A New Life

I knocked on the door, "It's Forest!" I announced. I gave a start as the door suddenly opened, and I relaxed when Sweetie Belle stood there.

"Hey Forest!" Sweetie Belle greeted happily. I smiled at her enthusiasm.

Rarity appeared behind her sister and gave me a smile, "You're early Forest," Rarity commented.

I smiled, "Only ten minutes, and I think it's best to be a little early," I answered. Better to be early than late. Wait, I've said that before.

Rarity smiled, "Do you wish to come inside? You still have more than half an hour before school starts," Rarity asked politely.

"Uh, sure," I answered. They moved away from the door and I walked in. I followed Rarity to the couch, while Sweetie Belle ran up the stairs. We sat down in silence for a couple seconds, before Rarity turned to me.

"I apoligize for my parents this morning, they didn't know who you were," she apoligized.

I chuckled, "No, it's fine, they probably thought I was a burglar or something," I assured her, "I'm lucky Sweetie Belle was there, or your dad might have smashed my head into the dirt".

She giggled, "They are actually very..." she tried to find the word, "Laidback".

I smiled, not really knowing what to say in response. I don't think I've ever seen Rarity worked up before, so I can't compare her to her parents reaction.

"Sweetie's pretty excited about this school thing, isn't she?" I commented.

Rarity nodded, "Yes, she wants to tell the whole school about how you saved her," she confirmed.

I sighed, "I don't really want to, I don't like being the center of attention," I confessed, "Hopefully they will do all the talking".

Rarity smiled, but didn't respond. She likely ran out of things to talk about as well. We sat there for a awkward couple of seconds before Sweetie Belle came back down. She ran down the stairs, with small saddlebags attached. Her bags were white, and had a purple musical note attached for the latch.

Sweetie Belle came over to us and placed herself on the floor, waiting with wide eyes, and she had a huge grin on her face.

I smiled at her and jumped off the couch, "I take it you're ready to go?" I asked. Sweetie Belle simply nodded in response. I turned to Rarity, "Seeya Rare," I said.

She smiled, "Farewell," she responded.

Sweetie Belle and I walked over to the door and left the building. Once we were outside, I turned to Sweetie, "You want me to carry those for you?" I asked.

She hesitated, "Well, Rarity has told me that when a gentlepony offers to carry something, you're supposed to accept," she said, taking off the saddlebags with a hoof before lifting them up to me.

I nodded and took the saddlebags in my mouth. They weren't heavy at all. She smiled and started walking, and I ran up to her and walked beside her, "Hey Sweetie Belle?" I asked.

She turned to me with a curious face, "Yes?"

"What were you doing in the Everfree Forest that day I found you?" I asked, "I just realized that nopony ever told me".

She looked a little sad, as if it brought back painful memories, "Well, we wanted to go ice skating in the lake," she explained, "But it wasn't frozen enough, the ice was really thin. And then Apple Bloom told us about a lake in the Everfree, so we went to go ice skating there".

I didn't say anything, so she continued, "Well, when we were on the ice, it started to crack," she reported, "Then I, well, fell in", Sweetie added with a sad expression, but she continued, "I got out and I was freezing, we all tried to run back for help, but I couldn't run," she said, "The other two ran away thinking I was behind them, but I got lost. I ended up just falling asleep in the snow, and then you found me".

I nodded, "Okay, you don't have to tell me anything else, Sweetie," I told her, She gave a weak smile and looked forward again, as did I. Thank Celestia that I was there, if I wasn't Sweetie Belle might have never woken up...

Sweetie and I walked for a couple minutes, and eventually reached an path that had woodland on both sides, "The school's close now," Sweetie Belle reported.

"Hey! Wait up!" I heard from behind me. Sweetie and I turned around instantly, to see Apple Bloom and Scootaloo came sprinting towards us.

"You came, Forest!" Scootaloo announced excitedly. I just nodded, not really keen to talk while holding the bag in my mouth.

For the first time, I noticed a red stallion walk up behind the two. He was larger than me, similiar in size to Rarity's Dad. I suddenly remembered what Applejack said, "Big Mac?" I asked.

He looked suprised, so that means I was probably right. Apple Bloom looked confused, "You know each other?" she asked.

I shook my head, "No, but Applejack mentioned him yesterday," I answered with a mouthful of saddlebag strap.

Big Mac nodded, "Eeyup," he said, "You're Forest?"

I nodded, "Yep," I answered.

"Applejack told all of us that you got the job, and she said you were pretty good at buckin'!" Apple Bloom announced.

"Uh, thanks," I said, feeling slightly self-concious. Praise was something I took poorly, as I constantly put myself down. Years of depression and suicidal thoughts were to thank for that.

Sweetie Belle chuckled, "C'mon, lets go to school!" she announced, and started walking down the path again. I turned and followed her, and everypony else followed as well. I chose to walk next to Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom and Scootaloo ran up next to her. Big Mac followed behind us.

Eventually, the forest on both sides of the road cleared, and I could see a medium sized building at the end of the road. The building was made up of mostly red, and I could see a bell on top. A flagpole sat to the right, and a sign with a picture of a book sat to the left.

I noticed as we got closer I noticed a mare standing to the right of the door.

As soon as we got into talking distance, the mare spoke up, "Hello girls!" She greeted.

The three fillies walked up to her and smiled, "Hello Miss Cheerilie!" The said in synchronization. That greeting was probably repeated and rehearsed every school day.

Cheerilie turned her gaze around and let out a pleasant giggle, "Hello Big Mac," she greeted.

Big Mac stepped forward and smiled, "Howdy Miss Cheerilie," he responded. The two seemed really happy with each other. Good friends? Or something more?

Cheerilie looked past Big Mac and gave me a friendly smile, "And you're Forest I presume?" She asked politely.

"Yep," I said, still holding the bags, "Nice to meet you".

"Miss Cheerilee?" Scootaloo asked, getting the teacher's attention, "Can we go play now?" She requested.

Cheerilee nodded, and the three fillies ran around the left side of the building. I now noticed that there was an enormous playground behind the building, complete with impressive slides and bridges. It looked like it was only built recently.

Cheerilee turned to us and smiled, "Would you like to stay for a minute Big Mac?" she asked.

Big Mac shook his head, "Sorry, got work to do," he declined. Big Mac seemed to speak with very little emotion or interest, and I got the feeling that talking was not something he did often.

Cheerilee nodded, "I understand," she said, before turning her gaze to me, "Forest, if I may talk to you for a minute". I nodded, but Big Mac looked confused.

"Bout' what?" he asked.

Cheerilee smiled at him, "About the assignment," she explained, "Didn't Apple Bloom tell you?" Big Mac looked like he realized something.

"Eeyup, somethin' about tellin' a story," he said.

Cheerilee nodded, "Sweetie Belle wants to tell a story about Forest, and brought him in to explain," Cheerilee explained.

Big Mac nodded, "Okay, well if they're safe, then I'm happy," he said, then started walking away, "See you ponies later".

"Bye Big Mac!" Cheerilee called out after him.

After he left, Cheerilee turned to me and gave a polite smile, "Follow me please," she requested. She started walk around the building in the same direction the fillies did, and I followed her.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders were playing on the massive playground equipment, squealing in delight as they did. Other fillies and colts were running around too.

Cheerilee sat down next to the building, facing towards the playground, She gestured with a hoof to sit down next to her. I did as she wanted and sat down, with a meter's space inbetween us.

"So Forest, it's nice to meet you," she said, "I'm Cheerilee".

I nodded, "Uh, nice to meet you too," I responded.

She smiled politely, "So you know why you're here," she stated, "There is an assignment where they have to tell a story, and bring in something to do with the story, Sweetie told me about the Timberwolves, and I suggested that she could bring you in," she explained.

"Yeah, she seems pretty keen," I commented.

"She is," Cheerilee answered, "What you did was fairly heroic," she complimented, giving a warm smile.

"No," I said, shaking my head, "I was just in the right place in the right time. If anypony was in the same position, they would have done the same thing".

I suddenly noticed something heading straight for Cheerilee's head. A ball? I stuck out a foreleg in front of Cheerilee's face. Cheerilee looked startled as I did. The ball hit my leg a second later, and bounced away.

"Soccer ball," I pointed out bluntly to Cheerilee, who was still trying to process what was happening.

"Miss Cheerilie! I'm so sorry!" I heard from a colt.

I looked forward, standing there was a very small colt, smaller in size to anypony I've ever seen. He had a spiky brown mane, and his coat was white, with brown patches across it. The colt had a look of horror on his face.

I put my hoof back down, and Cheerilie gave the tiny colt a smile, "It's fine Pipsqueak, I know it was an accident," she assured him.

I stiffened a little. Did Cheerilee just call him a pipsqueak? What kind of teacher makes fun of their student like that!?

The colt didn't mind though, "Thank you Cheerilee," he said, smiling again. He then gave me a quizical look for a second, before running over to the soccerball.

"Thank you Forest... um, you just saved my face from being smashed," she said nervously.

I turned to her, my eyes slightly narrow, "Did you just call that colt a pipsqueak?" I asked, struggling to keep my voice neutral.

Her expression held slight panic, "No, no," she assured, "His name is Pipsqueak, but everypony calls him Pip".

I looked away from her, and calmed down. Ugh, I just jumped to conclusions then, "Sorry," I apoligized, "I thought you just insulted one of your students".

She looked relieved, "No, it's fine," she said, "He's from Trottingham, I assume they call their children strange names there," she added jokingly. I gave a light chuckle, but didn't respond. What kind of name is Pipsqueak?

"So, after I do the story thing, I'm free to go?" I asked.

She nodded, "I would prefer if you waited till recess to leave, but yes," she responded.

I nodded again, and waited for something to happen.

The bell for class had rang, and all of the colts and fillies ran inside. Cheerilee had asked around for anypony who was ready to present their story, and Sweetie Belle naturally put her hand straight up.

After a quick introduction, Sweetie Belle told the story of how I saved her life. Although I wasn't really listening, I was too busy focusing on the seconds until I could leave. Eventually, my wish had been granted, and the bell for recess rang.

I now walked away from the schoolhouse, intent on returning home. A few minutes later and I lay on my bed, looking up at the roof. The suicidal thoughts started coming back. What would happen if I just did it? How would it affect the ponies around me?

What had caused my depression? Easy answer, basically my life turned to shit immediately following my dad's death. I had to move to a new location, with new parents. I had almost no friends during my younger years, as I was really quite all the time. I spent most of my free time alone in the woods, training, surviving, often just enjoying the scenery.

I carried the depression into my older years, which had started to result in suicidal thoughts. The desire to just end my life, feeling like I was worthless and stupid. The police job had helped a little bit, as I felt like I was actually helping ponies, but they came back eventually.

What would happen if I killed myself? If I did it back in Manehatten then nopony would care, but if I did it here, if I did it now, ponies would care. I do have ponies who care about me, Amber Fury is wrong.

Now, what will I do for the rest of the day? Talk to Rarity? No, she's probably sick of me by now, we've seen each other everyday. Maybe I should go to Sweet Apple Acres and work, that would give me something to do.

I suddenly jumped when there was a knock at the door, I just froze and stared at the door for a second. Who would visit me?

I ran to the door and opened it. I stared in confusion as Applejack stood outside the door, "Um, hi," I said, no small amount of suprise in my voice.

"Howdy Forest," Applejack responded, she had a friendly smile on her face, which confused me more, "I came here to ask ya somethin".

I nodded, "Sure, what?" I said.

"We need as many ponies as possible ta help for Winter Wrap-Up," she explained, "It starts today, and we need your help to clean up the snow".

My face went completely blank, "Winter Wrap-Up?" I asked.

Now she looked confused, "Yeah? Y'know, cleaning up the snow, bringin' out the animals, stuff like that," She said.

My face went up in realization, "Right!" I exclaimed in realization, "I forgot, here in Ponyville you have to do that by hoof," I added. Back in Manehatten, they use magic to clean up the snow, but here in Ponyville it is tradition to clean up without the use of magic.

She nodded, "Eeyup, and you're part of the land team, clearin' up the snow on the ground," she declared.

"Sure," I agreed, stepping outside and closing the door, "Let's go".

She smiled and turned around, and started walking. I sped up and walked next to her, and we left the hotel and walked in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres.

As we walked I turned my head to Applejack, "Hey, um could you explain the apple bucking job a bit more?" I asked.

She turned to me with a confused expression, "What do ya mean?" she asked.

I looked forward, "Well, do you keep the barn unlocked? And what happens if you're not there? Who do I report to?" I questioned.

"Report?" She repeated with a confused expression.

I chuckled, "Sorry, I'm still using PBI talk," I said, "Anyways, what if I want to work tommorrow? What do I do?"

She thought about it, then turned to me, "Sorry, I guess I didn't explain it very well," she apoligized, "Well, ya can go up to the barn and get a cart, and go down to the eastern orchard. Make sure not to buck anymore than three hundred apples a day. Then bring the cart to the barn and leave it there, I'll pay you the next time I see ya".

I nodded. It sound like a good job for a year at the most, but I need a more permanent job. I looked at her, "I'm gonna be honest Applejack, this job could last me a couple months, but I think I need to get a more permanent job," I confessed, "This is your family's apple farm, and I'm probably intruding. So... do you know of any other jobs in Ponyville?" I asked.

She looked at me with suprise, "You're pretty honest," she commented. I looked away and didn't answer. Oops, I think I offended her.

"Anyway, I can't think of anything on the top of my head. I'd ask Rarity or somepony else," she suggested.

I nodded, "I appreciate you giving me the job, It's just... I want to start a new life here, and this job is your life, not mine," I said.

She nodded, and then perked up, "Oh, ah forgot ta tell ya, but me, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and the fillies were goin' campin' this weekend to celebrate the beginnin' of Spring," she mentioned, "You mentioned how much ya like the outdoors, so would you like to come?".

My mouth opened in a smile, and I looked at her in excitement, "Really!? You trust me enough?" I asked excitedly.

She snickered at my excitement, "Yeah, besides, Rainbow Dash said that she could handle ya if you step out of line," she said with a humorous smile.

I smiled back, "I'd love to come, I love camping," I declared. Applejack smiled and looked forward again, I mirrored her.

After a minute, she turned to the right and gestured with a hoof, "Everypony else is over here," she announced.

We walked over in the direction, and I saw various stallions and mares pulling around green plows. The dirt looked brown, and I can presume that the fields were going to be used for vegetation.

Applejack nudged my shoulder, and I turned to face her. "See, what we do here is we clear all the snow from the fields, then we get to work on planting the produce," she explained, "We only really need to clear the snow on the crop fields, the sun and warm weather usually melt the rest of the snow".

I nodded, and Applejack walked over to a bunch of wooden boxes. Sitting on top of the boxes sat various bags, labeled with different crop foods. Applejack walked back with a green jacket, and held it out to me with a hoof.

I used my teeth and grabbed the jacket, and stood on my hind legs to slip the jacket on. Applejack gave me a nod of approval, then gestured over to the field, "Swap over with Noteworthy," she ordered, "He's the blue stallion, and he's been pulling for a while," she informed me. I nodded and headed towards the other ponies.

There were various ponies pulling the plows, and I believe that they were all Earth ponies. It makes sense that this would be an Earth pony only job.

I caught sight of a blue stallion pulling on one of the plows, so I walked over to him, "Noteworthy?" I asked, getting his attention.

He looked at me with a confused expression, "Yeah, who are you?" he asked. Beads of sweat were dripping down his coat. Dang! He must've been working a while.

"Forest," I answered, "Applejack said to swap over, give you a bit of a break".

He chuckled, "Well, you won't get much protest from me," he said, "You know how to work it?" He asked.

I tilted my head, "Uh, you push it up and down the field?" I suggested.

He nodded, "Yeah, um, sorry, that was a dumb question," he apoligized as he got out of the machine. I noticed now that his cutie mark were two musical notes.

"You play an instrument?" I asked politely.

He nodded, "Been playing piano, guitar and drums for years," he answered, and then looked at me curiously, "Do you?"

I nodded, "I've been playing guitar for a couple years," I answered.

His ears perked up, "Really? I don't know many other ponies who play an instrument," he said, "We should play together sometime".

I smiled, "Sounds nice," I answered, "Anyway, you better go take a break".

Noteworthy nodded, "Seeya later," he said, and started walking away.

I turned to the plow that Noteworthy just used. Well, better get to work.

A couple field later, I returned to Applejack, sweating, but not tired. I had been pulling on that thing for a couple hours.

"Anymore fields?" I asked.

She shook her head, "Nope, that's all the fields that need to be cleared," she answered, "All that's left is to plant the crops"

I nodded, "Um, I don't know much about planting food," I said.

She smiled, "It's not your job to plant them," she said, "That's Caramel's job".

Caramel? Meh.

I nodded, "So anything else I can do?" I asked.

She put a hoof to her chin, "Ah can't think of anythin," she said, "Winter Wrap-Up only usually takes a day or two".

I nodded, and then realized there's something else I should ask. "Hey, what day are we going camping? And where?" I asked.

Applejack looked suprised, "Um, Winsome falls," she said, "We've been there before, but we decided to go again," she noted.

I nodded, "The day?" I asked.

"Friday afternoon, we can meet up at the edge of the woods," she answered, "Do you know where the woods are?" she asked, "Not the Everfree, the woods we're going to are further away than that," she added.

I shook my head, "I'll just walk with Rarity or something," I answered.

She nodded, "Okay, you should tell her later," she suggested, "You can't right now because she's with the animal team".

"Right, okay, so..." I trailed off.

"You should probably stay for a little longer," Applejack suggested, "We might need your help".

I nodded, "Of course," I agreed.

Turns out they did need my help, Caramel hurt his leg and I ended up pulling around the... seed planting thingy. I didn't bother to ask Applejack about the name.

By the time I was finished, it was around five in the afternoon, and all of us were standing in a group. I got a few curious looks from some ponies, most of the ponies in town don't know me.

"Good job everypony!" Applejack announced, "Winter Wrap-Up is finished, and Spring is now here," she declared.

There were happy talking inbetween everypony, but I stayed silent, not really having anypony to talk to. Applejack and Noteworthy were the only ponies here I knew, and I met Noteworthy only a couple hours ago.

Eventually ponies started walking down the dirt road in the direction of Ponyville. I stayed back a little longer, instead admiring the view of the sun starting to set. Celestia's pride and joy could be beautiful sometimes.

Random thoughts started going through my head as I watched the sunset. How strong is my friendship with these ponies? Do I really mean much to them? Or am I just the same as everypony else?

"Hey, you alright?" I heard Applejack say from behind me.

"Just enjoying the view," I answered, not shifting my gaze in the slightest. I heard Applejack walk up next to me and sit down, turning to admire the sunset as well.

"Y'know, this last couple of days have been real quiet," she commented, "Usually by now we'd have parasprites invading or somethin' else". I stayed silent, intent on listening to her.

"Are you sure you're alright?" She asked, concerned again.

"I'm fine, trust me," I assured, "How come Rarity's coming camping? She doesn't seem like the type to do something like that," I noted.

Applejack chuckled, "No, she's not a fan, but she had a good time last time she came camping," she answered, "Besides, she's the one who suggested that you come camping. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she has a crush on you".

I stayed silent, not that I had anything to say. I knew she was joking, but it still made me think, "Anyways, I better go," I said, and I got to my hooves, "Seeya Applejack".

She nodded, "You can call me AJ if you want, all of my friends do," she informed me. I nodded, and started walking away. I was aware of her gaze on me as I did, but I didn't look back.

Now the wind was warm as it brushed through my fur, instead of the cold breeze of winter. I walked in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres, hoping to buck some apples, not because I needed money, rather I needed something to do.

I walked to the large barn that sat at the end of the path, and opened the unlocked door of the barn and walked inside.

Grabbing the largest cart I could, I marched in the east, towards the orchard that Applejack suggested. It was only early, around six in the morning, but I needed something to do. I was bored out of my mind. Ugh, I need a hobby, well apart from guitar.

"Forest?" I heard from behind me. Ugh, I don't understand! Whenever I want to be with friends, there's nopony there. But when I want to be by myself, suddenly I'm the most popular pony in the whole damn town.

"Hey Apple Bloom," I responded, without bothering to stop walking. She ran up to me and started walking next to me.

"You're here early today, what are you doing?" she asked.

"I'm going to the eastern orchard, and I'm gonna buck some apples," I answered, my tone flat.

She smirked, "What's wrong? You sound cranky," she noted.

I shook my head, and put on a fake smile, "No, I'm fine," I lied, "Anyways, did Applejack tell you that I'm coming camping with you?"

Apple Bloom smiled, "Yeah! I'm so excited!" she exclaimed, "She said you know a lot about the outdoors".

I nodded, "Did she tell you that I used to be a policepony?" I asked, just trying to find something to talk about.

Her eyes widened in suprise, "You were?!" She asked.

I chuckled at her reaction, "Yep, in Manehatten," I informed.

She smiled in awe, "Really!? How many bad guys did you catch?" she asked.

I lost my smile, "Not all of them were bad, I remember one pony, she had to steal in order to feed her starving family," I said, "Arresting her was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do".

Apple Bloom looked sad, "Then why did you arrest her?" She asked.

I looked at her, "She still broke the law," I explained, "It was my job". She nodded in understanding, and I noticed that she was fairly mature for her age, more mature than Sweetie or Scootaloo.

We kept walking until we reached the orchard, apple tree rows going back further than I could see. Hoo, better get bucking then.

I placed the cart under a tree, and then got into position to buck. I pushed my back hooves into the tree with a splitting thud. The tree shook, and apples fell. Luckily, most fell into the cart.

I turned to Apple Bloom, who was looking at me with wide eyes and a smile, "Applejack wasn't lying when she said you could buck," she noted. I had gotten used to apple bucking, and now I could virtually knock out all of the apples in a single buck. Although, I still failed to reach Applejack in experience.

I picked up the rest of the apples that sat on the ground, and stuck them in the cart. I noticed that these trees had less apples than the other trees. Maybe fifteen apples lay in the cart.

I turned to Apple Bloom, "Haven't you got school?" I asked.

She nodded, "Yeah, but you know it doesn't start till eight thirty," she said.

I nodded, and moved to the next tree, taking the cart with me. I gave it two bucks and the apples dropped to the ground.

"What's Rainbow Dash's personality like?" I asked, "I only spoke to her once, and it wasn't for very long. If I'm camping with her, I'd like to know".

Apple Bloom hesitated, "Well...", she said, "She's very loyal to her friends, and cares about them. But..."

I tilted my head in confusion. Why is she hesitating so much?

"She's kinda cocky," she blurted out.

I chuckled, "It's fine Apple Bloom, you don't have to say anything else," I assured her.

She frowned, "I like her, but you might feel different," Apple Bloom said.

I shook my head, "I guess we'll find out," I answered, before moving to the next tree, and began to buck it.

Apple Bloom and I walked back to the barn, I was dragging along the large cart, now filled with many red apples. I noticed that almost all of the apples on the farm were red. Maybe green ones don't sell good? I don't like green apples, so I wouldn't be suprised.

"Wait, what were you doing by the barn at this hour?" I asked to Apple Bloom.

She looked suprised, "Um, just walking around," she said, "It's the first morning of Spring, and I just wanted to be outside," she explained. I nodded, and looked forward again.

"Why are you here so early?" she asked.

I turned to her again, "I just wanted something to do, I'm getting bored just sitting around doing nothing," I said.

She nodded, "I know what it feels like to be bored, but hopefully camping this weekend will be really fun!" she declared enthusiastically.

I smiled. Then I realized that I should probably buy some camping supplies. A hammock, and a tarp would probably work fine. Oh, and a sleeping bag. And some other stuff.

"Is there a camping store in town?" I asked Apple Bloom.

She nodded, "Yeah, I'd get Pinkie Pie to show ya," she suggested, "She knows everypony in town".

"Yeah, I'll have to ask her later," I noted. I haven't really interacted much with Pinkie either, only really at the party. She seemed nice, if slightly oblivious to everypony else.

I realized something, "Wait, doesn't Pinkie have a job to do?" I asked.

Apple Bloom looked down, "Oh yeah, I forgot about that," she muttured.

I chuckled, "It's fine, I'll ask Rarity or somepony else," I said. Now I could see the barn, and we walked towards it.

I noticed a shape standing infront of the barn. Applejack?

As we got into talking distance, I noticed she had a slightly annoyed expression, "Apple Bloom, ya really shouldn't be walkin around this early on a school day," she scolded.

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, "I'm fine, still got plenty o' time before school even starts," she defended herself.

Applejack looked at her sister a second before sighing, she then looked at me, "How many apples?" she asked.

"One-hundred and three," I answered. Applejack nodded, and walked into the barn. I followed her in, and so did Apple Bloom.

I detached the cart and pushed it over to the back of the room. Thirty bits worth of apples sat inside. Is thirty too much? Or not enough?

Applejack came out from behind me, and I looked at her curiously. Using a hoof, she held out a small sack, "Here's your pay," she announced.

I nodded and lifted out a hoof. She gave the sack to me and I pulled my hoof back, "Hey Applejack, is thirty too much? I'd be fine if you paid me less," I asked.

Applejack shook her head, "Naw, thirty is fine," she assured me. I nodded, and placed the bag in my mouth.

"You coming into town today?" I asked politely.

She smiled, "O'course, after I finish work here," she answered, "Why?"

I shook my head, "No reason, just curious," I answered, "I was just gonna go buck some more trees".

She shook her head, "No, that's not necessary, we haven't got anymore orders for apples today," she said.

I nodded, "If you want," I agreed.

She smiled and walked out of the barn, I followed immediately after.

I turned to her once we were outside, "Okay, well, I'll head back to Ponyville now," I said, "See you two later".

"Seeya Forest," Apple Bloom said. Applejack gave me a nod.

I smiled and headed back to Ponyville. I felt their gazes burn into my skin, and I felt insecure again.

I walked into town, which looked pretty busy. Various ponies were walking around, most of whom I didn't recognize. A rich looking mare appeared to be talking to a filly. The filly looked familiar, so I assumed she was friends with one of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

I kept walking around, taking a long walk around town. Hoping to see the camping store nearby.

I looked to my left to see two familiar looking mares, "Forest!" Lyra called out in a friendly tone. Bon Bon smiled at me happily.

I hesitated, before walking over to them, "Hey," I greeted as friendly as I could.

"Hey Forest, how are you doing?" Lyra said.

"Good, are you two okay?" I asked.

"We are thanks to you," Lyra answered with graditude. Bon Bon didn't say anything, so I assumed she ain't much of a talker.

I gave an embarassed chuckle, "I wish you would stop bringing that up, I just did what was right," I said, scratching the back of my neck.

Lyra smirked, "If you wish," she said with a grin.

"Hey, do either of you know where I can get camping supplies?" I asked.

Lyra looked blank, but Bon Bon stepped forward, "I know, we can take you if you want," she offered.

I nodded, "Yeah, thanks," I agreed.

"

Follow me," she ordered, and started walking away.

I gave a glance at Lyra, then I marched forward, following Bon Bon. Lyra sped up and walked next to me.

After a minute walk, we reached a small building. I noted that we were in the market district of town, and I could imagine this is where a lot of stores are.

"In there," Bon Bon pointed to the building. There was a sign above that read, 'Ponyville Outdoor Store'.

I breathed a silent sigh of relief, thank Celestia that I found it. I looked down at the sack in my mouth, and realized then that I only had thirty bits. That probably won't be enough.

I nodded to Bon Bon, "Thank you so much for showing me," I said, "Um, I'm gonna need to go home and get some more bits."

She nodded, and I started backing away, "See you two later," I said. Then I turned around and walked away.

I came back a few minutes later with a sack filled with bits. One-hundred and fifty to be exact, not that I expected to spend that much. I walked into the store, and my eyes instantly widened in awe.

Various camping equipment decorated the store, tents, sleeping bags, everything anypony would need for camping.

I went through a mental list of what I need. A sleeping bag. But should I get a hammock or a tent? Both?

I eventually decided on a hammock, and I went around to find one. I found a basic hammock nearby, it could fit two ponies, and was fifteen bits. A steal price.

Sleeping bag? Plenty of them laying around in this store, so I grabbed a basic one for twenty bits.

I realized that I was going to need a tarp, either in case it rains, or to protect from the wind. Luckily there was one sitting nearby. Ten bits.

What about an outdoor towel? You need to get a towel designed for outdoor use, indoor ones are not as effective or quick-drying. I found one for ten bits.

I went through everything I held. Hammock, Sleeping bag, Tarp, Towel. Total price of fifty-five bits.

I smiled a little, happy that I could get all this stuff for a price that low.

A mare stood over behind the counter, eye-balling me curiously. I felt insecure again as she did.

I walked over to the counter and nodded to the mare. She smiled politely at me.

"Is that all sir?" She asked.

I nodded, and started sorting through the bag. I pulled out fifty-five bits, somehow all stacked up on each other.

She looked at all the supplies, and gave me a confused expression, "Um, don't you need a tent?" She asked.

I shook my head, "No, a tent uses up more space, and isn't really necessary," I explained, "A hammock can be a better choice, because it is smaller, requires no pillow, and keeps you off the ground". I enjoyed explaining it to her, although I thought she would know this, she owns this store after all.

She smiled, "Anyways, that'll be fifty-five bits".

I nodded and held out the bits to her. She smiled and took them away with her hoof. The mare placed the bits on the counter, and then handed me a large sack.

"Thank you, have a nice day!" She said, sounding pretty routine.

I smiled and grabbed the bag. Using my hooves to split the opening, I twisted around and felt the supplies slide off my back into the sack. I then grabbed both of the sacks I owned, and flipped the large sack across my back.

I gave her a goodbye wave, and walked out of the store.