Twinkling Gem

Chapters

Chapter I: That Which I've Never Thought Of
Chapter II: Emotions That Quell Negativity
Chapter III: Yet Bring Out Hope
Chapter IV: For my Desires Run Rampant
Chapter V: But What Can I Say
Chapter VI: When You're so Innocent
Chapter VII: A Pain Will Come Forth
Chapter VIII: That Breaks Our Hearts
Chapter IX: And Leaves us Emotionally Scarred
Chapter X: Remember That Light
Chapter XI: That Sparked my Interest
Chapter XII: And Reignited my Love
Chapter XIII: But Shadows Will Rise
Chapter XIV: Hidden Truth's Unveiled
Chapter XV: Two Hearts Become One
Chapter XVI: Yours and Mine
Epilogue: My Twinkling Gem
Prologue: Unknown Interest

Chapter I: That Which I've Never Thought Of

The sun rose up over the world and shone rays of light down that brought a warmth to the winds, which foretold the coming of Fall. Rarity walked up a spiraling staircase and hummed happily to herself. She had spent the day with her new friend, an older stallion named Fancy Pants who seemed delighted to meet her each time. It certainly was a charming little get-together. But more importantly, she surprised the other high-class ponies he was with by predicting that Fleetfoot would win the race. She bit her lip slightly as she recalled the little fib she told, one that led them to believe that she knew the trainer of the Wonderbolts. However, Rainbow Dash was nowhere near good enough to be called a trainer of the famous fliers that soared over Equestria.

Yet they were also surprised that she was staying at the palace, and in fact knew Princess Celestia. However, she was able to gain all their trust, and in time she became fast friends with the higher social group. ‘Oh, Rarity, you have done well today.’ It was such a great way to finally integrate herself into the high class status of these other ponies, since she herself felt that, although she was a Ponyville pony, she was a Canterlot mare at heart.

She grabbed the doorknob and opened the doors to her room. Her smile could have easily lit the whole room. ‘I must thank Princess Celestia and Twilight again for the lovely accommodations she provided me with.’ She let out a giggle. It might be best not to overdo it the next time she visited her. After all, horseshoes did not need to receive dozens of kisses.

Rarity swiveled her ear at a cat in her room, then turned and met her white persian cat, Opalescence’s gaze. Her pet meowed and ambled over to Rarity’s workdesk. Opalescence kept her gaze on her owner, jumped up to the desk, and nodded to the right with her paw pointing to a pony figure drawn onto a piece of paper. Her paw laid over a very well-designed dress. “Oh, Opal.” Rarity chuckled. The hat upon her mane lifted off in a light blue aura of magic; the light gently held it in place while Rarity brought it over to an open hanger. Levitating it over to a hook next to the front door before closing it. “Yes, I understand that Twilight’s dress is a top priority as well. So don’t fret, I’ll make sure to work on the scheme and coloring of her birthday dress soon enough.”

Rarity could only sigh and frown. She figured that she would work on Twilight’s dress sometime here soon, but even so, she had let the high-class ponies fill her schedule with activities they considered meaningful to them, when she needed to get to work on the greater task of importance: her friend’s birthday surprise. She sighed yet again and rested her head against the wall.

“Of course Opal, I realize that my friend’s dress is of the greater importance, but I simply can’t—” Rarity turned her attention to the paper. She took a moment to scan the design while glancing at every detail on the dress. ‘Hmm… there is something… wrong with this dress.’ Yet it seemed perfect. A dress that was extravagant, one that was, to quote those two stuck-up ponies, “a dress fit for Canterlot.” And of course, she had the sketch of this piece of art truly fit that mindframe. An ensemble that was fit for a true Canterlot pony.

“But why does it feel like the dress is unfinished?” There must have been something that was wrong, yet she could not understand why. It was flawless, but why did she feel like it could be more? ‘There must be something that I can fix about it. Maybe if I consider the mare who will wear this...’ Her mouth hung slightly agape; the problem was almost too easy to find. Of course she would wear a dress like this, but Twilight, beautiful as she was, did not enjoy gowns that were so… over the top.

‘But certainly I can make it work… right?’ She latched her magic onto her glasses and fixed them onto her ears and nose. She studied the design again to see what there was to fix, from the perfectly curved end of the dress overlapping the end of the pony figure to the headdress that extended out for a couple of feet. ‘What could possibly be wrong? Surely Twilight would like this?’ But then she took another look, slightly closed her eyes and took a closer examination at the ensemble.

She imagined Twilight in this dress and saw that, although it did look great on her, it just seemed to be a bit much for her. But when Rarity thought about how she would look in that dress, it was absolutely perfect for her. Once she understood the facts, she let out a tiny gasp. “Oh… so it doesn't work for Twilight at all.” Rarity tapped her chin, gently and bit her lip before her smile brightened. “I just got an idea.”

She lifted a pen up with her magic and erased parts of the sketch. Rarity flipped her pencil around and added new touches to the dress that gave it more of a flair that she felt would definitely match her friend’s own unique style. It took a few minutes as the pencil shuffled across the paper, eraser shavings covering the corners of the paper, until she put the pencil down. Rarity smiled brightly, and her eyes widened slightly. She let out a tiny squeal of excitement at the new sketch. “Oh this is completely wonderful, Opal! Not even the first drawing was as magnificent as this.”

It was more simple than her first idea. She kept the length the same, but took away a bit from the original design on the main part of the dress and added a more celestial approach. She also decided that the headpiece was not really working out as well as she thought it would, so that was thrown into the scrap. Even if there was no true color to it, she could imagine the color scheme and thought that it looked divine, at least in her own mind.

“Yes. I am certain that Twilight will take to this specific scheme of the dress. Now all I have to do is get the appropriate cloths and fabrics, and it will come together most splendidly.” She smiled while her heart soared again. However, a frown replaced her grin when she thought about the high-class ponies’ events. “Well… they all had good reasons for me to come to their soirées. But if I do go, then I will not have any time to prepare Twilight’s dress.”

Rarity rubbed her chin again with another hum. “How could I work their festivities into my schedule, yet still have enough time to work on Twilight’s ensemble?” Her mind swirled the question around like a whirlpool, with each answer lost in the endless ocean of possible answers that was her mind. “Ohh… why does this have to be so difficult?” she whined. Rarity brought up a hoof while she dramatically fell backwards onto her bed with a soft groan.

As she removed the hoof from her eyes, her gaze met Opal’s, and she rolled her eyes. “Don't give me that look, Opal. If you had to pick between your best friend and high-class ponies who are hoping that you show up, how would you choose between upsetting your friend or ruining your own reputation among the ponies of this fine city?” Her cat stared at her, meowed and began to clean her right foreleg.

Rarity groaned. “You’re no help, Opal.” She threw her hooves back, while she laid herself out across the bed. ‘I can’t just go abandon my best friend, can I?’ The thought of Twilight made her heart ache. She closed her eyes, only to imagine her friend with the gown on, who just seemed to stand there. Rarity opened her eyes to meet Twilight’s; the other mare slightly closed her own while she gave off this weird look. Her smile began to soften, and her eyes glittered. Twilight slowly began to walk over to where Rarity laid on the bed. While Rarity watched this gap close, she felt her fur stand on end. Her heart beat faster and faster. Yet Rarity could not withhold the sight in front of her. A moment was all she needed before she had completely looked her friend over and ended up with red flushed cheeks.

She thought of how soft her lips must have felt, Twilight batted her lashes at her. Rarity’s own gaze moved across her friend’s body, yet she could not help but admire at what she could see in front o--

Rarity let out a gasp, and her eyes flashed open. She quickly sat up and scanned the room to see if her friend was truly there. There was no Twilight, and she guessed she was just daydreaming. ‘But… what was that all about? Wait… no...’

“Rarity, for Celestia’s sake why are you thinking about your friend in such a way?” She shook her head and rubbed her eyes. “That is so lewd!” She frowned, which transcended into how this obnoxious love stayed trapped within her mind. “You cannot fall for a friend just like that, nor is it even right to do so.” It was quite immature, she thought. She never wished to have such an image cross her mind in that way. Rarity tried to cast those thoughts, but a groan escaped from her mouth. These emotions seemed to hold their ground, rooted into her mind while they constantly pestered her over and over with the same ludicrous thoughts that swirled in her mind.

She had never had a thought like this to other mares before. She had always thought of stallions being the pony she would fall in love for. Heck, if she did find her “Prince Charming”, she would obviously marry said stallion. But the idea of doing it with her best friend, Twilight? That was preposterous. ‘There is absolutely no possible way I would ever marry Twilight.’

But a faint frown formed on her muzzle. She had in fact tried to gain a Prince Charming once before. However, the nephew of Princess Celestia, Prince Blueblood, was not exactly who she thought he would be. Instead of being chivalrous, he was a complete coward. Instead of being the selfless stallion she dreamed him to be, he was inconsiderate and used her as a shield against Applejack’s cake she had made for their first Grand Galloping Gala.

And the negativity she felt towards Twilight about these feelings... there was no need to think that Twilight was possibly the worst mare to think about or all those nasty words. “I… but why?” She did not know if this was just some random thought she had, or if in fact, her experience with Blueblood might have changed her perception on stallions. Of course, Rarity knew that not all stallions were selfish. But why Twilight? Why now?

“There must be something I can do?” Rarity murmured while she brought a hoof over her eyes. ‘Let me contemplate this situation for a moment. First of all, I could possibly ignore Twilight until these emotions wither away. But then she might believe that I am purposefully trying to ditch her.’ So the idea of hiding was out of the question. ‘But… I may be able to explore these feelings and find out why and how I fell for Twilight. Hopefully there may be a proper explanation for all this.’ And now that she had a clue on what to do, she needed a plan. ‘Let me see here… I could bring her to my temporary abode tomorrow to let her try on her birthday dress? And while she is doing so, I shall make sure to check these feelings and find the cause of all of this.’

Yet in her current predicament, she could only sigh in defeat at the idea of accepting these advancements onto her friend. But she relented.

“Okay… if I must discover why I feel this way to Twilight… so be it.” Yet after she spoke those words, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. And even stranger so, she turned her frown upside down, like she was excited for discovering something so different. “This may not be a bad thing at all. Maybe an… experiment is in order.”

Rarity stood up and gazed at the sketch of Twilight’s birthday dress again. If she was to investigate these emotions, she would do so with caution. In the end, she did not know how Twilight would feel about this, and, already well-versed in romance novels from previously read books, she needed to make a subtle notion to learn more about her friend’s own ideas of a relationship. And even then, she would need to be careful herself. Otherwise she could only theorize that there might be more than one broken heart.

Author's Note

Hello there, again! I thank you for sticking with me and my first romance story. And I forgot to mention this earlier, but I have written out half of this story already, so I am just planning to publish one chapter a week, all on the day Saturday. So hopefully that is not too long of a wait.

Chapter II: Emotions That Quell Negativity

The rays of light shone through Rarity’s windows, her temporary living space illuminated in the beautiful natural light from the outside world. She hummed away, a sewing needle in a light blue aura stitching the last bit of decor onto the dress, her smile brightening as she quickly looked over her design. She had forgone the headpiece, seeing that it was a bit too much for her friend. But what she had made in the end, felt more like what her friend would truly wear.

Comets streaked across a pale deep blue tinge that marked through the bright magenta and dark lavender colors that made up the entirety of the ensemble. And to add a bit of her own touch, she had also sewn faint bright blue stars that resembled diamonds, bringing out what she predicted to match Twilight Sparkle well. “And there. That should do it,” Rarity murmured as she set down the sewing needle.

Stepping back, she wiped her brow with a hoof, taking a moment to gaze at her newest creation. From her earlier attempt at the first sketch of her friend’s birthday dress, she imagined the two designs side by side, shaking her head at the first version as she frowned at all the features that simply would show better on her, rather than looking amazing on her friend. Then she turned her attention to the newest creation, and the more celestial-like approach screamed her friend’s name.

“My, what a splendid piece of art. I can absolutely see Twilight enjoying an ensemble such as this.” The process of creating this dress had taken quite a bit of effort over the past couple of days. It was tiresome, of course, having to work on this project when she could. Not only was this part a bit stressful, if not necessary, but she had also made it a point to attend the high class parties and get-togethers her noble friends had put up, from art displays to even a christening of one of Fancy Pant’s flying yachts.

Though they felt more like a free period of relaxing than work, she had to admit that after organizing how much time she had worked on Twilight’s dress and had spent at these parties, Rarity felt like she had managed this quite well. Yet she smiled and turned to face Opal. If it weren’t for Opal’s constant and annoying meow, Rarity did not know if she would have been able to finish Twilight’s dress. ‘But I am glad she is here. Otherwise I may not have even worked on the dress at all, and possibly even got in trouble for that.’

Speaking of her Persian cat, she looked back to face Opal, her furry little friend yawning and she stretching her legs out. “Opal, dear,” Rarity said. “What do you think of my latest creation?” she asked as she stepped aside and let her cat have a full view of the ensemble.

Opal looked over the seams and lines of the dress, tilted her head here and there, murred quietly, and rubbed against the dress. “Oh, thank you, Opal! You are a true dear, aren’t you?” Rarity said, walking up to her desk. She wrapped her magic around a few of her items, opening a few of her bags and placing the scissors and needles in their appropriate places.

A knock on her door echoed into the room. Rarity looked up to the entrance. “Oh! I have company. Be right there!” She hurriedly stowed her other utensils away, then trotted into her bathroom and fixed her mane. Her eyes never left the mirror once until she nodded, fine with how her hair looked. Rarity walked back to the door and opened it up. The smile she wore seemed to brighten as she saw who stood at her door. “Twilight! It is so good to see you,” she greeted her friend with a hug before pulling away.

“Hello there, Rarity,” Twilight replied. “Just came to see how you were doing.”

“Excellent, darling. And you are just the mare I was wanting to see.”

“Why is that?” Twilight asked as Rarity ushered her into her room.

“Because I have a surprise for you.” Rarity let out a giggle before asking, “Now, would you be a dear and close your eyes for a moment?”

“Why? What’s this surprise you have for me?” Twilight asked as she did what her friend instructed. Rarity levitated a blindfold up to Twilight’s eyes, gently wrapping them around her friend’s eyes. “I have my eyes closed, Rarity; I promised I wouldn’t look.”

“But I don’t want you to spoil the surprise, Twilight.” Rarity giggled before grabbing her friend’s hoof, leading her to the dress. “Now, I shall remove your blindfolds, but promise me that you shall not try and take a quick gander, okay?”

Twilight let out a groan of annoyance. “Of course. I promise that I won’t try to see what is so important that you have to have me be blindfolded.”

Trusting in Twilight that she would keep her word, Rarity untied the cloth, placing it on the desk behind her. “Alright, you can look now.” She watched as Twilight opened her eyes, a glimmer sparkling in her pupils as a smile grew on her muzzle. “So… what do you think of your birthday ensemble?”

“This is the dress for my birthday?” Twilight took a step back, her smile fading slightly. “Rarity… I, I don’t know what to say…”

‘Oh no. Did I accidentally over do it again?’ Rarity brought a hoof up to her muzzle, fidgeting slightly as panic began to set in. “Twilight.” Rarity sighed. “You can be be completely honest wi--”

“I love it!” Rarity’s eyes lit up as she regained her smile, hearing Twilight say those words was a huge weight off her shoulders. “Oh, I can’t thank you enough! This is so beautiful.” Twilight wrapped her hooves around Rarity as she let out a tiny squee of excitement.

Rarity couldn’t help but giggle at her friend’s joy. “You cannot believe what a relief it is to hear you say that,” she murmured to herself. Clearing her throat, she asked, “Would you like to try it on?”

“Of course. I’d be happy to.” Twilight encased the ensemble in a raspberry-colored aura, moving it close to her right side.

“You can go ahead and use my bathroom if you wish.” Rarity ushered Twilight to her to the other room at the far right of her bedroom. Twilight went in, closing the door behind her. As the door shut, she breathed out. “Okay, Rarity. You have been doing well so far. We must not let Twilight know that I… well, have feelings for her. Just take a deep breath” --she breathed in and slowly breathed out-- “and you should be just fine.”

The bathroom door opened, and her friend stepped out. “So what do you think, Rarity?” Twilight asked.

She turned around to face Twilight, her mouth dropping open as she let out a quiet gasp. If beauty had any type of physical form, then Rarity would swear that she was seeing her right now. The dress was absolutely perfect on her, showing off her friend’s beautiful curves and looking stunning over all. “You look… amazing…” Rarity murmured. ‘Amazing? No that is not even a good beginning to describe what Twilight looks like.’

Twilight blushed at Rarity’s comment, looking at the ground. She returned her attention to her friend, raising an eyebrow. “Uh… Rarity? Are you alright?” Rarity did not heed her words. Her smile softened. “Hello? Are you there, Rarity?”

The words finally broke through the haze enveloping Rarity, shaking her head before her cheeks slightly flushed. “Oh, I am terribly sorry, Twilight. I guess I must have lost my focus for a moment.”

“It’s alright.” Twilight smiled, giggling as she asked, “But what was with the face? You were looking really strange there.”

“My face? What do you mean my… oh.” Rarity’s cheeks grew brighter at the mention of how she was possibly staring at Twilight. “Oh, I um… why there’s a perfect explanation for that,” she said, biting her lip as she thought. “You see, I just… oh, I just fell into a daze. Yes… that’s the exact reason.” A quiet giggle escaped from her lips. “That of course… heh, is the reason.”

Twilight could only tilt her head quizzically. Rarity looked to her left and right before chuckling nervously. But Twilight’s faint frown was replaced by a smile as she giggled. “I can tell that you’re pretty tired. Maybe I can come back when you're ready for my birthday party here in Canterlot.”

Knocked out of her daze, Rarity shook her head before smiling. “Of course. I shall see you in a bit, darling.”

As Twilight walked out of the room, waving to her friend, she stopped before fully exiting Rarity’s temporary living quarters. “I almost forgot. Thank you for the beautiful dress, Rarity. See you later.” The door shut with a low click, and the room filled with silence once more. She continued to wave her hoof until she turned to look at it. She sighed and put it back on the ground.

Rarity lost her smile, a faint frown on her muzzle as she groaned out to the room, “Why do my emotions have to play such a horrible game with me!?” She fell onto her bed, which buckled slightly under her body. “Oh, Twilight. How you managed to steal my heart, I shall never know. But why?” She looked to Opal. “Please tell me, Opal,” Rarity pleaded. “Why has Twilight Sparkle taken my breath away from me?”

Her cat just stared a deadpan expression as Rarity sat up, blinking for a moment until she giggled. “Oh, right. I cannot understand you like Fluttershy would, nor have you ever been in such a predicament as this.” Her frown returned as she groaned again. “But still… the way she looked in that dress… oh, how a mare as herself looked so dashing. So astonishing that I could never imagine how she does it.”

She could not help but gush, resting her hooves on her cheeks as she let out a long sigh. Rarity let out a giggle, for the beauty of her friend she knew of had all but costed the words in her mind. “Yet she has driven me to the point where I look, even sound like a babbling buffoon in those romance novels.” Another little chuckle echoed in the room. “Oh, Rarity… whatever are we going to do?”

But she stood back up, looking out the window. She shook her head and raised a hoof to her chin as she thought of this “romance” she could only see in her mind. “Well… if I am truly in love with Twilight, then… why not try? I did say I would experiment with this adoration of my friend.” A faint smile broke the frown on her muzzle. “Maybe… it might not be as tragic as I have sought to label it in this type of light? If this works… then I may have found my Prince Charming after all!” She proclaimed, giggling again until she tapped a hoof on her chin. “But she is not a stallion… so not a ‘Prince Charming’ at all. Maybe a ‘divine princess?’ Yes, that works. My divine princess!”

It was a good approach, and one that might get her closer to understanding the full potential of this new love. ‘I wonder what else I can dig up from this? This may lead me somewhere, maybe even to Twilight’s own heart.’ Although she had discerned that this would be indeed the mare of her dreams, she needed to know more. But she could shelve this situation for the moment, for there was something else she had to solve. But how? Which party did she need to attend the most? ‘Well… it is my friend’s birthday party after all. And I cannot afford to miss it. However, I need to keep my image up with my up and coming friends of the Canterlot nobility.’ She hummed, tapping her chin for a moment. “Well… maybe I can go to both parties? Or at least do my best to make it look like I’m not switching from one party to another?” With the plan in mind, she was set and ready for whatever these festivities would throw at her tomorrow.

Author's Note

Thanks to my two awesome proofreaders, the story is going along well. And I am also glad for anypony who takes their time to read this story as well.

Chapter III: Yet Bring Out Hope

Author's Note

Just to clarify, the episode this is based off of, known as Sweet and Elite: is owned by Hasbro Studios and DHX Media, and the show is produced by Lauren Faust. Thank you all again and I hope you enjoy.

Chapter III: Yet Bring Out Hope

Rays of light pierced through a tall window, lighting the house up in a magnificent zone of twilight. A quiet sigh echoed into the room as Twilight looked into a mirror, smiling at the dress Rarity had made her for her birthday, twirling around with a giggle. After visiting her friend today, she had taken the beautiful gown off and went about her usual day of studying her books. Yet her mind occasionally wandered off as she pictured herself in that dress. “This dress is so beautiful… I really need to thank Rarity again for all her hard work.”

“Jeez, Twilight,” Spike said as he climbed up a ladder, shelving another book away. “You're beginning to sound like a broken record over there.”

She turned her gaze up to him, smiling as she chuckled. “I know, I know. But I didn't expect Rarity to make something so amazing for me. I would have been fine with something simpler, maybe even not as colorful as this. But it’s just so fascinating that I can’t take my eyes off it.” It really did mean so much to her, to have something so thoughtfully given to her on her special day. “Besides. I’m only wearing it on my birthday. I’ll put it away after tonight.”

Spike slid down the ladder, laughing to himself. “I gotta admit, though. I’ve never seen you so worked up over a dress before,” he teased. “I mean you’re not usually this way unless you have your hooves on some new book, or while practicing a spell.”

She had to admit that Spike was right. Under normal circumstances, she would prance on about a new and exciting discovery she’d made in a tome Princess Celestia had her study, or even if she had mastered a new magic spell. But she was just being thankful.

“Yes, you’re right about that, Spike. It’s just that this is so… new to me.” It was a true fact that she would freak out over the newest piece of information, or a new affect from some spell she had recently learned. "However, this is something new. Something that isn’t just special like reading. It’s just another sign of how well our friendship is developing.” Twilight’s smile brightened as she returned her gaze to the mirror.

She swiveled her ears to hear a door opening. The door closed again, with the sound of clothes rubbing against Spike’s scales. “What are you doing, Spike?” Twilight asked as she walked over to the door. She peeked around it to watch Spike exit the small room. She brought a hoof to her muzzle as she tried to contain a giggle. “Oh Spike, you look so adorable.”

“Adorable, smorable.” Spike walked out with a faint frown. He struck a pose, gentleman-like as he leaned on a cane. He wore a simple black and white tuxedo, smirking at his older sister. “Maybe I’ll gain Rarity’s attention this time if I wear something fancy.”

Twilight shook her head as she looked at Spike’s attire. Since the first day they had met Rarity, Spike seemed to have fallen head over heels for the fashionista. And after Twilight and Spike got to know Rarity, he had done his best to gain her attention, although sometimes to no avail. But he was persistent, Twilight at least had to credit him for that. “Alright, Casanova. We better get going if we want to meet everypony else.”

“Sounds good to me.” The two walked downstairs to the first floor. Twilight opened the door with her magic, and the two exited the building. She closed it behind her and locked it, and the two made their way to the train station.

“Hey Twilight?” Spike chuckled as he spoke.

“Yeah, what’s up Spike?”

“Hey, during the party. You should totally get yourself a marefr--”

“Spike!” Twilight nudged him with a hoof, blushing brightly at what he was going to say. “That’s not funny.”

“Oh don’t worry. Nopony knows about that. Still, I don’t know why that was your reason for staying here in Canterlot and not moving in with your friends over in Ponyville?”

“Well… I’m uncomfortable about that. I haven’t even told my family about it. I don’t know how my friends would react.” Twilight looked to the ground. ‘Besides… it’s one of the reasons I didn’t stay there. How would my friends feel about me if they knew?’

“Twilight. Just don’t worry about it today.” She looked up to where he stood. “It’s your birthday today. So just have a fun time.”

She smiled and nodded. Twilight wrapped a hoof around her little brother. “Thanks Spike.” Today was going to be a great day indeed.

~~~

“Twilight. I still think you overdressed for your birthday,” Rainbow said, chuckling as she stared at her friend’s dress, her wings flapping while she hovered in the air next to her.

Twilight frowned as she continued to listen to her friend’s endless pestering. She had met them at the train station after agreeing to a time where they could all make it. It was also thanks to Pinkie Pie that they were able to change the location of the party to something closer to home, that being the royal palace’s ballroom. When they saw her dress, Twilight had felt her muzzle warm up as a couple of her friends’ mouths dropped. “Ah don’t know, Rainbow,” Applejack replied. “Twilight doesn’t seem ta look quite like she’s overdoin’ it.”

“And besides, you can wear whatever you want on your birthday!” Pinkie Pie added, bouncing alongside the others. “You could even wear balloons to your birthday if you wanted.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes as she crossed her forelegs together. “Anywho. You said that Rarity made this for you, right?”

“Yes. She was kind enough to make such a beautiful dress for me on my birthday. I just didn’t know how many times I should have thanked her.” Twilight smiled with a sheepish grin. That was true to a point. Even though it was just best to thank her once, she felt like she needed to keep thanking Rarity for the amount of effort she put into this. Yet even then, she knew that repeating the same line over and over again wasn’t really going to help anypony.

“Maybe you could thank her again, just to be sure she got the message.” Fluttershy giggled.

“Well, it won’t be too long now, cause there she is.” Applejack pointed to where Rarity stood pacing back and forth.

“Hey, Rarity!” Rainbow Dash called out. The fashionista looked up and smiled.

“Hello, everypony. It is good to see you all again.” Rarity trotted up to the others, the group pulling in for one friendly group hug until they separated moments after. “How is Ponyville faring so far?”

“Well there sure ain’t no crazy monster destroyin’ the town, so Ah’d think we’re doin’ fine.” Applejack tipped her hat to her friend. “And Sweetie Belle is stayin’ out of trouble so far. She, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo haven’t created some disaster.”

“That’s good to hear.” Rarity turned to face Twilight, her smile brightening as she met her friend’s gaze. “And you look absolutely stunning, darling! How do you like the dress?”

“It’s great, Rarity. I can’t thank you enough for this.” Twilight pulled her in for another hug.

“You are quite welcome, Twilight,” Rarity replied, pulling away before dusting her dress off with a hoof.

“Oh, don’t tell me you’re going to this birthday party all fancied out yourself, Rarity?” Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow as she glanced at the outfit Rarity herself was wearing.

“Is it such a crime to wear something extravagant to your friend’s party? I think not.” Rarity huffed as she looked away, closing her eyes and turning to face the uphill street. “Besides, you all know I wear something fancy every now and then.” She bit her lip and trotted along the sidewalk as everypony else looked to one another.

Applejack could only shrug and follow after their friend. Twilight had seen Rarity worked up before. Especially so when Rarity had come to a complete mental breakdown before while Twilight tried to find a friendship problem. Her friend thought she had lost some diamond-encrusted ribbon, having a complete breakdown when she thought it was gone forever, if not dramatizing the whole moment as well. However, she had found it only moments after Twilight had declared to help her find it. ‘Maybe she’s just a little stressed out after working on my birthday dress? Yeah, that might be the problem.’

Twilight smiled as she and her friends approached the ballroom doors. Her friends’ voices faded to mere mumbling as she focused on her surroundings. As the doors opened, her eyes widened at the spectacle inside. Streamers hung up delicately on the ceiling and archways, red balloons floated above, and a table bore all various types of party snacks and even a chocolate fountain.

Twilight could not begin to describe how thankful she was. A wonderful dress made by her friend, Rarity, and a great party being thrown by another terrific companion, Pinkie Pie. She blinked, and the words of her friends finally cleared up and were audible again. “Isn’t it fancy-pants?” Pinkie Pie asked as she ushered her to the setup behind her.

“Fancy Pants!?” Rarity dashed behind Rainbow Dash. “Where!?” She looked around, turning her gaze to her friends after her search, only to smile. “I… uh, mean uh… where did you find the time to put up all these decorations?” She let out a short chuckle as she realized how close she had come to revealing her affiliation with a noble.

“Oh, I never leave home without my Party Cannon!” Pinkie Pie pulled it from the side, pulled the trigger, and blasted out confetti and other party items onto a table. Rarity flinched as the confetti fell upon her, and she frowned as she stared at Pinkie.

“I thought of having my birthday outside, but they’re having another party on the castle grounds today.” Twilight smiled as she looked out to the other party filled with nobles. Beside her, Rarity was hiding behind a curtain, precariously sneaking a peek at the other ponies outside. It was certainly odd to see her trying to remain unnoticed from the party outside, but she dismissed it as her having a moment of jitters. Twilight walked back to the middle of the room, and her grin brightened while she anticipated the next couple of words.

Pinkie Pie slowly stood up behind Rarity before declaring, “Leeeeet’s party!”

~~~

‘Today has been great! I can’t believe how much fun my birthday has been so far.’ Twilight’s eyes were closed as she danced next to the phonograph, ignoring the noble ponies around her who were backing away from her ‘unskilled’ movements. They probably did not mind them coming out there to have fun in their party, too. Then again, it was Rainbow Dash’s idea, but these Canterlot ponies were at least decent, right?

She stuck her tongue out and danced harder as her favorite verse of the song came up. “Excuse me. Might I ask where you got your… ensemble?” Twilight opened her eyes and looked up to see a older-looking stallion with a azure mane moving his monocle to his left eye in a deep gold aura.

She smiled. “Why, yes. Yes you may. A very, very close friend of mine from Ponyville made it for me.” It was in that moment, Twilight thought, she heard somepony spit from within the gathering crowd.

“Ponyville. You don’t say?”

“I do say. Her name is--”

“Fancy Pants.” Rarity interrupted Twilight as she walked up to his side. “Come with me, I’d like to show you… this, uh, thing that’s over there.” She pointed to the far side of the courtyard. “On the other side of the room.”

“In a moment, my dear.” He gestured to Twilight. “This lovely filly from Ponyville was just about to tell me who made her charming dress.”

“That dress? Oh come now, who cares, it’s just another dre--”

“Oh, don’t be so modest,” Twilight said. “This dress you made is beautiful. Especially with how much effort you put into it.” The crowd erupted with a gasp as the nobles all heard what Twilight had said. She backed up and her smile perked up while her other friends (except for Rarity) stood behind her. “We all think so.”

It went silent. The crowd looked between Twilight, whose dress astonished them, and to Rarity. “You know these ponies?” Fancy Pants asked as he turned to face Rarity. She bit her lip, turning to see everypony else giving her weird looks.

Twilight’s smile remained, yet she could not help but glance at everypony else. They were whispering to each other, but their stares were not directed to her, but at Rarity. A faint frown replaced her smile as she watched Rarity turn to face her and the others. ‘Is… she going to be okay?’

It was then that her friend unexpectedly began to make her way to the noble crowd, her head down as she strolled up to them. “Yes. Yes, I do know them. They may not be as sophisticated as some of you Canterlot ponies, but they are my best friends.” She turned her attention to where Twilight stood. “And they are, without a doubt, the most important ponies I know.” Rarity closed her eyes and pointed to Twilight’s dress. “And that dress she is wearing is what I think represents Canterlot more than my original design. And my friend pulls it off better than many of you might.”

Twilight’s smile returned. She felt her heart beat a little slower and her smile soften. ‘Wow… thank you so much, Rarity....’

“Important ponies?” Jet Set said with a smile. “These ruffians?”

“Don’t make me laugh.” Upper Crust added to her husband’s mockery, laughing at the group of mares.

‘What!?’ Twilight frowned, glaring at the two ponies that stood in front of the noble crowd. What did these two ponies see, that they thought they were better than any of them. She felt a warm spark flow up her horn. Twilight looked up and opened her mouth. ‘No! My friends can’t see this!’ She breathed in, slowly exhaling out in an effort to calm herself. ‘Okay. Even though these two ponies are clearly idiots and have no better enjoyment in their lives, right now, I just need to breath and calm down.’ She did this for a moment and before long, she felt that same warmth on her horn fade away. Twilight glanced up and sighed to herself. ‘Okay… that was close.’

“I for one find them charmingly rustic.” Fancy Pants turned to the two high- society ponies with a smile. The two ponies abruptly stopped laughing as they looked at the more regal unicorn with wide eyes. “And I think the dress you made for your friend is quite lovely.” He hummed a chuckle. “I daresay every mare in Canterlot will be wanting one.”

Upper Crust immediately rushed up to Rarity. “Oh, I’d like to place my order right now!

“I think you should make it two, hmm?” Jet Set added. Rarity quickly rushed away from the two, their heads colliding together with an audible "smack"!

“Uhmm, yes. Now then, how about you introduce me to your friends?” Fancy Pants asked as he turned his attention to Twilight and the others.

“With pleasure.” Rarity smiled brightly at the acceptance that came from this stallion. Twilight grinned as she watched her friend introduce them all, glad that such a night had gone so well for once.

After the introductions, Twilight separated from her friends, headed back into the ballroom, and let out a sigh. “I had such a wonderful time. What do you think, Spike?”

Spike leaned against the wall. “Ehh, I still think some nobles are too stuck up half the time.” He frowned as he stared at the two instigators of what felt like the rejection of Rarity from noble society.

“Well, yes. There was that minor bump today, but at least nothing bad happened, right?” Twilight said as she walked up to his side and pulled him in for a hug. “Thanks for coming along with me. I really appreciated it.”

“Of course, Twilight. That’s what friends are for. Or in my case, that’s what little brothers are for.”

Pulling away from Spike, she said, “We’ll head home in a bit. But first, I need to talk to somepony for a moment.”

~~~

Rarity walked up to the balcony railing and leaned against it with her forelegs. Twilight trotted up to her friend and said, “How are you doing?”

Rarity jumped slightly but sighed as she saw her friend. “Oh, well, after what felt like near-imminent disaster, I’m glad that the little soiree has calmed down.”

“You didn’t need to be so worried, Rarity. I mean, look at how everything went today!” Twilight waved to the group of ponies behind her. “My birthday party was a blast. You were able to mingle with these savvy business ponies and maybe even get a few of them interested in your line. You’re a known pony now. Not to mention that you stood up for us. I can easily say that this was even more fun than before.”

Rarity turned her gaze to the ground below their courtyard, smiling at her friend’s words. “You’re right, Twilight. I should not have been so worked up as I was.” She pulled her in for a hug. “Thank you for the support. I’m glad that you were all here for tonight.”

Twilight broke free from the hug with a smile. “Of course.” She looked over her shoulder at Spike. “I’ve got to go. It’s getting late, and I don’t know how much longer Spike will last.” She chuckled as she teased her number-one assistant. “I’ll see you later then, Rarity.”

“Yes. Goodbye, darling.” Rarity waved at her friend with a hoof and watched Twilight and Spike exit through the ballroom’s main doors. With another sigh, Rarity felt her heart finally begin to beat normally. ‘What a night this has turned out to be. I cannot believe how stressful yet exciting this was.’ It certainly had been a close call, one Rarity had been uncertain of how she would handle.

“There you are, Miss Rarity.” Fancy Pants walked up to her side. “Mrs. Upper Crust wanted me to ask you something about the dress you made for your friend, Twilight Sparkle. After we all saw how much effort you put into such a design, she was hoping to discern what your inspiration was.” He let out a short chuckle. “I believe that whatever it was, you really showed that you are a hardworking mare.”

Rarity held his gaze, blinking for a moment before looking down at the road below them. Her eyes widened slightly as she saw Twilight walking down the sidewalk with Spike, her eyes never shifting from where the mare was. “I… I am afraid I must decline to answer, Fancy Pants.” Her gaze softened, and she rested her chin on her hooves. “After all… a mare never reveals her secrets.”

Fancy Pants followed her gaze, seeing that she only focused on Twilight. He smiled, humming quietly as he figured out what she meant. “Well then, that is a bit disappointing. But then again, we all must keep our most cherished secrets,” he said, playing along. Silently, he pulled away and walked back into the crowd, leaving Rarity to stare at her friend.

She let out another quiet sigh, followed by a giggle. If this wasn’t the factor that revealed her love interest in Twilight, Rarity did not know. But after today’s events, she may have found out that her love for her friend was in fact, a truth. And a truth she would only discover once she explored whatever awaited her down this path.

Chapter IV: For my Desires Run Rampant

Opalescence sat in the dark room atop Rarity’s bed, licking the right side of her stomach in soft strokes. Her ears swiveled, taking a moment from her bath to face the door to her owner’s provided palace. She could hear what sounded like laughter, yet a squee echoed from this voice. As the pony got closer to her door, Opal rolled her eyes at the recognition of her owner, Rarity.

“Tonight was absolutely the best!” Opal could hear and at least comprehend some of the words, although Rarity’s voice was a bit muffled by the door. The doorknob’s lock clicked at the sound of a key unlocking the entrance, then Rarity stepped in with a giggle and levitated her keys to a hook. While she secured them, she flicked her hoof against a switch, and the room filled with artificial light from the roof. “Opal, you would not believe how tonight went.” Rarity clapped her hooves together as she giggled.

The look Opal gave her felt like she was just holding her enthusiasm. However, Rarity did not notice. “Well, let me recap everything for you, then, Opal.” She cleared her throat. “You see, me and my friends had just met before our arrival at the palace’s ballroom. Now I was afraid that they might catch on to my secret of attending both Twilight Sparkle’s birthday party and Jet Set and Upper Crust's anniversary party.” Rarity rolled her eyes at the mention of those two ponies’ names. “Anywho, I was trying to sneak back and forth between the two festivities, but they finally caught me.”

Rarity lifted off her hat, gently she moved her hoof over the large sun hat and dusted it off. “At first I thought Twilight was going to speak her mind and say something awful, but she didn’t.” She placed the hat in her closet and looked down at her dress. A magic aura encased the entire ensemble so Rarity took her time to make sure nothing was torn or scratched. “It was as if she really did see that I was just attending the party for my own business venture, but she was still so kind and accepting about it.”

She placed the dress on a coat hanger and closed the closet. Rarity sighed. Her smile softened at the thoughts of Twilight. Rarity turned her attention to the paper drawing of the ensemble she had made for her friend. ‘Makes me wonder… if this is why I feel this way about Twilight. She’s so kind… although she may tend to overwork herself in her studies, sometimes go crazy and protect her books as if they were her own children… her attitude towards us, including me, is nothing but acceptance and gratitude.’

She hummed joyfully to herself walking up through the bathroom’s entrance, and she turned on the sink and levitated a wash cloth over to the water. Steam floated up to the mirror. Rarity pressed the warm rag against her muzzle, shivering a little at the warmth that flooded across her muzzle. ‘Really, though, I cannot believe that all those nobles were ready to hang me out to dry just because I was friends with a few mares from Ponyville. How absurd could they be?’ That moment was one she could have definitely handled better. However, she would just let it float in the void of space for now.

Rarity continued to wash her face for a minute or so. She sighed and brought the rag to a hook to let it dry out. She flicked the bathroom light’s lever and the room behind her darkened. She nodded and began to hum quietly with content hum. While she hummed, she went back to her thoughts of earlier that evening. The way Twilight spoke to her today filled her with joy, a soft squee resonated from her. It just confirmed everything that Rarity had feared. But she did not care anymore. Those who did could go get lost in the Everfree Forest for all she cared.

Her cat jumped into her own round bed, circling once until she finally laid down. She purred and closed her eyes. Rarity could not help but smile at the adorable sight before her. “Hmm… alright, Opal.” She yawned. “Goodnight, dear.” With her magic, she flicked the small lever. The lights turned off, and Rarity slowly made her way to the bed. Pulling the sheets off, she grabbed her eye mask and gently placed it in front of her eyes, the world completely eclipsed by this darkness that surrounded her vision. Rarity pulled the covers over her and laid on her side. She let out a small breath of air before she went quiet.

Minutes passed until what seemed like an hour had gone by. Rarity turned left in her bed, then right again. She let out a quiet groan while this went on. Until she laid completely flat on her back. “What is happening to me? Surely I should have usually fallen asleep by now!”

How or why she could not go to sleep left Rarity all but puzzled. She had always been good at falling asleep: it never took longer than ten to fifteen minutes before she finally lost consciousness. But why now out of all times did she have to go through such a thing?

She let out another quiet groan, closing her eyes and resting on her right side. Rarity couldn’t help but sigh softly. But a thought crossed her mind, and she began to see Twilight, laying on her side with an enticing pose: her right hoof rested against her chest while she brought her left hoof up to the right side of Rarity’s muzzle, a gentle smile with a wink. Her back legs were separated, with a clear view of her breasts. It was a pose that could only bring a flush to her cheeks. “Now, now Rarity…” she whispered to herself. “Let us not overwhelm ourselves here. We need to… get our beauty rest, right?”

Rarity let out a tiny squeak as a warmth gently rose up between her back legs. ‘No! No, no, no, no. Body, please stop this at once.’ Yet even if Rarity was not in the mood for such an activity (nor did she hardly ever act on these impulses), the heat only grew more and more. ‘Why now… of all the times?’ It did not help her either that, as she laid in that darkness that the eye mask provided, she could still see Twilight there, retaining that very alluring posture.

Rarity let out another soft growl and looked away. There was no reason why she couldn’t just avert her gaze from the imagined Twilight. Even so, she could still feel that endless warmth that persisted. The bed around her grew hotter as well, beads of sweat beginning to form around her coat. She let out a tiny moan as the movement of her back legs set off a small stir of blissful nerve feelings. As these little tingling sensations worked their way up her spine, a shiver wrapped Rarity while she cooed quietly.

But then she just let her gaze rest on the mare beside her. Rarity breathed in and looked at her hoof. She gulped, her exhale shuddered. ‘I… I suppose… it wouldn’t be so bad, would it?’ And yet she had a point. There really was no need to fret. This, after all, could help her in the long run. Rarity slowly separated her back legs from each other and moved her hoof down her stomach. She flinched as they passed her breasts and over one of her nipples, which caused her to shake. “It’s okay Rarity… they’re just your… lady parts. Nothing t-to fear.” Rarity rolled onto her back and gasped when she felt herself part to her own hoof.

Yet the touch of her own self was not as comfortable as she wanted. Even if she did dislike this ludicrous act, she desired this release now more than ever. She looked around and saw the sheets above her body, those soft and satiny white bed sheets. ‘Oh… but they’ll get all dirty.’ She could only whimper. She took part of the sheet with her hoof and wound it around until it disappeared underneath the cloth. She brought it back to herself and let out a sharp gasp.

Her nerve endings felt like they were on fire, furiously shooting up pleasurable bolts that ran up her body. The satin sheets proved to do the trick; she moaned as the soft texture of the cloth ran along her folds with ease. The sheet slickened with her own fluids, and so did her appendage, even with the cloth around it. The sensation felt like the touch of an angel, so delicate and gentle. Her hoof gently opened her a bit more, another sharp gasp, another bolt of bliss sent up her body. She quietly moaned, and her cheeks brightened up ever so as the intimate moment transpired. ‘M-maybe… i-it’s time for another ex-ah! Experiment…’ Rarity bit her lip. The slight pain distracted her for a brief moment, but she continued onward. She searched for that ethereal image, her eyes almost painting a picture where this ghostly appendage should have been. As she continued to sketch this hoof in her mind, she let out a tiny squeak. It was not thick and wide like a stallion’s, but of a more mulberry color, thinner and more feminine. ‘T-Twilight?’

Rarity let out another moan, almost louder than before when she saw it move further into her folds. It was a struggle to keep the noise down, but with the sight of her friend’s hoof moving further into her, it was a view almost too much to bear. She lifted it up and slowly circled it around, tiny squeaks exiting her mouth. Yet all the sensitivity she felt before had increased at the sight of this imagined Twilight, her hoof causing the bolts of bliss to shoot up. “O-oh… T-Twilight…” She could not help but whisper her friend’s name, and she applied more pressure to her hoof and increased her pace.

Rarity bit her lip while these sensations continued on until a contraction shook her hips. A small pressure began to build up where her that ethereal foreleg was. She could barely believe that she was finally close to her release, but Rarity smiled that her little session finally was coming to a close. She guided her hoof upwards. A quiet yet sharp gasp erupted from her. She gently pressed into a little button that caused this stronger sensation. Another gasp escaped her lips. ‘You’re almost close now… aren’t you?’

She froze, glancing to her right. There sat Twilight, still smiling ever so softly. Rarity’s muzzle warmed up, she let out a quiet whimper. “Y-yes… I-I am.” Another quiet moan escaped her. “Please… I-I w-want you, Twilight…”

A soft giggle resonated from Twilight. ‘Okay…’ Rarity circled her hoof around the most sensitive area. Her body shook at the bolts that began to fire up her body once more, now continued without remorse. She bit her lip again and closed her mouth, muffling her moans that began to get louder. ‘It’s alright, Rarity. Let it all out.’

Rarity continued to fidget in place, her volume kept getting higher. ‘I… can’t t-take it…’ She tried her best to keep her scream under control, glad that it did not get any louder. Her body contracted against this release. The warmth that stayed within her body flooded over her hoof, dripping across a small portion of her foreleg and completely staining the cloth surrounding her hoof.

Rarity’s chest rose up and down, the sound of her ragged breathing echoed in her room. She did her best to slow down her erratic breathing. She lifted her unstained hoof and removed the eye mask from her face. The dark room showed itself to her once more. ‘So…’

Rarity jumped at the voice, letting out a quiet gasp. She looked to her left, only to blush and turn away, pressing the side of her head into the pillow. A coo escaped her, the scent of her friend wafted in the air. ‘Was my performance adequate?’ Rarity glanced to the side and flinched as she felt Twilight move her own hoof up and down. That same gentle smile from before was on Twilight’s lips, a smile that completely melted her heart.

She stood still for a moment, her mouth agape, yet no words would dare form. Rarity took a breath in. “W-why, yes… it was quite wonderful… Twilight…"

Another giggle came from Twilight. ‘Then until next time, my love.’ The image of Twilight faded away, and so did this daydream, this illusion she saw that took the form of her friend.

Yet her heart began to ache, as if it desired to see Twilight again. With this notion in hoof, Rarity let out a sigh of relief. ‘Oh… why must you continue to play with me, love? Isn’t it enough that I already… “played” with myself?’ Certainly she could have gotten a break, Rarity thought. Yet her heart continued to pluck those strings of heartache. ‘Love… you’re such a cruel mistress.’

She unwrapped her hoof from the cloth and lifted her clear-fluid-stained appendage. The warmth from her own body still resonated on her appendage. It felt like it might have been best to go wash her hoof, but she felt her body was wasted on this sensual moment. She kept her gaze focused on the wet hoof, her eyes never wavered from it. She frowned and shuddered when she thought of an easier way to get rid of those fluids. 'That is simply undignified, Rarity. A lady would never stoop so low…’

Yet she brought her hoof to her muzzle, licking the warm juices from her appendage. She cooed at the taste, yet she felt disgusted. ‘How dare you lick your own juices! That is so foul!’ But at the same time, Rarity could have cared less about what she put on her tongue. ‘But… it’s not that bad, I suppose. Besides… I… guess I could admit that my own… no that’s not an appropriate word. My… I guess I can say that my… ‘cum’ did not actually taste that bad.’ It was something Rarity would never admit to anypony, even to herself. But it was not as bad as she expected. The fluids had a sweet taste to it, more like a delicious cake frosting or even a sugary piece of chocolate.

After what Rarity had done and the images she had seen of her friend, she was assured that Twilight truly was the mare for her. ‘Then until next time, my love.’

Something in those words drove a smile to form on Rarity’s lips. ‘This could be it… this may be the premonition I need. I do love Twilight. I really do.’, This was simply a sign, one she could not ignore.

Rarity shivered again, pulling her tongue away from her hoof. She sighed and slowly got up while removing the bed covers from her body. She walked into the bathroom and brought her hoof into the sink. Turning it on she washed her hoof for a brief moment until she walked back to the bed.

Rarity lowered herself back down on her mattress and returned to her side and laid down again. She yawned quietly. The work of pleasing herself had finally been what she sought to do. With her body tired now, she could finally sleep. ‘Well… you may have not wanted that in the first place, but what’s done is done. Besides. It was rather… fun. Something I should try a little more often.’ The perk that did come from this was that she at least found something to help ease the roughness of her own hoof, even if that poor bed sheet was covered in her own fluids.

Rarity brought her eye mask up to her face. The world once again became shrouded in darkness and she too felt the world collapse. The peaceful slumber of rest finally graced her in its arms. That same warmth from Twilight came back, almost like her friend had wrapped herself around Rarity’s body. Rarity shifted her body, and the positioning became more comfortable. But there was one thing that Rarity did need to plan, and that was her desire to court Twilight. Yet she would need to tread carefully, unless she wanted her friend to freak out. However the outcome, she just hoped Twilight would accept her.

Chapter V: But What Can I Say

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Chapter VI: When You're so Innocent

The sidewalk was lively with the bustling activity of unicorns as they walked along. They spent their afternoon in discussions, some talking in groups and in others only two conversing with one another. However, Rarity continued onward with her own objective of the day. This task was hers alone to deal with. ‘Of course, I wouldn’t mind the company of my friends… it’s just that this is a personal matter. One I will tend to in a closed and secure fashion with Twilight Sparkle.’

The sun hat upon her head shifted slightly while she looked around the many buildings that filled the fine city of Canterlot. Yet the building she searched for was not located in the lower depths of this large civilized community. Rarity continued to scan the buildings farther up, her walking pace picked up slightly to a steady trot. She scoured the right side, her eyes steadily moving from building to building. She then turned her attention to the left side. She smiled and walked across the street to the other sidewalk before she continued upwards along the cement ground.

She turned left, her step slowing as she reverted to a slow walk. The concrete path that her hooves once walked upon now turned into a dirt path which lead up to a tall, palace-like building. Rarity smiled and stopped, a moment that she used to marvel at the establishment where Twilight lived. It was a wonder that Twilight had been granted access to such a place, yet since Twilight was a student to Princess Celestia, Rarity could easily see why their country’s beloved princess would allow her prized pupil access to an outlet of information such as this.

Rarity took a step up the stairway, and that led to another step. Before long she began her ascent, albeit at a slow pace. She needed this time to go over the plan at least once more. ‘So remember, Rarity. You shall simply strike up a conversation with her. No big deal, of course, we can possibly just talk about her birthday party that happened last night? But once you have lulled her in, throw the question about romance in a subtle fashion, and she won’t see that as an advancement. Perfect plan, right?’

Or was it? This uncertainty continued to haunt her plan an hour after she surmised it to be a good strategy. She stopped walking and turned to face the ground. This idea simply was the best that Rarity could come up with. In the romance novels she constantly read, the subtle approach had seemed to be the best way of discovering what interests the love interest had. But what type of romantic advice from a book could help her now? ‘Maybe… I’m a bit over my head with this? The timing just seems too fast, and I don’t know if I am ready for a swift rejection yet.’ Rarity looked up to see Twilight’s door a couple feet away from her now. ‘Oh… so I have already made it to her front door… lovely.’

She took a deep breath in. ‘Focus, Rarity. You have been preparing yourself for this moment. Maybe not months in advance, or even a week before… but just be brave.’ Yet Rarity coughed as her own breath began to choke her. ‘Oh, who am I kidding? This plan is going to be a complete disaster. I just know it! Why didn’t I spend more time prepping an escape plan, or some kind of backup idea to not make myself look like a total fool!’

Once she regained her breath, Rarity shook her head. It was too late to turn back now. She raised a hoof, shaking a little as she reached for the door. A few knocks echoed against the wooden frame. It was only a few moments before the door opened. “Welcome to-- oh hey, Rarity!” Spike stood in the doorway. His smile brightened at the sight of her. “What brings you here?”

“Ah, yes. Hello there, Spike.” Rarity returned the greeting and hugged him before she pulled away. “Is Twilight inside?”

“Of course. Right this way, m’lady.” He bowed and ushered her in with a gentlecolt-like pose. Rarity couldn’t stifle a giggle, adoring his little gesture as she walked in through the door.

As Rarity followed Spike up the stairs, she frowned. ‘Oh… of course. How can I forget Spike’s feelings?’ Although she never showed it, Rarity knew how much he cared for her. There were some moments when she did forget those undisguised romantic gestures, and even a few occasions, ones she regretted, where she played with those feelings. It wasn’t meant in a mean and unloving type of way, but it was a little tendency that she mentally began kicking herself for. ‘Poor Spikey-Wikey. I do hope the poor dear can forgive me when I announce my feelings to Twilight.’ She just hoped that the revelation would not come back to bite her.

But yet there was another matter she needed to review again. Everything she knew about Twilight to this point was going to be important, especially for what was about to play out. ‘Just remember. Subtlety right now is better than honesty at the moment. Although… Applejack would nail me to the wall for that kind of notion.’

Spike was the first to reach the top. “Hey, Twilight. You got company.”

As the mare he addressed turned around, her smile perked up. “Hey there, Rarity,” Twilight said, descending from the ladder in an orderly fashion. She walked up to her friend and wrapped her hooves around the other mare. “It’s good to see you again.”

“Yes… of course.” Rarity’s smile faltered. A nervous giggle escaped her breath.

Twilight pulled away from her friend, then turned around and walked over to one of the tall bookshelves. “So how are you doing? Oh, and what brings you here?”

“Well… you see I, uh.” Rarity felt her throat tighten, the words she tried to form coming out as voiceless movements of her mouth. ‘No, no, Rarity. Please just calm down.’ It was the moment she feared: her body felt like a wobbly balance beam, ready to crash down any minute.

‘You see, this was a bad idea from the beginning!’ a voice hissed in her head, her own voice.

‘Now just hold it, Rarity.’ she argued back with her voice of reason. ‘Yes, it wasn’t the best idea to rush into a situation such as this, but if I cannot do this, then what type of mare of romance am I?’ All she needed to convince herself, just a little push in the right direction. Rarity took a quiet breath in, and softly exhaled out. She returned her attention to Twilight, who was standing there, still eager to hear her response. “Well, you see, I just felt like visiting you today. You know, have a little discussion about the party yesterday, if that is alright with you?”

“But of course, Rarity.” Twilight smiled brightly. “So what did you want to ask me about?”

“Oh just a little bit of info. Hopefully nothing too personal, but where did you go after your birthday party?”

Twilight giggled. “And you call that personal information?” Twilight laughed again, and Rarity joined in. “Well, since you seem so interested. After my birthday party, I visited my parents for our own little party. It wasn’t all that different, but I was glad to celebrate the day with my parents.”

“And how was it?”

“It was pretty fun. I had some time to relax with my parents, tell them all the wonderful things that happened at the party.” Twilight brought a hoof to her muzzle as she suppressed another giggle. “They even asked me about my dress, wondering who made such a beautiful thing. I couldn’t help but be honest and say that you worked on the most gorgeous dress I’ve ever worn.” At the mention of this, Rarity blushed, a little embarrassed that her friend would embellish her work so much.

“It certainly sounds like you enjoyed yourself at the party.” Rarity walked over to an open chair, sitting down as she made herself comfortable.

“Yes, I certainly did.” Twilight’s smile faded as she gently kicked at the ground with her right foreleg. “I just wish my brother had been there, though.”

“Your brother?” Rarity raised an eyebrow.

Twilight looked up to her friend and rubbed the back of her head. “I never did tell you or the others about him, did I?”

Rarity brought a hoof to her chin. “I don’t recall you ever even mentioning your brother. I didn’t even know you had one.”

“Right... my bad.” Twilight walked over to a desk near her bed and lifted a framed picture up. She levitated it over to Rarity, who scanned the picture for a moment before she stopped at the sight of what she believed to be Twilight’s brother. “His name is Shining Armor,” Twilight said.

Rarity turned her attention to her friend. She watched as Twilight’s ears fell against the sides of her head. “He seems like a nice gentle-colt.”

“Well, he is. In fact, Shining Armor was my only friend when I was a little filly.” Twilight rubbed her foreleg and turned her attention to the floor. “But he went away and joined the Royal Guard, and he didn’t show up for my birthday last night. When he left… I felt like I lost a friend…”

Rarity looked away, biting her lip while she chose her words carefully. “Oh… so do you resent him for not showing up?”

“No, not really. I just wanted to see my BBBFF again on my birthday.”

“BBBFF?” Rarity titled her head at the odd acronym.

“Big Brother Best Friend Forever.” Twilight glanced over her shoulder. “It’s what my brother and I came up with before he left for the Royal Guard.”

‘Oh… poor Twilight.’ Rarity turned her attention to where Spike stood only a couple feet from her. “Spike. Could you be a dear and leave me and Twilight alone for a few minutes?” He nodded quickly, jogging down the stairs to the first floor of the house. Rarity looked back to her friend. ‘Alright, Rarity… I believe it is high time to begin the subtle questioning.’ “So… after Shining Armor left, you said you felt alone for the longest time?”

“Yes…” Twilight flicked her ears up, but the frown upon her muzzle did not go away.

Rarity hummed and rubbed her chin. ‘Okay, Rarity. The next question should be easy to ask’. “So… would you say you still feel lonely?”

“I… I guess.” Twilight sighed. “I don’t mean to say that you and the others don’t help fill this gap. But--”

“Do not worry, darling. I won’t take something like that too personally.” Rarity reassured her friend. ‘Now… for the more... difficult question’. “Okay. So with all this loneliness you have been feeling, did you ever think about trying to fill in that gap with something else?”

“Fill… the gap in?”

“Yes. Like…” Rarity tapped her chin for a brief moment until her eyes lit up. “Like, let’s take a hypothetical situation here. Say you wanted to fill in that gap with… I don’t know, love?”

“Love? You mean like as in friendship?” Twilight asked.

“No. Not friendship. Romance.”

“Romance?” Twilight could only chuckle, a slight tinge of pale pink flushing her cheeks. “Rarity, I haven’t ever thought of anypony else like that… at least, I don’t know if I am ready to say it yet…”

“Say what?” Rarity saw an opening, yet when she asked the question, Twilight froze up. “I can understand if it is personal. As somepony who’s read many romance novels, I can at least help you if you need any.”

Twilight let out a quiet sigh. She looked to the wall next to Rarity and closed her eyes. “I… l-like mares.” The last words of the sentence were almost barely audible, almost like she was copying Fluttershy’s quiet voice.

“I’m sorry, Twilight. I didn’t quite catch that.” Rarity leaned forward and cupped a hoof behind her ear. “Can you please repeat that?”

Her friend gulped. Twilight opened her eyes and met Rarity’s gaze; the pale flush on her cheeks seemed to glow a little brighter. “I… like… mares.”

Rarity simply stared at Twilight. “Oh… well, that’s not a bad thing to worry about, Twilight.” She stood up and reached a hoof over to her friend’s shoulder. “You and I both know that there are plenty of other mares who are into the same gender. I don’t believe Lyra Heartstrings and Bon-Bon are any different, hm?”

“Yeah… you’re right about that.” Twilight smiled, although the expression was weaker than the earlier grin. “But…” Twilight turned away, however, she still held Rarity’s gaze. “Can you just keep this between us? Please?”

Rarity shook slightly, but she was glad that she could contain her own excitement. “Of course. There shall be nopony who could ever take this information from me.”

Twilight sighed once more before she wrapped her hooves around Rarity. “Thank you… for being such a great friend and listener.”

“But of course, darling.” Rarity giggled. She pulled away from Twilight and smiled. “I’m glad we could have a personal conversation together.” Rarity turned to the stairway and continued, “Alas, I must take my leave. However, it was nice spending time with you today.”

“Yeah, thanks for coming over, Rarity.” Twilight waved her friend goodbye, which Rarity did the same before taking her leave.

Spike bowed as she walked past; a giggle escaped Rarity at the sight of her favorite little dragon. “See you next time, Rarity.”

“But of course, darling. I shall see you two again soon.” Rarity closed the door and stood at the entrance to her friend’s home for a brief moment. She gave a squee of joy and trotted down the next set of stairs until she was on the dirt path again. “What a momentous day this is, Rarity. You have just learned that Twilight is into other mares!” With how much her body shook, she thought she would be bouncing along like Pinkie Pie would. “This just furthers the cause for me to try and win her over.” She stopped in her tracks and shook her head. “Now, now, Rarity. Let’s not become too hasty. You have not even set up a reservation yet, nor have you figured out the timing for such a delicate event.”

As Rarity had watched Twilight, she could tell the obvious of her friend. It would not be easy to ask her to go out on a date with her, considering how sensitive Twilight sounded to the idea of romance. ‘Maybe it might be best to wait a couple of days or more before we address Twilight.’ With this idea at least set, she resumed her trot, smiling as she made her way home. ‘This has to be the best thing ever. Soon, Twilight and I might become an item. Oh, how wonderful it is to be a mare these days.’

Author's Note

Although things may be going smoothly... I can guess that there are a few readers here who know a hasty decline may happen. Could next chapter... could be the next after the next... who knows? :trollestia:

Chapter VII: A Pain Will Come Forth

Rarity laughed while she opened the door, a skip in her step as she walked into her temporary home. Her eyes brightened with her smile widening as well. “Yes! Another day of success, Opal!” She turned her attention to her cat, who simply stared back. “You may be wondering why I am being so celebratory this evening. What I have discovered from Twilight will, ultimately, proceed upon a path that will bring me closer to her.”

She spun herself around and closed her eyes. A giggle escaped her lips. Rarity leaned backwards and fell onto her bed. She let out a sigh after the mattress ceased its movements. Sitting up on her shoulders, she looked over where Opal stood by the closet door, who brought a paw to her face as she facepalmed. “Oh don’t be so rude, Opal.” Her cat rolled her eyes at the banter. “Guess what I learned today today from my dear friend, Twilight Sparkle?” She crossed her forelegs, almost in a hug-like position that she did to herself. “She is into other mares! How could I not stop myself from expressing my excitement at this revelation?”

Based on her success with each attempt, it felt like there was some hidden force behind this that seemed to be bringing them together, almost as if destiny had fated them to be together. “Oh… how romantic,” she gushed, while she lowered her eyes and blinked them repeatedly at the window above the workdesk. “This is like a romance novel, where the lucky mare finally has the stallion of her dreams almost within her grasp.” She rubbed her chin with a hoof. “Well, not a stallion this time, but a mare. And a beautiful one at that.”

Rarity lowered lowered herself fully back onto the bed and breathed out a sigh as she considered how well all of this had been going. ‘This is all absolutely wonderful.’ She blinked once and turned her gaze to the closet where Opal stood. Her eyes scanned through the dresses before she stopped on one. She smirked at the specific dress she stared at, giggling a little. ‘You are becoming absolutely mischievous, Rarity… and that is undeniably wonderful.’

But was it too soon for such an idea? She shook her head and sat up again. ‘Yet aren’t you rushing into all of this? It has only been an hour since you last visited Twilight. Do not let your fantasies get in the way of the bigger picture.’ The plan did seem a little much. However, she hummed and tapped a hoof on the bed. Her eyes brightened, and another little giggle escaped her lips. “Yes. However eager I am for this to come closer, I cannot risk the trouble of ruining everything I have been working for.”

So in the end of it all, she needed to wait for a little while. But in all that time, Rarity had a long interval to add to and refine this new idea. ‘Yes… in two days’ time, which seems appropriate at least, I shall reveal my feelings to Twilight Sparkle. And once she agrees --hopefully she is ready to further our relationship-- I will take her somewhere splendid. Maybe the Prancing Pony? Yes, most certainly.’ The Prancing Pony, as Rarity had heard from her fellow noble friends, was a place where ponies of her kind would gather to celebrate.

It was a fine restaurant indeed; Rarity could only dream of the look Twilight would have on her muzzle. ‘But that place is, at least to my knowledge, a dining experience that is just a bit hard to come by. The only way to get in is with a reservation.’ And with the small amount of influence Rarity had gained, she could easily set one up. ‘So… Tuesday, two days from now, is when the reservation will be set. That sounds manageable.’ She returned her gaze to the dress she had stared at for a few moments, and with a sly smile, one only a fox could ever wish he had, she chuckled. ‘Which means that I have enough time to gain the courage and expertise to tell Twilight of my own feelings towards her. Oh, how glorious this shall all be.’

~~~

Spike stepped out of the door with a hum while he scribbled away on a small parchment of paper. He walked through the front entrance and turned back to Twilight. “So. All you need is a few groceries, more quills, more ink and…”

Twilight smiled and murmured, “And just a few more parchments. I want to keep up on my stock and make sure that I don’t run out of any necessities any time soon.”

“Okay.” He scribbled the pen before he handed her the feather pen. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” With that, he walked down the stairs. Twilight watched him reach the concrete path and go down the right side of where the street began. She followed his path until he disappeared behind the buildings.

“Alright, then.” Twilight closed the door. She locked it, double checked, pulling against the door, and nodded. “Now there’s no chance for anypony to come in and interrupt my practice session.” She turned back to her stairway and walked up it. She turned to the window and focused her magic on the curtains. She pulled them to close until her room was dark, but she blinked her eyes and smiled that it wasn’t completely pitch black.

The smile brightened even more when she turned to her bed, her eyes gazed at the mattress underneath its sheets. She walked over to her bed and pushed her hoof to the side, lifting up the mattress and moving her left hoof around. As she continued to move her hoof, she smiled when she felt her hoof brush past something rectangular and rough. Twilight pulled the book out and let go of her bed.

She looked over the book and sighed when she saw that it was unharmed. The cover was a bit wrinkled and slightly torn, which revealed the age of this book. The symbol of the cover took a strange form: its base looked like three handles of swords, one going straight up while the other two curved around a circle that the center sword went through. “Now then… onto business.”

The pages crinkled as Twilight flipped through the book. She stopped on one page and looked over the text, her eyes scanning over each word until she paused over a set of words. “Hmm… I studied another form of teleportation already… although I don’t know how safe it actually is. But this… ‘dark haze’ spell.” She leaned a little into the next set of words. “A spell of agility; locked in a mist of blackness, the user can fade into the shadows of night and gain the speed of the wraiths themselves…” Twilight shuddered at the description. “It would be amazing to see what this spell could do.”

She nodded and looked over the next set of words. “Alright… shouldn’t be too difficult. Hopefully...” Twilight closed her eyes and exhaled out. Her horn glowed with that same magenta aura. She let out another breath of air and closed her eyes tighter. A cold breeze of air moved over her, and she shuddered a little. Another blast of air hit her; the chill she felt traveled up her horn. The magenta light that was once there disappeared in a flash of green and purple light.

“O-okay… just a little more…” Twilight murmured to herself. This was a completely different feeling she’d had from that teleportation spell. The air was cold before, but not to this degree. ‘It’s… like it’s almost chilling me to the bone.’ She opened her eyes and gasped. A dark fog began to swirl around her body. She smiled and glanced over her shoulder to see more of the black mist floating around her. “I… I did it. I can’t believe I--”

She yelped at the sound of knocking on her door. “Hey Twilight! I’m back!” Spike called from the entrance to her house. Twilight looked down the stairs before she returned her gaze to the fog, only to see it was gone. ‘No! It’s gone!?’ In that moment, she knew that the lapse in her concentration had led to the downfall of the spell.

“W-what? No, come on,” she growled. “Why did he have to come back so soon?” Twilight closed the book and levitated it back underneath her bed. “So much for finding out the extent of what it could do.” Twilight frowned and opened the curtains again, allowing the light to shine in the main room again. More knocks echoed against the door downstairs. ‘In a moment, Spike.’ She took in a deep breath of air and exhaled out. It really wasn’t his fault, although she wished she knew what that spell did.

Twilight walked back down the stairs and opened the door. “Sorry. I was busy shelving a few books that I didn’t hear you until the second knock, Spike.” She smiled.

“It’s alright. I got all the items you needed.” He lifted up a few bags to show her all the items he acquired from the market.

“Thanks, Spike.” Twilight rubbed a hoof over his head. “I can always count on you.” She let him in and closed the door behind the two. Today was unfortunately not a successful test run of the spell, but there could be another time, Twilight thought. She just had to be patient.

~~~

Hoofsteps echoed off the stairs, Rarity hummed as she walked up that flight of stairs, the twilight rays of the sun shone delicately upon her frame. Two days had passed, and her plan had been coming together nicely. ‘Thankfully, the Prancing Pony had open seats on Tuesday, so the amount of ponies there won’t be so overwhelming.’ She glanced down at her dress. Rarity smiled at the way the light illuminated her ensemble. ‘And you will definitely work for an occasion such as this.’

The gown she wore was a gold and purplish color mix, one strap wrapped around her left foreleg which left her right one exposed. Her chest was slightly covered, with the ensemble reaching over her whole body. She also styled her mane such that her couture covered the right side of her face, slightly covering her eye. All that time she had spent preparing herself, she kept going over the idea of how she would approach Twilight with her declaration and thought this might have been the best idea. ‘Let us just hope this will work.’

Rarity knocked on Twilight’s door and hummed as she waited for an answer. The door opened, and Spike stepped out into the open. “Well, hello there, Rar--” He stopped and his eyes widened at the sight of the mare before him. He gulped, then coughed as he cleared his throat. “Well, hello there, Rarity.” He leaned against the door and looked at his clawed hands. “What brings you here, m’lady?”

“I have come to speak with Twilight. It is an urgent matter, and of the highest importance.” Rarity giggled at the way Spike was acting, although she would have not expected any less of her favorite little drake to act such a way. ‘He is just so adorable when he tries to act cool. It is rather cute’. “May I come in?”

“But of course, Rarity.” He bowed and ushered her in like last time, waiting for her to come through the door before he closed it behind her. And like the visit from a couple days earlier, she followed the same stairway up to the second floor. Once she reached the top, she smiled at the sight of her friend. Twilight was laying on a few pillows, her eyes entranced by book she had in a raspberry aura. “Good evening, Twilight.”

Twilight flipped a page of her book with her magic, scanning each word she followed down. “Hey there, Rarity,” she said without turning to face her friend, her voice unusually monotone for this situation.

“So how has your evening been?”

“It’s been pretty good.” Twilight spoke in that same emotionless tone.

“That’s so good to hear.” Rarity smiled, walking over to where Twilight lay. “But I have an important announcement to make.” She swiveled her ears at the sound of footsteps behind her and turned to smile at Spike. “Spike, would you be a dear and grant me and Twilight a moment of privacy?”

Spike widened his eyes from their droopy state he had been staring at Rarity with. He bowed and walked back downstairs. Once he had disappeared, she returned her attention to Twilight. “So… I have a confession I would like to make.” Rarity breathed in and exhaled slowly. “I… am in love with you, Twilight Sparkle.”

Another page crinkled as it was turned for the next page. Twilight still held her gaze on the book. “That’s nice.”

“R-really? You think it’s nice.” Rarity smiled brightly as Twilight turned to face her, nodding her approval.

“B-but I am… oh my, I can’t believe that you are so accepting.” Rarity giggled while she clapped her hooves together. “This is just amazing. So if you are truly humbled to be my marefriend, then I have something for you here.” She pulled out an envelope from underneath her dress, the paper lit in a light blue aura. It landed on a desk next to Rarity, who continued, “The envelope I just put on your desk is for the Prancing Pony. The date is not until later tonight.”

Twilight nodded. “Of course.”

Another giggle emanated from Rarity as she clasped her muzzle with a hoof. “Well then…” She walked over to Twilight and leaned close to her ear. “I hope to see you at our date,” Rarity whispered and turned around.

Twilight flicked the ear where Rarity spoke, she raised an eyebrow until she brought her attention from the book to her friend. “Wait… what?”

But Rarity did not notice the two syllables that Twilight had said. She was already walking down the stairs again. She hummed to herself, happy that all of this had gone so well. She heard a hiccup and looked to her left. Spike had his back turned to her, his gaze only to the wall next to the fridge. She was going to say goodbye to him, but he seemed to be busy, so she left without another word. The door opened in a light blue aura, and Rarity exited her friend’s home. Her normal pace turned into a skip, and her giggle turned into a laugh. ‘I cannot believe it. She said yes!’

It was the luckiest event Rarity had ever experienced, one she would have thought she would not have escaped without an emotion or two left scarred. Maybe her life was destined to end up with Twilight; if it was, fate had predicted her future very well. ‘My life is like one of those happy-ending romance novels. Ooohh!’ This indeed could have been the happy life she had hoped for. For Rarity’s sake, she hoped this dream would never end.

Chapter VIII: That Breaks Our Hearts

Rarity hummed while walking down the spiraling staircase that led from the entrance to her temporary home. The sun slowly began to decline from sight, its now-faint light giving way to a darker setting of this new time in Canterlot. “Oh, this is going to be such a lovely evening.” She giggled as she reached the bottom of the stairway. This was going to be the night that she and her friend Twilight Sparkle would go on their first date.

She turned right and walked down the sidewalk. Rarity looked up to the sky and hummed. ‘I just hope I don’t faint… no, not even that. This may be too quick for Twilight, so I will definitely have to let her know that everything will be alright and that we can go as slow as needed for the first time.’ There was what Rarity had always been aware of. It did feel that all of this had been a bit too fast. But with the amount of luck she had gotten with the setup for this whole date, she thought that Lady Luck must have been on her side. ‘And why not? I’ve been doing so well with this relationship, that the rest of what is to come might just be a cinch to deal with.’

Of course, she just could only hope that everything was this easy. Rarity continued to make her way down the sidewalk until she turned left. She paused and looked both directions before she crossed the street quickly to the other side of the street. She looked to the left and smiled. ‘There it is… The Prancing Pony.’ Rarity walked up to the front entrance and gazed at the building.

It certainly was a fancily structured building: arches flowed over the top of the entrance, and vines had been woven around these decorative parts of the building, while also being delicately strung around sections of the building. To Rarity, it gave off a natural feeling, something that reminded her of Ponyville. ‘Now… to wait for Twilight.’ She walked up to a bench and sat in front of the building, sitting down with a quiet sigh.

Turning to the right of her dress, she stopped to admire what she was wearing. It was an satin ivory silk halter top that extended all the way across her body and covered her tail. The dress was split apart across the middle of her back, but reconnected once it neared her rear. She smiled when she gazed down at the pale azure necklace with a purple diamond in the centerpiece. Rarity glanced up to the earrings and giggled when the light blue flower centerpieces glinted in the light. ‘I do sincerely hope that I will not overwhelm Twilight with how I look.’ She couldn’t help but giggle again; the thought of Twilight’s cheeks aglow with a blush just made it seem more adorable.

“Now… let me just make a quick double check.” Rarity’s horn lit up with her light blue aura, her gaze kept focused on the ground while a small hoofheld mirror floated in front of her. She flicked it open and checked her makeup. “Well then, everything seems to be in order here.” Everything was going well, which made Rarity squee a little. “This is so exciting! I can’t wait to see Twilight.”

Her ears swiveled forward. Rarity gasped at the sound of hoofsteps. “Oh, that could be her coming right now.” She quickly stood up and brushed herself off, standing still afterwards with a smile. Her smile disappeared, and she frowned. “Twilight?” The mare stood in front of her. However, she was not wearing a fancy dress like she had hoped she would. Yet something else was amiss: there was no smile or even the faintest grin on her muzzle, but a frown that seemed to deepen with each passing second.

“Hello there… Rarity.” Twilight glanced to the side, her eyes never making contact with Rarity’s.

Rarity herself stood there, mouth agape while she tried to find the words to say. “Darling… um, I thought you were going to wear something fancy for our first date.”

Twilight looked up, and their eyes finally met one another. She sighed. “Look… I didn’t come here for some date. What’s this all about, Rarity? Why did you leave me this?” She levitated the invitation that Rarity left her after her visit.

Rarity took the invitation in her own magic. “But… Twilight. I-I was hoping that this dinner might help further our relationship, after what I told you.”

“What you told me?” Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Oh… I guess I was too busy with one of my books to notice what you actually said.” Rarity flinched slightly at this new bit of info. “What did you tell me that was so important for… well, this dinner?”

It all seemed to be falling apart at the seams, Rarity thought. ‘Bu-but if she didn’t hear me before… then she truly still doesn’t know.’ She looked down the ground and closed her eyes. “I… well… you see, I…” The words would not come to her, and she did not know how to say it this time.

“Please… just be honest with me, Rarity,” Twilight pleaded. She walked up to Rarity and held her hoof with her own. “Just… tell me why you did this. Why did you visit me earlier this afternoon?”

A warmth crept upon Rarity’s muzzle at the touch of Twilight’s hoof. She breathed in and exhaled out until she faced Twilight. “I… came over to… declare my feelings for you.”

She felt Twilight’s hoof leave her own, watched the mare she knew as a friend step back and away from Rarity. Her eyes had widened, and a blush had formed on her own muzzle as well. “I… I see…” She turned her gaze to the ground and continued. “I… after your visit and what you left me at my home, I searched for a reason as to why you were acting so weird. In fact… I began to remember all the other times you acted strangely around me: when you gave me that dress for my birthday party, to the evening my party took place, and the two days before today when you asked me about my interests in other ponies.”

“But… Twilight… I wish I could have told you sooner, but the time was never right. I didn’t want to worry you and cause you to have a possible meltdown,” Rarity explained. “I… I only did what I thought was right by--”

“By hiding it from me? But why?” Twilight interrupted Rarity. “I understand now that… you have feelings for me. But why didn’t you just let me know earlier? I mean… sure, I can see that I wouldn’t have taken it so easily then, but you just…” Twilight shook her head. “I’m sorry, Rarity… but I just don’t feel the same way.”

Rarity stood there, her mouth slightly agape. “Y-you d-don’t…” The words came out in a tiny squeak. Tears began to trickle down Rarity’s muzzle, ruining her mascara. “B-but I… I…”

Twilight stood there, her eyes fixed on Rarity’s, before she turned away. “I… I need some time to think about this… I’m sorry, Rarity…” She began to walk away, her back turned to her friend.

“But Twilight… I--”

“Please Rarity… I just need some time to think about what you said. About this whole… relationship…” Twilight spoke without looking back.

“B-but--”

“I said no.” Twilight stopped and spoke with a firmer voice. “Just… I need to be alone. Please just… leave me be.” With that, Twilight quickly trotted off and left Rarity where she stood.

As Rarity watched her friend trot away, those tears that had begun to trickle now came down in rivulets. “Twilight…” She whispered her friend’s name in a weak and pathetic voice. Her legs shook, feeling like she could fall down onto the ground at any moment. “W-why… did this h-have to happen… I… I…”

“Excuse me, ma’am.” Rarity froze at the voice of a stallion behind her. “Are you Miss Rarity?”

Rarity didn’t turn to face the stallion. “Yes… and no… I… I am a-afraid that I shall not be… attending to m-my reservation t-tonight. Let somepony else have it....”

He raised an eyebrow before he asked. “Are… you alright, ma’am?”

“No… I just… need to be left alone.” Rarity slowly walked away from the Prancing Pony. She continued to move along at a slow pace, sniffling and crying quietly while she went back up that long sidewalk. She followed the same path she went down and made it to her house after some time. Her sobs of pain began to ascend in volume when she reached the door to her home. Rarity opened the door and closed it behind her.

She stood in the darkness and cried. Her tearful sobs began to get louder still until she cried out. Rarity fell to the ground and just sat there, her heart ached even more than before. Was this was rejection truly felt like: to feel alone, to feel sad, to feel an emptiness that seemed to replace where her heart was? It seemed to be the case, for Rarity had never felt this hurt in her life ever before. ‘I-I just wanted to… s-show Twilight how much I cared… t-that I c-could be the m-mare for her…’

A fresh wave of cries echoed in the room. Rarity shakily stood up and moved over to her bed, curling up into a ball and sobbing into the bed. The darkness of this room began to feel comforting, something Rarity never felt before. Yet she still continued to cry on. All her hard work, from making the dress for Twilight’s birthday party, to this plan that would never see completion, and to her own emotions, felt fruitless at this point. “W-why… w-why… d-does it h-h-have to hurt…”

A quiet meow resonated from her side. Rarity turned to see Opal frowning as she walked up. ‘O-oh Opal… my darling little cat.’ Opal curled up beside Rarity and purred in an attempt to cheer Rarity up. She sniffled again and ran a shaky hoof over Opal’s back, the purr slightly getting a little louder. “T-thank you… d-dear, Opal. I-I’m glad I b-brought you along…”

Rarity laid down again, and her cries finally began to die down a little. Her eyes began to slightly droop as she still sobbed on. It was moments until her eyes finally closed and the darkness of sleep finally returned her to the gentle depths of this caring and lonely world. Everything she had worked for, everything she had planned and hoped for, had been dashed. All of it had crumbled away, and Rarity was left broken, a lonely little gem in the world without her star; her twinkling star in the sky.

Author's Note

Well... it could be worse for Rarity, right? :raritycry:

Chapter IX: And Leaves us Emotionally Scarred

A page crinkled as Twilight pushed onward to the next section of the book. She sighed and looked out the window of her home. Clouds completely eclipsed the sun, the world’s bright and vibrant colors now graying from this darker lighting. She exhaled once more and returned her attention to the book in front of her hooves. “The first signs of winter… yet I don’t feel excited for it.”

It was far from exciting, which Twilight would have hoped for today. She stared down at the book below her, her gaze unmoving while she fell into a daze. Yesterday had been “difficult” to say the least. Rarity, a friend she had relied on and did enjoy being around, had feelings for her, feelings that possibly extended beyond friendship. How and why her friend would feel this way towards her was, at the moment, completely unknown to her. ‘And it’s… I don’t know, weird?’

Everything Twilight knew about it was not right. She had never even considered Rarity in that type of way. Was it so wrong not to? Her vision blurred for a moment. She blinked her eyes and saw the book below her again. She let out a sigh and pushed it away. Not even the books she so cared about brought comfort to Twilight. The moment from last night was just too important not to think about, yet she needed more information. More reasons as to why Rarity felt this way to her, this whole new “love” that Twilight did not feel for her.

“It… can’t be simple… can it…” Twilight murmured to herself. All her life so far, she had only had interest in mares, at least as much as she could remember. There was no direction in that way of other stallions, nor did she ever recall a slight interest for the opposite sex. Of course she should have felt glad that there was a mare who liked her, but it was her best friend, Rarity. “Why… why out of all ponies must she like me? I mean… I don’t see why she likes me in that way. What’s so interesting about me?”

The answers seemed to be out of reach. Why was Rarity attracted to her? Twilight wanted to know and to get to the bottom of this predicament. She turned her head slightly to the left at the sound of footsteps and smiled at the sight of Spike. “Hey there, Spike.” She tilted her head after she spoke. His head was down, and he walked in this droopy posture, his shoulders hunched up and his gaze kept a constant focus to the floor. That was not normal for him. She could not remember a time when he had looked so down before. ‘I-is he alright?’ She sat upright and asked, “Spike… are you alright?”

Spike lifted his head up slightly to meet her own gaze. “Y-yeah… I’m fine, Twilight.” He looked away and continued to mosy onward, like he intended to just wander around the room.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Spike. There’s obviously something wrong. Maybe I can help?”

He stopped and didn’t look back. “Look… I don’t feel good at the moment. I’m fine, really. Just… can we not talk at the moment?”

“Spike…” Twilight stood up and approached him. “Obviously everything's not alright. Please, just tell me.”

“Just leave me alone.” She flinched at the more aggressive tone in his voice. He stood up straight and glanced behind his shoulder. “I don’t want to talk, alright?”

“Wh-what’s going on, Spike?” Twilight frowned. “Why are you sounding so… so irritated? What are you mad about?”

“Oh, what are you mad about?” Spike mimicked and turned around to face her. “So you are actually going to care this time instead of blowing me off like all those other times.”

“What is wrong with you?” Twilight held her ground. “What is your deal? Why are you so angry?”

“Well you wouldn’t know, since you’re so obsessed with that book you hide from me all the time.” Spike crossed his arms.

“W-what?” Twilight took a step back. “H-h-how do you--”

“It’s obvious enough when I hear you talking to it like it was alive every other night.” He snorted. “Why didn’t you tell me you were practicing dark magic? Heck, I’m surprised that you’d even look into that type of magic.”

“I want to know what it is capable of, Spike.” Twilight reasoned. “To know its effects, what it can do and why it’s so powerful.” She folded her ears onto her head. “And why are you angry? What are you mad at?”

Spike glared at Twilight. “You still don’t get it, do you?” He chuckled. “Why do you think I’m mad? I’m mad at you.”

“What? Why?” Twilight took a step back, her eyes widening at the revelation. ‘What did I do? Surely I didn’t do anything wrong, right?’

“Why? Why!?” He clenched his hands into fists and stomped his right foot. “It’s because of what you took. You stole Rarity’s heart! You st--”

“How dare you accuse me of something like that!” Twilight took a step forward and returned the glare he had gave her. “It’s so childish of you to assume that I wanted this in the first place, when I wasn’t interested in Rarity to begin with.” She watched him step back, the glare he once had in his eyes faltered. “And you just thought that I wanted her, what with your own petty and foalish dreams about you and her together. Yet you're a dragon and she’s a pony. It is never going to happen, Spike. You hear me? Never!” Twilight breathed in and out, catching her breath.

Twilight’s eyes widened when she saw Spike. Tears trickled down his face. He hiccupped and wiped his eyes with his hands until he turned his back to her. “Spike… I…” Twilight reached a hoof out to him. “I didn’t mean to… say any--” He quickly ran into his room and shut the door, Twilight stared at where he went. She closed her eyes and ground her teeth together. Tears gathered up in her eyes, threatening to burst at the mere thought of what she had said. ‘I’m so sorry… I-I’m so sorry Spike…’

She had never yelled like that at Spike before. Yet she had. It was like a mother scolding her son, which in the odd sense was that she sort of was a mother to him. But she was also a sister to him as well, a mare who had always treated Spike with kindness. And now she had yelled at him because of her own anger. “I-I-I’m so sorry… Spike… I… I…” She closed her eyes and ran down the stairs and out her door.

Twilight took off down the sidewalk, heading for anywhere she could go. This was too much. She couldn’t handle what she had just done; all she thought to do was run and to get away from her home. She turned right down another path and ended up in a courtyard. She glanced around, only to find that nopony was around her. Her breathing began to increase, and she closed her eyes. The dam that held her tears back finally broke down, little rivers forming down her cheeks as she lost the will to fight back against them. Her horn lit up with a dark purple and green aura; she screamed as shot a beam out into the distant plains far away from Canterlot. She fell down onto her side and watched it explode, only visible for a few moments until the light was no more.

She slowly sat up and felt the energy she had leave her, taking deep breathes while she blinked her eyes. More tears traveled down her muzzle, and she whimpered. She shook slightly, resting her eyes into her right foreleg. “Why… is this happening? Why now… why…” Twilight felt like she did not need this amount of stress; too much, and she knew that this dark magic would get control over her. But that was not the only reason why. Because of her practice with this new magic, she had noticed that she would get angry more easily than before. Of course, she knew she was always easy to annoy, but not so effortlessly like this.

She just needed to calm down. That was the main goal for now. Twilight looked back at the path she had come through and slowly, if not shakily, got up. She began her walk back to her house, but with each step she took, the effort to move forward felt more and more difficult. Twilight didn’t know how to confront Spike after what happened, and she just had no idea at the moment how she could fix this mess. ‘First Rarity… and my rejection of her feelings, which could have gone so much better. Now I yell at Spike. This is just the worst…’ She just hoped Spike would still be there, for she had to do something. ‘I… I just hope he can forgive me… for what I said to him.’ But she did not have the strength to say anything. As Twilight continued forward, however, she was at least thankful that there was another home nearby, one where she could go for the time being.

~~~

Echoes of a train’s whistle bounced around in the tunnel. The locomotive sped out from the dark hole as its smoke rose up into the air. The rails shook violently as the train moved across the open land that surrounded it. The gray sky stretched out above. Small snowflakes descended towards the ground below, disappearing into drips of water when they hit the ground. Another whistle bellowed from the train; it continued onward towards its destination.

Ponies looked out the windows and smiled as they pointed at the now-beginning flurry of snow, the sign that winter had come. Yet out of all of the ponies in the train, one stayed where she was, hiding away in a dark dress with a hood that kept a veil to avoid the looks of other ponies. Rarity leaned against the window, resting her head on the glass wall that separated her from the outside. She sniffled quietly, dry tear marks ran down her cheeks, her eyes hidden under the hood.

There was no joy to be had: no momentous occasion to celebrate, no holiday worth enjoying, and no happiness to be felt. The gray world became bleak, a emotion Rarity could only feel besides sadness and hurt. A tiny whimper escaped her breath; Rarity pressed against the glass a little more. What fun was there to be had when all you could feel was the sting of a scorpion's tail? Or in this case, the rejection of a friend’s feelings, ones she thought were true.

‘H-how… could I be so naive? I should have realized from the start… that this was never going to work.’ A thought that had become more and more apparent in her mind. She had been goaded into this trap that life happily sprung for her; like a model to the fashion designer, her devilish contract had been signed. The reward: a broken heart from a mare she knew as friend and felt even closer to. Yet the feelings she held were not ones to share, and in the end she felt ashamed and broken, even embarrassed that it was a live act in front of the public audience.

Why and how she thought that this would work had now risen beyond her comprehension. The relationship had felt tantalizingly close, but it seemed that Cupid had other plans besides destroying the friendship she once had with Twilight. ‘A-and now… I don’t know if I can face her anymore. Not a-after yesterday…’ If her friends found out about what she tried to do with Twilight, she would be dealing with more than a distraught heart.

But how could she ever hope to confront Twilight again? After what happened last night, she was assured that her friend would want nothing to do with her ever again. If she was in Twilight’s place, of course she too would not want anything to do with herself. “Love… I… I t-thought you promised me happiness… where’s the j-joy to be had?” Rarity brought a hoof to the glass window and stared out into the world separated by the glass. She closed her eyes, and the train suddenly went quiet.

Quickly she opened her eyes, yet the world had changed. Instead of the bleak and gray world she was in, the light had returned in the form of evening twilight. She turned to her right, and her mouth hung agape slightly. There was the image of herself, sitting amongst her friends. She could see their mouths moving, but not a single word came out from any of them. Rarity gazed from pony to pony until her eyes fell on Twilight. The mare of her dreams sat by her other image. Her eyes widened as the memory hit her. ‘T-this was the day we accompanied Twilight back to Canterlot…’

But Rarity did not take her gaze away from the sight before her, the lookalike and Twilight sat right next to each other. And while Rarity continued to stare, her heart began to ache while she teared up. “This… this was the day we had to say goodbye… but why is it so important?” Rarity thought. A moment later, and she still had no clue as to why. The door opened, and she watched as Twilight hugged her friends goodbye. Her mouth moved as she spoke non-vocal words until she exited the door, disappearing into the light.

When she left, it finally hit her. ‘This… was the day that I first felt those odd feelings.’ Rarity could feel the ache in her chest that bugged her the day Twilight returned to Canterlot after Nightmare Moon’s defeat. Now she could explain where those emotions began: all the way at the beginning. No, it was not love at first sight, but a love that at first was small, but grew more and more with all that Twilight had done for them. She had united them all in friendship and helped save Equestria from not only from the Mare in the Moon, but even from the god of chaos himself, Discord.

But now… all of that was lost. The world around Rarity began to gray once more; the light from the sun outside faded away to the bleak lighting from the clouds. The train echoed underneath Rarity, her head still rested against the window. She shook slightly, and a fresh wave of tears trickled down her muzzle. ‘All of it… gone… my love… ruined… so completely torn apart.’ And this was all that had remained: an emotion she once thought was so great, she felt like she could sing it out to the world. Now there was no warmth left, for only the cold feeling of emptiness had replaced the fire in her heart. Broken and torn, this was all she had to look forward to from now on. A broken diamond, a fading star of her existence.

Author's Note

Another chapter... another broken heart. :fluttershysad: :raritycry:

But in any case, hopefully you'll enjoy this one as well. And do please help point out any errors, just in case I might have skipped one or two while in revision? That would be greatly appreciated. :twilightsmile:

Chapter X: Remember That Light

The world of gray continued to be the same. Yet there was no sorrow to be had, for the joys of winter had only just begun. A day had passed, and more snow was on its way, floating down in a gentle flurry. Rooftops were covered in it, and the ground fared no better, with inches upon inches covering the streets of Ponyville. It cracked noisily as hooves walked over its delicate surface. The cry of happiness could be heard resonating from every corner of Ponyville. Ponies smiled bright with glee, and little fillies and colts ran through the weak blizzard of wind hurling snowballs through the air.

But this same joy was lost to a single pony, who gazed out from her window. Rarity stared out at the town as more snow gradually came down. She wore a frown, one that was deep with the sadness that she held. Her eyes drooped, slightly tinged with the redness of tears. Her mane was a disheveled mess, unkempt and left to curl messily over her horn. She let out a quiet sigh while she continued to stare out into the gray world, the only sound she had made today besides her fitful sobbing. ‘Is… this what true heartache feels like? A pain… s-so deep that you cannot e-even heal yourself with the joys of winter?’

Even after another day had passed, two days after the failed date that Rarity had tried to set up with her friend Twilight, she could still feel the ache that continued to run through her heart, like an open wound that would not heal and was continually covered with salt. Maybe this was what her destiny in romance would lead to. She had not known this kind of sorrow anywhere else. It was a pain that she had no familiarity to, or any solution that could mend her heart’s broken center.

“I tried so hard…” Rarity murmured to herself as she wiped a tear from her eye. “I did… wh-what any normal pony would do. But it still failed… a-and I rushed it. I tried to move the pace along too quickly… and now I am paying for my naivete.” In all good sense of the word, “pay”, Rarity still could not believe how fast all her hard work had crumbled to complete disaster. And the pain from that day, the words that echoed through her mind from Twilight’s last words to her, continued to shake her to the core.

Rarity brought her gaze from the tops of the buildings in Ponyville to the snow-covered ground of the streets below. As she looked at the ponies walking by, her frown only deepened at the sights of their smiles. She envied their happiness, for she would know none now. That opportunity was lost, and with it, the dream that ran away from her. Her friendship with Twilight was in complete shambles, and now she feared that her friend would never speak a word to her. Then again, would she truly do the same? ‘I… I don’t even know if I can face her now. Not after Tuesday’s horrible date.’

An echo of laughter brought her away from those depressed thoughts, only to tear up at the sight of other ponies, ponies that were together. She could see mare and stallionfriends walking together, all snug and warm in each other’s company. Truly she should have been happy for them. They got the chance to spend time with the ones they loved, and that never should be frowned upon. But Rarity’s envy only felt worse. ‘Jealousy… a mare should never stoop to such a level of feeling.’ Yet what was the point, she thought, to push it away.

She looked back to her room, darkened and unlit ever since she had returned. In two days’ time, this room had not seen the light of the sun, nor even the artificial light from above contained in those glass bulbs. Darkness had become her companion, an invisible friend that would never leave her side, and Rarity faced no rejection from it. Yet she knew that this was just the side effect of her rejection. How could darkness truly be her friend? Sure, it made her comfortable and never hurt her in any such way, but she could not touch or hold it in a physical sense. In the end, she still felt lonely.

Rarity returned her gaze to the world outside and looked down to the ponies below. Her eyes widened slightly as she caught sight of two familiar mares, two ponies she knew well enough to understand what they did and why they were together. Tears trickled down her muzzle and a silent sniffle resonated from Rarity as she watched Bon-Bon and Lyra Heartstrings. The two mares just looked wonderful together: both mouths were moving as they spoke to one another, yet Rarity could not hear what they said.

Moments later, the two hugged each other with bright smiles and closed eyes. It was too much. Rarity looked away and quietly cried, closing the curtains and encasing herself in the dark grayish light of her room. Nothing would ever be the same for her. Rarity would never know when this emotional storm would ever end. She brought a hoof to her eyes and rubbed them, the tears trickling down her foreleg, causing her to shiver. She looked up at the sound of a ‘meow’ and turned her gaze to Opalescence.

The only companion in her room had stayed with her. Yet Opal had kept her distance from Rarity; her own sad expression foretold the reason why. “Oh… Opal… I-I’m so sorry you have to see m-me like this.” None of her friends knew she had returned to Ponyville, and Rarity was set on keeping it that way. She did not feel that she had the emotional strength to confront them, not yet. For all she knew, this pain was hers alone, something that she would have to bear for the rest of her life. And maybe that was how it would go? That she was destined to be alone forever…

~~~

“Mmmh.” Twilight ran circles around her temple while she quietly growled. The gray lighting from the outside world had brightened her room considerably, but even then, why did she feel trapped inside this zone of twilight? She brought her hooves to her side and looked out the window at the cloudy sky, a frown on her muzzle. Two days had passed. In those two days, she had not heard one message from any of her friends, including Rarity. ‘I… hope she’s okay.’

Yet how true was that? The last thing that she had said to Rarity was something horrible, a request a friend should never say to somepony else. At the time she did not feel any remorse for saying those words, but now she just felt awful about it. ‘But I had to. Rarity… well, loves me.’ Twilight could not get over the fact that one of her best friends actually had feelings for her far beyond friendship, which Twilight was used to.

“There’s just… how am I supposed to feel about that?” What Rarity had proposed was something that she was just not ready for. Twilight didn’t even know what was necessary for a relationship beyond friendship. Maybe there was some book she could read on it, but with all that preparation, could she still be brave about approaching anypony? ‘I just proved that I faltered with Rarity… but why? Why me? What’s so special about me?’

Twilight had always thought that Rarity was into stallions. Heck, everypony else, as far as she knew, all thought the same thing, all believed that she would never step anywhere close to a relationship with another mare. But now that she finally saw what Rarity had tried to do two days ago, she felt like she should have been happy. Twilight herself liked other mares, too, but she never thought the first mare that would propose this type of relationship would be one of her closest friends.

It could only baffle the mind, Twilight thought, that this type of situation would happen to her in particular. Here she had a friend who wanted more but was completely shunned from taking their friendship any further. Maybe it was that Twilight was scared? Her eyes widened, a faint frown on her lips when she thought about having a marefriend. It did frighten her, quite honestly, yet in such a way that she felt nopony else would understand. And to even raise up that fear, she didn’t want Rarity to get close to her. If she knew about her practice in dark magic, would Rarity even respect her anymore? Would anypony she knew or loved respect her anymore? ‘They… must not know. The cannot know what I’m doing.’

But a thought struck her. She looked to the door that led to another room, the room that belonged to Spike. Yesterday was something out of a dream, a horrible and heart-wrenching scenario that she wished she was not apart of. But she was the mare who had yelled at him, and he deserved none of her anger. His own state of mind, as she could only surmise, was possibly worse than her own.

And after what she had done, she just couldn’t face him that day. She walked home to her parents’ house and told them what happened, what Rarity had proposed to her and the stress that she unleashed upon Spike. ‘Really… I’m thankful for them letting me stay for a while… just until I could go home.’ Yet they had told her that love was a very fickle thing, always confusing towards what was necessary and never truly easy to understand.

In the end, they told her just to give it a chance and to not miss another opportunity like this. They knew of her own personal attachments to mares, something that she at first thought they never knew. But they revealed to her that some time in the past, they saw how she had reacted to stallions when she was little, so oblivious to them that she hardly ever paid attention to them. But when they had seen the way she listened to other mares, they put two and two together. So apparently… they had known all along.

Yet how could Twilight love Rarity when Spike was still practically head over heels for her? He had loved Rarity for the longest time, even sometimes bordering on obsession. But Twilight could only be glad for his own self-control, since she knew what had happened to him when he became greedy: transforming into a huge dragon that nearly wrecked Ponyville.

Thankfully, nopony, not even Rarity, was hurt when he pony-napped her. And now Spike’s feelings were possibly crushed, and it was Twilight’s fault for not seeing him hurt so much. ‘Based on what happened… he probably overheard Rarity admit her feelings from two days ago… when I was reading a book and not paying any attention to what she had to say.’ If that was the case, then Twilight would need to tell Spike what happened when she confronted Rarity and apologize for what she had said to him yesterday.

Twilight stood up and walked over to his door. She took a quick breath in and exhaled out slowly before she opened the door to his room. Light pierced into the dark veil of his room. Not even the light behind his curtain window could illuminate this entire place. “Spike… are you there?” Twilight called out. She pulled the curtains aside with her magic, and the room lit up with the gray lighting from outside. She looked to the bed and frowned at the sight there: Spike laid on his left side with his back to her. “Spike… are… are you aw--”

“Leave me alone, Twilight…” Spike said, his voice almost a whisper cracked with emotion. “Just… please… l-leave me alone.”

Twilight shook her head, even though she knew he would not see her action. “No… I’m not going to let you just sit here like this.” She felt her own voice crack as she thought back to yesterday’s events. “What happened yesterday was… inexcusable of me. I never should have yelled at you… or said those awful words. I k-know… I really screwed up.”

“It’s not fair… you and Ra--”

“Please,” Twilight interrupted him, tears trickled down her muzzle. “Enough… enough about Rarity.” It simply hurt. Her heart ached from the rejection of Rarity’s love for her. “This is about you… I rejected her feelings on the night of what she thought would be our first date. I didn’t accept her love… I… I c-couldn’t accept her love.”

Spike shakily glanced over his shoulder. “B-but why? Wh--”

“Because of what I was oblivious to!” Twilight whimpered and covered her mouth, shaking where she stood. There was no more need for yelling, Twilight knew that. She lowered her hooves. “I… I d-didn’t even register your own feelings. I was so oblivious to Rarity’s own emotions yesterday… and to yours after what Rarity had said to me that day.” Twilight wiped the tears away from her cheeks, a slight hiccup in her voice.

“I-I know how much you care for her…” she continued, “how long you’ve waited for her to return any sort of that feeling for you. I… I just couldn’t handle the idea of having a relationship with another mare, e-even though I wanted to f-for so long. I just couldn’t…” Spike returned his gaze to the wall. Twilight closed her eyes and stemmed some of the tears streaming down her muzzle. “I felt so horrible for what I said yesterday… and I still feel that ache. I knew I should have said this earlier… but I’m sorry… Spike, I-I’m so sorry…”

Twilight unsteadily sat down on the floor, crying quietly to herself. She could only sob, her mind mixed with the emotions that continued to swirl around in her mind: confusion, anxiety, worry, frustration, anger, sadness and guilt. All and plenty more that she could barely begin to describe. “I… I know that you possibly aren’t ready to forgive me… but I’m not asking for that. I just hope you can over ti--”

“Twilight.” Spike interrupted her this time. She looked up to see him on the edge of his bed. “Please… stop. Stop crying.” He stood up and wrapped his arms across his chest. “I… I’ve already forgiven you.”

“W-what?”

“I want you to stop. Please, just stop.” He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her. Twilight sat there, eyes wide with surprise until she returned that embrace with eyes tightly shut. More and more tears traveled down her cheeks like a dam barely holding a flood back. Spike pulled away and wiped a hand across his eyes. “You… were right.”

“What do you mean?”

“I… there’s no way I could ever win Rarity over.” Spike glanced away while he spoke. “I thought about what you said. And really, you were right.”

“But Spike… I never meant to sa--”

“Pleasejustletmespeakforonesecond.” Spike closed his eyes tightly as he asserted himself, Twilight stopped speaking and just listened. “Just let me speak before I lose my nerve. Because I kept going over what you said yesterday, and you were right. Not only that I'm just a dragon, and that Rarity is a pony. It would never work. We’re two different beings. But I’m still so young… we could never be together with our age difference.” He opened his eyes; fresh tears were trickling down his own muzzle. “I never wanted to accept that fact. I only cared about me and Rarity being together, no matter what anypony else said, and that was all that mattered.” He clenched his hands into fists. “But what you said is true… it could never work… it just won’t…”

“Spike…” Twilight said his name in a gentle tone. “I… I never meant to say anything like that. Not in such a negative tone. Not to you… not ever…”

“Even if you didn’t mean it, it’s all true.” Spike returned his gaze to Twilight’s own. “A dragon and pony are two completely different beings. It can’t be physically possible.”

Twilight’s frown deepened a little, amazed by what Spike was saying. He was completely giving up any chance he might have had with her, a step that she thought he would never have taken at all, even if he grew up into an adult dragon. ‘Spike…’ In some sense, she was proud of him. Proud of such an adult decision he was making. ‘But… can he ever truly let her go?’ Only time would tell if Spike was fully committed to the idea.

But there was no need to bring up this pain now. He had basically said he was done chasing after her; she just needed to have faith in his decision. “Spike… I’m so sorry.” Twilight pulled him in for another hug. The two held each other for a moment longer than before: almost like a brother and sister, or a mother and a son.

“But…” Spike pulled away and looked her straight in the eye. “Promise me that… you’ll try this relationship with Rarity.”

Twilight took her turn to glance away. The prospect seemed so far out of reach now. She did not know if Rarity was in the mood for a relationship now; maybe she had even abandoned the idea of having any sort of association with her. “Spike… I… I don’t know if I can handle it. I just do--”

“Because you’ve never tried to before.” Twilight flinched at the gaze he gave. His frown of sadness deepened to one of irritation. “You always said you liked mares, right? But what have you done about it? I don’t think you’re ever gonna find one, because you always act so scared about it.” Spike let go of her and took a step back. “You keep backing out of the idea of ever having a relationship with another mare. But have you tried talking with another mare? No. You just scare yourself with rejection. Rarity is the only pony I know who has shown she has feelings for you. So for once… just try it… just try it, okay?”

Twilight glanced away, mouth slightly agape with the talk he had just given her. He was right. Absolutely and one-hundred percent right. She had always backed out of the idea of trying to establish some connection or relationship with another mare. Truth be told, like Rarity, she was so scared of rejection. But with what had happened two days ago, she finally saw that she wasn’t the pony being turned down; rather, she was the mare who was dismissing another pony’s feelings toward her own. ‘I… I’ve really screwed it all up. I can’t believe it… I’m such an idiot.’ She turned to Spike, and her eyes widened as he wobbled in place, eyes fluttering slowly.

She picked him up in her magic and lifted him onto his bed. Twilight could only smile as the baby dragon went to sleep. It was the first ray of light that brightened her day. Yet it could have possibly been the last. She looked out the window towards the direction of Ponyville. In that small town, in a building possibly somewhere in the middle of town was Rarity’s boutique, and the mare that she needed to talk to and clear everything up. ‘But… how will I even begin to approach her? After what I did… what I said…’ She gulped, fearing that Rarity would want nothing to do with her after Twilight rejected her feelings so poorly.

So was it the best option to give this relationship another chance, Twilight thought? ‘I… promised Spike I would.’ Yet she herself had no idea if she wanted this for her own purposes. ‘How can I? I’ve never felt the same wa--’ Then she saw an image flash in her eyes. It was the day she went back to Canterlot, an hour after Nightmare Moon’s defeat. Twilight and her newly acquainted friends were sitting on the train together as they came with her to say goodbye. She looked back to when she had spoken with Rarity and saw some inkling, a little glimmer in her eyes. She had no idea if that was just some tear in her friend’s eyes or something more.

‘If… her feelings for me extended all the way back to when we first met, then I have to do something.’ Twilight walked out of Spike’s room and closed the door behind her softly. Returning her attention to the stairway, she bit her lip and sifted through the options. ‘Option A and the worst one: stay here and pretend you never knew Rarity in the first place. Pro is that I never have to experience those dreaded emotions and will never confront Rarity ever again… although the obvious cons are that something may happen to her without my knowledge, and I’ll spend the rest of my life regretting the new experience I would be missing out on.’

Twilight walked over to the couch next to her tall bookcase and sat down. “Option B is, scenario-wise, the best option. Take the next train to Ponyville and make my way over to Rarity’s boutique to apologize for what I did. Pro: it may end up restoring our friendship… and maybe further it as well.” It was the scenario she feared, for although she might be with a mare who was interested in her own feelings, she did not know if she could fully commit and unintentionally break Rarity’s feelings once again. “Con… Rarity may end up rejecting me: friendship-wise and for the rest of our lives, and my own feelings will become hurt in the process.”

This idea was the only one that would solve everything, yet it could backfire so easily as well. ‘Option C… wait, is there a third option?’ “The third most likely scenario is I move to another part of Equestria, or country, and altogether forget this ever happened or my friends… while staying in touch with Princess Celestia, if the place I move to has a mail post there.” Twilight flattened her ears and frowned to herself. “Seriously? I’m no coward.”

‘But… I can’t even gain the courage to approach Rarity… what if I screw this up?’ Twilight’s frown softened, and she looked up to the large window and to the gray world outside. ‘If… I don’t do this… what will happen to Rarity?’ She did not want to run scenarios in her head about what Rarity would do, lest she came to the most unnerving one.

‘No...’ Twilight flinched at the word she used. She stood up and walked over to the stairway. ‘Rarity needs me… I can’t just abandon her…’. A faint smile replaced her frown. ‘She would do the same for me… I know she would…’ Twilight exhaled and stood at the front entrance of her home, flattening her ears against her head. This was the only chance she had to amend their friendship, to set things right and to help Rarity recover from what Twilight had done. In the end, this was what it meant to be a friend. Twilight gulped and brought a hoof to the doorknob, grabbing it and opening the door. ‘Rarity… I’m so sorry for what I did… please just wait… I’m going to undo my mistake.’ She felt her heart ache, but she shook her head and frowned. Now was not the time to run away from this. Now was the time to repair the damage she had caused. And the sensation in her chest worsened, but Twilight was determined to stay strong. ‘Rarity… please, bravery; please don’t run out on me when I need you most…’

Author's Note

As always, I thank my prereader, Monochromatic. And my editor, Alicorn Priest. And of course if there are any errors, grammatically or sentence structure, just let me know.

Chapter XI: That Sparked my Interest

A whistle resonated through air, the train’s loud, high pitch sound filled the air around it. It came barreling down the railroad until a screech of its brakes echoed as the new noise from the locomotive. The train slowed while it pulled up to a train station. Steam shot out from the wheels as it finally came to a stop. The ponies out on the station waited for a moment until the doors opened.

Twilight rushed out one of the doors at a quick trot, frowning as she quickly scanned the platform. ‘No, no, no, no. She’s not here.’ She gulped and wiped her brow with a hoof. But her frown did not perish with an added sigh. ‘Then where could she be?’ The only other place Twilight could think of was her boutique, although if she wasn’t there then this would have been all for nothing. ‘I have to fix this… I need to make things right.’

She trotted off the platform and into the town, the small village known as Ponyville. Twilight looked around the area and scanned each building. This place was rather comforting for being so small, she thought. As she would know, being raised in a city as large as Canterlot had helped her get used to being around in large crowds. But in such a dispersed place as this, she felt a little relief that there wouldn’t be crowds upon crowds of ponies she had to go through.

But Twilight’s frown only deepened; second by second, her panic grew. Even with this added bonus of only a few ponies, she could only speculate where Rarity might be in this town. She had only come here a few times, and even then it wasn’t enough to get acquainted with the local area. While she trotted, Twilight breathed in and out. ‘Everything is going to be alright. Just breathe and don’t panic.’ Yet the thought of losing her chance to save what Rarity had desired would be almost impossible to get over if she wasn’t able to locate her friend.

Moments went by, and Twilight quickly brought her gaze from one side of the town to the other, looking down some of the alleyways and even down the streets right next to many of the buildings here. She walked around a corner of a street until a faint smile broke that wall of a frown. There stood Rarity’s boutique, where her friend was hiding. She went to trot forward but stopped immediately and lurched forward until she stood up straight.

‘Hold on there, Twilight. We need to come up with a plan.’ This could not be rushed, for an apology like this needed a very thought-out plan. ‘I can’t just give her a straightforward apology… not after what happened between us the last time.’ The frown returned and marked over her smile, and she cursed herself quietly for what she had done. It was not going to be just a simple few words and their relationship would be fine. If anything, this was in need of dire thought so she could figure out what the right words would need to be.

But the thought of approaching Rarity after what she had done had Twilight gulp down a small bit of bile in the back of her throat. Twilight breathed in and then out once more. “Well… here I go.” She took one step at a time and slowly walked over to the boutique’s front entrance. Another sigh escaped her lips. Twilight closed her eyes and stood still. ‘Please… please, goddess, let me make this right.’ She reopened her eyes, brought a hoof up to the door bell, and pushed against the button.

She returned her hoof to the ground and waited. She gulped again; fearful thoughts floated in the back of her mind while her subconscious sifted through scenario after scenario. Each one deepened Twilight’s frown as each scene only depicted the worst happening to her or to Rarity. ‘Just calm down. Everything will be… or may be fine.’

The door opened up, and Twilight was brought back to reality. However, she expected to be eye to eye with the mare she had come here for. She looked down and instead was met with a small filly. She forced a smile and said, “Hello there, Sweetie Belle.” She only received a stare from the younger pony in front of her. A chuckle then followed before Twilight continued. “Is Rarity home?”

“Yeah… she’s home.” Sweetie murmured and tilted her head. “Although she’s been in her room for two days now and barely comes out unless she needs to eat or do other things.”

“Two days, huh…” It was worse than Twilight thought. ‘Rarity… oh, this is just horrible.’ The stomach churning regret she had already felt increased to guilt. “Does anypony else know about this?”

Sweetie shook her head. “Nope. She told me to not tell anypony else about this.” She raised an eyebrow afterwards. “And… for some odd reason, she told me to make sure that nopony came in… and especially you, even though she didn’t explain why.”

“Oh… I see.” Twilight looked away and closed her eyes. ‘She won’t let me in? I’ve really screwed up… but she needs help.’ She opened her eyes and returned her attention to Sweetie Belle. “Is it alright if I can come in? I need to speak to her… and help her if I can.”

The filly looked away from Twilight. “I… I don’t know. She really sounded like she didn’t want to see you.”

“Please? This is important. I need to fix something between us. I have to… before it’s too late.” The frown on her lips quivered a little as she pleaded to the filly in front of her.

“What do you need to fix?” Sweetie Belle asked, tilting her head again.

Twilight reared back a little. ‘Right… Rarity possibly didn’t tell her.’ After all, Sweetie Belle was still so young and innocent in this minor crisis. “Well… you know that feeling when you might have said something to hurt another pony’s feelings?”

“Um… sort’ve. Why is that though?”

“Well… I might have said something to Rarity that I never meant. In fact, I should have been happy she asked… but I was scared and nervous about this transition. So I came here to apologize and hopefully mend our friendship… even if it means something more.” Twilight muttered the last bit of the sentence, her eyes slightly closing.

“Something more?” Sweetie asked, a frown now visible on her muzzle.

Twilight snapped out of her haze and forced a giggle. “Don’t worry about it. It’s something a little… personal. So can you please let me in?”

Sweetie glanced back to the stairway before she returned her attention to Twilight. “Well… okay, I guess.”

Twilight let out a sigh of relief and smiled. “Thank you so much, Sweetie Belle. You have no idea how much this means to me.” She walked past her and approached the stairway. Twilight took one step up, but stopped as she glanced back to Sweetie Belle. Given the circumstances of what mood Rarity could be in, she figured that her friend could possibly get a little loud. “Sweetie Belle? I need to ask you a favor.”

“Alright. What is it?”

“Well… whatever you might hear, please promise me that you won’t come up to your sister’s room. It might get a little… vocal.” Twilight admitted, frowning. ‘If I’m guessing how Rarity feels about me… it may get more than a little vocal.’

“Uh… why is that?” Sweetie gave a faint frown.

“It’s as I said before… we need to mend something together. So please… just stay down here, and whatever happens… just let the adults handle this situation.” Twilight returned her gaze to the stairs and slowly walked up the staircase before she reached the second floor. It was only a moment until she reached the hallway to Rarity’s room, the place where her friend would have been hiding. This was it, the moment that Twilight dreaded herself.

As she stared, the hallway suddenly became longer and longer; the door stretched farther away from where she stood. ‘Focus Twilight. Just remain calm…’ But it barely helped the fact that she was now just moments away from either repairing the lost friendship or worsening the divide between it. She glanced down the stairway and thought for a moment. ‘I… have the moment to turn back now. But that won’t help anything at all. I’ve come so far… I can’t run away when I’m this close.’

But was it worth the pain? The heartache that might come from this conversation? Truly this situation was slowly becoming, and may have already been, a double-edged sword. ‘If I don’t succeed… then this ruins our friendship entirely…’ The thought of that happening only hurt her heart even more. It would have been terrible if she had come so far with this type of relationship, only for it to fall flat at the loss of a single friend. ‘Yet if I do come through… and Rarity and I can repair this wound, then we’ll be friends again… yet maybe more in the end of this as well.’ The prospect of a relationship still terrified her, but Twilight knew that this would have to be the outcome, if she could assure that this friendship would survive.

Twilight slowly breathed in and out. The trick wasn’t doing her much help, but she would take all she could get for now. “Well… here goes nothing.” Twilight stepped forward and slowly approached the door that separated her from Rarity. Her thoughts spun through her head, each one jumbled and unreadable with each step to the point where she could barely focus on what was around her. The door was the only thing she saw as the surrounding area blurred in her sight.

One final step brought her a foot away from the door. The distance between both Twilight and Rarity’s entrance was gone. She brought a shaky hoof to the door, and gently tapped on it twice. An uneasy silence then replaced the knocking on wood, Twilight shivered slightly in place, she gazed at the door and darted her attention all over the white wooden door. ‘J-just calm down. J-just calm down…’ She repeated to herself over and over, but even with the slight reassurance, the thought of seeing Rarity frightened her to the core.

She froze as the sound of hoofsteps slowly made their way to the door. Ears splayed back, she bit her lip and forced herself to stand her ground. The knob jiggled slightly, rotating as the pony on the other side turned the metallic knob to the right. The door opened a little ways. A muzzle appeared first, and then two eyes unveiled from the darkness, two bright blue eyes. They met her own strong purple eyes, and the two ponies stayed like that for what Twilight felt was the longest time.

Twilight blinked once and breathed out. “H-hey Rarity…” Her friend just stared, her eyes never moving away from her own. She forced a quiet chuckle and continued, “C-can we… you know, talk?”

Rarity blinked her eyes once. The door quickly closed shut; Twilight flinched at the noise. She frowned when she heard her friend’s voice, weak and dejected. “Go away, Twilight!”

“B-but, Rarity… I--”

“You do not belong here! Nopony else except my sister belongs in my establishment!” Rarity yelled from behind the door.

Twilight took a step back. She frowned and glanced down the hallway. ‘She’s given me a chance to leave… but do I really want to leave her in such a depressed state?’ She shook her head and returned her gaze to the door. ‘No. I’m going to fight for this.’ Twilight closed her eyes and concentrated on the area behind the door. She disappeared in a flash of magenta light and reappeared on the other side.

Her friend let out a yelp of surprise and backed up to the windows. Rarity glanced behind her and looked out the glass frames until she returned her gaze to Twilight. It seemed, as Twilight noticed, that she looked prepared to jump out of her own house. But her friend stayed where she was, except her frightened gaze lowered and was replaced with a glare. She turned around and faced her back to Twilight. “I told you to leave me be, Twilight Sparkle.”

“Rarity, just please let me--”

“No! I’ve already had my heart ripped out!” Rarity twirled around and faced Twilight with that same glare from before. “I do not plan to have you drive that final stake into it!”

“Please just listen to me.” Her eyes glimmered as she held the hidden tears back. “I’m sorry… I-I never meant what I said last time. I really didn’t…”

“Oh really?” Rarity’s harsh gaze lessened, but that hostility remained in her tone. “As I recall, you came to the Prancing Pony and declared that you did not share the same feelings. Not only did you bash any inkling I had for you, but to add to that, you decided to throw salt into my already-wounded heart, by declaring that you never wanted to see me ever again!”

“I know! I and I’m sorry. I never meant to say it in that kind of context. Please, I know it’s hard for you to see me at the moment, but--”

“Hard to see you?” Rarity let out a small chuckle. “Hard to see you? Really? I wonder what the possible reason behind that is! Oh wait, it’s because you shattered my heart, Twilight Sparkle! You literally took all those feelings I had and hammered them into the ground. It’s like you didn’t even care if the glass that was my heart shattered against me to create even more wounds! How dare you try and act like it never happened! How da--”

“Please, enough!” Twilight yelled back. She lowered her head, her mane hiding away her eyes. “Please… no more yelling…” Tears finally trickled down her muzzle, and she whimpered quietly. She slowly raised her head back up to meet Rarity’s gaze and witnessed the hostility slowly but surely fade away from her friend. “I know… I know… I really screwed up. But I never meant to… I didn’t want to hurt you…”

“But you did. You didn’t ca--”

“Rarity, I do care. Just listen.” Twilight blinked her eyes as fresh tears poured down her muzzle. “A-after what happened… a-after what I did… I couldn’t take it. I realized what I did was wrong. I-I never meant to break your heart. But I was so scared… s-so scared that even if I did accept your feelings, that it would never work. That you and I… w-would never be able to coexist in a relationship further than friendship.”

“B-but why didn’t you trust me? I thought that after all we have been through, that you wouldn’t be so afraid of furthering our relationship.” Rarity asked. Her eyes slightly lowered as some of the hostility returned.

“Because I panicked. I assumed the worst and was frightened, so I thought pushing you away was the best. B-but I was wrong.” Twilight’s frowned. “I was terrified that I would somehow break your heart during our relationship. But now… I-I realize that my paranoia got the better of me… I was just so scared. Scared of the commitment because this was my first chance at a relationship with a mare, so I just didn’t want to screw it up. But when I found out that it was you… I just became so worried that we’d never return to being friends if we broke apart…”

“So this… was all out of fear?” The tone Twilight heard was no longer filled with anger. Only a questioning voice that desired an answer.

“Y-yes… I’m sorry… I truly am.” Twilight turned her attention to the ground again. She thought for a moment and tried to speak, but the voice she heard was weak and cracked with emotion. “I-I know h-how much it hurt… b-because I hurt myself after I r-rejected your feelings. I-it hurt… to t-turn away the one pony I could have had a chance with. I felt alone… s-so alone… and Spike--”

“What about Spike?” Rarity’s eyes widened slightly at the name of her favorite dragon. “What’s wrong?”

“I yelled at him.” Twilight confessed. “I yelled at him when he accused me of stealing your heart. He heard what you told me… when you revealed your love for me. I said something so horrible to him… I-I thought I’d never be able to forgive myself.”

“Twilight… I-I--”

“But I was able to save our relationship.” Twilight murmured. She smiled. “I went home and talked with him… and repaired the bond between us. And when I did that… I came looking for you to do the same.” Twilight forced her gaze to meet Rarity’s. “And maybe… even try what you wanted between us: a relationship other than friendship.” Rarity’s mouth opened slightly, and her eyes flickered at the words that Twilight said.

Yet Twilight could not bring her gaze back to Rarity. She closed her eyes and murmured, “I… I-I know you will need some time to forgive me… and I don’t blame you for that… for what I did. I-I just want to repair what I did, the mistake that I made. I was wrong… and you were right. So please… plea--” Twilight felt something push against her, lurching back a little at the sudden pressure against her chest. She opened her eyes, her mouth slightly hung agape. Rarity had her forelegs wrapped around her neck, her body pressed against Twilight’s as she hugged her.

It was so sudden, yet Twilight hiccuped before she quietly cried and embraced Rarity as well. She could hear Rarity doing the same as both mares shed their tears. She pressed her muzzle into Rarity’s shoulder, resting the left side of her head as she let her own emotions out in her soft sobs. “Yes…” Rarity whispered. She pulled away but held onto Twilight’s shoulders. “Yes… I want this, Twilight. I want to be with you…”

‘Could this really be happening?’ Twilight thought. She faintly smiled and sniffled. “T-thank you, Rarity… and I’m sorry… for what happened.” She brought a hoof to her eyes wiped the tears away.

“Don’t thank me, Twilight. If it wasn’t for you… I would have been stuck in that depressed state… s-so I should be thanking you instead.” Rarity did the same and wiped the tears from her cheeks. “And I should have realized that trying to introduce this idea so soon could have led to… well, this.”

“B-but I--”

Rarity hushed Twilight and brought a hoof to her muzzle, wiping some of the tears that trickled down her muzzle. “No more accusations towards yourself. Okay? We’re both to blame for this… so don’t hurt yourself even more.”

“O-okay… okay…” Twilight let a gentle smile replace her frown, the same happened for Rarity. ‘This is wonderful… absolutely wonderful.’ Yet Twilight felt that the apology wasn’t finished. She had to do something, although the ideas she thought of were scrambled at the moment. But there was one thing she had in mind, a thought of repairing the damage from two days ago. “So… do you think we could try this again? Y-you know… try the date that didn’t happen on Tuesday?”

Rarity gently nodded. “Of course… but I’ll have to see if there’s a table open at the Prancing Pony. We ca--”

“Wait.” Twilight halted Rarity before she continued. “It shouldn’t be someplace fancy. I think there’s a restaurant somewhere close by. It may not be as fancy as you’d like, but it has a good reputation for being one of best places in Canterlot.”

“Oh… but Twilight I--”

“I want to make this right, Rarity. And you’ve already had to deal with enough stress. Let me pick where we go, please?” Twilight asked, pulling away from Rarity and placing her forelegs back on the ground.

Rarity turned her attention to the ground, biting her lip for a moment until she nodded. “Alright, Twilight. I’ll let you choose where we go.”

Twilight’s smile brightened even more, and she hugged Rarity once more. “Thanks… thank you so much for forgiving me…”

“Well… forgiven is slightly there, Twilight.” Rarity admitted with a faint frown, but her smile returned before she continued, “But for the most part… yes, I have.” She pulled away from Twilight and murmured. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need prepare myself for tonight. After all, you promised me a second date.”

“Alright. I’ll meet you in Canterlot then.” Twilight quickly trotted out her friend’s door and passed by Sweetie Belle, who raised an eyebrow as she passed by.

“I can take it that it went well?” Sweetie Belle asked, walking over to the top of the stairway that Twilight was heading down.

She turned around and smiled. “Yes. Yes it did.” Twilight hastily began her trot once more and exited Rarity’s boutique. As she trotted out the building, Twilight slowly began to hop. Her voice began at a murmur before growing in noise. “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!” And she continued to chant this as she hopped along, signifying a night that she felt would be one of the best in her life.

Author's Note

Thank you everyone for sticking with this story. Now as always, if there are any grammatical or punctual errors, just let me know in the comments. But other than that, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter XII: And Reignited my Love

A signpost shook in the soft breeze, swaying back and forth with a gentle creak to its chain. Tiny flakes twirled in the wind and fell to the ground in a slow pour of snow. But shadows flittered across the ground while the feathery crystals poured down from the sky. The color had returned, gray clouds that once ruled the air above were finally gone; the evening light broke through the holes of the clouds that hovered over Canterlot.

In the contour of the dark overshadow, Twilight Sparkle sat on a wooden bench underneath the train station's roof, eyes closed while she refrained from stepping out into the light’s silhouette. It felt like a surprise, Twilight thought, as she sat there in the quiet air of the evening. There was no movement at all, which was unexpected; nopony was waiting alongside her for another train. The only pony she saw was the attendant inside their booth reading the day’s paper, who showed no interest in the lone mare at the station.

Yet Twilight was glad it was this way. She felt that this silence helped her to concentrate and to keep her thoughts in check. ‘Just breathe. There is no reason to freak out.’ Although truly, she knew there were so many possible reasons to lose her cool. This was the first time she had ever done something like this. She had a date with another mare, one of her closest friends, Rarity. She had never been a part of something like this before, which gave way to many of the panicky thoughts that whirled through her mind.

‘So many things can go wrong… the place I chose: the restaurant I want us to go to might end up having terrible food, or the service could be awful, or our walk there might be awkward and quiet, or I could even say something stupid or behave in a way that Rarity might not like…’ So many worries, yet Twilight felt there was so little time to even try and fix it. This was the make or break, and she was distressed at the thought of failing her friend again. ‘I can’t disappoint Rarity. I… I just can’t.’

Twilight opened her eyes and gazed at the ground below where she sat. “What if I screw this up… what will Rarity think of me after this? I know she likes me… but can I truly apologize after what I did… after what I said… Can I even make it all up…” Even after she had apologized for what she had said to Rarity, she still felt that her friend resented her.

And even after that, she was just so happy that she could make Rarity smile again. But with what little time she had, could she really make this work? ‘Twilight. There’s no real reason to worry, dear.’ Twilight couldn’t hide the faint smile that replaced her frown; the voice she’d heard was not her own, but of somepony else. Somepony whom she could rely on, and the one who helped her not only prepare what makeup worked for her, but who gave her advice.

She hummed quietly. “Well… I’m just glad she was there for me.”

~~~

“Oh, I’m so excited for my daughter. She’s going on her very first date!” Twilight blushed at the words her mother were saying. She looked into the mirror and saw the gentle smile. Her mother’s light-blue eyes glimmered with joy, and her mane style swayed a little. “It’s just so sudden, but I am so proud of you, honey.”

“Stop it, Mom. You’re embarrassing me.” Twilight’s blush grew slightly brighter.

“Oh, you know I’m just so happy for you. I always wondered when you were going to go on your first date, but never did I come to think that it would happen while you were still in Celestia’s personal study.”

“Well… I know it is still so unexpected. But I really considered Rarity’s feelings. I had to apologize for what happened… what I said…” Twilight frowned as she stared into the mirror. She looked at the dress she was wearing, the same one that Rarity had made for her. It was the first sign of her friend’s feelings for her. Yet Twilight felt like she couldn’t wear it because of what she had said.

“Oh… sweety...” Velvet’s own smile softened, faint and yet with a hint of sadness. “You mustn't beat yourself up over it anymore, Twilight. I understand that you were… afraid of something you had never done before. But you can’t hold it over your head.” She looked to a brush on the desk in front of them and levitated it up in a brilliant deep red aura. Velvet raised it over to her daughter’s mane and gently began to brush it to the left. “If you keep holding in the pain, it may end up ruining your night.”

“I know…” Twilight turned her gaze to the counter below the mirror as her mother brushed her hair. “But it just hurt so much… knowing what I did, and what could have happened if I didn’t repair the damage I caused… I don’t even know if I can--” She yelped a little as Velvet slightly tugged at her mane. “Mom? What was that for?”

“Twilight you have to stop your fretting.” Her mother’s smile quickly turned into a faint frown. “You keep worrying over the possibility of what could have happened… but look where you are now.” Velvet smiled at her daughter once again. “You’ve regained trust with a friend, who's now something you may want to see as something more.”

“I know, but I’m just so scared. What am I going to do if I screw it all up?” Twilight fretted and rested her right hoof against her left foreleg.

“You won’t,” Velvet assured her with a soft smile.

“But what if I--”

“Twilight, you won’t.” Velvet lifted the hairbrush over to the other side and gently stroked it a couple times before her daughter’s right side had a slight curve her mane hanging below her neck.

Twilight looked into the mirror at the style her mother concocted. She couldn’t help but giggle a little. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d feel like you were getting me ready for some ‘Princess’ Coronation or something.”

“Oh, stop it, Twilight. You know that this hairstyle will go just as well with your date.” Velvet teased. She set the brush down on the counter. “Now, if you’ll close your eyes, I’ll put some makeup on you.” Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but her mother raised a hoof. “Yes, I know how you feel about these. But if you’ll let me do it for you, I’ll find a color that will go great with not only the color of your coat, but your eyes as well.”

A sigh escaped Twilight before she reluctantly closed her eyes. “Alright…”

“Thank you, dear.” Velvet moved to the right side of where Twilight sat. “You know, I think you need some advice for this date with your friend, Rarity.”

“Mom, please…”

“Just hear me out, sweety.” Twilight could only nod in agreement as she awaited to hear what her mother was going to say. She swiveled her ears to the right and heard clinking and clattering nearby. “You remember some of those times when you were only little? When you constantly pestered me about how your father and I met?”

“Of course.” Twilight smiled while she kept her eyes closed. “Although I only ever got the same response over and over when I was little.”

“Well, that’s because you were only a filly,” Velvet pointed out with a chuckle. “You wouldn’t have fully understood it in the first place.” She continued, “But as you remember, your brother, Shining Armor, was inspired by your father because he was in the Royal Guard as well. I met Night Light after his first year in the service, and at first, I thought that it would never work out between me and him. We both had completely different lives. He was a well-trained pony equipped to deal with situations that required a physical touch, while I was still trying to figure out what I was going to use my special talent for in Canterlot.”

“Right. You told me that before,” Twilight said.

“Well, what I never told you was the day we went on our first date together. He approached me one day; I would have thought his training would have prepared him to have some kind of steel vice around his nerves. But you should have seen how flabbergasted and nervous he was; I thought he was going to pass out on the spot.” Velvet quietly chuckled once more. “But even after I accepted his feelings, I still thought I was in over my head. I was just a simple unicorn mare in Canterlot who had no sort of noble blood dating a pony from the Royal Guard. Of course it wasn’t frowned upon. But the anxiety you inherited from me took over, and I just imagined all those possible dire scenarios where it just didn’t work out between us… and they frightened me.”

“So… what did you do?” She fidgeted slightly as a small pressure pressed against her right eye. The sensation of the tiny brush tingled a little.

“Well. After all that constant worrying, I just gathered my courage and faced the challenge head on. But as it would turn out, our first date didn’t exactly go according to plan. Sometime later and after a disastrous bucket of water, I thought for sure that it was over between us. But little did I know that Night Light actually enjoyed the date. So even after what I thought was just simply a night I would be horrified of forever, I ended up on another date, and then another, and pretty soon we became engaged.”

Twilight heard a soft giggle from her mother, the pressure she felt on her right eye changed to her left, and she slightly flinched again. “All along, I had been worrying so much when I shouldn’t have in the first place. It was during my time with your father that I began to realize that I truly was destined to be with him. And after we dated for quite a few months, I soon found myself to be married, yet finally saw that the whole time, I was just myself. There was no need to be anypony else.” Velvet went quiet for a brief moment before she spoke again. “What I am meaning to say Twilight. Is that the best pony you can be… is yourself. And I believe that Rarity will truly thank you for just being yourself.”

Twilight smiled when her mother had finished speaking. Every word she heard stuck to her. Even though it was sort of like a second date, since the first one was not exactly the best, she knew that this would help. “Alright, sweety. You can open your eyes now.”

And she did. Twilight saw the world once more and the first thing she looked at was herself while the glass mirror reflected her image. She gasped at the sight before her, and leaned forward. Twilight blinked once and saw the sapphire-blue eyeshadow. But there was only a small amount, not gaudy and overdone, yet not too little for it to be unnoticeable. She could only stare at the image she saw of herself in the mirror. Was this her? Had she become somepony else, and just couldn’t tell it yet? Whatever the case may have been, she was completely astounded. “Mom… this is… amazing.”

A gift like this was just so unexpected. Twilight had never really felt that makeup was necessary; she felt that cosmetics were really just for show and nothing more. But only now did she see that her mother wanted her not only to look great, but to help Twilight show how unique she is. She turned to her mother and smiled brightly. “I… I don’t know what to say…” Twilight quickly wrapped her forelegs around Velvet, who returned the embrace with a quiet hum. “Thank you… thank you so much… not only for helping me with my makeup. But for the advice, too.”

Velvet pulled away, yet she still hung on to her daughter’s shoulders. “A parent will do anything for their foal, Twilight. And you’re no exception. I love you… both you and Shining Armor.” The two hugged each other once more and fully separated moments later. “Now… I believe somepony has a date with their own special somepony.”

Twilight smiled. She gently nodded and followed her mother out the door from her parent’s bathroom, hopeful that this preparation would ultimately pay off.

~~~

Twilight sighed after the memory ran its course. “Right… be yourself.” Although the words did bring some comfort, and the advice that her mother had given her had some effect to her courage, she just didn’t know how prepared she could be for this. She took a deep breath in, and breathed out. The small relaxation exercise helped a little; at least that was something going her way for the moment. A loud screech echoed from the tunnel down a ways from where she sat. Twilight froze up at the sound of the train. ‘This is it… this is her train.’

She followed the train as it came to the station. The wind brushed a part of the jacket her mother advised she wear and clenched the cloth that rested over her left foreleg. Once the train stopped, she would meet with Rarity any moment now. But the thought of it set her on edge. ‘Just breathe. Don’t freak out, just breathe. Everything will be alright.’ Steam shot out from underneath the wheels, and a final whine from the whistle echoed out to the air. Twilight covered her ears with her hoofs until the sounded ended and she brought them back to her lap.

The doors opened from the other side. She watched ponies file out from the sides of the train as they took different paths into the city. A more quiet whistle echoed from the train before it slowly moved further up and past Canterlot’s train station. Yet her eyes never wavered at the sight in front of her, the mare on the other side of the railway. ‘Rarity…’ Her back was turned to her as she looked up one of the streets in search of where Twilight was.

But Twilight could hardly move. The mare wore a dress that covered her backside, and she saw no straps around her forelegs. “R-Rarity?” Twilight called to her friend, and watched as she turned around to meet her gaze. She wore her mane back in a braid that rested in front of her right shoulder, with a small portion of her mane that hung beside her right eye. The dress she wore was mostly black, but there was a shade of a blue that reminded Twilight of some of the blue stars from the worlds above her own. Blue light glinted from underneath Rarity’s ears; the two same earrings that she had worn from two days ago dangled slightly.

If Rarity could have seen through the shadow that she was hiding in, Twilight honestly would have blushed brighter. The mare a few meters in front of her smiled. “Good evening, Twilight,” Rarity tilted her head and murmured. “Um… are you going to come out from the shadow there and let me see you?”

“Could… you come over here, please?” Twilight ushered to a spot a few feet away from the overhang.

“Of course, Twilight.” Rarity walked around the railway and stood a few hoofsteps away. “Alright. Now could you be inclined to let me see you?”

Twilight shakily nodded and took one step. Then another, and then another. The blush she wore on her muzzle grew only brighter at the sound of Rarity’s gasp. She looked into Rarity’s eyes, only to find it difficult to keep her focus on her friend’s gaze. Twilight blinked a couple times, a faint smile on her lips. “S-so… what do you think?”

She realized a moment later that the question was unnecessary. She could see Rarity’s own bright pink blush on her cheeks, a sign that gave away what her friend must have thought. “Wh-why Twilight… I… I just don’t know what to say. You look so… a-amazing…”

“Thank you. I… I had a little help,” Twilight murmured as she approached her friend. She stood a couple feet away and stopped. The two mares stared at one another; both found it hard to look away from each other, what with how beautiful they looked. Twilight’s eyes fluttered slightly as a small feeling of lightheadedness overcame her. She tripped over her hooves. She yelped and fell, but the ground never came. Slowly she opened her eyes and blushed a little at how close Rarity was; her friend had held onto her before she hit the ground.

“Are you alright, Twilight?” Rarity asked, a frown on her muzzle while she helped her friend back onto her hooves.

“Y-yeah, I’m fine.” Twilight nodded as Rarity helped her back up. She let out a quiet sigh before she continued, “Sorry… I’m still trying to keep myself calm.”

“It’s quite alright, darling. You’re not the only one who’s a little anxious at the moment.” Rarity giggled with a smile. “How do you think I fared on the way here? I could hardly believe I would be on a date, especially since it was with a mare whose company I deeply enjoy.” Twilight returned the smile and hugged Rarity once more until her friend pulled away. “Now, let us take this elsewhere. It is rather cold, and I forgot to bring a jacket with me on this cold evening.”

She returned her attention to the dress Rarity wore. Unzipping her coat, Twilight levitated it over Rarity and placed it on her. “Here,” she said, revealing the dress she wore on her birthday.

“But Twilight, it really is alright.” Rarity tried to take it off, but Twilight brought a hoof to her friend’s and shook her head.

“It’s alright. I’ll be fine without it.”

“But Twilight. I mu--”

“Don’t worry, Rarity.” Twilight then turned her friend around and the two mares slowly began their ascent up into the town. “Besides, the place we’re going to isn’t very far.”

“Oh yes. I did forget that we’re not heading to the Prancing Pony.” Rarity leaned forward a little and asked, “But where did you get a place for us, if you don’t mind saying?”

“Well. I had a little trouble finding someplace that was better than some of the restaurants here. The ones I found all needed a reservation one day ahead of schedule, or some annoying time constraint.” Twilight rolled her eyes, but she let out a chuckle afterwards. “But then I passed by one part of the city here and ended up meeting an old friend of mine. You know Lyra Heartstrings, right?”

“Why of course. She’s a friendly mare indeed. But how does this relate to the restaurant?” Rarity raised an eyebrow.

“Well, Lyra actually works there on the weekdays. She told me about it earlier before but… that was when I wasn’t a very attentive friend… or good at being one.” Twilight still hurt a little at the thought of her friends in Canterlot being ignored by her own book studious personality of old. ‘I really hope I can fix my relationships here… maybe with time.’

“Oh don’t beat yourself up over it, Twilight.” Rarity brought a hoof to Twilight’s left shoulder and smiled. “You’ve changed quite a bit since I first met you. And that means more to me and everypony else that you opened up to relationships like this.” She blushed a little before she continued, “And especially that you helped reconnect us.”

Twilight glanced away, flushed and embarrassed at the words Rarity said. She turned her attention back to the mare beside her, but smiled as she spotted the place farther up. “There it is.” She took a quick look back to Rarity and watched as she saw the building ahead of them.

“Oh. It’s the Appleloosan Remedy. I’ve heard about it, but I never actually thought of going there.” The building in front of had a wreath located on the front door, possibly for the Hearth’s spirit. The exterior had a cabin feel to it, with wooden logs that gleamed with a shine to the structure. Lights poured out the windows, and the roof had a Canterlot-like feel to it.

“Well, it’s been awhile since I was last here. So I thought that this would be a good place for us to eat and spend our second date at,” said Twilight. ‘I just hope Rarity will enjoy it.’ Of course she would, Twilight thought; she needed to stop worrying about the negative scenarios. She led Rarity up to the door and opened it for her, ushering her in first before she went in. The voices of other ponies greeted the two, but the tone felt a little quiet, what with there being so few ponies seated at different areas of the restaurant.

Twilight smiled and scanned the interior of the building, which held the same nice wooden design that it had on the outside. Seats had a nice oak brown color, the floors a maple brown, and the lighting was just right; not too dark, not too that bright either. Just the right tone, and the setting was perfect for tonight. “Welcome!” She spotted the mare she had mentioned, a pale green unicorn standing a few feet to their right with a bright smile.

“Hey, Lyra.” Twilight said back as she approached Lyra with Rarity by her side.

“Rarity, it’s so good to see you again.” Lyra’s smile brightened a little more at the sight of another friend.

“And it is a pleasure to see you again, Lyra. How’s Bon-Bon doing?” Rarity asked with a gentle tone.

“Oh she’s doing fine. We’ve never been happier since the snow came along.” Lyra looked between the two mares in front of her before she squealed quietly. “I can’t hold it in any longer. It’s so amazing to see you two together. After Twilight told me about you and her coming here for a date, I just couldn’t pass up the chance to see it.”

“Well, that is quite kind of you, Lyra. It’s a little embarrassing, but your excitement is still appreciated.” Rarity nodded and wrapped a hoof around Twilight’s shoulders, the two leaning closer together with Twilight blushing once more.

Lyra giggled a little before she said, “Alright. I’ll bring you two to your table; I know exactly where you two might feel comfortable.” She levitated two menus to her right hoof and held them against her chest, ushering Twilight and Rarity towards the back area while she followed behind. She moved ahead of the two mares and said, “Here we are.”

Twilight and Rarity’s eyes widened slightly, and their smiles brightened a little. The room Lyra had guided them to was a little smaller, but not by much compared to the main room. There were private booths on both sides of the room; candles flickered slightly as they lit the room, the only light source available. ‘Wow… this is great.’ She scanned the other booths, only for her smile to grow a little wider with relief that there wasn’t another couple in here at the moment.

“My word… this is quite amazing, Twilight,” Rarity whispered to her friend. Twilight turned to meet her gaze and nodded.

“Yeah… it’s great that we can be alone. It definitely makes this second date a little more comfortable.”

Rarity chuckled a little. “Oh don’t worry, darling. So far everything is going well.” She watched Lyra move over to one of the booths, setting down their menus. “But let’s talk about that when we’re settled in. We should take our seats and not keep Lyra waiting.”

Twilight nodded and walked alongside Rarity towards the booth, then sat down on the opposite side of Rarity who sat across from her. “So what would you two like to drink for tonight?” Lyra asked, while a pen and notepad floated in front of her in a golden aura.

The two lifted up their menus. Rarity scanned the list of items, then she set it down. “I’ll have a glass of your chardonnay, please.”

Lyra nodded and wrote it down before she turned her attention to Twilight. “And what about you?”

“I…” Twilight rubbed her chin with a hoof before she said, “Well, I think I’ll have a glass of water.”

“Certainly.” Lyra wrote the two orders down and continued, “And what would you two like to start off with tonight?”

Rarity gazed down at the menu again. Her eyes glimmered for a moment before she said, “I’ll have your zucchini alfredo.”

Another nod came from Lyra. “And what about you, Twilight?”

“I… I think I’ll try your chickpea salad.”

“Okay. I’ll ring these orders up and bring your drinks momentarily.” Lyra levitated the pen back onto her left ear. “Have fun, you two,” she called out before leaving the room.

The blush Twilight once had rose up again. She waved her friend goodbye, then she breathed a sigh of relief. She returned her attention to Rarity, who rested her hooves on the table. She smiled at her, and Twilight returned the expression. “I… I’m glad you came, Rarity.”

“Oh but I would have never missed this for the world, Twilight,” Rarity said as she rested a hoof against her chest. But she returned it to the table with a soft smile on her lips. “But to tell the truth. I must thank you for coming to my aid… even though I should have picked myself up long before.”

“But Rarity… that was my--”

She shook her head, interrupting Twilight. “Twilight, darling, you must stop blaming yourself for what you said.” Rarity brought a hoof to her friend’s left hoof. “I’ve already forgiven you. You simply must let it go and stop putting yourself down. I know I did not react in the best way, either… but please, just stop.” She sighed and stared down at her hoof, turning Twilight’s hoof up until the flats of their hooves met together. “Let us enjoy this night, together, instead of remembering the awful days that should be behind us.”

“I’m sorry…” Twilight murmured, looking away after she spoke. Her eyes widened slightly as she felt a pressure on the right side of her muzzle, turning with the hoof to meet Rarity’s eyes again.

“We both said awful things. Words that should never have been spoken. But it’s all behind us now. We’re two mares who had a rocky start to a relationship far more than friendship. But look where we are now.” Rarity ushered to the building around them. “I am about to eat dinner with the mare I love. Even after all the things that were said, you and I are together now. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Twilight looked away, smiling with a faint blush. ‘I’m glad… I really am happy that we’re doing this.’ And she was glad to see that Rarity was enjoying herself. ‘Right… now I just need to stop worrying so much.’ But the idea of her apology still had not come to mind. She thought of some way to truly show that she was sorry, but she didn’t have a clue as to what that could have been. ‘But enough worrying about that. Let’s just enjoy what we have now and figure that out later.’ So she shelved that problem in the back of her mind; for the moment, she was ready to just talk with her friend. Maybe they were more than friends now.

~~~

Rarity laughed as she opened the door, walking out with Twilight as they exited the restaurant. “Thank you again for the help, Lyra,” Twilight said while she and Rarity went down the steps.

“No problem, Twilight. I’ll see you two some other time.” Lyra waved them goodbye and disappeared behind the restaurant’s front doors.

A sigh escaped Rarity while they walked down the sidewalk. “That was a rather good dinner. I must thank you for bringing me to Appleloosan Remedy, darling.”

Twilight smiled with a nod. “It’s no problem, Rarity. I’m just happy that this turned out so well.”

“But my gratitude doesn’t really stop there, Twilight. The food was amazing, and I especially liked their choice in wine. That chardonnay they had was absolutely wonderful!” Rarity embellished a little more with a quiet chuckle. “I’d say that it might actually have better food than The Prancing Pony.”

“And I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed yourself.” Twilight leaned closer to Rarity; the two mare’s coats almost touched with how close they were to one another. “I was pretty worried whether or not it would impress you, but seeing how both of us enjoyed it, I’d say this second date was perfect.”

“Indeed.” She chuckled again until she spoke. “Which I must add that I find it amusing that you’ve never had a single drop of alcohol. Seeing how you just wanted water at the restaurant.”

“What? I’ve had alcohol before.”

“Oh really?” Rarity raised an eyebrow, walking in front of her friend with a playful roll of her eyes. “And just what kind of beverage did you drink before this night?”

“Well, I, uh… I…” Twilight looked away from her, a small sign she was lying.

“So that’s a no, I take it?” Rarity tilted her head, giggling a little.

“Oh... yeah. What about you?” Twilight turned the accusation towards her by pointing her right hoof at her.

“It was a while ago. About a couple months before you came to Ponyville, actually. My parents were having a party and they bought some apple cider; the alcoholic kind, not the juice version. I had quite a few for my first time and ended up getting a little tipsy. But not enough to make myself look like a complete fool.”

Twilight took her turn to tilt her head a little, only to laugh moments later. Rarity soon joined in, and the two mares continued to laugh while they walked down the sidewalk. Their laughter faded when they saw the late evening train slowly enter the station. “Well…” Twilight turned to face Rarity. “I guess this is the end of this night.” She blushed before she said, “Thank you, Rarity. I really enjoyed tonight.”

“But you were the mare to make this possible, Twilight.” Rarity gently smiled and levitated her friend’s jacket back to her. “Without you… this never would have been happened.”

The door slid open, and the conductor stepped out and called, “All aboard for Ponyville!”

“Well… I guess you’ve got to go,” Twilight murmured. She held Rarity’s gaze and asked, “Rarity… after tonight’s dinner, does this make us… well, does it make us--”

Rarity leaned forward and brought her lips to the right side of Twilight’s cheek, holding the kiss until she pulled away. Twilight’s face flushed brightly, and she brought a hoof up to her cheek and held the area where Rarity had kissed her. “Yes, Twilight,” said Rarity. “This has definitely made us marefriends.” She wrapped her hooves around her newly-acquainted marefriend and hugged Twilight. Rarity felt the other’s hooves wrap around her shoulders. This was possibly the best moment she could have imagined, and it was finally coming true.

She pulled away, gently smiling at the sight of tears trickling down Twilight’s muzzle. Rarity brought a hoof to her marefriend’s cheeks and murmured, “Now, now. Don’t ruin your eye shadow, Twilight,” she said in a soft tone. “I promise to visit you soon.” Rarity waved Twilight goodbye and entered the train, watching as the image of her marefriend disappeared slowly until the tunnel separated their gazes. With a sigh, Rarity walked down the empty cabin and took her seat. A bright smile flashed across her muzzle. “This night… was absolutely fantastic.” She had finally gotten the mare of her dreams, and truly that was all she could ask for.

Author's Note

Thank you again for reading! I hope you enjoyed this rather long chapter. As always if there are any errors, just let me know and I'll get right to them.

Chapter XIII: But Shadows Will Rise

A calm silence filled the air of Rarity’s room. Light softly glowed from behind the curtains that shaded her humble abode from the morning rays of the sun. Her bed squeaked slightly; she turned onto her right side, a faint smile on her muzzle a hint to the pleasantness that this slumber held. Her upper body was exposed to the cold air, yet she did not seem to notice.

As the door cracked open, the hinges squeaked while Opal’s tiny paws carried her across the floor. Each step gave off a tiny echo in her owner’s room. She let out a quiet mew, stepping up into her round-bed, and circled only once, kneading the soft fabric below her claws. Kneeling down, she laid her tail’s tip in front of her muzzle and closed her eyes with a silent purr.

But she opened them at the sound of a quiet yawn. Rarity raised her right foreleg up a little; she closed her mouth and sat upright, bringing her hooves up to her eyes underneath her sleep mask and rubbed them. The fabric hiding her eyes lifted up in a light-blue aura and onto her lap. Rarity opened her bright blue eyes and stared at the wall, but did not turn away, as if it was the most important object to her at the time.

She raised her forelegs into the air and stretched out. She turned her gaze to the covers above her legs and pushed them aside with her magic, then stood up and walked up to her bathroom door. Rarity closed it behind her and walked over to her shower and turned the bath’s head on. Water poured down in a small waterfall.

Just before her hoof reached for the small lever, Rarity blinked with a smile. ‘Why not skip on the shower for once? A bath actually sounds quite nice.’ With that, she lowered her hoof down to the bottom of the tub and pushed the plug in. The water cascaded onto itself with its tiny endless supply. Steam billowed out from the floor of the bathtub, which Rarity stood back up out of and went over to the mirror, taking a moment to wait for the right amount of water to fill up the bathtub. ‘Oh last night… that was just simply divine.’

When she had gotten on the train, she thought that within moments of seeing Twilight, she could only blame herself if she were to pass out. But after she saw her friend adorned with the dress she had made for her birthday, plus the sapphire blue eyeshadow, it was like staring at some heavenly figure. Rarity brought a hoof to her chest, sighing with a smile, and felt a small thump against her resting hoof. ‘My, Rarity, you must calm down. No need to work yourself up already.’

Although it was a nuisance for her body to act up in this way, she at least had gotten used to it. And it wasn’t as bad as she had experienced, one that Rarity shook her head at. “Honestly, I still cannot believe it drove me to a point of self… well, a term that a lady like me should never utter.” With a short giggle, her smile deepened at the memory, one she could still slightly feel even though it had been five days from now. ‘But a moment like that is hard to forget, especially since it was so sensual.’

She turned her attention to the bathtub, the water slowly rose up and was about halfway done; the steam continued to float upwards to the ceiling of her bathroom. Rarity returned her gaze to the mirror, raising an eyebrow at the mist that spread across the glass surface. ‘Oh don’t fret, Rarity. It will be fine. Besides you won’t really need it for the moment.’ With a small hum, she walked over to the edge of the tub and turned the faucet off. She took a moment to survey the amount of water, and with a faint smile, she nodded to herself. ‘Seems about right.’

Rarity gently prodded the water with a hoof. A shiver ran its way over her body, and a satisfied sigh followed soon after. “Perfect.” With this seal of approval, Rarity slowly stepped over the bathtub’s wall and stood in the warm water. She situated herself, kneeling down and turning herself onto her back. She slowly lowered the upper part of her body into the water. And with a gentle ease, she gently brought the lower half of her body down and gave out a tiny coo.

“My… that feeling is rather... decadent,” Rarity murmured at the sensation the warm water brought to her lower region. “But let us just ignore it. I don’t plan on playing with myself again. I mean… I could, but it’s only been five days since the last time.” That, and she didn’t need to exhaust herself. She brought a wet-soaked hoof to her chin and hummed again. With a smile, she closed her eyes and let the warmth lull her to a subconscious state.

“Besides… I promised Twilight I would visit her soon. Maybe today might work the best for that.” But she opened her eyes moments later and murmured, “And to add to that, I’ve been slacking off quite a bit with my dress designs.”

She blinked once before chuckling a little. “I guess that type of laziness only takes place when I don’t have any orders to fill. I mean, besides the dress I made yesterday night for my date with Twilight Sparkle.” And what a lovely time it was. Sure, it wasn’t some fancy place she had always dreamed of, but it certainly worked well enough to ensure a night she would remember for a long time. “But how can I forget? After all, it was the date that truly signified our love for each other.” Her blush returned at the thought of what she had done, even though it had been a minor kiss on her new marefriend’s cheek.

But she frowned moments later and turned her gaze to the left side of the bathtub’s wall. “And it could have gone so horribly wrong. I just have no clue how Twilight and I would have felt afterwards if we had not resolved the issue of our almost dissolved relationship.” A moment that she had tried to forget--their awful first date, if she could even call it that. In all romance novels, she had seen when the first dates went wrong, but even then they were able to get past it. ‘I’m just so glad that it was resolved.’

She smiled, although it was a little faint, and she nodded moments after. “I really do love Twilight Sparkle. And being able to regain our friendship... now a relationship is truly remarkable.” That smile disappeared, only for her to chuckle a little. “The scarier thought is how to introduce my parents to my marefriend.” She levitated a bar of soap to her, and rubbed it against her forelegs and chest while her light blue aura glowed brightly underneath the water.

She did worry about what her parents would say, or rather, how they would say it. She remembered how her parents were there the day before Rarity went with Sweetie Belle to the Sisterhooves Social (although she’d had a falling out with her sister and the plan required Applejack’s help to pull it off). Sometimes she felt embarrassed by them, an odd and rather unnecessary view, but she did worry what Twilight would think of them.

“But what about her own parents? Are Twilight’s as accepting as my own?” That was another thing that she did not know, since she had never actually met Twilight’s parents before. ‘Another thing that Twilight accidentally left out.’ Rarity frowned at that thought. She returned the soap to its former place and lifted a small container over to her mane, pouring its contents over her mane. She brought her hooves up to the shampoo and scrubbed it over her head.

But as she did this, she returned to that nerve-wracking thought: in romance novels, most introductions of the love interest’s parents were met with some or major disapproval, a thought that Rarity was rather nervous about. ‘Don’t be so nervous, Rarity. I’m sure you’ll get along swimmingly with her parents.’ A hopeful thought, one that helped her to at least calm down.

She dunked her mane deeper into the water, a sigh of content escaped Rarity’s lips as the water washed up and down her head. It was quite a soothing feeling. She imagined herself at Aloe and Lotus’ spa, the perfect getaway place, and chuckled a little at the thought. If she could, a relaxation area like that would be her permanent home. Another chuckle emanated from Rarity. “Too bad they don’t allow guests to stay overnight.”

Although if she could stay there, then her ensembles would never be finished. A sad reality, but nonetheless necessary for her to keep working on her inspirationally-driven designs. In fact, it felt just like this warm water floating all around her -- a place of ever-endless warmth that felt strangely like a small piece of utopia -- but, granted, if they ever ran out of any beauty products, it’d feel more like a nightmare. “I guess I’d pay for my hubris then. If I could ever believe something like that would ever happen.”

She ran a hoof through her mane and smiled when she brought it back to her gaze. “No bubbles or soap. Looks like I’m done here.” Rarity stood up and levitated the plug upwards. A rumbling echo resonated from the water rushing into the dark depths of the drain. She then focused on the towel and lifted it over to her. The blue aura disappeared, and she grabbed it with her right hoof and began drying off her forelegs and chest. Slowly she worked her way down and reached her back legs, gently going about it to insure that she didn’t excite herself.

‘Honestly. With the amount of effort that it takes for it to become excited--which is quite exaggerated since even we mares can get so antsy-_ I’m surprised I haven’t jumped all over it yet.’ But she knew that she had a rein on that desire, one she prided herself on being quite stable. ‘But enough talk about my… well, rear end. I should make Sweetie Belle and me some breakfast and then prepare myself to go see Twilight.’

She opened the door but stood still while she wrapped another towel around her mane. With a nod, she walked out of her bathroom and began her daily ritual of cooking and cleaning. Soon she would be ready to meet up with her love, Twilight Sparkle.

~~~

A train’s whistle bellowed outside the glass window. Rarity sat still and smiled a little as she tightened a pink and white-striped scarf around her neck, giggling a little at the sight. ‘Well, at least that is one thing that will help me keep warm.’ Even if it was a simple scarf, it actually kept her nice and cozy even in the worst of any windy blizzard. She jumped a little when the train hit a bump and rolled her eyes at the tiny nuisance. ‘Still. I do kind of wish this train wasn’t so bumpy. It doesn’t feel particularly nice on the rear when it hits those bumps.’

But she sighed and shook her head. ‘No need to complain, I guess.’ She looked out the side of the window. Her smile brightened at the sight of Canterlot and how close it had gotten. Rarity quietly squealed, shifting in her seat with an excitement. “I’m almost there. Oh, this is so exciting!” she said to herself, eyes glimmering with joy. Even if it had only been a day since she had last seen Twilight, she was still glad to spend more time with the pony she loved.

With how close she was, she brought a hoof to her mane and fixed it a little. Of course she was still nowhere close to Twilight’s residence, but she took it upon herself to at least look good once she got out from the train. She lurched to the left side a little as the train whistled one last time to signal its stop. She stood up and followed behind a couple other ponies, shivering a little at the cold wind that gently breezed by.

“My, it is rather cold today. But thankfully I brought my scarf along.” She rolled her eyes and could only imagine what one of her friends would have said about her unnecessary time in packing clothes for a trip. ‘Although there are times when they are right. But a lady must be prepared for any situation.’ And if the situation called for some nice afternoon wear, or some beautiful evening gown for a special occasion, then she was going to wear whatever the event called for.

While in this thought, she followed the same sidewalk up to her marefriend’s house. Certainly with the amount of times she had followed this path, it was rather an easy game of memory. Plus, as she walked up the street to Twilight’s house, she contemplated with a raised hoof to her chin, ‘Hmm… I do wonder what we could do together this afternoon? Maybe a nice stroll across one of the courtyards? Or we could certainly go shopping. Oh, what inspiration I could find if we could go dress shopping!’

Any idea would have been alright, so long as she could spend some time with Twilight. ‘Well… except for ruining my mane or adding any bit of dirt to my coat. Then I might have to agree to disagree.’ But if she would have to sacrifice looks for quality time, Rarity thought she might as well get used to it. She turned her gaze to the left and smiled at the same dirt path from before. But when she took a step, an audible ‘crunch’ echoed underneath. She lifted her hoof and chuckled a little at the sight of snow. It fell apart when she lifted her hoof, but she shook off the rest of it before she continued.

Each step she took crunched underneath, a tune that felt rather soothing while Rarity smiled. She stopped for a moment when she saw a flash of light quickly flare up from one of the front window’s, which raised an eyebrow. “Huh… that is rather bright.” But she shrugged it off. “Must be a new spell Twilight could be practicing.” And with some of the times she had visited Twilight before, her friend was always reading some new book, ready to try out a new spell if she could manage it. ‘Which is usually most of them.’ Rarity did feel glad that she did not have as much magic strength or stamina as Twilight. She felt that was rather unnecessary for sewing together dresses.

But shelving the topic for the moment, Rarity walked up the stairs and made her way to the door. She brought her hoof to the door and knocked on it twice. “Twilight, darling, it’s Rarity. I was hoping we could spend the afternoon doing something together.” She waited for a response. Yet a few seconds passed and still she stood there, waiting for the door to open . “Twilight? Are you in there?” She raised her muzzle up into the air, turning her attention to the window she had looked through earlier. But that flash of light she had seen earlier was still there, except now it had a green and dark tone to it.

‘Twilight?’ Something was wrong. She didn’t know what, but the energy quickly shifted. ‘She would have answered the door by now. And Spike hasn’t even shown up at the door either.’ Rarity knocked on the door again; however, her smile was gone. “Twilight I know you are in there. Please, open the door.” She raised her voice and waited, but still no answer. She looked up to the window again, but the green and purple light began to brighten more and more.

Eyes wide, Rarity’s frown deepened at the sight she saw. She knocked on the door again. A frantic tone overshadowed her earlier bright voice. “Twilight Sparkle, you open this door this instant!” The door was the one thing separating her and her marefriend. And still there was no response. She took the handle in her hoof and tried to turn it, but it was locked. ‘No! This can’t be happening!’

Rarity pulled and pulled against the door, but still nothing. “You open your door right now, Twilight! I’m serious!” After her futile attempt, she stood back and rammed into the door. Yet her short distance didn’t open it. She yelped and she rubbed her right shoulder. ‘This isn’t working! I need to get inside now!’ She stepped back a much longer distance and forced the door open, rushing into her marefriend’s house.

She ran up the stairs. As the green and purple mixed light grew ever brighter, she was forced to shield her eyes slightly with a hoof. Once Rarity reached the top, she turned to the source and almost screamed at the sight. “Twilight!” She watched as Twilight kneeled on the floor; her pained moans echoed out. The source of this pain glowed from her marefriend’s horn, a sight that sent shockwaves down Rarity’s spine.

Twilight opened her eyes at the sound of Rarity’s voice and turned her gaze to the white unicorn. “R-Rarity! You need to g-get out of here, now!” She then brought her attention elsewhere. Rarity followed where she turned to look and saw Spike huddling underneath Twilight’s bed, shaking while he watched the mare he knew as both sister and mother struggling to contain the spell. “G-get Spike and go! Please…!”

“I’m not leaving you here, Twilight! Let me help you--”

“N-no! You need to g--” Twilight screamed, the shriek of pain froze Rarity where she stood. The light on her horn grew and grew, and sparks flickered from the light show, which Rarity took as a sign that it was slowly growing unstable.

Rarity brought a hoof to her eyes, shielding her sight from the light while she inched closer. The wind blew past her mane, but she slowly made her way to her marefriend. “I… I’m not leaving you!” She watched as Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but all that came out was another scream. Rarity turned her gaze to the light and gasped at the sight of the magic turned completely white before it consumed her marefriend.

“Twili--” She tried to scream but felt an immense pressure push against her chest. All went quiet as she felt her back slam into a wall. The light overwhelmed her eyes, and the only thing she could hear was a quiet ping that ringed through her ears. She flattened them against her head, and the world spun around her until she felt all movement cease. Rarity tried to open her eyes, but the weight that she pushed against was just too much.. Her eyes felt heavy, and she couldn’t move any part of her body. Her back and front legs, her ears and tail felt like they were slabs of concrete. ‘T-Twilight…’ And moments after she lost consciousness, a silent last breath escaped her lips with the last movement she could make.

~~~

Rarity lay still, but everything was dark. She could feel her heart begin beating once more. The warmth returned while she let out a quiet groan. ‘W-wha… where… whe--’ Her eyes opened wide. Memory kicked in when she saw wood debris from the house stationed around her. “Twilight…” Rarity murmured weakly. She tried to lift herself up but gasped in pain at the pinned sensation of her right backleg. It didn’t help either as she tried to push herself up with her front forelegs. Bits of dust trickled past down her, the creak of other broken beams and floors. ‘I… I have to find Twilight.’

“Rarity!” She froze at the sound of her name being yelled. The voice she heard, it was like a prayer being answered for her.

“Spike! I’m down here!” Rarity yelled. She blinked once before she thought about the sound of her voice. “O-oh… please let him hear me.” She didn’t enjoy the fact that she had a dry and weak tone. With a grunt, she struggled against the debris that toppled over her but couldn’t even move an inch. Another strained voice echoed behind her. Rarity glanced over her shoulder and saw Spike. Although he had a small frame, he managed to lift up some of the debris on top of her.

Rarity slowly stood up once he took off the last bit of debris. She turned around and hugged Spike. “Thank you, darling.” Yet she pulled away and looked him over. With a silent sigh, she felt glad that he seemed to not be hurt in the slightest. ‘Thank goodness for his thick scales, I suppose.’ But she dismissed the concern and asked, “Where’s Twilight?”

He opened his mouth to speak, but instead he pointed at her. “Rarity… are you going to be alright?”

“Spike this isn’t the ti--” Rarity began to say, but a warm presence spread across her shoulder, which she dabbed at it daintily with a shaky hoof. She gasped at the sight of her own blood. She shook her head for a moment. ‘Now’s not the time to worry about how I look! I need to find Twilight!’ “Don’t worry about me, Spike. Tell me, where’s Twilight?”

Spike’s eyes lowered slightly, and he slowed his breathing. “She’s upstairs. I didn’t know what to do, so I came looking for you.”

Rarity nodded her thanks and quickly ran up the stairs, pushing any sort of rubble out of her way. Once she made it to the top, she spotted Twilight and let out a sharp cry at the sight. “Twilight!” she yelled. She ran over to her marefriend’s side and looked her over. A small pool of blood had formed around the front of Twilight’s body, and the source of this came from two large gashes: one that spread a few inches across the left side of her barrel, and one located on her chest.

Quickly she wrapped a hoof around the unmoving mare, tears threatened to break through the dam she forced upon her eyes. ‘No… I can’t cry. I must save Twilight.’ She heard a small groan emanate from her marefriend, and gently as she could she lifted her up over her back.

“Rarity…” She turned around to see Spike while she finally secured Twilight onto her back. “Is… T-Twilight going to be okay?”

“Y-yes, darling. But we need to get moving.” Rarity assured him and walked past him, glancing back and nodding for him to follow. She heard another small groan from Twilight. The tears she held back finally trickled down her muzzle. Rarity could only hope that she would make it to a hospital, or someplace close enough to her marefriend’s house. If she didn’t, then everything she and Twilight had worked for--from a fissure between them that almost ended their friendship to her friend returning to fix what was broken and giving them a relationship closer than being friends-- would be lost if she couldn’t save Twilight in time. ‘Don’t you dare, Twilight… don’t you dare die on me…’

Author's Note

Oh you thought it was going to be that easy? Guess again! :pinkiecrazy: :trollestia:

Chapter XIV: Hidden Truth's Unveiled

Author's Note

I apologize for the lateness of this chapter (which I guess a day late is better than never I suppose). So I do hope you all are not too irritated. But I also hope that you'll enjoy this chapter as well.

Chapter XIV: Hidden Truth's Unveiled

A quiet yet unchanging ring echoed all around Twilight. The nothingness of this unknown darkness surrounded her with no objects or ponies she could see for miles on end. And yet she couldn’t move; she grunted and tried to move her right foreleg, but the entire limb felt like it weighed a ton. With one last grunt, she stopped and shook her head. ‘Wh-where am I?’ Twilight yelped at an immense pain, although it felt like it doubled as another area of her body resonated with the same stinging ache.

She stiffened at the sound of a quiet ping, which slowly began to grow more frequent by the minute. ‘What’s going on? Why can’t I move?’ Twilight then felt her legs twitch. A warmth slowly enclosed around her four limbs until it grew hotter in the center, her chest and stomach almost too warm. And a voice whispered from the darkness, until another one, a little higher pitched, spoke up. She could clearly hear their voices, and Twilight felt her heart beat a little faster. ‘Spike… Rarity? Where are they?’

With another attempt, she felt her eyes slowly open up, opening into a blinding array of lights above. The flare from the powerful luminescence dulled a little, until the lights cleared into bulbs hidden behind glass. That same ping echoed to her right, and she turned to see it was an infusion pump. Twilight let out a quiet groan and raised a hoof to her horn, a slight throbbing ache slowly revealing itself to her nerves. “Oh… my head.”

“Twilight?” She held her hoof where it was and turned her attention to the end of the room. Her eyes widened at the four familiar faces: from the worried-filled expression of her parents, to Rarity and Spike’s relieved smiles.

Twilight then turned to the pony who had spoken. Her eyes met her mother’s with a faint frown. “H-hey everypony…” She scanned the room around her; it must have been a hospital room. “How did I end up here?”

“You have Rarity to thank, dear,” said her dad. She looked over at Rarity, who had a frail smile on her lips. Yet Twilight could see a white bandage over her marefriend’s right shoulder, and worried that she might have caused it.

Twilight returned the expression, but the smile disappeared when she saw her mother’s faintly red-marked gaze. “What were you thinking, Twilight? When Rarity informed us what happened, I thought you might have been in an accident. But when Spike told us about that book… why, why dark magic?”

“M-mom…” Twilight began, but the words she tried to find would not come out. “I… I can explain.”

“Explain? Well I hope you better have a good reason for using forbidden magic, because even if Princess Celestia never learns about this, you’re still going to be dealing with me.”

Her dad stepped in and brought Velvet back, whispering to his wife with calm words before he returned his attention to Twilight. “Listen… what you did is inexcusable. I mean, come on, Twilight. Do you realize the danger you not only posed to everypony else, but yourself as well?”

“I… I understood the consequences of using it. I…” Twilight then turned to Rarity, only for her to hesitate as she tried to keep her gaze on the pony she loved. “Rarity… I--”

“Twilight… just, why?” Rarity murmured and approached the right corner of the hospital bed. “Do you have any idea… how scared and frustrated I was? Learning that the one pony I love is practicing dark magic? When were you going to tell me about this?”

“I… I…” Tears that threatened to burst gently trickled down her muzzle. Twilight just couldn’t find the words to say; how could she justify her actions for trying to learn a magic that was dangerous for just about anypony? “I’m sorry… I, I know I can’t excuse myself for this… but I’m sorry. I’m so--” She couldn’t say another word, losing herself to her emotions and crying.

She heard hoofsteps but didn’t bother to look up. But Twilight seized up when she felt somepony wrap their hooves around her. She raised her gaze up and met her mother’s, only to see that the frown she had before was replaced with a weak smile. “But… I’m so glad that my baby… my daughter is alive.” Twilight watched as her mother’s own tears came down, before Velvet pulled her daughter closer.

Twilight then felt another pair of hooves next to her mother’s, and turned to see her dad. “Your mother’s right, Twilight. Even though we’re both frustrated… we both can’t help but feel relieved that you’ll be alright.” The three ponies, a mother, a father, and their daughter, held each other. It went on, and Twilight felt like they were in this embrace for almost longer than a minute, and maybe even longer. But once they all separated from one another, Twilight sniffled while she wiped the tears from her eyes.

Another presence wrapped around her. Twilight smiled at Spike as she returned the favor. “I’m glad to see you too, Spike.”

He pulled away and shook his head. “Next time… can you not play around with that dark magic stuff? I know I should have told everypony sooner, but I thought you could handle it.” He frowned and looked away. “Guess I was wrong, huh?”

“We were both wrong, Spike. And although I wouldn’t have appreciated it if you told them earlier, I think you telling them now was for the best,” Twilight assured him and let him go.

She watched him walk away, only for Rarity to replace him. In truth, Twilight felt tense, even more so than when she apologized to her parents. “Rarity… I--”

“Twilight Sparkle. If you would kindly let me speak for a moment.” Twilight let her marefriend’s interruption slide, and waited for what she had to say. “In all honesty, I should be more than upset. I should be furious. Not only did you keep this hidden from me… and not trust in my own judgement to help you through this…but when you lost control of that dark magic and when I saw you explode right in front of me I thought I lost you for good.” Rarity’s frown deepened and Twilight only could listen as she went on, “I feel torn that you willingly kept this from me, and at the moment… I feel like you deserve nothing but a slap across your face.”

Eyes wide, Twilight sat there and watched as her marefriend went silent. She glanced at her parents with a faint frown, only to receive frowns filled with nervousness as well. With no help she could get from them, she returned her attention to Rarity and said, “Rarity… I… I understand if yo--”

“If you would kindly let me finish, Twilight.” Rarity raised a hoof and interrupted her marefriend once more. “Although I should give you some reprimanding for what you did…” It was so sudden, Twilight let out a small gasp as the pony she loved wrapped her forelegs around her. “I’m simply… unable to. When you were unconscious… I thought you were going to perish right in front of me. And seeing you… in such a condition, I was completely frightened.”

Twilight sat there, stunned beyond belief. Here she just sat as Rarity held her in an embrace. Honestly she felt like she deserved nothing from her marefriend, possibly not even the slightest kind word. And yet here Rarity was giving her something that Twilight would not take for granted. She returned the favor and murmured, “Rarity… I-I’m so sorry… I--”

Rarity shushed her, bringing her closer to herself. Twilight quietly cried as her marefriend gently patted a hoof against her mane. “But when the doctors told us that you were going to make it... I couldn’t have been more thankful than when I heard those words.” Rarity pulled away, still keeping a hold of Twilight’s shoulders. “And truly… that’s all that matters at the moment.” Yet in a sudden motion Rarity softly brought her lips to Twilight’s, with a quiet yelp from Twilight that followed afterwards.

Twilight could only sit still, the warmth of Rarity’s soft lips against her own. But slowly she melted at the contact from her marefriend, closing her eyes and gently pushing back. As the warmth left, Twilight opened her eyes and smiled at Rarity, who let go of her shoulders and murmured, “Just… promise me that you’ll let me know the truth from now on? No more secrets between us two?”

It was an obvious choice for Twilight, who nodded after she listened to Rarity. She froze up slightly at the sound of her mother giggling and glanced at her parents, only to blush as she realized what she’d done in front of them. “Don’t fret, Twilight,” Velvet quickly spoke up, “that’s one normal thing that you and Rarity will be doing.”

As the door opened, Twilight let out a silent sigh and eased up. She was glad somepony had come in so she didn’t have to reply back to her mother’s embarrassing comment. “Good evening, Twilight Sparkle.” The pony who came in wore a doctor’s suit, an obvious observation that answered her question as to who this mare was. “It’s good to see that my patient has awakened and seems to be functioning normally. Have your parents informed you on your condition?”

Twilight tilted her head slightly and turned her attention to both her mother and father, both with faint frowns. “I… they haven’t told me anything yet.”

“Then you shall be relieved to know that you were luckily unharmed from that discharge of magic. Unfortunately we had to sew both the chest and side wound after healing you.” Twilight looked down and noticed the two bandaged marks, a faint frown on her lips. ”If the discharge was any stronger, you might have actually blown your horn from your head, and possibly could have caused even instantaneous death.”

Twilight shivered at the doctor’s words. What chilling information this was, even though she had some knowledge on the subject. “And… how am I internally?”

“Along with the good news about your horn, you’ll be happy to know that none of the magic went through your internal structure after discharge. Another surprising thing, since you didn’t seem to harm any of your important organs and such.” The doctor pushed her glasses up her muzzle before she continued, “But you may want to be careful with your magic still. Don’t overexert yourself, and you should be fine after a week or two.”

With that out of the way, Twilight sighed at all the good news. “But…” She raised an eyebrow at the doctor before she spoke. “I have also been requested to inform you that Princess Celestia wishes to have an audience with you. Something about your magic discharge moment.” Eyes wide, her right eye twitched at the mention of her teacher and ruler of Equestria. “But in other good news, you’ll be able to get that over and done with today, since you’ll be ready to leave in about two hours.”

‘O-other g-go-good news?’ How this was good news, Twilight could not fathom. ‘I-if she knows… oh, what is she going to do to me?’ Multiple scenarios ran in her head, each one indicating her unfortunate banishment and enjailment in some far-off place without a mailpost around.

“I’ll leave you to rest.” The doctor nodded and backed out of the room, closing the door and leaving the group inside the room.

“Twilight. Are you going to be alright?” Spike asked, taking a step forward.

“No, no, no, no!” Twilight let out a strained breath and shook in place. “Oh, I’m so doomed! She’s going to lock me up in the place she’ll banish me to. And I’ll have no way to contact you guys and then I won’t even get another chance at a relationship because Rarity will be far away and there probably won’t be any other creatures, much less other ponies around and--”

“Twilight!” Velvet pushed a hoof against her daughter’s mouth, shushing the overwhelming tide of words that rushed out. “Calm down. Everything will be ok--”

“Okay? Okay!?” Twilight brushed her mother’s hoof aside. “Celestia is going to destroy me! I’ve used dark magic. Who knows what she’ll do to me?” A frantic gaze appeared on her expression after she finished.

“But that’s an assumption, dear.” Velvet returned the hoof and placed it on her daughter’s left shoulder. “You don’t know if she’s learned about this. It could be for some other reason.” A smile replaced the frown on her lips. “But if she does, then we’ll be there by your side. No matter what.” Night Light joined by her side, and both Twilight’s parents reassured her with their gentle smiles.

Twilight felt a hand on her left foreleg, and saw Spike with a bright smile. And then she looked up and saw Rarity with the same expression. “We’re in this together, Twilight. I will make sure that I’m not leaving your side.”

“We’ll be there every step of the way,” Night Light assured her, nodding at his affirmation.

“But first you’ll need rest. There’s still two hours between you and your audience with the princess. Get some sleep.” Velvet hugged her daughter and murmured, “Don’t worry. Your father and I will make sure that you’re staying home.” With that, her parent’s opened the door and exited the room.

Twilight turned to Spike and hugged him as well, then watched him leave the room following behind her parents. Then she brought her gaze to Rarity, who approached her and leaned forward. Twilight did the same, and the two met once again, lips contacting the other’s, until Rarity pulled away. “You know how difficult this has been, and our relationship is finally working, Twilight. I’m not losing you again. But do know this… no matter where you are, I always will love you.” She embraced Twilight with her forelegs, and the two stayed like that for a long while before Rarity slowly and hesitantly left the room, softly closing the door behind her.

A sigh escaped her lips. Twilight could still feel the warmth left from Rarity. This was far from the anxiety-filled tension she had felt the last time Celestia ordered an audience with her, and even then, that was at least over her trying to make a friendship problem. But this was different, and the consequences of her own actions could cost her much more than that simple mistake. ‘I… I truly do hope… and pray that Princess Celestia can forgive me… I hope…’

~~~

Hoofsteps echoed in the hallway as Twilight, along with her parents, Spike and Rarity made their way to the throne room. She looked up at the ceiling; the sky, judging from the side windows at the highest point of the ceiling, was dark. She could even see stars blinking in the black sky, but nothing this beautiful could relieve her from the stress and anxiety she held. With each step she took, her body shook more and more. Twilight could only force herself to take the necessary steps to move forward; otherwise she felt she would be stuck and rooted in one place.

“Hey…” Twilight turned to her right and noticed a gentle smile on her mother’s muzzle. “Everything will be okay. You’ll see.”

“Your mother’s right, dear. There’s no need to get yourself so worked up.” She moved her gaze from her mother to her father. “Just because you were practicing… well, a magic that’s not good to learn doesn’t mean she’s going to punish you.”

“I know…” Twilight murmured, a faint frown on her muzzle. “But what if she does know? I can’t just expect she’ll forgive me so easily.” In all her time with Princess Celestia, even though she was quite benevolent and patient with her, she could only imagine what kind of punishments she had for students who studied and practiced in this field of magic. “But what if she doesn’t know? I can’t just lie to her keep the truth from her. If she ever found out that I lied to her, I don’t think she would ever be able to forgive me after that.”

“That’s why you just need to relax.” Velvet brought a foreleg around her daughter’s shoulders. “Getting yourself worked up will only make it worse. Just take a few deep breaths.”

With her mother’s advice, Twilight took a few slow breaths. She made sure to pace each one out. But even then, that still didn’t help as much as she would have liked. “Twilight, darling.” She turned to her right and smiled when she met Rarity’s gaze. “You don’t need to fret so much. Even if… things don’t become so favorable to us, we mustn't lose any hope. This is Princess Celestia after all. I’m sure that she’ll be a reasonable mare. After all, you, me, and our friends have saved Equestria quite a few times.”

That was something Twilight couldn’t argue with. She and the others did save Equestria with the Elements of Harmony. Maybe her teacher might refrain from a severe punishment, but still she couldn’t help but fear that if she was to be naive, she wouldn’t be ready for the final judgement that her teacher would give her. And besides, would any of what she had done truly matter when it might be Princess Celestia herself who was in charge of a final ruling?

Twilight looked back up and saw two guards standing at attention, and shivered at the fact that she was mere moments from facing her teacher. She gulped and forced herself to move onward. But she glanced behind her, and faintly smiled as her mother nodded her to go on. With another gulp, she moved past the two guards and saw her teacher, Princess Celestia sitting upon her throne. Twilight turned her attention to her right and noticed a row of nobles. Most of them were ponies she was unfamiliar with; however, she spotted three in this row of seven that she did recognize.

Her frown deepened at the sight of Jet Set and Upper Crust, eyes narrowed as they watched her and the others move up towards the princess. But within this small group of nobles, she smiled when her eyes met Fancy Pants’, who slightly nodded with his own kind expression. She then looked to her teacher, Princess Celestia, but her demeanor held no smile or frown. ‘T-that doesn’t look good…’ There would be no way to tell whether or not she was excited to see her student, or if she was disappointed with her.

Princess Celestia raised a hoof for her to stop, and Twilight quickly sat down along with her family and marefriend. There was no change in the expression Celestia showed, but she simply stared and said, “Good evening, Twilight Sparkle.” She turned her gaze to her parents, along with Rarity and Spike before she murmured, “Please leave the vicinity. I will talk with Twilight Sparkle alone with the nobles here.”

“But your Highness, please let us st--”

“That is an order, Twilight Velvet.” Princess Celestia lowered her eyes at Twilight’s mother, interrupting her until she nodded to the guards.

Twilight looked back and watched as her mother and father, along with Spike and Rarity, were escorted out. She watched as they tried to plead with the guards, but the ponies in golden armor just kept moving them along. Twilight’s frown grew even deeper once they disappeared around a corner. She returned her attention to Princess Celestia and shivered; for now, she was along with her teacher with ponies who she had begun to assume would be responsible for deciding her fate.

“If you all would…” Celestia looked from the guards to the nobles. “Can you please excuse me and Twilight? I want to have a chance to talk in private with her before this meeting begins.” The nobles looked from one another before they hesitantly stood up and made their way out the open doorway. Once the guards and nobles exited the room, the two double doors glowed in a golden aura as Celestia closed them from her seat. “Now then…” Twilight looked back to her teacher and shook even more when she watched Princess Celestia stand up. She closed her eyes and feared the worst, bracing herself for whatever was about to happen.

But nothing came. Twilight slowly opened her eyes and looked back to Celestia, who still held that same neutral gaze. “I would say that I am glad to see you… but these circumstances are understandably in the way.”

“Princess Celestia… I-I’m sorry… I’m sorry for what I did. I did--”

“Didn’t intend to do harm upon others? An admirable reason, but nonetheless, you were a danger to others and yourself with the practice of dark magic.” Celestia slightly lowered her eyes as she stared down at Twilight.

Hearing the confirmation, Twilight’s eyes watered up slightly until she looked away, unable to bear the gaze her teacher threw at her. “I suspected that you already knew about my… practices… but I’m sorry, I didn’t want to hurt anypony,” Twilight pleaded as she shakily stood up. “I had every intention of learning about these powers, but I never wished to use them against anypony else.”

“But even then, you do know that it is against the law to practice such dangerous magic.” Twilight could only nod as she awaited what else Celestia had to say. “However, I am glad to see that you are alright.” She felt Celestia’s right wing drape around her smaller frame, which finally gave her the courage to look up and face her teacher. “You have no idea how worried I was when I heard you were in Canterlot’s hospital.”

“Princess… I, I’m so sorry… I…” Twilight could hardly hold back against her tears, losing it as small droplets rippled down her muzzle. She could feel the wing slightly tighten around her, and her teacher’s muzzle rest upon her head.

“There’s a reason I put that law into place, Twilight. I only intended the best for my little ponies.” Twilight looked up as she felt both her teacher’s wing and muzzle leave her and watched her walk back up onto her throne. “And that reason was because of what happened a long… long time ago.”

“Princess…?” Twilight sniffled a little as she watched her frown deepen. When Celestia looked up and met her eyes, she flinched at the pain and anger that flickered through her gaze.

“That is why I wish for nopony to ever even think about practicing dark magic. And what could possibly happen if you were to keep on this course of actions.”

Twilight opened her mouth to ask why but landed on her back as she watched a circle of flames erupt around her beloved teacher.“Princess Celestia!” Twilight yelled out as she watched this horrifying display right in front of her. She laid there, still on her back, while she witnessed this terrifying moment. The flames quickly dispersed, but the room felt warm, a little too warm as sweat slowly dripped down her muzzle. But her eyes never left the chair where Celestia once was or could still be.

Two pairs of wings shot out from where some of the flames flickered on the throne room chair, which was followed by a fiery ethereal mane and tail, as her teacher sat upright. “P-Princess C-Celestia… a-are you okay?” Twilight raised a hoof from where she stood, but quickly put it back down as Celestia’s irises met her gaze, which were now added with a dark orange eye shadow. However, the kind and mother-like expression she had once held was gone.

Both her golden horseshoes extended upwards slightly, while her chest piece had gained more decorative attachments to it, with a new golden collar above it with more purple diamond-like shapes circling around it. A few necklaces adorned her neck, and another wrapped around her upper barrel. Her ears had one pair of earrings, which looked like two stalagmites, one dark blue and one dark purple, which slightly swayed as she completely turned her attention to Twilight. Her crown had also gained new attachments and more purple diamonds across the top of it. Twilight whimpered at the sight of two horns behind Celestia’s crown, a little ways above her horn, that pointed backwards in a slightly curved zigzag shape and stood tall above her ears.

“So…” Twilight cringed at the scary resemblance of her teacher’s voice. “Is this what you were looking for? A power that you believed could be under your control?”

“Princess Celestia… no… this isn’t what I wanted…” Twilight shook her head slowly, shivering in place as drips of water continued to stream down her muzzle.

“Really? With all this power, you could potentially be able to change lives. And all of this could be yours if you let the darkness take over.” Celestia smirked as she stood up.

“Please… Celestia I--”

“I am not Princess Celestia anymore!” She stomped her hoof on the staircase in front of the throne. “That name is not relevant to somepony of my stature. You can call me Queen Nightmare Star.” She took a step forward and slowly began to circle around Twilight, whose gaze never moved from where she sat.

“C-Celestia… wh…” Twilight’s eyes widened at the sight of how much her cutie mark had changed, how more intense the sun on her flank had gotten with its bright red fiery glow. “Where did this come from… why are you--”

“I’ll be asking the questions here!” Nightmare Star snapped, eyes lowering further into a hot and tense gaze. “Is this what you want!? Is this what you want dark magic to do to you!? To control your life and ruin everything you ever wished you could have!?” Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but only a couple of squeaks resonated from her. She cried out as Nightmare Star leaned into her face and yelled. “Answer me!”

“No!” Twilight cried back, closing her eyes as she assumed the worse was about to take place. “No this isn’t what I wanted. I just wanted to know what it can do, but please don’t hurt me. Please!”

She waited for the inevitable. To feel the flames of this new persona of Princess Celestia to burn her alive. Yet the warmth that she felt slowly began to drift away. She opened one eye only to see this Nightmare Star slowly ascend back up to the throne before she sat down. “That’s what I thought…” The flames along her mane and tail began to die down until she saw the same colors of Princess Celestia return. The added decorative jewelry disappeared in a mist of flames until she was left with nothing but her normal attire. With an added fact, Twilight felt glad to not see two horns protruding outwards from her teacher’s head. And her cutie mark had regained its natural coloring as well. “Twilight Sparkle… please forgive me…”

With a shake of her head, Twilight opened her mouth to say something, but couldn’t find the strength to say what she desired to ask. Yet she took a gulp and murmured, “P-Princess… w-what was that… w-what you did…”

“Please, forgive me for what I have done, Twilight. But when I learned of the possibility that you were practicing dark magic, I could only remember what had happened to me from a long time ago.” Celestia shook her head and closed her eyes. “It is a path you should never take… for the flaws and dangers of its power are just too great…”

“But what do you mean? Where did this come from, and how long have you been hiding this from everypony… from me?” Twilight sat up and returned to a sitting position, eyes glimmering for the answer she begged to find out.

“As I… or as Nightmare Star said, she was from a time long ago.” Celestia opened her eyes before she spoke again. “You see, after I was forced to banish my sister, Princess Luna, with the Elements of Harmony, I was left to rule Equestria alone… and with nopony else I could call family, I was left to foresee the future of this country all by my own judgement.” She shivered and shook her head. “I wanted nothing more than to escape the reality I was left with. And I found that peaceful relief by finding a book relating to the subject of dark magic: a form of magic that previously I had known before, but never did I imagine the thought of actually practicing it.”

“But where did Nightmare Star come from? How did she come into existence?”

Celestia let out a quiet sigh before she murmured, “Nightmare Star didn’t come into existence, Twilight Sparkle. Slowly I began to notice different changes to my appearance over time until I realized that the darkness of this arcane magic was changing me. And only a matter of time later would my own personality change as well, which turned me into what I named Nightmare Star.”

“But that means that--”

“Yes, Twilight…” Celestia interrupted her, but hesitantly she met her eyes. “Nightmare Star isn’t like Nightmare Moon. I may have turned into something I wasn’t, but once I turned into this… ‘being’, I was completely conscious of all my own actions. Every horrendous decision was my own doing… and for the first third of my time while ruling Equestria on my own, I was in charge as Nightmare Star. However, nopony of the commonwealth of Canterlot or further along from this city knew about my change. They all believed that I was the same alicorn from before, but only the nobles closest to me of that time knew about my change… and how awful I was. And while in that mindset I was always prepared to go to war with any other sovereign country. That’s why the first hundred years were awful during my rule.”

“Princess Celestia… I can’t believe what you had to go through…” Twilight looked down at the ground, blinking once. “How were you able to revert back to your normal self?”

Celestia let out a short chuckle, which Twilight sort of felt that this kind of attitude was almost unexpected. “It should have been a cliche discovery. One day I looked in the mirror and realized all my deeds? That’s how it should have happened, correct?” She let out a quiet laugh; Twilight leaned back at the sight of her teacher being so distraught yet different from her normal self. “As if… I watched a pony die right before me because of my own decision for their punishment… for a simple matter by stealing some food from the market. There and then I simply authorized the highest punishment as necessary and ordered them to death at the very spot.”

‘Why… is she telling me this?’ Twilight could not believe how tyrannical her teacher had once been, and shivered at the thought of seeing her and what this “Nightmare Star” could have been like.

“And after watching that pony die right before my very eyes... after seeing that happen to one of my own citizens, the ponies I had sworn to protect ‘til my dying breath... I could barely handle it. I couldn’t even muster the courage to see the consequences of my decision.” Celestia shivered as her voice cracked. A few tears trickled down her muzzle, but with a slight shake, she breathed in. “I had the pony’s body immediately removed, and I requested to be alone. After all my guards and nobles left, I simply wallowed in the pain of my loss.” A quiet cry slowly overtook her as Twilight watched her teacher become lost in her emotions.

With a hesitant step, Twilight quietly walked up next to Celestia and leaned against her. She felt her teacher’s wings wrap around her again. She closed her eyes and wrapped her forelegs around Celestia’s left foreleg. ‘This is what waits for me? This is what dark magic does…’ If this was what awaited her, if this was the fate of all who used this arcane magic, then she was afraid of what would happen to her. “I… I promise… I won’t use dark magic anymore… seeing and hearing what it does, I don’t want this…”

Twilight looked up and felt Celestia’s muzzle against her cheek. Her teacher pulled away and smiled. “I’m glad to hear this… but unfortunately, since it has been revealed to some of the nobles you met, there must be a meeting to discuss the penalty of your crime.” Twilight looked away and let out a quiet sigh. “Do not worry, Twilight Sparkle. If worse comes to worst, I can always put my input on the decision.” Celestia retracted her wings and sat upright. “Now if you’ll take your place in front of the throne’s staircase, I shall invite the nobles back into the room.”

“But after all the noise in here, what if they heard what you said to me?” Twilight turned around and sat on the floor, a frown on her muzzle as she asked her teacher.

“Do not worry, Twilight. Before I began, I laced the walls with a soundproof spell. Everything that you and I spoke about will remain between us two and nopony else.” Her eyes lowered slightly before she said, “And if you would. Please keep this between us. Tell nopony else about this. You’re the only other pony I’ve revealed my horrible past to.”

Twilight nodded before she tilted her head. “Who else knows about it?”

Celestia let out a quiet chuckle as she murmured, “Who else other than my own younger sibling, Princess Luna.”

Twilight’s eyes slightly widened, but she smiled afterwards. It certainly made sense for Celestia to tell somepony who actually was her own flesh and blood. She glanced behind her and saw the door open with a golden glow to them. The line of nobles filed back in as they kept their gazes on the two ponies. Once they sat back in front of the right line of columns, Celestia nodded and announced. “Now that I’ve said what I’ve needed to say to my student, let this meeting and trial commence.”

With those words hanging in the air, Twilight gulped as she waited for the first pony to speak. Even though Princess Celestia had assured her she was going to get a fair judgement, she could only hope that some of these nobles would be fair in their decisions. ‘I’ve promised that I won’t use dark magic ever again… but what if these ponies can’t forgive me for my actions? Will this be the end of my life in Equestria?’

Chapter XV: Two Hearts Become One

“Now that the hearing has begun, I would like to first say that I welcome you all here.” Princess Celestia nodded. “However, you are all here to help consider the choice I have presented here today: that being whether or not I should punish my student for using dark magic.”

“But that is rather unfair, is it not?” The noble, an older stallion raised an eyebrow at the princess. “Surely we all can expect where this is going?”

“You would be surprised by what new perspectives can do to change somepony’s view.” Celestia nodded before she continued. “Now I would like four ponies to stand forward and give their testimonies on why or why not Twilight Sparkle should be punished for her practices in dark magic.”

Twilight Sparkle gulped and glanced over her shoulder at the ponies as well, darting her eyes from one to the other. She tensed up at the feeling in the room. There was an apprehensive atmosphere that swirled around the group, one that only made Twilight shiver all the more as she waited for somepony to step forward. The frown on her muzzle weakened as she saw Jet Set being the first pony to step forward.

“I’ll speak first, Your Majesty.” Jet Set bowed, then turned to Twilight and lowered his gaze. “Firstly. Everypony here has heard how dangerous dark magic can be, correct?” He scanned the faces of his fellow nobles, who either nodded immediately or hesitantly followed suit. “Then you all understand that when somepony practices dark magic, it not only puts our own livelihoods at stake, but desecrates the good unicorn name.”

‘Is… this stallion being serious?’ Twilight watched him glance away, giving him a frown of her own while he looked to his fellow nobles.

“Isn’t that what the law decreed for our protection stands for? To make sure that nopony like this ruffian here puts our own wellbeings at risk, and so that ponies like her can’t bring chaos to our fair city of Canterlot?” With those final words, he glared at Twilight, then took his seat. “And that is all I have to say, Your Majesty.”

Twilight turned to Princess Celestia. To her horror, Celestia nodded, like she was actually agreeing with what Jet Set had said. “Of course. The words you have spoken are correct in this matter, Jet Set. But I’ve known Twilight Sparkle for years, and she would never bring harm upon another soul without a just reason.” But what Celestia said next, made Twilight shiver with terror. “Unfortunately. That can certainly change if there is a needed reason.”

When Twilight turned back to see him, a ghostly smile formed on her lips when she saw the expression on his face, eyes wide at hearing what Princess Celestia had said. Even though that seemed to be the only thing he reacted to. “Now then,” Princess Celestia continued. “Who else would like to take the floor?”

She watched as Upper Crust raised her hoof before she stepped forward. Like her husband had done, she gave Twilight a glare, but as she went to speak, her gaze never left her own. “I would like to reinforce what my husband has pointed out, Your Majesty. Ponies like this mare here before us show that if anypony with strong enough magic practices dark magic, then they certainly prove to be unpredictable, even dangerous.”

“And from the sound of it, you are leading to a suggestion. Tell me, what are you about to say that I should do?” Princess Celestia asked with a raised eyebrow.

Upper Crust pointed to Twilight and said, “She should be made an example to all other unicorns who might try and use dark magic. Not only has she broken the law that was set down by Our Majesty, but the fact that she blatantly did so without the caution of others should warrant a higher punishment.”

“And what would you suggest we do, Upper Crust?”

“What we should do, Princess Celestia, is not only banish her to a place far from Equestria, but she should have both her magic and horn removed so th--”

“Are you seriously suggesting we mutilate and defile this young filly? A unicorn without magic is far worse than death. And to go as far as removing her horn? Are you out of your mind?” Fancy Pants lifted his lone spectacle from his left eye in a light yellowish brown aura, which he glared at Upper Crust before he pointed to to Twilight, “Do you see the frail state she’s already in?”

Twilight could only imagine what she might have looked like at the moment, but after the suggestion Upper Crust had made for her punishment, she froze up and could hardly move. The absolute thought of losing all the control she had once had over her magic was possibly worse than any nightmare she’d had in the past. Fancy Pants continued, “You’re going to traumatize this young mare beyond belief. That’s only a suggestion a monster would make.”

Upper Crust gasped before she said, “Are you calling me a monster, Fancy Pants? You know full well why she deser--”

“And that’s another reason that is simply preposterous. Just because she finds other mares attractive gives you no right to push for something further than needed.”

‘Th-they know? How do they know about me and Rarity?’ The better question was, how long had they known? And was there more than one reason why Jet Set and Upper Crust were here at this meeting?

“Not only do you have the gall to call my wife a monster, but you are saying her suggestion is just as ludicrous, too? Justice needs to be served; otherwise, ponies might as well give up this law and throw ourselves to the wolves yo--”

“Enough!” Princess Celestia raised her voice above the three bickering nobles. “While I am not at liberty to decide what Twilight Sparkle must receive at the moment, I must say that you are all acting like a bunch of foals.” She rested her gaze upon the three, who lowered their ears and gazes while Fancy Pants returned his spectacle to his right eye. “Now, Fancy Pants, since you sound like you're defending Twilight Sparkle, would you be willing to speak in her defense?”

“Why of course, your Majesty.” Fancy Pants nodded and stepped forward. “Ponies, you all must understand where this mare must be coming from. We’ve all had that tiny inkling of desire to see what that side of magic is like, haven’t we?” He looked to the other nobles beside Upper Crust and Jet Set, who hesitantly nodded. “Then you must understand that, even if she was intentionally seeking the power of dark magic, that the discharge of her spell was all on accident. Of course she is responsible for her own actions, same as all of us. But is it really necessary to maim this mare for reasons such as her accidental magic discharge, much less over other, more ridiculous reasons? Like Princess Celestia, I myself believe in second chances.” He finished with a subtle glare at both Jet and Crust.

“And what do you believe we should do? What do you think is the proper course of action?” Princess Celestia turned the question towards him, awaiting with the slight tilt of her head.

“I believe that this mare, Twilight Sparkle, has learned the true consequences of what could happen to her with her near-death experience. With that being said, I feel she should be let off with a warning an--”

“And a slap on the wrist? Are you saying she should be excused from her actions just like that, without proper punishment?” Upper Crust sat upright with a frown on her lips. “That is not the proper way to deliver punishment, Fancy Pants; you know that.”

“Silence!” Celestia raised her voice again, as Twilight watched the glare in her eyes heat up. “Fancy Pants has spoken, and I will consider his words. Who shall be the fourth pony to defend Twilight Sparkle?”

“I shall, your Majesty.” An elderly mare shakily raised her hoof up and slowly stood up on all fours. “If I may, Princess Celestia. I have seen quite a few ponies in the past turn to dark magic. But not all of them dared to use it against their fellow equines. If I am to say, I have even heard rumors that Star Swirl the Bearded, back before he became who we’ve recognized as the father of many spells we know of today, is said to have experienced the effects of dark magic himself. Although it may be a tale that might only be told to young colts and fillies nowadays, I can guarantee that even though some ponies take to dark magic for reasons of knowledge, not everypony will end up becoming a monster bent on destroying everything we care about.”

“But that’s assuming if the pony is willing to agree to such terms. Look at what she did! She blew up her own house, for Celestia’s sake!” Upper Crust pointed out. “What if that was at a party of some kind, or a school, or a meeting with important ponies? She could harm somepony with that kind of power.”

“And you assume that they are the ponies we must watch out for? What about ponies without the use of dark magic? Should we not care if they try to destroy something important to us?” The elderly mare smiled as Upper Crust frowned before she looked away. “I rest my case, your Majesty.”

“Thank you for your insight. So if you would all kindly sit down before another argument begins again, I would like us to get to your final decisions.” Celestia watched the seven nobles take their seats.

As all three sat down, Twilight shivered. This was the moment. She was just seconds away from when her fate would be decided. Both Upper Crust and Jet Set had put up quite an argument, and that was what Twilight was fearful for. Would they have already convinced the others of what they desired her fate to be? But Fancy Pants and that elderly mare had made quite a convincing defense as well, but would that have been enough to let her keep both her magic and her horn?

“Now… who agrees that Twilight can be excused from her actions and let off with a warning?” Twilight turned to the nobles after Princess Celestia spoke and smiled at the sight of Fancy Pants being the first pony to raise a hoof. Her smile brightened at the sight of the elderly mare and another noble raise their hooves in the air. But her heart dropped when she saw the remaining four nobles who did not raise their hooves. “And I can tell there are more ponies who do not agree with her being excused from her actions.”

Was this how it all was going to end? Twilight turned away from the nobles and felt the tears from earlier trickle down her muzzle. She felt doomed beyond any other time before, and she could only await the moment Princess Celestia would be forced to take off her horn. “But as you all know I must make the final decision before anything can be truly decided.” Twilight looked up to her teacher and, with a pleading gaze, begged her silently to save her from certain doom.

Twilight’s eyes widened slightly at a small smile she saw on Celestia’s muzzle before she spoke. “Twilight Sparkle. You have violated a law that rules against the use of dark magic. With that in mind, I should have some punishment in mind for what you have done. However… because of your near death experience, one factor I cannot rule out of this situation, you have come closer to death than anypony else in this room.” With a hopeful smile on her lips, Twilight watched as Celestia’s smile brightened a little. “And therefore I hereby excuse you from your actions.” Twilight’s smile brightened up at the decision Princess Celestia made, and felt like jumping up and down. “However…” Her smile disappeared when Celestia’s own happy expression faded. “Because I cannot ignore the fact that you blatantly disobeyed the law, I must give you some form of punishment. The most fitting I can think of is that you are disallowed from any book, article, or scroll pertaining to any information regarding magic.”

Swiveling her ears to the right, Twilight heard a collective gasp from the nobles. Although for some she saw smiles on their muzzles, including a bright one from Fancy Pants himself. But when she looked to both Jet Set and Upper Crust, she could see nothing but frowns and glares coming off of the husband and wife. They were the first two to get up and make their way out of the throne room, before being followed by the others.

“My, what an intense and breathtaking show that was.” Fancy Pants leaned closer to Twilight and murmured, “I’m terribly sorry for the rash and rude behavior of Upper Crust and Jet Set. All the nobles you saw today were the ones who learned about your dark powers and were asked to testify today.”

Twilight sighed and shook her head. “I’m sort’ve glad that it was just you and the other three who spoke. I don’t think I could have handled hearing more opinions from other ponies about what I did.” But then what Fancy Pants had said did raise an interesting question. “Say… how did you all learn about my dark magic?”

“Remember the party you attended that Lady Rarity was invited to?” Twilight shook her head, but her eyes widened at the memory of her almost exploding with anger at both Jet Set and Upper Crust that day. When she looked back to Fancy Pants, he had a frown on his muzzle. “Yes, as I can tell from your reaction the seven of us learned about what you could’ve done that day, although we did not make it known because we all were too stunned to realize that a pony was ready to use dark magic at will. Although judging by the way you tried to stop yourself, I was assured you meant no harm to those two.”

“R-right…” But with the way those two had acted today, Twilight was having second thoughts about holding back. ‘After what those two were suggesting for a punishment… they would probably deserve what was coming to them.’ But that was something she was not going to say out loud. Twilight knew she was already in enough trouble. If somepony heard her speak those words, she’d be in more trouble than before. She looked up to Fancy Pants and softly smiled. “Thank you, Fancy Pants… for sticking up for me today.”

“Why of course, Twilight. I decided long ago to defend those who never meant any true harm. Like I said earlier before, I believe in second chances. And you're a pony I believe who deserves one.”

Twilight, in an unconscious moment, walked up to him and wrapped her forelegs around him. Fancy Pants only chuckled a little before returning the gentle embrace, which he let go of her seconds afterwards. “Would it… be alright if you walked with me to Rarity?”

“But certainly. It’d be a pleasure to keep you company.” Fancy Pants ushered Twilight forward with a hoof before he followed alongside her. “I have been meaning to speak with Rarity for a while as well, although the matter is particularly distressful, sinc--”

“You.” Twilight stopped at the voice and turned to the pony who spoke, only to lower her eyes as she saw Upper Crust and Jet Set. Crust took a step forward before she spoke. “You’re lucky. Even if you didn’t get the fate you should have deserved, for not only using dark magic, but being a filly fooler as well, Rarity won’t be spared with the same kindness Princess Celestia has given you.”

“Indeed.” Jet Set spoke up after his wife. “Rarity’s reputation will be on the fringes here in Canterlot by the time we’re done with her. A fate that befits filly foolers like yourselves.” With a harumph from the married couple the two ponies walked off in the opposite direction, Twilight followed them with a glare.

“I am terribly sorry about those two, Twilight Sparkle.” She glanced over her right shoulder as Fancy Pants spoke. “They’re very adamant about their beliefs… if not a little too stubborn. But rest assured that I’ll make sure to keep Rarity’s reputation as gossip-free as I can. You two don’t deserve to be harassed by ponies like them.”

The kindness that Fancy Pants was giving her, honestly, could not have made Twilight any happier. She hardly knew Fancy Pants, and yet he was promising to do all he could to help Rarity and her out. ‘If only there were more ponies like him… unafraid to speak their minds…’ Of course she had heard that mares like her did not receive much trouble in Equestria, there were still those who believed that marriage should have remained between a stallion and a mare.

But whatever the challenge that lay ahead, Twilight assured herself that she was ready to face it. Twilight and Fancy Pants continued forward with a silent air between the two. And Twilight herself couldn’t wait to tell both her family and her marefriend, Rarity, the good news. And whatever did lay ahead, she knew that as long as Rarity was there with her, she could stand up to it by her side.

~~~

Rarity shivered as she stood outside in the night sky. However, her shaking was not due to the cold air that wisped through the breeze outside of the palace. She stared at the door in front of her: the entrance back into the palace and entryway close to the throne room. Her marefriend, Twilight, was in there, and she was out here, anxiously awaiting the news of her hearing’s outcome. Flames moved her shadow as she sat on the ground, the torches at the front door and along the stairway curving around it the one source of light available to her and the others. Spike stood trembling next to her, and Night Light held his wife as she rested her muzzle against his neck, eyes closed.

“She’s going to be okay…” Rarity glanced towards Spike, and she frowned at the sight she saw. He had repeated that phrase for the last half-hour while they were waiting for Twilight, or some news about her. She could only imagine the worry Spike--a young drake who called Twilight his older sister at times--must have been feeling.

‘But I mustn’t forget about her parents either… or myself for that matter.’ She could only hope that she would be able to see the pony she loved again. Waiting this long for the decision was agonizing. ‘What must be taking them?’ It was a mystery, but hopefully the hearing would end here shortly.

“Rarity?” She turned to Spike and met his gaze, a fearful glimmer in his eyes. “D-do you think Twilight will be alright? I mean… she has to be, right? Princess Celestia would never send her away from us… right?”

She turned her attention to the ground after Spike spoke. In every sense, Princess Celestia did have the final say on what the decision would or wouldn’t be. But at the moment Rarity did not feel so safe, even with the idea of their heroic deeds with the Elements of Harmony. She returned her gaze to Spike and simply said, “Don’t worry, Spike. I’m sure Princess Celestia won’t be hasty with a decision. Twilight will be fine.”

“But how do we know if she will? What if Princess Celestia does banish her? What if we don’t see Twilight again? Wh--”

“Don’t worry, Spike.” Rarity kneeled down and rested a hoof against his right shoulder. “Just breathe and calm down…” She watched as Spike took a couple of breaths. His shakiness faded a little, but she could notice his legs still trembled a little. She glanced away and tried to think of something to distract him, something to get his mind off Twilight for the moment, as well as her own. Her ears laid against her head before she turned back to Spike. “Spike… there’s something I’ve been meaning to say. Something that I feel I should have done earlier than now.”

“What’s that?” Spike tilted his head as he asked.

“Well… I’ve wanted to say… or I’ve been meaning to apologize to you. For what I’ve done to you…” Rarity frowned as she stared him straight in the eye. “After all those times I played around with your romantic feelings for me… even when I never meant to hurt you. I ended up causing you grief over me because of who I actually love. And when I learned that I had hurt you, I felt like you deserved so much better from me.”

He looked away and sighed, eyes slightly lowered. But they never formed into a glare. No, all Rarity could see was the hurt in his eyes. “Rarity… I’m glad you care about me, I really do.” He looked up and faintly smiled when he met her gaze once again. “I mean, I’m still really happy we’re friends. But you don’t need to apologize. I’ve already learned the hard way about being delusional.”

‘Spike… my word…’ It seemed he had already figured it out. He had learned the meaning of heartbreak, but in the end it made him a little stronger from the looks of it. “That’s quite an adult decision you made, Spike. I really appreciate that.” She wrapped her forelegs around him, hugging him as he returned the favor.

When he let go, he smiled and murmured, “Just… help Twilight out. I know I’m able to be helpful sometimes, but knowing that you’re there makes me feel better too.”

“Aww… my little Spikey-Wikey…” Rarity nuzzled the left cheek on his muzzle, gaining a quiet little giggle from him. “You’re always going to be my number-one dragon, you know.”

“Aw shucks, Rarity. I--” Both turned their gaze to the door as they heard its hinges creak open. Rarity stood up straight and waited for Twilight, or whoever was going to walk out. A light flooded out from the door, illuminating the entrance and area where Rarity and Spike stood, along with Twilight’s parents.

Rarity squinted as she saw somepony standing in the doorway. Her eyes widened, however, with a smile growing on her lips, and her heart ached when she saw Twilight standing in the doorway. “Twilight!” She turned to watch Spike run forward and jump up to her to hug his older sister, which earned a giggle from her.

Wind rushed past her mane as she watched Twilight’s parents join in on the hug. Rarity smiled at the little family reunion she saw before her. When they separated, Twilight turned to her, her eyes glimmering with tears.

Rarity stood there as Twilight approached her. Her marefriend stopped in front of her. “I’m alright. Princess Celestia has told me I’m not allowed to study spells for three months… but she’s excused my actions.”

After hearing this, Rarity began to tear up as well. “You have no idea how glad I am to hear that.” She reached forward and brought Twilight into her forelegs, hugging her tightly as she felt the same embrace from Twilight. Rarity held her like no time before, fearing that if she was to let her go, that Twilight would dissipate from sight there and then. She pulled away but held onto Twilight’s shoulders, and gently brought her lips to Twilight’s, and held the kiss for a few moments before softly pulling away. “I knew that I’d never be separated from you. And I’m so glad to see that you’re staying here in Equestria. With me…”

Twilight slowly nodded, tears trickling down her cheeks as she happily cried. Rarity pulled her in again and hugged her for a longer time. She could feel Twilight’s body slightly shake, and hearing her quietly cry was painful. “There, there, Twilight… it’s over.”

“A good thing, too. Otherwise I was afraid I’d never get to see you two together.” Rarity opened her eyes at the familiar voice, and smiled when she saw Fancy Pants standing at the doorway. “And honestly, I can say I am quite glad that you and Twilight are an item. Sure brings a happy feeling to a gentlestallion’s heart.”

“Fancy Pants.” Rarity looked to Twilight, who nodded and stepped aside. Rarity walked up to him and stood a few feet from Fancy Pants. “I can guess you were a part of the group of ponies judging Twilight, am I correct?’

“Quite so, Lady Rarity. Of course, it was a rather strenuous task. But unfortunately, I did not come here to catch up with you. There is some news that you’ll find... a little alarming.” Fancy Pants took a step forward and leaned forward until his muzzle was close to her right ear, in which he whispered, “You remember the couple, Jet Set and Upper Crust, I assume?” Rarity nodded at the question, and he continued, “They were also part of the seven nobles in charge of Twilight’s hearing.”

Rarity nodded slowly. “Yes, I do certainly remember those two… nuisances. But what is so alarming about those two? They seem rather… ‘clumsy’, to put it mildly.”

“Well… they know about you and Twilight. They know you are an item.” Rarity was surprised that somepony else knew about them, or rather who in particular knew about it. “And they plan on destroying your reputation here in Canterlot. But I’ll try my best to help you the best I can…”

“T-thank you for the information, Fancy Pants.” Rarity slightly shivered at the thought of what Jet Set and Upper Crust would do with such information. But she shook her head. ‘Don’t get yourself all worked up. So what if they know about you and Twilight? There’s no way you’ll let them get to you, right?’ She looked over to Fancy Pants and murmured, “Thank you, Fancy Pants. I’ll be sure to be careful about those two.” With one last nod, she turned to Twilight and walked up to her right side.

“Was that about Jet Set and Upper Crust?” Twilight asked, her ears lowering against her head.

“Unfortunately, yes. But do not worry, Twilight. I’m sure we can handle it.” She brought her right hoof to Twilight’s left hoof and gently grasped it. “Together we can weather whatever those two will be up to.”

Twilight nodded before she wrapped her left foreleg around Rarity. The two watched as Spike stood next to Twilight, and smiled as he joined in with them. Rarity saw a shadow move and turned to smile at both Twilight’s parents who joined next to their daughter. “So with your current home in disarray at the moment, you’re welcome to stay with us, Twilight,” Night Light said, smiling at his daughter.

“But if you ever want to stay in Ponyville with Rarity, that’s also fine, too,” Velvet teased her daughter, giggling as Twilight’s muzzle lit up.

“Mom! Stop embarrassing me.” Twilight she glanced away, her cheeks glowing a pale pink in the light visible to the group.

“Speaking of Ponyville… I think our friends will deserve to know about us as well.” Twilight slowly nodded at what Rarity suggested. “Don’t worry, Twilight. I’m absolutely sure that everypony else will be alright with it. Goodness, I think even Pinkie Pie might throw a celebration as well.” The words brought a gentle smile on Twilight’s lips, which made Rarity brighten up as well.

With so many problems that had happened between the two, Rarity was glad that the situation was finally over with. But even then, she knew that more problems would arise eventually, and in turn she felt the first ones were possibly going to be from both Jet Set and Upper Crust. But as she looked to Twilight, the mare she loved, who had a bright smile, she knew that so long as she had her, nothing would ruin their relationship. And no matter what day it was, she was going to cherish every single moment, and make sure that each moment with Twilight was the best it could be.

Chapter XVI: Yours and Mine

A breeze gently sifted through the trees above Rarity, who shivered at the cold sensation moving around her body. She looked down to her body and smiled at the small coat she had; even with the cold wind, she felt warm. It was a rather stylish design, with dark gray pockets at the side of her chest with two separate lines of six buttons each near the middle. It was a simple coat of choice, but Rarity was glad for choosing something like this.

But as Rarity sat on one of the platformed courtyards close to the palace of Canterlot, she breathed in the cold air. With a glance over her right shoulder, she looked back to the right walkway that led up here, one of the stairways she thought Twilight would walk up to. ‘Our third date together… I can’t believe it’s already the third date. And within the first week of our second one as well.’ As Rarity returned her gaze to the gorgeous view presented to her, she thought of the day of the week, Saturday if she was correct, and knew it was at least two days from the last date. Although it was rather quick for another one, she was simply glad she and Twilight could have so much time together.

“Really… that should be more of a blessing than a curse. And being able to be with Twilight so often has helped… especially with how awful it was at the beginning.” Rarity could still feel some inkling of that horrible aching in her heart. It was definitely a pain she should have learned to let go, but now with the thought of others who were against her, namely two nobles she was not going to name at the moment, she thought that if they were to stand against this kind of judgmental view.

‘Speaking of judgmental… or in this case what wasn’t the fact this time.’ Rarity had gathered up everypony earlier this morning as she looked back to their get together at the Sugarcube Corner. There she had revealed to them all about the fact that Twilight had accidentally discharged a dark magic spell. The reactions from a few of her friends, Applejack in particular, were exactly as she predicted.

Once they had all calmed down, she than revealed that she and Twilight were an item, albeit with a little hesitation from herself. She expected everypony to be silent for the first few moments, but was surprised when Rainbow Dash jumped to her side, followed by Pinkie Pie, happy enough to celebrate a party for them tomorrow; Fluttershy, who was happy with that the two were together; and finally Applejack, who slowly agreed with their decision.

Her ears perked up at the sound of hoofsteps behind her. A bright smile lit up her muzzle when she saw Twilight standing there. “Good evening, Twilight,” Rarity said before she fully turned around, standing up on all fours. ‘My oh my.’ “Wow… you look quite stunning, Twilight.”It was a dark turquoise puffer coat with no hoodie. It was simple, but it matched Twilight so easily.

“Hey there, Rarity.” Twilight wrapped her forelegs around Rarity’s shoulders before she leaned in and kissed her. They pulled away moments after before Rarity guided her to spot she had before. “It really looks beautiful… this view, don’t you think?”

“Why of course, darling. This time of year in Canterlot always has such a humble yet beauteous glow to it.” Rarity could only giggle until she said, “But of course, that beauty falls short compared to the mare that is sitting right next to me.”

“Stop that, Rarity. I’m not that amazing…” Twilight murmured, her cheeks flushed with a pale pink glow.

“Oh don’t be so modest, Twilight. You are quite a sight. Sometimes even I get a little jealous of your au natural looks.” Rarity teased Twilight, giggling when her marefriend shied away. She slowed her laughing and wrapped a hoof around Twilight’s shoulders, and glanced down to her left shoulder when she felt Twilight rest her head against her.

As she stared down at Twilight, she watched her marefriend meet her gaze. She shuddered slightly at a warmth that invaded her chest. Rarity smiled softly before she lowered her muzzle and met Twilight’s own, the two gently kissed. Rarity pulled away moments later with her gentle smile still there, but a bright pink flush against her muzzle. Twilight held the same expression, but her muzzle had brightened up a little with her own pale pink blush.

“Well. Seems you were right, dear.” Rarity turned her gaze to the voice, only to frown at the sight of Jet Set and Upper Crust. And with the two fancy winter coats they were wearing, she could guess that they were on some evening stroll together.

“Of course I was right. After all, it’s not hard to follow the stink of ponies who use dark magic.” Upper Crust lowered her eyes at the two mares in front of her. “So what brings you two here to this lovely part of Canterlot? On one of your ‘dates’, or those get-togethers you and the rest of your kind so love to do?”

“As a matter of fact, it isn’t any of your business, Upper Crust. My marefriend and I are spending the quality time together that we deserve.” Rarity stood up and took a step forward. “Unfortunately, that time is being wasted upon answering your pointless and ignorant questions.”

“Ignorant questions?” Jet Set chuckled at Rarity. “How can you call my Upper Crust ignorant, when you’re spending your time with that disgrace of a unicorn who practiced dark magic?”

Rarity took a step back at the insult upon her marefriend. Were these two so blatantly uncaring that they would attack the mare she loved? “It certainly seems that these two were meant for one another. A fashionista who’s too blind to recognize the filth underneath her hooves, and another unicorn that thinks dark magic is just a plaything for her abilities.” Upper Crust laughed after she spoke.

“Hey! You’re lucky I didn’t blast you back at the party, Upper Crust. In fact, now that I think about it, maybe I should have just given you a little reminder of the magic that you threatened to cut my horn off for!” Twilight glared at Upper Crust, whose eyes widened in shock.

“You should count yourself lucky, you two.” Upper Crust returned the glare after she recovered from Twilight’s own expression. “You don’t deserve to be together. Not after what happened at the Spring Garden Party. But Fancy Pants isn’t here to protect you both now.”

Rarity’s eyes slightly widened when she saw a hint of frustration in Upper Crust’s eyes after she spoke of the stallion. ‘So that’s the reason she is so angry? Just because Fancy Pants admires me more than her? Quite a foalish ideal to be upset over.’ She then retook that step forward. “So that’s what this is about. All because we’ve had the support of Fancy Pants all this time? That’s completely and utter idiocy.”

“How dare you call my wife an id--”

“Zip it!” Rarity yelled as she took a couple more steps forward. She watched as Upper Crust slowly began to back up, and she relished the fact that this noble was beginning to back down. “You honestly think that I need Fancy Pants to hide behind like some knight in shining armor protecting a mare in distress?” In fact, Rarity could only chuckle at how ridiculous that sentiment was. “I am not some mare who needs the protection from another stallion. In fact, I’d say that if I wasn’t so focused on keeping myself restrained rather than giving you the verbal discipline I’m doing at this very moment, I could imagine that it would be you two who would need the protection rather than I!”

After she yelled, she watched as Upper Crust backed up to Jet Set, who were both shaking from what Rarity had said. She glared at the two for a moment longer until with one final grunt, she said, “Now. If you wouldn’t mind, I think my marefriend and I shall take our quality time somewhere safe from ignorant and judgemental eyes.” Rarity turned to Twilight and nodded before she proceeded forward down the stairway. She heard Twilight’s hoofsteps next to her own, but she couldn’t smile. The fact that those two would purposely try and ruin their date could propel her to lengths far beyond regular fuming. If she hadn’t taken proper control over her emotions, she thought for certain she would have exploded on the two.

“Rarity.” She glanced over to Twilight who stared at her with a fearful glimmer in her eyes. “Are you going to be alright?”

Rarity could only sigh before she spoke. “Do not worry, Twilight. I’ll be fine. I just need to have a moment to breathe and gather my thoughts.” It was bad enough that she already had to worry about those two trying to destroy her reputation in Canterlot. But if they tried to hinder her relationship with Twilight, both of them would be in some very deep trouble.

She stopped walking at the sensation of Twilight wrapping her forelegs around her shoulders until Rarity heard her say, “Thank you… for what you said. And for showing those two jerks up.”

After what Twilight said, Rarity could only chuckle. “Oh, Twilight. It was my pleasure. That, and I would never allow somepony to speak ill of the mare I love.” Twilight laughed, and Rarity wrapped her right foreleg around Twilight’s shoulders and continued walking down the path. But Rarity’s smile disappeared when she thought about this date and felt disappointed that, like their first date, it had failed. With a quiet sigh, she frowned and kept walking down the path, silently hoping for a better evening for their date.

~~~

The click of a door echoed inside of Rarity’s boutique, and the front entrance opened up with the quiet breeze of the winter wind outside as Rarity and Twilight stepped into the building. Once Twilight passed through, Rarity closed the door behind them and relocked it. After the door clicked, an indication that it was shut tight, she softly sighed at the fact of what happened to her marefriend’s humble abode in Canterlot.

After Twilight’d had her discharging accident with dark magic, her home was left in shambles. If she had heard right, the upper floor had taken the most damage. Some of the walls had been weakened, and the large glass window had also shattered from the blast of the explosion.

But she smiled at the fact that Twilight was able to live through it. “Rarity…” She turned at the mention of her name and saw Twilight standing next to the stairway to the second floor. “Can… I talk to you about a few things?” And from the gaze Rarity saw in Twilight’s eyes, she knew this was about something personal.

“Oh, uh, sure.” Rarity set their coats to the side and ushered Twilight upstairs “And just to let you know, Sweetie Belle was scheduled for a sleepover with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, so the whole place is to ourselves.”

Twilight nodded before she began. “Listen… I want to thank you… for everything. Even though I’ve already done that before, I just feel that every problem we’re facing right now… that’s all because of me.”

Rarity raised an eyebrow before she asked, “And what makes you so certain that you should take the blame for everything? You do understand that I was the one who rushed this relationship, and look where that got us. Our friendship almost ended because of me.”

“But you weren’t the one who broke a heart.” Twilight’s eyes misted up as she continued, “I broke your heart… I furthered the divide between us. I almost got us separated because I wanted to learn more about dark magic.”

With how distraught Twilight was looking, Rarity moved closer and rested her right hoof against Twilight’s left one. “Then just forget about it. I know you’ve been able to move from these thoughts, but from the looks of it, you’ve only made it halfway.” She smiled and murmured, “Just let it go, Twilight. I understand that’s easier said than done, but you’ll feel so much better if you do.”

“But… I can’t. I’m so scared that I’m going to cause the same mistake again. What if I do? What if something happens that’s much worse than what I did before? I just don’t want to lose you, Rarity.” Twilight weakly frowned, rubbing her eyes with her right hoof. “I just don’t know what to think about to get rid of these thoughts…”

Rarity continued to stare at Twilight and tried to determine which idea would work. And then one came to mind, although with how much of a long shot it was, and how embarrassing of an idea, she slightly blushed at the very thought of performing such an act with Twilight. But she breathed in before moving closer to her and leaning in, kissing Twilight gently. Rarity held that lock with her marefriend for what felt like minutes before she separated from Twilight. “Enough… these thoughts are simply poisonous, darling.”

Twilight looked away while her frown deepened. But Rarity cupped her left cheek with a gentle hoof as she brought her gaze back to her own. “I know it’s such a hard thing to forget… but let’s forgo these thoughts. Please…” Rarity closed her eyes when she felt Twilight bring back the contact between their lips, which produced a quiet moan. She flushed, embarrassed.

The same warmth she felt invade her chest rose up again, and when the sensation came along she turned Twilight towards her bed and slowly while gently lowered her onto the mattress. It shook quietly, but that didn’t disturb the two, who pulled away from each other moments afterwards.

Twilight gazed into her eyes. “Rarity… I--”

“You’re nervous… correct?” Rarity received a shaky nod from the mare she loved. “Don’t fret, darling. I mean… this is the first time I’ve ever been this intimate with another pony before, and I can only guess it’s the same for you. But don’t worry. We’ll go slow. I promise.” Rarity then brought her lips to Twilight’s once more and extended her tongue to her marefriend’s lips.

Slowly, Twilight granted entry until a soft moan followed from her once Rarity’s tongue met Twilight’s own and twirled together in a gentle dance. Rarity pulled away as both her own and Twilight’s soft breathing filled her room. She winced as that familiar heat had traveled downwards, and it only worsened at the similar warmth she could feel coming from Twilight’s own arousal. She shivered as a sudden primal urge filled her thoughts--a feeling she felt when she had pleasured herself days ago. ‘H-hold that thought, Rarity. You promised Twilight we would go slow… and we shall.’

With that urge corralled for now, Rarity kissed Twilight on the lips once more before she slowly traced down her marefriend’s body from her neck, earning shivers that Rarity felt across her own body as Twilight continued moaning in that soft tone. She slowly travelled down from her neck, and with each kiss, a small tuft of fur rose upwards from Twilight’s body. As Rarity continued downward, she changed to using her tongue, moving further down as she passed over the lavender colored stomach. She raised her head up and noticed Twilight’s small breasts, and the blush on her muzzle brightened.

Slowly she looked up and saw Twilight’s blush as well, who slowly nodded at what Rarity desired first. She returned her gaze to the two small mounds and smiled before leaned in and kissed the right nipple first. Twilight gasped as Rarity leisurely twirled her tongue around it. She circled her tongue up it and gave it a gentle flick, a movement that gained another moan from Twilight before she wrapped her lips around the nipple.

With gentle movements, she slowly suckled on Twilight’s nipple, an action that caused her marefriend to stiffen. Her body shook beneath hers while she continued this act of pleasure. Rarity pulled the nipple upwards and let it go with a quiet ‘pop’, giving it one last lick before she moved over the left mound and began suckling on it as well. She felt Twilight shake again, the room being filled with her soft moans, and the heat below Rarity slowly grew in intensity.

“R-Rarity…” Twilight moaned her lover’s name. Her breaths came in a slow and ragged motion, but she continued, “it… feels amazing…”

‘Well, darling… you may believe the sensation you’re experiencing now is great. But the next sensation you’ll feel will be even more decadent.’ Rarity let go of the nipple and returned her travel downwards. She kissed her navel once and stopped, lowered her gaze until her muzzle glowed brightly from the sight she saw. There she saw two moist and wet lips with fluids from inside Twilight dripping out from her small opening. Both puffed-up lips glowed a lighter lavender color from each side.

With the crown jewel in front of her, Rarity moved her hooves to Twilight’s legs and gently pushed them aside, only to meet resistance when Twilight held them together. When she looked up to her marefriend, she could only smile at the expression she saw, with Twilight’s eyes closed and resting the right side of her muzzle on her pillows. Rarity crawled up her marefriend’s body and kissed Twilight on the exposed left side of her muzzle. “Darling… I know you're frightened… but don’t be so nervous. I promised I wouldn’t rush any of this, remember?”

Twilight opened one eye and hesitantly nodded. Rarity looked back down and saw that her legs were not as tense as before. She lowered herself back to Twilight’s jewel and, with not as much effort as before, pushed her marefriend’s legs apart. With the item she was seeking now within reach, she leaned in and gave her lips a gentle kiss. A sharp and high-pitched gasp came from Twilight this time, replacing the soft moans from before.

Rarity leaned in again and this time pressed her tongue against the moist lips, earning another sharp exhale from Twilight. She herself moaned at the taste of her friend, finding her own fluids to be as sweet, if not a little less than, her own. But she continued her strokes against Twilight’s lips before she slowly pushed inwards, which were followed by some softer moans from Twilight that slowly escalated in volume.

She kept the movements of her tongue slow and gentle, licking upwards but avoiding the spot she knew would be the most sensitive. ‘We can leave that little bliss button jealous for now.’ Rarity retracted her tongue and lowered her gaze before she pushed her tongue back out and gently pressed it into the lower part of Twilight. She blushed at the noise of Twilight’s quiet cry of ecstasy, but the sensation of her tongue being compressed together added to the effect as she pushed it further into Twilight.

With her tongue far into her, she simply flicked around her sensitive walls and felt them pulling her tongue further in. The odd feeling was, in a sense, rather pleasant. Another cry came from Twilight, and her breathing grew more and more erratic. “R-Rarity!” With that, Rarity had an idea of how close her friend was. Pulling her tongue out she gazed over her friend and spotted the small mound within her sensitive fleshy interior, and a small smile at the sight of it throbbing, begging her for the attention it desired.

Leaning towards it, she flicked it with her tongue once, and slightly flinched at the much louder gasp from Twilight. With a quick motion, she caught the little nub in her lips and gently suckled against it. Twilight’s moans of pleasure grew in tone until she cried out in bliss. Rarity shook as a warmth quickly flowed across her muzzle and neck as the fluids from inside Twilight rushed out.

When the orgasm ended, Rarity raised her muzzle up and gazed at Twilight. Her cheeks flushed brightly at the sight of her marefriend. Her chest rose up as she quickly breathed in and out, her tiny whimpers the only noise left from her heated cry. Rarity crawled up her friend and brought her lips to Twilight’s, who quietly moaned as their tongues rejoined in their dance.

Once Rarity separated from her marefriend, she smiled before she murmured softly, “How… do you feel?”

The only thing she had for confirmation was the opening of Twilight’s eyes and a smile that seemed to answer Rarity’s question. She flinched at a sudden blissful feeling coursing through body, letting out a gasp. She caught a glimpse of Twilight’s right foreleg moving back and forth, and quickly recognized the hoof that she felt spreading her own lips apart.

Rarity felt the world turn until her back met her mattress, the sensation still present as she felt Twilight’s hoof gently push further into her. It may have been somewhat of a rough sensation, but she felt glad nonetheless that the daydream she’d had in Canterlot was finally happening for real. “T-Twilight… o-oh it’s so d-divine…” Rarity’s moans, though she tried to control them, were a little louder than Twilight’s, but she forced the volume down and soon blushed at how softly her moans echoed in her room.

She felt a wet sensation over her right breast and looked down past her stomach, only for her muzzle to brighten up at the sight of Twilight’s muzzle hiding her mound from view. The feeling of it being suckled, the blissful sensation of it being pulled upwards, coupled with Twilight's hoof rubbing against her folds, increased the pleasure-filled feelings running through her body. It was quite literally what Rarity had imagined pure bliss to feel like. She flinched and arched her back with the sensation running wildly through her body.

Rarity’s breathing increased and her moans grew in volume as she felt the muscles around her sensitive area tighten up. The pressure grew quickly until she felt about ready to burst. But Rarity’s moans turned into high-pitched yelps when she felt Twilight’s tongue dance around her clitoris. The pressure skyrocketed along with the bliss coursing through her body. Her thoughts were colliding with one another, but Rarity did her best to keep control over her mind. She let out a scream as her body expelled the pressure, feeling the warmth that grew inside her finally pour out in a pleasing tide.

Chest rising, she fell flat on the bed and quickly caught her breath again. Rarity opened her eyes and met Twilight’s own gaze; the two stared at one another until Twilight pressed her lips against Rarity’s, who moaned at the taste of her own fluids still fresh on Twilight’s tongue. As the two marefriends filled the room with their breathing, Rarity whimpered at the warmth coming from Twilight’s arousal once more, and in turn she felt her own grow once more.

She turned Twilight gently onto her back and looked down at the mare she loved staring back at her. “R-Rarity… w-what are you doing?”

Rarity caught her breath before she murmured, “Simply… a trick that I feel will make us become closer…” When she saw Twilight’s mouth open to ask another question, she lowered herself onto Twilight, and both mares gasped at the ecstacy of their folds pressing against one another. As Rarity gazed down at Twilight, her marefriend did the same. Their muzzles brightened at the sensation they were both feeling.

Slowly and gently as she could, Rarity began moving herself back and forth, moaning at the euphoria of her folds rubbing against Twilight’s. She heard Twilight’s voice with her own; their whimpers and pleasure-filled squeaks echoed in the air. Rarity flinched when she felt their breasts press against each other, until she let out a soft yelp alongside Twilight’s own weak moan when she felt their sensitive buttons move against the other.

From the sensation Rarity was gaining from this, she felt something more than just bliss. She felt close, much more closer to Twilight than any of the moments during their intimate session.

With these movements Rarity felt the same pressure from before build up, if not in a quicker fashion. “Rarity… I c-can’t hold on…” Twilight’s voice had reduced to just a weak cry.

But Rarity looked down at her marefriend and weakly nodded in reply before she began to pick up the pace a little. The moans of the two grew louder and louder, but unlike their first time, they weren’t as vocal. With one last push, Rarity felt the entire world around her melt. “Twilight!” Rarity cried out with the last remnants of her energy she could muster.

“Rarity!” Twilight returned the favor, but with a weaker tone before the two ceased their movements. Rarity breathed in and out, catching her breath before she looked down. Twilight had her eyes closed; each quiet whimper she made only brought a weak smile to Rarity’s lips. She gently leaned in and brought her lips upon Twilight’s. The two locked together again until she pulled away. “Rarity… I, I love you…” Twilight murmured. Her gaze softened when she stared up into Rarity’s eyes.

Rarity’s smile brightened before she nodded. “I love you too, Twilight. And I’ll continue loving you… no matter what.” With those words, Rarity gently moved to Twilight’s left side and lifted the covers beneath them. Bringing her legs underneath, she then gently lifted Twilight underneath the covers. With her breath caught up to speed, Rarity gently cupped Twilight’s right cheek with her hoof and pecked Twilight on the lips with her own before she murmured, “Thank you… for this.”

Twilight shook her head before she whispered back, “No… thank you. I’m glad that I gave this chance… and I’m glad I could have somepony like you, to be so close to.” With those final words, Twilight’s eyes lowered until she closed them.

Rarity wrapped her forelegs around Twilight’s barrel and brought her close, the same feeling she felt on her own. The exhaustion slowly set in, until all she could hear was the gentle rhythm of Twilight’s breathing with her own. Rarity’s eyes lowered until the darkness of sleep welcomed her from her fatigue-filled intimacy. And with the last image she saw, that image being Twilight herself, a ghostly smile returned to her lips as she slept, and felt all the weariness from her body leave her. This truly would be, as cliche as it sounded, a night to remember.

Epilogue: My Twinkling Gem

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Prologue: Unknown Interest

“I just can’t thank you enough, Princess Celestia.” A mare’s voice echoed in a huge room. She stood next to the regal princess, who giggled at the mare’s grateful words. The room these two ponies stood in glowed a dark light. The sun cut in half as it slowly sunk below the horizon.

“Of course. But… let us just leave it at a normal ‘thank you’, Miss Rarity.” Princess Celestia giggled, and the mare before her chuckled a little and blushed.

Rarity could not help but show her gratitude to the princess. Her friend, Twilight Sparkle, had asked her teacher if she could have a place to stay. Of course it was easy for her, since Twilight had decided to stay at her home in Canterlot. But even with this change, she could only be glad that their friendship had not diminished after the distance that was added between them. “Umm…” The two mares turned to see the stallion behind them, his legs buckling underneath all the luggage he had carried up the stairs. “Y-your luggage, ma'am?”

“I’ll leave you to unpack, then.” Princess Celestia nodded to Rarity.

She took her leave and walked past the stallion, who nodded to her. “Your Highness.” Rarity returned her gaze to the room and smiled brightly. This was simply divine, as she would put it. The space she had been given so graciously was such a blessing; another thank you would need to be added to her longer list of thank you’s to both Princess Celestia and Twilight Sparkle. “Um… where do you want your luggage?”

Without looking back, she said, “Oh, just right there is fine, darling.” Her luggage collapsed over the stallion, but she paid no attention to it. The room was just too perfect to not steal her attention away from the other, possibly more important mess of her items behind her. She swiveled her ears and finally turned around to see the stallion underneath brush himself off as a few of her cases slid off one another. “Thank you so much for the help. You may leave now.” As he left, she let out a little gasp. “Oh, wait.” She walked up to him and levitated a few bits to his hoof. “Here you go. For the trouble of bringing my luggage up here for me.”

The stallion nodded and trotted back down the stairs. Rarity looked to the pile of luggage and giggled. “Now then… let me get started.” One by one, she lifted each of the cases in a light blue aura. Rarity never looked away from her items, following them as they flew into the closet. As another set of them flew in, hoofsteps resonated from behind her.

‘Huh… could it be that the poor stallion again?’ Rarity turned around, only to smile at a friend. “Twilight! It is good to see you again.”

“Hello there, Rarity,” said Twilight, who was standing in the doorway of the room. “After I finished up with my studies, I thought I might as well see how you were adjusting to the new room.”

“But it is so good to see you, still.” Rarity put away another briefcase before she trotted over to her friend, wrapping her forelegs around her. She pulled away and said, “I must simply thank you, darling. The new abode you and Princess Celestia have given me is just simply divine.”

“You’re very wel—”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Rarity interrupted, almost nose to nose with her friend as she leaned forward. She quickly pulled away with chuckle. “My apologies, but I do not believe that a simple ‘thank you’ would suffice for the accommodations you have graciously acquired for me.”

Twilight only giggled and shook her head at her friend’s thankfulness. “It’s no problem, Rarity. Besides, I thought it was best to make sure you had the closest place to the shopping district.”

“But really, I cannot—”

“Okay, okay. I get it.” Twilight interrupted her friend, who blushed again. “But still, I appreciate your gratefulness and all, but once is simply enough.”

“Of course.” Rarity nodded. “Alright, I’m fine now.” She began to giggle again. “Yet I am a mare of my word, so I shall find some way to repay you.”

“It’s alright, really. I’m just thankful I won’t be alone here in Canterlot for a while.” Twilight brought her in for another hug. They stayed like that for a moment or two, until she separated. “Well, I’d better get back to my own house. There’s a spell I’ve been meaning to look into, and it’s just so exciting, I just have to get back and learn it.”

“Of course, darling. I shall let you get to it. See you later, Twilight.”

“Bye, Rarity.” Twilight turned around and walked out, glancing over her shoulder while she waved. The door shut in a light blue aura, only after which did Rarity exhale.

This was a momentous occasion, but it certainly had not been the only one. Rarity enjoyed her time with all her very important friends. She had a great little sister who, although she had her moments of being a small nuisance, was still dear to her heart. Her parents were also great, if not a bit random at times. And her boutique business was growing, and that was an achievement she loved.

Yet, something about this was off. She frowned and looked at the empty space around her. Maybe it was just the hesitant jitters she was feeling, but she felt like she did not need to feel this sad. So what was causing this? ‘Oh, Rarity, you do love to overdramatize everything, don’t you?’ She shook her head, clearing away those thoughts, and continued to trot along.

This wasn’t as bad as she thought it would be. Although Twilight did have to move back to Canterlot once they had defeated Nightmare Moon, the idea of that did not diminish their spirits. Sure, it may have taken a little while longer to get together, but it was all worthwhile in the end.

Her smile brightened when she turned her gaze to the window. ‘And to think it all started with my magic dragging me out into the middle of nowhere.’ When she had found that rock filled with gems, then brought them into her dress designs, she had gained her cutie mark, one she so deeply cherished. And it had led to this moment in her life. She had to thank her horn for forcing her against her will to a rock in the middle of nowhere.

She let out another sigh. ‘Why are you sighing, Rarity? This has not happened since the play in Ponyville when we were just a filly.’ Then she thought about when she first began to experience these emotions, only to find that these feelings had started when Twilight had left. She felt like she was lonely, like some little filly who was just beginning to experience what it felt like to be without friends. It was odd, but maybe it was just because her friend was in a different place? ‘That must be it. No need to fret; Twilight is not too far away at all. In fact, we could almost be next-door neighbors.’ Assured by this, she walked over to the front of her bed, scanning the room to see what else might be here.

Yet why did these feelings of Twilight appear? Of course, they were friends and they did rely on each other, although Rarity did have to admit that Twilight was beautiful and—

She shook her head, a frown replacing the smile. ‘Absolutely not. A friend should not think about another friend in that way.’ It certainly was a bit odd, not to say maybe even bordering the line of creepy. Yet why could she not shake this strange blend of loneliness and fondness? It was odd, feeling her heart slightly beat at the thought of Twilight. She grimaced and pushed these odd thoughts to the back of her mind.

Those thoughts from before began to reappear once again. She watched as images flashed in her mind: Twilight standing on the train as she looked at her friends, her smile softening as her friend’s eyes met her own. She shook her head, feeling those same emotions from before. ‘What is going on? Surely these pesky daydreams would have left me long ago...’ Even trying to think about her current fashion line she was working on did not seem to distract her from those thoughts.

“Honestly, why am I so confined to these specific thoughts? It doesn’t make any sense,” Rarity murmured under her breath. She shut the blinds of her windows and walked into her bathroom. She turned on the faucet, lifted a rag over to the water, wet the cloth and wiped her muzzle. ‘Maybe I am just wishing her the best. That could be possible.’

But Rarity was not so certain. This could possibly be something much more than just a simple “I miss my friend”-type feeling. No. What she felt was completely different. Lifting the rag off, she quickly cleaned her face before throwing it on a hook to dry out, made her way to her bed and shut off the lights. She sighed, lifted the sheets off and slipped under her covers. Rarity closed her eyes but felt those emotions continue to swell.

“Alright…” she wearily murmured. “I shall investigate these feelings that seem to encompass my friend, Twilight, but priorities must be attended to first. After all, I do have my fashion line that needs to be completed before I set upon this… oh, what would Rainbow Dash say, ‘adventure’? If that is the case, then I shall start this adventure after I have completed my own task.” And she had decided to move in earlier than her scheduled time, so she had a few days to explore Canterlot and see what this city had to offer. After all, in this city, she felt like she could belong.

Author's Note

Hello there, everypony. I do hope that you all enjoy this story. It is my first romantic story... so feedback, advice, and criticism would be great. So I hope you all will continue to follow my story.

And I must thank Alicorn Priest and Monochromatic for their effort in helping me. They certainly are great friends, as well as very helpful proofreaders/editors. So again, I hope you all enjoy this RariTwi story. Thank you all and I shall you next time.