The next morning, Twilight woke up, ate breakfast, brushed her teeth, took the bus to school, all in the most ordinary manner of routine she could imagine. It was soothing, given the tumultuous truths she had learned so fast these last few days- her aunt Luna was gay, she might be as well...
It came as a complete shock to her then, as she strolled into the school courtyard, to see Rainbow Dash sitting on a bench with a big grin on her face, and a hoof around Fluttershy's shoulders. Apparently, yesterday had gone really well. She had never imagined it would go over this well, though.
“So... um...” she said tamely, approaching the two. “You two-”
“We're totally together!” Dash exclaimed, grinning. “And I am not afraid to say it any more!”
“That's good. But... only yesterday, you were still, you know...”
“There was like, this big thing yesterday.” Dash said, nodding knowingly, sounding almost smug. “I told everyone off, just like that, because I'm awesome. Then I apologized to Fluttershy, and it turns out I am still totally cool.”
Twilight turned to Fluttershy.
“Really?” She said skeptically. “Fluttershy?”
“She was really brave.” Fluttershy said, smiling faintly. “She stood up to these bullies, and then she just told everyone. It was the bravest thing I ever saw.”
Dash blushed lightly. “Uh, yeah. Totally ballsy. I totally meant to do that, just so you know. It's not like it was this dumb, massive slip of the tongue.” She laughed awkwardly.
“...right.” Twilight said, sounding even more skeptical. “Well, good for you both!”
“Finally admittin' it, Ah see.” It was Applejack, marching up with a smile on her face. “Ah knew you didn't have to worry. Ah never hid who Ah was and who Ah like from nopony, and nopony's thinkin' the worse of me for it.”
“That's 'cause you kicked the first jock who teased you so hard he woke up with a broken jaw. In the next week.” Dash said flatly. Applejack chuckled, and scratched her forehead as if half ashamed, half proud.
“It's important not to let people spread lies 'n rumours about ya. So how're you two doing, now that you're not hidin' anything?”
“You know,” Dash said, sounding puzzled, “most ponies seem like they couldn't care less. It's weird. I thought everyone would think I was lame, or just hate me.”
“Most ponies are a lot nicer than you might think.” Fluttershy said, smiling.
“Yeah, you ain't that special.” Applejack said teasingly. “What, you expect the entire school'd stop just to focus on how weird you are?”
“Ah, shut up...”
“Well, I'm happy for you.” Twilight said. “Now, class is starting soon-”
“Well, if it ain't Rainbow Dash!” The new arrival was a colt their age, his coat a light brown with large beige spots and a blonde mane.
“Beat it prep, or I'll beat you.” Dash said coldly.
“Don't be so cold.” The colt said, grinning. “I just wanted to thank you.”
“Yeah? For what?”
“I had a bet with my friend Bomber on if you were a fillyfooler. He owes me fifty bits now.”
“Good for you.”
“And Fluttershy, I never guessed it'd be you!” The colt exclaimed.
“What do you want, Post?” Fluttershy said, sounding timid.
“You know this tool?” Applejack asked.
“Baller Goalpost.” Twilight said, nodding. “Your father is friends with a lot of people, isn't he?”
“Too right.” Post said. “And I am guessing your father-” he pointed at Fluttershy- “would be real interested to know what you're doing with a two-bit filly like her.”
“Please don't.” Fluttershy said, retreating behind her mane.
“Make it worth my while, then.”
“Twilight, hold my hat.” Applejack said, stamping her hoof in the ground. “Ah am about to give this colt a lesson in manners.”
“Don't!” Fluttershy exclaimed.
“Yeah, don't.” Post said. Because if you do-”
“If you do,” Dash said, her eyes narrowing, “I am gonna show you why I had such a bad reputation when I first got to school.”
“Not too worried.” Post said, shrugging. “I figure-”
“I figure,” Fluttershy said, her voice suddenly rising, “that your father would be really interested to know about the things you and your friends like to do on the school roof after school.”
“...you lost me.” Post sounded relaxed, but the grin had washed from his face. “Look, I don't know what-”
“Everyone knows why your eyes are red when you leave, Goalpost.” Fluttershy said, sounding almost venomous. “Everyone knows why you all smell funny. And you really should stop smoking those things, they are bad for your health!”
“How- how did you-” Post stammered.
“I didn't. You just told me.” Fluttershy said, smiling. “And now I think you should leave us alone, or I will ask your father to look through your room for suspicions-looking... things!”
“I... you- you wouldn't dare!”
“Try me.”
Post turned and fled, and Applejack and Dash laughed.
Twilight saw Pinkie and Rarity approach from the coach lot. They were whispering to each other, and Twilight felt a pang of something in her chest. It felt horrible. Like a wound, mixed with hatred. As fast as it had come, the feeling was gone. Pinkie suddenly bounced around the group of friends.
"Happy happy school day! We are all at school! School is -"
"Hush!" Rarity said, shoving her hoof into Pinkie's mouth. Pinkie continued singing, though the words came out totally squashed. With a flourish, Pinkie bowed to the group.
"And that's how Equestria was made!" she beamed. Rarity stared at her hoof in shock.
"How did - but I - Oh, Pinkie, you are a mystery." Rarity laughed.
"I keep things wonderfully unknowable!" Pinkie said with pride.
The bell rang. The group hurried their seperate ways, including Fluttershy heading for home. Twilight wondered if the order for Shy to stay at home really was the best thing for her. She could not think about that right now, though. She had to talk to Rarity, even if that meant more risk of punishment. Rarity was too important. The threat of Rarity's father seemed to hang above Twilight like a thunderstorm about to break. It was a cheesy cliche, but Twilight could almost feel the thunder and lightning coming from Esquire.
Her heart feared for her friend.
"Rarity!" Twilight said. She pulled Rarity to the side. "We need to talk."
"I know, but could you give me a few more days to sort things through?" Rarity asked.
"Huh? Oh, no, not the ... um... kiss...." Twilight stumbled over the last word. She cleared her throat. "I'm worried about you, Rarity."
"Why?" Rarity wondered, narrowing her eyes. The second bell rang. They were officially late for class.
This was not going well. Twilight bit her lip. "What I mean is, I'm scared your father is going to hurt you... again...and he'll have the law on his side, since you technically ran away..."
Rarity frowned. "I did not run away! I never run away."
Oh dear. Twilight had that sinking feeling again. How come she could never say the right thing?
"Also, my father shall never hurt me again." Rarity held her head high. "I'll give him what is coming to him if he so much as pokes me."
"That's good...but shouldn't you have a contingency plan in case?" Twilight asked tentivatly.
"Well..." Rarity faltered. "I suppose."
"I just don't want you to be hurt."
Rarity sighed. "Oh bother." She looked at the school. "We shall talk after you tutor Shy."
With that, Rarity elegantly rushed off. Twilight sulkily headed to her own class. The world was crashing again, she sensed this.
****
Fluttershy was propped up infront of her TV when Twilight was shown into the living room by a stuffy looking butler. She had never been to Fluttershy's home before, and she was a tad bit awed. Esquire's home had a tacky, flashy feel of someone desperate to have class and prestige. Twilight's own home, though huge, was filled with things that made it look like a cosy home, a place where one would go to unwind and have tea. Flutterhy's home was everything Esquire tried to create, and best of all, it wasn't done in a way to make a pony feel unwelcomed.
"Good afternoon, Twilight," Fluttershy said softly.
"Afternoon," Twilight replied. She settled into the chair. Exhaustion gripped her bones.
"How was school?" Fluttershy asked.
"It was...school. Hey, do you know that new teacher? The one that looks like Derpy?"
"Yes. She is very nice. Gives the young fillies and colts exactly what they need - an ethuastic teacher that loves to teach and show the wonders of the world to children."
"Yeah. Does she seem...familiar to you?
"Aside from looking like Derpy?"
"Yeah."
"No."
"Hmmm.." Twilight shook it off. Something was nagging at her. Oh well. "Let's get started."
After a long day of school, Twilight felt ready to fall asleep. No time though! With determination she began setting out all her notes and such for Fluttershy to go over.
"I'm back!" Rainbow Dash annouced. She flew in and sat beside Fluttershy. "Hi, Twi."
"Hello, Dash. Please don't distract us too much." Twilight added a smile to show she wasn't serious. She knew Dash wouldn't be too much of a hinderance. Right?
”So,” Twilight began explaining, “mass times speed of light equals-”
“Energy!” Dash cheered.
“Very good, Rainbow.” Twilight said, nodding in surprise.
“Yeah, I heard “speed of light”, and I figured it had to be like, really cool math.” Dash said. “I mean, it's not like I listened to anything else or anything, like advanced algebra...”
“This is all very complicated.” Fluttershy sighed.
“Oh, you're not expected to understand E=MC squared.” Twilight said, shaking her head. “It's just a basic fact of physics that all ponies learn, as a tribute to the pony who discovered it."
“When are we supposed to learn it, then? Next grade?” Dash said, leaning back. “Piece of cake. I can totally do math if I want to.”
Twilight giggled. “There are maybe five ponies alive today who understand the formula. I doubt if any of us ever will.”
“Well that sucks. I guess that's a super egghead thing that only the eggheads who the eggheads think are eggheads get, right?” Dash said.
“Removed a few more times, but yes.” Twilight said. “Right now, we are learning algebra though...”
“Right, let's do this!”
“We'll give it our best.” Fluttershy agreed.
“You are surprisingly studious today, Rainbow.” Twilight said.
“Eh, for some reason everything's just felt really easy today. I guess it's cause I'm happy?”
“That could well be true.” Twilight said, tapping her chin. “There are several studies on motivation and ponies, and how much more one can accomplish with the right emotional approach-”
“Yeah, yeah, egghead.” Dash said affectionately. “Let's just study for now, so we can, uh...” She glanced at Fluttershy, who blushed lightly.
“That's a source of motivation as any.” Twilight giggled.
***
Back at school, at the time when classes ended, Rarity was getting ready to leave for Pinkie's place. Her books packed in her bag, she made her way down the school's front stairs-
“Rarity!”
“Glitter Rain.”
“I...” The younger mare seemed unsure of herself, as if she would stutter if she continued.
“If you are here to mock me, I have already have enough of that to last me a lifetime.” Rarity said haughtily. “Now-”
“I still like you!” Rain blurted out. “I mean- I- I still- I still like you! You're still cool!”
“...thank you, Glitter.” Rarity said,her tone warming up some. It was more than she had expected of her.
“Yeah, I- I don't know what that stupid pony is doing to make you do this, but I know it couldn't be your fault. You could never do anything so stupid-”
“Now, let me stop you right there.” Rarity said in a magisterial voice. “It was my choice to be friends with Twilight Sparkle; nobody coerced me.”
“Of course you would have to say that! But-”
“Glitter Rain, I will not exclude you from my companionship if you wish to be my friend.” Rarity said, speaking very clearly. “But I will do not appreciated my friends being slandered, even if it is because you do not know any better. You are welcome to come to my next fashion line launch, welcome to sit next to me at dinner- but you will have to settle for sharing my friendship with Twilight Sparkle.”
Something like desperation mixed with pure grief passed over Glitter's face. Turning hoof, she ran away.
“She doesn't understand you, Rarity! Not like I do!”
Was she crying? Rarity shook her head.
“I am sorry you had to see that.” An amused voice said.
“Diamond Vector?”
“She has been a little... well, obsessed. Poor thing must have a crush on you.”
“Oh don't be silly.” Rarity frowned. “I do not know what her problem is, but she needs to get over herself. I've nothing against her if she proves herself as more than a shallow herd-follower, but as is...”
“I'll go after her.” Vector said. “Perhaps she'll listen to me.”
“Quite.”
Glitter Rain ran out of the school, sobbing and trying to get herself under control. The emotions she had pushed far down had come up with a vengeance, something she had never considered, and now she was at a loss.
She stumbled to the sidewalk.
Okay, okay, okay...breathe!
Glitter looked up. A few weather mares were fluffing clouds, and another was marking something onto a clipboard. It all seemed so serene. She wondered if it were possible to want to be someone else any more than she did right then.
She reached up, and pretended to move a bit of cloud. It must be an easy job. Or at least, the part she was seeing must be easy. Not like this mess she had tripped herself into.
"Glitter Rain!" Diamond Vector said from behind her. "Please, have a chat with me."
"Why?" she asked softly.
Diamond cleared her throat. "I know you must be terribly conflicted - "
"You know nothing!" Glitter Rain shouted, whirling on Diamond. "Nothing!"
"I know a great deal more than you give me credit for!" Diamond said snappishly. "Do you think everyone is as shallow as you are? Not caring what anypony else is doing or thinking so long as it doesn't get in your way? Wake up, honey muffin, the world does not revolve around you!"
Glitter stood there motionless for a second before landing one hard slap across Diamond's face.
"How dare you!" she hissed. "I want what is best for RARITY! Not for me!"
Diamond rubbed her cheek. "Well, that wasn't the response I was expecting, but it will do."
"What?" Glitter asked dumbly.
"You want what is best for Rarity?"
"Yes."
"Then why aren't you happy she has true friends?" Diamond winced. "You didn't have to slap so hard."
"I - I - " Glitter moaned. "I'm doomed!" she wailed. "Doomed I tell you!"
"Don't be so dramatic."
A few moments passed. Diamond Vector sighed. "Look, Glitter, the people Rarity used to hang out with aren't exactly healthy for her. She isn't like them. Neither are you, and neither am I. That group doesn't care about anything but the latest fashion, and that was all they saw in Rarity - a trendsetter. Don't you think she deserves better than brain-dead zombies that happen to wear the height of fashion?"
Glitter Rain thought about this. "I ... suppose... I don't know."
Diamond took out some make-up and looked at her cheek. "Bruised ego more than bruised skin," she mused. She snapped the mirror shut. "Why don't you try to be friends with them?"
"Friends with them?" Glitter muttered. "Well...I ..."
"Think about it. I'm going home now. Ta."
Diamond trotted off. Glitter Rain watched her go, then made a decision. She headed to Pinkie Pie's place.
While Glitter made her way towards Pinkie's house, Rarity finally headed home- only to find her way blocked by two burly city guardsponies, members of the Canterlot policing unit.
“Miss Rarity Gemstone Esquire?”
“That is I, yes. May I help you, guardsponies?”
“Your father filed a missing person report. We have come here to escort you back home, young lady.”
“Why- that is preposterous!” Rarity snorted. “Missing person- as if he would have noticed! Unless you have come to arrest me, I will follow you nowhere. Good day, guardsponies-” She tried to step around them, but one of the guardsponies blocked her way.
“We were ordered to take you home, miss.”
“Absolutely not!”
The guard sighed. “Tracker, will you gimme a hoof?”
“Oh, I think that won't be necessary.” From behind Rarity the voice came, a sophisticated, slightly condescending upper class accent. “You are not to lay a hoof on her.”
“Who're you?” The other guardspony grunted.
“I am her attorney.” The pony, a unicorn with a grey coat and a black mane with hints of white in it, looked very confident from behind his spectacles. He was wearing a business suit- Hugo Mane, Rarity noticed; that had to be an affluent lawyer- and floated a briefcase next to him magically. “Barristo Wrangler, at your service.” Smirking, the lawyer pony levitated a business card.
“I know the Esquire Family attorney,” The first guardspony grumbled, “and her name is Libra Pageturner. You ain't-”
“Oh, I would hate to be confused with that hag.” Barristo said calmly. “I am hired to represent Miss Rarity Esquire specifically, not her family. Courtesy of Twilena Light Sparkle.” He winked at Rarity.
Rarity blinked. What?
“Look pal, you better go mind your own business-”
“Master Esquire has, as it happens, been duly notified of miss Rarity's temporary change of living space.” He opened his briefcase, and levitated a document in front of the officers. “This is a copy of the formal letter which miss Rarity sent her father only two days ago- strongly worded, oh my, but it specifically reveals to him where she was going and for how long. Correct, miss Rarity?”
“Y-yes.” Rarity stammered. The “letter” was actually just an angry note, worded with all the eloquence that befitted her, but it had told her father of where she was going.
“Look mister, you can't just come here stoppin' us from doin' our jobs.” The second guardspony objected. “We got orders, ya know?”
“The missing person claim was filed yesterday, was it?” Barristo said sharply. “Mr Esquire was well aware that he was filing a false complaint. Legally, you are not allowed to coerce miss Rarity- she is old enough that she is allowed to keep her own residence so long as at least one parent consents; such is the law. Rarity's mother has given such a consent.” Another form floated.
Rarity gaped. Oh mother, bless you! For all her egocentrism, she would support her if she wanted to live on her own, especially if she could spite her ex-husband in the process!
“Now, I would like to take both your names and check this with the captain of your precinct, just to make sure no mistakes are made- your names, officers?”
Suddenly, the guardsponies seemed to have lost any enthusiasm they had.
“I ain't paid enough to wrestle words with no lawyer.” The first one grumbled, stepping back.
“I uh, I need to make sure traffic's in order.” The other said. They turned and walked, looking sour.
Rarity looked at them walk away, finally closing her mouth.
“What the devil?”
“I understand this might be confusing to you, Miss Esquire.” The attorney said, still looking smug.
“I ordered no attorney, nor can I afford one! You have been led under false pretenses, Mr. Wrangler!”
“Oh, you are paid for two weeks worth of services, so worry not.” Barristo said reassuringly.
“But who- Twilight! What on earth is she thinking? What happened; what have I missed?”
“Your friend is very... enterprising.” Barristo said, smiling. “Suffice to say that Mayor Celestia was handled a note with some very specific instructions- three pages, actually- and she in turn contacted Heckler, Demagogus and Koch, the firm that employs me.”
“Nonsense! I will not accept charity; I still have my pride!”
“The note said you would say that.” Barristo replied dryly. “And it told me to tell you that “your family makes more money than they can find, and so does mine (in reference to miss Sparkle); just pay me back in a few years when you are rich and famous.”
“...that obnoxious pony.” Rarity said, sighing.
“Quite the friend.” The lawyer remarked.
“Still, I cannot accept your help.” Rarity shook her head. “What good could it possibly do? If we turn this to a legal case- what is there to do? My father is wealthy-”
“The note said you might say that, too.” Barristo chuckled. “And as your representative, I can reassure you nobody has any intents of a courtroom case. I am simply here for your legal protection; it was suggested to me that I draw a contract by which your father would have to abide, should you move back into his house.”
“...Twilight Sparkle, what have you done.” Rarity muttered. “So you could ensure father could not hurt me or Sweetie Belle?”
“Nothing is ever certain, miss Rarity.” Barristo chuckled. “But I am not a bad barrister, no pun intended, and I think I can negotiate you a favourable deal. It all depends on how badly your father cares about his reputation.”
“Oh, he cares about it a lot.” Rarity smiled, finally.
“Wonderful!” Barristo said. “Shall we discuss this further in your current place of residence?”
“Let's!”
The two walked off towards Pinkie's house, discussing leverage.
Rarity knew only one thing her father wanted kept quiet - the fact that he was not a generous ass. Most folks knew he wasn't, of course, but it went unsaid, and he held several of the highest honors for donating to charity, and for "looking to the future, and setting in stone the foundation for future generations."
Oh, how she detested thoses ceremonies! She hid behind a perfect mask while her father graciously (and smugly), accepted the awards.
So...
"I could go to the newspapers,"Rarity mused. "The editors at the Global Trotter would simply die to have my inside view of the Esquire house."
"Perhaps you should have a statement ready, just in case," Wrangler advised.
"Good, good.." Rarity trailed off. She didn't think her father was capable of harming her or Sweetie Belle that far, but one never knew...no, one never truly knew ones friends or family. The truth made her heart ache.
For a moment her mind left the world she was in.
Her parents were together. Sweetie Belle didn't know of being sling-shotted back and forth between parents, the messy divorce never happened so Rarity and her family never had to suffer the indignity of separation - and everypony was happy.
Fights happened of course. Sweetie Belle would get into Rarity's sewing equipment, a brawl would ensue, and Esquire would have to jump between them, but it didn't matter...
And Sweetie Belle could burn their breakfasts every morning, and Pearl could scrape off the burnt part. Or maybe a servant. Now that Rarity thought about it, her parents would insist on servants, but her father wouldn't be so cold towards them...
And school. Yes, school, even in this fantasy land, and Sweetie Belle was there, but of course in her own level.... but that wasn't really where Rarity's mind was going.
AJ and Pinkie, Dash and Shy, Derpy and Twilight... and Glitter Rain, and Diamond Vector, and Lightning Smoke... all her old friends...everypony could be friends...
"Miss Rarity?" Wrangler asked. She realized he had asked the question before.
"I'm so sorry, I was lost in thought..." Reality came back in a whoosh. The ache in her heart grew so much she felt tears glisten. "I'm sorry, but could we talk of this later? I must...study."
"Of course - if you need anything, do not hesitate to give me a call." Wrangler gave Rarity his card.
She took it and they parted, Rarity going into the house, and Wrangler teleporting away.
Rarity stepped into the house. She closed the door. Calmly and delibertly she walked to her room. She shut the door.
And collapsed on the bed, sobbing.
How did the world get so dark and twisted? Why couldn't she have a loving family, and true best friends and a bright future? Why must she only have one? Her mother only wanted to be the center of attention, and she used Rarity for it. Her father wanted money and power and again, Rarity was being used to further it. Her sister... dear Sweetie Belle, she was perfect, in an annoying way. Too soon the world destroy her child-like happiness.
Without her father's backing, Rarity saw no future. He indirectly controlled many fashion companies and designers. If he decided to bar her from the fashion world, her choices were limited.
Her friendships were a great treasure. Suddenly, she wanted to make it right with all of them, but she knew it would never happen. Diamond Vector seemed to be her friend, still, despite what happened. And Glitter Rain...
Her sobbing slowed. Glitter Rain was worth the risk.
Rarity hic-upped. Bless that Pinkie Pie! She gave her a place to live. But it was time to go back, if only to keep her father from Sweetie Belle. Rarity could not destroy her father simply becuase to do so might bring down many other, innocent folks.
Then again, who in the higher class was ignorant of what the most powerful did? They all knew to some degree, and they all followed like simpering idiots.
Rarity would go back to her father. She would work hard, and she would eventually own the companies he had his hoofs in. If she brought him money and fortune, he would give her everything she wanted...
"No!" she said aloud. "That's why you left, remember? Becuase he was using you." She glared haughtily into her mirror. "And further more, Opal Rarity, what makes you think he will be so daft as to give you what you want after what you did? No, no, you are going back, and you are standing your ground. For Sweetie Belle, and for yourself!"
She realized she was speaking aloud. "And also, get a pet of some sort, so if somepony listens in, you can say you are talking to the pet..."
Meanwhile, sitting in her backyard with an uncharacteristic frown on her face, Pinkie was pondering. Pondering was an activity unfamiliar to her; she usually acted on impulse. What else was unusual was her mane down and straight, in a way it hadn't been since she left her none too bright childhood behind her.
Pinkie Pie was... sad. It rarely happened, but she was. Stupid Twilight- why did she have to be so cute? Why did she have to be so focused on Rarity? Why, why, why?
“Y'all ain't feelin' right today, are ya?”
It was Applejack, here at her house for whatever reason. Why?
“What are you talking about?” Pinkie said, forcing a smile. “I'm fine!” She forced a chuckle. “I'm as happy as can be! I-”
Applejack gently put a hoof over her mouth, and sat down next to her.
“It's okay, Pinkie. Ah'm here. Now tell me what's got you all down, all right?”
“I'm not “down”!” Pinkie insisted. “I told, you, I'm happy! Happy!”
“Sure don't sound like it.” Applejack put her hoof over Pinkie's slumped whither. “Pinkie, it's okay to be sad. You don't always have to be happy. Sometimes, everypony is sad. We get better, but sometimes you have to be sad. How else could you recognize how good the fun times are?”
“I-” Pinkie was about to protest, but sighed and accepted Applejack's touch. It was comforting, if not that much of a relief. “I have to be happy, all the time. I don't want to go back to being sad the way I used to.”
“Nopony's happy all the time, sugarcube.” AJ assured her, rubbing her back. “What's got you down?”
“I... it's...”
“Twilight?”
“How'd you-”
“Ah know ponies, Pinkie. I seen the way you look at her. I had a guess, and Ah guess Ah was right.”
“It's not fair!” Pinkie exclaimed. “Why can't I crush on somebody who isn't already...”
“Ah know.” Applejack shook her head. “We can't control this kind of thing, even if we wish we could. Still, Ah'm here for you- and so is Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash, and everyone else. You ain't gonna be alone.”
Pinkie sniffed. “I... what if I can never be happy again? What if-”
“Now that's just silly talk.” Applejack huffed. “You done known Twilight for maybe two weeks- Ah bet you you'll get over it just as soon.”
“But what if I don't? What if it doesn't work out with Rarity?”
“Ah'd wait if Ah were you.” Applejack said, thinking hard. “Ah am not saying it couldn't happen- but right now, those two need to work their own issues out.”
Pinkie hung her head. “I'm never going to find somepony.”
“Silly talk, sugarcube. You are the sweetest pony Ah know.”
"Really?" Pinkie had been called a lot of things in her life - stupid, silly, happy, anti-social, energetic - but never sweet. She loved sweet things! But was she really sweet?
She felt like a trick candy. On the outside she had colorful, delicious coating. On the inside she had bitter, stomach-turning filling.
AJ was an honest pony. She wouldn't lie to Pinkie...right?
"Ah mean it," AJ said matter-of-factly. "You are a true friend, and you're always trying to help others. It's something that is lost in today's world."
Pinkie pondered this. Was she a lost sweetness in the world?
"So...more parties?" she asked.
AJ bit her lower lip. Pinkie had a feeling AJ was trying not to laugh - not laugh at Pinkie, per se, but laugh at the notion that parties could make everything better.
"Parties are part o' it," AJ said finally. "But I'm talkin about YOU. Remember what you said about friendship? Well, that's you, Pinkie Pie."
Pinkie sighed. "So...let go of Twilight?"
"Well..."
Pinkie suddenly sobbed. "I'm never going to find anyone to love me!"
AJ gapped. The hell . . . ?
"Uh..." AJ's mind did some quick idea buckin' from the idea tree, and she said, "We all love you Pinkie, and besides, any pony not wanting to love you is a fool!"
"I don't want a foal!" Pinkie wailed.
"FOOL, not FOAL."
"Oh." Pinkie sniffed. "I was testing you."
AJ resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
Across town, Twilight was heading home, leaving the classroom where she was studying. She had gone back to pick up some notebooks she had forgot, and as usual, ended up reading.
She trotted down the hall. It was an odd little thing. Twilight couldn't even say what had drawn her eye. But she found herself peering into a janitor's closet nonetheless, and staring at a blue barn that couldn't fit anything inside of it if the universe depended on it.
"This school is weird," she muttered. She continued on her way, not registering she went by Time Clock and the Derpy-look-alike teacher. She didn't see them go into the janitor's closet, or hear the strange sounds from within, or see the flutter of checklists come out of the closet.
While Twilight headed home, Celestia sat in her office, her reading glasses on. Reports, budget reports, committees... it never really ended.
“Sister dearest.”
Looking up from her stacks of paper, glad for an excuse to break off her work, Celestia looked up at her sister, standing in the door opening.
“Luna, dear, what is it?”
“You hired a lawyer. To confront Esquire, no less.”
“It's the right thing to do. He almost abused Rarity-”
“The moral righteousness of your decision was not my concern, sister,” Luna trotted in, her posture as serious and regal, as her expression. “Esquire is a buffoon, but he is a rich buffoon, with many rich friends concerned with his secrets kept secret, as he is with theirs.”
“What are you getting at?”
“He might perceive this as a political move against him. Who knows what he might do?”
Celestia laughed. “You're too serious, Luna. He's an idiot, not a schemer. He won't do anything stupid.”
“And if he does?” Put off by the seriousness of her voice, Celestia looked up.
“Should he do something... foolish, consider yourself free to act entirely as you see fit. The special guardsman's division would be at your disposal.
“I would bury him.” Luna said coldly.
“I am going to take that as an overzealous metaphor.”
“...of course, sister.” Luna nodded, and walked out.
At the house next door...
Rarity and Mr Wrangler walked up the walkway to her father's house. Her insides were a chaotic mess, a mishmash of emotions battling for prominence. Insecurity, fear, anger, determination, all wrestling to the sum effect of slight nausea.
What was she to do? Could she really stand up to her father? He could be quite intimidating- but Mr. Wrangler was there, and she could trust him. Probably. Twilight had sent him, right?
“Miss Rarity?” Barristo said, sounding professionally concerned. “Are you quite all right? There is no need to confront your father right now, should you not feel up to the task-”
“No.” Rarity scowled. “No, I have to do it now. I cannot let him- let him bully me, or Sweetie Belle. I have to- I have to just...” She trailed off.
“As my client wishes.” Wrangler said curtly, ringing the doorbell. Before long, a butler came down, opening the door.
“Who has business with Mr. Antique? Oh, miss Rarity-”
“We would like a word with Mr. Antique.” Barristo cut in. “Do mention that a lawyer is present.”
“...yes, sir.” The butler said, shutting the door and trotting back in. Some time passed, the butler returned, and opened the door for them. They were led to the salon, one of her father's more excessively decorated rooms.
There he sat, in a comfortable armchair, with a look on his face as if he had eaten a box of lemons and had to eat ten more. She had seen her father angry before, and judging by appearances alone, this was one of the greater fits of anger he had been in.
Good.
“I will be representing Miss Rarity Gemstone, Mr. Antique.” Wrangler took up his briefcase. “The name is Barristo Wrangler. A pleasure to make your acquaintance-”
“Bah!” Her father snorted. “Bah, humbug and all associated claptrap! Lawyering up on me, Rarity? I should teach you a lesson you won't soon forget!”
“Am I to take it you are threatening my client with harm, physical or otherwise, sir?” Barristo said curiously. “Just for the record.”
Esquire didn't even answer him, shooting him a baleful look.
“Rarity, what do you think you're doing?”
Something burst within Rarity. This narrow-minded buffoon, so concerned with himself first and foremost, so uncaring all this time, had the gall to ask her why?
“What do YOU think you are doing, father?” Rarity sneered. “I am going to make sure that you never try to hurt me or anyone I know again! I am trying to live my life without being told what to do by fat old ponies who couldn't care less if I was blissful or miserable!”
“And a lawyer is the answer? Whatever happened to talking, like families usually do? Have your mother gotten to you this badly-”
“Do NOT get self-righteous, father! You were the one who sent your goons for me to school today!”
“...I did no such thing.” Esquire glared at Barristo. “It's just sad-”
“Communication ceased to be an option when you raised your hoof at me, father.” Rarity sneered. “I am going to make you a deal here, and if you will not take it, we shall see each other in court!”
“You think you can outfox me? I can buy a dozen lawyers better than this backyard quack.” Esquire spat. “I would bury you if you were not my daughter, Rarity.”
“That's just it.” Rarity said, smirking. “I am your daughter. Even if I lose, all sorts of nasty things will have been said about you. Publicly. All your friends will know all the secrets I know about you. If I lose, you lose your reputation. If I win, I win.”
Esquire snorted in pure frustration. She had him cornered, it was obvious.
"Miss Gemstone, do cease your speaking," Mr Wrangler interrupted.
Rarity frowned but did so, suddenly remembering she wasn't suppose to be talking to the accused.
"Now, here is the form for you to sign. I assure you it is completely legal - and so are the testimonies of the gaurdsponies you hired to bring your daughter home. They were kind enough to tell the honest, good gaurdsponies exactly what you said to them, including what you intended to do to you're daughter once she came home."
Even with his skin beneath his fur, Rarity saw her father pail. He looked very ill indeed.
"I shall read it, and if anything is amiss -" he sounded as though he were simply doing a business deal, but his eyes - Rarity almost stepped back. She had never seen the sheer coldness before, the clever calculating - but she realized a buffoon does not make it to the top being witless.
After reading it, he handed it back to the lawyer, then said happily enough, "Everything is in order. And Rarity, do invite that friend of yours and her mother to dinner. Actually, I shall accompany you. But first, lets get all legals out of the way."
For the first time in a long time Rarity spent a pleasant day with her father. In the end they tweaked the agreement, so that is better suited Esquire's needs, but not by much. Turns out her father wanted nothing to do with Sweetie Belle. He did agree to her visiting if Rarity had full custody, and he had no obligation to see the "little monster."
Rarity's hatred burned deep within, but she celebrated her victory nonetheless, and she wondered if Esquire was just being an arse who wanted out of parenting, or if Sweetie Belle perhaps wasn't his.
She would ask her mother the next time she saw her.
As Twilight turned down one last hall, she breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, all her hard work with Fluttershy was coming to an end - the Pegasus would be back in school the following Monday. All of Twilight's detention was at an end. And Rarity was ...well, she wasn't sure where she and Rarity stood, but they were talking, so that was good.
She trotted out of the building, humming to herself, and not realizing it was so late.
Pinkie and AJ were loafing around the parking lot, Pinkie's hair oddly limp. When they saw Twilight they hurried off.
The purple unicorn frowned. What was that about?
"Twilight!" Rarity greeted from behind. "Darling!"
Twilight knew Rarity only used 'darling' when stressed or unsure, so she turned to her with slight trepidation.
"Rarity," she said cheerfully. She then saw Esquire.
"Tell your mother my father and I wish to dine with you both tomorrow evening, would you, dear?" Rarity asked.
"Of course."
With that done, Twilight watched them get into their personal coach and drive off. Twilight sighed. All that and Rarity was still under Esquire's hoof!
She sadly began her trek home. Halfway there she heard an odd noise, as if something was tearing through the very air, and a wind kicked up but as soon as she looked around to see what it was it had ended.
She shivered and hurried home.