//------------------------------// // 4. Ignition (Dord) // Story: Twiggled: A RariTwi Exquisite Corpse // by SigmasonicX //------------------------------// They ran and ran without thinking, neighborhoods passed by in a blur with the disguised princess being pulled by her girlfriend with an impressive display of strength. They finally took refuge in a remote cafe on the outskirts of town. With the rush of adrenaline stopping, and making sure that the pursuer was lost, the newly-met couple became silent. The delinquent princess looked around the neighborhood in excitement, being kept hidden from what lies beyond the castle’s walls her entire life made her feel like a child once again. Rarity glanced up from her cup of tea, gazing lovingly at her “Sitwee” and her innocent little smile, reminding her of little Sweetie Belle seeing Canterlot on their first trip here a long time ago. “You seem to be very excited seeing ordinary buildings… as a tour guide, no less, darling?” The disguised princess’s eyes grew wide. She faked a cough. “No, no, Rarity… these… These are not just ANY buildings.” She stood up, proudly pointing towards some decrepit buildings in the distance. “These are the founding houses of Canterlot!!” (Squee!) (Silence.) (A tumbleweed rolled past them.) Rarity arched an eyebrow. “Oh fine!” Twilight “Sitwee” Sparkle fell back on her chair, sulking. “Don’t be so dramatic, princess, I’m jesting,” the pale girl replied with a sip from her cup. Lowering her cup, Rarity stared scrutinizingly at her recently-just-became girlfriend. Twilight flustered. “I told you, I’m not a princess! That Senõr Queso guy probably mistook me for someone else.” The suspect princess looked away. “Come on now Sitwee. Please...” She had large pupils, with her mouth curved down. Dang! The princess thought. Her eyes… How could anybody else in the world ever resist that? No! She can’t. She has to remain steadfast, the scandal of a royal princess running away is bad enough, dating a commoner as well? There must be a way to get out of this tangled mess while keeping contact with Rarity. Oh right, get her phone number, pretend she has to go home, both sides are happy, right? But was she going to leave this beauty to her own devices? Leave her to be found by Senõr Queso and his magical accordion device blasting yellow shockwaves? Reciting that last sentence in her mind reminds her of Pinkie’s randomness, they could totally be an item, not going to lie. Rarity watched her date gesture wildly, likely doing some mental calculations, mouthing something about “Pink and yellow color looking so well together.” She was starting to get concerned for her date actually, so she asked. “Darling?” Twilight bolted upright. “Y… YES?” “What were you daydreaming about, hm?” She flutters her eyelashes a few times for good measure. She knows! Panic gripped the princess, biting her lips, she blurted out, “I was thinking about us, babe!” She followed with a poor attempt at fluttering her eyebrows. Rarity hiccuped. Followed by the most unladylike laughter she ever had. “BWAHAHAHAHAHA! You! You are so funny, Sitwee! HAHAHA!” Twilight could only groan and wait for her lady friend to stop wheezing. “Haha. Wow!” Rarity wiped away a tear, still laughing a little. Twilight facepalmed. Silence overcame the table once more. Twilight’s face became serious, she sighed. “I fear for your safety, Rarity.” She took Rarity’s hand and held it softly. “Senõr Queso might’ve been after me back there, but he saw you with me as well. He might’ve not known of our relationship in detail, but it might’ve been enough for him and his cronies to paint you a target as well.” Her voice was etched with concern. “See, darling? That’s what I don’t understand. Who are they? Why are they after you? And most of all, what was that accordion magical shockwave… thing that Queso guy used?” Rarity leaned closer to Twilight across the table, eyes staring, refusing to be swayed. Twilight wanted to look away, to spare her from the truths, yet when she looked back into those irises, she saw not a weak, dramatic diva queen Rarity painted her to be, but a woman full of conviction, determination, faith, and trust. A trust in Twilight more than anything. Those beauties shine brighter than any eyeliner, lipsticks or brushes she uses. Her admiration was interrupted with a gentle peck on the lips. “It’s alright, darling. You don’t have to.” A hand stroked Twilight’s cheek. Twilight closed her eyes, deep breath, before speaking. “It has something to do with the Duchess.” She raised her hand before Rarity could interrupt. “Her full name is Her Lady Duchess Muffin Garland McGuffin Mary Platinum Aurum Agatha the Fifth of House Manehattan. Or just Duchess Muffin.” “I’ve heard that name mentioned in the royal news sometimes. Though I believe they’ve never gotten a single picture of her.” Rarity got up, picked a newspaper from another table. “Today’s printing as well. ” She cleared her throat and started reading aloud. Canterlot Daily News Royal Announcement: The search for the missing runaway Princess Twilight Sparkle continues on without rest with Prince Shining leading the search. Yet the young heiress of the Royal Family still eludes officials. Both King Night Light and Queen Twilight Velvet had declined to give out their thoughts on the current matter. Lady Mi Amore Cadenza, the rumored current partner of Prince Shining, has also been sighted entering the Royal Palace. House Manehattan has also been sighted … (More at page 7) … “Sighted doing what!?” The mentioned princess jumped up in anticipation. Rarity gulped, turned a few pages before continuing. Page 7: … House Manehattan has also been sighted fortifying their castle for unknown reasons, surrounding the walls with armed forces. Connections between the princess’s disappearance and the House’s behavior are still unknown, with both parties going silent to the outside world. Though unrest has begun to build up with citizens of the two states fearing some form of civil war between the Royal House and Manehattan. We can only… “Stop.” Rarity heard a faint voice coming from across the table. Looking up, she saw “Sitwee” putting her head against the tabletop, shaking softly. She was crying. “Darling? Are you alright?” She slowly crept towards her partner, leaving the papers on her seat. “This… This is all my fault….” came a shaky reply. Rarity gently patted the princess’s hair. “It’s alright princess. Everything is going to be alright.” Silence, saved for the occasional hiccups and sob coming from Twilight. When the Princess finally calmed down, Rarity gave her own handkerchief to wipe away tears. “Thank you Rarity.” Mumbled Twilight as she took Rarity’s napkin. “Always for you, darling.” Twilight couldn’t help but smile at this tenderness. “By the way… Why did you call me a princess? I already told you that Queso person got it wrong.” The runaway heiress looked away in guilt. “Your reactions to the news said everything, dear.” Rarity knelt down beside Twilight’s chair and kissed her cheek. “House Manehattan, Duchess Muffin, they want me alive for whatever reasons…” Twilight gently touched Rarity's face. “It’s related to Senõr Queso and his magic accordion somehow right?” The princess nodded. “But… I still don’t know the Duchess’s purpose, goals, and intentions right now. It’s why I can’t go back to my parents at the present even if I wanted to.” Rarity stroked Twilight’s bangs, exposing her eyes and gazing into them. “You can’t be playing investigator alone, darling…” Rarity lovingly replied. “My family and even Canterlot can be at stake if I don’t know the whole situation.” Twilight protested. “That’s why you’ll need the ‘Rarity Investigates’, dear.” Rarity somehow managed to put on a monocle, find a magnifying glass, and proceed to lay down dramatically on a random couch, much to the irritation of the waiter working overtime. “I can’t put you at risk because of me, Rarity!” “You don’t put me in this situation at all, Twilight.” Their forehead pressed together. “I put myself in this position for you, dearest...” Rarity closed her eyes, a single tear escaping her eyelids. “Because… Finally, I think I’ve truly fallen in love with you.” Twilight’s eyes grew wide, and so did her smile. “I love you too, you drama queen.” In a tiny cafe at dusk fall, two girls shared a simple kiss that said more than a thousand words. Realizing their feelings for each other, their resolve strengthened, gone are the fears, anxiety, and uncertainty, replaced by the feeling of partnership, compassion, and love. Even if Duchess Muffin sent henchmen more powerful and stranger than Senõr Queso’s magical accordion to capture Princess Twilight for whatever wicked purpose she had, they are going to brave the coming storms, together. “I see our path ahead, full of despair and hardship, and I will walk it with joy in my heart.” In a hidden alley not far away, a pair of eyes watch the couple from the darkness.