Raising Generosity

by Distorted Flare

Rating: teen
Tags: Rarity, Adventure, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Berry Punch, Human, Sweetie Belle, Sad, Main 6
Length: 6193

A half bottle of Everclearin clutched in one hand and a letter of condolence in the other. The funeral was this week, just a few days before sweetie bells third birthday. God how do I raise two foals on minimum wage?

When I had arrived in Equestria, I had been scared, miserable and alone, but then I had met Magnum and Pearl. The two had generously given me a roof over my head and a warm meal for my trouble. Years went by and the two became the closet thing I had to a family. When they had their first child Rarity I was given the honour of god father. I was later made legal guardian of both Rarity and the new addition Sweetie belle. Nearly three years later I would be hit with a devastating blow.

A single letter was all it took to shatter my world. I found myself the legal guardian of the two orphaned foals when I can barely afford to feed myself. Grieving and falling deeper into debt what can I do.?

Editor: Friendship is Magic

Published 2014-03-29 23:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2014-08-18 04:17:31 UTC

We regret to Inform You

"FUCK!" I spat, throwing a bottle against the wall, the glass shattering and spraying the floor with dozens of razor sharp glass shards. Screaming in rage, I flipped the table over. Tears streamed down my face, leaving glistening trails as they rode down my skin. I fell to my knees, sobbing pitifully. The glass from the shattered bottle of alcohol was dug into my knees and hands. Blood streamed from the wounds, running down my arms as my palms met my eyes. The crimson liquid stained my clothing,
but I didn't care.

"Uncle Thomas?" a small voice squeaked. Turning, I gave a weak smile as a petite filly shakily stood in front of me, bleary-eyed. She looked at the state of me and the kitchen, noticing the broken glass and open wounds on my arms that were still leaking blood The wounds on my knees were not visible to here, as I was kneeling.

"Hey honey, shouldn't you be sleeping?" I whispered, brushing off the shards as I unsteadily got to my feet. “Please, be careful. There is glass around and I don’t want you to get hurt, okay?”

"I heard shouting and I got scared… Are you okay?" she whispered, holding her stuffed teddy bear to her chest. It was the same one I had gotten her for her third birthday. I offered her a sad smile as I looked at the mess that was once the kitchen.

"It’s okay. Uncle Thomas was just being clumsy, is all. Silly me." I croaked, wiping the last remaining shards of glass and blood off my jumper. More blood to clean, great. I tentatively picked up the white filly, making sure not to get blood on her as she nuzzled into my chest. Ascending the steep stairs proved a challenge and I stumbled a few times. The filly took it as me goofing about, giggling with each hobble. After a few more stumbles, we reached her bedroom.

Gently tucking the exhausted unicorn in, I gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead. The nightlight cascaded a dim glow across the filly’s room. I kept it on, so she could sleep easier.

"Can you stay with me until I fall asleep?" she whispered, her azure eyes looking pleadingly to me. I softened at the gaze of the white filly. I grabbed a tiny oak chair, which was comically small for my size and settled myself down next to her. Sighing, she cuddled into her toys, a content smile on her face as I gently stroked her mane. Her eyelids drooped slightly, and then more, until they closed fully.

The gentle snores of the white pony echoed around the silent room. Giving a small sigh, I hoisted myself to my feet and gently kissing the sleeping filly on the forehead. Silently, I left the room, closing the door behind me. I made my way back downstairs, grabbing a broom on my way past the cupboard. With a sigh I quickly and efficiently swept the glass into a pile, and then swept it into a dust pan. Depositing the remains of the bottle into the bin as I gave a tired sigh, my eyes glancing over towards the source of my sorrow and anger. Laying crumbled beside an empty bottle of Everfree-Clearing was a note of condolence.

Dear Mr. Lewis,

It is with very heavy heart that I inform you of the sad news of the passing of Mr. Magnum and Mrs. Pearl. Whilst flying back from the Crystal Mountains, a freak storm forced the air ship down. We are sad to say that rescue teams have reported and identified the two of the bodies as Mr. Magnum and Mrs. Pearl.

The staff of this company want you to know that in this time of sorrow, we too share your grief.

A memorial will be held for them and all who perished in the crash at 8 o'clock on Tuesday. My deepest condolences for the loss of your friends.

Sincerely yours,

Golden Diplomat, Chargé d'affaires of Negotiation.

When I first arrived, I was still young only seventeen. All but two of the ponies shunned and feared me. Those two helped me by introducing me to their friends as well as giving me a room to sleep in. They supported me and even helped me to get a job when everyone else evaded me. I became close to them, having meals together and meeting up for a few drinks at the local bars. Four years later, Rarity was born, and I was named godfather, to my disbelief. seven years after that, Sweetie Belle was born. I received the privilege a second time.

Sniffling, I gently placed the photo back on the shelf. My eyes were red and swollen and my lips cracked as I took another swig from the nearly empty bottle clutched tightly in my hands. It was not the first, though, as countless other bottles littered the floor. I lethargically dragged myself into the living room. Collapsing into a recliner chair, my eyes shut as I passed out.

"No! You’re lying!" Rarity screamed, tears running down her muzzle. Her small frame shook with every sob. The snivelling filly galloped up the stairs, slamming the door to her room. I gave a defeated sigh. Sweetie Belle, who was only two years old, was not old enough to contemplate death. Rather, she was getting more and more upset at the sudden change in temperament. The small filly held her stubby hooves out towards me seeking comfort. I reached over her crib, pulling the tiny foal to me as she whimpered. Making matters worse, the foal was experiencing her first horn growth.

As I had learnt first hand with Rarity, the horn grows most in the first ten years of their life. After that, it continues to grow at a much slower pace until the age of twenty-one. The process was like teething, so unpleasant and the foal had a habit of scratching her horn against any hard surface to relieve the itch. Gently bouncing Sweetie on my lap, I gave a soft snort as she started using my hand as a scratching post.

"No honey, you cannot do that. You may end up damaging your horn," I sighed, exhausted. Fearing a tantrum from the horn itch, I reached over the table, knocking an empty bottle aside as I grabbed the ointment used to ease the itch. I opened the cap and squirted the ointment onto my hand. Rubbing the goo into her horn, I made sure to do a well enough job to make sure she couldn't eat any of the stuff.

Grabbing her stuffed manticore, I tenderly placed the foal back in her cot, sighing as I looked towards the stairs. The faint sound of sobbing caused my heart to drop as I lightly knocked on the door. Receiving no answer, my hand reached out and grasped the doorknob. I pushed the door open, locking eyes with the filly. My shoes made almost no noise as I slowly walked across the wood flooring.. I reached her bed and sat down. The filly gazed at me expectantly, her eyes a red tint from the obscene amount of crying she had done.

Bastards! Do you not see what you have caused? I mentally cursed Magnum and Pearl, for the state Rarity was in. My anger for the two was quickly replaced with sorrow as I gently scooped the small pony up in my arms, allowing her to bury her face into my chest.

"I want mommy and daddy..." she sobbed, refusing to look at me as I merely sat and continued to comfort her.

"It has been said, 'Time heals all wounds,' I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone! Magnum and Pearl were taken from this world too soon and I can say that the world is now a slightly darker place with their passing," Cup Cake finished, tears running down her face. Carrot Cake stood beside the grieving mare, comforting her as she returned to her seat.

I sat next to a weeping Rarity. The small filly was dressed in black and was cuddled into me. Sweetie Belle was snoozing quietly in my arms. I had been hesitant to bring the foal, but many had said it would good for her in later life to know that she got to see her parents off. The funeral did not last too long; the couple were lowered into the ground as a priest prayed for the two. When the first layer of soil was dropped onto the caskets, I bit down on my lip. It was like sealing the deal of death. I picked up the exhausted fillies; holding them close as I walked down the graveyard path. Hailing a taxi, I allowed my mind to wander, the silent ride home allowing me time to think.

The family lawyer would be arriving to finalize the adoption, as well as give a time for the reading of the will. A sudden large pothole seemed to rouse Rarity, because she gave a small sniffle and a whimper. I gently stroked her mane, something that always seemed to put her at ease. I could not deny that I was terrified. Very, very terrified. My hands were shaking. I barely survived on my own. Now, I had two little fillies to look after. The first thing to do would be to sell the flat. I would also start job searching tomorrow for a better paying job. Working at a high school did not pay the money that I would require to raise two kids and a house mortgage .

"Here we are," the taxi driver grunted as I counted out the bits I owed him. Walking up the small hill to the house, I awkwardly pulled my key out whilst holding the two sleeping girls. I unlocked the door and just as the key, awkwardly opened it. Yawning, I put both of them to bed. I collapsed onto the guest bed, too tired to head into my room. It took me mere seconds to fall into an uneasy sleep.

THREE WEEKS LATER

With a tired grunt, I hoisted myself out of bed. I made my way to the familiar sound and smell of Sweetie Belle. Only being two years old. she required a lot of love, attention, and work. This had put strain on my relationship with Rarity, as she found it hard to process why I was catering to Sweetie Belle all the time, but was too tired to play and spend time with her.

My breath reeked of alcohol as I quickly changed the fidgeting filly. Her small snivels echoing in the otherwise silent house. Gently bouncing the distressed foal on my knee, I allowed my mind to wonder, sweetie Belle cuddling closer.

The stress of raising the two had really started to wear me down. My work and sleeping schedule were suffering as a result.

The shock and grief of losing Magnum and Pearl had not gone away, and I was not taking it well. I hardly ate or slept and had become little more than a shambling corpse. It was affecting my temper and other emotions, making me snap at Rarity. She just kept crying... I felt horrible and feared that I would be a shitty guardian if I let my temper control me.

She had of course forgiven me, albeit tearfully, which had made it all the worse. I drank myself stupid that night and had passed out in the bathroom . The smell still made me cringe.

The reading of the will had been a near disaster. The two of them had left everything to their daughters, and a not bad sum of money to me. The other relatives, mostly consisting of spoilt, little bastards had made a massive fuss about me, their friend and their daughters getting more than them. Most of those fuckers didn't bother visiting when the couple was still alive, and continued that habit of negligence as the deceased were being buried.

The crux had been when one of the stallions had snapped at Sweetie Belle, who, in a fit of childish rage, threw one of her toys, making it hit the fellow in the face.. The poor filly started wailing as he screamed at her mercilessly .I remembered the look of fear on his face when I had dragged him outside and screamed at him. I had warned him that if he ever screamed at my nieces again, I would beat the living shit out of him.

The rest had wisely kept their mouths shut for the remaining of the will reading. I was also warned that I would be removed if it happened again. Ponies were much more forgiving than humans, that was for damn sure.

"Uncle Thomas, Uncle Thomas! I drew a picture for you!" Rarity shouted, running into my room as I just finished making the bed. Turning, I gave a tired smile as I observed the crude drawing.

"Did you make this for me?" I asked, gently patting the happy filly on the head as she gave a proud nod. "Well this is going on my wall," I said, placing a small thumbtack through the top of the picture and sticking it into the wall. It took its place next to several other crude drawings by both her and Sweetie Belle.

The filly’s eyes dimmed as she suspiciously looked at the bottle in my hand. She glowered at the bottle, giving me a sad look as she trotted out the room, giving an indignant huff. Rarity was incredibly sharp for her age and had made it clear that she greatly disliked my drinking. Self-loathing ran through me as I took another swig, cursing what I had become as I clumsily shut the door behind me. I made my way to the bathroom, tripping over my loose shoelace. I landed on my hand and knees, throwing up in the conveniently placed toilet and grimacing at the taste. I spat into the bowl, removing the last bits of last night’s meal.

"For Faust sake, you can’t keep doing this to yourself!" a voice sighed as I grunted. My chest ached as a hoof gently rubbed my back.

"Fuck off Berry, I don't need this shit right n—" A fresh bout of vomit cut me off mid-sentence.

"Bucking hell, look at you! What happened to the human who had some damn pride about his appearance?" she spat, pacing back and forth as I gingerly wiped my chin. The smell was awful. making me crinkle my nose in disgust. "You are going to end up losing those sweet little foals if you keep pulling this, do you realize that? There is only so often I can pull strings before the higher ups get suspicious,” she sighed, hoofing me a glass of water I took it and downed the substance.

"I'm fine," I mumbled, the mare shook her head sadly as I tried to curl up into a ball.

"Thomas, please help us by helping yourself. I know you miss them, but drinking yourself to death is not going to help anypony! Especially Rarity and Sweetie Belle," she pleaded, placing a hoof on my face as a lone tear trickled down her cheek. "Look, my sister is coming over tonight to take care of the two for a couple of hours. You are to be showered, dressed and at my house tomorrow for seven on the dot. And for Celestia's sake, wear some pants this time," she sighed, nuzzling my head affectionately. "ponies do care for you, ya big lug. But you can be so stubborn sometimes!" She chuckled mirthlessly, turning and exiting the bathroom as I lay there sore and feeling sorry for myself.

Breaking The Habit

Author's Note

Has not been proof read so any criticism is appreciated. I am sorry that this story has been ignored for so long and I hope that i can bring you guys and girls more frequent updates.

Breaking The Habit

I arrived at Berry Punch’s house at seven as instructed, wearing a drab white shirt and a pair of light blue jeans. I tentatively knocked on the door. A muffled murmur rang out, the telltale click of hooves against wood. I shivered, a sharp gust of wind nipping at my ill-prepared attire, goosebumps littering my arms. The door flung open, the bubbly berry mare on the other side grinning at me.

"Thomas, come in! I’m glad you could make it," she chirped gently, clamping her mouth down on my hand as I was led to her living room. The rough feeling of her tongue only added to my growing discomfort. I noticed a few familiar faces. Carrot and Cup Cake stood chatting. Soft Beat was lying down on the rug, relaxing. Taking a seat, I noticed how all the ponies stopped talking and stared at me.

"Thomas, this is an intervention," Berry said, her voice barely a whisper. I looked at all the ponies in the room in turn before standing up and walking to the door. "Thomas, no! Enough is enough!" the mare barked, placing a hoof on my shoulder and looking into my eyes. "We are here because we care about you. You’re going to kill yourself if you keep doing this," she whimpered. Her voice cracked midway through her statement at my very irritated look.

"What I do in my own time is none of you business!" I frustratedly snapped, clenching my hands into fists.

"It is our business! It pains us to see you like this!" the usually vivacious mare screamed, tears welling up in her eyes. "If you keep... If you keep doing this, you will lose Rarity and Sweetie Belle! Can't you see that Rarity is still hurting? When you drink, it hurts her even more!" Berry fiercely spat, her eyes Manic as I recoiled slightly.

"I never asked for this," I replied coldly. The group gasped in shock at the callousness of my words. In response, Soft Beat got to her hooves, narrowing her eyes.The mare gave me a look of loathing as I snorted at her display. "What?!" I demanded.

I gave a surprised yelp as her hoof slammed into my face. knocking me back into my chair, which teetered and fell backwards with me in it. I gave a strangled cry as I gently prodded at the rapidly swelling check, the bitter taste of blood present in my mouth. The punch made my face start swelling up, making it harder to see out of my right eye. With the swelling getting worse by the second, I decided to slur out some curse words.

“What the fuck is your problem, you bitch?!" I snarled, baring my teeth at the usually quiet mare, earning a sneer from her. Blood streaked down my mouth, making me wince. My nose was bleeding badly, so I used my shirt to stem the flow. Blood still dripped to the carpet as I clumsily tried to stand, but at least it wasn't flowing. My intoxicated body wouldn't allow me to steadily get to my feet, so I stumbled back until I hit a wall. I gingerly touched my nose, a wet crunch confirming that it was broken. I cursed bitterly under my breath. Crimson coated my face and shirt as I lay propped up against the wall, my will to fight gone.

The soft touch of velvety hooves caused me to pause. Soft Beat wrapped her hooves around me, and I tentatively opened my eyes. Tears streamed down the pegasus’s cheeks as she pulled me closer. At first, I desperately tried to push her away, furious with the mare.

I gave her a look of disdain. "Get off of me," I hissed, fidgeting as the mare with a sad smile brought me closer, nuzzling the cheek that was not swollen. The desire to fight left me as the warm, comforting gesture gave me a sense of protection. I hesitantly wrapped my arms around her, burying my face into her neck as she hummed happily.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I bit my lip, determined not to break, screwing up my face. I felt my body shake as I swallowed, trying my hardest not to cry.

"Thomas, it’s okay to show grief," Soft beat whispered, gently stroking my head as I gave a small sob. The cold realization of my selfishness finally bursts through my denial and self pity. Like that my façade of indifference crumbled. Tears spilled forth as I cried. The mare held me close, gently rocking my upper body side to side like a mother would a child as I let the pent up grief out. The ponies around me gave relieved smiles at the small breakthrough, others looked away awkwardly. I hiccuped, gently pushing the mare away from me.

"I... I haven't been a very good guardian, have I?" I croaked, clumsily wiping my eyes as she gave a sad nod. I coughed violently, my throat dry as I looked myself over. My top was saturated with tears and blood. My beard was in no better state. The blood felt like molasses, sticky and highly unpleasant. I grimaced.

"Thomas, we are all here for you... You also have Rarity and Sweetie Belle both who love you dearly. This is why we went to the effort you see tonight. None of us want to lose another friend. So will you please help us by helping yourself?" Soft Beat asked. An eerie silence descended on the room as I paused. The alcohol helped take away the pain since I was scared—terrified, even—of responsibility. But I loved Rarity and Sweetie Belle.

"Okay..." I whispered, clearing my throat. My head sank down to my hands, my body too tired to hold it up. Soft Beat smiled, her face instantly perking up. Berry Punch cautiously approached from the side. In her mouth, she held a bag of ice. Leaning forward, I accepted the bag. I hissed as I gingerly placed the bag over my nose and part of my eye, the cold sting bringing welcome relief.

The dull throbbing around my nose and eye eased as the ice slowly reduced the swelling. Soft Beat, being a trained nurse, was in the process of resetting my nose. The mare gave me a disbelieving look as she for the fifth time swatted my hand away as I went to clasp my sore nose.

"For the love of Celestia's milky white teats, stop fidgeting!" the mare groaned, her patience running thin as I sullenly looked at the roof. With a sudden push, the mare forced my nose back into place. A wet crack made me flinch as I prodded at my hopefully— fixed nose. "There, you big foal, was that really so bad?" she snorted, a small smile adorning her face. I nodded with an incredulous look on my face. "Thomas, look, I'm sorry about... well this. I—" I silently held up a hand, cutting her off. The more gave me a look of confusion

"Its fine who knows maybe this will be the wake up call my stupid ass needs," I chuckled weakly.

The group stayed for as long as they could talking and making it clear that I could call on any of them if need be. I honestly was touched by their kindness. Soft Beat gave my leg a gentle nudge, motioning for me to follow her to the door. " Its getting late and you have two fillies to take care of, come on I will walk you home." The pegasus smirked lightly, trotting to keep pace with me as I gave a hesitant thanks.

The stars were sprinkled in the sky, glimmering in all of their glory. I marveled at their beauty. The occasional flicker of a shooting star across the midnight sky, or the full moon glimmering made me gaze up in wonder. Soft beat contently watched, taking care not to crash into anything. I gave a weak smile as my eyes occasionally flickered to the kindly mare, whose right wing was baring noticeable scars from her ex- husband.

The bastard had been a monster who had beat the poor mare within an inch of her life when I found her. Bulk Biceps had always been fond of the pegasus. The ageing stallion viewed Soft Beat as a younger sister. He had not been happy when he had found out what had been happening. It was rare that stallions used violence the gender roles here reversed

Bulk had with a few of his friends from the gym, payed Soft beats husband a visit. Suffice to say, the stallion had left the next day and had divorced Soft Beat a few weeks later. It had broke the mare’s heart but at the same time brought great relief as she had been pregnant at the time with Fluttershy. The little filly was eight now and despite her shyness, had a kind heart like her mother. That had been eight and a half years ago, last I heard the bastard had been jailed for evading taxes.

"Something on your mind?" Soft asked staring at me inquisitively her head slightly tilted as I realised I had stopped walking.

"Nah... just some old memories" I replied her eyes sharpening as she noticed me staring at her scars.

"Thomas... I forgave a couple of months after it happened. Had you not told Bulk biceps I would still be with that creep. You helped me to get over my fear of stallions and were always their for me and Fluttershy. Do you see why I am working so hard to do the same for you?" She questioned. I gave a small smile, scratching her ear as she sighed.

"You and Berry are forever my knights in shining armor." I sighed dreamily, chuckling as she playfully swatted my leg.

"Enough, you cheeky little..." she glowered biting her lip as a small smile threatened to break though.

"Uncle Thomas!" Rarity cried, leaping into my hands as I grunted. The small filly was heavy and packed a hell of a punch as her body weight knocked me on my ass. Smiling I bundled the filly up in my arms shakily getting to my feet. Rarity proceeded to fill me in on all the fun she had whilst I had been away. I turned to Soft, thanking the exhausted looking mare. I gave my goodbye’s to her as she spread her wings, taking off into the night sky as I slowly closed the door, which clicked shut. The small filly spoke animatedly about the fun she had, as I slowly climbed the stairs.

"Do it for them..." I whispered. The tired filly yawning, cuddling into my arms as I allowed a genuine smile work its way onto my face.
.-------------
Two months later

"DA-DA" Sweetie Bell cooed tapping me on the nose as I smiled. I playfully kissed her hoof chuckling, the foal squealing in delight. Rarity lay on a comfortable rug coloring in her picture.Her face scrunched up into a frown as she maneuvered her head to fill in the last spot of white. The little foal had been tough comforting as the two of us grieved but I feel that we had grown only closer. When I was having a bad day, her silly antics never failed to brighten my day. Trying to recover from drink had made things miserable for myself as countless slip ups always threatened to see me return to the booze for good. Though through great effort I had managed to stay clean for two weeks now. It I was struggling both financially and my lust for drink left me miserable and frustrated.

Uncle Thomas can I play with Fluttershy after school, please?" Rarity spoke up her eyes pleading as I made a large theater worthy display. Considering her proposal I scratched my chin, humming as her wide eyes watched with anticipation.

" Will Mrs soft beat be there" I questioned, Rarity giving a jittery nod in response. "Then you may but I am coming to collect you at seven o'clock on the dot young lady you have homework to do, don't think I won't be checking" I replied chuckling as she excitedly pranced around the living room. Sweetie Bell clapping in joy at her sisters antics.

I glanced at the clock and checked off the last few things required for the two. Breakfast had been eaten and teeth were brushed. Rarity had all her school stuff and a pack lunch made and ready to go. Sweetie Bell would be dropped off at the nursery around the corner and I would go to work. Luckily my new job was not at all taxing landing myself a job at a new spa that had opened up. Whilst the money was far better it was still poor. The ponies may see me as a monster and in some cases hate me but none could deny that hands were better than hoofs in a massage.

My eyes flashed over to the tiny a kitten that currently lay napping beside the radiator. I had in the hopes of improving house moral got a cat whom Rarity had fallen in love with. The filly had then went on to name it Opalescence of all things. I swear I had to look the damn word up, I swear that filly was brighter than me? The little hell also known as wee bastard and precious by Rarity had a foul temper and a mean glare the two of us had hit it off tremendously. I swear you step on a cats tail once and they never forget. The cat was an arse hole but she made Rarity happy.

Shutting the door behind me my false smile slipped as my eyes flashed over to the letters that lay spread across the kitchen table. The money that Magnum and pearl had left was the only reason this house was still going and that was quickly running out as bill after bill continued to flood in. Groaning I parked myself down adorning my reading glasses as I budgeted for this month. I was applying for all the over time I could get, but when the spa you worked at had two racist broken English speaking cunts running the place the pay was shit regardless.

That was one of the things I hated was the bigotry. The bastards went on none stop about friendship, trust and love but that seemed to only apply to other ponies, I had seen how they treated mules and donkeys. It disgusted me that canterlot was even worse haven visited a few times. Mongrel, beast and monster were the more tame insults thrown my way and it made shopping a bitch as the greedy; little conniving, shits would charge you more if you were not pony.

What was worse was that the ponies made disgusting claims about me hurting or abusing Rarity and Sweetie Bell. Christ it was only by Berry Punch lying to a couple of her bosses that I still had the kids. Being honest it had been a bad time for me with ponies watching my every move I could not afford to fuck up which was why I had had to kick my habit now or risk losing the girls.

"Bigots" I muttered writing out a shopping list as I worked over what we needed verses how much we had. It was a simple case of haggling which no offence towards the ponies I was far better at. I needed to be in order to feed the three of us. Groaning I made a memo to go shopping tomorrow our supplies running low as my eyes flashed over to the cupboards. Apart from a few boxes of cereal and a few packs of noodles we were completely out.

Being nearly twice as big as everypony, and with meat being scarce required me to hunt or fish to fulfill my body's needs. Also that I was able to eat far more than even the biggest of equine's meant that it was expensive feeding myself. tearing the page from my note book I tucked the shopping list into my breast pocket.

"Time to hit the town" I chuckled.

The stares and whispers never got easy, keeping my head low I tried to ignore the judging glares and looks of disgust. Different pony same glare. It was like my mere presence offended them. I mean given that they were a bunch of country folk I would have thought they would be more open to strangers. Turned out they were just like the nobles in Canterlot and other big cities. The only difference not enough money. Biting my lip I darted over to Granny smiths stall, relieved as the tiny mare smiled at me.

"Hey granny how goes the sales." I greeted the mare smilling.

"Just fine as of late, Sold most of the apple cider and the corn been going like the dickens." she chuckled. The poor old mare had, had it rough. The last year alone had been a bastard for the both of us. Losing her Daughter to child birth seven months back and her son in law to suicide only three months ago. This had left the elderly mare with three little ponies to care for and her body just did not have the strength to run a farm. Grieving as well had only made it harder on her as up until I lost magnum and pearl I had been helping the mare with chores around the house and farm. Little Macintosh whom was only ten had been a great help as well.

Bulk Biceps being a personal trainer had actually come up with an ingenious way to help the old mare out, which had been surprising given that he was not the brightest of ponies. He would train his clients at Sweet Apple Acres, making the ponies pick or buck apples for a couple of hours. The amount of calories that you burned doing farm work was immense and fit freaks leapt at the chance to push themselves. When done the stallion would give a small cut of his earnings to the mare in return for letting him use her farm. The old mare always caused a fuss about charity but deep down I knew she appreciated the help.

Not having the same strength as ponies I instead helped with repairs or plowing the fields. My stamina far was greater than even the fittest of ponies. I had also helped with wiring, plumbing and even repairing broken doors and fences. This had actually contributed to helping me feed both the fillies and I. Granny Smith would cook up a mountain of food as thanks. The system had helped keep Rarity and Sweetie Bell fed saved me cash and helped save Granny Smith money as well. Another bonus was that Apple jack the second oldest and Rarity had hit it off quite well the two of them along with Fluttershy and her friend Rainbow Dash seeming to get along quite well. Though I swear those four could find trouble in an empty room.

My recovery from alcohol had been rough and I had on multiple occasions broken and got myself blind drunk. It was driving Soft Beat and Berry Punch up the wall as they would take my failures the hardest. It was frustrating me to no end, I was trying so hard but I always seemed to end up back at the beginning. At least I was managing a couple days in between slip ups.

"Anyway I have ma sisters coming down tomorrow any chance you could foal sit little Apple Jack for me? I swear that filly causes more trouble than a fox in a chicken coop." Granny smith chuckled as I zoned back in hastily nodding in agreement.

"That's fine I am free tomorrow anyway." I replied gaining a appreciative nod. Paying for my stuff I bid the old mare farewell I gave a thankful nod to her as I held a delicious looking apple crumble accompanied with apple fritters. The smell was heavenly and I looked forward to tucking into a slice tonight after dinner.

"HEY! WATCH WHERE YOU ARE GOING FREAK!" A royal guard barked her friend glaring at me as I clenched my teeth in anger. The word freak was not new to me and despite the old saying of stick and stones never stopped hurting.

"Fuck off ya pair a dykes!" I snapped not in the mood for these pricks as the guards froze. With the mare population far larger than males it meant that nearly all the guards were female. Another sad fact was that mares were far more aggressive than stallions.

"The buck you just say?" the tallest hissed, her companion, a pegasus spreading her wings threateningly.

'shit'