The Tale of RariDash - Series 1

"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.