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// Chapter 8: Fashionable and Fantastic 
// Story: Lessons from Another Dimension 
// by HolyOrdersOtaku 
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Chapter 8: Fashionable and Fantastic



Words like violence break the silence. I’m crashing here, into my little world…can’t you understand? Oh, my little girl. All I ever wanted, All I ever needed, is here in my arms. Words are very unnecessary. They can only do harm.


Bass continued to wonder around Ponyville, realizing that today was turning out to be more interesting than her had originally thought it would be. He looked and found the towns clock tower, which was about to strike two in the afternoon. “Goodness, have I really been wandering that long?” In response, his stomach growled. He hadn’t eaten lunch.
“Oh, my!” came a voice from behind that sounded rather…posh. 
Bass sighed. I need to get that word out of my system, he thought. He turned and greeted the mare. “Hello, Rarity.”
“That simply will not do, Bass Chord,” she said. She was carrying in her magic several paper bags.
Putting the usage of his full name, fake or not, aside, he had to ask the obvious questions. “What won’t do?”
“I heard your stomach, dear. You must be hungry. Why don’t I fix us up a little late lunch?”
Bass learned from college to never turn down free food. Ever. “Sure. I would offer to help with your groceries, but, uh, I don’t know how without tripping over myself.”
Rarity smiled and nodded. “A rain check on that, then. You can help me once you figure out how to truly function with your new body. After all, I don’t expect you to be like the rest of us after only a day.” Bass nodded and followed her to her home; Carousel Boutique.
Upon entering Bass looked around at the various suits and dresses that she had for sale. The store was predominated by dresses, but there was an occasional suit tucked away that he could see. “You’re a seamstress?”
Rarity held her head high with pride. “One of the best in Equestria, as it were. Those aren’t my words, either. I’ve had a celebrity or two make orders through me. They happen to be some of my most loyal clients too, because they always come back for more eventually.”
Bass gave a ‘not bad’ face in response. “Well, I’d wager paying the bills isn’t a worry of yours then.”
“Well, not usually. I have had a dry spell a time or two when business would be slow, but the most stressful part is also my favorite part; making the clothes. Some clients are awfully picky about what they want and it takes several tries to get it right.” She sighed. “But, that’s just how it works around here, I suppose.”
Bass was about to reply when his stomach growled again. He laughed, slightly embarrassed. “I’ll get started on lunch right away, then,” Rarity commented. “I hope you don’t mind sandwiches. I like lunch to be simple.”
“What kind of sandwiches?”
“Daisy with spinach and cheddar cheese. Unless you’d prefer something else?”
Bass thought about it. He hadn’t tried daisies for obvious reasons; they’re freakin’ flowers! But, he told Fluttershy that he would try new foods to get accustomed to living in Equestria, so he opted to go for it. His big sister’s words echoed in his mind. I’m committed! “I’ll try it. And, as a thank you, I’ll eat it no matter what. Even if I don’t like it.”
“You sure? I can always make something else? Like a grilled cheese?”
Bass’s first thought was, They have that here!? Awesome! However, he quickly repeated the phrase in his head. I’m committed! “No, that’s alright. I need to try new foods while I’m here. I guess you could count it as a learning experience.”
Rarity smiled and nodded, saying, “Very well. If you insist.” She exited the room for the kitchen, where Bass heard cutting commence as some of the ingredients were sliced to sandwich sizes. Mere minutes later, she returned with two plates and two cups of tea. “I hope you don’t mind Earl Grey tea,” she said with a  smile.
“Have you been talking to Fluttershy?” Bass asked.
“Actually I haven’t seen Fluttershy today yet. Our spa appointment isn’t for another hour. Why?”
Bass chuckled. “No reason. I love tea, thank you.” He accepted the plate and tea happily and stared down his next challenge. In his head he was playing epic, final boss battle music. “Somehow I knew it would come to this. You will not defeat me!” he said aloud.
Rarity stared at him blankly. “Pardon?”
Bass blushed. “Sorry, uh, that wasn’t supposed to come out. At all. I’ll shut up and eat now.” He picked up the sandwich with his hooves and took his first bite; no hesitation in his movement was to be found. To his surprise, he actually liked the sandwich. He couldn’t compare the daisy to anything, seeing as how he had eaten nothing like it, and he enjoyed how it mixed with the cheese and spinach. “Wow, that’s fantastic!”
Rarity smiled. “Well, I’m glad you’re pony tongue has found something it likes.”
Bass stared at her for a quick second. “You are aware of how that sounds, right?”
Rarity blushed. “Oh, I didn’t intend for it to sound scandalous, I assure you. I am a lady, after all.”
He chuckled. “Right. Sorry for saying that.”
“So,” Rarity began, changing the topic. “How are you enjoying your stay in Ponyville?”
“Well, I’ve been to Fluttershy’s house, which is quite nice in all honesty. I met the Cutie Mark Crusaders.”
“Oh,” Rarity said nervously. “I hope they didn’t cause you any trouble.”
“More like I kept them out of trouble. You can ask Sweetie Belle about that later though. I feel like that’s her story to tell and not mine.” He placed his hoof on his chin. “I ran into Applejack, and then I ran into you and you fed me lunch,” he said as he tossed the last of his sandwich into his mouth. He washed it down with tea, saying, “Thanks again, by the way. I really appreciate it.”
“Not at all, dear. I only want to help in any way I can. Now, tell me, do you have anything to wear?”
Bass gave her a quick glance. “If you’re looking for my business, I’m afraid I haven’t a penny to my name.”
“Penny?”
“I meant bit.”
“I see. Well, I don’t exactly want you to buy anything, dear. I just wanted to know if you had anything to wear. Anything at all.”
“Well,” Bass said. “As a matter of fact, I do not. Why do you ask?”
“I would like to make you something. I mainly deal in formal attire, but I can make just about anything. Just tell me what you want.”
“Oh, no no no! I couldn’t possibly ask you to do that. You just fed me, and even that is something that I’ll have to pay back someday. I’d hate to owe you anything more.”
“Don’t even think about it, Bass Chord,” she replied.
Even on his own world, Bass didn’t like being referred to by his full name. “Just Bass, thank you.”
“I simply must make you something, Bass. As a token of our friendship. Also as a sign that I don’t have any hard feelings about you trying to seduce me.”
“In my defense, I was acting. I wasn’t trying to seduce you.”
Rarity glared at him. “Are you implying that I am not beautiful enough to be hit on by you?”
Bass’s ears drooped. “That was a bait question, wasn’t it? There is no right answer.”
Rarity smiled. “Will you let me make you something, or do I have to keep guilting you into it?”
He sighed. “Fine.”
“Marvelous!” she cheered. “What would you like?” She asked while pulling out a pair of reading glasses, a pad of paper, and a pen.
“Do you make zip up hoodies?”
“I haven’t before, but I’m sure I could,” she replied.
“I want one with no sleeves. So, it’s like a hooded zip up vest. White with blue trim.”
“My, for someone who doesn’t want me to make him anything you sure know what you want,” she teased.
“I had one like it back home. I figured if I got anything it should be a piece of home,” he said.
“In that case, I will have it done for you post haste!”
“Now, Rarity, I don’t want to keep you from any important work you have.”
“Oh, don’t you worry about that,” she said. “Like I said; I want to help in any way I can.”
Bass sighed. “You’re far too generous, you know that?”
She smiled. “It’s part of my nature, dear. Now, let me measure you and you can be on your way. I have a spa outing with Fluttershy soon.”
Bass allowed her to measure him, which she quickly and professionally jotted down, and he gave his thanks once again for the lunch. Just before he left, Rarity said, “Oh, one more thing. You should swing by Sugar Cube Corner on your way back to Twilight’s. Pinkie forgot to officially give you that bass guitar after the party sort of fell apart yesterday. It’s still there, waiting for you.”
Bass blinked. “She had a regular guitar with her last night, so why didn’t she just bring it with her as well?” he asked.
Rarity shrugged. “Only Pinkie knows how Pinkie thinks. I would just take it as it is and accept her for who she is. You’ll suffer from fewer headaches that way.”
Bass nodded and thanked her again as he left the boutique. Just as he got five feet from the door, he heard a rough, tomboyish voice yell, “Incoming!” just before he was forced to the ground, yet again, by a pony moving at incredible speeds. He rubbed the pain out of his head as he looked up to find Rainbow Dash dusting herself off. “Sorry about that, Bass,” she said nonchalantly.
What the hell am I in for now? He asked himself. “It’s okay, Rainbow. I’m not broken anywhere or anything. Can I make one request though?”
“What’s that?” she asked.
“Please, for the love of God, don’t plow into me again. I don’t know if anypony has told you or not, but colliding with an object moving at an insane rate of speed can actually hurt like hell, you know.”
“Oh, right. Sorry,” she said with a bashful giggle. “Anyway, come with me! I got something awesome to show you!” She grabbed him and started dragging him without waiting for his answer. Apparently he wasn’t allowed to decline.
“What are you doing?” he asked, somewhat concerned.
“I’m gonna show you the greatest thing you’ve ever seen!” She said, not explaining any further. Within moments they were at a hospital. “And here we are!” She exclaimed.
“Not to sound like an ass, but what are we doing at a hospital?”
“You’re going to put on a show!” she exclaimed.
He stared at her. “How is that you showing me something cool?”
“Trust me, it’s cool,” she said.
“I don’t see how. It sounds like I’m doing all the work if I’m putting on a show. One; I don’t have a guitar with me. Two; I don’t know why I’m putting on a show. Three; Even if I did have the answers to both one and two, I don’t have a song in mind to play. And Four; even if you provided me with the answers to one, two, and three, I would still need an incentive to do this.”
“Ugh! Fine! If you want payment, then I’ll give you a hundred bits to do it!” Rainbow pulled out a bag that clinked with metal; coins. “Will that make you happy.”
Bass stared at her. “You can’t be serious.” She chucked the money at him, which he caught. “What do you want me to do with this?”
“I don’t give a damn, just follow me inside already and do this. Trust me, it’ll be worth it,” she said and begun to walk to the door. Bass shrugged and followed her, coming to the conclusion that he had nothing better to do. For some reason, he felt bad that she gave him so much money. I guess I’m about to find out what’s going on.
She talked to a nurse at the front desk in a whispered voice. The nurse smiled and said, “Right this way.” She led the pair into a room full of young fillies and colts who were all clearly unwell. Bass couldn’t tell if any of them were deathly ill (and he certainly hoped not), but they all were here for one reason or another. There was a small stage with a guitar and microphone set up, ready for use. “They’re ready whenever you are, mister Chord.”
“Please, just call me Bass,” he said reflexively. He leaned over to Rainbow Dash. “What have you dragged me into?”
“Every week I like to come here and read to the kids,” she said plainly.
“I didn’t take you for a book worm, Rainbow,” he said jokingly.
“Just the one book series. I read them Daring Do every week. Last week we finished Daring Do and the Gates of Tartarus, but I wanted to put off reading the next one for a little bit. I was gonna have them be taken outside to watch me perform some stunts, but after meeting you yesterday I figured this would be more appropriate.” She gave him a nervous glance. “Not better, of course. My flying is better than your playing any day.”
Bass rolled his eyes. “You’re real modest, you know that?”
“I like to think so,” she said.
“I take it you’ve already told them I’m playing?”
“Yup.”
“So if I say no, I look like a jerk and everypony will hate me because I refused to sing to some sick kids, right?”
“That’s about right.”
“You’re evil, you know that. Pure, rainbow colored evil.”
“Hey, I’m sorry, okay? I thought it’d be good for them, you know,” she said. “I just want them to have a little fun while they’re here. Most of them will get better and go home, but there are a small few who may never go home, and I want them to have as much fun as they can.”
Bass felt sad instantly. “Fine,” he said, giving her money back to her. “I’ll do it. But me and you are gonna talk afterward okay? Just one song. That’s all I have faith that I can do.”
“That’s all we’re asking,” the nurse chimed in. Bass had actually forgotten she was there. 
“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name,” Bass said.
“I’m Redheart. Most people call me Nurse Redheart, though. Pleasure to meet you personally, mister Bass.”
He nodded and shook hooves with her. “Well, let’s rock I suppose.” He walked onto the stage with Rainbow.
“Hey kids,” she said. They all cheered at the sight of her. “Now, I have a special surprise for you guys. I won’t be reading this week, sadly, but I have a friend I want you to meet. This is Bass Chord!”
“Is he your coltfriend?” a young filly asked. The children all started to giggle.
“Well, no. But, he is a good friend of mine, and a friend of the princesses, Celestia and Luna. He’s a musician, and he’s going to sing a song for you guys!”
The kids all cheered, and Rainbow gave him the stage. Bass picked up the guitar and stepped to the microphone. “I’m going to apologize in advance. I’m afraid I only have time for one song,” he said. The fillies and colts all gave a collective ‘aaawwwww’ in disappointment. “Don’t worry though. I’ll make it the best song you’ve ever heard.” 
He looked down at the guitar and made sure it was in tune. At first he was unsure of what song to play, but then he ultimately decided on one. He started to sing before the guitar actually needed to be played.

Warn your warmth to turn away.
Here it’s December every day.

Then he began to play the guitar.

Press your lips to the sculptures and surely you’ll stay.
For of sugar and ice I am made.
It’s in the blood, I met my love before I was born.
She wanted love, I taste of blood.
She bit my lip and drank my warmth from years before.
She exhales vanilla lace.
I barely dreamt her yesterday.
Read the lines in the mirror through the lipstick tray.
She said it seems your somewhere far away, to his face.
It’s in the blood, I met my love before I was born.
She wanted love, I taste of blood.
She bit my lip and drank my warmth from years before.
Love like winter, oh~. Love like winter~!

Even though he modified the song heavily to fit the acoustic he was playing for it, he still felt he did it justice. He looked up from the guitar to see that the filly and colts were all stomping their hooves in what he could only interpret as an Equestrian version of clapping. He smiled. “Thank you,” he said. “I’m sorry I don’t have any more time for you kids today, but how about I come again some other time and play for you again?” They all yelled excitedly at the prospect of him coming back.
“How about next week?” A filly asked.
Bass chuckled. “I’d like to, but I think a certain pegasus has a new Daring Do she wants to read to you.”
Rainbow Dash returned to the stage. “You ruined the surprise, Bass!” she exclaimed jokingly. “Well, kids, I guess the cat’s outta the bag. Next week I’ll start reading Daring Do and the Mummy’s Curse. Are you excited for that?” The kids all cheered excitedly again. “Alright, I’ll see you same time next week, kids. Me and bass have to go now. Bye!”
Bass waved bye as well and the pair walked off the stage. Nurse Redheart thanked them for coming and saw them to the door as they left the hospital. Bass turned to Rainbow. “That was nice, Rainbow. Thank you for having me do that.”
“I was afraid you’d still turn it down. I just like to put a smile on those kids faces. Heck, I want them all to have a good time so they can forget about the bad stuff. I want that for my friends too.”
“You and me are similar in that regard. I guess we’re both loyal to our friends and those we care about.”
“Hey, don’t be competing with over the spirit of loyalty. That’s all me, buddy.”
Bass chuckled. “Right. Well, I’ll talk to you later about maybe coming back. I was on my way to see Pinkie about that bass guitar.”
“Oh, right. She was wanting you to stop by, wasn’t she?” Rainbow asked. “I forgot about that.”
“You knew?”
“I go to Sugar Cube Corner every morning for my post-exercise snack. They make pretty decent bagels. Not my first choice when I usually go there, but a bagel is how I finish my workouts.”
“Right. Well, see you later,” Bass waved at her as he once again tried to make his way to Sugar Cube Corner. It was now about four in the afternoon, and Bass hoped nothing else would delay him until he got to Sugar Cube Corner. Afterwards, he really didn’t care.