Ever Growing Friendship

Written By: Cloudline Dasher

Edited By: Bytestorm

Chapter 24: Best... Possible... Thing!

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Twilight's head pulsed in pain, her sheer will trying to differentiate between reality and the imagery spell. Thankfully she had made it through the night at least, and spent the entire time under the careful watch of Celestia herself. Luckily with her being so close to the princess, the spell unaffected her image. Celestia pulled her young pupil close, pulling the purple mare's head against her chest, “Twilight, Luna will be back with news on the other Elements. Just hang in there...”

“Y-yes princess... It's just... all this time fighting off danger after danger, it's kind of hard to not do anything. Even if I know it is all fake, and there isn't really any danger.” Twilight let out a small sigh, leaning into her mentor.

Hoofsteps tapped against the marbled tile in the hallway, instantly making Celestia's ears flicker, hoping it was her sister. Twilight, even though she listened, kept still against Celestia in fear of another villain crossing her vision. Soon enough, a knock came to the door, “Sister, I came with news.”

“Come in, Lulu.” Celestia gently called, her voice still in her motherly tone.

Pushing her way inside, Luna held a forlorn expression, “I fear... only Fluttershy, and Rarity could be found. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were out on the town, and their last whereabouts were a local bar near the castle. They haven't shown back up to their rooms. As for Pinkie Pie, last I heard she was helping with preparations for the Royal Euphony, and is somewhere with Melodic Whistle. I have sent messengers to gather each of the Elements of Harmony, but I don't know when they will be found.”

Pulling away from her mentor, Twilight frowned as she gazed up to the white princess, “What did she say?”

Celestia grinned, hiding her sadness for her student, “Still hearing and seeing Lulu as Nightmare moon?”

Twilight nodded, a frown apparent on her own face. Celestia shared a glance with Luna, whom at the moment hung her head. Glancing back down to her student, Celestia stated, “We are having trouble finding all of your friends, but they should show up sooner or later. Don't you worry...”

The purple unicorn let out a sigh, resting her head back on Celestia's head in defeat, “Hopefully they will be found soon...”

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“You sure you don't want us with you?” Lyra frowned, watching Fluttershy head toward the door.

Shaking her head, Fluttershy frowned, “I'm sorry, Lyra... the princess warned me that Twilight may mistake us for villains... Let's not overwhelm the poor mare with a bunch of ponies.”

Lyra almost jumped as a gentle, comforting hand landed on her back. Turning to look, she was met with her loving stallion, “It's okay Lyra, let her go... It's probably best that only the princess's and the other Element's see her.”

Sighing in defeat, Lyra plopped herself down, “I'm sorry, but I've come to like Twilight. She's a very good friend, and I feel like I'm abandoning her by not checking on her...”

Fluttershy re-closed the door to their shared room at the castle, trotting over to her marefriend. Sitting down in front of the minty unicorn, Lyra was forced to look up as a yellow hoof guided her chin. Lyra grunted in surprise as her lips were quickly met with a pair of yellow ones. Before she could reciprocate the kiss, Fluttershy pulled away, “I know you care, it's why Trace and I love you so much... But this is best... okay?”

For a moment, Lyra simply shuffled her gaze in between each of Fluttershy's eyes. She couldn't help but believe what Fluttershy was telling her and ultimately nodded, “Okay, shy...”

Smiling at her marefriend, Fluttershy giggled, “I'll be back before you know it, and Twilight will be back to normal, you'll see!”

It didn't seem to reassure the minty unicorn much, but it was enough to keep her from saying anything else before Fluttershy left the room. Lyra let out a sigh as Trace wrapped his arm around his mare, “Twilight is tough... She will be okay.”

“I hope so...” Lyra pouted as she watched the closed doors that Fluttershy had exited through.

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A few hours passed, and Shy had yet to return. Trace sighed as he softly pet the back of Lyra's neck, “Say, how about we stop moping around and go somewhere, just the two of us?”

Lyra frowned as she raised her head, making Trace's hand fall to the bed, “While Twilight is suffering, you want to go have fun? I don't think so...” she replied, laying her head down.

Trace frowned, sitting up and turning around to face his mare, “Come on! I don't like it when you're sad and down like this.”

Gently shaking her head, Lyra scooted closer to nuzzle into Trace's chest, “Sorry... I just don't feel much like going out...”

“Then lets at least talk... What about Melodic Whistle, he treating you well?” Trace forced a grin, hoping to get Lyra's mind off of Twilight.

“Absolutely!” Lyra's ears instantly perked up, but then she blushed and giggled, “But I think he might be full gay.”

“Full gay? How can you be full gay?” Trace chuckled, giving Lyra an amused yet slightly confused grin.

Lyra couldn't help but giggle herself as she replied, “You know... Like only gay, and only into stallions.”

“You mean he isn't bisexual like most ponies?” the tall human smiled, as he returned to gently petting the back of Lyra's neck. Every once and awhile running his fingers through her mane.

“Yeah, he has this picture of a stallion and I asked around. Apparently he had a large thing with him, and he was killed standing up for stallion rights.”

Trace's brow raised in shock, “Is it really so bad that mares would kill to keep them the dominant sex?”

Nodding, Lyra let out a sigh, “Yeah, but lately they are the minority. They go to extremes to force everypony to live by their beliefs, but even the princesses stand up for gender equality, yet they just wont let go...”

Retreating into his own mind, Trace was baffled upon hearing this. He couldn't rightly believe that this level of severity existed in both his world and Lyra's, but he couldn't really say he was surprised. There were always going to be those who believe so strongly, only to try and force others to see the way they do.

Lyra's eyes watched her stallion for a moment. She grinned and pulled away to be able to fully see her stallion, “So, my turn to ask something! What about Rarity?”

“R-rarity?” Trace's brow raised, his heart skipping a beat, “What about her?”

The minty mare let out a large giggle as she nodded, “Yeah, you must have noticed her dress designs are colored like us?”

The bipedal human forced himself from frowning, settling on an unconvincing poker face, “Yeah... maybe a little...”

“Oh come on! What in the hay did you say to her, for her to suddenly use us as inspiration?” Lyra giggled once again, but as Trace's face turned sour, she calmed, placing a hoof on Trace's leg, “What happened the other night between you and her? I promise not to get mad.”

Letting out a sigh, Trace contemplated telling her. Glancing to meet his mares gentle eyes, his walls was quickly crumbling. Ultimately he finally broke, “Well, to be honest, She was the first pony I was willing to consider dating. I guess that it's one of the reasons it was so easy to give you a chance.”

“I knew it! Something happened between the two of you! Did she confess her undying love to you?” Lyra glanced down to the bed, her hoof tapping her chin, “Somehow I picture her doing something like that.”

“Not exactly...” Trace frowned, following Lyra's gaze to the bed.

“Then what happened?” Lyra looked up the same time as Trace, locking gazes.

“Well...” Trace frowned, fidgeting in place, “I told Rarity I wouldn't tell... Maybe you should just ask her?”

“If you love me, you'll tell me!” Lyra looked to her stallion in full seriousness.

Trace grunted, returning with a frown, “That isn't fair you know...”

Lyra smiled and giggled, “I know! Now tell me!” Lyra snickered, but as they sat there and Trace's face turned sour, she felt a pang of regret, “I'm sorry... It's just been bothering me, and I feel obligated to both you, and her. She's a friend, and I want to help if I can. You on the other hoof, I can't stand the idea that you are hiding something.”

Glancing off into the distance, Trace finally nodded, “Fine... I'll tell you everything...”

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The curtains were drawn, and Celestia sighed in relief. Up against her side, curled up in a tiny ball was her most faithful student, sound asleep. It was the first time the young mare had slept, and it was a great relief. Lowering her head, Celestia nuzzled her nose into Twilight's neck, earning her a contented sigh from the purple mare.

Knock! Knock! Knock! Celestia's ears flickered, her head lifting toward the door. Her eyes darted back down as Twilight stirred in her hooves. The white princess let out an uncharacteristic grunt of disapproval, but kept her calmness as she answered, “Come in!”

Fluttershy calmly stuck her head in through the door, “H-hello, princess... how is she?”

“She is doing okay... Better than I thought she would...” Celestia grinned, looking down to her student whom just lazily yawned.

“Hey, Fluttershy, Rarity.” Twilight acknowledged, watching as her friends stepped in.

Rarity smiled as she made her way over, “Darling, I hope you're not seeing anything too dreadfully scary!”

“Other than the mini Discord dancing on Fluttershy's head, I'm not seeing much else.” Twilight admitted.

“Meep!” Fluttershy yelped as she sat down, throwing her hooves over her head as if Discord was actually there. Twilight merely giggled as Rarity patted Fluttershy's back before taking a step closer.

Nuzzling her purple friend under the chin, Rarity spoke softly, “Dear, when was the last time you slept?”

Celestia couldn't help but let a sigh slip, her frustration from being up all night trying to comfort her pupil to sleep, was getting to her, “She was asleep for a little while...”

“Oh dear! Did we wake you!?” Fluttershy asked wide eyed, rushing over to nuzzle her cheek against Twilight's, “You poor thing!” Pulling away and turning toward Rarity, Fluttershy grabbed the white unicorn's hoof, “We must let her sleep! I didn't even think she might be asleep, we are so rude!”

A giggle escaped Twilight as she shook her head, “No, it's okay... but...” Twilight was cut off as a yawn forced its way past her lips, before she caught it and continued, “I am rather tired, so if... you don't mind?”

“Absolutely darling!” Rarity smiled, turning for the door, “Let's go Fluttershy! Let's let poor Twilight have her beauty sleep!”

“Good bye, Twilight! I hope you feel better!” Fluttershy added as she followed Rarity out of the room.

Twilight offered a wave goodbye, and was soon left alone.

After closing the doors behind them, Rarity and Fluttershy stepped down the hall and back toward their respective rooms.

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Upon entering the room, Lyra and Trace turned their attention toward Fluttershy. Trace had just finished explaining the entire night with Rarity. While Lyra took it in stride, and understood, she couldn't help but stare at Fluttershy as she entered. Neither of them got to speak as Fluttershy just smiled, “See, I wasn't that long!”

When Lyra and Trace didn't answer, it threw up a red flag and Fluttershy eagerly asked, “What's the matter? Did something happen?”

“Um... Fluttershy...” Trace forced an awkward grin, patting the bed.

Slowly stepping over, a pang of fear crossed the shy mare. They had never acted like this, and both of them acted nervously. Millions of insecure thoughts ran passed her mind so quickly, that none really even registered.

As the buttery pegasi jumped up onto the bed and laid down, Trace cleared his voice, “About the other night with Rarity... Something did happen, and well... it was just a kiss.”

Fluttershy's eyes widened in disbelief, and her eyes darted over to Lyra. Feeling guilt for blindly trusting and then leading Lyra to thinking the same. Her heart sank, and she opened her mouth a few times, but not a syllable passed her lips. Lyra threw up her hoof to stroke Fluttershy's cheek, “It's not what you think, Shy...”

“W-what... what do you mean?” Fluttershy looked to her marefriend, trying desperately to keep herself from breaking down.

“Tell her.” Lyra stated lovingly, motioning toward Shy with her head.

Letting out a sigh, Trace began, “Rarity has had a crush on you for some time now... She told me about Blue Blood and how she didn't like stallions any more.”

Glancing in between her two lovers, Fluttershy was calmed, but her curiousness was set ablaze, “I knew she hadn't dated since him, but I didn't know it was because of that?”

Lyra and Trace glanced to one another, before Trace continued, “Rarity likes mares, and she fell in love with you... Shy...”

Her eyes widened as a rosy hue flared in the yellow mare's cheeks. Fluttershy nearly jumped as Lyra placed a delicate hoof on her shoulder, “What about you? How do you feel about letting Rarity into our herd?”

No answer came as the timid pegasus hid half her face behind a wall of pink. Her heart puttered in her chest, but her mind remained on her white friend, 'Rarity... likes me? Rarity... likes me..?'

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Upon reaching her room, Rarity lay out the appropriate fabrics for the first dress. The designs and even the colors were chosen, but now creating the masterpeice would be a matter of using the alicorn sized Poniquin to create the appropriate size. Of course she predicted that even once done, she would need the Princesses to where them while she re-sizes them to make sure they fit just right.

Knock! Knock! Knock!... but the loud clunk against wood came on deaf ears as Rarity engrossed herself in tracing the design into the fabric with fabric chalk.

Once done with tracing the design, her magic illuminated as a pair of scissors neared the first piece.

Knock! Knock! Knock! The scissors snipped in the air, just barely missing the fabric. Rarity cleared her throat, straightening her mane before calling, “It's open!”

The door swung open revealing two mares and a tall biped. Rarity grinned at the sight of her friends, but it slightly faded as she noticed their nervous expressions. Lyra was the first to step forward, but she seemed far less nervous than the other two, “We have something we wanted to tell you, and ask.”

Lyra patiently waited for a moment, glancing in between her two herd members, but when they remained silent, she sighed and walked behind them and started to push. Trace and Fluttershy gave way as they wobbly walked forward.

“What's wrong?” Rarity nervously grinned, her mind already predicting what was happening, but her heart sputtered and prevented her from believing it. She had almost hoped that it was just something about Twilight, and not about her, but assuming by the look on Trace's face, spoke it all, “Trace, y-you didn't... did you?”

Trace let out a defeated sigh and rubbed the nape of his neck, “Sorry Rarity... I couldn't hide it any longer...”

Clearing her voice to gain Rarity's attention, Lyra couldn't help the small smile on her face, “I know I've asked you a long time ago, but we have been talking, and we would like to ask if you wanted to join our herd?”

Shock stricken the white unicorns features as her gaze jerked from the minty green mare, over to Trace and Fluttershy. She mouthed a few words, before averting her eyes, “I... don't know...” Rarity was a little shocked that was all that came from her mouth. Her eyes widened even though she kept her face pointed away, 'say yes you idiotically eccentric mare, you've been waiting for this moment and now you're not sure?!'

Rarity froze as she saw a soft yellow nearing her. She braced herself for impact, knowing Fluttershy's lovely voice was sure to follow, “Rarity, d-do... you really like me, as much as Trace said?”

The white mare's expression softened as she merely nodded. She winced as Fluttershy's nose ran itself under hers. Her heart thudded in her chest as a tender voice chimed, “I like you too, Rarity.”

“So will you join our herd, Rarity?” Lyra asked, giving a soft smile, “We would love for you to be with us.”

“It's okay Rarity, and if it's me you are worried about, I don't mind you showing all your affection toward just Fluttershy.” stated Trace.

“Yes... yes I will join!” Fluttershy squeaked as a pair of white hooves suddenly embraced her, along with a nose being pressed tenderly into her neck. She could slightly feel the droplets of tears soaking into her shoulder and neck, followed by Rarity's emotion stricken whisper, “This... is the best possible thing to ever happen to me.”

The yellow pegasi tenderly returned the embrace, glancing over the unicorns shoulder to smile at her beloved herd.

Author's Note

Well, here is another chapter. I'm terribly sorry once again for taking so long. I keep saying I will take less time to write these, but something always comes up. Anyway, hopefully it doesn't seem too rushed, and everyone is still enjoying the story.