Summer of Endless Rainfall

"We're here," Harmonic said as they stopped near a small building in the middle of town. The inside was rather dimly lit.

"I think I've passed by this place before."

"You probably have. It's not very popular, but there a few customers that show up every now and again."

"It looks kind of spooky."

"He just has a strange taste in lighting. Don't worry about it. He's a nice guy. I've been coming here for years, so I know him pretty well."

"If you say so."

"Come on. Let's head in."

"Right."

The pair opened the doors to the store. When they got inside, a vast assortment of clothing and accessories met Scootaloo's eyes.

"Hey, T.C., you here!?"

"Hang on broski, I'm coming!"

After a few minutes, a brown Pegasus emerged from the back of the store.

"Whatchu' need, my man?"

"I have some company with me today."

T.C. noticed the young pegasus standing next to Harmonic.

"Hey kid. Name's T.C. I own the place."

"Hello. I'm Scootaloo."

"Mind if I call you Scoots?"

"Sure..."

"We're looking to buy some jackets or hoodies, man. I'm introducing her to metal for the first time. Your place was the best for that."

"A newbie metalhead? That's pretty sweet."

"We're gonna' look around for a bit. She's had kind of a bad day, dude. You got any good power metal that might boost her spirits?"

"How about some Sabaton?"

"Cool. We'll let you know when we're ready."

"Alrighty. I'll leave you to it."

T.C. returned to the back of the store.Within about thirty seconds, fast rock started playing over the speakers.

"Come on. I'll show you where everything is."

Scootaloo nodded and followed Harmonic.

"The hoodies and jackets are here at the back. Take a look and see if there's anything you like."

"You guys really like black, don't you?"

"It's just another metalhead thing. Black clothes actually absorb and trap heat better if I remember correctly, so you should be pretty warm in these."

"Why is it so cold during summer anyway?"

"The clouds and rain most likely. When the sun is blocked out, the temperature drops, and the rain releases the water vapor that was stored in the clouds, so we have at least two forces causing the temperature to lower at the same time."

"I don't like it. It feels weird."

"Can I tell you something a little strange?"

"What?"

"I've always believed the planet was it's own type of living being. It's not exactly like us, but it can feel things like we can. It can be sad, angry, or happy."

"That's kind of cool, actually. I never really thought about it that way."

"You see anything you like?"

"This one looks good, but I can't read cursive very well."

"It says 'The Automata'."

"There's something else I can't read. It's hard to see."

"It's the name of the album. It says 'Through the Bandage Seeps A Whisper'."

"How did you know?"

"The Automata is a band I listened to a lot in my teenage years, and it's still one of my favorites. As far as I know, this was the only full-length album they ever made."

"Where are the ponies who made it?"

"They're not alive anymore. This stuff is a lot older than anyone who's still living right now. Metal and other types of music are so old that we don't even know where they came from."

"Oh..."

"Don't overthink it. There are plenty of metal bands making stuff right now. This town is small and secluded. It's not surprising this stuff is new to you, especially because of what you went through."

"Right..."

"So you like it?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. Pick out a couple more."

Scootaloo decided on three hoodies. Her and Harmonic were purchasing them from T.C. at the register.

"So, how do you like the store kid?"

"It's neat."

"You seem to like a lot of the Melodic Death Metal and Metalcore stuff like my buddy here."

"Is that what the bands on these are?"

"Yep. The bands on those actually mix the two genres."

"How many kinds of metal are there?"

"I have no idea."

"Wow. There must be a lot."

"Oh yes. There are."

"Hey, Scootaloo, you should probably put one of those on before we go back out there."

Scootaloo nodded and put on the hoodie that said "EVERLAST" on it.

"Harmonic, you seem kind of down in the dumps today. What's wrong, man?"

"It's a long story. I'll tell you later. There's somebody I have to see."

"Alright. Just give me a call later, then."

"I will."

Harmonic and Scootaloo left the store. Scootaloo had the hood pulled over her head to protect herself from the rain.

"That looks good on you. It's really mysterious."

"Thanks."

"There's somebody I want you to meet. Do you mind if we make one more stop before we go home?"

"Sure."

"She's a really good friend of mine."

"Is it the one you told me about earlier; Atmospheric?"

"You're perceptive. She's the one."

"Why do you want me to meet her?"

"She cares a lot. Let's just leave it at that for now."

"Will she help me find somewhere to stay?"

"She might come with us, but right now I just think talking to her might do us some good."

"Okay."

"Let's get a move on. I don't like it out here."

Both of them began walking away from the store. They needed insight and comfort now more than ever.