//------------------------------// // Chapter 11 - A Generous Spirit, Fabulous Rarity! // Story: The normal life of Nitpick Bittersweet // by Ryusun //------------------------------// My second day at school was at hand and Inorganic Chemistry was the first class of the day. I tried really hard to not yawn in the classroom but it was simple impossible. One reason was that yesterday at night one of my best friends at the academy called me up to play Demon's Dogma in a new game plus. It seems that the expansion pack was to be released in a few months so in preparation for it we spent time until three with forty in the morning. Questing and grinding, it was fun, especially after my weird day yesterday, it was so good to hear from her after a month without speaking to each other because she was grounded by her granddad for something stupid she did. The other reason for my tired state was because the teacher was insufferable and tedious. I didn't even bother to listen to his name. If I wanted to read information of the subject, I rather read it myself from a book instead of the incredible difficult to read presentations. Seriously, where was quality control with some of the teachers here? I could barely read what I was supposed to be reading when the size letter was so small because of all the information in it. Being tired didn’t help either; my sight could barely perceive reality. Teams for lab class during Thursdays were already made the first day, so Twilight and I had to join a team. I would like to say that after being chosen yesterday by her and try to keep her pace in god-knows what kind of project I will have to do with her now, fate would allow me to be in a different team. Maybe teaming up with the guy called Micro Chips would be the best. He seemed to be of the quiet type. But nooooo! How I could I possible think of such alternative? I can almost hear Lady Luck say, 'Too bad, you draw the middle-finger luck card again'. Not only I was with the Scientist one again, but also my teammates consisted of Pinkie Pie and Rarity. I don't think Rarity was the scholar type and Pinkie… no comments. Sunset was with the Cowgirl, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Things were somewhat awkward with Shimmer this morning. She looked down, no doubt because what happened yesterday. Whether I talk to her or no would make no difference and if I tried to make contact with her and she responded in kind, I could increase my crush level again and act like a hopeless fool anytime soon. With what Flash told me yesterday, the obvious course of action is to leave things as they are now. Eventually, her friends will cheer her up and all will be back to normal real soon. “Nitpick.” “Uh.” It’s you Twilight. “Are you okay? You are spacing out and your eyes looked like they were drifting to the void.” Leave me be. And is your face too close to me or I am imagining things? “I didn't have a good night sleep. That’s all.” “Do you want some water? Your fatigue can be a sign of dehydration. I always bring an extra bottle just in case I feel thirsty.” “I rather have apple juice but no thanks, Twilight. I am fine, seriously.” She made a concerned look. “If you say so, then not need to worry about. Anyway, let’s go, class is over and today is Taco Tuesday. I want to try one of the vegetarian combos they offer.” Oh, class was over? Maybe she was right and I was indeed drifting to the void. Would I have died if Twilight hadn't brought me back to the living? “Hey, Nitpick?” “Yes, Twilight?” “How do I look?” “The same as usual, cute.” I didn’t really pay her attention; I just stood up and went straight to the cafeteria. I managed to arrive to school safely so the cafeteria was far easier task. This place was even more crowded than yesterday. There weren’t empty seats this time at sight. If I hadn’t made a detour to the bathroom maybe I would have somewhere to seat while eating my breakfast. “Bro! Over here!” The voice was from Lightbulb, he was near the beginning of the line. I approached him trying to not make myself look like I was going to get in the line. “Just give me the money and I’ll buy you what you want.” “What do you recommend?” “Cheese and bacon pack, eight bucks the order of four, eleven with fifty if you want the apple juice. Twelve with a big cookie included.” “Here are the twelve bucks.” “Ok, wait a moment.” He bought three packs, no doubt the third one was for Dancer. “Bro, you’ll have to search for another place to eat. I would go with you but Dancer and I are going to discuss homework of the last class with our teammates.” “Ah yes, you have chemistry in the lab today. Mine was in the classroom and it was tedious. Mmm, anyplace where I can eat peacefully around here?" “The front gardens are a great place or you can try the backyard of the school. Nobody goes there frequently.” “Sounds good, I'll see you another time.” “Nitpick?” Lightbulb just called me by my name, it means business. “I am sorry for what happened yesterday, and please don’t be mad with Dancer, it just a lot of things happened.” “Maybe we can catch up just the two of us, you know, play Titanium Slug in the arcades and stuff.” “I would really like that.” We made a bro-fist, said our farewells and I walked to my next destination: The backyard. This short reunion gave me a bit of improved mood and my eyesight got better with time. Once arriving there, I could see why nobody would come here often. There were practically no places to sit properly in groups of three or more because the bushes were abundant. The fear of getting ants inside of your cloths would drive anyone away from here. But there was always a spot where it was plain to eat comfortably, and here it was. In the corner of the wall, how typical. The leaves of summer are finally drying, giving place to the reddish brown of autumn to flourish. The wind was nice today; the leaves were softly soaring near the floor of Mother Earth. Once I finish my food and put the trash in the trash bin, I would take a small nap to recover from my stay-up late. I have more than half an hour after all. Since today I didn’t bring my favorite tactical shirt and instead brought a common one, I decided to use it as mat. Folding it to perfection to sit in it, I proceeded to put it in the floor. What the-? “What do you think you are doing to that innocent garment!?” It was Rarity. She was holding my hand which had my folded shirt. And what the hell do you mean by innocent garment? “I am glad I found you in time, if not for me, you would have committed a terrible crime against fashion! That golden brown, short sleeved tactical shirt is just simple divine for this season!” She was nodding triumphantly with her eyes closed. Are you a Fashion Cop or something? “May I know why are you trying to stop me in sitting on my own shirt?” “Why? WHY? Darling, look at the floor!” There were just leaves, small rock pebbles and some small branches in there. No ants or other strange animals. “What is it with the floor?” “It’s dirty; you are going to ruin your shirt!” Are you fucking kidding me? Even if it was true, I would just wash it at home and be done with the problem. “I don’t know, I needed to sit comfortably on the floor and once I finish my food, use it as a pillow for a small nap.” “Gah… I mean, nonsense, there is a better option!” “Which is?” “Well, we were looking for you for a matter of homework! It was difficult to find you because we don’t have your phone number and since you are eating alone, then it would be better for you to come and eat breakfast with me. Pinkie and Twilight are joining us as well since we are teammates. We must discuss our distribution of lab materials for next class!” “Lab materials?” “Yes. Don’t you remember hearing about it?” “Eh, no.” “More the reason to come with me! Besides, people don’t come here often! Why would you want to be somewhere far away from society and miss the wonderful opportunity to meet new and exciting people today?” Take a guess, Rarity. “Why didn’t you tell me before going for lunch?” “Because we wanted to buy our food first before the rest of the school made traffic jam because of Taco Tuesday, so are you coming?” She made a persuasive gesture and knowing I wouldn’t escape, I sighed in resignation, and agreed to join her. I wore my shirt again and followed Rarity while she texted Pinkie and Twilight. I just wanted to eat and sleep for a while, is that too much to ask? Have a moment of peace alone? Maybe it’s for the best, today classes finish earlier so the less workload I have for home, the more time I could sleep in bed. We were in the front gardens near the monument of the school. It was definitely cleaner than the backyard and the number of students weren’t a lot as I imagined at first. I made myself comfortable and laid back my back in the wall, it feels cozy but unnatural. I could fell asleep any moment but I needed to eat, so I began to dig my food... or so I would if a face of disapproval weren’t watching at me. “What?” “It is of bad education to start eating by yourself while the people with you are still waiting for their food in a restaurant.” She crossed her arms while looking with indignation at me. Again, are you fucking kidding me? “This is not a restaurant.” “But the etiquette applies everywhere, darling. This is one of the actions that differences the brutes from the sophisticated beings of society!” You are as painful as most of the extravagant teens of the academy. “I am hungry and I want to have my nap.” “Just wait a few minutes more. Pinkie and Twilight made a detour because they were searching for you, remember?” “We could have decided this after school is over, you know?” “Nonsense, and besides, I am going to be busy after school! Not to mention that today I have P.E. as well. I think your school day will finish at one. Also it would be unfair to tell you tomorrow what you need to bring next class without your opinion.” “I am fine with whatever you decide.” “Absolutely not. Where is your sense of democracy?” I am really starting to dislike you so much. But at least Pinkie and Twilight are- “Oh my…!” "TADA! HOW DOES SHE LOOK!?" Twilight was wearing a completely different outfit instead of the usual attire of the academy. She was wearing a teeny like light blue, long sleeved shirt with a black turtle neck vest with her favorite logo in the right side of the chest. Sporting a medium sized dark purple skirt with a big star and lots of tiny ones around it, with what I believe are black long pants that reached below the knee and a pair of small dark purple boots with pink socks. I am not good with description of cloths and color but she looked really cute. With her messy front hair left untouched with a simple ribbon in her long hair instead of her onion like style would have been a perfect five star rating for me if it weren’t for that she was wearing her old, typical thick, study glasses. Why are you wearing that abomination instead of some sleeker glasses that matched with your new outfit? That totally destroys the purpose of change of look, young Scientist. Nevertheless… “You look fabulous, Twilight!” “Of course she looks fabulous! She looks good in almost anything, not to mention I made the outfit myself!” I withdraw my four and half star rating. The new outfit looks atrocious, Twilight. Go home and change to the old one, now. “Are you sure, Nitpick? I feel weird wearing these kinds of cloths because they are so… flashy.” “Nonsense, even our friend here made you a compliment, Twilight. You look gorgeous my dear, embrace it!” "Speaking of the outfit, how much will it be, Rarity?" "Nothing, dear. Consider it my welcoming gift!" "How could I possible take this for free? At least let me give you more than half of the cost?" "I said no, Twilight. I wont accept any excuses" "Thanks, Rarity" Oh, I see where is this going on. She must have some kind of business and she will use Twilight´s innocence to emotional blackmail her. A common tactic for bussinesman. Don´t worry, Twilight. I´ll have a chat with you in private about the dangers of society later. For now... “I want to eat and take my nap, Rarity” Cut to the chase, already. “Oh right, here is your Veggie combo, Rarity” “Thank you, Pinkie Pie. Darling, could you be a dear and help me prepare the mat?” Where the hell did you get that mat? In no moment you have one with you. Are you a conjurer? The mat was ready, Pinkie made a gesture to join them in it but I refused, I was already comfy in my current position so I started eating once they took the first bit, I didn’t want to start an argument with Rarity over something trivial as ´society education´. But something did catch my attention. “Uh, I believe dogs aren´t allowed in school” Twilight took out a dog from her bagpack and it started to run in circles, probably to relax itself for being packed in bag for more than two hours. “I know but I couldn´t leave it alone at home. Please, promise me that you won’t tell anyone, I don´t want the school to confiscate him” “Alright, I promise” It´s not my problem anyway. “You Pinkie Promise?” How the hell did you arrive in front me so fast, Pinkie? “What the hell is a pinkie promise?” “Language, darling” I wasn´t talking to you, Miss Socialite. “It’s this” She took a small and fast breath. Please don’t sing. “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” She stuck a cupcake in her face. “Was the literal cupcake in your eye really necessary?” “Duh, why would I include a cupcake in the swear if you don’t really meaning it” “I won’t fight with that logic” “Great. I knew you were a smart guy. So you Pinkie Promise?” I feel really offended to be praised by you, but I see it’s important to Twilight´s moral, so ok. I sighed, thinking that I was going to do a stupid thing and recited the chant. “Cross my heart” I crossed my arms like she did “hope to fly” I tried to fly with my hands like she did “stick a cupcake in my eye” She stuck a fucking cupcake in my face, damn you Pinkie Pie. At least she was nice enough to clean this mess. What a waste of cupcakes, though. “But you must know one thing about a Pinkie Promise, breaking your oath means betraying your friend. Losing a friend's trust is the fastest way to lose a friend, FOREVER!” Why suddenly a dramatic thunder materialized just when she ended her speech. She got back to her spot in the mat, not before hissing ‘forever’ one last time. The other girls were watching like if nothing had happened. They were used to it or I was going crazy. “Thank you, Nitpick. This is my dog, Spike. Say hello to him” It was the dog from yesterday at the band room. Spike, huh? You are raising your paw like you were trying to wave a hand. “You really are a smart little fellow, aren’t you?” Spike mady a happy gesture with his tail. Dogs are smater than some people believe, I think he likes what I said. “I believe he is adorable” I won’t complain with you this time, Rarity. I better finish eating my tacos before they get cold. It didn’t took me so long to eat my food because the size of the tacos were somewhat small for me, besides, this weren´t real tacos, this are chingaderas, for starters real tacos are made from a softer tortilla. They tasted good but I feel cheated, I demand a partial refund for this misguided adverstiment. Anyway, I put the rest of my trash inside a bag and lucky for me there was a trash bin nearby. I made a pose resembling a basketball shot to the net; I throw it, its flying aaaaaand it didn’t get in. Damn it. I stood up and threw my garbage properly this time to the bin. "Bravo, Nitpick” What do you want now, Rarity? And why are you clapping? “What?” “Grumpy, aren´t we? I was praising you for taking responsibility in your recent act” “Putting the trash in its place is what anybody would do” “You would be surprised. There are people that don’t even bother to search for a bin. They just throw it away like if the floor is cleaned on its own. It’s simply unacceptable.” “Well, anyway, let’s talk about our material distribution” “Indeed. I reviewed the list for class and there are definitely a lot of unnecessary materials in it. We are going to neutralize acid in a solution, not transform it in a raw concentration of chlorine cleaning sanitizer.” “Uh, say what”? “Beg your pardon, darling? “She means we are going to make an acid less substance instead of bleach in the lab practice.” “Oh, I see” I took a quick glimpse of the practice instructions and the materials. “I think we have done this before, Twilight” “Indeed, during first semester, it was so easy to do. I don’t know why it took all of you two full sessions to make the neutralization of a simple acid, the procedures were crystal clear.” “Forgive us for being brutish apes compared to you, Twilight Sparkle.” “I am so sorry, I didn’t mean to imply, what I meant to say-” “Relax, Twilight. You always work hard in your studies so nobody has the right to complain for your intellectuality. Most of the common student will bitch about not getting good grades when they not study hard enough, you don’t need to apologize for your genius status” Twilight made a sad face, her eyes almost teary, why? I praised her, right? “But I didn’t have friends for being genius. Everybody talked at my back, always saying that I was unlikable and unfriendly, because I was a perfectionist, because I was always asking questions, because-“ “They were jealous of you, Twilight” “Rarity?” “Darling, all those people badmouthed you because deep inside they knew that it was impossible to beat you in everything that you aspired to do, that’s why they mocked you, insulted you and stepped in your persona to feel high and mighty instead of improving themselves. You don’t own them anything, as a matter of fact, you must feel proud to be an excellent student, that was school was almost full of horrible people that didn´t appreciate your worth, but now-” Rarity tenderly took Twilights hands, her face not of the perfectionist diva like moments ago but more like a sister-like figure comforting her little sister during a time of need. “-you have us, Twilight Sparkle. You are no stranger to us, nor a replacement and the most important thing of all...” Rarity put her right hand in Twilight´s cheek, removing a silent tear from her face. “Is that we are your friends no matter what, so, don’t cry.” “AWWW!!! I'm so glad we're friends! I love you, guys!” “That tickles, Pinkie, hahahaha” “Hahaha, NO, Pinkamena Diane Pie, hahahaha, stop, hahaha” So Pinkamena Diane Pie is her full name. If it were someone else, I would say that she ruined a touching moment, but it felt just right. They shared a group hug after Pinkamena stopped making a friendly tickle torture with some feathers. Aren’t you glad, Twilight? There was a time when Dancer and Lightbulb were like this… a long time ago. My father always said that I was quick to judge. Maybe He was right. I am sorry for thinking you were a blackmailer, Rarity. A heartless person would never be able to do what you did. Everybody can give you a material gift, but the gift straight from the heart? That it´s pretty uncommon these days. At least that´s what I think. You are a nice person afterall Rarity. "Nitpick, darling! What were you thinking this morning? Your shoes and belt don´t match in color with your garment, and are those a pair of navy blue socks? Ugh, the tragedy! You too need a total transformation and I would be glad to help you as soon as possible" I withdraw my praise, I hate you. We discussed who was going to bring what from our material list. Everyone agreed with their responsibility and the girls started to fold the mat. The bell rang, next class was about to begin. As I walked inside the school, I looked back to where I was resting and sighed with defeat because I didn’t do what I originally planned for break. "I didn’t take my nap."