I snapped myself from the flashback, looking around to see if anyone had noticed my lapse in reality. No one had, thankfully, so I served myself some food, and dug in. I watched everyone as they ate, laughing and talking to each other.

The only person who was quiet other than me was Applejack. She ate her meal at lightning speed, then left, muttering under her breath about going back to work. After she left, the banter died down and we began to finish our meals.

I sighed contentedly, "Thank you."

Granny smiled, "Not a problem dear. Now you run along with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. It's almost time for Apple Bloom to go to bed."

"Granny!" Apple Bloom cried indignantly.

I smothered a smile, stood, and looked around at the mess of the kitchen, "Do you need a hand?"

"No deary, Big Mac and I can handle it."

"Eeyup," Big Mac said, smiling.

I nodded reluctantly, "Okay... thanks again."

I walked out of the farmhouse, and into the cool air. The sun was setting, leaving the sky in a myriad of colours. I breathed a small sigh, and began to walk down the road with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Scootaloo looked up at me, "Does your leg hurt?"

I blinked and stopped, stunned at the sudden change in the subject. It took me a moment to find my voice, so I used the time to start walking again. I looked down at my leg, "Sometimes."

"When?" Sweetie Belle asked.

I shrugged, "I dunno... don't keep track."

"Oh..."

"What happened? You said it was an accident."

A lump formed in my throat, but I swallowed it down, "It was a dragon."

"Like Spike?" Scootaloo asked, incredulous.

"No. A big, mean adult dragon," I shuddered, remembering the feeling of the dragon's claw slicing mercilessly into my leg, then shifting when it landed, the claw twisting and making the laceration wind around my leg.

"I'm sorry," Sweetie Belle said softly.

I nodded, and limped slowly along, willing the limb to cooperate with my commands, "When are we going to start setting up the clubhouse?"

"Tomorrow," Sweetie Belle replied, "We'll bring the podium over with us after school."

I nodded slowly, and felt relief wash over me when we entered Ponyville, "Alright, girls. See you tomorrow."

I walked into the library, feeling energized, but tired at the same time. Twilight looked up from her spot on the couch, where she had been reading, "Hello. How was your day?"

"Terrifying. I didn't know numbers, Scootaloo had to help."

"I'm so sorry, I didn't think about that."

"It's fine, really. It made it more interesting. They're doing basic addition."

"It's only review, I'm sure. You'll be starting multiplication and division next week. Cheerilee is just making sure everypony is up to speed," at my confused look, Twilight smiled, "I talked with Cheerilee earlier."

I nodded, "That reminds me, thank you for buying me lunch."

Twilight's eyes brightened suddenly, and she put down her book, "I got you some school supplies. I hope you don't mind."

"No, not at all."

"I got some notebooks, and some better pens. I got you sticky notes, and more loose paper. As well as a math set."

I nodded slowly, "Okay..."

"And I got you a backpack and a lunchbox."

I blushed, "You didn't need to."

"I wanted to, it's fine."

"Thanks, I know you don't need to do these things for me."

"It's not a problem, really," Twilight beamed, "I loved school, I hope you love it too."

I brought my hand to my mouth, and began to bite the fingernail on my index finger, "Have you talked to Applejack?"

"No, why?"

"It's something called Applebuck Season. Big Mac hurt his ribs, and can't help her... Apple Bloom said something about how it's their harvest time."

Twilight nodded, "Yes. This time of year is when most farmers harvest their crops. The Apples pick all of the apples off their farm, and can them, make them into jam, make apple cider, and a bunch of other things. They help feed Ponyville during the winter."

I nodded, "I-I think she's planning on doing it all on her own."

"She'll be fine. Applejack is the most dependable pony in Ponyville."

I bit the last of the excess nail from my finger, and winced when I bit down too hard, drawing a little blood. I moved on to the next nail, being a bit more careful, "She shouldn't have to do it all on her own. It sounds like so much work. She's supposed to help the girls and I, but-"

"It'll be fine!"

I looked down, "Okay..."

Twilight glared at me, "I know you mean well, but Applejack knows how to take care of herself."

I nodded again, and bit my lip. I turned to go downstairs, but Twilight nudged me, "We're going to Rarity's."

I sneered in disgust, "Why?"

"To get you some clothing. She offered to make you some."

I blinked, in shock, "Why?"

"She is the Element of Generosity, remember? C'mon, lets go."

Twilight led me back outside, and through the streets. We made our way to a building that looked odd: it was circular, with pillars running down the side. Twilight trotted in, and I followed.

"Hi, Rarity!"

"Hello, darling! Oh Eternity, come here!"

I shuffled forward, staring around at the brightly coloured room. There was a pedestal surrounded by mirrors toward one wall. Purple curtains were draped over most of the walls, and what wall wasn't covered with drapes was painted a light purple.

Rarity stared at me, "Most of what I've made will be a little loose, but I'm sure you'll grow into them. Stand there, and we'll try some things on," Rarity pointed to the pedestal.

I stood on the pedestal, staring at the mirrors. I stared for a moment, trying to figure out what was so different about me, beyond the hair cut. Rarity appeared in the mirror, "I wasn't sure what kind of style you would like, so I made bunch of outfits for you to try."

I nodded slowly. Rarity's horn glowed blue, and a simple outfit floated in front of me. It was a tunic, very similar to what I was already wearing, "Thanks."

"That's not the only one dear," A bunch more floated toward me, landing in organized piles at my feet, "Try each one of these on, then come out and show us. We'll go from there."

I nodded, "Okay..."

Rarity's horn once again lit up with blue magic. The curtains around me shut, allowing me some privacy. I swallowed, and slipped out of my worn tunic. I picked up the first tunic Rarity had shown me, and slipped it on. It felt clean, and smooth. The material was nice, and the tunic was simple.

I stepped off the pedestal, and opened the curtain. Twilight smiled, "That looks nice."

"A little plain."

I looked down, it was a dark brown, "I like it."

Rarity grimaced, and I meekly stepped back behind the curtain. The next thing in the pile was an actual dress. It was a light turquoise, with small flowers embroidered along it. I put it on, and admired the silky quality of it.

I once again showed Rarity and Twilight. Both liked the dress. This process continued. After a few hours, I had more tunics, several dresses, a few pairs of pants, some shirts and sweaters, pyjamas, and a pair of sandals.

"I'll see about making some more clothes for you when the weather starts getting colder," Rarity said, carefully placing all of the new clothes in a bag for me, "Ooh! I'm excited already."

"Thank you..." I said quietly, biting on a thumbnail.

"It's not a problem at all dear!"

I smiled weakly, taking the proffered bag. Twilight smiled at her friend, "Thanks a bunch, Rarity."

Rarity beamed, "Come to me anytime, Twilight. I'll help you with your wardrobe too!"

Twilight rolled her eyes in exasperation, "If I need help, you'll be the first one I talk to."

Rarity ushered us out of her shop, into the cool night air.

"That was nice of her, don't you think?"

"Of course it was nice. I may not like her, but I'm not totally heartless."

Twilight stared at me, eyes critical. I stared back, "I am old, Twilight. I've been hurt- but that doesn't mean I can't identify kindness when I see it."

I small noise suddenly caught my attention. I stopped, looking around, "Do you hear that?"

Twilight stopped too, "Yes.. I think it's coming from here," She walked over to a barrel.

I followed, and lay eyes on three, small, mewling kittens, "Oh.."

"Poor things. It looks like they were left out here."

I bent down, wincing as my leg protested, "Hello, darlings."

The kittens looked up at me, eyes wide, "Shh, it's okay," I murmured, gently patting all three of them on the head, "I can help you."

One of them was black, with large golden eyes. The other was grey, with white on her chin, neck, and chest. The third, was a dark orange colour, with stripes on it's tail. I gently picked them up, cradling them in my arms. They squeaked, but soon snuggled into my warmth.

I looked at Twilight, "Erm... Can I help them, please?"

"Of course."

I smiled, "Thank you."

We walked back to the library. The kittens were purring, making me smile. Twilight lent me a wicker basket and a few towels. I put the towels in the basket, and put the kittens in the basket. I put the clothing, except my pyjamas, away in the small dresser. I took off my old tunic, and put on the pyjamas. They were white, a top and pants. They were nice and warm, and a little too loose.

I sighed, and stretched. What can I do now? As if answering my question, my stomach rumbled. I snorted, and walked back upstairs. The kitchen was down a small hallway, and I found Twilight there too.

I smiled, "Hey."

"Hi, did you want something?"

I nodded, "I'm hungry."

"Do you want some tea? I'm making some now."

"Please. Erm... what can I eat?"

"Anything you want, within reason. Spike's gems are out of the question."

"Obviously."

I looked around, noting the cabinets, cupboards, and the refrigerator. I ran a hand through my hair. I looked around, wondering what I should eat.

"Here," Twilight levitated a cup of tea over to where I was standing. I took it from her, using my own magic. The cup was surrounded by my magic, a nearly midnight blue. I let it float near me, as I opened the closest cabinet. Inside was boxes of things, neither of which looked open.

"Um.." I looked at Twilight, a little lost.

Twilight snorted, "Here, have a muffin," She opened a box, and pulled out a muffin.

I accepted the baked good, and let the cup float into my hand. Twilight was watching me, with curiosity in her eyes. I ate the muffin, noting that it tasted like apples. I drank my tea, and shuffled back to my room.

It was even darker, and the kittens had fallen asleep. I smiled, and crawled into bed.

(LINE BREAK)

The next morning, I looked at the kittens, and tried to determine their gender. I was lost, and had no idea what to do. I got dressed, in my sandals and the turquoise dress, and made my way upstairs. Twilight smiled at me, "Here's your bag. Your lunch is in there. What do you want for breakfast?

I shrugged, "I don't know. Just, whatever you want to give me, I suppose."

"Here's some juice," A cup with an orange-y, yellow liquid was levitated over to me. I accepted it with my magic, and sat at the table.

Twilight looked me over, "You look great."

I blushed, looking down at the table, "Thanks."

"Here." Twilight levitated some toast toward me, and I began to eat. I ate quickly, and almost spit out the juice Twilight had given me. It tasted like the orange, but less severe. I liked it. I had just finished, and had put my hand on the door, when there was a knock.

I opened it; Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom were all there, "Hey."

"Hi!" Sweetie Belle squeaked.

"Are ya ready?" Apple Bloom asked.

I nodded, "Yeah. Let's go."

"Have fun!" Twilight called from inside the library.

I smiled, and followed the fillies to school. Cheerilee was there, as well as some of the other children. Cheerilee smiled at me, "Hello, Eternity."

I smiled back, "Hi."

I heard a giggle from behind me. I turned, and saw two fillies. One was pink, with a pinkish/purple mane. The other was grey, with a silver mane.

"Eternity, this is Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon."

I bit my lip, "Hi."

The two girls sneered, "Hi!" Their voices were high-pitched and cruel.

Cheerilee walked to the other side of the room, talking with another pony. Sweetie Belle winced beside me, cringing a little at the mean glares we were receiving.

"Hello, blank flanks." The pink one, Diamond Tiara, sneered.

I blinked, huh? Is that an insult? At a loss, I just stared.

"Are you really that dumb? Or are you deaf?" Silver Spoon demanded, "Diamond Tiara just talked to you."

"I don't reply to insults," I replied steadily.

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom gasped in unison, staring up at me.

Diamond Tiara snorted, flipping her hair over her withers, "Are you kidding? Maybe that's why your voice sounds weird, because everyone's insulting you."

My eyebrows furrowed. My voice doesn't sound funny, does it?

"Hey! That's not fair!" Sweetie Belle said shrilly, "Eternity isn't from around here!"

"Where does she come from, then? The Badlands? I've never even heard of someone like you!"

I felt my jaw twitch, but I took a deep breath. I've been through worse. I'm okay..

"She's not from the Badlands! She's from the Everfree Forest!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

I glared at her, but couldn't really think of anything to say. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon gaped at me, clearly also at a loss for words. I sighed, and played with the strap on my bag nervously.

"That's not true! Only Zecora lives there!"

I rolled my eyes, "I've been there longer then Zecora."

"Prove it!"

"I can't, unless you want to go into the forest with me," I smirked, showing my slightly pointed teeth.

Diamond Tiara scoffed, "You're clearly lying!" With another flip of her mane, she turned, and walked away. Silver Spoon followed.

I sighed, "Girls, I appreciate it, really I do. But please, don't go telling people I'm from the Everfree."

More ponies came in, and soon, the bell rang. I had to bite my lip to keep from jumping. All of the ponies sat down, and I followed. I put my bag in the desk, and gently tapped my fingers against the wooden surface.

Cheerilee waited for the class to be quiet, then began to speak, "Good morning, everypony-"

Then the ground began to shake, and the bell began to ring. I winced, and looked over to Scootaloo. She seemed confused as well.

"STAMPEDE!" I heard multiple ponies yell out.

I looked out the window, and saw multiple ponies running around outside.

Cheerilee sighed, "Alright, class. Into the basement."

Basement?Cheerilee made us quickly file into the yard. The first ponies rounded the corner, and opened a trap door. All of use climbed down, and Cheerilee closed it after us.

"What's going on?" I quietly asked Scootaloo.

"Oh, one of the herds of cows that live around here must have been spooked by something," Scootaloo replied, "That happens sometimes. They get spooked, and run toward town."

I nodded slowly, "Alright..."

After a moment, the shaking stopped. Cheerilee smiled at everyone, "There. It's all done. Back to class, everyone!" There was a few groans, but everyone went back to the schoolhouse.

The rest of the day passed quickly. After school, I walked back to Sweet Apple Acres with the girls. With us, we took the old school podium. We managed to drag it into the tree house, and set it up.

"There," Sweetie Belle said.

I looked around at the mostly empty tree house, "There has to be something we can do until the bake sale."

"What do you mean?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Jobs, or something. If we work with someone, maybe we can get some bits... or tools, stuff like that."

"That's a great idea!" Scootaloo declared.

"What would we do?" Sweetie Belle asked.

I shrugged, "Ask people we know first, perhaps."

"I know! We can ask the Cakes!" Apple Bloom exclaimed, "They always need help!"

"We'll start there, then."

We walked back to Ponyville. We walked into Sugar-Cube Corner, and saw the Cakes busy in the back. Mrs. Cake turned when she heard the bell, "Oh! Hello there, dears! What would you like?"

"Um," Sweetie Belle looked nervous.

I had to try not to roll my eyes, "We were wondering if you needed help with anything. We're trying to decorate our treehouse."

"Ooh! That's great of you girls. I know what you four can help me with! We're trying out all of these different goodies, but with Pinkie Pie with her friends: we don't have anyone to try them."

"Yum! I'm sure whatever you make will be great!" Scootaloo's wings fluttered.

I smiled, "I agree."

"Alrighty, then. Let's get to work."

Mrs. Cake showed us into the back room. She sat us down, and trotted into the kitchen. Mr. Cake walked out, a tray held in his mouth. He set it down, "Here you go!"

"Thanks!" Sweetie Belle said cheerfully.

I looked at the tray, and saw cookies. The girls each took one, and I followed suite. I took a bite, and was amazed. I have no idea what this is, but it's amazing.

"How do you girls like these? They're strawberry."

"They're amazing!" Sweetie Belle said, stuffing the rest of the cookie into her mouth.

I nodded in agreement, and ate the rest.

"I'll put these in the shop, then. Thanks girls!"

This happened for another half an hour. Mr. Or Mrs. Cake would bring out a tray of something, then we would try it. If we liked it, it would be added to the list of things they would make. If not, Mr. And Mrs. Cake would take them away.

The last tray was brought out, and I winced. On top of it, rested a cake. White icing topped it, and it looked smooth, like marble. Mrs. Cake sat it down, and smiled at our collective wince, "This is the last one, don't worry."

She cut a piece for all of us to try. I took a bite, and fell in love, "This is... wow."

"Mmmm." Apple Bloom said.

"I'm glad you girls like this. This is a prototype for a cake we're entering in a contest next year."

"Really!" Sweetie Belle squeaked.

Mrs. Cake smiled, "Yes. We're hoping we'll win."

"You will if it's as good as this," I pointed my fork at the piece of cake.

"Thanks, sweetie. Those are the only ones that we want you to try. Thank you, girls. You were a great help."

I stood, wincing at the fullness of my stomach. Mrs. Cake smiled at me, "Here you girls go." She reached into her apron pocket, and pulled out four bits. She dropped them into my hands, "You girls are welcome to do this any time."

"Thanks."

Mrs. Cake smiled, "I love your dress."

I blushed, "Thanks."

Sweetie Belle looked ready to start bouncing off the walls from her sugar high. I sighed, "Thanks again. I'll get these three out of your mane before they start to bounce off the walls."

Mrs. Cake beamed at me, and watched as we left. I looked down at the coins, then at the girls. "What can we get for four bits?"

Sweetie Belle smiled, cantering down the street, "FOLLOW ME!"

I shared a look with the others, and followed.

(LINE BREAK)

I actually finished this before Christmas, but only remembered to post it now. Sorry...

Still don't MLP. No money is being made off this, I swear.