//------------------------------// // Chapter 8 - Flavortext // Story: Equestrian Celestial Forge // by TheDriderPony //------------------------------// "No... no can't be. It just simply cannot be!" Deep in the heart of Carousel Boutique, Rarity trembled as she fell to her knees. Shock and horror warred across her features. It was a tragedy, an unimaginable travesty! The world was unraveling before her very eyes as truth and falsehood became as one, leaving her rudderless in a murky sea of disbelief. The fiend was known to her; known all too well. It sat with smug innocence on her vanity, mocking her with its deception, sneering at her naivete through mother-of-pearl eyes. She had trusted it. Loved and cherished it. Which made the betrayal sting all that much deeper. For the sixth—or was it the seventh?—time, Rarity activated the strange new Talent she'd woken up with and turned it on the object of her ire. Just like every other time she’d used it, a small box of pale blue light flickered into existence, looking for all the world like somepony with a blue magical aura was levitating a window pane just above and to the left of the turncoat. Words tickaticked into existence on its surface as though from an unseen typewriter, spelling out the same ugly truth they’d said before. <> A decently made replica of name-brand jewelry. Makes the wearer seem elegant to those who cannot spot the inferior workmanship, and a cheapskate to those that can. “I can’t believe it!” Rarity sobbed as her world crumbled around her. "It's a fake! A knock-off! And he promised me it was the genuine article!" She cast her new Talent around the room, desperately searching for proof that it spoke anything less than the objective truth. <> A robust sewing machine made by the Marche company. Used to stitch fabric together. <> A set of slightly worn curtains with ties. Used for decorative purpose as they block very little light. <> The necklace that once held the Element of Generosity, currently set with a mundane amethyst. Used to make Rarity feel better about defacing a beautiful piece of jewelry. Rarity sniffed and frowned at the hovering box of cold analysis. "That seems rather personal, don't you think?" She got no response, as the visual representation of her ability to appraise things was not an independent being. She sighed and collapsed onto her bed, no longer concerned that she might wrinkle the, as her Talent had apprised them, "discount bed sheets". "What a rotten ability," she muttered. "Applejack gets years of Guard training in an instant, Fluttershy can make magic accessories now, and Pinkie has unlimited tools, but what do I get? A floating placard that tells me I can't tell luxury goods from well-made fakes. There's no fairness in the world." She sighed again, wishing she had an audience who would nod solemnly and agree with her. Even Sweetie Belle would suffice, as much as the little dear tried to fix problems (in her own way) when all Rarity wanted was a sympathetic ear. With little conscious direction, she cast her appraising eye to an unfinished project in the corner. <> An incomplete dress handmade by rising fashion icon Rarity Belle. Used to make the wearer look absolutely fabulous. She blinked, then sat up and read it again. "A rising fashion icon, am I?” She tittered lightly as her sour mood evaporated. “Perhaps there's something worthwhile to this after all. At least it will save me from making the same mistake in the future. Why, I can think of quite a few ways this might be useful." She hopped out of bed. "And I'm certainly not going to be able to make the most of it moping like some tragic heroine!" She left her bedroom behind with more  of a spring in her step. There was work to be done! Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Current Resident, We've been trying to reach you regarding your wagon's extended warranty. You're missing out on great deals and even greater savings available this weekend only at Fillydelphia Wagonathon! Preregistering now for only a small few could potentially save you hundre—  Authentication Gem recognized Magical signature... Matched Decrypting... Displaying message Agent 8011 We regret having to contact you in your retirement, but the Crown requires your services once again. Our intelligence suspects that several residents of your current town may have been witness to or participants in a Thaumial-class Event. Information on the nature of the Event is minimal, but the risk has been deemed Level Yellow based on current findings. The targets of this operation are as follows: Target 1: Twilight Sparkle Target 2: Applejack Apple Target 3: Rainbow Miriam Danger Dash Target 4: Fluttershy [REDACTED] Target 5: Pinkamena Diane Pie Target 6: Rarity Belle The Event was investigated and marked 'closed' on all official records, however certain high-level authorities wished it to be investigated further. Your mission is to become close to your targets through whatever means necessary without arousing their suspicion. Once there, monitor them for any abnormal behavior and keep track of any strange abilities they may manifest. Reports are to be sent in the usual way, using the Blue Sky cipher. Good luck Agent 8011, and Celestiaspeed. Your nation is counting on you. -Mission Control This message will self-destruct in fifteen seconds. Bon Bon, formerly Agent Sweetie Drops, tossed the letter into the unlit fireplace moments before the paper burst into flames and crumbled to less than ash. Her favorite chair caught her slumping body, but did little to comfort her. She rubbed her eyes and groaned, bleeding out all of her frustrated exasperation into the sound. It was far from the most dangerous mission she'd ever been on but... "Hey Bonnie! You gotta come see this! Twilight’s leading a crew in adding an addition to Town Hall and Pinkie’s turned it into a hardware-themed block party! Anyone who comes to help gets a free blowtorch! I need a free blowtorch!" ...but how was she supposed to tell what was normal for those six?!