Infamy Gained: XNext morning, Starlight found herself in one of the spare bedrooms of Twilight's castle. She slept soundly having spent the whole night stargazing with her new mentor. After the night began to wane the two unicorns retreated to bed just at first light. While the castle was beautiful in its own right it did have one major flaw.
As the sun began to rise, the light reflected off the surface of the crystal rooms making it much brighter. It was almost like staring into the sun itself. For Starlight Glimmer, it was an early wakeup call. The beams of light rebounded from surface to surface until they finally struck her face. She groaned, rubbing her eyes. She cursed the sun and the crystal palace she slept in. How could something so beautiful and majestic be so hellish at the same time? Turning over she tried to hide herself from the piercing lights by covering her face with her pillow, but the castle's reflective surface made it warm up quickly, only adding to her discomfort. Throwing the pillow, she used her magic to remove the blankets and flung them to the floor. The comforter forced the bed sheet down and she used them to cushion her hooves when she leapt from it to the floor. Starlight proceeded to walk to the windows where she drew the curtains, effectively shutting out all the light and heat.
With a contented nod she turned around like a well trained solider and marched straight back to her comfy bed. The moment her head laid on the soft pillow, her eyes shut and she embraced the dark void of sleep. So tired was she that she hadn't noticed the sound of the doors opening and a pony waltzing in like it was no pony's business. As quick as the sun was gone, it returned with a vengeance followed by the most irritating singsong voice Starlight ever heard.
"GOOD MORNING!" it said.
"Gauuhhh..." Starlight groaned.
"Oh, come on now sleepy head! The morning's young!" the voice persisted.
Pushing the covers just under her eyes, Starlight was greeted by the muzzle of Rarity. Easily the most posh and pushy pony she knew, Starlight wanted nothing more than to tell her off and go back to sleep. Instead she slipped under the covers, giving the beaming white unicorn an angry glare.
Once under the protection of the covers, Starlight's muffled voice spat out, "Go away. Sleep time is now."
The sound of Rarity scoffing rang in the pink pony'ss ears, "Psh, sleep was hours ago, darling! Morning is now!"
The covers flew off the pink unicorn, exposing her entirely to the morning sun and warmth. Starlight groaned trying to bury her head under the pillow but was stopped when it lifted out of her grasp and off to the side of the bed with the discarded covers.
"Ugh, why do you torture me so, Rarity?" she whined rubbing her eyes.
"Darling please, it is almost seven in the morning. You shouldn't stay in bed all day," Rarity replied rubbing the mare's back. "Now come along, dear. It's a beautiful morning in Ponyville and I'd be delighted to show you around!"
Before Starlight could protest, she was lifted out of the bed, carried out of her bedroom and down the hallways towards the Chamber of Harmony. Setting her down on a chair Rarity trotted around her and sat to Starlight's left side. The pink unicorn had heavy eye lids and dark spots under them. Her eyes were blood shot red and she herself slouched over slightly.
"Now Starlight I know we've had our differences in the past but I think a nice day out together could help us bond," Rarity said pulling the pink mare along. "Now come along dear, I have a whole day of fun planned, starting with a hearty breakfast."
"Oh, wonderful," Starlight groaned as she was dragged along.
***
Once outside the castle, Rarity took Starlight to her home, where they shared a wonderful breakfast inside Carousel Boutique in the dining room. The sun shined through the wide elaborate windows that graced its walls. Even in her sleepy state Starlight was able to still enjoy it to some degree. Though she'd have preferred to stay in bed, it was nice to eat, having skipped dinner the night before. Even if her mood was anything but good. While they ate, Rarity went on about her new boutique she opened up in Canterlot and what a troublesome time it was for her. She seemed to in good spirits, and Starlight tried her best to keep up with the conversation but found it difficult in her dreary state.
"-and that's why I let Sassy Saddles run the boutique while I manage it from afar here in Ponyville."
"That's great Rarity, *Yawn* how has it been running things from here?"
"Why it is the best, darling!" Rarity said excitedly, "I'll be going up there in a few days with a friend I made in Manehatten so I can show her around."
Starlight rubbed her eyes while sipping a glass of water. She tapped the glass on the edge of the table making it clank slightly while they talked.
"I think you'll like my friend. She's such a sweet thing, unlike her former boss," Rarity said with a sneer.
That last comment piqued Starlight's interest. Somepony who could really get under Rarity's skin like this was worth keeping in mind should she ever meet said pony. Placing the glass down she flicked her tail once and asked, "Who is this pony you speak of, the one your friend worked for?"
"Oh, she is a pony named Suri Polomare," Rarity scoffed, "Last I heard she wasn't doing too well. Serves her right. But let's talk about something else. How are you adjusting to Ponyville, darling?"
"I've been adjusting well, *Yawn* I really like it here. There's just a few individuals I wonder about." she said, remembering her encounter with Anvil and Pokey Pierce.
Rarity had heard of the encounter from Carrot Top who watched the whole thing from her carrot stand. She had told Rarity about how Starlight helped Pokey when he was being ganged up on by Anvil and some her friends. The white unicorn smiled at the thought of Starlight helping others for good now.
"Thank you by the way," she said, finishing her haybacon strips.
"For what?"
"Thank you for helping Pokey," Rarity elaborated. "He's such a good friend to me, and I hate to see him bullied by that mare."
"Anvil, you mean?" Rarity nodded in response. "What's her deal with Pokey?"
"He's related to a pony who had some... trouble with our town about a year ago," Rarity said sadly, sipping her water, "I swear we attract the worst of the unicorn race it seems," She paused, noticing Starlight cringe at her last comment and quickly added, "But most of them have turned out for the better! I'm sorry darling, I really didn't mean it the way it sounded."
The other unicorn frowned at her, "What do you mean, 'most'? What are you saying that I am not reformed enough?! IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE SAYING?! THAT UNICORNS ARE INHERENTLY EVIL?!"
Rarity dropped her cup, scooting back in her chair away from the angry unicorn across the table. Starlight's eyes were blood shot and dilated and she herself stood on the the table balancing on her front hooves, leaning into Rarity's face to where their noses touched. Starlight breathed heavily, glaring down on the cowering white unicorn. Realizing what she was doing, Starlight got off the table and looked down in shame.
“I'm sorry Rarity. I'm tired. I hate sleeping in that horrible castle since the light reflects off every surface, I was up till almost five this morning with Twilight, and I am really tired. I think I'll head home for the day and, maybe we can hangout some other time?"
Rarity nodded, "Darling, if you were tired you could have said so. I don't mind waiting."
I did try telling you, Starlight thought bitterly. Straightening herself up ,she walked out of the kitchen without another word, dragging her hooves as she did. Rarity saw her to the door. With a silent goodbye Starlight was gone and Rarity stood by her doorway thinking thoughtfully. She thought of her friend who was coming to visit her and wondered if she had been too pushy for Starlight this morning. That and she felt guilty for waking her up so early. Entering her home she closed the door gently behind her and walked over to her inspiration room. She looked around at the 'organized chaos' she had, trying to come up with an idea on how to make up with Starlight.
She looked around at the various fabrics and sketch books she had littering the area. One by one she took them and would place them in a seemingly disorganized manner, trying to find some sort of inspiration. She then came across her old sketchbook from when she went to Manehatten. It was an old dusty book now, having been lying here for several months. She opened the book and looked over her old designs for the contest she partook in. She then thought of her friend, Coco, who was coming to visit her later in the day and how wonderful the young mare had been to her despite her previous bosses attitude towards her and her unsavory underhooved tactics to win the competition.
“But karma has a way to even things out,” she thought. Coco was doing well for herself and after the successful show they put on, the cream earth pony was now a hot idol in fashion circles of Manehatten. Then she had an idea.
Sighing, Rarity put the book down and looked out her window with a clear view of the Castle in the distance. The sun reflected off its surfaces right into her eyes ,forcing her to retract the curtains. "Goodness, Starlight was right! The castle, while marvelous looking can be quite annoying to look at when the sun reflects off it. Guess I'll have to... keep the ... curtains.... IDEA!"
Instantly Rarity's horn lit up, bringing forth several items of cloth and fabrics alike in a swirling vortex of colors. One by one she discarded several until she found the right ones for the job. Grabbing the diamond encrusted ribbon she left her inspiration room quickly and began to work.
***
Meanwhile Starlight was dragging her hooves along through Ponyville, heading back to Twilight's Castle. The normally half hour long journey extended almost three-fold due to her slow sluggish pace. Ponies paid little heed to her and many actively avoided her. Had she been awake and aware, Starlight would have heard the nasty comments being made behind her back. Some said she was another Trixie coming to take over Ponyville by tricking the new princess. Others said she was a cutie mark stealer while other, more open minded ponies defended her after seeing her with Rainbow Dash and the race they had the day before. Others spoke of how she helped Pokey Pierce, which soured the moods of others. All in all, it was an uneventful journey back to the castle and when Starlight got to the gate she was greeted by an unfamiliar pony guard.
It was a orange unicorn mare. Tall, bulky, and bearing an eye patch over her left eye. Her armor was violet and red with a stylized armor saddle and shoes to match. At her side was a crossbow and in her right hoof was an elaborate looking spear. Her mane was brown and her eyes were deep violet. Walking up to the castle, Starlight was about to enter the main gate when the mare held up her spear, blocking Starlight's path.
"Halt! None may enter the castle at this time, by order of the Princess!" The mare ordered in a gruff voice.
"Are you kidding me? I live here!" Starlight protested to the mare. She tried pushing past but the guardmare held her back, "Come on please. I'm tired and I was woken up by a friend after only a short rest. I need to get back inside," Starlight pleaded.
But the guardmare was persistent, "Sorry ma'am. I have orders to keep everypony out. Even you."
"But why me?"
Before the answer was given, a softer voice cut off the guardsmare, "That's enough, Captain Clappy," Twilight's voice called from above.
The purple alicorn flew down from above landing next to the brown mare who was blushing at the princess.
“That's not my name, Your Highness. It's Thunderclap."
Twilight gave a light chuckle, seeing the embarrassed look on the captain's face, "But you're the captain of my personal guard now, Clappy," she then walked over to hug Starlight, who tried to hug back but more or less flopped onto her. Taking a step back to study her student, she realized the tired look in her eyes, "Wow, Rarity was right, you look awful, Star."
"Gee, thanks," the unicorn scoffed. "Can I go to bed now, please?"
"Show some respect to the Princess!" Thunderclap yelled at the unicorn.
Starlight became tense, anger swelled in her face as her horn began to glow. Thunderclap held her spear at the ready, but Twilight jumped between them her wings flared out.
"That's enough! Both of you! Thunderclap," Twilight approached the guardsmare, "I know this is your first assignmen,t but you need to relax. This is Ponyville, not the Badlands. Not everypony here is out to get you. I dare say you will not fight anything or deal with anything dangerous except for what dwells in the Everfree Forest."
The brown mare looked away from her princess lowering her spear, not daring to argue with her on the matter. As far as Thunderclap was concerned, Twilight's words closed the matter. Turning to face her student, Twilight placed her wing around Starlight's shoulder asking, "What's wrong, Star? You wee doing so well thus far. Why'd you have to pick a fight with Clappy?"
"Thunderclap." the brown mare muttered to herself.
"I'm sorry Twilight. I just wanted to get back to bed, honestly. I'm tired, I was awakened after not ten minutes of sleeping from last night and I've been up all morning. I had fun with Rarity, but I really, really, want to go to bed now. So can I?" The pink unicorn asked hastily.
"Sure thing, Star. Come along. Oh, and Clappy?"
*Sigh* Yes, Your Highness?"
"Please don't harass my student anymore. Unless I say otherwise, she, my friends, and Spike are always welcome in the castle. Understood?"
"Perfectly, Your Highness," the guard said with a bow.
"Good. Please keep up the good work. Also, how is the new outpost in the Everfree coming along?"
Thunderclap's ears perked up at the mention of something work related, "It's almost finished now, Your Highness. It should be done by tomorrow!"
"Excellent! Inform me when it's finished, Clappy!" Twilight said, clapping her hooves together, "Now then, come along, Star."
Entering the castle, Starlight followed closely behind Twilight who had a noticeable skip in her step as they made their way to Starlight's room. As they turned down the hall where her room was, Twilight stopped at the door just before Starlight could open it.
Holding up her hoof to stop her, Twilight looked at the door as if listening before saying, "I was told what happened by Rarity so she made a few adjustments to your room with my approval. Hope you like it, Star," she said, hugging her friend, "Anyways I've got a lot to do, so feel free to sleep in the rest of the day, and tomorrow I'll be going over what you know about magic and seeing what I can teach you. OK?"
"Sure thing ,Twilight."
"Excellent. In that case, sleep well, Star."
"Good night, Twilight."
Entering her room Starlight was not expecting to see what she saw. The floor, once bare crystal, was now covered in a lovely rug bearing Starlight's cutie mark. Similar tapestries hung from the walls and a few bookshelves and a table with an elaborate Armour was set to the side with a large wardrobe. Starlight was amazed at how the room looked and changed so quickly. Looking around, she saw a small note on the table. Walking over and taking hold of it with her magical aura she saw it was a note to her from Rarity.
Dear Starlight,
Darling, I'm sorry for waking you up just as you went to sleep. When I came to Twilight to explain what happened, she told me that you and her were up all night doing stellar cartography and were just going to bed when I came in. I'm deeply sorry for my intrusion and hope that the next time we meet you'll be better rested.
That being said I won't be around for a while because my friend, who I spoke to you about, Coco Pommel, wanted to see my shop in Canterlot and I want her to meet my assistant, Sassy Saddles. Perhaps next time you can join us? If you're feeling up to it let me know next time we meet. Until then, I hope you love your newly furnished abode and hope it suits you well!
Your friend forever,Rarity Belle
Starlight smiled at the note and gently folded it into a small heart shaped fold. Placing it on her new nightstand beside her bed she slid under the lavish covers and used her telekinesis to draw in the curtains and shut out the light, bringing darkness upon her. From there she closed her eyes and laid on her soft pillows ready to sleep, but not before she whispered, "Thanks Rarity. I love it."
Moments later she was fast asleep and dreamed sweet dreams, undisturbed for the rest of the day.
Friendship gained: Infamy Gained: X