//------------------------------//
// REMASTERED - Chapter 6 - Around Town 
// Story: The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds 
// by Kamahido 
//------------------------------//

Several weeks pass. Arc grows steadily stronger as his wounds heal. One day as he, Twilight, and Rarity walk along the streets Twilight looks up to him.

“It looks like you’re doing much better.”

Arc nods. “Yes, I can walk pretty much as far as I could before.”

Rarity smiles. “That’s very good. Say, could we stop by my shop? I have something for you, Arc.”

“Sure. Lead the way.”

They arrive at Carousel Boutique. Rarity opens the door and steps aside for them to enter. Leading them into the back room she points a hoof at a bundle sitting on a workbench.

“That’s for you, Arc.”

“What is it?”

Twilight grins. “I suppose the best way to answer that question would be to open it.”

Arc nods and does so. Untying the knot in the bag he opens it and pulls something out.

“A new shirt!”

Rarity nods happily. “There’s more in there.”

Digging deeper, Arc pulls out a pair of pants and undergarments. Turning to Rarity he smiles.

“Thank you very much!”

“These should fit you a lot better than the one’s I cobbled together earlier.”

Twilight nods. “Why don’t you try them on though, Arc. See how they fit.”

Rarity turns to leave. “Yes. We’ll wait out here.”

Closing the door behind them, Arc disrobes and pulls on the shorts.

“Nice fit in the… anyways…”

Pulling the pants on, Arc looks it over as he buckles them.

“Feel even better than my old pair.”

Finally, pulling the shirt over his head Arc looks himself as he steps out of the room. Rarity appears nervous.

“How does it fit?”

“Pretty good. But how did you know how to make these? I’m quite a bit different from a pony in stature.”

Twilight grins. “I may have helped her with that.”

“Once when you were soaking in the tub I pulled your dirty clothes out of the hamper and had Spike run them over to Rarity.”

“I took all the measurements, looked over how they were constructed, and started drawing up patterns.”

Arc smiles as he looks himself over in a floor to ceiling mirror. “Well, you certainly nailed this outfit.”

Rarity points a hoof toward the back room again. “That was only one set. I sewed you up a few more of everything. They’re in another sack back there.”

“Again, I thank you. But I need to pay you back for this.”

Twilight chuckles. “Guess you’ll have to settle for and I.O.U, Rarity.”

“It’s fine, Arc. We all know you came here with nothing but the clothes on your back.”

Twilight bows her head. “If anything I’ll pay for them. After all, you are my responsibility.”

“While I appreciate that, I should probably look into getting a job.”

Rarity puts a hoof to her chin thoughtfully. “I don’t think any of the shops are looking to hire on help at the moment.”

Twilight looks to Rarity. “What about outside of town?”

“Wherever would you mean?”

“Sweet Apple Acres just started their fall harvest. They never have enough hooves to gather everything before the first snowfall.”

Rarity gasps. “But Arc’s not strong enough to work on a farm!”

“I think I can manage.”

“But what about your injuries?!”

Twilight smiles. “I’m sure Applejack wouldn’t make him do anything too strenuous. After all, she knows exactly what happened to him.”

Arc sighs. “That and I don’t think anyone else would want to hire me.”


Rarity frowns. “Don’t give up, Arc. They just haven’t gotten to know you like we have.”

“Oh, I do understand that. After all, I still clear the streets every day.”

Twilight groans. “We’ll have to find a way to change that at some point.”

“Yes, Twilight. Now then I don’t mean to cut this short but I need to head over to Fluttershy’s cottage to make a delivery.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Clothes?”

“Oh no. She asked me to come up with a myriad of different sized… um… bibs.”

Twilight appears confused. “Bibs?”

Rarity nods. “Fluttershy says that some of her animal friends are slobbering food all over themselves when they eat. That causes a lot of cleanup time for her after meals.”

Arc looks over to her. “I could bring it to her.”

Twilight gasps. “That might not be the best idea.”

Rarity sighs. “Agreed. She lives on the outskirts of town near the Everfree Forest, after all.”

“Is it dangerous?”

Twilight shakes her head. “As long as somepony stays out of the forest itself, yes. But you shouldn’t go alone.”

“Agreed. If you were to be hurt, nopony would help you.”

“I can be really careful.”

Twilight sighs. “Well… I’ll go with you. You’ll need somepony to show you the path anyways.”

Rarity nods. “Very well. I’ll get her order.”

Heading into the back room, Rarity returns a few moments later levitating a  two burlap sacks. She passes the small one to Arc whom throws it over his shoulder.

“She’s already paid for them, so no need to collect anything at the time of delivery. This other sack is some spare outfits for you, Arc. But I recommend you pick them up another time. No need to be traipsing around with them.”

Twilight nods. “Okay. See you for tea tomorrow, Rarity.”

Arc waves as the head out the door. “Bye. And thanks again for the clothes.”

Rarity closes the door behind them and sighs as she turns back to her desk.

“I do hope those clothes will help him look more Equestrian as well. What he had on was a bit… much for ponies.”

Meanwhile, Arc and Twilight make their way down the road toward the edge of town. As they pass through the Town Square Arc spies numerous eyes peeking out at them from nearby windows.

“I think we’re making progress.”

“In your recovery?”

Arc shakes his head. “They’re looking out their windows this time.”

Twilight sighs. “Well… they can’t keep it up forever.”

“I guess I can’t really blame them, of course. But at the same time I’ve been here for a while now.”

“Newcomers to town sometimes have it a bit rough.”

“How do they move past it?”

“Pinkie throws them a ‘Welcome to Ponyville Party’.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “A… what?”

“It’s exactly what it sounds like.”

“So… she throws them a party. A literal party?”

“Yes. She’s been asking me for a while now when she could do that for you.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“You’ve been doing a lot of resting though.”

Arc looks to Twilight warily. “What did you tell her?”

“Just that you’re not yet strong enough for something like that.”

Twilight sighs before continuing.

“That and I question just how many ponies would actually show up.”

“Fear?”

Twilight nods and bows her head. “Yes. Partially my own though.”

“You’re afraid of me too?”

“No, no. I meant… I was afraid that you’d be alone at the party. That nopony would want to come. And that you’d feel really bad about that.”

Arc sighs. “While I appreciate the thought I still wouldn’t mind having a party. That is, if you think it would help.?

Twilight shrugs. “It might, yes. But Pinkie’s the town’s Party Pony, not me.”

A short time later they arrive at Fluttershy’s cottage. Arc looks over the innumerable bird feeders out front as he turns to Twilight.

“She must really like birds.”

“Just wait until you see the inside.”

“Um… is this a tree or a shrub?”

Twilight shakes her head. “It’s a magically enhanced sod roof. Fluttershy says that it helps her animal friends feel more at home.”

“Probably helps with the utility bills too.”

“It’s very… cozy.”

“Is that a good or bad thing?”

“That depends on your point of view.”

“Oh?”

Twilight snickers. “You may have to duck.”

Walking up to the front door, Twilight knocks lightly. A few moments later Fluttershy answers. She looks only slightly nervous at Arc’s presence.

“H-hello there.”

Twilight smiles at her friend. “Hi, Fluttershy. Rarity asked us to bring you this order.”

“Oh good! These should be useful!”

Arc steps forward and holds out the sack. Fluttershy slowly reaches forward and takes it as she looks to Twilight.

“Thank you very much.”


“Arc carried them here after volunteering, so it’s more to his credit than my own.”

“Well, thank you, Arc.”

“It was my pleasure.”

Fluttershy steps aside. “Won’t you two please come in?”

Twilight and Arc step inside the house. Arc ducks down to make it inside the rather low door. Looking around he spies a very cozy little living area. Small animal beds lie all around the perimeter of the room. He even notices several mouseholes that appears to have been put there by Fluttershy on purpose. She motions for them to follow her.

“Please excuse the mess. We haven’t had time to clean up.”

Twilight looks around. “Where are all your animals, Fluttershy?”

“Oh, they’re outside right now. The days are getting cooler and shorter. I’m using this opportunity to make sure they get some sun.”

Walking through the house, they come to the back door. Opening it, Fluttershy leads them into her backyard. Several coop-like buildings are lined up with chicken wire surrounding them. She gestures to a small patio with a table and chairs.

“Please, won’t you two sit down.”

Twilight and Arc do so. Fluttershy motions toward the trees. Calling forth a number of birds, they hover around her for a few moments before landing in her mane.

“Can I get you two anything? Some tea? A snack?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No thank you. We just had breakfast before setting out.”

“I’m still full as well.”

Fluttershy nods. “That’s good. Tell me, how are things going for you, Arc?”

“Physically I’m doing okay. Mentally I’m going a bit stir crazy lying around though.”

Twilight sighs. “It’s probably for the best that you’re able to move around now.”

“Yeah. I could only lie in bed reading for so long.”

Fluttershy giggles. “Twilight could do so indefinitely.”

Twilight smiles. “That would be an interesting experiment. However, I did want to ask you something, Fluttershy.”

“Me?”

“Yes. Arc is still being shunned by the townsponies. Do you have any ideas on how to go about fixing that?”

“Have you tried having Pinkie throw him a ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party?”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “That must be some party.”

Twilight shakes her head. “No. Due to his species I don’t think anypony would show up to it.”

“You may have a point there. What have you tried so far?”

“Twilight’s been having me walk around town with either her or Rarity pretty much as soon as I could walk properly.”

Twilight nods. “I thought that if everypony could see him on a regular basis that they might get used to him.”

Fluttershy taps her chin with a hoof soberly. “Yes, that does make sense. But you’re trying to overcome a LOT of well entrenched stereotypes.”

Arc sighs. “That I’ve been told.”

“Rarity sewed him some news clothes. That seemed to help a little.”

“They do look very nice, yes. But what does that have to do with the other townsponies accepting him?”

Arc sighs. “They at least looked out their windows at me.”

Twilight nods. “While it’s a step in the right direction, I know we can do more for him.”

Fluttershy sighs. “I still think he should just have that party. After all, Pinkie Pie is quite good at what she does.”

Arc turns to Twilight. “Maybe she’s right. After all, why deviate from a tradition that works?”

“But what if nopony shows up?! You’ll be…!”

“If that happens then I’ll just have a nice time with you and your friends, right?”

Fluttershy nods. “We’d all come, of course.”

“Are you sure that you wouldn’t be sad if zero guests show up?

“I’m sure.”

Twilight nods soberly. “Then I guess the only thing to do would be to go see Pinkie.”

Arc sighs. “Alright. When though? I mean… do we have to make an appointment, or something?”

Fluttershy shakes her head as she smiles at Arc. “Not to worry. She’s never too busy to talk about parties.”

Twilight nods. “It’s what makes her special. So… no time like the present!”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “You want to go now?”

“Sure. Like Fluttershy said, this is probably the only way. So the only question now is… are you feeling up to it?”

“I guess so.”

Fluttershy stands up, causing her birds to flutter away. “Then let’s go.”

“You want to come too?”

“Sure. I’m going to be part of the party anyways, Twilight.”

Arc sighs. “Not sure if this is a good idea or not, but let’s get it over with.”

They stand and begin to walk back toward town. Fluttershy looks to Arc.

“Um… do you have something against Pinkie Pie, Arc?”

“No, no. It’s just… she’s so… um… what’s the word…?”

Twilight looks over. “High energy?”

“I guess that’s one way to put it.”

Fluttershy frowns. “Is that a problem?”

“Not really a ‘problem’. She just comes across as being really… pushy about getting things done her way sometimes.”

Twilight sighs. “Well, she is the best at what she does. No doubt about that. So please listen to what she has to say with an open mind.”

“I’ll try.”

Continuing on their way, they eventually come to Sugarcube Corner. As they approach several ponies scatter in all directions. Arc sighs as Twilight looks up at him.

“She’ll think of something.”

Entering, they find Pinkie at the counter filling the display case with her mane (yes, with her mane). Arc raises an eyebrow.

“I didn’t know ponies could…”

Fluttershy giggles. “Just Pinkie can.”

Twilight sighs. “Yes. I tried studying it and got nowhere though. After all, her mane doesn’t have tendons, ligaments, nerve endings…”

Pinkie bounces over to them. “But it still works!”

Fluttershy nods. “That it does.”

“So what brings everypony here today?! The new special?! It’s…!”

Twilight interrupts her. “No, Pinkie. We were just talking about ways to make Arc here more… culturally accepted.”

Fluttershy nods. “Twilight and Rarity have been taking him out for daily walks as part of his recovery.”

Arc sighs. “But ponies still flee at the sight of me. Even after weeks of seeing me around town.”

Pinkie puts a hoof on her chin as a serious look crosses her face. “How you tried talking to them?!”

“No time to do so before they run away.”

“Huh…! You DO have a problem then!”

Twilight nods. “Yes. Yes he does.”

Fluttershy appears hopeful. “So can you help him, Pinkie?”

“Sure! All it’ll take is a… PARTY!!!”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Kinda thought you’d say that.”

“I’ll get to work planning something AMAZING!”

“Oh, but I don’t need…”

“Sure you do, silly! After all, you’re the first human to come to Equestria! You need a BIG party!”

Fluttershy sighs. “Please don’t make it too big.”

“Why not?!”

Twilight frowns. “Just in case nopony shows up.”

“But who can resist a party from PINKIE?!”

Arc bows his head. “One being hosted for a beast I would imagine.”

Pinkie shakes her head. “You just leave everything to me! I’ll give you something to remember! That is if you don’t mind waiting a bit!”

Twilight appears confused. “Waiting?”

“I’m booked solid for two weeks out! Everything from birthdays to cute-ceañeras to retirement parties! But I also need some extra time to plan something special!”

Arc nods nervously. “Well… thanks.”

She walks them to the door and outside to the front stoop. Waving after them Pinkie calls out.

“Trust me, you’ll love it!”

Arc, Twilight, and Fluttershy walk away from the shop. Those watching murmur to one another. Looking around Arc frowns.

“Uh… do you two hear that?”

Twilight sighs. “Yes.”

Fluttershy turns to her. “I forgot about your keen sense of hearing, Twilight. What is it they’re saying?”

“Gossip.”

“What about?”

Arc sighs. “Probably me.”

Twilight pricks up her ears. “Actually… I’m hearing more about…”

Suddenly a small filly runs over to them levitating a sack. She hurries over to Twilight and holds it up.

“Twilight!”

“Hey there, Sweetie Belle.”

Fluttershy looks at the sack. “What’s the hurry?”

“Rarity asked me to run down to your cottage and give this to Twilight.”

Twilight appears confused. “What is it?”

“She said it was something called socks and undergarments. Not really sure what that means, but they’re light.”

She looks up at Arc and smiles nervously.

“Um… hello.”

Arc waves slightly. “H-hi.”

Fluttershy turns to Arc. “You’ve never met Sweetie Belle, have you?”

“Arc shakes his head. “Nope.”

Twilight giggles. “She’s Rarity’s little sister. Sweetie Belle, this is Arc. Arc… Sweetie Belle.”

“So you’re the human everypony is talking about.”

“Guess so.”

Sweetie Belle looks him over and frowns. “I don’t get it.”

Fluttershy cocks her head to one side, confused. “Get what?”

“What’s supposed to be so scary about him.”

Arc shrugs. “Maybe it’s the height difference.”

Twilight sighs. “Most likely the sight of something new.”

Arc looks to Sweetie Belle. “But you’re not afraid of me, are you?”

“Nope. But Rarity did warn me about what you looked like.”

Fluttershy nods. “It was probably so you wouldn’t run away screaming in the middle of town.”

Twilight raises an eyebrow. “Why would anypony do that?”

Arc rolls his eyes. “Oh, I don’t know. Why would everyone clear the streets every time I go to take a walk?”

“Good point.”

Sweetie Belle nods and levitates the sack over to Arc. “Well, in any case, here you are.”

“Thanks.”

Twilight smiles. “Say ‘hi’ to Rarity for us.”

“I will!”

The filly bounds away happily as Arc and company continue on their way. As they reach the edge of town Fluttershy turns to Twilight.

“So what was everypony saying back there?”

Twilight frowns. “The whispers?”

“Yes.”

“You probably don’t want to know.”

“Was it bad?”

“Not… exactly.”

Fluttershy frowns. “Then I’d like to know.”

“Well… everypony I heard talking was commenting about you walking with us, Fluttershy.”

“Me? But I’m nopony special.”

Twilight shakes her head. “They were commenting about how you didn’t seem to be afraid of Arc.”

“But why would I be?”

“Remember, you have a reputation for being… overly cautious.”

Arc appears confused. “What does that have to do with it though?”

Twilight turns to him. “Everypony was a bit more at ease when they saw that Fluttershy wasn’t scared. Then when Sweetie Belle reacted the same way, it made everypony a bit calmer still.”

Fluttershy appears confused as she turns to Twilight. “But that’s a good thing… isn’t it?”

“Yes. I means our plan to make everypony more comfortable around Arc may yet bear fruit.”