Chewka listened to Valiant’s plight, learning of what had happened during his time with Silverstream. Upon hearing the news, he scratched his chin and seemed to have a good idea of what was happening.
“So… It’s finally happening,” he muttered.
“What’s happening?” Valiant questioned. “Is it my markings?”
Chewka placed his hand upon Valiant’s shoulder. “Listen, Valiant. What you’re going through is very natural, and it happens in everyone’s life. For you, you may get certain mood shifts. Perhaps even be irrational.”
“Chewka, what are you even talking about?” Valiant wondered.
“Perhaps I’m not in position to explain it to you. I certainly don’t know how to explain such a thing to another. I… never had the talk as some may say it.”
“The… talk?”
“Mmm… maybe we should wait until we return to Ponyville and we can discuss this in a safer environment.”
“What if it happens again?” Valiant questioned with quite the concern.
“It’s alright to to have such feelings so long as you pace yourself and don’t let them force you to do something you may regret.”
For once, Chewka was unable to assist Valiant with any answers. The mysterious fluctuation of emotions coursing through him had left him unsure of many things. And for it to happen when he’s spending the day with Smolder just makes it all the worse. He braces himself for the uphill battle.
There he was with Smolder at the place he promised. The fashion show was happening in Manehattan and Smolder wanted to see it. She brought Valiant along to get his opinion on what they were about to see. Valiant, much to his dismay by his current and unknown condition, attempts to remain vigilant as they enter the tall building up ahead.
They look around the lobby to see all sorts of ponies. Some are quite casual, wearing nothing and seem to come to the show to see what it’s like, similar to Smolder and Valiant’s intention. Other ponies however came in with cameras, flashy coats, colorful scarves, and sunglasses with flair.
“Are they part of the show?” Valiant wondered.
“I’m pretty sure they’re just like you,” Smolder quipped. “Just wearing clothes wherever they go.”
The doors to the show open and ponies begin flooding in, filling up the seats. Smolder and Valiant take a deep breath before passing through the black doors with golden trims and see the sleek white catwalk in the room. Ponies were surrounding the catwalk with many of them preparing their camera. Smolder looks around and spots a pair of seats near the main attraction and grasps Valiant’s hand. Valiant suddenly jumps a bit before being pulled by Smolder. His body once again becomes warm just like before. Smolder doesn’t seem to notice the strange behavior, except that Valiant’s hand became slightly sweatier. Once they are seated, Smolder lets go of his hand, allowing him to regain his composure.
“Hey, thanks again for coming with me,” Smolder told Valiant. “I don’t know if you’re into this stuff or not, but it means a lot to me that you’re here.”
“Of course. I promised you I would spend time with you, and I’m honored that you choose to open up this side of you to me.”
She smiles some while bumping him on the shoulder. “Geez, you really do talk like those knights, don’t you?”
“You think so?”
Smolder’s laid back nature was resonating as she spoke. Something about the way she talked to Valiant put him at ease. The two standby as the room begins to dim. Light flashes onto the catwalk and show ponies begin to walk down the dazzling stage. Ponies show up with dresses and outfits with all sorts of design. One had a cyan blue with black polka dots and a long black collar around her neck. Another mare showed off a dress that consisted of gold jewelry and pink gradient fabric. The way they moved only enhanced the style of the clothes with the posture and style that brought out more of what was shown.
Smolder didn’t seem excited, but she was paying attention to their outfits and the way they posed. Valiant took notice at how interested Smolder was and felt a sense of peace knowing that she was enjoying herself. Things seemed to be going well for him and none of his strange and sudden rises in temperature seemed to catch him.
The rest of the show went on with what they expected. They even had swimsuits for some reason, something that Smolder and Valiant saw no point of at all for equines. When the fashion show finished up, Valiant and Smolder walked out of the room and back to the lobby.
“So, what’d you think of it?” Valiant asked Smolder.
“I liked it,” she said in a relaxed tone. “I… got some ideas on some trends and stuff.”
“What are trends?” Valiant wondered.
“I’m not exactly sure myself.”
Something about her response had Valiant chuckling to himself. Smolder was satisfied seeing the positive look on Valiant’s face before her thoughts wandered elsewhere.
“Hey,” she calls Valiant. “You mind if we go to someplace with me?”
Valiant raised an eyebrow at her behavior, not known to request going someplace with a somewhat more meeker tone. Rather than pressing on her about it, he instead focuses on Smolder solely. “Of course. I promised to spend time with you today after all.”
“Right! Of course!” she said with a somewhat goofy grin. She was a bit hesitant, but nonetheless adamant now that she has the chance to do so. She grabbed Valiant's hand and brought him to Rarity's store in the city. Valiant waited patiently as Smolder talked to the register pony. In moments, Valiant and Smolder were brought to the back of the shop where they saw the huge stockpile of clothing. The employees were managing anything and everything belonging to the store, including a particular order that Smolder had made herself. One of the employees assists her.
Smolder enters the fitting room with a bag of clothing. She looks at the contents and gives a nervous sigh. She’s not used to the idea of dressing up for Valiant, not that he asked for it. It was something that made her feel strangely comfortable. Unknown to her, Valiant has been sharing similar emotions of comfort despite the recent events.
Upon exiting the dressing room, Valiant looks up to see Smolder dressed in a smooth crystal blue dress. Valiant takes in the view of her sleek dress and is impressed by how it looks. When he looks at Smolder in clothing, he can’t help but think about how her body is similar to his own kind.
“So uh… What do you think?”
“Hm? Oh!” Valiant stammers a bit, replying quickly. “You look great. Are you planning to wear that at the festival?”
“You think I should wear it?” she wondered. “I wasn’t sure of wearing anything too much.”
“Well, I think you may as well since all of us have to be dressed for the festival.”
“We do?” Smolder spoke in surprise, clearly not aware of this. She rubs her chin and considers it. “Well, if I have to wear something, I guess I should try something big.”
“Whatever makes you comfortable,” Valiant assured her. “But I’m really proud of you. You’re really brave for trying it in public.”
“As long as you help me pick something good, that’s all that matters.”
The day is spent at the store trying on outfits for Smolder. The young dragon freely expresses herself to her human companion, and he too enjoys giving Smolder company. He gives feedback to many outfits that Smolder found intriguing.
The day comes to an end with Valiant and Smolder walking back to the hotel together. Valiant found himself in odd discomfort again, after looking at Smolder wearing new outfits long enough before he began to look at her other features. Not only were her scales and horns in great condition, but her form had a familiar form similar to that of humans, yet she was very different in the vibrant orange glow she had about her. His mind returns to a feverish temperature once again but it’s not too discomforting this time around. He relies on his strength to not let it get out of hand like yesterday.
“Hey Valiant. Do you think we can do this again another time?”
Valiant turned to her and saw her gaze drift to the side as if she was trying to not make a big deal out of her question. Valiant grinned and said, “Of course. Lets find another time to do this again.”