> The Honeymoon
>  by CrackedInkWell
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canterlot was no stranger to weddings. Even with the invasion by the Changeling army, couples from around the country seek for their special day to have a touch of elegance among the magnificent buildings and the criminally overpriced wedding planners. The same can be true for one couple that has just tied the knot. Fancy Pants and Acrylic Brush had taken their vows before witnesses of the wealthy elite, friends, and family. One “I do’s” and a kiss later, the two stallions were pronounced as Husbands.

“Terribly sorry ‘Crylic, you wouldn’t have spotted my undergarments from last night? I seem to have misplaced them somewhere,” Fancy groaned as he reluctantly slithered out into the cold morning air. It was the morning after their wedding, but for the unicorn, he was still feeling like his head was split into pieces.

Acrylic rolled his eyes as he went towards the closet, “Actually, I do. Along with everything else.” Before he entered, he stopped for a moment to crane his neck over with a wicked grin on his muzzle. “So do you want to go with the white one or the red hot one?”

“The white one, thank you very much. Shame on you, picking on a poor stallion with a hangover and an important meeting tonight to boot…” He grumbled as Acrylic lightly tossed the undergarment onto his head. Fancy pulled them off his face and trudged into the bathroom for a much-needed shower.

Meanwhile, Acrylic fell back into his morning routine as he sorted out the other clothing from his closet from the white pressed shirts to the imported suits and even the color of bowties was arranged before Fancy could step out of the bathroom with bags under his eyes. After slightly opening the door, he hung the clothes on the doorknob before closing it again. “You want me to ring up for some coffee now or later?”

“I think I will be needing some coffee as soon as it is made available.” Fancy called out as the warm jets drowned out his speech. “I feel as if you are rather enjoying the fact that I may have had one glass too many at our reception,” He called out after clambering into the shower, his groggy face getting a blast of relaxing water and relieving his symptoms.

“To be fair,” his husband called out. “You know that I’m not the kind to drink alcohol, and I keep giving all my glasses of champagne over to you. So I guess it’s my fault for getting you so drunk at the end. While you’re awake, I should apologize for that since you’re sober now.”

“Oh it’s alright, you should have seen me when Hoity hosted the bachelor’s party… On second thought, let me rephrase that, you shouldn’t.... At all!” Fancy shouted, “That pony is a terrible influence on me come to think of it.” Fancy thought under his breath. 

“And you’re just noticing that now?” he could hear Acrylic deadpan through the door. “You know what, please don’t tell me. Knowing him, it’s a wonder how come I’m considered the crazy one.” After clearing his throat he added, “By the way, I just rang for coffee so it should be up here in a couple of minutes.”

Fancy finished off his shower, feeling a little more refreshed he got into his daily outfit and trotted with a little more energy back into the room. “Hey, Fancy?” Acrylic asked as he looked out over the balcony, “What is… next for us?”  

“In terms of what exactly?”

“Well, we are married now, we are well off. We are happy, but… Well, what is the next stage here? I feel like there should be more to this.”  Acrylic asked as he went back inside to help Fancy with his bowtie. 

“That all depends,” he replied. “In the long term, quite a bit is up to us to decide on where to go from here. If you want to say… continue what we’ve been doing, that’s fine. Or if you want to feel ready to raise a family perhaps - again, that’s up to us. But for the short term, however, there is always the honeymoon. Once that stupid meeting is done and… What are you thinking about doing for it?”

His spouse blinked, “A honey...what?” 





Acrylic looked out of the window of their train car, watching the grassy green give way to the dead yellows of the desert. He turned over to his spouse who was sitting next to him. “So where exactly is this place again?”

“Dodge Junction, a.k.a, the absolute middle of nowhere!” Fancy exclaimed, a smile big and wide. “The perfect place for a honeymoon because there is absolutely nothing to distract us from quality time together! No business calls, no emergency meetings, and not a single damn critic pestering me for advice within a hundred-kilometer radius! This has been a long time coming.” Fancy exclaimed with exuberance. 

Acrylic looked outside the window at the desolate desert as far as the eye could see, the only noticeable landmark being a lonely dead tree carcass in the distance with an eagle eating a snake on one of the failed branches. “Ummm, don’t you think it is a little… unpopulated? Uh… like distant from civilized for your tastes?” Acrylic said nervously looking up at Fancy. “I mean, is this normal for Equestrians to do this?” 

Fancy laughed, his foreleg wrapped around his husband. “Why Acrylic! Any other newlyweds would go somewhere noisy and crowded. But for you, this calls for something special. Just some time to get us out of the way not only for us to have some breathing room, but to have all the time to do whatever we want with nopony looking. Especially, as I said, there’s not a single damn annoying critic anywhere.” Fancy growled the last sentence, but his spouse still won’t let down his raised eyebrow.

“Besides you of course,” Acrylic said. “I mean, not that I mind. But then again, I’m not exactly used to these Equestrian customs so… I guess I wouldn’t know better. Still, at least I get to paint now and then, right?”

“Oh, but of course! You can paint the intricate detail of the sweat coming off the racing buffalo as they gracefully migrate throughout the dusty, dry landscape to your heart’s content. The brilliant blue sky watching over a rustic yet hard-working town filled with ponies wearing ten-gallon hats! It’s the perfect setting for your next brush of inspiration!” Fancy shouted, drawing the attention of everypony else in the cabin.

“Fancy, calm down, you’re making me look sane in comparison.” Acrylic looked around at the faces. “I can tell you’re excited but do get a grip of your…” he paused. “Awe great, I’m starting to sound like you already.”

“We all need a little bit of excitement in our lives! The aristocratic lifestyle gets to me sometimes… This trip will be just the thing I need, I can loosen up, talk to some fascinating cow ponies, and explore the wonderful… wild… west! As the young ‘uns say these days, I can just do this chilling-out thing.” Fancy replied happily.

“Fair enough. I guess a change in scenery would be interesting. Considering that I don’t know what Dodge Junction even looks like. Besides, I don’t know what to expect out of this whole ‘honeymoon’ thing. And you’re right, I don’t think I’ve painted enough deserts, so who knows, maybe we’ll see something interesting.”

“Quite! Quite! Speaking of, I believe that is the town just up ahead.” Fancy replied, leaning over towards the window. 

His spouse looked out of the window, but before he could get a good look at their destination, he was suddenly grabbed by his husband’s aura, dragging him and their belongings out the door. “Here we are!” Fancy said as he stepped out of the train carriage. “Welcome to Dodge… Junction…?” 

It was here that Acrylic did get a good look at their destination. At first, he wanted to ask if they had gotten off at the wrong town if it weren’t for the sign hanging there at the shack of a station. Behind the station were five buildings nearby: A hotel, a saloon, a post office, grocers, and a sheriff’s. Beyond that was only about a mile or two of desserts with a patch of cherry trees in the distance. A small stretch of residential houses spanned away from the main town center, yet outside of that in the unkind heat of the sun were deserts in every direction with next to no outstanding landmarks except for cacti and short shrubs. The only noticeable feature of this land was a clifftop that was some ways off. 

The artist looked over to Fancy, “Is this it?”

“I do think… so? The brochure was not any better indicator than I! This place is desolate...“ Fancy replied. “But no matter! We shall make good use of this time we have, with or without a large town. I am sure there are plenty of things to do here, and the tavern looks quaint, doesn’t it! Let’s get ourselves known at our accommodation.”

“If you say so…” Acrylic spoke with caution in his voice. “Although, first thing’s first, mind putting me down? I think I can walk from here.” Fancy did so. After gathering their suitcases on their backs, the couple went towards the only “hotel” in “town.” Through the swinging doors, they found a bored-looking mare behind the counter reading a book that hadn’t noticed they had come in. Behind her was a row of keys that were opened from the tiny hotel. Fancy stepped up to ring the little bell on the wall next to the reception, only to find no sound to come out of it... The bar next to reception cheered loudly, a wall of sound hitting the two stallions like a blast furnace door opening.

“Would you mind explaining what on earth all the cheering and jesting in there is for!?” Fancy yelled above the shouting. 

The mare pointed slightly above the bell, where a small plaque was hammered in. 



He who rings the bell in jest, buys a drink for all the rest.



“How did we miss that?” Acrylic asked as he too stepped up. “Sorry to disturb you ma’am, but we’re hoping to get a room here?”

“Sorry lads, you see the bell, ponies ‘round here take that little sign reaaaaaaaaal seriously. You want service, ya gotta do a round,” She replied casually.

“Absurd! You can’t expect us to buy drinks for all of those… those ruffians in there!” Fancy huffed angrily.

“Oi! Casanova, one of those ‘ruffians’ so happens to be my stallion!” She replied back, equally as angry.

“Fine! Fine! I will purchase drinks for all those… gentlecolts over in the bar.” He hissed to hear another course of shouting and cheering from the bar. However, he stopped when the mare behind the desk was laughing her head off.

“All good mate, that’ll be fifteen bits a room for the lot, and no hard feelings, we just like to have a bit of fun this far out.” She winked. The mare reached down and pulled open a book, “So then… would you fellas want two beds in the same room, or one bed in two rooms?”

The two stallions looked at one another. “Not really?” Acrylic began. “Could we just get a bed in a room?”

She looked up with an eyebrow raised. “I… suppose so? How long are ya planin’ on stayin’ anyways? No offense, jus’ not many of your kind ‘round these parts though. Well, ‘cept for him.” She snickered, pointing a hoof towards the bar. “As long as ya pay up, I ain’t complainin’. Now how long do ya want to be here?”

“We were thinking a week,” Fancy replied irritably.

Blinking, the mare behind the desk whistled, “Wow… okay then,” she turned the book around. “Just sign yer names down there.” While they did so she added: “Must be down here for somethin’ important then, long time to stay in a little town.” She winked.

“We will make good use of it, and here is for the drinks as well.” Fancy grumbled as he placed the extra money on the counter.

“Room four gentlecolts, second floor, third on the right.” She cackled and returned to her book after throwing the key in their direction. Fancy and Acrylic were quick to go to their room. 

No surprise that their room was barely bigger than a breadbox. Aside from the plain, wooden walls, floor, and ceiling, there was enough room for a bed, a hideous carpet, a nightstand with a lamp, and a window to look out to the flat sands outside. That same window was opened, and the couple quickly noticed that there was not so much as a fan to cool them down with. Even Acrylic commented, “You know, I think my ratty village had been more luxurious than this place.”

“Oh come now Acrylic! Let’s not be pessimistic about things, at least she put us away from that loud rowdy bar. It is breezy through here and it’s not like the holiday is about the bedroom anyway.” Fancy replied optimistically. 

Acrylic smirked, “Oh but I am sure you would be happy to spend plenty of time in here regardless. (Not that I’m complaining.)” 

“Oh shush with your dirty talk, let us hope it can cool down a tiny bit by tonight. And ah! Look at this delightful bathroom!” Fancy swung open the bathroom door to find a toilet and a corner with a shower head and a plug, the sink right next to the toilet. And an old-fashioned bathtub that sat by a window. “Wonderful!” He beamed. “We are here to get away from all of those civil luxuries and enjoy some other aspects of life and living. Creature comforts are a necessity we will be glad to live without for a while!” Fancy exclaimed.

His husband craned his neck in, and with a sigh, he muttered, “Good thing I was homeless for a while.”

“What was that?”

“Nevermind. As… interesting as this is, I do think that we can still manage though.” He put a hoof to his chin in thought, “Probably could improvise if it’s necessarily needed.”

“That’s the spirit!” his spouse beamed. “Now let’s try to unpack our things and let’s go see the town!”

Just as Fancy finished his sentence the door burst open with a loud bang, and dust from the floorboards filled the room. Acrylic shrieked and jumped into Fancy’s hooves in terror as the dust started settling back to the floor. As the dust cleared a large yellow stallion with a vest, hat, and a smile almost as wide as his actual face stood at the doorway. 

”Why HOWDY friends! Welcome to DAWWWWWWWDGE JUNCTION!” 
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Acrylic’s eyes glanced over to his spouse, “Is this another Equestrian custom? Having complete strangers bust into hotel rooms like…” He trailed off as he got himself back on all four hooves. “Hey wait a minute, I think I’ve seen your face before from someplace… You don’t happen to live in Appaloosa by any chance, do you? Your face looks familiar but I can’t remember the name for the life of me.”

The yellow stallion standing at the door gave him a wide smile, “Why Ah do usually take residence in the town of AAAAAPLEOOSA! But, Ah’m here for the ann-u-al Cherry-Apple get-together! Oh! Ah’m sorry, where are mah manners, the name’s Braeburn, and Ah couldn’t help but overhear some new folks were in town for Ah while, givin’ em the proper introduction since Ah used ta live here before.” He beamed.

Acrylic stared at him for a moment, “Oh! Now I recognize you! You’re… that stallion, yeah I know you now.” He paused to quickly change the subject, “Sorry, but your face has left a strong impression on me. Come to think of it, I have seen you at the train station whenever a train comes rolling into Appaloosa.”

“Yep, that’s me! So uhh, what brings you to this town anyway, here for tha festival as well?” Braeburn asked. 

Fancy tilted his head, “What festival?”

The yellow cowpony chuckled, “Didn’t Ah tell ya? The get-together with Cherries and the Apples pretty much counts as a festival around these here parts. Sure, it’s like a glorified unofficial family reunion, but who’s ta say that nopony outside of tha family could come join in? There’s plenty ta do of course like pie eatin’ contests, cider drinkin’, ultimate hide-and-go-seek jus’ ta name a few.”

“See honey! I told you we would have something exciting to do whilst here! What an excellent idea Mr. Braeburn, thank you!” Fancy gave Braeburn a hoof shake as the gears in the cowpony’s head began to slowly turn.

“Honey?” he blinked. “Fella’s, not ta make any wrong assumptions or anythin’, you’re with one another right?” When told that not only they were, but they’ve recently got married, Braeburn’s ears drooped. “Ohh… shoot. Well, good thin’ ya told me ahead of time then. To be honest, I was almost ready ta ask ya out fer a couple of drinks at the bar.” He said as he pointed to Fancy.

“Well we could still have such an occasion, you seem friendly enough.” Fancy smiled. “Why not? If you’re free of course Mr. Braeburn?”

“Really?” He glanced over to Acrylic for a moment, “You sure that he wouldn’t mind? With you two gettin’ hitched and all.”

 “I think he’s referring to having you as a drinking buddy more than anything else.” The artist pointed out, “Considering that I don’t really drink alcohol (heck, I don’t like that taste of it), I think it would be best if he had someone to fuss over with when I’m not around.” He raised an eyebrow, “But be warned, Fancy is a little too good at drinking, if you get what I’m saying.”

“Well, that sounds like a mighty fine offern’ if ah do say so mahself.” Braeburn jumped in between the couple and slung his forehooves over their shoulders. “But as fer this afternoon, Ah really do recommend having a look around this wonderful town. I grew up here after all.” He beamed and looked between the two, having over-the-top grins on their faces. Fancy looked behind Braeburn’s back to glance across at Acrylic, he mouthed the words ‘Who is this stallion?’ and raised one eyebrow. Acrylic just shrugged as Braeburn marched them out of the hotel room under his arms.

“Sir, what are you doing?” Fancy inquired as his hooves were being dragged in the dirt. “If this your attempt at foalnapping, I’m sorry that I’m not in the mood for it, so would it be possible that I bribe you not doing that ahead of time?” However, Braeburn only laughed as he dragged the couple to the train station.

“Why you are quite the funny stallion Mr…” he blinked, “Why Ah don’t believe Ah allowed you to introduce yourselves! With me caught up with my yammerin, where are mah manners?”

“Oh! Oh of course, yes.” Fancy smiled as he cleared his throat. “My name is Fancy Pants, and this here is my spouse, Acrylic Brush.”

“Nice ta meet ya both! Anyways,” he stopped in front of the shack of a station. “Now Ah know this is gonna be shorter than my usual tours. However, that doesn’t mean that Ah can’t make this one interestin’. This right here’s the station.” Then as quick as lightning he let go of the stallions and pushed them to their hotel. “And this is the only grand hotel in town,” then he shoved them to the next building. “This next door is the saloon which is conveniently connected to the hotel,” suddenly the couple were across the street. “This is the good ol’ post office,” another shove, “The grocers that have everythin’ except hair gel,” another unexpected jerk. “That there’s the sheriffs. And waaaaay over here,” before either stallion could take a breath (which was quickly filled with dust), they were zipping down a dirt road and into an orchard of cherry trees. “Last but not least is the farm of Cherry Jubilee is where we’re havin’ the festival!”

Acrylic coughed a lungful of dust, “Sorry, I just blinked, what happened?”

“You have seen everything worth noting!” Braeburn yipped in excitement. 

“Well, thank you very much for the… grand? Grand tour of the town.” Fancy said, “It was nice to see everything, so one more question before we go our separate ways, when is this festival?”

Before Braeburn could answer that question, they heard a bell ringing from somewhere, and the next thing the couple knew, the orchard was flooded with ponies. It was so unexpected, that Fancy yelped and Acrylic had to catch him as they were swept away in the sudden flash flood of the festival being set up. What followed was a blur of apples, cherries, pies, water balloons, darts, and the ever-present smile of their yellow acquaintance.





“I must say, that was excellent timing, them getting their big festival ready during our stay. And when they do finish setting up, we will have a jovial time.” Fancy beamed as he sat in the empty bar with Acrylic, eating a pie with a knife and fork at one of the tables.

His spouse on the other side, however, had his head resting on the wood of the table, rubbing his forehead. “Celestia Fancy, if that’s just them getting ready, I’m not sure if I’m interested to see what the festival is actually like. I think I have a pretty good idea of what getting mobbed is like. Heck, I’m still dizzy from… whatever that was.”

“Oh don’t be such a spoiled stallion. They seem quaint and exuberant, and full of life! How often do you see such love and attention without even knowing the pony yet? That Braeburn character does seem a bit rambunctious, but let’s just give it a go. This is our honeymoon after all.” Fancy took another chunk out of his pie whilst Acrylic sighed and rolled his head over.

“I for one would like to have some buildup before leading to something like that. However, at least I’ll give you some benefit of the doubt that, again, I don’t know how this whole honeymoon thing works.” After raising his head, he finally took up a fork and began to dig into his pie. “It has been quite a day, it has happened so fast in such a tiny place as this. So are you really planning on having a drink with Braeburn?”

“If he is up for it, I suppose. Whilst we are having a jolly old time down here you should go and paint a little. The desert around these places looks most beautiful at dusk I hear.” Fancy gave him a smile and nudged the lukewarm pie in Acrylic’s direction. “You should eat you know, you’ll waste away.”

His spouse raised an eyebrow, “It’s because these pies are only seasoned with salt and pepper. Isn’t it?”

“Why Brushie, whatever gave you that impression?” he smirked and this got his spouse laughing.

Acrylic got up and started making his way to the room. Fancy sat twirling his bottle around while he waited for Braeburn to make his appearance. It didn’t seem to take long, he heard a loud slam from the reception, the yelp of his husband, and the sound of Braeburn apologizing. Eventually, he heard somepony rushing up the stairs as Braeburn made his entrance into the bar. 

“Howdy there,” the yellow Apple sat down beside him. “It’s been quite the day ain’t it? Sure we were jus’ tryin’ ta set things up over there but then again, you know that it’s gonna be so much fun when we’re in a rush ta get it done on time.” He turned to the barpony, “Ah’ll start off with a pint of pale.” Then he turned back to Fancy, “So how’ve ya been doin’? Hope my little tour wasn’t that overwhelmin’.”

 “No it’s fine, I thought it was quite engaging and to the point. And, uh, I’m surprised you took having a drink with me that seriously. You seem really busy with that festival set up anyway.” Fancy replied, finishing off his bottle of Western brew with as little grimace as possible.

“Well shoot, Ah’m jus’ glad that everypony showed up on time ta do all of that,” at that moment the barpony sat down his glass in front of him. “Thanks. Anyways, yeah, whenever anypony asks me fer a drink or if Ah ask them that they say yes, Ah keep mah word. It’s bad luck drinkin’ alone y’know?”

Fancy raised his hoof over to the barpony and looked across. He only leaned against the counter with a glare on his face. Fancy slowly lowered his hoof and slowly meandered over to the bar. “Apologies, uhhh. As much as I… en-enjoyed that lovely brew you recommended, I was wondering if you had a Manhattan per chance?” Fancy received nothing but a blank stare. “How about just a regular martini?” Sort of menacing blank stare. “Gin and tonic?” His stare didn’t get any less menacing. Fancy sighed and bowed his head. “I’ll take a whisky, sour on the rocks.” He nodded, albeit reluctantly, poured in the whiskey, and gave him another blank stare. “With ice! With ice!” 

“Gonna cost ya extra ‘round these parts.” The bartender said. Fancy sighed and threw another bit on the table as she began pouring in ice. He looked over to Braeburn giving him a sheepish smile. 

He on the other hoof just gave a low whistle, “Goin’ fer the fancy stuff Ah see? Though might as well since yer on yer honeymoon.” He paused as he looked around the tavern and the reception area beyond. “Speakin’ of which, where’s your spouse anyways?”

“At this point, dragging his essel somewhere, getting set up to paint. He’s making himself as the last great Impressionist artist with the way he paints his colors. Knowing him, it may take him… hour-and-a-half, maybe two hours for him to get done.”

“Ah’d be not so artistically inclined, but Ah must say that does sound fast for somethin’ like that, do they usually take him that quick to do?” Braeburn asked as he took another swig of his beer. 

Fancy shrugged as he sipped his glass, but his eyes widened as soon as the fiery liquid slid down. One coughing fit later he said, “Wow, excuse me…  Well, I suppose it all depends on how detailed he wants his picture to be. This one time I remember him spending four hours on a painting of a street corner. He felt like he was ready to collapse, but the work he produced was simply marvelous. Other times, however, he can really throw all that paint on quickly and still come up with something stunning.”

“Well that sounds like a mighty talent he has there, I would have to see what he comes up with when he gets back. And what about you? What sort of business are you into?” Braeburn asked. 

“I’m a sort of patron in Canterlot, but really, I’m considered there as the critic’s critic. In other words, if there’s anything that I see value in like say a suit, a painting, or a musician that has promise, I would sponsor them. And if they turn out successful, they pay me a little fee in return. Where I come from, the elite looks over to me in anything new or tasteful. As to where if I buy something from this or that artist, composer, or fashion designer, others follow suit. Or to put it simply as the younger generation puts it: I set up trends. Not to say that it’s the easiest or most relaxing job in the world.”

“How come?”

Fancy rolled his eyes, “Because do that too long enough, and even the critics are too afraid to disagree with me to risk their careers. There’s not much of a challenge when everypony agrees with you all the time to the point of annoyance.” He cleared his throat. “But I think I’m talking a little too much, what about you? You did say that you’re from Appaloosa didn’t you?”

“Ah like to travel every now and again but yes, Appaloosan in the flesh.” Braeburn proudly beamed. 

“So you like it here in Dodge Junction? When you visit of course.” Fancy replied, sniffing at his drink.

“Ah suppose I guess. Like Ah said, I had grown up here once, now Ah usually just down for the festival. Much prefer Appaloosa if ah’m to be perfectly honest with ya.”

“Oh? But they would be quite similar wouldn’t they?” Fancy asked.

Braeburn grimaced for a second, picking his next words closely. “Well, ya see, my main quarrel with good ‘ol Dodge here, is that they have a little bit of a salts operation going down. Their supplies sure ain’t settlin’ down neither, it’s been mighty frustratin’, settin’ us all back a few paces out here.” Immediately after saying that he smacked his hooves over his mouth. “Ah shouldn’t have told ya that.” 

Fancy narrowed his eyes at Braeburn, both not really knowing what to say. “Well… Have no fear, I’m not one to repeat, but I’ll keep my eyes peeled.” Fancy smiled, getting his glass closer to his face. “What’s it like over there? Appaloosa I mean.”

“It’s nothin’ too fancy like what you describe, but it does the job. Worth a quick visit if ya got the time for it.” 

Gingerly, Fancy took a tiny sip of his whiskey and tried as hard as he could not to cough, “Celestia, they make these strong,” he said in a hoarse voice. “So what sort of job do you do anyway?”

“Depends, Ah just do the odd jobs mostly. Mainly with the apple trees, carin’ for em, bucking them when it comes to apple pickin’ season. Ah help out the sheriff sometimes with the odd job. Nothin much, whatever pays the bills.” 

“Oh… It sounds awfully a lot what my husband used to do. You see until I found him, he wasn’t exactly known as an artist at all. So you do jobs for the sheriff huh? What does that entail?”

“Jus’ the odd jobs like Ah said, nothin’ fancy.” Braeburn glossed over. Fancy raised an eyebrow as Braeburn took another swig of his beer, finishing it off. As soon as he placed the bottle on the table the entrance swung open, Acrylic in a frazzled state. He held a broken easel in his hooves and his paints bag slung over his shoulder. As soon as he tried to run upstairs he was trampled by a mass of townsfolk storming into the bar after a long day of festival set up.

“That’s the last time I’m painting in the middle of a dirt road,” he moaned.
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I’m grateful that at least the water isn’t ice cold,” Acrylic muttered as his spouse poured a pitcher of water over his head. “And the soap is actually the real thing.”

“In all honesty, it would probably be harder to find cold water out here than warm.” Fancy replied as he took off his clothes.

“Fancy pants-less now,” Acrylic chuckled as he got to get out of the tub for Fancy’s turn.

His husband rolled his eyes, “Really ‘Crylic, how long are you going to hold on to that joke of yours?”

“Just as long as you keep those clothes off,” the stallion winked as he got a towel in the face. “Thanks,” he replied as he dried himself while Fancy got into the tub. “So, did I miss anything from the bar before I got trampled?”

“Not really,” he replied while sitting down in the tub. “Just consider yourself lucky that you don’t drink alcohol. The locally brewed stuff they have is… oh how do I give it justice? Far too strong for my tastes.” 

“By ‘strong’ of course you mean has the consistency of paint thinner?” Fancy nodded. “Then what about that Braeburn fellow? He didn’t try to flirt with you, did he?”

“He didn’t present me flowers and suggested to go into one of the bedrooms if that’s what you’re implying,” he chuckled as Acrylic took the picture in hoof to scoop up the water. “If anything, he’s quite the character.” He smirked, “Please don’t tell me that you’re getting jealous already, are you?”

The artist poured the soapy water over his spouse's back. “What can I say? We’re smacked dabbed in the middle of nowhere and sagebrush, so can you blame me for being careful in a new place like this?”

“Still,” Fancy looked straight up as his husband poured water over his mane. “He is interesting to talk to. You ought to sit down and speak with him sometime.”

“Well, what did you talk about?”

“Nothing crazy, he is just interesting to talk to. After you went upstairs we had a fantastic chat about the history of modern Equestria. Quite an informed chap really, you wouldn’t think it.” Fancy replied as the warm water splashed down his face.

“I’ll add it to the list, if anything the list could do with some growing.” Acrylic rolled his eyes.

“Nonsense, there is plenty to do here! Why don’t we take a stroll up the clifftop over there? I’m sure it will look even nicer for a sunrise.” Fancy suggested as Acrylic massaged his back. 

“Actually, while I was walking around, scouting for some ideal landscapes, I did walk up there and, surprisingly there are some notable features that might be promising.” He let his hooves rub a little further down. “The only downside, as far as I can see, is that we’ll have to get up very early in the morning. But other than that,” he gave his husband a quick kiss on the lips. “As long as you’re with me, then nothing will ever be so boring.” He splashed some water over his withers. “Well, that and even a desolate place is easily improved by a sunrise.”

Fancy chuckled. “Oh! Speaking of paintings, what happened to that one you were working on?”

“At least by some miracle, it didn’t get trampled on.” He replied, “Of course, it’s still unfinished, but at least it’s safe.” As he let the picture fill with water again, he added, “By the way, are there any farms east of here?”

His spouse blinked. “What makes you say that?”

“Well, while I was working, I noticed that there was a small group that was pulling wagons going east from here. Towards that cliff. I’m wondering if there’s anything like a farm over there.”

Fancy shrugged as he stood up in the tub, “There must be. I couldn’t imagine it was anything else. Maybe if there are more in the morning we could go with them, see the sights and whatnot.”

“Yes… all of the very distinctive sights… all very different from each other.” Acrylic deadpanned.

“Don’t be such a negative Nancy, it could be exciting.” Fancy replied, wrapping a towel around himself and hopping out. “As for now, I’ve had enough excitement for today. How does bed sound?”

Acrylic smirked, “Sound’s excellent. You’re not too tired I hope?”

“Lucky for you,” Fancy kissed his husband again. “Not at all.”





“Come on Fancy! It’s just over this hill!” Acrylic called out, racing ahead.

Fancy huffed along slower, “Feels more like a mountain.” He managed to push out through the heavy panting. “I am so unfit for this,” he grimaced as the ground started leveling out. 

Meeting Acrylic on the small plateau they looked out across the desert, catching the vague glimpse of a treeline far north.

“We must be really high up right now, we can see half of Equestria from up here.” Fancy huffed. “But beautiful nonetheless, perfect for your painting.”

“Are you okay?”

The unicorn nodded, “Just give me about…” he heaved, “Three months to recover. But go on, get on to your painting.”

“Before I do anything, here,” he took the canteen from around his neck and offered up to him. “Something tells me that you might need it.”

“Thank you kindly,” Fancy unscrewed the canteen before downing the water into his muzzle while his spouse began to set up his tripod. “You know, it’s surprisingly chilly at this hour.” Looking over the darkened landscape, in the corner of his eye, Fancy caught a dim light at the base of a large plateau long into the distance. A thought drifted in his head about what Braeburn had mentioned the other day about some illegal activities. “Uhh...  ‘Crylic?”

Acrylic quickly turned around, sending his easel sprawling onto the hilly ground. “Yeah?” 

“Was that there yesterday when you came up here?” Fancy asked, pointing towards the light. 

Raising an eyebrow, Acrylic looked over to the spot where Fancy was pointing, looking like he recognized it once he spotted the light. “Actually, I did. I guess they are tradesponies or something? I don’t know, they make for a great little additive to the painting though.”

Fancy narrowed his eyes at the strange little light. “Yeah… Tradesponies...” While his spouse picked up the tripod, placed the blank canvas onto it, and set about sketching the landscape, the unicorn looked over at the entire land in a full circle. “It seems a touch… peculiar, doesn't it?”

“How so?”

“I mean…” Fancy concentrated at the light down below. “Does it strike you strange that here we are in this desolate desert, where the only sign of civilization around is right behind us, and yet there’s someone down there at this hour of the morning.”

Acrylic raised an eyebrow as he craned his head from the side of the canvas. “Well maybe their wagon just broke down or perhaps they’re just camping.”

“I don’t know…” Fancy tapped a hoof to his chin, “There’s something not quite right with this picture. Only-” Before he could finish what he was saying, the light from below went out.

“See! They are just travelers like I said, you paranoid thing.” Acrylic smiled.

“I’m not being paranoid, I’m just merely curious is all.”

“Pot, meet kettle.”

Fancy kept silent as he rolled his eyes. He watched the sun slowly creep up and soon enough, his husband switched from a pencil and turned towards his paints. Every so often he studied the landscape to quickly put on the first layer of paint. As the sun gave the wasteland more light and color to the dawn, Fancy still kept his eyes on the spot where that mysterious light was. From the dim morning, his sight became adjusted towards the spot until he realized something. “Did you know that there’s a cave over there?”

His husband peeked his head out, “Come again?”

“Yes, I didn’t notice it until now. Just right over there at that plateau. Do you see? Right at the very base of it.”

The artist squinted in the light of the morning sun. “I think so?” He returned to his canvas, “But at least that’s one mystery solved.”

“What are you going on about?”

“That light. I bet you that’s a mine or a cave.”

The two of them went silent until the Canterlot unicorn made an observation. “So that implies that there are miners here, correct?”

“Yes? Why?”

“Acrylic, maybe it’s my memory, but I don’t recall seeing any miners yesterday, did you?”

“It’s another town’s miners, they have just started, we just didn’t see them yesterday because they were busy mining. What’s gotten into you?”

“‘Crylic dear, look around. Do you see any other towns in sight? Even if there are say… over the horizon, I’d say that’s a pretty long walk to work, don’t you think?”

“I mean… I guess? But hence the light from a camp because they trek back for supplies once a week, what a cute little story about some random miners.” Acrylic rolled his eyes as he slapped another layer of paint over his canvas. “Remember hon, I used to grow up in a mining down, so this isn’t exactly uncommon.”

“Yes but…” Fancy let out a sigh, sitting on the sandy plateau. “I suppose you’re right, Braeburn was talking about something yesterday and I am just on a bit of high alert.” 

“Hmm? What was he saying?” Acrylic asked, turning around to face Fancy.

“Just some illicit activities causing problems for his hometown, nothing huge I guess but you never know.” 

Acrylic shrugged turning back to his painting, “Not our problem… Braeburn or whatever have a job, I’m sure they’ll figure it out.” 

Fancy shrugged, choosing not to take the matter further. Yet, whilst his husband painted, the thought of the mine couldn’t escape his imagination, and as the sunrise fell into full swing, Fancy’s urge to check it out got the better of him. Even if it was nothing, he can’t help his curiosity get the better of him to get a closer look somehow. 

It was then that he got an idea. “Hey Acrylic?” he purred, slithering up to his husband and resting his hooves on the artist’s back.

“What?” He asked, putting his paintbrush down and looking over to Fancy giving him bedroom eyes.

“That mine down there, I know it’s a mine, and you’re completely right, but I’m sure with a mine comes shiny things.” Acrylic raised an eyebrow, looking over to Fancy in a very unamused manner. Yet, Fancy carried on, relentless. “Shiny things jutting out the wall waiting for the light to catch them perfectly for them to try sparkle and shine, filling that mine full of brilliant, vibrant colors just begging for somepony to truly capture the true beauty amongst a sea of darkness. What a poetic little juxtaposition. Fitting for an… Impressionist.” 

“Funny thing is, I know you’re playing with me but…” His spouse hummed in thought, “Tell you what. Let me finish this, and then we’ll go down and see what the cave has to offer.”  With a coy smirk, he added, “If by chance there is something visually… stimulating in there, would you mind if I paint you in a very stimulating manner next to it… again?”

Fancy’s face went pale, making the blush come out of his face. “You dirty little pony, that cave must be filthy…”

Acrylic smiled playfully, pulling Fancy closer, “What a poetic little juxtaposition,” he smirked.
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Fancy… please… what are you doing?” Acrylic whined as Fancy crawled along the hot sand, diligently popping up and scanning the surroundings before going back down and continuing to crawl just behind Acrylic.

“Get down!” He whispered, ferociousness in his voice. “You’ll be seen, then we are both done for.” 

Acrylic rolled his eyes and got down into the sand, “By who?” His tired expression looked over to the nearing mineshaft. If anything, he was rather confused at his husband’s mood as they drew closer. Gone from flirty to paranoid, the artist couldn’t figure out what had gotten into him.

“The potential salt dealers!” 

Acrylic started slithering side by side with Fancy, giggling along the way as the two slowly crept toward the cave, “Well if one of us is going to act ridiculous, I might as well join in.” He smiled, brushing up against Fancy as they creeped along. “After all, we do want to be extra careful in such a deserted cave like this, otherwise the Pony of Shadows will at any moment grab us, and season us with salt and pepper before having us for breakfast.”

Fancy paused for a moment, “Acrylic, do you even know what I mean by salt dealers?”

“What? Are they ponies that sell you the kind of salt that you would put on over mashed potatoes?”

“I think we are thinking of a completely different kind of salt. No, in Equestria there is a type of salt that is highly illegal.”

His husband raised an eyebrow, “Somepony outlawed a specific type of salt?”

“Okay, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt that since you weren’t born and raised in Equestria, I can assume that you don’t really know what I’m talking about. There is a specific kind of salt that would make you hallucinate to the point where you can’t tell what’s real from the salt. And the fact that it’s so addictive only makes it worse.”

“Huh,” Acrylic blinked, “I guess you learn something new every day huh? But still,” he started to walk into the mouth of the cave. “I highly doubt that this place hasn’t been visited by anyone other than animals.” He glanced over his shoulder with a smirk, “And maybe the occasional lovers.”

“I starting to regret my idea to be honest.”

“Oh come on Fancy, the first interesting thing we found in this place and you want to leave it? Last time I checked, you were the one who wanted to come here in the first place. So come on, let’s go exploring.”

Acrylic grabbed Fancy’s hoof and ran towards the entrance. The front was a lot larger than what they had initially thought, being at least twice their height and width. The cave protruded from the side of the mountain, surrounded by rocks and strengthened by pony-made support beams. 

“So we are occupied! I wonder by who?” With a cheeky smirk, Acrylic raced into the darkened entrance. The two were greeted by an enormous entrance room, filled with tents and camping equipment. The sandy floor was dimly lit by the light outside, yet the room was filled by small torches laying dormant in the daytime. Supplies and crates were stacked up against one wall, the other being host to a large mine shaft entrance.

“Do you really think we should be here?” Fancy inquired.

“Perhaps not, but it does make you rather curious, doesn’t it? I guess I might have been right in that this is just a mine. Still, I wonder what exactly they are mining?”

“Acrylic, I don’t like this at all. There’s something not right with this place.”

His spouse sighed before picking up one of the lanterns. “How’s this? We just take one look around at this place and then we’ll go. Okay? I assume that we could take at least five or so minutes, and then we’ll leave.”

Fancy walked over to the mouth of a dark tunnel where in the dim light he saw a set of two lines in the dirt as if they were dragged through over and over. Glancing over his shoulder, he lit up his horn. “Five minutes,” he told him. “And no more.”

“That’s the spirit!” Acrylic wrapped a foreleg over his neck. “There’s your famous sense of adventure. Now come on,” he smiled as he plunged right in. “Let’s go see what they’re mining.”

The two walked through the large mineshaft entrance, the sand instantly feeling cooler out of the heat of the morning sun. The two walked along the dark damp pathway, running their hooves along the ragged walls where minerals had long been removed. 

Fancy quickly stopped, holding onto Acrylic’s tail with his magic. “Hey!” Acrylic yelped as he felt the pull on his tail. The echo flew down the passageway. Fancy leaned in close and whispered into Acrylic’s ear. 

“Shh, I can hear something.” 

Acrylic frowned, straining to hear anything. They both quietly shuffled forward, sticking their necks around an upcoming bend to hear whatever it was clearer. Finally, Acrylic heard it, yet it did not come from the front of them.

“Ahem,” The two stallions froze, the gruff voice coming from right behind them that they couldn’t see except for a pair of eyes. “Can ah help y’all?” 





“Faster!” Fancy screamed as he was pulling his husband behind him further into the mineshaft.

“Get back here!” several voices bounced off the walls along with the galloping of hooves. Acrylic was running behind his husband with the lantern in his teeth, always looking forward down the labyrinth in the dark. He followed Fancy through the twisting, bending, turning tunnels, hoping they wouldn’t run into one of the miners. The unicorn from time to time looked behind him just to be sure that Acrylic was still there when suddenly he got an idea.

“Put out your lantern!”

“What?!”

Fancy quickly took a sharp left and doused his horn. “Do it now and hide in here!”

With the sound of hooves behind him, Acrylic threw the lantern down the mineshaft. The sound of broken glass was heard just as quickly as the light went out when the Earth Pony dove right into the dark hole. Each stallion put a hoof over the other’s muzzle as the hooves and shouts of the miners got closer.

The two could hear the hoof steps and chatter as the miners closed in on them. After seconds they could see the lantern light slowly approaching the thin corner they had come from. Their heartbeats raced as the miners came into view, the light making them clearly visible, all the miners' eyes on them, slowly surrounding the two petrified stallions hugging the wall together.

“Well… that didn’t work..” Acrylic muttered through Fancy’s hoof.

“Howdy’, you two look mighty lost,” came a voice at the back of the pack. Out from the darkness, a charcoal stallion pushed through the thin circle of miners, stepping in front of the two intruders. “You look mighty scared too. No need, we ain't the type to get angry over a couple of wandering tourists.” 

The couple looked at each other, then back at the miner. Simultaneously they peeled off the wall and heaved a sigh of relief. “Yeah, sorry about that,” Fancy explained, “Just... We couldn’t help checking out the mine in the middle of nowhere.”

The leader of the miners smiled and turned back to his crew. “It’s all good boys, back to work, I’ll take care of our friends from here.” The stallions shuffled down the shaft, heading back to their posts, leaving the couple and the charcoal stallion looking like their leader. “Y’all have ta forgive them,” he said. “We had ta keep tight security around here. So sorry fer gettin’ ya spooked back there, but this place really ain’t fer tourists.”

Acrylic was glaring daggers at Fancy. “And I have to apologize for the both of us, we were just curious about the cave and wanted to see what it was.”

The leader sighed in frustration, “Ah told them ta put up the ‘No Trespassin’ in Mine’ sign, but Ah swear they’re ignorin’ me on purpose. Here, let’s get ya fellas out of here.” He waved his lantern up the tunnel in which the two of them started to follow him. “So who are ya two? Y’all don’t look like yer from around here.”

“Acrylic sir,” spoke the Earth Pony, in which the lantern suddenly turned towards him.

“And I’m Fancy Pants.”

“Well, nice to meet y’all. The name’s Rock Slide, I am more of a middle pony for this here mineshaft. I take the minerals we dig up to Dodge.”

To say that Fancy Pants was skeptical at the term ‘middle pony’ was an understatement on par with Celestia being a little good at magic. In his eyes, a little prodding was more than necessary to uncover the validity of such a statement, “You seem to have a lot of push and pull for a middle pony.” Fancy prodded, much to his husband's angry glare.

Acrylic leaned into Fancy’s ear, away from the earshot of their new friend. “Fancy I swear to Celestia I am gonna sma-”

“Well, as a matter of fact, you’d be quite co-rect in that statement Mr. Pants, if you don’t mind the term.” Rockslide unintentionally interrupted the scolding, further retaining Fancy’s satisfaction and Acrylic’s frustration.

Fancy leaned in close, once again keeping Rock Slide from earshot, “I’d welcome it, hun.” He broke away quickly, returning to the conversation with Rock Slide as they marched along the long, windy cavern. “Seems like a lot of muscle to direct. In my experience, muscle needs a bit of direction. And just Fancy is fine, by the way.”

“Quite right indeed, just Fancy.” Rockside agreed, “Truth be told in these here parts, in order ta move all the necessary stuff out of ta way in time, we need all the help we could get. Sure, Ah maybe the middle pony in all of this, but even they’d need mah help.”

“I suppose that makes sense,” Acrylic murmured. As they were drawing out of the dark tunnels and into the vast cavernous space of the entrance, the artist noticed something, now that there was more light about. As he glanced over his shoulder, he couldn’t help but notice that the hooves of the stallion had a layer of dust which, curiously enough, was in a unique color of blue.

“Jus’ one more thin’,” added Rockside, setting the lantern down. “Why did ya fellas come here to this cave in the first place? Ah know y’all said that you’ve happened upon this place but, why?”

“Well, my accomplice here, Acrylic is a bit of an artist, we were doing some landscaping on a plateau over there,” Fancy began, pointing to the direction in which they had come from. “We noticed some lights coming from here in the morning and couldn’t help but investigate.” 

Rock Slide stopped in his tracks, looking stern for a moment. “Well, lucky y’all ran here into us. Lotta bad ponies ‘round this joint recently. I’d watch ya noses if I were you.” Rock Slide added, an eerily bouncy step put into his words. “But an Artist you say? Ah hope y’all make it, that whole business seems a bit cut throat don't ya think?” 

“You have no idea.” Acrylic muttered.

Fancy cleared his throat quickly, stepping closer to the curious middle-pony. “Well in actual fact, Acrylic here kind of already has made it. His artwork none the too bad for a pretty penny.” 

At this Rock Slide’s eyes took on a whole new light. “Really now?” He asked excitedly, quickly maintaining his composure he brought his voice back to an even tone. “And how much does a pretty penny take to receive my own gen-u-ine Acrylic original? I’ve been meaning to re-decorate.”

Fancy put a hoof to his chin, “Somewhere in the low hundreds of thousands.” He replied coolly. “But that all depends on the painting. As of recently, the cheapest I’ve personally seen any of his work sold was (roughly) enough to buy a house. And not to brag, but you could easily imagine how much his most expensive could cost.”

That glint in his eye didn’t get any less bright, sending a chill down Acrylic’s spine. “Well shoot, I suppose I won’t be re-decoratin’ with your digs.” He chucked, shaking his head. “Makin’ much in Dodge? It’ll be good gettin’ our small town some exposure from a big artist.” Rockslide carried on, leading them to the entrance way.

“We will indeed, it sure is a lovely landscape,” Fancy replied in a chipper tone.

“That it is… that it is,” Rockslide replied with calm and demeanor. “Y’all better go along now. I’m sure ya got plenty o’ paintin’ ta do.” 

“Thanks, Mr. Slide! We will see you around indeed.” Fancy and Acrylic walked off back into the direction of Dodge junction, Acrylic glaring at his overly springy husband. “Well, I’m glad that I had mistaken about this place and these miners. He seemed nice.” Fancy smiled, skipping ahead of his highly unamused companion. 

“I don’t know…” his artistic husband glanced over his shoulder at the cave’s entrance. “There’s something off about all of that.”

“Oh come now ‘crylic,” he patted his spouse on the back. “We’ve just made an honest mistake. Consider that nopony was harmed and that our curiosity has been satisfied. And besides, you were right. I had nothing to be concerned over.”

While Acrylic didn’t say anything, he cast a suspicious gaze at the cave as they walked away. Once the couple was out of sight, Rockslide peaked his head out, watching them ascend the plateau.

Another pony joined him. “So, are we really gonna let them go? Jus’ like that?”

“Fer now, yeah,” he nodded. “But at the moment, Ah think Ah see an opportunity ta get some more bits on the side.”
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

For most of the following day, everything went smoothly for the couple. Acrylic managed to touch up the painting from that morning as well as to start a new one. Fancy interviewed the local grocer about what sort of products they get on a daily basis. By the time dinner came around, the two of them sat at a table in the corner of the always crowded bar waiting for their meal when in walked the yellow loudmouth.

“Hey ya fella’s,” Braeburn cheerfully said as he went up to the table. “How’ve y’all been today?”

“It’s been…” Acrylic trailed off, trying to choose the right fitting word to describe the day they’ve had as a whole. “Interesting. Yours?”

“Been as busy as a fire ant gettin’ leaves down from a tree. Now that the festival is going at full swing.”

Fancy blinked, “I’m not sure what you mean by that metaphor but I can guess that you’ve had a productive day.” Fancy pulled up a seat and waved for the bartender. “Now, Mr. Braeburn I have a quick little query for you, on the matter of today.”

Braeburn’s eyes lit up. Practically jumping into the chair and leaning over the barrel they were seated at his eyes twinkled as he looked at Fancy. “I’d love ta! How may I be of service to y’all?” He beamed. 

Acrylic backed up on his seat a couple of centimeters as Braeburn got close enough to nearly touch muzzles. The bartender came over and Fancy pointed to his glass, the tender quickly getting the hint. “We just had a quick question, do you know a stallion that goes by the name of Rock Slide?” 

The cowpony froze for a moment, “Rock Slide?” they nodded. “Wait, sorry Ah’m a little confused here. How’d you come across that name?”

“It’s a rather long story,” Acrylic said. “But in short, we found a mine not too far away from here that had a guy who goes by the name of Rock Slide. Why? Do you know him?” Braeburn held up a hoof and asked to describe him. “Let’s see… Earth Pony, probably early or mid-twenties, charcoal black and he had a dark chocolate mane with a stetson on his head like yours.”

“Huh… that’s weird. Yeah Ah do know ‘em. But if this is the same Rock Slide, the one Ah know is in Appaloosa.” Braeburn rubbed the temple of his head. “Why would he be here of all places?”

“Well he did say that he was here for some mining business or other,” Fancy explained to him. Then he leaned over to the side, looking behind him, “Or, maybe you could ask him that yourself.”

“What? Oh! Oh never mind, sorry Ah let mah mind go someplace. But shoo, yeah I know a Rockslide!” Braeburn chuckled as the barpony placed Fancy’s order on the barrel, Fancy pushing it towards the now laughing stallion. “He is mah Coltfriend!”

Acrylic’s jaw dropped, his drink spilling a little as his hoof holding it went slack. “Wha-! Mmpf!” His outburst was quickly averted with Fancy’s hoof in his mouth.

“How wonderful! Although, I think you ought to do yourself a favor.”

“Sure, what’s that?”

“Turn around.”

Braeburn did so, and his expression brightened up as he saw who was smiling right behind him. “Rocky! What are ya doin’ here?” He threw his forelegs around the stallion.

“Howdy Brae.” Rockslide came up to his coltfriend, giving him a nuzzle as he sat down next to a slightly disgruntled Acrylic. “Sorry for poppin’ on such short notice. I’ve come into town to do that… business you know about.” 

“Oh… OH yeah.” Braeburn put a hoof on Rock's lap. “Lads, as I’m a-surring you’ve met ‘em. Regardless, re-meet my coltfriend, Rock Slide.” 

“Yeah…” Acrylic said as he took notice of Rock’s hooves as if they were clean of that blue dust from earlier. “I’m not sure if that’s necessary.”

“Come now ‘Crylic,” Fancy patted his spouse's shoulder. “You have to forgive him, he’s still a little shaken up from our encounter this morning.”

The charcoal stallion lifted his hooves, “Hey, Ah get it. Runnin’ in a dark place would get anypony spooked. Still, no harm done.” Rock smiled, offering out a hoof to the suspicious stallion. “How ‘bout we do some rounds. Get to know one another, seeing as you seem ta be gettin’ on just fine with my Brae.” 

Nudging Rock Slide, Braeburn’s cheeks started to glow. “See, ain’t this dandy! All gettin on like clockwork.” 

“Uh… I don’t exactly drink,” Acrylic pointed out. “We’re only here for dinner.”

Rock Slide looked over at the bartender from the barrel, “Can I get a lemonade? And a Scotch on the Rocks?” Two drinks slapped on the table, one next to Acrylic and the other next to Rock. “A drink is a drink Mr. Acrylic, silly filling or not.” He smirked. 

“Right…” the artist picked up his glass. After taking a sip from it, he still couldn’t help but feel that there was something not right about the stallion sitting right across from him. Giving him the kind of look that was similar to what a player in a poker game would put on when hiding all his cards and knowing something. 

“Ya know,” Rock Slide began. “Ah’m a little curious, what brings you and yer friend out here for anyway? Bein’ such a big-time artist, not many ponies like yerself tend ta come here that often.”

“They’re on honeymoon,” Braeburn said, holding up his glass. “Just got hitched recently.”

“Really?” the charcoal pony blinked, “Huh, small world eh? It’s not every day that we ran inta folks that are… ya know.”

“Indeed, it’s not easy,” Fancy nodded. “Now if it’s not improper of me to ask, how did you two meet?”

“Well ah suppose it was when we were on investi-” Braeburn trailed off, looking over to Rock Slide shocked.

“As colts, we grew up here together.” Rock Slide chuckled and wrapped a hoof around his coltfriend’s shoulder, eliciting a small jolt from Braeburn. “Took Braeburn to accidentally come out to half the town to make me realize my feelings fer him. Wasn’t hard after that, 'cause it wasn’t like I didn’t know if he was too.” Acrylic looked between the two quickly. Catching Brae’s slip-up, he added. “Now Brae here has always been terrible with his tongue, forgettin’ things and sayin' too much on accident. He’s lucky ah still keep him in the loop, even after we moved to settle Appaloosa.” 

“So, how long have you been dating?” Acrylic inquired.

“Officially? Year and a half,” Braeburn smirked. “Though Ah’ve known him since we were little, it just grew, ya know?”

“Ah,” Fancy nodded. “The classic friend turned special somepony. That’s rather sweet of you.”

“But that’s what happened,” Rock said, his coltfriend too wrapping a hoof around him. “And Ah’ve never regretted making my decision of being a thing. Of course, we do have our… jobs that keep us apart now and again, but try to meet up whenever we do get in touch.” He chuckled, “Well, Ah guess there’s no need in tellin’.”

“What?” his yellow stallion blinked, “That we buck like rabbits?”

Rock Slide shoved his hoof over Braeburn’s mouth, his shocked expression nearly sending them flying both of their stools. In the chaos, a bright smile lit up Fancy’s face. Laughing.

“Oh it’s fine! We do much wor-” His words were quickly muffled as his own coltfriend followed in Rock Slide’s hoofprints and shoved a panicked hoof into his own mouth.





“Fancy, I can’t believe I am saying this… but I think you were onto something with the cave down there earlier.” Acrylic sat on the bed, looking into the bathroom and fluffing the pillows. 

“What do you mean, dear?” Fancy asked through a toothbrush lodged in his throat. 

“I don’t like Rock Slide, not a single bit.” 

The room was silent, void of the obnoxiously loud teeth brushing coming from the other room. 

“Acrylic, I think you are being paranoid, he seems lovely. And if Braeburn’s excellently… excellently loud mouth carries any weight, then that would make him the sheriff's assistant’s coltfriend. And how much trouble could somepony like that cause?” 

“I still can’t believe you tried to offer a foursome.” 

Fancy stuck his head out, with a toothbrush still in his aura. “You know, I’m surprised to see you prudent all of a sudden. I mean, you do remember when the new Hoofcolt-”

“Okay, two things: first of all, he trusted us in his virginity and I believe that I was the one to suggest helping him out as a one-time thing. In which we all agreed upon.” After getting up from the bed, he opened a suitcase that had his husband’s robe. “Secondly, I may still have a lot to learn about Equestria’s culture, but I’m sure somewhere that newlyweds are supposed to spend time together.” Before Fancy could open his mouth, Acrylic added. “And even if that wasn’t the case, may I remind you that, unlike the Hoofcolt, we’ve only met these ponies for about a day at most.”

The unicorn rolled his eyes, “I won’t argue, but I just thought that it might have been fun.”

“Just not with him,” Acrylic muttered, catching his spouse's ear.

“I fail to see what sort of fault you find in Rock Slide, I mean, what do you have against him? Mr. Apple likes him quite enough.”

Setting the robe on the bed, the artist took a calming breath. “And I don’t deny that. Yes, I can tell that he loves him. But… Something’s not right with all of this.”

“How so?” Fancy’s head disappeared back into the bathroom.

Acrylic thought for a moment, “For starters, don’t you think it’s rather odd that someone like Rock would be working here, and yet he doesn’t tell Braeburn about it, even if he’s having that festival thing here in town?”

“Pssh, so?”

Acrylic took a step towards the bathroom, “And I noticed some sacks down at the mine, who holds gems in sacks?” 

“Sandbags, keeping the water out of the cave.” Fancy didn’t miss a beat.

“Well… well… Braeburn nearly told us something, but Rock stopped him. Didn’t you say that he was telling you about some salt dealers in the area?” 

Fancy finally came out of the bathroom, putting a reassuring hoof onto Acrylic's shoulder. “‘Crylic, dearest. If anything Braeburn seemed quite willing to rid of all that. Now how could a stallion have malice when they are dating a pony like him? That gruff old bartender down there has more of a chance of being involved in those deals than he does.” Fancy embraced Acrylic, pulling at stray mane hairs and lifting his chin. “How about we go to the festival tomorrow? We go to bed a bit earlier so we can stay up extra late tomorrow night. Sound good?” 

“Okay,” the artist nodded. But upon reflection of what his husband said, it gave him an idea. “But before I do that, I need to slip out for a second.”

“Why?”

“I just need to ask somepony something really quick. Give me about a few minutes and I’ll be right back.” Although a little disappointed, he did let Acrylic slip out the door of their room. Down the stairs and through the hall, he went up to the nearly empty bar where he found the bartender cleaning up.

“I’m about to close son,” he said.

“Oh, I’m not here for a drink or anything like that. Look I know it’s late, but I need to ask you a few very quick questions on something.”

He looked up from his rag, “What questions?”

“Okay, I grew up in a mining village where after the day is done, the workers would come back home exhausted and with dirt on their hooves. So do miners come here often?”

He snorted, “When haven’t they? That’s the better question. They come in here asking for beer to drown out the day of workin’ in the mines of course. They’re so darn plum tired that they don’t bother to wash off the dirt out of their hooves as they trek dust in here that makes the floors look like outside.”

“I thought so,” Acrylic nodded. “Now, here’s the real question that I want to ask: have any miners that come in here had blue dust on their hooves?”

The bartender stared at him sternly. “Blue dust? And what could have possibly brought this little spark in interest from a pony of your nature on such a matter?” The bar pony's eyes narrowed, looking right into Acrylic’s own.

Acrylic took a huge gulp and “I-It’s something that I’ve heard. Blue dust, but nopony’s told me what they meant by it, I’m just curious.”

“Any miner with blue dust on his hooves makes it clear to others what he’s mining after. Sky Salt, as it’s called in these here parts. Take a few licks out of it, and you’ll be seein’ things that aren’t there for days. To the point where you can’t tell what’s real and what ain’t. It’s highly illegal, and that’s all that you need to know ‘bout it. Why, anyone that stupid enough to step in here with blue dust on their hooves is going straight to jail.”

“Thanks, sir, that’s all I needed to know,” but just as Acrylic was about to trot back to the room the bartender called out to him, beckoning him close.

“Look buddy, I don’t know what your game is, but I’d be careful who you talk to about that sort of thing, best be on your way.”
> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“You know, yesterday was fun and all. But I think you are jumping to some pretty brash conclusions here, Acrylic.” Fancy spoke in a low voice as they made their way to the pub for breakfast and a drink. “Rock Slide is no drug lord, especially whilst he is so close to Braeburn. He was probably in the wrong place at the wrong time, or better yet, doing his job! Rock Slide, it’s in the name.”

“Fancy, you are way too trusting sometimes. I think he is pulling the wool over both yours and Braeburn’s eyes.”

“I’m supposed to be the paranoid one!” Fancy cried.

“Shh, let’s not talk about this in public.” Acrylic and Fancy looked over to the receptionist they were just passing, she looked back, an unamused, unhappy expression plastered on her face as she slowly turned the page of her book. It sent a shiver down Acrylic’s very core. 

Trotting into the bar, it was a totally different atmosphere from the damp and dreary experience the night before. The two stallions went up to the bar where a slimmer, younger stallion was at the bar. Yet, regardless it didn’t change the notorious Southern commercial hospitality. 

“Good morning, can we get some breakfast and a drink from you?” Fancy asked, Acrylic sitting up next to him on the bar.

“Yeah…” the bartender replied slowly. “Ya can…” 

Fancy and Acrylic waited for nearly a minute for him to finish, only to have the barpony continue to stare at them.

“Oh… alright, can we grab two breakfasts, one tea, and one long black?” Fancy asked, smiling as brightly as he could. Acrylic looked around, the sleepy residents of the bar slowly munching on their breakfasts or looking at the paper. Some of them called out or commented on a news article and the rest of the bar would put their two cents in, like a single conversation had the entire bar’s attention. 

“We got Coffee....”

Fancy and Acrylic blinked.

“And we got beer.” 

They blinked again, forever waiting on the bartender for the next part of the sentence.

“But we don’t got them together.” 

A cackle of laughter erupted from down the bar. A stallion clutched his sides, abandoning his coffee and breakfast to laugh at the horrendous joke.

“Alright then…” Fancy began just as slowly. “Well have…”

The barpony blinked, excruciatingly slowly.

“Two coffees...” Fancy leaned back and came forward again.	 “Annnnnd two, breakfasts…”

The barpony wrote down the order and slowly put it in the window to the kitchen.

“Y’all know…” He turned around and slowly put their change on the table. “Ya can speak a bit faster next time…. Ah got ponies waitin’…”

Fancy nodded and turned to his husband who looked rather unhappy, still as his spouse commented: “You know, I do hope that there’s at least plenty of cream and sugar that comes with it.”

His spouse patted him on the back, “I know you’re not much of a coffee drinker, but it is what it is.”

Acrylic looked behind him, scanning the bar to see if Braeburn or Rock were around. Since he didn’t see either, he returned to his unicorn. “You know, I actually do want to be proven wrong.”

“Oh?” his husband inquired. “You mean with Rock Slide?”

With a sigh, he told him. “Fancy, I really don’t want to fight with you, it’s just… It’s just that I had some bad experiences with ponies like him.”

“In what way?”

“Being… As you would put it, taken advantage of. Being exploited? (If that’s the right word.) Because, when I first came to Equestria, I was tricked before by ponies that wanted to use my gifts for their ends. I remember that when I was in Applewood, some guy had taken a look at some of my art and said that he would put it all in a gallery. All he needed from me was at least five pictures from me.” He shook his head, “Never saw those paintings again. And yes, call it prejudice or what have you, but I was conned by ponies that acted like him. So… I guess it’s my own way of trying to protect you from it as well.”

Fancy nuzzled him, “Aww, ‘Crylic that is sweet of you. But do remember, I have been in this sort of business much longer than you have. I’m always careful when it comes to suspicious things. I mean, that was what I was doing the other day. However, sometimes you just need to see that not everypony is pure evil. There are some good blokes when you least suspect it. One must judge a pony by what he does after all.” He looked behind him and spotted Braeburn walking in, taking each optimistic step as if he were walking on sunlight. Right behind him was Rock, who had a suspicious hint of a limp from his hindquarters.

“Mornin’ fella’s,” Braeburn, with the raw energy of the Sun, sat down at the bar, beaming his usual go-lucky smile. “How are y’all this mornin’?”

“Here’s your breakfast,” the barpony said as he placed their meals before Fancy and Acrylic. 

The artist looked down at his plate, soggy toast, undercooked eggs, burnt haybacon, and a mysterious brown substance leaking onto the rest of the food. Fancy’s plate looked fine, much to the Artist’s disgust. 

The barpony went to walk off but stopped, leaning in close to Acrylic’s ear. “That’s fer askin’ questions,” he whispered, snorting up phlegm whilst still only centimeters from the artist’s head. A chill went down his spine at the menacing look from the cold stallion behind the bar as he moved away to serve somepony else. Acrylic’s eyes widened as he looked down at his breakfast.

“I suddenly don’t feel hungry,” he groaned, pushing away his breakfast.

“Huh,” Braeburn commented, “What’s gotten’ inta him?” He looked over at Acrylic’s plate. “Shesh, whatever ya did, you sure made him pretty mad.”

“How’d you know he’s upset at me?” the artist asked.

“Ah know that if yer unpopular here, they’ll do what they can ta make ya not come back. And by the state of yer eggs alone, you really must have upset someone here.”

“Here,” Fancy scooted his plate until it was between them. “I know it won’t be much, but you can half of mine.”

“Oh no I can’t-”

“I insist,” he said, grimacing at his spouse's plate. “Your meal isn’t fit for a dog. Now come on, I’ll split this with you.” He said as he divided up the breakfast.

“So uh… Acrylic isn’t it?” Rock Slide said as he hopped next to him. “What are ya fella’s planning on doing today? Like are you planning on doing any new paintings?”

“Well I would, but I gotta probably find a good spot to get the ones I’ve already done to a solid spot to dry properly. Our room doesn’t exactly have the best conditions, plus it’s starting to stink up there since I was given oils by mistake.” 

Rock Slide’s eyes shone brightly, “Oh! Well have Ah got the spot fer you, it’s perfect! Just leave ‘em near Brae’s old house, Ah’m sure my Brae can look after them, we can put it in the backyard. ‘Cause there’s a sand-shield up there so the paintings can get some sun and dry quickly without no sand sticking to ‘em.” 

“I don’t know…” the artist muttered.

“Hey, Ah wouldn’t mind pal,” Braeburn said. “Sides, it’s where Ah’m stayin’ fer the festival, however, hardly anyone goes there so that place should be more abandoned then an ice rink on the sun. While I can’t exactly stay there mahself, it would be the perfect place as only me and Rock go there. Oh! Hey Ah jus’ got an idea,” he grinned. “Why not you fella’s come over to the festival? That place always has color that I think would be perfect fer ya to do a picture.”

“That sounds like a splendid idea,” Fancy agreed. “After all, I don’t think we have anything to do today, and it would give us an excuse to have ponies to interact with.”

Acrylic thought about what was being proposed. He knew that the paintings were already taking up space in their breadbox-sized room, and having them in an airy, hot place would indeed help them dry quicker. On the other hoof, however, he knew pretty well how valuable his paintings were, and the last thing he wanted was for them to get stolen.

“Thanks for the offer Mr. Slide, it means a lot, I just kind of have one little favor to ask,” he said. “I know that you have miners around, but if I agree to this, I’m going to need somepony to look after those paintings while we’re at the festival. The last thing I want is for them to either be damaged or stolen. So could I at least give you a sum to hire a few of your ponies to act as guards to make sure nopony moves them?”

“Done and done! You can use me miners, they don’t care for the festival all that much and any bits are good bits. Ah’ll head over right now ta see if Ah can get a few.” Rock Slide beamed, slapping his hoof on the table and hailing over the barpony to give him a coffee. “Now, I gotta get to the mine soon, but you colts help yerself to the backyard to get those paintings nice and dried.” He smiled, sculling his coffee, smacking his lips, and kissing Braeburn as he dashed off. 

“Well… he was… keen?” Fancy said, raising an eyebrow and looking over at Braeburn whilst munching on half of an egg he didn’t spare for Acrylic.

“Yeah, he loves helping others, while I’m not busy, how about we get the paintings? Many hooves make light work!” He smiled, taking a swig of his coffee.

Acrylic told him that so far, he made three that are all underneath their bed. But even when they had finished breakfast, the artist didn’t exactly trust Rock completely. Fancy was right, he did seem a little too keen. However, the paintings were taken up too much room and they have been trying not to get any paint on… It was then that the artist got an idea.





It was at moments like this that Acrylic was thankful that his husband was a unicorn. Fancy levitated two of them in his aura as they followed Braeburn along a dirt trail with one of the paintings on his back. As for the artist, he carried with him a new canvas, paints, brushes, and the easel that he was taking with him to the festival. While they walked, Acrylic noticed how out of the way this place was, as it was a good distance from both the town and the mine they had gone down in yesterday. Plus, it was very quiet too in the heat of the sun.

“There it is fella’s,” Braeburn announced, “There’s mah old folks house, we inherited it after… well you can guess.” Up ahead was a modest cabin in which the fencing was falling apart and what little vegetation was there had overgrown to a degree. In Acrylic’s mind, the facade almost resembles a haunted house. “Just follow me to the back, there’s a good place where we can put these paintings down.”

Braeburn leads the couple around the back into the yard past the large white barriers being used as a sand shield. Inside the yard, cut off from the rest of Dodge Junction was a whole world of its own. Lush green neatly trimmed grass, plants of all sorts of varieties and colors surrounded the walls, and garden paths led to fresh fruits and vegetable patches on the far wall. Right in the center of the hidden oasis lay dormant a large empty aivery filled the centre of the garden. A beautiful sculpture made entirely of white marble with intricate patterns and designs leading to the cage part, the thin mesh being coated in beautiful bronze.

“As y’all can tell,” Braeburn commented. “Mah folks loved their garden, they spent so much time tending to it and growing it right from when Ah was a colt. I don’t quite have their green hooves like they did, but I care for it as best I can. Ah had to sell the birds though, couldn’t look after them while I was living away in Appaloosa. Even the garden can be tricky, I often get family or friends to give it a quick spruce up when I can’t find the time… It’s good to have something of them, ya know?” 

Fancy and Acrylic both looked around in awe of the magnificent garden. It truly was a spectacle considering no more than right over the sand shields lay nothing but cold hard desert. “It’s amazing Braeburn! In such good condition too!” Fancy praised while Acrylic’s creative mind went into overdrive to get in every last purple flower, intrigue shrub placement, and homely garden path.

“The whole thing is done with underground irrigation, it’s quite nifty. Mah parents sure knew how to grow things, even when the land said no.” Braeburn smiled warmly looking around his handiwork in the upkeep. Fancy placed the paintings on the soft grass, making sure to keep the canvas paint away from every delicate blade of grass cared for to perfection. 

“Braeburn? Do you mind if I painted this sometime?” Acrylic asked, wide-eyed and hopeful.

Braeburn’s own eyes widened in delight. “You! Mr. Equestria’s famous painter wants to paint my folk’s garden?”

“Or at least, sometime before we go back home. I mean…” the artist walked in a circle. “This place has so much color and life. Something out of a Moneigh painting with all its light. I mean I have been in plenty of gardens in Canterlot before, even at the palace. But this is simply gorgeous in every sense.”

“Why sure ya can!” Braeburn beamed. “Sure, we have the festival, but after that, ya can come in here anytime ya want.” He said as Fancy lifted the painting off of his back and placed it carefully by a tree. 

“Besides,” Acrylic wondered aloud, “when are those guys coming here to look after these things?”

“Should be soon I think. Why?” 

The artist said as he sat down to open up his bag of paints. “Before we go, I want to do something really quick. As a sort of safety precaution,” he took out a little jar and with a paintbrush, started to mix in white along with a little bit of yellow ocher and burnt sienna.

“Crylic? What are you doing?” Fancy inquired.

“This is just to be sure that by the time we get back, it would help identify and maybe help us in case these things get stolen.” He said as he compared his mixed colors with that of the blank canvas on the back. Once he was satisfied, he went over to the three paintings and carefully painted a thin lines on the very top edge and also on the sides as well as painted a series of “X’s” on the backs.

Braeburn whistled, “Ah gotta say… that’s really clever. If anyone picks them up, it would bound ta get some of the stuff on them.”

“Well, we gotta be safe with drug dealers around don’t we?” Acrylic got up from the ground, brushing the grass off his fur.

Braeburn lowered his head and kicked at the grass, “Awww shucks, I didn’t mean to scare y’all. Don’t worry too much about that, we’ll have those evil good-for-nothings behind bars faster than you can say border patrol.”

Fancy smiled and slapped the stallion on the back, “I’m sure you will Braeburn.”
> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Acrylic was pleasantly surprised. Not only because of the painting he did of the festival in the cherry orchard where he captured the blurring crowd playing and eating in the shade of the trees very well; but he did manage to finish quickly enough to finally enjoy himself along with his husband. For the first time since they got to Dodge Junction, he and Fancy were able to have fun with the carnival games and the sweet, greasy warm food. Not what he expected out of a honeymoon in a place that was in the middle of nowhere, but it was welcoming nonetheless.

The artist was pleased to see Fancy happy as well. Taking in the simple… quaintness of the activities that cast a spell on him, turning the unicorn back into a playful colt. Just the very sight of him getting excited over something as simple as tossing an apple to knock down a stack of cups was enough to put a smile on his face.

“That was delightful!” Fancy beamed as they and Braeburn walked back to the yellow stallion’s old home. Acrylic carried the freshly made oil painting on his back while the sun was setting in the west. Casting a warm glow over the dry, orange land. “I can’t thank you enough Mr. Apple for inviting us to the festival. I never knew the diverse characters that your family alone has. Such extraordinary ponies!”

Braeburn smiled at the praise, “Awe shucks, thank ya kindly. Mah folks are real great ponies. Although, kinda sad that cousin AJ, Big Mac, Bloom, and Granny couldn’t make it. They’re the real life of the party. However, Rock is in town, so maybe Ah could convince him ta come before it’s over.”

“Sounds good to me!” Fancy smiled, turning to Braeburn. “Where do you think he is?” 

“Oh, he would be ‘round mah parent’s place right about now. He should have finished in the caves. After all, that’s where we’re stayin’ at fer the mo’.”

“What about the miners that are supposed to guard the paintings?”

The cowpony waved a hoof, “Remember, they work for Rock Slide. By the time we get there, Ah think he’ll jus’ take over ta look after ‘em.” As the three of them walked over to the top of a hill, Braeburn paused as at the sight of his old home, some carts were parked around the back and front of the property, all lined and covered with cloth. What looked to be rocks protruding from the canvas. “What the hey?” he asked aloud. “What’s goin’ on over there?”

Acrylic looked over at the carts, “Is something wrong?”

“Ah don’t know yet,” he said as he started to go forward, “but those carts certainly weren’t there this mornin’.” The three of them trotted over to the property, as they got closer, Rock Slide was busy fastening the covering of the last one, which seemed to be very tightly too. “Rock,” Braeburn called out. “Rock, what’s goin’ on?”

“Brae!” Rock said in surprise as he put a sack he was carrying down. “Ah didn’t know ya were comin’ back already. Weren’t ya fellas at the festival?”

“We just got back,” Acrylic said, raising an eyebrow. “What’s going on here?”

The dark stallion turned pale. “Uh…” His eyes darted around, waving at the other miners to clear off. “Well, ya know that this place is closer ta the cave and some of us were a bit tired and we have too heavy loads ta take inta town. Ah was kinda hopin’ that we could drop in and rest for a bit, so that we are refreshed for the trips between here and Minetown. That by the time y’all got back we’d got everythin’ cleared. That, and we needed water ta refill our canteens.”

“Hey Rock,” the yellow stallion wrapped a hoof around his neck. “Ya don’t need ta take all of this stuff inta town tonight, do ya?”

“Ah’m afraid so.” He glanced over toward the direction of the garden. “But maybe we all should go inta town and have a drink. That festival musta been real exhaustin’, no?”

“Oh absolutely,” Fancy replied with a smile. “But how about we check up on those paintings first?”

“Hold up, sorry, you can in a bit but my lads are de-fuming out there, gettin’ mine chemicals off out there, but don’t you worry! The paintings are safe and away from where they are doing it. Give it till the morning for the chemicals ta clear, they’re not exactly the safest things ta be puttin’ inta those lungs of yers.” Rock Slide moved over to Braeburn and hugged him. “Ah promise we’ll be back in a couple of days and we can have all the time we need.” 

Braeburn looked… angry, an emotion both Fancy and Acrylic both naturally deemed impossible from the optimistic carefree stallion. His teeth grinded and his face contorted in a very bizarre and unfitting way. 

“Rock Slide… Can I talk to ya… Privately?” Braeburn hissed, barely managing to keep his anger on the inside.

“Uhhh Brae? Do you really think this is the time? We got guests!” Rock Slide smiled desperately over to Fancy and Acrylic.

“Yes… Ah do, meet me on the garden porch.” The look on Braeburn’s eyes said it all, but in a death-defying act, Rock Slide jumped in front of Braeburn.

“The boys will hear us! Let’s go to the back room Brae...” Pushing Braeburn over to the other side of the house, Fancy and Acrylic having stood there the whole time exchanged glances. 

“Fine, come on then,” Braeburn muttered through his teeth, following Rockslide into the bedroom and slamming the door behind him. Acrylic and Fancy in a matter of seconds looked at each other and rushed over to the door to press their ears against the wood. Much to their dismay they could only hear mufflings of the angry indecipherable argument. 

After what seemed like minutes of forward and backward between an angry stallion and a defensive one Braeburn’s shout made the couple jump and bang their heads into each other. 

“BY THE GODDESSES ROCK SLIDE, IF YA LEAVE ME ONE MORE NIGHT FOR THAT DAMN MINE, WE ARE THROUGH!” 

Fancy and Acrylic then heard the fear-inducing walk towards the door, both moving at lightning pace to sit on the couch, rubbing their heads as they tried to act naturally. 

“Suddenly I feel like I’m back in my village again.” The artist commented and his spouse asked him what he meant. “I mean, this sort of argument sounds rather familiar. Miners at home get greedy over the opals then they spend time at home. I wonder if that’s what’s going on.”

Fancy rubbed his head and glanced at the back door. “Hey ‘Crylic, why not we just go over and grab the paintings?”

“Shouldn’t we wait for them or…?”

His husband raised an eyebrow. “Do you want to stay here while they’re having a go?”

“IT’S NOT LIKE AH’M TRYIN’ TA AVOID YA!” Rock shouted.

“OH REALLY?!” Braeburn questioned, “SO WHAT EXACTLY DO AH HAVE TA THINK WHEN YOU’RE OVER THERE MORE THAN AT HOME?”

“Good point,” Acrylic agreed as the voices returned to a dull muffle. “We’ll just slip into the back and get them.”

Yet, the second Acrylic rose to get the paintings the couple opened the door, Braeburn looking a lot happier and Rock Slide looking slightly miserable but with a fake smile thrown over the top. Acrylic plopped himself down the second he heard the door opening, trying to return to a natural pose. 

So they all sat. and watched, and waited, and begged for someone around the room to break the deathly awkward silence that had plummeted upon the group of very disgruntled stallions.

“Uh… Sorry about that,” Braeburn was the first to speak. “But perhaps it’s startin’ ta get a little late so maybe we could all go back in for the festival, this is when all the nighttime stuff starts. And, Ah do mean, all, of us.” He finished, glaring at his coltfriend.

“And we’ll bring back yer paintings by mornin’.” Rock added, “Since after all, we can’t go inta the garden right now with all them chemicals about.”

Acrylic raised an eyebrow, “Doesn’t that harm the plants back there?”

The charcoal stallion shook his head, “Ta plants, they’re harmless. But if ponies without the right protection get caught up… well, point bein’ that Ah don’t any of ya gettin’ sick.” As he got up, he added, “In fact, why not go ta the evening festival? Ah buy all of us some drinks. All on me.”

“Fair enough.” Fancy stood up. “Although, we’re sorry for… whatever happened back there.”

“Oh no no no,” Braeburn shook his head with a forced smile. “You two got nothin’ ta apologize over. It’s just… we had ta go over a couple of things. Surely ya understand.”

Both spouses glanced at one another. “I promise that we won’t raise the issue again,” Fancy said. “After all, with the good day we had, let’s not ruin it on a sour note.”

Braeburn exited the house, beaming as he strode down the stairs with his three friends tailing close behind. Turning backward he looked on at the three pony crowd he had. “Ah’m telling ya! If y’all liked the festival during the day, ya gonna love it at night! It’s got all these wild crazy shows-” As Braeburn spouted off he bumped the gate open with his rear, getting more and more excited as he trotted backward and smiled at his friends. “And it’s got some mighty fine drink prices if ya know where ta look!”

“Ah, Braeburn!” Rockslide called out to no avail.

“Some vendors stay behind and drop their prices ta get rid of stock and right at the end, there is a huge firew-aaaarRGGHHHH!” 

Braeburn had trotted right into one of the carts with such gusto he had managed to fall over it backward and send himself with the cart flying with him. No sooner did the yellow stallion flopped onto the ground did the cart tip over with a crash. “Oh shoot!” The cowpony rushed around. “Rock, Ah’m so sorry Ah didn’t see where…” His voice was cut off as he and the others got a good look at what spilled out.

With the canvas that covered it now opened, the contents of it confused him as the stones that fallen out, weren’t stones at all. When Braeburn picked up one of the rocks, not only did he find them to be incredibly light, but they turned out to be painted sponges made to look like rocks.

“Don’t look at me,” Rock said as he made him drop the flux stone. “I know that I didn’t put these on here.”

“Hold on here,” he turned to his coltfriend. “Rock, why is this here cart full of sponges? And what are those?” He pointed to the now exposed sacks that were toppled over.

Rock Slide, paused for a moment before replying: “Brae, Ah swear ta Celestia that Ah’ve never seen those bags before. They’re not mine or any of mah miners… Or at least… Ah don’t think so.”

Acrylic gasped. “Th-that’s the powder!!”

Braeburn turned to the artist in confusion. “What are ya takin’ about?”

“Look at those bags Braeburn! They have that blue color I saw. They’re filled with that powder! Open it up, quick!” 

Fancy used his horn to lift a sack and tear a hole in it, spilling forth blue powder from the sack.

“Sweet Celestia! That powder there is enough ta light up half tha desert! Bucking ‘ell, Ah think we’ve just found the main supply.” The yellow stallion turned to his coltfriend. “Are ya absolutely sure ya didn’t know about any of this?” Rock shook his head.

“Braeburn… I think I know who did this…” Acrylic’s eyes widened. “Take me to the Sheriff, Brae! We’re going to the inn!”

The yellow stallion raised an eyebrow and looked back at Acrylic, “Don’t ch’ya think it’s not the best time fer a drink?”

Acrylic rolled his eyes and grabbed Braeburn by the hoof. “Come on!”

“Now hold on now,” the yellow cowpony stopped him, “somepony’s gotta stay behind to look after all of this.”

“Fancy, can you stay with Rock while we go get the sheriff?”

After telling him that he would, he and Braeburn galloped through the desert as dusk was creeping over the sky. The artist was at the front as they rode into town, towards the only sheriff’s office. Bursting in, the only one there was a board-looking stallion that was laid back in his wooden chair, his hind hooves kicked up on the desk.

“Are you the sheriff?” Acrylic questioned.

“Yeah?” he answered, “Somethin’ wrong?”

“Howdy sir,” Braeburn tipped his hat, “Ah’m afraid you’d might be needed to make an arrest.”

His hind hooves came down. “Why? What happened?”

“We’ve found a cart that has bags of Sky Salt.”

“And I think I know who might be the one selling them,” Acrylic added.

“Who?” Both stallions asked.

“The barpony at the inn.” He said.

The sheriff raised an eyebrow, “And what proof do ya have?”

“I questioned him last night about something I saw, about somepony having blue powder on the bottom of their hooves and he acted like I found out something that I wasn’t supposed to.”

“That’s a rather weak argument ta arrest someone.”

“Sir,” Braeburn spoke. “We did find a whole cart full of the drug so that’s evidence enough.”

He hummed before he walked behind the desk, “Tell ya fellas what, we’ll go over to the inn ta ask ‘em some questions. If he’s cleared, Ah’d let him go free. But if Ah has some justified reason ta believe that he is a drug dealer of sorts, only then will Ah arrest ‘em. And not a single second before Ah am certain.”
> Chapter 8
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The bar was unusually quiet that night. Not because the town’s sheriff came to ask the barpony some questions. Not just because they’ve been going at it for well over an hour. But what few ponies that bothered to stay have heard of the rumors of why he’s being questioned. In a corner, sitting at a table, Braeburn, Acrylic, and the local Sheriff sat with two open bottles and a picture of lemonade. Across from them, hoofcuffed to the sheriff was the barpony.

“So, let me get this straight,” Braeburn said, putting a hoof to rub his forehead but looking forward at the artist. “Ya’ve seen the barpony’s hooves that had a coatin’ of that blue powder?”

“Yes. At the same time gave me a warning of what the stuff was. I didn’t think about it at the time but...” 

“Are ya sure about it?”

Acrylic tilted his head. “What do you mean? In fact, why are you giving me these questions anyway? You’re talking to me like those… what do you call them… private-eyes in books from Fancy’s library.”

“You saw the blue stuff behind that bar, on him, around him… anywhere. The point is, you’re sure that he had it?” Braeburn pushed, leaning over the Acrylic.

“One hundred percent.” Acrylic backed off, leaning away.

“Mares and Mustangs, with the leads I found, coupled with some mighty fine interrogation, I’m sure we found our dealer. Sheriff, sure enough, check the bar for money, ‘cause I can guarantee he will have a wad he didn’t earn off from whiskey.” He turned back to the Barpony who gave Braeburn a sinister stare, but he only returned the favor, glaring back just as angrily. “Now we just need to know your supplier. Come on now, save yerself the trouble and jail time, and just tell us who gave it to ya.” 

The barpony shook his head. “Even if Ah did, do ya really want ta know the answer? Trust me, son, ya won’t like it.”

Braeburn reached over for the glass bottle. “What makes ya think Ah won’t?” When the barpony didn’t answer, in a fit of anger, he smashed the bottle on the edge of the table, holding up the other, jagged end up.

“Braeburn!” The Sheriff warned. “You are here to question ‘em, not ta threaten ‘em.”

“Besides,” the barpony added, “Ah couldn’t tell ya even if Ah tried. Do you know how unicorns can cast curses? Well Ah have one on me that if Ah reveal the truth of who, it would kill me instantly before gettin’ a word out.”

Braeburn, not being discouraged, tossed the bottle to the other end of the room. “But you did. Ya jus’ gave me a clue.”

Acrylic blinked, “Uh, sorry, what are you talking about? He didn’t say a name or anything.”

“That’s where yer wrong.” He pointed at the barpony, “Ya said that if Ah knew who it was, Ah wouldn’t like it. Why…? The only time anyone would say that is that is because somepony they knew personally has done somethin’ bad, so they say that ta protect them. It’s someone Ah know, isn’t it?”

But the bar pony remained silent.

The yellow cowpony snorted. “Fine. Sheriff, go check the bar, and its safe.”

“C’mon, son.” The sheriff stood up, dragging the pony along to the bar. 

Braeburn cleared off the remaining glass on the table as he propped up his forelegs so he could rest his head on his hooves. Meanwhile, the artist sitting by him only looked at him stunned. “Okay, maybe it’s because I know you for only a few days but… that seems out of character for you, isn’t it? I mean, you went from a chatty, happy-go-lucky sort of guy to an angry officer.”

“Not right now-”

“You know what? No. I had enough! I have been answering your questions but you’ve been avoiding mine. Just who are you really and what in Celestia’s plot hole is going on?”

“‘Crylic, Ah’ll chat later, anything ya wanna know, but right now I’m thinkin’, and ah’m thinking hard… Just check up on Fancy,” Brae turned away and thought, smacking his head and racking his brain in frustration.

Acrylic turned and headed out of the bar, eager to get to Fancy and far away from Braeburn’s radical shift in personality. 





“Fancy? What in Equestria are you doing?” Acrylic was more than surprised to see Fancy Pants, not only away from the house with Rock Slide, but using his magic to help the miner pull his heavy carts across town. 

“It’s surprisingly lighter than what you would think, Rock just needed me to help him fetch some canvased rock carts to empty their storehouse!” Fancy beamed, using his magic to engulf two of the three carts.

Acrylic looked between the two, in complete confusion. “Who’s looking after the… the powder?! Down at Brae’s place? There is an investigation going and you’re moving stock?” 

“Hey, my job is important to me!” Rockslide waved around angrily, pointing at Acrylic. “I need to get this order filled or the nearby towns will be very disappointed, investigation or not!” 

“What is even in there? Fancy is carrying three! Surely it isn’t rocks if it’s…” Acrylic tried to look under the canvas, but it was quickly snapped shut by Rock’s glare. 

“Ah highly suggest you cut that out there, Mr. Acrylic.” Rock stared at him angrily. 

“Or you’ll what?” Acrylic, summing up all his courage, glared at him back. “What do you have to threaten me with it’s all just rocks?” He reached for the canvas once more, but a hoof grabbed him.

“Leave it be,” Rock commanded with a low growl.

“Acrylic?” Fancy asked as he looked over. “Is something the matter?”

His husband released the canvas to casually turn to him. “Matter? Oh not really, it’s just this!” As fast as lightning, Acrylic swiftly turned around to lift the canvas off, in which all three stallions not only saw the sponges falling off, not only more bags that had some blue dust, but his paintings as well. “You thief!” 

Before Acrylic could turn on Rock in his rage, he was given a swift punch in the stomach.

“‘Crylic!” Fancy screamed.

 	“What’s going on out here!” Yelled out the Braeburn, marching out from inside the tavern, he stopped dead in his tracks. Acrylic was doubled over, lying next to a cart filled with blue dust, his paintings, and Rock Slide was wildly ripping into Fancy who attempted to tackle him to the ground. They were both yelling and shouting, but finally, Rock Slide managed to wriggle his way out of the hold Fancy had, stumbling back onto his hooves. With a sickening sound, he mercilessly stomped on Fancy’s ribs and turned around wildly, looking directly at his coltfriend, tears streaming from Braeburn’s face. 

“For weeks… Ah didn’t wanna believe it, ah held off, just prayin’ that maybe, just maybe, my roads weren’t pointing to you.” 

By now the sheriff was outside, standing right behind Braeburn with another two deputies. Rock looked at the scene before him, turning to the cart and the two stallions both knocked down by him. He looked up and spat at the ground. 

“Buck you Braeburn!” He shouted out before making a desperate run out of the town. Braeburn lowered his head and covered his face with his hat. 

“Get him, boys.” Was the last thing he said before trotting back into the tavern and collapsing in a chair. The deputies ran after Rock Slide, not taking long before they were tackling him to the ground.





Fancy and Acrylic were carried back into their room by the locals. A doctor was called to check up on both of them. More so for Fancy as every breath he took was painful. They were recommended that due to Fancy’s condition, he would have to go to a hospital as soon as possible, even though the next train out of Dodge wouldn’t come until tomorrow.

The doctor did all he could, giving them painkillers while the mare that ran the hotel desk went to the bar to borrow some ice. By the time they’ve managed to be alone for a moment when it was just the two of them, the first thing Fancy could say was:

“I’m so sorry Acrylic.”

“It’s okay… I guess we didn’t exactly see this coming.”

“No kidding.” Fancy smiled. “I think we’ve earned the award for the worst honeymoon of all time.”

“It’s just a matter of perspective, really,” Acrylic stared at the ceiling. “Maybe I should have taken you seriously from the start?”

“What?”

“You said from the beginning that something was going on with those miners, maybe I should have taken you seriously. None of this would have happened.”

“‘Crylic, no. No, you were right. I was a little too trusting Rock Slide. You were the one who saw right through this. I should have been on my guard.”

Acrylic looked over to Fancy next to him on the bed. Bruised and fragile. He moved his hoof to place it over his. “There wasn’t anything wrong in giving the benefit of the doubt. You were trying to see the best in ponies like you did for me. The only thing either of us did wrong is us being at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“But it was still fun,” Fancy smiled. “Up until recently, there is still plenty of good things in Dodged Junction. We’ve met some colorful characters and had an adventure in a mine, Braeburn’s gorgeous garden, and the festival. Yes, nothing went according to plan, but by Celestia… I don’t think either of us will forget this if we tried.”

“No kidding!” Acrylic laughed but winced. “Still… I feel sorry for Braeburn.”

“In what way?”

“I mean… can you imagine what it would be like if it turned out that I was lying behind your back and did something this illegal? He must feel horrible by now.”

“I see what you mean.” Fancy nodded, “I think they were in love. I saw it and you did too. But having this must be a betrayal… I don’t know if I would even forgive after something like that.”

They heard hoof steps from someone climbing up the stairs. A moment later, Braeburn entered their tiny room. “Ah came ta check up on the both of ya. Thought ta let ya fellas know that Rock has been captured, along with the miners involved. That, and ta… apologize fer both of ya gettin’ hurt.”

“Great to hear,” Fancy said, “I would shake your hoof, but it hurts to move at the moment.”

“Really, I’m shocked that Rock hurt ya this bad and…” Braeburn inhaled deeply. He closed the door behind him with a hindhoof. “Seriously, this shouldn’t happened at all. But on the other hoof, you two should get some credit. Without yer help, Ah wouldn’t have piece together what’s goin’ on. So really, Ah should be thankin’ ya.”

“So what is going on?” Acrylic lifted his head, though his stomach clenched and ached to do so. “Ow… I mean, who are you, really?”

“Ah was hopin’ ta avoid that. But given what happened, ya at least deserved that.” Braeburn sat on his hunches beside their bed. “When Ah said that Ah worked fer the sheriff, this is both true and false. Yes, Ah was workin’ with the sheriff… so was Rock… or so Ah thought. But truth is, we were more than that. Ya ever heard of the Pinkertons?”

“The detective agency?” Fancy blinked, shifting his head over. “You’re a Pinkerton?”

Braeburn undid his vest to show that on the inside was a silver badge. 



PINKERTON NATIONAL - DETECTIVE AGENCY



“What was really goin’ on,” Braeburn said, “was that my partner, Rock Slide, and I were given’ a case that involved the production and smugglin’ of Sky Salt that all pointed near Dodged Junction. We had an idea where it was all comin’ from, but not so much who exactly was involved. Ah’ve sent Rock ahead ta see if he could blend in and see what was goin’ on. Little did Ah know that… well…”

“He’s the one behind all this?” Acrylic asked.

He nodded. “With the festival, Ah thought it would be a good cover fer me. Ah would both have a reason comin’ up here and scout fer anypony suspicious. Believe it or not, you two arrivin’ was what changed everythin’. Not jus’ pointin’ where the mine was, but who the dealer was, who the lackeys were, and… the supplier. Because of you two, you fellas played a role in shutting down a multi-million operation.”

“That much!” Fancy asked surprised before wincing.

“Easy there. But yeah, you fellas were a mighty big help, even when didn’t know it. Although… Ah’d probably shouldn’t go braggin’ around about this fer a while. Not until after the trial and all.”

“Okay wow, didn’t see this coming.” Acrylic said, “But the one thing I didn’t get was why did they stole my paintings for? It had nothing to do with all this.”

“Well… kinda… At least, one of yer paintings did. The one that showed exactly where the mine was.”

“Oh…”

“That,” Braeburn nodded, “and the fact that yer a famous artist that can turn splattered paint inta gold seemed ta play a role as well. So really, them stealin’ those paintings is jus’ another thin’ ta add to the list of their crimes.”

“Wow…” Fancy blinked. “Well, glad we could help, I guess?”

“Look, first thin’ tomorrow we’ll have ya be on a train ta get you to a hospital. That Ah can promise ya.”

Acrylic shifted to where he sat up. “And what about me?”

Braeburn raised an eyebrow. “Pardon?”

“I mean, if it’s alright, I want to stay at least for another day.”

“What?” Fancy raised an eyebrow. “Whatever for? Aren’t you injured as well?”

“Oh I ache, but at least my hooves are still in one piece. That, and I did promise Braeburn a painting.”

Braeburn’s eyes widen, “Oh shoo, no sir, ya don’t really have ta-”

“I made a promise. Before I go, I want to paint your garden. And really, it should be painted. It’s the very least I can do for you for us.” He looked down at Fancy. “You should go ahead first thing tomorrow. I’ll be fine but I want to stay for one more day.”

Fancy gave a weak smile, “I’ll send a telegram to let you know where I’m at so you can come to visit me.”

Braeburn tipped his stetson. “Mightly appreciate it. There’s still one more thin’ Ah still need ta do on my end. But fer now, you two should rest up. And again, thank ya fer yer help.”
> Chapter 9
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sheriff’s office was a bit more crowded than usual. Most of the time, the tiny jail had seen a few spending time from public drunkenness to the occasional robbery. However, tonight was different. In a cell that was no bigger than a restroom, it was almost packed with miners, the bartender, and Rock Slide with his back against the bars. With deputies keeping an eye on them both from inside the sheriff’s and guarding outside - escape was not an option. There was nothing else to do except wait for them to be moved to the nearest town that has a courthouse - in Appaloosa. 

Rock Slide could already predict the sentence he’ll get. Manufacturing and distributing Sky Salt: seven years. Drug trafficking said Sky Salt: at least forty years. Espionage on a detective agency: ten years or more. Attempted theft: half a year. Assault and battery of two civilians: two years. Resisting arrest: three years. In total (if he was lucky) he will be looking forward to fifty-nine-and-a-half years in prison. 

“Howdy sheriff.” And of course, betray the trust of one’s coltfrined: practically a life sentence. “I would like to have a word with one of the prisoners.”

“Which one?”

“Rock Slide.” Although Rock didn’t see it with his back turned, he could hear in Braeburn’s voice the cold, disappointed anger in his voice when he called him.

With the bars sliding open, Rock was forced out by the sheriff. Since the only space for any privacy was outside, he was led out and hoofcuffed to one of the posts that held up the porch roof. Rock sat on his hunches, eyes away from Braeburn. He didn’t have to see that he was upset. He could already see him sitting down, crossing his forelegs, and a look on his face that could melt through solid steel. Much like being set in front of a firing squad, he already knew what was coming. 

“So,” Braeburn began, “Where do Ah start?” 

Rock didn’t say anything.

“Should Ah begin with the whole the charges set against ya? Perhaps the fact that you’ve been doin’ this behind the agency’s back? Maybe havin’ you explain the real reason why you couldn’t bother ta spend more time with me and instead dedicated to something so…” He paused, there was a shuffling noise when Rock felt a hoof under his chin to make him turn his head towards him. “Are ya even listening ta me?”

“What if Ah’m not?”

“Oh, Ah know just the place where we could start! How about the fact that after years of you bein’ there fer me, havin’ ta jump hoops ta get a better life in Appaloosa, joinin’ up with the Pinkertons, sayin’ that you’ll love me no matter what - that after all that, ya had the gull to say. Buck… You… Braeburn.” 

Rock forced his head away, “And?”

Then he was slapped. Hard. So hard that he was stunned, wide-eyed. In all the years he had known Braeburn, he had never struck him, ever. But how he saw Braeburn staring him with daggers in his eyes. 

“... That was for arrogance,” Braeburn said, stepping off the porch yet eyeing him. “Ya know what hurts the most? Not that you were behind the Sky Salt operation up here. Not that you lied ta the agency. Not because even that ya hurt two civilians, on the honeymoon no less. But you never once told me that maybe, just maybe, we should’ve broken up.”

Rock rubbed his cheek, “What do ya want me to say?”

“How about the truth? It doesn’t matter ta me if it’s the worst thing Ah ever heard. It won’t matter if Ah found out what you really think of me or why you were a back-stabbin’ double agent. Ah don’t give a damn what your real reason is, but at least, have the common decency ta say it ta mah face.” 

Frowning, Rock spat over to the side. “You won’t like it.”

“Does it matter if Ah like it?”

“Good point.” Rock looked up at the stars in the sky. “Ah did love ya once upon a time. Back when we were teens and thought what we had would last forever, all Ah wanted was fer us ta get out of this town once and for all. It was obvious. This town might be tiny, but ya know what everyone thought about us. ‘Can’t believe we have fags in town.’ ‘Maybe they’re jus’ confused.’ ‘When do ya think they’re gonna find the right mare and realize this is jus’ a phase.’ Even mah Pa thought that Ah was less than worthless, was even glad to hear Ah was movin’ out. 

“So when we moved to the middle of nowhere ta build Appaloosa, Ah thought surely we would be left in peace at last. But a funny thing happened. The more ponies came to settle, the more I saw those same attitudes rear their ugly heads again. Here we were, two gays with nothin’ but the shirts on our backs, workin’ hard ta create a life for ourselves, and what did those ponies say about us? ‘They’ll just let anyone in these days.’ Even after things calmed down with the buffalo and more ponies moved in, a funny thing happened. A lesbian couple moved in - and the town practically rolled out the red carpet fer them! They said they had wealth to give, and everypony there let them in with open hooves. Not us, and you know it. Funny how ponies toss rose peddles for two mares, but Celestia forbid if ya happened ta be colts! Especially when ya don’t have much ta begin with.”

“Well, what did ya think about us gettin’ a job as a Pinkerton was?” Braeburn pointed out. “Ya know they don’t discriminate anyone.”

Rock raised an eyebrow. “Do they? Tell me, did ya know that despite our hard work, we actually get less than most of the agents there? Oh yeah, Ah looked into it and sure enough, we get a smaller paycheck by several bits compared to a gumshoe jus’ startin’ out! So when we were given the assignment ta look into where the Sky Salt came from - a thought came ta me. Ponies often buy hundreds fer a few bags of this stuff. They make more bits in one day than we do in a year. Ya might think Ah was selling my soul here, but what choice is there?”

“So is that why you’ve gone most of the time? Turning turncoat fer money?”

Rock frowned and shook his head. “Ya know, this is exactly why Ah didn’t tell ya in the first place. Fer being a detective, you’re sure lousy in pickin’ up the details. Of course, it’s illegal, but what’s the alternative, Brae? We could just do what we’re doin’ but have everypony back at home believe that we worth nothin’, or we can have money and have the respect that’s been unfairly denied ta us. I’ve busted my rear just so those dumb rednecks would shut up. And the reason why Ah didn’t bother to tell ya, is that Ah know you. You would’ve had a heart attack over it, jump down my throat before Ah could get a word out.”

“Now hang on, if ya just let me-”

“What?” Rock suddenly, loudly cut him off. “Talk? Ya know, for years that’s all you’ve been doin’. Talk talk talk, yada yada yada, bla bla bla, lettin’ yer mouth run all over Equestria and back long before ya could stop fer five minutes to what Ah might have ta say.”

Braeburn frowned and crossed his forelegs defensively. “C’mon Rock. Bits don’t have anythin’ ta do with respect.”

“No? Tell it ta the honeymoon couple in town. Everyone knows those two are loaded. They practically stink of it! Do ya think fer one moment that if they weren’t, would they even be treated any better in Dodge Junction of all places? No. Of course not. They’d probably would had been kicked out of that inn days ago.”

For a while, Braeburn looked at him silently. In disbelief at what he’s hearing. “Ah don’t know you anymore.” He shook his head. “With all that we had in common, Ah’m now seein’ one major difference between us.”

“And what’s that?”

He narrowed his eyes. “Believe it or not, Ah’m not entirely neïve that there is darkness out there - among ponies especially. But where I stared into that abyss and never once lost mah decency, mah principles, mah compassion - you gave up.” Braeburn adjusted his stetson. “Maybe in another time, in another world even, we might’ve gone passed this long ago. But as of right now, because of your dishonesty, you’re nothin’ more than a memory.”

Rock shook his head, “Be as optimistic as you want, it’s not gonna change ponies' minds about you.”

“Maybe you’re right. But that doesn’t mean Ah have ta stoop to you’re level either. Do me last favor Rock. Go to Taterus, and stay there.”

Shouting for the Sheriff that he had enough, Rock was taken back into the holding cell, leaving Braeburn alone. Underneath the stars, he had a long walk ahead of him towards his old folks home. 





Light green with cobalt blue. Sunset orange with dark pink. Violet with crimson red. Dejon yellow with dark green. 

Braeburn didn’t think watching an artist paint would be interesting, but he was fascinated by how Acrylic approached it. After sending Fancy away to get to a hospital, Acrylic spent the entire morning working on a new painting. Once setting up his essel, Acrylic quickly drew out a sketch of the garden. Of its trees, the outline of the grass, the flowers, and the empty birdcage - trying his best to get it just about right before he started mixing colors. Every so often Acrylic would pause to step back for a moment, muttering about something being, “Too blue.” Or “Too green.” But with every dab of paint, every fast brushstroke, every careful attention to a certain line here and there, the painting began to form itself.

“Ya sure you ain’t hot out here?” Braeburn asked, bringing over a picture of lemonade and a few glasses.

“Hot? Not really. Tired?” Acrylic let out a sigh, making a careful step back. Slowly so that he wouldn’t hurt himself. “Yeah, I think I should stop for a minute.” Setting his brushes and pallet down, he accepted a glass from Braeburn. “I think it’s almost there.”

“Can’t believe that it took ya all mornin’ ta get ta this point,” Braeburn said between sips. “Here Ah thought it would take ya much longer somehow.”

“With bigger canvases? Absolutely. But with it being so small, it takes less time. Still, it does take a while to get it just right.”

“Shoo, Ah almost wish Ah had your talent fer somethin’ like this. It’s honestly impressive and just as gorgeous as the real thin’.” After another sip, Braeburn asked, “So Ah take it that you’re gonna take this back with ya?”

Acrylic looked between Braeburn and the painting. “Once it’s done,” he said, “it’s yours.”

“Wait, seriously?” Braeburn blinked.

“Why not? After the past few days, it’s the least I could do.” Acrylic gulped the drink and after a pause, he ventured to ask. “So… not to pry or anything. I know that Rock was your coltfriend but… how are ya, really?”

“Eh… Ah’ll be fine.” Braeburn looked away, but by the way he said it, Acrylic picked up that wasn’t entirely true. “Still… After everythin’ Ah’ve looked inta, Ah hoped that with where all the evidence pointed at, that maybe Ah might be wrong.”

“I wished I had something to say. Only… I don’t exactly know what.”

“It’s fine, ‘sides, y’all had nothin’ ta do with it. But after somethin’ like that, it leaves ya thinkin’, ya know? Could Ah even date anypony after somethin’ like that? Ah mean, Ah’ve trusted ‘em. Thought he was the one fer me but… apparently not.”

Acrylic shrugged. “Kinda reminds me of myself in a way.”

Braeburn raised an eyebrow. “How so?”

“Well… once upon a time, I wasn’t the artist that you see. After immigrating to Equestria, I felt isolated for a long, long time. My paintings didn’t sell and with me being in the closet, I genuinely thought of myself as a loser. Undatable even to where I was convinced nopony would be insane enough to love me. So, when it turned out that Canterlot’s most elite of the elite not only encouraged my work, not only offered me a job but said he loved me - I didn’t buy it at first. But if there’s anything I’ve learned, is that words are cheap. But actions always tell the truth. And his actions said that despite me being a pony wrapped in a nest of issues, that he cares. Maybe, not everypony you’ll meet would turn out what you thought they were, but that doesn’t mean that you were bad.

“Huh…” Braeburn blinked, “Never thought of it like that.”

“It’s something that I’m still learning. And while I haven’t quite got it right yet, it is still worth working on.” 

“Maybe. But after yesterday… Ah think Ah need time.”

“Hey, nothing wrong with that. Sometimes a break is always needed.”

“Yeah.” He nodded, “Still, there is at least one silver linin’. At least Ah got ta meet you and your hubby. Don’t know that many rich folks, but y’all seemed rather nice.”

“Thank you. Maybe one of these days we should invite you over for dinner. I don’t know when, but I take it once we’re back to our non-broken selves, we should have you over.”

“In Canterlot?”

“Fancy can arrange a ride for you. I promise the dinners are to die for.”

Braeburn chuckled. “Ah’d like that. And hey, maybe ya can come down ta AAAAAAAAPAAALOOSA!” Acrylic stared at him, “What?”

“Do you always do that?”

“Hey, Ah’m proud of it.”

“... Fair enough.” Acrylic downed the rest of the lemonade, handing it back to Braeburn. “Still, I think this painting will be done very soon.”

“Will ya be headin’ back ta the inn?”

“I guess so. Why?”

“Ta be frank, Ah’ve seen that room of yers and after everythin’, maybe it wouldn’t hurt if ya took the guest room fer the night. At least it has more elbow room fer ya ta sleep until tomorrow.”

Acrylic picked up his pallet and brush, “Let me finish this, and then we’ll talk about it.”

Braeburn retreated back into the house with the picture and glasses. Acrylic turned back to the garden. All that was left was the birdcage to paint in. As he worked, he reflected on this whole honeymoon thing. 

To anyone outside looking in, this might go down as possibly the worst trip ever. And in several ways, it certainly was. There were plenty of things that went wrong. Plenty of things that they got involved with that neither would expected from the beginning. Yet, the more Acrylic thought about it, the more amused it was for him to imagine what it would be like to have them explain to ponies in Canterlot. To try to recount their honeymoon with an audience of shocked looks, disbelief in their eyes as if to say: “No! No! No!” After all, they had a story that was unbelievable and, maybe too good to keep to themselves. 

Of course, by tomorrow morning, he will get on the first train out to meet up with his husband. But as of now, at least Acrylic had something just as unique as the painting he’s finishing.

The End.