I'M NOT SHORT, I'M A MINI ASS-KICKER!

Tensions were high, sweat was on my brow and Starlight was shaking like a leaf.
“I can’t do it!”
“Yes you can Starlight, I believe in you.”
“But this isn’t natural! I just-”
“Starlight! I am not going to tell you again!” I slammed my hands onto the table.

“PASS ME THE DAMN SALT!”
And like every other time she levitates it with her horn.
“NO!” I slam my head into the table.
“I don’t get why you’re trying to get me to use these noodly appendages.”
“Fingers.” I corrected. “They’re called fingers, Starlight, and if you don’t learn to use them you’ll never be able to come to grips with your new body.”
“Aren’t we trying to change me back?” oh boy, now to explain this again!
“I can’t change you back, nor should I, Starlight, you have been given something that no other pony could achieve, dexterous limbs, and with this you can do way more intricate things that magic could NEVER achieve, and would not have you use up mana for simple things, a seamstress could practice a delicate touch and easily handle more fragile materials. A blacksmith could put more force into his hammer strikes. A scientist could take more precise measurements. HELL! Even an apple or rock farmer could benefit from what you have!”
Pine barks up his opinion. “Yes, Pine, I should mention that, hands are also beneficial for pets for, well, petting!” I demonstrate by calling the massive wood golem onto my lap and proceeding to scratch behind his ears.
“But I’m trying to improve my magic so I’m not so helpless against creatures like those Caribou.”
Both me and Pine growled at the mention of them, then I sighed. “Alright, you want to learn combat skills? I’ll teach you them.” she perked up but I stopped her. “When, and only when, you begin to use your hands.”
She sighed and finally passed me the salt, it was difficult at first for her but she managed.

This went on for several days, and all the while I was preparing for the upcoming gala and awaiting the completion of my significant other, she was formed enough to place the crown on her but I needed to ensure the body was fully developed before doing so, but either way I was prepared for the gala when it came around, but I still needed to deal with other things.

After finally getting her to work on her dexterity, Starlight quickly became more comfortable with her new form, even asking to learn how to wield weapons or hand-to-hand combat, it was a sight to see and a great outlet for her rage.

Now came the hard part.

“I have to wear WHAT!?” she exclaimed, blushing furiously.
“Believe me you are more erotic undressed than when you’re clothed at this point.”
Turns out that stuff like underwear or in some cases clothing in general is seen more as a tool to arouse a lover in this nudist society, other times it is simply for protection or special occasions, but either way wearing clothing casually is not really a thing.
“Like hell I am, pervert!”
“Starlight, you have large orbs of flesh on your chest that when I first mentioned them to you, you tried to “rip them off and put them back where they belong.”” she blushed. “You’ve ended up trying to walk on all fours which only resulted in scraped knees, a backache, and Pine getting interested, you’re lucky he was leashed at the time!” her face was now looking like a tomato with a muzzle. “And finally it has taken several DAYS to convince you that hands are an amazing and useful alternative to your magic.” I think she’s got the point now. “So, who knows more about how your new body works?”
“You…”
“Who’s aware of the social norms of bipeds like you and me?”
“You…”
“And who’s going to get dressed in the clothing I hand-sewn?”
“...me.”
“Good, now go on young lady.” she proceeds to head up to her room to get dressed.
Pine speaks up, well… more of barking still. Need to really teach him how to-wait what did he say!?
“No Pine.” I retort. “I am not her dad! I am just a guy that’s mentoring her and caring for her so she takes a better path, I have this duty to protect her and make sure she gets everything she ne-oh by Odin’s beard I’m so her dad!” he yips in victory. “Oh shut up.”

So yes I apparently am now the unofficially adoptive father of the villain the brony community dubbed ‘communist pony’, believe me I was screaming internally too… until I got over it.

So next on my agenda was to call The Merchant, thankfully he answered, still in the same damn outfit.
“Wait, before you go on one of your rants about my attire again, I’ll have you know I have been using a larger variety of disguises, I just use this one since you’re so familiar with it.”
Huh… cut off my argument, he’s good…
“So.” he begins. “I assume you want something?”
“Not really, just want to talk, got any new targets?”
“Well, never thought you’d be so interested in my work, especially considering how I cause much distress for them.”
“Well if I didn’t, did you think I’d ever work with you?”
He thinks it over for a moment. “Despite how insulting that is, you make a point, there is this Genji cosplayer, the Nihon version, but I don’t have the piece he is missing… the throwing stars.” by the time he’s finished I’ve already handed him some. “...you want something, don’t you?”
“Nah, just doing my job, getting you the items you need.”
He took them with skepticism. “I… appreciate such a fast craft…”
“You’re welcome, thanks for visiting.”
“It is for my benefit to see you as well, my trusted supplier.” and like that he disappears.
Then I heard Starlight’s voice behind me. “Who was that?” I turn to look at her, wearing the clothes I made for her, which brought a small smile to my face.
“Oh it ain’t anything important Starlight, Just a guy I work with.”