Approaching the docks, Rarity checked her list one last time, finding everything in perfect to the seconds she had them scheduled to. Using magic to burn the notes to nothing, Rarity looked to Luna as they stopped behind a few crates. The moon was high in the sky, and in the shadow, Luna was not visible at all.
"Like you asked, a cruise with Prince Blueblood and a few other ladies you will have to compete with. Now, how far do you plan on going on the first date?"
"I will not give up till I've had him in bed."
"Well, I thought you'd go steady before going so far, but then again, he is stuck up."
"I don't see why I should waste my time."
"Well, go. The ship leaves right now, get on board, quickly!"
"Thank you Luna. For everything you've helped me with so far."
"Your welcome, now go, I have to go patrol the skies in a few minutes."
Rarity nodded to the pitch black shadow and rushed out to the large cruise ship, joining the thin crowd which was boarding it. She took out a magic filled bottle, popping the top and letting the pressurized magic work. And explosion of glittering threads erupted from her body, dressing her in a red gown with moderate makeup. She handed her ticket to it's taker and hurried up the wooden ramp onto the big hulk of a cruiser, taking out her identification papers, as well as her ship records for where she was to stay. The royal sweet across from Prince Blueblood's. It was always reserved on the ship for if a princess might want to take a lovely cruise. But, since neither of the two had enough free time, it was never used.
Taking out the key which unlocked the doors, Rarity entered quickly, shutting the door behind her as the gown spell wore off. A perfect boarding. Hurrying to the wardrobe, she pulled out a gown which was exactly like the one fromt he spell, and put it on, fitting it a little loosely. A quick burst of magic and it fit to ehr smaller body perfectly. Stopping by the makeup station, she quickly applied more makeup via magic before exiting and trotting into the ballroom where everyone had gathered.
"Ahem, attention please.", the pony butler called out, "Attention please!"
The roar of the many talking ponies quietened, leaving the room silent.
"I am here to announce the arrival of his majesty to the ballroom, the stallion of the nightm, and one to arrange of this, Prince, Blueblood!"
A silent round of hoof stomps resulted as the one spoken of entered the room, his dashing looks making Rarity's heart flutter. He was dressed in a darkened purple suit, almost black, and wore a grey shirt underneath, a matching purple bow tie to complete the look. She hadn't seen him in purple yet, but there was something else about the suit he was wearing. The purple seemed to shine, but was really nonexistent. Magic? Lighting?
Rarity didn't pay much mroe attention to it, as he began to speak.
"Good evening, good evening. Tonight, we start the cruise for a week to the tropical islands of Eastern Equestria! And hopefully, on the way we may see the mythical, Treasure Isle which seems to appear in the vast sea every three years. If we stay at the current speed, we should see it's rocky shores by tomorrow."
There was approving murmurs going around, quietening once more.
"Now, as for the cruise's real purpose, you ladies which have entered this competition I hold, are here to win my favor. Isn't that right, Miss Blue?"
A red coated mare stepped from behind Blueblood, revealing herself to the crowd.
"May I introduce, Miss Blue's winner from last year, Miel Blossom!"
"Oh you are too kind, dear. The night was fun too, when you offered champagne.", Miel said in a low voice.
"Well, you sure seemed thirsty, maybe a little, dirty?", Blueblood replied, just as low.
"Well, now. You have all of one hour before you are to be presented in dress for the night. Dismissed."
With the final word, everyone parted ways, going to teh buffet set out, or leaving to get ready. Rarity, however was already fit for the night, and approached Blueblood as he left the stage.
"Prince Blueblood, the prince of Equestria, no?"
"Not quite, I'm jsut another prince in canterlot."
"Yes, Redhoof, and Yellowmane are both handosme as well, but not quite as wonderful as you."
"In good looks or soemthing else?"
"A little of both. But, out of the many attempts I've tried to even converse with you, it's always ended up in my anger getting the better of me after leaving. Oh, the knights I've spent thinking on how to just get you to speak."
"Hmmhmm, well, it's always a challenge to get me to speak when I am giving the challenge to all."
"Oh? Then those mares you do talk to out of decision?"
"Part of the whole scene to make me look like I am simply ignoring them. In truth, most I do, but when one catches my eye, I do break character to pay more attention."
"So what might one mare do to win the favor to be the next Miss Blue?"
"Ah, my curious mare, you will have to think that through during the first competition, Rarity."
Rarity was speechless, as she did not expect it to be so well planned, nor did hse even expect him to know her name.
"What did you call me?"
"Yes, tis true. I never forget the name of any mare I meet. Right now, I have to get ready. So, if you will excuse me."
Rarity moved aside, letting Blueblood pass by her into the corwd.
"Oh, you want something worth the sight, I will give you something worth seeing."
As time passed, Rarity sat at a table, gently rubbing her hooves down with a cloth and oil to give them a shine. Though, she stopped as Miss Blue approached the table.
"Yes, may I help you, Miss Blue?"
"Call me Miel. I wanted to stop you here before the competition starts."
"My dear, I will not back out, not for the world."
"Well, with this offer, I think you will. I have the key to Blueblood's suite."
Rarity raised an eyebrow, "You are going to bribe me? I'm pretty sure that if he caught me in his suite, that he locked, he would think less of me."
"Well, smart mare, I guess not then. You could have had a romantic quick time with him."
"I'm not that desperate. And I am pretty sure that Miss Blue is not loud to compete again two years in a row."
"With magic, I can."
Rarity gasped, "You wouldn't dare!"
"I would so. Takes only a bit of magic."
"Well, I was hoping that there would be a challenge in this competition, good game to you, Miel."
Miel, speechless, left without another word.
Rarity, on the other hand, had a big smile on her face.
"Well, I have to admit, I never expected that one coming. But, I know just what to do to catch his attention..."
"May I have your attention, please!", the butler pony called out, silencing everypony once again.
"A word from Prince Blueblood."
Taking a bow, the butler left and Blueblood took his spot on the stage.
"The time to let loose is upon us. I crave something different than perky, stuck up, and obsessed with their beauty. None of you have this, now, but...if you wish to have any chance, show it."
No one except Rarity moved, magic immediately incinerating her dress, but leaving her hide untouched.
"Do I need to throw dirt on my alabaster coat?"
Blueblood was motionless. Though Rarity hadn't put forth much effort yet. Most of the mares, though, refused to do anything, being stubborn.
"All who refuse, please stand up."
All teh sitting mares which had fussed about the proposal for something unclean, stood, leaving only eleven sitting.
"You may leave the ball room and return to your rooms to enjoy the rest of the cruise, teh rest of you who are sitting, may stay sitting until further instructed."
Seeing that as a munishment, a mare stood up as the remainder of the standing mares left, and spoke.
"I refuse to stay sitting here. I am leaving to my room."
Blueblood smiled, nodding his head, "As you wish."
The mare left. Now ten remained.
"Congratulations. Out of fourty seven mares, you ten are going to continue on to the title of Miss Blue."
A few mares squealed with glee, the others just looked up in surprise. Rarity, though, forcing herself to act differently, was thinking of his methods.
"Touche Prince. You have baffled me.", she said to herself.
Miel eyed the alabaster mare through ehr own magical disguise. Rarity was deep in thought then, trying to think of something, but Miel wasn't a mind reader. Rarity rose, leaving her table within thought. She walked tot eh doorway which lead to the side of the boat. Perfect.
As Rarity began her walk along the boat's port side, Miel snuck over and got directly behind the mare, ready to make her move. Quickly making contact with Rarity, the spell that cloaked her took affect, reshaping Miel into another Rarity. She hurried alongside her, then slammed into Rarity's side, sending her tumbling over the rail and into the water below, far below.
Rarity gasped before plunging into the cool depths, thankful for that small breath as she rose and let out the one she held, though the waters around her were not as merciful and giving. A wave crashed over her, taking her under again as she took another breath, she held her breath, nevertheless, though. She felt as her body was sucked into a vortex, and sent into a swirl, she passed the large propeller blades the ship held behind it. Rising to the surface, she broke out and took a deep breath, coughing up water. She held her breath as another wave crashed over her, throwing her underwater again, this time, far enough to hit something, knocking her unconscious, to float tot eh top of the water.
She ahd a dream she was drowning, coughing several times before getting a few breaths of oxygen. It was a repeat of what happened before she passed out. Then it stopped, something pressed against her, warm, but forcefully, pushing the air out of her lungs. she couldn't breath, and shivered as the air finally entered, followed by coughing, water flowing out of her mouth and ont he sand as she rose, wide awake. She coughed several times before realizing where she was, gasping at her discovery.
"Oh no!"
Looking around, she saw as the long beach extended to the sides of her, ending in the ocean only.
"Thrown overboard again fancy ass!"
The voice was gruff, familiar, very familiar, but gruff. Looking around she spotted Blueblood.
"Oh, come on, it's not my fault! I was the one hosting the hwole thing, someone had a grudge, and threw me overboard, end of story. It's nto my fault!", he spoke.
His voice changed, "Well, it's still your fault because now, we're both stranded on that damned pirate island, with a useless mare!"
"I beg your pardon! I have feelings you spoiled prince!"
"What was that?! Sounded like nails on a chalk board!"
"Oh, it's jsut Rarity, she's awake.", his voice was smoother, but he spoke to someone in front of him.
"What in equestria am I looking at here?"
"Split personality, my dear. Something I have hidden from everyone for years."
"You shouldn't! If you let me choose what happens, we wouldn't be here, now would we!", his voice change to a gruff tone.
"Would you calm down! And If I even gave you one free choice to do something, you'd sleep with every mare you came by. Always talkign abou that mail-mare though."
"Oh, you mean Ditzy? Oh....she'd be a nice one to bring to bed..."
"Oh, shut up Alibastr, I don't even like her."
"Alibastr? Who is Alibastr?", Rarity asked.
"I am!", Blueblood spoke in a gruff tone, "I'm the one that pulled your ass fromt eh water, performed CPR, and even-"
"No! Don't go there, you brute, it's enough that you took control, can't have it any worse now than it is."
"Did, what?", Rarity demanded.
"Well, I saw you had a cute ass so I-"
"I've heard enough to know where that is going. Just don't let me catch you doing it again. If so, be ready to lose your pride.", she warned.
BLueblood looked down, then sighed.
"What now?"
"We survive, dumbbell!", Alibastr answered.
"PArdon me fro asking, but is the competition over?"
"As long as we're not there, then yes.", Alibastr answered.
"Good, cause a lady shouldn't need to do, much less, even think to do, any of what I'm going to do."
"What ya gonna do missy?"
"I'm going to do what I told you, what someone ith a right mind shouldn't do."
Rarity's horn glowed brightly, drawing from ehr magic, and concentrating it. A few seconds later, another Rarity appeared next tot eh first, who proceeded to look around, finding the dirtier version of herself.
"Ack!"
"Thats right bitch! I know it was you, Miel! Didn't think I had the magic, did you! Now, you pay the consequences, by being stranded here as well! Oh, and one more thing!"
Rarity turned and bucked the fake, forcing the disguise to dissipate in front of her, and leave the imposter tumbling in the sand.
"Miel, you are the one who pushed me over too, didn't you!", Blueblood burst out.
"What?! No! I entered the contest and pushed Rarity off the boat so that I could take her place and win!"
"Wait, ok, then who pushed me out of the boat?"
"Thats a good question, candy ass, how about you ask the one that was supposed to win the competition, what was it? Sparity?"
"Rarity, Alibastr, and on second thought, I think I'll send her back. In pieces, maybe, I dunno. I'll dispell all her magic she has used, and keep her horn from growing back for another ten hours."
"Waht!", Miel covered her horn.
"Oh, hush, it won't hurt, it's just a magic seal."
Castig the spell, Miel's horn dropped off her head, replaced with a pearly button. The color of her coat changed, becoming a dank grey, opposite of the faded dark pink it was.
"Well, that was unexpected. Off to the ship you go, tell everyone we're here, get them to turn around."
With a flash, the mare was gone.
"Why didn't you send us, I mean, me back?!", Blueblood complained.
"I didn't send her back to the ship exactly. In fact, she wouldn't return to teh ship the way she came. She is currently stuck to the back side of the boat by means of magical magnetism. She will not participate in anything till the trip is over, where she will splash into the water behind the boat."
"But why didn't you send me back int eh first place?!"
"Magic isn't that simple. She was dressed exactly like me, meanign she had the same genetic code as me, until her spell wore off. It was about to, too. Until I called her, and knocked it right off her. Twas fun."
"So, you can't send me back?"
"Couldn't send either of us back if I wanted to. I only partially teleported her here. her other half nver left the boat. But now it is with the one I de-horned. On the back of the boat."
"I'm afraid to ask more."
"Well, I lost interest after she sent her back. Hubba, hubba, that pink coat was really hot.", Alibastr came in.
"Oh, shut your mouth Alibastr, you're one to talk.", Rarity smiled, "Now, if you'd excuse me, I'd like to get cleaned up. salt water is not good for your coat at all."
Trotting off, Rarity stopped at the edge of the thick forest, too scared to go further.
"I wish that it were day time. That way I'd see better."
"It's a good thing you can't see...", blueblood mumbled.
"What was that?"
"Oh, Blueblood is jsut really hapy to see-"
"Oh, stop it Alibastr! That isn't nice, and above that, I didn't choose to do that in the first place!"
"I think I will just, go over there for a while."
Rarity left the stallion to his two selves, finding a high, dry spot in the sand. She dug out a small indent, then lay in it, using magic to slowly clean the salt water and run it through her coat to clean it. Though, parts of the conversation with a single stallion down the beach, carried.
"Stop it!"
"Candy ass! Candy Ass! Can't really hold your lass!"
"Stooooooop!"
Rarity chcukled. A horrible, and misrhymed phrase, topped with an agitated, and unhappy stallion being teased. It was like two brothers fighting.
Laying ehr head down, Rarity accepted the repeated treatment her coat was receiving, and soon fell asleep. It wasn't till the hot sun rays woke her, giving her an unpleasantly warm feeling. She was sweating, and it was made worse by the large mass with it's back to hers. Raising her head, she looked at blueblood as he slept, his suit clammy fromt eh sea water, and his coat a dank white.
Giving a hmph, she rose, replacing herself in teh shade of a nearby tree.