Chapter 18: A Pain That I’m used to
Rarity knew Canterlot Carousel was going to be a smashing success! From the moment she first opened the doors, her boutique had flourished with customers and orders for her colorful and exquisite line of fashion. Her sapphire eyes shimmered with the smiling faces of new customers as they walked through the door. It had taken a great deal of hard work, effort and capitol, but the seamstress was finally expanding her name beyond Ponyville.
“It really is a beautiful sight.” Rarity smiled as she saw a pair of Pegasai twins light up upon seeing her Cadence inspired dress. Those ear to ear smiles and ear piercing squeals of joy; that is the real reward for the purple haired fashionista. “And to think,” she waved casually to some returning customers, “none of this would have happened if I had decided to close down this shop. I would have denied these ponies the chance to look and feel inspiringly beautiful!”
“Not to mention I’d be out of a job.” A stylish unicorn appeared next to Rarity. She was light teal in color, had pale gold eyes with thick purple eyeshadow and a long head of fiery, fox red and yellow colored hair. The mare’s dress was dark, flowery like in design and featured several gold buttons around each tip. The shine on her gold colored saddle sparkled radiantly. “You’re ‘Rules of Rarity’ truly is a recipe for success! I only wished I had listened to you before.”
“Think nothing of it darling. You have a knack for sales, which is why I hired you,” Rarity explained, “so it’s only natural you went with your sales instincts.”
Ever since Rarity corrected Sassy Saddles on how she managed the boutique, business has been better than ever. She felt confident she could leave this location’s profits to Sassy without it being turned into an assembly line of the same, boring old dress over and over again. Seeing so many ponies smiling, admiring their figures in these fabulous works of art, it just made the snow-white unicorn’s heart soar with unbridled joy.
“So what do I owe the pleasure of your visit Miss Rarity?” Sassy cheerfully asked.
“My friends and I were checking up on an old friend of Twilight’s at the castle and I decided to pop in for a checkup. Plus, I wanted to pick up and deliver the special custom order for Sapphire Shores back up dancers.”
Sassy smiled proudly. She took great delight hearing of her manager’s impressive connections, who knows what future business a superstar like Sapphire Shores could bring in. Perhaps, the famous singer could allow her name to be used in a commercial or model a dress from the shop!
“I always bring her orders in person, it shows how much I value her business.” Rarity examined the clock on the wall. She gasped; seeing the time. The elegant mare rushed to the backroom, levitated the order she needed and ran back out; hooves bouncing impatiently. “Terribly sorry to cut this visit short Sassy, but I must get these dresses to the dancers post haste. I’m afraid I got too lost in my own success to notice the time.”
“Snap my safety pins! B-b-b-b-but I thought, I just…C-c-c-can’t you see how busy it is, Rarity?” the amount of ponies piling in had increased quickly. The teal unicorn looked alarmingly overwhelmed by the number of customers; many had been calling for her assistance for some time now. “I was hoping you’d be able to stay and help me tame this crowd until rush hour ends.”
“Any other day or time I’d be more than willing to help, but you know this is one client I cannot afford to keep waiting.”
Sassy’s face was wrought with stress and anxiety. Rarity hated leaving her trusted worker so short hoofed, but this Sapphire Shoes business demanded her utmost attention. What to do? What to do?
THUMP!
The unicorns darted their eyes towards the display windows. Spike had dropped a stack of boxes on the ground. The dragon was filtering his claws through the boxes, pulling out stands and mannequins to put in the window displays. “What? Is there something on my face?” Spike curiously felt around his cheeks.
“Idea! Spike, could you be a sweet dear and give Sassy Saddles a hoof…Err claw around the shop? I’ve got a deadline to keep and you’d be doing me a monumental favor darling.”
Spike’s smile widened broadly. Like a good scaly little soldier, he saluted Rarity and nodded eagerly.
“It would be my genuine pleasure my lady.” Spike bowed; lifting his tail up slightly. That tone and that gesture always made Rarity smile and swoon at the same time. Such a gentledrake.
“I knew I could count on you.” Rarity blew him a kiss. As the drake happily ‘caught’ the kiss with his cheek, Rarity trotted out the door and wished Sassy and Spike the best of luck.
“W-w-w-wait Miss Rarity.” Sassy stumbled after the fleeing unicorn, her hooves scrambling for purchase as well as speed. “I don’t think this is a good idea! There are some additional concerns that I absolutely must discuss with you before-” the door slammed shut before the frantic mare could finish her protest. “Problems emerge…Sigh.”
Sassy groaned in aggravated defeat, she slowly turned around and adjusted her orange hair. The unicorn’s golden eyes widened slightly at the sight of a rather eager, tail-wagging purple dragon standing directly in front of her. The teal pony cringed slightly, clearly uncomfortable relying on this creature for assistance.
“Hi there, I don’t think we ever been properly introduced.” He extended his claw, smiling brightly. “My name’s Spike, pleased to meet you.”
“Eh charmed…I suppose.” Sassy reluctantly shook hooves with his claw, her upper lip cringing with revulsion. She was worried she was going to get some kind of dragon rabies if she kept this up for much longer.
“So what can I do to help?”
Sassy chuckled mockingly. Spike looked at her like he was missing something, like there was sort of inside joke going on that he was not a part of. Her mean spirited reaction didn’t come off as subtle as she thought it did.
“Ahem…Try to help, what can you do to try to help you mean.”
“Um…Sure?”
“Let’s just see how things go, okay? Rarity wants you to help so then naturally…eh…I guess you’re going to have to help.”
She motioned with a flick of her hooves towards the register, implying she could use his help dealing with the outstandingly long line of customers. The dragon saluted obediently and marched on to the register. Sassy could barely contain her fake smile for much longer. A sour, bitter look stained her perky demeanor the moment he was behind the counter.
“Hmph! I don’t recall dealing with dragons being on the ‘Rules of Rarity’ list.”
A few hours later…
Rarity entered the boutique. She huffed and wiped her brow delicately with a handkerchief. It was most un-lady like to enter one’s own store all sweaty and huffing and puffing like a wheezing, old mare. However, Rarity’s trip to Sapphire had taken more time and energy out of her than she expected.
“Oh my, Sapphire Shores certainly has gotten chattier since I last saw her.” The fashionista levitated the order form for the pop singer’s next commission in front of her eyes. As always, the order form was long and highly specified. “Still, working for her has been simply divine for business,” she mused as she walked towards the register. “Speaking of business, I do hope Sassy and Spike were able to handle that onslaught of customers. Things looked so frightfully-”
Rarity’s voice trailed off. The eerie sound of silence had alerted her that something was off, her eyes deviated from the order form and quickly scanned her shop. The boutique was nearly empty. There were only 3 ponies in the entire shop, and all of them had this slightly offended look on their faces.
“B-b-b-b-but what happened to all the ponies I saw in here earlier?” Rarity asked anxiously. “This place was muzzle to muzzle packed, now it looks like a ghost town and this is usually when were busiest the most!”
Sassy Saddles slumped tiredly over the cash register. She lazily poked the machine with her hoof, sighing heavily as her eyes nearly drooped into a defeated slumber.
“What in the name of Equestria happened in here?” Rarity’s shrieking voice jostled Sassy back to her senses. The few remaining ponies briefly looked towards the white unicorn but quickly returned to their silent, scathing trances.
“Bust my buttons Rarity, thank Celestia you’re finally back. The boutique has become like a graveyard and we haven’t sold a single outfit in what feels like an eternity.”
“I can see that!” Rarity impatiently snapped. Sassy flinched at her employer’s violent tone, though she hardly seemed surprised by this reaction. “Perhaps you can help clarify on how this actually happened instead of just stating the obvious?”
“Well I did try to warn you about the potential problems of your decision before you left Miss Rarity, but you were in such a hurry and there were so many customers to-”
“What problems? What decision? I don’t have the faintest clue what you’re talking about.”
Feeling words were not enough to prove her point, Sassy used her magic to turn Rarity’s head towards a certain purple dragon hanging dresses on a clearance rack. Rarity tilted her head in confusion. She was growing more frustrated with Sassy’s cryptic answers. Sassy motioned for Rarity to keep watching; sensing her employer’s impatience and irritation.
“Hello there, are you ladies looking for something more affordable?” Spike said brightly.
He was lifting one of the discounted dresses up towards a pair of twin mares. The sisters had dark yellow fur and teal colored hair. The twins looked at Spike with increasing disgust glimmering in their light green colored eyes. The closer Spike raised the dress towards the Twins, the more they cringed at his oblivious assistance. Spike started to feel uncomfortable with the way they were looking at him. Their twin pair of eyes came off cold and punishing, as if he had offended them just by speaking to them.
“Um I don’t think so. My sister and I have very specific tastes. We both want the best for each other. We both like to wear the same outfit to double the effect of our identical beauty, and we were hoping this place had what we were looking for but…clearly it doesn’t.”
“Oh I’m sorry, let me find you something else.” Spike pushed the clearance cart to the side and motioned around the store, still trying to make a sale. “Are you looking for ball gowns? Prom dresses? Beach wears? Hats? Skirts?”
Every option earned a snappy and simultaneous “No” from the Twins lips.
“Um I don’t get it. If you don’t want any of that stuff, what was it you were expecting to find here in the first place?”
The left twin used her magic to shove Spike off to the side, pushing him right next to the clearance cart. The mares turned their noses up snootily and trotted off. Their eyes were closed in an attempt to avoid looking at the disillusioned drake any longer. The Twins exited the boutique, but not before the twin on the right looked back at Spike and answered his question.
“Standards.”
SLAM!
The door slammed shut the instant the Twins exited the shop. Spike flinched at the sudden sound, he looked as if his tail had been caught in the door when it happened. The young dragon was dreadfully confused. Ever since he stopped setting up the mannequins for the window displays and started helping out customers, every pony he’d encountered had reacted to him the same way. They’d sneer, roll their eyes at him, one mare even sprayed the receipt he handed her with disinfected spray. He scratched his head; wondering if he was doing something wrong and no one was telling him for some cruel reason.
“I trust you get the picture now, Miss Rarity?” Sassy coolly asked.
Rarity was a mare divided. Her mind was split into two radically different reactions: one towards Spike and the other towards Sassy. The snow-white mare sincerely didn’t know what to say or who to speak to first. Spike clearly was wounded by those sickening sisters and their horrible comments, and needed her attention. However, Sassy’s preposterous implication that Spike, was in fact, the reason for their poor sales was jarring to say the least. The sulking dragon decided to head back to the break room to grab a snack since business was slow and Rarity was back.
“It’s been like this all day. Almost every customer he’s approached or ‘helped’ has stated they would never do business with us again, or left immediately without buying a single thing. Some ponies won’t even come through the front door once they see him.”
“Just what exactly are you trying to say about my dear Spikey Wikey?” Rarity asked; confronting the orange haired unicorn.
“I’m telling you what you hired me to tell you: how to help make your business successful. Spike is detrimental to your business and he is losing you both customers and money.”
“How DARE you speak of him like that! You heard how those wretched mares spoke to him, I wouldn’t want to do business with uncouth swine like them anyway.”
“But you’re missing the point. I know what sells and what does not and Spike does NOT sell. He doesn’t sell anything, period. Had you stayed behind and had Spike deliver the outfits to Sapphire Shores, all of this could have been avoided. It’s just good business sense Miss Rarity.”
Rarity was glad Spike wasn’t around to hear such heinous words. She felt her anger boiling up inside of her, tightening and twisting every muscle the longer this conversation continued. Sassy was unphased by Rarity’s intense attitude. She felt confident her point was unshakable.
“I left because my business required a certain bit of personal finesse on my part, and I thought YOU could use some extra help since you were overwhelmed. Spike has spent countless hours assisting me around the shop and has plenty of experience with fashion as a result.” Rarity growled in bitter frustration. “How could anyone be so ungrateful to receive free help?”
“That sounds pleasant on paper but, as today’s results clearly showed, we got what we paid for,” Sassy said; matter-of-factly. Her resolve remained firm despite Rarity’s increasing hostility. “We are running a fashion business, not a friendship business Miss Rarity.” Sassy lowered her head slightly, letting her fox orange locks briefly cover her left eye. Rarity was most disturbed and displeased with the offensively calm demeanor in which Sassy was speaking. “Free help is good and all but only if the help is productive and not counterproductive, and yes I know he’s your friend and all-”
Rarity stomped her hoof down with thunderous force. Sassy was cut off by the suddenness of her employer’s aggressive display. The fashionista took an enraged stance, catching Sassy off guard and causing her to step back a bit.
“Spike is much MORE than a friend and you damn well better think twice before speaking about him in such a callous manner again!” Rarity interjected; violently.
Both Sassy and Rarity paused before their voices escalated any higher. Despite the fact there were barely any ponies in the shop, the fight was drawing stares and attention from the few customers shuffling around. The bickering unicorns took a moment to breathe and compose themselves more professionally; though animosity still brewed beneath their stances.
“Let’s start over, shall we?” Rarity begrudgingly nodded at her employee’s request. Sassy Saddles remained as cool and calm as she was moments ago, a fact that continued to bother Rarity, even as she tried to listen to the spite-laced words being subtly lobbed towards her dragon friend. “I’ve agreed to your rules and system because I know that you have a specific vision for your fashion line. I respect that. However, if there’s one thing I have learned from all my past experiences, it is that compromises are inescapable no matter what business you’re in.”
Rarity rolled her eyes. She felt like she was being treated like a child; she knew all of this already.
“Another inescapable truth is that dragons do not sit well with everyone. If you want do to what is best for your business, you must put the business first and everything that’s personal, second,” Sassy clarified.
“I will not give in to narrow minded prejudice at the expense of one of my closest and dearest friends. You say this is about professionalism, but from the sound of it, your issue with Spike seems far more personal than anything else.”
“My view of dragons is irrelevant in regards to the success of Canterlot Carousel,” Sassy said dismissively.
“Ugh! It is absolutely relevant,” Rarity huffed angrily, “if you had such mixed feelings about him then why didn’t you say something when we first opened?”
“I assumed he was merely here for the opening ceremony. I didn’t think you’d actually ask him to help out around the store, and for that matter, you never asked me if I was all right working with a reptile-”
“SPIKE…His name is Spike.” Rarity violently interrupted, refusing to let such a cold, demeaning name go unnoticed.
“Ahem yes…Spike…You never asked me if I was comfortable working with Spike. You just left him here and never assessed my feelings and how it would affect my ability to work in such an uneasy environment.”
“So what exactly are you trying to suggest here?”
“I am recommending you ask him to work in the backroom; out of sight and not scaring away potential customers. You speak of how close the two of you are. If that is the case, surely he wouldn’t object to staying out of sight if it came from you. It’s not like you’re asking him to do something demeaning. This way, he can still be productive AND we can keep the business flowing without any alienating image issues.”
Sassy Saddles had crossed a line. Rarity couldn’t stomach such nauseating words coming from the teal unicorn’s mouth, she had half a thought to fire her right then and there.
RING!
The chime from the front door snapped Rarity out of her haze of anger, albeit briefly. More had entered the store during her argument with Sassy Saddles. She must have been too consumed by her argument to notice or hear anyone else come in. Rarity had no doubt Sassy was smirking proudly at this realization, she didn’t even have to look at her to know the truth. The fashionista was practically choking on the air of arrogance that Sassy had been known to generate on more than one occasion. As much as she hated to admit it, Rarity was noticing the grim reality of Sassy’s words: more ponies had come in since Spike went on break. Could it possibly be the majestic, beautiful city of Canterlot housed more prejudice than elegance than she imagined? Was she actually considering using Sassy’s infuriating suggestion? Could she even do that to him?
“Hey Rarity, I’m all finished with my lunch.” Spike exited the break room with a neutral look on his face, “what can I do to help next?”
Some ponies had noticed Spike’s entrance. They looked at him with confused glances, mixed with mild alarm and a hint of disgust. Rarity darted her attention between Spike and the customers; frantic with indecisiveness. Sassy quickly went to assist the customers, but not before giving Rarity a knowing look, as if telepathically telling her to make the ‘right’ decision.
Rarity turned to face the diminutive dragon, her smile forced and transparent. “Oh um S-s-s-spike, you want to um help,” her eyes nervously avoided making contact, “yes well I um just realized I need you to um…Go help with the…Uh…The.” Spike raised a scaly eyebrow, anxiously awaiting a salvageable answer from her nervous babbling.
“Trust me,” a whispering said; echoing in Rarity’s ear. The nervous mare looked towards Sassy Saddles. She winked in reply and returned servicing the customers with flawless skill.
Rarity looked back to Spike, slightly more confident now but still struggling to make the right decision. Unfortunately, that decision meant picking between two things she deeply cared about and no matter which choice she made, one of those things is going to suffer in some way.
“The back, I mean YES…Yes…I um need your help in the back room,” Rarity stated; her voice strained with awkward uncertainty. “It’s just a frightful mess back there. I know it’s a tall order to put on you, but the backroom needs to be completely reorganized; top to bottom. It could take you a while so I suggest you get started immediately and…And…I’ll meet you out back when were ready to close up.”
“Um…Okay…Whatever you say Rarity.”
Spike clearly saw that something was troubling Rarity. She looked like she wanted to say something else, achingly so, but something much stronger seemed to be compelling her to keep it secret. The sense of urgency in her request to clean the backroom was odd to say the least, but of course, he had already agreed to take care of it. The little dragon slowly turned from Rarity and made his way into the backroom; disappearing into a tiny shadow past the “Employees only” doors. Rarity closed her eyes and sighed, it was heavy and defeated sounding.
“Splendid job Miss Rarity,” Sassy happily beamed. The chipper unicorn was trotting past Rarity; tailed by the same customers who had been giving Spike the stink eye earlier. The ponies were sporting smiles and browsing through the shop with a newfound spirit. “You made the right decision.”
Rarity weakly smiled in reply. Sassy Saddles nodded and continued showing the customers around the shop. Sad as it may be, the Fashionista could not deny the fact that there was a great deal more ponies in the shop than before. It appears asking Spike to work in the backroom worked out for the best after all. Rarity shook her head and stared down at her perfectly manicured hooves.
“Then why I do feel like I need a long shower?”
After Canterlot Carousel closed up, Rarity and Spike had decided to take a stroll downtown to do some shopping. She stopped to change into something more “fashionable” first; as she put it. Rarity wore a cherry velvet dress with an ocean blue sash covering her tail, a light purple flower attached directly on the curve of her rump. The edge of the dress had light purple diamond shaped trim with actual blue diamonds centered in each cloth diamond. Rarity’s fore hooves were fitted with light pink sleeves. Her slender neck fitted with a blue collar lined with 4 small hot pink diamonds, two larger ones dangled from the center of the collar like a necklace. Completing the outfit was a Robin’s egg blue colored saucer hat. The top of the hat sparkled with 4 large hot pink diamonds, and a light blue pearl with two long, curved black wires; each tipped with small dark blue diamonds. Nestled between the blue pearl and the hot pink diamonds was a long, pale pink feather.
Spike offered to carry Rarity’s purchased goods, like he always did. He knew that Rarity usually went on shopping sprees for one of two main reasons: when she completed some incredible new fashion line, or trying to get her mind off something depressing…he was pretty sure it was the latter. Neither one of them had said very much during their time out. The young dragon tried to ask her what was wrong, but every time he did, Rarity would just go towards some flashy new dress or some new fabric material that she just ‘had to have.’
“Rarity, do you think we could stop for a minute? I can’t take much more of this,” the drake wheezed; trying desperately to keep from being crushed under the mountain of bags and boxes.
The mare stopped and turned to aid the struggling dragon with her magic. She lifted the packages off his back and onto the ground, organizing them neatly and by size ratio.
“My apologies Spike. Please, feel free to take a break,” she motioned her head towards a perfume shop, “you can just wait out here while I take a quick look inside. I won’t be long.”
“Thanks for the help but it wasn’t the boxes I needed a break from.”
Rarity’s hooves slowly came to a stop before she entered the store. A small trickle of sweat dripped down the back of her head, but she tried to remain composed and clueless.
“Um I’m afraid I don’t understand what you-”
“You’ve been acting weird ever since we left your store.”
Despite her best efforts to avoid the subject, Rarity knew Spike would inevitably want to talk about how uncharacteristically quiet she had been. The mare’s purple curls bounced in a painfully slow and lifeless manner as she turned to face her not-so-secret admirer.
“Is there something you want to talk about, or maybe, something you want to tell me?” Spike asked.
“Come now Spike, we were just having a pleasant afternoon shopping together. Must we really spoil the moment by bringing up some unpleasantness that has already been settled?”
“You just seem…different than before.”
“Oh? How so?”
“Well, when you go shopping, you usually skip and smile from ear to ear as we go from one store to the next. Also, your tail shoots up like a spring whenever you find something you absolutely love and you hover around it like Tank before debating the costs. Today, you didn’t do any of those things. You just looked at things, bought them and didn’t express any real sign you liked it.”
“Right, I shouldn’t be surprised he knows so many little details like that. Even I don’t know I do that when I shop and I’M the one doing them”, she thought to herself. “I sometimes forget how sharp his senses can be despite his size and age.”
Spike looked at her with worry filled eyes. Whether it was lust, infatuation or actual love, this adorable little dragon always devoted so much attention and energy to her; even when she didn’t want him to.
“I’m afraid it’s a bit of a complicated issue,” Rarity somberly replied. Her hair slowly fell across her face, covering one of her eyes before she brushed it out of the way. “Furthermore, discussing it would be most un-lady like so I suggest we end this discussion and move on.”
Rarity’s attempt to exit this awkward situation was suddenly halted by a pair of small, purple, scaly fingers that wrapped around her back leg. He still had that worrisome look on his cute little cheeks. The fashionista tried to protest but found her voice collapsing at the feel of Spike’s claws on her dress covered leg; looking at her face to face.
“Come on Rarity, you don’t have to be like that with me. We’ve done so much together, and we talked about stuff that we’ve never shared with any pony else. I know that doesn’t make us boyfriend and girlfriend or anything, but I’d like to think that makes us at least closer than friends.”
Rarity felt her eyes welling up with emotions at Spike’s warmth and concern. Somehow all that bitterness and self-loathing she was feeling was vanishing. He was making her feel better, just his words and his warm, soothing, scaly little claws resting against her pristine white coat.
“Oh Spike,” she started to say. Her voice was sweet and woeful; such fragility in her speaking his name.
“Well now isn’t this just a brilliant stroke of luck my dear. We just happen to come across the most fashionable pony from Ponyville on today of all days, such a luxurious happenstance.”
“Oh it wasn’t luck my beloved, it is to be expected. Fortune and luxury have always favored sophisticated and successful types like us. Can you imagine some cheap, vagabond making it in our glorious city?”
Rarity’s eyes widened woefully at the sounds of those familiar voices. Their laughter sent chills of revulsion down her spine. One of the voices was male and the other was female, they both had snooty tones, high society dialects. She knew of only two loathsome ponies that used such disgustfully, demeaning words and laughed with high and mighty tones like that.
“Jet Set and Upper Crust” Rarity spoke their names through gritted teeth. She turned from Spike to confirm her sickening suspicion that it was, in fact, the same two unicorns she had met when she crossed paths with Fancy Pants and attended the Crystal Garden party. “Ah yes, it’s you two…again,” Rarity’s reply was droll and empty. Those were the exact same two words that summed up Jet Set and Upper Crust perfectly in her opinion: droll and empty.
“Jet who and Upper what?” Spike asked curiously.
“Oh that’s right, I don’t believe you have had the pleasure of meeting these two, Spike,” she leaned down and whispered in the young drake’s ear, “they’re about as pleasurable as getting your teeth pulled.”
Spike visibly cringed at the thought; holding his mouth defensively.
Upper Crust was a pale yellow unicorn with lavender colored hair, a long white streak ran down the center of it. She wore a white shirt and pink sweater draped on her back with the sleeves knotted at the front of her neck, along with pink earrings and a teal bead necklace. A layer of aqua colored eyeshadow had been thickly applied; shimmering by her plum colored eyes. Jet Set has grey colored fur and light black hair, freshly and slickly combed. His crystal blue eyes blinked behind a small pair of glasses. The snooty stallion was wearing a green shirt and white sweater draped in the same manner as his wife's.
“So the famous Spike makes another splashing debut in Canterlot,” Jet Set smugly chuckled.
“Whoa, you guys heard of what I did in the Crystal Empire too?” Spike asked.
The unicorn couple looked at each other before bursting into laughter. They’re proud and privileged tones sounded horrendous to Spike and Rarity, they felt like they were being suffocated by them. The young dragon started experiencing those dreadfully familiar feelings of insecurity once more.
“My husband was referring to your rather…Ahem…Unforgettable work during the Grand Equestria Pony Summit.” Upper Crust smiled as she stifled down another degrading chuckle, the memory of Spike’s epic failure at the summit was still fresh in many Canterlot ponies’ minds; at least from the high society ones. “We were there you know,” Upper Crust pointed at Spike’s nose with her hoof, “You don’t really forget something quite like that.”
“Every pony was surprised to see things turn into such an obscene mess,” Jet Set stated; carrying on his wife’s point. “However, what else could you expect with someone from your ahem…background?”
Rarity had just about enough of this. Spike may have been slightly confused at the couple’s suggestive dialog, but Rarity knew all too well how disrespectful their sophisticated talk was.
“Well, I can certainly say that my experience with you two turned out exactly as I expected it would,” Rarity said; hissing through gritted teeth. The unicorn was desperately fighting back the urge to say something most un-ladylike to the obnoxious couple. “Now then, Spike and I are quite busy.”
Rarity turned to leave as quickly as possible; motioning Spike to follow immediately. Seemingly unaware of their offensive nature, the wealthy couple crossed Rarity’s path. Their fake smiles and smug attitudes were offensively strong in front of Rarity’s visibly agitated glare.
“Why in such a rush to leave Miss Rarity? We had such a joyous time the last time we were all together,” Jet Set said. “Don’t you remember all those luxurious parties? Adoring all those fabulous paintings at the galleries with Fancy Pants?”
“I’m not one for nostalgia. So, if you please,” Rarity curtly replied. She briskly walked around the obnoxious ponies with Spike following briskly.
“Don’t pester her darling. After all, she probably has a date with one of those ruffian country pony friends of hers,” Upper Crust said. The cruelty in her chuckling was unmistakable. “We can always mention the new business we’ve brought her next time.”
Those two words had, admittedly, peaked the fashionista’s interest. As nauseating as the idea of working with these two is, she could always use more business in Canterlot. Spike however was already prepared and eager to speak on Rarity’s behalf.
“She’s already given you her answer. Were busy spending the day together so if you could-”
“I appreciate the quick defense darling but it’s not needed,” Rarity said; interrupting the perplexed dragon. Rarity was skeptical but curious enough to hear what the pony snobs had to say; at least for the moment. “All right, I’ll bite; as they crudely say. What new business?”
The unicorn couple looked at each other with wide grins. They knew this would perk the pony’s interest; both appeared increasingly smug about it.
“The Toplofty kind of business,” the married couple said; speaking irritatingly in unison.
Upon hearing that name, Rarity’s mind and world simultaneously shattered like a Ming vase falling to the ground. Spike was left drifting in bewilderment. Clearly, the name held a great deal of importance to his would-be girlfriend. The smiles on the arrogant couple widened a bit more seeing Rarity’s reaction.
“T-t-t-t-the Toplofty?” Rarity squeaked anxiously.
“Rarity, who’s this Toplofty? Some kind of fashion pony?” Spike asked.
The young was once again forced to endure the insufferable, derogatory laughter of Jet Set and Upper Crust. The dragon didn’t understand how his question would incite such malicious mockery. He had only known these ponies for 5 minutes, and already he understood Rarity’s ‘pulling teeth’ comment perfectly. They’re capacity for social cruelty seemed endless. Yet, at this moment, Rarity oddly seemed more embarrassed by Spike than annoyed with the vexing couple.
“Oh honey, isn’t his ignorance just deliciously adorable?” the male unicorn chortled to his wife.
Spike raised his claw in anger; eagerly hoping to put these pompous snobs in their place. Rarity blocked his path with an obstructing hoof before he could reply.
“Spike, sweetie, Toplofty is a multi-million dollar pony franchise name,” Rarity explained, “he owns and runs one of the most successful hotel chains in Equestria. But what’s more, he incorporates his fashion styles and designs into the hotels he builds. He’s forged countless connections with fashion legends AND marketing moguls.” The mare’s eyes started to shine like Luna’s constellations. She looked past Spike, tilting towards the sky as daydreams started to overtake her. “Hoity Toity, Fancy Pants, any pony who works with Toplofty gets their fashion designs featured in his hotels. Sometimes, they even inspire a new room, a hallway; or some other part of his living, breathing work of art. It’s a truly prestigious honor.”
“Oh, I see,” Spike faintly replied. Now he understood why Jet Set and Upper Crust knowing this hotel-fashion guy was so important to Rarity. “I guess he’s kind of a big deal then.”
“Shorty, that’s the understatement of the year.”
A new voice caused Spike and Rarity’s ears to twitch in surprise. The pair slowly turned to see a tall, daunting, dapper dressed unicorn colt; standing proudly and imposingly between Jet Set and Upper Crust. His fur was pale black, tuxedo black one might say. The colt’s horn was long and pointed, each ridge was studded with diamonds and shimmered in contrast to his faint red hair. Spike noticed the colt’s hair was combed in such a way, that if you looked at it at the right angle, it looked more like a toupee than natural hair. He wore a teal colored pinstriped jacket, rose red tie and an egg white collar. The color in his eyes was a dull bronze, perfectly matching the air of suffocating arrogance that surrounded him. Toplofty’s cutie mark was a capitol “T” made entirely out of gold and highlighted by movie theater searchlights.
“Rarity, allow us the great pleasure to introduce you to the one, the only: Toplofty,” Upper Crust cheerfully exclaimed.
The fashionista had been rendered speechless. She felt weak at the knees, her mind had been thoroughly scrambled by the sudden shock of this staggeringly, stylish pony approaching her. Rarity never understood how such horrible ponies, like Jet Set and Upper Crust, managed to associate themselves with Canterlot’s finest; like Toplofty and Fancy Pants.
Spike however felt nothing but disdain towards this flashy, hotel builder. The fact Rarity seemed to be sucked into this windbag’s gravitational pull was equally enraging to the diminutive dragon.
“So, you must be the illustriously gorgeous owner of Canterlot Carousel AND the Carousel Boutique in Ponyville,” Toplofty said.
Rarity mumbled nervously in a failed attempt to respond. She hated looking and sounding so foolish in front of such a successful and well-connected pony, she nodded in case he didn’t hear her quiet jabbering.
“You know, I pride myself on knowing the best, working with the best and featuring the best in all my luxurious hotels and stores,” he said with a broad smile. Toplofty swiftly positioned himself by Rarity’s side, shoving Spike back with a thwack of his tail. “But I gotta tell ya, when Jet Set and Upper Crust showed me that incredible princess dress you made, I just had to find you.”
“R-r-r-really? You-you, Toplofty: hotel and fashion pony extraordinaire, had to find me?” Rarity said with a disbelieving gasp.
“Absolutely. I’d be out of my mind if I let such luxurious talent like you slip through the cracks, it’s bad for business,” he encroached even closer to the mare of Spike’s dreams; further irritating the dragon to no end. Rarity didn’t seem to notice, or if she did, it was being drowned out by the dreams being woven by Toplofty’s grandstanding. “I’ve been starving for some new talent and I think you just might be my next golden ticket.”
“I am flattered Mr. Top-”
“Please, just Toplofty. Were all friends here, good friends I might add, and I don’t want to waste a single minute with such outdated formalities.”
“A-a-all right…Toplofty…I am terribly flattered by your offer and also deeply interested in working with someone as well connected as you. However, I must warn you, I discontinued the Princess dress shortly after opening Canterlot Carousel.”
“Bah! An outdated design, an afterthought; don’t even worry about it honey. I never focus on the past. My vision is always on what’s coming next, trying to find that next big bang that’ll captivate the hearts, minds and wallets of the fashion industry.”
“Of course, I wouldn’t think of suggesting one of my raggedy, older designs for someone of your caliber.”
“My thoughts exactly. Tell me Rarity, do you fancy yourself some lunch? Of course you do! I’ll have Jet Set and Upper Crust book the finest table in the nearest 4 star restaurant.”
“With pleasure Toplofty”, Jet Set and Upper Crust chirped. They bolted off shortly; like lowly ants following their almighty ruler without a second thought.
Rarity’s overindulgent smile and giggling made Spike upset, but this time, it was for a different reason. He didn’t trust this Toplofty toad, not for one minute. Even if he was on the level with all that he was promising, Rarity was disrespecting her own work just to please him…She never spoke badly of her own designs; never.
“Um Rarity, could I talk to you a minute please?” Spike asked insistently, “in private?”
Toplofty and Rarity both turned their attention towards the seemingly forgotten drake.
“Of course, where are my manners? How silly of me to keep you from doing your job,” Toplofty stated.
Spike was clearly confused by what the smug colt was referring to when he mentioned a ‘job’. He soon got his answer though. Toplofty levitated the colossal pile of bags Rarity had purchased earlier that afternoon above Spike’s head, he immediately dumped them on the purple lizard and turned towards the restaurant. Jet Set and Upper Crust waved to them from the entrance.
“Clearly your hired help needed to get back on the clock. I don’t blame him, working for such a stunning, successful mare as yourself; I’d be happy cleaning your toilet if it meant getting closer to that brilliant mind of yours.” Toplofty displayed a prideful sneer towards Spike, enjoying every strain and drop of sweat that flexed the tiny reptile’s muscles. “At least dragons have some public uses.”
“W-w-w-well, that’s not exactly accurate. You see, Spike isn’t-”
Jet Set and Upper Crust interrupted the fashionista with a loud roar of snickering laughter.
“Oh come now darling, don’t be so comical. Of course he’s the hired help,” Jet Set teased, “obviously it’s not like you’re on some sort of date with this fire-belching bell boy.”
“As a matter of fact, we are-”
Rarity shielded Spike with her body; instantly deflecting anything he was about to say.
“Spike, please watch your words carefully when speaking to Toplofty.”
“What? You can’t possibly be serious! He’s a snob and a total douche, no pony should have to listen to him talk down to others like that.”
“Spike the dragon, language! You should know better than to use such filthy language towards someone of Toplofty’s stature.”
“You didn’t seem to care when I talked like that when we were talking about Slick Charmer, and STOP talking to me like I’m a kid.”
“That was different and you know it. He was a womanizing pig, and in any case, that was said in private; just you and me during our little gathering. Toplofty is a giant in the fashion world. If I can get him interested in taking a look at my designs, it could open up a whole new world of business and connections for me.”
Spike’s cheeks started to turn red, but instead of the usual rosy blush Rarity had caused, this was a red that burned like lava. His beloved friend was demeaning him and staining the intimacy of the date night they shared. She didn’t seem capable of even saying the word ‘date’ in front of Toplofty.
“But that can’t happen if you keep bad mouthing him and acting so rude.”
“HE is the one acting rude, just cause he has those connections doesn’t make it okay. And by the way, that wasn’t a little gathering we had…It was a REAL da-”
Toplofty cleared his throat; disrupting and distracting the bickering pony and dragon. Spike and Rarity looked at the hotel tycoon and then looked at each other. The two close friends felt more like distant acquaintances at this very moment, their words had unexpectedly created a wall that neither knew how to get through.
“Miss Rarity are you coming? I hate to be pushy but time is money,” Toplofty said; impatiently. He motioned towards the noticeably expensive watch on his hoof. “Trust me, I would know.”
“Yes, coming darling,” Rarity cheerfully answered. She noticed Spike’s anger had deflated into sadness with her decision. Still, she was visibly uncomfortable to leave this matter in such a state and knew she could not leave her friend without some answers. “I know this is terribly poor timing, but this is my life’s work, surely you must understand what a grand opportunity this is for me?”
“Yeah…I know,” Spike begrudgingly replied. He placed the boxes and bags down so he could stand up straight and look at Rarity in the eyes, though his posture still slumped due to his gloomy mood. “I just think you can do better; that’s all.”
“Trust me Spike, this is me doing better,” she smiled and kissed his forehead.
The collective “awes” from Toplofty, Jet Set and Upper Crust soiled the tender moment Spike shared with the snow-white mare. She told him to take the bags back to their room at the castle and they would talk more about their discussion later. Toplofty smiled, it reeked of confidence and arrogance. His sparkling grin widened upon seeing Rarity so eager to please and join the impromptu luncheon.
“You three go on ahead, get us a table…Something close to the kitchen,” Toplofty shouted as he walked towards Spike. “If they give you any gruff or some pony else is sitting in our seats, give manager my name and they’ll be begging to seat us wherever we want.”
The married unicorn couple nodded and headed towards their soon-to-be-reserved table. Rarity slowly followed after them, she stopped and looked towards Spike as Toplofty approached him. She still felt bad about how she left things with Spike, he seemed so downtrodden and unconvinced at how important this is to her.
“I’m sure Toplofty can help clarify the importance of our business to young Spike. He is a business pony after all, one of the best in Equestria. Guess I shouldn’t worry about it then,” Rarity thought to herself.
Spike had already begun collecting the bags and packages when Toplofty approached him. The drake found it hard not to give into his dragon nature and growl fiercely at the pompous ass, swaggering and smirking like he was worth his own weight in gold. If he wasn’t so well connected, Toplofty would be getting a fire facial free of charge.
“Look shorty, I gotta tell ya,” Toplofty said with a proud smirk, “you’re doing a bang up job serving Rarity like this. I only got like…2 or 3 servants who are as good at their job as you are.” His eyes flashed briefly. Toplofty suddenly received a brilliant idea. “If Rarity and I start making some business happen, and it looks like that’s the case, I bet you guys could meet and trade servant notes or stories…or something.”
“I’m NOT her servant,” Spike angrily clarified, “I’m her friend…no, actually I’m her close friend. I do this because I like helping her out.”
“Hey, looks like we got another thing in common then,” Toplofty beamed, “I plan on offering her every resource available.” His wretched attempts to be friendly with the bitter dragon were so disgustingly awful, they were almost comical…almost.
“Yeah…I bet you do,” Spike grunted under his breath, “And what do you mean another thing in common?”
Toplofty levitated a cluster of large, colorful jewels from his coat pocket. They hovered like a floating buffet in front of the wide eyed dragon.
“We both want what’s best for Rarity AND we both have a love of the finer things in life,” he stated confidently. “I want to thank you for taking care of our fashionista friend. The thing is though, your services won’t be needed for the rest of the day. Feel free to take this tip and spend it or eat it, whatever it is you dragons do with em.”
Spike didn’t feel Toplofty deserved the dignity of a proper response. He knew if he said or did anything brash, it would merely cement every pony’s belief that dragons were savage beasts. After collecting the bags and boxes from the ground, Spike completely ignored the pompous pony and his offer and started to head back to Canterlot castle. Toplofty showed no noticeable concern over Spike’s abrupt departure and rejecting his generous offer. He shrugged and returned to the restaurant, eager to resume business discussions with Rarity over lunch.
“I’d rather starve than accept a single rock from that slime ball,” Spike grumbled to himself.
As Spike angrily marched his way back to the castle, he noticed several ponies had been staring at him and whispering unsavory remarks under their breaths. It appeared that the dragon’s conflict with such a public figure as Toplofty had drawn much unwanted attention. He tried hiding behind the boxes or willfully ignoring the ponies crass comments, but every attempt to block them out failed miserably.
“This is one time having such good ears isn’t a blessing,” he sighed solemnly.
More and more ponies started to notice him, the volume and intensity of their words became increasingly unbearable.
“Ick, what is THAT thing doing in Canterlot?”
“I thought those monsters weren’t allowed to walk the streets.”
“Did you see how chatty he was with Toplofty AND Rarity? The nerve!”
“It’s probably a pet to one of them, or some pony paid it to carry the bags or something.”
“It just looked so wrong though. A dragon and a pony, walking and talking side by side…ugh…makes me gag just thinking about it.”
“Well of course it does. Look at him? He doesn’t fit, he doesn’t belong here with us.”
Spike couldn’t take it any longer. He stopped in the middle of the street and turned around towards the direction of the restaurant. He thought about returning to Rarity and just putting up with Toplofty, Jet Set and Upper Crust; at least he’d still be with the mare of his dreams.
Is she still the mare of his dreams?
The very fact that this thought entered his mind convinced him going back to Rarity now would be a mistake. As much as he hated being alone, solitude sounded like paradise compared to walking around with 3 prejudicial wind bags who would just insult and ignore him the entire time. The most heart breaking part of all though was…Rarity was depressingly blind to it all.
He decided to return to the castle alone, the dragon pumped his little legs into a purple blur and started running towards the castle as quickly as possible. Spike closed his eyes and tried to keep them tightly shut, praying the ponies didn’t notice his tears slowly dripping down his cheeks.
After dropping off Rarity’s packages in her room at the castle, Spike proceeded to search for Twilight for advice. He knew she was visiting Princess Celestia and Moonstruck today. Twilight wanted to find out if Celestia found out anything about removing Moonstruck’s hex mark, and use the Canterlot archives to help with researching the identity and location of the imposter. The dragon miserably trudged his way through room after room, receiving terrible directions from the guards until he finally found the room Twilight was last seen in.
“I hope mom’s having a better day than I am,” Spike said; slowly raising his fist to knock on the closed door.
WHAM!
A loud thump smacked the door. Spike was startled by the sudden crash, he jumped back and nervously assessed the situation.
“HEY! That was totally uncalled for. Do you have any idea how old that text is? It’s irreplaceable, you can’t just go throwing books around like that.”
That’s Twilight’s voice for sure. But who was she arguing with?
“That is so typical of you! You show more care to a musty old book than a pony. I knew you were crazy but come on, it’s just a freaking book.”
Sounds like Moonstruck is just as angry as Twilight is.
Spike tip towed away from the door, trying not to draw their anger or their attention at this time. “Better come back when they’re not so…” another crashing sound slammed into the door, “yeah…that.” Spike dashed away and scrambled to find a quieter, more peaceful room to relax in.
Meanwhile, the voices of Moonstruck and Twilight echoed thunderously across the castle hallways. Guards everywhere were flinching uncomfortably at the rising level of tension emanating from the library where the purple ponies snapped at each other like crustaceans.
“Just a book? Just…A…BOOK?!?”
“Oh grow up Crackers, I was just saying-”
“How could you say that? You know how much I love books and how important they are to Equestria’s history and my magic studies. Furthermore, how can you even think of saying I care more about books than ponies? You know perfectly well I’ve been spending days reading in tons of books just to help YOU…and STOP calling me Crackers!”
Moonstruck groaned audibly, he rubbed his face and tried to calm his frazzled mind down. The argument had been raging on like this for hours now. Both Twilight and Moonstruck had become agitated and flustered; too flustered to think or see straight. Twilight sighed in exasperation as she levitated the books that had been thrown back onto the shelves.
“I know you’re helping me out, I do know that and I really am grateful, I just think we shouldn’t waste our time with dead ends when there are still so many resources we could be tapping,” Moonstruck said. His aggressive tone had been noticeably reduced.
Twilight still frowned thinking about the colt’s callous remark about the book he threw being a ‘dead end’. Clearly she did not share his sentiment, nor was she being quiet or calm about it.
“But how do you know it’s a dead end? This is the only other book we’ve found that mentions the Horn and Wing Society. I think that this society, whatever it was, is somehow connected to you and this imposter,” Twilight said persistently.
“Because they’re a bunch of ghosts, shadows, dusts in the wind and more importantly: not worth our time! We need to find current, up to date information regarding real time individuals and shape shifters. You said it yourself: we can barely find anything on this so-called society at all.”
“Doesn’t that tell you that this society could potentially be vital to our research?”
“No it doesn’t, because I know they’re an insignificant foot note that wasn’t worth mentioning enough to warrant any actual information existing,” Moonstruck snapped in reply.
Twilight flared her wings defiantly at Moonstruck. His words seemed almost challenging to her, as if insulting or dominating her own unrivaled intelligence for pony history.
“Hey now, you don’t have the first clue on what’s important and what isn’t when it comes to historical information. I was studying quantum energy displacement and cosmic lunar prophecies before you could even cast a simple light spell!”
Moonstruck stared flatly at the ruffled mare. Her tone, temper and flared wings did little to impress or intimidate the stone faced colt.
“Congratulations…you’re really old.”
Twilight’s purple cheeks turned dark red. She looked like she was going to pop; biting her lip down to stifle her urge to scream out in frustration. It didn’t work. The Alicorn screamed angrily and stormed out of the room, Moonstruck could still hear her huffing and puffing even as she left. Twilight knew if she had stayed there any longer, she would have said something she knew she’d end up regretting. It was best to take a break and cool off before their conversation got any rougher.
“Ugh…not the best way to handle that,” Moonstruck said with a sigh; sulking heavily. He approached the book containing the information about the Horn and Wing Society and placed it back in its proper place on the shelf. “But the less she knows about what happened to that society, the better.”
“Stupid, stubborn, butt-headed, know-it-all…GRR” Twilight said to herself. She was still mentally entangled in her argument with Moonstruck.
After pacing the hallways for a few minutes, Twilight realized her attempts to clear her mind had failed. She decided to do the one thing that always calmed her down when she felt lost: talk to Princess Celestia. The young princess hadn’t spoken to her mentor since she wrote that letter detailing her friend’s recent adventures and experiences. Her violet hues shimmered with the reflective sight of Spike speaking to Celestia as she approached the throne.
Twilight smiled and waved to Spike. “Hey Spike, I didn’t know you were back so-”, her assistant walked past her; exiting the room without saying a word. She blinked in surprise. “What was that all about?”
“Do not let his behavior trouble you too much Twilight,” Celestia calmly explained, “Spike just had a difficult day and needed to blow off some steam. I know he will discuss this with you soon enough.”
The young mare looked towards her mentor, her warm smile already easing her irritation from earlier. Twilight approached the grandiose sun princess. The two mares bowed to one another and greeted each other fondly.
“Thank you for seeing me today princess. I was wondering if you’ve made any progress in finding a way to remove Moonstruck’s hex mark,” she said hopefully.
“It is with my deepest regret to tell you that I have not. Princess Luna and I have used every spell we can think of, each spell is either repelled by the hex or makes the mark grow stronger. It appears my original spell worked too successfully,” Celestia answered.
“I see,” Twilight sighed softly. She rubbed her chin in deep thought. “What about this mysterious Horn and Wing society I’ve been reading about? Do you think that could be of any help?”
Celestia’s eyes slowly widened in disbelief, the princess couldn’t believe what she just heard. “What did you just say?” Celestia’s voice was raspy and silent, like a whisper from a ghost.
“Oh…you don’t know anything about it either, do you?” Twilight moaned in disappointment. The mare was so clouded by her mixed feelings about Moonstruck and his situation; she didn’t realize her mentor’s slightly alarmed reaction. “I already asked Princess Luna and she said she never heard of any organization by that name. I figured you might know, but maybe Moonstruck was right and it is just some trivial group lost to time.”
“Um Tt-t-t-t-twilight, is there something else troubling you…By any chance? I noticed your mind seems distracted,” Celestia said; smiling forcefully. She hoped her deceptive dodging would go unnoticed.
“Well to be perfectly honest, things between Moonstruck and I have been rather…strenuous lately,” Twilight said mournfully.
“If you don’t mind?” Celestia said, motioning with her hoof for Twilight to go on.
“It all started after you pardoned him a while ago. I thought that whatever this…connection we have would get better, but it didn’t. He said that we shouldn’t see each other for a while. Even though you pardoned him, we both knew it would be a while until ponies accepted him without any kind of judgment. So he figured that if ponies saw him with me in public, it might make ponies mistrust me because they think I’m ‘siding with the enemy’ or something like that. Discord betraying us to join with Tirek put my judgment into questioning. Now, some think that it’s only a matter of time before something like that happens again,” Twilight said.
“Yes, I was deeply disappointed to learn Discord could do such a thing to me…”
“To you?”
“Err I mean us, yes-yes, all of us,” Celestia quickly corrected.
“Still, I thought that if we spent more time together, we could…I don’t know…make the transition a bit more bearable. But he’s pushing me away every time we get close. It’s like, every step forward pushes me two steps back and he won’t tell me or explain why. Worst of all, he’s been acting like he’s resigning to his fate: staying here forever in hiding and turning down viable leads without much reason.”
“Perhaps he still feels responsible for some mistake he’s made, one that he has yet to reveal to you,” Celestia theorized.
Celestia closed her eyes and winced. Painful memories flooded into her mind, her flowing mane twitched as a sign of her flickering sadness.
“What is it princess?” Twilight asked; her voice rich with concern.
“Because of my anger, my own cold carelessness,” Celestia paused as she choked back her tears, “I stole two years from an innocent pony’s life. No pardon can ever restore something so precious as time.” The sun princess took a moment to wipe her tears with a wingtip.
“But it wasn’t entirely your fault. You were in pain, you just saw two of your closest friends killed in front of your eyes,” Twilight protested, “not to mention still dealing with the grief of your sister.”
Celestia smiled sadly at her pupil. How strange it is the student was now comforting the mentor, such an oddly wonderful feeling.
“And actually, I was hoping you could maybe tell me what Cage Chamber and Trail Blazer were like,” Twilight asked hesitantly. “You speak of them all the time but you never really told me anything about them.”
The smile on Celestia’s lips widened from ear to ear, brief droplets sprinkled down her cheeks as she laughed softly. Before Twilight could ask what she had said that made her so inexplicably happy, Celestia bent down and warmly hugged the bewildered mare. The sun princess wrapped her wings tightly, yet comfortingly, around Twilight and sighed contently. Twilight was more confused now than ever.
“Thank you…thank you so much Twilight,” Celestia blissfully cooed.
“Umm…sure…can I ask what for?” the mare replied. Her face was still strained with an awkward and confused look.
“My apologies, it’s just,” Celestia broke away from her hug and composed herself, “you’re the first pony besides my sister to actually ask what my friends were like. Every pony typically just says ‘sorry for your loss’ or ‘my deepest condolences.’ Talking about them actually makes me feel better instead of feeling depressed, it allows me to enlighten others what they were like and what good friends they were to me.”
Twilight smiled and levitated a small chair behind her. She plopped her rump down on the seat and looked to Celestia; listening intently.
“Cage Chamber was one of the highest ranking guards in my service at the time. He was tall, strong and sturdy colt. Cage always took his job very seriously. He’d drill the new guards in training into the ground, put them through Hell one minute, but as soon as they were off the clock, he’d happily enjoy leisure time with them; spending hours laughing and talking. One thing that always made me smile about him was how he was with the children. He worked so hard on this big, tough guy exterior, but when it came to children…he was always so playful with them. Giving them rides on his back or playing games with them, anything that would bring a smile to their faces…he’d do it. He was a perfect soldier, but he was also a wonderful pony who housed a heart of gold behind all those hard earned muscles,” Celestia said fondly.
Twilight noticed her mentor had started bursting into a series of giggles as she thought and spoke about her second friend.
“Trail Blazer on the other hand was the complete opposite. He was a nervous, fumbling colt who was always knocking down suits of armor or accidentally tripping up the regiment lines. He confessed to me that he never wanted to be guard. Trail knew all too well of his own weaknesses and never tried to deny them, but he told me he was so inspired by the love and kindness I brought to Equestria that the least he could do to repay me was to serve by my side. He was skittish and nervous in the face of danger, and yet, he never once fled from battle or abandoned his comrades. Trail always spoke to me truthfully, even if he knew it might compromise his position. I loved that about him. He was such a good friend, loyal and devoted; funny too. Trail could always make me laugh, it’s like he had an endless supply of terrible jokes on hoof. Trail Blazer joined the one job that terrified him more than anything else, and yet, he did it because he believed in me as a ruler. He is without a doubt, one of the bravest ponies I’ve ever known.”
Twilight felt such pride and warmth flowing from her princess’s words. It was like she had known Trail Blazer and Cage Chamber as well as she knew her own friends.
As Twilight was being comforted by her mentor’s words, Moonstruck was wandering on the other side of the castle; experiencing no such happiness in his solitude. He wished he could tell Twilight the real reason why he didn’t want her to explore the Horn and Wing Society anymore, as well as the horrifying visions he experienced every time he got close to her.
“No…if I were to tell her the truth, the REAL truth,” he said with a somber tone, “she’d hate me for the rest of my life. She’d want me back in chains and I’d spent the rest of my days thinking about that hurt filled look in her eyes.”
The sound of shuffling hooves briefly startled the green haired unicorn. He turned around and found Princess Luna standing silently behind him.
“A small amount of monetary value for your thoughts friend Moonstruck,” Luna said cryptically.
“Ummm that’s not quite how it goes,” Moonstruck said; stifling a small laugh.
“It does not? Oh…I see,” Luna said, her cheeks turning red with embarrassment. “Though I have been socializing for many moons now, I am afraid that my grasp on common sayings and phrases is still a bit…lacking; my apologies.”
“Don’t worry about it princess, I think you speak perfectly well and I appreciate the gesture,” he replied.
Luna smiled in return. She approached the colt and looked to his sullen, saddened gaze. His eyes were downcast and staring gloomily at the carpet instead of the beautiful mural window before them. Though she did not know the particulars, she had heard from one of her bat pony guards that he had been arguing vigorously with Princess Twilight.
“Thou should know, despite the fact we have spent very little time together, I have always held a great deal of care for thou,” Luna said tenderly.
“You have?” he asked; genuinely surprised by this sentiment.
“I have experienced many of the same problems thou are experiencing now,” Luna explained, “I too had to face my sister as an enemy, deal with being locked away for a damagingly long length of time and have my return met with distrust and caution.”
“Huh…I guess you’re right,” Moonstruck said, her words caused him to briefly contemplate their surprising connection. “Plus we both got the whole moon thing going.”
Luna giggled harmoniously at that remark. Her flowing, star filled mane quaked with her lovely sounding laugh. “Verily, we are both lovers of the moon and all that she gives us,” Luna said majestically.
This time it was Moonstruck who went red in the face. He hadn’t realized how close the princess of the night was, or how beautiful she looked when she laughed. Luna noticed his sudden flushed cheeks and let loose another charming chuckle.
“Fear not Moonstruck, while I am deeply flattered by thou reaction,” she said; placing a hoof on his shoulder, “thou heart is not the one mine wishes to be linked with. No ill will is meant of course.”
“None taken your highness,” Moonstruck nodded and smiled at the blue mare, “I’m just glad you were able to make peace with your past mistakes and move on.” He sighed heavily and returned to the purple mare dominating his thoughts. “As for me, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to crawl out of the hole I’ve dug. There’s too much darkness and too many sins to ever wipe clean, and once she finds out…she’ll never want to speak to me again.”
“Thou are speaking of Princess Twilight, yes? I overheard from some of the guards the two of you were engaged in a heated conflict,” Luna stated.
“Ugh…I swear, I throw one stupid book and her entire world collapses,” Moonstruck rolled his eyes; groaning at the thought of Twilight’s reaction. “If she didn’t already have that stick wedged so far up her ass, I would have told her where she could put that book.”
“Stick? I saw no stick protruding from between Twilight’s flanks,” Luna said; rubbing her chin in confusion.
Moonstruck groaned audibly, he forgot who he was talking to for a moment. He thought about explaining it to Luna but didn’t feel it was worth it. Luna observed attentively as the unicorn approached the window. He stared at the ponies of Canterlot down below, as if looking towards a grave. Suddenly, Moonstruck started banging his head against the window.
“Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! UGH! WHY CAN’T SHE JUST SHUT UP?!?” Moonstruck screamed. Luna attempted to stop him from harming himself, but he quickly ceased his injurious behavior and turned towards the night princess. “I swear to Celestia, she drives me so freaking nuts; I just want to rip my hair out and scream until I lose my voice.”
“Calmness dear friend, calmness please,” Luna coolly insisted, “perhaps I can be of assistance to thou. What specifically is the problem thou seek help with?”
Moonstruck shook his head vigorously in frustration. “No, no you don’t get it, there is no way to help me with my problem,” his voice strained angrily as he pronounced that word. Before continuing, he took a breath to reduce his anger levels so he did not unleash all of his irritation on the kind princess. “Twilight…She’s just…UGH!” Moonstruck grabbed his ears and yanked on them, “I don’t even know where to begin. She’s anal retentive, she’s a perfectionist, always has to keep everything in the right place and expects everyone to follow her crazy ass rules. She finds the most insufferably, boring things interesting and then the lectures; sweet Celestia, the ENDLESS lectures! Every day I spend with her is turned into a freaking symposium, hearing about equations and what other ponies did a hundred years ago like I’m supposed to give a crap. It just never ends!”
Luna waited patiently for the unicorn to finish his seemingly endless list of Twilight’s most annoying quirks. Admittedly, the night princess couldn’t deny a number of those problems were ones she was painfully familiar with as well…Not that she’d ever tell Twilight that of course. After a few minutes of intense breathing, Moonstruck appeared to be calm and rational again.
“I see,” she replied calmly, “and all of these traits of Twilight’s thou has listed; they annoy thou, yes?”
“No…That’s the problem Princess Luna…They don’t,” he replied anxiously.
Luna stared blankly at the unicorn’s odd declaration. It took a moment for her to process his unusual way of explaining this matter, but eventually, it started to dawn on her. Her starlit eyes widened slowly.
“Oh…I see,” Luna’s surprised gasp was quickly replaced with a small, ever growing smile.
“She should be annoying to me, all these cracker brained weird things she does should bother me…But they don’t,” Moonstruck exclaimed. “I don’t understand. Why doesn’t she annoy me? Why does the fact she drives me crazy actually make me feel happy? Why can’t her quirks just annoy me like it would any other normal pony? And why can’t I make her mad enough to want to get rid of me so she’ll never have to be hurt by me again? WHY?”
The dark unicorn dropped to his knees and started angrily beating into the carpet. He felt like he’s held in this frustration for ages. He started to yell and cry out, everything intensified as he imagined the look of horror on Twilight’s face when she would finally learn the truth: the truth about his connection to the Horn and Wing Society.
“Do not let this consume you Moonstruck,” Luna said comfortingly. The blue Alicorn wrapped her wings around the colt in a warm, motherly-like embrace. His cries slowly started to cease altogether. “The pain thou feel inside is not one to dread, but one to be celebrated my friend.”
Moonstruck wobbled back onto his four legs. He slowed down the pace of his breathing. Every part of his body felt stressed and on high alert, Luna’s compassion eventually calmed the dark unicorn down, thankfully.
“I believe I know the feeling thou is crippled by,” Luna said kindly, “it is a feeling that I think I have been experiencing for some time now.” Her hoof gently guided his hanging head back to her line of sight by cupping his chin. “Dear Moonstruck, I believe thou have fallen in love with the Princess of Friendship.”
“I know, and that’s exactly why I need to stay far away from Twilight,” he sighed mournfully.
“Wait, what?” Luna loudly gasped in reply. She pulled away from the hug and stared at him in gross bewilderment.
“Something truly horrible happened in my past…But I’m not sure what,” Moonstruck explained, “images have been popping in and out of my mind, more like fragments really. Something happened in my memories but I only get bits and pieces; never the whole thing. I’m not 100% sure what they mean or who I see in these flashes, but one thing is for sure, they’re always bad…And they always appear when Twilight gets too close to me.”
The princess of the night was truly puzzled by this revelation. She bit her lip as she pondered his words. Luna had never seen such imagery in Moonstruck’s dreams before, and besides, he said these happened when he was awake and with Twilight, which meant they might be some kind of suppressed memory resurfacing.
“So these flashes of terrible things, they only happen when thou are around Twilight and no pony else?” Luna inquired.
“Yes, that’s right,” he calmly answered.
“And thou are certain the images thou see are from the past and not an event that has yet to happen?”
Moonstruck nodded in confirmation.
Without saying a word, Princess Luna gracefully approached the distraught unicorn and inched her horn towards his. Moonstruck was hesitant to comply. Luna pleaded to him silently with her luminous eyes, she wished to try something and assured him everything would be all right. Reluctantly, he nodded and put his trust in the dark blue mare. Luna leaned forward and successfully clicked horns with Moonstruck.
BZZT!
A small spark of energy materialized between the two ponies horns. They jolted back in shock, more surprised than harmed by the sporadic energy surge. Moonstruck shook his head and rubbed his temples, still unclear on what the purpose of that was.
“Tell me Moonstruck, did anymore of those images appear just now?” Luna asked curiously.
“Um no, n-n-n-not really princess,” his answer disappointed the blue mare, “What-what exactly was that? What was it you were trying to do?”
“I had theorized that the reason thou were experiencing these dreadful images was due to my sister’s hex interfering with another Alicorn’s magic,” Luna calmly explained. “Twilight’s magic could have been inadvertently causing an unfortunate side effect. However, as thou did not experience any reaction from my horn, it seems my theory has been proven incorrect.”
Several moments passed as Moonstruck processed the princess’s theory. He was not pleased with these results but neither was he terribly disappointed either, he shrugged in acceptance.
“Um I guess not…Thank you for trying anyway, princess,” Moonstruck said. His smile was weak but the warmness in his words was sincere.
The princess of the night thanked Moonstruck and apologized for her inability to help him. He assured her that she helped more than she would ever know, the company was happily welcomed. Luna turned to leave but stopped half way and returned her shimmering gaze towards the colt once more.
“Did you have another theory to test princess?” Moonstruck asked; tilting his head to the side.
“N-n-no, nothing like that,” Luna fumbled nervously. Her dark blue cheeks were stained with faint shades of pink. “Actually, it was more of a request, one I was hoping thou would be able to help me with.”
“Um, no offense but why don’t you just make it a royal order or something? I mean you are a princess and I’m just…Me,” Moonstruck awkwardly replied.
“As I said before, thou are considered a friend noble Moonstruck,” she firmly clarified, “friends do not make demands or orders of their friends. I would much rather see someone want to willingly help me then abuse my royal title and force them to comply.” Luna puffed her chest out a bit and flexed her wings proudly. “That is not the kind of princess I am.”
Her words sent a small surge of warmth into Moonstruck’s heart. It appears that all of the princesses are just as caring as Twilight.
“It would be my genuine pleasure princess,” Moonstruck replied. Hearing this brought a small smile to the flustered Alicorn’s face, she happily and eagerly thanked him. “So what did you need help with?”
“Tia says that thou possess an ability to see inside a pony’s essence, to see what darkness or fears vex them,” Luna said hesitantly. She was visibly nervous discussing this matter. Not because Moonstruck was untrustworthy, but because she felt like she was reopening an old wound by discussing this. “I wish for thee to please use thine ability and see into my essence. I need to know if my spirit is still being plagued by the darkness of Nightmare Moon. Everyone in Ponyville knows I tortured myself with the Tantabus as punishment, and while I made peace with that fact, I need to be certain if my shadow truly is beneath me now.”
“Does this have anything to do with the whole ‘wishing to link hearts with some pony’ thing you mentioned?” Moonstruck asked; his curiosity noticeably peaked.
“Quite perceptive my friend,” Luna nodded slowly, “I have been receiving beautiful, exquisite gifts from a secret admirer for months now.” The princess showed one of the cards to Moonstruck. His eyes widened, the level of artwork in the card was truly spectacular. “I do not know who the artist is, I don’t even know if it is a mare, a colt…it’s possible he is not even a pony at all. The cards are always signed with the initials: RS; that is all I have to go by. The most recent card requested a face to face meeting. Despite my lack of information regarding the identity or race of this artist…I…I replied yes.”
“So then what does my sensing ability have anything to do with you meeting this admirer?” Moonstruck insisted.
“Try to understand. Being a princess and an Alicorn, it makes things exceedingly difficult…and painful to allow another into our hearts,” Luna confessed sadly. Her voice became soft and melancholic, yet still retaining a twinge of hope and fondness in her blue tone. “This RS individual is the closest I have ever come to experiencing romantic love in many, many years. I have been moved by his pictures and poems, both too beautiful to forget and too tempting to ignore.” She closed her eyes for a moment, small splashes of lonely tears flicked from her eyelashes. Luna looked to Moonstruck, desperation burning in her eyes. “If I am to open my heart to another, if I would dare to be that hopeful and naïve to believe I could achieve that level of happiness…then I must know if evil still lingers in my soul,” she pleaded sorrowfully.
Moonstruck smiled and gently shook his head.
“You have nothing to fear princess,” he said soothingly, “I sensed your essence back when I first met you and Princess Celestia. The remnants of Nightmare Moon have long since dissipated. The only fear and darkness I sense in you now is the anxiety you feel towards this meeting with RS.” Luna’s eyes sparkled radiantly, her smile seemed to stretch on infinitely. “Whoever this RS is, he clearly has impeccable taste.”
The princess eagerly leapt at the unicorn and embraced him in a heartfelt hug, her hooves and wings wrapped him up snugly. Moonstruck was briefly startled by the gesture but quickly melted into the hug. He wrapped her body into his own, his eyes closed as a warm smile forms across his lips. The two sat there contently in the hug for a few moments before separating. Luna smirked playfully and planted a gentle kiss on Moonstruck’s cheek.
“Thou are a kind and wonderful soul friend Moonstruck, Princess Twilight is lucky to be loved by one such as thee,” Luna beamed. She cheerfully trotted off; leaving Moonstruck blushing and clutching the cheek where he had been kissed.
Moonstruck stood there motionlessly, quietly watching and waiting for Luna to be out of sight and out of earshot. The moment her sparkling tail vanished from view, a tear cascaded down from Moonstruck’s left cheek, another tear came down on the right cheek shortly after. The pony had been silently sobbing his eyes out, choking on his own silent agony as his tears dampened the carpet beneath his hooves.
“I’m sorry princess, I’m so-so sorry,” he sobbed achingly, “but your wrong about me…You’re all wrong about me.” Moonstruck clenched his eyes shut and collapsed to the ground. His purple fur soaked in the tears on the carpet. Sadness and pain consumed his voice, shriveling up his heart like a plague. “I really am a killer after all…”
FLASHBACK
Inside a monstrous, endless dark cave gathered a shrouded group of ponies, their forms were hidden by black cloaks; concealing every inch of their flesh and features except for their hooves. It was as if death himself had summoned a legion of fellow reapers to congregate in a cave as dark and dreary as he. Towards the center of the dark cult shined a glowing magical seal; unicorns were chanting and bombarding it with continuous flows of verbal and mystical energies.
A unicorn couple, appearing to be in their mid-thirties, approached the head cult member. He stood imposingly before them in front of the summoning circle.
“Ah, Count Crescent; Lady Kuru,” the cloaked pony mused, “We’ve been expecting you. I trust you understand that once this begins, there is no turning back. Do you still wish to proceed?”
Count Crescent looked to his wife nervously. He was a tall, firmly built colt with royal blue colored fur and grass green hair. His goatee was strangely enough; a few shades darker green than his hair. The count wore a gold rimmed monocle across one of his teal eyes. A wood colored vest adorned his upper torso, silver trim adorning the collar and cuffs. The stallion’s cutie mark was a faint yellow crescent moon. The mark also had two silver shapes that resembled eyes: one was on the moon itself and the other was next to it on the flank’s open surface.
Lady Kuru was rather short compared to her husband. Her vibrant, reddish brown hair shimmered brightly next to her husband’s goatee. Kuru’s fur was a creamy yellow color, fainter than Fluttershy’s color but darker in tone. The wrinkles in her cheeks and under her eyes indicated great deal of stress from tears flowing recently. Her lavender eyes were filled with overwhelming fear and agony. Kuru’s cutie mark displayed the iconic comedy and tragedy masks, each mask displayed artistic amalgamations of black and white color schemes. A small bundle wrapped in a white silk sheet was being carried in Kuru’s hooves.
“Yes, we understand the risks of this ritual Lord Cabal,” Crescent explained, “but I want it made clear that we are NOT doing this because we believe in your ideals. Were only doing this because we have no other choice and if we wait any longer, it’ll be too late.”
Lord Cabal was a daunting, grim looking individual. He clung to the shadows from his cloak like a mask. The colt’s fur had a dark, ask black color to it, his hair was ghostly white with needle like tips; flattened by the hood. Even amongst the darkness though, Crescent and Kuru could still clearly make out the rustic shade of red that filled his unholy looking eyes. Just a single glance caused the couple’s blood to collectively freeze. Cabal’s wings clenched tightly under his cloak.
“Your exceedingly generous donations to our society’s funding would say otherwise if this information ever gets out,” Cabal threatened.
“PLEASE,” Kuru frantically interrupted, “we know what we’re getting ourselves into, and at this point, I don’t care why you’re doing this.” Her demanding tone quickly broke down into a sobbing, tear soaking mess. The mare looked down at the bundle in her hooves; her tears intensifying. “Just please…save our son…we’ll do anything you want,” Kuru begged.
“I know you will, oh believe me…I know,” Cabal said with a sinister chuckle.
Inside the bundle was a frail, sickly, purple unicorn child. The colt coughed inside his mother’s arms, painful sounding wheezes exhaled from his blue lips. His failing lungs continued to cause him unbearable suffering with every breath he took. This ailing child was the one and only foal to be born from Count Crescent and Lady Kuru, and he’s dying. The couple had tried every magical spell, used every potion and elixir, they even visited Princess Celestia and begged for her to use her power to save their child, but nothing worked. During their greatest time of desperation, Count Crescent was contacted by Lord Cabal: head of the Horn and Wing Society. He claimed that he could save the count’s son’s life, IF and only if he donated his fortune to fund the society’s experiments. As a result, the child would be the test subject for the society’s ultimate ritual, but if they were successful…the child would live and be stronger than ever.
Crescent and Kuru instantly agreed.
The couple knew they were making a deal with a band of devils, they knew that if this doesn’t succeed they’re son will die, and if it does succeed, he will have to serve as the dark and powerful figurehead for this cult’s wicked goals.
But they didn’t care, they’re child was already at death’s door. They had nothing left to lose. Even if it meant seeing him serve as some unstoppable harbinger of death for a demented doomsday cult, if it meant he would be alive then they would do anything…anything.
“Place the child at the center of the summoning circle on my signal,” he ordered the parents. Cabal raised his hoof into the air; instantly silencing the chanters and spell casters. The cult leader’s hoof was cracked and covered with devastatingly painful scorch marks, it was as if the fires of Hell had tried to consume his appendage. “Resume all chanting and spell casting once the child is in the proper place. Do not stop until the ritual is complete, once it starts it cannot be stopped. Any mistakes or interruptions during the spell will result in catastrophic consequences.”
Crescent looked to his wife, tears dripping from both their weeping eyes. He nodded in acknowledgement. The couple looked to their sickly child and nuzzled him, they kissed his forehead and whispered silent prayers. For all they knew, this may be the last time they see their child alive.
“Good, very good,” Lord Cabal stated. He turned to the swarms of cloaked ponies circling the summoning symbol; commanding their attentions with a bold and thunderous voice. “Remember, this is the culmination of everything we have worked for. All the sacrifices, the setbacks, everything we had to endure. No more will we listen to the mindless prattle of those ignorant sheep that blindly condemn our actions and recklessly follow rulers who refuse to share their power with the rest of us,” he bellowed, “all of that changes tonight. Once the ritual is complete, we, the Horn and Wing Society will have accomplished the impossible. We will rightfully restore the balance of power to its citizens and no longer depend on corruptible leaders such as the Alicorn sisters.”
Clattering hooves stomped across the ground in agreement, the crowd of shadowy figures became rowdier and louder with each passing moment. Everyone was insatiably eager to see what fruit their twisted experiment would bare; everyone that is…except the heartbroken couple offering they’re child to this cult of twisted madness.
“Brothers, sisters,” Cabal’s energy and exhilaration soared, he fed off the crowd’s encouragement with voracious intensity. The chanting, the worshipping, he basked in all of it; immersing in his moment of glory. “Let us wait no longer. It is time we enjoy the gift that nature has so cruelly denied us in the past,” Cabal turned to the couple and pointed to the circle, “it is time for the child to fulfill our destiny.”
Crescent and Kuru looked to each other, their eyes drenched in conflicted agony; feeling it crippling away their consciences. The love for their child made them reluctant to comply, and yet, ironically; it was that same love that brought them into this situation in the first place. They were faced with an impossible decision: see their son die as an innocent, or survive and live as a demonic tool for a cult of radicals.
“Enough stalling! Place the child on the circle AT ONCE,” Cabal fiercely ordered, “we didn’t work this hard just for you to get squeamish at the finish line Count.”
Crescent flashed a loathing glare at the despicable Pegasus. He charged an energy attack from his horn, sorely tempted to strike him down for that outburst.
“Do that, and you’re not only condemning you and your wife to death; but you’re son as well,” Cabal sneered. The coldness of his words paled in comparison to the excruciating reality regarding the child’s future.
Kuru clutched her husband’s arm. He flinched and turned to face her, her loving eyes melted his resolve, she silently thanked him for trying. Both unicorns eventually gave in and nodded in defeat. Crescent and Kuru kissed their child one last time and placed him on the circle.
“NOW, BEGIN!”
The chanters and spell casters began the ritual. Mystical words and beams of energy danced above the dying child, a strange glow started to emanate and envelop from the mystical mark carved into the Earth.
FASCHOOM!
A tower of light erupted from the circle. Its energy was blinding and infinite; crashing spectacularly into the cavern ceiling and lighting up every corner and crevice. The chants coming from the ponies could barely be heard over the thunderous roar of the beacon. All eyes looked towards the tower of light, mindlessly encaptivated by its eclipsing sight.
KABOOM!
A monstrous energy blast erupted from the confines of the summoning circle, it flashes across the room with the savage ferocity of a nuclear blast. Scores of ponies were vaporized in seconds. The poor creatures were incinerated so quickly, they hadn’t even a moment to scream or gasp as their bodies turned to ash. The death toll was instantaneous and total. All that remained of the Horn and Wing Society and the child’s parents were piles of scorched ashes, even their bones had been reduced to cinders.
Every single pony in the cave was dead, every single one…except for the child in the summoning circle.
END FLASHBACK
Moonstruck snapped free from his draconian daydream. Reality had struck him like a blade, it sliced into his stomach and spilled all warmth and life from his hollowed out body. In that flash of light, he knew what had happened that day, and more importantly…he knew that he was in fact, a killer.
“I killed them…I killed them all…I killed my parents,” he whispered tragically.
To be continued…