Ch 6: Precedence

...Rarity has been busy!

Twilight saw painted canvases, several dressed ponyquins, and sculptures and pottery surrounding Rarity's room. But the most surprising sight to her was Rarity, herself. Rarity cut her mane! It still had her signature curl gracefully fallen to the side of her face but it fell at a shorter length, much like a stylish Mohawk. She had no hair on the back of her like she usually does. It was all gone! Her tail was still curly. Rarity was wearing stainless steel stud earrings, two in each ear. She was wearing denim overalls and they were splattered with dried paint and clay. Rarity even had paint on her face.

Rarity was hoof painting on a large piece of canvas. She took greens and blues and smeared them on the canvass. It was a multicolored silhouette of a pony on a dark background. Twilight was dumbfounded by the display.

"I'll be with you in a moment, dear," Rarity said without looking away from her work. "Just have a seat at the table. There's tea and cookies there for you if you're feeling a bit peckish."

"Wow, Rarity you really-"

"Shhshhshhshh! We'll chat in a moment. Have a seat!"

Twilight could tell she was caught up in her work, so she sat down as instructed and poured herself a cup of tea. She watched her finish her work.

"There," Rarity said standing back from her finished art piece. She then grabbed a towel to wipe her hooves and turned around, finally to see who it was that came in. "How can I help- Twilight, it's you!"

Rarity rushed over to her and gave her a kiss on both cheeks. Twilight was delighted and surprised by the greeting.

"If I had known it was you, I wouldn't have been so cold! But when the muses strike me I have no choice! I lose myself and let my creative juices flow!"

"I had no idea you painted," Twilight said.

"Why of course, dear. Haven't I ever told you?"

Rarity went over to a record player on a rolling table across the room. She put on a jazz record. On the table were a box of rolled joints, an ashtray, and a cigarette holder. She placed a joint in the holder and lit it, keeping it afloat with her magic. She then walked back over to Twilight.

"When I was a filly," Rarity started. "I took advanced art classes. I was quite good. But fabric was my favorite medium. Affixing jewels and gems to them was not only an art but a subconscious function. It felt right. But I never deterred from my other mediums: paint, clay, and marble. Have you ever held marble, Twilight?"

"No, I can't say that I have."

"Oh, come here, then, Twilight! Let me show you what I mean!"

Rarity took Twilight to another room where she keeps her storage. She brought her over to a large block of marble.

"I get my supply from Pinkie Pie's farm. They give me the family discount!"

"Wow, it is impressive."

"Usually I don't work with marble or paint unless I am struck with inspiration. But this cannabis really jump-starts my creativity! Oh, Twilight it is absolutely divine! I feel like a goddess when I'm high! Such a rush!"

"Really?"

"Oh but of course, darling. This wonderful herb widened my artist's eye! Take a good look at this marble. Do you see the end result? Can see the spot to strike first?"

"I can't see anything."

"Then touch it," Rarity said pushing Twilight against the marble. "Embrace it! Feel the shape. Feel the contours! Feel the detail!"

"I can't feel anything, Rarity."

"Be intimate with it, darling. Show it some love and sensual affection! Marble is much like a stallion!"

"What!?"

"Are you a virgin, Twilight?"

"WHAT?"

"No need to be embarrassed, Twilight. You're not the only one out of our group of friends who hasn't had their cherry popped yet."

"Rarity," Twilight yelped holding her tail. "What does it matter? What does that have to do with marble or art or whatever!"

"Calm down, sweetie! Sex and art are virtually the same. Think of sex like dancing; two bodies entangled in a spiraling tornado of unbridled passion. Two different roles sharing the same goal: sweet release! Mmmm…"

"Are you going to be okay," Twilight asked.

"Cannabis is fun to smoke and fun to work with as a fabric. But art isn't the only thing in my life that was sparked from it."

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked.

Rarity turned around to close the storage door. It was pitch dark. Rarity illuminated the room by shining the magic around her horn with much more intensity. She then moved a box that was covering a door in the floor. Rarity opened it up to pull out a smaller box.

"My creativity was heightened, that is for certain. But also, my sexual appetite."

Twilight was silent. She wanted to know what was in the box. Rarity opened it to reveal the contents to the young princess. The box contained sex toys. Twilight gasped and ran out of the storage room. Her face was beet red. Rarity followed her after she put her secret box back.

"What? What's the matter?"

"Rarity," Twilight sternly whispered. "Those are, naughty things!"

Rarity burst out into loud laughter.

"Oh, Twilight, you are so cute! Of course they are naughty! But they make me feel so good. I know you're a virgin, but do you masturbate?"

"What?" Twilight said, nervously.

"Masturbate. Clop! Hoofing yourself!"

"Well," Twilight started averting eye contact with Rarity and nervously fidgeting. "Idunno, maybe, like probably once or twice, y'know,... by accident."

"By accident, you say," Rarity smirked.

"Your point?"

"Well, love, pleasuring yourself doesn't even compare to another pony pleasuring you. With self-pleasure all that is important to a pony is that sweet release! And since I've started smoking cannabis I've craved it more than usually. Sometimes I feel too good and I have to relieve myself. I purchased the toys to keep it interesting and I certainly do not wish to go through the hassle of meeting a stallion for casual sex! Do you know what I mean?"

"I'm afraid I don't," Twilight said fixing the hairs in her tail.

Rarity looked at Twilight while she tended to her grooming. Her figure attracted her. Rarity continued looking at her from different angles, almost analyzing her shape.

"You know, there is something alluring about the body of a virgin."

"What?" Twilight winced.

"Well I can see why the untouched would be more desirable. But there is something about the virgin body that alludes an heir of intense sexuality. Something subtle but profound. A four page letter of soft words never spoken aloud. It is dangerous. It is a puzzle, but the solution is right in front of me. Every move you subconsciously make is just simply beautiful."

"Um. Thanks Rarity," Twilight said trying to smile.

"I need it!" Rarity said approaching Twilight face to face.

"Need it? Need what?" Twilight said backing away a bit.

"Your body," Rarity said inching in closer.

"My body?"

"Yes. Your body! I want your body! Please, Twilight I'm begging you!"

"Oh, now I understand," Twilight said closing her eyes and smiling. "You're attracted to me. I understand, now. Believe me, I am flattered that you would want me, Rarity. But what will the others think? I just became a Princess with my own Castle and everything. I'm not sure if ponies would be accepting of our lifestyle, because let's face it, somepony will find out and tell everypony about us and-"

"Twilight, dear," Rarity interrupted. "I was talking about art! I want to paint your body. It has inspired me!"

"Oh!" Twilight responded with a look of awkward shock.

"Wait, you thought that I… wait, does that mean that you're…-"

"Well of course you can paint me," Twilight quickly said pushing Rarity back into her workroom. "But I don't have all day so we shouldn't be here worrying about every little detail about what I said there! Let's get to work!"

Rarity positioned Twilight in the middle of the room leaning on a short column. She draped a long piece of cotton fabric off of her to make it look like she was getting undressed but the clothes were doing all of the work. All of her back was exposed. Rarity positioned Twilight's head to where it was looking over her shoulder. Rarity was finally satisfied with her pose. Jazz music was still playing on her record player. Rarity believed this called for a change in style so she put on classical music. She took a few final puffs from her joint holder before placing it down to start painting on a large canvas.

Rarity began painting her friend with intense focus. Not a word was spoken. Twilight really admired Rarity's interest in the arts. She took a look at some of the clothes she designed for the Cannabis fashion show. Some were very modern, with graphic t-shirts and vests and denim. Some were more elegant, like three piece suits and evening dresses both in which were very slimming. Some were more fashionable and trendy like her sun and moon themed outfits, which Twilight could only describe as pointy. Rarity has made creative use of the hemp fabric she was given.

Spike came in, as requested. He tried to greet the two ponies but was immediately shushed by Rarity as she did Twilight earlier. Just as Twilight did, he took the opportunity of silence to look at the work Rarity has done. He, too, was swept away by the beautiful pieces of art Rarity has kept herself busy with. Then he began watching her. He hadn't noticed the changes she made to herself at first. She had dried paint on her hooves and face. Her eyes were heavy. Spike could tell she has been hard at work but wondered for how long. They still carry so much energy and focus. Spike was truly captivated by her. She never looked more beautiful. Spike continued to watch her as she used a combination of her hooves and her magic to make her carefully placed strokes.

It was another hour or so before Rarity was finished. She set down her paints on the table with the record player. She did exactly as before, from the jazz to the holder.

"I'm finished, darling," Rarity said lighting her joint holder.

Twilight quickly got up from her pose and rushed over to the canvas to see her work. Twilight's face lit up like a growing flame. She was stunned by her work. Spike, too was amazed by the painting.

"Technically I still have some detailing to do but I got what I needed from you. Puff?"

Twilight declined the offer but Spike took her puff instead.

"Spike, you're smoking again?" Twilight said. "You're a baby dragon. You shouldn't be getting high, at all."

"Oh, yeah," Spike started after exhaling the smoke from Rarity's joint. "Guess what? Aurora Indica thinks I should be okay. Dragons live for hundreds of years. Time and dragon killers are my only enemies, at least that's what her dragon told her."

"She has a dragon, too?" Rarity gasped.

"Sort of. She said she took care of one as a filly and they became friends until they parted ways. She told her a lot of stuff about dragons, I guess. She invited me over with you, so I could come and ask her questions and stuff."

"Wow," Twilight said. "That's amazing! Well, I suppose she would be right about dragons and weed. Just be careful Spike.

"Please, do, love," Rarity said nuzzling Spike. "I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to my most precious gem!"

"Don't worry, I will," Spike blushed. "And we probably should get going. They're expecting us soon. Vanilla Kush was really excited. She asked me what your favorite dessert was and she's gonna make it for us!"

Twilight wore a wide smile. She couldn't believe the news. She blushed and bit her bottom lip as she lost herself in tender thoughts. Rarity noticed this. She thought of a way to get Spike to leave so that she could talk her about it.

"Spike, dear, would you be so kind to fetch my earring from downstairs? I'm not sure where I left it, I'm afraid."

"Don't worry," Spike said. "I find stuff for Twilight all of the time. You can count on me!"

Spike rushed out of the room to find the lost treasure in hopes his princess will reward him.

"What a gentleman," Rarity complemented. "It's such a shame he's so young."

"He is a keeper," Twilight said.

"So is Vanilla," Rarity teased.

"Yeah,... I mean, you know. If you're into that sort of thing."

"Twilight…," Rarity said with an eyebrow raised implying something.

"I don't think we should be talking about this right now," said a nervous Twilight. "I mean, Spike should be back any second now."

"From looking for that earring? There is no earring, dear. I just said that to get him out of the room. Admiration for a mare is a big motivator for our male counterparts! Now, then, tell me the truth. You have feelings for Vanilla, don't you?"

"Is it obvious?"

"Quite!"

"Oh Rarity, it's true. I really really REALLY like her! I can't help myself! Everytime I think about her I start smiling like a big dopey idiot! She's smart and pretty and cool; don't you think she's perfect for us?"

"Goodness, Twilight. I don't think I've had the pleasure of seeing you this taken, before."

"She is so special, Rarity. I can feel it. But I'm more than positive she doesn't feel the same way."

"How do you know?"

"I don't but what am I gonna do? Tell her I like girls and I think we should date? I can't do that. What if she doesn't like girls like that? What if she doesn't like me that much at all?"

"I think the chances of her being… um, that way, is pretty high. A lot of mares are lesbians. Not enough stick to go around, if you catch my drift."

"Well it doesn't even matter," Twilight said gathering her things. "I might not get the chance to ask her, anyway."

"Twilight, what do you mean? Aren't you seeing her tonight?"

Twilight was silent before she spoke again. She reluctantly told her about the research she and Spike started. She told her of the dilemma of possibly sending the Kush family away if she could prove to Celestia and everypony that cannabis is harmful. After visiting Pinkie Pie, she has her proof. But her feelings for Vanilla continue to grow.

"I'm just finding it hard to realize what is really important," said Twilight.

"Twilight," Rarity said finishing her joint. "It is true. You are a princess now. But don't forget about you in all of you royal duties. To put it better, I think you of all ponies would know what's best, darling. You are the smartest pony I know! I believe deep down in my heart, that you will find a solution that would satisfy everypony, even yourself. You just have to trust in yourself, dear."

"I just really wish I can," Twilight said making her way towards the door.

"I think you will. If not now, when the time is right. That is a how these things tend to always work out."

Rarity's notion brought a smile to Twilight's face. She and Rarity continued to make their way downstairs. They found Spike still searching for the supposedly lost earring.

"I still haven't found it yet, Rarity," Spike said looking under an ottoman. "But I haven't given up."

Rarity quickly took off one of her earrings and placed it under a hat on a counter.

"Have you tried over here, Spike" Rarity yelled.

Spike rushed over and searched the area. He finally found the lost earring under that hat after checking everything but.

"Here you go, fair maiden," Spike graciously offered the earring to her.

"Oh, Spikey Wikey," Rarity said squeezing Spike. "Thank you for saving the day!"

"Anything - ouch - for you!"

Rarity saw Spike and Twilight out.

"Thanks, Rarity," Twilight started. "For everything."

"It was my absolute pleasure. But please, let Vanilla and Aurora know that I am ready for the show tomorrow."

Twilight nodded and continued on her way. She got a few feet before she heard Rarity call out to her.

"Oh, and Twilight, do let me know if you want to borrow a back massager!"

Twilight cringed with embarrassment.

"Back massager?" Spike questioned. "What's that about?"

"Another thing I'll tell you once you're older," Twilight sighed. "Now lets make it back to the castle to freshen up."

Spike hopped on her back and off they flew to the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom Castle. Twilight was in a better mood. After seeing what cannabis did for Rarity's creativity, Twilight did not seem worried about the dangers anymore.

"So Rarity was the last one, right?" Spike yelled loud enough to be heard. "So do you have everything you need now?"

"I will after dinner," Twilight yelled back. "When we come back I'll compile everything I've learned and send my report to Celestia."

The two arrived on the perch of Twilight's room.

"Spike, check our pantry for a good cider to bring and when we're there, don't embarrass us by talking about your gross feet."

"But they are so fascinating, Twilight."

"I mean it! But let's hurry, okay," Twilight said opening her doors. "I just can't wait to-"

"Princess Twilight Sparkle, forgive my intrusion," said a figure in the dark.

"Princess Celestia." Twilight said, surprised by her visit. "I wasn't expecting you. I could've had tea ready. Here let me light some candles. Are you hungry?"

"Dearest Twilight, I am fine thank you," Celestia's warm smile practically lit the room. "I do apologize for arriving here unannounced. But I wanted to speak to you. I haven't heard from you since my last letter. I've never known you to not respond so promptly. I was afraid that you did not receive my warning."

Twilight's assumptions were correct. Her heart dropped.

"We can't allow cannabis to thrive here," Celestia continued. "It is just too troublesome."

"Princess Celestia," Twilight reluctantly began speaking. "I have received your message. But I didn't get pass the first sentence. Princess Luna came and-"

"She did intercept it, after all," Celestia interrupted. "I was afraid of this. And I can't locate her at all. She is blocking my magic to find her. She's probably off smoking, getting high somewhere. Honestly!"

"That explains why she smoked my bowl," Spike added. "She could've just asked."

"You see, you two, when we were around your age, Twilight, we came across cannabis when more land came under our governance. We did enjoy it but Luna loved it. She became addicted. It interfered with her duties as a Moon Princess. She was late raising and lowering the moon. She would devour every dream she came across causing a lot of pony citizens'' memory to digress. She made friends with enemies and often protected them. And her motivation was nonexistent. She was a absolute menace."

Twilight was shocked and confused. She was right all along. Luna was up to something. Cannabis was bad. Twilight became scared and then she realized something that was said by Luna: you're a Princess now,... It is time you took charge and start acting like one.

"We shouldn't waste anymore time with this," the Sun Princess said. "We should go ahead and ban the plant right away. I'll draw up some papers and-"

"Princess Celestia, wait," Twilight said with her head down. "I think we should wait."

"I beg your pardon…"

"Just let me handle the situation. If I see Princess Luna again, I will let you know, I promise. But just please… I need you to trust me on this."

Celestia was silent and her face stunned. She was not happy about Twilight's position on the matter.

"My biggest fear is that my sister has gotten through to you before me. But I believe you're smarter than that. As you wish, young Princess. I shall leave it in your hooves."

Twilight was relieved by her response. She hadn't even noticed her wings were erected. I must've come off as intimidating she thought. She did not mean for that to happen.

"Thank you, Princess Celestia," she finally said.

"But be warned," Celestia said with a foreboding tone. "I pray you'll make the right decision. I still have precedence over you, Twilight. Do not force me to exercise my authority over you. You're the only thing I've touched that didn't end up damaged in any way."

Twilight was almost on the verge of tears.

"Farewell," Princess said vanishing into thin air.

Twilight broke down into tears. She had already made up in her mind that she was going to see this through, no matter what. That is why she had to stand up against the only pony she truly believes in. The one she looks up to. But a certain pony's smile was enough for her to compose herself. Spike helped her wiped her face.

"Thank you, Spike," she said regaining her composure. "Now let's get ready to go."