"mmm-mm-mh-no"

Atchmon watched as Rarity twitched in her sleep, and gently stroked the back of her neck for her comfort, as well as his own. He wanted to wake her, but couldn't bring himself to do it. He listened to her tiny mewling's for awhile, which prevented him from catching any rest himself. It didn't matter, he wasn't ready to sleep anyway.

He carefully removed himself from the bed, not wanting to disturb her, and headed outside for some fresh air, as well as to sort out the thoughts that were buzzing around his head. He looked around the outside of his home, more to check for any nocturnal predators than to take in the sights. Which he'd grown accustomed to, and no longer held the same appeal as they did those first few months.

Except for the view that was above him, as he headed to the top of his home, where he spent so much of his time. Only the ghostly white light of the moon guided him, its brightness allowed him to see perfectly well in the dark.

The night sky was the only constant reminder of being on an alien planet, magical talking pony excluded, for the moon never went into phases like the one on his world. It was part of the reason why he had to keep track of the days. It would've been so much easier to count every new moon.

Atchmon shook his head. Not wanting to think about how much time would have to pass, if every tally mark in his home represented the thirty day lunar phase.

The stars were brighter, and the sky was clearer than any he'd seen back on his world. The stars looked as though they were tacked on, as if he could reach up and pluck them from the heavens. The same could be said about the moon, as he laid on his back, and gazed upon the detailing of its craters. Remembering the night so many of them disappeared!

And then there was the blackness of space itself. Something he once dreamed of visiting, but never had the skills necessary to accomplish such a feat. He grew numb from the nip of the cold night air, and still he laid there staring up at that infinite nothingness, allowing his mind to blank. It was his only means of escape anymore. To pretend that nothing, not even himself, existed. He stared up into that comforting void, as if he weren't already so far disconnected, watching the few falling stars whisk across the night sky.

His thoughts eventually wandered to the pony sleeping within his home. He wanted to help her, he truly did, if not for her sake, then for himself. If for nothing more than to see an end to his time stuck in the middle of this alien forest.

But then again, he had his own problems to deal with, as he looked towards the tree which stranded him there.

"Can I do this? Nah, the better question is, should I do this?" he asked himself in a low voice. "What if-" he sighed. "We'll try to cross that bridge if we come to it."

Eventually his hands grew too cold for him to stand, and placed them in his jean pockets for warmth. He felt something soft within, allowing his hand to warm first, before pulling out a few strands of Rarity's tail hair.

On a whim he smelled them, gracing his senses with a faint floral scent.

He examined the fine purple hair, amazed to discover it lacked any of the coarseness you'd normally find on an equine. Though they had a thickness, as you would expect. He twiddled the few strands between his thumb and forefinger, watching as they intertwined together.

Atchmon blinked as an idea came to mind...

---

Rarity woke the next morning feeling tired from the restless sleep she caught the night before. Princess Luna tried to communicate with her again. This time was every bit as bad as the first, if not worse. She still had no luck forming her thoughts coherently within the dream. It looked as though Luna was trying to force herself into Rarity's subconscious. Only once did Luna manage to make herself whole as she should be within the dream; but it only lasted for an instant - which was actually painful for Rarity - waking her and unfortunately breaking the connection.

Rarity wiped the sleep from her eyes, got up, and half-heartedly fixed the bed; not giving it the same level of care as she did the previous day. She stretched, and wobbly moved towards the open entrance to catch some fresh air. Seeing that Atchmon was busying himself with some of the bones he collected in the last few days.

"Mornin' Rarity." he greeted her. Looking up from where he sat by the fire pit.

"Good morning, Atchmon." Rarity yawned tiredly.

"Did'ja get some good sleep?" he asked, though he already knew the answer. She was tossing and turning so much last night, he had to physically move her further away, just so he could catch a few hours of rest for himself. He made a mental promise last night to make a bed just for her.

"Not so much I'm afraid, but thank you for asking." she replied, while blearily looking around the camp.

"So, um, did you wanna do anything today? I know you said you wanted to show me some manners, or somethin', right?" he asked, while sticking his hands in his pockets. Feeling the product of his late night inspiration within.

"Actually Atchmon.... I just want a bit of time to myself for today, if that's alright." she couldn't bear to look at him, and silently wished he wouldn't press the issue. Males can be quite pushy whenever they sense something is wrong, not that many would care anyway.

"Oh... uh, sure! I'm, ah, I gotta go check on my traps, and do some gathering anyway." he said, hiding his disappointment.

"Alright." Rarity sighed in relief, while rubbing a hoof, and looking away. Feeling a bit of shame for pushing away the only friendly being that was literally within a hundred miles.

"Right, so... anyway. I, ah, just have to get my things, and I'll be off." he pointed behind her. Rarity didn't realize she was blocking the entrance, and moved over to let him pass.

Atchmon went inside and knelt down by the bed to grab his things, but not before he looked back at Rarity, who was busy taking in the scenery outside. He opened up the side pocket of her saddlebag, and slipped in the gift he planned on giving her that morning. Then he gathered his bow, quiver, knife, and rucksack, before saying goodbye.

"I'll be back in a bit... so... don't go nowhere, heh-ha..." he tried to lighten the mood, giving her a strained smile, and looking away at the terribleness of his joke.

Rarity understood the humor, though she didn't find it the least bit funny. She never bothered to look at him again, barely managing to pull off a smile for his sake, which looked more of a grimace.

"Seriously Rarity, don't go anywhere without me, okay?" he pleaded in concern for the melancholy pony.

"I wasn't planning on it." she grumbled, her irritation spiking for a moment.

Atchmon watched her a moment before nodding, and left her there. He stood before the tree line, taking one last glance back at her. She watched him leave, before he stepped into the forest.

"Goddesses, what is wrong with me?" Rarity sighed, while covering her face with her hooves, and dragging them down, causing her eyelids to stretch.

She took a calming breath, before assessing her situation for the final time.

Rarity looked behind her, to the inside of the cave from where she sat, eyeing the primitive bed she would sleeping in for the foreseeable future. Her eyes wandered up towards the ceiling, taking in the small cavern all at once, with all of its crude amenities. Shelter...

Her eyes wandered around her new home until landing on her saddlebags. She made them herself using some of her most valuable fabric, and now it was brimming with food; along with the canteen Atchmon gave her sitting beside it.

'Food and water...'

She looked to the tree line, and at the thick brush surrounding her, suddenly feeling very exposed. Rarity held herself, and took a shaky breath at the thought of some predator watching her from where she could not see. Fire... she thought as she looked to the pit, knowing that it could protect her, should she ever need it, and hoped that she wouldn't have to.

Rarity looked to the garden. Watching as the gentle breeze blew over the meadow, causing the grass and plant stalks to move in waves like the ocean. A place to be easily spotted from...

She sighed. "I suppose we'll be staying here a while, may as well get used to it." she spoke to Monty, who hopped up to her from the bottom of the hill.

Rarity sat at the round entrance of the cave petting her little animal friend, while taking in the forest's horizon, and silently prayed for a swift rescue. Looking to the sky once again hoping to spot a rainbow contrail.

---

Atchmon returned shortly from his trip, he'd lied about needing to check the traps, having done so before Rarity woke up. Though he wanted to give his new acquaintance room to adjust.

He occupied his time by finishing the few arrows he planned on making yesterday, and piddling around on various projects, not really putting any work into what he was doing. Only wanting to make this day a lazy one, as he'd always done after a bountiful hunt. All thanks to the unicorn staying with him for the near future.

He'd occasionally check on Rarity, who remained in bed facing away from the entrance. Her long mane and tail were hanging off the edge. Only her ear swiveling in his direction gave any indication that she was awake. Hours passed, and still she lay there. He'd been in that position before, just wanting to lay there and give up when things got too hard. Eventually the need to eat kicked him out of bed to look for food.

"Rarity, you feelin' okay?" he asked in concern. Worrying she might actually be sick!

She nodded her head.

He sat next to her on the cave floor. She was trying her best to ignore him, and pretending to sleep, though her growling stomach betrayed her.

"Rarity? Did you eat anything today?" he asked.

She shook her head slightly.

"You should eat somthin', it'll make you feel better, I know." he said, while petting her neck, and letting his fingers comb through her purple mane. Taking a moment to admire her soft hair, and of how far it grew along the back of her neck, just like a pony back home.

"Don't touch me." she said, while pulling away.

Atchmon thought for a moment, before an idea came to mind to cheer her up. He went outside, and returned minutes later with a small bouquet of flowers.

"C'mon girl, eat your breakfast." he said, while prodding her mouth with a blue flower. His voice sounding like he was speaking to her as a foal.

"nck, nck, nck, c'mon lil' pony." he cooed, encouraging her to eat, but Rarity wasn't having any of it.

She batted his arm away, causing him to drop the flower, and turned on her belly while sitting up on her forehooves; facing the human with clear irritation on her face.

"Stop it! I'm trying to wallow in... well, I'm still not sure what it is I'm suppose to wallow in; but I'm wallowing, alright!? So just leave me alone." she finished firmly, throwing herself down on the bed and curling away from him.

"Hey, its really not as bad as you might think." he reassured, while scratching her back. Her coat was beginning to lose some of its softness, as pony dander and a few loose hairs fell away from her as he scratched.

"Mmmh." Rarity hated herself, and him. She hated him because he was so strong, and she... wasn't. It was her dream to be a princess, and here she was breaking down in front of a stallion, who probably thinks she's the most pathetic mare who ever lived! But as much as she didn't like him, she couldn't deny how good he made her feel.

Fluttershy disclosed to Rarity in the past about her fantasy to being the pet for a change. Rarity wondered if this is what it would be like, as Atchmon dug his blunt claws into her coat. If this is what Atchmon meant about becoming his pet, then maybe that wouldn't be so bad... she thought before mentally kicking herself as all the naughtier implications of that word filled her mind!

Visions of harnesses, mouth bits, collars, and tail wraps flashed before her, as he rubbed his palms over her sore muscles. Goddesses, that's what Twilight meant when she said those dirty books will rot my mind!

"Feelin' any better?" he asked, as he gave her a final rub down. Snapping Rarity out of her lewd thoughts.

"Mmm, yes, a little, I think." she sighed, then looked down at where Atchmon dropped the blue flower on the furred bed. Rarity levitated it up, then bit the top off, savoring the sweet, creamy flavor of its petals. The tiny treat worked up her appetite, and Rarity finally realized how much she was starving!

Atchmon reached over and pulled Rarity's saddlebag towards him, pulling out a clean carrot for her to eat. Rarity shifted around so she could better face him, while he sat on the cave floor leaning against the bed.

She tried to levitate the carrot from him, but he refused to let go. Rarity looked at him quizzically as he grinned and held the carrot up to her mouth, before she took a small, ladylike bite from it. Allowing him to hand feed her for the moment. After that first bite Rarity quickly devoured the rest of the carrot, and then Atchmon finally allowed her to levitate the last small bite from him, before he pulled out more treats from her bag.

Burp! "Oh, excuse me." Rarity's cheeks tinted red from embarrassment, and was surprised by the small, yet loud belch.

Atchmon snorted a laugh at her burp. "See, feelin' better now?" he asked, and put the bags away.

"Yes, much better, you were right, again... thank you." she whispered sincerely. "Though, I wish we had some bread for cucumber sandwiches."

"That actually sounds pretty good for a change. Even though cucumbers are mostly water anyway." Atchmon shrugged.

"They're still delicious though, don't you think?" she asked, looking down at him as he got himself a little more comfortable.

"Maybe, if I had some ranch dressin' to go with it. You wanna know what I really want right now?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

"What?" she shook her head, curious to hear what he had to say.

"Ice cream." he cooed with a dreamy smile.

"Oh, don't get me started on ice cream!" she exclaimed, while laying on her side with her hooves towards him.

They talked about their favorite flavors. Atchmon preferred tangy sherbet ones, while Rarity enjoyed the more expensive imported brands from places like Bitally. Atchmon was intrigued to learn of the ponies interestingly unique flavors. Like Rose Petal and other floral kinds, and puns of ones he knew about, like neighapolitan for example.

"Could- heh- could you say that again?" he asked, barely containing his giggles.

"Neighapolitan?" Rarity repeated in perfect pronunciation.

"Pppff- One more time, please- mmch." he asked again, failing to hide his broad smile.

Rarity looked at him in confusion, before enunciating once more. "Neigh-apolitan."

"PppfftaHAHAHAhaha-" Atchmon burst out laughing, after recieving a very horsey 'neigh' for his efforts. Though Rarity couldn't understand what he found so funny about such a common word. Until he explained it to her, and she joined in the reverie.

Their laughing died down, and were silent a full minute.

"I'm starting to miss my home." Rarity said somberly.

"Mmm." Atchmon nodded in understanding.

"I'm sorry Atchmon, I can't even begin imagine how you must feel." she felt selfish asking such attention from him.

"Ohh, it's nothin', really. I've had plenty of time to get used to it... 'come to terms', I think is suppose to be the right way of puttin' it." he hid his feelings from her with a half smile, and a nod. "You just focus on gettin' better, how's your leg feelin' today, by the way?"

"It's doing fine, about the same as yesterday, if not a little better." Rarity could sense something was wrong with him, but decided not to push the issue. 'You have to give stallions room to open up, they're never ready to share their feelings all at once like us mares. It's a bit of a weakness, if you ask me, not to mention tedious. Why even try to hide it?'

"That's good, let me know when you need another 'chakra-clearing'." Atchmon chuckled lightly, as he stood up with a smile. "Here, let's take these bandages off, and let 'em breathe for a bit."

Rarity laid there as the human tended to her wounds.

"Yeah, your scratches weren't that bad, we can leave these off. Now let's see that leg." he grasped her fetlock and lightly rubbed his thumbs around her, before trying to bend it slowly. He bent it back and forth a little more each pass, before she reacted to his ministrations.

"Sssh!" Rarity gasped in pain, curling her hoof up towards her belly.

"Sorry." he muttered, and decided to leave it be, for now. "Still a little tender, huh? At least the swellin's gone down." he patted and rubbed her thigh, coaxing her to stretch the hoof towards him again. "An' you can flex it more than I thought you could."

Rarity wasn't sure how to respond, deciding to watch as he tended to her, and removed the elastic binding around her leg, before he sat back down on the floor.

"Do you want your bed back, darling? You can't possibly be comfortable sitting on that hard floor." she asked, feeling a little guilty for hogging his spot on the bed,

"Nah, you're fine. How was the bandage, not too tight?" he asked, resting an elbow on the bed.

"Really good, the pressure helps make it feel better, I think." she said, trying to get a closer look at the fascinating elastic fabric. "May I see it?" she asked, pointing a hoof at it.

Atchmon set it down for her to levitate, and watched with a smile as she stretched and examined the bandage in her magic.

"This fabric is incredible!" she breathed. "Who would've thought to weave rubber along with cloth! Do you know what possibilities this could bring!? Imagine never having to look for the correct size for your wardrobe! Everypony's clothes would fit perfectly, without the need to re-measure them!" she raved excitedly! "Imagine having clothing acting like a second layer of hide!"

"Congratulations! You've just invented sweat pants, an' spandex!" he laughed!

Though his slight did not deter Rarity from memorizing every possibility of her new discovery!

Atchmon smiled at her, watching Rarity play with the elastic fabric, until his eyes trailed over her legs and ending on the one closest to him. Without thinking he reached over and grasped her hoof, then started rubbing and digging his thumb into her, while scratching out the bit of dirt and grass trapped within the crevasses of her frog.

It was firm, yet soft, as it had a bit of give, much like the pads of a dogs paws. He helped care for horses once before, so he knew her hooves should've been solid as a rock under there. He found it very interesting, and quite fun to squish.

He checked to make sure his fidgeting didn't bother his company, while he played with her soft frogs. Until he caught Rarity looking at him, wondering what he was doing, and stopped.

"Sorry." he apologized and looked away, while flushing in embarrassment.

"Why? That was starting to feel really good. I've never had anypony do that for me before." she said, remembering the minotaur, and griffin run spa, who were famous for their hoof massages. Ponies simply couldn't compete with their large, blunt hooves. However past prejudices with such beings prevented Rarity from ever giving their establishment a chance. Now she wished she had; though somehow she knew Atchmon's versatile digits would be far superior.

"I been treating you like a pet." he mumbled, and looked away.

"What!?" Rarity was taken aback by his statement, wondering for a moment if he really did have alien mind reading powers. "You weren't treating me like a pet, at least I don't think so anyway."

"You sure? I've been puttin' my hands on you an awful lot, and I know you said yer a lady and all, but... I just have a hard time seeing you like that. To me you're just a pony, and I jus' can't help petting you. I used to take care of a few animals back home, but... I don't mean to be so touchy."

"Am I really so different from you, that you can't see me as anything but a mindless animal." her anger flared from the insult.

"NO! I- I just don't want you to be scared of me, I'm tryin' to make you as comfortable as I can, but... I don't know what else to do." he held his hands in front of him, trying to calm her down before things got out of hand.

I see, this is all because of what happened last night. He did scare me, he still does... especially after what he did. What was he thinking! Howling like that! she frowned at her thoughts. Then remembered what he told her right before bed. He was just trying to show me there wasn't anything to be afraid of. In his own... strange way.

"What does petting me have to do with anything?" she asked.

"It's just not normal to touch someone without their permission." he answered with a shrug.

The statement sent her back, sure there were times, and situations where ponies don't make physical contact, but to need permission... "You didn't seem to need it earlier when you fed me."

He thought for a moment, before nodding his head. "I can tell I make you uncomfortable, but since you're a pony..."

"You think petting will make me more comfortable around you... Atchmon..." she said getting his attention. "I never had a problem with you petting me, I actually quite enjoy it!" she perked up, making him smile and sigh in relief. "I'll admit your hands are... strange, but a good kind of strange." She reassured him, and remembered the little joke from earlier. "I look like a pony from your world, and there are times I sound like one too... it's okay Atchmon, I think I understand your confusion."

"'m glad you like it, I guess I jus' wanted to be sure I wasn't, mmmph, oversteppin' my bounds, ya know?" he asked, choosing his words carefully.

"Not at all! Can I show you how we ponies greet each other?" she asked, as she raised up on the bed.

"O-okay." he shrugged, wondering about the sudden change in topic. He faced her more directly, getting on his knees and leaning forward as she beckoned him closer with a hoof.

She reached over his shoulder, and nuzzled into his neck, before rubbing her cheek to his. He tensed after feeling her cold snout, then relaxed into the hug.

"Now show me how you do it." she said, pulling away. Atchmon simply stuck out his hand, and Rarity automatically reached her hoof out.

"That's it? A hoof shake? No wonder you were so concerned, how can you ever accept anyponys touch if you always keep everypony away at hoofs length." she said thoughtfully.

"Yeah, we pretty much only hug our closest friends, and family." he shrugged.

"That's... actually quite sweet. To know, and to show who your closest loved ones are, as if it were a message to others." she finished thoughtfully, more to herself than to him.

"So I'm not being too touchy? You're okay if I pet you every now an' again?" he asked, putting his hand on her hoof, and giving it a squeeze, before pulling away again. "Even when I don't think about it first?" he added, looking down at what he just did.

"Oh no, by all means, be as touchy as you want, dear. You have no idea how amazing that feels, after trotting all those hours out there." she said, laying her head down. She bit her lip, before extending a fore hoof out to him. "If you don't mind..." she begged him with her eyes.

Rarity watched him, and slowly closed her eyes, as he rubbed his thumb a bit harder into her hoof. Concentrating on the wonderful relieving feeling he was giving her, for her first hoof massage. Though he had his fill after the second hoof, he went ahead worked on her other two appendages; listening as Rarity groaned in enjoyment, and took extra care of her injured hoof.

"Oh, thank you so much for that. I feel ten times better than earlier... Atchmon? Are you sure there isn't anything I can do to return the favor?" she asked.

"Just you bein' here is enough for me, Rares." he said giving her a half smile.

Rarity's heart went out to the lonely human. She could sense there was something else going on, something she knew she didn't understand. But she just didn't know him well enough to guess what it could be.

"But since you asked..." he continued, biting his lip, and looking away.

Rarity sat straighter in anticipation of his request.

"Is there anyway I can get another one of those hugs?" he smiled in embarrassment.

That was it. There was a void to be filled, an age of loneliness, which only the company of others can overcome. It didn't matter what she thought of him anymore, she could never deny anypony of so small a request, and she hugged him all the harder for it. She decided right there, that she wasn't going to be afraid of him anymore.

"Thank you." he whispered with his chin resting on her shoulder.

"Is there anything we can do to help ourselves get rescued in the meantime?" she asked quietly.

"Just survive." he said gently.

Rarity held him until he had his fill of comfort, when he finally broke the embrace she could swear there were tears in his eyes. Though he quickly wiped them away, he would never allow her to see his weakness.

The pair spent the remainder of their day inside the cave, talking, and snacking until it was time to bed down.

However later that night, and every other night since...

Luna never visited Rarity's dreams again.

---

Some days were better than others, as the pairs natural curiosities for each other was enough to bide the time. Rarity made good on her promise to teach Atchmon some basic manners, as well as the historical backgrounds of some gestures.

"Do I have to keep my head up like this?" Atchmon complained, "I can't see what I'm eatin'."

"Of course! As a pony, our necks are our most vulnerable spot, by holding our heads high we are exposing ourselves, and leaving it open for attack. It's to show our bravery, strength, and fearlessness to others. And as a unicorn it's also a gesture of goodwill, our horns are kept away from any we wish not to harm."

Atchmon picked up Rarity's lessons rather well, but after awhile he'd grow bored, and would rather laze about than learn. He'd shown her that he knew how to act as a gentlestallion, however she expected such behavior nearly at all times.

"That's all well an' good, but I'm not a pony." he emphasized by slouching down, and taking a bite of jerky with his hands.

"This is a problem. Why do you only have bowls?" looking down at Atchmons quite limited dishware.

"What'sh sho wrong with bowlsh?" he asked with the jerky in his cheek.

"Well, for one, they aren't plates, darling, and please don't speak with your mouth full." she corrected him, and he swallowed what he had.

"So? Bowls are great! You can carry your food around without spillin' it, and-"

"I have no doubt about the merits, and advantages a bowl has over a plate, dear. But this is about using..." she thought for a moment, trying to think of a way to get through to him. "Ah! It's about using the right tool for the job. You wouldn't want to use that over-sized blade on everything, now would you?" she asked, pointing a hoof at the knife tied to his waist.

"No, I suppose I wouldn't." he said thoughtfully.

"There, you see? I'm glad we could agree." she said, while closing her eyes with a nod.

I didn't agree to anything. Is she always this pushy when it comes to this sort of stuff? Atchmon thought as his eyes wandered to her hooves.

"What about the others?" he asked.

"Others? What others?" she questioned, confused.

"The other ponies. You said there are Pegasus, and normal type ponies, right?" he said.

"Ah, yes, Pegasi, and Earth ponies." she corrected, wondering where he was going with this.

"And Unicorns, and Olly- Alicorns are the only ones who can lift things with magic, right?" he stated.

"Yes..." she said, realizing what he was about to say.

"So... what're they," he lifted one of the sticks that was suppose to be the salad 'fork' "suppose to do with these, using those." he finished, pointing at her hooves.

"I'm glad you asked dear, while many customs primarily come from the Unicorn tribe, there are many exceptions made to include those with... particular handicaps."

"So how're they suppose to eat then?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

Rarity was about to tell him, before realizing how serious they were being for the last few minutes, and decided to let her 'Pinkie' side out to lighten the mood. She looked at him dead in the eyes, right before plunging her muzzle down on her food, and happily munched on her grilled carrots, before swallowing it all down in one big gulp!

Atchmons eyes and mouth were wide open in shock at how quickly Rarity attacked her food! Before he burst out laughing, and soon Rarity joined him in the merriment!

It was minutes later, before either one could breath enough to speak again!

---

The days following were quite boring, Atchmon explained to her about the importance of keeping busy, and coming up with projects to improve the camp, which helped the days go by faster. Today, Atchmon busied himself with stripping the bark off some saplings he collected.

"What are you doing with those?" Rarity asked, as she came outside to welcome him back from another one of his short expeditions.

"Makin' some new rope." He answered her simply, never stopping his task.

"What for?" she questioned.

Atchmon paused, and stared blankly ahead before answering. "Well, you know what they say, 'you can never have enough rope.'"

Rarity watched him skeptically as he pulled the bark into thinner, and thinner strips. Eventually dawning on her how he made all the twine that tied virtually everything he owned, together!

After a few minutes of watching him intently, Rarity had a spark of inspiration.

"Atchmon, is it alright if I borrow your knife for a moment?" she asked.

"Sure, what're you gonna use it for?" he asked hesitantly, before unsheathing it and handing it over to her.

"Oh, you'll see, I'm going to make something marvelous for your home." Rarity declared.

"O-kay." Atchmon said, as he watched her canter to the edge of the meadow, taking a moment to cautiously look the area over, before sawing off a few thin branches from the trees. She couldn't put any pressure on the knife like she wanted, her telekinesis just wasn't that strong, but the blade's serrated spine was more than sharp enough to do the work for her.

Rarity quickly stepped away as the branches fell, then levitated the materials back with her to the camp fire.

She stripped the thin bark off the new sticks, feeling the tiny fibers split apart in her aura, then in a whirl of magic she made a string far thinner than any twine Atchmon had ever made for himself.

Atchmon watched with profound interest as Rarity worked her magic, and newly learned survival skill.

"Is it alright if I use the rest of these?" she asked, pointing a hoof to the pile of saplings, though not taking her eyes off her craft.

"Huh? Oh, go right ahead." he encouraged, eager to see where she was going with this. Wanting to see more real magic!

In a short amount of time, Rarity made a primitive loom out of the small branches, and saplings. Then wove the remaining bark into a flat white square with brown letters woven in, which spelled the word 'WELCOME' into the mat.

"You made a- 'welcome' mat?" he asked in disbelief at her skill.

"Do you like it?" she asked excitedly, as she held it up for him in her hooves!

"Wow, Rarity..." he breathed. "You're awesome!" he laughed, as he examined the new decor.

'Ha! I'm awesome for once? In your muzzle, Rainbow Dash!'

"How'd you make that thin string from earlier?" he asked, and scooted closer to watch her work.

"Here let me show you. If you weave it together like this..."

---

Atchmon and Rarity were spending a lot more time at the falls. Atchmon suggested they make a new set of dishes to go along with the etiquette lessons Rarity was teaching him. Stating he was a much better visual learner, rather than pretending the various sticks and bowls were whatever 'silverware' and dishware Rarity assigned them to be.

Rarity wasn't too thrilled about it, but did her best to pretend she was back in art class working on a clay sculpture. It helped to ignore the icky mud that was clinging to her hooves, and coat.

Once the new dishes and 'glassware' were made, Atchmon built a fire nearby, so the heat could temper the clay and make it harder and stronger.

As they waited for the clay to dry, Atchmon showed Rarity small clay sculptures he made of her and himself. It was a child's attempt, lacking in everything but form, but Rarity felt intrigued to meet the challenge.

"Stand back, darling, and let the master show you how it's done." she stated confidently.

"Oh please, what're you gonna do? You can barely stand to touch it." he smirked at her skeptically.

"You just wait and see, I might surprise you." she said, sticking her tongue out between her teeth, and giving a sly wink.

In a whirl of blue magic, and in a flash she'd created a uncanny bust of herself! Atchmons jaw dropped at the sight of her artistic talent. The sculpture was complete with her signature curly mane, and looked as though she were pursing her lips!

"Wow Rarity, you're freakin' awesome, you know that?" Atchmon praised, as he took a closer look at the new sculpture.

"Oh, I'm nothing special to be honest, I have a couple friends who are far more talented in magic than I am." she said while waving a hoof, as if it weren't a big deal. Though she couldn't help smiling, and blushing from the complement.

---

Rarity was getting used to not having her usual amenities, though the constant feeling of not being totally clean ate at her.

"Goddesses, what I wouldn't give for some proper shampoo right about now." she said while scrubbing a fore-hoof.

"You think this is bad? Just wait till the cold weather hits. You'll have to decide between keepin' warm, or keepin' clean. I tried going for as long as I could without a bath, god that was a horrible mistake. You pretty much just have to deal with the cold water, helps to have a big fire going beforehand."

"Do you really think it could take that long for them to find us?" she asked in worry.

"Nah, I never had anyone lookin' for me, well, maybe not here anyway. From what you've told me about that map, it doesn't sound like they have an exact location on you, so... I dunno, it could take awhile." he answered truthfully, while trying to keep his hair out of his face. It grew too long again, though luckily Rarity's sewing kit came with a small pair of scissors. And with her help, he won't have to guesstimate how best to cut his own hair with his oversized Bowie knife for awhile, at least.

Rarity stared down at the water after hearing that. The idea of staying here indefinitely was a great possibility.

"Hey, you've got people lookin' for you. Friends who care about you, right?" Atchmon said, after noticing Rarity hadn't spoke in a while.

She nodded, a smile gracing her lips as she thought of her friends back home.

"There you go. See? Nothin' to worry about." Atchmon turned and continued to scrub out the oil from his hair.

"I know, they really are the best friends a pony could ever ask for. I remember the time I was pony-napped by a group of Diamond Dogs, and they all came running to my rescue!" she smiled at the memory.

"Diamond dogs? What're those? I don't think I've seen any dogs around here, other than the wolves, and branch-wolves." he said thoughtfully.

"Branch wolves? Oh, you mean the Timber wolves." Rarity spent enough time listening to him talk about the animals he's seen to know what he meant. He explained to her that it was his 'divine' duty as a human to name the creatures he encounters, whatever that meant.

"Ohh! Yeah, that's a much better name! We have Timberwolves where I come from, but they're more like a smaller version of those Dire wolves you told me about."

"Hmm. Well, to answer your first question. Diamond dogs are a bit like you. In that, they can walk bipedally, or on all fours if need be, and are canine-like in nature. They have paws which are quite similar to your hands, but also claws, which they use to dig tunnels for their homes. They are commonly burrowing creatures, and they spend much of their time underground, usually in search of precious gems. Hence the name 'Diamond' dogs, and before you ask, yes, they can talk like you and I." she nodded, finishing yet another lecture. Watch out Twilight I may have to find my own pupil at this rate! Though Atchmon has been quite the good student.

"Wow, hmmm, what do they use the gems for?" he inquired.

"Nopony really knows, most just assume they horde, or eat them like the dragons do. They're just far too territorial for anypony to simply ask." she answered with a shrug.

"Hmm, so how'd they get you out?" he asked.

"They didn't, not that I actually needed rescuing in the first place." she said.

"Uh-huh, sure you didn't." he said, giving her a skeptical half smile.

"It's true! Even though Diamond dogs are sapient creatures, they aren't that bright you see, and I managed to trick them into letting me go!" she exclaimed!

"Oh yeah? And how'd you manage to pull that off?"

"By whi- ehem complaining to them, until they agreed to let me go." she said, lifting her head in a dignified manner.

"...Okay, yeah, I can see why they'd let you go." Atchmon said, nodding his head.

Rarity narrowed her eyes, and pelted him with a glob of water with her magic. "Hey! ahaha!", but in the back of her mind she was hoping she wasn't being too pushy. Perhaps I should back off a bit, he's changed so much for my sake.

"So, Dragons eat gemstones?" he questioned.

"Mmm? Yes, but we ponies wish they would stick to just gems."

"Are dragons a problem where you're from?" he asked, turning to her.

"No, not really, dragon raids were rare even before our new diplomatic ties with Princess Ember."

"Please tell me that's not another pony princess." he groaned.

"Oh, mhm, no. She's a dragon, her father was the previous king before she earned the right to rule. Now the raids have nearly ceased entirely, though there are a few rogue elements. There were rumors of a dragon resistance, who're completely against starting relations with us ponies." I knew that Garble cause some trouble whenever they announced the news of our new relations, I just never imagined it would get that bad.

"You live in a much more exciting world than I do Rares. Dragons, Diamond dogs, Griffins... all we have to worry about is ourselves." he said thoughtfully.

"What do you mean by that? Don't you have some big scary monsters to worry about on your world?" she asked.

"There're some, but... they're nothin' like the beasts here. No, man is the most dangerous animal on our planet, Rarity." he said, tossing a rock into the water.

Rarity looked the human over. True, his size did intimidate her, but other than that, he had nothing on the beasts of the Everfree. "You don't seem all that dangerous to me. You don't have any claws, and your teeth aren't anywhere near as impressive as a Manticore."

"I have something far better than teeth and claws, Rares," he grinned at her confidently.

"Oh, what do you have, then?" She asked skeptically, wondering for a moment if he was going to say his bow.

"I have this," Atchmon said, tapping his head.

Though she understood what he meant, Rarity couldn't help making fun. "You have a really hard head to bash with?"

Now it was his turn to splash her with water.

---

Rarity was laying at the foot of the bed with her hooves draped over the side, which was the spot she claimed as her own.

"I just can't figure it out." she spoke suddenly.

"What's that?" Atchmon asked curiously, he was busy sharpening his blade once again, the whetstone in his hand warped from so much use, grateful for the interruption.

Rarity was admiring the art around his home again, and figured out much of the history behind it, just from her observations. She learned that at one point he tried to carve the images directly into the stone, but must've found it difficult for he barely managed to finish a single image. A wolf of course. Though she couldn't determine if the seemingly random shapes, and squiggles were from before, or after that time.

No, what really puzzled her was how he managed to 'paint' without anything to paint with!

"How did you do all this?" she asked, waving her hoof around at his art.

Atchmon looked at the walls, before understanding what she was asking. "I'm glad you asked!" he started excitedly, and quickly moved off the bed.

"Wha-!?" Rarity was surprised by his sudden burst of movement, and waited for him to return from outside.

"C'mon out here, I'll show ya!" he called back.

Rarity cantered outside, and sat on her haunches while he explained the process at the fire pit.

He explained that most of the pigment was from charcoal, clay, and bones. Which she wasn't too happy to hear that last part, nor the next as he continued. He found that using sap, or mixing animal fat with the 'paint', would help it stick to the cave walls!

"C'mon, I been wantin' to do this for awhile!" he said excitedly, while heading back inside their den with freshly made pigment, which he kept in several clam shells.

"What're we gonna do?" she asked curiously.

"We're gonna tell your story, riiiight here!" he finished, pointing a finger at the only part of the cave that was left blank! Which was on the opposite side from the head of the bed.

In a matter of minutes Rarity was sucked into the project, having that utter and complete focus she was famous for when making her dresses.

Rarity was well practiced in the art of fine precision telekinesis. She had to be in order to precisely sew with a needle using her magic.

In a few short hours, a brand new mural graced Atchmon's home. It started at the top with the opening of the dome, and a white Unicorn mare falling from it, then the chance meeting with a new animal friend, culminating to the terrifying wolf chase, and ended with a white pony holding 'hooves' with a red alien creature, as they stood side by side as friends. The detail was astonishing, showing that Rarity had a true artist's eye. She even used some of her own hair to work in the finer details into the paintings.

"Do you like it?" she asked, eager to hear his opinion.

"Nope, I don't like it." he spoke plainly with a disappointed frown.

Rarity's jaw dropped, her spirit was crushed, and she could feel tears coming on as her lips quivered. 'B-but I worked so hard on it. I did my very best to make it as good as possible... That was it, wasn't it? It was too good, I showed him up, and now he hates me for it.' Rarity was just about to run away dramatically wailing her eyes out, before Atchmon's loud voice broke her depressive thoughts.

"I love it!" he yelled, throwing his arms out in excitement. "I mean, look at this! You got my hair just right. An' the wolves are amazing; an' holy crap the trees! I never thought I'd be excited about seein' a tree, but look at this!" he raved, and praised her work.

"Well, I'm glad you like it." Rarity tried to keep a straight face like a professional, even though she was squeeing on the inside.

---

As the days grew hotter Rarity and Atchmon lazed about inside the cave. Enjoying the coolness it provided, while talking about this and that, and whatever else came to mind.

Rarity was having a harder time of it than Atchmon was. Though she could sweat, she simply wasn't as conditioned to the hot weather as he was. The fur of her hide contributed to the stifling heat which she found unbearable.

Rarity laid on her side panting against the cave floor, trying her best to cool off. She'd occasionally switch sides, and position herself on a newer, cooler spot in the den. Feeling the coolness of the stone floor seeping into her damp coat.

Atchmon lifted the stick flap, a wave a of heat entered with him, before closing it again.

"Oh, thank you. You have no idea how much I needed this." Rarity thanked him as he sat down a full canteen full of clean water next to her.
Atchmon watched as she drank at the water greedily, watching as water drops escape the corners of her mouth.

Gah! Huff! "Ohhh, mmph!" Rarity whimpered in frustration, as the last drop of water fell from her canteen to the floor. Rarity laid her head back down, not caring how dirty the ground was, only wanting to cool off her burning hide.

The next moment, Rarity heard something be set on the ground next to her head, and opened her eyes in time to see Atchmon pulling away from leaving his canteen next to her.

"Are you sure?" she asked, glancing at his canteen.

Atchmon was crouched next to her, and motioned for her to drink with a subtle nod and a flick of his hand. "It's okay, you need it more than I do."

"How are we doing on water anyway?" she asked, before taking a slower, more careful sip. Not wanting to waste such a precious gift.

"We got half a pot left, so we'll be okay for today, but tomorrow we need to restock. Think you can help me with that? It'll go alot faster if you can carry some water too."

"I don't know if I can... it's just too hot." she whined.

"It'll let up soon, we're overdue for some rain anyhow... which is really gonna suck." he grumbled.

"Why is that?" she asked.

"I'll tell you about it later, right now we need to keep you cool. Here, I'll get you some more water." he said, taking both of the canteens with him.

"Oh thank you." Rarity rolled on her other side, leaving a wet spot on the floor, and felt the wave of heat hit her back as Atchmon exited the den.

---

At night they shared their favorite songs and stories. Atchmon tried his best to remember anything that Rarity might like, but his preferences were limited to what he considered to be 'classical' music.

"It's Classic Rock, Rarity. Not classical, that's a totally different thing." Atchmon corrected her.

While most lyrics were disturbingly about death, insanity, and 'love-making' as a nicer word for it. She did enjoy the one Atchmon acted out for her called 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. Its opera-style singing pulled her into the music, and she especially liked the 'Free Bird' one too.

Though Atchmon didn't have a great singing voice, he did try his best, and didn't try to torture her with his bad singing.

"Sorry I'm a bit tone deaf." Which he admitted was terrible, all the while Rarity encouraged him to continue. Wanting to learn more about his alien culture.

Rarity shared some of her favorite songs with him too. As he listened to her sing, there was something about those songs that made him feel happy. She had a lovely singing voice, deep--in a feminine sort of way--with a bit of vibrato. He liked the ones about smiling and wrapping up winter, which he was shocked to find out the ponies could actually control the weather. It took Rarity quite a bit of convincing and explaining, until he finally accepted it as truth.

"I always thought the clouds here seemed a lot thicker, than the ones on my world. Denser, I think would be a more accurate description." Rarity always found it intriguing whenever he'd start to analyse some new discovery, as it was an opportunity for her to learn more about his world too.

"Humans can't control the weather?" she questioned.

"Nope, if we could, that'd solve a whole lot of problems around the world." he said thoughtfully. "My home was right in the middle of what we called Tornado Alley."

"Ooh, just the name alone says it all. What do you do with nopony who can stop it?" Rarity asked, and remembered the twister Rainbow Dash, and Lightning Dust made together, which nearly cost Rarity, and all of her friends, their lives.

"Nothin'. All we can do is take shelter, an' wait for it to pass. We've had to rebuild our home twice because of those storms. Damn scary too, they say it sounds like a train plowin' through, but... I can tell ya, it's more like a lot of wind, an' you just can't hear anything else."

Rarity never thought about what life would be like without control of the weather. More severe storms drifting in from the Everfree was the first thought to come to her mind. Then of the crystal heart, which protected the Crystal Empire from being buried under a mountain of snow.

"I never realized how... fickle our survival is, just from our own world." she said thoughtfully. "Then again, I never expected the Everfree to be so calm. Is it always like this?" she asked.

"More or less. The weather'll probably pick up in a few weeks." he answered. "You're a really good singer, Rarity." he complimented.

"Oh, I'm alright, but others are much better. My little sister is becoming quite the rising star in our small town." Rarity smiled shyly at the compliment, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"You have a sister?" he asked curiously.

"Mmm, yes." she answered, looking sad.

"Rare? Ya alright?" he asked in concern.

"Hmm? Oh, yes I'm fine.... it's just... we had a fight, right before I left, and... I'm worried about her."

"Don't worry, kids are tougher than you might think, best thing you can do for her is to take care of yourself out here." Atchmon comforted, reaching over and petting Rarity up and down where her chest met her neck. Then finishing off with a final supportive grip of her leg.

"You have a younger sister too?" she asked, looking up to him, remembering he mentioned having one in the past. Thankful for the comfort he provided, and feeling better because of it.

"Older sister." he answered, staring at the flames. "She... she tried to help me, but I was too stupid, an' selfish to see it. Ended up fffuh-mmph, messin' up." Rarity gave a thankful smile at his continued attempts to clean his language, though he'd still slip every now and again. "We had a fight too... a bad one... a really bad one."

Rarity shuffled closer to him, wanting to comfort the stoic human. She knew he felt sad, but he refused to show it. It both shocked and fascinated her to see a male lidding his emotions so well. It served to remind her how different a world he came from. A world where stallions were taught to be independant, and strong, and to provide for their mares. Even fight for them!

"I was completely in the wrong, but even so, she still tried to help me. Even after everything I'd done... after everything I didn't do." Rarity leaned against him, and he leaned on her.

"Thanks." he whispered.

The pair watched as the fire died down, and the cool night forced them to retire inside the cave once again.

Next Chapter: Bad Company Estimated time remaining: 11 Hours, 7 Minutes