//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 "Rarity" // Story: Equestria Guardians // by Jacoboby1 //------------------------------// Chapter 4 “Rarity” Or “Stop Dragon My Heart Around” The next day, Twilight was walking to school with Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash. She was, still, quite honestly surprised that she had friends, now. It felt like a dream, that two people as different as Rainbow and Pinkie would seem to like her for her, but there they were. “So,” Twilight asked, “who should we try to recruit next?” “We could always try getting AJ on board,” Rainbow said, “Can’t wait to see if my Griffon can take down whatever guardian beast she’s got!” “Rainbow, our guardian beasts are not Pokemon,” Twilight said with a huge sigh. “We’re supposed to only use them against monsters, not another guardian’s beast.” “Or we could try getting Rarity! She could really help with the costumes!” Pinkie cheered. “Costumes?” Rainbow asked in confusion. “What did I say about costumes, Pinkie?” Twilight said, giving Pinkie this look. “We’re not going to be sailor senshi, or sentai rangers. Anyway, unless we’re going to telling people we’ve taken up cosplaying, costumes would totally blow our cover. Anyway I think Fluttershy may be easier to recruit… She’s really nice, and I’m sure she’s lonely without all of you.” “We’ll have to get everybody back eventually.” Rainbow said, crossing her arms in thought. “I just hope it’s sooner rather than later.” “Ya really miss Fluttershy dont’cha Rainbow?” Pinkie said, giggling. “Aw come on, Pinkie for the last time she’s a friend!” Rainbow yelled at Pinkie. “Awww, but you two have such a history.” Pinkie said. “Playing together, braiding each others hair…” “I WILL GET YOU!!” Rainbow yelled chasing after Pinkie. Twilight watched the two run around, a smile on her face. Despite her initial misgivings, Twilight was enjoying having friends. _____________________________________________________________________________ Twilight parted from her two friends, and went to her locker to get her books for her first classes. She was happy, humming a little tune, and pulled her locker open, not really paying attention to anything else. Her lack of attention caused said locker door to smash into Private’s unsuspecting face. “Ow.” He groaned as he dropped a large black feather he was looking at. “OH! I’m so sorry, are you alright?” Twilight apologized then froze, looking at the giant feather. “Where… did you get that?” “Oh, found it on the soccer field.” He said, bending down to pick it up. “It’s really weird because it’s so large, certainly not from any bird on earth, let alone in this area.” “It… kind of looks like an overlarge corvid feather, to me,” Twilight said, running her fingers through her hair nervously. “M-maybe a science experiment got away from somebody, or something.” “Yeah you may be right.” Private said, putting the feather in his trenchcoat. “Lot of weird stuff is going on around town lately though. People are reporting smashed pavement, overturned cars over by Sugarcube corner and the museum had some damage to exhibits. Now these feathers are littering the soccer field…” “Why are you so interested in all this? For all you know it could be random vandalism,” Twilight said, internally planning a mad dash to Principal Celestia’s office. He laughed nervously, “Well, I kinda wanna be a detective someday, if the outfit didn’t give that away. So I’m naturally curious about this stuff. Gotta follow the weird wherever it leads.” He paused and said, “Actually...weren’t you at Pinkie’s party a few days ago?” “Of course I was. It was a party for me to welcome me to the school. Would be kinda rude not to go,” Twilight replied, with a roll of her eyes. “The...same night those cars were smashed..” He said thoughtfully. “Ray also told me you were at the soccer field last night…” “Ray? Would that be Raiden? The flashy guy who dresses like a J-Pop star?” Twilight asked. “Yeah, kind of childhood friends.” Private replied. “He of course wanted to brag about ‘getting Rainbow Dash nekked’ but let me guess, didn’t get that far?” “No. I noticed him going into the girls’ shower, with a huge bag, and Rainbow Dash went in and kicked him in the genitals, before wrecking his video equipment. Apparently, he was intending to film Rainbow Dash showering. I would suppose any other feminine footage would be a perk,” Twilight observed with a sigh. “So… Not exactly a witness with the most character, to say the least.” “I guess so, still, whatever’s going on, try to be careful okay?” He said genuinely. “Wouldn’t want you to get caught up in something dangerous.” Twilight blinked, a slight blush showing on her cheeks, though she was thinking: ”Way too late for that, mister detective.” “Uh… Why are you so worried about me, anyway? We… barely know each other…” Twilight said out loud. Private blushed in turn. “Do I... need a reason to care about somebody?” “W-well… The concern is… appreciated, b-but… Oh, look at the time… Gotta go!” Twilight uttered, dashing to her homeroom. What was it about him that made her heart flutter, like that? She really needed to get to Principal Celestia and tell her about this guy, as soon as she had a free period. Private tilted his head, and shook it. “C’mon Private, get your head out of the clouds, you got a mystery to solve,” He said to himself, walking away. __________________________________________________________________ Celestia leaned against her hand as she looked at some paperwork in her office. She sighed, “My school for something besides paperwork…” she groaned. Just in time to relieve her boredom, there came a knock on the door. “Principal Celestia? Are you busy? I need to talk to you,” Twilight said urgently from the other side. Celestia unceremoniously stuffed the paperwork into her desk and put on her best smile. “No, Twilight, come in.” “I think we may have a problem,” Twilight said, coming in, and closing the door. She quickly sat in one of the chairs in front of Celestia’s desk. “There’s this guy, Private, who seems to be investigating things.” “Investigating things…?” Celestia said, and got up out of her desk to close the blinds on her windows. “Pertaining to our... activities you mean?” She asked. “Yeah… Times like this, I wish the physical objects, and not just the people would become intangible… The ogre damaged some displays at the museum before he was defeated. It was definitely a ‘he’. Don’t ask how I know, I don’t want to remember. Bowser really knocked some cars around in his rampage, before Pinkie and I could stop him. Then lastly, the giant ravens who attacked the soccer field left some feathers behind after Rainbow Dash and her Griffon took them out,” Twilight explained. “So the monsters leaving physical evidence of their presence… And this Private guy also found out I was at both the party, where Bowser showed up, and at the soccer field, though, I kind of deflected him a bit… I hope…” “Uh… Twilight… Why did you give one of the monsters a name?” Celestia asked. “It was a giant, bipedal turtle, so naturally I thought Super Mario Brothers. Considering what’s been coming over, I’m lucky it didn’t breath fire,” Twilight replied with a sigh. “Anyways, yes monsters can leave behind parts, while their corpses vanish if defeated parts like horns and feathers can remain if detached,” Celestia explained. “Property damage could be an issue as well. As for Private…” She made a face, one of worry, regret, and feeling torn for the briefest of moments before adopting a face Twilight couldn’t read. “Stay away from him.” “Kind of hard to do, since he’s in some of my classes, Professor, but I will attempt to limit my interactions with him as best I can,” Twilight replied, though internally, her heart seemed to ache at the thought of the limitation. Celestia turned her back to Twilight. “If you can, halt his investigation. Ours is a dangerous war that we need to involve as few as possible. Focus on your mission to find the other elements.” Celestia’s tone as she said that was...cold. “I’ll do my best. I’ll try to clean up any left-over parts as best I can, and get the others to as well. If I could learn a spell that could fix any property damage, that would help a lot, too. No weird evidence, no investigation, then he has to give up,” Twilight posited thoughtfully. “Very well.” Celestia said. “You are dismissed.” Twilight blinked, Celestia had never, dismissed her before. Not in such a fashion. “Thank you for seeing me,” Twilight said, meekly, and left the office, to see if she could grab her books, before her free period was up. Oh well. She didn’t really have time for romance, anyway. She had bridges to mend, friends to make, and guardians to induct… Never mind keeping Pinkie from giving Rarity the idea to make them all costumes, once she was brought into the fold. What was it was Pinkie and costumes? With a shake of her head, Twilight trotted down the hall, to her locker. All the way though, she couldn’t shake the small pain in her heart that Celestia’s order left behind. Why did Private make her want to just disregard it all? _______________________________________________________________________ The Home Economics room of Canterlot High was a room devoted to a multitude of arts. Cooking was at one end, and sewing was at the other. In the middle was the tables and chairs where they learned household budgeting, parenting, resource management, and even some commercially applicable subjects, like small business management. The cooking classes were quite popular, and often recommended for the boys especially. The sewing section was a wonderland for the up-and-coming fashionista. An assortment of cloth, thread, and other materials were stored neatly away in boxes and on shelves, for easy access. Everything was kept neat, and tidy, and was exactly the opposite of Rarity’s ‘organized chaos’ in her workshop. However, Rarity was not the only one who worked in this space. Just the one who worked here the most often. Rarity was at one of the sewing department’s mannequins, working on her latest creation, humming cheerfully as she did so. She fully planned on wearing this to the soiree she had been invited to, this evening. Everything had to be perfect to catch his eye. Spike came into the Home Ec room as she was working, holding a roll of fabric. “Hey Rarity, I got this purple one you wanted.” He said, running over and handing it to her with eager devotion. “Oh, why thank you, Spikey Wikey,” she said beaming at the younger boy, taking the fabric from him. “You have been such a big help to me, today.” “Uh, anything for you Rarity, I’m just happy to help,” Spike said, blushing and rubbing the back of his head nervously. “I just hope you aren’t skipping classes to help me, though, darling. I’d hate to see you get bad grades because of me,” Rarity said, looking at Spike over the tops of her red catseye glasses. “Oh don’t worry, this is my free period,” Spike said. “I’m not missing anything really by helping you out.” Rarity gave a small laugh, Spike has been such a dear ever since they met. She really enjoyed the company and help with all of her projects… Though she couldn’t shake the odd feeling of deja vu whenever Spike helped her. There was a knock at the door, and Twilight peeked in, looking around. “Hello?” she said tentatively. Rarity looked up from her work and smiled upon seeing Twilight. “Twilight! Darling how have you been? I’ve been hoping you would eventually come to see me!” She said, getting up and walking over to Twilight happily. “Hi, Rarity. I hope Spike hasn’t been bothering you, too much,” Twilight said with a smile. “He can be kind of single-minded when he gets an idea in his head.” “Hey!” Spike yelled. “Oh he’s been nothing but a dear, and helping me out,” Rarity said. “Could you give us a few moments, Spike darling?” “Sure thing,” Spike said, walking out. “I gotta get ready for my next class anyways.” Rarity smiled as he left. “Going to be quite the gentleman when he’s older that one,” she said happily. “Yeah… Just hope he doesn’t get his heart broken,” Twilight murmured with a shake of her head. “Bad case of puppy love he’s got. Anyway… I don’t suppose I could convince you to meet a couple of folks that have something important to say to you, after school, could I?” “Possibly darling, I am rather swamped at the moment.” Rarity said, “But enough about that” She said, pulling a measuring tape out of her purse. “Let’s get you measured shall we? Be a dear and hold still for a moment.” She proceeded to begin measuring Twilight “Uh… why? I mean, it’s not like I’m going to need any clothes made, or anything,” Twilight said, standing still, and indulging Rarity’s whim. “Anyway, I made a couple of friends who used to be friends with you… and they’re hoping to apologize for things they actually said in the past, and make up. Though a lot of their emails and texts weren’t their fault. Their accounts were hacked.” Rarity seemed to not hear her, simply focusing on her measurements. “Darling you are quite the beauty yourself. But you hide yourself behind your simple tastes. I cannot ignore the potential for fabulousness.” “I prefer simple. Its easier to maintain, I don’t have to wash it in a special cycle or take it to the dry cleaners, and they tend to be things I can just throw in when I need to,” Twilight replied. “And you didn’t hear a word I said, earlier, did you?” “Of course it’s easier darling but simple can be a true waste of resources when all is said and done.” Rarity said, answering Twilight's question. “Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash want to apologize to you,” Twilight said outright, sounding a little frustrated at the fashionista’s one-track mind. Rarity stopped, and looked at Twilight dead in the eye. “Darling, could you please not talk about those two right now?” She said, her voice dead serious. “Or Applejack and Fluttershy? I’d rather not think about those ungrateful cretins.” Twilight blinked at the sheer coldness of Rarity’s tone. Rarity then went right back to measuring as if nothing happened. And Pinkie Pie said Rainbow Dash was stubborn… “And, that should be it for the measurements, at least initially.” Rarity said, and then closed the blinds on the windows, smiling. “Now darling, let’s take your simple beauty and make you Fabulous!” Twilight gulped in response. _____________________________________________________________________ Twenty minutes later…. “And here we are, honestly it’s a touch of a rush job and I had to guess some measurements. It’s only a basic design darling but even so, I think it’s a remarkable improvement!” Rarity said, holding up a mirror to Twilight. There were no words. Rarity had worked a complete transformation on Twilight, that took even Twilight’s breath away. The dress was simple but, allowed Twilight to really shine. She went from a simple nerd to quite a looker. She was sure to turn some heads if she walked out into the hallway with this...well...maybe one head would be nice… Wait! No no no no! She can’t turn THAT head! She had been told not to! “Wow… You’re really good at this,” Twilight said, stunned. “Darling you look simply divine!” Rarity said happily. “Why I’m sure boys will be lining up to net a Fall Formal date with you.” “Fall Formal?” Twilight asked, tilting her head. “Is that some kind of event here?” Rarity’s eyes grew wide. “SOME KIND OF EVENT!? Darling it’s only one of the biggest dances of the year! There’s music! Couples dancing! An election for a queen, though honestly Sunset wins every year, and so much more!” “New student. Right here. Just transferred in. How am I supposed to know all this? Especially me being something of a nerd, who’s more into advanced studies, and college prep than boys?” Twilight asked with a self-deprecating chuckle. “I mean, honestly, I never had friends, until I transferred here.” “Sorry, darling, it is a rather important event here.” Rarity said. “I mean, the whole school will attend.” She then grinned at Twilight. “Any particular gentleman you’d like to have escort you?” “Uh… m-maybe, b-but, you know me. I don’t have the time, what with the advanced studies, college prep, figuring out the right extracurriculars to look good on my college applications,” Twilight replied blushing. “I’m having enough of a time trying to make friends.” “Oh posh darling, there is always time for romance. Why I myself plan to get swept off my feet by...him.” Rarity said with a happy sigh, looking off in no particular direction “‘Him’. That’s a rather general pronoun, Rarity. It sounds like you’ve got a very specific ‘him’ in mind, though,” Twilight replied. “Why Prince Blueblood, the son of our fair mayor. The most handsome boy in our age group! To meet, fall in love and to be married to such a prince is every girl’s dream!” Rarity said, stars in her eyes. “You do realize his name is ‘Prince’ and he’s not actually royalty right?” Twilight asked. “Darling don’t ruin this for me,” Rarity said, still starry eyed. “Reality would like to check in, please. It ordered a single room, non-smoking,” Twilight said with a small smile. “It’s a nice dream to have, not my idea of a nice dream but it’s not my dream, but do you really know this guy well enough to hang your entire future on him?” “Oh reality can go check in somewhere else,” Rarity grumbled. “Like a certain cowgirl who refuses to wear anything approaching fabulous…” She clenched her fists a little. “You mean Applejack? I don’t think she could wear anything ‘fabulous’, really. She works on a farm, after all. Anything you make for her would probably get ruined,” Twilight observed logically. “Yes I know, but every time I try get her to, oh I don’t know, wash up or do something with that gorgeous blond hair of hers she always brushed me off!” Rarity said, her anger steadily rising. “THE NERVE!” “Well… Not everybody has your eye for fashion. And not everybody has your tastes,” Twilight said cautiously. “People are all different, which is a good thing. If we were all the same, it’d be really boring.” “But bringing out one’s beauty is what I live for darling! And she’s not even the worst offender! TIme and time again I poured my heart and soul into every design I make. And what do I get for my efforts. Complaints and accusations that I am too demanding and nitpicky...oh by the way, darling, you may want to flatten that crease a little.” “Oh, sure,” Twilight said, complying. “It’s obvious you’ve got a keen eye for detail, and are quite the perfectionist in your art. It could be they haven’t had the chance to understand you from their own perspective… I do know at least two that would like to apologize for the past, and try to get to know you again, if you’re willing to let them… You seem like a generous soul, Rarity, so maybe you could show them a little generosity with your time?” Rarity glared at Twilight. “Darling, I highly suggest you leave before you say something else you’ll regret.” she said coldly. Twilight held up her hands placatingly. “Okay. Can’t say I didn’t try. Thanks for the outfit. See you around, Rarity,” she said as she left. Once outside, Twilight sighed, running a hand down her face. “Ugh… I swear, Rainbow Dash was easier to convince than her. What’s it going to take, a monster attack?” Twilight thought, before she pushed herself upright, and started walking to her next class. Rarity went back to work. “Now, to work on my magical night with Prince…” She said to herself. “Making everything perfect...thread by thread.” Twilight walked along the hallway, books in hand, blinking in surprise at all the appreciative looks she was getting. A blush grew on her cheeks, and she was obviously starting to feel self-conscious. This was quite the change from her normal walk, to be certain. As she tried to move as quickly as possible, she rounded a corner, and spotted...Private..seeing her...a blush coming onto his face...did he…? NONONONONONONONO!!! No! No time for this. And he’s off limits, anyway! Though her heart ached at her determination to follow Celestia’s orders, but heartache or no, she was going to do as she had been asked. She shook her head, hurrying to her next class, trying to outrun her feelings. _________________________________________________________________ That evening, Twilight was getting ready to host her very first sleepover at her house. She had ordered pizzas, set up her brother’s college-days mini fridge with plenty of sodas and juices, and was inflating a couple air mattresses so Rainbow and Pinkie wouldn’t be sleeping on the floor. Spike, on the other hand, was just watching and looking amused at all the preparations. But then he turned back to the window, watching as rain clouds were starting to come in. “She’s really going to meet Prince huh?” Spike said, laying his head back on the chair he was sitting in. “Yeah. I just hope she isn’t disappointed. I told her she didn’t know him well enough to put all her hopes on him,” Twilight said, as she came in carrying extra pillows, then checking them off on a checklist she had made earlier. “Okay. I think it’s ready for optimal slumber party occupation.” “I mean, it’s not like I didn’t think she’d be seeing other guys,” Spike said, sighing. “She could have her pick of the lot. I just, am worried is all.” “And you’ve got this massive, obsessive crush on her that makes you irrational, and shout to the heavens that you intend to date a Junior, when you’re a freshman, and most Juniors don’t even look at Freshmen when they’re considering romantic partners,” Twilight said with a small smirk, taking the opportunity to get a dig in on her brother. “Twilight I’m being serious here.” Spike said, standing up and walking to his sister. “I... don’t tell Mom but I’m just going to go and check out the party.” “You know you’ve got a curfew, right?” Twilight said, looking worried. “I mean, I’ll try to cover for you, but…” “Thanks Twi, you’re the best.” He said, walking towards the door, taking an umbrella. “If Prince turns out to be a toad, well, I gotta be there for Rarity.” “Don’t forget your phone, you lovesick dork!” Twilight sighed, shaking her head, then went to check on when Pinkie and Rainbow would be arriving. ____________________________________________________________ Rarity sat on a bench in the park that wasn’t too far away from the Blueblood mansion, high heels sitting on the bench beside her as she held her head in her hands, sobbing at the injustice of it all. How could her perfect dream have fallen apart so badly? ________________________________________________________________ It all started so well, arriving, being the center of such lovely attentions in her perfect dress. When she first saw him, her heart lifted, everything was perfect. She strode up to him, the same way she practiced a hundred times before. A lady can never be too prepared darlings. She curtsied, he bowed, she introduced herself as Rarity. Everything was perfect, he led her around, ever so handsome in his suit. Everything was perfect...until...well… The rest of the night happened. Oh if only she hadn’t spilt that glass of punch on the table linen. That was the start of it. Everybody seemed to just… turn against her, never mind Prince being rather cool. She apologized profusely, it being an accident, after all, but for some reason, these people felt they were above such things, and that she was somehow… less for having one. It only got worse from there, and it somehow culminated in Rarity being used as a shield, when some jealous woman saw Prince with Prince and threw cake at him. By then Rarity had had quite enough of this treatment, turned on Prince. “Afraid to get DIRTY?!” she growled, and smeared cake all over his fine suite. She then, quickly, fled the party before anything else could happen. ________________________________________________________ This wasn’t how things were supposed to go at all! There was supposed to be fireworks! Love at first sight! A ring with a diamond the size of her fist!...okay maybe the last part was a little much but still! How did her perfect night, which she had planned for months, go so wrong? She looked up, and saw that rain was starting to fall, as if to add icing to her cake of misery. She continued sobbing for a while, before a voice interrupted her. “Rarity?” She looked up, seeing Spike standing there, umbrella in hand. “Are you, wearing cake on your dress?” He said, tilting his head. “Spike? Oh, Spike, what are you doing here? It’s so late…” Rarity said, concern overriding her misery temporarily. He laughed a little, “Oh you know, just in the neighborhood...at night...in the rain..” He laughed a little more nervously as his statement fell apart. “Twilight told you about Prince Blueblood’s party, didn’t she?” Rarity asked with a small wry smile. Spike sighed. “Yeah, didn’t expect to find you with cake though,” He said, coming over and putting the umbrella over them. “I was expecting something so very different to happen,” Rarity said sadly. “Like what? Some kind of fairy tale?” Spike asked. “Sorry but, fairy tales don’t really happen in real life...princes can be nasty toads.” “Is it so wrong to dream?” Rarity asked. “Was I being so very foolish for wanting a happily-ever-after?” “I never said it was wrong to hope,” Spike said, wisely for somebody his age. “Just because fairy tales don’t happen often doesn’t mean they don’t happen at all. I think it’s good that you hoped, but you can’t let it destroy you if that hope is crushed. You’ll get back up from this I’m sure of it.” “You are remarkably wise for your age, Spike,” Rarity said with a smile. “You are going to make some lucky girl very happy.” Spike blushed and laughed nervously. “Uh, a-anyways, I should get you back home at least, getcha dried off.” “I think, perhaps, it would be better if I went to your home, instead of mine,” Rarity said nodding. “My parents are off on one of their innumerable trips, leaving my little sister with Grandmama, and it would not look good for an unescorted minor to be alone in the home of an older woman.” Rarity got up, picking up her heels. “Shall we, Spikey Wikey?” “Right,” Spike said, getting up. “I just want you to feel better Rarity, it’s all I ever want.” “Honestly, darling, I’ll feel much better when I can get out of this cake-stained dress. I do hope Twilight has something I can borrow for the nonce,” Rarity said, as she started walking in the direction of Spike’s house. As Spike was about to follow her however… BONG! BONG! BONG!!!! Rarity tilted her head. “I don’t remember a clock tower being, here?” Her eyes grew wide, as she saw the rain stopping in mid air, leaving behind thousands of little droplets. “What… what is going on here?” she asked, then looked at Spike. “Spike, do you…” She saw that Spike was frozen stiff. She tentatively reached out a hand to touch his shoulder, only for her hand to pass right through. “Darling? Spike are you alright?” She said to the frozen Spike. She turned stiff herself as she heard a terrible slithering sound, a hissing. She turned around, and saw a massively huge cobra standing before her, baring it’s fangs and glaring down at her with red eyes. “Oh… oh dear… Where did THAT come from?!” she cried, shifting the high heels to her hands, hoping to use the narrow heels as weapons against this thing.It hissed loudly, and lunged at her, she barely managed to get out of the way as it hit itself on the concrete. It shook its head and hissed at her. “Alright you ugly reptile!” Rarity said, bravely. “You get away from my Spikey Wikey!” She stopped herself. “No not my Spikey Wikey I mean...dammit… Nevermind! Stay away from him!” She ran away dodging through the trees, hoping that the huge cobra would follow her, and get entangled in the trees, keeping it distracted and away from Spike. It chased after her, into the trees. _________________________________________________________ Twilight was humming to herself as she was putting some finishing touches on her slumber party. She was interrupted by the gem case vibrating inside her dresser drawer. “Huh?” Twilight said, “What’s going on, now?” She dug into her dresser, and opened the case, only for the purple gem to come out, hover in the air, and then zoom out an open window. “What… Wait… Does that mean that somebody’s having a witching hour? I don’t even know where that silly thing went,” Twilight said irately. “I hope you get there in time… Please get there in time…” ________________________________________________________________ Rarity ran as fast as she could through the trees, trying to tangle up the snake as best she could, she lost her heels after she smacked the creature when it got too close. She eventually came out of the trees, the snake’s jaws snapping as it tried to get at her, only to come up short when it’s tangled body pulled it back. Rarity breathe heavily, wiping sweat from her brow. “Not how I wanted to spend my evening at all,” She said to herself. “I just wish something, anything could help me out here.” Her prayers were answered when the purple gem came flying towards her, taking the shape of a diamond mid flight. It flew towards her wrist, forming a bracelet as she fell unconscious. _____________________________________________________________ Like the others, Rarity woke up on an invisible platform, this time under a purple sky. She stood, and nervously looked around. “Where am I? Am I dreaming?” She said to herself. Rarity Belle. The belle of the ball, and oh so generous. But only with her own tastes and preferences, and never considering the needs of others. Giving gifts can be generous, true, but is giving useless gifts truly generous? “Who are you, darling? Please come out and explain what is going on.” Rarity said, looking around. I see someone who tries to show generosity, without consideration for others. I see someone who is so stubborn, and convinced she is right, that she won’t be generous with her time, when she feels spurned. “But I...try to be generous…” Rarity said, hugging herself. “I spend so much time trying to bring out the beauty in others, I guess I can’t ever see what they really need. It’s, hard being generous all the time, when few are generous in return…” They have tried. They failed, because they were mislead. Then you cut ties because you felt they spurned your generosity. Then you selfishly cling to your feelings of hurt, because it is oh so dramatic for you to be the wronged party, and you can lay on your chaise lounge, and bemoan your lot in life, and how little your art is appreciated. “I just...want...everyone to notice…” Rarity said, and stiffened when she heard a cruel laugh. “And they never noticed, did they? What did they do for me, after I worked, and slaved so hard for them?! NOTHING! All those constant texts and emails, belittling our talent, and our eye for detail,” said a cruel visage of herself with long violet and white hair, with cruel teal slitted eyes. It was dressed in a mockery of her own outfit, with sharp edges, and flairs that look like they could be used as weapons. “I don’t need THEM! I will find others. Others who will notice my work, and be proud to wear it!” Shallow people, with shallow wants, and just the desire to look better than their peers, and nothing more in their heads. Are those the kinds of people you want to surround yourself with, Rarity Belle? Or will you still cling to your anger, and let it stifle your generosity? “No…” Rarity said, bowing her head. “Because, I want my work to be appreciated yes, but in the end, I was using generosity as an excuse. I wanted everybody to love my work, but I didn’t realize I had to work with their needs and wants, hopes and dreams.” “Who CARES about their wants and needs? THEIR hopes and dreams? They’re so small-minded, thinking only for the next class, or the next dance, or the next boy! I’m going to run the best dress shop in Canter City, with the rich and famous begging for my designs!” the nightmarish version of herself said, clenching a fist to emphasise her vision. “I will be a GOD of fashion!” There is wanting to be appreciated. And then there is wanting mere fawning adoration. You have experienced true generosity, Rarity Belle, in the last place you would ever expect it. Open your eyes, and see what is right in front of you. Rarity put a hand on her heart, smiling kindely. “Spikey Wikey, he’s seen me at my best and my worst. Yet still cared for me, not because he expected any reward, but just because he wanted to help me.” She then stood firm, glaring at her counterpart. “That is true generosity! Right now Spikey Wikey is in trouble! And I will do everything in my power to make sure that snake doesn’t hurt him! And I won’t stop there! I’ll work hard! Toil away! And bring out the beauty of this world! Not for my sake! But for everyone’s sake! Generosity is it’s own reward! And I will not hear otherwise!” With that, her dark counterpart faded away, replaced by a floating whip with gemstones adorning it. Do you swear, Rarity, to be generous with your time as well? To protect those who cannot protect themselves, even though it may take time away from your fashion work? “If I am to be a truly generous spirit, then I must. As the heavens as my witness...I SWEAR!” She reached out, and grabbed the whip’s handle. _______________________________________________________________ Rarity opened her eyes to find the snake hissing angrily at her, preparing to lunge at her with its massive fangs. Rarity quickly lashed the snake with her whip, causing it to recoil in pain hissing angrily the gems scratched it. She kept up the offensive, whipping it over and over, the gems of her whip’s lash painfully lacerating the huge cobra. “How DARE you attack MY Spikey Wikey!” she yelled as she lashed the giant snake. It slipped back, regaining its composure as it hissed at her again, waiting to strike back. Rarity felt something, an instinct to call something very powerful to aid in her fight… She closed her eyes and shouted, “GUARDIAN BEAST!” She whipped the ground, causing a magic circle to appear. She looked at it...as it moved back towards Spike. It fell under Spike’s feet, stopping and glowing with a bright green light. That light turned into a bright green flaming circle, that engulfed Spike. He moved again, hunching over and then let out a loud roar. “Spikey...Wikey…?” Rarity said, taking a few steps back as the fire shot into the air. Out of the flame came a large, scaly, purple dragon with sharp green spines, slitted green eyes, massive claws and huge wings. It roared again, shooting out a jet of green flame that lit up the night sky. “Spike...you’re a..dragon…?” Rarity said, trying to comprehend what she just saw. Dragon Spike looked over towards the snake, it still hissed at him, but it sounded almost terrified. Spike roared in turn and lunged at the snake, baring his massive claws and slicing deep into the snake’s skin. The Snake tried to bite Spike, only for its fangs to shatter into pieces under Spike’s hard dragon scales. Spike then lifted the beast toward his mouth, and shot a terrible spout of flame point blank, turning the snake into ash before Rarity’s eyes. He let go of the snake’s remains, and turned his slitted eyes towards Rarity, gazing down at her. Rarity gulped, and looked up at the dragon in fear. “Spikey Wikey? Is that...really you?” He turned and lowered his head to her, smoke coming from his nostrils. Rarity closed her eyes, and extended her hand towards him, unsure of what was going to happen next. Her fears were put to rest, when she felt Spike press his muzzle into her hand, murring affectionately. Rarity opened her eyes, then started petting him, scritching his ridges, giggling giddily. “Oh my… Who is going to explain all this, I wonder? Also, good job, my Spikey Wikey.” Spike murred in a way that sounded like laughter, and then extended his forked tongue, and began gently licking the cake off her dress. This caused Rarity to giggle again, and she continued to pet Spike as he cleaned her off. “Thank you, darling. Just wish I knew how I was going to explain this to your sister… And how am I going to carry a begemmed whip about? I’m sure there’s some way to do it, but I’m hardly the swashbuckling type,” Rarity observed with a chuckle. As if to answer her question, the whip glowed, the light settling around her wrist as a golden bracelet with a purple diamond-shaped gemstone in it. “Well. That’s one problem solved.” When Spike finished cleaning her dress, he was slowly consumed by green flame again, causing Spike to return to his human form. He moaned, closing his eyes and resting against Rarity, sleeping peacefully. “Well. I’d better get you back home,” Rarity said, carefully picking him up. “Sorry about the fireman’s carry, Spikey Wikey, but there is no way for me to manage both you and your umbrella…” With that she started toward Twilight’s house, trying to figure out how to explain what happened. _______________________________________________________________________ “Awww yeah! Take that reapers! You aren’t getting this galaxy if Commander Rainbow Dash has anything to say about it!” Rainbow yelled as she played on Twilight’s P-Box U. “Whoo! Go Dashie!” Pinkie gleefully cheered from the sidelines, as Twilight watched them both in amusement. She was surprised that her parents let her have this sleepover, while they were visiting Shining Armor and Cadence. Maybe they were just as happy as she was that she had friends now. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. She went downstairs, and opened it to see Rarity carrying Spike in the doorway. “Rarity? Spike! What happened?” Twilight asked, concern in her voice. “It’s a long story, darling… Can we put him to bed, please? He’s had a busy night,” Rarity said, having carried the boy all the way there. “Oh, of course. Follow me, please,” Twilight said, leading Rarity upstairs to Spike’s room. It was much cleaner than Rarity was expecting to be honest. The fashionista went in, and carefully lay Spike on the bed, kissing his forehead. “Sleep well, my Spikey Wikey,” she said, as she straightened up and turned to face Twilight. “I don’t hardly know where to begin…” Rarity said, running a hand through her hair, causing Twilight to notice the bracelet that Rarity now wore. “Oh, don’t worry,” Twilight said. “I’m sure we’ll believe you.” Peeking into the room, was Pinkie and Rainbow. Pinkie zoomed in and pulled Rarity into a big hug. “Oh my gosh! Rarity, it’s so good to see you! I’m so so sorry my parties got overboard! I want us to be friends again! Pleasepleasepleasepleaseeeessss!!!” “My… Pinkie, calm down, darling. And… I’m sorry, too. I should have put more thought into balancing my vision with your own needs. And, yes… I would love that, too. Honestly, I’ve missed you…” Rarity said hugging Pinkie back. “Geez, talk about sappy.” Rainbow said with a roll of her eyes. “Now, Rainbow, be nice,” Twilight warned. “Fine fine, so long as she doesn’t try to put me in that weird dress and wig again,” Rainbow said, walking over. “Welcome back Rares, boy do we got a story for you.” “Sorry, darling. I really am. I think that was for a play, if I recall correctly, and you were the only model I had available. As for your story, I’m sure it can’t be any more fantastic than mine,” Rarity said with a laugh. “Oh, I don’t know…” Twilight said, holding up her own bracelet to show Rarity. “It may be pretty close.” ____________________________________________________________ After Rarity had changed into some jammies that Twilight let her borrow, it took awhile to explain all that happened. First came Twilight explaining who they are and what they were supposed to do. Then came Rarity’s story about what happened that night. They all sat around on Twilight’s bed, listening to the story. “So let me get this straight,” Rainbow said, “Spike’s a dragon and your guardian beast?!” “That’s awesome!” Pinkie said, “Mine’s a big crocodile made of rocks!” “That does explain Spikes… well… obession with you,” Twilight observed thoughtfully. “Now Twilight, Spikey Wikey is just wanting to be a good guardian to his partner, wanting to be close should I need him,” Rarity chided. “Still though,” Rainbow said, tilting her head. “He walks around and talks and thinks and stuff, he’s uh...sentiment?” “Sentient,” Twilight corrected. “Yeah that.” Rainbow said. “Still, having a dragon would be cool, I could totally prank Crystal Prep on a massive scale.” “I just think he’d be great for parties!” Pinkie said with a giggle. “Forget hay rides, how about dragon rides?” “NO!” Twilight and Rarity said in unison. “I will NOT have my Spikey Wikey trotted about like some kind of… sideshow attraction!” Rarity declared. “And a guardian beast is not supposed to be used for parties, or for pranking another school! We’re supposed to keep this a SECRET, remember?!” Twilight added. “Yeah yeah, you guys are no fun.” Rainbow said. “Anyways it’s weird, that Spike can just become a dragon whenever Rarity wants.” “I think it’s cute, him going all big and badass when Rarity needs him,” Pinkie said with a giggle. “Don’t think I didn’t see that kiss Rarity.” “I certainly wasn’t trying to hide it, Pinkie Pie,” Rarity said with a toss of her hair. “Can’t do much, until we’re older, but… I’ve found my prince, and he was right there in front of me, all along.” “... Wow… He really is going to date you… Who’d have thought?” Twilight said sounding surprised. “Darling, what are you talking about?” Rarity asked. “Oh, nothing much. It’s just that Spike declared, right after meeting you, that someday he would date you,” Twilight replied with a shrug. “Well… Fancy that,” Rarity said chuckling. “So anyways before we get to more sappy talk,” Rainbow said, holding up the gem case, “anybody notice there’s two left?” “That means Fluttershy and Applejack!” Pinkie said. She then giggled, “You’re gonna be reeeal happy when Fluttershy comes back.” “No I’m not!” Rainbow yelled. “But you two are soooo cute! You two were besties ever since you were little, and braiding each other’s hair.” Pinkie said teasingly. “Alright c’mere you!” Rainbow yelled, tackling Pinkie and the two began to wrestle like a couple of kids, acting like real friends for the first time in years. “Ah,” Rarity sighed, smiling at their antics, as she and Twilight watched them. “I did, truly, miss those two, I have to admit.” “Still though, we aren’t done yet,” Twilight said looking to the case. “Somebody wanted to make sure all five of you split up..and I’m going to find out who.”