//------------------------------// // Arcane of Ice Winter Blossom // Story: Moonburst Chronicles // by Code Breaker //------------------------------// It was a quiet day for the residents of Ponyville who seemed to be going along with their everyday lives. Several talked about their day or recent events coming up. All except for Rarity Belle and Coco Pommel who were in the boutique as Rarity was preparing to give her an in depth lesson on making dresses. “Are you sure you’re up for this darling?” Rarity asked preparing a several fabric rolls. “I’m pretty sure.” She said nervously to her friend and employer as she grabbed a few things with her hooves. “I’ve always wanted to try making my own designs and I’ve had plenty of inspiration lately.” She added quickly. “Well that is always good to have darling. Now then let us begin with dress making 101.” Rarity began. “First off you need to picture in your mind what you want the dress to look like first.” Rarity spoke as she and Coco closed their eyes to picture what their idea would look like. “Once you got that picture in your mind then I would draw what you have thought of.” Rarity continued as levitated a paper and pencil over to her and began drawing on it. After she was done Coco did the same thing using her hoof to hold the pencil. What Coco drawn was a mare wearing a dress that covers the back hooves, flank, and tail covered; the head wore a small head piece that hooked around the ears, along with small boots on the hooves. “Okay I think I’ve got it so far.” Coco said as she put her writing tool down and showed it Rarity. “Well that is some imagination now to move on to…” Before she could finish there was a knock at her door. “Hmm? Now who could that be?” Rarity questioned having closed up shop for the day in order to give Coco her lesson. “Well umm…we shouldn't leave a possible customer waiting.” Coco said with curiosity as they both walked toward the door as the pony that knocked entered hearing the sounds of bells chiming. “Indeed Coco.” Rarity says and walks towards the front. “Welcome to the Carousel Boutique where everything is chic as it can be. How can I be of service?” Rarity says introducing herself as she always does with each customer. “Two hours on a train and all I get is ‘How can I be of service’ you haven’t changed one bit Rarity.” A tomboyish female voice says with a chuckle as Rarity goes wide eyed seeing the pony in front of her as Coco peeked out behind some curtains. “Who is this mare?” she thought. Arcane of Ice Winter Blossom The pony she saw in front of her was a unicorn mare with a Cyan White coat, a purple mane with a three streaks of blue going through it tied into a nice pony tail, her eyes were a dark purple color, and her cutie mark is an ice crystal snowflake with thread going through it. A very predominate feature was the small black rimmed reading glasses on her muzzle that was secured was a piece of string in the back. Rarity stood there with her mouth gaped open looking at her “You do know it’s rude to stare at somepony like that Rares.” The mare said magically closing Rarity’s mouth as Coco looked to Rarity. “Um Rarity who is this pony, do you know her?” Coco asked in curiosity coming out from behind the curtains. “… Winter… Blossom.” Rarity finally said after said mare took her magic hold off Rarity’s muzzle. “Who else could it be girl?” Winter said as she went over to give Rarity a hug. “Do you know how long I was on that train or better yet how long I’ve been in Canterlot?” She said as Rarity returned the hug. “Still have some of the tompony in you don’t you” Rarity stated with a chuckle as Coco stood there completely clueless to the situation. “Um is this a friend of yours Rarity?” Coco said with a questioning stare. “Oh where are my manners. Winter Blossom meet Coco Pommel.” She said as gestured her to come closer. “It’s a pleasure.” Winter says extending a hoof to shake which Coco took. “She my assistant here at the boutique and she is quite handy with her hoofs and she learning how to be a good seamstress like me.” Rarity explained with a bit of pride “Any friend of Rarity’s is a friend of mine.” Coco smiled. “Well that’s good to hear coming from the Element of Generosity.” Winter said with a wink. Coco was surprised at this “How did you know that?” she asked as Winter rolls her eyes but smiling. “You and the other element bearers have been the talk of Canterlot for a while now. So I thought why not kill two birds with one stone; meet an element bearer and catch up with my oldest friend.” Winter explained “And I’m quite the seamstress myself you know.” She then adds. “Coco how about you show her that picture that you’ve just drawn?” Rarity suggested but Coco took a step back in surprise at the suggestion. “Um… I don’t know if I should.” Coco said nervously unsure what to do as she glanced down to the ground. “I don’t mind really I’m good at giving suggestions if need be.” Winter said. “Well if you would have a look at it.” Coco said as she fetched her picture. She returned with her drawing in mouth and placed it on the table for her to look at. Winter approached it and levitated the drawing to her eye view. She began looking at it with strange looks. She put it down before she spoke “Do you want my honest opinion about it?” She asked and Coco nodded. “To be blunt, some of it could use some adjustments. The length is fine, the boots could change, and the head piece needs to go, along with the style of fabric you’re thinking of using.” She stated “Now see here Winter Blossom, Coco is only starting out and I thought her piece was very riveting for her first time.” Rarity commented. “We can talk about it a little more…after say a small tour?” Winter says to Rarity who nods and runs off to grab her saddlebags. Winter then looks to Coco “There is going to be a small Fashion Show that will be held in a few days. You are welcome to come, but you must really work on your design if you wish to enter it.” She says in a calm tone and then Rarity came back in with her saddlebag on. “Well I must be off Coco I know I promised to help you today.” Rarity says with a bit of guilt as she glances to her friend. “Don’t worry about it. You show Winter Blossom around town and I’ll look after the boutique till you get back.” Coco said with a genuine smile. This caused Rarity’s smile to return “Well if that’s what you really want.” She said as her and Winter left leaving Coco alone. Only then Coco smile went away and turned into a frustrating look “Ugh! Some adjustments ‘The boots could change, and the head piece could go’ she says and there’s nothing wrong with the fabric I’m going to be using! It’s like to her the whole style needs a change!” She pouted. “Well I’ll show her a thing or two.” She said as she went back to Rarity’s inspiration room. She entered Rarity’s inspiration room and began to think about her next idea for a dress to impress Rarity’s friend. She went through the steps Rarity gave her this morning. First she thought of the dress she wanted to make then went ahead and draw it out on a piece of paper. The drawing was a dress that rides a little high on the flank but enough so that the pony wearing it doesn’t look like a tank along with a small choker that went around the upper neck. Also on the dress it had diamonds on the left and right side of the dress. Instead of boots like the last one she drew on slippers. She also manage to fit in a small saddle on the back to give it a more rustic charm. After she drew the dress that she thought up it was time to begin seeing which colors would fit the dress. She went and began to color with yellow, pale green and pale blue for the dress and brown for the saddle. “Okay now just a little touch up here and…done.” Coco said with a great smile. “Now for the fabric.” She said walking over to a cabinet which was all disorganized with all the fabric going all over the shelves. She looked at the mess. “How does Rarity ever find things in here?” She says questioning Rarity’s organization system. She grabbed the green and yellow fabric from below and as soon she did the whole fabric rack came falling on top of her. After grabbing them she proceeds to cut what she needed out of each fabric like the fabric diamonds and the collar from the yellow one. Though this took awhile because she couldn’t use magic like Rarity; so she had to do things the old fashion way with scissors with the handle able to fit the size of her hoofs. After a long ten minutes she was able to cut all three diamonds and the collar she was going to use for it. As for the pale green she made a small fitting strap so the pony could fit it around its waist and she made sure that it was adjustable like a belt and made a belt loop just in case for any extra left over. As for the saddle she cut out she took the pale green and made a strap to go around the pony that would wear it. Next was the dress itself she had to sow on each individual part of the diamonds on the sides of the dress. With the sewing machine she shares with Rarity she was able to do so. All three diamonds on each side were placed carefully and next was the choker. “Now I know Rarity keeps some gems around here somewhere.” She began looking around for Rarity’s gem case which was obviously a small wooden treasure chest. As she opened the chest she was amazed by the amount of gems Rarity has collected. The gems ranged from simple quartz to sapphires and rubies “Wow now I see one reason why her cutie mark is three diamonds.” She says awed as she looked through the chest to find the right gem to fit the choker. She looked in it about a good three minutes until she finally found what she needed. An amethyst gem she held in her mouth and took it over to the hoofed made choker and tied the gem to it. Now with everything in order she place the pale green dress on a modeling pony dummy and made adjustments if needed. She also found a pair green dress slippers and placed them on the model and then the dress, the saddle, and then finally the choker. She stepped back from what she made and was proud of it; sure it might have taken her about five hours and probably a few sore hoofs after work but it was so worth it in the end. After what happened she looked at the time. “Holly Celestia I've been work that long.” She looked at the clock and it was 1:30 P.M. “Well I guess a visit to Sugarcube corner is in order.” She said as she stepped out with her chin held high only to look back at her creation in awe and a bit giddy. Meanwhile at the same time that happening Rarity and Winter were walking down a dirt path “I’m so glad that you could come Winter.” She said with a smile. “But may I implore you why you’ve come here, I’m sure it’s not just for friendly chit chat.” She said with a questionable look causing her friend to let out a slight giggle “Nothing escapes the ‘Gossip Hound’ of Ponyville.” She says poking fun as Rarity’s ears flatten against her head. “You know quite well that I despised that nickname you know.” Rarity whined. “But then you must have heard that I’m going to be one of the judges in the upcoming fashion show.” Winter said making Rarity gasped in surprise. “Along with a few others from Canterlot are going to be judging the show.” Winter finished. “Oh my sweet Celestia! Oh only if I was that lucky then I would be joining you but I of course have my business to attend to and plus my young sister.” Rarity whined “I know what you mean; I’ve got my own siblings after all…which I’m looking for one in particular.” She stated with an annoyed tone. “Oh…My it is hard to forget those two. Always causing mischief no matter where they went to.” Rarity says with a giggle as Winter groans. Rarity let out a giggle as he recalled how she first met Winter and her siblings. It was before she had come to Ponyville. -8 Years Ago- In a small town a 10 year old Rarity was walking and eating a bit of ice cream. “Watch out!” A male voice called out as a ball came out of nowhere and hit Rarity making her fall to the ground and lose her concentration The owner of the ball walked over and young Rarity looked up at him. It was a unicorn colt of 8 that had a steel grey coat with a black mane that had a silver streak going through it and blue eyes. He didn’t have a cutie mark. Another unicorn colt followed who looked to be a year younger followed him. He had a crimson red coat and a mane that was a mix of blond and brown that was spiked in the back and had brown eyes. Much like the other he didn’t have a cutie mark. “I told you that you were kicking it to hard Fire.” The grey colt said to the crimson who he called Fire. “How times do I have to say I’m sorry Code?” Fire replied to the grey coat he called Code. “Ah she’s awake.” Code said and then helped Rarity up. “W-What happened?” Rarity asked as Fire rubbed a hoof on his neck. “I-It was my fault. I kind of kicked the ball to hard and missed hitting what I was suppose to and hit you instead.” Fire says his head low. “I’m really sorry about my brother…” Code says trailing off as Rarity realized she hadn’t introduced herself. “Rarity. I’m Rarity.” She replies. “I’m Fire Seeker, but everpony just calls me Fire since well…” He starts but trails off as Code rolled his eyes. “I’m Code Breaker, but please just Code.” He adds as Rarity smiles. “Fire and Code. I’m guessing you two are brothers?” She asks as Code nods. “Sorry about your ice cream. How about you come over to our house and we make it up to you?” Code asks nicely. “Alright, but if this is some sort of trick…” Rarity said in agreement and warning. Both looked at her with puzzled looks “Why would we trick you?” Fire asks before he and Code took off leading the way to their home. The two colts and one filly walked into the house “Sis we’re home!” Code shouted as the sound of hooves running down the stairs was heard. Soon enough a 10 year old Winter Blossom stood at the bottom of the stairs. Her mane was the same, but not kept in a ponytail showing that it cut off right above her hooves and she wasn’t wearing her glasses. She looked at the two colts in anger. “Where have you two been? I was worried when I woke up and saw both of you gone from your room!” Winter yelled scaring the two as Rarity watched on feeling a bit awkward. It was at this time Winter noticed Rarity “And why did you bring a filly here? You know mom and dad are going to be back soon?” She questioned. “Umm…uhh…well…” Code sputtered as small ice crystals began to form under Winter’s hooves. “It was an accident really.” Rarity spoke up as the three turned their attention to Rarity. “I was walking and eating a ice cream, and these two were playing hoofball…” Rarity started as Winter glared at the two. “Ugh! That’s why you two woke up and left?” she yells as Rarity clears her throat. “Right. Continue.” Winter said with a sigh trying to relax. “Apparently Fire kicked the ball so hard missing Code, but instead hit me.” She continued as Winter grew wide eyed. “WHAT!” Winter yells in intense anger glaring at Fire. “Accident! Accident! Complete and total accident!” Fire exclaimed. “It was and they have already apologized for it.” Rarity said hastily not wanting to see the two colts in trouble with their older sister. “Alright, but Fire kicks really hard. So while they get you something I’m going to check you over for anything.” Winter says glaring at her brothers who went off to the kitchen as Winter used a spell to check her over for any sort of broken bones. A few minutes later the two came back with four ice cream bars as Winter finished checking Rarity over for any problems. “Alright you look completely fine.” Winter said as an ice cream bar in a blue aura was levitated over to her and another to Rarity. “Thanks Code.” She says as Rarity takes a bite of the bar. “Hmm…It’s salty, but sweet at the same time.” She says with wide eyes. “Yeah. It’s one of our favorites.” Code says taking a bite. The next few hours were spent talking among the four even as Winter, Code, and Fire’s parents came in. They shared many secrets among one another including the secret of them being Arcane Unicorns. Rarity promised to never tell causing Fire to make a joke about her being the town gossip hound resulting in Winter freezing him an it taking a few hours for him to thaw out. As they moved on they were going they were slowly approaching a wide open orchard filled with apple trees. Winter adjusted her glasses to get a better look. “Wow.” She looked around and saw nothing but how wide the orchard of apple trees was. “Who owns all this land?” She questioned but at the same time she was in awe of the sight. “That would be the Apple family that lives here.” She pointed her hoof down toward the path. “Down this way you’ll find a large red barn along with a rather kept up house and you’ll find a mare named Applejack Apple.” Rarity stated which made Winter Blossom jump with glee. “Oh I know about the Apple family they are rather famous for their cider. Do you think they might let me try some?” Winter jumped with glee. “I believe so if you only ask.” Rarity said as they approached the home. As Rarity knocked on the door; at first nopony answered then she knocked again and this time a small yellow filly with a pink bow and red mane opened the door. “Howdy Miss Rarity what yah doin out this way?” Applebloom questioned “An’ who is this pony?” She pointed to the pony next to her. “This is an old friend of mine Winter Blossom and I’m showing her around.” She introduced Winter to the little filly. “I have a question is your sister around by chance?” Rarity asked. “Enope. Yah just missed her; she headed toward town fer something along with another pony.” She answered “Well do you think I could have a drink of some of that apple cider your family makes.” Winter said her eyes beaming. Applebloom shook her head “Sorry miss, but sis has the key tah the cellar, ‘Haps another time.” Applebloom said. Winter was a little disappointed but gave a sigh. “Well I guess, maybe next time I’m in town then. It has been good meeting you.” She said putting a smile back on her face as she turned to leave. “C’mon Rares, it’s been a few hours so how about we go check on Coco and see how she’s doing.” Winter said as she began to walk off only to look back at the filly and gave a wave. Applebloom waved to Winter and Rarity as they began their walk back to Ponyville. As they re-entered Ponyville they were still chatting about several things like Canterlot, the fashion show, etc. “So Winter what to think of Ponyville? Not quite what you expected hmm?” Rarity asked “Not it’s not. In face it reminds me of our old home before both our families moved.” Winter admitted. “I miss it to darling, but I still do visit my parents every now and then when I do get homesick.” Rarity said with an all knowing tone but then was interrupted by what seemed like noise coming from town and ponies screaming and running in which every direction. “What in the wide world of Equestria is happening here?” Rarity wondered as they looked onward at what was causing this uproar. Machines of various kinds were going out of control. Some guards who were town were trying to sort things out and get things back under control including two unicorn stallions. The first had a turquoisish white coat and sapphire blue mixed with cerulean blue mane and tail from what she can see and his cutie mark was a purple shield with a six pointed star imbedded in it with three other stars hanging above it. The second one had a crimson red coat and a dark blonde and brown mixed mane and tail, his cutie mark was a shield lit on fire with a sword imbedded on the front. Rarity let out a faint gasp of surprise recognizing Fire Seeker. “My he has certainly changed in eight years. Though I never expected him to become a guard.” She thought During the uproar and panic from the citizens something that looked like a propeller was heading their way. “DUCK!” Winter yelled as they both ducked their heads to avoid getting it chopped off. The propeller stuck itself into the ground preventing it from going anywhere. Winter went inspect the object to see if it had an owner. “Why does this looks familiar somewhere?” she thought as she inspect it further. The she came across a cutie mark symbol on the propeller blade with two bronze gears that were mashed together and a book on it. Her eyes immediately went wide causing her to readjust her glasses she was wearing and clean the lenses to see if she was seeing what she was seeing was correct. After doing that she looked at the initials again and it still had the same cutie mark symbol. She giggled at her conclusion “Well that’s interesting to say the least.” She heard a scream coming from the crowd and came running towards them. It was Coco her mane and tail all disoriented and her coat was all covered with dirt from falling over a few time. She stopped right in front of them short on breath from running. “Are you alright dear?” Rarity asked in worry putting a hoof on her friend and assistants shoulder. She spoke in a rapid rate “Sales ponies…inventions… not working… uproar.” She said rapidly. The other two tried to steady her “Whoa there girl, let’s get her to the boutique so she can wash up and get her mind straight.” Rarity concluded as Winter and Rarity took both sides of Coco as they walked to make sure she doesn’t fall over herself. They managed to get to the boutique without a problem, and after cleaning her up and calming her down Coco was ready to talk. “Okay now start at the beginning Coco, what happened?” Rarity questioned “Well it started when I was heading toward Sugarcube corner to get a snack after finishing the dress I’ve made. Everything was fine until what seemed like two sales ponies rolled into town with some kind of machine.” Coco started “Sales ponies. Did you get a chance to look at them?” Winter asked her curiosity peaked as well as a suspicion to who it was. “Well all I could get that they were two stallions and they were unicorns, they had red and white manes and one had a mustache on one of them. After I went in and came back out of Sugarcube Corner everypony was going berserk and were running around all over the place.” Coco finished. “Of course then that’s when one of the machines inside Sugar Cube Corner that Pinkie just got started to act up as well. I ran off like a mad mare as more of the machines went crazy. I then bumped into this stallion who told me to get to safety. After that I bumped into you two.” She said huffing by the end of her explanation. Winter brought her hoof to her chin to think “Two unicorn stallions, red and white mane and one with a mustache on him and they are sales ponies.” Winter thought. Then her eyes became wide in realization and in a quick motion her eyes instantly turned into a cold angry stare. “The Flim Flam brothers.” She said in realization. “The what and who?” Rarity and Coco asked in unison. “Flim and Flam there con ponies wanting to con you out of every bit that you have just so they can make a profit off of what their selling or have stolen.” Winter stated coldly as her horn glowed and began forming small patches of ice underneath her. “I had an experience with them two and I’m never going to forget it and let’s leave it at that.” She stated. “Winter darling you’re umm…magic is acting up.” Rarity pointed out pointing at the floor. “Oh. Sorry about that.” Winter says sheepishly calming herself which made the ice stop. “Ugh. I had better get myself under control. I don’t want to undergo the training to keep my emotions in check again.” She thought as the room fell into complete silence. After a few minutes of silence “Oh um… Winter.” Coco began shyly “I was wondering if you could look over the new dress I’ve made?” Coco asked “Oh you made something new dear what is it.” Rarity said in excitement “Well sure let’s have a look shall we.” Winter answered and Coco guided them to Rarity’s inspiration room that they both share. When they entered the dress was revealed to them. “Well what do you think?” She questioned “I was thinking to go with something more of a glamorous charm while still keeping some of the rustic look and the boots did change for dress slippers instead and the belt for the dress would almost seem like it’s floating on its own and some flare from the choker so I borrowed one of the gems.” Coco smiled hoping to get some approval from Winter. “Well darling it does bring out some flare of its own I might say. Even with the amethyst gem choker was a thought.” Rarity commented she looked toward Winter who was deep in thought. “What do you think of the dress?” Rarity asked as Winter went to inspect it who circled around it inspect every aspect as close as she could. She hummed in what Coco hoped would be approval. “Well… to start, the saddle is a good idea and so was the belt plus and the fabric choice was excellent, but the only thing problem I see is with the choker.” She stated as Coco dropped down in disappointment. “The gem is fine but it would have been best to use a brighter color for it so it would… oh what’s the phrase I’m looking for… ‘stick out more’ as they say.” She adds as Coco looked up a bit surprised by this nugget of advice. “But despite that little detail, I do see potential in this. It might not be a winner but most surely a top three.” Winter finished which brought a smile to Coco “So you think it’s good even if my last one didn’t go so well.” Coco said and Winter nodded. “Well one thing my friend knows about dresses is that she knows where to find good potential.” Rarity said causing Winter to blush a little. “A small piece of advice though whenever I make a dress is to picture myself in what I want to wear then make that idea into a reality.” She said wisely. They heard the clock strike six o’clock “Well time flies when you’re having fun I guess, and I must thank you Rarity for showing me around.” Winter said. “Aw do you have to leave now.” Rarity whined. “Unfortunately I do, even though Ponyville is a charming place with its rustic design, Canterlot is still my home and I must return to home to prepare for the fashion show in a few days, but don’t think I might pay a visit when I get the chance.” Winter bowed as she left, but not even a few seconds out the front door she was instantly plowed to the ground by two unicorn stallions. The first stallion was the one that she saw was the crimson coated royal guard Rarity had identified as Fire Seeker, and the second one had a steel gray coat with black mane and silver streak going down the middle with the cutie mark being two bronze gears and a book between them. “Uh what where you’re going you…” Before she could finish she stared at the two stallions as Rarity’s own eyes widened seeing Code Breaker. “Code, Fire!” She yelled in surprise as Rarity let out a small smile. “Hello darlings. It’s been a long time.” Rarity said. “Sis! Rarity!” the two stallions said in unison. That night a party was held for Code, Winter, and Fire being new to town as well as Code having stopped the rampage of the machines. As the party was going on Coco was busy writing a letter at the suggestion of Trixie. “Dear Princess Celestia; at some point when you have a great idea or in my case a great dress you think you have it just the way you like it. But sometimes when somepony wants to help you, you don’t know if what their saying is helpful or not. Only to realize that even someponies opinion can help improve on your past mistake. Signed; Coco Pommel.” Coco handed the letter off to Spike and sent it how he always did. “Come on Coco! Your missing out on all the fun!” Pinkie says appearing near her. Coco chuckles and follows the mare out.