The Tale of Raridash - Series 2

Chapters

Chapter 11 - It's All Wings and Horns
Chapter 12 - Summer Jousting
Chapter 13 - Daring Do and the Fanfiction

Chapter 11 - It's All Wings and Horns

"Augh, hurry up!" groaned the impatient pegasus, having to flutter ahead of her slow mate, "I'm missing out on some wicked flying time!"

A trek through the Everfree Forest was dangerous at the best of times, especially with the level of noise the grumpy Rainbow was so keen on making. The whole aim of the trip was to pick up a plant known as 'Sun Lily', with flowering petals that shimmered like the morning Sun. Zecora had shown Rarity a picture of them on a prior visit. She was keen to use these infamous flowers to decorate her new range of summer dresses and saddles, which she had aimed to have out by the following week.

"There's no need to rush, Rainbow Dash! We must be careful out here," warned the elegant unicorn, taking more care not to tread in any mud puddles or dead piles of leaves.

A cocky grin swept onto Dash's face, "Yeah, don't wanna get trapped in a goo capsule thing, do we?"

The rainbow mare swooped down to Rarity's side, letting that grin show her blatant tease.

"I thought we promised never to speak of that again?" snarled Rarity, narrowing her eyes and giving her mate a cold look.

A cheeky grin stayed plastered on Dash's face, "Does that include the time you fell in love with some big dumb rock?"

"Now Dashy," tittered the elegant unicorn, happily striding past her jovial partner, "you shouldn't put yourself down like that!"

It took Rainbow a few moments to register that the response was a little quip at her, giving a deep frown, "Hey!"

It was not long before the two intrepid mares had found what they were looking for. An open glade lay ahead, a snaking stream sat behind that cut clean like a ribbon through the grove. By the water's edge lay patches of flowers, showing the long stamens and plush leaves characteristic of the Sun Lillies Rarity sought after.

"Wonderful!" exclaimed Rarity as she galloped over to begin picking at the stems with her teeth, "Come along, Rainbow Dash! I'll need quite a few for my summer collection!"

"Pfft, the best flyer from Cloudsdale does NOT pick flowers. I'll just sit here and watch," grunted Dash, sat flat on her flank as she brushed her hooves absent-mindedly through her colourful mane.

Rarity gave her a sharp look, "And if the best flyer out of Cloudsdale doesn't want people to know she enjoys wrapping herself up in her girlfriend's dressing gown when she thinks no one is watching, she will help me!"

The threat was credible; how did she know? Rarity must have been hiding in the closet or climbing up a ladder to peer into the bedroom. To further prove her point, the unicorn leaned in, taking a delicate sniff of Dash’s coat, a smirk on her face. The scent was rather obvious, like she had been swimming in Rarity’s clothes! With a worried look on her face, Dash quickly galloped over, snipping up closer bulbs with her teeth and flicking them into the saddle basket. A smug look dominated Rarity’s face as she got her way, the crafty minx that she was! The task was finished in no time, the pair now looking down at the full flower basket between them.

"Thank you so much, Dashy Washy!" cooed Rarity in a babyish tone, a bright grin shining through as she looked down at the basket.

"My pleasure, Rari'" replied Dash, beginning to trot towards the path out of the forest.

Rarity's grin almost melted off her face, giving a loud snort, "Well? Aren't you going to carry these for me? Being the LOYAL pony that you are?"

"Pfft, carry flowers back to Ponyville? Do you not get my image!" grunted Dash, turning over in midair so she could drift lazily on her back, "Plus, it's so nice of you to GENEROUSLY carry those for me!"

It seemed Rarity's once finely whipped Rainbow Dash was rebelling against her! A heavy frown took to her features as magic hoisted the basket onto the unicorn's back, "Hmmph, fine!"

The trot back hadn't taken very long and was as uneventful as the entire trip. Not that the couple was complaining, what with all the nasty beasts and nameless horrors that called Everfree their home. The evening had quickly and slightly rolled in, coating Ponyville in a blanket of blissful twilight. Rainbow hadn't had her chance for a flight, but Rarity was keen to reward her.

"I hate this, you know," snarled Rainbow Dash, fore legs crossed over her chest, eyes looking to the closed blinds of their home to make sure they weren't being peeped in on.

Rarity had laid Dash on one of her luxury recliner seats, the kind used by opulent rulers...or at the spa. Blue magic encircled that file, bringing it closer to the dangling hooves of her girlfriend.

"Of course you do, darling..."

What a night it had been! Dash could get used to this; getting what she wanted and seeing Rarity do all the work. Eyes slowly slid open, tearing her from her comfort and bringing her back into the world.

However, things didn't seem right. A subtle feeling of malaise hung in the air, as of things were familiar...but not the same. Dash slid lazily from the covers, her still rather numb body bringing her to the adjoining en-suite of the boutique's bedroom.

The mare would carefully trot up to the sink, turning on the facet and taking a drink. Eyes would slip to the mirror to make sure everything was fine; white coat, purple curly mane, protruding horn on her forehead. Yep, it all seemed in order.

Wait, what!?

She was Rainbow Dash, she knew that! But the mirror was showing Rarity, with the same fearful face that she thought she was sporting.

"What the hay..." murmured Dash before hooves went to cover her mouth. It was Rarity's voice!

"Rarity!!" cried the frantic Rainbow at the top of her lungs, that softly pitched voice producing a chilling scream.

It took only a few seconds before the changed Rarity was awake and realised what was wrong. Bright, blue coat, ghastly short rainbow mane, thick, muscular wings. And with that squeak of a girl voice, Rarity's reply came out in a loud squeal. Rainbow charged back into the bedroom on her finely hooficured new limbs, meeting herself at the foot of the bed.

They had swapped bodies!

A sudden blue hoof smacked into the white unicorn's flank, causing her to hiss, "Hey! What was that for?"

"I wanted to check if you were sleeping! This must be some horrible dream!" cried Rarity in Rainbow's form.

A white hoof softly rubbed over the spot that was struck, "You're supposed to hit yourself, y'know..."

Rainbow Dash was surprisingly calm about the situation. Sure, it was a shock. But magic seemed to do some strange things, and she had been there for most of them! Panicking wasn't going to help their predicament, so she kept cool and began to think of the causes. Rarity, however, was not taking this so well.

"Oh no! Oh no, no, no! How could this possible have happened!? I'm you...you’re me! This isn't right! What about my summer collection? I need to finish my dresses before the weekend! But I don't have my horn! Just these...wings... How can I possib-"

The Rarity-looking Rainbow Dash jammed her white hoof into her distraught girlfriend's mouth...or her own mouth!

"You make my voice NOT awesome," began Dash, a smile growing on the unicorn's muzzle, "so try and get a hold of yourself, darling!"

The mocking play on her own words caused that pegasus to frown, "You think this is funny!?"

Rainbow Dash was loving this, being the natural prankster that she was. She proudly trotted past herself, a flick of that luscious purple mane as those eyes turned back in pose to her companion, "Now there's really no sense in getting all worked up, is there?"

"Enough!" snarled Rarity, the imitation in her own form obviously causing her more grief, "What are we going to do?"

The question did leave Dash weighing their options. She remembered back to the return of Trixie; Twilight had explained that transformation magic was incredibly advanced. Changing age or gender was close to impossible. So swapping bodies?

"I don't know. We could ask Twilight, she knows everything!" reassured Dash as she peered at the clock, "Oh man. But for me, I got some cloud busting to do!"

Head dipped down into the blue pegasus' side, firmly shunting her to the stairwell, "And that means you! So get to it!"

Before the Rainbow-sporting Rarity had a chance to complain, she had been shunted to the front door.

"My summer collection!" cried Rarity in a very Rainbow-esque squeal, "It's essential they are completely by the weekend!"

"If you haven't noticed, you’re the one with the wings. So you'll need to do my cloud busting," explained Rainbow Dash in Rarity's form, pushing her clear of the door, "Besides, I could make a start before this is all sorted out."

Rarity's gave a very sceptical look through Dash's features, unsure of her girlfriend's competence. Although she didn't seem to have a choice; she lacked her horn and the weather had to be sorted.

"Very well. You may do the capes. One sheet of white fabric with the flowers sewn into the hem. Use the pony mannequins to shape each cape to a flank. Can you manage all that?"

"Sure, sure!" conveyed the white unicorn Dash as she shooed her mate away, “it'll be fine!"

She had been given wings before; Zecora's magic concoctions had allowed her to fly up and surprise Rainbow Dash with a home visit. And the time before then, when Twilight had charmed her with those magnificent butterfly wings! But this was different. This was manual labour!

Rarity was still unsure about all of this, taking a moment to observe her new, blue body. Coat was smooth and crisp, a side effect of Dash's penchant for speed. Mane was messy but charming in its exuberant colour. It could do with a style and condition though. And those wings! Unlike some pegasi who had rather bulky, muscular wings, Dash's were a lot more subtle. Lean muscle weaves so perfectly through each limb, toned but not cumbersome. Feathers were large, splayed out to maximum how much wind they would pick up. Truly, Rainbow's wings were a work of art.

Rarity gave each one a flap, feeling the astounding force each one had from performing such a simple gesture. And then those eyes turned skyward, to the clouds high above. Why did they have to be so high?

Meanwhile, Dash had made her way to Rarity's work room, the neatly sorted chamber a temple of tidiness and creativity. Yet Dash was more interested in the body she was trapped in. That plush, smooth coat was pampered beyond belief, springing and luxuriously glimmering from daily cleaning and grooming. The weighty mane above seemed a bit too exuberant, almost getting in the way if it weren't so stylish. A white hoof prodded at the bottom of the curled fringe, watching it spring back up. Weird!

Hooves went to that curiosity above, that bony horn. It felt strange, like a part of her skull was jutting awkwardly from her forehead. Yet, at the same time, a simple touch gave poor Dash the shivers. As if a jolt of lightning surged through her body.

"So this is why she likes me to touch it," mumbled Dash softly to herself as the laid out white fabric came into view on the crafting table.

This magic thing couldn't be that hard, right? If an egghead like Twilight could manage it, so could Dash. All she needed to do was concentrate! Head bowed as that horn pointed to the awaiting fabric, her mind focused on simply picking it up.

This magic stuff was hard! Rainbow's head was already throbbing from the sheer effort she was putting in. It seemed like her mind was rather undisciplined. But slowly, dimly, that white horn began to shimmer with a thin veil of light blue magic. It was working, it was actually working!

The thin layer of fabric began to glow with the unicorn's sky blue magic. It was taking all the mind Rainbow could muster but the textile began to shift, floating free of the table. And soon enough, other objects around her began to pick up the magic aura: scissors, measuring blocks, fabric knives, rolls of thread. Even a nearby mannequin began to shift!

Soon enough, the inexperienced Dash was amidst a swirling flurry of magically charged items. Trapped in the eye of an arts and crates maelstrom wasn't her idea of productive, her new horn having a mind of its own! Before she could work out some control, the items began to violently converge around her. Head had to frantically duck and weave out of the way of cloth coated tubes and sewing kits. In the end, her magic gave out, leaving the poor mare in a mountain of fabric and fittings on the floor.

Getting off the ground had not been the hard part, it had been finding the delicate muscular movements to rise to the clouds. Rarity's first flap of those unfamiliar wings had sent her rocketing into the heavens. Denizens of Ponyville below we're treated to the horrified wailing of the rainbow streak high above.

It had taken some time and a few close shaves with some roofs, but Rarity was finally able to balance herself and stay afloat. She could see why Dash was so capable of her astounding aerial feats! But now was the time for work. She had the pegasus' body, so she had to do the vital work that came with it. Today was scheduled for clear skies and there were many cloud clusters still hanging about. Far off, she saw a few other stray members of the weather crew clearing out the sky. Tentative, the Rainbow-clad Rarity approached a nearby cloud, soft flaps of those wings keeping her in close. A blue hoof out stretched into the fluffy mass, giving a few erratic swipes as if she were shooing the cloud away. Slowly, the tangible white began to disperse, Rarity delicately using her hooves to crumble the form into clear air. A few minutes later and one cloud had been vanquished!

"Good job, Rarity," chimed the body swapped fashionista in an unfamiliar voice. Rainbow's voice made her praise seem rather impersonal even if she was the only one saying it.

Those borrowed pink eyes turns downwards as she took in the view of her regularly visited spa beneath her. A hooficure sure wouldn't go amiss and Rainbow's hooves could use one! But she had a job to do and she was not prepared to let her girlfriend down! Or Ponyville, for that matter.

It had taken Dash almost an hour to clear the havoc her rogue horn had created. All this drama made her yearn for her wings as she righted a few fallen clothing dummies. Lesson learned, she'd use good ol' fashioned horse power!

Carefully the unicorn would lay out a sheet of the bright white fabric on one of the mannequins. Her next task was to retrieve the basket of flowers they had collected. A quick trot to the kitchen revealed the basket upon the table, her mouth taking the handle as she shifted back to the work room. But something was amiss. Dash carefully lowered them to the work surface, eyes looking over the rather unfamiliar flowers.

"Aren't these supposed to be white flowers?" stated Dash to the silence of the boutique. The book had called for white flowers, but these had dark violet petals with sunny yellow stamens in the middle.

Suddenly, the opening of the front door and the ringing of the door bell made her smile. It was probably Rarity! That white coated Rainbow Dash happily trotted to the hall and down the staircase, eager to find 'herself' waiting in the shop below. It wasn't her, it was a customer! That silverfish coat and darkened mane looked quite familiar. She had seen the mare working at Sofas and Quills when she went to pick up some supplies for Twilight.

Dash was nervous. Her first instinct was to act the brute and ask the pony to leave. It wasn't her shop and she wasn't a dress maker! And yet Rarity was doing her job, clearing the skies for her. Dash knew she had to try and make a sale. Every little helps! Hesitation allowed Dash to formulate her words, hoping to mimic her girlfriend.

"Welcome to the Carousel Boutique!" chimed Dash in the fitting flamboyant voice, "How may...I be of assistance?"

The other mare seemed to shy away at the sudden attention as Dash's exuberance kicked it. A hoof softly pawed at the floor beneath, a sheepish smile fitting the young filly's quiet demeanour.

"H-Hi, I'm looking for a cape...with a hood? Like a...shroud?"

Fortunately for Dash, Rarity had many types of shrouds about, used as the basis for raincoats and dresses with protective hood wear of exaggerate collars. The white unicorn unveiled a display curtain, showing a rack of the different colours and designs.

"Here we are! These borrow the famous...petite chaffleur stylings. All the rage!" said Dash with a nervous grin on her face. This act was becoming difficult!

The timid little mare would look at all the different designs and choices. It seemed her taste was a little more minimalistic as she picked out a plain white design from the lot, her magic carefully laying it across her back.

"This one please. How much is it?"

Dash slipped her head to the end of the rack to check the label, that unsure grin never fading, "Eight bits, please!"

It wouldn't take long for the unicorn customer to check her saddle bag to find herself short, a disappointed frown on her face, "Oh, sorry for wasting your time..." as she would turn to the doorway, intent of leaving the rather awkward situation.

"Hold on!" retorted Dash almost immediately, trotting over to check the saddle bag. It seemed she only had three bits, less than half the price. Not that Rarity was short of cash. And with her summer line coming up...

Dash made sure that garment was laid securely to her saddle, a warm smile on her face, "Three bits is plenty. Enjoy your new garment from the Carousel Boutique!"

It had been a long, exhausting day; Rarity clopped through the boutique door, absolutely shattered from the cloud busting.

"Ten seconds flat, my flank!" grumbled the tired mare before she called to the seemingly empty shop. The soft hum of a sewing machine could be heard upstairs, "Dash? I'm home!"

A clattering of hooves could be heard from the room above as the pseudo unicorn clambered down the staircase, a covered up mannequin magically in tow. It was clear Dash was deep in her concentration, her tongue stuck out to the side as she delicately placed the item down.

"You've got a hang of my magic I see?" mocked Rarity playfully as she moved closer in.

"Hmm? Yeah, kinda… Just got focus and it’s pretty easy-" replied Dash slowly as she was split between her tasks, turning about to get a look of herself. What she saw was a finely groomed and shampooed rainbow mane, glimmering and primmed hooves, preened wings and a glossy coat.

Rarity was treated to the sight of Dash in her red work glasses balanced delicately at the end of her muzzle and a strip of measuring tape around her shoulders.

"You're right. I do look cute in glasses!" came a snigger from Rarity, moving in for a hug.

"What have you done!?" blurted Dash in a gasp, her eyes wide open to take in the sight of the spa treated pony, "My mane. My wings! My hooves!?"

Rarity knew she was in trouble as silence fell, her own face displaying an angry scowl against her, "You went to the spa, didn't you?"

Eager to change the subject, the blue pegasus trotted up to the sheet coated mannequin, "Let's see your work!"

"Answer the question, Rarity!"

"Yes!" cried the unicorn in a sudden, dramatic outburst, "I did it! I went to the spa! I had to, you must believe me! Your hooves were so uneven and your wings...and the spa attendants were so thorough!"

"How many people saw me...I mean, you?" demanded the enraged Dash.

"Just the spa staff! ...and a passing weather crew. Oh, and those pegasus track flyers when I asked for directions. They were ever so helpful! They seemed to be quite amused by something!" The longer she went on for, the more guilty Rarity felt, a delicate frown emerging on that blue muzzle. As good of a plan as it was to visit the spa, Rarity had forgotten she was representing Rainbow Dash. With all the sideways looks and unfamiliar stares, everything was beginning to fit into place...

Dash made Rarity's jaw hit the floor, her image and reputation crushed in the short expanse of one afternoon. Again, an uncomfortable silence flooded the scene, Dash giving a plain look on her borrowed face as she headed to the door.

"...Dash?"

That front door slid open with a burst of magic.

"Dash, sweetie?"

Silently, the white unicorn clopped onto the grass out front...and towards a rather nasty looking mud puddle.

"Dash, darling. Don't even joke about that!"

But this was no joke. With a stomp, those two front jokes sank deep into the thick, sopping wet mud with a sickening squelch, utterly smothering those finely kept hooves in slop. And when Rarity galloped in to stop her body from being ruined, Dash dipped that fine violet mane to the grimy surface. Rarity stopped Dash's hooves in their tracks.

"No!! I’m sorry, Dash!"

"I'll do it, Rarity! Believe me, I'll do it!"

"Rainbow Dash, you get my gorgeous mane away from that filth this instant!"

"What does it matter? You've already ruined mine!" The very tip of that violet curled mane was barely touching the tip of the goop, like the fine ends of a paint brush softly skimming over the murky surface.

"Brushing through your mane isn't a death sentence, Rainbow! I said I was sorry! I'm serious, step away or...or I'll trot around town in the most elegant, frilly ensemble I can find!"

"Oh yeah? I'll roll in this mud until I'm coated in it. And then I'll let it dry!"

"You wouldn't dare!!"

This outburst had attracted quite the communal attention, and plenty of perplexity! To those looking on, it seemed as if the to locally famous mares had gone insane, screaming their own names and empty threats!

"Rarity, my elegant dame. To drench your hair would be quite a shame!" came a voice from the passing crowd.

"I'm starting to understand the bother. Both of you are each other?" asked the rhyming zebra having dragged both bickering mares back into the privacy of the shop.

Each mare gave a shameful nod, as if the whole situation could have been avoided. Curiosity would take hold as Rarity headed with Dash's body to the still hidden mannequin while Dash carried on with Zecora.

"Please tell me there's a fix for this!" pleaded Dash, looking behind her to her wingless back, "Flying is my life!"

Zecora gave a grim look, "I am sorry Rainbow Dash. I know how you like to zip and flash! But I am in need of something more. Without knowing the cause, I have no cure."

Rarity was busy in her wonder, a hoof tugging that sheet off to show the flowing summer cape. Dash had done a very fitting job; the hems were cleanly sewn and the material was flat. But the trim was off, combined with strange, purple flowers.

Zecora took immediate note in the strange petals, "A cause might be upon us yet. These are not the flowers I told you to get!"

The blue pegasus was just as confused, looking over to Dash, "Were they not white when we picked them?"

"I dunno, it was dark. It's always dark in the Everfree forest!" added Dash, more concerned with her entrapment than a colour clash.

"These are not the Sun Lillies of which I spoke," began Zecora as she trotted over to carefully examine the flowers, "they are similar to the Poison Joke!"

She would go onto explain, approaching the baffled pair, "Petals purple and stamens gold. Stay away from 'Minds Unfold'. A plant that takes two of kind heart. To make their minds and bodies part. And soon enough, their souls will switch. Which leaves the ponies in quite a stitch!"

Both seemed rather perplexed about the whole thing! Rarity's appraising gaze had done nothing in distinguishing the real flower from the rather indistinguishable copycat. They had collected the flowers together, and this switch was the result.

"Is there a cure?" hummed a rainbow coloured Rarity through the pause the pair had taken.

"Making a cure is simple and fine," began to mystic zebra, pointing a hoof to the ready made cape, "but I would remove them from your clothing line!"

"A whole night?" gave Rarity in a snarling voice, still trapped in Rainbow Dash's form.

"Chill Rari', she can't make it brew any faster," called out Dash from the sofa, laid out on her back as she bounced a ball up with her hooves.

Rarity took a glance over as to how her body was being treated, "Will you please sit up now? You're going to mess up my mane!"

A coy looking Dash with Rarity's smirk pulled herself from the plush sofa and onto her hooves, clopping daintily over to her companion, "But doesn't it look divine? I mean, a true work of art, don't you think? Très magnifique!"

Meanwhile, Rarity kept her own glum look on Dash's muzzle, "I do NOT sound like that..."

With a rather dashing turn, the white unicorn headed for the stairs, a warm smile on her face, "Come Dash. I'll boss you around but make it up to later by doing that thing I do with my horn."

That comment had those blue cheeks turn a rosy red as Rarity galloped up behind the cheeky mare in her form, "You're in a lot of trouble, Mrs!!"

Chapter 12 - Summer Jousting

"What is the big deal, Rainbow Dash?" remarked the elegant white unicorn as they made their way down the dirt path towards town, "I think you'd look positively radiant with longer hair. A ponytail, perhaps?"

The fluttering pegasus beside Rarity gave a rather firm grimace, rolling onto her back as she skillfully swirled around her girlfriend's head. She was obviously not very keen on the idea.

"Stuff that! I have to stay streamlined and aerodynamic. You don't seen Soarin or Spitfire with long manes! Besides, this is my look. I can't mess with it; what if I stop looking awesome?!”

As if from nowhere, Dash had slipped on her trademark pair of shades, hooves held behind her head as she relaxed. Rarity herself had a rather fetching bonnet balanced rather precariously upon her luscious mane. White summer hat decorated with beautiful daisies and a slim veiled trim.

"Like that would ever happen!" followed up Rainbow Dash with a cocky sneer.

"Exactly. Although she might be a touch stubborn, my beautiful girlfriend is the coolest mare in all of Ponyville!" proclaimed a rather proud Rarity.

Those shades slid up to rest of her head as she slipped over onto her front, Dash sporting a rather unsure expression. "No offence there, Rari'. But when you say that, it's pretty uncool."

That white muzzle adopted a slight sneer, eyeing up the displeased mare beside her, "I'll have you know that I can be plenty cool! I can be...hip. And radical! And definitely awesome!"

The goading was certainly getting to the squirming Dash, covering her hooves with her ears, "Augh, stop!"

Rarity loved to tease her girlfriend. It seemed so easy, since they were worlds apart when it came to their preference and definition of 'cool'. Where Rarity favoured a unique dress style or a matching colour palette, Dash was more interested in aerial manoeuvres and speed.

"I can't possibly see the point in getting so worked up, Dash!" began Rarity as she trotted along behind her leading girlfriend, "All that stress is bad for y-"

Rather suddenly, Rainbow had come to a complete halt in front of Rarity, leaving the white unicorn to uncomfortably slam into the back of her, awkwardly bending the rim of her gorgeous summer hat.

"My chapeau!" squawked a rather startled Rarity, a plump pout on her lips as she meekly began to fix her misshapen bonnet.

"Ommygosh-" cried Dash in an energetic giggle, turning with bright eyes to her girlfriend, "I mean, sorry about that- but look!"

With her surprisingly firm flank shifted to the side, Rarity could marvel at the sight that had stopped her dead in her tracks. Upon the southern field outside of Ponyville, a large conglomeration had set up. Stands and stalls of easy-to-assemble wood panels. Colourful awning of black and red with interlaced white pinstriped. The sound of a roaring crowd could be heard cheering heartily in the distance. And to top it all off, the familiar glimmering of crystalline costs in the distance. It was a sort of renaissance fair!

"Oooo~ how lovely! I wonder if it's still in town tomorrow?" wondered Rarity aloud, resuming her slow trot down the path towards home.

Dash zipped her way back into her girlfriend's path, "Tomorrow? No way, Jose! I ain't risking it! Come on, Rarity! We spent all day lazing about by the beach, let's go and take a look around."

"But it's mid afternoon. I need to return to the boutique to make a start on my Summer Hat collection," began Rarity, turning her head in a bid to show off the wonderful headpiece, "I'm sure it'll still be here tomorrow!"

"Remember when you posed for me in rainbow socks? You know, the ones you made me wear? I think that photo is very cute! Maybe Twilight or Spike would like to see it..." The rainbow pony happily chimed in her sweet little blackmail to her stubborn partner. Besides, how many sacrifices had she made for the self entitled glamour mare!

A sudden frightened, anxious face hit Rarity, slowly forcing an accommodating smile, "Then again, being the most fabulous and generous pony of Ponyville, I'm sure we could spend the rest of the afternoon at the-"

She watched as those pink eyes lit up, and her excitable girlfriend zoomed off into the packed fate in the distance before she had even finished her sentence, "...fair."

If crystal ponies were known for anything, it was their showponyship and presentation. What a fair they had put on! Different stalls of fine crafts and freshly roasted foods were on sale wherever one would care to look. A myriad of crystal and regular ponies were trotting about, eager to take in all of the attractions. To be honest, it was quite the treat for Rarity, her eyes already resting on a seamstress' stall offering a pair of rather divine looking pillows!

"Rarity!" cried Dash from behind, her tone rather eager and excited.

The poor unicorn almost jumped out of her coat, her attention so focused on the festivities around her. She had to take a moment to refill her empty lungs, evacuated by in impromptu squeal of fright. A slow turn would reveal the fiendish pegasus fluttering there, a painfully innocent grin on her face, "Rainbow! How many times must I ask you not to do that? You know how much I dislike such...sudden outbursts!"

"I'm sorry - I love you - but I need to tell you that I'm entering a jousting tournament! Just imagine me, Queen of the Joust! These crystal cream puffs don't stand a chance!!"

Dash's tone was that of a kid excited for their first roller coaster ride, keen to share the moment with their parents. Or, in this case, her girlfriend! But all Rarity would give was an unsure frown. It really wasn't the best idea to allow the energetic mare of hers to be out into some competition where she could get hurt. Then again, it would more likely be Dash hurting others!

"Rainbow, I really must return to the boutique," conveyed Rarity, a sympathetic look showing her concern for her lover, "even though I'm sure you'd do brilliantly! How about we return home, hmm? Make some supper, enjoy a nice, hot bubble bath together!"

An almost defeated look barely made its way onto Dash's muzzle as she pulled out her blackmail card for the day, "You did look pretty silly in those socks..."

"Whoo Dash! Go get'em! I'll be right over to support you!" enthused Rarity with as much forged optimism as she could muster.

As soon as the proud pegasus zipped off, Rarity heaved a weighted sigh. Dash deserved to get her way, but she really wanted to get home and begin her work. She never liked to rush her creative process if it could be helped. Unsure and rather disgruntled, the elegant unicorn made her way into the market stalls in hopes of grabbing a few wares before she was confined to a viewer's platform.

Forced attendance aside, Rarity was actually glad to have stopped off in the marketplace. She was eagerly visiting stalls of craft and some of food, with the intent on stocking up with various home cooked produces and attractive little knick-knacks to spice up the boutique. She didn't get very far until the sound of jousting was heard in the distance. Alas, she had made a promise, and soon the white mare was pacing through the crowd to reach the middle of the fair.

The jousting grounds had been set up as a rectangular arena trimmed with stands for the supporters of competitors and those just hoping to watch the action. The centre was formed by a large strip of dug up grass, separated by a mid-body high picket fence which cut the dirt runway into two opposing sides. It seemed as if the crowd was really flocking towards the show, a crescendo of cheers roaring from the battleground. With bags floating in tow, Rarity made her way to the stands in time to see the presentation of the two new opponents.

The stalls had provided her with some entertainment in the way of shopping, but Rarity was eager to get home. It had been quite a long day, the dark clouds above showed the pegasi had considered it due for a downpour. Her legs were tired and her interest was lost. It was time for them to go home.

And then Dash appeared. Fresh from the armoury tent, clad in the ceremonial crystal empire battle dress. The finest jousting armour of an icy blue steel, fitted down her back in slanted plates with a strap around her waist. Cut holes allowed her wings to squeeze through and sit comfortably on the surface. Fine opal and body length designs would give the piece a more formal, opulent feel. Flexible steel scale connected the helm to the front of the firm saddle piece, with the helm sat forked across the eyes. A flare at the top allowed the mane through, giving Dash a rainbow coloured comb above her. Finely crafted boots of matching steel gave traction in that thick dirt. And, to top it all off, that long, bauble ended lance was affixed to her right flank plate, a strong resilient wood coated light blue to match her armour.

The crowd roared in unison for the next match, Rainbow taking her chance to trot around the arena, to openly showboat in front of the anticipated crowd. Her opponent was a regular crystal pony in a lighter green armour, and was becoming a tad embarrassed as Dash continued playing to the crowd. If Dash could gloat, she would gloat!

If there was one thing that got Rarity going, it was a knight in shining armour. And there was none more courageous, more spellbinding and more loyal than her knight, Rainbow Dash. Seeing that rather butch, cocky pegasus really got her motors running! The white unicorn carefully hurried herself onto one of the nearby observer stands, bags at her side as she settled in for the show. Her cheeks were glowing bright red; this was going to be something!

The speakers about the arena began to blast the announcement, "Fillies and Gentlecolts! Our next match is between two new contestants. Autumn Falls and Rainbow Dash!"

Of course, Dash was still bouncing ecstatically around the arena to take in the cheers and screams of the anxious crowd. Her opponent had already taken his place on the other side of the lane as Rainbow clopped over to the fence in front of the seats Rarity was perched on. Those wings lifted her off the ground and towards the bashful mare watching her, swooping in for a quick, pre-match pep talk.

"Hehe, how do I look? Badass? Awesome! Super mega ultra stupendous?!" began the ever modest Dash flexing her forelegs to show off her own mentally formulate finesse.

"Uh- all of the above?" managed Rarity in a shallow form as she worked not to swallow her tongue. Celestia, that armour…

The cocky pegasus carefully leaned in, presenting her cheek for a soft peck, "Kiss for good luck?"

This was quite humiliating, with all the other spectators around them staring at the show Rainbow insisted on putting in. But this was their dream, this was what they couldn't do before the trickery of Chrysalis. To show off, to let people know who they were and what they meant to each other. As sheepish as Rarity was, she would not let the opportunity pass. Besides, she would do it for Rainbow! Her hooves took hold of that brazen helm to drag her fluttering lover into a deep if brief kiss to her lips, ending in an audible smack and a surprised, if thankful, look on Dash's once hubristic mug!

"Go make your Princess proud, darling!" came an almost command from the grinning Rarity.

In turn, Dash would give a salute, back straight, head aloft with pride, "Yes, Ma'am!"

It was a cute little exchange, and it was more than enough to get the already pumped pegasus even more fired up. Those steel-clad hooves hit the dirt in a plume of dust as her head bowed and her lance straighten out. She had her aim set on her opponent; the rounded end of that lance ready to spear over the fence and to this side. She may have only taken part in one or two jousts against Fluttershy, but she understood the rules and knew what must be done.

Silence fell as the countdown began, a murmuring from the crowd with bets who would emerge victorious. 3...2...1...and they were off. Power strides sent both ponies into a gallop; even without her wings in play, Dash was just as skilled by hoof. Thundering stomps underfoot brought the combatants closer and closer, each lance aiming to either one. It was all too close, Rarity couldn't even look!

Even without the faith of her girlfriend, Dash knew her abilities - she could do this! As the two began to meet in the middle of the straight, those lances slipped across to each side. Both ponies tried to keep their bodies from swaying, to keep their lances steady and true. And then, impact!

The end of Autumn's lance struck hard into Dash's armour, but a rather scheduled flick of her lean form allowed the flow to be easily shrugged off by the smooth, resilient plate. Meanwhile, that same flick dug her own lancet firmly into the front guard of her opponent’s, pushing Autumn off centre before he went tumbling off the track.

Autumn hit the grass. The crowd broke out in excited squeals. It would take a few glances from behind her hooves until Rarity was satisfied her Dash wasn't in a broken pile, the elegant mare giving a jovial cheer for her partner.

It had only been the first round, but Rainbow was already considering herself champion! Many of the other contestants seemed more nervous and unsure, many the same or slightly bigger built than Rainbow Dash. None seemed a threat, however. Instead of waiting in the back for her next match, Dash sat beside her girlfriend, delicately feeding mane through the plume steel at the top of the helm.

"Gently, please!" cried Rarity has she watched her luscious curl of a fringe slid through the top of the hemet. She wondered why she had agreed to this! Caught up in the moment, perhaps?

"If you would quite fussing -hmmph- this would go a lot easier," affirmed Dash, making sure that mane was padded all the way through at the top before seating the helmet delicately upon Rarity's head, "And there you go!"

To be honest, with that extravagant hair-do acting as her comb, Rarity didn't look the least bit imposing. Dash had to bite her lip in bid to stifle her chuckles.

"How do I look?" asked the white mare, hooves touching up any ragged edges of her hair style.

"Real intimidating, Commander Hair Spray!" sniggered Dash as the announcement began for the next match.

"Fillies and Gentlecolts! The next match is about to begin. Introducing, a fresh start to realm of Pony Jousting. Please stomp your hooves for...Swift Trot!"

A tall unicorn stepped his way onto the field, the dashing young stallion of a pale blue coat with short blonde hair as a comb through his helm. He seemed firm, steadfast and determined, assured of himself but with egoless pride. The crowd's happy applause showed him as a fan favourite.

"Pfft, pretty boy unicorns. He looks like a grade A wimp to me!" snarled Dash, not stirred by the ecstatic reaction he received, "Right Rarity? ...Rarity?"

Beside her, the enthusiastic mare was happily stomping her hooves and cheering along with the volumes around her, "Wooo! Go Swift!"

"Rarity" whined Dash almost like an ignored child, giving her a nudge with her hoof, "You're supposed to be supporting me!"

"I do, darling! I do! You are and will always be my number one. But where's the harm in getting into the spirit of the thing?"

The crowd was bayed into silence by the announcer beginning once again, "And introducing the reigning champion. The greatest jouster the Crystal Empire has to offer. The ferocious, the unstoppable, the unbelievable... The Shadow!"

All eyes were on the competitor's entrance as a towering figure made its way into the arena. It's was as if a small mountain was shifting away in the distance and its vast shadow had cast across the battlegrounds. The pony was a gigantic, barrel chested behemoth. Great muscles were clad head to hoof in thick, sharp plates of ebony great steel. Even his neck and head were encased in the unyielding metal, muzzle covered in a long grill helm with only two burning red eyes showing through from within. Neither wings nor a horn in sight, just a thick jet of spiked up, blood red hair from his helmet. He was as tall on four hooves as most ponies were on two, and then some!

There was no applause as the monstrosity made his way to his side of the fence. He took up all of the lane!

"Ze iz it?" came a roar from that living medieval stove that seemed to house a stallion, "Ze iz mein competition?"

The accent was heavy and deep, sharp and dirty like rusted razor wire. Head bowed down, ready to take his mark and start the joust. His lance was olden, gnarled oak, made jagged and splintered from many past matches. Swift didn't seem phased; he would try his best against the great beast.

It was a matchup, for sure; unimpeded courage versus brute strength. Then again, strength was surely the more gratuitous bias in a game of jousting. Lances were ready, hooves dug into that dirt. With the sound of the horn, the pair was off, briskly enclosing one another as the crowd was placed on edge.

A glancing blow took to The Shadow, but nothing more. That nasty black lance hit its mark, getting the poor unicorn right into the side as the sheer force behind it sent the once brave stallion to rocketing off the course and into a side fence.

There was no cheering post match. It almost seemed as if all the light had been drained from the world. The great hero stood poised against the evil tyrant, and was crushed!

"Whadda ya think of your unicorn dreamboat now, huh?" mocked Dash as the crowd around remained stunned.

It seemed to take Rarity quite a few moments to pull herself from her haze, from the decimation she had just witnessed.

"Were we not watching the same scene?" cried the snowy coated unicorn in disbelief, "He'll destroy you, Dash! You need to forfeit, now."

"What? No way," responded Dash in a dull tone as her eyes watched personnel attend to the downed unicorn, "I can take him!"

"Oh? And how did you come to that conclusion?" came a retort from Rarity in a mocking tone.

"I've beaten things scarier than him! Like...that manticore!"

"That was Fluttershy..."

"Well yeah but, what about that dragon?"

"Again, Fluttershy."

"How about Discord then?!" cried an exasperated Dash, desperate to prove her point.

"That was all of us," began Rarity, watching Dash nod at the mention of her integral inclusion to the defeat of one of Equestria's greatest foes, "but he was tamed by Fluttershy!"

"Enough!" gave Dash in a sudden outcry, not inclined to hear anymore, "I ain't afraid of that guy!"

This was no time for blind ego; Rarity had to get serious, otherwise Dash was at a real risk of getting hurt. Hooves took delicately to her girlfriend's own, trying to outline the severity of the situation.

"Rainbow, I'm scared for your well-being," she began in a soft, calming coo, "I mean, what if he damages your wing beyond recovery? What would you do then, hmmm?"

A dismissive turn of that blue muzzle made Rarity frown, a hoof softly turning the stubborn pegasus' gaze back to her own, "I'm only looking out for you, sweetheart. What sort of fiancée would I be if I didn't worry about you?"

"We're not engaged yet?" stated Dash rather briskly in bemusement.

Rarity gave a sweet giggle, "Give it time!"

Even though the explanation, Dash still looked rather glum. A shake of her rainbow mane would show her continuing disdain, "Rarity, you gotta believe in me! This is something I wanna do, and I'm gonna do it. I can't give up now, no matter what I'm up against. I gotta push myself! But I need you-"

Dash would pause as the announcer began the call for the next match. She would carefully pluck the helmet from Rarity's head before securing it upon her own, "I need you to believe in me. Can you do that?"

Still unsure, teeth would bite softly into that lower lip. Eyes slipped to the side as she thought it through. Dash was stubborn and impulsive...but who knew? If anyone could do it, it was Dash!

"Alright, get out there and...cause him much discomfort!!" proclaimed Rarity in an awkwardly righteous stance behind Dash's decision. If it weren't for the tittering of the amused pegasus, it would have been a beautiful moment! A soft peck to the lips and Dash darted back to the battlefield!

The afternoon went on with fewer matches than anticipated. The festival would normally work through to the early evening yet it seemed that the presentation put on by The Shadow had caused a number of competitors to break their nerve and leave the contest. For a beginner, Dash's own self belief and natural athletic prowess had shown her out to be quite the jouster! Every match was easily won, with falls of her opponents coming without so much as a scratch to herself.

On the other hand, The Shadow was blazing through his opponent like they were made of cracked ice. One by one, each shivering contest had fallen to him, that haggard lance sending them careening to a firm, flat-faced end. The day began to dim and the skies would darken. The finale had been decided as the pair clopped their way onto the field.

"Strange," began the dark knight down to the smaller pegasus, "you zeem unafraid. Just like ze first pony I destroyed. You stand very little chance, Rainbow Dash. You are know far und vide in ze Crystal Empire. You and your friendz stopped King Sombra! That still vill not stop be from obliterating you..."

"We'll see, tin can!" grunted Dash, giving a flick of her tail as she turns off to take her place down the other end.

This was it, this was the showdown. In all honesty, Dash was a little nervous. Not afraid, just nervous. Butterflies in her stomach told her that this might not go as planned. Didn't mean she wouldn't give it her all! It would only take a brief glance to see the warm, reassuring smile on her lover's face. If Rarity was fearful, she was hiding it well!

Lance pointed forward, head slid down. This was it. A grunt from her nostrils and a stamp of her hooves signalled that Dash was ready. For what, remained unclear. The countdown began. All she could stare at was the great mountain of cold, black steel, that menacing lance aimed straight at her. Hesitation would have to wait as the final number came upon them. Both began their approach, both galloping with full force.

In the middle, they met. With a duck of her head that ghastly lance shifted across her form. And Dash’s own smacked against that chest plate before jarring off to the side. It was such an impact that it stopped Dash in her tracks! In fact, bout of them were frozen, Rainbow peering over her suddenly rather still opponent. She hadn’t even marked that thick plate of his. She hadn’t a chance. She couldnt-

“Argh! Mein chest!” came a sudden cry of anguish from the huge behemoth as his hooves came dramatically up to his body, “I can’t believe you vud beat me so easily!”

Dash was speechless. She looked down down at her lance and then back to his armour. Not even a dent. And yet, the hulking titan of a pony was flat on his back in seconds, completely shattered from Rainbow’s power strike.

It took some time, but the idea sunk in. Dash had won. And the crowd was off their seats. A flurry of applause, the creaking of wood beneath the stomping of hooves at the stands. All were in an uproar. It gave Dash the time to move over to the incapacitated knight she had so simply and easily beaten.

“What gives?” asked Dash bluntly, a hush beneath the roar of the electric crowd around them.

The Shadow would shift his plate out the way...enough to show a pink t-shirt with her cutie mark upon it. In text beneath were the words ‘Rainbow Dash Fan Club: Crystal Empire Branch’.

“A signature for the president, ja?” came a rather humble reply before the smirk grew on Dash’s face.

“Sure, after this.” A blue hoof pushed his chest plate back into plate, lifting her head valiantly over her smitten foe. She had conquered him, she had won. Kind of…

“So how exactly did you defeat such a gigantic pony?” questioned Rarity as the pair lazily walked back to town with the impending twilight rolling in behind them.

“Um, I’m Rainbow Dash? Duh!” giggled Dash with a cheeky reply, looking at the golden trophy balanced carefully on her back.

“I’m being serious!” insisted Rarity.

“So am I!”

The dark clouds above were a clear indication that the nighttime was not to be a pleasant one. The first few drops to a rainstorm began to fall, a few splashing into the violet wave that was Rarity’s mane. A little squeal, as if she was melting, and Rarity gave a pout. Head would move and sway as if trying to avoid the individual drops! There was no way they’d get back to the boutique in time to evade getting wet. “Dash, my hair!”

Slowly, a broad, blue wing stretched out to the side, carefully curving over Rarity’s head and neck, easing the unicorn in close to her side, “Come here you!”

It was a sweet gesture, the feathery, impromptu umbrella working wonders to keep that gorgeous mane dry and pristine.

“Thanks, Dashie. You know - I always believed in you.”

The statement would be met with a matching smile and joking little grunt, “Never doubted you for a second, babe.”

Chapter 13 - Daring Do and the Fanfiction

"I'm fine!" groaned a rather husky sounding Rainbow Dash, a thermometer stuck haphazardly from her mouth, bed covers sat up on her chest.

A light blue aura coated that medical device, harshly tugging into from Rainbow's mouth, giving Rarity an adequate chance to inspect it.

"Just as I thought! I'm sorry Dash, my darling. But you have the feather flu!" explained Rarity, already shifting about to tend to her sickly girlfriend.

"Feather flu? Pfft, no way! I've never felt-" began Dash before she began to divulge into coughs and splutters, hocking up half a lung before the fit died down, "-better..."

"Clearly... Well, I'm about to pick up a few things from the chemist. In the meantime, I asked Twilight to come over and keep you company."

"Twilight!" scowled Rainbow as she jolted up in bed, "Couldn't you have got Applejack? Or Pinkie Pie, maybe? Twilight is so boring!"

The white mare gave a sharp look over to her bed-ridden partner, "Hush now, Rainbow Dash! Twilight is your friend!" A soft knock upon the door downstairs would see the scolding cut short, "That must be her now. Coming!"

Dash crossed her forelegs over her chest as Rarity galloped off to attend whoever was at the door, "Still doesn't make her any less boring..."

Soon enough, the two unicorns returned, Rarity dashed off to prepare herself for the trip while Twilight approached the bedside, "Hey Rainbow Dash! Sorry you're not feeling well. I'll make sure to tell the others so they can come and visit you."

"Thanks Twilight," said Dash gratefully, hoping not to incite more conversation for the moment.

Rarity told me you have the feather flu. I was reading up on that last night! Quite a nasty little infection but plenty of pegasi get it! Symptoms are pale coat, itchiness, soreness in the wings, lethargy, slight nausea-"

When Twilight went off on one of her explanations, there was no stopping her! She was a fountain of knowledge, one that had a tendency to overflow. It wasn't that she was egotistical, but she adored knowing things and enlightening others was her best way of sharing her passion! Unfortunately for Rainbow Dash, who was bedding and morphing the pillow over her head to act as earmuffs, wasn't so interested in knowing anymore than she had too. Feather flu sucked, and that was that.

"-has a germination time of three days! But shouldn't last more than a week!"

It was over? Dash was grateful Twilight was through; the unicorn scholar could really get on a roll when she wanted to be.

"Thanks Twilight, that was...great," managed Dash, sinking pathetically back down into the sheets.

"Anyway, I got a great idea for you while you're stuck in bed. Don't worry, it'll be fun!" chimed Twilight brightly with a big grin.

Dash had quite a cynical look. "No offence Twilight, but your ideas have never been fun!"

The cheeky retort made the purple pony pout, "I have plenty of fun ideas!"

"What, like the afternoon at the Crystal Empire library? Or what about the first ever Ponyville book appreciation week!"

"Or what about the scavenger hunt based upon famous book titles?" chipped in Rarity as she trotted back in the room, now clad in a summer wrap and some large rimmed, stylish sunglasses.

"Rarity!" whined Twilight as she turned to the intruding unicorn, "I'm here by your request!"

"I know, darling! But one must agree with Rainbow Dash! Your ideas are not the most captivating," told Rarity in passing as she skittered about in her preparation.

A roll of the eyes and the purple unicorn was already moving on, "Anyway, I know how much you like those Daring Do books..."

"Has the new one come out?" squealed Dash in a fit of surprise like a foal at a festival.

"No," responded Twilight, bursting Dash's bubble as she sunk back down into her sheets, "but I thought you could write your own! Daring Dash adventure, I mean."

It seemed that no matter how much faith and thought Twilight had put into her plan, Dash wasn't keen on it. Glum face tucked into those plush covers of Rarity's bed showed that she was skeptical to say the least.

"With this!" explained the purple unicorn in her exuberance, producing a plain, brown quill from her saddle bag.

There was nothing unique or peculiar about the item. A plain, dusty plume manufactured into a writing tool, end pointed to a tip from scratching at any paper.

"It's just a quill," grunted Dash, "besides, I don't write. I can barely get out of bed!"

"It's not just a quill, Rainbow!" asserted Twilight as she gave a flick of the implement. Fine, bright magic would flow across the surface of that feather, the object springing into the air. "It's a magic quill! You dictate to it and it'll write the story for you!"

As curious as the object was, the idea still left Dash feeling cold. Out of the pair, Rarity was the creative one! Then again, maybe she could create an awesome story. To join the quill, Twilight produced a small hardcover, floating in the air beside it.

"So it writes for me, huh?" asked Dash. The quill almost sprang to life, slipping open the book to scribble down what had been said before showing it to the rainbow pony. The quill almost seemed...proud of itself!

"I'll let you two get to know each other!" sniggered the purple unicorn as Rarity approached her side.

"Alright Rainbow, I'll be back in a bit with your medicine," chimed the white mare as she trotted up to kiss her cheeks before the two unicorns would take their leave. Dash was alone, only a floating quill as a companion.

This was a little awkward; left alone with a magically charged quill and levitating book. Dash would stay stubborn for a few moments more, crossing her forelegs as she just sat there. Then again, inactivity never sat well with the boisterous pegasus. No matter how she felt about writing, it would probably pass the time. That and she didn’t even have to lift a hoof!

Those pink eyes would watch as the quill almost impatiently tapped against the book’s cover. She would give a shake of her head, “Fine, whatever. Might as well give this a try…” With a clear of her throat, Rainbow begun crafting her story, “Once upon a time-”

That book that had open would slam itself shut. Quill swayed to and fro, almost as if shaking itself in displeasure of her choice in words. The writing implement was judging her!

“What? Too cheesy?” she asked, unsure why she was asking a feather. Might as well have been talking to her wings...not that she doesn’t, from time to time.

“Alright, I get the idea. How about this?”

It had been quite the long, arduous trip. Why was she making this journey in the first place? The Unicorn Republic was not the most hospitable place once could venture too. But when business called, Daring was always there to answer! The Orb of the Night was to be kept in the royal vault at the Castle of the Snooty Princess. By special request, Daring was the one to carry it. What was rather extraordinary about the trip was that nothing had gone wrong; no ambushes, traps or hunters tracking her down. Everything went off without a hitch. And before she knew it, Daring was face to face with the grand keep that held the mare she was looking for.

The guards escorted the dashing adventurer to the very throne room that held the vault beneath it. A great, vast hall of pearlescent cascades of marble and golden paint. Sashes of royal blood red and many sculptures of such precision that it was difficult to believe that hooves could craft them. And to the very back, surrounded by a luxurious lashing of opulence and placed upon a pyramid of steps, the royal throne held the Princess Snooty herself.

“You, Daring, come to me!” proclaimed the mare over the length of the room.

As she approached, Daring was able to get a better look at her. She was definitely a fancy pony; crimson coat was topped with the curl of a golden mane. Her looks were divine and she had kept herself in perfect esteem. She definitely fitted in with the furniture! Around her shoulders, a long, white cape trimmed with plush skirting, fit for royalty to wear. Quite the formal pony; certainly a far cry from Daring’s humdrum shirt and safari hat.

“Did you bring the orb?” questioned the Princess, nose up and eyes down.

To protect the priceless object, Daring had kept it tightly held underneath her wing. It was wrapped in the finest cloth, kept safe from dust or decay. The pegasus would step forward and offer it to the throne. Closer up, Daring could get more of an appreciation for the beautiful Princess, even if her attitude wasn’t the most humble. It was clear that she knew just how gorgeous she really was; that golden mane was almost seamless, finely crafted like the divine work of a mastercraft potter. Coat was even, kempt and kept luxuriously smooth and fragrant with the addition of goodness knows how many care produces. To be honest, Daring could not leave the scent be, letting her lungs drag in a few whiffs that sent a subtle shiver through her delicately muscular form.

That package was about to change hooves before the scene would turn. Two ponies in guard dress made their way into what was supposed to be a private meeting in the throne room. Before they could be told to leave, two others appeared from behind the throne, brandishing swords held aloft by a thin veil of darkened magic. It was a trap. And before Daring could act, that cold steel was poised to cut the through of the innocent Princess.

“Give us the orb, there’s a good girl,” came a voice from the side, hooves extended to receive the wrapped orb as Daring begrudgingly hoofed it over.

“Alright fellas, no-one has to get hurt here…” began Daring, a sword now placed to her throat.

The shock of the ambush didn’t seem quell the tumultuous fire of the Princess, her eyes ablaze with anger. The only thing that stopped her advance was the sword at her throat. “What is the meaning of this? Who are you people?!”

Even a firmer edge to her throat failed to silence the venomous snarls of the Princess.

"It took us sometime to track you down, Daring. But why ambush you in the forest and take the orb," began one of the colts, leaning closer to the Princess to indicate his prize, "when we could have the crown jewel as well? I'm sure the royal family will pay a pretty bit for the safe return of their whiny little princess!"

Daring was used to a blow or two but the sudden crash of the sword hilt to the back of her head planted her into the floor. She was out cold. And all the while, the call out the Princess rung out through the impending haze.

"Daring! Daring! Rainbow..."

"Rainbow! Rainbow Dash!" cried Rarity at the listless mare's bedside.

The sudden shrill call of her girlfriend quickly dragged her from her creative musings. Her eyes took in Rarity with a warm if impatient smile, items of medicine and well being floating about her person.

"I'm back with your medicine!" the white mare proclaimed triumphantly, using her magic to open the various boxes.

"And what did you tell the chemist?" asked Dash, eyebrow up as if she were interrogating Rarity.

With a heavy sigh, the unicorn began to weave her little lies, "I told them it was for Fluttershy and definitely not you! I do listen to your instructions."

Then again, their relationship was well known. And Angel would have been there to pick up Fluttershy's medicine, not Rarity. But whatever kept her girlfriend happy.

"Awesome, honey flavoured!" squealed Dash as she read the labelling on the box.

Rarity would just roll those big, blue eyes; sometimes her tough as nails girlfriend could be a right teddy bear!

The unicorn's eyes turned to the open book, "So? How's the story going?"

Dash's eyes snapped to the floating book that Rarity was peering into before it snapped shut in front of her, blocking her view. Seems like her writing implements respected her privacy.

"Pretty good," began Dash as she opened the container, spoon feeding some syrupy medicine into her mouth.

"Can't I have just the tiniest peek?"

Dash and her companion quill both seemed to shake in unison, denying Rarity her early read. It was disappointing, but the unicorn had other pressing matters to attend too.

"Hmmph! If you insist! I assume you will show me once it's ready," stated Rarity coldly, her curiosity to bother her for the remainder of her day, "At any rate, I must go hunt down some more jewels. I'll return later, Dashy!"

The rather abrupt close of the front door in haste signalled to Dash it was alright to continue. "Right, now where was I?" began Dash, playing with the spoon in her hooves as the book opened up and the quill darted to the page.

Slowly, the world began to sink back into her mind, the impromptu and rather forcefully administered nap more than enough to get the brown dusty pony back onto her hooves. And it helped that a few burly white stallions were nudging at her. All of them seemed to be blushing, as if uncomfortable in their own skin.

The blow had been swift, and she must have been out for a solid 20 minutes. Although a little wobbly, she was up, taking her hat in hoof and sliding it delicately atop her head, trying not to touch the impact site of her strike.

"Miss Do?" asked the stallion at the front, "Are you alright? Do you know where they took the Princess?"

Straight to business; these must have been members of the royal guard, many clutching their heads as if they had suffered the same fate she had.

Daring didn't know for sure, but she had an idea. "They spoke about ambushing me through the forest. Maybe they came through the same way I did!"

Her attention was brought back to the members of the guard, some using their forelimbs to cover themselves, "What's up with you guys?"

"They took our armour!" one cried out rather timidly.

"I feel naked!" confessed another.

Meanwhile, the band of rogues had taken their haul back through the kingdom, using the old sewer and drainage channels beneath the castle to forgo travelling through the town. It had cut a lot of time on their journey back through the great forest that divided the land...but it was complicated by one factor.

"A sewer drain! Do you know who I am? I'm sure rescue will not need to look for us when they can smell us. And in my best dress too! What is wrong with you thugs, have you no manners? I am a lady - no, better yet - a Princess! I am a mare of class and respect, who deserves the highest comfort and pleasure! This forest is sweaty; it's like a jungle in here and my gorgeous mane is going to get soaking wet! Was that a mosquito? I positively hate mosquitoes! Get it away from me!!"

Almost an hour. This had been going on for almost an hour! The band were professionals who could handle numerous tasks: living target kidnapping, jewellery heists, intimidation and mugging. But this was getting difficult to stomach. Whenever they gagged her, she would break out into a high pitched squeal which would deafen the pony whose back she had been flung over so unceremoniously.

One side pony trotted up closer to the Boss in front, getting in close to whisper to him as they trundled through the rough forest path, "You sure this is worth the ransom? I gotta tell ya, it's torture listenin' to her!"

But the Boss seemed in his own little world, a pony of concentration and fierce determination against the simplest of distractions. It seemed the crying and whining of the Princess behind him had no effect, his head not even turning to look back. The pony had such resolve...if the pony beside him hadn't noticed the lumps of grass jammed firmly into his ears!

A firm hoof to the head would relieve the male of the foliage lodged in his ears, his comrade getting a rather cold stare as he began to speak, "Boss! The fellas and I aren't sure about this whole...kidnapping plan. She's drivin' us all crazy!"

The Boss turned to look forward once again at the path stretch out in front of them, cringing at the anguished bubbling of the royal pony behind them, "Think of the bits, you idiot. Once we get home, we can gag her and lock her in the basement. You won't hear her through the stone."

The young stallion locked from his boss and back to the royal pony, a frown on his face, "You sure about that?"

Meanwhile, Daring had tracked the thieves all day until the Sun began to set. The only advantage she had was that they had to carry the Princess whereas she was alone. Then again, with the heavy canopy high above the forest, flight would have proven impossible. From high above, the thick foliage veiled the winding path below on the forest floor. But it was no matter. A world class galloper, Daring had kept a brisk pace throughout and it had paid off. The burning light of a campfire could be seen up ahead. She was close!

Up ahead, the gang were about ready to call it a night, the dense foliage of the heavy forest mixed with the chilling onset of the coming mist. They had retrieved some firewood and constructed a fire upon the path, two piles of hay allowing all four of them to rest on some bedding. Conversely, the princess herself was perched upon a long, kept there by the bindings of her ropes staked into the floor. Although gagged with her own cloth, squealing would have caused her voice to become broken and hoarse. Instead, she had revert back to moaning, with all audible syllables comings out as monotonous, ranting hums.

She could go on all night, as far as she was concerned! Luckily, a sudden hoof to the back made her jump. Daring had arrived, creeping close by the cover of shadows from the trees before she hastily began to loosen the ropes.

"It's okay Princess, I'm here!" she murmured quietly.

However, the brief interlude of silence of the Princess had been met with more suspicion than relief. One of the gang had brought himself over to check what had happened, crooning over the Princess' exquisite mane only to be met with a swift hoof to the side of the head! The impact had him stumble back as the rest arose in defence of their comrade. So much for the stealthy option.

"I'm not leaving here without the Princess!" snarled Daring through gritted teeth, head down as if ready to charge the kidnappers.

"Oh sure!" chimed the boss, approaching rather swiftly to help cut the ropes that were holding her to the log, handing the binder beauty over into Daring's hooves. That was odd...

Dating could only glance at the royalty she was carrying, looking at the anger in her eyes. It was obvious she had been through a lot. And evidently, so had the thieves!

Slowly, she looked back to the group, trying to re-adopt a serious demeanour, "And the orb. Hand over the orb too!"

The prospect of that seemed rather more unlikely, two of the stallions at the back drawing their blades.

"That ain't gunna happen. Be thankful you got the Princess, cut your losses and leave."

Daring had been charged with getting the orb back, no matter what! She was not one to fail; a mare of her word who always got the job done! Granted, she was more used to leaving a situation with her prize rather than fighting, but she was not to be beaten so easily. The brave mare carefully lowered the Princess down to the grass as one of the males approached her, sword drawn.

"Yeah Daring! Take a hike!" he snarled defensively, eager for the headstrong mare to back off!

An almost elegant hop forward allowed Daring to pivot and buck the male with her back legs, sending him flying back towards his friends! She charged forward, ready to-

Rarity had been ever so careful as she unlocked and opened the front door, her hoof falls careful to press into the plush carpet. She would tentatively make her way upstairs, curious ear pressed to the frame of the bedroom door, open just a crack.

On the other side, Dash was really getting into her weep crafted action scene, so enthralled in the events that she was swinging punches and ducking imaginary sword swings herself! The action must have been quite fierce! Even the quill was shifting and darting about in its own fantasy brawl!

A final kick sent the Boss careening into the shrub surround, his sword planting itself into the plush leaf letter of the forest and the forgotten soil beneath. She had done it - parts of her clothes had been cut and there was a gash to her front leg - but she had won! It had been a hard fought battle, the sweat-ridden pony trotting back to the Princess. Where there had once been fiery anger in her eyes, there was now calm. Obviously, the grand battle staged before her and the sheer valiance of her saviour. Daring took the sword in the ground, using the sharp implement to cut free the bindings of the Princess.

There were no words. No exchange. All the thanks and gratitude was told through their gaze. The Princess moved her head up, Daring leaning down. And they met in one, soft, precious..."

"...kiss?" cooed Rarity at the side of the bed.

Dash had been so wrapped up in the story, even puckering her lips and eyes closed as if she were Daring herself, that she never heard her rather stealthy girlfriend slipping into the bedroom.

Eyes were wide, lip quivering in shock. "How much did you hear?"

"Enough," began Rarity to her caught-off-guard girlfriend, "Well now, seems like Daring Do found a girlfriend! Sounds an awful lot like me!"

"Her name is Princess Snooty!" scowled Dash defensively, almost as if she had completely forgotten that the character was rather crudely based upon Rarity.

Hearing the news of her character's name made the white mare pout, snatching up the book to read through some of the material. "Rainbow Dash!" cried the whiny unicorn in a high pitched squeal, "I do not whine! And golden hair? How could you even imagine me without my gorgeous violet mane! I would certainly not be taken hostage so easily. A lady knows how to fight too, and I would show those ruffians what for! But I would certainly not..."

Meanwhile, Dash groaned almost painfully, pushing a pillow over her head to try and block out the noise. Daring Do and the Moany Girlfriend!