The Tales of Angel Burst

Chapter 2: Help Wanted

I awoke before dawn. Old habit, I guess... It was almost as if there was something specific that marked that time of morning. I can never remember exactly when it started, though. It seemed to be that way for as long as I could remember.

A quick swipe of my tongue let me know my mouth was dry. Sleeping with my mouth open was another old habit, It was a bit troublesome. It usually gave me bad morning breath and meant that I had snored throughout the night.

I rubbed my eyes and rolled out of bed just as an alarm clock went off in the next room. I poked my head out into the hallway just in time to see a disheveled and still rather tired looking Derpy Hooves slump out of her own room. She must not get enough sleep. She perked up a little upon seeing me and tried to rub the sleep off her face. Key word being "tried."

"Sorry Angel, did I wake you?" She asked with a gentle smile. I shook my head, mindful of my breath. "Oh, well good morning. You can have the bathroom, I need to start Dinky's breakfast..." She yawned and made her way passed me, towards the kitchen.

I worry about that mare... But for right now...

I exited the bathroom, feeling much better. And having brushed my teeth, I was rid of my morning breath. I smelled something good coming from the kitchen, so I followed it. I walked into the room to see Derpy setting down a third plate of pancakes on the table. She was wearing a cute pink apron, even. It had a muffin on the front, it really suited her.

She noticed me looking and gestured me over. I took a place at the table and she patted my shoulder, "I made enough for you too, eat up. I have to get Dinky ready for school." I nodded in reply, and she left the kitchen. I looked at the short stack of pancakes before me and inhaled the scent deeply...

Dear LUNA it's been far too long since I've had pancakes! I should really find a way to keep flour fresh when I travel... Coffee too... Hmm, I could really use some coffee... I shrugged and began digging into my breakfast.

I was joined shortly, by a sleepy looking but still smiling mother and daughter. It was a heartwarming scene, Derpy caring for her daughter. Though it made me stop and think, about family specifically. It must be nice, having one... Dinky, timidity forgotten, roused me from my thoughts by bringing something to my attention.

"Mr. Angel, you smell funny." I stopped mid-chew and looked at the little filly. Her innocent expression showed she didn't mean any offense. I raised an eyebrow and smelled myself. Hmm... Wood. Grass. Dirt. And sweat. The aroma of a weary traveler, which I guess wasn't synonymous with clean. Apparently, Dinky wasn't done making observations either.

"And your clothes are dirty, and have holes, and-" Derpy chose that moment to stuff some of the filly's breakfast in her muzzle, silencing her as she chewed. Derpy mouthed the words 'I'm SO sorry!' And spurred her daughter to eat quickly so they wouldn't be late. After finishing she wiped the syrup off her daughter's muzzle.

"Go get your backpack muffin, I'll get your lunch." And Dinky rushed off to do so. Derpy pulled her mailmare hat off a hook on the wall and donned it, then tried to apologize between rushed bites of her own breakfast.

"I'm really *chew* sorry about that *chew* she just says what comes to mind sometimes. *chew, chew, swallow* but you could use some new clothes." I watched as Derpy almost literally juggled the dishes, Dinky's bagged lunch, and her uniform. It was an impressive display really, one that she must rehearse daily. In a matter of moments she was properly uniformed, Dinky had her lunch packed within her backpack, and the dishes were clean and stacked. She called back to me as she walked Dinky out the door.

"There's a boutique in town, owned by a mare named Rarity. She can probably sell you some new clothes, it's the building that looks really fancy. You can't miss it. I've gotta take Dinky to school and head to work, there's a spare key on the wall, Dinky and I have the others, I'll see you tonight Angel, BYE!!" *click*

I blinked. Once. Twice. It took a moment to process the information that she all but verbally flung at me. I went back and got my saddlebags before going through them. "Grabbing the key on the wall, check." I stepped outside, "locking the door, check." And now... "Finding the boutique..."

I looked left and right but didn't see a particularly fancy building anywhere. "This one could take a while..." So I did what I do best. Picked a direction and started walking as the sun began warming Ponyville.

* * * * * A Few Hours later * * * * *

It took a while, and I found some other important buildings on the way including Town Hall and the library, but I eventually found the boutique. A sign confirming as much read "Carousel Boutique." It was mostly purple and quite tall, resembling a Merry-Go-Round. It looked pretty posh, but then again it was a place of fashion afterall. The bells above the door rang as I entered.

"Just a moment!" Called a gentle and cultured voice from the back. I took this as a cue to walk up to the front counter. Glancing around, this certainly looked like a place where clothes were made. There were ponyquins around the room, dressed with different dresses and outfits. Giant spools of thread in all colors lined the walls.

I took a few steps torward a blueprint posted on the wall to examine it. On it, every piece of fabric involved and how they pieced together was detailed, coalescing to form an elegant ballroom dress. There were more blueprints scattered about, on each a new masterpiece was depicted, soon to be brought to life. While I was rather ignorant about the process of dress making, I was given the impression that whoever runs this place must be very good at what she does.

I heard approaching hoofbeats and turned to face the mare entering the room. She was a beautiful unicorn with white fur, a curly purple mane, a cutie mark comprised of three sparkling gems, and red framed glasses. A shimmering blue glow revealed she was using magic to carry a stack of fabrics.

"Welcome to Carousel Boutique! Now then, what can I do for y-- GOOD HEAVENS!!" She began, but yelled in apparent shock upon seeing me. I jumped at her sudden exclamation.

Dear Luna, did I really look that bad?

"Your clothes, darling!" She explained, dropping the fabrics and rushing over to me. "What on earth happened to you? You're filthy!"

Maybe I did look that bad...

"I, um..." She took my hoof and led me towards the back room.

"No, no, no, no, this simply will NOT do!" She declared, pulling me into her bathroom and drawing a bath.

"I, uh-" I began trying to explain, but was interrupted again.

"That can wait, darling. In you go!" She ordered, forcefully stripping me of my coat, scarf, saddlebags, and undershirt and magically tossing me into the tub before leaving with my clothes. "I'll have these fixed good as new for you in just a moment!"

The bathroom door closed gently behind her with a shimmer of magic, leaving me alone in the tub. Well then... I guess I should wash myself. So I did.

It was like washing off a second coat of fur, and I never knew my tail had so many tangles. After my impromptu bath I felt pretty good, I got out and shook myself dry. I checked myself in a nearby mirror, noticing my coat looked much better. I brushed my mane and tail using one of the available brushes before checking myself again. "That should do it."

Wandering back into the shop I found the mare from before, putting the finishing touches on repairing my now clean traveling clothes. She hummed a tune, levitating my coat and a needle back and forth through the fabric. Tying a knot in the thread she gave it a once over before smiling in satisfaction.

"Wow, they really do look good as new..." I marveled. She turned to me and smiled at the night and day difference a bath had done for my appearance. The mare folded my clothes magically and packed them in my saddlebag.

"It's what I do, darling. I simply couldn't let a handsome young stallion wear rags." She said with a flirtatious wink.

I blushed a bit a this, "well I wouldn't go as far as to call me that..." I mean it's not like I try to impress anyone or anything... She waved off my comment and beckoned me over to a ponyquin dressed in a warm looking blue jacket.

"Here, take this as well. The color seems to suit you quite nicely." She offered, magically removing it from the ponyquin and draping it over me, and I hesitantly put it on.

"Are you sure about this miss...? I don't have many bits..." I said worriedly, walking over to my bags and pulling out my meager coin purse with my teeth. She hardly bat an eyelash and didn't bother to count them, before putting her glasses aside and smiling reassuringly. She had beautiful blue eyes.

"This will be more than enough darling, and please. Call me Rarity." I couldn't help but smile at her generosity towards a complete stranger as I introduced myself.

"My name is Angel Burst. Thank you very much Miss Rarity, if you ever need help with anything at all please don't hesitate to ask me. I'll be in town for a while, I'm staying with Ms. Ditzy." Rarity nodded and deposited the bits I gave her. She then picked her stack of fabrics back up before waving goodbye.

"I'll be sure to keep you in mind darling, have a wonderful day." I took my bags and made my exit, bidding her farewell. It felt really nice, meeting someone so generous.

As I exited the boutique and was walking through downtown, I sighed. That was the last of my funds, and as long as I was staying with her I should really help Derpy with expenses. I can't let her feed and shelter me for nothing. Maybe I should've asked Miss Rarity for some information. Maybe somepony who isn't busy could help me.

Ponies were bustling about from store to store, running errands or walking with friends engaged in conversation. Some were selling wares right by the road from carts, calling out to grab the attention of potential customers. This was clearly the marketplace, and it seemed to be a very busy time of day.

I sighed again and looked up at the sky to try and gauge what time it was, I could really use a watch. I was surprised to see a cyan Pegasus with a rainbow mane relaxing on a low hanging cloud, not far above me. Well, they didn't seem particularly busy. I guess this as good an opportunity to ask as any.

"Excuse me!" I called out, trying to get their attention, to no avail. So I called out again, and again, and one more time. Were they sleeping? Finally, the Pegasus turned its head and peeked over its shoulder down at me, they must have been napping afterall. "Sorry to bother you." I apologized as they turned over to face me. By the face I could tell it was a mare, and she had rose colored eyes.

"What's up?" She asked, in a tomboyish voice.

"I was wondering if there was anyone around that needed somepony to work for them. I'm new in town, do you know anything?" I asked hopefully. She put a hoof to her chin in thought. I hope she can help me...

"I remember Applejack saying she's behind at the orchard. It's time to harvest so she could probably use the help." The pegasus answered, eventually.

I smiled at this news, "That sounds great, can you point me in the right direction?" I asked. She nodded and pointed a hoof in the opposite direction from where I entered town.

"On the edge of ponyville, it's called Sweet Apple Acres. You can't miss it, Applejack is the earth pony with the Stetson." I began walking and yelled a thank you over my shoulder. The Pegasus simply nodded and went back to relaxing on her cloud.

* * * * *

It took a while to reach the place and the sun was starting on it way down by now, it was very late afternoon. I stood in front of the sign that, indeed, read 'Sweet Apple Acres.' Which just happened to have a smaller sign hanging from it, reading 'Help Wanted.' I figured this must be the place.

So I walked passed the sign-ception down the fenced path through the hundreds of apple trees, until I reached the barn house. A large red earth pony was being directed as he loaded barrels of apples onto a cart by a smaller orange one, wearing a Stetson. Must be the pony I'm looking for. I waved a hoof in greeting as I got their attention.

"Hello there!" They turned their heads my way and the red stallion went back to work as the the orange pony, a mare, approached me and vigorously shook my hoof as she greeted me in a southern accent with much enthusiasm.

"Howdy, partner! Welcome tah Sweet Apple Acres where we grow the tastiest darn apples in all of Equestria! What's yer name, boy?" I could only stutter out my answer as she was still shaking my hoof and, by extension, me for dear life.

"A-a-a-an-g-g-gel B-b-u-u-urst, m-m-ma'am!" As soon as I gave my name she finally let me go. Dear Luna, I felt like I was just in an earthquake!

"Very nice tah meet'cha Angel Burst, the name's Applejack, that over yonder is my big brother Big Macintosh! he don't talk much, and inside bakin' a pie is ol' Granny Smith! What can we do ya for?" I shook off my dizziness before explaining why I came.

"I heard you could use some help on the orchard, harvesting. I came looking for work." She nodded and began circling me.

"Ever bucked apples before?" She asked, sizing me up. I knew that first impressions were important with potential employers, so I squared my shoulders and stood up tall as i gave my answer.

"No, but I'm a quick learner and promise to work hard ma'am." I offered, and got a hard slap to the flank. I jumped and faced the orange culprit, rubbing my sore backside.

"Good answer Angel, ya seem pretty solid too!" She could've asked instead of checking... "Do ya work often?"

"I spend most of my days pulling my wagon, so I suppose that helps, ma'am." It really did, my wagon wasnt very light.

She grinned at the information I gave her, "Sounds great, let's go inside and talk business over some apple pie. C'mon Big Mac!" She grabbed me by the hoof and led me alongside her brother. Guess I couldn't really say no, but I do love apple pie.

Inside, over pie, I was told more about the farm and got to meet Granny Smith who was an excellent baker and the youngest of the Apple family, Applebloom, Applejack's younger sister. They were a very close family and very kind as well. Applejack seemed very trusting especially and hired me right away. They were even nice enough to give me some pies to take back with me.

As they waved goodbye to me, Applejack shouted a reminder after me, "remember, we git started just after dawn! Be here by then, ya hear?" I shouted an affirmative back and left Sweet Apple Acres just as it was starting to get dark.

I got back to Derpy's house just after dark and unlocked the door before entering the lit home. Maybe she finished work on time today?

"Mommy?" Called out Dinky, rushing to the door. But she was disappointed to find me there instead.

"Sorry Dinky, I guess mommy is late again today." I said. She frowned looking down at the paper she carried in her mouth. "What's that Dinky?"

She put it down before answering, "my homework, I was hoping mommy could help me. I'm not good at math..."

Well I'm not a teacher but it couldn't hurt to try, so I patted her mane and offered my help. "Why don't I help you with it until mommy comes home?" The little filly's smile was adorable. She was more than happy to have my help.

Derpy came home just as we were finishing up with Dinky's homework. "Sorry that mommy's late muffin, I- oh, is Angel helping you with your homework?" She asked as she entered her home and hung up her cap and mailbag.

Dinky answered happily, "hi mommy! Mr. Angel helped me with math! He's really smart!" I ruffled the tyke's mane and told her she was all done, so she rushed to put her work away.

"I can't thank you enough for keeping her company Angel... There were just so many deliveries today... I have to get started on dinner, now." She still seemed so tired. So I was more than happy to gently push the tired mare onto a seat at the table as she tried to pass me.

"Not to worry." I began, confusing the overworked mother as I reached into my bags. "My new employer gave me these." I explained setting out the pies the apple family gave me.

Derpy looked at them and then back at me, "you found work, that's wonderful Angel. And you have new clothes, too. And you look clean. Someone's had a busy day today." She laughed about the clean part though, I really couldn't have looked that bad could I?

Dinky came back and we all ate together from the pies I was given. They were really good, I guess the apple family really does provide the best. Little Dinky couldn't get enough, after she ate her fill she nearly fell asleep at the table. Prompting her mother to carry her to bed. I cleaned up after everyone and sat in front of the fireplace for a while before my friend joined me.

I told her about my day and she was glad I had run into so many kind ponies today. "It's pretty lucky that you met two of the elements of Harmony in one day, there's only six and they live here in town."

I cocked my head, not knowing what she meant. "Elements of harmony?" I asked, she looked at me.

"Well, I don't know much about them, but they defended us against the return of nightmare moon a while back." She explained.

Nightmare Moon... I vaguely remember something about that, but you don't get much opportunity to gossip on the road. Much less when you're on your own. I hadn't dropped my confused expression, but Derpy dismissed it.

"They're all very nice mares. Maybe you'll meet them all." She stood and stretched, "let's go to bed, we both have work in the morning." she said with a wink. "Goodnight Angel, and thanks again for helping Dinky." I gave her a smile as we retired to our rooms. Once again, I retrieved my journal and flicked on the desk lamp.

"Today I saw derpy's morning routine. I also went into town and met some very nice ponies, named Rarity and Applejack..." After chronicling my day I layed on my borrowed bed and soon drifted to sleep with one final thought.

I wonder if apple bucking is fun...