Chapter Six: Restocking of supplies is Vital.

Breakfast was incredibly uncomfortable. Sonata was the only one talking, with Aria being the only one who replied to her. With hums of acknowledgement. Sunset finished her meal early and Adagio, slowly chewing on her fish salad, was staring at me with a blank face. I stared back.

After all of us were done eating, we just put our plates in the sink, agreeing to wash them after we come back. I went to brush my teeth, using a simple brush and Adagios 'Colgate' Sea Holly toothpaste. It felt like sand, but it did the job of scrubbing my yellowish teeth. After spitting the water out, I took a look and noticed that, in fact: my enamel was becoming whiter by the day. Magic must have been involved in the making of the paste, I see no other explanation. After I was done washing up, I went into the basement and picked up my armour from the floor and put it on the table. I stare at it for a few seconds, I take out one dagger and put it in between my pants and belt, pulling the shirt out to cover it. I walk back upstairs, turning off the lights behind me. There was nobody here.

Since I had nothing better to do at the moment, I decided to sit on the couch and wait for the others to be done with whatever they were doing. Looking around the room, I suddenly catch sight of two seahorses going at it... I swear, that aquarium contains pure evil. After failing to get the image out of my head, I see Sunset walk out from almost nowhere. I blink and look in the direction where she came from. To the left of the stairs, was an open pure white door with a silver handle. It's blending in with the wall quite well, which I think is another architectural flaw. Did they not bother with renovations?

Sunset is wearing her orange hoodie, a purple pouch strapped to her waist and a... I blink. And then for a while I don't. Sunset is wearing black hoof-shaped boots. While I am trying to figure out the possible reason of: why Ponies would wear boots, the Siren trio walks out of what I assume is the closet, each wearing shoes. No, not horseshoes. I stare at my own sock covered feet and wiggle the toes. I didn't really think about this. I look up at Adagio.

"Are you ready to go?" She asks.

"Uh...Is it possible to get me clothes, without leaving the house?" She instantly gives me a 'u wot m8' look.

"No. You will have to go out there and get yourself new clothes yourself. Sunset is already willing to pay for you, so don-"

"Yeah, yeah I figured. Let's just go." It seems, that I'll have to get my feet bit wet and reeking. Sighing, I rise from the comfy chair and do a quick stretch.

I finally take a proper look at what each of them is dressed in. Adagio is wearing a light brown coat with brown high heel boots and has a light-orange hand-bag as well. Aria's wearing a short-sleeved cactus green jacket, with a white shirt underneath, that has a black Unicorn skull depicted on it, and complete with the equivalent of green sneakers. Sonata was the brightest of the three, her white hoodie with a pink musical note on the front, that was glimmering every time she moved, her sneakers had the same effect. Sunset goes to the front door and I am able to see an image of her mark on the back of the hoodie, that is also shimmering, although it's colours are two shades of purple and black.

I'm the last to leave the house and as I predicted, the ground is wet, thankfully: not everywhere. It seems, it had some time to dry. I assume, as I step onto the cold stone. I shiver slightly from discomfort, feeling my socks already becoming moist. Ou-our street has two parallel rows of houses on one side, with a tall wall behind the second row. And on the other, after a small right angle drop, there are also buildings. While the shapes and sizes were varied, the materials and general vibe were not. Many buildings have purple roofing and the marble walls are half-timbered with either grey, or dark brown wood. Each house looks original, yet same all at once. Adagio starts walking down one way of the street and we follow.

I don't see anybody else on the street, might either be still asleep, or they- Oh no, there's one. It's an Earth Pony stallion, that was locking a door to a house. After he was done, he turned around and saw us. At first he smiled, but when his eyes fell on me his body instantly locked in place, though he seemed more bewildered, than scared. As we were nearing him, I gave a short wave and he finally started to blink. After rubbing his eyes with two fingers, to make sure I wasn't a hallucination, he turned and greeted Adagio.

"Good morning ladies. How are you?" He sounded fairly normal: neither bassy, nor high pitched. Looked plain too.

"Good morning Quick Novel, long time no see. We're fine for the most part, what about you?" He starts walking with us.

"Oh, you know. The usual. I have been trying to finish my latest novel during the storm, but all my inspiration disappeared all of a sudden and I couldn't do it." He looks upset for a moment, before changing the subject. "So who's your friend?" Quick glances at me.

"Ah, that is-"

"I'm Vadon. Nice to meet you, I'm not her friend though." Adagio sends me a small glare.

"Yes. He is just our temporary housemate. Nothing really special." Wo-ow. Novel looks at me with even greater curiosity.

"I am sorry if this comes off as a bit rude, but what are you? I'm afraid I have not seen anything like you before."

"I'd be surprised if you have. As far as I know, I'm the only one of my kind in this world. As for your question: you have already answered it." He blinks for a moment, before looking up at Adagio. He was closer to my size.

"I apologize if he seems a bit rude, but I guess he just isn't from a mannered society." I walk closer to her.

"And what gave you that idea? Maybe I just don't want to use manners, maybe I see no point in them." Unless you're trying to either blend in, or manipulate someone. In which case: yes, they are useful. The writer looks at me with surprise.

"But...manners maketh Pony." Oh, he's one of those. The girls swivel their ears towards our conversation.

"First of all: I see absolutely no reason in having manners. Now don't get me wrong: it's not like I'm going to start eating with my hands, or throw out profanities left and right, but not because of manners. Those things can be a danger to your health health and I'd like to keep mine pretty healthy. Second of all: implying, that only Ponies have manners is quite racist." He looks like he's about to have an aneurysm, I can see Sunset behind him, smiling.

"I-but-how do you-"

"You know, there's this saying I really like: I do me, You do you. Capiche?" I look at him from under my brows. He looks like he's about to argue some more, but instead his face gets red and adopts an expression of horror and he looks down. What? I check behind me, just in case. Nothing. Whatever. We walk in silence after that.

I don't know how long it's been like this, but I only just notice that we're going upslope. Ahead are a bunch of round platforms of marble, reaching out from the side of the city. What are those? As we begin nearing the end of the slope, I notice more and more ponies around. Some ignore us and some choose to downright stare at us with wide eyes. I get tired and stare back at one of them, following her with my head as I walk past her. The mare instantly shies away. I look forward again and just in time to notice a decently sized crowd walking in the general direction of the round things. I get closer to Sunset.

"Hey. Where are we going exactly?" I whisper and she looks at me.

"Well, we were going to check if the marketplace has been set up. And it seem like it is, so we're going to head there, instead of the grocery shops. Everything is usually much cheaper and in better quality at the Canterlot market." I nod and continue walking beside her.

We pass a smooth transition in pavement, between grey plates and solid marble. After a couple more minutes of walking, we arrive at a round square and a mix of smells assaults my nose, varying from sweet to spicy. The market is just a bunch of stalls placed along the perimeter of the square. Although it looks like they're still being set up, so most of the crowd is in the middle with the few spread out stalls. I say few, but size and amount is relative at this point, since the area is bloody massive. Still smaller than the round things though. I think as I look to my left.

Some of the stall owners, which I assume to be Gryphons, are placing on the counters a variety of meat, some of which is blue, but it's mostly gutted fish. We head towards one such stall owner, while Novel tells us a goodbye and goes to another stand, that's selling some sort of salad. Upon closer inspection I notice that some Gryphons and Pegasi are topless, but those that aren't, are wearing shirts with an oval hole in the back for their wings, which began directly beneath their shoulder blades and reached down to their thighs. The biggest wings in the crowd I saw, were on a Gryphon and had a span of at least three meters.

It's the same Gryphon we are walking to. He has copper feathers, blue eyes and black beak. He's wearing a red silk vest with a light-red lace and a buttoned black shirt underneath. When he sees us approach, his eyes narrow.

"Mornin' ladies and...sir. Would you like to buy anything?" What? He was British. While the Ponies had no apparent accent, this guy had a clear british in his voice. Please don't be Eagland. Adagio pulls her face closer to the fish and takes a whiff.

"Hmm... We would like those two Slams, these three Carps a-and... that Jumba. Keep the heads." As she speaks, she points to various fish and the Gryphon puts the ones she named in two paper bags, he pulled from behind the counter.

While the first five look like something I'm used to with a few alterations. The last one is... creepy: it's long, purple, doesn't have any fins or scales and it's head is composed of an enormous mouth devoid of teeth, that splits into three. It also has four eyeholes. I think it also moved before the dude's claw touched it.

"Fuck my life and everything in it. What the hell is that?" I whisper to myself. I doubt even radiation could produce that.

Apparently I wasn't quiet, or everyone on this planet has incredible hearing, because Sunset whirls around with wide eyes, Aria is smirking and Sonata looks confused. I also heard a gasp behind me followed by an 'ew'. Either Adagio and birdman didn't hear me, since Adagio simply hands him the money and he still has his eyes narrowed. Or they just gave no fucks, who knows?!

Sonata takes out something spherical, from her right pocket. After she pulls the string attached to it, she unfolds it into a big light-blue bag. Adagio hands her the paper bags with fish and she puts them in her bag. Complicated, I know. After they tell the dude goodbyes, he replies with more of that british. Is their leader a lizard? I muse, as we walk to next stall.

"It's a Jumba eel. They may look like a horror from the deep and sometimes smell like one, but they are very delicious, if prepared right." Apparently she doesn't care about manners, at least not enough to tell me off.

"If you say so." I still won't take my chances.

"Oh yeah: if you're ever at the sea, hope that you don't meet an adult one. They grow big." ... Thanks Aria.

I notice some of the Ponies staring at me, but as soon as I look at them, they turn away haughtily. Not all do though, some keep staring and walking. Yelps of surprise sounded out, as many crashes happened in a very short amount of time. Hopefully: they aren't as xenophobic and racist as many depict them. There are Gryphons in their capital after a war. Admittedly: it did happen a while ago, but I doubt many would forget about it. I really did not need the attention of the Queen at the moment.

The next stall has a green sheet draped over it, it's owner wearing matching fancy clothes. The chestnut Earth Pony stallion doesn't notice us at first, his eyes preferring a mare customer that keeps seducing him, by making inconspicuous poses, while looking all innocent. As I suspected: when she pays for the goods, the amount of bits she gives is miniscule, compared to the amount of vegetables she has. I sigh. So does Sunset. We look at each other: she with pity, I with tiredness. So far: not many differences.

The mare gives him a wink and walks past us, glancing at me with surprise changing to disgust, without even stopping, or slowing down. Bitch, hate you too. The guy has a small smile with a dreamy look. That is, until he sees us. After rapidly shaking his head, he turns to us with a toothy grin.

"These fresh vegetable and fruits are clean and naturally grown, no magic involved! Would you like to buy some of them? The cabbages are fantastic this year." He has a bit of a high pitched voice, but not annoying. Chipper, I'd say. Sunset walks up to the stall.

"No thanks, but we would like a bag of carrots, potatoes, apples and... corn I guess?" Sunset turns to Sonata, who pulls out a list.

"Yup!"

"Alright then!" He puts everything in similar paper bags and tells us the price. Sunset doesn't agree with it.

"WHAT?! A hundred and fifty?! They can't possibly cost that much!" Aria joins in.

"Excuse me, but that mare bought more, than we did for a smaller price."

"What? Are you saying I'm a cheat?!" He sounds so angry, I almost believe him.

"No! No-no-no-no, no...Yes." Adagio...I'm starting like you. However if you want to have any of these, it's time for a change in the tactic.

"Why you-"

"Hi. Um...excuse me uh, I am confused about one thing." He sends me a half angry, half confused glare.

"What is it?" He says through clenched teeth. We seem to be gathering a small crowd. Here we go.

"Why did that mare pay so little for so much food?"

"I already said, that-"

"Oh, cut the bullcrap." I drop the polite tone, changing to and indifferent one. "We both know, that you're not fooling anybody, so my question is: why did she pay so little."

"...She's my friend." Ri-i-ight.

"She certainly didn't look at you as her friend, nor did you I must say." His face gets a small blush.

"Fine. She isn't my friend." Aria opens her mouth, but I beat her to it.

"So, you didn't lower the prices for her?" Adagio looks at me.

"That's right, I didn't." Gotcha' you fucker. I make a pleasant smile.

"Well then. If my math doesn't fail me, we should pay abou-ut... forty six bits."

"What?! No! A hundred and fifty." Don't let him get mad.

"I'm sorry, but didn't you just say, that you didn't lower the prices? So if she payed seventy bits, then we have to pay forty six. Or are you trying to scam us?" Adagio smirks and moves her eyes to the sputtering Pony.

"O-of course not! I would never!" My face goes blank.

"Would you like to be famous?" Everyone around becomes confused.

"I-Yes. Who wouldn't?"

"Would you like to be known across Canterlot, as the stallion, who makes ladies of his own choosing, pay him as much as he wants for whatever he wants?" He goes pale. "Because we can arrange that." He gulps.

"You wouldn't." I raise an eyebrow.

"Are you sure about that?" His fur becomes sweaty.

"Heh, uh-what was it? Sixty four?"

"Forty six."

"Right-yes! Of course, I remember now." His voice cracks. Sunset gives him the money and he hands her the bags. "H-here you go. Enjoy." I smile. Sunset pulls out another bag to unfold and place the goods in.

"Thank you."

As I turn around, I see a bunch of Ponies, staring at me with either smiles of approval, or looks of respect. Some just stare though. My smile turns into a small smirk as I look at every observer: mostly everyone is dressed in simple stuff, but there two people in swanky clothes: Fancy Pants and Fleur, who are practically beaming with respect. At least, I assume that's them. Although Fleur has a strange expression - like she's in deep thought. The crowd starts dispersing and we go through the rows of stalls. We walk out onto the round square and after we are far enough away from the crowd, the girls stop me and turn me towards them.

"That was amazing!" Sonata and Sunset exclaim together.

"I'm genuinely impressed as well. Where did you learn to do that?" Adagio raises her eyebrow slightly.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." Or laugh, either or.

"Oh c'mon. What could you possibly say, that I wouldn't believe?" I take a deep breath through my nose and let out a part of it quickly.

"Have you... ever had a lot of free time? So much so, that you don't have anything else to do, but think?"

"...Sometimes." She looks at me oddly.

"I had a lot of time. Ever since I was a kid, I was fascinated with the 'what if?' question. So much so, that I began creating multiple situations, that could happen. Didn't matter if something was considered possible, or not: I still would think of it. I did it to prepare for such things as that arguement. There was a... point in my life, during which my brain processing activity increased, letting me imagine entire lifetimes of what could have, or could happen. I may be young biologically. But mentally: I have lived at least a couple hundred."

"I got myself a little motto when I was young: 'You are ready for something, if you are prepared for it mentally.'" I snort. "Of course, that doesn't mean that I instantly became prepared for everything, but not many things can surprise me. It's really... boring. I still don't like surprises though." They share looks between each other, before turning to me. "Alright: enough with the mood. Are we gonna go for my clothes now?" Adagio gives a nod.

"Yes. There's this little Boutique we know and it is the perfect place. The dress maker there, can make any clothes, varying from simple-" She points at herself "-to unique." her hand motions towards Sonata and Sunset. "It's not far away from here and the prices are cheap."

"A dress maker eh?.. Do you know where I can get myself some shoes? Or any footwear whatsoever, that isn't socks would be nice."

"Wh-Oh. Why would you wear socks if the roads are wet?"

"They offer more protection, than if I went bare. Plus it seemed like a good idea at the time." She hums dubiously.

"I think there is a shop across Rarity's, that makes custom footwear."

"Alright. Lets go then."

As we walk across the marketplace, a big shadow falls over us. I search for the source and find the castle slash palace. It's very impressive: the seven different towers rise up into the blue skies, with one of their gold and silver tips nearly touching the clouds. The mountain peak behind is still bigger though. The main structure, is ~~built~~ carved into the mountain, the springs running through handmade waterfalls. I can't see much into the castle grounds, since there is a massive smooth marble wall blocking the view. There are huge engraving on the palace walls, made out of some purple material mixed with gold. I can's see very well, because of the distance, but I think I see some of the stained windows, that depict... something.

I hear Sunset calling me, so I look back on the road and stop immediately, otherwise I would have been run over by a carriage. That was close. I slowly turn around to look at the girls with my wide eyes.

"I'm okay." I tell them in an odd voice. Adagio looks at me, concerned.

"You should watch where you're going you know. I don't know what it's like where you're from, but in Canterlot: there are many nobles, that enjoy travelling by wheel." What drives the carriage?.

The carriage itself is yellow and black, with an ornate design. I can't get a good look at the front of it- and it just turned the corner. It's gone. I'll find out later. Sonata walks up to me.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah. Yeah-yeah I'm fine." I look at them. "I'm alright. Shall we?"

I decide to pay more attention to my surrounding this time, looking out for anything and everything. As we walk across the street, I notice that some Ponies are wearing horseshoes and it's usually the ones in a very simple attire. Another detail I noted is, that while some of the pedestrians were running, some walking 'gracefully' and others just walking - they all moved the same way. First they moved one of their shoulders forward and then a leg, however: some did it sleeker than others - practically unnoticeably. Or at least they would be, if I had my old eyesight.

I inspect the four members of our group, remembering the question Aria asked me a couple of days ago. And just as I thought: while the girls are moving their shoulders, Adagio is the only one, who is sauntering similarly to me, the heels helping her balance. I attempt to walk like a Pony, but just can't seem to do it. I might have to walk on my toes for it to work and if that's the case, then the difference in our leg structure makes me more stable on my feet then the Ponies on their hooves.

My back releases a few cracks, as I slightly arch my spine backwards and shove my hands in my pockets. I hum in content, from being in a position I'm used to. Sunset glances at me and raises an eyebrow, but doesn't say anything. On our way, I received more curious glances, disgusted stares and very few pleasant smiles. No more 'deer in the headlights' looks is preferable in all honesty, but it's not like it bothered me much. Checking around the street, I decide that I'm safe enough at the moment to appreciate more of the surroundings. After a while of more 'plain' scenery, I finally find something interesting.

To our right is a small mansion, that probably has seen better days. The second tower looks like it has fallen off, half of the roof is missing and all the windows are broken, the frames around them charred. The entire building was made of some kind of wood and very few metal parts, that were mostly used to make the towers. It's currently being taken down. I purse my lips and look to the left.

Some kind of store is being opened. The walls are white, but not marble and the frame is made out of a chestnut coloured wood. Two Pegasi are hanging up a sign. Arcane's Arcane... A magic store? Probably. A hornless, wingless stallion in a red squared shirt with purple lines and purple trousers comes out and looks at the two carrying the shops name. After they fix the sign in place, he nods and calls them down. Since I can't turn my head a hundred and sixty degrees without consequences, I look forward again.

I blink as I see a poster boy (Colt? Never figured that one out.) glue one on a wall of some house. The poster had Adagio, Sonata and Aria depicted on it in various poses over a faded purple background.

The grinning orange siren was dressed in a purple dress and purple pants, that looked like boots. She was bending forwards, one of her arms stretched downwards, the gloved hand making a horns gesture. Her other hand was holding a mic stand with a wireless microphone on it.

Sonata had a pink skirt and a magenta shirt with long-socks. She was in a mid-jump pose, using both arms to hold a black guitar with a magenta hue to her side, smirking at the observer. Her striped hair was in the all too familiar pigtail

The usually glum looking siren was practically beaming, as she was ramming away on the drums. Aria was wearing clothes similar to now, except she had a purple top instead of the skull shirt.

There's one detail, that definitely hasn't escape my sight: they all have a black silk necklaces with a red gem in the middle. I couldn't see Sonatas neck, but I assumed she had one too.

The Dazzlings. Battle. Full album live performance at the Canterlot Concert Hall, on the 26th of June at 7:00 in the evening.

I turn to the Rock Stars.

"Hey look! You're famous." They look at the poster and turn to me with annoyed amusement. It's uncanny how they can act the same at a time. Hivemind confirmed. "When's the concert?"

"On Thursday." Aria replies.

"No-o! Really? And when is that?" She's about answer, but Sonata beats her to it.

"Today is Monday. I think." She puts a finger on her chin.

"What, you wanna come?" Adagio asks.

"If I earn enough money for the ticket - I don't see why not."

Adagio looks forward again and frowns. I follow her stare and frown as well. We have reached the end of the road and it opens up into an even bigger square, than before. That is filled with Ponies, Gryphons and I think I even saw a couple Minotaurs here and there. How much population does this city have?! How big is it?! I move my jaw to the side and look at Adagio, she looks at me.

"Let's go around, it'll be quicker."

We turn around and after some distance: step into an alley to the left. After a couple more minutes of walking, we reach the end of the tight pathway and exit out onto another road, with fewer people this time. Adagio turns to Sunset.

"We need to go get something from the area. Sunset, could you..?" Sunset hands her the bag with the greens.

"Yeah sure, no problem! See you later." Adagio nods with a small smile and goes down the right end of the street with Aria by her side.

"See you two laters!" Sonata waves to us and catches up with them.

"So where's this boutique?" I ask, still looking at the skipping Siren.

"Right here." I turn to her and then turn some more.

"Oh."

We were, in fact: at the Boutique. The building has a curve to it and is made from neatly carved marble, and once again: has purple frilly designs. The building is a two story one, with a single balcony above the front door. I can see a multitude of various dresses and suits behind two display windows, located on each side of the entrance. The door itself is mahogany, with an oval window and has marble steps leading up to it. There is a sign on the door that says: 'Open all week from 9 until 6'. Sunset goes up to the door and looks down at me.

"You coming?" I hum in acknowledgement as I leap up the stairs. She pushes the door open and steps in.

There is a little jingle as the door closes behind us, but otherwise it's silent. The inside is pretty big and looks quite modern. Human modern. Sunset walks across the reflective onyx floor to the middle of the room, unzips her hoodie and puts both hands in the pockets. I saunter over to her, whilst taking a look around. Not much to note in all honesty: a set of stairs leading to the floor above, a bunch of dresses, a stage to the left, an odd looki-

"I'll be over there in just a moment!" And a voice that disrupts my inner monologue.

After a few seconds of waiting, a white Unicorn strides out of the curtains, that are on the side of the staircase. She's wearing a white blouse with a dark blue corset, that is matching her eyeliner, enveloping the blouses lower part. Rarity's also wearing a black medium length skirt, that has about four pockets and a pair of see-through socks that reach up to her lower thighs. The socks end at her hooves, allowing the horseshoes to touch the ground. She strikes a pose and starts swinging her raised hand from side to side.

"Welcome to Rarity's Boutique, where everything is chic, unique and magnifique! How may I help you today?" Her 'magnifique' hair stops swinging from side to side and she opens her blue eyes to look at us.

"Ah! Hello Sunset, how may I help you to...day... Hello, I don't believe we have met before?"

"Hi Rarity, this is my friend - Vadon." My jaw clenches for a moment. "He is in dire need of clothes. I suggested your establishment and here we are." Rarity smiles and looks at me.

"Ah a new customer. Well I am sure, that it is a pleasure to meet you good sir." I give a smile, that doesn't reach my eyes.

"It's very nice to meet you, Miss Rarity. Shall we get down to business?" She gives a nod of approval.

"I don't see why not. What would you like to have made?" I take a deep breath and look at myself.

"Well... I would like a pair of blue pants, that can be worn both outside and inside and are comfortable to quickly move around in. I would also like two long-sleeved shirts similar to the one currently on me: one being pure black and the other the same dark blue as this one. And if you would: a light pure black and a pure blue jackets, with pockets on the front left on inside left." She raises an eyebrow

"Seems a bit drab, don't you think? Maybe I should add a few designs. To spice things up a bit?"

"No it's fine. I wouldn't want to bother you with extra work, plus striped or squared clothing wouldn't suit me." Plus it won't be cheap. She smiles and shakes her head.

"Nonsense darling. It isn't a bother to me at all! And trust me: you would look fabulous in such garments. I can produce clothes with a motif, that will bring forth the best parts of your inner self!"

"Rarity. I'm sure, that you're a professional at what you do and an artist at what you make. But please understand, that I want to keep my clothing simple."

"But I do not understand why. I am sure, that someone as yourself would have a unique personality." ...D-Did she just make a racist compliment?

"That's exactly the point." "What?" "You're probably right about me having a rich personality. My inner world is vast and complicated, yet compact and simple." For me at least. "It took me a couple of years to figure it out, but I managed to do it. And because I did: I would like simple clothing, so no one even suspects my 'inner world'." I form quotes in the air, which makes Rarity frown.

"I do not approve, but very well I suppose. Anything else?" I suck in a breath of air.

"Do you work with underwear?" Rarity raises a brow.

"Not the first time I would have. Why? You have something in mind?"

"Two pairs of black socks and a pair of dark blue pants." Her eyelids droop. A moment passes.

"Alright. Come with me, I will take your measurements." She goes through the curtain.

I look at Sunset, who is staring back at me with mixed emotions. In the end: she just sighs and shakes her head in disapproval. I quickly roll my eyes and follow after the fashionista. The room on the other side appears to be her workplace. It's not that big, but she managed to fit a lot of stuff in here. There are metal tables on two sides of the room, with black cloth draped over them. There are sewing machines and kits on those tables and ten mannequins placed around the room with half-finished dresses on three of them. At the back of the room is a big mahogany shelf with different types of fabric on it.

Rarity is standing on the left side, rummaging through one of the kits. She pulls out a measuring tape, a red pincushion and three pairs of scissors. She puts everything on the table, except the tape, with which she approaches me. Sunset comes into the room behind me and leans on the wall.

"Please stand over here and undress to your undergarments."

"Should Sunset be here? Doesn't that break some sort of customer laws?" Mainly privacy.

"Pshh, I just wanted to talk with Rarity. But I can turn around, if you feel shy." And she does just that, making Rarity turn to her. Using only one hand, I quickly pull out the dagger and shove it in my pocket. I try to look, like I have been staring at Sunset this whole time.

"Nah. I don't really care, do what you want." I unzip my trousers and pull them down. Rarity looks at my legs.

"Hmm..."

"What?"

"Hmm."

"What?"

"Hm-"

"What?"

"You could use some exercise." Fuck you Rarity.

"I could use so-" I swivel my head, to look Sunset. She grimaces and shrugs.

"In all honesty Rarity: in the past couple of days, he shouldn't have been doing any activity, that would put a lot of strain on his muscles." ...I mean...She's not wrong.

"Why ever not?" Rarity questions as she measures my thighs.

"Because that's not fat. That's skin." She looks up at me in confusion and then turns to Sunset for an answer.

"...We found Vadon on our street during the storm. He was bleeding from... he was bleeding and looked like he was on the brink of starvation." I did not look that bad. "He didn't look like a skeleton." There you go. "But he didn't seem healthy either. We brought him into our house and lived with him ever since. He would occasionally help us with a few chores, but he would mostly read his book on magic." Rarity stands up and looks at me with surprised smile.

"Really? It's very rare to meet someone, who can use the art of magic and isn't a unicorn, so that's a pleasant surprise. However: I bet, that Sunset wasn't very impressed, since she has learned almost every arcane art there is. She can be like that." Rarity smirked and glanced at Sunset.

"Actually..." The fashionista had to do a double take on that. "The book he has, contains knowledge on a class of magic, I have never seen or heard of before. While it seemed to use mostly runes, I couldn't recognize any of them. That's why Vadon agreed to teach me some of his magic after he finishes reading the book." Rarity lowers her head.

"I see. But that still doesn't explain why he isn't in peak physical condition." Because I'm not a horse? Sunset let's out a sigh.

"After I told him about the storm, he... changed. I admit: I didn't know him all that well before, but... he just changed. He would lock himself in the basement with that book, apparently for entire nights. He refused to eat any food as well, his argument being: 'you never know when the storm is going to end'."

Rarity nearly drops her tape as she looks at me. I stare at her evenly.

"C-could you lift off your shirt?" I do as she asks, my face unchanging. When the shirt comes off, she lets out a horrified gasp and Sunset eyes widen.

"By the way: that is a lie. I have eaten." Sunset returns my gaze.

"What you ate, could not be considered food."

"I disagree. Honestly: why do you even care about me, I just don't understand."

"We already had this discussion." I make a grimace.

"Mmm. I wouldn't really call that a discussion." I shake my head at her, to which she frowns.

"Alright enough! I will not have anypony arguing in my boutique. Is that clear?" A few seconds pass.

"Yes." "Of course Rarity." She looks at both of us.

"Good! Now: Vadon please stretch out you arms and stand still." I spread my spindly arms and straighten my back, standing a whole head taller, than Rarity. She blinks a couple of times and gets to work.

"Sunset?" The unicorn hums in response. "You wanted to talk with Rarity, so go on then. Just not about me, deal?" Rarity goes around to the side and starts measuring my arms and waist. .

"Oh yeah. Alright. How have you been lately Rarity?" The fashionista stops measuring for a moment.

"I have lived better days, but all in all: it wasn't that bad. I am just worried about Sweetie..." Sunset blinks.

"She's in Ponyville at moment, isn't she?" I hear shuffling behind me.

"Yes, she should be with Applejack right now. Lower your hands darling." I feel the cold tape and nails running across my back.

"She's with Applejack? Well then: you have nothing to worry about, if she is anything like you told me."

"I know, but I can't help but be worried." I hear Rarity let out a quiet groan and something along the lines of: 'I hate tall customers', which makes me smirk. I was always considered short.

"What about Sassy - where is she? She can't be still asleep, right?" Rarity chuckles.

"No, I just asked her to restock on food and some sewing supplies. We've been running out lately." She hums in satisfaction and I hear the sound of something being written down. "You may get dressed now, darling."

She walks out of my peripheral vision and goes to one of the tables, while I start putting on my clothes. Making sure, that the shirt is tucked into the trousers, I close the black belt and look up at Rarity, standing with her back turned to me. She has a pencil behind her left ear and a notebook is now lying on the black cloth. Suddenly, she turns to me.

"I've been wondering, if I could make you a pair of jeans instead of simply pants." My head drops forward.

"J-you can make jeans?" I look around the room. "With what? I don't see any equipment, that could let you make them." With an amused smirk, she points at her horn.

"So: may I? I believe they would fit you nicely." I blink and shake my head.

"I don't mind at all. Just make them tight enough, so I can feel the pressure, yet still be able to move quickly and in almost any pose. Can you do that?"

"It will be a challenge. But I accept! I assume you'd like them blue?" She looks at me from under her brows.

"...Yes. When will you have everything done? A couple of days?" She looks offended.

"Darling, you offend me. If my assistant gets back soon, then I will have all your garments done in thirty minutes."

"Wha- How? What kind of magic do you have?"

"The common one, but I'm a professional as well, darling. Also both me and my assistant have magic and you have refused to let me make any kind of patterns on your clothes. And there is the bonus of you being Sunsets friend! Of which I am in doubt."

"Rarity!"

"Yeah. You and me both."

"Vadon! You are my friend and that's final!" My lower lip envelopes my upper one as I squint at Rarity.

"...For some reason, that doesn't really sound like friendship." She stares off into space.

"I have no idea, what you two have between each other. However if it makes Sunset lose her composure this much, I am all for it!"

We share a laugh, at which Sunset puffs her cheeks and crosses her arms. After we are done with the giggles, I look at her, grinning.

"Relax Sunset, we're just teasing you. I am actually starting to enjoy your company." The 'angry'-looking Unicorn gives a tiny smile. I turn to the other one. "Rarity, it's been nice chatting with you, but I have other business to take care of at the moment. Just in case I'm early: where could I wait?"

"There are seats in the foyer and some magazines should be lying on the tables. I will see you when I'm done." She says with a smile and begins levitating cloth from the shelf. The room is way too bright, for me to see her aura.

"Fantastic, Sunset? Would you mind helping find the other shop?" She leans off the wall and looks at Rarity.

"I'll quickly show him the place and come back. See you in a bit."

"Yes, see you in a bit dearie." Rarity responds, as she begins to work her magic.

We walk back out into the main room and I notice four purple couches to my far right and two glass tables with rounded metal legs. There is a neat stack of magazines lying on one of them, though I can't see what they're about. Probably fashion. Reaching the entrance, Sunset opens the door and we step out onto the street, the bell jingling again.

There are few people out and about, but those that are - seem like they have a large piece of silverware, stuck in a really uncomfortable place. The nose obviously, why do you think nobles always have it raised? Sunset walks down the stairs normally, but I instead choose to skip a step every next one. Landing on the marble road, I catch up and walk alongside her. We cross the street and reach a building straight across Rarity's.

"We have arrived." She says with a butler's bow and a troll-face expression. I purse my lips.

"So... If you're going to head back to Rarity, I will need some of your money."

Sunset slowly nods and pulls out a purse from her pouch. She hands me ten coins from it, with each one having the number ten on it and a capital 'B' crossed with two horizontal lines. I pick up one and twirl it around: the other side has a symbol of a fiery sun and crescent moon fused together.

"Here you go: this should be enough. I'll see you, when you're done. Bye!" She waves to me, while walking back to the boutique.

"See ya." I simply raise my hand.

I shove the bits in my pocket and turn back to the shop, thinking on how to approach this. Hello good sir! You might have noticed me not having any shoes, but not to worry! I am not a homeless person: I have a basement to live in! Yeah, that'll work. A take a deep breath and quickly exhale. I push the door open.

The first thing that catches my attention: is the interior itself. The flooring is made from some kind of dark wood with a huge orange carpet in the middle of the room. A couple of flat white and orange chairs sit on the carpet. There is a variety of footwear in a few display cases, that are placed on white stands, near the walls. The lighting has a yellowish hew to it and is coming from multiple in-built lamps on the ceiling. There's an orange brown counter at the back with a yellow book on it and a dark door behind it. There is an odd aroma in here, that I can't quite place, but it's not unpleasant. The last detail I note, is the other sole occupant of the room.

"Hello and welcome to 'Sole Mate', how may we help you today?" A yellow mare in an orange suit asks me. It's already not going to plan! Abort, Abort!

"Greetings, I would like to have some shoes made for me. Simple, pure black, slip-ons, with really low and wide heels." She looks down at my feet and frowns in confusion. "I know. That's kinda why I need new ones." She looks back up at me with a tiny smile.

"Would you like them for a special event, or everyday casual?"

"I would like to be able to go in them for both, so please make them comfortable to run in. Is that possible?"

"I don't see why not. Come closer, please." She motions towards the carpet.

My socks are slightly moist, but they have dried up slightly at the boutique, so I do as the consultant says. She pulls out a measuring tape out of her front pocket and walks up to me. She requests me to put my feet close together, but make some space between them. She kneels down and begins taking measures. After a couple of minutes she stands up, pulls out a notebook with a pen and writes something down. Eventually, her green eyes look up at me.

"So how exactly would you like them made?" I sit on one of the seats, pull up my leg and show her the curve in the foot.

"You see this?" She steps closer. "I would like the heel to be on this entire area-" I make a shape over my heel bone. "- and the sole right here with a slight vertical curve under this spot." The consultants face goes empty for a moment, before she pulls out the tape again and begins measuring my underfoot. After putting the measurements in the notebook she turns away.

"I will be right back." She walks around the counter and through the door.

Deciding to take a look around, I stand up and approach one of the shoes, that's being displayed. It looks like a mix of a sandal and a tall boot. The thing has gold lines engraved into it's blue leather and has odd patterns on two opposite sides. On the stand next to it, is a different shoe in a shape of a hoof. It's yellow coloration makes me squint my eyes, the yellow being too bright for them. I hear a door open to my right and turn to the source of the sound.

"Those are our best works yet." The same mare as before tells me. I look at her in amused confusion.

"So what: someone only has one of these shoes?" She chuckles.

"No: they have both, those are just exact replicas. Your footwear will be done in twenty minutes. Would you like to purchase some shoe polish with them as well?"

"I've only got a certain amount of money on me, so I would have to know how much everything will cost, before deciding anything." She doesn't skip a beat.

"Well, for the shoes it'll be fifty bits and fifteen for a single container of wax."

"I see. Yeah I'll buy one, I don't see why not. Say... how much would it cost if I wanted some sort of design on my shoes?" She tilts her head and one of her ears flops.

"I'd say about...eighty - eighty five bits. Why do you want to know?"

"I'm just curious." Sunset. Come on... "I'll just... sit here for a moment, if you don't mind."

"No, no, not at all. You're actually our first customer all day. With a unique order to boot!" Di-did she-e just make a shoe pun? She had a little grin, so I guess she did.

"Nice." I stretch my back and arms, becoming almost five times wider.

I nearly fall asleep after about twenty minutes pass. Or I would have, if Amber wasn't such a conversationalist. After she told me her name, I had to tell her my alias and then she couldn't stop asking questions, or telling anecdotes, or bits of her personal life. What I have found during our 'conversation' out so far:

1) Amber is married to someone named: Bolt Lace and their wedding happened two years ago.

2) Her husband and her brother work together in this shop: Bolt making the upper parts of the shoes, while her bro worked on heels and soles.

3) She likes strawberry hot chocolate.

4) The scent in the room is a fragrance of oranges. Note to self: have to try some.

5) And finally: some Ponies don't need lungs.

6) Oh yeah - six: They have good relationships with Rarity, but aren't big fans of her assistant.

She gets interrupted by Sunset entering. I turn to the unicorn and swear, that I see a bright light shining from behind her and a choir singing from somewhere.

"-Oh. Hello and welcome to 'Sole Mate', how may we help you?" Sunset looks down at me.

"Oh no, I just came for this guy, here." I raise an eyebrow and a corner of my mouth.

"What, miss me already? It's been only twenty minutes."

"Twenty five, actually. And I just thought, I'd check up on you. So, what did you pick?"

"You'll see. They should be done pretty soon." Just as I say that, the door behind the counter opens.

"So who wanted the-whoa. Hello. You ordered these?" A dark blue Pegasus with a yellow mane, holds up a pair of shoes.

"Yeah, that'd be me."

I rise and close the space between us with two strides. A hold my right hand out to him and he puts one of the shoes on it. The shoe itself is... perfect so far. It's pure black, the heel is not high enough to make me lose my balance, or be uncomfortable when walking. It doesn't have any laces, or any other kind of closing mechanism. The stiffener is hard, but quite flexible, the part, where the tongue would be, is connected diagonally with the stiffener and the lower part of the shoe with a fabric, that stretches. The insides are made of a greyish-blue fluffy material, at which I raise an eyebrow.

"Amber told me, that you don't have much in the fur department, so I thought you might need something to keep you warm." I looked at him with a blank face. He gets a nervous grin and starts sweating a bit.

I silently take the other one from his hands and place them both down on the carpet, in front of me. I stare at them for a moment: looking down at them, like I'm judging them. Which I suppose I am. I shove my right foot in the corresponding shoe, followed by the other one. I stand still for a moment and wiggle my entire foot. Then smile.

"I like them." He breathes out a sigh of relief. "I like them a lot. You alright? You looked like you were about to have a panic attack. Business not going well?" He shakes his head.

"Not really, but we used up quite a bit of money, before the storm arrived. So we want to earn as much as possible as soon as possible. It's a fun challenge to make shoes for other races, kind of a hobby and a job in one for me, ya see." I look at him for a moment, contemplating something. This could backfire.

"What was it, sixty five bits?" I reach into my pocket and pull out the coins. I hand him eight coins, putting the rest back in the pocket. "Keep the change, I really like the shoes." He looks up at me with a smile.

"Thank you" Amber walks up to me with two small containers, that have 'Wax for Black Footwear' written on them.

"Here you go. I don't like keeping the change." She tells me with a smile. Her husband looks at her, then smiles and nuzzles her.

"Welp: thanks for the shoes. I guess, I'll see you some other time." I begin walking to the front door.

"Bye!" "Catch ya later."

I step out onto the street, the heels barely making any sound. I tap my foot on the ground a couple of times and a quiet clacking sound comes from the shoe. Amazing. I sprint across the street and up the Boutique's stairs. Sunset comes up behind me, I turn the handle and open the do- Wait, it's push not pull... I push the door open and go inside.

Supposedly: Rarity should be finished already, so I walk up to the curtain, about to enter.

"-? There was this strange creature at the market, that made a poor stallion give him the goods for a lot less bits, than they cost originally. The thing submitted the vendor into doing so, by accusing him of things and even resorting to threats. At least that is what I have heard from the other Ponies in the market." A posh voice sounded out.

"Really? Who would do such a thing? I can't possibly imagine even talking with someone like that." Rarity said.

I slowly turn my head to look at Sunset from under my brows, with smiling tight lips. She stands stock still with a blank expression, but I can tell she's trying not to crack up, if her body's quivering is anything to go by.

"Me too. Oh by the way Rarity: who are we making these clothes for? They seem a bit dull." I step through the curtain.

"You're making them for this 'strange creature'." I say in mock annoyance, crossing my hands. A tall, light-blue Unicorn in a black flowery dress, shrieks and throws a pair of boxers at me, which I manage to catch and hold in my hand by my side. Rarity takes off her red glasses and inhales a volume of air, before exhaling loudly through the nose. She opens her eyes and sends me an unamused glare. I raise the pants up to my face, inspecting them up close. They seem to be already done and are capable of stretching without tearing. I look back up- down at Rarity.

"Don't you have any manners? One does not eavesdrop on a lady's discussion."

"You mean very loud and obvious gossip? Besides: if you're going to judge me, blame Sunset as well. You think I was the only one, who heard your conversation?" Rarity looks behind me and makes an appalled expression.

"Sunset! I am appalled, that you would do such a thing!"

"W-we have just come back and we just overheard you. T-that's all!" I shake my head at her.

"Sunset, when someone talks about you behind your back: you do not apologize to them for it. Unless you're some kind of weird- masochistic person, that likes to say they're sorry for actions, they haven't committed: then go for it." I say, even though Sunset didn't actually give an apology.

"I'm sorry for talking about you behind your back. I just didn't assume, that you were one of Rarity's customers." Oh: so if I wasn't, then you would? "I don't want to give a bad first impression-" Kinda late for that. "- I am Sassy Saddles - Rarity's assistant. May I know, who you are?"

"..." No "I am Vadon,-" I reach my hand out to her. "-you made these?" She looks at the underwear in my hand and shakes it.

"It's nice to meet you Vadon, yes: I made those." She stays silent for a moment. "If you don't mind me asking: are the rumours true?"

"The rumours about a powerful being of wisdom, that didn't let a Pony scam him and his friends? Totally." She blinks. Rarity turns to me.

"Can you tell us what happened? While I enjoy an overblown story once in a while, I'd like to hear it from someone who was actually there at the time." She leans back on the table. I lower my head in thought.

"I'll give you the short version. A mare bought five or six bags, almost bursting with food and the merchant made her pay very little for it. After we bought much less, then that mare: he tried to make us pay a hundred and fifty bits, which was almost double the amount of what she paid. I asked him a couple questions, he answered them and fell into a little verbal trap I set up. In the end we paid about forty five bits." Rarity's jaw dropped and I think Sassy's actually dislocated. Rarity restarted faster.

"Sunset. Is what he said true?"

"Every word of it." Sunset replies behind me.

"Well I'm glad, that that cheat got put back in his place. In all honesty Darling: I never expected you to do something like that." She looks at me with a smile.

"Love you too, Rarity." I deadpan at her. She gets a small blush and lets out a huff.

"Huff. Well I never. You should accept a compliment, when a lady offers you one."

Now, my choices are:

1) I'll definitely do that, when a lady tells me one. Or.

B) Who said I didn't accept it? I told you, that I love you didn't I?

Hmm...

I ignore her as I look at Sassy's tall form. Her curious amber eyes, almost a head and a half higher, than mine. Damn. I smile.

"Are my clothes ready yet?" She blinks, before nodding.

"Yes they are, you may collect them." I see Rarity shaking out of the corner of my eye. I set my poker face in stone.

"Excellent! May I see them?" She steps aside and motions toward the table.

My underwear and long-sleeves are lying in neat piles on the black silk. I walk up to my clothes and inspect them separately. My socks are warm enough for Autumn, but not enough to make me sweat during hot days. Perfect. My shirts and pants also can stretch and let through air, but not it's temperature. I nod in satisfaction and spin around.

I see Rarity frowning, but she looks at me expectantly. I reach her table and see two jackets and jeans on it. I feel both jackets and come to a conclusion: Rarity and Sassy are masters at what they do. Also don't mess with Unicorns. I pick up the jeans and look at one who made them. I quickly run out into the foyer, unbuckle my trousers and put on the jeans. After closing the button and zipping them up, I stand still for a few seconds. I decide to take a few small steps and then a couple of big ones, even for me. It doesn't chafe anywhere and allow a lot of movement, yet they wrap around me nice and tight. I notice Sunset staring at me with a smirk.

"Do you like them?"

"Can you pay them extra?" She pokes her head through the curtain.

"He likes them." She walks back into the room, I follow her.

"I'm glad you like them, Darling. Oh, before I forget! You clothes will not have any hairs or dust sticking to them, and don't need to be washed often." I gawk at her, then slowly turn to Sunset.

"...Can you please pay her extra?" She smirks.

"I only pay extra for my friends." She instantly pays her extra. Le sigh. Sassy puts all my stuff in a bag and hands it to me.

"Sunset. Should we leave now?" She looks out a window.

"Yeah actually. It is getting pretty late." I stifle a yawn.

"Thank you two, for making me these. I will definitely see you later." "Bye Vadon!" "See you later." I nod and leave.

After getting out on the street, I see that it's already evening, but the sun hasn't begun setting yet. I try to go the way we came here earlier, but Sunset stops me and says: there's an easier path. We start walking down the way the Sirens went. After a while of going down a mostly empty street- I find the lack of guards disturbing -we reach grey pavement. After coming to a sort of cliff face, we turn right and start walking along a curved road, with green fields below to our left. After a few minutes of travelling, I finally recognize where we are, because of the massive light show, that is the lightning rod.

I notice Novel entering his house, as we approach our home. We walk up to the door and I let out a long breath. Sunset knock and after a couple of seconds, Aria opens it in her usual home clothes. She smiles and lets us in. When I step inside, I take of my shoes and see Adagio walk out of the kitchen, wearing an apron and a smile. I ask her what's up with the chipper mood.

Apparently: it's their anniversary since they started living together and are going to celebrate it. Apparently I'm invited to the table as well. I chose to not fight against it, but told her, that I refuse to eat the eel, at which she laughed. After telling her that I'm going to go have a shower, she says that I can use her shampoo if I want. In all honesty: I think prefferred the old Adagio. After washing up and changing to my new clothes, we all sit at the table and enjoy the rest of the evening.

There was cake.

Author's Note

...

Fuck

I've been writing this chapter for almost three days straight. Do you know what it's like to write so much without coffee, tea or energy drinks? Answer: Horrible.

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Read.
I know I didn't.

Request: Please tell me what you think about the characters and setting so far in the comments or mail.

If you want some answers about the storyline - don't bother. I won't spoil you anything. Or maybe I will. However you are free to post your own theories, as long as they're marked as spoilers.

I will take a couple of days break and probably get another chapter up, by the end of the week. This time: much shorter.

If you find any references in this chapter, post them in the comments below. If you want to, that is.

Order or Chaos out...zzzzz...zz-