A pony on hard times

It was a stormy autumn evening, and despite being inside and underground the noise of the storm was still audible in the dressing room. Former Princess Cadence sat looking in the mirror, applying the gems to her feathers. Her magic gave her a much greater control over the final product than hooves could ever achieve, so her wings always looked their best no matter how little attention she really gave the task.

The other mares that were due to dance and waitress that night avoided her as usual as they got themselves ready, but that was okay for Cadence. She understood that the mares were nervous around her, which was natural given her fall from so high. And of course she understood there was a lot jealousy towards her as well.

And that was also completely understandable.

Firstly, Cadence had the edge of the alicorns natural longer body & legs, as well as a thinner build than the normal races. This made her more physically seductive than any normal pony could ever hope to achieve. Her face had the sort of beauty that could launch a thousand airships, especially her gorgeous purple eyes that were soft yet spoke of seeing more than a normal lifetime of experiences. Her muzzle had a regal point and yet was so often in a gentle smile rather than a snobbish frown.

Sure, there were some exquisite mares such as Fleur, who she used to be best friends with, but since her ascension many thousands of moons ago Cadence had anypony beat -  she was possibly the most beautiful pony in the whole kingdom

But apart from that, Cadence was given some of the best dance times and was always in demand for private dances. She therefore rarely had to wait the tables and when she did she could use her magic to do so which made the task that much easier than for the other non-magical ponies at the club.

There were therefore a lot of reasons for the other mares to be jealous, and she reflected on that as she readied herself before her shift started.

When the alicorn first joined the Prancing Mare, it was one of the best clubs in town but was a little run down. However, she had single hoofedly accidently turned the place around.

The Prancing Mare was a successful club before 'Crystal Heart' turned up, but became much more popular after word spread and was at capacity every night. Crystal Heart got a lot more tips than any of the other mares, no doubt helped by the better time slots. However, Cadence knew that it was her former status that probably helped bring in most of the bits.

As success meant more bits, this allowed the owner to invest in redecorating, which led to more higher class patrons. Success bred success, and everypony benefited…but the other mares still hated her.

Cadence had finished applying the glitter and fake gems. The body glitter wasn't too bad but whoever had started the trend for gems in feathers was either not a Pegasus, or was a masochist. They itched like anything and getting all the glue off every night was a pain. Of course she could use magic to do so, but with everypony else already hating her she kept her spellcasting to a minimum.

She brushed her mane which was already in a good state, and proceeded to add in a few decorations. She heard a bit of commotion to her side, and noticed that one of the earth ponies had put too much glue on a pegasus’s wings, causing the feathers to become matted. Cadence flared her horn and removed all the glue with her magic, as well as repairing the damaged feathers. A task that was so simple for a horned pony, yet for those with magic it would have been a huge issue.

She turned back to the mirror without getting a thank you, nor did she expect one.

The clothing was next - Lots of layers for her to remove piece by piece. She was lucky in that it wasn't too bad compared to some of the others. She had started off with the standard styles of costumes like the other mares, but as the patronship increased the owner had brought her better clothing. Another reason the others no doubt hated her.

Lastly, she put on one of the tiaras which were lined up on her dressing table. She hated wearing one as no other dancer wore such a headpiece and it sat all too much like a crown atop her head for her liking. However the boss had insisted on it when she first joined and she was in no position to argue

She wandered out of the changing room and to the back of the stage, listening to the music blaring out. She was just about on time and only had to wait a few moments before she heard her introduction from the MC.

“And now Gentlecolts, for your entertainment on the main stage Crystallllll Heart”

The pony separated the curtains with her magic and paraded herself out onto the stage. She seductively walked down the stage and bits started being tossed onto the stage, the alicorn using her magic to collect them up as she moved and performed…

After her main turn on the stage, it was time for the table-dancing before her next set. Crystal Heart's name was called out a lot compared to the other dancers, and she was busy most of the night. Of course everypony in the room knew it was the former Princess Cadence, but there was a shared harmony of thought that nopony would dare call out her real name – nopony was sure what had happened but they didn't want to get involved.

There was a group of stallions, dressed in some of the most expensive clothing in the city, which frequently visited the club. They paid well, but what was strange was that they seemed to actually be there for business more than the entertainment – there was a core group which had a permanent booth booked and every night different stallions, and sometimes mares, would come and go. Some of the dancers and waitresses felt uneasy around them, but to Cadence it was all the same really.

As the club closed for the night, the mares returned to the dressing room wash up and go home. Quickly finishing herself with the aid of a few spells, Cadence counted her bits and put half of what she had earned into the sharing jar, about a third of the total. However, Cadence never took a single bit out.

Picking up her few belongings, she left the room and let the other mares that ignored her happily share out her bits.

Cadence returned to her dingy studio apartment – it was called a studio apartment but it was just a one room flat in a run down building. It was in one of the safest areas of downtown and that was the most important thing.

She had the bits for a nicer place and in fact could easily afford something in nicest areas in the city. However, it quickly became apparent that nopony was willing to rent to her - they always offered her a place when they saw her bits, but after a few hours the offer would be withdrawn and she would be out on the street.

No doubt the change in heart was due to pressure put on by Celestia or her government, and she couldn't go up against the might of that. It was the same reason she was unable to find any other job – she would get offers, but then they were quickly withdrawn. Even working in fast food places seemed to be too good for her!

Cadence had become desperate and even came close to theft in order to eat. However she had one area left to turn, and that’s when she found herself outside the Prancing Mare talking to one of the bouncers. The stallion soon let her in to speak to the boss who was looking for new talent, and even the bouncer could see potential when so obviously in front of his face.

The owner of the club was a savvy businesspony and knew Cadence could be a bit of trouble. The rumours of Celestia’s unofficial wishes were known throughout the city but he was willing to risk it. Not just for profit, he felt genuine sorrow for the Princess. And he doubted Celestia would mind Cadence working in what was considered a dirty industry,

And he never got any pressure put on him by the authorities, so the gamble paid off...and Crystal Heart was born.