//------------------------------// // Setting up Shop: 1 // Story: Pinkie Pie buys a Human // by Ponyess //------------------------------// . The Sugar-cube Corner is packed, to the point where one has to book a table.  Even take-away food has to be preordered. Other establishments are suffering under the same pressure, even the otherwise less popular restaurants feel the pinch. “While I know the Pies need me here at the cafe, but their store just can’t swallow all the hungry ponies and guests!” I ponder. “Maybe I could ask Twilight, if she could find a property, on which I could build a cafe and establish a new business!  I could take a bit of the pressure off of the industry!” I ponder. "Twilight Sparkle is a Princess, she is bound to be on top of things.  Otherwise, maybe Mayor Mare could find me the spot, for the purpose!” I ponder. Besides, I need a lunch-break, could as well try to get this show on the road.  With everything said and done, I step out of the cafe and bounce off towards the castle.  While the castle may be well outside Ponyville proper, but the distance is not that intimidating to me. On my way through town, I pass the market.  Ponies selling all manner of things. If they are useful, safe or even legal; but the goods are traded and bartered for, all the same. “This is not Trade Ya, but they still have more than I could dream up in a lazy afternoon!” I ponder. One griffon even is trading humans, for various tasks and pleasures, from what I could see.  I am just too busy, to stop and ask for details, right now. The market is found fairly near the center of town, close to the business district where stores, shops, boutiques and restaurants are found.  Maybe that is why it had caught my eye? I continue towards the castle, hoping Twilight is actually in and available, when I reach my destination.  I don’t really have the time to wait, and hang around; if she isn’t there as I arrive. Thankfully, Spike is at the door, opening as I knock on the heavy castle gate.  The Door swings open and I trot inside. “Hiya, Spike!  I hope it isn’t too hard on you!” I greet my old friend. “Hiya, Pinkie.  I couldn’t complain, but the position is starting to be demanding!” he responds. “Oh, I know that feeling; all too well, when I tend the counter back at the cafe!” I respond. “Oh, yeah; I have to preorder, these days.  You never even needed to book a table, when Twilight and I moved to town.  The idea was practically unheard of, none bothered with such formality!” he chuckles. “These were the days; everything was so easy, back then! Which is why I need to see Twilight; urgently!” I point out. “Of course, back then; I was merely a lowly assistant, of a mere librarian!  I think she will be available, in a few minutes or so!” Spike responds. “Guess I take the chance and stay, waiting for her!” I point out. “She is always brightening the day!” Spike ponders. A few minutes later, Princess Twilight Sparkle shows up.  Spike’s estimate had been quite correct, as always. “Greetings, Pinkie Pie; what can I help you with, today?” Twilight says. “Greetings, Twilight; I was hoping you could find an estate, where I could establish a new cafe!” I respond. “Considering the business, not even the Cakes would complain!  I will see what I can dig up for you!” she points out, turning towards a small office. I follow Twilight, into the room.  Stopping by the map over Ponyville. “Let me see, an estate for a business.  I think there are a few remaining lots, one of which should be fit for preparing and serving food!  I will have to direct Mayor Mare to open up a new residential district in the near future, though!” she declares. “While I can’t play any favours on this, but your standing is exemplary, so I can still give you something!” Twilight adds, almost as an afterthought. “Thank you, Twilight; you do know how much it means to me, and Ponyville!” I exclaim. “Yes, I do know; the catering industry is about to burst, as it is!” she responds. “Not every Pony want to make their own food, and it can be a hassle to find the time!  There is also the growing tourist industry to consider!” I mention. “If nothing changes, I will be forced to have the city center reorganized!” Twilight utters. “While we don’t want to go to the extreme, but Ponyville was never set up to handle the bustle of modern life!" I respond. “No, Ponyville was merely a small farming hamlet; now it is simply bursting at the seams!” she points out. “Of course, I may have to ask you for another, and very different favour.  I will come back, and check in with you; if and when I will need your assistance in the matter.  You are after all the most prominent and capable Wizard available!” I point out, matter of fact. “Thank you Pinkie Pie, for the confidence and compliment!” she responds. "I don’t need you to raise or lower the sun or the moon, it is not a love or relation matter, and neither is it a cutie-mark business; so you are the best Pony available, and not just in Ponyville!” I point out. “I guess I could manage to raise and lower the sun and moon, with considerable practice and effort; but so long as Celestia and Luna are handling these, I will not need to.  Starlight Glimmer does manage the marks, pretty well; better than you need her to!” she explains. “If I can count on the estate for my cafe, I will have to see Rarity; in order to acquire a uniform and working clothes for the business!” I add. “I will just have to push through the paperwork, then you should have the key by the end of the week.  If nothing urgent or unexpected comes in the way!” Twilight points out. “Just enough time, for Rarity to fix my uniform and the first set of clothes for my new cafe!” I respond, grinning.