A/N: Sorry for the wait, it's taking me a bit longer to write more chapters than usual. I honestly still wish it was 2015 already because I was able to work more on writing and releasing chapters, but I am still doing the best I can at writing this and getting out chapters. Other than that, getting ready for a VIP Meet and Greet followed by a concert from two different groups next week so I hopefull won't be too busy for the next chapter.
Review Responses: (Don't worry raven 2012, I already responded to you.)
Guest: At this moment, I can only declare the two words 'future chapter' so I'm not sure yet.
Billykilly: Thanks, and thank you again for the idea. Unfortunately, there was a different change of pace than I had expected. Hopefully this chapter is still okay.
jvs12: Thank you.
Guest 2: Honestly when it comes to him, I really don't think that is really that good of an idea to be the next president. I'm one of those people who respect everyone for their religions and political views plus I don't judge them, but when it comes to him stopping those from entering the US or deportation, that's when I have to say it is wrong.
4theworldman: Thanks mate. :)
Steve03: There is going to be something big coming along the way, as I did select Rebecca to be the main antagonist of the story after all. As for Season 6, I can honestly say that I am really enjoying it. Loved the episodes with Trixie, Princess Ember and the Hearth's Warming Tail. Just saw the new one "The Saddle Row Review" this past Saturday, and I am pretty excited for what's next in "Applejack's Day Off".
Guest 3: No it's not over, so do not fear. :)
Pony nerd: I'll try to explain it in the best way that I can. Equestria is on the other side of the galaxy where our solar system is located. The magic from that world travels in signals, catching onto the actual show that does illuminate itself into the show which is why there were weird things going on like Brayden appearing in their world on the televisions worldwide for whoever is watching it via the merging of the television signals being sent out into the far reaches of space.
Ron the intern: That's quite interesting, but let's see where it goes.
P.S. The song in this chapter is "Tallulah" by Sonata Arctica.
P.S.S. Next chapter will another episode, featuring somepony great... and powerful...
The train runs along the tracks, making its way up the mountain from the small village of Ponyville below all of the tall mountains above. The clouds above were signalling that of what was going to be another snowy late afternoon, but I should be fine as long as I get some warmth in the Canterlot Boutique in the majestic city above, sitting there on the tallest mountain in all of Equestria; which is exactly where I was headed today.
Yes... you're right. I am on my way to Canterlot, so that was a good guess from you then.
At least two or three days ago, Rarity had come up to me while I was having some lunch with Pinkie Pie. She said to me that I should join up with her in Canterlot sometime to go and visit the Canterlot Boutique there, just to catch up and get together for some tea, meet with other friends that both Twilight and I have made, and to just check on the shop there and how well the sales are, in regards to how much bits they make a purchase... something like that.
In my left hand, I am holding an unwrapped granola bar with chocolate chips in them that I have bought from the Sugarcube Corner before heading off to the Ponyville Station to catch the train to the city that nearly touched the skies above. When the shop came into mind, I thought to myself that both Mr. and Mrs. Cake would still be a bit angry about what I did there... but it turned out that they were more concerned about what was happening with me. They're still very welcoming to me whenever I come in to talk and hang out with my close friend Pinkie Pie; and sometimes Sonata Dusk will come tag along with us.
Hearth's Warming Eve came and went by so well, and being that it was my first I can say that it was quite the experience to spread goodwill among everypony in the town of Ponyville as a resident there. Before the morning of Hearth's Warming Day, I was at Twilight's castle to spend a bit of time with my special somepony and was snowed afterwards for that day and next two. While Rainbow Dash and the weather pegasi were busy outside to dig the snow out from both the castle and balcony doors, I was spending the majority of my time with both Twilight and Spike to celebrate the holiday tradition. Earlier than that, Twilight ended up reading a story to Starlight Glimmer similar to a tale back on Earth, before the festivities a few days before.
A few other things went up afterwards that I have heard but was not there to experience them as I would be talking with other friends. Yes, Pinkie and Applejack's families got together at the rock farm to celebrate Hearth's Warming Eve together. For this time, both Pinkie and Rarity had gone off to Manehatten on a business whilst my party friend was joining her sister Maud for a gift swap. There was a bit of a misunderstanding with the gifts from what I know; but it was all figure out. Besides the news of her; there was the tale of the Cutie Mark Crusaders helping a colt out in finding his talent and getting a cutie mark in the end.
Following the nice few days after that, Spike ended up glowing which had confused me but he only told me that he was going off to the dragon lands as he was called. I found that Twilight and Rarity were following but they didn't say anything. Turned out it was a challenge for who would be the next dragon lord by a challenge called the Gauntlet of Fire; but with the majority of dragons having a desire to have revenge on Equestria or rather threaten it. Spike told me how he saved the life of Torch's daughter Princess Ember and allianced with her to allow him to get the sceptor in order to win.
This Garble that I remember from Season 2, sounded a lot like he would join sides in that terrible Mortem in the southern part of Equestria. It made me fearful about what would be happening in Appleloosa as in the newspaper I read; the shadows of the dragons there would bring fright to the eyes of the innocent there... though Garble is an Equestrian-born dragon, he could easily be persuaded to join which is one of those fears... one recruitment into the darklands equals more trouble.
However in light of all this, I was happy that Spike had passed the sceptor over to Princess Ember. She had not even planned on attacking either Twilight or Rarity to my relief, but I was glad that they were both okay in the end. With Princess Ember in command as a successor to her father Torch, there is no doubt the dragon lands could potentially be on our side and act in accordance if the dragons of Mortem attack one of ours.
After the train made its way through another pass in the tall mountains, I could tell that we were coming close to the mountain train station of Canterlot. Best for me to get up off the seat I was sitting upon and make my way to the end of the train car where I will wait for the car doors to slide open when it has made a complete stop at the station.
Outside, the snow has begun falling while the train is riding. Even at a distance, I could see the white snow shining brightly on the mountain and rooftops of the majestic city above Ponyville. The barrier walls of white still block the view of what the city streets look like in winter time, but with the train closing towards the station in a short amount of time, I should be able to see it in no time.
I'm not too worried about the weather, but should still be careful. Before heading out of Fluttershy's cottage, I made sure to take the heavy coat Rarity provided me with off from the rack before I was out the door. Judging by the temperature it must have been minus 10 when I stepped outside, so I was sure that using my wings to fly there was not an option because Rainbow Dash was still teaching me how to both use and maintain them.
But hey, it could have been worse if I decided to fly in this weather...
I can pick up the sound of the train beginning to slow down on approach towards the station as everypony who was bound to get off at this stop was beginning to stand and trot over towards where I was to make their way off of the car and back into the public.
The train continued to slow down, until it ran at the slowest pace at the station and then coming to a complete stop in the end. I ended up waiting a few quick moments after because the new doors on the train still hadn't opened yet, but only did so when those moments in time have passed. Being that this train was the express line between Canterlot and Ponyville, it made sense that there would be mechanics done to open these doors automatically. It reminds me very much of Earth with these times.
I step out from the train car and could smell the winter air when I felt the weather up here in Canterlot, and the temperature feels much colder than I thought it would be. I'm no expert on weather, but I'm hoping that it's not minus 20 or below. That along would be enough to give frostbite to me, which the only time here of getting close to having it was partial before I even got my title of paladin, but was not enough to make it an official frostbite that I caught.
I make my way forward from past under the ivory-white arch bordering between the city and the rest of Equestria itself. The streets don't look to be as busy today, with only a few of the rich trotting through and talking to their friends about life in general while ignoring the middle and poor classes living in their city; having no time like usual when it came to the other folk here in the rest of Equestria.
A majority of the ponies that were out for a trot in the cold weather were wearing coats and accessories that would keep them warm. A few of the poor are without coats to shelter them from the weather, and one Earth pony across the street seems to look like she is trying to cover up and protect herself from getting ill as it usually can be a case here to catch a flu in this season.
I felt bad for her, making my way up past the street while a few of the snobbish can only look at me for a moment, and then turn their noses right up with a silent 'hmph' before continuing on their way to wherever they needed to go. All I really wanted to do was help out the mare as I would be worried on what happens to everypony.
"Miss?" I called out towards the mare who was trotting and shivering at the same time to get to where she needed to go.
The mare turns her head and looks right at me with a look on her face that could tell that she was freezing, and had almost a saddened look on her face when she turned to look at me. She hasn't said anything to me when I have approached her.
The expression on my face was that I wanted to help and my left wing was opening up. "Miss, you're freezing. I'll give you some warmth, and get you somewhere out of the cold." I told her.
"I- I d-d-don't t-think t-that's n-neccess-ssary," The mare tells me, shivering as she spoke to me. "I-I-I can g-get back h-home f-f-f-fine."
"No, you're not okay," I reply to her. My left wing moves and wraps around her back. "My wings may only provide a little bit of warmth so its not much; but I know where I'm going so that you can warm up."
"Oh..." She said as my wings can feel the chill that embraced her from the winter winds of the equinox. "T-thank you s-so much sir."
"You're welcome. I have sympathy for those who don't have this, but don't you worry. Where I'm going, I will make sure that my friend Rarity provides you with something warm so you no longer have to feel uncomfortable with the weather."
I kept her close and under my left wing as I walk with her through the streets of Canterlot, my boots underneath heard touching the stone tiles below as we made our way through the weather with a few of the middle class turning to see me with smiles but then looks of worry crossing their faces when they saw the mare with me, who was trying to stay warm. The rich on the other half look like they won't tolerate it at all.
Joe's Donut Shop looks to be open while I was passing by its windows, seeing a few others inside just chatting with the rest of their friends and grabbing a bite to eat. I will comply that besides the ones back on Earth, the donuts here are quite delicious and with that; a reminder that I'll have to get together with Twilight's friends sometime. I'm sure that'll be something Moondancer will appreciate; being that I haven't seen her since the day I found out Celestia was my mother.
The Canterlot Boutique's location that Rarity had provided me days before could be seen right down the street from the donut shop opposite side. I kept walking forward down towards the shop at the other end of the street, only hearing the whispering and murmuring of the rich class as their snobbish faces look down upon the mare next to me. Clearly though I don't want to start an argument with any of them.
Well, that is until I came face-to-face with two recognizable faces along the street. Jet Set and Upper Crust, two of the rich snobby ponies I remembered for when they didn't believe me on Nightmare Moon returning.
"Oh look here Jet Set," Upper Crust was the first to speak when her moderate persian blue eyes caught me in her sight. "There's that human boy that we hear sometimes in the Equestria Times."
His azure colored eyes fixed upon me and the expression of his eyes seemed careless on what I was doing. "And what's that? He's helping the poor of Canterlot?" He chuckled only for a moment before he poked his nose upward like every other one of the rich who were braggy about their status. "Can't say I am surprised that the 'country' below is helping out the majority of our problems here."
Those words they were telling me, I couldn't believe such words they were using, even let alone calling me country. "What makes you think that you can say such a thing to these ponies?" I speak out from all of the hatred that they were opening their mouths to. "These ponies like this mare that I'm keeping warm has nothing, yet you are cruel and mean towards them."
"It's the way it has always been in Canterlot. Let the rich be rich; let the poor be poor. A regular rule for all of us no matter what. So you better not be giving that mare under your new wing any bits. Wouldn't want them bragging about them trying to be like us, hm?" Upper Crust comments, sounding like she is trying too hard to be superior.
"Everypony should help anypony no matter what is going on with them." I stated right back at them.
"Right..." Upper Crust responded to me with sarcasm in her tone. "Besides, you're country below; so don't keep trying to be like us. Now scram away, before you even get us started."
Ugh I knew that they would give me that kind of tone towards me. To be honest though, at least they aren't commenting like Prince Blueblood; seriously I don't even know how he calls Celestia his aunt. I can find myself scoffing right at her words, before I covered the mare's ears beside me so I could have a say towards Upper Crust. "Bitch." I muttered at her loud enough for her and Jet Set to hear.
When I called her that word, she and Jet Set gasped at my choice of language back at them. "Excuse me? What in the name of Celestia did you call me?!" She nearly barked at me, and as a result had the mare beside me looking a bit frightened.
"You heard exactly what I had called you." I smirked at them.
"You dare call my wife... that?!" Jet Set sounds enraged when he opened his mouth. "Such language from out of your little sailor mouth needs to be washed out!"
"Jet Set, let's just get going. There's no reason to fight with a foreign creature like him, so we're through talking with him and that poor class." Upper Crust could only comment before a fight between me and her husband could start.
As usual when they trot off and away, their snobby noses poke right up into the air like the usual shunning they would make towards me or anyone not of their status. On the other hand, the Canterlot Boutique seems to be much closer at the end of the street me and this mare were coming down on.
The door was closed, but we knew what to do from here since it does almost remind me of Sugarcube Corner when we had gone up those few stone steps to get to the entrance. The shop look about winter decorated; so I can really assume that it was a bit of Rarity's touch of inspiration for the season.
My right hand reached for the doorknob, giving the handle a click before pushing it open. Both myself and her head on our way inside without any second thoughts, as it was really freezing out there even for me. They might be able to handle it a little better, but my human body is fragile to it, inflicting a cold or flu upon me if I wasn't well-dressed for this kind of situation for a long time out there.
Once inside of the Canterlot Boutique, I close the door right behind us and let the warmth fill in from the cold embrace that was outside. My left wing is moved off from the back of the mare and folds closed once again.
"Thank you sir," The earth pony responded to me, relieved that she could be somewhere safe inside shelter. "I was on my way home, but thank you so much for your offer to help me out."
I nod my head with a friendly smile towards her. "It's not a problem at all miss. I often feel bad for what happens around here, and I wanted to help you out." I said to her.
"I could honestly give you some bits if I had them, but... I don't really though." She says, her ears flopping down and she had a sad expression on her face. "I spend them mostly towards food or water that keeps me alive on the streets of Canterlot."
My right hand moves and is placed onto her left shoulder as my brown eyes look at her light green eyes. "I understand exactly why that could be the case, but I will be happy to grant you a couple of bits to supply you for later on, and to give you help."
Her expression after a few moments changed when I told her those words, and a grateful smile appears on her mouth after that frown is long gone. I take my hand off from her shoulder, digging into my back pocket of my jeans to pull out a couple of golden bits, shining from the lights inside of the Boutique. I don't really count them, but I do have enough that I could give.
I brought the batch of bits in my hand, handing them to her with a generous look upon my face and a kind smile. "I... I don't know what to say... thank you." She says, a bit shocked by how much I was offering for free. Her left front hoof in the color of light red moves up and onto the bits in my hand, scooping them into a beat-up leather pouch that she had. She has scooped the majority of the bits into her pouch, but has left quite a few bits for me.
"Aren't you going to have the other bits?" I ask her.
"It's for helping to keep those rich ponies away from taunting me and being there to defend me. I have no idea why you covered my ears, but you must have said something to infuriate them."
I chuckle to myself when my mind looks back for a moment to that. "Trust me, you REALLY don't want to know what word I told Upper Crust," I didn't know this mare's name quite yet, so it got me curious. "What is your name, miss?"
"My name is Bit Spender," She tells me, offering her hoof for me to shake her hoof with my hand which I no doubtingly do for everypony I meet. "I've pretty much grown up here in Canterlot, but even this cutie mark I have... talented for nothing but spending."
"Then I suppose you should try keeping an eye on how much you spend then?"
"I never really thought about that, but it'll be something I'll take into consideration the next time I go looking for food and water to buy." Bit Spender responded to me. "I did have my own home at one point, but with a new rule for the poor class here thanks to Prince Blueblood introducing a bill before the Canterlot Council; me and a few were kicked out onto the streets."
When she told me that Blueblood was involved with that bill that affected her lifestyle, I was quite a bit disappointed in him for doing such a thing to her and the others. He practically is a cousin to me, so I could have a little bit of fun with him the next time I see his face. "That Prince Blueblood..." I sound really annoyed when I spoke of him to her.
"He hated the poor class for being able to live in homes like everypony else, demanding that they belong in the trash bins in back alleys of this city. Now I'm wondering why Princess Celestia hasn't done anything about this? Does she even know about what is going on?"
"Perhaps not..." I said to her. "Or it could be something that the Canterlot Press hid from her to prevent her from ever gaining knowledge of the scandal he caused."
"He's been causing discrimination towards us along with the rich who could care less about helping us. The middle and lower class on the other hoof have wanted to help us, but each time they are caught and berated by the rich for giving us bits to buy food. It's like Blueblood only appeals to the rich only and wants the poorer class below the lower to suffer greatly. I read the Canterlot Sun when it is thrown out; so I know of these."
I have little knowledge on how politics work from Earth, so I should be able to get some ideas in case Celestia invites me to sit in for a session with her in the council chambers. Revoking the bill that Blueblood inflicted upon the poor would be the first thing that I would resolve though I know it is something he will object to. But even so, the decision is not from him; more solely the council if they agree on it or not, and then it is passed unto the senate to make their say on it before Celestia looks it over and approves of it via signature. If she was absent on a trip, it would be signed by the senate leader instead which was unfair because only Celestia should sign it by her own writing.
I'll be honest though, Blueblood is a sneaky son of a bitch to pass that harmful bill, but I can rest assure knowing that I will put an end to it and give Bit Spender and the rest of the homeless that were thrown from their places, back where they'll be warm from the winter nights and have someplace to sleep and stay.
Well, that thought is going to have to wait for a long while. I was at the Canterlot Boutique to visit my best friend Rarity, and see what is going on and what plans we will have together, even if it is going somewhere that can be completely out of the cold outside. I can only nod my head in agreement on what Bit Spender was telling me before I turn towards the rest of the boutique for a moment before turning back to look at her.
"Could you hold on for a moment? I'm just going to see if Rarity is here." I made sure to inform her. She nodded her head in understanding while I turn around to the sight of the interior. "Rarity! Are you here?" I called out.
For a few moments, it was dead silent with the exception of my voice echoing for a small time. It's strange really, the lights are on in the Boutique and it's open for the day when the sun is up.
"Coming! Give me a moment!" I can hear the voice of that mare who is my friend before the sound of hooves could be heard from a room upstairs past the grand staircase that could be walked upon. I knew that was her coming, but I didn't expect to hear another set of hooves trotting with hers.
She comes out from the room above, wearing her design glasses when she was focused on making a dress, suit or clothing for a customer. Accompanied with her was another mare who seemed to be slightly taller than her, probably along the lines of Fancy Pants' friend Fleur Dis Lee.
The mare next to Rarity has a different color to her coat; as it is the color of pale, light-grayish cerulean. So I could pretty much see why she stands out from Fleur's appearance. Her eyes were a brilliant orange while her mane was a brilliant vermilion with stripes of light amber and tangelo, along with a gradient of moderate fuchsia to orchid on the shadowed side. Her cutie mark was pins, so I can tell that she was into fashion like Rarity or anypony involved like Photo Finish who is known for also photography in that career.
"Hello there Brayden," Rarity says to me while both her and the mare I have seen next to her is trotting down the steps together to join me. Bit Spender on the other hand... or hoof if you say it, just watches everything that is going on to try not to intrude. "It's good to see you here in the new Canterlot Boutique."
"It is always good to see you, my friend." I said to her, approaching as she trots down the last of the steps and trotting forward.
Both of us stop and face one another with friendly, greetful smiles towards one another which is quite typical for me and the rest of my best friends to do. "I do hope the cold weather in Canterlot hasn't affected you on the way here. It can be quite freezing you know." She tells me.
"No worries," I easily respond to her, as I still am wearing my winter coat that she has designed for me. "You've done so well in creating this coat for me, so I should be able to keep myself from getting cold or sick nevertheless. Flu season after all."
"Good to hear then. Everypony else must have gotten their flu shots by now from the doctors, so I think we'll not be at risk from it at all."
"I chose not to have it." I commented.
"Why though?" She questioned with a concerned tone, placing her right front hoof onto my left hand, which was warming up from the outdoors still.
"Because having a needle injected into my arm is quite frightening," I responded to her question, even shuddering at the thought of me having a flu shot. "Plus even if I did get one, I would still get sick."
"It wouldn't be as bad though," She suggests to me. "The flu is much stronger when one is not immune from the shot. But the damage when you have taken it won't be as strong, as I can recall that you had it at one point."
"Back when Twilight was still at the Golden Oaks Library." I commented sadly, thinking of those memories with it.
Rarity still has her hoof on the top of my left hand, giving it a gentle rub and a friendly comforting smile. "Aw Brayden, we all miss it too. We all have new memories that we can form with our friends back in Ponyville and even so; continue to grow the friendships with everypony else in the rest of Equestria."
"Who is this, Miss Rarity?" The mare from behind her that had been with her asked, her eyebrows raised in question and curiosity filling the tone of her voice.
My friend's face beams with happiness when she heard her voice and turns around to look at her. "I realize I haven't introduced you to my friend," She says with a cheerful tone, her hoof pointing me out for the mare's orange eyes to observe. "Well Sassy Saddles; this is Brayden. He's from the town of Ponyville."
"From around near bordering the Everfree Forest if you know." I said to Sassy while walking towards her. She remains standing there, still a bit curious.
Sassy clears her throat for a quick moment before she began talking again to ask perhaps. "So I have heard from Miss Rarity. She's mentioned you quite a few times on her visits here to Canterlot whether it's catching up with business sales or charts and how well the shop is doing while I am managing this branch. Such as her and you talking and being with her friends from time to time, that's what I've heard."
"Well, it is nice to meet you Miss Saddles." I commented with a smile upon my face, bringing my right hand forward to offer a hand-hoofshake.
She lifted her left front hoof up off of the tiled floor, placing it in my open hand. My fingers wrap up around them, and the both of us hand-hoofshake. "It is my pleasure to meet you too Brayden." She tells me in a greetful tone.
After we have hand-hoofshaked, my hand lets go of her hoof, while it is placed back onto the floor again. I can hear the sound of hooves trotting from behind my ears. All the while hearing that, I was looking right back at Sassy Saddles, sharing friendly smiles among each other.
"Say Brayden," I can hear Rarity from behind me. I turn my head around to look and see what it was that Rarity called my name for. "Who is this? Did she come with you?"
She was referring to Bit Spender, who stood there with the weakening rags she wore to give her some warmth from the cold, but even in the minus twenties I knew that she wouldn't be able to survive the harshness of frostbite. It would kill her unless there was something much more warmer she could wear.
"I had to bring her in, she was freezing and I had to keep her warm by my left wing until we got into the Canterlot Boutique." I forced myself to explain to her. "In this kind of weather it would be dangerously cold and could end up killing her slowly. She needs warmth."
Rarity approaches Bit Spender, or Bit for that matter which I will call her from now on. She looks at the rags that the mare is wearing, studying them to see if they were still effective from the cold. "Oh dear Celestia, you'll never be able to survive winter with those. I'll provide you with something new." She offers to her.
"Oh... don't worry. I'm fine with these." Bit tries to sway out from what Rarity is suggesting.
Rarity's horn channels magic and she shakes her head with a concerned look. "Nonononono, I highly insist that you wear something new. What you are wearing is no longer good." She tells her, removing the rags that covered her, and tosses them into the nearby can whilst her horn is still lit.
Bit doesn't say anything, but can only watch as Rarity's magic moves by a set of coats and taking a few from off of the shelves. The coats on racks were brought over to the white mare, as her eyes of blue look at each of them to check which one would be right for Bit in front of her.
"Hmmm let's see... no, that won't do..." Rarity studies them closely by each heavy coat she looks at until finding the right one, which brightens her face. "Ah, here is one that just might fit you."
Rarity puts all of the other coats back where her magic got them, taking the coat she selected off from the rack it hangs upon. Her magic brings it forward towards the Earth pony and begins to apply it, slipping the clothing onto her to test what it would like when Bit would wear it. After she has put the coat on Bit, she begins to take a look at her.
"Just right!" She commented with a smile of confidence.
Bit still looks confused from all of this, probably questioning how she is being given a heavy coat and what would be next after that. "Um, thanks?" She could only get out.
Rariy just giggles with a smile at her. "It's not a problem at all."
"I am feeling a little more warm with this, so I'm quite satified. I suppose I have to pay you for this though, because-"
"Oh nononono dear," Rarity says, placing her hoof onto her mouth with a smile. "There's no need to worry about paying. I'm giving it to you free of charge, as generosity is my element."
"Oh..." Bit says, a bit surprised before a smile grew on her innocent face with her eyes turning to both me and Rarity. "I wish I knew what to say... but... thank you. And thank you Brayden, for helping me get to shelter while I was freezing."
I nod my head with a warm smile aglow, saying "Not a problem at all, I'm glad I could be of help."
"And thank you for giving me some bits. Normally the Canterlot folk hardly have a chance to give them away, but you're one of the few I know now who shares some generosity in your heart for others in need." She continued.
"You gave her some of your bits?" Rarity asked me, keeping that smile on her face. "Brayden, that was so nice of you."
I chuckled for a moment. "Oh it's nothing, just helping out somepony." I have replied to her response after inhaling in quickly and almost silently to speak.
"But it is, helping those in need is quite a message of goodwill towards others that I see even in you." She says to me.
"Well we do show a little generosity, don't we?" I said.
I could hear the sound of Bit's hooves as she trotted right towards the door that me and her came in from. "I really would like to stay and talk, really I would. I have to go and spend for some groceries and head back home." She stated to us. "It's a normal thing for me to do every one day of the week and I can't risk going hungry or thirsty."
"Are you sure? It's minus twenty out there." Sassy asked from behind me.
Bit Spender took a few steps forward, placing her hoof unto the doorknob. "I'll be fine, I do have someplace to call home afterwards. But thank you very much for the coat, and I'll try not to spend all of the bits you gave me." She tells me, before she opens up the door and begins trotting out into the snowy cold, with only a light snow to be shown through the clear windows.
The door closes shut in front of us, and even I could feel that winter cool breezing in before disappearing into nothing. I didn't shiver from this, as the heavy coat I wore around me was keeping me comfortable and warm. Kind of the reason why winter always made me feel like staying in bed sometimes, but other times I found other ways to warm up by going out to do stuff with either my special somepony or friends; but only if it was neither hot nor cold at the same time. I'm kidding of course, but everypony has to keep warm.
I turn to face both Rarity and Sassy as she is trotting forward to join us in conversation before stopping in my sight for my friend is on the left, whilst she's on the right. "So," I said to them, clapping the both of my hands together. "Anypony have any plans for tonight or have anything going on?"
"Well, it's not busy at all by the weather, so not many customers do come in during the winter season." Sassy tells me.
"By our schedules, we could close up the shop for the day to have some dinner together at the jazz club just down the street from the Boutique," Rarity commented to the both of us. "There is some local acts and an open mic from what I know after all."
"It doesn't sound too bad. My stomach is practically rumbling after all of the hard work today in filing upstairs." Sassy tells her.
To be honest, I don't mind grabbing a bite to eat either. Going out to dinner with friends is always a fantastic time, as usual. "We might as well, I haven't ate in a few hours since lunch with Fluttershy."
Rarity puts on a smile, channeling magic to her horn. A luxurious winter coat is pulled off from one of the employer/employee racks, and moves towards her for allowance to put it on while Sassy's horn also brought her coat to wear. She doesn't really need to give me a new coat, as she knows I am still good with the one she gave me back home in Ponyville.
My friend trots towards the shop's front door, ready when we were. "I know where the small club is, so you can follow me and I will lead you there." She tells us, reigniting the magic from her horn again to open up the shop door.
Sassy joins up beside me while we are on our way out of the Boutique, hearing as the shop door closes shut behind us after we have gone back outside in the freezing weather. At least for one thing we only have one destination to go to across the street so it shouldn't be too bad. Through the door's window, the open sign has flipped around to say that it was closed for now, and probably will be for the rest of the late afternoon to evening.
Back in Ponyville, Rarity has told me that the shop usually closes in the evening, but since it was for me, a best friend; it shouldn't affect business for at least one day.
All three of us were trotting down on those cobblestone streets while trying to keep ourselves warm from the freezing cold, whilst the snow continued to fall down upon us, from the cloud aboves. The sky above is starting to get darker, as the evening was eventually going to take a slow transition in.
"Where are you from, Sassy?" I have decided to ask the mare beside me, hoping to engage in a conversation.
She turned her head to look at me with the hood of her heavy coat is over her head. "I came to Canterlot from the town of Trottingham to pursue my dream of being in the fashion business. Before Rarity hired me as the manager of the Canterlot Boutique, I have worked around other smaller boutiques in the city; playing many different roles at each location." She explains to me. "Being that I just met you, what about you? Where in Equestria are you from?"
"To tell the truth, I actually am not from Equestria; though my blood from within is Equestrian by now from the looks of it. I come from Earth, which could be beyond my reach in the stars by now. But it still is a possible miracle that I could return there in some time with my friends so they can see it."
"You're not from Equestria?" She asked quietly, before making a realization. "So technically, you would be a foreigner among us?"
I shrugged when she both asked and answered a question. "You... could say that. Though if I told you everything, I don't think that you should risk telling anypony about something that is quite surprising."
"Whatever do you mean, Brayden?" Rarity sounded curious while she trots forward ahead of us, listening into the conversation that both me and Sassy were having.
"Uhh..." I said, completely forgetting what I have wanted to say. "I'll explain later when you're ready to know."
"By all means and when you're ready to tell us, we will listen without immediate judgement," Rarity responded to me. "The ones who tend to judge in an instant are a few of the rich folk here in the city."
"I've ran into a few before on my visits, and was forced to tell off a rich couple when they were taunting me and Bit before we came into the Boutique."
She looks a bit puzzled at first before she knew who I was talking about. "Oh, it was that mare you brought in from the cold?" She asked.
I nod my head in response to her question. "Yes. Jet Set and Upper Crust were referring to me as country like usual, and looking down upon her, mistreating her." I told her.
She groaned as we continue forward in the cold towards the end of the street. "Those two? Don't even remind me of them, because they made similar comments when I was around them."
"I know... Twilight's birthday party." I said, smiling whenever Twilight came to mind, which she was by now that I remember that episode back on Earth called 'Sweet and Elite'.
By the corner of the street we would soon be turning from, a glimpse of a stallion with black rough facial hair around his mouth caught my eye. His expression seems to look a bit down, but the amethyst eyes gave it away that it was another who had been kicked out of his own home, living on the streets thanks to Blueblood and that ridiculous bill that Celestia was unaware of.
He has a cardboard sign in his hooves and he is braced in a rough, but somewhat decent clothing to stay warm in this type of weather. On the cardboard, written in large blots of blackening ink, it says in basic terms "Was kicked out of home, in need of bits". Being that I will do anything to help, I dig out some bits from the right back pocket of my jeans, as we approach within a close distance for him and us.
His face continued to give out the expression of sadness and lost hope within his own eyes, but the sound of bits entering the empty opened tin can in front of him must have really snapped him out of that daze. The iris in his eyes shrink for a bit, but turn upward to look at me as I pass, having known that it was me who tossed a couple of spare bits to give for his own need if he was living on the streets in the worst time of year.
"Thank you kind sir..." He responded to my generosity as I have walked by with a bright smile, continuing on the turn to find the saxophone sign above one of the buildings on the street.
Sassy looks like she really appreciated that I was being this generally nice to others in need of bits or don't have anything to eat. "That was really nice of you to do that Brayden." She commented.
"It's not that big of a deal. As I said, I do like to help out the poor on the streets as much I care for others when something is going on in their territory like a civil war, and they come here to Equestria for refuge. Kind of what is probably still going on in the past life I had back at Earth." I said, remembering about the issues that went on back on Earth days before I was brought here.
"What issues?" Rarity asked, stopping in front of the jazz club doors, turning around to look at me.
"On Earth, I could remember when the other side of the world was in a huge strife after a lot of incidents went on. The Middle-East on the other side where I was living, always threatening to kill us because their cities were always attacked by our own. I opposed the actions of war as I can never accept violence or war to be the answer to everything..."
Sassy lifted her left front hoof to cover her mouth with a silent gasp when I was telling everything about Earth from what I remember in my perspective. "We had refugees coming over begging to the people of our country for help, and we were taking in as much as we could. I feel really bad for those people which is why I love every race, no matter their differences because we are all in it together."
"But why would that part of your world threaten that place where you lived?" Rarity asked, placing her right front hoof onto my left hand and looking at me.
"The Global Persecution were at it again when they captured soldiers and massacred them on camera. They wanted complete control and under the rule of Achmed Daou II, who is known to be ruthless after having been a high-ranked soldier under the previous groups there corrupt with destruction. The majority of others didn't like what he was doing with his dictatorship, and they ran off to the refugee camps where even then, are trying to hide from the GP scouts that come looking for them. Few of them are caught and taken back... almost never seen again... it's quite terrifying."
"I do appreciate that you would step up and help the refugees when they came to your lands back in that world from before. It must be really hard..." She commented, giving the top of my hand gentle rubs to keep me calm.
I sighed for a moment before continuing to speak. "Even when they came over to the other side, a minority of the people living there would end up fear-mongering that one of the refugees was a GP soldier in disguise, and a few of the refugees were attacked a few times by those who didn't want them coming over because of it. I actually remember getting into a bit of a fight with one of the protestors against this; and he thought that I was brainwashed and assaulted me." I caught my friend's quick gasp when I told her that. "The authorities thankfully pulled him off of me before he could have killed me."
"Thank goodness," She said. "If he killed you, I would never have met you and become one of your friends."
"And to this day, even with my new life here... I do hope for Earth and its people that they will change their ways to no longer live in fear or hatred, but more rather in world peace as it always should be." I said, putting on a hopeful smile. "...And even I hope there is peace even here in Equestria, as there will be similar issues as well like corruption, war and racism that would need to be resolved."
"Well, I do understand what you are quite getting at," Sassy says to me, joining in the conversation. "As of the moment, only a couple of the ponies in Equestria are still trying to attack Nightmare Moon, even though you redeemed her."
"I'll never understand that," I said, only feeling a bit angry towards the few who despise another special mare in my heart when she came to mind. "They're all stuck living in the past like she will eventually turn on everypony again. She's trying to keep her past behind her, and only the news keep on uprising her depression about it."
"She's depressed?" Rarity asked.
I nodded to her in understanding. "Yes... she never found love in the world of Equestria until she realized that my eyes staring back at hers was the start of her crush on me." I told her, revealing her crush on me and confirming it. "She's told me that she's asked the stars and moonlight to guide my way to safety, and even I worry about her getting hurt just as others worry about me putting myself in danger sometimes."
"It's because you care about her and the others. As your friend, I do as well and I'm sure that even our other friends will agree as well. We already know what happened when you were put in harm's way, and we all worry about you when that happens," She tells me. "To admit though, I did not expect Nightmare Moon to have a crush on you at all; but I am glad you opened up to her feelings."
"Neither did I expect it, but it started with me thinking that I would get a crush on her until I realized it was Twilight in the end," I said to her, exhaling a small breath that I could see in the winter air. "But now I have three mares that I can keep close in my heart. Only one more spot is left, but after that I can't really fit in any more because I am committed to my relationship with Twilight and her word."
"It's probably why you and Twilight are so close with one another. I can really see it as I have only briefly seen you holding her hoof when you two are out on your dates." She confirmed to me with a smile on her mouth.
Sassy took a step forward, a curious but happy look described on her face. "It must feel wonderful to be in a relationship with the Princess of Friendship." She tells me.
"It is wonderful. To be nervous about telling her about it at first, and then finally admitting it to her... I thought she would react more negatively about it, but she opened up her feelings towards me; it's how our relationship started. We have been going out on dates and doing stuff together at the castle, but I feel like I want something more out than just having a relationship."
Rarity's face brightened up with a further glow of happiness. "And what is it you want than just a relationship?" She asks, sounding a bit hopeful.
A smile grows upon my mouth and I look at my friend's glamorous blue eyes. "I have been thinking about it for some time now because of the times me and her have gone through together... and I've been thinking about..." I gulped for a moment to continue while Rarity and Sassy are looking at me to continue. "I would like to seek her hoof in marriage."
"Marriage?!" She exclaimed with a look of joy upon her face because giggling for a moment joined with Sassy who look so proud and happy of my decision. "That is divine news dear! I'll definitely have to make you a suit and Twilight a perfect dress for-"
"Hold on a moment Rarity," I interrupted her, placing my right hand onto her shoulder to snap her out of the excitement, since I have other thoughts as this was just the initial thinking stage on my choice. "Now I don't want to rush right into the wedding plans just yet, as I really need to have advice given to me before I make the right timing on this. I plan on paying a visit to the Crystal Empire to visit Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. I'm sure that they will give me some advice on how it should be done."
Sassy took a few steps to the side, turning towards the door. "Being that the weather is cold, how about bringing the conversation inside instead of standing here and having our flanks frozen off by the weather?" She said, trotting towards the door.
Rarity turned to look at her employee as given the role of manager, nodding her head. "I will admit, staying out here to talk isn't the best idea. We have arrived anyway, and warming up would be the better option." She tells the both of us.
"Don't worry about holding open the door Sassy. I'll do it for you both." I offered as I step forward towards the door, grabbing onto its handle and pushing it forward to open up the inside.
Sassy seems to look quite impressed with my manners when I have done this. "Such a nice gentlecolt, thank you." She compliments as she trots right past me with a smile on her face.
After Rarity has passed by me with another 'thank you' to give for holding the door open, I allow the door to close right behind us and follow alongside them as we head down the steps with the sounds of jazz music being played at the bottom of the steps. Lights were on above me and the two of them, so it would light the way downstairs in the basement where the music was coming from.
My ears could pick up the sounds of which instrument was which like the double bass at the current moment, the soft drums and the ride cymbals being tapped away, the tone of the soprano saxophone being played through, and the essence of the grand piano with a bit of a soft synth on the side... resembles a bit of smooth jazz. A bit of music taste that both me and my other love Coco Pommel really enjoy together, and I am pretty sure that Rarity is enjoying the sound of this music.
Though I will admit, I've always pictured Rarity as somepony who listens to classical, opera and jazz at the same time.
We head down to the bottom of the stairs, and pass through the only door there on our left. I could see the entire club with my own eyes there, with many tables left unoccupied as of right now, though I knew they were going to fill up as the evening was coming in. There is also a stage where a few of the ponies creating the sweet sound of jazz were performing, each at their selected instruments that my ears have heard.
The volume again wasn't too loud so I was able to hear after the upbeat part when I was coming down has transitioned into a calm, soft part with only the tapping of the ride and the soft synth playing a gentle tone, accompanied by the high notes of the grand piano. The three of us come forward towards a spot where the young mare is looking right at us with a welcoming glance upon her face, probably me as well being that I am a newcomer in this part of the city.
"Hello there," She says to us with even greeting in the tone of her voice. "Can I assist the three of you to a table?"
"Absolutely, that would be fine for you to do that." Rarity responded to her question.
The mare moves away from the stand and we follow down to a table that is in the right spot for a good view of the stage while the performers continued to play out at the gentle tone that actually does sound a bit similar to those tunes I remember back on Earth whenever I had my radio tuned into Jazz where they play the classics, the jazz-rock era or the smooth stuff that I really favor.
I allow both Rarity and Sassy to take their seats first at the small round table covered with a white sheet of fabric, before taking my seat with them; positioned next to my best friend. As I am taking my seat, she exchanges a friendly smile at me before we turn to the direction that the musicians were playing whilst the mare places the three menus onto the table with her magic that emits from her horn.
As I believed it would, it could possibly be a soundcheck itself that the performers were going for, as they could be on when the crowd got larger. The stage went quiet, and while they're tweaking over the instruments to make sure everything is good for later, I pick up the menu. I open it up and begin looking through the menu starting with entrees and main courses. Desserts are listed on the bottom right of the menu's booklet on the right side, but I know I should save my stomach for that later on after dinner.
"This design for these menus are quite divine." I could hear Rarity commented as she is looking over hers to get an idea on what she would want to have for supper. Sassy is still quiet, but is browsing as well.
Within the next two minutes, I have already selected what I like to have on the menu, and what drink I would like to have. I was a bit more quicker to pick out my choices, while I allow the girls to take their time for a minute longer until they've selected what they want to have as well, so I was quite patient for that matter.
The waitress comes up to our table, taking a look at us and was ready to take our orders. She points at me first. "What can I get for you sir?" She asked.
"For the main course, I would be interested in the chef salad with hayfries on the side. For a drink, I'll have a mug of apple cider." I confirmed.
"Interesting choice there." She commented as she wrote them down. After writing down my order, she looks up at both Rarity and Sassy already eager to know what they would like to have for tonight's dinner. "What about you two? Are you ready to order as well?"
"Of course dear," Rarity says to her. "I will have the today's special: being that it is the exclusive salad imported right from the Elk highlands and brought here, with a side of hors d'oeuvres. For a drink, just a herbed tea will do nicely thank you."
Sassy was last to wrap upon her order after Rarity has finished. "I'll have the tea she's having, but I think a daffodil sandwich will be alright for me."
The waitress took our orders and brought it all the way to the back of the room, past the two swinging doors. Probably to the kitchen I suppose is where she'd be taking them. Everything seems to going quite well by the looks of it with Rarity and Sassy quietly conversing with one another, which could be that Sassy is giving her general opinion about me to her. Judging by the look on her face, it's pretty much a giveaway that me and her could potentially be friends and only friends for that matter.
I open my left wing, allowing my left hand to gently brush at them in a way of keeping it clean, probably like how birds do it. But again, being that I am probably the first in this world to have wings, this may or may not be the right way to keep the wings in good cleaning and hygiene.
"Brayden dear, are you trying to fuss with your wings?" I can hear Rarity's voice from behind, while my left hand is stroking at one of the feathers.
"Yeah," I said to her. "I'm still new to this wing-tending. I mean, I am not even sure how Twilight, Flutters and Rainbow Dash take care of theirs."
"Nonononono Brayden, I don't think you're doing it the right way." She said to me, as I can hear magic channeling to her horn. When I have turned my head to look back at her, she has conjured a comb/brush combo to assist with my wings. "Based on how I've seen pegasi taking care of theirs, I found out the way that it's properly done. That I can show you how it's done immediately for future."
I kept my left wing open while she has levitated the combo brush closer towards it, and telling me an explanation behind what I could really do while gently using it to brush at the feathers and keep them in good order.
After she has shown me exactly how my wings are properly tended to, I allow my left wing to close up and can hear the sound of hooves from behind us, pretty sure that it was the waitress returning with our drinks before setting off back into the kitchen to get our food orders ready.
My eyes were perched forward, towards the empty stage with all of the instruments sitting there in their good conditions, ready to be played when there was enough ponies gathered in the small underground club. Even if it is empty, anypony could probably just come up right now and begin to improvise a performance. The ones I saw from before that had been soundchecking for a possible instrumental show tonight were on the side of the stage, chatting with one another.
Inside, I was pretty sure I was contemplating about whether I should go up on stage to sing something or not. It has been quite a few weeks since I've sang to others. Last time doing that was when I was in Manehattan with both Rarity and Applejack to help out Coco Pommel with the Midsummer Theater Revival.
"Look at that Rarity," I can hear Sassy chatting with her. "I think Brayden is looking right at the stage there like it's brand new."
Rarity chuckles for a moment and says "That's usual to see Brayden do that. He really likes to perform, and he has done that quite a few times by now. First time we ever heard him sing was at the Diamond Mare after he won an audition to perform among all of the others who passed in the audition."
"He sings?" Sassy questions to herself for a moment as she takes a sip from her cup. "He must sound wonderful."
"Oh..." I caught onto their conversation, my cheeks a bit pink and blushing shared by a sheepish smile from the compliment she gave me, even if she has never heard me sing before. "Well, I'm... I'm not that wonderful..."
"Don't be ridiculous, you have a talent at singing." Rarity exclaimed with proudness in her voice. "Plus I can see that you enjoy a variety of music that comes from both here and Earth."
"Of course." I said with a smile, reaching into my right pocket and pulling out my phone which I have used as a music player. I unlocked my phone and tapped into the Music section so I could show her. If Sassy was interested, she could always turn to the side to look at all of the musicians and bands that I have. "The music from Earth are stored onto my phone though for memories and it's how I remember their genres from classical music baroque or not, to metal."
"Baroque era you say? I wasn't born during that time, but I will definitely borrow a book from Twilight that tells all about what went on there here in Equestria. History can be quite the brilliant source for inspiration."
"I'm sure that definitely calls out to you," I said to her while showing her the names of the bands and artists in my playlist. "But these are a few of my favorite music when it comes to these."
Sassy takes another sip and once she has set down her cup on the table, she asked "Would you like to sing a song for us? I personally would like to know what your singing voice sounds like."
Rarity nods in agreement with her friend. "Go on, get up on the stage. I'm sure the others who were up there before wouldn't mind backing you up." She says to me with a warm, friendly smile abroad her mouth.
I sat there for a while, both Sassy's and Rarity's eyes perched on me with smiles that would persuade me to go up and do what I should do. I almost feel like it is kind of resembling puppy dog eyes in a way, but much more differently. But again, even if I reject the idea of doing it they'll be okay with my choice. Sassy hasn't heard me sing before which was the big difference, so that could be a reason to get up and go there.
Something inside tells me I shouldn't hold back on this, so I get up out of my seat with a nod towards the both of them who had been sitting with me at that table. That nod alone pretty much told them that I was going to go up and do what they suggest that I do. Being that Rarity has heard me before when I sang, this will be quite for somepony new that is friends with her.
I make my way towards the stage, my eyes catching onto the musicians still chattering quietly amongst themselves as they haven't noticed me coming. With approach, I am at the edge of the stage, turning another direction towards the set of stairs leading up there. I don't feel nervous about performing for my friends as I am quite used to them being the only ones in the room, but when there are many eyes staring up at me... that's the only thing I need practice for when it comes to that matter.
My feet tread onto the few steps as I made my way up onto the stage, I must not have noticed but there was silence behind me for a few moments before the sounds of hooves were heard from them following right behind me. My focus was right towards the microphone, sitting there alone and vacant for any of my hands to grasp.
The hand that I motion is my right, being that it has always been a preference for me since birth; grabbing the microphone and taking it off from the stand it rested in.
At this point, I have noticed by the sounds of instruments being shuffled off from their resting places the musicians placed them. I turn my head a bit to the left and then to the right, seeing the soundcheck musicians taking the same instruments were playing before and were going to use them for what I was going to do on stage.
Rarity and Sassy sit at the round table, waiting for the song to begin while I caught the the friendly smile on my friend's face, possibly a sign to wish me good luck. I can hear a bit of the snare rattling quietly for a moment and then there was silence to ready me for the song to begin.
The pony on the piano began to play the tune with the keys, filling the room with everlasting beauty, everypony else haven't played their instruments just yet. Perhaps waiting for the right moment to begin, but I know what I could do next for that when the transition to the verse was coming in.
When the transition came in at the right timing, I took in a deep breath and brought the microphone a close distance to my mouth and began to sing for my friend and her friend joined with us tonight.
Remember when we used to look how sun sets far away?
And how you said: "This is never over"
I believed your every word and I guess you did too
But now you're saying: "Hey, let's think this over"
You take my hand and pull me next to you
So close to you
I have a feeling you don't have the words
I found one for you, kiss your cheek, say bye, and walk away
Don't look back 'cause I am crying...
At this point before the next verse came in, the band began playing behind me as I continued to play with the piano still playing softly.
I remember little things you hardly ever do
Tell me why
I don't know why it's over
I remember shooting stars, the walk we took that night
I hope your wish came true; mine betrayed me
You let my hand go, and you fake a smile for me
I have a feeling you don't know what to do
I look deep in your eyes and hesitate a while...
Why are you crying?
Tallulah, It's easier to live alone
Than fear the time it's over, oo-ooh...
Tallulah, find the words and talk to me, oh, Tallulah,
This could be... heaven
I see you walking hand in hand
With long-haired drummer of the band
In love with her or so it seems
He's dancing with my beauty queen
Don't even dare to say you hi
Still swallowing the goodbye
But I know the feeling's still alive
Still alive
I lost my patience once, so do you punish me now?
I'll always love you, no matter what you do
I'll win you back for me if you give me a chance
But there is one thing you must understand
Tallulah, it's easier to live alone
Than fear the time it's over
Tallulah, find the words and talk to me, oh, Tallulah
This could be...
Tallulah, it's easier to live alone
Than fear the time it's over
Tallulah, find the words and talk to me, oh, Tallulah
This could be...
When the final piano chord struck, it reverbed for a bit to signal the end of the song as I gave off a bit of a smile thinking that I did an alright job for this song.
Rarity and Sassy were clapping the both of their hooves together after they have listened all the way through the song. Seeing them giving me positive feedback does give me a bit of confidence in myself, but evena fter this I still have a long way to go.
With a bit of my wing knowledge, I open and flap my wings behind my back, lifting me up off of the ground. When it came to doing that, having real wings is actually much harder to control than the ethereal wings that the Song of Order had provided me, but... who knows what could happen the next time I activate the Song of Order in battle or training. Perhaps ethereal armor for my wings? Clever thought for me, but still unknown as of now. Probably just a fantasy within my mind, heheh.
I make flight off from the stage and down onto the club's dining floor. My boots touch the hard checkered tiles below and maintain a safe and simple landing as I was bending a bit to ensure that bit. Approaching both my friend and Sassy at the table we're sitting at, my wings close right behind me and neither I or any of the two can stop smiling.
"Brayden, that was wonderful!" Sassy exclaims to me.
Joining up beside Rarity, my friend placed her left front hoof onto the top of my right hand and looks at me. "An amazing performance my friend!" She says to me.
My cheeks grew a bit pink from all of the compliments that were both given to me by the both of them. "I... I appreciate all of the praise given to me from that song. Thank you both."
"No problem at all dear. Just showing support to one of my best friends." Rarity says to me, the tone of her voice sounding rather appreciative that I was very accepting of their kind opinions on the sound of my voice.
"I do appreciate that Rarity," I said to her. She takes her hoof off of my right hand and I turn around, facing my chair so I can sit back down and wait for my food. "Now, our food should arrive in a moment so the wait continues."
"Brayden?"
The sound of Rarity's questioning voice has caught the attention of me as I was about to sit down, but I turn around and face Rarity as she is seated the closest to me. Her look on her face gave away that she wanted to tell me something, so I look right at those blue eyes of hers staring right at my brown eyes on friendly terms only; because that's the way I've always intended it to be. My ears are open and listening to what Rarity was going to say next to me.
"I just want to let you know that I for one, am happy that you are here in Equestria and with all of us. Even I could see it with my own eyes that you can be really kind and generous to anypony at all, even helping them out a bit when they need it. Like with the homeless on the streets of Canterlot, for example: you were happy to give them a few of your bits away to them as they are needy of it. You're always a great help to me and my friends, and your heart of goodwill definitely shows your spirit. I always have seen you as quite the wonderful noble stallion that you can be, and your personality definitely displays it proudly. You're a close friend to us, and we are glad to have you with us in our lives."
In my heart, I feel touched by the words of my unicorn friend. A delighted smile on my face was unable to release any words at all, but the only thing I end up motioning is my right wing as it opens up slowly, offering to give her a friendly hug. Rarity kept her smile when she told me those words moments ago, stretching out her right front hoof to accept the hug.
I moved closer to her, placing my wing around her back while her hoof moves around my neck gently while the both of us share the friendly hug together. I can hear the sound of my friend's breathing from her nostrils as we both were in this moment. But there is the warm feeling that I was experiencing when it came to these times.
Another bond similar to Applejack's, Fluttershy's and Pinkie's was forming from within me, triggering another spark.
It was the Spark of Generosity itself, forming with a shine in the friendship circle of my heart, shining brightly as it was known for Rarity to pick the bright bits when it came to fashion, and it makes me smile when she sometimes put on a bit too much of a shine to them. It has joined up alongside the other three sparks of Honesty, Kindness and Laughter, now having four colors to illuminate, resting as a clear sign for Rarity being a close friend to me now; something I am very proud of.
Me and her hug for a few moments and then release, moving my wing back and closing it after we have separated from the hug. Me and her look back at one another, smiling in a way of us trusting one another in our friendship.
"It looks like our dinner is arriving for all of us." We could hear Sassy commenting from beside Rarity's seat at the table. My eyes turn to look at her, seeing that she isn't directedly looking at either of us, but more rather what was ahead.
Both me and Rarity turn our heads in the direction she was facing, and can see the waitress coming in from the kitchen with a tray of our food included on it, resting and waiting to be eaten by us. The smell of fresh salad leaves caught my attention mixed with the smell of the hayfries crisp and fresh right out from the oven.
"My my, that must be the hayfries you ordered," Rarity says to me as she turns around and allows the waitress to serve our meals to us. "They smell quite divine."
I nod my head in response to her comment. "Of course, they have an excellent reminder of what brought me back to the good parts of my childhood." I said with a bit of a chuckle afterwards. "It is almost related to french fries over on Earth."
"Well, since you mention Earth... isn't Rarity going to come with you there?" Sassy asked me. "She's been talking to me about that for quite a while since you first brought it up to her on your birthday right?"
Now that I do think of it, probably a few of my friends considered that I should let my selected friends travel with me to Earth where I had grown up. I will be honest, but I actually have been considering to go visit Earth to around the place I grew up and have lived. I actually do wonder how everyone there including some of my old friends there are doing without me... hopefully they have not moved on just yet.
Again, they were the risks about being there as my friends would possibly be found out and be taken away for the wrong scientific purposes, doing nasty stuff I don't even want to go down into detail about when it came to aliens; which they are not anyway... or even try to get out of them how they travelled from Equestria to Earth, putting this world in danger... I can't let my friends down though, so a safe place should be enough to keep them out of the public eye for now.
"Yes, I did. Being that a few of my other friends have asked that as well, I can very well say that I have now considered a visit to Earth soon. I'd just have to note Twilight when I'm ready to go there and show them around."
Rarity giggles herself and says "A visit to a different world will definitely mean for me to get some inspiration for more designs. But we shall chat about it later, I suggest you take a seat and begin eating dinner. Don't want to have the hayfries go cold after all."
I chuckled with a smile upon my face as both of our eyes exchange a brief, friendly glance at one another before I turned to my chair and take a seat so I can get right to eating right away. After all, being that I have had hayfries before they have quite an exquisite taste. I pick up a few with my right hand and place them into my mouth.
Oh my Celestia, still tastes even after the first time... and I already miss eating french fries from Earth... you know what, save the Earth talk for later, more dinner and more eating for me.