Diamond's Dusk

by The Dragon Warlock

Rating: teen
Tags: Spike, Rarity, Other, Romance, Adventure, Sex, Gore, Alternate Universe, Sad, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 110723

Rarity is “freed” from Nightmare Moon’s grasp, but must come to terms with what the spirit’s final strike has done to her.

Featured on 8/24/14

Author's Note: This story takes place mainly in the MLP comics universe. If you haven't read about this particular arc, you'll most likely be lost.

Twilight and her friends have "freed" Rarity from the grip Nightmare Moon had on her. But the spirit has left one last surprise for the fashionista; something that changes her life for the worst. Now forced to hide her secret in fear of being an outcast to other ponies, Rarity and her friends must find a way to reverse what Nightmare has done. Yet it won't be simple as two ponies who know Rarity seek to expose her to the world. Not only that, but Rarity must try to understand her thoughts for one of her closest friends.

While this story does take place in the MLP Comics universe, there is continuity from the show itself, but there are some alterations. For example, Twilicorn never happened, so she's still a unicorn. Secondly, this story will most likely dismiss any future events that happen in the final episodes of season 4.

Special thanks goes out to Arby Works for the great cover art, the Sparity Skype group that assisted in prereading the story to ensure quality, and thanks to you, the reader, for taking a look at it.

Published 2014-04-16 20:00:03 UTC
Last updated 2015-09-03 19:50:45 UTC

Prologue: The Mark

The night’s full moon shined upon Equestria. In Ponyville, however, the citizens weren’t asleep like they’d normally be at this time. Instead, they were witnessing an intense battle between the Elements of Harmony against one of their own, Rarity. The unicorn, however, was not herself, for she was possessed with the spirit of Nightmare Moon. Surrounding the dark being were her friends, each one determined to get their friend back. The five mares, and Spike the dragon, surrounded the newly christened, Nightmare Rarity, but were lying on the ground in defeat.

She was as tall as Princess Celestia, her body was as black as coal. The cutie mark on her still had three blue diamonds, but there were also some white stars that looked like diamond around them. Her eyes were tealish and resembled the shape of a cat’s. Her mane resembled that of Princess Celestia’s, but the colors were purple with a white streak in it.

Nightmare Rarity let out an icy laugh as she stood over them. “BWAH-HA-HA! There is no power that can stop me now!” she shouted triumphantly. She could feel Rarity trying to break out, but she overpowered her. “Your body is mine! You will be remembered, Rarity, but as the darkest and cruelest ruler ever known!”

Twilight, who was getting back on her hooves from the sudden fatigue, fought to stand up. “Her kindness and generosity will never be forgotten!” she cried out.

The rest of Twilight’s friends got up and backed away from the tyrant before them. They all gathered around Twilight, who was deep in thought.

An idea clicked inside her head. She turned to her surrounding friends. “Everypony listen up!” she ordered. “Rarity is scared she’ll be forgotten! We must remember her or she’ll give into the nightmare energy forever!”

Everypony nodded and closed their eyes in concentration.

Nightmare Rarity raised an eyebrow. What are those foals planning? They know they can’t free their friend now.

“Remember something, anything, you love about her!” Twilight bellowed. Her horn glowed a faint purple aura.

Pinkie thought about the time she and Rarity went to the spa, particularly when the unicorn accidentally created some bubbles in there. Even though Rarity refused to admit she did something like that, the thought of it made Pinkie giggle.

Applejack remembered last year’s Winter Wrap Up, and all the effort her friend put into making the bird nests. They did have some quarrels in the past ranging from the sleepover to the Trenderhoof incident. In her heart though, Applejack knew how much Rarity meant to her and how she could make anything beautiful.

Rainbow recalled when Rarity made her a replica of the Wonderbolt’s flight suit. Even though she wasn’t officially a part of the team yet, she was amazed by how much it looked like the real thing.

Fluttershy reminisced on how she once made an outfit for her pet bunny, Angel. The bunny wasn’t too pleased about the frilly outfit he was forced to wear, which consisted of a pink tuu tuu and bow. If there was one thing she loved about Rarity the most, it was how much effort she put into her outfits.

Twilight thought back to when Spike was at Canterlot on royal business, and she became ill. Luckily for her, Rarity came by that day to get a book and noticed the deplorable condition she was in. The white unicorn wasted no time in making sure Twilight got bed rest and made her some hot tea and soup.

All the memories and thoughts from each pony caused magical energy to emit from their heads. Each stream of magic resembled the coat colors of the ponies and had their cutie mark symbols. They all gathered around Twilight, whose horn was glowing brighter now as the energy slowly formed into one. Nightmare Rarity looked on in both anger and bewilderment.

“That’s it!” Twilight shouted.

“You’ll always be special to us, Rarity!” called out Fluttershy.

“We love you!” shouted Pinkie.

“You’re the awesomest!” Rainbow whooped. “Kick that Nightmare stuff’s flank!”

The magical energy that formed from all the memories became a beam of light. Before Nightmare Rarity could react to it, the energy beam fired and struck her, paralyzing her.

Spike then stepped forward, cautiously. but stayed behind the others. He poured out the contents inside a bag. In his claws were the broken remnants of the Fire Ruby he gave to his crush on his birthday. The thought of the ruby made Spike think back to that fateful day, when Rarity kissed him on the cheek after he saved her. The memory caused some magical energy to radiate from him, which looked like a lighter purple color with some green looking flames. It too went to the swirling cloud of energy nearby.

With a deep breath, Spike declared wholeheartedly, “You mean everything to me.”

He wanted nothing more than to see his crush return and be with him and the others. Even though he wasn’t in her hooves, he knew how scared and alone Rarity felt, and he wanted to save her. Those thoughts were powerful enough for some of the aura to emit from his claws, affecting the shattered Fire Ruby. Slowly, the gem pieced itself back together into its heart shaped form and glow brightly.

He brought the ruby towards his head and whispered, “Please come home.”

The magical energy from Spike shot towards the already crippled Nightmare Rarity. The blast hit her, causing a bright flash to erupt. The sinister unicorn looked on in horror as the beam hit her and engulf her completely.

Rarity could feel the darkness in her mind releasing its grip on her. She opened her eyes to see a bright light at the end of a tunnel and smiled.

“My friends, they do care for me!” cried out Rarity. “How could I have been so foolish? I believed Nightmare’s lies and let insecurity get the better or me. Me, of all ponies!”

Rarity could see the images of all her friends smiling down upon her. She looked at each one of them with a smile on her face and floated towards them. Right as she was about to embrace them though, an ominous dark cloud shrouded them and the area became pitch black.

“Ha! You think you can get away that easily, Rarity?”

The unicorn instantly recognized the voice and her eyes narrowed. “You!” she spat.

Right in front of Rarity, the shadow before her contorted into the face of Nightmare Moon. “You didn’t think it’d be that simple to get rid of me, did you?” She asked, mockingly.

“My friends have saved me and I have no fear that they’ll abandon me!” Rarity cried out. “You have no hold on me anymore!”

Nightmare Moon maintained the sinister smile.

“What are you smirking for? You’ve been beaten,” she said in a haughty voice.

“That much is true, but while I controlled your body, I could feel your presence. Even with how much of a deep sleep you were in.”

“What are you getting at?”

“Earlier, I had a run in with one of your friends, which caused a reaction from you. It was only a minor irritation, but you seemed worried about this one individual in particular.”

Rarity bit her lip and said nothing.

“Who is it?” wondered Nightmare in an insinuating tone. “You were very concerned about your friends, but one seems to be very important to you. If you tell me, no harm shall come to that pony then.”

Again, Nightmare was met with silence.

The spirit snickered sinisterly. “You’re just as stubborn as your pathetic cowpony friend of yours. But don’t think that ignoring me is going to save your secret. I just wanted to see what kind of a reaction I’d get from you.”

Rarity’s eyes went wide. “No! You really can’t know that!”

“I do know of it, my little pony,” said Nightmare. “It’s a secret you keep well hidden from your friends and family. But yet don’t say anything because of what you fear could happen.”

“. . . I’m not afraid!”

“You hesitated.”

Rarity’s eye twitched. “It makes no difference,” she said in defiance. “I’m not afraid of something like that.”

“Oh, yes you are. Even with how well kept this is, it’s oozing with fear.”

The white unicorn gulped a little.

“Since you refuse to give in though, I know of one last thing I can do to you before I die.”

Rarity could feel a sense of dread building in her. “What is it?”

“This.” The image of Nightmare Moon faded away, leaving Rarity alone and scared. She looked around for her, but there was nothing but darkness.

“Perhaps she was merely bluffing,” said Rarity, nervously. “My friends have shown how much they love me and there’s nothing Nightmare Moon can do now.”

“Is that so?” Rarity turned around and was met with a charging Nightmare Moon. The alicorn laughed wildly as she braced herself. Rarity held her hooves out to stop her, but there was no feeling of impact from the spirit. Instead, she felt a coldness rush through her body as she saw Nightmare Moon galloped right through her. The sensation was very brief, but Rarity felt very cold to the touch. “You may have escaped one nightmare, but this one I promise you won’t escape!”

Nightmare Moon cackled maniacally at her victim. The white unicorn tried to make sense of what happened, but before she could think anymore of this, everything went black for her.

Darkness was all Rarity could see, but a faint buzzing noise rang in her ears. She tried to open her eyes, but her eyelids felt very heavy, like she was waking up from a very deep sleep. The buzzing noise ringing started to give way to some whispers.

“. . . Wh. . . happ. . . Twi. . .”

“Ho. . . c. . . is. . . be?”

“. . .at . . . we . . . o. . . no. . .”

Rarity barely made out the voices she was hearing. Are those my friends? she wondered. They almost sound . . . concerned? Maybe they think I didn’t survive their attack.

She forced herself to open her eyes, which made everything around her look blurry and disjointed. Various colors and images swirled around the unicorn, making her feel dizzy. As she was coming to, the voices she was hearing became clearer, but she also heard something that made shivers run down her spine.

Are those screams? she asked, sounding worried. What’s going on?! I can’t even hear my friends over this noise.

Rarity pushed herself to get up, which was no easy task since she felt like she was lifting a train full of bricks. The blurry vision around her started to piece itself back together, albeit slowly. The night sky became visible. She could see dust clouds surrounding her. Her eyes, however, took notice to five colorful blurs. There was one that was teal, surrounded by a variety of colors. Another blob looked like an orange wearing a funny hat. One of the other blobs was pink and bouncing up and down.

It’ll be good to see some familiar faces after this ordeal. Maybe they can tell me what’s going on.

Her vision continued to get better as she waited anxiously to see the look of her friends. She wanted nothing more than to look at their smiling faces and embrace them in a group hug.

Pinkie will probably hug me so tight, I’ll be left breathless. Rarity chuckled to herself.

She finally managed to get up after what seemed like an eternity. Finally! I now know how it feels for Applejack after a full day of bucking apple trees.

Almost as soon as she did though, her vision finally came back to its senses, much to the delight of Rarity.

It’ll be so good see all my friends again. All those blobs looked like one of those cheesy b-movies.

She looked over at her friends, but her gaze upon them made her feel intimidated and confused.

They weren’t smiling at her, they looked angry at her.

“. . . What?” she whispered, hoarsely. “Why do they look upset?”

Rarity’s hearing also came back and was met with the sounds of ponies screaming in horror. She frantically looked around, wondering what they were so afraid of.

“Come on, girls!” called out Twilight. “We almost got her now!”

“Got her?” asked Rarity, her voice returning. “Got who? Will somepony please tell me what’s going on?”

“Twilight, do you have any other ideas?” asked Applejack. “She’s putting up a fight bigger than Winona when it’s bath time.”

“I only have one idea left,” she replied. “It’s something I didn’t really want to resort to in her state, but we have no choice.”

“What is it?” inquired Rainbow.

“We’re going to put her in stasis.” Rarity saw Twilight’s horn glowed and was aiming it right at her. The energy surrounding Twilight hummed as it got more powerful, making the unicorn more nervous. “This is for your own good!” shouted Twilight.

Rarity finally broke out of her nervous state and screamed, “TWILIGHT! STOP! IT’S ME!”

The screaming from everypony hushed and the energy around Twilight’s horn died out. The entire town fell into silence and the air around became tense. Nopony said anything to each other, but only looked at one another in confusion and fear. Twilight looked at her friends with a perplexed expression, but they looked just as lost as her.

Twilight, cautiously, stepped forward towards Rarity, looking unsure and intimidated.

Her friend, however, was the first to break the silence. “Twilight, why were you going to hurt me?” she asked, sounding a bit hurt. “You all freed me from Nightmare Moon’s grasp.”

The only response Rarity got was her friends’ jaws dropping.

“What’s with all of you? You should all be happy that I’m back now.”

Again, no response came from anypony.

Rarity couldn’t take it anymore. “Will somepony please tell me what’s going on?!” She barked. “Why is everypony so shocked to see me?! I was freed from Nightmare Moon and everypony is staring at me like some freak!” The unicorn then thought of something dreadful. She looked around frantically. “Quickly! I need a mirror to see what damage has been done!”

“No!” Twilight shouted in a panic.

Rarity broke out of her panic state and looked at Twilight. “Darling, what do you mean by that?”

“Um . . . well, you see,” said Twilight.

“You’re looking . . . good, Rarity,” added a hesitant Rainbow.

“Yeah . . . what Dashy said,” responded a surprisingly quiet Pinkie.

Rarity corked an eyebrow. “Why do you all sound so unsure?” She looked over to Twilight. “Are you sure everything is okay?”

“Um, yeah, of course,” said Twilight. “But the bigger question here is are you really back to normal?”

“Of course I am, darling,” she responded. “You all freed me from Nightmare Moon after all.” This time, there was no reply. “What seems to be the problem?”

“Well Rarity, you sound like yourself and you seem to act like yourself, but . . . “ Twilight’s words trailed off at the end.

“But, what?”

Silence.

The unicorn huffed. “That’s it! I need to know why everypony is acting so strange to me!”

She looked around and saw a silver platter in the hooves of Mr. Cake, who was holding his wife and the twins in his hooves and looked petrified. Rarity used her magic to yank it out of his hooves, which made the family yelp in fear and showed no resistance in keeping it.

“No! Wait!” Twilight yelled. She tried to catch the passing platter nearby, but it was too fast for her.

Rarity ignored her friend’s call and brought the platter up to her face. Everypony gasped in horror, some even covering their eyes. Rarity didn’t move, nor did she say anything as she looked at herself. Her expression remained neutral, with no change in it, nor any blinking.

Spike quickly ran forward. “Rarity, I know it looks bad, but you seem like your old-”

“AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!”

The scream from Rarity rang out so loud, it caused everypony to cover their ears in pain and shook the whole town. The wailing lasted for a full minute before Rarity dropped the plate and backed away, looking pale and horrified.

Twilight ran over to her. “It’s okay, Rarity,” she said, sounding nervous. “I don’t know what happened, but we’ll figure out a solution.”

Rarity shook violently and her left eye twitched wildly.

“Rarity?” Spike asked.

Next thing everypony knew, Rarity fainted, making a loud thud noise. Although she was out, the unicorn was still twitching wildly.

“She’s going into shock!” screeched Twilight. She looked up to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, who saw the outcome of the battle nearby. “We need to get her to a hospital right now!”

“There’s a hospital nearby,” said Princess Celestia. “We’ll take her there, get her treated, and try to figure out why this happened.” She looked over at the crowd. “Get an ambulance here, now!”

A pony came running out of the crowd, pulling a white wagon with a red cross on it. He stopped right in front of Rarity, which allowed two more ponies to hope out of the cart and carry a stretcher. They wasted no time in positioning the patient and placed her on it. They then carried Rarity over to the wagon.

“Wait!” Spike cried out. “I want to be with her! I need to make sure she’s okay!”

“Spike, come back!” Twilight shouted.

“Wait, kid! You can’t just—” The EMT was silenced as Spike ran past the driver and hopped into the wagon. He ran to Rarity’s side and held her hoof.

“Take it easy,” said one of the medics, tending to Rarity, in a deep voice. “We’ll do our best to treat her, but. . . we don’t think we can heal her from that.”

“Get going then!” Spike shouted. “There’s got to be something we can do!”

The medic nodded. “Heart Beat! Let’s get going!”

The cart started to move slowly at first, but quickly picked up speed. The EMTs set up Rarity’s body with various monitors to track her status, but Spike payed no attention to it as he held onto Rarity. The dragon, looking devastated, gripped her hoof.

“Rarity . . . I’m sorry this happened,” he said in a tearful voice.

He embraced Rarity in a hug, who was still stuck in her Nightmare Rarity form.

The Curse

Rarity screamed as she raised herself up. She panted wildly as she looked around her surroundings, for she was back in her own room. The sun was shining through the windows. The ‘organized chaos’ around her room looked the same. Even the bed she was lying in, with the red comforter she had covering herself.

“What?” she asked herself, sounding confused. “What happened to me? Was it all just some crazy dream?” A loud knocking noise boomed throughout the room, making the unicorn jump and yelp.

“Rarity!” said Sweetie Belle in a cheerful voice. “Mom and dad are downstairs! They made breakfast for us and want to take us on their vacation!”

“Mom and Dad?” wondered Rarity in an unsure tone.

“Duh! Who were you expecting? The princesses?” asked Sweetie. “They’ve been sending us letters telling us of the news!”

Rarity didn’t know what to make of this. On one hoof, she wanted to spend time with her family, but her mind kept drifting back to Nightmare Moon. “Sweetie? I’m going to ask you something and I need you to be honest with me.”

“No! I didn’t go see Button Mash last night!” Sweetie shouted in a panic. “I was in my bed sleeping!”

Rarity couldn’t help but smile at that. Honestly Sweetie, you’re as bad a liar as Applejack. She cleared her throat. “That’s not what I was going to ask you. What I was going to ask you is. ‘Did Nightmare Moon return?’”

“Nightmare Moon?” inquired Sweetie, sounding lost. “Rarity, she hasn’t been around since you and your friends defeated her three years ago. What makes you think she’s going to return?”

The unicorn felt a little relieved by those words. “Oh, I’m just checking to make sure no big danger is invading Equestria. I mean we had her, Queen Chrysalis, and King Sombra. You never know when the next villain will show up.”

Sweetie said nothing for a few seconds. “Well. . . there’s nothing important going on,” she said. “Now come on! We got to go eat and then we’ll pack up and go with Mom and Dad!”

The remaining doubts inside Rarity subsided. What was I thinking? she asked herself. All that strange Nightmare Moon stuff happening? I must be losing my mind. That’s the last time I have one of Pinkie’s Nighty Night Cupcakes.

She smiled and got out of bed. “I’ll be right down, Sweetie,” she said in a jubilant tone. “Just let me make sure my coiffure is proper and prim.”

“Alright, we’ll be waiting for you!” The sound of Sweetie’s humming could be heard for a few moments as she walked away.

After the sound died out, Rarity trotted over to the mirror. “Well Rarity, you certainly worked yourself up over nothing. Perhaps the place we’ll go to will have a spa for me to unwind.”

She looked at herself in the mirror and instantly screamed in horror. There, in the reflection, was Nightmare Moon’s face, smiling smugly at her.

“Missed me?” she wondered in a mocking tone. “Don’t worry Rarity, I’ll make sure you’ll never forget me. Why just look at what I’ve given you.”

Rarity, shakingly, looked at her hooves and cried out in horror. They were pitch black, like Nightmare’s body. She looked at herself in the mirror again, but the dark alicorn wasn’t in the reflection this time. Instead, it was her Nightmare Rarity form.

“Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!” The reflection cackled.

Rarity backed away in horror, but she heard a loud cracking noise. She looked down to see the floor was about to give way. Before she could react, a shattering noise echoed and Rarity plunged downwards. All the while, the spirit of Nightmare Moon laughed at the terrified unicorn.

“No!” screamed Rarity. “Don’t do this to me!”

“She’s waking up!” Applejack yelled.

“Rarity! It’s okay!” Spike shouted.

“Keep her restrained,” Twilight said in a commanding tone. “We need to make sure she doesn’t do anything irrational.”

Rarity opened her eyes to see all her friends pushing their hooves down on her. “Let go of me this instant!” She screeched. “What’s going on here?!”

“Hold it!” Twilight bellowed. Everypony stopped struggling and stared at the lavender unicorn. “All of you, get off Rarity, now. The sooner we explain things to her, the more quickly we can find a solution.” Everypony looked at one another with unsure expressions, but agreed to what their friend said. They released their grip on Rarity and backed away.

Rarity let out a sigh of relief and took several deep breaths to calm herself down. As she did, she took a glance at her surroundings. The sound of a monitor beeping caught her attention as she noticed a heart monitor. The bed she was lying in was a simple one and had a green blanket covering her. The room had dark green wallpaper, a privacy curtain around her, and a window that allowed the moonlight in.

“Alright, will somepony explain to me what’s going on?” she demanded. “One moment, I’m having a nightmare about the Nightmare Forces taking control of me. The next thing I know, I’m being held down in a hospital!” Rarity noticed that her friends each had a solemn expression on them. “What is it? Was it something I said?”

“Um. . . about that first thing you said,” responded Applejack, sounding apprehensive.

“Applejack! Don’t say anything!” scolded Twilight.

“Say what?” wondered Rarity. “I told you all that I just had a nightmare that the Nightmare Forces tried to make me the next Nightmare Moon. Surely this was all just a bad dream, right?”

The unicorn was met with silence and grim looks.

“Come on, girls!” shouted Rarity as she started to panic. “Tell me this was all a bad dream!”

No response came.

The unicorn put her hoof on the blanket and took a deep breath. She pulled it off to see the horrible truth before her. The look of her body resembled the one she had in her nightmare. Rarity’s heart was racing with fear and her body trembled.

“This can’t be!” wailed Rarity. “How can this happen to me?!”

“We don’t know, Rarity,” said Twilight. “I’ve never seen this kind of magic before.”

“There’s got to be a cure!” Rarity struggled to get out of bed. “I need to do something, anything, to turn back to normal!”

“Girls! Hold her down!” ordered Twilight.

Everypony placed their hooves, or in the case of Spike, his claws, down on Rarity. The unicorn struggled in vain to free herself.

“Get off me!” yelled Rarity. “You can’t do this to me!”

“Rarity, just calm down!” shouted Spike. “Twilight will probably find something in a book to fix this! Just don’t panic!”

“Don’t panic? Oh, sure! I’ll just keep calm and act like nothing happened!” spat Rarity in a sarcastic tone.

The room soon fell into chaos as everypony argued. Things were so loud, nopony noticed the sound of a door opening, with two ponies walking in. They saw the ongoing quarrel and looked at each other briefly. One of the two stepped forward.

“Ahem!”

Everypony quickly fell silent from the commanding tone. They all turned around to see both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, with stern expressions. Twilight wanted to crawl into a hole just from the intense stare her mentor was giving her.

“I see you’ve all given your friend quite the wake up call,” said Princess Celestia, sounding disappointed. “We’ll let it slide though, since I know Rarity’s scared.”

“Princesses, you two are quite a sight for sore eyes,” said Rarity, sounding a little relieved. “If I could right now, I’d kiss your hooves in gratitude for the cure you must have.” No response came, making Rarity feel even worse. “Princesses, please tell me you two have something to fix me.” Her voice was quivering.

Princess Luna shook her head. “I’m afraid not, Rarity,” she said, solemnly. “All this time while you were in your coma, my sister and I looked through the archives for anything, but it was all for naught.”

Rarity’s insides grew cold and her heart was racing.

“We’ve never seen this kind of magic before,” said Princess Celestia, in a similar solemn tone. “In all my years as a ruler and researcher of magic, this is something that’s completely unknown to me. Even Starswirl the Bearded’s books have nothing about this kind of sorcery.”

“This. . . this can’t be. . .” replied Rarity in a broken voice. Her eyes welled up with tears. “There’s got to be something you can do! Maybe the Nightmare Forces are still inside me somewhere! Try to find her and make her tell you all how to turn me back to normal.”

Both princesses looked away and bit their lips.

“What’s with the silence?” Inquired Rarity. “The Nightmare Forces did this to me, so they must be still a part of me.”

“That’s just it, Rarity,” said Princess Luna. “We did a complete scan of your body once you were stabilized.”

“Where are you going with this?” demanded the unicorn.

“. . . There are no traces of the Nightmare Forces in you,” said Princess Celestia, somberly.

The room fell eerily silent, with the exception of the monitor beeping, and Rarity’s eyes went wide with shock and her jaw dropped.

“We don’t know what’s causing this,” said Princess Celestia. “We will continue to look for－”

“Wh－Whaattt?” Shrieked Rarity. “What do you mean there’s no cure?”

“Rarity, we’re sorry to say this, but there is nothing to treat this,” said Princess Luna. “Unless we speak to the Nightmare Forces themselves, we won’t find out anything more.”

“But we destroyed them,” said Twilight. “What can we do now?”

“We’re not sure, my faithful student,” said Princess Celestia. “Rarity will just have to, unfortunately, live with this until we figure out what we can do.”

Twilight looked down in sorrow. “I understand, Princess,” she said in a depressed tone. She looked over to her friend. “Rarity, this isn’t going to be easy, but I’ll check every book across Equestria to fix this.”

Rarity’s only response was lowering her head and burying it in her hooves. The tears in her eyes rolled down her face as she felt her world crumble before her. What am I going to do now? she pondered. I can’t just stay like this forever! There has to be something that can be done to end this. But what can I do when－ The unicorn suddenly felt something sharp jab her in the heart and clutched her chest.

Everypony noticed the sudden movement. “Rarity!” yelled Spike. “Are you okay?”

She threw her head back and let out a painful scream. Everything became a blur for the unicorn as her heart was racing and the voices from her concerned friends became a buzzing noise. My . . . friends . . . help. . . Everything went black for Rarity and she fell into a deep slumber.

“Rarity! Wake up!” wailed Spike in a tearful voice. He looked over to Princess Celestia. “What’s wrong with her?”

“We don’t know, Spike,” she said, trying to sound confident, but sounded worried. She looked up at the monitor connected to Rarity. “She’s still alive, but whatever happened to her caused her to maybe go back into shock.”

“I’ll go get a nurse!” shouted Spike. He bolted out the door and ran down the hallway. Rarity. . . please be okay.

Back inside Rarity’s ward, Twilight was pacing back and forth, while everypony else watched her anxiously.

“What should we do now, Twilight?” asked Rainbow. “Who knows what’s happening to Rarity?”

“I’m not sure, Rainbow,” Twilight replied. “Whatever caused Rarity to go back into a coma can’t be good. For all we know, the Nightmare Forces could already be doing something to her.”

“. . . You are partially right, Twilight Sparkle,” a contorted voice moaned.

A chill ran down everypony’s body as they heard the voice. They all turned around to see Rarity, who was shaking slightly. She opened her eyes to reveal they were unfocused and unblinking, making Fluttershy nearly faint in horror.

“What? No friendly hello?” asked Rarity, her voice a mix of hers and the Nightmare’s.

Rainbow wasted no time confronting the dark spirit and got in her face. “You again!” she seethed. “I knew after what you just did to Rarity that you weren’t finished yet!” The possessed Rarity put a hoof on Rainbow’s face and pushed her off, sending her to the ground. Rainbow winced in pain as she got up. “Why I ought to—”

“Enough already,” boomed Rarity. She looked over to Twilight, who had a glare on her face. “I see all of you have seen the nice gift I’ve left you all. Wasn’t it so thoughtful?”

“What have you done with Rarity?” demanded Twilight.

“She’s just taking a small nap right now,” she said. “Don’t worry, I’ll make this quick.”

Princess Celestia stepped forward, with a bitter look on her. “For your sake, Nightmare, you had better answer our questions,” she spat.

Rarity let out a laugh that sounded almost demonic. “Oh, Celestia, you were always such a prude.”

“How dost thou still live?” asked Luna, sounding just as furious as her sister. “We both scanned Rarity’s body and there was no trace of you at all.”

“Ha! You think doing that would solve everything?” mocked Nightmare Rarity. “All I had to do was keep my power low enough for you all not to detect me. It’s amazing how somepony like you, Celestia, can do so much, but yet fail in so many ways.”

“Still thy tongue or else I’ll do it for you!” scolded Luna.

“Don’t worry. . . as I said, I’ll make this quick,” Nightmare replied, sounding unfazed.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked.

“Twilight, as I speak to you now, the last bit of my strength is dying and soon I will be no more.”

Everypony looked at each other with perplexed expressions.

“So what’s this got to do with Rarity?” wondered Applejack. “Why put her through more of this, you snake?”

“Because. . . I found something in her that made her a prime target for one last attack from me.” Nightmare Rarity snickered to herself. “She kept something from all of you for so long, she practically had a bullseye painted on her.”

“Secret?” pondered Twilight.

“Didn’t I just say it was something she kept from all of you?” inquired Nightmare. “Now stop interrupting me, unless you don’t want to about what I did.” Twilight bit her lip and nodded. “Now as I was saying: Rarity kept a secret from all of you and her family. She didn’t want to let it slip about this because as much as she wanted to act on what she desired, she was very afraid as well.”

“Afraid of what?” asked Rainbow.

“A lot of things, you annoying blue pest.”

“Hey!” Rainbow was about to tackle Nightmare Rarity, but Twilight used her magic to stop her.

“Let it go, Rainbow,” she said and turned to Nightmare. “Could you at least explain a little about what she was afraid of?”

The possessed Rarity mused on this for a moment. “Very well. What I can tell you is that she feared her career would be ruined. Her social status? Annihilated. The world all over would reject her and society would condemn her for what she did.”

“What is it?” asked Twilight.

“Breaking a Pinkie Promise?” wondered Pinkie. Everypony gave her a deadpanned expression. “What? Everypony knows not to break a Pinkie Promise,” she said, innocently.

Twilight sighed and said, “Pinkie’s ramblings aside, what could be so bad?”

Nightmare Rarity smiled to herself. “If you must know, listen to me very carefully. I will only say this once.”

Everypony nodded and leaned in.

“In her heart veiled, a secret scaled,
A dark unknown desire,
With my last spark, I made my mark,
This curse shall not expire.”

“A blight you'll be, when ponies see,
Your countenance at night,
Until revealed, this pain concealed,
Forever shall be your plight!”

The room fell silent as the dark spirit finished what she had to say. Princess Celestia looked at her sister, both of whom looking unsure about how to respond. Applejack raised an eyebrow and rubbed the back of her head. Fluttershy and Rainbow looked like they had been slapped in the face and were left speechless. Pinkie, who also looked confused, turned her head upside down and quirked an eyebrow.

Twilight broke out of her flabbergasted state and said, “What does that have to do with anything?”

“I told you what you needed to know,” said Nightmare, nonchalantly.

Twilight gritted her teeth in frustration. “You’re speaking in riddles though! When did you become Discord?”

“What can I say? I liked some of his methods.”

Twilight stomped her hoof and groaned irritably. “Well that’s a lot of help! What are we supposed to take from that?”

“The rest you’ll all have to find out on your own,” said Nightmare. “However, since I’m feeling a bit generous (probably because your friend is that element) I will tell you two other things.”

“What is it?” moaned Twilight.

“Don’t get mopey on me now,” Nightmare chastised. “I’m giving you all a fighting chance.” Twilight rolled her eyes, but Nightmare Rarity ignored it. “One, there’s no cure in any book. What I have done to Rarity won’t be fixed with any spell, ritual, or potion. So you can forget just wasting your time reading.”

“And the other clue?” demanded Princess Luna.

“You already have the key to save your friend.”

Everypony’s eyes shot open and stared at their possessed friend.

“We already have the key?” pondered Twilight. “What could it be though?”

Nightmare Rarity chuckled to herself. “That . . . you’ll have to find out on your own,” she said, sounding weak. “My time here is over now.”

Princess Celestia trotted up to Rarity. “Why are you telling us this?” she asked, sounding apprehensive. “I’m very skeptical of all of this.”

Rarity smiled in a menacing manner. “Because I want to see how far your magic of friendship can go to save your friend. Besides, if Rarity wants to save herself, then the only way to do that is to break the shackles of fear that hold her. For how long that is though, I don’t even know. It’ll be amusing, though, to see her go through this and maybe she’ll come out a stronger mare.”

She turned to Twilight, who was still looking irritated. “Remember my riddle well, little pony,” she said. “It could mean the difference between saving your friend, or making her an outcast for the rest of her life.” She let out one last wild laugh and then it stopped. Rarity’s head fell back against the pillow and let out a small groan.

Everypony remained motionless, with none of them saying a single word. None of them knew how to break the silence, nor did they know how to react. Twilight herself wasn’t sure what to make of what she just heard. Even with how intelligent she was, she had never been this stumped over something before.

“. . . Ugh. . . “

The group glanced at Rarity, who was waking up again. They all gathered around her, each pony looking deeply concerned for their friend. Rarity slowly opened her eyes and let out another groan. “Oh my head,” she moaned. “It feels like a train hit me.”

“Rarity!” exclaimed Twilight as she hugged her. “We’re so good to hear you again.”

The unicorn looked uncomfortable, but returned the hug as well. “Um . . . what just happened?” she wondered. “All I remember is losing consciousness again.”

“You don’t remember anything?” Fluttershy asked.

“Do you at least remember ya still look like Nightmare Rarity?” pondered Applejack.

“Of course I do, darling,” said Rarity, sounding depressed and looking forlorn.

Rainbow slapped her friend. “Smooth move, Applejack,” she scolded.

“I was just asking her!” the farmer pony argued.

Before Rainbow could say anything else, her tongue was pulled by Twilight’s aura. “That’s enough you two,” she lectured. “We need to figure out the Nightmare Forces meant by the riddle we got.”

Rainbow pulled her tongue back in and said, “No offense, Twi, but I’m a future Wonderbolt, not a puzzle solver.”

“I got to agree with you, Rainbow,” said Applejack. “My mind’s more dazed than a pony who drank too much cider.”

“Maybe it’s like a game?” pondered Pinkie, her voice still jubilant. “She said something about scales, so maybe it’s like a scavenger hunt. Let’s see, what creatures have scales?”

“Um, no offense Pinkie, but I don’t think that’s what Nightmare meant,” Fluttershy said.

Twilight let out a sigh. “We’ll be here all night thinking about what she meant.”

Princess Celestia’s head jerked up and let out a gasp. She looked up to the clock nearby and saw it was half past six. “Oh, no! I forgot to raise the sun,” she said, sounding disappointed. “I’ll just take care of it from this window nearby. The last thing I need is for everypony to think there’ll be eternal night.”

“We shall lower our moon, sister,” Luna replied. She walked over to the window alongside the solar princess.

Princess Luna used her magic first to lower the moon, which took only a couple of seconds. After the blue aura around her horn disappeared, she stepped back and allowed Princess Celestia to do her magic. Her horn glowed a bright yellow light and leaned towards the window. At first, nothing happened, but soon the night sky near the mountains turned orange and a bright light shined crept over.

Rarity’s drowsiness suddenly gave way to a burning sensation in her chest. At first, she thought it was probably due to something doctors injected her with, but the feeling grew stronger. She clutched her chest and could hear her heart thumping rapidly. “T–Twilight!” she screamed in pain. “My body! It f–feels like it’s on fire!”

Twilight, seeing the panicked look on Rarity, turned to her friends. “Rainbow! Fluttershy! Get a wet towel to cool her down! Applejack! Pinkie! Go find a doctor, now! We can’t wait for Spike anymore!” The four mares saluted and ran off.

Princess Celestia, who had just finished raising the sun, rushed over with her sister to Rarity’s side. “Stay with us, Rarity,” she said, nervously. “I’ll scan you to see what I can find.” She lowered her glowing horn against the fidgety unicorn and ran it down her body. She tried to find anything out of the ordinary, but it was almost impossible to tell. After a minute, she raised her head up and had a genuine surprised look on her.

“Tia, did you find anything?” Luna asked.

Princess Celestia grimaced and shook her head. “Nothing at all. It’s clear she’s in pain, but I can’t find out what’s wrong.” She suddenly let out a gasp. “Look!” She pointed to one of Rarity’s hooves.

Everypony turned their heads and gasped: Rarity’s hoof had cracks in it. They inched their way up to her legs and then to her body with each passing second. Rarity looked at herself, looking horrified by what she was witnessing. “What’s happening to me?” she wondered, sounding deathly afraid.

A loud banging noise rang out through the room. Twilight turned to see Spike, Applejack, and Pinkie, all of whom were gasping for air and had Dr. Stable and Nurse Redheart by their sides. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy squeezed their way in, each carrying a wet towel in their hooves.

“Sorry. . . we’re late,” Spike said between gasps. “You wouldn’t believe how . . .hard it is to. . . find a nurse at this time.” He heard Rarity screaming in pain and went into a panic. “What happened to her?” he demanded.

“We don’t know, Spike!” yelled Twilight. “Princess Celestia says there’s nothing wrong with her, but something’s happening to Rarity!”

“Give her some room!” ordered Nurse Redheart. “She’s probably going into shock again!”

Rarity felt like she was about to explode. “Help me!” she screamed, desperately. Suddenly, everything became a blur for her once again.

Her body, which had cracks everywhere, slowly chipped away for a couple of seconds. Everypony gasped and backed away from Rarity. All they could do was watch as her skin broke apart. Rarity’s head shot up as she let out one last scream. The sound of glass shattering echoed across the room and a bright light caused everypony to shield their eyes.

Princess Celestia took no chance and used her magic to create a dome shield around everypony. The sound of glass hitting against the dome went on for a couple seconds before it stopped. As the light died out, everypony lowered their hooves and looked at Rarity, not sure what to expect. The dust around her disappeared and a coughing noise could be heard.

Spike was the first to see something familiar. “Look!” he called out. The smoke around Rarity cleared and everypony let out a gasp.

Rarity came back to her senses and felt a pounding in her head. She rubbed her eyes and looked around the room, albeit everything was in double vision to her. The first thing she saw were the shocked looks of everypony staring at her and almost instantly felt dread.

“What’s everypony looking at me for now?” she groaned. “Surely there’s nothing that could top looking like my nightmare self.” No response or movement came from them. “Honestly, you all don’t need to keep me in suspense. I don’t think anything else can surprise me.”

Spike broke the silence and stepped forward. “Well look at yourself, Rarity,” he said in awe. “I think you’ll be in for a big surprise.”

Rarity sighed and looked down at herself. The dizziness she was feeling quickly gave way to shock and disbelief. She glanced around and found a nearby bedpan on a table. She grabbed it and slowly raised it to her head level. She gasped and nearly dropped the pan in surprise. Her coat was as elegant as she remembered it, her mane was brilliantly curled to perfection, and her eyes were as blue as water. Rarity looked just like her old self before the Nightmare Forces took over.

Rarity’s lips quivered and a smile slowly formed on her face.”I . . . I’m back to normal,” she gasped. “My skin! My eyes! My mane! Everything looks exactly the way I was before this horrible incident!”

“That . . . that makes no sense,” said an unsure Twilight. “How did this even happen in the first place?”

Rarity couldn’t believe what she just heard and narrowed her eyes. “Twilight, I’m finally back to my beautiful self and this is how you react?” she pondered. “You act like this is a bad thing.”

“Twilight does bring up a good point,” said Princess Luna, sounding just as hesitant. “Only a few minutes ago, the Nightmare Forces took control of you and said there was no cure and spoke in a riddle. Clearly, there’s far more to this than we thought. Right, Tia?”

Princess Celestia nodded. “I don’t mean to rain on your parade, but my sister is right,” she said. “We need to figure out what the Nightmare Forces meant in that riddle. Twilight, do you have any ideas?” She heard no response from her student. “Twilight?” She looked down to see her student was deep in thought.

“Hmm. . . there’s something about this that’s got to pertain to the riddle,” said Twilight. “It’s on the tip of my tongue, but I can’t get it out.”

“Twilight, you’ve been up all night with everypony else,” said Spike. “Maybe you should get some rest first before thinking of this anymore. Your face looks like something Opal dragged in.”

Twilight shot him a stinkeye, but a sudden realization hit her. “A blight you'll be, when ponies see, Your countenance at night. . .” Nightmare’s voice echoed.

“That’s it!” cried out Twilight. She gave her assistant a hug. “You figured it out, Spike!”

The dragon blushed a little and returned the hug. “Um . . . thanks, I think,” he said. “Mood swing, much?” he muttered.

“What is it, Twilight?” asked Applejack. “I still can’t make heads or tails about this whole thing.”

“Nightmare Rarity said that she’d be a blight when ponies see her at night,” she replied. “If my guess is correct, when nightfall comes, Rarity turns into her nightmare form. This kind of magic is amazing and something I haven’t seen since the Flutterbat incident.”

“Um . . . can we not speak of that, please?” asked an embarrassed Fluttershy.

“Sorry, Shy,” replied Twilight.

“So what’s the next move, egghead?” wondered Rainbow. “Everypony saw what happened to Rarity, so what are we going to tell them? ‘Oh, Rarity’s not controlled by the Nightmare Forces, but only turns back to Nightmare Rarity at night.’ Yeah, that’ll go so well.”

“I’m not sure,” said Twilight. “Everypony’s probably still on edge from the battle against the Nightmare Forces’ minions. Even then, we don’t know what to do with them.”

“Fear not, Twilight,” said Princess Luna. “While my sister was busy looking through the archives, we offered them a sanctuary to live out their days. I have take them deep into the Whitetail Woods and set them free.”

“Well that’s one problem off our backs then,” said Twilight. “We still don’t know how to tell everypony about Rarity’s condition though.”

“I believe Luna and I can do something,” said Princess Celestia. “We’ll let everypony know about the situation with your friend, Twilight. Once they understand her condition, everypony won’t think she’s truly Nightmare Rarity.”

“What about my career?” wondered Rarity. “Only Ponyville knows about what happened to me. If word spreads about this, it could cause a huge scandal and my dreams of being a top fashion designer are done for.”

Princess Celestia rubbed her chin. “It won’t be easy, but we’ll just have to tell everypony to keep things quiet about you until we find a solution.”

“Make them Pinkie Promise! I’ll know if somepony does,” Pinkie said, sinisterly. Everypony couldn’t help but shiver at that last sentence.

“I will, Pinkie,” said Princess Celestia. “For now though, we got to find out what the rest of the riddle means. Luna and I will discuss things later at the castle.” She looked over to Twilight. “Have Spike send me a letter if anything comes up about Rarity. We’ll see what we can find out.”

“But she said there’s no books, spells, or rituals to fix it,” said Twilight.

“There has to be something we overlooked,” said Princess Luna. “We shall go to the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters and check the archives.”

“What if there is nothing?” wondered Rarity. Both Princesses looked away and had grim looks on them.

“We will find something, Rarity,” said Princess Celestia. “Even if we have to call upon Discord for help, we will.”

“Just don’t get distracted like last time, Tia,” teased Princess Luna.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” huffed Princess Celestia. She looked over at Twilight again. “We’ll keep you posted, my faithful student. Until then, farewell and good luck.” Both alicorns’ horns glowed and in a split second, they were gone.

Rarity let out a sigh and threw her head back against the pillow. “How am I going to balance this out?” she asked. “My business relies on getting promotions from other fashion shows and clients.”

“Just tell your customers that you’re not taking any orders because you have too much work,” suggested Applejack.

“This coming from the Element of Honesty,” said Rainbow. “Didn’t know you had it in you, Applejack.”

“Hey! Would you rather everypony find out about her?” inquired Applejack. Rainbow rolled her eyes and turned away. “I thought so.”

“Girls, arguing won’t help us,” scolded Twilight. “We need to figure out what the Nightmare Forces meant by ‘a scaled secret.’ If we don’t, Rarity could be stuck like this for the rest of her life.”

“You’ll have to do that elsewhere then,” said a stallion’s voice. Everypony turned their heads and saw Dr. Stable and Nurse Redheart still around.

“Why do we need to leave?” asked Spike. “Rarity needs us.”

“We need to run some tests on her and see if there’s anything else wrong with her,” said Nurse Redheart. “Even though Princess Celestia said there’s nothing wrong with her, we want to keep her under observations before we formally discharge her from the hospital. If everything goes fine, Miss Rarity can leave by tomorrow morning.”

Spike opened his mouth to argue, but Twilight placed a hoof over his mouth. “We understand, Dr. Stable.” She looked at her friends and signaled for them to leave.

Everypony left the room, but Spike turned around and said, “Rarity, I don’t know how we’re going to fix this, but I promise you won’t be like this forever.”

She smiled softly and said, “I’m sure you all will find something, Spikey.” She gave a wave farewell before Nurse Redheart shut the door. Always the gentledrake, Spikey. Always the gentledrake.

Twilight and the rest of her friends made their way to the hospital lobby, which was deserted save for the receptionist at the desk. She looked at all her friends, each of whom looked exhausted and could barely keep their eyes open. Even Pinkie, as energetic as she was, started to doze off while standing.

“What do we do now, Twilight?” asked Applejack. “Even with one part of the riddle solved, we don’t know anything else.”

“A scaled secret? We already have the key?” pondered Rainbow. “This whole thing is making my head hurt.”

“Girls, I know this is tough, but we’ve got to figure this out as soon as possible,” said Twilight. She let out a big yawn. “For now, though, I think we better get some sleep. All that fighting we did and staying up all night left us all drained.”

“Couldn’t agree more,” said Rainbow.

“I won’t be sleeping the whole day away,” said Twilight. “When I get up, I’ll start looking around about transformation spells and counterspells for this. Maybe Nightmare Rarity was wrong. There has to be a way to reverse this.”

“Get us to help if you need to,” replied Applejack. “We ain’t letting you do all this work by yourself.”

Twilight let out a giggle. “Alright, Applejack, I will. The rest of you go home and get some rest.” Everypony said their farewells and trotted out of the hospital.

“Alright, Spike, ready to go?” She heard no response. Twilight shrugged. “Must be asleep already.”

“I’m not asleep,” he said, sounding bitter.

Twilight turned her head to see Spike was sitting on the couch, with his head hanging low. “What’s wrong, Spike?” she asked. “Aren’t you happy that Rarity is okay?”

The dragon let out a sigh. “I’m glad she’s okay now, but . . . this shouldn’t have happened to her,” he spat.

“Spike, none of us knew that the Nightmare Forces would do that to Rarity,” said Twilight. “This was something none of saw coming. We couldn’t do anything at all to stop this anyway.”

“But I could have!” he cried out. Spike’s head drooped again and his body was shaking. He muttered something, but Twilight didn’t hear him.

“What was that, Spike?” she wondered.

“It’s my fault this happened. . .”

“Say again?”

“It’s my fault this happened! Okay?” He barked.

Twilight backed away and was shocked to see her friend on the verge of tears, but looked furious. “Spike, how is this your fault?” she asked, nervously. “There was nothing any of us can do.”

“But I was so close to her!” he cried out. “I. . . I faced her when she was still Nightmare Rarity. She tried to take control of me, but I fought her off. I was so close to saving Rarity. . . and I didn’t do anything.” A few tears ran down Spike’s face. “I know you all were counting on me, but she needed somepony to save her,” he said, tearfully. “If I didn’t stand around like some dolt, I could’ve saved her from being like this.”

Twilight wrapped her hooves around Spike and pulled him into a hug. “You didn’t do anything wrong, Spike,” she said in a motherly tone. “Rarity knows that this was something we had no knowledge of.”

“Yeah, but what kind of friend was I to not even do anything?” moped Spike. “All I did was stand there with a scared look on my face as she captured me.” He pulled out the sack containing the Fire Ruby. “I even told her how much she meant to me, but it was too late.”

“Spike, I want you to look at me,” ordered Twilight, sternly. The drake looked up to her to see a small smile on her face. “I know it seems like you failed, but that doesn’t mean you can give up now.”

“But I–”

“But, nothing. Rarity needs all of us to be with her. She’s scared and worried that she could be stuck like this. Didn’t you say she called you her favorite dragon?”

“Um . . . well, yeah, I guess,” muttered Spike.

“Don’t you see, Spike?” wondered Twilight. “She needs you and all of us. She can't face this alone and I know you don’t want to see her suffer anymore, right?” Spike shook his head. “Then you can still do something for Rarity. She needs not only us, but you’re needed too.”

“Really?” asked Spike, sounding a bit hopeful.

Twilight nodded. “Since I’ll be busy looking for a cure and the others will be busy, how about you help keep an eye on her? I’m sure she could use her ‘favorite dragon’ as her protector.”

Spike blushed slightly. “Do you really think so?” he inquired.

“Come on, Spike,” urged Twilight. “You can protect Rarity from any danger and make sure she’s safe. Didn’t you once dream of being like her knight in shining scales anyway?”

“Twilight!” Spike looked down.

She giggled to herself. “I’m sorry Spike, I shouldn’t have gone that far. But, in all seriousness, you can still help her. She needs one of us to make sure nothing happens to her. If she starts to freak out about her condition, you can keep her calm. Why, she’d be very grateful to have you by her side. If there’s anypony I can count on to be helpful, it’s you, Spike.”

The dragon smiled to himself and wiped his tears away. “You’re right, Twilight,” he said, proudly. “Rarity needs me more than ever. I couldn’t save her from what happened to her, but I can still protect her from any more danger.” He stood up tall and held his head high. “Until Rarity is cured, I will protect her from anything, or anypony, that tries to harm her. I swear this upon the hon–”

“Spike,” warned Twilight, sternly. “Don’t you even go there.”

The dragon was about to argue back, but he remembered all the stuff that happened last time. “You know what? You’re right,” he said. “I still don’t know what I was thinking that day.”

“Let’s try to forget that,” said Twilight.

“No argument from me,” replied Spike. He then let out a big yawn. “Let’s just . . . go . . . home.”

Twilight chuckled to herself and carefully placed the dozing dragon onto her back. “Let’s go home already, Spike. You’re going to need plenty of energy to help Rarity.” She grimaced to herself. “We all are, if we are going to save Rarity.”

Inside the Canterlot Castle, two ponies were trotting down one of its many long hallways. One pony was a gray unicorn with a combed back black mane, had a red quill and ink bottle for a cutie mark, and green eyes. He was levitating a scroll and quill, and was scribbling notes. The other pony was white with blue eyes, an elegant curly yellow mane, and had two crosses, one gold and one silver, to form a compass rose.

“Have the invitations been sent out?” asked the white unicorn in a haughty voice.

“They have, sir,” the gray unicorn said in a rather stern voice. “All the Canterlot Elite should have them before the day is over.”

“Has the Canterlot Orchestra been booked?”

“It’s already taken care of. However, I should warn you that Octavia and Frederick will be running a little late in meeting up with the rest of the band. They tell me that they need somepony to watch over their foal while they’re performing.”

The white pony scoffed. “You’d think they’d hire a nanny to look over their child while they do their job.”

“They say they want to raise him properly,” said the gray pony. “They say they’ll hire Octavia’s stepsister, Vinyl Scratch and her husband, Neon Lights, to look over the child if they are open.”

“Well tell them they have only two days to find one. I’d rather not be forced to dismiss the orchestra, but I won’t allow them to throw off my plans.”

The gray unicorn quirked an eyebrow. “Forgive me, Prince Blueblood, but why are you so uptight about this?” he wondered. “You know ever since those ponies attended the event, you were never exactly seen in the most positive light again.”

The Prince spun around and his eyes narrowed. “This year will be different, Quick Note,” he said, calmly. “I’ve been out of the public’s eye for so long, they most likely have forgotten about me. When I make my return, I shall show that I have changed my ways by telling everypony I went on a journey of self discovery. Besides, with all the crazy things that’ve been happening in Equestria, that dreadful night has been long forgotten.”

“Your highness, I don’t think that–”

“What can we tell them, sister?” a mare’s voice asked, muffled.

Prince Blueblood put a hoof against Quick Note’s mouth. “Hold on, I know that voice.” He noticed a door nearby and leaned his head against it.

“You know how they’ll react, Luna,” said another mare’s voice.

Prince Blueblood raised a brow. “Aunt Celestia? Aunt Luna?” he pondered. “What are they planning?”

“But surely if they knew the full story, they wouldn’t panic about her condition,” argued Luna. “We should inform the public about her.”

“I can’t let you do that, Luna,” said Celestia. “Not everypony would believe us. Some would think we were under her spell and she’d be targeted by other ponies who deem her a threat.”

“All of Ponyville knows about Rarity’s condition. What would happen if they let it slip out to somepony else?”

Prince Blueblood twitched and his eyes narrowed. Rarity. . . I knew I hadn’t heard the last from that ungrateful mare, he thought. What are you doing now?

“Pinkie Pie made them all do her promise, sister,” said Celestia. “If what Applejack told me was right, she can get a little overzealous about a pony breaking a Pinkie Promise.”

“Well. . . the citizens, while intimidated, seemed honest enough to keep this a secret,” Luna replied. “So if we’re to reverse this curse, when should we depart for the old castle?”

“We’ll have to take different shifts in searching,” said Celestia. “Since you do most of your duties at night, I’ll search for a solution and vice versa.”

“What if other ponies get suspicious?”

“We’ll tell them that we’re doing some extra royal duties that require both of us. But just remember, not a single word about Rarity to anypony else; especially Blueblood.”

Prince Blueblood nearly banged his hoof against the door, but he stopped himself in time and took a deep breath as he listened in.

“I know they both have a bad history, but he doesn’t seem to show it anymore,” said Luna. “Maybe he’s gotten over her?”

“I doubt it,” said Celestia. “He’s not exactly one who accepts criticism of any kind. However, we’ll talk more about this later. I need to get to the throne room and see what work needs to be done.”

“I shall take a small nap and then go off to the castle to begin my search.”

“Very well then. Let’s get moving before anypony gets suspicious.” The sound of hoofsteps nearing the door caused Prince Blueblood to back off.

“Your highness, what’s–” Quick Note was cut off as Prince Blueblood put a hoof over his mouth and dragged him around the corner. The sound of a door opening and closing echoed throughout the hall, followed by the sound of hoofsteps trotting down the hall. Both stallions waited until the hoofsteps faded away.

Blueblood let out a sigh of relief. “That was far too close.”

“Sir, what was going on in that room?” wondered Quick Note. “I don’t think your aunts would approve of you snooping on–”

“Quiet!” seethed the prince. A sinister smile grew on Blueblood’s face and his eyes narrowed. At last. . . after all these years, an opportunity presents itself to me. That filthy commoner, Rarity, seems to be keeping a secret from all of us, but what kind of secret? Maybe something that could destroy her career? If it’s something even my aunts don’t want let out, it could forever ruin her life. It’d be only fitting after the way she acted so rude to me. If I’m going to find out what her secret is, I’ll need some help then.

“Prince Blueblood?” inquired Quick Note.

The prince turned around and had a pleasant smile on his face. “Do me a favor, Quick,” he said cheerfully. “Send out a summons request for my close friends in the Canterlot Elite to meet me tomorrow night.”

Quick looked surprised. “Tomorrow night? But what if Princess Luna asks about why they’re here?”

“They aren’t going to go through the front gate,” he scoffed. “Tell them to wait by the statue of Starswirl the Bearded on the east side of the castle.”

“Very well then,” Quick responded, sounding hesitant. “What should I tell them the nature of the business is?”

Blueblood smiled again. “Tell them that it’s time to take care of a thorn in my side.”

"Understood." Quick bowed and turned to leave.

"Wait a moment!" barked Blueblood. "I have one other job for you!"

Quick turned around and said, in a shaky tone, "Yes, your highness?"

"You're going on a trip. Now listen up."

Gathering Storm

The sound of crickets chirping in the park and ponies chatting echoed throughout the streets of Canterlot. The air was filled with excitement as the majestic city’s streets were filled to the brim with ponies enjoying an outdoor dinner at one of its many restaurants; ponies walking through the park, and a couple of social gatherings. Amidst the commotion though, three gray-hooded ponies trotted away from the jubilant crowds and towards the castle, the various sounds gradually fading away until it was nothing but a faint buzzing sound.

The three ponies made their way down the streets, passing by various buildings until they came across a tall, white-stoned wall that went on in both directions for miles. The group looked around to make sure nopony was around before going right. They kept trotting down the street until they came across a black marble statue of Starswirl the Bearded, whom was looking up with a triumphant expression with his horn squirting out water into a nearby pool of around the statue.

One of the ponies looked around and asked in a stallion’s Trottingham accent; “Are you quite sure this is where he wants us to meet?”

“Unless you either misread the letter, or there’s another Starswirl statue around here, I think we’ve got the right one,” a mare said in a condescendingly sarcastic Canterlot accent.

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that. I’m more concerned with what his excellency could want from us. It’s strange how he doesn’t want us to meet under normal circumstances.”

The mare nodded. “I have to agree with you there. Maybe he wants to talk about the Grand Galloping Gala.”

“That makes no sense at all,” argued the Trottingham pony. “We’ve already gotten our invitations, and we already talked about it last week. What more could he want?”

“Well maybe–”

“Cut the chatter you two,” barked another stallion in a gravelly southern tone. “Let’s try not to draw too much attention to ourselves now.”

“Well, three ponies dressed in robes doesn’t exactly seem inconspicuous now, does it?” asked the Trottingham pony, sarcastically.

“His highness told us to come here, making sure nopony saw us,” said the mare. “Nopony was paying attention to us even when we walked through the crowd. That, and nopony gave us a second look when we made our way here.”

The other pony was about to argue, but a tan hoof was placed over his mouth. “Quiet!” ordered the southern pony. “Can’t y’all hear what’s coming?”

Everypony stopped bickering and listened closely. The sound of hooves clopping on the stone street echoed, making the group a bit nervous.

“Any ideas?” asked the mare.

“Hold on,” warned the southern stallion. “Let’s see who it is first.”

As the hoofsteps got closer, the group turned to the direction of where it was coming from. One of the street lamps showed a pony silhouetted against the darkness, but none of the others could make out who they were. One of the hooded ponies stepped back, shaking a bit. Everypony remained motionless until, out of the shadows, another pony in a gray robe appeared. The pony removed his hood, slowly, to reveal Prince Blueblood.

The group let out a sigh of relief. The mare spoke up “Well, you certainly know how to intimidate a mare, your highness.”

The prince smiled and said; “My apologies to all of you. I got a little caught up with... something else, I was attending to.”

“It’s quite alright, your excellency,” said the Trottingham pony.

Prince Blueblood quickly looked around the dark streets, asking; “You made sure nopony followed you?”

The group nodded and the southern stallion said, “Nopony even batted an eye at us, even with this ridiculous getup. With how we were dressed, I’m surprised nopony looked twice at us. Then again, many of the citizens here have their noses too high in the air and are more concerned about money and frivolity than to pay attention to their surroundings.”

“Not all of them are like that,” said the mare, coldly.

“I think that oblivious attitude is one of the reasons Canterlot nearly fell to the Changelings. Those soldiers on duty at the time lacked enough discipline and awareness to their surroundings.”

“That’s enough, both of you!” ordered Prince Blueblood. “Arguing isn’t going to help us.”

“Forgive us, your highness,” said the Trottingham pony. “We’re also a little confused as to what’s going on. Why did we need to go through all this trouble to meet you?”

Blueblood scowled and looked around cautiously. “Not here,” he warned. “What I’ll tell is that this information will only be known to the five of us.”

“Five?” the mare asked. She looked around as well. “Aside from you, I only see four of us. Who’s this fifth pony?”

“He’s currently on assignment,” said the prince. “He’ll be joining us soon enough, at least I hope so. For now though, we better get to my conference room. The night may be young, but time is something we have little of.”

The hooded ponies nodded and followed Prince Blueblood back down the street.

Prince Blueblood, along with the three hooded ponies, trotted down the dimly lit hallways of the castle. The large, white marble halls were entirely deserted. The only company—aside from themselves—was the moon shining its light through the large windows, lighting the hallway. Every once in a while, the group stopped when they heard hoofsteps approaching, but it only turned out to be one of Blueblood’s guards, who were wearing royal blue armor, and gave the prince a salute before trotting off again. Soon enough though, they all reached a large set of red double doors, with two guards carrying a spear standing on each side.

The guards gave a salute as Blueblood approached them. He returned the salute and said, “I’m not to be disturbed for the next hour. If anypony is looking for me, then tell them I’m busy with other duties. Should Aunt Luna, for some reason, come looking for me, notify me right away and I’ll go see her. I don’t want her or anyone else barging in on what I’m doing in there.”

“Yes, your highness,” said both guards.

Blueblood smirked as his guards opened the doors and trotted in. The others followed him, but the spears quickly blocked the doorway. The three ponies backed away, slowly.

The prince, hearing the clanging of the spears together, turned to his guards and said, “They’re with me.” The guards nodded and raised their spears back up. “Come, timing is key tonight,” ordered Blueblood. The three ponies nodded and entered, the doors slamming shut after they entered.

The room itself was small and circular, brightly lit by a row of torches hanging on a set of grayish marble columns. In the middle of the room was a large, round cherry wood table, with four elegant cherry wood chairs with white cushions surrounding it. In the middle of the chairs was a fifth seat, but it was far more elegant, had a large silvery cushion seat, and made out of silver thread. It even had Prince Blueblood’s Compass Rose cutie mark imprinted on the inside back, making it look like a throne. The three ponies took their chairs, leaving the one on the right of Blueblood’s chair empty.

Blueblood removed his cloak and tossed it aside before going to sit at his throne. After adjusting himself, he looked around at his colleagues, still wearing their disguises. “You may remove your hoods now,” he ordered. “In here, we are away from the prying eyes of the public.”

The three ponies complied and removed their hoods, revealing their faces. The Earth stallion on the far left of Blueblood had a dark brown coat, green eyes, gray handlebar mustache, and short hair, with a part straight down the middle. The pony right to the prince’s left was a unicorn mare with a golden yellow coat, blue eyes, and a slightly darker yellow mane that was tied into a tight bun. Finally, the stallion on the far right had a dark brown coat, a black mane that had a military buzzcut, yellow eyes, and a small scar on his left cheek. His robe flexed out, showing he had pegasus wings and was stretching them.

Prince Blueblood smiled and looked at all three of them from left to right. “Bit Bags, Golden Rule, Heavy Duty, I bid you welcome to my humble abode,” he said.

Golden Rule bowed her head and smiled. “Always a pleasure, your highness.”

The prince waved his hoof. “Please, call me Blueblood. No need for formalities amongst friends, right, your honor?” He teased.

Golden Rule laughed. “Oh, please. I get called that enough around the courts, I don’t need you to start calling me that now.”

“Excuse me,” a southern voice drawled. Everypony turned their attention towards Heavy Duty, who was unimpressed with what he saw. “No offense, Blueblood, but didn’t ya’ say something about time being short? If I wanted to make small talk, I’d chat with the Sarge in the barracks. Now what’s this all about?”

Blueblood flushed a little in embarrassment, but hid it from his friends. He cleared his throat and said, “You’re right, Heavy Duty. I must forgive you all that I didn’t call you all here to have a chat.”

“So what is the point of this then?” wondered Golden.

Blueblood let out a sigh and looked around the room, seeing the curious expressions of those around him. “I know this may seem pointless, but I need from all of you a vow that you won’t say anything about this.”

The group looked at one another, each raising an eyebrow, then Bit Bags said, “You know you can trust us, my Lord. My family has never been one to turn away royalty, especially when they need assistance.”

“Agreed,” said Golden Rule. “I can never thank you enough for your assistance in forwarding my career.”

“I may be getting up there in age, but you recognized my heroism in the military, and I thank you for that,” said Heavy Duty.

The Prince smiled softly and said, “Well, you all have my thanks. I sometimes forget that even with everything going wrong for me, I can count on all of you. Now, about our little discussion.”

“What’s it about?” inquired Golden.

“It’s about Rarity,” said Blueblood.

Everypony let out an irritated groan and shook their heads.

“Her, again?” demanded Heavy. “You called us up here just so you could complain to us about how much you hate her?”

Blueblood seethed, taken aback by the statement. “This is different though.”

“You said that last time,” moaned Golden. “Can’t you just get over her now? It’s been three years now and we’ve heard enough.”

“You’re not listening!” the prince barked.

The sound of a chair pushing away caught Blueblood’s attention, and saw Bit was getting up. “If this is what you called us for, your highness, then I want no part of it. Good night to you.”

Blueblood looked around and saw Golden and Heavy were following suit and heading for the door. In a desperate rage, he slammed his hoof on the table and boomed out, “HOLD IT!”

The fury of Blueblood’s voice made everypony stop in their tracks and turn around, hesitantly, to see an infuriated expression on his face.

“Sit back down!” he barked.

The group quickly obeyed the Prince and ran back to their chairs, each shaking in intimidation.

Blueblood took a deep breath and let out a long sigh. He looked around the room, noticing the concerned, and rather frightful, looks of his colleagues.

“I must apologize for my outburst,” he said. “I know I should’ve handled that better, but this is important. I know I’ve talked to you about. . . ‘her’ a lot, but this is far different this time around.”

The three ponies looked at each other with puzzled looks.

Heavy broke the silence and said, “How is it different?”

“It seems to involve Ponyville and my aunts,” said Blueblood.

Once more, everypony looked at each other with confused expressions.

“What are you talking about?” inquired Golden. “This does sound a bit strange, but surely nothing out of the ordinary. She is a very close acquaintance of Princess Celestia.”

“Well this is certainly nothing to brush off,” warned Blueblood. “It seems like something has happened to Rarity, something that both my aunts don’t want getting out.”

“Surely, you jest,” said Bit Bags, sounding a bit shocked. “What could possibly cause both princesses to act this way?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out,” said the prince. “Before I met you all at the statue, I was observing my aunts from a safe distance. Normally, Aunt Celestia would retire to her chambers after lowering the sun, but I saw her take off to a balcony near the throne room and fly off. Where she went, I have no clue.”

The sound of muttering started to fill the room as the three ponies whispered amongst each other.

“Now just stop right there.”

The whispering stopped as everypony turned to Heavy, who still had a stoic look on his face.

“Blueblood, what does it matter what the princesses do?” he wondered. “So Princess Celestia didn’t go to her chambers. What if she was needed to do something else?”

“It is strange because she would’ve said something to Aunt Luna and me,” argued Blueblood. “As I said, I saw Celestia leave the castle and fly off. From what I could see, even in the darkness, it looked like she was headed for the Everfree Forest. You can’t tell me that doesn’t warrant concern.”

“That castle is under renovations and you know it,” Heavy shot back. “She could’ve been overseeing some of the construction or inspecting the castle itself for any mishaps.”

“He does have a point,” said Golden. “This doesn’t strike anything suspicious.”

Blueblood could feel the confidence in him dying out as the others turned on him. “But . . . but . . . what about Rarity? My aunts were talking about her! They didn’t want me to know about her!”

“Maybe Rarity’s birthday is coming up and the princesses are allowing her to celebrate it in the castle,” said Bit. “Remember, Twilight also had her birthday in the castle as well.”

“That, and they probably thought that you’d ruin it because of the bad history between you two,” said Heavy.

The prince’s heart sank further. “I . . . but . . .” he muttered.

“You’re probably over thinking things, again, your highness,” said Golden. “Whatever you heard was probably nothing more than some surprise the princesses have in store for her. It could be for a birthday party like Bit said.”

“Now hold on here!” ordered Blueblood.

“I think not,” said Heavy. He got up from his chair again. “I think we’ve heard enough crazy theories from you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to Outpost Solar Flare and prepare my men for the hunt tomorrow.”

“And I need to meet with my business partners,” said Bit Bags. “You don’t become the head of a bank by blabbering about some unicorn constantly.”

“And I got cases to deal with in the morning,” stated Golden Rule. “Though most, if not all, will be over in mere minutes when I ‘talk’ to the prosecutor and police to see things the way I see them,” she smirked deviously to herself.

Both Golden and Bit got up and began following Heavy to the door.

“Please wait!” cried out Blueblood. “I’m still waiting for him to return! He must have something to say to all of you!”

The group ignored him and continued trotting over to the door. The prince tried to find some counterargument, but words failed him. He sat there, on his throne, as the three ponies were about to reach the door. Golden reached her hoof out to grab the knob. Blueblood looked down in defeat as everything fell apart around him.

“Stop right there!” a muffled voice barked. “You can’t go in there!”

Everypony stopped in their tracks and looked at the door. Blueblood’s ears twitched as he heard the voice. He raised his head and leaned forward a bit.

“I need to get in there!” a stern voice said. “I got information important to his highness!”

The prince’s eyes shot wide open. “Is. . . is that who I think it is?” he whispered.

“Prince Blueblood has given strict orders to not allow anypony into this room,” said another voice in a commanding tone. “Whatever business you need to address him with, you’ll have to wait until he’s done with his meeting.”

“Meeting? That’s what I’m here for,” argued the pony. “He sent me away for a mission and I need to speak to him.”

“Come back later and then you can talk to him,” ordered the commanding voice.

“But I have to speak to him!”

“This is your final warning. If you don’t leave now, we’ll be forced to take you down.”

“You can’t do this!”

The sound of spears clanging and grunting could be heard from the inside. Golden gasped and stepped back a little, along with Bit Bags. Heavy Duty, however, was undeterred, but he approached the door a bit more cautiously.

Blueblood, having heard enough, quickly got out of his throne and trotted towards the door, trying to hide the smirk on his face.

It’s about time you showed up, he said to himself.

The prince opened the door, revealing three ponies in a pile, two of them being Blueblood’s own guards. They were holding down a gray unicorn with green eyes and a combed back black mane. He was also carrying a black saddlebag, but it was being crushed. The three ponies stopped struggling as they felt the cold gaze of the prince upon them. They looked at him, feeling a bit intimidated.

Finally, one of the guards spoke up. “Forgive us for disturbing you, your highness,” he said. “We were trying to explain to this stallion that you weren’t to be disturbed.”

Quick Note grunted and said, “I told you already, I’m here to see Prince Blueblood.”

The other guard pushed Quick back down to the floor. “Stop it!” he demanded. “You violated the law. Now you’re going to–”

“I think you should stop, guard,” threatened Blueblood. “Unless you and your friend here want to be sent ‘elsewhere’ in Equestria.”

The guards looked at each other, confused. “But . . . but we were following your orders,” argued one of the ponies. “You told us not to allow anypony in or disturb you.”

“Yet you two disturbed me with your actions,” stated Blueblood. “Not only that, but you assaulted my personal assistant.”

“But sir. . .”

“That’s enough out of you, soldier. Release Quick Note at once, and maybe I’ll be a little more lenient on your punishment.”

The two guards quickly got off of Quick and helped him back to his hooves. They looked at Blueblood, each giving a forced smile.

He narrowed his eyes and ushered Quick to enter, which he did. He then looked at the guards. “I’ll deal with you two later,” he deadpanned. “Now, keep a low profile. I don’t know want Luna to come down and ask questions. Understand?”

“Yes, your highness,” said the two guards, sounding a bit guilty.

Blueblood slammed the door on the guards, with one of them yelping about their nose being hurt. He shook his head in frustration and turned around. He gazed at the four ponies in the room, who were all looking confused and a bit intimidated. In the case of Quick Note, he took off the saddlebag and rubbed his head from the beating he got.

The prince forced a smile and said, “My apologies to all of you. I don’t appreciate guards who can’t follow the simplest of orders. Wouldn’t you agree, Heavy?”

The grizzled stallion let out a grunt and said, “Yeah . . . I got to agree.” He looked over at Quick Note, who seemed a bit scared by the stallion’s gaze. “What was your deal with those guards?”

“My. . . deal?” he asked, with a blank expression.

“I too, would like to know what had you so riled up,” stated Blueblood. “I think you said something about important information for me about your assignment?”

“Assignment?” wondered Golden.

“Yes,” confirmed Blueblood. “I sent him elsewhere to gather info. Now what have you brought me?”

Quick looked around, seeing the anticipated looks of everypony around him. He nodded and said, “It’s about Rarity.”

“Her again?” asked Bit Bags, groaning. “Don’t tell me you’re getting obsessed with Rarity too, Quick.”

The unicorn shook his head. “I assure you, I am not,” he said. “I’m afraid it’s far worse than his highness, or any of us, could imagine.”

“Which is what?” wondered Blueblood. “Out with it! Now!”

Quick looked a little unsure and stared down at the floor. “I’m not sure how to say it though,” he said, a bit scared. “I doubt any of you would even believe what I have to say.”

Blueblood opened his mouth to yell, but he bit his tongue and held his words back. He let out a sigh and said, with a forced smile, “Quick. . . don’t worry about that. I’m sure whatever information you got will be helpful to m. . . um, us, I mean.”

Quick Note looked away, but after a few seconds, nodded. “It’s . . . it’s . . .” he trailed off.

“It’s what?” asked Blueblood, sounding annoyed.

“She’s possessed by the spirit of Nightmare Moon. . .” he said.

The room fell deathly silent for what seemed to be an eternity. Everypony looked at themselves, with expressions ranging from shock, to confusion. Golden Rule’s knees were shaking and looked like she was about to faint. Bit Bags stood there, paralyzed and shocked. Blueblood had a mixture of anger and shock on his face. Nopony knew what to say, nor how to react to the sudden news. The tension in the room was so thick, the sound of the castle settling made Bit jump in fear.

“. . . Heh . . .” a voice chuckled.

The sudden noise broke everypony out of their paralyzed states. They looked over to see Heavy Duty shaking his head.

“Ha! Ha!” he guaffed. “That’s a good joke if I ever heard one. Nightmare Moon returning and taking over Rarity. How long did it take you to come up with that joke, Blueblood?”

Quick felt embarrassed. “It’s the truth!” he yelled, sounding irritated. “Nightmare Moon has returned, taken over Rarity’s body, and all of Ponyville was throwing a celebration for her! I wouldn’t make this kind of stuff up!”

“Look, Quick, I mean no offense, but that’s extremely far fetched,” argued Heavy. “Even with all the crazy things that happen across Equestria, this is unbelievable.”

“But I’m telling the truth!” Quick shot back.

“I . . . gotta agree with Heavy here,” said Golden, sounding a bit nervous. “Even if what you said was true, how could Nightmare Moon return? From what I understand, the Elements of Harmony destroyed all traces of that wicked spirit forever.”

The gray unicorn stepped back. “I . . .”

“Another thing. Why didn’t the bearers of the Elements inform Princess Celestia of this?” pondered Golden. “How could she stay hidden from plain sight? Why hasn’t she tried to attack and take over the castle? Also, where is this ‘eternal night’ she wanted to bring? I’m pretty sure that a few hours ago, the sun was out and that Princess Celestia was still around.”

Quick Note looked down and rubbed his hoof around the ground. “It’s true though,” he whispered.

“Enough!” ordered Blueblood. “Golden, while I know you have plenty of questions, I don’t think Quick could gather that kind of intel so quickly. He’s an advisor, not a fully trained spy.”

Golden crossed her hooves and asked, in an annoyed tone, “Do you at least have any evidence to show this?”

Quick bit his lip and looked away. “. . . No . . .” he muttered.

“Then what good is this argument?” demanded Heavy. “This is sounding more and more like a prank.”

“But it’s true!” yelled Quick.

“Right, and I’m the Queen of the Changelings,” mocked Golden. “Give me a break already.”

Quick looked over at Blueblood and pleaded in a desperate tone, “Your highness, you have to believe me.”

Blueblood rubbed his chin and looked deep in thought.

“Sir?” wondered Quick.

The prince nodded. “I won’t be so quick to dismiss your claims,” he said. “Why don’t you tell us what you saw?”

The gray unicorn beamed. “I’ll be happy to,” he said proudly.

Heavy shook his head and said, “Well, I think this joke has gone on long enough. It was funny the first time around, but now adding in a story to drag it out really takes the fun out of it. This was all fun while it lasted. If there’s nothing else, I think I’ll be on my way then.”

“Agreed,” said Golden. “I think my time has been wasted long enough.”

Bit Bags trotted over the anguished looking Quick and put his hoof on his head. “Dreadfully sorry, but they do have a point,” he stated. “You had us going for a while, but without proof, this sounds like a wild goose chase.”

Bit turned his attention to the door out of the room and began trotting to it. He only made a few steps before he suddenly felt something pulling him back. He turned his head to see Quick Note staring at him, with a determined expression on his face.

“I’ll show you all then!” he proclaimed. “I need to show all of you the truth!”

The suggestion caused Blueblood to raise his head, albeit looking puzzled. “Show us? How? You have no photographic evidence.”

Quick straightened himself up. “We need to go to Ponyville,” he stated. “I can teleport us to the town and show you all the truth.”

Heavy frowned and said, “That is absolutely–”

“Ridiculous, I know,” interrupted Quick. “I know this sounds farfetched, but this isn’t. If you give me one chance, I promise you’ll see the truth. I know what I saw and I want to show it to you all. All I ask is that you trust me.”

Everypony looked at each other with uncertain expressions on them. They then looked at Quick, who maintained the determined expression on him, but saw him gulp a little.

Bit looked over at Prince Blueblood. “What do you think, your highness?” he wondered.

The prince grimaced and closed his eyes in contemplation. Quick held his breath in anticipation and could feel his heart racing. The other three ponies leaned in with anticipation for an answer. After what seemed to be an eternity, Blueblood opened his eyes and let out a sigh.

“. . . If what Quick is saying is true, we should give him the benefit of the doubt,” he said.

The gray unicorn let out a sigh of relief and felt a huge weight lift off his shoulders.

“However, he only has one chance to prove this,” proclaimed the prince. “If there’s no evidence of this, then this matter will be dropped. Do I make myself clear, Quick Note?”

He gave a salute and said, “I fully understand, your highness. I promise you that you all won’t be disappointed.”

“For your sake, I hope so,” said Heavy, sounding a bit annoyed. “Now, how are we going to get there so quickly?”

“We’ll use my own mode of transportation,” stated Quick.

Golden quirked an eyebrow. “Your own mode?” she inquired.

Quick nodded. “Yeah, all I ask is for you all to hang on and not make any sudden moves.”

Bit stepped forward. “Why would you say that?”

The unicorn smirked. “You’ll see.”

As Bit opened his mouth to object, a sudden flash of light blinded him and everypony around him, and in a flash, they were all gone.

A flash of light went out and Blueblood and his group emerged from it. Four of them, including the prince, looked dazed and disoriented, while Quick seemed unfazed. Quick looked around and saw the small cottage like buildings, cobblestone roads, and a statue of Princess Celestia nearby.

“We’re here now,” he said, proudly.

Blueblood groaned and steadied himself. “Quick . . . may I give you some advice?” he wondered, sounding quiet.

“Of course, sir,” he answered.

Blueblood trotted up to his advisor and put his hoof around his neck, squeezing it. “The next time you do something like that, you better warn me,” he threatened in an icy tone. “Otherwise, the only place you’ll be teleported to is a holding cell. Understand?”

Quick nodded hastily and muttered, “Yes, your highness.”

Blueblood released his hold on Quick and pushed him away. He looked around his surroundings and grimaced. “I take it we’re in Ponyville?” he inquired.

Quick panted a little and rubbed his neck, but nodded. “Yes, sir,” he stated.

Golden, who had regained her bearings, looked around the town and sniffed, frowning to herself. “Ugh! The stench around this town is revolting! No wonder you complain so much about this town, Blueblood. This town does seem fitting for hicks.”

“Glad to know you share my same views on this place,” said Blueblood. He turned to Quick and asked, “So now what?”

“If I remember this location correctly, we should be close to where Rarity is,” he said. “I don’t know how we’re going to do this, especially with how many ponies are around her.”

“Well, if I knew we were going to be doing a covert operation, I would’ve gotten some binoculars and disguises for each of us,” said an irritated Heavy. “How are we going to do this now?”

“We might as well try to find her and wait for her to show herself,” suggested Bit Bags.

Blueblood nodded. “That might work,” he said. “Where is she anyway, Quick?”

“Over at some big oak tree that serves as a library,” said the advisor. “We should get over there and check to see if she’s still–”

“Please, darling, I’m quite alright,” said a rather haughty mare’s voice.

Blueblood’s ears perked up and a sinister smile formed. “It’s her!” he exclaimed. “Quickly, we need to hide!”

Golden looked around frantically. “Where?” she wondered.

Heavy scanned the area, quickly, and saw something that caught his eye. “There!” he proclaimed, pointing a hoof at a set of bushes circling a tree.

“Tell me you’re joking,” said Golden.

“Wish I was,” said Heavy. “Come on!”

As Heavy ran towards the bushes, everypony else looked at each other, shrugged, and followed him. They all ran into the bushes and laid down to avoid being seen.

“Ugh! I can’t believe you suggested this, Heavy,” whined Blueblood. “All these twigs, leaves, dirt, and bugs is going to ruin my perfectly groomed coat.”

“If you don’t stop complaining, you’ll have even bigger things to worry about,” warned Heavy. “Now keep it down, I think we got more than just one pony coming.”

The group, slowly, cleared away the leaves and branches, allowing each of them to have a small, but rather clear look over the town square.

“Over there!” whispered Golden, pointing to the left.

Heavy slapped her hoof down and said, “Stay low! You want the whole town to know what we’re doing?!”

Golden opened her mouth, but Blueblood covered it and whispered, “Silence, somepony is coming.”

They all turned their attention to the left, where they saw a large group of ponies and one small dragon walking through.

“I can’t see them,” complained Bit Bags. “It’s too dark, even with Princess Luna’s moon in full.”

“Shut up and wait,” ordered Blueblood. “They’re coming into the clearing now.”

The group turned their attention to the opening and saw what the prince said was correct. The large group of ponies, and one dragon, stepped out into the moonlight, allowing the prying eyes of the ponies in the bushes to get a better look at them. Although they saw the large group of ponies laughing and smiling, something else caught their eye, something that made everypony’s hearts freeze up and their eyes bulge out. Right in the middle of the group was a tall, black unicorn, with teal catlike irises, and a flowing purple and white striped mane.

Bit Bags fainted, but nopony tried to catch him. Golden Rule stood there with her mouth agasp, failing to notice the fly that flew into her mouth. Quick Note looked unfazed, but smiled proudly knowing he was right. Heavy tried to keep a straight face, but beads of sweat rolled down his face and his teeth chattered a little. As the group of ponies came closer, they could hear them talking with one another.

“You sure you’re alright, Rarity?” asked Spike. “You were out for a while there.”

She nodded. “I’m quite alright, Spikey Wikey. I’m just in shock with this turn of events.”

“Do you think you’ll be ready in time?” wondered Applejack. “I mean, you got a pretty full plate already, but this is a bit risky, even for you.”

“I’ll be fine, darling,” assured Rarity. “I won’t lie when I say this will be difficult, but with hard work and my exquisite ideas, I will march in proudly and awe everypony.”

Twilight chuckled a little. “Well don’t overwork yourself now,” she warned. “The doctor did say for you to take it easy for a while.”

“Oh, I know, Twilight. In fact, if you could please have Spike come over tomorrow to help me, I can start planning and preparing.”

The dragon gave a salute. “You got it!” he triumphantly stated.

Rarity smiled and said, “Just come by at nine tomorrow morning and we’ll get going.” She let out a yawn. “For now, I need to rest.”

“I hear that,” said Rainbow.

“Well, good night to all of you,” said Rarity.

“Good night,” the others said in unison. They all waved goodbye and went their separate ways home.

Blueblood, like Quick, looked neither afraid or amazed, but instead had a sinister grin on his face.

So, this is what you’ve been hiding from me, Aunt Celestia, he thought to himself. Judging from what I just heard, it seems she’s just incriminated herself. I don’t know how this happened to Rarity, but my window of opportunity has just gotten a lot bigger. But what to do now?

He looked over at the other four ponies with him for a few seconds. An idea suddenly clicked inside his head and his smile became wider. That’s it. . .

“Your highness!” whispered Golden Rule.

Blueblood broke out of his thoughts and quickly changed his expression to one of concern before looking at Golden. “What is it?” he asked.

“The group’s leaving,” she said. “We need to take this chance to get out of here before they come back, or worse.”

The prince nodded and turned to Quick Note. “Hurry up and use your magic to get us back.”

He looked down at Bit Bags and inquired, “What about him? He’s fainted from what he saw.”

Blueblood scoffed and sternly said, “Then grab him and we’ll wake him up at the castle. Now stop wasting time.”

Quick bowed. “Yes, my Lord.” He grabbed Bit Bags and asked, “Everypony, ready?”

The group nodded.

“Then let’s go.”

With a flash of light, the group vanished, leaving behind nothing but smoke.

Blueblood and his colleagues reappeared back in the conference room, but everypony was still paralyzed with shock from what they just saw. The room was deathly silent, with nopony knowing what to say, or how to break the ice. Golden’s hind legs gave out and she plopped right to the ground, still looking shocked. Heavy placed a hoof on his forehead and rubbed it, trying to remain calm, but was shaking a little. Quick was holding onto Bit, who was still unconscious from the shock. Blueblood paced back and forth, maintaining a stoic look on his face.

This is an interesting turn of events, he thought. It’s like as if the Creator herself has given me a chance to redeem myself in the eyes of Equestria. The return of Nightmare Moon, an opportunity to be seen as a hero, and rid myself of the very pony who ruined my image? It’s like taking candy from a foal.

“Ugh. . .” groaned Bit Bags as his eyes opened slowly.

Everypony broke out of their trance and went over to the stallion. Blueblood, however, remained where he was and looked apathetic towards his colleague.

“Is he okay?” he asked, casually.

Bit Bags rubbed his head. “I’m alright, Blueblood,” he responded. “I just had the weirdest dream that Nightmare Moon returned.”

He looked around the room and saw everypony looked rather grim.

“What?” he wondered.

“It ain’t no joke,” said Heavy, sounding a bit angry. “We all know what we saw there, and what we just heard.”

Golden nodded and said, “Ideas, marching, and preparing, what could this mean? An invasion?”

Heavy raised an eyebrow. “Ridiculous,” he said. “If she were Nightmare Moon, why didn’t she try to attack immediately then?”

Bit Bags, who got on all fours, said, “That does raise a good point. I’m no dictator, but even I would’ve attacked Canterlot by now and try to usurp the throne.”

“There’s one other thing I noticed,” said Quick Note.

“What was it?” asked Heavy.

“Rarity didn’t sound . . . evil, if you get what I mean,” he said.

Everypony looked at one another, each looking confused.

“I’m assuming not,” said Quick. “What I mean is that she didn’t sound like she was some malevolent dark being who wants to bring eternal night. If anything, she sounds quite similar to how Prince Blueblood mocks her.”

“Mocks her?” asked Golden.

Quick sighed and said, “Yeah. . . I had to put up with that, a lot. Getting back on topic though, she doesn’t exactly sound like she’s possessed by Nightmare Moon at all.”

“Maybe it’s a spell gone wrong?” wondered Bit Bags.

“Then that must’ve been one hell of a spell,” said Heavy.

“Or it could all be a ruse,” warned Blueblood.

The group turned their attention to the prince.

“What do you mean?” inquired Bit Bags.

“Do you really think that this is some kind of spell?” asked Blueblood. “Think about it for a moment. What kind of spell allows somepony to turn into one of the most notorious ponies to ever walk Equestria?”

“An experimental one?” pondered Golden.

“Pfft! That’s a laugh,” said Blueblood. “Let’s take into consideration everything that’s been discussed tonight. I saw Aunt Celestia fly off towards the Everfree Forest earlier tonight, with no given reason.”

“I did say it was under renovations,” stated Heavy.

“What if it isn’t?” asked Blueblood. “What if she went there for a . . . different reason? That is where Nightmare Moon was born and where she died, so there must be a connection there.”

Everypony looked at each other with concerned expressions.

Blueblood ignored the looks and went on. “Then, Quick and I heard a conversation between my aunts, that they didn’t want me to know what became of Rarity. In fact, they didn’t want any word of this getting out to anypony else across Equestria. Oddly enough, only Ponyville was aware of what happened to Rarity.”

“Where are you going with this?” inquired Heavy.

“What I’m getting at is that what if the reason only Ponyville knows about Rarity’s new look is because she ‘persuaded’ them to accept her?”

A chill fell upon the room that made everypony shiver a bit.

“What do you mean?” asked Bit.

Blueblood smirked. “Easy. What if Rarity somehow used her new powers as Nightmare Moon reincarnate to control the whole town? Even a town full of dumb hicks would not take her returning so lightly. What’s to say that Rarity hasn’t brainwashed the town into obeying her? For that matter, what’s to say my aunts weren’t affected too?”

Everypony let out a gasp, but Heavy stepped forward. “Now hold on here,” he said. “The princesses’ will can’t be that easy to bend, and they’d rather die before bowing to Nightmare Moon. It’s virtually impossible to anyway, especially with all the new measures added after the Changeling invasion two years ago.”

The prince rolled his eyes and said, “I figured you would say that. Let me ask you something then, Heavy. If these new ideas to prevent mind control are being put into place, why hasn’t the process gotten started yet? Perhaps it’s because it’s run into some complications, per say.”

Heavy flinched a little and seethed, “How do you know?”

Blueblood chuckled coldly. “Please, I may not be very active in politics anymore, or be given any real royal duties, but I stay up to date on current events. I know the new means of training soldiers to resist mind control isn’t going according to plan, correct?”

Heavy looked down and grinded his teeth in frustration, but nodded. “Yeah. . . the methods that are trying to be used are still causing side effects for soldiers ranging from amnesia, to severe migraines, and even some cases of insanity. The psychologist team working on the project has said they have another method they’re ready to use, but it needs to be tested. The princesses have expressed that they won’t undergo the training until they are convinced the anti-mind control training works perfectly.”

The prince smiled wickedly. “Then what’s to say that the princesses haven’t fallen under Nightmare Moon’s control? Why, Aunt Celestia could be at the castle to help plan Nightmare’s attempts at taking over Canterlot and the rest of Equestria.”

The room fell deathly silent, with everypony looking fearful.

“Put the pieces together and you’ll see what’s in front of you. A town that welcomes the new Nightmare Moon, with even the bearers of the Elements of Harmony under her command. Rarity saying she’s preparing to ‘march’ somewhere. The princesses trying to keep this a secret. What other possible outcome could there be to all of this? The answer, an insurrection against Equestria, with Nightmare Moon vying for absolute power.”

Bit Bags gulped and muttered, “I . . . I don’t want to believe this.”

“Well believe it,” warned Blueblood. “We are the only ones who know of the awful truth before us. My aunts are currently useless to us and are probably beginning to conspire with Nightmare. The Elements of Harmony have fallen and can’t be used. All of Ponyville seems to obey Nightmare’s orders and are probably training as we speak to begin their invasion. Now we heard Rarity is going to ‘march’ somewhere and is preparing for something.”

The room filled with tension as everypony looked at each other, with fear in their eyes.

“I propose this then,” said the prince. “Since we’re the only ones aware of the truth, we must come together and use our own resources and skills to finish off Nightmare Moon. With our combined might, we shall kill Nightmare Moon and save Equestria. I. . . um, we, shall be seen as heroes across the land, even better than Rarity’s so called friends and their Elements of Harmony.”

“But. . . to do this could possibly be treason,” warned Bit Bags. “What if we’re wrong about this and the princesses imprisons us?”

Blueblood scoffed. “Such risks need to be taken. What if I’m right about this? We could save thousands of lives and stop a revolution before it even begins. Besides, it’s not like any of you haven’t brushed with the other side of the law.”

The three ponies winced and looked away, each pony looking a bit flustered.

“But I assure you all that not only will I assure you all that your past crimes won’t be revealed, but that what you all are doing is for the greater good,” said Blueblood. “What other options do we have anyway? If we wait, it could be too late. In the end though, your crimes will be the last thing to worry about if Nightmare’s scheme goes through with no opposition.” He looked over and asked, “Bit Bags, what say you? You may be very wealthy, but money won’t help you with Nightmare Moon.”

Bit Bags bit his lip and frantically looked around the room. His eyes first fell upon the other three ponies, who seemed anxious, but also a bit fearful. He then looked at Blueblood, who was grinning with anticipation. His eyes darted back and forth until he eventually hanged his head and stayed silent for a few minutes.

“Well?” wondered Blueblood, sounding a bit impatient. “What’s your answer?”

Bit raised his head, looking a bit angry with himself, and nodded slowly. “Very well, I’ll agree to this. If it means risking treason, then I shall gladly do so.”

Blueblood did his best to contain his sinister smile, but gave a small one. He then looked over at Golden Rule. “What about you, your honor? You’ve always been one to find ways to bend the law to your own gain, but here’s your chance to deliver real justice by stopping a tyrant.”

Golden rubbed her chin. “Well, it’s been years since I was a lawyer and I’ve always been one wanting to see evidence to use to back up my claims, but from what I saw and heard, I don’t doubt this anymore. I shall stand with you, your highness.”

He looked at Heavy. “How about you, Major? You can stop wasting your time sending your own troops on ‘routine patrols’ and instead use them to help hunt down a much more ‘unique’ species? One that could earn you enough bits to let you retire for several lifetimes?”

Heavy closed his eyes and let out a sigh. “Your highness, I still have some reservations about this thing and it could expose me if things don’t go according to plan.” Blueblood opened his mouth to protest, but Heavy held up a hoof. “However, in light of these events, I believe action must be taken. I shall lend my services to you for the greater good of Equestria.”

Blueblood smirked and said, “Good, we’re all on the same page then.” He looked over at his advisor. “Isn’t that right, Quick?”

Quick jumped and looked at the prince. “Me?” he asked, surprisingly.

“Of course you,” said Blueblood. “You are with us, correct? I would expect my loyal advisor to assist in these troubled times.”

Quick gulped a little, but nodded. “You know I’ve been serving with you for years, my lord, but this is a rather risky thing to do.”

“So you’re against us?” he asked, threateningly.

“Of course not,” said Quick, sounding a bit nervous. “I just fear what will happen if things go south for us.”

Blueblood smiled and said, “You worry too much. With my ingenious brain and all of you with me, I . . . we will defeat Nightmare Moon.”

“So what do we do now?” asked Bit.

“We must use our resources to aid in this effort.” Blueblood looked over at Bit. “I’m going to need you to take a ‘loan’ from you. I will, of course, reimburse you for the funds needed.”

Bit looked a little unsure. “That’s going to be very tough,” he stated. “Some of my investors have been questioning where some of the funds are going and it would be very hard for me to persuade them that there are minor errors and calculations on the part of accountants. I think you should use the royal treasury.”

Blueblood frowned. “My access to the treasury has been restricted due to some of my recent spending binges,” he said. “If these investors ask questions, just claim somepony has been robbing your bank and you’re trying to find out who it is.”

“But how?” wondered Bit.

“That’s where you come in, Golden,” said the prince. “Do you still have your connections in the police departments?”

The mare smiled deviously. “I certainly do and they’ll do anything to help me. Some are still a bit wary they may be caught, but I can persuade them to do things my way.”

“Good, we will need those connections to make sure no evidence or trail is left leading to us,” said Blueblood. “Just be careful that you aren’t caught yourself.”

“Aren’t I always?” she asked.

Blueblood looked at Heavy. “Major, you said a team of psychologists had a new method of anti-mind control training?”

Heavy nodded. “That’s correct, but they need test subjects.”

“Then my men and the men under your command will be the test subjects. What better cover to distract the others than by generously volunteering to use this new method?”

“Very well,” he said. “What if the training suffers the same results?”

“Then those who succumbed to insanity shall be disposed of,” he said, coldly. “You’ll also have to wait on your hunt for that rare two-headed dragon. You’ll have to train your men more vigorously than before. Don’t worry, I know you’ve trained and bred your troops to hunt exotic creatures, but this one is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You’ll have a trophy that will leave a magnificent legacy for the future.”

Heavy grinned wickedly. “I would love that.”

“And you, Quick,” said Blueblood as he pointed to his advisor. “You shall continue to be my spy and relay me any information about Rarity’s movements.”

Quick bowed and said, “I shall, my lord.”

Blueblood smirked. “Then it’s settled. You all have your orders and what to do. The only last bit of advice I can tell you all is to remain in close contact with each other and, above all else, do not mention any of this to anypony else. I don’t want to risk a panic and let my aunts here about this, or else they’ll come and do who knows what to us. Until I get more information though, just go about your daily business and remain vigilant. Clear?”

The group nodded in unison.

“Good.” Blueblood turned to the door. “Guards!” he barked.

The door opened revealing two white unicorns in royal blue armor. They both saluted the prince.

“Escort these three ponies out of the castle and keep them out of sight of Princess Luna,” he said. “Take them to the eastern entrance of the castle and let them go there.”

“Yes, your highness,” both guards said.

Bit, Golden, and Heavy waved goodbye and trotted out of the room with the two royal guards. The door slammed shut, leaving Blueblood and Quick alone.

The prince began to pace back and forth. “So . . . now that I got those three to help me out, I need to find out how we can lure Rarity into a trap and take care of her. I just need a lead now as to where she is going to.”

Quick felt something click in his head from that last statement. “Your highness, I forgot to–”

“Not now, Quick,” interrupted Blueblood. “I’m busy thinking how to track Rarity’s movements. She’ll probably be keeping this information very close to her and nopony else probably knows this.”

“Sir,” said Quick, but his words fell on deaf ears.

“I need to quickly figure out what Rarity is up to if I’m to begin my attempts to finally bring her down,” said the prince. “Now where to begin?”

“Sir!” barked Quick. The prince turned around, looking a bit shocked and angry. Quick bowed his head, feeling a bit embarrassed. “Forgive me, my lord, but I needed to get your attention.”

“For what reason?” asked the prince in an intimidating tone.

“I know where Rarity is going.”

Blueblood’s scowl quickly changed into a devious smile. “You do?” he asked “Well let’s hear it.”

Quick looked and found the saddlebag he was wearing earlier. He opened it and pulled out a piece of paper. “This should have all the information you need.”

Blueblood snatched the paper from Quick’s hoof and began reading it. As he did, his smile grew wider and his head was buzzing with ideas.

He put the paper down and looked over at Quick. “So she’s headed to Manehatten, huh? I’m impressed you got this information, Quick. However, I do have one question for you.”

“Yes, your highness?”

The prince trotted over slowly and put his hoof around Quick’s neck. He then squeezed the neck and pulled his advisor in, allowing him to see the furious expression on his face. “Why didn’t you say anything about this earlier!?” he demanded. “This information would’ve helped further plan out my strategy!”

Quick desperately gasped for air. “I. . . it slipped my mind,” he wheezed. “I . . . was trying . . . to tell you my findings.”

Blueblood huffed and released his grip on Quick, allowing him to gasp and catch his breath. “Well, at least you were smart enough to bring me this information. Now that we know she’s going to Manehatten, we need to think of a plan to catch her.”

Quick rubbed his throat and cleared it. “Well the letter does say she’s going to some fashion show,” he said. “Maybe this whole marching thing is about her going to that event and showing her new dresses. She is a dress designer after all.”

Blueblood looked at his advisor for a moment and then let out a cold laugh. “That’s a good one,” he said. “Why would somepony who allowed herself to become Nightmare Moon go to some fashion show then? And even if that is the case, Rarity is still a danger to us all. No matter what her reasons are, I will have Rarity in my grasp and I’ll finally be rid of the one who ruined my image.”

“Where would we begin anyway, my lord?” inquired Quick.

“Well she is going to a fashion show in Manehatten, so . . . we . . . must . . .” Blueblood’s words trailed off and he stared off in the distance.

Quick quirked an eyebrow and raised his hoof over the prince’s eyes, waving it. “Hello?” he asked. “Your highness, is something wrong?”

Blueblood slapped the hoof away and looked at Quick with an ecstatic expression on him. “Quick, I think I got a solution to this problem. Quickly, we must go to my room and pull the Manehatten File out of my file cabinet.”

“The Manehatten File?” the advisor wondered. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“It’ll have the answer to our problem,” said the prince. “Now come on!”

Blueblood marched out of the room. Quick shrugged to himself and quickly followed him.

A door creaked open and Prince Blueblood and Quick Note ran in, shutting the door in the process. The room itself was very orderly and seemed to fit Blueblood’s own image. The whole room had royal blue wallpaper and golden chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. There was a large fireplace that was lit, with two pillows nearby and a large portrait of Blueblood grinning smugly about it. There was a large cherrywood desk with a large window nearby, covered by blue drapes. The canopy bed was red, but the only other thing standing out about it was the large quilt that had Blueblood’s face on it.

“Quick, stop looking around and help me find the file!” ordered Blueblood.

He looked over and saw the prince was at large metal file cabinet near his bed. “Yes, your highness,” he said as he ran over.

The two of them frantically searched the files. Blueblood hastily looked through each file and carelessly threw the wrong ones out. Quick slowly looked through each file tab, going from the D Files to eventually the M Files. Suddenly, Quick came across a file reading “Manehatten Incident” and pulled it out.

“Your highness, I found it,” he stated.

Blueblood stopped digging through the cabinet and looked over at Quick, who extended his hoof with the file out. He snatched it out of his hooves and opened it, searching its contents until he came across something that got his eye. He pulled out a tattered old newspaper and Quick tried to see what it said. He only got a small glimpse of a photo of a distraught pony and a headline in bold red lettering above it reading “DISGRACED”. As the prince’s eyes darted back and forth, he chuckled sinisterly to himself.

Quick gulped a little and hesitantly asked, “Your highness, did you find anything?”

Blueblood placed the paper down and looked at Quick with a wicked grin. “Did I find anything?” he asked in a mocking tone. “Why I found another potential ally in my cause. According to what I read in this article, this pony had a run in with Rarity as well and suffered a fate that cost her everything. If I were to recruit this pony, I could have another valuable assistant to capturing Rarity.”

Quick looked at the article and gasped at the picture. “But sir, I thought this whole thing was to be kept between us and your three associates. Even if we looked for this pony, we don’t know where to begin.”

Blueblood waved a hoof. “Ah, you worry too much, Quick. What this pony suffered through is enough to drive anypony to seek revenge. I know I can make convince our soon to be new friend to see things my way.”

Quick bit his lip and nodded.

“As for where to begin, we just need to go ask around,” said the prince. “In fact, clear my schedule for the rest of the week.”

“Uh . . . your schedule is cleared already,” said Quick. “You didn’t have a single thing scheduled to due this week by the princesses, again.”

Blueblood’s left eye twitched a little, but he shook his head. “Good to know then. Now, we’ve got to get ready to leave for Manehatten first thing in the morning.”

“Sir, finding one pony in a city like Manehatten is going to be the equivalent of trying to find a needle in the world’s largest haystack,” stated Quick.

“I could care less,” said the prince. “We need to hurry and find our target before the fashion show. If we ask around enough and look hard enough, maybe we can find who I’m looking for.”

Blueblood pulled out of the file a picture of Rarity, who was beaming as she held a trophy and was surrounded by her friends. He smirked to himself. “Then, with my intelligence, I shall finally have Rarity right where I want her. I’ll have her begging for mercy once I’m through with her.”

Blueblood let out a cold laugh as he threw the photo into the fireplace and watched it burn to pieces.

Author's Note

A very special thank you goes out to Alcatraz for assisting in proofreading and editing this story.

I can easily say this chapter was a lot faster to write than the last one. The next few chapters will be tricky to write, but I think I can pull it off. And I'm pretty sure some of you already know who this other pony Blueblood is looking for. Please be kind and don't mention this pony's name in the comments. I want to try and keep it a secret for next chapter.

Thanks again for your patience and thanks for reading.

Advice and Offers

Sweetie Belle hummed to herself as she trotted down the stairs of Carousel Boutique. Her thoughts were filled with what food would be waiting for her this morning.

As she trotted towards the kitchen, with a hop in her step, she called out: “Morning, Rarity. What are we having this morning?”

There was no response.

Sweetie quirked an eyebrow. “Rarity?”

She poked her head into the kitchen and looked around, only to feel disappointed. The kitchen was deserted, with no signs that the place had been used in a while. There was no food out, nor any plates on the table.

Sweetie sighed dejectedly. “Ugh! Another morning with no breakfast ready,” she complained.

She shook her head and trotted her way back upstairs,muttering to herself angrily.

“She better not have done this again,” she muttered.

She trotted towards her sister’s room and slowly opened the door. Sweetie was used to the ‘organized chaos’ in Rarity’s room, but it looked more chaotic than organized. Rolls of fabric littered the floor, with some of the fabric stretching across the room. Papers with dress designs on them scattered the place. Crumbled pieces of paper laid in the trashcan, but the bin was so full, the remaining pieces of paper fells out and formed a small hill around the trashcan.

“Nngh. . .” a voice groaned.

Sweetie turned her head to the right and saw, not to her surprise, Rarity slumped over her sewing machine, with her hooves holding on a piece of fabric.

Sweetie rolled her eyes and trotted over to her sister. She poked her in the side several times. “Wake up, Rarity!” she ordered.

The fashionista mumbled gibberish and remained motionless.

Sweetie poked her sister again. “Come on!” she complained.

Rarity swatted away the hoof and turned her head away from Sweetie.

Sweetie groaned in frustration and looked around the room. Her eyes fell upon a roll of golden fabric and an idea popped into her head. She trotted over to the fabric and picked up a piece of it. She looked back at Rarity, who was still sleeping and shrugged to herself. She pulled the fabric with her hooves tightly and a tiny ripping sound could be heard.

Rarity’s eyes went wide with horror and she quickly raised her head. “Don’t touch that fabric!” she cried out.

Rarity looked around the room, trying to gain her bearings about what was happening. As she looked around though, she noticed Sweetie standing next to her, holding the golden fabric and looking unimpressed.

“Oh, it’s only you Sweetie,” sighed Rarity, sounding a bit relieved. She noticed the fabric in her hooves and her eyes narrowed. “What are you doing with my fabric? You know you shouldn’t be touching it, much less ripping it.”

“It was the only way to wake you up,” she complained. “You weren’t downstairs to fix breakfast like you normally would, again.”

“You are capable of making breakfast on your own,” stated Rarity.

“You won’t let me, remember?” inquired a frustrated Sweetie. “You won’t even let me make cereal.”

“But to rip my fabric, the very lifeblood of clothing material was uncalled for,” Rarity sternly said. “Honestly, Sweetie, you could’ve woken me up some other way.”

The filly sighed exasperatedly and shook her head. “Yeah, but this is the third time in a row I’ve had to wake you up like this! Nothing else would work.”

Rarity let out a sigh of her own. “You know full well that I need to spend every moment I got to design and sew these dresses.” She pointed her hoof towards a pile of folded clothing near the sewing machine.

“Didn’t the doctor say to take it easy?” wondered Sweetie.

“One does not simply take it easy when it comes to preparing for a fashion show,” said Rarity.

A grumbling and groaning sound echoed in the room. Sweetie looked at Rarity in curiosity and saw she was blushing a bit.

“Well I guess taking a break wouldn’t hurt,” she said. She got up and looked at Sweetie. “Shall I make some toast?”
The filly beamed and nodded. “With cinnamon on it?” she wondered, sounding hopeful.

Rarity chuckled and said, “Of course.”

“Yay!” exclaimed Sweetie as she galloped down the hall.

Rarity smiled softly and followed her sister.

As Rarity washed the crumbs and cinnamon off the plates, she handed them over to Sweetie, who dried them off and put them in a neat pile nearby. After the last one was dried, Rarity put them away in the cupboard while Sweetie straightened up the table.

Sweetie finished pushing the chairs in and looked at her sister. “What are we going to do today, Rarity?” she asked. “Go to the park and play? Do some dress up? See a movie?”

Rarity chuckled a little and shook her head. “Why don’t you go play with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo? You girls haven’t been on one of your crusader adventures in a while.”

Sweetie frowned a little and said, “They’ve been wanting to spend a little more time with each other. Ever since they started dating, they’ve been wanting to spend a little more time with each other. Besides, we still get together, along with Button.”

Rarity quirked an eyebrow and smiled a bit deviously. “Oh? When did he become a Cutie Mark Crusader?”

“I. . . I made him a member,” said Sweetie, blushing a bit.

“Well why don’t you go see him?”

Sweetie frowned again. “He’s out of town for the week,” she said in a gloomy tone. “That’s why I want to spend the day with you, Rarity. I got nopony else to play with.”

Rarity frowned a little and bit her lip. “I’m sorry to hear that, Sweetie,” she said. “But I need to finish not only my orders, but finish putting the fashion line together. Why don’t you be a dear and help me?”

“The last time I tried to help, you yelled at me for scrunching up one of your dresses in the sewing machine,” said Sweetie.

“Oh. . .” stated Rarity, quietly. “Well I did apologize to you for that.”

“That’s not that point,” Sweetie said dejectedly. “I want to play with you, not spend a whole day being surrounded by dresses and dumb fabric.”

“My fabric is certainly not dumb,” argued Rarity. “You just don’t appreciate how the colors and the different qualities of it can make a good dress.”

“Yeah, that’s the problem,” she sarcastically muttered under her breath

“What was that?” inquired Rarity.

“Nothing!” answered Sweetie.

“Well if there’s nothing else, I will be on my way to finish those dresses. I only got a few more days before I leave for Manehatten.”

“Come on, Rarity,” whined Sweetie. “You’ve been working on those dresses for three days now!”

“And those three days were spent wisely,” stated Rarity. “I’m afraid I have no time for anything else if I’m to be ready by this weekend.”

“But Rarity. . .”

“No buts, Sweetie. I need to finish my designs, or I’ll be forced to pull out of the show. Nothing is going to change my mind about it and that’s final.”

Ding-Dong

Rarity turned her attention to the main entrance upon hearing the bell and let out a sigh. “Except for that.”

She trotted over to the door and opened it to reveal Fluttershy standing there and smiling softly.

“Good morning, Rarity,” she said. “Are you ready to go?”

Rarity quirked an eyebrow. “Ready? Ready for what?”

Fluttershy looked a bit shocked. “You know? Our weekly spa session?”

Rarity’s stomach churned a bit and felt a bit embarrassed. “Oh. . . um, I see,” she muttered. “Can we possibly reschedule for another day? I have other things to do.”

“But I can’t,” said Fluttershy. “We always have it on Wednesdays. Besides, since we’re leaving this Saturday, we won’t have time to do it another day. I need to spend tomorrow and Friday making sure my animal friends have everything they need before we leave.”

Rarity frowned and said, “I’m dreadfully sorry, Fluttershy, but I can’t. I simply have too much work to do. Besides, I don’t have anypony to watch over Sweetie Belle.”

“I can look after myself!” she called out.

“After what you did last time? I don’t think so,” Rarity firmly stated.

“Oh, come on! How was I supposed to know Opal doesn’t like baths?! I was just trying to be nice!”

“Because of that incident poor Opalescence gets scared at the mention of water.” Rarity looked back at Fluttershy. “I’m terribly sorry, dear, but maybe after the fashion show, we can–”

“Heya, Rarity!” a southern filly shouted.

The unicorn and Fluttershy looked to the side to see Apple Bloom and Scootaloo running up to the boutique.

“What can I do for you girls?” wondered Rarity.

“Can Sweetie come out to play?” asked Scootaloo. “We figured since Button is gone, we can just hang out.”

Rarity opened her mouth to speak, but suddenly felt something push against her. She looked over to see Sweetie looking ecstatic.

“Really?” she wondered in a hopeful voice.

“Yeah! We were also thinking of a way to get our cutie marks today. How about it, Sweetie?” asked Apple Bloom.

The filly looked up at Rarity. “Oh, can I go please, Rarity? I promise I won’t get into trouble.”

Rarity rubbed her chin. “Well. . . I don’t know.”

“Please?” pleaded Sweetie.

Rarity looked at the sad puppy like expression of her sister and was overcome with guilt. She nodded and said, “Very well, but I don’t want to hear anything about somepony’s property being destroyed by your crusading.”

Sweetie rolled her eyes. “You accidentally break somepony’s window and then all of Ponyville doesn’t trust you.”

“Sweetie,” Rarity warned.

The filly nodded. “Alright, I get it.” Sweetie hugged her sister. “Thanks, Rarity!” She bolted out the door and ran off with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.

Rarity and Fluttershy watched until they were out of sight. Fluttershy looked at Rarity and asked, “Are you ready?”

The fashionista rubbed the back of her head. “Fluttershy, there’s another reason I can’t go. You see I–”

“Oh, my goodness!” cried out Fluttershy. She pointed towards a clock on a wall behind Rarity, showing it was nearly ten. “We’re going to be late! We better hurry!” The pegasus galloped down the street.

“Fluttershy, wait!” called out Rarity. Her friend was too far away to hear though, making Rarity sigh to herself.

She looked back upstairs, pondering about the clothes and then looked out again towards the direction Fluttershy galloped. With a heavy sigh, Rarity decided to trot out the door and lock her boutique.

“I guess a little time off wouldn’t hurt me,” she said. “As soon as this is over though, I shall finish my order by tonight.”

Rarity just trotted into Aloe and Lotus’ spa, albeit she was panting a bit from the running she had to do. She straightened herself up and looked around the place. The room was large and had sky blue wallpaper along its walls and its floors were white and shiny. There were several chairs to the left for those who were waiting for their appointment. To the right was a red door and a table nearby, with a blue mare with a pink mane standing behind it.

The pony looked up and gasped at Rarity. She trotted over to her. “Oh, Miss Rarity, welcome,” she said in a rather thick Prench accent. “Your friend, Miss Fluttershy, was just taken back to the mud baths. If you hurry, you can get there before Aloe starts the treatment.”

Rarity nodded. “Very well, Lotus,” she said.

Lotus led Rarity to the red door and opened it. They both trotted down the hallway, passing by other rooms like the sauna, an area where some ponies were getting a massage, and even a giant pool that made Rarity reminisce about when she and her friends used a similar pool to cure themselves of Poison Joke.

Lotus stopped halfway down the hall, prompting Rarity to do the same thing. Lotus opened the door to reveal as small dimly lit room with royal purple wall paper and a chandelier hanging above. Along the walls were tall and elegant candle stands, with the candles themselves giving off a lilac aroma that filled the room. The back of the room had a hallway entrance with a sign above it saying “Showers” and there was a stack of white towels near the door. Along each side of the room was three large tubs, each one full of mud.

Rarity’s eyes caught notice of a pink mare attending to Fluttershy, who was lying in the tub in the upper left corner near the door.

The pink mare, Aloe, noticed Rarity and smiled. “Just in time, Mizz Rarity,” she said in a similar accent to her sister. “Please come and join your friend. I was just getting ready to put the cucumbers on her eyes.”

“Oh, of course,” said Rarity.

She trotted over to the tub next to Fluttershy and cautiously stepped into the mud, shivering a bit as the hot substance tingled her body. After settling herself in the tub, Rarity laid her head back and closed her eyes. Aloe trotted over to Rarity and put cucumber slices over her eyes. Aloe then went over to a nearby table and cranked a small white timer.

“I will be back in thirty minutes, girls,” said Aloe. “Please don’t hesitate to call me or my sister for anything.”

“We won’t,” said Fluttershy. She laid her head back against the wall and let out a contented sigh.

Rarity laid her head back too, but despite wanting to forget her troubles for a while, she couldn’t help but think back to the large order waiting for her at home.

Do I use red ribbon on that dress, or cinnamon ribbon? she pondered. Well cinnamon wouldn’t be bad with orange, but I don’t want my designs to look like a bunch of dead leaves were thrown together. Maybe I should pay another visit to Silver and see what he has in stock.

“Rarity?”

The white unicorn jumped a little in surprise and said, “Red ribbon it is!”

Fluttershy jumped a little too from the response she got and let out a “Meep!” before sinking into the mud a bit.

Rarity held her chest and took a few deep breaths as her heart beat slowed down. After a few minutes, she let out a relaxed sigh.

“Um . . . Rarity?” a quiet voice whispered.

The unicorn’s ears perked up and although she couldn’t see with the cucumbers over her eyes, she recognized the voice. “Oh, um, sorry, Fluttershy,” she said. “I hope I didn’t scare you with my outburst.”

“It’s okay,” said Fluttershy, sounding a bit calmer now. “What were you saying anyway? Something about a ribbon?”

Rarity blushed a little in embarrassment. “Yes . . . I was thinking about what to put on one of my dresses for the upcoming fashion show. I’ve been at it for days and I still got to finish some of them up. Not to mention fix that suit for Fancy Pants and the Wonderbolt uniform.”

“It sounds like you’re very busy,”Fluttershy sighed. “Maybe we should have rescheduled after all instead of doing this.”

Rarity gasped and waved her hoof. “Oh, darling I wouldn’t dream of it,” she said. “Sweetie Belle did say that I’ve been working on those dresses for a while now. Perhaps I should relax and forget about them for a while. Now do tell me, Fluttershy, how have things been going for you? Anything new?”

No response came from Fluttershy.

“Darling?” asked Rarity.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Rarity,” said Fluttershy. “I was just thinking about what you asked.”

“Well?”

“There’s really been nothing happening,” Fluttershy stated. “But . . . there was one thing.”

Rarity quirked an eyebrow. “Oh? What was it?”

“I’ve . . . been spending time with Bulk Biceps,” she muttered.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” asked Rarity.

“I’ve been spending time with Bulk Biceps,” said Fluttershy a bit louder.

“What?”

“I’ve been spending more time with Bulk Biceps,” she said rather loudly. She quickly placed a hoof over her mouth and felt the heat build up in her cheeks.

Rarity stayed silent for a moment, taking in what she heard. She quirked an eyebrow. “I see . . . well, that’s nice to hear,” she said. “I must admit, Fluttershy, I never really thought you would want to spend time with Bulk. He’s . . . interesting, but I never took him as somepony you would want to talk to.”

“He’s actually quite nice once you get to know him,” Fluttershy said. “Sure he yells a lot and does work out a lot, but once you get to know him, he’s not bad at all.”

“That’s not the impression I got from him.”

“He’s a real gentle guy though. He’s been helping me around the cottage and with the animals. Why he’s even managed to stay on Angel’s good side, and Angel’s always misbehaving around anypony who visits me.”

“That is quite the accomplishment. I remember when I first met you, he constantly pelted me with acorns,” said Rarity, sounding annoyed.

“He got around with you eventually,” said Fluttershy, reassuringly.

“Yeah . . . after a few months,” she muttered.

Fluttershy, either not hearing or just ignoring what her friend said, continued. “He and I have been talking and for somepony who’s pretty loud, he’s really kind and just a big gentle giant.”

Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like you’ve taken quite a liking to him,” she teased.

Fluttershy was glad her and Rarity had cucumbers over their eyes as the heat in her cheeks built up and she let out an embarrassed “Eep!” before sinking her head a little into the mud.

Rarity chuckled to herself. “Darling, I didn’t mean to press you like that,” she said, sounding a bit remorseful. “I was just saying that because you do seem to like him.”

Fluttershy rubbed her hooves together, nervously. “He’s. . . just a friend,” she said, timidly. “But you’re lucky, Rarity.”

The fashionista raised an eyebrow. “Why do you say that?” she wondered.

“Well, you’ve pretty much had your eyes set on several stallions, and some stallions here seem to have taken a liking to you as well.”

Rarity felt a bit cold and empty inside. “Um . . . what do you mean?” she asked.

“You seem to make it so easy with other stallions,” said Fluttershy. “Whenever you talked to me about somepony that you like, you always seem to know how to make them really like you. You have the looks and confidence to win almost any stallion over.”

Rarity turned her head away, the empty feeling in her feeling bigger. “Yet that always ended in failure,” she muttered.

“Did you say something, Rarity?” asked Fluttershy.

The white unicorn let out a long sigh. “I was just thinking to myself, Fluttershy.”

“About what?”

“You say I’m lucky with my beauty and how I can woo any stallion, but for all my efforts, it’s been for nothing,” said Rarity, gloomy.

“Why do you say that?” wondered the pegasus.

“Because . . . because every stallion I’ve met has either only been interested in my looks, my wealth, or just want a quick one night stand,” said Rarity.

Fluttershy lowered her head a little. “Oh . . . I’m sorry, Rarity, I didn’t know.”

The unicorn waved her hoof. “It’s quite alright, darling,” she said, still sounding a bit depressed. “Not all the stallions I met or who were interested in me were bad. The other stallions just lacked . . . charm.”

“I don’t understand.”

“What I’m saying is that they seem nice and handsome, but once you talk to them, they seem to boast about themselves and their accomplishments, what they plan to do, and just ignore what others are saying. Some did honestly try to woo me, but those stallions just never interested me.”

Fluttershy frowned, feeling a little regretful. “I’m sorry, Rarity. I hope I didn’t hurt you by talking about you like that.”

“You’re alright, Fluttershy,” said Rarity. “If anything, you’re the lucky one.”

The pegasus jumped a little in shock. “Really?” she inquired.

“Well yes,” replied the unicorn. “Bulk seems to have more in common with you then I realized and he seems nice enough to you. You had more luck than I in love.”

Fluttershy blushed a deep red. “He’s just a friend though,” she muttered.

Rarity couldn’t help but smile a little. “Regardless, it sounds like he’s a good stallion for you. If you ever want to become more than that with him, just talk to me and I’ll be happy to help.”

The pegasus smiled a little. “Thanks, Rarity, I’ll remember that.”

Rarity rested her head back, feeling a bit more contentful.

“One more thing,” said Fluttershy.

The fashionista quirked an eyebrow. “Yes?”

“Don’t worry about what I said,” said Fluttershy. “Maybe one day, you’ll find somepony again. Maybe even somepony around here.”

Rarity looked down and smiled sadly. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she said solemnly.

She sighed and leaned her head back. If only it were that easy, she thought to herself.

Before Rarity knew it, the spa trip was over. Much to her relief, they spent the remainder of the time talking about the upcoming trip to Manehatten and what to do. It was twelve-thirty in the afternoon by the time they were done and Fluttershy said she had to go home to feed her animal friends. Her and Rarity said goodbye before they took off in opposite directions.

As Rarity trotted back towards Carousel Boutique, her mind was abuzz with the thought of all those dresses at her shop. However, something else creeped into her mind, something that gnawed at her constantly.

“Why did I just suddenly feel so . . . empty when I talked to Fluttershy?” she wondered. “All she did was talk about my attempts at finding love. Yet it made me feel cold and rather hurt. I mean sure she may not admit it, but she does seem to like Bulk, despite his . . . enthusiasm.”

Rarity sighed to herself. “I mean, my love life hasn’t exactly been the greatest, but I’m not giving up. So what if many of my past relationships were failures? Who cares if the ponies I was interested in were?” As she asked those questions, Rarity felt a bit cold inside and the courage in her died. She lowered her head and muttered, “Who indeed?”

She shook her head and said, “Perhaps I’m thinking too much into this. I just need to focus on something more productive, like my dresses at home. Speaking of which, I should probably head over to the store and pick up some more fabric. If everything goes fine, I should be able to finish it to–”

“Hey, Rarity, there y’are!” a southern voice called out.

“–Day,” muttered Rarity. She looked to the side to see Applejack approaching her. “Hello, Applejack.”

“Howdy, partner,” she said. “I’ve been looking for ya most of the day to tell you two things. First, thanks for letting me give Soarin his uniform back. He said it was just like new and even offered to buy you dinner,” she said, with that last part sounding a bit annoyed.

“Well thank you, darling,” said Rarity. “It was nothing I couldn’t handle. Now, what was the other thing?”

“I need to talk to ya, sugarcube,” said Applejack. “Somewhere a little less out in the open.”

Rarity raised an eyebrow in confusion, but decided not to question her friend. “Okay. . . well there’s a tree we can hide behind,” she said, warily.

“Close enough,” said Applejack. She pulled the unicorn by the leg, causing Rarity to yelp in terror. After they got behind the tree, Applejack looked around, but nopony was in sight.

Rarity slapped Applejack’s hoof away and narrowed her eyes. “Applejack, control yourself!” she scolded. “Honestly, you didn’t need to do that.”

“Sorry, Rarity,” said the farmer pony. “This really can’t wait though and you're the only one I can talk to about this.”

“And what, might I ask, is so important that you needed to drag me?” demanded Rarity.

“It’s something I’ve been keeping to myself for some time,” said Applejack.

“What is it?”

“I’ve been holding this back for a while now and I think you need to hear what I have to say.”

“Again, what is it?”

“This is a bit hard for me to say, partner,” said Applejack, a little hesitantly. “I just don’t know how you’ll take what I have to say to ya.”

Rarity’s eyes went a bit wide. “Applejack . . . what are you getting at?” she wondered.

The farmer turned away, looking a bit flustered. “I just don’t know how to say it to you after all this time. I’ve been kind of holding it in for too long.”

The fashionista backed up a little. “Applejack, is this some sort of come on to confess that you . . . like me?” she wondered, sounding a bit worried.

Applejack shook her head and looked shocked. “What?! Oh, hay no!” she exclaimed. “You think I pulled ya over here just to say that to ya?!”

Rarity couldn’t help but chuckle a little. “Perhaps those rumors I’ve heard about you are true after all,” she said.

The farmer pony let out an exasperated groan and stomped her hoof. “I swear, ya turn down the interests of some famous writer whose nuttier than Twilight on missing a friendship report and suddenly, all of Equestria thinks yer barn door doesn’t swing that way!”

“Calm down, Applejack,” ordered the unicorn. “You were sounding like you were confessing to me.”

“Well I wasn’t!” interjected Applejack, angrily. “I’m just. . . well it’s . . . oh, never mind!” The farmer turned around to leave.

Rarity grabbed her friend by the tail and forced Applejack to turn back around. “Darling, whatever you need to tell me, just tell me.”

Applejack scratched the back of her head and let out a sigh. “Alright, sugarcube, but one more thing.”

“And that is?”

“Don’t tell anypony else.”

Rarity held up a hoof. “Pinkie Promise,” she proclaimed.

“FOREVER!” Pinkie’s voice echoed.

Applejack and Rarity jumped a little in surprise, but quickly shrugged it off.

“Now, what is it?” asked Rarity.

Applejack bit her lip. “I need some advice,” she muttered.

“Advice?”

“For a friend!” the farmer blurted out. “A friend who . . . is a little shy about these kind of things.”

Rarity looked a bit shocked from her friend’s outburst and worried. “. . . I see, go on,” she said, apprehensively.

Applejack rubbed her hooves together. “Well . . . she’s been seeing this pegasus for a while now and he’s quite the stallion. I, er, she doesn’t know how she would talk to him though, or what to say to him.”

Rarity quirked an eyebrow. “Tell me more about this stallion,” she said, sounding a bit suspicious.

“Well he’s pretty strong, for a pegasus that is, a smooth talker, and well . . . um . . .” Applejack gulped a little as she tried to hide a growing blush. “. . . handsome. He’s a bit of a goofball and like pi–er, I mean, cake.”

The fashionista smirked a little. “Is that so? Well what does your ‘friend’ want?”

Applejack wiped the sweat off her forehead and took a deep breath. “Well. . . I, er. . . um, she wants to know how she would ask him on a . . . on a . . .”

“On a date?” inquired Rarity.

“That’s it!” exclaimed Applejack. “I, well, she wants to ask him out on a date. Ya got any advice on asking somepony out and what to do?”

Rarity closed her eyes and hummed to herself.

“Well?” wondered Applejack.

The fashionista smiled deviously to herself. “Before I answer your question, Applejack, I have something to ask you.”

“Uh. . . okay,” said the farmer pony, unsurely.

“Didn’t you say that Soarin offered to take me out to dinner?”

Applejack perched her lips. “Yeah. . . why do you ask?”

“I was thinking that maybe I should accept it,” said Rarity, carefully hiding her smirk.

“Excuse me?” demanded Applejack, her eyes narrowing.

“I have been working awfully hard lately. Perhaps I should take advantage of such a generous offer by him. Maybe I could even get to know him more and see where things go.”

The farmer’s eye twitched and she gritted her teeth. “Now hold on here,” she ordered. “Yer much too busy on those dresses of yours. Didn’t you say you wanted to finish them as quickly as possible?”

Rarity nodded. “I did, but maybe a little break wouldn’t hurt me. I have heard Soarin is quite the ladies man anyway.” She trotted past Applejack. “Now what should I wear when I tell him I’ll accept his invitation? Maybe something matching a Wonderbolt’s uniform? No, no, no. Maybe a–”

Applejack snorted and stomped her hoof. “Not if I ask him out first!” she bellowed.

Rarity turned around and smiled sinisterly. “Gotcha,” she said.

“Got what?” demanded Applejack, who was still huffing.

“Seems like I found out who this ‘friend’ of yours is,” said Rarity, smugly.

Applejack was a bit confused, but the realization quickly dawned upon her. Her eyes went wide with surprise and could feel the heat building up in her cheeks, making her try to hide her face.

“You surprise me, darling,” said Rarity as she was chuckling. “To think you finally found somepony you love at last. I have to be honest with you; I never could see you with anypony else.”

Applejack quickly placed a hoof over Rarity’s mouth and looked around frantically. “Quiet!” she seethed. “You want all of Ponyville to hear!?”

The fashionista slapped the hoof away. “Applejack, why are you being so secretive about this?” she wondered. “There’s nothing wrong with falling for somepony.”

“One, I don’t want Soarin to hear and I scare him off with how I feel,” said Applejack. “Two, you remember the last time our sisters played matchmaker.”

Rarity blushed a little. “Well at least it worked out for Big Macintosh and Cheerilee, didn’t it?” she wondered.

“That ain’t the point!” exclaimed Applejack. “The point is that I don’t want them to try that again.” She let out a sigh. “Besides, even if I didn’t have to worry about that, what can I talk to Soarin about?”

The unicorn quirked an eyebrow. “I’m not understanding, darling,” she stated.

“What am I supposed to say to Soarin? He’s a big shot and all I can talk to him about is just . . . apples, of all things.”

Rarity rubbed the back of her head. “Well I’m sure he’ll find it somewhat interesting,” she said, hesitantly.

Applejack gave her friend a deadpanned expression. “Oh, he’ll be so interested,” she said with a mocking tone. “Oh, Soarin, would you like to hear this history of zap apples? What about how many kinds of apples are there in Equestria? Or, my favorite, how many apple trees I bucked in a single day.”

Rarity bit her lip. “Well you do have a point,” she said.

“You see? I’d probably bore him so much, he’d never want to see me again, much less look at an apple again,” said Applejack, depressingly.

Rarity frowned and wraped a hoof around her friend’s shoulder. “Applejack, you’re overreacting. It’s okay to be nervous about asking the stallion of your dreams out, but you don’t want to act like a wreck around him.”

“Kind of hard not to be nervous around him when you’re not exactly in the same league as a famous Wonderbolt,” groaned the farmer.

“Honestly, you’re being much too hard on yourself,” said Rarity, sternly. “Why don’t you tell me what Soarin has said about you?”

“Well. . . he said I’m kinda cute, hardworking, and nice,” she said, blushing a bit. “Why do you ask?”

Rarity smiled softly. “Darling, I think you got nothing to worry about.”

Applejack quirked an eyebrow. “Why would you say that?” she wondered.

“It sounds like you’ve already made a good impression in front of him,” said the unicorn. “I’d say you do have a good shot at him.”

Applejack opened her mouth to object, but recalled what she just said. She rubbed her chin and nodded slowly. “I . . . guess you’re right,” she said, hesitantly. “But even then, even if I do ask him out, I don’t know what I’d talk to him about without making him bored.”

“Why not tell him more about your family business?” asked Rarity. “Didn’t Granny Smith tell the tale of how your family found Ponyville and all the foals were amazed by it?”

Applejack rubbed her chin. “Hmm. . . ya got a point there, sugarcube,” she responded. “He’s been asking me about how my family established here.”

Rarity clapped her hooves together. “Well there you go. You have something to talk to him about, and I’m sure he won’t be bored of it either.”

“But what if he does get bored with it and wants to talk about something else? I don’t want to come off as somepony who doesn’t know what they’re talking about.”

“Applejack, my advice is for you to just tell yourself more to Soarin.”

The farmer pony raised an eyebrow. “And just what in the hay does that mean?” she inquired.

Rarity let out a soft sigh. “I mean you should tell him about your accomplishments,” she replied. “I’m sure he’d be interested in hearing some of the adventures we’ve had. You can also tell him about how your skills in rounding up animals, but there is one thing that you should also do.”

“And that is?”

“You should also listen to him and get to know him more.”

“Excuse me?”

“If you’re truly interested in him and want to win him over, then listen to some of his interests as well. There’s got to be something he likes aside from pie. Then, if your date goes well, you can try to do something with him that interests him. Who knows? If things go really well, maybe you and Soarin could–”

“Alright, don’t get ahead of yourself now!” barked Applejack, blushing deeply. She sighed and said, “Sorry, Rarity, I’m just trying to take things one step at a time. I don’t even want to think of something like that yet.”

“Oh, I understand all too well, darling. Why, I got nervous over the crushes I had. Only for them . . . to . . . fail,” muttered Rarity, sounding a bit depressed.

Applejack raised an eyebrow. “You alright, sugarcube?” she wondered.

Rarity shook her head and let out a sigh. “It’s nothing, Applejack. I’m just thinking to myself about. . . something else.”

The farmer pony bit her lip. “Okay then, well thank you for the advice, Rarity,” she said, hesitantly. “I’ll be sure to use some of those suggestions you told me about.”

The fashionista waved a hoof. “Think nothing of it, darling,” she replied, sounding more confident. “When one of my friends is in love, I am always willing to lend a hoof in making sure their love life is successful.”

Even though all my attempts at love have been failures, she coldly thought to herself. Rarity frowned at this and felt a bit cold herself.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

The white unicorn looked up to see Applejack staring at her again.

“That’s the second time you’ve blanked out on me,” said the farmer. “What’s wrong with you?”

“It’s nothing darling,” assured Rarity. “I’m just thinking to myself again.”

Applejack stared at her friend for a few seconds before nodding slowly. “Alright, well I guess that settles that then. I’ll head back to the farm and–”

“Nonsense, Applejack,” interrupted Rarity. “I need to quickly make you something if your proposal does work out. Now it will be tricky, but–”

“I actually already had something,” said Applejack.

Rarity stopped speaking and looked at her friend with a blank expression. “You do?” she inquired.

Applejack nodded. “Sure do! When I was talking to Soarin when I asked him about the uniform, he said I looked kinda cute in that outfit I wore for the Grand Galloping Gala. I figured I’d wear that again since he seems to like it.”

Rarity smiled and said, “Well I’m not normally one to recycle and reuse clothes a lot, but if he liked you the way you dressed up, then I’d say go ahead. But maybe I should also take you to Aloe and Lotus for a quick spa treatment to–”

“Granny Smith has that covered,” replied Applejack.

The fashionista looked at Applejack with a puzzled expression. “Granny Smith?” she asked.

“Yeah, she actually knows some beauty secrets that’s been passed down from one family member to another. She even used some of those fancy treatments on Big Mac when he asks Cheerilee out.”

“Tell me, Applejack. Is there anything Granny Smith can’t do?” wandered the fashionista.

The farmer pony rubbed her chin. “Uh. . . I guess get any younger,” she joked.

The two ponies looked at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter for a minute.

Applejack wiped a tear of laughter from her face and said, “Well thanks again, Rarity. I guess I better head home before anypony sees us together and takes things the wrong way.”

“Well I was happy to give you some–”

“Rarity, there you are!” a voice called out.

Both the white unicorn and Applejack turned to see Twilight and Spike running towards them.

Twilight huffed and puffed and she tried to catch her breath. “You . . . see, Spike?” she asked, gasping for air. “I told you Rarity was still in town.”

Spike crossed his arms. “Well I just wanted to make sure she was okay.” He looked up at Rarity and smiled. “Sorry about that. I’ve been wondering where you’ve been.”

“Why would you want to know that?” inquired the fashionista.

“Spike’s been worried that you haven’t been seen for a few days and wanted to check on you,” said Twilight.

Spike looked over at Twilight with an annoyed expression on his face. “I would’ve helped earlier if I wasn’t forced to triple check our luggage for the millionth time,” he said, the bitterness in his voice making Twilight leer at him.

“Spike, you know that it’s better to be safe than sorry,” said Twilight. “Now that Rarity’s been found, let’s go back and check to make sure you’ve packed all the toiletries you need.”

The dragon let out a sigh. “For the hundredth time, I made sure I got everything I need,” he said, exasperatedly. “Honestly, Twilight, you’re really overreacting. It’s not like we’re off to see Princess Celestia or anything.”

“We may not be seeing the princess, but this trip is very important for Rarity” said Twilight, sounding a bit annoyed. “Besides, we need to make extra sure that nopony in Manehatten knows about. . . ‘that’.”

“I’m right here you know?” inquired Rarity, sounding annoyed.

Twilight blushed embarrassingly. “Oh. . . um, sorry,” she said quietly. She turned to look at Spike. “Well, Spike, I guess we could take a small break from all the packing.”

“Finally,” he muttered. He let out a bit of a yawn. “That packing really made me tired. Let’s go home so I can catch a nap.”

Twilight looked at Rarity. “What have you been doing? I ran into Sweetie Belle earlier and she said you were still working on those dresses of yours. Did you finish them?”

Rarity tapped her hoof. “Well. . . not exactly,” she said. “I was on my way back from a spa appointment when Applejack asked me–”

“Ahem!” a voice announced.

Rarity looked and saw Applejack shaking her head and looking a bit nervous. Realizing what her friend was trying to say, the fashionista nodded. “She was asking if I needed help.”

Spike, who was slowly drifting off, suddenly shot his eyes wide open. “Oh, I can help you with that, Rarity!” he exclaimed, eagerly. “What do you need help with? Carrying fabric? Sewing?”

Rarity raised an eyebrow. “I thought you were tired, Spikey,” she said.

The dragon waved his hand. “Ah, I was just joking,” he replied. “Besides, I’m always happy to help you out.”

“I appreciate that, Spike, but maybe you should rest if you’ve been helping Twilight a lot,” said Rarity.

“No way,” said Spike, firmly. “I want to help you no matter what and after what happened to you, I’ll make sure nothing happens to you.”

As Rarity looked at Spike’s determined expression, she felt a little. . . relieved. It was almost hard for her to describe, but it felt calm and rather peaceful. She couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her friend.

“Very well, Spike,” she announced. “We still got a couple dresses to do, but with your help, I think we should be done with it in no time.”

The dragon nodded eagerly. “Got it!” he exclaimed. He looked over at Twilight. “I’ll see you later at the library, Twilight.”

The lavender unicorn smiled and chuckled. “Alright, but don’t forget that we need to finish packing and checking to make sure everything’s ready,” she said.

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” he said. Spike looked at Rarity. “Shall we go, m’lady?”

The fashionista couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’d be delighted to,” she replied.

Together, the two of them walked off into town, with Twilight and Applejack waving.

Applejack chuckled a little. “That’s Spike for ya,” she said. “Sometimes I think he works a little too hard for Rarity.”

Twilight nodded and said, “I just hope Rarity doesn’t overload herself with the show coming up. It’s already tough enough with what’s happened to her, but I just hope things will be okay.”

“I understand what you mean, Twilight,” said Applejack. “But I think we’ll be fine. Nopony’s really going to be paying attention or asking questions about Rarity.”

“I hope so, Applejack, I hope so,” replied Twilight.

Rain and thunder rumbling; those sounds were very familiar to a mare walking one of Manehatten’s ‘less traveled’ streets. The run down buildings, with street lights flickering constantly, the sounds of ponies yelling and some begging for their lives, and the sight of ponies taking scantily clad mares into alleys were an all too familiar sight for the pony.

She stopped in front of a large puddle of water and looked at herself. Her pink coat was mostly unkempt and looked a little shagged. Her hot red mane and tail was flat, with a few strands sticking out. The ruby red lipstick, black fishnets on her hind legs, and tight black skirt made her shiver a bit from the sight of it, but she dismissed it. She let out a sigh as she trotted down the street, ignoring the pelting rain drops falling on her.

The mare stopped at a nearby corner and let out another sigh. She looked around her surroundings and noticed several mares across the street in very similar clothes to her own. They greeted her with a nod before looking away and giving sultry looks to several passing stallions. The mare watched as a few of the stallions took interest in the other mares and give them some money before escorting them into a nearby alley. The sight of it made the mare’s stomach do a belly flop.

The sight was quickly cut short as a piece of paper hit the mare in the cheek, causing her to flinch. She snatched the paper and looked at it, but felt a burning anger build inside her. The picture had a smiling beige mare’s head with a short teal mane surrounded by a gold star on the top. In the middle were three elegant dresses of different styles. On the bottom of the paper it said Dresses by– but the last part was cut off by the rain smudging the name. The mare didn’t need to read it though as she recognized the beige mare. In a fit of anger, she ripped the paper apart and let out a frustrated groan.

She threw the pieces of paper down and gritted her teeth. “When I’m through with you, traitor, I’ll make sure you never work in the fashion business ever again,” she spat.

The mare was so angry that the sound of hoofsteps galloping against the street nearly missed her ears. As soon as her ears picked up the soon, she turned her head and gasped. A large, sleek black coach carriage with golden trimming. four windows with each covered by a red velvet curtain, and four lanterns hanging from each corner pulled up. Four ponies, each in black raincoats, were in front and had reigns on each of them to help pull it.

It’s showtime, thought the mare, trying her best not to smile greedly. It’s not common to see the Manehatten elite come to this part of town. Maybe tonight I can hit some major pay dirt.

The door to the coach opened and the mare cleared her throat. “Hi there big guy,” she said, seductively. “My name is Sweet Cherry and I–”

“Just get in,” said a stallion, coldly.

The mare stared blankly. “Excuse me?” she inquired.

“You hear me,” ordered the stallion. “Get in now.”

“Now hold on here,” the mare stated, sounding irritable. “We need to–”

“Please come in,” said another stallion, sounding more gentle. “We need to talk to you, but I’d think you’d much rather get out of the rain, right?”

The mare opened her mouth to protest, but felt the rain coming down harder. “Alright, make room!” she ordered. She quickly hopped into the coach and the carriage door closed.

She looked around it and saw it was more elegant on the inside. The floor was covered in a red velvet carpet, with two equally velvety couches in the back and front. There was a small chandelier hanging, lighting the place. On the right wall were some towels, and a bottle of what looked to be sparkling wine.

“Have a seat,” the cold voice said. “We have much to discuss.”

The mare jumped a little, forgetting about the other pony. She quickly sat on the empty couch at the front of the carriage. She looked towards the back and couldn’t help but feel a little nervous from the sight before her. Two ponies sat there, each in a black robe and covering their faces.

One of the ponies raised his head up. “Move out!” he barked.

The mare yelped a little as the coach slowly moved forward. She quickly regained her composure and put on her best seductive smile. “As I was saying,” she said, sweetly. “My name is Sweet Cherry. How can I help make your night sweet?”

“Cut the act,” ordered one of the stallions. “Nopony is around to eavesdrop on us and I know you’re only doing this as an act.”

The mare’s heart nearly froze and sweat began to build up on her forehead. “I–I have no c–clue what you’re talking about, sweetie,” she said, nervously. “I’m just–”

“–Somepony who isn't happy with what’s become of them and had to resort to selling herself on the streets, right Sweet Cherry, or should I say,” both ponies removed their hoods to reveal an alabaster white unicorn and a gray unicorn, “Miss Suri Polomare?”

The mare’s stomach sank and her face looked like she’d seen a ghost from both the accusation and the face she looked upon. She wanted nothing more than to crawl into a ball and hide herself in shame.

“P–Prince. . . Bl–Bl–Blueblood,” she muttered in sheer terror. “Wha. . .How? W–what are you doing here?”

The prince smiled. “You could say I was in the neighborhood,” he said. “And I had to see if the rumors and the ponies I talked to to track you down were true. To think you went from being one of the rising fashion designers to a lowly street rat.”

Suri looked up, still looking a bit fearful. “You don’t understand!” she screeched. “Do you think I wanted to do this? Do you think I enjoy doing this to myself almost every night to get myself through another day? Living in a shanty apartment with loud neighbors? Fearing that somepony would come out and kill me? The humiliation of degrading myself in front of a stallion almost every night? Do you think I honestly enjoy doing all of that?!”

Suri panted like as if she ran a marathon while Blueblood remained motionless.

The pink mare lowered her head. “Your highness, I beg of you,” she pleaded. “Don’t tell anypony about this. I’ve been humiliated enough and I’d probably never show my face anywhere in Equestria again.”

Suri bowed her head and was quivering in fear. She could hear the laughter of many ponies as they mocked her new living style. She tried her best to hold back the tears in her eyes and wiped any that seeped out very quickly.

Suddenly, she felt something soft thrown at her. She lifted her head up and noticed a white fluffy towel in front of her.

“Clean yourself up,” ordered Blueblood. “You look like something the cat dragged in.”

Suri hesitantly reached her hoof out for the towel, but took it nonetheless to wipe the few tears she missed and the massive amount of makeup on her. Soon the towel was completely dirty and Suri put aside.

“You look much better now,” said Blueblood. He levitated the bottle of sparkling wine three wine glasses. He poured some in each glass and levitated one of the glasses to Suri. “Drink up.”

Suri didn’t wait a moment before she eagerly sipped the drink and felt a bit refreshed. She looked back at Blueblood. “W–what do you want from me?” she asked.

“I’m not here to be judge, jury, and executioner,” replied the prince. “I’m here because I want to help you.”

“Help me?” wondered the pink mare. “How can you help me? I’m pretty much a disgrace across Equestria now.”

“We’ll get to that in a little bit. First, do you happen to know another fashionista by the name of Rarity?”

Suri bolted upright and stared out into space. Whatever fear she felt inside her quickly gave way to thoughts of anger and hate. The images of the white unicorn flashed before her eyes, from meeting her in Manehatten, to seeing her image on the paper as she was announced the winner of the fashion show, all Suri could see now were images of Rarity. The thought of her made her blood boil and, unbeknownst to her, her grip on the wine glass increased to the point where she broke it.

“I take it you do?” asked Blueblood.

Suri laid back and threw the remnants of the wine glass to the side. “. . . Yes,” she spat. “Why do you bring that. . . that. . . career destroyer up?”

“Because it seems you and I have a common thing,” he replied. “We’ve had our. . . ‘run ins’ with Rarity. Though it seems what happened to me at the Grand Galloping Gala was nothing compared to you.”

“You have no idea!” Suri snapped. “She was the one who offered to help give my dresses with that fabric! I simply told her it’s everypony for themselves here in this city and she has the nerve to claim I stole her designs! Then she just throws something that looks like it came from the dumpster together and still wins! But it wasn’t the end there.”

“How so?” asked Blueblood.

“My traitorous assistant exposed me and soon I lost everything!” yelled Suri. “Prim Hemline just happened to hear what I said about Rarity when. . . she said she didn’t want to help me anymore. She was so furious about what I did that soon all of Manehatten heard what she said about me.

The tabloids had a field day with my fallout and soon I had other ponies approaching me, claiming the very same thing I had done to Rarity. Even with the lack of evidence, I was forced to pay thousands of bits to settle those lawsuits. Soon after all those lawsuits, I had to sell my shop because nopony wanted to affiliate with me, much less shop there. I tried using my last bits to bounce back, but nopony was willing to hire me and every fashion business turned against me and disbarred me from future fashion shows and wouldn’t allow me in.”

The pink mare lowered her head. “I tried desperately to do anything to get myself back into the spotlight, but soon I lost all my remaining bits and. . . well, you know the rest.”

Blueblood sat there and finished drinking the rest of his sparkling wine. “Fear not, Miss Polomare,” he said, assuringly. “I’m not here to mock you or anything. I want to help get you back into the good graces of Manehatten, but only if you’re willing to help me with something.”

“What is it?” she asked, hesitantly.

“There’s something that’s happened to Rarity,” said the prince. “Something so dark, that it would not only ruin her career, but destroy her forever.”

Suri looked up and couldn’t help but smile eagerly. “Your highness, what is it?” she wondered. “Has she stolen designs too? Is she a fillyfooler? Tell me!”

Blueblood raised a hoof and narrowed his eyes. “All in good time,” he stated. “I’ll give you the details as we make our way back to the hotel. Now listen up.”

Blueblood went on to explain about Rarity’s “condition” and how he planned to make sure she didn’t take over Equestria. The more Suri heard about it, the bigger her smile came and various images of her standing tall over the fashionista filled her head. She couldn’t help but think about how Manehatten, no, Equestria would respond when she’s revealed to be the one of the heroes of Equestria. Perhaps Coco would beg to come back and work for her. Maybe even the fashion bigshots would proclaim it was a mistake to disbar her and welcome her back with open hooves.

“Miss Polomare, are you listening?”

“Huh?” the pink mare wondered. She broke out of her thoughts and looked back at Blueblood, who was looking a bit annoyed. “Oh, my deepest apologies to you, your highness,” she said. “I was just thinking to myself.”

“Well I think you had plenty of time to ‘think’, so what do you say?” he asked. “How would you like to help me and reclaim what was once yours and much more?”

Suri raised her head up and smiled wickedly. “It shall be an honor, your highness,” she said, sinisterly. “How are we going to get Rarity though? Are we going to set a trap in Ponyville?”

“That won’t be needed,” said the prince. “She’s coming to us instead.”

Suri quirked an eyebrow. “Forgive me if I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Quick Note,” stated Blueblood.

“Yes, your highness?” asked the stallion next to the prince.

“Show Miss Polomare the letter,” he ordered.

Quick handed Suri a folded envelope, which the mare took and opened to read. She quickly read it and lowers the envelope. “It still doesn’t answer my question though,” she said.

“I heard you’ve been at P&H Studios before for another fashion show,” said Blueblood. “Since you seem to know the layout of this place better than anypony else I know, I want you to help scout the area out and help prepare a trap to catch Rarity. I got friends providing me the means of capturing her, but without your expertise of the place, it would be all for nothing.”

“But how can I get in without being recognized?” wondered Suri. “I’m not even allowed in P&H Studios, or any other fashion headquarters.”

“As I said, I got friends who are providing me with the means of capturing Rarity,” replied the prince. “You’ll be given a disguise to allow you to enter the building without anypony recognizing you. As added backup, I shall be there along with my assistant and one of my friends.”

“And if the trap fails?”

“Don’t worry, I got somepony who can make sure they can’t track us back and destroy evidence.”

Suri laid back and smiled. “Very well then,” she replied. “If you’re so certain this will work, then I will gladly help you out.”

“Excellent,” said Blueblood, smiling. “Soon, my. . . no, our days of being seen as disgraces will be over and the mare who ruined us shall be out of our hair for good.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Suri, wickedly. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Author's Note

Alright, I finally got this chapter out of the way. This was another chapter that gave me trouble not just because I've been swarmed with school work, but because it was kind of a chore to write it. This chapter, as I mentioned before, is mostly a filler chapter. It is a SoL for the most part, with a major plot point, but it felt kind of bothersome writing a chapter that had very little going on. Hopefully the next chapter will not only be more fun to write, but be done faster.

However, I can't give any timetable as to when the next chapter will be out. College is getting ready to end for me and I got to get ready to graduate. Not to mention I need to work at my job and get some money, especially with the holidays coming up. So it will be some time before this story is touched again. When I do get back to it, I hope it won't take as long as this chapter did.

So with that all said and done, I want to say Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, hope you all are having a great holiday and spending time with friends and family. And, of course, thanks for being so patient.

And a special thanks to Alcatraz for editing this chapter.

Manehatten Madness (Part 1)

As the sun slowly raised up over the ocean, the sound of a whistle echoed as a train crossed over a large white bridge. The train was full of various passengers ranging from families playing with their children; to elderly ponies chatting to each other, and conductors doing their routine rounds. Inside one of the train’s luxurious compartments, Rarity sat on one of the red couches and looked out the window. As she looked upon the Manehatten skyline, Rarity couldn’t help but smile a little.

It’s been so long since I’ve been here, but it only feels like yesterday, she thought to herself. I just need to do what I do best by dazzling the crowd with my outfits.

A sudden knock on the compartment’s door broke Rarity out of her thoughts. She looked towards it and said, “Come in.”

The door opened up to reveal Spike, who gave a wave and a smile. “Hey there, Rarity. Twilight wanted me to check to see if you were up.” He rubbed the back of his head and looked down. “But. . . it seems you are, so I’ll be going now.”

Rarity raised an eyebrow and said, “Hold on, Spike.” She patted the empty area of the couch. “Come sit with me. We still got time before the train pulls into the station.”

Spike looked a bit surprised, but nodded and hopped onto the seat next to the unicorn. As he sat there though, he noticed that both of them were very close to each other. His face turn a slight shade of red and tried to not show it to Rarity.

I’ve never been this close to her before, he thought. Just play it cool though, Spike. Try not to do anything that will turn her off and you’ll be fine.

“Are you alright?” asked Rarity.

The dragon jilted a little and looked up. “Yeah, um, just. . . thinking to myself is all.”

“About what?”

“Oh, you know, stuff.”

“You know you can tell me anything, Spikey.”

The dragon rubbed the back of his head. “Well. . . I was just worried about you,” he hesitantly said.

Rarity looked a bit puzzled. “Whatever do you mean, darling? If it’s about. . . ‘that’, then I can tell you that I’m fine.”

“It’s not that,” stated Spike. “I’m just worried about running into a certain somepony or anypony like her after our last time here.”

The unicorn frowned a bit. She remembered the last time she and her friends came to Manehatten and how it nearly cost her friendship with the others because of a pink mare. A mare she could see in her thoughts, laughing at her coldly. She shivered a bit in disgust at the thought of her. Suddenly, she felt a warm embrace and looked down to see Spike hugging her.

“What’s wrong, Spikey?” she wondered.

He looked at her with a concerned expression. “You were shivering like as if you’re cold,” he answered. “I know I’m not exactly the warmest creature in Equestria, but it looked like you were cold, so I thought I’d help you out.”

Rarity bit her lip a bit and could’ve sworn her heart skipped a beat. “Spike, you’re very nice and all, but…” Her voice trailed off as she tried to come up with something.

Spike frowned and released his grip. He looked embarrassed, but tried not to show it to Rarity. “I’m sorry, Rarity,” he remorsefully said. “I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable or anything. I was just. . . well. . . um. . .” He scooted himself away. “I think I should go now. I’m sorry again, Rarity.”

The unicorn watched as Spike got off the couch and headed towards the door. Something in her made her stomach flip and, unconsciously, reached out and pulled him in for another hug. Spike was shocked, but the feeling of the warm embrace of Rarity calmed him down.

He looked up at the unicorn. “Rarity. . . what are you doing?” he asked, unsure what to make of her intentions.

She looked down and said, “I’m sorry, Spike, but I was just. . .um, thinking of an answer to your question.”

“What is it?”

Rarity stayed silent for a few minutes as she tried to think of something.

“Rarity?” asked Spike.

She looked back down at the dragon. “If you must know darling, I was thinking about what happened last time. I can tell you that I won’t make the same mistake as last time. I may be a very generous mare, but I’ve learned some things should not be given away so quickly.”

Spike smiled and nodded. “Great to know!”

Rarity chuckled a little “I suppose it is,” she said.

The two remained silent for a bit as they held onto each other. Rarity looked away and tried to hide a small blush, while Spike seemed to biting his lip.

Finally, the latter broke the silence. “So. . . uh, anything else?” he wondered.

“What?” asked a dazed Rarity. She shook her head and looked at Spike. “Oh, nothing else, Spikey.”

He gulped a little and took a deep breath. “Should I go then?” he inquired.

“No,” she bluntly answered. Spike looked at her with a confused look. “I mean, there’s no reason to leave. Besides. . . it’s not like you got anything else to do, right?”

Spike rubbed the back of his head. “No, not really,” he muttered. The dragon wanted to slap himself. What am I talking about? This is practically a dream! Oh, I hope I don’t wake up!

Rarity felt Spike snuggle against her and felt heat building up on her face. It’s. . . kind of weird, but this does feel nice, she thought. She looked back at him and saw him smile softly. He is quite cute when he’s resting like this. Perhaps I should treat him out to dinner. Well, actually lunch since I don’t want to let anypony see me at night.

As she looked at him though, she let out a contented sigh. Spikey. . .

Rarity leaned her head to the left and opened one of her eyes slowly. The warm feeling was quickly replaced with the feeling of somepony dumping ice water on her. Her eyes met the gaze of two ponies out the compartment window door. A brown unicorn stallion with a combed back black mane and wearing a monocle looked at her with a mixed look of shock and disgust. The other pony, a yellow unicorn mare with puffy orange hair and a pearl necklace, gazed at Rarity with a look of utter disgust. The two ponies shook their heads and trotted away with their noses in the air.

Rarity was in a state of shock and confusion. “What. . . what was that about?” she wondered, sounding upset.

“What was what about?”

Rarity suddenly remembered about Spike and looked down at him. A sudden thought then crossed her mind. . . .No. . . she thought in horror.

“Rarity?”

The next thing Spike knew, Rarity released her grip on him and pushed him away. The dragon was left confused and a little hurt.

“What was that for?” he demanded.

Rarity looked down and said emotionlessly, “I’m sorry, Spikey, but. . . I was just thinking of something and. . . well. . . I . . .” she looked out the window and noticed something. “Oh, we’re here now!”

Spike looked out the window to see Rarity was right. The train had come to a full stop and a lot of ponies were walking or running around.

Spike, however, wasn’t really fazed by it. “That doesn’t explain why–”

A sudden knock at the door interrupted Spike. The door opened to reveal Applejack.

“Ready to go partners?” She noticed the discouraged looks on both Spike and Rarity. “Did I interrupt something?” she wondered.

Spike sighed and walked past Applejack. “No. . . you really didn’t,” he said, dejected. He walked past the orange mare with his head hanging low.

Applejack looked at Rarity with confusion on her. “What happened, sugarcube?” she inquired.

Rarity looked away and said nothing.

The train station doors opened and Rarity and her friends trotted out, each of them carrying their own bags. Rarity however, carried more than she normally would for the fashion show. As such she had a hard time trying to make sure the clothes she brought along weren't messed up. Much to Rarity’s relief, her friends were more than willing to help carry some of her stuff.

The group smiled to themselves as they looked around the city. The towering and colorful buildings reached up into the sky for miles on end. The streets and sidewalks were bustling with various ponies and cabs getting around the metropolis. Many of the buildings had flashing lights and neon signs promoting Hinny of the Hills to DJ Pon-3’s upcoming concert. They could even see a few street performers entertaining the crowd by dancing, playing a musical instrument, or doing some magic tricks.

Rarity’s gaze, however, fell upon Spike and she frowned a little. He too looked excited and mesmerized by the city, but could’ve sworn he was only forcing a smile with the way his lips kept quivering. She thought back to the train and those two ponies who saw her and Spike embracing each other. She felt like her stomach did a flip and chill ran over her.

Perhaps I was a bit too hasty with my actions, she thought to herself. I do hope I wasn’t too harsh on Spikey. I didn’t mean to hurt him like that. I just hope he isn’t too mad at me.

“I love coming to Manehatten,” said Twilight.

Rarity jumped a little, forgetting for a moment about her other friends. “Why do you say that, Twilight?” she asked. “Don’t get me wrong, but Manehatten lacks a certain class that Canterlot has.”

“It’s not just that,” stated Twilight. “Manehatten has its own energy. All the interesting things you see around here. The ponies you see here doing some very interesting stuff. The sights and lights around you.”

“The snake in the grass,” Applejack bitterly said.

The sound of a loud thud caught everypony’s attention and turned to see a large purple suitcase lying on the sidewalk. Spike and everypony else was looking around.

“Uh, Twilight? Where did you go?” asked Applejack.

Rainbow heard something metallic shaking and looked up. She couldn’t help but laugh a little from the sight she saw.

“I think I found her,” she teased.

The group looked up to see Twilight clinging a street lamp and was darting her eyes around nervously.

Rainbow flew up and put her hooves around Twilight. “Alright, egghead, time to come down,” she said.

The pegasus had to pull a few times to loosen Twilight’s grip, but she eventually got her off the pole and placed her back onto the sidewalk. Twilight still looked a bit scared, with her eyes looking around.

“Where’s the snake?” she nervously asked.

Applejack chuckled to herself a little. “Not that kind of snake, sugarcube,” she said. “Though, I doubt any snake would want to be affiliated with her.” She pointed her hoof out.

Everypony turned around and saw a large brownish theater across the street. On top of the roof of the theater were a few spotlights that weren’t active at the moment. A big flashy sign caught the eyes of the group. There was a large photo of a blue unicorn mare’s head, smiling confidently and wearing a large purple witch hat with golden and silver stars on it. On each side of the head was a wand with star at the end and some magic dust behind it. The wand and the dust were flashing blue with some flashing sparks coming out of the end of the wand. On the bottom of the billboard was the theater sign saying, See a great and humble performance by Trixie Lulamoon! LIVE! Tickets on sale now!

Rainbow did a facehoof. “Ugh, not her again,” she moaned. “Haven’t we dealt with her enough?”

“And what’s this whole great and humble performance?” inquired Applejack. “Is she trying a new act or something?”

“Maybe she’s trying to be a little nicer?” suggested Fluttershy.

“Yeah right,” scoffed Applejack.

“That’s not true!” Twilight huffed. “She’s changed for the better!”

“Twilight, this is the same mare who led an ursa minor into Ponyville and took over the town with that weird amulet or whatever,” spat Rainbow. “I bet she’s back to her old ways again.”

“You don’t know that!” objected Twilight. “When she left Ponyville again, she seemed like she was sorry for what she did and wanted forgiveness.”

Rarity rolled her eyes. “Darling, forgive me if I don’t believe that. What makes you think she’s actually changed?”

“Wasn’t she also in Ponyville when Nightm–”

Applejack put a hoof over Rainbow’s mouth and nervously looked around. Some of the citizens of Manehatten looked at the group with puzzled expressions.

“Rainbow, what are you doing!?” seethed Rarity. “Do you want all of Equestria to know about me!?”

The blue pegasus’ eyes went wide and her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. She slapped Applejack’s hoof away and rubbed the back of her head.

“Uh, what I meant to say was that she was in Ponyville on Nightmare. . . Night?” she hesitantly asked.

“Er, yeah! That’s right!” exclaimed Applejack. “She certainly put on quite the show that night!”

The citizens looked at the forced grin Applejack gave and just shrugged before going back to their business.

The group let out a sigh of relief, but Applejack smacked Rainbow again.

“Watch your mouth!” she scolded. “It’s already hard enough for Rarity to come here and risk exposing herself, but you're not making it any easier!”

Rainbow frowned and said, “I guess you got a point there.” She looked at Twilight. “But it still doesn’t explain why you think Trixie would turn around.”

Twilight looked a flushed and said, “Well . . . she did sound like she was sorry and that the Alicorn Amulet corrupted her into doing those things when she came into Ponyville. She’s also not really a bad pony once you talk to her a bit, even if she does occasionally brag. And she’s beautiful.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Beautiful? What the hay do you mean by that?” she wondered.

Twilight flustered and tried to hide her reddened cheeks. “Well, I mean, she’s beautiful enough to. . . attract any stallion she wants.” She gave an awkward smile.

Rainbow crossed her hooves. “As long as it isn’t Thunderlane,” she whispered.

“Why don’t you go see what she’s up to?” offered Fluttershy. “If she was nice to you when she left Ponyville, maybe she won’t be so bad this time.”

“And you can make sure she’s saying nothing scandalous about me,” interjected Rarity.

Twilight nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she doesn’t,” she said. “Besides, I have been meaning to check and see if things are going okay for her. Why don’t the rest of you head for the hotel and I’ll meet you later?”

The group nodded, but they then suddenly heard some music.

Rarity quirked an eyebrow. “Is that an accordion playing?” she wondered.

“And why does it sound so close to us?” inquired Spike.

“Um. . . guys?”

The group turned around and saw, to their shock, Pinkie’s body was quivering and scrunching up like an accordion, which resulted in her sounding like one.

“What’s with you?” wondered Rainbow.

“I don’t know, Dashy,” said Pinkie. “I think it’s a Pinkie Sense, but I’ve never had anything like this before.”

“So what does that mean then?” asked Spike.

“I think I better go find out what it means then,” said Pinkie. “I feel like somepony I met before is here. Somepony I haven’t felt since. . . “ Pinkie’s voice trailed off as she seemed to space out. Her friends looked at each other with perplexed expressions and shrugged.

“Uh, Pinkie?” asked Twilight.

Suddenly, the pink mare let out a large gasp and grinned wildly. She let out an excited squee that caught her friends off guard. Just as Twilight opened her mouth to say something, Pinkie tackled her to the ground and pinned her down.

“Twilight! I think I know what it is!” Pinkie shouted with joy. “I need to go now to see if it’s true! Can I go please? Can I? Can I? Can I?”

Twilight struggled to push Pinkie off, but with some help from Rainbow and Applejack, Pinkie was pulled off. Twilight was a little annoyed by her friend’s antics and dusted herself off.

She let out a sigh and said, “Pinkie, whatever you know what. . . it is, then I guess I have no choice but to–”

Twilight gasped for air as Pinkie embraced her in another hug. She let go of the unicorn and smiled. “Oh, thank you, Twilight!” she exclaimed. “If it’s true that he’s here, I’ll be sure to make sure you all said hi to him! Bye, guys! Good luck on your fashion show, Rarity!”

Pinkie bolted down the sidewalk instantly, leaving behind a trail of dust and her friends looking very confused and unsure of what to say.

After a couple of seconds, Spike asked, “Him? Who’s she talking about?”

Twilight shrugged and shook her head. “It’s Pinkie being Pinkie I guess. Let’s focus now on getting a taxi so you all can go to the hotel.”

“Excuse me,” a haughty mare’s voice said.

The group turned around to see a brown mare with her black mane in a tight bun and was wearing red glasses. The group saw her cutie mark looked like a piece of red fabric tied up.. Twilight looked at her friends, who shrugged indifferently.

“Can we help you?” asked Twilight.

“Perhaps you can,” said the mare. “I am Red Ribbon, a representative of Photo & Hoity Studios, and I couldn’t help but notice your friend and that rack of clothes she’s carrying. She wouldn’t happen to be Miss Rarity, would she?”

The white unicorn looked a bit surprised. “I actually am. I’m not running late or anything, am I?” she worriedly asked.

Red chuckled in a haughty manner. “Oh, my dear, no. I was told by Photo Finish herself to wait outside the train station to personally take you to the hotel. All the other designers have been taken there already and we were waiting for you.”

Rarity let out a sigh of relief. “Well that’s good then. I certainly wouldn’t want to make such a bad first impression for Photo. Do you have a taxi big enough to hold my luggage as well as for my friends?”

Red nodded. “We aren’t using a taxi, my dear,” she said. “We’re using that.” She turned and pointed a little bit down the sidewalk.

Parked on the side of the street was a very long black carriage buggy. The sides had only two doors, one nearly at the end, and the other at the front. Each door had an emblem on it that had the P&H logo in silver. There was also a very long window on the side, but it was so dark, nopony could see inside. At the very front were six strong looking stallions, each wearing sunglasses and black tuxedos.

Applejack whistled. “I’ve seen my aunt and uncle ride in one of these things, but I’d never thought I’d ride in one.”

Red smiled, but noticed the clock tower behind her and frowned. “We better not waste anymore time,” she said. “Go on and get into the limo while I get the lead chauffeur, Escort, to get your bags.” She turned and whistled loudly.

A dark blue unicorn wearing a black tuxedo and sunglasses walked up and looked at Red Ribbon with a stoic expression.

“Escort my dear, would you kindly help get Miss Rarity and her friend’s luggage into the trunk?” asked Red.

Escort nodded and looked at Rarity. The white unicorn felt a shiver run down her as the blue unicorn stared at her with the stoic expression on him.

Finally, he asked, “Miss Rarity, I presume?”

She nodded. “That’s me,” she stated.

Escort smiled a bit. “We’ve been expecting you for quite a while now,” he said. “Everypony will be quite happy to know you’re here.”

Rarity gave a puzzled look. “Um . . . thanks, I guess?”

“Escort,” warned Red. “Enough with the chit chat. We’re behind schedule and Photo Finish won’t be happy if we’re late.”

He nodded. “My apologies.” His horn glowed and the bags and clothes rack levitated in the air. “Please follow Miss Ribbon into the limo and we’ll leave shortly.”

The group nodded and headed for the carriage. Twilight said farewell to the others and went off to the theater across the street. Rarity avoided Escort, but she couldn’t help but shake that feeling like she was being stared at.

The limo made it’s way down the street. Inside the spacious carriage, Rarity and her friends looked around in awe at the various buildings. They could see out in the distance, the Statue of Equestria in the ocean. They then passed by Clock Square and saw various signs and lights promoting events.

“Ahem!”

The group turned around to see Red Ribbon looking a bit impatient.

“Not to interrupt the sightseeing, but I want to get down to business with Miss Rarity,” she stated. She pulled out a brown suitcase and opened it. She frowned to herself and after a couple of seconds, she shut the suitcase and put it away.

“I’m sorry neither Photo nor Hoity could come greet you personally,” said Red. “They were busy with ‘affairs’ of their own, but they will be happy to hear you’re here. I was going to give you a schedule, but it seems I have none on mine at the moment.”

Rarity waved her hoof. “That’s quite alright,” she said.

“I will tell you this much,” said Sew. “The fashion show is today.”

Rarity did a double take and looked shocked. The rest of her friends looked equally shocked as well.

“T. . . Today?!” she nervously asked. “As in this very day?!”

Red Ribbon quirked an eyebrow. “Of course it’s today,” she said. “That’s why you needed to get on that early morning train. Photo Finish believes that the sooner we can get the fashion line chosen for the season, the faster we can put it together. She wants to get a head start on creating clothes for fall before the other competitors do.”

Rarity looked a bit unsure. “I guess I can understand that,” she said. “But I, um, don’t have anypony to model for my dresses, or–”

“That won’t be necessary,” Red interrupted. “Photo and Hoity have already got models ready for each designer attending.”

Rarity gulped and tried to maintain her composure.

“Are you alright?” asked Red.

The white unicorn nodded. “I just wasn’t ready for the show to start so early,” she replied. “Um, this may sound a bit weird, but will the show start before sundown?”

Red nodded. “As far as I know, we’re supposed to start around three or four this afternoon,” she said. “Why do you ask?”

“Um. . . well, you see,” stuttered Rarity. “I’m just uh. . .”

“Eager to show her dresses off to Photo!”

Everypony turned their attention to the source of the outburst, Spike. The dragon looked a bit nervous with all the eyes staring at him.

Red was the first to break the silence. “Eager, you say?”

Spike gulped and nodded. “Uh, yeah,” he hesitantly said. “Rarity is just. . . um, so sure her dresses will impress Photo Finish that she can’t wait to show them to her.” He forcefully smiled.

The brown mare quirked an eyebrow. “I . . . see then,” she said. “Well, I guess Photo Finish was right about you after all, Miss Rarity. She did say you had passion and eagerness in what you do. That’s what she likes to see in fashion designers.”

Rarity let out a sigh of relief as she sank into the red couch. She looked over at Spike and smiled. “Thank you, Spikey Wikey,” she stated.

Red’s eyes widened. “Spikey?” she wondered. “As in Spike the Dragon?”

Spike looked at his friends, who looked just as confused as him. He looked back at Red. “Um. . . yeah?”

Red smiled and clapped her hooves together. “Wonderful!” she joyfully exclaimed. “The hero of the Crystal Empire attending this show is sure to promote P&H Studios! Tell me, Mr. the Dragon, would you be willing to endorse P&H Studios after our show? A national hero would do wonders to promote us.”

Spike scratched his head and looked a bit doubtful. “Well, I guess it wouldn’t hurt, but I’m not really a fashion–”

“Wonderful!” Red interrupted. “Photo and Hoity will be happy to know this!”

Spike and Rarity looked at each other and smiled sheepishly.

“Ah, we’re here now!” announced Red.

The carriage came to a slow stop and after a minute, the door was opened and Escort signaled them to get out. The group stepped out of the limo and looked up. In front of them was a large blue building that reached up into the sky. The numerous windows had silver trimming along them. The main entrance had several white marble pillars holding up a small roof. On each side of the large glass double doors were two ponies wearing blue bellhop jackets and hats. In the middle of the small roof was a sign embedded in gold that read Manehatten Royal Suites: Where we make our customers feel like the Royal Sisters!

“This is where all our contestants shall be staying,” said Red. She pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it towards Rarity. “This is a note letting the front desk know you are one of the fashion designers for P&H Studios. Show this to them and they’ll have one of the rooms reserved for our contestants.”

Rarity smiled and said, “Thank you, Red.”

The brown mare nodded. “Just unpack your stuff in the room and bring your designs to the studio within one hour.”

“Do you mind if we come?” asked Fluttershy. “We’d like to help Rarity prepare.”

“I don’t see why not,” answered Red. “Any associate of Miss Rarity is welcome to come.”

Escort walked up and handed the last bit of luggage to Rarity. He looked at her for a moment before smiling. “Good bye, Miss Rarity,” he stated. “We look forward to seeing you later.”

Rarity chuckled weakly. “Farewell to you as well, Escort. It was. . . nice to meet you too.”

“Escort, let us get back to the studio,” ordered Red. “I need to oversee the final setup for the stage.”

The blue stallion curtly nodded. “Of course,” he said. “I just wanted to wish Miss Rarity the best. She’ll need it.” He turned and walked away.

Rainbow shook her head. “What a weirdo,” she said. “Let’s get going already.” Rainbow let out a yawn. “I need a nap from that early train ride.”

The group waved good bye to Red Ribbon as she trotted to the limo. She gave one last wave before Escort closed the door and walked to the other side of the carriage.

Escort looked at a dark green building across the street and pulled out of his coat pocket a small blue tube with a button on it. He pointed the tube at the building and clicked the button three times, emitting a red light from it.

Across the street, in the green building, a dark brown stallion with black military buzz cut and wearing sunglasses and a black robe looked out the window. He saw the red light and pulled a similar blue tube out of his robe pocket. He flashed it three times as well to Escort. The blue stallion saluted and then trotted to the front of the limo and began going off.

The brown stallion turned away from the window and looked into the room. The room itself was very large with royal purple wallpaper, two king sized beds, with each side having a small wooden table and a lamp on each of them. Right across the bed was a large cherry wood dresser, a mirror to the left, another door to the right, with steam coming from beneath it, and a large desk for writing.

The stallion heard something click and saw right across the window, a red door opened, revealing a white pony wearing sunglasses, a black tuxedo, and a top hat. After the door was closed and locked by the security chain, the brown stallion trotted over and bowed before the unicorn.

“Anything to report, Heavy Duty?” asked the unicorn as he removed his clothing.

The stallion got up and nodded. “Prince, my spy has just signaled that Rarity has arrived at the hotel.”

Blueblood smiled sinisterly. “Excellent, now we need to begin preparing the trap for her.”

“And how will you do that?” a mare asked.

A door opened, letting out the steam coming from it. A figure stepped out to reveal Suri Polomare, with a towel covering her mane. Blueblood noticed from the few strands of hair sticking out from the towel that she had washed out her red coloring and was now back to her original purple color.

Suri looked at Blueblood impatiently. “Well?” she inquired. “How will we do it?”

The prince bit his lip, but maintained his composure. “Capture Rarity, you ask?”

Suri nodded. “Well of course. I haven’t been in Photo’s studio for a long time, but I know the place will be packed with reporters, critics, and ponies who bought tickets to see the show. Security will be tight as well and even though the paparazzi has seemed to stop following me around, I doubt Photo Finish will forget about me.”

Blueblood haughtly laughed. “Did you really think I was going into that place like I was some stock action hero?” he asked. “I know what I’m doing after all. As for going into the studio, I have thought of something.”

“And that is?” wondered Suri.

“A package should be here.” Blueblood looked at the clock and frowned. “He’s running a bit late, but he should be here any moment.”

“Could you at least explain to me what this plan is?” demanded Suri. “Whatever we’re waiting for, you could at least fill us in on what we’re doing.”

“I have to agree with Suri, your highness,” said Heavy Duty. “You’ve been vague in your plans since we arrived here.”

Blueblood furrowed his brow and opened his mouth. Suddenly, a knock came at the door, catching everypony’s attention.

Blueblood smirked and said, “That would be my delivery.”

He unlocked the door and opened it, revealing a dark brown stallion with a gray handlebar mustache and was wearing a blue uniform and a baseball hat that said EPS. In his hooves were two large packages and a clipboard.

“Good morning, sir,” said the stallion. “I have a package to be delivered to room 369 for Mr. Eagle Eye.”

“That would be me, said Prince Blueblood.

The delivery pony smiled. “Excellent, I just need you to sign here on the clipboard.” He handed both packages and the board to the unicorn.

Blueblood levitated the packages into the room and placed them down. He took the clipboard to sign the paper, but when he wrote it, nothing showed.

“Hmmm, this pen seems to be out of ink,” said Blueblood.

“I’m sorry, sir,” said the delivery pony.

“It’s alright. Why don’t you come on in while I go get a pen? You look like you could use some coffee before you continue your rounds.”

The delivery pony nodded. “That sounds good to me.” He looked both ways and stepped into the room.

As soon as the door was closed and locked, Blueblood turned and let out a sigh. “What took you so long, Bit Bags?” he wondered. “You should’ve been here awhile ago.”

Bit removed the uniform and tossed it aside. “Apologies, Prince Blueblood,” he said. “The front desk kept asking questions about my business here. Then, they wanted to deliver it to you personally, but I had to insist that you had to sign it. It was just a mess, sir.”

The prince shook his head. “No matter. We have what we need now. I just hope the money spent on these things was worth it.”

“Positive,” replied Bit. “I went through all the trouble to find this stuff on such short notice. I assure you that you won’t be disappointed.”

Blueblood levitated one of the packages and ripped the tape off. He opened the folds and pulled out what looked to be a large black fresnel stage light. There was also a small thing that had a button on it and a tiny antenna.

The prince smiled and nodded. “Good, good. This seems to be perfect.”

“Perfect for what?” asked Suri.

Blueblood ignored her and opened the other package. Inside the box were five black shirts. In the upper right hand corner of the shirt was a P&H logo in silver writing. On the back of the shirt, it had in big, bold, white letters, SECURITY.

The prince looked at Bit Bags. “Any issues with the pony handling these shirts?” he asked.

“It took a little convincing of the lead stocker to give up these shirts, but I was able to do it,” said Bit. “After handing him enough bits to ‘buy’ the shirts and a little tip for his help, he was more than willing to give them up.”

“Excellent.” Blueblood grabbed a few more things in the package. He pulled out three spray cans, a few combs, and three bottles of gel. He then pulled out two different stencils. One looked like a police badge, and the other looked like a baton.

He smirked again. “Good, there should be enough makeup here to disguise all of us.”

“Are you sure we should’ve gotten more stencils, your highness?” asked Bit. “What if somepony recognizes the rest of us?”

The prince waved a hoof. “Relax, they won’t look twice at you, but I want to make sure nopony recognizes me and Suri. While your cutie marks are rather common amongst other ponies, me and Suri are a different case. My cutie mark is unique since I am the only one who has a mark like this. I could be in the makeup for all I care, but my cutie mark would give me away to other ponies.”

“What about me then?” asked Suri.

“Since you’ve been labeled a blight upon the fashion world and worried that Photo or Hoity could notice you, I wanted to ensure that you wouldn’t get noticed so easily,” replied Blueblood. “And I hate to tell you this, but even though you washed that coloring out of your mane, you’ll need to get it colored again.”

Suri rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. “Fine, but I get to choose the color.”

Blueblood nodded. “Very well, but we have no time to lose. We need to meet up with Golden and Quick at the studio soon. Then, and only then, will we put phase 2 of this plan into action.”

“What about that stage light?” asked Suri. “Are we stopping Nightmare, or are we putting on a show for her? I can understand going in disguised, but no light is going to stop some power hungry demon.”

The prince smiled deviously. “Oh. . . it’s not any kind of light,” he sinisterly said. “Let’s just say that Rarity will die the way she loved to live in: being in the limelight.”

Author's Note

And here it is at last! Now as I said in my last blog, this chapter will be divided into two parts. The second part, depending on how I feel as I continue to try to get over this viral infection, shouldn't be as bad, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

Also, as some of you should've seen it coming, I shipped Twilight and Pinkie with other ponies. One is blatantly obvious and the other, not so much. I will say this much, one of them will play a role come next chapter.

Manehatten Madness (Part 2)

A yellow carriage pulled to the side of a sidewalk. A yellow Earth stallion wearing a black and white checkered cap turned his head.

“We’re here now, ladies,” he said in his thick Manehatten accent.

“Hey!” a male’s voice objected.

The stallion laughed. “And the gentleman as well,” he joked.

The carriage door opened and Spike and the others stepped out of it. Rarity came out last, using her magic to pull out her mobile clothes rack, which was covered in a purple sheet cover to protect the clothing. She thanked the cab driver, tipped him and watched him go off down the road. She turned to her friends and noticed they were looking up at the building in front of them. Rarity looked up at the building too.

The building wasn’t as tall as their hotel, but it was still eye catching. It was a fairly tall building that was grayish black on the outside. There were no windows to be seen on, but there was a large dome that could barely be seen at the top of the roof. The main entrance had a small curved roof above the large double doors. Two ponies wearing black shirts and sunglasses were standing on each side of the doors. Near the doors were two large searchlights that were turned off.

They then noticed a large sign in the center of the building that was lit up in a bright white light. There was a silhouette of a mare with a bowl haircut and wearing rounded sunglasses was on the left. On the opposite side, after the ampersand logogram, there was a silhouette of a stallion wearing sunglasses and had a large mane that was tied up into a curly ponytail. The group then read what the sign said underneath. Photo and Hoity Fashion Studios: Our designs will always make you feel fabulous!

Rarity couldn’t help but smile widely. “Oh, this is so exciting: to be in the building of my fashion idols! I don’t even know what to say!”

“Uh. . . how about we better move?” wondered Spike. He pointed his finger to a clock tower. “Didn’t Red Ribbon said to be here in an hour?”

Rarity looked up at the clock and noticed it was five minutes to seven. “Oh, my! You’re right, Spikey-Poo!” She pulled the mobile clothes hanger with her magic. “Quickly! Let’s get in before I miss my deadline!”

The group nodded and quickly made their way to the double doors. Spike and Applejack held open the doors while Rarity used her magic to pull the clothes rack in. After they shut the door, the group got a quick look around the fashion studio.

The inside was far more elegant than on the outside. There was a large crystal statue of the P&H logo in the middle of the room, much like the one on the outside. Surrounding the statue was a white marbled floor, but was barely seen due to the numerous ponies running around, talking to each other, or carrying what looked to be fabric. Behind the statue, there was a large reception desk with several ponies handing out paperwork to or typing. To the left, they saw several red doors with a bell noise ringing from some of them, indicating to them\ group they were elevators. On their right, there were several more red doors, but were guarded by some of the black shirt and sunglasses wearing ponies they saw outside.

They looked up and saw a huge circular hole in the ceiling that revealed the second floor and above, with a large chandelier hanging from above and clear domed ceiling letting in the sunlight.

“Darlings!” called out Rarity. “As much as I would love to look around, we simply must get a move on.”

The group broke out of their trance and nodded. They slowly made their way through the crowd of ponies and even avoiding some of them that were in such a rush, they didn’t see them coming. Rainbow and Fluttershy tried to fly above the crowd, but they quickly discovered that they were buzzing with several pegasi flying around as well.

As Rainbow narrowly dodged another pegasus, she let out a frustrated groan. “Ugh! By the time we get to that desk, the fashion show will be over!”

Applejack pushed her way past two ponies. “I kind of wish Twilight was here to teleport us to the desk,” she said. “I feel like I’m tryin’ to push a cart of apples up a steep hill.”

“Almost. . . there,” stated Spike. “I think I can see the desk ahead.”

Much to Spike and his friends’ relief, they did get to the desk and walked up toward it. They approached a pink unicorn mare with curly and messed up yellow hair and was wearing thick red glasses. The mare was seen writing something on paper before levitating it into a bin that said OUT.

“Excuse me,” said Rarity.

The mare looked up. “Oh, dear me, forgive my rudeness,” she said in a Trottingham accent. “There’s so much to do, but so little time. I am File Organizer, one of the secretaries of P&H Studios. What can I do for you, deary?”

“I’m Rarity, a participant for Photo and Hoity’s fashion show competition. I need to know where to go.” The unicorn pulled out a slip of paper from under the cloth of the clothes rack and handed it to the mare.

The mare took it and read it. She nodded and smiled. “Ah, Miss Red Ribbon informed me about your arrival.”

She reached into a drawer and pulled out six laminated pieces of paper, each one with the P&H logo and the words, All Access written on it. “Miss Ribbon wanted me to give these to you. There’s one for each of you.”

As she handed them out, the mare noticed she had one extra. She looked around and quirked an eyebrow. “Wasn’t there supposed to be six of you? Miss Ribbon told me there were six of you? Wasn’t there a purple unicorn in your group?”

“You mean Twilight?” asked Spike. “She had to go see somepony really quick. She’ll be here though.”

“Very well,” said the mare. “I’ll keep it on me until she shows up.” She looked at Rarity. “All competitors are to meet in the auditorium.” She pointed to her left. “It’s right there past the center double doors. Just show the guards your pass and they’ll let you through.”

“Well let’s get going then,” said Applejack. The group began to walk towards the doors.

“Hold it!” ordered Organizer, prompting the group to stop in their tracks. “I’m afraid only fashion designers may go in there. Photo Finish and Hoity Toity themselves will be speaking to the competitors and would appreciate it if nopony distracted them.”

The others looked at each other with indifferent looks.

“Well, I suppose we could go look around here,” offered Spike. “It’s not everyday you’re given all access passes to a fashion studio.”

“I ain’t one for fashion, but you got a point, sugarcube,” Applejack agreed. “We got some time before the show starts, so why not take a look around.”

“The meeting should be over in an hour,” said File. “Just please make sure to stay out of the way of our personell and if you’re told to stay out of an area, even with those passes, then stay away from there.”

“Got it!” Spike and the others said.

Rainbow flew over to Rarity and punched her lightly on the shoulder. “Go get ‘em, Rares!” she encouraged.

“You got this, partner!” said Applejack.

As Rarity rubbed her shoulder, she felt something embrace her. She looked down to see Spike, who smiled at her.

“Um. . . good luck, Rarity,” he nervously said. “Not that you’ll need it, but it’s the thought that counts.”

Rarity chuckled to herself and returned the hug. “Thank you, Spikey. I really mean it.”

Spike blushed a little and tried to hide it. “Anything for you,” he said.

As Spike and Rarity waved goodbye, Applejack quirked an eyebrow.

“What was that about?” asked the farmer.

Rarity just smiled. “Oh, just thanking a good friend of mine,” she replied.

Applejack watched Rarity walk off with her designs and couldn’t help but look at her suspiciously.

In the back of P&H Studios, a white stallion was using his magic to levitate a brown long and flat mane wig and putting it on a golden yellow mare. Along with that, she was wearing a black P&H security shirt and sunglasses.

After tossing the can away, the stallion said, “You’re looking quite good, Golden. Or, should I say, Swift Judgement?”

Golden smiled deviously. “The same could be said for you, Prince. . . I mean, Golden Shield.”

Blueblood was now wearing a wig which was combed back and black instead of his golden-yellow colour. He too was wearing a P&H shirt and sunglasses. His cutie mark, however, was now one of a golden police badge instead of his Compass Rose.

“It’s a shame to see my beautiful mane be ruined like this, but that’s a price to pay to stop a tyrant.”

“Where are the others?” asked Golden.

“They should be finishing changing into their clothes.” Blueblood whispered loudly. “Get a move on! We have little time to work with!”

From a nearby alley, Suri, Heavy Duty, Bit Bags, and Quick Note stepped out, with saddle bags on both Bit and Heavy. Suri was wearing a dark red wig, almost similar to when she was out on the streets, and had her mane in a tight bun similar to Golden Rule. Just like Blueblood, her cutie mark was changed to look like a baton now. Heavy Duty’s mane was now yellow, but because of his military buzzcut, there was no other changes to his mane. Bit Bags’ mustache had been shaved off and his mane had been turned brown. Quick Note’s wig was combed back and was golden as well. However, unlike the others, he wasn’t wearing a P&H shirt.

Blueblood immediately noticed this. “Quick, where’s your shirt?” he inquired.

“It wouldn’t fit me, your highness,” he replied. “In fact, it wouldn’t fit any of us.”

“Is that so?” asked the prince.

“You tell me,” said Heavy Duty. He tossed a black shirt at Blueblood.

The prince caught it and noticed it was probably small enough to fit a child. “What kind of pony would be able to wear a shirt like this?” he wondered.

“Probably somepony skinny enough to slip into a shower’s drain,” replied Heavy.

Blueblood rubbed his chin. “No matter, I believe you can still serve a purpose, Quick. For now, we must go into the building. Bit Bags, did you make your ‘withdrawal’?”

The brown stallion nodded. “I certainly did.” He pulled out of the saddlebag a large brown pouch. “This should be enough for anypony to retire.”

“Excellent. Golden, have you spoken to your friends?”

The mare smirked. “Of course I have,” she answered. “It took some convincing and a little aggressive negotiations, but if things fall apart, we’ll have a safety net to catch us.”

Blueblood nodded. “Good work. Heavy, do you have the stage light?”

“Everything’s ready to go, your highness,” he replied.

“Don’t call me that,” scolded Blueblood. “You are to call me Golden Shield, and Golden is to be called Swift Judgement. I’ve already come up with code names for all of you. Suri, you are to be known as Rule Enforcer. Heavy Duty, you’ll be referred to as Sturdy Shield. Bit Bags, we’ll call you Pennywise. As for you, Quick Note, you’ll be known as Speedy Message.”

Heavy quirked an eyebrow. “Not exactly the most creative names,” he said.

“Well they’ll do for the most part,” said the prince. “After my plan works, we can drop them. Let’s focus now on getting in and moving on to phase two of my plan.”

Blueblood and the others peaked around the corner of the alley and noticed a white stallion wearing one of the P&H shirts was standing watch of a large metal door.

“Good, there’s only one pony there,” said Blueblood. “Pennywise, get the package ready.”

The group trotted up to the door, which caused the white pony to immediately block it and stare at them sternly.

“This is a restricted area,” he said in a deep voice. “What’s your business here?”

“We’re extra security,” Blueblood answered. “Photo Finish requested a little more security for today’s event.”

The guard raised an eyebrow. “Extra security? There was no mention of that from the boss.”

“It’s a last minute request,” said the prince.

“Even if that’s the case, I would’ve been told about it.” The guard then noticed the saddlebags. “What’s in the bags?”

“We brought our own equipment,” answered Blueblood. “Now let us through.”

The guard frowned. “This is ridiculous. I’m going to talk to my boss: I should have been told about any extra security.” And then he mumbled: “I don’t get paid enough to put up with the crap they throw at me.”

“Well when you see him, you can tell him you got two words for him,” said Blueblood.

“And that is?”

A loud thud and sound of change rattling caught the guard’s attention. He turned around and gasped at the sight of a large bag of bits, necklaces, and even some gems.

“I quit,” answered the prince. “Now, do we really need to get your boss involved, or will you let us in?”

The guard looked into the bag and pulled out some of the bits and gems. “There’s even some diamonds in here...” he shockingly said.

“And there’s more than enough for you to retire from your job and live on easy street,” said Blueblood. “Now, about getting in.”

The guard looked up and nodded. He took out a set of keys and put one of them in there, unlocking the door.

As Blueblood’s group passed through the door, the prince looked at the guard. “Now just be a good pony and go off already. If your boss asks questions, just tell him you won the lottery.”

The stallion nodded. “Right, this whole thing never happened.” He grabbed the bag and took off down to a nearby alley and out into the streets.

As the door closed, Blueblood snickered. “All too easy,” he said.

“Let’s hope it stays that way,” said Golden. “What do we do now?”

“We need to get to where the fashion show itself is taking place.” The prince looked at Suri. “I’m counting on you to help navigate our way through this place since you’ve been here a lot.”

“Leave it all to me,” she replied.

“After we get to the auditorium, we’ll get to work installing that light before the show starts,” said Blueblood.

“Can you at least tell us more about it?” asked Quick. “You haven’t said anything about it since we left.”

Blueblood smirked as he looked at his advisor. “All in good time, but for now, I have plans for you. . . Speedy.”

To say Rarity was beside herself was an understatement. She could hear her heart pounding with anticipation, but at the same time she felt like she was going to pass out from how nervous she was. She looked around the room and noticed that none of the competitors made conversation with each other. Instead they were checking some of their clothes and a few of them were adjusting their mane, or putting on some makeup. As she sat on one of the dark blue velvet chairs, she took a quick look around the room.

The place was rather dim, with only a couple of chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and a few wall mounted lamps. There were several rows of dark blue chairs, much like the one Rarity was sitting on that were divided every twenty seats by an aisle. There was also a T-shaped stage, with the long part of the stage going down vertically and was near several of the rows of chairs. The stage background was semitransparent white, with the P&H logo from outside was written in black, and was lit by the stage lights above and on the stage itself.

Rarity was about to check on her dresses, but the lights suddenly dimmed and the stage lights went off. Everypony felt silent almost immediately and turned their attention to the stage. Two spotlights switched on and shined on the stage background erratically. In the midst of the darkness, Rarity could barely see what looked to be a mare coming on stage and holding a microphone.

“Fillies and gentlecolts,” the mare began. “Please welcome the two ponies who continue to pave the way for the future of fashion! You know and love them! Give it up for Photo Finish and Hoity Toity!”

The spotlights focused on two different sides of the stage. On the left was a sky blue mare with a white, bowl-style haircut waving and smiling at the crowd. She was wearing hot pink rounded sunglasses, a magenta scarf, black and white striped shirt, and a black skirt with a single white and magenta stripe going through it with pink diamonds around the magenta strip. On the right was a bluish gray stallion with an equally bluish gray mane that was tied into a ponytail. He was wearing purple sunglasses, a magenta ascot, and had white collars on his front hooves and around his ascot.

The crowd, along with Rarity, clapped and cheered for the two fashion stars as they walked down the stage walkway together. After they reached the end, the lights came back on and the applause slowly died down. Photo and Hoity looked around the room, making Rarity and the other fashion designers a little on edge. After a minute of observing, the crowd flinched as Photo suddenly clapped her hooves together and smiled.

“Welcome, everypony!” she announced in a thick Prench accent. “We are more than happy to see you all of you come from all over Equestria! From ze heart of Manehatten, to Trottingham, and to Ponyville.”

Rarity could’ve sworn Photo glanced at her quickly, making her blush a little.

“You are here because you are amongst some of ze best fashion designers,” said Photo. “Here in our studio and headquarters, you shall be given ze ultimate chance at making a name for yourself!”

Hoity stepped forward. “That is correct, my dear Photo,” he said in his haughty Canterlot accent. “Not only are we looking for the best designs for our fall lineup, but the pony with the best ones will be known across Equestria for their designs and be famous.”

The crowd whispered to themselves anxiously and some, like Rarity, gasped in awe.

Photo held up a hoof, making the crowd silent at once. “As some of you already know, zis fashion show is done more differently zis time around. Because some of our competitors have been gaining z’e edge on us, we decided to do things a little differently.”

“Is that why we needed to come here so early in the morning?” asked a stallion.

Photo nodded. “Zat is correct. We shall be holding our fashion show today!”

The crowd once again whispered to themselves, some sounding a bit worried.

“Please relax, everypony,” assured Hoity. “You’ll be given plenty of time to prepare for the show at three today.”

“How?” wondered a mare. “We have no models or anything to prepare for the show.”

“Do not worry about that,” answered Hoity. “We already have several models selected for each competitor here. You’ll find them in the dressing rooms you’ve been assigned to.”

Rarity suddenly felt something tap her and turned around. There was a blue mare holding a small red basket.

“Please take one key from this basket and pass it down,” she ordered. “The number on the keychain will tell you what room number you have.”

Rarity obeyed by taking a small golden key out, attached was a tag sandwiched between cheap, plate-stamped metal, #12 written on it before passing the basket down. She passed it down the row and watched as each pony took a key out. Eventually, the blue mare took the basket back and nodded towards Photo and Hoity.

“Once you go to your dressing rooms, you’ll be introduced to ze models in ze room,” said Photo. “You will have a couple of hours to fit them into the dresses you see fit for each of them, make any adjustments to your dresses, and practice zheir routines. Be sure that ze models show lots of energy, passion, and, most importantly, ze magiks!”

“Remember one thing as well,” warned Hoity. “We aren’t easy to impress, so you have your work cut out for you. Photo, Sapphire Shores, and I will be judging you for how constructed the dresses are, the colors, and the style for each of them. Don’t think some of our past encounters with some of you will sway the odds in your favor.”

Rarity felt like Hoity looked at her, making her blush again.

“Any questions?” asked Hoity. Everypony looked at themselves and shrugged. He then clapped his hooves. “Very well. If you do have any questions or problems, be sure to bring them to one of our fashion advisors, stage hooves, or security. Photo and I shall be in our office ‘discussing’ about the upcoming show.”

Photo and Hoity turned around the two of them trotted behind the stage cover and disappeared. The other ponies in the audience got up and gathered their clothes and keys. Rarity took a deep breath as she trotted towards the exit and showed a bit of confidence on her.

It won’t be easy, but I will soon be known across Equestria as one of the best fashionistas, she thought. Soon, very soon, I will be famous.

Above the stage was catwalk, and on it were six ponies looking down at her.

“You hear that, Blue. . . Golden?” asked Heavy Duty. “What do we do now?”

Blueblood smirked. “For one thing, we know when the show will stop,” he said. “For another thing, I know what to do with you now, Speedy.”

Quick Note raised an eyebrow. “I’m not following, sir,” he said.

“I’ll explain as we walk, but first things first.” Blueblood pulled out the stage light and placed it down. “Let’s get to work putting this on. Heavy, take the center stage light off and replace it with this one.”

“Yes, sir,” he said.

“The rest of you, keep an eye out for anypony coming,” ordered the prince. “I want no distractions and no problems.”

“What happens when this light is put in?” asked Suri.

Blueblood smiled. “Patience, Rule Enforcer,” he stated. “Just do your job and by the time the sun sets, we’ll be known as national heroes.” Blueblood turned then he and Quick trotted off.

Rarity trotted down the hallway and looked at each door. “10. . .11. . . Ah! Room 12!” she exclaimed.

She placed her key in the hole and unlocked. When she walked in along with her clothes, she got a good look around the place. It was rather simplistic looking, with a long mirror to the side and a long desk that had various makeup taking up most of the space. In the back was a long fern plant on the ground and a picture of Photo Finish.

“Are you the fashionista we’ll be working for?” a bubbly mare’s voice asked.

Rarity turned her head to the left and saw three mares sitting on chairs. One mare was hot pink and had her yellow mane was combed down. The mare to her left was royal blue and had her black mane tied into a tight bun. The other mare had a yellow coat and curly brown mane.

Rarity cleared her throat. “That’s correct,” she answered. “I assume you’re the models that will be fitted into my dresses?”

“Correct, but let me introduce ourselves,” said the pink mare. “I’m Lip Balm. The blue mare is Hair Brush, and the other is Eye Liner.”

“A pleasure to meet you girls,” said Rarity. “I would take this time to get to know each of you, but we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

“I agree,” said Hair in her Manehatten accent. “Want to hand us what you want us to wear and we’ll try them on?”

Rarity nodded and pulled the cover off the mobile clothes rack. “Now let me see what I can do.”

The white unicorn took a couple of her dresses and floated them in front of each model. Rarity looked carefully at the dress and model. She shook her head in disapproval at some of the dresses for the models, but she eventually found the perfect matches for each of them.

Rarity clapped her hooves together. “Alright girls, we better start practicing how you’ll pose and walk down the runway. I just need to find a much more suitable location for us to practice.”

“Z’ere is a practice stage we can use,” said Eye Liner in a thick Germaneigh accent.

“If you know the way, then I’ll let you all lead,” said Rarity.

They all headed for the door and opened it, but Rarity jumped back a bit from who was standing right outside. It was a gray stallion with a combed back golden mane and was holding a clipboard.

“Can I help you?” wondered Rarity.

“You are Miss Rarity, correct?” he asked. The white unicorn nodded. “I am Speedy Message, a stagehoof for P&H Studios. I couldn’t help but overhear you were headed for the practice room. Mind if I show you the way?”

“I wouldn’t mind,” said Rarity.

Rarity and the models followed Speedy down the long hallway. The white unicorn couldn’t help but keep eyeing Speedy as he walked beside her.

The gray stallion took notice. “Is something wrong, Miss Rarity?” he wondered.

She shook her head. “No. . . I’m fine,” she answered. “I just got this feeling that I’ve seen you before.”

Uh, oh, thought Speedy. “Um, I get that a lot,” he hesitantly replied. “You must be mistaking me for somepony else.”

“You still strike me as familiar,” said Rarity. “You sound like somepony I met, and even almost look like him.”

Speedy quietly gulped. Maybe I should’ve found a way to disguise my voice as well.

“Speedy?” asked Rarity.

The gray stallion jumped a little, but played it off. He looked at Rarity. “I’m pretty sure it’s nothing more than a coincidence.”

“Excuse me,” said Lip Balm. “We just passed the rehearsal room.”

Speedy and Rarity turned and saw the models weren’t too far behind them.

Speedy chuckled and said, “Um. . . of course it is,” he jokingly stated. “I was just having a nice chat with Miss Rarity.”

The two went back and Speedy held the door open. “Please go on through and prepare your routine,” he ordered. “I shall be around in case you need anything.”

Rarity watched Speedy trot down the hallway and quirked an eyebrow. I know I’ve seen him before... But where?

Spike looked around and let out a loud whistle. “Man for a place not as big as our hotel, this place goes on forever,” he said.

The dragon was walking down one of the hallways of P&H Studios. He made sure to dodge the ponies that were busy chatting with other ponies as they walked, and those that were in a hurry. Along the way though, he saw several other areas like a salon for only the models and a few selected clientele. He also saw a large pool and hot tub area, but before he could think of hopping in, a lifeguard told him he needed a swimsuit. Since he didn’t have one, he was escorted out, making the dragon irritated.

I wonder if there’s any place I can go to without either being told it’s reserved, or if I need something, thought Spike. Maybe I can go–

“Hey, Spike! Over here!”

The dragon turned his head and saw Applejack sitting on a black couch and waving at him. He ran over to the couch and smiled as he approached her.

“Hey, Applejack,” he said. “What’s up?”

“Just resting a bit, sugarcube,” she answered. “You having a good time here?”

Spike rolled his eyes. “If by ‘a good time’, you mean being told only certain ponies can be there and that you must have something to do this, then I’m having the time of my life,” he sarcastically said.

Applejack laughed. “I get ya, sugarcube,” she said. “For a pass that’s all access, it sure doesn’t let us do anything really big or exciting.”

“So what are you doing right now?” asked Spike.

“I’m just resting a bit,” answered the farm pony. “But the reason I called you over was because I think we need to talk.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “Talk? About what?” he wondered.

“It’s about Rarity,” said Applejack. “I’m worried about what’s been going on between you two.”

The dragon felt his stomach do a flip. “W–what do you mean?” he nervously asked.

“Relax, sugarcube,” assured Applejack. “I just want to make sure that everything is okay with you two.”

Spike rubbed the back back of his head. “Well, everything’s alright. . . I think so anyway,” he hesitantly replied.

“Well I’ve been noticing that Rarity’s been acting a bit. . . strange,” said Applejack. “When I checked on you two in the train, you both seemed upset about something. When we said goodbye to her earlier, she seemed pretty happy with you. Do you know what this is about?”

Spike looked away and sighed. “I’m not even sure,” he halfhearted answered. “When we were on the train, she seemed nervous, so I tried to make sure she was okay. At first it seemed she was fine, but then she pushed me away like as if I was smelt like I haven’t bathed in days.”

“You sure you didn’t say or do anything that rubbed her the wrong way?”

Spike looked at Applejack with a deadpanned expression.

“I was just making sure,” she told him sheepishly, realizing her faux-pas.

The dragon let out another sigh. “I don’t know if it’s because she’s nervous about this show, or maybe the stress of what’s happened over the last couple of days have made her on edge.”

Applejack frowned and rubbed her friend’s head. “That’s a good guess,” she said. “But I’m not so sure.”

“Why do you say that?” wondered Spike.

Applejack got up and said: “I ain’t going to say anything else, partner. For now I think I could go for something to eat. We ain’t too far from a food court, so let’s go.”

Spike smiled and nodded. “Alright,” he said. “What do you want to do after that?”

“You can go look around a little more if you want, sugarcube,” answered the farmer pony. “I’m going to try to have a talk with Rarity.”

“Alright, just a little more tighter aaaand that screw is in place,” said Heavy Duty. He wiped his forehead and sat up. “We’re almost done with this now. A few more wires to attach and we’ll be set.”

Suri, who tapped her hoof impatiently, let out a sigh. “I still want to know what this thing does.” She looked at Bit Bags and pointed at him. “You brought this to the hotel, so what is it?”

Bit shrugged at her. “I’m not sure myself,” he answered. “All I was told was to go to one of B. . . Golden’s old colleague's house and ask for one of his last inventions before retiring. All I was told was that it was just unstable and shouldn’t be used.”

Suri scoffed. “That’s certainly helpful,” she sarcastically said. She noticed the small remote with a red button and antenna on it near Heavy. She walked over and picked it up. “I mean how can a spotlight just capture Rarity? What’s it going to do, blind her?”

“Quit the complaining,” ordered Heavy, who finished screwing another attachment of the light. “Just a few wires to hook up and this thing will be ready.”

Suri rolled her eyes, but an idea clicked in her head. “Is that light facing the stage?” she wondered.

“Of course,” answered Heavy. “Now either help me out, or shut up.”

The pink mare smiled deviously. “I will help out alright.” She pointed the remote. “I’ll help by testing this thing out and seeing what it can do!”

Heavy’s eyes widened and he turned. “No! Don’t!” he cried out.

Suri pressed the button and the light suddenly dimmed. A loud crackling noise emanated and electric bolts flew out of the spotlight, which hit several of the other spotlights and shattered their lenses. All of a sudden, a loud crackling noise echoed and a bolt of lightning shot out of the spotlight and hit the stage background.

The lights then came back on and the damage from the spotlight was apparent. Several of the spotlights were burnt and smoke was billowing from them. The backdrop on the stage had a smoldering hole in the center. The spotlight was crackling with a few electric bolts around it, but after a couple of seconds, it stopped.

Suri stared at the sight with both a feeling of shock and a little exhilaration at the thought of what the light did. Her thoughts were cut out though as somepony suddenly smacked her and she looked to see Heavy, who was beside himself.

“What the buck were you thinking!?” he barked. “I told you to wait!”

Suri stepped back a bit. “I was just seeing what it would do!” she argued. “How was I supposed to know this would happen?”

“If you would wait, Blueblood would have–”

“What the hay is going on here!?”

Heavy and Suri stopped arguing and looked down to see several security guards rushing in and surveying the area.

“What happened here?” asked one guard.

“The bosses won’t be too happy about this,” said another one.

Heavy stepped back and whispered, “I think this is our cue to leave.”

“What about the light?” wondered Golden Rule. “We can’t risk leaving it here.”

“We got no time to remove it without damaging it further,” he replied. “We’ll just need to come back later when the coast is clear.” He looked at Suri and narrowed his eyes. “The prince will deal with you later.”

Suri scowled and ran off with the others.

Rarity clapped her hooves as she watched the models show off. “Wonderful, just wonderful!” she joyfully stated. “Oh, Eye Liner, put a little more energy into your walk.” Suddenly, the lights went dim and everypony stopped. After a few seconds, they came back on.

“What was that?” asked Lip Balm.

“Maybe it’s someone messing with the electric circuits,” answered Hair Brush. “They’re probably trying to make sure the lights are perfect for the show.”

Rarity shrugged. “Well, let’s not let that keep us down,” she said. “Back to work, girls.”

“How about a break?” inquired Lip. “We’ve been at this for a while now and are getting kind of tired.”

Rarity opened her mouth to object, but a knock at the door cut her off. She turned and called out, “Come in!”

The door opened and Applejack walked in. “Howdy, sugarcube,” she greeted. “How’s it going?”

“Oh, hello, Applejack,” replied Rarity. “Practice is going splendid here.” She looked over at the models and noticed they were looking a bit worn out. “Girls, take a good fifteen minute break and then we’ll resume practice.”

The models sighed in relief and went over to a side of the room that had a cooler and three large red couches.

Rarity turned back to Applejack. “So what brings you here, darling?” she wondered. “I thought you’d be wanting to take a look around this place than watch the models practice their routines.”

“Rarity, I’m not gonna mince words here,” warned Applejack. “I want to know if you’re mad at Spike or something.”

The unicorn looked shocked. “Mad?” she wondered. “Why would I be upset at Spikey?”

The farmer shrugged. “I don’t know,” she replied. “You’re the one who’s been acting crazier than Screw Loose.”

“How dare you!?” objected Rarity. “I have done nothing wrong to Spikey-Poo!”

“Then why are you acting so cold to him one moment like on the train, but the next minute, you’re fine with him?” inquired Applejack.

Rarity looked a bit angry and turned away. Applejack sighed and placed a hoof on her shoulder.

“Sugarcube, I know things have been. . .” Applejack turned around and saw the models were talking to each other around the cooler. “. . .crazy these last couple of days, but you gotta remember that we’re here for you.”

The white unicorn nodded slowly. “Darling, it’s not that I don’t appreciate Spike for all his help or anything, it’s just. . . complicated.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Try me then,” she said. “What’s so complicated that I can’t seem to get?”

“Applejack, please” whined Rarity. “I must get back to work.”

“You can go back to work all you want, but I ain’t leaving this place until we talk.” Applejack sat on the floor and crossed her hooves, narrowing her eyes at Rarity.

Rarity bit her lip and turned to see the models still chatting with each other, and then back to Applejack, sternly staring at her. She let out a sigh and nodded.

“If you really want to know, then I guess I can’t stop you,” she said. “I’m sure he told you about what happened on the train.”

Applejack nodded. “That he did.”

“Well. . . it’s not very easy for me to say, but I wasn’t trying to hurt him,” argued Rarity. “It was just that I was worried about what others would think of me.”

Applejack tilted her head and raised an eyebrow. “What in the hay does that mean?” she wondered.

“While I was hugging Spikey back, I noticed two ponies looking at us and they weren’t too happy. I don’t know what it was, but I felt ashamed all of a sudden and I had to push Spike away. Even after doing so, they still shook their head and looked at me with disgrace. I was hoping he wouldn’t take it too hard, but I guess I was wrong.”

Applejack had a blank expression on her. “So let me get this straight,” she stated. “You mean to tell me this whole reason you and Spike aren’t on the same page is because some ponies saw you hug him and you acted that way because of how they didn’t like what they saw?”

Rarity rubbed her head. “Well when you put it that way. . . I guess so,” she sheepishly answered.

Applejack walked up close. “Rarity.” The next thing the white unicorn knew, she felt a harsh slap across her face, emitting a yelp from her.

The models heard the yelp and turned to see Rarity holding her cheek and wincing in pain.

“What’s going on?” demanded Lip Balm.

Applejack trotted over to the mares. “Sorry girls, but I need to have a word with my friend here. Y’all mind leaving so I can speak to her alone?”

Lip looked at the other models, who shrugged indifferently. She looked back at Applejack. “Well I guess so,” she hesitantly answered. “Just don’t be too hard on whatever she did please. She is one of the competitors after all.”

“I promise,” said Applejack. She watched the models hurry out of the room and when the last one left, the door slammed shut. She then turned back to Rarity. “Alright partner, let’s talk.”

The white unicorn looked back at her friend with a furious expression. “Oh, let’s talk alright!” she screeched. “Let me ask you a simple question. Why did you slap me!?”

“Because I needed to knock some sense into your head!” barked Applejack. “I thought I was stubborn, but I ain’t got nothin on you!”

“What do you mean by that!?” pondered Rarity.

“What I mean is that you overreacted about how those ponies saw you and Spike,” Applejack answered. “So a few ponies saw you two hug, that ain’t no reason to get your mane in a knot.”

“And I say that’s no reason to slap somepony!” argued Rarity.

“You’re missing the point,” Applejack shot back. “The point is that you’re thinking about yourself again and yourself only. So who cares if you and Spike were hugging?”

The unicorn shook her head. “Darling, I don’t think you understand. Word can travel fast in the social elite, and those two ponies did look like they were part of it. It could really hurt my reputation and my social standing.”

“So just being famous is your excuse for hurting one of your friends?” scolded Applejack.

Rarity opened her mouth to reply, but felt guilt sink into her. She lowered her head and frowned. “I wasn’t trying to do anything hurtful,” she pleaded. “I was only trying to. . . to. . . “

“Look out for yourself,” finished Applejack.

The unicorn slowly nodded. “I’ve been kind of a bad friend to Spikey,” she sorrowly said.

The farmer pony shook her head. “You ain’t a bad friend, Rarity,” she argued. “You just let these little things get to you so quickly. It doesn’t matter what those ponies think, or what they say. Spike’s supported you since he moved to Ponyville, and I think you shouldn’t just throw him under a carriage when it comes to trying to look good in front of those fancy schmancy ponies.”

Rarity said nothing for a minute as she took in her friend’s words. The more she thought about it, the more confident she felt. Who cares what those other ponies thought? she asked herself. Spikey is one of my best friends, and I don’t care what anypony says.

She eventually looked up with a determined expression. “You’re absolutely right, Applejack. I’ve been treating poor little Spikey Wikey like dirt. I just hope he isn’t too mad at me.”

Applejack smiled softly. “Don’t worry, partner,” she assured. “He sounded more worried about you than anything else.”

“He was?” wondered Rarity.

The farmer nodded. “Yup, he was mighty worried that maybe all the pressure of this show or your ‘accident’ was building up in you.”

Rarity said nothing and felt a little warm inside. Her cheeks blushed a little, but she quickly hid it from her friend.

“So where is Spike now?” she wondered. “I think I need to talk to him.”

Applejack opened her mouth to answer, but an infuriated scream suddenly rang out, catching both ponies off guard.

The farmer pony raised an eyebrow. “What in tarnation was that?” she wondered.

Rarity shook her head. “I’m not sure. Whatever it was, somepony doesn’t sound too happy.”

A crackling noise suddenly filled the room. “Attention, all models and fashionistas!” a mare’s voice ordered from an intercom. “We need all of you to report to the main foyer by the P&H statue immediately!” The crackling noise came again and the room fell silent.

Applejack looked at Rarity. “I guess that’s your cue to get going.”

Rarity nodded. “Whatever it is, I hope it’s nothing too serious,” she said. “I guess when you see Spike, send him to my dressing room.”

“I’ll be sure to,” said Applejack.

The unicorn gave a nod and waved as she hurried out the door and down the hallway.

Rarity tried not to gag as she stood amongst the other competitors in the foyer. What’s that stench? she wondered. It smells worse than Sweetie Belle’s first attempt at cooking.

She looked over at the entrance of the auditorium and saw several ponies trotting in and out of it constantly. Security around the area was more active and there were more guards around there. When one of the doors opened, Rarity could’ve sworn she saw some smoke coming out.

“Miss Rarity!”

The unicorn turned around and saw Lip Balm running over to her.

“I see you got the message too,” said the pink mare. “Do you know what’s going on?”

“I was kind of hoping you knew,” answered Rarity. “I keep smelling something foul in the air though.”

“Well from what I’ve heard, Photo Finish sounded very angry and is trying calm herself right now in her office,” said Lip. “Apparently, she was checking out something in the auditorium and she screamed when she saw something. I’m not sure what else happened though.”

Rarity was about to say something, but a loud whistle caught her and the other ponies’ attention. They all turned to see Hoity Toity looking a bit upset.

“Good afternoon fellow fashionistas and models,” he somberly announced. “I’m sure by now, some of you can smell something rotten in this room and that security around the auditorium has increased.”

Some of the ponies muttered to themselves, but Hoity cleared his throat loudly to get their attention. “I’m afraid that a terrible accident has happened on the stage. A faulty wiring in one of the stage lights shorted out and caused an electrical malfunction.”

A few gasps echoed across the room. A stallion stepped forward and asked, “Does this mean the show is cancelled?”

Hoity shook his head. “Heavens no,” he replied. “The old saying is ‘the show must go on’, and go on it shall.”

“Well then when will the show start?” asked a mare.

“We have no specific timetable, but we are aiming for sometime today hopefully. If nothing else, the show will wait until tomorrow afternoon.”

Rarity darted her eyes around and felt a bit shaky. Oh, I hope it’s tomorrow afternoon, she prayed.

“Mr. Toity! Mr. Toity!”

Everypony turned their attention to a black stallion in a blue jumpsuit, who was running up to Hoity.

“Not now,” scolded Hoity. “I’m in the middle of an announcement.”

The stallion leaned in and whispered into Hoity’s ear. The gray stallion raised an eyebrow and nodded as he listened. Once the stallion backed off, Hoity looked rather pleased and smiled.

“Fillies and gentlecolts, I have good news,” he announced. “The good news is that the damage isn’t too severe and the show will go on as planned. One of the curtains got burned from the discharge and the stage got scorched, and after we replace the curtain as well as repair the damage to the stage and what lights were destroyed, things will proceed. Expect a delay about three hours while the unicorn technicians make repairs.”

The ponies cheered and Rarity sighed in relief. Well things are looking a bit good so far.

“Even better news is that you’ll have more time to practice your routines,” said Hoity. “The show will start at six instead of three.”

Rarity felt her heart nearly stopped and her eyes widened. “S. . . six you say?” she wondered. “Like six at night?”

Hoity nodded. “Of course, Miss Rarity,” he said. “You didn’t think it’d be at the crack of dawn, do you?”

Rarity stepped back and felt cold inside. She could feel her heart begin to race as she turned away. She tried to calm herself down, but fear and worry coursed through her as dark thoughts started to come to her. Some ponies screaming in terror, and others involving ponies carrying torches and chasing her.

I’m already trapped in a nightmare, she thought to herself. And it’s now about to get even worse.

Suri flinched as she felt another hard slap across her face. “Will you stop already!?” she demanded. “I already said I was sorry!”

Blueblood, who looked infuriated, gritted his teeth and slapped Suri again. “I don’t care how many times you say you’re sorry!” he screeched. “You nearly gave away our position and our secret weapon!”

“Well if I was told what the weapon was, then none of this would’ve happened!” argued Suri. “The least you could’ve told us was that it could do that!”

“And I told you to wait!” scolded the prince. “Now we got to hope that nopony notices that stage light. For your sake, Suri, you better pray nopony finds out about it.”

“What kind of invention does that anyway!?” inquired Suri.

“One that would’ve been used to help hunters!” Blueblood shot back. “He said the thing’s power was so high, it would turn anything to ashes! It was perfect for somepony like Nightmare Moon! Now you have messed up our biggest opportunity to kill her!”

Bit Bags had hesitantly walked over. “Um. . . I got the remote to it, sir,” he timidly said. “Suri dropped it after firing the light.”

Blueblood looked at the remote and snatched it. “Well there may still be a chance, but I don’t want to take any more risks like that.” He glared at Suri again. “You’re too much of a risk to blow our cover. Get out of here at once!”

Suri glared back and got up close to the prince. “What do you mean by that!?” she demanded.

“You know exactly what I mean!” barked Blueblood. “You’re little stunt has thrown a monkey wrench in our plans, and I won’t stand seeing you mess it up even more! Now get lost immediately, or else I’ll tell Photo Finish who was really behind that little accident on the stage. If you’re reputation wasn’t in the gutter before, it will be now.”

“You can’t do this!” Suri objected. “I already said I was sorry anyway!”

“And I already told you I don’t care how many times you apologize! You’re no longer needed!” Blueblood looked at the others. “Let’s go, we have a plan to fix.” The group turned around and trotted away.

Suri stomped her hoof and snorted. “Well then I’ll tell everypony what you’re up to!”

Blueblood gasped and stopped. He slowly turned to look at Suri with a bewildered expression. “What did you just say?” he asked.

Suri trotted up to the prince. “I just said I’ll tell everypony what you’re up to. I’m sure that everypony will want to know who’s bright idea this was.”

Blueblood’s eye twitched a little. “Well then I’ll have to make sure you don’t say anything,” he threatened.

Heavy Duty raised an eyebrow. “You don’t mean killing her, do you?” he inquired.

The prince shook his head. “I wouldn’t go that far,” he answered. “I mean hiding her away in this place until our plan is complete and we deal with her later.”

“Then I’ll blab and scream the moment you try that,” Suri warned. “The moment you try and lay a hoof on me, I’ll scream for help. That’ll catch the attention of the guards, and maybe even Hoity and Photo.”

Golden narrowed her eyes and sighed. “She’s got a point,” she stated. “If we tried anything, it could expose all of us and we’ll possibly be executed by Nightmare Moon herself. As much as I don’t approve of what she did, it’s probably best we keep her around.”

Blueblood gritted his teeth and groaned in frustration. “Well I don’t know what to do with her now,” he spat. “I don’t trust her with setting up the device again.”

“Get away from me!” a mare’s voice yelled.

Blueblood and the others heard the voice and looked around the corner. Rainbow Dash was flying down the hall and coughing. Fluttershy and a white stallion carrying a small pink glass bottle were behind her.

“Madam, wait!” called out the stallion in a Trottingham accent. “I still haven’t sampled you with the other perfume samples!”

“Oh, Rainbow, please wait!” Fluttershy pleaded.

“No way!” Rainbow shouted back. “That stuff is way too strong and smells awful!”

“We could try another sample if you want,” offered the stallion.

“No way!” answered Rainbow. She turned and flew off again, with Fluttershy and the stallion in pursuit.

Blueblood raised an eyebrow. “Hmm. . . those ponies are awfully familiar,” he muttered.

“Aren’t those the ponies we saw in that town?” wondered Heavy.

The prince felt something click in his mind and started thinking. As he thought about Rainbow and Fluttershy, a sinister smile formed on his face. His angry feelings gave way to a new wind of confidence and hope.

“Are you okay, sir?” asked Quick Note.

Blueblood turned around and looked very confident. “I’m perfectly fine,” he calmly said. He looked at Suri. “You’ve just earned yourself a chance to redeem yourself.”

The pink mare tilted her head. “How so?” she wondered.

“You’re going to make sure that none of Rarity’s friends get in our way,” said Blueblood. “Once we finally get them gone, there will be nothing to stop our plan.”

“Are you sure?” asked Suri.

Blueblood nodded. “By tonight, we shall finally destroy Rarity and be seen as heroes to Equestria!”

Author's Note

So there's been a change of plans in terms of this little arc. Originally, this was supposed to be a two part chapter, but I was getting a little carried away in this part with establishing the competition, the Rarity and Applejack scene, and Blueblood and his gang. Next part will be the final part of this chapter. Afterwards, it'll be time to begin the final arc to this story, after another interlude chapter, and then we'll be finished.

If you can figure out the inspiration of the stage light in this chapter, then you are awesome. Thanks for being patient again and I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Manehatten Madness (Part 3)

Rarity panted and gasped as she ran down the hallway. She ducked into a corner and panted heavily to catch her breath. Her ears perked as she heard yelling from the distance and peeked around the corner. She gasped as shadowy figures of ponies carrying what looked to be pitchforks and torches.

She turned back and galloped down the hall again. The only thing she was thinking of was running and getting as far away as possible. However, the further she tried to run, the louder and closer the yelling increased. Rarity turned her back to see the crowd was closing in on her and she tried to run faster.

“OOF!” she grunted.

Rarity collapsed to the ground as she ran into a wall she didn’t see. She groaned as she got up and noticed that there was no door at the end, or at either side. The sound of embers crackling and the light of fire caught her attention as she turned and saw a large group of angry ponies.

“There she is!” a pony accused. “It’s the monster!”

Rarity stepped back into the wall. “No! I’m not a monster!”

“She certainly looks like one!” another pony shouted.

“Burn her now!”

“Hang her!”

“Kill her before she uses her dark magic on us!”

Rarity stomped her hoof and had tears in her eyes. “I’m not some monster!” she cried out. “I’m still me!”

“That’s not what we see!” A pony held up a small mirror.

Rarity looked into it and gasped as she looked at her nightmare form in horror. She backed up into the wall again and shook violently.

“Please! I’m not like that!” she pleaded. “You don’t understand!”

“We don’t need to hear your lies!” yelled a mare. “Let’s get her!”

“Yeah! Burn Rarity!”

The crowd closed in, torches raised. “Burn Rarity! Burn Rarity! Burn Rarity!” they chanted.

“No! Please!” the unicorn begged as she closed her eyes.

“Rarity!” another voice shouted.

Rarity gasped as she flailed her hooves and looked around the room. There were no torches, no angry ponies, or hallway. She turned her head and saw Lip Balm and the other models looking at her with concerned looks. The unicorn took several deep breaths and leaned back into the chair she was sitting in.

After a moment of silence, Lip Balm timidly asked, “Um . . . are you okay, Miss Rarity?”

She leaned forward and slowly nodded. “Yes. . . I’m just thinking to myself,” she muttered. “Were you saying something to me?”

“Well when I checked on you, you were asleep,” said Lip.

“I apologize for that,” said Rarity. “I’m just tired is all. With all the planning and work I put into this, you would be too.

Lip Balm nodded. “That is true. Well I was asking what you thought of our routine.”

Rarity rubbed her eyes. “You were fine,” she answered.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” wondered Eye Liner. “You’ve been acting odd since Hoity’s announcement.”

“I’m fine, darlings,” Rarity assured. “I just have a lot on my mind now.”

The door suddenly knocked, catching everypony’s attention.

“Come in,” ordered Rarity.

The door opened and Spike walked in. “Hey, Rarity,” he greeted. “How’s it going with the show preparations?”

The unicorn smiled a little. “Good so far, Spikey,” she stated. “What brings you here?”

“I passed Applejack in the hallway and she said to go meet with you,” he replied. “She said something about you wanting to see me?”

Rarity felt a bit of relief and she sighed contently. Your timing couldn’t be more perfect, Spike, she thought. “Um. . . yes, I have been kind of thinking of you for a little bit. What do you say we both talk together.”

“Excuse me, Miss Rarity,” Lip interrupted. “What about our practice?”

Rarity looked at the models. “Why don’t you all take a break?” she offered. “I would like to speak to Spike alone.”

“But we’ve only been practicing for a little over an hour and a half,” said Hair Brush.

“You’ve all been working so hard though,” said Rarity with a smile. “Take a break and get some food. I’ll see you all back here in an hour.”

The models all looked at each other and just shrugged indifferently. They waved farewell to Spike and Rarity, who also waved goodbye, and left the room.

As soon as the door shut and the sound of hoofsteps faded, Rarity turned to Spike with a panicked look on her. “Spikey, we have a big problem,” she frantically said. “There’s little time to explain, so I’ll give you the short run of it.”

The dragon raised an eyebrow. “Wait a minute,” he objected. “Applejack told me you wanted to talk to me about what happened on the train.”

Rarity bit her lip and mentally cursed herself. She took a deep breath. “Spikey, that’ll have to wait,” she stated.

“Why does it have to wait?” he wondered.

“Because the show will now start much later,” answered the unicorn.

Spike looked a bit surprised. “Later? How so?”

Rarity explained to Spike about the announcement Hoity made and the trouble with the stage. The more Spike listened, the more worried he became. When Rarity was finished, the dragon’s eyes were wide and he was tapping his claws nervously.

“Holy guacamole,” he shockingly said. “What do we do now? The show starts in four hours and we got no idea on how to make nopony see you.”

“I know,” said Rarity, sorrowly. “I do wish Twilight were here instead of seeing Trixie. She’d know what to do.”

“Why don’t you just pretend you’re sick?” offered Spike. “You could say you aren’t feeling well enough to be part of the show. Or maybe just slip off unnoticed. We could make a run for the train station before the sun sets.”

“I can’t do that, Spike,” said Rarity as she shook her head. “If I did one of those things, it could hurt my reputation and credibility as a fashion designer. Besides, I’m already too deep into this show to just back away now.”

“Well then what do we do?” wondered Spike.

Rarity rubbed her head for as she thought. A minute later, a thought occurred to her. “I got it,” she answered. “I need you to get the others around here. Maybe we can all figure out something before the show starts.”

Spike nodded. “I’ll get to it. I guess you can think of something to do while I’m gone. Maybe by then, you’ll have an idea and we’ll see what we can do with it.”

“I will, darling.” Rarity watched Spike open the door, but another thought hit her. “Spikey, wait!”

The dragon turned around. “Yes, Rarity?” he asked.

“We’ll talk about the train thing later, I promise.”

Spike smiled at her. “You got it, Rarity. And don’t worry, things will be okay.” He opened the door and walked out the room.

Rarity slumped into her chair and sighed. “I certainly hope so, Spikey.”

Suri marched down the hallway with Bit Bags and Golden Rule by her side. She looked over at Bit and said, “If my memory serves me right, I think I remember seeing those ponies the last time they were in Manehatten. I know there’s that pride-parade of a pony and that yellow pegasus, but who else?”

Golden held out a small photo that showed six mares posing in a photo with Princess Celestia in front of the castle. “This photo from the Gala will tell us who to find. It shouldn’t be too hard to find these six, especially with how much they stick out from the rest of these ponies here.”

“So any ideas on how to get them out of the way?” asked Suri. “We were told to keep it inconspicuous.”

“We could lead them into a trap,” Bit chimed in. “Take them somewhere deserted and then knock them out.”

Golden Rule rubbed her chin and nodded. “I do like that idea. I believe we should also tie them up and throw them in a closet, that way they don’t escape.”

“I believe I did see a supply closet in the back area of the building,” said Bit. “I saw some stagehooves pull out some rope and a couple of tools. Perhaps that’s where we can take them.”

“Good idea,” Suri praised. “Now we just need to figure out how to lure them.”

Golden looked over and gasped. “Look over there!” she pointed towards the opposite side of the room. They group turned to see two pegasi flying around, one of them coughing.

Rainbow hacked and gasped. “Ugh! Fluttershy, next time you suggest we check out something let me know if there’s something like that!”

The yellow pegasus rubbed her hoof on the floor. “Well I thought it was a nice place,” she timidly said. “You didn’t need to be so rude to the salespony.”

“Well I told him that I didn’t want any of that smelly stuff,” protested Rainbow. “He should’ve known to take no for an answer.”

“That’s still no reason to be so rude to him,” said Fluttershy.

“I’m a future Wonderbolt, not a pony who likes to play dress-up,” Rainbow shot back. “I’m just glad that I didn’t get a whole lot of that stuff on me, and that none of the Wonderbolts saw me.”

As the conversation continued, Golden Rule raised an eyebrow. “A future Wonderbolt?” she wondered.

“That’s what I heard,” replied Bit.

Suri felt something click in her mind and a sinister smile formed on her. “I got it!” she proclaimed.

“Got what?” wondered Bit.

“Just go to that supply closet Bit saw and grab something hard,” ordered Suri. “I’ll meet you two back there with our suckers.”

Bit and Golden looked a little unsure, but nodded anyway and trotted down the hall. Suri turned her attention to Rainbow and Fluttershy. She straightened her mane and trotted over to them.

It’s showtime, she told herself.

Suri approached the two mares who were still talking to each other. “Excuse me, miss,” she said in a fake, kind tone.

Both pegasi turned to Suri, and Fluttershy let out a gasp. “Oh, my, it’s security,” she shakingly said. “We weren’t being too loud, were we?”

“It’s not that,” said Suri. “I couldn’t help but hear about your friend talking about the Wonderbolts.”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, and what about them? Are you a fan too?”

Suri shook her head. “No, I just wanted to say that one of them is actually here in the studio.”

Rainbow did a double take and looked shocked. “Are you serious?” she wondered. “There’s a Wonderbolt here?”

“Yes. I think her name was Spitfire,” said Suri.

“I didn’t know Spitfire was into fashion,” said Fluttershy.

“Um, well she has a cousin who’s a fashionista,” Suri quickly responded.

Fluttershy rubbed her head, saying hesitantly, “Well that sounds nice.”

The pink mare nodded. “Anyway, I believe that she was talking about somepony that looked like you.” She pointed to Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow gasped. “Oh, my gosh! Did she say if I was finally going to be a full time Wonderbolt instead of a part time one! I’ve been waiting so long to be one!”

Suri smiled deviously. “Why don’t you follow me to where she is and you can ask her yourself?” she offered.

Rainbow smiled like as if she got the best Hearth’s Warming gift ever. “Aww yeah!” She pulled Fluttershy to her side. “Come on, Fluttershy, we’re going to see this Wonderbolt. I just hope she doesn’t mind me smelling like rotten eggs or something.” Before she could respond, Fluttershy was pulled by Rainbow.

Suri nodded. “Follow me then,” she ordered.

Rainbow and Fluttershy followed Suri down the hallway. The further they went down it, the quieter it got, and the less ponies were around. Fluttershy couldn’t help but feel a little intimidated.

“Um. . . it’s certainly a long way to where Spitfire is,” Fluttershy said. “Are you sure this is the right way?”

“She wanted to be left out of the crowd,” answered Suri. “She doesn’t want the rest of the public to know she’s here.”

Rainbow smiled. “Well hopefully she won’t mind a visit from the biggest Wonderbolt fan.”

“I’m sure she won’t,” Suri assured.

Eventually, the three ponies made it to a lonely hallway, with only two ponies wearing security uniforms standing on each side of a door.

“So this is the place I take it?” wondered Rainbow. She looked around the deserted hallway. “She certainly chose a quiet place.”

“Just go knock on the door and when it opens, she’ll be so surprised.” Suri looked at the two ponies, Bit Bags and Golden Rule, and nodded. They nodded back and each put a hoof behind their back.

Rainbow trotted over and knocked on the door loudly. “Hey, Spitfire!” she called out. “It’s me, Rainbow!”

No response came.

The blue pegasus tilted her head. “Captain?” she asked.

No answer.

Rainbow turned to Suri. “I don’t get this,” she said. “Is she not in?”

“Oh, she’s in alright,” said Suri in a sinister tone. “Just open the door and see for yourself.”

Rainbow looked a little unsure, but shrugged it off. She opened the door to see various ropes, metal poles, light bulbs, bags of sand, and various stage lights.

“Hey, what’s the big idea?” she demanded.

“NOW!” ordered Suri.

Rainbow turned around and saw a large metal pole swing toward her. The pole hit her square on the head and she became very disoriented. She tried to stay on her hooves, but another swing from the pole ended up with her on the floor and seeing nothing but darkness.

Suri laughed coldly. “Good work you two,” she proudly said. “We got them knocked out.”

“Well, only one,” said Bit.

Suri stopped laughing and looked at Bit with anger on her. “Don’t tell me the other one got away!” she barked.

“It’s not that,” Bit quickly said. She pointed to the side, where Fluttershy was lying on the ground. “She just gasped and fainted. We didn’t even hit her once.”

Suri looked over at the yellow pegasus with disbelief. “. . . Huh,” she nonchalantly said after a few seconds. “That was a bit anticlimactic, but it still got the job done.” She looked back at Golden and Bit. “The two of you tie up the two and gag them. Then, empty the sandbags and stuff them in there and leave them in the closet.”

“Got it!” the pair said in unison.

Suri snickered and rubbed her hooves. “Two ponies down, three to go.”

Applejack could hear her stomach rumbling as she walked. She looked around the cafeteria and saw various foods. From tiny hay sandwiches to cake slices that were very tiny, the food made the farmer even more hungry. But as she looked at the prices for the food, Applejack’s jaw nearly dropped. She shook her head and walked away.

Her stomach growled again. “Ugh. Who in tarnation would pay fifty bits for a plate of small hay sandwiches?” she wondered. “I could probably buy enough food for the rest of the week that price.”

She trotted over to a nearby table and slumped into the chair. “I think the next time I come to such a fancy place like this, I’m bringing my own lunch.”

Applejack looked around the room and groaned to herself. “I can’t take it anymore,” she whined. “Where’s a carrot-dog vendor when you need one?”

“Did you say carrot dog?” a mare chimed.

Applejack turned around and saw a pink mare in a security uniform. “Uh. . . I did,” she said. “Why do you ask Miss. . .?”

“Rule Enforcer,” said the mare. “I couldn’t help but hear you and I wanted to tell you there’s actually a vendor nearby that sells them.”

“Well where is it?” wondered Applejack. “My stomach is growling louder than a bear after hibernation.”

“Follow me then,” ordered Suri. “This vendor sells carrot-dogs that will knock you out.”

Suri lead Applejack to a set of double doors and opened them. After the doors closed, the hallway fell silent, save for the sound of hoofsteps.

As Applejack trotted along, she couldn’t help but feel a little suspicious. “So where is this vendor?” she wondered. “It’s certainly in a weird place.”

Suri stopped in the middle of a four way intersection, and turned towards the farmer. “Actually, we are here,” she coldly said. “Now it’s time to eat.”

Applejack looked around. “But there ain’t nopony here. And what in tarnation do you mean by it’s time to–AAH!”

Before Applejack could finish her sentence, she felt a sharp pain as something hit her in the head. She fell to the ground and felt her head pounding. She moaned as the world around her faded away, and saw nothing but pitch blackness. From behind the farmer, there were two ponies, each carrying a metal pipe in their hooves.

Suri snickered sinisterly. “Well done you two,” she said. “We were able to get her easier than those two pegasi.”

“Shall we bound and gag her, and then throw her in the closet too?” asked Golden.

“Of course,” replied Suri. “Now hop to it, both of you.”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Bit as he saluted. The two picked up Applejack and carried her away.

Suri smiled smugly to herself. “Three ponies down, two to go,” she told herself. “This is all too easy.”

“Happy birthday!” a group of ponies exclaimed.

The sound of party horns, cheering, and clapping filled a large room as confetti rained down. A large yellow cake with sprinkles all over it was placed in front of an eager green colt. He blew it out and everypony cheered again.

As the cake was being served, a red mare noticed a pink mare bounced next to her, and she turned towards her. “Thank you again for helping throw this party, Miss Pinkie Pie,” she said in a sincere tone.

“Oh, it was no problem!” she joyfully said. “I was especially happy to help my super duper close friend!”

The sound of an accordion playing caught both mares’ ears and they turned to see an orange coated stallion with a poofy brown mane playing it. Pinkie looked on at the stallion and sighed dreamily at him.

“Well, I think you two are definitely the perfect pair,” said the red mare.

Pinkie broke out of her trance and looked over. “Oh, he’s a wonderful and cute party planner! I’m just sorry about what happened earlier with one of his party favors.”

The mare chuckled. “Oh, I think the kids have made good use of it,” she said. “By the time the party is over, it should all be but gone. Besides, anything that remained, your friend would clean up for free.”

“Well that’s how–” Pinkie gasped and her knees buckled. Her head was suddenly pounding like as if it was hit with something heavy. She groaned in pain and felt her back ache as well.

“Miss Pinkie, are you alright?” asked the worried mare.

Pinkie got up and rubbed her head. “I’m not sure,” she said rather quietly. “I feel like something. . . bad is happening.”

“Bad?”

The party mare nodded. “Yeah, like as if something horrible is happening to my friends,” she said. “I think they’re in big trouble.”

“What’s going on here?”

Pinkie looked up and saw the orange stallion. She reached up and hugged him. “Oh, Cheesey!” she exclaimed. “I’m so super sorry, but I have to go! My Pinkie Sense seems to be telling me my friends are in trouble!”

Cheese smiled reassuringly. “That’s okay, Pinkie.” He reached into a sack he had and pulled out five orange orbs. “If you’re going to help your friends, maybe these will help!”

Pinkie gasped. “But these are the–”

“I know,” Cheese said.

“But these things are–”

“Dangerous, but could be helpful,” Cheese interrupted again.

Pinkie bit her lower lip. “Well. . . if you’re sure, I’ll try it,” she said.

“After what happened earlier, I’d say they’ll help,” said Cheese. “I can handle things from here, Pinkie.” He leaned in and quickly pecked her on the cheek, making both ponies blush. “You. . . um, go help your friends, okay?”

Pinkie smiled widely and nodded frantically. “I will!” she confidently shouted. “Tell the birthday colt I said happy birthday!”

The party mare hopped off out the door, with Cheese watching and sighing contently. The red mare trotted next to him.

“She’s certainly an interesting mare,” she said.

Cheese nodded in agreement. “That she is,” he said. “She’s certainly a special pony.”

Blueblood and Heavy Duty trotted down the hallway. The two ponies looked very pleased, but a little tired.

“Everything should be good now,” said Heavy. “I’m just glad the wiring wasn’t completely blown, or else things could’ve been much worse.”

“You did well,” said Blueblood. “Now let’s just hope that incompetent excuse of a mare did her job the right way.”

“Sir!”

Both Heavy and Blueblood turned to see Quick Note running towards them. The gray stallion saluted.

“What do you have to report?” wondered the prince.

“Nothing really new, to be honest,” answered Quick. “Rarity seems to be just practicing the routine, but yet she seems nervous and almost afraid about something.”

Blueblood raised an eyebrow. “Afraid?” he inquired.

“Maybe something happened to one of her dresses?” Heavy input.

The prince waved a hoof and narrowed his eyes. “It’s none of my concern,” he said. “We need to find Su. . . I mean, Rule Enforcer, and see if she’s done her part.”

“You called?”

The group turned around to see Suri, Bit, and Golden each looking rather pleased.

Blueblood smirked. “I assume from your expressions that your mission was a success?” he inquired.

“Well, for the most part, yes,” said Suri, sounding a bit hesitant.

The prince looked puzzled. “For the most part? What do you mean by that?”

“We managed to capture three of Rarity’s friends, but haven’t found the pink one, nor that purple unicorn anywhere,” Bit answered rather nervously.

Blueblood bit his lip and narrowed his eyes a bit. “Do you mind telling me why you haven’t found them?” he threatened.

“We just can’t find them,” said Golden. “We all looked around for an hour, but didn’t see them.”

“It’s possible they didn’t come,” Suri suggested. “I mean, that pink pony would stick out like a sore hoof and be easy to spot. That unicorn would’ve been a bit more tricky to find, but we would’ve seen her eventually.”

Blueblood rubbed his chin. “I’m not sure,” he said. “Are you sure you looked everywhere?”

“Positive,” said Suri. “We even looked around the area where Rarity and the other fashion designers were practicing their models’ routines.”

The prince closed his eyes in concentration. “Well. . . if they aren’t here, I guess we shouldn’t have to worry about them getting in the way,” he said. “Is there anything else to report?”

“There is actually,” Quick spoke up. “I was checking on Rarity earlier, and it seems she has another friend with her.”

Blueblood’s eyes perked. “Another friend?” He turned towards Suri. “I thought you said you couldn’t find those other ponies anywhere.”

“Sir, wait,” Quick pleaded. “It wasn’t either of those two. It wasn’t even a pony.”

“Then what was it?” wondered the prince.

“It was a dragon.”

The group was silent for a few minutes as they took in the response. Some of them looked confused, while others seemed unamused.

Blueblood, looking rather annoyed, sighed. “Explain yourself,” he ordered.

“Well there’s this purple dragon that’s been talking to her for a little bit,” he said. “I didn’t get to hear the conversation, but I did see the two of them talking to each other.”

Blueblood raised an eyebrow. “Hmm. . . I think I’ve seen this dragon before,” he muttered.

“Aside from him though, I didn’t see either that pink pony, nor this purple unicorn,” said Quick.

Blueblood gasped and said, “Oh, now I remember!”

“Remember what?” wondered Golden.

“That dragon belongs to my aunt’s so-called student,” he said. “He just does nothing but nap, do some work, or just act like a common peasant.”

“Should we try to capture him?” Suri inquired.

Blueblood rubbed his chin for a few seconds before shaking his head. “I don’t think so,” he said. “He’s only a tiny dragon, so he’s no threat to us. Besides, what’s he going to do? Blow a few sparks at us?” He laughed to himself at his own joke.

“So what now?” asked Heavy.

The prince smirked deviously. “The time to plan is just about over, and it’s time we finally put it to action.” He looked to his left. “Bit, Golden, you two are to go to were our ‘friends’ are and make sure nopony is allowed into the room you left them in. Quick, you need to get back to your position. Make sure to keep me updated. Heavy, go and get several of your ‘associates’ to assist us, and tell them to come prepared. Suri, you’re with me. Got it?”

“Got it!” the group said in unison.

“Then let’s move out,” ordered Blueblood. “Time is. . .”

“. . .running out!” cried Rarity.

She looked up at the clock and saw it was quarter til five. It can’t be that late into the day already, she thought to herself. I could’ve sworn it was just barely past three.

“Miss Rarity?”

The unicorn jumped and gasped. She looked up at Lip Balm looking concerned. She let out a sigh of relief. “Oh, it’s just you,” she muttered. “What do you need?”

“It’s close to showtime,” said Lip. “The girls and I were wondering if we could just go get ready for the show.”

Rarity sunk into her chair and slowly nodded. “Go ahead,” she said in a hollow tone. “I. . . I’m just tired, and need time to think to myself.”

Lip stared at Rarity for a moment before nodding back. “Very well,” she said, and turned to the other models. “Let’s go, girls.” Lip Gloss trotted to the door and opened it.

“Whoa!” a voice cried out.

The models yelped and Rarity got up. “What happened?” she wondered. She looked down and saw on the floor near the doorway a small purple dragon. “Spikey! Are you okay?”

The dragon got up and rubbed his nose. “Yeah, I just didn’t expect the door to be opened on me like that,” he said, sounding a little nasally. “I was actually hoping to talk to you.”

“Well the models were on their way out, so we can talk privately.” Rarity looked over at the girls. “Go on please,” she ordered.

The models looked a little unsure, but they left the room and closed the door.

Rarity turned to Spike and grabbed him. “Spikey, where are the others?” she wondered. “I thought you were going to get them.”

The dragon bit his lip and looked down. “That’s just it,” he dejectedly said. “I looked all over this place, but I can’t find them. I even asked around for where they were last seen, but they were nowhere to be found.”

Rarity’s heart sank and could feel her heart racing. “Oh, no!” she cried. “What am I going to do!? The show starts in an hour and I don’t know how I’m going to avoid being seen in my other form!”

“Calm down, Rarity!” Spike reassured. “We still got a bit of time left. Let’s think this through and maybe we can figure out something together.”

The white unicorn sighed and felt a tear roll down her eye. “Spikey. . . you’re so kind to always try to be so optimistic, but there’s nothing we can do now,” she sorrowly replied. “Perhaps that whole running away thing wouldn’t hurt after all.”

Spike looked shocked. “Come on, Rarity,” he said. “We just need to–” The dragon was cut off by the sound of a door being rapidly knocked. He looked over at the door. “Who could that be?”

Rarity sighed. “It’s probably one of the models,” she said. “They must’ve forgotten something. Go ahead and open the door, Spike.”

The dragon nodded and walked towards the door. When he opened it, he gasped.

Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Who is it, Spikey?” she wondered.

No response.

“Spikey Poo?” Rarity turned around and nearly yelped.

At the door was Twilight, looking a bit exhausted and embarrassed, but next to her was a blue unicorn mare with a white mane and a grayish blue streak going through it.

Spike was the first to speak. “. . . Trixie,” he said in awe.

Twilight rushed in and noticed Rarity. “Um. . . sorry I’m late,” she said. “I lost track of time when Trixie and I were talking to each other. When I saw it was nearly five, we both rushed over here.”

“Twilight, forgive my rudeness, but what is she doing here!?” demanded Rarity, as she pointed at Trixie.

The blue unicorn’s eyes narrowed. “If you must know, Trixie was invited by Twilight to see this show,” she haughtily said. “Twilight was kind enough to buy a backstage pass for somepony like Trixie.”

“But. . . but what about. . . you know,” suggested Spike. He pointed over at Rarity.

Twilight shook her head. “Spike, I assure you and Rarity have nothing to worry about,” she said. “Trixie hasn’t said anything about what happened in Ponyville.”

“Trixie is a changed mare after all,” said the magician. “Besides Trixie knows what it’s like to be seen as an outcast.” Her confident smile faltered a bit.

Twilight embraced her. “Well you’re doing much better now,” she said.

Trixie blushed a little. “Trixie thinks you’re right,” she mumbled.

“Uh, not to interrupt this whole thing, but we got bigger problems,” said Spike.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “What’s going on?” she wondered.

Spike and Rarity each explained how the show got delayed so late and how their friends are now missing. By the time they were finished, Twilight looked a little panic stricken and her eye twitched a little.

She took several deep breaths and paced around. “Okay. . . so the show is delayed and the others are nowhere to be found,” she quietly said.

Spike rubbed his arm and looked worried. “That’s just what–”

“So what do we do now!?” Twilight suddenly shouted. The rest of the group jumped in surprise. “We got less than an hour, the sun sets in a little bit, and all of those ponies will see you, Rarity!”

“We know, darling,” said Rarity in a defeated tone. “I may as well just give up and leave this place while I can. Maybe I can make it to the hotel before the sun sets.”

“I don’t know Rarity,” said Twilight in a worried tone. “There’s too much traffic around and the streets have been getting crowded. You could transform in the open and ponies will think you’re actually Nightmare Moon.”

Rarity lowered her head and sniffled. “Then it’s over,” she croaked. “I'm trapped with nowhere to go, and ponies everywhere will think I’m a monster instead of just me.”

Spike grabbed Rarity’s hoof. “Don’t worry, Rarity,” he gently assured. “I’m sure Twilight has an idea.”

The white unicorn, despite feeling helpless, couldn’t help but feel a little comfort from her dragon friend, and smiled at him. She looked up at Twilight. “Do you have any idea?” she wondered.

Twilight lowered her head and shook it. “I’m afraid I don’t,” she said. She looked over at Trixie. “Do you have any ideas?”

The magician shook her head. “Trixie has nothing,” she said. “Trixie has no tricks up her sleeves or anything to help your friend.”

Spike, who was scratching his head, felt something click inside him. His eyes widen and he smiled. “That’s it!” he cried out confidently.

Rarity looked over at Spike. “What’s it?” she asked.

Spike put a claw around Trixie. “You’re a genius,” he stated.

Trixie couldn’t help but blush a little “Trixie is not sure what you mean,” she said hesitantly.

“Twilight, do you remember how you beat Trixie the last time she came into Ponyville?” wondered the dragon.

The blue unicorn gritted her teeth and narrowed her eyes. “Trixie is standing right here you know,” she seethed.

“Spike!” scolded Twilight. “Don’t embarrass Trixie like that! She’s not like that anymore!”

The dragon shook his head. “That’s not what I meant!” he shot back. “What I mean is do you remember how you beat her the last time you two had that duel.”

Twilight looked annoyed, but didn’t open her mouth this time. She instead thought back to that fateful duel she and Trixie had.

Let’s see, she thought to herself. I remember the Alicorn Amulet, but I don’t think that was it. There was how I was outcasted. Accepting Trixie’s apology. There was also Zecora, but I–

Twilight suddenly felt something click in her head and gasped. She looked at Spike with a proud look. “Spike, I think I get where you’re going with this,” she said.

“Will somepony tell me what’s going on?” demanded Rarity.

“Trixie would like to know too.”

Twilight looked at Rarity. “We need to ‘trick’ the audience into thinking you’re on stage,” she answered.

Rarity quirked an eyebrow. “Trick the audience?” she wondered. “I’m a fashionista, not a stage magician.” She looked at Trixie. “No offense, darling.”

“None taken,” said the blue unicorn.

“We just need to get some paint,” said Twilight. “Rarity, I need you to do a quick manestyle.”

“But for who darling?” asked Rarity.

“For Trixie,” said Spike.

Both Twilight and Trixie looked at the dragon with surprised looks.

“Why her?” wondered Twilight. “I was actually going to volunteer myself.”

“No offense, Twilight, but I think Trixie is a much better choice for this plan.” Spike looked at the magician. “How would you like to put on a different kind of show tonight?”

Trixie raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Trixie is listening,” she said.

“Alright, Twilight needs to get some white and purple paint,” said the dragon. “Then. . .”

Outside the room, another pony who had their ear pressed against the door moved back and looked shocked and distraught.

Oh, no, the pony thought. What have I done? We’re making a big mistake. The pony ran off down the hallway. I got to tell Prince Blueblood about this before it’s too late!

Bit Bags let out a yawn. “Ugh. . . this is getting really boring,” he said. “I’ve had more fun listening to some of my executives in a business meeting.”

“Will you stop whining?” wondered Golden in an irritated tone. “We just need to stay here long enough for business to be taken care of.”

“Well you gotta admit this isn’t exactly the most exciting thing when taking down some demonic spirit,” said Bit.

“Just hold on a bit longer,” said Golden. “Once the prince has done his part, we can all go on easy street.”

“I never heard of that street,” said a chipper voice.

Golden and Bit gasped and stumbled back. They felt their hearts racing and a chill run down their bodies. They looked over and saw a pink mare with a goofy smile on her face.

“Who the hay are you?” wondered Golden, who sounded irritated. “And how did you get here anyway? This is a restricted area.”

“I’m Pinkie Pie, and I was wondering if you’ve seen my friends around,” said the pink mare. “Have you seen them?”

Bit opened his mouth to speak, but Golden put a hoof over his mouth and pulled him aside. “Isn’t that one of the ponies we needed to find?” she whispered.

Bit looked over at the mare, who was humming a tune to herself. “She does seem to resemble one of them,” he whispered back. “She’s certainly an odd pony. How did she manage to evade us for so long?”

“I don’t know, but just follow my lead,” whispered Golden. “We’ll have a surprise waiting for her.”

“Is it a surprise party?” whispered a voice.

Golden nodded. “Yes, it’s–AHH!” Both she and Bit screamed as they noticed Pinkie had come between the two of them.

Golden panted and narrowed her eyes. “Don’t do that!” she scolded.

“Sorry!” Pinkie chirped. “Can we find my friends now?”

Golden smirked. “Of course we can,” she said coldly. “Let my associate and I step into our boss’ office and tell them what we’re doing.” She looked over at Bit and nodded. He nodded back and reached for the doorknob.

“Aww thanks!” said Pinkie. “Why don’t I give you guys something for helping a pony like me?”

Golden looked at Bit and raised an eyebrow. “Gift?” she wondered. “What kind of gift?”

“These!” Pinkie announced. She pulled from her mane two of the orange orbs.

Golden looked confused. “What are those things?” she asked.

“They look like pineapples,” said Bit.

Golden stared at him with a deadpanned look on her.

“Well it does to me!” he objected.

“They must be foreign ones then because I’ve never seen a pineapple like this before,” said Golden.

“And I am getting hungry,” said Bit. “I could use a good snack right now.”

“Here you go then!” Pinkie handed over a pineapple to each pony. “Enjoy!”

Bit trotted over to Golden and looked at her. They both shrugged.

“Well this was rather nice,” said Bit. “But why don’t we first help find your friends?”

“Before we do, I just have one thing to say,” said Pinkie.

“And that is?”

“Say cheese!”

Golden was flabbergasted. “Um. . . che–”

Before Golden could finish her sentence, a rather loud boom echoed and shook the hallway. Pinkie Pulled out an umbrella from her mane and opened it in front of her. The sound of splattering went on for a few seconds before it stopped and the sound of dripping cheese echoed.

Pinkie lowered the umbrella and saw Golden and Bit, saved for their eyes and part of the nose, were covered in an orange like substance. The sound of angry muffling could be heard, but the party mare payed no mind. She instead opened the door and found her friends were bound, gagged, and lying on the ground, but looking visibly shaken.

“Hi, girls!” Pinkie greeted.

Rainbow muffled loudly and inched towards Pinkie. The pink mare reached down and ripped the duct tape off her face.

“Ow!” cried Rainbow. “Pinkie, I’ve never been so happy to see you!”

“Aww thanks, Dashie,” said the party mare. “Did those meanies hurt you girls?”

“You could say we all got a splitting headache from them,” groaned Rainbow. “What was that boom we heard though?”

“Just a surprise for them,” said Pinkie.

“Well hurry and get us untied!” ordered Rainbow. “Something is really rotten around here.”

“Oki doki loki!” said Pinkie as she saluted. She quickly went around the room and untied and removed the duct tape from their mouths.

Applejack stretched and groaned. “I gotta hand it to ya, Pinkie,” she said. “You may not be the most down to earth pony in Equestria, but you sure know when to pull for us when we need you the most.”

“Yeah, yeah, let’s save the congratulations for later,” said Rainbow. “We better go find Rarity and tell her what’s going on.”

“I just hope Twilight hasn’t been attacked like us,” said Fluttershy

Applejack nodded and adjusted her hat. “You said it partner. Let’s hightail it out of here!”

The group galloped out the door and down the hallway, but quickly stopped at the orange mess in front of them. Rainbow, Applejack, and Fluttershy looked dumbfounded by the gooey mess, and could hear the sound of Bit and Golden mumbling angrily.

Finally, Applejack asked, “Pinkie, what in tarnation did you just do?”

“Well I’d make a joke about it, but it’d be cheesy to you guys.” Pinkie laughed at her own joke. She looked at the others, who didn’t look the least bit amused.

“That’s not what I meant,” said Applejack. “What did you use to trap those varmints in. . . whatever this is? It certainly couldn’t have been your Party Cannon.”

“First of all, you girls need to lighten up,” said Pinkie. “Secondly, you can all thank Cheesy for this!”

“Cheese?” wondered Rainbow. “Like Cheese Sandwich?”

“The one and only super duper cutie. . . I mean, awesome guy!” said Pinkie.

Applejack’s jaw nearly dropped. “What in the hay made him want to make something that did this?” she asked.

“Well it was supposed to be like an emergency cheese dipping sauce grenade in case any party ran out of it,” said Pinkie. “He tried it out earlier, but it made a big sticky mess.”

Rainbow groaned and shook her head. “I think he needs to throw this idea away. We’ll deal with those two jerks later. Let’s get moving!”

The blue pegasus tried to lift her leg, but felt something heavy hold her down. She looked down and gasped.

“Pinkie! Look what your little gift did!” she yelled.

The group looked down and gasped as they saw their hooves were in some of the cheese that spilled onto the floor. Applejack grunted and huffed as she tried to lift one leg up, but she couldn’t do it.

Applejack glared at Pinkie. “The next time I see Cheese, remind me to buck him into next week.”

“Don’t worry, girls!” said Pinkie, sounding a bit nervous. “It’s cheese after all! We just got to eat our way out!” She leaned down and began chomping at it.

“Eat our way out!?” barked Rainbow. “That’ll take an hour maybe!”

“Well if we do it fast enough, we can get out sooner,” said Applejack. “I guess we got no other choice.” She leaned down and munched on the cheese.

Rainbow looked around at her friends eating and sighed to herself. “Well if you can’t beat ‘em, eat ‘em I guess.” She joined her friends in chewing up the cheese.

Rarity hummed as she pulled away the last hair curler. She looked at the mane in front of her and smiled. She clapped her hooves together and announced, “It’s perfect, Trixie!”

“Trixie demands to see how she looks,” said the magician.

The white unicorn levitated a mirror over and held it in front of Trixie. She saw that her own mane was no longer silver, but purple and curly like Rarity’s. Her body was also completely white, with a three diamond mark where her cutie mark was supposed to be.

Twilight put down a white paint can and brush and wiped her forehead. “That should definitely do it, Trixie.”

Trixie looked herself up and down. “Well, Trixie thinks that while white isn’t exactly her color, she does look just like your friend.”

“I’ll say,” said Spike. “You do look a lot like Rarity. You even look almost just as beautiful as she is.”

Trixie smirked and raised an eyebrow. “Oh, is some dragon falling for the charm and natural beauty of the Great and Humble Trixie?”

Spike flinched and twiddled his fingers. “Well. . . what I mean is. . .” he muttered.

Rarity bit her lip and felt her blood boil. Charm and natural beauty? she thought. She better not be thinking of doing anything with Spikey Wikey.

“What do you want to say, Spike?” Twilight asked, sounding a little angry.

The dragon waved his hands. “Whoa! I was just joking!” he shouted.

Trixie laughed and shook her head. “Trixie was just joking with you,” she said. “Your kind words are appreciated, but you are not Trixie’s type.”

“Um, same here,” said Spike.

Twilight let out a sigh. “Thank goodness,” she muttered.

“What did you say, Twilight?” wondered Spike.

The lavender unicorn turned and laughed awkwardly. “I was saying thank goodness that Trixie was um. . . able to fool Spike like that,” she quickly said. “If you were able to make Spike believe you were Rarity, then you should be able to fool everypony else.”

“Twilight is right,” Rarity agreed. “However, you need to drop that whole third person speaking thing. I do not speak like that at all.”

Trixie scoffed and waved a hoof. “That is no problem for Tr. . . um, . . . I. . . erm. . .” Her voice trailed off and she looked a little discouraged.

“Me, is the word you’re looking for,” said Twilight.

The magician smiled softly. “That’s exactly what I was thinking,” she said. “It’s no problem for somepony like Tr. . . I mean, me.”

“AHH!”

“Rarity!” Spike cried out.

He and the others looked over and saw the white unicorn was in pain and clutching her stomach. She panted as she felt some black smoke completely cover her.

Twilight looked at the clock and saw it was six. “Oh, no! It’s sunset!”

“What does that mean?” wondered Trixie.

“It means Rarity is about to–”

A rather loud poof interrupted Spike.

“–Transform,” he finished.

The smoke cleared and Rarity emerged in her nightmare form.

Trixie stood there in shock. She backed up a few steps and accidentally bumped into Twilight. She turned and her face touched hers, but both quickly looked away and were blushing.

“Um. . . you don’t need to worry, Trixie,” assured Twilight. “Rarity may look like Nightmare Moon, but she’s still her old self.”

“That I am,” said Rarity. “I guess it’s a good thing we just finished in time. The show is about to start.”

A loud knock suddenly came from the door, making the group jump a little in surprise.

“Miss Rarity?” a stallion’s voice asked. “It’s time for the show to start. All fashionistas are to report to the backstage for being chosen who gets to go first.”

Trixie looked at Twilight who mouthed at her to say something. She cleared her throat. “Tri, um, I mean, Rar, no that’s it, I mean, I shall be out,” she said in a haughty accent.

“Are you okay?” asked the stallion. “You sound a little. . . off.”

Rarity bit her lip nervously.

“Just trying to sound my best is all,” Trixie said.

“Well you need to come now,” ordered the stallion. “Miss Finish is welcoming everypony to the show right now, and she wants to get things going when she’s done.”

Trixie looked at Twilight, who nodded back at her. She began to walk towards the door, with Spike and Twilight following her.

Twilight turned to Rarity. “Stay in this room,” she ordered. “Once the show is over, we’ll find the others and get you back to the hotel without anypony seeing you.”

Rarity nodded and pointed at Trixie. “Just make sure she doesn’t do anything that would hurt my reputation, or anything that would raise suspicions.”

“We’ll try to make sure,” said Twilight. “I’m sure the show will go off without a hitch.”

“You have nothing to worry about,” said a confident Trixie. “You have the best showmare in Manehatten to help you.”

“Let’s get going then,” said Spike.

Rarity heard the door shut as her friends left, and let out a sigh as she sat down.

High above the stage, Blueblood, Suri, and Heavy Duty were trotting carefully across the stage walkway. The prince looked down and saw Photo and Hoity were giving their opening speech about the show. He scoffed at it and continued onwards.

“We’re here, sir,” whispered Heavy.

“Excellent,” whispered Blueblood. “I got the remote on me to make sure there are no accidents like before.”

Suri sighed and rolled her eyes. “At least I was able to stop Rarity’s friends from getting in the way.”

The prince looked down at the audience. “Did you remember to get some of your men in here?”

Heavy nodded. “Some are posing as security guards, while others are in the audience as mere spectators. When I give the order, they shall assist in killing Nightmare Moon.”

“Very well,” said Blueblood. “We’re all set then.”

“I’ll keep watch,” said Heavy.

“Same here,” said Suri.

“You do that,” said Blueblood. The sound of ponies clapping echoed. Both Blueblood and Heavy saw Photo and Hoity were trotting off stage.

The prince smirked. “It’s showtime,” he said.

In the backstage, everypony was checking the dresses, applying makeup to the models, and some were shouting orders to do certain things. Trixie stood around and checked herself in the mirror.

“Psst! Trixie!” a voice whispered.

The showmare turned her head and saw Twilight and Spike near her.

“What do you need?” she asked.

“Are you ready?” wondered Spike. “They just finished the opening speech and are going to get the show underway.”

“Ready as Tri. . . I mean, I’ll ever be I guess,” said Trixie. “You just watch me do my magic and I’ll have this competition won for your friend.”

“Miss Rarity!”

Trixie turned around and saw a brown stallion holding a clipboard.

“Can Tri, um, I help you?” she wondered.

“You are going to be the first fashionista to show off your designs,” said the stallion. “Please have your models follow you and prepare to showcase what you’ve got.”

“Um. . . sure,” said Trixie. “Rari. . . I mean, we shall be there immediately.” Trixie waited until the brown pony turned and walked away before looking at Twilight. “What does Trixie do now?” she wondered.

“Just act natural,” said Spike. “All you gotta do is show some of Rarity’s dresses on the models, and that’s it. Don’t go too far when presenting them though.”

“Trixie shall try,” said the magician.

“Miss Rarity! You’re on!”

Trixie turned and shouted, “Coming!” She galloped off towards where the models were.

Spike looked at Twilight. “You think she’s got this?” he wondered.

“Well she is a beautiful showmare,” said Twilight.

“What’d you say?” wondered Spike.

Twilight flinched. “Um, I said she was a really good showmare,” she said. “You said she was the one who would fit the role, and I think she can do it.”

“Well the quicker this is over, the faster we can go find the others,” said the dragon. “Let’s go get a better look to make sure everything goes fine.”

Twilight nodded and followed him.

The spotlights dimmed as a blue pony trotted onto the stage. He picked up a microphone and said, “Fillies and gentlecolts! You’ve most likely heard of our first fashionista’s exploits! She has designed dresses for the Grand Galloping Gala! She’s one of the bearers of the Elements of Harmony! Give it up for Ponyville’s very own, Rarity!”

The pony stepped aside and the crowd applauded wildly. As the curtain opened, a large explosion echoed and smoke filled the stage. The crowd watched in awe as they saw a white unicorn emerge looking triumphant. The crowd applauded wildly while Trixie bowed.

“What a big opening for a fashionista from a small town!” said the blue stallion. “May we please see her models please?”

Techno music started playing over the speakers and filled the auditorium. One by one, the models stepped out, albeit some were coughing by the smoke, but quickly regained their composure and strutted down the stage. The crowd muttered some impressive remarks from the design, to the colors, and the overall construction. There were cameras flashing and some applause coming from the crowd.

The blue pony approached Trixie. “Amazing!” he announced. “Tell us, Miss Rarity. What inspired you to make these dresses like this?”

Trixie’s stomach flipped and felt a shiver run down her spine. “Um. . . inspiration?” she wondered nervously.

“Of course! Every fashionista has some form of inspiration!”

Trixie looked around and saw the crowd staring at her. Trixie doesn’t mind attention, but not like this! she thought to herself.

Spike and Twilight watched from the side, and looked fearful.

“Oh, no!” shouted Spike. “What do we do now?”

“I’m trying to think, Spike,” said Twilight, sounding a bit nervous. “Maybe we can try to signal her about what to say.”

Spike tried to look at Trixie and let out a frustrated sigh. “That pony is blocking her though,” he said. “We can’t do anything.”

Twilight rubbed her head and said, “I can only hope Trixie can find a way out of this.”

The blue pony put his microphone near Trixie. “Come on, Miss Rarity,” he urged. “Why don’t you tell the crowd about what drives you? What makes you?”

“Um. . . well. . .” Trixie noticed the crowd was starting to mutter and look a little restless. She couldn’t help but gulp a little.

On the catwalk, Blueblood smirked and looked at Heavy. “Get ready to aim,” he ordered. “We got ourselves a sitting duck.”

“Yes, sir,” said Heavy.

Blueblood looked back at the stage and snickered to himself.

“Your highness!”

The prince yelped and looked up to see Quick Note looking distraught.

“Idiot! what are you doing!?” he seethed. “Your shouting is going to give away our position.”

“Sir, we need to stop this plan, now!” said Quick. “We made a big mistake.”

Suri looked confused. “Mistake?” she wondered.

Quick nodded. “Yes! It’s about Rarity,” he said.

“What about her?” wondered Blueblood.

“She was never Nightmare Moon at all,” said Quick. “I overheard a conversation from her about how she transforms at sunset, and that everypony will think she’s a monster. She was never possessed by Nightmare Moon at all. This is a big misunderstanding!”

Blueblood, Suri, and Heavy stared at Quick for a couple of seconds and said nothing. Blueblood turned away and snickered silently at first, but it grew into laughter. Soon, the group joined in and laughed. Quick stared in disbelief and shook his head.

“It’s the truth!” he objected. “We need to stop this!”

Blueblood stopped laughing and looked at his assistant. “You know, Quick, you can be so gullible,” he sinisterly said. “Do you really buy that so-called story?”

“Sir, please, we really messed up!” shouted Quick. “Let’s get out of here right now before we’re caught!”

“I came too far to fail,” said Blueblood. “The plan shall not change.” He looked at Suri. “Restrain him at once.”

Quick narrowed his eyes. “No!” he shouted. “I won’t let you do this!”

He dived towards Heavy, who was still holding onto the stage light, and knocked him over. The light moved upwards and to the right side. Quick tried to wrestler Heavy away, but Blueblood was quickly on him. He pulled at him and tried to get him off.

“What are you doing!?” demanded the prince. “You’re going to ruin everything!”

“Stopping. . . you. . . from. . . this!” Quick grunted.

Blueblood wrapped his hooves around Quick and successfully pulled him off Heavy. They fell back onto the catwalk, which shook a little. Suri grabbed onto the guardrail to balance herself and saw something that made her gasp.

“The remote!” she cried out.

Blueblood gasped and looked to see the remote falling. He pushed Quick off of him and tried to dive for it. Suri leaped for the remote and extended her hooves out to catch it.

“I got it!” she shouted.

“Get outta my way!” Blueblood ordered.

Suri looked to see that Blueblood was just below her, and that she was about to fall on him. The prince tried to move out of the way, but it was too late. Suri landed on him, causing both ponies to grunt in pain. Blueblood watched as the remote fall onto the ground.

“No!” he yelled.

The remote landed on the catwalk, but the button landed upside down, making a clicking noise.

“Miss Rarity, we’re waiting,” said the blue pony.

Trixie nodded and opened her mouth. “Well. . . you see. . .”

The lights suddenly dimmed and the music became disjointed until it died out. The crowd whispered to themselves as the lights flickered wildly.

The blue pony raised his mic. “Some technical difficulties, everypony,” he said. He then noticed that there was no echo or feedback coming from the mic. He smacked it around. “What’s wrong with this?” he wondered.

Spike looked around. “Twilight, what’s going on?”

“I’m not sure, but stay by me,” said the lavender unicorn.

Spike’s ears perked up. “Do you hear that?”

The room echoed with a loud humming noise, with the crackling of electricity. The crowd started to scream in fear while others looked around. Suddenly, the whole room became pitch black. The room feel eerily silent as the crackling intensified and sparks started flying around the ceiling.

Before anypony could do anything, a loud crackling boom emitted and a lightning bolt shot from the spotlight. The bolt hit a wooden pillar in the backstage area, which exploded and caught fire. The auditorium fell into chaos as ponies were screaming and running away. The lights flickered back on, which allowed everypony to see. Many of them were running towards the door to get away, and security tried to keep things calm, but to no avail.

Spike held onto Twilight. “What was that!?” he asked sounding scared.

Twilight looked around and gave no answer. She looked at the stage and gasped at a pony lying on the ground. “TRIXIE!” she cried out in horror.

She galloped over to the showmare, with Spike following behind.

Rarity hummed a tune to herself as she sat in her room. As she lied on the couch, she let out a sigh. “I do hope Trixie is pulling this off,” she said. “I guess Twilight was right that she changed after all. Perhaps when this is all over, I’ll make Trixie some new robes and a hat for her show.”

The room suddenly went dim. Rarity sat back up and looked around.

“This is just like what happened earlier in rehearsal,” she said. “What’s happening now?”

As soon as she asked that question, a loud boom echoed which made Rarity yell and fall off the couch in surprise. She got back up and dusted herself off.

“Good heavens,” she said. “What was that?”

She trotted to the door and opened it slowly. She looked around and saw nopony in the hallway. She did hear something coming from down the hallway, and decided to go take a look. She trotted down the hall at a brisk pace, with the noise becoming louder.

“Is that. . . screaming I hear?” she wondered. “Did some accident happen again?”

As Rarity picked up the pace, a dark thought crossed her mind. “What if one of my friends was hurt? What if it was. . . Spikey?” An image of the dragon lying on the ground and not moving flashed before her eyes. A mixture of fear and determination coursed through her as she gritted her teeth. “No! Nothing shall happen to Spikey Poo!”

She galloped down the hall at a fast pace until she reached a door that had a sign saying, BACKSTAGE: AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY. She busted down the door with her hooves and saw the whole place was in chaos. Everypony was running away in fear and were unaware of the tall, black mare nearby.

Rarity paid no heed to them as she ran towards the main stage. She gasped as she saw Trixie lying on the floor, with an upset looking Twilight and worried Spike near her.

“Spikey!” she cried out.

The dragon looked up and saw the black mare. “Rarity, what are you doing here!?” he shouted. “You need to get out of here before somepony sees you!”

“What was that!?” she yelled.

“I said for you to–”

A loud cracking noise suddenly rang out. Rarity felt something hot land next to her. She looked down and saw it was a piece of burning wood. She then looked up to see a piece of the pillar was cracking and falling towards her. Without a second though, Rarity leaped forward and out of the way of the wood as it crashed down. She got up and looked back to see the area was covered in debris and fire.

“WHAT THE BUCK IS THAT!?” a voice boomed.

Rarity froze and slowly turned her head. A pony was pointing and staring at her. The yelling and screaming died out as the remaining ponies remaining turned their attention to the stage and saw the black mare. Some of the ponies looked shocked, and others had fearful looks on them. Rarity felt paralyzed as she felt her heart racing and her mind racing. She stood there and looked around nervously.

“. . . Oh, no,” muttered a fearful Spike.

“You can say that again,” said an equally fearful Twilight.

Blueblood pushed Suri off of him and noticed that most of the screaming had died down. He got up and looked below to see Rarity shaking nervously while everypony else was staring at her.

The prince smirked. “Gotcha,” he smugly said.

Author's Note

Good news fellow readers. We are approaching the end of this story. The next, and second to last arc, should be no more than two parts long. Maybe three depending on what I write. We're getting close to the end. I know I didn't nail Cheese right, but that's what you get for writing some new character you have no experience with. I do think I hit Trixie pretty well though.

Anyway, enjoy this chapter, and find out the ultimate fate of Rarity in the next arc.

Shattered Moon (Part 1)

The sounds of fire crackling, muffled screams of ponies, and the blaring of fire alarms echoed throughout P&H Studios. In the auditorium, everypony was oblivious to those sounds. All the ponies remaining in the room were focused on a tall black unicorn in the center of the stage. Some ponies were in complete shock, and others looked intimidated. Rarity stood paralyzed with fear. Her heart and mind were racing so fast, she couldn’t think straight at all. She opened her mouth to speak, but all that came out was muttered gibberish.

Finally, after what seemed to be an hour, a pony timidly asked, “W–who is that?”

“What is that?” another asked.

Rarity opened her mouth to speak, but only a small squeak came from her mouth. She was shaking violently and trying to think of a response. Instead, all attempts to speak came out with either a gaping mouth, or small squeals of terror.

“I know who that is!” a voice announced.

Everypony looked up to the ceiling and saw a confident Prince Blueblood and Heavy Duty standing on the stage catwalk.

“Well who is it?” a stallion asked.

“That there, fillies and gentlecolts, is none other than Nightmare Moon!” Blueblood proclaimed.

Everypony in the audience gasped in shock. Some of them stood there in disbelief. Others took no chances and shrieked in terror as they desperately scrambled and pushed one another to get to the exit.

“But...but that’s impossible!” a mare shouted in fear. “Nightmare Moon was destroyed by the Elements of Harmony! How can she be back!?”

Blueblood gave a dark mirthful chuckle and shook his head. “Ah, that’s what you would think,” he said. “I learned her spirit had returned, and that somepony willingly gave her body to Nightmare Moon, and allow her to return!”

The remaining crowd gasped.

“No! That’s not true!” yelled Twilight.

Everypony turned their heads back towards the stage, and saw the flustered unicorn.

“It’s all a lie!” she objected. “That pony has it all wrong! This isn’t Nightmare Moon! This is a big misunderstanding! I can explain! This is actually my friend! She’s trapped in–”

“As you can see,” Blueblood interrupted. “She has also successfully also began to use her magic to control and bend the wills of others like this stimpleton into thinking she’s their ‘friend’ so to say.”

“But it’s not mind control!” argued Twilight.

“Who do you think was behind this chaos?” Blueblood inquired. “A dark spirit who wants to rule all of Equestria and bring in eternal night, and suddenly there’s all this destruction. She’s already warped the minds of a gullible town into thinking she’s their leader and friend, and has planned to turn all the innocent citizens of Manehatten into her own mindless slaves.”

“She’s not Nightmare Moon!” shouted Twilight. “You got it all wrong! It’s–”

“This poor pony is already an example of Nightmare’s work,” Blueblood interjected. He suddenly felt a hoof tugging at him, and looked down to see Quick Note.

“She speaks the truth,” he groaned. “I heard it myself. This is one big mistake. Stop this now before it’s too late.”

The prince smirked and pushed Quick away. “Unfortunately, it seems she’s already started her invasion,” he said. “One of my security associates here has already fallen to Nightmare’s mind control. What if she’s already gotten to other ponies around the city, and she’s preparing to take it over now?”

The crowd stood stunned, not knowing who to believe.

“Quickly, fellow citizens,” ordered Blueblood. “Run and save yourselves before Nightmare turns you into a mindless slave like these two ponies!”

The crowd didn’t waste a single second. Most of the ponies ran out screaming in terror about Nightmare Moon. Before too long, the auditorium was mostly empty, save for only several security guards and some members of the audience.

Prince Blueblood smirked and looked back at Rarity. “My original plan may have suffered a minor setback, but now I got you right where I want you!” He picked up the remote. “See the light you monster!”

“NO!” Quick Note lunged at Blueblood and wrestled him. The two struggled and threw one another against the catwalk hoof rails. Blueblood put a hoof around his assistant’s neck and held him in a choke-hold. Quick gasped for air and collapsed to the ground, Blueblood staring at him with a cold expression on him.

“Any last words, traitor?” he inquired.

Quick gasped and flailed his hooves around.

The prince snickered and leaned in. “I can’t hear you,” he mocked.

“Things...are about to get out of...your control!” Quick spat. He raised his left hoof and smacked the hoof with which Blueblood was holding the remote.

“Ack!” yelped the prince. The grip on the remote loosened, and it fell out. “No!” he screamed as he leaped to grab it. The remote fell over the rail and down to the floor. Everypony watched as it fell and landed with a loud cracking sound coming from the impact.

Quick groaned as he rubbed his neck, but he was suddenly grabbed by it again and pulled up by a furious Prince Blueblood.

“You idiot!” he barked. “You just destroyed the one thing that could’ve ensured me a quick victory!” Blueblood pushed Quick to the railing. “Since you’re not with me, you can die with your so-called ‘ruler’ instead!”

“Wait!” Quick objected.

The prince punched his advisor, and knocked him over the railing. He panted heavily for a few seconds before looking down at the crowd of ponies.

“Fellow members of the audience and security!” he barked.

“I believe you mean fellow soldiers of the 66th Legion,” said Heavy Duty. “Or in other words…my men.”

Spike’s eyes widened. “He’s part of the Equestria military?”

Blueblood ignored Spike’s statement and looked back at the crowd. “I thank all of you for coming on such short notice, and successfully infiltrating this place. As you all know, we got a demon to kill.”

“Rarity’s isn’t a demon!” yelled Spike.

The prince scoffed at this statement. “She can’t take all of us down! The time has come to officially bring a permanent end to Nightmare Moon’s terror!”

The crowd raised their hooves. “YEAH!”

“Already, she’s claimed control of my former advisor!” yelled the prince. “Who knows how many more she’ll turn against our cause!? She may soon start using innocent civilians to do her dirty work! Are we going to let that happen!?”

“NO!” the soldiers yelled angrily.

Blueblood smirked. “Then you know what must be done! To end the nightmare, we must kill Nightmare Moon, and all those who stand in our way!”

“We’ll do it, your highness!” yelled one pony.

“We’ll burn her body at the stake!” another one yelled.

“Kill Nightmare Moon! Kill Nightmare Moon! Kill Nightmare Moon!” they all chanted.

Rarity looked on in horror as she heard all the vulgar stuff and what they were planning to do to her. She opened her mouth to speak, but all that came out was a squeaking noise.

Heavy Duty stepped forward and raised his hoof. The crowd fell silent almost immediately.

“Then don’t just stand there,” the major ordered. “Kill her at once!”

“SIR!” the crowd shouted and saluted.

Several unicorns’ horns glowed with magic. A couple of pegasi took to the air. Some unicorns’ horns glowed brightly They all aimed at Rarity, who stared back at them in horror.

“Men! Fire away!” barked Heavy Duty.

“YES, MAJOR!” The ponies shouted.

The unicorns shot out multiple energy bolts. Rarity screamed as they were coming towards her, and closed her eyes. She waited for the impact, but never felt any impact or pain. She did hear the magical bolts hitting something, but nothing hit her. She opened her eyes and saw a large purple dome around her.

“I got you, Rarity!”

She looked over and saw Twilight’s horn was glowing. “Rarity, I don’t know how long I can hold this!” she shouted. “When I drop the shield, you have to get out of here fast!”

Rarity looked at her friends with a concerned look. “But...but what about you and Spikey?” she wondered. “How will you both get away?”

“We’ll find our way out!” Twilight shouted. “The important thing is to get you to safety!”

“What if I run into other ponies that want me dead?”

“Try to avoid hurting them!” Twilight answered. “If you don’t attack and try to tell them you aren’t Nightmare Moon, then maybe they’ll listen!”

“Well you saw how well that went when you were trying to tell them earlier,” Rarity sarcastically remarked.

The unicorn bit her lip. “Just get to safety! Leave the place if you can and try to make a run and escape from Manehatten!”

Spike peaked from the backstage curtain and looked around at the chaos around him. Out of the corner of his left eye, he noticed a faint glow coming from nearby. He turned around and noticed an orange unicorn, whose horn was crackling with energy.

The dragon gasped. “No!” He lunged at the unicorn.

“What the–ARGH!” The unicorn was thrown off balance as Spike tackled him. The dragon clawed at his face, while the unicorn desperately flailed his hooves at the dragon.

“GET OFF ME!” he yelled, horn glowing again.

“Whoa!” Spike yelled as he ducked out of the way of an energy bolt.

The unicorn shot out several bolts of magic in an attempt to hit Spike. Several of the bolts hit the backstage area, and some flew off into the crowd, which made the ponies jump out of the way. Spike noticed another bolt charging up and scrambled out of the way. When it fired, the dragon looked up and saw where it was going.

Spike gasped again. “Twilight, look out!”

Twilight turned her head. “AAH!” she screamed as the bolt hit her on the side of her chest.

She collapsed to the ground and the glow on her horn faded away. The dome around Rarity fell, leaving her vulnerable.

Twilight looked at her friend. “Get out of here!” she hastily ordered with ragged breathing. “Run for it!”

Rarity stepped forward. “What about–”

“JUST GO!” barked Twilight.

Rarity ducked as another energy blast nearly hit her. She nodded and ran off the stage.

Blueblood watched as Rarity ran off, and then looked over at Heavy. “Have some of your men guarding every exit out of here. Take the remaining men and have them hunt Rarity down. She’s not leaving this place alive no matter what the cost is.”

Heavy nodded and leaned over. “Alpha, Delta, and Echo squads! Go pursue Nightmare Moon! Bravo, Charlie, and Foxtrot squads! Go barricade the exits! Move out!”

“YES, MAJOR!” they shouted in unison. The crowd dispersed and ran out of the auditorium.

“WHOA!” Spike shouted as he was finally knocked off the unicorn. He grunted as he hit the ground. As he rubbed his head, he heard hoofsteps and looked up to see the orange unicorn glaring at him.

“You meddling dragon,” he seethed. “I’m think I’m going to–”

The unicorn suddenly felt something hit him in the back of the head. He groaned as he staggered for a second, and then collapsed to the ground.

“I think you’re going to leave my friend alone!”

Spike looked up and saw Rainbow holding a hoof up, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie standing there.

He smiled. “Girls!”

“Spike!” they shouted in unison, pulling him into a hug for a few seconds.

“Ugh…”

The group turned around and saw Twilight groaning as she struggled to get up.

“Twilight!” they all shouted.

“Pinkie!” the party mare cheerfully shouted.

Everypony looked at Pinkie with errant expressions on them.

“What?” she wondered. “Everypony else was shouting names, and I wanted to join in.”

They all rolled their eyes and ran over to Twilight.

The unicorn winced as she stood up and held her right side. She looked over and saw the concerned looks of her friends. “Am I glad to see you.” She noticed all her friends had orange stuff around their lips, and sniffed as she smelt something. “Is that cheese I smell?”

“Long story, Twilight,” said Applejack. “Let’s just say that I think I’m off cheese for life.”

“Are you okay?” wondered Fluttershy.

“I’ll be...URK...fine,” said Twilight. “It’s not that bad.”

“What happened here anyway?” asked Rainbow. “We saw the lights go dim, and suddenly there’s a loud explosion.”

“I’m not sure,” said Twilight. “Whatever it was, I think it was after Rarity, or in this case the pony who disguised herself as Rarity.”

“Disguised?” asked Pinkie.

Twilight nodded. “It’s Trixie.” she pointed over to the unicorn, who was getting up.

“Trixie!?” the group shouted.

“What’s she doing here?” Rainbow asked in an icy tone. “Did she have anything to do with that explosion?”

“No!” Twilight shouted. “She was helping us!”

“Twilight speaks the truth,” said Trixie as she trotted over. “Trixie generously helped your friend out when she transformed.”

“Wait, wasn’t the show supposed to start at three?” wondered Rainbow.

“It got postponed,” said Twilight. “By the time it started, Rarity had already turned into Nightmare Rarity. Spike came up with an idea to fool everypony into thinking Rarity was on stage, and we nearly pulled it off. Rarity must’ve heard the explosion and was worried about us, but she accidentally stepped out onto the stage. Whoever it was that was speaking earlier managed to convince everypony Rarity was Nightmare Moon.”

“But who was it?” wondered Rainbow.

“We don’t know,” said Spike. “I could’ve sworn I recognize that voice though.”

“HELP!” a stallion’s voice cried out.

The group looked up and saw Quick Note dangling from the catwalk, and was clinging to a pole.

“HELP ME!” he pleaded. “I CAN’T HOLD ON FOR MUCH LONGER!”

Twilight looked over. “Rainbow.”

The blue pegasus nodded. “You don’t need to say anything. I’m on it.”

She flew up to Quick and grabbed the gray stallion. He put his hooves around her to hold on tightly. Rainbow wasted no time and quickly landed back on the ground.

“Heh. No need to thank me,” said Rainbow. “I’ve done this numerous times.” She looked at Quick and noticed his mane. “What’s with the hair? It looks a little...off.”

Quick said nothing.

“Hey! What’s your problem?” wondered Rainbow.

The gray unicorn let out a sigh. “I guess there’s no use in trying to hide this anymore.” He took off the golden wig and tossed it aside. Everypony gasped.

“A wig?” wondered Fluttershy. “But he’s already got a full head of hair.”

Spike looked at Quick Note, and felt something click in his head. “Wait a minute. I know who that is!”

“You do?” asked Applejack.

The dragon nodded. “Yeah! That guy was at the party we held for Rarity in Ponyville!”

The unicorn nodded. “So you are right.”

“Who are you then?” wondered Twilight. “And do you know anything about what that pony said about Rarity?”

“My name is Quick Note,” said the gray stallion. “I am, or rather was, an advisor and assistant to his royal highness, Prince Blueblood.”

“Blueblood!?” everypony cried out.

“I knew that voice sounded familiar!” yelled Spike. “What’s he doing here!? And how did he find out about Rarity!?”

“I’m afraid it’s partially my fault,” said Quick.

“How so?” Applejack asked in an icy tone.

“Prince Blueblood overheard the princesses talk about what happened to Rarity,” explained Quick. “He wanted to know about what was going on, so he sent me to investigate. I saw your friend as Nightmare Moon, but I told the prince and his friends that she didn’t seem so evil. He didn’t believe me though.”

“So what is he doing then?” asked Rainbow.

“I told him of the fashion show she was attending, and he thought it was the beginning of an invasion,” said Quick. “He had his colleagues do their own work in preparing to catch Nightmare Moon in the act, and kill her.”

“Kill her!?” Spike furiously screamed.

The gray stallion nodded. “Yes. That explosion you all heard was a light fixture that contains a massive capacitor powerful enough to store enough electricity, then focus it into a lightning bolt to kill anypony, even somepony like Nightmare Moon.”

“You nearly got Trixie killed with that!” barked the magician. “You’re lucky Trixie was scare...I mean, so amazed with what it could do, I passed out!”

“Please wait!” pleaded Quick. “I overheard a conversation about Rarity transforming and everypony thinking she was a monster. That’s when I realized it was all a big mistake. I managed to knock the light out of Rarity’s, or I believe Trixie as she said, way. I tried to convince Prince Blueblood that this was a big mistake, but he won’t listen. He wants Rarity dead now, no matter what.”

Everypony remained silent for a moment. They all looked at each other, and then back at Quick, who was looking regretful and in pain.

Finally, Applejack said, “Twilight? What do you think?”

The unicorn looked up and slowly nodded. “I think he’s trying to make up for what he’s done. He was trying to save Rarity, or in this case Trixie. He made a mistake and is trying to fix it now. What matters most now is saving Rarity before Blueblood and his friends find and kill her.”

“Well let’s get moving then!” shouted Rainbow.

Twilight got up, but felt a sharp pain on her side. “ARGH!” She leaned over and held her injured side.

Trixie trotted up and held her. She looked at the injury and saw it was a bit singed and there was a sizeable burn mark on her skin. “Trixie does not believe this is too serious. Trixie believe she can fix this quickly. For now, Twilight is better off being tended by me.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. “Trixie, that’s the first time I’ve ever heard you not speak in third person.”

Trixie blushed a little. “Well you can say Trixie is slowly learning.”

Twilight blushed back. “In any case. Thank you, Trixie.”

“I’ll help too,” Quick offered. “I’ll try to treat Twilight’s wounds. I think you better go off now before it’s too late.”

The group nodded and turned around.

“Wait!” Twilight objected.

Her friends looked back at her.

“Spike, take a letter,” she ordered. “Tell Princess Celestia and Princess Luna we’ll need help immediately. It’s not just for us, but for Rarity’s sake too.”

Spike nodded. “I’m on it!” He ran off to grab a quill and parchment paper.

The sound of fire alarms blared on. Many ponies were screaming and running, and other ponies were shouting orders. Rarity ignored all those sounds as she panted and galloped down the hallway. She stopped at a corner to catch her breath.

What do I do now? she wondered. Even if I do escape from this place, I’ll be sticking out like a sore hoof.

“Anything to report, sergeant?” a stallion asked.

Rarity lifted her head, and decided to poke her head around the corner. Standing at the main entrance were several ponies in security uniforms holding spears.

“Nothing, lieutenant,” said the sergeant. “There’s been no sign of her yet.”

“My men haven’t had luck in finding her either,” said the lieutenant. “We’re currently searching the hallways around the first floor. The other teams are on the floors above us. The problem is, Major Heavy didn’t bring enough troops over to help hunt the prey, so our forces are stretched thin.”

“Well I don’t think Nightmare Moon is stupid enough to come through here,” said the sergeant. “If she does, we’ll be ready.”

“Well while you do that, I got to check on the tenth floor,” said the lieutenant. “His highness wants every floor from the bottom, to the roof secured.”

Rarity felt an idea click in her head and smiled. The roof they say? I think that actually may be my ticket out.

“Hey, who’s over there?”

Rarity froze in fear.

“I think I saw somepony,” said the sergeant.

“My men will take care of this.” The lieutenant turned to a group of ponies nearby. “Alpha squad, let’s move!”

“SIR!” the group shouted.

Rarity looked around frantically. She could hear hoofsteps coming from around the corner. She looked down the hallway she came from, but noticed in the shadows another group of ponies nearby. Her eye suddenly caught a sign nearby, and looked at it. There was a picture of a pony running up stairs, and a door underneath the sign. She quickly ran for the door and opened it. Rarity hastily ran up the stairs, not daring to look back for even a second.

The lieutenant heard the door open. “Men! Pursue the prey at once!”

“Belay that order!” a stallion ordered.

The lieutenant turned, and looked shocked. “Sir, with all due respect, we have in her our grasp.”

“Let her go,” the stallion ordered.

“But Prince Blue–”

“Let. Her. Go. We’ll deal with her ourselves.”

“Ourselves?”

“Of course.” Blueblood looked over at two ponies next to him. “Now listen up to what I have to say. Major, you get a squad ready. Suri, you’re with me.”

“You got it,” said Heavy.

“I’ve been waiting for this,” Suri said with a smirk on her face.

“Where could she be?”

Spike and the others looked around as they ran down the hallway. They all stopped at an intersection to look for Rarity, but to no avail.

“Maybe she’s already gotten out of the place,” replied Fluttershy.

“I don’t think so,” Rainbow added. “I think we would’ve heard everypony outside screaming.”

“I just hope she’s alright,” said Applejack.

“She will be,” an optimistic Pinkie inputed. “After all, she does know kung fu.”

“She does?” asked Spike.

“Yeah! I faintly remember her kicking you, Applejack,” said Pinkie. “I think it was something precious to her.”

Applejack tilted her head and raised an eyebrow. “I don’t really remember something like that.”

“Look, we can go down memory lane later,” said Spike. “We still need to find out where Rarity is.”

Applejack’s ears suddenly perked up. “Hold on. I think I hear something.”

The group listened closely and distinctly heard somepony saying something from around the corner. They all quickly, but quietly, trotted up to the corner, and heard two ponies talking to each other.

“And the other patrols, sergeant?” a stallion asked in a deep voice.

“All searching the floors above us,” another stallion said.

“Have you managed to figure out what that orange stuff is that’s covering two ponies?”

“Negative, captain,” said the sergeant. “I have been looking for the major, but no luck.”

“Well that’ll have to wait,” said the captain. “Our primary objective is to find and kill Nightmare Moon.”

Spike’s eyes widened. Rarity!

“Where is the major anyway?” the sergeant wondered.

“I heard he’s heading up to the top floor, along with the prince and that former fashionista. He gave me orders to keep searching the floors–but to have most of our men be on the ninth floor in case Nightmare runs back down and tries to escape.”

“And the stairway entrances?”

“Barricade them, and we’ll have several guards along the stairs as well to, hopefully, slow down Nightmare if she dares try to go down them again.”

“Should I order some snipers to go to the roof?” asked the sergeant. “She could possibly make a desperate run onto the streets, and they could get her that way.”

“Negative,” said the captain. “Prince Blueblood says he has an idea on what to do up there.”

“So where should I go?”

“Head up to the ninth floor,” the captain ordered. “Set up barricades and prepare to fire at Rarity when you see her.”

The sergeant saluted. “Yes, captain.”

The captain saluted back, and the two ponies trotted off.

Spike looked furious. “We got to do something,” he muttered. “We can’t let them do this to Rarity.”

“Calm down, Spike,” reassured Applejack. “Let’s get to the tenth floor first.”

“But how?” asked Fluttershy. “The stairs are blocked now.”

“I could beat these guys in ten seconds flat,” Rainbow boasted.

“No offense, Rainbow, but I think we should go for something a little more quietly to get up there instead of charging in recklessly,” said Applejack.

“It’s too bad I used all the extra balloons I had at that party,” said Pinkie. “We could’ve floated up there.”

“And be sitting ducks,” said Spike.

“Well what do we do then?” Fluttershy asked again.

Spike opened his mouth, but suddenly heard a pinging noise. He turned around. “What was that?”

The group trotted to the corner, and looked around. They all saw a small group of ponies in black shirts standing. A pair of doors opened up and the group marched into it. The doors then closed and the pinging noise rang out again.

Spike smirked. “That’s our way up.”

“Well let’s not stand around,” said Rainbow. “Let’s get up there.”

The group nodded and hurried to the elevator. Rainbow went up to the button controls and pressed the up arrow repeatedly.

“Come on, already,” Rainbow complained. “I could fly 20 laps around this building before this elevator gets down.”

“Will you be quiet?” Applejack asked irritably. “We don’t want anypony to see us trying to–”

“Hey! Who are you?”

The group looked to the right and saw three ponies in black shirts and sunglasses walking up to them.”

“All civilians are ordered to leave the building at once,” said a white stallion. “What are you all doing here?”

The group looked at themselves, but couldn’t think of what to say.

“Well?” The white stallion pointed at Applejack. “Take you and your friends out of here now, or we’ll be forced to show you out.”

“We got a friend upstairs!”

Everypony looked down at Spike.

The stallion raised an eyebrow. “Is that so?” he asked.

Spike nodded. “Um...Yeah! We got somepony to erm....look for! We lost her somewhere on the floor above us!”

The white stallion glared. “Why don’t you just get on out of here, and–” He was suddenly tapped on the shoulder, and looked over a blue unicorn near him. “What?” The unicorn whispered something into his ear. The white stallion’s expression changed from awe, to one of fury. “I see then.”

“Uh...What seems to be the problem?” Spike wondered.

“Why don’t you all come with me?” the stallion asked. “We have some questions for you all.”

Rainbow sighed. “To hay with this.” She flew over to the white stallion, and tackled him to the ground.

“Get them!” the blue unicorn ordered.

Rainbow punched the white stallion a couple of times, but suddenly felt a pair of hooves wrap around her neck. She looked up to see an orange pegasus was holding her. She suddenly felt her throat constricting and gasped for air.

“Oh, no you don’t!” shouted Applejack.

She galloped towards the pegasus and kicked him with her two hind legs. The pegasus was sent flying into the wall, and crashed into it head first. He groaned as he fell to the ground unconscious.

Rainbow gasped as she caught her breath, but as she did, a hoof came towards her. She barely dodged it as the white stallion struggled to throw her off and overpower her. Rainbow raised her hoof and threw another punch at his face.

“ARGH!” The stallion cried out as he felt the impact. He let out a groan as his eyes closed and his body went limp.

Rainbow smirked. “Heh. Nothing to it.”

Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief, but then saw the blue unicorn sneaking up behind her. She gasped and flew over. “No!”

The blue unicorn looked over. “Huh?”

He didn’t have time to react as Fluttershy’s hoof connected with his face. He gasped and fell to the ground unconscious.

Fluttershy let out another sigh of relief. “That was close.” She looked over and saw the shocked expressions of her friends. “What?”

“How did you do that?” wondered Applejack. “I’ve seen you punch, sugarcube, and no offense, but you couldn’t even kill a fly with how strong your punch was.”

“Oh! Bulk’s been helping me do workouts,” said Fluttershy with a blush. “I guess they’re finally paying off.”

“What!?” Rainbow asked in a shocked tone. “I’ve offered to help you with training, and you always chicken out on the first day!”

“I like Bulk—um, I mean his style more,” said Fluttershy.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Well I’m going to have to talk and see what his style is like.”

A pinging noise suddenly rang out. The group turned around and saw the elevator doors open.

“Come on!” shouted Spike. “We got a real life nightmare for Rarity that needs to be stopped!”

“What about these guards?” asked Rainbow.

“Leave them,” said Spike. “We can’t waste any more time.”

The group nodded and trotted into the elevator. Pinkie hit the “10” button, and the elevator pinged again. The doors closed, and the group felt the machine move upwards.

Spike looked up and had a determined look on his face. Hang on, Rarity. We’re coming.

Rarity busted through the door and gasped for air. “Oh...Perhaps I should start doing some more walking.” She looked around the area, and felt a bit relieved. “It seems nopony is up here...yet, that is.”

She trotted down the hallway, but felt a little uneasy. The fire alarm’s lights were flashing, but they weren’t blaring anymore. The sound of her hoofsteps echoed along the hallway. As she stopped to look around again, the only sounds she heard was the buzzing of the fluorescent lights, and the distant sound of thunder rumbling.

“There has to be a way up to the roof, but where?”

As Rarity continued to search the area, her eye suddenly caught a glimpse of what looked to be a shadow around the corner. She gasped and stepped back. “Who’s there?”

No response came, and the shadow disappeared as quickly as Rarity saw it.

She shook her head. “Keep it together now,” Rarity told herself. “I just need to find some way up to the roof.”

Rarity trotted down the hall again, but as she did, another shadowy figure appeared in front of her. She looked up, but once again, it was gone as fast as she saw it.

She stepped back and looked around. “Who are you?” she nervously asked.

No response came again. Rarity gulped again and walked slowly down the hall. Another rumble of thunder echoed much louder, and the lights went dim. Rarity looked around frantically, and rather hopelessly, in the dark for a way out.

“Come on. Where is it?” she asked in a panicked tone. “There has to be some...way...out?”

Rarity’s voice trailed off as she noticed her shadow, even though the lights had dimmed to the point where it was almost pitch black. She turned around, and saw a bright white light heading towards her.

“AHH!” she screamed.

Rarity fell to the ground as the light hit her in the chest. She clutched the area she was hit at, and slowly got up. As she got up, the lights came back on, and she noticed a pony slowly walking towards her.

“What the?” she asked.

“Ah, Rarity,” said a smug voice. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. But it seems you’ve changed since I last saw you.”

Rarity staggered back and tried to maintain her balance. “Who are you?”

“You mean you don’t recognize me?” wondered the stallion. “Ah, but I’m not looking like myself for the moment, so maybe it’s best I show you.”

He removed his sunglasses and tossed them aside. “You know, I never did forget you at all. Your voice, your name, and your mannerisms. It’s something I fondly remember, but not for the right reason.”

Rarity raised an eyebrow. ...That voice. Where have I heard it before?

The stallion ripped off the security shirt and threw it to the side. “It’s been like an itch I just can’t scratch. You who humiliated me at the grandest gathering of all.”

“Grand?” wondered Rarity.

“You galloped all over my ambitions and reputation with no thought at all,” the stallion angrily said. He then grabbed his mane. “And above all, helped ruin not only the gala, but my life as well.” He removed a wig from his head and threw it behind him.

Rarity gasped at the sight of the sinister looking pony in front of her. “...P–Prince Blueblood,” she gasped.

The prince snickered coldly. “Ah, it’s nice to see you haven’t forgotten me after so long. I should be touched.” His smirk changed to a scowl. “But I’m not.”

He suddenly shot out of his horn a lightning bolt. Rarity gasped and jumped out of the way. The sound of a large explosion came from behind her, with pieces of debris falling shortly after.

“Blueblood, wait!” shouted Rarity.

“I’m not waiting for anything, Nightmare Moon,” he stated.

The unicorn’s eyes widened.. “What did you call me?”

“You heard me,” said Blueblood. “I know what your plan is, and I’m here to stop it.”

“Correction, we are here to stop you,” a mare interrupted.

Rarity turned around and gasped at a pink mare with a sinister smile on her face.

“Suri?” she wondered.

“I’m touched that you remembered me as well,” she smugly said. “I did tell you when we met that it’s everypony for themselves in the big city, but I’m more than willing to accept some help for taking you down.”

“Wait, please!” Rarity cried out. “You all got it wrong! I was never Nightmare Moon at all!”

“Then what are we looking at here then?” Blueblood demanded. “An early Nightmare Night costume? I think not.”

“I can explain!” shouted Rarity.

“Save it,” said Suri coldly. “Your mind control tricks won’t work on us.”

“Mind control?” wondered Rarity.

“Don’t think we don’t know what you did to my aunts,” said Blueblood. “Once they’re free from your control, I could probably be made into the first king of Equestria in a long time.”

Suri frowned. “What’s this ‘I’ stuff? What about the rest of us?”

Blueblood smirked. “Details, Suri. We’ll deal with it one matter at a time.”

“There she is!” a stallion shouted.

Rarity turned and her heart nearly stopped. Down the hall was a battalion of unicorns and pegasi, with some of the pegasi holding spears. Rarity backed up and looked around for a way out, but she soon found herself bumping against the wall. She looked all around, but the ponies were approaching her rather quickly.

“You won’t be banished to the moon like before,” said Blueblood. “You’ll be banished to the deepest pits of Tartarus!” He looked towards the soldiers at the end. “Men! Aim your weapons! Unicorns! Prepare to use your magic!”

“Please don’t!” Rarity pleaded.

“Ready!”

“I’m not Nightmare Moon!”

“Fire!”

The magic bolts shot towards Rarity. She closed her eyes and felt her heart pounding in fear.

“NO!” she cried out. Her horn suddenly glowed a white light and flashed. Everypony in the hallway yelled and covered their eyes. Rarity ducked and could hear the whizzing of the magic bolts. She opened her eyes and saw to her confusion that everypony was flailing around and screaming.

“Don’t just stand there!” barked Blueblood. “Kill her now!”

“I can’t see!” shouted a stallion.

“Then just spray and pray!” Suri screeched.

As Rarity watched everypony try to regain their senses, she noticed Blueblood was not blocking the hallway anymore. Biting her lip, she cautiously tip toed down the hall and tried to slip around the prince.

Almost there, she thought.

Blueblood suddenly turned and grabbed a hoof out. Rarity had to stop herself from gasping as his hoof was inches from her. She took a deep breath and slowly avoided the hoof. As soon as she got around the prince, she trotted slowly down the hallway.

Her eye suddenly caught her attention and she turned her head. A sign was near a door with a picture of stairs on it. There was also a message below reading Roof Access: Maintenance Personnel Only.

Rarity let out a sigh of relief. “Finally.”

Blueblood’s ears perked and he turned his head. “Got you!” His horn glowed and he shot out a lightning bolt.

Rarity yelped and ducked. She quickly grabbed the door handle and turned it. The door opened, and she wasted no time in climbing up the stairway.

Blueblood groaned and his eyes became less blurry until his eyes came back into full focus. “Well that was a bit of a setback.”

“Sir!” a stallion shouted. “She’s gotten away!”

Blueblood scowled and turned his head, but his frown turned to a sinister smile. “Oh, no she hasn’t. If anything, she’s walked right where I want her.” He turned around and waved a hoof. “Follow me at once!”

“SIR!” the group shouted, and followed behind the prince.

Rarity panted as she slowly climbed up to the top of the steps. She wiped her forehead. “Perhaps I should take up some of Rainbow’s cardio classes.”

She looked up and saw an overhead light dimly illuminating a door. She turned the knob, and pushed the door open. As Rarity stepped out onto the roof, she could feel a gust of wind hit her. She could hear the sound of thunder rumbling, and a few flashes of lightning lit up the night sky. Rarity paid no mind to it as she looked around the roof. There were several air vents and three large generators around the place. There was also a large air conditioner near the small outcrop Rarity emerged from.

Rarity looked around the surrounding building, and frowned as she looked up. The building was taller than the studio, making it impossible for her to go to a nearby building. Her ears suddenly perked up as she heard the distant sound of sirens. She trotted over to a nearby edge looked over it. Even ten stories up, Rarity could make out the lights of police carriages. A large crowd had gathered outside the studio, and Rarity could faintly see several ponies pushing them back.

She took a step back and looked around again. Her eyes then caught something glowing to the side. She turned her head and noticed the building to her left had a skyscraper fire escape. Rarity galloped over to the edge and took a look at how far the building was from her. She looked back and forth for a couple of seconds.

“If I can jump over there, I can probably run down the stairs and escape into the alleys,” said Rarity. She took several steps back. “It’s not that far, but I should be able to make it over there.”

She took several deep breaths. “One...two...three…” Rarity took off at a gallop and headed towards the building in front of her. She gasped and felt winded from her earlier running, but she shook it off. As she neared the ledge, she prepared to make her leap.

“Raise the forcefield, now!”

Suddenly, Rarity saw in front of her a purple shield forming before her eyes. The energy reached up around the roof, and made its way down the studio. Soon, the whole building was covered in the forcefield. Rarity could hear the distant sounds of ponies screaming from below. She then heard hoofsteps approaching, and slowly turned around.

Her eyes widened, as Blueblood and Suri each stood there with a smirk. From behind the air vents and air conditioner, a group of ponies ranging from unicorns to pegasi emerged from behind them. Another stallion approached Blueblood and saluted. The prince saluted back at him.

“Your trap seems to have paid off,” he said.

“That it has, Heavy,” said the prince. “However, your forces will ensure she remains trapped.” He turned to look at Rarity. “I’m going to give you credit, Nightmare Moon. You were willing to take a leap of faith to make your escape. I guess without your precious wings, you couldn’t make a good getaway.”

“Blueblood, I’m telling you!” Rarity cried out, “I’m not Nightmare Moon!”

“Silence!” boomed the prince. “Your mind control won’t work on us. We’ve been trained to resist such a thing.”

“Are you even listening to yourself!?” Rarity yelled in frustration. “I. Have. No. Mind control! Even Twilight is unable to do that!”

Blueblood scratched his chin. “Twilight, you say? Ah, my aunt’s student. Don’t worry, I’ll send her along with your other friends with you to Tartarus once you’re done for.”

Rarity narrowed her eyes, and tried to concentrate some energy into her horn. As she tried to though, she felt a little faint, and her horn only shot out a few sparks. Rarity gasped and tried to steady herself.

Prince Blueblood laughed coldly. “What’s wrong? All the running tire you out?” he mocked. His horn then glowed, and he looked over at Heavy.

The brown stallion nodded and turned to the group of ponies. “MEN!” he bellowed. “Prepare to fire!”

Rarity tried to get something out, but she didn’t have the energy.

“READY!”

The unicorns’ horns glowed.

“AIM!”

Rarity closed her eyes. ...Help me.

“FI– ARGH!” Blueblood screamed.

Rarity opened her eyes, and everypony else turned around. They all saw Prince Blueblood struggling and yelling as Spike was holding onto his face and clawing at him.

“Get off me!” he ordered. “You’re ruining my good looks!”

“What good looks!?” yelled Spike.

Blueblood looked over at Heavy Duty and the soldiers. “What are you waiting for!? Hearth’s Warming Day!? Kill this dragon at once!”

“Not a very good idea!” yelled Spike as he punched Blueblood again. “You sure you want to risk getting hit and possibly killed to get me?”

Blueblood gasped and looked over at the ponies readying to fire. “BELAY THAT ORDER!” he frantically shouted.

Heavy turned around. “You heard him! Lower those weapons!”

“But what do we do now?” one stallion asked.

“How about we kick your flanks?”

The stallion turned around, and before he knew it, he was tackled by a blue blur. Another stallion was kicked and knocked into a group of ponies, who all fell over. Two ponies turned around, but were suddenly hit with a small cannonball and confetti. The platoon of soldiers, Heavy, and Suri turned around and saw Applejack, Pinkie, Rainbow, and Fluttershy with confident looks on them.

Heavy smirked. “Ah, so you must be the friends of our prey.”

“And you’re one of the meanies after Rarity!” Pinkie yelled back.

“Not the most witty pony I see,” said Heavy. “You all saved us the trouble of hunting you down. It’s brave you all came for your so called friend, but look around you. You’re outnumbered 30 to 1. However, we’ll make sure your deaths are quick and painless, unlike Nightmare Moon here.”

“She’s not Nightmare Moon!” yelled Rainbow. “She just looks like her because–”

“Oh, don’t you say anything like that,” interrupted Heavy. “We heard that from our former associate.”

“Quick Note?” wondered Applejack.

The brown stallion smirked. “He still lives? I thought when Blueblood threw him over the walkway, he fell to his death. We’ll deal with him soon enough.”

“WHOA!”

The group turned around, and saw that Blueblood finally got his hooves on Spike and held him from the tail. Spike gulped a little as he looked into the furious, and scratched up, face of Blueblood.

“Insolent little dragon!” the prince barked. “I’ll make some boots out of your scales!”

Blueblood tossed Spike, and the dragon was sent hitting and skidding against the ground. Spike grunted and yelled as he felt the scraping against him. He eventually came to a stop in front of another pony.

Rarity felt her stomach flip and hoarsely screamed, “Spikey Poo!”

Spike groaned as he opened his eyes. His vision was distorted and a bit bleary, but he could make out a pink mare smirking at him. He rubbed his eyes, and he got a better look at the mare. Another flash of lightning shot across the sky, and Spike gasped as he saw the mare. He crawled away and pointed at her.

“You!” yelled Spike in a furious tone. “You’re that fashion designer Rarity told me about! You’re Suri Polomare, aren’t you?”

Suri chuckled to herself. “So I am. Who knew that Rarity kept such strange company in the form of a dragon?”

“I could ask you the same thing about helping Blueblood.,”

Suri narrowed her eyes. “If that ungrateful and selfish mare just learned that it’s everypony for themselves in the big city, and not turn Coco and the rest of Manehatten against me, I wouldn’t be here.”

“Sounds like you got what you deserved,” spat Spike. “An ugly mare like you–”

“UGLY!?” screeched Suri. She trotted over and kicked Spike. The dragon screamed in pain and held his stomach. “YOU DARE TO CALL ME UGLY!?”

Before Suri could kick Spike again, she felt something hot whiz past her. She then heard a small booming noise, and turned to see the air duct was badly damaged and sizzling.

“Get. Away. From him.” a voice warned in an icy tone.

Suri and everypony else turned to reveal Rarity looking beside herself, gritting her teeth with rage.

Blueblood narrowed his eyes and turned to Heavy. “You know what to do!”

Heavy nodded and looked at his soldiers. “Men! Get after Rarity’s friends, and make sure they stay out of our way! The prince, Suri, and I will deal with Nightmare Moon ourselves!”

The soldiers saluted. “YES, SIR!”

Applejack looked at her friends. “Rainbow, you try and keep those pegasi busy. Maybe you can tire them out.”

Rainbow smirked. “Heh! I’ll do more than that!”

“Pinkie, you and I are going to take care of these varmints,” said the farmer pony.

The pink mare nodded. “And I know just what to use!”

Applejack then turned to Fluttershy. “You need to go get Spike, and try to see if he’s okay.”

The pegasus nodded. “I’ll try.”

“Get them!” ordered Heavy.

Rainbow flew off into the sky and looked at the small group of pegasi. “Hey, soldier boys!” she teased. “Think you can handle a real flyer?”

One of the pegasus narrowed his eyes. “Encircle her at once, and start giving chase, boys!” he ordered.

“SIR!” the pegasi shouted in unison.

Eight pegasi flew over and formed a circle around Rainbow. The blue pegasus watched in anticipation as the group circled around her, like a group of sharks around their prey. Rainbow narrowed her eyes as the pegasi smirked at her.

“If you guys think that’s going to scare me, think again!” boasted Rainbow.

“It’s not us you should be worried about,” said one pegasus.

Rainbow quirked an eyebrow, and looked at all of the pegasi. “One...two...three…” Something inside her head clicked as she counted them all. There’s only eight? I thought there were nine.

She looked around for another pegasus, but some whooshing noise caught her attention. She looked up and saw a pegasus dive bombing towards her.

Rainbow gasped. “WHOA!” she flew out of the way just as the pegasus was about to collide into her.

The pegasus’ confident look changed to one of panic as he missed his target, and was diving towards the roof. He tried to stop himself and fly upwards, but it was too late. He hit the roof hard and cracked parts of it. The rest of his fellow pegasi looked down and heard him groan as he laid down on his stomach and was twitching wildly.

Rainbow smirked and chuckled a little. “Is that seriously the best you got?”

The pegasi looked up at Rainbow with furious looks on them. They all started flying towards her.

The pegasus smirked. “Bring it on!”

“Oof!” Applejack grunted as a punch hit her in the face. She staggered back and bumped into somepony else. She turned around to raise her hoof.

“Wait, Jackie!”

The farmer pony lowered her hoof,\ and saw Pinkie facing her. She let out a sigh of relief. “Sorry, sugarcube, but I’m barely holding my own against these guys.” She raised her hind legs and bucked a pony galloping towards her.

“Look out!” yelled Pinkie. She grabbed Applejack and pulled her to the ground. A lightning bolt whizzed past them, and a loud explosion came shortly after.

Pinkie stood up and smiled. “Hey, guys!” She pulled out of her mane two orange pineapples. “Catch!” She threw the two objects.

Applejack gasped. “Pinkie! What in tarnation are you doing!?” she demanded. “You know what those–”

“Just say cheese,” said Pinkie in a chipper tone.

The orbs hit the ground near a group of unicorns. They looked down and seemed puzzled. Before one of them could say anything, a loud boom sounded off, and the splattering of cheese could be heard. Eight ponies struggled and tried to shout out for help, but the cheese had all but completely covered them.

Applejack looked at Pinkie and nodded. “I may have to rethink about what I said about cheese.”

Pinkie smiled. “Aww! I think Cheesy will be so happy to hear that.”

Applejack got up and shook her head. “Not that kind of cheese sugarcu–AAH!”

The farmer pony groaned as she felt a powerful blast hit her on the side. She fell over, and was clutching the area where she was hit. Pinkie looked up and saw a group of unicorns and several Earth ponies approaching them.

“Nice little toy you got there,” one of them said. “But we got the big guns here.” His horn, along with the others, glowed brightly.

Pinkie looked at them puzzled for a few seconds. She then chuckled slowly to herself, and then started laughing loudly. The guards looked at each other with confused expressions on them.

“What’s so funny?” wondered one of them.

Pinkie pointed and chuckled. “You sillies! Those aren’t the big guns.”

One of the unicorns smirked. “Then what are they?”

Pinkie’s expression changed to one of insanity as she pulled out from her mane two small cannons and pointed them. The unicorns gasped.

“What the hay is that!?” one of the guards asked.

“It’s how we really get this party started!” said Pinkie.

Two small cannonballs shot out of the cannons. Before the group of unicorns could react, both balls each hit two of them. They yelled in pain and were sent flying before skidding to the ground. The remaining guards looked shocked, but one turned back at Pinkie with a furious look on his face.

“GET HER!” he barked.

“But the cannons!” one guard shouted.

“Ignore their fire! Take her down at once!”

The guards hesitated, but warily nodded at their leader. Several of the Earth ponies charged in, and the unicorns’ horns glowed.

Pinkie smiled. “I love it when a party gets really wild.” She pulled the string and fired two more cannonballs.

As the cannons went off, Fluttershy looked towards Spike, who was slowly getting up. She quickly, but quietly, trotted towards him.

Rarity shot out an energy blast as she galloped. Prince Blueblood noticed it, and moved to the left as he gave chase. Rarity turned around, and gasped as she saw Heavy Duty leaping towards her. She ducked out of the way of the brown stallion, and quickly got back up again. She then turned around and shot out a few more energy bolts towards Blueblood and Heavy. They both dodged the attack, but the impact near them cause them to fall over to the ground.

Rarity panted and wiped her forehead. “Take that you ruffians!” Amidst all the noise though, something caught Rarity’s ear.

“...Ugh…”

Rarity looked over and saw Spike getting up, while Fluttershy was trying to tend to him. She gasped and galloped towards him.

“I’m coming Spikey Wi–OOF!”

Rarity felt something hit her hard in the side of her face. She staggered and nearly fell over. As she regained her balance and rubbed her cheek, Rarity looked over and saw somepony standing nearby. It was Suri with a wicked smile and holding her hoof up.

“That was for my career!” she barked.

Rarity narrowed her eyes. “Suri! I know you’re angry at me, but you must believe me when I say that I am not Nightmare Moon!”

Suri scoffed, and said in an icy tone, “Save it! I’ve been waiting for this day for so long. While killing you was one of the last things I wanted to do to you, I can’t pass up such an opportunity to rid the world of you, and be a hero for killing Nightmare Moon.”

“But it’s the truth!”

Rarity suddenly felt something shoot pass her. She heard a loud boom, and turned to see Prince Blueblood was up and aiming his horn at her.

“You can keep on telling us that, but we already know the truth,” said the prince.

Rarity took a step back and kept her eyes on Blueblood.

“And the world shall soon know the awful truth about your betrayal and fall from grace,” said Heavy.

Rarity’s ears perked as she heard the voice and turned around. Before she could react, a hoof came right at her, and connected right into her face. She screamed in pain and stumbled back.

“And then the world will see us as the new heroes of Equestria,” said Suri. She galloped and punched Rarity in the face again. The unicorn yelled in agony as she staggered back again.

Rainbow punched another pegasus and sent him down to the ground. “Is that all you guys got?” she mocked.

“AAHH!!”

The blue pegasus looked down and saw Rarity screaming as she was getting overwhelmed. She gasped and flew down towards her.

“Hold on, Rarity!” yelled Rainbow. “I’m co–ACK!”

The blue pegasus was suddenly blindsided by another pegasus, and the two of them went down. A black pegasus smirked and punched Rainbow in the face.

“Not bad for a pegasus who isn’t a real flyer in your eyes,” he smugly said.

Rainbow struggled to get out of the pegasi’s grip, but more of them came flying towards her. The black pegasus held Rainbow’s body and exposed her chest. The other pegasi smirked deviously as they pummeled and beat Rainbow Dash. All she could do was helplessly struggle against her attackers. She grunted and yelled as one punch after another hit her.

Soon, the punches stopped, and Rainbow was trying to stay awake as the world around her went fuzzy and black. She did see a shadowy figure fly up in her face, and looked up. The next thing she knew, she was hit again, and the world around her fell into darkness.

Pinkie laughed wildly as she fired one cannon after another. A few unicorns shielded themselves while a couple of them tried to strike back, but were hit by the cannon’s shots. Applejack, who had gotten up, bucked and kicked a few more ponies coming towards them.

The farmer pony panted as she kicked another pony. She heard some grunting noises from above and looked up. She gasped as she saw Rainbow was beaten and bruised by the pegasi.

“Rainbow!” she cried out.

Pinkie heard the yelling as she fired another shot, and turned around. She gasped at the sight. “Oh, no!” She pulled the cannon string again to fire, but the only thing that came out of it was the sound of a balloon deflating. “Double oh, no!”

Applejack turned back to Pinkie, and her eyes widened. “Make that triple oh, no.” The girls saw the unicorns lowering their shields and smiled sinisterly at them.

“Oh, yes indeed,” one of the guards said.

Pinkie bit her lip, but a bulb clicked in her head, and gasped. “I got it!” she announced. “But first things first.” She reached into her ear, and pulled something. A clicking noise went off.

Applejack looked dumbfounded. “What was that?”

“My idea bulb,” said Pinkie nonchalantly.

“Your what?”

“That’s not important, Jackie,” said Pinkie. She reached into her mane and pulled out an orange orb. “This is going to save us.”

“Pinkie, I don’t think that’s going to help us much,” said Applejack.

“Have I ever steered you wrong?” wondered Pinkie.

Applejack gave her an unamused expression.

Pinkie chuckled awkwardly. “Just watch,” she said. “Cheesy did say to use it in queso emergency!” The party mare laughed wildly at her own joke. She kept laughing until she saw the irritated expression of Applejack, and her laughter soon went away.

“Um...let’s just use it,” said Pinkie. She pulled the pin and threw it in the air. “This should be gou–”

“You make one more cheese pun, and you’ll have more holes in ya than a block of swiss cheese,” threatened Applejack in an icy tone.

Pinkie clamped up immediately and nodded nervously.

They both watched the grenade soar into the air, and was heading down towards the guards. Before it could land though, the orb was surrounded in a yellow aura, and was levitating.

Applejack noticed it, and gasped. “Pinkie, watch out!”

The grenade was hurled back at them, and they tried to get away. As they both galloped away though, the sound of something hitting the ground rang out. It went on for a few seconds as it bounced a little before a loud boom went out. Applejack and Pinkie turned around, and saw the cheese goop headed towards them. The ran again, but the cheese hit both ponies around the legs and part of the lower bodies.

Applejack struggled to move her body. Like her first time though, she had no luck with it. She looked at Pinkie with an angry expression. “I changed my mind about what I said about cheese,” she said.

Pinkie smiled nervously at Applejack.

The guards surrounded Applejack and Pinkie, and began trotting towards them.

Rarity screamed again as she was hit with another energy blast. She fell to the ground and was holding her side. She heard hoofsteps approaching her, and looked up to see a smug looking Prince Blueblood. She tried to concentrate some of her magic into her horn, but Blueblood noticed the sparks coming from her horn, and smacked her. The prince then grabbed Rarity’s head and turned it. Rarity gasped at the sight before her.

“Look upon it, Rarity,” said Blueblood.

The unicorn tried to turn away, but Blueblood forced Rarity to look at the sight. In front of her were her friends being surrounded by the soldiers. Rainbow was being brought down by the pegasi, and was restrained. Pinkie and Applejack were struggling to move, but one unicorn put a force field over them, and another took away Pinkie’s party cannons.

Rarity closed her eyes and felt her heart sink in despair. “No!” she cried out.

“There’s no use in fighting back anymore, Nightmare Moon,” said the prince. He turned Rarity’s back towards him. She gasped as she saw his horn charging and smiling wickedly. “Your reign of terror is over. When you get to Tartarus, tell your dead minions I said hello.”

Rarity desperately struggled out of Blueblood’s grasp. “I won’t let you do this to my friends!” She concentrated all her energy and determination into her magic. She felt a little fatigued from the running, but she shrugged it off. Her horn charged up and she shot out a lightning bolt.

“ARGH!” Blueblood yelled in pain.

He moved his head out of the way, but apparently not fast enough. The side of his face had a burn mark scratching him. He rubbed it for a moment as he felt the shock hit him. It quickly gave way to anger as he looked back at Rarity, and his eyes narrowed.

He slapped her again. “How dare you!?” he barked. “I am doing the world a favor in removing a social elite pretender, and a traitor!”

Rarity tried to lift her hoof, but felt something pressing against it. She looked to her left and saw Suri was holding her hoof down. She then looked the other way and saw Heavy doing the same thing. Rarity looked back at Blueblood again and gasped. His horn was glowing brightly and pointing at her.

“The moon will most likely be nothing compared to your imprisonment in Tartarus,” said the prince in an icy tone.

As Rarity looked at the horn, she tried to move again, but to no avail. She gulped and closed her eyes as she accepted her fate.

“Help me,” she whimpered.

Blueblood lowered his horn and smiled.

“GET AWAY FROM HER!” a voice boomed over all the chaos..

“Wait, no!” a mare cried out.

Rarity’s ears perked up. Fluttershy? she wondered. And that other voice…

Blueblood turned around. “Who dares to–WHAT THE!?” The prince saw something lunge at him and cover his face.

Rarity opened her eyes slowly, and saw, to her shock, Spike was holding onto Prince Blueblood’s face for dear life. The prince was shaking his head and reaching his hooves for the dragon. Spike narrowly avoided the attempts, and used his hands to scratch at Blueblood’s face.

“GET OFF ME!” Blueblood bellowed. “When I’m through with you, the only thing that’ll remain of you is your skin for my boots!”

“I won’t let you hurt Rarity!” Spike yelled.

Rarity looked on at the struggle between the prince and Spike, and felt her heart skip a beat. “...Spikey,” she whispered.

Blueblood flailed his hoof around his face. He felt something skinny, but pointy. He smirked. “Got ya!”

Spike felt the grip, and looked to see his tail was being held by Blueblood’s hoof. He narrowed his eyes. “Oh, no you don’t!” he yelled. He opened his mouth and lunged at the hoof.

Blueblood suddenly felt a sharp pain in his hoof, and his eyes widened. He released his grip and waved his hoof around in agony.

“YEOWCH!” he cried out in pain. The prince felt the spit from Spike on his hoof, and gritted his teeth.

“You barbarian!” he yelled. “Biting a prince is your idea of fighting!? No wonder your pathetic town of Ponyville is full of slobs and ponies with no class!”

“Says the prince who can’t even do the most simple ways to treat a lady!” Spike shot back.

“What!?” Blueblood barked.

Spike raised his hand to scratch Blueblood again. “Now I’m going to–”

The dragon never got to finish his sentence, as he suddenly felt something pulling his arm. He turned his head and saw Heavy Duty was holding his arm. He then felt another hoof grab him, and looked to see Blueblood was pulling his other arm off of him. The dragon tried to hold on, but the two ponies pulled him off. Spike flailed around as he tried to fight back, but he was suddenly lifted into the air. He noticed a yellow aura around him, and he was pulled in close to a livid Blueblood.

“Let me show you how I treat those who get in my way!” he boomed.

The prince slammed Spike into the ground, causing the dragon to yell in pain.

Rarity gasped. “Spikey!”

She tried to get up, but was pushed back down.

“I don’t think so,” mocked Suri in a singing voice.

Rarity narrowed her eyes at Suri, but the sound of Spike’s screaming caught her attention again. She looked over and saw the dragon was being held up by Blueblood.

“I was going to let you live once I freed you and those other ponies of Nightmare Moon’s control,” said Blueblood. “However, I don’t think the media will mind knowing a dragon defended his dark, queen to the bitter end, and couldn’t be saved.”

Blueblood heard some hoofsteps and turned his head. He saw Fluttershy trotting her way to the door. The yellow pegasus looked at him, and yelped. She made a quick run to the door, and galloped down the steps.

Heavy narrowed his eyes. “I got this.” He began trotting to the door.

“Leave her,” ordered Blueblood.

The brown stallion raised an eyebrow. “Your highness?”

“She knows she’s beaten,” said Blueblood. “When we free her and the others of Nightmare’s control over them, she’ll be thanking me.” He looked back at Spike. “For now, I have one last thorn to take care of.”

The prince threw Spike to the ground, and began punching him. The dragon yelled and cried out in pain as one punch after another hit him. All the while, Rarity looked on in horror as Blueblood hammered the dragon. The more Blueblood hit Spike, the quieter his yells of pain were. The prince then delivered one big punch, which made Spike cry out loudly before he closed his eyes, and groaned in pain.

Rarity could feel tears building in her eyes. “Spike!” she screeched in horror.

Suri felt Rarity’s attempts to get up, and tried to hold her down. This time though, the unicorn squirmed out of her grasp, and pushed Suri away. Rarity got up and galloped towards Spike.

Please be okay, Rarity pleaded.

As Rarity got near Spike, she gasped at the sight of her friend. Spike was bleeding from the nose, and his body was swelling up from the beatings. The dragon was breathing, but was sounding very raspy in doing so. Rarity went over and grabbed Spike’s body. As she cradled him in her arms, tears began rolling down her face, and her body was shaking violently.

“Spikey...no…” she said in a broken voice. She clutched his body, and looked down to him.

As Rarity began to cry, another loud rumble of thunder echoed across the sky, and rain began to pour.

Shattered Moon (Part 2A)

The rain poured down as thunder and lightning flashed violently across the sky. Rarity paid no mind to it as she held onto Spike’s unconscious body, bringing him closer to her and hugging him tightly. Tears rolled down her eyes as she was shaking uncontrollably.

No, not my precious Spikey Wikey, she sorrowfully thought. Please be okay, Spike. Please be okay...

“Well, isn’t this touching?” a voice snidely remarked.

Rarity looked up and saw Blueblood smirking at her. She felt the anguish within change to uncontrollable rage as she glared at the prince.

“You… monster!” she screeched. “Why would you do this to him!?”

“He was not only an accomplice to your evil plans, but he ruined my looks,” sneered Blueblood.

“It fits you though,” spat Rarity. “All those scratches and blood all over you. I say it’s actually an improvement; brings out your inner looks.”

The prince growled angrily. “I’ll pretend you didn’t say that,” he said in an annoyed tone. “But don’t worry about his well being.”

“And why do you say that?” Rarity demanded. She noticed a glow coming from Blueblood’s horn, a thoroughly pleased look plastered across his face.

“Because the two of you are going to die together,” Blueblood answered coldly.

Rarity looked back down to Spike and hugged him tightly. The rage building within began to make her blood boil. Her body shook uncontrollably as she gritted her teeth.

“Don’t fear the reaper, Rarity. I’m sure he’ll take you and your little dragon friend to Tartarus in a gentle manner.” His horn glowed brightly and he lowered it.

Rarity snorted and concentrated her energy directly to her horn.

“Now… die, you monster!” Blueblood bellowed, shooting a large energy beam.

Rarity looked up and shot out a purple beam, a dome forming around both Spike and Rarity, and Blueblood magic was hitting it. The prince noticed this and looked a bit frustrated.

“I said DIE!” he bellowed, hitting the shield with repeated blasts, but the dome around Rarity and Spike remained untouched. Blueblood kept firing, but began to feel fatigued as he tried to break through her shield. Blueblood took several deep breaths and stepped back.

Rarity looked up at Blueblood with a piercing glare on her face, and tears rolling down her face. “Be careful what you wish for, Blueblood. If a monster is what you want, then that’s what you’ll get,” she threatened in an icy tone.

The shield around her and Spike fell. She carefully placed Spike on the ground behind her and out of harm's way and started to walk menacingly towards Blueblood.

The prince noticed this and narrowed his eyes at her. “I may be a bit exhausted, but I’m strong enough to finish you!” he declared, firing a lightning bolt out of his horn.

Rarity’s horn charged and fired a similar spell. Both lightning bolts hit each other and exploded in a shower of sparks. Prince Blueblood raised a hoof to clear the dust swirling around him and coughed a little. He lowered his hoof and saw the shadow of a pony stumbling towards him. The prince felt a little panicked, but he shook his head.

“Impressive, but let’s see you dodge this!”

He shot out another beam. This one shot over to the shadowy figure, and a zapping noise rang out.

“AHHH!” a mare’s voice screamed.

Blueblood heard a loud thud, and smirked. “Well that was easier than taking candy from a baby,” he said haughtily tone.

He trotted over to look at Rarity. As the dust cleared though, the prince’s eyes went wide as he looked down at the body. Instead of the blackened unicorn he thought he was targeting, lying on the ground and moaning in pain was Suri Polomare.

The prince’s eye twitched. “What the…? How did this happen!?”

“Just a little push and shove is all,” said a voice from behind him.

Blueblood turned around and saw Rarity towering over him, a proud smirk on her face. He yelped and stumbled back. Rarity walked slowly towards him.

“What’s wrong, Prince Blueblood?” Rarity asked mockingly. “Aren’t you going to try to kill me? Isn’t that what you’ve wanted all along? To restore what’s left of your reputation by killing Nightmare Moon?”

Prince Blueblood could feel his heart pounding wildly, and a shiver ran down his spine. “H–how are you suddenly fighting back like this?” he wondered. “You were barely putting up a fight less than two minutes ago!”

Rarity scoffed at the prince. “You may hurt me all you want, you pitiful excuse of a prince,” she threatened. “But when you hurt my friends, especially Spikey Wikey, then I will crush your family jewels like a cider press crushes apples.”

Blueblood felt his face get whiter as he heard that statement. His insides went cold with fear.

He looked over with a fearful expression on his face. “I need help!” he cried out. “Get over here and help me. NOW!”

Heavy Duty heard the cry and turned around. “Men! Get over here now and help the prince!” he ordered.

“But the other ponies!” shouted one stallion. “We got to make sure they won’t get in our way!”

Heavy snorted and stomped his hoof. “Damn it, you fools!” he barked. “Those ponies are incapacitated already, and we outnumber them! Prince Blueblood needs our help to stop Nightmare Moon! I won’t allow our leader to die while you all attend to pointless duties! Now unless you all want to spend the rest of your lives serving a demon, then go help the prince, NOW!”

The ponies saluted and shouted in unison, “YES, MAJOR!”

As Rarity trotted over to the prince, she heard thunderous hoofsteps and turned around. She saw a large pack of unicorns and Earth ponies charging at her, and some pegasi dive bombing towards her. She snorted and focused all her will and energy into her horn. Rarity’s horn glowed brightly, and aimed it skyward.

One pegasi in the sky noticed this and shouted, “Evasive maneuvers, men!”

“YES, SIR!” they shouted back.

Rarity saw the pegasi split off and fly around in different directions. She smirked and raised her head. She concentrated a bit more energy into her horn, and tiny sparks flew out of it. She then aimed it at a nearby pegasus, and fired a lightning bolt.

One pegasus noticed the bolt and looked at the target. He shouted, “Private! Watch out!”

“Huh?” The pegasus looked down and saw the bolt. He gasped, but before he could move, he was struck by it, screaming in agony.

The electricity coursed through him, and he thrashed wildly in the air until his body went completely limp. He desperately tried to stay airborne, but his wings were numb and he could’ve sworn the feathers were burnt from the electricity. He then fell from the sky and plummeted to the ground.

“Private!” a pegasus shouted.

“Look out!” another one warned.

A small group looked up and saw another lightning bolt headed towards them. The bolt hit one pegasus, but then it traveled to another one nearby. Another pegasus tried to fly away, but the same bolt hit him too. The pattern continued until at least five ponies were hit. Each of them were screaming in pain as the electricity zapped their bodies, and made them thrash around in agony. They all suffered the same fate as the first pegasus, as they fell to the ground with a loud thud being heard from each of them.

Heavy Duty was shocked and fearful, but he tried to maintain an angry expression on him to hide it.

“What in the name of sun and moon was that!?” a unicorn wondered.

“...Chain lightning,” Heavy answered in awe. “A very deadly spell that I hear could hit up to a hundred ponies if done right. It’s hard to pull off, but for somepony like Nightmare Moon, it’s nothing to her.”

“Orders, Major?” wondered the unicorn.

“It’s suicide to get near her,” said the major. “All unicorns concentrate your fire on Nightmare Moon! She can’t hold off against a barrage of spells from all of you for long!”

“SIR!” the unicorns shouted.

They all turned their attention to Rarity, who was panting heavily. She felt some of her anger dissipating and her senses becoming clearer. She turned around, and let out a gasp. Spike was no longer lying on the ground like she left him, but was gone. Rarity frantically looked around, and felt the anger build up in her again.

“Where is he!?” she bellowed. She turned to the guards and barked, “What did you do with my Spikey Wikey!?”

The soldiers looked at each other with both confused and scared looks.

“Spikey... Wikey?” one pony asked.

“The hay do you mean by where is he?” another pony inquired. “We didn’t do anything.”

“She’s getting ready to fire!” shouted one unicorn.

Heavy pointed a hoof and bellowed, “FIRE AT WILL!”

The unicorn guards charged up their horns. After a few seconds, they all fired a volley of energy blasts directly at Rarity. The unicorn opened her eyes and her horn glowed even brighter. Everypony shielded their eyes from the brightness. A few seconds later, the brightness faded away, and everypony lowered their hooves. Prince Blueblood was the first to see Rarity, and gasped as she saw a protective dome around her. He gulped and stepped back.

“Th-the spells didn’t work!” one guard shouted in fear.

“What do we do now, Major!?” wondered another guard.

Heavy Duty wiped the sweat building up on his forehead, and put on a brave face. “Same thing as before!” he ordered. “Keep firing at her! There’s no way Nightmare Moon can keep up the onslaught of magic before her shield breaks!”

“SIR!” they shouted in unison.

The unicorns looked back at Rarity, and charged their horns up again. They fired several energy blasts, lightning bolts, and a few fireballs at Rarity. Each spell hit Rarity’s shield and either deflect the spell away from her, or absorb it. Rarity gritted her teeth and lowered her head. The anger in her was stronger than ever, and could feel the power within coursing through her body.

The unicorns marched forward as they continued to fire upon Rarity.

Heavy Duty smirked and ordered, “Keep it up, men! Just a bit longer and we’ll have her!”

Rarity lowered her head. “That’s what you think,” she muttered.

The shield around Rarity shrank, and the unicorns advanced forward. Rarity’s horn glowed again, and there was the sound of electricity crackling echoing.

“Keep going!” ordered Heavy. “We nearly have her now!”

The guards moved forward again until they were just a few feet from her. Rarity closed her eyes and concentrated all her might into her magic. She thought of Blueblood, the ponies attacking her, and above all, Spike laying on the ground injured.The anger in her intensified and could feel her heart racing. She looked up and opened her eyes, which everyone saw were glowing purple.

“We got her now!” shouted one unicorn. “It’s time to take down this bi–”

Rarity cried out with rage as she let out one big energy blast at the shield. The dome shield buzzed with electricity, and suddenly got bigger. The roof rumbled as it spreaded out.

Heavy Duty noticed this and hastily barked an order. “All men, fall back! I repeat! Fall back, now!”

Electricity coursed through the guard’s body and he was thrown back violently. The other ponies noticed this, and turned around. They galloped away from the shockwave as quickly as possible, but it was too fast for them. They all yelled in pain as they were electrocuted and sent flying.

Heavy Duty had a panicked look on him and galloped away from the shockwave. He looked back and saw it advancing on him. He galloped with all his might towards the nearby roof entrance hut. He looked back again, but this time wave was inches from him.

“NNNOOO!!!” Heavy yelled in horror.

Prince Blueblood, who was also galloping away from the blast, heard the scream of his subordinate. He looked to see Heavy was shocked and sent flying back to the ground. He then heard a rumble, and looked back to see the shockwave. In a panic, Blueblood channeled some magic to his horn, and produced a golden dome around him.

The wave hit the shield, and Blueblood was nearly blown away from the impact. He stood his ground, but could hear the dome starting to crack under the pressure. As the shock wave passed by him, the dome finally shattered, and Blueblood stumbled and fell over. He got up and rubbed his head, but heard hoofsteps approaching. He looked up to se Rarity walking towards him with daggers in her eyes.

“Is that the best you got?” asked Rarity in a mocking tone. “I’ll only ask you this once. Where. Is. Spikey Wikey?”

Blueblood shook his head. “What are you talking about!?” he demanded. “I don’t know what happened to that ugly dragon!”

Rarity’s eye twitched and her horn glowed. “Then I’ll make you talk!”

Rarity shot out a fireball at Prince Blueblood. The white stallion jumped out of the way, and fired out an energy blast to counter. Rarity put up a shield, the blast deflecting away from her. She lowered the shield and lunged at Blueblood, but he galloped away.

Rarity gave chase to Blueblood, and the two exchanged magical energy at one another as they both evaded one another’s attacks. Several of the energy blasts zoomed past Applejack and Pinkie, who could only watch as they were stuck in their cheesy prison.

A short, sharp “Eep!” could be heard off to the side of AJ and Pinkie.

They both looked in the direction of the squeak to see Fluttershy holding Spike. They muttered and tried to move their heads, but the goop around them made it impossible.

“Oh, girls, I hope you’re okay,” said Fluttershy. “I don’t know how I can help you.”

“Mpt the chmmse!” muttered Applejack. “Mpt the chmmse!”

Fluttershy shook her head. “I don’t think I can. I’m so full from eating all that cheese earlier. Oh, what to do? What to do?”

As Fluttershy pondered, she suddenly felt something moving in her hooves. She looked down and saw Spike opening his eyes.

“Ugh...What happened?” he moaned. “I feel like I got hit by a train.”

“Spike, you’re okay!” Fluttershy exclaimed joyfully. “I was so worried when I saw those ponies beat you up. I just had to get you away from there before you got hurt again.”

The dragon leapt out of Fluttershy’s hooves and onto the ground. He felt a little shaky, but regained his balance. “I’m fine. I just didn’t expect one pony to do that to me. Where is Rarity anyway? Is she fine?”

Fluttershy rubbed her hooves together nervously. “Um...well you see…”

“GAH!” a mare’s voice yelled.

Spike’s ears perked and his eyes widened as he heard Rarity give a scream, one of Blueblood’s bolts hitting her. He looked over and saw Rarity holding her side and Blueblood charging at her.

“Rarity!” he cried out. He narrowed his eyes and ran off.

“Spike, no!” Fluttershy yelled. “You’re injured!”

The dragon ignored the yellow pegasus and ran towards Blueblood.

“Now what do we do?” wondered Fluttershy.

“Fear not, everypony!” a voice triumphantly announced. “You have nothing to fear!” A puff of blue smoke suddenly appeared, making Fluttershy cough. “For the Great and Humble Trixie is here to save the day!”

Trixie appeared from the smoke and was doing her standard entrance pose. Twilight stood there with an exasperated look on her face.

“Trixie, now is not the time to be doing these dramatic entrances,” said Twilight. “We need to help Rarity before it’s too late.”

“Um, Twilight?” asked Fluttershy. “Maybe you can help them first?”

The pegasus pointed them to the cheese covered Applejack and Pinkie. Trixie quirked an eyebrow, while Twilight stood there paralyzed.

Trixie noticed this and asked, “What is your problem, Sparkle? It’s just cheese.”

“That...that’s just it,” she nervously said. “It’s so...cheesy!” Twilight backed away slowly.

Trixie looked back at the others with a dumbfounded look on her. “This is the same pony who beat me twice in Ponyville, and defeated various monsters, right?”

Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Applejack nodded slowly.

Trixie let out a sigh. “And ponies think Trixie’s mistrust of wheels is laughable.” She looked over at Twilight, and grabbed her hoof. “Come, Sparkle. We’ll get rid of this stuff together.

Twilight stopped shaking and blushed. She took her hoof back, and nodded. “You’re right. Let’s just get this over with.” Twilight and Trixie’s horns glowed, and aimed them at the cheese covered ponies.

Rarity threw another punch at Blueblood, which missed him by an inche. The prince retaliated by charging his horn up and firing a lightning bolt at Rarity. She quickly ducked and dodged it. She swung her rear leg at his feet to knock him off his hooves, but Blueblood once again dodged it and ran off. He looked at Rarity with a smug look on his face.

“It’s only a matter of time, you know,” he said. “You can fight back all you want, but I’ll finish you off and be seen as a hero throughout Equestria.”

“Kind of hard to been seen as a hero if my laser turns you to ash,” threatened Rarity.

Blueblood prepared to fire again, but suddenly felt something hold him. He was lifted into the air and noticed he had a purple aura surrounding him. The prince was suddenly pulled towards Rarity. She glared at him, and then threw him down on the ground. The prince yelled as he felt the ground impact him. He tried to get up, but Rarity lifted him up, and slammed him down again. She kept on doing this a few more times, and with each slam, the prince yelled in pain.

Finally, Rarity slammed him down one more time and give his abdomen a hard kick, making him wheeze with every breath. Blueblood groaned in agony and tried to move, but the pain from his wounds caused him to scream.

Rarity smirked and said, “I think it’ll be you making the trip to Tartarus instead. After what you’ve done to me, my friends, and Spike, you deserve no mercy.”

Her horn glowed, and Blueblood’s eyes widened in terror.

“Now it’s time for you to die,” said Rarity in an icy tone.

She lowered her head, and pointed her horn at Blueblood.

“RARITY, NO!” a voice cried out.

The unicorn gasped as she suddenly felt something embracing her side. She looked over and saw Spike looking at her with a concerned look. Rarity’s angered look gave way to a mixture of relief, and sorrow.

“Spike?” she asked.

“Don’t do this, Rarity!” ordered Spike. “This isn’t you!”

The unicorn furrowed her brow. “I must do it, Spike. He nearly killed you, and has hurt the rest of my friends one too many times.”

“But if you kill him, everypony will be fully convinced you’re Nightmare Moon!” argued Spike. “I know all those ponies in the audience saw you, and there’s still time to set things straight!”

“And what happens if they don’t listen and understand?” wondered Rarity. “I’ll be forever doomed to be labeled a monster by everypony.”

“And you think killing Blueblood will make things better?” Spike countered. “This isn’t the Rarity I know! This isn’t the Rarity that I...I…” His voice trailed off as he lost the courage to say those words.

The unicorn raised an eyebrow. “The Rarity that you what?” she wondered.

Spike released his grip on Rarity and looked down at the ground. He tried to hide his growing blush as he twiddled his fingers.

“Spike?” Rarity pressed.

The dragon gulped and clenched his fists. Here goes nothing. I just hope she doesn’t hate me for this.

“Spike, whatever it is you want to say, it’ll have to wait,” said Rarity. “I must finish Blueblood to ensure he never harms me, my friends, or you again.” She looked back at Blueblood, who was struggling to free himself.

“Well I won’t let you!” Spike objected.

Rarity looked at Spike. “You don’t understand what he’s—”

“—I know what he’s done,” Spike interrupted. “But killing him won’t do you any good! It’s something I know you wouldn’t do! You, who taught me how to be generous! You, who always welcomed my help, no matter how small it was! You, who is one of my best friends, and somepony I care about! This is not the Rarity I came to know and fall in...in…”

Spike looked down and was shaking with clenched fists.

Rarity looked a bit worried and lowered her head to Spike. “You came to know and what, darling?”

No response.

“Spike?” Rarity asked in a worried tone.

The dragon then lifted his head, blushing. “The Rarity I came to know and fall in love with!” he shouted at the top of his lungs.

Fall in love with!... Fall in love with!... Those words echoed throughout the sky. Everypony stopped what they were doing and looked at Spike. Rarity was shocked and released her grip on Blueblood. She gasped and stepped back. Her face turned a bright shade of red, and her heart was racing. Spike looked down and was shaking violently with clenched.

After what seemed to be an eternity, Rarity finally broke the silence. “What did you say?”

Spike raised his head and had tears running down his face. “You heard me,” he said in a strained voice. “You’re not acting like the mare I fell in love with over the years. If you kill Blueblood, you’ll be just as much of a monster as he was to you.”

Rarity’s heart skipped a beat again, and could feel heat building up in her face.

“I know what I said is a shock to you, Rarity,” Spike added. “I’m not going to take it back, though. I’ve been meaning to tell you how I feel for so long, but never had the courage to do so until now.”

“Spike...” said Rarity in a hushed and sincere tone.

“I don’t want you to do this for me, or any of us,” the dragon stated. “I know you’re better than this. There’s no reason to do this. I’m okay, and that’s all that matters. I may hate Prince Blueblood too, but you don’t need to kill him.”

Rarity looked at Blueblood, who was groaning in pain. She frowned and looked back at Spike.

“I’ve tried telling you how I feel before, Rarity,” said Spike. “I tried telling you in Ponyville. I tried telling you on the train. But I just need to know one thing.”

“What is it, darling?” wondered Rarity.

“I know I’m not some prince or handsome stallion, but can you tell me the honest truth about how you feel about me?” Spike inquired.

Rarity’s eyes widened, her heart was racing. “My...my feelings towards you?”

“I know it’s so sudden,” replied Spike. “But now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, I want to know what you think of me. Just tell me the truth, so that I can finally know.”

Rarity bit her lip and looked at Spike. Her face was red, and her heart was racing wildly. She tried to open her mouth to say something, but couldn’t find the words to say anything.

Come on, Rarity, think! she told herself. He’s one of your best friends. Sure, he’s not the stallion of my dreams, but he’s been sticking close to me all this time. What does it really matter if he just...confessed to me?

Ah, but isn’t that one of the things you feared? a sinister voice asked.

Rarity felt a chill run down her spine. I have no clue what you’re talking about.

The sinister voice snickered. Oh please, darling. Aren’t you worried about the repercussions? Remember the train?

Rarity shook her head and narrowed her eyes. I’ve had this talk with Applejack. I’m not going to let them intimidate me.

But what if you met other ponies who weren’t as kind? the voice inquired. Imagine the scandal. Your life would be in shambles. Your social position would be ruined. Are you willing to risk it all just for this one dragon?

Rarity was silent, and looked away.

Well? the sinister voice asked.

I….I will…. her thoughts trailed off as she tried to muster her courage.

Rarity broke out of her thoughts as she heard Spike scream in pain, and saw to her horror that Spike was laying on the ground. She rushed over to check on him. The dragon was wincing in pain, and holding onto his left arm. Rarity reached out to hold Spike, but he held a claw up.

“I...I’m okay,” he said in a pained voice. “It’s nothing to worry about.”

“It’s not you who needs to worry though,” a voice warned.

Rarity looked over and saw Prince Blueblood getting up. She could see his horn was glowing brightly, and she felt her blood heating up again.

“Now this is too rich,” the prince laughed. “A little dragon admitting he has feelings for a pony? It’s pathetic, to be honest.”

“What did you say!?” demanded Rarity.

“Rarity, if your reputation wasn’t destroyed before, it is now,” Blueblood said arrogantly tone. “Can you imagine the scandal? Ponies everywhere would not only see you as a monster, but as a sick pony as well.”

“What do you mean?” inquired Rarity.

“I mean that it’s just unnatural for a dragon and pony to fall in love with each other,” he answered. “Anypony or dragon who does this are doomed to nothing but shame, disgrace, and being seen as blights upon society.”

Rarity gritted her teeth. “I will have you know that Spikey Wikey is a good friend to me, and treats me like a lady. Unlike you,” she seethed

The prince raised an eyebrow. “So you’re admitting to it then?” he wondered. “You admit you have actual feelings for this dragon?”

Rarity opened her mouth to say something, but suddenly felt like her tongue was tied, and a chill ran down her spine.

“Ah, silent are we?” asked the prince. “It seems my words of wisdom have gotten through that empty head of yours.”

Rarity looked down and said nothing.

“Now you get it,” said Blueblood. “You know full well that dragon isn’t worth your time. He’s just some greedy, nasty, barbaric reptile. They have no place or right to love a pony. Better to leave him behind than risk your whole life and reputation for this one insignificant dragon, right?”

Rarity’s eyes shot wide open, and narrowed them. She snorted a little, her heart was racing.

“Do you get it now?” wondered the prince. “Do you understand what a terrible thing it is?”

Rarity nodded and said to herself, “I know exactly what you’re talking about.”

Blueblood nodded and walked over to Rarity. “Good.” His horn glowed. “Now let me send you to your–OOF!”

Before he could finish his sentence, Blueblood was suddenly punched in the chest and fell over. He looked up and saw Rarity holding a hoof up and had a dark expression on her face.

“I do understand one thing, Blueblood,” she said. “That you will never understand how much of a good friend Spikey-Poo is to me.”

Blueblood rubbed his chest. “Why you little–”

“Prince Blueblood!” a voice called out.

Rarity and Blueblood turned and saw several unicorns coming from the roof’s entrance.

“We heard a loud rumbling! What’s going on!?”

“Look, sir!” a stallion shouted and pointed.

The guards looked around and saw the unconscious ponies around the roof, and heard some of them groaning. They saw two ponies from the pile of unconscious ponies rising up. They stumbled forward to the guards.

One of the guards gasped. “Major Duty! Are you alright!?”

The brown stallion groaned and rubbed his head. “I’ve been better,” he answered.

“How do you think I feel?” a mare asked.

Heavy looked over to see Suri Polomare rubbing her head. “Where the hay have you been?” he asked. “I haven’t seen you try to fight yet.”

“I’m a fashionista, not a fighter,” complained Suri. “I’ve just been watching the show, and I am very disappointed so far.”

Heavy rolled his eyes. “Well I see you felt the power of Nightmare Moon too.”

Suri nodded. “I’m kind of envious of her, but it doesn’t matter. I’m ready to go again.”

“If this reunion is done, then come help me!” ordered Prince Blueblood. “All of you can witness the destruction of Nightmare Moon by my hoof!”

“We’ll help you out, your highness!” shouted Heavy Duty. He looked over to the new guards. “Men, prepare to help the prince!”

Heavy moved forward towards Rarity, but an energy bolt whized past him and made him stop.

“I think you forgot one tiny detail, Major,” a voice called out.

The group turned around and saw Twilight, her friends, and Trixie looking confident and ready to fight.

“Miss us?” Rainbow taunted.

“What do we do, Major!?” a guard asked. “We need to help the prince, but take out Nightmare Moon.”

Heavy opened his mouth to speak, but Blueblood shouted, “I’ll deal with Nightmare Moon! The rest of you deal with those pesky ponies!”

Heavy nodded and shouted, “You heard him! Move out!”

The guards saluted and took off. A couple of pegasi took off into the air, and several unicorns ran towards Twilight’s group. Twilight and her friends charged at them. Her horn glowed brightly and was ready to fire, but suddenly felt something tugging her tail.

“Sorry, Twilight!” a chipper voice called out.

Twilight looked and saw Pinkie pulling her back. “What are you doing!?” she angrily asked. “I need to–”

“Help out Dashie and Flutters!” Pinkie interrupted. She wrapped a hoof around Twilight’s neck, and pointed her head upwards. “I’ve been wanting to do this again!”

Twilight gasped. “Pinkie, wait!”

The party mare gripped Twilight’s tail and turned it like a crank, and a volley of magic bolts fired out of Twilight’s horn. Up in the sky, Rainbow and Fluttershy were looking around the pegasi surrounding her when she suddenly heard one of them cry out in agony and fall. More energy blasts shot up into the sky and hit several more pegasi guards. Each of them fell down to the ground. Rainbow and Fluttershy took this chance to take out a few other pegasi that were avoiding the magical shots.

Several unicorns looked on in awe as they saw what Pinkie was doing.

“Can we seriously do that?” one of them asked in awe.

“Looks interesting,” another said.

“What are you doing!?” a voice boomed.

The guards gasped and saw Heavy Duty looking at them with a furious look on him.

“Stop daydreaming and get back to taking those ponies out!” he ordered.

The guards saluted and nodded. Heavy opened his mouth to speak again, but suddenly felt two hooves connect with the side of his face.

He screamed in pain and stumbled, falling to the ground and moaning as he laid there unconscious. The guards looked over and saw Applejack turning around and had a smirk on her face.

“I think you can consider yourself relieved of your duties, Major,” she said.

The unicorns looked furious. “Let’s get her!” one of them shouted.

They charged at her, and Applejack prepared to defend herself. Suddenly, she saw three energy blasts and each one hit a guard. They yelled in pain and fell over. The farmer pony looked confused, and turned around. Her eyes widened a little to see who it was.

“Trixie did tell you to have no fear,” she announced as she trotted up to Applejack. “The Great and Humble Trixie is here to save the day after all.”

Applejack smiled softly. “I gotta say; you’ve gotten better at your magic.”

“Naturally,” said Trixie. “Trixie is a fast learner after all.”

The farmer pony rolled her eyes. “If you say so.”

“What does that mean?” accused Trixie.

Applejack opened her mouth to answer.

“Hold it right there!” a voice ordered.

They both turned to see several unicorns charging at them. Applejack and Trixie looked at each other and smirked.

“Think you can handle this?” asked Trixie.

“I think I should be asking you that,” answered Applejack. “You may be better with magic, but let’s see how good you really are.”

Trixie chuckled and said, “Then watch in awe as I deal with these ponies.”

Applejack and Trixie charged at the guards and gave each other a wink before they both leapt towards the guards.

Rarity moved out of the way as an energy blast whizzed past her. She shot one back at Blueblood, but he ducked out of the way, and then lunged at her. He tackled Rarity and the two of them rolled around the ground. They exchanged punches against one another as they rolled around.

Blueblood threw a punch at Rarity, but she caught it with one hoof. The prince struggled to push his own towards Rarity, but the latter was fighting back. She saw Blueblood’s horn glowing, and quickly used her free hoof to punch him on the side of his head. He yelled in pain and stumbled back. Rarity took this chance to fire a lightning bolt from her horn, but the prince saw it and jerked his head out of the way. She got up, and the two of them glared at each other.

Prince Blueblood chuckled. “It’s such a shame, Rarity. When I first saw you, I thought maybe you were nice enough for me, but you showed your true colors at the gala, and now here in Manehatten.”

“The same can be said for you,” argued Rarity. “Who knew a royal prince could be one big royal pain in my flank?”

Blueblood scowled and said, “I see your sense of humor hasn’t changed since your transformation.” His horn glowed. “But I’ll be the one with the last laugh!”

He fired a lightning bolt at Rarity. She jumped out of the way, and then charged at Blueblood again. The prince galloped towards her as well.

“Ahh! Watch it!”

Suri narrowly avoided an energy blast that went over her head, watching as the battle raged on all over. Looking up in the sky, she saw Fluttershy and Rainbow, with some help from Pinkie’s use of Twilight’s magic, taking out the remaining pegasi guards. She heard screaming and saw Applejack and Trixie standing next to each other and taking out several unicorns and Earth ponies with spears. She stepped back and gulped nervously.

“This is getting out of control,” she told herself. “Maybe I can still make a run for it and leave before anypony catches me. I just need to make my way towards–”

A loud clanging noise startled Suri, and she looked down. She saw in front of her a metal spear similar to the one the Earth pony soldiers were using against Applejack and Trixie.

“Argh!” a stallion yelled.

Suri looked over and saw Blueblood and Rarity going at it with them exchanging magic at each other. They charged at each other and put their hooves against each other. They grunted as they tried to overpower one another. Suri then looked down at the spear again, and an idea clicked in her head. She smiled deviously and picked it up. She slowly trotted over to Rarity’s backside.

“Let’s see how you like it when somepony backstabs you,” she coldly said. She raised the spear as she got closer, and grinned.

“Oh, no you don’t!” a voice objected.

Suri turned her head, and was suddenly tackled, dropping the spear. She grunted and squirmed as she felt something crawling around her. She used a hoof to reach around, but every time she felt like she grabbed whatever was on her, it slipped off of her.

“Get off of me!” she yelled in frustration.

“How about you leave Rarity alone?” the voice asked.

Suri turned around and saw a fist headed towards her face. Before she could react, the fist hit her in the nose, and she yelled in pain. She felt something get off her, and she looked to see Spike standing there with a triumphant look on his face.

Suri looked beside herself and shouted, “You’re that no good career-destroyer’s friend, huh!? Well I’ll make you pay for crossing somepony as famous as me!”

“You’re right about one thing,” said Spike. “You’re famous alright…”

Suri smirked at this.

“Famous for being a big fraud that is,” finished Spike.

Suri’s expression changed to one of fury. “Why you little insolent dragon!” She started trotting towards him.

Spike gulped a stepped back, feeling something bump the heel of his foot. He looked down to see the spear Suri attempted to use. He bent over and picked it up, but the weight of it made Spike stumble a bit as he tried to balance the spear.

Suri laughed at this. “What are you doing? A rendition of Dances with Poles?”

Spike narrowed his eyes as he heard Suri’s laughter, and ran over to her with the spear. He raised the spear up and did his best not to fall over as he charged towards her.

Suri wiped a tear from her face and said, “This is just plain sad and hilarious. I mean what can you do with a spear that–ARGH!”

The pink mare was cut off as something hard hit her on the head. She hopped around and rubbed her head. She could see Spike was holding the spear up.

“Actually, I thought of playing a game of whack-a-fraud,” Spike mocked.

Suri turned to run, but he felt the spear pole hit her again on the back. She fell to the ground, and felt the spear hit her again on the head. Spike kept hitting Suri with the spear pole, which made the her scream in with each strike until her screams slowly became whimpers. Spike panted as he looked upon the twitching body of Suri and heard her moaning.

“You really look like you need some rest,” said Spike. “Why don’t you knock yourself out?”

Spike heard Rarity scream behind him, turning around to see her laying on the ground, and Prince Blueblood, with an insane look on him, wrangling her neck.

“What’s the matter, Rarity?” he mocked. “No witty remark? No comeback? I guess my plan has left you breathless.”

Rarity gasped and wheezed. “That...ergh…was a….bad pun,” she coughed.

“I don’t particularly care,” said the prince. “Now then. Any last words?” He tightened his grip around Rarity’s neck.

Rarity gasped and tried to raise a hoof, but things were starting to go black and fuzzy.

“I can’t hear you,” the prince mocked.

“I have something to say,” a voice said.

“Huh?” Prince Blueblood asked. He turned around and saw Spike holding the spear up, but was shaking a little from his balance. He gasped.

“Consider yourself dethroned,” said the dragon. He brought the spear down, and it hit Blueblood square on the head.

“YOUCH!” the prince screamed in agony.

Spike hit him on the head with the spear pole again. The prince yelled in pain and released his grip on Rarity. He rubbed his head and looked at Spike with a furious look on him. The dragon raised the spear again, but Blueblood knocked it out of his hooves.

“Uh, oh,” said Spike worriedly.

The prince grabbed Spike by the neck and held him up. The dragon gulped and sweated a little as he looked into the fiery eyes of Blueblood.

“No insolent, pathetic, useless, ugly, welp of a dragon is going to get in my way,” he threatened. His horn glowed brightly. “I’ll make you into a pair of dragon scaled boots.”

Blueblood snickered as he prepared to fire his spell, but suddenly felt somepony tapping him on the shoulder. He turned around and saw Rarity standing with a smirk on her.

“Excuse me,” she said. “I believe you asked if I have any last words. Well I do have something to say.”

Rarity raised her hoof and decked Blueblood across the face. The prince let out an anguished cry as he let go of Spike and fell over to the ground. Rarity stepped on his body and narrowed her eyes.

“Never….ever….touch….Spikey,” she threatened.

“Oof!” Spike yelled as he fell to the ground.

“Spikey,” said Rarity in a gentle voice. “I don’t think I got a chance to answer your question.”

Spike’s heart skipped a beat as he rubbed his head. “You...want to tell me?”

Rarity nodded. “Yes, darling.”

The dragon’s heart was racing and he twiddled his fingers. “I know what I said was probably really weird, but I–”

“You don’t need to say another word,” interrupted Rarity. “I think I’m finally ready to tell you the honest truth.”

Spike couldn’t help but smile.

“You see, I have to say that–”

“Rarity! Spike! You’re okay!”

The pair turned their heads and saw Twilight and Trixie running towards them.

“Twilight, darling, so good to see you again,” said Rarity as she hugged her friend.

“Where are the others?” wondered Spike.

“They’re taking care of the remaining guards,” answered Twilight. “But we’re happy to see you guys are okay.”

“Where is that pompous prince if Trixie may ask?” she wondered. “Trixie has quite a lot to do to him for nearly killing her.”

Spike pointed to the ground. “Going to have to wait for him to wake up then.”

The group looked down and saw Blueblood groaning and twitching with pain.

“Somehow, I think when Princess Celestia hears about this, the beating you both gave Prince Blueblood will be nothing compared to her,” said Twilight.

Trixie smiled and looked up. She gasped and poked Twilight. “Look!” she ordered. “The dome around us!”

They all looked up and saw the purple shield was rumbling. A loud booming noise rang out and the shield broke up, allowing the rain to fall onto everypony on the roof. Twilight, Trixie, Spike, and Rarity cheered in happiness, and jumped up and down. In the commotion, Trixie suddenly felt pulled in by somepony, and looked to see Twilight was hugging her.

“We did it, Trixie!” Twilight shouted triumphantly. “We saved Rarity!”

Twilight leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. The cheering stopped as Trixie blushed, and Rarity and Spike looked shocked. Twilight looked embarrassed and looked red all over.

“Trixie...I’m….I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I don’t know what came over me. Honestly.”

Trixie pushed Twilight away, and closed her eyes. “Twilight,” she sighed. “Trixie does understand the need to celebrate.”

Twilight looked away in shame, but felt a hoof touch her face, and pull her to look into Trixie’s blank expression.

“However, Trixie does understand your feeling of celebration, but I have to say if you are going to kiss somepony you like a lot….”

Twilight eyes went wide as Trixie leaned in and connected her lips to her own. The shock soon gave way to bliss as she returned the kiss as well, and embraced Trixie. As they kissed, Spike and Rarity looked on in awe.

“Are you surprised, Spike?” wondered Rarity.

The dragon rubbed his chin. “Actually...I’m really not,” he answered. “Considering some of the things I’ve heard Twilight mumble in her sleep, I’m really not surprised.”

Trixie and Twilight broke off the kiss, and they both looked at each other with sincere smiles on them.

“....As I was saying, Twilight,” said Trixie. “If you're going to kiss somepony you like, make it something memorable.”

Twilight laughed awkwardly. “I’ll keep that in mind next time we go out.” She shrugged and said in a low voice. “If you’d like to go out sometime that is.”

Trixie snuggled Twilight and said, “What do you say we both take it slowly?”

Twilight nodded. “You’re right. I need some time to study up on some of the books on dating anyway.”

Trixie snickered a bit and rolled her eyes in amusement.

“....Ugh,” a voice moaned.

Spike looked over and gasped. “Look!” he pointed.

Rarity, Twilight, and Trixie looked towards where Spike was pointing, and gasped as they saw Prince Blueblood struggling to get up. The prince stumbled and his legs were shaking, but he shot a glare at Rarity.

“You don’t know when to give up, do you?” wondered Spike.

“I….erk….can still fight,” Blueblood said in a strained voice. “I can still….ack….win this.” He held his head and rubbed it.

“It’s over, Prince Blueblood,” stated Twilight. “All of your soldiers are defeated. Your friends are done for. You have nopony else to help you but yourself.”

The prince shook his head and grinned. “I don’t need them anyway,” he said. “I’ll take all the credit for this victory. As long as I can still stand, I’ll fight to the end.”

Blueblood suddenly felt the downpour of rain, and looked up at the sky. He heard some thunder rumbling and lightning flashing across the sky. He scoffed and asked, “Who’s afraid of a little thunder?”

Just as Blueblood looked back at Rarity, a loud boom rang out, catching everypony off guard and screamed. A flash appeared before them, and the group covered their eyes.

“NNNNAAAAHHHH!!!!” Blueblood cried out at the top of his lungs.

Spike lowered his hand and saw the prince had sparks shooting out from him, and his mane was sticking up. As quickly as the booming noise came, the flash was gone, and the agonizing screams of Blueblood died down.

Twilight nervously put her hoof down. “I–is everypony okay?” she asked in a shaky tone.

“I don’t think he is,” said Spike as he pointed to Prince Blueblood.

Twilight looked over and gasped at the prince. Several static bolts could be seen around his body, and the sound of electricity crackling could be heard. His mane was pitch black from the char of the bolt, as was his tail. His eyes were wide with fear, and his mouth agap.

“Prince Blueblood?” asked Twilight.

Blueblood let out a cough, and then collapsed to the ground once more. Twilight rushed over, and put a hoof on his neck.

“Ow!” Twilight cried out in pain.

“Are you okay, Twilight?” both Spike and Trixie asked.

Trixie rushed over to hold her, and Twilight gave a smile. “I’m okay,” said Twilight. “I was checking to see if he was still alive or not.”

“So how is he then?” wondered Spike.

“I think he’s okay,” answered Twilight. “I felt a small pulse, but he was too shocked to confirm it. I think all that electricity has just knocked him out and left him literally shocked. Needless to say, I don’t think he’ll be causing us any more trouble.” Twilight then felt a sharp pain, and rubbed her horn.

“What’s wrong?” wondered Trixie.

“Just got a bit of a headache,” said Twilight. “I think I used too much magic from Pinkie.”

Author's Note

As I said earlier, this chapter will be split into A and B parts since it's long. The next part should hopefully be out maybe tomorrow. If not, it'll be up after Bronycon.

Shattered Moon (Part 2B)

Rainbow smirked as she looked down upon the unconscious ponies. “Now that’s what I’m talking about!” she shouted.

Twilight rubbed her horn from the intense amount of magic use Pinkie had put her through. “Ugh, my horn and head are sore,” she whined.

She heard a low groan, and looked over to its source, and saw a yellow unicorn struggling to keep his balance as his horn glowed. He aimed his horn up where Rainbow was flying.

“No!” Twilight shouted.

The unicorn fired an energy blast from his horn. He smiled contently and turned around, only to be met with a hoof coming at him. Before he could react, Twilight hit him in the face, and was knocked out as he hit the floor.

Twilight looked up to the sky. “Rainbow, watch out!” she warned.

“Huh?” The blue pegasus turned her head, and saw the white ball of energy was inches from her.

She screamed in agony as the ball connected with a wing.

Everypony looked up as they heard Rainbow’s scream of agony, and gasped.

“Rainbow!” cried out Applejack.

“Somepony catch her!” Pinkie ordered.

Rainbow opened her eyes and saw she was falling to the ground. She tried to flap her wings but felt a sharp pain in her left one. She looked over at it and saw it was bent at an unnatural angle, with several feathers burnt and charred from the blast.. She looked back to the ground, and couldn’t help but gulp. She closed her eyes, and waited for the impact.

There was no impact though. She didn’t feel the concrete hit her, nor did she feel like she was falling down. She opened her eyes to see two black hooves holding her, then looking up. Her face turned a deep crimson red as she saw a black pegasi with a silver mohawk in a Wonderbolt’s training uniform and goggles.

“Th–Thunderlane?” asked Rainbow in awe. “How did you…?”

Thunderlane blushed a little and said, “I know you’re used to saving other ponies, but you wouldn’t mind if there was a role reversal, right?”

Rainbow tried to hide her blush, and nodded. “Yeah, I don’t mind you saving me.”

Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief as she saw her friend being rescued. Unknownst to her though, two ponies were sneaking up on her from behind. As they made their attempt to hit her, a large shadow loomed over them. They turned and saw a very muscular white pegasus with a furious look on his face. Before the two ponies could do anything, the pegasus grabbed both of them by the neck, and made them gasp for air.

“Nopony hurts Fluttershy!” he yelled.

He slammed both ponies’ heads together. They both collapsed onto the ground.

Fluttershy turned around and blushed as she saw the muscular pegasus standing over the knocked out guards.

“Bulk!” she cried out with joy.

She ran over and hugged him. Bulk returned the hug, but made sure not to squeeze Fluttershy too hard. Fluttershy heard groaning and looked down to see the two ponies on the ground.

She looked back at Bulk. “Did you do that to them?”

Bulk nodded. “They were going to hurt you,” he said. “I wasn’t being too over assertive like you warned, right?”

Fluttershy giggled and shook her head. “Oh, no. You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m actually grateful for what you’ve done.” Her face then turned a deep shade of red. “In fact, I’m so grateful, maybe….maybe I can….um….” she muttered something to herself.

“What?” asked Bulk.

“Would….would you mind if I treated you to dinner for helping me?” she asked in a small voice.

Bulk smiled and let out a loud, “YEAH!”

Fluttershy squeaked a little as she was hugged by the large white pegasus. She too returned the hug, and kissed him on the cheek. Bulk’s face went red and he giggled stupidly.

Applejack wiped her forehead and let out a sigh of relief.

“Hey there,” a stallion’s voice called out.

The farmer pony turned around and raised her hoof.

The stallion gasped and put his hoof up. “Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Wait a minute!”

Applejack stopped herself, and her heart skipped a beat as she looked upon a blue pegasus in a Wonderbolts uniform.

“Oh….sorry, Soarin,” she said while trying to hide her blush. “Wh–what are you doing here anyway?”

“Just checking on my favorite pie-making pony,” he answered bluntly.

Applejack rubbed the back of her head. “Well, heh, thanks for checking on me, pie boy.”

Soarin raised an eyebrow. “Pie boy, eh? Mind if I get one of them from you for coming to your rescue?”

Applejack laughed and answered, “Well, truth be told, you’re a little late.” She leaned in and kissed Soarin on the cheek. “But I suppose I could bake one, and we could share it together if you want.” She blushed and winked at him.

Soarin’s eyes went wide, and his face went red. “Uh….sure!” he hastily said.

“Aww! Does that mean I’m too late for the party?” a stallion asked in a sarcastically sad tone.

Applejack and Soarin turned around to see an orange stallion with a poofy brown mane wearing an umbrella hat, carrying a large saddlebag.

“Hey, what are you do–WHOA!” Applejack was cut off as a pink blur sped past her.

The orange stallion grunted as he felt something tight around him. He looked down and saw a jubilant Pinkie Pie.

“Cheesy!” she shouted joyfully. “I’m sorry you couldn’t be here for this! Maybe you can help me plan the celebration party!”

Cheese Sandwich chuckled and hugged Pinkie back. “That sounds great! But I’m definitely not using those emergency cheese dips. Speaking of which, did they help you?”

“Somewhat,” said Applejack.

Cheese and Pinkie broke off the hug, and the stallion said in a nonchalant tone. “I guess I still have some kinks to work out. But it was a blast at least.”

Applejack slapped her forehead and slid her hoof down her face. “I think I need to take a long shower just to get the leftover cheese off of me.”

“Well you’re already getting one,” said Cheese in chipper tone. He extended his hoof to feel the rain.

Applejack sighed and shook her head. “I don’t think you get what I mean.”

“Hey! Are you all done chit chatting!?” a mare asked in a commanding voice.

Everypony looked up to see a yellow pegasus with a fiery mane and in a Wonderbolts uniform land. Two pegasi were standing next to her and surveying the damage. A couple more flew in and landed near the yellow pegasus. Soarin and Bulk ran over and saluted.

“Captain Spitfire!” they shouted in unison.

“At ease,” she ordered. Spitfire looked around the roof and saw the ponies lying on the ground, and some of them moaning.

“Ugh...my wing,” groaned a mare’s voice.

Spitfire looked over and saw Rainbow Dash being held by Thunderlane. She could see Thunderlane holding onto what seemed to be Rainbow’s mangled wing.

“Hold on, Rainbow!” assured Thunderlane. “I’m right here for you!”

“I'm coming, cadet!” shouted Spitfire. Spitfire had a concerned look on her as she and the rest of Rainbow’s friends rushed over. Spitfire checked her wing and saw it was twitching.

"I'm...okay," groaned Rainbow. "It's nothing serious."

"Don't be foolish, Dash," Spitfire scolded. "You're not in good shape. It's a wonder you haven't collapsed yet." Spitfire took a look at the messed up wing, and tried to see how badly it was hurt.

"Ah!" Rainbow yelped as she felt Spitfire's hoof on her wing.

“Sorry, Dash," said Spitfire. "I do have good news. The wing doesn’t look too bad, but the twitching isn’t a good sign. We need to get you down to an ambulance for treatment.” She looked over at Thunderlane and Bulk. "Take Dash down to an ambulance for immediate treatment."

“Yes, ma’am!” shouted Thunderlane and Bulk as they saluted. They grabbed Rainbow by the arms, and carried her to the roof entrance.

Twilight stepped forward and asked, “Captain Spitfire?”

Spitfire turned around and raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you Princess Celestia’s student?” she asked.

“Yes I am,” answered Twilight. “Are her and Princess Luna here?”

Spitfire nodded. “They came as quickly as they could after they asked for our help. We just brought some other cadets to help out in case things got too messy. They’re both downstairs talking to the media about your friend’s condition.”

“You mean Rarity?” asked Spike.

“The very same,” said Spitfire.

Rarity and Spike looked at each other with worry on their faces.

“What about the rest of the ponies here?” asked Twilight. “There’s somepony I don’t think the princesses are going to be happy to see who’s behind this.”

“We’ll help take them into custody,” stated Spitfire. “We just got to wait for the Royal Guard to fly up here and bring the chains.”

A loud banging noise caught the group’s attention. They turned around and saw two white pegasi in golden armor carrying a large box.

“Ah, right on time,” said Spitfire. She looked back at Twilight and her friends. “You all get going. We’ll take care of it from here.”

Twilight nodded and looked at the others. “Come on, everypony. I think it’s time to finally clear everything up.”

“I just hope everypony understands,” said Rarity in a somber tone.

Spike grabbed Rarity’s hoof. “Me too, Rarity, me too.”

They all walked off and headed down the roof entrance stairway.

Rarity took several deep breaths as she approached the main entrance of the building. She could see the flashes of cameras, and a large group of ponies waiting outside. She couldn’t help but gulp a little nervously.

“Rarity?” a voice asked.

She looked down and saw Spike looking at her with a worried look. “Yes, Spikey?” she asked.

“Are you ready for this?” he wondered.

Rarity took a deep breath and said, “To be honest, I’m not. I know I got to do this though. I need to let them know the truth in more ways than one.”

“What do you mean by that?” asked Spike.

Rarity looked forward and said, “You’ll know soon enough.”

Rarity and the others stepped through the door. The unicorn was greeted with gasps, some screams, and the numerous sounds of cameras clicking. The flash from the cameras made Rarity’s eyes dizzy and she raised a hoof to cover them. She kept it up to shield her eyes, but managed to get a look at the crowd around her. There were various ponies of all races carrying cameras, writing stuff in a notepad, or carrying microphones in their hooves. All of them were being blocked by a long row of royal guards, both Solar and Lunar.

“It’s hard to believe this is true,” one pony said.

“It’s like something out of a story,” said another.

“Is she really Nightmare Moon, or not?”

“How long has Miss Rarity been hiding this?”

“That’s enough!” a mare’s voice ordered. “Rarity has suffered enough.”

Rarity and the others looked over and saw Princess Celestia and Princess Luna looking at them with sincere smiles. The group bowed down to the princess, and more cameras flashed.

“Rise, my fellow ponies,” ordered Princess Celestia.

Twilight rose up and smiled. “It’s good to see you again, Princess.”

“We’re sorry it took so long, Twilight,” said Princess Luna. “We came as quickly as we got your message. We just needed some time getting our soldiers and the Wonderbolts together to help.”

“Well it’s over,” said Rarity. “I have my friends to thank for helping me out.”

“Yes, you’re lucky to have such good friends around.” Princess Celestia looked around and noticed Trixie, who was shaking a bit nervously. “I’m sorry, but who are you?”

Trixie looked at the princess and stuttered, “I–I am T–Trixie, your highness.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Trixie, is it? Aren’t you that mare who caused my student some trouble in the past?”

Trixie flinched a little and bit her lip. “Um….well….”

“Hold it!” objected Twilight. She put a hoof in front of Trixie. “Princess Celestia, you don’t have to worry about her anymore. She’s since changed, and she helped us out. Everything has since been made up for.”

“She’s right,” said Applejack, “she did help us out.” The others nodded and what Twilight said about the magician.

Celestia smiled. “I’m happy to hear this. Though, I had no idea you were that close to her, Twilight.”

Twilight looked confused, but she looked down and saw she was holding Trixie’s hoof. Both of them blushed and let go of each other.

“Speaking of clearing things up,” stated Luna. “Perhaps you can clear some things for us.”

“Like what?” asked Spike.

“For starters, we have captured several ponies who seem to have knowledge of military fighting. Do you happen to know how these ponies were, or if there was a member of the Equestria military ordering them around.”

Twilight looked at the others, who shrugged at her, and then looked back. “We’re not really sure, but I remember something about a major.”

“Major?” wondered Celestia.

“Let me go!” a stallion’s voice barked. “I said let me go, damn it!”

The group turned around and saw Heavy Duty in chains resisting against two royal guards.

“That’s enough, sir!” shouted one of the guards. “It’s over!”

“You don’t understand what’s going on!” Heavy shouted. “You’ve all made a big mistake.” He then noticed two large shadows overlapping him, and looked up. His heart nearly stopped as he looked at the stern faces of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

“Major Heavy Duty of the 66th Legion,” said Luna in an icy tone. “I thought I recognized some of them from the previous inspection.”

Heavy bowed down and said, “Princesses! You don’t understand what’s going on! Nightmare Moon has taken control of you two, and–”

“That will be enough, major,” Celestia interrupted. “I think you need to hear the full story, along with your other partners in crime.”

Heavy got up and raised an eyebrow. “Partners?”

Luna pointed behind her, and Heavy saw two ponies being watched by three royal guards. The two ponies were covered in cheese and shaking violently.

“Bit Bags? Golden Rule?” inquired Heavy. “What the hay happened to you guys?”

“Let’s just say I never want to see another slice of cheese in my life again,” Bit said bitterly.

“Agreed,” stated Golden.

Applejack couldn’t help but laugh and shouted, “Join the party, partners!”

“Guards,” said Celestia. “Place the major over there with the others.” The guards saluted and pushed Heavy to move forward.

“Now for the other question.” Luna suddenly looked a little subdued. “Is it true that a certain pony was behind this whole thing?”

Twilight and her friends looked a little nervous and looked at each other.

“You don’t need to lie, my faithful student,” said Celestia in a somber tone. “I’ve already got a witness who told us everything.”

“Who is it?” wondered Spike.

“Me,” a voice answered.

Spike and the others turned to the right and saw Quick Note approaching them.

“You told them everything?” wondered Rarity.

“Everything I knew,” replied Quick. “From the planning of this whole thing, to who was behind it from the start.”

Twilight nodded and said, “I see then.” She looked at Celestia. “Princess, I know you won’t like this, but it’s true the one behind this was–”

“OUCH!” a stallion cried out in pain. “Watch where you touch me!”

The group turned to the doorway, and saw four royal guards coming out with two ponies in chains. The first one, Twilight and her friends recognized as Blueblood and was wincing pain. The second was Suri trying to hide her face, and had a fearful look on her. A royal guard placed a hoof on the prince, but both yelped in pain.

“I said watch it!” ordered Blueblood. “I can’t even feel my face from what just happened!”

“You’re going to need to move it,” a guard said. “The princesses will be wanting a word with you.”

Blueblood’s face went whiter than usual, and gulped loudly. “M–my aunts?”

“Yes, Prince Blueblood,” came the voice of Luna. “I think we both would like a word with you about this.”

The prince looked over and felt like a bucket of ice drop into his stomach as he looked upon the scornful expression of both princesses. The sound of cameras clicking and flashes went out again, but Blueblood felt too terrified to notice, or care.

“That’s the prince?” one camera pony asked. “Certainly looks different from the last time I saw him.”

“I heard some nasty things about his actions, but nothing like this!”

“Heh! This is going to be good for the tabloids!”

“I see the headline now: From royal prince, to attempted killer.”

Blueblood finally found the courage to speak up again. “Aunt Celestia, you don’t understand,” he pleaded. “I know Nightmare Moon has gotten to you all, but you must believe me when I say you’re both under her mind control! You must fight it, and kill her at once before her influence spreads further!”

The princess looked at Blueblood with blank looks. The crowd fell silent and didn’t use their cameras. Twilight and her friends looked at each other with raised eyebrows. The only sound that rang out was the rain hitting the ground, and the occasional rumble of thunder.

Blueblood gritted his teeth and shouted, “What’s everypony’s problem!? Why are you all silent!?” He looked over to Rarity and barked, “Go on, you! Tell them what you’ve done!”

Princess Luna slapped her hoof against her forehead, and shook her head. “You can’t be serious, nephew.”

“What do you mean if I’m being serious or not!?” asked Blueblood. “Of course I’m taking such a turn of events seriously!”

Princess Celestia had an amused look on her. “You are referring to Rarity turning into Nightmare Moon, correct?”

The prince nodded. “That’s right! I heard you both talk about it, and not wanting to let the public know! I know you two are under her mind control, thus I am here to save Equestria from a great evil!”

There was a deadly silence again as everypony stared at Blueblood with shock, disbelief, and some trying to hold back their laughter.

Princess Luna slapped her forehead and again and groaned. She looked up at her sister with an irritated expression. “I knew we should have told him from the start, but you didn’t listen.”

The prince raised an eyebrow. “Told me what exactly?” he wondered.

Across the wider Manehatten area, it’s citizens continued with their lives, unaware of what had happened at the fashion studio.

“WHAT!?” an infuriated yell echoed across the city.

Everypony stopped what they were doing as they looked around for the source of the scream. They soon shrugged indifferently and went back to their routine.

Prince Blueblood looked both awed and furious. His whole body trembled with shock, and his jaw dropped. He took several deep breaths, and his eyes went wide.

Finally, he managed to say, “This….this is a joke! There’s no way that happened!”

“I’m afraid so, Blueblood,” said Celestia. “Rarity was the victim of a curse by none other than Nightmare Moon herself. By day, she is her old self, but by night, she turns into her nightmare form.”

Blueblood shook his head in defiance. “N–no! Impossible! Unacceptable! I know what I heard! You said you couldn’t let anypony else know of this!”

“And for a good reason,” Luna said contemptuously. “If the rest of Equestria knew about this, who knows how they would react? Considering your past history with Rarity, we both knew that you would take this chance to turn the public against her. We were hoping that if you didn’t know this and we found a cure to Rarity’s curse, then maybe we could have prevented you from your ambitions. We knew you had a grudge against Rarity, but we never thought it would get like this.”

Blueblood raised a hoof and tried to think. “But, but, but, but, but….” he stammered.

“ARGH! Are you bucking kidding me!?” a mare screeched.

The whole crowd turned their attention to Suri, who was looking beside herself and panting.

“You mean to tell me that I came out of hiding to help a prince for something that he mistook as a threat!?” she bellowed. “I was better off on the streets than being forced to do this!”

Princess Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me, but have I seen you before somewhere?”

Suri looked at Princess Celestia, and her anger quickly changed into fear. She gulped a little and said, “Um….no, not at all. Just some normal pony is all. Heh, heh, heh….” She put on convincing smile.

The solar princess didn’t seem so sure. “I could’ve sworn I have seen you before in maybe the papers, or perhaps in–”

“YOU!” bellowed an infuriated mare’s voice.

Suri felt her stomach flip, and an icy chill ran down her spine. She slowly turned around to see an angry Hoity Toity, and Photo Finish looking beside herself. Even with her signature glasses on, Suri could see the firey rage in her eyes. The pink pony gulped nervously as sweat built up on her head.

Photo pointed a hoof at Suri. “You! You! You! You!” Photo was shaking violently in anger.

Suri chuckled nervously. “Um….hi, Photo,” she said in a small voice. “I heard the show had some…erm, technical difficulties?”

“How dare you come back to mein studio and ruin ze show mein fiancè and I worked so hard on!?” barked Photo.

“Fiancè?” one photographer pony asked. He trotted up to Photo. “Miss Finish, we heard rumors of you and Hoity together. How long has this–”

Photo Finish looked at the camera pony with a snarling face and stared him down. The pony nervously put his camera down and backed away.

“Um….maybe another time,” he squeaked. The camera pony then galloped away from Photo as quickly as possible.

Photo and Hoity pushed the royal guards holding them back and marched up to Suri. The former fashionista stepped back and gulped again as she looked at the livid expression of Photo.

“It vasn’t enough for you, vas it!?” accused Photo. “It vasn’t enough zat you had to steal designs and fabric from ze other ponies to make yourself successful! You not only ruined ze fashion show Hoity and I worked so hard on, but to attempt to kill one of mein best fashionistas!?”

“Wait a minute!” cried out Suri as she backed up. “I can explain! Honestly!”

“Explain what!?” demanded Photo. “How can you explain destroying mein show, and wrecking most of ze studio!? Do you have any idea how long it’ll take to repair it!?”

Suri wiped her forehead. “But….but….”

“But nothing!” bellowed Photo. “Is zere no decency to you, Suri Polomare!?”

“Wait. Is that really Suri?” one photographer asked incredulously.

Another camera pony laughed. “Man! We are just making a killing out here tonight with all this breaking news!”

“Can it get any better?!” another asked.

The cameras once again flashed and clicked, but Suri was too terrified by the look on Photo Finish to care.

“If you think for one minute I will–”

“Miss Finish, that will be enough,” ordered Princess Celestia.

The blue pony looked at the princess and grudgingly bowed. “Mein apologies, your highness. I am just livid to see….her again.”

“Calm yourself, dear,” said Hoity. “We’ll let the princesses deal with her.” He pulled her away and hugged her.

Celestia approached the nervous Suri. “I thought I recognized you from the papers. I honestly didn’t think you would be involved in this.”

“Wh–what are y–you going to do to m–me?” wondered Suri in a scared tone.

“I’m not sure yet,” answered Celestia. “Considering what Rarity told Luna and myself in the past about what you’ve done, there may be a very strict punishment.”

Suri looked more nervous and asked in a feeble tone, “H–how do you know Rarity?”

“That’s easy,” said Celestia. “Both of us are good friends with Rarity.”

“F–friends!?” Suri asked in a panicked voice. “Y–you’re friends with her!?”

“Indeed, Miss Polomare,” replied Luna. “We’ve been close friends with Rarity for a few years now. Hurting one of our friends or loved ones could end with somepony being strictly punished, or maybe even… banishment.”

Suri’s eyes went wide and tears built up in her eyes. She could feel whatever anger she had left turn into fear and terror as she looked upon the stern look of the night princess. She leaped over to the princesses’ hooves, and kissed them.

“I’m sorry!” She cried tearfully. “I’m sorry I took her designs and fabric! I’m sorry I nearly killed Rarity!” She kissed both princesses’ hooves a few more times, earning awkward looks from each princess.

“I’ll do anything to make up for it!” pleaded Suri. “I’ll give back the remaining fabric! I’ll pay you both whatever I got left! I’ll even scrub all the floors in Canterlot! Just don’t banish me–hhe–heee!” Suri broke down in tears and cried uncontrollably.

Princess Celestia looked to Luna with a stern look. “Sister, I do wish you wouldn’t be so overdramatic about these things.”

The night princess huffed. “Well she should know the penalties for harming our friends.”

Celestia shook her head and looked back at the weeping Suri. “Miss Polomare, please rise up and dry those eyes.”

Suri feebly got up and wiped her eyes. She sniffled and said in a weak voice, “Y–yes, your highness?”

“We are not going to punish you, much less banish you to the moon,” said the solar princess.

Suri breathed a sigh of relief. “Does this mean I’m free to go?” she asked hopefully.

“Not even close,” replied Celestia. “You will still be punished, but not by me nor my sister. I think it’s only appropriate that Photo Finish and Hoity Toity decide your punishment. Especially with how you’ve helped create quite a mess.” She looked at the two fashion ponies. “Is that fine with you two?”

Photo looked at Hoity, and both whispered to each other. They would give a dark glance at Suri every now and then as they talked to each other. After a minute of whispering, they both nodded and looked at Princess Celestia.

“It’s a deal,” agreed Photo. “We will take her and punish her for what she did.” She trotted over to Suri and stared her down. “But just because you’re not being dealt with by ze princess doesn’t mean you’re going to get off easy,” she threatened. “I vill make you sorry.”

Suri gulped and wiped more sweat from her forehead.

Princess Celestia looked at Prince Blueblood. “I do have to say that you earn some of my thanks for this.”

Twilight, her friends, and Luna looked shocked. “WHAT!?” they yelled in unison.

Spike stepped forward. “Princess, no offense, but why are you thanking somepony that nearly killed Rarity?”

The solar princess waved a hoof. “Let me explain,” she stated. “What I mean is that he involved three ponies that we have been monitoring for some shady dealings.”

The crowd muttered with each other, and looked confused.

Luna smiled and nodded. “Ah, I remember now. The investigation we both have been keeping an eye on.”

Celestia nodded. “Indeed. We’ve had our suspicions about their activities, but they were always careful. Since Blueblood got them involved though and are being arrested, we can now investigate further into these deals.”

Blueblood seemed confused at first, but a dreadful thought then hit him. “Y–you don’t mean….?”

“We have some testimony from Quick Note about one of them,” said Luna. “We’ve heard some rumors of bribery and corruption with law enforcement.”

Golden Rule flinched a little and her eyes widen.

“Some illegal hunting and poaching,” said Celestia.

“Ack!” yelped Heavy Duty in a fearful tone.

“Some embezzlement as well,” finished Luna.

Bit Bags gulped and was shaking.

“All thanks to you, nephew,” said Celestia. “I’m sorry you have most likely lost three friends of yours, but you’ll probably get a bit of a lighter sentence for helping bring them to justice.”

The solar princess looked at Golden Rule. “I certainly hope you remember some of your lawyer skills, Miss Rule. I’m certain no lawyer in the world would take this case. Even if we summoned the best lawyer ever, he wouldn’t take your case.”

Golden gulped, and looked over at Prince Blueblood with a scornful look on her.

Blueblood’s eyes widened and his body was shaking. “But….but….but I’m the hero here,” he muttered. “I did everything right….I’m supposed to be hailed throughout Equestria for my actions.”

“You will be,” said Spike. “I think you’ll be remembered for just how stupid you made yourself look.”

Heavy screamed in frustration. “You idiot! I knew this was a bad idea from the beginning! You not only made a fool of yourself again, but you tricked us into this whole thing!”

“Wait until I get a hold of you!” threatened Golden.

The prince flinched and was shaking harder. “P–please! Wait!” he objected in a shaky voice. “I…I had no clue about Rarity! I was only doing what was right! I...I was going to save the world! I was going to be a hero. I...I…”

His eye twitched like crazy and he muttered angrily to himself. He put his hooves on top of his head and clinged to his ruined mane.

“N….NNNNNOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!” he screamed insanely. Blueblood pulled on his mane as he yelled wildly. “I’M THE HEROOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!” Images of Rarity, the fateful night of the Grand Galloping Gala, and Nightmare Moon raced through his mind at a fast rate.

Everypony gasped as they saw Blueblood pulling and ripping out stands of his burnt mane. He was holding onto large strands of them in his hooves, and had an even larger bald spot on his head. His body twitched as he had a shocked expression on him and stared up into the sky.

Celestia frowned and put a hoof on Blueblood to calm him down. She looked over and said, “Guards, you may take them all away now to be processed. Just keep my nephew under close watch, please.”

The guards saluted, and proceeded to take the emotionally drained Blueblood, Suri, Golden, Heavy, and Bit into a nearby boxed chariot. After they were escorted in and secured, the doors closed, and the chariot took off into the sky.

The crowd watched the chariot until it was out of sight. They all began talking and whispering to each other about what had happened.

“Talk about a nervous breakdown,” said one pony.

“I’ll say,” a camera pony agreed. “I got to wonder what’s going to happen to the prince now.”

“All of this stemming from an apparent hatred towards somepony who scorned him,” another said.

Princess Celestia stepped forward and said, “I think that’s all, everypony. You may continue to take photos of those who are being arrested, but there will be no further conferences or announcements about the arrests here.”

Twilight looked a little uncomfortable as the crowd talked amongst themselves again.

“Are you alright, Twilight?” wondered Trixie.

The unicorn nodded slowly. “I am, but I couldn’t help but feel a little bad about what happened to Blueblood.”

“Kind of hard to feel bad for him after all he’s done,” said Spike. “But I didn’t expect him to react like that.”

“So what do we do now?” asked Pinkie. “Throw a party to celebrate?”

“I don’t think so, partner,” said Applejack with a yawn. “I think I’m just ready to go get a shower to get the remaining cheese out of my coat, and hit the hay.”

Cheese rubbed his chin. “Hmm….I need to think of a way to make these cheese supplies less sticky to those affected by it. I’ll have to go back to that old party board again!”

“I think maybe you should just scrap it,” suggested Rainbow.

As the group talked with each other, Rarity stayed out of it and thought to herself. She looked at Spike, who was chatting with Twilight and Applejack. She thought back to the roof, and the sudden confession the dragon made to her. She then thought of what she wanted to say to him before being cut off by her friends checking up on the two of them.

….Spikey, she thought. Do I dare bring up what happened on the roof?

“Rarity?”

Before the unicorn could ponder her own question, her thoughts were broken by a voice. She looked down and saw Spike with a soft smile on his face.

“Are you ready to go back?” he wondered. “Princess Celestia is offering to take you to her castle to place you under protection until she and Princess Luna find a cure.”

“We can leave now if there’s nothing else, Rarity,” said Twilight.

The unicorn looked at Spike and stared at him with a blank expression. She wanted to open her mouth and say something to him, but she felt torn on the inside. One side of her wanted to talk about what he had said on the roof. The other half wanted to forget that ever happened. Numerous thoughts buzzed in her head, and she felt a little disoriented from it.

“Are you okay, Rarity?” wondered Spike in a worried voice. “You’re looking like Twilight after one of her all nighters.”

“Spike!” scolded Twilight.

Rarity waved a hoof with a chuckle, “It’s nothing, really.”

The dragon sighed dejectedly. “I guess we’ll get going then.” He began walking towards a nearby chariot where two royal guards were waiting.

Rarity bit her lip, and stomped her hoof. “Wait!” she called out.

The yell caused Spike, his friends, the princesses, and the crowd of photographers to turn their attention to Rarity. The unicorn felt a little nervous from the staring crowd, and gulped a little. She shook her head and took a deep breath.

I know what I need to say, she told herself. I just need the courage to break the news to Spike.

She looked at the dragon and said in a sincere tone, “Spike, we need to talk.”

Spike raised an eyebrow and looked around. “Um….now?” he wondered. “Can’t this wait until we get into the chariot?”

Rarity shook her head. “No, darling. I need to say this now before I lose my nerve.”

The dragon tilted his head in confusion and said, “Okay….so what’s up?”

“It’s about what you said on the roof,” replied Rarity.

Spike’s eyes went wide, and his face went red with embarrassment. “Um….Rarity, that was just um….in the heat of the moment,” he nervously said. “I didn’t mean to put you in such a place like that.”

“Spikey, it’s okay,” assured Rarity. “I did some thinking about what you said, and I think it’s time you heard it from me.”

She trotted over and placed a hoof on his shoulder. Spike opened his mouth to say something, but couldn’t find the words.

“I heard what you said about me, darling,” said Rarity. “I have to say I had no idea I had such a positive impact on you. I also have to confess one thing, Spike. I have had my suspicions about what you felt towards me for a long time.”

The crowd of camera ponies looked confused and muttered to each other, but Rarity didn’t pay attention to them.

Spike was shocked. “Y….You knew all along?” he wondered.

“I thought you had some crush on me,” answered Rarity. “At first I thought it was merely some crush that would go away over time, but… but I see it’s not the case.” Rarity could feel butterflies in her stomach, but shook it off.

“How so?” asked Spike.

“You see, I had thought that over the course of time, things would change,” said Rarity. “Why, I was surprised to see you still being so concerned over me, and helping me out all this time. Even at times when I was unaware of some of your advances.”

Spike looked a little discouraged. “I see,” he said in a hollow tone. He felt a hoof touch his chin, and pushed his head up. He saw Rarity smiling softly at her.

“I’m not done yet, Spike,” she said. “I do have to say I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me, and I do apologize for not giving you the thanks you truly deserve for it. However, I have to agree on Prince Blueblood with one thing: anypony who dates a different species may be shamed.”

Spike opened his mouth to object, but Rarity put a hoof over it. “Let me finish. It’s true that some ponies are against the idea of such relationships. Some may turn these ponies away. Others could start rumors and mudslinging to further alienate a pony.”

Spike looked down and felt his heart sink. He nodded slowly and muttered, “I understand then. I’m sorry I wasted your time, Rarity.” He turned to walk away, but felt something pulling him back, and turn him around. He looked up to see Rarity again.

“Honestly, Spikey Wikey,” she sighed. “It’s rude to leave a lady in the middle of a conversation. There is one more thing I need to say to you.”

“I already know what you’re going to say,” said Spike somberly. “I already know the answer.”

Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Is that so?” she wondered. She pulled him in and brought both of their faces close together. “All I have to say to what Blueblood said, Spike, is three simple words.”

The dragon gulped and felt his heart racing. “T–that is?”

“I. Don’t. Care,” she whispered.

She then leaned in and perched her lips, and kissed Spike on the lips. The dragon’s eyes went wide with shock as he felt his lips connect with Rarity’s. The shock soon gave way to the feeling of his heart fluttering, and his sadness melt away into joy. They both closed their eyes and embraced each other as they kissed, unaware of the numerous gasps and cameras going off.

“Whoa! I was wrong! This night can get better!” a photographer said.

“The first pony and dragon relationship in Equestria?” one reporter asked. “Can this work out?”

“This could ruin Rarity’s career!” another shouted. “Is she sure she wants to risk it all for one dragon?”

Rarity and Spike broke off the kiss, and stared at each other with hearts in their eyes. The snuggled against each other, and felt the warmth coming from each of them.

After minute, Rarity said, “Spikey, I’m so sorry it took so long to tell you this, but I do love you. I’ve been fooling myself with ideals and thoughts that would hurt me, but now I realized that I was only hurting myself further with my actions.”

“....Rarity,” whispered Spike.

The unicorn released her grip on Spike, except for holding his claw, and turned to the crowd of photographers and reporters.

She smiled and shouted, “Do you hear me, world!? I don’t care what happens! I don’t care if most, if not the whole, social elite turn me down for it! I don’t care how many ponies say it’s wrong! I have a lot of wonderful friends, and a true prince that has never left my side for a moment with me! Put that in your paper!”

Rarity took several deep breaths after her speech, and looked back at Spike. “I’m sorry you had to see me that way, Spikey. I just needed to get that off my chest.”

“Rarity?” a voice called.

Rarity and Spike looked over to see Twilight and her friends looking pretty happy.

“Ah, darlings,” said Rarity. “I know you all saw and heard what I said. If any of you have any objections, then I–”

“Rarity,” said Twilight. “Why would you think we have any objections?”

Rarity raised an eyebrow. “You truly don’t mind?”

“Course not, sugarcube,” answered Applejack. “We don’t care if you’re dating Spike, another stallion, or even a mare. Though, I honestly can’t see you dating a mare.”

“We’re happy for you,” said Fluttershy.

“Just wait until the party to show how happy we really are for this!” shouted Pinkie.

“Are you sure you meant what you said?” wondered Twilight. “I know there are some ponies who are still against the idea of fillyfoolers and coltcuddlers. It could be worse now that you’ve confessed to having feelings for Spike.”

Rarity just smiled and said, “I stand by what I said, Twilight. No matter what happens from here on out, I will remain by Spikey Wikey’s side.”

Spike smiled and said, “But I still have some questions left to ask you, Rarity. How come you haven’t said much about how I felt up until this point?”

Rarity opened her mouth to speak, but then felt a sharp jab in her chest. She stumbled a bit and held her chest.

“Rarity, are you okay?” asked Spike in a worried tone.

The unicorn looked at Spike with a pained look on her, but nodded. “I….think so,” she replied. “I just don’t know what hap–ACK!”

Another sharp jab hit Rarity, this time in the head. She groaned and fell to the ground. Spike and his friends let out a gasp and looked at each other with concern.

“Rarity!” cried out the dragon. He looked over to Princess Celestia. “What’s wrong with her!?”

The solar princess frowned and said, “I’m not sure. I’ve never seen a pony suddenly have such pain like that so suddenly.”

Rarity got up slowly and rubbed her head. She could feel her stomach flipping around, her heart racing, and sweat was building up on her. Her body was shaking, her breathing became rapid, and everything became a blur to her.

“I….ah….don’t know what’s…..AH!” screamed Rarity.

She stumbled around and felt like her body was on fire and having nails hammered into her. She twitched wildly and tried to hold back her screams, but the pain got worse and worse. Eventually, she let out a deafening scream and she fell to the ground in pain. All of a sudden, a large black flame erupted around Rarity, making everypony gasp.

Spike couldn’t take it anymore. He ran over and had tears in his eyes. “RARITY!” he cried out. He felt a force pull him back, and looked to see an aura bringing him back. He was pulled back towards Twilight, and he looked at her with a furious expression. “Let me go! I have to help her!”

“Spike! I’ve never seen this happen before!” yelled Twilight. “I don’t even know how we can help her!”

“What do we do now!?” wondered Trixie.

“Everypony, back away!” ordered Princess Celestia.

The crowd wasted no time in obeying the princess’ orders. They all backed away far from the black flame. Some even ran off down the street and screamed in terror. A large blue dome then formed around the remaining crowd, Spike, his friends, and the two princesses.

Celestia looked at Luna and nodded. “Good job, sister!” she commended.

“I just hope this holds off from whatever happens to Rarity,” said Luna.

Spike ran off from Twilight to leave the dome, but when he ran up to it, the shield was solid as a rock. He pounded against it and looked on in horror at the mare he loved was burning in that flame.

“RARITY!” he tearfully shouted.

A loud buzzing noise then rang throughout the city, making everypony yell in agony and cover their ears. All of a sudden, a sinister voice started whispering.

“In her heart veiled, a secret scaled,

A dark unknown desire,

With my last spark, I made my mark,

This curse shall not expire.”

“A blight you'll be, when ponies see,

Your countenance at night,

Until revealed, this pain concealed,

Forever shall be your plight!”

The voice continued whispering the same thing for a minute. The black flame around Rarity intensified, but Spike noticed something weird about it.

He saw something coming from the flame and gasped. “Look!” he pointed.

The group looked at the flame and saw two large wings form from the fires. Then the shape of a unicorn’s head formed, with two bright white spots where the eyes would be. It then grew four legs, and a part of the flame became a a tail.

Then, to everypony’s amazement and awe, the pony shaped flame stepped forward and looked around. Nopony knew what to say, much less how to respond to the flame-based creature. It took a long look around the crowd for a minute, and then looked back at where Rarity fell over.

“....Heh….” a chuckle emitted from the flames. “Ah ha–ha–ha–ha–ha!” it laughed in a mare’s voice. It then turned over to Twilight, her friends, and the princesses, who all looked ready to fight. “It’s been so much fun,” she said. “I was kind of hoping maybe she wouldn’t do it so I can technically live on in this body, but that is not the case.”

The flamed pony looked at Spike. “You got lucky, whelp. Let’s see whether she keeps her promise or not. Now, I shall join the last part of Nightmare Moon in Tartarus. Maybe we’ll go say hello to….no, she said that he would drain our magic. So long, little ponies.”

Celestia looked at Luna, and they both nodded. Their horns glowed, and both shot out a few energy beams. Each blast hit one of the blue domes, and they all broke and shattered. Spike immediately ran off and headed for the smoke.

“I’m coming, Rarity!” he called out. “Hold on!”

He then found himself skidding to a stop as the shadow of a pony stepped out of the smoke. Right in front of him was a trembling Rarity, who looked both emotionally and physically drained.

She looked down to the dragon and whispered faintly, “....Spike?”

Suddenly, Rarity fell over and could see the panicked look on Spike’s face. Before she could realize what was happening, everything went black and silent for the fashionista.

Daybreak

A strange beeping noise echoed in Rarity’s ears. She grunted and tossed around a little.

Is that one of those strange electronics that Button brings over to show Sweetie? she wondered. I’ll have to remind him to be sure to take them home, and for both of them to stay out of my room.

She snuggled against what felt like to be a very soft cloud, and let out a contented sigh. My goodness. I don’t remember my mattress feeling so divine and delicate.

She wearily opened her heavy eyelids and saw nothing but a big blur at first. She rubbed her eyes as she rose up, and everything started clearing up. She heard the beeping again and turned to see a heart rate monitor attached to her chest, and then looked around the rest of the room. The bed she was lying on was very large compared to the one at her boutique. She had a soft white cotton blanket covering her, and her head was resting against an equally soft pillow.

As Rarity looked around the dimly lit room, she noticed the room, she saw the walls had been painted dark blue and had suns and stars all over them. There were three large windows that had dark red curtains blocking the outside view, and nearby was a bed similar to the one she was resting in.

Rarity rubbed her head. “Oh, my. Where am I? More importantly... what happened?”

A rather loud creaking noise echoed through the room, and a bright light came from the left side of the room. Rarity closed her eyes and shielded them from the sudden brightness.

“Do you think she’s awake this time, sister?” a mare’s voice asked.

“We can only hope,” said another mare in a gentle voice. “Her friends have been worried sick about her.”

Rarity could hear hoofsteps, and the sound of a door closing. She let her hoof down and opened her eyes.

“Ah, it seems you’re finally awake.”

Rarity saw two tall ponies approach her from out of the shadows. She gasped as she saw Princesses Celestia and Luna both smiling at her. Rarity lowered her head to bow to the two of them briefly, and then looked up again.

“Good evening, Rarity,” said Luna. “We’ve been waiting for you to wake up.”

Rarity smiled back at them, but then felt a stream of questions flood her thoughts. “What happened to me? Where are my friends? Where’s Spike?”

Princess Celestia raised a hoof. “Take it easy, Rarity,” she replied. “I know you have plenty of questions. Let me reassure you that your friends are okay. All of them have been worried sick about you, and have been waiting patiently for you to wake up.”

Rarity let out a sigh of relief and relaxed a bit.

“Do you remember what happened?” wondered Luna.

Rarity rubbed her chin and concentrated, but all she could see were some blurs. She shook her head and answered, “I’m afraid not. The last thing I can recall is a lot of pain and then everything is a blur.”

“Prince Blueblood assumed you were Nightmare Moon,” said Celestia. “After you and your friends defeated him and his army, you and Spike had quite the interesting conversation, so to say.”

Rarity raised an eyebrow, but then the memories clicked in her. She saw the kiss she shared with Spike in front of everypony. She felt heat build up in her face.

“It’s nothing to be ashamed of,” assured Luna. “You told him how you felt from the bottom of your heart. There is no shame in showing how much you care about somepony, or in this case some dragon, you love.”

Rarity smiled softly and nodded. Another thought then hit her. “What happened then? I remember feeling pain, everything went blurry and then….darkness. How long have I been out?”

“Three days,” answered Luna.

Rarity looked shocked. “Three days?”

“Don’t worry, Rarity,” assured Celestia. “As soon as you fell unconscious, we both had you taken to our castle and placed you in an infirmary room that’s normally used for either myself, or Luna.”

“What about Prince Blueblood, Suri, and those other ponies?” wondered Rarity. “What happened to them?”

“They’re being dealt with,” answered Luna. “Thanks to Blueblood’s cohorts, we were able to find evidence of the corruption amongst each of them. Blueblood and Suri faced a different fate.”

“How so?” asked Rarity.

“Suri is being punished by Miss Photo Finish,” replied Luna. “From what I’ve heard, Photo is going to make Suri ‘clean up her act’ so to say.”

“And Blueblood?”

Celestia frowned and looked a bit depressed. “He’s doing better than a few days ago,” she said in a hollow tone. “He’ll spend some time in jail for what he’s done, and then undergo some rehab about what happened to him. Although I’m his aunt, I can’t overlook what he’s done to you and your friends.”

Rarity couldn’t help but feel pity for the solar princess. “I’m sorry you had to find out what he was doing.”

“Don’t be, Rarity,” replied Luna. “We thought if Blueblood didn’t know, he wouldn’t do anything to you. Even if we told him what happened to you, I don’t think it would’ve changed his mind. He probably would have still caused you trouble.”

A sudden thought clicked inside the unicorn. “That reminds me. What was causing that pain I felt before falling unconscious?”

“That’s a bit hard to explain,” said Luna. “Let’s just say something really came out of you.”

“I don’t understand,” said Rarity.

“Let me show you,” said Celestia.

She trotted over to one of the window curtains and used her magic to open it. Rarity could see the sky was dark and the moon was full.

“You turn into your ‘Nightmare Rarity’ form each night,” said the solar princess.

Rarity nodded. “We already know this, as well as all of Equestria now.”

Luna then used her magic to levitate a small mirror off a nearby table, and show it to Rarity. “Why don’t you take a look at yourself now?” she offered.

Rarity frowned a little, but took the mirror anyway. She slowly held it up to her face, expecting to see the same face she’s seen every night. But upon looking at herself, the unicorn gasped and felt her heart nearly stop from the shock. If somepony was outside the room and heard Rarity’s scream, they would’ve thought that she was in big trouble. The unicorn had a big smile on her face as she touched her face, her mane, and even her eye, making her wince a little.

“My coat! My mane! My eyes!” she cried out in joy. “It’s….it’s….It’s just like how I’m supposed to look! I’m back to normal! I’m back to normal!”

Celestia and Luna smiled and chuckled.

“Indeed you are,” said Celestia. She looked over at her sister. “Why don’t you go get her friends? I think they’ll be happy to see Rarity is awake. That, and we do need to talk about one thing.”

Rarity stopped her cheering, and looked at the solar princess with a concerned look. “Talk? About what?” she wondered.

“Don’t worry for the moment,” said Luna. “We’ll explain everything when I bring in your friends.” She trotted over to the door and left to retrieve the others.

As soon as the door clicked shut, Rarity looked back at Princess Celestia. “Forgive me, your highness, but what is going on?” she wondered. “I thought you all would’ve been happy to know that this whole thing is over.”

“Don’t get me wrong, Rarity,” Celestia assured. “My sister and I are indeed happy you are finally free of this curse, but there’s one thing that’s been bothering me from the very beginning.”

Rarity raised an eyebrow. “That is?”

“I know you don’t remember it, but the last of Nightmare Moon’s spirit said something before she died,” replied Celestia.

Rarity thought back to that night in the hospital and what her friends were saying after Nightmare Moon had taken over her again. A sudden thought then hit her. “I think they said something about a riddle.”

Celestia nodded. “Exactly. While those flames burned around you, the same riddle was chanted the same thing we heard on the night of your transformation. Twilight and I have been thinking about it, and has taken into consideration about what you said, some of the things that have happened, and what Blueblood said. We think we finally know what the meaning was behind all of this.”

Rarity nodded. “Then let’s hear what she has to say.”

The door then opened again and the two ponies looked over. They both saw Princess Luna and Rarity’s friends walk in, each having a smile on their face. Rarity looked at Spike and saw he was holding a bouquet of red roses, and was carrying a brown messenger bag. She opened her arms to him, and the dragon raced over to her, and leaped towards her for a hug. They both snuggled against each other, and then looked at each other with loving eyes. They leaned in for a slow kiss.

“Um, not to break up the romance, but have you forgotten us?”

Rarity and Spike stopped what they were doing and turned their heads to see an irritated Rainbow, and the rest of their friends looking at them with blank expressions. They both blushed and moved away from each other.

“Hello, Spike,” greeted Rarity. “Hello to all of you.” She looked at each of them, but Rainbow caught her attention with something white strapped to her. “Rainbow, are you okay?”

The blue pegasus rubbed her wing. “I’ll be fine,” she said in a confident tone. “The blast hurt my side and hit part of my wing, but the doctors said I can have it removed soon. It just means no flying for at least a week.”

“I’m sorry to hear about that,” said Rarity.

Rainbow waved a hoof. “Ah, it’s okay. Thunderlane is not only taking over as manager for the time being, but is also taking care of me.”

Rarity raised an eyebrow and smiled smugly. “Can we take that as a confession then about how you feel towards him?”

Rainbow flinched and her face went red. “Um….well….I guess you can,” she said in a small voice. She saw her friends look around with smiles on their faces. “But that doesn’t mean I’m no longer the most awesome pony in Equestria!” she yelled in a huff.

Twilight chuckled a little. “Of course, Rainbow,” she said.

Applejack looked at Rarity. “How are you liking yourself now? I think we could hear you all scream in excitement.”

Rarity beamed. “Oh, it’s wonderful! No more sudden transformations, no more looking strange, and no more Nightmare Moon! It’s like the biggest weight in all of Equestria is off my back.”

Spike hugged Rarity again. “It’s good to have you back to normal,” he said. “If it helps, you didn’t look weird. You still looked beautiful.”

Rarity cooed and kissed Spike on the head. “You always know what to say to make a pony feel better, Spike.”

“Ahem!”

The group turned their heads to Twilight, who was looking a little impatient.

“Sorry to interrupt this again, Rarity, but we need to talk about something,” she said. “It’s about the curse and riddle we’ve been trying to figure out.”

“Princess Celestia did say you both did find a solution to this,” said Rarity.

Twilight nodded. “Indeed. Now, for the last couple of days, we’ve been stuck on this riddle. The princesses found nothing in the castle of the royal pony sisters, and it’s been bothering us. However, I think if we look at it again, we will finally know what the whole thing was about.”

“In her heart veiled, a secret scaled,

A dark unknown desire,

With my last spark, I made my mark,

This curse shall not expire.”

“A blight you'll be, when ponies see,

Your countenance at night,

Until revealed, this pain concealed,

Forever shall be your plight!”

“Those are the word Nightmare Moon spoke before she died,” said Twilight. “We have figured out before that at night, you would turn into your nightmare form, and that this curse wouldn’t go away until this secret was revealed. However, we’ve gathered some information that may finally reveal what the first part meant.”

“What is it?” wondered Rarity.

“Applejack told me about something that happened on the train to Manehatten,” said Twilight. “Apparently, while you and Spike were hugging, you said you saw two ponies who seemed to disapprove of what they saw you doing, and that you quickly pushed Spike away.”

Rarity looked alarmed, but said nothing.

“I’m right, aren’t I?” wondered Twilight.

Rarity slowly nodded.

“I want to ask you something, Rarity,” said Princess Celestia.

“Ask me anything,” said Rarity.

“During the interrogation of Prince Blueblood, he told me that he believed you were a blight for apparently having feelings for Spike when he confessed on the roof of P&H Studios. He believed that if you returned his feelings, it would be wrong and shameful. Am I correct to assume this?”

Rarity nodded again. “Yes, your highness.”

Twilight rubbed her chin. “I think I’m finally seeing the clear picture here. One more thing to ask. What kind of skin does Spike have?”

“What kind of question is that?” asked Rarity.

“Just answer the question,” she ordered.

“Well he’s got cute little scales on him all over that glisten in the sun and moon,” answered Rarity. “Why do you ask?”

Twilight and Celestia looked at each and nodded.

“What is it?” wondered Spike.

“We now know the truth behind this curse and riddle,” said the solar princess.

“Rarity, this curse Nightmare Moon placed on you was a result of your suppressing feelings towards Spike,” said Twilight.

Rarity’s eyes went wide, and everypony in the room gasped.

“You’re joking, right?” asked Rainbow.

“Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!” objected Spike as he waved his hands. “You mean to tell me that all of this mess was because of how Rarity felt towards me?”

Twilight nodded. “That seems to be the only answer the princess and I have come to.”

“How though?” wondered Fluttershy. “If it was really Spike all along, then why wasn’t this thought of earlier?”

Twilight’s face went red with embarrassment and rubbed her head. “To be honest, girls, I did have some thoughts that maybe it involved Spike’s crush on Rarity.”

“What!?” the group yelled in unison.

“So I was right about the whole creature and scale thing earlier,” said Pinkie. “But I thought Fluttershy said that wasn’t what Nightmare Moon meant.”

“You are correct, Pinkie,” said Twilight. “However, the reason why I never gave much thought to it was because, in all honesty, I thought Rarity had actually gotten over Spike’s crush on her, and moved on.”

Rarity looked at her friend with an irked look. “Now see here, Twilight, I have shown appreciation and love for what Spikey has done for me. It wasn’t like I was treating him like dirt or anything.”

Twilight frowned. “I’m not so sure about that. Spike told me about your ‘crush’ on Trenderhoof.”

The fashionista flinched a little. “Well… that’s in the past,” she argued. “I was just thinking of how handsome he was. That, and he’s a big name in Canterlot for his writing.”

Twilight shook her head. “This brings me to my next point. The reason why Rarity never acted on these feelings.”

“What was her reason?” wondered Applejack.

Twilight looked at the farmer pony and smiled. “You already gave the answer earlier.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow. “I… did?” she confusedly asked.

The unicorn nodded. “Yes. Remember what you told me about your talk with Rarity a few days ago?”

Applejack rubbed her chin as she thought back to a few days ago. A thought then crossed her mind and she gasped.

“You mean what she told me on the train?” she wondered.

Twilight nodded. “The very same. From what I understand and what you told me, I believe I know why Rarity never showed or acknowledged Spike’s feelings.”

Rarity bit her lip and looked away.

“It’s because she was afraid,” Twilight finished.

The others looked at each other with concern on their faces.

“That doesn’t make sense though,” argued Rainbow. “So she happens to like a dragon. Who cares?”

“The social elite, right?” asked Spike in a small voice.

Rarity felt her stomach tie up in a knot.

Twilight nodded again. “Correct. The ponies Applejack told me Rarity saw, and what Blueblood said were connected.”

“So it was all because of the social elite?” asked Fluttershy. “I thought all kinds of marriages were allowed here in Equestria.”

“Let me explain that,” offered Celestia. “While interspecies marriages aren’t illegal, they aren’t very popular amongst the social elite.”

“It’s still marriage regardless,” said Applejack.

“Well, to the elite, interspecies marriages are considered highly unnatural to them, and they don’t want to see other ponies get intimate with other species and have hybrids offspring, so to say.”

“You mean creatures that are part dragon and part unicorn?” asked Pinkie. “I thought Discord was something like that.”

“He’s a… different case,” said Celestia hesitantly. “During one of my first meetings with him since his reform, he told me some weird space adventures he had as some two legged creature called a human, or something.”

“A what now?” asked Twilight.

“It’s hard to explain,” replied Celestia as she rubbed her forehead. She looked at Rarity. “The point is that some ponies aren’t exactly ready for a hybrid creature. This also brings me back to what Blueblood said.”

“What is it?” asked Spike.

“He said Equestria would see Rarity as a blight upon the world,” answered the solar princess. “Rarity most likely had feelings for you, Spike, but never wanted to act on it in fear of what others would think.”

“She was afraid her social life would be destroyed,” Twilight added. “If anypony saw that she was dating a dragon, then her whole career may end, and she may never be truly accepted amongst the rest of Equestria.” She looked over to Rarity, who was hanging her head down. “I’m right aren’t I, Rarity?”

The fashionista said nothing.

“Rarity?” asked Spike.

“Looks like you figured it out, Twilight,” Rarity said meekly.

The group looked at their friend, and saw she had a sad smile on her face, and tears were running down her eyes.

Spike gasped and held Rarity’s hoof. “What’s wrong?” he wondered in a worried voice.

The fashionista wiped her eyes and shook her head. “There’s nothing wrong, Spike. I was just confirming what Twilight said is true.”

The dragon looked shocked. “So… everything was true then? The whole hidden feelings and all?”

Rarity nodded. “Indeed.”

“Rarity, you could’ve just talked to me about this,” argued Spike.

“I got to agree with Spike,” said Rainbow. “Couldn’t you guys do some secret relationship or whatever?”

“I never really thought of it,” said Rarity. “Even if I did, I don’t think it would work.”

“Why not?” asked Twilight. “We’re your friends, and you can trust us.”

Rarity shook her head. “It’s not that I don’t trust you girls. It’s just that my business and reputation had grown so fast over these years, I actually grew afraid; afraid of what others would say.”

“About how you feel towards Spike?” inquired Applejack.

The fashionista nodded again. “Yes. The more I went to events and mingled with the upper crust of Equestria society, the more afraid I grew of them finding out my relationship with Spike.”

Rainbow tilted her head. “Okay, this is really weird now. Did you never stop to think that everypony else already thought you were?”

Rarity rubbed the back of her head. “Well, no,” she muttered.

“Then what was the problem!?” demanded Rainbow. “I’m glad you’re back to normal, but maybe this whole mess could’ve been prevented had you said something sooner caring for Spike. There was nothing stopping you!”

Rarity raised her head up and had an angry, distraught look on her. “Do you think it’s that easy!?” she barked.

The room went silent as everypony looked at themselves with worried looks on them. Rarity panted angrily, but she felt something hold her. She looked down to see Spike, with a concerned look, holding her hoof. She felt her anger melt away and turn into remorse.

The fashionista let out a sigh. “I’m sorry, Rainbow,” she apologized. “I was just caught in the moment.”

“It’s alright, I guess,” said Rainbow. “But what did you mean when you asked if it was that easy?”

Rarity looked at her worried friends, and took a deep breath. “Gossip and mudslinging is so easy to spread amongst the social elite,” she explained. “Even the smallest thing somepony finds odd could be used to ruin or sling mud upon another pony’s image.”

“So if they saw you with Spike…” began Fluttershy.

“...They would take it the wrong way,” finished Rarity. “So as much as it pained me to, I had to hide those feelings.”

“But he didn’t let up though,” argued Twilight. “He kept being around you.”

The fashionista nodded. “I know, and it made it harder.”

Spike looked down and frowned.

“At first, I thought this would all blow over and he would move on to other mares,” explained Rarity. “However, the more he and I worked together, the more attracted I started to feel. I tried to tell myself it was nothing, but I knew it was the truth. However, with everything I just said, I was afraid of what could happen to me, and what could happen to Spike.”

The dragon looked up. “Me?” he wondered.

Rarity nodded. “Yes, Spikey, I was afraid what others could do to you.”

“What would they want with Spike?” asked Twilight.

The fashionista frowned. “Maybe they would go after him and hurt him. I didn’t want to risk the safety of him and have him face a swarm of paparazzi and ponies who didn’t approve of you falling for me.”

“So in a way, you kind of protected him and yourself?” inquired Pinkie.

Rarity nodded. “As much as it pained me to do it, I had to make a choice. Either pretend that my feelings for him were nothing, or to come out in public and risk the safety of both of us.”

Spike clinged onto the fashionista’s hoof. “Rarity...” he somberly whispered.

She looked down in shame. “I’m so sorry, girls.” Rarity then looked at Spike and nuzzled her head against him. “I’m especially sorry to you, Spikey Wikey. I played with your feelings like a toy, and ignored my own feelings for you so much, that I ended up not only hurting Spike, but myself, and all of you with this.”

Rarity looked back at her friends with a pitiful expression. “Can you all ever forgive me?”

The group looked at each other for a moment, and then looked back at Rarity. They all had smiles on their faces as they moved towards their friends. The fashionista suddenly felt the embrace of several hooves and snuggles, and looked with her eyes to see her friends hugging her. She felt her remaining sadness give way to delight and joy as she returned the hug. They stayed together for what seemed to be hours for Rarity, but after a minute the hug broke off and the friends looked at one another with smiles on them.

“You don’t need to apologize, Rarity,” said Twilight.

“Twi’s right,” agreed Applejack. “We had no idea what you were thinking, but you’re still our friend, and that’s all that matters.”

Twilight looked at Spike. “Isn’t that right?”

Rarity noticed the dragon seemed a bit dazed, and saw him snap out of it and nod.

“Yeah...you’re right,” he hesitantly said.

Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Are you alright, partner?”

Although Spike nodded, Rarity wasn’t convinced and saw him look a little upset.

“Girls,” said the fashionista. “I do appreciate your company, but I think it would be best to leave me and Spike alone.”

Rainbow smirked smugly. “Heh! You’re not wasting time with this whole romance thing, huh?”

Rarity felt heat build up in her face and she huffed. “Honestly, Rainbow, do you think that is what I want to do with him?”

“Maybe the audience does,” said Pinkie.

The group turned their heads at the party mare, who just smiled silly.

“What?” asked Pinkie nonchalantly.

Twilight shook her head. “Never mind.” She looked at Rarity. “What is this about?”

“It’s just a simple talk is all,” explained Rarity. “I think we both need to be alone for this.”

Luna’s ears perked as she heard a clock out in the hallway chime a few times. She looked at her sister. “Tia, we should probably respect Rarity’s wishes. It’s nearly time for the sun to rise anyway.”

The solar princess nodded. “Very well.” She looked at Luna. “Sister, open the middle window curtain. I don’t think Rarity will be going back to sleep any time soon.”

Luna nodded and looked at the red curtains. The drapes were glowing a blue aura as they were pulled back and revealed the night sky and parts of the castle.

Celestia then turned to the others. “I think we should give Rarity and Spike some time to themselves. Whatever it is they need to talk about,I think it should be for their ears only.”

“Aw, man!” whined Rainbow. “I was hoping to see what they would do.” She suddenly felt a hoof slap her injured wing, and her eyes widened. “Ouch!” she cried as she rubbed her wing. She looked over and saw an annoyed Applejack.

“You’ve got to rest,” she berated. “Now either leave these two lovebirds alone, or I’ll hogtie ya and drag you out of this room.”

“Wouldn’t you want to do that with Soarin first?” teased Rainbow.

The farmer pony’s cheeks turned rosy red and she huffed at her friend. “Keep it up and maybe I’ll add Thunderlane as well. I’ll make you watch me have fun with the two of them.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes and sighed. “Fine,” she conceded. “I need to give Thunderlane an upcoming schedule anyway for the week ahead.”

“See you later,” said Twilight.

The group said their goodbyes and waved as they all left the room. The door then closed, leaving Rarity and Spike all by themselves. They both looked at each other with uncomfortable expressions, saying nothing. The only sound that rang out in the room was the heart rate monitor that was attached to Rarity.

Spike and Rarity looked at each other briefly, and then looked away. Spike twiddled his fingers and his eyes darted back and forth in Rarity’s direction. Rarity rubbed the back of her head and opened her mouth to say something, but couldn’t find the words.The sudden sound of Spike coughing a little made Rarity jump in surprise. The dragon flinched as he felt Rarity moved around. They looked at each other and blushed.

Finally, Spike broke the silence by asking timidly. “Um… are you okay?”

Rarity nodded. “I’m sorry, Spike,” she apologized. “That cough just really distracted me. Do you need a cough drop?”

Spike raised a claw and shook his head. “I’m alright. Honestly.”

They both looked away for a moment and each took a deep breath.

“Spike…”

“Rarity…”

“We need to talk,” they both said in unison as they looked at each other.

They both looked surprised and fell silent for a moment.

“Why don’t you start?” offered Spike.

Rarity thought about declining it, but decided against it and nodded. “Alright then.”

Spike looked a little nervous. “So? What do you want to say?”

Rarity looked down. “To be honest, I’m not exactly sure. Let me begin by saying one thing though.”

“That is?”

Spike felt Rarity’s hooves wrap around him and embrace him into a hug. He looked a bit surprised at first, but he slowly returned the hug as well.

“I’m sorry,” said Rarity in a somber tone.

Spike raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Sorry?”

Rarity broke the hug and looked at Spike with a remorseful expression. “Yes, darling, I’m sorry for putting you and everypony through this whole mess. You in particular I hurt the most.”

Spike tilted his head in confusion. “I don’t get it.”

Rarity sighed and said, “You know that I am the Element of Generosity, and am well known for my, well, generous acts. However, I selfishly took your feelings towards me for granted and took advantage of your affection. I would thank you for everything, but I would continue to exploit your feelings while I supressed my own for you.”

“Don’t be like that, Rarity,” assured Spike as he held her hoof. “I honestly didn’t mind helping you out.”

“Yet I don’t give you all the credit you rightfully deserve,” Rarity shot back. “I took a lot from you, especially your love, but very rarely did I return my feelings towards you. All because I foolishly held onto the fear that if the world found out my feelings for you, they would reject me. For that, I deeply apologize for what I’ve done.”

Rarity lowered her head in shame and closed her eyes. She waited for Spike to say something to her. She could imagine it now; the dragon getting all angry and yelling at her for using him and playing with his feelings like a toy. She could see the infuriated expression on him as he lashed out his fury at her. Rarity couldn’t help but shake a little in fear of what was to come.

But then Rarity felt something that wiped away her fears; a pair of lips smooch her on the cheek. She opened her eyes and looked up to see Spike smiling softly at her. He embraced her for another hug, which the fashionista returned without hesitation. They stayed together like this for what seemed to be hours, but as quickly as it came, Spike broke it off after a couple of seconds.

“Rarity, I have to be honest with you about something.” said the dragon. “I was pretty upset about you playing around with my feelings.”

Rarity frowned and felt discouraged.

“However, I can understand why you would be afraid of others, especially the social elite finding out.” Spike took off the messenger bag he was carrying and placed it in front of Rarity. “I’ve got the proof here.”

Rarity looked confused. “What is in that bag anyway? I never asked you that.”

Spike responded by opening the bag to reveal a bunch of papers in it and pulling some out. From what Rarity could see they looked like newspapers with the tiny font and some pictures on them.

“These are some of the newspapers that I’ve been collecting,” answered Spike. “They’re all about what happened two days ago.”

Rarity thought for a moment before it clicked in her head. “Oh, you mean like the kiss we had?”

Spike nodded and showed Rarity a paper. “Yeah, here’s one of them. It’s not about the kiss, but I think you’ll like this anyway.”

Rarity held the paper up and couldn’t help but smirk at the cover photo. The image showed the outside of P&H Studios, but Suri Polomare was standing around it with a sullen frown on her face. She was dressed in what looked to be a white janitor’s uniform and was holding a push broom, and had a large mobile garbage can next to her. Rarity held back a laugh as she read the headline.

FROM FASHIONISTA TO FELON.

FORMER TOP FASHION DESIGNER ORDERED TO “CLEAN UP HER ACT”

Suri Polomare, former top fashion designer, is back in the world of clothing, but not for the right reasons. Two days after the incident at P&H Studios, Suri was punished personally by the CEOs of the studio; Photo Finish and Hoity Toity, for not only her past actions in stealing designs, but for her involvement in a conspiracy against another fashionista.

Suri was involved with a group of ponies, led by Prince Blueblood, who were under the impression that Nightmare Moon had returned and possessed the body of Ponyville’s own Miss Rarity. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have since cleared the matter up and explained how it all happened. Photo and Hoity have ordered that, with the permission of Princess Celestia, Suri will spend the next month in helping clean up P&H Studiosfor her role in the attack. The studio was heavily damaged by the assault Prince Blueblood’s forces caused. Photo and Hoity were more than willing to punish Suri for her role in sabotaging the fall fashion show, and vandalizing the studio. Suri may also face criminal charges, but Photo and Hoity opted to let the Manehatten Police deal with that matter at a later date.

When asked about what she and her fiance thought of the punishment, Photo said in a statement; “I am pleased with ze results. After this, Miss Polomare will never want to show her face in Manehatten ever again.

“It’s time Miss Polomare cleaned up her act,” said a pleased Hoity. “Perhaps this will make her a better mare. What happens to her after this will be none of our business, but as my marefriend said, she’ll probably never show her face in Manehatten again.”

Suri made no comment about Rarity, but did warn one thing to Prince Blueblood. “I’m going to make that royal screw-up’s face black and blue should I ever see him again.”

Prince Blueblood and his other accomplices are being held at Canterlot Penitentiary and being scheduled for their trials. Suri will spend a month in Manehatten’s Maximum Security Prison every night during serving her sentence, and a further three while awaiting further trial.

Rarity put the paper down and had a satisfied smile on her. “Well maybe Suri will learn quickly in prison that it’s not everypony for themselves.”

Spike laughed a little and pulled out another paper. “Well you’re going to probably love this one more,” he said. “It features our favorite prince.”

Rarity took the paper again and this time, she couldn’t hold back her laughter at the photo she looked at. There were four ponies in a line holding up boards with numbers on them. Three of them looked angry and disgusted, and the other pony looked shocked and distraught. After laughing for a minute, Rarity regained her composure to look at the headline.

ROYAL SCREWUP ENDS WITH ROYAL PAIN AND COHORTS BEHIND BARS

Disgraced Prince of Equestria, Blueblood, has found himself in hot water again. Last night, (Pictured from left to right) Bit Bags, Golden Rule, Heavy Duty, and Prince Blueblood were arrested after causing an untold amount of destruction to P&H Studios, and the attempt and conspiracy on Miss Rarity’s life.

Miss Rarity was accused by the prince that she was Nightmare Moon and was going to take over Equestria. However, the princesses of Equestria told reporters that it was a big mistake. Miss Rarity was never Nightmare Moon, but instead cursed to look like her. They both explained what happened last week that resulted in full detail, even with all of Ponyville able to backup their claims.

Prince Blueblood and his other accomplices were taken to Canterlot Penitentiary, but the prince’s cohorts are all facing more charges. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have informed the public that Bit Bags, Golden Rule, and Heavy Duty are all facing corruption charges ranging from poaching, to embezzlement.

When asked what will become of her nephew, Princess Celestia said nothing major, but did hint at a possible jail sentence. Trial dates for the conspirators will be scheduled for later. The treasonous soldiers involved in the incident will also be court martialed and dealt with by General Shining Armor and the princesses. Suri Polomare, the other conspirator in this, will be dealt with by the owners of P&H Studios, Photo Finish and Hoity Toity for her role in vandalizing the studio.

After reading the article, Rarity smiled and let out a contented sigh. “I can only imagine just how much fun Blueblood is having right now. I think he’ll quickly learn things are going to be so much different for him.”

“You got that right,” said Spike. He pulled out yet another paper. “Now that you mentioned the kiss, I think it’s time I showed you a paper everypony has been grabbing and talking about.”

Rarity took the paper and saw a picture of herself, in her Nightmare Rarity form, kissing Spike on the lips. The headline below the picture read in big bold letters,

THE KISS SEEN AROUND THE WORLD. FASHIONISTA’S KISS WITH A DRAGON MARKS FIRST DRAGON AND PONY RELATIONSHIP.

For the first time in the history of Equestria, there is a new kind of love: a dragon and a pony. Last night, fashion designer and bearer of an Element of Harmony, Rarity, confessed her feelings for one of her closest friends, Spike the Dragon, a well known hero to the Crystal Empire.

The news comes as a shocker after the chaos that was Rarity being mistaken as Nightmare Moon. She shared a kiss with Mr. The Dragon, which he seemed to return. Miss Rarity made a statement that she doesn’t care if anypony thinks otherwise about her love for the dragon. Before questions could be asked though, Miss Rarity fell unconscious. Details on the events are on page 5 of the paper.

Rarity looked amazed by the pic. “My word. I had no idea we were the first dragon and pony relationship in Equestria.”

“The paper doesn’t really tell much about what ponies think about us together,” said Spike. “However, some of the papers I did get had some… ponies who weren’t exactly happy.”

Rarity frowned again and sighed. “I figured as much, but as I said on that night, I don’t care what ponies think anymore.” She leaned in and kissed Spike on the head.

The dragon blushed a little. “Well while some ponies don’t really like the idea, there is one article I want you to see that I think you’ll like.”

Rarity waited while Spike went through his bag. After a couple of seconds, the dragon pulled out another paper and presented it to Rarity. She took the paper and looked at it. She was shocked to see four ponies she recognized, two stallions and two mares, smiling and standing together. She looked at the headline below and read it.

GROWING SUPPORT FOR INTERSPECIES RELATIONSHIP INCLUDES CELEBRITIES AND NOBLES

Since the ‘Kiss seen around the world’ incident, there are ponies who have taken sides about the first dragon and pony relationship in Equestria. While some have voiced opposition to it, there’s been growing support for the new relationship between Miss Rarity and Mr. Spike the Dragon. Key amongst the support are five ponies amongst the social elite in Equestria.

(Pictured from left to right) Fancy Pants, Fleur De Lis, Photo Finish, Hoity Toity, and (Not pictured) Sapphire Shores, have spoken about the new relationship. All five of these ponies know Miss Rarity from experience and have come to her defense from the small group of ponies criticizing her. Each pony gave their own statement about the relationship.

“Why should we judge who we fall in love with?” asked Fleur in her statement. “I’ve seen ponies fall in love with each other regardless of age. Does it honestly matter what species somepony falls in love with? I think not.”

“I’ve heard good things about Mr. The Dragon,” said Fancy Pants. “Rarity has told me about how devoted and helpful he is towards her. I’ve never had a proper chat with him, but just knowing about what he’s done for Rarity and how loyal he is to her is true love in my book.”

“Ve have no reason to judge,” stated Photo Finish. “Z’ere are ponies who love different species. Who Rarity falls in love with is nopony’s business but her own.”

“There have been cases of ponies falling for different species,” said Hoity Toity. “Far too often though, these ponies are generally shamed by the top ponies ranging from the Canterlot Elite, to some celebrities. It’s time for this to come to an end.”

Sapphire Shores (Who was on tour and unable to be at the conference) said in a statement, “I’m not one to spread rumors, but there has been talk that Princess Celestia and Discord have been secretly dating. If it’s true, will some in Equestria shun the love between those two as well like with Rarity and Spike? I certainly hope not! I, for one, am pleased to see such a sensational love story between these two and fully support them!”

When asked about the rumor, Princess Celestia did not comment, but did say she and her sister support both Miss Rarity and Mr. Spike the Dragon.

Rarity put the paper down and had tears in her eyes. But instead of feeling sorrow, she felt joy swell up in her like a balloon. Her sadness melted away into happiness as she let her tears rolled down her eyes and she quivered a smile. If she wasn’t connected to all the machines, and the fact that she is a lady, Rarity would squeal happily and bounce up and done in joy. Rarity felt Spike embrace her, and she returned the hug back, albeit she squeezed him a little harder.

Spike patted Rarity on the back rapidly. “I… am happy for you, Rarity,” he said in a strained voice. “But... can you not choke me?”

Rarity noticed the dragon’s face turning blue slowly, and quickly let go of him. Rarity couldn’t help but blush in embarrassment as Spike gasped for air.

“I’m dreadfully sorry about that, Spikey,” she apologized.

Spike held a claw up and panted. “That’s… okay,” he gasped. “At least I know you’re happy now.”

Rarity giggled innocently. “Just a little bit.”

“I wanted to show you those for a reason,” said Spike. “I wanted to show you that just because some ponies amongst the elite don’t approve of it, doesn’t mean everypony is against it. You have all five of those ponies there for you.”

Rarity nodded in agreement. “You do have a point.”

“You got your friends, the princesses, and, most importantly, you got me,” stated Spike. “Rarity, I will admit I was a bit upset that you didn’t tell me what was really going on, but I want you to know one thing now that everything’s been cleared up.”

“That is?”

Spike took Rarity’s hoof and smiled gently at her. “You’ll always have us to count on,” he said. “No matter how bad it gets, we’ll always be there for you. And should anypony come hurt you about our relationship, or anything else, you can bet that me and the rest of the girls will be there to help you to the very end.”

Rarity stared at Spike’s warm smile and felt happiness overcome her again. She pulled Spike in, not for a hug, but for a kiss on his lips. Spike returned the kiss by wrapping his claws around Rarity’s back and closing his eyes in bliss. Both felt like time had stop and the world around them had dissolved into nothingness as they held onto each other.

As quickly as it came though, they both moved away and stared at each other with hearts in their eyes. They stared at each other and said nothing. No words were needed for the passion and joy they had for each other, and they knew it. They had each other in their arms, and that was just perfect to them.

While Rarity held Spike, she thought to the article she read. I’ll have to thank all those ponies when I see them again, she told herself. I’ll have to ask Fancy Pants on some advice on… what… to… do… Rarity’s thoughts trailed off as she thought about Fancy. A thought then suddenly crossed her mind and she let out a horrified gasp.

Spike winced a little in surprise. “What’s wrong, Rarity?” he wondered in a worried voice. “Don’t tell me you’re going to be transforming again.”

“Worse than that, darling,” answered a petrified Rarity. “I just remembered the wedding!”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “Wedding? What wedding?”

The fashionista grabbed him back the shoulders and shook him. “The wedding of Fancy and Fleur! There’s so much left to do!” She let go of Spike and curled herself up into a ball.

“Um… Rarity?” asked Spike.

“I got to hurry and finish Fancy’s suit!” she yelled. “Then I need to put together some dresses for me and the girls! All in a few days no less!”

“Rarity!” Spike yelled a little louder.

“I need to get out of here and get to work immediately!”

“Rarity, that’s enough!” barked Spike.

The fashionista stopped her rant and looked at Spike, who seemed a little exasperated.

“My apologies, Spike,” she said. “I just got so much to do in the next few days before the wedding.”

“That’s just it,” said the dragon. “There is no wedding.”

Rarity did a double take and looked shocked. “Don’t tell me Fancy and Fleur broke up.”

Spike shook his head. “No, no, no! They still want to get married,” he said. “Fancy came by yesterday to try to speak to you.”

“What did he say?” wondered Rarity.

“He wanted to let you, and all of us, know that the wedding will be postponed until you’re feeling better,” he answered. “He said he won’t have the wedding if one of his closest friends isn’t there for it.”

Rarity smiled softly. “Well that’s one less thing to worry about,” she said in relief.

A thought then clicked in Spike’s mind, and he looked at Rarity. “You wouldn’t know how many invitations Fancy gave you, do you?” he wondered.

Rarity rubbed her chin for a few seconds and slowly shook her head. “I do know he gave me a couple for me and my friends. Why do you ask?”

Spike’s face went red and he twiddled his claws. “Well… I was thinking that maybe I could be your… um, date?” he asked nervously.

Rarity smiled and used a hoof to lift his head to look at her. “Darling, you don’t need to be so nervous around me. I already told you how I felt about you after all. Now why don’t you ask me again?”

The dragon nodded and took a deep breath. “Would you like me to be your date at the wedding?” he asked in a calmer voice.

Rarity leaned in and kissed him on the forehead. “It’s a date,” she replied.

Spike smiled and nuzzled against Rarity.

Another idea crossed Rarity’s mind and she looked at Spike. “Spikey, I have a request for you.”

“Anything for you, Rarity,” he said.

“I don’t think we should be the only ones going out with each other to the wedding,” said the fashionista. “I think it’s only fair our friends get in on the fun too.”

Spike had to think for a moment before he the pieces fit in his head. His eyes widened in realization and he smiled. “I get it now,” he said. “If you want, I can go get a piece of parchment paper and ask Fancy about it.”

The dragon moved to get off, but Rarity pulled him back in and held him closely.

“Not right now,” she said. Rarity pointed out the window. “I think there’s something we should both see.”

Spike looked at where Rarity was pointing; a window across from her bed. They both saw the sky slowly turn yellow along the edges of a mountainous landscape in the distance. Slowly, the dark night sky shifted and the sky turned blue. A beam of light came from over the mountainous area and shined into the hospital room.

Spike and Rarity looked at each other again and smiled. They leaned in together and shared a kiss as the morning sun had vanquished the long, horrible nightmare.

Author's Note

We're just about at the end, folks. The next chapter is already underway and should be done soon.

P.S. if you can get the reference in the last paragraph of the chapter, you're awesome.

Readjusting

A.N: Because I can't do two Author's Notes, please be sure to read the note at the bottom. It has some info in regards to the story and a request for some help there too. Enjoy the chapter!

“Spike, could you please stop pacing around?” asked Twilight. “You’re going to wear a hole in the floor.” Spike ignored Twilight as he continued to walk back and forth in the hospital lobby, as he did all morning since he and the others arrived at the hospital. “Spike!” she yelled.

Spike jumped a bit and blabbered, “Was that an air horn?” He saw the stern expression of Twilight and felt a little embarrassed. “Sorry, Twilight. I’m just so nervous about Rarity.”

“We all are, sugarcube,” said Applejack. “It hasn’t been easy for any of us, especially since Apple Bloom and Scootaloo have been trying to cheer Sweetie Belle up.”

“I could always throw Sweetie a ‘Cheer up’ party,” said Pinkie.

“I don’t think a party is going to work out, Pinkie,” said Twilight. “Who we really need to worry about, though, is Rarity. I can’t imagine how distraught she is about what’s happened to her.”

“Isn’t there anything in your books to help?” wondered Fluttershy.

Twilight sighed and shook her head. “I’m afraid not. I have found spells pertaining to transformations like werewolves, bats, and other creatures, but nothing on a spirit turning another creature into their own form. I haven’t heard anything back from the princesses either.”

“Why don’t we go to the castle and help out?” inquired Rainbow, letting a yawn out. “We’ve been there before.”

“I don’t think I’m up for dealing with more of those crazy castle traps,” said Applejack. “You couldn’t walk down a hallway in that place without a trapdoor opening up beneath you. I’m just glad none of us found one that led to a bed of spikes.”

Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but the sound of double doors opening caught everypony’s attention. They turned around to see Dr. Stable, who looked a bit bleary eyed. “Good morning to all of you,” he said, wearily. “Couldn’t wait to check on your friend I see.”

“Well, duh,” said Pinkie. “Rarity’s only one of my many super duper best friends! We really bonded together after the chimmy cherry talk we had. She totally agreed that chimmy cherry was the way to go.”

Dr Stable let out a small chuckle. “Well you’ll be happy to know that Miss Rarity is ready to go.” Everypony let out a sigh of relief. “However, we did have some trouble with her last night.”

“What do you mean?” asked Spike, sounding concerned. “Did something happen to Rarity?”

“We know that she transforms into her nightmare form when the sun goes down, but she was convulsing a lot during the process. While nothing severe happened to her after the transformation, she had an episode, so to say.”

“An episode? When did she have time to star for another episode?” pondered Pinkie. Everypony stared at her with perplexed expressions. “What?” she asked, innocently.

“Um . . . ignoring your friend’s ‘theory’, that’s not the case here,” said Dr. Stable. “It seemed she was going on about her career being over and what others would think of her.”

“But she knows that she isn’t really Nightmare Rarity,” said Twilight.

“She wasn’t panicking about that,” said the doctor. “However, judging from the way she acted, this does bring up a concern I have.”

“What is it?” inquired Fluttershy.

“Your friend is having some mood swings,” he stated. “I’m afraid this whole ordeal has caused some unforeseen stress for Miss Rarity. While she seemed content when we checked on her this morning, I’m not convinced that Miss Rarity is back to normal mentally.”

“No offense, doctor, but that ain’t no way to talk to our friend,” said Applejack, rather sternly.

“My apologies, but I’m just expressing my concern for your friend. She’s been through quite a lot as of late and this development is probably taking its toll on her.”

“So what’s going to happen now?” wondered Twilight.

“I’ll still allow Miss Rarity to go home, but if she continues to have these mood swings or if her mentality gets worse, I will have no choice but to have her be kept in an asylum until a solution is found.”

Everypony let out a gasp, but Spike stepped forward. “No! You can’t do this to her!” he cried out. He grabbed onto the doctor’s coat and brought his head down to Spike’s level. “I don’t care what you think! You’re not taking Rarity away from us!”

“Spike, that’s enough!” scolded Twilight. He was suddenly pulled away and was levitated by the use of Twilight’s magic. She shot him a scowl before looking at Dr. Stable again. “I’m sorry about that. Sometimes he overreacts a little.”

“Not as much as you,” muttered Spike.

Dr. Stable straightened himself and fixed his askew glasses. “That’s quite alright, Miss Twilight. Your friend is very concerned for Miss Rarity’s safety, which is very understandable. However, that doesn’t change how troublesome this is.”

“What can we do to help Rarity out?” asked Rainbow. “None of us are exactly psycho-whatchamacallits.”

“Psychologists, Rainbow,” sighed Twilight. “I have to admit, that even with some of my experience in counseling ponies, I don’t think I can handle what Rarity’s going through now. Any ideas, Dr. Stable?”

The doctor rubbed his chin and said, “Well, the only thing I can suggest is for you all to monitor her mood and make sure she doesn’t fall into a deep depression. I recommend one or more of you spend time around her to keep her company.”

“Anything else?” wondered Spike.

“Just have her come back if any issues come up and have her come back weekly for check ups. You can’t be too careful with what’s happening to her.” The group nodded in agreement. “Great!” He turned around and shouted, “Nurse Redheart, bring her out!”

The doors opened up again to reveal Nurse Redheart looking just as fatigued as Dr. Stable, but was also pushing a wheelchair. There, in the chair, was Rarity, who was back to her white unicorn self on the outside. She looked a bit tired, but she still had a small smile on her face and gave a wave.

“Rarity!” everypony cried out, joyfully. They ran over to the unicorn and embraced her in a group hug. Rarity smiled warmly and returned the hug.

“How are you holding up, sugarcube?” asked Applejack. “You’re look like you were up all night.”

“She was for the most part,” said Dr. Stable.

Applejack muttered, “Oh . . .”

“Don’t worry, Applejack,” said Rarity, sounding a bit weak. “I admit that I’m a bit fatigued, but I’m fine.” The group looked at each other, each pony looking unsure of themselves. “What’s wrong?”

“Well Rarity, we just want to know if you’re really okay,” said Twilight, hesitantly.

“What do you mean? I’m just tired is all.”

“That ain’t what the doctor told us,” said Applejack. “He said you weren’t feeling yourself last night.”

Rarity’s face drooped into a deadpanned expression. “I appreciate the concern, but I’m alright now. As for my being last night, I was just restless is all.”

“But Dr. Stable said you were talking about how your nightmare form could ruin your career,” replied Fluttershy.

“I don’t know what you’re all talking about,” said Rarity rather quickly.

“The doctor said you weren’t feeling well,” interjected Rainbow.

“I’m fine right now.”

Spike then stated, “What about your–”

“What part of ‘I’m okay’ do you all not understand?” snapped Rarity. Everypony stepped back and had shocked expressions on them. Rarity noticed the look of her friends and took a deep breath. “My apologies, Spikey,” she cooed. “These past few days haven’t been kind to me. All I want to do now is go home and get some rest.”

“Rarity, we’re just–” Spike felt somepony poke him on the shoulder. He turned his head to see Twilight shaking her head. He bit his lip and nodded before turning back to Rarity. “We’re just glad to know you’re okay,” he said, hesitantly.

“Thank you, Spike,” said Rarity, with a smile. “Now as much as I like seeing you all, I’d like to get out of this hospital and go home. Sweetie Belle is probably worried sick over me and I’d rather not let her cook breakfast.”

“Whoa there, partner,” said Applejack. “I know you want to go home, but we need to ask you something.”

Rarity nearly wanted to object, but she felt inclined to help her friend. “What is it, Applejack?”

“When the Nightmare Forces took control of you, they said something about a secret. Do you know anything about it?”

Rarity was thankful that she had white fur on her, for as soon as she heard those last words, she could feel her skin going pale. She gulped a little. “Um . . .I . . .”

“Applejack, I don’t think Rarity knows anything about that,” interjected Twilight. Rarity, silently, let out a sigh of relief.

“What about a weight scale?” asked Rainbow. Everypony looked at her in confusion. “What? Rarity could be afraid that she’ll get fat. Maybe she gained a half a pound last week and she’s freaking out about it.”

“Rainbow!” the group yelled, causing the pegasus to back away.

“Uh . . . yeah, sorry,” she whispered.

“Why don’t we go home and discuss this later?” inquired Rarity. “I am feeling quite tired after all.” She let out a yawn. The group looked at each other, each looking a bit distracted, but nodded to one another.

“Applejack, Rainbow, Fluttershy,” ordered Twilight. “Take Rarity back to the Boutique. Pinkie, Spike, and I will go back to the library and look through some more books. I only got a small section left to go, but maybe there’s something there.”

“Alright, Twilight,” said Rainbow. “What should we do afterwards?”

“Keep her company and make sure nothing happens to her,” she replied.

“Honestly, Twilight,” exasperated Rarity. “I’m not disabled or anything. All I need is a good nap.”

“I’d honestly recommend having somepony watch over her,” Dr. Stable interjected. “I want her to get some rest and have somepony monitor her behavior.”

“But–” Rarity argued.

“No buts, Miss Rarity,” stated Dr. Stable. “Now don’t do anything extra strenuous, keep the use of magic to a minimum for a week, and come back next week for a follow up appointment. If anything happens, don’t hesitate to get me.” The group nodded. “Good, now if you’ll excuse me, I still need to do some mid-morning runs with other patients.” He gave a small wave before going through the double doors.

Rarity let out another yawn and got out of the wheelchair. “Well, I don’t know about any of you, but I’m ready to leave this place.” She trotted over to the entrance, but something inside her made her stop immediately. What . . . what’s going on? Why am I suddenly paralyzed? she wondered. All I want to do is go out the door and get some fresh air, feel the sun, and go see. . . The feeling inside Rarity made her shake in intimidation and back away from the door.

“What’s wrong, Rarity?” asked a worried Spike. “You’re acting like you’re in a blizzard.”

“I don’t know,” muttered Rarity. “I. . . I just felt unable to move when I got to the door.”

“Should we get Dr. Stable again?” asked Spike.

Rarity was shaking violently, but she used all her willpower to trot closer to the door. She looked back at Spike, still shaking a bit, and shook her head. “That won’t be necessary, Spikey Poo. The medicine the doctor injected me with is probably wearing off on me is all and making me feel uneasy. Once I get home and sleep a little bit, I’ll be fine.”

Spike looked a little unsure, but he nodded in agreement. “Alright then.”

“Let’s get her home already,” stated Applejack. “She’s looking as tired as me when I tried to do Applebuck Season on my own.” Rainbow and Fluttershy nodded and helped escort Rarity out. Applejack turned her head. “Don’t you all worry. We’ll take care of Rarity and she’ll be fine in no time.”

Spike muttered to himself, “I hope so.” He forced a smile and waved goodbye as the others took Rarity outside. After the doors closed, the drake let out a sigh. “What are we going to do now?”

“I’m not sure, Spike,” said Twilight. “Rarity may’ve said she’s okay, but I’m not so sure.”

“Are we going to have to do a little investigating?” Pinkie asked as she pulled out a brown Deerstalker cap out of nowhere and put it on her. She pulled out a pipe and blew into it, causing bubble to come out. “Detective Pinkie and friends are on the case!”

“Not so fast, Pinkie,” said Twilight. “I doubt we’ll need to do something like that. Besides, I think I already know what’s wrong with Rarity.”

“She’s afraid, isn’t she?” asked Spike.

Twilight did a double take to her assistant. “How did you know?”

“It doesn’t take a detective to figure it out, Twilight,” he sighed. “Rarity’s scared about what happened to her, but she doesn’t want to tell us.”

“Well that was easy to solve,” said Pinkie. “Now what do we do?”

“I’m not sure, Pinkie,” said Twilight. “If Rarity is feeling down, then we should–”

“Turn that frown upside down!” interrupted Pinkie. “I know just the thing to do!”

Twilight held a hoof up. “Pinkie, I don’t think now is the time for a party. I don’t think Rarity would be in the mood to celebrate.”

“Well how about a small party between all of us showing Rarity how much we still love her, despite her new look?” wondered Pinkie.

“I still don’t think that it won’t work,” replied Twilight

Spike suddenly felt something click inside his head. “It will work.”

Twilight looked at the dragon. “Excuse me?”

“What Pinkie just said gave me an idea that we can do something for Rarity. We got to work fast though and spread word around town.”

“Leave that to me,” said Pinkie, confidently.

“We’ll also need to make sure Rarity doesn’t find out,” warned Spike.

“What’s going on anyway, Spike?” wondered Twilight.

He pulled both mares in closely. “Alright, here’s the plan.”

The door to Carousel Boutique slammed open, causing a loud racket to echo throughout the store.

“Rainbow, you didn’t need to do that,” scolded Rarity as she walked into her home. “If you were just a little more patient, I would’ve gotten the hidden key for the place.”

The pegasus, who looked a little irked, walked in along with Applejack and Fluttershy. “Well you certainly took your time. We waited for five minutes and you couldn’t find it. I’ll pay you back for a new door, if that helps.”

Rarity let out a sigh. “Well I would appreciate that. I can only hope we didn’t startle Sweetie Belle.”

Applejack looked around the place for the filly unicorn. “Uh. . . where is she anyway?”

“She’s probably sleeping in her room,” said Rarity. “I better check on her to let her know I’m okay.”

“We’ll go with you,” said Rainbow. She and Applejack followed Rarity to the stairs, but noticed Fluttershy wasn’t with them. She looked back and saw she was walking towards a alcove that was surrounded by mirrors. “Hey Flutters, we’re checking on Sweetie, not trying new dresses.”

The yellow pegasus ignored her and looked down at the ground.

Rainbow shook her head and flew over to her friend. She tapped Fluttershy on the shoulder. “Hello? Earth to Fluttershy,” she said. “Didn’t you hear what I said?”

The yellow pegasus looked up at Rainbow. “Oh, I did, but we don’t need to go upstairs to find her.”

“You did?” Fluttershy nodded and pointed down. Rainbow did and saw something that couldn’t help but make her smile. “Rarity. Applejack. I think you’ll want to see this.”

Rarity and Applejack looked at each other and shrugged. They walked over to where their friends were. “Honestly Rainbow, as much as I love designing dresses, now is not the time . . . for . . .” Rarity’s voice trailed off as she and Applejack looked down and saw something that made them both smile.

There, on the floor, was Sweetie Belle, sleeping peacefully and was covered in blue glitter. Surrounding the filly was an open bottle of the same glitter covering Sweetie, a bottle of glue that had fallen over, but thankfully didn’t spill its contents, several colorful gems, and a white poster nearby. Rarity looked at the poster and saw the gems were glued to form a large heart, with a crude drawing of Rarity’s face and the words, Get well, big sis! written on there in a purple crayon. The sight of it made Rarity tear up a little and smile.

“That’s so sweet of her,” said Applejack. “I hope you don’t mind she used your gems for this. I know you ain’t so keen on that.”

“That’s quite alright, Applejack,” said Rarity. “Her heart was in the right place and I appreciate how much she cares about me. Those gems are nothing compared to Sweetie. Besides, I can easily restock on more the next time I go gem hunting.”

A mumbling noise came out of Sweetie’s mouth and was moving a little bit.

“Oh, dear,” said Rarity. “I don’t want to wake her up. She’s probably been up all night worried about me.”

“I’ll put her to bed,” offered Fluttershy. She carefully picked up Sweetie into her hooves. She then looked at Applejack and Rainbow. “Why don’t you two cook up some breakfast? I didn’t have anything to eat before coming to the hospital.” The sound of stomachs burbling and groaning could be heard from everypony else, making them blush a little in embarrassment.

“That sounds like a good idea,” said Applejack. “I could cook us up a mean stack o’ pancakes.”

“I hope you have some syrup, Rarity,” replied Rainbow.

“Yes, I do have some imported syrup,” said Rarity. “Just don’t make too much of a mess, please.”

“No promises,” Applejack responded as she trotted into the kitchen.

Rarity let out a sigh of relief as she finished eating the last bit of pancakes. “Well, that could’ve been worse,” she said as she looked around her kitchen, which looked a little dusty and sticky, to say the least. “Nothing a little mopping here and there can’t fix though.”

Rainbow gave a salute. “I’m on it,” she said, smirking. She grabbed a nearby mop, ran it under some water, and flew around the kitchen.

“Rainbow, wait!” called out Rarity. The pegasus either ignored her, or she didn’t hear her. Rainbow flew around the room and hastily swabbed the mop, wiping up the pancake powder and syrup. The sound of cups, plates, and other things clattering around hammered Rarity’s ears, making her feel terrified. She covered her eyes and leaned against the table. “I can’t look,” she muttered.

The noise went on for what seemed to be an eternity before Rainbow shouted, in a triumphant tone. “Aaaaand done!” She looked over at Rarity, who had her head buried in her hooves. “Oh, quit being so dramatic, Rarity. You can look now.”

Rarity took a small deep breath and peaked her head up. She bolted up and had to do a double take from what she was seeing. The place was completely spotless, with no signs of broken glass, nor were there any puddles of water. Rarity even noticed how both the floor and counters were shining like they were brand new. She didn’t know what to say, or how to react to this.

Rainbow let out a breath and leaned on the table. “Not bad, huh?” she wondered. “I’ve cleaned up bigger messes in my house compared to this.”

“But. . . what? Huh?” blabbered Rarity. “You . . . I heard heard loud noises and you were going so fast.”

Rainbow scoffed playfully and said, “Don’t worry, I knew what I was doing the whole time.”

Applejack let out a loud whistling sound. “Well I’ll be, Rainbow. I didn’t know you could clean like that.”

The pegasus shrugged and smirked to herself. “What can I say? I have years of clearing the skies of clouds, so it’s only right I can clean up rooms in ten seconds flat too. Just because I’m not one of those Canterlot snobs doesn’t mean I don’t know how to clean up.”

Rarity cleared her throat and said, “Well, in any case, thank you, Rainbow. Perhaps I should’ve made you clean my Boutique instead of modeling those dresses as payback.”

Rainbow’s smirk quickly became a scowl. “Let’s not bring that up again.”

“Uh. . . maybe we should change topics,” suggested Fluttershy.

Rainbow crossed her hooves and muttered, “I agree.”

“So what are you going to do now, Rarity?” wondered Applejack. “Since this whole curse thing of yours isn’t probably going away anytime soon, how are you going to handle your customers’ orders?”

Rarity rubbed her hoof under her chin and hummed to herself. “Well, the good news is that I have no immediate orders to deal with right now. Nopony has requested new outfits, or any tailoring to be done. It couldn’t be a better time, especially since I’ve been running low on fabric and have been meaning to go get more.”

The whole group let out a sigh of relief and then Fluttershy said, “Well that’s good to know. So what are you going to do in the mean time?”

“I guess I could–”

Dong-ding

Rarity saw all her friends look at her with confusion and bewilderment on their expressions. “What?” she asked.

“Dong-ding?” asked Rainbow. “Is your doorbell broken?”

Rarity let out a sigh and shook her head. “No, I know who that is. Please excuse me.” She got up and trotted out the kitchen and towards the front door.

The fashionista opened the door to reveal a gray pegasus with askewe yellow eyes. “Ah, good morning, Derpy,” said Rarity.

“Hi there,” she said, sounding a bit disappointed. “Did I break your doorbell?”

“Of course not deary,” assured Rarity. She pressed the doorbell again, which sounded like a regular one. “See? Now what seems to be the problem? Does the Doctor need another bow tie?”

Derpy shook her head and her expression changed to one of happiness. “Nope! I brought you a package!” She pulled out of her mailbag two rather large, flat brown packages and handed it to Rarity.

“My word! Where is this from?” inquired Rarity.

“One’s from the Wonderbolts,” said Derpy.

“And the other?”

“Canterlot, I think.”

The unicorn’s eyes went wide and couldn’t help but squeal in delight. “Canterlot? Oh, the honor of rendering my services to one of the nobles there! I could be mentioned at the next Grand Galloping Gala for my efforts! Why, I could be. . . um . . . erm . . .” Rarity then noticed Derpy’s perplexed expression and felt heat rising up to her face. She cleared her throat and said, calmly, “Thank you, Derpy. Please tell the Doctor to be safe the next time he leaves.”

“I will!” Derpy waved and flew off, albeit she was flying erratically.

Rarity closed the door and put the one addressed from the Wonderbolts down first. She then looked at the other package. “Now I wonder who from Canterlot would want with me?”

She noticed a large white envelope with her address written in elegant blue ink. Not wanting to keep the suspense going any longer, Rarity opened the envelope with her magic and pulled out a letter. She unfolded it and started to read it, but let out a gasp.

Dearest Rarity,

I apologize that I can’t come personally to your shop to see you, but certain events have left me tied up. I just recently proposed to my longtime marefriend, Fleur De Lis, and we are planning to get married in two weeks.

Enclosed in this package is the suit I was going to wear for the wedding, but it was unfortunately ripped. If you could, please have it sewn and sent back to my address I have also included by this week’s end. I’d truly appreciate it.

Your friend,

Fancy Pants

P.S. Inside are also some invitations for you and your friends to come.

Rarity pulled out an elegant navy blue coat that felt like silk. The entire coat was sewed to perfection, with no noticeable loose threads or strings anywhere. There were a few black buttons on it and a white handkerchief left in the left pocket.

“Yo, Rares!” shouted Rainbow. “What’s the holdup?”

The fashionista turned around to see her friends standing at the kitchen entrance. “Oh, it’s wonderful, Rainbow!” she gleefully exclaimed. “Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis are getting married and I’m the one fixing his suit!”

“Well I’ll be!” stated Applejack, with a smile. “Are you invited to it?”

“Not just me, darling.” Rarity looked in the package and pulled out some white pieces of paper. “We’re all invited!” The whole group let out loud cheer.

“Hey, do you think that Fancy will let me do a Sonic Rain–” Rainbow noticed the other package and gasped when she saw the logo on the letter at the top. “Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!” She grabbed the package and looked like a filly that got something she wanted on Hearth’s Warming Day. “Rarity, why didn’t you say anything about getting something from the Wonderbolts?”

“The Wonderbolts?” asked Applejack, sounding a bit surprised.

“Well let’s see what’s in it!” Rainbow ripped the package opened and as soon as she saw the contents inside, her smile changed to a confused expression. She was holding up a torn up dark blue suit, with jagged yellow stripes to resemble lightning. “A Wonderbolts uniform? Why would they send you a uniform? And why are there a lot of rips in it.”

The suit was suddenly snatched out of Rainbow’s hooves and the pegasus saw it was glowing a magical aura. “Rainbow, it’s not nice to go through another’s mail,” scolded Rarity. “Now as to why this is here, let’s read the letter shall we?”

Rarity shifted through the cardboard and frowned when she came across something. “Well, we won’t know why this was sent to me now.” She held up little torn white pieces of paper, some of them falling off Rarity’s hoof.

Applejack shot a glare over at Rainbow. “Nice job there, shredder,” she said, sternly.

Rainbow smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of her head. “Alright, I guess I went a bit overboard. Just piece it back together with your magic.”

“That would take me all day,” groaned Rarity. She looked at the pieces again and picked up two pieces of it that caught her eye. “Well, I did find two words that weren’t ripped apart.”

“What do they say?” asked Fluttershy.

Rarity squinted her eyes and muttered, “Repair and suit.” A realization then hit Rarity on the head. “Of course! They want me to fix this suit for one of their members.”

“Did they say who?” wondered Rainbow.

The unicorn shook her head. “I’m afraid the letter is too torn up to find out who it is,” she sighed. “All I know is that I better fix this and Fancy’s suit up as soon as possible.” Rarity levitated the clothes and marched off with them to her sewing machine.

“Um, didn’t you say you were low on supplies?” inquired Fluttershy.

Rarity stopped dead in her tracks and nearly dropped the suits in complete shock. She maintained a smile on her face, but her eye twitched wildly. “. . . So it would seem,” she whispered.

“Don’t worry, Rarity,” said Applejack. “Just tell us where to get this fabric and we’ll–”

Ding-dong

The sound of the doorbell, once again, caught everypony off guard.

“Now what?” asked Rainbow.

Rarity trotted over to the door and opened it. She raised an eyebrow at who was at the entrance. “Spike? Whatever are you doing here?” she wondered. “I thought you were with Pinkie and Twilight at the library?”

“About that,” stated Spike. “Twilight said she and Pinkie had things covered and sent me to help you with anything you need.”

Everypony looked at themselves with confused expressions. Applejack stepped forward and said, “We appreciate the offer, sugarcube, but we got things covered here.”

“Ah, it’s no sweat,” said Spike, waving a claw. “I can take over things from here. Besides, Twilight said she would need to see you, Rainbow, and Fluttershy in an hour.”

Rarity raised an eyebrow. “What about me?” she wondered.

Spike shook his head. “Sorry, Rarity, but you’ll have to wait until later to see Twilight.” He looked at the others. “Why don’t you all go take care of what you all need to do before going to see Twilight?”

“But what does she want with us?” asked Applejack.

“Twilight will tell you when you meet her,” said Spike.

Everypony looked at themselves and shrugged indifferently.

“Well, I guess I could see which Wonderbolt this suit belongs to,” said Applejack. “I heard they’re still hanging around town for the time being.”

Rainbow got in front of Applejack’s face, looking annoyed. “Hey! If anypony is going to see them, it’s me!” she interjected. “I’m the one who’s going to become a Wonderbolt in the future! When did you even become a fan of them?”

The farmer pony narrowed her eyes. “Is it suddenly a crime for somepony to like the Wonderbolts? Besides, don’t you have to go make sure the weather schedule is being followed?” she inquired. “Aren’t you worried your assistant manager is going to–” The sudden sound of thunder rumbling caught everypony off guard, and made Fluttershy yelp in terror. “–Get the schedule wrong, again?”

Rainbow let out an irritated grown and barked, “Thunderlane, you feather brained moron! That thunderstorm is supposed to be tomorrow, not today!”

“Sometimes, I wonder why you let him stay around, Rainbow,” said Applejack.

“He said he was so good in Cloudsdale, but ever since he came here to work with me, it’s like he’s more nervous than Spike was at the Equestria Games.” She looked over at him. “No offense.”

“None taken,” he said nonchalantly.

Rainbow sighed and said, “Fine, you can go find the Wonderbolts, Applejack. I guess you can tell Soarin and Spitfire ‘hi,’ if you see them.”

“I–I’ll be sure to,” Applejack stuttered, blushing a little. “Y’all take care now.” Applejack and Rainbow both waved and went out of the boutique.

Fluttershy muttered, “I’ll watch over Sweetie Belle while you two are out. If she isn’t up by the time I have to see Twilight, I think I can convince Bulk to watch over her.” Rarity and Spike looked at her with bewilderment. “What? He’s actually pretty gentle underneath all those muscles of his.”

Rarity bit her lip, but nodded, reluctantly. “I’ll take your word for it, Fluttershy. Don’t hesitate to find me if you need me.” She looked over at Spike. “Alright, Spikey, we need to just get some fabric and then you can help me with my orders.”

He nodded and ran over to the door. “Ready to leave whenever you are, m’lady,” he said.

Rarity trotted over to the door, but a sudden cold feeling paralyzed her. That feeling again. It’s just like the hospital. She started shaking again as fear gripped her.

“Rarity?”

Rarity broke out of her trance and looked down at a concerned Spike.

“Are you okay? You’re acting like you’re about to be executed.”

Rarity gulped a little and took a deep breath. “I . . . I’m fine, Spikey,” she said, wearily.

“You acted like that at the hospital,” stated Fluttershy.

“I was just collecting my thoughts is all,” said Rarity. “There’s so much stuff to do in so little time.” She open the door and, slowly, walked outside. “Come along, Spike.”

Fluttershy and Spike looked at each other with concerned looks, but reluctantly shrugged it off.

“If you say so,” he said.

Rarity frowned to herself as she and Spike walked into town. “Spikey Poo, where is everypony? The whole town is almost deserted, but it’s the middle of the day.”

Spike shrugged and said, “They’re probably still doing a bit of cleanup. That fight against those shadow creatures and you really–” Spike slapped a claw over his mouth and his face turned red. “I–I’m sorry, Rarity,” he stuttered. “I didn’t mean to bring that up again.”

Rarity waved her hoof and said, “That’s quite alright, Spikey Poo. You and everypony else did what you had to do to stop those shadow creatures.”

Spike looked away, feeling a bit embarrassed still, but his eyes caught something that raised his hopes. “Look, Rarity!” he pointed out. “There’s Mr. and Mrs. Cake. Maybe we can get you something to cheer you up.”

Rarity smiled at that thought and looked over at the couple, expecting a warm smile from them, but was met by something that caught her off guard. “What’s wrong?” she wondered.

The couple backed away a bit, with Mr. Cake whispered into his wife's ear.

“Is there a problem?” asked Rarity, walking towards the Cakes.

“Um. . . we just forgot that we uh . . .” Mr. Cake stuttered.

“We left the oven on at home!” interjected Mrs. Cake. She pushed her husband away and shouted, “Sorry! We’ll talk to you later!”

Rarity opened her mouth to speak, but the Cakes rounded the corner before she spoke a word. She couldn’t help but feel hurt from what just happened, and looked down. “Was it something I said?” she inquired.

Spike ran up to Rarity, looking deeply concerned. “Don’t worry about them, Rarity,” he stated. “I’m sure they really did leave their oven on. Besides, these past few days have been stressful on most ponies here.”

Rarity still felt a bit irked by the Cake’s reaction, but she took a deep breath and breathed out several times. She nodded and smiled a little. “You’re right, Spike. I’m probably just taking things a little too serious.”

“Yeah, that’s Twilight’s job,” joked Spike. The two of them laughed a little before calming down. “Come on, we gotta get that stuff for your orders.”

Rarity nodded and they both walked off towards the shopping district of town. Once again, both she and Spike were silent along the way. In her head though, Rarity’s mind was buzzing with questions.

I’ve never seen the Cakes act like that around me before, she thought to herself. All I did was say hello to them. Was my mane unkept? Was there something on me that turned them away?

Maybe it’s what you’ve become, another voice whispered.

Rarity gasped and looked around. “What?”

“Rarity!”

Rarity looked down to see Spike, tapping his foot patiently. “I said we’re here now,” he stated. He pointed to a large, yellow building, with a large window showing different types of fabric and a big needle on a display stand. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

She took a look around her, taking several deep breaths as she did. “I’m . . .fine, Spikey,” she said, hesitantly. “I just thought I heard somepony else.”

“There’s nopony else around here,” assured Spike. “Maybe we should go back to the Boutique.”

“No!” exclaimed Rarity. She saw her friend give a perplexed expression. She took another deep breath and said, “No, I’m really fine. I’m just overthinking things again.” She trotted past him and looked at him with a smile. “Come along, Spikey Poo. We haven’t a moment to spare for these important orders.”

Spike bit his lip, but gulped and nodded in agreement. “If you say so.”

The two of them walked into the shop, where Spike did a double take to make sure his vision wasn’t playing tricks on him. It was large and had polished white marble walls and columns. The store, despite selling fabric and sewing materials, had a very rich perfume smell that made Spike feel a little dizzy. The shelves were free of dust and dirt and seemed polished too, with them having various sewing machines, needles, thread, and rolls of fabric so well organized, it could make Twilight jealous.

Spike looked at Rarity, stunned by what he was seeing. “This is where you go and get your fabric?” he wondered, awestrucked. “I didn’t even think a place like this existed in Ponyville. This place looks like it could fit in Canterlot.”

Rarity giggled a little and rubbed the drake’s head. “I can assure you that this is where I get my materials. While this place does seem rather exquisite, the pony here is actually quite–”

“Ah, welcome, Madame Rarity!” a jubilant Prench voice boomed. Spike and Rarity turned to see a rather chubby white pegasus stallion, with a black goatee and combed back mane, blue eyes, and had a wide smile on his face. He trotted over to her and hugged her. “It’s so good to see you again, Madame! I heard zere was some dreadful being in town while I was gone!”

“Uh, I hate to interupt, but who are you?” wondered Spike.

The white pegasus looked at Spike for a second before letting out a loud laugh that startled the latter. “Oh, so zis is ze dragon assistant you told me about, Madame Rarity? He is quite a cute little one.”

Rarity flushed red and chuckled weakly. She looked at Spike and said, “That is Silver Needle. He’s one of the first customers I had when I opened up my Boutique. He liked my work so much, he’s been giving me discounts on fabric and other materials I need when I’m in ‘The Zone’.”

“I see,” said a hesitant Spike. “It doesn’t explain why he’s here and not in Canterlot though.”

“I never like ze big city life,” stated Silver. “It’s always so noisy and so many ponies zere are rude.” He looked over at Rarity, still smiling. “But enough about me. What can I do for you?”

“I’m just picking up some fabric I’ve run out of,” she said. “I normally need the usual order of fabric I get, but I also need some black silk and some blue and yellow latex for a Wonderbolts uniform I’m working on.”

“Ooo! Ze Wonderbolts, eh?” asked Silver. “You certainly are moving up in the world, aren’t you?”

“Well it’s just some rips in the suit,” said a bashful Rarity.

Silver was walking around, picking out various rolls of fabric and placing them on the counter. “So it is true zen,” he said, while going around the shop. “Ze Wonderbolts got involved wiss zis being and defended zis town.” Spike and Rarity looked at each other, both looking a little concerned.

“So how much do you know about what happened?” inquired Spike. “You said you weren’t here when this happened.”

“Zat is correct,” answered Silver. “As to how much I know, nopony has said much to me. Zey’ve been awfully silent lately and zey told me zat zey swore not to say anysing about it.”

Rarity, silently, let out a sigh of relief.

“But I have heard talk about who it was,” said Silver. “Some ponies have whispered a dreadful name zat sends shivers down everypony’s spine. Some have said it was Nightmare Moon who returned!”

Spike looked at Rarity, who looked frightened and was trying not to shiver in fear. “Um . . . don’t worry! She’s not here anymore!” Spike exclaimed, hoping to ease the tension.

Silver placed the last roll of fabric down and looked at the two customers. His expression changed to one of anger and hate. “Zat may be true, but I’ve heard she also took over ze body of some innocent pony,” he said, with his tone changing to a venomous one. “Some say zat pony willingly accepted her into zeir body!”

Spike and Rarity gulped loudly, but Silver didn’t hear them as he continued his rant.

“Why, if zat’s true, zen I hope zat pony would be prosecuted to ze fullest extent of ze law!”

Spike looked at Rarity again, who was shivering in terror and heard her teeth chattering. “Well it’s not true,” Spike stated. “Whoever told you that stuff is lying to you.”

Silver Needle took a deep breath and said, calmly, “Even if it isn’t true, I will say zis.” Spike and Rarity leaned in with anticipation. “If it does end up being true, who knows what ozzer ponies across Equestria would do? Ziz pony could become an outcast and possibly never show zeir face around town, or all of Equestria ever again. Zat pony would lose zeir reputation and been seen as a blight across the land,” he said, grimly.

Spike opened his mouth to speak, but he was suddenly pulled by his tail. He looked to see Rarity using her magic to pull him and levitate the materials to the door.

“Y–yes, well th–this has been exciting and all, b–but we must leave now,” stuttered Rarity, sounding terrified. She threw a bag of bits on the counter and turned and ran out the door with her purchases and Spike. “Keep the change!” she shouted back, leaving a dumbfounded Silver Needle in her wake.

Rarity ran as fast as she could. She didn’t dare look back in fear that Silver was probably right behind her. She kept running as far as she could from the shop, taking several turns through town. All the while, Spike was desperately trying to keep up.

“Slow down, Rarity!” he bellowed. “You need to stop and listen to me!” His words fell on deaf ears though as Rarity galloped through town. Sighing to himself, Spike desperately tried to keep up with her.

Eventually, both of them took cover against the side of a house on the edge of town. Rarity took several deep breaths, her heart pounding so loud that she could hear it. She poked her head out to see nopony was around them and let out a sigh of relief.

“Rarity!”

She flinched and turned and saw Spike glaring at her. “Oh, I’m sorry, Spikey,” she said, still sounding shaken up. “Silver was just making me feel a bit uncomfortable.”

“I know he was, but he doesn’t know what really happened,” said Spike. “I don’t know why anypony would say stuff like you accepted Nightmare Moon into your body, but almost everypony knows about what happened that night.”

“But the way Silver was going on about what would happen to me–”

“–Is not going to happen to you, Rarity,” interrupted Spike. “I know Silver doesn’t know the full story, but I promise you that things will be set straight for him and that I will make sure that nothing happens to you.”

“But I–” Rarity was interrupted by Spike placing a claw on her mouth. For a second, she could’ve sworn she saw his cheeks turn red.

“Rarity, you need to trust me,” he said, sounding a little flustered. “I promise you that nopony will try to hurt you, or do anything bad to you. I know you’re scared about what’s happened to you, but you got me and the others for support. Whatever anypony tries to do to you, you can count on us to help you along the way.”

Rarity sniffed a little and asked, “You mean it?”

“I do.”

Rarity looked into Spike’s eyes and could sense a genuine concern and kindness in them. She couldn’t help but smile softly as she looked at him and felt her panic ebb. She pulled him in for a hug, which surprised him at first, but he quickly returned it, blushing a little.

“You certainly know how to make a pony feel better, Spikey,” she whispered.

Spike pulled out of the hug and softly kicked the ground and was grinning. “Well, you know me,” he said. “You’re one of my friends after all and I am always ready to help out.”

Rarity couldn’t help but giggle. “I’m serious though. I was panicking when I should’ve remained calm and maybe even told Silver the truth about what happened that night. I do thank you for helping me come to my senses. Even with what’s become of me, you still stand by my side. I must say Spike, you’ve really impressed me with your formalities.”

Spike kicked his foot and said, “As I said before, I’m your friend.” He looked away and muttered, “I want to be something else though.”

“Excuse me? I didn’t catch that last part.”

Spike’s heart nearly stopped. Oh, shoot, he thought. This isn’t good. I don’t think I’m ready to say anything to her about ‘that’ yet. On the other hoof, who knows when I’ll get another chance like this again? What to do? Do I dare say those words I’ve been wanting to say since the birthday incident? Or do I wait for another chance?

He looked at Rarity, who was staring at him with a puzzled expression.

He gulped and stomped his foot on the ground. If I don’t say anything now, I could be blowing my one chance for Rarity. Who knows if I try to confess to her and suddenly, I see her with another stallion, or even a mare!? He stomped his foot again. No, I won’t let that happen!

“Is there something wrong, Spike?” inquired Rarity, sounding a bit concerned. “You’re looking a bit upset about something.”

Come on, Spike! Pull yourself together!

Spike took a deep breath and said, doing his best not to stutter, “Rarity. . . I need to tell you something.” He took a deep breath. “You see, what I was trying to say was I wanted to be . . . be . . .” He mentally cursed himself as the courage inside him dwindled.

Oh, please, Rarity, a sinister mare’s voice whispered. Don’t tell me those words are all the comfort you need. You’re more pathetic and desperate than I thought.

Rarity could feel the hairs along her back stand up as a cold feeling washed over her.

Over here, the voice said.

She, hesitantly, turned her head and nearly jumped out of her skin. There, right in plain sight, was Nightmare Rarity, smirking at her. “No. . .” she whispered, hoarsely. “You can’t be here. . .”

Yet here I am, said Nightmare. And why shouldn’t I be here? You are a part of me anyway.

“But I was told that the last bit of you died out after you controlled me in the hospital. How is this possible? What are you even doing here anyway?”

Details, my little pony. What I’m doing here though is to make you see that you’re only delaying the inevitable.

“The inevitable?” wondered Rarity.

“Um . . . Rarity? Who are you talking to?” pondered Spike.

She nearly jumped, having forgotten Spike was near her. She looked at her friend, who was staring at her with a quirked eyebrow. “Spike, can’t you see who’s standing there?” she inquired as she pointed towards Nightmare Moon.

He stared at her, dumbfounded. He looked over at where she was pointing and then back to her. “What are you talking about? All I see is Cheerilee and Big Mac going off for a picnic.” He pointed over to the two ponies, who were walking close to one another, Big Mac carrying a basket.

Rarity was taken aback by this. “But . . . but . . .”

Don’t bother trying to reason with him, chastised Nightmare. He can’t see me, nor can he hear me. Now, where was I? Oh yes, I was going to tell you that that cute speech that dragon gave you isn’t going to help you.

“What do you mean?” demanded Rarity, sounding a little intimidated.

Your friends always being there for you? You can count on them? Pfft! How cliche and boring can you get?

“M–my friends would do anything to help me!” shouted Rarity. “If this is your idea of scaring me, then it’s not working.”

Yes, I know all that friendship is magic and all that, but what I’m telling you is how would others react once they see what you’ve become. While its apparent this town is aware of your curse and accepts it, how would others take it? You saw what happened with that Prench pony.

Rarity said nothing and looked away.

Nightmare smiled smugly to herself. You see what I mean? While that Prance pony will, probably, be told the truth about what happened by your friends, what about the other ponies across Equestria? Will they be as forgiving as these citizens?

Again, no response came from Rarity. She backed away slowly.

You do realize that if anypony should ever find out what has become of you, they won’t be so easy to persuade them that you mean no harm. Even with this whole town and both Princesses supporting you, the other ponies will think you controlled them and try to kill you.

Rarity was shaking wildly and her breathing became heavy. “That . . . th–that won’t h–happen,” she stammered. “My f–friends will–”

Oh, please stop deluding yourself with those thoughts, groaned Nightmare. You’re only fooling yourself and you know it. This whole town and those Princesses can’t protect you from what will soon happen to you. The ponies will see you as a blight and they’ll want to hunt you down.

Rarity’s eyes shot wide open and a sudden mixture of rage and sorrow coursed through her body.

“Rarity?” asked Spike, cautiously approaching her.

“Never!” screamed Rarity. “You’re wrong!”

He stumbled backwards and felt his heart racing. “Rarity, calm down!” he ordered. “What’s wrong with you?”

Instead of getting a response, Spike watched as Rarity galloped past him, making him lose his balance, and saw her head back into town. He watched her run off for a few seconds, confused as to what was happening, but quickly realized she was obviously distraught and needed help and ran off after her.

The things I do for love, he thought to himself.

Rarity galloped as fast as she could, panting heavily and without any direction on where to go. Her mind was racing with fear and sorrow as she raced through the town. She lies . . . she lies . . . Rarity kept repeating in her mind. Nightmare’s only trying to make me weak and helpless. I’ll prove to her that she’s– “OOF!”

The unicorn’s train of thought was cut off by her colliding with somepony, causing her to fall over and groan in pain. She opened her eyes to see Lyra lying on her back, with Bon Bon under her. Rarity got up and helped Lyra get back on her hooves.

“I’m dreadfully sorry about that, Lyra,” she said. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.” After helping Lyra back up, Rarity noticed a rather large red bag near Bon Bon. “Oh, dear, I hope I didn’t ruin what was in there. Perhaps I should take a look.” She reached her hoof out to grab the bag.

Lyra, however, quickly levitated the bag away from Rarity’s grasp. “No! You can’t look in there!” she shouted, panicky.

Rarity was taken aback by this and stepped back. “Well, I’m sorry that I may have broken whatever was in there, but there’s no reason to be so snippy with me. Why are you so concerned about me looking in the bag?”

Lyra looked at Bon Bon, both looking worried. The latter broke the silence after a few seconds. “Sorry, Rarity,” she said, nervously. “We must really get going.”

Rarity took a step forward, looking distraught. “But I–”

“Just stay away from us!” cried out Lyra. She and Bon Bon took off down the street, leaving Rarity, more or less, shocked.

The unicorn could feel her heart racing with panic again and took several deep breathes. Easy now, Rarity, she told herself. Perhaps they were in a hurry and wanted to get to wherever they needed to be. Just calm down and things will be okay.

An unsettling presence sent shivers down Rarity’s spine. She looked up to see a group of ponies staring at her. Some of them looked at her with a blank expression while other ponies whispered to one another.

“Please don’t mind me,” said Rarity. “I was just uh . . . thinking about where I needed to go.” She smiled to everypony, but sweat was building up onto her forehead from the intense staring. She couldn’t help but shake a little in intimidation.

The ponies around her started to whisper to one another, silently. Rarity, at first, took several deep breaths to calm her nerves, but the deeper her breaths, the faster her heart beated. “Please. . . I’m still me,” she whispered.

A buzzing noise slowly built up in Rarity’s ears. She covered her head, but the noise only got louder with each passing second. The buzzing soon gave way to whispering noises that sounded like a thousand ponies. She looked around, frantically, seeing more and more ponies around her. Some of them looking at her with disgust, while others seemed almost sympathetic with her.

Rarity covered her head, unable to stand all the staring. “Please . . . I’m not a. . . not a. . .” she blubbered, her voice broken.

“. . . Monster . . .” a voice whispered.

The unicorn winced and felt tears building up in her eyes.

“Freak!”

“She’s got to be fooling us to think she isn’t Nightmare Moon.”

“I’ll never do business with her again.”

“No mare in her condition should be allowed to walk freely.”

“She’s got to be faking this whole thing.”

“She’ll probably control all of us to be her servants.”

The insults rang out around Rarity. She put her hooves over her ears, but the voices got louder and louder with each second. She wanted to scream out in agony, but her voice faltered and felt tied up. The unicorn expected rocks or other objects to be thrown at her, but, to her surprise, nopony tried to do anything. She began crying to herself, softly, as the ponies around her blasted her with insults.

All of a sudden, the voice stopped, much to Rarity’s relief and a little bit of fear. She slowly removed one of her hooves over her eyes and peeked. There crowd of ponies were still circled around her, but a large shadow covering her body caught her attention. Rarity gulped a little and, slowly, looked up, only to feel her heart sink at the sight before her.

Nightmare Rarity was standing before her, looking triumphant and proud.

You see? I told you this would happen, she mocked. All these ponies you see around you are what wait for you in the future. If you can’t handle what they are saying to you now, just think about what will happen once your secret is out. And your so called friends won’t be able to do anything to help you.

Rarity whimpered, “You’re wrong.”

Nightmare Rarity laughed coldly. Once again, you’re deluding yourself from the truth. Do you really think that others will accept you for what you’ve become. Face it. You’re just telling yourself this to make yourself feel better. But there is a good thing that could come out of this.

“W–what is it?” wondered Rarity.

You won’t have to die alone once you’re exposed. Your friends, who try so valiantly to help you, will die along with you, as other ponies will think you corrupted them.

Anger and sorrow suddenly coursed through Rarity’s body. Whatever weakness in her body was left quickly gave way. She got up and bellowed, in a broken voice, “I won’t believe you!”

“Rarity!” a voice cried out.

She turned around and saw Spike, carrying some fabric in his claws, running up to her. She backed away. “Get away from me!” she barked.

Spike was at a loss of how Rarity was acting. “What are you talking about? It’s me, your Spikey Wikey.”

Rarity flailed around, looking panic stricken. “You all stay away from me! Don’t come near me!” She turned around and galloped down the road.

Spike watched in both awe and concern as she disappeared from sight. He looked around, only to see a few ponies standing around.

“Is the dear alright?” an elegant mare’s voice wondered.

“She’s acting like she’s seen a ghost,” a stallion said.

“Maybe something worse than that,” whispered Spike. He dropped whatever fabric he was holding in his claws and ran after the distraught mare.

The door to Rarity’s room busted open and the fashionista ran over and collapsed onto her bed. Rarity took a pillow and buried her face into it, letting out a loud, but muffled, scream. She kept screaming until her breath ran out and then just lied motionless on the bed. As time passed on, seconds felt like minutes and minutes felt like hours.

Any minute now, thought Rarity. There’s no use in delaying the inevitable anymore. Those ponies are probably well on their way to find me now. She slowly raised her head up and saw on her end table a picture of Sweetie Belle smiling. Forgive me, Sweetie. I think it’s for the best that you aren’t here for what will probably happen to me. Hopefully, mother and father will raise you into a fine mare.

The sound of a door creaking caused Rarity’s ears to perk up and her fur to stand on all ends.

Here it comes…

“Rarity?” a concerned voice asked.

Rarity’s heart nearly stopped as she recognized the voice. She rolled over and opened her eyes to see Spike standing at the doorway, looking worried and a bit fearful. She rolled back over and muttered, “Please leave me alone, darling.”

“What’s with you, Rarity?” wondered Spike. “One moment you’re feeling fine, the next you’re acting like Twilight freaking out over a friendship report, only worse.”

“It’s really none of your concern, Spike.”

“Well I’m making it my concern,” Spike shot back. “Come on, Rarity. You don’t need to hide your feelings from me.”

He walked over to her, but Spike was levitated and pushed away from Rarity. “Spikey, I appreciate your concern for me, but I’d rather you leave me alone.”

“No.”

Rarity looked up at her friend, shocked by what she heard. “What did you say?” she asked.

“I said no,” stated Spike, looking determined. “I’m not going anywhere until you tell me what’s wrong.”

Rarity felt a tinge of anger building up in her, but she scoffed and buried her face back into the pillow.

Spike leaned against the wall and frowned. “Please, Rarity, for your sake, let me help you,” he said.

Rarity didn’t budge.

“You can’t stay silent forever, Rarity. Just tell me what’s wrong and I’ll do my best to help you.”

Again, Rarity remained motionless.

Spike let out a sigh and crossed his arms. “I’ll just wait here then. If I have to stay here all day until you tell me what’s wrong, then I will.”

We’ll see about that, thought Rarity.

The sound of a clock ticking echoed throughout Rarity’s room for what seemed to be an eternity. Seconds passed, minutes passed, and, possibly, hours passed, but Rarity remained as motionless as before. She didn’t dare to look over at Spike, who was probably still waiting for her. She opened her eyes every once in a while, seeing the daylight through her window fade. She closed her eyes and dug herself into her pillow again.

He’s got to go away, she thought. He means well, but Spikey’s got to understand that he doesn’t understand what I’m going through. If I wait long enough, he’ll probably fall asleep or just leave. But. . . what will I do then? Do I try to flee before anypony comes to get me, or do I stay here and await the inevitable? Or. . . do I. . .

A drowsy feeling suddenly overcame Rarity. So sleepy. . . must rest. . . Her eyes went wide. No, I need to stay awake. Spike is probably waiting for me to fall asleep, so he can go get somepony and tell them about my condition. Almost instantly after opening her eyes, her drowsiness only got stronger and everything became a blur. No . . . must . . . Everything then went black for Rarity.

A blinding light hit Rarity’s eyelids, causing her to squirm a bit and open them slowly. As she looked around, the fashionista let out a gasp. “What? Where am I?”

Around her was a small chamber. The walls were lined with tall marble pillars that seemed to go on for miles. The coloring of the chamber made Rarity a bit confused. One half of the chamber was white and the other side was pitch black.

“What kind of place is this?” she wondered.

“Your mind,” a sinister voice whispered.

Rarity felt like a bucket of ice was dropped into her stomach. She looked over to the dark side of the chamber and saw, out of the shadows, Nightmare Rarity appear.

“You!” cried out Rarity. “I thought you were–”

“Don’t worry,” interrupted Nightmare Rarity. “I’m not here to harm you. I’m here to help you.”

Rarity didn’t know whether to laugh at such a thing, or to be terrified.

“Before you say anything, let me get what I need to say out of the way.”

“Whatever it is you’re trying to tell me, I–”

“Silence, whelp,” ordered Nightmare in an icy tone. Rarity gulped a little from the intimidating voice and nodded. “Now then, I’m here to help you make a choice.”

The fashionista wanted to say something, but one look at Nightmare’s glare instantly put rest to that thought.

“You have come to the conclusion that eventually other ponies from across Equestria will find out what’s become of you. So now, you must make a choice on what to do? Will you stay here in Ponyville and hope for the best? Or will you go into exile and vanish from Equestria all together?”

Rarity gathered the courage to speak, albeit in a shaky tone, “W–What happens i–if I m–make no choice?”

Nightmare smiled and her horn glowed. From both sides of the chamber, an orb appeared on both sides. The spirit levitated both orbs close to Rarity, allowing her to get a closer look. Both of them were small, but had swirling clouds on the inside, almost like a crystal ball.

“Um. . . are you going to tell me my fortune now?”

“You could say that,” said Nightmare. “Let’s say you decide to stay in town and hope your friends will help you.”

The crystal ball on the white side glowed for a bit, clearing out the clouds. Rarity looked intently at the ball, but as the clouds cleared, her heart sank. The images of towering flames, collapsed buildings, and ponies lying on the ground nearly stopped Rarity’s heart. She stumbled back a bit into Nightmare Rarity.

“Ah, your ‘good choice’ will result in your precious town being destroyed as ponies come to kill you. Such a shame all to see the blood of hundreds of ponies will be on your hooves.”

Rarity said nothing as fear raced through her mind.

“Now for the other choice.”

The crystal ball on the black side too shined a bit and the clouds around it cleared out. Rarity dared to look into it, but it didn’t do much to alleviate her fears. There was a large, dense forest, with little sunlight penetrating the foliage. What caught Rarity’s eyes though was the sight of a pony that looked just like her stumbling through the forest. Her mane and coat were unkempt and covered in mud, and her body looked almost nonexistent.

“Your ‘bad choice’ seems to have saved your friends, but at what price for you? You’re not capable of surviving in the outdoors and you’ll have nopony to count on you for help. So it comes to this. Do you sacrifice yourself to save your friends? Or would you rather let the town you love so much pay the price for trying to protect you?”

Rarity said nothing and was shaking.

“You’ve got to make a choice,” warned Nightmare.

“And if I don’t?” squeaked Rarity.

“You have no choice. You either let a town die protecting you, or leave behind everything and possibly die. Either choice you make will cost you something.”

The blinding light returned again, causing Rarity to shield herself from it, but, suddenly, the floor gave way and she was sent falling down. As she fell, the sound of Nightmare laughing echoed.

“No!”

Rarity shot up and gasped for air. She could feel her heart racing and a little sweat around her body. She took several deep breaths to steady her heartbeat and stop her shaking. As she calmed herself down, Rarity noticed something: the sun had set and the moon had risen, casting its light through her windows. She looked at herself and saw that she was back to her Nightmare Rarity form.

“My goodness, I must’ve been out longer than I thought,” she said. “I hope my friends weren’t too worried about me. Maybe when Fluttershy brings Sweetie home, I can finally tell her what happened to me.”

A sudden realization then hit her. “Spike! I forgot he was here watching me!” She looked over to the door, but was shocked to see he wasn’t there. Rarity couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness in her.

I guess it can’t be helped, she thought. He probably knew that I was doomed to be this way forever. But . . . I wish he actually stayed with me. He’s pretty much been as good of an assistant and friend to me as he has been to Twilight. He may be a bit childish, but I did enjoy his company, his eagerness to help me, and his devo– Rarity stopped herself from speaking as she felt her stomach churn a bit. He’s a good friend though and that’s all that matters. He’s grown up quite a bit and is no longer a child.

With a sigh, Rarity got up and muttered, “I guess I better go see if Sweetie is ready to come home.”

“She’s actually at the library,” a mare’s voice said.

Rarity gasped and looked to her door to see Twilight and Spike standing there. “What are you two doing here?” she wondered.

“Helping you, of course,” stated Spike.

“But I’m feeling fine.”

“Not from what Spike told me,” said Twilight. “He said you were panicking around town, then you refused to talk to him, and then he said you were shaking wildly in bed.”

Spike nodded. “I was about to doze off from waiting for so long, but then I noticed you were shivering and muttered something. I couldn’t make it out, but I knew I needed to get Twilight to help you.”

Rarity smiled softly. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You can say what’s bothering you,” advised Twilight.

Rarity flinched a bit. “I have no idea what you’re–”

“Don’t bother telling us that,” warned Spike. “Since I told Twilight everything, she wants to know more about it. Once she gets started on something, you can’t stop her.”

Rarity looked at Twilight, who seemed a bit too eager to know the truth. Then, to Spike, who looked concerned and a bit guilty. She looked down in defeat and took a deep breath.

“Fine. . . I’ll tell you everything.”

Rarity went into detail about everything leading to this point. From how some of the citizens ran from her, to Silver Needle’s warning about what could happen if she was found out, to seeing Nightmare Rarity mocking her, and then the dream she just had. By the time Rarity was done, she was shaking violently and a few tears ran down her face.

Twilight and Spike looked at each other with worry. The former then turned to Rarity and said, “I don’t know how the Nightmare Forces managed to convince you those things, but, real or not, they are wrong.”

Rarity looked up at her friend. “. . .What?” she asked, sounding shocked.

Spike nodded. “She’s right, you know? The forces controlling you are no longer in you. What you saw was probably all in your mind.”

Rarity’s heart inflated with hope. “All in my mind?” she wondered. “Could it be?”

“I think it’s best we show you that it is, indeed, nothing more than your imagination running wild,” said Twilight.

“What do you mean?” inquired Rarity.

Twilight only responded by lighting her horn. and Rarity saw a flash of light and her room disappeared.

The next thing Rarity knew, she found herself outside, but was feeling dizzy from the sudden teleportation. She staggered around a bit, almost ready to fall to the ground, but was suddenly tugged by a magic force and placed upright.

“Easy there, Rarity,” said Twilight. “Sorry for the sudden teleportation, but I thought it’d be much faster to take you this way than drag you all the way here.”

Spike, who groaned a little and stumbled, muttered, “I’ll never get used to that.”

Rarity looked at Twilight and asked, “Where are we anyway?”

Twilight pointed behind her back, to which Rarity looked up and saw the Ponyville Library, but there were no lights on from the look of things.

“I don’t understand though,” said Rarity.

Spike, after steadying himself, walked over and open the door, showing nothing but darkness. He motioned with is hand to enter. “You’ll just have to wait and see.”

Rarity was a bit hesitant at first, but she looked to Twilight, who gave her a reassuring smile and nod. She took a deep breath and trotted inside, careful not to trip over anything in the darkness. She looked around, feeling a bit nervous about her surroundings.

“Twilight, I’ve heard of reading by moonlight, but it’s a tad too dark for that.”

“Now!” ordered Spike.

The whole room was suddenly encased in light, blinding Rarity for a moment. The sound of party favors going off and a chorus of ponies yelling, “Surprise!” echoed throughout the room. Rarity took a look around the room to see purple and white banners, balloons, and streamers around the place. One the left side of the room was a large buffet table, complete with various cakes, pies, a large bowl of punch, and a tray of nachos. Around the rest of the room was a large crowd of ponies smiling at Rarity, some even holding presents. In the center of the room were all of her friends, who were also smiling.

Rarity stood in shock for a minute before asking, softly, “What is this?”

“A party, of course,” said Rainbow.

“A surprise party,” Pinkie put in. “Those are the best kind of parties!”

“Uh. . . what she said,” stated Applejack. “We’ve all been busy putting it together for you. We got it done just in the nick of time thanks to Pinkie and Spike’s quick cooking.”

Rarity looked down at him, who blushed a little and kicke his foot. She then looked up at her friends. “But I don’t understand. Everypony seemed to avoid me like I was some sort of plague.”

Everypony looked at one another for a few seconds, each looking a bit amused. They all burst out laughing, causing Rarity to quirk an eyebrow at them and feel a bit lost.

The laughter soon died out and Applejack said, “Now that’s just silly, Rarity. You know for a fact that we all love you.”

Rarity’s jaw nearly dropped. “But . . . but what about how everypony was acting?” She looked around and noticed Lyra and Bon Bon. She pointed a hoof out to them. “What about them? Bon Bon told me to stay away from her and Lyra.”

“Um. . . we can explain,” said Twilight.

Rarity rambled on though, unaware of what her friend said. “Then the Cakes acted suspicious around me and ran off after I said hello to them! Then Silver Needle went on about how I could be an outcast for being like this!”

“Slow down there, Rarity,” said Applejack.

Again, Rarity didn’t hear her friend. “Now I’m not sure if I should stay in town or leave! I’m at a loss of what to do now. I only wish that–” She was suddenly cut off by somepony covering her mouth. She looked down and saw Spike, who looked concerned, was the culprit.

He slowly pulled his claw back and said, “Rarity, I need you to calm down and listen. You’re acting more insane than Twilight over a misplaced book.”

“Hey!” Twilight barked.

Rarity looked around the room and noticed how worried everypony else looked, some even looking a little afraid. She turned back to Spike and nodded, hesitantly. “Please. . . go on,” she mumbled.

“You see, this was all Spike’s idea,” said Twilight. “Pinkie and I talked with him about planning it out for tonight.”

“But why?” asked Rarity.

“Spike said you were still probably depressed about what’s happened to you, so he proposed this idea. Thanks to Pinkie’s uncanny ability to get around town, she let everypony know about the party.”

Pinkie nodded frantically and pulled out of her mane several pink envelopes. “I always keep emergency party invitations on me!” she exclaimed with a smile. “You never know when you’ll need them!”

Rarity chuckled in an awkward manner. “Eh. . . thank you, Pinkie.” She looked back at the crowd of ponies and something else hit her. “What about the ponies who acted so strange to me? Lyra and Bon Bon wanted me to stay away from me.”

“Ahem!”

Rarity looked over to who cleared their throat and saw Lyra staring at her. “We can explain that. Right Bonny?” She asked as she was nudging her partner.

Bon Bon slapped Lyra’s hoof away and nodded. “It’s not that we were avoiding you because of your ‘condition’, but because we were both trying to get home before you saw this.” She extended her hoof out, revealing a small red bag. “We figured now was the best time to give you this.”

Rarity took a look at the bag for a moment before, reluctantly, taking it and removing the white tissue paper inside it. After removing the last piece of paper, Rarity noticed at the bottom of the bag was a small black box. She took it out of the bag and opened it, letting out a gasp to the contents inside.

She levitated a pair of golden earrings out of the box that had a unique design to them. Each earring had the shape of three diamonds connecting together, with each diamond having either a purple or white gem pattern going. Rarity couldn’t help but smile and teared up a little.

“My goodness, it’s beautiful,” she said in awe. “Where did you get this?”

“Oh, it’s something me and Bonny have been saving up for,” said Lyra. “It’s our thank you gift to you for designing the dresses for our wedding.”

Rarity blushed a little and said, “Oh, it was nothing really.”

“That’s not all though,” a stallion’s voice called out.

Rarity turned around to see the Cake family approaching her, with Mr. Cake carrying a large white bag in his mouth. He set it down pushed it towards her.

“Sorry we had to run off so quickly earlier, but we got you something too, but it wasn’t wrapped up,” he said, remorsefully. “Hopefully, this gift makes up for what we did.”

Rarity took the bag and removed all the tissue inside. She let out a gasp as she pulled out a purple covered book, with an image of a pink silhouette of Photo Finish in a pose. She read the title, which said, Work the Camera! Photo Finish’s Tips and Tricks to Modeling Dresses! Rarity couldn’t contain her excitement as she let out a squeal of delight.

“Oh, thank you so much!” she cried out. “I’ll be sure to use this the next time I go to a fashion competition!”

“Oh, you’re quite welcome, dear,” said Mrs. Cake. “We thought it was–”

“Wait! Please hold on!” a panicked voice screamed. A group of ponies were pushed out of the way to reveal a chubby, white stallion pegasus, panting and looking flustered, carrying a large saddlebag that was ready to burst with all the stuff inside it.

Rarity’s insides churned a bit as she recognized the pegasus. “Silver Needle? What are you doing here?”

“Oh, Madame Rarity, I’m so sorry about what I did before!” he cried out in anguish. “I had no idea about what truly happened and I understand now why you left in such a hurry!” He took off the saddlebag and pushed it towards her. “Here! Take all zis stuff from my shop! Your pink friend explained to me what really happened, so I quickly put all of this together. It has enough materials for your shop to last you for a few months! Consider it my apology for being so horrible to you earlier!”

Rarity took the bag and opened it, revealing crammed rolls of various fabric, sewing needles and pins, and other things she couldn’t see because of how stuffed the bag was. She looked up to the distraught shopkeeper and said, “I appreciate it, darling, but I really can’t take all of this.”

“No, please take it,” Silver insisted. “I want no hard feelings to come between ze friendship we’ve had. In fact, next time you need somesing from my shop, consider it on ze house.”

Rarity, realizing the tone of determination in Silver’s voice, took the bag and nodded. “Thank you, Silver. Don’t worry though, it was all an honest mistake that I took too far.”

Somepony tapped on Rarity’s side, making her turn to see Sweetie looking a bit forlorn. “What’s wrong, Sweetie?”

The filly tapped her foot and looked down. “Um . . . I had a present prepared for you, but I fell asleep and never finished it,” she said. “I’m sorry, Rarity.”

Rarity smiled and lift Sweetie’s chin with one of her hooves. “I believe you mean that get well card for me?”

Sweetie gasped. “You saw it?” she wondered. “It was supposed to be a surprise though.”

She was pulled in for a hug by Rarity, who looked down at her and said, “And it was a very good surprise, darling.” She looked down at her black coat and grimaced. “I just hope you don’t mind the way I look now.”

Sweetie returned the hug and nuzzled against her sister. “Rarity, you’re my sister. I don’t care what you look like. You’re still the same sister I love, even if we do have our disagreements. Nothing is going to change that. Besides, you’ll at least have a costume every Nightmare Night now.”

Rarity looked down at her sister’s smile and content settled in her as she hugged her again. She looked around the rest of the room to see everypony was smiling gleefully and felt a sense of relief wash over her. She then felt somepony else tapping her on the side and looked over to see Spike.

“You see? None of these ponies want you to go away,” he said. “We all appreciate everything you’ve done in Ponyville. It doesn’t matter if you are in your Nightmare form or yourself, we still love you.”

“But I–”

“But nothing. I don’t care what the Nightmare Forces told you, but it’s all in your head. They don’t have any control over you anymore. You’re important to all of us and we would never want to call you stuff like a monster. We’d never chase you out of town. We’d never do any of that kind of stuff. We’re your friends and nothing in Equestria is going to change that.”

Rarity saw Spike smiling warmly and then looked around the room to see everypony nodding in agreement. Her lips quivered violently and a few tears ran down her eyes as her legs were shaking.

Spike looked at the others, who seemed a bit concern, and then back to Rarity. “Are you okay?”

Rarity raised her head, smiling softly and letting a few tears run down her face. “Of course I am, Spikey Wikey,” she said. “I’m just so grateful to know I have friends such as all of you to be here for me. I just wish there was a way to repay you all for this.”

“No need to, Rarity,” said Twilight. “I think it’s time we repaid you for all the kind things you’ve done for all of us.”

Rarity nodded and asked, “Well, what are we waiting for then?”

“This!” Pinkie pulled out her party cannon and a shower of confetti rained down upon everypony. “Now we can get this party started.”

Everypony let out a cheer as music started playing. Spike was about to join the crowd, but was pulled back into the hooves of Rarity. She looked at him with a warm smile, making him blush a little.

“I just wanted to say thank you, Spikey,” she said. “I owe you for what you’ve done for me.”

He looked down and rubbed the back of his head. “Ah, it was nothing,” he said.

Rarity rubbed her chin and let out a gasp as something clicked in her head. “I know. Why don’t you be my escort for the remainder of this party? It’s the least I can offer you after helping me out so much today.” She put her hoof on his hand. “Come now, we mustn't keep the others waiting.”

Spike, who was standing shocked and blushing wildly, nodded after a moment. “Yeah . . . let’s go.”

As they made their way in, Rarity accidentally bumped into somepony, causing both of them to groan and throw them off balance. Spike quickly helped Rarity regain her bearings and rubbed her head. She looked at the pony, who was a gray unicorn with green eyes and a combed back black mane. He gazed into her eyes with a rather stern expression, making Rarity uncomfortable.

“My apologies,” she said. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

“It’s quite alright,” he said. “Just be careful, Miss Rarity. You never know who’s watching you.” He trotted past her and disappeared into the crowd.

Spike stood there, dumbfounded. “What was that about?”

“I’m not sure,” said an apprehensive Rarity. “Let’s just get to the party.”

“Right,” Spike agreed.

The sound of music blaring could be heard even outside the library. The inside was only louder, as it was buzzing with excitement. Some ponies were talking to each other, while others ate, and some danced to the music. Rarity was one of those ponies eating a cupcake and watching other ponies dance. She could see Sweetie, blushing wildly, taking Button Mash’s hoof, who too was blushing, and taking him to the dance floor, making Rarity giggle. She could also see in the corner of her eye Sweetie’s friends, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, dancing with each, with both of them looking a bit flustered as well.

As the party went on, Rarity received other various gifts from other citizens from Aloe and Lotus giving her a book of coupons for their spa, to Cheerilee giving her a journal to write in. Shortly after the presents were given, Rarity and her friends sat at a table together, talking with one another. The sound of her friends laughing, Rainbow and Pinkie telling jokes, and just simple small talk amongst them made Rarity feel relaxed.

The calmness was interrupted by the sound of a hoof banging against the table, startling the group. Rarity looked over to see Rainbow was responsible, and almost looked beside herself.

“You have to be joking me!” she barked.

Applejack let out a hearty laugh and said, “I ain’t lying to you, sugarcube.”

Rainbow grinded her teeth. “You mean to tell me that Spitfire knows your cousin, Braeburn!?” she demanded. “Why the hay didn’t he say anything about it when we visited him?”

“One, we were dealing with the Chief Thunderhooves’ tribe,” said Applejack. “Two, you never asked.”

After crossing her arms and letting out an irritated sigh, Rainbow asked, “So what did she say about Braeburn?”

The farmer shrugged. “She just went on about how much of a good friend he was when she was growing up with him. She also seemed to blush a little whenever she talked about him. I’ll have to talk to Braeburn next time he’s in town.”

“Did you find out which Wonderbolt’s uniform was ripped up?” asked Twilight.

Applejack nodded and said, “Yup, it belonged to that nice fellow, Soarin. We actually did a lot of talking together and he’s quite a nice guy. One thing that hasn’t changed since I first saw him at the Gala was his love for pie. In fact, he said he would love to come to the farm and buy more of my pies and talk to me.” As heat built up in her cheeks, Applejack turned away.

Rainbow, unaware of her friend, let out a groan. “Well I’m glad to know somepony had a good time,” she whined. “I had to spend nearly an hour cleaning up that thunderstorm mess Thunderlane made.”

“I’m sure he didn’t mean to,” said Fluttershy. “He seems quite nice.”

“Yeah, but nice isn’t going to fly with me if he keeps this up,” said Rainbow. “I swear, he acts all flustered whenever I talk to him or something. If it wasn’t for the fact that nopony has better skills in putting together a storm like Thunderlane, I’d get rid of him.” She crossed her arms and muttered, “He’s also pretty cute.”

Rarity slowly inched away from Rainbow and said, “Well, I think we better change topics then.” She looked over at Twilight. “Did you find anything in your library to help, darling?”

Twilight looked down in defeat and shook her head. “I’m sorry, but no,” she said. “Even before putting together the party, I had pretty much looked in every book.”

“And Princess Celestia?” asked Rainbow.

“I would’ve let you all know by now,” said Spike. “Remember, message via dragon?”

Twilight let out a small sigh. “Well, I don’t know where to go from here then. Perhaps tomorrow we can talk to Princess Cadance and see if we can explore the Crystal Empire archives.”

Rarity said, “Well I think–”

“Special delivery!” a mare yelled.

From out of the blue, a gray hoof, holding a yellow envelope, extended in front of Rarity’s face. Everypony looked at the mare in confusion.

“Lost another letter, Derpy?” asked Rainbow, nonchalantly.

The mailmare shook her head. “Nope! This was something I accidentally forgot to deliver to Rarity.”

After taking the letter, Rarity turned to Derpy and said, “Thank you.”

“Just doing my job!” Derpy gave a salute and flew off, nearly colliding with a crowd of ponies. The group just shook their heads and laughed to themselves.

“Well, what’s in the letter?” asked Twilight.

“Now hold on.” Rarity ripped the letter open with her magic and pulled out folded piece of paper. As she began reading it, her expression changed to one of shock and awe. She sat there motionless, unaware of her friends around her.

“Uh... hello? Earth to Rarity,” said Rainbow. She got no response. “What’s so important?” She squeezed in and tried to read the letter. The rest followed suit and crowded around Rarity to, reading the letter.

Dear Miss Rarity,

On behalf of Photo and Hoity Studios, we cordially invite you to the first annual Fashion and Modelling competition in Manehatten. We expect you to create your own new line of dresses for the upcoming fall lineup.

All competitors are asked to please arrive in Manehatten in a week and head for the Photo and Hoity Studio headquarters. Enclosed in this letter is the hotel all competitors will stay in, directions to P&H Studios, and tickets for the Saturday train to Manehatten. We hope to see you there.

Sincerely,

Photo Finish and Hoity Toity

As soon as everypony finished reading the letter, they all looked at each other, all of them looking shocked, and then at Rarity, who looked equally shocked.

“Uh. . . Rarity?” asked Applejack. “Are you okay?”

No response.

“Rarity?” wondered Spike.

The only response from her was her groaning and then fainting to the ground, the letter floating to the ground. All her friends quickly checked on her, each looking worried.

Pinkie laughed a little and said, “Well. . . at least she’ll get to try that new book out.”

Everypony looked at her with stern expressions.

“Too soon?” she asked.

The group groaned and went back to tending to Rarity.

As more ponies took notice of what happened to Rarity and crowded around her, another pony took this chance to grab the letter that dropped to the ground. The pony quickly, but carefully, slid out of the crowd and made his way to the entrance to the library. After looking to make sure nopony was watching, the pony opened the door and left, quickly shutting the door, and galloped away.

After running far enough that the library was out of sight, the pony took a look at the letter and said, “Hopefully, this will make Prince Blueblood happy,” he said in a rather stern tone. “Though, I do hope he doesn’t do anything too drastic to Miss Rarity.”

He looked around again, only to see the streets deserted. “I’d better get back to the castle and relay this information.” His horn glowed a green aura and, in a flash, the pony was gone.

Author's Note

Dear Lord, this chapter took way longer than it should have to get out. Part of the issue, aside from helping around the house and working, was that I was pretty stuck on where I want to take this story, or how to explore how Rarity is coping with her curse. I hope the way it's presented here isn't so badly done, that it's almost unrealistic and turns all of you away from this story.

One other thing I should note about this story is this. In chapter 1, I made several changes to the ending. For example, Blueblood's meeting with the nobles wasn't last night, it was on the same night as the party for Rarity. Chapter 3 is going to explore a bit more with the villains and hopefully it won't take as long to get out as this chapter.

On another note, my primary editor/pre-reader, bico-kun , is going to be out of action for a while. Apparently, he's getting ready to move, but since I have no idea how long he'll be out of contact, this could set things back. Since he's going to be out for a while, I am looking for a back up editor in case bico ends up being out of touch longer than expected. If you are somepony who's interested in helping me out, then I'd greatly appreciate it. If you are unable to, or know somepony who could help out, let me know and we'll talk more about it.

Thanks again for all the patience and sorry this took so long. Here's to hoping chapter 3 doesn't take nearly as long.

Epilogue: A Love as Everlasting as a Diamond

Canterlot is usually a city where the upper crust of society mingle and things are, for the most part, quiet and calm. This night was a different story however. As the moon shined down upon the city, the backyard of an elegant mansion near the castle was bustling with ponies cheering, singing, and dancing. On top of a large wooden stage, accordion music and a smooth rock beat played, a pink mare singing to the crowd all the while. As the song began to wrap up, the crowd applauded and the pink mare, and an orange stallion carrying an accordion stepped forward.

The stallion grabbed a microphone. “Thank you, Canterlot!” he joyfully shouted. “I normally don’t do weddings, but how could I turn down throwing a party with the lovely and talented Pinkie Pie?!”

The pink mare giggled and blushed. “Aww, Cheese, I couldn’t have done it without you!”

Cheese leaned in and kissed Pinkie on the cheek. “Well let’s keep the party going! Ready?”

Pinkie nodded furiously. “I was born to party! Or... was it to throw parties?”

Cheese smiled and raised his accordion. “Let’s really kick it now, Canterlot!”

The music started playing again and the crowd in front of the stage started dancing again.

Past the large dance floor, there were ionic columns circling from the stage, to the marble brick wall. Each column had strands of flowers and little bells that were attached from one column to the next. There were several dozen round white-clothed tables with ponies sitting and talking to each other. At the back near the wall were a few long tables that were loaded with food, punch in a bowl, plates, utensils and, in the middle table, a large, towering, circular cake that had five tiers, with each of them getting smaller the further up it went. At the top portion of the tower were two miniature ponies. One being a white stallion with a neat blue mane and suit, and the other a white unicorn mare with a flowing pink mane and wedding dress.

A brown unicorn cut two slices of cake with his magic and put each piece on a plate. “Here you go, you two,” he said in a gentle voice. He levitated the two slices to a waiting Spike and Rarity.

Spike was wearing a black tuxedo and tie and a top hat. Rarity decided against designing new dresses since she felt the ones at the Canterlot Wedding were perfect enough, and elected to wear the one she wore at Shining and Cadence’s wedding.

Spike took his plate and smiled at the brown unicorn. “Thanks!” he said.

“Yes, thank you,” said Rarity.

The two of them heard some cheering and looked to see Cheese and Pinkie dancing with each other as they sang.

Spike smiled and looked at Rarity. “It seems those two are ready to throw a party of their own,” he chuckled.

Rarity smiled and looked around. “You can say the same for our friends,” she said. She pointed towards the tables and dance floor.

Spike had a look and saw all his friends doing various activities at the party.

Bulk, wearing a tuxedo similar to Spike’s, was holding Fluttershy closely and dancing together.

“Like this?” he asked nervously.

Fluttershy nodded. “You’re doing good, Bulk. Those dancing lessons paid off.”

Bulk blushed and continued dancing with Fluttershy.

Rainbow and Thunderlane, whose mohawk was parted on both sides and wearing a tuxedo, sat at a table, and both were blushing wildly.

“So are you sure you’re feeling okay?” asked Thunderlane as he pointed to Rainbow’s wing. “You’ve only been off those bandages for two days.”

Rainbow waved a hoof and flashed a confident smile. “It’s cool,” she answered nonchalantly. “The doctor says I’ll have to take it easy with flying for a while, though.”

“Well I can take care of the weather while you recover,” offered Thunderlane.

Rainbow smiled softly. “Thanks, but I’m going to be so bored in not doing anything for the next few weeks.”

Thunderlane frowned for a moment and said nothing. An idea then clicked in his head and he smiled. “How about if I take you out then every day until you’re feeling better?”

Rainbow blushed and smiled awkwardly. “Hey, you don’t need to do that,” she bashfully said. “I can hang out with Tank and read some Daring Do books. Besides, you have Rumble to look over.”

Thunderlane shook his head. “Not really,” he said. “Flitter and Cloudchaser have been really insistent on watching over him for some reason. He doesn’t seem to mind hanging out with them anyway. I did have two tickets to a Wonderbolts show, but Captain Spitfire gave some personal time off to somepony, and for a good reason.”

Thunderlane pointed behind Rainbow, and she turned around. They both saw Soarin in a navy blue tuxedo and Applejack cuddling against each other at another table, staring at each other with gentle smiles on their faces

Rainbow looked back and chuckled. “I never thought Applejack would have the nerve to finally ask him out.”

“Really?” wondered Thunderlane in a surprised tone. “I thought you and Soarin were… well… “

Rainbow laughed a little loudly. “HAH! Oh, don’t get me wrong. Soarin’s nice and all, but Applejack let us know pretty early she liked him.”

“How?”

“Let’s just say Applejack’s not the best at keeping her crushes a secret,” laughed Rainbow.

Thunderlane chuckled awkwardly. “So… tomorrow a good night then?” he wondered.

“Yeah, yeah,” said Rainbow in a nonchalant tone. “Come by after you’re done with the weather.” She leaned in and was inches from Thunderlane’s face. “If you do a good job, maybe we can have a little fun,” she said in a rather seductive tone.

Thunderlane’s face went completely red. He muttered gibberish and he planted his face onto the table. Rainbow couldn’t help but laugh a little.

Twilight and Trixie walked close to each other and leaned their heads against one another. The magician was wearing a royal blue hat similar to what she normally would wear. It had small white sparkles on it that resembled Twilight’s own cutie mark. Her dress was rather simplistic in design, a stark contrast to the showmare’s usual show-off look. She had a silver cape with golden stars along the edges, and her cutie mark embroidered in gold on each side. She was wearing a white pearl necklace around her neck to hold the cape. Her mane was tied into a bun being held by a purple braid.

“So how has the new portion of your show going?” wondered Twilight. “Has Manehatten loved your telling of Rarity’s transformation?”

The stage magician nodded. “Oh, it was fantastic,” she proudly stated. “The crowd loved the effects Trixie used and the story Trixie told.”

“You didn’t make it about you saving the day, did you?” asked Twilight.

Trixie scoffed and said, “You presume so much about Trixie,” she said. “Trixie was as accurate as could be.” She looked at Twilight and blushed a little. “But there is one scene Trixie would like to add.”

“What is it?” wondered Twilight.

Trixie leaned in and winked. “Oh, just how a beautiful mare fell for somepony like Trixie.”

Twilight felt heat build up around her face and she smiled. “Oh… I see then.”

“Perhaps when I visit Ponyville again, I can show that off,” offered Trixie. “That is, if you want to be a part of the show.”

Twilight pecked Trixie on the cheek. “I’d love to,” she answered.

Spike and Rarity laughed and hugged each other.

“Oh, man, am I glad the girls brought their special someponies,” said Rarity.

“They certainly know how to make things more interesting,” a stallion with a Canterlot accent.

Rarity and Spike froze and slowly turned around. They both jumped a little in surprise to see Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis looking at the pair with smiles on their faces. Fancy was wearing a dark, royal-blue suit with a fluffy white cravat around his neck. He had a golden ring with a large white diamond in the middle on his horn.

Fleur was wearing an elegant, silky-white dress with golden trimmings along her dress, and a golden necklace around her neck. Just like Fancy, she was wearing a golden ring on her horn; only it had a red ruby on it instead of a white diamond.

Rarity looked a bit flustered. “Fancy, Fleur… how good to see you,” she said in a shaky tone.

Fancy laughed joyfully. “The feeling is mutual. I’m glad that I invited your friends and their special someponies. I always do like to let other members of Canterlot Nobility see ponies from different walks of life so they can understand them and respect them for what they do.”

“I should actually be thanking you for the extra invitations,” said Spike. “I was kind of worried the wedding would be big enough as it is.”

Fancy waved a hoof and smiled. “Think nothing of it, my boy,” he replied. “I was more than happy to grant you your request. You can also consider it my apology for how horrible I acted to you and Miss Twilight during that Canterlot summit.”

Spike frowned and kicked the dirt. “Well, to be fair, Twilight did tell me you were under pressure to make it go well,” he said meekly.

“That’s no excuse though,” said Fancy in a disappointed tone. “I should have planned things so much better instead of waiting until the day of the summit, and I was being very selfish. Demanding special privileges, being rude around everypony, and trying to harm Miss Twilight in a fit of violence.” He shuddered at those thoughts. “That was certainly not like me at all, and I never should’ve acted like that.”

“It’s okay,” assured Fleur as she kissed Fancy on the cheek. “We’ve all had our bad days. I’ll be here to make sure you stay the stallion I fell in love with.”

Fancy smiled softly and returned the kiss. “Well, my dear, what do you want to–”

“Excuse me!” a haughty and pretentious voice called out. “Make way! Coming through!”

The crowd muttered in discontent as a pony shoved their way through the crowd. Spike, Rarity, Fancy, and Fleur turned their attention to the pony that emerged from the crowd. It was a blue pegasus stallion with a fluffy gray mane and tail that looked like clouds. He was wearing an orange bowtie and had a gaudy white tuxedo on him. He looked at the group with a cocky smile on his face.

“Sorry I’m so late, Fancy,” he said. “Those ingrates just don’t know big shots like moi.”

Fancy shook his head and narrowed his eyes a little. “Mr. Fluffy Clouds, I understand you’re a big pony around here, but that’s no excuse to be acting so rude around the guests.”

Fluffy rolled his eyes and waved a hoof. “I’m sorry,” he said in an irritable tone. “I wanted to talk to you about the possible deal with my cloud factory.” He began walking towards the food table. “What do you say I grab some punch and we–oof!”

“Whoa!” shouted Spike as he stepped back.

Fluffy regained his balance from his sudden bump into Spike, and looked down. The dragon smiled meekly and waved at him.

“Who are you?” he asked in an icy tone. “And what is a dragon doing here at a Canterlot party?”

Spike felt a little angered by the pony. “Hey, Fancy invited me,” he scolded. “I have every right to be here.”

“That he does,” agreed Fancy. “You should treat him with some respect, Fluffy. This is Mr. Spike the Dragon, hero to the Crystal Empire and currently dating Miss Rarity here.”

Fluffy raised an eyebrow and rubbed his chin. He stomped his hoof on the ground and looked back at Spike with an unimpressed look.

“Ah, the dragon who’s dating a pony,” he said. “I remember hearing some things about you in the news.”

“Well… thanks?” asked a confused Spike.

“In all honesty, I don’t see what the point of your relationship with her is,” said Fluffy as he pointed to Rarity.

“And what does that mean?” demanded the fashionista.

“It’s just a useless love story that’s neither touching or beautiful,” he said with a smug smile. “An ugly dragon that’s only purpose in life is to steal and hoard, destroy things, and harm ponies, with a beautiful unicorn who’s better off with her own kind makes for quite easily the worst love story I’ve ever heard.”

Rarity’s eye twitched and Spike clenched his fists.

Oblivious to the reactions, Fluffy continued. “It’s also something that’ll never work out. He’ll grow too big, or he’ll try to harm her for some gold and trinkets. There is no love in a dragon. There is only hate and greed in them. That is the way it’s always has been, and always will be.”

He looked at Spike with a scornful expression. “And no random dragon is going to change my mind about that one bit.” Fluffy let out a nasty laugh which made everypony feel uncomfortable and upset.

Rainbow, who had been watching the talk unfold, snorted angrily and got up, with Thunderlane behind her.

“That’s it!” she yelled. “That guy is going to have that jaw of his broken!”

“Wait, Rainbow!” objected Thunderlane. “Let’s not be hasty!”

“She’s right, Rainbow,” came Twilight’s voice as she and Trixie approached. “Let’s just try to–”

“YOUCH!” a screeching cry rang out.

The remaining partygoers abruptly stopped what they were doing and looked over. The music suddenly stopped, along with Pinkie and Cheese’s dance. Applejack, Soarin, Pinkie, Cheese, Fluttershy, and Bulk ran over to Twilight with worried expressions. Everything fell eerily quiet as the scream rang out. Everypony looked at the source of the yell and were shocked to see Fluffy Clouds lying on the ground and shaking as he rubbed his reddened cheek. Above him, Rarity stood over with her hoof extended and had a death glare in her eyes.

“What the hay just happened?” whispered Applejack. “Rarity looks madder than Winona after a bath.”

“I think Rarity had enough of that guy’s mouth,” said Rainbow. “I can’t blame her.”

Fluffy lowered his hoof and had tears in his eyes. “You… you hit me!” he screeched in a whiny voice. “How dare you hit somepony like me!?”

“How dare you act so inconsiderate and horrible to my Spikey Wikey!?” barked Rarity in an icy tone. “Treating him like as if he was some savage who cares more about bits than me!”

“What do you care about such a random dragon!?” barked Fluffy. “Their kind is nothing short of barbaric and greed!”

Spike stepped forward to say something, but Rarity put a hoof in front of him. He looked at her and saw she was shaking her head and mouthing, I’ll handle this. The dragon nodded and stepped back.

Rarity turned back at Fluffy and took a deep breath. “Let me tell you something, Fluffy Clouds,” she coldly stated. “That you couldn’t be any more wrong about my precious Spike.”

Fluffy got up and sniffled. “What are you babbling about?” he demanded.

“You assume Spike cares nothing more than destroying things and hoarding gold and jewels?” wondered the fashionista. “You’re beyond blind and ignorant of what Spike truly is; a good friend to everypony.”

“A dragon making friends? Don’t make me laugh,” scoffed Fluffy.

Rarity bit her lip to hold her objection, but continued anyway. “He’s been the most faithful, helpful, diligent, and friendliest dragons ever in Equestria. Some of those traits you appear to lack.”

Fluffy glared. “Why you little–”

“He’s also quite the gentledrake and knows how to treat a lady such as me,” Rarity said, oblivious to the pegasus’ objection. “He’s also a dragon who doesn’t hesitate to help others. Just ask my friends.”

“Your… friends?” asked Fluffy.

“She means us,” Twilight spoke out. “And Rarity is right about Spike. He’s been my number one assistant and friend for as long as I can remember.”

“Spike’s helped out around my farm,” said Applejack.

“He’s been helping me with training and works out with me,” replied Rainbow.

“Spike is good with animals,” said Fluttershy in a stern tone.

“Spike is such a good baker’s assistant,” chippered Pinkie. “I’ve actually learned a few recipes from him.”

Rarity leaned into Fluffy’s face and glared at him. “He’s a kind dragon who cares about his friends and has never left our side when things got bad. He’s saved the day a couple of times and is a hero to the Crystal Empire. Above all, his love for me has never wavered for even a second. He cares deeply about me and has done so much for me and my friends. More than you have ever done in your life, Fluffy.”

Rarity pulled Spike in and kissed him on the lips briefly. She looked back at the pegasus. “If you have a problem with my love for Spike, then you’ve got a problem with him and my friends.”

The backyard fell silent, save for some crickets chirping, and everypony looked at Rarity. Then, the sound of hooves clapping caught Rarity’s attention, and she looked to see Twilight slowly clapping and smiling. Then, her friends slowly joined in as well and clapped faster. Several more ponies then joined in, and then more started clapping along. Fancy Pants clapped loudly as he and Fleur smiled proudly at Rarity.

Fluffy looked around frantically and was agitated. “Stop it!” he commanded.

Nopony listened. Everypony was clapping loudly now.

“I said stop it!” he barked in a screechy tone.

“I think I’ve made my case, Fluffy,” said a confident Rarity. “Perhaps you should leave before you make yourself look more foalish.”

Fluffy shook violently and panted. “But I… I… I… “

“I think we’re done here.” Rarity looked at Spike. “Come, darling, we have a party to get back to together.” She nuzzled against him which earned a kiss on the cheek from Spike.

As Rarity and Spike walked away, Fluffy heard amongst the clapping some ponies talking to each other. Talking about him.

“What a rude pegasus.”

“How can somepony like him even be so ignorant?”

“He runs a cloud factory? How has he stayed in business with his attitude?”

“He’s a joke.”

“Fluffy Clouds? More like Whiny Clouds.”

Fluffy panted wildly and felt like a bomb went off in him. He growled and stomped over to Rarity. He grabbed her violently and forced her to look at his infuriated face.

“You, bitch!” he cried.

The fashionista screamed.

The crowd stopped clapping and gasped as Rarity was suddenly smacked across the face. She stumbled back a bit and rubbed her reddened cheek. Everypony looked at the sadistic look on Fluffy Clouds as he held his hoof up and was breathing heavily.

“You skanky bitch!” he boomed in a mixture of anger and whinyness. “How dare you humiliate me like this!? I ought to–”

Before Fluffy could say another word, he let out a breathless gasp, along with the rest of the crowd, as a deep pain coursed through his body, particularly his groin area. He felt something hard lodged below his stallionhood. His knees buckled and gave way as he collapsed to the ground. He didn’t feel the object lodged at his balls anymore, but Fluffy gripped them as he shivered in pain and had a shocked look on him.

“I guess my kick is stronger than I thought.”

Fluffy raised his head slowly and felt some of his shock turn to anger as he saw Spike shaking his foot.

“You… you insolent dragon,” he said in a squeaky voice, like as if he inhaled a canister of helium. “Do you know who I am?”

“Probably the biggest whiner I’ve ever seen,” he said in a cold tone. “And somepony who makes Blueblood look friendly in comparison.”

Fluffy narrowed his eyes. “I’ll get you for this,” he squeaked. “The Royal Guard will make you pay for hitting somepony like me unjustifiably.”

“You mean unfair?” asked Spike. He walked over to Fluffy and glared at him. “That hit was for insulting Rarity. This is for hitting her!” He balled his hand into a fist and brought it down across Fluffy’s muzzle.

Fluffy rolled around in pain and moved his hooves from his crotch to his left eye. There was a little blood rubbing off onto his hooves. Fluffy frantically kicked in pain, which only made his groin hurt again and move his hooves back down. The crowd got a look at Fluffy’s face to see three horizontal scratches over his left eye.

Spike glared at Fluffy, but then felt something wrap around him. He looked up to see Rarity smiling softly at him.

“My hero,” she cooed. Rarity leaned in and kissed Spike on the forehead.

“I’ll make you pay!” screamed Fluffy in a stronger voice. “You and that bitchy unicorn will rue the day you messed with me!”

“What is going on here?” a deep voiced stallion wondered.

The crowd looked over and saw five gray Lunar Royal Guards, three of them pegasi and two of them unicorns, trotting up towards Spike, Rarity, and Fluffy Clouds. Two of the pegasi were mares, and the other pegasus and two unicorns were stallions.

Fluffy looked up and smirked as he slowly got up. “I’ll tell you what’s going on,” he said in a smug tone. “That horrible dragon attacked me without warning or reason! I was minding my own business when that… that beast kicked me and scratched me! I demand that you arrest him for assault and be punished to the full extent of the law! Just ask these ponies and I’m sure they’ll tell you the truth!”

Fluffy panted and looked around for a response. Everypony had stern looks on them, which only made the pegasus angrier.

“What are you all waiting for!?” he demanded. “Tell the guards that dragon hit me for no reason!”

“Mr. the Dragon did hit him,” said Fancy.

Fluffy smiled triumphantly.

“To defend his marefriend when Fluffy attacked her,” Fancy added.

The pegasus’ smile drooped to a frown.

“That’s what happened,” said Fleur. “Fluffy smacked Miss Rarity and Mr. the Dragon was defending her from him.”

“We can atest to that,” said Twilight. Her friends nodded in agreement.

More ponies started nodding and speaking to the guards.

“We saw what truly happened.”

“Fluffy couldn’t be any more wrong with what he said.”

“That dragon did nothing wrong. Mr. Clouds brought this all on himself.”

Fluffy nervously shook and quickly stepped in front of the guards. “Come now,” he said in a feigning friendly voice. “These ponies are just misleading you. Who are you going to believe? Me, or some random dragon and his so called friends?”

The Lunar Guards looked at each other with raised eyebrows and huddled together. They whispered amongst themselves, and would glance back at the crowd. Fluffy had a confident look on him and smiled deviously at Spike. The dragon bit his lip and looked away from the pegasus. After a few minutes, the guards nodded and turned back to the crowd.

A Lunar unicorn guard stepped forward. “Corporal Shields,” he called out.

A female pegasus stepped forward. “Yes, commander?” she asked in a gentle voice.

“Prepare a cell… “

Fluffy smiled like as if he’d won the lottery.

“... For Mr. Fluffy Clouds,” ordered the commander.

Fluffy’s heart sank and his frown returned. “W… what!?” he barked in shock.

“Judging from what some of these ponies are saying, it seems you started this mess,” said the commander.

“But that dragon started it!” argued Fluffy in a whiny voice. “He kicked me in the balls and scratched my face!”

“Wait you have balls?” asked Spike.

The crowd, especially Rainbow, laughed at the question.

Fluffy snorted and leapt at the dragon. “If I’m going down, you’re going with me!”

Spike stepped back nervously as the pegasus jumped at him. Instead of tackling him though, Fluffy just stopped in midair, like as if time itself had frozen him in place. He looked around and tried to move forward. He looked at his body and saw it was covered in a green aura.

“I think that’s enough out of you,” said the commander, with his horn glowing. He looked at Fluffy with a glare. “You’re under arrest for assault and battery.”

“But I–”

“I think you better get a lawyer,” stated the commander. “You’ll have a lot to answer to. Especially about attacking a unicorn and dragon who are friends with the princesses.”

Fluffy’s eyes went wide with terror. “Wh… What?!” he asked in a timid voice.

“Yeah, you didn’t know that, did you?” asked Spike. “Princess Celestia, and later Twilight, raised me when I was a baby. I don’t think she’ll be happy to hear you attacking not only Rarity, but try to hurt the closest thing she’s had to a son.”

Fluffy’s anger dissolved into fear, and he had a panicked look on him. As he was being pulled away and held by the Lunar commander, he started sweating profusely.

“I… I was just joking!” he shouted in a panicked voice and feigning a smile. “I meant to say that he’s a wonderful dragon and hero to all! It’s all a big misunderstanding!”

The guards shook their head in disbelief.

“Take him away,” ordered the commander.

The guards placed cuffs on Fluffy’s legs and around his wings. The pegasus squirmed and was crying out in terror.

“I didn’t mean it!” he yelled hoarsely. “I’m sorry, okay!? I’m sorry! Don’t take me away!”

“One more thing, Mr. Clouds,” said Fancy. “That deal won’t be happening, and I think after this, nopony will want to affiliate with you again.”

Fluffy broke down in tears and cried uncontrollably.

“I–I didn’t mean to!” he bawled. “I’m sorry! Don’t take me to jail!”

The guards continued marching Fluffy away.

“I want my mommy!” screeched Fluffy in a whiny voice as he cried. “Mommy! Mommy! MOMMY–EY–EY–EY!”

Fluffy continued crying and pleading as the guards escorted him out. All the while, everypony looked at him with shock and disgust. As soon as Fluffy’s whining was out of earshot, everypony starting talking to each other.

“Mommy? What is he, two again?”

“I’ve never seen such an immature pony in my whole life.”

“What a baby.”

Spike ignored the conversations and looked at Rarity. “I’m sorry about that,” he apologized. “I just couldn’t let him get away with hurting you like that.”

Rarity leaned in and kissed Spike on the forehead. “Don’t worry, Spikey-Poo,” she said. “I may not be one to be so harsh, but he got what he deserved for what he did to us.”

Twilight, her friends, and their dates rushed over.

“Are you alright, Rarity?” asked Twilight in a concerned tone. “Did Fluffy hit you hard?”

Rarity shook her head. “I’m alright, darling,” she assured. “I think that rude pegasus learned the hard way what happens when you hurt me or Spikey Wikey.”

Fancy and Fleur stepped forward and looked disappointed.

“I’m terribly sorry about that,” said Fancy in a somber tone. “Had I known what a disgraceful pegasus he was, I would have never invited him.”

“Don’t worry about it,” assured Spike. “There’s going to be ponies who don’t like me and Rarity together.”

“And I could care less,” said Rarity as she kissed Spike on the cheek.

Spike smiled and looked at his marefriend. “What do you want to do now?” he wondered.

“Why don’t we eat?” she offered. “I think I’d rather spend some time with the dragon who did steal one thing from me: my heart.”

The dragon nodded and grabbed the plates the server pony gave them. As they walked away, Twilight, her friends, and their dates looked on with smiles on their faces.

“I think maybe we should do the same thing they’re doing,” suggested Trixie.

“For once, I agree with you,” said Rainbow.

The group muttered in agreement and traveled with their dates to empty tables and food with them.

The music started playing again, and the crowd went back to their normal conversations. Spike and Rarity paid no mind to it as they finished their cake and snuggled next to each other. A dim light shined down upon them, and they looked up at the sky. They saw a cloud moving away from a full moon.

Rarity laughed a little. “Hard to believe what I was a couple of days ago,” she said. “I thought I’d hate the moon after my little episode.”

“Do you?” asked Spike.

Rarity smiled softly. “No, I don’t mind it. It actually looks more beautiful than ever.”

Spike grabbed Rarity’s hoof and both of them stared into each other’s eyes.

“No disrespect to Princess Luna’s moon,” said Spike, “but the way the moon shines on you right now, I’d say it makes you even more beautiful than ever.”

Rarity smiled and both she and the dragon leaned towards each other.

“You too, Spike, you too,” she whispered.

As Spike and Rarity closed their eyes and kissed each other on the lips, the moon seemed to shine brighter than before as the stars twinkled behind it.

Author's Note

A fun fact to know about this chapter. Originally, I was going to just use some throwaway characters who would express their disdain and disapproval of Spike and Rarity's relationship. However, after Princess Spike, Fluffy Clouds was the much more appropriate choice. Personally, I feel the way I wrote him here is pretty much the perfect characterization he is. And his actions in Princess Spike prove it.

I'm not forgetting what you did, Fluffy, and I don't think this will be the last time I play with him. ~~I'm not done with worst pony yet.~~

Getting away from that topic, that's it, folks; the end of the story.

Thanks to my editor, Alcatraz for all his hard work.

Another big thank you to Arby-Works for the cover art.

Finally, thanks to all of you for being so patient and reading this story.