All That Glittersby Crystal WishesChaptersSomeponyNotice MePleaseSomepony"Eight..." Golden Pants giggled, ducking lower behind the bush at the edge of the neighborhood playground. She could see several ponies from where she was huddled. Clarity had climbed on top of the monkey bars—as if height would save her. Crystal Wishes's hooves peeked out from underneath the slide, but she was otherwise hidden. Decent enough. A blue-and-red tail hung down from the foliage of a tree in the yard. Close, but not quite. High Horse stood on her hindlegs, her forelegs crossed and braced against the tree, counting up until it became time for her to seek them all out. "... Nine..." Golden curled up into a little ball with her tail wrapped around her hooves. She had the best hiding spot: a row of yellow rose bushes that matched her coat perfectly. Her blue mane and tail didn't quite blend in, though, so she had to make herself as small as possible. "... Ten!" High Horse lifted her head and looked around. "Ready or not, here I come!" The blue filly trotted forward, pranced in a circle, and paused. Her ears flicked this way and that while her gaze darted about, searching, seeking. She mumbled to herself and, when she tilted her head back, she pointed at Clarity. "Found you!" "Aww!" Clarity swung down to hang from her hindlegs, then dropped onto the grass. "Shucks!" High Horse smiled. She was pleased with herself, the silly filly. But she still had six ponies to go, and Golden had no intention of being found! A suspicious giggle from behind a recycling bin drew High Horse's attention. One more pony discovered, five more to go. And that was when Golden spotted the endearingly simple Frostpointe, perched in the middle of the sandbox, his forehooves covering his eyes. His ears wiggled with glee as High Horse trotted up to him. "Found you," she exclaimed, but he didn't move. "Found you?" Frostpointe remained still, other than snickering as though he was getting away with something. High Horse reached out and gently tapped him on the shoulder. "Frosty?" "Aww... I was hoping you weren't talking to me." He lowered his hooves. "I couldn't see you, so how did you see me?" Golden rolled her eyes, grinning to herself. Four down. She was almost to the halfway mark. She was going to win. Nothing was going to stop her. "Golden!" ... Except, maybe, her mother. "Golden Pants, come along, now." Her mother's voice was distant, and Golden spotted her on the opposite end of the playground. "Where are you, darling?" Golden stayed put. She wanted to win! Her mother could wait. Lyrica Lilac tapped a hoof impatiently. She wasn't going to wait, was she? But High Horse had just found Arrow hiding in the tree! That only left two other ponies! Golden nibbled on her lower lip. "Just a moment, Mom," she whispered under her breath. Lyrica walked over toward High Horse, who was starting to zero in on Crystal. "High Horse, sweetheart. Have you seen my daughter?" "Oh, no, ma'am!" High Horse ducked her head. "I haven't found her yet. We, um, we're playing hide-and-seek, and... she's hiding." "I see. Well, tell her to stop hiding." Lyrica waved a hoof. Golden felt something moving behind her, like a sudden swirl of wind but without the breeze. She recognized the sensation as magical in nature and turned her head to see Midnight Snow appearing from thin air. Midnight Snow lowered her head down to Golden's level. "Hey. Your mother's looking for you." "You cheated!" Golden gawked at her, eyes wide in shock. "What? No. The game is hide-and-seek. I was hiding. With a hiding spell." She straightened up. "Mrs. Lyrica, she's over here." Muttering under her breath, Golden leaned around the rose bush and offered a sheepish smile. "Hi, Mom." High Horse pranced in place. "Oh! That was a really good spot, Golden! I would have never found you there!" Lyrica huffed lightly as she waved a hoof to gesture Golden to her. "Come along, dear. I've signed you up for a camp this summer. You have to pass an interview first, so don't dally. Say goodbye to your friends." "Summer camp?" Golden's ears flattened to the sides. "But, Mom! I don't do summer camp!" The stare she received in response snapped her mouth shut. Summer camp? That was for filly scouts and tomcolts! Dragging her hooves, she made her way over to her mother and glanced back at her friends. High Horse waved her off with a smile and the others gathered around to decide on a new game. Her mother walked with a graceful air about her. Everything she did was graceful. She was basically grace ponified into a beautiful mare. "It's such a shame for your friend," Lyrica started. "That dreadful naming fad her mother fell for. High Horse, Mary Mare, Pony Tail... It's such a relief it didn't stick, though ponies like your friend are stuck with it." Her tail flicked. "Nonetheless, it's of no real consequence. You're destined for great things, my little sunshine. You're going to the same elite camp that made me the power pony I am today." "Power pony camp?" Golden's breath nearly caught in her throat as excitement flared within her. "Really? I'm finally old enough for it?!" Lyrica smiled down at her. "Well, that's up to you, now, isn't it? You're going to have to make it through an interview first. Make me proud, darling." Golden did her very best to match her mother's graceful stride, but she had to move too quick to keep up, so all grace was lost. She was going to learn to be just like her famous, powerful mother. There were fan clubs all across Equestria devoted to Lyrica Lilac, the Golden Voice of Opera. Determination replaced the feeling of excitement. Golden wanted to be the Golden Something of Anything, and learning how to be a power pony was the first step. ♕ A clock ticked on one wall of the spacious office, filling the awkward silence. Golden did her best not to fidget in the uncomfortably rigid chair. Across from her sat an older mare with a grey mane tied into a tight bun, her expression betraying no hint of emotion as she looked over a piece of paper. "Always keep your head high," her mother's voice snapped, and she straightened her posture. "Miss Golden Pants," the mare said, lifting her gaze, "why do you believe you should be enrolled in this summer's camp?" "Never let anypony bring you down." She had to avoid any language like 'believe', 'would like', 'hopefully', or 'please'. Her mother said those were weak words for weak ponies. Golden smiled and waved her hoof to paw at the air. Her mother did that all the time for whatever reason. "I don't, Ms. Influence. I know I should." Ms. Influence's ears perked and a smile crossed her lips. "Is that so? Well, that's a good attitude to have. But are you prepared for the work ahead? Becoming a power pony does not simply happen overnight. It takes hard work and determination to reach the top." "You are the star of your universe." "Oh, that's no concern, Ms. Influence." Golden tossed her mane over her shoulder and gave a winning smile. "I'll do whatever it takes to be the star." With a chuckle, Ms. Influence set aside the paper in her hooves and stood. "I expected nothing less from the daughter of Lyrica Lilac. One of our best success stories. She clearly trained you well, so there's no need for any further formalities of an interview. Come, then, let me show you around and introduce you to some of the ponies that have already enrolled." Golden daintily stepped down from the seat and walked alongside the older mare, doing her very best to imitate her mother's way of walking. That long stride of hers where she seemed to walk on air, her hooves barely touching the ground... "Here at the Canterlot Camp for Excellence, we train fillies to walk, talk, live, and breathe the life of the elite. We do not tolerate the average or the mundane. To become a pony like your mother and father, one must rise above." She wanted to pay attention. She absolutely wanted to, but her focus was drawn to the paintings that lined the walls of the hallway they walked. Mares and stallions were posed in fancy attire and looked down their noses at those who passed by. Her blood ran cold when she met her mother's painted gaze next to the smiling face of her father. Beautiful golden locks framed an equally beautiful face. Her mother was perfect in every way. Golden wanted to be perfect, too, just like her. Ms. Influence cleared her throat as she stood by a door that she held open. "Miss Pants?" Golden's ears flicked back. "Please, call me Golden." She trotted forward and through the doorway, freezing when she saw the group of ponies inside. Four fillies and two colts sat at a table, engaged in a conversation that abruptly ended when Golden had walked in. All eyes were on her. Greedy eyes that took her in and judged her worth right then and there. She felt suddenly small and insignificant under the weight of their stares. "Fillies and gentlecolts," Ms. Influence announced, "this is Golden Pants. She will be joining our camp this summer. I have five more interviews, so if you'll excuse me. Please enjoy the refreshments and mingle." Head high. Shoulders square. Tail not tucked between her legs. Golden started to walk forward, but the moment the door closed, their mouths opened. "Golden Pants? What sort of name is that?" one filly teased while another laughed behind a hoof. "Well, I suppose it's better than something dreadful like Golden Overalls." A colt ran a hoof through his mane. "Imagine how embarrassing that would be." A chorus of laughter circled the table and Golden felt a tremble start to overtake her. Never let anypony bring you down. Golden stuck her nose in the air and strode across the room to one of the empty seats. "Honestly, I would have expected better from ponies attempting to enter the world of elite. One never mocks a pony to their face." Once she was seated, she did her best impression of her mother's smiling sneer. The looks on their faces told her she had pulled it off. "You never know who you're talking to." One filly rolled her eyes. "Oh, right, sure. And who are we talking to?" Holding out one hoof to examine the glimmering polish, Golden said in an idle tone, "The daughter of Lyrica Lilac and Fancy Pants. Surely you know of them?" Silence dominated the room. She had won, so she allowed herself a victory smirk. Her parents were ponies everypony not only should know, but did know. That made her a somepony now, and she wasn't going to let these foals forget it. She was going to be the star. Somepony... Notice Me"Look at you," Lyrica cooed, running the brush through Golden's mane for the hundredth time. "You are growing into such a beautiful young mare. No stallion will be able to take his eyes off you once you're grown." Golden smiled at her reflection: a beautiful golden coat, eyes like sapphires, and a long waterfall of curls for a mane. "It's just such a shame that you didn't inherit my mane." Lyrica set the brush down and touched a hoof to one of the cascading curls. "But it has gorgeous volume. Color is easier to change than quality." Golden's smile faltered and she raised a hoof to caress the blue locks, almost protectively. "But I like my mane. It's pretty and it stands out! Isn't that important?" Lyrica clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. "Hmm... That is true." She smiled. "Well, sweetheart, it's time for you to head to school. Make me proud." "Yes, Mom!" Golden hopped off the vanity stool and pranced her way across her bedroom. The light glinted off one of the trophies resting on a shelf and she paused to admire her collection. Seven trophies all sat in a row, standing tall and proud. Every beauty pageant she entered, she won. She didn't have to wait until she was grown to be beautiful like her mother—she already was! Her gaze fell to her cutie mark while her magic retrieved her school satchel. A silver globe with red gems looked back at her, reminding her of her dream to win the Miss Equestria pageant when she was old enough to enter. Then she wouldn't just have a mark of the award, but she'd actually own one. It was a symbol of perfection, and she wanted it. She needed it. Someday, it would be hers. She would hold the little globe in her hoof, just like she would hold Equestria. She would not just be somepony, but she'd be the somepony. The somepony that everypony knew. The somepony that everypony wanted to be. She would never long for anything when everypony longed to be her. Golden stepped out of the house and paused to admire the view. Another beautiful day in Canterlot to start the morning off right. The sun was shining, the breeze was cool, and her best friend was waiting for her. "H-Hi, Golden!" High Horse said, straightening up from where she had been leaning against a lamppost. "I'll carry your bag for you." "I know." Golden tossed her mane as she trotted past the filly and dropped her magic's hold on the satchel so it landed at High Horse's hooves. "So, what do you have to report?" After levitating the satchel and hurrying after her, High Horse was already panting. She was dreadfully out of shape. She really needed to work on that. "Well, I followed them, like you asked. Crystal was no good at ballet, like you predicted. Except..." Golden glanced at her with one brow raised. Stalling was so unbecoming of a mare. "Except?" "Except she hurt herself. I-I think she twisted her ankle." Her ears wiggled and she dropped her gaze to the cobblestone street. "Velvet seemed really worried and upset about it." "She twisted her ankle?" Golden could hardly contain her victorious laughter. "How clumsy! Velvet Step was probably just upset that her little friend could be so ungraceful. It would be so embarrassing to invite somepony somewhere only to have them make a fool out of themselves!" This was just what she needed. Crystal was the example of everything Golden loathed. A pony with no ambitions. A pony who didn't appreciate the things she had. A pony who could be somepony, but chose to be a regular anypony! Well, Golden would show her the error of her ways. She'd lower her to a nopony, and then she might be grateful for what she had been given: an easy life with parents who loved her and went out of their way for her. There was a small falter in Golden's step, but she didn't stumble. She refused to stumble. ♕ The lunch bell rang and Golden smirked. It was time to put her plan into action. She slid out of her seat, landing with practiced care, and looked over at High Horse. High Horse nodded with understanding, then shifted her gaze to Velvet Step, the little filly from Manehattan who had moved to escape bullying. What a sweet, simple little dear. She had decided to become friends with Crystal Wishes, but Golden was going to fix that for both their sakes. Gliding over to Velvet's desk, Golden cooed, "Since Crystal Wishes isn't here to steal your time, why don't you hang out with us for a change?" Velvet's ears perked and she looked up at Golden, blinking in surprise. Her head bobbed as she looked around the room before returning her attention to Golden and High Horse. "Huh? Is it lunch already?" "It is!" High Horse exclaimed in such an unbecoming manner that Golden glared at her. Hadn't her mother raised her better? Honestly. "I-I mean, yes. It is." "Ugh." Golden rolled her eyes. So embarrassing. Quickly, she put a smile back on her face. "Why don't you tell us what happened yesterday? I heard Crystal hurt her ankle, the poor thing." Velvet, for some reason, seemed to be immune to Golden's charms. But that was impossible. Nopony was immune to her charms! "Why are you so mean, Golden?" "What are you talking about? I was just asking what happened!" Golden put a hoof on her chest in feigned offense. "There's no need for unjust accusation! But if that's how you're going to be, then fine. Come on, High Horse." Golden turned and started to trot to the door, her nose in the air and tail perked in proper form. Crystal was crafty. She had Velvet completely wrapped around her little hoof. Golden would need a better plan than this. She... ... wasn't being followed? Where were High Horse's hoofsteps? She wasn't the brightest, but surely she was smart enough to know how to follow. She'd been doing it well enough for years. "High Horse, I said come on." After a bit of silence that should have been filled with hooves chasing after her, a whisper responded instead. "No." "What?" Golden looked over her shoulder to see High Horse's ears folded back and her head ducked. Otherwise, she just stood there like a stubborn mule. All of a sudden, High Horse raised her head and met Golden's gaze with an unfamiliar look of determination on her face where admiration normally was. "I said no." Had High Horse lost her mind? She never said no! How could she say no?! Golden clenched her jaw as she stormed back the distance she had walked to shove her face in High Horse's. "What do you mean, 'no'?! We're going! What part of that don't you get?" At first, High Horse's ears started to fall back and she seemed to see reason. Then, out of nowhere, they stood back up. "I-I'm tired of having lunch with you." What? "All you do is complain or pick on me and my lunches, o-or both." But that was what they always did! High Horse's mother was always jumping on whatever the latest health craze was. And High Horse never lost a pound because of it, so of course Golden had to make remarks on how useless the diets were! High Horse said in a frighteningly stern voice, "I'm done being friends with you, Golden, if we were even friends to begin with!" Golden gawked at her. Where had this come from? Her expression snapped to one of irritation as rage bloomed within her. Crystal. Crystal was to blame. She must have said something to High Horse and filled her head with some stupid notion. Strange sounds escaped her, ones she didn't recognize, and she turned on her heel to face away from High Horse. "Fine!" she yelled, tears jumping to her eyes. "I'll just find myself a new friend! You're not irreplaceable!" She walked out of the classroom. Out of the school. Her carefully practiced stride was lost as she began to run through the courtyard and out into the streets. High Horse and her were supposed to be best friends forever. Longer than forever! How could she just turn on her all of a sudden? Didn't forever mean anything to her? Golden's breath was uneven and ragged as she simultaneously panted and sobbed. Her chest hurt more than it ever had before. Was that from running? She never ran. Or was that from the chaos of emotions inside her? Home wasn't close, but it didn't matter. School didn't matter—nothing mattered. She needed her mother's advice and her father's smile. She needed somepony to make sense of the mess she was suddenly in and fix it for her. She flung the door open and skidded to a halt inside, her chest tight as tears fell down her cheeks. She gasped for air and looked around. “M-Mom? Dad?” she managed between the hiccups and sobs. “Anypony?” Lyrica appeared on the landing at the top of the stairs and looked down at her with one brow raised. “Yes, dear?” Golden’s form trembled as she struggled against her tears. Always keep your head high. Never let anypony bring you down. You are the star of your universe. She tried to focus on the words that had been drilled into her, but all she could do was hear High Horse’s. ”I'm done being friends with you, Golden, if we even were friends to begin with!” Lyrica started to descend the stairs. “What happened? Why are you crying?” Golden dropped down to sit on the floor and rubbed at her face with one foreleg. “Hi-High Horse, my fr-friend said she doesn’t wa-want to be my friend any-anymore!” Lyrica stopped in front of her, clicking her tongue. “Oh, sweetie.” She gently stroked Golden’s blue locks. “I’m so sorry she hurt you.” “Wh-What do I do? Should I apolo-apologize?” Golden sniffled. She lowered her foreleg to look up at her mother, eyes puffy and sore. Lyrica mulled over a response for a moment before she cupped Golden’s cheek. “Well, dear, you can either have friends or not. It’s up to you. You are in charge of your destiny.” The words felt cold against Golden’s hot emotions. Instead of cooling the turmoil within her, it only worsened the whole ordeal. Then, slowly, she started to feel empty as she clung to the words that gave her hope. It was up to her. She was in control. “You’ll figure it out, Golden. You’re a smart filly.” Lyrica turned and started up the stairs. “If you need anything, I’ll be in my room. I have a performance tonight and I can’t get my mane quite right.” Golden just sat there, watching her mother’s hooves until they disappeared from sight. She trembled until the tears started up again. It was up to her. And she never wanted to feel this way again. She never wanted to feel so hurt, so upset, so… alone. Never again. ... notice me... PleaseGlittering chandeliers. Formal tuxedos. Long evening gowns. Unlimited cocktails and hors d'oeuvre. Backhoofed compliments said with a smile and vicious gossip whispered behind hooves. This was the life Au had always dreamed of. She had long since achieved Equestria-wide success, leaving the little filly Golden behind. Now she was the pony everypony longed to be. "Au, darling," said a mare Au didn't care to recognize, "you simply must pass my regards to your mother. Her latest tour was absolutely phenomenal." Au's expression was flawless. She knew that. Nothing ever escaped her composure. On the inside, however, she bucked over the nearest waiter and watched as the champagne flutes went flying, shattering when they hit the ground and making an absolute mess. It was a satisfying daydream. She had not gotten to where she was to play messenger mare for her dearest mother. "I'll be sure to let her know," Au said with a voice as smooth as silk and promptly tossed the mental note in the bin. "Now, if you'll excuse me, please." She smiled and strode past the mare. Perfect poise. Hooves landing with gliding precision. Back arched just right. Head inclined to catch the light in her eyes. Tail perked to draw attention to her assets. Through the crowd, she spotted him: her current stallionfriend. Certainly not the first, and most certainly not the last. The only thing constant about her companions was how they never stayed. It was worth it, though; it was worth it just to not be alone. This one was a fashion critic who had written an article about her father's latest line. She had been his star interview, and now she was his star. There he was, standing tall and dashing in his tuxedo, a pair of glasses resting on the end of his snout. The dark grey color of his coat was contrasted by the light green mane and tail. And he was particularly contrasted by the mare latched onto his foreleg like a loathsome leech. Her cute little red pixie-cut mane, her bright blue eyes that couldn't possibly compare to the sapphire of Au's... Who was she? Au kept her head held high as she approached them. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend, Nitpick, darling?" His ears turned to her before his head did. "Good evening, Miss Au." "'Miss' Au?" She stopped short, arching one brow. Nitpick didn't acknowledge her, continuing as though she hadn't spoken at all. "This is my marefriend, Kitten." His marefriend. He hadn't even taken the time to break up with her properly. A strange bitterness gripped her chest as she stood there. She couldn't speak at first. If she spoke, her composure would fall. If her composure fell, she would fall. And Au would never fall. "I see." She offered her hoof to the little doll of a mare. "Charmed, I'm sure." "Oh, golly," Kitten said in an annoyingly country accent. Her nose scrunched up and she gave a snorting giggle. Deplorable. "It sure is nice to meet a fellow model!" "Model?" Au scoffed more than said, her hoof still suspended in the air, waiting. "You?" Kitten beamed. "Yes, ma'am! Nitty here did a review of a little ol' show I was in down in Appleoosa, an' he brought me here to the big city of Canterlot to get my start!" "It's a refreshing breath of fresh air," Nitpick said, smiling up at Au, daggers in his eyes. "A new face in the world of fashion. Canterlot is so getting tired of seeing the same thing year after year. Ponies do so hate old news, you know." Was he calling her old news? Au felt her hackles raise and she lifted the hoof up to her face to conceal a laugh. "Oh, I see. Well, Nitty, be sure to take good care of your kitty." She leaned in to place a cordial kiss on his cheek that she wished was laced with venom. "You certainly are an expert at that." He stiffened and she smirked. Better than venom, she would ruin his career. He would never get an interview with her or her father ever again. Her dad would listen to her. He always listened to her when it didn't really matter. "Ciao, darlings." She turned and walked away from them, the bitterness returning. That meant she was without a date for the charity banquet for who-even-cared-what. She couldn't be seen alone. The very notion was absolutely unthinkable. Somepony had to fill his place. Her gaze met that of a stallion she vaguely recognized as a photographer who had been at her last fashion show. He would do. Tossing her mane over one shoulder, she strode up to him, ensuring everything was in place. Stride. Mane. Posture. Sparkle. "Hello," she practically purred. "I'm—" "Oh, please, as if you need to introduce yourself." He took her hoof before she could even offer it and lifted it to his lips, his brilliant ruby eyes never leaving hers. "Delighted to meet you." Au smiled and angled her head just slightly. "How delighted?" After a brief pause, he leaned in closer, kissing higher up her foreleg. "Quite." "Well, I'm flattered." She fluttered her long, luscious lashes. "It's a shame more stallions can't see your point of view." "Is that so? That is their loss, then; this point of view is to die for." He kissed the crook where her foreleg bent, sending a small, pleasant tingle down her spine. Oh, yes. He would do nicely. ♕ "Good morning, Miss Au," a soft voice said. "It's time to wake up." Au groaned. Her head throbbed with a deep pain and she ached all over from a night well spent. Slowly, she cracked open one eye to see a figure leaning over her, and her lips curled into a coy smile. "Mm, good morning, handsome." He cleared his throat. "I'm afraid your... companion from last night has already left, Miss Au." Of course he had. They always left. But, wait—then who was by her bed? Au's smile fell and she opened the other eye as she lifted her head. In the dim light of her bedroom, his features were barely recognizable, but once she figured out who it was, she frowned. "Oh. Good morning, Dusty." Dusty Might—her personal valet. Her stallionservant. Her errand colt. Her whatever-she-felt-like-calling-him-that-day. He was a fit earth pony with a mane that resembled a wet mop sitting atop his head, and a tail to match. His pale blue coat contrasted with the dark brown mop-mane that covered most of his face. The stallion looked down at her with drooping lilac eyes. They always looked so tired. Did he never sleep, or was he just born with them? She dropped her head back onto the pillow and faced away from him. "I've brought your coffee and breakfast, Miss Au." Her ear twitched at the sound of a tray being set on the nightstand and she rolled just enough to peer at him out of the corner of one eye. "I'm not hungry." Her gaze trailed over his form. "For breakfast." She rolled over all the way to face him, pushed herself up, and wrapped her forelegs around his neck. With her muzzle right by his ear, she whispered, "Why don't you take care of me?" Dusty didn't flinch, falter, or really react at all; he never did. "I'm trying to. Eat your breakfast and I'll read your letters." Au sighed and pulled away from him with a pout on her lips. "Don't you find me pretty?" Her magic pulled the covers back to expose the rest of her form while she stretched out into an alluring pose. "Gorgeous, even? How can you always say no to me?" Without missing a beat, Dusty lifted the stack of envelopes that had been tucked under one foreleg. "You have two bills, three fan letters, and what seems to be a wedding invitation." The thoughts of seducing him vanished and she levitated the bagel off its plate. "A wedding invitation? Open that one. See if it's anypony important." While Dusty opened the envelope, she munched on the bagel and mulled over her wedding checklist. She'd need a new dress and jewelry, for starters, and a date. She could not show up to a wedding without a date. That photographer would make for good leg candy, though she had a feeling that was just an empty fling like all the rest. He'd be long gone by the time this wedding rolled around. After all, she didn't even know his name. "Ah, here we are. You have been invited to the wedding of Crystal Wishes and Silent Knight on—" Au's blood ran cold. Her magic flickered out, dropping the bagel onto the bed, and her eyes widened. "What?" Dusty glanced between the invitation and her. "Which part?" "No." She snatched it out of his grasp and stared at the words, reading them over a few times. Crystal Wishes? She was getting married? When she felt a tremble start to overtake her, she quickly snapped, "You're dismissed for the day." "But—" She glared up at him. "I said you're dismissed. Leave." With a confused look on his face, Dusty simply nodded, set the rest of the letters on the nightstand, and left the bedroom. When the door shut behind him, Au dropped her composure. Her breathing went ragged, a cold sweat overtook her, and her jaw clenched. Slowly, the invitation started to tear in half as her magic pulled it apart. Then in quarters. Then in smaller and smaller pieces, each rip more frantic than the last, until she had shredded it so tiny that all she could do was throw them away. As the confetti of bad news fell to the floor, Au jumped off the bed and stormed toward the door. That miserable mare was getting married. Of course she was! She had everything else, so why not add a husband to her wonderful little life? She burst into the main room of her spacious luxury condo and looked around. It was empty; Dusty had left. Yes, she had told him to, but he should have known better! He should have stayed. Nopony ever stayed. A quiet sob fell from her lips and she stomped a hoof. Why was she so upset? She had everything she had ever wanted! One wall of the living room was covered in trophies, medals, awards, and framed prints of every magazine cover she had been featured on. Her beautiful face looked back at her from every angle in gorgeous gowns most mares could only dream of looking at, much less wear. In the center of it all was a silver globe dotted with red gems. Two years ago, she had become Miss Equestria. The trophy that matched her cutie mark belonged to her. She was the most beautiful mare in the entire kingdom. Stallions lined up to spend just one—and only one—night with her. Mares fell at her hooves, begging to be her, even if for only just one day. She had achieved her lifelong dream, so... why wasn't she happy? ... please.
Somepony"Eight..." Golden Pants giggled, ducking lower behind the bush at the edge of the neighborhood playground. She could see several ponies from where she was huddled. Clarity had climbed on top of the monkey bars—as if height would save her. Crystal Wishes's hooves peeked out from underneath the slide, but she was otherwise hidden. Decent enough. A blue-and-red tail hung down from the foliage of a tree in the yard. Close, but not quite. High Horse stood on her hindlegs, her forelegs crossed and braced against the tree, counting up until it became time for her to seek them all out. "... Nine..." Golden curled up into a little ball with her tail wrapped around her hooves. She had the best hiding spot: a row of yellow rose bushes that matched her coat perfectly. Her blue mane and tail didn't quite blend in, though, so she had to make herself as small as possible. "... Ten!" High Horse lifted her head and looked around. "Ready or not, here I come!" The blue filly trotted forward, pranced in a circle, and paused. Her ears flicked this way and that while her gaze darted about, searching, seeking. She mumbled to herself and, when she tilted her head back, she pointed at Clarity. "Found you!" "Aww!" Clarity swung down to hang from her hindlegs, then dropped onto the grass. "Shucks!" High Horse smiled. She was pleased with herself, the silly filly. But she still had six ponies to go, and Golden had no intention of being found! A suspicious giggle from behind a recycling bin drew High Horse's attention. One more pony discovered, five more to go. And that was when Golden spotted the endearingly simple Frostpointe, perched in the middle of the sandbox, his forehooves covering his eyes. His ears wiggled with glee as High Horse trotted up to him. "Found you," she exclaimed, but he didn't move. "Found you?" Frostpointe remained still, other than snickering as though he was getting away with something. High Horse reached out and gently tapped him on the shoulder. "Frosty?" "Aww... I was hoping you weren't talking to me." He lowered his hooves. "I couldn't see you, so how did you see me?" Golden rolled her eyes, grinning to herself. Four down. She was almost to the halfway mark. She was going to win. Nothing was going to stop her. "Golden!" ... Except, maybe, her mother. "Golden Pants, come along, now." Her mother's voice was distant, and Golden spotted her on the opposite end of the playground. "Where are you, darling?" Golden stayed put. She wanted to win! Her mother could wait. Lyrica Lilac tapped a hoof impatiently. She wasn't going to wait, was she? But High Horse had just found Arrow hiding in the tree! That only left two other ponies! Golden nibbled on her lower lip. "Just a moment, Mom," she whispered under her breath. Lyrica walked over toward High Horse, who was starting to zero in on Crystal. "High Horse, sweetheart. Have you seen my daughter?" "Oh, no, ma'am!" High Horse ducked her head. "I haven't found her yet. We, um, we're playing hide-and-seek, and... she's hiding." "I see. Well, tell her to stop hiding." Lyrica waved a hoof. Golden felt something moving behind her, like a sudden swirl of wind but without the breeze. She recognized the sensation as magical in nature and turned her head to see Midnight Snow appearing from thin air. Midnight Snow lowered her head down to Golden's level. "Hey. Your mother's looking for you." "You cheated!" Golden gawked at her, eyes wide in shock. "What? No. The game is hide-and-seek. I was hiding. With a hiding spell." She straightened up. "Mrs. Lyrica, she's over here." Muttering under her breath, Golden leaned around the rose bush and offered a sheepish smile. "Hi, Mom." High Horse pranced in place. "Oh! That was a really good spot, Golden! I would have never found you there!" Lyrica huffed lightly as she waved a hoof to gesture Golden to her. "Come along, dear. I've signed you up for a camp this summer. You have to pass an interview first, so don't dally. Say goodbye to your friends." "Summer camp?" Golden's ears flattened to the sides. "But, Mom! I don't do summer camp!" The stare she received in response snapped her mouth shut. Summer camp? That was for filly scouts and tomcolts! Dragging her hooves, she made her way over to her mother and glanced back at her friends. High Horse waved her off with a smile and the others gathered around to decide on a new game. Her mother walked with a graceful air about her. Everything she did was graceful. She was basically grace ponified into a beautiful mare. "It's such a shame for your friend," Lyrica started. "That dreadful naming fad her mother fell for. High Horse, Mary Mare, Pony Tail... It's such a relief it didn't stick, though ponies like your friend are stuck with it." Her tail flicked. "Nonetheless, it's of no real consequence. You're destined for great things, my little sunshine. You're going to the same elite camp that made me the power pony I am today." "Power pony camp?" Golden's breath nearly caught in her throat as excitement flared within her. "Really? I'm finally old enough for it?!" Lyrica smiled down at her. "Well, that's up to you, now, isn't it? You're going to have to make it through an interview first. Make me proud, darling." Golden did her very best to match her mother's graceful stride, but she had to move too quick to keep up, so all grace was lost. She was going to learn to be just like her famous, powerful mother. There were fan clubs all across Equestria devoted to Lyrica Lilac, the Golden Voice of Opera. Determination replaced the feeling of excitement. Golden wanted to be the Golden Something of Anything, and learning how to be a power pony was the first step. ♕ A clock ticked on one wall of the spacious office, filling the awkward silence. Golden did her best not to fidget in the uncomfortably rigid chair. Across from her sat an older mare with a grey mane tied into a tight bun, her expression betraying no hint of emotion as she looked over a piece of paper. "Always keep your head high," her mother's voice snapped, and she straightened her posture. "Miss Golden Pants," the mare said, lifting her gaze, "why do you believe you should be enrolled in this summer's camp?" "Never let anypony bring you down." She had to avoid any language like 'believe', 'would like', 'hopefully', or 'please'. Her mother said those were weak words for weak ponies. Golden smiled and waved her hoof to paw at the air. Her mother did that all the time for whatever reason. "I don't, Ms. Influence. I know I should." Ms. Influence's ears perked and a smile crossed her lips. "Is that so? Well, that's a good attitude to have. But are you prepared for the work ahead? Becoming a power pony does not simply happen overnight. It takes hard work and determination to reach the top." "You are the star of your universe." "Oh, that's no concern, Ms. Influence." Golden tossed her mane over her shoulder and gave a winning smile. "I'll do whatever it takes to be the star." With a chuckle, Ms. Influence set aside the paper in her hooves and stood. "I expected nothing less from the daughter of Lyrica Lilac. One of our best success stories. She clearly trained you well, so there's no need for any further formalities of an interview. Come, then, let me show you around and introduce you to some of the ponies that have already enrolled." Golden daintily stepped down from the seat and walked alongside the older mare, doing her very best to imitate her mother's way of walking. That long stride of hers where she seemed to walk on air, her hooves barely touching the ground... "Here at the Canterlot Camp for Excellence, we train fillies to walk, talk, live, and breathe the life of the elite. We do not tolerate the average or the mundane. To become a pony like your mother and father, one must rise above." She wanted to pay attention. She absolutely wanted to, but her focus was drawn to the paintings that lined the walls of the hallway they walked. Mares and stallions were posed in fancy attire and looked down their noses at those who passed by. Her blood ran cold when she met her mother's painted gaze next to the smiling face of her father. Beautiful golden locks framed an equally beautiful face. Her mother was perfect in every way. Golden wanted to be perfect, too, just like her. Ms. Influence cleared her throat as she stood by a door that she held open. "Miss Pants?" Golden's ears flicked back. "Please, call me Golden." She trotted forward and through the doorway, freezing when she saw the group of ponies inside. Four fillies and two colts sat at a table, engaged in a conversation that abruptly ended when Golden had walked in. All eyes were on her. Greedy eyes that took her in and judged her worth right then and there. She felt suddenly small and insignificant under the weight of their stares. "Fillies and gentlecolts," Ms. Influence announced, "this is Golden Pants. She will be joining our camp this summer. I have five more interviews, so if you'll excuse me. Please enjoy the refreshments and mingle." Head high. Shoulders square. Tail not tucked between her legs. Golden started to walk forward, but the moment the door closed, their mouths opened. "Golden Pants? What sort of name is that?" one filly teased while another laughed behind a hoof. "Well, I suppose it's better than something dreadful like Golden Overalls." A colt ran a hoof through his mane. "Imagine how embarrassing that would be." A chorus of laughter circled the table and Golden felt a tremble start to overtake her. Never let anypony bring you down. Golden stuck her nose in the air and strode across the room to one of the empty seats. "Honestly, I would have expected better from ponies attempting to enter the world of elite. One never mocks a pony to their face." Once she was seated, she did her best impression of her mother's smiling sneer. The looks on their faces told her she had pulled it off. "You never know who you're talking to." One filly rolled her eyes. "Oh, right, sure. And who are we talking to?" Holding out one hoof to examine the glimmering polish, Golden said in an idle tone, "The daughter of Lyrica Lilac and Fancy Pants. Surely you know of them?" Silence dominated the room. She had won, so she allowed herself a victory smirk. Her parents were ponies everypony not only should know, but did know. That made her a somepony now, and she wasn't going to let these foals forget it. She was going to be the star. Somepony...
Notice Me"Look at you," Lyrica cooed, running the brush through Golden's mane for the hundredth time. "You are growing into such a beautiful young mare. No stallion will be able to take his eyes off you once you're grown." Golden smiled at her reflection: a beautiful golden coat, eyes like sapphires, and a long waterfall of curls for a mane. "It's just such a shame that you didn't inherit my mane." Lyrica set the brush down and touched a hoof to one of the cascading curls. "But it has gorgeous volume. Color is easier to change than quality." Golden's smile faltered and she raised a hoof to caress the blue locks, almost protectively. "But I like my mane. It's pretty and it stands out! Isn't that important?" Lyrica clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. "Hmm... That is true." She smiled. "Well, sweetheart, it's time for you to head to school. Make me proud." "Yes, Mom!" Golden hopped off the vanity stool and pranced her way across her bedroom. The light glinted off one of the trophies resting on a shelf and she paused to admire her collection. Seven trophies all sat in a row, standing tall and proud. Every beauty pageant she entered, she won. She didn't have to wait until she was grown to be beautiful like her mother—she already was! Her gaze fell to her cutie mark while her magic retrieved her school satchel. A silver globe with red gems looked back at her, reminding her of her dream to win the Miss Equestria pageant when she was old enough to enter. Then she wouldn't just have a mark of the award, but she'd actually own one. It was a symbol of perfection, and she wanted it. She needed it. Someday, it would be hers. She would hold the little globe in her hoof, just like she would hold Equestria. She would not just be somepony, but she'd be the somepony. The somepony that everypony knew. The somepony that everypony wanted to be. She would never long for anything when everypony longed to be her. Golden stepped out of the house and paused to admire the view. Another beautiful day in Canterlot to start the morning off right. The sun was shining, the breeze was cool, and her best friend was waiting for her. "H-Hi, Golden!" High Horse said, straightening up from where she had been leaning against a lamppost. "I'll carry your bag for you." "I know." Golden tossed her mane as she trotted past the filly and dropped her magic's hold on the satchel so it landed at High Horse's hooves. "So, what do you have to report?" After levitating the satchel and hurrying after her, High Horse was already panting. She was dreadfully out of shape. She really needed to work on that. "Well, I followed them, like you asked. Crystal was no good at ballet, like you predicted. Except..." Golden glanced at her with one brow raised. Stalling was so unbecoming of a mare. "Except?" "Except she hurt herself. I-I think she twisted her ankle." Her ears wiggled and she dropped her gaze to the cobblestone street. "Velvet seemed really worried and upset about it." "She twisted her ankle?" Golden could hardly contain her victorious laughter. "How clumsy! Velvet Step was probably just upset that her little friend could be so ungraceful. It would be so embarrassing to invite somepony somewhere only to have them make a fool out of themselves!" This was just what she needed. Crystal was the example of everything Golden loathed. A pony with no ambitions. A pony who didn't appreciate the things she had. A pony who could be somepony, but chose to be a regular anypony! Well, Golden would show her the error of her ways. She'd lower her to a nopony, and then she might be grateful for what she had been given: an easy life with parents who loved her and went out of their way for her. There was a small falter in Golden's step, but she didn't stumble. She refused to stumble. ♕ The lunch bell rang and Golden smirked. It was time to put her plan into action. She slid out of her seat, landing with practiced care, and looked over at High Horse. High Horse nodded with understanding, then shifted her gaze to Velvet Step, the little filly from Manehattan who had moved to escape bullying. What a sweet, simple little dear. She had decided to become friends with Crystal Wishes, but Golden was going to fix that for both their sakes. Gliding over to Velvet's desk, Golden cooed, "Since Crystal Wishes isn't here to steal your time, why don't you hang out with us for a change?" Velvet's ears perked and she looked up at Golden, blinking in surprise. Her head bobbed as she looked around the room before returning her attention to Golden and High Horse. "Huh? Is it lunch already?" "It is!" High Horse exclaimed in such an unbecoming manner that Golden glared at her. Hadn't her mother raised her better? Honestly. "I-I mean, yes. It is." "Ugh." Golden rolled her eyes. So embarrassing. Quickly, she put a smile back on her face. "Why don't you tell us what happened yesterday? I heard Crystal hurt her ankle, the poor thing." Velvet, for some reason, seemed to be immune to Golden's charms. But that was impossible. Nopony was immune to her charms! "Why are you so mean, Golden?" "What are you talking about? I was just asking what happened!" Golden put a hoof on her chest in feigned offense. "There's no need for unjust accusation! But if that's how you're going to be, then fine. Come on, High Horse." Golden turned and started to trot to the door, her nose in the air and tail perked in proper form. Crystal was crafty. She had Velvet completely wrapped around her little hoof. Golden would need a better plan than this. She... ... wasn't being followed? Where were High Horse's hoofsteps? She wasn't the brightest, but surely she was smart enough to know how to follow. She'd been doing it well enough for years. "High Horse, I said come on." After a bit of silence that should have been filled with hooves chasing after her, a whisper responded instead. "No." "What?" Golden looked over her shoulder to see High Horse's ears folded back and her head ducked. Otherwise, she just stood there like a stubborn mule. All of a sudden, High Horse raised her head and met Golden's gaze with an unfamiliar look of determination on her face where admiration normally was. "I said no." Had High Horse lost her mind? She never said no! How could she say no?! Golden clenched her jaw as she stormed back the distance she had walked to shove her face in High Horse's. "What do you mean, 'no'?! We're going! What part of that don't you get?" At first, High Horse's ears started to fall back and she seemed to see reason. Then, out of nowhere, they stood back up. "I-I'm tired of having lunch with you." What? "All you do is complain or pick on me and my lunches, o-or both." But that was what they always did! High Horse's mother was always jumping on whatever the latest health craze was. And High Horse never lost a pound because of it, so of course Golden had to make remarks on how useless the diets were! High Horse said in a frighteningly stern voice, "I'm done being friends with you, Golden, if we were even friends to begin with!" Golden gawked at her. Where had this come from? Her expression snapped to one of irritation as rage bloomed within her. Crystal. Crystal was to blame. She must have said something to High Horse and filled her head with some stupid notion. Strange sounds escaped her, ones she didn't recognize, and she turned on her heel to face away from High Horse. "Fine!" she yelled, tears jumping to her eyes. "I'll just find myself a new friend! You're not irreplaceable!" She walked out of the classroom. Out of the school. Her carefully practiced stride was lost as she began to run through the courtyard and out into the streets. High Horse and her were supposed to be best friends forever. Longer than forever! How could she just turn on her all of a sudden? Didn't forever mean anything to her? Golden's breath was uneven and ragged as she simultaneously panted and sobbed. Her chest hurt more than it ever had before. Was that from running? She never ran. Or was that from the chaos of emotions inside her? Home wasn't close, but it didn't matter. School didn't matter—nothing mattered. She needed her mother's advice and her father's smile. She needed somepony to make sense of the mess she was suddenly in and fix it for her. She flung the door open and skidded to a halt inside, her chest tight as tears fell down her cheeks. She gasped for air and looked around. “M-Mom? Dad?” she managed between the hiccups and sobs. “Anypony?” Lyrica appeared on the landing at the top of the stairs and looked down at her with one brow raised. “Yes, dear?” Golden’s form trembled as she struggled against her tears. Always keep your head high. Never let anypony bring you down. You are the star of your universe. She tried to focus on the words that had been drilled into her, but all she could do was hear High Horse’s. ”I'm done being friends with you, Golden, if we even were friends to begin with!” Lyrica started to descend the stairs. “What happened? Why are you crying?” Golden dropped down to sit on the floor and rubbed at her face with one foreleg. “Hi-High Horse, my fr-friend said she doesn’t wa-want to be my friend any-anymore!” Lyrica stopped in front of her, clicking her tongue. “Oh, sweetie.” She gently stroked Golden’s blue locks. “I’m so sorry she hurt you.” “Wh-What do I do? Should I apolo-apologize?” Golden sniffled. She lowered her foreleg to look up at her mother, eyes puffy and sore. Lyrica mulled over a response for a moment before she cupped Golden’s cheek. “Well, dear, you can either have friends or not. It’s up to you. You are in charge of your destiny.” The words felt cold against Golden’s hot emotions. Instead of cooling the turmoil within her, it only worsened the whole ordeal. Then, slowly, she started to feel empty as she clung to the words that gave her hope. It was up to her. She was in control. “You’ll figure it out, Golden. You’re a smart filly.” Lyrica turned and started up the stairs. “If you need anything, I’ll be in my room. I have a performance tonight and I can’t get my mane quite right.” Golden just sat there, watching her mother’s hooves until they disappeared from sight. She trembled until the tears started up again. It was up to her. And she never wanted to feel this way again. She never wanted to feel so hurt, so upset, so… alone. Never again. ... notice me...
PleaseGlittering chandeliers. Formal tuxedos. Long evening gowns. Unlimited cocktails and hors d'oeuvre. Backhoofed compliments said with a smile and vicious gossip whispered behind hooves. This was the life Au had always dreamed of. She had long since achieved Equestria-wide success, leaving the little filly Golden behind. Now she was the pony everypony longed to be. "Au, darling," said a mare Au didn't care to recognize, "you simply must pass my regards to your mother. Her latest tour was absolutely phenomenal." Au's expression was flawless. She knew that. Nothing ever escaped her composure. On the inside, however, she bucked over the nearest waiter and watched as the champagne flutes went flying, shattering when they hit the ground and making an absolute mess. It was a satisfying daydream. She had not gotten to where she was to play messenger mare for her dearest mother. "I'll be sure to let her know," Au said with a voice as smooth as silk and promptly tossed the mental note in the bin. "Now, if you'll excuse me, please." She smiled and strode past the mare. Perfect poise. Hooves landing with gliding precision. Back arched just right. Head inclined to catch the light in her eyes. Tail perked to draw attention to her assets. Through the crowd, she spotted him: her current stallionfriend. Certainly not the first, and most certainly not the last. The only thing constant about her companions was how they never stayed. It was worth it, though; it was worth it just to not be alone. This one was a fashion critic who had written an article about her father's latest line. She had been his star interview, and now she was his star. There he was, standing tall and dashing in his tuxedo, a pair of glasses resting on the end of his snout. The dark grey color of his coat was contrasted by the light green mane and tail. And he was particularly contrasted by the mare latched onto his foreleg like a loathsome leech. Her cute little red pixie-cut mane, her bright blue eyes that couldn't possibly compare to the sapphire of Au's... Who was she? Au kept her head held high as she approached them. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend, Nitpick, darling?" His ears turned to her before his head did. "Good evening, Miss Au." "'Miss' Au?" She stopped short, arching one brow. Nitpick didn't acknowledge her, continuing as though she hadn't spoken at all. "This is my marefriend, Kitten." His marefriend. He hadn't even taken the time to break up with her properly. A strange bitterness gripped her chest as she stood there. She couldn't speak at first. If she spoke, her composure would fall. If her composure fell, she would fall. And Au would never fall. "I see." She offered her hoof to the little doll of a mare. "Charmed, I'm sure." "Oh, golly," Kitten said in an annoyingly country accent. Her nose scrunched up and she gave a snorting giggle. Deplorable. "It sure is nice to meet a fellow model!" "Model?" Au scoffed more than said, her hoof still suspended in the air, waiting. "You?" Kitten beamed. "Yes, ma'am! Nitty here did a review of a little ol' show I was in down in Appleoosa, an' he brought me here to the big city of Canterlot to get my start!" "It's a refreshing breath of fresh air," Nitpick said, smiling up at Au, daggers in his eyes. "A new face in the world of fashion. Canterlot is so getting tired of seeing the same thing year after year. Ponies do so hate old news, you know." Was he calling her old news? Au felt her hackles raise and she lifted the hoof up to her face to conceal a laugh. "Oh, I see. Well, Nitty, be sure to take good care of your kitty." She leaned in to place a cordial kiss on his cheek that she wished was laced with venom. "You certainly are an expert at that." He stiffened and she smirked. Better than venom, she would ruin his career. He would never get an interview with her or her father ever again. Her dad would listen to her. He always listened to her when it didn't really matter. "Ciao, darlings." She turned and walked away from them, the bitterness returning. That meant she was without a date for the charity banquet for who-even-cared-what. She couldn't be seen alone. The very notion was absolutely unthinkable. Somepony had to fill his place. Her gaze met that of a stallion she vaguely recognized as a photographer who had been at her last fashion show. He would do. Tossing her mane over one shoulder, she strode up to him, ensuring everything was in place. Stride. Mane. Posture. Sparkle. "Hello," she practically purred. "I'm—" "Oh, please, as if you need to introduce yourself." He took her hoof before she could even offer it and lifted it to his lips, his brilliant ruby eyes never leaving hers. "Delighted to meet you." Au smiled and angled her head just slightly. "How delighted?" After a brief pause, he leaned in closer, kissing higher up her foreleg. "Quite." "Well, I'm flattered." She fluttered her long, luscious lashes. "It's a shame more stallions can't see your point of view." "Is that so? That is their loss, then; this point of view is to die for." He kissed the crook where her foreleg bent, sending a small, pleasant tingle down her spine. Oh, yes. He would do nicely. ♕ "Good morning, Miss Au," a soft voice said. "It's time to wake up." Au groaned. Her head throbbed with a deep pain and she ached all over from a night well spent. Slowly, she cracked open one eye to see a figure leaning over her, and her lips curled into a coy smile. "Mm, good morning, handsome." He cleared his throat. "I'm afraid your... companion from last night has already left, Miss Au." Of course he had. They always left. But, wait—then who was by her bed? Au's smile fell and she opened the other eye as she lifted her head. In the dim light of her bedroom, his features were barely recognizable, but once she figured out who it was, she frowned. "Oh. Good morning, Dusty." Dusty Might—her personal valet. Her stallionservant. Her errand colt. Her whatever-she-felt-like-calling-him-that-day. He was a fit earth pony with a mane that resembled a wet mop sitting atop his head, and a tail to match. His pale blue coat contrasted with the dark brown mop-mane that covered most of his face. The stallion looked down at her with drooping lilac eyes. They always looked so tired. Did he never sleep, or was he just born with them? She dropped her head back onto the pillow and faced away from him. "I've brought your coffee and breakfast, Miss Au." Her ear twitched at the sound of a tray being set on the nightstand and she rolled just enough to peer at him out of the corner of one eye. "I'm not hungry." Her gaze trailed over his form. "For breakfast." She rolled over all the way to face him, pushed herself up, and wrapped her forelegs around his neck. With her muzzle right by his ear, she whispered, "Why don't you take care of me?" Dusty didn't flinch, falter, or really react at all; he never did. "I'm trying to. Eat your breakfast and I'll read your letters." Au sighed and pulled away from him with a pout on her lips. "Don't you find me pretty?" Her magic pulled the covers back to expose the rest of her form while she stretched out into an alluring pose. "Gorgeous, even? How can you always say no to me?" Without missing a beat, Dusty lifted the stack of envelopes that had been tucked under one foreleg. "You have two bills, three fan letters, and what seems to be a wedding invitation." The thoughts of seducing him vanished and she levitated the bagel off its plate. "A wedding invitation? Open that one. See if it's anypony important." While Dusty opened the envelope, she munched on the bagel and mulled over her wedding checklist. She'd need a new dress and jewelry, for starters, and a date. She could not show up to a wedding without a date. That photographer would make for good leg candy, though she had a feeling that was just an empty fling like all the rest. He'd be long gone by the time this wedding rolled around. After all, she didn't even know his name. "Ah, here we are. You have been invited to the wedding of Crystal Wishes and Silent Knight on—" Au's blood ran cold. Her magic flickered out, dropping the bagel onto the bed, and her eyes widened. "What?" Dusty glanced between the invitation and her. "Which part?" "No." She snatched it out of his grasp and stared at the words, reading them over a few times. Crystal Wishes? She was getting married? When she felt a tremble start to overtake her, she quickly snapped, "You're dismissed for the day." "But—" She glared up at him. "I said you're dismissed. Leave." With a confused look on his face, Dusty simply nodded, set the rest of the letters on the nightstand, and left the bedroom. When the door shut behind him, Au dropped her composure. Her breathing went ragged, a cold sweat overtook her, and her jaw clenched. Slowly, the invitation started to tear in half as her magic pulled it apart. Then in quarters. Then in smaller and smaller pieces, each rip more frantic than the last, until she had shredded it so tiny that all she could do was throw them away. As the confetti of bad news fell to the floor, Au jumped off the bed and stormed toward the door. That miserable mare was getting married. Of course she was! She had everything else, so why not add a husband to her wonderful little life? She burst into the main room of her spacious luxury condo and looked around. It was empty; Dusty had left. Yes, she had told him to, but he should have known better! He should have stayed. Nopony ever stayed. A quiet sob fell from her lips and she stomped a hoof. Why was she so upset? She had everything she had ever wanted! One wall of the living room was covered in trophies, medals, awards, and framed prints of every magazine cover she had been featured on. Her beautiful face looked back at her from every angle in gorgeous gowns most mares could only dream of looking at, much less wear. In the center of it all was a silver globe dotted with red gems. Two years ago, she had become Miss Equestria. The trophy that matched her cutie mark belonged to her. She was the most beautiful mare in the entire kingdom. Stallions lined up to spend just one—and only one—night with her. Mares fell at her hooves, begging to be her, even if for only just one day. She had achieved her lifelong dream, so... why wasn't she happy? ... please.
