Broken Family, Healed Family

by Amos Anon

Into Manehatten

Ch.11

I watched the countryside whizz by, my hoof propping up my chin as I lay on my chosen seat on the train. Coloratura sat next to me reading a book; something I wished I’d brought with me. Unfortunately, I’d had to make a run for the station from Sweet Apple Acres when I realized that the ticket I’d been given by Coloratura had said 9 AM, and not 9PM like I’d originally thought. The only things I’d managed to pack in my panic induced rush had been my toiletries and some horseshoes.

A vaguely familiar rock farm came and went by the window, and I sat up, trying to get a better view. I craned my neck as the vista slowly receded behind the train.

Was that the Pie family’s rock farm?

Coloratura glanced up from her book, and cocked an eyebrow at me quizzically.

I just shrugged. “I thought I recognized that farm. It looked a lot like Pinkie’s homestead.”

“It’s possible. I’m afraid I don’t know Pinkie all that well.”

“Be glad you don’t. She’s like a firecracker that won’t stop exploding. But yeah, apparently she grew up on a rock farm.”

Coloratura blinked, her jaw agape. “A... rock farm?” her baffled expression quickly morphed into a suspicious frown. “Are you pulling my hoof?”

I snorted. “I wish I were.” My face flushed red as I pictured what I’d just said in my head. That... was a stupid thing to say. Luckily, the white-coated mare remained oblivious to my social blunder, too caught up in her own thoughts.

“And what, exactly, is a rock farm supposed to be for?”

I coughed, trying to shake off the mental image that had invaded my mind, threatening to cause my wings to stand out stiffly.

Curse my single-ness. “I have no idea. But when it comes to Pinkie Pie... and I guess her family, it’s best to not question it.” Coloratura seemed dissatisfied with that answer. “Hey, you should ask Twilight about Pinkie Sense some time. She has one heck of a story to tell you about that!” I chuckled. That had been one of my favourite episodes, despite the controversy surrounding it. Personally, I found the whole episode to be rather funny in a Looney Tunes sort of way.

Coloratura just stared at me, and slowly began to shake her head back and forth.

“You know what... I believe you. Forget I asked.”

I half-grinned as she looked back at her book, and I resumed staring out at the scenery.

The train chugged into Manehatten just as Celestia lowered the sun beyond the horizon, and Coloratura and I disembarked at the station closest to wherever it was she was taking me to. It looked to be the chic section of town, with multiple clothing, craft, and fashion stores lining the streets in medium to tall buildings stacked closely together. I felt distinctly out of place as I saw the ponies going about their daily business wearing various forms of professional and fashionable attire. I glanced down at my own body, and was embarrassed to remember that, in my rush to get to the station, I had neglected to wash up that morning. Normally that wouldn’t bother me, but in a city like this, I stood out like a sore thumb.

Having been raised in the countryside, I was never really comfortable in large cities. Oh, I didn’t mind visiting every once in a while, and I’m sure I could get used to living in Manehatten, but I’d always been a country stallion at heart. Even before the war on Earth, I’d been living in a small town with access to the rolling farmland any time I desired.

Man, do I miss that place.

Coloratura noticed my discomfort, and appraised me with a critical eye. She did not look impressed.

“Your meeting with my agent is tomorrow, so I’ve found a place where you can stay the night...” She sniffed the air, her face grimacing. “... and for you to wash that smell out of your coat.”

I sniffed myself, and blanched. Good Grief! It didn’t seem so bad on the farm, but I guess it really stands out here.

“Really, Motodrop, I expected that at least Rarity would have made sure you’d kept yourself in decent shape. Has no one taught you how to care for your fur? Not to mention your wings look a little raggedy. I’ll have to have someone teach you how to preen properly...”

Preening? Seriously? That’s a thing here?

“...Honestly, Moto, I didn’t say anything on the train because I was trying to be polite, but here in Manehatten, you have to make a good first impression.”

I had nothing to say in my defence. Frankly, it was my fault that I’d been running late in the first place and neglected to clean myself up properly, so I just nodded and, after she donned a disguise, the white mare led me to a fairly posh hotel. The bellhop took my bags, and the stallion sitting at the front desk regarded me with a fair amount of confusion until Coloratura removed her disguise.

“Ah, Countess. Is this the special guest you booked a room for?” The receptionist quickly plastered an impassive look on his face, and I chuckled a bit.

Not what you were expecting, eh?

Coloratura passed the opulent stallion a number of bits, and with the key to my room in hoof, I stepped into the elevator beside Coloratura, who’d booked a room next to mine, and pressed the required number on the keypad. Just before the doors closed, I saw the receptionist press a perfumed handkerchief to his nose, and I couldn’t help but take a bit of twisted pleasure in the fact that I had caused the seemingly unflappable stallion to break his mask of professionalism.

“And what are you laughing about?”

I grinned at Coloratura standing next to me. “Oh nothing, just enjoying someone elses disomfort.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m surprised he didn’t outright kick you out of the hotel. I think the only thing that stopped him was that you were with me.”

“Still, it’s amusing to see pony’s reactions, wouldn’t you agree?”

“...It was kind of funny.” Coloratura cracked a small smile.

“Imagine what was going through his head...” I pretended to pull up my tie in the snootiest way possible. “Ahem, fine sir, I believe you smell like dung.”

Coloratura giggled, and raised a hoof dramatically. “Nah, ah’m just tryin’ out ah new perfume!”

I widened my eyes in mock wonder. “My, is that the new scent from Prance?”

“Why yes! It’s called ‘essence a la methane’.” The two of us broke out into laughter as the doors slid open on our floor. “You really do stink, though.”

“I know.” I stepped out of the elevator, and followed the numbers on the doors in ascending order until I found the correct door. I pushed the key into the lock, and stepped into the room.

“Make yourself presentable, and meet me out here in an hour. There’s a restaurant on the second level here, so we can grab a bite to eat before retiring for the night.”

I nodded, and waved to Coloratura as she opened the door to her own room.

My room was, in a word, fancy. Ornate rugs decorated the hardwood floor, gold-trimmed white drapes complimenting them nicely. The walls were painted a cream-yellow colour, and an ornate door led into the bathroom. The space in the center of the room was dedicated to a king-size bed. I whistled in amazement.

How much did this cost, I wonder? I was broken out of my admiration by the sound of the bellhop with my bags. I tossed a few bits to the stallion, and took the luggage into my room. The young porter tipped his red cylindrical hat, thanking me, and pushed his cart further down the hall toward Coloratura’s room.

I turned back to my room, and placed my luggage next to the bed.

Well, guess I’ll make use of that bathroom now.

---

I emerged from my room exactly 45 minutes later freshly cleaned, and no longer smelling like a pigsty mixed with body odour. The bathroom had been huge; I practically swam in the tub, and had spent at least a good half hour in there. I made good use of the various shampoos and soaps that had been provided, and now my coat shone in the dim lighting. My mane had been combed, and I had also taken the time to shave my beard off. I could’ve sworn I felt two pounds lighter, and smiled at Coloratura’s expression as she stepped out from her room.

“You clean up nice.” She tilted her head. “You also shaved off your beard. It looks good.”

“Thank you. Imagine what that receptionist would think if he saw me now.”

The mare smiled at that, and motioned for me to follow her.

I had once gone to some fancy restaurant on Earth. I’d paid an arm and a leg for what amounted to a massive plate with a few square inches of tasteless mush on it that had been decorated with a sprig of parsley. I had not enjoyed that experience. Thankfully, the food at the restaurant in the hotel was of high quality, but was served in generous portions.

Coloratura and I chatted as we dined, and the night passed quickly. As the clock chimed ten, the two of us quickly stood, and Coloratura paid the bill.

Now, I'm aware that in a dating situation the stallion is supposed to pay the bill, but this wasn’t a date, so it didn’t count. And besides, there was no way I could afford the meal I’d just eaten.

We made our way back to our rooms, and as I was unlocking my room, Coloratura called over her shoulder; “Our day starts at 8 tomorrow sharp. Make sure you’re ready to go before then.”

“Okay. See you tomorrow.” I stepped into my room, and closed the door behind me. I stumbled over to the bed, and collapsed into it with a sigh.

What a day.

---

DINGALINGALINGALING!!!

UUUUUUGGGHHH... Can’t I sleep for a few more minutes? I rolled over in bed, and glanced over at the alarm clock. It said 7:15 AM. Crud. I smashed the button on top of the alarm clock with my hoof, effectively silencing it, and pushed the sheets off my body. I yawned, smacking my lips before stretching the sleep from my body.

Well, up and at ‘em, I guess. I rolled out of the bed, which took a fair bit of time seeing as it was about four times as big as the bed I’d slept in at Sweet Apple Acres. Seriously, I felt like I was swimming in the thing. Again, I’m glad I’m not footing... hoofing? The bill for this place. I dragged myself to the bathroom, and, out of a desire to stay awake, forwent the bathtub, opting instead to use the walk-in shower. I scrubbed myself clean of sweat and, embarrassingly, drool, and applied the shampoo to my mane. The label read ‘shampoo with coconut oil and hints of shiitake’

Whatever. If it made my mane and coat look good, then I was happy with it. I lathered it in as I began to sing a random collection of music; nothing specific, it was more like a mishmash of a bunch of different songs all put together. I guess it could be called ‘Motodrop Remix’.

Trademark Pending.

I smirked at the thought, and let the water run over my equine body as I flared my wings, spraying a mixture of water and soap off of them onto the walls of the shower. It was strange how much I’d become accustomed to my new equine body over the last couple of months, though I’d discovered that the physical ailments that I’d had on Earth had been transferred over to my new body.

For instance, I’d had a black spot in my right eye before, and... Yup. It’s still there. After having it examined by a doctor, he’d stated that it was harmless, and to leave it be, though it was still somewhat annoying.

Even the scars that I’d accumulated over the course of my life had been transferred to my new body. For that, I was somewhat thankful. My fur hid pretty much all of them, but the scars were like permanent little memories to me. All the nicks, dents, and slashes reminded me of something that had happened on Earth. Like the scar under my eyebrow that I’d aquired from my older sister who’d thought it a good idea to use a seesaw to launch stones into the air. It worked great until I happened to be standing over top of the seesaw; That one had needed stitches. Or the small indent in my shin that was a remnant of the time I’d had to have surgery to remove an abscess. Or the jagged line across my kneecap from an unfortunate encounter with a zebra mussel from when our family had been swimming in the lake by our cottage. Or the scar under my left eye... actually, I don’t know where I got that one from. Hmm. I’ll have to ask Mom and Dad about that.

I turned off the water, and shook the water from my coat and wings. I stepped out of the shower, and wrapped myself up in the pure white towels that had been left for me by the hotel staff. After a thorough rubbing down, I proceeded to the mirror, where I tamed my mane back to my preferred state. Satisfied, I stepped out of the bathroom, and glanced at the clock.

7:50. Perfect. I heard a knock on my hotel room door, and upon opening it, found Coloratura wearing a... dress? Oh dear. I hope she doesn’t expect me to wear a suit. Aaaaaaand the nervousness hit. I breathed heavily as Coloratura gave me the once-over.

“You look ready to go. Want to catch an early breakfast, and then head out?” She cocked her head as she saw my nervous expression. “Ah.” She smiled in understanding. “Yeah, starting a new career can do that to a pony.”

I stuttered a bit, and attempted to regain my composure. “I.. should I wear a suit? I mean, you’re wearing a dress, so it would only fit... oh! Should I get my wings fixed before we go? I don’t want to leave a bad impression on your agent.” My babbling was brought to a sudden and unceremonious halt by a hoof against my muzzle.

“We’re meeting my agent, not going to see Princess Celestia. Relax. If there’s something they don’t like about you, they’ll teach you how to fix it. You already have the job, Moto. You just have to be trained.” The white mare removed her hoof from my surprised visage, and smiled. “You’ll do fine. If it’s the state of your wings you’re worried about, just remember that you’re not the first country bumpkin to start a music career.” She smiled knowingly, and I relaxed, though the nervousness stayed settled in the pit of my stomach. “We have a few minutes yet, so why don’t we get breakfast? I don’t know anypony whose nerves aren’t settled by a decent meal.”

Then you clearly don’t know me. “I’m more likely to throw up if I have breakfast.”

Coloratura facehooved, and sighed. “How are you going to survive on stage?”

I laughed bitterly. “I’m more comfortable on stage than I am before a test. I’ll be jittery right up until the moment I meet your agent. Let’s just grab something light that I know I can stomach.”

Rara shrugged, but acquiesced, and once again we went to the restaurant in the hotel for some breakfast. I ordered some toast with an egg, and ate it in silence as my companion devoured her full-course meal in five minutes flat. I was impressed.

Coloratura once again paid for the meal, and together we made our way down to the lobby of the hotel, where I glanced over at the receptionist.

Darn. A different one than last night. I was hoping to mess with that stallion receptionist.

The mare at the counter bowed respectfully as Coloratura once again donned her hat-and-sunglasses disguise.

“Have a nice day.”

The two of us nodded back to her as we stepped out the front door. Coloratura hailed a cab, and we jumped aboard. The stallion pulling the hansom began to trot forward, and I took in the sights of the city as the yellow carriage pulled into the traffic. I marveled at the similarities to downtown Toronto. Yeah, yeah, I know Manehatten was supposed to be a pony version of New York City, but I’d never been to New York City, so to me it looked like Toronto. I had a small chuckle at the ponified version of the Statue of Liberty, which Rara gave me a curious look about, but didn’t comment on. We soon entered into the downtown proper, and I couldn’t help but feel dwarfed by the skyscrapers around me. We even passed through what I recognized as Times Square, though I’m sure it was called something different in Equestria. I’d have to make sure to ask about that later.

We shortly came to a stop in front of a tall, modern-looking building clad in glass windows and ornate granite pillars. There was that nervousness again. I swallowed it down as best I could as we dismounted from the hansom, Coloratura tossing the required fare to the Taxi-stallion, along with a generous tip. The buff pony tipped his hat in thanks, and pulled his carriage out into traffic again, looking for his next fare.

We entered into the gargantuan building by way of glass doors, and I struggled to maintain my composure. Good grief, man. Get a hold of yourself. Coloratura greeted the mare sitting at the front desk, and stepped into the elevator, stepping to the side to make room for myself. I trotted in beside her, and the doors closed behind us before the elevator began to move, giving that strange momentary feeling of increased gravity.

“Is there anything I should know about your agent before I meet him... or her?”

Coloratura hummed in thought. “Well, HER name is Harshwhinny...”

I raised a hoof, cutting her off. “I know all I need to know.”

She raised an eyebrow. “You’ve met?”

“Nope. But I’m familiar with her.”

“Ah. Your creepy knowledge of Twilight and her friends, right?”

“Oh come on, it’s not that creepy, is it?”

“It kind of is.”

“Well, there’s not a whole lot I can do about it now, is there?”

“Mmm, guess not.” She scratched behind her ear. “Still, it’s kind of scary to think that a bunch of ponies on another world could see what was happening in Equestria.”

I frowned darkly. “Well, you don’t have to worry about that any more.” I sighed. “Either way, I’m surprised Harshwhinny of all ponies is your agent. Given her previous... positions, it seems a strange place to end up.”

Coloratura simply smiled. “Her job as the ambassador for the Equestrian Games was temporary. She was actually hired by the Games committee because of her experience with putting on big events for singers like myself. She’s a bit of a grump, sure, but she’s very capable.” I nodded, and the doors to the elevator opened before us. I stepped out into the hallway, and Coloratura led me to the wooden door at the end. “You go on in. I’ll be waiting here for you until you’re done speaking with her.”

“You’re not coming in with me?”

The white mare smirked. “What, you’re scared?”

“Honestly?... I’m terrified.”

“Oh, you’ll be fine. What’s that saying... ‘Bravery isn’t not being afraid, but acting in spite of your fear’?”

I laughed. “Fine. You have a point.”

“Now go on. Don’t worry, Harshwhinny doesn’t bite... Usually.”

Oh, that’s supposed to make me feel better?

Author's Note:

I’m back! YES! Finally I managed to get a chapter out. Wow, has it been a busy week for me. I had an interview this week, and it turns out that I got the job! So, that means that starting August 7th I’ll be working at a new job. Before then, though, I have a vacation planned for two weeks, so this story will be going on hiatus while I’m away. I’ll try to get at least one more chapter out before I leave on the 21st of July (I’m going on a motorcycle trip through Quebec), because I have a big reveal to make in this story. Something that will kickstart the plot, and throw a wrench into my character’s plans for his life.

Oh, and I did ask my parents about that scar under my left eye. Turns out they have no idea where I got it. Neither do the rest of my siblings. Meh, guess it remains a mystery.

Anyways, I am Motodrop, and uniqueness is no trivial pursuit.

Comments

[BestinDworld]

“We’re meeting my agent, not going to see Princess Celestia. Relax. If there’s something they don’t like about you, they’ll teach you how to fix it. You already have the job, Moto. You just have to be trained.” The white mare removed her hoof from my surprised visage, and smiled. “You’ll do fine. If it’s the state of your wings you’re worried about, just remember that you’re not the first country bumpkin to start a music career.” She smiled knowingly, and I relaxed, though the nervousness stayed settled in the pit of my stomach. “We have a few minutes yet, so why don’t we get breakfast? I don’t know anypony whose nerves aren’t settled by a decent meal.”

well....shes not wrong

[ramdom_player201]

Chapter 5 asks if ponies are vegans in the title. I guess ponies aren't vegans since vegans do not eat any animal products (including eggs).
So far so good. Not really sure what else to comment on right now.