"Ugh. Rarity, I know I've been trying to solve your case, but I haven't gotten anywhere with it! If I can offer no help, then you should go to the police." Twilight's rump fell to the floor with a crash.
The white unicorn nuzzled a purple cheek, trying to make the owner feel better. "Twilight, darling, I only trust you with the troubles of Miss Rarity the Unicorn! No police detectives will treat my case as well as you."
"Rarity, you need to go to the police! This is really serious, and I can't protect you anymore."
"Darling, Twilight, I told you, I need no protecting! I really don't believe in this 'stalker' nonsense. I was simply overreacting because I've been working too long. Simple, really. But, you know, if you believed in it, I might as well let you figure it all out." With a 'hmm', she turned tail, and walked to the front door.
When she was five feet away from the door, a rock flew through the window next to it. Glass rained down just in front of her, with only one stray piece nicking her hoof, staining the fur red. She licked her hoof, turning around to ask Twilight if she had some gauze, or a Band-Aid. However, indigo eyes observed a rock.
A rock thrown through the window, with a note.
Shuffling over, Rarity read the words over Twilight's purple shoulder.
I am real, Rarity. Fear me.
It was written in the same hoofwriting as the note on the ring.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
"Ugh..." A soft groan escaped between white lips as Rarity woke up.
In a strange blue-plaid bed.
"Wahahaha!" She shook her head. "W-where am I? No, no, let me go! Let me go!"
It was one of her nightmares come true. Strange house, strange bed. Nowhere... nowhere to go...
"Rarity! Rarity, sug'rcube, you're all right!" Large red forelegs embraced Rarity, while she lightly cried into the matching red shoulder.
"B-big Mac! I-I'm sorry for the scene... J-just woke up from a nightmare, I guess." Here she was, making excuses again. She knew the truth would soon have to be said to her lover.
"Sug'rcube, what's going on? I've been waitin' until you wanna tell us, but because of this, Ah think ya needa tell us now."
Or the truth could come out now. You know, whatever.
"Oh... Ok, darling. But, could you get Applejack too? I think she'd like to hear this." Her head hung down, a little frightened about telling them about her... experiences.
"Ok, sug'rcube. We'll be downstairs at the kitchen table. And if Ah know my sis," his head turned, and inviting smile upon it, "she'll have a delicious breakfast ready, just fer you."
Rarity's mouth was salivating, imaging apple fritters, apple pie, apple dumplings. "I'll be right down!" She giggled, and Big Mac smiled. He knew the unicorn loved Applejack's cooking. "Just let me freshen up. It'll be five minutes, I promise."
______________________________________________________________________________________
Once downstairs, the pungent smell of apple pastries hit a certain white unicorn's nose. Rarity knew she was trotting faster then a lady probably should, but she didn't care. There were delicious things in the kitchen, delicious things that might help get rid of her plaguing nightmares.
"Applejack, you have outdone yourself once again! These apple fritters are ravishing. You must give me your recipe!" She was one her third, not realizing how hungry she was. Thinking back, all her work and fear had taken away her time to eat. Her fridge was probably empty, anyway. After those sightings in marketplace, she didn't want to stay long enough to grocery shop.
"Slow down there, sug'rcube. You're eating those fritters awfully fast. So," Applejack gained a cheeky grin, "are they any good?"
She received a head-nod in answer. Finally, Rarity was done with her fritter, and all that was left on her plate was a pile of crumbs. Sipping water, she cleared her throat, and began.
"I'm sorry for my behavior these last few days. I've been having an awful time, what with these sightings, and all."
"What sightin's? What have you been seein', suga'rcube?" Both Applejck and Big Mac leaned forward.
"Oh, a... a pony's figure. With a blue tail. Everywhere I go." And so, she recounted her multiple sightings.
Applejack started to giggled, failing to hold it in. "Why, you're jumping ta conclusions, Rare! You could just be seeing multiple Ponyville citizens! We do have many residents with blue tails, ya know."
This made the unicorn angry. "Do Ponyville citizens hide behind bushes?! I think not! Did any of them have this shade of blue in their tails? I think not! My dear," White hooves were placed on the table, an unladylike gesture. "I have been seeing someone."
Applejack started to feel bad. "Ah'm sorry, sug'rcube. It wasn't very nice of me to not believe ya."
"It's okay, dear. I had the same ideas."
Big Mac was unusually quiet during all of this, even for him. Then, he spoke. "Did he do anything else? Anything serious?"
White cheeks flushed a light red. "W-well you see... He gave me a diamond ring yesterday. In my mailbox. In fact," she looked up pleadingly, "that's why I came here. Don't worry Big Macintosh," she cuddled against his chest. "I turned him down flat."
Somewhere in the background, a certain farmpony was pretending to gag, sticking a hoof in her mouth as her brother and Rarity started to lean closer... and closer...
"Mhmm, are those fritters? Ah want one!" Apple Bloom had walked in, woken from her sleep by the shouting. "Hey Sis, what're Big Mac and Rarity doin'?" At this, the two ponies mentioned leaped apart, trying not to look at each other.
"Saved by the Apple Bloom." This was muttered under the breath of an orange pony, who's wish had been granted: For Rarity and Big Mac to stop whatever they were doing. "Come 'ere Apple Bloom, we'll get that belly of yours all filled up!"
______________________________________________________________________________________
I can't wait much longer. I have to do what must be done.
It's the perfect plan. Once Rarity comes to the funeral of her successor, all I have to do is make it seem like I'm interested in her designs, and she'll lead me back to the Boutique. Or, her room at the castle. Whichever. Then, I just have to drug her with my 'special' tea...
This plan cannot fail. I just have to send a message to that oaf, Big Macintosh, and her librarian friend, Twilight Sparkle.
Which message?
Stay away from my Rarity.
______________________________________________________________________________________
It was nighttime now, and Rarity was reading her library book on Victorian fashions. Big Mac had gone to the Boutique with her to grab it, along with a few others. With her red-rimmed glasses perched on the tip of her nose, indigo eyes reached the last word on the final page. Sighing, she took them off and put them down on the side table next to the bed. The unicorn was currently waiting for Big Mac to finish his chores. Then, she would cook him and his sister dinner before all three of them went to bed.
She had no idea how long she'd been waiting. It seemed to be forever before the door finally creaked open downstairs. Lifting herself from the bed, and down the flight of stairs, she found the two already at the table.
"Well, well, are you two hungry?" Vigorous nods answered. "I guess I'll just have to cook dinner! Oh, Applejack, do be a dear and call Apple Bloom and Granny Smith down, too. Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes."
Rarity's energy wasn't fully recovered yet. It would take more then one peaceful day of rest. So, she made a simpler dinner: a green salad with romane and iceberg lettuces, daisy petals, and dandelion leaves. There were also hay fried for the younger member.
Using her magic to tear the lettuce leaves and put them into the glass bowl, half the dinner was already done. She did the same with the daisies and dandelions as the hay was fried in a pan. Well the fries were well-cooked, and set out on a plate, all the other dishes were set down on the kitchen table.
Dinner was received well over all: "Mmmm. Rarity, ya can make fries better then ma sis!" and, "Good cooking as always sug'rcube." But, with any controversial subject, there were bad comments. "The lettuce is too crunchy. And the daisies weren't in season!" Ick. Granny Smith always was picky.
"Mhmm. You needa come over here more often, Rare! With my pastries paired with your cookin', we could run a five-star restaurant outta this house!" Crumbs were all around Applejack's mouth, and her plate was licked clean. It was clear she was pleased with dinner.
"Well, they do say a way to a colt's heart is through his stomach!" Rarity giggled as Big Mac blushed. He was teased pretty often about his large appetite. "Aww, it's okay dear! At least we know that if we do open a restaurant, you'll keep coming back for more!" Everypony laughed this time.
Applejack glanced at a clock. "Apple Bloom, it's time for bed. In fact, it may be a little later then it should be."
Before Apple Bloom could protest, Granny Smith joined in. "And mine too!" Laughter was heard all around.
"Aww, okay sis. G'nite everypony." Jumping off her seat, Apple Bloom's short yellow legs shuffled off.
"And make sure ya do your homework too!"
"All right sis!"
"Thank you for letting me sleep here. I don't want to stay longer then I should, so I'm going to stay at Twilight's." Rarity wiped her mouth with her napkin, and started to get up. Big Mac grabbed her hoof.
"Sug'rcube, you shouldn't." It was clear the farmpony was worried about her.
"Really, Big Macintosh, it's fine! If you really are that worried, I'll ask Twilight to put a protective shield around the treehouse." She smiled.
"Okay, fine. But at least lemme walk ya there."
It became obvious that he wouldn't take 'no' for an answer, so she consented. They both walked out the door, and into the night. On the way, both contributed to their conversation, most of it small talk. Finally, they arrived at their destination.
"Well, thank you for walking me Big Macintosh. I really do appreciate it."
"Aw, it's no problem sug'rcube. Just make sure you get ample protection. I don't wanna let this 'stalker get anywhere near you."
"Thanks, darling. Well, good night." She leaned in, giving him a passionate kiss. Waving as she walked into the Library, he stood in shock. As her tail disappeared inside, and the door slammed shut, he let a large goofy smile take over his face. He arrived home in the same state, but as soon as Applejack opened her mouth, he gave her a death stare, causing her to drop it.
______________________________________________________________________________________
"Twilight, darling, thanks for letting me stay. I needed a place to go, and frankly, I didn't want to put Applejack, or Apple Bloom in danger."
"Oh, so it's fine to put me in danger?" The purple pony meant it to be joking, but it came out with a sharp edge.
In response, Rarity nuzzled her purple cheek. "Of course not darling! It's just that you have magic, and no matter what Applejack says, it's more powerful then her legs. You proved that when you scared off the intruder... when he tossed that rock..." Both of them zoned out, remembering.
A pink aura surrounded the building.
"What... what is this doing, Twilight, dear?"
"It's another protective spell. It'll keep the intruder from coming in the Library if he's still out there."
"And how will we know when he's gone?"
Suddenly, an electric zap was heard outside.
"What was that?! Twilight, darling, I trust you and all, but that sounds dangerous!"
"It's the charm. If her, or she, tries to get through it, or throw anything through, it'll deflect them. don't worry, neither of us are in danger."
"Oh."
After another one of the zaps was heard outside. They charged up the stairs, and under the sheets of Twilight's bed. After an hour of huddling together, Rarity fell asleep. Twilight remained on guard, peering out the window every few minutes, checking for a figure. After three hours of no more zaps, or dark shadows lurking outside, she laid down to rest.
"I'm sorry, dear, that was uncalled for. However, I do want to thank you for that night. What you did was honorable. It probably saved us." She nuzzled the other pony's purple cheek.
"Thanks, Rarity. It's the last I could have done. Well, the guest bedroom is open. I had Spike fix it this morning, just in case this happened."
"Thank you darling. I'm sorry, I don't really know how to repay you for your kindness. It's almost too much sometimes!"
A smile was sent in the direction of the white unicorn. "It's what friends do, Rarity. Well, I'll see you in the morning. I have some more studying to do, but feel free to go to sleep." She started to walk over to the bookshelves, but turned around. "Oh, and breakfast will be around eight in the morning. Sweet dreams."
"Sweet dreams to you too. Good night Twilight."
Rarity's blue eyes had started to droop, and this made her realize how sleepy she was. Slightly tripping as she walked up the stairs, she found the door to the guest bedroom. A hoof shoved the door open, then banging shut with the use of magick. Snuggling down into the covers, lids slowly covered her eyes. A burp, then a loud gasp was heard downstairs. Spike must have received an urgent letter from the Princess. Guess that means more studying for Twilight.Just as she about to drift off, the door slammed open, crashing against the wall loudly.
"Twilight! Whatever is the matter dear? You- you're about as white as I am!" Her try at humor failed. Twilight remained in a catatonic state, a letter suspended by her pinkish magick.
"R-rarity. You know your friend from Canterlot, that white unicorn with the pink mane? Who liked to pose a lot?" Rarity nodded. She knew Fleur de Lis well. "Well, let's just say, something happened to her that is very, very rare in Equestria."
This shocked Rarity. No. What did this mean?
Was she... murdered?!