Prelude

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A chill ran up Rarity's spine. A powerful energy seemed to be taking control of her. It felt just like in her nightmare. Her anti-element, greed, was taking hold of her.

"It's everypony's dream to some day wear a crown," she recalled her own words.

"No!" she yelled, trying to shake the feeling off.

Rarity inhaled as her emotions gave way to greed. Her fur was standing on end.

"I can have everything I've ever dreamed of," she muttered. "Servants, Jewels… But everlasting beauty and eternal youth? Is it possible?"

"If you will it, it shall be done," said the powerful dragon, Salazar.

"No. No I do not will it!" shouted Rarity, trying to control herself. "You're tearing my apart! I just want things to be how they used to be. That is my wish."

"I have changed nothing," responded the dragon. "The only thing that has changed, Rarity, is you."

"But only because you've made me change!" yelled Rarity. "I never asked for this! You manipulated me. I'm not myself anymore!"

"That is not half of it," grinned the great black dragon, "all of my puppets played their part. Your friends Twilight and Fluttershy, and even Celestia and Luna played their roles perfectly... All so that you should stand before me now."

"It's simply unthinkable. I could never betray the princesses!"

"Did they not betray you?" rumbled Salazar's voice. "Did Celestia not exploit you and your friends so that her chosen heir should ascend? Your service is done, and they mean for you to sit idly by. In one thousand years, Twilight Sparkle will rule, and your bones will be dust!"

Rarity started to cry.

"Why do you torment me so?" she yelled, "I'd sooner die than accept your offer!"

"Your will is your own. Leave if you wish," said Salazar. "I shall return to the North, and your life will return to normal. In time, you will forgive Twilight, and she will forgive you. You will work happily until your bones ache and you become worn and weary. Old and gray you shall become. And dead you shall lay, rotting within the earth, long before the demise of your princesses."

Rarity spoke up, "You've done all of this… You've wasted all this time and effort…"

"I know you will not decline my offer," said Salazar.

Rarity wiped tears from her eyes. "Why me? I wish it wasn't so," she cried. "I wish this choice was not mine to make. Why must I choose? I wish this was still just a fantasy."

"And a distant fantasy it shall remain, if you decline," responded Salazar.

Emotions churned within Rarity. She turned away from the dragon, considering her choices. She thought of her Ponyville friends and her sister. Could things really return to the way they were? How could she possibly accept the dragon's offer? Was he even telling the truth? What would her friends say? Would she lose them?

But the temptation… Oh Celestia the temptation! Everything any filly or mare had ever dreamed of could be hers! The prestige, the attention, the fame, the fabulousness… It was no use resisting any longer. That strange dark energy continued to flow through her body. Her entire being seemed to be screaming 'yes!' She could no longer deny her true desires.

"I accept," muttered Rarity.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - One Month Earlier - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Rarity!" yelled Twilight Sparkle from the ground far below.

"Help!" screamed Rarity as the dragon tightened his huge claws around her, creating a scaly prison for his pony captive.

Rarity could not squeeze through the gaps between the claws.

"Why does this always happen to meeee!?" screamed the white unicorn as she gazed down at the equestrian capital city below. Her head stuck out from between two great black claws.

The dragon was flying towards Canterlot castle. Rarity could see ponies running around the streets below in panic. Multiple fires burned in the city center, where a skirmish between the dragon and royal guards had taken place just minutes ago.

Giving up hope for the time being, Rarity tried to adjust herself and get comfortable. As she maneuvered, a razor sharp scale cut her leg. Seeing blood slowly seep into her pristine white fur seemed to upset the pony even more than being kidnapped.

"Listen you here big buffoon! You philistine! When my friends get to me, you'll be sorry. We have these little things called the Elements of Harmony. When we activate them, you'll wish you had never come here! You picked the wrong day to kidnap Rarity the unicorn! I bet you don't even understand what I'm saying, you big stupid oaf!" Rarity kicked at one of the claws, with not so much as a twitch from the dragon in response.

Suddenly a booming voice vibrated through Rarity's skull as if it was coming from inside her head.

"Spare me your empty threats. Soon you will have no need for them," said the voice.

Rarity fell back in surprise, causing her mane to get caught between more dragon scales. After a tense minute, Rarity managed to free her now frizzled hair at the expense of a few strands. Meanwhile the highest steeple of Canterlot castle loomed ahead. The bouncy ride calmed down as the dragon appeared to be settling down on the tower.

As the black serpent wound its body around the Canterlot tower Rarity looked out below. Princess Celestia immediately caught her eye as an imposing figure on the balcony below. Rainbow Dash, a blue pegasus pony, flew up besides Princess Celestia.

"Let her go, you overgrown snake!" yelled the pegasus. "Rarity! Can you hear me?"

"Rainbow Dash! Yes, I'm here! His talons are too strong, I can't get out!"

"We'll figure something out. Just hold on!" yelled Rainbow Dash.

"Rarity!" came a small, raspy voice from below. Spike had just run out onto the balcony. Clearly exhausted, he must have just run up the lengthy tower staircase.

"We're comin' for ya Rarity! Let go of her you big bully!" said Spike.

Spike was a baby dragon and loyal servant to Rarity's friend, Twilight Sparkle. The little guy had had a crush on Rarity since he and Twilight arrived in Ponyville. Having no other dragons around his entire life, Spike had grown up knowing only ponies, and mares at that! This had stunted his growth and softened his natural dragon aggression. Rarity and her friends knew this, but liked 'little spikey-wikey' just the way he was.

A sudden movement by her kidnapper knocked Rarity down again. She was lifted up above the tower. The dragon opened its claws and Rarity found herself standing in the dragon's palm high above Canterlot. Vertigo overcame her as she looked below. She immediately lay down on her belly, too afraid to move.

The dragon's voice echoed through Rarity's head, "Equestria. It's borders stretch far and wide, expanded and sustained through conquest and pacification. Yet as of late your powerful queens and their army have wavered."

Rarity noticed that the dragon's mouth was not moving when he spoke. It's as if it was speaking to her directly through her mind; some very high level magic for sure. Perhaps dark magic even, Rarity thought.

"And what are you, my filly-school teacher? That's a nice little lesson in current affairs... but I'd really like you to PUT ME DOWN PLEASE!" retaliated the unicorn, stamping her hooves on the dragon's palm.

"Who are you talking to, Rare?" shouted Rainbow Dash below.

Rarity's response was cut short as Princess Celestia appeared in view, her huge wings spreading and contracting gracefully as she rose to confront the dragon. Equestria's resident sun god shot a piercing look at the black serpent before her.

Celestia spoke in a stern and loud voice which Rarity had never heard before, "I don't know why you've come so far from your homeland, Salazar, but Equestria has nothing to offer you. You know this. If it's rare jewels and riches you seek, which is always the case for your kind, you are in the wrong place."

Hearing no response from the dragon, which was apparently called Salazar, Celestia continued in a raised voice. "I caution you to leave Equestria immediately, after you release my subject. There are no treasures here; return North to whence you came... This is your last warning Salazar," spoke the princess so that all the ponies on the balcony below could hear. Rarity looked down. Now all five of her Ponyville friends were there, as well as princess Luna.

"Woohoo! You go princess! You tell that big scaly meany head!" shouted Pinkie Pie as she jumped up and down excitedly.

Salazar's tail slowly wrapped around the castle tower, like a great snake constricting it's prey.

Slowly and tempered, the dragon's booming voice responded, "Tempt me not, princess, unless you wish to part this life before the eyes of your subjects."

Rarity looked at princess Celestia hopefully. She glanced at Rarity with a fearful look, then back at Salazar. To Rarity's horror, Celestia hung her head and backed off, returning to the balcony below in a solemn descent. The unexpected look of hopelessness and defeat in her princess' eyes caused Rarity to scream. Salazar's voice reverberated through Rarity's skull again, causing her to clap her hooves over her head as if experiencing a terrible headache.

"Far have I come, and long have I flown, and now I have found you. A common pony you are not. For greatness you are bound, and if you obey me, your dreams shall become a reality. The time has come for a change in Equestria's future."

"No! What are you rambling on about?! Get out of my head!" yelled Rarity.

A murmur of concern arose from Rarity's friends below.

"What's he doin' to you, Rare!?" yelled Applejack.

"Enough of this!" yelled Rainbow Dash, as she prepared to fly up to help Rarity. But she was caught in a magical aura from Princess Celestia, holding her back.

"Let me go!" yelled the frustrated pegasus.

"It's too dangerous," said the princess calmly.

"If you're not going to do anything, then let me go! I'm going to get Rarity back down here so we can use our elements!"

"Oh my," said Fluttershy. Ponies weren't suppose to talk to the princess like that.

"Rainbow Dash!" said Twilight Sparkle disapprovingly.

"I have watched your princesses since they arrived on this earth, as I now watch the deterioration of their empire," continued SalazarI have resolved that Equestria is in need of a new queen."

Rarity now realized that her friends couldn't hear the dragon; he was using some sort of telepathic magic to communicate with her only.

"Rarity," came the stern but soothing voice of Princess Celestia into Rarity's mind.

"Princess!" Rarity shouted in excitement.

Salazar grimaced, realizing that Princess Celestia was communicating with his captive by the same telepathic means.

"My little pony, listen to me," started Celestia. "Greed is the essence of all dragons. They have cunning tongues. They are crafty and manipulative creatures. This dragon is particularly powerful. He will say anything to use you for his own purposes. Whatever he says to you, know that it's for his own selfish agenda..."

Celestia was cut off as a wave of fire emanated from Salazar's mouth and hurtled towards their balcony. The balcony was swallowed in a mass of light and heat which Rarity had to shield her face and eyes from, even this far away.

"And you, Rarity, are to be that new queen," continued Salazar. "All your dreams shall become reality. Mounds of gems shall you have, fame and attention. Eloquent garb fit only for a queen. Banquets of the finest fare. Your chalice shall brim with wine, as your chests brim with gold. Your subjects shall love and worship you. You shall have dominion of all that lies before you."

Rarity gazed out upon the vast plains and mountain ranges extending to the horizon.

"You shall rule Equestria as long as I am beside you. But now you must do as I say," finished the dragon.

Still shocked speechless, Rarity looked down as the smoke cleared below. Hope returned to her as she saw a glistening force field protecting her friends. Twilight had reacted at the last second to save everypony on the balcony.

"What? Do you really think me to be that gullible? Queen of Equestria? Hah, I'm sure!" retorted Rarity, renewed with confidence by seeing her friends unharmed.

She stood on the dragon's palm, still lifted above the city, and boldly continued, "So you expect me to believe that you flew all they way here, burned down half of Canterlot, and tried to kill my friends, just to make an ordinary unicorn like myself the queen of Equestria? You could have picked any random pony off the street, and be telling her the same thing right now! 'All your dreams will come true, Rarity, if you just do as I say.' Oh give me a break!"

The dragon was silent.

"Heads up!" came a voice from somewhere up in the sky. Suddenly Rainbow Dash slammed into Rarity, swiping her clear out of Salazar's open claws and also knocking the wind out of her.

The dragon looked around in confusion, trying to find where his captive had gone. Seconds later Rarity was set down up on the balcony with her friends. Dizziness took a few seconds to wear off, by which time she was embraced by her friends.

"Wow Rainbow Dash! I didn't even see you grab Rarity you were so fast! But if I could see it, I bet it would have been totally awesome!" said Pinkie Pie.

"I knew you were tough enough to handle that dragon," said Applejack.

"You didn't expect anything less of me, did you?" said Rarity triumphantly.

"Rarity! You're alright," said Spike, waddling up to her. "I would have rescued you myself, only I don't have wings."

"Oh Spikey-wikey, I'm sure you would have made a most daring rescue," said Rarity kindly.

"Alright team," said Twilight, "time to send this dragon the way of Discord! Elements ready!"

A puff of smoke appeared behind Twilight. "You called, madam Sparkle?" said Discord in a French accent. "How may I serve my dear pony friends this afternoon?" Discord was wearing a butler outfit. His usual playful manner turned to one of genuine surprise as he noticed the gargantuan serpent above him.

"Sa... Sal... Salazar?" stuttered Discord.

"We don't have time for this, Discord. Get out of the way!" yelled Twilight.

Discord reluctantly stepped to the side.

The six mares concentrated their elements, now that Rarity was among them, just as they had done in the past to defeat Equestria's enemies. Around each pony's neck hung the elemental necklaces, through them the girls were linked with an inseparable bond.

A magical aura wrapped around the six ponies, and levitated them above the balcony. Twilight Sparkle's eyes glowed white, as she opened up the magical core of her element deep within her. With Twilight's energy, the other girls followed suit. Magic, laughter, loyalty, honesty, kindness, and finally generosity entwined in a bright aura of light, blinding the others on the balcony.

"Oh not this again. Isn't this old gag a bit overused, girls?" said Discord, "Oh, this brings back memories! Not very nice memories, but memories nonetheless... Oh, I'm sorry, am I distracting you?"

Celestia glared at Discord, warning him to not interfere.

"Fine. I can see when my help isn't appreciated," responded Discord mockingly. "I can't imagine how I'll ever become fully 'reformed' with you treating me like this, Celestia."

Discord disappeared in a poof as suddenly as he had appeared. Ever since he had been re-released from his stone imprisonment by Celestia's order, to harness his powers for harmony instead of chaos, Discord had been a resident of Canterlot castle. What tasks the princesses had used him for had been a mystery to the girls ever since.

Salazar now spotted Rarity. He began to move towards the ponies. A beam of rainbow colored energy shot towards the dragon. It stopped Salazar in his tracks. He snarled and tried to shield his face, but the powerful magic continued to press against him. At first Salazar was not effected, and continued to move in. But the beam grew stronger and engulfed him in its magic aura.

"Auurrgggh!" groaned the massive black serpent, as his grip on the tower began to loosen.

Rarity felt completely engulfed in her element, as did her friends.

But suddenly Rarity was startled by that booming voice in her head again, "Our destinies are not chosen for us, but by us."
Loosing her concentration, Rarity's elemental energy faltered, and she fell back to the balcony with a thump. The others dropped off one by one after Rarity, since all six elements are required for anything to work.

"What happened?" asked Twilight Sparkle in a daze.

"Don't know, but look!" cried Pinkie pie.

Salazar's body lay mostly limp around the spiraling tower above.

"He's very weak," said Princess Celestia, standing over the girls. "He's defeated. There's an observation floor in the tower. I will use this as his prison for now."

"What in the hay did he ever want in Equestria?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"I don't know," said the princess, "but whatever it was, he won't find it now."

"I know!" Pinkie Pie blurted out. "He wanted to kidnap Rarity and bring her to his far away cave and marry her and give her gems. And then Rarity could make him dragon clothing, and MmmMmm…" Twilight Sparkle shoved her hoof in Pinkie's mouth, preventing the hyperactive pony from saying more.

Fluttershy chimed in with her soft voice, "Oh. Maybe he was tired of the ruff 'n tuff dragon lifestyle and wanted to move to Equestria because we have nice ponies and cute little animals. Who wouldn't want that?"

"My dear ponies, you do have quite the imaginations," said Celestia. "I think for right now you should all get some rest. This has been a very eventful day, especially for you, Rarity. We will find out more later when Salazar wakes up."

"Excuse me," interrupted Fluttershy, "but, um, shouldn't we get the elements back to the Tree of Harmony right away?"

"That's probably a good idea," agreed Rainbow Dash.

"I know this was an emergency, but the tree just looked so sad when we had to take them away again," sighed Fluttershy.

"It's only a tree, Fluttershy," said Applejack, "I think it can wait."

"Rarity, are you alright?" said Twilight, putting a wing around her friend. "You're bleeding."
There were cuts all over Rarity's body from the dragon's scales.

"Oh dear. I was so in the moment, as it were, that I completely forgot about that," said Rarity.

"Getting you cleaned up shouldn't be a problem," spoke Princess Luna, stepping forward.

"You don't mean to say I'm invited to visit the royal baths and spa, do you?" asked Rarity excitedly.

"Of course, Rarity," smiled Princess Luna. "Friends of the princesses are always welcome."

Chapter 1

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Rarity pulled the levitating needle through the dress with her magic. She watched its movement intently through her sewing glasses as it wove in and out. It was a dress for a local client, Roseluck, and it was for the upcoming Ponyville Promenade.
"Stitch by stitch," she hummed to herself. "How excited Roseluck will be when I present the dress to her!"
It was the gratitude of the client, and the satisfaction of presenting a finished product, that kept Rarity encouraged through all her demanding work.

It had now been three months since 'The Dragon Incident', as Salazar's arrival in Equestria had become known as. Rarity's friends often joked about her oddly frequent encounters with dragons. First was the dragon in a nearby mountain, whom princess Celestia asked the girls to politely get rid of. The dragon bonded with Rarity immediately. Unfortunately they shared the same love for gems, and Rarity couldn't help but try to take one. She came out of the cave having accomplished nothing besides upsetting the dragon further. Secondly, of course, was Spike's blatant obsession with her, for reasons the six friends couldn't entirely figure out. Some of Rarity's friends thought it had something to do with Rarity's gem cutie mark, or simply because Rarity was the prettiest pony in Ponyville. But Twilight Sparkle felt that Spike's obsession with Rarity was related to her anti-element, greed, which worked in opposition to her stronger trait of generosity. And greed was, of course, the characteristic attribute of dragons. The girls knew this from personal experience. Little Spike had once gotten carried away with greed and turned into an adult-sized dragon. Lo and behold, Rarity was the one whom adult-sized-Spike kidnapped. Despite Rarity's best efforts, a bit of selfishness shined through at times; Twilight Sparkle felt that that was the reason for Spike's obsession with her. And lastly, the day when Salazar kidnapped Rarity, of all ponies, showed there was something special about the mare that attracted dragons. So far it had seemed to be a bad thing.

"There! It is finished!" said the unicorn triumphantly, as she rotated the levitating dress in front of her. "What a good idea it was to add the frills around the collar. Rarity, you are such a talent!"

"Who are you talking to sis?" came the squeaky voice of Sweetie Belle, who's head was walking into Rarity's room.

"Sweetie Belle, one should knock before one enters a room. And only then, upon being given permission, should one proceed to enter," said Rarity.

"…What?" squeaked Sweetie Belle.

"Talking to myself helps me keep focused while I work," explained Rarity.

Rarity sighed. "Never you mind, little sister. Look, I've finished the first dress for the promenade. It's Roseluck's. Alas, it's the first of several which I must complete by then."

"Wow sis! That looks amazing!" said Sweetie Belle. "Can I help?"

"Help?" Rarity gulped, "Well no, but thank you for offering."

"Aww, you never let me help with your work," Sweetie Belle pouted.

Sweetie Belle's tendency to cause havoc and destruction when around Rarity was good reason to be a bit skeptical. She almost always seemed to make a mess of things.

"Sorry Sweetie, but not today. However, how would you like to go downstairs and draw me a picture?"

"Gee that sure sounds fun, Rarity," said Sweetie Belle mockingly.

"Doesn't it! I'm sure you will have the time of your life," said Rarity enthusiastically.

"I was being sarcastic!" yelled Sweetie Belle.

"Oh… well do something that will keep you out of trouble. I must work in peace," said Rarity plainly, as she turned her back and continued working.

Sweetie Belle walked out of her sister's room, mumbling as she went. Rarity had to stop working soon anyways, she was meeting her friends later this afternoon for a picnic.

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The girls were having their usual weekend picnic on one of the grassy knolls just outside of Ponyville. Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity were already there.

"What a lovely day for a picnic, am I right girls?" said Rarity, clearly enjoying the weather as she laid back on a blanket, basking in the warm Equestrian sunlight.

"You said it," said Applejack as she set down a picnic basket. Applejack's dog, Winona, barked and wagged it's tail nearby.

"Don't worry girl. Food's a comin' soon enough," said Applejack.

"Fluttershy, did you not bring Angel along?" asked Rarity.

"Oh no. After how troublesome Angel was last week, I thought it was best that he stayed home," explained Fluttershy in her soft voice.

Both Rarity and Applejack breathed a sigh of relief hearing that Fluttershy had left Angel behind. While cute and cuddly, the bunny tended to make things difficult for Fluttershy and her friends.

Rarity closed her eyes and concentrated on the sounds and smells of nature around her. A strong aroma of Summer flowers wafted by on a light breeze. Rarity relaxed as she inhaled the scent, and the sun warmed her fur. Mountains rose up in the distance. Down the great valley, a glint of light from the white stone of Canterlot castle could be seen. The castle protruded from the side of the mountain, dazzling ponies below with its grandeur and inspiring visitors with it's heights. A cool breeze made it's way out of that valley and passed through Ponyville, carrying a few clouds with it into the otherwise clear sky above Ponyville. Life was perfect here in Ponyville; it was a paradise for every pony.

"Hi!" squeaked a high pitched voice.

Rarity opened her eyes to see two gigantic blue eyes staring at her just inches away.

"Aaah!" yelled Rarity, "Pinkie Pie?! Don't you know not to sneak up on ponies like that?!"

"What can I say?" giggle Pinkie Pie, "I just looooove surprises! Just like the surprise Applejack's gonna get in a second."

"What's that now, Pinkie Pie?" said Applejack.

Suddenly a streak of rainbow swept Applejack off her feet. The other three ponies watched the rainbow trail to where it ended in a cloud of dust a few meters away.

"Oh dear," said Fluttershy.

"What in tarnation?" the girls heard Applejack yell, "Oh I see how it is, Rainbow Dash. You're going down this time 'round!"

Rainbow Dash's emphatic giggling could be heard as the dust cloud dissipated. Applejack and Rainbow Dash came into focus as the two embraced in a friendly wrestling match.

"Oh. Be careful you two," said a concerned Fluttershy.

"Yea, what Fluttershy said! Put that farm-pony in her place, Dashie!" yelled Pinkie Pie.

"Oh no, Pinkie. That's not what I said," said the timid yellow pegasus.

"You're next, Pinkie Pie!" Applejack yelled back.

Feeling that she had seen enough of this immature roughhousing, Rarity rolled her eyes and began laying out the contents of the snacks she had brought. Loud cries of laughter and playful taunts resonated from the two competitors for just a minute longer until Applejack, the apparent victor, had pinned Rainbow Dash to the ground by her wings.

"Let me go!" yelled the squirming pegasus, breathing heavily.

"Not until you admit defeat," said Applejack.

Rainbow Dash grunted as she tried one last time to wriggle out of Applejack's hold, but it was in vain.

"Alright," said the blue pegasus, "you win."

"Who wants to try some of Pinkie's delicious pink pickleberry pomegranate pie?" called Pinkie Pie to the two wrestlers. Applejack and Rainbow Dash recovered themselves and trotted over to the rest of the group.

"I wonder where Twilight is," asked Fluttershy.

"I'm not sure. She said she was coming. I talked to her just a couple days ago," said Rarity.

"She's probably on official princess business in Canterlot… Again," said Rainbow Dash as she shook some dirt off her wings.

"Didn't she say anything to anypony?" asked Applejack. "That's mighty unlike Twilight."

"I'm sure Twilight would love to spend more time with us. But being a princess is awfully important," said Fluttershy in Twilight's defense.

"Of course it's important," said Rarity. "Twilight has very important duties now, and we should all support her. Isn't that right, Rainbow Dash?" said Rarity, casting a stern look at her.

"Yeah, I know," said Rainbow Dash, kicking the ground with a hoof. "She just seems… different, you know? Like she has more important things to do than hang out with us ordinary ponies."

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie chimed in. "Like doing princessy things and… being a princess… and… am I right?"

"Rainbow Dash!" said Rarity, defending her friend, "Twilight may have more important duties now, but she certainly hasn't forgotten her friends. She still spends most of her time in Ponyville, and she always spends time with us when she can. Fluttershy, remember last week when Twilight stopped by to help you with your new animals? And, that was an all-day ordeal."

Fluttershy nodded her head in agreement.

"And Rainbow Dash, Twilight was taking flying lessons from you just last week. She could have had any pegasus help her,
but she specifically asked you."

"Well yeah… I guess you're right," said Rainbow Dash as she pawed at the ground with a hoof. "I'm sorry everypony. One of the first things Twilight said after she got her wings was 'everything's going to be alright.' But things haven't been the same. Sometimes I wish things could just go back to how they used to be."

"Well it's not Twilight's fault. She just has a few more duties to handle, like how I become a shut-in when I have a deadline to deal with," said Rarity. "In fact, I bet I spend more time with my sewing than Twilight does with her royal duties. It's not like she's moved to Canterlot or something."

"Yeah, you're right," said Rainbow Dash.

"It ain't all that big a change, honestly," said Applejack. "Twilight's still the same pony. It feels a bit weird right now, but everything will simmer down eventually."

"Why so serious?" said Pinkie Pie, bouncing into the middle of the friends. "Twilight's still the same pony we all know and love. She misses a picnic, so what? I say next time let's bring the picnic to her in Canterlot! Let's stop talking behind ponies backs, and chow down on these snacks!"

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Twilight Sparkle approached the royal archives in Canterlot. Princess Celestia usually greeted Twilight in the throne room, but for some reason had chosen the archives today. It was here where Equestria's greatest literary treasures were housed. So many magic spells were contained within the pages here it would take anypony a lifetime to learn them all. Everything from fairy tales to history books filled the archives with so much knowledge that Twilight always got goose bumps thinking about it.

Twilight had been fascinated with learning since she was a young filly, indeed it was what had made her the ideal student. She had spent countless hours here studying and researching, prior to moving to Ponyville to start her studies in the magic of friendship. Other than some students and a couple guards, the archives were usually empty. This was not the case today, as ponies were hurrying back and forth. Papers and scrolls littered the floor, brushed into the corners or trampled and covered in hoof prints.

"What is going on here?" Twilight said to a unicorn running by, but was ignored.

"Your highness," said a passing guard, "Princess Celestia is waiting for you in the atrium."

"What's going on here?" Twilight asked again.

"I think you had better just talk to the princess," he said plainly, and hurried off.

Twilight walked through one of the big hallways towards the main room. Dozens of ponies ran past each other this way and that, carrying or levitating piles of scrolls and books. Twilight, feeling the sense of urgency in the air, began to trot to pick up the pace. Two earth ponies ran into each other further on down the hall, dropping the papers in their mouths.

"Princess!" they said, as they bowed at Twilight's approach.

"Please be careful. Those could be fragile manuscripts!" said the concerned alicorn.

Twilight trotted past the two ponies into the atrium, leaving them to pick up their mess. Twilight stopped in her tracks as she entered the room. The atrium was generally inhabited by only a couple librarians and research assistants directing ponies to different areas of the archives. Today, there were about forty ponies frantically moving about the atrium. Several pegasus ponies flew in and out of the room's high windows, which were usually closed. Earth ponies and unicorns spread out scrolls on the floor and on tables. They seemed to be anxiously skimming over them, as if they were looking for something. When they were done reading, they'd discard the scroll or books in the corner and start on another one. Books were piled meters high in every corner of the room. Twilight had never imagined such a sight. Her immediate concern was of potential damage to the scrolls, many of which were ancient. And think of the tedious process to re-categorize all of them; the books should be carefully put back in their places, not discarded in the corners of the room! Both Princess Celestia and Luna were present.

"Princess! What's going on? Why is nopony taking care of these books?" asked Twilight as she approached Princess Celestia.

Princess Celestia acknowledged Twilight and turned back to the pegasus pony who was reporting to her.

"The last packet of manuscripts from the griffon kingdom is on it's way, your highness. We've emptied their archives of anything mentioning dragons," said the Pegasus.

"Tell the Griffon King we'll have sifted through them by next week, and he can expect their swift return," responded the princess. "Twilight," she said as she turned to face the purple alicorn, "We're in the midst of a national emergency, of the gravest scale."

"Oh no! What is it? Have the changelings returned? Is the Crystal Empire under attack?" sputtered Twilight Sparkle worriedly.

"Let us move to another room, so we may talk," said Princess Celestia calmly. She nodded to princess Luna and lead Twilight to a smaller side room.

"Why are the archives being pulled apart?!" Twilight blurted out.

"We're looking for information," explained Celestia as she magically closed the door behind them.

"But what does any of this have to do with a national emergency?" continued Twilight.

"Twilight, my faithful student. I apologize; I haven't been completely honest with you. My mind has been troubled since the dragon, Salazar, arrived here."

"But we defeated him. He's imprisoned in the big tower. Anypony who flies into Canterlot can see him," stated Twilight.

"It may seem so, yes," said Celestia, "That is all true. Luna and I cast our most powerful containment spell over the tower."

"I don't understand, princess," questioned Twilight.

"For starters, Twilight, it worries me that he has not tried to escape," said Princess Celestia.

Twilight responded only with a confused look.

"Let me go back further," continued the princess, "You should sit down, there is much for me to tell you."

The two lay down on their bellies amidst the scattered papers and tomes on the floor. The few candles in the room, the only light source, cast a dim and eerie glow upon the two alicorns talking in secret. Princess Celestia levitated one candle between them so they could better see each other.

"Salazar The Dreadful. Great Fire Lord of the North. Salah 'azar, as he is known in Saddle Arabia, where he only exists as a fictional character in legends. The griffons know him as The Wyvern King. He was once called The Great Wyrm in Equestria, as he's referred to in the older tomes here in the archives. Among dragon-kind, he's known simple as Lord Salazar.

"But… How old can…" Twilight started.

"I don't know," said Celestia, expecting Twilight's question. "He is mentioned in the oldest writings we've found, the oldest of which dates back nearly four thousand years. He is the king of all dragons. Luna and I believe he is the most powerful being in Equestria. We met Salazar once before, when we were very young. He foresaw a long and affluent rule for my sister and I on the throne. We parted from him with his blessings. That was thousands of years ago, in his kingdom in the North where the ground is of ice and the black mountains have spewed fire since the birth of the world."

"Princess, that's incredible! Please tell me more," begged Twilight. "How did you and princess Luna get there, and how long did it take? Were there other ponies with you on the journey?"

"I have said too much already," said Celestia.

Twilight grew silent.

"Twilight, my fear is this: I don't understand why Salazar has come here, and why he won't leave," she continued. She looked around the room, as if making sure there was nopony hiding in the shadows. "My enemies in ages past have always sought to overthrow my sister and I, or take over Equestria. If this was Salazar's intention, there is nothing stopping him. Were Salazar looking to harm my sister or I, he would have little trouble doing so."

Twilight's listened attentively.

"Salazar will not speak openly with myself or Luna. And I cannot see into his thoughts with dark magic; he is too powerful. Twilight, adult dragons, as you know, are fiercely independent creatures. The dragon way of life is ruthless and brutal; constantly fighting and stealing amongst each other. Their greed isolates them and drives them away from friends. They kill and pillage throughout their days and grow old as their hoards of stolen treasure accumulate - those who've managed to survive that long. This is always the case, for all dragons. I have spoken with Discord in great length on this subject; even he has the same deep rooted instinct. Even little Spike, as you've seen, possesses these traits, given the right circumstances.

"As the lord of all dragons, Salazar probably has the greatest hoard of treasure of all his kind. What could possibly have driven him from the North, where he ruled? It defies a dragon's natural instinct of hoarding. Everything we've ever known about dragons… this just doesn't make sense. I would understand if he sought to conquer new land. However, he came alone, and he doesn't seem interested in destroying Equestria or it's diarchy. You see Twilight, this is why we are searching for answers; searching for something we might have missed. Because Salazar's actions simply don't make sense. Only one thing is for certain, he will act purely out of self interest. Whatever he's doing here, it's because he wants something."

"Princess," began Twilight, "Surely Discord would have some ideas about what's happening. When we were fighting Salazar, and Discord appeared, he recognized him right away."

"Yes, Discord knew Salazar. He left the dragon realms to find more docile creatures to rule over; that is, us ponies. From our conversations, I've learned that Discord fears Salazar. That fear was perhaps one reason that drove Discord south, perhaps he was in some sort of conflict or quarrel with Salazar. I don't know. Yet still, Discord knows something that he won't tell me, I can sense it," said Celestia, firelight playing eerily upon her face."

"But how can I help?" asked Twilight.

"Twilight, through your studies and outside of your studies, you have learned to investigate problems analytically. You've used your heart to lead you to the right answer, even when your friends weren't with you. We can search every book in Equestria for answers, but ultimately the truth can only be found within our hearts. I will give you the full details on what we've done so far. And you have full access to the castle and the archives, of course," said the Princess.

"I am honored that you've trusted me with all of this, princess. I promise I won't rest until I find out why Salazar's here! To start, I think I should speak with him," asked Twilight.

"Very well," said Celestia, "but be warned, dragons are naturally deceitful. Salazar will say anything to you to make you believe what he wants you to believe. They are not bound to the truth."

This advice reminded Princess Celestia of something else.

"Oh, and one more thing Twilight. Before you fought Salazar, I sensed that he was communicating with his captive, your friend Rarity. For what it's worth, you might ask her what Salazar said," said Celestia as she magically opened the door behind Twilight.

"It was a touchy experience for Rarity, traumatizing even. I'm not sure if she's ready to talk in depth about what happened," said Twilight, "But for a matter of this importance, I'll have to question her. Oh, that reminds me, princess. My friends are having a picnic today, and I told them I'd be there. I need to send a letter to Spike to let him know I'll be late."

The atrium was just as busy as it had been when the two ponies left it.

"I'm sorry Twilight. I simple don't have time," said Celestia as they walked into the room.

"Sister," said Luna as she walked up to the two, "I am exhausted. I have been at this the whole night."

"I'll take the day shift now. But could you do one last thing, sister? Please take Twilight to see Salazar," said Celestia.

"Of course, sister," responded the tired Luna.

"Come with me, Twilight Sparkle," said Luna, walking off.

Twilight trotted after her. Princess Luna lead them through the archives. As they went deeper, the number of ponies hurrying about decreased. The ponies each bowed to and addressed the princesses as they passed by. Twilight couldn't help but feel a bit saddened by it; nopony ever said "Hey Twilight!" or "I really like your mane today, Twilight" anymore. It was just "Your majesty, or "Princess Sparkle" every single time. She wished somepony would just ask her how her day was going. But being a princess came with big changes, which she had to accept and deal with.

Twilight now noticed that she was not in the archives anymore. Princess Luna was leading her down a dark, stone hallway which Twilight had never been down before. Their clopping hooves echoed through the empty stone passageway, which was illuminated only by a soft blue light emanating from Luna's horn.

"This is a shorter route, Twilight. It's faster than going around to enter the great tower," Luna explained.

"Princess," asked Twilight, "What are your thoughts about all of this? Why do you think Salazar came to Equestria?"

"Salazar's arrival here is truly troubling. I'm afraid I don't have an answer for you, Twilight Sparkle. My sister's guess is better than my own, she has seen one thousand years more of Equestria than I have, after all."

The two ponies came to a dead end. With a spark from Luna's horn, the stone wall rumbled and slide off to one side, exposing a spiral staircase. Twilight recognized it as the well-trodden staircase of the main tower.

"Wow. I never knew that passage was there!" said Twilight as they began climbing the stairs.

"This castle holds many secrets, Twilight Sparkle. There are many forgotten passages leading deep into the mountains. Many of which, I do not even know of. Yes, many secrets…"

Princess Luna was never much of a conversationalist. She was very reserved, even when ponies tried to get close to her. But she had been through a lot in the last couple years. The two ponies were greeted by a royal guard descending the staircase.

"From appearance, inside and out, it looks like Salazar is restrained," said Luna in a hushed voice, "but, as my sister probably told you, we're afraid that he's only playing along, letting ponies believe he's our captive. He is more powerful than any binding spell we could ever cast. You will see."

After a couple more minutes of climbing, the alicorns reached the floor of the tower where Salazar was imprisoned. The walls were open on all sides, besides being dotted with support pillars, giving a complete view in every direction; thus why Salazar could be seen by any pegasus flying around outside, or from certain spots on the rooftops of Canterlot below. Dotting the floor were more big pillars supporting the ceiling and steeple above.

"In times of war long passed, my sister used this floor as an observation deck and war room," said Luna. "I had no recollection of it though, since I never lived in Canterlot. My sister did not build this castle until after my banishment."

Twilight stepped through a thick wall of glittering white light as she came up the last step. Celestia's containment force field. The force field also stretched along the floor's perimeter. A coil of jet black, scaly dragon tail filled most of the room. Segments of tail lay over each other and criss-crossed this way and that. It reminded Twilight of a pile of rope, only moving and breathing. Two dozen guard unicorns stood watch over the passive dragon at various places around the room.

"Leave us," spoke princess Luna, and the guards trotted orderly to the stairs and disappeared, closing the trapdoor behind them.

Immediately, as if on cue, the giant coil of black scales began to move. The segments moved in all different directions, some loops closing and some loosening. In a moment the dragon's head slid into view and moved towards the two ponies, slithering from side to side as a snake would. Twilight backed away, alarmed by the strange creature and it's snake-like movements. Princess Luna stood her ground. The giant, scaly head came to rest just in front of Princess Luna. Two glowing yellow reptile eyes studied the two alicorns for a minute. Suddenly jets of smoke were released from the dragon's nostrils, engulfing Princess Luna.

"Princess!" yelled Twilight.

The smoke dissipated, as Luna flapped her wings like giant fans to clear it. The princess seemed unmoved.

"Salazar. This is Princess Twilight Sparkle… Come forth Twilight," spoke Princess Luna calmly.

Twilight cautiously walked up beside her.

A deep, rumbling voice started, "So this is Celestia's student. The chosen successor to Equestria's throne."

Twilight remained speechless, not fully grasping what she was hearing. Princess Luna reared up and staggered to the side in disbelief.

"H... How could you know that? My sister and I haven't even decided on the matter yet," asked the stunned Princess Luna.

"I know many things, moon princess," said the expressionless dragon.

Luna looked flustered and upset. "Twilight Sparkle wishes to speak with you," she said plainly and stomped heatedly back towards the trapdoor. She quickly disappeared down the staircase, leaving Twilight staring blankly at the massive black dragon before her. Princess Luna had never been as warm to ponies as her sister was. Twilight wished Luna had stayed with her, she had never encountered a creature this big and intimidating before.

"Ahem," Twilight cleared her throat, "If you wouldn't mind, sir, um… Salazar, I'd like to ask you a few questions."

The dragon only stared at Twilight. What was she going to ask again? She had forgotten the questions that she came up with! "Why oh why didn't I write them down?" she thought.

"Um… Why did you come here? ... to Equestria that is?" asked Twilight in a meek voice, unusual for her.

"Surely a princess can think of a better question than that," rumbled the dragon's voice.

"Well if it is a simple question, you should be able to answer it," responded Twilight, gaining some confidence.

The dragon closed his eyes. "I choose not to answer," he spoke.

"Oh," said Twilight plainly. Well that wasn't a good start to things. Salazar began to stir, his head started moving in an arc around Twilight while his eyes remained fixed on her.

"Stop. What are you doing?" asked Twilight worriedly.

"What kind of question is that?" responded Salazar.

"Um… Where did you come from?" asked the purple alicorn.

"From the Frozen North, as you call it," responded Salazar, continuing to encircle Twilight.

"And you were the lord of all the dragons, weren't you?" asked Twilight as she turned to keep face to face with him.

"Wrong. I am the lord of all dragons."

"How do you know another dragon hasn't taken over since you left? Being so far from your kingdom and your subjects seems awfully risky to me," said Twilight in her usual quirky voice. "Besides, dragons are ruthless, they're probably fighting over your throne as we speak."

"The dragon hierarchy works not as such. Eternally, as a god, I rule. No dragon would challenge my throne."

Twilight gulped. Salazar continued to encircle her, making her even more nervous. Things were not going quite as smoothly as Twilight had hoped! Maybe she should just end the interrogation now and fly out of the tower?

"No, my little pony. There is no question my kin will receive me once again… If I choose to return," rumbled Salazar's voice.

If he chooses to return? This didn't sound good. The situation seemed to be deteriorating quickly.

"How old are you?" asked Twilight.

Salazar closed his eyes once more. "Hmmm," he grumbled, deep in thought, "this earth have I wandered for millennia. Since a time when these mountains were newly birthed, and the crystal caves beneath Canterlot were a sanctuary for my kind. But the dragons left, and the mountains grew old and worn. Ponies then came here and named the land Equestria, not long after The Great Frost swept the world, the remnants of which still cover the North."

"Where did us ponies come from?" asked Twilight, now sincerely curious. Salazar stopped moving and closed his eyes again. The great dragon lay still for a minute, and Twilight wondered if he had fallen asleep. Suddenly Salazar's blazing yellow eyes shot open, as he raised his head.

"This knowledge is beyond you. Even your princesses are not meant to posses such wisdom," spoke Salazar.

Twilight recalled now what her mentors had said, Salazar will say anything to make her believe what he wants her to believe. Dragons are not bound by honesty.

"Is it true then that there was a time before Princess Celestia and Luna?" asked Twilight.

"Yes," responded Salazar, now continuing to encircle Twilight.

"So the world was dark before then?" continued Twilight.

"No… I don't understand your question," rumbled Salazar's voice.

"Princesses Luna and Celestia control the heavenly bodies which are the moon and the sun," continued Twilight with a smirk on her face, "so either there was no time before the princesses came into this world, or the time before they came into this world lacked a moon and a sun! But you just said the world wasn't dark then!"

Twilight had stumped him, she was sure. "Aha!" She said, "I've caught you in a paradox!" she yelled triumphantly in her distinctive tone of excitement.

Salazar did not speak for a moment, as Twilight grinned with glee.

"I see," he began, "that's very interesting. Tell me, how is it that your princesses control the heavenly bodies?" The massive black coils of tail were still turning around Twilight, reaching higher towards the ceiling. She was now surrounded by walls of scaly dragon hide.

"Simple. Well, actually it's not simple. It's extremely advanced magic, and only they can do it," explained Twilight as Salazar glared at her. "Every morning at dawn, Princess Celestia raises her horn to the sky, and the sun rises behind her. Then at sunset, Princess Luna does the same, only the moon comes up instead. When Princess Luna was banished for one thousand years, Princess Celestia did the job for both of them. The moon and sun move across the sky for all creatures in Equestria, regardless of whether or not they know of the princesses. There's a lot more lore and history involved, but that would take a long time to tell you. Unless of course your interested? I love telling ponies what I've learned! And dragons too…"

"And this is what your princesses tell you?" asked the dragon.

"Well… yes. But it's also an observable part of everyday life," explained Twilight.

"Amusing," said Salazar plainly.

The two did not speak for a moment until Twilight figured she had better continue the conversation. "There is a powerful draconian creature living here in the castle. He's called Discord, and he's under Celestia's control. You know him, don't you?" asked Twilight

"I know of whom you speak. I have spoken with both him and your princess," responded Salazar.

"What do you know about him? Why is he afraid of you?"

"All dragons fear me," rumbled Salazar's voice, "I have no quarrel with Discord, as you call him. He is the embodiment of chaos and lives only to create havoc. It came to be of great annoyance to his kin. Discord's need for chaos would not be satisfied in the dragon realms. He left my dominion to seek out lesser creatures to rule over. In Equestria, he found he could spread his chaos to no limit. But defeated was he, and imprisoned in stone."

"I know about Discord's rule. Stories of his reign are well preserved in Equestrian history," said Twilight, stepping forward, "but your presence is a mystery. Why not let me help you? We'll find whatever you're looking for. You're not making much progress trapped in this tower, are you?"

Salazar flashed his snake-like tongue at the pony. Twilight had his full attention.

"Or is that what you want? To be secretive and difficult. Do you have fun making everypony guess what you're looking for? Just cut it out with all the smoke and mirrors. Dragons may not be very honest, but that doesn't mean they have to lie constantly. Tell me why you're here, and you have my word the princesses and I will do our utmost to help you find it."

Salazar listened as his huge tail continued to slowly build an enclosure around Twilight.

Twilight continued, "Dragons are extremely materialistic. You're probably looking for treasure. Is it gold? Gems? A nice, roomy cave to move into?"

Salazar rumbling voice spoke, "Gems and jewels of ancient make. Rings and crowns of beauty great. Plunder fair and trinkets rare have I hoarded. But the ages have passed by. Pale the gold has become, and in my eyes the gems glimmer no more."

"What is it then? What are you looking for? Can't we help you find it?" asked Twilight.

Salazar spoke, "Your princess has already offered me all the riches of her treasury. Great, sparkling rubies, shining white gold, jewelry and gemstones, rare and common, from all corners of her empire."

Twilight was shocked silent. Princess Celestia hadn't mentioned that little detail… The situation must be really serious for Princess Celestia to do something like that.

"I enjoy your company, Twilight Sparkle. Your question shall I answer," said Salazar. The dragon's scaly face seemed to smirk. His voice reverberated in Twilight's ears again:

"This is the object I desire. A gem of unspeakable beauty, of which there are no others.
It is not carved, nor is it fashioned in silver or gold.
Not sapphire nor diamond is it, nor any nameable stone. Yet it sparkles and glistens.
It is sought by some, and envied by many."

"Ugh. Your answer's a riddle? Normally I love riddles, but this is serious! Can't you just tell me what it is?" asked Twilight.

"You have my answer," responded Salazar.

It now became pitch black, as Twilight noticed her scaly tomb enclose around her. The last stream of daylight had been shut out by Salazar's body. Her horn sparked and glowed brightly, as she cast an illumination spell, casting an eerie purple light upon the moving wall of scales around her. Twilight found Salazar's head, but his eyes were once again closed. She now thought she heard a whisper; she turned around but found nopony there. Another whisper. It was coming from inside her head.

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A very tired Princess Luna flew upwards towards the main tower of Canterlot Castle as fast as she could. Her sister was just ahead of her. Several dozen royal guard pegasi followed behind them, their smaller wings making them slower than their superiors.

"Curse it all, Luna! I wanted you to stay with Twilight!" scolded Celestia.

"It was not clear, you only said to take Twilight to Salazar. I should not have allowed the dragon to anger me. I'm sorry, sister," said Luna.

The alicorns arrived at the floor where Salazar was kept, and flew in through an open balcony between two pillars. Around the room, a mass of black dragon scales slithered this way and that. Twilight was nowhere to be seen.

"Twilight!?" called Celestia. "Oh no…"

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"I know what you're up to Salazar, you're trying to enter my thoughts. Stop it! I was warned about your dragon tricks," yelled Twilight. She concentrated the best she could to try to block out the whispers in her head, but it didn't seem to help. She had never had training in anything like this before. The whispers suddenly died away and Salazar opened his eyes, fixing them on his prisoner. The air seemed to vibrate and the floor seemed to rumble around Twilight as the great dragon raised his head spoke again.

"I have seen your past and I have seen your future, Twilight Sparkle. I foresee that you will cause me a good deal of trouble in the coming weeks," he said.

"I will? I mean, are you sure?" said Twilight, her voice tinged with fear "I'm not generally a trouble causer. Maybe you're thinking of somepony else?"

Twilight stepped back, but backed into a wall a scales.

"I could destroy you now so that you cannot interfere later," said Salazar as he now opened his smoking jaws showing rows of large, sharp teeth. Twilight gasped, unable to scream or fight back.

"Hold on Twilight!" came a muffled voice from somewhere.

Suddenly Salazar's attention shifted elsewhere. He issued a low growl. Or was it a groan? Twilight couldn't tell. She also heard what sounded like a battle going on outside.

"Goodbye Twilight Sparkle. Soon we shall meet again," spoke Salazar in tempered tone.

Outside, Princesses Luna and Celestia concentrated a barrage of magical fire against the wall of black dragon hide. Their meter long horns bristled and sparked with energy, Celestia's magic shined a rose white, and Luna's a florescent dark blue. Now the living walls surrounding Twilight began to loosen and move in every direction. Rays of daylight broke through gaps in Salazar's tail, blinding her. Moments later Twilight found herself standing in the middle of the great room as her eyes adjusted to the bright daylight around her. The sister rulers of Equestria walked up to Twilight to comfort her. Salazar had curled up on the opposite side of the room, his size still taking up easily a third of the whole floor. He glared at the three alicorns and flashed his snake-like tongue at them.

"Princess?" said a scared and shaking Twilight Sparkle.

"Yes Twilight?" responded Celestia, nuzzling her head against Twilight's like a mother.

"I don't think I want to be a princess anymore," Twilight's voice cracked as her eyes began to water.

To this, Celestia said nothing, but shot a firm glance at her sister. Luna heard her sister's telepathic voice in her head, "Twilight wasn't yet ready to face an enemy such as this," said the voice. To this Luna only lowered her head.

Chapter 2

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The sewing machine hummed and vibrated. Rarity watched her work closely as she held the white fabric underneath the needle. Suddenly she noticed she was very tired, even exhausted. Something didn't feel normal.

Rarity looked back at her work. Come to think of it, Rarity had aged as well. "How old am I again?" she thought. A tangle of oddly stitched together cloth lay across her hooves.

"What is this?" thought Rarity. "Is this supposed to be a dress?"

As Rarity turned the fabric over in her hooves, folds appeared out of nowhere, and strings came loose showing a poor stitching job. Rarity couldn't find what the clothing was supposed to be. Now Rarity realized the fabric was torn, and old and faded too. Rarity's legs were shaking. She held one up to her face to examine it. The nail was dirty and cracked, like that of an old mare. Rarity stepped back in surprise, and felt a sharp pain in her spine. She glanced in the full-body mirror nearby. Her fur had faded grey, her eyes were dull and dark. Her stomach sagged and her legs were bent, and her once thick, purple hair was grey and thin.

"No!" she cried. "What happened to my youth? My… my hair? My beauty, my charm?"

Her voice sounded raspy like an old mare's. Rarity suddenly heard the sound of a trumpet. A parade was happening outside the boutique windows. Rarity hobbled to the window and looked out. After a platoon of royal guards, a chariot came into view. But Rarity didn't see Princess Celestia, instead it was her good friend Twilight Sparkle. Twilight looked more mature, but still very young. Twilight spread out her wings as the ponies on the street cheered, as if absorbing the fame and attention of her subjects. Twilight had always been so modest and humble, could this really be her? Twilight noticed Rarity, and waved at her and smiled. Rarity waved back, her old bones aching. Twilight turned away, her subjects required attention again.

"Twilight?" said Rarity aloud, again hearing her old mare's voice. "How is she so young?"

As an alicorn, Twilight had a greatly prolonged life, if not immortality, and as far as was known, everlasting youth and beauty.

"Twilight, wait!" Rarity yelled as she tried to run towards her door. But her body hurt to move quickly. Becoming angry with her disability, Rarity pushed against the pain and ran outside the boutique. "Twilight!" she called after the royal chariot. But it was moving away, along with the attention of the crowd and the musical escort. "Don't leave me, Twilight!" cried the old mare.

"Hey," said a pony in the crowd, "you can't address Princess Twilight like that. Have some respect! … senile old mare."

"Senile? SENILE?! Who said that?" Rarity looked around, but somehow faces were blurry. Rarity took off her sewing glasses. Everypony was blurry. Everything was blurry. Her eyesight was deteriorating. Rarity began to sob as the uplifting fanfare music continued to fade along with the royal procession.

"I'm so useless. So hopeless, and old, and weak," bawled the old unicorn as she fell to her knees.

The crowd moved away, following the lively procession. All Rarity could see was blurred hooves clopping past her.

"I'm so pathetic!" she cried.

The ponies seemed to take no notice of the distraught old mare.

"Twilight's left me. My friends have left me! Twilight..." sobbed Rarity. "Why does it have… to be this way?"

The pony fell to her side in the dirt and closed her eyes, her tears mixing with the dust on her wrinkled face. "Twilight…"

Rarity was left alone in the darkness of misery and hopelessness. Through the darkness, she suddenly heard a clear but faint whisper. Everlasting beauty, said the whisper. Suddenly Rarity's sight was back, and Canterlot Castle materialized as clear as day. Rarity's vision zoomed towards the castle, faster and faster. In a moment Rarity found herself staring the great black dragon, whom was being held prisoner there, directly in the eye. Eternal youth, whispered the voice again, only louder.

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Rarity's eyes shot open. She gasped and sat up in her bed, sweating and breathing heavily. A feeling of relief came over her as she realized that it had only been a nightmare. She moved her legs and flexed muscles in her body; she was still young and fit, no shaking hooves or saggy wrinkles. She ran a hoof through her hair; soft and lush, just as she knew it to be. Still shaken from her dream, Rarity slipped out of bed and turned a light on. She ran to her full-body mirror. Everything looked fine. She prodded her face with a hoof. Rarity breathed a sigh of relief.

"You're alright Rarity. Only a dream…" she told herself reassuringly. "Just the worst nightmare you've ever had. Nothing could be worse than that. My Celestia!"

Rarity hopped up onto her bed again, this time leaving the lights on.

"Ooohhh," Rarity whined, "The bed is wet with sweat from my night fright, and I had just washed these sheets!"

She got in anyways and tried to get comfortable. Sleep would not come. Rarity tossed and turned for a while before finally giving into her thoughts. What did her nightmare mean? Was it a premonition? Was Rarity afraid of her mortality, or dreading the thought of losing her beauty as she aged?

Rarity's inability to sew was another depressing factor of the dream. In the dream the boutique was dusty and dirty, the paint and wallpaper were peeling, and the place smelled of decay in general. What had a lifetime of sewing all been for in the end? Rarity shook her head.

"What an awful thought."

In the dream, it seemed that everypony was ignoring her. They had forgotten about her, and left her behind. It was in sharp contrast to her usual day in Ponyville, when gets looks from mares and colts alike, for different reasons. She eats up the attention, and loves every moment of it. That was probably the most painful part of her nightmare.

Daylight began to grow in Rarity's bedroom. She groaned and turned in her bed.

"I hope I won't be groggy all day. I hate to lose my beauty rest, but Sweetie is coming over for breakfast."

Rarity sighed, realizing she would have to face the day without sufficient beauty rest, and rolled out of bed. As she proceeded with her morning routine of makeup and brushing, the nightmare wouldn't leave her thoughts. She had never had a dream like that, never that terrible or that clear. Rarity finished with her makeup and walked downstairs. She didn't feel very hungry, but she wasn't about to neglect her responsibilities to her little sister. She levitated the pans out from the cupboard with her magic, and began the breakfast preparations.

"Everlasting beauty, what a concept. I've never really thought about it before. Maybe because I've never really thought about getting old before. It's not usually something that ponies think about."

Rarity, so deep in thought, didn't realize her younger sister walk though the open door behind her.

"How many years do I have until my hair starts graying? Or until my bones are aching?" thought Rarity.

Rarity shivered at the thought. Her shoulder twitched and a chill ran up her spine.

"What a frightening thought…"

"What's wrong Rarity?" piped Sweetie Belle. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Oh, it's nothing Sweetie Belle," said Rarity, smiling, "I only had a bad dream."

"What kind of bad dream? Were there monsters? Dragons? Zombies? … Did the gates of Tartarus break open and hordes of undead beasts swarm across Equestria leaving a trail of destruction and misery in their wake?"

"No Sweetie Belle, if only. Those sound mild in comparison," sighed Rarity.

"Wow! That must have been one mega-bad dream you had!" squeaked Sweetie Belle.

"Well it was only a dream, I will forget about it in time. Now bring these plates to the table, if you please. Your big sister has made a scrumptious breakfast for her little sweetie-weetie sister, Sweetie Belle," said Rarity, nuzzling her sister on the head.

"Thanks sis! Hey can we hang out when I get back from school this afternoon?" asked Sweetie Belle.

"Um… 'hang out'?" said Rarity with a dismayed look on her face.

"Yeah, you know, do sister stuff together," said the excited little filly.

"Great," thought Rarity as she sat down at the table with her sister, "more chances for her to cause havoc and mess up my work."

"Oh I'd love to 'hang out', Sweetie Belle. But the Ponyville Promenade is not far off, and I've still got to finish up a lot of dresses. I also have to fit some dresses to clients this afternoon."

"Awww," said the little filly, sadly.

"You can go play with Apple Bloom after school today, how does that sound? That does sound fun, does it not?" said Rarity.

"Yeah, I guess so," said Sweetie Belle as she continued to eat her breakfast.

Sweetie Belle was always an upbeat little filly, and things seldom got her down. Regardless of what was going on around her, Sweetie Belle was always very excited and positive. Although Rarity was a bit concerned that her sister might have attention deficit disorder.

"ALL DONE!" yelled Sweetie belle as she finished her last bite of her food. Rarity twitched in surprise at the random outburst.

"… Okay Sweetie Belle. I'll clean up. You had better head to school, it's getting late," said Rarity kindly.

"Okay, sis. Catch ya later!" said the filly, already halfway to the door. "Oh, by the way, there's a letter for you."

Rarity breathed a sigh of relief as her sister left.

"Peace and quiet, at least for a little while."

Rarity checked the door, and sure enough found a note. It was from Spike, and said that Twilight was tied up due to official princess business and couldn't come over today to be fitted in her dress.

"She wants to try it on today? That is no problem," thought Rarity, "I shall simply bring the dress to her! After I finish making it, of course."

Rarity returned upstairs. Here in her room, Rarity had her own special world. Rolls of ribbon and pieces of fabric were strewn about the place. Anything chaotic and messy caused her stress, unless she was the one creating that mess. It was the chaos of a creative and artistic mind. Rarity's cat now hissed as Rarity walked through the door.

"Oh sweetie, your little bow has come undone. Fret not, mama Rarity will tie you a new one," said Rarity as she levitated the irritated cat into the air. Opalescence hissed and scratched at the air. She gave up after a moment, and submitted to her fate. Rarity retied the red bow on the agitated cat. Once released, Opalescence retreated to the other side of the room where she could try, once again, to paw off the bow.

"Now to get to work," said Rarity as she put on her sewing glasses.

Rarity had made dresses for Twilight before. This time was little different. The dress so far was a light purple fabric, studded with a few scattered sapphires. The frills were a gold colored silk. Simple, but elegant. Rarity hadn't made shoes or other accessories to go with the dress; she wasn't sure if Twilight planned to wear her crown or not. Rarity worked for about an hour, sewing a bit here and cutting a bit there. Twilight's dress was nearly done, and Rarity stepped back to look at her work.

She glanced at the clock. Now was as good a time as ever to head over to Twilight's. She packed the dress carefully in a small clothing box, and headed out the door, levitating the box with her.

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The Ponyville streets seemed more bustling than usual. Ponies were out and about visiting with friends and buying things at the local stores.

"Hey Rarity. You're looking very nice today," said a stallion as Rarity walked past.

"Why thank you darling," she said in return.

Rarity loved attention. Whether it was attention from mares or stallions didn't matter, so long as they gawked and gossiped about her stunning looks or her fashionable clothes. Two best friends, Lyra and Bon Bon, were chatting nearby.

"Rarity!" called Bon Bon, "I'm so excited to see my dress for the promenade. Is it all ready?"

"Absolutely. Your dress is ready and waiting. If you come by in say, two hours, I'll have you try it on!" said Rarity happily.

"Wow, thanks so much, Rarity. I'm sure it'll be gorgeous," said Bon Bon, "See you then!"

Rarity continued on her walk as the two ponies started chatting again behind her.

"Did you hear the princess just arrived in town?" said Lyra.

"Princess Celestia's in town?" asked Rarity, turning around. "My goodness, I wonder what the occasion is."

"No, not Princess Celestia. Princess Twilight," responded Lyra.

"Princess… Twilight?" said Rarity blankly.

Twilight's friends still hadn't gotten used to her new title. They've always known her simply as Twilight. To them, 'Princess Twilight' was the same goofy unicorn they had known since she arrived in Ponyville. After the coronation, Rarity had tried addressing Twilight as 'princess', and was glad when Twilight said it was unnecessary.

"But Lyra," implored Rarity, "You've known Twilight longer than anypony in Ponyville. Is everyone really calling her 'princess' now?"

"Well, she is a princess…" said Lyra. "I guess it's more of a Canterlot thing. Not many ponies knew the old Twilight Sparkle. Now that everypony in Equestria knows who Twilight Sparkle is, it just makes sense to call her Princess Sparkle or Princess Twilight."

"Well I for one will always call her Twilight, she's still the same purple pony, is she not?" said Rarity. "In fact, that's where I'm headed right now, to have Twilight try on her dress."

"Oh wow, can we see the dress, Rarity?" asked Bon Bon.

"No no no. You'll have to wait for it's big unveiling at the promenade. I wouldn't want to ruin a surprise," explained Rarity.

"Okay, fair enough. Have fun. Bye Rarity," said the two ponies as Rarity turned to leave.

"Princess Sparkle?" thought Rarity, shaking her head. "Twilight may technically be a princess, but she's still the same pony to me."

As the Ponyville library loomed ahead in the distance, an orange figure caught Rarity's eye. It was Applejack. Rarity trotted over to intercept her.

"Applejack! A lovely day, is it not?" said Rarity.

"Sure is! Everyday's a lovely day in Ponyville," she replied.

"Applejack, my dear, have you changed your mind about attending the promenade?" asked Rarity.

"Well shucks, Rarity, fancy parties just aren't my cup of cider. I don't really fit in at those things," said the farm pony.

"Oh Applejack," laughed Rarity, "Promenades are fun and lively, and there would be nothing to worry about. But I understand your choice… I'm just stopping by the library to give Twilight her dress. Won't you come with me?"

"Well, I would, but… well just take a look," said Applejack, as she nodded towards Twilight's home.

Ponies were gathering around the library. They glared through the windows of the library, and pegasus ponies flew up to the upper windows, trying to catch a glimpse of something inside.

The library, carved out of a huge old oak tree, had been Twilight's residence since she arrived in Ponyville a few years ago. Princess Celestia had made Twilight Ponyville's official librarian. The library was still Twilight's main residence, even though she commuted to Canterlot often.

"What in Equestria is going on?" wondered Rarity, as she and Applejack approached the small crowd.

"What's going on here?" Rarity asked a stallion whom she didn’t' recognize.

"It's the princess. She's in the library," responded the stallion.

"What?!" Rarity retorted. "It's only Twilight Sparkle. Of course she's in the library, she lives there!" said Rarity. "She's lived here for over three years, and she's a Ponyville resident just like the rest of us. What's the meaning of all this commotion here?"

"Well I don't know nothin' 'bout that." He responded, "I'm from a farm not far from here. Rumor's been spreading that Princess Twilight lives here."

"For Celestia's sake," said Rarity as she and Applejack brushed passed the farm pony.

The two mares passed more gossiping ponies and reached the library door.

"Excuse me," said a mare who Rarity didn’t recognize, stopping her and Applejack in front of Twilight's door, "Apparently you haven't noticed, but none other than Princess Sparkle is inside the library, attending to very important matters as we speak," continued the mare with a smug and satisfied voice. The flustered Rarity felt her temper rising. What right did this mare have to reproach Rarity at the doorstep of one of her best friend's house?

"Get out of my way, if you please!" yelled Rarity, startling both the mare and Applejack. Some other ponies nearby stopped their gossip and turned towards the scene at the library's front door. "That is to say, kindly step aside," continued Rarity, embarrassed at her flustered outburst. The mare backed away as Rarity stared her down and approached the door. Rarity's horn glowed and the door knob turned. Rarity and Applejack walked through the library's front door, leaving the crowd of ponies outside.

"That sure was awkward," said Applejack, as they stepped inside.

"Oh boy, am I glad to see you guys!" said Spike, welcoming them. "Those ponies out there are creeping me out. They all want to see Twilight, but I've been making sure they stay outside."

"I think I know what all the fuss is about," said Applejack. "These ponies are country folk from the country. There here for the big farmer's market today. They ain't never seen a princess before. Still, that must feel a bit strange for Twilight."

"Twilight's not sure what to do about it. If she starts signing autographs, do you think they'll go away?" asked Spike.

Rarity and Applejack didn't have time to respond, as Twilight Sparkle came hurrying towards them.

"Applejack! Rarity! It's so good to see you," she said.

"You too, Twilight," said Rarity.

"Eeyup," said Applejack.

"Please, make yourselves at home. Actually, come on up to the second floor, let's talk," said Twilight as she walked across the floor towards the staircase. Rarity and Applejack followed.

There had recently been a great deal of confusion surrounding Twilight's coronation. She had not only been crowned princess, but she had also grown wings, therefore making her an alicorn. Some ponies didn't like it. They felt that it undermined the status of alicorns, and that the millennia-old diarchy was at stake. The eminence of the two princesses whom their fathers and forefathers had worshiped and obeyed had been compromised, and by a young and inexperienced unicorn student of all ponies! But most didn't mind having another princess.

"I'm so glad you two came over. It reminds me of our sleepover party during the thunderstorm. That was a night to remember, wasn't it?" said Twilight happily.

The ponies were now upstairs. Twilight stood in the middle of the room, wings folded at her side, and looked openly and happily at her friends. In response to Twilight's question, Applejack pawed at the ground and Rarity coughed awkwardly. The sleepover Twilight mentioned had been a sensitive subject between Rarity and Applejack ever since, although they had made peace formally.

"Oh? is that my dress?" asked Twilight, breaking the silence.

"It is indeed your dress," said Rarity happily.

Rarity opened the box and pulled out the dress. Twilight smiled with glee. Rarity levitated the dress over to Twilight and she slipped into it.

"What do you think, Twilight?" asked Rarity.

"It looks wonderful, Rarity. Only, my wings feel a little uncomfortable."

"Your wings? Oh my. What a bubble-head I am! I completely forgot, I was using the outline for your previous dress, and adding holes for the wings completely slipped my mind," explained Rarity.

"It's okay, Rarity. Sometimes I forget I have these things myself. They've mostly just been a burden so far," said Twilight, as she wriggled out of the dress.

"I'll add holes for your wings and drop off the new dress later," said Rarity.

"Thanks Rarity. You're the best - a true friend!"

Rarity smiled as she packed the dress back into her box.

"Well, I was just on my way to the market. Apple Bloom's selling our apples all by herself… if you know what I mean," said Applejack.

"Oh my. You'd better be on your way then," said Twilight, sharing Applejack's concern.

"Glad I got to stop by. I'll see you later Twilight," said Applejack, as she headed down the stairs. Applejack cautiously opened the front door, and tried to slip out without being noticed by the ponies outside the library. Applejack generally didn't mind attention, but she didn't want any pony asking her if she knew the princess. Twilight deserved her privacy just as much as anypony.

"Well then," said Rarity cheerfully, "what new princess-related endeavors have you been partaking in?"

"Well you know… the usual," responded Twilight.

It seemed to Rarity as though Twilight didn't want to say.

"But um… what's new at the boutique? Do you have any new important clients?" asked Twilight, trying to change the subject.

"No. Just the same old," responded Rarity.

"I'm so glad we got to visit the spa last week. I really needed it," said Twilight.

"Of course, dear. You are welcome to come with me anytime. Fluttershy and I are getting a beauty treatment this Thursday, if you happen to be around?"

"I don't think I can. This Thursday I'll be busy researching."

"Researching what?" asked Rarity.

"Dragons. Dragons and ancient lore about dragons," confessed Twilight.

"Dragons? Whatever for?" asked Rarity sincerely.

"Oh, princess Celestia wanted me to do some research on Salazar. Speaking of which, would it be ok if we talked about the dragon ordeal?"

"Well, sure, I suppose," responded Rarity with a questioning look.

"You're not still upset about it, are you? I don't want to tread somewhere you don't feel comfortable," said Twilight.

"Why Twilight," smiled Rarity, "you act as if I'm your patient or something. We are friends, and I'm always open with my friends. Ask away!"

"Princess Celestia said she sensed Salazar speaking to you. That he was using dark magic to talk through your thoughts. Is that true?" asked Twilight.

"Yes. Yes he did speak to me. Princess Celestia spoke to me too. She told me to be careful what Salazar said, and that his intentions would only be selfish," explained Rarity.

"Absolutely. It's part of their uncontrollable greed," said Twilight.

"And Salazar did exactly that," continued Rarity. "He tried to get me to abandon my friends! He said if I did as he told me, he would give me 'mounds of gems' and fame and fortune and that old spiel. More or less, he offered to make me a princess; or a queen rather, as he said. Can you imagine that?"

"I don't believe it!" said Twilight, as she levitated a quill and began writing on some parchment at the nearby desk. "That sounds like quite an offer."

"I know, right? Although it's a fantastic thought, I didn't buy it at all. It was a blatant strategy to stop me from using my element against him. I've thought about it, and I'm sure that's why he choose me. I wasn't just a random pony he picked out of the crowd, he was clearly trying to separate us six friends. It was exactly as Princess Celestia had said, he'll say anything to get what he wants. Thankfully Rainbow Dash came to my rescue, and we defeated him, rather easily I might add!"

"Defeated him?" asked Twilight casually, as she concentrated on her note-taking.

"Yes. We did defeat him Twilight, did we not?" said Rarity, looking at her friend curiously.

"Oh yes, of course," Twilight nodded awkwardly.

Rarity noticed Twilight was concentrating on writing more than their conversation. If Twilight didn't have time to talk, why was she asking Rarity questions? That was quite rude.

"By the way, why is Princess Celestia still holding him prisoner? Shouldn't she have sent him off to where he came from by now?" asked Rarity, trying to gain Twilight's attention.

"Oh… I'm not sure why," lied Twilight.

"Whatever are you writing, dear?" asked Rarity, staring at the parchment.

"I'm sorry Rarity. Something just came to mind and I just had to write it down," said Twilight as she realized she was being clumsy. As much as she didn't want to, she had to extract information from her friend as Princess Celestia had asked.

"But our conversation's more important. Go ahead, I'm all ears," said Twilight.

"Well anyways, I'm mostly over it by now. I've gotten used to being kidnapped by dragons," frowned Rarity.

Spike, watching secretly from the staircase, blushed with embarrassment and returned to the main floor.

"Did Salazar say anything else to you?" asked Twilight.

"Not really, no," lied Rarity.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, quite sure."

"Well it's to be expected from a dragon," said Twilight, "Discord tried the same thing after all, only he very nearly succeeded."

Rarity didn't like talking about Discord, because he once tricked her into thinking an ordinary rock was a giant diamond. Thankfully, it had remained a secret among the six friends.

"Yes. I suppose it was predictable," responded Rarity.

"Well I'm glad you're feeling better after everything that's happened," said Twilight. "There was a time when you were really upset about it."

"I am. Thank you, darling," said Rarity. "As I said, I've mostly gotten over it, and it's not a big deal now. Well, I had better get going. I've got to finish up your dress and several others for the promenade."

"Oh, about that," said Twilight. "I'm still planning on coming, but you never know what urgent matters might come up. Don't worry though," said Twilight, seeing the look of disappointment on her friend's face, "I have every intention of making it to the party."

"Oh I do hope you can attend. You're the talk of the town nowadays," smiled Rarity. "Quite the popular pony indeed. You have your own entourage and everything!"

"I can't help that, Rarity," said Twilight, getting slightly defensive. "Popularity doesn't mean much to me. Anyways, I'm sure I'll make it to the Promenade."

"Of course. Well, off I go! Goodbye Twilight!" said Rarity.

"Bye Rarity! See you soon!" Twilight waved goodbye to her friend, watched her disappear down the stairs, and went back to finishing her notes on their conversation. She'd report her findings to Princess Celestia right away.

On the library's ground floor, Spike pretended as if he had been standing guard at the door when he saw Rarity.

"The coast is clear, ma'am. I've cleared the front entrance of ponies just for you!" lied Spike.

"Why thank you, Spikey-wikey," acknowledged Rarity as she opened the front door.

Several ponies were still loitering around the library to catch a glimpse of the princess, but the ones Rarity saw when she came in had gone.

"What? Are you going to take out a book, or just stand there gawking like a griffon?" said Rarity to a pony outside the front door.

Rarity felt irritated again; none of these ponies knew Twilight Sparkle, or knew that she was still her same adorable, geeky self, despite being an alicorn. They didn't even have the courage to step into the library! Unbelievable. Rarity trotted past them with her head held high.

"It must be hard on poor Twilight, she's not used to such attention," thought Rarity as she walked through the town.

The sun was rather hot today, so Rarity tried to stay in the shade of buildings as she walked. The last thing she wanted was to sweat in this heat. She hated being sweaty.

"She's just not sure how to handle it," continued Rarity's thoughts. "I would know just what to do, however. I'd start off with a grand appearance at the boutique door. I would smile and flick my hair just so, and my luscious mane would bounce and sparkle in the sunlight! Then I would step forth and ponies would marvel at my beautiful figure! The mares would be wowed, and the stallions would be speechless!" Rarity smiled as the fantasy ran through her head.

"Oooh," she whined aloud, "Why can't I be mobbed by strangers?"

Two nearby ponies overhead this, and gave Rarity an odd look. Rarity hurried away.

"…Come on now Rarity, don't let jealousy get the better of you again," she said to herself as her walk continued.

Rarity was reminded of the time when her friend, Fluttershy, became a fashion model, and Rarity's jealousy took hold of her. She had encouraged Fluttershy to keep modeling, but inside she was brimming with envy and secretly wished for Fluttershy to fail. It's not something that Rarity was proud of. Everything had turned out alright in the end, and she and Fluttershy have remained the best of friends.

Rarity arrived at her home and stepped inside. The coolness of the boutique was refreshing after the walk along the dusty Ponyville streets. After a short break for some iced tea, she ascended the stairs to her room to continue her work.

"I can't believe I forgot the holes for Twilight's wings," said Rarity aloud.

She levitated Fluttershy's finished dress onto one of the mannequins. She would use it a reference for adding wing holes into Twilight's dress. Scissors, thread and needle, and other various sewing tools floated around her. Being a unicorn certainly had an advantage in this line of work.

For the promenade, she was making new dresses for herself, Twilight, and Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie was attending, but was wearing a dress she already had. Rainbow Dash couldn't make it because she would be training for a race in Cloudsdale. And Applejack had chosen not to go. Several other local mares had ordered promenade dresses. Rarity had even tailored a couple tuxedos for stallions who were attending. Each dress was unique and one of a kind, although it meant that Rarity had to charge extra bits for her specialty products.

Rarity pictured Twilight in the dress in front of her. There needed to be something more, something fit for a princess! Gold trim around the wing-holes would look splendid. Rarity located a roll of sparkly gold fabric, made the necessary measurements, and proceeded with her idea. She took a step back and looked at her work.

"Lovely!" she exclaimed. "Fit for a princess. Well actually…"

Rarity's thoughts wandered off. A princess would never wear such a simple dress, such as the one Rarity had made. A dress for a princess would have the finest white silk frills along its skirt. The gold fabric would have actual gold in it, and there would be a lot more gems. A lot more gems…

"I hope Twilight doesn't mind wearing an ordinary dress," said Rarity, now having second thoughts about her work. "I'm sure she wouldn't, but perhaps I could add more to it. Let me see…"

Rarity tried to picture Twilight wearing a regal dress, but she couldn't. In her mind, nothing between Twilight and royalty seemed to match, in terms of fashion. As much as Rarity loved her friend Twilight, the girl didn't have the slightest sense of fashion. Twilight was about as stereotypical a bookworm as you could hope to find. Things like fashion, beauty care, and an appreciation for extravagance were the last things Twilight was interested in.

"It's a shame," thought Rarity, "that a princess would not have a sense of the greater things in life. No concept of fashion, fine dining, luxurious living; and princesses should understand all these things. And it would be especially important for alicorns because they have…"

"Eternal beauty and youth?" she said aloud, remembering her nightmare.

Rarity felt flustered again.

"Twilight hardly has any traits of a princess," her thoughts continued. "She can't even present herself properly at social functions, how could she handle doing it as a daily responsibility? It's just not fair."

Rarity realized her thoughts were becoming negative, and took a deep breath.

"Come now Rarity," she thought, "such negative energy is damaging to one's well being. Control your jealousy. You are happy for Twilight, just as Twilight is happy for your accomplishments."

Rarity sighed deeply. Her body relaxed as she subdued the envy that had come over her.

"No more work on this dress. It matches Twilight's fur perfectly, and she will be delighted to wear it to the promenade. Forget about Twilight's issues, and focus on Rarity's issues," said the unicorn to herself.

She levitated Twilight's newly finished dress into the garment box, closed it, and put it near the other finished dresses. Just a few more dresses to complete for the promenade. She put another dress on the mannequin and began again on her work, and successfully brushed aside any more thoughts about princesses and royalty for the rest of the afternoon.

Chapter 3

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"Princess Celestia," said the young unicorn mare from behind her school desk. "What if the dragon's riddle isn't about a gemstone at all, but something else? The riddled says the object doesn't have a name."

"No, it says the stone isn't a nameable stone. Like not an emerald or ruby, you know?" interrupted a unicorn stallion from the other side of the lecture hall. "I don't think it's an object at all. It's a concept or an idea. The whole riddle's a metaphor."

"That is a valid point, but please don't interrupt your classmates," said Princess Celestia kindly.

"Sorry," responded the young stallion.

"What I was going to say is, what if the object is actually a pony?" continued the unicorn mare. "It could be a princess, because the riddle says the object is envied by many."

"Very good, Seashell," responded the alicorn professor. "Do you think the phrase 'sought by some' might be significant too? Being a princess, I will attest that my position is absolutely 'envied by many' and 'sought by some', as the riddle says. The 'some' could refer to those who have tried to overthrow my sister and I in the past."

A murmur grew in the grandiose lecture room as students talked between themselves. Things like, "She's got to be right," and "Leave it to the teacher's pet," came to Seashell's ears and she brimmed with glee.

The grand lecture hall in Canterlot castle was where the top students in their last year took a class from Princess Celestia herself. The very small school was called Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. The class, the students had found, was often cancelled because of political affairs or emergencies.

Ponies like Twilight Sparkle and other unicorns had graduated from the school to become very magically-adept. As magic was a skill of the mind, the students were used to thinking assignments. It came as no surprise to them that they were now given a difficult riddle to solve. Being used to assignments such as this, the students assumed it was hypothetical and had no idea that the Dragon's riddle assignment, was actually real. Nor did they know that finding the riddle's answer would reveal why Salazar had become a permanent guest of Canterlot, or that the future of Equestria could be at stake.

"I've got it!" said another mare, waving her hand in the air.

Princess Celestia acknowledged her.

"The riddle says that the thing 'sparkles' like a gemstone," said the pony excitedly. "Seashell was right! It's a princess, it's Twilight Sparkle!"

The din of voices grew even louder.

"Could that actually be right?" wondered the princess.

"Quiet please class. Quiet please. You will all have a chance to tell me what you think in the paper assignment due next week. Give me your best guess on what Sal… on what the dragon's riddle is saying. And be sure to support it with original research," said Princess Celestia.

"But, professor, the archives have been closed for weeks," protested a student.

"Yeah, of all the times to do renovations, they do it during midterms. How are we supposed to get any of our work done?" piped another unicorn.

"You managed last week, and you'll manage this week. Part of being a powerful unicorn is being resourceful and creative. Means by which to solve a problem won't always be handed to you," said Princess Celestia. "I think our class time is about over. I'll see you all next week, my faithful students."

The sun princess smiled at her students as they left the class. Some waved and said goodbye; others were tired after a long day of academics and passed by silently. The last unicorn exited the room, ending Celestia's class for the week. Her students left their princess alone with her thoughts in the lonely, aging room.

She closed her eyes and memories of this room returned to her. She recalled the scaffolding crowded with carpenters and stone masons when this section of the castle was being built… nine hundred years ago. She had seen many generations of unicorns pass through classes in this lecture hall. She watched her fillies and colts grow and learn. She watched them graduate and go about their lives wherever fate took them. She tried to keep in touch with her students, and follow up with their active lives… But she also watched her students grow old and pass away. Hundreds upon hundreds, generation after generation. They lived and died under Celestia's motherly guidance. Most names and faces had faded into oblivion, despite Celestia's efforts to remember. Their personalities and thoughts had become forever lost to the world. When she was young, Celestia used to cry. She used to cry a lot, for the innumerable loved ones passing away around her. Both she and Luna did. But now Celestia shed no tears. After thousands of years she had learned to cope with it. She had to. Her sister chose, long ago, to cut herself off emotionally from loved ones. She couldn't handle the pain, and Celestia did not blame her for that decision.

Her current students made up a decent class. While all exceptional students, none shined above the rest like Twilight Sparkle had when she attended just a few years earlier. She might as well put more minds on solving the riddle, what harm could it do? Only a few ponies in Canterlot, whom the royalty trusted, knew the secret that was hiding in plain sight in Canterlot's main tower. The secret that Salazar was not actually a prisoner. The dangerous situation demanded action. Sometimes a young, unclouded mind offers insights that an older pony, however wise, can not.

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The princess made her way out of the old building and returned to the heavily guarded area of the castle where the royalty lived. Her personally selected white pegasus guards greeted her as she passed. Princess Luna was sleeping at this time of evening, and her sister was keen not to disturb her. Luna couldn't be expected to wake up for daytime emergencies, just as Celestia couldn't be expected to wake up in the middle of the night to deal with them. Rather, the two sisters worked as a team to administrate their empire around the clock.

Celestia entered the royal chambers. A grand ceiling with overarching wooden beams extended above her, and a big hearth lay in the middle of the room which was kept burning day and night by servants. As the sun was moving lower in the sky, rays of orange light shined through the stained glass far above.

Exactly one thousand years ago, Canterlot had been nothing but a small mining town on a rocky outcropping. There was direct access to the Crystal Caverns, which is why the area was of interest. Immediately following the banishment of her sister, Celestia established Canterlot as her new capital city. Plagued with grief, the Sun princess could not bear to rebuild the Everfree Palace in which she and Luna had ruled, and where she had been forced to banish her. Canterlot was by all means Celestia's city, built in honor of the sun. The architecture and decor emphasized light and warmth, and paid no attention to the moon.

The Sun Princess proceeded to her compartments to prepare for dinner. She then made her way to the banquet room. Princess Luna was already there, groggy from just waking up. Several servants moved around the table, placing silverware. Princess Luna yawned apathetically.

"Good evening sister," said Celestia. "It looks like it's going to be a warm night."

"'Tis indeed. I'm rather looking forward to it," said Princess Luna, watching her sister approach.

Servants had already prepared Princess Celestia's spot at the table, across from her sister. The long table had a big, soft cushion at every setting. Ponies were expected to fold their legs beneath them and lay on their bellies facing the table; it was traditional etiquette. Having guests or large banquets here had been rare lately.

Princess Luna's breakfast and Princess Celestia's dinner were brought out of the kitchen at the same time. Two servants set the silver plates before them. The servant earth ponies received a nod from Princess Celestia. They each took a small piece out of the meals, and ate them, then stood off to the side and waited.

"Sister," said Celestia, "One of my students has offered an idea for our riddle. It's a bit farfetched, but it's worth thinking about."

"I'm curious. I'd like to hear what it is," said Princess Luna, glancing at the earth pony to her side.

"I'm sure it's just fine, thank you," said Celestia to the servants. The servants bowed and left.

"Sister, when was the last time somepony tried to poison you?" asked Luna as she watched her poison tester walk away.

"I'm not sure. Probably a couple hundred years ago," said Princess Celestia, "but one cannot be too careful."

Luna said nothing. A couple hundred years ago she was still in exile. She tried not to think about it.

"A student proposed that the riddle is a metaphor not for an object, but rather for a pony," began Princess Celestia. "It could fit with the riddle. It would be a pony who is envied by many, and sought by some."

"But sister, how can a pony be sought?" asked Luna.

"I am coming to that, hear the rest of my thoughts," said Celestia. "This pony would be one of a kind, and like a gem, and sparkles like one."

"This does not sound like a pony to me sister," said the critical Luna.

"But look Luna, could 'sparkle' refer to Twilight Sparkle? I explained to my student that a princess would be a good candidate for fitting the 'sought by some and envied by many' line in the riddle, since our thrones are as such," she explained. "As for comparing a pony to a precious gem, I think any princess would fit the description."

"It's interesting that Salazar's coming is so shortly after Twilight's coronation. Perhaps she does have something to do with it," admitted Princess Luna, "but could sparkle also refer to Princess Cadence or the Crystal Empire?" she asked. "The riddle's theme of gems and stones certainly fits there. It could easily refer to the Crystal Heart. And Cadence's cutie mark is of the heart-shaped stone as well. Not only does it's capital city physically sparkle, but it's citizens do as well."

"Sister, that's another good thought," said Celestia.

"But," continued Luna, "the question is raised. If the riddle does refer to a pony, what need has a dragon for a pony? Say we are correct that the dragon wants this pony. Why? What is he to do with her?"

"Luna, I don't know. It doesn't make sense to me either," said Celestia.

"The Crystal Empire was always contested by the dragon folk. T'was but a month ago that Cadence had to cast out another dragon that had wandered too far south," continued Luna. "If Salazar wanted the crystal empire, would he not simply attack it? Or if he wanted, say Twilight or Cadence, would he not simply take them? Would he intend to kidnap them or kill them, and to what end?"

"It is puzzling indeed, sister," said Celestia. "Whatever he wants, it seems he expects us to find it for him."

After a moment of silence Celestia continued, "It was clear to me on that day, when he came, that he knew precisely which of my ponies represented the elements of harmony. When he took one element away from the others, it shows he intended to prevent the elements from uniting."

Luna nodded.

"The Great Wyrm is very wise," said Luna. "How knew he which ponies were the elements?"

"As you said, he is very wise," continued Celestia. "You have read Twilight's report. She discovered that the dragon had offered Rarity her greatest desires, so that she would not use her element against him. Gems, popularity, even being a princess - things that any giddy young mare has dreamed of."

"What did he intend to do once the girls were separated?"

"I don't know, Luna."

"I didn't think the elements could harm him, but apparently they can," said Luna. "He has some reason for wanting to separate the girls; that much is for certain."

Celestia sighed, "We can only keep searching. I know we will find the answer, we always have."

"How long have we, dear sister, until this ordeal comes to a front? Let us be vigilant, and wary," said Princess Luna as she stood up. "I must attend to my duties, the moon must soon rise. I bid you a restful night 'Tia."

"Goodnight, Luna," said Celestia.

The two alicorns left the table and went their separate ways, until they would meet again for opposite meals twelve hours later.

Chapter 4

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Rarity gently turned on her side. Bright daylight glowed through the curtains in her room and lit up her dresses with bright and beautiful colors. Her expensive silk sheets, made warm from her body heat, moved with her as she turned in bed. Rarity removed her night mask and rubbed her eyes with a hoof. She blinked in the diluted daylight. She had slept soundly and experienced no nightmares last night.

She looked at the clock on her bedside table, yawned, and climbed out of bed. Today was going to be a wonderful day. She had only a few dresses to finish, and had ample time to do so. Sweetie Belle was out of the way, staying with their parents, and Rarity was going to the spa with her best friend Fluttershy. To top it all off, the weather was superb.

Rarity put on her fluffy, pink bathrobe and did her morning routine. While she ate her breakfast, Rarity's mind wandered back to the dragon ordeal. While she was mostly over it, the upsetting event still would not leave Rarity's mind.

"What if the dragon had been telling the truth? What if he did want to make me a princess?" thought Rarity. "Imagine, me, Princess Rarity."

She smiled as she gave into the day dream.

"I'd have my own servant mares, and they'd all say 'yes Miss Rarity, you are so beautiful Miss Rarity.' And I'd live in a big castle with elegant rooms and arched hallways, and there would be a handsome unicorn prince. But not like Prince Blueblood, that jerk! No, my prince would pamper me and love me, and treat me like a true lady. And I would have gems! All the biggest, and most bedazzling gems in the empire! Diamonds, Emeralds, and Rubies oh my!"

Rarity smiled euphorically at the wonderful thought.

"But no, it's a ridiculous thought. How would that even work? Things don't work like that, you silly mare. The dragon wanted to break apart the elements, nothing else. It was just never meant to be Rarity, you're not an alicorn," thought Rarity's reasonable half. "Princesses must be born princesses, or in Twilight's case… Never mind. It is no matter."

"Twilight…" Rarity closed her eyes as she contemplated her friend's coronation as princess.

"Am I jealous of her, aren't I? Yesterday she was just an adorable nerd, and today she's an Equestrian princess with fame and status… How did she do it? Was it merely the act of completing Starswirl the Bearded's spell, or did Princesses Celestia intend to make her an alicorn from the beginning?

"When it comes down to it, are Twilight's academic excellence, leadership ability, and magical proficiency the only reasons that she became a princess? What if I, Rarity, had instead been a prime student at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns? What was it again that the dragon said just as we defeated him? 'Our destinies are not chosen for us, but by us.'

"Nonsense, my magic is nowhere near the level of Twilight's. She's worked her whole life for this; it's even her cutie mark for Celestia's sake. You're life calling is making things look beautiful and pristine; thus your cutie mark representing beauty and your career of creating stunning dresses," Rarity told herself. "I'm not meant to be a princess. It's just not meant to be, and that's the end of it."

Having finished her breakfast, Rarity returned upstairs to the creative paradise that was her room. She looked over the promenade dresses and was satisfied with her work. Seeing the finished product was just as rewarding as giving it to the customer.

"Lovely," said the unicorn, as she looked through her work. She stopped as she looked over a dress.

Rarity gasped, "Idea!"

She trotted over to her sewing machine, levitated several rolls of fabric. She made a few cuts, and turned the machine on.

But suddenly she felt lightheaded. Déjà vu. This seemed like the start of the nightmare just two nights ago. Rarity recalled the dream of sewing as an old and decrepit mare. She had stood just like this, and she had held the fabric just like this.

"That will be me in not all that many years," thought Rarity, as a shiver ran down her spine.

"That's alright. I don't need to sew today anyways," she said as she turned off the sewing machine. "Today is for relaxation. I should get some fresh air."

Rarity left her sewing materials where they were, grabbed her knapsack, and left the boutique. It was very unlike her not to pursue a creative idea.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Hiya Rarity! Get kidnapped by any dragons today?" blurted Pinkie Pie as Rarity walked into Sugar Cube Corner. Pinkie was standing behind the store counter, but came bounding out excitedly upon seeing her friend.

"Pinkie, I've been trying to not think about that," said Rarity.

"You can't hide from your past, silly. Believe me, it will only make you sad. It builds up inside of you like a cake in the oven, and if you leave it in too long it explodes!" Pinkie threw her arms up in the air to simulate and explosion. "Nope, it's best to let everything out. When you've got a problem, just tell somepony and it makes everything better."

Rarity and her friends had seen Pinkie Pie when she got depressed; it was not a pretty sight.

"Do you wanna to talk about it, Rarity? We can take turns! I'll tell you all about my depressing childhood on the rock farm!" said Pinkie Pie excitedly.

"Thanks but no thanks, Pinkie. Besides, that's not why I'm here," explained Rarity.

"Are you here for a cupcake? A chocolate cake? A strawberry cake? A cake cake? Oh, I know! You're here to help me bake muffins!" said Pinkie as she jumped up and down.

"Well actually I only stopped in to say hello," explained Rarity.

"Aww, you didn't have to do that," Pinkie Pie leaned forward and hugged her friend.

"Pinkie? … Thanks. I needed a hug," blushed Rarity.

"I can always tell when somepony needs a hug," said Pinkie, winking at Rarity. "So, what are ya doin' today?"

"I'm just out for some fresh air before my appointment at the spa with Fluttershy. You're more than welcome to join us if you like."

"Gosh, that's sounds super duper fun… But Mr. and Mrs. Cake are out, and I've got to run the whole store this afternoon," frowned Pinkie Pie.

"Perhaps another time, Pinkie," said Rarity, trying to cheer up her bipolar friend.

"Whoops, looks like I've got a customer!" said Pinkie Pie, as an earth pony walked through the door.

"Okay. I'll see you this weekend, Pinkie, at our picnic," said Rarity, as Pinkie trotted back to the counter.

"Okey dokey lokey!" shouted Pinkie Pie.

Rarity walked out of the store. She never had much of a sweet tooth, unless you counted her love for pure, rich, dark chocolate. Having expensive tastes meant additional living expenses, but it was manageable.

"Now where to?" thought Rarity.

She wasn't used to having so much free time. She was always working on a dress, or thinking of new ideas for one, or looking after Sweetie Belle. But she just didn't feel like sewing today. Ponies were walking through the streets. Rarity could see the local street market down one of the avenues. She might as well take a stroll through the market, as long as she had time to spare.

Rarity said "Hi" to nearly a dozen ponies before she even reached the market. Ponyville was small enough where everypony knew almost everypony else. As Rarity entered the market, she noticed the immediate attention upon her. A few stallions here, a few mares there… They all turned to see the prettiest pony in Ponyville.

"Hey Rarity!" called a stallion nearby. He was Rarity's neighbor, and had once pulled her friends to The Gala in Canterlot in a carriage.

Rarity smiled and flicked her flowing mane in his direction, leaving the poor stallion speechless. Rarity smirked and kept walking. She looked around to see if she needed anything from the market. Nothing she could think of at the time. Rarity stopped at a flower stand to admire the wonderful bouquets of colors and scents.

"Nice to see you Rarity," said a passing mare.

"Likewise, Lily," she responded.

A few stalls away, the Apple family had their apple stand set up and were doing business. Big Macintosh, Applejack's older brother, was working the stand along with her. He spotted his sister's unicorn friend, Rarity, standing nearby.

"Excuse me, can I get a discount if I buy a whole bag of apples?" said a pegasus pony, walking up to the stand. Applejack was busy with another customer and left Big Mac to handle it.

Rarity leaned forward and took a big whiff of some roses, exhaling with delight. Her wavy mane glistened in the sunlight. Big Macintosh's mouth fell open and the straw he had been chewing fell out of his mouth.

"Eeyup!" he said, becoming starry-eyed.

"Um… Hey, are you there?" asked the pegasus customer.

"Big Macintosh, what the hay are you lookin' at?" demanded Applejack as she saw the customer being ignored.

She followed his gaze and saw that it lead straight to her friend Rarity! Applejack brought her heavy duty work down on Big Mac's head with a solid whack! Big Mac shook his head. "Ouch!" he mumbled. Blushing, he apologized to the customer and finished the sale.

"Keep your eyes to yourself. Good thing Apple Bloom aint here. What kind of impression would that have made on her?" said Big Mac's testy sister.

"Rarity! Fancy seein' you here," she said as Rarity walked up to the market stand.

"Why Applejack! And big Macintosh. It's nice to see you. I'm only out for a little stroll. A lovely day for selling apples is it not?"

"Eeyup!" said Big Macintosh smiling at Rarity.

Applejack shot a warning glance at her brother.

"I suppose I'll take an apple. What are they, two bits?" asked Rarity

"No way, sugarcube. It's on me. Go ahead, take one," said Applejack, gesturing at the display of apples.

"Oh no, I insist on paying," said Rarity, taken aback.

"Nuh uh, they're free for friends of the Apple family. And I won't take no for an answer," smiled Applejack.

"Oh haha," chuckled Rarity awkwardly, "but I insist. I can't take a hard earned apple from a dear friend."

"And I insist, I can't take hard earned bits from a good friend," said Applejack.

"Applejack, my dear, you are too kind. But seriously, here's two bits," said Rarity, becoming edgy.

"Absolutely not," snapped Applejack, as she picked up two apples in her mouth and thrust them towards Rarity.

"Eww," Rarity reared back in disgust, "now you've put your mouth on them? Perhaps I do not want any apples after all."

Big Macintosh meanwhile was blankly looking at the confrontation going on before him. Ponies in the street were now drawn to the commotion and meandered closer to the apple stall.

"Mmmm Mmmm Mmm! Pfft!" Applejack spat the apples out of her mouth so she could speak again. "Gosh dangit, Rarity! Just take an apple for free. They hardly cost us a thing."

"Applejack, you forget that I am the element of generosity. I must pay you for your product. I simply cannot bear to partake in an unequal trade!" said Rarity dramatically.

Now a number of ponies were standing around watching the scene. After a moment of hesitation, Applejack gave in.

"Alright, Rarity, have it your way. You can buy the apple," she said, sounding defeated.

"Thank you dear. Au Revoir!" said Rarity as she set two bits on the counter. Applejack scowled at the bits in front of her. Rarity ignored the two apples that had been in Applejack's mouth and selected a shiny red one from the barrel. She then trotted back the way she had come.

"Can I have a free apple?" said an earth pony who had been watching the scene.

"No," retorted Applejack, "you have to pay just like everypony else!"

The crowd slowly dispersed.

"Thanks for the help back there," said Applejack to Big Mac sarcastically.

"Eeyup," he responded.

Rarity trotted back through the market.

"Applejack sure can be stubborn," she thought.

Rarity stopped and looked at the clock adorning Ponyville town hall. It was nearly time for her spa appointment. In the other direction, she saw Twilight's tree house. Half a dozen ponies were standing around outside, trying to get a glimpse of the new princess in town. Rarity's stomach tightened up as she felt her envy and jealousy returning. She immediately imagined those ponies outside of her own home, and how much more deserving she was to have such attention. It was a thought reflex, she couldn't help it. She shunned her head away from the library, forcing herself to not look at it. This is why she had avoiding visiting Twilight today. This is why she had tried not to think about her princess friend.

"No Rarity! Your jealousy isn't going to take over. Not again," she thought to herself.

She walked towards the Ponyville Spa. A spa treatment with her best friend is just what Rarity needed to get those unpleasant thoughts off her mind.

In the lobby, Lotus, one of the two spa workers, greeted her. Rarity was one of the spa's best patrons. Rarity sat in the lobby and read a fashion magazine while she waited for Fluttershy.

"Any chance of seeing Pinkie Pie or Twilight this week, Rarity?" asked Lotus.

"No. They are both busy. But perhaps next week," she responded.

Rarity was the go-to-pony for fashion and beauty advice among her friends. She knew all the latest styles and hippest trends. She had first introduced ponies like Twilight and Pinkie to beauty products. Those ponies, otherwise, would have had no interest in such things. Rarity perked up as she heard soft hoof steps. Fluttershy stepped through the entrance and lowered her head in her characteristically shy way

"Fluttershy! How are you?" said Rarity, putting down the magazine she had been reading.

"I'm okay. But how are you, Rarity? How is your dress making going?"

"Great. The dresses are mostly done, and yours is maybe the most stunning of them all!" said Rarity happily.

"I can't wait to see it, Rarity," came Fluttershy's soft voice. "I'm sure it's wonderful."

"Rarity, Fluttershy, we're ready for you," said Lotus from behind the desk.

The two friends walked from the lobby into the spa. There were lounge-chairs around the room, a couple mud baths, a huge hot tub, salon hair dryers, and various other beautifying equipment.

There were several other ponies in the spa. One was receiving a hooficure from Lotus' sister, Aloe. And others were using tanning machines or waiting for their mud masks to dry. Rarity and Fluttershy were each given white bathrobes and lead to the hair styling station.

After a rejuvenating spa treatment, the girls relaxed in the big hot tub. Neither pony said anything, since both were enjoying the moment. Rarity nearly nodded off to sleep she was so relaxed. This is just what she had needed to get princesses off her mind.

Fluttershy noticed two new ponies come into the spa, both earth pony mares. Aloe lead them to the massage tables and they lay down. Several minutes later, one of the mares broke the peaceful silence of the spa.

"Have you heard? Princess Twilight is in town," said the mare.

"It's true. I saw her fly in on a royal chariot," responded the other.

"Wow. You really saw her?" said the first mare in awe.

"You should have seen how the gold on the chariot shimmered! She came from Canterlot I bet. There were royal guards pulling it," said the second mare.

"What a life! I can only imagine what it would be like to be a princess. I'd never have to work for bits again. Everypony would wait on me, hoof and hoof. And I'd be fed hoof to mouth, and live in something like a castle!"

Rarity's peaceful thoughts had been disturbed, and she was awake and alert again. She and Fluttershy exchanged displeased glances. The spa was a place of relaxation and rejuvenation, as well as a place of being respectful to other ponies.

"Ahem!" Rarity coughed, clearly meant to tell the ponies that they were being inconsiderate. Aloe acknowledged Rarity as she continued the massage.

"Pardon me ma'am," said Aloe to her client, "but if you could perhaps keep your voice down. There are other customers using the spa too."

"Sorry," whispered the mare.

A few minutes went by and Rarity felt her mind at ease again. Her bliss was interrupted however, when the earth ponies started talking again.

"I wonder what sort of treatment a Princess would get at a spa?" whispered the mare.

Rarity frowned.

"Oops, sorry," said the mare to Aloe, as she realized she wasn't being polite.

"Well," said Aloe, "Princess Twilight would have her mane straightened while she got a facial. Then she'd sprawl out on one of the lounges to relax. At least, that's what she did last week when she was here."

Rarity looked up, and glared at Aloe. But Aloe was preoccupied and didn't notice Rarity.

"Princess Sparkle was here last week?" said both of the mares at once.

"She sure was," boasted Aloe, a grin appearing her face as she stopped her massage.

Both the mares turned around to face Aloe, curious about her experience with the princess.

"Yep. Princess Twilight is a regular here. Probably one of our higher end clientele," bragged the spa pony.

"Yuck. You've got to be kidding me," whispered Rarity to Fluttershy.

Aloe, caught in the spotlight, felt inclined to continue her story. "Sometimes the princess requests a hooficure too."

"Oh my Celestia," said one of the mares. "What's the royal spa treatment like? Does she demand gold-flake hoof polish? What sort of super-special shampoo do you use in her mane?"

Rarity leaned out of the tub and stared in disbelief at the talkative earth ponies. She couldn't believe Aloe was letting them be so disrespectful. Rarity was, after all, a patron.

"Oh Rarity," said Fluttershy in a very concerned voice as she placed a hoof on Rarity's back. "Please don't make a scene. I'm sure they'll quiet down again in just a minute. You should really try to avoid confrontation whenever possible. I mean, at least that's what I do."

"We cater to the princess with the best treatment we have to offer," said Lotus, now joining in on the conversation. "Aloe and I do our best to make royalty feel like royalty."

"Wow!" said the first.

"Amazing," said the second.

"Oh please," said Rarity suddenly. "I've accompanied Twilight to the spa every single time she's been here. The only reason she's a regular here, is because I'm a regular here, and I invite her! She would otherwise be in her library all day with her books."

All the ponies in the spa were now looking at Rarity. Fluttershy took a deep breath and submerged herself under the murky hot tub water. She hated socially awkward situations, and something like this was beyond what she could handle. Maybe if she hid underwater for a minute, the situation up above would pass and nopony would know she was there.

"I can not believe you, Aloe," ranted Rarity. "'High end clientele'? Twilight receives the same spa treatment that you give everypony. Aloe, don't you remember when Twilight didn't know what a hooficure was the first time I took her here? And Lotus, remember how you couldn't stop laughing after Twilight tripped on a chair and fell into the hot tub? Now that she's a princess, you're pretending like she's a completely different pony, perfectly regal and eloquent. And you're speaking as if knowing her makes you more important! Never would I have expected such pretentious talk from the two of you."

Lotus and Aloe blushed and lowered their heads in embarrassment.

"Hmmf!" pouted Rarity as she turned away from them.

Fluttershy emerged from the water.

"Oh my goodness. Is it over yet, Rarity?" she said, catching her breath.

"Come on Fluttershy, we're leaving."

"Oh, okay. I guess I've relaxed enough anyways," said the compliant pegasus.

The two climbed out of the hot tub and put on their bathrobes. Rarity walked briskly past the spa ponies and out to the lobby with her head held high. Fluttershy scuffled after her friend, hiding behind her the best she could, even though she knew it didn't make a difference now.

"Um, Rarity," said Fluttershy, "Where are we going?"

The two discarded their bathrobes on the way out and stepped into the lobby.

"Rarity! Wait," said Lotus as she caught up to them in the lobby.

Rarity turned and looked at her blankly.

"I'm sorry Rarity," said Lotus. "I just got carried away. I don't know what got into me."

"No," said Rarity, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have spoken out like that. It was unladylike of me. And I embarrassed you in front of those ponies."

"Well, we did kinda deserve it," said Aloe, stepping into the room. "We shouldn't have been talking like that about Twilight behind her back."

Fluttershy pawed her hooves on the floor and looked around awkwardly. She could only guess what had happened since she hadn't heard anything that was said back there.

"Promise you won't tell Twilight, Rarity. Please?" said Lotus.

"I promise," said Rarity.

The spa ponies each nuzzled Rarity's neck as a sign of good will between them.

Rarity and Fluttershy then took their leave.

"I'm so sorry about that Fluttershy, I wish I hadn't spoken out like that. But Aloe and Lotus know they acted inappropriately too," said Rarity as the two walked through the Ponyville streets.

"I was under water, so I couldn't..." began Fluttershy, but she was cut off by Rarity.

"I hope you don't judge me too harshly for what I said back there," continued Rarity.

"Oh no, I would nev…"

"I know you're thinking it was about Twilight, but it was about how rude those earth ponies were being," continued Rarity.

"I don't know what…"

"I'm happy for Twilight, really," said Rarity.

"Um, me too?"

"I'm certainly not jealous of her… I just don't see what the big deal is. Why is she getting so much attention? Maybe I wouldn't mind it if Twilight knew the proper way a princess should act… Oh who am I kidding? I am jealous of Twilight. I don't want to be, honestly. I just can't help it! I wish things could just go back to the way they used to be."

"Gosh Rarity, I didn't know you felt that way," said Fluttershy.

"Well, I wish I didn't either," replied Rarity.

The caring look in Fluttershy's eyes showed real concern for her friend. The two ponies walked along, side by side, down Ponyville's main avenue. There were cafés and stores along the street.

"Would you like to get a late lunch?" asked Fluttershy.

"I didn't have a big breakfast, so lunch sounds lovely," replied Rarity.

The two mares walked into a nearby café. The host greeted them and offered them menus. They sat down at a table made from a wooden barrel.

"The daisy sandwich with orange slices looks delicious," commented Rarity.

"I'm just going to have a carrot salad with a side of hay," said Fluttershy.

The two ponies ordered. An uncomfortable silence followed.

"Rarity," began the yellow pegasus pony, "The thing about Twilight is really worrying you. Something's really the matter, isn't it?"

Rarity looked away as her eyes started to water. She wiped her eyes with her hooves and got a hold of herself.

"It's not your fault Rarity. Your chaos element is greed, so you're naturally jealous. When somepony has something that you don't have, it's your natural tendency to want it. Just like a dragon," explained Fluttershy.

"I know, Fluttershy. I know," said Rarity. "But it's not only that. I had the most terrible dream the other night. I was old and ugly, and I couldn't sew anymore."

"Oh that's awful," said Fluttershy.

"It's not Twilight. It's me," said Rarity. "Why am I acting like this? I can't sew without remembering that horrible nightmare. I'm afraid, Fluttershy."

"Afraid of what?"

Fluttershy had so much compassion for her friend that she looked deeply troubled herself.

"Well," continued the unicorn, "I saw Twilight in the dream, and she was still young and beautiful while the rest of us had become old."

"Do you think her life has really been stretched out? Is she immortal like Princess Celestia?" asked the pegasus innocently.

"I don't think any pony knows, other than the princesses."

"Gosh," said Fluttershy sadly, "I never thought about that before. That means one day Twilight will be all alone, or she'll have to make new friends. But it doesn't affect us, does it?"

"No, it doesn't affect us at all," said Rarity. "You're right Fluttershy, it's just a matter of jealousy and nothing more."

"Are you saying you want to be an alicorn princess? That's an unusual thing for ponies to wish for," said Fluttershy.

"No, no, no," said Rarity. "I don't know… It's just that I'm afraid. That's all."

"We all have our weaknesses, Rarity. Sometimes I struggle with being timid and scared of things that shouldn't be scary," confessed Fluttershy.

"Well everypony in the town knows that," thought Rarity, as she acted surprised by what Fluttershy was telling her.

"Fluttershy," said Rarity, "thank you for being so understanding. You're one pony who I can truly talk to."

Fluttershy blushed. She knew that Rarity trusted her more than anypony else. Likewise, Fluttershy felt most comfortable when she was around Rarity. The two ponies knew everything about each other. Even before Twilight had come to Ponyville and they discovered that their fates were intertwined, Fluttershy and Rarity had been best friends. They were inseparable.

Their food arrived and they ate their meals. While they ate, Rarity told Fluttershy about the latest fashion trends, and Fluttershy talked about her new animals. When their plates were cleaned, they paid the bill and departed from the café. In front of Rarity's boutique, the two mares hugged and parted ways in good spirits. Rarity watched her best friend trot off towards her cottage just outside of town in the receding daylight. Rarity entered the boutique and retired for the evening, after an eventful yet relaxing day in Ponyville.

Chapter 5

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Rarity knocked on the door of the Ponyville Spa. It was usually open today, but for some reason it didn't seem like anypony was there. Rarity noticed a note on the door.

"Ponyville Spa closed on royal orders," read Rarity.

Rarity didn't understand. How and why did this happen? The dismayed unicorn returned to her boutique. Sweetie Belle was supposed to be here. Rarity called for her sister and looked around for her, but couldn't find her anywhere. Rarity suddenly heard a knock on the door, and went to answer.

"Yes? Can I help you?" said Rarity to the pegasus wearing a public uniform.

"Yes you can. Your weekly taxes are due," said the pegasus mare coldly.

"Weekly taxes? When did this start happening? Are you being serious?" demanded Rarity.

"Royal decree to raise tax revenue, just this week," said the pegasus.

"Well I don't believe it. I pay too much tax as it is," complained Rarity.

"It's the bits, ma'am… or the stockades," said the pegasus in annoyance.

"Fine. No need to be rude. Here you go," said Rarity as she dropped the bits into the pegasus' saddle bag.

Rarity closed the door without saying goodbye.

"The government's really been overstepping it's bounds," said Rarity to herself.

Another knock came at her door just as she was turning around.

"Yes? Hello?" said Rarity to the three unicorn police at her door. There was a demeanor about them that made Rarity feel uncomfortable.

"Good day. You are Miss Rarity I presume? Mind if we step inside?" said one of them.

"Yes, I do mind. Whatever is the reason?" said Rarity, closing the door a little bit.

"We have reason to believe you're in possession of illegal contraband. Failure to comply will mean arrest. Please open the door ma'am," he said.

"What?!" snapped Rarity. "You're not coming in without a warrant. I have a right to my privacy."

The unicorn nodded to the others and they forced the door open with their magic, which Rarity had been trying to hold back. Rarity was knocked to the side as the unicorns came in.

"Get out of here, you ruffians! This is my boutique!" ordered Rarity.

The police ponies ignored Rarity and began searching the house.

"Hey look at this," said one of them, as he pulled back the changing room curtain, exposing a set of dresses Rarity had made.

"Yep, looks like we've got the right place," said the lead police pony.

Before Rarity could protest, she was ensnared in a magical field that the police pony was casting on her. She was forced onto her side on the floor, and the magical field kept her pinned down. Her front and rear legs were cuffed together so she couldn't walk.

"When I get out of here I'll… I'll…" threatened Rarity.

One of the police hurried down the stairs levitating Rarity's sewing machine with him.

"What the hay are you doing with my things?!" demanded Rarity.

"Alright, that's pretty convincing evidence," said the lead police pony.

He then said to Rarity, "Miss Rarity, you are under arrest for production of illegal materials."

"What are you talking about!" yelled Rarity. "It's just sewing equipment, you buffoon!"

"Oh, we have a confession I see. Surely you know, Miss Rarity, that dress sewing is against the law?" said the police pony.

"What?! You've got to be joking me!" protested Rarity.

The head police pony levitated her into the air and they walked out the front door of the Carousel Boutique. Rarity struggled and squirmed, but to no avail. Her temper was making her feel hot. The floating, shackled unicorn turned her head to see where her kidnapers were taking her. Ponyville Town Hall was gone and there was a stunning castle in it's place. Rarity stopped squirming as she gazed in awe at the building looming above Ponyville. The police ponies carried her through the main entrance and Rarity suddenly found herself in a large room with high ceilings. The police set her down and trotted away.

"What's going on? Come back here you…!" Rarity tripped as she tried to move and fell on her face. At least the red carpet made a soft landing.

"Rarity," said a familiar voice.

Rarity flopped around to face the voice. Twilight Sparkle sat in a raised throne in front of her. She was wearing her crown and a luxurious gown. Her wings were spread out wide on either side of her.

"Twilight!" said Rarity, "What's happening? They said dress making was illegal and they arrested me!"

"I'm sorry Rarity, but dress making is illegal," said Twilight frankly.

"But… But you're wearing a dress right now. In fact, that's the dress I made for you for the promenade!" said Rarity.

"So?" snapped Twilight.

"Twilight? What's gotten into you? Tell me what's wrong," said Rarity, concernedly.

"Nothing's wrong. Everything's how it's supposed to be. I outlawed dress making and dress wearing," said Twilight haughtily.

"But why?" asked the confused unicorn, "Why would you do something like that?"

"Fashion is simply impractical. Nopony needs it. It consumes time which could otherwise be used studying and reading books," said Twilight coldly.

"Besides, it means more attention for me!" giggled Twilight creepily.

"No, Twilight. You'd never say something like that. This isn't like you," protested Rarity.

Suddenly a white unicorn filly walked up beside Twilight.

"Sweetie Belle?!" said Rarity, "what are you doing here?"

"Twilight adopted me as her new little sister," said Sweetie Belle. "She doesn't spend much time with me either, but she does give me lots of candy! All the candy I can eat!"

Sweetie Belle joyfully popped a handful of sweets into her mouth. Rarity felt her temper rising again. The fact that she couldn't stand up made the matter worse.

"Twilight, I demand to know the meaning of this! And Sweetie Belle, shame on you!" said the powerless unicorn. "Sweetie Belle? Sweetie Belle, what are you doing? Don't walk away from your sister when she's talking to you!"

"Hehe," giggle Twilight.

"Stop laughing!" yelled Rarity.

"Sweetie Belle, take your candy and go play in your room," said Twilight.

Sweetie Belle obeyed. Rarity was fuming.

"Only I have authority over my sister!" yelled Rarity. "Sweetie Belle! Come back here at once!"

"Apparently you don't," said Twilight snidely.

"Give me my life back, Twilight Sparkle! I've always been in control of my life, let me go back home!" yelled Rarity.

"Only a princess truly has control," said Twilight. "You can't have control if you're not a princess."

"That's ridiculous!" said Rarity as she continued struggling in her shackles.

"Is it? As princess, I can do anything I want; like seize your livelihood, your home, or your sister," continued Twilight.

"Give me my life back!" yelled Rarity, kicking her legs. "Wait, what about my home?"

"Oh, I've had the police possess your boutique, and all your belongings. It's part of the royal treasury now. It's just a drop, but drops are what make up an ocean!"

Rarity attempted to stand once again, but fell over.

"I have so much wealth Rarity, you wouldn't believe it! And the power, it's euphoric!" Twilight giggled with glee and clopped her hooves together.

Was this really Twilight Sparkle? Rarity didn't think Twilight was capable of acting like this, but as the old saying goes, power corrupts. It didn't matter how or why Twilight was doing this; when Rarity got out of these shackles, she was going to show Twilight how tough she could really be.

"You're going to show me how tough you are?" said Twilight.

Now Twilight was reading he thoughts too? Rarity bucked her legs in the air in desperation. She realized how pathetic she must look, kicking and squirming on the floor at her friend's feet. Rarity started crying. Her legs strained against her metal shackles. The situation was utterly hopeless. Tears ran down Rarity's cheeks and soaked into the red carpet below. She looked at Twilight pitifully. Twilight said nothing.

"Twilight," sobbed Rarity, "please… give me… back…"

The unicorn was sobbing so hard she couldn't speak. Between gasps and sobs, she could see Twilight sitting on her throne, although it was blurred by tears. Rarity wanted revenge. She wanted to make her oppressor pay. Rarity tossed her head back and neighed loudly. Her helplessness was unbearable. Rarity had always been a strong, independent mare, and this was just too much to handle. She gave in after another minute of struggle, and lay motionless on the carpet, crying.

Suddenly whispers surrounded Rarity. Reverence, they said. Power and wealth, whispered others. They sounded like the whispers from her previous nightmare.

"Yes," said Rarity aloud, "give them back to me. Give me back my sister. Give me back everything, Twilight Sparkle."

Rarity now turned to face Twilight, who still sat on the throne. With another expulsion of strength, Rarity attempted to stand on all four legs, and succeeded this time. She felt as though some strange magic was possessing her, and trying to overtake her.

"Give it back to me!" yelled Rarity, facing Twilight. "I want to be in control!"

Twilight didn't respond. Rarity felt an overwhelming ecstasy come over her. Her hairs stood on end with this new feeling of power. She didn't know what this feeling was, but it was taking hold of her and nothing had ever felt so good. Rarity's eyes grew wide as she felt this strange ecstasy run through her body. She gasped as she felt her whole being engulfed by greed and anger.

Rarity's horn started to glow, but the magical aura was a dark, corrupt magic. With this magic, Rarity unlocked her shackles. She glared at Twilight vengefully. The dark magic seemed to be possessing her.

"Give me everything! I want your power! I want your wealth! I deserve to be the one in control! I'm want to be the princess!" screamed Rarity.

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Rarity suddenly sat up in bed, speechless. Her fur was standing on end, and her horn tingled. She lay a hoof on her chest. Her heart was beating quickly. Again, she was sweating like after the last nightmare, especially her hindquarters where ponies' sweat glands are. Rarity didn't get up, but lay back down with her eyes wide open. She couldn't grasp what had just happened. She wasn't panicky, like after the first dream, instead this dream had chilled her to the bone. She felt pale and lightheaded. What had come over her back there?

Rarity laid there until well into the morning, unable to sleep again. She silently got up and went downstairs. She didn't feel capable of doing her makeup this morning. Rarity groggily walked into the kitchen. She stood in the threshold of the room, swaying back and forth and staring off into space. The poor unicorn was in shock. She could not believe what she had said to Twilight. It was only a dream, but still.

"The whispers," thought Rarity. "The whispers were there again like in the first dream. That dragon created them. Could he be… controlling my dreams? Yes, that's the only way to explain it."

Rarity shivered at the thought.

"But, why in Equestria would he do that? And why me? I… I just can't take this anymore," said Rarity aloud. "Oh Celestia why? Why me? Just let it end!"

Rarity's breakdown was cut short by a knock on the door. The knock signaled that Sweetie Belle was here for breakfast before school. Rarity regained her composure the best she could, and made her way to the door. She wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Rarity! Are you there?!" yelled her little sister, knocking again at the door.

"Coming, Sweetie Belle!" said Rarity.

Rarity took a few deep breaths, as she tried to relax and look natural. She opened the door and Sweetie Belle trotted in. The filly trotted into the kitchen and stopped. Rarity walked after her.

"What's for breakfast today sis?" asked the filly.

"No breakfast today. I woke up late again, and didn't have time to..." rarity coughed, "… to make anything. But I have suppose I have some fruit."

Rarity could hear that her own voice sounded shaky. She smiled at Sweetie Belle, but knew all too well that she hadn't managed to hide the look of distress in her eyes.

"Rarity, what's wrong?" asked Sweetie Belle, as her little face took on a concerned expression.

"Nothing's the matter. Let's eat our breakfast now, shall we?" said Rarity unconvincingly.

Sweetie Belle watched as her sister prepared a plate of fruit. There was a look on Rarity's face that Sweetie Belle had seldom seen before. Her sister just didn't seem herself. Sweetie Belle wasn't sure what to say. She knew her sister could be real emotional, or more like over-dramatic, but this was different. Sweetie Belle sat down at the table and started eating. The two sisters said nothing and avoided eye contact. Rarity knew that her façade hadn't worked.

"Rarity?" asked Sweetie Belle, looking up at her sister.

"Yes, Sweetie?"

"Rarity, you're scaring me," she said plainly.

This evoked Rarity's eyes to tear up again. She sniffled and dabbed her eyes with a napkin.

"Rarity?!" said Sweetie Belle, as her eyes began to water too.

"Oh Sweetie Belle, I'm sorry," said Rarity. "It was only another bad dream."

The sisters embraced in a hug next to the kitchen table.

"I'm so sorry Sweetie Belle," said Rarity. "You should be off to school now. Don't worry about me, I'll feel better soon enough. I'll be as good as new by the time you get back from school."

"Isn't there any way I can help, Rarity?" asked the filly, as her sister nuzzled her neck.

"No, Sweetie Belle," Rarity smiled, "I'll be just fine. Now off you go."

The sisters broke their embrace and headed to the door. Rarity waved goodbye as Sweetie Belle walked away. Rarity closed the door and stepped back inside. A clock ticked ominously on the wall nearby. Now that Rarity had an idea of why she was having the nightmares, she was unsure what to do about it. It was something Rarity had no control over. Maybe Sweetie Belle was right, maybe Rarity did need help from somepony. But who, and what could they do?

Rarity retired to her room.

"Oh, I feel terrible that Sweetie Belle had to see me so down in the dumps, as it were. Big sisters are meant to act strong, and be good role models."

Rarity walked up to her work table and looked over her sewing tools. The tools and materials were all here, waiting for a creative mind to put them to good use. As the unicorn examined the dresses for the promenade, she felt that her mind was not at ease.

"I cannot believe what happened to me in that dream," she thought. "It was as if I had been corrupted by Discord again. It was that same overwhelming feeling of greed and envy. I really turned into a monster."

Rarity turned her back to her work, and chose to walk away. She couldn't sew for the time being, her distress was severely hampering her creativity. Rarity meandered around the Boutique for a few minutes, trying to find things to do to get her mind off the nightmare. It was no use, her mind was just too clouded. She found that she couldn't work on a single project.

"Aha! I know just the thing," thought Rarity as she made her way downstairs. "I'll go looking for gems. If it can help ease my mind, then why not? Maybe all I need is some fresh air."

Rarity grabbed her saddlebags, emblazoned with her cutie mark symbol, and went to the Boutique door. She grabbed a sun hat on the way out, and locked the door behind her.

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"Rarity!" yelled Sweetie Belle from outside the boutique.

Usually the boutique was open at this time of day. Sweetie Belle wondered why Rarity had locked it. Either she was out, busy working on dresses, or taking a bath. Sweetie Belle knocked her head on the door again.

"Rarity!" she yelled.

Sweetie Belle pouted and sat down in front of the door and waited. She watched ponies walking by on the street. A couple minutes passed before Sweetie Belle saw a familiar figure trotting towards her. It was Rarity, with two saddlebags full of gems.

"Sorry Sweetie Belle," panted Rarity, "I was collecting gems and I didn't realize how late it had gotten."

Sweetie Belled trotted through the doorway after her sister.

"You found a lot of gems! I wish I could have come," whined the filly.

"Sorry, Sweetie Belle. I just needed to get some fresh air and get my mind off things. Besides, mother and father are expecting you back soon. We simply wouldn't have had time anyways," explained Rarity.

Rarity knew that Sweetie Belle liked doing things with her big sister, and she felt sorry now that she hadn't thought about it.

"But, I'll tell you what," she continued, "You can help me to organize them into their respective categories."

As Rarity poured the gemstones into a pile on the floor, memories of her nightmare returned. As the small, sparkling gems cascaded from the bags, Rarity pictured a waterfall of jewels pouring into a pile of treasure in a tall room with white marble columns and decadent sculptures, what she had always imagined as the royal treasury.

"Such wealth an Equestrian princess has," she murmered as she stared blankly into the pile of small gems on the floor.

"What?" said Sweetie Belle. "Are you sure you're okay, sis?"

"Huh? Oh of course," said Rarity as she snapped out of the day dream. "I'm just fine. Now, remember that sapphires go in this box, the topaz and opals go here, and the emeralds go in the chest."

"Got it! You can count on Sweetie Belle, expert gem organizer! Do you think I'll get a gem cutie mark like yours Rarity?" said the filly.

"We'll just have to see now, won't we?"

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An hour later the two sisters parted ways once again. Tomorrow Sweetie Belle would be over for breakfast again. Rarity waved goodbye as Sweetie Belle trotted off to their parent's home on the other side of town.

The boutique suddenly seemed very lonely. She went upstairs and sat down on top of her bed, and was left alone with her thoughts. Now that she wasn't focused on a current task, her thoughts were free to wonder. And to her dismay, the nightmares flooded back into her mind.

"What if I had done as the dragon told me? What if I had not joined with my friends to defeat him?" though Rarity.

She ran through the scenario in her head.

"If I didn't use my element against him, there would have been nopony to stop him. He would have taken over Equestria. He tried to use me."

Rarity rested her head on a pillow, deep in contemplation. Her serious, solemn expression made her cat, Opalescence, curious. The cat thought about investigating, but instead continued playing with a ball of yarn apathetically.

"But what if he wasn't lying. What if I could have been a princess?"

Rarity's eyes grew wide as she considered the captivating idea. She imagined the look of disbelief on her friends' faces as she refused to join them in activating their elements.

"Then what?" she thought. "The dragon would laugh at my foolishness. He might fling me off the tower, having no further use for me. And my friends would flee for their lives, knowing all hope was lost, as the dragon continued to wreak havoc on Canterlot."

Rarity closed her eyes.

"Or… the other scenario. The dragon would banish the princesses and propped me up as the new monarch. And I would have everything that I've ever dreamed of. But my friends would be so disappointed. They would resent me. They would be so distraught. 'How unlike Rarity, how shallow and cold she really was inside,' they would say. No, I could not bear it. I wouldn't even be able to look my friends in the eyes again, after committing such a shameful act. Such negative attention would drive me mad. That would be the worst possible thing.

"If that's what being a princess would entail for me, I certainly don't want a part of it," thought Rarity. "It makes sense, I think. The dragon was playing upon my anti-element, just as Discord did. But I am too loyal to my friends to go down that path. It doesn't matter what he tries to tempt me with, because I won't fall for it.

"Every reasonable thought in my mind says that the dragon lied to me," she thought, "but even if he was telling the truth, and I accepted, I couldn't imagine living with myself after such a betrayal. But this fantasy of being a princess won't leave me! This is torment!

"Princess Luna can enter ponies' dreams, can she not? Is it the same magic that Salazar is using? Part of me regrets not throwing away my element, just to know for sure that he was lying.

"And dear Sweetie Belle... I'm acting so unlike myself, that it's frightening the poor filly. It's frightening me too!

"Why does the dragon persist? Besides, he's imprisoned, so what can he expect to happen anyways?" she thought.

"How can I overcome a battle such as this? It's just so frustrating. These dark thoughts just won't die.

"If we ever have to use the Elements of Harmony against Salazar again," Rarity reminded herself, "I will remain loyal to my friends and my princesses. If I remain strong and keep a clear mind, I'll beat the dragon. He's bound to give up when he realizes I'm not taking the bait. My will is stronger than that. I can fight this! I must do it for Sweetie Belle. I must do it for my friends."

She opened her eyes and hopped off the bed. She had some chores to do before turning in for the evening.

The Equestrian sun moved lower in the sky and slid behind a distant mountain range to the West. It cast a beautiful orange glow upon the scattered clouds in the sky. The floating city of Cloudsdale in the distance was illuminated a brilliant orange. Opposite the sun, the moon rose behind the closer mountain range to the East. Somewhere, Princess Luna was raising the moon. The colorful pallet of sunset colors also played across the Carousel Boutique.

Rarity might have been at her window, or with friends, watching the beautiful sunset, but tonight she was not. Instead Rarity tossed and turned in her bed. Having figured out that the dragon was forcefully controlling her dreams had not helped Rarity feel any better. She could be wrong, but Rarity had a gut feeling that she wasn't. The magnitude of it had not set in until now. As Rarity lay awake in bed, the severity of the situation was becoming more clear.

Chapter 6

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"You really ought to get some fresh air," said Discord as Salazar stretched in his prison. "Fly around a bit, take a stroll through the town! Oh, and there's this lovely little café that sells the best muffins!"

"What do you want, Discord?" said Salazar as he turned to face the smaller dragon.

"I never imagined a dragon like you would have a soft spot for ponies. I mean, of all creatures, ponies?" jested Discord.

"Soft Spot?" grinned Salazar, "Says a servant of the Princess."

"Oh, I wouldn't say that," scoffed Discord, "I'm more of a... cooperative guest, like yourself."

"There you are mistaken, Discord. It is Celestia who is cooperating, not I."

"I must say I am a fan of your scheme," said Discord, "It will change things up quite a bit in this boring old empire. Can you believe that Celestia's lived in the same castle for nearly one thousand years? And she hasn't changed Equestria's laws or policies in even longer, not to mention her mane style. How repetitive can you get?! And here I was, turned to stone, for merely trying to make things more exciting around here!"

"What will you do when Equestria is under my control?" asked Salazar.

"Seeing as how you're not a big fan of chaos, I might just have to take a little vacation. But I'd love to come back and see what you've done with the place! I'll make sure to write."

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Rarity's bloodshot eyes moved to the clock on her wall. She had not had any more nightmares, yet she had not slept either. Visions of that manipulative dragon had plagued her thoughts all night. Rarity felt as though she was being constantly watched. If he could somehow control her dreams, could he not also look into Rarity's thoughts at any time? Rarity rolled to her side and fell out of bed, hitting the floor with a thud.

From her cat bed, Opalescence hissed at her owner who had rudely awakened her. Rarity remained on the floor for a while, exhausted and not wanting to face the day. Sweetie Belle was not expected to come by for breakfast today, so Rarity didn't have any pressing duties awaiting her. The exhausted unicorn finally managed to doze off on the floor. She woke up a few hours later.

Rarity walked downstairs, not bothering to put on makeup or do her hair. In the kitchen, her cat was standing next to her food bowl and scowling at her. Rarity routinely poured some cat food in the bowl, and proceeded to look for some food for herself. Again, she didn't feel like making breakfast, which was unusual for her. She just didn't feel like she had the motivation. The dragon situation weighed too heavily on her mind. After a bowl of oats, Rarity proceeded to mope around the boutique.

"I had wanted to open the boutique today. You never know when a well-to-do client might walk through the door," she thought.

But Rarity left the sign on 'closed'. She didn't feel as though she could handle a client in this emotional state.

"I wonder what sort of benefits Twilight gets as a princess? Does she have servants that wait on her when she visits Canterlot? Does she have her own royal suite at the castle?" wondered Rarity. "What secrets about the royalty or the affairs of the empire does she know?"

"If Salazar truly is manipulating my thoughts, simply trying to forget about him won't help anymore. Do I just hope that he gives up? Maybe I really should ask somepony for help. But who would I tell? Probably Fluttershy or Twilight. But Twilight would want to tell Princess Celestia. Oh my, could anything be more embarrassing? It is a solution, however."

Rarity imagined standing before princesses Celestia and Luna. She'd tell them everything, and they would try to help.

"Perhaps princess Luna would come into my nightmares and vanquish the dragon. Or maybe we could simply threaten him with the elements again. Why haven't the princesses banished him yet?"

Rarity still had options available and she wasn't about to give in to Salazar's manipulation anytime soon. In fact, moping around the house was probably not good for her right now.

"I might as well make some progress in confronting this thing. I shall consult with Fluttershy. As embarrassing as it may be, it seems like a good place to start."

Rarity headed out the door, and locked it behind her. She glanced at Ponyville Town Hall down the street. It was still there, and hadn't been replaced with a castle, like in her dream the night before last. There was no harm in checking, just in case. She made her way to Fluttershy's cottage.

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"Fluttershy, darling, are you there?" called Rarity from the door.

She knocked again but heard no response. Fluttershy was often outside with her animals, so Rarity walked around to the back yard. Rarity scanned the yard and chicken coop nearby. There were animals about, but no Fluttershy. The air was filled with the sound of birds and crickets and many other creatures. Fluttershy made a living taking care of animals, a unique passion that she had had since she was a filly. Her cottage was on the edge of the Everfree Forest, a mysterious place with dangerous beasts, bandits, and enchanted flora where only the bravest ponies dared to venture. As the biggest scaredy-pony in Ponyville, it was sometimes ironic that Fluttershy lived so close to the forest.

"Eep!" said Rarity, as a furry object brushed against one of her legs. She looked down to see a cute little squirrel smiling at her.

"Be gone, dirty rodent!" Rarity said in disgust.

She shook the squirrel off her hoof. It squeaked and ran off. Rarity walked into Fluttershy's backyard, where a familiar whistling caught her attention. She looked over to see Fluttershy bathing in a wooden tub just outside the cottage's backdoor. She was singing softly and happily as she scrubbed herself with a large brush. Her wet mane clung to her face in strands and dipped into the bath water beneath. Rarity didn't say anything at first, as she was captivated by Fluttershy's voice. It was as if the birds in the trees were harmonizing with her, or visa versa. It was beautiful and mesmerizing.

Suddenly Fluttershy noticed Rarity and stopped singing immediately. The birds seemed to stop as well.

"Rarity!" gasped Fluttershy, blushing. "What a surprise."

"Hello Fluttershy, I'm sorry to stop by unannounced," said Rarity as she approached the yellow pegasus in the bathtub.

Fluttershy shyly sank in the tub as if trying to hide her nudity. Although ponies generally didn't wear clothes, bathing was a personal activity and was usually done in private.

"I'm sorry… I'll let you finish," said Rarity awkwardly. "I just wanted to come by to talk. That is, if you have some time. Shall I make us some tea?"

"Oh, that sounds nice, Rarity," said Fluttershy, as she relaxed a little. "The tea is in the cabinet above the sink."

Rarity opened the back door and stepped into Fluttershy's cottage. She knew that Fluttershy was perfectly comfortable around her, even though she acted shy. Fluttershy was generally much more timid around other ponies.

Fluttershy stepped out of the tub and a dozen birds lowered a towel onto her back. She move the towel with her wings, and dried herself off with little difficulty. Her long, wet mane hung down and rested on the dirt below, but that was unavoidable. Most ponies had a hard time staying clean. It just couldn't be helped, unless the pony was a unicorn, like Rarity.

When mostly dry, Fluttershy went inside and walked up to Rarity, who was boiling water in the kitchen.

"Fluttershy, how are you?" said Rarity as Fluttershy approached.

The two ponies embraced in a long hug.

"Is everything alright Rarity?" asked Fluttershy, noticing that Rarity made the hug longer than normal.

"I'm a little shaken up, and need somepony to talk to, but I'm fine," explained Rarity.

"Why don't you go sit down in the den and relax? I'll pour the tea," said Fluttershy, sounding overly concerned.

"Oh Fluttershy, you are a dear," said Rarity as she went into the den.

She could expect Fluttershy to do anything and everything for her. Fluttershy was the element of kindness, after all.

Rarity examined Fluttershy's couch. She winced as she noticed a clump of animal hair on the cushion. She looked for clean spot on the sofa or a chair to sit down in, but all seemed equally dirty. She sighed and brushed off a spot, preparing it for sitting. As she sat down, she could almost feel the invisible dirt touching her rump. Even if the couch was brand new, Rarity would have been picky in finding the best spot to sit.

A minute later, Fluttershy came into the den balancing the tea on her back with her wings. Rarity levitated the pot off her friend.

"What do you want to talk about Rarity?" said Fluttershy as she sat down on a cushion.

"Oh it's just horrible, Fluttershy!"

"What is it?"

"I had another nightmare!" said Rarity dramatically.

"Oh, is that all?" said Fluttershy lightheartedly.

"You don't understand. I can't work on any of my dresses, let alone eat or sleep, without thinking about it."

"Oh my. That is terrible," said Fluttershy sympathetically. "Was it really that bad?"

"Oh yes. But what's even worse than the nightmare is…"

Rarity trailed off, not sure if she wanted to continue.

"It's okay, Rarity. You can tell me anything," she said softly.

"Oh, it's… it's just too embarrassing. You'll think I'm crazy,"

"That's alright. You don't have to tell me," smiled Fluttershy.

"Very well," said Rarity. "I think that Salazar the dragon has been controlling my dreams. After the last nightmare, I was sure of it."

"But I don't understand," said Fluttershy.

"I don't really understand it either," admitted Rarity as she took a sip of tea.

"What was the dream about then?" asked Fluttershy.

"That's the embarrassing part," admitted Rarity. "Twilight was in charge of Ponyville, or maybe all of Equestria. But she wasn't herself, it was as if she had been corrupted. And then… And then… Oh I just cannot say it. It's too terrible."

"It's alright Rarity. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," suggested Fluttershy.

"Oh but I must! I must tell somepony!" continued Rarity. "Twilight took my sister away, and my boutique. And there was a law that nopony could wear dresses! And then I lost control. Something came over me and I became livid, and wanted to hurt Twilight - our good friend Twilight!"

Fluttershy gasped.

"I told Twilight that I wanted to be the princess instead. There, I have said it! It was so terrible Fluttershy, I just can't get it out of my head," finished Rarity.

Fluttershy sat there, not sure what to say.

"But listen Fluttershy," said Rarity quickly, trying to explain herself. "It wasn't me; some dark force had overtaken me. It was as if greed had possessed me. It wasn't my fault, the dragon had created the dream to bring it out of me!"

"Was it like… was it like Discord?" asked Fluttershy after a minute.

"No, not entirely. Discord reversed our elements. This was different. It felt like my greed had been drawn out from deep down inside of me, naturally."

"Like when I took those 'being assertive' lessons too seriously and turned into an awful, mean pony?" asked Fluttershy.

"Yes, I suppose so," said Rarity.

The two ponies were silent for a minute as they continued sipping their tea.

"Why do you think the dragon is doing this?" asked Fluttershy.

"On the day he kidnapped me, he said something to me. He said he would give me gems, and fame, and things like that, and make me a princess. He thought I would be so enthralled with the idea, that I wouldn't use my element against him… And then nothing would have stopped him."

"Oh my goodness!" said Fluttershy, putting a hoof over her mouth in disbelief.

"I think he just hasn't given up yet," admitted Rarity.

Rarity's eyes started watering a little as she continued the embarrassing story.

"It's so hard for me, Fluttershy, because of my anti-element," cried Rarity. "I know it's all dragon tricks, but part of me wants to believe it. It's just… it's just tearing me apart!"

Fluttershy said nothing, but approached her friend and embraced her in a loving nuzzle.

"I'm so weak," sobbed Rarity softly.

Fluttershy's nuzzling was helping to keep Rarity calm. At this point, many of Fluttershy's animals were gathered around the room. They kept their distance but looked at the two ponies curiously.

"Shhh, it's alright," said Fluttershy as she gently stroked Rarity's back with a hoof.

Fluttershy stepped back and looked sympathetically at her friend. "There you go. It feels better to tell somepony doesn't it?"

"Thanks, Fluttershy," said Rarity as she wiped her wet eyes with a hoof.

"Look at it this way," said Fluttershy, "that mean dragon is all locked up, and when the princesses send him back home soon, everything will get back to normal."

"I don't know," said Rarity skeptically.

"Surely the princesses will send him away soon. If not, we'll just tell them what the dragon's doing, and they'll banish him right away," said Fluttershy kindly.

"He's changed my thoughts, Fluttershy, through the nightmares that is. I think about things that I would never have thought of before. The future, life, death…"

Fluttershy looked at Rarity understandingly.

"Fluttershy, promise you won't tell our friends about this?" said Rarity.

"If that's what you really want, I promise I won't say a word," said Fluttershy.

"You really are the best, Fluttershy!" said Rarity.

The two smiled and touched muzzles. Rarity sat up to leave.

"If anything bothers you, or you want to talk about anything - I mean anything - don't hesitate to come over," said Fluttershy.

"Thanks. I feel much better now. I'll let you know how I'm feeling tomorrow," said Rarity as she walked towards the door.

"Bye Rarity."

"Take care darling!" said Rarity as the she departed from the cottage.

Fluttershy watched Rarity walk away down the path from her front door.

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Sweetie Belle left her parents' house. Her mom waved goodbye from a window. The young unicorn made her way down the dirt road to her sister's house. Today she'd get to spend the whole afternoon with Rarity when she got back from school, and was very excited. The two sisters had their differences, but some of Sweetie Belle's favorite memories were of doing things with Rarity.

The front door of the Carousel Boutique opened and Rarity blinked at her sister in the bright morning light. She looked very tired.

"Hi sis!" said Sweetie Belle.

She trotted past her sister and into the kitchen. She couldn't smell breakfast cooking. Sweetie Belle's ear drooped as she realized there would be no big breakfast for her today. She turned to look at her big sister as she walked into the kitchen. Rarity had bags under her eyes and eye crust that she hadn't wiped away. Sweetie Belle was about to exclaim "Ewww," but restrained herself.

"I'm sorry Sweetie, but no hot breakfast today. Have some left over breakfast rolls. They will have to suffice."

"Okay," said Sweetie Belle.

She was not upset, but rather concerned for her big sister. Rarity looked around groggily, and levitated a couple breakfast rolls over to the table.

"I must return upstairs. I only just woke up and I'm sure I look dreadful. And the shop must be opened today. I've had it closed nearly all week, and I simply must start selling dresses again," said Rarity, "Oh, I'm getting stressed out over nothing. I'm a such a wreck!"

Sweetie Belle just looked blankly at her sister. Without another word, Rarity left Sweetie Belle to eat by herself. This was very unusual for Rarity. Come to think of it, this was the first time Rarity hadn't eaten breakfast with Sweetie Belle in the boutique.

Sweetie Belle was left alone with her thoughts as she nibbled on the tasteless breakfast roll. "Yuck," she said.

She left the food half eaten on the plate and solemnly left the kitchen. She stopped at the stairs and gazed up, imagining that her big sister would come back down and suddenly be her normal self again. But Rarity did not come down, nor could Sweetie Belle hear anything from upstairs.

"Rarity just needs some alone-time to get better," thought Sweetie Belle.

She left her sister's house and made the short walk to Ponyville Elementary.

Rarity set down her sparkly blue eyeliner. She looked in the mirror. Her left eyelid was done, but the right remained untouched.

"What does it matter?" she thought, "What's it all for?"

She just didn't have the motivation to do anything. Worrying about the dragon and fearing the coming night occupied her every thought. Twilight Sparkle popped into Rarity's mind, spreading her wings and wearing her crown.

"Stop it, Rarity. The dragon put these fantasies in your head. Just forget it, it's not real," she found herself saying.

"I just... I just can't deal with life right now," she said aloud. "Woe always me. I just can't do anything!"

Rarity glanced at her sewing machine. Perhaps if she started sewing, she'd be able to let her natural creativity flow. She took one step towards it, but stopped. She just couldn't do it. She just couldn't. She lay on her bed and tossed and squirmed, struggling with herself.

"I must open the boutique today. I simply must!" she thought.

"No, no, no! I can't. I just want to lay here. I can't bring myself to do a single thing, other than wallow in pity."

"I merely have to go downstairs and open for business. But I can't do business today without first puting on my makeup. And I can't bring myself to put on my makeup! Every time I look in the mirror, I think of that terrible dream and the dragon. I just can't do it! I want to bury my face in my bed sheets. I just want to curl up in a ball and die!"

The unicorn buried her face in her pillows. This was unbearable! She had never experienced so much torment before. If only there was some mind cleansing potion she could drink to forget all about it. Perhaps she should seek out Zecora? Perhaps she could open an old bottle of cider; could alcohol drown out her thoughts?

"No," decided Rarity, "that stuff never cures any problems. I must fight this myself."

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Sweetie Belle made her way towards the carousel boutique for the second time today. Behind her was Ponyville Elementary, where the young fillies and colts had just finished school for the day. She approached the boutique's front door. She tried to open it, but was surprised to find that it was locked. Maybe she was out again? Sweetie Belle knocked on the door with a hoof.

"Who's there? Who is it?" came Rarity's voice from her bedroom window above.

"It's me!" said Sweetie Belle, "You're supposed to spend the day with me, remember?"

"Sweetie?" came Rarity's distressed voice. "Oh my dear little sister... So full of life and still brimming with youth and innocence!"

"Uh… Rarity? Are you feeling OK?" called Sweetie Belle.

"Oh Sweetie, you mustn't be here. I am a pitiful wreck, and I couldn't bear for you to see me like this. It's all over for me, dear sister. My days are numbered. Forget about me, Sweetie Belle! I am but the shell of my former self! Go now, trot off into the sunset and leave your pitiful old sister behind!" cried Rarity.

"So… you want me to go to mom and dad's?" said Sweetie Belle.

"Yes. Wait, no! You mustn't! You mustn't tell our parents about this," cried Rarity.

Rarity motioned emphatically towards Sweetie Belle below as she spoke.

"Tell them about what? That you're having another emotional breakdown?" asked Sweetie Belle. "And what about opening the shop today? Maybe I can help with that?"

Rarity sighed in exasperation.

"Just go home and pretend like everything's alright, alright?" said Rarity, "I am sorry, Sweetie Belle, but I just can't see any other ponies right now. Now go! I must get back to wallowing in pity!"

Rarity disappeared back inside her room and closed the window behind her.

"Rarity!" yelled Sweetie Belle again.

There was no response. The frustrated Sweetie Belle turned and stomped off. If Rarity didn't want to find help, Sweetie Belle would do it for her. Sweetie Belle knew just who to ask for help. Sweetie Belle trotted off towards the Ponyville Library.

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"Rarity!" yelled Twilight Sparkle from the front door of the carousel boutique.

She knocked again on the door but there was no answer.

"Hold on, I got this," said Rainbow Dash.

The blue pegasus flapped her wings and floated up to the second floor windows. She peered inside.

"Yep, she's in her room," said Rainbow Dash, rolling her eyes.

She knocked a hoof on the window.

"Woah, she looks like she's in really bad shape," said Rainbow Dash to her friends below. "And by bad shape, I mean she looks like she's being more over-the-top dramatic than usual."

"What do you mean," asked Twilight curiously.

"Like, remember when we were in her fashion show with our Gala dresses that Rarity made, and everyone hated them because we kinda told Rarity how to design them?" started Rainbow Dash.

The other ponies below nodded their heads.

"And then remember how Rarity had an emotional breakdown and locked herself in her room for days?" continued Rainbow Dash.

The ponies nodded again.

"Yeah… she looks that bad," concluded Rainbow Dash.

The window opened and Rarity stuck her head out. She was wearing her fuzzy pink bathrobe and she looked upset.

"Woe always me!" cried Rarity when she saw her friends. "My friends have come to comfort me, but alas, no comfort or encouragement can resurrect the once gifted mare before you who is now but the pitiful shell of her former self!"

Rarity promptly disappeared back inside her room and closed the window. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes again, causing Pinkie Pie to giggle. The friends cared for Rarity, of course, but they were used to her dramatic behavior. Generally there was nothing seriously wrong.

"Oh no," said Fluttershy, "what should we do now?"

"Rarity keeps a hidden key near the back door. I'll go get it," said Sweetie Belle in an annoyed tone.

A minute later the ponies were inside the boutique and trotted upstairs to Rarity's room. Twilight Sparkle knocked on her bedroom door.

"Rarity! We're really concerned about you," said Twilight. "What's wrong? Is there anything we can do to make you feel better?"

"Yes, you must leave! Leave me alone!" came Rarity's muffled cry from behind her bedroom door.

"Oh dear," said Twilight to her friends, "She really is upset."

"Rarity!" yelled Pinkie Pie, knocking her head on the door, "Don't be sad. Your friends are here to show you it's not that bad! Now give that depression some attention and let us in! I promise we'll make you feel better!"

"I'm sorry Pinkie Pie, but there's nothing you can do. I am a hopeless wreck!" cried Rarity.

"This is getting us nowhere!" complained Rainbow Dash.

"Sweetie Belle," said Twilight as she turned to Rarity's little sister, "What exactly is upsetting Rarity?"

"Well," said Sweetie Belle, "Rarity's been having really bad nightmares. She didn't say what about, but they were really upsetting her."

"What? That's all?" said Rainbow Dash, "Bad dreams? You're joking, right?"

"That just can't be right. There's gotta be more to it than that," added Applejack.

Sweetie Belle shrugged and said, "That's all I know."

"Rarity!" called Twilight, "We're being serious here. We want to help you. Please at least tell us what's wrong."

"No. I'm never coming out! I hate to be seen in such a miserable state!" responded Rarity.

"Oh no!" gasped Pinkie Pie. "She'll become a crazy cat lady!"

"Pinkie," said Twilight, "You said that last time Rarity had an emotional breakdown, and she still only has one cat!"

"She still needs more time, you'll see," explained Pinkie Pie.

Twilight sighed. The ponies waited there for a minute, wondering what they could try next. Suddenly Rarity spoke up.

"Fluttershy, darling?" said Rarity.

"Um, yes. I'm here," said Fluttershy.

"Come in, if you would please," said Rarity.

Rainbow Dash grumbled in annoyance, "Alright, this is getting ridiculous. She's going to be this dramatic no matter what we do or don't do. I'm outta here."

She flapped her wings and hovered off the floor.

"Come on Rainbow, Rarity really needs our support right now," said Twilight as she pulled Rainbow Dash back down.

"Then why the hay is she being so difficult?" retorted Rainbow Dash impatiently.

"Alright Fluttershy," said Applejack, "I guess she just wants to talk to you."

"Okay," said Fluttershy's soft voice, as she blushed.

Rarity opened the door and Fluttershy walked inside.

"Maybe 'yer right, Rainbow. This really is over the top," said Applejack as she watched Fluttershy disappear into Rarity's room.

"Something must be seriously wrong," stated Twilight. "She's never acted like this before. Has she been acting strange around anypony lately?"

The others shrugged. The ponies heard Fluttershy and Rarity talking inside. Being curious, they all crowded around the door and pressed their ears to it. Pinkie Pie put one of her eyes to the keyhole to see what was going on, but it was too dark to see much. The short conversation was hardly discernable.

"Oh goodness no. I couldn't do that, Rarity" came Fluttershy's voice, sparking even more curiosity from the friends in the hallway.

"Oh please please please please please!" begged Rarity.

"Hey, what are they saying!" said Sweetie Belle, as she hopped up and down behind her sister's friends who were crowding the hallway.

"Hush, Sweetie," said Applejack.

A minute later, the door opened and the eavesdropping ponies stepped back. Fluttershy emerged from the dim room.

"Rarity's glad we're all here to help, and she'd love to see us," said Fluttershy.

"About time," said Rainbow Dash.

"She's going through a really hard time right now," continued Fluttershy, "so she's kind of embarrassed."

Twilight took a step towards the door, but Fluttershy stopped her.

"Um…" stammered Fluttershy, blushing, "Rarity says that somepony needs to take Sweetie Belle to the library to pick up a book for school."

"Huh?" squeaked Sweetie Belle.

"That's okay," said Twilight, "Spike's there, and he helps ponies check out books all the time."

"And Rarity wants somepony to go with her," said Fluttershy, lowering her head and blushing even more.

"I don't have to get a book! I don't know what she's talking about!" complained Sweetie Belle.

"I'll go!" said Rainbow Dash excitedly. "Anything to get out of here," she added quietly.

"No, Rarity wants Twilight to take Sweetie Belle," said Fluttershy, looking up at her friends. "It's um… really important."

Twilight could tell by the tone in Fluttershy's voice that something fishy was going on. Was Fluttershy lying to her?

"Alright, if it helps Rarity feel better," said Twilight, "I'll take Sweetie Belle to the library."

"Hey, why won't anypony listen to me?" complained Sweetie Belle.

Twilight turned around and took the argumentative Sweetie Belle downstairs and out of the boutique. The other ponies were confused but proceeded into Rarity's room anyways. Pinkie Pie and Applejack eyed Fluttershy suspiciously.

"I wonder why Rarity doesn't want to see Twilight," thought Applejack, as she stepped into Rarity's room.

"Let's get this over with," said Rainbow Dash.

Rarity was standing in the middle of her room as her friends walked in. The ponies approached Rarity in the dimly lit room. Fluttershy stepped past Applejack and walked up to Rarity. She nuzzled her on the neck. Applejack followed and Pinkie Pie bounced after her. The ponies smiled and giggled as they showed Rarity their affection. Rarity smiled and returned the nuzzles.

"Oh come on. Have you all gone sappy on me?" said Rainbow Dash, before reluctantly joining in the embrace.

"Thanks everypony," said Rarity, as Fluttershy opened the window blinds, letting sunlight flood into the room. "I don't deserve to have such good friends."

In the light, Rarity looked like the same pony, only less upbeat and energetic than usual.

"Aww Rarity, you know we'll always be there for you. Through thick and through thin!" said Fluttershy, as Pinkie Pie nodded her head in agreement.

Rainbow Dash restrained herself from making a gagging expression.

"Now would you mind tellin' us what's wrong?" began Applejack, "Sweetie Belle was all worried about you. She said you haven't opened the boutique all week. It ain't like you to not do business."

Rarity looked at Applejack uncertainly. Was she ready to tell her other friends her embarrassing secret? She glanced at Fluttershy. Fluttershy smiled and nodded.

"Well…" began Rarity slowly, "It's complicated."

"It's okay, Rarity," said Fluttershy, "go on."

"I've been having these terrible dreams," said Rarity. "Ever since the 'dragon ordeal', I've been having nightmares about becoming old, or being ugly, or losing my boutique or my friends or my sister."

"That sounds awful! Terrible! Horrendous! And bad even!" gasped Pinkie Pie.

"And what's worse," continued Rarity, "Is that I can't do anything because of it. I can't sew, or make breakfast for Sweetie Belle, or do any daily chore without thinking about…"

"Without thinking about what?" inquired Applejack.

"Go on Rarity, tell them about the dragon," said Fluttershy encouragingly.

"Hold on a second!" interrupted Rainbow Dash. "Fluttershy, you knew about this? You knew what was bothering Rarity the whole time and didn't tell us?"

Fluttershy lowered her head and blushed.

"That's ain't the point, Rainbow," said Applejack, "We're here to help Rarity feel better."

Rarity hesitated a moment and then continued her story.

"The dragon, Salazar. I think he's been controlling my dreams," admitted the unicorn.

General looks and murmurs of concern and confusion were exchanged among Rarity's friends.

"I can't do anything without thinking about that dragon or the things he's put in my head!" cried Rarity, as tears appeared in her eyes. "I just want to forget about all of it! I want to go back to my old life! I don't want to think about princesses or mounds of gems, or fame, or popularity!"

Rarity broke down in tears and fell to her knees on the rug. Fluttershy quickly moved in and comforted her best friend.

"What does she mean by that?" asked Rainbow Dash and Applejack at the same time.

"Jinx!" yelled Pinkie Pie. "… Oops, sorry."

Fluttershy stroked Rarity's mane with a hoof, comforting the sobbing unicorn.

"When Rarity was um… kidnapped by the dragon, he told her that he'd make her a princess if she didn't use her element of harmony," explained Fluttershy.

"That's ridiculous," said Rainbow Dash.

"But Rarity didn't listen, and then you swooped in and saved her, Rainbow Dash," said Fluttershy.

"Golly, I didn't know he ever said anything to Rarity," said Pinkie Pie.

"Rarity thinks that Salazar is still trying to separate her from her friends and her element. And he's using her dreams to do it." concluded Fluttershy.

Rarity still lay sobbing on her rug.

"That big jerk! Why I ought a'…" said Rainbow Dash.

"Take it easy, Rainbow," said Applejack, "Aint' nothin' we can do right now."

"Oh… and there's one more thing," said Fluttershy hesitantly, "Twilight was in one of Rarity's dreams. So now every time Rarity sees Twilight, it upsets her."

"So Sweetie Belle didn't actually need a book for school, and Twilight didn't actually have to take her to the library?" asked Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy nodded.

"But why Rarity?" asked Pinkie Pie.

"Rarity thinks it's because of her anti-element," said Fluttershy quietly.

The other ponies nodded silently. It made sense that Rarity's anti-element, greed, would be the easiest to exploit among the friends. They all remembered when Discord had reversed their personalities. It was a touchy subject for all of them. The ponies sat on the floor near Rarity and comforted her as they thought about what to do next. Several minutes went by until Rarity stopped crying.

"Gosh," said Pinkie Pie, "I guess we could just tell the princess. Princess Celestia that is."

"No," said Rarity suddenly, "You mustn't. It's too embarrassing."

"Princess Celestia won't hold nothin' against you," said Applejack. "She'll know just how to handle the situation."

"No," asserted Rarity. "Not yet. I can fight him. I know I can."

Rarity's friends exchanged worried looks.

"I've been fighting it for weeks. I've just got to get the thoughts under control. I know I can do it. Please don't tell the princess," said Rarity, as she stood up.

"Are you sure?" asked Rainbow Dash, looking at Rarity like she was crazy.

"Yes. I won't give up yet!" said Rarity, "If things look worse in one week from now, you have my permission to call upon the princess. I know it looks bad, but I've got to try to beat this myself. First things first, I'm going to open the boutique again."

"That's the spirit!" said Applejack.

"Woohoo! You go girl!" said Pinkie Pie, jumping excitedly. "Oh! I just had the best idea ever! I'm going to host a party just for you! How about this Saturday? Parties always make me feel better when I'm sad!"

"Alright Pinkie. This Saturday. I'll be there." Said Rarity.

"Woohoo!" said Pinkie Pie.

"Alright Rarity, you've got this!" said Rainbow Dash, "… But if you don't, I'm telling the princess."

"Give me one week, Rainbow Dash, and I'll be my old self again. I promise," said Rarity confidently. "Thank you all so much… I feel much better after telling everypony."

The ponies hugged and said their goodbyes. They went into the hallway while Rarity lingered in her room.

"Thanks everypony," said Fluttershy, " but please don't tell Twilight. I don't want her feelings to be hurt."

"You sure 'bout that, sugarcube?" said Applejack.

"Please Applejack," implored Fluttershy, "think of how upset Twilight would be if she knew Rarity didn't want to see her."

"I think Twilight will understand. Besides, I can't lie to Twi," said Applejack.

Applejack looked into Fluttershy's eyes.

"You ain't using 'the stare' on me, are you, Fluttershy? " said Applejack.

The stare of those big, blue eyes, with the long eyelashes and cute face was too much. Nopony in Equestria could say no to that face. A combination of innocence, helplessness, niceness, cuteness, and firmness was somehow all embodied in her stare.

"Alright! Alright! I won't tell Twilight a thing," said Applejack.

"Can we get a Pinkie promise, AJ?" asked Fluttershy sweetly.

Pinkie Pie perked up.

"Alright," agreed Applejack reluctantly, "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

"Seeing Twilight won't upset Rarity anymore once she feels better," explained Fluttershy. "In the meantime, nopony's feelings have to get hurt for no reason, right?"

The other three ponies nodded.

"And then everything can go back to normal," added Fluttershy. "Pinkie Pie, how about your party on Saturday?"

"Your auntie Pinkie's way ahead of you! I chose Saturday 'cause I knew Twilight's gonna be in Canterlot!" said Pinkie Pie.

The four ponies left Rarity's boutique and parted ways. Rainbow Dash zipped off immediately, and Fluttershy went off to her cottage. Applejack and Pinkie Pie were left to walk together to Sugar Cube Corner.

"I don't feel right keeping a secret from Twilight," said Applejack.

"Oh I'm sure you'll have no trouble, AJ!" said Pinkie Pie happily, as she bounced alongside her friend, "Besides you had no trouble lying to me and avoiding me all day on my birthday a few years ago. Remember that! Wasn't that the best? Good times, good times!"

Applejack blushed. She thought Pinkie had let that go by now.

"Well that was different. We were trying to keep your surprise birthday party a surprise," said Applejack plainly.

Pinkie Pie smiled as she continued her rhythmic bouncing and eyed Applejack out of the corner of her eye.

"Well if that ain't a bit creepy," thought Applejack.

"I suppose it's only for a week," said Applejack, "I just have a feeling this is gonna cause more problems than it's worth."

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"See? No book. I told I didn't know what Rarity was talking about!" said Sweetie Belle.

"It's okay. I believe you, Sweetie Belle," said Twilight Sparkle.

The filly left the library.

"Spike, take a letter," ordered Twilight.

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A magic scroll materialized above Princess Celestia. The wax seal showed it was from Twilight Sparkle. Celestia opened and read the brief message.

The Princess produced a quill and parchment and began to write a reply.

Twilight,

Rarity seems very distressed for whatever the reason. It's important that you do not feel offended by her not wanting to talk to you. Your friendships are and always will be intertwined with the elements. I have a feeling that all your friend needs is a little space.

That being said, Princess Luna and I are concerned for Rarity for another reason. I want you to find out exactly why Rarity is acting peculiar. Your other friends should be of some help. I await your timely reply.
-Celestia

Chapter 7

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"I wish all our friends hadn't seen me like that," said Rarity.

"Don't worry about it Rarity," said Fluttershy, "We've all had our difficult moments, and we need our friends to help us get through them. We all care so much about you."

The two ponies were sitting in the lobby of the carousel boutique. Outside, the sun was slowly rising in the sky, as the morning passed by.

"Yesterday, when everypony was here, I felt like I had to act strong. I had to show you all that I wasn't completely helpless. But I still feel just as scared."

"If you want to fight that big mean dragon, you have to start somewhere. You need to take action!" said Fluttershy. "Hehe, I learned that in my assertiveness lessons!"

Fluttershy giggled and flapped her wings with glee.

"Oh Fluttershy," Rarity smiled knowingly at her friend.

"Have you had any more nightmares?" asked Fluttershy.

"No, only the two," explained Rarity.

"You see? Maybe the dragon's given up already," said Fluttershy encouragingly.

"No, Fluttershy, it's not the dreams that are the problem. It's the fears and the fantasies that I got out of them. Things that I never wanted to think about," explained Rarity. "When you look at it that way, it's more like I'm fighting with myself."

"Oh don't say that Rarity," said Fluttershy worriedly, "It's not you."

"It is me, Fluttershy. I'm the one who has to get a grip on these negative thoughts and feelings. The dragon evoked these feelings in me, and now I have to grapple with them."

"If I saw that big dragon again, I'd give him a piece of my mind!" said Fluttershy. "How can anyone be so mean? Doesn't he realize what he's put you through? Oh, I'm so angry at him!"

Fluttershy's upset voice was not much louder, and still carried her soft and soothing tone.

"I just hope I don't hurt Twilight's feelings," said Rarity, changing the subject a bit, "When I see her or think of her, that dream comes back to me, and it's just too upsetting to deal with. I mean, I don't want her to think I'm ignoring her or something."

"Oh, I agree. When we left the boutique yesterday, I made the other ponies promise not to tell Twilight. There's no need for anypony to get their feelings hurt," said Fluttershy.

"I plan to keep my promise to everypony. Either I'm back to my old self by then, or we go to the princesses and tell them everything," said Rarity.

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Applejack fastened the apple baskets to her sides. The Apple Family was preparing to make some big batches of apple juice and cider this week. There were still a lot of apples left to be hauled. Applejack secured the baskets and trotted off towards the barn. Suddenly a bright flash of light and a loud noise startled her. Applejack reared up in surprise, spilling her cargo onto the dirt below. Twilight Sparkle materialized in front of Applejack.

"Darnit, Twilight. I wish you wouldn't do your fancy teleporting so close to me," said Applejack as she recovered.

"Sorry AJ," said Twilight as she levitated the spilled apples back into Applejack's baskets, "Can I walk with you for a minute?"

"Ya sure can!" said Applejack happily, "I love havin' company while I work."

Applejack walked towards the barn and Twilight followed alongside.

"So what happened at Rarity's yesterday?" asked Twilight.

"Oh. We just talked with her until she felt better," said Applejack.

"Is that all? Why was she upset in the first place?"

"Just one of her creativity-blocks. Didn't think she could sew or design… made her a little depressed, ya know what I'm sayin'? Not like we haven't seen that before, right Twi?"

"But I've never seen Rarity so upset before. There must have been more to it than that."

"Nope, that was about it," lied Applejack.

Applejack's element was honesty, and nothing felt worse than not being sincere with her friends. Also, she wasn't a very good liar. The two ponies reached the barn. Applejack dumped her apples into a big barrel, and started the trek back to get more.

"I'm sorry Twilight, but I really don't want to talk about it. There's a heck of a storm coming in tomorrow, and I'm busier than a bee," said AJ as the ponies continued their walk.

Twilight looked at Applejack suspiciously.

"Well," started Twilight, "I took Sweetie Belle back to the library to get her book. At first I thought she was acting, because she didn't want to go. But when we got there, she really didn't know what Rarity had been talking about. And Spike didn't remember any other ponies from her class coming in to get books either."

Applejack knew there was no use hiding anything from Twilight. Feeling more nervous, she increased her pace to a brisk walk. Twilight walked faster to keep pace.

"It was pretty obvious when Fluttershy said Rarity wanted me to take Sweetie Belle to the library that something fishy was going on. Either Fluttershy was lying to me, or Rarity convinced her to do so. The subsequent conclusion is that either Rarity or Fluttershy didn't want me to be there, but I can't understand why. My hypothesis is that Rarity didn't want to see me."

Applejack kept her eyes trained forward. Twilight was too good at figuring these things out. Maybe she should just tell Twilight the truth. Would that complicate things more? Applejack wanted to tell Twilight, but she couldn't break a Pinkie promise.

"What do you think, AJ? Did Rarity give any hint why she didn't want to see me?"

"Yes. I mean no. I mean…" stumbled Applejack.

The ponies now reached their destination and Applejack starting filling up her baskets.

"What do you mean, Applejack?" asked Twilight, frowning.

Twilight levitated a bunch of apples off the ground around Applejack, and hovered them above her.

"Aw thanks Twilight," said Applejack.

Twilight started dropping the apples one by one into AJ's baskets, slowly and deliberately. She glared at Applejack, waiting for a response. There was no way out of this; Applejack had to tell Twilight the truth.

"Alright, alright," said Applejack, "I can't tell you… I Pinkie promised."

"You Pinkie promised not to tell me why Rarity doesn't want to see me? What!?" said the upset alicorn.

"Now calm down, Twilight. It ain't as big a deal as you think," said Applejack. "Whatever you think, there's absolutely no reason to have your feelings hurt. It's all for the best."

"Well my feelings are hurt, Applejack!" said Twilight, "Rarity's one of my best friends, and all of a sudden she doesn't want to see me. How can I not have me feelings hurt?"

"There's a good reason for it Twilight. It's really embarrassing for Rarity. She would probably have told you, but she was afraid to hurt your feelings."

"Well that plan didn't work out very well, did it?" said Twilight.

"Rarity just needs some time to get past her… thing. Twilight, Everything's gonna be back to normal in a week. And that's the honest truth," explained Applejack.

"I believe you, AJ. But it's driving me crazy not knowing. I've just got to know what it is. Are you sure you can't tell me?" pleaded Twilight.

"Do you remember what happened last time I broke a Pinkie promise?" asked AJ.

"Good point," said Twilight, as she recollected.

Twilight dropped the rest of the apples into Applejack's baskets. She disappeared in a flash of light and white smoke, leaving Applejack to continue her work.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Rarity sighed exasperatedly as she sat down at her sewing machine. It had been over one week since her first nightmare, and her inability to sew. Everything that had happened since then seemed like a blur. She felt more lost, afraid, and uncertain than ever. But there was a spark of hope.

"I must will myself out of this depression! For starters, I'm going to face my sewing machine!" thought Rarity.

The promenade dresses, which had been untouched this whole time, still only needed a couple details here and there and shouldn't take more than a couple hours.

"Alright Rarity, you can do this," she said to herself.

She pushed aside thoughts of the nightmare in which she had lost her sewing ability. The machine hummed to life as Rarity put on her sewing glasses. As the fabric, needle, and thread all came together to create art, Rarity felt life anew within her. She smiled.

"I'm doing it. I'm creating again, and it feels wonderful!" she thought.

Once she had started, Rarity couldn't stop her work. She put the finishing touches on the last promenade dresses and packed them up in the boxes. Some of the clients had already expected their dresses to be delivered. Rarity would have to do that later today.

"Let's see, what's next on my path to recovery?" Rarity asked herself. "I should certainly go see Sweetie Belle. She's probably worried sick about me! And most importantly, I must talk to Twilight. I just have to tell her about the dream, as embarrassing as it may be. Applejack was right, Twilight knows best. I'm not afraid anymore. I'm going to speak with Twilight right away. Then I must deliver all these dresses."

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Spike heard a knock at the library door.

"Who's there?" asked Spike.

"Hoo!" said Twilight's pet own, Owlowiscious.

"Quiet you!" snapped Spike. "Who's at the door? State your name and business!"

"It's just Rarity. Is that you Spike?"

"Rarity?" said Spike, becoming excited.

He opened the door immediately, and bowed before the beautiful unicorn in the doorway.

"Is Twilight home?" asked Rarity as she looked around the room.

"Twilight left this morning for Canterlot," explained Spike. "Twilight's real busy with a research project Princess Celestia gave her. She's doing research or something at the archives."

"That's odd. I thought Twilight had finished her studies," said Rarity.

"That's what I thought. Old habits die hard, I guess," said Spike.

"When will she be back?"

"Sometime this evening. I'm not really sure," said Spike.

"I had hoped to talk to her now, but I guess I'll have to leave this with you," said Rarity.

"What is it?" asked Spike, as Rarity set down the box.

"It's Twilight's finished dress for the Ponyville Promenade! Now I must be off. Perhaps I'll stop by tomorrow. I really must speak with Twilight ASAP."

"Are you sure you want to leave so soon… I mean, you don't have to go," stammered Spike.

"Awww, is little Spikey Wikey lonely?" said Rarity, smiling down at the baby dragon. "Be a good little dragon and give Twilight her dress, will you? I shan't be stopping by again tonight. There's quite a storm brewing, and I can't risk ruining my mane by trotting about in the rain. Bye bye now!" said Rarity as she turned and left the library.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

...Upon entering the valley, we had reached the southern boundary of the dragon kingdom. For three nights we took refuge on the Eastern slope. A chill from the North speaks of the frigid weather to come. No fires are lit, and watches are kept at night for fear of dragon attacks. Yet no dragons have been seen.

Twilight skipped a page.

...The brigade moved with haste into the rubble as the dragons passed by above. The danger passed and we began our trek once again.

Twilight turned several more pages.

...There, among the rocky crags, Sir Hoofington's squire lost his life, along with much of the dried oats. Food is already running low. We may soon have to abandon the expedition and return South.

The following section in the expedition's log was terribly charred, and little could be made of it. Twilight squinted at the charred pages to no avail. She turned the pages over until the journal was readable again.

...The dragon remained pinned down by our soldiers' bronzen spears. Snow was melted to water, and periodically poured down his throat to dowse the dangerous furnace in his belly. The expedition leaders stepped forth and questioned the young dragon. I have paraphrased their findings here, as the interrogation was quite lengthy. The prisoner could not tell the extent of the realm, other than that it stretched south to the an enchanted land where all that lived there turned to crystal. He certainly was referring to the Crystal Empire. It was also gathered from the prisoner that a dragon king presided over the realm. "Salazar" the prisoner called him. Could the legends be true? Could this be The Great Wyrm who was rumored to have once ruled these lands?

"Why yes, actually it is! Get to the point, already," muttered Twilight.

She had been reading through expedition logs of explorer ponies who had travelled to the far north. But she had found no important clues that might help her understand Salazar's riddle. Twilight skimmed through the page until she came across something about dragons' greed.

...In those mountains, dragon kind had hoarded treasures from many lands. Within the caves, the dragon king resided, with the greatest treasures of any dragon. The greed of dragons truly is unsurpassed! The prisoner described the mounds of treasure, and provided an explanation of how to get there. When our questions had been exhausted, the dragon was executed. The question was hence put forth, shall the expedition press onward or return?

The journal abruptly ended, implying that the expedition had decided to return.

"Ugh, why did I read all that? What a waste of time," said Twilight exasperatedly. "It's all been a waste of time. There's nothing here!"

Twilight closed the book, "The Honorable and Glorious Expedition of Sir Hoofington and Company to Explore the Frozen North: Attempt Number Twelve."

"None of it makes any sense. Salazar was sitting in that mountain for eons, why did he suddenly decide to leave and come to Equestria? Well, obviously for the thing that the riddle's about; but what is it?"

Twilight sighed, "I give up."

Twilight placed the book back where she had found it. She hovered the flickering candle in front of her and walked back out of the archives. She preferred reading by candlelight rather than her illumination spell, it was how she had grown up reading. The candle cast and eerie light on the old bookcases. On either side of her, rows of bookshelves faded away into darkness. Twilight was deep in the archives and there was no natural light here, even during the daytime. Twilight passed a couple other ponies, who were looking for the same thing. Canterlot ponies had been recruited to scour the archives day and night for information about Salazar.

"I'm sure I just need to relax and think about the big picture. If I just sit down and think, and stop worrying so much, the answer's sure to come, right?" thought Twilight.

Twilight exited the archives and found herself in the castle with a furious storm raging outside. Twilight's thoughts meandered back to Ponyville as she walked through the solemn halls of Canterlot Castle.

"What are my friends hiding from me? What's gotten into Rarity? Applejack said it doesn't have anything to do with me, but obviously it does. Doesn't Rarity like me anymore? What did I do to upset her? I almost feel that she's jealous of me. She's always loved attention. It's not I meant to hog all the attention."

Twilight stopped in front of the doors to the throne room; they were ajar. She looked around and saw no guards nearby. She pushed open the huge doors and walked into the room. The throne room was empty and the candles were all out. Only a dim light filtered through the huge stain glass windows on either side of the room. A crack of lightening washed the room with a bright white light. The dim shadows of the columns became black streaks on the floor, and the stained glass windows cast their colorful scenes across the room.

"Is Rarity's strange behavior, then, related to me being a princess? Everypony else has treated me different since my coronation, why not my best friends too?"

Twilight stepped forward into the room.

"Why does being a princess have to be so lonely?"

Twilight recalled her first meeting with her parents after her 'ascension.' She ran up to them excitedly. 'Mom, dad! Look, I have wings! I'm a princess!' she had said. But her parents did not embrace her at first. Instead they bowed and addressed Twilight as 'your majesty.' Few things had ever felt as hurtful to Twilight. Of course her parents loved her, but in the public eye Twilight had to be treated like royalty. Twilight had returned her parents' bows with tear-filled eyes while hundreds of ponies at the coronation watched. Even her friends from Celestia's school treated her differently. Her friends in Ponyville had become Twilight's last refuge from the overwhelming, and often frightening, duties of being a princess. The only ponies who treated her like Twilight, not Princess Twilight, were her best friends in Ponyville.

"Could that be it? Is Rarity acting strange because I'm a princess? Could she really be that jealous?"

Lightening lit up the stained glass like no light of day could. Her glass effigy cast a purple light across the marble columns of the grand hall. Rain running down the glass was illuminated by lightening as the storm pounded against it. Twilight stared up at her glass likeness and contemplated it. In the pane her wings were spread wide, and she was stepping forward with an air of confidence and authority. The first time Twilight saw it, she stood in this exact spot with her Ponyville friends. She hadn't felt right about it, as she had told her friends that day. In reality, she didn't feel like she had the poise of a monarch. She felt the glass panel depicted her as what she was supposed to be, not who she actually was.

She thought back to that day. 'They really captured your regality,' Rarity had said. Being the modest pony that she was, Twilight had confessed that it just didn't feel right. Being a princess would take some getting used to, for sure. Twilight now sat down in front of the window, as another crack of thunder rattled the glass and reverberated through the lonely hall. She was becoming more comfortable with her royal roll, but it was a lot of work. She had had to change everything; her demeanor, her posture, the way she spoke, and the way she interacted with other ponies. She was no longer allowed to show excitement, or any emotions for that matter, while performing her duties. It was disheartening and lonely at times. Being back in Ponyville with her close friends had been her greatest comfort recently. In Ponyville, many ponies still called her Twilight, and she could still smile and laugh and play like she used to.

A tear ran down Twilight's cheek. She had never asked for this life. Everything had changed. It was only within her small circle of friends that she got a taste of what her life used to be like. Rarity had said something else too on that day. What was it? Twilight closed her eyes and recollected.

'It's everypony's dream to someday wear a crown and have their coronation ceremony preserved in glass for all to see,' Rarity had said.

Twilight mused over Rarity's words, It's everypony's dream to someday wear a crown…

"You were wrong Rarity," said Twilight aloud.

She gasped as she tried to stifle her tears.

"You were wrong. It's not everypony's dream," she cried softly.

Twilight sat there for some time, listening to the heavy rain and the rumbling thunder outside. She thought about the recent changes in her life and tried to make sense of it all. And mostly, she worried about her friends in Ponyville. How long until Twilight's royal title spread to Ponyville? How long until it started to wear away at her friendships? Things were just confusing right now. Twilight wasn't sure how to deal with all of this at once.

"I want to tend to my friendships, but I've got to put that aside for now. My royal duties must come first. I have to solve Salazar's riddle, and everything else has to come second."

Twilight moved her attention to the next pane, which she knew very well. She studied it as she stood before it. It was a portrayal of the six friends when they fought Nightmare Moon. Below were two earth ponies, above them two pegasus ponies, and above them were two unicorns. The races were depicted in order of importance, based on the archaic caste system that used to exist in Equestria. The six friends were all represented here, with Pinkie Pie and Applejack below, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash above them, and Rarity and Twilight on top as members of the unicorn caste. The pane hadn't been updated, and Twilight's glass depiction still lacked wings. She wondered what would be done if it were fixed. The layout couldn't be symmetrical. There was now only one unicorn, and she would have to be moved beneath Twilight.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Knock knock!" yelled a voice at the library door.

Spike cautiously approached the door. The library had closed for the night. It was dark, and the storm was still raging outside. This was a peculiar time for somepony to visit the library.

"Uh… Who's there?" said Spike.

"Behind," answered the muffled voice from outside.

"Huh? Behind who?" said Spike

"Behind you, silly!" said the voice.

Spike spun around and found himself face to face with Pinkie Pie.

"Yikes! Pinkie Pie!? How did you… huh?" said Spike.

Pinkie Pie giggled, "Is Twilight home?"

"Yea, she's upstairs," said Spike blankly.

Pinkie Pie bounded off into the library.

"I really need to lay off of the banana-berry ice cream. That stuff messes with your head," muttered Spike.

"Hey, Twilight?" said Pinkie Pie as she poked her head into the study. Twilight was laying on a cushion on the floor and reading a book.

"Pinkie Pie! What a surprise. I wasn't expecting you," said Twilight.

"Nopony expects Pinkie Pie! I just wanted to invite you to my little shin-dig tomorrow."

"That sounds great Pinkie, but tomorrow's Saturday and I have to be in Canterlot all day."

"Awww," said Pinkie sadly.

Lightening flashed outside, casting bright lights and dark shadows across Twilight's bedroom floor. A moment later a loud crack of thunder startled the two ponies.

"That's a really big storm," said Pinkie Pie.

"I know. It was in Canterlot earlier," said Twilight. "What's the occasion of the party, might I ask?"

"We're celebrating Rarity feeling better!" said Pinkie Pie excitedly.

"That's great," said Twilight. "Rarity came by earlier and dropped off my promenade dress, so she must be feeling better. I have no idea what was wrong in the first place, but that's great that she's feeling better."

"Heh, yea," said Pinkie Pie awkwardly.

"I mean, it's not like I had any extremely pressing royal duties to attend to, and then dropped all of them to get everypony together and go to Rarity's because she was feeling bad, and then get told to take Sweetie Belle to the library where she didn't actually have to get a book for school, all because Rarity didn't want to see me," said Twilight quickly.

"Gosh Twilight, I'm sorry," said Pinkie Pie. "Rarity just didn't want to hurt your feelings."

"If she didn't want to hurt my feelings, she could have just let me help her!" protested Twilight. "All I wanted was to offer my help, and she basically told me she didn't want it. She let all of you help her, just not me."

Seeing Twilight so upset made Pinkie Pie sad. But what could she do?

"Twilight, it's not like that," explained Pinkie, "There's a good reason why she didn't want to talk to you. It's not your fault, and it's not Rarity's fault."

"Well then Why doesn't Rarity want to see me, and who's fault is it? Or let me guess, you can't tell me because you Pinkie promised?" said Twilight.

"Rarity needs some time, Twilight," said Pinkie Pie, avoiding the question, "Please try to understand. She's going through a really rough time, and when it's resolved everything will make perfect sense."

Twilight took a deep breath and sighed. "I hate being left out of my friends' affairs. I'm always good at figuring things out and fixing problems. If Rarity just told me what was wrong I could figure out how to help her!" said Twilight exasperatedly. "Is it because I'm a princess now? Does that somehow mean I'm no longer in the in circle?"

"No, not at all, silly! … And you weren't exactly supposed to find out," said Pinkie.

"Haven't you seen how Rarity reacts when I get attention from ponies? Complete strangers want to see me or talk to me just because I'm a princess. Rarity get's moody. I think she's a little bit jealous. It's not like I'm intentionally stealing attention from her. Her selfishness has really been showing lately."

"Aww, you don't mean that Twilight. " said Pinkie. "If Rarity knew you'd be so upset, I'm sure she would have told you everything."

"No more of these circumlocutory dialogues and strategies. I'm going to get straight to the bottom of this and talk to Rarity myself," said Twilight sternly.

"Oh no, you can't do that," said Pinkie, "It would upset Rarity."

"What do you mean? Rarity told Spike today that she wanted to talk to me."

"She did?" asked Pinkie Pie in genuine surprise. "Well, don't let me stop you then!"

Twilight shook her head. "I still don't get it. Not in the slightest. When we talk, I've got some questions for her, but it will have to wait. I'm just too busy right now."

"Oops! I've got to get back to Sugar Cube Corner. Gummy needs his 7:00 bath, otherwise he gets cranky. See ya later Twilight!"

"Bye Pinkie. Keep safe from the storm," said Twilight as she watched Pinkie Pie hop away down the stairs.

Twilight turned a page in her book, Pre-Equestrian Canterlot, Dragons and the Crystal Caverns.

"Interesting… Very interesting," she said aloud.

She was not thinking about the literature, however.

"I already told Pinkie was I was going to be in Canterlot on Saturday. I wonder if she planned Rarity's get-well party for Saturday on purpose," thought Twilight. "For the life of me, I can't figure out why Rarity didn't want to see me a couple days ago. She's never done anything like that before. I'm glad she wants to talk though; maybe she realizes how careless she was and wants to apologize."

Twilight stared into a nearby candle, meditating on the flickering tongues of flame.

"There's something very suspicious going on. Rarity just hasn't been the same since the incident with Salazar. When I need all the information I can get, even my friends are hiding things from me. I'm trying to save Equestria here. They just don't understand the gravity of the situation. I'm not sure who I can believe anymore. Should I be distrustful of Rarity? Something just doesn't feel right about all of this."

Twilight sighed deeply.

"I can't spend so much time dealing with this trivial drama. I have more important things to do," she thought.

Twilight concentrated again on her research.

Chapter 8

View Online

"Hey Rarity!" waved Pinkie Pie, as she spotted her friend entering Sugar Cube Corner. "You're up awfully early. You're my first customer of the day!"

"Hi, Pinkie Pie," responded the unicorn.

"You look terrific Rarity! You must be feeling better," said Pinkie as she bounded out to greet her friend.

"Why yes, I am feeling better. Thank you, darling."

"What can I do ya for?"

"I need a dozen cinnamon buns, please," said Rarity

"Comin' right up!" said Pinkie as she started boxing up the order. "Are you getting excited for the party tonight?"

"I'm sure it's just the thing to get me out of this slump," said Rarity. "And I've decided to walk right up to Twilight and apologize for not seeing her in a couple weeks. I'm not going to avoid her anymore."

"Oh. Twilight isn't coming," said Pinkie Pie.

"Twilight's not coming?" asked Rarity blankly.

"Nopey dopey," said Pinkie Pie, "she's going to be in Canterlot, working at that princess gig of hers. Back to the old grind, ya know how it goes. I thought you knew that, silly."

"Have you spoken to Twilight recently?" asked Rarity

"I was at the library just last night," said Pinkie Pie as her tone became less jovial. "Rarity, Twilight figured out that you didn't want to see her when we all came over to the boutique a few days ago."

"I figured she would have," said Rarity. "Oh I just feel awful about it! Twilight wasn't upset at all, I hope?"

"Oh no, not all. Twilight was a happy as a clam!" lied Pinkie.

"Well, I still feel terrible about it," admitted Rarity. "Twilight did not deserve to be treated like that. I intend to set things right, Pinkie. I'm going to talk to Twilight the very next time I see her. I don't want to lose any of my friends."

"That's the old Rarity talkin' right there!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie.

Rarity took the pastries and paid eight bits. The two ponies said their goodbyes and parted ways.

Rarity left Sugar Cube Corner and walked back to her boutique. Her thoughts meandered to the upcoming party tonight.

"It's no matter," thought Rarity, "I'll just speak to Twilight the next time I see her. Although I wish she had been able to attend the party. I'm going to tell Twilight everything!"

Rarity walked into the boutique feeling more confident than she had all week. Everything was back on track. As Rarity walked in the door, she heard something in the darkness. Rarity magically opened the window blinds, and scanned the room for the culprit. Was it her cat, Opalescence? Or perhaps a nasty rodent? There was the sound again. It sounded like a faint static, or a whisper. But now it was coming from all around her.

Whispers bombarded Rarity from all directions, just like in her dreams. She blinked, trying to decide if she was awake or not.

"Who's there?!" yelled Rarity.

She whirled around, but could not see anypony. The skittish pony dropped the box of pastries, which broke open on the floor. She frantically turned to her left and right, up and down, following the whispers. Still there was nothing there.

"It's you, isn't it, Salazar? Get out of my head! Leave me alone!" she called out.

The whispers persisted. They were impossible to understand, but Rarity thought she made out the words, 'come to me,' amidst the noise.

"I will never abandon my element or betray my friends, so just get lost!" yelled Rarity.

The whispers began to fade away. In a minute they were gone.

"Oh Celestia!" said Rarity. "What am I to do? Just as everything was getting back to normal, that overgrown lizard has to pop into my head again. I couldn't even understand him. What a troll."

Rarity stepped on a cinnamon bun, squishing it into the carpet.

"No, not my expensive wool carpet from Saddle Arabia! Oooh," she whined, "It will take hours to clean this! Could this day possibly get any worse? … I thought for sure that dragon had given up. He hasn't bothered me for a week. Why now?"

Rarity glanced around, not sure what to do. The unicorn pony collapsed on the floor as she felt the nightmares and emotions come flooding back to her. Her eyes started watering as old fears returned.

"This torment… It's never going to end, is it? Somepony just put me down already! My life will never be the same! Never, never, never!" cried Rarity.

"I… I should have obeyed the dragon. I could have been a princess. All of my wildest dreams a reality! No, you silly mare, that's what he wants you to think! What does the dragon want from me? Think, Rarity, think!" she said aloud. "I'm so confused. Why is this happening to me? What does he want?"

Rarity buried her face in the carpet.

"It's never going to end," she muttered.

"Wait, that's it!" gasped Rarity. "I must go to him. It's the only way to find out what he wants. I must speak with Salazar face to face! I need an answer to this madness once and for all. It's the only way."

Rarity paced back and forth in the room. This recent turn of events had gotten Rarity very finicky. Her legs were shaking. The dragon talking to Rarity through her dreams was one thing, but this time she had been wide awake. It was a terrifying revelation.

"It's so simple. I will merely present myself before him, and I will demand to know what he wants," said Rarity as she paced back and forth in the room. "That is, of course, if he doesn't eat me or something... but what have I to lose at this point? How do I get there, and when do I go?"

Rarity took a deep breath and realized she was sweating and her heart was beating quickly.

"You're overreacting again Rarity. Look at yourself," she said, "you're so frightened that you're shaking. Don't make any rash decisions now."

Rarity walked into the kitchen and poured a cup of extra strong tea with her shaking hooves. She sat down at the table and tried to get a grip on what was happening.

"Maybe that idea isn't so simple after all. I'd have to go through the castle with all of those guards. Granted, many would recognize me as Twilight's friend, but unless I have a reason for being there, they would be suspicious. But if I was at the castle while Twilight was there, it wouldn't be a problem at all."

"But... Oh my Celestia, Twilight is there! Could I take the train to Canterlot today?"

Rarity glanced at the clock. It was still morning. She ran through the scenario in her head. She was very familiar with Canterlot, and knew exactly how to get to the castle. Unlike most ponies, Rarity had walked around the castle quite a few times, because she had often been there with Twilight and her other friends. Once in the castle, she had a good idea of where the main tower was. She had seen it several times before.

"I must have answers. I have to talk to the dragon. If he thinks he can just keep me depressed and afraid forever, he's seriously underestimating this unicorn!"

Rarity quickly went to her room and grabbed enough bits for the train ride to and from Canterlot. She also grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill. She scribbled down something and folded the parchment to take with her. Lastly, Rarity pulled out her will from a drawer and set it on the desk.

"Just in case I... don't make it back."

Rarity ran downstairs and stopped in front of the boutique door. Her heart was racing. Was she really about to do this?

"I have no choice. I'm going to resolve this once and for all," she said confidently.

Rarity exited the boutique, locked the door, and trotted off. She reached Sugar Cube Corner and glanced inside to see if Pinkie was there. Seeing that she wasn't, Rarity quickly went up to the counter.

"Well good morning to you, Rarity," said Mrs. Cake.

"Hi. Please give this note to Pinkie Pie," said Rarity briskly.

"Sure thing," said Mrs. Cake.

Rarity promptly trotted back out the door and continued down the street towards the Ponyville train station. Mrs. Cake set the note off to the side, but couldn't help but take a peek at it.

Pinkie,

I must respectfully decline your invite to the party tonight in my honor.

I'm so, so sorry. There is an urgent matter that I simply must confront.

Please don't wait for me, I may not be back tonight.

My sincerest apologies,

-Rarity

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The train's horn sounded and the engine chugged away from the station. The Ponyville Express had begun it's hour long journey to the Equestrian Capital. The train wasn't very crowded, and Rarity had ample room to herself. Still, she was leery of seeing a pony she might know. She didn't want anypony to know where she was going.

"Will the royal guards recognize me?" thought Rarity. "If I'm there while Twilight's there, ponies will suspect we're together. I get in, straighten things out with the dragon, and get out."

Rarity looked out the window. Wide plains and rolling hills moved by. Everything was lush and green, and hazy snow capped mountains filled the distant horizon. Rarity wondered if Pinkie Pie had read her note yet. Rarity felt bad as she imagined how sad Pinkie would be. But there was no turning back now. Rarity had decided that she must go through with this.

"Maybe this is exactly what he planned the whole time, but I don't care. I have to know what he wants. I have to face him," thought Rarity. "Goodness knows I must not be seen by the princesses. It would be a sticky situation were I to bump into Twilight at the castle.

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Rarity stepped off the train. The bustling streets of Canterlot sprawled out before her. Well dressed ponies walked this way and that, and taxi carriages waited along the curbs. As Equestria's capital, Canterlot was the premier city in the empire and the monarchs spared no expense in showing it off. Rarity felt right at home here, and even considered herself to be a Canterlot pony at heart.

Rarity knew just where she was going. She had been to the castle many times. A nagging nervousness accompanied her as she trotted through the streets. Many mares and stallions turned to look at Rarity as she passed.

"What a pretty young mare," Rarity heard an old mare say.

Rarity smiled. She loved being envied. Some minutes later, Rarity was in the town square. This large cobbled area connected to the main streets in the city, and was the center of many parades and celebrations. In front of her, an open drawbridge lead into the castle. Rarity walked across it. There were lots of civilians here, probably tourists, gazing up at the massive castle walls above them. Rarity went past them and approached the second checkpoint.

"Halt. What business have you at the castle?" said a grey unicorn guard.

"Hold on. That's Rarity, Princess Twilight's friend," interjected a second guard.

"Why, yes, that is me!" said Rarity, delighted that a total stranger knew her name.

"You're not on the guest list," said the first guard, scanning a piece of parchment, "but obviously you're here with Princess Twilight. My apologies ma'am."

"Do you know where you're going, miss? May we help direct you?" said the second.

"I know my way around. Thank you though, darling," said Rarity as she walked past the guards.

Rarity found herself in a large, well used corridor. Pairs of guards walked this way and that, as well as some official looking dignitaries. She kept a keen eye out for Twilight. Technically Rarity had permission from the princesses to visit the castle anytime she wanted, but she hadn't let them know that she was 'visiting.' She hadn't told anypony. She couldn't.

Rarity looked around the corridor.

"Which way was it again?" asked Rarity to herself. "I could have asked the guards for directions to the main tower, but that might have raised some questions. The royal chambers are there, and the treasury too I think."

Rarity selected a corridor and proceeded down it. Guards looked at her. It was an uncommon sight to see such a young mare, like Rarity, walking around the castle unaccompanied. Some guards looked stern or suspicious. Others smiled and nodded. A couple even stopped and bowed as Rarity walked past. Rarity was giddy with glee from all the attention, loving every second of it. One courageous guard even winked at her.

"Oh, I could get used to this!" she thought.

After a few minutes of walking, Rarity realized she had gone the wrong way.

"I could have sworn it was this way. Oh well. I have all day to find the tower. How hard can it be anyways?"

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Twilight Sparkle shut the ancient manuscript.

"This riddle is impossible!" she said in exasperation.

Twilight had spent the whole afternoon skimming over books in the archives, which were still closed to the public. She had to meet briefly with Princesses Celestia and Luna soon, and she could not miss it. Luna would be awake so that the three Princesses could speak together, taking sleep out of her already sleep-deprived schedule.

Twilight's mind wandered back to Ponyville and her friends. She was still upset with Rarity, but eager to work things out when she saw her again. She also needed to get some answers from Rarity. Hiding things from each other isn't healthy for any friendship, and Twilight intended to make that her first priority.

"If I expect Rarity to be honest with me, I've got to be honest with her," thought Twilight. "I'm going to apologize to Rarity, and admit I was taking notes on our conversation the last time we talked. And I have a feeling Rarity wants to tell me something too. We simply need to talk it out."

Twilight got up and proceeded out of the archives. A squad of guards was coming towards her. The guards stopped as they saw Twilight coming. They bowed and stepped to the side, as if their lives depended on it. Twilight looked at one of the guards as she passed. One of her brother's friends. Twilight knew him very well, and a few months earlier, he would have joked and laughed with her. But they all acted differently now that she was royalty. Her brother's friend kept his eyes down and didn't acknowledge Twilight. It both saddened and annoyed her. She stopped, and stared at him, testing him. The guards remained motionless with their heads bowed. Guards were not to speak or move unless spoken to, when in presence of a princess; another rule that Twilight detested. Twilight stood in the middle of the guards, naturally curious about this procedure. After several minutes, she noticed one of the guards' legs were shaking from holding the bow for so long.

"This is ridiculous," thought Twilight, "But it is procedure, I guess… and tradition."

Twilight walked on. Behind her, the guards recovered themselves and continued with their duties. Why couldn't ponies just say 'hi' to her like they used to? This princess stuff still felt foreign to her. Yet for a pony obsessed with being organized and in control, there was an aspect to it that she could perhaps get used to.

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"This looks familiar," said Rarity to herself.

The entry-way was framed with golden designs and French-curves. Suns and moons adorned the extravagant entrance. The royal seal sat on the very top. This was the entrance to the royal chambers and the tower, Rarity was sure of it. But there were two stern looking pegasus guards at the entrance, their armor sparkled gold in the white light of the hallways.

"Here goes nothing," thought Rarity as she walked up to the guards.

"Excuse me miss," said one of them, stopping her. "This leads to the royal chambers and the main tower. You're not allowed in here without permission from the princess."

Rarity stopped and smiled at the guard politely. The guard's face relaxed when he leaned in to examine Rarity more closely.

"I recognize you. You're Rarity, the element of generosity! One of Princess Twilight's friends," he said. The other guard smiled and bowed to Rarity.

"Why yes," said Rarity, glancing nervously over her shoulder. "I am a dear friend of the princess."

"Might I just say it's an honor to meet one of the six ponies who saved Equestria… how many times now?" asked the first guard.

"Oh, just a few times, I suppose," said Rarity quickly.

"Well, we don't mean to slow you down. I'm sure you have important matters to attend to," said the guard, sensing Rarity's urgency.

"Yes, quite. I must be off… to attend to those 'important matters'," said Rarity. She trotted past the guards and continued down the hallway behind them. The guards turned to watch her trot away.

"Have you ever seen such a fine unicorn?" said one guard.

"She is truly gorgeous," said the other.

"I mean, just look at that flank!"

"Well you missed your chance to talk to her, dummy," said the first guard.

The guards returned to their posts, free to silently explore their fantasies.

"Maybe I should have just stayed in Ponyville," thought Rarity. "No. I must find the answer to these nightmares. Nothing's going to get better until I have peace of mind."

She continued on. A wide and decorative staircase now stood before her. Silver sconces hung on the walls. A couple more guards came down the stairs, glancing at her suspiciously. Rarity tried to avoid eye contact and pretended she knew where she was going. The guards disappeared down another passage. Thankfully for Rarity her physical appearance, that of a well pampered, white furred unicorn, was probably the best disguise she could ask for for sneaking around Canterlot. She certainly looked and acted like a well-to-do unicorn of the Canterlot upper class. She even considered herself a Canterlot pony at heart. The coast looked clear; Rarity began to ascend the staircase. But hesitated and looked back.

"Oh this is stupid. Look at me, what am I thinking? I'll get caught for sure. This can only end badly," said Rarity to herself, "but I have to put an end to this. I can't go through my life with these haunting dreams."

She climbed several floors, treading lightly and listening carefully for the sound of other hoof steps. Passageways branched off of the big staircase, each with rooms and hallways visible beyond. Judging from the extravagant furnishings and décor, the royal chambers were nearby. Fantasies and fears ran through Rarity's mind. What if she was caught? She pictured herself being brought before Princess Celestia as an intruder; or worse, being thrown in a dungeon overnight. Where were the dungeons in Canterlot anyways? Probably somewhere within the mountain. The cold, dirty, dark mountains… What sort of filthy criminals would Rarity have to spend the night with? She shuttered at the thought. And then she would be on trial for treason, as a spy or hitmare trying to assassinate the princess. 'No, I would never in my life,' she would protest. Her friends would hang their heads in grief. But no, Twilight and Rainbow Dash would plan a brilliant rescue mission. And they'd free her and she'd live peacefully in exile. Is it possible to live peacefully in exile? Anyways, Rarity would always have her friends. They would never betray her trust, even when things seemed bad.

The clopping of hooves further up the spiral staircase jarred Rarity out of her fantastic day dream. Fearing it was another guard, she ducked into the closest archway, and crouched behind the corner. The room she found herself in was in was dimly lit, with only a single candelabra burning on a table. It seemed to be an entryway of some sort. Firelight came through a doorway on the opposite side. She noticed her heart was pounding with adrenaline. She felt lightheaded and her legs shook slightly. The clopping hooves got closer and Rarity froze in place. Sure enough two more guards came down the stairs. Rarity watched intently as they passed by the entrance and continued down the stairs.

"I can't believe I'm doing this. What would mom and dad think? Sweetie Belle? I can't get caught, I just can't," thought the unicorn.

When the clopping had died away Rarity got ready to continue her climb, but a familiar voice stopped her. The voice was coming from the adjacent room. Could it be? Princess Luna? Now she heard another voice. Giving in to her curiosity, Rarity traversed the entryway and cautiously peered into the adjacent room.

There in the big room stood Princesses Celestia and Luna. Rarity crouched in the shadows and crawled forward.

"What a travesty. Surely the dragon is mad," began Luna.

Celestia responded. "Sister, never have I felt so low. I felt like a genuine rogue, giving Cadence and her domain as a peace offering to the dragon. Was I so wrong to think the Crystal Empire would hold some appeal to Salazar? Now that the offer has fallen short, Cadence need not know about this."

"Of course, sister…" responded princess Luna.

Rarity's heart sank. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Rarity was both frightened and intrigued. Her curiosity caused her to stay put and observe the Equestrian royalty in their private quarters. The two alicorns stood in silence for some time, perhaps looking for answers within the burning hearth.

"Oh Celestia," thought Rarity, "What the hay am I doing? This has got to be considered high treason. I'm sure I wasn't supposed to overhear that..."

Princess Luna yawned. A drop of sweat ran down Rarity's forehead and muzzle as her heart continued to race. She found she could hardly move her legs, anxiety was really taking it's toll. Rarity continued listening, keeping a keen ear for any hoof steps behind her.

"What else can we offer to entice the dragon to leave?" asked Princess Luna, breaking the silence.

"Surely we will find a solution. We always have," spoke Celestia.

"I've had a premonition that our rule in Equestria may soon be at an end," said Luna.

"Such fears will not help us through this. I have faith there is still a chance," said Princess Celestia. "Harmony always finds a way."

Rarity's head swam with a combination of bewilderment and fear.

"What would mother have done?" asked Princess Luna.

Celestia did not respond, as something else had grabbed her attention. The princesses turned in unison towards Rarity! Rarity froze with fear. They were looking straight into the dark room she was hiding in. The sound of clopping hooves grew louder behind Rarity. Somepony was trotting up the stairs, and making quite a racket. That's why the monarchs were looking this way. Rarity quickly retreated back into the entry way. Thankfully there were many places to hide. She spotted a stout table and scurried underneath it. She was breathing very quickly, and felt very hot.

"Oh Rarity, you dolt!" she thought.

The candles were still burning on the table. She concentrated her magic on the tiny flames, and they flickered out. In that same instant, the newcomer entered the room. Rarity couldn't see anything other than the pony's legs. The pony crossed the dark room and walked into the main room with the princesses. Rarity emerged from under her table and peered into the den again.

"Princess Celestia! Princess Luna!" said Twilight as she hurried towards her mentors.

Twilight greeted both of them and received a loving nuzzle in return. In the light, Twilight's regal horse shoes shone brightly, revealing the reason for her loud approach.

"Well I've made some progress since when I interrogated Rarity," said Twilight.

"Interrogated me? I thought we were just having a conversation between friends," thought Rarity. Her heart sank and her ears drooped in dismay. "I don't believe it. Twilight would never..."

"But the results are inconclusive," continued Twilight, "All I know is that Salazar talked to Rarity using dark magic that day, and he attempted to deceive her. He tried to play upon Rarity's discord-element, greed, to trick her into breaking her friendship with us. If it worked, we wouldn't have been able to use the elements of harmony against him, and who knows what could have happened."

"Yes, we read the report you sent last week, Twilight," responded Princess Celestia.

"I've also been researching past expeditions to the Frozen North, as well as reading up on the history of the Crystal Caverns," continued Twilight, "Maybe the mysterious item Salazar is looking for is closer than we think, maybe even right under our muzzles! Besides, he told me that dragons lived here long before ponies did."

"The cave systems beneath this mountain are enormous and complex," spoke Princess Celestia, "we've searched through the old mines and caverns, and have found some interesting things, but nothing like what Salazar described to you."

"That's right," interjected Luna, "It seems unlikely the answer lies within the caverns."

"Princess, you don't suppose Rarity has anything to do with it, do you?" said Twilight uneasily. "I hope she's not in danger."

"Perhaps and perhaps not, Twilight," said Princess Celestia.

"Rarity hasn't been acting herself lately."

"Go on, Twilight," said Celestia.

"There was something she didn't tell me when I questioned her. And my other friends don't want to say anything about it. But I intend to talk to Rarity as soon as I can."

"That's interesting," interjected Princess Luna, "I sensed that Rarity had troubling dreams recently."

"You're right princess," said Twilight, as she pieced this new information together, "Rarity's sister mentioned that she was having nightmares, but I didn't think much of it. What were Rarity's dreams about, if I may ask?"

This was getting a little awkward for Rarity. The princesses go from talking about top secret diplomacy to… her dreams?

"I don't know," admitted Luna, "I have not recently entered Rarity's dreams. But I will watch, and will enter her mind if she has another nightmare."

Rarity frowned. What did Luna mean by 'recently'? Silence followed. Rarity was hurt. She knew now that Twilight had pretended to have a sincere conversation with her about the dragon ordeal. It was actually a well disguised interrogation, and those must have been notes she was taking during it! Rarity may not have been totally truthful with Twilight, but still.

"The six elements all have their own weaknesses," said Celestia. "I'm sure you've noticed that of all your friends, Rarity has struggled the most with hers. Generosity is easily corrupted, while greed and jealousy are easily evoked."

"But, princess, all of my friends have had their weak moments," protested Twilight.

"Rarity's anti-element is dangerous, unlike the other five elements," explained Celestia.

"The elements have served their purposes well," spoke Luna. "They have been a guide to you through your training, all leading up to your ascension."

"But the elements will stay strong, won't they?" asked Twilight.

"Of course," said Luna, "as long as your bonds of friendship remain unbroken."

The three princesses talked for a while longer. Their conversation involved what Twilight had researched, and something about 'Salazar's riddle'. Rarity didn't understand most of what was said.

"What is this 'riddle' they're talking about?" wondered Rarity.

"Princess. I'd like to speak with Salazar again," said Twilight. "I have a couple more questions for him."

That meant that Twilight might be coming this way. Rarity quietly returned to her hiding spot under the table. Some moments passed before she heard approaching hooves. Rarity wondered what the punishment would be for eavesdropping on the princesses.

"Good luck, Twilight," Rarity heard Luna say, "I will accompany you if you wish."

"No thank you Princess. I think I can handle the dragon now," came Twilight's distinctive voice.

Three sets of pony legs stood in the middle of the foyer. It was hard to make out the colors of their fur in the sparse light, but Rarity could see the size difference between Twilight and her mentors.

"If you have any insights from speaking to Salazar, you will report to us right away," said Princess Celestia.

"Yes princess. But if not, I mean to return to Ponyville tonight," responded Twilight.

"Very well. Good luck," said Princess Celestia.

Twilight's hooves clopped towards the stairs. Rarity's legs were shaking from trying remain still for so long. The unicorn turned her attention to the other legs in the room and hoped they would also go away.

"It is quite dark in here, was there not a light in your foyer, sister?" asked Princess Luna.

"The candles must have gone out... wherever they are," said Princess Celestia as she strained her eyes in the dark room. "No matter, I'm heading to bed now anyways. The servants will light them again tomorrow evening."

The two alicorns promptly walked out of the entrance hall and back into the main room.

Rarity peered out from under the table and confirmed the coast was clear. Still it wasn't worth the chance. She waited for several more minutes to make certain there were no ponies lingering nearby. She emerged from her hiding spot and found the room empty.

"The stress of sneaking around like this cannot be good for my complexion," she Rarity aloud. She glanced into the royal chambers, and saw nothing but a fire burning in the hearth. Very carefully she leaned her head into the room. Rarity gasped at the splendor of the room, now that she could see the whole thing. The beautifully woven carpets and tapestries, the majestic ceilings and arches; it was enough to make Rarity giddy with pleasure.

But her thoughts trailed back to the task at hand. Now Rarity's entire mission was in jeopardy. How could she speak with Salazar if Twilight was also speaking to him? She had no choice but to wait until Twilight had gone. How long would that take?

"Oh, this is utter lunacy, Rarity. Just go back to Ponyville. You don't have to spend the night in a dungeon," part of her said. What if one of the princesses returned while Rarity was lingering here? How could she even face one of them if she got caught? How would she face her friends? Whatever she chose to do, she'd have to wait here for a while, and keep an eye out.

Rarity's thoughts wandered as she watched the fire crackle and pop in the great stone fireplace. The fire's light splashed across the stone floors and ornate silk carpets. Meanwhile beams of fine oak wood stretched across the ceiling in the darkness above. Rarity closed her eyes. The atmosphere of the room was almost euphoric. What it would be like to be a princess! Rarity lay down at the threshold of the great chamber. Her thoughts drifted as she fantasized about far off castles and noble, handsome unicorn princes.

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Twilight reached the top of the stairs, and was greeted by a guard who opened the trapdoor for her. Salazar was curled up in the center of the room, perhaps sleeping. Twilight was surprised to not see the usual guards. The night shift had been taken over by Princess Luna's dark-featured pegasus guards, who had trimmed wings so that they resembled those of a bat. Twilight had seldom seen Princess Luna's guards; they were seldom seen in Canterlot even, and only at night. Despite this, they knew who Twilight was.

"Leave us. Um… please," said Twilight. She was getting a hang of this princess thing. Luna's guards bowed, spread their wings, and flew off the balcony in orderly fashion. Twilight wondered where they would go. As if on queue, Salazar stirred as soon as the guards had left. His head emerged from the black coils and slithered towards Twilight. This time, however, Twilight was confident. As a sign of this, she spread her wings out wide.

"Salazar. I have business with you," said Twilight.

"I am listening, little pony," said the dragon.

"I have a question," said Twilight. She looked around as if checking to see that they were alone. "I was a bit apprehensive to ask Princess Celestia this, but… Can the elements of harmony defeat you?"

Salazar exhaled. Small plumes of smoke wafted from his nostrils as he did so.

"No," he said after a moment, "however, the elements will protect Equestria. Were I to attempt to destroy Equestria, the elements could protect it. But only if they aren't separated."

"So that's why you kidnapped my friend Rarity. You needed to separate the elements, so we couldn't unite. That's pretty obvious," said Twilight.

"Hmmm…" Salazar smirked, "While convenient to separate the elements, it is not my main objective."

"What then? To take over Equestria?" asked Twilight.

"Not quite, but you're getting closer."

"What the hay do you mean 'not quite'? I was there, I saw everything that happened!" yelled Twilight.

Salazar didn't respond.

Twilight sighed, "Typical dragon. Remember Twilight, he's just a typical deceitful and manipulative dragon."

"Alright, Salazar, I have three more questions for you," said Twilight. "What do you know about the Tree of Harmony?"

"A powerful energy exists within the ancient oak of the Everfree," said the dragon. "Within the elements that force resides, as it does as within you. But take heed, Twilight Sparkle, while the elements cannot be corrupted, ponies can."

Salazar flashed his tongue at Twilight.

"I know that. But where did the tree come from? What secret do the six mysterious keys unlock?" asked Twilight.

"It is amusing that your princess has not told you," rumbled Salazar's voice.

"What? Celestia doesn't know, or she would have said something," said Twilight, "right? ... Wait, you're just trying to upset me again, aren't you? Fine, I can see we're not getting anywhere with that subject."

Twilight continued, "The thing you're looking for. Is it somewhere within the Crystal Caverns? Is it something that's actually possible to pick up and bring to you to make you leave?"

"Listen carefully, Twilight Sparkle, for my answer is this: I have already found, yet do not possess, what I have sought. And what I sought, now seeks me," said Salazar, flickering his tongue.

"What?! That doesn't even make any sense!" said Twilight, clearly very frustrated. "I wish you weren't so difficult, Salazar! Things would move along so much more smoothly if you would just cooperate!"

"I see you have learned little about us dragons, Twilight Sparkle," said Salazar.

"Don't even go there," said Twilight as she glared angrily at the dragon. "Actually, fine, why don't you enlighten me on the subject," she snapped back.

"Are you not intrigued that I have spared you thus far?" rumbled the dragon's voice.

"What's that supposed to mean? Does it mean you need me for something? Are you implying that I have something to do with this?"

Salazar did not respond, but allowed Twilight to continue.

"I think I understand," she said. "This is all part of some elaborate scheme! You're using me, but for what? Do you intend for me to solve your riddle?" said Twilight.

Salazar did not respond.

"Forget it! I can't help you if you can't help me," said Twilight. "Last question: does my friend Rarity have anything to do with this?"

"Rarity... that is a charming name. Which one is she? The yellow one, or the pink one?" said Salazar.

"You should know! You kidnapped her!" yelled Twilight in frustration. "You're just taunting me again, aren't you? You know very which pony Rarity is. Ever since you kidnapped her, she's been acting peculiar. I know more than you think I know, Salazar."

"Impress me," said the dragon, further taunting Twilight.

"The day you attacked Canterlot, you meant to separate my and my friends, to separate the elements. You only needed to separate one of us from the others. You chose Rarity because you thought she would be the easiest to corrupt. You offered her something you didn't think she could refuse, being a princess and having treasure, popularity, et cetera. By the way, I'm a princess, and I haven't seen a single gem in the treasury. Thank Celestia Rarity didn't believe you. Were you even trying with that? Discord could do better with one claw tied behind his back."

"It seems I am quite the risk taker. One would have expected a more developed strategy before trying something so foolhardy." said the dragon, playing along.

"That's right, Rarity told me all about it. And she's totally recovered from the incident, and has probably forgotten all about you. But there's something she hasn't told me. Did you say anything else to Rarity that day? Anything at all?"

"Nothing too out of the ordinary," responded the dragon.

"Fine. But she's still hiding something, and I think it might be important. I'll find out when I talk to her tomorrow," said Twilight casually.

She turned, as if to leave, but Salazar spoke suddenly.

"The unicorn Rarity is hiding something from you, and it is very important," said Salazar.

"What? How do you know?" stammered Twilight.

The alicorn princess stamped her hooves in frustration.

"I really don't you like, you know that?" she huffed. "Is the thing she's hiding related to the riddle?"

"You could say that," said the dragon evasively.

"What is Rarity not telling me?"

"It is your friend's choice to tell you, not mine," said the dragon.

"Oh, she will tell me. And she had better be honest this time!" said Twilight angrily.

"This matter is more urgent than you realize," rumbled Salazar's voice. "Wait not until tomorrow. Speak with Rarity tonight."

"I'm planning on it! ... I mean, don't tell me what to do! I'm still mad at you!"

"Are we through here? Or have you more questions for me?" asked the dragon.

"We're through here. You've been most unhelpful. Good night!"

Twilight trotted to the balcony and jumped off the tower, leaving Salazar alone. The cool night air felt refreshing as it wafted through her feathered wings, but still wasn't enough to cool Twilight down from the frustrating and unproductive meeting with Salazar. A chariot was waiting to take her to Ponyville.

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A shiver ran up Rarity's spine as she heard multiple voices behind her, abruptly ending her daydream. Shadows appeared on the curved walls of the spiral staircase. Rarity took one last look at the grand room and went back into the entryway to hide. A squad of white pegasus guards came down the stairs, talking and acting casual. A couple guards had their helmets off, and they all stepped down the stairs haphazardly. They must be off duty.

"Do you know what one of those bat-winged weirdoes said to me when he took my shift tonight?" complained one of the guards.

"What was it this time?" asked another.

Rarity lost the response amidst the racket of their hooves clopping on the marble steps.

"Why can't Princess Luna hire some regular pegasus ponies as her guards?" said another guard coming down the stairs.

"Because ponies aren't nocturnal. Not the normal ones anyways," retorted another.

"Shut up, will you? The princess' chambers are right there, do you want to get us fired?" said the last one.

The commotion faded away down the stairs. Rarity stuck her head out of the archway and looked around. The coast looked clear. Rarity hesitated in the doorway. Why hadn't Twilight come back down yet? She was taking a long time. Either that or Twilight had come down a different way. Rarity couldn't wait any longer, she had to be decisive - she had to choose what to do.

"There will surely be more guards up the stairs, guarding that dragon if nothing else. Do I go up, or do I go down? Shall I abort the mission, or risk it all? Oh Rarity, why can't you be definite in your decisions? Think!" thought Rarity. She shook her head.

"Dare I ascend? I just don't know!"

Her gaze followed the white marble steps as they rose away in front of her. A strong feeling washed over her warning her not to continue. Rarity had had enough. This was dangerous and foolish. She was going to get caught eventually. And if she somehow made it to the level where the dragon was imprisoned, what then? What did she expect to happen? If she didn't end up in a dungeon, she'd end up being roasted alive by Salazar.

Rarity gasped, "That's it!" she thought. "That's why Salazar lured me here. All those whispers... and the dreams. He wants to kill me! He couldn't when all the elements were together, this is the only way he'd achieve separating us."

"Oh Rarity, you’ve been played for a foal!" she said aloud. "'Curiosity killed the cat', as they say."

Rarity looked down the stairs this time, and after another pause took the first step down. She was flustered again, but her irritation was directed at herself this time. She couldn't believe she had been about to risk everything on a hunch, including her own life.

The guards wouldn't stop her from leaving, would they? Rarity reached the bottom of the staircase. Two guards were there, but they were not the same friendly guards who had welcomed Rarity on her way up. They eyed Rarity suspiciously as she passed, but said nothing.

Rarity exited the castle the way she came in. More guards greeted Rarity, saying things like, "Have a good night ma'am". A couple guards even called her "Miss Rarity". Rarity left the castle unmolested, and made her way through the city towards the train station. The broad Canterlot streets were quiet this time of night and gave Rarity a chance to reflect. She glanced up at the big tower. The moon was well into the sky, and cast an eerie light upon the white Canterlot stone.

"What a pointless visit. All I accomplished was letting my friends down by missing Pinkie's party, and finding more things to worry about," muttered Rarity. "I have enough to think about with the Ponyville Promenade coming up tomorrow!"

Her thoughts wandered back to eavesdropping on the princesses.

"I can't believe the princesses were talking about me. As if I have some big part in all of this? What has got them so worried, and what do I have to do with it? It sounded like they didn't have any control over Salazar, but I thought he was a prisoner."

Rarity watched her hooves as they clopped down the cobblestone street, deep in thought.

"And what about Twilight? I can't believe she lied to me. I mean, I trusted her. Twilight is one of my best friends," she thought. "I hate that dragon. This is all his fault. I couldn't be sincere with Twilight, and Twilight couldn't be sincere with me, all because of him. Was that his intention? To create tension and distrust between us? I'm not going to let it happen, I'll show him. I'm going to talk to Twilight tonight, and I'm going to tell her everything. I simply must set things right."

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"Rarity!" yelled Twilight at the front door of the Carousel Boutique.

She banged her hoof on the door as hard as she could. Rarity would normally be in bed by now, but she could be woken up for something this important. Twilight's suspicion that Rarity was hiding something important had been confirmed from her conversation with Salazar. She needed answers.

"Rarity!" she yelled again.

"Keep it down out there! Some ponies are trying to sleep around here!" yelled a voice from across the street.

"Sorry!" Twilight yelled back, blushing.

Twilight looked around. Most of the town was dark, but a few lights shown here and there. One light came from Sugar Cube Corner. Twilight took off on a run towards the store. Pinkie Pie might be able to help. Twilight knocked on the stable-style door, and a moment later the top half opened, revealing the head of a pink pony.

"Hi Twilight!" said Pinkie Pie.

She seemed a bit tired.

"Sorry, Twilight, but I think you might be just a tiny bit late for the party. As in, it ended like two hours ago. We're almost done cleaning up!"

"I'm not here for the party, Pinkie."

"Of course not, you're here to help us clean up!" said Pinkie as she thrust a wet mop at Twilight.

"Is Rarity still here?" said Twilight, as she discarded the mop off to the side.

"Nope, just my maid. I was so sad when I got Rarity's note that she couldn't make it."

"Couldn't make it?" said Twilight, "But you hosted the party just for her. Why couldn't she make it?"

"Take a look," said Pinkie Pie, as she produced Rarity's note.

Twilight read it and didn't seem to understand.

"Where did she go, Pinkie Pie?" said Twilight sternly.

"Gosh, Twilight, I don't think I've seen you this serious since like... yesterday!" giggled Pinkie Pie.

"This isn't funny, Pinkie. This is very, very serious. Have you seen Rarity?"

"Maybe she went to Cloudsdale to surprise Dashie before her practice race tomorrow. That's what I would have done!"

Twilight rolled her eyes.

"Is Rarity in trouble or something?" asked Pinkie Pie.

"Why don't you tell me? Pinkie, you have to tell me what Rarity's been hiding from me," demanded Twilight.

Pinkie Pie glanced around nervously.

"Um... There's still some cake left. Do you want some?" asked Pinkie.

"Pinkie Pie..." said the frustrated alicorn.

"Oh, I know what we can do! We can eat frosting until we throw up! That's always fun."

"Pinkie Pie!" yelled Twilight.

A flash of white light, and suddenly Twilight was inside the room.

Fluttershy, who was cleaning on the other side of the room in a maid outfit, gasped.

"Take it easy, Twilight!" yelped Pinkie Pie as she was levitated into the air by a purple aura of energy.

"Don't you understand?! Rarity could be in danger right now! Salazar said the thing she isn't telling me is very important. It has something to do with the riddle! This is urgent, Pinkie! To Tartarus with your Pinkie promise! Is it more important than the fate of Equestria?! Tell me what Rarity said to all of you!" demanded Twilight.

"Silly Twilight," teased the floating earth pony, "why don't you just ask her yourself? She's just outside."

Twilight rushed out the stable door, and glanced around as her eyes adjusted to the darkness.

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Meanwhile, Rarity was making her way through the Ponyville streets towards home, having just gotten off the train. She was startled by the sudden outline of an alicorn, wings spread wide, in the doorway of Sugar Cube Corner. Was that Princess Celestia? Rarity couldn't tell with the bright light behind the figure.

"I've been caught! One of the guards has turned me in!" screamed Rarity's thoughts.

"They caught me eavesdropping! Celestia's been waiting for me to throw me a dungeon for the rest of my life!" said Rarity's thoughts, as adrenaline took over.

The skittish Rarity took off at a sprint towards the Carousel Boutique.

Twilight couldn't see anything clearly, but heard somepony running. She blindly ran after the sound, forgetting about Pinkie Pie. By the moon's light, Twilight now saw the outline of a mare running down the street.

"Stop! Is that you, Rarity? Wait, it's me, Twilight!"

Mr. and Mrs. Cake ran downstairs to see what all the commotion was about. Twilight had gone, and all they found was Pinkie Pie floating in the middle of the room.

"Pinkie? You're... You're flying?" said Mr. Cake.

"Oh, you know..." blushed Pinkie Pie, "just practicing my self-levitation spell..."

Suddenly, Twilight's spell stopped and Pinkie fell on her rump with a thud. Mrs. Cake fainted.

Rarity produced the key to the boutique from her saddlebags. She opened the door as quickly as she could, rushed inside, and locked it behind her. Being so scared, she whinnied loudly, an instinctual reflex. The panic stricken pony's heart was racing as she tried to figure out what to do next. The door rattled; somepony was clearly trying to open it.

"I didn't mean to eavesdrop, princess! I'm sorry!" yelled Rarity.

The room was suddenly lit with a bright flash and Twilight Sparkle appeared inches in front of Rarity's face. Rarity reared up and screamed.

"Please no, princess!" yelled Rarity.

"Rarity! It's me, Twilight!" yelled Twilight. "It's just me! Rarity, it's just me!"

Rarity stared at Twilight as she tried to regain her breath.

"Twilight, I thought you were princess..." panted Rarity.

"You thought I was princess who?" said Twilight sternly.

Rarity didn't respond for a moment as she tried to calm down and catch her breath. She wasn't sure why Twilight was so eager to see her, but something seemed wrong.

"Twilight, darling, what a fright you gave me back there. Whatever is the matter? Is something wrong?" inquired Rarity.

"Yes, there certainly is," said Twilight, glaring at her friend.

"Twilight, hold that thought," said Rarity, "There's something I simply must tell you. I haven't been open with you, and it's about time I confess."

"Exactly!" blurted Twilight.

Rarity looked confused.

"That's exactly the problem," continued Twilight. "You have to tell me everything. I must know every detail. It's extremely urgent!"

"Twilight," said Rarity sincerely, "Whatever do you mean? What's going on?"

"It's of grave importance that you tell me at once!" said Twilight.

"I just said I was going to tell you," snapped Rarity, "but now I'm having second thoughts with that boorish attitude of yours."

"This isn't the time for this, Rarity. The fate of Equestria depends on you telling me everything. At least that's what Salazar said... Oh."

"Why if that isn't the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard! And what were you doing talking to that terrible dragon?" said Rarity.

"I can't tell you. That's highly classified," said Twilight mechanically.

"Did the dragon tell you to be rude as well?" jested Rarity.

"I am not being rude, you're being difficult!" retorted Twilight.

Rarity gasped, being taken aback at Twilight's words.

"The dragon aside, you've been acting very suspicious lately," said Twilight

"Me? Suspicious? The only thing suspicious here is why you want to stick your muzzle in other ponies' business," said Rarity, clearly very insulted.

"Look Rarity, I don't want to argue with you. But this really is important."

"Twilight, my little personal problems are not a matter of national concern," said Rarity.

"I have reason to believe that they are. Please just tell me where you were all day! Why did you miss Pinkie Pie's party?" demanded Twilight.

"It's none of your business. You always have to be in control of everything and everypony, don't you Twilight? I'm my own mare. This is my life and you have no business reprimanding me in my own home and ordering me to disclose what I do and where I go!"

Twilight stamped a hoof in frustration. "I don't care! This isn't about you or me. I have orders, Rarity!"

"Orders? Like the orders you had to interrogate me last week?" said Rarity, taking a step closer to Twilight.

"How? How could you know that?" said Twilight, taken aback.

"Hah! I guess I'm not the only liar in the room!" said Rarity.

"I had to do it, Rarity. And that's completely different, I was just being practical and you're being selfish," said Twilight.

"Me? Selfish?" said Rarity, as she felt tears welling up in her eyes.

"Yes, selfish!" continued Twilight, "You were selfish when you told all our friends except me about what was bothering you. You really hurt my feelings Rarity! I thought you didn't like me anymore; you didn't want to be my friend anymore," Twilight started to cry too. "You never said sorry, and you're still being selfish for not telling me."

"Twilight, I... You don't understand," cried Rarity. "You don't understand what I was going through. I couldn't tell you, I just couldn't."

"Horse pucky! You just weren't thinking about my feelings. You never think about other ponies, only yourself!" cried Twilight.

The boutique lights suddenly came on, illuminating Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy standing in the doorway.

"Girls!" said Pinkie Pie. "What the hay happened?"

"Oh my goodness!" gasped Fluttershy.

"Waaahaaa," cried Rarity, as she bolted for the door.

Tears streamed out of her eyes as she sprinted past Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, and ran off crying into the night.

"Rarity!" yelled Fluttershy.

The pegasus immediately left and flew after her friend. Twilight sat down on her rump and wiped tears from her eyes.

"What happened, Twilight?" said Pinkie as she walked over to the crying princess.

"I... I don't know. We got in a fight," sniffled Twilight. "Oh I just feel horrible! What got into me. I'm so, so sorry Pinkie! I didn't mean to!"

Pinkie Pie put a comforting hoof around her friend. "You can tell your auntie Pinkie all about it!"

After a while Pinkie had calmed Twilight down. They stood up and prepared to leave Rarity's boutique.

"Pinkie?" asked Twilight, "How did you and Fluttershy get in here? The door was locked, I tried it."

"Heehee," giggle Pinkie, "I always keep duplicate keys to my best friends' houses nearby! Don't worry, I only use them for emergencies like this.... or when I'm bored."

"Pinkie, I don't think that's... Oh never mind," said Twilight.

The two friends left the boutique and walked silently through Ponyville. At the library, Pinkie Pie unlocked and opened the door for Twilight, receiving a questioning look from the alicorn. The lights were off and Spike was asleep.

"Goodnight Twilight!" said Pinkie.

"Goodnight Pinkie. If you see Rarity, tell her... tell her I'm sorry," said Twilight.

"Will do! I hope you feel better tomorrow Twilight," said Pinkie, struggling with the proper words. "You'll still come to the Ponyville Promenade, won't you?"

"Yeah, I guess so," said Twilight as she disappeared inside the library.

The door closed and Pinkie made her way back to Sugar Cube Corner.

"Gosh. This is just awful," thought Pinkie Pie. "None of us have had a fight this bad, ever! I've got to find away to make everypony friends again, but this ain't gonna be easy."

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A cool night air caressed Fluttershy's wings as she hovered above the ground. She looked every which way, but couldn't see Rarity anywhere. Fluttershy had followed her the best she could, but lost her when they got to the outskirts of Ponyville. Fluttershy was just outside of the town, but few houses had their lights on and it was very dark.

"Rarity!" called the pegasus, scanning the darkness around her.

She landed on the dirt road and listened for any sign of her friend. Now she heard what sounded like somepony crying. Fluttershy walked towards the sound and found Rarity lying under a tree next to a stream. The unicorn's weeping grew louder as Fluttershy approached. Fluttershy lay on the grass next to her friend and gently put a wing around her. Rarity felt the warmth of her friend's soft feathers around her shoulders.

"It's alright now," said Fluttershy's soothing voice. "There there."

The two ponies sat in silence for a while, Rarity sniffling from time to time. They listened to the babbling of the nearby brook.

"Whatever Twilight said back there, I'm sure she didn't mean it," said Fluttershy, breaking the silence. "I'm sure she feels just as upset right now."

"Who is she to call me selfish?" spoke Rarity.

"Oh my. Did Twilight really say that?" said Fluttershy sadly. "I'm sure she didn't mean it."

"And what possessed her to run me down and enter my home without my permission?"

Fluttershy wasn't sure what to say.

"Besides, she's the selfish one," continued Rarity.

"Oh, you mustn't say things like that Rarity."

"Twilight used us, Fluttershy. And so did Princess Celestia and Luna."

"Whatever do you mean?" asked Fluttershy.

"Everything about the elements and friendship was just for Twilight's training. It was merely to prepare her to become a princess. Princess Celestia planned it," said Rarity.

"That's not true, Rarity," protested Fluttershy, "We've learned just as much from friendship as Twilight has. We've always worked together as a team for all of Equestria, not just for Twilight."

"Fine. But it wasn't intended to benefit us, it was intended to benefit Twilight. We were just a stepping stool for her, and now we're expected to sit idly by," pouted Rarity.

"Whatever makes you think that, Rarity?"

"I heard them talking about it myself. I suppose I may be exaggerating just a tad, but in essence it's true!"

"Rarity, where were you during Pinkie's party tonight? But, um, you don't have to answer if you don't want to," said Fluttershy.

"I was in Canterlot, I'll admit it. And that is where I overheard the princesses talking."

"Rarity, could we get some light? It's awfully dark," said Fluttershy kindly.

"Of course, dear," said Rarity.

Her horn sparked and glowed, and the two ponies became illuminated by the soft white light.

"Yes, I know it was terrible of me to skip the party. But I had to go, I just had to."

"Rarity, um, you weren't spying in the princesses, were you?" asked Fluttershy.

"I didn't mean to. I was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. I'm just glad I wasn't caught!" said Rarity.

"Oh, Rarity," said Fluttershy sympathetically.

"Fluttershy, you wouldn't believe what the princesses said about me. They said I was dangerous because my element is more easily corrupted. Me, dangerous! A kind, generous pony like myself, dangerous! Can you believe it?"

"Are you sure they weren't just worried about you?" asked Fluttershy nicely.

"Well, I suppose they were, but still. They don't think I can handle myself. They don't realize what I've been dealing with... that wretched dragon."

"You could always tell the princesses about Salazar," suggested Fluttershy.

"I don't know, Fluttershy."

"I'm sure they can help."

"Maybe I should. But I have enough to think about with the Ponyville Promenade tomorrow night," said Rarity.

"So you'll come?" asked Fluttershy hopefully.

"Of course. I've been looking forward to it for eons! I'm certainly not going to let this mess stop me from attending."

The two friends eventually parted ways, and went to their respective homes. As hectic as the day had been, the exhausted Rarity managed to fall asleep quickly.

Chapter 9

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"Good morning, 'Tia!" said Luna happily as Princess Celestia walking into the dining room.

"Morning..." responded Princess Celestia, her night cap adorning her head.

"You look tired, sister. Did you not sleep well?"

"No. Couldn't sleep," said Celestia bluntly.

"I have had much on my mind as well, sister. I'd like to share my thoughts with you."

"Of course," said Princess Celestia as she sat down at the table.

"I've been thinking about the unicorn, Rarity," said Luna.

"What about her?"

"Twilight said in her report that Salazar had offered Rarity, among other things, to make her a princess."

"Luna, Salazar told Rarity many things. 'Princess' was one other ruse to convince her to not use her element against him," said Celestia.

"Sister, entertain the thought for a just minute. What if Salazar had not lied to Rarity?"

"Do you mean to say, dearest Luna, that Salazar would actually have dethroned us and made Rarity Equestria's queen in our stead?"

"I am aware that it may seem a bit farfetched," admitted Luna.

"Dragons act purely out of greed. They only care about their own interests, regardless of how it effects others," said Celestia.

"But sister," began Luna, trying to find the right words, "Why is he here? Why do neither treasure nor land interest him? Nothing else has made sense."

"Very well, Luna. Let us say that Salazar wants to place a peasant unicorn on our throne instead. - Of course in complete disregard of how we've ever known dragons to act - I would have one question for you. Why?"

"I... I don't know why," said Luna timidly.

"I'm sorry Luna," continued Celestia, "I must confess, the reason for my lack of sleep was worry over this very matter. Something doesn't feel right. We're missing something. I was certain that Twilight had a major part to play in Salazar's scheme. But the unicorn Rarity now also seems to have a much deeper role to play than we realized."

"Twilight and Rarity..." said Luna, "Or one or the other, perhaps..."

Breakfast came for the sisters, and they sat in silence for a good while, musing over thoughts and ideas while eating.

"You're right, sister," said Luna at last. "Why would Salazar want to put a pony on the throne, if he could just as easily call himself 'king,' as it were? However..."

"What, Luna? Please go on," implored Celestia.

"As Twilight relayed to us, Rarity has acted peculiar ever since Salazar's coming. Rarity will not speak to Twilight. In her nightmares, I've sensed that she is going through an intense inner struggle. These things are somehow all related. I know it," said Luna gravely.

"We must take no chances, Luna," said the sun princess. "Your concern is more than enough reason to investigate the matter further."

"I will have Rarity brought before us and questioned," said Luna.

"No," spoke up Celestia. "There's nothing Rarity would tell us, that she wouldn't also tell Twilight. There's no need to interfere, it might cause a rift in the friendship. Luna, I chose these girls as vessels for the elements. Their friendships are stronger than we know. We will simply have Twilight look into the matter."

"Very well!" stated Luna. The moon princess levitated a quill and parchment towards her.

"I know when something's amiss, sister," explained Luna. "Ask me not to explain it, for I could not. Now, what shall we say?"

"Luna..."

"Aha! I have it," exclaimed Luna, as she began writing.

Twilight Sparkle,

By decree of their royal highnesses, you are hereby ordered to further investigate the possible involvement of the unicorn Rarity in Salazar's inscrutable scheme! Under penalty of...

"Luna!" warned Celestia, as she levitated the parchment away from her sister, "please try to be more endearing, won't you?"
Celestia wrote:

Dearest Twilight,

Luna and I are concerned for your friend, Rarity, as we have reason to believe that she may have more affiliation to Salazar than we had previously thought. There is a real potential that this goes deeper than his attempt to separate Rarity from her friends. Find out why Rarity is acting 'peculiar', as you had said. Try to gain a clear picture of what she's struggling with.

Sincerely,

-Princesses Celestia and Luna

Celestia smiled warmly as she magically sent off the letter. The sisters continued eating their meals. The moon was setting, and Princess Celestia would soon have to raise the sun. To the surprise of the alicorns, a letter materialized above the banquet table. A fast response from Twilight, no doubt.

"I am surprised that Twilight is awake at this hour," stated Luna.

Princess Celestia opened the parchment and began reading.

Dear Princesses Celestia and Luna,

I apologize. I do not feel comfortable carrying out your directives at this time. I am embarrassed to admit that Rarity and I had a very unpleasant argument just last night. After speaking to Salazar, I was anxious and impatient to get answers from her, and I said things that a friend should never say to another friend. I don't think that dialogue between us will do anypony any good right now.

Please understand why I must respectfully decline what you're asking me to do.

Your faithful apprentice,

-Princess Twilight Sparkle

Celestia passed the letter to Luna, who read it.

"This is perhaps the 'rift in the friendship' you were talking about sister," said Luna.

"I don't understand it," said Celestia, "You were right, Luna, this is quite serious."

"Shall we summon the unicorn before us?" asked Luna.

"I have a better idea, Luna. Tonight, let us pay her a surprise visit."

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Rarity stepped through the front door of Ponyville's town hall. It had been decorated inside and out, transforming it into a ballroom for the Ponyville Promenade. Rarity's brand new dress caught the eyes of quite a few ponies, with it's soft blues and white highlights. The dress draped over her tail, and brushed the ground. Her mane was done up in a bun, and sparkled in the light. Sapphire necklace and earrings, and light blue eyeliner, added the final touch to Rarity's outfit. Fluttershy timidly followed Rarity into the room. Her dress of vibrant greens and yellows, which Rarity had made for her, complimented her natural colors, as well as her soft persona. Rarity was known in Ponyville as the town's best dress maker, and she seldom disappointed her reputation.

Rarity ignored the gawking ponies around her and Fluttershy, and scanned the room for Twilight Sparkle.

"I suspect Twilight got caught up with her duties," she said to Fluttershy.

Fluttershy whimpered. Dozens of ponies in the room were staring at her!

"I mean, not that I care about what Twilight does or does not do!" snapped Rarity.

The town hall had been converted into a ballroom. Streamers and ribbons cascaded from the balconies. Everything was well lit. A small group of musicians were playing. Among them was Ponyville resident, Octavia, on cello. Ponies stepped aside as Rarity walked forward into the large room. Fluttershy followed.

"Your dress is absolutely beautiful, Rarity!" said Bon Bon.

"As is yours, dear," smiled Rarity.

"Of course it is! You made it!" said Bon Bon happily.

Ponies began chattering as Rarity posed on the ballroom floor. As ponies stepped back to give Rarity the spotlight, Fluttershy suddenly found herself at the center of attention. Hiding behind her friend didn't do any good.

"Rarity!" she whispered. But Rarity was too caught up in the moment to notice.

"Oh my Celestia! You look beautiful Fluttershy! Your dress really brings out the best of you!" said Lily.

Ponies in the crowd moved forward to get a better look at the two mares. Fluttershy hadn't expected to be the life of the party! She cast one last 'help me' glance at Rarity before scampering off into the crowd. There wasn't much else she could do. Fluttershy was well aware that Rarity and herself were the two prettiest mares in Ponyville. Of course, she had a harder time handling the attention that Rarity seemed to thrive on.

The room was filled with the din of chatter. Pinkie Pie, wearing her Gala Dress from the Grand Galloping Gala years ago, had volunteered herself to refill ponies' glasses from the punch bowl. Stallions and mares in their best outfits talked and flirted with each other.

"Why yes, I did design it myself!" said Rarity. "No, it's not part of a fashion line. It's one of a kind!"

As Rarity was busy socializing, Fluttershy kept her head low and tried to make her way to the side of the room. She liked dressing up, but she didn't realize how many ponies would be here. Why had she let Rarity convince her to come?

"Excuse me. Sorry sir. Pardon me, ma'am," she said as she wove through the crowd.

Finally Fluttershy had made it to safety. Backed up against the wall, she looked around to get her bearings. Rarity was immediately recognizable from the circle of ponies around her, all trying to talk with her. Fluttershy noticed a new pony walk through the front door of the town hall. It was Twilight Sparkle.

"I can't explain my talent for dress making. It's simply innate!" said Rarity to her entourage.

"She's Gorgeous!"

"So regal!"

Rarity smiled and blushed.

"Truly the life of the party!"

"She truly is a princess!"

Rarity responded, "Why yes, I… wait, what?"

She turned to see what had stolen attention away from her. A princess had come into the room. Rarity watched as Twilight Sparkle walked forward, Spike following her. Every pony immediately turned their attention to the princess. Even the musician ponies got distracted and stopped playing. The ponies who had surrounded Rarity also turned their attention to Twilight. Rarity looked on, not sure how to react, as ponies brushed past her to get closer to the princess.

The musicians began playing again. Meanwhile, Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief as ponies were drawn away from her by Twilight's arrival. Finally, some personal space!

"Pardon me," came a voice from behind Fluttershy.

Fluttershy turned to see local stallion, dressed in a nice tuxedo.

"May I have this dance?" said the earth pony, blushing a bit.

"Okay," whimpered the terrified pegasus.

Twilight cautiously stepped forward into the room as she felt all the attention on her. The din in the room grew louder.

"Excuse me!" said Rarity to nopony in particular.

But Twilight seemed to be the topic of greater interest, and Rarity was ignored.

"Grrr!" said Rarity as she stamped a hoof in annoyance.

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"Good evening, princess!" said a well-dressed stallion.

"Good evening to you too, sir," responded Twilight.

Twilight cantered awkwardly as more ponies pushed towards her and all tried to talk to her at once. She wasn't used to this much attention, and not in a crowded place like this.

"Maybe I overdid it with the makeup," said Twilight to Spike. "I didn't mean to attract this much attention."

"Princess Twilight!" shouted one mare. "Who made that amazing dress of yours!"

"Actually, my friend Rarity made it," responded Twilight.

Rarity smiled and held up her head, preparing for attention to return to her. But to her dismay, nopony acknowledged her. Everypony's attention remained fixed on Twilight.

"I love your horseshoes, Twilight," said Lyra.

"Are those earrings diamond?" asked Cheerilee excitedly.

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Rarity stamped off.

"Eep!" squeaked Fluttershy as she was suddenly pulled away from her dance partner.

"Hey," said the stallion.

Finding himself without a partner for the waltz, the stallion hung his head and walked off the dance floor.

"It's okay, Rarity. I didn't really want to dance anyways," said Fluttershy. "Is something the matter?"

"Yes! Everything is the matter!" said Rarity as she and Fluttershy walked up to the refreshment table. "Twilight's here. I thought for sure she had duties to attend to."

"But Rarity, I thought you wanted Twilight to come," said Fluttershy worriedly.

"Yes, but that was before our... little argument. Oh Fluttershy, I just don't know how I'm going to get through the night! Of all the things that could happen, this is the worst possible thing!"

"Um, I don't think it's that bad," said Fluttershy.

"How could it be any worse? She's the life of the party!"

"Well, she is wearing that lovely dress you made for her," said Fluttershy.

"No no no, Fluttershy, dear. It's because she's a princess! Oh, you should have seen the way she stole all of my attention! Everypony just crowded around her! And she calls me selfish?"

"But, I don't think she meant…" Fluttershy started to protest.

"I am the element of generosity. I am not selfish!"

"Rarity, I think you're maybe being a tincy tiny bit jealous…" said Fluttershy timidly.

"She simply doesn't have the poise, the charm, the attitude! The only thing regal about her is her gaudy crown!"

"She's, um, also an alicorn," added Fluttershy.

"Hi girls!" said Pinkie Pie. "Wowee! Those dresses will have every stallion from here to Appleloosa turning his head!"

"Why thank you, Pinkie Pie," said Rarity, as she regained her composure, "I was going for an impression of charm and elegance. Not too flashy, and yet not too soft either. The dresses speak 'sexy,' but also has a reserved air about them. Wouldn't you agree?"

"I have no idea what you just said, but yes!" said Pinkie Pie, giggling with glee. "Have some punch, girls," said Pinkie as she prepared some drinks.

"By the way, Pinkie," said Rarity, "You look marvelous as well. I love what you've done with your mane!"

"Thanks! Hey, did you know Twilight's here?"

"Oh… is she?" asked Rarity, glancing across the dance floor behind her.

"Yep. What d'ya say we all go say hi?"

"Pinkie, don't you remember what happened last night?" said Rarity.

"Just because you got in a little fight doesn't mean you're not still friends! Right?"

Rarity pawed at the ground. "Right. I suppose we are still friends," she said unpersuasively.

"You're gonna have to work things out sooner or later, alligator," explained Pinkie Pie. "Twilight feels awful about what she said, and she's waiting for you to talk to her!"

"She… she does? She is?" said Rarity in astonishment.

"Yep! Anyways, here's your punch! Enjoy!" said Pinkie, pushing two cups of punch towards her friends.

"I suppose Twilight had a point. If I were Twilight, I would have been upset with me too. Thank you for the punch, dear," said Rarity as she levitated her cup and turned to explore the rest of the refreshments.

As Fluttershy carefully picked up her cup with her teeth, Pinkie Pie leaned in close.

"I put extra sarsaparilla in yours," Pinkie Pie said deviously. She winked and trotted away.

"Oh… my…" said Fluttershy.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Twilight!" shouted Pinkie Pie, hopping up and down.

Twilight politely parted ways with the ponies trying to talk to her, and made her way towards her friend.

"Pinkie Pie, am I glad to see you!" said Twilight. "I can't get a break. Everypony's trying to talk to me, even ponies I don't know. This is not at all what I expected. I wish I could just stand unnoticed at the refreshment stand the whole time, like I did last year!"

"Don't be silly! Nopony likes a party-pooper!" giggled Pinkie Pie. "Don't you just love the attention? I know I do… And I love dancing! And streamers, and balloons, and live music, and ice cream! And…"

"Ice cream? They have ice cream?" said Spike excitedly. With a nod from Pinkie Pie the baby dragon waddled off.

"Anyways, where was I?" continued Pinkie. "Oh yea. I also love it when lot's of ponies getting together to mingle and..."

"Princess Twilight! Remember me?" interrupted a stallion.

"Can't a princess get any personal space around here?!" snapped Twilight. "… I mean, please, sir, if you wouldn't mind."

"I'm sorry, Pinkie. I'm just a little on edge. It's just exasperating," explained Twilight.

"I know just how you feel, Twilight!" said Pinkie. "And I'd bet a cupcake that you're also still pretty upset about your fight with Rarity."

"Huh?"

"Even though you and Rarity had a little argument, doesn't mean you're not still friends. Am I right?"

"I guess we are still friends," said Twilight, pawing at the floor.

"Rarity feels awful about last night. She's waiting for you to go talk to her."

"Really?"

"Of course!" lied Pinkie.

"Gosh… You're right, Pinkie. I forgot just how important my friendship with Rarity really is. I got caught up in my… research… and put that before the thing that was really most important, our friendship. No wonder Rarity didn't trust me," admitted Twilight.

"Sounds like a lesson you can write Princess Celestia about!" said Pinkie Pie happily.

"Maybe I will. But first, to apologize to Rarity!" said Twilight.

"Twilight! I love those earrings. Where'd you buy them?" interrupted a mare.

"Canterlot no doubt. Does Princess Celestia have her own jeweler?" said another.

"We've been dying to know all evening! They're gorgeous. And the necklace too," added another.

Pinkie Pie was squeezed out of the new group of mares gathering around Twilight.

"Have fun, Twilight! Bye!" shouted Pinkie Pie.

Twilight shot her friend a 'not amused' glance.

"Remember to talk to you-know-who!" shouted Pinkie.

Twilight was too involved in trying to answer the mares' questions to respond. Pinkie pie pranced away.

"This is going to work great!" thought Pinkie as she bounced across the ballroom. "Rarity and Twilight will make up by the end of the night, or my name isn't Pinkamena Diane Pie!"

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"Rarity. This isn't like you to sit out at a big social function," said Fluttershy, finding her best friend sitting in a chair at the edge of the dance floor.

Rarity sighed, "It doesn't matter."

Fluttershy sat next to her friend. Other ponies stepped side to side on the dance floor, dancing to the music.

"You look awfully sad, Rarity. Are you alright? You're going to talk to Twilight, right? Pinkie said Twilight's sorry and wants to talk."

"Oh Fluttershy. I was so looking forward to the Promenade this year. All the work I put into the dresses and everything… and I'm not having a good time. No, not at all. And yes, I suppose I should talk to Twilight. I'm just trying to collect my thoughts first," responded Rarity. "It's not my fault or Twilight's fault. It's the fault of that stupid dragon. I hate him. I really do."

Fluttershy put a wing around her friend to comfort her.

"It's depressing to sit on the sidelines like this. Let's go out onto the dance floor," suggested Fluttershy.

"You… you want to dance? With other ponies? Fluttershy, I never thought I'd hear you say that! That's wonderful! Very well, let us light up this promenade! We shall be the life of the party once again," Rarity smiled at her friend. "Actually, never mind that. Let's just try to enjoy it!"

At that instant, however, a flash of light just in front of them startled the two ponies. Rarity and Fluttershy embraced each other as a frightened reflex. The figure of Princess Celestia towered above the girls. A flash of blue light came a moment later, revealing Princess Luna. The princesses had stern expressions on their faces.

"Princess, I…" stammered Rarity, "What a lovely evening, is it not?" she said feebly.

"Fluttershy, let go of your friend," ordered Princess Luna.

The frightened pegasus only whimpered softly and held Rarity closer. Princess Celestia lowered her horn towards the two and they were engulfed in an aura of white light.

"I'm sorry, Princess! Please. I didn't mean to do it. It was an accident!" pleaded Rarity.

The two friends disappeared in a flash of light, along with the princesses.

"Did you see that?" said a mare excitedly.

"See what?" said her dance partner.

"Princess Celestia and Luna were just here!"

"I saw them too!" said another pony.

"One princess is exciting enough. Don't make up stories."

Twilight Sparkle, meanwhile, was trying in vain to get away from her entourage. She needed to find Rarity and apologize. Unbeknownst to her, Rarity was no longer at the Promenade.

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Fluttershy and Rarity found themselves in the Ponyville Library. The towering figures of Equestria's monarchs stood above them. Fluttershy hunkered down on the floor, closed her eyes, and whimpered. Rarity took a few steps back and gazed in awe and confusion at the princesses.

"Rarity," came Celestia's stern voice, "we must talk."

"Oh Celestia," thought Rarity, "they've found I was eavesdropping on them in Canterlot! I should have fled! I should have packed up my things and ran away! But where should I have gone, and what should I have packed? Should I have taken Sweetie Belle along to carry my bags?"

Rarity's eyes darted around the room, fearing confrontation with her princess. Celestia stepped forward.

"Wait!" yelled Fluttershy, tears flowing from her eyes. "Don't hurt her! You can't! She didn't mean to do it!"

Princess Celestia turned around in surprise.

"Sweetest Fluttershy," said Luna kindly, as she levitated the pegasus off the floor, "whatever gave you such an impression? Do you not regard us as benevolent rulers? Your fondness of your friend is truly moving, but you need not fret. We only need to ask Rarity some questions."

Fluttershy gently kicked at the air as Luna's words calmed her down.

"Oh my, what a lovely dress!" exclaimed Luna, as she rotated Fluttershy around to examine it. "This brings back such memories… When I was young, there was nothing I loved more than a midnight ball! 'Tia, do you remember that night when…"

"Luna," interrupted Celestia, "please put our subject back on the ground."

"Um, if it's not too much trouble," added Fluttershy, who was now floating upside down.

Princess Luna blushed and complied.

"Rarity," said Celestia, turning to the unicorn, "you have been through a lot lately."

Rarity relaxed a little, and stood up to face Princess Celestia.

"You probably feel afraid, and a little confused. You're struggling with your feelings. And you've even had nightmares, isn't that right?"

Rarity nodded.

"Your friends are worried about you, Rarity."

"But, princess, how do you know all this?" said Rarity.

"We always watch over our subjects," smiled Princess Celestia.

"Isn't she going to admit that she sent Twilight to interrogate me?" thought Rarity.

"We try to help when we can. You're no exception, Rarity. I'm concerned for your friendship with Twilight, and with all your friends for that matter. You, I'm sure, realize how important that friendship is."

"Yes, princess. I know," said Rarity.

"Am I right to assume this all started when Salazar came here?"

Rarity hesitated, and didn't respond. Celestia frowned.

"Rarity, you have to trust Luna and I. We want to help you."

"Don't be shy, Rarity!" said Fluttershy, who was standing next to Luna.

"I'm sorry, princess," said Rarity at last. "Yes, this did start when Salazar came here."

"Do you remember, Rarity, when we spoke on that day? I told you to be careful of the dragon's words."

"Yes, I remember."

"The dragon spoke to you. He presented to you wild dreams of treasure and longevity, and other things."

"Princess, I'm amazed that you know all of this!" lied Rarity, trying to act surprised.

"Listen, Rarity. This is very important. Since that day, has Salazar tried communicating with you?" asked Celestia.

Rarity was again silent.

"Are the nightmares related to Salazar?" asked Princess Celestia.

Fluttershy smiled and nodded at Rarity, trying to encourage her to speak. Rarity looked blankly at Princess Celestia.

"Has the dragon communicated with you?" said Princess Celestia again, growing stern.

"Finally," said Fluttershy quietly, "Now we can get this whole thing worked out."

"No. No the dragon has said nothing to me. Nothing at all since that first day," lied Rarity.

Fluttershy gasped in disbelief. Rarity had just lied to Princess Celestia!

Celestia heard her sister's voice inside her head. "She doesn't trust us. I sense that she is lying," said Luna telepathically.

"Are you sure, my little pony? It's of the utmost importance that you tell us what Salazar said to you."

"I just told you he didn't say anything to me since that first day," snapped Rarity.

Celestia and Luna exchanged uneasy glances.

"What have your bad dreams been about?" asked Princess Luna.

"Nothing of concern. Just a rare night fright every now and then. Happens to everypony, as you would know," responded Rarity.

"I know you are not being honest," said Celestia sharply, "I am more concerned for you now than ever."

Suddenly, Rarity heard Celestia's voice speaking in her head. "You cannot lie to us. What are you hiding, Rarity?"

Rarity looked up at the sun princess.

"I… I am my own mare, And I do not need to be spoken to like this!" said Rarity, raising her voice.

Fluttershy looked away. She could not believe what Rarity was doing.

"I have answered all of your questions, princess. I have been polite, despite being taken away from the promenade, against my will. Which, by the way, I've been looking forward to attending all year long! I have not lied, nor have I hidden anything from you. If you are finished, please let Fluttershy and I go. Or, if you have more questions for me, I will be happy to answer them!"

"Such impertinence!" said Celestia.

"I'm not afraid of you," said Rarity confidently.

"Rarity!" yelled Fluttershy, running up to her friend.

She embraced Rarity, and hugged her as hard as she could, tears streaming from her eyes.

"Why are you doing this?" cried Fluttershy. "Please, just tell them!"

Rarity returned Fluttershy's embrace, but said nothing. Princess Celestia stomped a hoof impatiently on the floor.

"Sister," said Luna, walking up to Celestia, "let us leave them be."

"What does it mean, Luna?" said the flustered sun princess, turning to her sister.

"Clearly she knows something vital to the situation - perhaps vital to the riddle?"

"She does not know the riddle, how could…" Celestia stomped her hoof again in frustration.

Celestia and Luna both turned to Rarity, whom Fluttershy was still holding.

"Fluttershy," demanded Princess Luna, "Tell us what Rarity has not. The dragon has communicated with her. What did he say?"

Fluttershy struggled to speak amidst her tears, as she clung to her friend.

"No. She didn't lie. Everything Rarity said was true!" lied Fluttershy, as she burst out into loud, uncontrollable sobs.

The princesses exchanged glances one last time before going. Their horns sparked and they disappeared in flashes of white and blue light.

Rarity and Fluttershy sat on the library floor for a while, their dresses messy and ruffled.

"I'm sorry, Fluttershy," said Rarity.

"Why did you lie to them? I don't understand," said Fluttershy, clearly very upset. "You promised you would tell the princesses if things didn't work out."

"Things are working out just fine!" retorted Rarity. "I was going to willingly confess everything to them, but instead they demanded that I tell them, just like Twilight did last night!"

"But Rarity! They're our princesses! They're alicorns! They only wanted to help you!" said Fluttershy.

"I don't know anymore Fluttershy. I just don't know," said Rarity apathetically. "And I don't care either. Everything's a mess. I don't know who to trust or what to believe anymore."

After a long time of silence, the ponies got up and left Ponyville Library. The Ponyville Promenade was still going, and they could hear music and laughter from the town hall. Neither pony was in the mood to return to the promenade anymore. They parted ways. Rarity returned to the boutique and fell into an uneasy sleep.

Chapter 10

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Rarity pawed at the dirt ground.

"That's odd. I was certain there were gems here," she said aloud to herself, looking into a small hole she had dug in the ground. "No matter, there are bound to be plenty more!"

Rarity's most unique talent was finding gems, as her cutie mark represented. It was not just a talent, but an obsession. She loved anything that sparkled, and loved to use such things in her sewing work.

"Aha! There's a patch of sapphires over here," said Rarity as she trotted across the dirt floor of the cavern.

large crystals jutted out of the floor and walls of the cave, distinctive to the crystal caves underneath Canterlot. The unicorn arrived at her chosen digging spot. She could sense gems just under the surface. She dug into the ground for a minute, taking care not to kick up too much dust. She didn't want to dirty her fur.

Rarity had dug a decent sized hole, and there was no trace of the sapphires. She stopped digging and stood there panting. Her horn glowed again as she used her gem locating spell, but she no longer sensed any gems here.

"I don't understand. They were right here, I know those sapphires were right here," she said.

She tried her spell once more, but it had no effect. Rarity pouted.

"Today is not my lucky day," she said. "Wait! Diamonds, there!"

Rarity rushed over to a spot near a stalagmite. Her spell showed her once more that there was a concentration of rare gems just below her feet. Rarity started digging, still annoyed by her poor luck so far.

"Oooww," Rarity whined, "Where is a manual laborer when you need one? I'll have to get a major hooficure at the spa tomorrow."

As she dug, Rarity's hooves hit something hard.

"Aha! A big, beautiful hunk of a diamond! But wait, what's this?" said Rarity as she continued to excavate.

As Rarity began to unearth the object, it became apparent that it was just a large buried rock. Rarity let out an exasperated groan. Her horn spark and glowed brightly as she once again performed her gem locating spell. She sensed no diamonds, or any kind of gem for that matter anywhere nearby.

"You've got to be kidding me!" she yelled. "What the hay is going on?"

Rarity started digging furiously all around her.

"Stupid, stupid rocks!" she cried in frustration. "Worthless, dirty rocks everywhere!"

After a minute, the cloud of dust dissipated, revealing a tired unicorn whose white fur was so dirty that it looked brown.

"Brlbrlbrl!" Rarity shook her head and body back and forth, trying to shake off the dust.

The unicorn angrily stomped towards the cave exit, grumbling as she went. She stepped through the bright light of the cave opening to find herself standing on the edge of Canterlot. The towering mountain and Canterlot Castle loomed above her.

"That's the last time I look for gems in Canterlot's caves," said the irritated pony.

Rarity found a street and continued down it.

"I just can't believe my gem finding spell no longer works, it's defined since I got her cutie mark!"

As she continued down the streets, Rarity noticed that many ponies were looking at her. She was used to getting looks from ponies every time she went out. Rarity smiled at the Canterlot ponies, but still didn't seem to get any smiles back.

"Clearly, they are admiring my beauty," thought Rarity.

A unicorn mare and stallion were walking towards Rarity. The two were talking and the mare was wearing a frilly hat. As she passed, Rarity caught some of their conversation.

"Is her fur brown, or is she just that filthy? And what happened to her mane? What negligence," said the passing mare.

Concerned, Rarity now listened to catch a word of other conversations going on around her.

"Look at how chipped and cracked, not to mention dirty, her hooves are. How did a mare like that get into Canterlot?" said a dapper looking unicorn stallion.

"She's not wearing a single thing. Can she not afford a plain dress?" said another well dressed pony walking by.

Rarity's heart sank. She blushed and tried desperately to fix her mane and brush off her coat.

"No, you don't understand. I was only looking for gems. And I have plenty of dresses!" Said Rarity as she desperately tried to explain her appearance to the other ponies, but they wouldn't listen and just turned their heads and walked past.

"I'm having a hooficure tomorrow!" cried Rarity.

It was too late. Every pony in downtown Canterlot was now staring at her. Rarity had to hide. She looked around in desperation as her eyes started to water. A sign on a nearby building read Canterlot Quality Tailoring. Rarity rushed inside the door. There didn't seem to be anypony else in the shop. She hid behind the counter for a minute until her tears subsided. There were thick brown lines of mud where her tears had streamed down her cheeks and neck.

She stood up and looked around. The place was basically a sewing workshop. Pieces of dresses and fabrics lay here and there, and a large gem chest sat in the corner of the room. First things first, Rarity had to get cleaned up. She quickly found a bathroom in the back of the shop. She entered the small room and found a bathtub among other facilities.

"Ahhh," she exhaled, as she lay herself down inside the tub, "this is going to feel so relaxing."

She magically turned the faucet to find that not a single drop of water came out. She left the tub and tested the other facilities. The sink and toilet also didn't have water. A sign above the sink read, Miss Rarity, your water has been stopped due to four consecutive missed water bill payments. -Canterlot water district.

"What? Me? … Oh I suppose this is my sewing shop, isn't it? Yes that's right, of course it is," said Rarity aloud. "Well the bath will just have to wait." She returned downstairs and looked around.

"At least I can make a decent dress to fit in amongst the Canterlot crowd," said the unicorn as she got to work on a piece of fabric.

"Let's see. I'll need some a sheet of cloth, a roll of silk, and most importantly, gems."

Working in her element always had a calming effect on her nerves. Rarity walked about the shop looking for materials, but found very little. Only rags lay here and there. The only useable fabric she found was of a terribly low quality that she previously would never have touched. Worst of all, the gem chest was completely empty. Now that she thought of it, it had been empty for months because she hadn't been able to find any gems. A knock at the door disrupted Rarity's thoughts. An official looking stallion stood in the doorway. Rarity trotted over and welcomed him into her shop.

"How may I help you today, sir?" asked Rarity, showing her usual generous attitude. "A new vest perhaps? Do you prefer cotton or cashmere? Oh… come to think of it, I don't have either of those fabrics…"

"Ma'am," began the stallion, "you're being evicted from your shop."

"No, that can't be. Why?" protested Rarity.

"You've been behind on your rent payments for… four months it says here," said the stallion.

"But how could this happen? I'm a brilliant dress maker. My designs are new, fresh, avant garde, and…" Rarity started to cry again.

"Well ma'am, it seems to me that ponies simple don't like your dresses. I can't remember the last time I saw a customer in your shop," said the stallion plainly.

"But I'll be out on the streets!" protested Rarity.

The stallion looked pitifully at Rarity. "I'm sorry ma'am. I truly am."

He bowed and turned to leave Rarity's shop. Rarity's crying continued. She sobbed heavily between breaths. Suddenly Rarity's friend Applejack appeared in the doorway with her little sister, Apple Bloom. Rarity perked up at sight of her friend.

"That's okay Rarity. You can come stay with us at Sweet Apple Acres," said the smiling farm pony.

"NOOOOOO!!!" cried Rarity and ran out of the shop, past Applejack, and into the middle of the street. This truly was the most horrific nightmare imaginable.

The ponies on the street gossiped and talked with each other, and shot disgusted glances at Rarity. Rarity knew they were talking about her. She couldn't take it anymore. She fell to her knees and gave in.

"Oh this is the worst possible thing!" Cried Rarity. "They hate me and they think I'm ugly! They hate my dresses. And worst of all… I'm poor! I'm such a failure!" bawled the pitiful unicorn.

Ponies continued to chatter around her, and Rarity sensed their eyes upon her. Now a familiar pony appeared; Twilight Sparkle was standing in the middle of the street a ways away, but she didn't seem to notice Rarity.

"Twilight?" said Rarity.

One by one the ponies around Rarity turned their attention to Twilight and began gossiping.

"Look, a princess!" they said.

"Such well-groomed fur!" said another.

"Look at how shiny and smooth her hooves are."

"Now that's what success and wealth looks like!" said the stallion who had evicted Rarity.

The street sounds of Canterlot now began to mix with whispers. Rarity looked around in surprise. The familiar whispers surrounded Rarity and grew louder. Prosperity they whispered. Wealth and fortune said one.

"I want what I have lost!" cried Rarity, looking at Twilight. "I want it back! How can I obtain these things?"

She wheeled around, looking for the origin of the whispers.

"Please tell me!" cried Rarity.

She tracked the origin of the whispers to the main tower of the castle above, where a giant black dragon had wrapped his serpentine body around it. It seemed to be looking straight at Rarity.

"No… Not you! Leave me alone!" yelled Rarity. "What do you want with me?!"

The whispers continued. Affluence and fame said the voices.

"Why are you doing this?" cried the unicorn, looking up at Salazar. Hearing no reply, she buried her face between her forelegs and the cobblestones, as if trying to hide. She shook her head, wishing the whispers would stop.

Not a minute later, Rarity felt a gentle hoof on her back. She looked up to see the smiling and caring face of Princess Luna.

"Princess Luna?" sniffled Rarity.

"Be calm, young Rarity," said the princess reassuringly. The princess's horn sparked and glowed, and the whispers stopped. Rarity's crying subsided as she looked trustingly into Luna's eyes.

"Let us forget about our confrontation earlier tonight. My sister was impatient with you, rash even. But I am here to help you now. Will you let me help you overcome your fears?" "Princess," said Rarity, "Please help me."

"Thou hast been troubled as of late. Deeply troubled. You are torn emotionally. Let us see what is causing your nightmares," said Luna.

Rarity gave Luna her full attention, grateful for her comforting presence.

"I see," said Luna as she closed her eyes and concentrated, as if looking further into Rarity's mind, "the essence of your nightmares is fear. What have you to fear, my little pony?"

"I… I don't know," said Rarity.

"Tell me, what does this dream represent? What does it mean?" asked Princess Luna.

"My gem finding spell didn't work. And my shop was shut down. My business was failing... So I must be afraid of my own inadequacies. And I think… I think it shows a fear of failure," said Rarity.

Princess Luna smiled encouragingly. "Good!" she said. "What else?"

Ponies still stood around them on the street, talking and staring.

"Disapproval from other ponies. I'm afraid of being judged or not being accepted," said Rarity.

"Very good," said princess Luna. Her horn sparked and she cast a spell at the ponies, and they faded away like smoke.

"Don't be afraid, Rarity, many of my subjects have nightmares," continued the princess. "It's my duty to help ponies face their fears through their dreams. Troubled dreams always mean troubled realities. Show me your thoughts, Rarity."

Princess Luna nuzzled her head against Rarity lovingly. Her soft, warm fur almost felt real, and gave Rarity much needed comfort.

"Yes, princess. I've been thinking about life. What's it all for? I'm afraid of my own mortality. Isn't there something greater to strive for? I feel that I have a greater calling," said Rarity.

Luna looked puzzled. "Those are very peculiar thoughts. Those are not the thoughts that most ponies have. Life in Equestria is pure joy and happiness; are you not satisfied with your friends? Are you not satisfied with your successful business?"

"I am, princess, I truly am! But my thoughts have changed since the 'dragon ordeal'. He's putting thoughts in my mind," admitted Rarity at last.

Rarity motioned towards the great tower.

"This is puzzling indeed," said princess Luna, looking blankly at the serpent far above her. "You dream of the dragon. You are perhaps traumatized by the event. I know that Salazar spoke lies to you on that day. Forget the dragon's deceitful words," said Princess Luna reassuringly, "let go of your fear of him."

Luna's horn sparked as she cast the spell at the black dragon perched on the great tower. But Salazar did not fade away like the other dream-ponies had. He remained staring intently at the two.

"This is very strange. The spell should have made the apparition vanish," said Luna.

Her horn sparked and she nodded her head again at Salazar, trying to make the vision disappear from Rarity's dream. The dragon did not disappear, but instead twisted and turned and bellowed a tremendous growl causing the ground to shake beneath the ponies. Rarity looked at princess Luna worriedly.

A deep, rumbling voice filled the air around the ponies, frightening them both.

"Meddling dream-walker! Do not interfere!" came Salazar's slowly-paced words as he moved through the air towards them.

Princess Luna reared up and whinnied.

"Princess?!" called Rarity, sensing that something was terribly wrong.

"Rarity!" yelled Princess Luna back. The ground was trembling beneath them, creating a loud din. "A mere dream this is! Thou must wake up! Thou must wake up now, or he will destroy me!"

Salazar spread his jaws as he quickly approached. Rarity cantered anxiously on the cobblestone as she looked around, not sure what to do. Princess Luna whinnied loudly, as a look of absolute terror filled her eyes. This in turn frightened Rarity even more. Salazar's hurled himself at Princess Luna from above.

"Wake up Rarity!" Princess Luna ran to her and touched her horn to Rarity's. "Wake up now!" she shouted into Rarity's face. "Wake up! WAKE UP!" screamed the princess.

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Rarity instantly sat up in bed.

"Princess!" she yelled. Princess Luna's voice still echoed in her mind. Rarity couldn't breath, she was hyperventilating. She concentrated on inhaling and exhaling, gasping and coughing in the process, and slowly got herself back to normal breathing. Much like after her previous nightmares, Rarity was covered in sweat and her heart was beating quickly. Rarity tried to get a grip on the situation and calm her thoughts. There was no possibility of sleeping again tonight, not after what just happened.

The unicorn hopped out of bed, wide awake, and turned some lights on. It was still very early; the sun hadn't yet risen. The anxious unicorn levitated a light coat out of her closet downstairs, it was probably cold outside. Rarity closed the boutique door behind her as she left. While the setting was quiet and peaceful, Rarity's mind was not. She started trotting… and then running. There was only one place she knew that could ease her mind. Rarity ran across the small bridge and up the path to Fluttershy's cottage. She used the door knocker to call for her friend.

"Fluttershy!" said Rarity.

As she noticed the tone of distress in her own voice, Rarity became even more emotional. In a moment, a light came on in the window above.

"Rarity? Is that you?" came Fluttershy's soothing voice.

"Yes. I'm so sorry to wake you at this hour," said Rarity to the pegasus looking down at her. Rarity felt her emotions welling up inside her.

"I'll be right down!" said Fluttershy, and disappeared.

Such emotions! Both the distress of the nightmares, and the thankfulness of Fluttershy's friendship swirled together and brought Rarity to the verge of tears. As Rarity struggled to keep her emotions under control, Fluttershy made her way downstairs. Sure it was very early in the morning, but Fluttershy would do anything for her best friend. Fluttershy opened the door and Rarity fell forward into her embrace. Rarity couldn't hold it in any longer; her sobs cut through the peaceful night air, and her tears ran down her face and soaked into Fluttershy's fur. Fluttershy returned her friend's embrace, leaning into the hug and placing a comforting hoof on her back.

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"What troubles you, sister?"

A crackling fire burned brightly in the great hearth of the royal chambers in Canterlot Castle. Princess Luna had been pacing back and forth for some time. Her sister was up before dawn, like always. She had to make preparations for her daily ritual of raising the sun.

"Sister…" said Princess Luna as she stopped her pacing. "I must speak with you."

"Of course, sister," said Princess Celestia. "What is on your mind?"

"I have seldom spoken with you about the dreams of our subjects," began Luna. "But it is of the essence that I do so now. The unicorn, Rarity, had another nightmare last night. Salazar has been using dark magic to enter her dreams. Just hours ago I entered her nightmare and saw this for myself."

"Go on, sister," said Princess Celestia.

"I felt great turmoil in her heart. A terrible, terrible struggle was going on within her. A struggle between her element and chaos element. Greed, and generosity. I don't know how she's endured this torment for so long. I fear she's nearly lost all hope."

"My poor little pony," said Celestia, "I didn't realize the severity of what she was dealing with."

"I entered her thoughts," continued Luna, "but didn't realize that Salazar was already there. As I helped Rarity to find consolation, Salazar took control of the dream. I found that I had no power to direct Rarity's thoughts, and Salazar nearly destroyed me," she explained.

"That is very alarming," said Celestia. "You confirmed that Salazar is communicating with Rarity, warping her dreams even. But did you find what Salazar was saying to her?"

"I'm afraid not," responded Luna. "But from what I could tell, the dream was meant to expose Rarity to her deepest fears and desires. The dragon was trying to evoke certain feelings from her. Most importantly, when Rarity broke down, the dragon offered greed and jealousy as a solution to overcoming her fears."

"How terrible!" said Celestia. "Is this what she's been fighting all this time, the poor dear? I don't understand it. Why does he want to corrupt her? Could it be related to the riddle?"

"I know not, sister," said Princess Luna. "He is perhaps still trying to separate Rarity from her friends."

It does not sit right with me," said Princess Celestia. "It seems such a pitiful attempt for such a cunning foe. I am inclined to think that he has some greater plan in mind."

Princess Luna nodded her head in agreement.

"Rarity will not betray her friends," said Princess Celestia.

"But sister, her chaos element is greed. It is why Salazar is putting such effort into corrupting her in particular," said Luna.

"But recall, dear sister, with what ease Discord corrupted all six of my dear little ponies. After several weeks, Salazar does not seem able to corrupt a single one, let alone all six. No, there is something else at work here. Salazar is working towards a greater target. What part Rarity plays, I do not know, but it is significant. The time for investigation has passed. I'm placing Rarity under house arrest immediately, for I fear she may make a rash decision. It must be done until we find a way to protect her from the dragon."

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Rarity woke up in Fluttershy's bed. Fluttershy was nowhere to be seen. A bird on the bedpost was chirping incessantly, apparently the reason for Rarity being woken up. Rarity checked herself as she was about to shoo the creature, remembering that it was one of Fluttershy's animals.

"I won't forget this," she scolded the bird, pointing a hoof at him threateningly.

Meanwhile, a handful of police ponies approached the Carousel Boutique. They set up a perimeter around the building. If the young mare tried to leave the premises, they had orders to kindly stop her. The sun rose as the police ponies kept watch on the house. A small unicorn filly approached the boutique, but before she could knock on the door, one of the police ponies stopped her.

"What do you think you're doing, little filly?" asked the police pony.

"Um, this is my sister's house. I'm supposed to come over for breakfast today," explained Sweetie Belle.

"Sorry, but not today. Run along now."

"Is Rarity in trouble?" asked Sweetie Belle worriedly.

"Hey Matt! This is the perpetrator's little sister. She's here for breakfast. Do you have any of those oats left?"

"A purple trader?" said Sweetie Belle. "What's a purple trader? What did Rarity do?"

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Good morning, Rarity. I hope you got some sleep?" said Fluttershy.

"Yes. I can't thank you enough," said Rarity. "I just… The nightmare was just…"

"I'm sure it was awful," said Fluttershy understandingly.

"No. It was more than awful, dear. Luna was there, and the dragon. And…"

"Princess Luna was there?" asked Fluttershy.

"Never mind. It's just too terrible to talk about."

"Gosh, I'm sorry, Rarity," said Fluttershy. "First your fight with Twilight, and now this. If there's anything I can do to help relieve your stress, please let me know. Oh, I made some blueberry pancakes for breakfast."

"Oh no! I just remembered. Sweetie Belle was supposed to come by for breakfast today," said Rarity. "I must go home!"

"No, Rarity," said Fluttershy firmly. "You're far too emotional right now. Stay here for a while. I mean, if you want to, that is. I think Sweetie Belle will be just fine."

"Oh dear me!" said Rarity. "But I suppose you're right."

The ponies ate breakfast, and to Rarity's dismay were joined by a dozen birds, chirping and cawing and trying to steal pieces of their pancakes.

"I hope you don't mind that my animal friends join us. I usually feed all of them around now," said Fluttershy.

"Be gone!" shouted Rarity at a crow who landed on the corner of her plate. "Fluttershy, have you not taught these birds manners?"

"That was very rude, Mr. Crow. Please respect my friend's personal space," said Fluttershy.

The birds, strangely, seemed to obey.

"Welfare leads to dependency, you know," stated Rarity.

"Eeek!" Rarity squirmed in her seat as a furry object scurried up her leg. A mouse was sitting in her lap.

"Stay away from my marehood!" shouted Rarity.

"I'm so sorry, Rarity. This isn't helping you feel better at all!" said Fluttershy.

Fluttershy glared at the animals crowding around the breakfast table, and a moment later they obeyed and scurried off. Rarity breathed a sigh of relief.

"They don't know any better," explained Fluttershy, "they are only animals."

"I know, Fluttershy," said Rarity, "it's alright."

"By the way, what happened last night? If I may ask," said Fluttershy.

"A lot happened last night. Do you mean the Promenade? Or Celestia and Luna kidnapping us? Or my nightmare?"

"I mean when the princesses asked you about Salazar… and you lied to them."

"I don't know why I did it, Fluttershy. Something prevented me from being honest."

"Why? Don't you trust Princess Celestia? She's always been a mentor for all of us, not just for Twilight," said Fluttershy.

"I honestly don't know why I lied. Something inside me just… I'm sorry," Rarity trailed off.

Fluttershy realized her friend was in no mood to talk and she let it go. She also dared not asked about the nightmare, which seemed to be Rarity's worst one yet.

The ponies sat in silence for a long while. Rarity hope that Luna was alright, after what had happened in the dream. Did Luna make it, or had Rarity not woken up in time? Rarity's thoughts wandered to last night when Celestia and Luna had asked her questions. Did that really happen? It almost seemed like a dream in itself. The princesses were suspicious of her, Rarity now knew. But why?

"So what if the dragon's trying to ruin my life, what does that have to do with the princesses?" thought Rarity. "Whatever the reason, they obviously thought it was very important. Hah! As if a unicorn like myself could have an impact on Equestria."

She and Fluttershy finished their breakfasts.

"Thank you, dear," said Rarity.

"What are you going to do now, Rarity?" asked Fluttershy.

"I honestly don't know. I feel more lost than ever. I feel as if I've lost all hope. What should I do, Fluttershy?"

"I think you should go home and take a day off," suggested Fluttershy, smiling kindly. "And if you need anything, anything at all, I'll be happy to help."

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

"What's the use anymore?" thought Rarity as she made her way back to the boutique. "I should have settled this days ago when I was in Canterlot. Let the dragon have his way with me, at least I would have consolation in knowing what he wants. Maybe he'd make me a princess, or maybe he'd just eat me. Most likely the latter. But what do I have to lose anymore?"

Rarity saw her home, the Carousel Boutique, ahead. A Ponyville police officer stood nearby. Rarity took no notice of him at first, but as she got closer she spotted a second police pony. Rarity stopped in her tracks, and looked around suspiciously. She counted nearly a dozen police ponies guarding a perimeter around the boutique. One pony was on the street directly in front of her, and another was near some bushes behind the boutique. The more she looked, the more police she saw.

"I don't believe this! What in Equestria is going on?" she said to herself. "Is this another nightmare?"

Rarity ducked into an adjacent alley, and watched from there. Rarity was angry at first, and thought to confront one of the police ponies, but thought better of it.

"What in Equestria," she muttered, "Is this the doing of the princess? Their watching the boutique as if I were under house arrest… They must think I'm at home! Dear me, I hope Luna is alright. What if my dream killed her? And what if Celestia put out a warrant for my arrest?"

Rarity's head swam with fearful fantasies. Rarity stood for a minute, watching the police ponies guard her home.

"What do I do? what do I do!" she said hysterically.

Rarity looked back and forth, unsure of her next course of action. She couldn’t go back home. Should she go back to Fluttershy's cottage? What then? How could she explain the situation?

Rarity made an impulsive decision to go to Sugar Cube Corner. She made certain to stay out of sight of the ponies guarding her boutique, and ran straight to Pinkie Pie's place. Pinkie was playing with a ball on the floor when Rarity ran through the door.

"Hey Rarity!" said Pinkie Pie.

"I can't believe it!" cried Rarity, "I have to go into exile! And this time I really mean it!"

Pinkie Pie giggled.

"You don't understand, Pinkie. I have to go. I have to get out of Ponyville! But I can't get back inside my house to pack my things! Do you have some essentials I can borrow?" said Rarity frantically.

"Wow Rarity, you're really serious, aren't you?" said Pinkie Pie, standing up.

"Of course I am!"

"Hold your horses, Rarity," said Pinkie Pie, "what's the rush? And where'd you and Fluttershy go last night? You missed half of the Promenade!"

"That's the least of my worries right now, Pinkie," explained Rarity.

"You and Twilight still have to makeup. You said you would. Let's walk over to the library," said Pinkie.

"Twilight? No! Absolutely not," protested Rarity, "She's probably in on this conspiracy too."

Just then, a figured appeared in the doorway. A serious looking police pony stepped into the room. He looked around and spotted the two mares.

Rarity screamed, "You'll never take me alive!" and sprinted past him and out the door.

"What the hay's gotten into that pony?" asked the officer, walking up to the counter.

Pinkie Pie shrugged.

"Two dozen donuts please! The usual," said the police pony happily.

"Okey Dokey Lokey!" said Pinkie Pie.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

After a few minutes of running, Rarity was tired and slowed to a walk. The Ponyville Train Station was just ahead.

"What's a mare to do?" said Rarity aloud. "Wanted in my own hometown! Wanted by the law! I'm a traitor, a charlatan, a liar! Perhaps I can flee from Equestria, and live my life as a miserable hermit upon a lonely hill! Should I turn myself in? Or shall I return to Canterlot, and fight my way up to the tower, and meet my fate in the jaws of that dragon?"

A mare who was passing by shook her head at the crazy pony talking to herself.

Rarity knew what she had to do. She ran up to the train platform, but realized she did not have any bits with her.

"Excuse me, ma'am," she said to the mare who had walked past her a minute ago, "could I trouble you for a few bits to buy a ticket to Canterlot? Oh please, please, please, please!"

"Alright! Just stay away from me, crazy lady," said the mare.

"Um, thank you? I guess," said Rarity.

She hopped on the train and waited anxiously for it to lurch forward. Rarity breathed a sigh of relief as it did.

"My does my life have to end like this?" thought Rarity to herself, "I'm so young, and I have so much to live for. I had so much to live for… This is madness, utter suicide. But it's this or the dungeons, I'm sure. At least this way I'll know why the dragon ruined my life before I'm imprisoned for all eternity."

Rarity swayed back and forth with the rhythmic click-clack of the train.

"What is prison like?" she thought as she looked out the window. "How severe of a crime have I committed? What if I'm not imprisoned at all, but banished? Or banished to the moon! It must be awful cold on the moon. Would I at least be allowed a sweater?"

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

The train pulled into Canterlot station, and Rarity stepped off.

"This is it, Rarity. The end of the line," she said to herself, "No place to go. Nopony to talk to. Just a one way path into a dungeon or a dragon's jaws."

Rarity began her solemn walk through the city towards the castle. The terrifying nightmare from last night came back to her as she walked through the streets. She glanced up at the tower.

"I am ready to meet my untimely demise, if only to be done with this torment!" she said.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Princess Celestia paced along the balcony. Beyond the parapets, the city of Canterlot sprawled out before her. And the valley faded away to a blue haze in the distance. The city of Ponyville could still be made out. There, as far at the princess knew, the unicorn Rarity was locked up in her home. Celestia now knew that Salazar had caused emotional chaos within Rarity, through dream and thought manipulation. She feared that Rarity might make a rash decision in her unstable state. Her friendships had already been stretched thin. The unicorn was therefore temporary under house arrest until Celestia found a way to protect her from the dragon.

"I believe there is a spell," thought Celestia, "that could protect Rarity from telepathy. Would it be strong enough to keep the dragon out of her mind? I'm amazed Rarity has fought him for this long. She is truly a resilient pony."

Celestia glanced over at Canterlot's main tower, where Salazar was being held.

"Such effort he has put into corrupting Rarity. Why? The elements alone can not defeat him. He doesn't need to break apart the six friends to take anything he wants… Or does he seek to destroy the elements?"

Celestia sighed. She glanced down at the citizens walking about below, going about their daily business. She meditated on her empire as the tiny figures walked around below her. Unbeknownst to her, one of the tiny figures was Rarity.

"I shall have some ponies dig up the spell from the archives. Then I must cast it on Rarity immediately. The poor dear… I hope she has not panicked about the house arrest."

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Rarity finally stood before the main entrance to the castle. A street market was taking place today in the square, and security had been raised for the big crowd. Rarity walked solemnly up to the guards at the gate.

"Halt! What business have you in the castle?" said the unicorn guard.

Rarity looked up at the guard apathetically. "I am Rarity, the element of generosity. I have important business. Let me pass," she said in a disheartened tone, unusual for her.

Again, one of the guards recognized her and confirmed this. Rarity walked into the castle, without so much as a second glance or 'thank you' to the gate guards. She easily found her way to the entrance of the tower and royal compartments.

"Hey! Rarity!" shouted a familiar guard at the stairway. "Do you remember me? I was at this same post when you visited a few days ago! Going to see the princesses again, huh?"

"I am not in the mood," said Rarity coldly as she walked past him.

"Hey, wait!" the guard called after her.

"Should we let her go?" he asked the other guard.

"I don't see what harm it could do," said the first, as he watched Rarity walk away. "That's strange. She seems to have lost her charm."

Rarity arrived at the wide, spiral staircase.

"The last set of stairs I'll ever climb," said Rarity sadly.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Twilight jumped on her bed with a 'pomf.' From her alcove, she could see Spike playing with toys below. The afternoon was drawing on. She had taken the previous evening off to attend the Ponyville Promenade, and had a lot of research to catch up on.

"Hey Spike," called Twilight, "did you happen to see Rarity last night at the Promenade?"

"I wish! I bet she looked amazing! Pinkie said she was there, but I didn't see her," said Spike.

"I wonder where she disappeared to. I wasn't able to apologize," said the purple alicorn.

"Apologize for what?" asked Spike.

"Never mind, Spike," said Twilight as she opened a book.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

After a brief rest on the stairs, Rarity cautiously but confidently continued her climb. She had to find answers. At this time of the afternoon, there didn't seem to be all that many guards, thankfully. After another minute of climbing and Rarity felt she was getting close. The tower couldn't be that tall, could it? Each step she took, she felt her hooves quivering beneath her. She felt very lightheaded.

"Why am I doing this?" she thought.

She couldn't tell. All she knew is that she had to go on. Rounding a corner, suddenly a trapdoor and a guard appeared. Rarity stopped in her tracks. The guard noticed her immediately.

"Who goes there? This area's restricted," he said as he took a step towards Rarity.

"Play it cool Rarity," thought the pony as she took a deep breath.

"Ahem. I am Rarity, a friend of Twilight's… I mean Princess Twilight," said Rarity.

"And that means what to me? What business do you have with Salazar? Only the Princesses are allowed past this point," said the steadfast guard.

"I am coming from the royal compartments, am I not?" retorted Rarity. "Only very special guests of the royalty are allowed this far. That's me."

The guard looked suspiciously at Rarity. "Either you have permission or you don't," he said.

"Of course I have permission," lied Rarity. "You don't seem to know who I am, do you? I am Rarity, the element of generosity. Along with Princess Twilight, I have saved Equestria numerous times. I am a very important pony."

"Why would the princess send you to speak with the dragon, instead of coming herself?" asked the guard.

"Princess Celestia is preoccupied," began Rarity, "So she sent me instead".

"Alright," said the guard, "In that case, I'm going to have to take you downstairs and report this to the princess."

He clearly was not buying anything Rarity was saying.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," said Rarity quickly. "You apparently haven't noticed, being up here guarding this door all day, but the princesses are extremely busy right now trying to figure out what to do with this overgrown dragon. Princess Celestia was so busy that she didn't even have time to give me a written letter of permission. She told me to tell the guard that she sent me, and that it was extremely urgent, and there shouldn't be any problems. Of course, if you'd really like to delay my important assignment, you can escort me downstairs, disrupt the princess' important duties, you can find out for yourself if your suspicions are correct."

The guard hesitated for a few seconds, and finally opened the trapdoor for Rarity and stepped aside. He didn't say anything, but watched Rarity closely as she walked by him and through the opening in the floor above.

Rarity stepped through a shining white field of energy, Celestia's powerful containment spell. In front of Rarity loomed the great mass of dragon that was Salazar. There in the center was his head, staring directly at Rarity as he had been waiting for her. A chill immediately ran up Rarity's spine, and her fur stood on end. What had she gotten herself into? Rarity looked hopefully back at the trapdoor. Part of her hoped the guard would change his mind and come barging through the door to arrest her, but no such thing happened.

Rarity turned to face the dragon, took a deep breath, and stepped forward. Her hooves were shaking. She was sweating, not from being tired, but out of fear.

"The last few weeks have seemed like an eternity," said Rarity, "You know as well as I, of the torment you've put me through."

Salazar's gigantic body slowly slithered towards the unicorn, while his eyes remaining fixated on her.

"I've had enough of it!" cried Rarity. "You win. I hereby surrender myself to you!"

Rarity's heart was beating faster than ever. But she stood her ground, paralyzed with fear.

"There you have it, Salazar, you brute! You've finally separated me from the other elements. You've broken my friendship with Twilight!" shouted Rarity, tears welling up in her eyes. "And now my fate is in your claws. What will it be? Will you char me to a crisp, or will you grind me between your razor teeth? I have no preference, just make it quick!"

Salazar approached the trembling unicorn until his snout was but less than a meter from her. He exhaled a puff of smoke, and examined the unicorn that stood quivering before him. Salazar seemed to be laughing.

Rarity shouted, "Is it not enough what you've done to me? Is it not enough that you've destroyed my life? Is it not enough that I've come before you to meet my fate? Do what you want to me, but don't you dare mock me!"

Salazar spoke, "You will not die today, Rarity. I have plans for you."

Rarity said nothing, shocked by the dragon's words.

"I… I don't understand."

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Back, you fiend! I am the righteous and noble knight, Spike, and nothing will stand between me and my fair lady!"

Spike banged a wooden sword against a chair in the Ponyville Library. He was wearing a cooking pan on his head, apparently meant to be a helmet.

"Take that, and that!" said Spike as he jabbed at the chair.

Meanwhile, in the alcove above, Twilight sat on her bed reading a large book. The book's cover read Dragons: what we know and don't, a comprehensive study. Almost all the books Twilight had read about dragons were speculative. Few ponies ever even saw a dragon in their lifetime. Salazar's riddle remained just as elusive as always. Nothing she read seemed to offer any clues.

As Spike lunged his sword at a pillow that had snuck up behind him, his cooking pan helmet fell off, crashing onto the wooden floor with a series loud of clangs.

"Spike!" yelled Twilight from the alcove above, "How am I supposed to concentrate with you turning the library into a battlefield?"

"I'm sorry Twilight but…"

"No 'buts' Spike. The fate of Equestria depends on me figuring out Salazar's riddle… And I'm not exaggerating this time. Find a way to play quietly, please!" said Twilight sternly.

"Okay, Twilight," said the downcast baby dragon.

Spike went back to his adventure, only quietly. The chairs were timber wolves which had captured Rarity, and were holding her hostage in their lair deep within the Everfree Forest. Spike was a famous knight, known as Spike The Noble, and he was on a quest to rescue the damsel in distress.

"And Spike," called Twilight, "please don't draw pictures of Rarity on the pillows again!"

Spike put down the purple marker he was holding.

"I'm never allowed to do anything," he said to himself.

Now Spike had defeated the timber wolf guards. All that remained was the pack leader, and then he could save the terrified and helpless Rarity.

"That's enough pony theft for today! Unhand the fair lady or face the wrath of Spike!" said the baby dragon.

Above, Twilight rolled her eyes and tried to concentrate harder on the book. Spike jumped up on a table and began hitting it with his wooden sword.

"Fear not, m'lady! Your knight in shining armor is here to save you!" said Spike to an invisible unicorn.

Twilight grumbled impatiently.

"Aha! Looks like you're in the dog house now!" Spike said triumphantly.

"Oh Spike," he said, trying to mimic a mare's voice, "you're my hero. You are such a brave and handsome dragon!"

Twilight was becoming quite irritated, as she face flushed with annoyance.

"Oh fair Rarity…" Spike continued, "You are truly the most beautiful creature in Equestria."

Twilight was on the verge of screaming. This was the wrong time for Spike's fairy tale play, and given the magnitude of the situation, nothing could be more irritating.

"I would trade even the tastiest gem in the world for you. Because you are the most precious gem in all of Equestria! Nay, of all the lands!"

"Oh Spike! Come forth and receive a kiss," said Spike, in his best Rarity impersonation.

"SPIKE!" yelled Twilight.

Spike immediately jumped under the table to hide. He knew when he was in trouble, and by the tone in Twilight's voice, he was in big trouble.

"What don't you understand about 'quiet'?" began Twilight, having lost her temper.

"Do you have any idea how…" Twilight stopped mid-sentence.

Spike looked out from the table to see if it was safe. "How what, Twilight?"

"Spike. What did you just say?" she asked.

"Come forth and receive a kiss?" said Spike cautiously.

"No, before that," said Twilight as she flew down to the floor where Spike was.

"I said Rarity's the most precious gem in all of Equestria," said Spike as he crawled out from his hiding place.

"And you're a dragon…" said Twilight plainly.

"Um, yeah," responded Spike casually.

"That's it Spike. You're a genius! The most precious gem in Equestria is Rarity! We figured out Salazar's riddle!" yelled Twilight as she jumped up and down in excitement.

"We did?" asked Spike, looking at Twilight like she was crazy.

"Of course we did! But, oh no… That means… I've got to go," said Twilight as her look of joy turned to one of distress.

"Spike, send a letter to the princess right away. Tell her we've figured out Salazar's riddle."

Twilight ran downstairs and out of the library as fast as she could. A bright moon was just rising as she ran through the Ponyville streets. She had to get to the Carousel Boutique.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Whatever do you mean?" asked Rarity. "You failed to turn me against my friends when you first arrived here. And now you've succeeded. You've defeated me, I've surrendered," said Rarity bluntly.

"Your will is your own," said Salazar, "you chose to come before me."

"Only because you've ruined my life!" shouted Rarity. "I want answers! Then do with me what you may."

"If it's answers you wish, than answers I shall give," responded Salazar. "The Elements of Harmony matter not to me. They can not stop me. To bring you before me today, was my plan from the very start."

"What do you mean?" asked Rarity. "We defeated you with the elements."

A spark of light flashed in Salazar's eyes, and Celestia's containment field around the tower collapsed. Rarity stood in disbelief.

"From many lands I had acquired treasure - the rarest jewels and stones, a mound of riches so great, that the Equestrian treasury pales in comparison. Upon the bones of my enemies were they piled, in a great mountain in the far North. My hoard had grown greater than that any dragon before me."

Rarity's eyes grew wide at Salazar's words.

"No gem nor ingot was hidden from my watchful eye," continued Salazar, "There was nothing more that could bring me pleasure. Nothing. And so I set my eyes on a different type of gem, the rarest of all - The rarest jewel in all of Equestria."

"The rarest jewel in all of Equestria?" exclaimed Rarity excitedly, "Forgive my digression, but please go on. What type of gem is it? An enormous emerald perhaps? A huge diamond? And where was this gem you were looking for?"

The dragon laughed, "My little pony... It is not a rock of which I speak."

The great serpent brought his face down to Rarity's level. Salazar's eyes fixed intently on her, "Not a rock, no. The most precious jewel in Equestria is you."

Rarity stood back, stunned by what the dragon had said.

Salazar continued, "Have you not realized it? Have you not seen how dragons are drawn to you? Your obsession with all that glimmers... your past confrontations with my kind... Has it meant nothing to you? We dragons must live with the unending curse of greed, never satisfied with what we have. Until our demise, we seek the rarest and most beautiful objects. You are a true rarity, perhaps the last on this earth which I have yet to claim."

"No… I don't understand. Why me?" said the shocked unicorn.

Salazar continued, "The land of Equestria is a haven on this earth; free from war and famine. Pure as the Winter sky. A gem in itself Equestria is! And upon it's throne, I have foreseen a queen as beautiful as its forests and hills. A queen who shines and glimmers as its rivers and seas do. A queen as resilient as her legions. I have foreseen you upon that throne. And as queen you shall rule, as long as I am beside you."

"I… I don't believe this," said Rarity.

She collapsed on the floor, covering her face with her hooves.

"It can't be. It can't be possible," she muttered.

Salazar waited silently.

"No!" yelled Rarity, "It's a lie! You must take me for a fool. I know your type! You speak nothing but deceit and lies! Anything to advance your own self interest. There is nothing but greed in a dragon's heart!"

"You are not mistaken, dear pony," responded Salazar, "greed is the essence of my being. And again I will tell you, it is my greed that drives me to seek the rarest gem on this earth."

"What exactly do you mean by 'rarest gem'?"

"This empire, ruled with it's most beautiful and benevolent inhabitant, is that gem."

"Do you mean that you never wanted to conquer Equestria?" asked a dumbfounded Rarity.

"Your empire will be my greatest treasure," rumbled Salazar's voice.

"But it wouldn't really by my empire, would it, since you keep saying it's yours?"

"It shall be both your empire and my treasure," said Salazar.

Rarity turned her head away, considering the dragon's words.

"And what would you expect me to do, oh terrifying lizard?" jested Rarity.

"When you say 'yes'," said Salazar, "the agreement shall be complete."

"Unbelievable!" replied Rarity angrily. "I would never in all my life!"

"You are mistaken," said Salazar. "You will take the throne."

"You can't make me!" retorted Rarity.

"No, I can not. You will choose to ascend of your own free will."

"That's ridiculous," retorted Rarity.

"You already know what I offer," rumbled Salazar's voice. "I offer prosperity, longevity, everlasting youth and beauty, fame and fortune, reverence and power, wealth and affluence."

"You're going to let me choose? Just like that?" asked the bewildered Rarity. "And what if I choose not to be your queen? Will you leave forever?"

Salazar smirked, "You have my word."

"You think you have me all figured out, don't you?" snapped Rarity.

Salazar did not respond.

Rarity sighed, "Alright, Rarity, this is easy. Refuse his offer and he'll leave Equestria forever. Seems obvious enough!"

But Rarity hesitated.

"Or… I could be… a queen?" thought Rarity, as old fantasies flooded into her mind.

A chill ran through her body. She imagined herself sitting in Canterlot's throne room, draped in a fine silk gown studded with diamonds, a silver crown adorning her head.

A powerful energy suddenly seemed to be taking control of her. It felt just like in her second nightmare. Rarity felt her anti-element taking hold of her. "It's everypony's dream to some day wear a crown."

"No!" she yelled.

Rarity inhaled as her feelings gave way to greed. Her fur was standing on end.

"I can have everything I've ever dreamed of…" she muttered. "Servants… Jewels… But everlasting beauty and eternal youth? Is it possible?"

"If you will it, it shall be done," said Salazar.

"No. No I do not will it!" shouted Rarity, trying to control herself. "You're tearing my apart! I just want my life to be how it used to be. That is my wish."

"I have changed nothing," responded Salazar "The only thing that has changed is you."

"But only because you've made me change!" yelled Rarity. "I never asked for this! You manipulated my dreams… my thoughts… I'm not myself anymore!"

"That is not half of it," grinned Salazar, "all of my puppets played their part. Your friends Twilight and Fluttershy. Even Celestia and Luna played their roles perfectly... All so that you should stand before me now."

"The princesses?" stammered Rarity. "What would become of them?"

"They have hidden much from you. Equestria's borders are drawing in. New powers are rising, and Equestria's enemies bleed against its borders. Your queens will fail to bring Equestria through its coming tribulations, as I have foreseen. I have watched them since they arrived on this earth, as I now watch the deterioration of their empire. Together, we we change this."

"You didn't answer my question! What would become of Celestia and Luna?" said Rarity angrily.

"They shall be cast to the wayside, free to do as they wish," responded the dragon.

"That's unthinkable. I could never betray them!"

"Did they not betray you?" rumbled Salazar's voice. "Did Celestia not exploit you and your friends so that her chosen heir should ascend? Your service is done, and they mean for you to sit idly by and grow old and die. In one thousand years, Twilight Sparkle will rule, and your bones will be dust!"

Rarity started to cry.

"Why do you torment me so?" she yelled, "I'd sooner die than be your queen!"

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Princess Luna stood atop a high balcony in Canterlot Castle. Far below, dim lights dotted the city of Canterlot and street lights outlined the causeways. The evening drawing on, ponies were finishing their suppers, but the princess of the night had only just woken up. She was, after all, nocturnal. Due to her unusual sleep schedule, she was quite an outsider to Equestrian society. Outside of Nightmare Night, a yearly celebration in her name, she received little of the attention and spotlight that her sister did.

A bright moon perched in the sky above, and a cool night breeze was blowing from the West. Luna felt at home in her element. The princess inhaled a breath of the pure night air. Such peace.

The silence was suddenly disrupted by a voice inside Luna's head.

"Sister. Come at once," came Celestia's voice.

Prompted by the sense of urgency, Princess Luna teleported herself to the royal chambers. There she found her sister standing in the main room with her nightcap on.

"Tia, was has happened?" asked Luna.

"A letter from Twilight. She's solved Salazar's riddle. But I'm still not sure what to make of it," said the tired princess.

Luna levitated the scroll towards her. By the glow of the firelight, Luna read:

Dear Princess Celestia, I have solved the dragon's riddle,

This is the object I desire. A gem of unspeakable beauty, of which there are no others.
It is not carved, nor is it fashioned in silver or gold.
A sapphire or diamond it is not, nor any nameable stone. Yet it sparkles and glistens.
It is sought by some, and envied by many.

The answer is my friend Rarity. What this entails, I'm not sure. But Rarity's in trouble. I've run off to her boutique to check up on her.

-Spike (on behalf of Twilight Sparkle)

Luna was silent.

"Well, Luna, what do you make of it? Does he mean to kidnap her? Kill her?" asked Princess Celestia.

"No… There is something else…" Princess Luna suddenly gasped as she made a realization. "Rarity's nightmares reveal the answer! Salazar seeks to draw Rarity close to him. He means to lure her to him!"

Another magic scroll materialized in front of the two alicorns. Princess Celestia opened it.

"It's from Twilight," she read. "Rarity is missing from her home…"

All it took was a mutual glance to realize what was happening.

"Guards!" called Princess Celestia. Princess Luna ran off to investigate.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Your will is your own. Leave if you wish," said Salazar. "I shall return to the North, and your life will return to normal. In time, you will forgive Twilight, and she will forgive you. You will work happily until your bones ache and you become worn and weary. Old and gray you shall become. And you will lie dead and rotting in the earth, long before the demise of your princesses."

Rarity spoke up, "You've done all of this… You've wasted all this time and effort…"

"I know you will not decline my offer," said Salazar.

Rarity wiped tears from her eyes. "Why me? I wish it wasn't so," she cried.

But the temptation… Oh Celestia the temptation! Everything any filly or mare has ever dreamed of could be hers! The prestige, the attention, the fame, the fabulousness, the longevity, the wealth… It was no use resisting any longer. That strange dark energy continued to flow through her body. Her entire being seemed to be screaming 'yes!' She could no longer deny her true desires.

"I... I accept," muttered Rarity, hanging her head.

Salazar exhaled, discharging a puff of smoke, as he began to move.

"On the condition that you do not hurt the princesses, or any of my friends," added Rarity. "… Oh Celestia, what have I done?"

The guard at the staircase was surprised to see Princess Luna sprint past him and burst through onto the main floor.

"Salazar!" cried Luna, "leave her be!"

"It is too late, 'raiser of the moon', your fate has been sealed, as has your sisters'," said Salazar.

Rarity turned to Luna, a worried expression on her face.

"You shall not harm a hair on her head!" yelled Luna.

Rarity ran a few strides towards Luna, then stopped. She turned back and faced Salazar, and then turned towards Luna again. She could not decide what to do. Salazar laughed, vibrating the whole tower it seemed.

Princess Celestia now appeared on the floor. She took one look at the scene before her, and glared at Salazar, scraping a hoof on the floor as if preparing to charge him.

"Salazar!" yelled Celestia.

Her horn glowed a bright white, and a beam of energy shot past Rarity and hit Salazar squarely in the face. Luna followed her sister's lead.

The dragon groaned in pain.

"Enough!" rumbled his voice.

With a motion from one of Salazar's claws, Celestia and Luna found themselves trapped in a bubble of magical energy, unable to escape or perform spells.

"Don't you dare harm my subject!" said Celestia.

"Harm her?" said Salazar, "Have you not realized it either, Celestia? Your subject is to replace you as queen."

A platoon of unicorn guards arrived on the floor. Rarity stood frozen, not sure what to do.

"It all makes sense now," said Luna. "She is the jewel in the Great Wyrm's riddle, and her rule is what he seeks."

"Guards!" called Celestia, "I'm sorry, Luna, we have no choice... Guards, kill the unicorn!"

"Sister, no!" cried Luna.

More guards came onto the floor. They obeyed their princess, and their horns glowed as they prepared to attack Rarity.

Salazar quickly moved his tail to protect Rarity. The magical attacks bounced off his hide like rain drops in a storm. A merciless torrent of fire bellowed from the dragon's mouth, engulfing everything on the tower floor in scorching heat. In the streets below, ponies looked up in awe as jets of flame spewed from the main tower of Canterlot Castle.

Celestia and Luna looked on as their guards were incinerated.

"Stop!" yelled Rarity, "I order you to stop at once!"

Salazar writhed and twisted, and he thrust himself out of the tower. His coils of tail unraveled behind him as he flew into the night. The magical prisons around Celestia and Luna, meanwhile, dissipated, and the two alicorns stepped forward.

Rarity reared up and cantered backwards, fearing the wrath of her princesses.

"Unicorn Rarity!" came Celestia's stern voice, as she walked towards her.

Rarity had never heard her speak like that, it sounded as if she was speaking through a megaphone. More frightening was the look in Celestia's eyes: unforgiving and angry.

"Stop," said Luna calmly to her sister.

Celestia turned to her sister, anger still burning in her eyes.

"It's over, 'Tia," said Luna, touching her horn to Celestia's and nuzzling her.

Tears welled up in the eyes of both alicorns as they closed their eyes and connected.

"Oh Celestia!" said Rarity, "I'm so sorry!"

She had never seen, or even imagined, her princesses crying.

"I… I didn't know… He made me do it. He tricked me!" cried Rarity at the alicorns, as tears streamed from her own eyes.

Flashes of light lit up the night sky outside. Rarity rushed to the balcony. Plumes of fire and smoke illuminated the castle, as the royal guards engaged Salazar in a hopeless fire fight.

"What have I done!" cried Rarity as she broke into uncontrollable sobbing.

Screams from ponies in the city below reached Rarity, each cutting like a knife into her heart.

"Luna, Celestia!" cried Rarity, turning back.

The two alicorn sisters turned away from Rarity. They stood peacefully upon the charred floor, somehow tuning out everything but each other. They rested their heads on each other's shoulders in a somber embrace. Their millennia of rule had come to an end.