I opened the door quietly, and walked toward something that smelled rather good. Once inside I dropped my guise. Rarity was in the kitchen. “Well miss Rarity thank you for letting me stay.”
She turned around to greet me. “Salieri! Or should I say Dolce? I got your note, but you’re not in disguise.”
I chuckled remembering the note. “Oh, no. I don’t like to waste my magic, and I see no reason to keep it up here. After all you already know who I am.”
“Well yes I do,” She told me caringly, “But a customer might walk in at any moment, and I’m expecting Fluttershy later. How long do you think you’ll be staying dear?”
Well that was a relief, now I didn’t have to bring it up awkwardly. “Actually I don’t know. I was hoping to learn a bit about being a fashion designer from you. I’ve been good at sewing since I was quite small, but I never developed the talent.” Then I commented on the other thing she mentioned. “Also Fluttershy already knows who I am...”
“What? I thought you said you were trying to keep it secret? Does anypony else know? I mean of course I’ll teach you about fashion, but am I going to have everypony in town trying to beat down my door to see you instead of muah?”
The sudden stream of questions caught me off guard. “Um... I... Um...” I stammered trying to figure out which question to answer first. I shook my head and focused. “Yes, I’m trying to keep it secret, but if I get startled when I’m not focusing the illusion sometimes breaks. No one else knows, and I even convinced Pinkie to wait a few days before throwing me a party. Fluttershy only knows because I...” I blushed. “I got scared by a bird and fell into the stream... Falcons are scary.”
She raised an eyebrow. “You’re sure that nopony else knows?”
“Nopony else knows that I know of. Just you, Lyra, and Fluttershy. If everypony finds out it’ll be Buckingham all over again.”
“What happened in Buckingham?”
“One little pony revealed my secret carelessly. Everypony found out, and I couldn’t get a moments peace for the next three days. I was asked to perform a concert. I never liked large crowds, so I disappeared in the middle of the night, and then I tried my hoof at amateur hoofball in another town. So now I’m also famous under a different name as one of the worst hoofball players of all time...”
She smiled. “Do you always make a name for yourself wherever you go?”
“Oh no. Sometimes I just leave because I’ve nothing more to learn in that disguise. Like when I was a watchmaker, a construction worker, a mail colt, a candy maker, or an explosives expert. That last one has actually been useful a few times now...” I thought back for a moment and shuddered. “Well, you get the picture. I mostly try to avoid the spotlight. The main issue is that I’m good at a lot of things, but none of them have been my talent.”
She sighed. “Once again I ask you Mr. Star, I thought you said you liked keeping your life secret.”
I blushed a bit. “Well... This is actually the first time that anypony has known and helped keep my secret. And since you already know the big secret, what is the harm in knowing a few more?” I looked right into her gentle eyes. <alt1start> “Also I don’t think there should be secrets between friends. Even if we were only friends for three days back then.”
Rarity was confused for a moment, then lost in thought, then a wave of realization hit her. “No... you weren’t... were you?”
I put on one of my first disguises. My fake cutie mark was a sleeping white wolf, and my coat was a plain grey. “One of my first fake jobs was being a lone wolf. I thought that this disguise was so cool back then. I also thought that that was actually a job. I had thought almost everything out, but there was one issue.” I still remembered those three days very well. “Food and water weren’t an issue, but hotels don’t really like renting rooms to little colts who can afford to pay them in bits up front. They tend to get suspicious...” I laughed. “I really did like it here though, you were the first pony that felt like a real friend to me in a long time.”
Rarity looked shocked. “Oh my dear, where did you sleep?”
“Well... that’s kinda why I left after three days. I was fine sleeping on a bed of leaves, but apparently adults don’t like when a foal is sleeping in the woods. I wanted to say goodbye, but I’d just barely escaped the adults once, and I was afraid I’d get caught.” I looked at her still shocked face.
“Y-you.... you...” She stammered, “You slept on the ground?!? OUTSIDE!?!” I probably shouldn’t have told her that part. “Outside! With all the bugs and the dirt and the wild BEASTS of the forest-”
I cut her off. “It was either that or not get to be friends with the pretty mare I saw at all.” Rarity got a slight blush. “Back then all I knew was that my talent wasn’t music. I didn’t know where to go, or what to do to get hired. After that I looked through newspaper want ads before entering towns, and I always had a good sob story to make sure somepony would take me in. Each time I left I left some bits to pay for the hospitality though, of course.” I smiled at her. “I’ve always wanted to come back here. Will you still be my friend?”
She wrapped her hooves around my neck so fast that all I saw was a blur. “Of course you idiot!” She was teary eyed, and beautiful, but she’d always just be a friend. (((RARITY SHIP DENIED))) I couldn’t think of her as more than that.
I hugged her back. After a few moments the embrace ended. “Now I was serious about wanting to learn about sewing, and all the other ins and outs of dress-making while I’m here. Oh! And to avoid scandal I’ll be renting a room somewhere in town starting Sunday. Due to that I’ll be out of town on Saturday.”
“Why’s that?”
“Well I need to visit my parents and get some money if I want to rent a room don’t I? All the money from record sales and music rights goes to them because I don’t have a permanent address, but the money’s mine, so I get it when I need it.”<alt1end>
<alt2start> “Besides, I met you once a long time ago.” I changed into the same disguise I had used back then, if an older looking version of it.
She stood there a moment in thought before a look of realization appeared on her face. “You were that colt who was only in town for three days! Nopony knew who you were so my old teacher, and some concerned parents went searching for you, and after that we never saw you again.”
I was a bit shocked. “You remember all that, huh? I heard them searching, so I did what I always do. I hid, then ran. That’s not what mattered though.” I smiled as I was lost in thought. “Even if I was only in town for three days it was the kindest place I’d ever stayed. Not the easiest, but the kindest. When I looked hungry ponies offered to buy me food. I turned them down and bought my own, but they actually offered. Anypony I tried to talk to actually listened to me. Colts, fillies, and even the adults stopped if I asked them a question. I even got to play with other ponies my own age for a while.” a single tear rolled down my cheek, but my smile remained.
“I never ran into another town like that. They were suspicious of me as an outsider, or they were too busy to listen to some adolescent colt who just wanted to know a good place to eat. It might have been easier to get work and a place to stay, but I think that’s just because I was getting older.” No more tears came. “Though there’s one thing that made me want to come back here more than anything.
“I met you, Fluttershy, and the Apple family, and Rainbow Dash and so many other great ponies. I only talked to you all once, but I knew there was something more about all of you. I just felt it. I felt it about Twilight when I met her once in Canterlot, and I felt it about the five of you that lived here. When I saw you all in the papers years later I knew that I was right. I don’t know what my true role in life is, but I think it has something to do with you six.”
Rarity looked stunned. She didn’t know how to respond. She looked like she was trying to form the words, but her mind was processing all that information she had received at once.
I decided to add something easier to talk about. “Also I’ll be leaving on Saturday, but I’ll be back sunday. I’ll have enough money to put myself up somewhere until I can find a more permanent residence after that.”
“Wait, what? You’re just going to leave and get money?” It seemed she had decided to leave the heavy information at that for now.
I shrugged. “Well, yeah. I’m going to visit my parents for the day and get some money. Since I don’t have a real address and we still get money from my songs it gets sent to them. They decided that it’s all really my money, so I stop by every once in awhile.”<alt2end>
She raised an eyebrow. “You just casually trot back home for money and leave as you please?”
“Well of course! I’m going to be with them all of next month.”
Her eyebrow went up just a bit farther. “I thought you ran away when you were little.”
I laughed. “Yes I did, and I got a right good scolding after a tearful reunion three years later, but they understood my need to find out who I was.” Right then I noticed how overwhelmed she looked and how much information I had just unloaded. “All that matters is that no one will be worried about a colt living in your house with you after this weekend.” I smiled as a blush spread across Rarity’s face. “Don't let anything burn.”
She quickly turned back to what she was cooking, which luckily hadn't burnt yet. She muttered something I couldn't hear as she did so. She clearly had made enough for at least two. Did she have somepony visiting? I got my response quickly. “Would you like some breakfast? I'd be an awful hostess if I didn't feed my guest.” Oh yeah... I was visiting.
“Well of course. What have you made?” Whatever it was it smelled great.
Rarity turned off the burners, and set the last item that had been cooking on a plate with several others. “Nothing to fancy. Just pancakes, apples, and some juice.”
That would probably cost about 10 bits. She might think of me as a guest, but I planned on paying her back for everything during my stay. “That sounds great!”
She brought the two plates to the table, and we began making light conversation. We talked about some of her adventures which were only vaguely outlined in the news papers that I'd read, and we talked about the ponies that I'd met in town, and about food, and then the important topic came up.
“I've actually known how to sew since I was little, and I've made a few outfits for myself, but they were all using premade sewing patterns.” My plate was almost empty at this point.
Rarity smiled. “Well that's a start, but it just doesn't compare to designing it yourself! The thrill of knowing that you have produced a purely unique creation for somepony to show off is just wonderful.”
I hadn't felt that in a long time.“Well... while I stay in town can you teach me a little something about fashion?”
Her face lit up. “Of course!” She said eagerly. “I just had a large order come in, and I have the designs drawn out for everything, but to tell the truth I might not have completed it on time alone.”
We finished eating quickly, and washed the dishes before she showed me to her creating room. For some reason I thought she meant that I would be helping by actually helping MAKE the clothes, but for the most part, that was not the case. I was used as a mannequin for some of the process, and for some of the process I was simply keeping materials ready for Rarity to use. I only actually used my sewing skills to put the finishing touches exactly as asked on the cuffs of a rather nice improved tuxedo.
These dresses and suits were a bit to intricate for me to describe well enough to do them any justice, and enough that I really couldn't learn anything from being there during their creation. In the coming days we would be working on things that were a bit simpler so that I could learn a bit more, and because ever since Fancy Pants stated that he liked the ultra simple dresses they had been in rather high demand. I had just barely finished sewing the finishing touch on the last cuff when there was a knock at the door.
I prepared my disguise while Rarity answered the door. I was actually surprised that Rarity had said that we were done, then I remembered her exact wording. She just didn't have anything more for me to do for the day. Though that is rather unimportant. I walked toward the doors and saw who was standing there. It was one of the ponies that made this town famous. Some of the facts were skewed of course, as her eyes weren't glowing and pure white, but the descriptions had been mostly correct.
“Come in Twilight! I completely forgot that you were coming for lunch.”
“That's okay Rarity. I see you just got distracted with your... friend.” Twilight said with a smirk.
Before that moment I was completely unaware of exactly how red a ponies cheeks could turn. She sputtered out a response. “Oh no, Twilight! It's nothing like that! He's just learning about fashion and-”
I interrupted at that point. “Rarity, I think she was joking.” As Rarity turned to hide her blush that was just starting to fade I turned to Twilight. “So you must be Twilight Sparkle. Librarian, disciple of Princess Celestia, and the element of magic.” I smiled. “The tabloids were almost right about your appearance.”
She blushed ever so slightly. “Yes I am, and who might you be?”
“Oh! How rude of me. I'm Dolce N. Gabana. Right now I'm really just a talented sewer, but with some tutelage I hope to be my own fashion designer instead of just mending old things, and using premade patterns. Now if you two lovely mares will excuse me I have to be going.”
“You're leaving?” Twilight was surprised. “But we've just met! You've only just introduced yourself.”
I couldn't help myself when a great line came to me. “Exactly! We've just met and you're going to ruin your scheduled plans with a close friend to talk to me? Shame!” With that I was out the door, trotting off leaving the two ponies stunned. My job was done, and I was off to see a mare about some jam and a party.
It didn't take long at all to get back to the little bakery where I would find Pinkie. She was waiting inside behind the counter. It looked like she was decorating something, but when I opened the door she gasped, and hid whatever it was. She was odd, but cute. She welcomed me to the bakery. I simply walked up to the counter with a completely normal smile right up until I began speaking.
When I started speaking my face got serious. “That jam. The zap apple stuff. Where can I get more of it and is it still in season?” I didn't wait for an answer. “I need as much as I can get right now it is the best thing I've ever tasted and normal food seems bland in comparison.” I needed answers. Answers and jam.
Pinkie tried to put on a serious face as well, but it just came out looking silly and a little cute. “There's only one place to get that jam, and they may only have a little bit left in stock.” She looked left, and right, then back to me. “Sweet apple acres.” Her smile returned quickly. “Say hi to Applejack for me!”
I couldn't help but smile as well. “I'll do that. Thanks.” I chuckled as I trotted back out the door. Off to Sweet Apple Acres to see a mare about some jam. I remembered passing it when I was on my way back from the boutique that morning. It should only take a few minutes if I hurried, but who needed to hurry? I walked slowly and hummed my favorite drinking song about Luna. Something rainbowy, and fast flew by in the sky. I didn't get a good look at it as it passed. I assumed that I already knew, but only time would tell.
I passed by Lyra who was sitting with another mare and said hello. She introduced me to her 'friend' Bonbon, and we chatted for a bit. As I started on my way again I saw the colorful blur once more. Was she following me? Was it for sure the she that I thought it was? Was I asking myself too many questions in a row? When did I leave the market area? The street I was on was nearly empty. I decided to walk down an alley that would lead me back to the main road out to the farm as a short cut.
I was half way down the alley when the blur landed in front of me. “Gah!” It may have surprised me a little. A cyan form with a rainbow mane and tail emerged from the dust. It was exactly who I thought it was.
She on the other hand had no idea who I was, and seemed to not be entirely trusting. “Why have I seen you with almost all of my friends today? First you left Fluttershy's cottage as the sun rose, then you were in Rarity's house for forever. After Twilight showed up you left and went straight to Pinkie, and now you're going toward Sweet Apple Acres.” She moved closer, she was pretty much uncomfortably close at this point. “Are you spying on the Elements of Harmony?”
I was once again surprised. I took a step back before answering. “No I'm not spying. Though you are all awesome. The fact that I went to all of these places is actually mostly coincidence.” Rainbow Dash was almost exactly as she had been described. “I was at Fluttershy's because I needed something to do in the morning, and nopony else was awake yet. I'm staying at Rarities to learn about fashion,” At that point I gestured to my illusory cutie mark. “And the last two are really one in the same. I got some bagels and zap apple jam from Pinkie, and I needed to know where I could get more.
If the descriptions were entirely true this next part would help me greatly. “I had no idea that I'd be running into the faster flier in Equestria AND famous element of loyalty on the way. In just a few days I've met five of the most famous mares in Equestria!”
Stroking her ego worked exactly how I was told it would. “Well that may be true about me, but you haven't convinced me yet.”
I feigned sadness and fell to the ground. “Oh! You're right! I'm really a famous musician using a disguise to sneak around a small town to learn things!” Even the truth seems silly when you say it right, and I had said it perfectly. She showed no signs of believing a word of what I'd said.
Dash laughed. “Yeah right. You're another Twilight in disguise.” She sighed. “You really just wandered into all of us by accident?”
Half confession time. “Not entirely. I ran into the element of generosity first on purpose, but the rest of you really are coincidence. Rarity can teach me everything I need to know about fashion while I'm here, and nopony else could.” Now time for the part that was a bit funny. “Then after sleeping for about 28 hours Pinkie's shop was the only one open to get some food. I spent most of the night in the forest after that, and as the sun was rising Fluttershy seemed to be the only other pony awake, so I helped her feed her animals.” A thought then occurred to me. “What were you doing there to know that I was there though?”
She shrugged. “Clearing the early morning sky for the sunrise. I saw you leaving on my way back home.”
Aw... nothing nefarious. It was good that she hadn't seen my lose my disguise though. “So were you following me the rest of the day, or just since left Rarity's?” My snark was showing again. I had to work on that.
She fumbled a bit with that answer. “Well... I always keep a watch over Ponyville. My house is right up there” She pointed to a cloud that was barely in sight from where we were.
“So you're saying you're a spy?” This game was always fun.
Her expression had turned from confident to almost timid at that. “No! I mean um... wait a minute!” Her expression turned back to confident. “I was the one investigating you!”
I laughed. “I suppose you were. Well can we walk while we talk? I need to see if I can get any more of that Zap Apple jam or if they're sold out.” I started walking and she walked beside me.
She let out a laugh at that. “You really are running into the rest of us by accident, aren't you?”
“Huh?”
“You're heading out to Applejack's family's farm in search of their famous jam, and you didn't even realize it, did you?”
I laughed. “I wouldn't have if Pinkie hadn't told me to say hi to Applejack for her.” Something clicked just then. “Wait. Her name is Applejack Apple? Did they just want to be sure that we knew she had something to do with apples?”
“I know, right? Her little sister's name is Applebloom! Big Mac though...”
She trailed off at the end. That was odd. “What about Big Mac?”
“Oh nothing. Well if that's all I'll see you later.” She said hurriedly.
She quickly flew off before I could respond. I couldn't quite tell, but I swear she was blushing as she flew off. The rest of the trip was rather uneventful. Mostly just a walk down empty streets until I saw the acres of apple trees. This is where I ran into my first obstacle.