//------------------------------// // Nick's Ordeal // Story: The Box in the Everfree // by Jh5kPony //------------------------------// Meanwhile, in another part of Ponyville... Nick was strolling down the streets of Ponyville as usual. Ever since he moved to Ponyville he had noticed some changes in the signs on the doors of most establishments. Many of them had either said "Human waiting zone" or "Equines Only". Although Nick was a fairly lovable man, humans were something of second-class citizens of Equestria. This resulted in some of Ponies' eyes looking at Nick with suspiscion. Nick approached a carrot salespony. The little market stall was run by a pretty gold-maned pony with a pale beige coat and green eyes. She wore an apron, with a nametag bearing the name "Carrot Top". Surprisingly enough, she had carrots for a cutie mark. Nick took a look at one carrot, lifting it up for a bit. He then set it down to examine a different one. Carrot Top stopped Nick before he could continue. She looked at Nick with a bit of a scowl. "You touch it, you buy it." she said. "But I-" Nick said. "Don't make me call the guards on you." she said. Nick then let out a sigh, as he took out some bits from his pocket to pay the pony. He took the carrots and continued down the path. Meanwhile, several young mares were murmuring about some gossip, as they huddled around. "I heard Lyra was dating...a human!" "Eww! Bestiality! Look away there's a human!" Nick simply shrugged off the remarks. As he was about to leave the main street (aptly named "Mane St"), a black maned white pegasus drags a cloud above Nick, raining upon him. The pegasus laughed at the now soggy human. And then... "HEY!" A voice was heard from nearby. It was Rainbow Dash. "Ugh, Cool Troll, stop horsing around with the rainclouds! You know what happened last time you did yet another one of your shenanigans! We had to postpone the scheduled rain in order to provide enough rain for the day it was postponed to!" said Rainbow Dash, lecturing Cool Troll. "Sorry." said Cool Troll, embarrased. "I'm going to have to dock your pay again!" Rainbow Dash said. Cool Troll flew away, shyly. "I'm sorry you had to deal with Cool Troll. He's usually a pretty cool guy." Rainbow Dash said to Nick, attempting to reassure him. "It's fine. I've gotten used to it." Nick replied, with a hint of hopelessness in his eyes. "Thanks, anyways." Nick continued to go about his way. Nick walked in a depressed gait, slowly making his way home. Then, out of pity, Rainbow Dash attempted to stop Nick. "Wait." Nick turned around. "Wanna hang out?" Rainbow Dash said. "Um...okay. By the way, my name is Nick," Nick said, stuttering. "Cool! I'll see you when my shift is over, okay?" said Rainbow Dash. "Okay." this time, he had a bit more enthusiasm in his tone. Then, as Nick was about to leave, Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie ran past Nick, splashing him with mud. Nick had a face of disgust on his face. He did not enjoy the berating. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash saw the two pass by. Rainbow Dash excitedly wanted to join what she thought was a race. "HEY WAIT UP GUYS I WANNA RACE TOO!" Rainbow Dash said. She quickly made a run towards and past Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie. Nick was still standing by, with a smile on his face. "What a cool pony."