“Did you get any sleep?” Spike asked as he laid on his back, staring absently at the ceiling.
“I think I passed out for a bit somewhere around midnight,” Rarity replied, the dragon mimicking her partner’s unseemly position.
“Oh good. I wasn't the only one then,” Spike murmured.
“So…” Rarity began. “What are we going to do?”
“I know we said that we were going to go through this whole thing like adults and not try to hide the switch but maybe we could pretend just for today,” Spike offered.
Rarity hummed thoughtfully. “I suppose that's a possibility. After all, we do know each other very well.”
“Yeah exactly,” Spike replied, rolling onto his side. “I’ve known you for like what, ten years now?”
“Thirteen darling,” Rarity corrected.
“Right, yeah,” Spike muttered.
Rarity cleared her throat. “Are you sure about this? I know judging a fashion show for young up-and-coming earth pony artists wouldn't exactly be your cup of tea.”
“It wouldn't, but I totally memorized all the buzzwords already. Like frow, haute couture, and the B.O.T,” Spike continued, doing his best interpretation of Rarity’s voice.
Who chuckled. “Well, you certainly nailed the nonsense words they like to throw out to make themselves seem more important.”
“And isn't that half of fashion?” Spike asked with a smirk.
Rarity rolled her eyes and gently punched the pony’s shoulder. “Maybe in the big runways of Manehatten but here in Ponyville the only thing that will get you is a weird look.”
Spike chuckled. “Very true.”
“But are you sure you want to do this?” Rarity pressed, gripping the pony’s forehoof. “We would both be gambling our careers on one another.”
“I know we can do it,” Spike declared. “And after we get these responsibilities out of the way we can clear out our schedule for the next month, so it won't be necessary to pretend again.”
“Everything else I have to get done this month isn't exactly pressing either,” Rarity murmured.
“Yeah and everything else I need to do can either be rescheduled or completed via letter,” Spike explained. “I just can't go back on this meeting with Grumble and his wife.”
“And I couldn't back out of this show. The only reason this event is even happening is that I used my connections in the industry to get some big-shot executives to show up after the judging,” Rarity added.
“I can't just back out on meeting Grumble either, he and his wife are some of the first dragons who have expressed interest in moving to the area,” Spike added. “If they can be convinced to stay it may mean that real immigration might happen.”
Rarity nodded her scaly head. “An event I would gladly look forward to. You deserve to have more dragon friends after all.”
Spike blushed. “Daw thanks Rarity.”
“Not a problem my dear,” Rarity replied.
“So are we decided then?” Spike inquired.
Rarity nodded. “That we are darling. Today we will pretend to be each other, and tonight we will reschedule the entire rest of the month so that nothing gets in the way of the wedding.”
“Great!” Spike exclaimed, hopping off the bed and landing on the floor with a thump. “Then we just gotta eat and get ready.”
“Excellent idea darling,” Rarity declared, following after partner a second later. “I simply must ensure that your mane is up to my standards.”
Spike sighed. “Oh right, I have to sit through that again.”
“Oh come now, it isn't that bad,” Rarity admonished.
“It's agonizing and I am half tempted to shave it all off,” Spike remarked.
The dragon continued walking only to realize that his fiance wasn't following him. Turning around Spike immediately gulped as his gaze settled on two blazing pools of fire that bore into his very soul.
“Don't. Even. Joke,” Rarity whispered dangerously.
Spike gulped. “R-right. Though perhaps a hat would be acceptable?”
Rarity’s eyes widened slightly and she nodded. “I suppose that can be arranged.”
“Oh thank goodness. I thought you were going to bite my head off,” Spike muttered.
“What was that darling?”
“Nothing dear,” Spike quickly replied.
Rarity strode as confidently as she could manage on two legs, and only stopping occasionally to flail her arms in a desperate bid to stay vertical. Her efforts, though inelegant, bore fruit, and soon she was walking calmly up to the home of Spike’s assistant. The small squat building itself was a far cry from the once wild house she used to have, though Rarity thought it had more character.
The space obviously appeared lived in, and despite no longer having any children living with them the Lyra and Sweetie Drops abode still had toys sitting outside. Rarity thought it was likely due to the sheer number of grandchildren they had, though it was possible that Lyra was starting a daycare. Either way, it made a small bit of jealousy begin to climb up Rarity’s spine, though that feeling was quickly banished.
Knocking twice on the door, the dragon took an awkward step back, and nearly tumbled down the three stairs she had just walked up. Thankfully for Rarity’s self-esteem, she was able to right herself before the sound of hooves was audible from the other side of the entrance.
“Coming!” Shouted a familiar voice.
“Take all the time you-” Rarity stopped, lowered her voice, and reminded herself of how Spike talked. “No rush.”
While Rarity was silently congratulating herself for mimicking her beloved’s speech patterns so well, the door opened. Revealing Sweetie Drops the earth pony who had curlers in her hair, and a confused expression on her face.
“Spike. You’re here early,” she muttered.
“Yes well. This is a very important matter,” Rarity remarked in her best Spike impression.
“I er yes it is. Still, I didn't expect you for another half hour at the earliest,” Sweetie Drops remarked.
“Is it one of the kids?” Shouted Lyra from somewhere inside the home.
“No, it's just Spike!” Sweetie Drops yelled back.
“Daww and I got all the stuff out too,” Lyra muttered, emerging from around the corner in full clown makeup and wielding a banana cream pie.
“What, exactly is going on?” Rarity asked.
Sweetie Drops sighed. “Lyra here is expecting a few kids to be dropped off today and thinks that it would be a good idea to dress up as a clown in order to greet them.”
“Hey, kids love clowns!” Lyra exclaimed.
“They did when our grandparents were kids,” Sweetie Drops retorted.
“Daww…” Lyra muttered, giving her large red nose the saddest honk ever heard.
Rarity cleared her throat. “Be that as it may. I was hoping to review what we knew about Grumble and his wife.”
“Grace,” Sweetie Drops added.
“Excuse me?” Rarity asked.
“Her name is Grace,” Sweetie Drops pointed out.
“Oh. Well, it's a good thing I came here early to review things with you,” Rarity replied.
Sweetie Drops sighed. “I suppose so. Come on in. I have the file on the kitchen table. You can review it while I freshen up.”
“I’m sure that won't take long. You already look ravishing dear,” Rarity replied before walking past the stunned earth pony.
“Err what?” Sweetie Drops muttered.
“Well hello darling,” Spike greeted to a closed door. “No that was too forward.”
“Greetings dahling,” Spike exclaimed, only to frown. “No that was too flamboyant.”
“Good morning darling,” Spike once again stated. “Oh, that was good.”
The unicorn stopped to give himself a brief once over in the reflective surface of the metal entrance, and upon noting that his hair was still immaculate, reached for the handle. Pulling it open Spike strode confidently into the backroom of the small boutique located in the newly developed area of Ponyville. Though Spike knew he was allowed to be there, immediately upon stepping inside the unicorn felt an odd nervousness crawl up his spine.
Ignoring that feeling, Spike strode past the various boxes, and mannequins stacked about before entering into a room filled with activity. Ponies of all shapes and sizes were trotting this way and that, some ferrying cloth, while others carried aloft completed pieces of clothing. Spike awkwardly stumbled back a step, dodging out of the way of a nervous young earth pony stallion with a colorful turquoise stetson.
Spike watched him rush over to a box of cloth and frantically begin rummaging through it, tossing aside scraps while muttering to himself. He wasn't the only one that seemed nervous though, as a young earth pony mare with a long wavy mane was cursing at her sewing machine. A broken needle was frantically being removed, the piece of metal having snapped after it had attempted to go through a dress made entirely out of denim.
That also wasn't the only strange outfit in the midst of being put together, as a buck-toothed young earth pony mare was tearing strips off a roll of toilet paper. She then narrowed her bushy purple eyebrows, and carefully attached the torn piece to a dress made entirely of the same white strips.
The only dress which didn't seem ridiculous in Spike’s opinion was the one that was bleach white and covered in rhinestones. The small mostly see-through bits of rock were delicious though the piece of clothing was marred by far too many tassels in Spike’s opinion. The unicorn was about to inspect the dresses and the ponies making them a little closer when a teal furred, and orange maned unicorn poked her head in the room.
“Oh, there you are Rarity. I’ve been looking all over for you,” exclaimed Sassy Saddles.
Spike blinked. “You have?”
“Yes indeed, and let me tell you picked quite the time to start arriving fashionably late,” Sassy Saddles exclaimed.
“I’m sorry. I just had to stop for a coffee on the way here,” Spike replied.
The other unicorn waved a dismissive hoof. “Think nothing of it, dear. Simply join me at the front so we may leave the artists to their work.”
“Err okay,” Spike muttered as he quietly left the room.
“So Grace and Grumble are seeking to construct not just a house, but an apartment building for dragons?” Rarity asked.
Sweetie Drops raised an eyebrow. “Yes, we just went over this.”
“I know, but it's just such a shock,” Rarity muttered.
“Well they are quite wealthy if our intelligence is anything to go by,” Sweetie Drops pointed out.
“And quite demanding,” Rarity added.
“True,” admitted the earth pony.
“Right so where are we meeting them again?” asked the dragon.
Sweetie Drops sighed and ran a hoof down her face. “On the east side of town remember? Near old man Jenkins farm.”
“The minotaur,” Rarity remarked.
“Yes, the minotaur. He was also one of the first immigrants that came in ten years ago when Ponyville began to accept more foreign investment,” Sweetie Drops explained.
“I remember that. The town was quite in a fuss over the whole matter though it quickly blew over once people actually started moving in,” Rarity stated.
“Which is what I will hope happens here,” Sweetie Drops exclaimed as they trotted over a small bridge.
Rarity hummed absently as she looked around the countryside, her analytical gaze studying the relatively unused bit of land. Though a good chunk of it was indeed farmed, so much of it was too rocky to support agriculture. Save of course for the beautiful red and gold flowers which bloomed between the many large stones which littered the area. It was also a good bit out of town, and closer to the everfree than most would like, though Rarity assumed those things wouldn't be a problem for an adult dragon.
Her train of thought was interrupted when the sound of powerful wings broke the silence, alerting Rarity to the imminent arrival of her guests. Turning her gaze skyward, Rarity saw an enormous, and somewhat familiar red and orange dragon flying next to a small purple speck. As they descended Rarity recalled the short adventure which had ended with meeting the dragon that now flew above her head.
“No way. His name was Grumble?” she muttered.
With a dull boom, the great creature came to a rest in front of them, landing with enough force to nearly knock Rarity from her feet. Thankfully she recovered quickly, and immediately put on the most charming smile she could muster.
“Greetings Grumble, my name is Spike, and this is my assistant, Sweetie Drops,” Rarity announced.
The red dragon blinked and looked down at the much smaller creature in confusion.
Sweetie Drops leaned in and whispered. “That isn't Grumble. That's his wife, Grace. Grumble is-”
“Right here,” proclaimed the former speck which had just landed.
This time it was Rarity’s turn to blink in confusion while she stared at the odd looking male. Easily a hundred years the other dragon’s junior, the dragon was barely taller than Rarity was, and had an underbite so severe it was a marvel he could even speak. Not only that but he sported a pronounced gut, short stubby wings, and an overall triangle shaped body that Rarity struggled to think of as anything but ugly.
The red dragon who stood beside him promptly ignored Spike as well as Sweetie Drops and began to survey the rocky, slightly hilly lands behind him. His mate followed the other dragon’s gaze, though was clearly disinterested in the entire matter. Rarity meanwhile, had overcome her bout of embarrassment and cleared her throat as she approached the purple dragon.
“My apologies Grumble. Your description simply didn't do you justice,” Rarity began. “Now then, what do you think of the land? Though not arable I think it will-”
“It's mine,” he stated.
Rarity exchanged a brief, and confused look with Sweetie Drops. “Well, that's wonderful to hear. I’m sure old man Jenkins will be happy to sell it to you for a decent price.”
“No you misunderstand,” Grumble began, jabbing a clawed finger into Rarity’s chest. “This land is mine now.”
Rarity opened her mouth to retort only to find that Grace had lowered her massive head down to the former unicorn’s level. Eyes nearly as big as a pony narrowed at Rarity, fixing the other dragon with a firm glare.
“Oh my,” Rarity muttered.
Spike was awkwardly hurried into the forefront of the shop, where a stage had been assembled, in front of which sat a judge’s table. There were three chairs waiting for him, one of which was occupied by someone the unicorn hadn't seen in a very long time.
“Inky Rose? Is that you… uh, darling?” Spike awkwardly greeted.
The pegasus pony had longer braids, as well as slightly shorter bangs, but other than that she looked exactly as how Spike remembered her. The pegasus wore a mixture of black and grey fabric that covered nearly her entire body while framing her face with a very prominent V-shaped collar. In Spike’s opinion, she looked like a vampire with all her deep purple makeup and matching lipstick, but the pony couldn't deny that Inky Rose rocked the look.
“Ah, Rarity. How nice to see you again,” Inky Rose exclaimed.
“A pleasure,” Spike replied. “Say Sassy who is our third… and she is gone.”
“The train that was supposed to be bringing our contestant’s dresses was delayed in Canterlot,” Inky Rose exclaimed in a deadpan tone. “Sassy has been helping them make new ones at the last minute.”
“That explains all of the hubbub I saw back there,” Spike remarked, glancing back through the door just in time to see someone with a flaming mane run past. “Yeesh.”
“And to make matters worse,” Inky Rose began. “Our third judge, miss Photo Finish has called in sick with the laser measles.”
“Laser measles? Is it serious?” Spike murmured.
Inky Rose nodded slowly. “They say her face lights up like a nightclub whenever she coughs.”
Spike blinked. “That sounds… terrible?”
“Quite,” Inky Rose agreed.
“So, who is our replacement then?” Spike inquired.
“I do not know,” Inky Rose exclaimed with a shrug. “Though I was told that someone with a history of judging these events was called in at the last minutes.”
“That is uh, most excellent! I would hate for this event to be canceled especially since it is the poor dear’s big chance and all,” Spike declared.
“Yes, it would be terrible to see them sent home without gaining valuable experience from both the judging and later showing their creations off to the public,” Inky Rose agreed, turning to Spike. “Speaking of which. I must commend your generosity in setting up this event. Too many earth pony designers go without the chance to show their stripes.”
“Yes well sometimes the industry needs a gentle nudge,” Spike exclaimed.
Inky Rose nodded. “Very true indeed, Miss Rarity. I just hope they find an earth pony to replace Photo Finish as I believe having all three tribes on the judge's panel will aid our young artists greatly.”
Spike blinked. “But we don't have-” Spike bit his tongue before he could declare that he was a dragon. “Yes let us hope that they find someone suitable in such short notice.”
“I found her!” Shouted the voice of an assistant from across the room.
Rarity turned towards the entrance, only for her eyes to go wide. “Applejack?”
The farm pony strode confidently into the room, and looked around, a wide smile on her face.
“Well ain't this a bit of a change of pace?” She exclaimed, trotting up to the lone empty seat and sitting down with a thump. “When I woke up this morning I didn't think I’d be judgin no contest.”
“It is a pleasure to see you again miss Applejack,” Inky Rose greeted.
The farm pony blinked, a blush crossing her face. “Well dunk me in a barrel of sugar and call me a candy apple if it ain't Inky Rose. It's been what…”
“A year and six months,” Inky Rose answered.
“Yer not still mad about-” Applejack began.
“I am not,” Inky Rose declared.
Applejack tugged at her non-existent collar with a hoof. “You don't suppose we could talk after the whole contest is over, do ya?”
Inky Rose raised an eyebrow and watched as Applejack silently squirmed on the seat next to her for several seconds. “I may be convinced to do so. If you take me somewhere nice.”
Applejack bobbed her head eagerly. “You got it Inky. After this, I’ll run right back to the farm and grab my savings.”
Oh good. They haven't noticed me. Spike thought to himself.
“Well hey, there Rarity. Sorry I didn't say hi earlier,” Applejack greeted, extending a hoof. “How's it going?”
“Great, just great. Everything’s peachy,” he declared, his voice rising to an uncomfortably high pitch.
Applejack rubbed her ear with a hoof. “Well, it sure don't sound like it.”
“I-” was all Spike could utter before the dull boom of a door interrupting Spike’s train of thought.
“They are ready!” Sassy Saddles exclaimed, the unicorn now wearing a suspiciously large sunhat.
“Excellent,” Inky Rose declared.
“Well I’m ready when you are,” Applejack announced.
Sassy Saddles turned an expectant eye to Spike. “And what about you Rarity?”
Spike grinned a bit too wide. “Oh uh yeah. Ready when you are… darling.”
“Okay then. Let the show begin!” Sassy Saddles exclaimed.
“Let us all take a breath hmm?” Rarity offered. “We are rational adults aren't we?”
“Trust me, lady, you don't want Gracey here to take a too firm of a breath,” Grumble remarked with a snicker.
The enormous red dragon snorted a ring of smoke at the pair, causing Sweetie Drops to begin coughing.
Rarity waved a hand and dismissed the smog. “That was perhaps a bit of a poor choice of words though I think you know what I meant.”
“I know. I just don't care,” declared Grumble, who crossed his arms over his chest.
“Well, you can't just take the land. It is owned by a mister Jenkins,” Rarity began. “Bits need to be exchanged, signatures taken. One cannot simply declare ownership of someone else’s property.”
Grumble snorted. “Back in the dragonlands if someone wasn't using part of their territory it was free reign for a younger, smaller dragon to claim. Way I figure it, this is about the same kind of situation.”
Sweetie Drops glanced expectantly at Rarity.
“This is not the dragonlands,” Rarity stated. “Here we must follow the letter of the law whether we like it or not.”
“Fine. Then I will construct my apartment block here, and then sue for squatter’s rights,” Grumble retorted.
Rarity raised a finger only to stop and turn to her assistant. “Can he do that?”
“I mean it's possible,” Sweetie Drops murmured. “But we can't just let him do that.”
“And why not?” Grumble retorted. “The land is not being used. I want to use it. Seems like a fairly simple transaction.”
Rarity shook her head. “Mr. Jenkins is a very nice if sometimes crotchety old fellow who needs the bits that the sale of this land will give him. You should simply purchase it off of him so we may conclude this arrangement amicably.”
Grumble laughed, and poked a clawed finger into Rarity’s chest. “And what are you and your dumb little pony slave going to do about it huh?”
Grace snorted in unspoken agreement.
“Hey, I’m no slave. I’m his assistant,” Sweetie Drops declared.
“Slave, assistant, I see no difference,” Grumble retorted, leaning down to the earth pony’s height. “Way I see it yer still takin orders at the end of the day.”
Both of the other dragons shared a cruel laugh.
Rarity’s right eye twitched. “Now you listen here you overgrown salamander. I will not allow you to speak to my friend in such a matter.”
The pair stopped, and looked down at Rarity, with Grumble raising an eyebrow.
“I don't like repeating myself but I guess I’ll say it again,” he began, prodding Rarity’s chest with a finger again. “What are you going to do about it, huh?”
“I will summon my friends, and send your wife packing for a second time!” Rarity declared.
“What?” Grumble muttered.
Grace blinked.
“I happen to remember not long ago when she came to Equestria and covered up the sky with all that dreadful smug. I also remember making her leave, and apologize for causing everyone such a headache!” Rarity declared, jabbing a finger right back into Grumble’s chest.
“Is that true babe?” Grumble asked.
The great red dragon blushed and shrugged meekly.
“Well damn, I always knew you were a sleep smogger. Either way, it's a good thing I’m here now cus I won't let anyone push you around ever again,” Grumble declared, patting his wife’s ginormous foot in a loving manner.
Grace smiled and blew a heart-shaped smoke ring at the other dragon.
“Ahem,” Rarity announced. “I think we were getting to the part where you apologized and began negotiating for the land you wanted.
Grumble chuckled. “Look youngling. I appreciate the cojones you got to stand up to me and my wife like this but at the end of the day, you can't do squat. Your pathetic pony police couldn't stop a shoplifter. Nevermind us.”
“Yes that may be true,” Rarity began. “But I have something much more powerful on my side.”
“Uh, where are you going with this Spike?” Sweetie Drops whispered.
“Just trust me,” Rarity whispered back.
“Oh, and what would that be?” Grumble asked smugly.
Grace chuckled.
“Friendship!” Rarity declared.
Both of the other dragons broke out into a full-blown belly laugh.
Rarity smirked. “And all four princesses on speed dial.”
Grumble coughed. “What was that last part?”
“You heard me, darling,” Rarity began, reaching into her assistant’s bag and producing a random scroll. “With one exhale I could summon four alicorns to our position.”
“Yer kiddin me,” Grumble dared.
“Oh I am not, in fact, kidding you,” Rarity retorted. “I am Spike the dragon and I was raised by Celestia as well as Twilight Sparkle. Not only that but I count Luna and Cadance as close personal friends.”
Grumble and Grace exchanged a confused, hesitant look. “You’re bluffing.”
Rarity breathed in deep and held the scroll up to her lips, silently daring the other party to make the first move.
Sweetie Drops watched the exchange curiously from a relatively safe distance, ready to jump in and help should her assistance be required.
After several quiet seconds, Grumble’s sour frown turned into a bright smile and he pulled Rarity into an unexpected hug. “Ha, you were right after all dear. These ponies are tough!” He proclaimed.
Grace nodded knowingly.
Rarity, however, merely blinked. “Come again?”
Grumble took a step back and grinned. “This was all a test to see if you were a worthy leader of this here community I wanna start. One which you passed with flying colors by the way.”
“And Sweetie Drops?” Rarity remarked.
“Right, sorry about the whole slave comment. I could tell this one was real protective of ya and I wanted to push his buttons,” Grumble announced, jerking a thumb towards Rarity.
Sweetie Drops nodded. “Apology accepted. Though the next time you make such a remark I’ll mount your horns over my mantle.”
Grumble erupted with laughter and elbowed his wife. “This one’s got fire too! Oh this is going to be a great place to settle down.”
Grace smiled and nodded.
“Well uh… alright then,” Rarity declared. “Now why don't we go speak to old man Jenkins hmm?”
“Capital idea, lead on!” Grumble exclaimed.
Spike shifted uncomfortably on the plastic chair, his gaze fixed on the curtains that had yet to open. He also pointedly ignored the curious looks Applejack shot his way. Thankfully he didn't have to wait long for something to happen as a second later the lights began to dim.
“Ladies, and well I guess just ladies,” began the familiar voice of Sassy Saddles. “Our first presenter this afternoon is Canterlot’s own Plaid Stripes and she comes to you today with something bold, original, and above all, thought-provoking.”
Spike watched as a spotlight focused on the curtains.
“Made entirely from recycled materials, and carefully crafted by her own hooves. May I present to you Plaid Stripes, and the memory of Manehatten!” Sassy Saddles announced, sweeping a hoof to the curtains.
Which opened to reveal the orange furred, and bright purple maned mare herself. Who was now wearing a dress made entirely of toilet paper that covered her from head to hoof. The sight merely confused Spike, though Inky Rose let out a small gasp of awe as the paperclad mare strode onto the stage.
Her steps were long, bold, and confident, and as she neared the judge's booth she struck several poses in rapid succession. First, she lifted her left forehoof high, as if claiming ownership of all she saw, then she put on a sad mournful expression before staring forlornly at the ground. Then, just as quickly as it began, it was over. The spotlight dimmed, the lights came back up and the young mare smiled excitedly down at the judges.
“Now then. Would our esteemed judges please offer their thoughts?” Sassy Saddles offered.
“Bold. Provocative, with a hidden environmental message,” Inky Rose claimed. “Plaid Stripes, you have perfectly captured your vision. Bravo.”
Damn. I was going to say something like that. Though probably not quite so eloquently. Spike thought to himself. Now what?
“Rarity, what do you have to say?” Sassy Saddles offered.
Spike coughed. “Why don't we go to Applejack for the moment? I’m still thinking.”
“Very well. Applejack?” Sassy Saddles inquired.
Well at least whatever I say will sound good coming after what Applejack says. She doesn't know anything about fashion. Spike triumphantly thought to himself.
“Hmmm,” Applejack rubbed her chin with a hoof. “It is definitely bold, though I think we should mention how beautiful the dress itself is. Provided you recreated it with more durable materials I could see someone actually wearing it. You have a balanced both style and intent quite masterfully.”
Plaid Stripes gasped and fanned herself with a hoof. “Oh my gosh that is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me!”
“You said you didn't know anything about fashion,” Inky Rose deadpanned.
“You were right back then. I wasn't takin an interest in any of your hobbies despite you doing the same for me. So I’ve been studying and it turns out I kinda like the whole high fashion thing,” Applejack proclaimed.
“Oh Applejack,” Inky Rose murmured.
“And Rarity, what do you think?” Sassy Saddles asked.
Spike blinked. “I think it's… really nice. You definitely did all the things the other judges said and I really like how it… flows?”
“Flows?” Plaid Stripes asked.
“Yes, I suppose it does have a unique move to it doesn't it?” Inky Rose added.
“You know what it kinda does,” Applejack agreed.
Spike released a long sigh of relief and watched his fellow jurors continue to pepper the girl with compliments as well as constructive criticism. Until at long last the girl was crying tears of joy, tearfully trotting back behind the curtain after blowing her nose on her dress.
“Next up we have Paleo Petunia, who hails from none other than Ponyville,” Sassy Saddles announced as the lights dimmed once more. “With a knack for reviving styles the fashion industry considers out of date, this daring young fashionista takes a bold new direction compared to her contemporaries.”
The curtains parted to reveal a young earth pony mare adorned entirely in blue denim. Spike wasn't sure how but the girl had somehow managed to pull off puffed shoulders and a bright blue monotone color pallet. The entire thing looked like it had jumped off the pages of some eighties magazine, only less gauche somehow.
“But will our judges agree? We will soon see,” Sassy Saddles added.
The young teal furred and greyish blue maned mare hesitated for a moment before gulping down her fears. She then strode down the runway with all the confidence and grace of a professional, stopping right before the judge's box. There she struck several equally as bold poses as if demanding she be observed and loved. Right after her routine was over, however, the girl wilted slightly and flashed the judges a slightly awkward smile.
“Bold seems to be the word of the day,” Inky Rose announced. “And although I usually devote myself to a single color I think you would have benefited from a greater exploration of the palate.”
“Now I don't think that's quite fair,” Applejack interjected. “The subtle differences in the shade and wear of the jeans give it a unique look that I quite like.”
The young girl’s frown immediately turned upside down.
Inky Rose hummed thoughtfully. “Now that you mention it I didn't initially notice the shading work done below the knees.”
“Th-thanks,” stuttered Paleo. “I nearly wore down my favorite rock but it was worth it.”
“I’d say so,” Applejack proclaimed. “That's one nice lookin dress there Paleo.”
Inky Rose nodded. “It is indeed. Though I don't think we needed to point out such small details to Rarity of all ponies. Especially given her keen eye for detail.”
Spike cleared his throat and adopted his best Rarity voice. “Oh of course darling. Though I wouldn't want to interrupt the wonderful little back and forth you two had going.”
The effect was immediate, with both Inky Rose and Applejack blushing, and casting one another furtive glances out of the corner of their eye.
Round two is mine. Spike thought to himself.
With everyone distracted from the fact that he hadn't actually given any criticism, Spike was able to sit back and observe. After a minute or so of constructive criticism, the now grinning young earth pony trotted back down the stage. Stopping at the midpoint to click her heels excitedly before slipping out of sight once more.
“Well that has been quite the showing so far,” Sassy Saddles exclaimed. “Let us see if our last artist can match the same levels of boldness that his colleagues have set for us.”
Before Sassy Saddles could launch into her usual introduction, or even bring about the spotlight, the curtains were pulled aside. To reveal an earth pony stallion with a brown coat who had a perfectly coiffed bright green mane and tail. Upon his head rested the turquoise stetson Spike had seen earlier, though he had also put on a brown ascot and one of the most gem studded pieces of clothing Spike had ever seen.
Spike was vaguely aware of Sassy Saddles hastily introducing the next contestant, but Spike didn't hear a word of it. For his mouth had already begun to salivate, as his gaze fixated completely on the stunning suit young Pistachio was wearing.
The first thing Spike thought of was an Elvis impersonator he saw at las pegasus, though the comparison wasn't perfect. For although Pistachio wore a pure white suit with bell bottom pants, there were far more rhinestones than even the impersonator had. Nearly every surface sparkled brilliantly with the many white gems, each of which had been perfectly placed to make it appear as though the suit was covered with literal stars.
The effect was immediate and pronounced, with Spike staring with wide eyes as the stallion took long loping steps towards him. Spike was only vaguely aware of the poses Pistachio was making, or the words his fellow judges were speaking. For the former dragon was already imagining just how delicious the dress would taste if only he could take a nibble.
“Rarity, hey Rarity. Y'all right?” Applejack inquired.
Spike blinked. “Bwuh?”
“I asked what you thought of the suit,” Applejack declared, gesturing toward the runway.
And the slightly confused stallion standing there expectantly.
“Oh uh…” Spike tried to recall what the other two had said, but nothing came to mind.
With all eyes on him, Spike felt the pressure begin to build and a small nugget of panic to take root in his chest.
“It looks… delicious?” Spike muttered only to immediately wince in embarrassment.
“I mean he is cute, though delicious wouldn't be my choice in adjective,” Inky Rose remarked.
“That kinda sounds like something Spike would say,” Applejack added.
Spike awkwardly cleared his throat. “Well that's silly. Because I am Rarity… darling.”
Applejack’s eyes narrowed. “Did you and Rarity switch places somehow?”
“Yes, er no?” Spike scratched his head. “We did not switch places.”
Applejack snorted. “Now that's a lie if ever I heard one.”
Sassy Saddles quickly stepped up. “That will be all Pistachio. The judges will convene to discuss the verdict and we will get back to you very soon.”
“Thanks again… I think,” Pistachio muttered before trotting away.
Now alone under the scrutinizing glares of three mares, Spike wilted like a leaf in a november snow.
“So uh. That was quite bold wasn't it?” Spike offered.
Applejack sighed. “What kind of magical experiment of Twi’s did you two walk in on this time?”
“None actually,” Spike muttered, tapping his horn. “I proposed to Rarity with cursed rings.”
Sassy Saddles gasped and grabbed the other unicorn by the shoulders. “What did she say?”
Spike blinked. “She said yes. Thus why she slash me is wearing the ring.”
The saddled mare let out an excited screech and pulled Spike into a tight hug. “Oh that is so wonderful. Well not the body swapping part or the fact that you cursed your fiance but the marriage part.”
“Yeah I kinda figured that's what you meant,” Spike muttered.
Applejack shook her head and sighed. “I’m right proud of you both, but what were ya thinkin?”
“I would also like to congratulate you and Rarity. Before Applejack begins browbeating you,” Inky Rose added.
Spike smoothed out his mane and gave the dour mare an appreciative nod. “Thank you Inky, and to answer your question Applejack we may have been a bit sleep deprived when we came up with this little plan.”
“Let me guess. You two spent all night gettin wound up over nothin without thinkin of a real solution,” Applejack deadpanned.
Spike chuckled nervously. “We might have got a little panicky.”
“You know if you had just told us that you had gotten swapped we would have been fine with it,” Inky Rose added. “This is Ponyville after all. Magical nonsense is quite common.”
“So… you aren't mad?” Spike asked.
Applejack shrugged. “It's a bit annoying to know that Rarity sort of flaked on us but other than Pistachio’s suit you did make some good points.”
“I think Applejack and I could carry this event by ourselves,” Inky Rose exclaimed.
“You most certainly could,” Sassy Saddles gushed. “The banter, and differing perspectives were entertaining to watch and enlightening to our artists.”
“Well I can at least help run everything if we were still going with the public viewing part of the event,” Spike offered.
Sassy Saddles gasped. “Oh that's right. I almost forgot about the other half of this little competition. I should let our young competitors know that they have a mere two hours before they reveal their creations to the world.”
“That's an excellent idea Spike. I’m sure Sassy Saddles could use the help,” complemented Applejack.
“It's no problem at all,” Spike replied.
Spike trotted into his bedroom and flopped down next to Rarity who was already sprawled out across the sheets.
“That was exhausting,” declared Spike.
Rarity rolled onto her side and stared at her fiance. “Did you have to wrestle a dragon, a minotaur, and the municipal land codes?”
“Er no,” Spike muttered.
“Then I don't want to hear a word about being exhausted,” Rarity declared.
“I mean I did coordinate a fashion show, line up potential buyers and take down a runway,” Spike replied.
Rarity blinked. “You managed to help one of the young artist’s sell a dress?”
“Actually it was two dresses and a suit, but yes. We sold them all,” Spike replied with a smile.
“That is… quite impressive dear. So I take it things went well?” Rarity inquired.
“They did. Though I may have revealed the fact that we got switched,” Spike admitted somewhat reluctantly.
Rarity sighed. “That's fine I suppose. So long as you didn't mention our engagement. I had a whole big reveal party planned later this week.”
Spike coughed. “So uh speaking purely in hypotheticals here but what if I did?”
“I would say…” Rarity frowned. “That this is tomorrow Rarity’s problem.”
Spike grinned awkwardly. “Yay? I think. Screw it, I’m going to sleep.”
“A wise decision dear, as am I,” Rarity declared.
“Goodnight,”
“Goodnight darling,”