The soft murmur of voices, and hooves clopping on tile filled the air of the mess hall as the castle servants, and guards, enjoyed their meals. For most of those present, lunch was a very quick affair; get in, eat, and get back to work. One individual, however, had been sitting at their table for over an hour.

Rebecca sat at a small side table, idly picking at the remains of the salad she had barely touched while staring vapidly out the window. Almost of it's own volition, her hand slid into her pocket. As her fingers wrapped around it's contents, the events of the past few days raced through her mind. The evil god-monster was defeated, the ponies who had vanquished it were praised, and a state of post-disaster panic had settled over Equestria in the wake of what had come to be known as the Day of Discord. All that was left was picking up the pieces, and who knew how long that was going to take.

Rebecca was jolted back into the present by an unmistakably cheery voice. "There she is! I found her, I found her, I found her!"

Rebecca turned to see Pinkie Pie bouncing in the doorway, along with the rest of the Elements of Harmony, as well Lero and Lyra. "Hail, the conquering heroes!" she called, trying to keep her voice cheerful.

"Hear, hear!" came the unanimous reply of all the seated ponies, causing more than one member of the group to blush.

"So, this is where ya been hiding, eh sugarcube?" Applejack piped up, as the group made it's way to Rebecca's table.

"Yep, you got me. Guess you can tell the guards to take those roadblocks down," replied Rebecca, with a quiet chuckle. "So, what brings you guys to this neck of the castle? I figured you'd all still be busy fighting off the press."

"We were hoping to catch up with you," answered Lero. "We haven't seen much of you over the past couple of days and... well."

"We were kinda' starting to worry about you," blurted Rainbow Dash.

"What Rainbow means," said Twilight, giving her herd-sister a nudge. "Is that you've been very quiet since everything happened. We just wanted to make sure that you're alright."

Twilight did her best to put on a reassuring smile, but the concern showed through in her eyes. Concern that was mirrored by the rest of the group as Rebecca looked at each of them in turn. Sheesh, guys, you'd think I was on suicide watch or someth-. Her eyes finally came to rest on Fluttershy. Oh.

Letting out a long sigh, Rebecca let her false cheer fall by the wayside before looking at the group again. "Look, everyone, I appreciate your concern, really I do, but I don't think there's anything you can do to help with this." She pulled the thing she had been holding from her pocket. In her hand was the heat-warped remains of a pair of glasses.

A sudden warmth enveloped Rebecca's other hand, pulling her attention away from the glasses. Turning, she saw that Lyra had sat down next to her; her hoof was resting on Rebecca's hand, a gentle smile played across her face. "Try us."

The urge to pull her hand away flashed through Rebecca for just a moment before she shoved it back out of her mind. Gesturing at the seats around the table, she waited for the rest of the group to sit before she spoke. "I guess I'm just surprised. I mean, I barely knew Babble, so why does it hurt so much that she's gone?"

"Darling, I'd be more concerned if you didn't feel sad after losing a friend like that," offered Rarity.

"But we barely spent a day together," said Rebecca.

"Well, that's longer than I knew the girls here before we were taking on Nightmare Moon together," Twilight said, with a smile.

"Heh, yeah, that was a pretty crazy night," added Rainbow. "Not as crazy as the Day of Discord, but still pretty epic."

The element bearers shared a chuckle as they remembered the fateful day that had brought them all together. The appearance of Nightmare Moon, their trials in the Everfree, even Twilight's ill conceived plan to go into the forest alone rather than put anypony else in danger. An idea that surely would have ended in disaster, if her friends hadn't been there for her.

A tiny gasp caught Rebecca's attention, and she turned to see Fluttershy looking up at her. "Rebecca, um, you know it wasn't your fault, right?"

Rebecca felt the words cut straight to her core. Opening her mouth, she tried to respond, but found nothing forthcoming. It wasn't until a familiar warmth ran down her cheek that she finally spoke. "Isn't it?"

Fluttershy's hooves snapped over her mouth when she saw the tears well up in Rebecca's eyes. "Oh, no, I didn't mean to suggest-"

"Well, of course it wasn't your fault!" declared Rainbow Dash, rising into the air. "Everything that happened that day happened because of one person, Discord." As she spoke, Rainbow wrapped her forelegs around Lero's neck, pulling him into a tight hug. "Everything."

Sensing the defensive tone in her voice, Lero reached up to return the hug, before gently pulling Dash out of the air and sitting her on his lap, and let his fingers brush through her mane. "They're right, Rebecca, you can't blame yourself for this," he said, once he felt his wife start to calm down.

"But, she wouldn't have been there if it weren’t for me." Rebecca tried to keep herself from choking on the words as she dried her eyes, only to find herself forcibly turned to face Lyra again.

"Stop that, right now." Lyra's face was neutral, and her voice was soft, but the command in it was one that would brook no argument. "Those thoughts are going to take you to a very dark place, if you let them."

"But."

"You could not have known what was going to happen. Nopony could have known what was going to happen that day." Lyra finally released Rebecca from her magic. "Mourn her passing, but do not blame yourself for it."

"Her family will be coming to collect her things-" Rebecca glanced down at the glasses in her hand. "-what am I supposed to say to them?"

"You can tell them the truth, sugar cube," Applejack piped in. "The filly went out doing her best to help somepony who needed it. Ain't no pony that wouldn't appreciate hearing that about a loved one."

Rebecca took a deep breath as she let her friends words sink in, drying her eyes once more before she spoke. "Thanks guys," she said, giving them a small smile.

"Hey, that's what friends are for," said Lyra, her serene smile finally returning.

"Absolutely, darling, and we're not finished yet. Now that the drama is out of the way, we can finally give you the good news," said Rarity.

"Good news?" Rebecca asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Oh, yes, dear. You see, we have all been invited by none other than Princess Celestia herself to be her guests in attending... Fashion Week!" Rarity cheered.

"Fashion what now?" Rebecca asked, blankly.

Rarity visibly deflated, and brought a hoof up to her forehead. "Ugh, why am I not surprised? It's Fashion Week, darling, one of the most important fashion events in Equestria. Attending is a dream come true for anypony with even a modicum of interest in couture, and this year it's being held right here in Canterlot."

"They're throwing a beauty pageant right after a national disaster?" Rebecca could hardly believe her ears.

"Rebecca, Fashion Week is no mere beauty pageant. Why, the designs featured there could impact the lives of ponies like myself for years to come," said Rarity, defensively.

At that point, Twilight cleared her throat. "It will also serve to reassure ponies that the danger is well and truly passed. Discord may be stone again, but there are still a lot of frightened ponies out there. This event will let at least some of them know that it's alright for things to start going back to normal."

"Okay, I follow you," Rebecca agreed. "But, I'm really not sure if a fashion show in my scene."

"Shucks, it ain't mine either, but I'm still going," said Applejack. "Heck, ya got anything else to do while you wait for the train station to clear out?"

Applejack was right, of course. In the aftermath of the Day of Discord, every means of entering, or exiting, the city had been flooded by concerned ponies trying to reach their loved ones. Rebecca had to face the fact that it would probably be a few days yet before she could look into getting back to Ponyville.

"Okay, you've got me there, but this thing sounds like it's going to be a pretty high class event. I don't know about you, but I didn't bring any formal wear with me."

"Then we haven't a moment to lose!" Rarity exclaimed. "The first night of the event is tomorrow, and we have a lot of work to do if we're going to make you presentable." Before she could respond, Rebecca was being herded out the door by the enthusiastic mare.

"Heh, heh, have fun sugar cube," Applejack called after them, seconds before a blue glow enveloped her ear, and began tugging it toward the door after them.

"You too, Applejack," came rarity's sing-song voice.

"Aw, ponyfeathers!"

****

Rebecca had to admit, whatever else could be said about Rarity, she was certainly a master of her craft. While the other ponies had been easy enough to dress, a few alterations to some spare dresses whose owners had been generous enough to lend for a night or two had seen to that, her outfit had to be made from scratch. That Rarity had been able to put together something in such a short amount of time was impressive enough, but Rebecca could still scarcely believe that what she was wearing had been made in less than a day.

From bust to knee, the navy-blue satin garment fit her like a glove, hugging her just tightly enough to accentuate her curves without making her look chubby. A single strap, decorated with silk flowers of the same color, rested on her right shoulder, ensuring that the dress stayed in place. The high heels that Rarity had managed to cobble together had struck Rebecca as completely unnecessary, given how much she already towered over those around her, but Rarity had insisted that they were essential. Finally, a pair of ribbons kept her hair up, leaving her winged heart on display for all to see.

She would have turned more than a few heads back home, and likely even more in Equestria, though probably not for the same reasons. Fortunately, sitting with royalty meant sitting away from the crowd, and from the raised platform where she was seated, Rebecca had a perfect view of the spectacle spread out below her.

When Rarity had said that Fashion Week was taking place in Canterlot, Rebecca had not expected an outdoor event. The stage had been built right in the middle of the Canterlot gardens, flanked by a full orchestra on one side, and a massive set of speakers connected to a modern turntable on the other. The few hundred ponies clambering around the stage were an odd mixture of the high nobility, eager to be part of any event that a princess was attending, and the fashionistas and artists who hoped to get a head start on the competition in the coming year; not to mention the press who were waiting with cameras ready, for the first models to make their way down the stage. Looking out over the jarring combination of classic high culture, and cutting edge modern design, Rebecca was grateful for the seclusion that the private booth afforded her.

"Isn't the view up here to die for?" asked Rarity, from the seat to her left.

"It's not bad," Rebecca replied. "But, I was kind of expecting there to be more people here." Looking around, Rebecca had expected to have to rub shoulders with a bunch of pony politicians, but the seating area only contained two rows of very comfortable seat pillows, followed by a pair of miniature thrones; all at incremental heights. Currently, she was sharing the second row of seats with Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie.

"Do not worry, Rebecca. As this is not official royal business, I was able to keep the seating down to friends and confidants."

Rebecca nearly fell from her seat as she spun around to see Princess Celestia sitting in one of the previously empty thrones. "I swear, one of these days, that is going to give me a heart attack."

"Princess, you made it!" cried Twilight, from the front row. She, Rainbow Dash, Lyra, and Lero all turned to greet Celestia with a bow, along with everyone else. Lero even managed to avoid shuddering.

"Good evening, Twilight. Good evening everypony," replied Celestia. "I do hope the evening has been pleasant so far."

"Why, everything's been delightful, your highness," answered Rarity.

"Yeah, everything's been great," Rebecca added, as she eyed the empty throne next to Celestia. "Was your... sister planning to join us?"

Celestia's smile cracked a bit at the hesitant tone of Rebecca's voice. "I'm afraid Luna will not be joining us tonight," she said, evenly.

"Oh, whoever is the other chair for, your highness?" Rarity asked.

"So sorry I'm late, Aunty." Came a familiar voice from the stairs. A voice that made Rarity cringe.

"Oh, no."

As everyone watched, Prince Blueblood crested the final stair with a dramatic flourish before regarding his audience; only for his eyes to go wide upon seeing Rebecca. "Ms. Lancaster?"

"Blueblood?" replied Rebecca.

"Er, I must admit, I was not expecting to see you again so soon," said Blueblood, quickly regaining his composure.

"Likewise. I see the shoulder's all better," Rebecca replied, glancing at the spot where he had been bitten.

"Yes, well, despite the severity of the wound, the royal doctors are very good at what they do." As he spoke, Blueblood gently rubbed his shoulder as if it were still tender.

"Hey, I didn't get to see any royal doctor," said Rebecca, shooting a mock-accusing glare at Celestia before turning back to Blueblood. "Some medic-pony just threw a fresh bandage on my arm and told me to mare up." Pulling down her dress glove, she revealed the nearly faded bite mark on her arm. A sly grin spread across her, and Rarity's, face as Blueblood's signature dashing smile twisted into a grimace.

"Urk, really, Ms. Lancaster, in the presence of royalty," said Blueblood, averting his eyes.

Through the ensuing snickers, Celestia spoke up. "Alright, my little ponies, that's enough teasing for now. Blueblood, dear, I'm so happy you could make it. You're usually early for these kind of events, I was beginning to worry that you wouldn't show."

"Oh, Aunty, you know I wouldn't miss Fashion Week," said Blueblood, making his way to the throne next to Celestia's. "But, I must confess, even I can lose track of time when working on my memoirs. Fortunately, I just finished putting the final touches on this last chapter, regarding my daring exploits during the recent turmoil, only to once again be denied my own stained glass window in Canterlot Tower," he said, with a dramatic sigh. "Alas, it seems that I am destined to go down in history as another unsung hero."

"Welcome to my world," muttered Lyra.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Oh, just wondering when the show is supposed to start," she said, a bit more clearly.

As if on cue, the lights around the stage suddenly switched on, bathing the stage in brilliant golden light as music filled the air to the cheers of the crowd below them.

"Fillies, and gentlecolts," came the voice of the announcer on the stage. "Thank you all for coming out in these trying times. Thank you to the nobles, who's patronage helped make this event possible. Thank you to the artists, without whom fashion would not exist. And, of course, thank you to our Princess and our heros, for being there for us in our time of need. And now, without further ado, let Fashion Week begin!"

With his final words, the music kicked up and the curtains drew back to reveal the first lineup of models. The crowd exploded with the cheers of fans, and the flashes of cameras, as some of the most beautiful ponies in all of Equestria made their way down the stage. The ponies around her gasped with oohs and awes, and even Rebecca had to marvel at the Equestrian models; even if they looked more cute than beautiful in her eyes. That was until she saw the last mare in the lineup.

The unicorn was easily one of the most stunning ponies that Rebecca had ever seen. Her flowing pink mane rested lightly on her shoulder, and the white ballroom gown that she wore matched her coat so closely that for a moment it looked as if a sculpture of the purest marble had come to life. Wow, does Celestia have another sister that I don't know about. She cantered down the runway with an almost unearthly grace, before dropping into an elegant curtsy, and making her way back to the curtain just as smoothly.

"Oh, my, those were exquisite," sighed Rarity.

"Um, they looked... nice," replied Fluttershy.

"Nice, are you kiddin'?" Applejack asked. "I haven't seen a bunch of ponies that gussied up since the Grand Galloping Gala."

"The what?" Rebecca asked.

"Why, Rebecca, the Grand Galloping Gala is one of the most prestigious social events in Equestria. Everypony who's anypony attends," said Rarity. "Even if some of them don't know what common courtesy is," she continued, in a much lower voice as she glanced at Blueblood.

Fortunately, the prince was too busy conversing with Celestia to pay her any heed. "Oh, Aunty, you'd look ravishing in that last one!" he exclaimed. "Would you like me to look into procuring the designers services for your next gown?"

"Thank you, Blueblood, but why don't we wait and see what else they have lined up first," Celestia replied, motioning to the stage as the curtain parted to reveal the next line up of models.

As the show wore on, everything from ballroom dresses and tuxedos, to cutting edge casual wear, to elegant evening attire was brought out on display. Eventually, as minutes melted into hours, the sun began to sink behind the horizon, and the curtains closed behind the models one final time to the ecstatic cheers of the crowd.

"I say, that was marvelous," exclaimed Blueblood.

"It was good to see such a turn out," Celestia agreed.

"Wait, it's over? What happens next?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"Why now comes the best part, darling," replied Rarity. "Mingling with the Canterlot elite."

"Uh, you mean go down there, with all those ponies?" Rebecca asked, hesitantly.

"Oh, do we have to?" added Fluttershy.

Aw, come on, girls, some of the most interesting ponies in Equestria are down there," urged Twilight.

"Yeah, I'm gonna have to side with Fluttershy on this one," said Applejack. "I remember the gala, and these here fancy get togethers aren't really my kind of party."

"Don't worry, my little ponies," Celestia chimed. "Blueblood, and I, will go down first and draw their attention. Once we do, those of you who wish to can slip back to the castle." With that, she rose and made her way to the stairs, pausing at the top step. "It was a joy to spend time with all of you tonight. I hope we can do so again before long."

With that, Celestia and Blueblood descended the stairs; followed quickly by Rarity, as well as Twilight and her herd. As the friends were saying goodnight, Lero paused and turned to Rebecca. "Are you sure you don't want to come with us? Believe it or not, hobnobbing with the nobles can be kind of fun."

"Thanks, Lero, but you and I both know how ponies get when they're trying to be friendly. And the last thing I need is a bunch of paparazzi getting all touchy feely."

"Well, alright, have a nice night then, you guys," he said, before following after the Princess.

Sure enough, between the princess of the sun, a tall bipedal alien, and most of the elements of harmony, the crowds attention was quickly secured. "Welp, looks like this is the best shot we're gonna get," said Applejack, as she made her way down the stairs with Rebecca and Fluttershy close behind.

As the three reached the bottom of the stairs, Rebecca peeked around the corner of the stand, and was relieved to see that Celestia and the others were slowly moving away from them, with the majority of the crowd following on their heels. Scanning the grounds around them, she didn't see any other ponies around. "Okay, girls, it looks like we're in the clear," she said, stepping out from behind the stand. "Now, we'll just make our way through the gardens to the castle, with nobody the wise-"

"Hey, it's the other one!" Came a shout from above them.

Looking up, Rebecca was momentarily blinded as a pegasus with a camera around her neck began snapping photos. Blinking away the spots, she saw that a number of ponies had broken off from the main crowd, and were quickly making their way towards them. "Okay, do we have a plan B?"

"Hoof it!" yelled Applejack, as she and Fluttershy immediately bolted. Rebecca paused just long enough to kick off the heels she was wearing before taking off after them.

"So, what's the plan?" Rebecca asked, doing her best to keep up with the two ponies. Behind her the rumble of pursuing hooves told her that the paparazzi of Equestria were just as tenacious as the ones back home.

"Once we get deeper into the gardens, we split up and try to ditch them. We'll make our way back to the castle after that," replied Applejack, as they were coming up on the first statue of the sculpture garden. "Now!" she cried, as they passed marble figure, and vaulted a shrub wall before galloping off with several of the pursuers on her tail.

Rebecca glanced down at Fluttershy. "Well, you heard her."

"But, what if we get lost?" Fluttershy gasped.

"Between the mountain sized castle and the power of flight I'm sure you'll be fine. Now go, I'll see you back at the castle."

Giving her friend a firm push, Rebecca sent Fluttershy racing through the entrance of a large hedge maze. Looking back, she saw some a few ponies break off after her, but as she expected most of them kept chasing her. Okay, time for some evasive maneuvers. Gritting her teeth, and putting on as much speed as she could, Rebecca plowed through a large stand of bushes, looped around several statues, and pulled a sharp turn around another wall of hedges before finally breaking away from the ponies chasing her, and taking cover in a large flower patch.

As she lay amongst the lilies, Rebecca could hear exasperated cries of alarm and disappointment breaking out nearby, followed by the fading sound of galloping ponies. Well, that takes care of them. Standing up, she started to dust herself off before cringing at the state of her dress. Not only was it covered in small tears, and green stains, but also thoroughly soaked in the sweat she had worked up on her little jog.

"Well, I'm never going to hear the end of this from Rarity," she said, to no one in particular. "Now where the heck am I?" Looking up at Canterlot Castle, she was surprised at how much ground she had covered. Welp, better get a move on.

As she walked the garden paths, Rebecca was once again impressed by the immaculate care that went into the castle gardens; she hadn't stepped on a single branch or rock since she had kicked off her shoes. The statues especially were so well maintained that many of them seemed to glow in the pale moonlight. She also seemed to be passing them more and more frequently, until it was clear that she had found the royal sculpture garden.

"Huh, friendship... victory... let me guess the next ones going to be harmo-"

Rebecca nearly jumped out of her skin as she rounded the next bend in the path, only to find herself facing an all too familiar figure. Even stuck in it's ridiculous pose, the statue of Discord sent a chill down her spine as it loomed over her.

"Well, hello again goatsnake. Looks like Celestia decided not to go with my bottom of the ocean suggestion. Still, I guess you can't be too much of a pain in the ass like this."

A startled cry snapped Rebecca out of her little monologue. Turning to see who had managed to find her, she was surprised to find a familiar looking white unicorn staring back at her. The mare's eyes were wide with panic as they darted between Rebecca and the draconequus statue. Her breath came in short strained bursts, and for a moment her entire body shook like a leaf before her eyes rolled back and she toppled to the ground.

"I blame you for this," Rebecca called to the statue, as she rushed to the pony's side. Up close she realized that she recognized the mare as one of the models from the show. Even without any clothes on the pony's slender frame, flawless white coat, and fleur-de-lis cutie mark made her stand out. Taking a closer look, Rebecca noticed that slender might not be the right word. The mare was downright skinny, her ribs clearly defined under her coat.

"Hey, honey, are you okay?" The mare didn't respond. Placing her hand on the pony's neck, Rebecca tried to check for a pulse. To her surprise she actually managed to find it, and while it didn't feel to slow or fast, as far as she could tell, the mare's breathing was still short and harsh. Think fast, Becky, um... doctor! Blueblood said something about a castle doctor!

Biting her lip, Rebecca did her best to steel herself for what she was about to do. Grasping the mare's fore and rear hooves in her hands, she let out a grunt of exertion and hoisted the unconscious pony onto her shoulders. Rebecca immediately began shuddering as she felt the warm body come into contact with her bare skin. As chills shot through her, she almost let go of the pony's legs before she heard something. A faint whimper escaped the mare's lips as she lay slung over Rebecca's shoulders. Hearing the sound, Rebecca's eyes snapped shut and she grit her teeth harder as she forced her legs to start moving, one step at a time, towards the castle.

Author's Note

Here's the next chapter, and with this one I finally broke the hundred-thousand word mark; quite a nice accomplishment if I do say so myself .
As always thanks to Pickle Tickler for pre-reading, but if we missed anything please feel free to point them out.