The day started off relatively normal. The sun rose, and the roosters called waking everyone up, and the sound of the bustling early risers could be heard throughout town .I am not, nor have ever been a morning pony. I tossed in my bed, shielding the light and sound from myself and began to curse small town life. Then all the 'fun' came flooding back in. The welcome party, the gig, even the cute buttercup mare that keeps bumping into me, heck even hanging out with Satin to a degree.

After getting over the hangover from staying up as late as we did, partying with Pinkie and the new friends we had made, I took a deep breath and trotted out into the bright morning sunlight, wincing as it hit my eyes, “Ah, damn the morning sun and its ability to blind one after being indoors for a long amount of time!”

Okay then, today is the day I must find a side-job and hopefully avoid Satin. I thought to myself as I looked around the town for any sign of one of those ‘help wanted’ signs.

I walked through town searching for anything that could help bring this boring hunt to a closer end, and soon enough my eyes wandered back towards Sugar Cube Corner and its overly elaborate hanging sign, swaying gently in the breeze above the window. I tried to read what it said and immediately bumped into somepony, before I said a thing, I heard a small nervous female voice say, “Hi Dex.” Those two words were punctuated with a small squeak.

“Oh, Hi Fluttershy,” I said with a nervous smile. “Hey uh, sorry about last night with... ugh... Satin and his thieving antics...”

“Oh. That’s okay.” She said hoofing at the ground, trying her best not to make eye contact.

I decided to try and break the ice a little bit by making small talk. After all, watching her just bore holes into the floor was making me me just as nervous as she was. “So, did you see us play?”

She waited a moment, as if gathering herself, and swallowed. “Y-yes... You were... good.”

For a moment, I just looked straight at her. “Only... good?” It was hard to read her expression when her mane was covering most of her face.

Once again she began glaring at the ground. “It’s just not my thing. It was a bit too... loud.”

I raised a hoof up to my chin in thought. “We have some acoustic songs if you’d prefer that?” I paused and stuttered, “N-not that I... Ugh... You know... if we play again, I hope you’ll come and...”

She looked up at me for the first time. It was nice to finally see her face, and for the first time, a genuine, gentle smile. I think it eased her nerves to know that I was almost as nervous as she was in this situation.

Sighing and smiling back at her, I nodded and glanced once again down the street. “Hey, I got to go. I have to get a side-job and keep my eye out for the blue psycho.” I said, beginning to walk away.

Phew, hopefully I won’t run into her again for a while. Maybe I should make sure to be more... composed next time we meet. I said to myself as I walked towards Sugar Cube Corner. On my way towards the pastry shop, I was finally able to decipher the sign I couldn’t read earlier.

The neon-colored sign said ‘Help Wanted’. I smiled and walked through the door, and as I passed the threshold, a small bell rang over head. A few moments later a voice called from the back room. “Hello! Welcome to the Sugar Cube Corner!”

After a moment, a light blue mare wearing an apron walked through the door and stood behind the counter. She looked up and smiled, “Hello there, Mr. Redheart. How may I help you today?”

“Um, hi... I don’t believe we’ve met, so I take it you know my name from when my band and I played here last night.” I said smiling.

“Oh my. I forgot to introduce myself the other night. I’m Cup Cake and my husband is Carrot Cake, we own Sugar Cube Corner.” She said with a nod. “Now, how may I help you today?”

“Well, Mrs. Cake, I was looking for a side-job around town and I saw the sign.” I pointed towards the neon pink sign hanging in the window, “So I was wondering if I could get a job here?”

She looked me over with a hoof up to her chin. “Well, have you ever worked in a bakery before?”

“Uh, no not really. I did spend a lot of time at a younger age with my mother, who constantly baked though. I might have picked up some of the expertise from her.”

“Well... okay. We really do need the help, so you can start tomorrow. We are in the middle of baking a huge order for Miss. Cheerilee as a surprise for her class, so we can’t really train you today.” Mrs. Cake said, with a sigh.

“Okay, thanks for the job Mrs. Cake, I’ll see you tomorrow.” I walked out of the bakery with a joyful smile on my face, but not before I stopped at turned back around. “What time do you want me here?”

And as soon as she’d finished speaking, I turned back around and continued on my way out the door.

What to do now...? My stomach growled and I realized what my next stop should be.

It was a little tricky to find a food place, seeing as I was new to Ponyville and I didn’t quite know my way around yet. And it dug at me even more, seeing as I could still smell the sweet odor of cakes from Sugar Cube Corner drifting around my nostrils.

It took sacrificing a small amount of pride before I finally asked a random passerby for directions, and luckily enough, he pointed off down another road I hadn’t seen before and continued on his way. One short walk later, and I found myself outside a quaint looking cafe.

Making my way inside, I walked over to the front desk and grabbed a menu, I then sat down waiting to get my order taken. Soon enough, a waiter showed up. He wore a tuxedo and a fez... and... it was Satin.

“And what can I get you... Dexxy! Hey, wassup buddy!?” Satin announced happily.

I sighed, “Hey Satin... I guess I’ll have a sunflower and daisy sandwich with a side of hay fries.”

“You don’t want that! You gotta go for the cucumber sandwich! We just got a whole crate of them fresh today!” Satin offered with a suspicious smile.

“Fine, I’ll go with a cucumber, lettuce, and tomato sandwich with a side of hay fries and a dandelion shake.” I said, knowing something was bound to go wrong.

“A dandelion shake? Really? What are you... Nevermind. They told me to stop berating the customers on their orders. Coming right up!” Satin exclaimed as he bounded away.

If he ever walks into the bakery, I’ll be sure to screw up whatever he orders. Knowing him, he’s going to screw up mine. I thought to myself as my fez-wearing unicorn friend bounced off.

I sat there for about an hour thinking about my new job and some possible lyrics for later songs. Hmmm... No, no, no, too many rhymes. Then again, we are an alternative band... ...hm, perhaps a sad song... a short, quiet song. Speaking of quiet, that mare that I keep bumping into is pretty cute, but I shouldn’t think about her like that... we just met. I deadpanned and facehoofed, “Ugh, this town is just full of surprises.” I said to myself, remembering all the weird and ridiculous things that happened the day before.

Speaking of weird and ridiculous... My stomach growled and I looked around for Satin and his fez. It had been about an hour and a half since he bounded off to the kitchen.

Another ten minutes passed and I was still sitting there waiting for my order, “For Celestia sake, where is that crazy blue unicorn with my order?”

After another minute passed, Satin appeared, wearing his waiter’s outfit and fez, his outfit was covered in crumbs and he had his usual goofy smile on. Yeah, I’m going to make sure the first order he puts in at Sugar Cube Corner is going to be devoured or simply so bucked up, he’s going to never order there again.

Satin strolled up to my table and set down a plate with a half of a sandwich and a half-empty shake, “Annnnnnd you had the cucumber sandwich and the dandelion shake.”

I looked at Satin fire in my eyes, “You made me sit here for longer than the usual wait time just to bring me a half-eaten sandwich and half-empty shake?”

I glared at him, “Dude, you ate my sandwich and drank my shake. What don’t you understand!”

I simmered down and took a step back, “Forget it, you’re not worth it.” I trotted out of the cafe and headed toward the apartment.

Once at home, I sat in my bed and stared up at the ceiling thinking to myself, That was close, nearly gave away a small part of my ancestry I do not want to share with anypony.

I turned over in my bed and drifted off into a pleasant sleep, Rest is what I need, it’s plain and simple. No secrets to accidentally give away and no worrying about any blue unicorns or beautiful canary colored mares. and with that I was out cold for a little while at least.

An hour had passed since I fell asleep, I knew this because when I opened my eyes the sun had sunk only a few degrees to the west. What woke me up was the sound of my excitable bass playing friend, Wham, had ran into the house screaming something about a concert and a drunk drummer.

What is he on about? I sat up in bed just as Wham burst through my bedroom door.

“Dex! We’ve got a problem!” Wham screamed, his breathing heavy as if he had been sprinting for a long time.

Wham nodded, “That and he sort of said something about a concert and everypony in the bar jumped for joy!”

“Stop screaming, sounds like we don’t have a choice but to play a small concert at the bar.” I said, standing up and grabbing some equipment from the band room. “May as well grab some equipment Wham, looks like we got ourselves some music to play.”

After we got to the bar, I noticed a large crowd behind it. I walked with Wham to the back of the bar to find a makeshift stage set up for us, and standing on stage was Rip and Stixx.

Rip was holding a flustered Stixx, and Stixx was babbling on about a blue monkey wearing a fez.

I chuckled and approached the stage with all our equipment, “So I take it somepony was tormenting our poor Drumstixx so he decided to do something really stupid?”

“Of course, haven’t I always been ready to rock when I’m drunk?” He chimed in.

“Wait, who made you angry enough to want to chug about six hard apple ciders and beat on your drums?” I asked, wondering if Satin was in play.

Rip pointed to the front of the crowd and of course my suspicions were correct, there in the middle of the front row was our blue fez wearing friend Satin. “How did I know it was his fault... Nevermind, let’s just get this set up and play.”

We all shrugged and set up our equipment. Once we set everything up we immediately grabbed our instruments and gave a quick intro, “Hello everypony, we’re The Lost Cause, and we’re here to rock your world!”

After playing a few songs, the sun had set and the real fun began, “Wham! Hit the lights!”

Wham hit the stage lights and the crowd was instantly illuminated. Fog machines must have been set up backstage, because fog had flowed in around our hooves.

The crowd went wild and jumped out their seats, we played a few more songs that night and felt the adrenaline rush pass once the static from the crowd had died.

“Thank you everypony, that’s it for us tonight. I got to get some sleep if I’m going to get to my first job on time, you guys were an amazing crowd and I’d like to thank my interesting blue friend here in the front for bringing my day back from the grave.” I pointed at Satin and mouthed a thanks, before trotting off stage with the band to get our wagon ready to haul our equipment back home and sleep until we had to get to work.

Torque the Orc - Tuesday

So, you would think that having the entire town attending a Pinkie party would make them really tired, but apparently, that was not the case. The club was absolutely swamped last night, and the energy of the crowd was stunning. The place was packed until some ridiculous hour of the morning, and there were still some patrons sitting at the bar when I passed out from exhaustion.

I awoke with a start as there was a screech of feedback from the speakers nearest my head. I quickly established that I had fallen asleep on stage, seeing as how I was currently lying on the floor of it. When the ringing in my ears stopped, I quickly assessed the scene before me.

The crowd was high energy, yes, but apparently they were also litterbugs. I got up and flapped to the dance floor to get a closer look.

Club Pon-3 was a mess. The dance floor was covered in a sheen of... Celestia knows what. Strewn about the place were discarded glow sticks, tissue paper, glitter, a couple broken glasses, a few empty tubes of glow in the dark paint, one or two jackets, a dozen or so pairs of glasses, some strips of torn fabric... and some... more risque articles of clothing. I sighed loudly, rubbing my temple as I felt the headache beginning to emerge, knowing that I’d have to clean up. Today the club was closed, and therefore nopony was here aside from me.

I clenched my jaw slightly, realizing that both Bachus and Crystal left me here to clean up. I’d have to give them a talking to about common courtesy when I saw them next, but that wasn’t important at the moment. I had to clean this place up and make it look at least somewhat presentable before I faced the day.

“Well, no use standing around,” I said aloud, to literally nopony but myself. I flew over to the office, unlocking the door, setting down my shades and headphones, and retrieving what cleaning supplies I could find. There weren’t many; a broom, a mop, a bucket, and ammonia. I again sighed, feeling the headache becoming more prominent.

Not very many supplies to work with... whatever. I looked back at the wasteland that was the dance floor, and attempted to figure out a plan of attack. There were far too many loose objects to sweep, and the floor wasn’t clear, so I couldn’t mop.

“Guess it’s trash sweep time,” I mumbled under my breath. I looped the bucket handle around my foreleg and flew over to the nearest piece of trash. I shuddered a bit as I realized that, without unicorn magic, I would have to pick up all the trash with my mouth. With a shaky breath, I gingerly lifted the spent paint tube off the floor, gagging slightly as it peeled off the sticky surface. I dropped the item into the bucket, then looked around me with a shaky sigh.

This was going to bite. But then a brief moment of joy came to me as I realized that I could be listening to music while doing this. I set the bucket down and flew up to the stage. I flipped the power switch on the mixing board, only to realize that it was still on. I groaned inwardly, turning the volume down slightly, and placing one of my favorite records on the table, setting the needle down. The music rang out clear as day, but not impossibly loud. With a smirk, and then a sigh of depression, I returned to the realm of grossness.

I proceeded to go around the dance floor, peeling item after vile item from the floor, trying desperately to not throw up. The easiest and least painful objects to remove were the jackets and the glasses. The most disgusting things were the glow sticks... and the, well, articles, of clothing. The glow sticks were practically glued to the floor, and the articles... were not clean, and smelled of sweat, musk, and... other things. I had to change records twice, and I finally had gotten most of the trash off the floor. What was left was the broken glass, and some of the smaller things, like tissue paper and glitter.

I dragged the bucket of debris out back to the dumpster and hefted it up into the waste box, emptying its contents into it. With a huff, I blew my red and silver bangs out of my face, and trotted back inside. I set the bucket down, changed the record, and assessed the dance floor. It looked much better, but the unknown sheen and the other small bits of trash were still there. I looked at the broom with bitter hatred, knowing that I wouldn’t be able to use it easily.

After fighting with many ways of holding the broom, I decided that clutching it with my forelegs whilst hovering above the floor was the most effective way, and proceeded to sweep the area, piling the debris into the corner, off the dance floor, next to the bucket. With no observable way of disposing of the pile, I opted to leave it for Crystal to take care of. Mopping was easy, I filled the bucket with water and ammonia, and wiped the whole floor down, using the same technique as I did with the broom. The smell was nauseating, but the club finally looked clean...er. With a final sigh of exhaustion, I turned off the sound system, returned the cleaning supplies, retrieved my shades and headphones, and locked up.

“Sweet Celestia that was awful. At least it’s a nice day out, I’ll go and fly around town.” With that, I took to the skies, relishing in the feeling of spreading my wings and having the cool breeze ruffle each and every feather. I didn’t get to indulge myself in this too often, being trapped behind a mix table for most of my free time. This was my first real chance to really let loose and enjoy the day.

The club was closed tonight, I didn’t have any performances to go to, no parties I was invited to, no plans. Just a day off. I couldn’t help but laugh like a little colt, I just felt so giddy. Maybe it was because I was cooped up inside the club cleaning for 3 hours, maybe it was just the weather, or maybe I was finally coming to terms with this town, finally getting the peace I needed from all the hecticness of the Wonderbolts.

I didn’t know, but I also didn’t care. I just flew around the town, greeting anypony and everypony I met. I even saw one grey pegasus that flew about, dropping letters from her saddle bag as she went, and I couldn’t help but smile and laugh. It was different, me being so lively, but I couldn’t stop. I was loving every moment of it.

I flew past the big tree library, where the little dragon and the purple unicorn with the pink stripe in her mane were leaving. The mare was leading and talking up a storm, while the dragon walked behind her, quill in hand and long scroll trailing behind him. She smiled and said hello, and something made me land next to the mare. I had to know who they were.

“Freq Torque, the new DJ in town. I know who you are, it’s nice to meet you. My name is Twilight Sparkle, and this is my #1 assistant, Spike,” the mare said cheerfully, gesturing towards the dragon behind her. At the sound of his name, he looked up and smiled at me, waving with the quill still in claw.

“Hiya Freq! Nice to meet you! I hear you’re really good, it’s all Twilight ever talks ab-mmph!” He began, only to have his lips magically zipped shut by Twilight. I smiled and laughed.

“Please, call me Torque, and I’m glad I finally got to meet you both,” I said with a cheerful giggle. Twilight then ushered Spike to follow her.

“I’m glad we finally met too, but we are really busy, gotta keep to the list! So we have to get going, so see you later! Oh yeah, and loved your live set last night, I really could feel the emotional power behind the music, can’t wait for your next one! Bye!” And with that, she trotted away, leaving a very irked Spike behind to contemplate what he just heard.

“SPIKE LET’S GO!” She shouted, as he snapped out of his thoughts and ran to catch up with her. I couldn’t help but feel intrigued by the strange display that just happened before me.

Such a organized pony, but she came to and enjoyed my live set last night... interesting. I shrugged and took to the skies again, passing by the school and waving at all the fillies and colts as classes ended for the day. They all waved back, three in particular waving extra hard and shouting something to the skies, but I couldn’t pick it out amongst the shrieks of joy and laughter of the little ponies. I chuckled a bit, passing by more ponies in the streets.

As I passed by this carousel shaped building, the only thing I could hear from the inside was panicked ramblings and rapid hoofsteps. I laughed at how ridiculous it sounded, and flew towards the apple orchards. As I flew overhead, I saw three ponies with an apple cart walking towards the orchard, a mare with a brown stetson that I recognized from Pinkie’s party two nights ago, a big red stallion who was pulling the cart, and that fiery maned stallion, the newcomer like me. They seemed really in deep conversation, so I just waved, and they waved back. The orchards were expansive, and beautiful, the apple trees filled with shiny red, yellow, and green apples. My stomach grumbled, and I concluded that just one apple, one of the okay looking ones, wouldn’t hurt, at least not as much as taking one of the gorgeous ones. After I ate the consumable parts of the apple, I set the remains under a tree, to provide food for the other creatures. My hunger satiated, I turned back to the town, seeing the setting sun before me.

I felt slightly saddened as I watched the sky redden, knowing that the wonderful day was coming to an end. I began to fly slowly back to the town, solemnly reflecting upon the day and how it had gone. As the sun sank lower, I saw a brief flash of rainbow off the edge of town, followed by a faint giddy laugh. I smiled slightly, remembering that feeling of being free from earlier today. I flew over Club Pon-3, slowly making my way to where the rainbow blur had appeared, my destination not entirely known.

The sun was now but a sliver of red on the horizon, the deep blue blackness of night beginning to show through the sunset. As the sun finally slipped out of sight behind the mountains, the coolness of the night settled in. I found a nice cloud to lay on, and flopped down atop it with a melancholy sigh, my bracelets clinking slightly with the sudden jolt. I raised my shades onto my forehead and looked up at the multitude of stars that flecked the night sky with white, much like glitter on a dance floor. I smirked as I thought back to cleaning the club, wondering if that really was just this morning. This day had been so great, that time had lost it’s meaning, stopped being linear, and things just kind of happened on their own accord.

I inhaled deeply through my nose, the cooler night air cutting deep into my throat and lungs, sending chills along my entire body. As I exhaled, my breath became visible, a slight mist of steam extending from my mouth and reaching as far as it could into the crisp night sky. The moon was now beginning to rise, creating a poetic blanket of darkness on the stars and illuminating the landscape. Princess Luna’s nights had always been my favorite, as I thrived after hours, and adored the stellar beauty of the night sky. Tonight, the Princess had done an absolutely magnificent job with creating the night, the best I had ever seen.

I began to cry, a few tears creeping down my face and onto the cloud beneath me. At first they were just tears drawn by the sheer beauty of the night, but then they began to have more potent sources. I thought about my previous job, and how much I missed the company of Spitfire and Fleetfoot, Soarin’ and Rapidfire, and all the others, but most prominently Spitfire. She was my closest and dearest friend, we got along so well, told jokes, pulled pranks, and laughed. She was my biggest fan and I hers. And she was the one who had to let me go. I couldn’t imagine how hard that must have been for her, and that pain must have doubled when she saw how defeated I was. But even after all that, she showed that she was a true friend and told me about this place.

The tears got more copious as I thought about how much this place has done for me. I arrived a broken pegasus, lost and alone, and within the first day, I had a job, met two fans of mine, and made three new friends, Dex, Bachus, and Crystal. They all accepted me for who I was, not just my name. Crystal especially took me under her wing. She’s my boss, but she understood where I had come from, and offered me a place to stay. I declined, but only out of pride, and yet she held the offer open, any time, day or night. I also met somepony else that day, Satin, the alcoholic unicorn, who destroyed me in a drinking contest, but had a heart in the right place. The following day, I was invited to a party, just for being newcomers, and met another newcomer, Ryku, who seemed to know Satin I also met this pony named Kairo. They all had their quirks, but they all came to the party. The party had the whole town there, and this pink pony Pinkie Pie put the whole thing on. Kairo... well, he left that night, and I haven’t seen him since. I think he left, which is sad, but maybe he needed to get away from it all. At the party, everypony wanted to hear me DJ, which touched me more than words can describe, that everypony accepted me for who I am. It all made me... feel loved.

At this, the tears poured down, starting to soak the cloud. Made me feel loved. Treated me like family. I realized that what happened here in Ponyville, was really the first situation where I was part of a family. My parents were never happy, they always fought, even in front of my brother and I, they just never stopped. Being the older brother, I tried to protect him from the hostility of my parents, but it would always find some way to get to him. I remember that day we got the family portrait taken, I’ll never forget it. That was the last time our whole family would be together. In the picture, we were all smiling, so it looked happy, but mom’s eyes were filled with tears, dad’s muscles were tensed, and my brother’s hind legs were in severe pain. Myself... I was lost. I didn’t know what to do. Just before that picture was taken, mom and dad got into an argument, and dad lost control. He took it out on my little brother, Treble, and bucked his hind legs when his back was turned. Mom shrieked in horror, and that was the last thing I heard her say. The picture was taken 30 minutes later, and we got into the taxi home. My brother and I had school, and my parents had to work. It was dead silent the whole time, until dad said one thing.

That was the last thing I ever heard from dad. When the taxi dropped us off at school, I helped Treble out, who was trying to look tough, but was in obvious pain. I looked back at mom, and a single tear fell from her eyes. Then the taxi left, heading for the Weather Factory. I watched the whole thing happen not 30 yards from me. There was loud scream of rage, a sickening snap, and I watched dad’s body get launched from the taxi, lifeless and limp, followed by mom’s, but she had a serene smile on her face and she hugged her wings against her body, and they both plummeted to the ground below. I looked away before they hit the earth. Ever since then, my brother has never spoken. I had to be the strong one, be the parent, for Treble. Then, when he was old enough, he got a job at the Weather Factory making clouds, and I met Spitfire. I haven’t heard from Treble in 5 years.

The tears stopped, and I sat on my haunches, looking up at the Princess’s moon, and how big it was, and how small it made me feel. I realize now that mom did it for all of us, and to relieve all her sorrow. Now, being in this town, has made me realize that taking the job at the club was me taking that plummet. It was my way of relieving my sorrows. I smiled and laughed gently.

“Thanks mom, for everything.” I felt my heartache go away as I said that, as though I had finally mended a great wound, and it was now healing. I knew this would change everything, and I was no longer afraid of the unknown. But there was one last thing that I had to do. One more wound to mend, before I could be completely at inner peace with myself.

I took a shaky breath in, savored in the cool bite of the night air, and softly exhaled, expelling all of my sorrows and wounds in a misty fog. I rolled off the cloud and flew silently to the club. I walked into the office, grabbed a pen and paper, and started to write.

My Dearest Brother, Treble Run,

I know it’s been a long time, but...

I love you, and I miss you.

And I know mom misses you too.

You were always her favorite.

She did it for us, you know?

And for herself...

You need to understand...

What she did...

She did out of her love for us.

She wanted to protect us...

From everything she could.

And if you miss somepony...

Just remember this:

We all look at the same moon.

Your Loving Brother,

Freq Torque.

I shed one single tear, hitting the paper right beside my name, and I smiled. Now everything was resolved, and I wouldn’t hold onto the sorrow any longer. I folded it, sealed it with the club admission stamp, put everything away, and walked to the post office. I held the letter delicately in my mouth, as though it were a newborn foal, and stared up at the moon. When I neared the post office, the mailbox was in plain sight. However, upon reaching the mailbox, I noticed something... strange.

I slowly opened my eyes. My joints were aching from the apple bucking I had done the past two days. I got out of the guest bed the Apples had been letting me use and stretched my limbs out. Ouch... man, I’m sore. Well, at least AJ said I could have cart sales duty today... that should be a bit easier on me until I get more used to the labor.

Suddenly, I noticed two bright peach eyes and the little filly they were attached to, staring at me through the open doorway. It was AJ’s little sister, Apple Bloom. I’d seen and said a word or two to her here and there, but I’d never really talked to the filly.

She then took on an annoyed look and huffed. “AJ sent me up here ta wake ya up. Don’t ya know what time it is, Mister?”

I looked at the clock. It read 5:45. I usually get up at 5:00. “Ah, pony feathers! Thanks, ‘Bloom!” I jumped out of bed and ran down the stairs to the kitchen, where AJ usually had breakfast ready. “AJ! Sorry I woke up so late! Let me just eat breakfast and I’ll...” I came to a complete stop at the entrance to the kitchen. “...be... ready... to work...”

Ah, crap. What’s HE doin’ here?! Actually, what’s he even doin’ up? This doesn’t bode well...

There, sitting at the breakfast table with a pancake in his mouth and a shit-eating grin on his face, was Satin. Complete with fez.

“...And to what do I owe this... unexpected visit, Satin?” I asked with obvious annoyance.

“Oh you know, in the neighborhood and I would never miss a chance to drop in on my best buddy Rikky!”

“At 5:50 in the morning? And it’s Ryku, damnit!” I half growled, half huffed.

Applejack, who had been listening from the other side of the table, took this opportunity to intervene. “Alright, ya’ll. Don’t start arguin’ this early in th’ mornin’, please. Ryku, Satin has asked me ta let ‘im have a go at the apple cart sales today. He said something about buckin’ apples bein’ more yer department, so Ah told ‘im he could try the cart job for the day to see how well he did. Would ya mind takin’ ‘im with ya so ya can show him th’ ropes, seein’ as ya were gonna take the cart today anyhow?”

“Thats right! You and me, braving the apple seller’s world together! I can only think of about 7 other ponies that I’d rather do it with!” He said, tearing into another pancake.

I face-hoofed and bit into a pancake of my own. Yep... this is gonna be a long day...

I finished my pancakes and looked up at AJ with a ‘do I haaaaave to?’ glance. She returned it with an ‘it won’t kill ya’ glare. I countered with a pleading ‘with Satin, it could!’ look, complete with quivering lip, but she finally beat me with a ‘Yer goin’ with ‘im, or yer buckin’ trees again today.’ deadpan. Damn it.

“Are you guys done looking longingly into each other’ eyes? ‘Cause I was under the impression it was go time!” Satin chipped in, sealing my fate.

I grumbled a little and headed for the door, with Satin close behind. I took one last look back at AJ before walking out, as she chuckled lightly to herself.

Once I had shut the door and made it about halfway to the barn, where the apple cart was, I sighed. “Why do you even want to work here? You HATE apples!” I asked while we walked.

“But I wouldn’t possibly miss a chance to work with you in a job that doesn’t have me doing physical labor all bucking day... heh heh heh.” He responded, laughing at his own joke.

I just sighed again and opened the barn door. walked over to the waiting cart, and harnessed myself to it, then waited for Satin to do the same. After a few minutes of waiting for the insufferable blue unicorn, I looked around, but couldn’t see him anywhere. “Satin? Where’d you go?”

“Onward mighty stallion! Hyah!” Satin then snapped at me from atop the cart with one of the ropes connecting me.

Ah, just go with it. I’ll get him back for it later... I thought as I slowly pulled the cart out of the barn and onto the dirt path to Ponyville.

“I’m really surprised nopony yelled at me for that whole ‘longingly gaze’ thing. You guys must be getting pretty serious then, huh?” Satin questioned with a smile.

Yep... it’s gonna be a LONG day... “Damn it... Satin...” I said under my breath as I continued down the road.

I was getting near the point where I just wanted to knock this blue bucking stallion out and be done with it. We’d been in town for nearly three hours, and I didn’t know there were THAT many ways to scare customers away. My head was currently laying my head on the apple stand with my foreleg over my eyes, brooding.

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away! Or longer depending on how hard you throw it!” Satin exclaimed from behind the stall. He sank back next to me, “This is going fantastically! I can’t believe how many apples we’ve sold!”

I looked back at the cart. We had sold maybe around two or three dozen apples. By now, we should have sold nearly ten times that. I looked back to Satin and gave him a weak, “Woohoo...”

“You, miss!” Satin pointed at a cream colored earth pony with a two toned purple and pink mane. “You look like you could use some juicy, and might I add spell-bindingly delicious apples!”

She turned to us and her eyes were as wide as saucers, “Oh sweet Celestia, not again!” She announced before taking off down the road.

“What do you think her problem is?” Satin said as he sat back down next to me.

“Satin, after what you’ve pulled around town? There’s no telling which thing she has a problem with...” I deadpanned, recalling not only Satin’s antics, but also the picture I’d seen at the party sunday night.

“I haven’t pulled anything too terrible yet...” He responded with a frown. “I know how we can make this more interesting!”

Interesting with him is usually bad... “Um... what did you have in mind...?” I asked hesitantly.

“Lets make a bet! Let’s see who can sell the most apples by the time we get off work! If I win, you have to help me take over the world!” He announced ecstatically.

I smirked devilishly. “Okay. And if I win, we both forget today ever happened and you go find a different job! Deal?”

“Oh you are so on! You will be my little minion and I will rule with hoof made of some type of metal or something!”

Okay. So my options are A. Win this thing and be rid of him... at least at work, or B. Let him win and watch him get arrested at some point in the near future by the Canterlot guards... I’m weighing my options...

He nodded, and separated the group of apples in the cart into two halves with a bit of telekinesis.

“Let’s do this!” I shouted as I took two basketfuls of apples and ran off into town.

It didn’t take long for me to get started once I was away from Satin. Back when I passed through Fillydelphia, I had taken a job as a door-to-door salespony, so I knew pretty much what I was going to do. I stopped at the first group I found, hid the apple baskets behind me, and started.

“Hello there! It’s a wonderful day, isn’t it?” I said, putting on the nicest smile I could muster.

One of the mares in the group turned to me and smiled. “Yes, I suppose it is.”

“You know what would be fantastic this time of year?” I asked happily. “Apple pie. Or apple strudel, apple crumble, or anything with apples, really! The crisp, sweet taste fits the fall weather, wouldn’t you say?”

Now I had the entire group’s attention. “Yeah, that does sound pretty good... I haven’t made apple pie in a while now! I wonder if the Apple family is selling today...” One of the said with interest.

I grinned. That was exactly what I wanted to hear. “Funny you should say that!” I said, pulling my baskets out from behind me. “I’m actually selling Sweet Apple Acres apples right now! And I’ve got more at the big cart just down the street. Want to check it out?” I beamed.

I got a bunch of nods and smiles and I led them back to the cart. They each bought two basketfuls a piece, and then left.

Damn. I’d better pick up the pace... I didn’t think he’d be doing THAT well...

I looked around, but none of the groups looked big enough to help me catch up. I looked over and saw a park bench near the center of the area. I galloped over to it, got on top of it, and shouted.

“Hello, ladies and gentlecolts! Who here would enjoy a nice apple tart, caramel apple, or just the sweet, crisp taste of an apple in the mornings for breakfast? Maybe after dinner or for a late night snack?” I watched as several ponies raised their hooves. “Well, come with me then! I have plenty of apples for all of you! And remember, Sweet Apple Acres apples are the best apples around!” I boasted, leading the large group of customers back to the apple cart. There, I sold basket after basket to the mob that had followed me. at 8 bits per basket and between 12 and 15 apples per basket, it was adding up quickly. Soon, I turned around and realized that I had exhausted my apple supply.

“I’m sorry, everypony, but it seems we’re all out of apples for the day...” I said with a disappointed look.

Some ponies grumbled and others nodded and walked away, leaving me to check and see how I’d done. I looked over to Satin’s side and got nervous. His side was empty too. I called out to him to see if he was nearby.

I deadpanned before speaking. “Time’s up. I sold mine. How’d you make out?”

“Yeah... two hours ago... so how many did you sell? Your side is empty.” I said, eyeing the drunken unicorn.

“Oh uhhh... none-ish? I took a nap, I mean I didn’t sleep a wink last night! Why do you think I was up at 5 am?” He said with a yawn.

“Well... I moved them to this side to block some glare from the sun that was getting all up in my napping business... so, I dunno.” He said as he rubbed his eyes.

“So... I sold... ALL the apples... in two hours... because you moved them into my side to block the sun?!?!” I shouted in disbelief.

“I guess? Good Job!” Satin responded with a smile. “And, I mean, come on! Did you really expect me to do anything?”

I facehoofed. I should have known he’d pull something like this. Well... at least he has to get a new job now... I thought, trying to look at the bright side. “Okay... well then. You still have to quit this job.” I said with confidence.

His ears drooped as his face turned into a mask of infinite sadness. “Oh... yeah.”

I looked at his sorrowful facade and shook my head. “Nope. A deal’s a deal. Now, we need to take the cart back to Applejack. We’ll get paid, and then I’m going to see if I can afford one of those apartments finally.”

He perked up a bit, “Oh yeah! Apartments! I wanted one of those! I can stop sleeping wherever I pass out!”

Please don’t let him get the apartment next to mine... I couldn’t handle it... I thought as I hitched my self to the cart, not even paying attention to Satin, who was in the cart again.

“You know Rik, you’re just about my best friend currently and I still don’t know a whole bunch about you. Like where you’re from or why ya have a fox on your tail end. Your special talent taking care of animals or something? Another thing, I’m a... let’s call it a drifter, by choice. Why you traveling all on your lonesome?” Satin thought aloud.

I sighed. I hated talking about my past, but... Satin doesn’t just let things go. “Okay. If it’ll shut you up for a little bit, here goes nothing. I’m from Trottingham. This isn’t a fox, it’s a Kyuubi. It symbolizes my anger. I travel on my own because... I have something important to do... and I don’t want to get other ponies involved. Why do you want to know?”

“Anger? Since when? I wanna know ‘cause... funsies, I guess? Doesn’t hurt to be little more well informed about the ponies I associate with!” Satin replied.

There was a bit of an awkward silence between the both of us as I pulled the cart down the road, hoping that ‘question time’ was over.

“Trottingham, huh? You don’t sound like it. You have more of an odd southern thing going for ya. I’ve been to Trottingham a couple of times, it’s usually just posh or angry sounding wankers.” Satin continued with a smile.

I went to yell at him, but thought better of it. It WAS Satin, after all. “My parents and I... were from one of the larger outer farms. I stayed away from the city... at least... for a while... please. This is a bit of a sensitive topic. I don’t feel like getting angry right now.”

He looked as if he genuinely thought about his next sentence. “Hmmm, I’m guessing that whole ‘something important’ goes along with that... so! When you gonna ask AJ out?”

“I was thinking maybe here in a couple we--- wait a minute! Where the hay’d that come from?!” I shouted after I complete registered what he’d asked.

I looked back at him to see a cheshire cat grin leaning over the front of the cart. “Oh come on, I’m not blind! Although I will say, hitting on the bosslady isn’t your best move.” He said as he waggled a hoof in my direction.

I smiled. “Maybe not, but the bosslady has a nice flank... And I don’t think she even sees me half the time other than as a worker. So it’s fine...” I said with uncertainty.

“I don’t suppose you want my help? I’m a fine wing-stallion, if I do say so myself.” Satin responded as he went back to reclining in the cart.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Thanks for the offer though, Satin.” I said, trying my best to politely refuse.

Satin let out a huff, “Alright, I’ll leave it alone. Here’s a better question, how long are you planning on staying? I don’t have a plan, I just move on when I feel like it’s time to go.”

“I’m tired of moving around, searching. I’m going to stay here until I hear something about the... I mean, about the thing I’m trying to find. So, as long as need be.” I said. This conversation was getting too close to what I was really here for, and I didn’t like it.

“Errr, promised I wouldn’t ask... So family! Brothers, sisters, mostly Earth Pony? I’ve got a little bro, he’s stuck up in fancy shmancy magic college in Canterlot. The vast majority of my family are Unicorns with the exception of one of my cousins. He married a pegasus, and I’m like ‘who cares’ but apparently theres a big angry ‘keep the bloodline pure’ part of my family that is piiiiiiiiiissed. I have a couple of colt-cuddling Uncles that hate them! Can you imagine that irony?”

I chuckled a little at the ending of his little rant. “Yeah, that is kinda ironic, huh?” I then sighed, remembering the beginning of what he said. “No. No siblings. Just me.”

“Ahhh, that’s sad! Having a brother is so much fun! We beat each other up, insult each other, and generally hate on each other. We’re like best friends!”

“Oh Celestia... you just described how we act around each other... We are NOT best friends! And I am DEFINITELY not your brother!” Ryku laughed, half serious, half joking.

“Oh come on! We don’t fight! And anyway, if we did, I’d kick your orange flank all the way back to AJ’s!”

All I could do was hold back a laugh at that. Satin? Kick my flank? He was a lot of things, but he wasn’t a fighter! “Yeah. Alright, tough guy. Anyway. We’re here.” I said as the barn came into view.

He let out a whine, “I was looking forward to another bet! I guess it’ll have to wait...”

We took the cart into the barn quickly before heading towards the house. When we walked into the farmhouse, Applejack jumped up and looked at us.

“Yer back! Th’ way ya were actin’ this mornin’, Ryku, Ah’d expected one of y’all to be out cold from a fight ‘er somethin’ when ya got back.” She smiled.

I gave her a smirk. “Yeah, well. I think we did pretty well. Got the whole cart sold off.”

She tilted her head to the side and gave me a funny look. “Yer kiddin’, right? The whole cart? There’s usually at least a good third left in it at the end of a work day.”

I gave Satin a quick side-glare before looking back up to AJ and replying. “Well, let’s just say Satin here... INSPIRED me to work harder.” I fibbed.

“Oh, Rikky is just being modest! He’s a natural born salespony!” The blue unicorn grinned.

“That reminds me,” I started, “Wasn’t there something you were going to tell AJ, Satin?”

His grin quickly disappeared as a sad puppy dog look came on his face, “Ahhhh do I have tooooo?”

I just stared at him for a second before nodding silently. Applejack’s full attention was on Satin.

“Oh well...” He began to nervously rub the back of his head with hoof, “I actually... well the thing is... I quit?” Satin said with very little resolve.

I facehoofed. That didn’t have to be THAT blunt. “Um... I think he means he isn’t really cut out for this job, Applejack.” I tried to make his answer sound a little better.

The orange mare looked at Satin and me for several minutes before breaking into a wide, toothy grin. “Y’all made a bet an’ Satin lost, didn’t ya?”

Applejack’s eyes switched over to me, and I gave her a knowing look. “Alright, Satin.” She rolled her eyes, “Ah believe ya. Here, take yer share of the pay. Th’ two of ya sold an entire cart in a day, so Ah’ll throw in a few extra bits for ya.” Applejack said, hoofing a bag of bits over to Satin. “It’s a bit early so don’t expect this often, but here, Ry’. Here’s yer pay from the last couple days and today. You two go ‘head and have some fun. Ah’ll see ya in the mornin’, Ryku. Take care, Satin. Yer welcome back if ya ever need the job!” She said sweetly.

“Alright, Applejack! If things work out tonight, I’ll have my own place, and you’ll have your spare bedroom back. I’ll grab my things after work tomorrow. Thanks for lettin’ me stay as long as ya have!” I then glanced at Satin and nodded my head towards the door. “Come on. I’ve survived this many hours straight with ya. A couple more won’t hurt. Let’s see if we can afford our apartments.” I finished as I walked out the door, giving AJ a nod goodbye as I went.

Satin called out as we were leaving, “And don’t be too hard on Rikky without me, AJ! I’m pretty sure he couldn’t take it!” Satin ended with a wink at me.

Applejack waved us off, looking a little melancholy for some odd reason. I shot Satin an uncertain look before we took off down the road back towards Ponyville.

I made my way back to town, keeping up a quick pace so Satin wouldn’t be able to niggle out anymore details about my past or my family. We ended up back in town in less than 15 minutes. We entered the apartment building’s office and a gray old stallion was working the front desk.

I walked in behind him with a smug grin on my face. “A little too fast for ya, Satin?” I laughed before turning to the stallion at the counter. “I could use an apartment. How much was it again for a one bedroom one?”

“That’d be two hundred bits. That alright for you both?” The stallion asked eyeing us both suspiciously.

The out of breath unicorn began to giggle as he managed to get out, “I’m on top!” before coughing and sounding like he was hacking up a lung.

“No. No, no, NO. We aren’t together. Even if I WAS a coltcuddler, I’d NEVER be with HIM!” I said frantically, pointing at Satin.

“Why must you deny my love, darling!” Satin continued, laughing and wheezing his flank off.

I checked my bag of bits quickly to get out of the awkward situation as quickly as usual. “Just one moment. I have the bits for MY apartment...” I counted them out, and realized I only had 182. “Um... I don’t suppose you could let me pay you back when I get a few more bits... I’m only 18 short...”

He let out a sigh, “I’m sorry, but rules are rules. I wouldn’t have put ‘first payment due when you rent’ on the sign if I didn't mean it. If I bend the rules for you, I gotta bend the rules for everypony!”

Satin threw a bag of bits onto the table and looked at the other stallion expectantly.

The old earth pony looked at Satin in an unamused fashion, “Names Bristle, and ya only have...” He took a moment to carefully count out his bits. “About 176, give ‘er take a couple.”

“Sorry colts, unless I can interest you in a two bedroom apartment... you guys are, excuse my Prench, shit out of luck.”

I stopped and stared at the stallion. There is NO way I could roommate with Satin... but I can’t stay at Applejack’s... It’s getting to the point there where every time I run into her we have an awkward moment... I slowly turned towards Satin so see what he was thinking... and the blue unicorn was sitting with the same shit-eating grin from this morning plastered on his face. Oh... Buck me... I sighed before speaking. “Satin... Do you... want to get the two bedroom apartment?”

His smile grew wider and wider before opening his mouth and taking in a big breath.

Did I say it was going to be a long day? Should have kept my big mouth shut...

It’s gonna be one of those days. I thought as my eyes opened a crack and glanced at the clock. It was already ten o’clock. All I wanted to do though, was continue laying in my nice, comfortable bed and not be bothered by anypony. I knew I had to get up and brace myself for the day, however, and so I slowly forced myself to get out of the bed.

After grabbing a long, hot, steamy shower, I was awake and ready for whatever came my way. Maybe today won’t be so bad after all. Maybe I won’t run into any real problems. I’ll be able to get out of my house and go to the club and relax today. I thought, as I grabbed my green stetson and sunglasses and headed for the door. Just then, I heard a knock on the door. And maybe it’s going to rain gumdrops and ice cream! I went to the door and opened it slowly, hoping it was just a mailpony who decided to give me my mail directly today. Wouldn’t that be sweet of them. But no, it was Torque! “Oh, Torque! What a pleasant surprise. I must say, if anypony is going to be knocking on my door this early, then I’m glad it was you.” I greeted him as warmly as I could hope to manage in the morning. “I have to ask, though, what brings you here?”

“Well Crystal, I’ve been doing some thinking, and I came to the conclusion that I want to take you up on your offer of your couch. See, the nights have been getting colder, and what with me not having a proper place yet, I figured that I could sleep on your couch, at least until I get the funds to pay for a place of my own. I won’t intrude, I promise. It’s literally just a place to sleep, I’ll be out before y-”

“Really? Thanks. I gotta run though, errands to do and such. I just stopped by to ask. Thanks again, Crystal!” He said as he flew off towards the center of town. I just stood at the door as he faded out of my view.

“Yeah, you’re welcome. Anytime.” I said to the air in front of me. What the hay took that foal so long to take me up on my offer? After a minute or so of just standing there with a dumb expression on my face, I remembered what I was doing before he showed up. I wouldn’t want to be late to work, now would I? Going to work right now was a little ridiculous, to be honest. It was only eleven o’clock in the morning. The club won’t have anypony in it until much later. I really only had a couple of options to fill my day. I could either take care of the pile of paperwork that I probably should have already taken care of, or I could also just sit at my desk, kick back, and relax for the next several hours until we open. Well, I guess I’ll never get anything done standing around here. I should at least start walking over there. Maybe I’ll find something to keep me from the paperwork along the way. With that I took that first step out the door and turned towards work.

Along the way to the club, I took the time to admire everything going on around me. It seemed like a normal, boring day, though. There were ponies eating at the cafe, lounging around in the park, and I even noticed Rarity coming out of the spa looking refreshed and relaxed. Actually, she looks really happy. I might have to make a detour today and check out the spa. Without realizing it, I had already started walking over to the tent.

“Hello! Velcome to ze day spa! How may ve help you? “ The owners chimed as I walked in. Standing at the counter were two Earth ponies, one a light pink and one a light teal color with manes that matched the color of the other’s coat. The twins, Aloe and Lotus, were the ones who started the spa here. I don’t know why, but they just came into town one day and I guess they saw an opportunity. They get a lot of business, and the ponies in town are perfectly happy with it, so I guess their feeling was right. I’ve only actually come here once or twice though. I’m just not used to the whole kickback, relax, and be pampered idea. Well, I’m here now. Can’t turn back. And I don’t treat my self enough. Might as well make the most of it.

“Yeah, hi. I’ve had a stressful few days recently, and I could really use a massage. Can that be arranged? Sorry I don’t have an appointment.” That is generally how it works. Maybe this was a stupid idea. Everyone knows you’re supposed to have an appointment when you come into these kinds of pla-

“It’s not a problem at all, my dear!” The teal one, Aloe said as she trotted over to me, “It’s a slow day. Ve can fit you in at any time. Our only appointment today was miss Rarity, and you probably passed her leaving as you came in.”

“Actually, she’s the reason I decided to drop by. She looked like she was so extremely relaxed, and I’ve had so much stress lately, I just had to drop by and see if it helped.”

“Of course! She actually saw our new guy. I can get you set up with him if you thought she looked good.” Lotus said.

“Alright. That sounds good. Let’s do that.” New guy? I had almost had enough of new guys lately. But most of them had been alright. It’s worth a shot I guess.

“Okay then! Right zis way.” Aloe told me. I followed her through a door and into the back room. There was a couple massage tables off to the side of the room next to a couple couches. Most of the room was taken up by a large bath. She led me over to the tables and pointed at the nearest one. “Alright, lay down over zer and just relax. Get comfortable. We’ll give you the full works.” I went over, lay down, and removed my sunglasses. The two came over and gave me a mud mask and put cucumbers over my eyes, then I lay down waiting.

After a couple of minutes of just laying down and relaxing, I heard a pony come in. “Well, my dear, let’s just get zhis started.” He came over and started slowly rubbing the knots out of my upper back. “How have you been lately?”

I know that voice. Something about that voice is familiar. Eh, I’ll figure it out later. Right now I’m just gonna enjoy this. “It started a few days ago. There were some new ponies that came into town. One of them, I gave a job. Thats alright. That was actually a life saver. My stress entirely comes from the blue one.”

“I heard about zese new ponies. What’s wrong with ze blue one? I heard he was dashing and charming.”

“CHARMING?! HA! He’s pretentious. Annoying. Just overall gets on my nerves. And worst of all, at one point, he stole my hat!” I felt the stress and anger just build up over that. Then it slowly melted away with the massage.

“What is ze deal with ze hat anyway? You didn’’t even take it off for ze massage. That’s a bit odd.”

“It’s kind of a long story. I don’t want to go too far into it right now. It has deep meaning to me. I hate the thought of losing it. Especially because of where it came from. My father ain’t around anymore, you see. He gave it to me. It was one of the last things he did before leaving. Every time he had to go on a long journey he would put his hat on my head and tell me, ‘Keep this safe, I want to have it back when I get home.’ One time, he left and never came back. I’ve never taken it off since. Except for when disrespectful and when sleeping. Other than that, I’ve kept it safe. I know at this point that he’s never coming back but now it just serves as a memory.” I paused.

I’ve been rambling about this. I need to change up the mood. That was sad. What’s better than sad. Oh. Anger. That’s where I’ll go with this. Back to Satin! “Anyway, that brings me back to Satin! He had the nerve to take the hat right off of my head and then frame his friend for it. He drives me absolutely nuts. He walks around, drunk as can be, all the time. He wakes me up early some days when I really don’t want to see him at all. He acts like he is the best thing in the world all the time! He really isn’t. He seems to be mostly an insane drunk who tries too hard to be wanted. I don’t blame him. Everypony wants to be wanted sometimes. He just is so freaking obnoxious about it! It blows my mind how he can think that what he does is a good idea half the time! Although, I know how he thinks its a good idea. His constantly drunk brain always tells him it is!”

“Wow, is zat how you really feel about him? I’ve heard so much good about him.” The masseuse sounded slightly saddened. Wait. Why would he be saddened by that? Maybe he just feels bad hearing about someone else being slandered like that. Oh but why is that voice so familiar to me? I can’t quite place it. Oh, I have to find out who this is. At the very least so I can request him again next time. Even through all my rage, I’ve been so relaxed.

“Alright, I have to see who you are.” I said as I levitated the cucumbers off my eyes. “I know I recognize you but I can’t tell. I’ve been so relaxed though. I need to know.”

“I... Uh... I really don’t zhink that’s such a good idea...” He stammered.

I turned to look at him. “Nonsense. How can I request you again if I-” I stopped dead when I saw his fez. Oh. Sweet. Celestia. Not him. Anyone but him. No wonder I didn’t recognize the voice. Leave it to him to imitate the accents of his employers. Now it’s so clear though. It’s the one pony I was hoping to avoid today. And he was just TOUCHING MY FLANK! I tensed up. Now I was probably worse than I was when I entered the spa. I made a split decision and turned for the door. I went full speed right through it and past a stunned Aloe and Lotus. I left them with confused expressions on their faces, and kept right on running out of the whole tent and down the street. They’re probably gonna want to know when they are getting paid. Let them hound me about it later. I am not paying them for tha- My thoughts were cut short when I barreled right into a wooden cart full of apples.

“What the hay?!” The orange stallion selling apples at the cart exclaimed in shock. Ow. Oh thank Celestia. It’s Ryku. He’s a familiar and, from what I can tell, friendly face. I didn’t even respond to his question or apologize for ramming the cart. My first reaction was to throw my forelegs around his neck and started sobbing into his side.

It took me awhile to compose myself. When I stopped crying, I pulled back from hugging a very confused looking Ryku. “I’m sorry about that. I don’t normally do that kind of thing. I guess the stress just got to me.”

“What the hay caused you to just lose it like that?!” He asked, still trying to comprehend what had just happened.

“So I woke up this morning and, on my way to work, I decided to get a massage. They told me they had a new guy, so I decided to give him a shot. About halfway through the massage, I actually got to see the new guy. It was Satin sitting there and I tensed right up and just lost it. I ran out of there without paying and now here we are.” Did I really just tell this pony, who I just met a few days ago, all of that. Well, I guess it makes sense since he knows Satin. He probably knows Satin better than any of us. So at least he understands.

We talked for a few moments longer and he reassured me that Satin probably got fired. Then we decided that we should probably get to work so we parted ways. I went to the club, sat at my desk, and napped for the next hours until we actually opened. I was jolted awake by the sound of Torque taking his place on stage and getting the music started. Walking out of my office I saw the usual steady stream of ponies begin to come into the club. And so begins the usual night of dancing, partying, and drinking which only some ponies would remember the next morning. What a great way to forget my stresses. I walked over to the bar, ordered a drink, and decided that tonight would be one of the nights that I joined in the partying for once.

~Satin Gotta Get Down on Friday~

I stood with my hooves on my flanks as I stared at the shoddily constructed stage I had made with as much bravado as I could muster. Oh this looks good, real good.

I then stared down at my bits that were kinda just blowing in the wind and then quickly fell to all fours before anypony saw me.

I checked my fetlock, “Ahh almost 3, so close to showtime!” I readjusted the fabled fez of +7 epic awesomeness on my head and made sure the cloak of visibility was tied correctly as I went over my tricks again.

Alright, we’re going to start off with a couple of fireworks to really get everypony’s attention. Then I’ll move onto something equally big and flashy, card tricks! Sleight of hoof is a big attention getter nowadays. After that, I’ll move onto the rope tricks... maybe... nooooooo I hate the rope tricks. That crap is eeeeeevil!

I heard a short, feminine *ahem*, and as my train of thought ran off of the track, nopony survived.

I turned my head as a cream colored earth pony with two shades of pink in her mane stared at me on the stage with her hoof on her chin in confusion.

“Welcome, young miss! The show isn’t quite ready to start but if you’re here to apply for the position of my beautiful assistant, The...” Crap! All great magicians have some adjectives and stuff in their name! Quick! Think of something!

I held my hoof straight out and continued to slowly shake it, trying to make something appear, but nothing would. My mind drew a complete blank. I put my hoof down in defeat.

“Just call me Satin, The Satin if you’d like. What can I do for you, miss...?”

She pointed her hoof at me suddenly and spoke, “No... No we are not doing this convoluted nonsense again. I simply refuse. Things could have been so much worse than they were.”

She continued saying things out loud to nopony in particular as she walked away.

“But I didn’t get your name! If you wanted the job you have it! Nopony else applied and I don’t think I can get Rikky to wear the tutu that comes with the job!” I shouted after her with no effect.

Well that was... something... Right! Tricks! I should then move onto to the vanishing wand trick... but where did I... I went over my prop table in desperation. Where in Equestria did I put that damnable thing... Well crap! Guess I’ll have to skip it...

It was a couple hours after midday and I reaaaally didn’t want to waste the fireworks I had trying to get everypony’s attention. So I think I was prepared for the performance. That leaves me with a couple hours to waste sooooooo...

I stumbled around the back of the stage trying to ready my tricks as Celestia’s sun fell into dusk. I stuck my head out from behind the curtain and looked at the small crowd of ponies that had slowly matri... matric... that had slowly showed up, the vast majority of which were excited little colts and fillies.

I let out a sigh as I began to try to psyche myself up. Wait a minute, I’m Satin! I’ve got bravado literally oozing out of me. Should really get a doctor to check on that, but he won’t talk to me anymore... I can do a magic show!

“Welcome, ladies and gentlecolts, to the best magic show I could throw together in less than a day!” That sounded better in my head... I shook my head and trudged onward. I threw my cape back as I continued my intro speech that I was pretending I didn’t make up on the spot. “I, the...” Crap! Stage name! Think of something! “The Lord of the Cloth, the Sultan of Silk, Master of The Materials, the King of Cotton, the Titan of The Tweede, the Prince of the Polyester, the Friar of Felt...” I stopped the current flow of nonsense before I could get even more ridiculous, “Satin the ever-humble at your service!” I ended with a bow.

There was a mixture of coughing and blank stares as I finished. Move forward, never backward.

“Right! No nonsense! Straight on to the tricks! That’s what you all are here for anyway!” I said as I bustled across the stage setting off a couple of my beginning fireworks.

“To begin, I could use an assistant! Preferably...” Other than a couple eager looking fillies, Nopony seemed too excited about helping in my magical pursuits. And then, I saw it. A seafoam unicorn with a cock-sure smile raising her hoof.

“Oh, that’s kinda interesting, my wife is named Lyra. Well, she isn’t my wife. In fact, we’ve only just met!” I said as I dramatically pulled a bouquet of flowers that was conveniently hidden under my collar out.

“Fine! On with the reaaaaaaaaal tricks then.” I said as I tossed the bouquet off behind me somewhere. “Right, so Lyra do you happen to have a pack of cards on you?”

“This is your lucky day then!” I announced as I yanked out a pack of cards from my cape pocket. I took the cards out and began splaying them out as I asked, “Now does this look like a typical deck of cards to you?” She began to move a couple and looked at them briefly.

“Wrong! If they were real deck of cards you couldn’t do this with them!” I exclaimed as I began whipping them around in the air, the deck held together. As I stopped, I began talking again, “Pretty good trick right? Didn’t expect that, gotta put thread through every single card. It takes soooo much time! Luckily I don’t sleep much.” I said as I waved hoof in front of my face.

I threw that deck behind me as well. This got a pretty good laugh from the crowd.

“Now then, magic!” I said as I took out another deck of cards. “Alright this is a real deck of cards, here inspect them thoroughly this time.” I stuck out my tongue at her as I passed her the deck.

She laughed as she gave me a nudge and began going over the deck thoroughly.

“Really? Crap, wrong deck... Oh well, lets roll with it!” I could hear the giggling from the crowd growing.

“Now then, I’m going to start moving cards one hoof to the other. When you say stop, take that card. Got it?” She nodded and gave me a wink.

The process began as I levitated one card off the deck, and laid it face up in my other hoof. This lasted a while as Lyra made me move almost every card to my left hoof until, “Stop!” She announced, toothy grin still never leaving her face.

A bit of sweat rolled down my cheek as the constant exertion of magic caught up a bit. “Are you sure?” I asked, masking my tiredness.

I let out a comically heavy sigh, “Thats a shame...” This got a few more laughs out of the crowd. “She chose the 6 of spades!” I announced as I showed it to the crowd in front me. “Now would you please sign your name on the little white space on the top of the card in between the numbers.” I gave her a pen, she did, and her part was done. “Please stomp your hooves everypony, for Lyra!” The crowd obediently did so. That means I’m winning them over right?

I held the card up to the crowd as I announced to the crowd, “Now before I continue, I actually made a prediction on what card she would choose before the show. I’ll show you guys it now, let’s see that prediction!” I unhooked one of the banners that was connected to the rafters of the stage, it unrolled showing... the 9 of hearts...

I loud roar of laughter erupted from the crowd. I waited for it to die down before I continued, “Now then, if I could really do this trick it would look a little something like this. And watch the horn, this is no unicorn trick! This is all skill!” I sat down as I began folding the card in half both ways before rubbing the card face with one of my hoofs. I revealed the 9 of hearts quarter by quarter to the crowd, much to their awe. They stomped their hooves for me as I finished.

I smiled big as the crowd’s exuberance began to die down, “Now then, who wants to seem good old fashioned Zebra magic?!” I announced. There was an outcry of agreement and hoof stamping. “What this town doesn’t know yet, is I’m a traveller of sorts. I’ve been to the side of every map. I’ve peered over the edge and seen the elephants and the turtle. Truly the only thing that mystifies me, other than fashion and how to properly eat a pomegranate, is zebra alchemy! I studied their formulas and ways diligently for a long time and I’m still only a novice in their culture!” My long exposition boomed over the entranced crowd. I pulled out a red felt bag that I had kept in my cloak. I dipped a hoof in, pulling out a small mound out and held it out dramatically in front of me. “Who wants to see something... magnificent!” I blew on the mixture sending it over the crowd and creating a mix of marvelous colours over them. There were a few gasps but there were more ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’. I smiled inwardly as I readied the next part of the trick.

I grabbed another bag from my side and began to throw large amounts of the mixture into the air above my stage as I lit a fire spell on one end of the dust tail. My illusion was set up. There was a sudden ‘woosh’ as the dust above the crowd harmlessly vaporized in a snap blaze. There was a gasp as the audience was snapped back to the magic show and an evil looking dragon gazed down on the from the rafters of my stage. It began to open it’s mouth getting in the ‘breathing fire’ position. There was about to be screams, I could feel it. I quickly shot a firework into the illusory dragons mouth instantly getting rid of the apparition.

I let out an expectant huff and laughed, “I’m so glad that went over well! You would not believe how many times I’ve been run out of town for stuff like that!”

Things died down as the crowd looked at me expectantly. “Well alright... How about something else foreign? Something from the Griffon Kingdom perhaps?” I asked as I pulled over a stool with a unique looking box on top of it. “This is the box of the Great Queen Scythia. There are no tricks, no mirrors, no optical illusions, no magic, no glue, no nails...” As I picked it up it fell into pieces and onto the floor. “I forgot how this trick ends...” I said as I rubbed the scruffy tuft of hair on my chin. This got the cheerfulness of the crowd back as the mess on my stage grew and grew.

“Let’s make some stuff appear!” I announced suddenly as I vanished behind the curtain, only to reappear a minute later, pushing a large cage out onto the stage.

“Oh yeah, this is going to be really cool! I’m thinking something large and dangerous that loves the taste of pony flesh!” I began laughing maniacally as I began charging my magic. The crowd gasped while colts and fillies covered their eyes, well still looking but at least giving a show of covering their eyes.

I began building light around my horn making it seem like the spell was much more powerful than it actually was and finally ZAP I hit that cage and as the smoke cleared my tigerrrrr... my Pinkie appeared?

“Pinkie what are you doing in my cage?!” I asked, way more confused than angry.

“Well, first Fluttershy was getting freaked out that one of her tigers was missing, she’s pregnant you know. The tiger, not Fluttershy. So she set off on a quest to find her! She assembled the team and had a townwide tiger search going. We found her mewing in a different cage over there! Then Fluttershy took her home and I stayed in the cage! The end!” She didn’t take a single breath during that.

“Silly! The note just said ‘I’m taking your tiger, bye!’ Satin out!” Pinkie giggled.

“Well then Pinkie, can you be my tiger?” I asked. “All ferocious and stuff, a big roar and all that?”

She gave me a wink as she let loose the loudest, angriest, most realistic roar. My ears drooped as I covered my head and waited for it to end.

As she stopped, the crowd began their applause and I got to my hooves and stared at her as I slowly mouthed the words ‘I love you.’

I shook my head and readjusted my fez quickly as I addressed the crowd again, “My lovely, and might I add beautiful assistant, Pinkie!” I unlocked the cage as she walked up beside me.

“Alright, alright, alright. That one wasn’t nearly dangerous. There was a cage and everything and if somepony isn’t risking their life for a trick then it’s not interesting enough! Now my other, less pretty, assistant! Bring out... THE WHEEL OF DEAAAAATH!!!”

Pinkie stomped her hooves with emphasis as she yelled out, “DUN DUN DUUUUUUN!”

I heard some grumbling as the new trick was pushed out by an orange stallion that had some sort of problem wearing a tu-tu for Team Master Magician Satin.

“I can’t believe I agreed to this...” Ryku mumbled under his breath as he wheeled the prop out onto stage.

“Now then, as a magician, you must be willing to take a few risks. Well, you have to when you can’t convince somepony else to do it. So taking my life into my own hooves I will be strapped on the to this spinning murder machine, Rikky here will give it a spin, and one of my assistants will begin to throw some dastardly pointy things at me.” The orange stallion’s face brightened up for a second. “I”m thinking Pinkie will do it.”

Ryku frowned and helped me get strapped in to the device as Pinkie began rooting around in my prop chest for the objects to throw.

“Alright, let me just mentally prepare mys-” Ryku laughed maniacally as his forehooves slammed against one of the spokes, sending the the wheel round and round at mach speeds.

I managed to concentrate on keeping myself from getting dizzy... until the first sharp thing hit right next to my head, at eye level. A tuning fork embedded next to me, vibrating in entirely the wrong direction. I might die here... The next few hit in rapid succession, a couple of dentistry tools hitting around me, but never hitting me. Dozens of random objects were sent in my general direction: a royal guard’s spear, lawn darts, a couple of railroad spikes, a cactus, a fire axe, a set of antlers from something, and an entire set of kitchen utensils.

The wheel began to slow to a stop, luckily with me upright. I was so relieved for this to end... until I heard Pinkie exclaim, “Heads up!” as a pair of large garden shears thudded into the wheel, open, with the blades near either side of my neck.

I almost passed out, almost. Ryku was quick to let me out of my constraints, first removing the shears. I shakily walked to the center of the staged and promptly collapsed.

Ryku and Pinkie quickly rushed to my side as the helped me up long enough for a bow. The applause was almost deafening.

I shook my head as I tried to make the world stop spinning. “Alright, I’ve got one last trick in my big bag o’ tricks! BEHOLD!” I jumped up and winced as my head protested.

I pushed on as I began to build the magic needed for my finale. Pinkie and Ryku began extinguishing all the lights around the stage, leaving me as the sole light source in the dark in the night other than the moon and stars. The blue light of my magic kept building and building as the stage and the crowd were encircled with the power. I kept on going, pushing more and more magic into my horn as light became blinding. I was slowly reaching the apex of my power, but I kept on pushing onward needing every extent of magic in my body for my grand finale. I hit my limit and let the spell go as the sound of a large explosion filled the air and everything went dark the stage.

The spotlights were relit as I stood triumphantly in the center of the stage, a large flag hanging off my horn with the word ‘Bang’ written in big letters on it.

There was a roar of laughter from the crowd as soon as they realized what had happened. I had the biggest smile on my face as I finally managed to do something right this week. I gave another bow and waved over Ryku and Pinkie, then we all bowed in a group.

I whispered to my lovely assistants, “Lets give them a few more fireworks as another finisher!” We began gathering the rest of the fireworks I had and began setting them up around the stage and started lighting them up.

“By the way,” Ryku asked as we were almost done, “where did you get all these fireworks?”

I sat at a table in one of the local bars, I didn’t wanna go to club Pon-3. My head hurt, both my mane and my tail were singed, and loud club music wouldn’t help either of those things. I nursed my beer like a depressing drunk, because that's sorta what I felt like tonight. Everything had gone so well...

It really didn’t help that the whole town seemed to want to confront me and ask me about the magic show, mostly about the excruciating end of it. I really just wanted to be left alone to brood a little.

I downed my drink and asked for another as a brown stallion with slick backed black mane and a collar and tie sat across from me and told the waitress that my tab was on him tonight.

I gave him a questioning look as I started in, “Can I help you?” I really couldn’t help the curtness currently.

“I hope you can!” A deep gruff voice began. “The names Filthy Rich, and I was at your little magic show today!”

“Son, you don’t know me ,but I’m fairly well known around these parts. Mostly because I own most of these parts.” He said proudly.

“Straight to the point! I like that about you. I recently acquired the local radio station, PMN, and had to fire the current host/DJ/whatever else that uppity mare did because of a couple labor disputes and have been looking for a new one. You’ve got a voice for radio, son!” He said as he held out his hoof.

My scowl lessened a great deal as I stared at his hoof for a moment, “Alright... You got yourself a deal. With one condition, stop calling me son.” I reached out and shook his hoof, “One other thing,” I waved at the waitress, “Two shots of whiskey please and thank you!” The mare brought over my beer and the two shots. We clinked the shots together and threw them back, and I watched him making sure he didn’t flinch.

We nodded to each other as he collected himself, threw a small purse to the waitress that had been serving me, and began to leave before adding, “You start Monday, come in one to two-ish. We need to get you used to all the equipment before you can actually go on the air. Don’t be too late.”

I started to contemplate what I could be getting myself into... until I saw Rikky wander into the bar, looking around desperately.

He looked around for a few more moments, and I thought I’d successfully hidden from him... until I heard it. “Satin! You’re okay!” Ryku exclaimed as he galloped over to me.

I slapped on a fake smile for him as I responded, “Yeah... almost didn’t make it out.”

“No kiddin’! Did you see some of those fireworks? They were flyin’ all over the place! Sorry I bolted. How’d you get out?” He asked, just now noticing the singed hair on my mane and tail. “...I take it you didn’t make it unscathed?” He continued as he suddenly began scratching his back leg.

I scowled at him, “Yeah, I saw all of them. In GREAT detail. I made sure Pinkie got out all right, and saved a lot of my gear. The whole teleportation thing is really useful sometimes. Thanks for asking.” I finished, sarcasm heavy in my voice.

The orange stallion frowned and rubbed the back of his head. “Yeah... sorry, dude. When things started gettin’ hairy, I just kinda took off...”

My friend shrunk a bit at my harshness before speaking again. “H-How about I try to make it up to ya? I’ll buy ya a drink, okay? I’m real sorry, Satin...”

I released a heavy sigh into my forehoof, “Don’t worry about it. Look, some rich jackass just paid for all of my drinks and gave me a job because of all this. Let’s see how drunk we can get on his dime, shall we? Plus, I’m sure you didn’t mean to burn down my stage!” I said, my smile bleeding through.

I was taken aback a bit, “You turned tail and knocked over my fireworks! YOU started the fire!”

“I did no such thing! One of the barrels started setting off prematurely! YOUR faulty fireworks set the stage ablaze!” Ryku retorted.

We argued back and forth the rest of that night, trying to pin the blame for the fire on the other party. Eventually, as the alcohol in our systems started rising, it became more of a joke than an actual argument. We passed comments around and even got the waitress in on it for a while, much to her chagrin. We sat there until well into saturday morning before finally exhausting the bits that Filthy had left, and stumbling out into the street to head back to our apartment.

“You know, I have been figuratively fired from 4 different jobs this week.” I began another drunken tirade on the way back. “I was dismissed from a little cafe job for some missing food and ‘berating customers’. I got canned from being a mail mare when they discovered I was neither a mare nor a pegasus, as well as something about not ‘sitting around in mailboxes’. Working for the Apples didn’t pan out and the local spa fired me because I was too damn good at it. I was also literally fired from the last one.” I chuckled a bit at that. “But I’d still say it was a pretty good week.”

“Heh... I still say it was your fireworks...” My fiery-headed friend slurred with a happy grin as we walked home.

“Maybe it was your stupid mane that set everything on fire?” I threw back, snickering like a schoolcolt.

Ain't No Rest For The Wicked

by GatheringFriendship

Chapter 6 - The Work Week