Kix an Mint; Uncertain Future

~~~~~Mint~~~~~

  “Do you know where the town hall is? I need to ask the mayor something real quick before we go get you your supplies.” The question comes jus’ before we leave the lobby o’ the hotel, causin’ me ta look at her in confusion.

  “Yea, it ain’ that hard ta find, why do ya need ta talk ta the mayor?” ‘Ah may not know her that well but somethin’ feels suspicious.’

  “It’s….. Grown up business, nothing for you to worry about.”

  Ah don’ know what is on her mind but we head on out, talkin’ about things that might seem casual or even borin’ ta passersby but ta me an’ ma the conversations are almost pure gold. “When I was your age I always dreamed about being a world famous rodeo pony, or the captain of the Wonderbolts. But I was one of the worst fliers in Cloudsdale when I went through flight camp. I never thought I’d not only be a stage performer but never in a million years imagined I’d enjoy it.”

  “Was it….. Was it because o’ pa’s accident an’ yer argument that caused ya to stop performin’ in rodeos?”

  Ah notice the hurt in her gaze as she falters at the question. A shiver runs along her body as she looks at me. “Yes, after….. After the….. Breakup I….. I never wanted to be reminded of that, so I changed….. Almost everything.” The admittance comes after a tense couple of minutes.

  “Well, Ah’m glad that ya changed yer mind now ma, even if ya missed out on mah life before now.”

  Ah can tell she has somethin’ else on her mind as her facial expression falls even further, but Ah don’ wanna ask an’ risk even further damage. Before we go inside the shop ma makes her way inside town hall, leavin’ me ta stand by the door.

  “..... Will be finished in a month or two and I will let Princess Twilight know about it.” The grey maned mare says in an official tone as her an’ ma exit the building after what seems like an hour, though accordin’ ta the big clock the talk only lasted fer around thirty seven minutes.

  “Thank you mayor, ready to go Mint?” Ah only answer with a simple head nod as a yawn fights its way out despite mah attempt ta hide it.

  The first store we go in is called Carousel Boutique an’ already Ah can tell Ah’m not gonna like this experience, specially once a voice drifts towards us filled with class. “Welcome to Carousel Bou…..” The white coated mare with fancy purple mane starts jus’ as she enters the room, stoppin’ as she sees ma. “A….. Amethyst Rain? Wha….. Don’t you have a show to be performing tonight?”

  “No I don’t, my show is next week” Ma smiles as we step deeper inta the shop. “I’m here to get my daughter a few outfits and if you can some new saddlebags.”

  “Ma, Ah already told ya, Ah don’ need any new outfits or bags, specially high class an’ fancy lookin’ ones.” Mah outburst comes before Ah even think about what Ah’m sayin’. ‘Great, spend most o’ the day gettin’ ta know each other an’ smilin’ an’ all it takes is one sentence ta ruin things between us.’ Instantly Ah regret mah bluntness as a sad an’ hurt look fills ma’s eyes. “Sorry ma….. jus’..... Ah don’ have much use fer those kinda clothes ya know? But Ah will accept the saddlebags, as long as they ain’ too fancy.”

  As Ah wait fer her response the shop owner, who spent the time mutterin’ unrecognizable words while her blue eyes shrunk ta almost nothin’ begins ta snap outa whatever trance she was in. “Alright, but you do need some new clothes for winter, and I will settle for you to have one dress.” Ma counters before the unicorn clears her throat.

  “Well darling, I must say that it is a surprise to see that you have a daughter. In all the pictures and interviews you have given I do not recall you ever mentioning having a foal or even being in a relationship. Oh and where are my manners, my name is Rarity and I must say it is an absolute pleasure to meet you Amethyst.”

  “It’s….. complicated, let’s just say that I was a….. very different mare back then and was in love.”

  The sadness in ma’s voice matches the look in her lowered eyes. ‘Does she….. does she regret havin’ me? Or does she regret meetin’ pa?’ “Ah’m Mint, Mint Song, nice ta meet ya Miss Rarity.” Ah can’ help but feel as if Ah done somethin’ wrong as Rarity jus’ looks at mah offered hoof. “Is….. is everythin’ ok?” ‘Great, what’d Ah do now ta cause this mare ta stare at me like this?’

  “Sorry darling, but I find it uncouth to shake hooves. It is a pleasure to meet you though, and you don’t have to call me Miss, just Rarity will do. I am wondering how did you ever come across your accent? Do you not live in Manehattan?”

  “Naw, Ah live mah pa an’ we spent most o’ our time livin’ in Appleoosa an’ Neighsville.”

  “Well I must say it is charming, now follow me please and I shall get your new outfit done in no time, and I could even make you another hat to match.” As she begins ta take mah measurements Rarity goes off an’ starts a conversation with ma about borin’ stuff, like what is it like livin’ in Manehattan an’ bein’ a stage actor.

  ‘Ah hope Ah'll never have ta go through this again fer the rest o’ mah life.’ After what felt like years Rarity finally finishes with mah outfit, an’ it’s one Ah really wish Ah never have ta wear.

  The main color o’ the dress is some sorta white, accordin’ ta Rarity it’s ivory. The body o’ the dress is nothin’ more than a piece o’ fabric goin’ from a silver collar an’ runs between mah front legs along mah chest till it meets with the belt which is done in gold. Another piece stretches along mah back, leavin’ mah shoulders an’ wings free. The back part o’ the dress does have a country style look ta it as it incorporates frills along the bottom o’ each layer with the frills done in silver fabric. Gold thread forms intricate musical and country designs on the front o’ the chest an’ along the sides o’ the back part. Mah hat is replaced with a matchin’ ivory colored version with the hatband bein’ mostly gold with musical designs done in silver. Finally a pair o’ matchin’ cowboy boots graces mah hooves.

  “Rarity, Ah like how the hat an’ boots look, an ’ Ah appreciate the fancy dress, but maybe….. could ya make one that looks like it, but a little less….. fancy please?”

  “I guess I could, though I do have to go back to work on some of my other orders. If you are staying in Ponyville for a while I could let you know when it will be done.” The dress is magically removed an’ folded very carefully before bein’ placed in mah new bags which are made o’ gold cloth, a microphone standin’ straight up an’ down is done in ivory with a pair o’ wings fully extended ta the sides done in two shades o’ mint, matchin’ mine completely. “I do hope you both have a wonderful day and take care.” Rarity says with a wave o’ her hoof as we walk out an’ head ta another store after ma promises ta get Rarity a pair o’ tickets fer her next show.

  The rest o’ the day goes by startin’ with a lunch with pa at his new hopefully long term job. Fer an entire hour between bites an’ sips Ah feel as if we’re one normal family like Ah’ve seen in our travels. Ma an’ pa spend the time laughin’ and bringin’ up memories about their past, good memories, though they do get a little sad after a while. Fer the rest o’ day me an’ ma go off an’ get the rest o’ mah supplies fer the new school year an’ hang out. By the time we return ta the apartment the sun has just almost set.

  The next day starts off jus’ the same as it did yesterday, but instead of doin’ some shoppin’ we meet up with pa an’ we escort ma towards the train station.  “Thanks fer the new stuff ma, Ah’m glad we could spend the day together yesterday an’ fer mosta the supplies ya got me.” A tear fights its way down mah cheek as Ah hug her at the train platform.

  “Take care o’ yerself ‘Thyst, an’ give us a heads up before ya visit again.”

  “I will, and I’ll miss you my Song. Kix, take care of her and let me know in advance when you’ll let her come and visit.” After the round o’ hugs finish ma steps back onta the train, me an’ pa jus’ stand there quietly as the train quickly disappears.

~~~~~Kix~~~~~

  “So Mint, did ya have a good time hangin’ out with yer ma?” We head down the ramp an’ back towards the town. Ah give her a gentle nuzzle against the backside o’ her ear as we pass by a restaurant as Ah notice her somewhat darkened mood. “Gettin’ hungry? Ah am.”

  “Sure….. Ah’m gettin’ a little hungry.”

  “Hey, what’s eatin’ ya? Ya’ve been upset over somethin’ since Amethyst left an’ Ah know ya know ya can talk ta me about it.” For a while she jus’ stands there as if unsure what ta say, then finally she answers with only a shake o’ head. “Don’ let it build up fer too long sweetie, it ain’ healthy.”

  Lunch goes by quietly as Ah jus’ watch her push food around before eatin’ which only draws a sigh. The silence is broken by a familiar voice. “Well, if it isn’t the new filly in town, she’s the one who bullied me daddy.”

  Another sigh escapes mah throat as Mint jus’ glares at the filly an’ starts ta get up angrily. “Mint, sit down, Ah’ll handle this.” Turnin’ Ah notice what could be the fillies’ parents. “Ah’m Kix, nice ta meet ya sir, ma’am. Ah got a feelin’ we’ll be seein’ alot o’ each other in the school’s office unless we can figure out how ta nip the issue between our daughters in the bud.”

  “Hmph, it is not our daughter that is the problem. Just because y…..” The dark pink mare with purple mane starts. Her voice full of disgust an’ a hint o’ venom before the dark chocolate maned stallion with beige coat interrupts, takin’ mah hoof firmly and speaks in a friendly voice.

  “I’m Rich, Filthy Rich and it is a pleasure to meet you Kix. Now I do agree that it seems our daughters have started off on the wrong hoof. This is my wife, Spoiled Rich.” His introduction earns him an evil stare from both Spoiled an’ Diamond but he jus’ ignores them.

  “Nice ta meet ya, this is Mint Song. Ya mind if jus’ the two o’ us, Diamond an’ Mint have a sit down? No offense ma’am but Ah don’ think yer attitude would be suitable ta findin’ a good resolution ta the problem.” The two fillies an’ Spoiled jus’ look at me an’ Filthy in shock as he agrees, sendin’ his wife off ta take care o’ somethin’. The two fillies eventually join us but continue ta glower at each other as they sit with the table bein’ the only thing that splits them apart.

  “Alright Kix, since you have made the request why don’t you start us off.”

  “Mint, why did ya attack Diamond in the schoolyard when we were gettin’ ya registered?”

  Her answer is obviously unwilling as she jus’ glares at the pink filly. Anger drippin’ from each word. “Because pa, first she was actin’ so high an’ mighty jus’ cause o’ how rich her family is, then she started makin’ fun o’ how Ah talk an’ even said Ah should play with the pigs on some farm.” As she goes ta explain Ah can tell Diamond wants to interrupt but is stopped by Filthy. In response she jus’ narrows her gaze and let's out a huff.

  “Is that true Diamond?”

  “No it isn’t daddy, she was just mad because she misunderstood something I said to Silver Spoon as we were passing by. We didn’t say anything about how she talks and we did not tell her to make friends with pigs.”

  Before Mint can stand an’ shout back angrily Ah cut her off. “Hmmm, ya know Filthy, Ah think these two spendin’ some quality time together would be a possibility, what do ya think?” The balking o’ the two is fer the most part ignored as Filthy seems ta think it over fer a bit.

  “I think it may help, and if I may include something extra. Having Diamond Tiara spend some time with other ponies who aren’t as financially well off as her may also do her some good.”

  “WHAT?!”

  “Ah take that ta mean we have an agreement then?”

  As both me an’ Filthy shake hooves the duo jus’ groan an’ look at us before Filthy an’ Diamond gets up ta leave. “Oh hey, there’s one thing Ah fergot ta ask. Ah heard that ya like ta sponsor new businesses an’ what not, well mah band could use a sponsor, specially with us gearin’ up fer our very first Equestria tour next spring. Ah don’ need an answer now, besides Ah don’ handle the business dealins’ o’ the band. We’re staying at the hotel fer now or ya can find us at the Cider Mill performin’.”

  “I will definitely think it over Kix and will give you an answer soon. Plus we can work out the arrangements on how things will be handled with our daughters.” With a smile he heads off, followed by a very upset Diamond Tiara.

  “Hi, you wouldn’t happen to be Kix would you?” A mare asks as she approaches from behind jus’ as Ah’m about ta head inta mah room, Mint is already off with Ah’m guessin’ Sweet an’

  “Yes ma’am Ah am, how may Ah help ya?” Turnin’ around Ah come face ta face with a grey coated pegasus with buttery colored mane an’ eyes wearin’ a mailmare’s hat an’ satchel.

  “I have a letter for you, here you go.” Smiling happily she hands the envelope over. “I caught your show at the Cider Mill yesterday, you guys are very good. Are you planning on performing again soon? Oh, I’m sorry, my name is Ditzy, it is nice to meet you.”

  “Well Ditzy we are plannin’ on performin’ again though we don’ yet have a workin’ schedule with the bar’s management yet. Jus’ keep an eye out on the sign out front.”

  “Ok, thank you, have a good day.” With a smile she takes off an’ Ah take a look at the envelope which seems ta have come from Sapphire Shores.

Dear Kix,

I have some good news for Mint concerning her learning how to fly properly, though it could be an opportunity for you as well. I don’t know if it has been advertised yet but a week before Nightmare’s Night the Wonderbolts are doing a three day performance in Ponyville. Turns out that they have a special program for pegasi foals whose parents can’t afford to send them to flight school in Cloudsdale.

As for how it is an opportunity for you, well they were looking for a band to open up for their performances  and since you are already there I thought it would make sense to put your name in the hat. Spitfire, the captain of the team and the team’s manager is going to be visiting in a few weeks to talk with you and to go over the plans. Good luck with them.

Sincerely,

Sapphire Shores

~~~~~Mint~~~~~

  “Hey Mint, get your flank up girl or yer gonna be late fer yer first day o’ school.” Grumpily Ah growl at pa’s voice an’ hoof nudgin’ me in an attempt ta get me outa bed.

  “Pa, do Ah have ta spend mah time with that….. That….. That stuck up pain in the flank filly?” With another shove from pa’s hoof Ah tumble onta the floor with a yelp, tangled in the blankets.

  “Yes ya do, unless ya wanna spend the next year not only bein’ watched by the twins while grounded but also no music an’ no cosplay fer the same period o’ time.”

  “Ah remember, ya threatened me with that fer the past week now pa whenever Ah bring it up.” Sighin’ Ah get up an’ once Ah’m ready we meet up with the others fer breakfast. Breakfast lasts fer only about twenty minutes an’ then Ah’m bein’ ushered out the door with pa escortin’ me ta school.

  Thankfully the walk is short an’ quiet, endin’ with a hug and kiss before Ah continue on mah own, bein’ joined by a jus’ as reluctant Diamond Tiara an’ Silver Spoon. “Ah know ya hate this as much as Ah do, so let's…..”

  “Excuse me, but I didn’t say you can speak to me yet blank flank. And we need to go over the rules during recess. Until then, I don’t know you and you don’t know me, got it.”

  “Yeah, and like keep at least ten to fifteen feet between us. We don’t want you ruining our image.”

  “Who said ya get ta boss me around Di, huh? Ah don’ give a hoot what rules ya got fer me or what image yer tryin’ ta keep. If we don’ atleast act like we’re gettin’ along think o’ what yer gonna lose, now lets get inside before we’re late.” ‘Too early fer dealin’ with this spoiled brat, why can’ Ah hibernate fer the rest o’ the year?’ With a humph Ah pull away from Diamond’s face an’ scowl as Ah head inside, the other two racin’ ta get in before me.

  “Girls, you are supposed to be getting along, not fighting. Now, you can either work on that or you can spend your first two weeks of recess inside.” The teacher’s voice comes from behind the three o’ us as we’re wedged in the doorway with me standin’ between the two brats. Mah new classmates erupt with laughter as they watch us struggle ta pop free. The laughing only increases when mahself an’ Diamond end up fallin’ on our faces when Silver Spoon becomes the first one ta be unstuck.

  It takes Miss Cheerilee a good ten or fifteen minutes before she can get the other students in line while keepin’ me in front o’ the room. “Now class, as you may have noticed we have a new student who is joining us. Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about you.”

  “Yes ma’am. Ah’m Mint Song, an’ Ah jus’ moved here from Appleloosa a few weeks ago thanks ta mah pa an’ his band.” Murmurs float around the room as Ah mention pa an’ the band. Or it coulda been caused by a newspaper that one o’ the students tried ta hide featurin’ a picture o’ me an’ ma before school started. ‘Seems that we’re already becomin’ well known here, this’ll be fun.’ “Ah enjoy music, more specifically singin’ along with readin’ and Ah’m currently writin’ mah own song. An’ yea, Ah’m Amethyst Rain’s daughter.” ‘Might as well let them know now before they try an’ bug me too much about it. Why couldn’ mah weekend with ma have been less….. flashy an’ longer? Ah’m still seein’ flashes when Ah blink. Plus Ah wouldn’ have ta be dealin’ with stuck up flanks one an’ two or the rest o’ these foals.’

  “Thank you Mint. Now you may take your seat next to Diamond Tiara.”

  “Thank ya Miss Cheerilee.” With a frown turned away from her Ah head towards mah assigned seat, ignorin’ the others as they try ta whisper questions ta me.

  Once Ah’m seated Diamond leans over ta me an’ whispers. “I didn’t know you were Amethyst’s daughter, what is it like being related to somepony famous that obviously doesn’t want you around? If it was me I would be devastated.”

  “Yea well, Ah ain’ ya Di, now shut up an’ leave me alone till recess.” As class begins all Miss Cheerilee does is go over the schedule fer the year, class supplies needed an’ expectations she has fer us. As she drones on mah thoughts turn ta the song Ah’m workin’ on. ‘How should Ah continue this, Little girl don't be so blue, Ah know life…..’

  “Are you paying attention Mint?” The words snap me outa mah thoughts as Ah notice Miss Cheerilee is standin’ right in front o’ me.

  “Ye- no ma’am Ah wasn’”

  “This is a poor way to start the year Mint, though I can understand why. It is time for school to end anyway. Now go have fun children, and be safe.” At her words the other foals rush hurriedly out the door with me trailin’ a ways behind an’ headin’ towards Diamond an’ Silver, thankful today was only a half day.

  “So what do ya’ll do fer fun?”

  “Hey Mint, why are ya hangin’ with these two?” The yellow coated filly with a large pink bow asks as a trio o’ fillies join us.

  “What are you three doing here? We didn’t invite you to join us.”

  “We wanted to see if Mint wanted to play with us, but I guess it’s a bad idea.” The cotton candy maned unicorn says a little timidly.

  “We don’t want her around, she can go play with you three blank flanks.”

  “Yeah, go play with them Mint and leave us alone.”

  ‘Hm, this might be interestin’. Seems these girls don’ like each other much, good.’ Grinin’ Ah look at the two rich fillies an’ then the trio. “Ya know, that sounds like a good idea, Di an’ Silver can join us as well.” As expected the five fillies jus’ drop their jaws. “Ya know that we gotta hang together Di, an’ Ah wanna play with these fillies.”

  “No, no way am I going to play anything with those three.”

  “Then Ah guess Ah’ll have ta let Miss Cheerilee an’ mah pa know that yer not followin’ the rules.” With a grumble an’ annoyed flick o’ her tail an’ ears Diamond mumbles somethin’ that sounds like fine, but Ah couldn’ hear it well enough. Meanwhile Silver jus’ looks upset an’ still in shock while the three fillies jus’ look confused. “Why don’ we have a team race? Firs’ pair ta make it ta the school an’ back wins. Let's see….. Di an’..... Ah forgot yer name, with the pink bow can be one team. Silver an’ the unicorn can form team two, leavin’ me with the pegasus. Now rules are no usin’ magic or wings, an’ the pair has ta cross together.”

  “Mah name’s Apple Bloom, this here is Sweetie Belle an’ Scootaloo.” The earth filly says with a hint o’ annoyance as she stands next ta a clearly angry Diamond while pointin’ her hoof at her two friends as they take their place.

  Finally the two snobs find their voices jus’ as Ah’m about ta start the countdown. “Us? Race? Ha, as if. Why should we do something so….. physical?”

  “Yeah, do you have any idea how long it took for me to get myself looking this good? I’m not going to ruin that hard work.”

  “Why don’t we go and get ourselves something to eat then? Then afterwards we can figure out something to do.” Sweetie suggests, which only earns her a death stare from Diamond an’ Silver.

  “Fine, since you are SSOOO eager to hang out with these three losers let's go. Thankfully I can’t spend to much time with you four cause my daddy will need me soon.”

  Our lunch isn’ exactly a peaceful one as all throughout the meal insults are bein’ thrown between the two groups as Ah jus’ watch with an inward smile. ‘Well, if Ah have ta be miserable, might as well pass it off ta others. Atleast this way Ah can get some free entertainment ta pass the time, wonder how long Ah can keep this goin’ without wearin’ it down too fast.’

  The so called lunch lasts fer an hour or so before Diamond an’ Silver have ta leave, mumblin’ somethin’ about helpin’ their families. As fer the other three they follow me as Ah begin ta head back home.

  “Hey Mint, wait up!”

  “Yeah, we wanna talk ta ya!”

  “Why….. were you….. hanging out….. with those….. two fillies?” The unicorn asks between huffs while her friends jus’ stand there an’ stare at me as Ah’m about ta step inside the room.

  “That ain’  none o’ yer concern, now Ah’m…..”

  “Hey Mint, how was school? Seems like you made some friends already, I’m Sweet Spice, nice to meet you three.”

  “Ah’m Apple Bloom…..”

  “And I’m Scootaloo…..”

  “I’m Sweetie Belle…..”

  “And we are…..” Groanin’ Ah watch as they all take a deep breath. “THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!”

  “Well it is a pleasure to meet you girls. Mint, we’re kinda busy right now so why don’t you and your friends go have some fun? Maybe even get those other two fillies to join you.”

  “But Ah…..” ‘Great, now Ah’m stuck with these three weirdos, can mah day get any worse?’