>Saturday.
>You decide it's time to get all of your clothes fixed.
>They've been burnt, torn, stained, and everything else.
>You need a new set.
>And you know just the mare to do it.
>You gather everything into a pillow case and step off to the Carousel Boutique.
>You have one good shirt left, and you're wearing it.
>Perhaps it would be smart to keep your old clothes to use when you're working on Applejack's farm.
>You're really enjoying this afternoon.
>A nice run, shower, shave, and you feel amazing!
>Some new clothes would definitely boost your confidence that much further.

>You knock on Rarity's door.
>She calls for you to enter.
>You step inside and look around.
>Rarity is nowhere to be seen.
>"Coming!" she calls from upstairs.
>You take a seat in a chair near the door.
>Rarity comes trotting down the stairs.
>"Ah! Good afternoon, Ano- wuh?!"
>You stand to greet her.
"Afternoon, Rarity," you say with a smile.
--
>Rarity stands before you.
>Her jaw is slack and she stands there gawking at you.
>"An... Anon..."
"Hm?"
>"What did you do to your mane?!"
>You can't hide your teeth as you chuckle at her outburst.
>You run your hand through what used to be your hair.
"I cut it."
>"Why in Equestria would you do a thing like that!"
"It looks better this way."
>You have to admit, Snips did a damn good job on your head.
>He skills are true to his cutie mark.
>You probably had about a quarter inch atop your head.
>Rarity mouthed some words, but no volume left her.

"I have a question for you."
>Rarity didn't respond.
"I need these clothes repaired, or some new ones altogether."
>You think you see a bit of drool starting to leak from the side of her mouth.
>You snap you fingers in front of her face.
"Rarity?"
>"Huh? What?"
>She shakes her head.
>You motion to your mouth.
"You got a little..."
>Rarity touches her mouth where the spittle was and immediately wiped it away.
--
>"Oh my. Uhm... I'm so sorry, darling. What was that?"
>You hold up your pillowcase.
"You think you could patch these? Or will I need new ones altogether?"
>Rarity levitated the bag from your hands and sifted through it.
>"How did you possibly go run these ragged in a matter of a couple months?"
>You shrug your shoulders.
"I don't know. It just sort of happened, I guess."
>She pulled out your swiss cheese shirt from earlier this week.
>You shrug your shoulder again and she shakes her head.
>"I don't know, Anonymous. There might not be saving some of these."
"Well could I perhaps order some more?"
>"Always, darling. But we will have to refit you."
"That's fine."
>You pinch your belly.
"I think I've been getting fatter anyways."
>"Well follow me and we'll get started."
"But it's the weekend."
>"Yeah?"
"Aren't you closed?"
>"Yeah.
"So why not wait until Monday?"
>"Think of it as a favor for a good friend."
>You shake your head when she's not looking and follow her into the back.
--
>"Strip down and stand on the podium."
>You do as instructed, staying only in your boxers.
>Rarity turned away upon seeing your body, hiding a blush.
>"Uh... wow."
"What?"
>"I thought I was going to have to fight you like last time."
"Did I really put up that much of a fuss?"
>"Meh."
"Well, it is your profession. No help being nervous, I suppose."
>"Hm... quite."

>She brings the measuring tape around and takes her necessary measurments.
>You've been through this before.
>Except there was less touching last time.
>Rarity was softly caressing your leg muscles with a hoof.
>In the short time you were here, you have toned your body with the exercises you've been doing in the morning.
>The push from Rainbow Dash caused you to exert yourself more than usual.
>You were far from being ripped, but Rarity seems to have noticed.
>She shuddered at the touch and went right back to work.
--
>It'll be a while until your order is complete.
>You give only the worst clothes to Rarity for scraps and what not.
>It's not like you can use them.
"So how much will this run me?"
>"No, no. I ins-"
"Rarity. How much."
>"Anonymous, please. I couldn't-"
"Rarity. How much. Do you. Want. For the. Clothes."
>"But... But I-"
"I am not going to bankrupt you because you feel the need to be generous."
>Rarity looked to the floor and shifted on her hooves.
>"I, uh... tmfth bg," she muttered.
"Huh?"
>"Twenty bits... Uh, yeah."
>You nod and reach for your wallet.
>You count the bits in the pouch, then pull out what Rarity needs.
"Here you are."
>Rarity levitates the bits from your hand.
--
>"Anonymous, I really don't wan-"
>A loud whistle can be heard from the other room.
>"My tea! Pardon me, darling."
>Rarity raced upstairs to tend to her business.
>She comes back smiling and carrying a tray with two tea cups only to find you missing.
>Rarity frowns and lets out a deep sigh.
>She goes to set the tray on the counter when she spots an unusually out-of-place sack near the register.
>Underneath the mysterious pouch is a note.
>'I insist.'
>Rarity opens the pouch and finds upwards of 30 bits.
>"This is Anon's wallet!" she says aloud.
--
>You leave the carousel boutique, feeling pretty proud of yourself.
>Sure you just dropped your entire wallet on the counter, but you feel like less of a mooch now.
>But it took so long just to save all those bits up...
>Maybe you got a little too overzealous with the gift.
>But now if... *shuffle shuffle*
>Maybe Applejack can... *shuffle shuffle*
Work... *shuffle shuffle*
>Okay what the hell is this?
>You stop and face your apparent stalker who had been following you since you got into Ponyville.
"What do you want?"
>No reply.
>After staring at them for a good 2 minutes, you slowly turn around and continue walking.
>You hear the shuffling of hooves behind you.
>This has got to be a joke by the Crusaders, right?

>"Hey Anon!"
>"Howdy, pardner!"
>You look up and around to spot Pinkie and Applejack trotting towards you.
"Hey girls. What's up?"
>"Just speakin' with Pinkie Pie here 'bout- uh... Anon?"
"Hm?"
>"Y'all gotta cardboard box followin' ya."
"Yup."
>"Any reason why?"
"Nope."
--
>The three of you turn to stare and said box.
>It was resting a few feet behind you.
>Two big eyes protuded through a hole in the front.
>"Well then... that's interesting."
"I've grown fond of him, actually."
>"Is he your pet?" asked Pinkie.
"I guess."
>"Ooh! What's his name! What's his name!"
>Boxxy.
"He has no name."
>"Aw... that's sad."
>"Why is it just standing there?" asked Applejack.
"I don't know. Hey! Come here, you."
>You pat your leg.
>Nothing.
"Aw, he's shy."
>"Maybe he just needs a friend!"

>Pinkie pulled Gummy from... her pocket or something, and threw him at the box.
>Gummy hit the box and stood there, staring blankly.
>His eyes blinked seperately from each other.
>He managed to lift the box up and crawl underneath.
>Suddenly, the box began jump and shake before taking off, leaving Gummy just standing there.
>The box shuffled away, but not before slamming into a light post.
>The three of you watched as it zig-zagged through the street.
>It tripped up on the curb and landed upside down in a bush.
>Four hooves kicked and flailed in the air.
--
"Huh... Well alright then."
>"Right... So, Anon. Y'all ready to get buckin'?"
"... Huh?"
>"Applebuckin'."
"Ooh... No."
>"No? What do ya mean, no?"
"I understand you literally harvest apples by bucking the trees. How am I supposed to get ready for that?"
>"By bucking trees."
"We'll see how it goes."
>"Well alrighty then. I'll see y'all later."
"See ya, Applejack."
>"Bye Applejack!" waved Pinkie.
>You and Pinkie were left standing there.
>Her big smile was sort of unnerving.
>You rocked back and forth on your heels, your free hand in your pocket.
"Well then... See you later, Pinkie."
>"Okie dokie lokie! Bye, Anon!"
>Pinkie bounced away happily.
>You turned and went about your business for the day.

[Elsewhere]
>"So what did you find out?"
>A light brown pony stepped forward.
>"Nothing. He visited the boutique and talked to some friends."
>"Really? That's it? There's got to be more to it than that."
>"Let me see... Oh wait! He cut his mane off."
>"He did what?"
"He cut his mane off."
>"Now why would anypony want to do that... I'll think it over. You weren't spotted, were you?"
>"Of course not. I had the perfect disguise."
>"Very well. Return when you find out more."
>"Yes, Ms. Twilight."
>"Don't call me that!"
>"Sorry, Ms.- er, ma'am. No wait..."
>He turned and ran out the door.
--
[Back to Anon]
>Monday morning.
>Applejack wants you there before the sun.
>Sucks you live almost an hour's walk away from Sweet Apple Acres.
>You are cold and tired.
>Summer is nearly past, and the nights are getting colder.
>The wall of cold air had turned you around when you left the house and sent you right back to your room.
>Fighting the powerful urge to lie back down with your sweetheart, you throw on the long-sleeved shirt Rarity had made you months ago.
>You are now walking to Applejack's farm.
>The fog is thick from the rain the night before.
>The crickets chirp loud and constantly.
>It's probably just the eerie atmosphere, but you can't shake the feeling you're being watched.
>You look behind you constantly, but you never see anything.
>You shrug it off as paranoia, but the feeling never leaves you.

>The world is beginning to light up, but the sun remains hidden by the mountains.
>You knock on the front door and are greeted a few moments later by the red bow of a certain little filly.
>"Why howdy there, Anon! Ya here ta help Applejack and Big Mac?"
"Yup. Any idea what I should be doing?"
>"Ah don't help with the harvest. But you look hungry."
"I am."
>"Come on in! We were just about to have breakfast."
"Will Granny Smith mind?"
>"'Course not! She'd be more than happy!"
>You shrug and follow the filly inside.
--
>Following a huge breakfast with endless conversation, Applejack, Bigmac, and yourself head out to the orchard.
>The Apples had already set everything up and were ready to begin bucking.
>Big Macintosh went off to do his own thing.
>Applejack led you to the area of the orchard the two of you would be working together.
>"Now it's real easy," said Applejack. "All you gotta do is rear up,"
>She reared her hind legs.
>"And buck."
>She kicked out, her hooves slamming into the tree.
>The apples fell down into expertly placed baskets below.
"I can do that," you say confidently.
>"Well Ah'l leave ya to it then. Ah'll be ight over there if ya need anythin'," Applejack points to the area she'll be working.
"Roger that."
>"Huh?"
"Okay."
>"Ah. Alrighty then."
>Applejack trots away, leaving you alone.
--
"Alright," you say to yourself. "Let's do this."
>You have moved to another tree and have set some baskets around the trunk in a similar manner that Applejack had done.
>You bring one knee up and kick forward with all of your might.
>Nothing happens.
"Huh..."
>You spin around and kick back.
>That was weaker than the last.
"Damn it."
>You take a few steps back and run at the tree.
>You bring your knee up and kick like before.
>The tree actually shook a little.
"Damn it!"
>You jog a few yards away, turn around and sprint at the tree.
>You jump and kick both legs forward into the tree.
"Heeyah!"
>You slam into the tree and fall to ground.
>You look up at the tree and see that the app-
>CLUNK
>A single apple falls and hits your noggin.
"Ow! Damn it all!"
>Staring at the apple for a brief second, you realize you actually did something.
"Aw freakin' sweet!"
--
>Applejack's laughter causes you to turn around, apple in hand.
"Got one," you say, holding it out towards her.
>"Maybe this isn't the best job for you."
"But... I got one."
>Applejack pointed to the area Big Mac was working.
>You watch as he effortlessly kicked the tree with one leg.
>Apples fell into the baskets below and he stacked them perfectly with the flick of his neck.
>He never broke his poker face.
>"I'm sorry, Anon, but if you can't buck apples, we need to find something else for you to do."
"Like what? Haul baskets?"
>"Exactly."
>Crap.
>You remember from your little competition how heavy those things get after a while.
"You're the boss."
>Applejack instructs you on where to take the baskets and what to do with them.
>Stack them in the barn.
>Simple enough.
--
>About 2 hours later, you are sore as hell.
>You've started carrying the baskets on your head, but now your neck is killing you as well as your arms, legs, back.
>Hell, your everything!
>It's high noon and hot as hell.
>You've taken your shirt off and hung it up outside the barn.
>You stand before yet another basket.
>Just one more after this and it's on to the next tree.
>You sigh as you crouch down and wrap your arms around the basket.
>You lift and- hey this one's lighter than the rest.
>Not really.
>Turns out, Applejack helped you lift it up.
"What's up, boss lady?"
>"Heheh, you don't have ta call me boss, Anon. And Ah've got quite the lead on ya so Ah figured Ah'd help ya out."
"Cool, thanks. And sorry about going pretty slow."
>She shook her head.
>"It's all fine an' dandy, Anon. We're still gettin' more done with ya helpin' out."
>She sure knows how to make you feel like you're actually doing something.
>Applejack kicks up a basket and catches it on her back.
>The two of you set off for the barn together.
--
>"So Anon..."
"Yep?"
>"Listen..."
"Mhm."
>"Ah just wanted to apologize."
"For making me carry baskets?"
>"No, no. Not that. Just... For before. When you got here... and, uh... chasin' ya."
>You wave a hand in front of you at her.
"You already apologized for that. And I've already long forgiven you."
>"Ah know, Ah know. It's just... Ah felt that apology earlier was a little hostile and, uh... half-flanked, pardon ma language."
"Heheh. Thanks, Applejack. And yes, I forgive you. But I need to ask. What made you bring this up now?
>"Well, Ah was just thinkin', with you being here and all kinda makes me think about it anyways."
"What's that?"
>"Well, Ah don't know if ya know or not, but Ah was kind of like you when ya first got here."
"How so?"

>Applejack proceeds to tell you the story of her younger years.
>Before she got her cutie mark, when she was still a filly.
>When she finished her story, the two of you reached the barn.
>"What Ah'm tryin' ta say, Anon, is that everypony's got their calling. You may not be suited for pickin' apples, but that's not sayin' there's not somethin' out there for ya."
"I see. Thanks, Applejack."
>"Now if only ma sis 'n her friends can figure that out."
>You both share in a laugh.
"It'll happen. They can't ignore it forever. Something's going to spark it."
>"Ah guess so. Hey, you hungry? Ah say now's a mighty fine time for lunch."
"No kidding. After you."
--
>Your first real day of work was harder than you thought, and you were expecting the worst.
>You need a shower.
>You push open the door to your home, only to be hit by a waft of animal stink.
>You instantly step back outside and gasp for air.
>Your house needs to be fumigated or something.
>This is getting rediculous.
>Fluttershy had run out of odor eater some time ago.
>The smell has been slowly building, really only noticable when you leave the house.
>But now it's just bad.
>You checked with the local pet stores while you were out shopping for some fresh cuts for dinner.
>Apparently, they need to special order that stuff from a place called Anubaris, a land inhabited by Jackals.
>It shouldn't be much longer, but it needs to be soon or else you won't be able to take this much more.
--
>You step inside and hold your nose.
>It didn't help.
>It still got into your mouth.
>Disgusting.
>You look around at the various bird's nests, mice holes, and even Angel's bed.
>It's no wonder the house reeked.
>You shudder and make your way to the bathroom.
>A warm shower helps to soothe your aching muscles, but you're definitely going to feel it tomorrow.
>Fluttershy is there to meet you when you get out of the shower.
>You pet her on the head as you turn to go up to your room.
>"You're not hungry?" she asks.
"No. I'm tired. I'm going to bed."
>"Oh, okay then."
>She followed you upstairs.
>You threw yourself onto the bed and Fluttershy crawled up beside you.
>You hug her and hold her close.
--
>"Anon?" ask Fluttershy.
"Huh..." you grunt.
>"Do you want the animals gone?"
"Huh?! No, of course not. It's just that the smell is a little unbearable for me."
>"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. It's just me. But it's nothing a little smell good can't fix."
>"But we don't know when that will be here."
"I can wait. It can't be too long, right?"
>"Perhaps we should ask if somepony would let us stay with them for a few days?"
"Nah. We'll be fine. That's taking it a little far. But i need to ask, who did you have in mind anyways?"
>"I don't know... Rarity?"
>No.
>Hell no.
>You're trying to pay her back.
>This is the complete opposite of paying her back.
>You're mooching with a freakin' passion at this point.
--
>"Of course, darlings!" exclaimed Rarity. "You can stay in Sweetie Belle's room all you like until you feel you are able to go home again."
>Fluttershy had dragged you to the boutique after you got off of work.
>"That would be wonde-"
"No!"
>Both mares looked at you questionably.
>"No?" asked Rarity. "Why would you decline?"
>"Don't mind him, Rarity," said Fluttershy. "He's just being modest."
"I am NOT being modest. I really, REALLY don't want to be mooching off of Rarity like this."
>"Is that how you view it?" asked Rarity. "That kind of hurts, Anon. I'm just trying to help."
>She gives you big, sorry eyes.
>No.
>Like hell if your going to let them talk you into this.

>A few hours later, the three of you were carrying blankets, pillows, some spare clothes, and a few other things you would need to survive a few days.
>"Oh this is going to be so much fun!" squealed Rarity.
"Yeah... Right..."
>Son of a bitch...