The clock gently chimed midnight in the castle kitchen. The staff had all turned in for the night. Even the eponymous Chef Ramsay was nowhere to be seen. The only ponies left was Applejack and Big Macintosh.
That was how she wanted it to be right now: just her and the work. She mashed a pair of apples with more force than was strictly necessary, spreading apple innards across the counter. With a frustrated groan, she let her head flop forward onto the table.
Big Macintosh looked up from taking some pies out of the oven. Applejack groaned and waved him away. “S’nothing Big Mac. Neveryou mind me. Ah just...”
Ah just cain’t believe this … how in the hay did I not see that mah best friend had been replaced by some sort of giant bug monster? Applejack smacked her hoof on the table angrily. And why in the name of all things pony am I just sittin’ here baking snacks?
When Big Macintosh cleared his throat, Applejack realized that she had just let herself trail off. She sighed. “Look, Ah can’t really go int’ it much but … there’s just some trouble with Rainbow Dash.” Mac tilted his head. “It ain’t anything y’all can really do to help with. She just … it turns out she … she’s just been--lying to me for a while ‘bout something big. REAL big.”
Big Macintosh thoughtfully chewed the wheat sprig in his mouth, shifting it to the side. He opened his mouth, but Applejack waved him off. “And don’t give me none of that ‘ponies ‘re entitled to their secrets’ stuff o’ yers.’ It ain’t about that.”
When she hesitated, Macintosh started tapping his hoof impatiently, urging her to go on. Applejack sighed. “All right, all right stop being so darn pushy. It’s that--she made me wonder ‘bout things you know? If she could be, er, well, if she could lie t’me right to mah face it makes me wonder what else other ponies could be keeping from me. Makes me question darn near everything.” She adjusted her hat to hide her unease. “It’d be like finding out that our apples are really oranges on the inside.”
A disbelieving snort from Big Mac prompted her to frown. “No, Ah ain’t making a mountain outta a molehill! Dang it, this is important t’me! You wanna know why?” She stomped her hoof, turning to Big Mac as he was about to reply. She was grateful she had stopped him in time. If Ah let him start up now, there'll be no stoppin' his jaw from flappin’. Applejack cleared her throat. “All right then: it’s cuz Rainbow’s a pony o’ action, like me. When things get tough we’d rather go out and do something than wait around for a perfect solution t’fall outta the sky.” She snorted gently. “Shewt, Ah know what I’m like: I’m stubborn, set in mah ways and more bull-headed than the durn bulls. I’m not a pony of high-falutin’ ideas like Twilight or Rarity. The thing Ah trust the most are my family, my friends and my own four hooves.” She regarded her hooves, covered in bits of flower and apple mush. “And right now, all they’re doing is making treats when my friend…”
Big Mac tilted his head, a questioning look on his face. Applejack turned away. “S’nothing.” She walked over to the sink to wash off some of the apple goop, feeling her muscles twitching with energy. Her heart raced and adrenaline raced through her as she thought about Rainbow being missing, being held captive somewhere. Applejack longed to be out there—or, failing that—acquainting the faker sitting in the dungeon with her hooves.
All the explanations and rationales the Princess had raised—the security concerns, the assurances that she had her best ponies working on it—did nothing to counter Applejack’s feelings that she should be out there, searching for Rainbow herself.
‘Her best ponies’ … pfeh. Who in the hoof are they? She thought to herself. We’re the ones who stopped Nightmare Moon and Sombra. WE’RE her best ponies. How does the Princess expect t’have them find Rainbow if’n they didn’t even notice she was missin’ until the Princess told them?
This ain’t right! She angrily tossed the towel into the sink once she was done. I have to go out and do something to look for Rainbow. I should be turning over every rock in the place, squeezing that bug in the dungeon till its head popped because… Applejack sighed miserably and buried her face in her hooves. Because if it were me missing, Rainbow wouldn’t be waitin’ for somepony else to find me. She’d be tearing apart Canterlot trying to find me. S’kinda pony that she is.
Big Macintosh walked over and gently put one of his giant hooves on his little sister’s back. It was to his surprise when Applejack turned around and held him tight. Seeing this situation was troubling her even more than he thought, Macintosh enveloped her in a comforting hug.
The idea of Rainbow Dash being held somewhere, lost and hurt or worse, set Applejack shaking with rage. She hadn’t wanted to believe it when Princess Celestia called her and the others aside to tell her the news about Rainbow … but after Princess Celestia explained how a changeling could perfectly copy a pony’s appearance and memories—and after everypony else had brought up all the funny little things Rainbow had been doing lately—it made too much sense.
But what if we were all wrong? Applejack couldn’t help but wonder. Then we just threw our friend into the--NO! She shook her head. There’s no way that would ever happen. That thing down there isn’t our friend. She just...she ain’t!
The Rainbow Dash Ah know would never back down or want to compromise with a bunch of Canterlot snobs, Applejack angrily thought back to their talk about AJ’s problem with Ramsay and how Rainbow had suggested that she listen to him. Should’ve known something was wrong back then. She sagged. When Big Mac tilted her head up, she looked miserably at him. “Ah was too wrapped up in mah own problems to notice that somethin’ was wrong. What kinda friend does that make me?”
Big Mac furrowed his brow thoughtfully. Applejack prodded his chest with her hoof. “And don’t you give me none of that ‘Ah’m being too hard on mahself,’ nonsense. Nothing’s supposed t’matter as much as kin and friends.” She felt her lip tremble. “But Ah let myself get distracted by mah pride and the glamour of a fancy wedding. Granny’d be ashamed of me…so would Ma and Pa.” Her voice hitched and Big Macintosh’s held her even closer. “I feel like a dang foal. I HATE feeling like a foal. And I hate that mah friend is out there and I cain’t do anything to help her.”
If she weren’t being held by her brother she would’ve lashed out and bucked the nearest wall. The idea that she had cared more about out-baking some foul-mouthed chef than noticing when something was wrong with her friend—she felt as if her insides had twisted up.
Her eyes hardened as she thought about the imposter in the dungeon. But I know who I can take it out on! She grabbed her hat and pulled it down over her eyes. I’m gettin’ some answers. And I ain’t leaving that dungeon ‘til I get some.
She pulled away from her brother. “Thanks for the chat, Big Mac. It really helped. I gotta go!” She ran out of the kitchen calling back, “could y’all take care of the pots ‘n pans? Thanks!”
Big Macintosh stared sadly at the dirty dishes and pots piled up high in the sink and sighed resignedly. “...Eeyup.”
An uncomfortable and distinctly un-ladylike sheen of sweat beaded her brow, but Rarity didn’t dare pause to remove it. She was in the zone, as it were, and didn’t want to risk anything breaking her concentration. Because once she lost her focus on her work she’d starting thinking about Rainbow Dash and—
Oh dear, Rarity sighed to herself, her work rhythm disrupted.
Now now, there’s no need to worry. Princess Celestia knows what she’s doing. Why, she probably has the strongest, most handsome and dashing ponies in all of Equestria searching high and low, low and high for Rainbow Dash.
She shook her head, throwing herself back into her work. The news about poor Rainbow had sent her into such a work tizzy that she’d all but finished the outfits for the wedding. All that were left were her friends’ dresses. Rarity looked down to see that she was working with a spool of rainbow fabric, for Rainbow Dash’s dress. It practically broke her heart.
Rarity prided herself on her attention to detail … so why didn’t I see that something was dreadfully wrong with one of my dearest friends? Oh, they had their differences, to be sure. Significant differences. Their … very, very VERY big, significant differences. But beyond all that, they were friends. They understood what it was like to give you all in service of your dreams and work—whether it was redesigning a dress and restitching a hem for the ninth time or practicing the same maneuver until it was just right.
Rarity had always thought that, as close as she was with Rainbow and her other friends, that they’d have a chance to become even closer. Perhaps show Rainbow Dash the wonders of a full-fledged spa day, or help show Rainbow the inner beauty that she hid beneath her brash and rather coarse exterior.
She was so engrossed in her thoughts that it wasn’t until she heard a steady click-clack sound that made her realize she had run out of fabric and her machine was just stabbing the dress. With a sigh, she set her sewing instruments aside and took off her work glasses.
A sudden knock on the door sent her heart up into her throat. She barely repressed a shriek of shock. “Co-ome…” her voice quivered and broke. Rarity cleared her throat and tried again. “Come in!” The door swung open and in stepped an elegantly dressed and groomed white unicorn whose monocle and neat blue mustache were instantly recognizable across Canterlot “...F-Fancy Pants?”
“Ah, Miss Rarity!” The genteel stallion dipped his head as Rarity hastily tried to compose herself. “Delighted to make your acquaintance. My Fleur simply adores the dress you made for her. She can hardly wait to wear it to the Gala Wedding tomorrow.”
“I am delighted to hear it.” Fleur de Lis, unlike some of the others Rarity had made dresses for, had exquisite taste and had not tried to bombard Rarity to death over minor details. “She was a wonderful client to work for.”
Fancy Pants nodded, picking up on what was left unsaid of Rarity’s other recent clients. “I can imagine.” He straightened his monocle. “I must say my dear, you’ve made quite an impression on Canterlot society in the short time you’ve been here.”
Rarity felt her heart beat a little faster “Oh? I-I trust that it’s been a favorable one?”
“Of course!” Fancy Pants smiled broadly, a smile that made her want to join in. “It’s not just Fleur you’ve impressed. I heard Sapphire Shores simply gushing to Trender Hoof about how much she adores the outfits you made for her. Hoity Toity is collaborating with Photo Finish on a photo line-up for a new fashion show of his, and expressed interest in commissioning several outfits for the show from you.” He nodded to Rarity. “While you may have already been here for a week, I can say with a certain degree of assurance that you have now, indeed, arrived.”
It took every ounce of lady-like poise and grace and sheer force of will to prevent herself from squealing like a little filly and bouncing around the room. After all her hard work, all her time and effort spent, she was on the cusp of realizing her dreams. She could have needed wings to soar higher than this.
That stray thought brought back her worries with a crashing feeling of sadness. What good is there in making an impression, improving one’s standing or career if you cannot even share the good fortune with your friends? Even the prospect of finding her potential prince charming at the Royal Wedding Gala no longer seemed important. After realizing that she had yet to respond to Fancy Pants, she forced herself to smile. “I-I am most delighted to hear it.”
Fancy Pants quirked an eyebrow skeptically, detecting her heart wasn’t in it. “Come now, I would have expected you’d be more excited. Is something the matter?”
“Oh no, no!” Rarity shook her head. “You’ve been most gracious and I am most thankful … I’m afraid I’m just a touch--distracted. I suppose it’s because the wedding is tomorrow.” She looked at the closed door where she had hid her piece de resistance, Cadance’s wedding dress. She was so eager to make everything perfect that she hadn’t wanted anypony to see it. Now … she scarcely cared if anypony did.
Fancy Pants nodded. “I see. My apologies. I understand completely.” He spied the rainbow fabric Rarity had been working with when he arrived. “Ah, I assume that would be for Miss Rainbow Dash?”
“...Yes.” Rarity flinched. “Do forgive me, I’m simply going through a bit of a--personal moment.”
“I see.” The surprising thing was, Rarity felt that he probably did understand. He went on to prove it by asking, “I take it something’s amiss between you and Miss Dash?”
Blasted perceptive stallion, Rarity wanted to curse. “Something of that sort.”
Fancy Pants nodded. “I suspected as much. I had the opportunity to meet Rainbow Dash shortly before she left for Ponyville. She was a, hmm, spirited young mare.”
Rarity felt like somepony was squeezing her heart. “She certainly is that.” She murmured.
“I thought as much.” He removed his monocle to clean it with his hoofkerchief. “Might I offer you a few nuggets of wisdom from an old fogey?”
“Oh but you aren’t--” Rarity started before Fancy Pants waved her objections away.
“It’s all right. Now, I’ve been a fixture of the Canterlot scene for a number of years. I’ve met all manner of ponies, and other beings too, come to mention it. But I don’t believe I ever met a pony quite like your friend.” He smiled wryly. “In Canterlot society ponies place a great deal of emphasis on appearances. We even live for appearances, defining ourselves by our position, status, title.” He looked at Rarity. “When I met your friend she was a breath of fresh air. Suffice it to say, she ruffled a lot of feathers.”
Rarity was unable to prevent herself from smiling. “I can imagine.”
He nodded. “Quite. There was such a sincerity about her that one seldom sees in high society circles. It made for quite the impression. She made me realize just how many of my fellow Canterloters hid behind masks of title and status.”
“Rainbow Dash has masks of her own,” Rarity observed, thinking of how Rainbow hid her fears and insecurities behind her ego. But she felt compelled to add, “I suppose the difference is that most ponies try to appear strong to conceal their lack of it. Rainbow’s … her mask hides an even deeper inner strength, whether she knows it or not.” She smiled, a touch sadly.
I had wanted to tell her that one of these days. She never needed to show off for everypony to realize how brave and amazing she was: anypony who met her realized it almost immediately for themselves. I wanted… Rarity swallowed a lump in her throat. I wanted her to see herself as the amazing pony that everypony else already saw her as. Ego and split ends aside.
And now I may never get my chance. Rarity slumped her shoulders in an unladlylike gesture, but she was too miserable to care.
Fancy Pants smiled. “My thoughts exactly. Sadly, many of my fellow society ponies don’t like being confronted with somepony who forces us to take a closer look at what we really are, beneath the masks of title and societal positions. Most choose to shun the messenger. But when I think of ponies like Rainbow Dash--and you--it makes me want to say … to tartarus with appearances.”
Rarity was taken aback by his almost unnatural bluntness. “I, er, don’t know quite what to say. Why are you telling me all this?”
“Do forgive my plain speaking,” Fancy Pants shook his head. “I’m afraid the dam of many years patience finally gave out and you happened to be the only pony I could talk to freely about it. As you can easily imagine, there are a lot of important ponies--and ponies who want to be important--attending tomorrow’s festivities. It makes for an … uncomfortable closeness among too many ponies of title, position and status.” He sighed softly. “I suppose what I’m saying is, as you move up the social ladder, hold onto what makes you unique. And be certain to hold onto friends like Rainbow Dash. They are truly something precious.”
“...I know.” Rarity murmured softly.
“It never hurts to be reminded.” Fancy Pants smiled. “Now, if you’ll excuse me I’m afraid I must go before Fleur starts to worry. We have a big day tomorrow, and you as well. Have a pleasant evening Miss Rarity.”
Rarity bid him a good evening, only half paying attention as he left. She was too busy thinking about Rainbow Dash. She found it hard to doubt Princess Celestia. She was simply so wise, so elegant … so regal that she couldn’t imagine her being wrong. But she also found it hard to believe that Rainbow Dash wasn’t, well, Rainbow Dash.
If only there was a way to be certain! She paced back and forth. It wasn’t until she felt her lip throb did Rarity realize that she had started chewing her lip. A nasty, unfortunate habit usually brought out by stress. This certainly would qualify…
She thought hard. For some reason Fancy Pants urging her to hold onto her virtue stuck out in her mind. If certainty is not an option then a lady must go with her virtue and her intuitions, and mine are to be generous.
Well, how does that help? a snide thought from the back of her mind wondered.
She hmmphed. I chose to be generous with my successes and my gifts … and right now the benefit of the doubt is as much a gift as any other I can give. Rarity strode out of her workroom, leaving behind the loftiness of high society for the lowest location in all of Canterlot.