//------------------------------// // Preparations // Story: Mares in Black // by MrAquino //------------------------------// The film ended and the lights turned on, momentarily blinding Lyra. The door opened again. "Come on," Bon-Bon's voice said "Let's get you ready for the day." "Wait," Lyra said, regaining her sight "I'm starting now?" "Yes." "I though I'd have, I don't know, a day to get ready." "That's the same thing I said when I began. Come on, I'll take you to our tailor." "Tailor?" "You know what a tailor is, right?." Lyra got up and followed Bon Bon to another part of the headquarters. Trying to ignore everything, Lyra followed her friend into, yet, another room. Everywhere, black suits were all around her, each only varying in size, but all were black & had white white collars & inside pockets. Sounds of a sowing machine were heard, as well as some humming from a female. Lyra stopped, as she saw a white unicorn with a curled indigo mane & tail, making one of the many suits. "Oh my Rarity," the unicorn said to herself "all these suits are rather a bit... plain, don't you think? Of course, but, rules are rules; we must follow them to give us the distinctive edge to- oh! Hello Agent B-B! Who's this?" "Agent B-B?" Lyra asked "Rarity? Rarity is the M.I.B.'s tailor!?!?!?" "Yes Lyra," Bon Bon replied "We really get rid of our names but use the first letters of both our first & last name to make our agent codes." "What happens when there's another pony with the same letters?" "Numbers are added." "Oh... that's... simple... I guess. But Rarity, why did YOU join, shouldn't you be with your friends & your sis, Sweetie Belle?" "I got that same response from Agent B-B when she joined." Rarity replied "I joined really because of the clients I receive for me doing the same suits all the time. Why else do I stay, ahem, rich, in a town of... well... nudists." "Uh... that part... well... you'd... take... offense to it." "Just like what B-B said." "Alright Agent R," B-B said "Can you find us a suit that will fit Lyra?" "Of Course, dear! Lyra, please, hold still." Rarity pulled out her measuring tape and began to measure all the parts on Lyra. "So... rarity?" Lyra asked, trying to stay still. "What is it?" "How... do your fiends not know about this?" "Whenever I'm not saving Equestria or ponyville from some disaster, I always use the 'important client' card to help me get here quickly!!! I will admit, I wasn't a huge fan when I started, having to go out and... shoot interns... ugh! The stains... it took me three washes in a row just to get some of it's... stuff off. Where was I? Oh! Yes! Well, Princess Luna saw my talent for making suits & dresses and allowed ME to be the head of the suit making here!!! Sure beats getting your hooves dirty with the addition of surviving much greater to see the next day!!! Plus, I don't really make the suits, I just got to watch over my two coworkers to see if everything is running smooth." "Your... coworkers?" "Why yes! Enak and Acissej." "...what!?!?!?" "I don't question their names, but they at least work fast and effectively. And... there!!!" Rarity levitated a controller to her and pressed a series of buttons. In a couple of seconds, all the suits went by in a flash, then stopped immediately! Rarity levitated a suit to Lyra. "Here you go, darling, one suit ready for a new member! Can't forget your stylish sunglasses!" Rarity pressed another button on the same controller; instead of everything going rapid around her, the floor opened up and a case came up on a pedestal. The case opened and it revealed a pair of sunglasses, very boxy looking, just like all the other M.I.B. members she saw. "Go on, put on your stuff over... there!" "I have a question." "Yes?" "Where's the Neuralizer?" "Oh sweetie: you're a unicorn! You learn the Neuralizer spell in our library. Put on your suit first, then you can learn the spell." Rarity opened a book titled 'Dress making for other species'. Lyra levitated the suit and sunglasses over with her and entered another door. This was, luckily, a fitting room with a mirror inside and a hanging rack for her suit to hang on. She placed on the pants, which luckily had a hole for her tail to fit through; the undershirt was put on, followed by a tie, and the coat. So far, she looked surprisingly good in a suit. Lyra levitated the glasses over her eyes: Now, she looked like a true member of the Mares in Black, and she looked good in it. She left the room and saw Bon Bon holding a weird, square device that made some beeping when she pressed her hoof on it. "Uh... B, what are you doing?" "Just something we have to do with every new agent." B-B replied "And that is?" "Deleting your life." "...I didn't catch that, did you say, 'delete' my life?" "Yes. We're getting rid of your history, your house, your banking accounts, criminal history, education, ECT." "...EVERYTHING!?!?!?" "Everything." "WHAT!?!?!? WHY!?!?!?" "We need to remain anonymous to everypony around, this includes that every member must remain anonymous. We don't exist, and now... neither do you." "Just... like that?" "Just like that." "Well... what about Rarity!?!?!? What about Luna!?!?!?" "I'm really an undercover agent." Rarity answered "And Luna is the leader of the Mares in Black, Princess of the night, and Princess of dreams. If she didn't exist, ponies would find it very suspicious." B-B added "Don't worry though: you still have your memories and cutie mark." "Oh!" Lyra replied a bit angrily "That makes EVERYTHING better, doesn't it!?!?!?" "It does!" Luna's voice was heard. Lyra jumped a bit and hid right behind Rarity. "Princess Luna!!!" Rarity yelled with some glee "Just look at dear Lyra: she looks so fabulous with our trademark suit on!" Rarity lifted Lyra up like a teddy bear and showed Luna. Lyra was frozen with fear. "Don't worry: most agents love knowing they still have their past memories. Welcome Agent L-H." Rarity dropped Lyra, as her, Luna, and Bon Bon clapped for her joining. "Now, here's your trusty manual: it has the Neuralizer spell for a unicorn as yourself and ways to deal with a situation. In fact, I think it's your time to begin!!!" "What!?!?!?" Lyra and Bon Bon yelled "And the two of, being best friends before, should be partners!!!" "WHAT!?!?!?" "Teach L-H all the things B-B! I think I can hear Tiberius delivering my tea. Coming Tiby!!!" She skipped her way out, leaving an open mouth Lyra and Bon Bon, staring at each other.