//------------------------------// // Chapter XVI: Teenage Dirtbag. // Story: For My Beloved: Sunshine. // by ZaDrEx //------------------------------// The wooden platform I was standing on made me think of the more primitive style of living, and as the fresh summer air brushed against my fur and my muzzle lightly twitched I could smell and feel the countryside breeze, with all its unique scents and aromas. Pulling out my side bags and inspecting their contents for the last time before going futher I saw the train begin to roll out of the station with loud steam locomotive sounds accompanying it. After a while, I started to go down the wooden planks which were a bit crude to be called 'stairs', more like crude steps. When I finally placed my hooves on the dirt beneath the planks of wood, I felt the incredible sensation of finally touching the hard earth. It felt like it was the first time I actually done so, and in truth, it really was. I felt like it was the first step in the right direction. I turned my head up, looking at the sunlit mountains in the distance. It was fun to look at everything from Canterlot, but being here felt more natural, more primal in a sense. I could feel the soil's hardness and texture, it was completely different than the soil in Canterlot Parks and in the small garden around our house, where the soil was always very soft and the grass was always cut down. I scanned my surroundings, seeing a path directly to Ponyville, and a small sign saying 'Welcome!'. I could also see the looming forest in the background, just near the left side of Ponyville. I decided to not hop straight into the forest, and instead look around the village for any kind of helping tools or ponies I might find. After all, Everfree Forest is one of the most dangerous places in Equestria. Picking my bags up I started to slowly make my way into Ponyville by the path indicated by the sign, it was a bit long to get from the station to the first bridge that crossed to the town itself, but once I got past it, I felt like it was worth it. If I had to describe Ponyville from that point, I would say it was a quiet and very medieval-looking village, with wooden houses and straw roofs, and a couple more sturdy buildings that fit the aesthetic of the quiet and calm atmosphere. The main building, the Town Hall, was quite big, just like the main square around it. There was also a large clock tower in the distance. It was visible from the station too, however, I didn't actually see it that clearly to make what it was from there. There weren't many ponies moving around at this time of the day, however, there's still was a pony or two in the distance slowly making their way to their destinations. It was making the place feel almost empty, but at the same time, cozy. It felt to me like I could live here, unbothered, in peace and quiet for the rest of my life. I loved it. From the bottom of my heart. The buildings were scattered around town, but even from a distance, I could see a pattern in their placement and the roads that connected the resident's homes to the town square. It was like a large star or circle, with five roads going in each direction, and most important businesses mostly close to each of the roads. It definitely was designed that way because everyone would gather in the plaza when the market was held, and the new buildings would usually be built around the main paths that connected everything. Or in the most essential places. Ponyville was definitely special, it was close to Canterlot, the capital of Equestria, and mainly known for the farmlands that surrounded the town, from apple orchards to wheat and even farm animals for their milk or eggs. To this point, I still don't understand how a cow can be an intelligent being, with the ability to speak, and the chicken is the same as back on earth, but at this point, I don't question stuff. I'm living in 'dreamland' after all. Anyway, coming back to Ponyville, I feel like living here could definitely feel special, the whole area feels cozy, and it feels like the residents of this place live close to each other in body and spirit. More natural, family-like even. "I can't wait to meet the ponies who live here, I wonder how will they react to me and my appearance." I said out loud, moving a bit faster to the town square proper. In the distance, I could see a board of some sort, with directions and messages on it, so naturally, the first thing I did was to walk to it and read what was written. It didn't disappoint. [Ponyville board] [Mayor Mare would like to inform everypony to remember that the next year Ponyville was picked as the host for the Summer Sun Celebration, the main event will take place in the main town hall. The residents will be obligated to help with the preparations via mail. In case of questions, please seek Mayor Mare in the town hall from 10:00-18:00. Mon-Fri.] "Huh, I think this year it's in Manehattan, there was definitely one in Canterlot a few years back, but I don't think I went because I was in hospital at the time." I said to myself as I continued reading the information board. [Mayor Mare would like to remind everypony to not get close to the border of Everfree Forest under any circumstances.] "Great, I hope it's not a law because it would add another felony to the growing list of offenses I committed." I said a bit quieter in case somepony was listening. [SUPER ULTRA DUPER PARTY PLANNER! NEED A PARTY?! I WILL GIVE YOU A PARTY! MY NAME IS PINKIE PIE AND I WILL PREPARE THE BEST PARTY FOR YOU! BIRTHDAYS! ANNIVERSARIES! WELCOME PARTIES! WANT A PARTY?! COME TO SUGARCUBE CORNER!] "Alright, at least I know where to not get a party planned for me. Jesus, what's with the caps lock? And how the fuck is it even written in caps lock?" I felt like someone was just breaking a fourth wall or something. [Job listing. Ponyville librarian. Competitive pay. Free housing. For further details seek Mayor Mare.] "Competitive pay. With what other librarians I would compete? And what would that even look like? Throwing books at each other?!" I asked no one sarcastically. Feeling like this information board would not give me anything useful, I decided to explore town on my own. The signs indicated that in front of me was the main road to the main businesses here in Ponyville, so I started with those. Moving past a few smaller houses I arrived at a bit more cramped side of Ponyville, with few restaurants and businesses stacked together. And on the end of the road, few hotels with signs hanging from the doorframes. I inspected the shops, and the variety of goods they sold was interesting, to say the least. 'Quills and Sofas' or 'Mr. Breezy's fan shop' was definitely the most bizarre one I had ever seen, however, there were places like 'Rich's Barnyard Bargains' which intrigued me to take a look inside. To be honest, it seems like Ponyville doesn't lack any particular item, but how it is presented to the customer is a completely different matter. In Canterlot there are places that you simply cannot go to unless you have the funds to throw away. The upper rings of the Canterlot are filled with shops and whole galleries only for the rich and the nobility. Not that you cannot go there, by any means, but after seeing the price tags and attitude of ponies there, you will be quick to return to the middle rings quickly. After an hour or so I decided it was finally time to check in the hotel. I felt like I had to at least wait one day until I made my way to the Everfree Forest since I wanted to see what I could find in Ponyville. So, staying one night wouldn't cost me much, and I could learn a lot about ponies and their culture here. After all, this expedition is not only to uncover the secrets of Princess Celestia but also to find more places I could potentially settle in or travel to in the future. I managed to scup out a cozy-looking hotel at the end of the street I was currently on. It didn't look like anything out of this world, but I'm not here on holiday anyway. It was decent from the outside, and I decided to give it a try. After all, there are plenty of those around. As I opened the door, I was greeted with a bell ring and a loud creek of the door itself. The mare sitting in front of the desk sheepishly looked at me behind her green mane. "Oh! Hello! Um, are you looking for a room to stay in?" She asked, a bit hesitant. I approached the desk and tried to sound casual. "Yes. I'm doing some business in Ponyville, and I will stay until tomorrow. How much for a single bedroom?" "Y-Yes, um that would be... twent- No sixteen bits!" She boomed suddenly making me take a step back. I wasn't sure if she was excited or scared I was going to turn away. But I think it was the latter. "Al... Alright." I put the bits on the counter and scanned the room. It wasn't special. Mostly made of wood, with few decorations on the walls and furniture here and there. "Sorry if I sound a bit weird... Um, you are my first client since... like... forever..." She said, a bit defeated. "So... The business not doing well?" I asked, even though I didn't exactly know why she was telling me this. "It was... But... Well... There's not much going on right now. I'm hoping that next year when the Summer Sun Celebration happens there will be more clients and tourists." She said, taking the bits and counting them in her hooves. "Well, I wish you luck. The Summer Sun Celebration is definitely bringing a lot of ponies in." I replied, not really knowing how to properly comfort the strange mare. We stood there, in silence for a few good seconds. "Ehem." I coughed under my breath. "Oh! Sorry! Your key. Umm... Room number one. First floor." She apologized and gave me a key to my room. I took it and started to climb the stairs to the first floor. After opening the doors to my room I started to pull out everything out of my bags. I wanted to see if there was anything useful I could find for my trip before tomorrow in those shops I didn't go to, and I wanted to eat something, even though it was still a bit early for Lunch. After forming the plan in my head, I went downstairs, nodded to the still sad mare sitting behind the desk, and went into town again. My plan was to eat something first, and then ask around if there was some place that could sell me stuff like a map of the Everfree, or something that would help me get through the forest at the very least. I doubt I could find anything remotely useful, but still, locals might know something right? The first place I went was the 'Café Hay'. I just hoped that it served things other than Café and Hay because both of those things I didn't particularly like. Apart from Hay fries maybe. But hay itself? Nope. I sat down near an empty table, and a stallion unicorn wearing a suit quickly approached me. It surprised me a little bit since I didn't expect anyone to be this fancy in a place like this. "Good morning ma'am, what would you like to order today?" He asked, his face almost stone-like. "Could I get a menu?" I replied as the stallion pulled a menu and handed it to me. I opened the card and almost fell down to the floor. "Oh..." I simply said. Closing the menu and handing it back to the stallion who opened one eye before speaking. "I sense ma'am won't be eating with us today?" He asked, in an almost mocking tone, which stung a little bit. "No." I said, feeling a bit embarrassed and angry. I stood up and started to walk down the road, feeling the gaze of the stallion just drilled into me as I imagined him laughing at my expense. "I can't imagine anyone eating here with those prices..." I said quietly as I got a little further from the restaurant. Who would've thought that Ponyville could rival Canterlot with prices such as those... I mean... 100 bits for a simple salad? 120 for two pieces of bread and some flowers?! Come on! "gghlll" I heard my stomach rumble. "I need to find something to eat quickly or I will eat my rations for the trip." I said to myself as I wandered around looking for somewhere to eat. I don't know if it was hunger or simply sudden light that caught my eye, but I bumped into someone, making them fall to the ground. "Oh sh- I mean. Sorry!" I put my hoof in front of me hoping they would grab it. The other pony giggled as they got themselves up with my help. "Don't worry! I'm the same, not looking where I'm going! I mean, I have so much going on that I-" She stopped speaking suddenly making a weird face at me. The light from the sun was finally blocked by a passing cloud for me to see the mare in front of me properly. She was definitely an earth mare, but... 'Holy shit. She is so pink it hurts. If there was a war going on, she is the first one that the enemy spots.' I thought as she cocked her head and frowed her brows. "Are you... New here?" She asked turning her head even further and making me uncomfortable with how her neck agreed to do that. "I suppose I am. I'm not staying for long though. My name is Aurora. And you are?" I replied, not sure what to think of this reaction. Was it my appearance again? What happened next could be only described as the sound of an eldritch god pulling all the air around the world in an attempt to kill the atmosphere. The mare in front of me literally not only just swallowed enough air to stay underwater for an hour, but also, by some miracle, managed to get off the ground like a balloon (And we are still talking about Earth Pony) and stay two meters above me for a good two seconds before literally just dashing over my head somewhere. After turning my head, my eyes became pinpricks as I searched around to find her. My vision became blurry after a few seconds as I stood there, with no sign of the mare whatsoever. "Am...Am I hallucinating? What the hell just happened...?" I put my head in my hooves and counted to ten. After not seeing any more weird things happening, I begin to walk, still a bit worried I just lost my mind for a split second. "I know I'm living in a magical pony world. But there are things that truly are beyond that... That... Was one of them." I said as I turned my head once again to see if the mare was somewhere in the air. After a good half an hour of searching, I finally found another place I could buy something to eat. It was a bakery. It was named The Sugarcube Corner. I walked in, pulling the small half door, that reminded me of those old western movies. The whole place looked like a typical local place where everypony would hang out between classes or during summer break. The mare that worked behind a counter looked a bit chubby, and as I approached, her smile disappeared from her muzzle. Sending me a sign that she was definitely more sheepish than other ponies and that I should be careful with interacting with her. "Good morning." I started, smiling a little bit and approaching only a little to not scare her. "W-Welcome... Um... H-How may I help?" She asked, visibly torn by my unusual grey coloration and red eyes. "I would like to buy..." I inspected the various sweets they had on display. "Four cupcakes please." The mare, still a bit hesitant, pulled out a small box and picked four cupcakes at random. "T-That would be 25 bits..." She stated, placing the box on the counter. I smiled again. "Great." I pulled thirty bits and placed them on the counter. "Thank you." I grabbed the box in my magic and pulled it alongside me as I was leaving. "W-Wait! That's 30!" She called out after counting the bits. Still a bit hesitant. "That's a tip." I replied, smirking, and making the chubby mare smile a little. 'Always works' I thought, leaving the shop. That's a neat trick I learned from various interactions with ponies. If you can't win them over your appearance, try with some money. Just remember to do it subtly. Some might say it's a waste of bits. And I may not going to come back here, but life is unpredictable, and who knows, maybe that act of kindness will repay itself someday. After eating, I decided to visit the library. It was located in the large oak tree near the north side of Ponyville. I could see it from the town square, so getting there wasn't really challenging. However, as it turns out, it was closed. I imagine that's because they do not have anyone to operate it since there's a job offer on the board, but a town without a single open library? Really? Not that it really mattered, but I wanted to find out if the books offered here were different than in Canterlot. I imagined not, but it would be a good insight. Seeing that I had nothing else to do since I basically went around town once in a circle and saw almost every shop here, I decided to go into my hotel to practice or work out, however, before I got there I saw a boutique in the distance that I hadn't approached yet. "I imagine it sells dresses and suits, but maybe they have some kind of tarp or hood I could use in the forest as a protection from the natural elements." I said to myself as I trotted to the front door. [Carousel Boutique] [Open] I pulled the door open, and the bell rang above my head. Before I could step in, I heard a voice call from the second floor of the shop. "Coooommiiingg!" I stepped inside the spacious shop and inspected it closely with my eyes. There were many dresses in various stages of finishing on display, and a large number of empty mannequins. I couldn't see anything remotely close to what I had in mind. "Hello!" A cheerful voice of a mare called as she came down the stairs. "My name is Rarity, welcome to Carousel Boutique!" She said. Rarity was a unicorn with pure snow-like white fur and a gorgeous purple mane and tail. My first impression of her was that she was incredibly elegant and royal-like. Which reminded me of Canterlot nobles a lot. Not in a good way. "Hi. Forgive me for asking, but do you sell anything else than dresses?" I asked as she stared at me with a curious expression. "Mon ami... You have the most... Grey... collocation I have ever seen..." She stated, making me a little bit angry. And not answering my question. "I'm sorry I'm not white and purple." I replied, making her gasp. "Oh dear, I'm sorry, that's not what I meant to say..." She stopped and continued a second later. "What I meant was that you have the most unique coloration for a pony." I rolled my eyes. "I'm not... Eh... Never mind... I wanted to ask if you have any hoods I could buy." "Hoods? You mean... Raincoats? I have few in stock..." She replied while feeling a bit bad about her comment earlier which she showed on her face. "I need something more practical, something sturdy. A thick hood would be the best." I replied as she began to search through her clothes with my eyes, not seeing anything resembling the thing I needed. "I... I don't have anything that would fit that description darling... Well... I could make one for you if you like." She asked, turning her head to me. "How much and how long? I need one for tomorrow at best. And I don't have much bits on me right now." I stated, expecting disappointment or a very high price tag for this job. "Hmmm... I could manage that. The money is not the question darling. The question is what color?" She asked, smiling. "Grey." I replied with a grin. Trusting that she might actually create something useful, and not bankrupt me in the process. "G-G-Grey... A-Are you sure?" She replied clearly not amused by my revenge act. "Yes. Or should it be black?" I asked, scratching my chin. "G-Grey it is! Please come back tomorrow, I will have it ready." She replied, bowing her head a little. That honestly surprised me. She seemed impolite and self-aggrandizing at first but now she seems genuine and kind. So I decided to not dwell on her comment earlier and act like an adult. I bowed my head and smiled. "My name is Aurora. Thank you miss Rarity." I said, making her smile and a little bit more cheerful. "By the way..." I started to say. "Hm?" She replied with a small nod and a confirmation sound that she was listening. "Do you know anything about Everfree Forest?" I asked. "..." Let's just say she wasn't going to help me. Who knew that ponies feared that place so much? The poor mare almost started to cry after a while. Leaving the Boutique, I made my way into the main road once again. With how it all played out with Rarity and the information about the Everfree, I decided to walk around town some more, maybe the first impressions with locals weren't as bad as I originally thought they had been, and I could find someone useful to help me. At least someone is not scared to talk about it. Maybe I have to just- *BAM* I fell to the floor with such force my body did a backflip and I landed on someone else, having no idea what just happened I quickly got on all fours and saw a blue pegasus mare with rainbow mane lying under me, covered in dirt. The smoke around us fell and her eyes opened. "Wow... That was closer than I thought." She said, stretching her hind hooves and making me fall on top of her as she basically pushed my own hooves with hers. "Oh, sorry!" She said. Not even trying to pull up. "Are you done moving?" I asked, my muzzle on top of her head, and her muzzle on my neck. Not to mention our bodies in a very embarrassing pose in the middle of the road. "Yep." She replied blushing a little bit. I pulled my hooves up, slowly crawling to the side. "Are you hurt?" I asked, not sure if I shouldn't check myself first. "Nope. I'm used to this by now." She said, pulling herself up and stretching her wings and legs. "Sorry once again, my training to become Wonderbolt is hardcore." "Wonderbolt?" I asked a bit curious. "Yep! I'm going to be the best Wonderbolt one day! First I have to impress them!" She replied, puffing her chest a little bit. "Well, start with learning how to safely land." I retorted, making her snicker. "Yeah... I'm still working on those." She smirked and then cocked her head. "Hey, I never saw you here. Are you new?" "If I say yes, will you inflate and dash away like a maniac?" I asked a bit scared. "Let me guess. Pinkie Pie?" She smiled. "I don't know if that's her name, but if it is, I want to stay as far apart as possible from her." I replied smirking. "She isn't all that bad you know? She is just weird. Like... Really weird. But in a good way!" The rainbow mare stated, standing closer to me. "Name's Rainbow. Rainbow Dash. What's yours?" "Aurora Moonlight." I replied and pulled my hoof out for a shake. She shook my hoof with a grin. "Nice to meet you! I have the rest of my training to do, but we can hang out later! You seem fun!" I wanted to tell her that I would not stay for long, but she flew away before I could say anything. It seems like I won't be able to find anyone who can help me with Everfree Forest. At least today.