//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Rarity Takes Action // Story: The Dragon War // by Rarityfan87 //------------------------------// Rarity went for a walk to reflect on what she just read. I can’t believe Spike is going to war! How could he be so calm about it? HE COULD DIE! And if he died… I don’t know how I could get over it… not knowing if it would have worked out. Why does this have to happen now? Now I may never have the chance… Rarity’s thoughts were interrupted when she saw a poster that caught her interest. ‘Princess Celestia needs your help in the war against the dragons. All recruits are accepted that are legally capable. Make your way to Canterlot and sign up today.’ This is perfect! I could join and keep track on how Spike is doing, and help protect him when… it’s time. Rarity ran home and wrote a note letting customers know she’ll be gone on business for quite some time. She also left a note for Sweetie Belle in case she came in for an unannounced visit. She then packed the essentials and made her way to the train station. She bought a ticket for the earliest train. As she waited for the train, thoughts of the worst possible situation were invading her head. I can’t believe I’m actually going to go through with this. What if (gulp)… I don’t come back? How would Sweetie Belle feel? Sure she’s all grown up now, but she still comes over to visit me and the rest of the CMC. She's been coming over in need of a shoulder to cry on ever since our parents passed away three years ago. Sweetie Belle was over when I got a letter from the hospital telling me my parents were there, and it didn’t look like as if they were going to make it. I grabbed Sweetie and we rushed to the hospital. By then they were on their last stretch. They had no energy to say anything, but I could tell by their expressions that they were happy to see us. Not too long after, they passed away, due to natural causes. Sweetie just fell to her knees and cried the hardest she’s ever cried. I hugged her, comforting her, as tears were rolling down my cheeks as well. Ever since then Sweetie has been asking questions about our parents, how it was like when she was young. How could you leave Sweetie like that, no guaranteeing you’ll be back to be there for her? I don’t think she could handle losing her sister as well, not long after losing our parents. Maybe this isn’t such a wise decision Rarity. Song to fit the mood (the theme of it). …But something in me needs to be with Spike. Is this just my heart wanting someone who will support me, love me and take care of me more now that my parents aren’t around? No it can’t be, why would it happen now? Maybe it’s because now that I know that I truly want to be with Spike and I couldn’t lose him like I lost my parents, and the fact I’m only getting older. That must be it! There’s no other explanation. Rarity was interrupted by the train whistle, signalling it was arriving. Now or never Rarity make up your mind now. At the last second, Rarity boarded the train, she then made her way into the private room she reserved. Losing Spike was worse for her in this situation. Thank goodness for that poster, now I’ll feel much safer knowing I can be there to help him if the occasion arises. Also not to mention the shopping I could do in Canterlot… No Rarity now’s not the time, focus, this is about Spike. Also I wish you luck Sweetie, I can’t promise I’ll be back to see you again. As Rarity was thinking of Sweetie, Spike’s letter fell out of her open bag. Spike’s letter! I’d better respond to it, I don’t want him to worry about me. Rarity pulled out a parchment and quill from her bag. Dear Spike, I’ve been doing great! The library is doing fine, Fluttershy’s been taking care of it on her spare time, and when she’s not available, both Pinkie and Rainbow have been also helping to take care of it. As for me, business has been slow, but busy enough to keep me somewhat busy. Now as for you being part of this… war, I am worried sick. This is not just dangerous Spike, this is life threatening. I worry about you Spike, you’re a great friend. Please stay safe, I’ll pray to Celestia that everything goes well. Good luck Spike and I hope Twilight will be able to help you well. Yours truly, Rarity It was hard for Rarity to say ‘you’re a great friend’ but she didn’t want to put her feelings out and possibly mess with Spike, and cause him to start to worry or even want him to possibly leave them in their time of need to be with her. She placed the letter in an envelope and placed it in her bag, along with Spike’s letter. She would put it in the mailbox as soon as she arrived to Canterlot. Rarity decided to take a nap, being exhausted from what she just discovered and all the depressing thoughts that she just experienced. An hour later, the message stating they were arriving in Canterlot woke Rarity up. She got her baggage ready and soon they arrived at the train station. Rarity made her way to the Canterlot castle and made her way to the guards, determined to do what needed to be done. End song here. “Hello I am here to join the Canterlot army.” “Well, you need to talk to the princesses, they’re the ones who decide if you join or not. You can find them in the throne room. Do you know how to get there?” “Yes, and thank you.” “You’re welcome.” The guards moved aside and let her in. Every time she came, it always impressed her how beautiful the castle was with its antique pillars and paintings. The beautiful red carpet on the floor, and the gold trimming on the top and bottom of the pillars. She imagined herself living here, it was her dream as a little filly. Before she was lost in her thoughts, she made it to the throne room. “Hello Princess Luna, Celestia and Twilight.” “Rarity! What a nice surprise, what brings you here today?” Twilight asked hugging her friend she hadn’t seen in a while. “Well Twilight I read Spike’s letter and I came here to join the Canterlot army to support him if the time comes.” “WHAT! Are you crazy! I can’t let you join, I couldn’t risk your life.” “I’m not asking Twilight, this is not up for debate. I’m joining whether you like it or not, and you can’t stop me. This is something that is very important to me, and I must accomplish this goal, no matter what may or may not happen.” As Rarity finished, Twilight wore the biggest smirk. “Um Twilight why are you smirking?” “You love him that much don’t you?” “Is it that obvious?” “Well, why else would you risk your life to help him if necessary?” “You’ve got me there.” “I’ll let Spike know you’re here…” Rarity stopped Twilight in her tracks. “NO! Don’t tell Spike I’m here. I don’t want him to talk me out of it or worry about me. I only want him to find out on the day of the event, since it’ll be inevitable that he’ll see that I’m there. Please promise me you won’t tell him.” “I promise Rarity, and welcome to the team. Just know that on the seventh day of the week, Spike and I will be training with the rest, so be cautious of that.” “I will, thank you Twilight, you’re a great friend.” “Now Rarity I need to meet up with Spike, it’s time for us to start our training. Follow Celestia and she’ll get you set up.” “Will do, good luck Twilight.” “You too Rarity.” Twilight teleported to the training grounds. Spike was already there waiting for Twilight. “Hey Twilight, I can’t believe you’re late. What happened to being punctual?” “I had some business to attend to with the princesses.” “Okay whatever. Anyway what are we going to do today?” “We’re going to start off by, learning how to dodge and when it is the best opportunity to attack. I am going to make a dummy dragon you can practice on with my magic. We’re going to do this for three out of the six days, the other three were going to practice flight manoeuvres while I’m on your back and practice casting spells as you fly around.” “Sounds good to me.” “As for the seventh day, Celestia will be the judge of what happens that day. Also that’s the day we show what we’ve been practicing.” “Alright let’s get started.” Twilight decided to go easy on Spike being his first day. She started off by making the dummy do simple attacks. To her surprise Spike dodged and counterattacked with ease. Spike finished off the dummy quickly. “Is that all you have Twilight? That was too easy.” “Well get ready for this.” This time Twilight went all out. Spike was having difficulty keeping up. This time Spike lost, but he held up longer than Twilight expected. “Wow Spike, you lasted longer than I thought you would.” “Wow, that was difficult, I guess we have a lot of training to do.” “You bet, but we’ll do this together.” “Alright! I’m ready for round three.” Twilight summoned another dummy, this time guiding Spike on ways to manoeuvre and how to hold his ground in different situations. By the end they were both exhausted, and were finally glad it was over. They retired to their room. On day four, they practiced together. “Alright Twilight, climb on and hold on, I’m going to just fly around at first so you can get used to it.” “Sounds good Spike” Spike took off, and Twilight was hanging on for dear life, not having done this in ages. Eventually Twilight was able to hold on and fire minor spells. They continued this all the way to the end. “Well Spike, we need to practice moving as one, before we can go further.” “That shouldn’t be too hard. Egg heads are usually predictable. All I have to think is ‘how would the book say how to do it’.” Spike said in his Twilight impersonation. “Well books are usually right.” Even Twilight couldn’t help but giggle. For the next two days they went by that schedule. On the seventh day they did as Celestia asked and showed their progress. Rarity hid herself in the back and watched in awe. She couldn’t believe how much Spike had improved his flying skills and how well the two were working together. That night Rarity’s mind was flooding with thoughts. That was amazing, Spike might be more prepared for this than I expected. I’m glad to see that they’re doing well, this relaxes me a little, but I’m still going to stay, I couldn’t bear anything bad happening to Spike. As Rarity got ready to write another letter to Spike, not wanting him to worry about her, she noticed she never sent the first one. Darn! I never sent that first letter. Quick Rarity think, what should you do? IDEA! I’ll give it to one of the princesses and ask them to give it to Spike, pretending they just got it from the mail. Rarity walked out of her room and saw Princess Luna walking down the hall. “Princess Luna, may I speak to you for a minute?” “Of course and please, call me Luna.” “Luna I was wondering if you could please do me a favour?” “Of course Rarity, what do you need?” “I was wondering if you could please give Spike this letter in the morning, making it look like it just came in the mail.” “Sure thing.” “You’re not wondering why?” “I heard what you told Twilight on the first day. Do not fear, the secret is safe with me and Celestia won’t speak a word either.” “Thank you Luna and goodnight.” “Goodnight Rarity.” Luna continued walking down the hallway. Rarity got into bed and fell asleep not too long after. Every day Twilight and Spike improved, until they were able to work as one. This was the last week, Twilight and Spike were perfecting all exercises and tactics. Rarity continued to improve as well. She could now defend herself pretty well against a dragon. On the final night, everypony and Spike were having one last get together before that faithful moment. The only pony who didn’t show up was Rarity, as she didn’t want Spike to see her. Instead she stayed in her room and had thoughts about Spike and the next day. I’m glad to see how much Spike and Twilight improved. Still though I worry about him, anything could happen tomorrow and hopefully I’ll be able to help prevent that. Besides, I even wonder if he even cares about me anymore, he never sent me a letter back. Did he lose interest in me? Does he not care about me anymore? Tears started to flow down her cheeks. Maybe there’s no point in trying. If he doesn’t care about me, then maybe it’s a sign we were not meant to be... Rarity cried herself to sleep. *Back to Spike and Twilight* A knock could be heard on their bedroom door. *Knock, knock. “Come in.” Spike responded. “Spike I have this letter for you from Rarity. I’m sorry I didn’t give it sooner, I completely forgot.” “That’s alright Luna, thank you.” “Goodnight you two.” “Goodnight Luna.” Spike opened the letter and read it. After he finished reading he noticed the date on it was from a long time ago. That’s unusual, Rarity is usually always on time for… well everything. Oh well I’m just glad to see she’s doing fine. Oh Rarity, you really don’t have to worry, I got the best alicorn on my back, literally. I’d better answer her letter. I hope she doesn’t think that I stopped caring or that anything bad happened to me. Dear Rarity, I’m sorry for the late response, but I just received your letter. I’m glad to hear you’re doing alright. Please Rarity don’t worry about me, Twilight and I are doing great, and we are one hundred percent ready for tomorrow. The thought of you being out there would worry me. You’re not… how do I put this… not used to using magic to fight. I hope you didn’t get any bright ideas of joining the Canterlot army. I couldn’t bear losing a great friend over something like this. Anyhow, how have you been doing since we last wrote? I should be home soon Rarity. Until then, I hope everything is going well with you. Sincerely, Spike. “Hey Twi, I’ll be right back.” “Where are you going?” “I’m going to place this letter to Rarity in the mail pile.” “Oh I can do that for you Spike, I need to return some books there anyway.” “Oh, thank you Twi.” “No problem Spike.” Spike handed the letter to Twilight. She walked out of the room with the books and the letter. She dropped off her books and made her way to Rarity’s room, making sure Spike wasn’t watching. When she arrived, she noticed Rarity’s face was soaked with tears. Twilight woke Rarity up. “Rarity what’s wrong?” “Nothing’s wrong Twilight, I was just sleeping.” Rarity lied. “Well explain to me then why your cheeks are drenched, and why the pillow is partially wet.” “Oh, well the thing is…” “Spit it out Rarity.” “Well…” “We’re best friends Rarity, you know you can confide in me. I’m here for you too Rarity.” “Alright… Well it’s been weeks now since I’ve sent that letter to Spike and he hasn’t responded. He’s stopped caring about me Twilight, after all that I’ve done, it was all for nothing. Now I don’t even care anymore, I don’t know what I should do. I guess we just weren’t meant to be.” “Rarity you couldn’t be more wrong.” “What do you mean Twilight?” “Spike only received your letter today, Luna forgot to give him the letter and only gave it to him now. That’s why I’m here, he wrote another letter and I’m secretly giving it to you now.” “Oh Twilight, that makes me feel so much better.” “Here you go Rarity.” Twilight gave her the letter, Rarity grabbed it and was overjoyed to see Spike cared. “I’ll give you some privacy Rarity. Good luck tomorrow.” “See you tomorrow Twilight.” Rarity was busy on the letter. Twilight walked back to her room and got in beside a ‘sleeping’ Spike. To her surprise he gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Goodnight Twi.” “Goodnight Spike.” Twilight kissed him back on the cheek.