Equestrian Heroes

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Naruto x ?

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Story Start

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If he was going to make some money he was going to need to tap into his strengths or at least what was familiar to him. The first thing that came to mind is to use his abilities and what better way than collecting bounties or at least doing a bounty hunter services for payment.

Tracking down and capturing these Condemned sounds like a good way in order to start collecting some bits. The best way he would be to contact the one person he knew would have information on the condemned.

Celestia.

And there was one pony he knew would be able to get a message to Celestia for him rather easily. By the time he arrived to the library it was one in the afternoon. He knocked on the door and found himself welcomed inside by a cheerful Spike.

"Hey Naruto! 'Sup?" he held a duster in his hand and had a neckerchief acting as a filter over his mouth.

"Not much actually. Cleaning?"

"Pretty much. Twilight doesn't spend much time outside the library so I always make sure to clean up whenever she's gone. She's really good at turning this place into a war zone."

"I see, do you know when she'll get back? I need some advice and I know she can help me."

"She should be back in a few hours, so just make yourself at home," said the dragon as he resumed dusting a corner of the room.

Strolling over to the impressive array of books that lined the walls Naruto casually began reading their spines. Considering how often he made visits because of the interviews it was funny he hadn't really thought about checking out any of the books.

He really didn't find anything that stroked his interest. He had done plenty of reading his first few months in the world.

"Spike, I'm back!" the door swung open, snapping Naruto away from his thoughts. Twilight marched into the library but stopped, stunned at Naruto's presence. "Oh, hello Naruto, I didn't expect to see you here."

"Hey," he smiled warmly; "I was hoping to speak with you today. I need some advice."

"In that case I'll be happy to assist you."

Naruto couldn't help but wonder something. "I never really thought about it, but is the library always this empty?"

The purple unicorn sighed, looking deeply into his eyes for a moment before breaking away.

"Ponies around here just don't come by that often. To be honest, I'm worried that it might be because of me."

"Oh come on, I'm sure that's not it." He suggested, doing his best to try and cheer her up.

"Well, nothing's really been changed besides the fact I completely reorganized the catalog so everything is more organized and efficient. I even hear some of the ponies around town gossiping about how…" she began to ramble but Naruto cut her off.

"Are probably nothing more than a bunch of gossipers or busy bodies. Look, Twilight, don't blame yourself because some ponies don't value reading as much as you. You know how some can get, they'll put down others to make themselves feel better, so don't trouble yourself over their opinions."

A smile formed on Twilight's face. "I-I'll try and keep that in mind. Anyway, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting; was there something I could do for you?"

"I need financial advice and you see like somepony who could help me develop a plan." Twilight's eyes practically lit up.

Her eyes lit up at this as she hopped over to wear he took a seat. "All right! Sounds like fun!" She glanced down at folder he brought which separately detailed his finances, costs for his dojo, and bills.

"I need to develop a budget."

"Well that should be no problem. What are you doing right now for income?" she asked.

"Currently I don't have a job. For a good deal of time I worked for both Rarity and the Apples, but for reasons I won't be able to earn enough money working for them without taking their focus away from their fall schedule. That's another reason why I came to you. I was hoping you could send a note to Princess Celestia for me."

If it was anyone else Twilight would have been concerned about being used for her connection to the princess, but since Naruto and the princess knew each other she was willing to make the exception. "Sure, I can have Spike send it later today if you're alright with it."

"That'll be fine now about trying to figure out a budget."

"Ooh! I just know where to start!" she giddily pulled several books out of the shelf with her magic, arraying them across the desk. "Economical budgeting can be pretty tricky, but once you get used to it, it's actually pretty fun!"

Their time together went smoothly; Naruto was beginning to feel that he would be able to better handle his expenses. When it came to deals on budgeting and he'll have to stop by Rarity's when the shop was closed for the day.

By the time they were done it was late evening so Naruto went home for the day. Even with the recent reward he was going to have to start working daily and spending some hours earning bits to avoid this kind of situation again.

He decided to drop by Fluttershy's cottage to see If maybe she planned on going on a trip to the Everfree today. Sure enough when he entered the property she was tending to her chickens. Smiling, he walked over, softly treading the grass still moist with morning dew.

"Good morning Fluttershy," he said cheerfully.

"Oh, hello Naruo," she smiled, "How are you this morning?"

"I'm doing pretty good" grinned the stallion, "How about you?"

"I'm well. I'm just collecting the eggs right now, please, go ahead inside. I'll join you in a moment...If you're okay with that."

"Anyway I can help?"

"Oh...No, thank you. The chickens are scared easily by others," she popped her head inside the coop, from which came soft clucking,

He decided to leave her to what she was doing and walked inside the cottage. As always Fluttershy's home had a smattering of animals. Small critters from squirrels to mice raised around the legs of chairs and skittered across the tables.

There were birds hanging from handles as they communicate with squeaks. As he made his way to the couch the smaller creatures made their way away from the furniture.

After a few minutes Fluttershy returned carrying a basket full of eggs which she placed on the table. "Sorry about making you wait," she said demurely, "would you like some tea?"

"No, I'm fine," he replied.

"Oh...Okay then," she said softly as she continued attending to her critters from putting seeds in the feeder for the squirrels to nuts for the squirrels. Once she was done she walked over to couch, sitting on the far end of it.

"So what brought you here today?"

"I was coming to see if you had any plans for gathering herbs today?" he asked as a butterfly floated in from an open window and rested in her mane.

"No, not really. I mean I don't need to make any trips for a little while. Is there something you need?"

"Well, I was hoping to make some bits. I need to start improving my financial situation because my savings are running low."

"Oh my," She softly gasped. "Is it bad? Is there any way I can help?"

"It's not too bad; I made a sizable amount of bits yesterday doing a job in Canterlot. A retrieval job. I also talked with Twilight yesterday and she's helping me figure out a budgeting plan as well as another idea I have in mind. "

"Have you tried asking around town? Maybe Somepony is looking to hire? Like maybe the Cakes?"

Naruto pondered the suggestion. "I think I should hold off on that. It'll be a few months yet before Mrs. Cake will be advised to take it easy."

"Have you tried the board?" She asked as he nodded.

"Yeah, but all the rewards are mere chump change, hardly enough for shopping let alone being substantial in my income."

"Well, hopefully you'll be able to find something."

A knock on the door drew their attention. "Coming!" Fluttershy called as she got up and went to the door. To their surprise it was Rarity. "Oh hello Rarity."

"Morning Fluttershy, I am delighted to catch you at home. I hope I am not interrupting anything important."

"Well…I mean…" her gaze floated over to Naruto.

"Hey Rare," he greeted her with a wave.

"Why hello Naruto, I had no idea you would be here. I am not interrupting anything am I?" Rarity would be beside herself if she ruined a private moment between the two.

"Oh no, I was just visiting and seeing if she needed anything assistance for the day." Naruto explained as he got up from the couch. "Don't let me keep you two from whatever it is you usually do."

"Actually since you are here as well maybe you can assist. I have already gathered the others and quite frankly it would be impossible without Fluttershy's help." Who could say to do those eyes?

"W-Well. W-What about my animals?" she asked as a puff of smoke erupted from behind them and there stood two Naruto's.

"The answer to all your problems." He suggested, throwing out his hands as if he was doing an introduction. "You're fine with this right Shy?" He asked as the Pegasus was a bit hesitant. He walked over and took a hold of her hand.

Well as long as he was there she figured she would feel fine. "O-Oh, in that case, I guess I can help."

Rarity let out a squeal of joy. "Thank you, thank you, thank you." Fluttershy nearly fell over from the glomp. "Oh we must begin at once." She said nearly dragging the poor Pegasus off her feet.

Naruto chuckled and followed right behind them. On the way there Rarity explained what had happened.

That Photo Finish the famous photographer and her happened to run in each other and taking notice of the hat Rarity was wearing expressed interest in seeing and possibly photographing more of Rarity's designs.

Fluttershy was her model seeing as Rarity was most familiar with the Pegasus and designing items for her.

"Hm... She's going to want to see attitude and pizzazz," Rarity was telling Fluttershy.

"A-a-attitude and, um... pizzazz," she repeated nervously.

"More light! It has to catch the sequins just so or the whole outfit is just a disaster." Twilight quickly obliged, using her magic to expand the light above Fluttershy. "Oh, and the headdress need more feathers. Pinkie Pie! More feathers!" Pinkie bounced over with a basket of feathers, which Rarity placed into the headdress. Her eyes examined the tiny jewels worked into it. "Naruto, gem simulation!"

"And sequins! More sequins!" Naruto entered from the other room with the sequin to which he sprinkled on Fluttershy. "And more ribbon!" He placed it on. "Oh no! Less ribbon." He removed it. "No! More ribbon." And back again. "Oh, this hem is completely off. PINCUSHION!"

Spike sped over with pins stuck in his back. Naruto grimaced a little, despite his knowledge that dragon scales were thick enough to protect them from molten lava. Rarity placed them on the hem and shooed him away too, her expression softening a little.

"Thank you all for helping me. I'm sorry to be so short with you, but I'm... I'm just so nervous."

Naruto walked over and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We understand Rare, but no need to be nervous. We've all seen your amazing work and Photo Finish will love it as well."

"Thank you Darling, you always know just what to say."

Twilight caught sight of Spike glaring at Naruto, but was more concerned about the fact he still had the pins in his back.

"Oh, doesn't that hurt?" she asked him.

"Thick scales," he said promptly. "Can't feel a thing. And even if I could, there is no pain that would keep me from assisting the most beautiful creature in the world."

Twilight groaned in exasperation and rolled her eyes,.

He turned to Twilight and Pinkie. "I'm gonna tell you two a secret, I've already trusted Naruto with it. But you have to promise not to tell anyone."

"I promise," vowed Twilight.

"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye," Pinkie promised.

Spike beckoned them to come closer. Then closer again. Then again, until they were right next to his head.

"I have a crush on Rarity!" Twilight reacted with a frown that said 'well duh.' Pinkie, however, gasped and shoved her hooves in her mouth. 'Uh oh. That is not good.' Pinkie Pie couldn't help but groaned. She had already promised she wouldn't say a word and that meant she had to keep it. She wondered how she could clue the dragon in that having a crush on Rarity might not be the best thing without breaking the promise she just made.

"We won't say a word!"

"Give me a break. Everypony already knows how you-"

"Twilight!" Pinkie scorned, cutting her off. "You promised Spike you wouldn't say anything. He trusts you. And losing a friend's trust is the fastest way to lose a friend forever!"

"But-"

"For-ev-er!" Pinkie Pie emphasized each syllable with a stern look.

"My lips are sealed." She quickly promised if not a little freaked out. " Though I'm pretty sure Rarity is gonna pick up on your feelings," she noted, as Spike wore a t-shirt with Rarity in a love heart at the center.

Subtle Spike was not.

There was no time to consider this mystery further, as the bell rang to announce an entry of their esteemed guest, with two mare assistants. She wore a black dress, with white and pink finishes on the hem. Her white mane was set in a neatly organised bob, reaching up to ear length. Her eyes were covered by large-framed pink glasses, hiding them from view. She carried herself with self-assured confidence, as most elite would, but Twilight had to place a hand over her mouth to stifle the giggle escaping her lips. While she was less harsh in her criticisms of fashion considering how much it meant to Rarity she still thought all the parading around in colorful outfits was a bit crazy.

"I, Photo Finish... have awwived," she announced, with a thick accent.

"Let me just say, what an honor-" Rarity stopped as Finish walked straight past her, rudely ignoring her and focusing her attention on Fluttershy. She popped a collapsible camera from her suitcase and pointed it at her.

"We begin... NOW!" she declared.

The photo shoot was over quickly. Rarity tried to mime to Fluttershy poses to do, but Finish didn't like them, apparently only interested when she looked her most timid and reserved, which was whenever she rejected a move. At least she was trying her best. After only about four or five photos, she collapsed her camera again and moved to confer with the other two.

Naruto and Twilight exchanged a look. This didn't bode well. Either she only needed a few photos or she didn't like Rarity's work. The mare in question removed Fluttershy's feathered headdress, looking forlorn.

"I'm so sorry. I tried my best," sFluttershy said sadly.

"Well, the headdress is too big for you and cape had too much sparkle," replied Rarity, equally disappointed. "I can't believe I ever thought I could impress her."

However, the photographer returned with surprising news. "It seems that I, Photo Finish, haff found a next fashion star here in Ponyville."

"Really?" Rarity asked, hardly daring to believe it.

"Yes. Really. And I, Photo Finish, am going to help her to shine all over Eqvestria. Tomorrow a photo shoot in ze park." She stood frozen in place for a few seconds then: "I go!" With that announcement, she dashed off with her stylists.

"Did you hear that?" whispered Rarity, looking after her. "I am going to "shine all over Equestria"."

"See, I told you there was nothing to be nervous about Rare."

"Yes... yes you did." She squealed with excitement. "Oh, this is absolutely marvelous!"

"Oh, Rarity. I was so worried I'd ruined everything," Fluttershy replied as she let out an exhale in relief.

"Oh, never. I knew you'd be perfect." Unable to contain her excitement, Rarity squealed and bounced up and down on Spike's tail, though the dragon in question was so love-struck, he didn't seem to care.

Next Chapter: Money, Fame, and Choices Part 2 Estimated time remaining: 50 Hours, 34 Minutes