Chapter 15

“They remind me of us when we were younger,” Scratch stated as she listened to the happy one sided conversation of River and Dinky as she helped her friend cook dinner.Mostly she just stood in one place kneading dough.

Ditzy looked over her shoulder and the two fillies coloring at the table. “Those two do everything together.”

River realised that they were talking about her and looked up at the two mares. Ditzy smiled and the filly gave a quick smirk in return before returning her attention to their activities.

“I’m so happy that River is coming out of her shell,” Scratch whispered. She gave the dough to her fiend. “I’m going to head out with Thyme now to get some items for the trip. We will be back by the time supper is ready.”

Ditzy nodded. “Okay.”

“Thyme! Are you still going to help me shop?” Scratch called out.

From the front room came a reply. “Yep.”

Thyme had been playing a game of chess against Time Turner who was over for dinner. The game was put on hold and the stallion joined Scratch as she walked out of the door. As they trotter through town Scratch couldn’t help but feel like she was getting strange looks.

“Are ponies watching me?” she asked. “I hear them talking but they go quiet as I pass.”

Thyme looked at a group of mares that were watching them pass. “Um, yes.”

“Is something wrong with my mane?”

“Nope,” Thyme huffed. “In fact you look like the usual you, and that is probably the problem.”

“Probably the problem,” Scratch faced the stallion. “What problem.”

“Well, ponies are starting to figure out who you are,” he chuckled. “Me and Time Turner have been working together to try and keep the town from swarming you. I wanted to keep your time here as relaxing as possible.”

“Aww,” the mare gave a small laugh. “How sweet of you.”

Thyme smiled sheepishly. “There is something else I want to ask you.”

Scratch raised a confused eyebrow. The way he spoke implied that there was something greater on his mind. “What do you want to ask?”

“I have been talking to Time Turner and her wants to know if Ditzy would be interested in going out on a date with him.” Thyme said. “He wants your help.”

Scratch broke out laughing. Thyme and a group of nearby ponies stared at her in bewilderment.

“What?” the stallion asked.

“Ditzy is practically fallin’ over herself when he’s around!” She continued walking and Thyme rushed to catch up. “He won't need my help, I can guarantee it. Though, he better treat her nicely or I’ll personally cut off his male parts and nail them to a tree with a sign saying ‘All ye who break hearts, beware!’.”

The pair entered a small clothing shop. Scratch needed a dress for the celebrations and Octavia’s orchestra. She had originally intended to get it from the local boutique but the owner had left for Canterlot only hours before.

“Hello, my name is Silken Seams. What can I help you with?” Asked a mare from behind a counter. She eyed Scratch with reserved excitement. She had been one of the ponies to realise who the mare was and had promised to treat Scratch like a normal pony.

“A nice dress or something but not too, uh, fancy.” The musician replied. She had noticed the excitement in the shop pony’s voice. “And if ya want an autograph I’ll give you one.”

Silken Seams erupted into pure joy and started to rant off a long string of excited words that melded together in a long squeal. Even Scratch had problems understanding what she was saying. After a few minutes the shop pony calmed down.

She eyed the two customers and chuckled uncomfortably. “I’ll go get a lineup of dresses now.”

Scratch smiled pleasantly in response as the fan trotted away. She turned to Thyme and spoke sarcastically. “She seems like a very reserved mare.”

“Hm-hu,” Thyme noticed a chair. “Want to take a seat over there and relax while we wait for her to get back?”

Scratch nodded as the stallion guided her to the seat. After she sat down Thyme prepared to break some news to her.

“The new edition of Pony Magazine came in today.” He stated. “You made the cover story.”

Scratch’s ears perked up and twitched excitedly but the the rest of her body remained mostly motionless. “Is that so? What did those media maniacs say?”

Thyme smiled widely. “Lets just say they tore Mic Eye and the company he worked for to pieces. What’s even better is that authorities are now looking into it and action is being taken. Turns out you weren't the only one they took advantage of.”

Scratch gave a triumphant nod and a sigh. “Good! I hope they get banished to the moon.”

Thyme nodded. “I do too.”

Silken Seams finally returned with an assortment of dresses and skirts. She lay them out on the counter and smiled widely.

“Here you go!” She said in a small, sing-song, cheer.

“Thank you!” Scratch replied before facing Thyme. “Now for the reason I brought you along. I need a good pair of eyes to help me pick out the best one.”

The stallion nodded and started to look at the clothes one by one. “This one looks nice.”

“Oh? What does it look like?”

Thyme picked it up and instantly realised it was a skimpy, short skirt. He set it down quickly. “Never mind.”

Scratch raised an eyebrow but decided not to ask. Thyme picked up another, this one a flowing violet dress with blue trimmings.

“This one will match your glasses and hair quite well. I think.” He held the dress out to her.

Scratch took it with her magic and started to trot away. “Do you want to help me put it on or would you rather me ask the shopkeeper?”

“Uh...”

“I’ll just ask Silky Seams then.” Scratch laughed.

“Right behind ya!” the shop pony chimed immediately. She was overly excited about helping a famous pony put on a dress.

A few minutes later the two mares returned and Thyme couldn’t help but stare. The stallion had always thought that Scratch was a lovely pony but the addition of the dress made his mouth hinge slightly open. She was incredibly beautiful, stunning in fact!

“How do I look? I look silly right? I never looked good in dresses,” scratch rambled.

“No,” Thyme stopped her. “You look amazing actually.”

“Aww, you're sweet but I bet you’re just saying that.” Scratch stuck her tongue out at him. “Well, better get this thing off. The less I have to wear it the happier I am.”

Thyme shook his head and smiled but the grin quickly disappeared when Scratch told him the second reason she brought him along.

“Thyme,” the musician began in a sweet voice. “I’m a little low on money. You wouldn't mind getting this for me, would ya?”

Thyme took a deep breath. He still needed to buy himself a suit. He looked at Scratch, who was still wearing her dress and giving him a sad puppy expression.

The stallion chuckled. “No, I don’t mind at all.”