The girls had managed to have her and Soarin sit as apart as possible from each other. Great. She was content with that, it came in handy. It didn't mean they couldn't yell at each other from the other side of the room, but it was better than nothing. Sunset was having a conversation with Spitfire, while Fleetfoot and Pinki Pie were most likely up to some mischief regarding her, judging from the glances and giggles they shot in her direction, to which Dash responded with arching eyebrows. As for Soarin, he was reading a file. Dash glanced at the file in front of her, file which Twilight was reading as well, A similar file was set in front of each person present.

She decided against reading it. She had already looked up the Umbrum, so she doubted there would be anything in there she didn't already know. Instead, she observed the room and patiently waited for the Heads to arrive.

Celestia and Luna arrived shortly after. After setting their stuff in the table and greeting everyone, they sat down and smiled at the ten younger agents in the room. Luna turned to her right, where the Wonderbolts were positioned.

"Have you had a good night's rest, Wonderbolts?" she politely asked them. Of course, the meeting had been postponed so the Wonderbolts could 'rest'. Something which Dash highly doubted was really necessary, judging from the pretty attentive look they had when they arrived. Of course, that wasn't the reason for the postponed meeting.

"We have, ma'am. Our rooms were just perfect, thank you," replied Spitfire.

"That's good to hear, you deserved a nice place to say after the trip you had to endure."

"You're saying like that was some kind of torture," Fleetfoot laughed. "Our train was pretty comfy!"

"Though we do appreciate the concern," Soarin quickly added to his teammate's statement.

"Luna is just worrying too much, and that's usually my job to do," Celestia said lightheartedly, trying her best to keep the mood up. "What about you all?" she asked the Myths next.

A series of fines and just greats followed Celestia's question. The only one who didn't reply was Rainbow Dash who, too ashamed of knowing these awkward questions were partly her fault, just sunk in her seat. After Celestia was satisfied with the girls' responses she began the meeting just where they had left it the day before.

"Alright, everyone, Pyrite Gala," the invite appeared once again at Celestia's words. "We were there. One of you mentioned this as a mere undercover mission, but I'm afraid it is deeper than that. As it is an exclusive event for business people, it is pretty obvious the people who attend already know each other. Which means a group of ten would attract too much attention."

"How many of us will be going then?" asked Fluttershy.

"Two of you," replied Luna. "We'll be sending a man and a woman. And seeing the obvious difference in quantities, I think it's pretty obvious who the man will be."

Everyone turned at Soarin, who nodded.

"I don't have a problem with that."

"We trust you'll do great with this, we know you're great at the undercover missions and can keep your cool under stress," Celestia claimed.

Spitfire nodded. "He can. As calm as a river."

"Then it is going to be Soarin and Rarity, right?" Sunset claimed. "I mean, out of us, Rarity is the best actress."

"That's a nice way to say 'drama queen'!" Pinkie laughed. Rarity shot her a dirty look but said nothing against it.

"She would the obvious choice," Luna said. "But I'm afraid she won't go."

"What? Why?" Applejack asked.

"At the beginning that was the plan," Celestia claimed. "But Rarity herself said something yesterday that erased her from the options. Can you guess what it is, Rarity?"

Rarity thought for a second before gasping. "Of course! I know a few people that assist the Gala yearly!"

"Aaand the logic says no one who knows people at the event should attend as an undercover," added Dash.

"Exactly," nodded Celestia.

"Then who will be going with Soarin?" wondered Fleetfoot.

"Well, you won't, Commander," Luna stated. "You're good at undercover missions as well, but I'm afraid they'll be going as a married couple and I'm sure you don't want to fake that with your cousin. Plus you're loud."

"Gross!" Fleetfoot stuck out her tongue.

Dash arched an eyebrow. Right, those two were cousins. She wondered about Spitfire... Were they related too?

Celestia went on: "As for you, Captain, I'm afraid you're not a safe bet for the mission. Your face is too well known."

Spitfire nodded. "That, and undercover is not something I'm the best at, though I could do it."

Luna turned to the Myths. "Rarity is already out. Applejack is incapable of lying, which means she's a big no. Pinkie Pie is the exact opposite of subtle, which makes her an even bigger no."

Pinkie nodded. "Fair point."

"Eyup."

Celestia laughed. "Twilight is a terrible liar, and we'd rather use her as the eagle watching over you. Fluttershy-"

"NO!" Fluttershy squeaked.

"There it is, she hates undercovers. Plus she stutters too much." Celestia breathed in. "That leaves only two options..."

Rainbow Dash held her breath. Damnit. It was down to her and Sunset.

"Though I'm afraid what would happen if we send you two..." Celestia went on, eyeing Dash. "Rainbow Dash, you're the second-best at undercovers, close behind Rarity. You also have superspeed, something which will come in handy if faced to the enemy unexpectedly. You're as well a great actress and a fast thinker, and though we know you despise Galas and formal events as a whole, we trust you to be the one to properly work this one out. Now..." Celestia's gaze hardened. "Do you think you'll able to behave and act with maturity considering your companion?"

Dash slowly let out her breath. Damnit, Damnit, Damnit! She knew what happened the day before wasn't going to get overlooked by the two sisters. She glanced at Soarin, who was staring at her as well. So much for staying out of each other's way.

"Roasted.." Fleetfoot muttered, and Spitfire shut her up with a jab to the ribs.

Dash then thought back at a particular part of the mission: Married Couple. Heavens, why are you like this?

But what could she do? She had to be a grown woman and do as she had been told, plus... This was her job, and her job could not get mixed with her relationships.

"Yes... Ma'am." Dash replied to Celestia's questions, addressing her formally because she knew they were a tiny bit mad at her. "I'll do it."

"Great," Luna smiled. Celestia's hardened gaze disappeared like it was never there. "Then we can go on. Soarin and Rainbow Dash will be attending as a rich couple coming from Cloudsdale. You both come from there, so that wouldn't be too hard to fake. You'll be Publicists, a common business of the city, as you may know. Try not to dwell too much on the details, and keep your interactions with the other people to the minimum."

Celestia turned to Rarity. "Rarity, do you think you could prepare their outfits and Dash's wig?"

"Of course, darling, it'll be my pleasure."

"Maybe something that matches," Fleetfoot sang. "EEK! Hey! What was that for?!"

Spitfire had stepped into her foot. The icy glare that was sent her way clashed with her fiery appearance so much it was hilarious... in a certain way.

Celestia had to hold back a laugh before going on. "Alright... so, Twilight, I need the comlinks for them, the subtlest ones possible, hopefully, something matching their skin tones..."

"We also should craft a strategy to follow," Spitfire suggested.

"And a backup plan if things go south..." Sunset added.

"Maybe a couple of backup plans. We're speaking about Sombra here, one can never be too cautious, especially with a magic bearer."

"A couple are more than needed, Twilight. Maybe just two," Applejack hummed. "I'll need to prepare the van for all of us, and maybe I can look over the buildin' prints for escape routes."

"I highly doubt there'll be mice around there," Fluttershy stated. "I'm guessing this will take place in some fancy ballroom, so maybe I should tag along with some K-9 dogs. Or I could talk to a couple of birds..."

"Birds?" Fleetfoot whispered, blinking twice.

"Birds will do, the dogs would be too noisy," Pinkie giggled. "And I know noisy! Oooohhhh, should I get grenades for this one as well?"

Dash arched her eyebrow. "You always carry grenades..."

Pinkie appeared before Dash's eye in a blink. "That's true!"

"Though grenades could be a little too much for a ballroom," Soarin said. Pinkie appeared by his side, squeezing his cheeks with her hands, pressing her forehead to his.

"You're right! Sprinkles will do then,"

"You should be stationed somewhere you can't be seen and where you can quickly go into the ballroom," Luna said, showing the prints on the TV screen. There was a building that looked like a fancy old house, and the main ballroom was highlighted by the walls with red color. There were two stories, the second one consisting of mostly smaller rooms. Luna claimed that one of these was possibly where the meeting would take place. "There's the kitchen and these are the service halls, so maybe we could find a service door somewhere in the back. Somewhere around... here, maybe..." Luna pointed at the back of the building, near where the kitchens were."

"Maybe we should go to take a look before the Gala," Applejack suggested. "Comb down the place to know where these two will be goin'."

"That's a good idea, but you won't, I have something I want you to do instead," Celestia claimed. Then she hummed. "It's private property with great surveillance, but we could work something out."

"I can deal with the cameras," Twilight suggested.

"I could draw up the routes as well," Sunset added.

"Do we, um, know who the other person is?"

"A contrabandist that isn't that important in this story," Celestia brushed it off with a gesture of her hand.

"But you get a gold star if you catch him," Luna winked.

The room laughed, but it was the Myths who got this joke to a deeper emotional level. No matter how long they remained their Heads, somewhere within them the sisters would always be their High School Principals. And that was good. It felt good.

When the meeting ended, it was already past lunchtime, and Dash saw how all her friends but Twilight dashed out of the room to go to their respective jobs, promising to be back by night. Celestia and Luna left after that, leaving behind the Wonderbolts and two out of seven of the Myths. Twilight stood up.

"Wait, you're not leaving as well, right?!" Dash whispered to her friend, restraining her by the sleeve. Twilight sent her an apologetic look.

"Flash is out of his shift in half an hour and we're meeting to have lunch together, sorry."

Dash felt like dying inside. "No, it's okay, I guess... Ugh, I'll be alone with these three here... I can't cook to save my life."

Twilight bit her lip. "Maybe you can tag along with us, I'm sure Flash won't mind..."

"Absolutely not," her plans for the afternoon surely weren't along the lines of third-wheeling. She would rather just skip lunch. "You go enjoy your time with your bae. I'll be alright."

Twilight blushed but bid her goodbyes and left the room as well. Dash sat still for a couple of seconds in the silence of the room, silence only cut by the whispers coming from the three Wonderbolts. Dash sighed and stood up, trying to figure out what she would do for lunch. Maybe she could improvise something for herself in the kitchen. Hopefully without burning the place down. She picked up her stuff in silence and turned around...

Only to meet face to face with Fleetfoot, who was widely smiling at her.

Dash had long ago gotten used to sudden appearances, so she just blurted out: "Stealthy, I see,"

"Despite what my babbling says, it's one of my talents!" Fleetfoot chipperly replied. Dash let out a chuckle. "Ah, she laughs! I was beginning to think you didn't like me!"

"I have nothing against you," Dash reassured her. Fleetfoot squealed and hugged Dash's shoulders.

"Great! Then do you happen to know somewhere where we can eat? Our treat!"

Absolutely not. She didn't mind eating with Spitfire and Fleetfoot, but Soarin was a no-no.

"Ah, don't worry, I'll solve this for myself," Dash rejected the offer. "Let me show you on your phone some places where you can go to."

"Only if you come with us!" Fleetfoot insisted, her smile not faltering for a second. Behind her, still sitting, Soarin was trying his best not to look at the pair, while Spitfire just waited for the exchange to be over. Not gonna stop her, huh? Maybe she's more like Pinkie than I thought.

"No, really, I wouldn't want to intrude..."

"Come on..."

"Fleet," Soarin muttered. "She's not interested."

"Oh, come on! I just want to try to make friends! I wouldn't be that bad to be my friend, right?" Fleetfoot snickered. "Just ask these two! They've dealt with me since forever."

"It's not like it's been easy, you know," Spitfire smirked. Fleetfoot stuck out her tongue to her while Soarin chuckled.

Dash tapped her fingers in the binder between her hands. Alright, so they seemed in a better mood. And she wasn't feeling so mad like in the morning. So maybe if she could evade any unnecessary interaction with Soarin, she could have a good time with them, right? It didn't hurt to try to make new friends... Well, or at least be in good terms with these people. They had to work together after all, and animosity wasn't a luxury if she were to trust them to guard her back. Also, she had to go to the mission with Soarin.

"Fine," the three Wonderbolts turned and looked at her, surprised. She smiled at them. "I'll go. Just let me get changed."

Maybe it was her idea, she couldn't tell. But for a moment she thought Soarin's eyes shimmered in a way she had yet to know. That, along with the soft pink of his cheeks, highlighted the intense green of his eyes. She had never met eyes of that shade of emerald green.

The three women and the man walked the streets of Canterlot. Dash had Fleetfoot linked to her arm while she chatted her ears off and Dash nodded and sneaked comments in-between two phrases of the length of a paragraph. She had long ago learned to maintain a conversation with chatterboxes. Behind them, Spitfire and Soarin calmly held a conversation Dash wasn't listening to too much. Fleetfoot was rambling about Korean barbeque and how much she liked it. Dash admitted she had never tried it before and Fleetfoot freaked out about that, claiming she was missing on something great and that she had to come along with them to try it out before they left back to Cloudsdale. Dash absentmindedly agreed.

They arrived at The Tasty Treat, which was the only savory place Dash could think of for some reason. Spitfire looked at the sign, glanced at Soarin, and snickered. The man averted his eyes and blushed. Dash arched an eyebrow, wondering what was wrong here and why Spitfire, a very serious woman, was suddenly poking fun at the giant.

"Hindi!?" Fleetfoot excitedly blurted.

"Uh... Yes? A friend of mine owns the place with her father, and the food is really good. Is it a problem? You don't like Hindi?"

"Oh, no, we love Hindi," Spitfire replied, smirking.

"This is gonna be fun!" Fleetfoot giggled, stepped back and linked her arms with both of her friends. "Let's go in! Come on, Dashie!"

Dash stifled a laugh. Dashie? When did she allow that? No, she was awfully similar to Pinkie, only less random. She was more... playful. It would be practically impossible to stop her from calling her that. Dash followed the trio inside the restaurant. The trio was observing in almost childish awe the traditional decoration of the place, especially Fleetfoot who was too close to begin dancing on her spot.

Dash stood next to Fleetfoot and looked around until she spotted Saffron Masala, who was picking up dirty dishes. Saffron looked at her and smiled widely. She put the dishes in the counter for her father to pick up before approaching the group.

"Rainbow Dash!" Saffron warmly greeted her friend with a hug and her thick accent. "It's been so long since last time I've seen you. Where have you been? You've got to come more often."

"I've been working my *ss off, Saffron," Dash smiled. "But I'm here, right?"

"And you brought friends over!" Saffron smiled at the three Wonderbolts. "Who are you? I can't remember seeing you three before."

"Workmates," Dash replied simply.

"Pleasure," the three said at the time. Saffron smiled.

"Well, welcome to The Tasty Treat! Come in, come in! Sit down! I'll be with you in a moment."

The four of them sat down in a nice table under the warmth of a paper lantern. Fleetfoot and Spitfire began talking about the drapes, which meant Dash was left with Soarin as the only chatting option. She glanced at him, sitting to her left. He was fidgeting with his sleeves. Dash arched an eyebrow.

"Are you.. alright?" she asked. He glanced at her and brushed it off with a hand gesture.

"Oh, no, no. It's all fine."

"Are you sure? You don't seem comfortable," Come on, buddy, I'm trying to be nice here. Help me out. "Do you... not like Hindi food?"

"Oh, I can't really say I don't like anything..." Soarin replied. "I have some preferences, but definitely I don't dislike anything I've tried yet."

"Same thing... I really like spicy food, though."

Soarin puffed his cheeks. "Yeah... that's... great..."

"Alright!" Saffron arrived at their table with a notepad. "Today we have Spicy Butter Chicken and Tandoori Chicken, and stuffed Samosas as an appetizer."

"What are the samosas stuffed with?" Soarin asked, an awkward smile plastered to his faces. Dash arched an eyebrow.

"Spicy potatoes, peas, and ground beef!" Saffron chirped as a response. "So? What do I serve you?"

"You went extra spicy today, Saffron, right?" Dash laughed. "I'll have the Tandoori!"

"Oooh, brave!" Fleetfoot snickered. "I'll have the same!"

"Make that three, this is gonna be good," Spitfire snickered.

"What will you have, Soariiin?" Fleetfoot smirked at him. Soarin shot her a look.

"You are the worst," Soarin said before turning back to Saffron. "Butter chicken for me."

"And bring over a plate of Samosas before the main dish," Spitfire asked.

"Got it!" Saffron smiled. "I'll be back soon then."

The chef left, leaving the group on their own once again. Dash heard her phone ringing and picked it up, opening the new message she got, from Twilight. She was asking if she had already found a solution to today's lunch. Dash quickly wrote back she had, indeed, and that she was currently at The Tasty Treat with the three Wonderbolts.

Twilight's response was immediate: WITH THEM?! Didn't you hate them?

"Why does everyone-" Dash huffed before she was done blurting that out. Soarin turned at her.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, nothing." She groaned and wrote a reply to Twilight.

I don't hate them, f*ck. I'm just in bad terms with Soarin. Anyway, I'll text you later.

"Is everything alright?" Soarin asked. Dash nodded.

"It was... Twilight, my friend, asking me if I had already found somewhere to eat."

"Oh, it's nice of her to worry," Soarin toyed with a napkin holder. "You most likely had no desire to have a meal at the same table as me."

Dash clicked her tongue. Touché. This was a perceptive one. He doesn't seem to hold a grudge though? I was kinda rude to him in the morning. Above anything, he seemed embarrassed of his acts, and now that she had a cool head, she kinda felt embarrassed as well. Kinda. She was still mad at his careless comments. But maybe her reaction was a tad over the top. Dash tried to push these thoughts to the back of her mind and have a good time to at least enjoy her food, even if the company was not one she would've picked anytime.

How to reply without worsening the situation? "It's... not that bad."

F*ck.

Soarin glanced at her and pressed his lips together, the corners of his mouth twitching. Was he holding back laughter? Why would he be holding back laughter? He hid his face behind a hand for a couple of seconds while shaking in restrained laughter. Dash stared at him in confusion.

"What.... is so funny?"

Soarin turned at her, an amused smile outlined on his face. "'Not that bad'?" he snickered.

Dash made a face. "Well, what were you expecting? It's not like we started off in good terms. It's not like we currently are in good terms."

"It seems you think we could never be in good terms," Soarin laughed, although Dash detected a hint of nervousness.

Dash tilted her head from side to side. "We're technically forced to, so..."

"Ah, yeah, the mission..."

"Stuffed Samosas!" Saffron arrived at the table with a bowl of samosas that she placed in front of them. "My father's special recipe. He sends his greeting, Rainbow Dash."

"Is he stuck in the stove?" Dash laughed. Saffron shot back laughter.

"He is! Our Tandoori is pretty popular these days and we're already running out."

"You're making me even more eager," Fleetfoot chirped happily. Dash had forgotten they were talking right by her side. "How long have you had this place?"

Saffron smiled at the girl. Dash knew from the very beginning Fleetfoot was a very sociable girl, and she knew she was the one she liked the most from the trio. She was energetic and a prankster, a girl with an amazing sense of humor and charisma with everyone. Also... Insistent. And loud.

And... She was definitely a saner version of Pinkie Pie.

Saffron told her story to the three Wonderbolt in very brief moments, even going as far as telling them a bit of how the Myths met her and her father. After that, she left them to go on about her duties. Spitfire was the first one to take a samosa out of the bowl.

"Well, these look deliciously spicy," Spitfire commented, a smirk back at her face.

Soarin fell silent again, but Dash didn't pay much attention to him this time. She happily bit into one of the samosas, moaning at the incredible flavor they had. They were warm on the inside. She sighed out of satisfaction and looked around. To her right, Fleetfoot was munching down the samosa like someone was trying to steal it from her, while Spitfire ate slowly and surely the spicy appetizer.

The only one who hadn't touched the samosas... was Soarin.

"Aren't you taking any, Soar?" Fleetfoot snickered. "They're so good!"

"I don't doubt that, but I'll pass," Soarin shot back. "I'll just wait for my Butter Chicken."

"Spicy Butter Chicken," Spitfire snickered.

"Spicy Butter Chicken, then," Soarin stuck his tongue to her.

"I feel like I'm ignoring something here?"

Her question was answered when Saffron brought the dishes and the hot red chicken was placed in front of her. To her left, Soarin tensed. And when Saffron placed his Butter Chicken in front of him, he smiled nervously. Saffron arched an eyebrow.

"Are you alright, friend?"

"Um..." Soarin whispered something on her ear. Saffron nodded to his words, listening...

And then she burst out laughing.

"Ah, friend! You're not the first one here!" Saffron patted his shoulder twice. "Good luck!"

Spitfire and Fleetfoot burst out laughing. Dash arched an eyebrow, but when the two women finally got themselves together, they turned to Soarin, who sighed, muttering something about how he was already doomed. All three women observed him as he bit into one piece of chicken...

And immediately turned bright red.

Spitfire and Fleetfoot burst out laughing once again. By now all the other costumers were staring at them, some of them stifling laughs at the situation this tall, bulky man had gotten himself into. Dash stared, realization finally washing over her. Was he...

"You see, Rainbow Dash," Fleetfoot said, trying her best to stop laughing and failing miserably. "Our very dear Soarin... is pretty sensitive to spicy food!"

Dash blinked twice. Soarin was red as a beet and Dash was beginning to wonder if it was just for the spicy food or also out of embarrassment. Either way, he was redder than an apple. Dash took a piece out of his dish to try this spicy Butter Chicken. She had yet to touch her Tandoori, but the moment she swallowed the Butter Chicken, she couldn't help but also burst out laughing.

"It isn't even that spicy!" she hollered. This comment only made Fleetfoot and Spitfire laugh harder, Fleetfoot having to dry off tiny tears that were threatening to squeak out of her eyes. Dash was guffawing while Soarin just sat there, embarrassed, with his face turning redder every second. Every time they thought they finally had stopped laughing, one glance at Soarin's face was enough to let loose the madness. To top it off, Dash almost fell off her seat when Saffron walked by and set a glass of milk next to Soarin's dish. Soarin hid his eyes behind a hand, glanced at his companions, and began laughing himself.

The first one to compose herself was Spitfire, while Fleetfoot and herself had it hard to control their mirth. When they finally managed to calm themselves, releasing a chuckle here and there, Dash began eating her own Tandoori Chicken. However, she couldn't help but occasionally glance at the man eating on her left. He was red in the face but was brushing it off while talking with his friends, a smile on his face. He was acting like a nice guy. Dash chuckled when she thought about his face when he ate the first bite of Butter Chicken, wondering how this man had indeed survived up until now. Dash smiled.

Dork.

Dash sighed. Alright, she had had a good time earlier that day. She really had. It was nice to spend some time with other people than her friends for a change, for she hadn't made a lot of social life outside of them since ATIDA, but...

She really wasn't feeling like doing character studies with Soarin right now. Especially since this was a situation she couldn't escape from, nor one in which she could sneak in people without making it obvious that she was avoiding being alone with him. There was simply no escape from this one. They had to work this out together to make their stories match, look over the profiles the Intelligence team had planned for them, and try to make all this without bickering...

Heavens, why me?

It was already getting dark when she knocked on Soarin's door, the files between her hands. She waited as she heard his voice claiming he was on his way and heard his steps approaching the door. The door opened and revealed Soarin, tank top and sweat pants, looking fresh out of the shower judging from the towel around his neck and the half-dried hair. He seemed surprised at her presence on his doorstep.

"Good night? Can I help you with anything?"

Dash showed him the files, one for each of them. "I just got this. Thought it would do us some good to make a character study if you're not busy. Better have this settled as soon as possible, don't you think?"

"Oh, sure, um..." Soarin glanced back at his room. "I was just taking a shower..."

"I figured."

"Do you want to go to the Conference room or...?"

"No need," Dash shrugged. "A sofa will do, can I come in?"

"Uh, sure... If it doesn't bother you..."

Dash came in and was nicely surprised at the tidiness in the room. She was expecting the place to be a mess. She had a misconceived idea of boys' rooms. Instead, the bed was done, the floor was clean, and the dirty clothes were stuffed inside the dirty clothes basket. The place smelled of the same scent that came from Soarin's hair: some kind of herbal scent. It was nice. Actually, hers was messier, although she couldn't say it was a disaster.

Dash shook her head. You're not here to evaluate the room, gosh, that's something Twilight would do.

Soarin took from one of his bags a hoodie and put it on without zipping it closed. Dash walked over to the couch and sat down, waiting for Soarin. "Would you like something to drink? I can go pick something from the kitchen real quick," he offered.

"No, thank you, I'm not thirsty. But if you want something, go ahead. I'll wait."

Soarin nodded. "I'll be quick, then."

Dash had to bit her tongue to avoid making a comment of his long legs and how they surely carried him anywhere in two seconds. She just nodded as he left. Alone in that room, she clicked her tongue, sighed, hid her face in her armpit, raised it, and groaned. She got up. Waiting like this was not her thing. She walked around the room, not looking for anything in particular. The room itself was pretty plain, without decoration in particular for it was intended for people to stay a night or two. She did notice something out of place in the room: in the bedside table, a book was resting, wide open. She glanced at the pages and was surprised at the familiarity of the content, so she took it between her hands and took a look at the cover.

Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone.

Dash laughed. This still was her favorite series, even though she had read them way back in High School. The book looked like a newer edition than the one she had. Making sure the bookmark was situated where it was meant to be, she flipped through the pages, just enjoying the feeling of the book between her hands. She stopped at her favorite passages and read some paragraphs to kill some time.

"Oh, you're reading the books too?"

Dash flinched, closed the book and turned towards the door. There was Soarin, a jar of iced tea and two glasses balanced on a tray, which he settled on a coffee table in front of the couch. Dash stood from her position in the bed, clearing her throat and leaving the book back where it belonged.

"I, um, read them when I was in High School," she admitted. "And kind of read it a couple of times again after that."

"A fan?" Soarin asked.

"Very, I went to conventions and everything," Dash clicked her tongue again. "And I don't know why I said that out loud..."

Soarin laughed. "Come on, we've all had something we're obsessed with as teenagers."

Dash laughed. "I guess that's true... Ready to get to work?"

In the following couple of hours, they sat down next to each other on the couch, reading the files and deciding about their characters for the imminent mission. Their fake names were Periwinkle and Ash Mist respectively, information sent to Rarity who was currently working in their disguises which included clothing and wigs.

"She asked me to tell you to go to her workshop to get your measurements, by the way," Dash informed him. "It's on the first floor of the lounge, two doors from the gunroom."

Periwinkle and Ash Mist were a couple of Publicists, as claimed by Luna, a business that was incredibly abundant in the beautiful Cloudsadle. That would effectively give a good cover, for there were a lot of publicists in the city. The place was well-known for being the birthplace of many sports celebrities, and it was covered in billboards showing off the celebrities born there. The place was proud of them.

"We specialize in young stars, apparently," Soarin chuckled. "Ah, I remember when I wished to appear in one of those billboards!"

They worked out a cover for their operation nicely, actually. Thank goodness they did not engage in any discussion nor got in any sort of argument. They both seemed to care more about doing their job right than doing or saying something stupid. something Dash respected highly, for she had worked hard in this job and would never let anyone get in the way of it. Or judge it. In the hours they spent there, sipping tea and taking notes, they decided the important details of their 'relationship'.

"So... physical contact?" Soarin politely asked.

"To the minimum."

"Got it."

It was already way past nine when Dash got up from Soarin's couch, not feeling at all stressed as she picked up her things. Just like earlier, she had found the moment not to be unpleasant. In her mind, the thoughts about the mission taking place in two days were still present, but she tried to, for once, focus on her companion. She subtly glanced at him as he pilled up his stuff. She noticed just then the bags under his eyes. Did he have trouble sleeping? Or maybe they were that busy? It was not mistery for Dash herself that sometimes paperwork could take a lot of time. He was a Second Commander after all...

So you stay up late, huh... That means your job must be highly important for you... Guess we're not so different after all...

She finished picking up her stuff and tried her best to smile kindly at the man, but since kindness was Fluttershy's thing, she had no idea if she was successful.

"I'll be leaving now," she claimed, trying to erase any trace of hostility from her voice. He glanced up at her with a surprised expression.

"I'll take you to the door," Soarin replied, getting up himself. Dash held back a laugh.

"Yeah, 'cause it is really far away."

Soarin chuckled but followed her anyway to the door. He held it open for her as she left. Dash stopped midway out of the room, pondered for a second in her frozen position, then turned around to face Soarin again.

She smiled once again. "Good night,"

Soarin stared at her for two heartbeats with a surprised expression Dash couldn't completely read. Then he smiled back at her.

"Thanks. Good night as well."

Dash nodded and left, walking right over to her room. She thought back on the crazy two days that she had had in the couple of yards that separated her from her door. They had been restless, to put it lightly. She had gotten into a one-sided argument with a guy twice her height and yelled at him... twice. She had also befriended (sort of?) said guy's best friends after some peculiar incidents involving spicy food and milk, and she had lately cooled down around this guy and had even come to (kind of?) enjoy his company. He was a nice guy. She still had mixed feelings about him but was starting to loosen up a bit.

Since when do I get so worked up over one person?

Next time, she told herself, she would think twice before forming an opinion about people. First impressions can be tricky. Most of the time, they aren't even accurate.

Boy did she know about that!

Thursday. Day of the Pyrite Gala.

Celestia took a deep breath. Heavens, let this go smoothly. She prayed as she made her way through the corridors of the girls' lounge. She glanced inside the gunroom, where she had expected to find Rainbow Dash cleaning her gun but found Applejack instead, picking up some of the smallest guns they had. She was wearing a catering suit. The farmer heard her come in and turned to the door to greet the Head.

"Mornin'," Applejack greeted, hiding the gun inside her apron.

"Good morning, Applejack. How are you doing?" Celestia asked her, walking inside the gunroom. "How's your part of the mission?"

"Good, Head, I'm actually goin' out now to get there on time. I was just gettin' some backup for me and Pinkie if ya know what I mean..." Applejack patted her apron, designed by Rarity to effectively hide a gun. Celestia nodded.

"Alright, go ahead. Good luck. Do you happen to know where the others are?"

"Dash and Soarin are bein' held hostage by Rarity in the workshop. Ah believe Sunset's got the others in the Conference room goin' over the plans again."

"I see... Well, I'll check on Dash and Soarin and then go to the others. See you, Applejack."

"See ya."

And with that, the farmer left, sending her boss one last smirk. Celestia watched her disappear before walking up two doors to get to the workshop. That corridor had doors leading to the gunroom, Rarity's workshop, a shower room, an equipment storage room and a training room with padded floor and walls. The other facilities in the Myths' lounge were across other corridors and doors.

She stopped before the workshop's door, breathed another prayer, and knocked three times, announcing herself to the occupants inside.

"Come in, Darling!"

So she obeyed and walked in. The room was probably the most sophisticated of all the lounge, along with Rarity's own room, with pearl white walls and royal purple moldings. the fashion designer had a couple of racks filled with dresses of every possible shade existent, shelves with accessories and shoes of all kinds. There was a sewing machine, and a shelf of cloths and other sewing supplements. A white dressing table was arranged with all kinds of makeup and other implements. Of course, she also had two beautiful white couches and two changing rooms, both occupied at the moment. Rarity was busy at a table with some jewelry and a pair of dancing shoes. Those had become the kind of heels Dash wore every time she was obliged to wear fancy shoes, for they were comfortable enough to run in them, and Rarity had designed these shoes so the heel would come off with a kick in the back. That way, in a couple of seconds Dash could be left with a pair of beautiful sandals in which she could run without a problem.

Dash and Soarin were absent, Celestia deduced they were inside the changing rooms.

"How's it going, Rarity?"

"Quite well, darling. Our actors are in there getting changed. Dash did the loops in her head all on her own, don't you think that's great? She's really getting the hang of it! Anyway, we're just missing the wig and makeup and she would be ready to go. As for Soarin, I have to do his hair and wig. I'm doubting whether to apply any makeup on him..."

"I don't see that as quite necessary," Celestia claimed.

Rarity shrugged. "Well, we'll see that after he comes out."

At that moment, Dash came out of the changing room and Celestia turned to her. She was surprised at what her eyes met.

The dress Rarity had chosen for Dash was strapless, skin-tight and with a long skirt that stopped just at her ankle. The dress was of a lovely lavender that matched her skin perfectly. The icing of the cake? The huge slit that climbed all the way up to her right thigh. Dash was desperately trying to pull both ends together with an ashamed expression.

"Was this really necessary, Rarity?"

Rarity sighed. "Darling, in an event like this one you couldn't possibly wear a short skirt. A flared skirt would give you too much trouble moving around, and an A-line would get tangled with your feet. This was the best solution I could find so you could move freely without tripping all over yourself. I know it's not your favorite style, but that's the best I had for you to the Gala."

"We don't have any time to change it now, Dash," Celestia warned her. Dash huffed.

"I know, but... I just don't feel comfortable."

"Darling, you've had it worst," Rarity took her hand and sat her in front of the dressing table. She began working in putting Dash's wig on. This time she had chosen one to fit her character's name: periwinkle, slightly wavy and cut short. Rarity sighed when she noticed Dash fidgeting with the slit. "Plus, what's the matter dear? It's not the first time you've had to wear something revealing."

"Yeah, but it's the first time I will in the company of a man," she pouted. Rarity stopped placing bobby pin for a second to respond:

"Huh, good point. We aren't usually blessed with the presence of handsome men in our missions."

"Careful there, you're talking about her husband," Celestia chuckled, approaching the two. Dash shot her a look. Celestia shrugged. "Well, her fake husband, but her husband anyway. Though I do admit the boy is quite a sight. You're one lucky woman."

"Ha. Ha. Hilarious,"

Rarity giggled while doing two braids to decorate Dash's wig. "You must admit he's pretty good-looking."

"Guys, he's literally right the-"

"I'm done!" the women flinched at the man's voice coming from the dressing room. The next second, he came out wearing a grey suit with a white shirt underneath. He was holding a black-tie on his hand. "However, I need some help with the tie. I could never get it right."

"Oh, Darling, you look stunning!" Rarity complimented him. Soarin glanced down at his clothing. The suit hugged his figure in a very charming way, making his broad shoulders and strong physique stand out. The dull color of the suit made the emerald of his eyes stand out.

"Err, thank you?"

"She's right, it looks really good in you," Celestia added, letting out a chuckle. "Ah, young people these days!"

"Darling, you're talking like you're a century old."

"Well, I feel like I was next to you all."

"Done, darling," Rarity patted Dash's shoulders and turned her a bit to the right so she could get started on her makeup.

"Can you... not exaggerate it?"

Rarity sighed. "You're exhausting, darling."

Soarin was starting to get bored. Sitting in Rarity's extra fancy white couch, Soarin fidgeted with his tie to keep his mind busy, for there wasn't anything else he could do in there. Rarity told him to feel free to look around the workshop, but he wasn't feeling like poking around women's clothing hung in silver racks. So he sat there, not watching either the procedure Rarity was doing with Rainbow Dash's make-up. He doubted she would like him staring. Plus, he felt kind weird looking at her when she had that wig... it didn't feel like he was looking at the real Rainbow Dash. However, she was going to act in a different character.

My wife.

Soarin clicked his tongue. Just about great. Although their meeting on Monday went along pretty smoothly, he was still reluctant about her feelings regarding him. He doubted this ordeal would make it any better. Maybe he was overthinking it. It surely wouldn't be the first time he did that. Especially regarding women, something Fleetfoot loved to remind him every time he couldn't recover from some kind of embarrassment. Her favorite mocking nickname was "shy schoolgirl".

"There!" Rarity squealed. "Darling, you look stunning!"

Soarin finally raised his head. Why is my heart beating so fast? He wondered as he looked over to where both women were (Celestia had left a while back), curiosity making him stare at the back of the woman that would be his spouse. Honestly, earlier he hadn't noticed Dash's outfit because she was sitting in an angle that kept him from noticing. However, now Dash was standing up and he only then noticed her snug lavender dress which hugged her figure in an enchanting way, if he were to be completely honest. The slit. Heavens above, the slit. He adverted his eyes not to appear to be rude. Instead, he tried to focus on her hair and makeup.

The hair, periwinkle (he guessed), had two thin braids along the side of the head, making the rest of the hair slightly puff out with subtle curls. The makeup Rarity had done in her was amazing, with glittery purple eyeshadow at the ends which turned into a not-glittery darker hue in the middle, with black eyeliner giving her eyes a deep intensity that, as awkward as he felt thinking about it, made her gaze stunningly alluring. To complement it, Rarity had added a light pink lipstick that went amazing with the darker colors of the eyes. She had also managed Dash's features to look sharper.

His heart was pounding. She was wearing a wig that hid her awesome colorful hair, and the makeup subtly changed her features, but behind that disguise, she was still there. She was still Rainbow Dash.

A Rainbow Dash that noticed him staring and held his gaze, intimidating. Soarin adverted his eyes.

"Do you have anything I can cover myself with, Rarity?"

Rarity huffed. "Seriously, Darling, you look stunning. This is going to work perfectly."

"Please?" Dash insisted. Rarity turned around, looked over the racks, and turned back at her friend with a black fur coat.

"Here, put this on for now."

Dash gladly took it, and after Rarity's instruction, she switched places with Soarin, who sat down in front of the mirror. He noticed in the reflection Dash was grumbling to herself on her spot on the sofa, her cheeks tinted of a slight pink. She glanced his way and stared at him for a couple of heartbeats before turning right back again. Soarin held back a tiny smile.

She was cute.

"Alright, dear," Rarity drew his attention to him. "You look so handsome like this, I'm going to put on your wig, alright?"

"Sure."

Rarity turned him slightly on the chair and grabbed a wig that was resting in a bust mannequin close to her. She turned and observed his face.

"I don't think you need any makeup. You have very pale skin, but that pinkish tint in your cheeks really complements you well, darling."

Author's Note

And the second part is done! This arc is taking a bit more time than I like, but sadly I have been awfully busy Hopefully I'll have the next chapter ready on time. We'll see.

(Yeah, I know, I know, there's a bit of a lot of Soarindash focus here, but can you blame me? They're my faves, bite me.)

So usually the missions are in the second part, but I guess it just didn't quite fit here without breaking the flow (I already have a part of it written down), so it's gonna be in the next part. Hopefully, the third part won't be a monster.

Anyway, I'd love to know what you think about the story so far! Your opinions are important to me! And as I've said, every arc is important and this one is as important as the past ones and the upcoming ones! You'll see! You'll see!

(Yes, the story is already completely outlined)

Anyway, that'd be it.

Until next time!
-Midday Giggle