Stardust Balance

"Maybe recommending you to helping out Applejack wasn't the wisest choice at present..."

"Oh, you don't say... Ow!"

"At least you still have your dignity." Starlight pointed out with good humour, both mares tending to my internally pained body for no reason, Starlight carrying the supplies as Twilight pulled out the right tools to nurse my back and ankle.

Oh, how did I sprain my ankle you ask? Funny story, Big Mac was kind enough to to carry me back to the castle, leaving me by the front steps. Limping up caused me to trip and sprain my ankle.

...Actually, not a funny story.

"You're not usually this accident prone." Starlight continued with a light smile. "What's next, you'll stub your toe?" Oh God, don't jinx it for me! You joke my dear, but stubbed toes are arguably the worst sensation in the universe. Count yourselves lucky!

"Humans have a tendency for self-harm than most." Twilight muttered beside me, half her body in line of sight since she was focused on healing my sore back. "Maybe Rarity would've been the better alternative. Can't imagine sewing some clothes would do you further harm."

Um, you're kidding right? "One, Twilight, I don't sew." I counted from my fingers for emphasis. Hey if I have these things might as well use them. "And two, even if I did sew, you can easily prick your fingers doing so. Doesn't sound appealing in the slightest."

"Maybe baking with Pinkie Pie should be the next option." Starlight considered out-loud. "It's probably least capable of putting you in anymore pain, and you do enjoy baking Stardust."

"That, or you want more of my brownies." I had the wit at least to make that comment.

The unicorn shrugged with a coy smile. "They're really delicious, what can I say?"

Hm- Ugh!

"All done." The Princess and my girlfriend announced cheerfully, proceeding step off the couch and guiding me downwards, warm fuzzy hoofs pushing a bare chest to lay comfortably on soft material. "Lie down and rest for a while; your internal injuries should heal by later evening." And added with an extra cushion beneath my head followed with a bag of ice applied directly around my ankle, causing my brief flinch.

"Anything else, Nurse Friendship?"

Twilight smirked. "Well, now that you've mentioned it." Oh boy. "Aside from straining yourself today, how were you doing at Sweet Apple Acres?"

My fingers interlocked, resting on my stomach as I answered casually. "Fine, I guess." I mean, Granny Smith shrieked and fainted at the sight of me and Big Mac threatened to kick me into a wagon on sight. But aside from that, all went fine.

The purple alicorn nodded. "That's good at least." At least? "I was worried you'd have refused to help Applejack at all. I'm still impressed by your display with making that animal sanctuary all by yourself for Fluttershy."

"Don't make it sound like I'm totally inefficient love, sheesh..."

A lavender hoof brushed against dark strands of hair. "I'm not." The mare's tender voice replied, Twilight's breathtaking eyes staring down at me with a knowing expression. "I just don't want you to become so distant from everyone again, not after all the progress you've made. The progress we've made together." Just a moment before Twilight added suddenly. "I know you want to reassure us that everything's okay Jack, but that only makes us worry more. This current condition is affecting you more than you'd care to share, I can still pick up on that. That's why I have to ask Jack... Do you want to talk about it?"

...You're too good for me love. Far more than I deserved...

"I'm fine love, really." Twilight barely looked persuaded for a second. I reached up, gently stroking the mare's cheek in my palm with a faint grin. "Don't let my own plight interfere with more important uses of your time."

The Princess cracked a smile at that. "Nothing's more important than helping my special somepony through his plight... Or special somebody." And graced a warm peck to my forehead, unseeming to care about the spots resting atop it. "Get some rest, okay? I'll come back later." And walked slowly out of sight, as if reluctant to.

Starlight lingered for a moment, having watched the exchange with a foreign expression, but gave me a sheepish grin before hurriedly following after her former teacher. Leaving me in a silent bedroom with my own thoughts and empty sensation of already missing Twilight.

There is no shame in admitting weakness.

I scoffed lightly, regarding the blue ceiling idly. I know that, Starswirl, just as they know me enough to see through my bull[BEEP]. But why should I bring them enough angsty feelings now?

They're simply concerned towards their best friend, my student. And the Princess wasn't incorrect regarding your feelings against your condition... And something else.

There was a half a mind to look away at the TV or something, but that'd be pointless against an invisible spirit whom can read your every thought. That's a subject I'd prefer against talking about, teacher.

It wasn't your fault-

What did I just say...?

...Very well. He gracefully conceded, to my gratification. But I'm here for you as much as your friends are, remember that.

Jesus. Even in this bar it felt just as lifeless!

And look at the patrons! More spotted than outside and the atmosphere stayed somber, like everyone has just... Given up.

Outwardly shuddering by the sight of regularly energetic cartoon ponies frowning or staring depressingly into their drinks, barely glancing up to witness the newcomer entering the dusty bar, I made a beeline right to the counter, dusting off an unused stool before taking a seat, pointedly proceeding to ignore any of the residents for now. The more I watched them the more I just wanted to get up and leave.

And people called me depressing... Christ.

It took about a minute of me twiddling my thumbs before the bartender himself showed up, a dark-grey stallion with a rather styled back black mane and steel eyes walking before me, age present on his features. He spared barely a glance towards his customer, inquiring with simple gruffness. "Anythin' in particular?"

I imagined soda wasn't in question. "Whatever's appropriate for the day."

"The usual then." Ten seconds later, my glass turned up with a rather dark yellow sustenance bubbling beneath my chin. Okay, looks like [BEEP], hopefully doesn't take like that. Raising the mug to take a whiff, expecting to sniff something unpleasant, imagine my surprise by how decent it scented and presumable tasted. "Apple cider." The bartender explained without even looking by drying another mug. "From the very apples we grow in this town."

How long before the grim reaper takes them for himself? Shrugging, I gave my new friend the benefit of the doubt and took a sip...

Mm.

Quite warm, actually.

When I mused that thought out-loud, the stallion simply responded. "Secret's in the honey we add, gives it a kick to rid of the suffocatin' atmosphere around us." Ah... Interesting. "So, you here to visit a relative?"

Well since Starswirl was confirmed not to be buried here, that's a hard no. "I'm actually here on business." I confessed, prompting the dark equine to huff with rolled tired eyes.

"Tell me you're not another coffin salespony."

I... Those exist?

"No I'm here for something else entirely." Leaning forward carefully, I inquired calmly to contain my eagerness. "Have there been any... Unusual sightings in this town lately?"

Finally, those gray eyes turned to face me, the pony giving me a once-lookover and made a wry smirk. "You mean, aside from this?"

I had to chuckle by how casual he was about it. At least he wasn't as lifeless as the others surrounding us at their tables and counter. "Aside from me, yes."

"Don't know what to tell ya then." He shrugged, inspecting another glass mug with care while clarifying. "Town's been pretty much normal as it can get. Visitors don't often come than to see a loved one or... Give in to their more darker feelings." The stallion barely sounded as fazed. "Only strange incident occurring aside from your being here, stranger, are the new rumors going about at the Tower."

And we already have a clue? "Tower?"

"Yep. Name's Grave Keeper, by the way." I had to repress a snort. "I manage both this bar and the graveyards around the town." This time I did snort, but Grave Keeper barely seemed to acknowledge that while peeking into his glass, myself taking another sip as I listened in interest. "And anyway, these supposed rumors are nothing new. Young ponies just love to spread tales about the town being supposedly haunted by vengeful spirits, especially within the sacred halls of the Tower itself."

"And this Tower is...?" I pressed curiously. The tall built stallion took a moment, cleaning his next mug and being on his way to serve another customer, refilling another depressed equine's drink before returning to answer me again.

"The first building and grave sight of the town, which said town was then built around." Grave Keeper explained casually. "A landmark, if you want, where the oldest resting places of respected and lost ponies are buried within for all these years. Nowadays it's treated like a tourist spot for passerbys..."

I raised a brow at that mutter. "You don't sound entirely pleased about that." Was my remark without making any judgement.

Grave snorted, rolling his eyes in disdain. "The final resting place of those no longer with us aren't something to take pictures of, or should be treated as such. It is blatant disrespect to their memories."

You know what? I agree. It does sound offensive for the departed, even if they're not physically there to be offended from.

"The only positive side about these new rumors over a spirit haunting the Tower." The stallion continued with that same disapproving posture. "Is that it's keeping the tourists from entering for their own entertainment. The downside?" He sighed wearily the next. "Nopony else in town wishes to venture through and see their ancestors. Hopefully it'll all blow over soon; it usually does."

And at this point, it was clear where precisely the imbalance hid itself. But just to be certain, I asked cautiously. "This vengeful spirit... Did they give a description of this deceased pony?"

"Tch." Grave shook his head. "

Man Sundays were the best.

I mean, Saturdays are alright too. Fridays are a relief for those eager to embrace the weekend. Thursdays are my personal favourite day of the week. But Sundays? They always had this particular charm to them, signifying the end of a cycle and beginning of another. And Spike and I were making use of this relaxing day like any other decent, well-adjusted being would.

One couch, and surrounded by sugary substances and discarded candy wrappers growing by the minute.

"Mmm!" The young dragon made another satisfied hum, chomping down a chocolate bar without any hesitation. Spike had the right idea joining in; don't think I could possibly devour all this candy by myself. My own mouth agreed with noise of content, savouring the taste of caramel dancing down my throat, moving on next to the pop candy lying to the side.

Twilight would evidently disprove. Maybe I should've asked Starlight if she wanted to join in the fun.

Ah, speaking of which!

"Girls, you're just in time!" I greeted merrily from my lounging on the couch, laid back with head resting on elbow as the lavender and pink mares walked into view. "Want some banana muffins?"

Spike, sat down next to my feet, emphasized with happily munching on one said muffin. Starlight smiled with a bemused expression. "I'm good. The pair of you seem to be enjoying yourselves."

"You bet!" Spike grinned, nodding whilst picking up another wrapped sweet from the mountain before us. "We're not gonna let this Sunday go to waste."

"By making yourselves go to waste with all this junk food?" Twilight raised a dubious brow, thoroughly unimpressed. I smirked as a response. "There are other more productive - not to mention more healthy - activities for spending the weekend, you realize?" The alicorn pointed out matter-of-factly.

"Maybe, but this is the more humane way of spending the weekend." I shrugged following with plopping a sour sweet into my mouth. Ooh, tasty! Chewing and swallowing with a small grimace by the leftover taste, I added. "And we are being productive; we're helping not make good food go to waste. Right son?"

"Absolutely." Spike concurred readily, patting my sock with a happy smile. "And since Dad's human again, we need all this food to help prepare him for hibernation over the summer."

It took a second before Twilight frowned heavily. "Humans don't hibernate. Jack, what have you been teaching him?"

"Well maybe not hibernate." I confessed without shame, shifting more comfortably on my slouching position. "But we do like to sleep, a lot."

Starlight giggled, and before Twilight could retort a certain feathery animal declared its arrival and flew overhead, spinning around the couch briefly before resting down on the edge, dropping the bag of candy from its beak into my waiting hand. Grinning at the obedient well-trained owl, I reached up and softly petted its head.

"Cheers Nightshade." The night bird made its usual call before flying off, presumably to its own bed. Noticing Twilight's look, I shrugged and pointed out with casualness. "Not as if you've been making use of him of late. Sometimes I think you forgot about the poor bird."

Spike and Starlight's snickers were promptly cut off by Twilight's glare. Heaving a sigh, the alicorn adopted a more composed expression and made a clear firm suggestion.

Here we go...

"Jack, I understand that you're still adjusting to being a complete human again."

"Mm-hm."

"And you probably have doubts to your own reliability to your friends."

"Uh-huh."

"And that many Equestrians' reactions to your returned form may be off-putting for you."

"Eeyup."

"And you're not paying attention to a single word I'm saying."

"Oh I'm listening all right love." I rolled my eyes, unwrapping another candy ball. "I'm just waiting for you to make your point."

Twilight huffed. "That point being, Jack, that you can't simply wait and hide inside the castle while we find a cure to your predicament, wasting your life away consuming junk food and intentionally testing your special somepony. You need to be more productive about things, human or pony."

"I am though!" I objected. What do you call this moment here with Spike? "What do you want from me love? Go outside? Interact with friends? Half the town's- No, wait, the whole town's afraid of the sight of me! Pardon me for being a little reluctant to show my ugly mug around while I'm stuck like this."

"You're hardly unappealing Jack." Thousands of shallow-minded females back home would disagree. Twilight rolled her violet eyes. "Neither is the town 'afraid' of you. They're just growing accustomed to your new disposition. That's it. We just need to give them time to adjust, and it'd certainly help them grow more use to it by taking a more extroverted approach on your behalf."

I snorted by the very proposal, as if it were that easy. "That might be somewhat difficult." Thank you Starlight. Even she agrees Twilight's confident idea was bull[BEEP]! "Never mind that Stardust is an introvert by nature. But I think that becoming human again has made an impact on his self-esteem, and not in the good way. No offense Stardust."

"None taken Starlight. You pretty much nailed it."

"If you grew accustomed to interacting outside as a pony, you can do so as a human. Besides, the town was already unnerved by you simply from personality alone, long back. You just need to give them a chance." Twilight's expression softened over her own words. "You're stronger than you think, Jack."

It took a moment for me to notice I've stopped stuffing my face with sweets for a while, meeting Twilight's expectant gaze skeptically. I widened my arms in an incredulous gesture. "What do you want me to do, Twilight? Not as if anyone's been asking for me of late. Except for Spike and yourself."

"It's true." The young dragon affirmed with a nod, swallowing another small piece of candy and reaching for a large chocolate ball wrapped in tinfoil.

But the Princess of Friendship, as always, wouldn't give in so easily. A trait I equally endeared and, at times, found exasperating. "You don't need to wait for your friends to call for you to go hang out with them. At least make an attempt and go see one of them."

There was no winning this battle? I was far too lazy to care at the moment. "Alright alright I will." I appeased my proactive girlfriend, who smiled lightly in satisfaction. But hazel eyes then wandered to a chocolate muffin sticking out of the pile. "...Later." And reached out to grab the delicious-looking treat begging to be consumed- "Oh Jesus-!"

Candy flew everywhere one second after the mattress beneath flipped over, the sweets breaking my rolled-up fall.

"Non-negotiable honey." I heard Twilight remark dryly from my position atop the mountain, Starlight's light laughter following.

"This one?"

"No."

"This one?"

"No."

"This one?"

"No."

"...This one?"

"No."

"It's the exact same one I just showed. Are you even paying attention?"

"Answer's still no, Spike."

The dragon huffed, tossing the shirt to the side with the coat hanging. My son was currently digging through my wardrobe of unused clothing, pulling out random attire for myself to adorn for the day. The occasion? None really, but Twilight was insistent that, despite the fact I was moreso introverted than ever since becoming human again, I shouldn't become too lax and wear PJ's all day.

"It's important to stay active as a human." The mare had said with knowing firmness. "I've looked up what happens to your kind when they get too comfortable around doing nothing, and I refuse to allow my special somepony to fall into the same trap, present situation or not."

Love ya too honey...

"Hmm... This one might do." Spike commented quietly, pulling out another shirt from the hangings with prompted my grimace. The dragon noted my look and grinned humouredly. "Not a fan of red, huh?"

"Red and grey? Pass." I waved dismissively, and my son nodded, tossing it over again and inciting me to roll my eyes at the mess Spike was making. Just wait, Rarity herself will come barging in from the callous care of clothing and-

SLAM.

"What in heaven's name is happening here?!"

Oh, right on cue.

"My intuition was correct." The white unicorn gasped loudly, storming over to the discarded pile of clothes and complaining in thorough despair. "Stardust, just because you are dissatisfied with your newfound condition, doesn't mean it's completely fine with expressing your frustration out on innocent hard work by talented creatures of your world!"

What? "Spike's the one throwing my clothes around!" I defended irritably, but Rarity just gazed at me with an unimpressed look.

"And you're merely sitting there allowing it? Of course Spike wouldn't know any better." Said dragon grinned at Rarity's claim for his innocence. I just groaned. "Now, what is this all about hm?"

"Nothing." I shrugged from the couch, leaning on the armrest boredly. "Twilight just wants me to wear casual clothes."

"And no doubt something more original than that regular black shirt you seem so fond of."

"It's the only shirt I have with sleeves." In my earnest defense. "Do you have any idea how cold I easily get, now again as a human?"

Spike held up a black cardigan with a cover of a pale blue wolf. "Aren't these for keeping you warm?"

"Correct Spike!" Rarity praised the young lizard, smiling and nodding in approval. "Now, it is clear to me that Twilight wishes for her special somepony to become far more proactive and keeping himself in a healthy environment, and that includes on what he wears now. While others may not see the need for your kind to cover themselves up on a daily basis, Stardust, I can appreciate the dedication made into their hard work."

"I suppose this appreciation first stemmed from the clothing you had Spike 'borrow' from my wardrobe a week back?"

The mare flushed at the accusation, scoffing lightly. "Simple research darling. I promise to return them once I am done." Confirmation that I will never see them again. Wonderful. Rarity played ignorance to my flat look, magically reorganizing the discarded clothing and basically everything else in the wardrobe. Once done, the mare stepped back with a nod. "It's a start. Now, since you're clearly having trouble, I shall decide with my thorough expertise as to what casual wear may suit you on this lovely day."

"Oh no Rarity. By all means, don't trouble yourself on my account."

The fashion mistress huffed, glancing over to me with wry sapphire eyes. "Your dry wit remains as constant even as human, I see." And smiled over to the dragon. "Spike, kindly assist me in finding the most suitable attire for your placated father if you'd please."

"It'd be my pleasure Rarity!"

No rest for the wicked... Resigned, I simply sat back and waited patiently. Very, very patiently, almost wishing now that a black hole would turn up so I could take care of it.

Wait, I had no magic to use...

Screw it, so it could suck me up and away from this situation.