Cosmo had not left the room all morning. Question after question had been thrown at him, and even though most of them seemed harmless, others were just straight-up an invasion of privacy. It helped that Celestia was merely observing, but Cosmo was convinced that her secretary, who was asking the questions, had no soul.

“Who destroyed your home?” The secretary asked flatly, magic quill hovering over her clipboard.

Cosmo flinched. It was still far too soon. He scoffed, leaning back in his chair and glaring at the mare. “None of your business.”

The secretary did not react at all.

Cosmo groaned, dragging a hoof down his face. “What do you want from me? I’ve only been here four days! You know, after helping to save your country?” His eyes darted to Celestia, hoping for some kind of intervention.

For the briefest of moments, her expression softened, though there was an uncomfortable smile that barely masked her unease. Cosmo could tell this was not entirely her doing. It made him feel better knowing this was the Council of Nobles pulling the strings. Still, it did not make the interrogation any easier to endure.

Just as Cosmo was preparing himself for yet another question, the double doors to the chamber slammed open with enough force to make the guards stationed nearby flinch.

“But we’re not done with him!” A male voice complained. Cosmo smiled.

Luna’s voice sounded much closer than it was. “Thou hast already wasted more of mine time than I shall permit."

Soon-to-be princess Luna entered the room in a flurry of purple, her expression regal yet tinged with mild annoyance. Several guards moved to intercept her, but a sharp glare from the Princess of the Night halted them in their tracks.

“Sister,” Luna announced, “thine guards are proving most bothersome.”

Celestia sighed in exasperation, pressing a hoof to her temple. “I know Luna, but the council has you on lockdown right now!”

“They dost a pitiful job of ensuring thus.” Luna quipped dryly, her tone carrying an edge.

“Finally, something interesting is happening!” Cosmo said.

Luna’s sharp gaze flicked to him, her lips curling into a faint smile. “Indeed.” She turned back to Celestia with renewed purpose. “Now, sister, if thou dost not object, I shall be taking Cosmo for further questioning. The Council’s methods are inefficient, and I have neither the time nor the patience to indulge their whims.”

Celestia opened her mouth to protest but quickly closed it, letting out a resigned sigh instead. “Fine, Luna. But do try to keep it civilized.”

Luna smirked. “Thou hast mine word,” she said with a slight bow, though the mischievous gleam in her eyes suggested otherwise. She turned to Cosmo, her expression now serious. “Come, Cosmo. Thou shalt answer to me henceforth.”

Cosmo blinked, irritation melting into curiosity. “We shall see about that.”

As he followed Luna out of the chamber, he could not help but glance over his shoulder. Celestia was watching them leave, her face unreadable once more. But this time, he caught a glimpse of something beneath the surface—concern or perhaps worry. He was not sure which.

Cosmo silently followed Luna through the halls of the castle. Every wall looked the same. He wondered how Luna hadn’t gotten lost but dismissed the thought. He would figure it out soon enough. Eventually, they reached a gorgeous flower garden, leaves and petals alike dancing in the wind and basking in the sunlight.

Luna stopped for a moment, muttering as her horn glowed. He saw the first spell for what it was – an invisibility illusion, but the second one was unknown to him. Cosmo added a second illusory layer as well, just in case.

“Excellent.” Luna said, “Neither question nor answer shall escape this garden. Dost thou understand?”

Cosmo looked thoughtful for a moment. “So, you’re saying that no pony outside can hear or see us?”

“Indeed,” Luna replied, her tone brisk. Her magic produced a long, ornate box, which she opened to reveal a sheathed broadsword. The steel glinted in the sunlight.

Cosmo leaned away from the future Night Princess. “And what’s that for?” He pointed at the sword resting in front of her.

Luna stood, immovable. “Persuasion.”

Cosmo laughed nervously, “oh, good. Nothing ominous about that.”

Luna’s teal gaze fixed on him, unblinking. “Who art thou, Cosmo?” her voice low and deliberate.

Cosmo’s heart skipped a beat, yet his face did not betray him. “What do you mean?”

“When I was Nightmare Moon,” Luna said, circling him slowly, “thou didst ask for pain medicine for a wing. Ponies do not simply say such things without cause.”

Cosmo raised a hoof in defense. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Luna’s eyes narrowed. Her magic gripped the sword, drawing it slightly from its sheath. “I am not a fool, Cosmo. Do not test me. If thou art no pegasus, then prove it.”

But the unicorn alias of a pegasus cannot do unicorn magic. Cosmo was about to correct Luna’s mistake but stopped himself before opening his mouth. Wait, she said nothing about an alias yet! I must be more careful.

“Fine,” Cosmo sighed, mind racing. “Touch my back, Luna. There are no wings there.”

Luna did not move. Instead, she swung the flat of the blade toward his flank—not hard enough to harm, but enough to elicit a reaction. Cosmo flinched, jumping to the side.

Luna smiled. “Any Unicorn or Earth Pony would know my blade to be harmless. Thy reaction betrays thee.” She paused, studying him intently. “I know of the alias spell. Reveal yourself.”

Cosmo hesitated, then sighed in resignation. “Very well.” He muttered, “you got me.”

Luna stood unwavering, but lowered her sword. “I suppose this is to be a secret of the highest order?”

Cosmo looked up. “If you would.”

Luna nodded. “You have my word.”

Cosmo dropped his alias in a burst of light, surplus magical energy streaking away from him in a destructive shockwave—one that would have done severe damage if not for Luna’s shield. She should have noticed, should have reacted, but the to-be Princess of the Night was stunned, completely locked in place, her wide eyes fixed on him.

He thought that such an explosion would occur, but was unsure before this moment. As an alicorn by nature, he generated lots of magical energy, but a unicorn body could not store that much power, so it stayed with the main body. This meant, that while transforming into Vesper, he would look like a Discord Ball Z character powering up.

Vesper now stood at his full height, and flexed his uninjured wing, the surplus magic still blowing his mane upward.

“Alicorn,” she whispered.

She did not move for a long moment, as if processing the sight before her. Her expression hardened, and her horn ignited, but she did not attack.

“Explain thyself,” she demanded, voice laced with steel. “Alicorns do not simply appear. Especially one of the Great Ones.”

Ditto, Vesper silently agreed, nervous about the blade that remained an inch from his snout. “I was born as one, I just chose to hide.”

Luna studied him for a long moment. The tension in the air could be cut by a knife. “So, thou art a coward? Lying to progress thine own objective? ‘Tis dishonorable.”

Vesper sat back. “I do not lie, but I understand why you would come to those conclusions.” He gestured to himself. “You and Celestia believed you were alone. And now, here I stand, coming from nothing. I would also be suspicious.”

Luna’s eyes narrowed. “If thou art truly one of the Great Ones, then prove it. Prove that you are no curse set on me by my Nightmare.”

That doesn’t add up, she saw the whole thing, Vesper thought solemnly. Nightmare Moon never cursed me.

There was something guarded in her stance now, an instinctual wariness. Vesper had to tread carefully if he wished to save whatever little trust remained between the two. He had a plan. It was a simple one, but Vesper was near certain that it would work. Good thing sunset was an hour ago.

He called on his domain – the stars – to aid him. Luna cast a protective shield. His horn became enveloped in a soft golden light, and the stars in the sky shone brighter and brighter. They became so bright that, for a moment, it seemed like morning had come eleven hours early.

“The stars obey thee?” she whispered.

Vesper nodded. “I am Vesper, Alicorn of the Stars.”

Luna’s shield dissipated. They were both silent. “An alicorn hiding among mortals,” she said slowly, “Why?”

Vesper did not skip a beat. “I did what I had to.”

“You have much to explain,” she said, her voice quieter now. “And I will listen. But know this – shouldst thou deceive me, even just once…” She left the threat unfinished, but Vesper did not need to be a detective to understand.

Vesper responded carefully. “It’s a long story.”

Luna took a breath, steadying herself. “Tell it. We have the time.”

Vesper then recounted his story from the beginning, trying hard to maintain a straight face when mentioning his parents. It was harder than he thought it would be. Although he kept a straight face, he trailed off multiple times, and Luna was noting every little slip-up he made. Eventually though, he made it to the end.

Vesper wrapped up his story. “After my parents teleported me, I ended up in a salon of some kind. That is where I created Cosmo and found those scissors.” Luna flinched ever so slightly. She likely remembered how those scissors felt. “When I met Twilight for the first time, I quickly realized how unprepared I was for this. I don’t even know where I am, nor where I was. Even now I am hopelessly lost, and I thought Celestia could help. Soon after though, you entered the picture. And you know the rest.”

Luna was silent for a long moment. Her teal eyes lingered on him, as if weighing everything he had said. When she finally spoke, her voice was quieter, almost hesitant.

“Thou hast endured much,” she murmured, her earlier sharpness dulled. “More than most will see in a lifetime.”

Her gaze flickered to the ground, her thoughts unreadable. “I dislike thy secrecy,” she admitted, “but now I understand why it is necessary.”

Vesper met her eyes, searching for any sign of resentment. Instead, he found something else—conflicted emotions warring just beneath the surface.

Luna exhaled slowly, her wings shifting at her sides. “It is strange,” she continued, “for so long, I believed Celestia and I to be the last of the great ones. That no others remained.” A sad smile ghosted across her lips. “And yet, here thou art.”

She did not say the words I am sorry, but there was something in her tone that carried the weight of an apology nonetheless.

After this, Vesper quickly switched back to Cosmo. Turning back to Luna, he asked, “Now what?”

Luna raised her head, composing herself. “I haven’t a clue.” She announced, “However, much is changing, and as a prince, thou must know a thing or two about governance, no?”

“I know enough,” Cosmo said, cautiously. “Why do you ask?”

Luna tapped a hoof against the ground, considering her words. “Celestia has a small army of advisors, and I am expected to find some also. Yet, I find myself with few whom I trust.” She glanced at him with narrowed eyes. “Thou art well-versed in statecraft, and thou hast already shown thy capability in battle. Perhaps thou wouldst serve as mine aide?”

She wants to keep an eye on me. I’m an uncontrollable variable, and that makes me dangerous. Cosmo thought. “You want me to serve as an advisor?”

Luna shrugged, the weight on her tone dissipating slowly. “If not, then an accomplice to keep the nobles from mine throat.”

Cosmo smirked. “Now that sounds more my speed.”

Luna allowed herself a small, knowing smile. “Then it is settled. Thou shalt be my assistant. Thou mayst still cut hair if it pleases thee, but I expect thy wit to be sharper than thy scissors.”

Cosmo chuckled anxiously. “I actually lost my scissors, so none of that will be happening.”

Luna sheathed her sword and tossed it to him. “Use this then. It was forged for me centuries ago by the greatest smiths and warlocks to ever live. Do not lose it.”

Cosmo caught the blade with magic and pulled the sword out halfway. “It’s a gorgeous blade.” Cosmo froze; cheeks reddened. “Are you sure this is appropriate?”

Luna nodded. “I do not use physical weapons anymore. You will put it to better use than I.” She also froze. “You speak of the ancient customs? I hoped yours were different. Belay them, this is only because you have need of a capable weapon.”

Cosmo shook the embarrassment away. “Yes, of course, but what about Princess Celestia?”

Luna groaned. “I will deal with her if she assumes anything. Just… be subtle.”

“I’ll do my best, Princess.” Cosmo said.

Luna’s tone became icy once more. “Very well. Go about thy business as thou wilt, but be present upon sunrise tomorrow.”

Cosmo nodded, then promptly left.

Cosmo was pleased with his new accommodation. Suddenly gaining the employment of a soon-to-be princess had landed him a nicer room, and much more freedom. Technically, even more so than Luna at the moment. While she was still under lockdown by Celestia and the council, he had escaped such containment.

It was in light of this that Cosmo roamed the outskirts of Canterlot. He figured that now was the time to get his wing checked out. He had been eyeing an empty clinic for some time, considering his other options. While this one may seem below him, the practitioner seemed genuine. He walked behind the clinic, ensuring no pony was around. He flicked his horn, and transformed into Vesper, creating a shockwave of magical power.

Vesper froze. He had forgotten that transforming was the equivalent of deadly radiation to earth ponies. Luckily, none were nearby. You see, magic is not much different than radiation. While all alicorns were immune to this effect, the pegasi and unicorns had some immunity as well. This is why Celestia and Luna did not surround themselves with Earth Ponies. They would die being near them for more than a day. The element bearers were immune as well, judging as they survived being near Nightmare Moon for so long.

When Cosmo met with Luna at sunrise, she was on edge, though she refused to reveal what plagued her. However, she did mention his injured wing. After teaching him a memory wipe spell and giving him some money – the amount of which was suggested by Celestia – she commanded Cosmo to get his wing checked. She then commanded him back to her immediately after his appointment. He cut to the chase and finally entered the clinic.

Despite the messy, run-down exterior, the inside was clean and orderly. The waiting room needed renovation, but his hopes were far higher than they were before.

The room was empty, and there was nobody at the desk. Vesper walked up to the vacant desk and awkwardly rang the little bell. The second he rang it; he heard rustling from deep inside the building.

A mature female voice carried from another room. “I’ll be with you in a minute.” The rustling continued for a moment, then the mare walked into the main room. She had a petite build, with a flowing forest mane, and a dusty tan coat. She wore a torn lab coat with a pair of leather saddlebags that had seen better days. “What can I help you with today?”

She finally made eye contact with the disguised alicorn. Her eyes were a piercing silver, and he debated if she could see his very soul.

Unfortunately, Vesper may have been right. Before he could answer, the unicorn audibly shrugged. “You’d think an alicorn would go somewhere a bit nicer.”

Vesper was baffled. “How? My illusions?” He took a small step back.

The unicorn gave him a look of understanding. “So you’re trying to hide?” Vesper was concerned. “Illusions mean little to me, I’m afraid. Do you want me to take a look at your wing? Those bandages look too old to be safe.”

Vesper took a deep breath. Well, that explains that, He thought, relaxing his muscles. “Why do you seem so undisturbed? It just doesn’t make any sense.”

The unicorn snorted, “True, most ponies would freak out at the mere sight of you. Fortunately, I am not most ponies. Do you want me to look at your wing or not? We are wasting daylight.”

Vesper swallowed his questions and nodded in affirmation.

The unicorn turned, “Follow me, then.”

Vesper followed the doctor back to a clean and orderly operating room. He eyed all the sharp equipment on the wall and gulped.

“I’m Dr. Hemlock, I’ll be your doctor for today, Medical law requires I do not reveal any and all personal information of the patient, blah blah blah, you get it.” Hemlock moved him to the center of the room without breaking a sweat. A great achievement in of itself, if you asked Vesper. “Stay still,” She commanded.

She moved the operating table to Vesper’s right wing, and cut the bandages telekinetically, revealing his wing. Without moving, Vesper moved his family photo to an empty table with magic.

Gently and carefully, Dr. Hemlock extended Vesper’s wing fully onto the operating table. “Damn, you really did a number on this.” She looked at Vesper’s face, which was locked in a painful grimace. “How long ago did this happen?”

“A week.” He grunted. Despite her careful movements, extending Vesper’s wing brought him a great deal of pain.

Dr. Hemlock smiled. “It’s fixable, then.” Without warning, she plunged a syringe into Vesper’s wing. Wisely, he refrained from moving.

“What is that!” Vesper asked with a grimace.

Dr. Hemlock pulled the needle out and put it in the disposal box. “Morphine. It’ll numb your wing and get rid of the pain.”

Vesper frowned. “That seems like a lot of morphine in one dose.”

“You’re an Alicorn, in case you didn’t notice.” Dr. Hemlock was pulling a new pair of medical gloves over her hooves. “Any less, and it just would not work on you at all. You should be thankful that I saw through your disguise.”

Vesper let out a relaxed sigh as the pain killer began its work. “Thanks.”

Dr. Hemlock nodded, and taking it as some kind of signal, approached his wing once more. “I’m going to fix your wing now. If it hurts at all, you need to tell me without freaking out.”

Vesper, still half-conscious, gulped but then nodded in acceptance. This process was inevitable if he wanted to fly again.

Dr. Hemlock silently labored over his wing for the longest fifteen minutes of Vesper’s life. Surprisingly though, it did not hurt him at all. Dr. Hemlock knew what she was doing. This clinic was the right choice.

The doctor in question finally broke the silence. “Did you fly into a wall? That took ages!” She went to put away more equipment. “But it’s set now, which means I can finally use magic to repair it.” Her horn glowed green, and magic surrounded his broken wing. After five more minutes, she stopped.

“Is it healed?” Vesper asked.

“Let’s see!” Dr. Hemlock said, a small mallet in hoof. She poked at the bones, satisfied to see that they were not moving out of place. After this, she tapped each joint with a hammer. She muttered some letters and words, and a magic quill wrote them down on a piece of paper.

She set the hammer down. “Your wing is looking really good. Alicorns must heal quick.” Vesper nodded. “You can retract your wing now, but no flying! You are not used to flying on that wing anymore and you will crash again. I want you to stretch your wing all day, and you should be clear to fly tomorrow.”

She was right, my Morphine high only lasted fifteen minutes, and the effects are all completely gone. Vesper sighed in relief, retracting his wing. “Thanks, doc. How much do I owe you?”

Dr. Hemlock tilted her head, “The morphine, plus labor… comes out to 120 bits.” Vesper pulled out the pouch Luna had given him. Five hundred bits filled the pouch. He handed the desired amount to the mare, who put it in her saddle bag.

“Why did she give me so much?” Vesper asked. Dr. Hemlock shrugged. “She probably expected you to visit a doctor in upper Canterlot, which are ridiculously more expensive. This treatment likely would have cost five hundred bits at those doctors.”

“I appreciate you, but I do think it’s time for me to leave.” Vesper said, getting a good look at the time. He retrieved his picture, then made for the door.

“Naturally.” Dr. Hemlock said. “If you need me, you know where to find me.”

The words for the memory wiping spell rested on Vesper’s tongue. He just had to say the words and it would be done. He stood outside the clinic for five whole minutes, ready to cast the spell, when he suddenly decided not to.

“Oh, whatever.” He said, scratching his mane. Telling the truth, Vesper liked this doctor, and he felt that wiping her memory would simply be a disservice.

Due to her lockdown, Luna was confined to her bedroom. This meant that Cosmo had to go there to speak with her. He knocked on the door. “It’s me, Cosmo. May I enter?” After a moment of silence, the door opened. Vesper walked in.

Luna sat on the floor, an open book hanging within her telepathy. “I trust your operation went smoothly?”

It was at that moment that Cosmo noticed that Luna was darker than when Twilight defeated Nightmare Moon. Bigger too. Her coat had darkened from a lilac to midnight, and her mane and tail showed the early signs of floating like Vesper’s and Celestia’s.

After standing there awkwardly for a moment, he slapped himself. “Yes, Dr. Hemlock said that I’ll be sky worthy by tomorrow.”

“Excellent.” Luna closed the book she had been reading and set it on the shelf. “This modern work disturbs me. In my time, writers spoke more highly of individuals in general, but these books that my sister recommended glorify unrealistic romance, adultery, and… conception of the most unholy sort.” Cosmo eyed the book. ‘Fifty Shades of Grey.’ Luna seemed to have only read the first chapter.

“Do you like that sort of thing?” Cosmo asked timidly.

“Thou art out of line.” Luna said sternly. “But no, these themes abhor me.”

“I thought as much. Reading that book might be a bad idea.” Luna asked why. “Well, I haven’t read it myself but several of my friends from home have, and they said that the things written in that book could scare God himself. It shocks me to think Princess Celestia is into this kind of thing.”

Luna nodded, then incinerated the book without question. “Such things are beneath me.”

Cosmo instinctively jumped at the sight of the flames. Still too soon, he thought. Composing himself, he changed the subject. “I suppose you didn’t call me here to talk about books?”

“No,” Luna agreed, then paused before continuing. “I’d like to ask a favor of you.”

Cosmo grinned, this could either be fun or terrible. There would be no in-between. “Let’s hear it.”

Luna cleared her throat. “My sister hath informed me about a ‘Grand Galloping Gala,’ a tradition stretching back about five hundred years. I believe that it will be a grand opportunity to introduce myself to the people of the nation. This event is happening tomorrow, just before sunset.”

Cosmo fiddled with his hooves. “Yes, I believe I have heard about this event in passing. What about this favor connects to the gala?”

Luna frowned. “Mine sister insists that I must ‘mingle’ with the nobility. Frankly, I would rather face another Nightmare Moon than endure an evening of self-important fools alone.”

Cosmo chuckled at this. “Luna, are you asking me to the Gala?”

Luna scoffed, glancing away, “If thou must frame it so.”

Cosmo was still getting a kick out of this. “If Celestia finds out about this, the teasing will never end!” He actually got a reaction out of her on that line, which resulted in Luna forcing Cosmo to promise to keep his mouth shut.

Luna waited for Cosmo’s fit of laughter to end before continuing. “Will you accompany me or not?” She rolled her eyes.

“Gladly.” Cosmo agreed. “Is there anything I must do beforehand?”

Luna grinned. “Very good! She seemed much more relaxed now. “As for your preparations, you must gather the appropriate attire. Firstly, as is tradition, you must wear the Waning Crescent. Secondly, I suggest going to Rarity to request a suit, Celestia tells me that they are the best of the best. Her boutique is in Ponyville. Quality comes with expense, however.” She pulled out a thousand-bit coin, and gave it to him, before pulling out two more, also giving them to Cosmo.

Cosmo was about to leave when he realized he forgot something. “What kind of dress will you be wearing? If we are going together, then it is customary that we match colors. Also, what is the Waning Crescent?”

Luna put a hoof on her forehead. “Ah, of course, how could I forget?” She went to her closet and came back with a dress on a stand, as well as some assorted accessories. “I will be wearing this. Also, the Waning Crescent is my sword, the one I gave you. The scabbard magically rests on your back, no need for any straps.”

Cosmo nodded. It was a simple silver dress. Modest, yet practical, Cosmo was willing to bet that Luna could probably fight with that dress. The accessories, however, were all meaningful in some way. There was a pair of matching corsages, which was relieving to Cosmo. He did not know his way around flowers. Also, there was Luna’s crown, designating her as Princess of the Night. All of this had a primary color of silver, with amethyst accents. Even his own horrendous taste in fashion recognized it matched Luna well.

Luna magically etched an image of the outfit and gave it to Cosmo. “Give this to Rarity. She will know exactly what to do.”

Cosmo nodded, departing from Luna’s chambers. “I’ll be on my way now.”

The flight to Ponyville was interesting. As soon as Cosmo was out of sight, he transformed into Vesper. After about a minute of unsteady flying, he got the hang of his once broken wing, and about halfway to his destination, he was back up at a reasonable pace. He would be in Ponyville before noon.

As he approached the cozy hamlet, he used an illusion to render himself invisible until he landed, transforming into Cosmo before lifting the veil.

To his surprise, the directions given to him by Luna led him to the very same place at which he arrived. A wealthy-looking stallion exited the building, giving Cosmo an eye as he passed. This was one of many reasons why he disliked nobles. They viewed themselves as higher than the commoners, when it was those commoners that kept the country afloat.

Pushing open the door, he saw the bearer of generosity giving a beautiful red dress to a pompous mare. No doubt another noble. Cosmo sighed.

Rarity took notice as soon as the noble walked away. “Cosmo!” She said joyfully, “I never thought you would find your way here! How have you been?”

“Oh, I’m feeling much better now!” Cosmo said back, matching her energy, “Canterlot’s been tough, but I have ponies that I can count on. And after Nightmare Moon, you’re definitely one of them.”

The praise obviously lifted Rarity’s mood. “So, are you here for something custom or an accessory?”

“Oh, I got invited to the Grand Galloping Gala,” Cosmo said. “I’m not the best at choosing a design though, and I thought you could help.”

“Oh, you don’t say!” Rarity gushed, “It so happens that I’m going too! Maybe I’ll see you there!”

“I’ll be sure to keep an eye out.” Cosmo fished Luna’s picture from his saddlebag.

Cosmo handed the picture to Rarity, who gasped. “Oh, it’s lovely! You will absolutely need something brilliant to match that! Fortunately, you came just early enough, it will be done by tonight, and you can pick it up in the morning. Now for the fun part!”

Rarity levitated her measuring tape like a swordsman brandishing a rapier, eyes gleaming with… passion, probably. “Now darling, hold still. We must capture every detail – no friend of mine shall be caught wearing anything less than perfection at the Gala!”

Cosmo grinned as the measuring tape whipped around him. “You know, facing Nightmare Moon was intense, but I think you might be scarier.”

Rarity gasped, raising her hoof to her chest in mock offense. She could not wipe that mischievous grin off her face. “Me? Scary? Darling, I am simply passionate!” She huffed. “You should be thanking me! I am saving you from the greatest nightmare of all: looking dreadfully plain at the most important event in Canterlot!”

“Oh, the horror,” Cosmo deadpanned, earning a playful swat from Rarity’s tape measure. She must have very few clients that let her be, well… her. And I’m happy to allow her to let loose a bit.

“By the way,” Rarity said, her glasses glinting as she eyed him suspiciously, “which lucky mare will be on your hoof for the Gala?”

Cosmo blinked. “Uh—”

“It simply must be Twilight!” Rarity interrupted, gasping. “No, the dress simply does not match!”

Rarity took another look at the picture. “Fluttershy? -No. Oh, what about Miss Cheerilee? A fine mare if I do say so.”

“Rarity—”

“Wait!” She gasped, her eyes widening. “Is it Princess Celestia?! No—scandalous!”

Cosmo laughed at her antics. “Rarity.”

“Luna?!”

Silence.

Cosmo stiffened. Uh-oh.

Rarity gasped, stars forming in her eyes. “It is! The dress fits her perfectly!”

Heat rising in his cheeks, Cosmo quickly slapped a hoof over her mouth. “You didn’t see me. I was never here. I don’t even know who I am. Got it?”

Rarity wriggled out of his grasp with an exaggerated eye roll. “Darling please. As if I would ever gossip about a princess attending the Gala with a mysterious stallion.”

“You absolutely would.”

“…Fine, you got me.”

Cosmo rolled his eyes. “Rarity, If I wanted to stay in Ponyville for the night, where would I stay? The trip to Canterlot is no small one, and I would rather stay put.” Of course, Cosmo could just transform and fly, but nobody was supposed to know that.

“Oh, just stay here, darling. I have a guest room that’s been out of use for ages.” Rarity said, now focused on a few different pieces of cloth. “Plus, I could use the company, and the help.”

“Thanks Rarity! You’re a life saver.” Cosmo said.

“Oh, and you would best steer clear of Twilight, she wanted to ask you to the Gala, but as you’re going with Princess Luna, that’s going to be rather impossible.”

Cosmo nodded. “Noted. Anything I can do to help?”

Rarity took off her glasses for a moment. “Darling, I lost my best pair of scissors a few days ago. If you could find them, I would be eternally grateful.”

“Uhm, so funny story, actually.”

Author's Note

next chapter is gala time YIPPEEE!
I used to dislike Rarity, but I like her a lot more after writing her. You'll see her quite a bit in the future.
Y'all chill for reading this far, thanks!
-Squid