The Tale of RariDash - Series 1

Chapters

Chapter 1 - The Fabulous Friendship
Chapter 2 - Bedtime for Best Friends
Chapter 3 - The Perfect Picnic
Chapter 4 - Roleplay and Rainbows
Chapter 5 - A Date In Drag
Chatper 7 - Two's a Secret, Three's a Crowd
Chapter 8 - Daring Do, Dashing Don't
Chapter 9 - The Bond Must Break
Chapter 10 - Love is a Rarity
Chapter 6 - A Date In Drag, Part 2

Chapter 1 - The Fabulous Friendship

"I already told you, Tank doesn't NEED a make-over!" insisted the rainbow-maned mare in a mixture of a growl and a whine, "Tank looks awesome as he is!"

It was a quiet day in the Carousel Boutique, being out of season for any stylistic changes or new fashion looks in Ponyville. It wasn't the time for weddings or parties and the Grand Galloping Gala was quite a way away. So the famous white wonder was busy at work, helping her friends in the most important way; fabulousity!

"Nonsense, I'm sure a little bit of style wouldn't go amiss, Rainbow Dash!" retorted Rarity with an accent of flare in her voice.

Her pure white hoof moved down to touch under the old tortoise's chin, making the pet crown his neck up as soft pattings of accentuating make-up were applied to his wrinkled flesh. The dainty dame was happy to bring her spark of beauty into the world, on anything she could get her hands on. Only the day before Winona had left with a new perm and fluffed up, tinted fur! She truly had become the wonder-dog of Sweet Apple Acres; that is, until AppleJack had her rolling about in the mud once again.

However, the whole situation was a little awkward for Dash. Out of the six of them, Rarity and Dash seemed to clash the most. Rarity's love of fashion and performance held no interest to the fastest flyer of Equestria. Although they shared a love of the spotlight, Dash's exploits were more turned to the athletic adventures. She always wanted to be the fastest and the strongest, to push herself beyond any other pegasi and become a legend. Rarity, however, gave her time to endeavours of creativity and more feminine exploits, with dabblings in theatrics. It was all too lame for Rainbow, which made her somewhat more cold to Rarity. The diamond mare could only feel the same; it's not that they hated each other, they just had very little in common. Friends without interests.

The tension was getting to Dash, silence broken only by the sweet humming s of Rarity buzzing about her shop, to and fro, picking up glitter and materials in her effort to spruce up the bland shell of Tank. Blue hoof began to impatiently tap on the floor, the ceiling of the boutique too low for Dash to be in the air where she loved to be.

"This is taking forever!" came another whine, hooves dragging down her face as the boredom began to strain her fast paced mind, "Tank and I aren't gunna have time for our fly over Everfree! And he gets over excited when he hasn't had his flight!"

Glasses balanced upon the muzzle of the snow-white mare as she glanced over to Dash and then back to Tank on the table in front of her, observing the slow, creeping smile of the tortoise, which seemed to take an age all in itself.

"Is that so?" came a perplexed rhetoric, taking it that Dash was over-reacting as usual, "Well, I'm almost finished so - -"

"Let's see, let's see!" came an excited whinny as Rainbow bounded up behind Rarity, intent on seeing the damage she had done.

However, before she could peek round and have a look, Rarity slid velveteen cloth over the small reptile, veiling him from sight.

"Uh uh!" goaded Rarity, keenly shifting the cloth out the way to the back of her craft table, "Glue's not dried yet! I can't let you see him until he's complete!"

A clop of her hooves together, as if excited for her own work, and Rarity was padding off towards her kitchen, "Come Dash! I'll make you up a snack while you wait!"

The exuberant filly gave a snort, more fitting of a bull than a horse, trotting along behind her, "Fine! That glue better be safe, Rarity..."

"Oh trust me darling! I know what I'm doing!" chimed back the elated white mare, happily preparing some hot tea and daisies to enjoy.

As Dash made her way to the table, she couldn't help but watch her front bound about her kitchen, keen to appease in anyway she could. As the Element of Generosity, Rarity was always doing her bit to make people feel comfortable. And yet something still played on the mind of Dash, something that took no thought, no hesitation to perform...and yet was one of the most proudest moments of her life. The filly's mind seemed to be in a daze when the tea tray was plopped down on the table in front of her, giving a shake of her head suddenly as her senses re-awoke her.

"Oh er - looks great, Rare!" came a pet name, since Rarity was so keen to counter back with 'Dashy' a lot of the time.

With all the house manners of a burglar, Dash dug into the snacks, munching down the tasty leaves as Rarity poured her a cup of tea.

"Please, it's the least I can do! What are friends for if not for helping one another out? And I'm sure you're going to LOVE what I've done with Tank."

Rarity kept the conversation up as much as she could, through the complaining of Dash at the taste of the tea, or the point that a fabulous pet is a happy pet! For her, being as generous as she was, there was only one person she knew that was more giving than her. For her safety, for her chance at a true performance and for her life, Rainbow had sacrificed it all to save her that day when she fell from Cloudsdale. All Rarity had cared about was her wings, was the attention. She stood up Dash, the pair having a rivalry back then based on brawn versus beauty. And in the end, Rainbow Dash had been there to save her life. She had pushed herself so hard, done all she could and broke every barrier to save her life. For Rarity, that was true friendship. And maybe a little bit more.

Sure the dainty mare would woo herself over thoughts of a rich, handsome stallion, a royal prince ready to swipe for off her feet. But as that rainbow fell towards her, Rarity could only see one knight in shining armour. And that was Rainbow Dash. The feel of her arms, clinging to her and keeping her safe. The strong pounding of the mare's beating heart as she pushed them back up to the clouds. The snarling breath of a filly that would not give up to see her friend safe. It had been all too much for Rarity. A silent bond, one that kept them close throughout all the conflict and strife, something special for them both to reflect on. Rarity felt it, but she was unsure if Dash felt the same way.

"Soooo, I hope you haven't made Tank little wings. He's a wicked flyer without them!" commented Dash as Rarity sat for silence in her own thoughts.

"Of course not, darling," came a response as Rarity broke from her daze, "The last time I had anything to do with wings...well, you remember! That's all more appropriately your department!"

The joke was well received, a beaming smile growing on Dash's face as she remembered her feat of heroism and her second time producing the elusive Sonic Rainboom. The cocky mare sat herself back in her seat, fore legs crossed behind her head as she tilted the chair, eyes closing softly, "Yeah well. What can you expect from the greatest flyer ever! Really saved your butt back there, huh?"

The question was all too rhetoric, blurted out to make polite conversation and keep things rolling. But it sent Rarity back into her thoughts. Had the day left such a mark that she was lost in her own feelings? Teeth bit her lower lip, quite out of place for such a ladylike mare, thoughts swirling around that day. Even hopes that a situation like that would arise once again. She could depend on Dash, but she might never ASK for it.

"I am grateful; I hope you realise that..." came a rather cold-toned response, eyes keenly left to lay upon the gloating mare, still thinking of what had happened.

Almost too cold, that tone shook Rainbow to opening her eyes. Before she knew it, the realise of what was happening set in. That awkward stare, the pink tinge staining Rarity's checks. Whether people believed it or not, Rainbow Dash wasn't a romantic. She had always been alone for Hearts and Hooves Day, she didn't look for companionship outside of her ownership of Tank. But the stare Rarity gave her, the deep gaze of a figure of marehood emitting such reverence and gratefulness. It was a stare she saw from young foals when she did a fly-by or whenever she was there to save the day. But from her own, true friend was too much.

Back leg twitched and kicked. Chair went backwards.

"Waahh!" came a bellowing cry as that nonchalant pony was soon head over hooves, chair taking her with the cruel tide of gravity to the tiled floor below. A large wallop as her head bounced so ungracefully from the impact, wings smashing firmly against the wooden backrest. And within a matter of moments, Rainbow Dash was in a state, crumbled up in a pile on the polished tile floor.

A sudden gasp from her concerned friend, immediately to her hooves to help Dash to her pads, "Oh my word Dashy, are you okay?"

She was around the table before the Rainbow had even realised what was going on, hooves scooping her up to try and lift her. Rarity was not know for her speed or strength, nor her willingness to but any labour into a task, especially down on her hind quarters in the middle of her kitchen floor.

Almost by accident, the manly mare gave off a soft little grumble, more cute that aggravated with what had transpired, "Yeah, I'm okay. This floor...the chair slipped!" A bit of a stumble but nothing she couldn't play off, "Thanks Rar - -"

Dash could barely finish when her big, pink-laced eyes met the deep blue of her friend's. That gaze of reassurance, that everything was to be okay. With all the nastiness in the world, the threat of danger, the stress and drive to keep working harder and harder and to stay true to all she knew. All of that washed away with that glance. Forelegs cradled the blue pony tight, more of a loving gesture than to help her recover. Almost like a statue, Rarity was frozen in the moment, eyes down at the girl she had pulled up. Or was in the process of, at least; Dash was still on the floor! Yet neither of them moved. Neither of them said anything. The only change in that one, precious instant...was a soft burn being brought to the blue cheeks of Cloudsdale's best.

"Dash- -" came a murmur, lips barely moving, barely able to work up any sound, trying so desperately to destroy that moment. It was humiliating, it was awkward and wrong. But neither wanted for it to end. A blue hoof reached up, taking the front curl of the luscious purple mane from her face, being at an askew angle to help the fallen mare up.

But it was more enough, more than the colourful filly could take. A half smirk appeared on her muzzle, barely bringing through any confidence or charisma that usually sat with it. "Heh, look who's catching who now, huh? I owe ya one, Rare!" It was a bleated sentence, barely stable on it's own. Given out by a mare too frightened to face the truth. And all that came was a smile back, an uneasy smile from Rarity to accept the humour that was given.

"Want to let me up now?" came another joke from Rainbow, given a snigger to try and sprinkle a lick of authenticity this time.

"No," responded Rarity almost immediately, her tone dry but firm.

Dash was first to moved, pulling herself up to swing her forelegs around the white mare, enveloping her in a tight yet tender hug. Only natural was the response to hold her back, the unicorn taking grip of her friend, head nuzzled into her neckline. Neither knew what this meant. Was it a moment or true friendship that could only be experienced by those close enough to understand? Or was it a hopeful spark of something more? Something frighteningly different and real that it would take all they had to see it through? Could a mare love another mare? Would two of such radically different opinions and hobbies be able to make it work? What was to become of their friendship? Too many questions from a simple hug. Friends with interests.

Chapter 2 - Bedtime for Best Friends

The night had turned chilly rather quickly, with the poor tortoise of craft left under his rouge cloth at the work table. The boutique was taking by an unusual silence following the afternoon of connecting Rarity and Rainbow Dash had taken too. The white mare talked about her trips to Canterlot for shopping while recanting on the derby she had witness by the request of Fancy Pants. Rainbow had spoken on her time in Cloudsdale and the stunning architecture, clouds and buoyant earth modelled to create beautiful homes and buildings. It may not have been perfect, but it was amiable for the pair. After the closeness of the kitchen, the two were keen to explore what they never had before; to connect with each other like they never had the chance too!

But soon enough, the night rolled in and Luna took hold of the scene. Darkness flooded through the windows and foul wind battered the at the sturdy door. Rainbow could make it back home, but it would not be a pleasant flight and would be made all the more challenging with Tank.

Rarity glanced from the sitting room sofa to the unending black outside, simple candle lights of houses dying one by one as sleep took hold of the residents of Ponyville. For the dazzling beauty Queen, it would already be classified as late for her. She had never entertained company this long, stifling a yawn into her hoof.

"Hope I'm not keeping you," mentioned Dash in passing, taking a glance over to the battering door as a good came to scratch the back of her neck through the rainbow coloured mane, "I really should get going, huh?"

This seemed to shock the prim and purity purveyor of the Boutique, a stern shake of her head leading to a wistful bob of her religious cared for mane, "Nonsense darling! I wouldn't dream of having you fly home in such ghastly weather! I see no reason why you could not stay the night."

Dash could think of plenty; today had been one of those days, an especially weird one that would require some time to think over an evaluate. Yet any semblance of doubt was whisked away as fast as Dash was whisked up the stairs. Rarity seemed almost too keen to have the rainbow filly stay!

"I insist, Dashy! Make yourself at home!" came the chiming of the illustrious dress maker, bleating of 'hey' and 'stop pushing' not slowing her any as she shunted Dash into her private restroom. It seemed almost like a private spa, with a large basin bathtub fitted with massage jets for extra comfort.

A large, fluffy white towel was suddenly flopped over that rainbow mane, "Now you scrub up and relax. You've had such an eventful day, dear!"

And with that, the door slammed shut. Rainbow Dash was starting to think Rarity had gone crazy , especially with all the doting she was piling onto her. It made her a little uncomfortable; her new surroundings would only accentuate the certain malaise she had, fluffy hand towels in stylised holders, glimmering files trimmed in gold and a sink counter with my beauty products than Dash knew existed. The bath, however, was heavenly. A dreamy mix of hot water and soapy, fruity bath soaps made the rough and tumble filly feel she could get used to all the pampering. A lot more refreshing than the shower she had in Cloudsdale, which normally spewed cold rain water.

Eyes could not leave the coat hook on the back of the door, which held upon it a bath robe. The thick, pure white material was lined in a matching mauve trim, reflecting the coat and mane colour of its owner. As soon as Dash had slid out the tub and swiftly towelled dry, her hooves ran over the thick material.

"Oooo feels just like a cold," hummed Dashy softly beneath her breath. It was not long before she stepped into the plush gown, letting it hang around her hips and sides as a shudder of pleasure hit her form. Always used to whatever she had, Dash was never one for the comforting or the girlish. The most feminine thing Dash would wear is her gala dress, but only when that level formality is called for and never out of option. Cheek leaned down to nuzzle at the warm lining...and nose caught the scent of its owner within the fibres. Eyes would drift close on their own, wings giving a twitch beneath the back of that fabric. Could this be desire? Could it be that the legend of the sky clearing team was smitten with a hoity toity unicorn?

"Well don't you look positively delightful?" rung out from the doorway. Pink eyes shot across to the open door, a smiling white mare stood with a developing grin, happy to have caught the mare in her act.

"I was...cold! It's cold in here, you know!" bellowed Rainbow defensively, the open door giving way to a flood of steam from the hot Beth she had just indulged in.

"And fragrant, so it seems. Are you ready for bed?"

That sentence stopped Rainbow in her tracks, the caught mare already struggling to get to grips with the situation that had present itself. Bed? Share a bed? She wasn't one to share personal space, especially a bad. Then again, a peek round Rarity would show the Queen sized marvel of precious cotton and a mount of feathered pillows. Even for the comfort striving mare, it was big. And probably lonely too.

"Sure, I guess," would come in a defensive manner from Rainbow, taking strides past her friend to approach the bed.

It was classic, almost like an old couple on film as they slid under the sheets together. Dash would make her excuse of too many pillows and a sinkable mattress while secretly loving every moment of it. It was so strange, to be in her friend's house, sharing her bed and evening.

Eyes went to the great mantle above the bed, the carved wooden canopy that gave it such elegance. Dash was simply staring at the ceiling, trying to get her head round how a chair fall lead to this moment. Rarity's eyes were more focused, taking the time to look over her companion in the bed beside her.

"W-what?" begun Dash as she glanced over to notice the studying eyes upon her.

"Oh nothing. Just admiring. Can't a girl admire?" came a rather coy reply.

"Admire? Look Rarity, it's nice of you to ask me round and all, but I don't know what's going on. I mean...augh, this is all just really weird."

"Well I admit that things are strange," came the return, Rarity looking down to the sheets in front of her, "I just wanted to spend some time with you. I mean, your Rainbow Dash! Not something to be taken lightly!"

Rarity knew how to charm, playing into the blue mare's ego with that compliment. And it showed, the tense muscles of Rainbow slowly beginning to relax into the inviting sheets.

"Oh you know, I'm just a great flyer is all. Well, an amazing flyer! But your great too, with all those dresses you make. Must take a lot of talent."

"You really think so?"

A humble nod was given in return by Rainbow, a welcoming smile on her face, "I guess I don't say it enough."

This was definitely a surprise; for Dash, this was a rare occurrence! Maybe the rather fragile atmosphere was getting to her too. Keeping things platonic was all the pair had without things divulging into bitterness. What had happened in the kitchen seemed like a dream, yet it happened a naturally.

Dash would lay back, head sliding down to headboard to hit the plush pillow. But forelegs lay spread open, which the white filly took to slide in beside her flank. Again, such a simple action seemed so natural. Head would rest upon Dash's chest, heaving slightly from the thrill of the unknown with that gorgeous purple mane under the Dash's chin.

"Whatever are we doing, Rainbow Dash?" came a solemn question, Rarity looking to the far well, head not moving an inch.

What answer could the rainbow filly answer with? Was there even a way to explain it. All Dash could do was take her leg around Rarity, pulling her into firmly, holding her there. And with that, after all the doubt and bemusement that had plagued them through the day, the pair fell asleep in the sweet embrace.

But in Ponyville, night holds it's own set of challenges. Dreams were mirrors of the soul, a plain of infinities wrapped in the possibilities of each pony's mind. Some were stricken with terror and grief while others could enjoy the fruitful extent of their imaginations.

For Dash, all that waited for her was a solitary cloud in an empty sky. Nasty grey surrounded her, the deep rumbling of thunder in the empty mist. Beneath, the ground was hidden in the veil of the whirling fog, tips of mountains spouting like snow-capped stems at the birth of spring. No natural sounds came, that is nature or birds, of any others around her. The light as dim and the Sun was not to be found. It was dreary, lonely and daunting.

Dash sat there, poised on that lonely could, bind quarters on the surface with her head hung low, "What is wrong with me..?"

"Nothing is wrong, my little pony," came a voice from behind her, a familiar tone that gave hint of control and wisdom.

Her head spun round, the Rainbow filly intent on finding out the source of the voice. Her eyes would me met by the dark blue, that of a night sky given a shining by the moon. Long legs and large frame, with glistening hair of a moon-stricken pond rippling with the faint nightly breeze.

"Princess Luna!" gasped Dash as she turned to face her visitor, pulling herself back onto her legs, "Can you help me?"

A slow shake of the royal pony's head was all she gave, elegantly trotting closer to Rainbow, "You must be the one to help yourself, Rainbow Dash. Alas I can only advice you. What your feeling isn't anxiety or confusion. It is fear."

"Fear?" came a swift reply, giving a hint of disbelief which fit the situation she was in, "I'm not afraid of anything!"

"Fear is a burden we all must bare. And it is far from a sign of weakness. Your fear is not of the dark or of monsters. You fear the unknown..."

Luna glanced down below the cloud they were perched upon, to the foggy mist drowning the valley below, "You maybe true to your friends, but you have not granted truth to yourself. You doubt what could be and what you feel. So lost are you in your rejection of what is in front of you, that it is driving you away from what you want."

It was a lot to take in, especially since most of it touched quite close to home. Head hung low for the blue filly, hoof dragging lines softly through the fluffy cloud where she stood.

"What do you want, Rainbow Dash?" Luna asked to the sombre looking pony.

Eyes would turn upwards to the Princess as swirling visions began to materialise around them from the air itself. Of the hugs Rainbow and her friends had shared. Of Rarity watching her fly and of the time they spied on Spike from the safety of a dragon suit. Of the night at the gala, the dancing and the partying. And of the approaching ground and the screaming Rarity plummeting towards it. Eyes would stay wide open, shimmering of the visions that lay before her.

"Rarity," mumbled Dash from half held lips, "I want Rarity."

A smile came to Luna as that those phantom images began to disperse, leaving only a final image in between the pair. The look of the gorgeous white mare after Rainbow's fall. The warm smile, the concerned look, the closeness they both shared. Dash trotted closer, her focus kept upon the sweet memory. And around the pair, all began to brighten. The clearing of the endless sky as bright rays of the sun fed blue back to the surround. The dark, defeating mist below began to recede away, showing the rich forests and grand valleys, streams of crystal water and plains of fertile land. Great mountains stood below their peaks as white clouds began to form once again.

"Your future may not always be clear. But whatever path you take, go with truth. What chances you take will lead you to true happiness, as living with regret will lead to nothing by anguish."

Darks wings would stretch, the Princess as ascending into the Heavens above, "Blessings be upon you, Rainbow Dash."

Chapter 3 - The Perfect Picnic

A new morning would break over the Northern hills, spilling into the dusty streets of Ponyville. Tweeting of the early birds rung out as they zipped from tree to tree, a cool breeze dancing over the new dew on the grass blades that swung in rhythm with the crisp summer wind. A tired warmth slipped into the Boutique's bedroom, a dim glow as the Sun fought against the shining blinds at the windows. And in the midst of the mountainous sheets and landscape of a duvet was a slowly awakening Rarity. The white mare was still stirring, blue eyes taking sometime to adjust to the beginning of the new day. But something was amiss. Forelegs held only a pillow. Rainbow Dash was gone.

It took Rarity a few moments to register that the beloved mare she had fallen asleep with was missing, her fresh, warm scent still deep in the bed clothes. But her presence was gone; she must have lost nerve and left. Tears welled in those glimmering eyes, lacking the energy to start crying. Over the past day or so, Rarity held a fragile hope from some semblance of connection, a hint of romance. But all that was gone now. She sat up in the bed, back against the firm, unyielding headboard as she weighed in her thoughts.

"Okay Rarity, she left. But she is still your friend," began the white mare quietly to herself, reviewing her options, "You are a lady. And as a lady, you will be gracious. I'm sure it was just a...misunderstanding! Rainbow was just playing along, but now things are back to the way they were."

It took a few moments for those words to sink in. She didn't want things to go back to normal. What was 'normal' after last night?

Suddenly, a clattering of dishes and cups would make Rarity jump in her bed, a clumsy crescendo of hooves clambering up the stairway and into the bedroom. And there she was; Rainbow Dash stood in there doorway, still wrapped in that white robe with the purple trim and a breakfast tray clamped firmly in her mouth.

Rarity was stunned as she flopped forward as Dash carefully laid the simply breakfast at the foot of the bed. Mouth was even hung open; very unlady like!

"What?!" blurted Rainbow in a half screech that was so characteristic of her tone of voice, "I thought that, you know...might want breakfast."

The tray itself held a plate of two croissants with a little curl of butter, a tall glass of chilled orange juice and a little napkin for any mess. Rarity was used to being pampered at a spa or in a fancy hotel, but never in her own home! And not by such a stud-like mare more akin to flying than cooking! As an act, it was strange and expected if not unwelcome. But as a gesture...well those tears were far from gone.

A hoof was the solution to her emotion however, Rarity wiping her eyes as the sudden flare of her magic horn slid the tray to her lap, "How...sweet of you, Rainbow Dash darling! I never expected this of you, but I'm ever so grateful."

"Aww it's nothing. Anything for my girl!" came a humble reply, a light blush pushing clear through those blue cheeks. Rainbow even trotted over, leaning in to press a soft kiss to the pure white cheek of her bed-bound mate.

Rarity had to take a moment or two to register what she was just given, shooting Dash a scrutinising look in jest, "Are you feeling alright, Dashy? This is most unlike you!"

"Yeah yeah! You just enjoy your breakfast. I'm dying to go for a flight, stretch my wings a bit, y'know?"

Just to think that a day ago, the couple had felt nothing for each other. Nothing that was obvious, that is. And yet, as Rarity enjoyed her breakfast and as Rainbow Dash soared gallantly through the dawn's fresh breeze, both couldn't get their minds off of what was happening. It was a whole new world for the both of them. For Rainbow, she had admired her betters such as Spitfire or Soarin', and she loved her friends dearly. But she had never been IN love with someone. Rarity had always been beautiful, even to Dash herself. But her generosity and warmth was even more of a pull to the blue coated filly.

Rarity too had many desires to those around her. Envy and adoration of the fashionistas she doted over as well as her dreams of some charming Prince and dashing stallion. But all those things were shallow and less of an attraction after her experiences with Prince Blueblood. What made Dashy such a heartthrob was her undying loyalty, the grace of her movements when in flight and her tomboyish humour. As mares go, Rainbow was as stallion as they got!

But was any of this right? For Hearts and Hooves day, the town would be packed with mare and stallion couples spending the day together. But never had either of them seen two mares or two stallions around together. Was it even natural? It felt like the world was against them, that the sort of love they had for each other was unwelcome. Would the town accept them? More importantly, would their friends accept them? Even with all the fear and doubt, neither of them were phased.

A few laps around Ponyville with a you touch of cloud busting on the way and Rainbow was finished, coming into land back on the front porch of the Boutique. Rarity had finished her meal and was just finishing the washing up of her dishes.

"Sky's totally clear today. Glad I ain't the only one putting in the hard work!" commented Dash as she trotted into the kitchen to catch up with her companion.

"Oh really? Well wouldn't you say that's the perfect excuse for a little picnic? I'm sure the lake by Sweet Apple Acres would be a wonderful spot to have one!"

"Sure, great idea Rari'! I could use a dip too!" squealed Dash as she clapped her hooves in excitement, keen to see it through, "Should we invite the others?"

A blush lit up on Rarity's cheeks, her muzzle scrunching up in thought, "Oh well, that is a wonderful idea. But I was hoping that it could be a bit more...private. Just you and I, perhaps?"

Blue cheeks lit up with the same pink at the suggestion, foreleg softly scratching at the other beside it, "That does sound good... I better go scout it out, make sure it's not packed with ponies trying to escape the heat!"

A turn of her tail and Dash was rushing from the kitchen, with only an outcry from Rarity stopping her in her tracks, "Dashy!"

"Yeah?"

"It might be wise for you to take off my robe first, hmm?"

That sharp smirk would make Rainbow look down to the white gown was she still dressed in, 'Rarity' sewn into a diamond shaped patch on the left side of the chest.

Dash bleated out a nervous snigger, "Oh yeah, good idea."

As the gown was stripped off and plopped so unceremoniously on the floor, Rarity would question how Dash would have flown in it, since the garment lacked space or holes for wings in the back. She must have taken it off only to put it back on again!

It was only a short walk to the shallow lake by the back of Sweet Apple Acres. For most ponies, it wasn't a very popular spot, being mostly ignored in favour of chilling out in town. Dash frequently used the spot to relax and sunbathe, as well as swim with Pinkie when she got the chance. Rarity had gotten some time there once or twice, the shade of the solitary tree at the waters edge an inviting place to read a good book.

For the walk over, the pair acted like it was nothing. The picnic basket was balanced on Dash's back, held by the joints of her wings as Rarity's horn sparked into life. An aura of blue trimmed magic enveloped the basket, opening it up to take the ground sheet and lay it down, opening different containers of treats as well as a tea set, placing them down neatly atop their quilt. Dash had always admired magic, making tasks that would require use of clumsy hooves or a mouth a piece of cake.

As always, Dash seized the opportunity to lay herself back, her favourite black shade slipped out onto her muzzle and slid to her eyes. Hooves slid behind her head, digging into her colourful mane as the Sun shone across her to bake her blue fur. Rarity was accessorising as she normally would, taking a summery wrap over her head to cover her eyes, working on serving some food.

"Ow!" came a sudden screech from the purple maned mare, recoiling from her bent over position to sit back on her haunches.

Rainbow tipped her glasses, peering over to her complaining companion, "You alright, Rari'?"

It was clear the pony was in a spot of pain, the glum look on her face as she looked over her shoulder to her back. For a summertime romance, this isn't what Rarity had in mind. She was used to being looked after and pampered, to have a handsome prince dote upon her and treat her like a Queen. Instead she had been made to huff it to the creek and sort out the food.

"Oh it's nothing, darling. Just a little bit of pain in the back. I've been very busy filling orders this week, haven't had much time to relax!"

The hanging of her bottom lip and half closed lids showed she was not having a good time. Dash gave a pause before moving beside her and helping her down.

"Here, lay down a sec," began the athletic filly, helping Rarity onto her front. Rough blue hooves went to the back of her pampered friend, pushing into the plush of her coat as small circles were mixed into her shoulder blades. Hefty pushes up in firm motions would work the muscles around her upper back, slowly working long lines over her spine inwards towards the base.

"Rainbow!" gasped the regal filly, hind legs giving a stretch of elation as her body shook with subtle shudders of joy, "Wherever did you learn do give such glorious massages?"

A bright smile came to Dash, actually happy to help her friend, "The Wonderbolt Academy! Some of the other cadets taught me about this massage. Helps relax you after a heavy flight session, but I'm sure it works for not pegasi too!"

And boy, was it working! Rarity's hind leg would have been kicking if not for her dignified self control! Those skilled hooves dug deep into the firm muscles of Rarity's back, making short work of all the tension that caused those aches and pains. Shoulders would turn to jelly, muzzle laid down to the floor at as those eyes calmly closed.

"Oh Rainbow..." cooed the blissful mare, lost in the excellent job her new partner was doing. Such strength and yet such tenderness! Even Rainbow was blushing, not that the light embarrassment from such lusty praise gave her reason to hesitate.

"Well howdy there, Rarity!" called an all too familiar voice in a southern drawl that snapped the diamond printed mare so swiftly from her massage. With Rarity so strewn across the blanket, the approaching Applejack had not spotted Dash yet, as she was hidden behind the tree. The pair immediately sat up, hind quarters to the ground as those blue eyes would catch onto the approaching orange mare.

"Applejack, darling!" proclaimed a startled Rarity, fire burning bright in her cheeks, "What brings you out here?"

"When I finish ma chores at the orchid, I like to come out here for a quick dip! Helps relieve all the stress and what not."

As she approached, Applejack soon spotted Dash as her view crept around past the tree that was hiding her away.

"Oh, howdy there Rainbow! You two havin' yourselves a little picnic?"

Dash dared not to turn around, her face a blaze with the embarrassment of almost being caught.

"Indeed we are, dear. Decided to enjoy the simply gorgeous weather we have today!" chimed Rarity, answering for Dash while she wrestled for composure.

"Alright then. Fine idea, 'specially with this heat we're having!" retorted the southern mare as she trotted closer to them, moving around to Rainbow's front, "Thanks again for Winona's grooming, Rare. She ain't looked so good in forever and was certainly due for a --"

Applejack paused mid sentence, a look of concern taking hold as she observed the deep red of the blue filly's face.

"Um Rainbow? Are you feelin' alright? Your more red than basket full o' strawberries!"

Lips would move, grunting out a few noises and whines, as if all the possible lies she could tell we're jammed in her throat at once.

"Rainbow Dash is just feeling a little...flustered from the sunshine! Far too much sunbathing, I fear!" Rarity chipped in to save her wordless companion, "Isn't that right, Rainbow?"

"Uh yeah!" responded the blushing pony, a nervous chuckle buried in her tone, "Stayed out in the open too long! Hehe, you know how it is AJ!"

Chapter 4 - Roleplay and Rainbows

Another night had rolled in, the smooth sway of the tired trees creaked and splintered in softest groans upon silken night air. The fading twilight called its last as the fading sun slid beneath the hills to find its rest. Twinkling of the stars gave the scene a dim glow, the guardian moon hooked high in the sky above. Rarity and Dash were off home, trotting together down the dirt path back to town, Dash's feathery wing laid across Rarity's back to keep her warm.

Applejack had decided to stay, not knowing Rarity's romantic plan of spending time with her newly found love interest. In many ways, she was glad no one knew. But as she watched Rainbow and Applejack splash about together from the bank, her mind almost seemed to scream out her confession. She wanted the world to know, she wanted to be proud of who she was and who she loved. So as the pair frolicked happily in the water, Rarity was stuck with her thoughts of conflict, her fears of rejection and her bitter silence.

"Well now, that was humiliating," came a whine from the whited coated mare, "We were very nearly caught! Not to mention we had to lie to poor Applejack."

"I'm not proud of it either," retorted Rainbow in a soft growl, "But what were we supposed to say?"

In truth, Rarity was wrestling with some very realistic doubts. Her view, ever since she was a young foal, was that her Prince Charming would be there to sweep her off her hooves. A dashing, young, royal blooded stallion who would shower her in gifts, attention and passion. Instead she was huddled under her best friends wing, with strange feelings toward the manly mare who knew as much about fashion as she did carpentry!

A glum look took Rarity's face, staring down at the dirt as her eyes turned downward, "This isn't at all what I had imagined."

Rainbow wasn't stupid; she could see Rarity's self doubt, the breaking of her spirit to what was surely not turning out to be a fruitful relationship. So the mare did the only thing she could. A quick gallop forward before she flapped her powerful wings and was off like a rocket, disappearing into the dark of the night.

"Rainbow!!"

The white mare was tasked with the long trek home, now made all the more unpleasant by herself. She did hope she hadn't hurt Dash's feelings, but could not deny the inclinations of her heart. Maybe this was all a mistake? The Carousel Boutique soon came into view, the soft glow of the candles dimly peering for their perches in the window sills. A quick trot up to the door as her horn glowed to swing the door open.

But what presented her was not what she expected. Inside, the Boutique had been transformed. Some of her fine silks and materials were hung from the wall fittings. On the ground, thick fabric of royal red was laid down, roughly trimmed by gold lines. At the end of the impromptu red carpet was Rarity's favourite chair, adorned with fine white and purple, dressed in luscious silks to give it a throne like appearance. And in the middle of the scene stood a rainbow maned pony in her Commander Hurricane armour from the Heart's Warming Eve pageant. The idea that she had not only kept the costume Rarity herself had made, but also had darted home to get it just in time for her return, caused Rarity's mouth to hang wide open.

"Wha- but how..."

"Princess Platinum, my lady! Please come in, shelter yourself from the cold!"

For Dash to speak so eloquently and to have not the slightest hint of sarcasm or displeasure in her voice made Rarity worry. Was this the real Rainbow Dash!?

"Oh, of course. Thank you ever so much, um...Commander Hurricane?" bleated the purple maned mare, still in complete and utter disbelief.

By the side of her throne, Rarity spotted her costume and crown, set up on one of her mannequins by Rainbow, no doubt. The rainbow mare happily escorted her princess down the aisle of red to the throne, a little ahead of her before stepping out of the way and bowing her head in reverence. Roleplay? Is this what Dash had in mind?

Being the amateur thespian that she was, Rarity decided to join in, quickly taking her cape and crown, fitting them and tying them to her form before taking her place on her throne. A bright smile displayed proudly on her face; as surprising as this was, it certainly wasn't unwelcome and rather fun at the same time!

Rainbow lifted her head, a returning smile decorating her face as she flopped over to the throne side to take her place as guard, "May I say that the Princess is looking especially beautiful tonight."

Expression soon went cold, Dash taking to her military title of Commander, heavy brow and tight lips befitting that of a royal guard. It made Rarity giggle, finding it difficult to stay in character.

"Commander Hurricane. I require a drink of water; I find myself ever so parched!" commanded Princess Platinum, a foreleg dramatically held against her brow to exacerbate her anguish.

Darting off to the kitchen, the blue mare would swiftly return with a gilded silver tray upon her back, glass of water balanced religiously atop it, "Your drink, Princess."

The light blue glow of magic coated the glass, bring it up to white lips to draw a civilised sip before she placed both the glass and tray to her opposite throne side. Eyes would watch Rainbow retake her place at her side. Rarity would wonder how long her short tempered companion could keep this up for. Her pride must have been completely shot, acting as subservient as she was. And Rarity had no interest in pushing her. This was a wonderful gesture, but she needed one more piece of proof to know for certain that this was meant to be.

"Commander Hurricane? Front and centre, my loyal guard."

Not an instant could pass as the stern faced mare was stood eagerly in front of the throne, "Yes your Highness?"

"I have a task for you," teased the white filly, a smirk on her face as she splayed herself so luxuriously on her silken throne.

Hoof shot up to give a firm salute in kind, "Name it, my Princes. And it shall be done!"

"Kiss me."

Dash was ready for anything; to cart out food, to bring in some novelty or trinket or source of entertainment, to even bathe her if was asked. But a kiss? The deep blush of her cheeks betrayed her costume, embarrassment striking hard as her heart raced away from her.

"A...kiss?" came a quiet question.

"Yes, a kiss. Like you are my Prince. Does your Princess not deserve a kiss?" asked the relentlessly taunting royal, leaning forward a little to make contact easier.

Dash's eyes didn't know where to look, cheeks burning beneath that gilded golden helm she wore. Eyes would turn to the safety of the red carpet below. It was unbearable, it was embarrassing and wrong...it was what she wanted. Slowly Dash's hooves took her helmet carefully off her head and tucked it safely under her wing. Those eyes swung upward, meeting the luscious blue of Rarity's own.

Head leaned in, slow and delicate as if she were prepared for

Rarity to pull away as a joke. Breath swept over her nose, Rainbow hit with the mix of her warm, inviting lips and fruity hints of perfume in that fabulous white fur. Rarity's lids pulled closed slowly, waiting for the other mare's approach. Hot pants began to swirl around each other, meeting in the thinning divide between the two. And softly...tenderly...sensually, those lips touched.

Warmth and taste. Wet and deep. So dizzying, like a head rush and a fall all in one. Rainbow's head naturally tilted to the right, interlocking with Rarity's own to create a moment of such passion and desire that Rainbow's legs almost gave way beneath her. For a first kiss, it was something special. Neither had been given a kiss to the lips before this moment. Well, none that meant this much. Rarity had found her Prince in a mare. And she couldn't be happier.

As quickly as it had begun, it seemed to be over. Rainbow pulled back, lips smeared with the sweet taste of her mate. Dare she say, her girlfriend? It took Rarity sometime to recover, eyes barely able to open, teeth softly digging into her lower lip. Dash herself slid those heavy lids open, caught in the moment of what had just happened. Her head was still spinning, her legs feeling weak beneath her, wings slightly perked to match the firm stiffness of her back as if her body had to clench to keep her on her hooves.

"That..." begun the mesmerised white mare as her eyes drew open, "was a kiss."

It had been special for Dash as well, but the sheer indulgence of seeing Rarity all foggy and lost made her blush while feeding that dangerous ego of hers.

"Thank you, Ma'am," stated Rainbow as she slipped back into her persona, giving a proud salute to the monarchy in front of her, "Any other orders, Ma'am?"

Poor Rarity, her head still in the clouds, eyes glazed over as the warm saliva of her mate's lips burned deep passion into her own. Slowly she sat back, letting the throne take her listless form as she tried to work herself back into the reality of the moment. Not her first kiss, but her first romantic kiss. And it was with her best friend. Who was a mare. None of this made sense! But this was what made it all the more exciting; not all pre planned like a starling Prince and his shower of diamonds. This was more humble, down to earth and yet so strange, new and exotic!

"Yes Commander Hurricane. Take your Princess to bed!"

"Yes Princess Platinum!" came a swift salute and giggle, scooping up her lover in her arms and taking flight, carefully drifting up the stairs to the bedroom.

Rarity felt safe cradled in those strong arms. And not from some regal stranger. But by her best friend, her girlfriend. The pair nuzzled up, softly brushing their muzzles together tenderly. Softly and carefully, Rainbow would lower her Princess to the bed surface as a spark of magic pulled back the duvet, sliding in beside her once she was done. With not even thought to remove their costumes, the pair found their place in each others arms once more, sharing another strong kiss. For the first time in the last couple of days, everything felt right. What if people judged them? Or they were rejected by society? They had found something worth the sacrifice. They had found each other. They had found true love.

Chapter 5 - A Date In Drag

Another morning had began, the Friday bringing with it a welcome sunny start. Pillars of heated sunshine shot through the windows, letting specks of early morning dust dance and swirl elegantly trough the natural spotlights that the slits in the blinds would create. The bedroom itself was bit of a mess; the pony couple having spent most of their bedtime holding and caressing each other in romantic exploration. Towards the base of the bed, Dash's Commander Hurricane helmet was carefully balanced upon the thin metal railing that made up the foot board. The plate armour was laid out on the floor, surrounded by a few throw pillows that had slipped from the mattress in all the frivolity. Dash was strewn half way in and out of the covers, one foreleg resting behind her head, the other loving cradling Rarity beside her. Rainbow's messy, unkempt mane was half covered in Princess Platinum's crown, cocked proudly to the side in a deliberate fashion. Rarity's gem-trimmed cape was laid upon the head board above them, the stately mare tucked comfortably into Dash's chest.

"I suppose we must get out of bed," commented the white mare plainly, "I need to pay Twilight a visit."

Rainbow peered down at the gorgeous filly nestled into her side, "What're you seeing Twilight for?"

"I'm going to ask her about this. About us."

Rainbow's face quickly adopted a sceptical look, "Um...you sure that's a good idea? I mean, I could go if you like."

With a heavy sigh, Rarity hesitantly pulled herself from her lover's welcoming flank, her hooves immediately raising up to fix her mane which had been slightly dishevelled from the previous night's activities.

"I'm not going to explicitly tell her about us, darling! I was going to inquire if she had any books on pony relationships, which might give us a clue about what's going on. And as for you going in my place, don't you think it would be seen as unusual for you to visit Twilight for a book? Especially when it's not one of those Daring Do stories you love so much?"

The smirk on Rarity's face as she turned to the cocky filly next to her made Dash's burn a bright red, "Yeah, maybe you should go!"

"Marvellous!" proclaimed Rarity as she flamboyantly bounced from the bed, horn glowing as to pull her side bag onto her back and a neck wrap for her walk, "You concentrate on cleaning this place up!"

Dash's slumped and relaxed posture broke as the command was given, recoiling off the bedding as her body tried to almost interject for her! Before Dash could even attempt to challenge the notion, Rarity was already out the front door, a hefty slam making the pegasus recoil and set her task in motion. Pink eyes scanned the mess of the room, the creased duvet and the costume pieces scattered about the place, giving light to the work that was required of the lazy pegasus, "Great..."

The trot to Twilight's library wasn't too far from the Boutique, just a quick canter down the main street before Rarity was carefully knocking on the library's wooden door with her carefully primed, pristine hooves.

The door slid open, ablaze with an aura of purple magic, leaving a smiling Twilight on the other side, "Heya Rarity. What can I do for you today? Or did you just pop over for a visit?"

Rarity's face lit up with a welcoming smile, naturally lifting her body up to catch her close friend in a warm hug to greet her, "Twilight dear, such a joy to see you! I was looking for a certain type of book. If you could help me, I'd be ever so grateful!"

"Of course," chimed the purple unicorn proudly as she turned about and headed into her home, eyes peering at the grand book shelves sunk into the surrounding walls, "Did you have a title for the book?"

More often than not, when a visitor was there to find a book, Spike would leave the guidance to Twilight. But at the sight of his white mare crush, the excitable

little dragon dropped down from the bedroom perch to land beside the two, eyes centred on the ravishing sight of the fabulous unicorn before him.

"Anything I can do for you, Miss Rarity?"

She could almost see the love hearts in his eyes, which made her current feelings all the more awkward. The baby dragon's crush had always been painfully obvious, and she truly did love him. But she wasn't IN love with him. He was very young, for a start; not to mention the fact that they were two different species! However, she never minded playing to his little games, letting him do her odd jobs and stray chores.

"No thank you, Spike. I'm sure Twilight can assist me!"

The purple pony was already looking over her vast book shelves as Spike waddled away to tend to his duties. With the distraction gone, Rarity could return to the question that had been posed to her previously.

"I was just looking for a general book on pony relationships. Romance, partnerships, that sort of thing!" asked the white unicorn, watching as Twilight's eyes never left the bookshelves in front of her.

"Looking for somepony special on Hearts and Hooves day?" teased Twilight, still engrossed in her search.

"On the contrary, my dear. I've already found what I've been looking for!"

Rarity's wording was careful, offering no hint of sheepishness in her voice, her tone conveying that the matter was private rather than a invitation for gossip.

A purple glowing book soon slid its way from the shelves, Twilight turning around with a smile as she trotted back over to her friend, "Well congratulations, Rarity. I'm truly happy for you! Here you are; 'Love One, Love all: A Pony Guide to Partnership'. Should have everything you need."

Purple blaze of magic turned to blue as Rarity took over control and pulled the book to her side, "Oh thank you ever so much, Twilight. I'll return it post haste!"

Rarity was already making for the door when the purple filly called to her, "Rarity? Are you busy at all tonight?"

It had taken a while, but Rainbow was almost finished. For a night of role play and snuggles, the two sure had made a sizeable mess! And with Rarity's stringent requirement for organisation, it had cost Dash quite a considerable amount of time to clean up! Yet the sound of the door swinging open made it all worth while, the contented filly clopping down stairs to greet her partner in the shop front. What she was welcomed to was the faint smiling mare surrounded by bags upon bags of clothing materials and one solitary time balanced atop it all.

"Well, I see you got the book," sniggered Dash in a cheeky fashion, unsure of what the other had planned as her eyes inspected the shopping bags, "What's with all this other junk?"

Rarity begun explaining the situation; before she could leave the library, Twilight had stopped her to ask about her evening plans. When asked why, she explained that Princess Celestia had gifted her with two tickets to the EverNight Ball, a high class couples event in Canterlot which lasted throughout the night, hosted by Princess Luna. The tickets were going to be given to Big Macintosh and Cherilee, yet pair had declined. And upon hearing how Rarity had found a special somepony, Twilight gracious offered her the tickets, instead of simply letting them go to waste.

This made Rainbow Dash break

into a panic. She leapt at the white mare, hooves to her shoulders as she gripped her tightly, "You said no, right? Please tell me you said no!!"

A nervous laugh came over Rarity, shrinking down defensively into herself, "Well, not exactly..."

Rainbow gave her mate a firm shake, still in complete shock at the situation, "We can't go to that thing! As a couple! What if people see us? We could get caught and banished or locked up or worse! What if our friends found out? And what if--"

A sudden white hoof jammed itself into Dash's mouth, halting her ecstatic flurry of worry and questions, "Rainbow Dash, will you calm yourself! Remember, this is Rarity your talking too. And if I'm anything - apart from elegant, intelligent, beautiful, charming, creative and fabulous - I'm resourceful. Besides, who says I'm not going with a stallion?"

Dash took a few moments to let the idea sink in, eyes looking over all the fabrics and padding she had bought. The plan would immediately slot into place, a frown dominating her muzzle, "No! Oh no, not happening! You are NOT dressing me up like a stallion!"

Rarity would give a frown right back to the stubborn filly, "It's either that or we ask Zecora for a potion! I'm sure she has just the think to switch you over!"

"Or we just don't go!" snarled Rainbow, turning her head away from her partner in rejection of the entire insane idea.

A thick pout hit those white lips, nuzzling into that blue cheek, "Puh-lease, my sweet Dashy? The EverNight Ball is a very exclusive, once in a life time opportunity! There'll be fine dining, dancing...oh it'll be ever so romantic! Besides, only the most important ponies will be there.

It seemed the pleas of the unicorn fell of deaf ears, Rainbow Dash sitting on her hindquarters, crossing her forelegs over her chest, firmly registering her stubborn disapproval of the entire ordeal.

But Rarity was more cunning than that, trotting closer to the frowning mare, whispering into her ear, "The Wonderbolts will be performing."

That teased ear gave a flick, eyebrows raising slightly in a moment of interest, "They will?"

"But of course they will, they attend all of Canterlot's main events! And unlike the Gala, they put on a much longer display before the evening begins. All those tricks and turns and what not that you love to watch! Then they attend the Ball with the other guests. Think about it; how many ponies are going to be chatting to them in a couple's ball when they're so busy eating and dancing?"

Pink eyes would grow wide, thinking over the sweet little temptations poisoning her judgement, "Not many..."

"Not many is right! And I'm sure they'd love to chat with...Jet Lightning, the fastest flyer this side of Canterlot!"

Eyes began to show confusion, already having been won over by Rarity's offer, "Jet who?"

A nasty grin came to Rarity's face, horn targeting an item in her bag before it slid free of the paper confines, turning out to be a sachet of blonde mane dye.

"Oh. Jet Lightning. Right..."

Before she knew it, Rainbow was being dragged upstairs in preparation for her transformation. Guilt did grip her, considering the greater pull to this ball was the chance to hang with the Wonderbolts. She did want to please Rarity to no end and she definitely enjoyed a good party, fancy or not! But she would prefer to be there as Rainbow Dash. Whether Rarity would believe it or not, Dash was just as anxious to promote her new relationship proudly to all who would pay it mind. She wanted to share her excitement with her friends and those close to her. But, for now at least, it was not to be.

The couple bursted through the bathroom door, Rarity head shoving Dash the entire way, "Hey! Quit pushing!"

When presented the bath tub, Rainbow hopped into it, sat in the midst of the cold porcelain like a cat waiting for her dreaded daily bath and groom. To Rarity, this was going to be a lot of fun, carefully guiding the sachet to her mouth as she tore the top off, hooves coated in some latex protection so the dyed would not affecting her luxuriously laboured white coat.

"This stuff...isn't permanent...right?" whined a fearful Dashy, hoping not to lose her awesome rainbow mane she treasured so much.

"Of course not, darling. I doubt 'Blonde Dash' would carry as much repletion!" retorted the purple maned mare, carefully using her magic to squeeze out the thick paste substance, hooves lathering the scented mess into the illustrious rainbow hair.

Dash wasn't pleased, the feeling of the cold mush being rubbed into her hair akin to landing head first into a puddle of mud and slob. She was almost like an uncomfortable foal, fidgeting and fussing over every movement Rarity made. It was almost cute, her squirming and squeamish grunts causing Rarity to cheerfully hum while she worked.

Hooves were careful and skilled, making sure not to get a drop on Rainbow's fur or wings as she pulled the lump of drying gold into a hair net to dry. Attention then turned to her tail, pouring the last of the paste-like dye into the surface before methodically rubbing it into the strands.

The outfit came next, put together while Rainbow sat to dry alone in the tub. A mare's frame was quite different to that of a stallion, more streamlined and curvaceous compared to the solid bulk of many males. A dress would normally cover a cutie mark, but the need for drag would call for something more inventive. In the end, Rarity decided on a dinner jacket lined with thick padding. Bulk for the forelegs to give Dash a bit more density, with the powerful backlegs of the pegasus naturally complimenting the thickening of her front legs. Chest was given a bit more bulk, adding a depth to her normally thin frame. The large collar of the jacket and dress shirt beneath allowed the length of her mane to be hidden away. Long coat tails would stretch back to her rump, covering over her cutie mark, the main distinguishing feature that would give her away. Finally, to give Dash the cool factor she so eagerly lived by, no tie and an open collar line. It was formal enough to fit in with the other guests while leaving an air of casual flippancy. For both their sakes, Rarity hoped this would work...

Chatper 7 - Two's a Secret, Three's a Crowd

After the ending of the ball and the train ride back, Rarity and 'Jet Lightning' had rushed back to the Boutique before Ponyville would wake and catch them. Besides, Rainbow might have been passable under the veil of night, but the morning sunshine would have not have been as friendly! As soon as they got through the door, it was off to bed. But not before Rainbow reverted to her filly state, happily shedding the thick, cumbersome dinner jacket she had been cursed to wear for the entire night.

The day had soon slipped into the cool of the afternoon, allowing the couple enough rest to last them until bedtime. All of that night had remained a secret, with the last shred of evidence about to be wiped clean. Yet again, Rainbow Dash found herself in the tub, a grim look on her face as the blue glowing shower faucet and a bottle of special shampoo descended upon her hair. Rarity made sure to pour a generous amount of the dye-leaching wash into the mane and tail of her whining girlfriend, the bright blonde soon washing away to leave the awesomeness of her rainbow locks to shine through once more.

"Everything's back to normal, yeah? Not gunna make me dress as anything else?" came a half groan, half snigger from the wet pegasus in the tub.

"Oh, I dunno. I was thinking we could perhaps curl your hair, give yourself my fabulous style! We would almost be twins!" teased Rarity, hooves making sure that every drop was washed from Rainbow's mane, kneading the wet strands tenderly over and over again in her hooves.

"Very funny," came a chuckle from Rainbow, looking upon the white mare with a smirk.

Rarity dipped her head down, pressing an affectate kiss to Rainbow's lips. It was surprising how comfortable that felt now, considering the nervous wreck they both had been at the lake just a day or so ago. And if this felt so natural, why should they hide it? Maybe it was time for them to open up, to tell the truth to their friends. Maybe it was time to come clean.

Suddenly, Rainbow gave a impetuous shake of her head, showering Rarity in water from the flick of her mane.

"Rainbow! Not my hair!" came a cry of fear, Rarity using her magic to spray at the excitable filly with the shower attachment to deter her rowdy actions. An unwise decision, defusing an impulsive and soaked mare with more water! Before they knew it, a simple bathing session had turned into an all out water fight, Rarity hosing Rainbow down who in turn tackled her mate to shake water all over her.

A heavy hoof at the door soon ended the impromptu battle, with Rarity having to levitate Dash off of her, "Alright, alright! I surrender! You're victorious!"

Dash gave herself a congratulatory hoof pump, pretty pleased with her water fighting prowess. The cocky victory dance was softly ended by a fluffy towel to the face as Rarity quickly clopped downstairs to the attend to the door. Blue magic slid the entranceway open, revealing a rather cold looking Twilight on the other side.

"Oh my! Hello there Twilight!" bleated the white mare, keen to emphasize the name as to alert Rainbow upstairs, "Whatever can I do for you?"

That cold stare soon turned to a frown, purple eyes staring right through Rarity as if she was nothing. It was almost hurtful, vicarious.

"Did you really think you could lie to me? To your closest friend?" came a snort, magical hue surrounding an object in the upset unicorn's side bag. It turned out to be an empty sachet of blonde mane dye, the same Rarity had used, "Maybe you should remember to close the door before you rush off to some party...with another mare."

Throughout all of this, Rarity only seemed to grow more and more distressed. Both had been ready to share their secret, but if this was the way Twilight was going to act, what of the others? Maybe it wasn't such a good idea.

"Is it...wrong?" timidly asked Rarity, fighting back tears in her eyes.

"Wrong? Wrong!?" snarled Twilight in full fledged anger, "If Celestia had found out you had gone to that ball last night with another mare... You'd both be thrown in the dungeon. Or worse! There's a reason there are no mare/mare couples in Ponyville! You obviously didn't read the book I gave you..."

The book! She had been so busy working on Rainbow Dash's costume that she had never gotten around to reading it! This was awful; maybe what they felt wasn't right. Maybe the dance they shared didn't mean anything and it was just an illness they had.

"Look, I need to do more research on this, see what I can find out," began Twilight, giving a sigh that would diffuse the heated antagonism in her voice, "For now, just keep doing what you’re doing. I mean, you’re not hurting anypony. I'll ask Celestia about it, maybe I can explain the situation to her. Just make sure you don't tell any pony!"

A faint smile timidly slid to Rarity's lips, taking a few moments to breath as her head gave a confident nod, "Thank you ever so much, sweetheart."

"My pleasure." A nasty grin sat hidden on Twilight's face, gone unnoticed as Rarity wiped the tears from her eyes. A subtle glow of magic sparking from that horn...

With her friend bidden adieu, Rarity softly clopped up the stairs and back into the bedroom. The news had been crushing, but she understood Twilight was only looking out for her. For both of them. Besides, they were getting used to hiding their feelings. Who knows? Maybe they were just sick or something had gone wrong in their heads?

Rainbow Dash made her way out of the bathroom, firmly scrubbing at the newly rejuvenated rainbow of her glorious mane. "Ta da!" came a happy cheer, letting the towel hang across her shoulders, "Back to normal!"

The news was only half received by Rarity, a faint smile barely registering on the mare's muzzle as troubling thoughts kept her occupied.

"What's up?" asked Dash, a hint of concern in her voice as she padded closer.

"Oh, it's nothing," responded Rarity as she played off her distress, "Twilight doesn't think it's a good idea to go public with our little affair, that's all."

"Oh, well alright then," befell a plain reply as Dash trotted past Rarity to the stairs, "I fancy daisy sandwich. Want one?"

"Not for me please, dear," called Rarity in response, eyes still drifting off into space. It's as if she had lost a part of herself. Or as if something was affecting her mind. Once again, something just didn't feel right.

Both would begin to reflect upon the night before, of what happened and how it was affecting them. In truth, Rarity was struck with guilt, having asked so much of Dash and given nothing in return. Hell, Dash had even dressed as a stallion for her! Rarity might have been very picky in terms of what activities she would do and what presents she would give, but she knew just the thing to tickle Dash's fancy!

Coincidentally, Dash was not feeling as fulfilled either. Although she had gone to the EverNight Ball and had quite the wonderful time, she had also 'not' attended at all. Jet Lightning may have made a name for himself and flew with the Wonderbolts, but she never did. It was a bittersweet realisation, almost as if she had lived as the shadow of a stranger. And as she took her place in front of the kitchen counter, things began to sink in. It made her feel rather sad.

Yet that night would be different. For a start, Rarity had specifically asked to stay at Dash's that night. Seeing as Rarity was a unicorn, and Dash's home of the clouds was located high up in the sky, the plan seemed a tad flawed! However, Dash was perched on the edge of her cloud base as usual, sat on her hindquarters as she peered in bemusement over the edge. She had assumed that Rarity would be arriving by hot air balloon or maybe an air carriage. Perhaps she would magically float up! It wasn't any concern of Dash's, as Rarity had previously boasted her resourcefulness!

"You expect so little of me, Dashie!" came a harrowing tease from an all too familiar voice. Dash's eyes would dart around for the source, moving across the edge of her rainbow pools, the porch and even over the edge once again.

"Rarity?" squealed the perplexed pegasus, still unsure of the voice's source, "Where are ya?"

"Why, I'm above you darling!"

Even in the dimming sunlight of the dying afternoon, the sight was as clear as glass. Head crooned up immediately, jaw shooting the other direction as those eyes looked over her the white mare...and her flapping wings.

Rainbow took off herself, fluttering up to meet her suddenly airborne girlfriend, "What...how are you--?"

"Zecora," stated Rarity simply, moving a hoof up to pat at the mane over her forehead, showing no horn jutting from the violet locks, "Not that it didn't come with a price..."

Rainbow wasn't used to sacrifices being made on her behalf, giving a sad, almost distressed look back to the ex-unicorn, "Oh Rari'...it's not permanent, is it?"

"Oh Heavens no! Don't be silly, Dashy! However, it will wear off in 24 hours."

Rainbow seemed to be gripped with relief, moving in close to embrace her floating mate in a warm hug, "Ah awesome."

"Yes quite 'awesome'," chirped a happy Rarity, "but this isn't your surprise."

Rainbow had not noticed the bag that Rarity had brought with her, not until the new white pegasus retrieved it and invited herself inside. Soon enough, Dash was waiting outside her own bedroom, forelegs crossed as she sat impatiently on the floor. Whatever Rarity was doing in her chambers to put together this surprise was taking quite some time, the generous mare humming the entire way through her preparation. Dash had almost fallen asleep when the teasing call rung out from within, "I'm ready! You maybe enter now, Dash!"

The blue pegasus didn't know if she wanted too! The drag act she was forced to endure was bad enough, but one of many more horrible things could have been waiting behind her simple bedroom door. A hoof slowly took to the handle, eyes half closed in a squint as her weight pushed open the door. She was expecting the worst.

And there, upon the blue bedcovers with the lightning bolt decal laid Rarity...dressed in a mud brown adventuring shirt and safari hat. Not only had Rarity made her own Daring Do costume, she had put it on and was posing on her side with a flirtatious look plastered on her face.

"I know it's not the height of fashion," began the eccentric looking mare, "but I'm sure ready to raid any tomb and ford any stream or...whatever!"

Surprise on Dash's face soon turned to contained hilarity, biting down on her bottom lip as she began to snort out her little titters and giggles.

"Rainbow Dash! I worked very hard on this outfit!" gave the costumed Rarity in a huff, sitting up on the bed covers and crossing her forelegs in humiliation.

"It's a great costume! Just...Daring Do is a golden coated pony with a black mane. You look NOTHING like her!"

"Yes, I know that!" snapped Rarity at the sniggering pegasus who begun to close the bedroom door, "It's just that I didn't want to ruin my mane. Speaking of ruining my mane, do you mind if I take this hat off?"

Delicately the white mare slid off that safari hat, hooves tenderly sprucing her curled, glorious mane back to its untouched state. It was too much; in a matter of moments. Dash was flat on her back, a flurry of tears pouring from her eyes as she roared in giggling laughter. Rarity peered over the cloud-shaped foot board, a smile growing on her face that soon erupted into a happy laughter. After all Dash had been through to please Rarity, this half effort seemed to only make Dash hysterical! Still, she knew it was something that took Rarity a long time to plan and put into place. The pair would take their time to recover, Rainbow pulling herself to her hooves and wiping away the tears. She clopped over to the bed and pulled herself onto the mattress.

"You're just...crazy!" began Dash, leaning in to nuzzle at her girlfriend's cheek.

Rarity took that finely crafted Daring hat, carefully placing it atop Dash's mane and flicking it back to slant it into place, "Shut up and kiss Daring Do!"

A bright grin took to Dash's face, pushing Rarity back to the sheets as she followed her down to press a soft kiss to her lips.

"Mmm, more like Dashing Rarity!" came a cheeky suggestion as the kiss softly broke.

"Or Miss Rarity Do!" added that white pegasus as she wrapped her forelegs around Dash's neck.

"Or what about Do Rar..."

With a sudden giggle, the bashful mare pulled Rainbow's head to her chest in an attempt to silence her, "Don't you even dare finish that sentence!"

Chapter 8 - Daring Do, Dashing Don't

"Again?" growled the blue pegasus as her eyes slid open to the mess around the room. The sun was a lot brighter at altitude, causing the burning beams to course in through the bedside window of the sky bound home.

"Rarity, can you close the blinds?" came a soft mumble, Rainbow squinting in the sunlight. To her dismay, the white mare was not cradled in her arms. And even if she was, Rarity didn't have her horn for the next few hours. The bed left a crease where she had lain, the sheets emanating that almost spicy scent of the fabulous mare. Daring Do shirt was left on the side of the bed. Blue hoof reached up to feel for the safari hat, grasping at the rim before firmly flicking it at the blind catch. Suddenly, the sheet blind released and the blue material collapsed over the window.

"Hehe, still got it!" sniggered Dash as she turned herself over and sunk lethargically into the pillow.

Rarity had to leave bright and early; she had been told to meet Twilight the day before, to have an update on the entire situation. The treehouse was eerily quiet as the white mare approached, giving a timid knock on the door before pushing it open. She still didn't have her horn back, those newly formed wings giving a twitch, folded to her back as she made her way into the voluminous library.

"Twilight? Are you home?" asked Rarity to the darkness inside, "Spike? Hello?"

It might have been the early morning, but the drawing of the curtains left the once humble library almost feeling like a dark, oaken tomb. Something definitely wasn't right; Twilight was an early riser and could normally be found in the library either studying or writing.

The delicate silence was shattered by the slam of the doorway, cutting off the last source of natural light. Even with the little notches here and there in the ancient bark, the entire innards of the arbor was bathed in a sickening, foul glow. And in the midst of it all, a silhouetted figure stood in the corner.

A little glint of relief slipped itself carefully to Rarity's muzzle, "Oh Twilight, there you are. Are you averted to sunlight now? Not a vampire, are you?"

That figure barely moved, as if it were a pony carved in solid stone, judging silently like a statue. But gradually, menacingly, it began to circle the lone mare, pacing around the room with heavy clops from heavy hooves.

"A vampire?" whispered a plain reply from the circling figure, "Everypony knows monsters don't exist..."

The scene was obviously rather nerve-racking, the elegant white pegasus giving a soft, appropriate laugh to try and draw some warmth from her strange acting friend. Slowly but surely, Twilight began to join in. A sweet, innocent chuckle at first that slowly began to divulge into hysterics. Not only that, but a drop in pitch would take place. An almost...ghostly inflection within the base tone of the laugh, an echo without the space to cause one. That voice began to mature, the age passing that of a mere filly. And it kept going, evolving into an evil, ancient cackle.

Meanwhile, Dash was starting her day, if a bit late, with some cloud busting. She had flopped out of bed, had a quick wash and was out for some work. In such a season, all the pegasi were busy breaking through the thick blanket of clouds that tended to form. Not only was it easy exercise, it allowed many to practice their flying skill and dexterity. Soon enough, Dash was coming back into land, having left the bedroom in it's messy state. She decided to get the cleaning done and out the way, wanting to make sure things were neat if Rarity chose to stay over once again. Teeth would nip at the bed sheets, pulling them into each corner and setting the flat. Curious nose gave a little sniff to the soft fabric, savouring the scent of the white filly she adored so much.

Head would slip up off the covers, taking a quick peek over her room. A short dash over to the window to check if there were any flyers looking in. As soon as she was sure the coast was clear, the blue pegasus pounced into the fragrant bed sheets, pulling them over herself in a big, duvet-dash burrito. Nostrils flared as she smothered herself in the Rarity scented covers.

"Oh Celestia, I'm weird. Like...Pinkie Pie weird," sighed Dash, still shameless indulging in her bed bound bath.

It was sometime before she pulled herself off the bed, the lightning sheets now being more 'dashing' than 'rare'. That happy smile soon turned to a frown as she looked back to the once freshly made bed she had just messed up. "Ah dang it!"

With the bed tended to, Rainbow soared back down to Ponyville to meet up with her partner. She decided to check the Carousel Boutique, having not been left a note indicated where her lover had gone. She hoped everything was okay!

"Rainbow Dash," called the white mare from behind Rainbow as she was about to knock on the boutique's door. A bright smile lit up on her face as she spun round, enveloping her girlfriend in a warm hug, "Rari'! You left pretty early this morning."

"So?" snapped Rarity back, slipping out from the embrace, "I had some business to attend to!"

It was quite an unusual outburst, Dash unsure of what had happened to cause it. The rainbow filly recoiled back a bit, looking a tad guilty of a crime she didn't even realise she had committed!

"I'm sorry Rari'!" bleated the perplexed Dash to her upset partner.

But even with the apology, the venom would not drain from the unicorn's stare, "It's fine. All I need you to do is love me, Dash. You DO love me, don't you?"

It was almost as if Dash was being interrogated, the stern Rarity not showing any compassion in her approach.

"But of course I do, Rarity. You know I do."

"Good, then everything's fine."

Before Rainbow could follow up, Rarity had turned around and trotted off down the road. Although a prideful mare, Dash seemed to respond rather oddly to the rejection and viciousness from her angered girlfriend. She was worried about her, concerned that she let her down in some way. But she loved her even more for it. It was her love that kept her strong all those times before.

For the rest of the day, Dash had not seen sight nor sound of Rarity. It was as if she had disappeared from Ponyville! What had Dash done to make her so upset? Had Dash been in the wrong this time? She couldn't give anymore than she already had done; the sacrifices she had made for Rarity were too embarrassing and numerous to recount. And yet, every time she began to feel hate, the memory of her scent or of the warmth of her lips brought her back into deep feelings of love and compassion. Stranger still, that love almost seemed to drain the over-active, athletic mare, making her feel worn out and lethargic.

Day soon turned to night, leaving Dash laying alone in her bed, the sweet scent of Rarity barely registered in the sheets. All she could do was slump there and stare at the ceiling. Her heart was heavy and her body was weak, a good combination to drift off to sleep. What a roller coaster of a day it had been.

However, sleep brought no refuge. Dash found herself in a nightmare. Darkness was around her, encircling her at every move or shift, as if the very shadow was following her. Dark silhouettes stood barely visible from the unending black. The shapes of unicorns stamping their hooves, screaming in rage, pointing their hooves in blame at the frightened Dash. Only words would burst from the defeating silence: 'freak', 'unloved', 'your fault'. Accusations from the dark figures, that Dash had failed and that she didn't love Rarity enough.

And behind that seemingly unending darkness, stood the grand Princess Luna. She was out of Rainbow's view, looking into the sphere of darkness the rainbow pony was trapped within. A frown took to the royal muzzle. No matter what she spoke, no matter what she did, Dash could not see her presence. She was under a blinding veil from the encroaching shadow. This wasn't a nightmare, it was dark magic.

Meanwhile, far from Ponyville, the darkness of the Everfree Forest seemed to claw hungrily at its borders. Jutting spines of black from the unending tree line cut at the surrounding plains, yielding to neither light nor sight nor the very wind itself. A haunted place that held many secrets and a great many horrors. And in the middle, kept in a thorny crown of a dark glade, three ponies were found. Or, more likely, kept.

The deathly scrub opened from a single track leading in, the entrance a decrepit archway of splintered tree branches and nobbled, rotten limbs. The grove was lit in a sickening moonlight which decayed through the foul canopy above. A dark mist poured from the unwelcome marshes, spewing a chilling stank of smoke and fog, coating the very ground that lay suffocated below. Within this pit of despair and corrupted nature, two gatherings of green slime sat piled high. The nasty muck seemed to act as holding cells, capsules for unlucky prisoners. The front layer was almost clear, showing out and into a reasonable degree of transparency.

Blue-powdered lids would slowly open as Rarity regained her lost consciousness. Within the capsule came an echo, the slow stirrings soon turning to panicked breathing. She looked around for an escape, the walls like cold glue and unbroken rubber. No matter where her hooves pushed, the sickly green mush wouldn't give way. Normally, Rarity wouldn't panic, but after being taken by the monster in the form of Twilight, she couldn't take any chances.

Her eyes would fall upon the cell beside her. Twilight! She could just make out the purple unicorn and Spike, both stuffed into the same gooey prison. Except, for them, the cell was full. Both seemed to be floating about in a thick gel, eyes closed and chest not moving, almost as of they were dead. Rarity prayed they weren't dead.

A figure began to appear on that track, slowly forming from the fog of the marsh. It didn't take long for Rarity to take note of the familiar purple curl, the brilliant white coat and that elegant trot she had perfected herself. She was soon staring at a version of herself, the one in front of her having a nasty grin on her face, rather than the horrified worry that Rarity was sporting.

"You know, I just might keep this look," began the dark imposter as a hoof flicked at her mock mane, "It really does suit me. Your Rainbow seems to think so too!"

No matter how frightened she was, Rarity would not stay silent as this went on, "Let me out of here, you beast! If you touch a hair on her head..."

"You'll do what? Design an unfashionable dress? Force me to do some of your pathetic chores? Stop loving me?"

A nasty smirk plastered itself on the doppelgänger's muzzle, "Can you not feel it? The heat, the passion, the energy! The taste of it, the satisfaction of being wanted."

Eyes would flash a dark green, showing a glance of the creature beneath the disguise, "She treasures you, you know. I was expecting to feed off the friendship of you six little maggots. But the love she has for you...oh, it's more than I could have hoped for! And I thought the Royal Couple were a feast; they're a slim starter compared to this plentiful main course!!"

Rarity had to stop this. She didn't know how she could, but she had to stop this. Hooves dug deep into that goo, clawing at the surface in hopes of breaking through. It may have felt like rubber, but it was resilient as stone. Around her, the slimy walls began to spew the gel that her two friends were suspended in.

"Thing is, I have to keep those two fools here, so they won't get in the way. But I'm not feasting on them anymore." A dark tone slipped into the stolen voice as the false Rarity watched the other panic in her quickly filling tomb, "But you. The bond you and Dash share is what I'm gorging on. I doubt you'll make it a day before you’re nothing but a husk. And then the connection will be broken; Dash will love me. And I will be strong once again!"

The cell was to be her tomb. Beforehand, she cried in anger at the creature that had trapped her there. But now, all she could scream was one name. One solitary name. Barely leaking the walls of her prison, that single name echoed deeper and deeper in the filling capsule. And with the last gasp of air, she gave it to that name. She gave it to her beloved. Rainbow Dash.

Chapter 9 - The Bond Must Break

"Dash! Dash! Dash!"

Where was she? The darkness was so thick, unforgiving. Moving through it was almost agonising, as if each step tore at her flesh, clawing at everything she had.

"Dash!"

An echo now, nothing more than a forgotten whimper. Where was she? She must have been close. But the path had disappeared, lost from sight.

"Dash..."

Weaker now. Nothing more than a final goodbye. A murmur that barely left the lips that produced it, hanging in the dead space between the tangible and the fictional.

And then, silence. Sickening, horrifying silence. A nasty, callous silence, with the combined voices of all those lost to the darkness. A choir of silence that drew yet another soul to the unending black. But it was not their soul to take.

"Love is true. Hearts entwined. Something lost that you must find."

"Rarity?" called Dash to the nothingness around her.

The question was one of blind hope. That last voice wasn't Rarity's. But what did those words mean?

Dash awoke in a cold sweat, her body shivering as a nasty jolt of fear ran down her spine. Her entire night of sleep had been restless, first with the dreams of darkness and judgement given to her by an angry Rarity. And then that chase, the distant voice of her beloved calling on her name in fear, in desperation. Dash rarely had nightmares, and none as vivid as the one she had just experienced.

As soon as it was sun-up, Dash had darted down to Ponyville, eager to meet up with Rarity and put her fears to rest. A silly nightmare didn't mean anything, as long as Rarity was safe and sound. And that's where she found her, the white mare stood with Applejack by Sugarcube Corner. Dash came into land, clopping up slowly to the consulting pair as not to look too eager in her approach.

"Hey guys! What's going on?" asked the young pegasus nonchalantly.

"Oh hey there, Rainbow!" chirped Applejack as Dash came to their side, "Rarity was just tellin' me about Twilight. She was called off to go see her brother in the Crystal Empire!"

The news confused Rainbow, peeking over to Rarity who had a rather uninterested look on her face, "She did, huh? Is everything alright?"

"Everything is fine. She said it was just for a visit," replied Rarity, giving Rainbow a half hearted glance and nothing more.

"So...she just left without telling us? A bit weird, don't you think?"

"No Rainbow, I don't! Honestly, must everything be a conspiracy to you?" snapped Rarity, giving a shake of her head.

"I'm sure she was just eager to catch the train, is all," added Applejack, "She'll be back before you know it."

"Oh dear, it seems I'm out of time. I really must get back to the boutique!" began Rarity, a severe lack of urgency in her voice, giving a polite bow to each mare as she turned away, "I'll see you girls later."

This was all too weird, too wrong. Something had happened, Dash watching her once affectionate partner trot away as if not even caring about Dash's concern.

"Rarity," responded Applejack, giving a polite tip of her hat before peering curiously over to Dash, "I finished my bucking for today Rainbow, if you fancy hangin' out."

Eyes didn't leave that white mare as she disappeared down the street, "Didn't she seem to be acting a little funny to you?"

"Funny?" replied Applejack as her muzzle bunched up in confusion, "Aw shucks, you know how busy that girl gets! Gotta get back to her dress making and what not."

"Yeah, but the way she looked at me," sighed Dash, turning back to her orange coated friend.

"Aww that's just Rarity. What did you expect? If you hadn't noticed, you two ain't the closest apples in the bunch!"

Applejack had her there. Or, at least, she thought she did! Perhaps she would never know of all the nights the pair had spent together, the kissing and touching, the sessions of role-play! All of those seemed but a distant memory now. Rarity had seemed to get so cold, yet Dash could only worry for her safety.

Rainbow had decided to give it a few hours, spending the afternoon with Applejack on the farm to take her mind off the suspicious turn of events. Although she kept a brave face for her friend, Dash was torn on the inside. A large part of her still loved Rarity. But maybe it was best to leave her alone; she seemed upset and there must have been a reason for that! But as the day drew to a close, Rainbow found herself moving towards the Carousel Boutique, eager to make amends for whatever was bothering Rarity. A soft knock on the door was met by silence before Dash moved inside.

"Rarity?" asked Rainbow Dash timidly, "Are you here?"

The lights were off and the shop was quiet, the dull darkness giving way to a sickly green glow from up the stairs. It was noticeable but it wasn't pronounced. Dash stepped forward, the strange light beginning to dim as she approached. Finally, the familiar white mare clopped down the staircase.

"Dash. Can I help you?" came a plainly put question from Rarity, almost seeming a little upset from the intrusion.

"Can't I pop in to see my girlfriend?" replied Dash with a joke, eager to lighten the rather cold situation.

"I suppose." No laugh, no smile. Cold as the night.

"Are we okay?"

"Of course we're okay. You still love me, right?"

Dash gave a bashful snort, "Yes! You don't have to keep asking!"

"Good. Then everything's fine."

"No, everything is not fine!" snarled the pegasus, "You've been really nasty ever since you had those wings! I never asked you to stay around mine or dress up or anything, that was you! So if you're upset, I'm sorry!"

A moment of confusion soon came to her. The wings! Rarity had gone to see Zecora in the evening. And the next morning, Rarity had her horn back. That was much less than 24 hours, the time stated by Rarity for the effect to wear off. And Rarity was not one to skip detail.

"How did you--" began Dash, pointing with a hoof to Rarity's horn.

"Oh darling, you can be so silly!" bleated Rarity, trotting closer as she lovingly nuzzled into Dash's cheek.

As many questions as Dash had, the loving contact was a good way of distracting her. Eyes closed as the warmth of her girlfriend's cheek rubbed into her own. White forelegs pulled Dash closer, cradling her into her form.

"Just love me, Dash. Like I love you."

The words were a soft hum, almost a whisper. Dash could feel her body give way, her mind began to haze in the warmth of that embrace. The words were repeated, almost hypnotically. Dash had to love her, there was no other choice. Eyes drifted shut, heart slowed to a soft thump. It felt like she was being drained of all she had. But her body seemed too relaxed to panic or fight back. Nostrils gave a final flare, eager for that wonderful scent.

It wasn't there. What was there definitely wasn't Rarity. No hint of spice, no sugary blossoming undertones, no feminine musk. That wasn't her girlfriend's scent.

Eyes opened. Back straightened. Rainbow pushed away.

"Who are you?" sternly questioned Rainbow Dash.

Rarity gave a confused look, "Why, whatever are you talking about, darling?" I'm Rarity!"

Dash took up a defensive posture, upper body pointed down, wings up in preparation to tackle the imposter.

"You don't smell like Rarity. You don't act like her either. You ain't my Rarity!"

Before that growling pegasus could think, a burst of sickly green magic flew from the grinning Rarity's horn, knocking her back and slamming her into one of the clothing racks. A green glowing aura flowed through that blue coat, pulling the pegasus from beneath the clothing pile and slammed her to the wall, pinning her there.

"Guess I can't get everything exactly right," came a spiteful grunt, eyes watching the vain struggle of the trapped pony before her, "Then again, I've never had to worry about that. Not even Shining Armour picked up on that. Of course, the chump was under my complete control. If I had my full power, you'd be my mindless slave by now!"

It was almost as if Rarity began to dissolve away. Those deep blue eyes would now gleam a dark green, like the dankest, most putrid bog. Hair would straighten and shift colour, almost as if decaying like hanging vines on a dead tree. Holes began to appear in her body, chunks of her form missing or rotten away. Horn would extend and crack, fracturing into a spire of corruption. Fangs burst from her maw, sharp tongue soon following on. In a swirling flash of dirty green magic, all that was left was the tall figure of death and deception.

"The changeling Queen!" snarled Dash, trying to force herself off the wall.

"Queen Chrysalis, my little pony prisoner!" chuckled the dark figure in a heavy, echoed voice, "Thank you for the feast. As I told your little girlfriend, you both made quite the meal!"

"If you hurt her, I swear I'll--"

The thrashing and growling of Dash was cut short by a firm squeeze of magic around her throat, catching her at a breath.

"You'll do nothing! Besides, she's probably long gone by now. She'll make a hearty feast for my children. And as soon as I get rid of you, I'll use that little purple unicorn to feed. I'm sure her magic will give me the last of the power that I need."

That magic around her throat would only tighten, Dash still struggling against the dark energy. But she was becoming dizzy and her fight was fading fast.

Eyes began to close and in came the darkness. All seemed at an end.

That door flew open, the crash of the wood disrupting the concentration of the evil Queen. Princess Luna stood at the door, eyes fixated on her target.

"Relinquish her, changeling!" exclaimed the dark Princess, trotting closer to the twisted mare.

"Ah, the disgraced little Sister! You truly believe you could stand against me when Celestia could not?"

Luna's eyes would check on Rainbow Dash, the filly unconscious but still alive. The Princess paced forward against her enemy.

"A thousand years on the moon have made you weak. But I had no idea it also made you so stupid!" boasted the Queen, turning to face the approaching mare.

"You forget where you are," began the dark Princess, eyes began to blaze like the full moon on high, "This town is under my protection. And it was wrong of you to come here. Especially at night..."

The Queen's eyes would catch the shadow moving through the door frame. It was as if they came of Luna's command, reaching like streams of darkness past their commanding Princess and towards the changeling. Shadows from the windows, from the stairs, all encroaching upon the lone enemy. They began to rise up, taking shape and form to swirl violently around Chrysalis. A burning maelstrom of the darkest void enclosing upon the decaying mare. She could feel the cold, the unending blackness.

"To the shadows with you, demon!" snarled Luna, those burning white eyes the only source of light in the room.

With a flash from her horn, the evil Queen burst into a green pillar of dark flame, shooting past Luna and out the door in retreat. With the disappearance of Chrysalis, the lifeless Dash slumped to the floor. The darkness slowly began to recede, the shadows began to fade and the Princess was left to attend to the pegasus she had saved.

It was some time before Dash's vitality would return to her, weighty lids barely able to slide back open. Her head was pounding, flesh uncomfortably hot from the dark magical influence she was subjected too. Sight was still hazy, unable to make out who was beside her...who was holding her.

"Hey, welcome back to the world," half joked the blue mare holding her. The voice was familiar, very feminine and at the same time very authoritative. Like a Commander or a drill instructor. That blue on her body didn't look like fur, seeming too flat and with noticeable creases at the joints. It was a flight suit.

If she weren't half way out of reality, Dash would have been screaming and screeching. Spitfire gave a bright smile, forelegs delicately cradling Dash from beneath as she tried will her back onto her hooves.

"Come on, up and at'em Rainbow Dash," ordered the Wonderbolt Captain as she tried to keep Rainbow stable. Luna stood behind the pair, face subtlety showing concern for the rainbow pony's recovery.

Rainbow was still held up by Spitfire, her legs feeling like jelly, "Princess Luna, she has Twilight...and Rarity."

"She has Twilight Sparkle?" repeated the dark princess, her expression turning to a frown, "She has a great source of magical power. I was right to call the Wonderbolts."

"Princess Luna, are you sure we would not alert your Sister?" asked Spitfire once more, as if the idea seemed not even worth asking.

"No! I can handle this situation. Last time my sister was up against the changeling Queen, she lost. And without Twilight Sparkle and Rarity, we cannot use the Elements of Harmony."

Luna's tone seemed to show a little anger, as if she was using this crisis to prove herself.

"Princess Luna!" called Soarin' as he galloped through the doorway, "There is a strange glow coming from the Everfree Forest. Some ponies said the flame had headed that way!"

Chapter 10 - Love is a Rarity

Luna took her time to debate the plan; she had no idea if Chrysalis had feasted upon Twilight yet and if there were any changelings protecting her. Twilight may have been a simple, book smart pony, but she was also a source of great magical power. Every moment taken to hesitate and plan out would bring the inevitable closer. With Twilight and Rarity gone, nothing would be able to stop the Queen and her changeling army, the elements of harmony needing all six members to work.

The other problem was that Dash was still disorientated, barely able to open her eyes after the assault she had endured. Luna worried for her safety, trotting closer to the sitting pony who held her aching head in her hooves.

"Rainbow Dash, you have my promise. I will do everything in my power to save Rarity," assured Luna, placing a hoof on her chest as a sign of respect.

"No...I need to help!" argued Dash stubbornly, pulling herself to her hooves with a bit of a wobble.

Spitfire was pacing at the boutique's door, staring out towards the far off tree line of the Everfree Forest.

"Princess Luna, we must act now!" called Spitfire, urging the royal alicorn to take action.

There was no more time to spare, nothing to plan. Chrysalis may have been on the run, but she had the element of surprise, of uncertainty. Luna didn't know what brought her back, what gave her such energy to even return. She didn't know if only a few changeling guards awaited them, or an entire army. But Spitfire was right, they could wait no longer. Luna and Spitfire met with the other Wonderbolts outside with Dash carefully following. Each hoof fall was an effort, her head still pounding mercilessly from her confrontation with the changeling Queen. But nothing was going to stop her. She had to save Rarity.

The group took off; one royal Princess, the six Wonderbolts and a rainbow maned filly. The cool night air was what greeted them, a chilly fear filling each of them as they began to close in on the dark forest. The glade was shown clearly, the sickly blaze of dark green magic shining through the thick thistles of the canopy.

Dash was beginning to recover her bearings, the flight allowed her head to recover with help from the fresh night breeze. Her eyes were able to turn to the courageous ponies around her. The best of the best, the top flyers from all over Equestria, each one fearless and determined. At the front, the Captain Spitfire soared effortlessly through the sparse cloud, carefully pulling up close to Rainbow Dash.

"You're a lot better than you were the other night! Then again, not even I'd be able to pull off those moves in drag!" called the cheeky Spitfire over the winds whipping around the pair.

"Hold on - you knew that was me?" replied Dash in a shocked little squeal.

"Dash, you were wearing a dinner jacket not a full body suit! Plus, Luna told me about the situation."

What Rarity had said the other day, about not telling others about their secret, had left Dash feeling very vulnerable. Even more so after the dream she had, being called a 'freak'.

"Look, about that. I'm sorry. You guys must hate me..." whimpered Rainbow, expecting to be shouted at or spat on.

"Come again?"

"Guess I'll never get a place in the Wonderbolts..."

Spitfire seemed completely confused, staring beside her to the soaring mare, "For being a lesbian?"

That was a word Rainbow hadn't heard before, "A les-what now?"

A warm smile slipped across Spitfire's face, "A lesbian! A mare that likes another mare! You know, 'like-likes'! That Rarity is your special somepony, right?"

Dash would slowly nod, a little surprised at the openness of the situation, "Don't they imprison you for that?"

Spitfire would give a hearty chuckle, "Well if they do, they must have missed me!"

So many questions filled Rainbow's head, the revelation of the term and its acceptance gave a little relief to what had become a very dire situation. What almost made her fall out of the sky was the careful kiss Spitfire planted on her cheek!

"You're cute! Can't believe you don't know all this, Dash. Or, what was it, 'Jet'?"

The little tease got the pair laughing, Dash feeling a lot better for having talked with her idol. The idol she was flying with to boot! If ponies’ lives weren't hanging in the balance, this would definitely be the best day ever!

Suddenly, to their side, one of the stallions on the right wing was struck by a bolt of green. A changeling had dive bombed the pegasus from above, slamming the poor pony to the ground.

All eyes would turn upwards to the twisted beasts slipping from the cover of the clouds. Wings like insects, sharp fangs to rip at flesh and dark, empty eyes. A crescendo of snarling and hissing as the vile creatures before their ambush, bursts into pillars of green swirling flame as they swung to action.

"Changelings!" cried out Spitfire as a few began diving at the intrepid group. Beneath them lay the edge to the forest where groups of changelings began to dart out, eager to protect their Queen. The Wonderbolts began to break up, taking on a few each to drive them away from the Princess. A flurry of midair dog fights began, punches and kicks being swung as the evil creatures began to drop from the sky. Luna and Dash broke off from the pack to the forest entrance, where a wall of changelings stood guard and deny them entrance.

With a growl in her voice, Luna rushed the group, a blast of her dark magic sending the bunch flying about in all directions.

"Rainbow Dash, into the forest! Find the Queen, make sure she does not take Twilight's magic!" ordered the Princess, bucking a pair away as they came in from behind.

Rainbow took the chance to dash in, dodging a few claws and bites that were aimed at her before getting only a glance at Luna as the entrance would close. Thorny vines began to come to life, prehensile fibres of razor sharp spikes would whip across the entrance, cutting it off and leaving Dash stranded. In front of her was nothing but darkness, only relying on fragile, blind hope.

One hoof step forward took Dash on her way, her face staying determined. Rarity was counting on her. Who knew what lurked in this forest? She could hear the rustling of bushes around her, the hisses and calls of the untamed wildlife that thrived in the wood. Eyes could barely make out the path.

"Dash."

Where was she? The whispering voice sat on the chilling inner winds, like the cries of a long gone ghost. It didn't bare thinking about. The darkness was so thick, unforgiving. Trees upon trees grown atop each other, fighting for space and for survival, bark as hard and as pliant as concrete. Moving through it was almost agonising, as if each step tore at her flesh, clawing at everything she had. Stray thorns and hanging vines would catch her at a step, baring no pattern or warning. The jungle would take a swing and she would take it, a cut here and a slice there would draw blood. But not one hoof moved back. A hiss of pain, a gasp from some unseen foe wearing at her spirit.

"Dash."

An echo now, nothing more than a forgotten whimper. As if the world had lost her lips and all that was left was that on word, that one vocal epitaph. Where was she? Where could she be? Every shadow took her shape, every tree twisted to a face of Rarity's anguish. She must have been close by now. It felt like she had been walking for hours, every step bringing the same torturous black that tested her very nerve. But the path had disappeared, lost from sight. Swallowed up by the greedy bogs around her. The growling marsh baying for its next meal, spurting the heavy smog onto the dirt path. One hoof out of place and Dash would sink, her body swallowed up by the marsh.

There may have been silence, and she may have been alone, but it was Dash's hope that kept her going. Her loyalty was to her friends and she would not let them down. Not a chance. A sickly green glow began to shine through the tree line. The chanting of words, of softly spoken incantations. The growing fear of what lay beyond. The darkness of the forest almost seemed inviting compared to facing the hellish nightmare Queen once more. But soon that thistle archway was found and Dash emerged into the clearing. She was bloody, cut and weak, but she had made it.

There stood the two green cells, one holding Rarity and the other Twilight and Spike, floating in the strange gunk that kept them unconscious. In front of the left one stood Chrysalis, horn ablaze as tendrils of dark energy drew from the green capsule holding Twilight and into her form.

"Rainbow Dash. Such persistence! I'd find it almost admirable of I didn't want you dead," cooed the nasty figure, not turning from that capsule.

Dash didn't have the time or the effort to play games, breaking into a gallop before diving towards the dark Queen, "You get away from her!"

A sudden burst of green flame and the monster had moved, sending Dash slamming head first into the rubbery holding cell.

A few steps behind her, the dark figure evaporated once again, eyes glowing that sinister green, like the foggy shimmer of a muddy emerald.

"You believe you can take me on? Please!" called the Queen in mocking of the young filly's attempt.

Dash growled at her, moving to take up her defensive position of head down, wings shot up in the air. This time she was ready for the bursts of dark energy, dashing left and ready to escape them. Throughout it all, Chrysalis was still to fiendishly cackling as her head leant into each powerful shot.

But Dash wasn't to be outdone. The missed shots kicked up enough dirt and dust that slowly began to veil the rainbow mare, leaving the nightmare Queen shooting into the dark.

"Trying to hide from me, Rainbow Dash?" teased the changeling, her body quickly morphing into that of Rarity, adopting her tone to mock her, "Why would you hide from me?"

The powerful pegasus silently dipped down behind the powerful doppelgänger, letting her hind legs deliver a powerful kick to the back.

What she kicked was thin air, the Rarity clone slowly melting into the haze of the forest. When Dash's head looked forward once more, the evil Queen was waiting, giving a snarl that sent the shocked filly head over hooves. A follow up blast of dark magic sent her careening across the menacing glade as she slammed back into the block that held Twilight.

Dash was left in a heap once again, the sinister figure gawking pitifully at her from across the clearing.

"You truly are pathetic, you know that? But at least now you get to die beside your precious little girlfriend. That's if she isn't dead already."

Pulling herself to her hind legs, back pressed against the green slime, Rainbow would take the time to look over at her girlfriend floating in the ooze. Her body was listless, devoid of twitch or motion or stir. Maybe it was already too late. Maybe the fight had been lost. Tears began to well in her eyes, teeth biting firmly into her lip as of fighting for composure.

But the break was not to last, Chrysalis lining that menacing horn up to spear the unlucky pegasus. Dark eyes focused on their target. The charge began, quick paces sending the tip of that sharp horn closer and closer to the bare belly of the pony. Head hit its mark, Dash curled in from the impact. It was all over.

"Oooo...so close," murmured Dash, a smirk on her face.

Those eyes would turn down. Dash had shifted out the way and that splinter horn was jammed into that gooey cell. Blue hooves grasped her head, giving it a firm tear up and down before shunting her away. A surprised Chrysalis could only look on as Dash used her paws to tear away at the thick gelled wall!

"Nooo! Stop!"

But it was too late, the warm much of the gel spilling out from the burst prison and poured out onto the ground. It was as if the floodgates let loose, Twilight and Spike sliding out, unconscious but alive.

The Queen began to writhe on the floor, dark jets of magic spilling from her body. Releasing Twilight had caused a release of the magic she stole, the energy flowing back into Twilight's horn.

Dash could only watch on in horror, the weakened changeling pulling herself to her hooves even after the firm blow she was dealt, "You insolent little worm!"

The freeing of Twilight from that biological gunk may have weakened the Queen, but it didn't deter her. Sharp fangs gleamed in unhealthy glow under the sickening moonlight, horn beginning to flare in rage. Rainbow Dash had nothing; that charging trick probably wouldn't work again and running would accomplish nothing. Once again, her body was enveloped in that searing dark energy, hooves leaving the ground as she once again came under the mercy of the evil Queen.

The dark energy would tighten around the pegasus' throat, air barely able to slip through before it was cut off completely. And with no daring rescue in sight, things seemed at their darkest for Rainbow Dash.

"Love is true. Hearts entwined. Something lost that you must find."

Although her mind began to haze and her vision began to darken, those words would ring out above all else. They were the words of the Princess, of Luna. The words that were spoken in her dream.

Dim eyes would turn to the cell behind her, to Rarity. She had given it her all, against an infinitely more powerful opponent. And it had not been enough. All the things she didn't get to do with Rarity, the opportunities she would never experience. Her mind turned to Scootaloo, whom she would never see grow up. Or to her friends who she would never speak to again. To the Wonderbolts and their final flight she had partaken in. But mostly, to Rarity. She had let her down, she hadn't been there to protect her. Through all the lies and deceit, the ups and downs, through the greatest of humiliations, one thing was constant. She loved that mare. She loved...

"Rarity--" whispered the dying mare with the last her lungs would give her.

That magic began to weaken, the aura began to fade. The dark Queen who gorged herself on false love, on misleading those who held each other so dearly, was starting to pay the price. She was not loved, she was not wanted. Without her disguise, her true self had been revealed. And all that power, all that love was returning to its true receiver. Rarity.

A love once lost had now been found.

The fight was over, the magic fleeing from Dash’s form once again as she landed belly down in the dirt. All connections that the changeling ruler had to her sources of power had been severed. Powerful surges of magic burst from her form, violently breaking free of her. The writhing Queen cried out, her powerful essence leaving her, dissipating into the night air.

A deep groan from behind Dash, her head turning to see the goo-built feel rupture, the nasty fluid spilling out and Rarity sliding with it. The white mare looked weak, lifeless. She looked dead. With the last of her strength, Dash crawled over to her, dragging her weak body through the dirt and the mud. Those blue forelegs slipped beneath the unicorn's body, pulling her up into Dash's grip.

This was too painful for the pegasus; tears began to build in her eyes, soon streaming down her face. There was no pulse, no breath. All the warmth had drained from Rarity's body. Thanks to the gunk she was suspended in, not even that welcoming scent was there. The changeling had taken everything.

"Rise and shine, Rari'," sniffled the crumpling pegasus, a hoof moving to softly scoop her luscious mane from her face, "You're safe now. We won, babe!"

Rainbow pulled that stone cold mare into her shoulder, Dash pressing her muzzle into that sweet neck.

"Please Rarity. Say something."

A deep breath wasn't enough to hold that fragile composure, the pegasus sobbing deeply into her dead mate, "Please! Don't leave me, Rarity."

By this time, the evil forest was free from the dark influence of Chrysalis, the sharp vines and tendrils giving way clear through to the grove. Luna and Spitfire were there in an instant, ready for a fight. What they found was the broken Dash and the crippled shapeshifting Queen.

While Luna stood guard over the changeling, Spitfire trotted across to Dash, a hoof on her shoulder. A light tug, as if to pull away.

Those forelegs dug tightly into Rarity's form, snarling at the attempts to pull her away. She cried out, thrashing the Wonderbolt off her, intent of ignoring the truth. Rarity was gone.

"Dash...I-I'm sorry..."

All she could do was weep into Rarity's shoulder, desperately trying to will the dead pony back to life. She wasn't coming back, and when Dash realised that, her head turned to the defeated Chrysalis. Carefully she laid her Rarity down, before a rage-fuelled glare would take hold. She charged at the weak Queen, Spitfire having to restrain her from getting any closer.

"You did this! This is your fault! She didn't deserve this!"

It was taking all the strength the Wonderbolt Captain had to keep Dash contained. Chrysalis seemed fearful more than anything else, Luna having to step in the way to create a barrier. All that hate, all that rage. And Dash had no outlet.

"Is this who you are, Rainbow Dash?" stated the Princess coldly, "A creature of hate and destruction? What makes you and Chrysalis any different?"

Rage gripped the furious mare, hooves almost quivering, eager to get to work on the hateful enemy that sought to destroy all she held dear. Eyes would move to the unconscious Twilight and Spike, both clinging to the edge of life as Wonderbolts began to resuscitate them. She couldn't even look back to Rarity; the pain was too fresh, the wound was too great. For all the suffering that nightmare child had caused, she couldn't be given such an easy way out. Pride and loyalty dictated that the mare act. But no matter how angry the pegasus was, Luna had a point. It was hate that had caused the chilling winds to befall her pony ancestors. Anger and the will for retribution had sent Luna herself into depravity and madness. And no matter how much beating the crud out of that twisted Queen would satisfy Dash, it would not bring Rarity back. Slowly, Rainbow began to give in to Spitfire's grip, allowing herself to be held.

"Tell me about her. About Rarity."

The Princess' request was simple, and subject Dash had eagerly wanted to share.

"She is...was my girlfriend. She was the very best of me. Beautiful, smart, funny... Her smell was just...awesome. Her beautiful hair you could just stroke all day. Coat white as the highest cloud, eyes bright as the deep blue sky."

A smile slowly grew on her face. All that hatred began to melt away, the weight of the pain began to disappear.

"I want to hold her in my arms. To spend long mornings in bed with her. I want to call her mine. Hell, I'd fly about, calling her name to every pony in Ponyville. I'd fly around Equestria for her and second time if it'd make her smile. I love her."

"That's so mushy..."

That voice. That beautiful voice. It couldn't be. Dash would spin in place, eager to dispel that she must have been hearing things. But she wasn't. Stood there, still glistening wet for her imprisonment, a beaming smile plastered on her face.

"A wonderful thing, love," stated Luna, taking Chrysalis from the scene and back down the pathway.

Dash couldn't really move, the reality of the moment keeping her from stirring. Moments ago, her life with her girlfriend was over. Her heart had been torn from her chest, suffering a pain so great that she couldn't even bare to think. Then she was talking of her love, of the times they shared. And in that choking darkness of grief, there was a glimmer of hope. A glimmer than was now standing in front of her.

Spitfire gave a soft titter, a cheeky smile on her face as she butted Dash out of her trance, "Will you just go over there and kiss her already!?"

The pegasus didn't need to be told twice. Those hooves carried her like lightning to her revived lover, enveloping her in a tight hug and pressing a passionate kiss to her lips.

********************

It had been a few days since the confrontation with the demented Chrysalis, now contained in the castle dungeon. Rarity and Dash had come out to their friends, despite the lies of the vicious changeling Queen, used to keep Dash dependant on the Rarity disguise. The news were taken with little complaint, except for a heart-broken dragon. Friendship had blossomed into something more deep, more meaningful. Without all the worry and doubt, Rarity and Dash had noticed the affections of gay and lesbian couples. In fact, the iconic fillies had become a symbol of acceptance, love and openness. Their courage had inspired so many in such a short time.

Back at the boutique, Rarity was pulling down all the blinds, bursts of magic covering the windows and closing the front door. Rarity had her measuring tape resting around her neck, cute work glasses balancing on the end of her muzzle.

"Would you stop being so fussy? No one is going to see you! Now, get out here!" demanded the white mare, turning her attention to the curtain drawn display booth where Dash was hiding.

"I ain't coming out. I'm putting my hoof down!" squealed a hidden Rainbow, obviously upset at her treatment.

"Of course you are," reaffirmed Rarity with a roll of her eyes, her horn blazing as that curtain slid open.

The poor pegasus desperately tried to cover herself. There stood Dash, each hoof and leg covered in a sock. Each sock had rainbow stripes vertically down their length, the top frilly white like a cloud.

"Rarity! This is...is...so un-rainbow!" grumbled the blushing pegasus, stomping her hooves in anger.

Rarity trotted closer, moving in to examine her work, "Oh shush, they are plenty rainbow!"

This was completely humiliating, Dash being used as a model for the new fashion craze Rarity hoped to inspire.

"Okay, I just need to check the stitching on the seams. Then again, you have very muscular legs. So if they fit you, I assume the same could be said for other mares...even stallions! I wonder if you can fly with them. Rainbow Dash, would you--"

Rarity was caught short by her own little vocal note taking by a kiss from Dash, pressing those warm, blue lips to her lover's. Even with her priority to fashion, Rarity was stopped dead, eyes softly closing as the warmth of that embrace swept over her.

Once that sweet kiss broke, Rarity stood there in suspense, eyes closed, engrossed in the moment. Dash however, was beaming a cheeky smile, as if her ego was proud of how good of a kisser she was!

Those blue powered eyes slowly opened, turning her way to the staircase as Rarity began trotting off, "Upstairs. Now."

"Yes!" cried Dash in victory, giving herself a hoof pump as she began to tug at her stockings.

"And leave the socks on!" called the glamorous mare from up that stairs causing Dash to frown, flapping her wings as she floated up the stairs, head hanging low.

"Darn it..."

Chapter 6 - A Date In Drag, Part 2

"Oh Dash!" squealed Rarity, looking truly dazzled at the pegasus' transformation. Eyes were positively gleaming as that straight fringe of bright blonde hair and long, wispy blond tail 'stallion' made her way into view. Large coat and bulked shoulders gave her the perfect masculine frame, wings folded against the back of her black dinner jacket.

"I mean, Jet Lightning!"

"This is humiliating," grunted Rainbow, giving Rarity a stern look, eyebrows furrowed and heavy.

"Oh shush!" giggled the excited white mare, striking a pose in her own outfit.

Although her work on Dash had been surprisingly imaginative, Rarity's ball gown was something else all together. Beautiful wings of white fabric were trimmed with a fine, rich purple frill down each side leading to the tip at the back. Within the sides at her plot lay decals of her cutie mark, blue diamonds. Large stylish collar was lined in shimmering sapphires, glimmering in the dim light of the evening. Hair was brushed and shampooed, kept to her usual curled style, combined with a fine tiara of silver, draped with strands of purple silk and fitted with a large sapphire in the very top. To finish, fine purple slippers of silk to adorn her hooves, strapped on firmly up each leg.

"Don't I just look divine?"

The manly filly hesitated, fighting back theinstinct to fire off a cheap insult, "Yeah, you look good. Shall we get this over and done with?"

"I suppose we should," reaffirmed Rarity, her magic holding out a small mirror for her hoof to add tiny touches and tweaks to her hair.

Rainbow joined at her side, both trotting to the door as the blue hue of magic swung it open. And who else was waiting on the other side but Twilight Sparkle, hoof up in preparation to have knocked.

Rainbow's eyes jumped wide open as her friend stood there, immediately slinking away to the side before the unicorn's gaze could fall on her.

"Oh, heya Rarity!" said Twilight, not noticing the panic faintly growing on the white mare's face, "Hope I'm not keeping you. I was going to ask for that book back, if you were done with it? A pony came in this afternoon asking for it."

"Oh of course," bleated the nervous unicorn, magic flinging the book through the doorway and firmly into Twilight's hooves, "There you are, dear. We really must be off!"

Curious eyes would fall on the cowering Rainbow Dash in drag, even past the attempt Rarity made to shelter her from view by leaning in the door way.

"Ooo is that your date? Good evening Sir!"

Mouth was dry. Body was shaking. Even with her squeamish, punky tone, Rainbow didn't feel she could pull off a stallion voice in such a tight spot.

"He's quite the shy one, Twilight. I'm sure we can catch up later, perhaps? For now, we really must be off!"

Rarity dashed to the side of her butch partner, giving her a firm tug towards the door as they broke into a quick trot out of the Boutique and toward the train station, "Come along Jet, darling!"

The had left in such a hurry, Twilight had been shunted out of the door way and left wondering what was going on. With such a swift pace, that dinner jacket would shift with the natural womanly sway of Rainbow's plot, giving a peek to the hidden mark of a raincloud and a lightning bolt beneath...

It was a quick gallop to the train station, the pair choosing a nice, quiet carriage to work out their plan for the night. Rainbow, however, was not taking things well.

Hoof would firmly beat against the seat pillow they were both perched on, "Stupid, stupid, this is stupid! We're gunna get caught!"

White hooves grabbed Rainbow's own, ceasing her stressful swinging, "We are not going to get caught sweetie! You just need to calm down and get into the character! Relax!"

This wasn't the best situation for the anxious filly. Rainbow's pride was very important to her, especially with a beefed up ego such as hers. Even for her very precious friendship, Rainbow Dash wouldn't have done half the things she's done with Rarity over the past few days. It's incredible what the white coated mare could talk her into doing. Rarity's happiness suddenly meant a lot to Rainbow.

"Okay," came a soft sigh, unsure smile barely hanging on Dash's face, "I'm calm. How are we gunna pull this off?"

"Just act normal, dear," explained Rarity reassuringly, hooves moving to fix Rainbow's windswept mane, "I guess the others and I don't tell you this, but you're not the most ladylike of mares! You're playing a fresh young flyer, straight out of Cloudsdale. A cocky young stud with his gorgeous, enchanting, mesmerising girlfriend! Just try put a bit more...growl in your voice, that's all!"

The train ride was quite a lengthy one, the mountainous tracks to Canterlot taking a winding route through the various peaks. During that time, Rarity and Dash worked on her voice, making sure she got at least a passable tone without seeming to fraudulent. Day turned to dusk, lights beginning to flicker on in the lone carriage as the grand caboose slowly pulled its way into Canterlot station. Beyond lay the tall stone work houses and fine cobbled streets, with the grand palace of the Princesses standing watch over it all. It was a city of riches, class and pleasure. It was always a beautiful sight to behold!

Tonight was a special night, the famous city strangely quiet as the night began to roll in. A few strolled the streets, most indoors, lights blazing through the many homely windows as the town began to wind down. However, a few couples were out together, dressed in formal attire as they headed towards the palace gate. It felt so special, so exclusive, Rarity swiftly dragging a still anxious Rainbow off the train and towards the castle beyond. The great gate stood protected by the Royal Guard, snatching the tickets that Rarity offered before the two were allowed inside. Within the great entrance hall, lustrously decorated with hanging banners of fine, dark fabrics. Atop the stairs to the grand ball room stood the tall and graceful Princess of the Night, Luna.

Rainbow took one look at the dark figure and gave a flustered gulp, trying her best to puff out her chest and stiffen her shoulders, showing a faux egotism of her fake persona. It was a queue to get in, couples official greeted by the grand princess as the congregation shuffled slowly into the Ball room. Soon enough, Rarity and Dash stood atop the red carpet clad staircases, the shimmering Princess holding a bright smile on her face.

"Rarity, the talented dress maker. So glad you and..."

Luna's eyes took one look at Rainbow Dash before the nervous mare in drag was already looking away, a blush on her face. Although Luna's expression didn't falter, Dash instinctively knew she had seen right through her, brief glances only making her feel worse. It was over, they had been caught.

"Jet Lightning, right? I have heard much of your skill," proclaimed the imposing Princess, a friendly grin growing on her face to show she was okay with what was obviously a delicate situation.

There was no need to fake anything, Rainbow's blushing bright face showing her humiliated gratitude, "Thank you, Princess Luna," quiet enough so the couple behind her would not hear her girlish tone.

With a simple bow to the a Princess and a nod in return, the couple passed by, Rarity keeping her smile firm as she hung close by her stallion date. She wasn't sure how they had done it, but they had done it! And what awaited them was the Palace Ball Room, lined so elegantly in dark banners depicting the moon and twinkling stars. The large crystal chandelabre above was dimly lit, letting the night soak into the scene through the windows. Enchanted crystals magically floated above their heads , shimmering like the very stars themselves. The grand stage raised behind the dining tables had the Royal Canterlot event band, all dressed in deep black of night suit jackets and dresses. The Grand Buffet was had plates of hay bread slices, different types of grilled seafoods to pick at. Corns and carrots freshly baked, with creamy coated desserts and ice cream scoops to follow.

"Whoa..." gasped the drag-dressed filly, taking in the beauty of the room.

"Whoa is right!" responded an astonished Rarity by her side, saucer sized eyes darting about the brilliance of the room and its many notable guests.

The soft sound of tuning by the mini orchestra was offset by the call of the Princess out in the adjoining courtyard. Opulent side doors would reveal the opulent castle garden and adjoining steps where a crowd had gathered.

"Fillies and gentlecolts! It is my honour to introduce the astounding, breath-taking performance of...the Wonderbolts!"

The proclamation of the Princess before the anxious crowd was followed by a flurry of fireworks. Two large fountains of furious sparks shot out from behind the courtyard wall, rockets soaring high into the chilly eventide air. And in the middle of it all, six elite trained pegasi shot in formation high into the sky. The performance was masterful, loops and turns, near-collisions and skilful formations kept the crowd on their hooves. The multitude of heads would keenly follow each and every manoeuvre that was performed, but none seemed more eager to watch than Dash. Pink eyes beamed eagerly as she took in every flap of a wing and every dive that was undertaken. She had never seen them fly for that long, watching her idol Spitfire leading the pack through ever feat they performed. It was a marvellous dance of aerial perfection, ending with a dive bomb to the garden as the onlooking attendance cheered in exaltation.

"Weren't they simply glorious?" asked Rarity, stamping her hooves to the ground in praise.

"Glorious? They were awesome!!" retorted Dash in one of her high pitches squeal.

A sudden meep was given, the young pegasus reminding herself that they were now in public. She cleared her throat, putting pressure on her voice to give it that deep growl of a stallion's tone, "I mean, they sure were honey."

Celestia, that felt dirty! Poor Dash was left with a deep blush as she followed the company of diners back into the main hall. This was going to be a long night!

The ball's schedule followed closely to those of other events set in Canterlot. As the darkness of the eve set in to stay, soft music drifted from the stage to give a backdrop for the pony conglomerate to social. As usual, Rarity had darted off to mingle, making sure her dress was the toast of the night. She was determined to spread her work to the upper crust of Canterlot as well as make a name for herself at the same time. This was her crowd, this was where she belonged!

Dash wasn't as lucky; she struggled to fit in as well with all the hoity twoity horses that populated the ballroom. She was far too down to Earth for that. An almost defeated grumble came to her as she stood by the buffet table, taking a piece of picking here and there to pass the time.

A sudden touch of her wing would gain her attention, turning to see how was trying to talk with her. What she found was the familiar Captain of the Thunderbolts, Spitfire, stood beside a smiling Princess Luna.

"Here he is," began the tall Princess, holding out a hoof to indicate Dash was the disguised pony she meant, "Jet Lightning!"

The introduction was rather one sided, Spitfire showing a warm smile on her face, "This guy?" Attention turned from the Princess to the quivering, drag-donned Dash in front of her, "Princess Luna tells me you're quite the flyer!"

It was taking all The blue pegasus had not to squeal from the sudden attention of her true hero. She had a persona to play and she couldn't let Rarity down.

A quick swallow pushed down those nerves as the forced growl began, "That's right. Fastest pony to come out of Cloudsdale, Ma'am."

Quite the boast for a padded pegasus, which obviously wasn't dampening Dash's legendary ego. Luna would give a bow, obviously keen to attend to other guests as she strode off.

"Glad to find another pegasus here," began Spitfire, looking past Dash to the rest of the hall, "Too many unicorns, if ya ask me."

Keeping her cool, Dash would give a firm nod, "Tell me about it. I'll keep my wings over some magic horn any day! Don't see why I came here; could be working on my triple cloud flip!"

That cockiness was only agreeing with the infamous Spitfire, a sharp smirking growing on her face, "You can do a triple cloud flip? That's a pretty advanced move, kid!"

"More like amateur, Ma'am. I can manage it in my sleep!" bragged Dash openly in her growl of a voice. Realistically, Dash had performed the move only a couple of times with mild success. Logic obviously didn't come with her get up!

"Alright then! What's say you put your money where your mouth is? What say we blow this scene and go for a flight, so you can show me what you've got?"

A chance to fly and show off her tricks with her idol? How could Rainbow refuse!? It was a quick gallop into the garden before both disappeared into the night sky. Spitfire's speed was what Rainbow had trouble matching, it was her incredible agility. She could almost turn on a bit, able to weave and spin through thick cloud formations like no-one had ever seen before. Even with all the padding and bulk of her outfit, Rainbow was able to stay close by. And when it was time to show off her trick, the blue pegasus was ready to give it her all. However, if her success was limited in clear summer skies during the hear of the day, what chance did she have in the chilling blind abyss high above Canterlot? It took her several attempts, most landing her face first on a cloud. But soon enough, she had it down, which impressed her mentor to no end. The morning had quickly drawn in and it was time to return to the ball, each flyer coming into land side by side, trotting to a stop by the garden steps.

"Not bad, Jet. Not bad. I wouldn't say you're the best flyer to come out of Cloudsdale. I know a certain filly that'd leave you in the dust!"

A warm smile took to Rainbow's face, her limitless modesty making a very personal assumption out of the statement, "Heh, thanks for the flight Ma'am. I best get back to the party."

Dash gave a respectful bow of her head before she took off up the steps. Behind her, a elegant unicorn mare was approaching Spitfire, and the pair embraced with a kiss. Not something the tired Rainbow had time or direction to spot.

Dash was quick to spot her own unicorn mate within the now sparse crowd, left by herself at the drinks table.

"And just where have you been?" called the lonesome filly as Dash approached her, "There is only so much I can say to these ponies before I have to start fabricating all sorts of lies!"

The smile on Rainbow's face surprised Rarity, following up on her line statement, "Enjoying yourself, are we?"

"Yeah, definitely," came a cool reply from Dash, watching as two glasses of fresh cider were produced by the unicorn for the two.

The night had been perfect. Rarity was able to talk it up with some potential customers and influential designers while Dash took the flight of her life. And as the lights began to dim and the sun began to rise, the last dance was called. The soft, soothing music began to play. The tired pair took to the dance floor, each pony's head rested on each other's shoulder as they began their flit about the floor. The deep glow of the coming morning flooded through the windows, the pair swaying and softly stepping to the music. It was heavenly and peaceful. And the moment was theirs.