//------------------------------// // 20. Green is my color but... // Story: My Little Pony - The Legend of Friendship // by Danieru //------------------------------// Once again Star Twinkle was persuaded to help Rarity in her Boutique. This time, it was for somepony named Photo Finish. She was some kind of fashion photographer. Star Twinkle didn't care who it was or what she was doing. He had nothing to do anyway but that doesn't necessarily meant that he was ready to help every time when he was free. Hoity Toity... Sapphire Shores... Photo Finish... He never expected to come in contact with all these popular ponies in some way and he certainly never wanted to. Fluttershy had to do some modeling for Photo Finish in Rarity's Boutique and Star Twinkle, Twilight, Pinkie Pie and Spike had to help in every way possible to make sure that everything was perfect when Photo Finish arrived. "We have to hurry! She can be here any minute! Everything must be perfect!" Rarity demanded stressfully. Rarity met Photo Finish in private and asked Fluttershy to serve as a model. Of course, Fluttershy had to wear one of Rarity's dresses so that Rarity's Boutique could be promoted. It was obvious for Star Twinkle that Fluttershy didn't enjoy her part too much. She probably only did it because it was important for Rarity and because Fluttershy couldn't say no. Something that Star Twinkle was all too familiar with. "Remember, she's going to want to see attitude and pizzazz," Rarity explained while circling around Fluttershy. "Pizzas?" said Star Twinkle confused. "Oh! I love pizzas! Especially with candies and marshmallows!" Pinkie Pie joyfully exclaimed. "That didn't sound too tasty," thought Star Twinkle. Whatever it meant, Fluttershy repeated Rarity's words and believed in them. Rarity was demanding all kinds of changes, whether it was the decoration or Fluttershy's dress and of course, everypony did as demand. Spike was especially eager to help Rarity. He served as a pincushion for Rarity and didn't seem to mind that. Twilight was wondering if it didn't hurt Spike, to which he replied that it didn't since he has thick scales and couldn't feel a thing. "And even if I could, there is no pain that could keep me from assisting the most beautiful creature in the world," Spike added clearly referring to Rarity to which he looked with mesmerized eyes. "I'm gonna tell you three a secret. But you have to promise not to tell anyone," said Spike, while making sure that Rarity didn't hear him. "I promise," said Twilight. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye," said Pinkie Pie accompanied with some weird gestures. It was probably Pinkie Pie's way to say that she promised too. "Yes. What she said," said Star Twinkle while looking at Pinkie Pie confused. Star Twinkle was not sure what promise, Spike was about to tell them but that didn't matter. He wasn't planning to tell anypony anyway. He never liked to tell anypony his thoughts or secrets so keeping promises from somepony else shouldn't be too hard. Spike then asked them all to come closer to make sure that Rarity didn't hear them. He then spoke out the secret but Pinkie Pie seemed to be the only one who was surprised since it was rather obvious to Star Twinkle and Twilight. "I have a crush on Rarity!" Spike whispered into their ears. Pinkie Pie assured that she wouldn't tell anypony but Star Twinkle and Twilight found it rather silly and said that everypony already knew about that. Pinkie Pie, on the other hoof, took the promise very seriously and made sure that they both kept theirs. "You promised Spike you wouldn't say anything. He trusts you. And losing a friend's trust is the fastest way to lose a friend forever!" said Pinkie Pie in an almost threatening tone voice. Twilight and Star Twinkle then assured Pinkie Pie that Spikes secret was safe with them but they also were sure that Rarity would figure it out on her own. After all, it was quite obvious that Spike had a crush on Rarity for everypony. Eventually, Photo Finish finally showed up in a flashy entrance accompanied by two ponies who worked for her. "I, Photo Finish...have arrived," she said probably fully aware of her reputation. Rarity tried to greet her but Photo Finish ignored her and started to take pictures of Fluttershy. "We begin...now!" She said while putting up her camera. Rarity gave Fluttershy some last second advises before Photo Finish started the shooting. Fluttershy seemed uncomfortable but Rarity was striking some poses behind Photo Finish's back. Fluttershy mimicked every pose but Photo Finish didn't seem to like them, making Fluttershy sad and feel uncomfortable which Photo Finish seemed to like. After a few seconds, Photo Finish stated that she was done, packed her camera away again and attempted to leave. "She hardly took any pictures," said Twilight who seemed as confused as Star Twinkle. Fluttershy and Rarity were sure that the photo shooting wasn't a success at all and got both upset. At least until Photo Finish shared her opinion. "It seems that I, Photo Finish, have found the next fashion star here in Ponyville. And I, Photo Finish, am going to help her to shine all over Eqvestria," said Photo Finish, quickly changing the mood from Rarity from sad to overly excited. Photo Finish then announced that she would hold a photo shooting in the park on the next day and left. The group was happy to hear that the shooting was a success but the one who was excited the most was, of course, Rarity. "Did you hear that? I am going to "shine all over Equestria"," said Rarity who still couldn't believe the situation she was in right now. "Oh, Rarity. I was so worried I'd ruined everything," said Fluttershy almost apologizing to Rarity. But Rarity wasn't worried a bit and knew that Fluttershy would be perfect. She tried to be professional but she eventually couldn't hold back and giggled full of excitement. Star Twinkle was happy for Rarity but he also wanted to go home now since everything worked out fine. "Well if I'm not needed anymore then..." he said while already walking in the direction of the exit. But he was stopped by Rarity who asked him for one little demand. On the next day... Star Twinkle was asked to help in the photo shooting, once again helping Rarity with small stuff. It was still early in the morning and Star Twinkle was still half asleep. Star Twinkle blamed himself for being in this situation. Rarity didn't force him nor was she begging for his help. He simply said yes after she asked him. Maybe she thought he likes to help other ponies and that he would be happy to help her. But in reality, he was just annoyed and blamed himself for not being able to say no. Meanwhile, Rarity dressed up Fluttershy in a blue dress. He didn't pay much attention to them and just waited for Photo Finish so that he can go home and take a nap. Eventually, Photo Finish arrived and wanted to start the photo shooting. But she seemed displeased by something. "Oh, nonononononono. The model should be in something more simple! Something inspired by...the nature! Something like," Photo Finish tried to find the right words and her eyes wandered to Star Twinkle who was yawning at the moment. "Like him!" she said while pointing at Star Twinkle. "Him?" Rarity exclaimed surprised. "Me?" Star Twinkle also exclaimed. Photo Finish then approached him out of curiosity. "Tell me, Photo Finish, your name," she asked. "Star Twinkle..." he replied uncomfortably. To which Photo Finish seemed even more excited after hearing his name. "That is just perfect! Becoming a star must be your destiny!" Photo Finish exclaimed. After hearing destiny, Star Twinkle immediately thought about his bare flank and he knew that becoming a model is definitely something he didn't want to be. A model is always in the spotlight and Star Twinkle wanted to be far away from that. Meanwhile, Rarity had to find a quick solution to get both Fluttershy and Star Twinkle dressed. "Just give me a moment and I'll, uh, put a little something together," said Rarity trying not to look too stressed. "Yes...that will not be necessary," said Photo Finish, confusing everypony. "But...but...how are you going to help me and my designs to "shine across Equestria" if I don't design something new for these pictures," Rarity asked confused. "I am not going to help YOU shine across Equestria. I am going to help them shine. They are my stars," said Photo Finish, pointing at Star Twinkle and Fluttershy before she asked Rarity to go. Rarity, of course, was shocked to hear that. Meanwhile, Star Twinkle tried to defuse the situation until it was too late. "Count me out," Star Twinkle quickly said, making sure that things don't get worse for him. But Rarity quickly rushed to him and tried to convince him to change his mind. "You can't just say no! This is a once in a lifetime chance!" Rarity exclaimed. "But it was supposed to be your chance, not ours," said Fluttershy worried. "But you must! Photo Finish wants to make you both a star!" Rarity exclaimed. "I'm perfectly fine by just being a star as in Star Twinkle and not as in Star of Equestria," Star Twinkle said bothered. "I know we were all hoping it was my lifetime, but nonetheless, you can't throw away this chance. You must do this for me. You must! You must! You must!," Rarity insisted. Star Twinkle kinda knew what was going on right now. Rarity was forcing her dreams on them. That didn't change anything for Star Twinkle but it worked on Fluttershy, who was now also asking him to do it. Of course being unable to say no when it really matters, Star Twinkle agreed too and they both left with Photo Finish, leaving Rarity who looked back at them with a sad expression on her face. From that point on Photo Finish always circled around Star Twinkle and Fluttershy. Apparently, Star Twinkle was representing the simply ponies. He didn't know if that was supposed to be a compliment or if he should feel offended. Either way, it was not the right life for him, that was for sure. He had to walk on stage while being watched by several ponies from all over Equestria. Needless to say, he wasn't looking forward to this. Fluttershy was with him before they walked on stage for the first time. Both of them were backstage preparing themselves for their first performance. Fluttershy was also nervous but she thought about Rarity and her dreams and didn't want to let her down. “Why am I doing this?” he mumbled to himself. “For Rarity,” Fluttershy replied quietly and unsure. “Yeah, right...” he said annoyed. “Don't tell me that you are looking forward to this? ” he asked confused since he knew about Fluttershy at least that much. “Well, I'll be honest but you have to promise me not to tell anypony, especially Rarity,” she replied almost as if she wanted to tell somepony. “Yeah sure...um, Cross my eyes and hope to cry, stick a muffin in my eye,” he said while trying to do it like Pinkie Pie did before. Fluttershy then came closer to him so that nopony would hear it and whispered it in his ear. “I hate being a model,” she whispered in Star Twinkles ear. Another promise that didn't surprise him. Of course, she doesn't like to be a model, she is way too shy and she also likes to be in the background, like Star Twinkle. “Why don't you want to tell anypony? I'm sure Rarity will be okay if you tell her,” he said. “No! I can't let Rarity down. She is would be really mad,” Fluttershy replied quietly. It was all too complicated for Star Twinkle and he wanted to convince Fluttershy to somehow tell it to Rarity but the show was about to start and there was no more time for talking. They both were about to walk on stage, Fluttershy surprisingly went first and Star Twinkle followed not trying to look too bothered. But it seemed that the audience was not too upset about him which only meant that this nightmare won't stop for a while. After doing some more work in the fashion business for Photo Finish, Star Twinkle was finally allowed to leave. He could not wait to go home and think about how to get out of all this. But first, he needed some sleep. "Am I glad that this day is over..." he said while walking home ready to take a nap. But then he suddenly heard multiple ponies screaming his name. Some of them were at the fashion show that he attended. They ran towards Star Twinkle in excitement and he ran to get away from them. “How do they know me? It was just a few hours ago!” he asked himself while running in the direction towards his house. He safely reached his house and closed the door behind him but could still hear them screaming and knocking on the other side of the door. Star Twinkle decided to go upstairs so that he couldn't hear the noises anymore. He laid down on his bed upstairs and closed his eyes, trying to get some sleep. There were still some noises from downstairs but they were quiet enough for him to sleep. But just when he was about to fall asleep some flashes outside of his window woke him up again. There were Pegasi flying in front of his window taking pictures of him. "You've gotta be kidding me!" He said frustrated while running downstairs. He spent the rest of the day sleeping on the ground floor, in a corner where nopony couldn't see him from outside of the windows. On the next day... As expected his night was not very comfortable and he barely got any sleep. He went on his way to work as usual but this time, it was a little noisier and stressful. Again multiple ponies followed him while screaming his name. He got closer to the Iron Hammer but unlike usual, he ran past it. Of course, Steel Hammer who was standing in front of the entrance noticed how Star Twinkle ran past him accompanied by a mob of ponies. "Star Twinkle!" Shouted Steel Hammer, which caught Star Twinkles attention. He looked back at Steel Hammer, making him notice something very important. "Oh, Yeah! That's it!” said Star Twinkle to himself happily. “I already got a job!” he exclaimed. With an idea in mind, he quickly went to Photo Finish in hope to end all this. "What do you mean you can't work as a model?" asked Photo Finish confused. "I'm a carpenter pony," Star Twinkle replied almost happily. "I Photo Finish, give you the chance to shine all over Equestria and you want to be a carpenter?" She replied shocked. "Well, Ponyville has many carpenters and with one gone, who knows what would happen here?" Star Twinkle explained. He knew that this wasn't true but he had to make some excuse in order to get out of this mess. "Don't worry about that," said a familiar voice. It was Steel Hammer, who overheard the conversation. "I won't stay in your way of becoming famous!" He said much to Star Twinkles demise. "You can't be serious!" said Star Twinkle frustrated. "I am," Steel Hammer happily replied, who probably misinterpreted Star Twinkles words. That means that Star Twinkle was back at square one again. Who would have thought that Steel Hammer would agree with all this? "Of course, I wouldn't mind if word gets around that Star Twinkle once worked at the Steel Hammer in Ponyville," hinted Steel Hammer to Photo Finish, clearly trying to get some profit out of all this. Suddenly Star Twinkle was no more surprised and sighed in frustration. "Wunderbar! Now that that is settled we can continue to make...the magic!" Photo Finish said before taking Star Twinkle with her, who let out a big sigh. The days continued to be even more stressful. It was unbelievable how quick words got around that he became a famous model. In his frustration, Star Twinkle looked for help from Twilight. He explained to her that he is not interested in being a model and asked if she got an idea. Of course Twilight said to him that, he should tell Rarity that he doesn't want to do that. After all, it was the best solution. He was not sure why he didn't do that. He didn't want to be a model at all so why didn't he just say that to Rarity? All he knew is that it got him confused. "Also Fluttershy is..." but when he was about to tell Twilight about, how Fluttershy doesn't want to be a model either, Pinkie Pie suddenly popped up out of nowhere. "Forever!" she said again in an almost threatening voice, reminding Star Twinkle of the consequences of breaking a promise. “Wait, how did you know about my promise with Fluttershy,” he asked confused. “Oh, I don't know what you promised but you made a Pinkie Promise and I'm always aware of those,” she said expecting everypony that this was completely normal before vanishing again. Star Twinkle was confused but he had more important things in his mind right now. “Doesn't Photo Finish see that modeling isn't your thing?” Twilight asked. Somehow those words gave Star Twinkle an idea that could get him out of his mess. “Modeling isn't my thing! That is it!” Star Twinkle exclaimed happily before leaving the Golden Oak Library. When he was about to walk in the next fashion show, he intended to set his plan in motion. He planned to ruin his performance. If he does something that made him look unprofessional or unattractive then Photo Finish and everypony in the Fashion show would realize that he can't be a model anymore. That way he didn't have to tell Rarity that he didn't like it and avoid any complicated conversations. As usual, Star Twinkle was waiting backstage together with Fluttershy but surprisingly, Fluttershy didn't seem nervous at all. Maybe she got used to all this? Star Twinkle thought. Either way, he was waiting for his signal to go out. When it was his turn to go out, the first thing he did was stumbling on purpose, leaving everypony in the room in shock. “Yes it works!” he whispered to himself before realizing that most of them were looking at Fluttershy, who was behaving really strange. She was making unusual sounds and movements that were not very like her. Naturally, her behavior drew all the attention to her. “I don't know why she acts like that all of the sudden but if she continues, nopony will notice my horrible performance!” Star Twinkle said to himself before he attempted to act even stranger. The whole show was a disaster with the two of them jumping around all over the stage acting like imitating animals accompanied by weird sounds. Some of the ponies even demanded that this show should be stopped. Everything was going as planned. Until somepony was clapping her hoofs in the audience. It was no other than Rarity, who probably tried to save them both. “Bravo! I say bravo!” She screamed happily. She was clearly lying. There was no way that she would have liked this performance. Star Twinkle was sure that her actions were effortless. “Now that is a pony who clearly knows a thing or two about fashion,” said one of the ponies in the audience, clearly referring to Rarity's dress. “Well, if that fabulous pony likes it, then I do too! Bravo!” She said while clapping and cheering for Star Twinkle and Fluttershy, followed by everypony else in the audience. Star Twinkle couldn't believe that after all this, everything turned out like this. He became more and more frustrated until he couldn't take it anymore. "That's it!" Star Twinkle shouted, causing to fill the room with a lot of gasps. He then took off his suit, threw it on the ground and attempted to leave. Rarity, who was watching it all was shocked and tried to stop him. "Star Twinkle, what are you doing? You are throwing away your popularity!” She said. “I know,” he bluntly replied. Photo Finish also tried to stop Star Twinkle from leaving. "But what about your career? Don't you want to be known as a star in Equestria?" Photo Finish asked. But Star Twinkles mind was set and he knew exactly what he wanted. "The only star I need to be is Star Twinkle," he said determent before leaving. Rarity still followed Star Twinkle in hope to convince him to change his mind. “But don't you want to be in the spotlight? Don't you want to be somepony who is known by everypony in Equestria?” she desperately asked. "No I don't!" he desperately replied. "I don't want to be in the spotlight. In fact, I hate being a model," he explained. Rarity was shocked to hear that since she thought that Star Twinkle would like his new career. "But why didn't you tell me right away?" Rarity asked. Star Twinkle didn't reply but he looked at Fluttershy, who then looked at the ground ashamed. He also didn't say anything to Fluttershy but his face was pretty much saying, that Fluttershy should tell Rarity the truth. “I don't know. I wanted to but something kept me from it. I don't know what,” he replied confused. “You didn't want to let Rarity down,” said Fluttershy who approached both of them. Was it that? Star Twinkle thought. He was not sure. That would explain why he didn't say anything to Rarity. But still, he was unsure if that was the reason. “To be honest, I was kinda glad that you both had this silly performance,” Rarity admitted. “You did?” Star Twinkle and Fluttershy replied confused. “Yes, I was so jealous of you two because you got all this attention so after seeing you mess up like that made me happy. But after seeing how everypony was reacting to your performance I just couldn't let you fail at something that you love so much. Well, at least what one of you two loves,” she explained, referring to Fluttershy. “Love? Oh, Rarity. I hate being a model too,” Fluttershy shyly admitted. Of Course, Rarity was confused to hear that. Everything was just a huge misunderstanding between the three of them. Star Twinkle didn't want to let Rarity down. Fluttershy was afraid that Rarity would get mad if she quit. And Rarity thought they would think of her as a terrible friend if she wouldn't support them. After everything went to normal again the three of them promised to not keep their feelings a secret again. But Star Twinkle was not sure if he could keep this promise that easily. Surprisingly Photo Finish was convinced pretty easily that Star Twinkle and Fluttershy were giving up their modeling career. Star Twinkle was just happy that it was all over and laid in his bed, trying to relax. Nopony was bothering him anymore just like the way he wanted it too. “Am I glad that this is over. No more modeling. No more Spotlight and no more secrets that I have to keep. The only secret I have to keep now is Spike's. But I mean really everypony already knows that he...” Suddenly Pinkie Pie jumped out from under Star Twinkles bed screaming “FOREVER” in a threatening voice. Startled by her sudden appearance Star Twinkle threw her out of his house annoyed. “Get out of my house!” Star Twinkle exclaimed after throwing her out of his house. “Okay dokey, see you next time,” she happily said while bouncing away from Star Twinkles house. Meanwhile far away from Ponyville in an unknown town... The pony in the gray hood walked past a poster where Star Twinkle was on. He silently looked at it confused, not believing what he was seeing. There was only one thing that he was thinking right now. “...What?” he said confused to himself before going on his way again.