eaten two of them! We all sat back relaxing after eating.
"Well thank ya kindly from bringing that. Deelicious. Say, I hate to ask but I could use a favour if you have the time?" Applejack asked.
"Of course. What can I do for you?"
"Would ya mind seeing Sweetie Belle here home?" Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle both broke in with groans.
"Awwww does she have to go already sis?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Fraid so. I promised Rarity I’d have her home by supper and its gittin late." Sweetie Belle looked up at me apprehensively.
"Hey. Nothing to be afraid of kiddo. I won't bite, not even a little." I said with a grin. She looked at me even more strangely.
"What?" I asked.
"What’s a kiddo?" She asked in her cute little voice.
"Oh, well that’s what we call children in my world sometimes." She thought about that a second as we headed for the door.
"Well ok. But were not in your world." She chastised me as we exited followed by Applejack, Big Mac and Apple Bloom.
"You’re absolutely right. Nothing to be worried about little filly." She smiled up at me.
"That’s better!"
"Do you want a piggyback ride to your sisters?" I asked. She looked at me strangely again.
"What’s that?"
"Oh, well like when you ride on your sisters back. Well just let me show you." I kneeled down. "Just put your forehooves over my shoulders like so..." And holding her backhooves firmly I lifted her up to sit on my shoulders.
"Whoa!" She exclaimed. "I'm so high up! See you later Apple Bloom! Bye Applejack! Bye Big Mac!"
We headed back down the trail towards town Sweetie Belle talking a mile a minute about her friends and their plans to get their cutie marks. I really didn't know much about cutie marks having read just a little about them.
"Say Sweetie Belle. Where’s your friend Scootaloo today?" I asked.
"Oh she’s with Rainbow Dash! She’s giving her some flying pointers.”
“Well I’m sure Rainbow Dash can help her out. So your sister makes dresses does she?"
"Not just dresses! She’s a fashionista! I wanted to be like her too… But I'm not that good at that stuff." She said sadly.
"Hey! That’s alright, I bet your good at a lot of things!" I tried to cheer her up.
"Well... Maybe, but still no cutie mark." She pouted. I chuckled a bit.
"I'm sure it will come to you in time Sweetie."
"That’s what everpony says!" She fumed. I laughed.
"Sorry, not making fun of you. I'm sure it must be frustrating. So a fashionista eh? Is there anything she’s made lately that’s extra cool?" I asked. She thought about it a second.
"Oh yeah! She’s making this amazing dress for some Canterlot big shot’s wife. She’s worked soo hard on it! She won't let me anywhere near it!"
"Sounds amazing."
"It is! I'll show you when we get there! But don't touch!" We walked through town ponies seeming to relax even more seeing me carry Sweetie Bell around. Before too long we came to Carousel Boutique, I let Sweetie Belle down and she led me right in shouting.
"Rarity! I'm hooome! And I brought a human with me!" She giggled.
"Oh! I'll be right down! Take a seat. And Sweetie Belle, don't touch that dress!" She answered down the stairs. Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes.
"Sheesh, I know, I know." We sat down and I looked around the shop. Everything was neat and tidy, plenty of dresses and outfits displayed. Hopefully I'd be able to find out something for Twilight.
"Sorry for the wait." Rarity came down the stairs dressed up in a beautiful what looked like a Kimono. It was quite fetching as I stared I whispered to myself.
"Wow… Got to get one of those for Twilight." My train of thought got derailed immediately by a giggle right beside me.
"Rick and Twilight sitting in a tree..." Sweetie Belle began.
"I'll buy you five cupcakes next time I'm at Sugarcube Corner if you don't finish that." I interrupted her. She thought about it a second.
"Fine. Hey sis! Can I show Rick the new dress you’re making? I won't touch it!" Rarity clearly looking for a little attention came forward extending her hoof. I had no problem being a gentleman for her as I clasped it and bowed down bringing my lips to it.
"A pleasure to see you again Lady Rarity." Sweetie Belle made a gagging noise that Rarity ignored. With a smile she ushered me into another room with a large armoire in it. With a flourish she opened it revelling a stunning dress, festooned with gems and what looked like gold and silver spun thread. All in all it was stunning, she stared at it as well tears in her eyes.
"It’s the most beautiful dress I've ever made. I only wish I could..." She reached out with a hoof only to slap it back down herself. "Bad Rarity! It’s for a customer!" She turned to me looking sheepish. "Ahem, sorry I do so what to try it on, but I mustn’t!"
"Its quite amazing Lady Rarity. Are you sending it away?" I asked.
"No, someone is coming to pick it up. Jet Set, he’s a stallion from Canterlot. A bit of a snob but... Business is business. He'll be here by train today to get it."
She turned. "And my beautiful gown will be gone! Oh woe is me!" She lamented. She shut and locked the armoire with a look at Sweetie Belle. "Please, join Sweetie Belle and I for tea." I accepted and we three adjourned to her parlour where she quickly whipped up some tea and cookies. We had a nice chat and I promised her if she needed and help to just let me know.
I excused myself and headed out; walking back towards the library I turned a corner and bumped into a unicorn stallion with a light grey coat and black mane and tail. He was wearing what looked like a sport shirt as well as having a sweater knotted around his neck, very preppy.
"My word! What’s a beast like you doing here!?" He didn't seem particularly frightened, more put off.
"Ah my apologies. You must be Jet Set." I guessed.
"Oh?! You've heard of me of course!"
"Um… Yes. What I have heard is that you’re buying a dress from Rarity."
"Yes. So what of it?" He looked at me suspiciously.
"I would very much like to acquire that dress for a friend of mine."
"You?" He laughed uproariously. "A ruffian like you couldn't even afford a thread from that dress."
"It is true I don't have any money at this time having newly come to this land. But I would be willing to do whatever it takes to acquire it from you." He sneered at me seeming about to unleash a tirade on me. Then he stopped a weird smile on his face.
"Hmm..." He circled me looking me up and down. "You do look quite fierce... Yes, yes that could work." He chuckled. "Very well. You see for ponies of my status, impressing others is what it’s all about. If you'll do as I ask I will be more then happy to give you that dress. I can just buy my wife another one in Canterlot and say it come from here she'll never know the difference." He said haughtily.
"Alright... What is it you want me to do?" He grinned leaning in close to explain his plan. Quite devious I had to admit. I agreed to meet him the next day at the train station so his plan could commence.
It was getting quite late in the day by this time so I headed back toward the library. On the way I noticed an overturned cart with flowers strewn about. A little mare was trying to push it back up. She had a light yellow coat and red and light pink mane and tail. I walked up casually.
"Can I help you?" She jumped turning and then gasped backing away.
"Sorry! Sorry! Didn't mean to scare you!" I leaned down and levered the cart back onto its wheels. I backed away holding my hands out peaceably.
"Wait!" She took a step forward. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to be rude... You just startled me is all. Thank you!" She looked around scooping up a bouquet and tossing it to me. "Please take this. I really appreciate the help." I caught the bouquet and bowed slightly.
"Anytime I can help. And thank you. Oh my name is Rick by the way." I turned to leave
"I'm Rose. Have a nice night." I waved and headed to the library. I knocked on the door when i got there and it flew open Twilight standing there.
"Oh thank Celestia! I was getting worried. Its late you know?" As she scolded me I held out the bouquet for her.
"Sorry. Did a lot of exploring today. And met some nice ponies, they seem to be getting used to me." I said with a grin. "Forgive me?" She tried to look annoyed but smiled instead sniffing the flowers. She nibbled the top off of one and gasped.
"Yum! Thank you Rick!" Levitating the flowers with her magic she moved forward and gave me hug. I leaned down hugging her back tightly. I released her after a moment reluctantly and we headed inside. She had a small table set up with food on it a half burnt down candle in the center of the table.
"I'm sorry Twilight. I see now I made you wait." She put the flowers in a vase nibbling another head off as she did.
"Oh that’s alright. Spike fell asleep though." She giggled. I sat down and we ate together, I told her how my day went though I left out my plans with Jet Set. She likely wouldn't approve of them. But she was happy when I told her I had some ideas of what she could get Rarity.
I was tired but she was falling asleep on her plate. I quickly cleared up the plates and put them in the kitchen sink, when I got back she was out like a light leaning on the table.
I gently picked her up, and managed to carry her up the stairs to her bed. I set her down lightly pulling her covers over her sleeping form. I brushed her mane out of her face looking at her for a moment before I headed over to bed. Pulling off my boots, socks and shirt I pondered how I was going to handle Jet Set's request. As I lay down, again Twilight's soft breathing lulled me asleep in moments.
I could get used to this I thought as I slipped in sleep.