I awoke shivering, the cold mid-December air was permeating the thick walls of my home. The pegasai didn't seem to have spared any effort in covering the town with snow. I glanced at the clock, 9:30 AM, almost time to get to work. Although, it isn't really much work, just moving books, tending to the rare patron and making small talk with Twilight and Spike.
I grabbed my scarf, sighing. I've never liked cold weather, which is pretty normal for growing up in Canterlot. The fact that I arrived in Ponyville in the hottest part of Summer doesn't help either. Whatever, it's not like a little snow would stop me from going to work. Before I left I checked the clock again, December 29, my birthday. I'll have to remember to pick up a cupcake from Pinkie Pie.
I closed my door but left it unlocked. In this town there is no point in locking your door, the worst that could happen is Pinkie deciding to throw you a surprise party while you're gone. With that I left towards the library.
But before I continue I must introduce myself. My name is Event Horizon, as you may be able to tell my cutie mark is a diagram of, well, an event horizon. I live in Ponyville, a small town in the middle of nowhere. It's a large step down from my pampered Canterlot life but, hey, I still love this town.
Anyway, back to the story. I soon arrived at the library, I pulled open the door and I expected to hear the quiet sound of pages turning but instead I heard nothing. I glanced around the room as I tried to find a trace of life but again I found nothing. I looked back at the door and I found a piece of paper taped to the door, How did I miss that?
"Dear Event, I'm going to be gone for a while, Celestia wants me to teach a few classes at her academy. She said I will be gone for a week or so but I expect to be gone longer. Anyway, think of this as a short vacation, paid of course. Sincerely, Twilight Sparkle."
Well damn, I have nothing else planned for today. My days usually consist of waking up, working, going home, eating and going back to sleep. This completely ruins my plans, I can't just go home and eat dinner now, It's 10 AM. Whatever, I guess I can just make plans. I decided to walk over to Sugar Cube Corner and pick up a cupcake.
As I arrived at Sugar Cube Corner I stopped for a bit to watch the snow fall. How could something so annoying be so beautiful?
"Hey Event!" I heard from behind me. I knew that voice by heart, mostly because I've heard it hundreds of times and for hours on end.
"Hello Pinkie." I said, my voice a little hoarse from the cold air cutting at my throat, although that could have been my imagination.
"What're you doing here?" She asked. "You never come and visit me."
"Yeah, I know. I thought I'd end that today." I said. "I just came to pick up something to eat."
"But you said that you only liked sweets on special occasions." She said. Then she stopped, as if thinking about something. Then it dawned on her. "Oh my gosh, it's your birthday isn't it. I'm so sorry for forgetting about it, It's just that I've been busy with work and babysitting for the Cakes and-"
I put my hoof over her mouth, trying to stop her from talking but she still kept mumbling into it.
"Pinkie, it's fine." I said. "Even I nearly forgot about my birthday, it's not very important."
Pinkie gasped, somehow. I thought I was still covering her mouth with my hoof. I looked down and saw that I was.
"Event, birthdays are a special occasion that everypony should celebrate." She said. "Ah, I know what I can do to remember. I'm going to throw you the best birthday party anypony has ever had ever."
"Pinkie, I don't think-" I started.
"Sorry Event, I can't talk now. I'm almost late for work." She interrupted. "I'll make sure to have everything ready for your party by the time you get off work."
She ran into Sugar Cube Corner, leaving me in the snow. I guess I have nothing left to do but do work. I decided to walk to Town Hall and search the job board.
The interior of Town Hall was fairly nice, the fire was softly crackling in the middle of the well furnished waiting area. I quickly said hello to the receptionist and made my way to the job board. The jobs were odd ones, focusing on skills I have yet to acquire. The only job that I could do was a modeling job for Rarity. As much as I didn't want to do it I knew I had to. I wouldn't be getting paid until Twilight got back from Canterlot in a week...or three. With that thought I reluctantly made my way to the Carousel Boutique.
The area around the boutique was surprisingly devoid of snow. Rarity must have bribed Rainbow Dash to have this happen because I doubt that she would have done this herself. Anyway, it was time to humiliate myself. I opened the door, a bell ring to alert Rarity of my presence.
"Hello and welcome to the Carousel Boutique, where everything is chic, unique and magnifique." She said, probably from her back room. "I do hope you could give me a moment, I am working on a very important project."
She emerged from the back room a few minutes later seemingly making notes on a clipboard.
"Oh Event, I didn't expect to see you today. Shouldn't you be working right now?" She said.
"Twilight is kind of out of town so I can't really work." I said. "I thought she would have told you this."
"She might have. I was probably so focused on my work that I wasn't listening." She said. "Anyway, what are you doing here? I would think that you would be having fun with your time off, not looking at dresses."
"Well to have fun I would need money. Money I will not be getting until Twilight gets back from Canterlot." I said. "Until then I will be doing some odd jobs, starting with a certain modeling job...Hopefully"
"Oh, so that's what you're here for." She said. "I assumed I would be getting Blues or Caramel but you'll do."
"Well if I don't meet your high standards for a model then I can go grab Blues." I said jokingly.
"No, no, you're fine. I was just expecting a stallion with a smaller frame." She said.
"Wonderful, let's get started then." I said, just wanting this to be over with already.
After a few hours, very tight fitting suits and one fairly frilly dress we were done. I left the boutique 413 bits richer, more than the job post actually said. I guess she paid me more because I was a friend. 413 bits is probably enough to get me through the time Twilight is gone.
By the time I left it was already becoming night, the shops had already started closing and the temperature was somehow getting colder. I had sadly missed the hours of the day when the town looked busy. It's safe to day that my day is nearly over unless Pinkie actually wanted to throw the party today. If she did she hopefully wouldn't pack everypony in my house like she did last time. That's probably asking to much of her.
On the short walk home I saw the number of ponies in the street start to thin out and eventually disappear entirely. But by that time I had already arrived on my doorstep. Before I opened my door I looked around me, hoping that nopony would stab me as I opened my door, and I saw something I didn't think I would see today, Twilight walking towards the library, mumbling to herself. I decided to tail her, something must be wrong.
As I trotted closer to her I picked up on a few words. "Replaced...unethical...deprive...knowledge." Not much to go on but I think I may know what happened.
I tapped her on the sholder but she didn't seem to notice. She seemed dead set on getting to the library. I wished Spike was here so I could ask him what was wrong, he probably ran straight to Rarity's.
When we arrived at the library I opened the door for her, like a gentlecolt, but she said nothing. Just when I turned to leave Twilight finally spoke.
"Event, can I talk to you for a bit?" She asked softly.
"Uh, sure Twi. What about?" I asked, even though I pretty much knew the answer.
"Do you think the princess has gotten tired of me?" She asked.
"Of course not, the princess loves you." I said. "She chose you and you alone to become her apprentice and I don't think she regrets her decision."
"Of course she doesn't," She said. "Why would she regret picking 'the most powerful unicorn in all of Equestria' to be her apprentice?"
"She didn't pick you because of that." I said. "Even if she did, she would end up loving you anyway, you would have won her over with your personality."
"I guess you're right." She said. "But explain why she would say that she had a substitute teaching job for me, and then have somepony else fill in instead."
"I don't know Twi," I admitted. "Maybe she just wanted to see you again. When she told you she had the position filled did you just leave or, did she tell you that you could leave?"
"I just left." She said.
"Well then I recommend going back to Canterlot and talking to the princess." I said. "Maybe tell her you're sorry about leaving."
Twilight shifted a bit and pulled me into a hug. Normally I hate hugs, any physical contact past a standard hoof bump isn't for me, but this just felt right. I felt as if this was actually accomplishing something important.
"Thank you Event." She said. "Thank you for everything you do for me."
"So, are you going back to Canterlot?" I asked.
"Of course, I'll be leaving tomorrow." She said. "I'll need to send a letter to the princess explaining my actions."
"Well until then Pinkie is probably throwing me a party tonight." I said. "Would you care to join me?"
"I'll be there," She said. "But I need to find Spike first."
"I'll let you get to that then." I said. "I'll see you later."
"Goodbye Event."
Well now that I helped somepony it's time to party. Maybe. I could always be wrong. Maybe Pinkie forgot all about her plans to party. And maybe Twilight is burning a book behind me.
I arrived at my house and noticed a small slip of paper attached to the door. My one weakness, small notes telling me things.
"Sugar Cube Corner, 7:30 PM. No kids allowed."
I really hope that means that they will be serving drinks. Celestia knows I could use one. I opened my door to check the time, 7:23 PM. I attributed this large gap in time to me talking to Twilight. Or maybe I just blacked out at some point after leaving Rarity's. I disregarded this thought and I left for Sugar Cube Corner.
When I arrived at Sugar Cube Corner it was silent. Nopony was coming or going. I checked the time on the slip of paper making sure I didn't get the time wrong, it still said 7:30 PM and surely Pinkie would write a date on it if it wasn't today.
I grasped the door handle and pulled it open. Then it hit me, what sounded like a fairly well done remix of Mic Feedback's latest song blasted in my ears along with the sounds of hundreds of ponies partying.
"Hey Event, I thought you were never going to get here." Shouted Rainbow Dash to my right.
"What do you expect when I'm told about this party literally seven minutes before it starts?" I said.
"Oh it started long before that." She said. "You should know by now, Pinkie always starts her parties early."
"Whatever, the invitation said no kids allowed, is there a reason for that?" I asked.
"Yeah, there's an open bar." She said. then she left me alone in the swirling mix of ponies I barely know.
I sighed. At least there's a bar. Maybe I'll be able to enjoy myself tonight.
"What'll you be having?" Asked the barkeeper after I sat down.
"Canterlot Special." I said quickly.
"That'll be seven bits." He said. Damn, drinks here are expensive. That won't stop me from drinking though. I put the bits on the table and the bartender walked into the backroom to make me my drink. I guess the Canterlot Special isn't very popular here. A few seconds after he left a small, brown stallion approached the bar.
"Where's the barkeeper?" He asked.
"He's in the back making my drink." I said. "It seems my tastes are a little too high class."
"What'd you get?" He asked as he sat in the stool next to me.
"Canterlot Special." I said.
"Wow, fancy." He said. "All I was going to get was a Bit Light."
"What, do you need to go to work in the morning," I asked. "Or are you just a light weight?"
"The former." He said. "I can't really go to work with a hangover, believe me I've tried."
"Oh, I know." I admitted. "I've had to call in sick a few times after drowning my sorrows with a few drinks."
"Wow, I didn't think ponies actually did that." He said. "I usually just drink to have a little fun with friends."
"Back when I actually drank I had no friends to drink with." I said. "Maybe that's why I drank."
"Maybe. But you have friends now, right?" He asked.
"Right." I said. "But it's weird. I'm basically telling you my life story and I don't even know your name."
"Oh, I guess I forgot that part." He extended his hoof. "I'm Caramel."
"I'm Event Horizon." I shook his hoof.
As that happened the bartender came back with my drink. After he gave me it he went over to Caramel and took his order. Instead of going into the backroom he just gave Caramel his drink.
"You know," Caramel said, trying to start up another conversation. "I don't even know why Pinkie invites everypony to these parties. I bet half of the ponies here don't know who this party's for."
"Oh come on," I smirked. "I may not be the most sociable pony but I think that over half know me."
"Wait, you're the mystery pony?" He asked. "Why are you here drinking with me when you can be partying with everypony?"
"I don't like to be in the spotlight." I said. "And anyway, I find you interesting."
"I'll take that as a good thing." He said. "If we're going to be talking then I guess I should tell you about myself."
"That sounds good." I said.
"Well, all I can really tell you is that I work as a farmhand at Sweet Apple Acres." He said.
"Oh come on, you can do better than that." I said. "That can't be what your cutie mark is for."
"I do some metal work on the side." He said. "It's nothing big though, it's more of a hobby."
"Much better." I said. "I guess it's my turn then."
"Yeah," He said. "I guess."
"Okay," I breathed in deeply. "I'm a simple pony from Canterlot, I went to and graduated from Celestia's magic academy and I worked at my parents book store for a while, I moved to Ponyville a few months ago to get away from the city and now I work at Twilight's library. My cutie mark is for the interest I've taken in black holes but it isn't much of a talent. I would have been as well off with a standard science cutie mark."
Caramel paused as he tried to process everything that I said. "You've done a lot, haven't you?"
"I guess I have." I said. "But you've probably done as much as I have. Maybe even more."
"Not really," He admitted. "I haven't even dated anypony."
"Well I haven't either." I said. "Ponies don't usually go for the quiet, smart types."
"Yeah, it really doesn't matter what 'type' I am." He said. "Ponies just don't want to date me."
"Oh come on, don't be so hard on yourself." I said. "There's a pony for everypony. You just need to find yours."
"I think I have." He said. "The problem is that he doesn't notice me."
"Oh? What's his name?" I asked.
"Big Macintosh, you probably know him through his sister." He said.
"He's cute." I said. "Not quite my type but he's certainly good looking. But you do know that he's into mares, right?"
"Of course I do, it's hard to ignore him bringing mares into the barn." He said. "Anyway, you that he's not your type, what is your type?"
"I like a smaller stallion." I said. "Preferably with a brown coat and mane. Light blue eyes would be a plus."
I glanced up at him, hoping he caught my hint. He did, he was blushing and looking away from me. I hoped that I wouldn't come to regret this.
"So you mean..." He trailed off.
"I guess I do." I said. "I'm sorry if I made this awkward. I'm new at this."
"It's fine." He said. "I'm very flattered but, this is a little too fast. I mean, we've only just met."
"Right," I said. "What I said was stupid. It's not like you'd want to date me anyway."
"No, all I'm saying is that if you're serious about this then we should take it slow." He said. "Maybe go out for dinner and see where that takes us."
"That sounds...good actually." I said. "Any idea of when you would want to do this?"
"How about tomorrow at seven?" He suggested.
"Sounds good." I said. "And what about a place to eat? I haven't been here long enough to really scope out the restaurants."
"Don't worry, I know a place." He said. "Where do you want me to pick you up?"
"The library." I said. "You know where that is, right?"
"Of course I do," He said. "It's pretty hard to miss."
"Speaking of work, I need to go home and get some sleep." I said awkwardly, glancing at the clock. 10:25 PM. "I'm sorry to leave like this but I have to work in the morning."
"Yeah, I was thinking of leaving too." He said. "Farm work takes a lot out of you."
We stood up and walked to the door. I said goodbye to everypony I knew which was surprisingly few. Maybe Caramel was on to something.
We walked through Ponyville idly chatting about nothing too interesting. When we reached the crossroads we had to part.
"I guess I'll see you tomorrow." I said. "So long Caramel."
"Yeah, see you later Event." He said.
And then we parted, him heading right and I heading left. After a few minutes I arrived at my home. I opened the door, expecting to just walk in and go to sleep on the couch. It seems that some things were never meant to be, for there was a pink pony sitting in my living room. Normally I would think about locking my door more often but she would probably have gotten in any way.
"Uh, hey Pinkie." I said. "What're you doing in my house?"
"I'm here to wish you a very special happy birthday." She said happily, good thing too, I thought she was going to kill me for leaving the party. It seems like the thing she'd do.
"Why didn't you just do that at the party?" I asked.
"That would have interrupted you and Caramel." She said. "Celestia knows how long I've been trying to get you two together."
"I'll be ignoring that last statement." I said. "Anyway, thank you for stopping by but I need to sleep."
"Okay then," She said. "I guess I'll have to give you your present tomorrow."
"That's fine," I said. "Whatever it is, it can probably wait till tomorrow."
"Okay then Event." She said, pulling me into a hug. "But still, happy birthday."
"Thanks Pinkie." I said, waiting for the hug to be over.
And then it did. Pinkie left after a few goodbyes and I headed off to sleep.
~One dreamless night later~
I woke up at about 9:16 AM feeling wonderfully rested. I looked outside and the town was still covered in snow. I don't know why I was expecting any different. Whatever, I grabbed my scarf and left for the library once again.
As I walked up to the library I made sure there wasn't another note taped to the door, there wasn't.
I opened the door expecting Twilight to greet me but instead I saw Twilight at the main desk reading, completely oblivious to my entrance.
I took off my scarf and placed it on the hat rack, an odd place for a scarf I'm sure, and I started to put away the books in the returns cart. Obviously I knew where everything went, unless Twilight decided to rearrange everything and not tell me. Again.
After a few minutes I finished putting away the books and Twilight still hadn't noticed me. She seemed to be wrapped up in a new book, a sight slightly rarer than the sun rising in the morning. I decided to screw with her a bit.
I waited until a little after she stopped reading, making sure to stay out of her sight. I could tell that she was getting annoyed at the fact that I was 'late for work'. She called Spike over and told him to go to my house and get me. Spike, being more observant than Twilight, noticed me standing against a wall. Unsure of what to do, he glanced at me but Twilight didn't notice. I motioned to the door and mouthed the word 'go'.
And with that Spike left me and Twilight alone. He was most likely going to talk to Rarity or something.
"Ugh, I hate when he does this." She said to herself. "Why did I even hire him? He's lazy, he mooches off of ponies, he can't do anything right and he thinks he's so clever hiding where I can obviously see him."
"Well you're no fun." I said dejectedly. "Couldn't you have just acted surprised?"
"No, I couldn't." She said. "Your sneaking skills need work, it's pretty obvious you're there when I can hear books being slammed on to the shelves."
"I wasn't that loud." I said.
"You were," She said. "And remind me to punish Spike for lying to me. I'll get back at you some other time."
"I'll be waiting then." I said. "Anyway, is there any more you need me to do?"
"You can either help me with a complicated spell or you can deliver a book, take your pick." She said.
"I'll deliver the book." I said. "Complicated spells aren't my strong suit."
"Have it your way." Twilight said, giving me the book. 'A Geniuses Guide to Fancy Mathematics', most likely for Big Macintosh. The big lug may look simple but, he's taught me a few things on science.
I left towards the east, towards Sweet Apple Acres.
As I arrived at Sweet Apple Acres I realized that I would probably be seeing Caramel. I hoped that it wouldn't be nearly as awkward as when I asked him on a date.
I walked up to the main house and knocked on the door, slightly hoping that Caramel was out working in the fields. The door was quickly opened by Apple Bloom, Big Mac's and Applejack's little sister.
"Oh hi Mr. Horizon." Apple Bloom said.
"Hey Apple Bloom, do you think you can give this book to your brother?" I asked, holding the book out to her.
"'Course ah can." She said, taking the book into her mouth.
The book muffled her next few words but I'll assume that she said 'Ah'm a big pony'.
"Alright, say hi to Applejack for me." I said, turning away from the door."Goodbye Apple Bloom."
Again, all I heard from her was muffled by the book. Hopefully she said goodbye and not a string of explicit words.
I heard the door close and I left. That was surprisingly painless, no endlessly chatting with Granny Smith, no broken legs and certainly no giant apple monster trying to kill me. Okay, maybe that last one didn't happen, yet. I headed back to the library unscathed.
As I walked closer to the library I noticed a bright flash of light coming from one of the windows. I quickly trotted in and checked the damage. The floor was slightly charred around a circle of runes. I saw Twilight in the middle of the runes but, she looked different.
As I trotted closer to her I noticed that she looked bulkier and more muscular. I got to the middle of the runes and stared at her and saw that she looked like a colt. Now usually she's a very feminine mare but she really did look like a colt, a cute one if I may add.
"Hey Twilight," I poked her side. "Twilight, are you okay?"
She moaned, her eyes slowly opening.
"What happened" Twilight said in her new, deeper voice. She didn't seem to notice it though, odd.
"You casted a spell, a very powerful spell from looking at the runes." I said. She jumped at my voice, even more odd.
"Who...?" She trailed off, glancing around the room. Her eyes finally set on me but, she looked at me like we had never met. "Who are you?"
"Uh, I'm Event. You know, the pony you hired not even three months ago." I said. "Are you feeling alright?"
"Of course I am. I'm not to sure about you though." Twilight(?) said staring at me. "What did that spell do?"
She trotted over to the book laying on the ground. She mumbled to himself, something about not casting unnamed spells.
"Uh, Twilight," I said. "Do you need me to help?"
She looked up from her book and looked around the room again, as if she was searching for something.
She looked back at me. "Who in Solaris's name is Twilight?" She seemed aggravated. "And why are you still here?"
"Uh, you're Twilight." I said. "At least, I think you are. You certainly look like her, a bit more coltish but her nonetheless, you still look like her. Now as for why I'm here, I have stated before that I work here."
"Well I'm not your friend and the only pony who works here is Singularity." Twilight(?) paused for a second. "Speaking of her, you certainly look a lot like her. Do you have a sister?"
"Not that I know of." I said.
"Odd, how can you two look so alike, right down to the cutie mark, and yet..." Twilight(?) trailed off again.
She dropped her head to look at her book.
"That. Explains. Everything." He said.
"What explains what?" I asked.
"Look at the ingredients for this spell." She said. "You went to a magic academy, right?"
"Of course I did." I said as I read the ingredients. "Dragon's fire. Isn't that a high level ingredient?"
"Yes, it's usually used for teleporting across large planes. Even dimensions apparently." He said. "Solaris banned its use without request. Let's just hope he doesn't find out about this."
"So, why did you do the spell if you knew this?" I asked.
"It didn't have a name and I was curious." He admitted.
"Anyway, all you need to do is recast the spell, right" I asked.
"Sadly it isn't that simple. The spell burnt through my supply of ingredients, literally." He motioned over to the circle of runes and the charred...everything. "The jar of dragon's fire must have exploded."
"So, you need to find ingredients then." I said.
"No, we need to find ingredients." He said. "Big difference."
"How long will this take?" I asked.
"It shouldn't take any longer than two hours." He said.
"Fine, I'll help you." I said while glancing at the clock, 4:30. Wonderful. "Lead the way Mr..."
"Shine, my name is Dusk Shine." Dusk said.
~One treasure hunt later.~
"Okay, all we need now is dragon's fire." Dusk said as we walked up to Rarity's boutique.
"This should be simple, right?" I asked.
"Not really." He said. "The extraction spell is very sensitive, just one screw up and you can set fire to your entire ingredients cabinet."
"Is that what happened?" I asked.
"No." Dusk said, blushing.
We walked into the boutique and there was Spike, tripping over himself to help Rarity like usual. At the moment he was holding a massive pile of dresses that could have as easily been put on the counter next to him.
"Hey Spike, we need you for a second." I said.
"Can it wait?" Spike asked. "I'm busy right now."
"Not really," I said. "I'm on a schedule and I want to get Twilight back by six."
"But, isn't that Twilight right there?" Spike asked. Either the dresses were blocking his vision or he was as blind as a bat.
"Not really." I said. "I guess he is in some ways but, not fully."
"I don't follow." Spike said.
"Neither do I. I'm still trying to make some sense of it." I said. "But what I do know is that we need more of your fire."
"Again? Twilight said I gave her enough to last her for years." Spike said.
"You did." Dusk said. "The jar holding your flames exploded which scorched part of the library."
"Fine, I'll leave Rarity and help you two." Spike said. "But you owe me."
"Why do we owe you? You shouldn't even be here." Dusk said. "If anything, this should be your punishment for lying to Twilight and, by extension, me."
"It's all Event's fault. He's the one who told me to lie." Spike said.
"Well I'm docking my worker's pay and I'm sure Twilight feels the same." Dusk said.
"Fine! I'll have my breath forcibly sucked out of me so you can do some magic." Spike said, setting down the dresses on the counter.
We all left Rarity's boutique with her not even noticing us. I noticed Spike was glancing back at the boutique, probably making a plan to run for it.
As soon as we arrived at the library Dusk was already hard at work redrawing runes. Now if only I could remember how these types of spells worked. Something about the runes acting as a catalyst or something. This is why I should have taken some advanced courses. Or notes.
"Okay Event, you're going to need to step back a bit." Dusk said.
"Are you sure that this is safe" I asked. "I mean, we're in a tree and books are flammable."
"It's safe, probably." Dusk said. "I didn't kill anypony last time."
That isn't very reassuring, I cowered behind the library desk as Dusk began to cast the spell. I heard the familiar sound of Spike's flames, although it was amplified a bit. After a couple of seconds it stopped, I peeked over the desk and I saw Dusk with a jar full of green flames and Spike laying on the ground.
"So that's it?" I asked, hoping there would be no more fire.
"Yes, now all that's left is the traveling spell." Dusk said. "The two of you should probably leave. This spell will require my complete focus and it will get very dangerous."
"Okay, it was very nice to meet you Dusk." I said.
"Same to you Event." Dusk said. "Maybe we'll meet again someday."
Spike and I left the library, leaving Dusk to preform the spell. Spike practically bolted to Rarity's boutique and I went to Sugar Cube Corner.
The business at Sugar Cube Corner was surprisingly slow. There were only two ponies sitting at a table. One was light green and the other was tannish with a two-toned mane. But that wasn't going to stop me from getting a cake.
Pinkie was sitting at the counter, probably contemplating the state of the universe or something. I walked up to the counter and waited for her to notice me. Unsurprisingly that took no time at all.
"Hi Event," She said in her usual, sickeningly sweet tone. "Do you need something? Oh, I know. You probably want your present, or maybe you want a cupcake, or a cake, or a pie, or an éclair, or maybe a-"
I put my hoof in the air, my signal for Pinkie to be quiet for a second. She's a nice mare but she can ramble about pastries for hours.
"I just want a normal chocolate cake." I said. "If you want to give me my present now, you can."
"Oh, that's too bad. I already delivered your present. But I can get you your cake." She said. "It should be done in two hours. Do you want to pick it up or do you want it to be delivered?"
"Delivered please, I would probably forget about it." I said.
"Oki Doki Loki. I'll deliver your cake and maybe you can share some with your date." She said with a wink.
I would have questioned how Pinkie knew about my date but, Pinkie is Pinkie and trying to question anything she does just leads to pain. So much pain.
"I'll be sure to do that Pinkie." I said. "I'll see you later."
"Bye Event." She said as she ran into the kitchen.
I decided to go back to the library and see if Twilight was back yet.
I walked up to the door trying to hear if the spell was still going on. It was silent, that could either mean that the spell was complete and Twilight was reading or, the spell could have gone terribly wrong and killed her. I'm going to go with the former.
I opened the doors and, as I'd hoped, Twilight was sitting at the main desk but, she had her head down.
"Twilight, you okay?" I asked.
"Yeah, just a little tired." She said. "Two high level spells in one day takes a lot out of you."
"How was the other universe? Was it very different?" I asked.
"Not really." She said. "Everyone just swapped genders."
"And how was my alternate universe counterpart?" I asked.
"She was like you but, different." She said. "She was nicer, I guess."
"Dusk started out more aggressive than you usually are." I said. "I wonder why."
"Maybe the gender change altered certain events in their lives." She said. "I should study this further."
"Well if you're going back then I'm coming too." I said.
"That's fine but it'll have to wait a while." She said. "And you need to help with the spell."
"Cool, I just want to see what Rainbow Dash looks like as a colt." I said.
"Okay, I'll make a request with the princess to study a new universe." Twilight said. "She'll most likely put it through."
"Now, what part of the spell do i need to help with?" I asked.
"I just need your help controlling the magic. I don't want to lose consciousness again and I'm sure you don't either." Twilight said.
"I'll be able to do that" I said.
Then we heard a knock on the door.
"Uh, come in." Twilight said.
The door opened and Caramel walked in. Good, I thought I would have to more work.
"Hey Event, are you ready to go?" Caramel asked.
"Yeah, I just need to grab my scarf." I said while walking towards the hat rack. "So, how far is the restaurant?"
"Not very far." Caramel said. "It's just a five minute walk."
"How's the food?" I asked.
"I have no clue. I haven't eaten there yet" Caramel said. "I've heard some good things though."
"Can one of you please explain what's going on here?" Twilight asked.
"Event and I are going on a date." Caramel said, walking over to me.
"I didn't take either of you for liking colts, much less each other." Twilight said.
"Yeah, I never would have guessed either." I shrugged. "It's true though."
"Whatever, I hope you two enjoy your date." Twilight said.
"I'm sure we will" Caramel said.
We left for the restaurant. As we walked we chatted about nothing and laughed at stupid jokes. When we arrived at the restaurant it was a surprise to the both of us. It felt like we were only walking for a minute but we were already half across town.
"This is the place." Caramel said walking towards the door.
We walked in together and sat down. Despite the lack of need of a reservation, which seemed very odd to me, the place looked pretty high class.
The waiter took our order, I didn't order much, as I was expecting cake in a while and Caramel ordered a 15 bit meal. I was glad that the prices weren't as high class as the decor or I would be broke when this was all over.
"So, Event, how have you been?" Caramel asked awkwardly.
"I've been good." I said. "How about you?"
"Not terrible." He said. "Big Mac injured his back though, leaving me and Applejack to do his share of work."
"If you need more help I could swing by tomorrow." I said. "It's my day off but I don't mind helping."
"You don't have to help." Caramel said. "It's not a huge deal, we can manage until Mac gets back."
"It's not like I'm doing anything else tomorrow." I said. "If anything, I want to help."
"Fine, Applejack shouldn't mind the help." Caramel said. "You should probably come by around six if you're serious."
"Good, but I do hope she won't pay me." I said.
"She won't pay you?" Caramel asked.
"Yeah, I wouldn't want to be paid for helping people when they need it. That's just stupid." I said.
"I'll be sure to tell her that then." Caramel said. "You're too nice Event."
"How so?" I asked.
"You want to help me and Applejack but you don't want to be paid for it." Caramel said. "That's pretty nice to me."
"I'll do anything for my friends." I said.
"Oh, so we're just friends then." Caramel said.
"No, I just don't know where we are yet." I said. "I don't know if you're just a friend or something more."
"I'm sure that we're more than just friends." Caramel said.
As Caramel said that the waiter came with our food. When he left Caramel and I just dug in. I could now see why the food was so cheap, it wasn't very good. It wasn't the worst I've eaten but it was certainly not the best. I looked over at Caramel and saw that he shared my feelings. We both ate the food anyway, there's no sense in being rude, and after we were finished we got the bill. Caramel and I, after a short argument, decided to split the bill.
As we left I noticed the stars were brighter and the moon was bigger. It was almost as if a certain somepony wrote a letter to a certain princess asking her to do this for us. I'll have to ask her about this the next time I see her.
"The night is just beautiful." Caramel said.
"It sure is." I said, then I thought of something. "Hey Caramel, would you mind stopping somewhere with me before we split?"
"Of course not." Caramel said. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see." I said mysteriously and I started to walk towards Starlight Hill.
We silently walked for a while. The hill wasn't very far away but the silence made it feel longer. When we arrived at the base of the hill Caramel stopped for a second and looked to the top. I paused on my way up and waited for him. He seemed to notice and quickly walked up to meet me. I walked alongside him until we reached the top of the hill. We both paused and looked up at the sky.
"It's beautiful." Caramel said in awe.
"I know, it gets me every time." I said.
I walked to the middle of the hilltop and lay down still looking at the sky. I looked back at Caramel who was just standing there.
"Are you just going to stand there and stare at me?" I asked.
He stared at me for a few more seconds, then he walked over and lay down beside me. There was a short silence. A cold wind blew past us, as if Celestia herself was saying "Just fuck already.", and Caramel scooted closer to me.
"You cold?" I asked.
"A little." Caramel replied.
I put my scarf around both of our necks. It wasn't very helpful but at least it got us closer together.
"This is pretty romantic." Caramel said.
"If that's a problem I can move." I said.
"No, this is more than comfortable." Caramel said. He then nuzzled my neck.
I was simply loving this. I nuzzled Caramel back and he leaned into my side. We stayed still and silent for a few minutes. I looked down at Caramel and noticed that he was dosing off.
"Am I really that comfortable?" I asked.
Caramel looked at me with bleary eyes. "You really are. You have, like, the perfect balance of muscle and fat and your coat is so soft." He buried his muzzle into my coat as if to prove a point.
"Fine, I guess using me as a pillow isn't too bad." I said.
Caramel curled up against my side and quickly fell asleep. I sighed and started to fall asleep as well.
