The train whistle blew as it pulled into Manehattan Central Station, gradually slowing to a stop. Nyx and Scootaloo filed out with the rest of the passengers and looked around in awe. The two of them had gotten dressed in some clothes that Rarity had made for them as a farewell gift. Elegantly tailored dresses and wide-brimmed hats that she had assured them gave them a 'high-society allure'. In Nyx's case, this also covered her horn so that aside from her unusual eyes, she simply looked like an unusually large pegasus.
As the two of them carried their luggage out of the station with the handles in their mouths, both of them nearly dropped their bags as they gaped at the city around them. Even though Canterlot was more grand in the sense that it housed the Royal Palace and the manor homes of the aristocratic elite, the sheer number of immense buildings towering over them was an astonishing sight. Moreso because in stark contrast to Equestria's capital or smaller towns like Ponyville, Manehattan was a busy place, seemingly every inch of it bustling with activity. The two friends had to take extra care not to get separated from each other in the constantly moving crowds outside the station while at the same time being nearly overwhelmed by the sheer scale of everything.
As a result, they didn't notice the pony that had been waving to them until he walked right up and tapped Nyx on the shoulder. "Excuse me, miss..."
Nyx turned to look, seeing a purple earth pony in a chauffeur's uniform. Hanging from his neck was a sign reading:
Scootaloo
& Nyx
"Oh! Yes, that's us," Nyx replied. "And you are...?"
"Cobblestone, miss," the chauffeur replied. "Mister Orange sent me to take you to your apartment."
The earth pony pointed to the most ornate carriage either of the mares had ever seen, causing Scootaloo to actually drop her luggage this time as she squealed, "Oh, wow, this is so awesome! Next time we see Applebloom, remind me to give her a big hug!" Nyx was surprised too as Cobblestone picked up the fallen bag and put it inside the carriage. Applebloom had told them that she had well-to-do relatives in the city who would help them get a good deal on a place to stay, but knowing the down-to-earth Apple clan as she did, Nyx simply hadn't been able to imagine this sort of extravagance.
Once Nyx and Scootaloo were in the carriage, Cobblestone hitched himself to it and started taking them down the busy streets.
It wasn't very far, but because of the teeming traffic, it took them about half an hour to reach their destination. Not that either of the mares were complaining, as it gave them a chance to get a good look at the city as they went. When they pulled up in front of a huge apartment building, Cobblestone took their luggage while a uniformed stallion in front of the building opened the door and tipped his hat to them. This caused Scootaloo to stop for a moment to ask him, "Hey, is this your job?"
The doorstallion blinked, but then replied, "Well, yes."
"You're paid to just stand here outside the building all day and pull the door open?" the pegasus asked with a raised eyebrow. "Even though I'm pretty sure most of the ponies who live here can do something as simple as open doors for themselves?"
"More or less. Why?"
Scootaloo squealed excitedly. "This is so awesome! Nyx, we've got a guy to open doors for us! Forget what I said before; next time I see Applebloom, I'm kissing her!"
Nyx chuckled a little and shooed her friend inside, replying, "Careful, Scoot, or I'll hold you to that." To the doorstallion, she said quietly, "Sorry about that, she's just really excited."
"Not at all," he replied with a bemused grin and a tip of his hat. "It's kind of refreshing, actually."
After a trip up the elevator, which was a novelty in itself for the two, Cobblestone led them to their apartment, which caused them to gape anew.
"Luna's mane..." Nyx exclaimed breathlessly, "It's practically bigger than the library! How are we supposed to afford this?"
Cobblestone set their bags down and replied, "This building is one of Mr. Orange's properties, Ms. Nyx. He wanted me to assure you that you would be getting a significant discount on the rent on account of your ties with the family." To Scootaloo, he added, "And from the trolley stop at the corner, it's just a ten minute ride to Big Orange Technical, Ms. Scootaloo."
The pegasus was still stunned by the apartment, but nodded along. She had been accepted to the college on a scholarship program. In exchange for joining the school's racing team, she would be able to get attention from talent scouts as well as classes in aerodynamics and engineering that would help her go professional.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Cobblestone," Nyx said as he handed her two copies of the apartment keys. "And please give Mr. and Mrs. Orange our thanks, too!" He smiled and nodded, leaving the apartment to let the mares get acquainted with their new home. Looking around, Nyx smiled. It was almost too good to be true.
The next day...   indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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