//------------------------------// // Cinderarity // Story: Once Upon a Pinkie... // by Teyeson Bee //------------------------------// ...in a faraway land in a faraway kingdom in a faraway cottage (you get the picture), there lived a simple peasant unicorn by the name of Cinderarity. Though she was only a peasant, Cinderarity had a charm and humbleness to her that made others happy. That, and her generosity left nothing to be desired. She was always willing to give and not expect anything in return. Of course, that wasn't the only thing she was good at. Ever since she was little, she was quite skilled in the art of dressmaking. Her sewing abilities were enough to put a spinning wheel to shame, for she had a magic touch with the skill, both literally and figuratively. She always made her dresses with its own special look to match the pony about to wear it. The colors were always paired well, jewels were placed in the precise manner, and bows and sashes accented them perfectly when needed. With her skills, she could've been seen as one of the best dressmakers in the kingdom, if it weren't for her stepsister. Cinderarity lived with her stepsister, her only relative (or half relative if you prefer), Suri Polomare. Though Suri was quite beautiful of face, her heart was as black as the night. Throughout her childhood with Cinderarity, she was always jealous of her stepsister's generous ways and the way that everypony complimented her dressmaking more than her own. Over time, Suri grew even more jealous, and even started to steal Cinderarity's ideas and patterns to copy her dresses to sell as her own. That's what she kept to doing. As time went on, Cinderarity's father and Suri's mother, well, left for the big pony corral in the sky, and so the two stepsisters used their parents' life insurance to turn their cottage into a dress shop. Both would make dresses, but it was Suri who took the credit for the ones Cinderarity made. Though she knew about it, this didn't bother Cinderarity too much, for her only goal was to see the customer happy with their purchase. That didn't stop Suri from taking advantage of her generosity. No matter what it was, Suri always had to win. One particular day, Cinderarity was cleaning up around the shop while Suri was, well, lying around giving orders, when a knock came at the door. "Cindy!" Suri called. "Do be a dear and get the door, m'kay?" Cinderarity sighed of exhaustion as she put down the broom and trotted over to the door. When she opened it, she was greeted by a fancy-looking unicorn stallion with a short, white beard. "Good afternoon m'lady," he greeted. "I am here to deliver a letter from his imperial majesty, Prince Blueblood." He pulled out the letter from his bag and levitated it over to Cinderarity, who took it. "Thank you very much!" Cinderarity said with a smile. As soon as the door was shut, Cinderarity felt the letter being snatched from her hoof by Suri, who opened the envelop and started to read. As her eyes darted across the letter, her eyes grew wide and a smile came across her face. "The Prince!" Suri squealed as she finished. "He's throwing a ball tonight! A BALL! TONIGHT! Prince Blueblood's balls are the most legendary in all the kingdom!" (Goodnight everybody!) Cinderarity gasped in astonishment as she read through the letter herself. She had never seen the Prince before, but she had heard that he was the most handsome and elegant stallion in the land. His royal balls WERE quite famous throughout the kingdom, and it was considered an extreme honor to be invited to one. "I can't believe I get to attend one of Prince Blueblood's balls!" Cinderarity squealed. "Oh, I can see that," Suri huffed sarcastically. "You, asking the Prince to dance? Please, you're just a lowly seamstress, m'kay?" "Well, so are you," Cinderarity retorted. "And," she levitated the letter up to her and highlighted a specific line with her magic, "it says right here that, and I quote, 'Every eligible mare is to attend'. I'm just as eligible as YOU are, so I can't see a reason why I can't go." Suri let out a frustrating grunt as she grumbled something under her breath that was definitely NOT for a child's ears. She then sucked up her anger and put on a fake smile. "M'kay Cinderarity. You're right. You definitely are able to go, that is, as long as you can find something suitable to wear..." "Of course I can!" Cinderarity answered. "I am a seamstress am I not? I shall make something that the Prince won't be able to take his eyes off of!" And with that, Cinderarity trotted happily upstairs to start her dress, leaving a very irritated and jealous Suri to think about her own dress for the ball. Luckily for Cinderarity, her dressmaking skills included speed as well as style. She was able to find enough fabric, jewels, and sashes to make her dress under two hours. It was a shining, purple gown with white frills, a few pearls around the neck area, and white sashes that ran from the waist to the bottom. It was one of the most beautiful dresses that Cinderarity had ever made. And Prince Blueblood, the most eligible bachelor in the kingdom was going to see her. Cinderarity always dreamed of what would happen. Their eyes would meet, their hearts would melt, their courtship would be unforgettable. He would ask for her hoof in marriage, which, of course, she would answer, "YES!" Then, she would become a princess, leave the old dress shop and Suri behind, to live a life of luxury and love! It made Cinderarity sigh dreamily just thinking about it. This was the night that Cinderarity dreamed of since she was a little girl; to have a true, fairy tale ending! Cinderarity didn't waste any time in putting on her makeup, doing her hair up in a gorgeous-looking bun with a white rose in it, and putting on her dress as the time to go to the ball was nigh. When she had finished, she trotted happily down the stairs to the door, humming a love tune. Suri was down waiting for her, and when Cinderarity saw what Suri was wearing, she stopped dead in her tracks and her mouth fell open. Suri was wearing a shining, purple gown with white frills, a few pearls around the neck area, and white sashes that ran from the waist to the bottom...wait! IT WAS THE EXACT SAME DRESS! She even had her HAIR the same way, white rose and all! When she saw Cinderarity's reaction, Suri gave a wicked chuckle. She knew that if there was one thing Cinderarity hated, it was wearing matching outfits. She always liked to be differently dressed from others so that she would stand out. Last time Suri did this, Cinderarity was so shocked and embarrassed, that she refused to show up at her own 12th birthday party. Yes, Suri was able to make Cinderarity skip her own party, due to her wearing the exact same outfit. Cinderarity stared at Suri, her mouth opening and closing with disbelief. "I know right?" Suri said smugly as she gave a twirl. "It looks good on me doesn't it? Thanks for the idea Cindy! I couldn't figure out what to wear, and you saved me, m'kay? You're the best!" "Suri!" Cinderarity shrieked. "You KNOW that I don't like matching outfits! And you also know that you won't be the one to change!" "Oh no!" Suri said mockingly dramatic. "That means you can't go to the ball! If you go, everypony will think that you copied me. Oh well, I guess there's always next year right?" She turned with her muzzle in the air and started out the door to the carriage waiting outside. Before she closed the door, she turned back to see Cinderarity, tears leaking from her eyes and her mouth still open, and said, "You should know by now Cinderarity; I always win. Ta-ta!" And in the sound of a slamming door, she was gone, laughing all the way. Cinderarity stood there, years of hurt and abuse finally taking its toll. Suri had gone too far this time. She had denied Cinderarity a wonderful night and her fairy tale ending. With the tears working their way up and out of her eyes, Cinderarity turned and burst into the garden in the back, crying all the way. She closed the door behind her and flopped herself onto the bench, tears now streaming down her face like little rivers as she hung her head in sorrow. "I can't win," she said to herself through her tears. "I'll never get my fairy tale ending. There's nothing else to believe in. Nothing!" "Now you can't really think that!" Cinderarity head jerked up as soon as she heard the mysterious voice. I was like it was coming from all around. It was a high-pitched voice that had an upbeat tone when it spoke. Cinderarity looked around to try and find the source, but there was nopony there. Suddenly, the voice spoke again. "There's always hope silly-billy! If you didn't have hope left, I couldn't be here, and," in a flash of light, and the sound of a POOF, a bright figure stood before a startled Cinderarity, "here I am!" The figure wore a bright pink, poofy dress that had tiny heart and balloon patterns on it. It was also apparent that the figure was a she, due to the body. She had a coat that was a darker pink, and a curly mane that was an even darker shade of pink. Her eyes were big and her smile was even bigger as she stared at the startle unicorn. After catching her breath, Cinderarity finally spoke. "W-who are you?" "I'm your Fairy Godpony silly!" the figure replied. "But you can call me Godpony because...I will make you an offer you can't refuse! HA!" "I don't get it," Cinderarity replied blankly. "Nevermind. I'm here because you need help! You want to go to the ball correct?" Cinderarity nodded. "Well, I have the power to make that happen! I just need a few things first!" Cinderarity's expression lifted as she heard the good news, "What? Whatever it is, I'll get it!" "Well," the Godpony said, "for starters, I'll need...an apple!" "I don't know if we have any apples," Cinderarity replied. "We DO have a pumpkin patch. Do you want a pumpkin instead?" "Oh don't be ridiculous!" the Godpony scoffed. "I really need an apple." Cinderarity thought for a second before remembering that there was still an apple left in the fruit bowl in the kitchen. As quick as a flash, she ran into the cottage and came back out with a plump, red apple. "Great! Now all I need are some mice. You got any around here?" "What luck!" Cinderarity said happily. "We just caught some mice yesterday!" Cinderarity left for the shed next to the house and returned seconds later with a small cage with three white mice in it. "Perfect!" the Godpony squealed as she clapped her hooves. She then reached into her hair and pulled out a long pink rod with a shining balloon at the top. It was her magic wand. After tapping a bit on her hoof, glowing dust started to leak from it. "You might want to stand back a bit Cindy!" Cinderarity moved back behind the Godpony as she pointed her wand at the apple and mice. Then, with the wave of the wand, she shouted, "Flippity Floppity Foal!" and shot a beam of magic dust at the objects. As soon as the dust hit them, apple began to change shape. Not only did it grow into the size of a small shed, but it also sprouted a door, wheels, and a sitting perch. The mice began to change as well, also growing in size and sprouting hooves, muzzles, and long furry tails. Cinderarity's jaw dropped and her eyes bulged out as she saw the apple and mice turn into a carriage and horses in mere seconds! "Amazing!" Cinderarity said with awe. "It's like in a dream! You're amazing Godpony! So, is Flippity Floppity Foal the magic phrase?" "Nah!" the Godpony replied. "It's just REALLY fun to say! So, are you ready to go to the ball?" "Well, not quite," Cinderarity answered hesitantly. "You see, my stepsister is wearing the exact same dress that I'm wearing right now, and-" "Say no more Cindy!" the Godpony said happily as she lifted her wand again. Then, before Cinderarity even knew what was going on, she heard, "Flippity Floppity Foal" once again, and a flash of light appeared. When the light had cleared, Cinderarity didn't really feel any different, that is until she looked down. What was once a purple dress with white sashes and pearls was replaced with a snow white gown with matching gloves and a new hairstyle, which was held up with a crystal tiara. Cinderarity had never seen such a beautiful dress. She couldn't stop looking at herself. She then noticed that her slippers had changed, and were now...glass. "Glass slippers?" she asked. "Yep! Thought they really stood out," the Godpony happily responded. "Just don't break them. Not unless you like stepping on broken glass." "I'll remember that," Cinderarity replied with a chuckle. "Oh thank you so much Godpony! You've helped me so much!" "It's what I do," the Godpony replied. "Now go and have some fun you little scamp!" Cinderarity smiled as she stepped into her new apple carriage. Before the horses could take off though, the Godpony stopped her. "I almost forgot! You have to be back before the clock strikes twelve tonight. That's when the spell wears off. It's on a timeshare or something. I'm trying to get it worked out." "Stroke of twelve. Got it!" Cinderarity nodded. The Godpony smiled and whistled to the horses, signaling them to go. As the carriage drove through the gate, Cinderarity looked back to see the Godpony smiling and waving until she disappeared with a poof. Cinderarity sat back as she could feel her heart racing a mile a minute. She was really going! She was going to the ball. To meet the Prince. To get her fairy tale ending! When the carriage finally arrived at the castle, Cinderarity stepped out and took a good look at the humungous alabaster towers above her. It was bigger than she could ever imagine. Taking a deep breath, she ventured inside, down the decorated hallway, and into the Grand Hall. The Hall was huge, being able to fit, at least, 200 ponies within. The walls were decorated with flags, ribbons, sashes, and other bits of decor. Ponies were lined up all around; unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies, and most of them were female. This didn't surprise Cinderarity, as the invite said that EVERY eligible mare was to attend. There were more eligible mares than she thought. Cinderarity worked her way through the crowd until she saw...him. He was tall, broad, a clean white coat, blonde flowing mane, and eyes that made her melt on sight. It was Prince Blueblood! He was in the middle of greeting all the guests, bowing his head slightly as each one walked by. She then saw Suri, shoving her way through the line and walking up to the Prince. Though she couldn't hear, she could tell that Suri was hitting on him, and from the look of it, he wasn't looking that interested. Cinderarity rolled her eyes and looked back, just in time for the Prince's eyes to lock onto her's. Her heart skipped a beat as the two stared at each other for a second. Then, the Prince's mouth curled into a handsome smile, which made Cinderarity blush. Politely pushing Suri out of the way, Blueblood worked his way through the parting ponies until he stopped right in front of Cinderarity. The two stared at each other for another second, until he finally spoke. "Hello," he said in a sultry voice. "H-hello," she said back, trying to maintain. Then without saying a word, Blueblood signaled for the orchestra to start as he took Cinderarity by the hooves and led her onto the dance floor. As the music began, the two began to dance. A simple waltz, but all the more effective. Cinderarity felt as if she was walking on clouds, her body feeling light as a feather, and her heart racing all the faster. She quickly glanced over at Suri, who was staring with a combination of shock and jealousy, something that made Cinderarity giggle inside. She looked into the eyes of her dream stallion, and he looked back. As the song played, they didn't look away once. It was the greatest dance that Cinderarity had ever had. After the song ended, Blueblood led Cinderarity into the gardens, where they sat and looked at the stars. "Oh if this is a dream, I don't want to wake up!" Cinderarity thought as she snuggled up next to Blueblood. It seemed that Cinderarity's dreams were finally coming true. A marriage couldn't be far behind, and then, she would be whisked away to live a life of love and luxury, and then, live happily ever after. Suddenly, he reached around her and plucked a rose from the bush and presented it to her. "Isn't this such a beautiful rose?" he asked. "It would go great with somepony's outfit." "Oh Blueblood," Cinderarity sighed, "it is quite beautiful!" She then leaned her head towards him, preparing for him to place the rose into her hair. The only thing was, however...he stuck the rose in his own hair. Cinderarity looked at him with curiosity as he twirled his hair. "What do you think?" he asked. "It matches my eyes, doesn't it?" "Uh...yes. Of course," Cinderarity answered, a little taken aback by the mishap. She quickly shook it off as a...playful way of showing off his looks to her, so that she could appreciate him more. Sure... "Well," Blueblood said as he stroked his hair with his hooves, "tell me about yourself my dear." Now this was more like it. Getting to know her was a great way of learning. "Well, I come from-" "Very interesting," Blueblood suddenly interrupted. "Now about me, my family dates back to almost 10 generations of royalty." As he started to carry on, Cinderarity stared at him, shocked at his interruption. Still, she tried to keep a positive thought. "He was just excited to tell me about himself so...I didn't ask anything later. I'm sure he'll listen as soon as he's done." One hour later... "...and on mumsy's side, my great uncle was the Great Duke of Trottingham, and on my father's side-" Cinderarity, by this point, had completely drowned out of the conversation, if one could all it that. She hadn't said a peep since he started. To be honest, her patience was wavering. She couldn't stand to hear another thing about how GREAT his family tree was. When he had finally finished, he got up and looked to her, "Shall we go inside for some refreshments my dear?" At least he still had charm. "That would be delightful," Cinderarity replied as she got up. The two headed back into the castle, when Blueblood stopped them both and looked down. On the grass in front of them, was a large puddle. Cinderarity looked at him with a grin as she thought, "He IS a gentlestallion! He doesn't want me to get my dress wet." "Somepony could really get wet in that puddle," he said. "Don't worry. One's cloak ought to help in this situation." "Indeed," she replied softly. As Cinderarity put the now wet sash she was wearing back on, she glared angrily at Blueblood, who was completely oblivious to her frustration. "So much for gentlestallion," she thought as they went back inside, "Can things get any worse?" They could. Within the next two hours, Cinderarity fully realized that her "fairy tale" wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Not only was Blueblood a complete bore, but he was far from princely. In fact, he was nothing more than a royal pain! He made Cinderarity open the doors for him, went to the food table without asking if she wanted anything, and did nothing but talk, and talk, and talk, and talk some more, about himself no less. And the worst part was, Cinderarity couldn't get away from the guy! Apparently, he had taken a liking to her for SOME reason, and wouldn't let her go. She didn't want to be rude, but she was definitely starting to consider it. As she sat in a slump, listening to Blueblood gabble on about some awards he's won, Cinderarity kept praying for midnight to come soon. "Could really use the striking of twelve right now!" she grumbled as Blueblood bragged about his many accomplishments. Finally, right before Cinderarity was about to claw her own ears off, she heard that magical sound. The ringing of the clock! "Well, it's been fun!" Cinderarity said with haste as she got up. "We should REALLY do this again sometime. Or not. Who knows? Well, gotta run. PEACE!" And with that, she was off in a flash. Though she thought she was in the clear, she suddenly heard hooves coming from behind. "WAIT!" Blueblood called out as he followed her. "I don't even know your name fair maiden! How will I find you?" "Oh don't worry, I'll call you!" Cinderarity called back. She quickly galloped down the stairs of the palace as she noticed that Blueblood was still hot on her trail. She practically lunged into the carriage and shouted, "STEP ON IT!" as the carriage took off in a cloud of dust, leaving the Prince at the bottom of the steps. Cinderarity leaned back in her seat and gave an exhausted sigh of relief. It was finally over! She would never have to see that...ROYAL PAIN ever again! As she arrived back at the cottage, the twelfth chime rang out, and in a puff of magic dust, Cinderarity was sitting in the backyard by an apple and a few mice. She was also back in her old dress, but she didn't mind. She was just glad it was all over. "Hey there Cindy!" Cinderarity jumped a bit before looking around to see her Fairy Godpony standing with a smile. "Must you give me a heart attack with each entrance?" she asked as she clutched her heart. "Sorry," the Godpony said. "So? How was the ball? How was the prince? You have fun?" "Oh, how do I put this politely?" Cinderarity said. "Um...the Prince was like a combination of a splitting headache and two broken legs with a personality that was like pouring a pitcher of salt onto an open cut. Metaphorically speaking." "That bad huh?" the Godpony asked. "Yes," Cinderarity answered, "but, it doesn't matter! The ball is over, and I'll never have to worry about that prince ever-" "Uhh...Cindy?" the Godpony interrupted, looking at Cinderarity's hooves. "Where's your other slipper?" Cinderarity looked down and gasped as she saw that her right glass slipper was gone, while the left one remained intact. "YOU LET ME KEEP THE SLIPPERS?" Cinderarity shrieked. "I thought you would've liked a souvenir to remind you of your first ball," the Godpony answered hesitantly. Cinderarity started to panic. "Do you realize what this means?!" The Godpony shook her head. "It means that he can use that slipper to TRACK ME DOWN! This is bad! This is VERY bad! Of all the worst things that could happen, this is THE...WORST...POSSIBLE...THING! What am I going to do!?" Cinderarity worried throughout the entire night as to what the Prince was planning on doing with the slipper. What exactly was going to happen? Could he really use it to find her? These worries kept her awake through the night, and she didn't even get to sleep until the sun almost came up. She had had about an hour of sleep before the sound of knocking came from outside. Cinderarity opened her eyes and jumped out of bed to see what was going on. To her horror, it was the Prince! He was with some royal guards, and his footpony was carrying a pillow with the glass slipper on it. He had found her! Cinderarity started to panic as she thought of what to do. Suddenly, the door to her room opened and she turned around to see a sneering Suri. "You think I don't know why the Prince is here?" she said menacingly. "YOU were the one the Prince spent all night with last night, m'kay? We grew up together Cinderarity. I know what you look like. I happen to know that he's been using that slipper of yours to find the girl that he spent the night with. He's...fallen in love with her!" Cinderarity shook in fear when she heard that. "He's been going to each maiden and trying to fit the slipper. Whoever fits the slipper will become the Prince's bride!" Cinderarity shook even harder as Suri's face curled into a devious smile. "You're planning on trying on the slipper and going away to live a life of luxury. Not while I have any say in it. You," she twisted the lock on the outside of the door, "are staying in here. Even if I don't fit the slipper, he'll never see you! And he'll never find you, m'kay? Have fun with knowing that you'll NEVER get your Prince Charming!" She then slammed the door, chuckling as she left. Though it seemed that Suri had done her a favor, it was still a lost cause. Suri would not fit the slipper, and Blueblood would stop at nothing to get his bride. Cinderarity cringed at the thought of marrying that creep. It was best to stay in her room. Suddenly, a horrible thought came to her. What if the Prince saw all the pictures? All the things that had her name on it? He would find out that she was living there, and he wouldn't leave until he's seen her. She had to get rid of her stuff. But how would she get out of the room. Cinderarity thought for a second, and then a simple idea popped into her head. Rolling her eyes on how Suri forgot, she used her magic to unlock the door. She then quickly but quietly trotted into her study to gather up her stuff. As she did, she heard Suri greeting the Prince. "Welcome your majesty. I'm so glad you found MY slipper, m'kay?" She didn't have much time. Cinderarity gathered all of her belongings and threw them back into her room. Now for the pictures. She quietly tiptoed out into the living room, just in time to see Suri sit down. Cinderarity quickly ducked behind a pillar as she watched as the footpony take the slipper from the pillow and lower it down toward Suri's hoof. "It won't matter," Cinderarity thought. "It won't fit. Her hooves are too big. It's only a matter of time!" As the slipper grew closer and closer to Suri, Cinderarity winced with anxiety. Suddenly, she saw a beam of thin dust come flying from behind her and shot towards the slipper. As it hit it, the slipper, unbeknownst to everypony else, grew in size, just as the footpony slipped it onto Suri's hoof, winning a perfect fit. Suri's eyes grew wide and her face curled into a smile as she stared at the slipper. "IT FITS!" she shrieked as she jumped around with excitement. Cinderarity, taken aback by what just happened, looked behind her to see her faithful Fairy Godpony, winking and smiling. Cinderarity smiled back as she turned to see Blueblood approach Suri with a look of certainty on his face. "You're the one!" he said charmingly. "You're the one I was with!" (Boy, talk about dense.) "We shall be wed at once!" Suri squealed with delight as Blueblood turned to his footpony and started listing commands for the wedding as the two walked out to the carriage. At that point, Cinderarity thought it best to come out, and as she did, Suri turned to her and smirked. "You're too late Cinderarity!" she said boastfully. "I don't know how, but I fit the slipper! I get to be with the Prince! I get to live in TOTAL LUXURY, m'kay?" "Yes Suri, you've beaten me," Cinderarity replied with fake sadness. "Oh woe is me! WOE IS ME!" "Aw don't feel so bad," Suri said with a cocky smile. "Like I said before. I always win! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to be a PRINCESS! Ta-ta Cinderarity! Enjoy your mediocre life!" And with her muzzle in the air and her tail swishing boastfully, Suri strutted out of the cottage and slammed the door. As soon as she was gone, Cinderarity couldn't hold it in anymore. The joy of not having to deal with both Suri AND Prince Pain-in-the-Neck anymore was too much to contain, and she started to jump excitedly and shout, "WOO-HOO!" "I guess you'll have to live a mediocre life eh Cindy?" the Godpony asked with a smile. "I suppose so," Cinderarity replied happily, "But you know what? A mediocre life is sound more like a true fairy tale ending to me." "Glad to see that!" the Godpony replied. She then held out her hoof toward Cinderarity, "Hoofbump?" Cinderarity chuckled and bumped the Godpony's hoof with happiness. It didn't take long after the wedding for Suri to realize that she had been bamboozled. Not two seconds after they said their vows, Suri had to listen to more of Blueblood's fascinating stories, as well as open doors for him, listen to his whining, and above all, live a life of Blueblood's luxury, meaning she had to assist in HIS luxury. As for Cinderarity, she was just fine and dandy with HER life. She was able to run her dress shop to full capacity, with the occasional help of her Fairy Godpony. As her popularity grew, Cinderarity later became known as the most famous seamstress in the kingdom. Though it wasn't the life she expected, everything turned out just fine, and it goes to show that a true fairy tale ending is the one you least expect. And they all lived happily ever after. THE END.