"Oh, I see." Morning Dew mumbles as she looks down at her forehooves on the bed. After a moment she raises her eyes to look at the Pegasus and Draconequus at her bed side. "Thank you for telling me about this."
Fluttershy and Discord simply nod, having just informed the mother that her Daughter and her Marefriend would not be visiting today as something important had come up in Canterlot.
"Oh, I know how much you wanted to congratulate them on the show." Fluttershy says sympathetically. "But, I'm sure they'll visit as soon as possible."
"I'm perfectly fine dear." Morning Dew assures the Timid Pegasus by tapping her hoof on Fluttershy's. "I'm certainly a mare who understands being busy."
"As A Weather Pony?" Discord questions, to which Morning Dew gives him a stern look.
"Something you wanna say Discord?" The Mother asks seriously, Discord just shrugs.
"Not if it means engaging you in another battle of wills." The Chaos Spirit declines quickly.
"Oh very well." Morning Dew chuckles. "But I must thank you Discord."
"Oh really?" He asks. "What ever for?"
"For that?" Morning Dew says as she gestures to a strange mirror floating in front of her bed. It's currently blank. "I couldn't have seen the show without it."
"It's no big deal." The Draconequus waves off dismissively. "I wasn't using it at the time anyway."
"Still, thank you, It was rather sweet of you." Morning Dew touches Fluttershy's hoof before leaning in to whisper to the younger Pegasus. "I don't know if your parents do, but I approve." Morning Dew laughs again as Fluttershy practically lights on fire her blush is so intense.
"But-" The Mother hesitates. "I can't help but worry. What exactly is wrong?" Fluttershy frowns.
"I wish I knew, they left in such a hurry." Fluttershy explains. "Trixie showed up, then Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were sent over to Sweet Apple Acres and then they left for Canterlot."
"I'll look into it." Discord assures the mare, However everyponies attention is drawn to a stallion that walks into the room.
"Oh, hello." The stallion greets. "I'm Rainy Day, Morning Dew's Physician. I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave now." The Doctor grows a little nervous and looks at Discord. "No Disrespect of course."
"None taken." Discord shrugs. "Come on Fluttershy, we'll come back another time." Fluttershy nods slowly before giving the ill mare a hug goodbye.
"Hello doctor." Morning Dew greets sweetly. "More bad news today?"
"Never get tired of that one." Rainy Day says with a shake of his head at the joke.
In truth, Morning Dew doesn't pay much attention to the doctor's words, she listens absently as she looks out her window. Silently worrying about her daughter.
CANTERLOT: HOITY TOITY'S OFFICE
Rarity stands in front of Hoity's desk a displeased expression on her face, Trixie sits in a chair to her left and glares at nothing in particular while Rainbow sits to her right, both her and Rarity are reading a paper that Hoity Toity hoofed to them as soon as they arrived. Rarity's frown deepens into a scowl as her hoof shakes. She reads through the words one more time to make one hundred percent sure she's reading it right.
From the Desk of True Article
When Hoity Toity dreams he dreams big, I recently had the pleasure to witness his latest endeavor which was to bring all the greatest creators in the fashion industry, both veterans and promising newcomers, together for one fantastic show. I was highly skeptical naturally, could one truly have so many artists display their work at one time and consistently impress the crowd? To my surprise the answer was yes, each design I witnessed seemed to get better than the last, there was a tremendous amount of passion put into this show.
Every designer managed to bring their own unique flair to the event and there were no repeated concepts or designs. Most impressive in my opinion would have to be the unexpected entry of Prince Blueblood himself, I was unsure what to think at first but his performance may have been the highlight of the show.
Unfortunately all was not well for Mr. Toity big day. Despite starting and going strong for most of the show Hoity Toity tripped at the finish line, what I'm sure was meant to be the grand finale was sub-par at best. Lady Rarity, the Element of Generosity clearly was not dedicated to the project as her designs were nothing impressive, they were either simplistic or over blown and to add to the disappointment she gave two of her friends spots in the performance. Rainbow Dash, the element of Loyalty, who has no experience in the industry brought no professionalism to the stage while Trixie, a simple and inexperienced stage performer of little to no renown, used the performance to attempt to show off her parlor tricks. In the end Rarity even went as far as to insert herself into the show.
While most of Hoity Toity's ambitious endeavor was successful, Rarity and her friends clear disrespect for the show and unhealthy need to be the center of attention dragged it down somewhat. In this reporters opinion Miss Rarity should think about who she associates with in future shows as her friends are clearly a bad influence.
To surmise this reporter eagerly looks forward to Hoity Toity's next endeavor but will not be surprised if Miss Rarity is absent.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Rainbow shouts from her seat. "He singled us out!"
"That was some of my best work." Rarity says quietly. "I slaved for days to create those designs, I put all my heart into their creation to ensure they were perfect." Rarity crumbles the review she's holding. "He insulted me, he insulted my designs and worst of all he insulted my friends."
"It's worse than that." Hoity mumbles. "Every critic in the city has put out their reviews and they all share that opinion." Hoity slams a hoof on his desk in frustration. "They praise the show but make sure to say any problems with it are your fault. They even go so far as to blame your friends specifically for most of it."
"Every critic?" Rarity gasps. "Their all saying the same thing?" The fashionista wilts a little at that. "My career is..."
"I wouldn't worry." Hoity assures. "This will be a set back but you must remember, the crowd was going wild during your performance, I promise that any hits your career takes from this you will recover from. Word will spread from those that saw the show how spectacular your works really were." Hoity puts both hoofs on his desk and crosses them before lowering his head and thinking.
"What distresses me though." He mumbles. "Is that I know some of these critics, I saw them at the show and they loved it. I got a few congratulations even."
"Whoa! Whoa!" Rainbow snaps suddenly. "What are you talking about!?"
"The critics liked us?" Rarity asks in confusion.
"They did." Hoity nods. "Loved the whole show. I can't imagine why they'd say that only to write something else in their review."
"Isn't it obvious?" Trixie says bitterly, causing the other ponies to look at her. "Somepony has got it out for us."
"You're suggesting somepony made them to change their opinions?" Hoity says skeptically. "That's impossible, these Ponies are professionals. They can't be bought that easily."
"That depends on whose doing the buying." Trixie huffs. "Didn't you notice the one other thing all the reviews have in common?"
"The other-" Hoity grows silent and he stares ahead, not looking at anything in particular. "Blueblood."
"What?" Rarity gasps. "The Prince?" At that Rainbow's ears perk up and she gulps nervously.
"Why else would all the reviews compliment him specifically?" Trixie scowls. "He could buy anypony and if he couldn't there are other ways to make them do what he wants."
"Let's think for a moment." Hoity waves a hoof. "That's a pretty serious accusation and besides, why would Blueblood do that? None of you have ever-"
"It's me." Rainbow says suddenly. "He did it because of me."
"Rainbow Dash?" Rarity looks at her friend. "Why would you think that?" Rainbow looks down at her hooves.
"When I was delivering your orders a few days ago I found Fleur De Lis at Blueblood's house for a party and after I delivered her dress I left, but while I was leaving I over heard Blueblood talking down to one of his maids and I got mad." Rainbow looks at Rarity apologetically. "I may have hit him in the face with a pie."
"Oh sweet Celestia." Rarity says quietly.
"Rainbow Dash." Trixie says as she leans forward. She raises a hoof and jabs it to accentuate each word she says. "That....Is......Amazing." Trixie puts her hoof down and grins. "You must tell Trixie everything. What did his face look like when it happened?"
"This isn't a good thing Trixie." Hoity huffs, Trixie frowns and sits back down in her chair. Hoity sighs. "It's hard to imagine the Prince would do something like this just as an attempt to get you back for that. It seems so cruel."
"I'm surprised too." Rainbow shrugs. "I mean, yeah the way he was treating Spiffy Jiffy was bad but he tried to sabotage Rare's career, just to try and hurt me?" Trixie blinks at Rainbow Dash.
"We can't say that for sure." Rarity corrects. "This is all speculation, we have a suspect but no real proof."
"Rainbow Dash." Trixie speaks up. "What does this Spiffy Jiffy Pony look like?"
"Oh uh, let me think." Rainbow crosses her forehooves and closes her eyes. "She's got light brown fur I'm pretty sure.... And her hair is some kinda red, she keeps it in a braid I think."
"That's her!" Trixie blurts. "Trixie met that Pony!"
"When?" Rarity asks.
"When Trixie was giving Ace a magic lesson." Trixie explains. "A Pegasus mare matching those colors came to Trixie and told her she was sorry for something her Master had done."
"Master?" Rarity mumbles. "That seems like an odd thing to say."
"Yeah, she only called him Lord Blueblood when I over-heard the two talking." Rainbow adds.
"Listen we could sit here and debate this." Trixie snaps. "But what's important is that a pony that works for Blueblood apologized for what he did. Doing so right after the show is no coincidence."
"Trixie is right." Hoity concedes. "However, If we start making accusations that the critics were bribed or otherwise coerced no one would believe us, they'd simply see ponies overreacting to criticism." Hoity rubs his chin. "The only way to prove he did anything would be to get the critics to admit their opinion was swayed. But considering their morals were supposedly bought in the first place I doubt they'd be willing to admit what they did and ruin their own professional careers."
"Well there must be something we can do." Rarity says with a huff.
"What about Spiffy Jiffy?" Rainbow offers. "She must know something about this right?"
"More than she should Trixie would wager." The showmare says as she waves her hoof dismissively. "But that mare seems very meek to Trixie, if she's calling Blueblood Master she's likely incapable of betraying him in such a way."
"So we're stuck?" Rarity whines. "All we can do is hope my career recovers while Blueblood gets away with this?" The fashionista stomps her hoof in frustration.
"Can't believe he'd hurt Rare just to get to me." Rainbow growls, she slams her forehooves together. "I'll teach him a lesson he won't forget."
"Trixie is right behind you." The showmare says as she stands up with a flourish. "The time for action is now!" Trixie puts on a sinister smile. "Trixie will not tolerate being insulted! She will destroy Blue-"
"Excuse me." A voice calls from the entrance to the office, every head turns to find Sapphire Shores in the doorway. "I do hope I haven't missed to much." Sapphire walks into the room before stopping in a spot where all the other ponies can see her well.
"Sapphire, you're back." Hoity Toity says with relief, glad the talk of revenge was dropped before it truly started. "Did you look into that matter I asked you to?" The Idol nods her head.
"I did, it took some digging but I found out what happened to Dream Gown." Sapphire moves her eyes to address the confused mares. "She was a Trottingham Designer who cancelled at the last minute, saying she couldn't make it."
"What about her?" Rarity questions.
"Well, guess who was in fact in town the night of the show?" Sapphire says with a confident smile. "Some of the stage crew even said they saw her at the show after I told them what she looks like."
"Wait, what?" Rainbow questions. "Why didn't she perform then?"
"She did." Sapphire says to the confusion of everypony. "It was her song but Somepony else was holding the mic."
"Hold on." Rarity gasps before she turns to face Hoity. "Didn't Prince Blueblood enter the show at the last minute?"
"Yes he did" Hoity answers. "It was unorthodox but his designs were good so I let him in." The fashion pony's face turns solemn. "I had hoped the two events were unrelated."
"He must have made her a deal she couldn't refuse." Sapphire continues. "But What I can't understand is why."
"Trixie gets it." The showmare huffs. "After all, every critic is singing his praises and making him look good right? Obviously he wanted to use the show to garner attention while also getting back at Rainbow Dash, even if he did so by hurting somepony close to her." Trixie shrugs. "Trixie admits it was a good plan, Rainbow is the element of Loyalty after-all, Hurting her friends is probably a better method of revenge than hurting her directly."
"Even with that." Rainbow interrupts with clenched teeth. "Is there anyway to prove anything?"
"We have the stage in place but no spotlight to shine on it." Sapphire admits with a sigh. "I looked into it, Every-ponies lips are sealed. There's no way to get the Prince's lies out to the public. All we'd be doing is making accusations with no substance."
"Which is what he wants." Rarity huffs. "He wants us to retaliate rashly so he has the upper hand." Rainbow Dash's angry look becomes thoughtful at that.
"We're stuck, unfortunately." Hoity sighs. "You can't argue with the reviews by saying Blueblood bribed them or you look bad and he wins, me and Sapphire can't stand up for you either as Blueblood could spin things to damage our careers too. And if we do nothing? He's already accomplished his objective so he wins no matter what."
"Enough Already!" Trixie shouts, startling everypony in the room. "Trixie is tired of this pity party, are we going to do something or not?"
"Trixie." Rarity says in a calm tone. "We've gone over this, there is nothing to be done right now."
"Trixie disagrees." The showmare growls. "Trixie refuses to be made a fool of again and she refuses to allow you two to be made fools of as well, this stallion cannot be allowed to get away with this! Trixie doesn't care if we can reveal his deceit to anypony, Trixie will have justice even if she must take it on her own!" As she speaks, Trixie's Iris' take on a deep burning red color as she glares at all ponies present.
"Trixie calm down!" Rainbow says as she stands up from her chair and faces Trixie directly. "We'll be no better than Blueblood if we get revenge. I'm mad too and I'm thinking the same thing you are, but if we do anything it's gonna be for the right reason, not just to get back at him."
"Hmph." The showmare huffs with another glare. Rainbow stands her ground and continues.
"It sucks." Rainbow concedes. "And honestly under normal circumstances I'd wanna go punch the guys lights out." Rainbow sighs. "But the last time I acted on instinct with this guy it got us into this mess. We need to think this through, revenge isn't the answer, we're better ponies than that and so are you Trixie." Trixie's eye twitches and she scoffs as if she ate something disgusting.
"Trixie!? To you it is The Great And Powerful Tri-" Trixie's mouth slams shut mid yell as her eyes go wide, returning to their usual vivid violet hue. Trixie shrinks backwards as she uses a hoof to pull her hat over her eyes. Rarity and Rainbow exchange glances.
"Trixie?" They say slowly with concern. Trixie quietly sits down in her chair.
"Forgive Trixie's outburst." The showmare mumbles. "But there must be something we can do other than discuss how much this sucks."
"Well, there is one more thing." Sapphire says slowly, drawing everypony's attention. "I didn't want to mention it since again, we have no way of proving this." Sapphire swallows nervously before continuing. "You see, I actually went to his mansion, to see the Prince myself and kinda get a sense of if he could really do this. Once I discovered he was likely the culprit I just had to answer my own suspicions.."
"What happened?" Hoity Toity inquires.
"Everything seemed normal." Sapphire begins. "We had a drink in his tea room, he was acting self absorbed and superior but that's normal." Sapphire's face pales a little. "But then the maid came in-"
EARLIER: BLUEBLOOD'S TEAROOM
"It all reeked of over compensation." Blueblood sighs as he sits back in his chair, Him and Sapphire waiting for more tea to arrive.
"I'm not sure about that." Sapphire defends. "Rarity and Trixie are both extravagant mares, it only makes sense that something they do together would be very flashy. Besides I loved all of Rarity's designs."
"Hmm." Blueblood hums. "Have you read the reviews? Your opinion would seem to be in the minority."
"I suppose." Sapphire mumbles.
"Part of the problem lies with that Pegasus mare." Blueblood huffs and Sapphire can tell he means Rainbow. "Ponies like her should know better."
"What do you mean?" Sapphire inquires.
"Ponies that simply aren't made for high society." Blueblood explains. "I saw many of them at the show but she stood out."
"Rainbow Dash obviously isn't a high class mare." Sapphire thinks to herself. "But I think there's more to it."
"Master." The maid, a light brown Pegasus, calls out as she walks into the room. She pushes A cart with cups and a tea pot into the room and heads over to where the ponies are sitting. "I've brought your tea." The mare places down the cups and begins to pour the tea, her gaze is locked down at the cups and pot, never once looking at Blueblood or Sapphire as she finishes pouring and puts the tea pot back on the cart.
"Spilly Trippy." Blueblood says slowly, the mare twitches slightly but keeps her head down. "I was having a conversation." Though unable to see the mare's expression, Sapphire can make out that her face has paled somewhat.
"Forgive me Master." The maid pleads. "I... I did not mean to interrupt. I simply thought... it would be best to bring your tea the moment it was ready." She explains, though she flinches when she says the word 'thought'.
"It's quite alright." Blueblood says calmly. His statement doesn't seem to reassure the maid though. "We'll simply need to have another talk about what's expected of you." The maid doesn't respond, she just bows her head very low. "Now go. You have many more duties to attend to." With that Blueblood waves his hoof and the maid leaves without another word.
"Was that truly necessary?" Sapphire inquires quietly, thinking his behavior was uncalled for. The Idol also thinks that 'Spilly Trippy' was likely not that mare's name.
"Quite necessary." Blueblood nods. "Ponies like her need plenty of instruction." Sapphire suddenly feels uncomfortable. The repeated line making gears in her head start moving.
"What do you mean exactly?" She inquires with morbid curiosity.
"The Riff raff of course." Blueblood says matter of factly.
"Riff raff?" Sapphire asks nervously.
"As I said before. Ponies that simply aren't made for high society. The mindless riff raff that flits about with their heads in the clouds." Blueblood takes a sip of his tea, frowns then puts the cup down. "The ponies that think their better than they are and don't know their place." Blueblood takes another sip of his tea then offers a smug smile. "Though they can be taught."
"And what ponies are those?" Sapphire asks with a hint of suspicion. She finally sips her tea as she waits for an answer.
"I already said. The riff raff." Blueblood answers simply.
"And where is their place?" Sapphire inquires further.
"Come now Ms. Shores. Surely you didn't come here to discuss philosophy." Blueblood waves off the question. He lowers his cup and looks at Sapphire quizzically. "Speaking of which. What does bring you here today?" Sapphire freezes for a moment but recovers almost instantly.
"Why, to congratulate you on your display in the show. I had no idea you were so talented." Sapphire praises convincingly. Blueblood smiles smugly from the admiration.
"It's only natural." Blueblood says, clearly proud of himself. "As if I'd be out done by riff raff." That catches Sapphire's attention.
"There was riff raff in the show?" Sapphire plays along, though she feels uncomfortable using the phrase to refer to a pony.
"Of course there was." Blueblood huffs. "The rats have managed to infest our whole society." Blueblood huffs
again, the topic clearly frustrating him. Sapphire decides to push a little further.
"Riff raff? Like Rainbow Dash for example?" Blueblood nods in agreement. "How about Skyline and Quick Stitch? Two of the designers in the show? Is that who you meant?"
"Do you mean the mare and stallion that performed just before me?" Sapphire nods and Blueblood thinks for a moment. "Yes, they are a good example of the problem."
Sapphire becomes even more uncomfortable. There was only one thing those ponies have in common, their both from Cloudsdale.
"Well, it was very nice to see you Prince, but I really must be going." Sapphire attempts to excuse herself suddenly.
"Nonsense, you just got here." Blueblood insists.
"Yes but I just remembered I have an important business meeting to attend. My apologies." Sapphire heads for the door quickly.
"Ms. Shores." Blueblood says coldly. Sapphire freezes right before opening the door. "Whatever you were hoping to discover by coming here is irrelevant to me. But I warn you, if you or Hoity Toity help that winged pest or her companions you will regret it." Blueblood shrugs casually. "I know what ponies think of me, They think I'm a spoiled rich buffoon. Spoiled? Perhaps. Rich? Obviously. Buffoon? Far from true." Blueblood leans back into his chair. "I know much more than ponies think. There are things you wouldn't want ponies to know correct? About your past?" Sapphire nervously swallows. "You may go now, I think I've made my point." Sapphire departs quickly, closing the door rapidly behind her. Blueblood chuckles as she leaves.
HOITY TOITY'S OFFICE
"My goodness." Rarity gasps. "I'm not sure how to take all this."
"Blueblood's threat aside." Hoity says nervously. "What exactly are you trying to say Sapphire?"
"I'm saying that, it's possible the Prince's actions are influenced not just by Rainbow Dash's actions but also because she's a Pegasus." Every pony becomes silent for a few moments.
"That's a serious accusation." Trixie observes casually. "If it's true though, who knows what more he'll do since a Pegasus embarrassed him at his own house."
"But prejudice like that doesn't even exist." Rarity says, completely baffled. "Equestria has been in harmony for centuries. You can't be serious."
"You can't control how a pony thinks or feels." Trixie says with a thoughtful expression.
"Well, if this is true,we gotta tell The Princess right?" Rainbow asks.
"It's like I said." Sapphire shakes her head. "There's a reason I was worried about sharing this. We can't prove-"
"That's enough." Trixie says suddenly. "We're going in circles. Trixie believes it's time to get to work." Trixie gets off her chair and begins to leave.
"Where are you going?" Rarity asks the showmare. "We agreed no revenge."
"Trixie knows." Trixie waves off. "She's not going to do anything to the Prince. But if proof is what we need, proof is what Trixie will find." Trixie departs from the office without another word. Rarity suddenly looks surprised.
"Oh wait. Trixie!" Rarity begins departing but quickly turns around a gives Sapphire and Hoity a kind smile. "Thank you for telling us all this. I believe we can take it from here. Goodbye for now." Rarity then leaves with Rainbow Dash following behind. Rainbow turns around to address the others as well.
"What she said, don't worry about us ok?" And with that All three mares leave.
STREET'S OF CANTERLOT: OUTSIDE HOITY'S OFFICE
"Trixie Please wait." Rarity calls, the showmare stops and turns around with a raised eyebrow.
"What is it?" She asks, only to be surprised by a sack Rarity's holding.
"Your payment. I didn't get the chance to give you this right after the show so here." Rarity explains. Trixie takes the sack with uncertainty.
"Me and Rainbow Dash chipped in together, we even put in a little interest since we know how exhausting the show was for you." Rarity explains further. Trixie looks between the money and the Unicorn and Pegasus in front of her.
"Right... Trixie's payment." Trixie mumbles quietly.
"Why is Trixie confused?" Trixie thinks to herself. "It's not like Trixie forgot she was being paid. Trixie doesn't do favors." Trixie shakes her head slightly. "Whatever." Trixie looks at the two and puts on a dismissive look. "Thanks. Now if you'll excuse Trixie, she has work to do." Trixie begins walking away then turns around. "And no, Trixie does not need help. Do whatever it is you two do." Trixie then leaves while moving the bag of bits under her hat.
"I think she likes us." Rainbow says with a smile. Rarity giggles.
"You might be right." Rarity says cheerfully. The two mares stand together until Rainbow Dash speaks up.
"Hey Rare?" She says quietly, Rarity looks at her in confusion. "I'm sorry. About getting us into this situation." Rainbow looks downcast. "I promised I wouldn't do anything to ruin your career but look at what happened. I really made a mess of things." before Rainbow can berate herself further Rarity uses a hoof to lift her head so their looking into each others eyes.
"Rainbow, Darling. I'm not mad at you." Rarity assures. "You did something stupid and impulsive but you did it because you thought a pony was being mistreated and you wanted to stand up for them." Rarity giggles. "The day you think things through before you rush in to do what you believe is right-" Rarity uses her hoof to tap Rainbow's forehead. "-That is the day I get worried." Rarity giggles again as she begins making her way down the street with Rainbow following behind.
"Thanks Rare." Rainbow sighs with relief. "So, what do we do now?"
"Well, I guess we'll have to trust Trixie to do what she can." Rarity says thoughtfully. "She'll likely contact us if she comes up with anything. Until then... I'm not sure actually."
"Let's head to Cloudsdale." Rainbow offers. "My mom is probably worried."
"That sounds good." Rarity agrees. "It's been to long since we last visited."
"Want me to get some clouds together to carry you?" Rainbow asks, Rarity stops walking and refuses to look at her.
"Actually... I was thinking-" Rarity says nervously. "It'd be simpler if you just carried me. As long as I don't look down it should be fine."
Rainbow just smiles as she kneels down and Rarity hops on her back, With a quick flap the two take off into the air, Rarity holds on for dear life.
HOITY TOITY'S OFFICE
"Sapphire." Hoity says nervously. "Do you believe the Prince could be dangerous?"
"I... I don't know." Sapphire shakes her head. "I can't tell what he's thinking." She looks at Hoity with a worried expression. "Is it really ok for us not to get involved?"
"Their isn't much for us to do." Hoity says with a sigh. "We'll have to wish them the best."
"Right." Sapphire mumbles. Her mind focused not only on concern for the three mares but also concern for the Pegasus maid she saw earlier.
"She looked... so Scared." Sapphire shivers, remembering the poor mare. "Trixie, whatever you're going to do. Do it fast."