>There's only so much you can do with water to help scrub off all the gunk from your clothes. Ugh, you don't even remember getting so much frosting all over your crotch area.
>Still, you feel a lot better after taking a quick shower. You tried to be careful and not wake up Celestia after you had to slide out from under her.
>You sigh, looking over your clothes. Guess that's the best you can do for now. You slip on your pants, shirt, and whatever else before slipping back into the room, just before...
>"Miss Shores? Miss Shores! It's time for your-"
>You bolt over to the door, and jerk it open just enough to push your head out, a finger over your lips. The pone behind it grows wide-eyed in surprise, almost yelping.
Shhh, she's asleep. What do you want?
>It takes a few seconds to register, but her expression soon changes to worry, eyes looking past you into the room. "But... it's four in the afternoon! Why in all of Equestria would cause somepony to sleep at this time?" You stare at her blankly.
She's tired.
>"Oh dear. Maybe if she'd've had some of my tea..." You shrug, spotting an assortment of tableware with various softly steaming pots and cups resting on a large serving tray balancing on her back, as well as a few sweets to go along with the sweet smelling liquid.
What's all that?
>"Oh this? Just my specialty blend of herbal teas! We have mint tea, green te-"
Do you have any hot chocolate?
>She stops and looks at you quizzically. "Er... yes, but I that's usually only for winter times-"
Fantastic. Could you bring up a few servings? And... ooh.
>You reach behind her to grab a couple plates full of treats.
I'll take these. Thank you kindly.
>You pull back into the room and slowly push the door closed with your foot. When you turn around, you see Celestia yawning and stretching out over the soft velvet surface, legs and wings extended brilliantly.
Oh. Crap. Did I wake you up?
>She smirks. "Yes, when you went to answer the door." You frown, but she softly laughs. "But I needed to wake up anyway." She folds her wings back to resting position and sits up on her royal mattress. Most of the bags under her eyes have lifted. You approach her with the silverware in you hands.
Well... want some of this? I got it off of the snack table the host brought up here.
>You hold out the plates with what looks like a pile of assorted miniature frosted brownies and cupcakes surrounded by an arrangement of cinnamon sticks and wafers.
And we have hot chocolate on the way, if you're interested.
>She looks at the plate, then you, then the door questioningly. "In the middle of summer?" You snort, laying a plate in front of her while you set yourself down beside her with your own.
Please, it's never too soon for hot chocolate. Besides, pretending it's winter time isn't so bad. All the decorations are around, and the land is covered in white. All we're missing now is a fireplace we can all bundle up around.
>You shiver at the thought, smiling to yourself as you imagine being wrapped in the thick blanket in the middle of winter. Celesta gives you a white grin, softly chuckling to herself in response to your enthusiasm. "Is that what you like to do then?"
Hmm? What's that?
>You toss a chocolate brownie in your mouth, they're small enough to chew on in one bite. "Bundle up by the fireplace, drinking hot chocolate?" You nod, mouth full of sweets. These things are practically melting in your mouth. "Alone?"
>You swallow, and look at her, caught slightly off guard.
Well... yeah, I guess.
>"You can't imagine anyone with you?" 'Anyone'. Not 'anypony. You pause again.
Guess it just never crossed my mind.
>You look away for a moment. You've been here for a little over a month now. All the time you were here, your mind has been so preoccupied with adapting with this vastly new environment that you haven't even realized that... you just might be the only human in this world. Ain't that some shit.
>You have mixed thoughts about this. You're not really sure that this place could even handle another human, since there are definitely some worst folks than you that could have been placed in this certain predicament. On the other hand... it'd be nice to have someone that you can relate yourself with a little more. Somepony. Sure, the pones here all have personalities similar to humans, but the cultures are vastly different. You sort of miss thumb-wrestling all of a sudden.
>Damn these cupcakes are phenomenal.
>"I... apologize," says Celestia, breaking the silence and pulling you away from your thoughts. "It's not my business to ask." You shake your head, laughing it off.
It's... eh. Whatever. I'm just happy to be alive, you know. I can't worry about minor inconveniences.
>"Loneliness is never minor, Anonymous."
I'm not alone. Not really, anyway. I mean, I'm the only human, but big deal. I have friends I can talk to about... anything, really. What else is there for me?
>"Companionship," she responds softly, with a hint of concern. You laugh again heartedly. What a ridiculous concept to try to grasp in your situation.
>A rattle on the door pulls you towards it, to which you quickly retrieve the unseasonal pot of chocolate resting on a silver tray with several coffee cups adorned with snowflakes wrapped around the lip. The host was even kind enough to thrown in a pile of mini marshmallows, or a few larger ones as an option for toppings. You place the set in front of Celestia, who giggles, you figure from how silly this seems.
>A gentle steam pours from the spout as you fill a cup, and gesture to the white pone as an offer, which she politely declines. "As I was saying."
Companionship, right?
>She watches you place a handful of marshmallows in your cup. "Yes. Someone to accompany you by that fireplace you mentioned. Do you imagine anyone with you there?" 'Someone'. 'Anyone'. It feels weird to have a conversation with a pony using your form of pronouns. You shake your head.
But you shouldn't dismiss solitude so lightly, Princess.
>"I'm not a princess anymore, Anon. And I'm not dismissing anything. Solitude has its merits." You nod, sipping the warm liquid after blowing on the edge to cool it down. "In fact, it's been a long time since I've been away from the palace without any guards or escorts around me. It's refreshing, to say the least." She sighs, her face contradicting her words. "And I suppose... it's something I'll have to get used to now." She pauses and you feel relieved that the topic has shifted away. She brightens up suddenly, a thought popping in her head. "... Unless." Her face lights up, aiming at you. "Why don't you be my personal guard? Or escort. Or caretaker. Whichever title fits you." You eye her, holding the cup up to your lips, frozen in place. This sudden burst has caught you in surprise. Perhaps the other topic might have been better to pursue. You calmly gulp the little bit of chocolate in your mouth.
Do you even need one anymore?
>"Oh yes, most definitely. Now more than ever." You hear her tone float with exaggeration, to which you respond with a well-placed eye rolling. "Well it's true! I'm a lot more vulnerable without any magic to aid me. And when word gets out that I've fallen from power... well... let's just say there's more than a few frustrated fiends that will want a little revenge." You sigh, rubbing your temples, irritated with yourself for even considering this. It's not like you have much argument, though. She did save your life. What could be a better way to repay her than to use the life she saved to be her personal guardian? However, you see a few problems with that.
How the heck am I supposed to defend you from these alleged 'fiends'? I mean, look at you. You have WINGS. You can FLY. More than likely you'll be helping ME out of these situations than any protection I'll be worth.
>"Oh come now, Anon, don't be difficult. You just need to brush up on your... er... battle figure! What was it you talking to Twilight about... you know... gladiators! Surely you can summon up your ancient and fierce ...Roman?... ancestry that you have in you!" You can tell she's having fun with this, grinning from ear to ear from all the teasing. Despite your minor annoyance, you're glad to see the pearl-colored equine in a much better mood than earlier. "In any case," she continues, her voice dialing down to a more serious notion, "over the years I have grown dependent on magic to do even the most effortless tasks, so... I'd like you to help me adjust." You ponder to yourself for a minute. Protecting her might be out of your league, but you can definitely help her in any other area.
What am I expected to do?
>"Just some minor things!" A strange silence follows, expecting her to follow up on that. When she doesn't, you inquire.
... Like?
>"Well..." she stretches out her first word, hesitant. "opening doors, assisting me item handling, stand with me when we travel in public, escort me around the town, treat me to a little grooming-" You hold you hand up to stop her. This is starting to sound like bitch work. ... Wait a minute.
Grooming? Seriously?
>"Yes? Is that a problem?"
You mean like... brushing your mane and coat and stuff, right?
>"Er... generally. Does that bother you?" Of course it does! What little manliness you have left in your spirit will be all but sapped from you if you accept this. Being a pony princess's personal pet is a job that only six-year old girls would enjoy.
>But when you look at her... a loose off-pink fluff of a mane thrown together hastily, contained in a few almost out-of-place, flashy golden hairbands and wearing a face that, even at it's brighter stages, looks as if it could use a few days worth of resting... you can't bring yourself to reject the offer. And you hate that.
>Your thumbs idly slide around the sides of the cup, frowning while you hesitate with your response. This is bound to eat up most, if not all, of your free time. Either that, or you're going to have your own little fallen princess follow you around. That's darkly cute, now that you think about it. You finally sigh out, and nod, managing a smile towards her.
Okay, I'll do it.
>"Excellent!" You hold up a finger.
But I expect some sort of compensation.
>"Compensation?" She seems lost at first, but then quickly realizes what you meant. "Oh! Hmm..." Her hoof taps on her chin. "I believe I can manage something for you. Monetary?" You nod, going back to your not-so-hot chocolate. She nods in response. “I will make some arrangements soon. In the meantime...” Celestia spins her head around slowly, examining the room. “Your first task will be to help me find a new place to reside for now." You eye her, quizzically.
What's wrong with this place?
>She clears her throat, looking aside. "It's... quite expensive." You snicker in response. Oh the irony.
I bet that's the first time you've had to run into that kind of problem.
>She chuckles nervously. "Y...yes. I'm going to have to ask you for a favor."
What's up?
>"Do you... have any money on you to cover for the second night?" She blushes a light pink at you, and you just stare at her blankly. A hard laughter gets shoved out of your chest, despite your attempts to hold it back. This just makes her even more embarrassed, cheeks flushing. "It is not funny!" You settle down after a moment, breathing out.
Sorry, sorry. What ever happened to 'two nights worth of bits'?
>She frowns. "It costs more than that for just one. Beau was kind enough to let me stay... after some persuasion." You feel the residual laughter effects kicking in.
Yes I can cover you. I expect-
>"Reimbursement. Of course." You nod.
Alright then. What's the damage?
>She's reluctant to say. Oh boy. "Two... hundred... and fifty."
>A hard, heavy silence follows. You can feel your eye twitch uncontrollably.
... The FUCK.
>"Reimbursement!" she hastily reminds you, pulling back after your outburst.
That's not the problem! I don't even know if I have that much to my name, let alone on my person!
>"Oh... oh dear. That's not good." She presses a white hoof against her equally white chin. Then she looks down, and sighs, disheartened. "I was really hoping I would get to keep this." Her aforementioned hoof rubs against the bed she rests on, sullenly.
What... oh, you mean the bed? Will that cover the costs?
>"Anon, this could cover three houses on its own." You're taken back.
For just a bed?
>"It was made for me by three different master artisans from the finest..." she stops herself, shaking her head. "It doesn't matter. It's an obtrusive possession. It would only get in the way." She rubs the golden trimming along the edges, a reminiscent look upon her. She slowly rises from the bed, and walks to the other side of you, towards the door. "Come, Anon. Escort me to Ponyville."
--
>Beau Blossom of Beau Blossom's Bed and Breakfast was particularly hesitant to take a bed for payment, but Celestia... 'Sunny Shores' proved to be fairly convincing.
>The orange hues pushing through the cracks of the trees above indicate that the day is almost up, sun just about to park behind the horizon. The walk is mostly quiet aside from the occasional wind stirring the foliage above you. As you two head towards town, you feel an air of melancholy emitting from your partner. You make it halfway down the trail before finally asking.
Did that bed mean a lot to you?
>Celestia smirks, keeping her eyes on the road ahead. "It was fairly ancient, only lasting as long as it did by an enchantment of durability. My castle has been remodeled and rebuilt many times, but no matter what, my bed remained constant. I always let it rest in the same place; right in the middle of my room. I can't count how many times my quarters have been altered, it's been hectic." She laughed to herself, the view of the town coming into view. "This sounds silly, but... every night that I laid down on it, it filled me with a sense of comfort and familiarity despite the revolving surroundings. I... am a little sensitive to change, so it eased me through the more rougher nights I've had." Her smile slowly vanished as more memories stirred in her head. "Lots... of rough nights." You decide to keep your questions to yourself. She's probably seen some shit.
>The trail reaches it's end, leading you to the edge of Ponyville. Business has started to slow, and some have even closed up for the night. You begin to walk forward, but Celestia touches your sleeve, indicating you to stop. "Anonymous," she starts, cautious, "let's avoid walking directly into town."
Any reason?
>She twists her mouth a bit, reluctant to say. "I... haven't exactly told anyone else outside of my castle about this.”
What? Not even Twilight?
>She nods. “That's right. You must understand how sensitive she would be especially. I have to be very delicate. I only summoned you first because you were a major influence, and I felt you deserved to know beforehand." Celestia lowers her face, carrying an ashamed look on it. "Also... I wanted to see how you reacted; to see for myself what my choice led to, and to accept any negative feelings you would have towards me. After all, you could have hated me for what I forced onto you.” You frown, but you can understand what she means. You only met Celestia once before then which leads you to believe she didn't gather an appropriate evaluation. “The town currently has slowed down,” she reverts back on point. “and I might be a little unrecognizable, but... I'd rather not risk attracting attention." You nod and rub your mouth in thought, looking out past the town towards Sweet Apple Acres, where your shack of a home resides.
How long to you plan to keep your cover?
>"I haven't decided yet. I want to make sure I'm ready and prepare my announcement, but also reveal it before the town, specifically the Elements, become too worried or suspicious of my absence." You crunch your brow as you analyze her plan.
Hold on a second, Celestia. Don't you think the six of them deserve to know just a little ahead of time? You should break it to them before even considering anypony else. Especially Twilight.
>Celestia looks at you for a moment, then down towards the center of town before nodding. “You are right." Her tired face gave hints of distress the more she thought about the future conversation, keeping her focus towards Twilight's library. She breathes out, shaky. "Escort me to Twilight's tomorrow, Anonymous. I believe I've had enough emotion for one evening." She walks up beside you, trying her best to keep a more positive mood, starting with that same warm smile you're getting familiar with. "Let's go to your quarters, and get a good night's sleep." You smirk to match her forced happiness.
Alright, but just as a warning, I don't exactly have a lot of room in my little thing of a home.
>She giggles, shaking her head. "I'm content with just a spot on the floor, Anon."
I can't have that now. I'll think of something.
>The two of you start walking along the edge of the town until you reach the fence making the beginning of the Apple family's orchard.
We'll cut through here to avoid the main roads.
>"That's not entirely necessary..." But you're already over the fence, extending a hand back towards her. She rolls her eyes with a grin, accepting you assistance over the wooden barricade. You start leading her through the orchard, the thickness increasing as you delve deeper in the fruity forest.
So... why 'Sunny Shores'?
>The tall white equine stepped over a few fallen apples and roots closely behind you. "Hmm? Oh, it was something that I imagined on the fly that matched my sun mark. And.. I suppose I have a small affinity for beaches and the ocean during the summer. It was one of the first things that came to my mind." No surprise that princess of the sun would love the summer beach. You hardly believe that it's an after thought for a vacation spot for her.
>You walk around the bottom of the hill to avoid the front of the house, keeping an eye out for any of the family. You nose twitches as it catches a brief, warm scent carrying with the small wind in front of you, and you smile.
Okay, seems they're all inside getting ready for dinner. My place is just up here.
>Just between the barn and the main house is your humble little shack-home, a continuous work in progress. The entirety of it isn't much taller than you, with the area approximately fifteen by twenty feet. Behind it resides a pit just as large, a few markings here and there indicating an extension has been planned out, a shovel jammed into the ground at one of the edges.
>Applejack and Big Mac helped you lay down the foundation, but the rest was all your doing. Aside from a few slightly crooked support wall panes and misplaced nails, you're rather proud of your mini-cottage of comfort. You lead your follower around to the front door, and notice that the front hook has been pushed off.
>Looks like you have an intruder. Or you forgot to lock up. Either one is equally likely. You decide to be cautious and hold up your hand towards Celestia for her to wait, gently pushing the door in enough for you to peek inside. The light is on, and in the middle your makeshift couch mat is a pile of familiar orange with a blonde topping, its eyes closed with a calm expression, with the token hat resting beside. You relax your shoulders upon seeing your friend, but angle your brow for further inquiry. Pushing the door further open, you step through the threshold.
Applejack?
>The orange jerks up. "Oh! Aheh... uh, howdy Anon."
Howdy. What are you doing here? I can smell your dinner, might be ready for you.
>"Eh... I ain't that hungry. Told 'em to eat without me tonight." She looks off. She's got something on her mind, a look that you've come to recognize. "I just was waitin' for y-... oh." Her gaze manages to land on the white and pink one behind you, and her eyes widen. "Oh shoot I, uh, didn't think you'd have company with ya. Sorry about that." She rises from the floor couch mat, and nods at the both of you. "I'll just... be on my way then."
Hold on, was there something up?
>Her hair shakes with her head. "Nah, 'snothin'." She shifts her way past the two of you, nodding at Celestia on the way out, tipping her hat before saying "ma'am", and walking towards the barn.
>You frown after her in that direction. "Looks like she wanted to tell you something," perks the formal royalty.
Yeah, I got that much. I'll catch up to her in a bit though, let's get you settled first.
>She nods and follows you in, observing your little nest you've got going. On the floor where Applejack was previously is a three foot square cushion elevated a little over a foot by a slightly larger wooden box. You could have just gotten a chair, but you could never get over how awkward that looks to you so you put this together for guests. You believe they appreciate it more.
>A few shelves and counters float about here and there containing a small amount of books and other readables, and at the end is your humble bed and dresser, resting under a lit lamp. On top of the dresser are a few weathered notebooks stacked on top of each other, and a small pile of pencils.
>Celestia shifts beside you as you try to think of sleeping arrangements, pondering through the few books that you have. "'Folklore and Creation Theories'," she starts reading the titles aloud, "'The Foundation of Equestria', 'Equestria History for Grade School. curious about our history, Anon?" You smile as you straighten out the comforter on your bed, brushing off any dirt and dust.
You could say that.
>"Hmm... Oh. Now what's this? 'The Sun and the Moon: The Lives of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna'?"
It was the only thing I could find on a history of you two. Well besides Twilight herself, but I thought that she'd be a little too biased.
>You here a small sliding noise behind you, then a loud smack that shocks you enough to make you spin. "Ah... Sorry." The book in question landed on its spine, open to a random page in the scripture. You watch her head crane down to peek at the entry.
Honestly I haven't taken a look at it, though.
>You turn back to your bed and fold up a thick blanket, letting it rest on the end before you step out of the way.
Here's your bed for tonight.
>"Hmm?" She looks up at you, surprised, with the book in her mouth. "Whrr whl yhh slhhp?" You shrug.
I'm gonna check on Applejack. Don't run off now.
>Celestia doesn't exactly acknowledge, she just watches you hastily exit the door with the book hanging from her jaw. She's all set for the night, so you don't concern yourself with her for the moment. Applejack supersedes her in importance.
>The sun has disappeared completely, leaving a trail in the sky, purple-pink reflections of what is left of the day. After a brief trot around the barn to check for your citrus colored cohort, you walk through the open door of the large building. Your head shifts left to right inside the low-lighted area. No sign of her on the bottom floor, but you hear a small rustling on the overhang above you, obscured by a piles of hay. You walk over to and head up the ladder to investigate.
>Sure enough, as soon as you peer over the platform you see the brown of Applejack's hat in it's rightful place, setting on top of the owner who rests in the middle of a spread out assortment of hay, facing out the windowless barn window. You recognize this area for being the place where you slept for the first couple of weeks. You especially remember the scenery you captured from that window.
Nice view, isn't it?
>The orange one turns to you and smirks briefly, before going back to the window. "Ayup." You plant yourself beside her, cross-legged, co-cooperatively soaking in the sight.
>The first thing you always notice is the particular way the light shimmers off of the leaves the trees wear throughout the orchard. A little past that is the top of the buildings of the town, which is encased in the same violet hues as the rest of the landscape you can see. Just beyond the town is another stretch of forested trees, then the vague shapes of mountains morphing the rest. You lay back on your hands, smiling. This is actually the first time you've shared this view with anyone, but you're sure Applejack had seen this before. You look over to the pone in question.
So, um... about earlier-
>"Ain't none of my business to know, Anon," she says without looking at you. Another silence. It's hard to tell if she's upset with you. "... She's really pretty though." You smirk and roll your shoulders. You knew she'd let her curiosity get the better of her.
I guess so. She's well kept, at least... well, until recently.
>The hat nods. Pause. "... Goin' through some hard times?"
Something like that. Just helping her out for a couple of nights until we can work something better out for her.
>"Hope everythin' works out for ya, then." Her voice was weakly enthusiastic.
>Okay enough of this.
Come on, spill it.
>Finally, she looks at you, green eyes in full. "Whatcha-"
Something's bothering you, AJ. Tell me what's up, let's go.
>Applejack breathes out, frustrated. "Yeah... alright." Her eyes vanish behind her orange lids. "My family up in Phillydelphia's comin' down to visit for a couple of days." You scratch your chin, a few bells in your head ringing. You may remember her talking about this branch of relatives before.
Not the same family that you stayed with when you ran away when you were younger, right?
>She nods. "That's them all right." You cringe and stick out your tongue in disgust. "My thoughts exactly."
No wonder you look all down.
>"Well... that's not all. I mean if was just that, it wouldn't bother me much. Family's family after all."
Then what is it?
>She sighs. "They're taking over the farm for a while." You stare at her as you feel your brow bunch up below your forehead.
Over? Completely?
>She nods.
Why?
>AJ shakes her head, frustrated. "From what I hear there's a major demand for any kind of 'family grown fruits' or somethin', so all of our apples are gonna be shipped to a few cities up north to sell." You crunch your brow.
ALL of them?
>"All of 'em. 'Non-negotiable' is a word I kept hearin'. 'High profits' is another thing too, but... I dunno. Celestia knows we need the money but... all they did was spew some sorta lawyer mumbo jumbo and backed us up into a corner, bullied us with fancy talk until they made Granny signed somethin' she prolly shouldn't've."
Oh no... when did this all happen?
>"This afternoon. They've convinced Granny that what she did was the right thing, the slicked-tonged little snakes-in-the-grass they are. She ain't as worried as the rest of us." Her head landed on the hay in front of her, hat shifting upwards to cover her eyes up. "I just hope nothin' bad happens."
>You frown, unable to think of any consoling words for your small equine friend. You weren't really good at this sort of thing, so the best thing you think of to do is slide over to her side and set your hand on her orange back, running it up and down her spine to try to comfort her. She shifts under your palm a bit, but shows no sign of stopping you. You smile.
Everything will work out just fine for you, Applejack.
>You feel her chuckle through your hand. "Thanks." You hear the smile in her voice, and you breathe out, pleased to hear her spirit lifted. You look back out to the view through the window. "Hey, Anon?" she pipes up suddenly.
Mm?
>"Don'tcha got a gal waitin' for ya?"
I can stay for a little longer.
>"You sure now? I dunno what's she's all goin' through, but-"
She needs her rest. I'm here with you now, AJ, you ain't gettin' rid of me yet. Might as well accept it.
>She snickers in response to mocking her drawl. "Alright then."
>A peaceful quiet follows the two of you. You're pretty sure it didn't take long for AJ to fall asleep, and your body seems to be telling you that you should be doing the same.
>Eventually you oblige, the scenery pulling you into the comforting hay, your eyes shifting into a deep slumber. You've got a long day tomorrow.