//------------------------------// // Prologue // Story: Behind The Scenes // by Jinadan //------------------------------// Behind The Scenes "My my, you two make such an adorable couple." complimented Upper Crust. "Oh, don’t flatter us. Here, cheers to you." Fleur replied as she levitated her glass and gave a toast to her. After she trotted away, Fleur just sighed. It was just one of those formal functions again. Events like this happen so often in her life it has become a routine. Honestly, she hated going for these parties, and the only reason she did was to maintain her reputation as a supermodel known all over Equestria. Everything in these functions were monotone, the fancy food, the wind orchestra, the ponies all being so sophisticated. To her, attending these kind of functions were times she had to put on masks, and she absolutely dreaded it. The only thing she could look forward to was the free exquisite wines and cocktails. "Why, its my dear friend Fancypants!" exclaimed Spitfire, captain of the Wonderbolts. "Spitfire, what an honor to see you here!" "I'll be back in just a second, dear." By just a second you mean for the whole event. Fleur did not want to think this way, but it was true. Fancypants was a great fiance and all, but he had his flaws too. After all, nopony is perfect. She just walked around, drinking some wine, talking to important ponies and getting photos of her taken every now and then. Soon an hour passed, and Luna’s moon was now raised high in the air. The party had ended, and the couple was now walking out of the Canterlot castle ballroom. They walked home together, but for awhile, they did not say a word to each other. "I’m so sorry my dear," He broke the awkward silence. "It’s okay." Both herself and Fancypants knew it was definitely not okay. "Dear, I’ll have to attend one last meeting, I’ll be reaching home really late." Fleur did not reply him. She had been too used to Fancypants going for meetings and events, leaving her alone at night most of the time. He waved her goodbye, as he trotted away. Fleur entered her home and closed the door behind her. Her house was pitch dark, she switched on the light using magic, and went to the bathroom. She turned on the shower tap, as cold pelts of water hit her, causing a horribly uncomfortable sensation. Oh my Celestia. Forgot to turn on the heater again. She just roughly rinsed herself, and after drying herself with a towel, she collapsed into her bed. She just stared at the ceiling, letting thoughts run through her mind. I’ve got everything I ever wanted since I was young. Achieving my dream of becoming a model, bits, a penthouse suite in Canterlot, a fiance, fans, friends, but why don’t I feel satisfied at all? I just wish I was somepony else. I hate being myself now, i’m just a dirty, disgusting pony hiding behind a wall of masks. Maybe if I was a wonderbolt... I could just fly my troubles off. Or maybe if I was just a poor earth pony in Ponyville... I wouldn’t need to care about pleasing the ponies around me. By now fresh tears were rolling down her cheeks. The unicorn promised herself she would never do this again, but she needed something to numb the pain for now. She knew it was only going to temporary, but at least, it would numb the pain... just for awhile. Oh alcohol, Only you understand my real troubles. Fleur took out a bottle of hard apple cider, grabbed a glass from the kitchen with magic, and settled back to her bedroom with everything in easy reach. She downed shot after shot until she reduced herself into a drunken, tear-filled sleep.