Chapter Five – The Plot

The train was about half an hour away from Canterlot, from the Grand Galloping Gala, as Rarity and Rainbow Dash continued to practice the Northern Waltz. Rainbow’s motions, sways, and steps had become flawless, much to the delight and entertainment of Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy.

Rarity was then repeating her final instructions, “…Lean in, touch noses, back, and bow…” and did her best to mirror Rainbow’s bow instead of doing so of her own accord. “And with that,” she declared, “you’re ready!” More applauding and cheering came from the other four, urging the dancing mares into giving a bow to their audience.

Of the four then, Twilight voiced her opinion, “I’m sure we’re all thinking it, so I’m just saying it, but this is probably the best ride to the Grand Galloping Gala we’ve had yet.” Everypony else expressed their undoubted agreement, after which Rarity was caught up in a big hoof and wing hug by Rainbow.

She returned the hug most jubilantly, until it was too much, “uh, darling, my dress…” she let out gently.

Rainbow, understanding, jumped back with an apologetic smile, “Sorry, it’s just, I can’t thank you enough for…”

Rarity interrupted, “Just pay the hundred bits and we’re square love,” and gave an innocent smile. Rainbow blinked, having missed something.

“She’s right Dashie,” Pinkie said, who was holding up a stop watch, which about five seconds later chimed, “It’s been an hour, Rainbow, you dance super-duper great, so now you owe Rarity a hundred bits!”

Rainbow had forgotten, but after that reminder, she conceded with a chuckle, “Hey, if this works out tonight, I’ll owe you a hundred and twenty bits!”

“We’ll worry about that later love,” Rarity said, then turning to the others, “but for right now we need to get these two together!”

Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy returned Rarity looks of confusion. They need to get Rainbow Dash and Summer Breeze together?

Applejack, being the most logical mare in the room next to Twilight, raised a hoof asking, “And how you reckon we all pull that off?”

Fluttershy concurred, “um, Applejack’s right Rarity, we can’t just force…” then was swiftly cut off by Rarity.

“But we can, and we must!” she said, with absolute determination, “and I have the perfect plot!”

Twilight put a hoof to her chin, urging Rarity, “Go on…” skeptical of whatever she had in mind. Pinkie Pie added more fervor to Twilight’s urging.

“Yeah Rare! Go on, scheme Rare, scheme, scheme!” Pinkie insisted.

Then with a raised chin, Rarity said, “I shall,” turning eyes back to everypony, “Come my girls, huddle, huddle!”

Rainbow cocked an eyebrow at Rarity’s controlling nature, but was the first to throw a hoof on Rarity’s shoulder. The rest shrugged, got up from their seats, and approached the two. Pinkie seemed the most optimistic as she bounced her way to Rarity. They all formed a circle, ready to hear what Rarity had to say. Why she wanted to do this in the huddle, nopony would ever know.

Rarity slowly scanned from side to side, making sure she had her friends’ undivided attention. She opened, “Now girls, our mission tonight is of the utmost importance. Each Gala yearly since our first together, we each had hoped for our own best night ever. Ever since the first also, we were always there for each other, like apple pie.” This made Applejack smile and roll her eyes in amusement.

“BUT!” everypony’s attention sharpened at Rarity’s raised voice, “this night will not be our best night ever,” all were hanging to her words, “we are going to make this Rainbow’s best night ever!” Nopony reacted, having somewhat expected such an opening, but they wanted to hear more.

Pinkie Pie quickly grew impatient, “Come on Rarity! What can I do? What can I do?!”

Rarity thrust her gaze on the eager Pinkamena, “Oh I have an important role for, Diane,” using Pinkie’s middle name, sounding intense, “but first things first. Twilight!”

Twilight’s focus on Pinkie shifted to Rarity, still looking skeptical, as Rarity continued, “You will be at Princess Celestia’s side this evening greeting the guests. You already know Summer Breeze’s base colors. Remember! Butter Yellow/Orange coat, Sunny Yellow mane and tail, Summer Sky Blue eyes. Can you remember?”

Twilight nodded, wishing to hear further. “When you see her, you will give Fluttershy the wink.”

Fluttershy knew she was getting involved, but she still acted surprised asking, “Me?” Rarity nodded, “Yes you, Fluttershy. You will be hiding in the chandelier hanging over the line of guests as they are greeted by the Princesses. Remember Twilight, she’s hiding in the chandelier.”

Twilight nodded again, slowly becoming convinced that Rarity might just have something good here. Rarity turned her gaze back to Fluttershy, “After Twilight signals the arrival of Summer Breeze, you will alert Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and myself that our mare has arrived.” Rainbow then sneered at Rarity a critical look asking, “Uh, since when did Summer become our mare?” raising then eyebrow.

Pinkie bounced excitingly, disturbing the huddle circle, “Oh boy, oh boy! Me next,” repeating on a higher note, “me next!”

Rarity rolled her eyes frustrated, letting out a sigh of exasperation, and said, “Yes Pinkie, you next. Since you already know Summer Breeze and are most ostensibly her friend, you be will acting as Rainbow’s wing pony.”

Pinkie looked disappointed and wined, “Aww! But Dashie said being wing pony stinks! Oh wait, if I’m going to be the wing pony, then that makes her the lead pony, since she is doing the leading and…”

Rarity barked out, “Not that kind of ‘wing pony’!” understanding Pinkie’s mix up with recollection to the Wonderbolts Academy and mixing it up again with Rainbow’s position in dancing.

After shaking out Pinkie’s ecstatic energy, she explained, “A wing pony, or wingmare let’s call it, is the pony who supports her friend when approaching a potential mate of said-friend.” Pinkie blinked, seeming confused. Rarity sighed again, getting agitated, “Your role involves being by Rainbow’s side and introduce her to Summer Breeze. You will then begin talking her up, mentioning all of her good qualities,” carefully placing that filter over Pinkie’s mouth, “and likewise, introduce Summer to Rainbow, telling her how marvelous she is, as though there were no plot ahoof! Understand?”

Pinkie said nothing, but only nodded wildly. Hopefully she comprehended Rarity’s explanation, hopefully.

This was all sounding pretty good to Twilight. Had Rarity choreographed other ponies’ relationships like this before? She seemed rather experienced with all this, but something still bugged her about this plan. Finally after Pinkie’s role was laid out.

Twilight decided to raise her concerns, “But Rarity, guests will already be arriving by the time we get to Canterlot, so how do we know Summer Breeze isn’t already there? I might not have a chance to see her and signal Fluttershy! The new railway system has taken us from Ponyville, through Vanhoover, and only now are we on our way to Canterlot. Summer, however, assuming she’s as fast as Rainbow Dash claims, can simply travel straight from Ponyville to the Grand Galloping Gala.”

Rarity was about to speak, but Twilight urgently rolled over, “Second, are we sure we want Pinkie Pie to be the wingmare? You think she can handle herself in a situation like that?”

Pinkie Pie took resentment to that exclaiming, “Hey!”

Ignoring the dissension, Twilight continued, “Why not get maybe Applejack to…”

Now it was Rarity’s turn to roll over, “Because Jacquelinedoesn’t know Summer. I can’t even conceive how that would work!”

Applejack tapped her head to Twilight saying, “I’m with her on this one Twi.”

Rarity continued to explain, “Pinkie, on the other hoof, is Rainbow’s only real social link to reach Summer.” Twilight’s eyes widened slightly, understanding Rarity’s point. “Second,” she continued, “while I’m sure Pinkie and Summer are good friends, Pinkie has a certain…ehhh, exuberance to her, which can be just endearing, but if experienced in high…doses…” trailing off, smiling sheepishly to the pony of subject.

Pinkie just glared back at Rarity and said, “You just remember that next time you’re not invited to a party.”

Rarity almost felt like her plan was about to fall apart, leading her to ask, “But you’re still on board with the plan?”

Pinkie’s mood switched back to her cheery self in and instant as she answered, “Actually I’m on board a train with all my friends, but okey-dokey-lokey!” Rarity sighed in relief.

Twilight conceded to the first part of Rarity’s logic, but with the latter cut off by her hesitation, she still saw problems.

Applejack cut in before Rarity could continue, almost assuming the end of a plan without a place for her, “What about me? Don’t I get a slice of the pie in this here scheme of yours?” Rarity came back to herself, “Quite the contrary, Applejack,” her face lighting up, “you’re actually getting two slices in this here scheme of mine!” This would have been a time for head scratching in confusion, but huddled up with her friends, Applejack could only utter, “Say what now?”

Closing her eyes, Rarity smiled and nodded, and after sounding out a confirming hum, she explained, “You will be playing two roles. Twilight is right. Summer Breeze might have already arrived, thereby rendering Twilight’s part fruitless.”

Twilight was impressed by this, seeing Rarity actually did think this part through. Rarity continued, “That is where you will scour through the Gala, both in the ballroom and the botanical gardens. If you see her, remembering her colors,” then switched to a whisper, “like you, but different,” resuming then to normal volume, “you will go and alert Rainbow, Pinkie, and again myself.”

Applejack tilted her head, still puzzled, “…and this second slice you mentioned?”

Rarity nodded, commending Applejack’s focus, “Later after Pinkie introduces Rainbow to Summer, you will watch, and whenever the time seems right to you, lasso her in!”

Applejack, understanding Rarity’s meaning, smiled, and said, “I think I follow you Rare. You want me to be the one to hogtie our little piggy before things get out of hoof.”

Rarity nodded and winked at her in confirmation, hoping hogtie was just as metaphorical as referring to Pinkie the piggy. She then offered the result of Applejack’s part, “Thereby isolating Summer with Rainbow.” Twilight was dropping her jaw at all this, just astounded by Rarity’s stroke of brilliance!

Rainbow Dash, like Twilight, was very impressed by Rarity’s elaborate arrangement so far, but where was she in this? Aching to know, she asked,

“But where are me and Pinkie?” Rarity, unbothered by being pressed to go on, did just that saying,

“You and Pinkie will be waiting in the botanical gardens, of course.” Something then occurred to Fluttershy. She raised her concerns softly,

“Oh, but Rarity, what if Summer’s already in the gardens. I mean, she does seem to like flowers, um, I just thought…” trailing off, turning her head to hide behind her mane. She had clearly been recalling Rainbow’s first witness of Summer Breeze, smelling flowers out in front of her new home in Ponyville. Twilight was actually excited to see what Rarity had to say. As it turned out, Rarity had, as she explained,

“That is why Pinkie should keep an eye out for her as well, ready to bring our two lovebirds together,” then Rarity looked up admiring the romantic situation she was forging. “By the way, Fluttershy, if Twilight does greet Summer and you tell Pinkie, Rainbow, and I, be sure to find Applejack next, and tell her the search has been called off, and to be ready.”

Everypony leaned in, sensing a conclusion to Rarity’s well-structured system. Rarity then, to her friends’ anticipation, thus concluded, “If she hasn’t yet arrived, Summer must go through Twilight. If she’s already at the Gala, Applejack will spot her either in the ballroom or the gardens, checking both constantly. If Summer is already in the botanical gardens, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash will simply meet her there. In checking both the gardens and ballroom, bearing in mind how one cannot get to the gardens without first passing through the ballroom, Applejack should then have enough time to reel in Pinkie if she and Rainbow are seen with Summer. And just like that, we have our two sweets together.” Rarity fell silent, glancing around the group, suggesting her plan had come to an end.

Everypony was just speechless, as they wondered just how Rarity could have possibly come up with this foal-proof system. It had seemed that she had planned everything down to the last detail, leaving no stone unturned, except maybe one, and it haunted Rainbow Dash. She broke the silence finally and asked,

“But wait, all this time you’ve talked about getting me and Summer in the same place, alone. What happens next?” Rarity leaned her head on Rainbow and answered softly,

“Just be yourself love,” then kissed Rainbow’s cheek.

“Hey!” Dash exclaimed, as all her friends laughed at her reaction. The laughter had caused the huddle circle to break and everypony was back on all hooves.

Finally getting over her laughs, Twilight said, “Wow Rarity, just wow! I don’t know what to say except…You’re a genius!”

Rarity had always been quite the romantic, that much Twilight knew, but how she could hatch up such a scheme, in who knows what short a time, she simply could not fathom it.

It seemed everypony had her role to play, yet it seemed there was something missing again. Applejack was the one to catch it, asking, “There’s just one thing I don’t see here. What about you Rarity? Don’t you have a part in on all this?”

Pinkie Pie answered for Rarity in her giddy manner, “Of course not! We each have a slice of the whole pie! You see the pie is divided in six equal slices, and you who had two!” then she gasped in horror, “But if you had two, that means Rarity doesn’t get to have pie, because you took her slice. AJ, how could you!!!” Pinkie looked like she was about to cry, as her lips wobbled, until Rarity cleared her throat.

“If you recall AJ, I told both you and Fluttershy to tell me of Summer’s arrival or immediate presence. My role will be simply to monitor the whole situation. Keeping everypony in check,” closing with a smile.

Applejack stared at her a moment, blinked, and said, “You’re fixing to flirt with that Tux fellow, ain’t you?”

Rarity blushed, “Tux…fellow?”

“Snazzy Tux!” Applejack clarified, “Brother of Fancy Pants! Runner of that high quality tailor biz in Canterlot you’ve been gabbering on about for months! That Tux fellow?” giving Rarity a judgmentally raised eyebrow.

The rest looked turned to Rarity, pondering themselves on what her aims and motives really were for this night. She looked around nervously, even laughing nervously, and tried to hide her blush.

“Well, speaking of biz-ness,” attempting to bring back Twilight’s question at the beginning of the ride, “I have been meaning to…discuss business! Yes,” working through her nervous laughs, “I’ve been thinking of making…certain sales arrangements between the Tux-Galore and Canterlot Carousel.”

Even Rainbow felt unconvinced, and Rarity knew it. Almost feeling herself beginning to sweat, sweat in her dress, Rarity breathed deeply, and donned an expression that promised reprioritization. “But no matter what happens tonight, my top priority will be Rainbow Dash and Summer Breeze,” Rarity avowed, sealing with a look of commitment. The five stared at Rarity with a look that screamed Lame, but given Rarity’s affirmation at the time, Twilight said,

“Well the rest of her plan sounds foal proof.” To that, the four others shrugged, feeling satisfied enough with Rarity, despite their suspicions. A knock came to the car door again, opening to allow Trusty to reenter.

After bowing slightly to the Princess Twilight, he said, “I’ve come to inform you all, and Princess, that we’ve just arrived to Canterlot and will be leaving shortly. This is your destination, right?” He saw how Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy had cornered Rarity, but didn’t worry himself over it. They all turned to him with looks of surprise, safe Twilight who had expected this of the new system.

“Really?” Applejack asked, “I didn’t even feel the train stop.”

“Lightspeed,” Twilight whispered to Applejack with a grin, making the subtle reminder to the railway advancements over which she was most fond. With the distraction in place, Rarity walked slowly to the middle of the car calling out,

“Fabulous! Most appreciated Monsieur, we’ll be coming off soon!” Twilight looked at the attendant bow to make his departure, and then after he closed the door, she mused to herself on giving this Trusty Hooves a knighthood if everything worked out for Rainbow. The thought was interrupted by Rarity calling out, “Yoo-hoo,” gathering her friends to the center of the car.

She needed to say one last thing before they got off and needed to hear them all re-establish their bonds as she said, “Remember now, whatever happens tonight, we are all going to be good friends, and do everything in our power to make this Rainbow’s Crush’s Best Night Ever!”

They all hummed and nodded in pledge with a look of resolve. Rarity giggled highly to this and declared,

“Come on girls! Tonight, let’s make a lady woo!” and as she was raising her hoof, without missing a beat, she and rest were joined in a clap as all let out, “Woo!” Then something odd happened, as the group found their joined hooves in the being motioned up and down, hearing the same repetitive “woo” coming from Pinkie. They looked at her curiously, as she went on with eyes shut, saying slowly “woo…” again and again… and again, motioning the groups clap up and down and up and down. Pinkie was gone in her own world, leading her friends to glare annoyed at the blissfully unaware pony. Seeing no end to the cycle Pinkie was clearly trapped in, they lowered their hooves, and proceed to exit the train.

Pinkie Pie, however, just kept at it a couple more times with eyes shut, making the up and down motion with her raised hoof, and repeated the sound of “woo” slowly again, and again, and again. She opened her eyes after ten seconds, bringing an end to her strange trance, finding herself alone, but her smile was unbroken. After blinking once, she proceeded to follow her friends in her springy bounces, with her smile never failing.

Author's Note

PS
If there are any issues, such as accidental plagiarism, or anything of the like, let me know and I will try to correct it.