"Hey Rarity!" waved Pinkie Pie, as she spotted her friend entering Sugar Cube Corner. "You're up awfully early. You're my first customer of the day!"
"Hi, Pinkie Pie," responded the unicorn.
"You look terrific Rarity! You must be feeling better," said Pinkie as she bounded out to greet her friend.
"Why yes, I am feeling better. Thank you, darling."
"What can I do ya for?"
"I need a dozen cinnamon buns, please," said Rarity
"Comin' right up!" said Pinkie as she started boxing up the order. "Are you getting excited for the party tonight?"
"I'm sure it's just the thing to get me out of this slump," said Rarity. "And I've decided to walk right up to Twilight and apologize for not seeing her in a couple weeks. I'm not going to avoid her anymore."
"Oh. Twilight isn't coming," said Pinkie Pie.
"Twilight's not coming?" asked Rarity blankly.
"Nopey dopey," said Pinkie Pie, "she's going to be in Canterlot, working at that princess gig of hers. Back to the old grind, ya know how it goes. I thought you knew that, silly."
"Have you spoken to Twilight recently?" asked Rarity
"I was at the library just last night," said Pinkie Pie as her tone became less jovial. "Rarity, Twilight figured out that you didn't want to see her when we all came over to the boutique a few days ago."
"I figured she would have," said Rarity. "Oh I just feel awful about it! Twilight wasn't upset at all, I hope?"
"Oh no, not all. Twilight was a happy as a clam!" lied Pinkie.
"Well, I still feel terrible about it," admitted Rarity. "Twilight did not deserve to be treated like that. I intend to set things right, Pinkie. I'm going to talk to Twilight the very next time I see her. I don't want to lose any of my friends."
"That's the old Rarity talkin' right there!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie.
Rarity took the pastries and paid eight bits. The two ponies said their goodbyes and parted ways.
Rarity left Sugar Cube Corner and walked back to her boutique. Her thoughts meandered to the upcoming party tonight.
"It's no matter," thought Rarity, "I'll just speak to Twilight the next time I see her. Although I wish she had been able to attend the party. I'm going to tell Twilight everything!"
Rarity walked into the boutique feeling more confident than she had all week. Everything was back on track. As Rarity walked in the door, she heard something in the darkness. Rarity magically opened the window blinds, and scanned the room for the culprit. Was it her cat, Opalescence? Or perhaps a nasty rodent? There was the sound again. It sounded like a faint static, or a whisper. But now it was coming from all around her.
Whispers bombarded Rarity from all directions, just like in her dreams. She blinked, trying to decide if she was awake or not.
"Who's there?!" yelled Rarity.
She whirled around, but could not see anypony. The skittish pony dropped the box of pastries, which broke open on the floor. She frantically turned to her left and right, up and down, following the whispers. Still there was nothing there.
"It's you, isn't it, Salazar? Get out of my head! Leave me alone!" she called out.
The whispers persisted. They were impossible to understand, but Rarity thought she made out the words, 'come to me,' amidst the noise.
"I will never abandon my element or betray my friends, so just get lost!" yelled Rarity.
The whispers began to fade away. In a minute they were gone.
"Oh Celestia!" said Rarity. "What am I to do? Just as everything was getting back to normal, that overgrown lizard has to pop into my head again. I couldn't even understand him. What a troll."
Rarity stepped on a cinnamon bun, squishing it into the carpet.
"No, not my expensive wool carpet from Saddle Arabia! Oooh," she whined, "It will take hours to clean this! Could this day possibly get any worse? … I thought for sure that dragon had given up. He hasn't bothered me for a week. Why now?"
Rarity glanced around, not sure what to do. The unicorn pony collapsed on the floor as she felt the nightmares and emotions come flooding back to her. Her eyes started watering as old fears returned.
"This torment… It's never going to end, is it? Somepony just put me down already! My life will never be the same! Never, never, never!" cried Rarity.
"I… I should have obeyed the dragon. I could have been a princess. All of my wildest dreams a reality! No, you silly mare, that's what he wants you to think! What does the dragon want from me? Think, Rarity, think!" she said aloud. "I'm so confused. Why is this happening to me? What does he want?"
Rarity buried her face in the carpet.
"It's never going to end," she muttered.
"Wait, that's it!" gasped Rarity. "I must go to him. It's the only way to find out what he wants. I must speak with Salazar face to face! I need an answer to this madness once and for all. It's the only way."
Rarity paced back and forth in the room. This recent turn of events had gotten Rarity very finicky. Her legs were shaking. The dragon talking to Rarity through her dreams was one thing, but this time she had been wide awake. It was a terrifying revelation.
"It's so simple. I will merely present myself before him, and I will demand to know what he wants," said Rarity as she paced back and forth in the room. "That is, of course, if he doesn't eat me or something... but what have I to lose at this point? How do I get there, and when do I go?"
Rarity took a deep breath and realized she was sweating and her heart was beating quickly.
"You're overreacting again Rarity. Look at yourself," she said, "you're so frightened that you're shaking. Don't make any rash decisions now."
Rarity walked into the kitchen and poured a cup of extra strong tea with her shaking hooves. She sat down at the table and tried to get a grip on what was happening.
"Maybe that idea isn't so simple after all. I'd have to go through the castle with all of those guards. Granted, many would recognize me as Twilight's friend, but unless I have a reason for being there, they would be suspicious. But if I was at the castle while Twilight was there, it wouldn't be a problem at all."
"But... Oh my Celestia, Twilight is there! Could I take the train to Canterlot today?"
Rarity glanced at the clock. It was still morning. She ran through the scenario in her head. She was very familiar with Canterlot, and knew exactly how to get to the castle. Unlike most ponies, Rarity had walked around the castle quite a few times, because she had often been there with Twilight and her other friends. Once in the castle, she had a good idea of where the main tower was. She had seen it several times before.
"I must have answers. I have to talk to the dragon. If he thinks he can just keep me depressed and afraid forever, he's seriously underestimating this unicorn!"
Rarity quickly went to her room and grabbed enough bits for the train ride to and from Canterlot. She also grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill. She scribbled down something and folded the parchment to take with her. Lastly, Rarity pulled out her will from a drawer and set it on the desk.
"Just in case I... don't make it back."
Rarity ran downstairs and stopped in front of the boutique door. Her heart was racing. Was she really about to do this?
"I have no choice. I'm going to resolve this once and for all," she said confidently.
Rarity exited the boutique, locked the door, and trotted off. She reached Sugar Cube Corner and glanced inside to see if Pinkie was there. Seeing that she wasn't, Rarity quickly went up to the counter.
"Well good morning to you, Rarity," said Mrs. Cake.
"Hi. Please give this note to Pinkie Pie," said Rarity briskly.
"Sure thing," said Mrs. Cake.
Rarity promptly trotted back out the door and continued down the street towards the Ponyville train station. Mrs. Cake set the note off to the side, but couldn't help but take a peek at it.
Pinkie,
I must respectfully decline your invite to the party tonight in my honor.
I'm so, so sorry. There is an urgent matter that I simply must confront.
Please don't wait for me, I may not be back tonight.
My sincerest apologies,
-Rarity
- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -
The train's horn sounded and the engine chugged away from the station. The Ponyville Express had begun it's hour long journey to the Equestrian Capital. The train wasn't very crowded, and Rarity had ample room to herself. Still, she was leery of seeing a pony she might know. She didn't want anypony to know where she was going.
"Will the royal guards recognize me?" thought Rarity. "If I'm there while Twilight's there, ponies will suspect we're together. I get in, straighten things out with the dragon, and get out."
Rarity looked out the window. Wide plains and rolling hills moved by. Everything was lush and green, and hazy snow capped mountains filled the distant horizon. Rarity wondered if Pinkie Pie had read her note yet. Rarity felt bad as she imagined how sad Pinkie would be. But there was no turning back now. Rarity had decided that she must go through with this.
"Maybe this is exactly what he planned the whole time, but I don't care. I have to know what he wants. I have to face him," thought Rarity. "Goodness knows I must not be seen by the princesses. It would be a sticky situation were I to bump into Twilight at the castle.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Rarity stepped off the train. The bustling streets of Canterlot sprawled out before her. Well dressed ponies walked this way and that, and taxi carriages waited along the curbs. As Equestria's capital, Canterlot was the premier city in the empire and the monarchs spared no expense in showing it off. Rarity felt right at home here, and even considered herself to be a Canterlot pony at heart.
Rarity knew just where she was going. She had been to the castle many times. A nagging nervousness accompanied her as she trotted through the streets. Many mares and stallions turned to look at Rarity as she passed.
"What a pretty young mare," Rarity heard an old mare say.
Rarity smiled. She loved being envied. Some minutes later, Rarity was in the town square. This large cobbled area connected to the main streets in the city, and was the center of many parades and celebrations. In front of her, an open drawbridge lead into the castle. Rarity walked across it. There were lots of civilians here, probably tourists, gazing up at the massive castle walls above them. Rarity went past them and approached the second checkpoint.
"Halt. What business have you at the castle?" said a grey unicorn guard.
"Hold on. That's Rarity, Princess Twilight's friend," interjected a second guard.
"Why, yes, that is me!" said Rarity, delighted that a total stranger knew her name.
"You're not on the guest list," said the first guard, scanning a piece of parchment, "but obviously you're here with Princess Twilight. My apologies ma'am."
"Do you know where you're going, miss? May we help direct you?" said the second.
"I know my way around. Thank you though, darling," said Rarity as she walked past the guards.
Rarity found herself in a large, well used corridor. Pairs of guards walked this way and that, as well as some official looking dignitaries. She kept a keen eye out for Twilight. Technically Rarity had permission from the princesses to visit the castle anytime she wanted, but she hadn't let them know that she was 'visiting.' She hadn't told anypony. She couldn't.
Rarity looked around the corridor.
"Which way was it again?" asked Rarity to herself. "I could have asked the guards for directions to the main tower, but that might have raised some questions. The royal chambers are there, and the treasury too I think."
Rarity selected a corridor and proceeded down it. Guards looked at her. It was an uncommon sight to see such a young mare, like Rarity, walking around the castle unaccompanied. Some guards looked stern or suspicious. Others smiled and nodded. A couple even stopped and bowed as Rarity walked past. Rarity was giddy with glee from all the attention, loving every second of it. One courageous guard even winked at her.
"Oh, I could get used to this!" she thought.
After a few minutes of walking, Rarity realized she had gone the wrong way.
"I could have sworn it was this way. Oh well. I have all day to find the tower. How hard can it be anyways?"
- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Twilight Sparkle shut the ancient manuscript.
"This riddle is impossible!" she said in exasperation.
Twilight had spent the whole afternoon skimming over books in the archives, which were still closed to the public. She had to meet briefly with Princesses Celestia and Luna soon, and she could not miss it. Luna would be awake so that the three Princesses could speak together, taking sleep out of her already sleep-deprived schedule.
Twilight's mind wandered back to Ponyville and her friends. She was still upset with Rarity, but eager to work things out when she saw her again. She also needed to get some answers from Rarity. Hiding things from each other isn't healthy for any friendship, and Twilight intended to make that her first priority.
"If I expect Rarity to be honest with me, I've got to be honest with her," thought Twilight. "I'm going to apologize to Rarity, and admit I was taking notes on our conversation the last time we talked. And I have a feeling Rarity wants to tell me something too. We simply need to talk it out."
Twilight got up and proceeded out of the archives. A squad of guards was coming towards her. The guards stopped as they saw Twilight coming. They bowed and stepped to the side, as if their lives depended on it. Twilight looked at one of the guards as she passed. One of her brother's friends. Twilight knew him very well, and a few months earlier, he would have joked and laughed with her. But they all acted differently now that she was royalty. Her brother's friend kept his eyes down and didn't acknowledge Twilight. It both saddened and annoyed her. She stopped, and stared at him, testing him. The guards remained motionless with their heads bowed. Guards were not to speak or move unless spoken to, when in presence of a princess; another rule that Twilight detested. Twilight stood in the middle of the guards, naturally curious about this procedure. After several minutes, she noticed one of the guards' legs were shaking from holding the bow for so long.
"This is ridiculous," thought Twilight, "But it is procedure, I guess… and tradition."
Twilight walked on. Behind her, the guards recovered themselves and continued with their duties. Why couldn't ponies just say 'hi' to her like they used to? This princess stuff still felt foreign to her. Yet for a pony obsessed with being organized and in control, there was an aspect to it that she could perhaps get used to.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -
"This looks familiar," said Rarity to herself.
The entry-way was framed with golden designs and French-curves. Suns and moons adorned the extravagant entrance. The royal seal sat on the very top. This was the entrance to the royal chambers and the tower, Rarity was sure of it. But there were two stern looking pegasus guards at the entrance, their armor sparkled gold in the white light of the hallways.
"Here goes nothing," thought Rarity as she walked up to the guards.
"Excuse me miss," said one of them, stopping her. "This leads to the royal chambers and the main tower. You're not allowed in here without permission from the princess."
Rarity stopped and smiled at the guard politely. The guard's face relaxed when he leaned in to examine Rarity more closely.
"I recognize you. You're Rarity, the element of generosity! One of Princess Twilight's friends," he said. The other guard smiled and bowed to Rarity.
"Why yes," said Rarity, glancing nervously over her shoulder. "I am a dear friend of the princess."
"Might I just say it's an honor to meet one of the six ponies who saved Equestria… how many times now?" asked the first guard.
"Oh, just a few times, I suppose," said Rarity quickly.
"Well, we don't mean to slow you down. I'm sure you have important matters to attend to," said the guard, sensing Rarity's urgency.
"Yes, quite. I must be off… to attend to those 'important matters'," said Rarity. She trotted past the guards and continued down the hallway behind them. The guards turned to watch her trot away.
"Have you ever seen such a fine unicorn?" said one guard.
"She is truly gorgeous," said the other.
"I mean, just look at that flank!"
"Well you missed your chance to talk to her, dummy," said the first guard.
The guards returned to their posts, free to silently explore their fantasies.
"Maybe I should have just stayed in Ponyville," thought Rarity. "No. I must find the answer to these nightmares. Nothing's going to get better until I have peace of mind."
She continued on. A wide and decorative staircase now stood before her. Silver sconces hung on the walls. A couple more guards came down the stairs, glancing at her suspiciously. Rarity tried to avoid eye contact and pretended she knew where she was going. The guards disappeared down another passage. Thankfully for Rarity her physical appearance, that of a well pampered, white furred unicorn, was probably the best disguise she could ask for for sneaking around Canterlot. She certainly looked and acted like a well-to-do unicorn of the Canterlot upper class. She even considered herself a Canterlot pony at heart. The coast looked clear; Rarity began to ascend the staircase. But hesitated and looked back.
"Oh this is stupid. Look at me, what am I thinking? I'll get caught for sure. This can only end badly," said Rarity to herself, "but I have to put an end to this. I can't go through my life with these haunting dreams."
She climbed several floors, treading lightly and listening carefully for the sound of other hoof steps. Passageways branched off of the big staircase, each with rooms and hallways visible beyond. Judging from the extravagant furnishings and décor, the royal chambers were nearby. Fantasies and fears ran through Rarity's mind. What if she was caught? She pictured herself being brought before Princess Celestia as an intruder; or worse, being thrown in a dungeon overnight. Where were the dungeons in Canterlot anyways? Probably somewhere within the mountain. The cold, dirty, dark mountains… What sort of filthy criminals would Rarity have to spend the night with? She shuttered at the thought. And then she would be on trial for treason, as a spy or hitmare trying to assassinate the princess. 'No, I would never in my life,' she would protest. Her friends would hang their heads in grief. But no, Twilight and Rainbow Dash would plan a brilliant rescue mission. And they'd free her and she'd live peacefully in exile. Is it possible to live peacefully in exile? Anyways, Rarity would always have her friends. They would never betray her trust, even when things seemed bad.
The clopping of hooves further up the spiral staircase jarred Rarity out of her fantastic day dream. Fearing it was another guard, she ducked into the closest archway, and crouched behind the corner. The room she found herself in was in was dimly lit, with only a single candelabra burning on a table. It seemed to be an entryway of some sort. Firelight came through a doorway on the opposite side. She noticed her heart was pounding with adrenaline. She felt lightheaded and her legs shook slightly. The clopping hooves got closer and Rarity froze in place. Sure enough two more guards came down the stairs. Rarity watched intently as they passed by the entrance and continued down the stairs.
"I can't believe I'm doing this. What would mom and dad think? Sweetie Belle? I can't get caught, I just can't," thought the unicorn.
When the clopping had died away Rarity got ready to continue her climb, but a familiar voice stopped her. The voice was coming from the adjacent room. Could it be? Princess Luna? Now she heard another voice. Giving in to her curiosity, Rarity traversed the entryway and cautiously peered into the adjacent room.
There in the big room stood Princesses Celestia and Luna. Rarity crouched in the shadows and crawled forward.
"What a travesty. Surely the dragon is mad," began Luna.
Celestia responded. "Sister, never have I felt so low. I felt like a genuine rogue, giving Cadence and her domain as a peace offering to the dragon. Was I so wrong to think the Crystal Empire would hold some appeal to Salazar? Now that the offer has fallen short, Cadence need not know about this."
"Of course, sister…" responded princess Luna.
Rarity's heart sank. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Rarity was both frightened and intrigued. Her curiosity caused her to stay put and observe the Equestrian royalty in their private quarters. The two alicorns stood in silence for some time, perhaps looking for answers within the burning hearth.
"Oh Celestia," thought Rarity, "What the hay am I doing? This has got to be considered high treason. I'm sure I wasn't supposed to overhear that..."
Princess Luna yawned. A drop of sweat ran down Rarity's forehead and muzzle as her heart continued to race. She found she could hardly move her legs, anxiety was really taking it's toll. Rarity continued listening, keeping a keen ear for any hoof steps behind her.
"What else can we offer to entice the dragon to leave?" asked Princess Luna, breaking the silence.
"Surely we will find a solution. We always have," spoke Celestia.
"I've had a premonition that our rule in Equestria may soon be at an end," said Luna.
"Such fears will not help us through this. I have faith there is still a chance," said Princess Celestia. "Harmony always finds a way."
Rarity's head swam with a combination of bewilderment and fear.
"What would mother have done?" asked Princess Luna.
Celestia did not respond, as something else had grabbed her attention. The princesses turned in unison towards Rarity! Rarity froze with fear. They were looking straight into the dark room she was hiding in. The sound of clopping hooves grew louder behind Rarity. Somepony was trotting up the stairs, and making quite a racket. That's why the monarchs were looking this way. Rarity quickly retreated back into the entry way. Thankfully there were many places to hide. She spotted a stout table and scurried underneath it. She was breathing very quickly, and felt very hot.
"Oh Rarity, you dolt!" she thought.
The candles were still burning on the table. She concentrated her magic on the tiny flames, and they flickered out. In that same instant, the newcomer entered the room. Rarity couldn't see anything other than the pony's legs. The pony crossed the dark room and walked into the main room with the princesses. Rarity emerged from under her table and peered into the den again.
"Princess Celestia! Princess Luna!" said Twilight as she hurried towards her mentors.
Twilight greeted both of them and received a loving nuzzle in return. In the light, Twilight's regal horse shoes shone brightly, revealing the reason for her loud approach.
"Well I've made some progress since when I interrogated Rarity," said Twilight.
"Interrogated me? I thought we were just having a conversation between friends," thought Rarity. Her heart sank and her ears drooped in dismay. "I don't believe it. Twilight would never..."
"But the results are inconclusive," continued Twilight, "All I know is that Salazar talked to Rarity using dark magic that day, and he attempted to deceive her. He tried to play upon Rarity's discord-element, greed, to trick her into breaking her friendship with us. If it worked, we wouldn't have been able to use the elements of harmony against him, and who knows what could have happened."
"Yes, we read the report you sent last week, Twilight," responded Princess Celestia.
"I've also been researching past expeditions to the Frozen North, as well as reading up on the history of the Crystal Caverns," continued Twilight, "Maybe the mysterious item Salazar is looking for is closer than we think, maybe even right under our muzzles! Besides, he told me that dragons lived here long before ponies did."
"The cave systems beneath this mountain are enormous and complex," spoke Princess Celestia, "we've searched through the old mines and caverns, and have found some interesting things, but nothing like what Salazar described to you."
"That's right," interjected Luna, "It seems unlikely the answer lies within the caverns."
"Princess, you don't suppose Rarity has anything to do with it, do you?" said Twilight uneasily. "I hope she's not in danger."
"Perhaps and perhaps not, Twilight," said Princess Celestia.
"Rarity hasn't been acting herself lately."
"Go on, Twilight," said Celestia.
"There was something she didn't tell me when I questioned her. And my other friends don't want to say anything about it. But I intend to talk to Rarity as soon as I can."
"That's interesting," interjected Princess Luna, "I sensed that Rarity had troubling dreams recently."
"You're right princess," said Twilight, as she pieced this new information together, "Rarity's sister mentioned that she was having nightmares, but I didn't think much of it. What were Rarity's dreams about, if I may ask?"
This was getting a little awkward for Rarity. The princesses go from talking about top secret diplomacy to… her dreams?
"I don't know," admitted Luna, "I have not recently entered Rarity's dreams. But I will watch, and will enter her mind if she has another nightmare."
Rarity frowned. What did Luna mean by 'recently'? Silence followed. Rarity was hurt. She knew now that Twilight had pretended to have a sincere conversation with her about the dragon ordeal. It was actually a well disguised interrogation, and those must have been notes she was taking during it! Rarity may not have been totally truthful with Twilight, but still.
"The six elements all have their own weaknesses," said Celestia. "I'm sure you've noticed that of all your friends, Rarity has struggled the most with hers. Generosity is easily corrupted, while greed and jealousy are easily evoked."
"But, princess, all of my friends have had their weak moments," protested Twilight.
"Rarity's anti-element is dangerous, unlike the other five elements," explained Celestia.
"The elements have served their purposes well," spoke Luna. "They have been a guide to you through your training, all leading up to your ascension."
"But the elements will stay strong, won't they?" asked Twilight.
"Of course," said Luna, "as long as your bonds of friendship remain unbroken."
The three princesses talked for a while longer. Their conversation involved what Twilight had researched, and something about 'Salazar's riddle'. Rarity didn't understand most of what was said.
"What is this 'riddle' they're talking about?" wondered Rarity.
"Princess. I'd like to speak with Salazar again," said Twilight. "I have a couple more questions for him."
That meant that Twilight might be coming this way. Rarity quietly returned to her hiding spot under the table. Some moments passed before she heard approaching hooves. Rarity wondered what the punishment would be for eavesdropping on the princesses.
"Good luck, Twilight," Rarity heard Luna say, "I will accompany you if you wish."
"No thank you Princess. I think I can handle the dragon now," came Twilight's distinctive voice.
Three sets of pony legs stood in the middle of the foyer. It was hard to make out the colors of their fur in the sparse light, but Rarity could see the size difference between Twilight and her mentors.
"If you have any insights from speaking to Salazar, you will report to us right away," said Princess Celestia.
"Yes princess. But if not, I mean to return to Ponyville tonight," responded Twilight.
"Very well. Good luck," said Princess Celestia.
Twilight's hooves clopped towards the stairs. Rarity's legs were shaking from trying remain still for so long. The unicorn turned her attention to the other legs in the room and hoped they would also go away.
"It is quite dark in here, was there not a light in your foyer, sister?" asked Princess Luna.
"The candles must have gone out... wherever they are," said Princess Celestia as she strained her eyes in the dark room. "No matter, I'm heading to bed now anyways. The servants will light them again tomorrow evening."
The two alicorns promptly walked out of the entrance hall and back into the main room.
Rarity peered out from under the table and confirmed the coast was clear. Still it wasn't worth the chance. She waited for several more minutes to make certain there were no ponies lingering nearby. She emerged from her hiding spot and found the room empty.
"The stress of sneaking around like this cannot be good for my complexion," she Rarity aloud. She glanced into the royal chambers, and saw nothing but a fire burning in the hearth. Very carefully she leaned her head into the room. Rarity gasped at the splendor of the room, now that she could see the whole thing. The beautifully woven carpets and tapestries, the majestic ceilings and arches; it was enough to make Rarity giddy with pleasure.
But her thoughts trailed back to the task at hand. Now Rarity's entire mission was in jeopardy. How could she speak with Salazar if Twilight was also speaking to him? She had no choice but to wait until Twilight had gone. How long would that take?
"Oh, this is utter lunacy, Rarity. Just go back to Ponyville. You don't have to spend the night in a dungeon," part of her said. What if one of the princesses returned while Rarity was lingering here? How could she even face one of them if she got caught? How would she face her friends? Whatever she chose to do, she'd have to wait here for a while, and keep an eye out.
Rarity's thoughts wandered as she watched the fire crackle and pop in the great stone fireplace. The fire's light splashed across the stone floors and ornate silk carpets. Meanwhile beams of fine oak wood stretched across the ceiling in the darkness above. Rarity closed her eyes. The atmosphere of the room was almost euphoric. What it would be like to be a princess! Rarity lay down at the threshold of the great chamber. Her thoughts drifted as she fantasized about far off castles and noble, handsome unicorn princes.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Twilight reached the top of the stairs, and was greeted by a guard who opened the trapdoor for her. Salazar was curled up in the center of the room, perhaps sleeping. Twilight was surprised to not see the usual guards. The night shift had been taken over by Princess Luna's dark-featured pegasus guards, who had trimmed wings so that they resembled those of a bat. Twilight had seldom seen Princess Luna's guards; they were seldom seen in Canterlot even, and only at night. Despite this, they knew who Twilight was.
"Leave us. Um… please," said Twilight. She was getting a hang of this princess thing. Luna's guards bowed, spread their wings, and flew off the balcony in orderly fashion. Twilight wondered where they would go. As if on queue, Salazar stirred as soon as the guards had left. His head emerged from the black coils and slithered towards Twilight. This time, however, Twilight was confident. As a sign of this, she spread her wings out wide.
"Salazar. I have business with you," said Twilight.
"I am listening, little pony," said the dragon.
"I have a question," said Twilight. She looked around as if checking to see that they were alone. "I was a bit apprehensive to ask Princess Celestia this, but… Can the elements of harmony defeat you?"
Salazar exhaled. Small plumes of smoke wafted from his nostrils as he did so.
"No," he said after a moment, "however, the elements will protect Equestria. Were I to attempt to destroy Equestria, the elements could protect it. But only if they aren't separated."
"So that's why you kidnapped my friend Rarity. You needed to separate the elements, so we couldn't unite. That's pretty obvious," said Twilight.
"Hmmm…" Salazar smirked, "While convenient to separate the elements, it is not my main objective."
"What then? To take over Equestria?" asked Twilight.
"Not quite, but you're getting closer."
"What the hay do you mean 'not quite'? I was there, I saw everything that happened!" yelled Twilight.
Salazar didn't respond.
Twilight sighed, "Typical dragon. Remember Twilight, he's just a typical deceitful and manipulative dragon."
"Alright, Salazar, I have three more questions for you," said Twilight. "What do you know about the Tree of Harmony?"
"A powerful energy exists within the ancient oak of the Everfree," said the dragon. "Within the elements that force resides, as it does as within you. But take heed, Twilight Sparkle, while the elements cannot be corrupted, ponies can."
Salazar flashed his tongue at Twilight.
"I know that. But where did the tree come from? What secret do the six mysterious keys unlock?" asked Twilight.
"It is amusing that your princess has not told you," rumbled Salazar's voice.
"What? Celestia doesn't know, or she would have said something," said Twilight, "right? ... Wait, you're just trying to upset me again, aren't you? Fine, I can see we're not getting anywhere with that subject."
Twilight continued, "The thing you're looking for. Is it somewhere within the Crystal Caverns? Is it something that's actually possible to pick up and bring to you to make you leave?"
"Listen carefully, Twilight Sparkle, for my answer is this: I have already found, yet do not possess, what I have sought. And what I sought, now seeks me," said Salazar, flickering his tongue.
"What?! That doesn't even make any sense!" said Twilight, clearly very frustrated. "I wish you weren't so difficult, Salazar! Things would move along so much more smoothly if you would just cooperate!"
"I see you have learned little about us dragons, Twilight Sparkle," said Salazar.
"Don't even go there," said Twilight as she glared angrily at the dragon. "Actually, fine, why don't you enlighten me on the subject," she snapped back.
"Are you not intrigued that I have spared you thus far?" rumbled the dragon's voice.
"What's that supposed to mean? Does it mean you need me for something? Are you implying that I have something to do with this?"
Salazar did not respond, but allowed Twilight to continue.
"I think I understand," she said. "This is all part of some elaborate scheme! You're using me, but for what? Do you intend for me to solve your riddle?" said Twilight.
Salazar did not respond.
"Forget it! I can't help you if you can't help me," said Twilight. "Last question: does my friend Rarity have anything to do with this?"
"Rarity... that is a charming name. Which one is she? The yellow one, or the pink one?" said Salazar.
"You should know! You kidnapped her!" yelled Twilight in frustration. "You're just taunting me again, aren't you? You know very which pony Rarity is. Ever since you kidnapped her, she's been acting peculiar. I know more than you think I know, Salazar."
"Impress me," said the dragon, further taunting Twilight.
"The day you attacked Canterlot, you meant to separate my and my friends, to separate the elements. You only needed to separate one of us from the others. You chose Rarity because you thought she would be the easiest to corrupt. You offered her something you didn't think she could refuse, being a princess and having treasure, popularity, et cetera. By the way, I'm a princess, and I haven't seen a single gem in the treasury. Thank Celestia Rarity didn't believe you. Were you even trying with that? Discord could do better with one claw tied behind his back."
"It seems I am quite the risk taker. One would have expected a more developed strategy before trying something so foolhardy." said the dragon, playing along.
"That's right, Rarity told me all about it. And she's totally recovered from the incident, and has probably forgotten all about you. But there's something she hasn't told me. Did you say anything else to Rarity that day? Anything at all?"
"Nothing too out of the ordinary," responded the dragon.
"Fine. But she's still hiding something, and I think it might be important. I'll find out when I talk to her tomorrow," said Twilight casually.
She turned, as if to leave, but Salazar spoke suddenly.
"The unicorn Rarity is hiding something from you, and it is very important," said Salazar.
"What? How do you know?" stammered Twilight.
The alicorn princess stamped her hooves in frustration.
"I really don't you like, you know that?" she huffed. "Is the thing she's hiding related to the riddle?"
"You could say that," said the dragon evasively.
"What is Rarity not telling me?"
"It is your friend's choice to tell you, not mine," said the dragon.
"Oh, she will tell me. And she had better be honest this time!" said Twilight angrily.
"This matter is more urgent than you realize," rumbled Salazar's voice. "Wait not until tomorrow. Speak with Rarity tonight."
"I'm planning on it! ... I mean, don't tell me what to do! I'm still mad at you!"
"Are we through here? Or have you more questions for me?" asked the dragon.
"We're through here. You've been most unhelpful. Good night!"
Twilight trotted to the balcony and jumped off the tower, leaving Salazar alone. The cool night air felt refreshing as it wafted through her feathered wings, but still wasn't enough to cool Twilight down from the frustrating and unproductive meeting with Salazar. A chariot was waiting to take her to Ponyville.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -
A shiver ran up Rarity's spine as she heard multiple voices behind her, abruptly ending her daydream. Shadows appeared on the curved walls of the spiral staircase. Rarity took one last look at the grand room and went back into the entryway to hide. A squad of white pegasus guards came down the stairs, talking and acting casual. A couple guards had their helmets off, and they all stepped down the stairs haphazardly. They must be off duty.
"Do you know what one of those bat-winged weirdoes said to me when he took my shift tonight?" complained one of the guards.
"What was it this time?" asked another.
Rarity lost the response amidst the racket of their hooves clopping on the marble steps.
"Why can't Princess Luna hire some regular pegasus ponies as her guards?" said another guard coming down the stairs.
"Because ponies aren't nocturnal. Not the normal ones anyways," retorted another.
"Shut up, will you? The princess' chambers are right there, do you want to get us fired?" said the last one.
The commotion faded away down the stairs. Rarity stuck her head out of the archway and looked around. The coast looked clear. Rarity hesitated in the doorway. Why hadn't Twilight come back down yet? She was taking a long time. Either that or Twilight had come down a different way. Rarity couldn't wait any longer, she had to be decisive - she had to choose what to do.
"There will surely be more guards up the stairs, guarding that dragon if nothing else. Do I go up, or do I go down? Shall I abort the mission, or risk it all? Oh Rarity, why can't you be definite in your decisions? Think!" thought Rarity. She shook her head.
"Dare I ascend? I just don't know!"
Her gaze followed the white marble steps as they rose away in front of her. A strong feeling washed over her warning her not to continue. Rarity had had enough. This was dangerous and foolish. She was going to get caught eventually. And if she somehow made it to the level where the dragon was imprisoned, what then? What did she expect to happen? If she didn't end up in a dungeon, she'd end up being roasted alive by Salazar.
Rarity gasped, "That's it!" she thought. "That's why Salazar lured me here. All those whispers... and the dreams. He wants to kill me! He couldn't when all the elements were together, this is the only way he'd achieve separating us."
"Oh Rarity, you’ve been played for a foal!" she said aloud. "'Curiosity killed the cat', as they say."
Rarity looked down the stairs this time, and after another pause took the first step down. She was flustered again, but her irritation was directed at herself this time. She couldn't believe she had been about to risk everything on a hunch, including her own life.
The guards wouldn't stop her from leaving, would they? Rarity reached the bottom of the staircase. Two guards were there, but they were not the same friendly guards who had welcomed Rarity on her way up. They eyed Rarity suspiciously as she passed, but said nothing.
Rarity exited the castle the way she came in. More guards greeted Rarity, saying things like, "Have a good night ma'am". A couple guards even called her "Miss Rarity". Rarity left the castle unmolested, and made her way through the city towards the train station. The broad Canterlot streets were quiet this time of night and gave Rarity a chance to reflect. She glanced up at the big tower. The moon was well into the sky, and cast an eerie light upon the white Canterlot stone.
"What a pointless visit. All I accomplished was letting my friends down by missing Pinkie's party, and finding more things to worry about," muttered Rarity. "I have enough to think about with the Ponyville Promenade coming up tomorrow!"
Her thoughts wandered back to eavesdropping on the princesses.
"I can't believe the princesses were talking about me. As if I have some big part in all of this? What has got them so worried, and what do I have to do with it? It sounded like they didn't have any control over Salazar, but I thought he was a prisoner."
Rarity watched her hooves as they clopped down the cobblestone street, deep in thought.
"And what about Twilight? I can't believe she lied to me. I mean, I trusted her. Twilight is one of my best friends," she thought. "I hate that dragon. This is all his fault. I couldn't be sincere with Twilight, and Twilight couldn't be sincere with me, all because of him. Was that his intention? To create tension and distrust between us? I'm not going to let it happen, I'll show him. I'm going to talk to Twilight tonight, and I'm going to tell her everything. I simply must set things right."
- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Rarity!" yelled Twilight at the front door of the Carousel Boutique.
She banged her hoof on the door as hard as she could. Rarity would normally be in bed by now, but she could be woken up for something this important. Twilight's suspicion that Rarity was hiding something important had been confirmed from her conversation with Salazar. She needed answers.
"Rarity!" she yelled again.
"Keep it down out there! Some ponies are trying to sleep around here!" yelled a voice from across the street.
"Sorry!" Twilight yelled back, blushing.
Twilight looked around. Most of the town was dark, but a few lights shown here and there. One light came from Sugar Cube Corner. Twilight took off on a run towards the store. Pinkie Pie might be able to help. Twilight knocked on the stable-style door, and a moment later the top half opened, revealing the head of a pink pony.
"Hi Twilight!" said Pinkie Pie.
She seemed a bit tired.
"Sorry, Twilight, but I think you might be just a tiny bit late for the party. As in, it ended like two hours ago. We're almost done cleaning up!"
"I'm not here for the party, Pinkie."
"Of course not, you're here to help us clean up!" said Pinkie as she thrust a wet mop at Twilight.
"Is Rarity still here?" said Twilight, as she discarded the mop off to the side.
"Nope, just my maid. I was so sad when I got Rarity's note that she couldn't make it."
"Couldn't make it?" said Twilight, "But you hosted the party just for her. Why couldn't she make it?"
"Take a look," said Pinkie Pie, as she produced Rarity's note.
Twilight read it and didn't seem to understand.
"Where did she go, Pinkie Pie?" said Twilight sternly.
"Gosh, Twilight, I don't think I've seen you this serious since like... yesterday!" giggled Pinkie Pie.
"This isn't funny, Pinkie. This is very, very serious. Have you seen Rarity?"
"Maybe she went to Cloudsdale to surprise Dashie before her practice race tomorrow. That's what I would have done!"
Twilight rolled her eyes.
"Is Rarity in trouble or something?" asked Pinkie Pie.
"Why don't you tell me? Pinkie, you have to tell me what Rarity's been hiding from me," demanded Twilight.
Pinkie Pie glanced around nervously.
"Um... There's still some cake left. Do you want some?" asked Pinkie.
"Pinkie Pie..." said the frustrated alicorn.
"Oh, I know what we can do! We can eat frosting until we throw up! That's always fun."
"Pinkie Pie!" yelled Twilight.
A flash of white light, and suddenly Twilight was inside the room.
Fluttershy, who was cleaning on the other side of the room in a maid outfit, gasped.
"Take it easy, Twilight!" yelped Pinkie Pie as she was levitated into the air by a purple aura of energy.
"Don't you understand?! Rarity could be in danger right now! Salazar said the thing she isn't telling me is very important. It has something to do with the riddle! This is urgent, Pinkie! To Tartarus with your Pinkie promise! Is it more important than the fate of Equestria?! Tell me what Rarity said to all of you!" demanded Twilight.
"Silly Twilight," teased the floating earth pony, "why don't you just ask her yourself? She's just outside."
Twilight rushed out the stable door, and glanced around as her eyes adjusted to the darkness.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Meanwhile, Rarity was making her way through the Ponyville streets towards home, having just gotten off the train. She was startled by the sudden outline of an alicorn, wings spread wide, in the doorway of Sugar Cube Corner. Was that Princess Celestia? Rarity couldn't tell with the bright light behind the figure.
"I've been caught! One of the guards has turned me in!" screamed Rarity's thoughts.
"They caught me eavesdropping! Celestia's been waiting for me to throw me a dungeon for the rest of my life!" said Rarity's thoughts, as adrenaline took over.
The skittish Rarity took off at a sprint towards the Carousel Boutique.
Twilight couldn't see anything clearly, but heard somepony running. She blindly ran after the sound, forgetting about Pinkie Pie. By the moon's light, Twilight now saw the outline of a mare running down the street.
"Stop! Is that you, Rarity? Wait, it's me, Twilight!"
Mr. and Mrs. Cake ran downstairs to see what all the commotion was about. Twilight had gone, and all they found was Pinkie Pie floating in the middle of the room.
"Pinkie? You're... You're flying?" said Mr. Cake.
"Oh, you know..." blushed Pinkie Pie, "just practicing my self-levitation spell..."
Suddenly, Twilight's spell stopped and Pinkie fell on her rump with a thud. Mrs. Cake fainted.
Rarity produced the key to the boutique from her saddlebags. She opened the door as quickly as she could, rushed inside, and locked it behind her. Being so scared, she whinnied loudly, an instinctual reflex. The panic stricken pony's heart was racing as she tried to figure out what to do next. The door rattled; somepony was clearly trying to open it.
"I didn't mean to eavesdrop, princess! I'm sorry!" yelled Rarity.
The room was suddenly lit with a bright flash and Twilight Sparkle appeared inches in front of Rarity's face. Rarity reared up and screamed.
"Please no, princess!" yelled Rarity.
"Rarity! It's me, Twilight!" yelled Twilight. "It's just me! Rarity, it's just me!"
Rarity stared at Twilight as she tried to regain her breath.
"Twilight, I thought you were princess..." panted Rarity.
"You thought I was princess who?" said Twilight sternly.
Rarity didn't respond for a moment as she tried to calm down and catch her breath. She wasn't sure why Twilight was so eager to see her, but something seemed wrong.
"Twilight, darling, what a fright you gave me back there. Whatever is the matter? Is something wrong?" inquired Rarity.
"Yes, there certainly is," said Twilight, glaring at her friend.
"Twilight, hold that thought," said Rarity, "There's something I simply must tell you. I haven't been open with you, and it's about time I confess."
"Exactly!" blurted Twilight.
Rarity looked confused.
"That's exactly the problem," continued Twilight. "You have to tell me everything. I must know every detail. It's extremely urgent!"
"Twilight," said Rarity sincerely, "Whatever do you mean? What's going on?"
"It's of grave importance that you tell me at once!" said Twilight.
"I just said I was going to tell you," snapped Rarity, "but now I'm having second thoughts with that boorish attitude of yours."
"This isn't the time for this, Rarity. The fate of Equestria depends on you telling me everything. At least that's what Salazar said... Oh."
"Why if that isn't the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard! And what were you doing talking to that terrible dragon?" said Rarity.
"I can't tell you. That's highly classified," said Twilight mechanically.
"Did the dragon tell you to be rude as well?" jested Rarity.
"I am not being rude, you're being difficult!" retorted Twilight.
Rarity gasped, being taken aback at Twilight's words.
"The dragon aside, you've been acting very suspicious lately," said Twilight
"Me? Suspicious? The only thing suspicious here is why you want to stick your muzzle in other ponies' business," said Rarity, clearly very insulted.
"Look Rarity, I don't want to argue with you. But this really is important."
"Twilight, my little personal problems are not a matter of national concern," said Rarity.
"I have reason to believe that they are. Please just tell me where you were all day! Why did you miss Pinkie Pie's party?" demanded Twilight.
"It's none of your business. You always have to be in control of everything and everypony, don't you Twilight? I'm my own mare. This is my life and you have no business reprimanding me in my own home and ordering me to disclose what I do and where I go!"
Twilight stamped a hoof in frustration. "I don't care! This isn't about you or me. I have orders, Rarity!"
"Orders? Like the orders you had to interrogate me last week?" said Rarity, taking a step closer to Twilight.
"How? How could you know that?" said Twilight, taken aback.
"Hah! I guess I'm not the only liar in the room!" said Rarity.
"I had to do it, Rarity. And that's completely different, I was just being practical and you're being selfish," said Twilight.
"Me? Selfish?" said Rarity, as she felt tears welling up in her eyes.
"Yes, selfish!" continued Twilight, "You were selfish when you told all our friends except me about what was bothering you. You really hurt my feelings Rarity! I thought you didn't like me anymore; you didn't want to be my friend anymore," Twilight started to cry too. "You never said sorry, and you're still being selfish for not telling me."
"Twilight, I... You don't understand," cried Rarity. "You don't understand what I was going through. I couldn't tell you, I just couldn't."
"Horse pucky! You just weren't thinking about my feelings. You never think about other ponies, only yourself!" cried Twilight.
The boutique lights suddenly came on, illuminating Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy standing in the doorway.
"Girls!" said Pinkie Pie. "What the hay happened?"
"Oh my goodness!" gasped Fluttershy.
"Waaahaaa," cried Rarity, as she bolted for the door.
Tears streamed out of her eyes as she sprinted past Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, and ran off crying into the night.
"Rarity!" yelled Fluttershy.
The pegasus immediately left and flew after her friend. Twilight sat down on her rump and wiped tears from her eyes.
"What happened, Twilight?" said Pinkie as she walked over to the crying princess.
"I... I don't know. We got in a fight," sniffled Twilight. "Oh I just feel horrible! What got into me. I'm so, so sorry Pinkie! I didn't mean to!"
Pinkie Pie put a comforting hoof around her friend. "You can tell your auntie Pinkie all about it!"
After a while Pinkie had calmed Twilight down. They stood up and prepared to leave Rarity's boutique.
"Pinkie?" asked Twilight, "How did you and Fluttershy get in here? The door was locked, I tried it."
"Heehee," giggle Pinkie, "I always keep duplicate keys to my best friends' houses nearby! Don't worry, I only use them for emergencies like this.... or when I'm bored."
"Pinkie, I don't think that's... Oh never mind," said Twilight.
The two friends left the boutique and walked silently through Ponyville. At the library, Pinkie Pie unlocked and opened the door for Twilight, receiving a questioning look from the alicorn. The lights were off and Spike was asleep.
"Goodnight Twilight!" said Pinkie.
"Goodnight Pinkie. If you see Rarity, tell her... tell her I'm sorry," said Twilight.
"Will do! I hope you feel better tomorrow Twilight," said Pinkie, struggling with the proper words. "You'll still come to the Ponyville Promenade, won't you?"
"Yeah, I guess so," said Twilight as she disappeared inside the library.
The door closed and Pinkie made her way back to Sugar Cube Corner.
"Gosh. This is just awful," thought Pinkie Pie. "None of us have had a fight this bad, ever! I've got to find away to make everypony friends again, but this ain't gonna be easy."
- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -
A cool night air caressed Fluttershy's wings as she hovered above the ground. She looked every which way, but couldn't see Rarity anywhere. Fluttershy had followed her the best she could, but lost her when they got to the outskirts of Ponyville. Fluttershy was just outside of the town, but few houses had their lights on and it was very dark.
"Rarity!" called the pegasus, scanning the darkness around her.
She landed on the dirt road and listened for any sign of her friend. Now she heard what sounded like somepony crying. Fluttershy walked towards the sound and found Rarity lying under a tree next to a stream. The unicorn's weeping grew louder as Fluttershy approached. Fluttershy lay on the grass next to her friend and gently put a wing around her. Rarity felt the warmth of her friend's soft feathers around her shoulders.
"It's alright now," said Fluttershy's soothing voice. "There there."
The two ponies sat in silence for a while, Rarity sniffling from time to time. They listened to the babbling of the nearby brook.
"Whatever Twilight said back there, I'm sure she didn't mean it," said Fluttershy, breaking the silence. "I'm sure she feels just as upset right now."
"Who is she to call me selfish?" spoke Rarity.
"Oh my. Did Twilight really say that?" said Fluttershy sadly. "I'm sure she didn't mean it."
"And what possessed her to run me down and enter my home without my permission?"
Fluttershy wasn't sure what to say.
"Besides, she's the selfish one," continued Rarity.
"Oh, you mustn't say things like that Rarity."
"Twilight used us, Fluttershy. And so did Princess Celestia and Luna."
"Whatever do you mean?" asked Fluttershy.
"Everything about the elements and friendship was just for Twilight's training. It was merely to prepare her to become a princess. Princess Celestia planned it," said Rarity.
"That's not true, Rarity," protested Fluttershy, "We've learned just as much from friendship as Twilight has. We've always worked together as a team for all of Equestria, not just for Twilight."
"Fine. But it wasn't intended to benefit us, it was intended to benefit Twilight. We were just a stepping stool for her, and now we're expected to sit idly by," pouted Rarity.
"Whatever makes you think that, Rarity?"
"I heard them talking about it myself. I suppose I may be exaggerating just a tad, but in essence it's true!"
"Rarity, where were you during Pinkie's party tonight? But, um, you don't have to answer if you don't want to," said Fluttershy.
"I was in Canterlot, I'll admit it. And that is where I overheard the princesses talking."
"Rarity, could we get some light? It's awfully dark," said Fluttershy kindly.
"Of course, dear," said Rarity.
Her horn sparked and glowed, and the two ponies became illuminated by the soft white light.
"Yes, I know it was terrible of me to skip the party. But I had to go, I just had to."
"Rarity, um, you weren't spying in the princesses, were you?" asked Fluttershy.
"I didn't mean to. I was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. I'm just glad I wasn't caught!" said Rarity.
"Oh, Rarity," said Fluttershy sympathetically.
"Fluttershy, you wouldn't believe what the princesses said about me. They said I was dangerous because my element is more easily corrupted. Me, dangerous! A kind, generous pony like myself, dangerous! Can you believe it?"
"Are you sure they weren't just worried about you?" asked Fluttershy nicely.
"Well, I suppose they were, but still. They don't think I can handle myself. They don't realize what I've been dealing with... that wretched dragon."
"You could always tell the princesses about Salazar," suggested Fluttershy.
"I don't know, Fluttershy."
"I'm sure they can help."
"Maybe I should. But I have enough to think about with the Ponyville Promenade tomorrow night," said Rarity.
"So you'll come?" asked Fluttershy hopefully.
"Of course. I've been looking forward to it for eons! I'm certainly not going to let this mess stop me from attending."
The two friends eventually parted ways, and went to their respective homes. As hectic as the day had been, the exhausted Rarity managed to fall asleep quickly.