//------------------------------// // Act 2: Dressing Drags // Story: Friendship is Failure #11- The Meanie of Hearth's Warming // by DakariKingMykan //------------------------------// ACT TWO The next day, Hearth’s Warming Eve, the day before Hearth’s warming itself, and the eve of the pageant. Rarity was still in deep shock as she and her friends rode the train on their way to Canterlot. All her friends were excited and going over what lines they had with one another. “All I want to know is: why are all the Earth Ponies hogging all the food?” Fluttershy said, but she said it in a very meek voice. “Uh, Fluttershy…” said Rainbow “You’re going to have to be a little bolder than that if you want to play Commander Hurricane.” Fluttershy quivered, “I don’t think I can. I’m so nervous. I don’t know why Princess Celestia gave me that role.” “She thinks you can do it, Fluttershy.” said Twilight “She gives all ponies in the production a chance out of faith and confidence.” “Besides, you’re lucky.” said Applejack “Some of us have been recast this year as patrons or side ponies. We don’t get many lines, and some of us don’t even get lines at all.” She knew this because she was cast as simple farm pony this year, and had no lines at all. Her only scene was just to pass out food in her act as an Earth Pony. Some of the others were going to be stage managers, meaning they didn’t get to be on stage at all, but just to help with work and stuff. Starlight on the other-hoof got to be the narrator, and she was reading the entire story of Hearth’s Warming over and over with Spike, learning from his experience as former narrator. Pinkie Pie seemed to be the only one who reprised her old role as Chancellor Pudding head, and she already knew her lines but went over them anyway. She then sat next to Rarity, “Ah! This is going to be a great play! Eh, Rarity…?” Rarity finally broke her silence, “Fine… Play… yes.” she said in a shocked state, much to the others concerns. They already figured why Rarity was in deep shock due to her role as a beggar pony. “Rarity, it’ll be okay.” Twilight said to her, but Rarity disagreed, finally snapping out of her trance. “It’s bad enough they made Glimmer Glitz play Princess Platinum, now I have to be one who plays to her, begging her for kindness and mercy?!” “Rarity, it’s just a play; all actin’.” said Applejack, “Come on, its Hearth’s Warmin’ Eve day. Try to show a little happiness.” Rarity took in a deep cleansing breath and smiled forcibly, “I am calm. I am alright.” she kept saying, but her friends were starting to feel that this was not the end of it, but they tried to keep calm themselves wanting to have a great evening. Soon they had arrived at the Canterlot Station and were escorted by royal guard to the royal palace where Princess Celestia was waiting to welcome them all. “Welcome my friends, and Happy Hearth’s Warming to you all.” The friends all bowed to her, and then Twilight looked up and saw her relatives from the Crystal Empire-- Cadance, Shining Armor, baby Flurry Heart, and they all shared a joyous family hug, and Flurry heart actually handed Twilight her new Hearth’s Warming stocking hat. Even though it was more than too small for Twilight to wear, “Aw, for me…?” she cooed and she pecked her little niece on the cheek. Everyone awed at how sweet that was, and then Celestia escorted everyone inside to make preparations before the play would begin. Rarity took a moment to look around, and she couldn’t see any signs of Glitter Glitz, “Maybe she decided not to come.” she said to herself. “Rarity…?” Sweetie Belle called at her telling her to hurry. “Oh, coming! Coming right along…” As the night began to creep forth and the snow began to fall, the royal palace was bustling with ponies invited from all over that had purchased tickets to see the show. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna sat with their relatives in a special royal box with a commanding view of the stage, and the place was packed to the ends of the hall. All the performers were backstage getting into costumes and makeup, and going over a few last minute rehearsals. Rarity looked at herself in the mirror and glared sourly at her reflection. She was wearing a black dress and a ratted brown burlap cloak with a hood, and her mane was horribly uncoiled and messed up a little, with a little touched of black blush all over her face so she would appear as the poor beggar pony she was playing. “You look great, Rarity.” said Sweetie Belle, and she stood right next to her sister in her own costume, identical to hers so she’d look like the poor underprivileged daughter. Despite her profound objections to this, Rarity smiled at her sister, trying to keep sane for her. Suddenly, she heard ponies chattering… “She’s here.” “It’s her!” “Glitter Glitz…!” Rarity turned slowly towards the backstage entrance and saw her rival entering from being out in the snow. She brushed off her fur coat, and removed her expensive looking snow-goggles and fluttered her eyelashes at everyone, “Sorry, I’m late, I was tending a business deal.” “I can believe that!” Rarity grumbled, but Glitter heard her, and she took one look at Rarity and her features hardened as she approached her, “Rarity…” “Glitter…” They glared at each other fiercely, and Sweeite Belle came between them, “Wow! You’re Glitter Glitz?” “Oh, you brought your sister, I see.” “Yes! Rarity sneered softly “This is Sweetie Belle; my younger sister, whom is part of MY family.” Glitter didn’t like the tone Rarity was giving her. “Ms. Glitz, I have all your magazines.” Sweetie Belle said with glee as she emptied her backpack spilling many magazines on the floor with Glitter’s picture on each cover; much to Rarity’s horrors. “Can I have your autograph too?” Sweetie asked, further enraging her sister. “Of course.” Glitter said kindly “If there’s one thing I love about my business, it’s pleasing my fans.” and she levitated a pen out from her saddlebag and inscribed each magazine with her signature on it. Rarity was so enraged that she just stormed off to get a drink of water from the dispenser. She grumbled as she sipped her water, gargling as she spoke. “Um, Rarity, are you okay?” Spike asked out of concern. “Oh, yes, Spike, I’m perfectly fine.” she lied “Now that that… that other pony wishes to steal my own sister away from me just to rub it in how famous she is.” “Oh, Rarity, stop it!” snapped Twilight. “Sweetie Belle’s just being nice with her, and you should be too! After all…” “I know! I know…! …Hearth’s Warming, and you’re right.” she calmed down, but still felt upset deep down as she watched Sweetie Belle conversing with Glitter. So she marched over and took her away, “Come along, Sweetie Belle. I’m sure that MS. GLITZ has to get into costume now!” “Sadly, I’m afraid I do.” said Glitter “I’ll see you later Sweetie Belle. You’re a nice kid.” “Thank you.” Sweetie called as Rarity dragged her off. “What are you doing?” she thundered. “Let’s get a couple of things straight here, sister!” Rarity sneered, but before she could continue, Twilight, as the play director announced to everyone “Places, Every-pony. Places for the opening act.” “We will discuss this later!” Rarity snapped, and walked off in a huff. “What’s her problem?” Sweetie wondered.