//------------------------------// // Preparations // Story: PlutoVerse: Tirek's Arc // by Vchart920 //------------------------------// The hum of the sewing machine greeted Twilight as she opened the door to the Carousel Boutique. “I hope she hasn’t been doing that all night,” Spike commented, pushing past Twilight. A young filly snuggled up in his protective arms. The little filly, fittingly named Evening, bore a striking resemblance to Twilight. Though, she had a curved horn and large bat wings currently wrapped around Spike. Hearing the hum, her bright yellow, slitted eyes opened, still tired from waking her up so early. “Rarity? Spike and I have come to help you move some stuff around,” Twilight called from below. Spike gave a good look around, taking a note at all the space they didn’t have. “Wouldn’t it have been easier if he stayed in your castle? It has a lot more room.” The little alicorn yawned and jumped from Spike’s arms hoping to find a better place to rest. Twilight didn’t expect her to say anything, she was never talkative during her first hour or so waking up. Twilight’s voice mimicked her worried nature. “I wish we could, Spike. But what Celestia says, goes.” “Twilight, look around us. Where is he going to even stay.” Spike had a good point. Over the years, the boutique has grown in its own ways and more and more space had gradually filled up. “We can figure it out, even if we have to add a new room to her boutique.” “It would probably be the only option, even if Rarity doesn’t approve of it.” Twilight gave a nod. “Watch over Evening while I get Rarity.” Twilight made her way up the stairs to Rarity’s room. Upon reaching the door, she pushed it open and peered inside. The room was a horrid mess of cloth and other sewing materials, all of which were randomly strewn across the room. As Twilight assumed, she was there sitting at her desk pushing fabric through the machine. Rarity’s focus was so fixated on her work that she didn’t look up even though her ears moved to the sound of the door. Twilight walked over to Rarity and sat down next to her. Dried mascara streaked down her face from her eyes and smeared here and there. Her mane was a ragged mess. Many a times had she seen Rarity stressed, and was grateful that this wasn’t one of the worst moments. “How are you holding up?” Rarity gave a stressed groan in response. “I don’t know, darling. There’s this brute that’s going to be living with me in my boutique for who knows how long. I haven’t the slightest clue on how to feel about this.” The sewing stopped and she planted her face in her hooves. Twilight’s face softened and placed a caring hoof on her shoulder. The slight shivering calmed slightly with her touch. “Your feelings are pretty valid. It's ok to feel worried and distressed. I’m actually surprised you aren’t having a meltdown.” Rarity glanced to her, deep lines stretched across her face. “I was up all night plagued with worry about this. Applejack was kind enough to stay with me.” Twilight glanced around the room. “What time did she leave?” Rarity perked up and joined Twilight in her observation. “I wasn’t aware she did.” She also took note of the awful state of her room. “Perhaps I should clean up.” Her voice expressed the defeat her body felt. This was something she couldn't run away from, so she may as well do her best. A pink aura wrapped itself around Twilight's horn, assisting Rarity clean up the mess. Many various fabrics, tools, and threads scattered themselves about the room. Rarity summoned up her magic to join in the cleaning. Twilight found an unusual pile of cloth and picked it up in her magic. Doing so revealed the orange earth pony mentioned earlier fast asleep. “Applejack?” The mare peeked her eyes open and squinted at the light. “Twilight?” Her voice was groggy. A low yawn resounded and her back stretched and cracked into place as she stood up. “Is it morning already?” “Oh, darling,” Rarity remarked, “We thought you left.” “You know I wouldn't leave you when you're having troubles.” She brushed her hair straight as she could before putting her hat on. “Is he here yet?” Twilight folded several rolls of fabric and put them on one of the shelves. “Not yet. I wanted to get here early to make sure we had time to clean up and find a spot for him. Spike is downstairs with Evening right now.” “Well, that's one good thing. I always love seeing her.” Rarity gave off a smile even though her eyes drooped. They all walked to the door and headed downstairs. “Any idea if her father is going to come around?” AJ asked. “I actually got a letter from him the other day.” “That’s a shocker.” “I'm surprised as well. He explained to me that he has important business to attend to and he’d return when he it’s all completed.” “That seems like a pathetic excuse to not be here for his child!” Rarity interjected. “I’m aware, but Steward assured that it would be worth it, so I trust him to a degree.” “I still wouldn’t get my hopes up.” The three of them walked downstairs where Spike was talking to a gray pegasus. Evening perked up to them and addressed Twilight. “Mama, Uncle Steward came to help." With Steward’s sudden arrival, Twilight let out a surprised ‘eep.’ The stallion appeared older, and was fit with a bushy mustache and eyebrows. His attire consisted of a butler’s uniform, the chain of a pocket watch hanging out of one side. Evening was laying on top of this pony’s head, smiling. His mustache lifted with his smile. “Good morning, Miss Sparkle.” Spike also looked at the group, his face showing the worry he had after seeing Rarity. “Ooh, you stayed up all night didn’t you?” Rarity only gave him a shamed groan. “Good morning, Miss Rarity, I see Sir Tirek’s stay is still on your mind.” Steward spoke in a friendly manner. Rarity groaned more in defeat at the reminder. Steward took notice and before she could say anything, offered, “Shall I make you some tea?” “That would be lovely, darling.” Rarity muttered. “Hey, Twilight, how about you and I get started and give Rarity some time to rest?”  AJ offered. Twilight gave an annoyed ‘hmmmm’. Twilight hated to admit it, but she was hoping she could sneak away from the butler. She realized that would be a harder task than she first thought. “Yeah. We need to make room for a bed and a place for any items he may have received. I might be able to magically alter the doorways to accommodate.” Applejack went to moving some furniture around while Twilight worked on the doors. They only had a few hours to prepare and it would be better if they had everything set up right away before he got there. Moments later, Twilight could hear Rarity’s signature crying. Curious, she poked her head around the corner to the kitchen and saw Rarity holding Steward’s hooves, a cup of tea being held in her magic. “I understand your feelings, Miss Rarity, this is not an ideal situation. If there was one signature word I could use to describe you, it would be strong. In my lifetime, between fierce warriors and leaders of all sorts, you are one of the strongest mares I have met. I believe you will not only get through this, but become a champion in your efforts to do Equestria proud.” Even though Twilight wasn’t happy about having the butler with them, she had to admit, he was a very kind person. Her lips turned up to a smile before getting back to work.