//------------------------------// // Chapter Thirty One: Eighteen // Story: The Equestrian Venture // by TheCrimsonDM //------------------------------// The Equestrian Venture Chapter Thirty One: Eighteen Written by TheCrimsonDM Clip-clop, clip clop. That was the sound that treated Rita’s ears as she traveled via pony into town. It had been four days since Rita’s injury, and she still wasn’t able to walk around without aid. Fluttershy was kind enough to give the poor girl a ride into town so they could meet up with Pinkie Pie, it was Rita’s eighteenth birthday after all. Looking at the back of Fluttershy’s head, Rita had the sudden urge to begin petting the pink mane. She didn’t actually go through with it, because of the awkward reaction she had received from the pegasus pony last time. But the temptation was still there. “How much longer?” Rita asked, it had taken far too long to get out of the house today. All she wanted to do was meet up with Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy’s gentle voice was soothing to listen to as they traveled. “We will be there shortly. Pinkie Pie put a lot of work into this for you, so I’m sure that you’ll like it.” The slight jostling of Fluttershy’s movements caused pain in Rita’s back, but it was still easier than trying to walk. The last time she tried to walk without aid, she nearly fainted. It was a little awkward being stared at by the ponies throughout the town. They weren’t judging her though. The looks she received came alongside friendly smiles, waves, and slight nods. It would seem that after defending Applejack’s farm, Rita had earned some measure of respect from these ponies. “Okay, I’ll be-“Rita started but stopped. A familiar blue unicorn trotted out to meet them. A gift wrapped package was being levitated next to her. Rita couldn’t help but to exclaim happily, “Trixie!” Fluttershy looked over and smiled at the blue unicorn. Trixie gave a small smile to the both of them and joined them on their walk. “Trixie hears that today is your birthday,” Trixie stated. “Yeah, it is. Are you going to join the party?” Rita asked. Trixie shook her head, and Rita’s heart sank a little. Trixie explained, “Trixie would love to, but she would not be the best company at a party just yet. In addition, Trixie is afraid that Pinkie Pie is running the party, which makes it impossible for Trixie to join.” “Why’s that?” “Because Maud would be very upset if she found out that Trixie went anywhere near Pinkie Pie,” Trixie explained, her limp was still noticeable. “But Trixie did get a present for you.” As the package neared Rita, she grabbed it. The movement caused a slight pain increase in her back, but she ignored it and held the package tightly. It was odd, but Rita couldn’t help grinning like an idiot at Trixie. “Thanks, we should totally hang out sometime,” Rita said. “Trixie would like that, maybe when Trixie has more free time.” Rita raised an eye brow and now interested in what Trixie was up to, she felt the need to ask, “What’s going on?” “Princess Celestia has Trixie doing some investigating around the village borders. There’s been reports of strange monster sightings, but no conclusive evidence has been found. If there is something to be found though, you can be sure that The Great and Powerful Trixie shall find it,” Trixie explained, she sounded a lot better off then she had been only a few days ago. It made Rita happy to see the unicorn recovering so quickly. “Trixie must leave now, but she will visit you later,” Trixie promised as she trotted off. Rita couldn’t help but reply, “See ya later, Trixie. I’ll probably be at Fluttershy’s.” After that Fluttershy and Rita continued on their way to Sugarcube Corner. Rita decided to wait to open the present until after she got to the party, it would only be fair to open them all at the same time. Today was already looking to be one of the best days in her life, hopefully this trend would continue. *** The party was about as big as Rita had expected it to be, with her six closest friends, Spike and even Princess Celestia all there to make her special day just that much more special. The cake had been delicious, and watching Twilight Sparkle make an attempt at dancing was entertaining. Finally things settled down and with everypony sitting down at Rita’s table, it was finally time to open gifts. The first gift that was set on the table was a small rectangle shaped package, without any waiting Rita tore off the paper and smiled at her new prize. A brand new journal, with a black leather binding and red trim greeted her with promise. She couldn’t help but look up at Applejack, who had given her the gift, and smile. “Thank you, Applejack. I’m going to use this, a lot,” Rita said. Applejack simply tilted her hat down and said, “No problem sugarcube.” The next gift that Rita was given came from Rarity in the form of a small but elongated box. It looked like something you’d keep a toothbrush in. If she got me a tooth brush for my birthday, I swear I’m going to freak out. With a lot less enthusiasm then the last present Rita took off the wrapping paper, and found a small wooden box. She opened the box and much to her surprise she saw a red pen with gold equish letters etched into the side, the letters spelled out the name Rita Rainwater. Seeing the smile shared between both Applejack and Rarity made it clear that they had worked together to get these for Rita. “Rarity, this is a really nice pen, I’ll be sure to make good use of it,” Rita complemented. “Oh I’m so happy to hear that, darling,” Rarity said with smile. Rainbow Dash wasted no time in planting her gift on the table next. Her speed got her a few cold stares from the others. Rita didn’t waste any more time then Rainbow Dash had in grabbing the package and tearing into it. She was more curious than anything else in learning about what kind of gift an awesome pony like Rainbow Dash would get for her. There was a smaller box inside of the big one. Rita glared at Rainbow Dash who snickered in response. Rita opened the second box only to find an even smaller box inside that one. Rainbow Dash was now laughing. Once again Rita opened the box and found yet another box inside of it. Rita gave a death glare to the rainbow maned pegasus who then fell onto the floor, rolling with laughter. Rita opened the tiny box before her, and this time she was pleased to find an actual present inside. It was a pin, one that resembled a lightning bolt with a pair of wings. She wasn’t really sure what to do with it, but she picked it up smiled anyway. “Um, thanks…” Rita said. “Yeah, I know. You weren’t expecting a Wonderbolt pin, but hey that’s just what kind of friend I am. Enjoy,” Rainbow Dash said. Next Twilight carefully used her magic to levitate a large box over to the side of Rita’s chair. Rita bent over to open it, and the movement caused a sudden bout of pain to shoot through her back. The box was half her size and looked very heavy, there was no way she could simply pick it up and open it. “Um…” Rita said nervously. Rita stared with pleading eyes at Fluttershy. I don’t want to sound weak, or rude… but I don’t think I can open this one by myself. Fluttershy figured out what was wrong with Rita and offered, “I can help you open it if you want.” Twilight was now beginning to look a little guilty. Rita looked down at the package shamefully. She wanted to be able to open it herself so badly, but pushing it right now would be a horrible idea. With a little resentment Rita said, “Fine.” Carefully, Fluttershy unwrapped the top half of the box and opened the lid for Rita to see inside. The top of the box was lined with a series of encyclopedias and from what she could see there were a lot more books underneath them. The gift was really nice in the way that Rita was dying for more history on Equestria, but a bunch of encyclopedias were still a hard sale for a birthday present. “Oh, that’s neat,” Rita said. “I’ll certainly enjoy reading them later, but uh… you do know that you aren’t supposed to give out boring books for a birthday present, right?” Everypony was silent for a few minutes as they looked between Rita and Twilight Sparkle. The strange thing was that Twilight was smiling, when she had expected the princess frowning at her for the explanation. “Oh,” Twilight said slyly, “I didn’t know that. Hmm, well you really shouldn’t look any further into that box then.” Fluttershy went ahead and lifted the first book off of the top row and smiled. “Oh, Rita, I, um…” Not entirely sure of what was going on, Rita followed Fluttershy’s gaze and saw something she wasn’t expecting. There was a Daring Doo book staring at her from just underneath the encyclopedia. Rita looked back up at Twilight and raised an eye brow. “Oh, didn’t I mention,” Twilight said playfully, “There’s more than just encyclopedias in there. In fact with your recent revelation that you and Pinkie are dating I added a few books that could help you.” Rita looked over and moved a few books out of the way. Romance novels, fantasy novels, history books, maps to Equestria and one book entitled, ‘Don’t worry it’s just Mating Season’. After the last one, Rita decided it was best to leave the books until later. The last book had set her mind into places where it really wasn’t designed to go to. “Wow, thanks, Twilight. Anyone else have a present for me?” Rita half joked. Spike walked up, and put his present on the table. It wasn’t wrapped but it didn’t need to be. The carved wooden box had images of various animals in the center, with gems around the sides. Carefully Rita opened the box and saw a mess of various gems, from the size of her hand to tiny pebbles, all of which were different in color. The machines that Rita could build with these if she only had a workshop. “Spike,” Rita said slyly, “Thank you. The things I could do with these… if the world is destroyed tomorrow then you can safely blame me.” “I… what?” Spike asked confused. “Don’t worry, I won’t do anything crazy… yet,” Rita said. Next Fluttershy lifted up a small package and set it gently down on the table. She smiled faintly at Rita and admitted, “I… um, well I couldn’t afford anything like a gold pen, or a box of gems… but I hope you like this anyway.” Rita smiled back at Fluttershy before grabbing the small gift and carefully unwrapping it. Inside she found a portrait with a picture of Fluttershy and the others all smiling at the camera. Rita couldn’t help but to smile at Fluttershy. Having a portrait of her new friends reminded her of the old days, when she was in her own world and surrounded by her friends. Usually when she remembered the past, it was sad and dark, but right now all the happiness of those times came flooding back to her. It’s just like back then, I have friends who care about me, and a place to actually call my home. This time I won’t let anything bad happen. “Rita,” Fluttershy cooed softly. A gentle wing tip came up and brushed away a tear from Rita’s cheek, she hadn’t even realized that the tear was there. “I-I just,” Rita attempted to defend herself, but the words never came. She simply shook her head and muttered, “Thank you guys… for everything.” This was when Rita noticed a distant look in Celestia’s eyes, it was almost like she wasn’t quite there at the moment. Carefully Rita looked up at the giant pony and asked, “Are you okay?” Celestia nodded and smiled, “Just remembering the past. I’m old and sometimes that happens. Don’t worry about it, in fact...” Celestia’s horn lit up and a document lifted up from just out of sight and was laid down on the table. “Here’s your birthday present.” The document was actually the deed to a windmill and the land around it. The windmill in question was just outside of Ponyville. The best part was that the document was signed over to Rita. Why would she give me this? “I see the confusion in your eyes, allow me to explain,” Celestia offered. “You’re a permanent resident of our world now, and you will need a place to live and work. If I understand correctly you like to build things. So this place is just remote enough that I think you could have all the fun in the world building whatever your heart desires without distraction, but close enough that you would never have to be alone.” Rita examined the document a second time. This was by far the greatest gift she had received, at least in terms of monetary value. But one did not simply give out patches of land for birthday gifts, something was off. “Why?” Rita asked. A cunning look came into Celestia’s eyes and she smiled. “You’re worried that something’s wrong are you? Well don’t fret too much. This land has been abandoned for years, and will need a lot of reconstruction before it is livable again. I’ve been trying to sale the land, but nopony wants it.” “Why?” Rita asked again. “Because it’s too close to the Everfree Forest,” Celestia explained. Fluttershy added, “Nopony wants land so close to the forest, that’s how I got my home for so cheap.” That was a little weird, but after seeing the timberwolves, Rita could see the fear of the forest. She still didn’t entirely trust Celestia’s motives, but she gave the princess a break. Maybe ponies were truly kind hearted and not manipulative after all. Pinkie Pie trotted up to the table with a package on her back, the gift wrapping was the same color as her fur which made it blend in a little too well. Pinkie bounced into the air, and the package sailed over her head before landing perfectly on the table. Pinkie’s smile only made Rita want to open the present right away, but she had one thing to do first. “I’m actually going to save your present for last, Pinkie,” Rita explained while nodding at Fluttershy. Fluttershy took the hint and quickly retrieved Trixie’s gift from the corner and set it on the table before Rita. “Who gave ya that one?” Pinkie Pie asked cheerfully. “Trixie did.” A few uncomfortable stares found their way towards Rita and the gift. Pinkie simply continued to smile. Rita ignored the staring ponies and opened the present, she couldn’t wait to see what the unicorn was gifting her with. “A…” Rita said as she pulled out a red scarf. “Scarf.” “She does know that scarves are out of season, doesn’t she,” Rarity critiqued. “Ayep, it’s not even cold out,” Applejack agreed. “Fashion has nothing to do with weather, darling.” Rita examined it further and saw a golden star pattern laced into it. A letter accompanied the scarf. Rita read it aloud. “I know you might be confused as to why I choose to give you a scarf, and I can’t say that I blame you. Sure it isn’t cold outside, but it’s not exactly about the weather. You see I was trying to figure out a way to repay you, for how you took care of me in my darkest hour, when my heart had frozen over from all the pain and suffering. You kept me warm, you kept me safe, and you stood up to me when Twilight berated me for saving the pony I care for most in this world.” Rita smiled and explained, “She’s talking about Maud.” After a few gasps at the mention of the name, Rita continued reading. “So I decided that I would make this scarf for you. That way when the world grows cold, I can be there to keep you warm as well. It’s not often that I meet a pony who can see past my flaws, one that I can call a friend. But Rita, I feel comfortable in calling you just that, my friend. With the greatest of honor, Trixie Lulamoon, the best protégé that Celestia will ever have.” For a long time everypony was silent, and Rita could only smile at the letter and the scarf. All of that was true, but Rita hadn’t realized exactly how much of an impression she had made on Trixie. It seemed like the unicorn’s entire life had been changed for the better by meeting her, and that brought a warm feeling in Rita’s heart. “Well she might have been a bit over the top there at the ending, but that was beautiful,” Twilight said, thus breaking the silence. Rita looked at Twilight and said softly, “I’m just happy to know that she’s doing better.” Only after carefully placing the scarf into the box and closing it, did Rita take a second look at Pinkie’s present. A slight fear hit Rita’s heart as she suddenly realized that there was a chance that Pinkie didn’t get her something as good as Fluttershy, or Trixie. It was entirely possible that Pinkie’s present wasn’t all that great, and it would be only too obvious to everypony if Rita didn’t like it as much. Now she wasn’t sure what to do. Almost as though Pinkie Pie had read her mind, the pink pony said, “It’s okay if you don’t like my present like you did the others. The fact that you’re smiling right now is enough for me.” “Pinkie, I,” Rita started but stopped when Pinkie Pie shook her head. Rita finished lamely, “I’ll open yours now.” Carefully she took the wrapping off and set it aside. Then she opened the box and found a sash inside. It was red, which matched her color scheme, but there were black cog symbols on the sides. It was certainly unique. “Thanks, Pinkie,” Rita said. Pinkie smiled and said, ‘You don’t get it do you?” “Um… not really. It’s pretty clothing right?” “Nope!” Pinkie exclaimed happily. “If you put it on right, the symbols will cover your flanks.” “I… okay.” “It’s a cutie mark!” Pinkie explained joyously. It took a moment to sink in but the longer she stared at the sash, and the symbols. The more it made sense. Everypony else had cutie marks, so why shouldn’t Rita. The fact that they were cogs indicated her talent for building and inventing things, so they fit her perfectly. Pinkie Pie was doing her utmost to make sure that Rita fit in with Pony society and felt at home. Sure it wasn’t as emotionally powerful as the other presents, but this was a really cute present. “Hey, Pinkie,” Rita said. “Come over here.” Pinkie Pie walked over to Rita’s side and smiled at her. Rita couldn’t help but to grin with Pinkie Pie for a moment. With Rita riding an emotional high, her feelings towards the pink pony were stronger than ever before. So as surprising as it was to everypony else, to her it only felt natural, as she leaned in and pressed her lips against Pinkie’s cheek and gave her marefriend a kiss. The soft pink fur tickled her nose and lips a little on contact. As Rita pulled away she couldn’t help but notice the goofy smile on Pinkie’s face. Despite the surprise that everypony had to the event, Pinkie Pie quickly recovered and asked, “Hey… can I um…” Rita rolled her eyes and said, “You may.” As Pinkie Pie leaned in Rita closed her eyes, for a brief moment she was still terrified that Pinkie would bite her by mistake, but that fear was gone the second Pinkie’s soft lips touched upon Rita’s bare cheek. A fire raced across her face. She opened her eyes a moment later to find Pinkie Pie staring into them. With her face still aflame, Rita could only stare deeply into those beautiful blue eyes.