Veiled Violet

A vibrant red ribbon stretched across the fading darkness of the predawn sky. A straight and noble arc like an arrow in flight. It had already crested and was beginning it's descent.

Flying towards ground level Violet didn't brake. She just folded her wings back against her body and dived fast.

With a boom she struck the water, sending a pillar of water up into the air.

Below the surface of the water she opened her wings again and stroked at the water with all six limbs. The red billowing behind her like a cloud of blood.

Griping at thick viscous water with her wings, the flow of water against her coat. Heat seeped away rapidly and the shock inflicted her with wakefulness.

Bursting from the grip of the water she lunged up into the air, a false start as she got grip on the air with her wings. Recovering she lunged up into the air. Rainbow mane trailing behind her.

Rainbow Dash cried out in triumph.

She was herself again. But better. Greater. The empty space in her life was filled in. Like she was whole and complete.

She took a few laps around the lake to dry off. Building a loop of rainbow as she went. She departed leaving the multi-hued halo in place.

* * *

Cardboard gripped between her teeth Rainbow Dash flew slowly and at a low altitude over the rooftops of Ponyville.

The last few days had been great. She'd had more focus. More drive. Like there wasn't anything holding her back. It had really helped her keep the usual property damage and crashes under control.

This morning she was doing something she didn't normally do. But it made her happy. It was something she should really do more often.

Landing in front of the boutique she carefully balanced the cardboard tray to make sure it didn't tilt. She rapped upon the door with her hard hoof.

Time passed. She anxiously trotted in place. Excitement. Eagerness.

The door opened. Had Rarity always looked this good? Her pale coat practically glowed in the morning light. Her hair was astounding in it's vibrancy as it wrapped around the curlers. Her eyes were brilliant as she rubbed the sleep from them. Her teeth so immaculate in the yawn she tried so adorably and vainly to hide.

“Eh bre' coo'ee.”

“Dash? You brought coffee?”

“Es.”

“Please, do come in,” Rarity eventually answered after a moment of blank incomprehension. The unicorn took the tray and stepped back from the door.

“Good morning,” greeted Dash as she made her way inside. Finally able to speak clearly. She caught and closed the door with her wing.

“What brings you by so early. And bearing gifts no less?”

“Just wanted to hang out with my best friend.”

Rarity nodded thoughtfully as she set the coffee down at her kitchen table.

Dash had to admit she could understand the unicorns apprehension. She probably wouldn't have ranked as her best of best friends before their little adventure the previous weekend.

But things were definitely different now.

The roguish aerial athlete took a seat across from Rarity and took her own coffee in hoof.

She took her time patiently waiting for the fashionista to wake up. It wouldn't help matters to push right away. Since she managed to distract herself by looking at her she was able to sit with almost no anxious hoof tapping at all.

About half a cup latter and after Rarity had managed to stealth fully remove three of her rollers.

“So, Dash. What exactly do you need from me?”

“Nothing, can't two friends get together and chat?”

“Just tell me.”

“Well there is one thing that I suppose I could ask you.”

“Ask away.”

“You see, I've really, really appreciated all of your help. And it's probably to much to ask...”

“Ask!”

“Could I get you to help me set up another date?”

“What?”

“Another date.”

“With Silver Stomp?” There was actual terror in Rarity's voice.

“No, just a date. I don't wanna... Do the relationship thing.”

“You just want another date?”

“Yeah?”

“With just somepony?”

“I can pay, if you want, all that stuff you use has to cost money.”

“No,” replied Rarity her expression taking on a very distant and strained quality.

“Please? I just... I want to try out being...”

The unicorn settled her head into her hooves.

“...that other mare. Some more.”

Her face fully obscured the unicorn just rocked her head back and forth silently.

“Is it too expensive? Does it take too much time? Please, I can help you someway if their is any problem, right? I mean, I don't really know how. But you can tell me if there is?”

There was a long agonizing pause.

“I'll do it. Sure. Sounds like a fun little project really.”

“Sweet! What do I owe you?” Rainbow Dash jumped out of her chair in triumph and persisted to hover in place under her own power.

“You, my Darling? You owe me nothing at all.” The unicorns voice grew distant again.

* * *

The white unicorn in the mirror removed her hair curlers while applying her eye shadow with practised. She had to admit that her efforts to attain and then remain in top form hadn't been in vain.

She was a lady. At least she was supposed to be. This whole series of events wasn't turning out very lady like though.

It grated on her.

Her morning ablutions completed she went to her work room. She didn't need to make a new design.

It was just a giant hat. Just like all the other giant hats she had. But this one had to exact. To look precisely like what it was, while looking like just another hat.

She cut the shapes out of a vibrant purple fabric. With a strong sheet of very stiff card, she built the brim. Then shaped the trademark pinch and the crown. Secured with a heavy black ribbon before the stitches went in.

She turned it over and installed the sweat brim and the lining.

Then at last a especially large peacock's feather. Inserted into the ribbon.

Tasteful in it's garishness it whispered it's purpose while shouting it's existence.

Placing the largest and arguably most fashionable pimp hat ever constructed onto her head, Rarity headed to the door.

“The things I do for friendship,” she sighed.