Rob's New Beginnings

Chapter 4

“…ugh, my head feels like… like someone bucked it. And pretty hard.” This was all Rob could think, after yesterday‘s highlight. Cursing himself, hoping it would end his pain, cursing over and over, he tried to recall the events of the previous day…

The first thing that came to memory easily was what that orange-ish pegasus filly, what was her name… Scootaloo, said: “she was telling me about how much-” was all she said, and yet it permeated his mind like a sore spot’s pain often does… much like his pounding head.

The second thing that came to mind was the freak storm. ‘That sucked pretty badly, actually,’ he reminisced. ‘No wonder I can think of it pretty easily.’ And then the third and fourth things that he remembered: the invitation, and the party.

“Oh, that party… I knew… ugh, scratch that. What happened…?” he mumbled, his mind still fuzzy... he had to know what happened. Working his way down the gravel pathway, he went to go see if Twilight had anything to say about this.

On his way out, however, the previous evening sprang to his mind, leaving no question what happened:

After he left the ranch after the hectic storm, he made his way over to the library to return his book on stone structure. He didn’t need this book, necessarily, because he was working with wood, but he got it anyway, mainly because he was interested, and because he wanted to see if there was any good structuring that could be implemented for his own home; having no solid ground to sit on, he was going to have to rely on extra-sturdy framework and structures to keep it aloft in the branches.

The tips the book gave concerning stone were very marvelous, he found! And, not only that, he tested a few, with a little of the lumber shipped to the ranch the other day, and found that they would work. He then set himself on memorizing the structure’s layouts for future use. Once that was done, he really didn’t need the book anymore.

Reaching the library, he mused, ‘Odd that Twi would have these books that I needed. Whatever, I’m pretty glad she does.’ Entering the library, Twilight offered him some tea, which he accepted, ready to dry out a little from the rains. They ended up talking for about an hour about various things (ones that could not be remembered right now), and by the time they realized this, Rob had to finish his day’s tasks before the party.

On his way out, he asked Twilight, with earnest, “Tell me, is there something about this party that I should… worry about?”

She giggled, almost openly, at this, seeming to know something he didn’t. “Oh, I wouldn’t worry about it… now…” As she giggled a little, Rob felt more confused on his way out, while feeling more determined to find out the message‘s underlying context.

Seeing the Carousel Boutique, for the first time purposefully, made Rob realize that the building he’d seen at a glance was really Rarity’s workshop and home. But alas, even with this realization, Rarity was no more helpful than Twilight; she gave almost the same answer that Twi had when asked the same thing by Rob: “darling, it wouldn’t be a secret if everypony knew, right? Ah, but for the time being, don’t fuss about it. Tata~! And, next time you’re around, I might have a use for you…”

That confused him even further. Fluttershy was of no use either. He found her while trotting through the market. When asked, she had nothing to say… only a slight blush on what little of her face could be seen. She was too embarrassed, trying to hide her face from Rob’s, to give a straight answer… before he left, she simply squeaked out, “I dunno, i-it wouldn’t be quite right to say…” Now a little upset at the turn of events so far, he made his way to Dash’s place.

Which ended up to no avail, seeing as how she wasn’t even home!! ‘There’s no reason to get upset at her, though,’ he rambled internally, ‘she’s probably out practicing her flying again.’ That left him the only place to go, where he desperately hoped he would get the answers he needed: Sweet Apple Acres. Trotting quickly, as time was beginning to run out, neither he or AJ would realize how interesting the conversation would get.

“Howdy, Rob! What brings ya here?” asked Applejack, finishing her chores.

“I was wondering, and I’ve asked the others the same: is there something I ought to expect from this party?”

“…well… hm… uhm…”

Noticing she was struggling for an answer, Rob settled back, intent on waiting. He was surprised however:

“What do ya mean, pardon my askin’?”

“W-what? Like, any kind of… not-normal events?”

“Well, this is Pinkie we’re talkin’ ‘bout…”

“Yes…?”

“Uhm… Ah really can’t say fer sure.”

“Wwwhy not?” Clearly, this was irritating Rob a little.

“Well… ya see… erm…”

“. . .”

“…I’m honestly obl'gated ta not say anythin’, because it’s not mah place to…”

“C’mon, you’re killing me here, AJ.”

“…well…”

This banter was interrupted by Big Mac’s booming voice: “Dinner’s on, AJ, git on in here.” And, clearly, this was exactly what AJ was hoping for, much to the chagrin of Rob.

“Well, gotta go eat, I’ll seeya at the party, bye now, take care,” she rushed out of her all at once, rivaling Dash for speed getting to the front door.

After he walked off the property, Rob then proceeded to shove bark bits into his forehead.

“Oh well. What happens… happens, I suppose,” he finally spat out at the tree, knowing it wouldn’t respond. He gave it one last headbutt, and was shocked to have an apple fall on his head.

Walking up to the Sugarcube Corner, Rob was stunned to see just how much it could change in a matter of, well, not even a day! He was about to walk away, when Pinkie Pie spotted him from within the window. “Oh, there he is! C'mere Rob!!” she said as she dragged him into something he thought he would regret. As he stepped inside, however, that feeling began to pass away, being replaced with a slight anxiety.

“Aren’t you glad you came now, huh Rob?” shouted Pinkie over the music.

“Heh, now that ya mention it, yeah, a little bit!”

“Hm, glad to hear!! Oops, cupcakes are done, I’ll be right back!”

Wondering how she heard that over the noise, he walked around, trying to absorb the atmosphere… it was unlike anything he’d ever known back in the Northern lands, a very unique experience. He finally felt himself relax a tad, knowing he just might enjoy this night.

Moving over to the punch bowls, he noticed there were two… and that slightly tipsy ponies were ladling their drinks out of one. ‘Avoid that one,’ he mentally noted, taking some of the other punch. He then found a seat over by a table. Coincidentally, Twilight and the others were sitting there as well, sans Dash, who was over on the dance floor.

“Hey there, Rob, enjoying yourself?” asked Twi, a slight edge of amusement in her voice.

“A little bit, yeah. It’s just… different,” he could only reply back.

“Well, when Pinkie throws a party, she sure throws one!” remarked AJ.

“Yes, darling, you must try to attend more!”

“I’ll try. I really will.” With that, Rob was suddenly pulled away by Pinkie; she was trying out some new recipes, and felt that Rob ought to try at least one or three, and oh, he had to have some of the cake… on and on.

After finally breaking away from the party pony, wanting to sit back down and relax, he found himself back to the table he was just at, with the others there, including Dash, acting… nonchalantly? Raising an eyebrow slightly at this, he took a sip of his punch, which he left because of Pinkie’s abruptness. ‘Hm,’ he thought, ‘it tastes more apple-y. Was it always like this?’

Shrugging this off, he finished the glass. He then got back up to try to mingle with the crowd… to little avail. He walked outside, to get some fresh air (the sweets can really get to you after a while)… but once out there, he felt a slightly familiar buzz… and it was almost as if someone were lowering earmuffs on his head… little by little…

“I freel… I freel… fuuny…” was all he managed to say, before he was pushed back in by other ponies… too drunk to notice them.

“OH CELESTIA!” he screamed out loud, despite the pounding. “I was drunk! Drunk off my flank, and didn’t do anything about it!!” This continued on like this for a bit, before he finally collected his senses. “Okay… I have to go see Twilight about this headache… and surely, she’ll have answers as to last night…”

Reaching the library, he was immediately greeted by Twilight, who looked like she had spent some time worrying.

“Oh thank Celestia you’re fine, you’re alright, it was nothing more than a minor prank, and oh goddess we were all involved, do you feel alright, are you mad, I hope you’re not mad--” she was cut off by Rob, giving a shake of the head, apparently flooded by all the words.

“Please… start at the top… slowly, and calmly. Yes, I’m fine, I just have a minor headache.”

“I know what'll help that, I’ll be right back…”

Returning with an herbal tea, she began her explanation: “Seeing as how it was your birthday, and your 20th at that, Pinkie thought it a good idea to… spike your punch with some of AJ's cider. She thought it would loosen you up, but hopefully not too much. What happened? You had only the one glass, and you were out in an hour! Heh, poor Dash, she had to fly you home.”

“Well… I guess I have an intolerance to alcohol. Wow, that’s all, huh? Cider’s strong stuff, I hear.”

“Yeah, it didn’t seem like a great idea, but Pinkie… insisted.”

“Alright. Now, exactly what did I do?”

“…well, nothing.”

“Come again?” he asked, quite confused.

“Nothing happened. Your words were increasingly slurred, but that’s about it. You didn’t go through some huge attitude swing, you didn’t get… erm… restless, I guess some ponies could say about others… and, you just crashed within the hour.”

“Heh… guess I know now. ‘Stay away from hard liquor,’ haha.”

“Heh, yeah… the others apologize profusely, too…” she apologized again, “especially Pinkie… this was her idea after all…”

“Tell them that I’m not upset… after all it was in good-natured fun, and besides, you didn’t know… I’m heading over to Pinkie’s. Thanks for the tea, it did help a little.”

After their goodbyes, Rob set out to talk to Pinkie about the night, with no anger in his step, and as much of a smile as he could muster on his snout. Reaching her home, however, he was surprised to be greeted by Mrs. Cake.

“Oh, hello there, dear. You’re Rob right?” A nod confirmed this for her. “Oh, Pinkie’s been worrying herself sick about you, I’m sure she’ll be back down. She’s been checking with us every five minutes, always asking about you…”

Hearing this from Mrs. Cake only supported Twi's explanation, and supported his unvoiced claim on how she might have felt about the whole thing. ‘How is she going to react? Will she break down, much like Twilight almost did? Or will she just be plain down?’ he asked himself, expecting one or the other…

Within no time, however, Pinkie practically flew down the stairs and tackled Rob, her eyes brimming with tears; however, she had a smile on her face, and she felt just as energetic as normal… if only a little toned down. “Oh, Rob, I didn’t mean to hurt you, I just wanted you to loosen up, and-!” she began, but was interrupted by Rob.

“Don’t worry, Twi explained. And, I’m not upset… well, I guess I’m miffed at this headache, but I’m not mad at you, or anypony, really…”

“Really? You mean it?” she asked, with a bit of concern in her words.

“Yeah… I know you guys meant well. The thing was, there was no such thing as a ‘party’ for the younger ones back in Stalliongrad.”

“That’s… that’s party suicide!” she gasped, surprised that there could be ‘no such thing as a party.’

“Pretty much… it was either you weren’t old enough, or you weren’t of class, or simply not invited. So, I genuinely thank you for that invite… even if it was my own birthday party.”

“Okie-dokie-lokie!” she replied, all the tears gone.

“Can I ask two things?”

“Sure!!”

“…you’re still on top of me, for one.”

She nearly blushed at this (‘At least, I think it was a blush,’ he thought), and got off him so he could once again stand.

“The other thing is… how’d you know it was my birthday? Nopony else but myself knew!”

“Oh, I broke through the 4th wall and checked out your Bio, silly!”

“The what, and the what??”

“Oh, nothing… haha!” she merely giggled, sending Rob, once again, into confusion. But it was a happy confusion this time.

After Rob left, having bought a few cupcakes, and Pinkie trotted up the stairs to do whatever it was Pinkie did, Mr. Cake turned to Mrs. Cake, and said, “Well, would you look at that.”

“What, dear?”

“You ever seen Pinkie so happy?”

“What do you mean? She’s always happy, isn’t she?”

The Mr. just chuckled. “I mean, with Rob around.”

It took her a few seconds, but she finally replied, “Oh, yes… I did notice, now that you mention… I think they look sooo cute together.”

“I reckon you’re right, dear.

“…

“I don’t think he’s noticed, however…”

“Oh, hush. He will eventually…”

Fall swings into Ponyville swift, but not roughly… with it, it brings cool autumn air; the festive of the Running of the Leaves, as well as Oktobearfest; and delicious pies and cupcakes of all assortments, made by the Cakes and Pinkie. It also brought its share of problems to the McCloy ranch.

One such problem? Wild hares. With the storm a week or so back, the only crop McCloy wanted to grow so late, pumpkins, had been uprooted by the fierce winds and rain. Having tilled and planted once again, things looked fine on the surface… as Rob was checking out the crops one afternoon, however, he found himself falling through a hollowed-out section of ground… “Oh no!! Where’d all these hares come from?!” exclaimed McCloy, making Rob realize that he must have broken open a hare’s den.

“Don’t sit there, boy! Help me round these fellers up!” the elder spoke, a bit of wheeze in his voice.

“On it!” Rob exclaimed, chasing down a pair of the lupines. However, they got the better of him, disappearing a hole near the fencing, leading Rob to run smack into a post. “…ow.”

“Plug up the holes!”

“On it, McCloy!”

Finding a shovel right near the holes, he began sifting any un-tilled top soil into the holes, blocking routes of escape, both in and out. “Got these!”

“Great! There’s a pair over on the other side!”

Rob sprinted over, shovel in his mouth, and quickly found the holes. “They’re filled!”

“Alright… I think we have them!”

“What‘re we doing now?” Rob asked back.

“What we’re gonna do is, I’ll wait at the den, and you’re gonna stomp the tunnels to shake them out!”

“What?”

“Jus’ trust me boy! Done it all me life!” snapped McCloy, though not in a harsh tone; the end of his sentence was rattled by a nasty cough. “Alright, if you say so, starting!”

McCloy's plan was working! The hares began scattering out of the den, right into a fenced hallway, leading right out of the ranch!

“Where’d you find the fencing?” Rob asked.

“Some old chicken coop I used to have! This is what was left!” hacked out McCloy. “We got them out! Hooray--!” More hacking…

“Um… are you alright, McCloy?”

“Y-yeah, I’m fine. A tickle in my throat.”

They went back to work, trying to fill in the den the hares had made. But not 20 minutes later, the hares were back, and in force!

“Oh, not again!!” screamed Rob.

“Rob. Go get Fluttershy.”

“Ugh… alright.” Rob trotted off, intent on getting back to work.

He returned about a half-hour later, Fluttershy in tow. Within five minutes, she had the ranch rid of the hares. “Whew… that took a bit out of me, Robby. I’ll be right back out… need some water. In the meantime, finish up the barn; we’re nearly done.”

“Glad to almost be done with it too. That was a bad couple of weeks.”

“Agreed; get to it, sonny. Be right back out.” He left in a fit of coughing, planting a small nagging worry in the back of Rob's head.

After work, Rob had essentially nothing to do, so he decided to head to the Quills & Sofas. On the way, though, he was hugging his best friend, the ground (AJ‘s cart wanted a hug too), as a pink blur did what she did best: tackling. “Hi Rob! Heard you and Gramp McCloy had a… ‘hare’-y problem, heehee!”

“Haha, that was clever!” Rob could only laugh out.

“Hey, you alright, Rob?” AJ asked. “Ah may need th’ two of ya t’ move, so Ah can run mah bus'ness, if ya don’ mind?”

“Oh! Um, of course, AJ…” Rob could only muster out, realizing that he’d been tackled right in front of a customer. “Pardon me sir… eheh.”

“Now, Pinkie, what was it… you… wanted.” She was nowhere to be found.

‘Confound that mare sometimes… she’s so random,’ he thought, a smile adorning his face.

Finally back at his place (which was shaping up nicely: the surplus of wood and lumber coming to the ranch was helping him finish his house: one wall was paneled and had proper supports, and another wall was near complete; a third has been started up, and the roof’s basics were forming), he found Ditzy there with yet another letter. It was just like the previous ones (‘This makes five, doesn’t it, within two weeks, huh?’ he thought), the only thing changing about it the color of the envelope.

“Hiya Ditzy! Another one, eh?” inquired Rob.

“Yup! Somepony must had a MAD crush on you.” She giggled as she said the last bit.

“U-um, I really wouldn’t know,” he nearly mumbled; it was the truth though. He had no idea where and whom they were coming from.

“Ohh… she must be MADLY MADLY crushing, ‘cause she’s using fragrance!”

“Wait, really? Lemme have it real quick.” Indeed, it smelled of fresh flowers… he didn’t know of anypony in town who used such a fragrance. “Smells like the last four, now that I recall, Ditzy. Don’t you agree?”

“Oh yes. It’s a nice smell, though! She must--”

“Yes, yes… ‘have a MAD crush on me.’ But why make things difficult?”

“Silly! Where’s the fun if she told you outright?”

“…good point. Goodbye, Ditzy, thanks again.”

“Heheh, no problem,” she said before flying off.

With nopony to chat to, and nothing to do, Rob leaned back on his bed (yes, he finally has a bed!! (don’t ask how it got up there though)) and began thinking about who the letters could have come from… his thoughts, in a bizarre twist, led to McCloy. Rob began thinking seriously about the coughing and hacking he heard… ‘I’ve never heard someone who looked so healthy cough like that! I hope he’s not caught something…’

He decided to not reminisce too much about it. ‘Worrying is the last thing you need to do, Rob. Best thing to do is pick up some of his work, in case he does fall ill.’

With his mind set, he resumed working on his house.

For the next few weeks, not much has changed in Ponyville. Pinkie continues to host parties, and Rob has been attending many of them. The pumpkins are growing in strong, and just in time for the 31st. The barn is patched over, having suffered quite a bit during the early bits of the month. Rob continues to receive the mystery letters, and eventually received not only the letters, but a small basket of flowers (which smelled quite similarly to the fragrances used on the letters... the flowers themselves weren't the kinds they smelled like, however) as well.

Work continues the same as it has been, with the exception of McCloy needing his plow repaired; Rob ended up building one from scratch, seeing as how aged the old one was. Big Mac even asked Rob if he could take a look at his plow’s blade, seeing as how he got McCloy's to run with the refurbishing.

The last weeks of October were happy.

End of Chapters 3 and 4