After comforting Fluttershy earlier that morning, Rarity went to the Ponyville markets to stock her kitchen with enough quality food and ingredients to last a week. Each meal of the day was going to be the best of her homemade cooking for her guests.
Levitating around Rarity was a swarm of paper bags, kept aloft by her unicorn magic. She was thankful for her proficiency with telekinesis. Making dresses at her speed and efficiency required supreme control and precision with the spell—making mass manipulation an easy task.
As she trotted home, Rarity spotted Fast Pace, Dizzy, and Spike lingering outside her boutique residence.
"Hey, Rarity!" Spike called out cheerfully. "Let me get those for you." He said as he rushed over.
Rarity smiled warmly at the drake's generosity. His infatuation with her propelled him to be overly chivalrous to her. Sometimes she, admittedly, would abuse it on occasion, however, his helpfulness was always appreciated.
"Why thank you, my Spikey-wikey!" Rarity replied sweetly. “What are you all doing standing out here?" Rarity asked.
With a smirk, Fast Pace answered, "Well ma'am, like a reasonable pony, you locked the door."
"Oh, right," Rarity quickly said, embarrassed. "Here, let's get you all inside then."
She quickly unlocked the door and held it open. Everyone entered except for Spike, who had gathered too many bags and struggled to carry them.
"You know, Spike, I think it's best if I resumed carrying all that," Rarity said.
"No...I got—" Spike insisted boldly between strained grunts before misstepping and nearly losing his grip. "—IT!"
"I insist, noble dragon," Rarity tutted, enveloping much of Spike's armful back into her own levitation field. "Do go on ahead now."
"I said I had it…" Spike grumbled under his breaths, frustrated over losing his chance to impress Rarity with his strength. He trudged inside behind the others.
With everyone inside, Rarity used her magic to close the front door. She sat primly on her fainting couch while levitating the pile of grocery sacks down the hall and into the kitchen. The long line of floating bags followed one after another through the doorway like a train. Spike trailed along behind the caravan, carrying the few bags Rarity left him.
Fast Pace joined her while Dizzy quickly went to the guest upstairs, without saying a word.
"Impressive,” Fast Pace noted. "That's thirty bags or so, correct?"
"Indeed," Rarity responded, easily moving the bags with only a modicum of focus. "Practice makes perfect after all."
"From the dressmaking?" Fast Pace inquired
Rarity nodded. "Mhm. I'm the only premier designer and professional boutique owner here in Ponyville. Not from lack of competition mind you, my creativity and speed simply can't be matched!"
"Monopolizing the market—how ruthless," Fast Pace teased.
Rarity scoffed. "How dare you suggest such a thing. I offered Misses Lucky Boutonnière the opportunity to learn my secret to success. Sadly she was too—I don't know—prideful? Such a waste of potential…"
Walking out of the kitchen, Spike interrupted the two. "Dang, Rarity, are you planning to host the princesses or something?"
"No no," Rarity said jovially, "I just want each meal for my guests to be simply exquisite."
“Thoughtful as always!” Spike praised. “Anyway, I gotta go say bye to Dizzy. See you guys later!"
"Alright then. Have a nice day Spikey Wikey." Rarity turned back to Fast Pace and continued their conversation. "So, how was your little tour around town? I hope Dizzy had fun."
Rarity noticed a deep frown spread across Fast Pace's face. "She got into a fight," Fast Pace solemnly reported.
Rarity gasped, immediately fearing the worst. "First those dreadful rumors circulating, and now she's being accosted and hunted!? I can accept word spreading fast, but this is—"
"No!" Fast Pace interrupted. "It wasn't that severe. She did get antagonized—some ponies assumed she was Discord—but the group of ponies were only slinging insults, Dizzy was the one to throw the first and only blow."
“You don't mean Rainbow Dash was..." Rarity fretted, covering her mouth in dismay.
Fast Pace shook his head. "Absolutely not. After she struck a stallion she…broke down crying.”
Rarity sadly lowered her eyes. As much as she hated to admit it, Rainbow's skepticism over Dizzy's identity was echoing in her thoughts. She felt disgusted by how easily her convictions were shaken. "Could...could her tears have been feigned?"
"I know for certain she wasn't," Fast Pace stated
"How?" Rarity asked.
"Her face," he answered. "It was the same for you when Rainbow Dash attacked right?"
Rarity nodded.
"I've seen that same trauma plenty during Guard training exercises," Fast Pace explained, "when a recruit fears they accidentally killed their sparring partner. Dizzy looked utterly distraught."
"I-I…did she hurt him that bad?" Rarity worriedly asked.
"Just a broken nose, thankfully. But I'm unsure why she reacted so intensely." Fast Pace furrowed his brow, pondering the breakdown.
"Fear. Fear that she just ruined her life, Fast Pace," Rarity answered. "Rumors have spread fast that she's just Discord. Dizzy probably has it in her mind that she’s confirmed ponies' suspicions."
"Possibly…" Fast Pace muttered.
Spike came trotting back down the stairs and headed for the front entrance. "See ya later, Rarity!" he called over his shoulder.
"Goodbye, Spikey-Wikey!" Rarity responded brightly.
As the door clicked shut behind the departing dragon, Rarity refocused her attention on Fast Pace. She studied his furrowed brow and tense posture. "Still having doubts, darling?"
Fast Pace shook his head. "No, I just don't know what's going on now, and that's terrifying."
"Well, Twilight is gathering all of us girls tomorrow to get to the bottom of things," Rarity informed him. "Perhaps you could join us?"
"Sure, I'll come." Fast Pace stood up from the couch. "Unfortunately I didn't complete everything I needed to do today. Would you mind keeping an eye on Dizzy for me?"
"Of course, it would be my pleasure!" Rarity assured. She arched an eyebrow inquisitively. "Although I thought you never liked letting her stray far from your sight?"
Fast Pace paused in front of the door and glanced back, meeting Rarity's vivid blue eyes. "I trust you can properly handle any situation that arises.” He gave her a small, grateful smile. "Don’t start lunch without me!"
Rarity grinned playfully. "I wouldn't dare! Safe travels, darling."
With a casual salute, Fast Pace trotted out the door.
Adam lay brooding on his guest room bed, stewing in negativity. The spectral form of Discord floated lazily above, focused on reading a book he held aloft with magic.
"Well, wasn't that nice of Spike to say his goodbyes," Discord commented idly without glancing up.
"Yeah, sure," Adam muttered.
A devious grin spread across Discord's face. He dropped beside Adam and presented the cover of his book—The Tribulations of Young Equestria.
"Interesting how accurate these historical records are even after fifteen centuries. You’d think enough time would pass for history to be twisted, but I guess those prissy ponies care a lot about being accurate—at least about those they don't like."
Adam stared into Discord’s eyes. "So then you turning ponies inside-out is true."
Discord let out a casual, chilling chuckle. "Guilty!"
"I'm getting pinned for your crimes and all you do is laugh like it's some joke," Adam growled.
"Because it is!" Discord declared. "You think I'm sticking around to play defender? No! I don’t want to be a lifeless garden statue. So even though you can barely consider this existence, I'm getting to enjoy and do my favorite things."
"And what would those be?" Adam asked tightly.
"First is obvious, wanton chaos—and I mean the kind ponies refer to," Discord boasted. "Care to guess at my other proclivities? I assure you they're just delightful."
Adam glowered. "No." He was not going to be further entertainment to the draconequus.
The bastards getting off on my frustration! Adam thought bitterly.
"You're completely vile," he said aloud. "Let me guess, everything that's impeded my ability to enjoy it here is your fault. Why I can't say my name, why I'm a…in this stupid body, why people fear me!"
Discord adopted an expression of affronted shock. "Moi!? How dare you assume such a thing. I mean, it's a fair assumption, but there are some reasonable explanations!”
The apparition floated closer, his voice dripping with theatrical despair. "Perhaps the 'powers that be' simply deemed your identity forbidden. And I assure you, the DNA I utilized to craft that form came straight from our gametes—sperm if you want to be crass. So random chance was at play, and that body is what fate has so decided!”
Adopting an annoyed stance, Discord added, “It's a little easier to do things o'natural as much as possible, you know."
"Bullshit," Adam spat. "You wouldn't risk me getting some kind of genetic disorder."
Discord dove directly into Adam's face, leering eye to eye. "Oh? You presume to know me so well then?"
Adam refused to flinch. "I know you've got plans that involve me. That much is freaking obvious."
Discord shrugged indifferently. "Think what you want, it matters not. That seething paranoia of yours is quite entertaining though."
"You really are getting off to my suffering!" Adam accused.
Discord stared blankly before bursting into laughter. "Really!" He chuckled. "I suppose you could say that! Honestly, in more ways than you think!"
His admission momentarily stunned Adam. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Simply that your anguish is quite the enjoyable spectacle for me," Discord elucidated with nonchalant cruelty. "There's little entertainment I can directly cause in this ethereal state without burning through magical energies."
He held up the history book and waved it mockingly. "But please, if you truly believe I have some sinister master plan, why not read up on my exploits? Perhaps my past ‘Mayhem’ will reveal vital clues, hmm?"
Adam clenched a fist. "You're mocking me aren't you?"
Discord merely continued waggling the volume, waiting for Adam to snatch it.
"Whatever," Adam muttered. He grabbed the offered book and began flipping through it.
Satisfied, Discord hovered back and crossed his arms.
Rarity knocked gently on the guest room door where Dizzy had secluded herself. It had been half an hour since Fast Pace had left and she felt that it was a good time to check in on Dizzy. "Dizzy dear, may I come in?" she asked.
"It's your place, isn't it?" came the filly’s muffled voice from within.
Rarity entered to find Dizzy sprawled on the bed reading, barely acknowledging her arrival. "True, but privacy and personal space still matter," Rarity gently admonished.
"If you say so," Dizzy murmured, not looking up from her book.
"So, what are you reading there?" Rarity inquired brightly, trotting over to get a better look.
"Oh, um, history," Dizzy answered vaguely.
Rarity peered at the nondescript title, hoping for more context. "How nice. But of specifically?"
"Discord mainly…" Dizzy revealed reluctantly.
Rarity gracefully hopped up onto the bed, settling comfortably alongside Dizzy, who shirked at the contact. "Is this about what happened—that unpleasant encounter in town?"
"No, I was already studying him beforehand actually," Dizzy clarified, subtly recoiling from Rarity's proximity.
Rarity pondered how best to interpret the young mare's curiosity. If a filly talked about learning about their absent father, it wouldn't be farfetched to assume they felt the void left by the missing parent. It was worse for Dizzy as well, she didn't have a mother either.
Dizzy closed her book and turned her gaze away. "Am I in trouble or something?" She asked.
"No, of course not," Rarity quickly affirmed. "You may have made a mistake, but you're young. Mistakes are natural."
Dizzy regarded her suspiciously. "Then why are you here?"
Rarity felt slightly wounded by her guarded uncertainty. "Why shouldn't I be here? A friend I cared about got into a fight, it's only right I check on them."
Dizzy blinked, rendered momentarily speechless by Rarity's words. She stared down at the bed.
“Thank you, Rarity. For, um…for caring," she finally said in a small voice.
Rarity smiled warmly. "Of course, darling."
She nodded at the history book Dizzy still clutched. "So, you're learning about Discord. I'm sorry there's not much good to learn about your father."
"Please don't call him my father," Dizzy requested as she gripped the book in her claws harder. "I'd rather not be associated with someone like him. Especially since he doesn't have my best interests in mind."
Rarity internally cheered, She truly isn't that monster in disguise.
"Alright then, Dizzy. I'll be sure to tell the others as well," Rarity said.
Dizzy let out an exasperated huff. "I really need to get my own actual name."
"What's wrong with it?" Rarity asked.
"It's the laziest name I've ever heard. Your princess is lousy: Dizzy, Ponyville, Canterlot," Dizzy said as she listed them on her claws.
Rarity tutted disapprovingly. "Now darling, Princess Celestia only chose your name specifically. Rather bold to insult our benevolent ruler so."
"Oh, then I guess ponies are bad at naming in general," Dizzy declared.
Rarity bristled, offended on behalf of her race. "The nerve! Am I to presume even my carefully selected name falls short to you?"
Dizzy recoiled from the sudden glare. "No no, Rarity is great!" she quickly backpedaled.
Rarity laughed at the flustered filly. "That’s what I thought!" She said triumphantly.
Once she calmed down she kindly asked, "Have you thought of anything you do want to go by?"
"No…not really. I, um, had an idea but…don't ask," Dizzy said.
Rarity waved a hoof reassuringly. "I'm sure the name you thought of is fine dear—I won't judge.”
"It's less that, just...hard choosing a whole new identity I guess," Dizzy admitted.
Rarity nodded sympathetically. "Especially lacking a special talent for guidance. A cutie mark often influences such decisions."
"Special talent? Cutie-mark?" Dizzy questioned. "What even are those."
Rarity turned sideways, flaunting the trio of blue gems adorning her flank. “Why these of course!”
Dizzy's cheeks quickly turned red at the sight. She blinked and snapped out of her stupor before clearing her throat and raising a questioning brow.
It took Rarity a moment to realize how suggestive of a pose she took and let out a flustered awkward laugh.
"Sorry, how absentminded of me! I'm not trying to court you!" Rarity said quickly, straightening up hastily. "I merely wanted to demonstrate my cutie mark.
"You see, they represent a pony's greatest talent or trait. The insignia appears when we discover it," Rarity explained.
Still blushing faintly, Dizzy asked, "So, what is your special talent?"
"I actually have two talents,” Rarity said proudly. “My eye for fashion and, more directly, my skills in gem-finding."
"And that’s why you’re named Rarity?" Dizzy asked.
"Precisely!" Rarity praised.
Dizzy's else held a slight gleam of curiosity. "I have so many questions," she said.
Rarity smiled encouragingly. "Well then, how about a deal? I'll gladly answer any query you have. And in return...you let me style that mane and coat of yours!"
"That's a strange deal…a little one-sided—as in only serving me," Dizzy said skeptically.
"To put it bluntly, you don’t seem comfortable with me touching you," Rarity explained.
Dizzy looked away. "Is that how I've been coming off? It's just…"
"Just…?"
“I literally punched someone earlier. So having someone try to pamper me just feels...weird I guess,” she said bashfully.
Rarity gave her shoulder a comforting pat. "You had a moment of weakness. It's okay."
"No, it's fucking not!" Dizzy refuted, shrugging off Rarity. "I could've walked away. I didn't have to take it as far as I did."
"Yes…you could've, but nobody's at their most rational when stressed darling," Rarity affirmed.
Dizzy huffed. "That doesn't matter, I should've been better."
"Is that what you'll tell yourself the next time you make a mistake?" Rarity sternly asked. "You can't know your weaknesses if you never fail, dear."
Dizzy fell silent as Rarity's words of wisdom sank in. "Just go grab the brush or whatever," she finally said.
Rarity hummed, pleased, before looking at Dizzy sternly. "By the way, if you ever utter any more profanity, I will be washing out your mouth with soap. Am I clear?"
"Yes ma'am!" Dizzy said as she nodded vigorously.
Rarity reached out with her magic to her room down the hall. She had the location of all her household belongings memorized for ease of access. When she felt her brush set, she engulfed it with her magic and pulled it towards the guest room.
"Aren't you going to go grab a brush?" Dizzy asked, watching Rarity simply sit as her horn glowed.
"I already have, darling,” Rarity chirped confidently. “See how my horn is illuminated? If you're ever wondering if a Unicorn's casting a spell, look at their horns."
In demonstration, Rarity's brushes levitated into the room, carried by her blue aura.
"Wow," Dizzy muttered. "That's really useful. I have to get Twilight to teach me magic."
"I'll be sure to ask her,” Rarity said “Now, come here so I can work my talents on that mane of yours!"
Dizzy reluctantly scooted nearer on the bed to Rarity.
Awkward and uncomfortable…soothed, the three words that described how Adam felt. He had never had his hair brushed by someone else, let alone his new fur coat. It was pleasant but felt wrong in some way.
Rarity was humming away as she brushed him. She reminded Adam of his mother, who also hummed when she was busy, sending a pang of sadness through his heart.
Seeking distraction, Adam asked, "So…did you change your name or did your parents somehow know?"
"Starting off with a hard one are we?" Rarity remarked. "I wouldn't say they knew per se. But there is the phenomenon of expecting couples receiving a dream of their foal's talent…they're very abstract.”
As she spoke, Rarity continued brushing with well-practiced strokes of horn and hoof.
“My father was the one to receive the dream. He dreamt of a storm that rained down unremarkable gems, save one which shone brighter than the rest—a brilliant salutchsia diamond!” Rarity spoke with excitement.
“Afterward, he suggested ‘Dazzle Diamond.’ Mother disagreed,” Rarity continued. “She pondered just naming me Salutchsia, but father said it sounded too stuck-up. I'm glad he did, my cutie-mark's the completely wrong color. So they decided to be more metaphorical with my name—and, well, Rarity was chosen."
Rarity finished her story and ceased brushing to appraise her work. "Just a little polish and you look so precious! Though you were already quite the little cutie."
Adam recoiled from the label. "Uh, I am NOT cute," he automatically protested.
Rarity just tittered affectionately. "Oh, but you are darling! Just look in the mirror…why is it covered up?"
"I, uhh…" Adam uttered.
Rarity telekinetically pulled off the towel that covered the large vanity mirror on the other side of the room. "Nevermind, gaze upon my transformative talents, my dear!"
Adam stared into the mirror, his reflection showing the same random amalgam of animal parts - albeit with slightly tidier fur. "What am I supposed to be seeing?"
"Why, just how cute you are of course!" Rarity reiterated cheerfully.
"You think a hodgepodge of animal parts is cute? I'm pretty sure normal people would call me an eyesore," Adam sarcastically said.
Rarity winced slightly at his self-deprecating words. “Just give me more time, dear, and you'll be thinking otherwise," she declared.
"You can't fix genetics, Rarity, but whatever," Adam said dismissively. "Anyway, are special talents decided at—no, before birth?"
Rarity laughed nervously as she resumed grooming his coat. "Well cutie marks are considered one's destiny...so I suppose fate plays a role. You're wandering into the metaphysical magic behind the marks now. I'm afraid proper explanations would require asking Twilight."
"Yeah, figured as much," Adam grumbled. "There goes most of my questions then. Definitely need to corner Twilight at some point."
"Sorry, dear," Rarity said.
"No big deal, can't expect everyone to be an expert on everything," Adam conceded, the soothing brushing lulling him into relaxation.
A comfortable silence settled between them. Rarity hummed softly again, continuing her ministrations. The soothing rhythm of the brushes lulled Adam into a light sleep—wearing a content smile.
…
"Done!" Rarity proudly proclaimed. But Adam didn't respond, having drifted further into sleep.
Unsure whether to wake him or not, Rarity's decision was soon made for her. Adam lazily blinked his eyes open and stretched. "Why did you stop…it was so nice." he mumbled drowsily.
When he realized what he muttered, his eyes snapped open and a fierce blush overtook his face.
Rarity couldn't restrain an amused giggle at his embarrassment, causing the blush to intensify. "Well, I'm overjoyed it was so! Why don't you go admire that hidden beauty you had."
"Yeah, alright," Adam muttered. He looked at the distant mirror, while tidier, his reflection failed to impress.
He certainly looked better. His hair was tidied up—looking even softer, more poofy, and framing his face in natural layers resembling some cutesy Gacha game character.
Adam's coat and plumage had also greatly improved. He hadn't noticed how the ones that made his wings weren't aligned earlier. The scruff of feathers around his neck was now puffier and a more pristine, uniform white.
But despite the improvements, the only feeling his appearance brought him was the reminder that he wasn't himself anymore—not fully. Just a frankenstein-esque mélange of mismatched animal parts.
From the mirror, Adam saw the reflection of Rarity's face alight with eager anticipation. She was clearly hoping that he would love the improvements, but his distaste for his new body rendered that an impossibility. Still, he hated to seem rude or unappreciative after she invested such effort.
Adam got off of the bed and approached the mirror, close enough to block her view of his face. He used the chance to get a closer look at his appearance in the hopes that something would catch his eye and make him smile—he wasn't the best at faking enthusiasm.
The mirror, however, revealed a sight that couldn't be appreciated. In front of him was not the reflection of Adam Merkur—child of Michael Merkur, an unsociable teen, and one who showed potential to continue the tradition and legacy of his family.
No, what looked back was a stranger, 'Dizzy.' The daughter of Discord, heir of Chaos, and unknown terror to ponies. This wasn't him, what was there to appreciate?
"I can style it if you wish, pamper your lovely coat as well?" Rarity offered as she hopped off the bed, catching onto Adam's dissatisfaction.
Adam shook his head, meeting her reflected gaze. "Nah, I’m not hugely into looks and all that. But I do feel nice overall, so thanks." He forced his mouth into a faint grin.
Rarity's own smile faltered slightly, clearly dissatisfied by his tepid reaction. Quickly recovering poise, she asked "Well then! How does lunch sound, darling?"
Adam nodded, peering sideways at his still unfamiliar features. "Can you make it small? You made a pretty big breakfast," he said.
Rarity stirred a pan of vegetable stuffing, expertly preparing a spread of stuffed peppers. As she worked, thoughts about her brief time with Dizzy swam through her head.
The child was curious, crass, and gave off the feeling of always being on edge. However, concealed by those traits was a clearly bright and curious filly who could do much if guided properly. Dizzy’s defensive demeanor made sense sadly, considering the situation she was in.
Dizzy was already grown, experiencing the world at birth with the mind of a pre-teen rather than that of an infant. She lacked the innocence that a young mind would have that could shield her from the stresses the world offered her.
The result was a skittish, jaded, and wary adolescent struggling to orient herself.
Knock Knock Knock
Came from the front door.
Ah, that must be Fast Pace returning, Rarity thought. She lowered the stove's flame and trotted over to answer. Opening the door, she found she had guessed correctly—the stern earth pony guardsman stood at attention on her threshold.
"Welcome back, darling! didn't catch any trouble out there, did you?" Rarity asked him as she stepped aside to let the stallion in.
"Thankfully, no," Fast Pace reported. "I expected Ponyville to be in some form of mild ruckus, but things haven't ballooned out…yet."
Rarity waved a dismissive hoof. "Don't be so pessimistic. I've got the best messenger running counter to the rumors. All that nasty gossip will be gone by tomorrow!"
"That’s a bit of a rapid resolution. When was this done?" Fast Pace asked.
"This morning, after you two left,” Rarity explained, heading for the kitchen. “I had a few errands to run and overheard the chatter. I couldn't let rumors about a guest of mine circulate, so I did what I could at the time."
Fast Pace hummed as he followed. He passed Rarity, and poked his nose through the kitchen doorway, sniffing at the aromatic air. "So, what's for lunch? Smells good."
Rarity had to stifle a giggle at his antics—it seemed good food was enough to break his veneer of seriousness.
"Today we dine on stuffed pepper medleys!" Rarity proclaimed with pride. “Stuffed to be the perfect bite-sized treats exploding with flavor!”
Fast Pace flashed a cheery smile. "I'm sold.”
Rarity returned to cooking and asked, "Then how about you help me?"
"Of course, miss—you're the one not only housing us but also cooking meals. If I didn't help, my mother would no doubt be disappointed in me," he said
The two fell into an easy rhythm preparing the meal together. Rarity chopped vegetables that Fast Pace incorporated into the stuffing mixture, seasoning everything to perfection and then stirring. Rarity then efficiently stuffed the filling into the vibrant hollowed peppers before arranging them on a baking sheet.
"You don't mind taking Dizzy's share up again, do you?" Rarity asked as she passed over the last of the vegetables.
Fast Pace shook his head. "I'm happy to help."
Rarity watched as the guard made the filling. He always had a daunting look to him, even when he was trying to be more approachable with his joking quips. Now, however, he genuinely looked at ease, his coldness replaced with a hidden softness—it gave Rarity hope that what she was going to do would be fruitful.
"By the way, you and I need to have a talk," Rarity said sternly.
Fast Pace glanced over, slightly puzzled by her serious tone. "Yeah, sure..."
He finished the stuffing as Rarity filled and placed the final pepper batches into the oven. Then she led him to sit at the kitchen table.
"So, what is it?" Fast Pace asked as he took the opposite seat to Rarity.
"What was it that Celestia assigned you to do with Dizzy?" Rarity asked.
With his brow furrowed Fast Pace said, "To watch over her."
Rarity nodded. "As her legal guardian."
"Right?" He confirmed, unsure of where Rarity was going.
"Which makes you her caretaker and father figure, Fast Pace," Rarity added pointedly.
"I...suppose so, yes," Fast Pace conceded slowly as if the notion had never quite solidified until then. "Where are you going with this?"
Rarity folded her hooves on the table. "I spent some time with Dizzy, and she strikes me as someone who's going to have a very troubled future, I mean emotionally," Rarity began. "She needs someone to support her, someone she can always trust and be around."
"Oh, I understand," Fast Pace said. "You have my permission to provide company and comfort whenever you wish."
Rarity exhaled patiently. "No, darling. You need to be the reliable pillar she can depend on. Can you try acting more warmly—fatherly with her?"
Fast Pace blinked. "Fatherly?" He parroted uncertainly.
"Less aloof and protocol-oriented, more open with affection," Rarity encouraged. "The way you relax around me—try extending that to Dizzy."
The guardsman pondered the suggestion and then nodded. "I believe I can manage that. I'll try to be more...'fatherly'."
While Fast Pace readily agreed to her suggestion, his formal tone left Rarity somewhat unconvinced. She worried her feedback may have come across as an overly critical redirection rather than caring advice.
Still, Rarity hoped her words would plant a seed, one that would inspire the stoic guardsman to nurture more warmth and trust with Dizzy—his role as her caretaker and guardian necessitated emotional availability. With time and conscious effort, Rarity believed Fast Pace was capable of cultivating the supportive paternal bond Dizzy desperately needed.
Rarity resolved to subtly encourage this growth even after her two guests inevitably moved on from her hospitality. A difficult future loomed ahead for Dizzy, and Rarity refused to see her abandoned without compassion and stability. If Fast Pace could embrace his new fatherhood, then perhaps Dizzy would more easily find her foothold in the world.