//------------------------------//
// C2: Getting the Word Out 
// Story: Night of the Gloomspinner 
// by Dark_Zurite 
//------------------------------//


C2: Getting the Word Out


At the Carousel Boutique, Fluttershy was helping Rarity gather some fabrics that will be used to make the dress for Midnight while Rarity was busy with packing up the rest of the order. When she finished packing the last item, she breathed a sigh of relief, “Phew, finished. Thank you so much for helping me, darling.”
“Happy to help,” Fluttershy replied, bringing over the last few rolls of fabric and laying them next to a dressform. “Is this where you want these?”
Rarity looked up after forming an even pile on the packages. “That will be fine, dear.”
Fluttershy looked at the fabrics, consisting of more than just the ones that Rarity said Midnight wanted to be used. “Will all of them be used for the dress?”
“Not all of them, dearie. I just want to compare the colors and see what will work best for it,” Rarity explained, using a marker to write something on the packages.
Fluttershy noticed one of the dressforms had a dress on it that wasn't part of the order. “Oh, did you want me to remove this dress from the dressform?” Fluttershy asked, pointing to the dress.
Rarity glanced up at it for a moment, then returned to her work. “If you would, dear, please do.”
Fluttershy turned to take the dress from the dressform, only to see it being worn by Pinkie Pie standing in the same pose on top of the dressform. Fluttershy squeaked in fear and hid behind Rarity's plush drama couch.
“What is it, darling?” Rarity asked, looking where Fluttershy was just standing. She gasped. “Pinkie Pie!”
“Party time, girls,” Pinkie Pie leaped in the air, the dress floating off of her and falling back on the dressform. She landed and started bouncing with glee around the room.
Fluttershy peaked out from behind the couch. “Really?”
Rarity watched with dread as Pinkie Pie approached the pile of her hard work. “What is the party for?”
“Not what, who. Midnight Azure, wee,” Pinkie Pie launched into the air and started to come down onto the pile of dresses that Rarity had just stacked.
“Pinkie!” Rarity screamed while Fluttershy hid behind the drama couch again.
Pinkie Pie stopped in mid-air, inches above the pile. She took a step to the left of the pile and landed softly on the floor. “What?” She flashed an innocent grin.
Rarity magically moved her drama couch next to her and proceeded to faint into its cushions. “Oh sweet Celestia.”
Fluttershy, after having lost her hiding space, walked up to the others. “Is this a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party for her?” she asked.
“Yes,” Pinkie Pie giggled. “She beat me at my own trick.”
“What trick?” Rarity asked.
“Oh, you don't want to know,” Pinkie Pie said.
“Yes I do, darling,” Rarity replied, lounging on the couch.
“Nah, you don't,” Pinkie Pie countered.
“Yes I do,” Rarity said, her tone raised slightly.
“Nah.”
“Yes.”
Fluttershy watched, recognizing the trick from when she was in the marketplace and was shopping for food for Angel Bunny.
“No,” Pinkie Pie said.
“Yes,” Rarity said.
“Yes,” Pinkie Pie said.
“No,” Rarity said.
“I said yes you do,” Pinkie Pie said.
“And I said no I don't.” Rarity blinked in recognition.
“Okay, have it your way,” Pinkie Pie bounced gleefully in the air. “Wee, still have it.”
Rarity sighed. “Oh, that trick. You used it in the marketplace and taught it to Fluttershy.
“I wasn't a very good student,” Fluttershy admitted meekly.
“Oh no,” she patted Fluttershy's head, ”you did just fine for your first time.” 
“So you are going to host a party for Midnight Azure, you said?” Rarity asked.
“Yes. At Sugar Cube Corner,” Pinkie Pie replied.
“Is she a nice pony?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yes she is,” Pinkie Pie said.
Rarity sighed. “I wonder about anypony that can match wits with you, Pinkie.”
“Me too. Well, see you there. I gotta tell Applejack.” With a flash of pink and a breeze, she left the building. The wind was so strong that the stack of packages started to tip over. Rarity ran up to them and tried to hold them in place. Fluttershy helped her and they were able to set the pile straight.
Rarity sighed in relief. “Phew.”
“Well,” Fluttershy said. “I guess I should head home and get ready for the party.”
Rarity sighed. “Which usually means preparing for a disaster.”
“I, uh, think I should wear my helmet,” Fluttershy trembled slightly.


*


Rainbow Dash was heading for Twilight Sparkle's library tree house. After that, she would go to tell Applejack in the market. Well, whoever got there first. Then they would all start getting ready for the party. 
Rainbow Dash closed in on the library. At the door, Spike, Twilight's assistant and baby purple dragon, was opening the door to the library, carrying a stack of scrolls. As always, he was hard at work today. Perfect timing for him to open the door, she thought, as she flew low and passed right over Spike's head.
“Whoa,” the baby dragon jumped, tossing all of the scrolls into the air.
“Sorry Spike,” Rainbow Dash said as she passed by, touching down for a landing next to a purple unicorn.
The purple unicorn was using her magic to move books around, reading through them quickly and carefully placing them on a pile. She barely spared a glance up. “Hi Rainbow Dash.”
“Hey Twilight,” Rainbow Dash responded. “What are you doing?”
“I just received an order of new books and was trying to figure out where to put them in the library,” She floated one in front of Rainbow Dash. “There is even a new Daring Do that you can check out. I can reserve it for you.”
“Oh really, thanks Twilight,” Rainbow Dash gasped, grabbing the book out of the air and hugging it close. “I have read the other books in the series at least three times so far. It will be awesome to read a new one.”
“You know there are other books,” Twilight pointed out.
“I know,” Rainbow Dash admitted. “You can read those, I'll stick to these.”
“Well, once you finish that one, I'll see if I can find another series you will like.” Twilight levitated the book out of Rainbow Dash's hooves. “So, what brings you here? You said you were going to hang out with Pinkie Pie today.”
Rainbow Dash reached for the Daring Do book as if a child's mother had taken her favorite toy away. Once Twilight's question had sunk in, she replied, “Oh, Pinkie says party time.”
Twilight lost concentration on the books floating in the air, causing them all to hit the floor with a round of thuds. “What, again? Didn't we have an after after after birthday party for Gummy last week?”
Rainbow Dash was able to grab the book before it hit the floor and started to read it. “Oh, yeah, that was awesome. But this is for a new pony.”
“Ah, one of Pinkie's 'Welcome to Ponyville' parties. That would explain it.” Twilight went back to organizing the books. “Who is it for?”
Rainbow Dash didn't look up from the book when she replied, “Midnight Azure.”
“Hmm, never heard of her,” Twilight admitted. “Did you meet her?”
Still without looking up, she replied, “Yep. She is pretty cool. She even out pinked Pinkie Pie.”
Twilight dropped the books again. “Out-pinked Pinkie Pie. What in Equestria does that even mean?”
“You know how she haggled with the mare at the stand for peppers for you a week ago?” Rainbow Dash asked, her nose firmly in the book.
“Oh yea,” Twilight recalled with a smile. “Saved me a bunch of bits on those.”
“Yep. She out-pinked Pinkie Pie at her little trick.”
“Ah, I see. That is pretty cool,” Twilight went back to her organizing. She giggled, “Perhaps a bit scary.”
“Yep. She'll be coming by pretty soon, too.” Rainbow Dash said.
“How do you know?”
“Pinkie read her list.” 
“What's going on?” Spike asked, carrying the scrolls over to Twilight, who had started to read through them and organize them.
“Pinkie is having a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party,” Rainbow Dash explained.
“Great, I love Pinkie's parties,” Spike brightened.
“Wouldn't be the same without ya,” Rainbow Dash said, rubbing his head.
Twilight finished going through the scrolls and placing them on the shelf. “We'll be there. When and were will it be?”
“Later tonight,” Rainbow Dash closed the book and tucked it under her wing. “Pinkie is telling Rarity and Fluttershy and we will both see who can tell Applejack first. See ya.”
“Wait, I have to...” before Twilight could even begin the sentence, Rainbow Dash was gone, “...check the book in. Oh well, she'll bring it back when she is finished. She always does.”
“What do you think this new pony is like?” Spike asked.
The door to the library opened and she mumbled, “I think we are about to find out.”
Twilight saw a gray unicorn walk in. The amethyst spider jewelry made it appear that spiders were crawling out of her mane. Not recognizing her, she figured that this was the new pony. “May I help you?”
Midnight approached Twilight. “Hello, I am just looking for a good book and to get a library card.”
“Sure,” Twilight said. “I've just received some new books and was working on reorganizing the books to fit, but I can help you with finding one. As for the library card,” she looked around and called, “Spike!” But he was nowhere to be found. “Spike, where are you?” She didn't hear him respond. “Hmm, I wonder where he went?”
“Who?” Midnight asked.
“Spike, my baby dragon and assistant. I was gonna have him get the form for the library card, but I don't know where he went.” Twilight looked around the room for another moment and gave up the search. “Oh well, let me get the form for you.”
Midnight looked around nervously for a few moments. “Thank you.”
Twilight found the form, using her magic to place it on a table for Midnight with ink and quill. “There you go. Just fill that out and I'll have a library card for you in a few minutes. Now were there any books that you were looking for in particular?”
Midnight started filling out the form. “Do you have Ponies of the Night?”
Twilight thought for a moment. “No, sorry. That was a great book, but for some reason, this library doesn't have it.”
Midnight sighed. “Fang of the Werepony?”
“No,” Twilight shook her head. “There aren't many horror books here.”
Midnight looked up. “Why not?”
Twilight shrugged. “I don't know. When I first came here, I noticed that there were only the classics, like Dracupony, Frankenpony, but only a few newer books. You are the only one that ever asked about other books besides those, so I never thought to order any.”
Midnight finished the form and floated it over to Twilight. “Do you have any books on zombie ponies?”
“We have Pony of the Dead,” Twilight said.
“I read it,” Midnight said.
“So have I. It gave me nightmares,” Twilight admitted.
“Me too, that's why I liked it,” Midnight flashed a slightly wicked grin.
Twilight was suddenly taken aback from the grin. She took a moment to compose herself after Midnight stopped smiling and in a flash of magic, a card was floating next to the form. “Here you go.”
Midnight placed the card in her saddlebag. “Thank you.” She paused, remembering something. “Do you have any books on ancient monsters? It will help me with my work.”
Twilight nodded. “Sure, just a moment.” She looked around for Spike again, but decided that it would be faster if she got it on her own. From a bookshelf, she levitated a book. “The Tome of Dreadful Creatures,” Twilight explained. “Has a lot of information in it.”
Midnight blinked in surprise. “Wow. This library has such a rare book, but it has almost no horror books?”
Twilight shrugged. “Well, it was part of my personal collection. I decided to add it to the library when I moved to Ponyville. Nopony checked it out.”
“I'll be happy to be the first,” Midnight said. “I haven't read it in years.”
Twilight passed the book to Midnight, who took it gingerly. “Here you go. Might I ask what kind of work you do that would require such a book?”
“I am an artist,” Midnight explained, tucking the book into her saddlebag. “One of my specialties is painting monsters. It helps to know about them to paint them better.”
Twilight nodded. “Makes sense. Do you have a favorite monster?”
Midnight explained. “Anything that reads 'spider-like' also means 'I must read.”
“I figured with the jewelry,” Twilight said. “Did you need anything else, Ms. Azure/”
Midnight paused. “How did you know my name? You didn't even open the scroll.”
Twilight smiled. “The magic spell allowed me to read the paper at the same time for errors,” she lied.
Midnight thought for a moment. “Never heard of a spell that did that, but magic is not my talent.” She shrugged. “You can call me Midnight. Might I have your name?”
“Oh sure. Twilight Sparkle. It's nice to met you. Just call me Twilight.'
“Okay, Twilight,” Midnight smiled.
“So, I would assume that you plan on being in Ponyville for a while?”
“Yes. I just moved here. I will be opening an art studio in town, so not planning on going anywhere anytime soon.”
Twilight nodded. “Well, welcome to Ponyville. I'll put in an order for horror books.”
“Thank you very much.” Midnight checked her watch. “I'm sorry, I have to get going. I'll be seeing you around.”
Twilight replied. “Sure.”
After Midnight left, Twilight went back to organizing the books. 
“Is she gone?” Spike asked, slowly peeking out from behind the door of a closet.
“Spike, that was rather rude,“ Twilight scolded him.
“I know, but,” he looked around. “I couldn't help it.”
Twilight paused in her work. “Really?”
“Yeah. Well, I really wanted to meet her, but the instant she was walking through the door, I had this feeling that I should run and hide.” Spike calmed down. “I'm sorry, Twilight. It was something like, what is that word?”
“Instinct,” Twilight offered.
“Yes, that's it. Instinct.” He started helping Twilight with the books.
Twilight thought for a moment. “It is okay, Spike. I think I know something about this.”
“About what?” Spike asked.
Twilight didn't respond. Instead, she started looking through her books, hunting for something.


*


Rainbow Dash read the latest Daring Do book as she flew to meet up with Applejack. Her friend, the blond haired, orange “cowgirl” pony, complete with hat and southern accent, would be in town at her stand selling her apple products from Sweet Apple Acres. She narrowly missed several hanging poles and barely avoided a building as she flew. She also missed Applejack's stand several times as she passed by, too entranced with the book.
When she was finally able to take her eyes away from the book long enough to pay attention to where she was flying, she navigated to the area where Applejack's stand would be. She also noticed that Midnight was in line at the stand and decided to hide behind a building so that she wouldn't be seen. Not that Midnight would ever guess that they are having a party for her, but better not to offer the chance to ruin the surprise. From where she was hiding, she could hear Applejack quite well.
“Howdy folks! Ah've got the best apple products straight from Sweet Apple Acres. We've got apples, apple fritters, apple fries, apple juice, apple pie and...” she noticed she ran out of items to list, “and apples. Come 'en get some of these great favorites.”
Rainbow Dash ignored the other ponies as they chatted with Applejack, until Midnight stepped up to the stand.
“Howdy Midnight, what can ah do ya for?”
Midnight smiled brightly. “Always a pleasure to see you, Applejack. I'll take the usual.” She checked her list. “Oh, yes, and some apples and a couple of bottles of apple juice, please.”
“Ya got it, sugarcube,” Applejack replied, gathering the items together and pulling from behind the stand a bag specifically marked, “Fritters for Midnight” on the side. She placed them in a bag and passed them over to the gray unicorn. “Will five fritters be enough?”
Midnight took the bag with her magic, paid and replied, “Oh yes, but tomorrow, let's make it four. I've gained a bit of weight.” She placed them in her saddlebag.
“Of course. Be seeing ya tomorrow?”
“If you keep making those apple fritters of yours as good as you do, you bet you will.” Midnight left, already munching on one of the fritters.
Rainbow Dash watched Midnight walk away before she flew down to meet up with Applejack. When she landed, Applejack was working on filling her stand with more apples from a barrel next to her. She looked up, “Howdy RD, what's up?”
Apples exploded all over as Pinkie Pie popped out of the barrel and yelled, “Party time, AJ!”
Applejack jumped in shock, her hat flying off of her head and she landed on her rump. “Pinkie, what in tarnation are ya doin'?”
“Oh, I wanted to tell her,” Rainbow Dash groaned.
“Too slow, Dashie.” Pinkie Pie giggled as she climbed out of the barrel.
Applejack picked herself up, dusted herself off and put her hat back on. “A party, tonight? As in tonight tonight?”
Pinkie Pie bounced gleefully. “Yes, tonight tonight.” She paused and her eyes squinted to slits, bringing her face inches away from Applejack's. “Are you girls hiding something from me again?”
Applejack tried to move away from Pinkie Pie, but she kept an inch away from her. “No, ah was jus' wonderin'.”
Pinkie Pie moved back and hopped into the air again. “Yippie!”
“So, what's the occasion, Gummy's after after after after birthday party?” Applejack asked.
“No, we might have that tomorrow night,” Pinkie Pie said.
“We're having a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Really, fer who?” Applejack asked.
“Midnight Azure,” Pinkie Pie said, pointing in the direction that the unicorn had just left in.
“Oh good, she is rather nice. Been comin' to ma stand fer the past three days and been buying apple fritters. I reckon I should bring some 'en....”
Applejack was knocked down on the ground again, this time with Pinkie Pie pinning her. “She had been here for three days and nopony told me? You didn't tell me?” Her eyes were now inches away from Applejack's. “Me, of all ponies.”
“What, ya didn't know? She asked me where to buy some sweets and ah directed her to Sugar Cube Corner. She has her studio just a few blocks from there. Ya never noticed her?” Applejack tried and failed to squeeze out from under Pinkie Pie.
“Didn't see her? How could I....” she thought for a moment. “Oh, well, I was busy watching Mr. and Mrs. Cakes twins lately.”
“And I've been busy with the stand,” Applejack struggled. “Now get offa me.”
Pinkie helped Applejack to her hooves and put her hat on her head backwards. “Sorry, Applejack.”
Rainbow had collapsed on the ground laughing when Pinkie Pie had pinned down Applejack. She stopped laughing long enough to ask, “So you'll be there tonight?”
“Of course. Wouldn't miss it. Like ah said, I'll bring some fritters, too. She really seems to like 'em.” Applejack took the hat off and put it on right.
“Great, we'll see you there. Sorry, no written invitations. No singing, either.” She shrugged, “Short notice.” Pinkie Pie put the sombrero back on her head and blew on the arrow, making it flop about. She was gone in a flash and popped back again. “Oh, gotta get ready. Don't forget, at Sugar Cube Corner, be there.”
“See ya there, AJ,” Rainbow Dash took off and Pinkie Pie was gone again.
Applejack dusted herself off again and took her place behind the stand, seeing the line forming. “Howdy, folks, sorry 'bout the delay.”