Chapters Rarity stares at herself in the mirror as she sighs solemnly, she hangs up her gown from Cadence's wedding and she closes all the blinds in her house.
Looking back into the mirror, Rarity envelopes herself in a shroud of green fire as she spreads her wings and sighs. "I was hoping to tell them, but then she had to show up," Rarity says to herself as she touches her reflection.
It had been many moons since she came to Ponyville, she had made many friends during that time and had made a name for herself as a seamstress. Her heart aches knowing how she had to deceive her parents and her little sister who was born shortly after she was adopted. She leans into her reflection and closes her eyes. "I'm going to tell them, I don't care what will happen," she says to herself as a knock at her door startles her and she dons her disguise once again.
"Yes, come in," she replied to the knock.
"Rarity, do you think the changelings will come back?" Sweetie Belle asked, poking her head in the door with her ears folded down to the sides of her head.
Rarity could feel the fear in her sister's voice, taste it even. She lowered her ears as Sweetie Belle came up and hugged her. "I can't say, darling. I hope not, but you never know, but if they do, I'll protect you," Rarity said as she held onto her sister.
"Really?" Sweetie Belle asked, calming down a bit.
"Really," Rarity confirmed as she booped her sister's muzzle, eliciting a chuckle out of the little white unicorn with cotton candy hair.
"Thanks, Rarity, love you, sis," Sweetie Belle said as she nuzzled her head against Rarity's chest.
Rarity felt a wave of guilt wash over her, having to keep this secret from her sister for so long. She yearns to tell her but fears it would break her heart, not only that but severely damage the trust the two of them share. "I love you too, Sweetie Belle," Rarity replied as she kissed her on the forehead.
"Now, go play with your friends, I have a few orders to fill and I need to be alone to concentrate," Rarity said as Sweetie Belle trotted off, going towards Sweet Apple Acres.
Rarity sighs as she watches Sweetie Belle run off from her window before closing the blinds again and locking the door.
She drops her disguise as she starts producing silk, she had always used it to make her creations, adding a bit of herself into the design. She starts sewing, using the silk she had just produced to make a cravat for one of her upper-crust clients. Once she is done she places the finished product in a box and stamps it, ready to send it to Canterlot.
Donning her disguise once more, Rarity takes the box to the post office and sends it on its way. As she turned to leave, she bumped into Twilight with a letter held aloft in her magic aura. Surprised to see her here, Rarity struck up a conversation.
"Twilight, darling, whatever are you doing here, I thought you'd have Spike deliver that letter?" The alabaster unicorn asked, curiously.
Giving a smile of understanding, Twilight giggled as she handed the letter to Derpy for delivery. "Normally I would, but Spike is away at Canterlot for a Power Ponies convention for the weekend," Twilight answered.
"Ah, I see Rarity replied as she lowered her head, an idea coming to her. 'Maybe if I talk to my friends one-on-one I can see if they are open-minded, but it has to be unanimous, ' Rarity thought to herself as she continued to chew the fat with Twilight.
"You know, Twilight, we should catch up just you and I, why don't you meet me at the café tomorrow for some coffee?" Rarity asked, extending a warm invite to her lavender friend.
"I'd love to, but why just me, you're not getting gossipy are you?" Twilight asked jokingly as she raised an eyebrow.
Rarity let out a chortle as she asked the question. "Goodness, no, I just want to discuss some things with you in private, please lower your eyebrow, you look like Aj when she's grilling somepony to see if they're lying," Rarity said as Twilight started laughing.
"I guess I do, I guess I just picked that up, " Twilight said while she laughed with her friend.
As the two walked out, they talked about the time they should meet, eventually settling to meet at noon.
After settling on a time, Rarity went back home and started cooking supper for her and Sweetie Belle, she had developed a taste for physical food along with the emotions and had learned how to cook quite well.
She chops up some potatoes and proceeds to put them on the stove to boil as she mixes cream of broccoli soup and cheese in a separate pot and brings it to a shimmer, melting the cheese as she adds some spices.
Once the potatoes are down, she pours them into the pot with the cheese and soup and lets it continue to simmer until Sweetie Belle returns home.
"Hey, I'm home," Sweetie Belle calls out as she enters the house, Rarity comes out of the kitchen.
"Hey, darling, did you have fun?" Rarity asked as Sweetie Belle nodded.
"Sure did, first we tried to get our hogtying cutie marks, but Scootaloo somehow hogtied herself, next we tried getting our foraging cutie marks, but realized it's a lot harder than it looks, good thing Zecora was there," Sweetie said, going on a tangent about what they did.
Rarity giggles, as she listens to her sister regale her with her day as she ruffles her head. "That all sounds like fun, I hope you worked up an appetite, I made your favorite," Rarity said as she turned to go back into the kitchen.
Sweetie Belle gasped excitedly as she followed by her sister's side, "Broccoli cheese and potato soup," Sweetie Belle said excitedly as she sat down at the table.
"You know it," Rarity said as she got herself and Sweetie a bowl.
Sitting back down, Rarity saw how her sister wasted no time in digging in, Rarity could taste the love she had for this dish and it pleased her that she could give Sweetie this feeling, she then started to eat her bowl of soup, hoping that she'll be able to reveal her true self soon.
The next morning, Rarity awakes to the glistening sun shining through her shutters, she lets out a yawn as she hobbies out of bed and walks downstairs to start cooking breakfast. She fries up a couple of eggs and toasts some bread for her and Sweetie Belle.
After she makes breakfast, she heads upstairs and pokes her head into her sister's room, seeing her sound asleep. Rarity almost doesn't want to wake her up, but knows she has to go to school, she approaches the bed and gently nudges Sweetie's shoulder. "Sweetie Belle, time to get ready for school," she chimed as Sweetie moaned and rolled out of bed.
The two head down to eat breakfast, sitting at the table Rarity watches the clock like a hawk, anxious about talking to Twilight.
"Are you ok, Rarity? You seem nervous," Sweetie Belle asked as she ate her eggs.
Snapping back into reality, Rarity looked at her sister. "Oh, yes darling, I'm fine, just going to have a café rendezvous with Twilight at noon to discuss some important matters," Rarity replied as she finished off her breakfast.
After breakfast, Rarity saw Sweetie Belle off to school, watching as she ran off with her friends. Rarity then used her time to work on some projects, filling in some orders that were delayed for some time. Once noon arrives, Rarity goes to the café and waits for Twilight.
Rarity sits at the café in Ponyville waiting for her friend to show up, she had been struggling with this particular personal dilemma for quite some time now and could really use an answer.
After a few minutes, Twilight finally arrived and sat at the table with Rarity. "Hey, Rarity. What did you want to talk about?" Twilight asked as she picked up a menu and ordered a coffee.
Rarity does the same as she sits there, pondering on how to bring up the subject, it had been a couple of months since it happened, but the scars are still fresh.
"I just wanted to talk, catch up with you. Oh by the way I've almost finished the dress that you ordered," Rarity said as the waiter brought them their coffees.
"Oh, that's good. I look forward to seeing what you've done for me, Twilight replied as she picked up her coffee in her magic and took a sip.
Rarity does the same as she starts to calm down a bit, debating on how she should approach this, she is tired of hiding this secret and wants to come clean, but given what happened at Canterlot, she is unsure.
"Twilight, darling. I do have a question for you, I just hope you don't mind," Rarity says as she looks into her black coffee, her reflection staring back at her.
Twilight looks at her friend, unburdened by what secret Rarity has to keep, not just for her safety, but her whole family's. "What is it, Rarity?" Twilight asked.
Rarity looks up as she takes a deep breath to prepare herself. "What do you think about the changelings and do you think that you could be friends with one?" Rarity asked, her heart pounding in her chest as she awaits Twilight's answer.
Twilight takes a deep breath as she answers, a bit of sadness in her voice as she looks at Rarity. "I don't think those monsters can ever be befriended, even if they could. I can't forgive them for what they did to Celestia, Cadence, and my brother," Twilight said, causing Rarity's ears to droop down.
"Oh, I see," Rarity said as she looked down at her coffee. Rarity tries to think of another question but can't, she had hoped that her most studious friend wouldn't be so closed-minded, so she was a bit in shock.
"Why do you ask, Rarity, if you don't mind me asking?" Twilight asked.
"The whole ordeal kind of scared Sweetie Belle, and I told her that I'd protect her. Then I just thought maybe they can be befriended," Rarity replied as she sipped her coffee.
Twilight smiled as she gave a slight nod. "That's very sweet of you, Rarity, but I highly doubt they'll listen to reason," the purple unicorn said as she finished her cup of coffee and placed some bits on the table.
"I know, it's just a thought," Rarity replied as she took out her bits and paid for her coffee.
"So is that all you wanted to talk to me about or was there anything else you wanted to discuss with me?" Twilight asked, prompting Rarity to shake her head.
"That's all, darling. Thank you for lending me your ear and picking your brain for a bit," Rarity said as she trotted off.
"Anytime, Rarity," Twilight replied as she waved her friend goodbye.
As Rarity trotted down the road, she took out a notepad from her saddlebag and began to write.
Twilight: is highly doubtful about the possibility of befriending the changelings and is livid for what Chrysalis did to her brother along with Celestia and Cadence. I don't blame her though, it was her family that was messed with.
Rarity wrote down as she walked down the street. Once she finished, she put the notebook back in her saddlebag and took a break by sitting on one of the benches in Ponyville.
Taking a deep breath she stills herself for what her other friends might say. As she sits on the bench she looks up in the sky, she smiles as the warm glow of the sun bathes her in its warm embrace.
"I know it might be fruitless, but I can still ask, I'm sure some of my friends will not mind," Rarity says to herself as she sees a rainbow blur fly across the sky.
Rarity chuckles to herself as she hops off the bench. "I wonder who that is," she sarcastically says to herself as she walks towards her destination.
She manages to catch up to Rainbow at the Ponyville tavern. "Of course," Rarity says to herself as she heads inside.
As Rarity approached the picnic, Harry greeted her with a friendly roar. Rarity giggled to herself as she bowed her head. "Hello to you too, mister Harry," she said as she sat down beside Fluttershy.
"Beautiful day for a picnic wouldn't you say, Fluttershy?" Rarity asked as she greeted her timid pegasus friend.
"Oh, yes, the weather is just perfect, Also my animals just wanted to do this so much today, I couldn't tell them no," Fluttershy replied as she took a sip of tea. "Oh where are my manners, Would you like a cup of tea and a sandwich, Rarity?" Fluttershy asked as she prepared to get a cup for her friend.
"I would indeed darling, thank you," Rarity replied as Fluttershy poured her a drink and handed it to her carefully with her wing.
"Here you go, I hope you like chamomile," the yellow pegasus said as she placed a small sandwich on the plate.
"I do indeed, darling," Rarity said as she took the plate in her magic and took a sip of the hot beverage. "Chamomile really helps calm the nerves doesn't it?" Rarity asked as Fluttershy nodded in agreement.
"It sure does, it also helps ease my fears of the changelings seeking vengeance," Fluttershy noted as Rarity's ears went down.
"I actually wanted to talk to you about that, I was wondering if you think they can be befriended?" Rarity asked as she set down her tea.
Fluttershy frowned as she looked at her friend, Rarity's heart leaped into her throat as she awaited Fluttershy's response.
Fluttershy sighed as she looked down to the ground. "I honestly don't think all of them can be befriended, but I do know there's goodness in every heart, if we just look for the bad then that's all we'll find," Fluttershy said as she looked back up at her friend and smiled warmly. "So, yes. I think that some changelings can be befriended, and I would love to have the chance to be friends with one," Fluttershy said as Rarity teared up a bit.
"I feel the same way, I know there's goodness in a few of them," Rarity said as Fluttershy nodded.
"I also can't help but feel that their queen takes all the love for herself, if I were friends with one, I would share my love willingly with them," Fluttershy added as she saw Rarity's tea cup was empty. "Oh, may I refill your cup?" Fluttershy asked as she gripped the teapot in her teeth.
"Yes, dear, I would love another cup," Rarity replied as she held out her cup.
Fluttershy poured more tea into Rarity's cup with a warm smile, After she sat down the pot she looked up at the sky. "You know, I was so terrified by the invasion, but I couldn't help but feel bad for the changelings, almost like they didn't want to fight, I know gut feelings can be wrong, but in most cases they're right," Fluttershy said as she picked up her tea and took a sip.
Harry the bear then let out a roar, causing Fluttershy to tilt her head. "Huh, what is it, Harry?" Fluttershy asked as Harry growled and grunted what he wanted to say.
"Yes, I do think it would," Fluttershy replied.
"What did he say, darling?" Rarity asked.
"Oh, he just said that if we did make friends with the changelings, the silk that they produce could help you out in your shop and make better clothes," Fluttershy said as Rarity smiled.
"I bet it would indeed," Rarity said as she sipped her tea, pleased to know that there are others who share the idea of changeling silk being used for garments.
Rarity finished her tea and sandwich and got up. "Well, I hate to do it, but I have to get going, thank you for the tea and sandwich," Rarity said as she turned to leave.
"Oh, you're welcome, and I know you must be busy, thank you for stopping by," Fluttershy replied as she waved Rarity off.
As Rarity walked down the road, she took out her notepad and pen once again, right under Rainbow's reply she wrote.
Fluttershy's Feedback: Fluttershy is very positive about it and knows that we're not all the same, She is open to being friends with a changeling and she and Harry seem to like the idea of changeling silk garments, It fills me with joy that they like that idea.
Rarity jotted down her thoughts as she walked, after she finished she put her notepad in her bag and headed for home.
Rarity enters her home just as Sweetie Belle was about to cook. A look of horror and worry spread on her face as she rushed in.
"Sweetie Belle, do be careful," Rarity said as she rushed in.
"Awwwww, you ruined the surprise, I was gonna try and cook for you for a change," Sweetie whined as Rarity smiled.
Rarity rubbed Sweetie's head. "That's sweet of you, but you know you don't know how to cook properly and safely," Rarity said as Sweetie's ears drooped down.
"I know, it's just you always cook for me, I wanted to repay the favor," Sweetie replied as she looked down.
Rarity then smiled as she stroked her sister's cheek. "You don't have to repay the favor, I love cooking for you, but what if I taught you how to cook?" Rarity offered, making Sweetie Belle smile from ear to ear.
"I would love that, thank you," Sweetie squealed with joy as Rarity got out the pots and pans.
"Now you have the heat set too high, you must lower it a bit, cook the food slowly," Rarity said as she lowered the flame and set the pot on top of it.
Rarity spent the rest of the day coaching Sweetie Belle on how to cook and which herbs and spices to use and how much, at the end of the session, Sweetie Belle smiled at what her sister helped her make, she hugged her sister tightly, thanking her constantly.
Rarity could taste the love coming from Sweetie Belle, the trust and respect giving it a sweet taste.
"So did anything come for me in the mail, Sweetie Belle?" Rarity asked as Sweetie nodded.
"Oh yeah, Sapphire Shores wrote to you, she wants you to come to Canterlot to discuss an outfit for her next show," Sweetie said as Rarity smiled.
"Hmm, I shall meet with her tomorrow then," Rarity said as she helped Sweetie Belle serve the dinner they had prepared together and enjoyed it at the table together.
Celestia's Clarity and Luna's Lecture
Rarity wakes up bright and early, the sun is just barely peeking out on the horizon as she gets her saddlebag and checks on Sweetie Belle.
As Rarity peeks her head into her room, she smiles as she sees her sister still fast asleep. She quietly shuts the door and walks downstairs, She takes out a pen and paper to write a quick note, and she reads aloud what she is writing.
Sweetie Belle, I went to Canterlot early, for I have some business there, I will see you when I get home. I trust you to go to school by yourself, love, Rarity.
She wrote before placing it on the fridge and heading out the door.
As she walked, she noticed several ponies waking up and going to work, no doubt Applejack was also up at this time and already working. "I'll have to talk to her sometime too, but I think I'll ask her and Pinkie when I return," Rarity said to herself as she approached the train station.
Rarity purchased her ticket and boarded the train, taking her seat as she looked out the window and thought about how to word her question to Celestia.
Rarity is so deep in thought that she doesn't realize that she has already arrived in Canterlot, She exits the train and makes her way to Sapphire Shores studio.
"There you are Miss Rarity, How've you been?" Sapphire asks as Rarity takes out a notepad.
"I'm doing quite well, You wanted to meet me to discuss a new outfit?" Rarity replied.
"I sure did, I have a new song coming out so I need something that'll fit, something astonishing," she replied as she put on a demo of her song.
Rarity listened to it with a smile on her face, "It's really good, so what are you looking for?" Rarity asked, ready to take notes.
"Well, I'd like to give you full creative control on the outfit, here," Sapphire said as she took out the demo and handed it to Rarity. "Take that, listen to the meaning of the song, and design an outfit that best describes what you envision, I trust you," Sapphire said as Rarity nodded.
"I won't let you down," Rarity said with a smile as she left.
Rarity takes a deep breath in as she mentally checks off her to-do list. "Ok, now I must talk to Celestia, hopefully she isn't too busy," Rarity said to herself as she started trotting to the castle.
As Rarity approaches the castle, she is stopped by the royal guards. "Halt, who goes there?" One asks as he and his partner block the way with their wings.
"It's Rarity, I was wondering if I could visit the princess, I have an important matter to discuss with her," she replied as the guards lowered their wings.
"Go on thorough miss, sorry for keeping you," one says as they return to their original position.
Rarity makes her way into the throne room where Celestia and Luna sit, enjoying some tea together. Celestia sees Rarity approach and smiles as brightly as her sun.
"Rarity, how are you my little pony?" Celestia asks as she uses her magic to bring forth another chair. "Please, come join us," she says as Rarity joins them.
"Thank you, Celestia, I'm doing well, and how are you and Luna doing?" Rarity asked.
"We are quite well, We just got through visiting with dignitaries is now we're taking the opportunity to use this free time to relax, Luna always loved our tea parties when we were younger," Celestia replied, making Luna blush as she brought up their past.
"That was years ago, dear sister, but I did miss them while I was imprisoned in the moon," Luna replied as she looked into her cup.
"Well now we can catch up, I've heard of a thing called Long Island iced tea, I think I should learn how to make it," Celestia replied as she handed Rarity a cup of tea and an hors d'oeuvre.
"That you, Celestia," Rarity said as she took a sip of her tea. "I do have a question for you and Luna if you don't mind," Rarity said as she took a bite of her snack.
"We don't mind at all," Celestia said as Luna nodded in agreement.
"Tis our duty to hear out our subjects if they have questions," Luna added.
Rarity looked down before she spoke. "Do you think changelings can be befriended, and that a changeling could be a friend to pony kind?" Rarity asked as Celestia smiled.
"Of course I do, as princess of Equestria, I must keep an open mind on such matters, If a changeling were to make friends, I would accept them with open hooves. I actually have a deep hope that Queen Chrysalis will see the error of her ways and meet with me to discuss open borders," Celestia answered, Luna rolling her eyes.
"I have to disagree, sister. Although having the changelings as allies would be beneficial, I don't think that they have any intention of being friends, They could backstab us and we'd be none the wiser with their shapeshifting abilities," Luna said as Rarity lowered her ears.
"How could you say that, Luna, as a princess you have to be open-minded and unbiased," Celestia asked, looking at her sister in shock.
"That's true, but as a princess, we should also look out for our subjects, even if that means making a hard decision, or have you forgotten?" Luna asked as the tension in the room grew heavy.
Celestia fell silent as the three ponies sat around the table. "Of course, I haven't forgotten, it was the hardest decision I ever had to make," Celestia said as she began to tear up.
"I'm sorry I brought it up, but I've had time to think on the matter and I decided I don't blame you, I blame myself, so don't feel bad," Luna says as she hugs her sister.
"But, do you think there's a small chance?" Rarity asked, causing Luna to break the hug.
Luna sighed, "If there is it's a very small chance, but I don't think it'll come to fruition," Luna replied as Rarity finished her tea.
"Thank you for your time, I must be going, I got other business to attend to," Rarity said as she got up.
"We understand, Please come by again," Celestia said as she waved Rarity off.
As Rarity walked back to the train platform, she took out her notepad and wrote under Fluttershy's feedback.
Celestia and Luna: Celestia has high hopes for our species to get along and hopes that Chrysalis will reach out to discuss being allies, Luna on the other hand doesn't think so optimistically and even raises a good point, though I know I would never betray my friends' trust intentionally, other changelings are loyal to the queen and will jump at the opportunity to please her.
She wrote as she approached the ticket counter and bought a ticket back to Ponyville.
After Rarity had taken her seat and the train took off, she went deep in thought until a voice snapped her back into reality.
"Fancy running into you, Rarity," the voice said as Rarity turned around.
Cadance's Comeback and Shining's Say
Rarity smiled as she saw the friendly faces of Shining Armor and Princess Cadance. "Oh, hello Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor," Rarity replied as she bowed.
Cadance giggled as she and Shining took the seat adjacent to Rarity. "No, need to be so formal, you can just call me Cadance," the pink alicorn replied as she sat down.
"And you can just call me Shining Armor," the prince chimed in as the train started chugging down the track.
"So what brings you here?" Cadance asked.
"Oh, just some business with Sapphire Shores, she wanted me to make a dress for her upcoming show," Rarity replied.
"Oh that's interesting, I can't wait to see what you come up with for her, your designs are all lovely," Cadance chimed in.
Rarity blushed at the comment, trying her best to remain humble and modest. "Thank you, but it really ain't nothing, I can just see a good design before I draw it," Rarity said as Cadance smiled.
"It's a talent few possess, but it is remarkable and the trademark of a real artist," Cadance replied, making Rarity blush more.
Rarity cleared her throat to change the subject, "So what brings you two on the train?" Rarity asked as she adjusted herself in her seat.
"Well, Shining and I have some free time after assisting aunt Celestia with some work, so we thought we'd pay Twilight a surprise visit," Cadance said as Shining nodded.
Rarity's eyes lit up as she smiled. "Oh, she'd love that, she always talks so fondly about you two," she said as she looked down. "Speaking of love, can I ask you two a question?" Rarity asked, seeing a perfect opportunity to ask them and get their thoughts on the matter she is concerned with.
"You just did," Shining said while trying to repress his smile. Cadance gently nudged him causing him to laugh.
Rarity snorted a bit, holding back her own laughter at Shining's joke. "You'll make a great father if you tell jokes like that," Rarity said, making Shining Armor blush and Cadance laugh.
"You got that right, Rarity, I guess he's just practicing," Cadance replied making Shining blush even more.
Cadance returned her attention to Rarity. "But regarding your question, of course, you can ask us anything, what's on your mind?" Cadance asked as Rarity looked down.
"Dreadfully sorry if this brings up bad memories, but I was wondering, do you two think the changelings could be befriended?" Rarity asked.
Cadance looked down with a solemn expression. "It does bring back memories, but it's ok, but if I'm being honest, no, I really don't think so, their queen used mind control on my husband and almost took him away from me, not to mention locked me underground by luring me in their disguised as Shining under the pretence of pleasure, almost took over Canterlot, and almost ruined my perfect day," Cadance said as Rarity's ears folded down. "I know some of my reasons may seem petty, but I do have other reasons, like I said, they almost took over Canterlot and the changelings seem unpredictable, I wouldn't want to be blindsided by one if I let my guard down," Cadance said as Shining began to gingerly stroke her back.
"But what if there were good changelings, do you two think you could be friends with them?" Rarity asked.
"Maybe if this was a perfect world Rarity, but there is no such thing as a good changeling," Shining said as Cadance nodded in agreement.
"Oh, I see," Rarity said, defeated by Shining's words.
"Why are you asking this question anyway?" Cadance asked, causing Rarity to freeze up. Nopony had asked her that since Twilight so she let her guard down a bit.
Rarity snapped out of it as she remembered what she told Twilight. "Oh, the whole ordeal scared my sister, Sweetie Belle, she's afraid they'll come back for revenge and I told her I would protect her, and I just thought that maybe there might be a chance to make peace with them" Rarity replied.
Cadance smiled and nodded. "That was sweet of you to try and comfort her, hopefully that hope is enough to bring your wish to fruition, but Shining and I are doubtful, as royals we know we have to have open minds, but the safety and well-being of our subjects must come first," Cadance replied, bringing up Luna's point that she had conveyed to Celestia not too long ago.
"I understand," was all Rarity could say as she took out her notepad and started writing. Under Celestia's and Luna's names and thoughts, she wrote.
Cadance and Shining Armor: Both Cadance and Shining Armor think it's nigh on impossible to make friends with the changelings let alone believe that any good ones exist, their reasons though petty don't seem as racist as Rainbow's, but are still discriminatory, though I still can't fault them too much for they share the same mindset as Luna.
Rarity wrote as the train chugged merrily on the tracks. Rarity put her notepad back in her saddlebag only to be seen by Cadance.
"What do you have there?" Cadance asked as Rarity smiled impishly.
"That's a personal matter, I can't go around divulging all of my secrets now can I?" Rarity replied with Cadance giving a chuckle.
"You're right, I'm sorry for being nosey," Cadance apologizes as the train starts squealing to a stop.
"That's quite alright, darling," Rarity said as they got up from their seats and got off the train at Ponyville station.
"I hope you two have a lovely visit with Twilight," Rarity said as she left Cadance and Shining Armor at the station.
"We will," Cadance replied as her and Shining waved Rarity off.
Rarity wandered the streets of Ponyville until finally coming to a stop at a public bench. She sits down to relax as she wonders what to do now. "I only have two more ponies to ask, Pinkie will most likely be positive, but I should still ask nonetheless," Rarity says to herself as she sits on the bench.
Rarity sighs as she gets up off of the bench. "Well, I better talk to Pinkie and get her thoughts," Rarity said to herself as she started walking toward Sugarcube Corner.
Once she arrives, Rarity sighs as she enters the door, causing the bell to chime. "Oh, hi, Rarity. Are you here for a cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin?" Pinkie asked, ready to get her the items.
Rarity thought for a moment, it had been a hot minute since she ate. "Sure, though I didn't come here for that, I could go for a quick nosh, would you be so kind as to join me?" Rarity asked as Pinkie brought out two coffees, a blueberry muffin, and a chimicherrychanga.
"I would love to, Rarity," Pinkie said as she set the items down on one of the many tables in the establishment. "So you came here to ask me if the changelings could be befriended?" The pink earth pony asked, causing Rarity's mouth to drop before releasing a slight giggle.
"How on Earth did you know, darling or do I even want to know?" Rarity playfully asked as she sat at the table that Pinkie had parked at, Pinkie was facing her with a Chesire grin, basking in her friend's shocked expression.
"Just a hunch," Pinkie exclaimed as Rarity rolled her eyes with a sly smile.
"Of course," Rarity replied as she picked up her cup of coffee and took a sip. "So do you believe that the changelings can be befriended?" Rarity asked
"Of course I do," Pinkie exclaimed as she dug into her chimicherrychanga in the absence of utensils.
Rarity smiled, she was ecstatic that her assumption was correct, but she wouldn't sleep well if she didn't dig deeper. "So you don't hate them for the invasion or even fear them?" Rarity asked, digging into her muffin.
"Not too much, I fear that they could betray us, but I like to keep an open mind, and no I don't hate them, they're just following the wrong crowd," Pinkie said as she looked up, cherry paste covering her face. "Besides, you can't worry about what-ifs, if you do you miss out on all the good possibilities," Pinkie continued.
Rarity giggled a bit. "I think the same thing," Rarity replied as she picked up a napkin and helped Pinkie wipe her face. "I'm glad you think this way Pinkie, Sweetie Belle has been so scared that they could come back, so I thought I'd put the idea of making friends with them" Rarity continued.
"Awwwwwww, that's sweet of you to try and comfort her like that," Pinkie cooed as she downed her coffee. "So how did other ponies respond?" Pinkie asked
Rarity nodded as she took another sip. "I got mixed results, some in favor, some against, but If you don't mind me asking, why are you so on board with becoming friends with them?" Rarity asked as Pinkie smiled.
"Simple silly, I bet they'll be great bakers, they can literally put love in all the goodies making them ten times better, at least I hope they can, also I hope they could teach me how to change my appearance," Pinkie said as Rarity looked at her curiously.
"Change your appearance, but you don't have a horn, how would you cast it?" Rarity pointed out, Pinkie still smiling.
"Zecora can do magic and potions, so I could probably learn to cast the spell without a horn, or maybe Twilight can find a spell to give me that power, just think of the surprises you could do with it," Pinkie interjected.
Rarity nodded in defeat, Pinkie's logic outweighed her own. "That's true," Rarity conceded as she drank her coffee. "And you also think they can really cook with love?" Rarity asked as Pinkie nodded eagerly.
"I really do," Pinkie said, licking her lips just thinking about the possibilities if it were true. "Just think of the expression being literal," Pinkie said before realizing. "Oh, they could also supply you with silk for your dresses, and literally put the love in your tlc rule," Pinkie added.
Rarity chuckled to herself as she put down her empty coffee cup. "You have a point there, and I'm sure it might be possible," Rarity said as she finished the last bit of her muffin. "Thank you for letting me pick your brain, darling," Rarity said as Pinkie smiled.
"You didn't pick my brain, silly," Pinkie said, causing Rarity to laugh.
"You know what I mean, Pinkie, thank you for answering my questions," Rarity said as Pinkie chortled.
"I know, and anytime, Rarity, we should do this again," Pinkie replied as she got up and took the cups to the wash.
Rarity got up from the table and peeked her head into the kitchen. "Well, Darling, I hate to go, but I must get going," Rarity called out to Pinkie.
"Ok, Rarity, drop by anytime," Pinkie called back, washing the cups thoroughly in the sink.
Rarity left Sugarcube Corner and trotted down the street, as she walked she took out her notepad and wrote under Cadance and Shining's reply.
Pinkie Pie: Pinkie seems overly excited about the idea, she is aware of the risks, but seems to trust her instincts enough. She believes that changelings can cook with love, I'll have to try this myself when I cook again, though I may already be doing it subconsciously, I have one more pony to ask about this matter, if her view is positive, I'll at least come out to my friends and maybe my sister.
Rarity jotted down as she walked. After writing down Pinkie's reply she came to a stop at a bench. Sitting down, Rarity took a deep breath as her heart pounded, anxiety kicking in as she thought about how Applejack would respond. She remembers how she got attacked the most during the changeling attack, being dog-piled by a mass of them.
"Calm down, Rarity. Applejack is a sensible mare, I don't think she would let personal feelings outweigh logic," Rarity said to herself as she got up and started trotting towards Sweet Apple Acres
Rarity arrives at Sweet Apple Acres just as the sun begins to set, she is greeted by the sight of Big Mac and Apple Bloom taking baskets of Apples into the barn. "Good afternoon, is Applejack around?" Rarity asked as she approached the two apple siblings.
"Eeyup," Big Mac replied, giving no further answer being a stallion of few words.
"She's out in the orchard, gatherin' the last bit of apples," Apple Bloom added as the two started putting the apples into crates.
"Thank you, darling," Rarity said as she went into the orchard, her heart pounding in her chest.
Rarity quickly locates Applejack, finding her as she bucks the last tree and gathers its fresh fruit.
"A hard worker as always, huh darling?" Rarity said as she approached, "Would you like any help?" The seamstress offered.
"If it ain't any trouble, sure, thank ya, partner," Applejack replied as Rarity picked up the basket.
"It ain't any trouble at all," Rarity replied, surprising the orange farm pony as she did.
"Wow, I didn't expect you to use that word Rare," Applejack replied, walking beside her friend.
"What word, ain't?" Rarity asked, prompting Applejack to nod.
"I figured you'd be one of those that say it ain't a word," Applejack replied.
"I don't use it often, the only other time I used it today was on the train back to Ponyville when talking to Cadance and Shining Armor, but I wouldn't say it's not a word," Rarity replied.
"Why not?" Applejack asked, positive she already knew the answer.
"Because it is a word, it was actually used by the upper class in the Victorian era of Equestira, but once the lower class started using it, it became controversial," Rarity replied as Applejack nodded.
"Yeah, that's true," Applejack said as they reached the barn.
Big Mac and Apple Bloom were nowhere to be seen, so Rarity took this opportunity to ask Applejack what she had asked countless ponies already.
"Applejack, mind if I ask you a question?" Rarity asked as she set down the basket.
"Not at all, what's on your mind, sugarcube?" Applejack replied.
Rarity took a deep breath to prepare herself. "Do you think it's possible to make friends with the changelings, Sweetie Belle is scared and I just thought —------,"
"No," Applejack said, cutting Rarity off.
"B-but what if there's a possibility?" Rarity asked, her heart sinking into her chest.
"There ain't no possibility, they are cowards and manipulators, they rely on tactics like disguises and attack from behind in a figurative sense, they don't have enough honor just to do it in their true form," Applejack said, getting more and more aggravated at the thought.
"But not all changelings are like that, there has to be a---------" Rarity replied, tears forming in her eyes.
"YES, ALL OF THEM ARE LIKE THAT!" Applejack snapped at Rarity. Calming down and lowering her voice, Applejack looked at Rarity. "They are deceitful, yellow-bellied cowards that use dishonest tactics just to get close to you, if they have any guts or honor they would just attack rather than disguise themselves as somepony you love. I can understand if they're evil, but I can't stand their methods and can't bring myself to fathom forgiving them for being friends with them, let alone one," Applejack let off a tangent as Rarity started to sniffle.
"I-I see," Rarity said as she ran off, her notebook falling out of her saddlebag.
"Rarity, I hope you-----" Applejack tried to talk to her, but Rarity couldn't take anymore.
"I just wanted to help my sister feel better, but never mind," Rarity replied, running off.
Applejack noticed that Rarity's notebook had fallen out and lay open on the ground, she couldn't help but see what was scribbled on the pages, and as she read what little she could her jaw dropped open and she began to tear up as she picked up the book and closed it.
Rarity returned home with puffy eyes and locked herself in her room, she hung up her saddlebag and laid on her bed, crying into her pillow. She had hoped to come out to her friends, but now it seems like she has to die with this secret.
Rarity hears a knock on her door accompanied by a voice. "Rarity, are you ok, sis," the little voice called out.
Rarity slightly opened the door and peeked through the crack. "Yes Sweetie Belle, I'm ok," Rarity replied.
"I just wanted to tell you that I'm headed out to Scootaloo's place for our sleepover, but why are you crying?" she replied as Rarity nodded.
"It's nothing to concern yourself, Sweetie, I'll be ok. Thank you for telling me, you just go have fun with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo now," Rarity replied. Rarity comes out of her room and gives her sister a hug and a kiss on the forehead. "Be careful walking over there," Rarity added as Sweetie Belle nodded before trotting off.
Rarity watched her sister trot off as she wiped her tears from her eyes. "I better write down Applejack's reply before I forget," Rarity said to herself as she dug into her saddlebag.
As she dug, her heart dropped and her eyes widened, she grabbed the saddlebag with her magic and hastily poured out the contents on the floor.
"No no no no," Rarity panicked as she scanned the contents. "Sapphire's song, strong, design blueprints pin cushions, no, it's not here. Oh sweet Celestia I hope I didn't leave it on the train, if anypony were to read it, I would be exposed and hunted down," Rarity says to herself as she lists off what is in there. Rarity starts to hyperventilate as her mind starts to race.
"Hopefully I can go to the train and check, I just don't like flaunting my beauty like that often, but I might need to," Rarity says to herself.
Just as Rarity was about to leave, she heard a knock at her door. She takes a deep breath as she goes downstairs and opens the door, her face going pale and her eyes widening as she sees the pony standing before her.
Rarity stands there shocked as she sees Applejack standing before her.
"A-Applejack, what brings you here?" Rarity asked as Applejack dug into her saddlebag.
"This fell out of yer bag at the farm," Applejack said as she pulled out Rarity's notebook.
Rarity's eyes widened with fear as she took it back. "Thank you, I thought I'd lost it somewhere else," Rarity replied as she tried to rush the conversation.
"May I come in, Rarity?" Applejack asked, her voice heavy and serious.
Rarity darted her eyes, trying to think of a reason to decline. "I would love to have you, darling, but I must get to work on Sapphire Shore's dress," Rarity replied as she tried to shut the door.
"Please, Rare, it's important," Applejack said while taking off her hat.
Rarity sighed as she widened the door. "Come in," she said.
Applejack made her way into Rarity's house and waited for her to close the door.
"I wanted to talk to you about what you asked me at the farm, I didn't mean to make ya cry like that," Applejack said as Rarity looked at her.
"It's fine, Aj, I was just asking if it were possible so I could comfort Sweetie Belle, but I know that it might not be," Rarity replied, anger starting to creep into her voice.
Applejack looked down as she sighed. "I think you're not just askin' for Sweetie Belle's sake," Applejack replied, causing Rarity to get nervous
"W-what makes you say that?" Rarity asked, her eyes darting left and right.
"Rarity, are you a changeling?" Applejack asked as Rarity's eyes widened.
"Heaven's no, what makes you ask that?" Rarity asked as she chuckled, hoping Applejack would buy it.
Applejack looked at Rarity and raised an eyebrow. Rarity, you should know by now you can't lie to me," Applejack said as Rarity sighed.
"Fine. I'm just lucky Sweetie is at a sleepover," she said as she enveloped herself in green fire and dropped her disguise. "How did you know?" She asked.
"When you ran off crying and accidentally dropped your notebook, it fell open and I saw what you had written," Applejack said as she looked down.
"YOU READ MY PRIVATE THOUGHTS?!!" Rarity yelled out, offended that one of her closest friends would do such a thing.
"I'm sorry, Rarity, but let me explain," Applejack said.
"You explained enough, you think us changelings are just as you put it " yellow bellies, I want you out of my…."
As Rarity was talking, Applejack enveloped herself in green fire revealing herself as a changeling too.
Rarity's mouth stood agape as Applejack looked at her with tears in her eyes. "I thought I was the only one," Applejack said as her friend found herself at a loss for words.
Rarity shook off her shock. "Y-you're a changeling too?" She asked as Applejack nodded.
"I am, and I do think ponies can become friends with us," Applejack replied as she looked down.
"But why were you so harsh when I asked you if changelings could be befriended?" Rarity asked.
"Because I hate that I have to hide just so I don't scare anypony, that I have to keep this secret from mah own family that took me in so many years ago," Applejack said as she began to cry.
Rarity levitated a tissue over to Applejack so she could wipe her tears. "That's why I was asking, I too hate to be in a disguise all the time," Rarity said as Applejack took the tissue and blew her nose.
"Judging by what you have written down, it seems the negatives outweigh the positives," Applejack said as Rarity sat next to her.
"Unfortunately yes, there are valid reasons, but it's just mostly out of fear that nopony wants to think about the possibility of becoming friends with changelings," Rarity said as she put a hoof on Applejack's shoulder.
"Yeah," Applejack replied. "The only pony that seems really keen on the idea is Pinkie Pie," Applejack said.
"Yeah," Rarity replied as she started to giggle. "Can you believe she thinks we can actually use love as an ingredient in cooking or baking?" Rarity asked, making Applejack smile.
"Yeah, I would say that's just Pinkie being Pinkie if she wasn't right," Applejack replied, causing Rarity to drop her jaw in shock again.
"You mean it's true?" Rarity asked, surprised that changelings could use their love as an ingredient.
"Oh yes, we can literally infuse the love we gather and infuse it into any edible or craft, like your sewing," Applejack replied as Rarity fell silent in thought. "You really didn't know?" Applejack asked as Rarity sheepishly grinned.
"I just thought it was skill," Rarity replied.
"It still is, but with added flare so to speak," Applejack reassured her as she smiled.
Rarity sighed as she looked down. "So what do you think we should do?" Rarity asked, scared knowing that she may already know the answer.
"I think we should remain hidden, at least for a while, with Chrysalis still out there, ponies are fearful of us, the fact that we can bear elements of harmony might be enough to persuade them, but fear is an ugly disease, and equal in power to love," Applejack said as Rarity nodded.
"I was afraid you were going to say that, but I agree with you," Rarity replied as she looked at her notes.
"I would put those somewhere safe so nopony can see them," Applejack said as Rarity looked at her.
"I'll do just that," Rarity replied.
Rarity started to tear up again, Applejack seeing this came up and hugged her.
"I know you wanted to come out, I do too, but now is not the right time, but at least we have each other now," Applejack said as Rarity smiled.
"I guess that's true, hiding this secret will be a lot easier now," Rarity replied as Applejack continued to hug her.
Breaking the hug, Applejack put on her disguise again. "I hate to go, but I gotta get back to the farm, gotta get up early, but if you ever need to talk, just let me know," Applejack said as Rarity nodded and put on her disguise.
"I will, darling, be safe going back," Rarity replied as she escorted Applejack out the door.
Once Applejack left, Rarity went upstairs and sat her notebook down on the table, after debating on what to do she opened a little safe she had hidden under her desk, after putting in the code she opened the safe and put her notebook inside before sealing it shut with a smile on her face.
As Rarity walked into the tavern, she was greeted with the blaring music coming from DJ-Pon3's soundboard, causing some ponies to dance and others just bobbing their heads. Rarity quickly spots Rainbow Dash leaning on the side of the bar, chugging down a cider.
Rarity makes her way to the bar gently squeezing through a crowd of ponies as they dance to the beat of the music. She finally reaches the bar and rummages through her saddlebag and takes out ten bits, she places the gold coins down on the counter and looks at the bartender. "Another one for my friend and one for me please," Rarity said, causing Rainbow to look back at her.
"Oh, hey, Rarity, I didn't expect to see you here, I've always invited you but you told me you were busy or that this place was uncouth," Rainbow said in surprise, her mouth agape as the bartender brought them their drinks
"Yeah, I know, but I must say it seems pretty pleasant," Rarity said as she took a sip of her cider. "I just decided to drop by, I actually want to talk to you though, but can we go somewhere quieter?" Rarity asked as Rainbow nodded.
"Sure, let's just drink out cider first," Rainbow replied as she grabbed the cider that Rarity bought for her and began to chug, as she chugged, some cider started spilling from the sides of her mouth as she swallowed the liquid.
Rarity drank hers slowly, savoring the flavor and sipping a bit of the love Rainbow emitted as she drank her cider, it was stronger when mixed with alcohol and gave Rarity a little buzz.
Rainbow slammed her mug down when she finished drinking her cider, letting out a huge belch, "Oh, excuse me," Rainbow said as Rarity finished her mug shortly after she had set her mug down.
"Come on, Rare, I know a good quiet place," the multicolored pegasus said as she led Rarity out of the tavern and behind the establishment.
Rarity followed close behind, her heart pounding as she pondered on what Rainbow would say.
"So what did you want to talk about?" Rainbow asked as she leaned against the wall and belched, the smell of cider lingering on her breath. "Pardon," she says as she covers her mouth.
Rarity waves off the smell, smiling slightly knowing Rainbow at least pardoned herself.
"I wanted to talk to you about the changeling," Rarity said nervously.
Rainbow's eyes widened as she heard her friend mention those creatures, her eyes flared up as she remembered the battle between them and her friends. "Why would you want to talk about those insects?" Rainbow asked, Rarity's ears dropped as she heard her reply, her heart aching with the fact Rainbow was this hostile.
"I was wondering if you thought it would be possible to befriend the changelings," Rarity answered.
"Befriend those moths? Please, their queen orders them around like pawns, they know nothing about loyalty or friendship, and they'd stab us in the back as soon as they had the chance," Rainbow said, going off into a tangent about the changeling race.
Rarity's eyes drooped down and her eyes teared up a bit, "You really think so?" Rarity asked as Rainbow looked at her.
Rainbow sighed as she saw the sadness in Rarity, she put a hoof on her friend's shoulder and sat down beside her. "Look, Rare, it's nice that you think there is a chance, but I don't see it that way, they obviously don't have any intention on becoming friends, if they did, they would have stood up against Chrysalis," Rainbow said as Rarity sniffed a bit.
"I guess you're right, Rainbow," Rarity said, the feeling of defeat traveling through her body.
Rainbow hugged her, pulling her close as she comforted her with her wing. "But yeah, if there is a chance, I would try to have an open mind," Rainbow said as Rarity forced a smile.
"You would?" Rarity asked as she looked at the multicolored pegasus.
"Yeah, but I can't say for certain until that time comes," Rainbow said as she sat back up. "Come on, I'll buy you another drink," she says as she heads back into the bar.
"That's alright, I have other things to do, but some other time perhaps," Rarity replied as she walked off, Rainbow waving her off.
"Ok, see you around," Rainbow said before stumbling back into the tavern.
Rarity walks back to the bench she was sitting at trying not to cry as she fights back tears, When she gets to the bench she sits down and takes out her notebook, she readies her pen and writes under Twilight's take.
Rainbow Dash: Is doubtful like Twilight, but is a bit more biased and frankly, a little racist. She sees us as nothing but bugs based on her choice of words. Hopefully, her mind may change when and if I come out, but for right now I'll be wary of her. Hopefully, it was more the two ciders she chugged that were talking and personal feelings rather than her genuine thoughts.
The alabaster unicorn wrote down. After she finished she put her notepad up and looked up at the sky, wondering who to ask next. Looking at the clock tower Rarity noticed that it was now four o'clock, Sweetie Belle would be off with her friends for a while giving her time for one more visit at least.
Rarity sighs as she leans her head back, she had hoped that she would have had more positive answers rather than negative ones. She gets up and wonders who to see next.
"Let's see, I've already asked Twilight and Rainbow Dash. I suppose I should ask Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Shining Armor soon. I think I'll go talk to Fluttershy next," Rarity said to herself as she hopped up from the bench and trotted over to Fluttershy's cottage.
When Rarity arrived, she was greeted with the sight of Fluttershy and her animal friends sitting on a red and white checkered blanket in the yard, enjoying a picnic with little sandwiches and tea.
