//------------------------------// // 15 Line // Story: The Line Between Fire and Light // by Stolenalicorn //------------------------------// Starlight Glimmer couldn't help but notice the sound of the slightly creaky door that was the hallway closet James had somehow re-purposed to be a regular portal to New Guardia. He had maintained that if he was going to take up space, it should be as little as possible. The more Starlight thought about it the more she realized that it got quite a lot of use, particularly lately. “Watching another movie with James, Rainbow Dash?” She asked, slyly. Rainbow Dash stopped abruptly and turned to face her. “Well, he's just got so many. And of course movies aren't all, we're only half way through Firefly.” She said far to quickly to not be a cover for something. Starlight decided not to pry, even though she was sure it would be interesting. But she couldn't let it go without at least a parting jab. “Well, at least you're not trying to convince us you're trying to help him train anymore.” Rainbow Dash laughed awkwardly. “Yeah, I mean he is training and losing weight. But I can't really help him with that.” “Maybe we should all go over for another movie night sometime. It's been months.” Starlight suggested. “Yeah, we'll have to suggest it sometime. Well I've gotta go. Been great talking to you.” Rainbow Dash hurriedly said as she flew off. Slowly a paper drifted down from where Rainbow Dash had been, landing gently on the floor. Starlight contemplated calling out to Rainbow Dash before realizing that she was long gone by now. It glowed with a magical aura as it lifted off the ground and something about the writing caught her eye. 'Come by tonight once everything is quiet. I'll visit you at Wonder Bolt Training on Thursday. I'll do something for the entire group so they won't have to cook.' Starlight didn't have to guess who the sender was for long as James's handwriting was only outdone by his hornwriting for it's sloppiness. While this did strike her as curious, it wasn't more than a passing thought as James had surprised them at the castle with large meals before. There was one nagging thought though, that with Rainbow Dash visiting him and then him coming to her training later that week the two were spending a lot of time with each other. Twilight's voice echoed through the halls as she called out. “Starlight! Let's reorganize these books, it'll be fun.” Starlight sighed briefly before she started to laugh. She wouldn't describe the chore as fun, but Twilight certainly enjoyed it and Spike was no doubt trying to get out of it. The purple alicorn was already fully invested in her task as Starlight entered the library. “Wow, did you pull out every book just to put them back?” “Only the reference guides, they have to be placed near their cross-reference matches so we don't have to look around as much for them when we need them.” “Okay then. Well, Rainbow Dash was here just a bit ago. She was coming back from New Guardia again.” Twilight didn't look up from her work as she thought about the statement. “Really? She's been there a lot lately.” Starlight was quick to agree. “Yeah, and she dropped this when she left. I just saw it was from James, it's nothing really.” Twilight stopped her work abruptly to chastise Starlight. “Starlight, friends don't go looking through each others mail.” As she spoke she took the letter from Starlight and brought it over to her. Starlight cocked her eyebrow as she looked to Twilight. “I only said it was from James. And he was just inviting her over for another movie and offering to cook something for the Wonder Bolts.” Twilight began to pace as she read the note for herself. “Odd, he usually just comes to Ponyville or Canterlot. Does he even know where the training grounds are?” “Even if he doesn't Rainbow Dash does.” Starlight reasoned as she watched the examination with growing concern. “Okay, you're doing far more than I did. Are you sure that's okay Twilight?” Twilight was now engrossed in her examination, carefully reading each line for more than just poor penmanship. “James doesn't like politics so he avoids it where possible. That's why we've got our door to New Guardia and he calls Princesses Celestia and Luna just Celestia and Luna. So something casual like this isn't unexpected. But the only Wonder Bolt he knows is Rainbow Dash, so there's no reason for him to offer to cook them all something …” Starlight's face clearly showed her concern as she offered an explanation. “Maybe he just wants to meet some of Rainbow Dash's other friends. I mean he's come by just to talk with Shining Armor, or hang out with Big Mac and Spike. He tells Derpy stories, and even pays Mayor Mare a visit now and again.” Twilight now sat at her table as she looked over the document yet again as if there were some hidden riddle in the words that only a mystic ritual would reveal. “Right. There's nothing more to it than that. He's just interested in meeting her other friends. Now let's see, if we hurry we can have this done tomorrow and get a head start out to the training grounds Thursday.” Starlight approached Twilight as she started rewriting her schedule for the next few days. “I don't think this is really necessary Twilight. He's just going to meet some new ponies.” Twilight was quick to respond as she wheeled around on her student. “Exactly, he's going to be meeting new ponies. Only a select group of ponies know he's not really a pony. What if he mentions that while he's with the Wonder Bolts? What if Rainbow Dash mentions it? As the Princess of Friendship it is my duty to make sure this meeting goes smoothly.” “Why would that come up? If we're the only ponies to know and he's kept it secret from all Ponyville why would one meeting with the Wonder Bolts mess it all up?” Starlight couldn't see the line of reasoning that led Twilight to her current panic. “And why does it even matter?” “Because he uses pronouns that don't make sense for ponies to use amongst each other. We're used to it here, but the Wonder Bolts might catch on and he could tell them. Then they'd get angry at Rainbow Dash for keeping a secret like that, so they kick her out and she'd be devastated and get angry with James who'd get depressed so he loses his confidence and his whole kingdom shuts down costing his people their livelihoods and everyone starves! All because I wasn't there to smooth things over!” As Twilight finished she began to hyperventilate, her magic smashing her quill and her eyes wide. Starlight was concerned for Twilight as she stared at her. “I think that's a bit extreme.” She calmly said. Twilight's breathing calmed down as she looked to her student. “You're right. Besides, we don't have time to panic if we're going to get this done before Thursday so we can get to the Wonder Bolt training grounds in time.” “Twilight.” Starlight calmly said. “What? This will be a friendship lesson for you. You see how he makes friends and maybe make a few more yourself.” Twilight insisted, her voice clearly still nervous. Starlight sighed as she started helping Twilight with the organizing, knowing that there was no getting out of this. *** James watched the Wonder Bolts as he approached their training facility, he'd been planning this for a while and wanted things to go as well as they possibly could. As he flew he focused on the energy of everyone in the area. He couldn't identify most of them, but he was able to single out Rainbow Dash among the fliers and easily noticed Twilight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer approaching from the other side of the field. He easily dodged the reservist coming up from beneath him as he continued towards the training grounds. Spitfire was the first to hit the ground and turned to the rest of the team as they followed shortly after. “Alright everypony, hit the showers. Crash, where's this friend of yours?” Rainbow Dash looked up to the Alicorn coming in for a landing behind the group and smiled. “Right behind you ma'am.” Spitfire turned quickly and nearly jumped out of the way as James approached, only to watch him abruptly stop in mid air and drop to the ground. “I didn't realize you were Rainbow Dash's friend. The name's Spitfire.” She said holding out her wing to James. James reached his own wing out and gripped hers, she had a stronger grip, but he obviously had trouble with fine manipulation of his wings. “The pleasure's mine, Spitfire. Call me James.” Spitfire smiled as she let his wing go. “Maybe Crash here should put you through some drills, you need to get some strength in those wings.” James smiled as he rubbed the back of his neck with his hoof. “Yeah, I don't use them much really.” A call came from the distance as Twilight rushed up to the group. “Hello Rainbow Dash!” She panted as she came to a stop near the group, Starlight calmly walking a ways behind her and shaking her head. “I just thought I'd come to say hi. I wasn't expecting to see you too Ja …” The word stuck in Twilight's throat as she looked to the Alicorn. No longer the pudgy, goofy pony he had been months earlier. He was still large and certainly still goofy, but he had lost the weight and while not lean he was certainly fit. He stood, calmly smiling at the group as Starlight finally approached. “Wow. Looking good, James.” Starlight said with a smile. It didn't matter how many times he heard it or even if the woman was humanoid, whenever a woman complimented his looks he got bashful. He inadvertently blushed as he began to dig at the dirt with his front hoof and turned his head to the side. “Thanks.” He muttered. Rainbow Dash smiled wide as she looked to the two newcomers. “Told ya he was working out.” James chuckled slightly as his blush receded. “I certainly wouldn't recommend the method I used, but it worked.” Rainbow Dash burst out laughing and shook her head. “You can say that again.” Twilight couldn't believe the dramatic change James had undergone. She'd known him for nearly three years now and he'd been trying that whole time to lose weight, but in just a couple months he did it. He'd even gotten his clothes tailored to fit him. And that was almost nothing compared to the dynamic change between him and Rainbow Dash. Spitfire waited a moment longer before speaking up. “Come on Crash. You said he was going to cook for us, and if that doesn't start soon we'll all be going hungry.” James suddenly came to his senses as he looked to the fiery pegasus. “You're absolutely right.” He said with a grin. “Which way to the mess hall?” Spitfire laughed as she nodded to the barracks. “Follow me, I'll get you to the kitchen.” Spitfire led James away into the building as Twilight continued to look on stupefied. “Are you okay?” Rainbow Dash asked as she waved her hoof in front of Twilight's eyes. Twilight finally blinked as she refocused her attention to Rainbow Dash. “Yeah, it's just surprising to see such a big change in him. He hasn't been around in months.” She commented. Rainbow Dash laughed as she heard Twilight. “Really, I hadn't noticed.” Starlight smiled as she looked to Rainbow Dash. “Probably because you've been visiting him at least once a week, often more.” “So.” Rainbow Dash quickly answered. “We're friends, it's not like any of you can't visit him from time to time either.” Twilight thought about the statement for a moment before she nodded. “You're right, Rainbow Dash. We're his friends and we could visit him any time and you're the only one who did.” Twilight's voice dropped as she continued to think about it. Rainbow Dash couldn't just let Twilight blame herself for not visiting him. “Whoa, no need to get down. It doesn't bother him, he's been meaning to have us all over again soon anyway.” She leaned over to the two as she put her wing to her mouth. “Just between us, he can be a bit of a recluse. You've got to actually make him go out if you're planning on it.” Starlight was quick to speak up as Twilight once again felt she had been ignoring a friend. “I'm sure he's not bothered. But if you want to make him happy just give him a compliment, you don't fake a blush like that.” She chuckled as she recalled his reaction just a minute before. Rainbow Dash laughed as she thought about it. “He's just as uncomfortable with himself looking good as he was before he lost the weight. You should see his normal form, shows off his improvement much better.” This time it was both Twilight and Starlight who fell silent and stared at her. “What?” Rainbow asked, looking between the two. “I can appreciate good looks too you know. And not just with ponies.” This jarred the two back to the moment as Twilight spoke. “It's not that.” Starlight hurried to finish the thought. “It's just unexpected, that's all.” Rainbow Dash gave them both a skeptical glance before turning around and walking towards the barracks. “Well I've got to get a shower before dinner. You two can come on in, I'm sure you can find your way easily enough.” As Twilight and Starlight walked towards the kitchen Twilight couldn't help but dwell on the scene they had just left. “I didn't realize they had become such good friends.” She quietly said. “Yeah.” Starlight muttered as she reflected on what had just happened. “She did get defensive at nothing though.” “What do you mean?” Twilight asked, she didn't think there was anything to defend and hadn't noticed anything. “It just seemed like she got upset when we were surprised that she thought he looked good.” Starlight explained, deliberately keeping her voice down. “It's just that she's not the one I'd expect that from.” Twilight caught herself whispering alongside Starlight despite seeing no one when she looked around. “Yeah, I was probably just over thinking things.” Starlight laughed as the door opened to James's mad cooking. The scene before them looked to be total chaos. Fruits and vegetables flew around the room conducted by James's gold fringed black luminescent horn. He had just begun to sing what sounded like a battle song until it changed it's tone to be overwhelmingly positive. Potatoes, carrots, celery, mushrooms and onion crumbled into uneven chunks as they mixed with peas and corn before flying into an empty pie crust that had butter, flower, milk, mushrooms, and spices floating and blending into a savory smelling brown gravy that joined the vegetables. A ball of flame formed above James's upturned hoof, and once covered the pie flew directly into the flame. Intact carrots floated above a second low burning flame, rotating slowly to cook evenly as fresh made dough shaped itself into thin tubes before moving over to a pot where they bathed in the steam. They took on a red hue as they quickly plumped up before moving to and rotating around the fireball. Bright red apples and large strawberries were sliced by a flying knife before they floated over to a bed of lettuce where they were joined by almonds. A knife flew above several large dark red/purple tomatoes, turning them into thin slices before being replaced by round yellow cucumbers. The slices floated over to a tray where they rested. One final loaf of dough floated through the air, far larger than the buns that already rotated around the fireball. This one taking it's place at the top and spinning slowly. James stopped singing and an instrumental song began to play, though no one could guess from where the music came. James began to dance as the music played, unaware of his silent captivated audience. The wall of buns separated for a moment as the pie emerged from the flame, it's crust just slightly blackened around the edges. The pie flew off to the counter and rested, the aroma of mushroom gravy and roasted vegetables commanding the attention of any who could smell it. The directed chaos calmed down as the last few parts of the meal cooked, eventually the flames vanished and the last remaining foods took their place on their own platters. Fresh bread slices along with the sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, open buns for the roasted carrots, the still hot pie sliced and ready to be served, and the salad took the center of the display. The sound of clapping brought James back from cooking, thankfully as the last piece was placed. His body suddenly tensed as he turned to see not just Twilight and Starlight, but several Wonder Bolts including Spitfire looking in at him from the doorway. “Sorry.” He abruptly said. “Sorry for what? That was amazing!” Twilight raved. “I've never seen anypony cook like that before.” Spitfire smiled, looking around the kitchen as she walked in. “Pretty impressive work there.” “If this is as good as it smells we might just have to put you on regular rotation for cooking duty.” Soarin said after taking a deep breath. James chuckled as the compliments came in before he spoke up. “Thanks, but come and get something. I didn't do this work for nothing. I made enough so everyone could get something and you don't have to take anything you don't want. I'll deal with the leftovers.” Twilight flinched as he said everyone, hyper aware of everything James was saying right now, but nobody seemed to notice or care. She gave a quick sigh of relief before going in and getting something to eat for herself. “Deal with them by leaving them here!” Blaze said through a stuffed mouth. “I'm going to need this pie at least once more this week.” “So how did you do it?” Twilight asked as she took several foods. “Most of that clearly wasn't normal magic.” “It wasn't much.” James calmly explained. “A modified Fireball to cook the pie and bread, hastaja to make everything faster and an illusion spell for the music. And of course, utility magic.” “There were two fires going though.” Starlight pointed out. “Oh yeah that was another modified fireball with a finite lifespan, once I cast it I didn't have to control it … so I forgot about it.” He answered. “Will you two stop fussing over how he did it and start about how good it is.” Rainbow Dash said as she took a large bite of her sandwich. “Thanks.” James said directly to Rainbow Dash before turning back to Twilight. “All the vegetables and some of the fruit are from my garden.” He boasted with a smile. “Crash, have you tried the pie?” Spitfire asked. Rainbow Dash shook her head. “I'm kind of pied out right now. Pinkie gave me two just the other day.” She said as she took another bite of her sandwich. James walked alongside Twilight and Starlight as they left the training grounds over an hour later. “So what brought you this way?” He casually asked. Twilight froze briefly before she continued. “We just thought we'd visit Rainbow Dash. I had no idea you'd be there.” Starlight looked briefly at Twilight and shook her head. “No, we knew you'd be here.” Twilight hung her head. “Sorry, we found the letter.” James stopped short as the others continued. “Which one?” He asked, his voice cautious. Twilight and Starlight stopped and turned to face him. “The one saying you'd be here.” Starlight said as she eyed James. Twilight caught on to the change in James's tone quickly. “Is there something you need to tell us?” James awkwardly shuffled. “Nothing that Rainbow Dash hasn't already told you.” Starlight tossed her mane slightly as she looked his way. She had an idea to get some answers and she was going to press him. “That won't be much, she hasn't said anything yet. Well, other than she thinks you're handsome … in either form.” She emphasized the last part by putting her hoof on his chest and paid close attention to his body language. James blushed again as he slowly started to walk. “Well, she may have mentioned something like that a couple times.” Twilight turned and whispered in Starlight's ear. “She didn't say that.” “It's a lot more honest than saying we wouldn't know he was here.” Starlight whispered back. “Besides, he just told us that she's told him as much. More than once.” Twilight hung her head as she trotted over to James. “Sorry, James. We didn't mean to pry … I was worried about how they might react to you.” James shrugged as he put his hoof on her shoulder. “That's okay. I can be quite a hand full.” Twilight looked up at James as he smiled at her. “Would it be okay if we came to visit you sometime?” James's smile did not move as he answered. “That's why the door's there. But I would appreciate it if you used the clock and not arrive in the middle of the night as Pinkie has done a few times. I'm a bit of a grouch when someone wakes me up.” “Not always.” Rainbow Dash said as she flew over head. “That depends on how you wake me up.” James said with a grin. Starlight noticed Rainbow Dash giggle and deliberately turn away. There was a lot more here than they were telling, and clearly just watching them was going to be enough to get her some answers. Though if that was even necessary now she didn't know. Most of the group talked as they traveled back to Ponyville. Starlight, however, barely said anything as she watched Rainbow Dash and James closely. Rainbow Dash chose to stay close to him, they often bumped into each other playfully, and more than once Starlight noticed that their wings brushed against each other. There was still more to observe as she listened to them on the train ride back to Ponyville. James's voice took on a subtly different tone when he talked directly to Rainbow Dash as opposed to when he talked to Twilight or her. Deeper, smoother and certainly happier. She didn't have much personal experience in the subject, but Twilight had a few books that she had borrowed and everything seemed to fit. She would have to talk to Twilight about this alone soon. Once they stepped off the train Starlight turned to Twilight. “Could I ask you something, Twilight? It's … about a friendship lesson.” Twilight smiled brightly at her student. “Of course, ask away.” She said eagerly. Starlight looked to James and Rainbow Dash as she thought about it. “Could I ask you in private?” James looked to the two before looking to the evening sky. “I'll go on ahead, I should at least get to the Enertron before getting the girls to school.” “Tell them hi for me.” Twilight said as James floated up off the ground. “And sorry about their homework.” Rainbow Dash said rubbing the back of her head. “Well, they're the ones who decided to change their book reports to Daring Doo at the last minute.” James said before rocketing towards the castle in the distance. Starlight quietly made note of the comment. The three watched James vanish before Rainbow Dash spoke up again. “Yeah, I've got to get something sweet from Sugar Cube Corner. James's a good cook, but ever since losing weight he's been forgetting dessert.” She said as she flew off towards the center of town. “I guess we're alone now.” Twilight said with a shrug. “What was it you wanted to ask me?” Starlight looked around to make sure nobody was there before she spoke. “You noticed it too, right?” Her voice was almost a whisper, despite being alone. Twilight laughed at the spectacle. “Noticed what Starlight? Because unless you're talking about James's weight loss again I just don't see it.” Starlight's eyes closed briefly as she sighed. “Maybe you're too close to see it.” She guessed. Twilight's expression went from amused to skeptical as she looked at her student. “Too close to see what? James's a good guy I don't think he doing anything weird. Well … weirder than normal.” Starlight immediately stood up straight at the statement. “No, not that. I know he's a good guy, that's why I was watching him so closely.” Twilight's mouth hung open for a moment in shock. She was ready to chastise this pony who was seeing issues where there were none. “Starlight …” Starlight wouldn't let Twilight get started without at least hearing her observations. “Just hear me out, okay. First; they were bumping together a lot.” “They were next to each other. That's bound to happen.” Twilight reasoned. Undeterred by the interruption, Starlight continued. “Second; they were playing wings when they thought nopony was looking.” “I didn't see it.” Twilight muttered skeptically. “Third;” She continued. “the way he talked to Rainbow Dash was very different than how he talked to you or me.” She didn't pause to give Twilight a moment to respond. “And Fourth; Rainbow Dash is getting involved in his family life. As in helping his daughters with their homework. When you think about it it's pretty obvious this isn't just friendship.” Twilight grinned at her student's attempt to understand the dynamic of their friendship. “Yeah, they were walking close together. They've been hanging out for months so naturally have gotten closer. Now I didn't see them playing 'wings' but James has a hard time staying still and it's more likely that his wings brushed hers as he was fidgeting. It's not unheard of for close friends to talk to each other differently than they talk to other friends. Like when Discord had that weekend with everypony else to make me jealous. And we've all gotten involved with his family life on some lever or another. I've even helped his daughters with their homework. We're heroes to his daughters and I for one won't just turn them down if they ask us for a little help here and there.” Starlight couldn't help but feel confounded at her teacher just dismissing what's happened right before her eyes. “Sunburst and I are close friends. What we just saw was a bit more intense. Also, James is much taller than she is. If they're playing wings, there's no questioning it. ” Twilight laughed again. “Okay, okay. Look the easiest way to figure this out is to just ask one of them. Rainbow Dash is at Sugar Cube Corner so let's go ask her. You'll see that it's nothing more than their dynamic emerging.” It didn't take long for the two to find Rainbow Dash with a fresh cupcake just outside the door of the bakery. Twilight was the one to approach the moment she saw her friend. She was so completely confident in her assessment that she decided to be direct. “Hi Rainbow Dash. So Starlight was seeing something interesting, I don't think it's the case, but I thought we should just ask you.” She laughed a bit as she thought about the suggestion. Rainbow Dash swallowed the cupcake hard as she waited for the question. Twilight noticed the reaction and her resolve wavered as she started to ask. “So, um, are you and James …” She chuckled nervously as she tried to finish the question. “… dating?” She eventually asked as she unleashed a massively uncomfortable smile. “That obvious?” Rainbow Dash asked. “It's not like we were hiding it, but it's still a little … awkward.” Twilight's smile vanished as Starlight smiled as large as Twilight had. “I knew it!” Starlight declared. “Oh, and it wasn't that obvious. I just had a feeling, but I had to watch you two on the train back to really understand.” Twilight slowly began to smile again as she started to laugh. “Got me good on that one, Rainbow Dash.” She said. “Got me good.” Rainbow Dash turned her head away as she spoke. “This is really happening Twilight.” Twilight's laughter abruptly stopped as she heard the statement. – – – – – – – – – – – – – James walked out of the bedroom, finally back in his normal form, as Lucca was hauling more equipment to her workshop. “How'd it go?” She asked, knowing full well what stage the plan had progressed to. James smiled wickedly. “You should know already.” He said as he took several items from her. As he walked he scooped her up in his free arm and continued towards her workshop. He loved being fit again, he felt great and Lucca and Tali loved it as much as he did. “I guess that means she'll have you doing embarrassing things soon.” Lucca teased as she tweaked his nose. James brushed off the comment with a laugh. “Please, if embarrassment was a problem I would have never met any of them. Besides, she should get to enjoy the perks of the position.” Lucca laughed as they rounded a corner. “Well don't get too comfortable while you're there. Piccolo would hate it if you got soft again.” “Don't worry, I'll beat myself up enough for him.” James said as he put her down to get the door. “And alongside him, this is going to be some intense training.” Lucca kissed him quickly as she walked into her shop. “Well, you know where the Epoch is. Tali and I want to hear from you every day.” James shrugged. “I'll be right here.” He had to resist laughing knowing full well what she meant. “Then you'll just have to miss out until you get here.” She teased. – – – – – – – – – – – – – Starlight trotted through the boutique door. She didn't want to spread gossip, but there had to be someone else she could talk to about this other than Twilight who, even after being told directly, was not willing to believe that James and Rainbow Dash were dating. “Why hello Starlight.” Rarity said as she approached. “It's a pleasure to see you here.” Starlight smiled, glad to know that Rarity was always happy to talk. “Hi Rarity. I don't want to be a gossip, but the only other pony I can talk to about this right now is Twilight. And you know that's no fun.” Rarity sighed as her horn glowed. “She is a bit sensitive to gossip.” As she spoke a table with teapot and two cups floated over to them. “So what's going on then? Anything good? Go ahead and dish.” Starlight felt a bit uncomfortable at the setting and Rarity's insistence, but it was too late to back down now. “Well, the other day James came by to visit Rainbow Dash at Wonder Bolt practice. And I noticed something odd about them.” Rarity leaned in closer as she listened. “Oh, do tell. Unless you mean that he lost weight. He came by and got some of his clothes altered the other day. I must say he's a much more regal looking stallion now.” Starlight continued with her story, omitting Twilight's surprise at James's change of appearance. “Well, it's not odd for James to surprise us by showing up and cooking, but he did that for the Wonder Bolts and he had never even met any of them.” Rarity shrugged as she listened. “It's not that odd. He's trying to make good first impressions.” She reasoned. “That's just the start. I watched him and Rainbow Dash the whole time, they weren't acting like they were just friends.” Starlight mentioned as she took a drink of the chamomile tea. “They were practically inseparable. And they kept playing wings when they thought nopony was watching.” Rarity's eyes widened at the statement. “Oh my. If it's what it sounds like, this is big news not just idle gossip.” “It is. Once James left Twilight and I talked to Rainbow Dash who confirmed the whole thing.” Starlight finally said. “You must be joking!” Rarity gasped. “This could be a scandal. He's married!” Starlight backed up a bit. “She's said that they're not hiding it. I think his wives know already.” Rarity put the cup down immediately. “This simply won't do. We must speak with Rainbow Dash immediately.” She insisted. Starlight began to panic as she realized Rarity was serious about it. “Do you really think so? Twilight and I just spoke to her the other day, I don't know if she wants to say more.” Rarity, however would not hear any argument that could dissuade her. “Nonsense, if she's not hiding it like you said she should have no problem giving us more detail.” Starlight groaned as Rarity marched for the door, her magic dragging Starlight along behind her. “Rainbow Dash, dear. I have something I need to talk to you about.” Rarity called when she saw Rainbow Dash resting under a tree. “Can't a pony get a nap these days without being bothered.” She grumbled as she stood up and saw Rarity trotting her way, Starlight in tow. “What's up?" She asked much more friendly realizing it was one of her friends coming up. Rarity sounded as friendly as ever as she spoke. “I'm so glad we caught you. Starlight was just telling me something and I just had to get the answer from you.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes as she grumbled out the answer before Rarity could even ask her question. “Yes, James and I are dating. It's not that big of a deal.” Rarity was taken aback as she heard the statement. “Not a big deal?! He's married! And a King! I'm sorry but that clearly makes this a big deal.” Rainbow Dash looked to the two unicorns that stood before her. “Look, it's not a secret. His wives know. Who do you think set us up?” Rarity sat calmly as she heard the news. “Really? I guess if it was their idea it's not as bad as I was thinking. But he's still a King, it's a big deal.” Rainbow Dash smiled as she looked to Rarity. “So, Twilight's a princess.” Rarity would not let her argument be dashed so quickly. “That's different dear. Besides, you're dating him not just friends with him.” Rainbow Dash shook her head. “Yeah, but he's not some out of touch monarch. He even helps out on Applejack's farm. And the King thing is just the political stuff, you know, the stuff he hates.” Rarity couldn't let it go at that. “I'm concerned though, I just don't know if this will go well for you. I'm not saying you should stop if he's making you happy. I just don't want to see you get hurt, that's all.” “Thanks Rarity.” Rainbow Dash said as she looked away to hide her smile. Rarity wasn't going anywhere until she had the answers she came for. “Well, I'd like to know how this all started. What was it about him that made you decide to start dating him?” Rainbow Dash hesitated before she answered. “Well, it wasn't just one thing really. But I guess it started on one of our movie nights. It wasn't a bad movie, it had just hit a slow part and I'd been busting clouds all day so I sorta dozed off … on him.” She said, more than a little uncomfortable at the admission. “Well when I finally woke up I had a blanket over me the movie was paused and he hadn't moved at all since I started. He just let me use him as a pillow like it was perfectly normal.” Rarity began to imagine the scene before she spoke up. “What form was he in?” “His normal form.” Rainbow Dash answered uncomfortably. Rarity began to get a clear picture as she envisioned the scene. Though in her thoughts it was his Haori and not a blanket. “That was a sweet gesture. But what really sold it for you? Made you think you had to be a bigger part of his life?” Rainbow Dash smiled as she recalled one of her favorite moments with James. “I guess it was when I watched him training to lose weight. Or actually just warming up. I couldn't see him or his friend anymore once they really started fighting.” Rarity gasped as she heard the statement. “How is fighting with his friend training to lose weight?” “Something about getting into fighting form again. He just can't keep the weight off if he's not fighting. It's when he was getting warmed up that I saw the real fire behind his eyes, something that nopony else sees any other way.” Rainbow Dash's eyes showed her excitement as she recalled how she felt watching the fight on James's magical testing grounds. “I found out that day that his normal form changes when he fights, and each one is so much stronger and faster than the last. He called them super sayian transformations.” Starlight was invested in the story now as she listened to Rainbow Dash describe the fighting she could see. “Did he at least win the fight?” She asked, fully invested. Rainbow Dash laughed. “Oh no. He lost badly. Piccolo was really disappointed in how much he had let himself go.” “What?!” Rarity gasped. “After all of that he lost?!” Rainbow Dash scratched the back of her head as she looked to Rarity. “Yeah. He lost, and he kept on losing until he looked the way he does now.” “So he never beat this Piccolo guy?” Starlight asked. “Not once.” Rainbow Dash said with a grin. “But you should have seen him trying. I don't know if I've ever seen him smile like that before.” Rarity eventually stood up and looked back to Ponyville. “Well, I see now what it is you see in him. He's tenacious, caring, and doesn't back down from an impossible fight.” Rainbow laughed. “The impossible fights are the ones he never loses. You should hear him talk about when he fought alongside Team Dai Gurren. Especially if he's using illusion to let you see it. It's totally awesome!” Rarity stood up and began to trot away. “Quite. Well, I should be getting back to my boutique. I fear I've been away too long already.” Rainbow Dash just stared at her as she left. “What's gotten into her?” She asked Starlight once Rarity had gone. The bell chimed as Rarity entered the studio, she was too distracted to think of any of her dresses or designs. She immediately collected a paper and quill and began a short missive. She didn't even use an envelope, she simply put the message in the box and twisted the handle. It would be hours before she got a response, but there was no way she was going back to work until she spoke with James. She sat in her room, staring at the door and waiting for any indication that James had arrived. The sun had nearly set by the time there was a knock on her door. “Are you alright Rarity?” Sweetie Belle called. “You've been in there all day.” “Yes, dear. I'm fine. I'm just waiting for something. Don't worry about me.” Rarity called out to her sister. “Alright.” Sweetie Belle said, her concern not abated in the slightest. Rarity heard her sister walk away and close her own door as she continued to wait. Eventually heavier steps could be heard coming towards the door, followed by an equally heavy knock. Rarity recognized the voice immediately as he spoke. “Sorry I didn't come sooner Rarity. I had a few things to attend to.” James said as he leaned against the door. Rarity readied herself as she responded. “Come in James. I need to talk to you, not the door.” The door slowly opened as James walked in. “Well, you said you needed to speak with me.” He said with a shrug. Rarity's face and voice were stern as she addressed James. “Yes. I need to know what exactly your relationship with Rainbow Dash is. She's a dear friend and I won't see her hurt.” James smiled at the display of concern. “Rainbow Dash defines the relationship. Ask her and you know where I stand. As for seeing her hurt, I'll not hurt her physically or especially emotionally.” Rarity's face evened out as she listened to him. “You have four wives, two of whom you seem to care deeply about. Why are you with Rainbow Dash?” James nodded as he thought about the question. “Because it seems to make her happy.” He answered simply. Rarity stared at James a moment longer before she smiled. “That will do then.” – – – – – – – – – – – – – That morning across Sweet Apple Acres one could hear the thumping of apple bucking. James lacked the control to safely do the job, so when he offered to help Big Mac and Applejack had him catching and hauling apples. Apple Bloom had already gone to school so James's help let them get caught up on any chores they had to put off for any reason. They didn't mind the music he brought with him either. It was when Rarity came trotting up that the farm fell quiet. “Oh, sorry. I was just hoping that Applejack and I could get to our spa day this week.” She said as she approached. “Oh darn. I'm sorry Rarity, with all this …” Applejack began to say before she was cut off. “Go on, A.J.” Big Mac said. “James and I can handle this.” “I couldn't just leave you to do my work.” Applejack tried to argue. Big Mac walked over and gave her a quick swat. “Git.” He said, his tone final. “Geez, alright. You don't have to be so rough. Let me just get a list for James.” Applejack tried again to argue. “Go!” Big Mac insisted. Rarity laughed at the scene for a moment before cutting in. “Come on dear, let the boys have their alone time while we have our fun.” Applejack grumbled as she trotted off, despite the smile on her face. James and Big Mac both knew she was happy to get a break. James grinned as he turned to red stallion. “Any requests Big Mac?” Big Mac's hoof came up to his chin as he thought about the options he could remember. “How's about … The Sound of Silence.” “You mean the song, or do you just want me to shut up?” James joked. Big Mac picked up a spoiled apple from the ground and tossed it at James. “Gotcha, gotcha. The song it is.” As James closed his eyes notes drifted through the air amongst the trees, soon joined by two deep voices singing the lyrics. He still had to learn how to utilize the latent bardic magic. With the chores and singing the day slipped away. As the afternoon wore on a lone pegasus followed the voices almost as if they were a siren call. Fluttershy landed near the two as they worked around the farm. “I'm sorry to interrupt. I just came to pick up the plant Applejack had for me.” Big Mac smiled as he looked her way and with a quick “Eyup.” he walked into the barn, only to return moments later with a potted plant. James paused as he looked at the plant, he knew he had seen it before. As Fluttershy took it from him and put it in her bag James approached. “Is that a Senzu plant?” He calmly asked. He was more curious than anything else. Fluttershy leaned away from him as she answered, too nervous to look at him as she didn't know how he'd react. “Yes … Lucca gave Applejack a few beans to grow plants from so there would always be an emergency supply of Senzu here.” James didn't know how much of a good idea that was, if the plant grew out of control it could devastate their ecosystem. “Okay, just promise me you'll only grow them in a pot, and that this stays between all of us. If someone recklessly planted them it could be disastrous.” Fluttershy was worried now, she didn't know they could be dangerous. “What could happen?” She asked. “They could potentially choke out the other plants here. Like weeds but more destructive.” James said seriously, he'd seen plants devastate ecosystems before and didn't want that to happen because of him. Fluttershy's worry doubled. She'd not given them to anyone, but she didn't know that something so helpful could be so dangerous. “Oh.” She quietly squeeked. James knew he probably scared her too much. “It's alright, just don't let it grow outside the pot. That's all, you'll be just fine.” He said with a smile. “Sorry to worry you like that. I didn't even ask how you were doing. Probably pretty worried now, huh?” Fluttershy was worried, but she appreciated that James was now trying to make her feel better. “A little.” James walked over and smiled warmly. “Don't worry. I trust you, I just get worried because I've seen the damage even helpful plants can do.” Fluttershy took a moment to remind herself what James was willing to do to help them out, even if it meant putting himself in serious danger. As that was the reason that Lucca gave them the beans to begin with. “Thanks … I should probably go now.” She quietly said. James knew she was still shaken a bit by his serious warning and hoped she would feel better soon. He dropped his head and smiled at her. “I'm sorry.” He quietly said. “I hope you have a good day.” Big Mac simply nodded as she flew away. Once alone James turned to Big Mac. “Let me guess, Applejack's already planted a row of them” He said with a smile. Big Mac smiled back. “Nope.” With that he gestured for James to follow him behind the barn where they saw a planter box of them against the wall. Big Mac turned to face James. “Lucca set it up.” James chuckled, he should have figured that anything he thought of would have already been covered by Lucca or Tali. “Guess I'm just paranoid.” “Eyup.”