Chapter 25
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“If you ever get annoyed, look at me – I’m self-employed; I love to work at nothing all day. And I’ll be takin’ care of business (every day), takin’ care of business (every way), I’ve been takin’ care of business (it’s all mine), taking care of business and working overtime.” – Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Takin’ Care of Business (Bachman-Turner Overdrive II)
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Verdigris woke just before sunrise, as usual. He walked downstairs and outside quietly, and stood on a rise about a dozen yards from Ominus’ house. Good morrow, Luna said. Thou appear ready for thy day.
Good morning, and I am. It was good to see everypony again.
There was a sigh. ‘Twould be good to visit, but I cannot, and for more than my duties. Verily, I do not know an I should.
He smiled to himself; it was too good an opportunity to miss. Surely, you can’t mean that.
He felt her smile. Most assuredly I do, and cease calling me Shirley. He could “hear” her chuckling, and she added, Gramercy. ‘Tis a good thing to laugh; let none say otherwise.
I won’t. You’re not angry that I lied about my birthday, I hope. I didn’t want anypony to make a fuss.
Forgiven, but not forgotten. Celly would not let that stand, and why dost thou? Birthdays are to be enjoyed, Luna replied.
Oh, sure, if you have friends. I didn’t for some time, and what’s the point of a party when you can’t invite anypony who’ll come? They’d get harassed, and I didn’t want that.
Oh … please forgive me. I knew, and forgot.
Verdigris smiled as the sun broke over the mountains. It’s okay. Now you know why, and it’s no big deal. I learned early-on there are more important things to worry about. Like other ponies’ birthdays.
Luna’s smile came through as she replied, Thou wilt have to gain such knowledge from Twilight, methinks; mayhap Celly. I am the Princess of Secrets, as well. Thine are safe with me, as I know mine are with thee. There was a pause, and he felt a twinge of fatigue. And now I must rest. I look forward to thy return. Adieu, for the nonce, my love.
Until then, dear, he replied, and contact faded soon afterward. As Verdigris was about to go inside and make breakfast, he heard, Just a moment, god-son.
Yes?
I understand about your birthdays – I couldn’t help ‘over-hearing’ – but everypony can use a few hours to just have fun. I don’t want you ending up like the Oceansiders any more than you do.
He smiled and nodded. That was for the muffin trick, wasn’t it?
Well, I do have a reputation to maintain.
He chuckled. One of these days, it’s going to come down to a contest to see who’s the real prankster in the family, but would Equestria survive? He felt her laugh. It’s okay. I appreciated the thought, even if Pinkie tied me to a chair.
You’ll have to tell me about it. Unfortunately, duty calls. I’ll see you in a few months, Verdigris. Take care, son.
I will, mother. Sometime again. Contact faded, and Verdigris took a deep breath of the morning air. She’s been calling me son a lot more, lately, he thought. ‘Course, I’ve been calling her mom a lot more, too. I wonder why. He shook his head and re-entered the house to find Omnius sitting at his table in human form, busy with something. “What the – oh, wow.”
Omnius nodded to him, and resumed his work. “Well, the girls know. They had to, and I figured you’d need to.” He stood up. “Well?”
Verdigris walked around him, taking a good look. He noted that humans didn’t appear particularly impressive; Sean was, from what he’d been told, about average for a human seventeen-year-old. He stopped and looked at Sean’s face. “Humans get acne too?”
The Traveler face-palmed. “Is that all you ever notice?”
“No, but I didn’t think we’d have much in common.” Verdigris tilted his head to one side, and Sean smiled. “Oh, that too? Well, if we’re another story, it makes sense.” He stepped back and took an overall look. “I can’t see how anypony should be afraid. You don’t look like much.”
Sean nodded. “Yeah, one-on-one we’re no big shakes, but our brains give us a big advantage. Given enough time, any human can figure out any problem. Of course, I have advantages you can’t see: My Auras, to name a few. Talents, powers, that sort of thing,” he added when the Alicorn looked at him curiously.
“Oh, yeah. Just looking at ponies works about the same way. You can tell a few things, but not everything,” Verdigris said. He studied Sean’s clothing. “Doesn’t that get in the way?”
“Sometimes, but thanks to a combination of lack of fur and a few taboos, we wear clothes nearly all the time. Not only for protection from the elements, either.”
Verdigris nodded and sat down. “And your cutie mark?”
“I thought I explained that.”
“You did, but I don’t think anypony’s every heard about it being one you chose. I don’t think anypony does.” Verdigris shook his head. “That’s a hard one to wrap your head around.”
Sean nodded and returned to the table. “I’ve had a lot of time to take care of that.” He paused, then added, “I don’t bother counting any more. I lost track a long time ago.”
“Sorry. I can’t help wondering, ‘cause I’m supposed to be like Celestia and Luna, some time.” Omnius nodded, and Verdigris approached the table, peering at what he was working on. “What’s that?”
“I call it my boom-stick. It’s a firearm, a shotgun.” He held up a shell. “Instead of one big bullet, it fires a spread of smaller pellets. You almost can’t miss.”
Verdigris nodded and suppressed a wince. Nasty. “And that one?”
“It’s called a handgun. To get more technical, it’s a single-action revolver, known as the Colt Peacemaker. Michael could tell you more, I’m sure,” the Traveler replied. “I’ll have these cleaned in a few minutes.”
“You ready for the day?”
“I’ll be preparing. My Magic Aura isn’t one for physical activity, and I can’t do much until the site’s prepared.”
Verdigris nodded, then headed for the kitchen. They fell into a companionable silence as they continued their tasks. By the time Sean had his guns put away, Verdigris was just finishing-up with breakfast. “Wish we had some fish,” he said absently.
“I think Fluttershy knows which streams you can get them from,” Omnius answered, then did a double-take. “Say what?”
“Not a lot grows near the coast, so we had to learn to get our food from the sea,” Verdigris said as he laid out the tableware. “Obviously, we trade fish and such for grains and vegetables, and other things. And since we take care of shipping other products around the coast, we can afford a few luxuries. Not that we indulge much. I’m sure you know of humans like that.”
“Yeah, I do.” Omnius studied the pony for a few minutes. “I’d almost say you were a New Englander, but it doesn’t matter. Most who live along the coast tend to be no-nonsense, practical and hard-nosed. Some things translate better than most.”
“I’m sure. Dig in,” Verdigris said as he slid pancakes, eggs and hash browns onto the plates.
Sean shifted back to pony form – a Pegasus, this time – and started on his breakfast. “Mmm, this is good. You always do your own cooking?”
“Started when I was ten, maybe eleven. I moved out so my family wouldn’t be avoided because of me.” Omnius noted a little resentment, but didn’t say anything. “You can get pretty creative when you’re cooking for just yourself, but – ” he winced “ – there’ve been a few disasters. I can tell you what combinations not to try.”
“E-e-yeah, maybe not.” They continued eating in silence; Verdigris had his laptop out again. “What’re you checking?”
“How the Perfumers Guild is doing. I’ll have to cash out, but I’ll keep a hoof in. Distribution and so on, instead of production. Not sure if I can make a difference, but I’ve got to have something to do. I can’t just sit and do nothing, and I’ll bet Equestria doesn’t have enough books to keep me busy.”
Omnius shrugged. “Maybe. Don’t you play any instruments?”
“No, never learned. I can sing okay, but nopony would pay to hear it. I’m more mechanically and technically inclined than anything else.”
The Traveler thought about that for a few minutes. “You could try your hoof at inventing, maybe. I’m sure you’ve noticed things that don’t exist, and could be useful.”
“I’ve read of a few interesting things in Uncle Mike’s memoirs, but first I’d have to figure out how they’d work, then how to make them, and adapt them for ponies. Some things have too much behind them, like communications. The computers and wireless systems took a while, even with lots of research going on. Could take twenty years.” Verdigris stopped, then face-hoofed. “I get the hint. I don’t know. I’d have to do a lot of research and thinking, and that’s just to get the theory behind it.”
“Yeah, but you wouldn’t be bored. That’s the idea, right?”
“Not helping, Sean.”
Omnius smiled. “Oh, you wanted help? Why didn’t you say so?”
That’s enough, Sean. You two have a fairly busy day ahead of you. Don’t waste it, Celestia scolded mildly.
The Traveler rolled his eyes. “Yes, Celestia.” A moment later he said, “That can get annoying, after a while. How do you deal with it? I mean, she talks to you a lot, right?”
“I’m used to it, and our relationship’s different,” Verdigris replied as he finished his breakfast. He looked at Omnius for a moment, then added, “Well, not really. We’re both her creation, if you think about it. Without her, we wouldn’t be what we are.” He shivered. “Probably wouldn’t be alive now, either.”
“Probably.” They got up and set the dishes in the kitchen. “Where are you going first?”
“If I know AJ, she’s already on-site, wondering ‘where in tarnation that lazy Alicorn’s got to’,” Verdigris said with a smile. “So I’m heading there.” He grunted a laugh. “I’ll probably have more help than I know what to do with.”
Omnius smiled. “Ain’t it great?”
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Verdigris arrived first, as far as he could tell. No tracks, and he was sure he’d hear the Apples. Their voices were distinctive and carried when they wanted. Well, I can start laying out the lane. That’ll help. He walked along the road until he found the best access point, then wandered the front half of the property to find the best approach. An hour later, he had the route marked and began clearing the biggest pieces of debris when he heard, “Mornin’, sugarcube! Ready to get started?”
Verdigris looked back, then trotted over to hug Applejack and hoof-bump Macintosh. “Sure am. I was just starting to clear the path. Best place to start until the others show up.”
Macintosh nodded. “Hold on, ‘til we get this set up.” He pulled parts from the cart he’d unhitched from, and began assembling a small disc harrow.
“Hey, wait, I’m not going to be farming, remember?”
“Oh, hush,” the mare replied. “It ain’t just for cultivatin’; it’ll cut an’ level the track for a road. Gonna need that.”
“What about packing it flat and level?”
Applejack smiled grimly. “‘Swhat we got hooves for. Never get a smoother road, we reckon.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac agreed as he stepped between the traces and strapped in. “Y’all get started; I’ll catch up.” He started warming up by pulling a few errant stumps from the ground.
Verdigris looked at the stallion and did some figuring. “Guess we’d better move it.”
Mac grinned. “Eeyup.”
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Omnius answered the door to find Twilight, Fluttershy and Rarity on his doorstep. “Good morning. Ready?” He looked out and asked, “Where’s Pinkie and Dash?”
“Rainbow went ahead to locate the site,” Rarity answered, then sighed. “We have no idea where Pinkie Pie might be.”
“She’ll turn up,” he replied. “I almost feel sorry for the victim.”
Twilight tried not to laugh. “We’re ready if you are, Sean. I’m looking forward to seeing how you go about building a house. I’ve never seen magic from another universe. It should be interesting.”
He smiled. “Oh, you have no idea. Let’s go,” he added as he grabbed his saddlebags.
They trotted off toward Sweet Apple Acres, enjoying the soft light and quiet of the morning. Fluttershy occasionally greeted birds as they flew by, while Twilight consulted the copy of the plans Verdigris was using. “Let’s see, if we just concentrate on the apartment level, that should – no, maybe the front half, instead,” she murmured to herself. Rarity rolled her eyes as she considered fabric swatches and paint samples she thought Verdigris would like.
A few minutes later, they reached a lane that hadn’t been there before, and stopped to look. It was wide enough for two carts and meandered between the trees, which appeared undisturbed. Twilight put away the drawings and touched a hoof to the surface. “Whoa, it’s already packed and smooth,” she said.
“What else did you expect? Despite their shocking lack of refinement, Earth ponies are masters of adapting the land for whatever purpose,” Rarity said as she put away her samples. “But this is amazing. When did they start?”
“Try just after day-break,” a familiar voice said from above. They looked to see Rainbow Dash leaning over the edge of the cloud she’d been lounging on. “I got here not long after they started, and it was something to see. I thought I was awesome – What am I saying? I am – but they cleared, cut, leveled, packed and smoothed that track in about an hour and a half. They’re at the house site now.”
“Surely, you exaggerate,” Rarity sniffed.
“Nopey-dopey, she’s not, and don’t call Dashie Shirley,” Pinkie Pie said as she popped out of Rarity’s saddlebag, startling them all.
“Pinkie! Must you?” Rarity said after recovering from her surprise.
“Silly filly, of course I do. No need to be a meany-pants.” The party pony put a hoof to her chin in thought. “Ya know, maybe we need to get a set of meany pants, and make you wear them. Seanie, I had a dream about Blue Meanies, and they wore the worst looking pants I ever saw. Think we can get some?”
Omnius grimaced and shook his head. “No, that’s going too far,” he said as he wondered, How did she – forget it. It’s Pinkie Pie. “Never mind. Let’s go.” Too early in the day for this, he thought as Pinkie bounced ahead.
They walked down the lane, looking around as it wound through the woods. “This is wonderful,” Fluttershy said. “No trees were hurt, and no animals disturbed.” She smiled happily and hummed to herself.
“Yeah, I thought they’d have a problem with that hawk’s nest, but check it out,” Dash said as she zipped ahead and pointed. A single tree stood in a grassy circle twenty feet across, the lane passing to each side and forming a round-about. “That’s really something.”
“There’s much more to him than meets the eye,” Rarity said, her eyes twinkling. “His special someponies are very lucky.”
“They are,” Twilight answered. “You met them after we freed Luna.” She gave the fashionista a skeptical glance. “Seriously? You missed that?”
Rarity coughed delicately. “We had other things on our minds, Twilight.” She smiled at the memory. “It took a lot of courage and compassion for him to comfort her after what he’d been through.”
“It sure did,” Omnius agreed. “I saw him shove the fear down, and it couldn’t have been easy,” he said as they came around the final curve and approached the site. “Whoa, how long have you been working?” he called.
Applejack, Macintosh and Verdigris looked up from compacting the ground where the house would stand. “Longer’n ya think, sugarcube, but not that long. We can get a lot done when we set our minds to it,” AJ said with a firm nod. “Just about ready, an’ were gonna take a break.”
“Did you leave anything for us to do?” Dash half-griped.
“Yeah, like keeping this area of sky clear,” Verdigris said as he finished tamping a corner. “Don’t need it raining right away. Imagine the horrendous mess!” he said, looking at Rarity with a teasing smile. She pretended not to hear.
“Well, we’re here. What’s next?” Dash asked.
“Make any progress on the plans, Twi?”
“Some. Maybe,” she replied. “I’ve never tried designing a house before,” she admitted.
“I’ve got an idea,” Omnius said. “How’d you like mine?”
“Nice idea, putting the public parts downstairs,” Verdigris replied. “I like my privacy, of course.”
“Then we’ll try it that way. Got a place I can work?” Applejack nodded at the table near the cart. “Okay, give me a few minutes. Oh, yeah, any thoughts about a basement?”
“It’s not a bad idea. All the mechanical and utility service hook-ups can go there. Go for it,” the Alicorn replied. “Where’s Pinkie? I thought she was taking care of food.”
“Here I am!” Pinkie called as she popped out of his saddlebag, holding a box twice her size. “Come and get it!” Everypony followed her to the table, and she nudged Omnius. “Time to eat! Don’t make me stuff you in the ‘I’m soooooo hungry!’ box.”
He looked at her with a worried expression. “Is that real?”
She grinned, and it wasn’t exactly pleasant. “Ya wanna find out?” she asked in a silky tone that made his hackles rise. He shook his head. “Then eat.”
“Don’t argue,” Twilight said. “We don’t know what might happen.”
Everypony sighed in appreciation as Pinkie set out their favorite foods and snacks, and started eating with gusto, especially the Apples and Verdigris. Soon, they sat back with contented smiles. “You’ve out-done yourself, Pinkie,” Rarity said as she hid a belch behind a kerchief. “That was marvelous.”
“So, what’s left to do?” Dash asked.
“Like I said, keep the sky clear overhead. Fluttershy, could you check to see if I missed any animals? I was paying more attention to the hawks down the lane.” She smiled and nodded, and walked to the edge of the clearing. “I’m sure you’ve got samples for me to look at,” he said to Rarity. She took them out and he looked them over. “Cooler colors, what you’d find near the ocean.” Rarity nodded and began separating.
“I’ll finish the plans, and I can get started,” Omnius said as he stood up and returned to the drawings.
“Something wrong, Twi?” Verdigris asked when he noticed her staring up at the rock outcrop.
“Oh, no, I was thinking that would be a good place for a telescope,” she replied. She looked around and asked, “How do you plan to light the area?”
“Oh, with these.” He took a six-inch diameter frosted-glass sphere out of a crate and tapped it with a hoof. It lit up, approximating a full moon. “The Princesses developed these – well, Luna’s are cubes – and I’ve been getting them out into use. They’ll light up a good-size area, and don’t need any power, other than the sun. This is the smaller version, of course.”
“Neat,” Twilight said. “These would be great for night events.”
“The Princesses thought so, too.” Verdigris turned when Omnius joined them. “Ready?”
The Traveler grinned. “Eeyup.”
“Wise-flank. I guess that means we stand back. Oh, yeah, everypony keep track of your expenses.”
“Easy.” Omnius shifted to human form, then took on his Magic Aura; everypony gawked as his body slimmed and grew frail, and his face grew wrinkled and bearded. He opened a pocket dimension, and reached in to take out a whistle. He blew one note, and several hammers, saws and other woodworking tools flew out in formation, followed by stacks of building materials. “I’ve been meaning to clear this one out anyway, so what say twenty bits? I’m kinda short.” His smirk hinted at something, but nopony made anything of it.
Verdigris held up a hoof, and Omnius bro-fisted it. “Deal. Need any help?”
“Just to pack the basement. I think Mac can handle that.”
“Okay, we’ll let you get to it.”
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Verdigris’ Point of View
Watching Sean work was interesting. The tools went about their tasks, and he called out instructions, using deft motions with his hands to guide them. I felt a little jealous, because hands were much more dextrous than hooves, and more versatile. I could see why Lyra was supposedly obsessed with humans.
There was a pause as the shovels stopped after digging the basement, and Big Mac compacted the whole space with one well-placed double hoof-slam on the floor. Soon, the work began in earnest; the basement, walls, floors, piping, wiring and such went into place with almost dizzying speed. Twenty bits seems almost laughable, I thought. I was going to at least double it.
As the work progressed, Rarity and I went over her suggestions for paint and fabric colors, once I showed her sketches of what I had in the Grange; items and how the rooms were laid out. She took a pencil, some parchment and colored chalks, and began sketching furiously. Who’d have thought she’d be a hay of an interior designer? Obviously, fashion covers more than most ponies think.
Twilight, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie stayed off to the side, observing and letting Sean know what they saw as the second floor began to take shape. Dash started cloud-pushing when the first puffs appeared, just enough to keep them away from the property, but not enough to cause trouble for other ponies. I was worried when Cloud Kicker, Raindrops and Blossomforth arrived, but they knew we had some rain coming, and helped Dash keep the site dry. If they noticed Sean, who stayed under one copse of trees I’d kept near the front, they didn’t say anything.
Omnius was as good as his word. The house was finished, save for furnishing and decorating, in just over two hours. Dash led the other weather Pegasai in a celebratory loop as everything Omnius had “unpacked” was put away. By the time Sean resumed Pegasus form again, everypony gathered near the porch, and Pinkie broke out more food.
‘Drops, Cloud and Blossom stood back a ways and gave the house a critical going-over. “Looks like a Patrol station,” Cloud said with a smirk. “But it looks good. Nice and solid. Me and Drops might have a problem breaking it,” she finished with a half-lidded smile.
“No, you’re not going to break it in for me,” I said half-seriously.
She grinned like a predator; I kid you not. “Okay, guess that means you and me. We’ll bang. Just tell me when, okay?” Twilight, Blossom and Rarity face-hoofed, while Fluttershy sighed, her expression unreadable.
I figured she’d say that sometime, and I was ready for it. I smiled. “Sure.” Everypony looked at me in surprise. “Drums and Explosives opened a store across from Refrigerators and Lingerie. It should have everything we need.”
I’ve been told it’s not often somepony gets the better of Cloud Kicker, and today must have been my day. She gave me an I don’t believe you said that expression as Blossom, Rarity, Drops and Twilight started giggling. Dash laughed uproariously, almost falling off her cloud. AJ and Mac just stood there with smug smiles on their faces. Fluttershy smiled, then walked up and nudged her, saying, “I told you somepony’d do that, some time.”
Cloud face-hoofed, then began laughing herself. “Okay – heh, heh, heh – you got me. We’re still good, Hawk,” she said, extending a foreleg. I tapped mine against it, and she asked, “Is that a real store?”
“Nope, not even close. I guess as long as it’s some odd combination – like Sofas and Quills, Soup and Haberdashery, or Fish Bowls and Wallpaper – nopony will question it.”
“The first one’s real, sugarcube,” Applejack said.
“That only makes it better,” I replied as Rarity stopped at my side. “Oh, finished?”
She smiled thinly. “I had more than enough time, darling. Thoughts? As though stallions have any.”
“Oh, thou harsh, cruel beauty. I am riven, pierced through and through,” I over-dramatized. I could hear Celestia chuckling, and asked, Too much?
Wait until Luna decides to start. She’s a natural. Not that that’s any better of course, she replied. A few moments passed, and she said, Very nice. I love how you didn’t tear up the country-side to do it.
Like Uncle Mike says, “Sometimes I get it right on the first go”.
While I was having the silent conversation, Rarity was glaring daggers at me. “Obviously, I may have over-simplified.”
“I’m trying to be nice, Rarity. Stop feeding me straight lines,” I said. “If you don’t stop, I may sic Cloud on you, but nopony ever survives that.” Cloud and Blossom began snickering. “Let’s see what you’ve got. Not a word, Kicker.”
“More than one, maybe?” Cloud replied with a smirk. Damn, was it something in the food? Would Pinkie do that?
I followed Rarity back to the table and looked at what she’d worked out. “No, not that shade of red. Too much like the emergency signals for my taste. I prefer greens, blues and greys, with touches of black and copper.” I looked at my coat. “Care to guess why?”
“Well, they do go together well enough, but surely you’d like a bright spot or two. You wouldn’t want to fade into the background in your own home.”
“True.” I refrained from the usual come-back. Time to rein the nonsense in, before it got completely out of hoof. “Some vermillion, then. Nothing outrageous; I have to live here.”
She nodded. “I believe I can work that in. When are you planning to move in?”
“Not before a few months have gone by. I’ve got to wrap up my affairs, first.” I thought for a few moments. “I’ll be shipping my belongings every now and then, and you can look at what I have. That should give you some ideas. All I ask is you consult me before deciding anything.”
Rarity looked thoughtful. “That’s quite fair.” She returned to the table and resumed working.
Omnius had, in the meantime, lain down under the trees for a rest. Using magic can be exhausting, and he did say he took every opportunity to rest. “You got it from here?” he asked.
“I think so. I’ll see about paint later. ‘Scuse me. Gonna take a look inside.” He nodded and laid back against the tree. I walked in and looked at the “public” part of the house, and I liked how it was laid out. Everything made sense. I actually had more room now than at the Grange. Twilight and Cloud followed as I headed upstairs, then walked onto the deck and looked out over the property, and the mares joined me. “Yeah, this will do,” I said. “Everypony did a great job.” I looked up to see clouds rolling in, now that I didn’t need the rain held off.
“I noticed you don’t have any work-out space,” Cloud said. “Could be a problem if rain’s scheduled.”
“I’ve got the whole outdoors, and I’ll have time to think about improvements while I’m at OCS,” I replied. “I’m not expecting to be here much for that first year, if at all.” She gave me a quizzical look, and I explained, “I know it’s usually three months, but I’m going to do it right, Cloud.”
She nodded. “Okay. See you around, when I’m visiting home. Take it easy, Hawk.” We tapped forelegs, and she launched away, heading back to Ponyville. Raindrops and Blossomforth followed with a wave.
“That was kind of mean, earlier,” Twilight said.
“Yeah, but I’m not into casual sex, or whatever it is for her.” I stood there and thought briefly. “I wonder what happened.”
“'What happened'?” Twi repeated. I explained the differences between when I first met the four, and now. “I don’t know, myself,” Twilight added. “I wasn’t aware of that.”
“I’ll have to ask Cloud. Fluttershy might clam up, Derpy’s too busy and Dash might over-react.”
Twilight nodded and moved a little closer to the rail. We stood there for a while, watching as Applejack and Mac finished the stone walkway; they’d insisted. “It’s going to be a little strange, you living here and being a Guard in Canterlot. I’m wondering if we’ll have time for our talks,” she said. “I really miss them.”
“If it’s that important, we’ll make time,” I replied. “We have our own lives to live. I can’t expect you to drop everything on the spur of the moment.”
“Hey, how’s it look?” Dash said. She’d pushed a cloud about ten feet above us, and was lounging again.
“Come down and find out, lazybones,” I replied teasingly.
She sat up and looked indignant. “Hey, I run the weather team out here!”
“Yeah, but not right this second, lazybones.” One thing about Dash, you could get her to do almost anything if you knew which buttons to push. She dove off, zipped down and hovered just in front of me, her forelegs folded over her chest. “There, that wasn’t so hard, was it? You want a look, come on,” I finished as I turned and walked back inside.
Dash dropped to the deck and walked in. “How are you friends again?” she asked Twilight irritably. I don’t think she cared if I could hear.
“Eggheads stick together, too,” Twi replied, a grin in her voice. “Somepony’s got to offset all that awesome.” I chuckled. You could always tell real friends; they tease each other mercilessly, but know where to stop.
Dash looked around the top floor critically. “How many ponies could sleep here, and how often do you plan on that happening?”
“Up to a dozen. No planning, but on a day like today, I thought everypony would like to have a place to crash if the weather’s really bad,” I replied with a shrug. “Trust me, if you knew what I was used to, you’d appreciate it, Dash. The oceanic storms are more than any weather team can handle, no matter how awesome. They’re just too big and powerful. Ponies get hurt out there,” I finished, crossing my eyes to look at my horn.
“Oh, yeah,” she replied sheepishly, then looked around again. “Maybe you could have the walls move, so you have the whole space, but can divide it up for sleep-overs.”
I thought about it and nodded. “Maybe half as one big room, and keep the two guest rooms?” I suggested.
Twilight had walked around as we discussed the layout, and she said, “The second sounds better. You don’t need all that much room, unless you’re bringing work home.” I had to agree with her on that, and Dash nodded. “Good. Now that that’s settled, you’re going to need some furniture. Just enough to live with for now.”
“I’ll stop by Quills and Sofas for a sleeper-sofa, and some extra bedding.” Twilight nodded, and as Dash was about to leave, I said, “Hold it. I’ve got a question about why you and ‘Shy are avoiding Cloud and Derpy. When we met seven years ago, it looked like you were best friends forever. What happened?”
Dash looked away uncomfortably. “Okay, but keep it quiet.” I shrugged. “We were really good friends, but Cloud got into banging, and started with ‘Shy. That weirded me out, okay? They were in love, I think, but something happened to split them up. They won’t tell me about it, like they don’t trust me or something. I can’t be sure, but that’s when ‘Shy started being like she was when you met, Twi. It must have hurt Cloud, because she acts like she’s trying to get over her with other ponies.” Dash gave a frustrated shrug. “You’d have to ask, and I don’t know if they’d tell you.”
Her voice and body language told me she was telling the truth, and was confused and a little hurt. “Okay, I’ll hold off for now, but I’m gonna find out,” I said. “You four split up doesn’t feel right.”
“Tell me about it,” Dash complained. “I mean, yeah, I’m awesome and everything, but losing friends for no reason? That’s a real feather-up.”
Twilight looked at her in confusion. “Pegasus-speak. Feather’s the same as buck for you ground-bound ponies,” I said, managing not to sound too condescending. I hoped. “Okay, Dash, I’ll keep it quiet. Take care of whatever it is. Being awesome, right?”
She puffed out her chest, struck a pose and said, “Yep! That’s me!” She held it briefly, then darted out.
“‘You ground-bound ponies’?” Twilight asked dangerously.
“I didn’t mean anything, Twi; I was stating a fact. Without some kind of assistance, you’re ground-bound. Am I wrong?”
“It still doesn’t sound good.”
“Yeah, I know.” I looked outside and saw Fluttershy flitting among the trees. I had to smile. “I’ll bet you’d love to be able to do that,” I added, nodding outside.
Twilight looked out and smiled. “Yeah, but I’m sure it’ll never happen. Not without a lot of research and experimentation.” She grimaced. “And explosions. I keep forgetting about the explosions.”
I chuckled. “Yeah, well, if life was easy, would it be worth it?”
(((())))
Omnius’ Point of View
Sometimes the best thing is relaxing after some serious work. There’s what I call a glow, the warm feeling from looking at what you’ve done, and done well. I just laid there, watching as Fluttershy moved from tree to tree, checking on the birds that had left until the noise stopped. Dash flew out of the upper floor after a few minutes, heading back to Ponyville, about the same time Applejack and Macintosh finished the path. Pinkie finished packing up the left-overs, and “pronked” away with a wave. Rarity was still working on the designs, at least until the first gust of wind stirred her work.
I glanced up and noticed the clouds were darkening. My forehead tingled as I remembered being struck my first day in Equestria, and I got up to help Rarity gather her papers and other items. “I don’t think we’d get far before the storm breaks,” I said.
“I have to agree,” she said. “I don’t suppose Verdigris would mind if we went in; I can do more if I see the spaces.” I nodded and helped carry everything inside. I was going back for the table when AJ and Mac walked in, carrying not just the table, but the tools they’d brought. We got everything just in time: One minute it was what the English called “blustery”, the next it was pouring.
“Looks like we’re gonna have to wait it out,” Applejack said as she looked out the front windows.
“Good thing you work fast, Omnius,” Verdigris’ voice said as he, Twilight and Fluttershy descended the stairs. “Hmm, going to need some light.” He removed a few spheres from the crate, set them hovering and tapped them with his horn. They lit, and the darkness retreated. Rarity went back to the table and set her work out, then began walking around, looking at the spaces with interest.
“How long is the rain scheduled?” Twilight asked.
“I think just for the afternoon,” Fluttershy answered as she watched the trees whip in the wind.
“Well, if y’all don’ mind, gonna take a nap,” Applejack said after a yawn. She laid back on her saddlebags, pulled her Stetson over her eyes and was soon asleep.
“Don’t you just hate ponies who can do that?” I asked sourly. Sleeping during a storm isn’t easy.
“Eeyup,” Mac commented with a grin, just before he emulated his sister. I had to smile.
“Imagine how irritating it would be with Dash still here, bragging,” Verdigris mock-complained. “Seriously, was she that bad then, ‘Shy?” Fluttershy started, and he said, “Sorry. Was Dash as bad when we first met?”
Fluttershy sighed, and nodded. “She’s always been like that, as far as I know,” she replied. “Nothing really bothers Rainbow, unless it keeps her from flying. She’s always able to keep her confidence high. I wish I was like her, just a little.”
“We are not having a repeat of that Iron Will disaster,” Twilight said forcefully. I wondered if storms bothered her, but couldn’t remember if they did.
“No, we’re not,” ‘Shy agreed. She returned to looking outside, a wistful smile on her face.
“Oh, that barbarian,” Rarity said as she returned to the gathering, her sketch-pad floating in front of her. “I think you’ll like these, darling,” she finished, presenting it to Verdigris.
He took it and paged through, closing his eyes every now and then to visualize the drawings. “Very nice. They’ll do.” He looked around. “By the way – and this isn’t up for debate – everypony’s getting some bits for their trouble. You didn’t have to pitch in as much as you did, and I appreciate it.”
Rarity smiled demurely. “Of course, darling. Praise is all well and good, but true appreciation is shown materially.”
Verdigris smiled nastily. “How very mercenary of you, my dear. No, I’m kidding. I don’t stint, and you can’t take it with you.”
“Um, how much are you thinking?” Fluttershy asked. “It’s not really necessary.”
“Fifty bits each. You might think it’s too much, but I disagree. I never knew a pony who couldn’t use a few extra bits,” he finished, looking at me with a smart-ass grin.
“Okay, I can take a hint.” Verdigris nodded, then joined Fluttershy to watch the rain. I walked to Twilight’s side and asked, “What do you think?”
“It’s a good house, and I have to say it’s thanks to the designer,” she nodded at Verdigris, “and the builder,” she said with a smile for me. “You work well together.”
“I think that’s what Celestia had in mind,” I admitted. “But it’s going to have to wait until he’s finished at the Academy.”
“That shouldn’t be much of a problem.” She tilted her head, listening. “I think the rain’s slacking off.”
I looked to see Verdigris’ horn glowing. “That’s gonna take some getting used to,” I said. “I mean, we know Luna can do that, but she rarely does.”
Twilight nodded. “I don’t think Verdi’s going to do more than he has to. He has power, and barely uses any. I understand why, Nathan. He wasn’t joking about wanting to be like any normal pony, and sometimes magic isn’t appropriate.”
I nodded. “Well, what’s the word, weather-eye?”
“It’s ending,” he replied, then glanced at the yard. “A few puddles, but nothing serious. I’ll head into town when it stops.” He glanced at the others. “The company’s good,” he finished with a smile.
(((())))
When they arrived in town Twilight, Omnius and Verdigris consulted their lists after saying goodbye to Rarity, who was anxious to get started. He needed appliances, as well as furniture. Twilight had decided to take on the task of getting utilities run to the site, and possibly extended to Sweet Apple Acres; she remembered Applejack saying something about how electricity could help their production.
Omnius and Verdigris continued past the Town Hall; neither wanted to be there if and when Twilight started on anypony. At the end of the Market Square, they separated; Sean continued on to Quills and Sofas while Verdigris turned toward Cookware and Appliances, one of the few Ponyville stores that sold related products. This is going to be a busy day, and I still have the feeling Oceanside’s going to hit me with its best shot, he thought as he opened the door.
(((())))
Omnius was waiting outside Quills and Sofas when Verdigris arrived. “How’d it go?”
“Pretty well. I’m probably paying too much, but I want stuff that will last. Find something I can use?” Verdigris replied.
“Considering your size, we had to go with a monster, but they’ve got one.” He looked up at his friend. “Y’know, if we were both human, you’d be paying through the nose for clothing,” he added quietly.
Verdigris snorted. “No doubt. That’s one reason I don’t go to the Gala. Can you imagine formal wear that’ll fit, and the gaudy crap they’d be foisting off on me?” Omnius made a face. “Yeah, exactly. Let’s go see,” he said as they entered the shop.
(((())))
Rarity looked out her window and blinked. It seemed every time she looked up, Verdigris and Omnius were trotting by, talking and laughing, each time a little louder and more animatedly. This time they seemed almost hysterical, as though they’d been through something unpleasant, and were having aftermath jitters. She’d seen it a few times when she’d gently persuaded Omnius to model for her.
They stopped, looked around, and then walked towards her door. She reached it before they knocked. “Are you all right? You seem almost ready to … come in. I’ll make tea.”
Both stallions stepped inside and followed her to one side of the shop, gratefully resting on the divan. “Oh, to finally sit down,” Omnius sighed.
Rarity worked as fast as she could and still get the tea right, and brought a few light cookies. “What happened? You seemed fine after the storm.”
“Shopping is such a chore,” Verdigris said after his first sip. “Furnishing a house is a nightmare.”
“And he’d know nightmares,” Omnius added, earning a glare.
“I needed to see a friendly face, too,” Verdigris finished.
Rarity drew up a lounge, settled herself and said, “Tell me all about it, dear.”
“You may regret this,” Verdigris replied, then told her about the “fun” they’d had finding items he could use, haggling the prices down to something reasonable, then arranging payment and delivery. “I can see why negotiators are paid ridiculously. That’s hard work. I think I’d rather be in a fight. Those I can win.”
Rarity hid a giggle behind a hoof. “Yes, I can see that. I go through it more often than I care to think about, and that’s why I’ll never let you or the others see it.” She blushed slightly. “I can be rather forceful.” Omnius didn’t say anything, but rolled his eyes. “Oh, I’m not that bad, darling.”
“No comment.”
“Hmph. All right, I’ll accept the blame. I have the curtains partly finished. You’d have to approve them. And no, I stayed restrained. ‘Frou-frou’, as you’d call it, doesn’t go with your house.”
“Can we relax first? I need to calm down.” Rarity nodded. “Thank you. I thought shopping was bad before, but it was only one item.”
“Oh, yes, the bed. I recognized the delivery wagon.” She settled back and enjoyed their company, and Verdigris’ subdued Presence as the stallions recovered. When a few minutes passed, she asked, “What else is on the agenda?”
“Nothing, at least for now. I have the basics,” Verdigris replied after a cookie. “Oh, perfect. Anything heavier would have upset my stomach.”
“Part of being a fashionista?” Omnius asked.
“Yes. Knowing how to make your customers or guests comfortable is important.” She smiled, then asked, “How are Grass and Honey with you being away?”
“Better than you and Applejack together,” Verdigris replied without missing a beat. Rarity looked surprised, then spluttered. “Stop it. I saw how you two were glancing at each other admiringly when you thought nopony could see. Seriously, why don’t you just admit it?”
Omnius wisely kept his mouth shut, but watched with interest. How’d he know? He’s been here, what twice? Three times?
“Y-you’re mistaken,” the fashionista replied as she blushed. “You’re imagining it.”
Verdigris raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Am I? What about Dash and Pinkie? Is that another badly-kept secret?” He shrugged as Rarity’s blush deepened. “Look, only friends or outsiders can see it, because you either know them, or you have no illusions. Guess that makes it easier for me, right?” he finished, his grin widening.
“A gentlecolt doesn’t say such things,” Rarity snapped mildly.
“A true gentlecolt doesn’t say them to anypony but those involved,” the Alicorn corrected. “Look, I’m in no position to give advice, but come on. You’re friends, and you can’t help that opposites attract.” He paused, then said, “What, you have nothing in common? Nonsense.”
“It’s not that,” Rarity said. “It’s just not done. Our stations don’t match.”
“Nice try, but I know ponies who start off lowly and work their way up. What’s there to be ashamed of? You earned everything you have, built it from the ground on your own. How can Applejack not respect that?” She didn’t answer. “Nopony else knows, and nopony else needs to know, Rarity. If they look on your origins and sneer, their loss. The nobles didn’t earn what they have, they were just born to it. Gee, that took some real effort,” he finished sarcastically.
“He’s got a point,” Ominus said after a few seconds. “The Apples respect hard work, and Applejack’s probably just as lost as you are. She doesn’t know how to act. It never crossed her mind, because she didn’t need to. Now she does, and she’s probably as scared as you are.”
“I am not – ” She stopped as Verdigris looked at her sharply. He must have learned it from Celestia, she thought. “All right, I am. Slightly. Are you happy?”
“Yes, but not because you’re embarrassed. Having a special somepony is the best thing in the world. It’s wonderful to know they love you in spite of your faults, or maybe because of them, and you wonder how you got along without them.” Verdigris shrugged. “Trust me, I know.”
“Supposing you’re right – ” Rarity pressed her lips together irritably when he smiled. “Stop that. How do I broach the subject?”
“Get her alone for a moment and just tell her. She appreciates directness. Why do you think we get along so well? We don’t have to put up a facade.” Verdigris paused and scowled at nothing. “Trust me, being able to be yourself is fantastic. Canterlot’s size isn’t the only reason I don’t like being there. It’s not the romantic thing you think it is.”
“I had my eyes opened at the Gala, make no mistake,” Rarity replied angrily. “I couldn’t believe Blueblood could be so self-centered, not after meeting Celestia.”
“Blood doesn’t always tell.”
Rarity nodded. “Well, how are you feeling now?”
“Better. Guess we should get back, so the delivery ponies don’t have to stand around too long,” Verdigris replied. "Time is money, after all."
“As much as I enjoy the company,” Rarity said ironically, “I have work to do, some of it yours. You’ll be here until the end of the week?” He nodded. “Good. I look forward to making you as comfortable as you’ve made me.”
Omnius looked at them and noticed the mean little smiles. Oh, boy. I’m glad it’s not directed at me, he thought as Verdigris said, “Challenge accepted. Shall we have Cloud Kicker officiate?”
Rarity raised a hoof. “Enough. You’re as bad as Rainbow, in your own way.” Everypony chuckled as the stallions stood up. “I’ll see you later, darling.”
Verdigris kissed her hoof. “I look forward to it. Until then.”
As they exited the Boutique, Omnius said, “Was that really necessary?”
“Maybe. She understands the game,” Verdigris replied. “She’ll have time to come up with some scathing remarks, and I’ll have to deflect them. Come on, Sean, friends do that all the time.”
The Traveler nodded and smiled. “Yeah, they do. Ain’t it great?”
(((())))
Three hours later, the pair stood outside Verdigris’ house, watching as the delivery and set-up ponies left. Various empty boxes and packing crates stood in the yard. When the area was clear, Verdigris sighed gustily. “Well, it’s finally over. At least part one.”
Omnius nodded. “Yeah, I don’t envy you the rest. At least they put it all in place and connected everything.” He glanced at the propane tanks around the corner. “Need some time to calm down and unwind?”
“Hate to be a bad host, but yeah. I might get drunk for the first time in my life – nah, somepony will drop by. That’s how life always goes, right?” Verdigris said with a cynical smile.
Omnius smiled. “Yeah, it does. I’ll get out of your mane and let you relax, and put everything where you want it. I couldn’t miss how you rolled your eyes when they set everything out.” Verdigris nodded. “See you later. Sooner, if Pinkie Pie gets any wild ideas.”
Verdigris chuckled. “That means you’ll be back in ten minutes. Well, that’s one thing I accepted when I decided to move here. I’ll manage. See ya.” Omnius nodded and trotted away. About a minute later, he was whistling.
Verdigris smiled and sighed, then began breaking the packing crates and boxes down. “A fire will cheer me up.” He levitated the debris and took it inside, and about a minute later had a cheery blaze behind the grate. “Much better.” He looked around, then moved the sleeper-sofa against the wall opposite the front window. “First big things will be my desk, and the kitchen table.”
He looked around, taking in what was missing, deciding whether or not to make another shopping trip. He shook his head. I’ll go crazy if I do that again, he thought. He removed parchment and a quill from his saddlebags, and began prioritizing. Let’s see, desk, kitchen table and bookshelves. Books – that’ll be one shipment by itself. Workshop – another single. Kitchenware, files and papers. He shook his head. No, let’s get this right. Kitchenware and table. Desk, bookshelves, files and papers. Books. Workshop. Much better. He paused, then shrugged. Bedroom last. He looked around, wondering if he was missing anything. “Oh, yeah, armor in there, somewhere.” He re-checked the list. “Keepsakes and such after the shelves; probably have to buy more shelves.” He glanced at the statuette on the mantlepiece. “Display case. Maybe.” He looked the list over as he finished the revision. “That’s do-able.”
A knock brought him out of his reverie, and he stood and stretched. Who could that be? Not many ponies know I’m here. He opened the door to find Cloud Kicker and Blossomforth standing outside. “What’s going on?” he asked when he noticed their expressions: Cloud’s was contrite and guilty while Blossom’s was mixed anger and embarrassment.
Blossom nudged Cloud, who said, “I want to apologize, Verdigris. I shouldn’t have hit on you. Dash told us about your relationship situation.” Blossom nudged her again. “It’s okay, right?”
He looked at them steadily. “We’re good, Kicker,” he replied gently. “I kinda knew about you. Two of my friends are in the Guard, and they’d heard all about you from a few former classmates of yours. It’s no big deal. C’mere.” She stepped forward into the hug when he spread his wings. “Dash read you the riot act, didn’t she?” Cloud nodded with a sigh. “Okay, we’re square. You know I’m spoken for, and off limits. You know how Dash is about her friends.”
Cloud nodded, then let go and stepped back, looking at him in confusion. “What was that?”
“Oh. I have a subdued Presence, like Celestia’s. I got it from the infusion.” He tilted his head to one side. “How much have you heard?”
“Not a lot,” Blossomforth replied. “The usual rumors, and a brief explanation from Twilight.”
“Okay.” He took a scrap of parchment and wrote on it. “This is where you can find the whole story, or enough to get the drift. Just keep it to yourselves. It’s not anything secret, but I don’t advertise myself.”
Cloud accepted the scrap, then lifted her right foreleg. Verdigris tapped his to it, and she said, “We’re good, Hawk. I guess we’ll see you when you get back.”
“Sure will. Maybe we can have a double entendre competition, and see who we can make blush the most.” He looked at Blossom with a lazy smile. “Twilight’s a little naïve, just in case you’re wondering. Rarity’d get it, but she’d complain about the uncouth behavior.”
“Heh, yeah,” Cloud said with a chuckle. “Okay, so no more talk about banging – unless we’re really talking about drums or explosives? That should work pretty well in reverse,” she ended with her trade-mark smile. “Catch the ones with the dirty minds.” Blossomforth rolled her eyes.
“That could work. I’ll see you when I see you. Just a sec, Blossom. I’ve got a few questions,” Verdigris said, his eyes flicking briefly at Cloud when Blossomforth looked at him. Cloud didn’t miss it, but shrugged and trotted away. When Kicker was out of hearing, he said, “Come in.”
Blossomforth walked in tentatively, her face a study in confusion and nervousness. “What do you want to know?” She refused the sofa and remained standing.
“How long have you had the crush on Cloud?” She stared at him, dumbfounded. “Oh, come on. I can read body language pretty well. It must have been at least a year to be this bad.”
Blossom stammered briefly and smiled weakly. “I’m actually glad somepony knows. I was worried about doing something to give it away.” She paused for a breath, then continued, “A little over three months, actually. When we first met, it was almost a nightmare. I wasn’t used to her kind of teasing, and I’m still not. I never had to deal with it.”
“So you were in the system.” It wasn’t a question. It was as much a statement of fact as vortex empericals. Blossomforth nodded warily. “Relax. I kinda know what it’s like. My dad was killed four years ago, almost to the day. I know it’s not the same as losing both parents, but – well, when you’re older, it hits you that much harder.”
Blossom inhaled, held and let the breath go. “Actually, I never knew them. I was a foundling.” She shook her head. “I can’t imagine what you went through, Verdigris. When Rainbow Dash told us you’d had a rough life, I thought it was the usual teasing.” She looked at him with narrowed eyes. “Your coloring probably didn’t go over well. Anything unusual never does.”
“Heh, not even close.”
“Yeah, at least you got over it.” She looked at him curiously when he made a face. “Didn’t you?”
“No. That’s one reason I’m going back home, to finish my business, cut all ties and get out. If I don’t, I’ll be dragging that behind me everywhere I go. It took me this long to figure it out,” he said. “So I’ll be cashing out from the Guild and training my replacements. Once that’s finished, I’m done with Oceanside.” He looked at the fire for a moment, then continued softly, “It’s home, but not any more. Time to move on.”
Blossom approached cautiously and hugged him. “It’ll get better. It did for me, once I got to Ponyville. It’s weird here, but the ponies are good ones. You should be all right.”
He smiled and nuzzled her. “Thanks, Blossom. I appreciate that.” He chuckled. “You might want to get going before Cloud decides to come looking for you, and drags you away.”
The mare snickered. “I’m not sure if I’ll put up a fight,” she said. “Cloud’s a good pony. You just have to get used to her.”
“If she’s anything like her dad, she is. Thanks for coming by, just now and earlier. The help was appreciated. Oh, by the way – ” He grabbed a pouch and counted-out a hundred bits. “Fifty each, for the help. And there’s only one answer,” he finished with a smile.
Blossomforth looked at him for a moment, then smiled. “Thanks, Verdigris. I’ll make sure Cloud gets hers.”
“Yep, no dummies from Cloudsdale.” Blossom smiled, nodded and trotted out, closing the door behind her.
Verdigris looked around, trying to decide what to do. The silence was almost oppressive. “Stereo in the first shipment, definitely.” He looked outside, and decided that even if it was still daylight, he needed to get some sleep. It had been a busy day. He removed the sofa cushions and pulled the bed out, and laid down. After grabbing a light blanket, he closed his eyes, and – surprisingly – was asleep almost instantly.