Diamonds In The Rough


                                            >You really picked the worst day to do this

                                            >Taking your shitbox hatchback up this mountain road

                                            >No insurance

                                            >No good tires

                                            >No money to get a better car that might actually get you where you need to go

                                            >And the cherry on top, it is now pissing freezing rain

                                            >You're praying your car doesn't break down

                                            >If a mudslide doesn't get you, the weather will

                                            >You're coming up to the last bit of paved road before it becomes gravel

                                            >At least it'll be easier for the car to keep traction

                                            >You think

                                            >Best to keep moving just in case you stop and get stuck

                                            >You turn the next bend carefully, don't want to drive off the mountain

                                            >Suddenly you catch something in the corner of your eye

                                            >Is that a deer crossing the road?

                                            >It's really close to the car

                                            >Can't swerve in time to dodge it

                                            >You lean on the horn in hopes that will startle it to get out of your way

                                            >No luck, it's stopped to stare at you

                                            >Classic deer in headli--

                                            >Wait

                                            >That doesn't look like any deer you ever saw

                                            >Only one horn

                                            >And is it wearing a hooded cloak?

                                            >It's eyes flash brighter than your high beams and you can't see a thing now

                                            >You brace for impact


                                            >You snap awake

                                            >Of course it was a dream

                                            >You don't even have a car like that

                                            >Right?

                                            >You're still readjusting to reality after that vivid dream

                                            >Time to take stock of your surroundings

                                            >The sun's beginning to peek through the window, so it's early morning

                                            >This is your room, same as it was last night

                                            >Your eyes move to your ha--

                                            >Hooves

                                            >Oh right, you're a pony for the foreseeable future

                                            >You check the mirror in your room

                                            >Yup, definitely a green pony

                                            >A unicorn, if the horn protruding from your head is any indicator

                                            >You've been here for a couple weeks, and it's been a real challenge acting like you've been a unicorn all your life

                                            >Which was even harder since they're known to do magic

                                            >You, of course, knew nothing of this

                                            >You couldn't hocus pocus to save your life

                                            >Luckily for you, it didn't come up at all for the first little bit

                                            >And for not knowing where you are, the Dazed Amnesiac act has worked wonders

                                            >And in this small town you found yourself in, you were able to find yourself a job

                                            >Which would come in handy since you've needed to find some way to make a living in this weird place

                                            >Speaking of job...

                                            >Crap, you're late for work!


                                            >You bolt out the door and race toward Carousel Boutique

                                            >Not your first choice for a job, but the owner’s been good to you so far

                                            >Pretty sure her name is Rarity

                                            >You thought she was a bit superficial at first, but with the genuine passion she puts into her work, you can’t help but get drawn into it

                                            >It’s infectious

                                            >And all you have to do is help her sort inventory, carry the heavier stuff and “look pretty”, as she put it

                                            >Not sure how to feel about that last one but a job’s a job, you can figure feelings out once you have a better handle of how things work in this place

                                            >As for the heavier lifting, it turns out you have a real knack for picking up telekinesis, no pun intended

                                            >Rarity was gracious enough to help you learn that

                                            >She says she’s not the best at magic, she’s got a friend who is insanely adept at the finer spells

                                            >…she said as you watched her carrying half a dozen mannequins (horsequins?) around the shop

                                            >Wait, if Rarity can do that, why would she need you around???

                                            >Does she think you’re “special”?

                                            >Oh god, are you really just eye candy for—

                                            >SMACK!!


                                            >You’ve slammed face-first into the door to the boutique

                                            >Apparently it’s locked?

                                            >That’s weird, usually Rarity has the door unlocked beforehand so you can get in, and you were already late

                                            >You peek through the window and see you already got her attention from faceplanting into the locked door and is on her way to meet you

                                            >You think to yourself there’s no way she’s not convinced you’re dim now

                                            >”Oh, Anonymous dear!” Rarity calls as she unlocks the door, “Are you alright? Whatever are you doing here? Did you forget something here yesterday?"

                                            “Sorry I’m late Ms. Rarity,” you stammer as you rub your snout, “I was in a rush to get here that I kind of assumed the door was already unlocked.”

                                            >She opens the door for you, “Darling I told you at least a dozen times now, it’s just Rarity. Plain, simple Rarity.” She giggles to herself, “Though I suppose there’s nothing plain or simple about me!”

                                            >She does have a flair for the dramatic, you’ve found

                                            >”Plus,” Rarity continued, “it’s Saturday, I usually keep the shop closed on weekends. Did I not tell you already?”

                                            >Yeah, she definitely thinks you fell off the short bus now

                                            >Short carriage…?


                                            >Rarity locked the boutique again and motioned for you to follow her around the back

                                            >”But I am glad you’re here darling,” she continued, “because I could use an extra set of hooves to help me with inventory today."

                                            You shrug. "Well, I'm here already and I've got nothing better to do. What's the plan, Rarity? Just counting stock and materials?"

                                            >Rarity turns her head to you, "Oh, I'm afraid it's a bit more... extensive than that today. You see Anon, the Autumn season is almost upon us and this is when I gather materials for the new Fall lineup I have planned. I already have somepony fetching the fabrics from Fillydelphia, which leaves us to source--"

                                            >There's a large cart with pickaxes and shovels that's WAY too big for one pony

                                            >Are you two mining for gold or something?

                                            >"--The gemstones!" Rarity finishes

                                            >Ah

                                            >Close enough, you suppose

                                            "Wait, so all those gems on the outfits you make are real?" You choke. "I thought they were glass or rhinestones or something!"

                                            >Rarity looks downright offended at this

                                            >"Why Anonymous! I wouldn't dream of having inferior product on my pieces when the genuine article is here for the taking."

                                            >Rarity gestures to the cart. "Today we're getting our gems from the source. Usually I have Spike helping me. Spike's a dragon who sniffs out the best gemstones for me. Did you know they eat gems? I had no idea until I met Spikey-wikey!"

                                            >You had no idea dragons be here in the first place

                                            "I guess you learn something new every day."

                                            >By now Rarity had hooked you up to the cart. Surprisingly it was easier to move than you thought, then again you are a pony. That's kind of their thing, to move carts around

                                            >Plus you haven't filled it with gems yet

                                            >The two of you are on the move and headed out of town. You follow Rarity's lead to the mines as she continues to fill you in

                                            >"Spike is always such a dear helping me with finding the best gems for my pieces. He's usually more than happy to come along with me but he and Twilight are out of town right now.


                                            >She stops for a moment, "I did tell you about my friend Twilight Sparkle, didn't I?"

                                            "I think you said she was the one who was really good with magic?" you check

                                            >"Oh yes," Rarity admits, "Twilight has quite the magical prowess, did you know she was able to hatch Spike from an egg?"

                                            >You have no frame of reference on how dragons are born, so you just raise your eyebrows and look impressed.

                                            >Rarity keeps going. "But she often has her nose in some book or another. I suppose that's par for the course when one is Princess Celestia's top student. It's truly remarkable how far she's come since coming here to Ponyville, making friends, and becoming an alicorn princess herself!"

                                            >She giggles, "'Princess Twilight Sparkle', it's still so odd to say out loud. But we're all so proud of her."

                                            >That's a lot to take in. Rarity is good friends with royalty, but lives in this small town?

                                            >Wait, is that crystal tree building at the other end of town a castle?

                                            >Is that where "Princess Twilight Sparkle" lives?

                                            >How many princesses are there, anyway?

                                            >You got a lot on your mind, and as much as you try not to show it, Rarity can see you're slowing down

                                            >"Oh dear, are you aright Anon?" she asks concerningly. "Are you sure you're up for this today? I don't want to run you to the bone."

                                            "No no, I'll be fine," you assure her as you pick up the pace again. You try to reassure her while not giving away the fact you know squat about princesses or dragons

                                            "I had to adjust to a lot this week, but I'm still happy to help. Since I stumbled into town and forgot how to use magic, I've been grateful that you took me under your wing to help me get my bearings."

                                            You get a bit more pep in your step, "After taking a chance with a total stranger like me, I’ll help as long as you’ll have me.”


                                            >At this point, the two of you were nearly at the mine’s entrance. Rarity had to pause for a moment after hearing what you said. You couldn’t tell if she was touched or even a little flustered by you

                                            >In as much time as it took for you to notice, she had put on a straight face again.

                                            >”It was the least I could do to help you get on your hooves again,” she hummed. “Plus, it’s been more than a worthwhile investment for myself having extra assistance with gem hunting today. Honestly, it’s so hard to find good help these days.”

                                            >You were getting set up now, dropped the cart and grabbed a spade, ax and saddlebag to put gems in between trips

                                            >Looking around at the mine, it was shocking just how many gems there were out in the open

                                            You let your curiosity get the better of you. “Hey Rarity, how long have you known about this spot? It almost looks untouched!”

                                            >Rarity giggles, “Oh darling, I’ve been coming here since I was a little filly. Though the last year or so since Twilight got her castle, I’ve been finding all sorts of precious stones in places I thought were picked clean long ago. And they’ve simply more bedazzling than what I used on my best works up to this point.”

                                            “I guess that makes sense, since that castle looks like it’s made of crystal” you conclude. “Assuming it wasn’t there before, maybe some sort of magicking caused other gems to grow all over the immediate area as a result?”

                                            >Rarity nods for a second and giggles. “That sounds exactly like something Twilight would say, though I’m fairly sure she’d balk at the term ‘magicking’.”

                                            >The more you hear about this *Princess* Twilight Sparkle, she sounds more like an egghead than royalty


                                            You follow Rarity deeper into the cave. “So what are we looking for today? Seems safe to assume the stuff at the entrance isn’t to your taste.”

                                            >”You’re right on the bits darling,” she agrees. “While those stones are fine enough for dragon food, I’m looking for something inspired and to inspire others. Something that will truly take everypony’s breath away as I unveil my work in the fall.”

                                            “Well damn,” you feel a bit intimidated, “I hope I can live up to the gem sniffing of an actual dragon!”

                                            >As the two of you chuckle, you start to smell something like scorched stone

                                            >Suddenly you feel a sharp migraine at the base of your horn. Everything becomes blurry as you lose your balance

                                            >You’re able to course correct quickly, though your vision is still off

                                            >The light of the gems in the cave feel brighter than before, almost blindingly so

                                            >You shake your head to fix your vision, blink a few times, and you could have sworn in your blurry stupor you could see that cloaked “deer” from your dream last night staring at you before turning around a corner

                                            >That definitely was a pony, likely a unicorn, but that’s all you can tell

                                            >You blink a few more times as your vision goes back to normal

                                            >”Anon dear, what’s wrong???” Rarity falters.

                                            >Of course she saw you almost eat stone there, and you can only get so many “I’m fine”s before it’s definitely NOT fine

                                            >You struggle to find assuring words when you notice something down the way

                                            >It’s like a glowing misty trail to a part of the wall

                                            >The mist is flowing toward the wall, so it couldn’t be a gas leak

                                            You use that to change the subject. “Hey Rarity, do you see that over there?”

                                            >She’s not buying it. “Anonymous, you nearly passed out not a moment before. I think we should get yourself looked at while you can still stand.”

                                            “No seriously, take a look at this,” your strength is back and you follow the trail to its source. “Rarity please, we can check this out and go back. I don’t want you to leave empty ha—hooved.”

                                            >Close one

                                            >”Dear, I don’t see anything. I really do think we should—“

                                            >You already have a pickaxe in your magic aura, ready to strike the wall

                                            >You get a couple good blows and see a sizable chunk of rock that seems to be the source of the light trails

                                            “There, do you see it now?” You point to the rock to show Rarity. She furrows her brow and shakes her head no

                                            >”Anon, I’m really starting to worry about you now. Forget about today, I want to get you back home—“

                                            >The rest of her words get drowned out as you try to crack the rock open like a geode

                                            >WHACK

                                            >WHACK

                                            >CRACK

                                            >The rock splits open to reveal a cache of bright multicolored stones, in all sorts of azure shades and patterns

                                            >The stones within are rough and jagged, but the gems within swirl and catch what low light is in the caves and amplifies it. Not only do they shift as you turn, they seem to move on their own like glittery paint in water

                                            >You’ve never seen anything like it, and you’re pretty sure these aren’t common around here

                                            >Rarity’s reaction backs up your assumption. She’s at a loss for words as her eyes widen, completely enamored by what you dug up

                                            You’re the first to get your bearings again. “Rarity I’m sorry I completely ignored you,” you speak up, “but I hope this more than makes up for it.”

                                            >She’s still in a stupor as she tries to find her words again

                                            >”I ahh… I buh-believe I can forgive you this once, darling,” she stammers as she tries to look away from the contents of the geode


                                            >A few hours later, you’ve managed to find a handful more caches of stones. Thankfully you don’t get any more dizzy spells or headaches

                                            >You didn’t have to dig too deep for any of them either, it’s as if they wanted to be found by you

                                            >You and Rarity exit the caves with a good haul of the stones along with a few other choice gems she picked out along the way and got you to dig out

                                            >The sun was still out, but just beginning to set

                                            >You take a look at the stones in the cart behind you, only to realize they’ve started to lose their luster

                                            >They’re almost dull in the sunlight

                                            >You wonder what that’s all about

                                            >You also realized in hindsight that you ended up doing all the digging and heavy carrying, you don’t think she even picked up a shovel the whole time

                                            >You’re not too bothered by this though, always happy to help. Plus she mentioned along the way she was gonna pay you triple for your work today

                                            >”I’m ever so gracious for your help today Anon,” she admitted, “and I don’t want your good work to go unrewarded.”

                                            >Sweet payday for you

                                            >Although you’re so new to all this you’re not sure what to spend the money on

                                            >What do ponies do for fun, anyway? Do they even drink?

                                            >A nice steak dinner sounds good, but horses are herbivores

                                            >God you miss meat, but you need to keep up appearances

                                            >The walk back to Rarity’s was quiet. The two of you were dog tired

                                            >…And you were still the one to carry everything home

                                            >Triple pay, Anon, triple pay

                                            >Rarity is vain for sure, but she definitely sees the value in those around her based on her actions

                                            >And she said Spike was a *baby* dragon?

                                            >How the hell did HE carry this stuff???

                                            >You’re back in Ponyville now, just about back to the boutique

                                            >You must look more exhausted than you think, because Rarity took the reins of the cart and sent you home

                                            >”I can take it from here darling,” she assured you, “you’ve already done plenty for me today. Go home, clean yourself up and get some rest. Remember tomorrow’s Sunday, so do try not to crash through my door again.

                                            >Rarity continued, “Also, you should take Monday off as well. It’s a slow day and the fabrics I ordered wont be in until Tuesday anyway, and I’ll definitely need you in top shape to help me with that!”

                                            >You give yourself a moment to think about today, those stones…

                                            “Wait a second,” you blurt out. “About those rocks. You said you couldn’t see the trail leading to them, but I could see it clear as day. I know I didn't want us to leave without SOMETHING, but do you think that's weird?"

                                            >"Hmm," Rarity ponders, "you may be onto something. It might be best to wait for Twilight to get back to Ponyville to look these over. It's odd, it feels like every week or so there's some dilemma or another. One can get desensitized to it all."

                                            >She laughs softly. "Don't worry darling, I won’t toy with them until we know what they are. Now see yourself home, get some rest!"

                                            "That's the plan. Thanks for taking everything the last leg back," you say tiredly.

                                            >"Think nothing of it, Anon. Ta ta!" Rarity chirps as the two of you part ways

                                            "Y-you too," you stammer. As Rarity turns to leave, you notice the stones you dug out are starting to get their radiance again as the sun is almost out of sight

                                            >Weird stuff, hopefully it isn’t anything dangerous


                                            >Only now do you realize how truly beat you are

                                            >Good thing your place isn't that far away, carrying everything to the boutique and THEN walking back would have probably done you in

                                            >Gotta shower off all this rock dust and sweat

                                            >Thank GOD they have working plumbing here, because the pony coat you now have would be hell to clean without it

                                            >That’s a whole other world you’ve learned about. As far as you’ve been told Ponyville was a small backwater town until fairly recently, but they have shops with all manner of soaps, shampoo and conditioners. Hair products, brushes, even a whole day spa or two

                                            >It’s not just Rarity, these ponies take their self-care seriously

                                            >As for you, you’re cleaning up with some basic 4-in-one shampoo you bought

                                            >You remember when you got it, the pony behind the counter looked at you like you grew horns

                                            >Well, a second horn

                                            >As you dry yourself off, you recall seeing somebo—somePONY else—walking off with this big barrel of what you swear said “18-in-1”

                                            >This pink pony had some crazy out of control hair and was talking your ear off about what that stuff does

                                            >This was like your first couple days in town so you didn’t know what to make of what was going on around you, what was normal

                                            >Back to the present, you flop onto your bed as your mind wanders to what “18-in-1” would even do

                                            >Shampoo, mane conditioner, body soap, coat conditioner, motor oil, egg substitute, stain remover? Dietary supplement?? Wiper fluid…?

                                            >………….