Evolved Anon: Chapter 4 (Time's a Rarity)

>You look out the moving side of the train, standing back on two feet.

>Why did you ever agree to this?

>Taking a deep breathe you roll off the train and to the floor, your body twisting up as it rolls to a stop.

>Thank god your body’s more durable than an average man’s or you’d be hospitalized for weeks.

>Your bones hold together as you stand brush yourself off, the virus stitching together any cuts and scrapes you’ve earned like they were nothing.

>It’s getting stronger, faster even.

>At least your last meal has left you satisfied.

>Snowflake was a big’un after all.

>Gotta say though, you like the muscles he gave you.

>No you don’t Anon, don’t think like that.

>Nothing this virus gives you will be worth it.

>Nothing.

 

>You walk the long haul back to P0nyville and take a much needed breather.

>Impersonating Snowflake felt wrong, criminal and cruel to the very bone.

>He was just a bystander who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

>Twilight said to focus on the future and forget the past.

>But that’s all you have left of your humanity, and you won’t let that go.

>You step back into the boutique and sigh, taking in the intense aroma of the building.

>It’s not cutting through your sinuses like a red-hot knife anymore.

>By this point it’s almost welcoming.

>”Anon is that you?”

>Rarity calls you from upstairs in her work room.

>Come to think of it, this entire building is her work room.

>She’s just in the disaster area where it looks like a tornado tore the place apart.

“Can I say no?”

>You pick up the light laugh she tries to conceal, “Get up here. I need your opinion on something.”

 

“Dammit…” you mutter.

>”I heard that.”

>Christ, you’re not the only one with super hearing in this place it seems.

>You give a nod to Sweetie Belle in the corner with her two friends, Bow Head and Ms. Chicken.

“You three up to trouble?”

>”We’re thinking of new ways to get our cutie marks!” Sweetie exclaims excitedly.

“So… yes.”

>They’re persistent you’ll give them that.

>Sweetie’s a good friend to them, and to you.

>Who else would’ve showed you the secret backdoor to escape Rarity’s ever watching gaze?

>Not that that’s particularly a bad thing, she’s saved you from a couple embarrassing ‘fly’ problems.

>It’s equally embarrassing for her when you stab at her for looking.

>But she always shakes her head and preserves her dignity.

>Like a mare.

 

>You step over the mess of fabric and into her work room.

>No sign of Rarity except for the faint hum of her heart behind one of those things you get dressed behind.

>Surely Rarity’s told you what they were before but you seem to have tuned it out.

“So what catastrophe have you created this time,” you joke.

>Cue gasp, “I never-“

>She stops at your chuckling, “I should’ve known better.”

“Are you only realizing that now?”

>She peeks her head out, “Alright, are you ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

>She steps out with her dress waving behind her.

>You’re utterly speechless.

>”So…”

“Wow.”

 

>The encrusted gems shimmer beneath the light granting a near angelic glow.

>”Just wow?”

“I don’t know what else to say to be honest.”

>She whips her waist around to inspect it personally, “I’m not so sure it’s that great. It’s too long at the flank.”

>Anything she makes won’t look as good in her eyes; it’s that way for everyone.

>”Just look at the brocade! The design is no way what I intended.”

>It fits her perfectly and the way it curves would be enough to draw the attention of every stallion in the room.

>Whoa okay Anon take it easy there, just because you’ve got some stallion in your veins doesn’t make you on of them.

>”Can you honestly look at me and say there’s nothing you’d change?”

>You take one last look, scratching in your chin contemplatively for good measure.

“Yes I think I can.”

>She rolls her eyes and ducks back behind the dressing screen.

>That’s what it’s called!

 

>”I also have something for you to try on.”

>Dammit, you were hoping to avoid anymore clothes.

>You walk toward the screen, might as well right?

>She smacks you away as you look behind the screen, “Manners Anon!”

>You rub your arm, more out of good nature than pain.

“What’s the big deal?”

>”One does not walk in on a mare when they are changing.”

“Aren’t most p0nies naked half the time anyways?”

>She humphs in retort, “It is the principle of the matter Anon. Where were you raised without such manners?”

“That’d be New York.”

>”Well then. New York is a vile place that needs to learn some manners.”

>Right on the money actually.

 

>You cover your eyes as she walks back out, “What in Equestria are you doing?”

“Making sure you won’t hit me for looking.”

>”A lady does not hit, that is something I’d expect from Applejack.”

>You inquire just what a lady does, hands still cupped tightly.

>”Hmm, that’s a good question.”

>She gives you another playful smack, “Something like that.”

“You brute.”

>Cue second gasp, “Don’t tempt me Mr. Anon. I may be a lady, but I’ll defend my honor tooth and hoof.”

>Sure she would, you’d like to see her try…

>The soft growl hits you once more, “I must say your belly is more bottomless than Pinkie’s.”

“Must be the diet, its hard getting used to it you know?”

>”I can’t say I do, but I know just the thing to quiet that little troublemaker. But first, clothes.”

>She has no idea how right she was about the troublemaker.

 

>You slide behind the screen and begin to strip.

>You’re not sure you’ll ever get used to this, and you certainly can’t go out wearing her clothes over your old ones.

>If she wanted to make a change to it there’s no telling how they’d react.

>That’s not a chance your willing to take.

>She hovers a pair of dress clothes around to you, nothing too fancy though, just a button up and her interpretation of slacks.

>Shit you stopped dressing up like this since you had your last job interview.

>Damn how long ago was that?

>Whatever, food for thought at another time.

>You plant your foot atop your old clothes and give them a steady glare so they know just who’s in charge.

>Can’t have them slipping away again.

>At least you don’t have to search for them buck-naked.

 

>You step on out spreading your arms as if you were Jesus Christ himself.

>”Smashing.”

>Don’t change the face…

>”So how does it feel?”

>Like a thousand spiders crawling over your skin.

“Feels great, you did a wonderful job on this. Thank you.”

>”Don’t thank me yet,” she inspects the garments on you. “I haven’t revealed your surprise yet.”

“Rarity you’ve been too kind to me. There’s nothing you need to do for me.”

>”Nonsense. I consider you a close friend and friends do nice things for their friends, no?”

“I’m sorry but your overload of the word friend just boggled my mind what?”

>She shakes her head with a smile, “You’re a slow one you know. That might just be the reason I keep you around.”

“I thought it was my flawless personality.”

>”Don’t push it.”

 

>You laugh as she releases your sleeve, “I guess it’s good enough to work with. Get freshened up and be ready to go.”

“Where are we going?”

>”I told you it’s a surprise.”

>You know better than to try and squeeze anymore information out of here and slip back behind the screen as she exits.

>You consume this newest set of clothes and look down at yourself.

>They’re definitely not that bad, though you prefer jeans to slacks.

>Might have to try that out sometime.

>With your new clothes assimilated you head out downstairs, the troublemakers already gone.

>Opal, the feline menace hisses at your approach.

>You always liked cats, though it seems they don’t like you back.

>Thankfully, you hate this cat just as much.

>Fucking Opal.

 

>You sit down on the couch as you wait for Rarity to come down.

>You’re almost excited at the prospect of the surprise.

>If it’s another pair of clothes you swear to all that is holy…

>”Ready to get going?”

>She steps down the stairs in her dress from before, as much as a shining star as ever.

“Does a lady always make a man wait?”

>”A lady is never late, nor is she early. She arrives precisely when she means to.”

>You furrow a brow at the statement.

“I’m fairly certain that’s wizards, not ladies.”

>”Can a lady not be a wizard?”

“I’m fairly certain the term is witch.”

>”Preposterous. That sounds so negative, maybe Enchantress. That sounds mystifying.”

“It does, but isn’t a wizard.”

>”Hush.”

>Anon 1. Rarity 0.

 

>She grabs her bag and you hold the door open for her.

“So do I get to know my surprise yet?”

>”You’ll see when we get there.”

>Not even a hint, shame.

>You walk beside her blindly and try to guess where you’re going.

>It’s definitely not Twilight’s place, you’d pick up on that like yellow snow.

>Dash and Pinkie are hanging out with Applejack so that eliminates them.

>And Fluttershy’s still looking for her bear.

>You’re going to have to confront her about that one of these days.

>What to say though? Oh yeah, I kinda maybe ate your bear and stuff, we’re cool right.

>Yeah, that’s not going to happen.

>In fact it’d be better if you didn’t tell her altogether.

>Two birds with one stone.

>What if you ate a bird?

>Do Pegasi count as birds?

 

>Oh wait Rarity’s talking.

>”I can’t believe that Snowflake would just up and leave like that. I know it must’ve been hard on him with those wings, but I always knew he was a gentlecolt deep down.”

“Maybe he saw a brighter future elsewhere. I read in one of those Seaddle magazines that’s there’s lots of opportunities opening up.”

>”I guess you’re right.”

>Yes! Finally reading has been an instrumental part in helping you lie your way out of something.

>Oh, that’s not a good thing is it?

>”I thought it’d have been nice for Rainbow Dash to see a friendly face when she leaves for the Wonderbolt Academy.”

“Did she get her letter finally? I thought I’d have heard her cheers from across the town.”

>”Well she hasn’t yet, but sometimes a mare just knows.”

>True. If Snowflake got in then surely Dash would.

>She’s the fastest Pegasus you’ve seen around.

 

>A part of you wonder what might you obtain from her if you…

>It’s a painful thought, but not one that readily escapes you.

>The only part that’s holding you back is your rational mind and if you let that get away from you.

>Some things are best not thought about.

>Rarity finally stops and looks to you, “Surprise.”

>A restaurant. That’s certainly something.

“Do I get to change the name?”

>”Don’t be like that. I spent the last few weeks trying to place a reservation so you try and enjoy yourself.”

>A regal stallion opens the door for the two of you, his oiled mane definitely saying a lot about this place.

>You haven’t even taken a step inside yet and you’re already impressed.

“If you think I’m paying for this…”

>”Make good conversation and you won’t have to worry.”

>She drives a hard bargain.

 

>Another waiter, just as spruced up, seats you at your table.

>He lists their specials but the names might as well be in Hebrew for all the good it does.

>Rarity thanks him and orders two drinks for you.

“Why can’t they just call things by what they are like fish or salads?”

>”Its part of the experience.”

>A part of the experience is feeling like you know nothing? Sign me out.

>But Rarity spent a lot of time and work into this night.

>It’d be rude to disappoint her.

“It seems like you know more about this place then I do, what do you recommend?”

>”This is actually my first time here. I’ve been searching for an excuse to come here.”

“Nice to know that I’m an ends to a means.”

>”Don’t be like that, I also thought you’d like coming here too. As for what to have…”

>She sets down your menu and points to one of the many sections, “How about the Griffus cod and mushroom risotto?”

“They serve fish here?”

 

>Rarity nods, “It’s a part of the Canterlot Outreach Program. Not every creature in Equestria is vegetarian you know.”

>That’s good enough for you.

“I think I’ll have that then. Good eye Rarity.”

>She smiles and looks back to her own menu, “My pleasure.”

>That smile of hers is almost as infectious as Pinkie’s.

>”So many choices…”

>You look around at the other customers who’re chatting lightly amongst themselves.

>Upper P0nyville society it would seem.

>The bar seems crowded enough; you hadn’t even noticed it until now.

>What type of restaurant has a bar?

>Actually a lot now that you think about it.

>Whatever, water under the bridge.

 

>The waiter comes back and you both place your orders, hers far less imposing of a choice than your own.

>”Tell me Anon,” she says as the waiter leaves, “How are you liking it here?”

“In Equestria, P0nyville or your place?”

>”Any and all of the above.”

>You sit up in your chair and rub your neck.

“Can’t say I know much about Equestria, but I’m rather fond of the town. Where I come from,- Nevermind, it’s not appropriate dinner conversation. Needless to say, this place is better.”

>”It can’t have been that bad where you’re from. It gave us you didn’t it?”

>Marshall law, chaos, street-held executions, constant fear of both the infected and Blackwatch.

>But then there was you. Something more unnatural than the lot of it.

>And you have to keep that part of you locked up as much as you can.

“For what that’s worth,” you mutter to yourself and take a sip of your water.

 

“That place is behind me now and I’m not exactly looking forward to going back anymore. After all, with a place like this who needs all that baggage?”

>She smiles and looks to the crowd, “I wish more p0nies could see it that way. I fear that many of us take it for granted.”

“Let me assure you that I really do appreciate all you’ve done for me. It’s more than I would’ve expected from another person or p0ny in your case.”

>She nods and sips at her own glass.

“I’m still puzzled though. When I was face down in the dirt why did you help me?”

>Surely the sight would have frightened her.

>”I didn’t see the strange creature that some others saw. I saw someone in need of a helping hoof, and that’s what I did.”

“But after that, you gave me a bed, clothed me, fed me. No person I knew would’ve done that.”

>”I guess that’s what makes this place so special.”

>You mirror her smile.

“I guess it is.”

 

>The waiter plates your food and you begin to dive in, slowly of course.

>You’re in front of company after all.

>”Do you have any plans later tonight?”

“Me? Nah, just thinking about hitting the hay early tonight.”

>”Oh alright then.”

>You finish your bite, a tad intrigued.

“Was there something you wanted to do?”

>She waves her hoof, “It was nothing really, just thought about taking a walk near the forest. The moon’s so bright tonight and you’ve been great company.”

>As much as you’d like to join her you’re actually rather fatigued.

>The whole jumping off a moving train and walking back to P0nyville took it out of you.

>”A rain check then?”

 “It’s a date,” you click glasses with hers.

>”I’ll hold you to that.”

“Wouldn’t expect otherwise.”

 

>You catch a whiff of cologne, smelling his cheap add-on before actually seeing him.

>He’s a unicorn, taller than most you’ve seen, hair styled back, the whole nine yards.

>And here we go.

>”Excuse me ma’am, but I think you owe me a drink.”

>”And just why is that?” Rarity asks.

>”Because when I looked up at you I dropped mine.”

>You can’t help but chuckle as you try to hide your smile.

>Your laughter manages to get a few snickers from Rarity, leaving one dumbfounded stallion.

“Sorry sir, but that sounds like a personal problem.”

>The buttflustered stallion purses his lips as he tries to find something witty to say.

“Don’t try too hard now, save some energy for the other mares you won’t score.”

>He goes beet red and trots off without another word, Rarity trying her hardest to stay quiet.

“Refill please.”

 

>You walk close to Rarity as you leave the restaurant who’s still trying to keep a straight face.

>You look back to make sure no one’s watching.

“It’s alright to laugh now there’s no one around.”

>She tightens her lips and shakes her head.

>”That was so bad,” she says softly finally regaining control of herself.

“You can’t say it wasn’t a little funny when he started going red.”

>”So mean,” she tries not to giggle again.

>That’s all you need to know.

“I may not feel like walking around town, but may I have the privilege of walking you home?”

>”But we’re going to the same place.”

“Then I guess you really don’t have a choice.”

>”Fair enough.”

 

>You look at the moon shining clear in the night’s sky.

>”Admire Luna’s work? It’s one of the reasons I admire these walks.”

>A part of your mind tells you that it’s just the light from stars thousands of light years away.

>But the other part beats it over the head with a baseball bat and tells it to enjoy the moment.

>You like that part much better.

>You stop by a lamp post, temporarily halting your journey home for a lasting look.

>”What’re you thinking about Anon?”

“Nothing, just pointless stuff.”

>”Try me.”

>You give one last look to the moon and then back to her.

“I was just wondering how this night could be anymore beautiful.”

>And it really couldn’t.