//------------------------------// // A Complex World // Story: Rara's Reality // by Gear Works //------------------------------// In an area near the Union Station Hotel in Nashville, a round, stone-like portal attached to one of the train tracks came to life, allowing a crystal-like trolley to appear from the portal and stopping in front of the covered parking lot. The location was but one of many templates used to bridge Earth and Equestria, and it became a perfect location to create a bridge between downtown Nashville and Equestria’s central hub, Canterlot. The hotel was once a local train station ages ago before it was redeveloped into a hotel in the 1990s. The train shed that was once nearby fell apart due to age before being used as a parking lot several years ago. When selection process was being made for portals, this became one of them. And in quick time, equestrian ponies were able to come here on special visas to see the sites and sounds that “music city” had to offer. As the crystal trolley came to a complete stop, humans and ponies were walking out and making their way around the parking lot. Two of them were Rick and Rara. Rick planned to make a stop back at his own apartment home in Franklin to take care of a few things, as well as upload some videos from his laptop, which he was able to bring with him. And he figure that showing Rara a bit of his home state would be nice for them. “I was surprised to learn that this hotel was once a train station,” Rara said, pointing to the building nearby. “Yea. Back before my time, trains were used for travel, while flight was still trying to get off the ground. Now, they used trains to transport supplies instead,” Rick explained. “It’s a good thing that they were able to revive this area for something like this. And I was able to leave my truck here in a special lot for those who would be living in Equestria long term.” As they were walking through the parking lot, they made their way to the private parking area. Rick was able to show his special passport to the guy who was working on duty, who allowed him and Rara access to the area. He pointed to the silver Dodge truck that was parked near the wall, and both of them got in, started up the truck, and made their way out of the parking lot and downtown, heading south. “This is your first time seeing outside the city,” Rick said to Rara. “Yea. I only had some time looking around the city when we were having the contest. So I never got to see what was outside the area. Applejack was able to tell me a bit of what she saw on her trips here.” “Well, you’re about to see it for the first time.” As they finally made it to the interstate roads, the first thing that Rara saw was a small building that looked a bit fancy, and it had the words “Adventure Science Center” on it. “What is that place?” Rara asked, pointing to the building in front of them. “The Adventure Science Center? It’s like a science museum. It’s been there for a long time, and has grown in its process. You can learn about the human body, explore space and our solar system, learn about various experiments, and other things. Twilight said that she wanted to see the place, but she hasn’t found the time to make it happen.” “Applejack did say that Princess Twilight Sparkle was always into various kinds of research.” As they went down the road, Rara could see some of the buildings that were around her. “So you have apartments in the area?” “Well, you could say that the city has been growing in the process. There was even a bowling alley back then. But it was torn down and replaced by an apartment building. We even had a small mall around here that was quite different from most malls. It’s called One Hundred Oaks Mall. The first floor was composed of stores that were accessed outside, while the second floor was more indoors with small stores. But the second floor closed down at one time, then reopened more as an outlet mall, until most chain stores started to go out of business. That’s when it got hit again.” “What happen to the mall?” When they passed under some bridges, the old mall came into view from their left. “Vanderbilt Medical was able to make an agreement and have the second floor as a medical plaza while maintain its outlet mall look on the outside. Has a bit of a new look, but still the same old feel. It also has grown, not to mention it has one of the biggest movie theaters in the mid-state.” She could see was he meant by the theater, because it was decked out in neon lights, with cars packed in the parking lot. “I know. It’s a lot to take in,” Rick said. As the mall was leaving their view, Rara soon noticed to her right some modern buildings and a field. “And what is that place over there?” “That… is a high school,” Rick replied. “Or more likely, a religious high school. Father Ryan High.” “Did you attend that school?” “Nope. I graduated from a public high school.” They went under another bridge and saw a place like the other, but had a different look to it. “John Overton High. Home to the Bobcats.” Rara had a confused look on her face. “Bobcats?” “It’s our mascot. I graduated from there a couple of decades ago. Although, it has gone through its changes as of late.” “What’s the difference between the two?” “Well, public schools are funded by people who live in the area through taxes. I’m sure you would understand that.” Rara nodded. “Private schools are funded in a different way. But I’m not sure, since I never attended one. Some of them involve religion, or more towards educational value. It’s more complex from what I know. There’s even another school call Franklin Road Academy up on the hill where I attended. But it’s range is different from the other two. Most kids go to public schools, since that’s the easier route to go by.” “Usually, schools where I come from were easier to work around,” Rara said. “But we only number in the hundreds to thousands. You number in the millions, right?” “In the nation,” Rick replied. “Billions, or even trillions in the world.” As they continued down the road, they were coming up to one of the signs that had “Brentwood” displayed on it. “That’s where we plan to live on this world, right?” Rara asked. “Yep. Some call it the “bible belt.” Maybe because of the churches that are around.” “Why so many churches?” “Because there are many religions in our world. Which is more complex than you might ever know. I mean, I’m surprised that your world doesn’t have a religious based system like ours. But maybe that would be a good thing for you.” “I… guess I can understand.” Rara was worried for a moment about these religions that were brought up and wonder how it would affect her kind. But that was put in the back of her mind when she saw a simple building with a name that was all to familiar to her. “A skate center? As in roller skates?” “Yep. Brentwood Skate Center. It’s been there for as long as I’ve lived. Lots of kids from school would get discount passes once a month to go there on one day. And it still holds up to its namesake.” “I’ve been to roller skate places when I was a filly back home,” Rara said. “It’s… been a while, after what I’ve been through with my music and touring.” “Well, I might have to take you there when we get a chance.” “If there’s ever a break from touring.” As they were getting closer to their destination, Rara started to notice the multiple buildings that were in front of her. “Is this Franklin?” “If you mean downtown Franklin, not quite. We’re just about to enter the city limits of Franklin. What you are seeing is call Cool Springs. It’s not the city name, but the area… nickname that we like to call it. It’s full of stores, restaurants, and other places. There’s a bigger size mall that is more like the centerpiece of the area.” “Must be a busy place to have all those cars in the parking lots.” “If you mean the mall,” pointing to his right, “then it is. But if you are talking about the cars on the other side of the road,” pointing to his left,” then those are car lots.” “Car lots?” “Well. How do you think we get around this world?” Rara soon realized what she was in and started to get an idea. “Oh, I see. They make the cars, send them to these car lots, and you get to buy them if you need one. Am I correct?” “You’re catching on fast.” “And what about those tall buildings up ahead.” “A growing business area,” Rick replied. “Back then, it was just all farmland before they built the mall, followed by the buildings around it. But these past several years, it has become more of a growing city like Nashville. Companies want to have their offices placed here to do their business.” “So, it wants to compete with Nashville?” “Not really. More like Nashville is running out of room for big businesses. You could say that it’s one state competing with the other states. That’s my best guess.” “Your world is really complex. More than my own.” Rick let out a sigh. “There are times when it was easy living the simple life. You just let things follow their own course. So I don’t really think about all that’s going on. Just enjoy what’s out there. Besides, it won’t be long before we get to my place.” As they passed all the buildings, they saw the off ramp that they needed to take and got off the interstate and onto one of the main roads. Rara finally got a better view of some of the store buildings, restaurants, and car lots that Rick explained earlier before making a turn on one of the side roads leading to some apartment condos. Rick saw the main office to the condos and pulled in to park his truck. As they got out of the truck, Rara became a bit more curious. “So, where is downtown Franklin?” “A bit farther down the main road that we were on,” Rick explained. “It’s more of a historical downtown city, so you would see older, simpler buildings around. I might show you the place if there’s time. But right now, I need to make sure my monthly payments are made to keep my room so that it can still hold my stuff until our new home is complete.” They went into the main office and up to the front desk. Rick saw the bell and pressed it rapidly. “All right, all right, I’m coming, I’m coming.” An old, white lady came out from the room behind her to meet the people, only to be surprised to see an old face. “Well I’ll be. Didn’t expect you to be coming by, Rick.” She went around the counter to give Rick a hug. “It’s good to see you too, Martha. Just needed to take care of some business.” Martha looked behind Rick and saw Rara behind him. “Is that on of those horse people I’ve been hearing about in the news?” “It’s Equestrian, Martha. Meet my singing partner, Coloratura.” “So this is the lady you got to sign on with when you won that contest?” Martha asked. “I must say, she sure is a beauty. For an… Equestrian.” “It’s nice to meet you,” Rara said, extending her hand to shake Martha’s. “Rick’s been showing me the sights while on our way here.” “Is that so,” Martha replied. She looked at Rick and said, “I guess you want to see Henry, right?” “If he’s not busy.” “He’s busy playing Wii bowling on that system you leaned to us while you were away.” “Figure he would take advantage of it.” Martha guided Rick and Rara over behind the office area and into the living room, where an old man was busy playing on a game system as if he was bowling. He just waved his arm in another bowling jester and didn’t get the end result that he wanted. “Come on. Should be easy to get a strike,” the old man said. “Henry, you need to keep the remote straight to get a better shot,” Rick said. Henry looked over to see Rick and grew a smile. “Ha ha ha! Rick! It’s nice to see you again.” He went up to Rick and shook his hand. “So what brings you here?” “Need to take care of some advance payments for the next few months,” Rick explained. “Payments?” Henry said. “Is it that time again?” “Just about,” Rick said. “Well, I wouldn’t worry about that, since you already covered for the next three months,” Henry said, patting on Rick’s shoulder. “You already cut off most of the power in the room, with the exception of the fridge. Which reduced the cost that I had to make for that room alone. So, I figure that I give you an extra three months. I’m guessing that it’s taking longer for your own home to be ready.” “That’s the long and short of it,” Rick replied. “Honey. He didn’t come alone,” Martha said, referring to Rara in the room. Henry looked over to see Rara in the room. “Oh. Is this who you’re working for in that other world?” “If you mean my singing partner, then yes,” Rick said. “Henry, this is Coloratura, my partner from the contest.” “It’s nice to meet you,” Rara said, shaking Henry’s hand. “Coloratura. That’s a fancy name you have there,” Henry said. “If you like, you can call me Rara. Most of my close friends call me that.” “Rara. I like that name even better,” Henry said. “Please, take a seat. Both of you.” “Would you like anything to drink?” Martha asked. “Just some water,” Rick said. “Same here,” Rara added. Rick and Rara went to take a seat on the couch while Henry went over to turn off the game system, putting the controller next to it and taking a seat at the chair on the other side. Martha went over to the kitchen and came back with some glasses of water for each of them. “So, I’m still covered for the next three months?” Rick asked. “That’s right,” Henry said. “But I’m sure you want to get some items from your place to take with you.” “Yea. Something to help pass the time until we get our tour started,” Rick said. “Plus, I need to upload some videos for our future fans.” “Oh, did you get your album completed,” Martha asked. “Just a week ago,” Rick answered. “And they already making plans for the Equestria tour, but nothing official as of yet. Not until they release the album. The American tour is in the works, from what I’ve been told. But that would be after the Equestria tour. It’s a lot going on, but it’s progress.” “Then you’re finally fulfilling your dreams, right?” Martha asked. “You could say that,” Rick replied. “I guess we have Applejack to thank for that.” “She was a nice… lady, is it?” “Mare,” Rick corrected Martha. “The term is mare.” “Oh, forgive me,” Martha said. “I’m still trying to understand about your kind, Rara.” “Oh, it’s no problem,” Rara replied. “I’m also learning about your kind as well… with Rick’s help.” Martha noticed that Rara was blushing while holding Rick’s hand. “By any chance are you two… dating?” “You… could say that,” Rick replied. “Why?” “Oh my.” Rick knew that whenever Martha said that, it was always something bad going on. Usually, it was something that was told in the media. And chances where that is was civil rights related. Rick let go of Rara and leaned forward. “What have you been hearing now?” Martha explained. “Well, it’s only word of mouth, but there have been some humans and Equestrians having more of a… personal relationship, in a sense. And some think it’s a sin.” “Which is garbage,” Henry quickly responded. “Let me guess. Same hate groups and religious cults,” Rick said, which the others nodded. Rick just shook his head in disgust. “Same story, new target.” “Is that a problem here?” Rara asked. “You could say that,” Rick replied. “Our nation has been dealing with issues like these for a very long time,” Henry explained. “I’ve even dealt with them in this complex. And you know what I tell them, if they don’t like it, then either move out, or I can raise the rates to cover the court fees that would be coming. I’m not going to go into a civil rights lawsuit because someone doesn’t like their new neighbor based of their race, religion, or sexual preference. What they do is their business, and as long as they don’t have anything illegal and they pay their monthly rent, then I’m fine with them living here.” “Must be a lot for you to deal with,” Rara said. Henry simply laughed. “Well, what would you expect. I am the landlord here, and I want to do the best I can for the complex’s owner. Otherwise, I could be out of a job taking care of the place. But don’t you worry. Things will come out better than you know it. Just need to remain positive, that’s all.” “Well, since you’re here, would you like to stay for dinner before you head on back?” Martha asked. “I already started to fix some roast in the slow cooker.” Rick and Rara looked at each other before Rick could respond. “Anything with it?” “Baby potatoes and baby carrots,” Martha replied. “I can fix some green beans if that helps Rara.” “The roast can be soft and easy to tear apart,” Rick said to Rara. “And I’m sure the veggies will do fine if you don’t want the roast.” Rara nodded. “That will be fine then.” “Good,” Henry replied. “Why don’t you go on ahead and get what you need from your place, and when you get back, you can upload those videos and join us for dinner.” “Sounds good.” Rick and Rara left the office and drove on down to where his apartment was located. Once inside, it felt a bit cool. Rick was able to turn on the lights, since everything else was unplugged. It was the first time Rara was able to see more of Rick’s stuff. Rara noticed the posters on the walls from movies, games, and music artists. Shelves that had CDs, DVDs, books, and video games. Electronics that she have only seen on her visits earlier before they met. There was even a machine that was like his laptop, but bigger, and maybe older, on a desk. She was looking over everything while Rick was gathering some items to take back. “Surprised to see all the stuff that I have?” Rick said to Rara. “Yea. I guess I’ll be seeing more of it when we have our American tour, once that is laid out.” Rick went to one of his shelves and took out some DVDs and placed them in a portable case, then some CDs into another case. “Figure that we have something to keep us busy until our tours next year. I can use my laptop to play them. Should I bring some more games for the GameCube?” “I guess.” As he was looking through the select games, he started to get a feeling that something was wrong with Rara and had to ask. “You feeling OK?” “Oh, yea. I’m fine. It’s just… do you think that you… me…” Rick stopped what he was doing and went up to Rara. “We had this discussion before.” “I know. But now… how do you think others would see us if they think it’s wrong.” “Look. Even before I was born, there were just two main races, black and white. Whites were more in control than blacks, and blacks were busy trying to have full, equal rights. And back then, multi-racial relationships were taboo. But that changed over time. Now, that kind of fight has been focused on same sex marriages, which some think is a sin. In my mind, I think that there are people who are just stuck in the past with their own values that they don’t want to accept the changing times. And I think this is another moment in those changing times.” “So, what do we do?” Rick placed his hands on Rara’s shoulders. “We let fate take it’s course. Doesn’t matter what anyone else says about us. If we can make it work, then we make it work. And if they don’t like it, then that’s their problem, not ours.” He let her go and went back to packing. Rara looked over the bookshelves and asked, “Can we bring some books along. Maybe more about this world?” Rick looked over saw a few books that came to mind. “Sure. I have a few books that shows some of our history in images. Should be better to explain what you see in pictures. And if we have to, we can stop by the bookstore near the mall and pick some more up, if any interest you.” “Thanks.”