//------------------------------// // Rarity Wins // Story: Get Him! // by TJHoofer //------------------------------// Chapter 17: The Winner is… There was an intense silence in the air. The dust slowly began to settle as the shadowy image of a pony pileup became visible. All the other ponies moaned and groaned as they rubbed their head trying to shake away the dizziness. Twilight, Celestia and Luna stared with their mouths wide agape at the incredible sight, with their horns still lit. Somewhere beneath that pile of ponies was Alex, the weight of all of them having knocked the wind out him. Unsure of which of them had their magic locked on Alex, the two monarchs and Twilight simultaneously lifted Alex off the ground, pushing away the ponies above him. As soon as he was in view, everyone’s eyes widened with more surprise and disbelief. Someone or something was clinging tightly around Alex’s torso! Somepony had succeeded in getting to him first before Twilight and the princesses’. Once they got a better view of the lucky pony, Celestia smiled and cleared her throat. “The hunt is over! The winner is… RARITY!” “Aaaaw…” the other ponies groaned with disappointment. “YAY!” cheered Pinkie Pie. “Uuuh…” Rarity moaned as they were both lowered gently to the ground. Once her head was clear, she gasped as she realized she had caught Alex. “Alexander?” Alex slowly opened his eyes, staring into Rarity’s. Letting out a tired sigh, he just lay there until Rarity pulled him up, held her hooves around him tight and nuzzled his chest. “Alexander! My dear, sweet Alexander! Finally I have you! You’re mine! All MINE!” She tightened her hold on him. “Choke! Can’t breathe..!” “Congratulations Rarity!” Princess Celestia said with a bright smile. She then noticed Alex. “Uh… Rarity..? Maybe you should release him now?” “NO! He’s mine! ALL MINE!! I will never let him go!” She squeezed him tighter. “Never! Ever! EVER!!” “Yes I know…” Celestia chuckled. “…but um… he’s starting to…” She pointed and Rarity finally realized what she meant. Alex was struggling to breathe and his face was turning blue. “Alexander!” The overexcited fashionista finally realized what she was doing and let go of him. “GASP!” Alex breathed heavily with relief. He almost felt like a real goner that time. “I’m dreadfully sorry about that darling.” She smiled apologetically. “Are you alright?” “I’m fine!” He wheezed as he calmed down. “I’m fine, thank you…” Celestia giggled. “I trust that you’ll take good care of him from now on? He’s been through quite a lot.” “I shall your highness!” Rarity bowed. “I promise!” She was soon complimented by her friends who tried their best to hide their disappointments of not getting to Alex first. The only one not too disappointed was Rarity’s sister Sweetie Belle. “Congratulations Rarity!” Sweetie Belle cheered. She then leaped towards Alex and hugged him. “Do you think I and my friends can borrow him when we get home?” “I’m sorry Sweetie dear, but Alexander and I have an important engagement coming up soon and we really need to get home.” She magically lifted Sweetie Belle off him before wrapping him up in her own aura and levitated him off the ground. “With your highness permission, I would like to take Alex home with me now. We’ve got lot of things to do for the upcoming Evening Gallop Party.” “Of course you may. In fact, we may perhaps see eachother again real soon. I may be making a small appearance the party as well.” The idea of knowing that Celestia herself would attend the party nearly made Rarity’s heart skip. She took several deep breaths before calming down. “Then… Then I’ll see you there! Come along now Sweetie Belle. If you like, I’ll let you help me make Alexander ready for our big night.” “Yay!” cheered Sweetie Belle. “I mean, if it’s okay with you guys?” She turned and asked her friends. Applebloom and Scootaloo shared a look and smiled. “Sure! It’s alright!” said Scootaloo. “We’ll see ya tomorrow.” said Applebloom. Saying their farewells, Rarity and Sweetie Belle skipped home with Alex floating in the air in tow. “Come along now Alex. We’ve got a lot to prepare for in two days. You need to learn proper etiquette and manners. And then there’s your attire and…” Alex merely sighed and crossed his arms. Being carried around like this seemed a bit humiliating. ‘Well… At least it beats walking.’ he thought to himself. ‘Sigh! Might as well see this through I guess...’ As they slowly disappeared from view, the rest of the ponies had mixed feelings and ideas about all this. “Him and Rarity? I’m beginning to feel sorry for the little twerp…” said Rainbow. She had been wrapped up in Rarity’s fashion designs more often than she could count. “Aah… Don’t worry non Rainbow Dash” replied Applejack with a light smirk. “Ah’m sure he’s goin’ to be jus’ fine.” ***** It was the night of the Evening Gallop Party. Ponies of all manner of nobility and fame arrived at the deluxe home of Fancy Pants dressed in their fancy attire and dresses that literary sparkled once they stepped out of their carriages. Arriving in their own carriage of splendid decor and lined with various gems and crystals was Rarity and Alex. Rarity peered out of her carriage and beheld the sight as they approached Fancy Pants’ mansion. Rarity was wearing her beautiful pink gown with a sea-blue sapphire on her chest. On her hooves she was wearing fashionable pink shoes with snow-white emeralds. To Alex, she looked simply breathtaking. “Such a magnificent turnout!” she literally squealed. “It would appear all of Canterlot’s esteemed and prominent figures are all here!” She turned over to Alex, who sat nervously hunched over in his tuxedo outfit with his fists clenched on his knees. “Is something wrong dear?” “It’s nothing Miss Rarity…” Alex pulled on his collar. “It’s just… This whole thing seems to ‘classy’ for me…” “You’ll be fine darling.” She placed a hoof on his shoulder. “I know you’re nervous but I know you’ll do well. Just act calm, remember what I taught you and follow my lead. Everything is going to be just fine.” They felt the carriage had come to a halt. “We’re here~! Now Alexander, would you be a dear and open the door please?” Alex stepped out of the carriage and opened the door for Rarity. As she stepped out, she already noticed that the ponies currently gathered outside had them their sudden and immediate attention. Their arrival was greeted with many ‘Ooh!’s’ and ‘Aah!’s’. All eyes were on them and Rarity held proudly her head high, despite the fact that most of the ponies around her didn’t seem to care much for her talked about dress design. They were however more amazed by her companion. As they entered the mansion and were soon greeted by Fancy Pants himself, along with his wife Fleur Dis Lee. “Rarity! Jolly good to see you made it!” He then regarded her clothes. “My! Such a wonderful dress! It looks simply divine!” “Thank you so much Mr. Pants. And may I say you look simply smashing yourself.” Rarity smiled as she complemented his tux. “And Mrs. Fleur Dis Lee! May I dare say you look positively ravishing?” “Thank you Miss Rarity.” Fleur Dis Lee giggled, flattered by the comment. She then noticed Alex and trotted excitedly over to get a better look. “I say Miss Rarity, who may I ask is this with you? Is this the mysterious companion you mentioned in your latest letter?” He regarded his tuxedo with much approval. “My my… He looks quite dignified!” “I agree.” said Fleur Dis Lee as she trotted around him and gently nuzzled his cheek. Alex was rather taken back by how compassionate and caring the mare was acting. “He’s so cute! I could almost eat him up.” “Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Pants. Rarity has talked quite a bit about you. My name is Al- I mean, Alexander.” He bowed his head. “Good manners AND he talks!” Fleur Dis Lee gasped with a pleasant surprise. “Even better!” She then trotted back beside Fancy Pants. “I must admit I am a bit jealous Miss Rarity. This Alexander of yours is quite a find.” Rarity blushed. “Oh? Well… Cough! He is… quite the find, yes…” “Would you like to join us by the bar for some refreshments?” asked Fancy Pants. “I suppose you two must be parched after your trip here? We also could talk more about your latest fashion ideas. I did hear you mention one currently in the works.” “I’d love to!” exclaimed Rarity. She then turned towards Alex. “My dear Alexander, would you be so kind and stay here and mingle for a bit while I go and get us some refreshments? I won’t be too long.” “Sure… I’ll be right here.” “Good boy!” She patted him on the head. As Rarity left with Fancy Pants and Fleur Dis Lee to talk clothes and get drinks, Alex stood by his himself and casually helped himself to some hors d’oeuvres a waiter pony was serving the guests. He had the slight misfortune of grabbing a hay flavored one. It didn’t quite sit well with him and soon found himself searching frantically for the nearest potted plant. ***** “I must say Miss Rarity, your Alexander is quite the gentlestallion.” Fancy Pants complimented, neither of them noticing Alex as he dived head first into the plant and hurled. “Indeed he is.” said Rarity blushing lightly. This had gone far better than she had hoped. “Miss Rarity, I just have to know where you came by such a rare specimen like him?” asked Fleur Dis Lee. Rarity nervously scratched the back of her head. “Well he…” “I would really like to have one of my own. I don’t suppose we may buy him off you?” she asked in a near pleading voice. Rarity suddenly looked pale. “I… Well, that is I-” “Honey!” Fancy Pants exclaimed. “Don’t be rude! Alexander is obviously not something you can just buy off. Am I right Miss Rarity?” “You’re right honey.” Fleur Dis Lee flustered. “Forgive me Miss Rarity, I was speaking out of terms. I meant no disrespect.” Rarity was quiet for a bit before snapping herself out and giggled nervously. “That’s… quite alright. I’m…” “Well well well… This is indeed a small world…” Rarity’s ears perked as she recognized to dry voice of a stallion she had meet before. Or rather, a stallion and his wife… Approaching them was a unicorn stallion with grey coat, dark grey mane and sporting glasses. Beside him was a unicorn mare with yellow coat, a bright lavender mane with a white streak and wearing decorative pearls around her neck. “Rarity! Such a surprise to see you here in all places.” said the mare. “Didn’t imagine a small town pony like yourself would attend a grand party such as this.” “Jet Set and Upper Crust… Delighted to see you too…” Rarity had no love for this couple. To her, they represented everything that was bad about the nobility in Canterlot. Their narrow-minded look on other ponies that were not in their league was appalling. She remembered how they nearly made her forget who she really was as she strived to be just like them without realizing she was alienating her friends. “You both look well.” “Why thank you. And you look well too I see.” giggled Upper Crust. “Are you all by yourself? I suppose your backwater friends couldn’t make it tonight?” “My FRIENDS are home in Ponyville, enjoying their lives to their fullest thank you.” Rarity snarled at her. “My my, did I touch a nerve?” Upper Crust playfully mocked. “Can you blame her?” said Jet Set. “Honestly, I don’t see why an upstanding mare like yourself can live in such a small and insignificant place like Ponyville. You really should consider moving to Canterlot for good. Your business would surely blossom a lot quicker.” “No doubt it would…” said Rarity with a smug attitude. “But Ponyville has a bit more soul than Canterlot. Of course that’s not something you two would know about?” “Wha!? Of all the nerve!” “Calm down Honey!” said Jet Set. “It’s possible Miss Rarity has no interest in patching up old wounds. Come, let’s leave her alone and mingle with more well-mannered ponies.” They turned around and left, with their chin high in the air. “I’m sorry about that Miss Rarity.” Fancy Pants apologized. “We belong in the same club and they are good friends with many ponies in our circle.” “It’s quite alright…” said Rarity. “How about we put that awfulness aside and get us some refreshments..?” ***** “Can you believe that… that…” “Now now, Honey! Just let it go. She’s not worth our trouble.” Jet Set said as he tried to calm his fuming wife. “The best we can do now is-” he trailed off as he suddenly spotted a group of ponies talking to a strange bipedal creature dressed in a tuxedo. “Now what in Equestria is that thing?” “More importantly, why would they even let such a monstrosity like that in such an elegant establishment like this?” asked Upper Crust. “Hm… I do believe that’s Rarity’s mystery companion. Or should I say mystery PET!” They both giggled. Jet Set then had an idea and grinned. “Perhaps we should go over there and introduce ourselves?” His wife read his grin and did the same. “Why not? It would be rude not to…” ***** Alex was surprisingly having a good time. He had been really worried about this whole ‘pet’ role but so far it seemed to go rather well. He found that many of the noble ponies were quite friendly. They would often come over to compliment his tuxedo and even ask where he came from with great interest. Alex had to admit that he had been quite wrong about this whole thing. He was even starting to look forward to another fancy party as Rarity’s companion… “My my! Look what we have here.” Alex turned and saw the two unicorns approach him. “So you’re the mystery guest that has been quite the talk of the party?” the mare mused. “Rarity’s ‘companion’ I presume?” “Yes I am. My name is…” “Or was it ‘pet’?” She chuckled. “I’m afraid I really can’t tell.” “I know honey,” said the stallion. “…once you put the clothes on it does kinda cause a great deal of confusion.” They both laughed. Alex was suddenly not too thrilled about these two. He could easily tell by the snobbish tone in their voices that they did not come over to start a friendly conversation with him. Still, not wanting to disappoint Rarity or cause a scene, he remained friendly and polite. “It’s ‘companion’… My name is Alexander. Are you two friends of Rarity? It’s a pleasure to meet-” He reached out his hand, only to cause Upper Crust to suddenly recoil in revulsion. “Ew… Keep that ‘thing’ to yourself.” “Pardon my wife. She’s not very fond of animals touching her.” Jet Set laughed. Alex scowled at him for that remark. “I’m a human. Not an animal.” “Oh! A human? You don’t say…” He merely brushed it off and grinned at his wife. “Oh! Pardon me, where are my manners? My name is Jet Set. And this is my lovely wife Upper Crust.” “My pleasure…” Alex said cold. Still remembering what Rarity told him, he politely bowed his head. “Hasn’t your owner taught you anything? Clearly she hasn’t showed you how to properly behave in front of upstanding unicorns like us.” Upper Crust glowered. “Huh?” “You’re supposed to bow!” “But… I just did…” “Lower.” Alex blinked. These unicorns couldn’t be serious? They actually wanted him to get down on his knees and bow to them like they were royalty? “We’re waiting…” said Upper Crust impatiently. “Um..?” “Surely you humans do know how to bow?” Jet Set suddenly realized something. “Just what is so special about you anyway? Can you fly?” “No..?” “Not fly? But surely you can use magic?” “No… I… have no magic.” “No magic?” Upper Crust exclaimed with surprise. “And ‘this’ is the talk of Canterlot?” “I suppose I should’ve known…” Jet Set rubbed a hoof against his chin. “Hm… No horns, no wings… You’re about as special as a monkey.” Alex suddenly had that feeling where this was going. “In fact… Maybe you’re just that? A monkey!” “A monkey? I love monkeys!” laughed Upper Crust. “Come on monkey! Entertain us. That is what Rarity really brought you here for, isn’t it?” Alex finally decided he did not want to humor these snobs any longer. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be rude, but I need to go now. It was a pleasure meeting- Wha?” As Alex was about to leave, he suddenly found himself unable to do so. His body wouldn’t answer him. It was then he felt that tingling sensation. They had cast magic upon him. “Do you think we’re going to let you leave with such disrespect?” “What are you doing?! RARITY! HE-” Alex tried to call for help, but Upper Crust used her magic to silence his vocal cords. “Thank you honey.” Using his magic, Jet Set began to force Alex down on his knees. “You still owe us a bow. Be a good monkey now and kneel.” Despite his attempts to resist and with no way of voicing his protest, Alex solemnly submitted and kneeled before them. “My! He is a well behaved creature after all!” Upper Crust exclaimed, knowingly drawing the attention of curious partygoers who soon flocked to see what was going on. “He understands he’s in the presence of his superiors.” Unable to move, Alex was forced to endure the laughs and ridicule of the two ponies. Some of the party guests suddenly seemed to laugh and join in, finding this whole thing amusing. Some looked rather disgusted but chose not to intervene for some reason. Suddenly, a tiny square of cheese was dropped onto the floor in front of him. “Go on monkey.” said Upper Crust in a taunting voice. “Eat the cheese. That’s a good boy.” Alex looked at the now filthy cheese in disgust. They were actually going to force him to eat off the floor. He stood firm and refused. “Looks like he needs a little more persuasion…” said Jet Set and used his magic. He forced Alex further down towards the cheese. Alex turned his head away and tried to keep his mouth closed. But now Upper Crust got involved and used her magic to slowly turn his head back and force open his mouth. Alex cringed and mentally begged for someone to save him. ***** “…That sounds positively marvelous Mr. Pants!” exclaimed Rarity with much glee while holding two glasses of grape cider with her magic. “I would be my pleasure to-” “Goodness! Now what in Equestria is going on over there?” Fancy Pants exclaimed as they saw a group of nobles laughing and pointing at something on the floor. One mare moved just enough to the side for Rarity to get a clear view and her eyes widened with horror and she dropped the cider on the floor. “ALEXANDER!?!” ***** “Come on now.” said Jet Set as he and his wife continued to laugh. “Do what my darling wife said and eat up.” No matter how much Alex resisted, their magic proved to be more than he could handle. He felt his body growing weaker as he leaned closer to the filthy cheese. He closed his eyes and braced himself as his tongue was now only inches away from touching it… “STOP THIS AT ONCE!!!” Jet Set’s aura was suddenly replaced by a blue aura that Alex recognized much to his great relief. Bursting through the crowd, Rarity placed herself between Alex and Jet Set. “WHAT IN CELESTIA’S NAME DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?!??” “Why Rarity…” Jet Set chuckled, yet unable to contain his fear as Rarity’s eyes literally glowed red. “We were just having some fun with your human pet.” Rarity then stared at the tidbit on the floor. She levitated it up and held it in front of Jet Set. “Fun? You call this ‘fun’? How dare you humiliate Alexander like this? He’s an intelligent creature! Apologize at once!” “Apologize? To a monkey?” The couple laughed before Jet continued. “My dear Rarity, you really expect us to believe that this ‘human pet’ of yours, who I might add has no magic or special talents of any kind, is our equal? Your ‘Alexander’ is what we call an ‘inferior species’. Lower than Diamond Dogs I must sadly admit …” “Honestly, did you really think you could just dress up an animal, bring it to a party and pretend it’s a pony?” Upper Crust joined in. “Poor thing will never live up to our standards. I hate to tell you this, my dear, but this human’s sole purpose in this life is to serve us ponies and nothing more.” Rarity was boiling over with rage. “How… How dare you!?! I-” “Miss Rarity!” Rarity turned and saw Fancy Pants beside her. “If I may..?” She stepped aside as Fancy Pants confronted the two. “It would seem that you two have overstayed your welcome. I’m afraid I’m going to have to politely ask you both to leave! Now!” They both looked shocked. “Surely you jest?” Upper Crust was bewildered. “You can’t possibly say you-” “Did my husband stutter?” asked Fleur Dis Lee as she joined her husband, looking more upset than him. “Leave our house this instant and don’t come back until you’ve learned some proper manners!” The two was silent for a moment before they ‘humphed’ and trotted away with their heads held high. “Such a disgrace… And the same goes for the rest of you! Shame on you!” Everyone who partook in the ridicule or did nothing looked away in shame. “I suppose you’re happy now, Miss Rarity?” said Upper Crust as they passed her. “Have fun with your pet monkey.” Rarity said nothing. Their words stung her and her heart sank. She only used the word ‘pet’ as a playful word. She never intended it to demean Alex in any way. “Alexander?” Rarity suddenly realized Alex was gone. She soon found him heading out towards the balcony and she hurried after to catch up with him. Once outside, she felt a horrible sense of dread as she found him leaning over the railings, looking quite miserable. “Alexander?” Alex barely acknowledged her. “I’m so sorry for leaving you alone. Those… those cultivated savages! Had I known they would do something like that I would’ve-” “What am I Rarity?” “What?” “When you look at me, what do you see?” “I’m afraid I don’t…” “Do you see me as an equal?” Rarity froze. “Look at me. I have no magic. I can’t fly. I’m barely strong enough uproot a sapling. I was like a puppet to them. They made me crawl like an animal and I couldn’t stop them.” “Alexander…” She approached him only to suddenly see flinch away. Rarity felt tears well up in her eyes. He was afraid of her. “Alex…” “Tell me the truth Rarity! What do you see?” “I… I see…” Rarity dried her eyes and took a deep breath. “I see proud human dressed as a something he’s not. I don’t know what I was thinking? How could I be so blind?” “Is that it? You don’t see me as a mo-” “Don’t say that! Don’t even think it! So what if you don’t have magic? So what you can’t fly? I used to believe that all unicorns were more sophisticated than anypony in all Equestria. What I saw in there wasn’t sophisticated at all. It was cruel. And it sickens me that ponies like them would treat you like that. Alex, you are better than those snobs and you don’t need magic to prove that.” She carefully leaned in closer and nuzzled him gently. “I may be a unicorn, but that doesn’t mean you should be afraid of me or speak your mind. I would never harm you or treat you like some lowly hoffservant or a-” She bit her hoof and sobbed. “I… I’m sorry for calling you my pet. You must think I’ve been a monster. If you have anything you wish to say to me, than by all means do it.” She closed her eyes and braced herself for the tongue lashing. “Rarity…” “Go ahead! I let my anger and my personal desires cloud my judgment. I deserve to be put in a harness and work in a filthy Diamond Dog mine after what I’ve done to you. “ Alex just stared at her before a gentle smile slowly appeared on his face. “I’m not going to lash out at you. I’m actually glad to hear you say that.” “You… You are?” “Miss Rarity…” “Please! Just ‘Rarity’!” “Just Rarity…” he joked. “I went along with this not just because you caught me, but because I said I would make up for the damages that I caused. I don’t blame you for what happened in there. I’m just glad you saved me.” “And so are we…” They both turned and were surprised. “Princess Celestia? Princess Luna?” uttered Rarity. “We saw everything that happened in there. Are you okay Alex?” “I am. Thanks to Rarity.” “Your Highness! I’m responsible for what happened in there! I deserve whatever punishment you wish to bestow upon me!” Rarity bowed before Celestia. “Rise Rarity.” Celestia smiled. “I’m not going to punish you. Like I said, we saw everything. I’m actually happy that you saw him for what he really is and came to his aid. I trust this has been an important lesson for you?” “Indeed it has!” Rarity sniffled. “I going to treat Alex with more respect from now on and never again make him into an object of curiosity just to further my status! After what just happened in there, I’ve kind of lost my taste for it now...” Celestia smiled even more. Suddenly, all ears perked as they heard the familiar voices of Jet Set and Upper Crust trotting away below them. “What nerve of that Fancy Pants! Throwing us out like that,” huffed Jet Set. “…and all because we were having some fun with Rarity’s monkey.” “I’ve never been more humiliated in my life! They are definitely not going to be on our Hearth Warming card list this year.” said Upper Crust. They were unaware of Rarity, Alex and Celestia standing on the balcony above them at that moment. Luna scowled at them. “Such arrogant foals… If only we could teach them…” FLASH! “AH!” both Jet Set and Upper Crust yelped as they were suddenly blinded by a bright flash. “What was..?” Jet Set’s words froze as he looked at his wife. “HONEY! YOUR HORN! IT’S GONE!” “My horn?” Upper Crust gasped. “WHERE’S YOUR HORN?” Jet Set felt his forehead and true enough his horn was gone. The two unicorns screamed. “MY HORN! MY PRECIOUS HORN!” cried Upper Crust. “HOW DREADFUL!!! SIMPLY, SIMPLY DREADFUL!!!” cried Jet Set as they both galloped down the street and disappeared into the night. “I think a few weeks without their horns will teach them a lesson in humility.” said Celestia with a playful grin. “I must concur dear sister. A brilliant lesson indeed.” said Luna with a bright smile. “I agree.” said Rarity, fighting to stifle a giggle and failing. “Yeah!” laughed Alex. All four of them laughed heartily. “Miss Rarity! Alexander! There you are!” All turned and saw Fancy Pants and Fleur Dis Lee galloping out onto the balcony. “Are you two al-?” Fancy Pants then noticed Celestia and Luna. “You Majesties! Forgive me, I didn’t notice you had arrived.” “It’s quite alright.” Celestia smiled. “I promised we would come.” Fleur Dis Lee trotted up to Alex and quickly embraced him. “We’re so sorry for what happened! Please don’t go! We promise you’ll never be humiliated like that again!” Alex looked at Rarity. “The night is still young… Why not?” “Are you sure darling?” “I’m sure. Besides, I am your companion.” He winked and Rarity smiled. They all went back inside to rejoin the party and the night went on without any further incidents. ***** Both Rarity and Alex remained in Canterlot a few more days to take in more of the sights. Fancy Pants and Fleur Dis Lee were more than happy to accommodate them to make up for the humiliation Alex suffered. One time they ran into Jet Set and Upper Crust again, only this time wearing ridiculously large hats to hide their shame, earning a few laughs from ponies around them. They seemed to act more humble now that they were completely hornless, but Rarity questioned how long that would last. After a long and pleasant stay, they soon returned back to Ponyville by train. ***** Twilight never received her Hoofbel prize. Yet in spite of this, it didn’t stop her from learning more about Alex and where he came from. She visited him regularly and he would tell her all he knew about his world and its workings. She in turn would teach him all about Equestria and gave him free access to her library any time he wanted to borrow a book. She apologized for the hard time she, Spike and her friends had put him through and she especially apologized for hurting his feelings. Using her magic for much better use, it didn’t take long before they both eventually became good friends. Alex managed to pay Applejack back for the apples he ate by helping her out with some odd jobs around the farm. While she never got the chance to make a fortune out of him, she was impressed with his working skills. She apologized for her behavior and even wanted to hire him as a farm hand. She even went as far as practically making him a part of the Apple Family. Fluttershy never got the chance to care of Alex like she wanted, but she did however provide for him a house in which to live as a sign of apology. Moving it closer to Ponyville, it became a second home with all the comforts that he required. Fluttershy would visit him regularly to check on him and see how he was doing. Pinkie Pie never got to throw Alex his ‘Good Bye Human’ party. Instead she threw him a ‘Welcome Human’ party and it turned out to be a huge success. She apologized for her behavior and was happy to see Alex getting along with the other ponies and that they in turn got along with him. Rainbow Dash forgave Alex for the troubles he had caused her, just as long as he forgave her for acting like a real jerk. She felt really bad about her behavior and promised to never bully him again. She even went as far as wanting him to punch her just to make things even. Alex didn’t punch her, but instead forgave her and pranked her with a buzzer he had borrowed from Pinkie Pie. Surprisingly enough, their wild chase had actually inspired her with some ideas for some new moves in which to impress the Wonderbolts with during their visit. The CMC would visit Alex often, to play with him and tell him about their adventures in crusading for their cutie marks. They still didn’t earn any, but always remained in high spirit (much to the painful chagrin of Alex’s ears). At times they even invited him to join in and help them, often resulting in hilarious hijinks. They apologized for the jar treatment they gave him, and Alex just found them too adorable to stay mad at for that. While it did take a while, Alex eventually forgave Luna for bringing him to Equestria. Luna made it her solemn vow to watch over Alex and to make sure nopony and nothing threatened him. On occasion she would visit Alex in his dreams as often as she could and through his creative mind, they had many grand and fun adventures together. With the magical tether binding Alex to the mirror gone, Celestia eventually admitted to herself that humanity probably wasn’t ready for her and her ponies just yet. Still, when she told Alex about her true intentions, he did feel rather embarrassed after that. Still, that didn’t mean all was lost. She continued her work on the mirror, and with new notes based on Luna’s actions, she believed the answer to cross the barrier safely was very close… In return for him being a good sport in letting her and her ponies hunt him, Celestia let Alex ride her and he had her parade through both Canterlot and Ponyville, earning a lot of surprised looks from her subjects. ***** Many weeks had passed since the Evening Gallop Party. Alex had it pretty well living with Rarity as he found himself being tended to his every need. As much as he appreciated it, he didn’t want to be seen taking advantage of her hospitality and did his share by helping her out with cleaning up the mess he had made and assisting her with her fashion sales. After the events in Canterlot, they had earned much public attention and soon found themselves suddenly visited regularly by distinguished elites, wanting to promote Rarity’s designs for the Canterlot market. Needless to say, all that attention soon paid off the damages, the massive spa bill and managed to buy in more supplies. He was even well received by her sister Sweetie Belle. He practically became her babysitter when Rarity was forced to go out on business. While Alex didn’t mind watching her, he always felt his masculinity fading every time she wanted to play tea party with him. Sometimes even Spike showed up to help out. While Spike didn’t mind Alex’s presence, Alex couldn’t help but feel that Spike for some reason saw him as a rival… During the weeks that followed, Alex soon revealed to Rarity his talent in art and drawings. Taken back by some of the designs he made of her dresses, he was instantly appointed at as her new fashion designer. Alex designs became a real hit among ponies and Carousel Boutique blossomed like never before. ***** “Thank you so much! Have a nice day!” said Rarity as she waved good-bye to Lyra Heartstrings. She had bought another one of Alex’s designed dresses. Often she would come by and ask for the ones he had a personal hand in, something that confused Rarity many times. Closing up for the day, Rarity went up to check on her new fashion designer. “Yohoo! Alex dear!” called Rarity as she trotted inside Alex’s own private work room. “Are you in here?” “Right here Rarity!” Alex called out. Rarity trotted into to her work room and saw that he was already at work on some new designs. “I’ve drawn a few dresses…” He handed them to her and she levitated them out of his hands and looked over them. “So… What do think?” “They’re… They’re simply marvelous! Had I known you were such an artist…” “It’s no biggie…” “No biggie? You’ve got talent! I’m an artist myself and I can honestly say these are very good. And those ponies back in Canterlot said you weren’t special?” She giggled as she trotted over and hugged him. “My dear Alex… You may not have magic or flight, but you’re still the most special human in all of Ponyville and nopony can ever take that away from you.” “Thanks Rarity.” She then let go of Alex and showed him a piece of paper. “What’s this?” “A dinner invitation to the Golden Horn in Canterlot. Fancy Pants and Fleur di Lee wants to meet with us and hear some of our new fashion ideas.” “Us?” “Why of course, ‘partner’!” She then held out her hoof and showed him two dinner reservations. “Would you like to join me as my date?” “D- Date?” Alex flustered. Suddenly this partnership had turned rather intimate. “Um… Of course! Though I wouldn’t call it a date per say…” “Oh! And why’s that?” “Well… I’m human and-” “And I’m a pony?” Rarity giggled. “Don’t let that concern you. After all, stranger things have happened…” she winked while she wiggled her tail. Alex’s face became even redder. Rarity then suddenly laughed. “Relax Alex! This is just business dinner, not an actual date. But if you really want to make it more serious..?” “Business dinner is fine!” said Alex. Rarity smiled and trotted back out. “Then it’s a date! I’ll write Fancy Pants and tell them we’re coming.” ‘Phew! That was close! Imagine, us on an actual date?’ Alex mentally giggled. As she exited the room, Alex couldn’t help but have a sudden sense of longing. ‘Rarity is undoubtedly the most beautiful and generous pony I’ve ever known. But the idea of me and her being an item..? Nah… Rarity’s a serious mare. She would never pass up a good-looking stallion for an alien biped like me...’ He sighed. ‘Well… One can only dream…’ Once Rarity had left the work room, she stopped and shot a glance back at Alex. She seemed saddened for a brief moment. ‘A romantic dinner date would’ve been nice. He is quite the looker. For a human…’ She sighed. ‘I suppose I’ll just take things slowly and give him some time to warm up to me. Then maybe…’ She smiled hopefully as she continued up to her room. ‘Poor Spike…’ she giggled. ‘I suppose I’ll have to break to him gently…’ THE END