Unity

Ch.21: Canterlot Mall

As Pinkie and I drove out of town to Canterlot Mall on that day, I could not help but think about the UBI, or Universal Basic Income. At this point, I could not work. I had to wait a year as a new citizen, like how the country of Canada on Earth does things. Pandestria did not believe in people going without, so for citizens that could not work that were not eligible for Social Security, a stipend of $1,200 a month was afforded. Pinkie giggled as she saw me look out the window.

"Whatcha thinking, Davey?" she asked.

I smiled, turning my head to her. "Oh, just about the UBI" I smiled.

Pinkie smiled. "That's what Sunset Shimmer has too. Her apartment's nice. Kind of a loft."

"That sounds great. I like studio apartments" I said, as we entered the parking lot. Canterlot Mall was huge. Four stories, and huge floors at that. It had 450 stores!

Pinkie snickered. "I remember one time when I sent Maud on a treasure hunt here. Boy, did I get in trouble on that one."

"I bet" I laughed, seeing we had pulled in next to Fluttershy's car, a Pink and yellow 2006 Ford Fusion. Suddenly then, Pinkie received a text. She giggled and put the phone in her pocket.

"They're waiting! Common!"

As we walked up to the sight of everyone in the lobby of the first floor, it had turned out that Aria was right. Adagio was talking with Rainbow Dash, and Sonata with Applejack. AJ turned and saw us.

"Hiya guys! We haven't been waiting too long!"

"20 minutes" Rarity said, shaking her head.

"Sorry about that" Pinkie said. "I got to talking with Grandma. She's doing well."

Aria strided over to me, kissing me on the cheek. "I missed you."

"I missed you too" I smiled, as Rainbow Dash chuckled. "Baby names picked out yet?"

I began to stammer, as Fluttershy looked greatly unamused. "That is not your business. Anyways" she said. "You are going to be with me and Rainbow Dash first. I get discounts because my mom is a teacher. If you don't mind" she smiled softly.

I turned to Aria. Aria nodded. "Me and Twilight have to talk anyway."

I got the message, and off with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash I went.

None of us noticing the longing on the face of Twilight.

Using escalators to get to the top floor, Fluttershy led Rainbow and I to a notebook and writing utensil store called Write What You Know. I got out my shopping list I had made that morning, with Rainbow pulling out hers. Fluttershy scanned our lists but stopped at seeing something.

"Why new shoes?" She asked me. I explained that my feet had grown over the summer. Fluttershy allowed a smirk.

"Cross it off" she said. I was confused but did anyway.

Around 40 minutes later, we were out of that store, and made our way to one called Texts. Fluttershy smiled. "This is one filled with books about High School, and even old textbooks our school uses."

I would not buy anything there, but it was noticeable that Fluttershy bought one: How To get a Boyfriend as an Introvert. I felt bad for her, having went through the same issues for the longest time.

Next up was Rainbow Dash's hallmark- a sports store. She needed new running shoes. As we sat, the voice spoke again.

"Good job on the shopping so far, deary."

This time, I allowed myself to answer. "I do my best."

Fluttershy smiled, but said nothing, aware of the voice.

After also hitting up a calculator shop (For Fluttershy) and A storybook store (for me), I took a deep breath as Fluttershy said we should get in some lunch in the food court.

"May we? I'm beginning to feel off"

Rainbow Dash frowned, seeing my legs shaking a bit.

"Yeah... let's get to the elevator" I smiled. Fluttershy knew something was wrong but did not know what.

She could not put her finger on it... yet.

Sitting down at Fluttershy's insistence in the food court, Fluttershy had left after getting my order of wanting a chef salad. Rainbow had gone for her usual Turkey and cheese sub. I smiled as Sunset spotted me, and sat down across from me, looking exhausted.

"Jeez, Adagio asks a lot of questions" she said, sounding a bit annoyed. She explained that Adagio had confronted her about the voice. Sunset sighed.

"Its harmless. Am I being silly?" she asked. "I don't think its too bad. Its just voices me, you and Twilight are hearing. Hear from him today?"

I nodded. "He complemented me on my shopping. I said thank you."

Sunset nodded, taking a bite of her salad. "Pinkie's picking out clothes right now. She's doing school supplies after. AJ and Rarity are with her."

"Who's with Sonata?" Fluttershy suddenly asked, sitting next to Sunset, and handing me my salad, having some cheese pizza on her plate.

"Twilight and Aria." She smiled. The conversation ceased, with Rainbow Dash and Adagio soon joining us.

After hearing that Aria was on the second floor, I made my way up there after finishing lunch. I had on my list wanting to get some khakis, and a twelve pack of socks. The second floor was the fashion epicenter of the place. I just did not expect to see Aria the way I did.

Aria was walking with some bags, Sonata next to her munching on a soft taco. Twilight was next to Aria, holding some bags as well. Suddenly, Aria had slipped, falling onto her back. I gasped, rushing for her.

"Are you alright?" I asked. Aria looked up and nodded.

"Yes. Damm shoelaces" she groaned. I had squatted, my hand extended to help her. I then blushed. Aria was wearing a dress that day, and the front of her dress had ridden up, revealing her pink underwear.

I blushed and refused to look. Aria smiled at my modesty. And helped her up. Sonata giggled.

Aria and I blushed, no words coming. Twilight could only smile. She would tell us someday.

The next day, my birthday, was one of the best birthdays I have ever had.

It was my big sixteen.