The Music Guides Me

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My anxiety was spiking at this point. I sat in a wooden chair with three women staring me down, one of them being the supreme god ruler of this realm. The other two were practical heroes that have saved the world at least three times. My life seemed to get smaller and smaller by the minute. It felt embarrassing as the mares watched my drummer feet bop up and down rapidly. While they definitely seemed like the understanding bunch, anxiety isn't a very nice person. He liked to fill my mind with rather negative thoughts. It took a while before one of them decided to break the silence with a question.

"So Caleb," Celestia started, "I'm sure that this is a very peculiar situation that you're in."

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to be so awkward." I chuckled nervously.

"Well, given the current circumstances I'm sure anypony would feel the same way you would." said Twilight.

"No, no. I've always been like this to be honest."

"Like what?" asked Rainbow.

"Well, y-you see the thing is, I've never had too much social interaction," at this point my voice trailed off into a mumble, "so I'm sorry if I come off as awkward, or weird... or annoying..."

My eyes never met any of their's for that entire sentence as my feet continued to bounce. I checked my phone for the time, and saw that I only had 34% battery life left. Apparently my look of distress was bad enough for all three mares to lean forward. I could feel their stares, their eyes clawing at me despite being out of utter concern. My feet bounced faster. My hands nervously fiddled with the stand on the back of my phone case. I couldn't tell the expressions on the trio's faces anymore as I instinctively turtled.

"Young one..." Celestia said with a soft, motherly voice.

"Hm?" I finally looked up at her.

"Are you alright?"

Normally my response would be, "yeah, I'm alright". But what actually came out surprised me, as well as the other three people in the room with me.

"No." I answered, shaking my head. A fake smile couldn't help but form itself on my lips as I tried to hide the fact that I just gave an answer I didn't want anyone to know. I gave another chuckle, and my gaze fell back to the floor.

Before I knew it, tears began to stream down my cheeks and fall onto my knees. I hadn't noticed I was crying until now since my vision was already blurred enough.

Why am I crying? I thought to myself.

Oh God, this is embarrassing. Fuck I must look so pathetic.

I hastily wiped the tears from my eyes and took a deep breath. My body leaned forward as I covered my face with my hands, and gave a sigh. As I recovered myself mentally, I felt a hand gently place itself on my shoulder. I looked up to see Celestia, giving me the most reassuring smile I've ever been given in my life. Who was I to be so deserving of something so pure? I found myself lost in that smile of her's. I don't know what kind of face I was making, but it must have been something to earn myself a giggle from Celestia.

"Whatever the problem may be, you can always come to us." she said.

There was something about her. The sight of her filled me with such vigor and energy to make all my exhaustion seem so non-existent. Her voice was a blessing upon my eardrums that assured me that no matter what, everything was going to be okay, and her eyes... There was something about them that I couldn't describe. All I knew was that this woman, mare, whatever she is, was the light I never had.

Mind you, my life was not filled with extremely traumatic events or anything like that. Isolation pays a heavy price on one's mind. I looked into the goddess's eyes and nodded, wiping away the remaining tears from my eyes. Rainbow took this opportunity to chime in.

"See? I told you everything would be alright!"

"If one thing's for sure, it's that opening up to your friends really helps." Twilight added.

I smiled before replying, "Unfortunately those aren't something I had a lot of back home."

"It concerns me that you're able to say that with a smile." Celestia commented.

"I never really bothered to worry about it." I sighed.

"That's also pretty concerning." said Twilight.

"Is it okay if I say that I don't feel like going into it right now?" I asked.

"While I don't quite understand what keeps you from opening up about your past, we won't force you." Celestia replied.

"Thank you." I said. "Now I don't mean to be imposing, but how are we handling my living quarters?"

The three mares looked to one another before pondering at the question.

"Well you can't bunk with me, I live in the clouds. As far as I know, you can't walk on clouds."

Yeah, no.

"I do not wish to frighten the people of Canterlot, nor do I want the guards watching your every move."

Understandable.

"I've already got Spike here with me, and I'm sharing my room with him."

Shame.

"So basically what you're all telling me is that I'm SOL."

"'SOL'?" asked Twilight.

"I'll explain it someday." I replied with my face in my palm.

With that, the four of stood up simultaneously, which caused me to sit back down. I didn't feel like being embarrassed again with how short I was. Celestia noticed this, but kept quiet with a smile that melted my heart. Don't ask me why I feel these things with her, it's not something I can explain too well.

"Question." I started, "I have really bad eyesight, is there anyway you could get me some sort of glasses?"

"I'm positive we have someone who can do that for you." answered Twilight.

Oh thank God.

"Great! Just one problem."

"What is it?" Rainbow asked.

"I'm from another world, quite possibly another universe, so I'm not very liquid at the moment." I deadpanned.

"Fear not young one, I'll personally find one for you."

"Caleb." I corrected, "And you don't have to do that."

"Why shouldn't I?"

I shrugged. "Good point."

"As I thought." said Celetsia. "I will inform an optometrist of your needs. Until then, I have royal matters to attend to in Canterlot."

"I appreci-- uh, I thank you for your help Princess Celestia." It completely slipped my mind that she was in fact a princess until now.

"Oh please Caleb, no need to be so formal." Celestia laughed with a wave of her hand.

"I was taught to respect my elders."

"Are you saying that I'm old?"

"Well I-I didn't mean it like--"

Oh boy, here we go with the stuttering. It came to my attention that Celestia is pleasantly amused by my awkwardness, judging by how hard she was trying to hide a smile. Eventually she gave a short laugh, causing my fumbling to come to halt. I felt the burning sensation in my cheeks and I sighed.

"My apologies. It's simply that I've never met somepony struggle with their words since Shining proposed to Cadence." she stated.

"I have no clue who those two are, but I'll try to work on my social skills." I replied.

"Very well. I shall see you all again soon."

With that, Celestia made her exit. I turned to the other to ponies (I don't think I'm ever going to get used that) in the room with me.

"What now?" I asked.

"I believe we should get you familiarized with town." Twilight answered.

"Yeah, that's a good idea." added Rainbow.

"We'll start by visiting the rest of the Elements."

"Elements? Is there like a fire level in this place?" I said with the utmost sarcasm.

"She means our other friends, elements is her way of saying 'friends'." Rainbow sighed.

"Sorry." Twilight said with a sheepish grin. "Closest would be Pinkie Pie."

Fuckin' hell with these names. I thought.

"Where can I find her?"

There was a sudden knock at the door. Twilight called to it and quickly rushed over. When she opened the door, my vision suddenly flooded with--

"Pinkie!"

Yeah. That.

"Pleasure to meet ya! What's your name? Caleb? What a nice name! I was already on my way over when I saw you walking Rainbow Dash and I got distracted by this really weird thing I saw! So then I--"

Please. Stop.

The hyperactive mare continued to ramble like a psychopath, zipping around me, left and right, seemingly defying physics. I felt my head throbbing as the world began to spin around me. Pinkie's voice became a muffled echo as I closed my eyes and shrank deeper into my chair. As my mind completely tuned out the world, I plugged my earbuds into my head and scrolled through my plethora of songs. It didn't take long for me to find something to fit the mood.

Wishy Washy - Devilman Crybaby OST

As I threw my head back over the seat, the headphones played the medley of sounds to me. I couldn't see it, but I knew the pink mare was still zooming around me as she spoke nonsense that I refused to listen to. I knew fully well that it was rude, but if you knew me, this was for the best.

"What'cha listening to?" her voice seemed to leak through the headphones and into the song.

"Jesus!" I yelped, falling out of my chair.

"Jesus? Never heard of him." Pinkie said, tapping her chin and thinking a little too hard on the subject.

"Alright Twilight, who's next on the bucket list?" I asked.

"Well, from closest to furthest, I believe Rarity is next."

Rarity huh? Definitely not the weirdest name I've heard all day.

"That'll be an easy two'fer!" Rainbow cheered.

"What will Rainbow Dash?" asked Twilight.

"He can meet Rarity, and she could tailor him some clothes!"

"Huh? Why would she do that? Can't he just wear some of our clothes?" Pinkie chimed.

"Pinkie, c'mon! He's like half our size."

Rub it in why don't you?

"He could wear some of the children's clothes!" Pinkie said with a giggle.

"Oh, please spare me the embarrassment of imagining that." I muttered as I stood up.

"So it's off to this, 'Rarity', I'm guessing?"

"It would seem so." Twilight said.

Fantastic.

Hopefully I could ask this "Rarity" to tailor me a hoodie so I could hide my face. Maybe then I'd get less stares than I usually do whenever I walk around town. I couldn't put in my headphones to block them out in case one of the ladies called for me, and I don't do that one earbud shit. I prayed that we could get this over with quick so I could get my hourly music fix.

"This is the place." Rainbow said to me, turning my attention to the massive boutique. My eyesight may be bad, but I'm pretty sure that's a little too much purple and white.

Oh boy, wonder what her accents are going to be.

Twilight knocked on the door and a refined voice emanated from the inside.

"Just a moment darling!"

Maybe a little bit too refined.

After just a moment, the door slowly opened to reveal a rather gorgeous looking mare. Again, the first thing I noticed was the horn on her forehead. Her coat was a soft white with a purple tint to it. Her deep purple mane and tail curled elegantly at the ends. She wore a baggy black, open knit sweater with a light gray shirt underneath, along with a pair of joggers that hugged her lower-half tightly, showing off her fine curves. Her light-ish blue eyes darted between her friends.

"Twilight? Rainbow? Pinkie? My, my, what brings all of you here?"

Then to me. I saw the excitement on her face slowly drain as she continued to stare. She hastily pulled Twilight inside and shut the door behind her. I didn't need to hear what they were saying for me to know what, or who they were talking about. As we waited, Rainbow slithered an earbud from around my neck and plugged her ear. I smiled and did the same before finding a song to wait to.

Guided Meditation - Old Future Fox Gang

The lounge-like music made all the waiting seem less awkward as we stood outside in the Fall weather. It was also nice to find someone who enjoyed my music as much as I did. Although I'm sure she might still be freaked out by my phone. Soon enough, Pinkie wanted to hear some of my music as well. I reluctantly gave her my earbud, as to not ruin it for Rainbow, but I still listened to the song in my head. The door suddenly flew open, revealing Twilight and Rarity in the doorway.

"Alright Caleb, come introduce yourself!" Twilight said gleefully.

"I think you just did." I chuckled.

As I stepped forward, I could still see Rarity's worrisome face. Taking what little knowledge I learned of her at Twilight's house, I put my James Bond knowledge to work. Very gently, I took her hand in mine and bowed down before planting a soft kiss on it. This changed her worried look to one of slight approval. I don't care how ridiculous I made myself look in this moment, I needed her to feel comfortable. I knew that much about being social.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, my dear." I said with the utmost confidence I could muster.

"And to whom do I owe this fine pleasure?" asked Rarity as she turned her body and raised her shoulder.

"Caleb, Caleb Johansen. Charmed I'm sure."

"Quite." Rarity said with a smile. "Twilight darling, where on Equestria did you find this gentlecolt?"

"In a field." Rainbow chimed.

"Well, that would explain the attire. Come Mr. Johansen, let's dust you off and clean you up."

"I would appreciate that greatly." I followed.

After we entered the boutique, Rarity used her magic to close the door behind us. The interior was littered with spools, spindles, and sewing machines. Massive scraps of cloth were found draped over the tables and hanging from the walls. I noticed her mannequins were all based off of the anatomy of a pony. Tailoring my clothes was probably going to be a bit of a challenge for her.

"I'd heard you had a sense of fashion." I said in awe of the multitude of suits, dresses, and other miscellaneous clothing products.

"'Sense' is an understatement darling." Rarity complimented herself.

Well if you're going to be in this industry, you've gotta have confidence I guess.

I took this moment to learn a little more about Rarity.

"How long have you been tailoring for Rarity?"

"Ever since I was a filly. It was my dream to craft the most magnificent pieces of clothing, worn by the finest ponies in Equestria."

"Well, that's definitely one helluva dream." I said.

"How about yourself Mr. Johansen, what was your dream job? Where are you even from? Surely somepony from a different world has some stories to tell?"

"Well for starters, my world is just called Earth. It's been there for a while so I won't go into details about everything. As for exactly where I came from, I came from a place called Texas. All you need to know, is that I wear that fact with the utmost pride." Oh boy, have to hold back all my pride.

"Sounds like quite the place to be." Rarity giggled.

'Honestly for lady such as yourself, definitely not. That's if you can't handle the blistering heat, the bipolar weather, the fact that all four seasons manage to fit into one day..."

"You make it sound like Texas is sentient." Twilight said.

In a way, she is Twi... more than you know.

"Besides my home, my dream job was to be a veterinarian."

"Humorous, bookworm, gentlecolt, loves animals," Rainbow listed off my qualities as if I wasn't standing in the room with her, "what's next, you're gonna be great at baking and was raised on a farm?"

"As for baking, I make a mean lasagna. Being raised on a farm however, not quite."

"Hard to believe you're socially awkward."

Did you really have to remind me? I thought I was doing good so far...

Ignoring what Rainbow had just said, I turned my attention back to Rarity who was rummaging through her drawers. She gave an, "Aha!" and pulled out a long strip of measuring tape.

"Alright darling, before I get to work I need to make some measurements." she said.

"That's fine." I replied.

"Perfect! Now, strip."

"I'm sorry?"

The events that transpired were too awkward for me to explain, but if you want the short version I can do that easily. After I had stripped down to my underwear for Rarity, it was about ten minutes of nobody saying anything. Afterwards I was told to leave so that she could get to work. What happened next gave me some clarity.

"Well girls, I think I've had a long enough break. Time to get back to my workout." said Rainbow as she extended her wings and flew off.

"I agree. I have to get back to the library to continue my studies, plus Spike should be coming home soon." added Twilight. She gave me a smile and wave as she departed from the group.

"I've gotta get back to the bakery to see if my cupcakes are burning!" shouted Pinkie, who suddenly vanished from my sight.

And with that, I was left to my lonesome. Just as I was about to plug my ears, I heard Rainbow call out to me. I looked around confusedly before she called me again. I looked up to see her hovering in the air.

"If you wanna meet Fluttershy, she lives in a cottage in the forest. You can find it down that path." she pointed to a dirt path that led to a tree grove.

"As for Applejack, she lives on the apple farm in the opposite direction. Who you wanna meet first is up to you."

"Alrighty, thanks Rainbow." I said with a smile.

"Don't mention it." Rainbow replied with a smile of her own.

As she took off into the skies, I plugged my ears and did my routine scrolling. A few moments later, I picked a song and made my way to the one known as Fluttershy.