Through the Cavern

"Wow..." Ricky stared, stunned. There were rows upon rows of comics, cutouts of various superponies in ridiculous poses. About 10 or so stallions hung around, browsing through comics and bickering back and forth. Suddenly, they all realized that Ricky was there, and stared at him, unaware of how to react.

"Dude...what should I do? They're creeping me out..." Ricky whispered out of the corner of his mouth. Spike rolled his eyes "At ease, gentleman. What's the big deal, anyway?"

"Well, for starters, none of us have ever been in the presence of an interdimensional traveller before in our lives." A skinny unicorn with large front teeth and a bowl haircut said, walking up to the new arrivals "Greetings, human. My name is Role Player."

"What, seriously?" Ricky smirked. Role Player narrowed his eyes "Are you implying that there are humorous references contained within my name?"

"No, sorry. I just find everything in this town is pretty specific. Anyhow, name's Ricky." He stuck out a hand, and Role Player studied it. A heavyset Earth pony wearing a Power Ponies t-shirt and a greasy ponytail walked up to them.

"Dang it, Role Player, give the poor fella some room, would ya?" the fat nerd pony said with annoyance, and Role Player backed up.

"Sorry, fella. He tends to overanalyze things. Welcome to the Stable of Justice, name's Mint Condition. And a howdy to you too, Spike!" Mint was a lot less in-your-face than Role Player was, and had a jolly air about him.

"Hey, Mint! Is that new issue in yet?" Spike took off his backpack and removed a comic bag. Mint Condition guffawed "Every month, you come on the same day, and get the same answer. That tell you anything, son?" He gave Spike a raised eyebrow.

"YES!!!" Spike gave a happy jump, and ran to a "New Releases" rack. Mint looked at Ricky "You a comic reader yourself?"

"Oh, yeah. I had a huge collection back home. Wouldn't mind trying to get them back, actually...do you have anything I might like?" Ricky asked. Mint looked him up and down and racked his brain, and then he smiled "Yep. Follow me over here."

They walked past a table where four stallion nerds were playing a "Magic" type card game. Ricky was curious as to what it was, but he knew better than to ask. The last thing he needed was to get sucked into a long lecture.

"Here we are...'Mysterious Mare Do Well'!" Mint Condition selected a couple of comics with a pony dressed in a Batman-style getup "I think you'll enjoy these. It's about a wealthy alicorn mare who fights crime at night. I also think you'll enjoy 'Daring Do'. Lot of great jungle action in these."

"Cool. I'm definitely coming back in here as soon as I get a chance." Ricky tucked the comics under his arm and followed Mint Condition up to the counter. Spike was already waiting with a pile of his own.

"Okay, gentlemen, comes to...25 bits total." Mint rang up the amount, and then Ricky suddenly remembered that he was flat broke. Spike noticed this and held up a hand "Don't worry, Rick, I got this."

"Thanks. I'll pay you back as soon as I start work." Ricky said gratefully. Mint passed their bags across the counter, and handed them each a package of 'Mystery Cards'.

"New promo, Mint?" Spike asked. Mint nodded "Yep. Comic Roundup is approaching, so they're giving away special booster packs."

"Cool..." Ricky stuck his in his pocket "Well, it was great meeting you, man. I'll definitely be popping by again."

"Pleasure's all mine. You boys take care, alright?"

The pair of them thanked him again, and bid farewell to the other patrons. Then they stepped out into the hot afternoon sun.

***

"So, let me get this straight," Spike set his cherry milkshake down. The two of them were sitting at the counter in Sugarcube Corner "Superman's weak to this krypto....kryptid...."

"Kryptonite." Ricky said, stirring his root beer float "Go on."

"Green Lantern is weak to a color...wait, how does that make sense?" Spike asked, baffled.

"Got me. And finally, everyone can kick Aquaman's ass." Ricky finished.

"Huh. Human superheroes are weird." Spike shook his head "Man, I got to say, today was great. Thanks again for suggesting it."

"Hey, no problem. I'm glad I was able to check the town out." RIcky stretched, and his spine cracked. Spike yawned and glanced at the clock on the wall "Wow, look at the time. I gotta get Twilight's ink before the store closes." He hopped down and threw a few bits on the table.

"All goods. My place is close by, I can make it home in one piece. Hey, remember what I said about you-know-what, okay?"

"Got it. Have a good one, man!" Spike waved happily and headed out the door. Ricky smiled, drained his drink and pulled out a smoke. He yawned, stood up and slowly made his way out.

Glancing up at the sky, he figured he'd take the long way home, being a warm night and all. Lighting up, he began to walk, when suddenly...

"LOOK OUT!!!!!!!!!!" Ricky jumped, turned to see what the noise was, and was hit right in the chest. His smoke went flying out of his mouth, along with what his breath. He fell to the ground, gasping.

"Uh...sorry?" Rainbow Dash stood over him, looking anxious. Ricky took a few gulps of air, and grabbed Rainbow's outstretched hoof.

"Jesus...why were you flying so fast?!" Ricky picked up his smoke.

"Cause I can." Rainbow said bluntly "Why were you just standing there?"

"Cause I was."

"Touche. Well, sorry about that, anyway. It was an honest accident." Rainbow said "So what are you up to, anyhow?"

"I was just gonna take a walk, why?" Ricky re-lit his smoke.

"Well, I'm headed over to Rarity's for a bit, and there's gonna be cider and whatnot. You in?"

"Sure, I'm wide awake." Ricky started walking, Rainbow taking the lead.

Soon they came upon a large building that looked like a carousel. Ricky pitched his smoke while Rainbow knocked on the door. A moment later, Rarity opened it, her face lighting up.

"Ah, hello, you two!" Rarity said happily Please, come in!" Stepping aside, she waited for them to enter before closing the door.