Rainbow made it to her cloud home in time to make herself a quick breakfast. She checked her small office that was connected to her living room, and she found out she had a weather job to do in the morning. After she devastated the breakfast she swiftly made for herself, she went outside and began gathering clouds. While she was outside lining up the clouds with Ponyville’s local park, her mind kept going to Puppet Master.
He told her everything about himself, even the things that made him look like a common man, who lied his way to power. But she didn’t mind, once she got over all the shock of it all. In the end, he protected Equestria with whatever powers he gained through those lies, and he was willing to listen and keep secret Rainbow’s deepest thoughts.
“Hey, Rainbow Dash!” shouted an accented voice from below her. She looked down to see an orange mare wearing a Stetson on her head looking up at Rainbow, with a smile on her face.
“Hey Applejack! Whatcha' need?” she replied, lowering herself to Applejacks eye level.
“Twi’s havin' a group meeting for ah dunno what, and after that, ah need yer help at the farm.”
“Is the meeting important?” asked Rainbow.
“Yeah, why?” replied Applejack, tilting her head.
“'Cause, I need to set up some rain over the park so the grass doesn’t die out.”
“Ah understand, get it done quickly and head straight over to Twilight’s.” she stated, renewing her smile.
“K, thanks AJ; I’ll get this done faster than you can count to two!” Rainbow boasted, and shot off to finish her task.
“One. Two. Three.” counted Applejack.
“DONE!” shouted Rainbow over the raining clouds.
“THAT WAS THREE SECONDS DASH! NOT GOOD ENOUGH!” Applejack teased.
“YOU COUNTED TOO FAST!” shouted Rainbow, as she joined her friend on the ground.
“Well, ah guess ya’ll don’t deserve to be called ‘Dash’ Rainbow.”
“Oh haha, I miscounted. But I bet you can’t beat me to the library!”
“Oh, It is ON!” announced Applejack.
“READY? GO!” Rainbow sped off towards the library with Applejack in tow.
“Yer a cheat, Rainbow Dash!”
“Ha! You said Dash!”
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Twilight was sitting on the end of the small round table, with her small group of three friends that managed to make it.
“Twilight dear, why don’t you just tell us, and you can inform Applejack and Rainbow when they get here. I really want to try out this new style for a dress. I think it can become a new trend in Canterlot, if I do it just right!” whined Rarity, in her posh voice.
“I don’t mind being here. I’ve already fed the animals.” responded a timid voice, that belonged to Fluttershy.
“Ooh ooh! Cranky Doodle told me to set up a party for when Matilda says yes to his proposal!” exclaimed an ecstatic Pinkie Pie. She was being extra Pinkie today because two of her friends were about to find out they’ll be married.
“It’s ok girls, once they’re here I’ll explain everything. It’s not going to take an hour to tell you, so you’ll be able to do whatever you girls want when I’m done, ok?”
“Well all right Twilight. I can wait; patience isn’t a virtue to me, since every work of art does take time.” replied Rarity, confidently.
“Don’t worry Twilight, this isn’t even a bother. I didn’t have anything planned for today, other than playing with my animal friends.” answered Fluttershy with her soft smile.
“Yeah, and I can just use the party cannon to set up the party faster than fast!” exclaimed Pinkie, leaning back in her chair.
Spike came downstairs and approached the group. “Hey Twilight, I adjusted your telescope to point to the tower!”
“Thanks Spike!” responded Twilight thankful for her assistant to be so handy.
“What do you need the telescope for?” asked Rarity, trying to get a conversation started.
Twilight looked at her and smiled sheepishly. “That’s actually what we’re here for.”
Rarity looked at her for a moment. “Twilight, I swear if we’re here to talk about stars-”
“No no no! It has something to do what we’re talking about, but it’s nothing that insignificant.”
“Oh, is it about the tower?” inquired Pinkie.
“Please girls, I want to wait till Applejack and Rainbow are here.” Twilight said with some strain in her voice.
“Oh, all right, I won’t push you.” admitted Rarity. “But judging by Rainbow and Applejack’s competitiveness, they’re probably racing here.”
*bang* The door flew open, and a winded pair of ponies rushed into the library.
“I WIN!” shouted Rainbow.
“No fair, ya got ah head start!” retorted Applejack.
“Told you~.” sang Rarity.
Both competitors looked at the four ponies, and walked up to the table.
“Howdy ya’ll! What we here tah talk about, Twi?” asked Applejack.
“Actually we’re here to talk about Puppet Master’s castle.” replied Twilight. At this, Rainbow perked up and listened closely.
“Well all right, what about the castle?” asked Applejack.
To this Twilight responded now that her friends were there. “Well…” Twilight trailed off as Spike went to find himself a stool, to sit next to Twilight. Twilight let him do that and she started. “Well, Celestia doesn’t really trust Puppet Master all that much. I mean I knew they've secrets kept from each other, but Celestia asked me to watch his tower for anything suspicious. I can’t do that most of the day, since I’m usually practicing spells or hanging out with one of you. So I’m asking you all to watch it when you can, and tell me if there’s anything suspicious going on there.”
“Like what?” asked Rainbow.
“Well... she only said anything weird going on like more patrols and new construction projects. Although Celestia did tell me he’s creating a landing pad, for chariots to send health potions to hospitals across Equestria. Though normally that would raise any alarm bells, Celestia felt he was holding back some information when he was talking about it. I don’t know the details, but I know that she doesn’t fully trust him.”
“Well, he seemed a bit fishy when ah spoke to him fer the first time.” replied Applejack. “Hey Rainbow ya’ll know ‘im better than us. Do yah think he could be hidden somethin?” Applejack said to Rainbow.
Rainbow thought for a moment, while rubbing her chin to look like she’s thinking.
‘Should I play dumb, or should I say he could be hiding something? Come on Rainbow what’s the smart move?... Wait. YES, THAT’S IT!’
Rainbow looked up from rubbing her chin. “Probably, but for as long as I’ve known him, he’s usually open about things that has to do with other ponies. I don’t really know what he could be hiding actually.”
“Yeah you do, Rainbow!” replied Twilight with a scowl. “You know about that one secret thing he’s doing! Does it have anything to do with Celestia.”
Rainbow rubbed the back of her head. She didn’t mean for Twilight to react like that. Rainbow quickly found a cover story. “Well no, he did tell me something about biomes, and growing ingredients for something, but that’s all I know I swear!”
“See, was that so hard?” said Twilight with a grin. “Spike take a letter.”
The dragon in question was already writing it down.
“Already got it, Twilight. Quote, ‘Rainbow Dash told us Puppet Master is creating biomes for some plants.’ End quote. Anything else Rainbow?” Everypony looked expectantly at Rainbow.
“Well, he’s got a mine under his tower.” that statement more slipped out, and she didn’t really think it through. Rainbow however played along like she meant to say it.
“Ooooh, what’s he mining for?” asked Twilight.
“Umm hold on, I can’t quite remember.” replied Rainbow. Now she had time to think. Being around Puppet Master, especially after last night gave Rainbow insight on how to lie like a pro. She’s using this time to ‘remember’ to plan out what to say next. “Uh, it was something with a G or something.”
“Gold?” asked Applejack.
“Gems?” inquired Rarity.
“Spike add that to the letter.” stated Twilight. “Anything else?”
“Umm no, that’s all I know about the tower other than it has a lot of levels. Oh and yesterday he moved out of my place.” responded Rainbow, remembering that important fact that he’s no longer with her.
“He did? Aw shoot, now we don’t know what he’s doin’.” dejectedly said Applejack.
*sigh* “Add that to the letter too, Spike.” flatly stated a disappointed Twilight.
“Sorry girls, if I thought you wanted him to stay in Ponyville, I would have pressured him to stay.” replied Rainbow, putting on a frown.
“Aw it’s ok, we still love you.” said Pinkie wrapping her foreleg around Rainbow.
“Yeah, nothin’ to beat yerself up about.” Applejack encouraged.
“You did your best Rainbow.” Said Fluttershy.
“It’s all right gals, I’m good. Oh Rarity! You think later I can get another dress for the Gala?” asked Rainbow.
“Sure, I can do that without you, asking darling. I know your size perfectly.”
“Actually Rarity, I want to be there and put my input in it. I’m trying to impress someone.” admitted Rainbow, with a blush.
There was a collective gasp from the group of friends. Spike didn’t gasp but rather dropped the quill, and his jaw.
“OOOOOOOOOOOOH who’s the lucky stallion?” asked Rarity, with excitement in her voice.
“Uh... I’d rather not say yet, ok? But let’s just say he’s going to be at the Gala.”
“Oh, is he a Wonderbolt?! DO I GET TO PLAN THE GETTING MARRIED PARTY?!” shouted Pinkie over enthusiastically.
“Well, I only just him met a few weeks ago ok? We haven’t gotten really far other than friends. I’ll tell you more about it when I’m ready ok?”
“Oh, I completely understand.” dismissed Rarity, waving a hoof. “Girls, let’s give her love life some space.”
“Agreed.” responded a grinning Twilight.
“We done, Twi?” asked Applejack.
“Yeah, I guess we’re done, why?”
“Rainbow and ah ought to make it tah the farm. Ah asked for some help since we’re stressed. Let’s go, Rainbow.”
“Sure thing AJ. Bye girls!” stated Rainbow.
They all said their goodbyes, and the day continued on. Rainbow made it a personal goal to get back to Puppet Master, after she helped Applejack to tell him that all her friends have been drafted to tell Celestia about anything strange.
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I sat on my throne reading through the Crystal Storm tome that I had in my hand. The tome itself was very interesting for an offensive magic book. It explained in great detail how to use it, and how to enchant items to do the same thing the tome itself does. In the relatively short time I’d been reading it, I figured out how it formed the crystals in the first place. If this book was given to Earth, then future tech with crystal structures would skyrocket. I had complete confidence that I could use technology to make crystals. Though the tech I would need... isn’t in Equestria.
*Ahem* “Excuse me, Puppet Master.”
I looked up from my interesting book to see none other than Princess Luna standing before me, looking very unimpressed. Two night guards flanked her on both sides.
I smiled when our gazes met and spoke happily. “I’m sorry Princess; you’ll have to excuse that. I was reading a very interesting tome about the formation of a Crystal Storm. It’s a rare form of weather, where crystals fall from the sky and coat the land in gems. Of course this causes a very beautiful, but terrible wasteland, but…” I saw Luna was still uninterested. “Never mind, you wish to see the Biomes?”
“Yes I do, if you would accompany me, or have someone else do so for you.” she said very professionally.
I eyed her for a moment, and thought through her actions. I had a sudden urge to try to make her smile, and make her feel more at home. This also was an interesting time when I noticed that the torches in my throne room have been changed from cursed flame to white flame. Luna noticed my eyes scanning the pillars that sported said torches.
“What are you looking for?”
“I’m sorry Luna, while I was reading Darkness must have changed the torches to white. That’s weird, I’m usually not this oblivious of my surroundings.”
“Can we get a move on?” deadpanned Luna, with a bit of impatience in her voice.
“Princess you need to calm yourself. The day is young-”
“And I do not have all day.” she interrupted me with even more impatience in her voice.
“Luna…”
“Address me with my title, please.”
I was getting irritated. “Leave my castle. Return when you’ve learned manners. I am not Equestria’s enemy, and I refuse to be treated by your shortness.”
“No, I want to see your biomes. Now.” she demanded, stomping her hoof in anger.
“I was willing to do that, I even invited you to come see them, and the rest of my castle to remove doubts of my intentions! I welcomed you politely, and you responded with irritation and irritability! I ask you to leave and get yourself under control for your next visit. You may be the Princess of the Night but that’s no excuse for being rude!”
Luna looked a bit torn at the moment. She must have worked up the idea that I will be unwilling and elusive when she got here, so she may have planned to be more demanding to get more answers out of me. I applaud her effort, but she went too far.
“I’m sorry, may we try again?” replied Luna, seemingly trying to approach me differently.
I let the question hang in the air to grow tension. It seemed to work in some way. Luna’s facial expression looked like it was visibly resisting the urge to frown or look distraught. I couldn’t tell what exact face she wanted to put on, but I knew it wasn’t anywhere near happy or angry. The guards themselves reacted as well. They gripped their spears-which was currently being held by their wings-tighter and they seemed ready to pounce, when the moment arrived.
“We may.” I finally said, after much thought. I knew Luna was remorseful with her actions, so I couldn’t really condemn her for her actions.
“Thank you.” replied Luna, more gratefully.
“I’d hate to see our relationship crumble, before it begins.” I stated. “I would like for a get-together some time, so we can appreciate each other better. I understand your aggression came from a previous expectation of me. Or that’s what I assume is where it’s from. I’d like to have the opportunity to remove that expectation.”
Luna thought for a moment. “We’d like that too.”
“We’d? Need for the royal ‘we’ in my castle. I consider this an informal visit since we aren’t discussing any trade agreements, and we aren’t bickering about politics.” I responded whilst getting up from my throne, which caused my bones to crack. “Oh, I’m a bit stiff from sitting in one spot for so long.”
“It wasn’t terribly long.” Said Luna. “Just a few hours. I’ve sat on the throne for an entire night before, and It doesn’t bother me.”
“Well unlike you Luna-you don’t mind if I don’t say your title right?”
“You may call me Luna. My previous statement was out of irritation.”
“Thank you. Well unlike you I don’t lead my country by sitting on my throne, and waiting for documents to come to me so I can sign them. No, I don’t handle my Economy and I let my advisor take care of that. I actually go out into the world and win the hearts of the people by assisting them in tasks, big and small.”
“I’m sorry, advisors?” asked Luna, with a tilt of her head.
“Yes. Elected people, or ponies, that help me out during long term empire related subjects. Darkness is my Military Advisor while Radiant Garden is my Science Advisor. Or well… I’m not sure exactly what Radiant Garden does, actually. He’s really good with plants, so he’s the head of research at the moment.”
“I see. Tell me more about advisors. I may be able to implement them in Equestrian society, so Celestia and I don’t have to do so much bulk work.”
I started walking forward and down the two steps that my throne was elevated on. Luna joined me by my side, while the Night Guards flanked my right and her left. I began explaining the concept of Advisors.
“Well, basically an advisor researches the problems in a nation, and brings them to you. Like an Economic Advisor will be in contact with all the Mayors. And the Mayors' jobs are to tell the Economic Advisor the status of the economy in that town or village. Settlements don’t count, until they grow enough to have an economy that can be gauged. Or at least that’s how I think it goes. I’ve never got into the field of currency myself, until Equestria.”
“Really? Then what drove your citizens to be an active part of society?” asked Luna in earnest, now interested in what I have to say because it’s about how to run a nation.
We were descending the stairs to the room where Radiant Garden was performing some biology experiments. We had several flights to go so our conversation would last awhile.
“I made it so that any citizen who did not contribute, would be placed in an overcrowded building with several other citizens, who are doing the same. Food was provided, but living conditions were not up to par, so it was undesirable.”
“So... they’d get a job and contribute.” Luna finished the thought for me, nodding her head in understanding. “But what about the ones who couldn’t find a job to achieve this goal?”
“They needed to prove they were trying to find a job, and they were allowed to keep their homes and share of rations.”
“Rations? How does that work?”
“Well, rations were handed out depending on how good the country was producing food. If there were a surplus of crops, then there was extra rations for those who earned them. During times of celebration, the rations will be doubled for feasts. Though there were times when crop wasn’t good and food needed to be brought in from other towns. When I had towns that had this problem, I would send food from a food rich town to the others that weren’t so lucky.”
“Interesting. It seems inefficient compared to Equestria’s ration distribution. Or actually, more survival based. Ours is economy based where-”
“I know. Businesses and farms send them to places where it earns them the most money. Sometimes newer villages that don’t have farms are best because they don’t produce their food and you can earn more from them.”
“I don’t like being interrupted.” deadpanned Luna.
“I don’t like irritable mares.” I jabbed back. She gave me a little glare, while I smiled on.
“That was rude.” she retorted.
“Good thing I’ll be out of your mane, soon.” I said as we reached our destination.
We walked through a large doorway at the correct level and into the hallway. Unlike most floors, the doors were spaced further apart because, the rooms were bigger. I took a right and opened one door to expose the interior of the Biology Lab. There was a large tree in the center with grass now on the dirt that was placed there. Radiant Garden was in front of the tree, creating giant balls of wood that looked like oversized walnuts with a bark exterior.
“Radiant, what is that?” I asked him. He looked toward us and smiled.
“This my Lord, is the Gene Blender. I just require blood samples and I’ll be able to discover the secrets of magic and the body! I’m so excited sir!” He got a good look at Luna. “Is she the first donor? I’ll love to experiment with Alicorn genes. So rare and unusual.”
“Radiant? Are you feeling ok? You’re acting really… eccentric? Maybe that’s the word I’m looking for?”
“Sorry sir, I’m just happy that I can finally work on things with proper muscle structures, like ponies and bunnies and birds.”
“What experiments are you talking about?” asked Luna.
“Oh, just some Gene mutation and tissue regrowth. If I can adjust the genes of a regular pony, I’ll be able to give them the abilities of pegasi. Maybe even create a mutation that allows a unicorn to lift heavier objects.” He stated, not realizing he was rambling.
“Radiant.” I stated.
“Yes, my Lord?”
“This is Princess Luna. You are to show her whatever she wants. Mainly the biomes, but if she wants to look at anything else let her.”
“Yes my Lord, I can do that.”
“Good.” I turned to Luna. “Princess, I leave you with my Thane, Radiant Garden. Biology expert and my head researcher. If you need me I’ll be in my throne room reading.”
I swiftly made my way to the door and rushed to the stairwell. I was very eager to return to my book. The context of the passage was too interesting to be ignored for too long. And I believed I was going into reading withdrawal.
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Rainbow Dash worked hard to get Applejack’s chores done, so she could get to Rarity’s Boutique to be fitted in a new dress. She was out to catch the eye of Puppet Master himself. She chose him to be her future lover, in a similar way he did with her. Rainbow looked at everything he was, and everything he’s ever done. She judged his character as harshly as she could, and even then he was a great guy. Of course, he keeps his secrets, but he keeps them from everyone except her. He explained everything he was, and supported it by showing her memories.
And he made her laugh. Rainbow could trust him with anything, and he hasn’t threatened to tell anyone and only brings it up when they’re alone. He doesn’t even talk about her around his most trusted friends, the other Thanes. He even took her inability to cook, and turned it into something fun they can do together. So, it was at this point that Rainbow chose him to be her coltfriend. She wanted there to be a relationship. She wanted to be with him, till the end of time. She just didn’t feel it.
Rainbow was plagued by the same thing Puppet Master was. They weren’t the same species. She couldn’t find any part of him attractive, but she wanted to. She wanted to see him as the most handsome thing she’s ever stumbled upon. But that just wasn’t the case. However, his talk about history went on longer than one of Twilight’s lectures. In that time she discovered the solution to all her problems.
Princess Cadence. Cadence has the ability to spread love wherever she goes. If Rainbow were to ask her to make them fall in love, then she’d be able to have her perfect stallion and enjoy him too.
Applejack pulled the last bushel they were supposed to gather into the barn, and briskly trotted out to sit in its shadow.
“Woo... Ah’m plum tuckered! Thanks fer the help Rainbow, Big Mac’s in Manehatten with a relative, while Apple Bloom's at school. Ah really couldn’ta done it without’cha. And without yer usual chatter about competition. You ok?”
“Yeah, just that guy, he’s on my mind a lot lately.”
“Any chance yah can give me a hint as to who he is?” questioned Applejack looking up from her hat that was obscuring her view of the rainbow maned Pegasus.
“Nope! It’s a surprise!” answered Rainbow. And a surprise it would be when the time came.
“Well all right, Ah won’t pry. *Yawn* Yah know? Ah’m gunna take a nap. See yah another time.” sleepily Applejack said, starting to dose off. “And thanks again.” she said while the dream world took her.
Rainbow just nodded and flew off towards Rarity’s Boutique. On her way, she surveyed the tower that she knew Puppet Master would be in. She reminded herself to tell him that Twilight and her friends have to watch the tower for any weird activity. She sped to the Boutique, and she found her way there within minutes.
Rainbow landed near the front door of the Boutique, and opened it up. She was greeted by several dresses that were on display, that seemed to sparkle with every ray of light that made contact with each individual gem. Rainbow paid them no mind and only took quick glances at the dresses on display as she moved into the store.
“Rarity!” Rainbow Dash called out.
“Rainbow?” came a posh voice from upstairs. “You here to get fitted?”
“Yeah I am! You available!?”
“Just a minute~!” sang the posh voice.
Rainbow paced nervously in the shop, while she waited for Rarity to come downstairs. To Rainbow, it felt like years till she came down, but to Rarity it was ten minutes of preparing and organizing cloth. Once she was downstairs, the two friends put on a smile and both eagerly began.
“So, I have a few templates that you can look through to make your decision on what design you’d like.” started Rarity, while revealing the curtains of a small stage to show six dresses that all had a different pattern.
“Umm, I just pick a dress?”
“Well you said you wanted to look good for a stallion then you’d probably know what he likes by now. Surely you can pick a template design for me to build upon.” responded Rarity, sure of herself.
Rainbow looked at the designs and couldn’t really decide. She knew the outfits of all the Thanes and couldn’t find the right trend. Then it hit her. Each Thane dressed like their profession. Darkness looked scary and he controls evil creatures for Puppet Master. Radiant Garden is able to control and grow plants and his outfit was normally green. She didn’t know about Celldric and in fact didn’t even know his name at the time, but even Rainbow could tell that his Hollowed armor and the way he presents himself shows chivalry.
So what does she represent? What’s she good at? A few moments of thinking, and she had it. She spun around and grabbed Rarity by the shoulders.
“Rarity! I know what the theme! It will be flight! Something with flight! Maybe feathers and an aerodynamic shape.” Rainbow said excitingly.
“R-really are you sure?” replied Rarity, shocked from the sudden contact.
“Yes! He’ll love it!”
“Well all right then! Let’s get you fitted!”