Twisted: Four Little Foals

----Chapter 8: Rarity and Fancypants----

Fancypants was rich enough that he could have built his mansion anywhere he wanted. He could have chosen some secluded, beautiful countryside outside of Canterlot. Or, if none was available, he could have afforded to buy up land wherever he liked (excepting the grounds of the royal palace) and have an army of landscapers work on the area until it had been made beautiful.

But Fancypants was not one for a life of quiet seclusion. So, when the time came for him to build his dream home, he built it right in the center of the city itself.

The neighborhood he selected was chosen for its central location, not for its finery. In fact, the area was strictly middle class, and Fancypants shocked Canterlot's high society when he announced he would be living there.

Within a week, he had purchased every building on the street. The tenants were compensated generously to leave without a fuss and find new accommodations. Most complied. Those who refused to leave were removed.

Within a month, he had leveled every building he had just purchased. He had never wanted them. He simply needed the land they were on.

A year later, he welcomed the city's elite to the most lavish housewarming party in Equestrian history.

It did not go unnoticed that Princess Celestia did not attend.

Where once there had been a neighborhood, now there stood a single, palatial estate, with a tremendous mansion, a garden, a greenhouse, and all the trappings of the upper-class gentleman. True, the estate's configuration was less than traditional, owing to its urban location. But it didn't matter. What mattered was that Fancypants had made himself clear.

On revised maps of the city, what was once a neighborhood in the middle of town was now marked as a single, massive property. Every map of Equestria's capital now bore the name of one pony right at its heart.

Fancypants had not just built in the center of Canterlot. He had said to society, “I AM the center of Canterlot.” And society did not dare disagree.

The estate was ten years old on the night when Rarity and her four charges arrived. They were expected, of course, or they would never have made it past the front gate, especially not on this night. It was known that Fancypants had a close circle of friends and associates from throughout Equestria who gathered at his home regularly. And it was also known that the normally sociable and attention-grabbing stallion would be uncharacteristically reclusive in the days leading up to such meetings. No one was allowed in his home on these occasions aside from his guests, who always arrived in closed-off black carriages, and never disembarked until they were safely out of view.

Fancypants had been generous enough to provide Rarity with a carriage of her own, which had met her at the train station. Twist and Pip had been too busy marveling at the wonders of the big city to ask too many questions. But once they set hoof on Fancypants' property, this changed.

“Oh...my...SUN!” Twist said upon exiting the carriage. “This place is AMAZING! Whoever lives here is probably, like, a TRILLIONAIRE or something!” She began to dart around the grounds excitedly.

“Or something, yes,” Rarity said dismissively. “Don't run around, Twist. That dress needs to be spotless this evening.”

Twist chirped a happy “Okay!” and trotted back to the others. Rarity took a moment to compliment herself on her work; Twist really did look quite lovely. Relatively, at least.

Pip turned to Silver Spoon, who was hanging back to avoid being seen by Twist. “I don't understand...” he said. “Why are we meeting here? I thought we'd be going to a hospital or something.”

“Don't worry,” Silver Spoon whispered, “Things will start making sense soon.”

“I hope so...” said Pip. He missed how things used to make sense.

“YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE!” Rarity shouted, catching the four foals' attention. “This is the home of a very important associate of mine. He has been grateful enough to invite us here for tonight's...activities. You will show your appreciation in the following ways: You will do as your are told. You will respect your elders, and obey their wishes without question. You will NOT leave until I have you told you the event is completed. And most importantly...”

Rarity looked directly at Twist. “You will keep all chatter to a minimum.” She then turned to the rest of the group. “Are there any questions?”

“Is the person who owns this place a doctor?” Pip asked. “Can he help me?”

“Oh, hello!” Twist said, turning to Pip. “You were asleep on the train so I didn't get to thay hi to you! I'm Twist! Are you a colt model?”

“A what? N-no, I'm-”

“And why do you want a doctor? Do you have a cold? Cause you sound fine to me, plus you have that cool accent. Are you from the Bronco Isles? I've read a lot of stories that take place there and everyone theems to talk like you do. Also everyone seems to be a lord of some kind, and then they fall in love with a lowly chambermaid and it's all scandalous, but in the end they-”

“TWIST!” Rarity shouted. To Twist, this tone was new. Rarity didn't just sound annoyed with her, she sounded downright angry. Suddenly the awkward filly felt a little frightened.

“Um...I'm sorry, Miss Rarity...” she whimpered.

“All of your questions will be answered tonight,” said Rarity. “But ONLY if you follow my instructions. Are we clear?”

Four shaky voices replied “Yes, Miss Rarity,” and the unicorn turned and began leading them toward the massive mansion.

Rarity knocked on the door, expecting a servant to answer, and was surprised when the door was opened by Fancypants himself.

“Rarity!” he said, beaming. “It's been an age! How wonderful to see you!”

“Far too long, Fancy!” said Rarity, hugging him. “I want to thank you once again for this amazing honor! To think that I'm the first non-Canterot native to be chosen for your circle...I have to tell you, I'm terribly excited!”

“Not at all, my dear,” said Fancy. “You've more than earned the privilege. It's high time my little group expanded its horizons, and besides, what you lack in wealth, you more than make up for in your talent for...procurement.”

“What does that word mean?” Pip whispered to Twist.

“I think it meanth being in favor of curement,” said Twist. “But I don't know what curement is.”

“Shhh!” Sweetie said to both of them.

“And speaking of which...I see you've come well prepared for tonight's festivities...” Fancy said, walking over to the four foals. As he did, his demeanor changed, ever so slightly. There was something in the way he walked, the way he looked at the foals, that chilled each of them to the bone. Even Silver Spoon was unnerved by the look in his eyes.

Sweetie Belle had once encountered a creature whose gaze turned ponies to stone. Given the option, she would have preferred to stare down the cockatrice.

“Hello, Sweetie Belle,” said Fancy, smiling. His voice seemed to drop a few octaves from how it had been before, and he spoke just a bit more slowly. “Such a...profound pleasure to see you again, my dear.”

“H...hello, Sir Fancypants...” said Sweetie. She wanted to look away, but she knew better than to disrespect him like that.

“And you three,” he said, turning to the others. “Such beautiful little foals, the lot of you...I'm looking forward to getting to know you all tonight.”

Twist and Pip didn't say a word. But Silver Spoon fought her way past her fear and saw Fancypants as something more than just a host: he was someone whose favor Rarity valued. And that made this an opportunity.

“It's wonderful to finally meet you, sir,” she said, in the practiced, refined voice of a pony who had once been a member of Ponyville's elite. “Miss Rarity speaks of you often. She's told me such amazing tales of your...prowess. I've been looking forward to meeting you for quite some time and...experiencing you for myself. Thank you so much for gracing us with your invitation. I promise, we will do our utmost to make sure this evening does not disappoint.”

Fancypants chuckled approvingly, while Rarity looked at Silver Spoon with her mouth agape. Was this the same self-hating pain addict who lived in her basement?

No, she realized. This was the daughter of the Silver family, the upper-class filly who had earned her cutie mark through her refined manners at a society party. This was a pony who knew that social climbing was all one big performance; and Silver Spoon had just taken the stage.

And just when I was starting to get bored with her, Rarity thought. Perhaps there's more value to the wretched little fuckpig than I thought.

Fancypants stroked Silver's cheek with his hoof, lingering just a bit too long by the reckoning of the other three foals. “Oh, my sweet little lady! You are a joy! Ah, but you shouldn't be hiding your pretty face under that old cloak. May I take it for you?”

“YOU'RE going to take someone's cloak?” Rarity asked

“Oh yes, my dear. I've sent the servants away for the evening. No one but the Circle members and the...entertainment are allowed inside tonight. Now, if I may?”

“Of course!” Silver Spoon said, as she removed her cloak and handed it to Fancypants. Behind her, Twist let out a gasp.

“But...you're...but...”

Silver suppressed a groan. In the midst of her performance she'd completely forgotten about Twist.

“THILVER THPOON?” Twist said. “But...you're dead!”

“Come again?” Fancypants asked. “Oh, wait is this the one you wrote me about, Rarity? Your live-in runaway? I had no idea she was so charming!”

“You flatter me, sir!” Silver said, still speaking in her elegant but artificial society voice.

“But you're DEAD! We had an assembly at school and everything!” Twist said.

Sweetie Belle just shook her head,while Pip hid behind her, growing more confused by the second. Unwilling to leave Fancy's side, Rarity shot her sister a look and silently mouthed the words “deal with this!”

Fancy then noticed Silver's cute mark. “Oh my goodness, and she's a Silver! I had no idea! To think that you'd manage to charm a member of such a well-known family into willingly falling into your grasp! I am deeply impressed, Rarity!”

“Why thank you, Fancy! I daresay that Silver Spoon here is the most wonderfully obedient little foal I've ever encountered.”

“BUT SHE'S DEAD!” Twist shouted, as the trio of social climbers continued to ignore her. Sweetie put her hoof over Twist's mouth and whispered into her ear.

“Twist, I'll explain things later, okay? Silver Spoon is...fine. Things will go a lot easier tonight if you just go along with everything.”

“But...but...but...”

“Twist...please.” Sweetie whispered.

There was a sadness in her voice that compelled Twist to calm down.

“Okay, Sweetie Belle,” said Twist. “I'm sorry I got all worked up.”

Sweetie shook her head. “Don't apologize, Twist. Not to me, anyway.” The little unicorn looked back at her sister. “I don't deserve it.”

“Is what your mistress said true, Silver Spoon?” asked Fancy, his voice lowering again. “Are you an obedient filly?”

“I love Miss Rarity more than my own life, sir,” said Silver. “I'd do anything for her. Anything at all. And the same goes for her friends.”

Fancy let out a low, almost guttural chuckle. “Rarity my dear, I don't know what you did with this one, but I have to say I am in awe of your skill! You must let me in on your secrets later.”

“O-of course, Fancy!” Rarity was beside herself. Fancypants did not hand out compliments lightly, at least not sincere ones. “It would be my pleasure!”

“Oh, I think you'll find the pleasure will be shared,” said Fancypants as he bent down to give Silver a kiss on the forehead. “You are a wonder, little one. I am so very happy to meet you.” He then turned to the other foals. “And that goes for all of you, as well! Come in, come in!”

Fancy led the way as the five ponies entered his manor. But as Silver followed, she was pulled aside by Rarity.

“That was very impressive, Silver Spoon,” she said, smiling. “You've done well.”

Then, without another word, Rarity trotted off to rejoin the group.

Silver stood there for a moment before joining them herself. She knew better than to make an emotional display in front of a society pony. And the joyful tear running down her face would certainly qualify.

The halls of Fancypants' manor could not be described as anything but stunning. Aside from the royal palace, Rarity doubted there was another structure of such beauty in all of Equestria. She also noticed quite a contrast in design styles between the two buildings. The palace was built like a huge cathedral, with stained glass windows, glittering golden alters, and artistic tributes to Equestrian history around every corner. Fancy's mansion was different. It recalled one of the palaces of the ancient unicorn tribe. Massive columns supported the huge ceilings. Where the royal palace favored crystals and gold, fancy preferred polished stone and paintings. Nearly every hallway had some beautiful work of art adorning its walls. Rarity gasped as they passed one particular artwork.

“Th..that's...” she stammered.

“Clever Hans Hoofbein's masterpiece, The Diplomats” said Fancypants. “I thought a fellow art lover like yourself would appreciate it.”

Two stoic, well-dressed stallions, each dead some 600 years, stared at Rarity from the portrait. Between them was a shelf filled with various artifacts, most of which were considered ancient even in their day.

“But Fancy...that painting doesn't exist!” Rarity said. “It was destroyed ten years ago, when that gallery burned down!”

“Oh yes, it certainly was.” said Fancy, “Just like Silver Spoon here was killed in the forest, eh?”

Silver Spoon forced a demure giggle.

“Touche, Fancy,” said Rarity, still slightly flustered. “But this wasn't some small-town disappearance. That fire shook the art world. One of the great masterpieces of the Classical Era, gone forever...why, I remember reading every detail about the fire in Paddock Portraiture Monthly.”

“Ah, yes, a fine publication,” said Fancy. “And I should know, since I've owned its parent company for the past two decades.”

“....NO! Oh, Fancy, you didn't!” Rarity said, delighted. “You faked a story about a gallery fire just to add this painting to your collection?”

“Oh the fire was quite real, my dear. But nothing worth mentioning was lost. That gallery's collection was pure dross, aside from this painting, which I'd arranged to have liberated from the premises earlier that evening. With all their paintings reduced to ash, there was no way they could tell it was missing, and my paper cemented the story. You see, the gallery wouldn't sell it to me, at any price. So I made THEM pay instead.”

Rarity laughed. “You rascal! Oh, Fancy, you are an inspiration to us all!”

While the other three foals were close by, Twist happened to be standing next to Fancy as he spoke, though she wasn't quite paying attention.

“Let that be a lesson to you, dear children” said Fancy. “The greatest joy in this life is not friendship, as our naive princess would have you believe. It is to be found in the act of rising above your inferiors. It is found in never accepting the word 'no.' And above all: it is found in seeing what you want, and...taking it.”

Without warning, Fancy reached down and flipped the rather short skirt on Twist's dress, exposing her cunt for just a moment. In that moment, he took his other forehoof and fondled Twist's young hole. The whole thing happened so quickly that she had no time to react until it was over. Twist jumped, shocked, while Rarity and Fancypants laughed.

“Thank you for helping me demonstrate, my dear.” he said to the filly. “There will be further lessons soon.”

Pip had been distracted by a painting of a sailing ship on the opposite wall, and had missed the event entirely. The other two foals did not. Silver Spoon smirked, while Sweetie shut her eyes, trying to block out what had just happened. She was not successful.

Fancypants licked his hoof, then made a disappointed face.

“Dry,” he said. “Well, that's alright. I have friends who enjoy that.” He began to walk onwards, and Rarity, Silver and Pip followed.

Twist's legs gave out, as she fell to the floor in shock. “Did...he just...?”

Sweetie Belle walked over to Twist and hugged her.

“Sweetie...I don't think I like Canterlot...” she said. Her normally cheerful tone was gone. Instead, her voice carried a sound of quiet dread. “You've been here before, right? Is it always like this?”

Memories of previous trips to Canterlot flashed through Sweetie Belle's mind. She whimpered sadly.

“Canterlot is the worst town in the world,” she said.

“Miss Rarity said there would be lots of stallions at the show,” said Twist. “She meant nice ones, right? Not ones like...him?”

“....we should keep moving,” said Sweetie. “We don't want to lose the others. The sooner we do this, the sooner we get to go home.”

“That's good,” said Twist, as Sweetie helped her up. “I miss home. It's nice having a place where you can feel safe, you know?”

“Yeah,” said Sweetie Belle, avoiding Twist's gaze. “I'm sure it must be.”

The two fillies caught up with the others soon enough. Fancy was going on about a rare book he had recently acquired, but his speech was cut short by the booming chime of a clock striking ten. It rang loudly enough to drown out Fancy's voice, yet none of the ponies could see a clock anywhere nearby.

“Well, I suppose our little tour will have to be cut short,” Fancy said.

“Oh, that's too bad,” said Rarity, though her sorrow seemed more than a bit forced. “Perhaps you can show me the rest of the place another time.”

“Perhaps, but for now, I need all five of you to gather around me. Don't be shy now,” he said, looking right at Twist as he spoke the last sentence.

Twist was in no mood to be anywhere near Fancypants. “Um...do we have to?” she asked.

“Twist! Manners!” said Rarity. “S-so sorry, Fancypants. This one has a bit of an...inquisitive nature.”

“No harm done, my dear,” said Fancypants. “But I do need you to get close to me, Twist. And that goes for all of you. The tenth hour is upon us. The Circle gathers. I do not intend to keep them waiting.”

Rarity looked at Twist and stomped her hoof authoritatively. “You said you would do as you were told, Twist.” she said.

“Yes, Miss Rarity,” said the filly, lowering her head as she slowly walked toward Fancypants. Sweetie Belle followed, but she made no effort to contain her displeasure. She threw an enraged look at Rarity and Fancypants. Rarity had already turned away to say something to Silver Spoon, but Sweetie's furious eyes locked with those of Fancypants, who merely responded with a smug smile.

“Alright, now that we're all together, we can commence,” he said. “Close your eyes, everyone. It's time.”