//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Val's Chance // by Loyalty1998 //------------------------------// Being the son of Princess Cadence isn't all it's cracked up to be. Sure, I'm an alicorn, which definitely has it's perks, I live in the Crystal Palace, I've got plenty of good friends, but my love life is where it kind of gets...complicated. I mean come on, I'm a great guy! I'm great to look at, I'm the perfect the gentlecolt, and I'm an all around good guy. But time and time again, I keep finding the mares I go out with to be shallow and self-centered. They'd only go out with me because I'm a prince...isn't there anyone that can see me for who I am and not my title? Just once, could someone appreciate me for me? ---------- I was on my way once again to Ponyville. I didn't have any responsibilities as of yet, so I relished the chance to see my Aunt Twilight and my cousin Starbust. After all, in a couple more years, I'll rarely be able to come by at all. I popped through a cloud, finding the familiar sight of the homely Ponyville. It was a quaint little place compared to the Crystal Empire, despite being the home of Princess Twilight. 'All the better,' I thought to myself. 'At least I don't have to worry about as many mares.' Touching down just outside of town, I changed into my guise known as Lance. I crossed over the small bridge leading into Ponyville, passing by all kinds of ponies, but all of them familiar still. As usual, I dropped by Rarity's shop to talk to Claire. She was one of the only other ponies in Ponyville that I actually knew. I pushed the door open with my nose, the bell ringing overhead. The store was empty, thankfully, except for the Rarity family. Rarity glanced over her shoulder, seeing me just in front of the door. "Ah, Lance! You never said you were coming!" I dropped the disguise. "I'm just dropping by to hang out with Twilight and Starburst, but I actually wanted to talk to Claire first." "Darling, whatever for?" "It's kind of...personal." "Oh. I won't say another word," she replied, turning back to her work. "Thank you." I walked around a bit, looking for Rarity's eldest. I suddenly heard a crash, which only elicited a sigh and face hoof from Rarity. "Those two..," she mumbled, shaking her head as she walked back towards the living room. Sure enough, Claire and Spike were rough housing. Claire and Spike usually did that when Rarity was working, according to Rarity. "Claire honey, how many times must I tell you? You simply cannot act like a barbarian!" "Rares, we're just having a bit of fun," Spike said in defense. "I believe I've told you not to act like this as well!" All three of them argued back and forth until I cleared my throat, reminding them I was present. Rarity took a deep breath, and walked back to the shop to continue working. Spike merely shrugged, sort of acknowledged my presence, and just laid on the floor. "A day in the life of the Rarity household," I said with a chuckle. "Darling, this is nowhere near everyday. At least every other day," Claire said. "Right. Anyways, I need to talk to you," I said, motioning towards the door. She sighed. "Mare problems again?" "You know me so well." ---------- "Well, you are a prince. Sorry to say darling, but most of the mares that you see in your day to day life are going to be selfish. They could care less who you are; it's the title they're in love with." "But what do I do? Most ponies would think I wouldn't have this problem, but I do." Claire's features held a look of contemplation for a moment, and then, as if a veil had been lifted, she brightened up. "What do you say we go down to Sweet Apple Acres later? Bring Twilight and Starburst as well if you feel like it." "Um, I thought we were talking about my problem?" "Of course we were darling! That's why we should go down to Sweet Apple Acres." "Okay, for what? I know we used to play down there with Red June a lot, but..." I then realized what she was trying to do. "No. Claire, I know what you're trying to do, but the answer is no." "Lance, you know you like her," she said in a sing-song tune. "I-I mean...maybe...but...gah...but the answer's still no." "And why is that darling?" she questioned, raising an eyebrow. "You know how she is. She's afraid of how high society would view her. I couldn't do that to her...least of all to her." "But does that really matter to her?" "What?" "Do you think she would care? Of course she would be intimidated at first, but given time, she would forget how cruel high society can be." "Are you certain?" "Of course I'm certain, darling! I've known her longer than you, and I can tell you that she feels the same way about you." "R-really?" Claire sighed. "For being the son of the Embodiment of Love, you are pretty clueless, aren't you?" "N-no...okay, apparently a little." "So why not take the chance? Of course, you don't have to ask her today. You don't have to ask her at all. But darling, if you want to find that special somepony, you need to put aside your worries. Forget what high society says. They will learn that you've found the one you want to give yourself to, and they will learn to deal with it." I merely raised an eyebrow, knowing how half-witted most of the high society mares are. After all, their only advantage was probably their looks. But of course, Claire was right. Red June was an amazing friend. I liked her more than a friend even. But knowing that she liked me as more than a friend..."Thank you Claire. I think I'll know what to do when the time comes." "Not a problem at all. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must attend to some personal matters." And with that, she turned tail, and went back the way we'd walked. I smiled to myself. Maybe I did have a chance with Red June. Of course, there was still the Prissy Elite to be dealt with, but I'd be there to help her every step of the way. With a renewed confidence, I made my way towards Aunt Twilight's place. After that...who knows? Maybe I'll go down to the farm. Maybe I've finally gotten a chance to find that special somepony... The End