Bloodymare Rarity

It was morning. Rarity was still asleep when she heard a series of loud knocks bombarding her front door. Startled, Rarity awoke from her slumber and lazily rose from her bed. A voice spoke loudly over the constant noise.

“Rarity! I know you’re in there! Open this door right now!”

“Just a minute!” Rarity shouted as she groggily trotted downstairs, slipping on a robe.

The voice sounded familiar. The assailant of knocks continued, unrelenting all the way until she opened the front door.

The sunlight overshadowed the assailant, presenting the guest as a black figure. Rarity winced at the bright light. Her eyes hadn’t yet fully adjusted to the morning sunlight.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique. How may I he-”

Before Rarity could finish, the figure spread her wings and leapt through the door on top of Rarity. As Rarity fell, she closed her eyes to brace for impact with the ground. When she opened them, the guest was on top of her. Her eyes adjusted to the light.

“You selfish, prissy, little devil!” Twilight yelled, pinning Rarity to the floor.

“D-devil?” Rarity stuttered in surprise. “W-what do you mean? Unhoof me Twilight!”

“Don’t play dumb with me Rarity. You won’t be able to lie or whine your way out of this one. So save it!”

“Lie or whine my way out of what? Tell me!” Rarity bellowed. “It almost sounds as if you are accusing me of something. What is it that you are accusing me of?” Rarity growled, as if she didn’t already know.

She then thought of the crime she had committed. Her eyes widened as the thought of incarceration entered her mind. They must have found out! she thought. But how? I thought I was so careful.

“No use in playing innocent Rarity,” A second voice protruded from outside the doorway.

A pegasus with blue fur and rainbow colored mane entered approaching the two.

“Rainbow Dash!” said Rarity. She angrily asked, “What’s the meaning of this? I demand an explanation!”

“Applejack has been murdered,” Rainbow Dash answered. There was silence.

“Murdered?” Rarity asked, breaking the silence, pretending to be horrified.

“Yes murdered,” Rainbow dash continued. “We investigated the matter quite thoroughly. We have reason to believe that it was you.”

Rarity gasped as Rainbow Dash completed her last sentence.

“Me?” Rarity replied in inauthentic disbelief.

In a tone of innocence, she carried on her phony act.

“My word. How could you accuse me of such a deed?” Her voice took on a more ill-tempered tone. “And how dare you accuse me of murdering Applejack.”

The room went silent once again.

Just then, she heard the cries of a young filly. Outside her doorway we’re five more ponies. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie had brought Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Big Macintosh to the scene. The cries emanated from Applebloom. Twilight removed herself from on top of Rarity, allowing her to stand so she could see the consequences of her actions play out before her.

“Why did she have to go Big Macintosh? Why?” Applebloom sobbed.

“There there lil’ sis,” Big Mac replied. “Everything’s going to be ok. Twilight will make her pay.”

The room fell into silence with the exception of weeping. Big Mac held Applebloom close as tears ran down the faces of the two siblings. Pinkie Pie attempted to cheer them up with silly faces. Rarity watched as Big Mac tried to comfort his little sister to no avail. He returned an angry glare towards Rarity. She shuttered as his eyes met hers. The feelings of guilt began to swell deep within her heart. She wanted to cry but couldn’t. The thought of self-preservation began to override her sense of remorse.

“So, you think that I am guilty of murder do you not? What evidence do you have to support your assertions? Show me!” Rarity demanded.

“Plenty!” Rainbow Dash answered swiftly. “For starters, where were you late last night?”

“Simple! I was here sipping tea with the Cutiemark Crusaders.” Rarity stated with confidence. Ha! I’d like to see them disprove this one, she thought. The crusaders surely told them this. There’s no way they didn’t… unless…

“LIAR!” Screamed Twilight, derailing Rarity’s train of thought. “We have in account 3 witnesses that go against your claim.”

“Yea, and guess who they we’re?” Rainbow Dash added. “We know all about that little promise you made with the cutie mark crusaders last night, so we anticipated this kind of response from you. They told us everything. Even about wagon you were pulling. Of which we believe you temporarily hid the body, carrying it here.”

Those rotten fillies betrayed me! Rarity thought.

Rainbow Dash continued. “Listen! We can go on and on all day about the evidence we have such as the bloody hoofs prints we found that matched your own on record.”

“Not to mention the trail of blood that led right to your boutique,” Twilight added. “All of which tested positive for containing Applejack’s DNA.”

Impossible! Rarity thought. The downpour last night should have washed away everything! How could any of it still remain?

She looked out the doorway. They weren't lying. The trail of dried blood did in fact lad them straight to her house and the outside ground seemed fairly dry.

How could it have not rained? she thought.

“That’s right so just fess up,” Rainbow dash insisted. “Plead guilty now and just maybe we will cut you a deal in reducing your sentence since we we’re ex-friends.”

These words cut Rarity to the bone.

Ex-friends? she thought. What do they mean by ‘Ex-friends’?

It had just dawned to Rarity that the ponies she argued with were no longer her friends. She was beginning lose everything she had feared losing. Friendship, trust, and soon her freedom.

Rainbow Dash continued. “We also suspect that your motivation for murder was jealousy. We didn’t want to believe it was you. As first, we had our doubts but the evidence simply doesn’t lie. As I said earlier, we investigated the matter quite thoroughly.”

Rarity stood silent, shocked by the accuracy of their report. Rarity tried to come up with another excuse, but couldn’t think of anything. Then an idea came to mind.

“I’ve been framed!” Rarity protested.

“Oh really?” Said Rainbow Dash. “May I ask by who?”

“Discord!” Rarity proclaimed. “That’s right! Perhaps you peeps didn’t really Investigate the matter as thoroughly as you say.”

“How could it have been discord Rarity?” Twilight interjected. “Our witnesses said they saw you.”

“Have you already forgotten?” Rarity went on. “Discord possesses unique shape shifting abilities. He’s done it before. It was probably him! He’s after the elements again. He’s trying to put a rift between us.”

Just then, the sounds of a galloping wild horse emanated from behind, flying speedily through the doorway. Rainbow Dash, with her quick wits and reflexes, was able to deduce who it was, what was going on, and intercede.

“How dare you accuse Discord!” yelled the assailant.

“Whoa, take it easy Fluttershy!” Said Rainbow Dash, restraining the enraged pony.

“No! I won’t let her slander his name like this. Rarity, you have no shame!” Rainbow Dash struggled to subdue Fluttershy. She was amazed on how strong she could be when she was upset. “I HATE YOU!”

The three words Fluttershy spoke echoed throughout Rarity’s mind. I hate you… hate you… hate…hate.

“Fluttershy, calm yourself!” Twilight urged. “We will handle this in a dignified manner.”

Fluttershy, still huffing and puffing, stopped struggling. Rainbow dash saw that she could finally let her go as she had finally regained control, and then did so.

Twilight then turned to Rarity. “Now to address your claim. Discord was our prime suspect from the beginning. But we soon overturned this notion on the basis of Discord’s absence from Ponyville. Days before the murder, Discord was called by Princess Celestia for royal business in Canterlot. I spoke with Princess Luna personally to ask if Discord had left anytime that night. Knowing of his past, she watched over him the entire night. He had never left. So what you are saying is entirely false.”

Rarity once again stood speechless as she tried to come up with yet another excuse. “I… I…”

She truly had nothing this time.

“What’s wrong Rarity?” Fluttershy taunted. “Can’t think of any more lies?”

“I… I want a lawyer! And a fair trial in the court of law,” Rarity demanded.

“Overruled!” Twilight interjected. “In Ponyville, I am the law. And as Ponyville’s royal princess, it is my sole duty here to serve justice. Because you did not head our warnings and continued to fabricate these lies without pleading guilty or showing any sort of remorse for your actions, I will pronounce judgment right here and now. You will feel the full weight of your penalization without mercy.”

Rarity shook with fear. She had never felt so small in comparison to who was once her friend. This was a different side of Twilight to which she had never seen before. She had lost all hope and was now powerless over herself and her life. She now only awaited her eminent punishment.

Twilight continued. “On charges of cold blooded murder and disrupting the balance of harmony by fracturing the elements in abandoning your role, I sentence you to death.”

Rarity’s heart sunk. All hope was lost. There was only one conceivable way out of this now.

She charged towards Twilight while using her magic to levitate several objects that laid about the room to use as projectiles. She picked up furniture, several manikins, and supply crates and sent them flying towards Twilight. They all managed to hit their target simultaneously. The objects crashed into Twilight breaking into pieces releasing a cloud of dust and wood.

Rarity let out a fiendish laugh. “Ahahahahahaw you’ll never take me alive!”

There was a light glowing within the cloud of dust. Its source became apparent as soon as the dust cloud cleared. Twilight had managed to put up a barrier before the objects collided with her.

Twilights eyes started glowing brighter than the brightest stars in heaven. Her voiced boomed louder than the fiercest thunders in the biggest storm. All of Rarity’s ex-friends were all wearing their elements along with Sweetie Belle and Applebloom as the new bearers of the elements of generosity and honesty.

“I will paint these walls in your blood and demolish this establishment to set an example to all those who practice unlawfulness!”

The air violently swirled around Twilight as she floated into midair, carrying objects in its wake. The windows shattered and the walls began to crack, giving way to the sheer magnitude of Twilight’s power.

“Be gone abominable cretin!” these were the last words she used before firing a bean comprised of an assortment of colors toward Rarity.

“No wait! Please! Have mercy! Please! I don’t want to die!” Her cries were never heard. The beam violently struck Rarity with great force.

“NOOOOO!” Rarity yelled, jumping from under her bed sheets, startling Opal. She panted, breathing heavily.

She had slept late into the afternoon. She looked around and everything seemed normal.

A dream? It was all a dream? But it felt so real. It was simply terrible.

Though it was all a dream, the words of her friends plagued her thoughts. Selfish prissy devil… I hate you… abominable cretin…These thoughts struck sadness and fear into Rarity’s heart. She wept bitterly at the thought of her dead friend and possibly losing the rest.

Just then, there was a knock at the front door.

“Rarity?” A familiar voice called. “You in there?”

It was unmistakable. The voice belonged to Twilight. The knocking continued. Rarity quickly dried her tears and jumped out of bed panicking.

They’ve come for me! she thought. They must have already figured it out. The bloody hoofprints and the trail of blood are dead giveaways. She then turned to her window. I must escape. It’s the only viable course of action at this point.

“Hello? Anypony home?” The voice called again.

Rarity started for the window. She would climb down and make her escape out the back of her house, leaving Ponyville to hide in a faraway place, never to be seen again.

She gently opened the window and looked down. There was precipitation all over the windowsill, so she made a point to be careful for fear of slipping. But before she did, she had a thought.

Where did this precipitation come from? If there is water all over the windowsill, then it clearly must have rained last night just as I had remembered. She looked around outside and spotted several puddles of water on the ground. She then looked up at the grey cloudy skies.

The knocking persisted. Surely it was all just a dream, she thought. Nothing to worry about… right?

Her horn glowed as she used her magic to close window behind her. The frame slammed into the window sill, shattering the glass and breaking the window. The loud crashed echoed throughout the house.

Rarity stared at the window in bewilderment.

How peculiar, she thought. This is the second time my magic has broken something. Perhaps I should make arrangements to see a doctor.

“Is everything ok in there?” The voice from outside called.

Rarity began making her way downstairs.

It was dark. All of the curtains were still pulled from last night. She slowly opened the front door, cracking it just enough to let in a small sliver of light. She did this manually to prevent another accident like the window frame and basement door. She then peered through.

“Yes?” Rarity uttered softly. She looked around and saw Twilight standing at her doorstep. She was alone. She peeked at the ground for any blood trails. There were none.

“May I come in?” Twilight asked.

“Oh yes of course,” Rarity answered, fully opening the door. “Do come in.”

Twilight quietly trotted in, noticing how dark it was.

“Have you been asleep all day?” She asked. “Mind if I brighten things up?”

“Sure, why not,” Rarity answered, ignoring Twilights first question.

Twilight casted a spell, which of which raised all of the curtains simultaneously, to the displeasure of Rarity, as the light was too bright for her still groggy eyes.

Twilight sat at a table while Rarity brewed some tea. Rarity poured her a cup and sat quietly in front of her.

“So um… w-what brings you to Carousel Boutique?” Rarity asked, bringing the cup of tea up to her face. She wasn’t sure if Twilight had found out about anything.

“Well...” Twilight began. “I just went to Sweet Apple Acres to see if I could talk to Applejack, but I couldn’t find her anywhere.”

Rarity gave a faint sigh of relief. At this point Rarity was sure that her dirty deed had not yet come to light.

“Oh I see. Have you tried speaking with her family regarding her whereabouts?” asked Rarity.

“Yes, but they said that they haven’t seen her all day. In fact, they don’t recall her returning from work in the fields last night.” Twilight’s expression became distraught. “This had me a bit worried since this was unusual.”

“Yes, that is a bit strange,” Rarity added. “Did you file a missing pony report?”

“I did, but they said that she’s not legally missing until at least 24 hours have passed since she was last seen,” Twilight whined. “Until then they can’t do anything.”

“That’s absurd,” Blurted Rarity, expressing insincere concern.

“I know. As the princess of friendship, I feel totally useless in helping my own friends,” Twilight moaned. “I can’t seem to shake this bad feeling that I’ve had lately. I couldn’t even sleep last night.”

“Did you send a letter to Princess Celestia?” Rarity asked.

“I did, but I’m still awaiting her response,” Twilight answered. “There’s got to be something I can do. I’ve been looking for her all morning but nopony has seen her anywhere. I wonder what happened or where she could be. I sent spike and owlicious to look for her as well but they also found nothing.”

“You wouldn’t happen to believe that she’s in trouble now would you?” Rarity asked.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked. “Are you saying something bad happened to her?” Twilight asked, panicking. “What do you think could have happened to her?”

“hmmm… ” said Rarity. She placed a hoof on her chin as a thought came to mind. A devious grin nearly erupted on her face just before Rarity brought the cup of tea towards her mouth effectively hiding. She took a sip and brought the teacup down having have successfully hidden her smile.

I must maintain my posture now, or she’ll be suspicious of me later, she thought.

“I have not the slightest idea,” Rarity answered, dishonestly.

Oh but I do have one idea, she thought.

She fought back the urge to smile as she began speaking her sinister words.

“Perhaps you should well… have a word with Discord,” She said. “Come to think of it, I’ve never really trusted him.”

“Discord!” Twilight echoed, almost as if she had just solved a mystery. “But isn’t he reformed?” Twilight asked, already expressing doubt. “Why would he be going after the elements again?”

Twilight lowered her head in thought. It didn’t seem that farfetched considering Discord’s past. After thinking about it for a moment, Twilight raised her head.

“I’m going to do a little digging before I jump to conclusions,” Said Twilight, in a new state of confidence. “I want you and the others to gather at the library this evening to discuss what we will do next. Perhaps around 8:00pm. As the new princess of friendship, it’s time to seriously take matters into my own hooves. No more sitting around feeling helpless. I’ve got to keep searching.”

Twilight started for the door.

“Wait!” Rarity called.

Twilight stopped and turned around. “yes?”

Rarity became a little uneasy. The question she was about to ask troubled her. “Hypothetically speaking… if you happened to have found out that Discord may have…” Rarity swallowed hard, as the last bit of words escaped her mouth.

“May have what?” Twilight asked.

“have… well uh… done something… terrible to Applejack, what would you do?” Rarity finished.

Twilight eyes widened at the thought of such a thing.

“Something terrible?” She asked. “Well, let’s just hope for his sake he hasn’t.”

“Why? What will you do?” Rarity asked, prying for an answer. “What if he did something...”

Rarity paused, as if she was unsure whether to carry on or not.

“Permanent,” She finished.

Twilight, a little perplexed as to why Rarity would ask this, thought about it for a moment. The thought almost enraged her. Rarity could see this. Her face turned red and the fury in her eyes was apparent. Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath, effectively calming herself down.

“Let’s just say his punishment will be long and irreversible,” Said Twilight, finally answering and turning around for the door.

Long and irreversible? Rarity thought. What does she mean by that?

“Wait, what do you mean?” Rarity asked.

The thought, again, enraged Twilight to the point in which she gave a livid response.

“After I turn his flank into stone, I’ll patronize him while slowly chipping off his arms and legs. And once I’ve had my fill, I’ll smash his franken face into a million tiny pieces,” Twilight yelled, progressively getting louder towards the end.

Rarity was legitimately frightened by Twilight’s daring threat.

“b-b-but… I-Isn’t he your friend?” Rarity fearfully asked.

“No true friend of mine would do such a thing,” Twilight quickly answered. “A friend that would do that was never a friend to begin with.”

“Won’t it be enough to just turn him back to stone?” Rarity asked.

“No! I’ll make him pay. Something of that nature is unforgivable! He’ll receive no mercy from me!” yelled Twilight.

Rarity flinched as Twilight spoke.

Twilight huffed and puffed but noticed Rarity’s frightened expression. She soon managed to calm herself down.

“I’m sorry,” Twilight apologized. “I didn’t mean it. I’m just… worried. That’s all.”

With that, Twilight rushed off out of the house to launch her investigation.

Rarity was left shocked and frightened. She had never seen this side of Twilight before.

This is just absolutely terrible. If she uncovers the fact that I’m the one responsible for Applejack’s disappearance, I’ll receive the same unforgiving torture.

She thought about the dream and how badly it had ended. This frightened her.

Rarity’s hooves and shoulders ached from the night before. All of the trotting and wagon pulling made her whole body sore.

Perhaps a little visit to the spa will offer some relief and alleviate my distress, she thought. I really do need to just relax a little and think my way out of this mess.

With that in mind, Rarity promptly departed for the spa.

On her way to the spa, there was something she couldn’t help but notice when passing by anypony. She kept hearing Applejack’s name being whispered amongst everypony’s conversation. Word of Applejack’s absence must have spread rather fast as she now became the talk of the town thanks to Twilight.

Soon they will learn the truth of Applejack’s death, Rarity thought. Perhaps they will dismiss it as some sort of accident. Or maybe they will never know. I mean, I hid the body and covered all of my tracks. I did everything right… right?

Rarity pondered these notions until she finally arrived at the spa. Upon entering, she noticed her friend Fluttershy being given a hooficure.

“Hey Fluttershy,” Greeted Rarity “Fancy seeing you here.”

Fluttershy lifted a cucumber from an eye to see just who addressed her.

“Oh hey Rarity,” Fluttershy replied softly. She immediately noticed Rarity’s tarnished appearance. Rarity’s mane was in disarray and her usually flawless skin was covered in scratches. There were also wrinkles and grey areas under Rarity’s eyes.

“What happened?” Fluttershy asked, concerned “You look… tired. Is everything alright?”

“Oh yes,” Rarity replied. “I know I may look a bit ruffled but I assure you that I am fine. I’m just in dire need of a makeover.”

Rarity called Lotus over and requested the usual, of which consisted of a hooficure and ending with a massage.

She occupied the available space next to Fluttershy and laid on her back as her request was complied by the spa pony. She let out a relaxing sigh and unwinded for a few minutes. When she looked upon Fluttershy, she couldn’t help notice how silent she was. This wasn’t too surprising as everypony knows that Fluttershy is usually shy. But the spa was where she usually opened up with conversation, talking about all of the things that interested or bothered her: Usually recent animal migrations or Angel’s misbehaviors. The only thing different this time was the obvious worrisome look on her face.

“Something troubling you dear?” Rarity asked.

She already knew what it was. How could she not. Everypony was talking about it. But she felt as if she had to ask anyway just for the sake of starting a conversation.

“Have you heard anything from Applejack today?” Said Fluttershy, in her typical mellow voice. “I just hope Twilight finds her and nothing bad has happened.”

“You must not know the Applejack I know,” Rarity calmly stated, giving her a smile. “I’m sure she doing fine. It’s nothing to worry about at all. She’s a strong independent mare.”

Fluttershy thought about it for a moment. “You know, maybe your right.”

Hearing Rarity’s words reassured her.

Rarity had mixed feelings about lying to her friends but she couldn’t just confess. It was all Rarity could think to tell her since she couldn’t villainize Discord as she did with Twilight. Fluttershy would reject that notion in a heartbeat.

The two ponies began talking about the latest gossips in town and the upcoming gala that was to take place within a few days.

“Do you have a special somepony to take to the gala?” Rarity asked.

Fluttershy blushed a bit but didn’t return an answer.

“Fluttershy? Something the matter?” Rarity asked as Fluttershy giggled a little. Rarity could tell that she was hiding something.

“Well, who is it?” Rarity pried.

“Nopony,” said Fluttershy returning back to her old shy self.

“Don’t be shy. You can tell me anything dear. Is it Big Macintosh?”

“No”

“Filthy rich?”

“No”

“Then who is it?” Rarity asked, now intrigued. She gave it a thought and then turned away in disgust. “Oh no. Don’t tell me it’s who I think it is.”

“Well who do you think it is?” Fluttershy questioned, hoping she still had Rarity in suspense. “Guess.”

Rarity had an answer, but she was afraid to give it.

“Might it be…” She cringed a little, reluctant to share her thoughts, but still managed to convince herself to just ask. She figured even Fluttershy had some standards.

“…Discord?”

Fluttershy gasped. “How did you know? And only your third guess. I’m surprised.”

Rarity’s jaw dropped. She was shocked. “Discord? Of all ponies?” Rarity shrieked.

“Yes,” Fluttershy gleefully admitted. “Isn’t it just wonderfull?”

“That’s just terrible,” Rarity retorted. “Why date Discord? Do you not know that he’s the lord of chaos? You could have easily gone out with Filthy Rich. In case you haven’t noticed, he has a thing for you.”

Fluttershy, a tad bit annoyed, began her rebuttal. “Ok first off, we’re not even dating. We’re just hanging out as friends.”

Rarity rolled her eyes. Yea, I hope you explained that to Discord, she thought.

“Second,” Fluttershy went on. “Filthy Rich has no respect for the precious homes of wildlife.”

Here we go again, Rarity thought, as Fluttershy ranted on and on about Filthy Rich’s involvement with deforestation as she did so many times before.

“And finally.”

“Yes finally,” Said Rarity, with sarcastic excitement, rudely interrupting Fluttershy.

Fluttershy gave her a look.

“My apologies Fluttershy,” She feigned. “Do continue.”

Fluttershy cleared her throat.

“Ahem! And finally, Discord’s a gentlecolt. Not the lord of chaos. At least not anymore. Hmph!” Fluttershy finished, folding her hooves.

“Well, I’ll just wish you two the best,” Rarity stated in closure.

Fluttershy glared at her in silence. She was satisfied with the point she made, so she decided to change the subject.

“You haven’t told me about your special somepony,” Said Fluttershy.

“Oh I don’t have one yet,” Rarity replied.

“Oh. Is there anypony you wanted to take?” Fluttershy asked.

“well, there is one.”

She thought about her crush. A smile crept across her face as she lost herself to the thought of his sweet mellow voice filling her ears.

“Oh hey Rarity,” a familiar voice called.

“Rarity?” The voice called again. She was too caught up in her thoughts to fully recognize the voice.

“Rarity?” This time the voice awoke Rarity from her daydream.

Her eyes grew wide as she beheld the stallion that stood before her. The unforgettable sweet mellow voice, the blond stylish mane, and his tall refined demeanor were clear indicators.

“Trenderhoof!?!” she replied in astonishment.

“Surprised to see you here,” Said Trenderhoof.

Rarity gasped, but managed to let out a congested reply.

“Eep. Hi.”

The stallion took a seat next to Rarity and requested a message.

“So Rarity,” Said Fluttershy. “You still haven’t told me-”

“Shhh,” Rarity interrupted, quickly placing a hoof over her lips, effectively silencing her. “It’s him,” She whispered.

“Where?” The confused pony asked. “Is it him?” She asked, pointing a hoof.

Rarity quickly pulled down her hoof before Trenderhoof could notice.

“Yes,” She sheepishly replied.

“Well why not ask him to the gala right now?” Fluttershy asked.

“Eek!” was Rarity’s only answer.

She saw him pull out a comb and covertly watched him give his mane a few strokes before putting back into his pocket. As he was putting it away, his eyes met hers. She let out a slightly audible shriek.

“Y-you know,” Trenderhoof said awkwardly. “I didn’t properly thank you for the wonderful tour you gave me yesterday.”

“Oh it was nothing dear. My pleasure,” Said Rarity, giving him a smile.

She remembered the time she spent with him. She also remembered the awkward situation she left him in the last time they met.

“I must apologize for my outburst the other day,” Said Rarity. “It was well… uncalled for.”

“Outburst?” said Trenderhoof, puzzled. “What do you mean?”

Surprised but relieved about his forgetfulness, Rarity remained casual.

“Oh nothing. Are you enjoying your stay here in Ponyville?” Asked Rarity, changing the subject.

“Oh yes quite,” He answered. “I’ve heard many good things about this town. The new princess that now lives here, the spa, the food, all of which allured my attention. I just stopped by Sugarcube Corner. The treats there were simply amazing. I’m thinking about writing about my experience here in Ponyville.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying your stay. Be sure to stick around for the main event. It’s to die for,” Said Rarity twirling her mane.

“I’m already dying to see what you have in store for us,” Said Trenderhoof. “From the moment I first saw you, I knew you we’re a mare that would add a touch of class.”

“Oh you flatterer you,” Rarity giggled. “Flattery will get you everywhere my dear.”

I can’t believe he’s here with me right now, Rarity thought in delight. Just got to play it smooth.

Rarity’s breath became rapid as anxiety befell her. I have to ask him. I have to ask him out on a date. I may never get this chance again.

She took a deep breath and turned to Trenderhoof.

“Do you by chance...” Rarity’s heart pounded in her chest like a drum, as the rest of her words spewed forth. “have a date for the gala?”

Trenderhoof briefly remained silent in response to the question. A look of sadness came over his face before he spoke. “I had a date… but… I don’t know what happened to her…”

Rarity paused as she heard his words. Oh… Right…

As Rarity’s session ended, she cued Fluttershy, who had been patiently waiting for her, of her readiness to leave.

As Rarity passed by Trenderhoof, she drew close to him and whispered into his ear. “Well if your date doesn’t come through, you know who to call.”

Trenderhoof blushed a bit. “Oh, ok.”

“Farewell.”

With that, Rarity and Fluttershy paid the spa pony for their services and departed.

The two walked together toward their respective homes.

“So, did you ask?” Fluttershy asked as they left. “If you don’t mind me asking.”

“Well not exactly,” Said Rarity, disappointed. “He has eyes for another. So I just sort of gave him a hint.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened with amazement. “That’s all? A hint? Why didn’t you just ask? Are you giving up just because he has interests elsewhere?”

Rarity was a little reluctant to give an answer, but nevertheless stuttered a reply. “No. I uh”

“You should try to be more assertive,” Fluttershy argued. “I’ve learned that you can be assertive without being too mean or bossy. If I can do it, so can you,” said Fluttershy.

Fluttershy’s inspirational words sparked a hint of greater confidence within Rarity.

“Maybe… Maybe you’re right,” Said Rarity.

“Maybes are for babies,” Said the Fluttershy. “Now you go back in there and make him your stallion.”

“I don’t know, perhaps next time,” Said Rarity. “By the way, have you been taking courses from that monster, Iron Will again?”

Fluttershy, turned and gave Rarity a glare. “Iron Will is not a monster he’s -”

“A minotaur, yes I get it,” Interrupted Rarity, finishing Fluttershy’s sentence. “Never mind, I just hope you don’t go crazy on us again.”

As the two approached their homes, the two said their farewells and departed. Rarity went back to her home to further prepare the layout for the upcoming Ponyville day’s ceremony. She still hadn’t finished preparing her dress, and with the ceremony only three days away she had little time to spare. Once satisfied with her progress on the layout, she went to the store to pick up some needed materials. Once finished she returned to her home to finish her work.

Before she knew it, evening had come and it was already almost 8:00. She felt reluctant to attend the meeting Twilight called for, but couldn’t neglect her attendance for the fact that she was the bearer of an element. Regardless, she figured she knew what would be said at the meeting. Applejack’s disappearance would surely be addressed with a few possible suspects. She began to feel a little bad for instigating the suspicion of Discord as the culprit. Deep down, she knew that the falsity of this notion will eventually come to light. This whole predicament was all an accident. She didn’t mean for any of this to happen.

Perhaps… I should just… well… turn myself in, She thought. Certainly it’s better than feeling like garbage.

But she thought about her dream and how it had ended. This brought intense fear into her heart. She could end up losing everything and then be severely punished. Besides, how could she tell them that she killed her own friend over some pony she just met? A lump of sorrow developed in her throat as she held back the tears.

“Oh Applejack,” She cried. “How could have I been so selfish and so stupid. If only I could go back and change things. If only I didn’t snap over these petty attachments for Trenderhoof. She’d still be alive and I wouldn’t be in this mess.”

She had just about enough of holding in her remorse. Holding a piece of designer cloth to her face to muffle the sounds a bit, she bawled for a minute or two.

“Pull yourself together Rarity. You have to pull yourself together,” she wined.

As soon as she was done, she wiped her face and departed for the library.