//------------------------------//
// Friendship is Magic, Part 1 
// Story: Magical Radiance 
// by Prixy05 
//------------------------------//

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria

There were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn; the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. 

Thus, the two sisters-maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies. But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. 

The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day-

Rarity sighed, shutting the book. She didn't care for studying, she preferred a more hooves on approach to her training, preferably something more stylish. And right now, she could do neither because of her lack of concentration.

The unicorn stood up from under the tree, using magic to pick up the stack of books before her and place them on her back. Celestia had assigned reading for her magic studies, and Rarity thought that the book titles The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide would prove interesting.

It was not.

Instead, the book was full of what seemed to be old pony-tales.

She flipped her indigo curls back and began the walk back to Canterlot Castle, where she lived in a suite with her personal assistant Spike. She stopped short before a trio of unicorns who were walking the opposite direction.

"Hey," called out the blue one, "Rarity, is it?"

Rarity looked at them while attempting to balance the books, "Yes?"

"Well, there's a party going on later, and we were wondering if you could make it?"

Rarity didn't know these unicorns personally, but she was well known around Canterlot for her presence at parties, where Celestia let her practice her magic by decorating and putting on light shows. 

"Sorry," Rarity sighed, looking back at the workload on her back, "I can't make it, Celestia will end me if I miss another one these deadlines!"

The trio of unicorns nodded as Rarity walked away, nearly loosing balance several times.

"That pony always seems to have a workload on her hooves," said the blue unicorn with pity, "She must be stressed all the time!"





Rarity's suite in the castle used to be a study, but the prestigious student had transformed it into a workshop. Despite the posh Canterlot attitude of the unicorn, the room itself was a mess of creative ambiguity. Books, scrolls, and art supplies were scattered haphazardly about. In front of the wall-sized window were several mannequins, each displaying extravagant robes Rarity used for ceremonies and social gatherings. Curiously of all was one corner, covered in what seemed to be black slime. The remaining exposed wood around makeshift nest was pinned up with various papers, depicting drawings of a pink and purple maned filly alongside various other creatures. Sleeping inside the nest was a small creature with a black shell and jointed limbs, a changeling.

Suddenly Rarity burst into the room, "Spike, darling!" Rarity called out before yelping as she lost balance.

The noise startled the sleeping changeling, who leapt out his nook changing forms to a purple pony. He looked over to see Rarity collapsed on the floor with books and papers scattered around her.

"Rarity?" Asked Spike, "Your supposed be studying!"

"Well, Spike," Rarity started before stopping to look over at the purple pony, "You know Spike, that you don't have to hide from me."

"You startled me!" Spike said, embarrassed, as he changed back to his original form. Revealed was a small pony-shaped insectoid with a black shell, except for the bright green eyes and glittering diamond-colored wings.

Rarity shrugged off the changeling's shame, "It's alright Spike, everypony-er creature, gets scared sometimes!" Rarity and Spike began to pick up the books. "I was wondering," asked Rarity, "If you could help me with my studying?"

Spike waved his claws, "Sorry I can't Rarity! Celestia said you need to do some things on your own!"

"But I have some things to do later," Rarity said while side-eyeing her ornate party robe in the corner, "important things."

Spike would have raised an eyebrow if he could, "You mean doing some more of your party favors?"

"No," Rarity laughed.

"I know you Rarity," said Spike carrying the books, "And I know that you're generous. I know that you want to go help with a party or assist the royal guard or babysit some foals or-" he stopped mid-sentence as he looked at Rarity. She was giving him the eyes.

Staring at the big pouty things, Spike finally relented. "Fine, what do need?" he grumbled.

"I need to take notes on some books," Rarity gleefully said. She tossed The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide to Spike's feet, "Here! Do this one first."

Rarity hummed to herself as she sorted through her robes while Spike changed form to a being with more articulation and began to read the book. Reading something about two sisters, Spike thought to himself. 

Of course, he would do anything for Rarity, she was like a sister to him, and he was a part of her family despite being non-pony. He always had fun when they visited Canterlot, especially with Rarity's little sister Sweetie Belle, who adored his shape changing abilities. But Rarity was seriously neglecting her studies, having accomplished little over the past few moons, study or otherwise.

Spike had reached a part of the book about the mare on the moon. But wasn't that just an old ponies' tale?

"Rarity?" He asked, "How come you didn't read anything?"

Rarity scoffed, "I did read something! I just couldn't concentrate, that's all."

"How come?"

"I don't know, stress from the celebration tomorrow, something just at the back of my mind."

"What part did you read up to? I don't want to take notes on something you already read."

"Just the part about the mare on the moon," Rarity cited, "wait." Something clicked inside her head, a connection! She galloped over to Spike. "Quick! What's that book on predictions?"

"Predictions and Prophecies?" He sighed and hopped down from his stool, walking over to Rarity's hastily built mound of books. He eventually found Predictions and Prophecies and handed it over to Rarity, who began to furiously page through the book.

"Aha!" She eventually shouted after a few minutes of reading, "Right here Spike!" She pointed to the page labeled The Mare on the Moon as Spike read it aloud.

"The Mare in the Moon, myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal"

"You know what this means Spike?"

"That you found a connection between two books that you were supposed to study and now you'll get another question right, so you'll get a passing score in a history test?"

"What? No darling, this means... well," Rarity stammered, trying to word out what she was saying. Eventually she harrumphed, "Spike, take a note!"

The changeling already had a scroll and quill in claw, anticipating such an event.

Rarity began to pace as she worded out the letter, 
"My dearest teacher Celestia, upon continuing your advised magical studies despite personally believing them as dreadfully dull, I believe I have found a connection to prophecy that could spell peril for Equestria! I have the assumption that one of the two sisters, Nightmare Moon, is in fact the Mare on the Moon and she could return shortly! I believe that something should be done about this. As your faithful student, I shall await your response. Yours truly, Rarity."

"Aaaand done," said Spike as he finished penning the letter. The changeling proceeded to blast the note with changeling magic from his horn, magically transporting it directly to Celestia.

"Now Spike," Rarity said, searching through the books, "Help me find a book on protection spells, I need to learn them immediately!"

"Honestly Rarity," admitted Spike, "I think the stress might be getting to your head. I mean, I may have sent the letter, but it was based on a random connection between two old tall tales, I doubt Celestia will answer your-" Spike was interrupted the second time that day as a note magically appeared from his horn. He grabbed it and began to read.

"Dear Rarity, I have heard your concerns and I'm afraid that stress may be getting to you. As such, your current magical assignments are canceled. Instead, you shall attend tomorrow's Summer Sun Celebration in this year's location: Ponyville. You will accompany the royal squad there and take a vacation. However, I have one task for you to complete: make some friends! "

Rarity groaned, "A break? Friends?" 

It was true, despite Rarity's extroverted nature and magical skills, she had yet to become closely acquainted with anypony besides Spike. She was simply too busy to make time for bonding.

Spike looked around at the mess of a room, "I guess we leave now?"





Spike and Rarity rode a chariot through the skies of Equestria. Spike had taken up his pony form and was squished against the wall of suitcases that took up half the chariot. There were two other chariots flying alongside them, each of which held various other officials from Canterlot.

Spike finished reading over the list Celestia gave them. Spike chuckled, "Don't you worry Rarity! Celestia set up somewhere for us to stay, a place you can relax and mellow out."

Rarity nodded, "Yes you're right! I've been so stressed with studying and helping others; I haven't had time to for myself!"

"Not just yourself," Spike pointed out, "Maybe a few new friends as well."

"Right right," Rarity said rolling her eyes, "I guess that's my royal responsibility." She sighed to herself, being friendly wasn't the same as being a friend, especially when one had other things to do. 

She peered over the sides of the chariot and looked down to the town below. It was a charming little place. It wasn't dirty, which Rarity hated, it was rustic. The main town was made up of thirty or so buildings nestled against a large forest and what appeared to be an apple orchard to the east. 

As the pegasi royal guard pulling the chariots made contact, Rarity's chariot jostled to a stop. Rarity daintily stepped out, with the cube of suitcases hovering behind her through levitation. Spike followed her, waving to the pegasi guards.

"Thank you gentlecolts," Rarity said courteously. The guards silently nodded in response and flew away.

"Okay Rarity," said Spike, looking over the list, "Our lodging should be that way."

"No Spike," she curtly responded, "I would like to help with the preparations for the festival. It would be the helpful thing to do."

Spike frowned, "But Rarity, you're supposed to be on vacation! How about instead you chill out and make some friends," Spike pointed to a pink earth pony with a poofy mane passing nearby, "Why not go and talk to her? I'm sure the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about."

Rarity sighed and approached the pink pony, "Why hello darling!" In response the pink pony leapt up in the air in surprise with an extended gasp before dashing off to somewhere. Rarity watched the pony's dust, "My, you were certainly right Spike, that was interesting. Now, where does the festival need help for its preparations?"

Spike simply sighed in response.





Spike and Rarity walked down a dirt path to Sweet Apple Acres. Rarity had assumed that would be a good place to get food for the Summer Sun Festival. 

"I don't think you should be doing this," grunted Spike, moving at a crawl behind Rarity, "Celestia gave you specific instructions to not take every matter in your own hooves. Y'know, to relax?". The changeling had taken the form of a buff earth pony but was still struggling to pull the dainty wagon which held the precariously balanced mound of suitcases.

"Yes darling," responded Rarity, "I know that, but Celestia also tasked me with making some new friends, and what better way to do that than helping someponies?"

Spike didn't respond, instead tripping as the wagon went over a bump. Suitcases began to fall off, but were caught mid-air with Rarity's magic. 

Spike looked over at her plaintively while she restacked the suitcases with her magic, "Could we at least bring your packing over to the lodging next?"

"Certainly Spike."





As the duo entered underneath the wooden sign labeled Sweet Apple Acres, they looked around. In the distance was a small, classic country-farm. But most noteworthy of all was the orchard that surrounded them. All around the trail and farm were hundreds if not thousands of apple trees, each covered in juicy apples that glistened like rubies in the sun.

"I like the aesthetic," Rarity mused to no one in particular, "very rustic."

"Yeehaw!"

An earth pony galloped into view. She had a light orange coat and a brown hat upon her head. With one hearty THUMP! She had bucked against an apple tree, causing all of the apples to fall into wooden buckets placed below. 

Rarity cleared her throat, getting the pony's attention, "Greetings, my name is Rarity and-"

Rarity was interrupted as the pony pulled her into a vigorous hoof-shake, "Well, howdy-doo, Miss Rarity, a pleasure makin' yer' acquaintance. I'm Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like makin' new friends!"

Rarity adjusted her newly disheveled mane, "Well about that-"

"So, what can I do you for?" Asked Applejack. 

Rarity continued, attempting to maintain a smidge of grace, "Well, I am in fact here to generously help with the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. And I presume you and your family are in charge of the food?"

Applejack looked surprised, "Sorry Miss but we don't need any help. In fact, the royal official just left a few minutes ago!"

Spike gave Rarity his I told you so look while she thought of a response, "You don't need any help? At all? Nothing in the kitchen perhaps?"

Applejack thought for a moment, "Well, we certainly do have somethin' in the kitchen." She looked over Rarity's shoulder to the stack of suitcases towering behind her, "Y'all certain you don't need help?"

Spike jumped in before Rarity could scoff the question away, "Yes yes yes!"





The sound of a ringing triangle echoed out over the farm. "Soups on everypony!"

As if summoned, the area round the barn was filled with ponies. They were various shades shapes, but all shared cutie marks related to apples. Rarity looked around at the ponies and food arranged about. It certainly did look tasty.

Applejack walked up with a large red stallion who stopped to stare at the cube of cases. "Now my brother Big McIntosh here will help y'all with yer cases. That won't be problem will it Big Mac?"

He shook his head, "Nope."

Applejack leaned over to the exhausted pony on the ground, "Say, where does it need'ta go?" The changeling limply held up his list to the earth pony.

Big Mac looked it over and nodded, "Eyup."

In a few seconds, he had attached himself to the wagon and pulled it away in much more ease than even Spike's buff pony form.

"Just give me something, anything," Spike whimpered, still on the ground. He grasped the air like a baby as Applejack brought over a tray full of various apple-related products and poured them into the changeling's mouth.

Applejack returned to the unicorn, who was still observing the various socializing ponies. "Though the food is as sure as sugar, we still have plenty to go 'round. Would you care to sample some?"

"I'd love to darling, but I'm sure somepony else might need my help," Rarity flipped her mane, "Because of my natural magic experience."

Her bragging was interrupted as an apple tart was shoved into her mouth. "Nonsense!" Laughed Applejack, "How 'bout y'all meet the Apple family!"

Applejack did a little dance as she hopped about and pointed out various ponies. "This here's Apple Fritter. Apple Bumpkin. Red Gala. Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp," she stopped a second to breathe, "Y'all already met Big McIntosh, but there's also Apple Bloom and Granny Smith. Up'n'attem, Granny Smith! We got guests."

The old green mare sleeping in the rocking chair snorted awake, "Wha? Soup's on? I'm up, here I come, I'ma comin!"

Applejack chuckled, "Why, I'd say you're already part of the family!"

Rarity glanced over to Spike, who was still on the ground gorging himself with food. He was happy at the moment, and she couldn't take away that. And anyways, the food did look delicious.

"I guess we could stay for a little bit," she sighed, earning cheers from the entirety of the Apple family.





Rarity's stomach grumbled as she and Spike, now suitcaseless, left the farm and back to main area of Ponyville. It had felt like hours to her, though in actuality, it was only thirty minutes.

"Ugh, I never want to see an apple again," she whimpered, turning her head away from the apple trees in disgust.

Spike, who had taken the form of a small purple parasprite and perched on her head, belched a satisfied burp. "That's what you say," he chuckled, "I'm pretty sure I saw a certain unicorn loose her Canterlot manners to some pie."

Rarity scoffed, "Well I- I mean," she bowed her head admittance, "Yes it was the best pies I've ever tasted." It was true for Rarity, for even the most well-regarded of foods and eateries back in Canterlot were known for the smallness and tastelessness elsewhere in Equestria, and Rarity had never found the time to eat out somewhere with more, palatable food.

"I think they liked you too," Spike smugly cited in response.

Rarity rolled her eyes in response and looked up to the sky to distract herself. The sky was cloudy. Wasn't somepony supposed to clearing the skies? Maybe she could help out and clear with her magic.

As if in response to Rarity's own thoughts a flash of rainbow appeared in the sky. This rainbow zoomed around, breaking apart every cloud in the sky. In a mere ten seconds, the sky shone bright blue as it was made clear.

A cyan-colored pegasus with a uniquely rainbow-colored mane landed nearby Rarity and Spike. "And that, that is how you do it!" The pegasus hoofpumped to herself. She turned, noticing the unicorn with a parasprite on her head. "Oh! Sorry, didn't notice ya! What's your name?"

The pegasus was certainly energetic. Rarity cleared her throat and responded, "I'm Rarity, and I'm- on a trip in town."

The pegasus laughed, "Sweet! Takin' time to chillax eh?"

"Not. At. All." Spike quietly mumbled so nopony would hear him.

Rarity looked back up to the clear sky, "So, I take you're the one in charge of the weather for the festival?"

"Yep, that's me! The name's Rainbow Dash!" She took up to the air again, performing a small loop-de loop.

"Darling, I couldn't help but notice that your clearing of the weather was a tad, delayed. Do you perhaps need any help? I have the magic you need."

Rainbow Dash waved off the unicorn's request while laughing, "Me? Ha! No way!" She zipped around in the air some more, performing some twirls, "I'm the fastest pony in Ponyville! Why, I'm fast enough for the Wonderbolts!"

Rainbow Dash ignored the looks of confusion and continued, "They're the bestest, fastest flyers in Equestria. And when they see these moves tomorrow, they get a good look at my stuff! Watch this!"

Rainbow began to perform tricks in the air. She looped around, zoomed around town weaving through buildings, and as finishing move, spiraled around Rarity and Spike in a gust of whirlwind. Upon finishing, Rainbow Dash roughly landed with her hooves outstretched.

"Ta-dah!"

She opened her eyes to see the shocked Rarity, her mane made completely disheveled and poofy by Rainbow's miniature tornado. This sight, of course, was hilarious, prompting Rainbow and the fluttersprite Spike to burst out laughing at the sight.

"You should see the look on your face. Ha! You're a laugh, Rarity! I can't wait to hang out some more."

Rarity made a false smile. "Of course," she said through gritted teeth, "Say darling, where are the royal Canterlot officials?"

Rainbow stopped laughing and wiped the tears from her eyes, "They're at the town hall! Anyways, smell ya later!" Rainbow Dash waved them goodbye and flew off in a burst of color.

"Wow! She's a riot!" Spike said, still chuckling to himself. Rarity simply grunted in response and turned to the Ponyville town hall. Spike quickly fluttered after her, "Don't worry Rarity, your mane looks kind of pretty once you get used to it!"





Rarity was beginning to feel peeved off. First nopony needed help, causing her to practically waste her day, then she nearly ate herself into stupor, and then that pegasus had the gall to make her mane into a fashion disaster! She hoped that the Canterlot officials at the town hall could give her something, literally anything to do.

Rarity entered the town hall with Spike sitting on her back. The place was the main location for the Summer Sun Celebration, so it had been garnished with decorations all over. Rarity observed the decor, not bad, but some areas could use some improvement, especially the mahogany railings. Silver was just too much! Sky blue ribbon would fit the color pallet and festival much better.

Rarity redirected her attention from the decor to the staff. Various ponies milled about, many of whom were certainly from Canterlot. Royal guards stood at attention at doorways and the like, Rarity recognized Fancy Pants, who stood in one corner presiding over a checklist. She also recognized the captain of the royal guard, a white unicorn who she didn't know the name of. He stood talking to who she assumed was the mayor of Ponyville. Finally, one more Canterlot official was stood underneath the balconies, focused on applying decorations. The purple unicorn was garbed in royal armor ornately styled in a manner not unlike Rarity's own ceremonious robes.

Rarity walked up to the pony, who was densely focused on her telekinesis, hanging several decorations at once.

"Excuse me, um, madam?" Rarity's question broke the concentration of the unicorn, who turned to look at Rarity.

"Rarity, I presume?" She asked as a large silver banner covered her head.

"Oh, you know me?" Rarity asked.

The unicorn lifted the banner off her head and put it aside, "Of course! Everypony in Canterlot knows you," she smiled, "Especially with fine taste and sense of style."

Rarity blushed, "I can't say the same thing about you, what's your name?"

The unicorn held out a hoof, "Twilight Sparkle, accomplished mage and official magical advisor for Princess Celestia."

They shook hooves, "Pleasure to meet you Miss Sparkle."

"You can call me just Twilight," she confided, "Say, I know you're supposed to be on vacation, but could lend a bit of your stylish expertise? I'm in charge of setting up the celebration and I want it to be perfect."

Rarity nodded, "Certainly darling! Let me try something out," Rarity concentrated and focused on the banners around the hall. Her horn began to glow white and with a sparkle and a pop, the banners all shifted from silver to sky blue. "There we go!" Rarity said, looking up at her handiwork.

Twilight nodded to the display, "Impressive, that's a higher-level spell right there!"

"Oh, it's sort of my special talent," Rarity affirmed whilst fluttering her eyelashes, "Do you have anything else that I could help with? Its dreadfully difficult doing nothing!"

Twilight laughed in response, "Tell me about it! I guess you could say that I'm kind of a busybody!" She then pulled up a checklist with her magic, looking it over, "Anyways, there is one last thing we need to do before the celebration, and I guess you could do it."

"Thank you, Twilight Sparkle!" Rarity giggled in response before snatching the checklist and trotting out of the town hall.

Twilight waved her off, "One more thing," she jokingly called out, "Try to fix that disaster of a mane before the celebration!"

Rarity looked up at her mane, having completely forgotten how it was a complete mess.

"So where do we need to go?" Spike sighed, finally speaking out now they weren't around anypony else, and he didn't have to hide himself.

"Last thing is to check the music!" Rarity affirmed, "With somepony named Fluttershy."





Rarity was nearly galloping in her hurry to proceed to her next destination. So much time wasted! So much time wasted that the event organizer, Twilight Sparkle, was only able to give her one job! One! It was outrageous!

Spike, who had taken his pony form once again, hurried after her, "Calm down Rarity! Don't forget! This is your time off; your only job is to make some friends!"

Rarity stopped for a second and looked back at him. Spike had been repeating that kind of mantra all day. Rarity's experiences with socializing with the local townsfolks had been... mixed to say the least. She had gotten along with splendidly with Twilight, a fellow magic student. Less so could be said about Rainbow Dash, who messed up her mane to the point where it took twenty minutes of various styling spells to fix it. She had no strong opinions on Applejack, though perhaps she was too busy eating at the moment to form one.

"We've got to do something, darling!" Rarity reaffirmed to Spike, "I'm not built for slowing down, I'm the kind of pony who needs my hooves full at all times!"

Spike sighed, "I know," he looked at the scroll Rarity was magically hovering next to her, "Check on the music and that's it for me."

The two had left the more populous town center and entered a more natural section of Ponyville. The sounds of birds singing could be heard as they approached a cottage that seemed to be built into a hill and adorned with a variety of birdhouses.

Rarity and Spike stopped in their hooves when they saw a yellow pegasus with a flowing pink mane who seemed to be conducting an arrangement of birds on a nearby tree. They began to whistle a tinny version of the royal fanfare until a blue jay sang a note that was noticeably off-key.

"Oh my," whispered the pegasus, stopping the birds' practice, "Um, stop please, everyone, umm. Excuse me, sir?" She flew up to the blue jay, "I mean no offense, but your rhythm is just a teeny-tiny bit off. Now, follow me, please. A-one, a-two, a-one two three-"

Rarity leapt in, "You must be Fluttershy!"

The pegasus yelped and leapt up in the air in fright, subsequently scattering the birds.

"Oh my! I'm dreadfully sorry," apologized Rarity, "I'm just a bit off kilter today! You know how a lady gets when she's bored!" Rarity laughed at her own remark, pausing to an awkward silence. She cleared her throat, "Anyways, I'm a representative for Canterlot and here to check on the music for the festival."

"Oh... right," Fluttershy timidly whispered, "It's going fine."

Rarity tilted her head, "Excuse me?"

"It's going fine..."

"Sorry darling, but I can't quite hear you."

Fluttershy's whimper was near silent.

Spike interrupted, "Okay okay, step aside Rarity," he lightly pushed her aside and approached the pegasus who was hiding behind her mane. "Sorry about her Miss Fluttershy, Rarity's a bit- overwhelmed? Or underwhelmed, I can't really tell with her today."

Fluttershy giggled immediately opening up a little, "Oh, I don't mind, I have... trouble talking with other ponies."

Spike smirked, "Oh really? Perhaps may I be of assistance?" 

Fluttershy gasped as the pony standing before her vanished in a flash of green light, with a small dark blue bird replacing him.

"Let me help you with this," he said, extending his wings in a bow.

The bluebird flew up to the tree where the rest of the birds had gathered. Within a minute, after an exchange of whistles, the offending blue jay began to whistle the proper notes for the performance perfectly in tune.

"There you go!" Spike announced, morphing back into his pony form after he flew back down.

Both Fluttershy's and Rarity's jaws were dropped.

"You're a changeling?"

"You revealed you're a changeling?"

Spike shrugged, "She needed help Rarity, and I know that you can't communicate with animals."

Before Rarity could answer, the changeling was embraced by the pegasus who bombarded him with an onslaught of statements. "You're really a changeling! I never thought I would meet one in real life! Is it true you feed off of love?"

Spike smugly grinned to Rarity, "Yep, the one and only friendly changeling in Equestria! And I did feed off of love, but that was a while ago, before I got these." In a flash of light, he morphed back into his original insectoid form, flittering his shiny diamond-colored wings.

Fluttershy clapped her hooves, "Wow wow wow! Can you morph into other things?"

Spike nodded, "Of course! I've had plenty of practice!"

A flash of green light appeared, and he was a small purple drake with emerald-green spikes. "Dragon!"

Another flash, and he was blue griffon with green patterns on his wings. "Griffon!"

Another flash, and he was bipedal cat with gray fur. "Abyssinian!"

He changed form several more times, a dark gray yak, a beady-eyed purple bufogren, and a purple pegasnail with a blue shell. The entire time Fluttershy watched him in astonishment and cheered him on.

"Spike darling," Rarity intervened, "I think you've done enough changing for now."

"No! I could watch him all day," Fluttershy suggested.

"She's right Fluttershy," Spike reluctantly added, morphing back into his pony form, "Anyways, we ought to be going, we're supposed to be doing nothing."

Fluttershy looked down at the ground, "Oh, I understand; but could you answer just one more question?"

"I guess I could answer one."

"Well, what's your story? Why are you friendly?"

"Well, that's a lonnng story!" Spike playfully said. Rarity groaned and rolled her eyes, picking up the changeling with her magic and carrying him behind her like a balloon as she left. Meanwhile, Fluttershy followed closely behind, listening intently to his story.

"Now this all began back when I was in an egg, at least that's what Celestia says. Anyways it all started when Rarity came around-"





"And then I showcased some of my shapeshifting to you, and here we are now!" Spike finished with a flair, upon which he was promptly dropped by Rarity. They had reached their destination; it was rather large in size.

"Oh Spike, your story is wonderful," Fluttershy said, "No wonder you have such good friends!"

Spike looked over to Rarity, "Really, her? She's social and all, but-"

"I mean me silly!" Fluttershy laughed, "I mean, if you want to be my friend."

"Of course, Fluttershy! Two friends are always better than one!"

"Well, if that's the case," she added timidly, "feel free to come over to my cottage at any time, your shapeshifting could be useful in my work..."

"Enough!" Rarity had listened to their conversation, and she needed some sleep, perhaps it would get in a better mood than a whole day of doing nothing. "Excuse me Fluttershy, but it's about time we headed in for our beauty rest," she said with insincere smile, "Isn't that right Spike?"

"It's not really that late-" Spike began before he was shoved in through the open door.

Inside the entrance, it was pitch black.

"This is where we're staying? It's rather dark," Rarity asked incredulously.

"I think you were a bit rude back there," Spike said, rubbing his backside.

"It's just, I've had a, I'm just in a bad mood at the moment!"

"Right. Anyways it called the Carousel Boutique, an old clothing store or something. Let me just find a light-"

The lights flicked on, revealing a room full of ponies.

"SURPRISE!"

Rarity clutched her chest in surprise. Spike on the other hand, the surprised changeling yelped, changing form several times before plopping to the ground in the form of an opossum, inciting a chorus of gasps.

"Don't worry everypony! He just does that when he's startled," announced Rarity, "He's just playing dead."

A moment of silence passed before everypony lit up again with cheers and woops. After a second, the opossum opened his eyes and changed back into a pony.

"Aw man!" Spike moaned, "Now everypony knows!"

Rarity looked around. The room was festooned with streamers and party decor, a far cry from the formal gatherings she was acquainted to. The previous ponies she met were there too, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, some of the Canterlot officials, and even Fluttershy had peeked her head in. 

A party horn blew in her ear.

Rarity turned to see the pink pony from when she first entered Ponyville. "Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie," she said in a bubbly tone, "and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh huh huh?"

"You certainly did," stammered Rarity, "Especially him," she motioned to Spike, who had retreated to the food table. 

Pinkie bounced up and down, "Oh! I didn't mean to scare him, and I didn't know he had so many costumes! Y'see, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You were all hello darling and I was all gasp! Remember? Y'see I've never saw you before and if I've never saw you before that means you're new, 'cause I know everypony, and I mean everypony in Ponyville!" 

Rarity nodded along, walking over to the punch table.

"And if you're new, that meant you haven't met anyone yet, and if you haven't met anyone yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don't have any friends then you must be busy, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that's why I went all gasp! I must throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville! See? And now you have lots and lots of friends!"

Rarity harrumphed, "Sad," she spooned herself some punch, "Sad?"

A heat built up inside her, a feeling deep inside that echoed through her core up to her horn. 

"Aw look," Pinkie Pie said with a hint of pity, "She's so happy she's crying!"

Tears were indeed forming in her eyes, but not from emotion. Her face turned red as she flew and screamed. An involuntary bolt of light erupted from her horn, exploding in a massive indoor firework that incited cheers from everypony inside. Spike in his pony form ran over to see Rarity dash upstairs. He looked at the punch table, to see a bottle.

"Hot sauce," he read.





An hour later, everypony else was still up, wanting to stay awake for the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration. They were all gathered in the Carousel Boutique, except for one.

Rarity was flumped over her bed in the, admittedly ornate, room. Whatever tears she cried had dried up long ago, now she was simply morose.

Spike poked his head inside the room, "Hey Rarity, you sure you don't want to come on down? They have cake!" He held up a plate of oat cakes.

Rarity didn't turn, simply waving him away, "There's no point Spike, I'm just going to stay in here for the rest of my vacation."

"Why would say that? I think everypony down there likes you."

A hint of a smile graced Rarity's mouth for a second, "Everypony likes me darling. But that's beside the point," she flopped back down, "Nopony needs help, and when I try to socialize, I just mess it all up. I mean, for Celestia's sake, you've been doing better and you're a changeling!"

Spike shrugged, "They're surprisingly accepting of me."

"That's not what I mean! It's just, I'm supposed to be on a break, but also make some friends, but I want to help others, but nopony needs help, not to mention the whole Nightmare Moon thing! Which I don't even know if it's true!" Rarity sighed and wiped her eyes. "I just don't know what I'm doing or what I'm supposed to do."

"It'll be okay Rarity," Spike reassured before leaving, "Just take things one day at a time, and it'll be alright."

"But that's the thing, isn't it?" Rarity whispered to herself once she was alone, "What if there's no tomorrow?"





Rarity was unsure how much time had passed moping in her room, but she had to get up eventually. She stood in front of one of the multiple full-length mirrors in the room; at least the Carousel Boutique had plenty of spare items she could use. She made herself look presentable once again, using magic to straighten her mane, curl her eyelashes, and touch up her hooves.

Spike poked his head in, "C'mon, Rarity, it's time to watch the sunrise!"

"Give me a moment darling!" Rarity called back.

Spike noticed that the unicorn was already sounding much more chipper than before, though he was unsure if it was genuine. "Rarity," he said with concern, "If you're feeling better, maybe you can go and talk Celestia in-pony after the ceremony?"

"Nonsense darling!" Rarity laughed, "I'm not going to interfere with anything. Yes, I will simply go down and watch the ceremony as a casual observer."

Spike knew he couldn't argue against this, especially when Rarity was working through things in her own glamorous way.





The Ponyville town hall still had the decorations from earlier. Rarity couldn't help but smile as she saw her handiwork with the sky-blue banners. It certainly did look better for the festival.

The town hall was of course, packed with ponies attending the Summer Sun Celebration. Everypony from Pinkie Pie's party was there, along with even more ponies, tourists most likely. The Canterlot officials and guard stood watch on the balconies higher up above the crowd. Rarity tried her best to blend in with the crowd, a difficult task for sure, but she wanted to keep a low profile after the debacle at the party earlier.

Of course, a low profile would be hard to keep if the bounciest pony in the room hadn't bounced up to her.

"Isn't this exciting? Are you excited, 'cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited— well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town, and I went gasp but I mean really, who can top that?" Pinkie Pie yammered.

Rarity poorly hid both her amusement and annoyance with the pink pony. Didn't she ever get tired?

She had little opportunity to reflect on this as the lights dimmed and the crowd hushed.

Fluttershy flew in from above, beginning to conduct a choir of birds perched in the windows. They tweeted out a whistled version of the royal fanfare. A brown pony with gray mane, the mayor of Ponyville, walked out as cheers rang out from the crowd.

"In just a few moments," the mayor began, "Our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria," she beckoned aside, "Princess Celestia!"

The crowd cheered as the spotlights shone onto... nothing.

Rarity gasped to herself, "Huh?" There was no way the princess could be late. The crowd seemed to agree, as hushed murmurings began to spread amongst the ponies.

The mayor attempted to calm down the crowd, "Remain calm, everypony, there must be a reasonable explanation!" She gave a pointed look at Twilight, who sat in a nearby balcony. She shook her head as she was evidently just as confused.

Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie bounced next to Rarity, "Oo, oo, I love guessing games!" Pondering with a hoof on her chin for second, "Is she hiding? Oo! Is this a prank?"

A royal guard emerged from behind the mayor in a panic. "She's gone!"