To Be Somepony

"So the others bailed on you huh." Ribbon said as she and Sprinkle sat around the table at Sprinkle's house.

"Yeah, it's a bummer. But I'm cool with it, I didn't feel like going out this morning anyway. At least you're over here; now I won't be completely bored."

Both had a cup of tea sitting on small tray in front of them as they sat out in the backyard patio with a view of the fields and mountains. Inside the kitchen a small batch of biscuits were cooking for them to snack on. Looking through the window and into the kitchen, Ribbon saw the timer on top the stove read five more minutes before they'd be ready.

"So how was work yesterday?"

"Exhausting, but totally worth it in the end. I earned two hundred bits for those first five days."

"Dang! You must have worked a lot."

"I did, and I've decided to stay on for a while now. I'll get less hours and pay, but it's better that way anyway."

"Probably. You looked terrible by the end of school. Did you sleep at all last night? You look better."

"Mmhmm. In fact, Princess Luna visited me again. She said she wanted to check on me, then we just talked."

"I'm really jealous, I have to say. Being able to meet royalty must be awesome. What'd you two talk about?"

"Not much really. A little bit about books and the college."

"That's nice. I hope I get to meet her someday."

They sipped at there tea and munched on the fresh biscuits when the timer went off, then talked some more outside while enjoying each others company. It had been a long time since the two hadn't done anything than just sit around and talk. Normally they'd plan going out or doing fun activities in advance when they hung out, but rarely did they stop to talk and relax.

"You know I can't tell if I've ever been to Green Field Meadows before." Sprinkle said, "Is it nice there?"

"Yeah, it has a nice interior and pretty good food. You should come by sometime while I'm working. Employee discount and stuff."

"Nice."

"You know that reminds me. You know the owner of the boutique?"

"Rarity, right."

"Well she was there yesterday and actually asked me to stop by today around noon."

"Wow, look at you moving up."

Ribbon smiled.

"It was strange, but she said I'd look good in a dress she made and wanted me to model it for her. I was wondering if you wanted to come without your friends, but it looks it'll just be you and me if you decide."

"Sounds nice actually. Gives us something to do."

Inside the clock above the stove read eleven forty three. The two had spent a little over half an hour outside talking and drinking. They cleaned their mess and packed away the rest of the biscuits.

"Mom, we're going out!" Sprinkle yelled up the stairs, "We'll be back later!"

"Have fun, be careful!" her mother replied.

The two left the house and made their way through the town to the boutique. It took a while to reach due to Sprinkle living on the edge of the town and the shop being far south near the library. But when they walked through the front door and were greeted with remarkable dresses and gowns, and the look of happy faces made the trip seem worth it.

Neither of the two thought what to do next, thinking that simply walking upstairs to Rarity's workshop would be rude. So the two pondered through the racks along with the rest in the shop. To Ribbon's disappointment Spike wasn't helping work the floor, hoping he'd be around.

"You thinking of getting anything?" Sprinkle asked as she felt a red dress.

"Nah. Maybe someday though."

From the stairs walked down Rarity wearing purple glasses with a measuring tape hanging from her neck.

"Ribbon darling!" she said when she noticed her sitting on the same rounded off cushion as last time, "I'm so glad you came. Did you bring your friend with you?"

"Yes. This is Sprinkle." Ribbon said and then pointed to her friend.

"Fabulous to meet you. I must day... your mane and coat are quite elegant, almost as elegant as mine."

"Thank you." she blushed.

"Now come. You must try on the dress I have for you as soon as possible. Genius can not wait in the world of fashion."

The two followed Rarity up the stairs and into her workshop, which also seemed to act as her bedroom as well with a large bed and dresser off to the side. Mannequins of ponies sat near tall shelves of fabrics and boxes filled with string and decorative buttons. Scattered throughout the room were many scissors and needles with string still in their eyes. Dozens of strips of fabric already cut into and left to hang were also scattered as if they exploded and landed everywhere in the room.

"Pardon the mess." Rarity said, "You two relax while I clean up."

Over on her bed, Fluttershy sat with a white cat that slept on top one of the multiple pillows.

"Hello Ribbon." she said then smiled sweetly.

"Hello. What are you doing here?"

"Well I didn't have anything to do around the cottage today, so I thought I'd come and watch."

"I'm glad you did; Rarity seems just a bit eccentric for me."

"She means well."

"Now lets see." Rarity said, "Ribbon could stand over here and we'll being."

Ribbon walked over to Rarity and stood on front of a full scale mirror. Rarity's horn glowed light blue and a dress on top of a mannequin came over and floated next to Ribbon. Its beige silk skirt was lined with dark brown trimmings and connected to a corset that began to hug itself over her body. The corset was a similar brown with a flower design made of black lace all around it. She felt it squeeze at her stomach and made her hold her breath as she tried to make it fit.

"Almost done darling." Rarity said.

The strings wove together and Ribbon let herself exhale, but found it hard to breath still. She looked in the mirror and admired how well it blended with her coat and mane.

"Hmmm."

"What? I think it looks good." Ribbon said, "You were right when you said it worked for me."

"It does... but it's missing something. Stay there while I think and look around."

Sprinkle took Rarity's place and they both looked in the mirror.

"You should totally buy it." she whispered in her ear.

"It's nice. But when will I ever need it?"

"When you get married?"

"As if." Ribbon snorted.

"Oh come on, look at yourself. You look good enough for the Gala."

"NO!" Rarity and Fluttershy then yelled.

Ribbon and Sprinkle glanced at each other, both wondering how the two over heard.

"Is it... not that good?" Ribbon asked.

"Oh... is not bad." Rarity said, "Just... not all it's dolled up to be."

"We had a horrible time." Fluttershy said bluntly.

"But it's the biggest get together throughout the entire year."

"Don't let us discourage you." Rarity said as she went back to the mirror, "If you get the opportunity, go. We went, but it didn't turn out as we expected it to."

"Did something bad happen?"

"Uh... no. Nothing happened. We all just got bored and decided to leave early."

"I don't really und..."

"Oh hush now! Your dress needs to be perfect. Let see here."

Her horn glowed again and more black fabric with a similar flower design draped itself over the skirt, along with see through sleeves for the corset as both were stitched while Ribbon held still. Along with the sleeves came frills that then were sewn onto the collar of the corset, tickling her chin.

"Just a few more stitches." Rarity said, "And one more thing."

Ribbon felt her mane float and weave itself into a tight bun.

"There now darling, what do you think?"

"It's awesome!" Sprinkle said for Ribbon, "I mean, amazing."

"Isn't it. Why I must say just looking at her gives me so many ideas for a Fall line. And you must come by again to model them."

"What!? No. I don't think I can model anything else." Ribbon said.

"But you simply look marvelous. At least one photo shoot to help spread the look."

"Maybe when its fall but not right now. I've got too much to do right now anyway."

She began to carefully take off the dress, but also made it clear she wasn't comfortable.

"I still have to keep my grades, balance time at my job, plus I'm going to have to start studying more if I'm going to go to college."

"College?" Fluttershy, "Ponyville doesn't have a college."

"Canterlot does." Sprinkle said.

"Sounds like dream come true for Twilight." Rarity joked as she placed the dress on a mannequin, "I say, she always has her head in her books. And now she's so busy she hardly leaves the library."

"I bet." Ribbon muttered, still holding mixed opinions against Twilight Sparkle.

"But you're going deary?"

"Hopefully." she answered undoing her bun, "But there are still a lot of pros and cons."

"If I were you I'd simply must go. Living in Canterlot would be a dream."

Rarity seemed dazzled by the thought, and began to ramble on.

"Why, to own a shop there would be such a privilege. Not to mention just how beautiful the city is, and the class and sophistication."

"It does sound nice."

"Meh." Sprinkle said went by the bed.

"Oh but to have your name known by everyone in Canterlot. That is my dream." Rarity said, catching Ribbons attention, "To be the bell of the ball at every castle party, to be a somepony in the the greatest place in all of Equestria. Just think of how great it would be to meet with the most renown artists and aristocrats, to be in the box seat at every race and derby. Why it's enough to make a lady faint from simply thinking about it."

It all sounded good to Ribbon.

"Is that why you opened this shop?" she asked.

"My boutique? Of course not. I opened it because it was my destiny to make everything in Equestria shimmer with utter perfection. To design and create masterpieces worn by all."

Sprinkle looked over at Fluttershy with a look of doubt at Rarity's fantasy, but she only got a warming smile in return.

"Why Ribbon," Rarity continued passionately, "If you do go there, you must send me letters and invite me sometime. Why, if the college were to have a dance or banquet, I could design the decor and everything. We'd make it just most exquisite college ever!"

"If I get in, I'll send you a letter the moment I get my dorm."

"Marvelous. Now will you and your friend be staying for lunch? I could have you try on a few more dresses."

Ribbon looked over at Sprinkle, who shrugged in return.

"I guess so."

"Excellent. I'll just go close up shop early and get something ready"

Rarity left the room.

"She's very passionate about what she does." Fluttershy said, "You did look amazing though Ribbon; if you do end going to the gala, that dress would be the perfect choice."

"What did you wear?" Ribbon asked.

"Another dress Rarity made. She made one for herself and all five of her closest friends that went too, including me."

"She's very generous."

"Close friends huh." Sprinkle said, "Who?"

"Wells there's me, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie who everyone know. There's Applejack from Sweet Apple Acres, then there's Twilight Sparkle. She was the one who got the tickets from Princess Celestia."

"Have you ever met her before?"

"Oh yes, she's very lovely."

"Ribbons met Princess Luna." Sprinkle said.

"Sh!" Ribbon hushed her.

"Oh you have? In person?"

"N... no. In a dream once before."

"Didn't you meet her just las..."

Ribbon shot her a glare.

Fluttershy noticed and could see Ribbon was holding back the second encounter and the reasons both had occurred.

"Is something the matter?" she asked with worried eyes.

"No, I just... don't want to brag about it is all. It was just a regular visit, one she does all the time. It was no big deal."

"Oh, okay."

Fluttershy however could tell Ribbon was lying, with her eyes having averted contact with her own and the fact that her timidness was all too familiar to her.

Rarity soon came back up with a tray of small sandwiches, a pot of tea and cups, and a few chairs a small table all floating and following behind her. A velvet table cloth gracefully flew and covered the table as the pot poured tea into every cup and a sandwich found itself on four small plates. Everything had been done and arranged in the middle of the room without a single hoof being lifted. Ribbon was amazed by Rarity's magic.

The four then proceeded to gathering around and getting every last pleasantry and introduction out of the way so there'd be no questions as where one lived and what they did for fun. After half an hour of idle chat, most of the sandwiches eaten and tea drunk, they began to share stories of their personal lives. Ribbon and Sprinkle were amazed by some of the endeavors Rarity and Fluttershy experienced together, and laughed at the matter of not being able to top even the mellowest of their stories.

"So exactly how many animals live in your cottage?" Sprinkle asked Fluttershy.

"Oh I try not to keep count. I welcome all creatures into my home and love them all equally. I just love animals and wouldn't mind anything living with me."

"You're very kind."

Fluttershy smiled again.

"So you two have been to the Gala, meaning you've been to Canterlot. What's it like there; the castle and such."

"It's marvelous." Rarity said, "The most beautiful place you'll ever see if you go. And the castle makes it all worth wild in the end after site seeing the entire city."

"How many times have you been there?"

"Quite a few I must say. Let's see there was the Gala, that time we hosted the Hearth's Warming Eve play, that Discord affair along with the Crystal Kingdom incident, Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor's wedding."

"That's more than I'll ever get." Sprinkle chuckled.

"Oh! And Twilight's coronation. That was the most special."

"Definitely." Fluttershy added.

The mentioning of the coronation sent a mixture of different emotions into Ribbons stomach as she try to put on a pleasing face.

"Have either of you meet Twilight yet?" Rarity asked.

Sprinkle turned her head towards Ribbon.

"Yeah, once." she said, almost wishing she hadn't.

"Isn't she just the most gifted pony ever. To think she's an alicorn now, and a princess too!"

"We're both extremely glad she's our friend." Fluttershy said, "We've been through so much with her. She's been so busy lately however we don't much time to see her anymore."

"That's... too bad. She hasn't changed too much at all, has she?"

"Of course not." Rarity said, "Why she's just as she was before she got her wings."

"She must be pretty frickin special then."

To all four of the ponies surprise, there was a knock on the window followed by the sound of a pair of wings beating in the air. Fluttershy went over to open the window, then Rainbow Dash came wizzing in and landed on the ground.

"Are you guy's doing anything?" she asked, "I'm bored out of my mind."

"Don't you have your books to read?" Rarity said as she took another sip of tea.

"I just finished my last one."

"What about the tricks you've been practicing for the Wonderbolts?" Fluttershy asked.

"Nah, not in the mood. Having lunch? Awesome."

She went over and grabbed one of the sandwiches then noticed Sprinkle.

"How's it goin. Name's Rainbow Dash."

"I'm Sprinkle." she replied, "This is Ribbon."

Ribbon glanced at the rainbow maned mare then back down at her plate. Rainbow took a moment to recognize her as she ate and Fluttershy sat down, but instead of pointing her out, decided to wait against her better judgement.

"Well since you're here." Rarity continued, "We were talking about Canterlot and our experiences."

"Oh yeah! Had some crazy times there." Rainbow said then nudged Sprinkle, "You should totally check that place out if you get the chance. By the way, what are you two doing here anyway."

"Rainbow Dash been nice." Fluttershy said.

"I meant nothing of it. But when do you let others up into your room besides us."

"When I find someone who looks absolutely marvelous in one of my dresses." Rarity said, "Ribbon here was just modeling for us a while ago and was simply to die for."

"Is that right?" Rainbow asked, more accusingly than casually.

"Yeah." Ribbon said, knowing what she was doing.

"Why don't you put it on for us again. I'd like to see it."

"I don't know."

"Oh please do!" Rarity said, "You looked so divine, plus I still need some more inspiration."

"Why not." Sprinkle said.

"You did look good you know." Fluttershy added.

"Alright fine." RIbbon said, then gave a quick glare at Rainbow.

She and Rarity went back over to the shelves where the mannequin wearing her dress still stood. Rainbow Dash stayed close by in the air, slowly aggravating Ribbon with her presence. Inside her mind, she knew the two of them were going at a battle psychologically. Never did she try to make enemies purposely like a child in fillygraden, but she refused to let herself submit to Rainbow Dash's tenacious fluttering, which gradually made her angrier as she began asking her questions.

"So how have you been Ribbon?" she asked chummingly.

"Fine, thank you."

"That's good. How's that book Spike gave you?"

"You two have met?" Rarity asked as she made small adjustments to the frills on the collar.

"We have, a while ago at the library. So how's that book?"

"It's fine." Ribbon said.

"Are you enjoying it so far? Spike sure liked that book."

"I've only read a few pages so far."

"Oh. Well I hope you get to it." Rainbow said, her tone getting more accusative, "You seemed kind of depressed the other day I was hoping a good book would cheer you up."

"Is there something wrong deary?" Rarity asked.

"No, I'm fine. Rainbow Dash must be confused with another Ribbon."

"So that's who she meant!" Fluttershy suddenly said, then lowered her head when the others looked at her.

Rainbow took the opportunity to hit the matter on the head.

"It was who I meant." she said, "Why were you crying the other day in the library after you met Twilight?"

"That wasn't me!" Ribbon said.

"Darling you're getting upset." Rarity said, "Is there something your not telling us?"

"No!"

"Why are you so upset then?" Fluttershy asked.

"I'm not upset!"

"Uh... guys?" Sprinkle said trying to avert their attention, but Rainbow Dash was well ahead of her.

"Admit it. It was you and nobody else."

"Why! Why do you care!"

"AHA!"

"Ribbon if somethings bothering you, you can tell us." Rarity said.

"Uggghhhh! Fine!" Ribbon said and backed away from everybody.

It took everyone by surprise, even Rainbow Dash who caused her out burst, and she soon felt terrible, rude, ungrateful and guilty all at the same time.

"I'm... sorry." she said, "I shouldn't have done that. Okay look, the reason I cried was simply because when I went to the library I had a letter from Spike to give to her and I was all excited to meet her and possibly be her friend. I see now I was just getting my hopes up. When I gave it to her, all she said was thanks and walked away and it really hurt my feelings. I know it sounds childish, and I don't meet to talk rude on your friend alright? I just... I just felt awful when it happened... like I was a nobody in her eyes."

All three were amazed by what she said, except Sprinkle who looked guilty from not being able to help her best friend. Ribbon looked from one face to another, her head filling with embarrassment as she waited for anypony to say something. Then she noticed Rarity's eyes filling with tears, then saw her burst hysterically.

"OH RIBBON!" she said then through her hooves around her neck, "I know exactly how you feel! You were so excited to meet your idol and the ruined opportunity crushed your spirits!"

"Uh... something like that, yeah." Ribbon said, unsure of what to do.

"Oh... forgive me." Rarity said that let her go.

A tissue floated by her and wiped her tears as she continued.

"I have felt the same way once before, when I met Hoity Toity the famous designer. There was a mishap with some dresses I made and he was absolutely repulsed by them. I was a wreck for so long it felt like ages."

"Yeah, something like that." Ribbon repeated.

Rainbow went up to her.

"I've felt the same way too." she admitted, "You see I want to join the Wonderbolts, and one time when I was training I was so nervous of preforming in front of them I almost blew it."

"I guess you could put it that way. I suppose what I felt was like that."

"But there's still something bothering you." Fluttershy said, still sitting at the table.

The others looked at her except Ribbon, who looked down shamefully.

"It's why Princess Luna has visited you two times already."

"What!?" Rarity and Rainbow Dash both said.

Ribbon said nothing and continued to look down.

"You should talk about it with us." Fluttershy continued, "I can tell you've already told Sprinkle most of what's on your mind."

"How do you know?" Ribbon asked.

"You a pretty bad liar, I'm sorry to say."

Ribbon sighed.

"I can I get out of this dress first?"

"Of course." Rarity said, wiping away the last of her tears.

When the dress came off Ribbon walked to the window that was still open to breath in fresh air and clear her mind. Rainbow Dash and Rarity kept somewhat close to her while Fluttershy and Sprinkle stayed at the table.

"Can you four promise not to tell anyone else this?" Ribbon first asked.

They all nodded their heads. Ribbon sighed again and began.

"The day after what happened at the library, I started doing a lot of thinking about my life. It's what I do when I'm upset. I'm sure you three have already noticed I don't have cutie mark yet."

"Oh that?" Rarity said, "I thought nothing of it when I first met you."

"Same here." Rainbow said.

Fluttershy said nothing but nodded kindfully.

"Well that night," Ribbon continued, "that was the first night I met Princess Luna. She told me that my emotions had been torturing me after being pent up for so long. I told her what had happened also, and then I asked her what it took to be somepony in the world. You see, kind of what Rarity was saying earlier about living in Canterlot, before you came in Rainbow Dash, I too want to be somebody important, but on a much bigger scale. I... want to be remembered in history. I mean look at Twilight! I can definitely tell you she's going to be remembered for a long time. But what can I do? Nothing! I don't even know what I'm good at and yet here ranting on about becoming part of history!"

She took a second to calm down.

"Do you need anything darling?" Rarity asked.

"No... no thank you. I'm sorry I have to bother you all with this. I mean I just met you three practically today anyway, so why do you care?"

"Keep going." Fluttershy insisted.

"Yeah, go ahead." Rainbow Dash said, amazed and sympathetic with Ribbon.

"A few days later it was kind of decided I was going to the college in Canterlot." she continued. "Well not really but I guess it's almost certain at this point. But anyway, I stayed on with my job and thought going to the college would help me get my cutie mark. Easy right? Nothing to it anymore. Well, then Luna came and visited me again, and showed me all of this amazing stuff and made me feel like I could do anything, until I woke up after making her cry. She must hate me now."

"You made her cry?"

"Yeah. I made a princess cry. I mean... who does that!? She's so much older than me and yet I made her cry! What kind of pony am I!?"

Ribbons anger began to engulf her again.

"I'M A TERRIBLE PONY THAT'S WHO! I'm always quiet in the class room and hate everybody who gets on my nerves, I get upset at the littlest things that bother me and brood on them like a little whiny, bratty kid, I can't even speak to my parents who have loved and supported me with all their hearts and now I think I can break even with their love by getting a job! And here I am telling all of you things that don't even concern you thinking it'll all be alright later when really I'm just lying to myself! I have to the most stupid, inconsiderate, spoiled and confused pony in the entire... FRICKIN... WORLD! I mean... DAMN IT!"

She stomped her hooves so hard the floor shook slightly. Pain then seared in her limbs, and regret and sorrow filled her mind as she began to whimper and cry.

"Sometimes I wish I could just die. Die and let it all be for nothing. Let everything go. Why does life have to be so difficult and confusing. Why don't I just kill myself and leave you all alone."

Her legs quivered and fell to the floor sobbing, leaving the other four with broken hearts. Sprinkle went over to her, laid right beside and placed her cheek right against Ribbons as she cried. The other three looked at each other with saddened and concerned faces.

"Everything's going to be alright." Sprinkle said, "You'll be alright."

The next morning Ribbon sat on her bed doing nothing after breakfast. Her book wasn't opened and her records weren't playing. All she did was think on what she had said the day before constantly in her head, and debated whether or not it was good or bad she had done so.

Her father came up and into her room.

"This just came in the mail." he said and handed her a letter.

"Thank you."

She opened it when he left and opened the unfolded the piece of paper.

Dear Ribbon,

It was very brave of you to open yourself up like that. Princess Luna was very wise to visit and oversee you, for I can tell that in your mind the thoughts trouble you and push you to your very edge. One time I decided to let it all go, but ended up hurting my friends feelings in the processes. Instead of taking their advice in the beginning I let myself go astray and became something that was horrible, which I belief was what Princess Luna feared from the beginning for you. You must be very special indeed to be able to hold yourself so well and speak so passionately about your feelings. It is something everypony should learn from you. If you ever feel like it's too much to handle, please visit my house and express yourself as beautifully as you did before. I'm no psychiatrist, but I am a great listener, and would be more that happy to help lighten your burden.

Love, Fluttershy.

P.S. You should become a writer.