Castle in the clouds

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter one- A familiar tune
Chapter two- It s(t)inks
Chapter three- Bend the nightmare
Chapter four- Peeping tomboy
Chapter six- Appletrap
Chapter seven- Everything's better when they're a Rarity
Chapter eight- Friendship is no picnic-party
9- Only indifference
10- Black Mail
Giggle at the...uh...
A stout and helpful dragon
P is for...
Allergic to sincerity
Chapter five- A repetitive tune
A villain by any other name is just as nefarious

Prologue

Shining Armor awoke, as usual, at sunrise and climbed out of his giant four-poster as quietly as was possible. He walked silently from the room, which was no easy feat for a hooved quadruped on a marble floor. He cast a guilty look at his snoring wife, before descending the spiral staircase.

All over Equestria ponies were sleeping, or else pining over their own problems, none of which Shining thought could possibly compare to his own. He opened the door to his expected guest, standing in the rain was an earth-mare, she was very attractive despite her soaked mane.

“I can’t keep doing this.” She said as she walked into the entrance hall. “Coming here so late, there are bags under my eyes, Shining. Bags!”

“No!” Shining insisted. “You’re very... pretty.”

“You think so?” She asked batting her eyelashes.

“Of course.” He said carefully. “Can I offer you a tea or coffee?”

“Coffee please.” She answered as always. “Black.”

He came back with the beverage, and they sat in an adjacent room.

“My boyfriend is getting suspicious you know.” Said the mare. “Can’t you just tell your wife?”

“No!” Shining had to answer this question every single night. “It would only upset her, and it wouldn't solve anything.”

“Well I can’t be sneaking out every night after hours.”

“Every night except Sunday.” He said, trying to lighten the mood.

She giggled, placing a bag on the table. Shining looked inside, at all of the envelopes addressed to him and Cadence. He picked out one in particular, a white square envelope with Cadence’s name printed on it. Shakingly, he tore it open. The note made his heart speed up, despite being exactly what he expected: a large, crudely drawn number 7.

“Well I must be off.” Said the mare.

“Uh huh.” Shining walked her to the door. “Here.” He said hoofing her an umbrella from the stand.

“Ta.” She said, and the door closed behind her.

Shining scowled.

He hated thinking it, seeing as she was doing him such a huge favour: retrieving his post in the early hours of the morning and travelling all the way to the castle, but he found her to be so irritating. She would fish for compliments, and complain. This time hadn’t been so bad though. He trotted hurriedly into the room he had just vacated.

He walked over to the fire-place and retrieved a little shoe-box from underneath the coals. It really was the perfect hiding place, no one would ever think to check the coals and there was no reason to light the fire in summer. He placed the note with the others, the first few threats, and then the numbers counting down from twenty. All of the notes were for Cadence, and all of them were warning her:

Either give up your throne, or give up your life.

Chapter one- A familiar tune

Atop a tall hill on the outskirts of Ponyville, surveying the glimmer of the Celestia’s sun as it made its slow ascent over the rooftops, listening to the early birds quiet chirps and feeling the cool morning breeze comb its way through her unkempt mane stood a shivering sky-blue pegasus. Rainbow wasn’t shivering from cold, pegasi don’t really get cold except in very extreme temperatures. No, the self-acclaimed bravest-pony-in-all-of-Equestria was nervous. Dash had a secret she had never told anypony, well actually she had two: the first being that, however much confidence seemed to radiate from her, however much her reckless and daring nature suggested fearlessness, it was all an act. A mask she could hide behind. A persona she couldn’t shrug off.

It was difficult for Dash to always act strong for everypony, but it was even harder for her to be alone. Times of solitude were times when there was nothing to distract her from the doubt that crept around her insides. Loneliness was her worst fear, and lonely was how she often felt; she even preferred to sleep in public where she wouldn’t wake up all by herself. It was frightening being outside of the village without the company of somepony else, but Dash needed time to do the thing she always avoided: she needed to think. She thought about her friends first as a way of comforting herself, she trusted them didn’t she? But then again she had trusted her friends from school, and that hadn’t worked out particularly well for her. The fact of the matter is that at some point in their childhood, foals become mean. Rainbow Dash was certain she had missed the day everypony had got together and decided to make their own and everyone else’s lives twice as difficult by separating into cliques and being horrible to anypony who didn’t quite fit. But there was one pony who had always been kind and understanding: Fluttershy.

And so we come to Dash’s other secret: her crush on a certain yellow pony. Dash had been quick to fall for Fluttershy, whether it was her natural beauty, her kind nature or the way she had stuck by Dash through thick and thin, Dash knew she was in love. Ordinary crushes just didn’t last as long.

Dash had always wondered if there was something between her and Fluttershy. Was it possible that a pony as kind and beautiful as Fluttershy to have feelings for someone as brash and indiscreet and dishevelled and big headed and... Rainbow shook her head firmly, the list of bad things she could say about herself went on and on and there was no point in getting caught up in that now.
Fluttershy was her closest and oldest friend, she knew there was a danger their friendship might suffer if ‘Shy were to reject…

DON’T THINK THAT!

I… I just need advice from somepony.

****

“Welcome to carousel boutique where everything is chic, unique and… oh it’s you.”

“Hey Rare’.” Dash greeted her frazzled friend. “Friendly greeting as always!” she chuckled.

“Yes, well” said Rarity trotting into her inspiration room with Dash close behind. “It has been a rather stressful morning.”

With a blue aura of magic, Rarity pulled up a plush, purple settee onto which Dash plonked herself down. She was silent for a while, content to watch Rarity dash around the room cutting and stitching and whatever else it was she was doing to attach those pieces of cloth to those life-size, unfeeling horses. Dash wandered over to the bookshelf, picked out the novel that looked least objectionable, and took her seat.

“I might be going away to Canterlot soon.” Rarity informed her. “Of course the six of us usually take these excursions together.” she added. “It should be fun.”

“Yeah!” The prospect of travel always excited Dash. “What’re you going for?”

“Oh, I’m designing a gown and bridesmaid’s dresses for a Canterlot wedding!” Rarity attempted to cover up her excitement. Dash nodded indifferently; luckily Rarity was too busy to notice her disinterest.

Rainbow flicked through the pages of the book she had picked up. It was a dull romance novel. Dash would usually have put such a book aside in disgust, but she couldn’t help but be a little curious. She found herself comparing the novel to her situation with Fluttershy. A brave stallion, and a beautiful mare, she tried to lose herself in the fantasy but it wouldn’t work. Real life romance, she supposed, is nothing like the books.

“I didn’t think you would be interested in a novel like that one, Rainbow Dash.” Mused Rarity from behind her pattern-cutting diagram.

“ITS NOT!” Dash threw the book aside as if it were contaminated. “I mean… I was just curious.” She walked sheepishly to retrieve the book and place it back on the shelf.

“Darling, is anything the matter?”
“No, it’s just…” go on, you wanted advice didn’t you? “No, it’s nothing.”

“Well, if you’re quite sure.” Rarity turned back to her workshop.

“I’ll see you later.” Dash made a swift exit from the shop window, she didn’t know if Rarity had returned her farewell.

If I’m going to ask Fluttershy out, I’ll just have to mare up and do it.

Author's Note

Hey! Im new to this site (though it isnt my first time writing)
please leave me any advice in the comments if you think anything could improve

Chapter two- It s(t)inks

After a hard day’s procrastinating and eventual sky-clearing, Rainbow landed with a light “thud” in Fluttershy’s garden. She was spared the need to knock on her front door because there Fluttershy stood, looking out on the sunset while small creatures scurried, unafraid, around her ankles or fluttered from branch to branch quietly singing. It was perfect really; the orange sun seemed to frame her, its soft glow highlighting her pink mane like a halo. Everything was flooded in glowing maroon warmth. Even Dash who isn’t usually poetic noticed how well the atmosphere suited her purpose. This must be destiny.

I’m sure you can guess how Rainbow Dash’s “confession” went. It was a combination of boastful and apprehensive. It was complementary to Fluttershy. It was cute, maybe even romantic. She stuttered her way through it, not helped along by ‘Shy’s stoic demeanour and blank expression.

“I… I guess what I’m trying to say… I like you a lot ‘Shy, I… go out with me?”

please say something, please say something.

Fluttershy’s face turned toward the ground. She hoofed at the dirt for a moment much like a pony trying to gain composure. She took a breath, and determined blue eyes met apprehensive magenta:

“You don’t like me, Rainbow Dash.”

“um, excuse me?” Her answer had taken the Pegasus completely off guard.

“You… you don’t care for me Rainbow Dash… or… or at least not in the way you say you do.”

“What? But I do! Honest. I like you a whole lot ‘Shy I…” Dash fell silent. She hadn’t been expecting this at all.

“No you don’t!” Fluttershy’s temper began to rise. “Maybe you liked me a little a long time ago or maybe it just felt safe to lay your affections onto someone like me.”

“What’re you on about ‘Shy?” Dash asked incredulously “What do you want from me? Is this like a test? Is there something I’m supposed to do to prove…”

“NO!”

“I DON’T GET IT, WHY ARE YOU SO ANGRY?”

“BECAUSE, RAINBOW DASH, BECAUSE YOU’RE ALWAYS PUSHING ME!”

“I… what?”

“You don’t like me! You know I’m a coward and you get mad because you don’t understand why. And then you just pull me along for some terrifying task and leave the others to watch!”

“Are you talking about the time spike grew into that huge dragon? Because you were the only one with wings so…”

“And the worst thing… the worst thing is that you actually think you’re helping me.” Fluttershy interrupted her, struggling to say the last two words aloud, they tasted like indignation and sharp metal.
“AND IT’S ALWAYS ME! It’s never anypony else. Why Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy was picking up steam now, the satisfaction of opening up gave way to floods of internalised anguish.
“AND THE RACE!” She yelled.

Rainbow was momentarily confused, she had raced lots of times before, but couldn’t remember doing so with Fluttershy, the mare was just too slow for her.

“For my honour, was it? Or to show off?” Her face was beetroot red by then.
“But you believe that yourself, DON’T YOU? You were so busy using my grief as an excuse; you started to think of yourself as this great hero. WHAT DID YOU… HOW WAS… HOW ON EARTH WERE YOU HELPING ME?! It doesn’t even make sense, why would they stop calling me names because you won a race with them?” There were tears in her eyes. Shouting gave way to sobbing as she began to tremble. “It was… it was patronising Rainbow Dash. And… and…” ‘Shy’s voice was faltering. At the word ‘patronising’ an image had nudged its way into her mind’s eye: Rainbow Dash affectionately twanging her nose during the tour for the inspector of the Equestria games. Her skin crawled. She forced herself to focus again on Dash’s stunned face; Rainbow’s shocked expression only caused her more pain.
“You've got to learn to be assertive, Fluttershy. Don't be afraid to speak up.” She spat in a cruel interpretation of the crack in Dash’s voice.
“Great advice Rainbow Dash, I would never have thought of that before.” Her voice was drenched with sarcasm.

“I was just trying to he…”

“I KNOW YOU WERE… I know you were just trying to help, Rainbow Dash” Fluttershy took a deep breath.
“But… but you don’t like me. You’re exasperated with me, and you should be. I’m shy, I’m cowardly and…” She screwed her eyes shut.
“And despite all of that… I think I might one day find somepony who accepts all of those things about me… maybe he’ll even like my humbleness, and help me through my fears instead of making me feel…”

She was silent for a moment.

“But that pony isn’t you, Rainbow Dash.” She opened her eyes again, there was no longer any conviction in her expression.

In the downpour of internalised torment, one word stuck out in particular to Rainbow Dash: He.

And that was it, wasn’t it? So she liked stallions. Why hadn’t she just SAID?

“I think you should go, Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy had exhausted her anger. She felt lighter than she had done in years, she only wished she had confessed less angrily, and under different circumstances. Guilt was beginning to settle in her stomach, facing a rejection like that (and she supposed it had been a rejection) must have been awful… oh no.

“That is… if you don’t mind.” She squeaked.

****

Sunsets are stupid. They are deceptive: it looks as if it should be really warm when in reality it’s cold as heck. It’s too early for bed and too late for a nap. Rainbow had only ever known one pony by the name of “Sunset” and that pony had stolen Twilight’s crown and taken off with it so she could dictate another realm or something. Rainbow forgot the details, Twilights description had been a little long winded and a lot egg-headed. There are no more meals to look forward to after sunset. It’s really just the time you have to wait before it gets all scary and dark and cool. So it was settled, sunset is the worst time of day.

Maybe I’ll go to bed anyway. Let the sun know who’s in charge here.

Author's Note

uh sorry about the bad formatting in this one- not sure what happened here...?

Chapter three- Bend the nightmare

Fluttershy got no sleep that night.

Every time she closed her eyes she could see the look on Rainbow Dash’s face: confusion and hopelessness. Finally, dawn came. The accusing crow of the cockerel broke the uncomfortable morning silence. Squinting in the weak sunlight, Fluttershy heaved herself up from bed. She could only imagine that guilt was weighing her down, seeing as Pegasi have hollow bones.

She dragged herself to the mirror and saw a mare with whom she was only too familiar: sleep deprived, anxious, tears dripping uncontrollably from bloodshot baby-blue eyes. Once upon a time Fluttershy had spent morning after morning waking up to that face. It’s really difficult being warm and compassionate when everypony around you has that hard, mean edge. Don’t think about that now. But she couldn’t help it. She had been nice to Rainbow when everyone else was mean. She was nice while others mocked her raspy voice, or else taunted her by throwing the word ‘Fillyfooler’ at her as if it were some kind of insult.

Oh no.

Fluttershy facehoofed so hard she became momentarily disorientated. She had mocked Rainbow’s voice. She had yelled at Dash, and it was probably the first time she had confessed attraction to another mare.

She had to go and apologise. She didn’t care if it was only six in the morning, she needed to see Dash now.

****
Shut up.

The cockerel’s crow roused Dash from her deep slumber. She lifted her head from her cloud pillow and sloppily wiped the drool from her face. She had been having the strangest dream. Wrinkling her nose she tried to remember:

Rainbow stood in Sweet Apple Acres. She stood watching a pony a few yards away from her who sat, sobbing, in the shade of a particularly tall apple tree. It was herself, and yet she didn’t see how that could be possible seeing as she was standing right there. Long shadows seemed to be moving toward the figure. Through the trees moved some of her friends: Twilight, Pinkie, AJ, Spike, Rarity, and even a couple of ponies from the weather team began to close in on her, sneering, all much taller than they were in reality.

“Wait!” Fluttershy flew toward the group.

Rainbow watched as ‘Shy landed in front of the figure, shielding her with her wings.

“Oh, what are you going to do STUTTERSHY?” Cloud Chaser taunted.

Pinkie fell into a fit of hysterics.

“Yeah, Stuttershy!” Rainbow gaped. That voice belonged to her.

The figure wasn’t so small any more, she had grown into the same intimidating form of the others. The group of ponies started to close in on Fluttershy.

“But… But I thought…” Fluttershy pleaded.

The real Rainbow turned her face in horror.

“Horrible, isn’t it?” A high pitched voice came from behind her. “Hiya Dashie!”

“Wha…?”

Suddenly she was in Sugar Cube corner… it had made so much more sense at the time.

“Im so, so sorry I’m late!” Pinkie forced her down into a chair in the middle of the empty shop. Dash just sat there bemused as Pinkie wrapped a towel around her, and somehow began cutting her hair.

And then she woke up.

Weird.

She pondered the dream’s meaning for a while. Anything to avoid thinking about last night, right? Although the events of the evening prior didn’t seem to be concerning her at all. She felt pretty ok actually. In fact it was her lack of concern that was really concerning her.

Its ten past six and I still haven’t gone back to sleep.

Oh ok, so something must be wrong then.

Satisfied with that, she got out of bed and stretched.

It was due to be sunny that day, so all she needed to do was clear the sky.

Maybe I’ll just do that now, get it out of the way seeing as I’m up. Then maybe I’ll go and see Pinks, tell her about my dream. (The second bit anyway). Yeah, she’ll probably find it funny.

Smiling at the thought, Dash stepped out of her front door ready to start the day.

“Oh um, I was just…” Fluttershy stood just outside.

“Oh, hey.” Dash’s heart sank, and her face fell. This was going to be painful.

****

Fluttershy apologised over and over. Dash got angry, then upset. She didn’t know why Fluttershy had come with more reasons why she wouldn’t go out with her.

As soon as Fluttershy left, Dash collapsed in a heap. She was emotionally and physically exhausted.

‘Shy had informed her that she would be at Sugarcube Corner if Dash needed her, so her day’s plans were obviously ruined. Reluctantly, Dash stepped outside again. She apathetically went through the motions of her work. Usually she loved cloud busting. Up in the air, she could show off exactly where everypony could see her. Looking around, Dash could see there were no more clouds to banish. Her work was done.

And that was when everything came crashing down.

It was obvious that nopony would ever, could ever love her. She would go her whole life seeking attention and end up alone. Unexpected tears began to sting Rainbow’s eyes, she bolted back home before they could come streaming down her face.

Chapter four- Peeping tomboy

Fluttershy took a deep breath, and stepped into the stifling warmth of Sugarcube Corner. She hunched over, she didn’t want anypony to notice she was upset. She took extra care to avoid looking at any ponies seated around the shop. She didn’t even notice Applejack loading some of her famous apple fritters into the display cabinet on the side of the room.

The orange pony waved to Fluttershy and was unabashed when the gesture went unnoticed. AJ isn’t the sort of pony to become embarrassed by something so trivial. Applejack watched ‘Shy covertly whisper something into the cashier’s ear. Pinkie Pie motioned upstairs and Fluttershy followed. Something was out of place. Fluttershy appeared troubled.

Concerned, AJ followed the two upstairs, but stopped in her tracks when she heard muffled sobs from the other side of Pinkie’s door.

“I…I just feel so awful!”

“Shh, tell auntie Pinkie Pie all about it!”

Consumed with curiosity, AJ shamefully peered through the keyhole.

****

Inside Pinkie’s bedroom, Fluttershy stood with her face buried in the back of her friend’s neck, Pinkies hooves wrapped around her. It was by no means the first time somepony had mistaken her kind, pleasant nature for something more than friendship. She could remember one stallion who had once accused her of being a tease. The memory made her blood boil. But Rainbow Dash wouldn’t do something like that… but that only made her feel worse! Fluttershy lifted her head and dried her eyes. She felt guilty for lashing out. Compassion really is a curse.

But Pinkie Pie had a calming effect on her. She could cheer her up, subside her fears just with laughter. Fluttershy didn’t like to have favourites, but she did consider Pinkie to be her very best friend.

“It’s Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy said at last.

Pinkie let go of Fluttershy so she could look her in the eye. “Oh no! Is she okay?”

“Yes she’s fine it’s just… well, last night she came to my house and… well she asked me… she asked if I wanted to be her marefriend but…”

The rest of what Fluttershy was saying was lost to Pinkie. Her voice sounded faint, as if it were coming from a very long way away. She felt as if her friend had slapped her. Her heart hammered in her stomach. Her ears rang. Her ribcage felt as if it had grown spikes. She could taste metal, but she couldn’t remember mistaking any bits for chocolate coins recently… But Pinkie tried to be comforting as she listened to Fluttershy, even if she wanted nothing more than to hide under her covers until the sudden ache went away.

****

Applejack tore her face from the keyhole, cursing herself for being so invasive. She swiftly made her way outdoors. The obvious course of action was to go and find Rainbow Dash: suffering a rejection is never easy, and it was obvious that Dash had indeed been rejected.

Applejack is a very shrewd pony. She perhaps isn’t quite as astute as Rarity, but we must give her credit where credit is due. It was clear to Applejack that Fluttershy liked stallions, even if she was too timid to admit to an interest in anypony.

As she made her way to Rainbow’s cloud house, Applejack decided to continue her rumination on her friends. She wasn’t usually so intrusive; although she would occasionally find herself becoming absorbed in harmless gossip during lunches with Rarity.

And sometimes ah find myself peerin’ through somepony’s keyhole she reminded herself.

In fer a penny, in fer a pound. She decided.

Twilight liked stallions, but she liked spending time with her books more.

And why not? Aint nopony worse off fer bein’ single. ’Course Rare would disagree.

Rarity liked Romance. AJ wished she didn’t. Rarity aspired to have some posh, hoity toity Stallion sweep her off her hooves one day. But Rarity was so much more than that: she was a business woman, a role model, a sister, a friend, an artist. Applejack wished Rarity saw what she could see.

Pinkie Pie was a free spirit. If she was interested in somepony, AJ doubted gender would be of any concern. She was so full-on with everypony, it would be really difficult to tell if someone were special.

AJ herself, well, she wasn’t invested in the pursuit of romance at all. Her whole life was her family’s apple farm and that was that.

She arrived just below Rainbows cloud house just in time, before she could depress herself by dwelling on the sense of limitation that reflecting on the fate of her farm was giving her lately.

She wondered what would be the best way to greet her friend at that moment.

‘Hey RD, ah just had an inkling you might be upset about summat.’ She could say.

But that would be a lie. And a silly one at that.

“AJ?” Dash appeared behind her, apparently on her way home from somewhere.

“Oh, howdy Rainbow Dash! Uh, ah was just wond’rin’ if you wanna do somethin’?”

Chapter six- Appletrap

Every second seemed endless to Rainbow. Every second that AJ stared at her turned up the heat. Really, the suspense was sweltering. Did Applejack not feel the warmth too?

“Say something.” squeaked Dash.

AJ threw her head back and laughed, but then relinquished at the look on Dash’s face.

“Sugar cube yer… well, yer a mess. what’re you thinkin’ askin’ me out like that?”

“Well why not?” Demanded Dash.

“Well fer starters, you don’t even like me.”

Dash cast her eyes heavenwards. Why did everypony assume they knew exactly how she felt about them?

“Sugarcube, ah don’t have time for crushes and what have yeh, ah gotta marry someone who knows a thing or two about apple buckin’. This ‘ere farm is mah number one priority, its mah family’s only source of income and the Apple’kin’s pride an’ joy ever since granny was a filly. Ah want mah family to be as comfortably off as possible an’ ah don’t want the Apple legacy to end with me … An’ you don’ wanna be applebuckin’ all day ev’ry day. It could never work”

“I could help you AJ. I’m strong, I’m fast, you could probably buck twice as many apples with me around!”

Applejack looked unconvinced.

“Look!” Rainbow trotted up toward the tree and gave it a swift kick; the apples fell neatly into the buckets placed around the trunk. Rainbow turned around with a weak look of triumph on her face. Applejack let out a small chuckle.

“You don’t want that, Rainbow Dash.”

“I’m so sick of ponies telling me what I don’t want.” said Rainbow as she cursed the relief spreading through her. She was supposed to be feeling rejected, she was supposed to feel all moody and poetic like one of the characters in Rarity’s books. Just once she wanted to feel something she expected.

And then, as if it were mocking her, her stomach grumbled.

“Let’s go.” said Applejack, taking pity Rainbow Dash’s dejected face. “We’ll have lunch, mah treat.”

They walked along in silence, Rainbow Dash kept her eyes on the ground, not quite ready to look at Applejack yet. AJ directed her eyes to the sights around her. As an apple farmer, most of her time was spent in the claustrophobic cluster of trees. The bustling streets between the town’s shops seemed open and refreshing in comparison. It was nice, she mused, to be in surroundings that looked different each way she turned her head. It was nice to listen to the buzz of happy shoppers when she was so used to the quiet alienation of the myriad of tree after tree after tree. Trees were… beneficial, profitable, even pretty. But also daunting, especially when they were so numerous. Yes she thought, it was nice to be out.

“So why didn’t you go along with the others?” Rainbow asked suddenly, chancing a peek at the orange mare through her fringe.

“Well ah couldn’t leave the farm” said AJ, a little sad that her pleasant introspection had to end and her thoughts had to return, as ever, to what was the centre of her existence. “Granny aint no spring chicken, she needs all the rest she can get. As fer Applebloom, she needs to concentrate on her school work an’ her friends like any young filly should. Ah can’t expect Big Mac to do most of the farmin’ himself.”

“I get it.” Interrupted Rainbow Dash, she had had enough of that farm to last her a week. “I just thought that maybe… maybe you…”

What are you doing, idiot?

“And.” said AJ, turning to face Dash “Ah couldn’t leave you, when Ah saw you lookin’ so upset.”

Rainbow blushed. Thankfully they had arrived at the little café in town. Sitting outdoors, Dash pretended to be concentrating intently on the angle of her chair. The waiter came and placed two menus on their table, Dash buried her face in it giving far too much attention to the words ‘daisy sandwich and crispy hay fries’.

Lunch passed in relative silence. Applejack asked Rainbow how she was feeling, Rainbow couldn’t really think what to answer, so she just said ‘fine.’ Rainbow asked how the apples were doing, AJ said she didn’t want to think about that right now. They had been close for too long to engage in small talk, just as they had been close for too long to pretend a measly sandwich and chips had satisfied their hunger, so they ordered another each.

“Are you ever gonna tell me whats getting you upset recently?” AJ inquired during dessert. Dash took a mouthful of cheesecake to give herself time to respond. Applejack had told her a secret after all, why shouldn’t she share her own in return? She chewed thoughtfully, as a look of total disgust slowly dawned over her face.

“Bleh!” The sweet, sickly mixture clung to her tongue and the gaps between her teeth. She had always liked the look of cheesecake, but looks can be deceiving. Applejack could barely control her laughter, she switched their plates but knew better than to eat the disgusting cake herself. There was a pause while AJ wiped her eyes on her hat and Dash chewed on Applejack’s pecan pie.

“It’s… Fluttershy.” Said Dash after a long pause.

“Ah see. You told her you had feelings for her and she…”

“She told you!?”

“Now ah never said that, ah… well ah overheard her tellin’ Pinkie if it’s that important. She was really upset, in fact…” Applejack just couldn’t keep her secret in any longer.

When she thought about it, it wasn’t just Fluttershy who had seemed upset. Maybe Applejack wasn’t showing enough empathy. She suddenly felt guilty for laughing at Rainbow’s reaction to the cheesecake.

“I guess it was a great bonding experience for both of them.” Said Dash bitterly. A wave of angry dissatisfaction rushed through her at the mental image:
Fluttershy sat with her face buried in Pinkies chest while Pinkie stroked her soothingly.
“Why don’t those two just go out?”
They broke apart and Fluttershy looked up, staring into vast blue eyes. Pinkie brushed Fluttershy's hair from her face, hoof lingering to caress her cheek. The distance closed between them as their muzzles parted...

“BLEH!” Said Dash again, waving her hooves in the air as her chair toppled backward. At that moment Dash hated Pinkie more than any pony. How could she do this to her? Did she not care about Dash’s feelings? She had to remind herself what she was seeing wasn’t real. But Pinkie knew what had happened and she had left anyway. Did she care about Fluttershy more than Dash? Perhaps she and Applejack had sorted it out amongst themselves, who should stay with Rainbow and who should stay with ‘Shy. Perhaps Applejack had drawn the short straw.

Rainbow got up, sat back down and looked over at AJ, determined to act as though nothing had just happened.

“Fluttershy likes stallions hun’.” Said AJ with a sigh. “And if ah were you, well ah would consider her feelings as well as yours.” she added sternly.

Dash glared, but in reality she understood what her friend meant. She had probably caused Fluttershy a lot of discomfort with her proposition. She had selfishly played the victim by being moody and distant. And Fluttershy had said she missed her. A twinge shot through her, her stomach churned and she wished she hadn’t eaten that pie. What if their friendship didn’t recover? Why do I never think? She vowed to never again tell her friends she had romantic feelings for them. Two out of five was definitely enough.

“Don’t worry sugarcube.” Said AJ softeningly “Theres nothin' anypony can hold against ya.”

Rainbow Dash hoped she was right.

Chapter seven- Everything's better when they're a Rarity

In one of the many spacious rooms of Canterlot castle, two ponies and a dragon ran back and forth sewing, adjusting and misplacing the multitude of garments attached to marequins, draped over chairs and piled high on the sparkling marble floor.

Rarity had learned an important lesson that week: nopony can be trusted to know their measurements.

She was dishevelled and hysterical. She barked orders at Fluttershy through cracked sobs. Fluttershy complied, making soothing noises all the while. Spike, it turned out, was a competent sewer himself. It was almost as if the act of sewing had been designed for beings with more digits.

Weird.

Rarity had no time to ponder over this however, She needed all the help she could get. Of course when it comes to creative pursuits, one needs the right kind of help. Ponies who know what they’re doing, but don’t assume that they know best.

Pinkies thought process had been deemed too abstract for wearable fashion. Twilight had decided to go against Rarity’s instructions and used an enlargement charm on a dress which had been cut too small. Creative problems are never solved so easily. Enlarged gems looked tacky, the dress became baggy around the chest and too long (the pony had at least managed to measure her height correctly). The thread grew along with the fabric, and damaged the material with holes. Naturally both ponies were banished from Rarity’s studio.

****
Twilight and Cadence sat around a small table laden with tea and fancy cakes. Their room was identical to Rarity’s, save for its lack of clutter and it’s serene atmosphere. Pinkie Pie bounced around the room, having eaten six fairy-cakes in one enormous bite. Her hooves made a din on the marble floor, but the noise was easy to ignore while Twilight and Cadence had so much to catch up on. Cadence happily burbled on about what they could do, and the places they should visit during Twilight’s stay.

“And how is Shining Armor?” Twilight had been bursting to ask after her brother since she first sat down, but didn’t want to seem like she wasn’t interested in Cadences plans for what they could do together over that week.

“Oh he’s… well he has been under a lot of strain recently.” Cadence admitted. “He truly wanted to come down and visit you with me Twilight. Actually a part of me feels quite guilty for having left.” She glanced over her shoulder, as if she might be able to see him, miles away, if only she could look far enough. “But Shining insisted that it would make your week to see at least one of us!”

“I think it has!” Pinkie chirped as she continued to bounce around the rotunda. The other two started. Pinkie hadn’t spoken for the duration of their conversation. The squeak of her hooves on the polished floor had stopped registering in their minds, and they had almost forgotten she was in the room. Now though, Cadence cocked her head to the side, observing Pinkie Pie.

She had never met anypony with more expertise on love than herself and unless she was very much mistaken, behind a gait of bubbly cheeriness, her friend was hurti…

“Cadence!”

She snapped back to reality.

“Yes, Twilight?”

“I said, what has been causing Shining Armor so much trouble?”

“Oh.” Cadences voice lowered in volume. “The Crystal Empire has been receiving threats; I don’t know where they’re coming from, or even their nature. It’s all top-secret you see.”

“But you’re the princess! Who has been receiving the threats if not you?”

“They’ve been going directly to the royal guard. I haven’t even seen them, and Shining says he isn’t allowed to tell me!” Cadence turned her face to the table, she couldn’t help but feel extremely irresponsible leaving her kingdom at this crucial time, but Shining Armor had insisted.

Twilight was about to tactlessly press Cadence for more information, but as luck would have it a distraction came in the form of Rarity. Her mane was pristine; her eyes glistened with new life. Nopony would have guessed she was only running on two hours of sleep and countless cups of coffee.

“They’re ready!” She announced.

Cadence jumped to her hooves.

“That’s fantastic!”

“Yes, well.” Rarity waved a hoof. “There was never any doubt I would come through.”

Twilight and Pinkie exchanged a glance, the memory of Rarity from a few hours ago fresh in their minds.

“I have hours before the next fitting.” Rarity continued as Spike and Fluttershy appeared blearily behind her. “Why don’t I treat everypony to lunch? My way of thanks, or… apology.” She looked sheepishly at Twilight and Pinkie.

“Woohoo!” Pinkie bounded forward and hugged her friend.

“Princess Cadence, won’t you join us?” Rarity enquired

“Just ‘Cadence’ is fine. And I wasn’t of any help at all!”

“Nonsense, darling!” Rarity smiled sympathetically. Cadence looked tired and frail. It would occur to Rarity, after Twilight confided in her about the threats, that she must look very much like Shining Armor. The connection between the couple was strong and mysterious. Rarity wondered if Cadence’s bond with Shining was so strong that she could physically feel what was happening to him, despite being so far away.

That would be so romantic. She thought, and resolved to observe Cadence, as inconspicuously as she could, to find out if her theory was correct.

****
Lunch wasn’t particularly eventful. Pinkie managed to astound the entire restaurant by expertly juggling all of their desserts without spilling a morsel. An impressive feat yes, but par for the course where Pinkie Pie was concerned. It had attracted the attention of one of the wedding guests though, who happened to be dining in the same restaurant.

Violin Heartstrings was a tall, slender, handsome and good-natured-looking unicorn. His colouring was what Rarity would have described as a ‘faded byzantium’ although any other pony at the table would have considered him ‘dark-lavenderish-purple’. His mane was a very light grey, but his cheery-yet-unwrinkled features betrayed youth. His eyes were a thundery ash colour; dark grey with flecks of white; implying strength despite his slim, unmuscular figure.

Rarity suddenly became very flustered as he approached their table.

“Hello there, Rarity!” He greeted her in a cheerful Trottingham accent.

“Hello, Violin Heartstrings.” Rarity blushed, but kept her composure so her flusteredness went unnoticed.

They stood looking at each other for a moment.

“Oh! How rude of me!” Rarity came back down to earth. “These are my friends.”

She introduced all of them, remembering that Cadence and Twilight both preferred their first names with no formalities, and introducing Pinkie last. Spike sighed inwardly, resenting another pony Rarity would get all hot and bothered over.

I’m calling it now. He thought.

“Ah yes! Pinkie Pie, you caused quite a stir with your amazing trick!” Heartstrings grinned.

Pinkie bowed, and then beamed back at him.

“Yes!” Rarity attempted to claim back his attention. “She is quite the performer!” She giggled.

“I trust I will be seeing you all at the wedding?” He inquired, he looked around at everypony, his eyes lingering on Pinkie for just a little longer than everyone else.

“No, I’m afraid we won’t be there.” Said Twilight.

“Perhaps we could meet up again?” Rarity suggested. “Sometime after the wedding?”

“We don’t leave until Tuesday.” Twilight added.

“And I’m sure we would all love somepony who knows the city as well as yourself, to perhaps show us around?” Rarity fluttered her eyelashes.

Spike rolled his eyes, he certainly wasn’t included in that sentiment.

“Well I don’t know about that!” Heartstrings laughed good-naturedly. “I live on the outskirts of Canterlot, quite close but I certainly wouldn’t consider myself a city pony. Not by any means.” He bowed his head humbly. “But I would love to take you to lunch, Saturday perhaps?”

“Well, that would be lovely.” Said Rarity.

“Yippee!” Pinkie leapt over the table.

And so it was settled.

Five mares left the restaurant to collect Rarity’s outfits for the second fitting. More than one pony had a spring in her step.

****
Everything went perfectly. The outfits fit. The ponies were happy and relieved. Violin Heartstrings even complimented her, telling her how amazing he thought it was that she had pulled off such an accomplishment in such a short amount of time. Smiling to herself, Rarity lay back on her luxurious bed-spread, in anticipation of some much deserved rest. She noticed the note she had received a day prior placed on her pillow. She had neglected to read it while working so hard, but now she had time:

Dear Rarity,

When you wrote to me yesterday you were in some distress. I know you’ve got a lot to do in a short amount of time and I wish I could be there to help but I know you can pull it off even if it seems impossible.

I just want you to know that you’re amazing. And that I have every faith you will make those clothes in time, because you’re you, and you can do anything.
xoxo
Applejack

Chapter eight- Friendship is no picnic-party

Letters from Pinkie arrived frequently in the post, often containing a message from one of their other friends. On one particularly hilarious occasion the princesses had each written their well-wishes, in fancy cursive, on Pinkie Pies bright magenta, balloon adorned, glitter covered parchment. Piles of glitter were being accumulated in the little nooks and crannies of their homes, but the messages were always welcome as they gave them a lot to talk about.

“It seems like the wedding was a big success.” Applejack mused one sunny evening as she and Rainbow sat in the familiar shade of her orchard. “Ah’m so relieved. Rare’ was gettin’ in such a state in her last letter.”

“And the way Pinkie Pie just trailed off into writing words that rhyme with orange.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “Pfft. She just made all of them up! All two pages!”

“O’ course ah never supposed fer a minute she wouldn’t pull it off.” Applejack had a never ending supply of faith in her friend. “Ah would have told her if ah’d been there. O’course she probably didn’t read our letter yet, bein’ so busy an’ all.”

“But we’ll probably hear them all in her next song.” Rainbow shook her head, exasperated. “That’s another thing I don’t miss about Pinkie: the constant singing. Don't get me wrong, I’ll be glad to have her back, but I’ve enjoyed the peace and quiet… how long is it until they get back?”

“Ah knew she could pull it off.” Applejack said again.

“AJ?”

“Huh, what?”

“How long until she… they get back?”

“Uh, three more days. Four if you count today.”

By then the sun had almost descended completely. Trees were becoming shrouded in dusk. Cricket song was becoming increasingly loud as the orchard grew dark. Today didn’t seem worth counting at all as it was almost over. Applejack didn’t seem to think ‘almost’ was soon enough.

“Well ah should be doin’ the dishes. It’ll soon be time fer getting’ Applebloom ready for bed.” AJ said with a yawn.

“Already?” Rainbow thought that such an early bedtime was unthinkable. She loved to sleep, but saw no reason she shouldn’t do that in the day. Ever since she was a little filly she would stay up late either daydreaming or flying. Ever since she could remember she had had regular late night talks with Fluttershy, both at flight school and in Ponyville. The memory set a painful weight in her stomach; she vowed to make it up with her lifelong friend, properly, at the earliest opportunity.

Night time, Rainbow thought, brings out the best in ponies. You don’t truly know a pony until you stay up with them past midnight, when they’re relaxed and unguarded. Fluttershy was far less humble at that time, she would laugh long and hard without ever covering her mouth. Pinkie was another pony who liked to stay up and talk or have fun. In contrast to Fluttershy, she could be much more tranquil at night. She would often sit with her (impossibly) on the front deck of her cloud house and they would talk for hours about whatever random speculations came into their heads, completely unfased by the chime of midnight on the town-hall clock. Sometimes Dash would confide in Pinkie some of the things she had told only Fluttershy. She supposed she might have have been comfortable telling some of her other friends some of these things too, had they stayed up talking with her at that indefectible time of day. Pinkie never told her any secrets, Dash supposed she didn’t have any. It wouldn’t occur to her to pry for confidential information when she herself was feeling so contented. She did wonder how Pinkie didn’t get cold, or tired for that matter seeing as she wasn’t a Pegasus, and didn’t ever sleep during the day. Perhaps it was just one of the many mysteries about her pink friend. Nonetheless, Dash made a mental note to bring a blanket for her next time.

****
Knock, knock, knock.

Fluttershy ambled blearily toward the door of her room. She hoped it was one of her friends knocking, but she could tell from the formality of the sound that it was not and she would have to face a complete stranger once the door was open. She would mumble, or say something awkward or… she inhaled deeply and breathed out slowly, trying to block out her anxious thoughts. On the other side of the door a blue female Pegasus handed her a note.

“Letter for Fluttershy.”

“Oh, um… thank…”

The mare tipped her hat and walked back along the corridor before ‘Shy could stutter her last word. She face-hoofed as she fluttered back over to her bed. She sat agonising over what had just happened for a moment, before remembering the parchment. She hastily untied it, aquamarine eyes darted across the page as a small, contented smile spread over her features. The torment of a few moments prior was forgotten.

hey Fluttershy,

first- how are you? I heard you were using your crazy sewing skills to help out Rarity- but that’s not really why I’m writing to you.

Im sorry I havent spoken to you much recently and I hope were still best friends- honestly Im not angry with you at all- applejack thought that you might think I was angry or sad and that was making you sad but Im not either of those things. I miss you and I cant wait to see you in a few days.

love Rainbow Dash

****
“How’s that?” Rainbow Dash looked up at Applejack
“Very to the point.” Applejack said with a chuckle.
“And it doesn’t sound… it doesn’t sound needy?” Rainbow looked at her apprehensively.
“It’s fine Rainbow.” AJ rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe it took you so long to write such a short note. Just put a ‘P.S.’ and say hello from me will you?”

****
P.S. aj says hello to everypony. AJ sends her love.

Fluttershy sighed happily, and lay back across her bed, clutching the note to her chest. She had some wonderful friends, and considered herself very lucky. Looking at the clock she could see that it was ten in the morning, one-and-a-half hours until Violin Heartstrings would supposedly meet them at the castle entrance. She resolved to make more of an effort to speak to their new acquaintance. It was one of those precious yet dangerous mornings when you feel as if nothing can possibly go wrong. That damning turn of phrase sent a wave of uncertainty coursing through her veins, but she shook off the feeling and walked from her room with her head held high, deciding to look for Pinkie Pie first.

****
Pinkie lay flat on her back staring dolefully at the sky-blue canopy of her four-poster bed and let out a long, heart-felt sigh. She turned to bury her face in one of the multitude of pillows strewn across the bed to block out the colour which was all too mnemonic of a certain pony.

Usually, after waking, she would perform a routine she had perfected to ensure she was as upbeat and energetic as was possible for a pony. But today she just didn’t see the point.

What is wrong with me?

Pinkie pie, you need to think poooositiiiiiiive thoughts if you’re ever going to get over these blues.

She turned back over to take in the colour of her bed again, chuckling hollowly at her own joke.

Right!

Pinkie screwed up her face in concentration.

She thought of the Cakes as they said their goodbyes before she set off for Canterlot. Remembering the warmth of them both as they hugged her, and the smell of baking. The sound of Mrs Cake reminding her for the hundredth time to not get lost on her own in the big city. They cared for her like any parents would, and would surely welcome her back with open hooves upon her return.

She thought of the twins and their gurgled laughs, and high pitched cries. She could always count on them for playtime… or an alarm clock.

She thought of Applejack, of Rarity, of Twilight.

She dug down deep to retrieve the happiest moment she could remember: probably moving to Ponyville. Leaving behind her monotone world of apathy and discovering a place where everypony laughed and talked and played in an entire spectrum of colour.

She sighed again. She could never go for long without her thoughts being drawn back to the rainbow.

She couldn’t do much else but lie back let the anguish wash over her, but a knock at the door roused her from her reverie.

BUCK!

“Just a second!” Pinkie heard her own chipper voice say. That was good; her tone of voice wasn’t betraying her emotions.

Pinkie galloped over to the mirror to take in her appearance. Bright eyes, check. Vibrant fur, check. Her hair was poufy as ever. She tried a smile, a little fragile but otherwise fine.

“Come in!” Pinkie hopped back up onto her bed, preparing to beam at the newcomer. Her smile faltered slightly when she saw who it was. Fluttershy didn’t notice.

“Hi Pinkie, um, are you busy?”

“Nope!”

“Oh good.” Fluttershy hopped onto the foot of Pinkies bed and looked at her friend expectantly.

A few seconds went by.

“So um…” Fluttershy didn’t know what to say, she usually found that talking to Pinkie was the easiest thing in the world, why did it suddenly feel so awkward? Fluttershy thought back to the last time they had spoken. Did she say something wrong? Had she upset Pinkie? The last time they had really talked was… the day she had been so upset about Rainbow Dash! Yes that was it; Pinkie had been oddly unavailable since then… was she worried about looking like she was picking sides? That must be it!

Fluttershy produced the note; certain it would relieve her friend of any worry. Today, her empathetic nature would surely make her the master of social interaction.

Pinkie pored over the letter and saw how Rainbow Dash referred to Fluttershy as her best friend, how she missed her and sent her love. She hadn’t said anything of that kind to Pinkie.

She knew Dash was closer with Fluttershy than with her. Sometimes Dash would tell her a secret or reveal something Pinkie didn’t yet know about her. Every revelation was fascinating to Pinkie Pie who held each secret with reverence. Rainbow would tell her that she had never told anypony else and that would make her feel special, as if she were the luckiest mare in all of Equestria.

“Except Fluttershy.” Why did the sentence always have to end that way?

“I’ve never told anypony, except Fluttershy.”

9- Only indifference

“And I said to her, I said…” Pinkie desperately tried to talk over her own giggles, her sides hurt and her eyes were streaming, but she had started her famous joke, and by Celestia she would finish it! “Oatmeal? Are you crazy?!” She dissolved into a fit of laughter. The punch line only earned a chuckle from her friends who had heard the story over a-hundred times, but Cadence was in stitches. Violin Heartstrings was laughing so hard that he had to bury his muzzle in the table-cloth. It was only the second time Pinkie had managed to cause a stir in a café in two days. A few ponies tutted about the noise, but nopony complained.

“Pinkie Pie, you are an absolute delight!” He admired from opposite her. He had planned the seating arrangements perfectly, pulling out a chair for the pink pony before choosing the one facing her. Masterful.

Rarity had given up. Heartstrings and Pinkie had been inseparable ever since that morning. She had thought of topics to take up with him specifically designed to impress. Where she was going to talk with him about art, he and Pinkie discussed Ponyville where he had a cousin, Lyra. Rarity kicked herself for not making the connection. Where she was going to talk with him about classical music, something she was sure would interest him due to his violin cutie mark, Pinkie talked to him about being a one-man-band, about polka music and how an alligator could successfully be used as a xylophone. Where Rarity had wanted to talk to him about literature, he and Pinkie had gone over what each of them had eaten for breakfast, detailing flavour and texture, reviewing every single ingredient and using completely made-up words to describe them.

Heartstrings listened with rapt attention as Pinkie garbled on about Celestia-knows-what.

*
Don’t mention Rainbow Dash.

It was the one mantra that repeated itself in Pinkies mind, over and over, whenever she drew breath. If she kept talking, she could keep her mind away from sparkling magenta eyes looking at her with brusque annoyance whenever she did something too “random” or talked a little too much, as she supposed she was doing now. If only she wasn’t so loud, if only she were gentle like Fluttershy.

*
It’s funny, just how much like me she is.

As Pinkie recounted her cutie mark story Violin Heartstrings couldn’t help but connect with her. Violin came from a long line of string-instrument players. He had earned his own musical cutie mark, as expected, and devoted his time to playing the violin. Sometimes he and Cello, his older sister, would put on performances for their parents, who were supportive even when his bow made more of a screech against the instrument than a discernable note. But everything changed when his younger brother, Fiddle, earned his mark. Fiddle took pleasure in the dull drones that their family considered music. Fiddle took to the instrument straight away and exceeded Violin’s skill just as quickly, despite being years younger. Like Pinkie, he knew what it was like to grow up resenting his part in the family’s trade. He wished his talent was with the accordion or something, but no. He got the tedious violin.

Unlike Pinkie he hadn’t had courage to leave home at such a young age. Recently though, he had been compelled to move from his home in West Hay, and into the big city and find his destiny. And now he had met a pretty mare who just happened to have a similar story, except she had managed to find her calling and make a success. He wondered if they had been destined to meet.

****
“I’m so BORED!” Rainbow Dash said finally, after days thinking it but not wanting to hurt Applejack’s feelings.

“Well Sugarcube, ahm flat out of ideas of what we can do.”

They sat by the swimming-hole, their manes still a little damp from splashing in the water. It had been fun for the first half-an-hour but Rainbow was really beginning to appreciate the monotony of a life without her five other friends.

What would she usually be doing at that time? She might have been at the library reading. She had been reading a lot lately, but it wasn’t the same when she wasn’t in the company of Twilight Sparkle. She might be bothering Rarity who usually had her shop open at that time, although usually only as a last resort. She often went to talk to Fluttershy who would be tending her animals and could usually be persuaded to go out for a while. But usually she would hang out with Pinkie, ‘hang out’ being the more polite term. Pinkie would follow her around like a little duckling, as if she weren’t friends with every other pony in Ponyville. She might persuade Dash to bake with her,

And I’ve gotten pretty good… really great, actually.

Sometimes she would bounce around chatting, or asking the most annoying questions! She would always be up for watching Dash practice flying, Applejack was sick of that by now. It wasn’t that AJ wasn’t supportive; it was just that Dash needed to be praised in a different way for every single trick. If she couldn’t come up with a new appreciative adjective every time, or didn’t cheer loudly enough at exactly the right moment, Dash would accuse her of doing it wrong. But to AJ almost every trick looked similar, she didn’t really appreciate fancy exploits in the way Dash did.

Dash was really starting to miss her pink friend. She had to admit to herself, she had grown attached to Pinkie’s loud, high pitched voice. Her long laughs. She would have done anything to hear one of Pinkie’s weird songs at that moment.

Anything to stop this boredom!

But it wasn’t just that, she was beginning to realise how dependant she had become on Pinkies skewed and overpowering methods of affection. She hadn’t realised how comforting it was to have somepony follow her around all of the time, she had been so content having somepony to lean back on, a source of fun when life became a little too mellow. Of inspiration when she wasn’t sure if she wanted to practice her flying (even if she suspected a lot of the words Pinkie used to describe her tricks were of her own invention). Pinkie would assure her on days where she wasn’t quite sure of her own awesomeness, and even if she was just feeling hungry, Pinkie could pull something delicious out of thin-air.

In short, that little earth pony was everything she needed.

Pfft, that’s a bit dramatic. After all, I was fine before I met Pinkie.

She knew that for a fact. But now… looking back, she wasn’t quite sure how she had been fine.

Maybe she isn’t as annoying as I thought.

A guilty feeling began to spread through Dash as she remembered the times she had reacted to Pinkie with annoyance, or pushed her away.

I’m going to have to write another letter, aren’t I?

10- Black Mail

After what had turned out to be a loooooong day out, six ponies collapsed onto chairs and settees in one of Canterlot castles many rooms. A baby dragon was ushered off to bed. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna joined them for tea. It had been settled that Violin Heartstrings should stay the night so he need not travel the few miles back to his own home. The room was bathed in a warm orange light, there were no surfaces save for a small coffee table in the centre of the room which they were all crowded around. Violin couldn’t help but be a little formal around Celestia and Luna at first, but came into his own very quickly, and was now laughing and talking comfortably with the others.
There was a knock at the door, and the blue Pegasus Fluttershy had met earlier that day trotted orderly into the room. Fluttershy hid behind her mane.

“Letters for Princess Cadence and Ms Pinkie Pie.” She announced, setting the tray on the floor seeing as there was no room on the table.
Pinkie recognised the handwriting immediately, and opened the scroll with forced casualness. Her heart bounced around inside her ribcage, the way it always did when Rainbow spoke to her… or looked at her. Pinkie cursed it for not listening to her brain and instead remaining optimistic.

Dear Pinks

She smiled. She always liked the nickname ‘Pinks’. It made her feel special.

I hope youre ok. I just wanted to say I miss you

Yes! Pinkie couldn’t hide her grin, luckily the others were too absorbed in their conversation to ask why.

I cant wait for us to hang out when

BANG!

Pinkie’s vision was shut off.

****
Shining Armor awoke with a start. He leaped to his hooves and wheeled about.

“Evening, sleepyhead.” Marshal, his friend and fellow soldier greeted him. He looked frail, leaning tiredly on the balcony wall, but his horn glowed consistently as he kept up the magical barrier that Shining had neglected. The same was true of the five other Stallions, and one mare standing around him. Some were swaying where they stood, barely cognizant.

“You should have woke me.” Was Shining’s brusque reply. He shook his mane from his face irritably, attempting to cast his spell while his mind tried to chase the dream he had woken from. Cadence was in trouble. That was all he could remember. But of course he already knew that, and yet the words repeated themselves in his mind, over and over. He grew antsy, he shuffled about, his magic began to flicker.

“Easy there!” Marshal looked at him concernedly. “You should get inside and sleep some more, ya big girl.”

In the Equestrian army, there is the category of ‘endurance spell casters’ of which Shining Armor is. This particular category is usually taken up by Mares, who aren’t necessarily as strong as their Stallion colleagues, but have much more stamina. ‘Ya big girl’ is a compliment, and the fact that only one mare persevered goes to show how much time, effort and reserves were going into keeping their enemy at bay.

Shining had been denying his faltering stamina for too long. He had sustained himself for the longest of anypony and couldn’t go on. He hung his aching head and ambled toward the door, where he crashed straight into a lanky Pegasus with a telescope cutie-mark.

“Fellows.” The Pegasus didn’t pause to apologise, he had a small telescope clasped in his wing and a terrified expression on his face. “There has been a development.” He clasped the telescope in his mouth and gave it to Shining. “I want you to look at Canterlot.”

Canterlot. Shining’s face went grey, the telescope dropped to the floor with a dull thud. Marshal retrieved it and looked through. His heart stopped.

Canterlot wasn’t to be seen, it was covered in a plethora of thick, black smoke.

****
Suffocating darkness had swallowed Pinkie whole. Like a whip, it lashed and entwined around her chest restricting her breathing. Was she falling? Or suspended in mid-air? She was certain there was no ground beneath her. She grappled desperately at the cold mist but it was hard, impenetrable and all-consuming. She couldn’t move at all.

She laughed, it was what she always did, but the tightness of the fog made it exhausting. She considered making a joke about somepony having ‘let one off’. Apparently even her sense of humour was impaired by the smoke. She hoped never to catch herself making such an unfunny joke. So she couldn’t laugh. Pinkie began to do something she barely ever did: she started to panic.

Then, very slowly, the smoke appeared to crack. Purple light shone through a jagged line before her. A voice came through, distorted in the density:

“Cadence.”

“What do you want?” Pinkie heard Cadences muffled voice from beside her.

“I gave you fair warning.” Said the voice. It was patronising, silky and scornful. It was the kind of voice used by a father giving their foal a lecture. It felt insulting having a princess be addressed thus.

“What do you mean?” Cadence called out bravely, though a small shake in her voice betrayed her fear.

“Twilight?” Spikes voice came into focus. “What’s happening? I woke up, and there was all this fog.”
“Spike! Stay where you are.” Twilight was there too. Pinkie wondered about Fluttershy, Rarity and the other princesses, and there was somepony Pinkie’s disorientated mind was forgetting… Heartstrings. She hoped they were all alright.
She noticed little lights popping up near her, the auras of the six unicorns flickered and faded.

“Oh, this is ridiculous!” She heard Twilight say.

“Let me get that for you.” Said the voice. And the darkness dissipated. Pinkie looked around. Violin Heartstrings had wrapped his hoof around her. Twilight was shivering in the corner near the door. Celestia, Luna and Cadence were huddled together, as were Rarity and Fluttershy. The black envelope that had produced the smoke lay singed at the princess’s hooves. Spike was nowhere to be seen and the previously open door was shut. Pinkie assumed he was locked behind it. Only one more creature was left, and there was only one place he could be. Pinkie turned around.

Giggle at the...uh...

Dash woke from her nap with a yawn and a stretch.

It was evening in Ponyville, her favourite time of day. She smiled, and looked toward the town-hall clock from the cloud upon which she was perched. Her stomach grumbled and she thought longingly of the cupcakes she could have bought from Sugarcube corner if she had only woke up an hour earlier.

There was a sense of unease about her as she descended into Ponyville. She wasn’t sure why, but something felt very wrong. She had left Applejack three hours ago. It would surely seem weird, wanting to hang out again so soon, but something about that night made her not want to be alone.

It had been a while since she had felt that way, she didn’t mind being alone so much anymore. Maybe it was the way Fluttershy hadn’t abandoned her after finding out she was a fillyfooler, with a crush on her no less. Maybe it was the connection she felt she had made with Applejack those past few days. Maybe it was the glitter that she couldn’t escape, that had somehow managed to get itself in her mane, reminding her that her friends were still thinking about her even though they were far away. She had known in her head that her fears were unfounded, but she had never allowed herself to think long enough to realise that.

Rainbow was feeling quite pleased with herself as she touched down in Applejack’s orchard. AJ was wiping her brow as she pulled what looked like the last lot of apples indoors for the night. Relieved that she didn’t have to knock on the barn door, Rainbow trotted along beside her.

“Can I help?”

“No ahm fine.” AJ said breathlessly. They walked indoors side-by-side. “Ah got a letter from Fluttershy. Actually it seemed like it was fer you more than me.”

With the exception of Pinkie Pie who was somehow able to write two letters a day, the ponies had been sending their notes to Applejack’s letter box. Whether they assumed Rainbow was staying at her house, or that AJ was just more reliable at checking the post on time, was unclear.

“If yer want to stay fer dinner, we can read it at the table.” AJ said, anticipating that Rainbow wouldn’t have another opportunity to get her evening meal.

Applejack went upstairs to retrieve the letter, Granny Smith came down a moment later.

“I hope you like pickled onions and apple pie.” She said to Rainbow.

“Thanks Granny Smith.” Dash politely replied. “Why was AJ working so late anyway? Usually she has dinner crazy early.”

Granny laughed. “Early to bed, early to rise makes a mare healthy and wise.” She said. “Or at least I think that’s how that old rhyme goes.” She looked thoughtful for a moment. “No, young Applejack was so busy playin’ with you, or ‘hangin’ out’ as you young’uns say. She had to do all her chores this evenin'’. Such a hard worker, my Applejack.” She said proudly.

Rainbows face caught fire. Or so it seemed to her anyway. She felt so very touched that Applejack had prized doing nothing with her over doing those stupid chores she loved so much, she didn’t think she could say another word. Her heart felt like it had had turned into melted butter, she wished more than anything she hadn’t confessed to being so bored earlier. She hit herself on the forehead:

Idiot.

Applejack chose that moment to come downstairs.

“Whats up with yer face?” She asked bluntly as soon as she reached the table, the note falling from her mouth and onto the wooden surface. “Yeh look like ah caught you pickin’ yer nose or readin’ some erotic novel.” She laughed.

“Shut up.” Said Rainbow Dash.

Applejack continued to snigger as she unfolded the letter, she slotted herself in beside Rainbow and they read together:

Dear Rainbow Dash and Applejack,
Thank you for your letter earlier, Rainbow. I want you to know that I will always be your best friend, and I’m very happy, it’s so nice here. Rarity’s fitting went well in the end but you probably already know that.
Twilight and Cadence are getting on really well, it’s so lovely that they and the other princesses get to be together.
Princess Luna and Celestia are always very busy, it seems such hard work being a princess. We do see them occasionally though.
We’ve met a stallion called Violin Heartstrings, he is a really nice pony. He seems quite fond of Pinkie actually. Oh no, is that gossip?
We’re going to lunch with him later, and we’re going to tour Canterlot.
I hope you are both well, I can’t wait to see you soon.
All my love, Fluttershy.

“I don’t like the sound of this guy.” Blurted Rainbow.

A small smile played across Applejack’s lips.

“Oh?" Her face was all innocence. "Why not?”

“Pfft.” Dash blew her hair from her face. “Well, I mean… well… I just don’t.”

“Well ahm glad t’hear theyre having a good time.” She said. “And heck, at least nopony has gotten herself into any trouble, not even Pinkie Pie!”

Rainbow Dash burst out laughing. AJ was a little taken aback, her dry little joke wasn’t all that funny.

“BAHAHAHA.” Rainbow wiped away a tear. “Do you remember the time when she wrapped the entire town hall in wrapping paper? And they had to open it like a present?”

“Yes, ah remember.” AJ facehoofed. “She could’ve gotten in so much trouble… ‘course she’s friends with the mayor.”

“And the time she invented that toaster that was supposed to toss the toast onto plates but…” She sniggered. “THERE WAS TOAST FLYING ALL OVER PONYVILLE FOR HOURS!” She fell to the ground clutching her sides. Applejack waited for her to compose herself.

Rainbow sat up, and they were once again face to face. Her friend looked at her, eyebrow raised.

“What?” Dash asked.

Granny Smith appeared at the door carrying a plate laden with pickles, and an apple pie for afterward.

“APPLEBLOOM! AH HOPE YER IN BED!” She called upstairs, placing the tray on the table. “Glad t’hear you two filles havin’ such a good time, now eat up.” She said with a smile.

“Tahnk you.” Dash already had her mouth full. She chewed slowly, and something came home to her:

‘You look like ah caught you reading some erotic novel’

“Rarity told you about the other day in her boutique, didn’t she?” She asked, with a deep sigh.

“Yep!” Said Applejack, a twinkle in her eye.

****
Rarity blinked at the unimposing figure before them. If she had been expecting something huge and ferocious, she would have been disappointed. A unicorn of rather squat size stood before her. He was pure black with white irises. He had no visible cutie mark, his appearance wasn’t even that threatening. She heard Pinkie giggle aloud and had to admit, he did look a little funny, like a foal covered in black paint. She couldn't help but think that if she were to become a illegitimate, she would do so much more stylishly.

Author's Note

I really hope i got granny smith right in this chapter- enjoy!

A stout and helpful dragon

Dear Rainbow Dash and Applejack,
Luna said that shes talked to ponies in their dreams, and that the fog gets less further from the castle, so everypony can move around still and even light candles so it isn’t so dark!

Oh, wait!

First I should have told you that Canterlot is covered in thick smoke. We’re completely stuck in the castle :(

Twilight says you probably already knew that because its pretty big news, I know shes itching to tell you more so im going to sign off now!
Everypony is fine and we miss you!
xoxo Pinkie Pie

As Pinkie already said, we are trapped in the castle for now, the fog is very dense here as we are closest to it’s original source. the princesses and I are working on a spell that should hopefully dissipate the smoke. Until then I can’t know when we will next be seeing you. A lot of ponies are being relocated and we just wish we could help but due to current circumstance we cant. We’ll send word if anything changes.

Don’t worry- Twilight Sparkle.

Hi! Me again, everypony else sends their love. Isnt Spike helpful? We wouldn’t be able to send ANYTHING without him!
xxx Pinkie

“But why didn’t you tell everypony as soon as you found out?” Celestia asked Luna as soon as they were alone.
They sat on the balcony, looking out on the black morning.

Luna’s eyes were suddenly drawn to the floor. The regal princess Luna had the face of a filly who took the last chocolate cookie without asking.

“Sister.” She said eventually, looking across at Celestia. “I haven’t been entirely truthful with you.”

And the penny dropped.

“You knew this would happen.”

“Yes.”

****

“Rainbow Dash!”

It was earlier that morning, not that time much mattered in the resolute blackness of Canterlot castle. To Rainbow however, the dawn sun piercing her eyes seemed like something she could do without.

She got up crossly, after another uneasy sleep.

“What could you possibly want at this time?” She inquired, aghast.

Rubbing her eyes, she spotted a blurry, frowning Cloud Kicker from below.

Cloud Kicker seemed to take her less-than-friendly greeting as an invitation into her cloud house, as Kicker flew in through the window, a newspaper clutched in her mouth.

“I have some bad news.” Stated the blonde mare. Her grave expression gave Dash an uneasy feeling in her stomach.

“What? Is it Applejack? Is she ok?”

“It’s not her.” Was the arcane reply. “It’s probably best if I just show you.” She gestured a hoof to the newspaper between them.

CANTERLOT CRISIS

Read the first page. There was a picture on the front of a stallion Rainbow recognised as Prince Blueblood levitating a candlestick in an intense darkness, he appeared to be helping an elderly unicorn mare with a massive amount of luggage.

THE CITY OF CANTERLOT is under attack. The thick fog that appeared at 10pm last night is believed to have originated in Canterlot castle as an assassination attempt on Princess Celestia by a male subversive of unknown identity.

It is believed that Princesses Celestia, Luna, Cadence and Twilight Sparkle as well as four bearers of ‘the elements of harmony’ [see page 7] and eight other citizens of Canterlot are currently trapped within. We have received correspondence from the Princesses that they are all alive and well. Steps are being taken to liberate them from the confines of the dense smoke as soon as possible.

Prince Blueblood of Coltchester is leading evacuation procedures for over 4000 citizens unable to continue living in the polluted city.

[Story continues on page 4]

Rainbow crumpled the paper in her eagerness to reach page four of the newspaper. It was mostly comprised of statements from Prince Blueblood and other members of Equestrian royalty as well as from disgruntled citizens and excited conspiracy theorists. She read it twice nonetheless.

She didn’t know what to think or feel.

Act now, think later.

She burst out of the window and headed straight for the barn.

****

“How did you know?” Celestia didn’t look angry or even disappointed. She would save her emotion until she understood.

“Shining Armor.”

There was a pause in which Luna expected Celestia to say something, but she didn’t.

“He wrote to me, about a week ago. He… Cadence had been getting letters, which he had been hiding.” She went quiet again.

“Threats? Blackmail?” Asked Celestia.

“Yes.”

Celestia nodded. So Shining Armor had all of the Crystal Empire convinced they were under threat. But then she supposed Cadence would have seemed of even higher importance to him than a shiny kingdom. His entire world, she supposed, was under threat.

****

Rainbow landed with a ‘thud’ at Applejack’s front door. AJ opened the barn door as if expecting her, she seemed worried and dishevelled, but nothing like the blind panic her friend appeared to be experiencing.

Wordlessly, Applejack hoofed her the note that Pinkie and Twilight had written earlier.

“How are they so calm?” Rainbow Dash demanded. “The paper said they tried to murder Celestia!”

“Ah wouldn’t believe everything the paper says Sugarcube.”

She gave the other note she had received, this time from Rarity. It contained much of the same news, though some information differed from that given in the paper.

…I expect He’s all smoke and mirrors, if you’ll pardon the pun.
All my love, Rarity xxx

Was the sign off.

Fluttershy had also written a couple of sentences assuring them that everypony was going to be fine.

Rainbow supposed she was relieved, though her fears hadn’t subsided by much.

****

“He was desperate.” Said Luna. “I suggested she stay here, to throw them off. I promised I would say nothing. I gave him my word, though I’ve wished I hadn’t ever since.”

“But why didn’t you wake me and tell me about the smoke?”

“It was… irrational of me. I thought I could fix it, before everypony woke up. I feel so awful.”

“Oh, Luna.”

****
Spike burped up the morning paper around noon. They all had fun picking apart the mistakes. They supposed the assertion that they believed the attack to be on Celestia wasn’t necessarily untruthful, just conveniently more dramatic. To take Celestia’s throne is to take the entire kingdom.

Nine friends and the Castles various domestic attendants sat to lunch together, the usual formalities seemed unnecessary in the circumstances.

They ate and talked and laughed, looking at them you wouldn’t have known they were in danger, or anything more than just good friends who decided to have a party.

P is for...

Stifling sunlight streamed through the windows of Sugarcube corner. Mrs Cake was taking her third bathroom break that hour, dampening herself down at the sink in an attempt to cool herself off. Mr Cake wasn’t faring much better in the oven-heated kitchens, to say the cakes were baked with his own sweat and blood was half true that lunchtime.

It was as if the entire bakery was wilting. The customers trickled in and out and talked of friends and relatives in Canterlot, buying very little of the meagre stock.

The Cakes had been too concerned over Pinkie to do muck cooking. Their custom had also been dwindling. Mrs Cake blamed the heat, though Mr Cake wondered if some of the stallions who came in on days Pinkie was at the counter, really just just wanted to buy a few muffins.

The familiar jingle of the bell summoned Mrs Cake back to the counter as two of Pinkie Pie’s close friends came through the door, one orange and one blue with a striking prismatic mane. She knew their names of course, she heard about them A LOT. The orange one, Applejack was kind, honest, caring and often fed Pinkie delicious food. The other one, Rainbow Dash, was so many extravagantly favourable adjectives the Cakes had lost count, though to them she looked like a sweet filly. Athletic, a little messy.

“Hello, dears.” She greeted them, her voice a bit flat.

“Mornin’ mrs Cake.” Said Applejack. “Ah take it yeh’ve heard the news?”

“Yes we have, dear. Pinkie wrote to us this morning.” She dropped her voice. “We’re so worried. The papers said it was an assassination attempt. And in the same building as our Pinkie, it doesn’t bear thinking about!”

“Ah know.” AJ’s expression was consoling. “She’s with the princesses though, ahm sure she’ll be safe.”

She looked to Rainbow for support, but her friend looked distracted. Rainbow kept shuffling her feet and looking over her shoulder at the door.

AJ sighed. “If there’s anything we can do for you, jus’ say the word.”

“That’s very kind of you dear.” Mrs Cake was very touched, she felt just a little less worried, knowing Pinkie had two wonderful friends looking out for her. “Just tell us if you hear any news, we’ll do the same.”

“We can write I guess.” Said Rainbow.

Mrs Cake looked confused.

“Ah, um we thought we might go help out in Canterlot, ahm sure they’re lookin’ fer volunteers.” Applejack supplied the missing information.

“Oh.” Mrs Cake was silent for a moment… could I?...

For one wild moment Mrs Cake considered accompanying them, it was a cracked wail from upstairs that brought her back to reality.
She had foals to look after and customers to serve.

“I have to go and attend to something.” She said gesturing vaguely in the direction of the crying. “Thank you for coming, I know you’ll do everything to bring Pinkie home safe… as well as the rest of your friends. In a few days you’ll be coming here to visit her as usual!”

She made to go upstairs.

“Carrot! Some muffins to go for these two fillies please, on the house!”

After a moment’s polite chit-chat with Mr Cake, Applejack and Rainbow Dash stood outside the door.

“Can we go?” Rainbow had lost any ability to stand still and was jogging on the spot, waiting irritably for Applejack to start showing some urgency.

AJ was hesitant.

She wanted to be prepared, she wasn’t sure how she and the pegasus were going to achieve anything in Canterlot. She knew that Dash wanted to save their friends, but if all the queen’s horses hadn’t yet made any progress, she doubted two non-magical, non-military trained ponies would.

Though she supposed they were as ready as they’d ever be.

“Yeah… lets go.”

****

Lunch wasn’t particularly momentous by the standards of recent events, Spike managed to spill an entire shaker of pepper into Cadence’s tea in his eagerness to pour some milk into Rarity’s cup. Cadence assured him it was fine and nopony made a big deal of it, but seeing the frown on Spike’s face Pinkie heroically took a sip of the peppery mixture claiming it was ‘A new delicacy!’. And then of course everypony had to try a little pepper in their tea. Violin was the most eager, Rarity got away with not doing so, subtly enough that no one noticed of course.

****

Shining Armor stood contemplating the black mass before him.

He had tried everything.

He was tired, frustrated. He knew the smoke was impenetrable for the moment, it was depleting slowly. It would be weeks before he saw Cadence again.

If I ever see her again.

It was funny, how much more crucial the danger seemed outside the Castle than within. Almost as if the pony press had exaggerated the events enough to cause widespread panic just to drive up sales. Shocking.

****

Not long after their meal, the ponies received a quickly written-up note from Applejack, explaining she and Rainbow were on their way to try and help.

Pinkie’s ears perked up.

Twilight expressed her doubt that their friends could be of any assistance in freeing them from the castle.

Fluttershy commended them, assuming they were coming to help with the relocation procedures.

Spike assured them he would still be able to deliver notes, directly to them instead of the post box. He looked in Rarity’s direction, obviously hoping to be praised, but Rarity was suddenly distressed.

“Pinkie dear, are you feeling alright?”

Her friend had gone completely white.

Everypony rushed forward as Pinkie dropped to the ground like a stone.

****

Shining Armor was getting desperate, shooting beams at the fog with abandon, tears of frustration running down his face. He hadn’t slept properly since Cadence had received her first threat weeks ago.

He sank to the ground, muzzle buried in his hooves.

****

Rarity just stood there, the sound of rushing water blaring in her ears.

She heard Celestia assure them that Pinkie was breathing.

She watched her and Luna cast their spells.

And Pinkies eyes flicker open.

Her friend was coaxed upstairs, and then Celestia mentioned poison.

“This is really important, did Pinkie Pie eat or drink anything that we didn’t?”
Everypony was at a loss, except Spike.

“Well, she drank Cadences tea.”

And just like that it dawned on everyone, they weren’t supposed to be sitting around and having a good time. The danger was real. Their adversary was the only pony who could get into the Castle. Luna would later pose the theory that he had never left, and was in fact hiding somewhere in one of the many rooms, but not before the poison was studied, and recognised, and an antidote was given.

Rarity swore she would never drink tea again.

She would go on to keep that promise for almost an entire week.

Allergic to sincerity

“But we need to get on this train!” Rainbow Dash was saying.

“I’ve told you, it just isn’t possible.” The ticket sales mare was patient, understanding even. “I can book you a seat for tomorrow evening, 6.20, but not before. I’m really sorry.”

Rainbow shut her eyes tight. She didn’t like waiting around, she wanted to help. But it seemed every pony in Equestria had the same idea.

“Thank you kindly.” Applejack had to be polite for the both of them. She was much more patient than Dash.

The mare smiled. “You got family down there?”

“Summat like that.”

They paid for their tickets and began walking back to Ponyville.

“You can be really rude yeh know.” Applejack was saying.

Rainbow glared at the floor, she supposed she had been imagining some gallant, exciting, spur-of-the-moment rescue mission. But instead she got train-times and waiting around.

****

“Arrrgh!” Cadence cursed as yet another one of her spells did nothing to penetrate the fog.

She stood alone on the balcony outside her room. The bump on her head was swollen and the others had insisted she rest, at least for the rest of the afternoon, so she helped them in secret. She worked by the light of a single candle, the mugginess was beginning to make her claustrophobic. The wall of smoke seemed to mock her as she failed time and time again to affect it.

The other three princesses stood on the observation tower. They had quickly exhausted everything they could think of, and were sifting through a mountain of old hardbacks under flickering candle light, occasionally marking pages or trying something out. They didn’t speak to each other, the hostesses felt bad for not taking the danger as seriously as they should, and Twilight was doing her upmost to impress, sifting through books at an impossible speed. Spike lay in a pile of cushions in the corner. Twilight didn’t want him to leave her sight in the circumstances.

Rarity and Heartstrings were having even less luck, on the balcony outside of the dining room, though Pinkie insisted the smoke was at least a shade lighter. Every fifteen minutes or so they would half-heartedly suggest Pinkie go inside and rest, but her and Fluttershy made good company.

Rarity sat down at last, massaging her temples. Fluttershy moved from Pinkie’s side to fuss over her other friend for a moment.

“Darling I’m fine.” Rarity insisted, severely irritated that Heartstrings wasn’t showing any pressure. “I’m… dehydrated, that’s all. I’ll be back shortly.” She trotted out through the glass doors, head held high, every step causing a painful twinge to shoot through her skull.

“I don’t know how she does it.” Heartstrings confessed as the doors closed behind her. “I’ve been trying to burn it for the past half hour. And you are correct Pinkie, it does look a shade lighter.” He smiled wryly.

Pinkie and Fluttershy grinned, and then whipped around at the ‘CRASH’ from next door.

“Oh!” Fluttershy jumped up. “I’ll just go and check on Rarity.” She took one of the candles and left.

Heartstrings took her place next to Pinkie Pie. It was a subtle gesture and yet there was a definite shift in the atmosphere.

“How are you feeling?” He asked simply.

“Great!” Pinkie flashed him a smile.

He nodded slowly, and they looked out, as if they could see the sky behind the grey veil and were watching the clouds float by.

“You haven’t really spoken much…” He tried again. “Usually you’re always talking… n-not that that’s a bad thing!” He added his speech was faltering.

Pinkie cocked her head. He was acting… weird, even she could sense it.

“I wasn’t talking because I knew you and Rarity needed to concentrate, silly!” She gave him a gentle prod. “Even though I really really really wanted to ask what spells you were doing!” The poison had taken its toll on her. Every sound caused her stomach to lurch painfully.

“Oh!” He said. “Well Rarity was endeavouring to transfigure it into something else like water or…erm…”

“Or a bouncy castle!” Pinkie was still nauseous, but she wouldn’t let it show.

Violin laughed. “A bouncy castle as big as this one with floors and a working kitchen!”

“Ooh! I would live there.” Her head was pounding, she could barely concentrate.

“It would be the safest place to live in Equestria.”

“The funnest place to live.” What was she even saying anymore?

“I was really worried about you, you know.”

Are you even allowed to change a subject like that? Wondered Pinkie.

She wasn’t good at being serious, especially about worrisome incidents. She could cheer ponies up however. She put on her biggest smile and felt it trigger pain across her left eye.

“Don’t worry about me, Heartstrings!” She closed her throbbing eyes and made a dismissive movement with her hoof. “I’m peachy keen, even Pinkie-keen!”

“Excellent!” He said cheerfully. He cocked his head, eyebrow raised, and what can only be described as a smirk playing across his face. “And your head is aching and your stomach feels as if it’s lurching back and forth of its own accord?”

She shuffled her hooves, and then nodded.

“I know a spell.” He informed her. “May I…?”

She nodded gratefully, so he performed the incantation.

It was a lot like being dunked in cool water, except she could breathe better than she could ever remember doing. She took a gulp of oxygen which seemed to fill her. Her stomach stopped it’s swinging and her mind cleared, or as much as it is possible for Pinkie’s mind to clear. She blinked, Heartstrings beamed at her.

“Better?”
“Totally!” She leaped on him, crushing his ribs, before bounding around him like an excited billy-goat.

“Easy there, Pinkie Pie!”

She stopped her bouncing.

“It’s only a temporary spell, and works best if you don’t exhaust yourself.” He said seriously. “I’m not even sure how well it works for poison.” He flinched at the word, remembering. “We used to use it for travel sickness.”

“We? You mean you and your family? Do you travel a lot?”

“I used to. We used to perform at concerts, my parents loved to travel and music made a good excuse.”

“That sounds super fun!”

“Not really… or at least not for me. I was never very good.”

“But then you found your talent for the violin, and it turned out you were really really good?”

“Heh… no not really. I wasn’t particularly overjoyed with my cutie mark.” He confessed.

****

“It’s fine.” Rarity insisted as Fluttershy cleared the shards of glass from the floor with a dustpan. “I tried to levitate it, though it appears I’ve exhausted my powers for now.”

That’s what she got for trying to show off. That’s what she got for competing with a pony who was none the wiser.

She wasn’t sure exactly why she felt the need for competition, but thinking about all of the stallions she had idealised in the past, doing everything to impress and receiving nothing but indifference, made her head sore.

She supposed it was Applejack who had made her realise just how pathetic that was of her. And yet she had done it so nicely, making Rarity feel more confident rather than idiotic.

Oh, Trenderhoof. She thought. And felt angry all over again.

She wished she had Applejack to confide in right then. Though she did have another good friend right in front of her.

Why not?

****

“Perhaps playing the violin isn’t really your talent.” Pinkie suggested. “Rarity isn’t a jeweller and she has diamonds on her flank.”

“Hm.” He said.

He was almost ashamed to admit it, but he hadn’t considered that.

“You’re obviously more intelligent than I.” He confessed. Though honestly, violin-making seemed even less appealing than playing the awful instrument.

Pinkie was conflicted, he had somehow both complimented her and put himself down simultaneously. Rejecting the compliment would be rude, but not doing so would be mean.

You can't do that.

She offered him a smile, which he returned, his grin wide and sincere, his eyes looking directly into her own.

“there’s something I wanted to ask you.” He stood up.

“Uh huh?”

“I… Ah, seeing you before after…” He mimed drinking tea. “Well…” He paused, unable to look her in the eye.

Pinkie blinked expectantly.

“It made me realise how much I like you.” He blurted hurriedly.

Pinkie hadn’t missed a word. She thought she knew where this was going. She was an innocent pony, but still she had been through that song and dance many times before. She was asked out quite often, not so much as Rarity, but often enough that she recognised what was happening. It wasn’t unusual for flowers to turn up at Sugarcube Corner addressed to her. She loved getting them; she just wished she didn’t have to cause frowns when stallions eventually confessed.

“I mean I’m not suggesting we jump into anything, I know you’ve only just met me…” He was saying.

“I’m so sorry, Heartstrings.” She interrupted. She watched his face fall. Her stomach tightened, she had caused that to happen.

“Don’t apologise!” He said. “I quite understand.”

She smiled at him. There was a pause.

“I didn’t even ask if you were... um... unattached” He exclaimed suddenly. “I was in such bad form!”

Pinkie giggled, that sounded like something Rarity would say.

****

“I suppose I’m tired of having these emotions, only to be let down.” Rarity was saying.

“Isn’t it better to be let down than strung along?” Inquired Fluttershy. She was talking to herself more than Rarity. She was feeling guilty, she had known about Rainbows feelings for her when they were fillies. She should have let her down sooner.

“Yes I suppose so.” Sighed Rarity.

There was a pause, and something else entered Fluttershy’s mind.

She looked up, but Rarity had got there first.

“That is completely, completely different.” Rarity protested.

How? Thought Fluttershy. How is that different at all?
****
“Was I too forward? I hope I haven’t made things awkward between us?” Heartstrings was tentative.

Pinkie giggled. “No silly, you were so so so sweet!” She turned to face him, ready to be serious for once: “I think you’re super nice, and I think another pony thinks you’re super super nice if you know what I mean.”

Violin Heartstrings wasn’t an egotistical pony, ready to assume ponies had a crush on him at the drop of a hat, but he had noticed the way Rarity had batted her eyelashes at him and laughed amicably at his most failed attempts at being humorous, as well as the subtle glares the dragon who so doted on her gave him every once in a while. Though now she just seemed mildly irritated with him whenever he was around. It wasn’t the first time something similar had happened, he wasn’t unaware of his attractive appearance, he supposed his personality didn’t live up to his looks.

“She’s a fascinating and obviously very talented pony.” He said sincerely. “Though my fondness for her isn’t quite… the same as it is for you.” He blushed. “Though now she seems more annoyed with me than anything.”

“Really?” Pinkie was surprised. She wasn’t aware annoyance was possible for the pony in question. When it came to such emotions she was either go big or go home.

Heartstrings sighed inwardly and sat down, doing his best to appear un-upset at Pinkie’s lack of reciprocation.

****

“He’s happy is he not? I’ve never heard him protest once. I don’t force him to do things for me, he offers!”

Rarity was attempting to defend herself, Fluttershy continued to listen wordlessly. It would have been better if she had said something reproachful. Anything would be better than the look Fluttershy was giving her.

“And besides, it isn’t as if it isn’t plain that I… that I don’t…”

She turned on her hoof and stomped back onto the balcony. Fluttershy followed close behind. She wanted to give Rarity her space, but the desire to not be left alone in the dark castle surpassed that.

Pinkie and Violin turned, startled, as she stormed through the door. Heartstrings jumped to his hooves and distanced himself from the pink mare. Rarity felt a small jolt in her stomach. What had they been doing?

“Pinkie dear, you should really be in bed.”

Violin agreed enthusiastically, eager to get back into Rarity’s good books.

“Yes, I can walk you to your room.”

“That’s quite alright, I can do it.” She said primly.

He sat back down, somewhat folorn.

Fluttershy sat with him. She was hurt, she felt like taking care of Pinkie was her duty… taking care of her friends was what she did. Rarity had known that and had swooped in to take over because of her annoyance with her.

“How are you feeling?” Asked Heartstrings conversationally.

“Oh! Yes, I’m alright. And you?”

“Splendid.” He lied through gritted teeth.

Twilight Sparkle appeared in the doorway before the following silence could get too awkward.

“Applejack and Rainbow Dash won’t be getting here until tomorrow night it seems.” She handed a folded piece of paper to Fluttershy.

Fluttershy wasn’t quite sure why the news saddened her so, it hardly made a difference. They wouldn’t be able to see them when they arrived whether sooner or later. She supposed a small part of her expected the smoke to suddenly dissipate at their arrival. The power of friendship! She sighed, the whole notion was ridiculous.

“I’ve told Pinkie Pie, will you tell Rarity?”

“Um, no.” Fluttershy’s answer surprised her.

A shameful grin made its way across Twilight’s face. She had a chance to fix a friendship problem right in the same castle as her idol. Really it was the opportunity of a lifetime. She arranged her features into something more solemn.

“Is there any way I can help? As a good friend, I’m sure I can help you solve whatever dispute you are having with Rarity.”

Heartstrings raised an eyebrow, he hadn’t known her for very long, but he couldn’t imagine Fluttershy having a dispute with anypony.

“N-no, that’s… she’s with Pinkie now, she probably already knows.”

“Oh.” Twilight was disappointed. “Well, if there is anything.” She left, eager to get back to Spike and the princesses.

“Is Rarity cross with you too?” Heartstrings inquired.

“Yes.” Said Fluttershy sadly. And then: “Oh no, what happened?”

“I’m not quite certain.” Heartstrings admitted.

“Hmm.” He said after a pause. “I’ve heard it said that a good friend doesn’t necessarily tell their friends what they want to hear, but what they need to hear. That isn’t to say they should value their own judgement over their friend.” He added quickly. “But… I can’t quite imagine that being something you would do… if you’ll forgive me for being personal.”

Silence again.

So he's polite and wise.

Chapter five- A repetitive tune

Six ponies and one dragon stood on the station’s platform. Rarity dithered back and forth counting her bags for what was probably the five hundredth time. The dresses were finished, their designs impeccable. An entire suitcase was devoted to spare materials in case any gowns didn’t fit absolutely perfectly. Nothing, she thought with baited breath, could possibly go wrong.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash stood a little apart from the others. Both had decided not to accompany their friends on the trip. Rainbow and Fluttershy’s relationship had grown tense and it made Dash feel as if a part of her was missing. Perhaps if she could avoid Fluttershy, she could also avoid that particular feeling. Rainbow didn’t like to have favourites: but she did consider Fluttershy to be her very best friend.

“Rainbow Dash? Can I speak with you?” A soft voice roused her from the regretful reflection.

“Yeah, sure.”

“Um… I just wanted to say goodbye.” Fluttershy told her.

“Oh.” Dash didn’t know what she had been expecting, but still she felt relieved.

“And um… I really am sorry.”

“I know, you said that already.” Dash didn’t want to go down that road again. The first apology had been bad enough.

“I know it’s just… you’ve been so distant lately.” She said sadly. “I miss you.”

Don’t give me your pity

“Dash, you know I love you… even… even if not in… oh!” Fluttershy threw her hooves around Dash’s neck.

Startled, Dash took a step backward but held onto her friend automatically. She closed her eyes, tightening her grip on Fluttershy. For her part, Fluttershy rubbed her back soothingly, making no effort to break the embrace until Rainbow wanted to.

It was a shrill ‘AHHHHH!’ that broke the pleasantries.

Rarity dived into one of her many cases and resurfaced, relieved, clutching a fancy jewel encrusted hairband in one hoof and her heart in another.

Rolling her eyes, Applejack turned back to Twilight, whom she had been speaking with:

“Ah spoke to her when she was on ‘er way back from yours house.” AJ informed Twilight. She hesitated, Twilight was concerned about Rainbow who had been acting ‘strange’, Applejack didn’t want to reveal what she knew about the subject. Applejack can withhold information, in fact she can lie if she has to. But both of those things cause her discomfort.

“And? Did you notice if she was a little… odd?”

“Uh… Ah wouldn’t dwell on it Twi. Go have a good time in Canterlot, ah’ll be here for her if need be.”

As if on cue, with a huff and a screech and a gust of air, the train rolled into the station.

“Applejack, dear!” Rarity made her way over to the pair as Twilight said her farewell.

“We’ll be fine Rare, honest. Ah got a lot of work to do, an’ so have you. Ah’ll see y’all in just a few days.”

“Well, if you’re sure.” Rarity said regretfully. “Farewell, Applejack.” Rarity squeezed her friend tight and smiled at her before retreating to load her luggage onto the train.

AJ watched her go with a vacant expression.

“Bye Applejack.” Said Fluttershy.

The orange mare almost jumped out of her skin as her mind was yanked back into the present.

“Oh! I’m sorry!” Fluttershy squeaked.

“No, ah’m sorry sugarcube, ah don’t know what came over me.” Applejack hugged Fluttershy goodbye, and did her best to look reassuring.

Lastly, Pinkie leapt on her.

“We’ll all miss you so so so so much!”

By the time AJ looked up Pinkie had already materialised onto the train.

“Bye Applejack! Bye Rainbow Dash!” She shouted, waving frantically.
The train began to move.

“Don’t forget to write!” Called Rainbow jokingly.

Pinkie merely smiled at her. The mare turned to face the train’s interior and took a deep breath.
She hoped Dash wouldn’t notice she hadn’t said goodbye to her personally.

But there was a tiny part of Pinkie that hoped she would notice, and dwell on it all week. She wanted Dash to miss her more than anypony.

Pinkie Pie shook her head agitatedly to clear it of those thoughts. She wasn’t a a selfish pony. She wished she could go back in time and hug Rainbow like her life depended on it, but she didn’t know if she could have done so without breaking down completely. She didn’t know why she was so upset. It wasn’t like she had ever thought for a moment that Rainbow Dash; the only pony in the world to achieve a sonic rainboom, a pony who was intelligent, loyal, hilarious, and the most fun pony Pinkie knew, not to mention the most beautiful mare in all of Equestria; would ever love her back.

Stop thinking icky thoughts!

But sometimes there was something in the way Dashie smiled at her, or hung out with her on the ground even when there was nothing to really stick around for, that made her think… just maybe.

But not anymore.

No, not anymore. Dash had liked Fluttershy all along. Pinkie couldn’t blame her really. Fluttershy was beautiful after all, and slender and graceful. Pinkie was loud and pudgy and overenthusiastic.

And why would Rainbow Dash ever want an Earth pony?

Pinkie sighed, plastered a smile onto her face and went to join the others in the carriage.

****
Rainbow frowned.

“What’s the matter sugarcube?”

“I've told you I'm fine.” Rainbow was sick of Applejack asking her that question over and over.

“No, ah mean what’re ya thinking so hard about jus’ now?”

“Oh. Nothin’ really…’ she replied. But that wasn’t quite true. Dash was pondering over Pinkie’s behaviour at the station. She had seemed subdued, or subdued for Pinkie at least. Dash hadn’t nearly been squashed to death- and naturally that was a cause for concern. She tried to turn her attention to the soft crunch of their hooves on the pavement. As they neared Applejack’s orchard, she could hear birdsong coming from the trees, she smiled serenely.

She thought back to the last time she had really noticed the happy, carefree chirping sound that nesting birds made. And then her heart dropped.

Did Fluttershy tell Pinkie what happened?

Was that why Pinkie was being so gentle? Did she think that poor little Dashie-washie was in distress after a rejection? The notion made her skin crawl. Her head hurt. She spat vehemently onto the ground. She couldn’t stand ponies feeling sorry for her.

*
Half an hour later Dash and AJ were sitting in the shade of a particularly tall tree with some lemonade Granny Smith had made for them. Granny Smith was a truly excellent cook. She must have known about every apple-related recipe in existence and apparently some non-apple related ones as well. Rainbow was acting quiet and moody. She has almost as hard a time hiding her feelings as she does understanding them. Sipping thoughtfully, Applejack decided she could probably give Rainbow some advice without divulging what she knew about her and Fluttershy. She just had to be sneaky.

Not sneaky. Applejack never wanted to be associated with that word. How about tactful?

“Ya know sugarcube, when ah was a young filly ah had a crush on this other mare and…”

“You’re a filly fooler?” Rainbow Dash asked her enthusiastically. “I never knew that about you before!”

The conversation already wasn’t going as AJ had expected. She frowned, and Rainbow thought she might have taken offence.

“Sorry! I didn’t mean… It’s just that… I’m one too.”

“Don’t be sorry sugarcube, it’s just that this filly… well she never liked me back.”

Rainbow listened attentively. Applejack had never really opened up to her about anything before. It was something she felt their friendship had been missing.

“An’ ah always thought there must be summat wrong with me.”

“That’s stupid! There’s nothing wrong with you!”

“Ah realise that now but at the time ah was pretty broken up about it.” AJ took a deep breath as she remembered. “An’ then one day there was another filly, she was real nice and smart and ah really liked her but… well she liked me a little more. Do you understand what I’m tryna say?” AJ looked at Rainbow hopefully, she didn’t want to have to spell it out.

“Was that pony Cheerilee because I heard…”

“NO IT WASN’T CHEERILEE!” Applejack glared. “What I’m try’na say is that ah learned, that no pony is worse off for bein’ single. An’ that just because you aint somepony’s type, doesn’t mean you aint good enough for ‘em. You can think a pony is great or beautiful or whatever an’ still not be attracted to ‘em.” Applejack nodded triumphantly. That hadn’t gone too badly.

They sat quietly for a while, enjoying the scenery. They could see Big Macintosh arranging buckets around the trees ready for bucking. It’s one of Ponyville’s greatest mysteries where AJ keeps her thousands of buckets. And barrels. And snow ploughs. No pony ever dares mention it.

“But what if I’m nopony’s type?” Rainbow said at last.

“Ev’ry pony is somepony’s type sugarcube.” Applejack assured her. “An’ if it don’t work out, well yer fine on yer own. You got your friends an’ we love you. Heck, you got yer family if you ever bothered visitin’ em.”

Rainbow wondered if Applejack was capable of envisioning a family that wasn’t completely over-the-moon in each other’s company. She chuckled, feeling warm and reassured. She closed her eyes, content to listen to the rustling of trees in the breeze and smell the ripe apples. Apple-bucking day was over, but there were still a few late bloomers ready to be picked. AJ wasn’t usually busy at this time, but still she had stayed in Ponyville. Rainbow Dash wondered if she had done so to keep her company, but she didn’t dare assume it.

“Romance is overrated anyway.” Applejack sighed. She sounded folorn.

“How come?” Inquired Rainbow.

“The right ponies are never the ones yer actually attracted to.”

It was true, Applejack thought. None of the ponies deemed suitable for her were ones she was actually attracted to. Granny Smith had attempted to set her up with various colts, AJ didn’t have the heart to tell her that could never work. Some shrewder family members might introduce her to another mare (typically her second cousin twice removed, or something to that effect) usually from another orchard, eerily similar to other (closer) family members. Farm-ponies weren’t Applejacks type, but it seemed she didn’t have much choice: an apple farm the size of Sweet Apple acres with only two fully-grown able-bodied horses to maintain it is an orchard at risk.

Maybe Big Macintosh would marry some paramount farm-pony with extraordinary agriculture abilities. She lived in hope. As for Rainbow, she needed somepony devoted, supportive, with a very resilient occupation and an upbeat nature, willing to go and cheer her on in shows when she became a Wonderbolt, (as Applejack was sure she would) and understanding whenever Rainbow seemed cold and aloof. It wasn't a lost cause though, a pony as loyal and likeable as Dash would surely land the perfect partner.

“What do you mean?” Rainbow asked. “If you don’t like them, surely they aren't the right ponies?”

AJ chuckled. “It isn’t that simple, sugarcube.”

“Why not?”

“Because Rainbow Dash, Ah need somepony that can help me with my farm. Somepony strong, who doesn’t mind getting their hooves dirty. But you’ll be OK. A pretty mare like yourself, friendly an’ loyal. Yer gonna make some mare very happy.” AJ nodded at her with a smile.

Dash had gone silent. It was a nice change of pace to be complimented rather than berated. It made her insides feel like warm, liquidated sugar. She felt like she had made a real connection with her friend.

Pretty. Huh. Ponies don’t usually call me that…

Then Rainbow looked up at her as if seeing her for the first time.

AJ was pretty too, in her own way. Rainbow took in her glowing face, her freckles, her muscle tone and strong shoulders. She noted the trustworthiness of her expression and honesty in sparkling green eyes. She hadn’t ever looked at Applejack like that before, her heart started to hammer in her chest. AJ quite literally glowed before her. It was strange, having Applejack be open with her. Suddenly she felt differently toward the orange mare, like she was no longer an opponent, no longer friendly competition but something more. It felt safe talking to her after so much heartache. Rainbow felt better than she had done in days.

“As fer me, well ah won’t give up lookin’ for somepony nice, who can help me farm.” Said AJ decidedly.

“Well, how about me?” Rainbow blurted.

The air went tense, the trees stopped rustling and the birds shut up.

AJ’s jaw dropped.

A villain by any other name is just as nefarious

“Who are you?” Demanded Cadence.

“What do you want?” Added Celestia.

“Oh!” He laughed long and hard. “I knew I had forgotten something.” He paused, looking around the room as if for inspiration. “You can call me… ah, you can call me…”

“Ooh! Ooh! Pick me!” Pinkie was bounding around him. “We should call you…” She paused for dramatic effect. “Mr Menace!”

The others would have rolled their eyes if they hadn’t been scared stiff. Luna and Cadence looked uncertain, as if they didn’t know whether they should be attacking or not. As Pinkie bounced she found herself rubbing against what seemed to be a force-field. Whoever was casting it seemed to be containing him effectively enough.

“Mr Menace it is!” He said with a bow. “As for what I want.” He continued, turning to face Cadence with a wicked grin. “I would have thought was made perfectly clear.”

Cadence looked around at her friends, completely perplexed.

“No?” The unicorn put his head on one side, with wide eyes and a pout. “I sent you enough letters. I thought I was quite concise.”

Cadence glared along with everypony else. She opened her mouth as if to say something very rude, but she was interrupted:

“But enough business talk!” The unicorn was all smiles once again. “just know my dear that I take threats very seriously… or at least I take my threats seriously. Threats, food, striking fear in pony’s hearts, and threats. I think that’s the whole list, I take those things very seriously indeed!” He babbled on, obviously enjoying himself very much. He was intimidating but not so much as to give them a reason to attack. “So to sum up!” He was shaking by that point, unable to hold in laughter. “You haven’t seen the last of me, not by a long shot!” He paused, he seemed disenchanted by his own turn of phrase. He wasn’t the only one, Pinkie also looked rather disappointed at the cliché sign off.

She coughed. It was awkward.

“Wait!” He blurted, and the others looked a little thrown off. “Forget I said that.” He stood up a little straighter. With a sweeping wave of his hoof that seemed to scrape against the top of the force field he tried again:

“Cheerio fillies and gentle-colts! Don’t cry now, you’ll be seeing me again. Until then, enjoy the show!” He cackled.

“You aren’t going anywhere!” Exclaimed Celestia.

“That’s IT!” Cadence raged, galloping toward him ready to attack.

He had already disappeared in a puff of smoke.

How expected.

Cadence bounced off of the force field, and lay clutching her head in pain.

****

“But what was the show he was talking about?” Cadence sat up in bed, bandages arranged around her head.
All of the others sat around her. Nopony wanted to be alone.

“I don’t know.” Celestia looked as if she were deep in thought. “We will just have to be vigilant, and keep an eye out for him.”

“Speaking of,” Luna stood up. “I must guard the night. Goodnight everypony.” The door closed behind her with a click.

Spike stirred. He had fallen asleep in plush white chair near the window. Everything in Cadences room was either plain white or covered in flower-patterns, from the drawn curtains to the fluffy carpet.

The ponies sat in weary contemplation for a while. Twilight was barely able to keep her eyes open. Cadence looked panicked but sleepy. Violin Heartstrings had promised to ‘be vigilant’ and keep watch in case he came back. His eyes were drooping and his head was inching nearer and nearer to Pinkies shoulder. On Pinkies other side, Fluttershy leaned heavily on her, drooling slightly. Pinkie didn’t mind though. She kept giving positive, smiley looks to Rarity who was fussing over Cadence. Celestia stood up suddenly.

“I must rest.” She announced. “Summer is the time of year I get the least sleep and it won’t do to have either of Canterlot’s princesses exhausted.” She seemed to be talking herself into going to bed.

“Goodnight Princess.” Rarity gave a small bow. “Do not worry about Cadence, I have everything taken care of.”
The Princess left. She seemed reassured.

“As for the rest of you.” Rarity spoke up, attempting to hide a small, satisfied smile. “You should also get some rest. Cadence will be fine with me.”

“Thank you Rarity.” Fluttershy blinked a few times, and made to exit the room. “Are you coming Pinkie, Twilight?” She didn’t really want to go to her room alone.

“Come on Spike.” Twilight hoisted him onto her back.

“I’ll stay with you Rarity.” Violin said chivalrously. “Allow me to escort these ladies back to their rooms and then I will be able to assist you.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

“I insist!”

“No!” Rarity composed herself, arranging her features into a becoming smile and drawing herself up higher. “I mean, I have it covered. I am perfectly capable, I’m sure you agree.”

The stallion bowed his head.

“As you wish.”

“Thank you.” Said Cadence.

The others exited the room. Rarity couldn’t hide her grin.

“You sure told him.” Cadence observed with something like reproachful sarcasm.

Rarity thought back to the note Applejack had sent her. She could do anything. She didn’t need Heartstrings. She didn’t care if he liked Pinkie more than her. She vowed never again to have her heart played with by a stallion, whether knowingly or not. With a triumphant nod, a yawn and a stretch; she fell into a happy doze on the fluffy rug by Cadences bed.

Violin Heartstrings closed his door behind him with a sigh. Rarity, he thought, was so sure of herself and so capable. He was talentless and unassured. He couldn’t help but watch her with awe as she had made her magnificent designs a reality and pursued a dream she had already realised. And profited.
She was right, he thought. Even if he was of any use normally, which he wasn’t, he could barely keep his eyes open at that point.

The clock struck eleven.

Cadence couldn’t believe everypony was so sleepy so early. She tiphoofed out of her room, stopping only to place a white-linen blanket over her sleeping friend.

She was apprehensive as she made her way upstairs, but boredom surpassed the fear she was certain was irrational. She found Luna sitting on the balcony, gazing up at the cloudy sky. Something was wrong.

“Hello.” She said tentatively.

Luna looked around, she gestured for Cadence to sit with her.

They sat in silence for a while.

“We should go out tomorrow.” Ventured Cadence. “There’s no point worrying about a stallion and some smoke, and it’s all over now.”
Luna raised an eyebrow.

“My head is fine!” Cadence protested.

“It isn’t that.”

“Then, what?”

Luna edged closer to the fence that would protect them from falling. She stretched out a hoof, there was a squelch as it made contact with something moist.

Cadence realised what had been wrong. It wasn’t just cloudy, she couldn’t see the moon or lights or a single star.
Something was obstructing the view. That something had surrounded the castle.

They were completely trapped.