Crystals Grow on Rainbows

"Alrighty! Let's get this party started!" Pinkie Pie pressed her hoof down onto the trigger of the cannon, releasing a flurry of streamers and other assorted party necessities. From there, she began her usual habit of bouncing around the town hall while it was transformed into a party wonderland. There was no particular occasion, apart from just wanting to throw a party of course.

"Mm mmhm! That there's the tastiest batch of cupcakes yet. Great work Pinkie!" Applejack made her way over to the seats near the stage with one of the delectable cupcakes, where Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash were in a hoof-wrestling match. The former needed to work on using her legs more often than her magic to get around; Dash was having no trouble beating the poor unicorn at the game. And while she had made them both look silly at the Running of the Leaves, this wasn't quite the same. "Hey uh, Twilight, mind if I show you a few tricks of the game? Looks like you could you them, no offence."

As her hoof hit the table once more, and Dash leaned back to gloat over yet another victory, Twilight sighed in defeat with a glance at Applejack. "Uh, sure. This was for fun anyway, right Rainbow Dash?" A half-sarcastic nod of glee came from across the table in response. Looking a bit contempt, Twilight got up to allow Applejack to take her place. Doffing her hat and laying it on the post of the chair, Applejack readied her hoof for the match. Rainbow Dash in the meantime casually leaned forward to meet the challenge, a wide grin on her face. Applejack was strong, but no match for weeks of solid training. This match would be an easy win; at least she didn't have to hold back for the sake of pride.

Twilight took up the role of starting the match, tapping the table hard with her hoof to mark the start. It began rather abruptly, both ponies struggling to adjust to the other's balance and weight. After the thirty-second mark had passed, it had settled down into a test of endurance, neither hoof moving from the firm grip. One minute, then two. Sweat had formed at that point, making it that much harder to maintain the hold. The stares too were just as tight, Twilight was very impressed that Rainbow Dash could keep her attention on one point in silence for so long. Three minutes, trembling muscles were setting in, and yet neither pony gave in. They had come too far to throw in the towel now.

"Whatcha doing?" Pinkie Pie's surprise appearance on the table caused both ponies to jump in fright, the intense hold released abruptly. A terribly disappointing end to what had become a full-blown match of wits and wills. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were about to prepare for a rematch, save for Twilight's timely verdict on the wrestle.

"I think that we can all call that a draw. Besides, it looked like you two were at the point of scraping hooves, that's a good result if anything." Fluttershy made her way over at that moment, rather put off by the crowd. Applejack and Rainbow Dash shook hooves before pulling up extra chairs for the other ponies. Twilight took the initiative as the sole unicorn there, bringing over a plate of cupcakes for them to enjoy. Pinkie had found a new way of entertaining herself, chasing one of the reflections from the disco ball around the table with her hoof. Dash was first to speak up about their absent friend, the empty space she left had become rather noticeable to her.

"Hey uh, where's Rarity been lately? All she said was that she had a dress commission in Canterlot, but I dunno if that's all there is to it." Twilight shrugged, as did most of the other ponies. Rarity was Rarity, Canterlot had always been her light to fly towards, and now she had been going back and forth on a somewhat regular basis. The unicorn found herself tracing around the table with her hoof at that point, rather to her embarrassment. Rarity didn't have a reason to lie about her visits, at least it seemed that way.

"She should be coming back tonight, I'll ask her if she comes by, otherwise it can wait for tomorrow. But right now, we should just enjoy the party. Which reminds me, mind taking Rarity's place as first song for the night Pinkie?" The eager nod was all Twilight needed before heading up to the stage. "I hope you're all having fun tonight! Unfortunately, Rarity couldn't make it tonight, but I reorganized the singing list, and first up we have... Pinkie Pie!"

Pinkie eagerly bounced her way up to the stage, immediately capturing the attention with her unique song and dance. It was sad that Rarity was missing out on a great party, but duties had to take precedence after all. Applejack decided to take a quick break for some air at that moment, the party kept the room warm in the cool, windy night, but she liked the fresh air after all.

*

All that was on Rarity's mind as she arrived in Ponyville once more was getting a nice and full sleep. Time to think, more like time to scream her lungs out into her pillow. What had she been pulled into? Sure, she wanted a filly of her own someday, but she didn't think that she'd be a Princess of all things. All those times she had waved off Twilight Sparkle's silly paranoia and worry about Celestia's ways now came back to haunt her.

We'd like you to be the mother of the new princess is what she really meant. Her head began to hang low again as her home entered her view. She wanted to design clothes for young mares and dashing stallions, and now that seemed destined to change. No more visits to all those parties with Fancy Pants for one thing. Though, was it all just a dream? Could she be able to wake up and find out nothing in the night had happened?

The wanderings of her eyes settled on Applejack for a split moment. She couldn't face one of her friends now! If they inquired about her night, there was no way she could come up with a reasonable explanation for her absence, aside from the truth. And Applejack especially wouldn't take to being lied to, and if faced with the question she would surely tell the others. And yet Rarity felt somewhat relieved it was herself of all ponies. They had differences enough, yet there was an undefinable friendship that always made her feel safe.

Now she faced the terrible predicament of seeking the comfort of her good friend, or trying to return home unnoticed. It did seem better to talk about it with a clear mind and rested body, so she resumed her walk towards the Carousel. Applejack called out a greeting of some sort at that point, over the ambience of the party Rarity couldn't discern the exact words. Once again, she felt herself at the decision between moving on and asking for help, even if it were just someone to let out feelings to. It was enough to bring on a sniffle.

Applejack reacted to the moment that seemed to be on the road to sadness by approaching the unicorn slowly. "Rarity, what's troubling you dear?" She sat down beside Rarity as she struggled to maintain her composure for a moment. Harsh reality was catching up, while she knew it was something she'd usually be ecstatic about, it didn't feel that way right now. Not so much the responsibility of becoming a parent, but having to make the decision of who to become a parent with.

"I uh... Found out tonight that, Celestia has chosen me to, have the Crystal Princess. And, I'm overwhelmed by this, though I believe that's clear enough." Applejack almost did a double take, save for the fact that her attention had been on Rarity the whole time anyway. Of all the things... And why Rarity in particular? Though, it would be very strange indeed to ask Twilight that. That filly had trouble enough enjoying social gatherings.

"Well uh, that's... odd. Celestia does some strange things though, and they always have a purpose behind them. I mean, at least she hasn't stuck you with Prince Blueblood y'know." A teasing nudge helped to lighten up Rarity's mood. Celestia definitely wouldn't make Rarity fall for anypony in particular. "Come on, how 'bout I walk you home, and fix you some tea while I'm there."

Rarity felt very blessed that Applejack was so nice in her time of need, after all her other melodramatic outbursts especially. As they got back up, she placed her hoof on Applejack's shoulder softly. "I know you don't like to lie, so if any of the others ask, don't feel you should. I'll tell them tomorrow, when I'm feeling better." Once they had reached her door, Rarity insisted that Applejack return to the party. It didn't seem fair to her at all to inconvenience her friend further. "Thank you again Applejack, I've always appreciated your support."