Controlling the Beast Within

I walked Trixie back to the library, seeing as she had apparently exhausted the amount of patience she could muster to be near me. That, plus she had to stow away the other belongings she’d managed to retrieve from her wrecked wagon. I stopped in long enough to share the details of our visit with the mayor, as well as inform Twilight she had sent me with her regards. She blushed a bit at the praise Mayor Mare had had for her, waving her hoof dismissively the whole time. I couldn’t help but notice Trixie’s look of trepidation the whole while. Though, I couldn’t quite pinpoint whether it was from regret or jealousy…

We all shared a quick lunch, Spike and I having had the idea to make a large bowl of fruit salad–yummy yummy–which I was more than happy to assist with. Afterward, we shared a few more moments of idle chit-chat before I mentioned needing to head over to Rarity’s to check if she was free to take those measurements. Spike looked super interested at that, asking if I thought I’d need any help, to which I politely shot down with a small chuckle. He seemed a bit disheartened, but after explaining I didn’t plan on staying there long enough for him to attempt wooing her, getting a flustered flurry of denials of the sort, he made himself scarce, heading upstairs as quickly as his embarrassed form could take him. This, needless to say, got a chuckle from me, a stifled giggle from Twilight, and an eye roll from Trixie.

So, with no further distractions, I found myself making my way through the streets of Ponyville once more. With having had to transverse this place a few times now, I still couldn’t help but be a bit surprised at how well I was getting at finding my way around. However, I couldn’t help noticing the wide berth most of the civilians still gave me. I’d get the odd smile or wave from most I vaguely recognized from Pinkie’s party, but the majority either still held some form of apprehension in their gaze, or did their best to stay away from me altogether. Which… I wasn’t sure how to go about handling right now. But I pushed that thought away, focusing back on the task at hand.

The large, colorful building that, sure enough, resembled a carousel steadily came into view. Without even meaning to, I could feel the slight grimace forming on my face.

…It looks like something Barbie thought up.

With that thought in mind, and taking a second to mentally shield what masculine dignity I had left in this colorful world of magical talking ponies… I approached the doorway, acknowledging the sign on the door stating it was still open, and let myself in.

A bell chimed above me as I entered, quickly followed by Rarity’s voice melodically calling from further in.

“Be right with you~!”

“Take your time,” I half-mindedly called back, still trying to get my bearings in whatever space I’d just walked into.

If I hadn’t heard Rarity’s voice, or been sure I’d followed her directions well enough, I would have thought I made the wrong turn and entered a fun house. I felt like my eyes should have been bleeding from how vibrantly colorful everything was. Pony-shaped mannequins appeared, in what I could only assume were, strategically scattered about the place, some having what looked like unfinished projects still on them. Much of the studio was littered with different kinds of fabrics, all in multiple shades and patterns. Sketches of clothing designs were pinned to the walls near the heap of the working stations, along with several mirrors set up along a few walls.

I caught hoof steps approaching from an entryway off to the side of the main room, looking over in time to see the white unicorn lower a pair of red glasses from the bridge of her muzzle and give a hesitant look towards me. All before expertly masking it with a welcoming smile. She’s good. Probably has to deal with undesirables all the time.

“Ah… Nick, was it?” Rarity casually made her way further in, any sense that she had been cautious of me being there completely gone. Well, aside from the fact I could still smell her nerves. And… what is that, perfume? Smells like vanilla chunks wrapped in flowers, before being dunked in raspberry juice. “Welcome to my lovely Boutique!” She stopped a good yard or so from me, tilting her head slightly, though keeping her smile. “Did Twilight send you for something?”

I shook my head, itching my cheek with a small chuckle. “Not really… I was hoping you might be able to do me a favor.”

She raised her brow in momentary confusion, before what I took as a much more genuine smile graced her expression. “Well, I can certainly do my best, darling. What did you require?”

I pointed towards the shirt I was wearing; the same shirt I’d been wearing since I first got here. “I’m not sure how busy you are, but I was hoping I might be able to request some more clothing for me, at some point? I didn’t really have a chance to grab a change of clothes before getting forcefully dragged to this place.” I ended that with another chuckle, though even I could make out how hollow it came off.

The mare’s smile quickly took a nosedive, her expression filling with worry. “Oh, you poor thing!” She quickly made her way closer, her horn flaring up as I felt one of my hands being pulled towards her, wrapped up in the same color aura her horn was engulfed in. She then took said hand in one of her hooves, causing me to fight back a grimace at the feeling.

Hooves should not be able to do that…

Thankfully, she must not have noticed, as she continued on with a sympathetic expression. “Twilight has been rather sparse on the details, but I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult this must be for you.” The smile I’d been attempting to hold faltered slightly as I began having difficulty keeping my eyes locked with hers. She must have noticed this, however, as her eyes gained a more encouraging look, her smile returning. “But don’t you fret, darling, you’ve come to just the right mare! I’ll be more than happy to help!”

“...Thank you,” I replied, trying to smile once more. I couldn’t help but mentally cuss at myself for having misjudged her right off the bat. Prissiness aside, she seems like she has a good heart.

“It’s my pleasure!” Releasing my hand, she took a step back before giving me a look over, particularly giving my clothes a few inquisitory glances. “...Well, differing body postures aside, our clothing at least appears similar in structure.” Her horn gleamed once more to readjust her glasses. “Pardon, but would you be able to change out of them for me, so I could closer examine them?”

I felt my cheeks heat up before I could respond. “W-Well, I suppose so…” I glanced about the place for a second. “Do you have somewhere to undress? And, maybe a towel?”

The unicorn gained a momentary look of confusion, before waving a hoof at me with a small giggle. “Oh, come now, darling. There’s no need to be bashful!”

…Ah, right. Most of the ponies around here don’t wear clothing.

“I-It’s… more of a cultural thing. We, as a collective species, saw being nude in public as, uh… ‘public indecency’.” I had to take a second to mentally confirm that I was, indeed, explaining this to a talking miniature horse. “...It’s just been sort of burned into my psyche, at this point.”

Rarity seemed to take a second to think it over, before nodding her head with a small smile. “Well, while I have to admit the concept sounds a tad silly from my own perspective, I’ll go and fetch you a towel. There’s also a changing area through there.” She pointed a hoof towards a doorway that had a curtain draped off to the side. “Go ahead, and I’ll be right back!” She then turned and gracefully trotted away toward where she’d come from.

Leaving me to slowly make my way over to the changing room with a heavy sigh.

After an excruciating ten minutes, Rarity finished taking my measurements and inspecting all my garments. Once given the okay to dress again, I wasted little time in excusing myself to put them back on, but was surprised to come back to her already sketching on a large notepad. Glancing over her shoulder, I immediately went pale at whatever creation she thought she was making for me.

“Uh…” I backed away from her, with an uneasy smile, trying to choose my next words carefully. “B-Before you start going crazy with the designs, I only really need some simple shirts and shorts, for now.”

With the look she gave as she turned to face me, you’d think I’d just insinuated her mother gave out free pony rides. Guess I didn’t choose those words so carefully…

“Simple? Why, my good stallion, perish the thought!” She emphasized her statement by covering her forehead with her arm in a rather dramatic fashion, before looking at me with borderline scrutiny “Don’t you want to look your absolute best, and wow the other ponies?”

“No, not really…”

For a moment, I thought I heard the sound of glass shattering before Rarity shot me a wary look. “...Are you most certain, darling? It’d truly be no problem at all t-”

I cut her off with a waving of my hand, trying my best to present an apologetic smile. “Really, Rarity, I’m alright with it being casual. In fact, I’d honestly prefer it. Anything too out of the norm of what I used to wear back home might be…” I sort of trailed off, not quite sure how to put it.

Thankfully, it seemed I didn’t need to, as a pristine hoof gently being placed on my hip would catch my train of thought. Lowering my gaze towards the mare it belonged to, my unsure expression meeting Rarity’s soft smile, I could feel a small sting form in my chest.

“...Say no more, Nick. I’ll get started on a few outfits right away.” She must have seen my attempt to speak, as her horn was soon glowing once more as a tightness formed around my mouth, keeping it shut. “And I won’t take any rebuttals. Consider this both another apology on account of our first meeting, as well as a personal ‘welcome to Ponyville’ gift from myself.”

I stared back at her for a moment, finding myself unable to come up with any kind of verbal response. After a good half minute of silence between the two of us, all I could manage to do was kneel down, taking the mare’s hoof in my hand. After a bit of effort, I muddled out a small response, my voice being a bit shakier than I’d have preferred.

“Th-Thank you…”

She closed her eyes, smiling more prominently. “You are absolutely welcome, darling.” Rarity gently took her hoof back before looking back at me with a more assertive look in her eyes. “I’ll have them ready and waiting before the day is through. Just be sure to pick them up before it gets too late. I’ll want to have you try them on, just in case they need adjustments.”

I nodded my head, still trying my best to force a smile onto my face. Which was beginning to be quite the ordeal.

After exchanging goodbyes, I wandered out of her boutique with two thoughts currently going through my mind. One is that I’d judged Rarity far too harshly up to this point, and would definitely need to make up for her–unsurprising–generosity at some point. And two…

…I really miss home.

With that depressing thought now in the forefront of my mind, I meandered my way through town without much clarity on what else I’d meant to do today. Glancing toward the sky and recalling how long I’d been at Rarity’s, I pegged it as being a little before one. Likely as a means of distracting myself, I started imagining what everyone back at the library was up to. Twilight and Trixie were probably starting their spell lessons, with Spike either doing his own thing or helping out.

I hope they’re, at the very least, being civil amongst themselves…

Before my mind could start filling with too many images of the tree library up in flames, some movement up by a cloud caught my attention. That was about the only heads-up I got before a multi-colored streak was darting right at me. With practically no time to react, and even less to figure out whether the rainbow-maned mare was, for whatever reason, diving at me with ill intent, or was actually in trouble, I did the only thing I could. I raised both my arms out to my sides and plastered an evil smile onto my face.

I could just make out an expression of either confusion or surprise on her face, quickly followed by a look of panic as she tried and failed to pull out of her nosedive. With the feeling of having just been hit by a car, both of us were soon rolling backward over each other along the dirt street, until I was lying on my back, sore and silently cursing my idiocracy, and a mildly dazed Rainbow Dash was wrapped up in my embrace. Unsurprisingly, she was quicker at recovery from the collision, immediately trying to escape my hold on her.

“L-Let me go!” I did so, continuing to lie on the ground in a slowly dulling pain. “Why’d you go and mess up my landing like that?! Are you trying to get yourself hurt?”

With most of the soreness nearly faded away, I slowly sat up, raising my gaze towards the cyan pegasus. “...No, not really.” I picked myself up off the ground, brushing away the dirt from my pants, before turning back to her with a small chuckle. “I mean, if I did, I’d just warrant another earful from Twilight.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes, before giving me a deadpanned look. “Uh huh…” She gained a rather conflicted look on her face. “Hey, uh… I never got to ask ya about it, but…” The mare diverted her gaze, rubbing one of her forelegs with the other. “Did you end up finding Gilda?”

“...Yeah.” I spoke up, only now recalling I’d not gotten a chance to talk to her about it, either. “We, uh… got in a bit of a scuffle out in the Everfree.” Rainbow’s gaze shot toward me at that, eyes widening. “Easy, she’s fine. Honestly, I took the brunt of it.”

“T-That’s not much better!” While she was doing her best not to make it apparent, I could tell she was trying to look me over. “Griffons can really do some damage, dude! Especially Gilda!”

“Yeah, well…” I waved my hand at her, before itching at my neck scruff. “From what she was saying, I don’t think she necessarily wanted to kill me. Just… take out some of her frustration, is all. Besides,” I let out a forced chuckle, “I think I ended up flustering her in the end, sending her off in a bout of embarrassment.”

That got Rainbow’s attention, the mare gaining a rather dubious look of shock, before it slowly turned into a toothy smirk. “Now THAT I would have loved to see.”

I snickered, a bit more genuine this time. “It was… something.” My smirk fell a bit short, though, as I recalled more of what Gilda and I had gone over. “...I think, at the end of the day, she just thought you had gone and replaced her with some new friends. Which, doesn’t really give her much of an excuse for the way she handled it, but…”

Rainbow’s face grew a bit more downtrodden at that, the mare rubbing at the back of her head. “Damn… I guess I just didn’t realize that.”

I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at her, having heard one of these ponies say some form of obscenity. Then again, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised Rainbow Dash is the one to pop my vulgarity cherry in this pastel world of ponies.

The two of us went silent for a few moments before Rainbow looked back at me with a slightly annoyed look on her. “Hey, by the way, who was that I saw you walking around town with earlier?”

The rather random question seemed to partially snap me out of whatever contemplation I’d found myself in. “Uh… What do you mean?” I smirked at her, furrowing my brow. “Are you spying on me, now?”

Rainbow seemed to lose her train of thought for a second, before letting out a mock laugh. “Ha! You wish.” But she seemed to remember whatever was on her mind, her irked look coming back to her as she flew up and hovered in my face. “Since when did you start getting all buddy-buddy with that big headed liar.”

I felt my jaw tighten a bit at that, reaching up and casually pushing Rainbow back a bit so she wasn’t directly in my face. “...You mean Trixie? She has a name, you know.”

Rainbow’s eyes narrowed a bit before she folded her forelegs over her chest in a rather human-like fashion. “After humiliating AJ, Rarity, and me in front of half of Ponyville, I couldn’t care less.”

That got a falter out of me, my head tilting in mild confusion. “...What are you talking about?”

“Right after you left her show, the three of us went up on stage to try and prove she wasn’t anything special. And instead, she ended up making us look bad! She more-or-less hogtied Applejack, turned Rarity’s mane green–which was honestly kind of funny–and then made me get all nauseous after twirling some clouds around me! Then she had the gull to gloat about it!”

I squinted at her, trying to make sense of some of it while looking away with a sigh. Pinching at the bridge of my nose, I looked back to Rainbow Dash before finally speaking up in a somber tone. “...I was not aware she’d done that. And I’ll be sure to bring it up with her when I get back to the library.”

“Wait, she’s still here?!”, she exclaimed in anger, before making like she was about to turn and dart off. I managed to grab ahold of her tail just as she was about to speed off, giving it a yank, with seemed to stop her right in her tracks, falling to her hooves. She was quick to give me a death glare, but I spoke up before she could say something.

“Yes, she is. And with Twilight’s permission, no less.” That seemed to shock her all the more. “She’s going to be staying with us until we manage to get her a new wagon.” Again, it looked like Dash wanted to speak up, and again, I cut her off. “Rainbow, it’s not her fault that Ursa Minor showed up. That was the wrongdoing of some easily impressionable kids that went looking for trouble, and then found it. Trixie’s only part was lying about having ever faced one before, which in the grand scheme of things, is honestly a forgivable offense when her entire livelihood depends on over-selling herself.”

She still didn’t look all too convinced, which I honestly didn’t expect her to. Shaking my head, and looking around towards the one or two ponies that had stopped to gawk at the small scene we were making, I tried my best to calm my already unsteady nerves. Taking a deep breath, I slowly let it out before turning back towards the rainbow-maned pegasus with a more neutral tone.

“...I’m sorry to hear she did those things to you and the other two. I was just at Rarity’s to request her help in creating a new wardrobe for me, and her mane was its normal color. So thankfully, that one wasn’t permanent. You have my word, though, that I will be having a word with Trixie when I see her, and preferably get her to apologize to you three herself. However…” I paused a moment, before continuing with slightly more intensity. “It also sounds like the only reason she did these things to you was because you’d all decided to meet her at her own game, and attempted to upstage her. And I also know for a fact that she’s not the only pony around here who enjoys tooting their own horn, Fastest Flyer In All of Equestria.”

Rainbow seemed to grow a bit flustered at that, frowning at me as a small blush formed on her face. “H-Hey, that’s different! Just because I am the fastest flyer doesn’t mean I also go around rubbing it in the face of anyone slower than me!” She quickly glanced away, a somewhat guilty expression peeking through as she muttered under her breath. “Much…”

She may have had a point, but I wasn’t giving in just yet. “Well, that’s the part I’m gonna try to have her work on. Her stay here isn’t going to be a vacation spot. I wholeheartedly plan on using her time here to better improve her attitude. Because, while you might not believe it, I think there’s a good mare in there somewhere that just needs a chance to let herself be known.”

There was another moment of silence between the two of us as we both stared at each other with varying levels of intensity. Eventually, Rainbow gave a small huff before rolling her eyes once more.

“Whatever, dude. I wouldn’t hold your breath, though...” She eyed me for a moment longer, before seeming to relax a bit more. “...Well, I’m gonna go practice some more of my flight maneuvers.” She quickly added. “N-Not because I’m trying to show off, or anything!”

The corners of my lips tugged outwards a bit, threatening to form a light smirk. “...Alright. And, uh…” I shook my head, letting out a sigh before looking to Rainbow Dash with an earnest smile. “No hard feelings. About Trixie, I mean.”

She paused a second, before lightly pounding her right foreleg on her chest, a cocky smirk on her face. “Eh, no big deal. Later, Nick.” And with that sped off towards the sky, before quickly darting over some nearby rooftops and out of sight.

Standing there, now with new information at the head of my attention, I thought about what my next play should be.

Well… I can either head back to the library, or…

Another thought came to mind, my eyes once more checking on the approximate time I was working with. Coming to the conclusion not much time had passed, I figured I might just have enough time to be there and back to pick up my clothes before it got too late. Plus, I really wanted to make sure any harm done by Trixie hadn’t had too many serious consequences…

…Alright. Off to Sweet Apple Acres, then.

—————————————~O~o~O~—————————————

Making my way downtown, walking—at a rather brisk pace, I headed back towards the western side of the town, passing by Sugercube Corner and continuing towards the outskirts. Again, I had to marvel at how well I was getting my bearings with this place. Not that I’m complaining, of course. Even if I was retracing steps I’d taken several nights ago, it wasn’t difficult to find the stone bridge, built over a stream, that connected to the dirt path that eventually made its way towards both one of the Apple’s orchards, and the borders of the Everfree Forest.

Once I was on the other side, I could just make out the schoolhouse that I’d passed, as well. However, seeing as it was still summer, I figured it normal that I’d had yet to see any signs of use from the building yet. Continuing along the dirt path, I could just catch sight of the beginning of the apple orchard up ahead, along with the white picket fence bordering it. I hadn’t put much concern into it up to this point, but I couldn’t help but hope Applejack wouldn’t mind me showing up so abruptly like this…

…I’m sure it’ll be fine.

Rounding the bend, a stray southern breeze carried along the smells of, well, a farm. Surprisingly, though… I found myself smiling softly at all the scents I could pick up. Sure, one of the more prominent smells may have been that of livestock and… well, manure. But my wicked nose was managing to hone in on things I’d not smelt since… Well, my grandparent’s farm. Freshly-cut hay, laying out to cure. Earth that had recently been turned. And aside from the–unsurprising–smell of apples, I could also make out various other crops in varying states of bloom and growth. All of it just screamed familiarity. Hell, even as I got closer, the smell of the farm animals was starting to grow on me once more.

It wasn’t long until the supposed farmhouse came into sight, appearing more like a large barn-turned-residence than anything else. Large and red with white trim, and a large apple-themed wind vane atop what appeared to be the barn’s cupola, its windows decorated with bright yellow curtains. I could make out dark, vine-like, designs along the building, especially along the side and above what I assumed was the main entrance, as well as more apple memorabilia. The house itself was surrounded by more white fencing, with what looked like a chicken coop out front, a moderate garden likely meant for personal crop-growing for the household, a well, and a trellis archway that lead up to it all, a wooden sign with the shape of an apple cut out from it hanging underneath it.

Coming up to said archway, which had a well-maintained hedge growing over it with–get this–more apple-themed decor worked into it, I stood just before it, noting I’d likely need to duck underneath the sign if I wanted to enter.

Just another reminder that I’m constantly surrounded by beings half my size…

“Uh…” I glanced around the front yard, for lack of a better term, trying to spot anyone who might be out. Not immediately seeing anyone, I dipped my head under the sign as I casually stepped through the archway. “Hello? Anyone home?”

I could make out the sounds of chickens, a pig or three, as well as… what might have been some cows off behind the house? But no Applejack.

I took a few more steps forward, turning my attention back toward the household, particularly the visible window up on the top floor. There looked to be a planter outside the window, with some form of flowers growing in it. I could almost picture Mom tending to them, or at least trying her best to. An image of the dreary-looking mass of wildflowers she’d attempted to keep in the kitchen window came to mind, getting a frail smile out of me. She never really did have a green thumb… Probably why she first ended up moving closer to the cities.

The sound of barking close by snapped me out of my reminiscing, getting a jump out of me. Quickly turning towards its source, I caught sight of a brown and white collie with a red collar, currently bounding at me with an expression I didn’t quite take as friendly. Eyes going wide, I quickly took a few steps back, hands out in front of me.

“W-Woah, woah! Good doggy! Nice doggy!”

“You best get outta here, or this ‘ nice doggy’ is gonna tear you a new one, buster!”

I actually found myself pausing for a moment, eyes wide as I stared at the collie, who was now several feet away from me in a threatening stance, growling at me.

…Did that dog just talk?

In a world with talking ponies, I wasn’t exactly sure why that was the main concern at the forefront of my mind. But I didn’t have long to think too hard on it before another, older, voice called out from the entrance of the household, also containing a southern drawl.

“Now, what in the blazes ‘s goin’ on out here? Winona, what's got you all-” The old, light lime-green, mare stepping out from the main entrance cut herself off as soon as her eyes settled on me, a rather shocked expression coming over her wrinkled face before the old timer let out a shrill scream. “Eeeeee! B-Big Mac! One o’ them Everfree critters is in the front yard!” Her expression quickly turned to one of anger as the mare, despite how old she appeared, quickly disappeared back into the barn-like house, reappearing with a broom being held in her mouth shortly after. One, of which, she immediately raised in an intimidating manner before hobbling towards me. “Go on now, you filthy varmint, git!”

My eyes widened as I raised my hands out before me, waving them at the mare. “H-Hold up there, ma’am! I’m just here to– Ow!!” I found myself getting repeatedly thwacked on the arm and chest with the broom’s head, surprised by how much force the elderly earth pony mare was managing to put behind her swings.

At this point, the collie started to get in on this too, ducking in and attempting to nip at my legs, all while growling and barking up a storm once again. It was taking all I could to not freak out or start fighting back, and instead try to deflect the dreaded broom I was getting assaulted with while also trying to keep myself from getting bit.

“Dang critters learnin’ Equine, now, ay!? That blasted forest keeps spittin’ out sneakier and sneakier-”

“Granny Smith?!” Finally came a familiar voice. “What’s goin’ o– Woah, there, Granny! Winona, heel, girl!”

I’d never been happier to see a pony in all my life. Applejack quickly came galloping over, getting in between her supposed granny and the dog, who both appeared to falter in their attacks. I, meanwhile, finally found myself tripping over my feet, and falling backward onto my ass, not a moment too soon. The last thing I would have needed was the collie deciding to take a bite out of my face…

“Applejack?” Granny Smith frowned at the orange mare. “Youngin, have ye been lookin’ fer oranges in the pear trees again?! Why you gettin’ in the way of me chasin’ off this, here, Everfree critter?!” Had the circumstances been different, I likely would have laughed out loud at that.

Applejack made her way over to me, rolling her eyes before offering me a hoof. I took it, an apologetic smile plastered on my face as she pulled me to my feet. I then went to brushing off some of the dirt from the back of my pants, while the cowgirl glanced at the old-timer.

“‘Cause, Granny, this ain’t no critter from the Everfree…” She looked back at me, a mixture of confusion on her face.

She looked like she was about to say something, but cut herself off as large, heavy, hoofsteps caught both our attention. And that’s when true fear struck me as one of the largest earth ponies I’d have yet to meet came bounding around the far side of the house with a pitchfork in his mouth, and a look on his face that said he meant business. While the red stallion was, obviously, still not as tall as Celestia, the sheer bulk of him had a shiver running down my spine. Werewolf or not, I did not want to get on this one’s bad side…

The stallion got within a couple of yards of us, before skidding to a stop, confusion coming to him, as well, as he looked me up and down before turning his gaze towards Applejack with a questioning look. The mare, after acknowledging him, gave him a light wave of her hoof, which seemed to work in relaxing the stallion, if just a tiny bit.

“Easy there, Big Mac. Just a… friend of a friend payin’ an unexpected visit, I gander.” She looked back at me with her own brow raised, as if expecting a follow-up.

“U-Uh… Y-Yeah.”, I managed to get out, before chuckling uneasily. “S-Sorry for the scare. I, uh… Was hoping to visit the farm after hearing some rather…” I paused a moment, thinking of a tactful way to put it. “...Unsavory news regarding a certain showpony. But, uh…” I chuckled again, itching at my cheek. “...Guess I got sort of lost in thought when I got here.” Looking to the eldest of the bunch, I put on the sincerest look of apology I could muster, before bowing my head. “S-Sorry, ma’am. I apologize for the start. Love the looks of your farm, though.”

A small hum came from Granny Smith, raising my gaze showing her now propping herself up with her broom while tapping at her chin. She had a skeptical look on her face as she sized me up. In all fairness, I didn’t feel like I was completely at fault here, seeing as I wasn’t the one who had jumped to the conclusion of granting someone death by broomstick, but I wasn’t about to press my luck by calling the old hag out on it…

“Well…” Her facial features appeared to relax slightly. “Ah s’pose ah might’ve jumped to some sort of conclusions, an’ saved askin’ questions fer later…” She finally gave a small smile, gaining an apologetic look of her own. “An’ ye sound like yer bein' sincere. Sorry ‘bout that, sonny.”

“Q-Quite alright.” I chuckled, before standing straight again.

Seeing as the farm was no longer under attack by some terrifying monster from the dreaded Everfree, Granny Smith slowly made her way back into the house, managing to appear feeble the whole while. The large brute of a stallion, who Applejack proceeded to introduce as her older brother Big Macintosh, gave a nod before silently excusing himself back to the chores he’d been working on. Winona had taken a seat beside AJ, still giving me a small glare as the latter stifled a chuckle.

“Sorry again ‘bout that. Had ya given us a heads up, Ah’m sure we woulda had a warmer welcome waitin’ for ya.”

I shrugged my shoulders, still giving the dog a weary glance. I couldn’t shake the growing suspicion the collie wasn’t acting the way she was solely because I was different, but more so because of what I was. …Probably can sense I’m a monster. “Nah, that’s my bad. Like I said, stopping by was a sort of last-minute decision.”

“Right.” She suddenly frowned, squinting slightly. “Somthin’ ‘bout that Great’n’Powerful blowhard?”

A frown slowly formed on my lips, before I shook my head with a sigh. “...Yeah, about that…”

I basically told her the same thing I’d said to Rainbow Dash; she was likely gonna be sticking around for quite a while. And, unsurprisingly, I got almost the exact same response I’d gotten from the multi-colored speedster; unhindered questioning of my sanity. Which, I had to admit, was something I had been starting to do, as well. The country mare definitely didn’t sound keen about the prospect of running into Trixie around town, especially after what she had done to her in front of such a large crowd. However, to my surprise, my counterargument seemed to have a bit more effect on the honest mare.

“While Ah ain’t gonna deny it was mighty foolish of me to fall for that highfalutin mare’s bait, but settin’ her straight don’t sound like it’s gonna be an easy task.” Applejack adjusted her stetson, glancing towards the collie still seated by her side. “Hay, Ah reckon Ah had an easier time trainin’ Winona, here, to keep outta the pig pen.”

The dog in question broke her stare on me to glance up towards AJ, her ears lowering as she let out a small whine. “They always look like they’re having so much fun, though...”

I couldn’t hold back a snicker at both comments, the fact I could understand the latter one still causing some mild confusion. “Well, I never said it was gonna be easy, but…” I shrugged my shoulders, before forming a smirk. “I think I’m up for the challenge. Besides, if Rainbow Dash can flaunt her talents about in some semblance of a ‘reasonable manner’, I’m sure Trixie can learn to do the same.”

Applejack let out what sounded like a mock laugh, rolling her eyes. “Ah s’pose that’s fair enough.”

We shared a moment of silence, save for the typical atmosphere a farm normally supplies, the mare poking at the dirt with her hoof while I turned my gaze back towards her farmhouse. I thought I saw a smaller form poking its head out from the main entrance, but only managed to catch a blur of yellow and red ducking back in. Another chuckle from me, catching Applejacks’s attention.

“...Well, I’ll get out of your hair. Er, mane,” I spoke up, gesturing to AJ. “Just wanted to give you the heads up, in case you ended up running into her around town. I’ll also try and get those apologies out of her, preferably without twisting her arm, first.”

Applejack nodded. “Ah appreciate the thought. ‘Specially seeing as ya came all the way out here tah tell me.”

“Why, t’was no trouble t’all, little lady.” I said, taking a small step back while grabbing my belt with one hand, tipping an imaginary hat of my own. The bemused look she gave me got another chuckle out of me as I dropped the act. “In all seriousness…” My grin turned more into a small smile as I eyed the area around us, even the tone of my voice losing a bit of its jovial nature. “...I think I prefer it out here. Kind of… reminds me of home.”

The look on the mare’s face turned from confusion to realization, before settling on a more neutral expression. “...Twi’ mentioned a little bit on yer situation, but didn’t go intah much detail. Somethin’ about you not bein’ from around these parts, with no surefire way of gettin’ back?”

Whatever semblance of a smile I had on tightened somewhat as I gave a curt nod. “That’s… about right. My grandparents own a farm back where I’m from, with my mom and sister living with them. I guess, just being around all this just…”, I motioned towards her farm, “...brings me back to some semblance of normality.”

I found it rather difficult to continue holding my smile by the end of that sentence, that dull pain in my chest steadily returning as my mind began conjuring up images of my family once more. My grandfather sitting in his recliner, watching some western or hunting program. My grandmother in the kitchen, prepping whatever dinner was gonna be for that evening, my mother attempting to help out in whatever way she could. My sister, either reading something inside at the kitchen table or outside on the porch swing. The thought of them going about their daily lives without me, like nothing was wrong, honestly brought a smile to my face. Mostly because it was better than the alternative…

Something hard touching my leg shocked me out of my daydream with a bit of a jolt. Looking down showed an orange hoof placed against it, the mare it belonged to looking up at me with those emerald eyes of hers.

“...You miss yer family, dontcha?”

The question felt pretty redundant, personally. But, even so, I nodded my head, trying my best to fight off the stinging I felt in my eyes.

Applejack pursed her lips, lowering her gaze for a few moments, before giving a small nod of her head. “Well, might not be much, but… Yer welcome to stop by here whenever you’d like. Can’t guarantee we won’t always be a bit busy, with running the place an’ all.” She let out a soft chuckle, before offering up a genuine smile. “But Ah’ll try and make time tah sit an’ chat with ya, if ya like. Ah’m sure that goes fer the rest of mah family, too.” She paused a moment, before bringing her hoof to her chin. “Though, Ah can’t guarantee Big Macintosh bein’ a great conversationalist…”

I stared at the mare for several seconds, not saying anything. How could I? I was in the process of trying not to bawl my eyes out in front of a pony I hardly knew, right in front of her own home, while doing the extremely healthy practice of balling up all the internal turmoil I’d been keeping inside me on the prospect of never seeing my home, or family, ever again. And that, despite all my attempts at brushing off the fact that I was in an alien world, dealing with beings who differed from me on nearly all scales, aside from the most based forms, I still found myself on the verge of a breaking point from the sights and smells of a miniature horse’s farmstead. The same one who, even without knowing next to anything about me, was offering such a kind gesture to me. And it wasn’t just Applejack, but Rarity, as well. Were they doing this because they truly cared? Or was it simply because I was situated with Twilight? Or… because they knew I had connections with Celestia?

The thought was quickly shaken from my mind. Even after only spending the past week with Twilight, I could tell that, for the most part, these ponies tended to wear their hearts on their sleeves. And while the graciousness of the Mayor may have had some minor pull from my involvement with the Princess, I felt it safe to say that these mare’s actions were driven by genuine concern. I mean, they had to be. You don’t get proclaimed the embodiments of what this world considers the fundamentals of harmony, itself, without being decently human beings…

No. Ponies. While not all humans back home were the spitting image of evil, my past experiences with my kind didn’t paint the greatest picture of them. I mean, if my moving to my grandparent’s town was the baseline to what a welcoming and accepting community should look like, these ponies had them beat by miles. Was that why I’d felt so out of place here? I mean, aside from the talking ponies, and my forced-upon-me curse. Was it the overall lack of selfishness I’d come across so far? The gross amounts of positivity these beings seemed to radiate out, despite the darkness that had, quite literally, nearly consumed them not even a week earlier?

Could I honestly say I’d have been able to do the same, were the shoe on the other foot?

…No. I suppose I didn’t.

My mouth didn’t wanna operate correctly, the words getting stuck in my throat. The only manner of response I could form, after several attempts to continue holding back the floodgates I could feel were still very close to bursting, was taking the mare’s hoof in my hand, giving it a firm, singular, shake, and nodding my head with a tight-lipped smile. Applejack seemed a bit confused at first by the action, but quickly gained a soft smile of her own, followed by a nod of her own.

The walk back to town was… not that great. And neither was the extra hour or so I’d spent just wandering the streets. The trip to Sweet Apple Acres hadn’t taken as long as I’d thought, and I didn’t wanna walk into Rarity’s shop too soon. So, I sauntered my way around, probably resembling a zombie, while thoughts I’d have preferred to stay buried drifted through my mind. I likely got a few looks, and some stares, but didn’t pay any mind to them. I managed to waste enough time, however, as the sun was soon setting overhead when next I checked.

I made my way back to Rarity’s, where I was greeted once more by the fashionista’s grandeur personality, which was a happy sidetrack for me to focus on. She had managed to, much to my surprise, create eight separate outfits worth of clothes, all varying in both color and design. She’d somehow controlled herself in not going too overboard. Of which she was more than happy to complain over, getting a laugh out of me. Once she had finished fitting them and making any last-minute adjustments, I thanked her again for all her help and even made a point of complimenting the finer details I noticed on one of the shirts. The bright smile I got from that was, surprisingly, worth it. We said our goodbyes, me promising to do something nice for her in return at some point, and her stating she’d be more than happy to assist me again another time.

The sun was nearly gone by the time I got back to the library. As I made my way in, I caught sight of Twilight on the couch, reading a book she had wrapped up in her magic. She paused a moment, glancing up toward me and noticing the clothing I was holding, before offering me a light smile.

“I take it your visit with Rarity went well?”

“Quite well, actually. I guess there’s a reason she’s the Element of Generosity.” We both chuckled a bit at that before I noticed the room was absent of one dragon and one other mare. “Where’s Spike and Trixie?”

Twilight closed her book, setting it down gently next to her as she let out a sigh. “Already asleep. Spike was busy sorting through some old tomes we’d found in the basement, while Trixie ran herself to exhaustion while practicing some basic spells I’d suggested to her.” She raised her hoof to her chin. “I’m… honestly quite impressed with her. Personality quirks aside, she has quite an aptitude for magic, as well as creative, if not slightly unconventional, ways of utilizing it. And while her knowledge of more advanced spells is limited, at best, the sheer amount she can do with just basic cantrips is, honestly, impressive!”

“Well, that’s…” I struggled a bit to understand half of that but nodded back to her with a slight smile. “Good to hear. I think. It sounds like you’re getting along, then?”

Twilight shook her head, though couldn’t seem to rid herself of the child-like smile she was holding onto. “I… suppose so. Her blatant inflating of her bravado can be a bit much to handle. But I can appreciate her love and enthusiasm when it comes to magic. Whenever her persona slips up, at least.”

I gave another chuckle at that, not being able to disagree. “Fair enough.” A sudden yawn forced its way out of me, getting Twilight to giggle at me. “Yeah, I think I’m gonna end up turning in, too, then. If you’re not too busy tomorrow, and I can pry you away from Trixie, maybe we can get started on those reading and writing lessons?”

That got her attention, her eyes widening as a scarily large smile appeared on her face. “Of course! I already have several lesson plans prepared, as well as some materials we ca-”

“Can’t wait, egghead.” I interrupted, waving my hand at her with a smirk. Her upset pout got a laugh from me, which seemed to only get more of a reaction from her as her cheeks grew several shades redder. “We can discuss it in the morning, For now, though, I’m gonna go stash these someplace.” I paused a moment, before pointing toward the couch she was on. “You, uh… mind if I steal my bed from you when I get back?”

She cocked a brow at me, quickly glancing down before gaining a look of recognition. “O-Oh! O-Of course.” She hopped off the couch, grabbing the book she’d been reading in her magic before steadily making her way over towards the stairs. “I’ll go finish this upstairs, then. Good night, Nick.”

“Night, Twilight.”

After taking a quick shower, and finding a spot to keep my new clothing, I came back into the living area before unceremoniously collapsing onto the couch, exhaustion finally washing over me. Which ended up a bit awkward, given the size difference between me and my recent sleeping arrangement. Rolling onto my back, legs halfway dangling off of the end of it, I stared up at the ceiling while replaying all that had happened today. All that I’d thought about. Closing my eyes, I slowly took in a deep breath, still-fresh images of my family drifting about in my mind’s eye…

…Before finally allowing myself to let go, silently crying to myself until, eventually, I passed out.