Target Acquired: Tickle Time!

Fury was headed home after his tickle playtime with Pinkie Pie and his two Pegasus friends. He felt satisfied about getting his revenge and teaching Rainbow Dash a lesson. Hopefully she's getting the picture about harsh pranks and keeping to her word. To be honest, he couldn't be too mad about how she used her expertise. She had just been out through the town's mock up Cookie Zombie apocalypse and she wasn't too happy about the outcome.

Sure, it was supposed to be a lesson on pranks gone too far, but that prank in its own right was pretty harsh considering she was left with tears running down her face after the fact. Either way, he had another target crossed off his list and another in his sights.

It was getting late as the sun was almost gone beneath the horizon. As he made his way home for the night, he decided to check on Rarity and made his way to the Carousel Boutique. Upon reaching the building, he peered through a window and, much to his expectations and disappointment, he saw Rarity, running around the shop, working like there was no tomorrow.

“I know she does take brakes, but she looks like she hasn’t in quite some time. I’ll have to give her some relief from that effort tomorrow. Plus, a lesson can be taught from this as well” He said as he pulled out his list and circled Rarity’s name.

“Target Acquired!”

–

The Next Morning…

Fury was out and about after some well deserved breakfast burritos from Sweet Bean’s stand in the town square and was on his way towards Carousel Boutique, the home/shop hybrid belonging to Rarity.

Rarity's shop was the first one Fury had seen where the owner actually could live above it, the kitchen and living space were just up a flight of stairs along with two bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. It was an experience to say the least, getting to see what ‘Living to work’ looked like in its entirety.

“Hard to‘Get Home After Work’ when they’re one and the same place.”Fury thought, chuckling to himself. “Well… better see how desperate Rarity is.”

“Check, check again. Recheck!” Rarity cried out as she rushed around her shop, making last minute adjustments to her new line of dresses. Sapphire Shores was visiting in just a few days, and she wanted everything in her order to be perfect.

Her work trance was broken when she heard the bell to her shop ring, indicating someone had entered.

“I’ll be just a moment!” She called out, putting the finishing touches on the final dress. “There, perfect! Now to check on my visitor.”

She finished and made her way to the door.

“Hello, welcome to Carousel Boutique. Where everything is chic, unique, and magnifique.” She called her usual greeting. “How might I… OH! Night Fury! Welcome! How are you, Darling?

“Hello, Rarity. I’m doing good.” Fury answered politely, looking around at all of the new additions to her shop. “How about you? You seem like you’ve been quite busy recently.”

“I have.” She admitted, with a touch of sadness in her tone. “I’ve had lots of big orders for some of my best clients this week. It’s had me running myself about as fast as Rainbow Dash flies.”

“I’m sure.” Fury replied, as they entered her living room.

He looked around the area at the dozens of material boxes and shipping containers that were scattered across the shop. Knowing that Rarity didn’t have any assistants, like Twilight had Spike, he could only imagine how rough it must be working alone. He suspected this was the case because Sweetie Belle, Rarity’s little sister, was usually out and about helping other ponies find their purpose in one way or another.

“A few of them have also put the orders on tight time restraints, so I’ve been going back and forth all week, today especially.” Rarity admitted, falling back on her fainting couch. “Truth be told, this is the most rest I’ve had all week.”

“And it’s only been about one minute. Rarity, hate to tell ya, but you gotta set yourself some ‘Me Time’.” Fury stated. “And… I don’t mean your regular spa visits, either. You need to take proper time to rest.”

“I would if I could. I just have so much work to do, Darling.” She admitted.

“You say that Wword again, I’mma make you regret it,” Fury playfully threatened.

“What’re you going to do?” She asked, slyly. “Dump a pail of water on my mane? It’ll take more work than that to get me embarrassed.”

She then covered her mouth, realizing she’d blown it.

“Alright then, looks like I'll have to take this little visit into my own paws.” Fury leaped over to Rarity and sat above her, his dark fur casting a menacing shadow.

Despite his menacing form, Rarity went with her instincts and went for her high-nosed attitude. It was only afterwards that she realized that that was a mistake, as it was exactly what Fury wanted.

“Well, this is certainly a very unpleasant experience. This is a very improper exchange, I might add.” She said in a very self-centered tone. This was exactly what Fury needed to prove his point right.

“Ugh, and there it is. You seriously have to get that stuffy attitude out of you. But maybe I can help you with that, and I have to warn you, this isn't something you can opt out of, Sweetheart.” He said with a sly smile.

He pounced on Rarity using his front paws to tickle her tummy. Rarity exploded in gleeful ticklish laughter.

“AHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! FURY, NOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!” She screamed, writhing in ticklish bliss.

“Too bad, you brought this on yourself, Sweetie!” Fury chuckled, before moving to her hooves.

“No, not there, Fury! NOHOHOHOHOHOHOT THEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHEREHRHRHRHRHE!” She screamed, as he found every ticklish spot on her hooves and gleefully exploited them.

“Yes, here~” He chuckled. “Hey, look at this!”

He reached to the side and picked up one of Rarity’s mane brushes that was nearby. Rarity shook her head pleadingly, but Fury ignored her and began to vigorously scrub her hooves with the brush.

“WAAAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Rarity squealed.

Fury continued this for five minutes before letting her go.

“See, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” He asked, playfully. “It’s okay to take a break every so often.”

“Well… (pant)… (pant)… maybe you’re right.” She admitted. “But, as fun as that was, please use a more dignified means in the future.”

“That's what I came here for. Well, partially. You seriously need to let that snuffy attitude go. You sound like you're constantly whining like a pansy. That type of talk only flies so far before somepony gets the right supplies to shoot it down. And to be honest, you've got holes in you from taking shots from everyone who's tired of it but you still think your tip top. Well, let me tell you. All that talk is like a mangy Chihuahua biting ankles, a tiny obstacle we can kick in the face and not feel sorry about it.” Fury said, bluntly.

Rarity’s face went red, as he’d really embarrassed her with his rant, as well as the impromptu tickling. She hung her head in shame because, deep down, she knew he was right. She had been acting high and lofty, and treating others as lowlifes.

“You have a point, Darling,” Rarity admitted, tears rolling down her cheeks. “I suppose I have been pretty arrogant lately. I never intended to be that way, though. I am truly sorry for this, Night Fury. Is there any way you can forgive me? Please?”

“Don't weep about it too hard, I’m just trying to make sure you get the point. Don’t act like you’re at the top of the pyramid when you know it isn't a welcome thing to speak of.” Fury replied, seeing himself out. “Until next time, gorgeous!”

“I understand, Fury. And thank you.” Rarity called out, before bidding Night Fury farewell as he walked out her door.

As he began his trek home, he once again pulled out his notebook, and crossed out Rarity's name.

“Target Down!”