> Not in Her Wildest Dreams
>  by Cloperella
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue: Uncovered Reservations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        “And by the time the old sport had collected every bit he sought to gain, well I'd say that he was quite in the soup with every citizen of Canterlot!”

        A hearty chortle broke out from the well dressed guests seated at the table in the VIP section of Canterlot castle. Many citizens regarded this night, the night of the Grand Galloping Gala, to be the most extravagant night in all of Equestria. But from the way the man at the end of the table carried himself, it might as well have been Tuesday for him. Men and women from all over Canterlot speculated just what it was about Fancy Pants that made him so absolutely captivating. Be it from his well groomed azure hair, his trim and primmed mustache or his monocle that cost a princess's ransom, Mr. Pants seemed to steal the spotlight of every event he attended. 

        There was only one woman who knew the secrets to his charms when all the others were left in the dark. From the way his darling Fleur De Lis held onto his left arm —a subtle way of guarding her territory in the guise of showing affection— she wasn't letting that secret out anytime soon. Women would stare in envy at the slender pink haired lady for gaining the right to stand beside a man of such wealth and fame. She found it amusing to think it was their envy that kept her looking so young and graceful beyond her years.

        Of the men and women laughing at the table, there was one lady whose laugh was more captivating to Fancy Pants than the others. It belonged to a woman with an enchanting purple hairstyle, a few shades darker than her choice of eyeshadow for the evening. The end of her hair had a magnificent upward curl, which hung a few inches away from her lengthy eyelashes extending over bright, mesmerizing orbs of azure. Though she was from the small town of Ponyville, the dressmaker Rarity had somehow managed to win Fancy Pants's respect in a way that no other noble could have ever dreamed of doing. Though perplexed at how she had done so, Rarity knew that the gentleman wasn't impressed by wealth or fame or material possessions.It was the fact that a woman as elegant and sophisticated as Rarity could at the same time be so down to Earth as well. 

        Rarity fanned herself lightly as she settled down from her laughter. “My, my, Fancy Pants. Quite a risible tale indeed.” She took a moment to sip daintily from her glass of red wine. “However, I believe I have a story that just might be able to outdo yours in its absurdity.”

        The brow over his monocle rose, and an interested smirk spread across his face. “Well by all means Miss Rarity,” He replied, adjusting himself in his seat as he, Fleur, and the rest of the patricians turned toward her. “Regale us with an occurrence of what adventures a dressmaker from Ponyville finds herself in.”

        Rarity opened her mouth to speak, but was caught off guard by a noise from off to the side. It sounded as if a bird was chirping just a few feet away from her. She turned to the left and saw the window a few yards away, giving a view of the castle's gardens, where a little brown bird was, indeed, fluttering about. She found it odd that she could hear it from such a distance, but she decided that it wasn't worth dwelling on and instead focused on her story.

        “Well, it all started one day in the dress shop, when...” Rarity was just about to turn her head back to her audience when something caught her eye. Just at the bottom of her peripheral vision, she could see the fair white flesh of her shoulder.

        An open shoulder dress? Rarity internally asked, puzzled. That's not the dress I've been designing for this year's gala at all. The one I've been making had a diamond collar around the neck. Perhaps I put on the wrong dress before I left?

        Rarity's gaze moved downward, and she saw that her entire arm was exposed as well. Not only her arm, but even her chest. Not just the top of her chest, with the cleavage tastefully exposed. Her entire chest was uncovered, her small, round ornament sized breasts and small pink nipples completely visible.

        What? Rarity thought in alarm. That can't be! Why am I topless? Is it just my top, or-? With an uneasy feeling building in her stomach, Rarity forced herself to lift the cloth of the table covering her thighs at the moment. Much to her disbelief, she could see the skin of her legs and the folds of her bare vulva tucked away between her delicate thighs.

        A cold sense of dread spilled over the back of Rarity's neck as she processed what was beyond her comprehension. She was naked. She was at the most prestigious annual event in Canterlot, and she was stark naked; not even a pair of heels to keep her dainty feet from the cold and unsanitary floor. She could only imagine how soon it would be before one of the party attendants called her out on her disgrace and she would have to make a mad dash for the exit. Not that it would do much good, since her home was a carriage ride away in Ponyville, but she honestly didn't see any fortunate alternative from this situation.

        “Rarity?” A voice called to her. She snapped her head up, her arms instinctively rushing to cover her bare chest as she fought to keep herself from screaming. With her teeth clenched and her pupils dilated, she stared forward at Fancy Pants, Fleur De Lis, and the rest of his company who looked at her with puzzled expressions.

        “Well my dear, don't keep us all in suspense now!” He encouraged, a pleasant smile returning to his face. “You were saying that something started at your dress shop?”

        Rarity was in disbelief. Fancy Pants and the others were waiting for her to continue her story, not making even one mention of her nudity. Could they not see it? Or perhaps they could, and they just didn't care? Was this some kind of joke that they were playing on her? Whatever the situation, Rarity went with the notion that screaming or panicking would only draw attention to her predicament and cause herself more embarrassment. She lowered her hands into her lap, but kept her elbows above her nipples (which she noticed had become peculiarly rigid, all of a sudden).

        “Oh, right, the Carousel Boutique. Of course.” Rarity cleared her throat as her eyes darted about in many directions, looking everywhere except at herself. “Well, I was erm... making dresses... for a client, one day”

        You're naked. A fearful thought nagged at her.

        “You see, th-that's what I do, I'm you know, a dressmaker... in Ponyville.”

        You're completely naked.

        “So that's my livelihood, making dresses, f-for everyone... heh heh”

        A dressmaker that isn't dressed for the Grand Galloping Gala, at that!

        “A-a-anyway, I...” Rarity stammered, trying desperately to put it out of her mind and continue. It was a futile effort. No matter how hard she tried to avoid it, her eyes glanced downward, at her naked breasts, tummy, and crease of her womanhood. She looked back up at those staring at her, and noticed that the gentleman to Fancy's left snickered for just a second.

        He can see. Rarity felt her heart race as she wondered if the others were all eying her inconspicuously. They can see your body. You need to get out.

        “I... I-I think I'm going to find something to eat before I continue!” Rarity exclaimed rather loudly. “I'm finding myself quite famished all of a sudden!”

        Rarity pushed back against her chair out from underneath the table, and stood up, quickly strutting from the table and away from Fancy's company. He and his wife, as well as the rest of the party all exchanged looks of confusion as a result of Rarity's sudden departure.

        The dressmaker felt goosebumps crawling up her skin as she walked through the castle, with people around her on all sides. They were dressed in the most pristine regalia. The women wore extravagant dresses of many colors and shapes, some with a flowery bodice that covered their upper bodies. Some of them had golden lined trains that hid away their buttocks, no matter how petite or grand the size underneath might have been. And here she was, walking through all of them with her body on display, as if she were a cheap exhibit for their entertainment.

        Feeling more than self conscious about her exposure, Rarity put her arms over her breasts, and her hands stretched down to cover her vulva. As she walked, she felt the flesh of her hindquarters rubbing together, and remembered that her bottom was exposed as well. She instinctively darted a hand back to cover the crack of her rear, only to notice that the movement now left one of her breasts exposed. She moved her other hand from her lower body up to her chest to cover both of them, until she realized her lower lips were now visible. Try as she might, Rarity unfortunately did not have enough hands to keep herself covered in all areas.

        Settle down, Rarity. She commanded herself as she struggled to walk without fumbling. Whatever's going on, none of the other attendants seem to have noticed. Just compose yourself and play it casually. Pretend that there's nothing wrong.

        Taking a deep breath, Rarity lifted her head high, removing her hands from her flesh. She moved one palm up to her hips, and let the other dangle a foot away from her. She imagined that she was in fact wearing the most regal dress at the gala, and none of the others could even dream to match her style and beauty.

        It seemed to work. None of the others looked at her for more than a second, and continued about their business as if nothing was wrong. Rarity felt a little better that whether they could see her naked body or not, they at least weren't offended by her presence. Nonetheless, Rarity knew she couldn't remain in such a state forever. With the entrance to the gala in her sight, she decided she would make the journey back home, get dressed,  insuring that she REMAINED dressed as she stepped out the door and came all the way back.

        “Hey Rarity!” a cheery, high pitched voice called to her from the side. Hearing her name so suddenly made Rarity's heart want to jump out of her chest. She looked to her right to see her curly-haired friend Pinkie Pie waving at her from a table of h'orderves and drinks. She was dressed in a yellow polka dot frock with pink frills at the bottom of her dress to match her hair, something Rarity herself had played a large part in designing. While she was still frantic about the situation she was in, she allowed herself a smidgen of relief. Making sure to keep her wits about herself, she strolled over to Pinkie Pie. “Have you tried the punch yet? It's really good! Almost as good as the punch Gummy and I make at home!”

        “Um, no, I haven't yet.” Rarity replied with an uneasy smile, as Pinkie took a large sip from the glass in her hand. “Pinkie, I need to ask you something. Is there anything about my appearance that seems... out of place?”

        Pinkie Pie stopped drinking for a moment and focused her attention fully forward. Rarity felt a bit uneasy as Pinkie's eyes squinted. She could practically feel her pupils tracing every inch and curve of her naked body. The sensation it brought made her feel tense, and her thighs unconsciously squeezed together.

        “Nope! Looks fine to me.” Pinkie said after a moment of inspecting her. Rarity felt a little bit relieved, knowing that one of her best friends had confirmed that Rarity's appearance wasn't anything out of the ordinary. That still brought up questions she didn't know the answer to, however. What was Pinkie actually seeing when she looked at her?

        “Are you absolutely sure, darling? What about my dress, is there a stain on it, or a rip or tear?” Rarity stretched her arms out and turned around, turning her exposed backside toward her friend.

        Looking over her shoulder, she saw that an amused smile appeared on Pinkie's face as she snorted gleefully.

        “Hah! Good one Rarity!” she exclaimed. “You're not wearing any dress, you're naked!”

        She said it. For the first time since she had discovered it herself someone had said it out loud. She WAS naked. If Pinkie Pie could see it, then most everyone else could see it too. With panic coursing through her heart, she wrapped one arm around her chest and slapped her other hand against her buttocks. For good measure, she even raised a leg in an awkward attempt to cover her vessel.

        “Good heavens, Pinkie!” she cried, straining to keep herself balanced on one leg. “How long have I been like this!?”

        “Since we left Ponyville, silly! You mean you didn't do that on purpose?”

        “No! I don't understand how I could have forgotten to put on clothes before leaving my house!”

        “Oh. I dunno, I just thought you and Applejack decided not to bother with dresses this year.”

        “What are you even talking about, Pinkie? Why on Earth would I ever—wait, what did you say about Applejack?”

        “Somebody calling for me?” Rarity heard a low, female voice with a country twang from behind her. She turned back toward Pinkie Pie and noticed that the farmer of Ponyville, Applejack, had joined them. Her eyes widened in shock as she took in the sight of her.

        Biting a cube of cheese from a toothpick, Applejack stood next to Pinkie Pie, dressed only in her brown stetson hat, and dark brown boots. Everything else between her hair and her heels was stark naked. Rarity was fascinated by the slight difference in coloration of Applejack's skin above her knees and past her elbows. It was something she had likely obtained from spending her days working on the farm; the rays of Celestia's sun kissing her flesh not covered by the clothing she wore and leaving their mark on her. Spread throughout the top of Applejack's breasts, just a smidgen larger than her own, Rarity could see a mess of light brown freckles.

        Looking down past Applejack's nipples, she took in an eyeful of her stomach. She was impressed to see just a hint of her abdominal muscles, something Rarity wasn't used to associating with women. Applejack’s strength was what made her so different from other women Rarity knew. It was something she admired, though she never voiced it out loud. Applejack's body, her visible abs and toned hips, reflected the strength it took for her to keep her farm running. Those legs of hers spent all day bucking trees, forcing them to relent those succulent juicy orbs of fruit that kept her family thriving. From the looks of things, such a busy lifestyle left little time for her to tend to miniscule details, as Rarity could see from the bright, blonde patch of hair protruding above her nether region.

        “Uh, Rarity? You alright?” Applejack asked, in a puzzled tone.

        The naked dressmaker hadn't realized it until she was spoken to, but she had been standing before them silently, her mouth hanging open as she stared at Applejack's naked body. A pestering tickle had also built up between her legs, as she felt an accompanying wetness form from her now noticeably open vulva.

        “I—yes, I'm fine!” Rarity replied, lifting the back of her hand to her mouth to insure that she wasn't drooling. It was enough that one set of lips were already moist at the moment.“I'm just a little, well, confused. You aren't wearing the dress I made for you?”

        “Nah.” Applejack scraped her teeth with the toothpick in her hands, before flicking it away and into a nearby trash can. “I was kinda in a hurry ta get out the door, and I just didn't wanna bother with it. I mean, we don't normally wear clothes, so I figure it wouldn't be a big deal.”

        Rarity was dumbfounded. Don't normally wear clothes? She hadn't the faintest idea what Applejack was talking about. What did she mean by that? Of course she and everyone else she had ever known wore clothes. It's not as if they were a colony of nudists or anything.

        Before she could form the question in her mouth, Rarity was taken aback by a sight she had trouble processing. A blue creature of sorts, horse-like from the appearance of it, appeared near Applejack's head. It had wings just as blue as its coat jutting from its back to keep it in the air. And it also had a rainbow-colored mane, similar to that of her friend Rainbow Dash. Before she could say anything, the creature reached down with her hooves and yanked the stetson hat off of Applejack's head.

        “Ha!” The horse creature laughed as Applejack threw her hand up to her head, feeling about for her missing hat. “Gotcha, Applesmack!”

        “Goshdarnit Rainbow Dash, give that back!” Applejack exclaimed at her.

        Rainbow Dash? Rarity contemplated. That's Rainbow Dash? That can't be Rainbow. It's just not possible.
        “You want it back?” The winged-horse version of Rainbow Dash teased, flying up to one of the chandeliers and hanging the hat on the end of it. “Better learn to fly!”

        Applejack grumbled disapprovingly as she watched “Rainbow Dash” fly away, laughing to herself.

        “Don't worry Applejack, I got ya covered!” Pinkie Pie offered, before ripping off one of the polka dots on her dress. She put it to her mouth and blew into it, and the dot inflated as if it were a balloon. Keeping her hands near the end, the dot rose up and lifted Pinkie into the air, towards the chandelier in pursuit of Applejack's hat.

        Rarity's mind was spinning with questions she couldn't possibly find the resolve to voice. Why was Pinkie Pie able to manipulate her dress into something capable of flight? Why was Rainbow Dash a flying horse? And most importantly, why was nobody concerned about Applejack’s nudity, as well as her own?

        As Rarity's mind struggled to process what was happening, her ears were ravaged by a shrill clanging noise. It was loud, high pitched, and so obnoxious that she frantically threw her hands up to her ears in a vain attempt to block it out. As her teeth clenched from the pain, she noticed the appearance of the gala vanished from her sight, and gave way to a black, empty void.

> Chapter 1: The Best Night Ever; This Time For Sure
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Within the expansive, flowery bedroom of Carousel Boutique, the alarm clock on the dresser to the right of the bed continued to ring. Rarity sprang up with a start from a thick layer of covers, gasping with fright. Her hand fumbled around her dresser in search of the blaring alarm clock, her sight still blocked off by the blinders with pink butterflies on the front. After a few failed attempts, she finally managed to find the proper button to turn the noisy device off. She lifted her blinders from her eyes and looked down at her body. To her relief, it  was still covered by the long, thin blue and teal silk pajamas she had put on the night before.

        Still seated in her bed, Rarity straightened her back and lifted her arms toward the ceiling of her bedroom. She let out a soft high pitched whine as her body worked through the stiffness built up in her sleep. Looking to the window on the left side of her bedroom, past the mannequins and the mess of yarn and fabric, she noticed that the light of the sun was only slightly visible through her blinds. As her mind adjusted to being awake, she remembered the significance of the day, and why she had woken up so much earlier than usual.

        Tonight would be the second night that she attended the Grand Galloping Gala with her friends. The very same event in which she had such an awful dream about just a moment ago. Rarity winced in discomfort, remembering the sense of fear and confusion she had experienced after the disaster that last year's event had turned into. Rarity had managed to sweep the initial feelings of reservation under the rug and was surprisingly enough looking forward to giving the gala another chance. However, with the perplexing dream she had just experienced, her skepticism had returned more severely than before. Her mind began to construct excuses of why it might be best for her to stay away from Canterlot castle tonight just to play things on the safe side.

        Rarity quickly remembered that it wouldn't just be herself and her friends attending, but three others that would be accompanying them; their “plus-one's” for the evening. Her precious little diamond, her darling sister, Sweetie Belle, would be joining them for the evening, as would her two best friends, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, both of whom were invited by two of her other friends. The three girls—young ladies rather—had so been looking forward to the evening since they had been invited. If Rarity gave in to her fear and avoided the gala Sweetie Belle would not be able to attend either. Rarity's mind was quickly filled with the image of her sister's heartbroken face as she was told she would be missing her first gala, while her friends left her behind.

        She shook her head in defiance, and stood up from her bed. As she bent over to touch her toes to stretch her legs, she told herself that she would just have to deal with her fear for her sister's sake. It was just a dream after all. She'd had plenty of bizarre dreams in her life, as had her friends. Why if they had canceled their plans due to the strange logic of dreams they most certainly would miss out on many opportunities life had to offer. The fatigue of her sleep gone, Rarity pushed the distressing image of her naked self at the gala to the back of her mind and continued with her morning routine.
        





        “How do I look!?” Sweetie Belle's excited voice rang out as she burst from behind the curtain of the boutique’s dressing room.

        Rarity had been busy fussing over the blue v-shaped bodice of Scootaloo's gown a moment prior. Her magical blue aura held a mess of different materials in the air around her. After adjusting the ornamental dragonfly in the child’s purple hair, she turned towards the space her sister had emerged from. What she saw made her lose her concentration. Her magical field vanished, and she  let the cloth drop to the ground in a heap.

        When Sweetie Belle had first stepped through the doors she had been dressed in a plain yellow top and pink skirt, something their parents had most likely picked up for sale in a town flea market. Now her little sister stood before them, adorned in a flawless white dress with a pink fringe on the edges. Around her waist was a mulberry sash and bow to match her hair, which had a beautiful ornament in the shape of a blue tulip.

        Rarity was speechless for a moment as she looked upon the beautiful image of her darling Sweetie Belle. The tulip in her hair for all accounts and purposes looked to be an elegant crown, the perfect addition for her little princess. She had of course meant only the best for her sister when making her dress, but never once thought her craftsmanship would have such a marvelous effect on her. So many feelings were welling up inside of Rarity at the moment and she was struggling to find a way to put them into a coherent string of words. They all erupted from her at once in the form of a shriek of joy, her magical aura overtaking a shaken Sweetie Belle as she was hovered in the air toward Rarity.

        “You look absolutely wonderful, darling!” Rarity exclaimed, holding the little girl against her white blouse and swinging her around once before setting her down. “Sweetie Belle, I am going to have to ask Princess Celestia to hire a handful of her guards to keep the young boys off of you, because they are going to be coming after you left and right!”

        Sweetie Belle's eyes swung about as she struggled to find her balance again, her friends Scootaloo and Apple Bloom giggling excitedly as they looked on. The little red haired girl dressed in overalls turned toward her older sister, Applejack, engaged in a card game with Rainbow Dash who sat across the table from her. She restlessly tugged on the flannel sleeve of Applejack’s shirt with a wide grin on her face. 

        “Hey sis! Can I go try mine on now?” Apple Bloom asked, clutching the red and white floral dress that Rarity had made for her.

        “Go on then” Applejack said, giving her little sister an encouraging tussle of her hair. Apple Bloom ran towards the curtain and vanished behind them in the blink of an eye. The farmer failed to notice Rainbow Dash, dressed in a simple white tank top and black spandex shorts, fiddling with the stack of cards off to the side while she wasn’t being watched.“Just don't get so excited that ya tear it while putting it on!”

         Though Rarity and Applejack had quite an uneasy start to their friendship, being from two very different walks of life. A night spent at Twilight Sparkle's library helped the two put their differences aside and enjoy one each other's company for the evening and even since then. Even though the two continued to bump heads on occasion, Rarity had grown quite fond of Applejack for a number of qualities. Though she wasn't fond of all the dirt and sweat that came with a life on the farm, she truly admired Applejack's drive for working hard for her field, the same way she herself had so much pride in her work in dressmaking. Despite her tendency for being crass and uncouth at times, she was undoubtedly more wise and empathetic than first glance would ever let someone know. It was always Applejack that filled the role of the group's den mother, striving to keep everyone grounded if they felt the ground give way underneath them.

Applejack shook her head before turning to Rarity. “Thanks  so much for doing this for us at the last minute, Rarity. I know we shoulda gotten here sooner, but the farm’s needed twice as much work with the drought and all..”

        “It's no trouble at all Applejack.” Rarity replied cheerfully, looking toward her sister and admiring her in the dress she had made. “Why, sometimes I work best under pressure. The knowledge that my time is limited keeps me from fussing about over... details...” Rarity's eyes wandered over Sweetie Belle's form, as she realized that something about the appearance was off. Out of her line of vision, Rainbow Dash leaned over the table and whispered something into Applejack's ear making her laugh. Rarity's sight finally locked in on the mulberry sash and bow around her waist. As wonderful as her sister looked in that dress, something about it just didn't sit right with her now that she had settled down.

        “On second thought, Sweetie Belle, I don't think I like that color on you,” she said, her magic lighting up around the cloth and yanking it from her dress.

        “Told ya!” Rainbow Dash shouted triumphantly, as Applejack bellowed out a deep guffaw in response.

        “Oh hush.” Rarity retorted as she stepped toward one of the drawers and levitated a wide spectrum of colorful cloths.. “It is the biggest night of the year after all. I only want everything to be absolutely perfect. Is that too much to ask? Ah, this one should do nicely.” Rarity said, putting back all the material except for one strand of cloth, a light teal color to match her sister's eyes.

        “I still can’t believe this is actually happening!” Scootaloo shouted to Sweetie Belle, who smiled back at her enthusiastically.

        Rarity swooned as the sentiment washed over her again. “Oh, your first Grand Galloping Gala!” she sighed admiringly, her magic looping the stretch of cloth through the air and tying it into a bow. “The excitement, the anticipation! I wouldn't miss this for all the jewels in Equestria!” A new sash was wrapped around her sister's waist and the bow was looped around the rear at the end of her back. Rarity confirmed with a nod that the change in color had most certainly been for the best.

        Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo turned toward one another with eager grins. The excitement of their dresses and Rarity's banter about the event was too much for the girls to keep to themselves.

        “We're going to the gala! We're going to the gala! We're going to the gala!” The two cheered loudly, marching around the stage in circles.

        Her hands still full of cards, Applejack rolled her eyes before turning towards the cheering girls. “Alright y'all, keep it down.” She advised, before setting her cards down onto the table. “It ain't like it's a life changing experience or no-thing...” Applejack trailed off, her gaze locked on the curtain of the changing room as her little sister pushed it aside and stepped out.

        And there she stood for all of them to behold her. Little Apple Bloom, adorned in a dress of orange, her red bow still affixed to her head, along with a flower of the same color scheme. The youngest of the Apple family presented herself to her sister, her arms down in front of her and wearing the sweetest of smiles.

        Apple Bloom wasn't a little girl at that moment, but a young lady. The time that passed by since she had taken her first steps, waved goodbye for her first day of school, and admired the gap left by the loss of her first tooth had all slipped through Applejack's hands in an instant. She felt her eyes sting as she pictured her sister for just a moment many years from now, in a dress of white at the end of the aisle. She would stand there with the man or woman she loved as they vowed to dedicate their life to loving her far away from Applejack’s care and supervision.

        “M-m-my little sister all grown up!” Applejack bawled, tears spilling down her cheeks as she watched Apple Bloom prance triumphantly toward her friends.

        Rarity scoffed proudly to herself, placing a hand over her mouth to hide her growing smile. Though Applejack had been regarded by many to be quite reserved, Rarity had many times seen cracks forming in the strong emotional wall she surrounded herself with, hiding a very soft and tender Applejack from everyone else. She was proud that the dress she had crafted for her little sister had made such an impact on the farmer.

        Ha! Cries on the inside, my foot! Rarity bemused as she watched the farmer frantically try to clean up the teary mess her face had become.

        The trio of young ladies continued giggling to themselves, their feet prancing up and down loudly on the dressing stage. They were so occupied with themselves, that they couldn't be bothered to notice that one of the mirrors behind them had changed form. It no longer reflected the girls themselves, but a giant yellow eye that looked about the boutique.

        “This is gonna be the best night ever!” They screamed, before their attention fell onto the mirror. Noticing that it was being watched, the large pupil fell onto the three girls, and a brief staredown  engaged between them.

        The little girls screamed in fright, garnering the attention of the adults as they watched them run off of the stage. Sweetie Belle crashed into her sister's hips and moved behind her for protection. Rarity felt an unsettling chill run down her spine as she watched the mirror-eye shrink upwards, into the head of the man that it belonged to.

        Discord, the spirit of chaos and disharmony. A tall man dressed in dark brown pristine trousers, with a matching overcoat draped around a snappy vest and tie. While his outfit may have been dapper, his wild mess of black and white hair, bushy eyebrows and goatee more reflected his unruly, chaotic nature and mannerisms. Originally the corrupt ruler of Equestria, he was encased in stone by the elements of harmony wielded by Princesses Celestia and Luna more than a millenia ago. He had escaped his stone imprisonment temporarily in the last year, and had flipped Ponyville upside down, throwing the town into disarray to the point that it was unrecognizable. Luckily Twilight Sparkle and the rest of her friends, Rarity included, had wielded the elements once again to stop his influence from spreading across the nation.

        Since then, Princess Celestia herself had ordered him freed, in order to make use of his otherworldly powers. Though most of them had their initial doubts, he had for the most part stuck to his word, and pledged to no longer do evil against the citizens of Equestria.

        But as Discord looked toward Apple Bloom, cowering in fear behind Applejack, Rarity's reservation towards him remained strong as ever. While she certainly didn't expect him to plot anything heinous against Equestria anytime soon, she still found the man for all accounts rather unpleasant. Arrogant, overly showy and more than self-centered, Rarity found herself on edge as she watched him slither toward Applejack. No matter how reformed he might have been, she doubted she would ever learn to appreciate him as a friend, and made sure to keep the shivering Sweetie Belle close behind her.

        “I don't suppose these, erm... adorable little cutie pies have their own tickets to the Gross Gruesome Gala, do they?” he asked, leaning down toward Apple Bloom, a suspiciously unsettled smile on his face as he extended his open hand to her. Finding a bit of courage within herself, Apple Bloom lifted her hand and slapped it against his fiercely, sticking her tongue out and blowing a raspberry at him. The gesture lit a flame in Discord, prompting him to snarl viciously at her.

        “Ahem,” Rarity cleared her throat to divert his attention away from the young lady who'd riled him. He turned toward Rarity with a cocked eyebrow. “To answer your rather rude question, they're going as our dates.” She answered, prompting Sweetie Belle out from hiding now that she deemed him no longer a threat. “Our plus-ones!”

        Rarity's words put the excitement of the gala back into Sweetie Belle, who returned an ecstatic smile to her sister.

        “We're plus-ones!” She shouted in glee, before Apple Bloom and Scootaloo raced across the room to join her in cheer. “We're plus-ones! We're plus-ones!”

        Wincing in agitation, Discord conjured a pair of oversized ear plugs and stuffed them into his ears in an effort to drown out their shouting.

        “Yes, yes, I believe I got that!” Discord grumbled loudly, a pair of mismatched wings appearing on his back and flapping hurriedly as he hovered over the ground. He exchanged a frustrated look between Rarity and Applejack, before a bright flash appeared from him, hurting their eyes for a moment. When they looked back, the man had vanished completely.

        “Yeah!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, slamming her handful of cards down onto the table. Applejack shot her a puzzled look, apparently forgetting that they were even playing a card game.

        “That was pretty weird.” Applejack remarked. “I didn't think a guy like Discord would even be interested in the gala.”

        “Well, I for one was hoping that he wouldn't be.” Rarity said in a huff. “With all the trouble that we had at last year's gala, we certainly don't need an unbalanced mess like him wandering about, waiting for him to go off like a loose cannon at the slightest thing!” Rarity saw Applejack and Rainbow Dash's eyes go wide, and the room fell silent as a result of Rarity's outburst.

        “Hey y'all,” Applejack said towards the children sweetly, an attempt to break the silence. “Why don't ya go up to Rarity's room and have yourselves a little fashion show? Gotta practice how you're gonna carry yourselves at the gala tonight, ya hear?” The three girls all beamed at one another, before lifting the front of their dresses and dashing toward the stairs, in an effort to get up to the room as fast as possible. Once they were out of sight, Applejack folded her cards and sat up from the table. “Come on Rarity. Sit a spell with me.” She ushered the dressmaker to the edge of the stage, patting the space right next to her. With her opponent gone, Rainbow Dash tossed her cards into the air, and they rained over her head as she let out an aggravated snort.

        Rarity rolled her eyes to the ceiling and let out an exasperated breath. Nonetheless, she stepped toward the stage and sat down half a foot away from her, crossing her legs daintily. While she had been polite and given her some space, the farmer decided that she'd rather sit closer to her, with their hips making contact. The gesture was something Rarity wasn't opposed to, and the contact made her smirk just slightly.

        “Look Rarity, I'm right there with ya on Discord.” Applejack reassured her. “In fact, I think he gives most of us the heebie jeebies, 'cept Fluttershy. I don't know how she of all people likes him so much.”

        It was something that none of them could fathom. When Princess Celestia had initially freed Discord, she had tasked Fluttershy with being the one to help convince him to join their side. Though he had initially been more than reluctant to cooperate, Fluttershy's kindness had worked a magic that Rarity and the others had thought impossible, and tamed the mischief maker with her friendship.  

        “I know he's a little creepy and off putting, I get it. But he ain't doing nothing to hurt us. If he shows up at the gala tonight, I think we oughta welcome him best we can. Everybody deserves a second chance, don't ya think?”

        Despite her reservations toward him, she had twice seen Discord's heart broken when faced with the possibility of losing friendship, once with Fluttershy when he had first earned her companionship, and again after he had been tempted into a momentary relapse of wickedness by Lord Tirek. Since his mistake, the spirit of chaos had indeed given up his wicked ways in favor of living a more peaceful life in Equestria. Still, Rarity just wasn't sure how comfortable she was with the thought of him being at the gala tonight, especially with her sister attending for the first time.

        Rarity felt Applejack's hand gently over her own. She had been looking at the wall as she listened to her words, but now Rarity turned to look at Applejack head-on. The farmer offered her a warm smile. It brought Rarity's attention to the field of freckles on her cheeks, peppered across her skin underneath her eyes. Rarity seldom had a chance to, but she loved looking into Applejack's bright green eyes, lush and rich as the grass on Sweet Apple Acres. With their eyes locked for a moment, Rarity felt her hesitance melt away, and she managed to smile back at her.

        “Fair enough.” She replied with a touch more brightness in her tone. “I suppose his company there doesn't necessarily mean he'll make a mess of things.”

        “Atta' girl.” Applejack commended her, patting her hand lightly. She lifted her arm and leaned in, and Rarity met her for a gentle hug. “Thanks for being agreeable, sugarcube.”

        With her chin resting on Applejack's shoulder, Rarity took a light and subtle sniff of her blonde hair. She caught a whiff of tree bark, and crisp apples from her bright golden locks. Rarity wasn't sure how it had happened, but she had grown more than fond of the farmer over the year of knowing her. When she had dreamt about seeing her body in all of its exposed glory, it came as no surprise to her at all. Many times the farmer had slipped into Rarity's mind when she was all by herself, exploring the hidden depths of her own body while she laid in her bed. Thoughts of their clothing tossed to the floor with their bodies laid bare for one another to admire. She being held by Applejack, feeling her flesh pressed up against her own. Applejack kissing her neck, and her mouth traveling down her body. Between her chest. Past her belly button. Above the shaven flesh of her privates. Then with a look of hunger, she would extend her tongue, and tickle the soft flesh of her moist caverns.

        And then I'd be your little sugarcube, and just dissolve in your mouth, darling. She thought with excitement, as she felt a tingle building up between her thighs. She wasn't sure how Applejack felt for her in turn. As of late, she had noticed that the farmer had been a touch more patient with their differences. She had also been quick to offer physical support, such as holding her hand, or reassuring hugs as she was doing at the moment. Was there some level of attraction Applejack was keeping to herself? Or was it simply wishful thinking on Rarity's part, while the farmer was just offering nothing more than the affection of a good friend?

        Rarity received a pat on her back, as Applejack leaned away and the two looked at each other again. Rarity's mouth stretched to a wide grin as she tried her best to fight the urge to let her fantasy overtake her, less a wet stain begin to form in her undergarments.

        “So, now that the girls got their dresses all taken care of, me and Rainbow are next huh?” Applejack asked.

        “Yes!” Rarity jumped up from the platform at once, taking a breath and bringing her attention back to the moment. Standing between Applejack still on the platform, and Rainbow Dash at the table where their cards were sprawled out, she looked between the two in an effort to make her decision.

        Her mind still had lingering thoughts about Applejack. She would of course need to take her measurements in order to make sure that the design she had put together would be able to fit her. Seeing Applejack in her undergarments or even less in this state wouldn't help that tickle in her loins go away by any means. Logic told her that she should pick Rainbow Dash first. While she had a nice and fit athletic body, she found it not nearly as stimulating as the farmer's. Taking Rainbow Dash's measurements and designing her dress first would be the smartest decision, in order to help her body settle down.

        “Hm... let's start with your dress first, Applejack!” Rarity proclaimed excitedly.

        You're hopeless. She chided herself, as Applejack sat up from the edge of the stage. Rainbow Dash let out a frustrated groan and let her head slump against the table as she was left alone to rot in her boredom.

        “Hey, you can take the cards upstairs if ya want. I'll bet the crusaders would love to play with ya!” Applejack offered humorously.  She received a very rude gesture of the hand from the rainbow haired athlete, who kept her face glued to the table. Chuckling to herself, Applejack lifted her hands to the buttons of her red shirt, and one by one undid them.

        Professionalism, Rarity. The dressmaker reminded herself, feeling she her heart beat a tad faster as she watched the shirt open up down the middle. She could see just a hint of red cloth peeking out from her chest as she reached the last button. Professionalism.

        With her shirt undone completely, Applejack pulled it apart, exposing her breasts held up by her bright, apple-colored bra. Rarity took a breath through her nose as she took in the sight of Applejack's shoulders, broad and sturdy, perfect for the heavy lifting that her farm demanded. It was everything she could do not to purr as the sensation between her thighs increased tremendously, with an added trickle against the cloth of her underwear. If they weren't wet before, they certainly were now. And Applejack had yet to even remove her pants.

        Oh well, can't be helped. Rarity shrugged, as she levitated a roll of measuring tape into her hand. I was planning on showering and changing completely before we left as it was. Unrolling the tape in her hands, she stepped towards the farmer, who had just unzipped the fly of her jeans.


> Chapter 2: The Center of Unwanted Attention
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        “We're here! We're here! We're at the Grand Galloping Gala!”

        Since they had walked in through the front gates, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo had not stopped cheering at full volume. Rarity hadn’t the urge to blame them. Though she had of course kept herself more reserved when she and her friends had first attended, she had most definitely felt the same level of excitement that they were experiencing at the moment. It wasn't often that citizens who weren't rich beyond any commoners imagination were allowed to partake in such an illustrious event. It was truly the chance of a lifetime.

        Despite the regal ambiance of the castle, the majestic tableware, upholstery and exquisite dishes laid out for the guests to dine on, Rarity could not share in the enthusiasm that the crusaders did. All she could think about was the nightmare she'd had earlier that morning.  Standing in the middle of this very castle, without the purple, diamond encrusted dress that she had put so much hard work into, with nothing to conceal her body from those around her. An uneasy sense of dread formed in the pit of her stomach as she trudged along. Her head hung low, her eyes fixated on the dress she wore, clutching it tight to make sure it didn't go anywhere.

        She felt a gentle nudge on her arm, and lifted her head to see Applejack's face. Looking dapper in her summery yellow dress and top hat, the farmer offered her an encouraging smile. Rarity forced herself to smile back, in order to avoid raising her concerns too much.

        “I know what you're worried about,” Applejack said. Rarity tilted her head in confusion, wondering how on Earth she would know such a thing. “You're worried Discord's gonna show up and turn the whole castle upside down, right?” Rarity felt a touch of relief that Applejack wasn't aware of her real fear. However, she was greeted with agitation at the reminder of another potential problem for the evening. “I dunno sugarcube, I'd think we'd have seen 'em by now if he were here. He's kind of a hard guy to miss.”

        “I'm not counting him out until the night is actually finished with.” She replied, the both of them continuing their pace behind the crusaders. “The man does have a tendency to show up out of the blue, invited or otherwise.”

        “I know, it's kinda aggravating. But hey, you know Fluttershy's around here somewhere too. I don't think Discord's gonna get too out of control if it might risk upsetting, her, do you?”

        Rarity was impressed with Applejack's logic. She had seen firsthand how remorseful Discord had been, when he had put his friendship with Fluttershy in danger, the very same day she had gifted it to him. He had won the day, and there had been no hope of stopping him. However, seeing his new friend storm off without any wish to see him again had broken his heart. He had immediately rushed to put all the mischief he'd made back into its rightful order. Rarity felt a smidgen more secure that Fluttershy would be able to reign Discord in if he became too unruly.

        “You're right, Applejack.” Rarity replied. Applejack reached to Rarity's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. The dressmaker looked ahead, and saw Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom in front of a table of food, looking in wonder at the dishes splayed out before them. Hanging from the air above the children, she saw the train of a sparkly sky blue dress with white edges in the shape of air currents. She looked up to see its wearer, Rainbow Dash, hovering in the air by her blue wings. The girl was in the process of stuffing her face with hors d' oeuvres, cradling a few in her arms that she hadn't gotten to yet.

        “Rainbow Dash!” Rarity called to her disapprovingly.

        “Wha?” Rainbow replied back with a mouthful. “I'm starving! You do as much flying around as I do, you work up an appetite.”

        “Whoa! What are these?” Apple Bloom exclaimed with excitement, pointing to a tray of food on the table. The little girl had her eyes fixated on a plate covered in little, diamond shaped breaded hors d' oeuvres.

        “I dunno much about these fancy little finger foods, sis.” Applejack admitted. “Maybe Rarity can tell ya a little something about it?”

        Rarity cleared her throat, picking up one of the little diamonds and inspected it closely.

        “Wild mushroom ragout with comte cheese, sandwiched between untoasted polenta bread.” Rarity indicated after a closer look at the finely crafted snack. “One of my personal favorites from last year's gala, a dish I managed to cook at home from time to time.” Rarity delicately placed the treat into her mouth, chewing in gingerly. “Mm, simply divine.” She said after swallowing.

        “Eww!” She heard Scootaloo exclaim. Rarity's mouth hung open a moment in offense. She knew that Scootaloo was a rather crass young lady, but she thought that she at least knew better than to blatantly insult someone's choice of food. Nonetheless, Rarity's patience for the child won out.

        “Well, I suppose it can be considered an acquired taste.” She resolved, her head tilted high with dignity. Applejack nudged Rarity to redirect her attention to the other side of the room. Rarity turned her head and looked towards the table on the far side of the area, and her eyes widened as she struggled to process what she saw.

        “What... what on Earth IS THAT!?” She screamed with disgust.

        A large form of green, gelatinous mucus substance slunk across the room, leaving a slimy trail of itself across the white marble floor. Though it certainly wasn't human by any means, she noticed the upper half of its form was adorned in a light blue top hat, and what she noticed to be a tiny bow tie at its neck. In all fairness, Rarity wasn't certain if that was its neck or its chin, or if it even had a head at all to possess such things. Regardless of what it was, seeing its dripping form slither forth made Rarity feel sick. She could practically hear the wet, squelching sounds it made as it moved, and they incited the urge to vomit within her.  

        “Oh! Looks like somebody wants to mingle.” Rarity heard a male voice call out. “We'll be back in a bit.”

        Rarity recognized that voice. It had that arrogant, condescending tone that made the hairs of her neck stand on end. It was the very same voice that she had heard earlier that day, when she and the others had been so rudely interrupted when trying on their gala dresses.

        Rarity turned to see Discord, dressed in a dark green tuxedo and top hat, running towards the gelatinous creature. She noticed the table he was leaving had Fluttershy seated on one side, as well as another pony she didn't recognize. Her blood began to boil as she watched him skid to a halt at something that Fluttershy said to him, and then run back to her in response.

        Of course that THING is something of your doing. She seethed, her teeth grinding in frustration. She was so preoccupied with her resentment towards him, she took no notice of the breaking glass and the scream that sounded from someone outside of her vision.

        “Smoozie! Wait up!” Discord shouted, once again in pursuit of the creature.

        “Smoozie?” Rainbow Dash asked, watching on from above with the rest of them. “What the heck is a Smoozie?”

        “I dunno.” Applejack replied, befuddled as the rest of them. They watched as Discord took hold of the gooey creature, and yanked him towards the doors of the room. “But hey, maybe we can go talk to Fluttershy, now that she and her new friend got a moment to themselves?”

        “That sounds like a splendid idea.” Rarity concurred. “Perhaps she can fill us in on the workings of that obnoxious blob.”

        “Well well well, what do we have here?” A poised, decorative voice sounded out from behind her, and the muscles of her face froze all at once. “If it isn't Little Miss Rarity.”

        Rarity already had enough to worry about already with the spirit of chaos roaming about the halls with a grotesque creature of indiscernible origin, and the lingering fear from her nightmare still hanging at the back of her mind. The voice that had just called to her piled on yet another headache she was hoping to avoid at this year's gala. She didn't want to believe it. She prayed in vain that the voice belonged to another, or that her troubled mind had warped the voice of someone else. She turned back towards the voice to see that her fears were indeed warranted.

        Standing before her, dressed in a flawless white tuxedo with a rose above his breast pocket, was Prince Blueblood. The end of his long blonde hair laid magnificently over his right shoulder, his bangs resting just above his bright blue eyes. Rarity remembered a time in her life when those eyes of his made her swoon, as she pictured a future of royalty by his side as his princess. Spending the gala with him last year, however, had crushed those dreams into pieces. She'd learned that behind those gorgeous looks of his, there was nothing but a spoiled, self-absorbed condescending brat who rode the coattails of his aunt Celestia for anything in his life. She had hoped for everything in the world that she could have gotten through the night without running into him again.

        Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Rarity offered a polite smile toward the gentleman.

        “Ah, Prince Blueblood.” She uttered, striving to keep her anger from staining her tone of voice. “I was wondering if I might see you again, after last year's, erm... events.”

        “I was wondering the same thing actually. And I'm more than glad that things have worked out in such a way.”

        Rarity lifted an eyebrow in confusion. “You are?”

        “Why yes.” He said, circling about her until he was on the same side as Applejack and the others. “In fact, I've been hoping for so long that I would see you tonight, and get a chance to speak with you again.” A loud scream erupted from the other side of the room. Rarity, Blueblood and the rest of the group turned towards the direction of what Discord had referred to as Smoozie earlier. The creature seemed to have what looked like its mouth wrapped around some woman’s diamond necklace. Her date tried to strike it with its cane, only to have it sucked through its gooey surface. Discord, looking rather bored and unamused, reached a claw into the center of the creature and fished out the necklace and cane and returned both of the slime-covered objects to their repulsed owners.

“Why don't we relocate ourselves?” Prince Blueblood suggested. “I don't know about you, but being in the same room with such an unappealing thing as that makes my skin crawl.”

Rarity was surprised to find that she agreed with Blueblood for once. She looked to see Applejack and the others nodding in turn, before stepping toward the door. Blueblood stretched an arm out in front of Applejack halting their advance. 

“Ah ah ah; you’re more than welcome to stay.” He advised belligerently. Applejack's lips parted as she bared her teeth to him. Before she could utter anything against him, Rarity shook her head towards the farmer, outside of Blueblood's vision. She brushed her hand gently through the air, signaling them away for the moment. Applejack looked a bit disappointed, but she nodded understandingly, before she and the others stepped away. Sweetie Belle stayed behind, looking quite disheartedly at her older sister. 

“Rarity? I thought you were gonna stick with me the whole night?” Sweetie Belle asked pitifully. “Aren’t I your plus one?”

Rarity winced in response to her sister’s plea. She knelt down in front of Sweetie Belle and offered her an encouraging smile. 

“You are my plus-one dear, and I am going to stay with you. I just need a few minutes to catch up with an old friend of mine.”

“Friend?” Sweetie Belle asked, looking up at Blueblood in confusion. “But I thought you said that Blueblood—”

“I know what I said, Sweetie Belle.” Rarity cut her sister off hastily. “I shan’t be gone for too long, dear. And if you wait patiently for me, I promise we’ll have the best night ever when I return. Deal?”

Sweetie Belle smiled and leapt forward for a hug. “Deal!” She said, before running off to rejoin Applejack and the others. 

“Well then. Shall we?” Blueblood asked, extending his elbow toward her. Rarity rolled her eyes, before slipping her hand underneath his arm, letting him escort her out of the room. From afar, Applejack watched the two leave, her left eye twitching in agitation.

“Applejack?” A timid voice called out to her. She turned to see Fluttershy, in her dress and hair ornament of flowery petals, looking to her. “Are you worried about Rarity?”

        “A might bit, yeah.” Applejack admitted. “Rarity said she absolutely hated that Blueblood feller last year. I can't say I'm comfortable thinking about the two of them by themselves.”

        “Hey! We should follow them!” Scootaloo shouted excitedly.

“Yeah, we’ll be like super secret gala spies!” Apple Bloom chimed in.

“That would make for a neat cutie mark!” Sweetie Belle concurred. The three extended their hands and joined at the center encouragingly. 

“Cutie Mark Crusader Gala Spies! Yay!” they all cheered, before running off toward the exit. 

“Hey you three, get back here!” Applejack shouted. A strong breeze flew past her head and blew her hair up over her face. She pulled it away to see Rainbow Dash, with her wings outstretched and nearly past the door leading to the hallway. “Rainbow Dash!”

“What?” she called back abrasively. “You know you’re not gonna enjoy the night unless you keep an eye on them anyway!”  And she zoomed off through the air toward the exit. Applejack shook her head as she jogged away from the table, in pursuit of the rest of her group. One woman, with thick brown hair and a plain white dress, stayed within her seat, a dazed smile affixed to her face.

        “Um, Tree Hugger?” Fluttershy asked, tapping her shoulder. “Are you coming with us?”

        The woman looked at Fluttershy, her smile unchanging for several seconds until it lit up with excitement.

        “Oh, yeah! Righteous!” She exclaimed, before standing up and walking behind Fluttershy out of the room.
        In the main reception hall of the castle, with only a few groups scattered throughout, Prince Blueblood and Rarity found themselves at the center of the area, within the red path leading to the set of stairs at the back. Blueblood cleared his throat before he began speaking.

        “Lady Rarity, I want to begin by saying that I'm no fool. I haven't forgotten about what transpired at last year's gala.”

        “I would be surprised if you'd had.” Rarity replied uneasily. “Such events would most likely be lodged in one's memory for life, would they not?”

        “Quite so. I'd be a fool to not recognize that what happened between us was truly a mistake.”

        Rarity was surprised at what she was hearing. She'd expected the prince to lash out at her for disgracing him in front of so many nobles. Could it be that a bit of humility might have served Blueblood well, and changed him into a more humble gentleman?

        “Well, your majesty, I am pleased to hear that.” She said. Her forced smile became easier to bear, as a slight air of the attraction she'd once felt for him began to return.

        “And as I'm sure a lady such as yourself knows, everyone deserves a second chance, do they not?”

        “Oh yes!” Rarity agreed, a bit louder than she'd meant to. “Yes yes, everyone deserves another chance to make up for the mistakes they've made in the past!” Tonight was going to be full of second chances. A second chance at the gala, a second chance at letting Discord be a part of their activities. Now, she would give her darling prince another chance to sweep her off of her feet, and treat her like the lady she was.

        “I'm glad that you agree. With that said, I'm willing to let the transgressions you committed against me be water under the bridge.” He said with a smile. “Out of the  the goodness of my fair heart, I forgive you completely.”

        And the affection building for him was shattered in an instant, just as she had shattered her glass slipper upon retreating from last year's gala. Her smile remained, but her teeth gnashed together as the joyous feeling was replaced with a rising fire within her heart. She could not believe that he had the nerve to think that she was the one who needed to be forgiven, when it was he who had insulted the wonderful cooking of her friend, AND used her as a human shield in the path of a cake that had been catapulted through the air.

        Temper, Rarity. She reminded herself. You're better than him. Don't make a scene.

        Rarity stayed silent a moment, doing well to keep herself poised before she replied.

        “That is very generous of you, your majesty.” She said, her chest tightening as she forced the words out. “And I am grateful to have your forgiveness. I hope you have an enjoyable rest of the night.” She gave him a polite curtsy, before moving to step past him. Blueblood stepped back, keeping Rarity from leaving.

        “Excuse me?” He asked confoundedly. Towering over her, Blueblood stepped towards Rarity, forcing her to back up against the wall behind her.“Miss Rarity, I'll have you know that NO lady has ever said no to Prince Blueblood.”

        Rarity felt a touch of fear rising within her, with his height looming over her and pinning her from making a retreat. Nonetheless, she resolved to keep her wits about her, and not give into his pressure.

        “Well, there's a first time for everything, isn't there your majesty?”

        “Not for this!” He growled, reaching up and forcefully grabbing her hands. “I won't give you the chance to reject me!”

        And feeling that unwarranted contact from someone she despised made something within Rarity snap. She brought her knee up from the floor, slamming it between his legs with everything she had. His pupils shrank, and his hands fell away, as he crumpled to the ground letting out a high pitched squeal in pain. Rarity knelt down to him, her brow twitching in rage. She was so preoccupied with her anger toward him, the laughter from Applejack, Rainbow Dash and the rest of the group watching on from afar went by her unnoticed.

        “You ought to be ashamed of yourself.” She snarled quietly, so that nobody else could hear. “I have spoken with your aunt on a number of occasions, and I know her former pupil personally. I don't think either of them would be too happy to hear about what you just did to me.” Blueblood gagged and coughed, no strength within him to look at her. “You are a disgrace to your royal bloodline.” She spat on him, before she stood to her feet and stormed out of the room, out of the front gates of the castle.

        Applejack took a step toward the door, before she felt a hand on her shoulder holding her back. She turned to see Fluttershy's friend Tree Hugger shaking her head gently.

        “Your friend Rarity has just gone through a moment of triumph, relying on her own strength and courage.” Tree Hugger said, her voice sounding sleepy and mellow. “She needs time to herself to bask in her empowerment, and thrive in the satisfaction of overcoming danger with her own resolve. Give her some, like, personal space, you know?”

        Applejack wanted to object. She wanted so badly to leave, and see if Rarity was okay. She knew the dressmaker was a fragile type, her being so prissy and dainty. Then again, she wondered if there might be some wisdom to Tree Hugger's words. Rarity had been known to faint upon her sofa from the woe of losing an accessory. Perhaps being left by herself for the moment would help her gain some inner strength to deal with such trifles more sensibly from that moment forward?

        Applejack nodded, staying put when Tree Hugger let her arm down.

        Rarity slammed the door behind her after stepping outside, the cool night air wafting over her skin which had grown just a touch sweaty from inside. She was fuming, absolutely fuming with the way her night was going so far. After all the strife she had withstood putting the grief of last year's gala to rest, this year's didn't seem any more favorable. Rarity just didn't understand why this was happening to her though; the Grand Galloping Gala was supposed to be a night of wonder and enchantment reserved only for Equestria's most noble of citizens. She'd remembered when she was a little girl in grade school, and she'd heard tales from the richest student in her class about her experience. It had sounded so wonderful, so alluring. It had been her dream to attend, and experience the same enchantment for herself.

        A distressing thought crossed Rarity's mind. Though she had a taste for the elegant and savvy, her parents were the very definition of commoners. She'd be lying to herself if she'd said she had noble lineage. Perhaps that was the trifle stopping her from enjoying herself? Was the event itself aware that despite her taste, Rarity was only a commoner, and wasn't worthy to enjoy her time at the gala? Her heart sank to her knees, and she lowered her face to the stair rail, doing what she could to fight the sting of tears welling up in her face.

        So preoccupied with herself as she was, Rarity took no notice of the castle gates opening behind her. The dripping, mucusy blob that had been slithering near Discord slid out the door, with Discord himself pushing him forward.

        “Now listen Smooze, I need to make this a party of one for a little while.” Discord relayed to him impatiently. “Just stay out here until I come for you.” With a cheeky grin, he pulled his head back inside, slamming the door behind him. Smooze let out a disappointed growl as the sound of a clicking from the other side of the door could be heard.

        Rarity took a deep breath. She felt ashamed of herself for letting a few trifles bring her spirits down. Every week, she was faced with much more pressing matters in terms of her clients and what they demanded of her with their outfits. She had  met every single one of them head-on, without so much as a complaint or a drop of a tear. She was better than this. She stood up straight and sniffed loudly, wiping her nose and any bits of wetness that had crept into the corners of her eyes. She could go back inside and spend the rest of the evening with her darling sister, and Applejack, and the rest of her friends. She would have a lovely time at the gala, even if it wasn't quite what she was expecting.

She heard an unsettling gurgle emanate from behind her. She looked over her shoulder to see the Smooze, whom she only just now noticed was behind her. A cold chill ran down her spine as she took in the up close and personal sight of his form (if it could even be called a form). There were no legs, or arms, or a body that looked at all human. It looked for all account and purposes like something she had blown into a handkerchief when she was under the weather, only fifty times its size. She could at least recognize something that was a smile near the top of its shape. Though it had no eyes, it seemed to be looking straight at her.

        She wanted to scream. She wanted to yell for everything she was worth, and run from its sight. Though from the way she'd seen Discord interact with him-it rather, that it was something of a friend to him. If she hurt its feelings, it might upset Discord. He was someone whose wrath she did not want to incur at all.

        “Erm, hello, ah... Smoothie, is it?” Rarity voiced to him uneasily, her voice shaking in pitch. “H-h-how do you do, th-this evening?”

        The Smooze continued to stare in her direction, and surprised Rarity when a tongue protruded from its smile. Its long, wet shape ran across its mouth hungrily as it inched toward her slowly. Her heart began to race. She needed to leave, now. She thought about running across the meadow, but didn't know if the creature might gain speed when it needed to. She needed to get inside.

        “W-well, I, ahem, I hope you're enjoying the- the gala.” She continued, moving her feet slowly toward the doors. “It is the most esteemed night of the year, after all. Heh heh heh heh...” Rarity managed to find herself outside of the door, safety on the other side and a moment away. “Well, it was lovely meeting you, Mr. Smooze. Ta-ta!” Rarity twisted the knob of the door and stepped back, but was met with a face full of hard wooden door.

        Shaking away the pain and disorientation, Rarity tried to twist the knob once again. It was locked. How it was locked, she couldn't understand. It had been open just a moment ago. Who on Earth had locked it, and why?

        As Rarity frantically struggled with the lock, the Smooze pressed itself up against her. Rarity could no longer hold back her scream, as she felt its warm, sticky embrace enveloping her body. She didn't know what the creature was or where it came from, but it seemed interested in consuming her entirely.

        “Let me in!” she shrieked, as the creature's warm goo fondled around the shiny diamonds of her dress, pulling them away from the fringes grooves. It even helped itself to the stones in Rarity's head ornament, making grunts and growls in joyous approval.

        At last the lock of the door clicked. The doors swung open suddenly, and Rarity stepped into the reception hall, still crowded with groups scattered throughout. They all looked upon her in disgust at her dress, once beautiful and alluring, now covered in splotches of grotesque slime. Rarity feebly crawled across the floor, the ooze squelching and splatting with every movement she made. Rarity gasped out for air, even her chin dripping with the unsightly green matter.

        “That creature took my jewels!” she screamed helplessly, pointing in the direction of the doors. A short distance from the staircase, the Smooze could be seen creeping up behind another lady, unaware of her stalker. The Smooze stretched his slimy lips out towards her shiny crown and slurped it up post-haste, before his size grew by an inch.

        Within her vision, Rarity could see Twilight Sparkle looking in the direction she pointed. She turned about quickly in a huff, her traditional white gown rolling out behind her with her quick movement. From the look of her face, she was none too happy about what she had seen. Twilight marched forward, her heels stamping loudly against the floor, toward the spirit of disharmony.

        “Discord! I thought I told you to keep your friend under control!” she growled at him intently.

        “Oh please,” Discord brushed her off carelessly. “I have better things to do than to watch that thing all night.”

        While Twilight and Discord squabbled over the actions of the Smooze, Rarity willed herself to stand to her feet. She knew that she looked disgusting, covered in such filth. Her dress had been defiled, making her quite unsightly at the moment. It seemed that her theory about destiny conspiring against her and her dream of having the best night at the gala might have had some merit after all. Despite the agony of it all, she fought against the urge to sink back into despair. Though it was a disaster, it was just a messy dress after all. If she could excuse herself to the ladies room, she might be able to recall a magical spell that could remove the stains from her dress.

        While Rarity tried to shake a bit of the slime off of her shoes, the sound of a magical pop sounded out from behind her. She turned to see that Discord had teleported behind her unexpectedly. By his feet was a large ovular vacuum, the extended hose and nozzle held in his hand. With the flick of a switch, the machine whirred to life. Discord pushed the mouth of the device over Rarity's head, and the powerful current pulled up at her from her toes.

        And the wind of the vacuum lifted Rarity's dress up, past her waist and above her head. It held for an instant underneath her arms, but so powerful the strength of the current was that it ripped the stitches right out from them. Rarity felt herself lifted off of the ground for just a moment, as her shoes were pulled out from under her as well. The shoes and dress flew past her hair, along with the small torn pieces of her brassiere and her undergarments, and vanished into the tiny funnel of the vacuum.

        Rarity found herself in more than a state of shock. Her mind struggled to cope with what just happened to her in the span of a few seconds. Her vision had been blocked for a moment from her dress  flying in front of her face. Had Discord actually done what she thought he'd done? She knew he could be rambunctious and careless. but certainly he had some tact about him. He wouldn't be so heartless as to do such a mean-spirited thing, right?

        A quick glance across the surprised faces of the crowd surrounding her, and the chilly breeze she felt across her skin told her something wasn't right. She dreaded looking down, but she knew she had to. Gulping loudly, she prayed to whomever might listen that it wasn't true. She forcefully craned her neck down toward the floor to look at herself.

        And what she saw shattered her. There was no longer a once beautiful dress covered in slime. There was nothing there at all, but the fair white, flawless flesh of her naked body staring back at her. Her smooth, round hips, her elegant legs and her freshly shaved pubic region was laid bare, for every noble attendant of the Grand Galloping Gala to see. This time, however, it wasn't a dream. There would be no waking up from this nightmare.

        In a panic, Rarity lifted an arm in front of her petite breasts and a hand over her smooth vulva. She stared back up at the crowd, feeling her face grow red hot as she gauged their reactions.  Respectable ladies and gentleman shielded their eyes from her, while others chuckled and laughed at her misfortune. Some distance away from the crowd, she saw a little green-haired boy spurt the punch he had been drinking out of his nose.  It was Spike, Twilight's assistant. who'd developed a crush on the dressmaker the day he'd met her. His face was beet red, a result of excitement from seeing something he’d likely fantasized of for so long, and shame for the circumstance he was seeing it under. Part of her feared that the two might never be able to look at each other the same way again.

        Several feet from him, close to her best friends, was her own sister Sweetie Belle. The little girl had come to the gala with the promise that it would be the best night ever. Now she was forced to look at her older sister, her role model, stripped naked and helpless in front of an entire crowd. Her rigid face made it clear that her young mind had trouble even processing what she was seeing at the moment. 

        But what truly stung her was the look of a man leaning against the wall away from the crowd. It was the same man whom she had delivered a swift kick to the groin a moment ago in order to defend her modesty. Though he was still slumped over in pain, Prince Blueblood looked quite satisfied with the situation at hand. Looking upon her now, without any modesty left to defend, the day was truly his. Feeling triumphant, the spoiled prince took a long, hearty swig from the glass of champagne he held in his hands.

        Far away from Rarity, Applejack sprang into action. She ran to the table closest to her, grabbed the end of its cloth and yanked hard. The collection of food and drink laying upon it turned over quickly, the glasses crashing and spilling wine against the floor along with the mess of bread and vegetables. With cloth in hand, Applejack sprinted as fast as she could to Rarity, who had begun to feebly tip-toe away from the area. Applejack lifted the cloth into the air, and whirled it around Rarity's naked body, shielding her from the crowd.

        “It's okay, I gotcha sugarcube.” Applejack reassured her forcefully. “I'm taking you to the little girl’s room. Come on, hurry.” And with an arm around a shivering Rarity, Applejack escorted her out of sight. The rest of the guests turned their gaze toward the center of the room. There stood the princess of friendship, Twilight Sparkle, looking aghast at what had taken place. She quickly realized that all eyes were on her, and cleared her throat before speaking.

        “Uh... it's alright everybody!” Twilight announced nervously. “Let's all get back to enjoying this magical evening!”


> Chapter 3: Cracked, But Unbroken
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Walking hurriedly, Applejack rushed through the hall of the castle, keeping the concealed Rarity by her side. A short moment later, Applejack found the door she was looking for on on wall, the door with the sign of the ladies room on the front. She struck her arm out, punching the door away, and it slammed against the wall forcefully. The resounding crash caught the attention of the few women who were washing their hands, or reapplying their makeup.

        “Everybody, out!” Applejack screamed imposingly, her voice making them jump back in fright. “RIGHT. NOW.” In a flash, the women all scurried across the floor, past Applejack, and ran into the hallway. With the restroom now empty, Applejack escorted Rarity to a plush sofa against the wall. They both took a seat, and Applejack kept her arm around Rarity. The dressmaker held an expressionless look on her face, staring toward the floor and away from Applejack.

        “Rarity?” Applejack asked, her voice dropping to a gentle volume. She looked intently at her face for any kind of response. She found none. Applejack felt her chest tighten in worry. “Hey, Rarity?” She asked again, reaching out and resting her palm against Rarity's soft cheek, turning it lightly toward her own.

        Rarity had for the moment lost her wits in the weight of what she had been through in the night. All she had wanted was an enjoyable evening with herself and her little sister, and the rest of her friends to make up for the travesty of last year's gala. And for her efforts, she had been harassed, groped, slimed, robbed, and then stripped naked in front of so many people. Her mind had collapsed from the weight of such an unrelenting string of misfortunes against her.

        “Hey.” The farmer continued speaking to her softly.  “It's me. It's Applejack.” She said, subtly brushing Rarity's cheek, looking into her dormant azure eyes. “Ya' still in there?”

        It was a bit of a struggle, but Rarity's mind clung to Applejack's words. It latched onto the tone of her voice, and she was lifted out of the fog just enough for her to feel again. She felt a great pain rushing up from her chest and into her eyes. Her face twisted, her eyes shimmered, and a soft yet shrill whine emanated from her throat.

        “Come here sugarcube.” Applejack said, her voice cracking just slightly. She pulled Rarity's head against her chest, and wrapped both arms around her snugly. Rarity sobbed deeply, her face pressed up against the yellow fabric of her dress. Applejack let the palm of her hand slide comfortingly across her shoulder, resting her own chin above Rarity's violet hair. “I'm sorry darlin'. You've had a pretty crummy night, ain't ya?”

        “I-i-it's not fair!” Rarity wailed, , feebly lifting a hand up against Applejack's breast. “What did I do to deserve this!?”

        “Ya ain't done nothing wrong.” Applejack assured her in a soothing manner. She took hold of Rarity's hand and gave it a nurturing squeeze. “Ya didn't deserve this. Life just kinda kicks you around sometimes, for who knows why.”

        “Th-they all saw me...” Rarity cried, her voice becoming garbled from her sinuses. “I knew he was going to ruin the night for us. You said he wouldn't, but he did.”

        “I'm so sorry Rarity.” Applejack said, her own vision becoming blurry. “I didn't think he'd do something like that, not to one of us. Not to you, sugarcube.”

        “He's awful... I don't see why Fluttershy can be friends with him.”

        “I know. That was a real rotten thing of him to do. Wasn't right of him at all.” Applejack leaned down and kissed the top of Rarity's hair. A knock at the door of the women's' room sounded out, and Rarity's cries softened just slightly in response.

        “Applejack? Rarity?” Twilight's voice came from the other side of the door. “Are you two in there?”

        “Yeah.” Applejack replied, sniffing and wiping her eyes. “I've got her here with me.”

        “Can I come in?”

        Rarity tilted her eyes up at Applejack, her face full of fear. She shook her head, her bottom lip trembling as her eyes produced more tears.

        “Not right now, Twilight. We need a minute.”

        “That's fine. I'll be out here.”

        Applejack remained silent, keeping a supportive hold of Rarity who continued to sob against her chest. Rarity gripped to her bosom, wishing she could lose herself inside of it, and hide away from this awful rotten gala that seemed to have it out for her.

        “I want to go home.” Rarity wept pitifully.

        “Hey, look at me.” Applejack said, tilting her chin up so they could stare into one another's eyes. “I know you're upset right now. You got every right to be. If you wanna go home, I understand.” Applejack lifted a thumb to Rarity's left eye, gently pushing away the tear that was streaming down her face. “But if you leave now... it's gonna stay with you. You're gonna go back home, and you're gonna feel even worse, 'cause you ran away. You'll have lost.” Rarity stared up in confusion at Applejack, who brushed a thumb underneath her right eye in the same fashion. “Everybody out there saw you when you weren't modest. It's a shame, but it's nothing you can undo. Your sister saw the same thing all of us saw, and now she's out there worrying about you, just like the rest of the gals are. If you can bounce back from this, if you can show them that even something like this don't shake you... well, you'd show them you're a pretty strong gal, wouldn't ya?”

        Rarity stared up in wonder at Applejack, who offered a soft, reassuring smile. Many times she had been stunned by the wisdom a woman who worked on an apple farm held under her hat. Now, in her most fragile state, Applejack had surprised her yet again. When Rarity was falling with nothing to grab onto, Applejack was her safety net, keeping her from crashing. She stared into those eyes of green, and felt them tug at her heart strings. In quite a hypnotic fashion, they seemed to pull her move forward, lest her heart be wrenched from her body.

        “May I kiss you, Applejack?” Rarity asked in a mystified state, turning her body to face Applejack's more head on.

        Applejack’s eyes narrowed as she looked upon Rarity. She lifted her other hand, and with both of them cradling Rarity's chin, she leaned forward. Their lips touched one another softly, and Rarity felt the air around them come to a grinding halt. She closed her eyes and savored the moment. She had kissed her fair share of men in her life, and they had been pleasant enough on their own. Feeling Applejack's lips caressing her own, however, made her feel tranquil and secure. It felt as if the farmer was kissing her very soul.

        Leaning back slightly, Applejack broke the kiss between them, but kept her forehead pressed against Rarity's. With her fear subsided for the moment, Rarity felt a peculiar sense of excitement as she looked into Applejack's eyes. So many questions swirled about her excited mind, and she struggled to find the best way to phrase them.

        “Applejack?” Rarity began, as the farmer resumed wiping Rarity's moist cheeks. “Did you enjoy what you saw, out in the reception hall?”

        Applejack paused in her ministrations, staying silent a moment. Rarity held no resentment towards her silence. It was quite a forward question, one that would throw anyone for a loop. Though she couldn't imagine being angry at her for what she said, she respected Applejack's tact in considering the best response.

        “Well, I might've enjoyed it under better circumstances,” She replied softly. “Maybe if you weren't so scared, and there weren't a dozen other folks eying you up and down.” Rarity giggled, more than pleased with Applejack's choice of words.

        “Well madame, there doesn't seem to be anyone else here at the moment.” With the tablecloth still draped around her form, she moved her hands underneath in a way to let the top of it fall just slightly, to expose her shoulders. She wiggled her hips and nudged her body up closer to Applejack. “And I can't say that I'm feeling scared at all right now, being here with you.”

        Applejack's chest rose as she breathed in, wrestling with the excitement building in her at the moment. It was all the indication Rarity needed. Keeping her hands at a slow pace, she pulled them back, along with the cloth itself. Keeping her arms spread, Applejack was exposed to a full frontal view of Rarity's naked body once again. This time, she wasn't frightened or heartbroken. She was secure, and more than happy to show herself to a woman she trusted with all her heart.

        The farmer’s teeth grazed across her bottom lip as she took in the sight of Rarity. Her light skinned hips were raised just above her yellow dress, and her vaginal lips were parted just slightly. Her eyes sparkled brightly as they traveled upwards, across her slim figure. They locked onto her breasts, white and pure as snowglobes. The soft, grayish flesh of her nipples stood erect, pointed straight at Applejack, the woman responsible for prompting their attention at the moment.

        Applejack's hands lifted, and moved through the air towards the globes in front of her, but hesitated a moment. “Uh... is it okay if I touch?” Applejack asked bashfully. Rarity felt giddy and lifted her hand to her mouth to stop herself from laughing. So polite the farmer was, even when her arousal was moving to take over her instincts.

        “You most certainly may, mademoiselle.” She replied, pushing her chest out invitingly. Feeling encouraged, Applejack's hands resumed their trek. With her fingers outstretched, her palms touched Rarity's nipples. The contact made Rarity's heart skip a beat, but she did well to keep herself still. The tan fingers descended, and  Applejack's hands completely overtook Rarity's small breasts. She gave them a light squeeze. A delightful surge coursed through Rarity's chest and spread throughout her body. It was slightly intimidating, knowing that the entirety of her breasts could so easily fit in Applejack's hands so easily. She felt so small, so fragile compared to the strong and formidable woman. She loved it just for that reason. She enjoyed that she had a friend that wielded such power, and yet took the care to be so gentle with a lady such as herself.

        She closed her eyes and reveled in the feeling, a satisfied sigh escaping her open mouth. It turned to a small whimper as Applejack's fingers draped down her breasts and toward her nipples. With the tiny, erect nubs between her finger and thumb, she gave them a firm pinch. The electrical feeling in Rarity's body magnified. Her toes, resting underneath her buttocks, curled in response to the jump in her arousal, and she emanated a feeble whimper.

        “Feel good?” Applejack asked, easing off of the pressure she was applying.

        “Exquisite” Rarity moaned, before she felt the pinch on her nipples resume. Her excitement spread down her body, accumulating between her legs. It found a dead end at the head of her clitoris, and she felt it swell without anywhere else to travel at the moment.

        Applejack released her grip on Rarity's nipples and moved them to her back, while leaning forward. She brought their mouths once again together, and pushed her tongue against Rarity's soft lips. Rarity welcomed them without pause, and let it invade her. She lifted her own tongue against Applejack's. Finding one another, the two tongues wrestled each other playfully, intertwined in a ritual of dancing and fondling. While their mouths held against one another, Applejack's hands moved down Rarity's back, and rubbed against the flesh of her smooth derriere. She gave the cheeks a slow, firm squeeze. The pressure in Rarity's loins jumped once again, and she unintentionally moaned in Applejack's mouth. Rarity pulled away a moment, and she fought to keep herself from screaming in lust.

        “A-Applejack? Can I ask you for something?” Rarity asked, a string of clear fluid dripping from her lips and onto Applejack's dress.

        “You can ask me anything, sugarcube.” she replied, still smiling towards Rarity.

        “Could you...” Rarity wanted to ask so terribly, but hesitated in fear that it might sound vulgar or crass. “Um, between my legs, could you... kiss it?”

        Applejack's eyes lit up, and she snorted in humor. “Just a kiss, huh?” She asked teasingly, extending her hand and gingerly caressing Rarity’s cheek. “Just a quick little peck, nothing else?”

        Rarity lifted her hands against her face in embarrassment. “Well, you're certainly welcome to do more than just kiss it, if you wish.”

        Applejack chuckled lightly. “Ain't a problem, missy. I'd be happy to.” Applejack kissed Rarity on the tip of her nose, before sliding off of the sofa and onto the floor. With her strong hands, she pushed Rarity's lower body over, so her back was against the couch and her legs facing the mirrors of the restroom. Her palms glided against the underside of her thighs. Grasping them firmly, she pushed them wide open. Rarity looked down, her moist, spread lips completely exposed to her friend. Applejack licked her own lips, staring at her target. With her mouth puckered slightly, she slowly leaned her head in, letting both of them writhe in the building anticipation.

        And then Rarity felt it. Applejack's lips met her vulva. With the most gentle of care, the farmer applied a bit of force against her soft, moist flesh. She heard the farmer hum lightly, before a wet smack sounded out from pulling back. With her face still hovering over her entrance, Applejack looked up at Rarity seductively, the hot breath of her nostrils beating out against her throbbing clitoris.

        She'd kissed it. Applejack had actually kissed her down there, in a place she dared show no one. She'd fantasized of it for so long, without ever thinking it would come true. But just as her nightmare had come to pass earlier, so too did one of her favorite daydreams.

        Applejack wasn't finished with her yet. She moved her mouth back in, and once again pressed her lips against Rarity's crease. This time, she felt an additional movement down there. Applejack's tongue pushed forward, and penetrated Rarity's lips.

        “Ahh!” Rarity threw her head back against the sofa and her chest sprang out in response to the shock of the new invader. She couldn't believe that Applejack was inside her at the moment. As much as she treasured a composed and proper soul, she found herself immensely turned on by Applejack's forwardness. It took a moment, but her body managed to acclimate to Applejack's ministrations, and her hips found a slow, steady rhythm to thrust at. Lowering her eyes back to Applejack, she moved her hands down to her head, brushing against the heap of beautiful blonde hair above her privates.

        “Mm, Applejack...” Rarity moaned softly, delighted at the sensation of the lady's wet tongue sliding against the tightness of her soft inner walls.“You're such a wonderful girl.”

        She felt Applejack's tongue pull back, escaping her caverns with a wet pop. She kept the tip of her tongue rigid, pulling it up across the surface of her lips, in the direction of her swelling clitoris. Rarity whimpered as she moved, until it met the little round nub. She gasped at the sensation, her feet latching against the cushions of the sofa as she struggled not to push forward too hard. Applejack's lips curled around her clitoris, and began to suck ever so slowly. Rarity felt her mind dissolve from the exquisite feeling that overtook her. Each suckle, each pull that Applejack made against her flesh, a playful tug on her heart. Rarity again tilted her head back in ecstasy.

        Something caught her eye during the movement of her head. She feared for a moment that it might have been someone else in the restroom with them, watching the two in such a lewd act. Pulling her gaze forward, she realized what she had seen was merely her own reflection from the mirror in front of her. Rarity felt her heart rate increase as she realized what she was seeing.

        It was herself. She was looking at herself, completely naked, sitting against a sofa in one of the restrooms of Canterlot castle. Her mouth hung open in lust as her legs were spread open quite crudely. And in between those legs, blocking out the sight of her own privates, was the back of the head of her dear friend. She couldn't see Applejack's face in the reflection, but she could see her head nod up and down with each lick against her clitoris. Though she knew she was partaking in the act herself, seeing it with her own eyes, as if she were an onlooker, brought on a new sense of excitement. Her eyes widened as the ticklish feeling in her legs and her clitoris accelerated at a rate that was slipping beyond her control.

        “I'm about to cum, Applejack.” Rarity moaned helplessly, an effort to warn her friend of the oncoming flood of juices from within. A few seconds passed, and Applejack's face remained in its position. “A-Applejack? You're not going to pull away?”

        Applejack shook her head, humming her intention to stay where she was. To prove her resolve, she kept her tongue pressed underneath Rarity's clitoris, flexing its muscles to lift up the throbbing nub just slightly. The pressure against it made the sensation rise at a rate that she couldn't possibly control. With the final remnants of control lost, Rarity let a powerful scream erupt from her chest in time with her intense orgasm.

        “Ahhh! Oh, my, oh my, oh myyyy! Ahh!” With her arms against the cushion, Rarity flexed her hips forward as a rush of fluid spurted from her lips. It spewed into Applejack's open mouth, just underneath her tongue and dripped down her chin. Rarity remembered in an instant that Twilight was possibly still outside. She might not have heard anything else prior, but there would have been no way she couldn't have heard a scream that loud. Rarity put a hand to her lips to keep herself silent, riding off the remaining waves of her orgasm and whimpering with each pulse that rocked her.

        After a few minutes of shivering, her body began to compose itself, a blissful sense of relaxation embracing every inch of her. Applejack pulled herself up, and wiped her mouth against the table cloth that had concealed Rarity's nakedness a moment prior. With Rarity still writhing in the bliss of her afterglow, Applejack lifted her just enough to sneak an arm underneath and held her tight. 

Rarity leaned forcefully against Applejack without warning, pushing her against the cushions and pressed her mouth against the farmer's in a fierce kiss. She wanted with every fiber of her being to be as close to Applejack as possible. She wanted to become one with her, and never part again. Breaking the kiss, she rested her head against Applejack's chest. Applejack in turn had one hand against her hair, and another on her shoulder, keeping her in a close, warm embrace. Her nose rested above the purple hair of the dressmaker, taking in the sweet scent of her lilac perfume. A few minutes of silence passed between them, the only audible sound being the soft breath of Rarity against Applejack's chest.

        “Rarity?” Applejack asked softly, making the lady against her stir in protest.

        “Don't say it.” Rarity replied.

        “I gotta say it.”

        “No, please don't.”

        “I think other ladies are gonna need this restroom at some point.” Applejack forced herself to say, despite even her own reservations. Rarity heaved a sigh of frustration.

        “Why did you have to say it?” she whined childishly. She writhed and fawned playfully over Applejack’s body. “I don't want to get up. It feels so nice here.”

        “Come on missy. We can't stay here forever. You know that.”

        “Fine.” Rarity grumbled, heaving herself up from Applejack's chest and sitting against the couch. She leaned in toward Applejack's face, and the two shared a quick, final kiss on one another's lips. The two ladies' eyes locked one another for a moment, before Rarity bashfully looked away. Wrapping herself in the table cloth once again, she nodded to Applejack reluctantly.

        “Okay Twilight.” Applejack called at a louder volume. “You can come in now.”

        The door to the women's restroom opened, and Twilight's purple haired head poked out from the edge, looking at them both.

        “Hey Rarity.” She called gingerly. “You feeling okay?”

        “I suppose I feel slightly better than before.” Rarity replied, stealing a quick glance at Applejack beside her.

        “I'll bet.” Twilight said back with a grin. Her remark drew peculiar looks from Rarity and Applejack. She cleared her throat  hastily and stepped through the door.

        “I have something for you.” She said to Rarity, pulling to the front what she had in her hands. Rarity saw in one hand the form of her purple dress, still covered in the repulsive green slime that the Smooze had left on it when he had groped her entire form. In her other hand was a pink pouch, its form weighed down with something within.

        “I made Discord fetch it out of the vacuum it was stuck in. He's really sorry about what he did to you.”

        “Did he actually apologize?” Rarity said flatly, wearing a grimace as she stared at Twilight.

        “Uh, no, not exactly. But he is sorry in his own way.” Rarity rolled her eyes in disgust, before stepping up toward Twilight. “I'll have Fluttershy talk to him about it. Oh, Discord also got these back from the Smooze.” Twilight used her magic to levitate the contents of the bag out into the air. They were the jewels that were once affixed to Rarity's dress, before the Smooze had yanked them off. She saw that the jewels were sparkling and spotless, unlike her soggy and dripping dress.

        “Ugh. Could he not be bothered to clean it up?”

        “It's the weirdest thing. The stuff that the Smooze leaves behind has some sort of magical resistance. Even Discord couldn't do anything with it, neither could I.”

         She attempted to lift the dress with her magic, but its force was a bit flimsy, and the dress faltered through the air several times. Whatever it was made of, it rendered Rarity's magic on it useless.  Rarity reached out with a hand toward the dress, but felt the cloth around her slip away from her shoulder. It was going to be quite a struggle to hold the dress and keep her body concealed from the two ladies.

        “Oh for goodness sake.” Rarity huffed, before stretching both arms out at once and grabbing the dress from Twilight. The table cloth fell to the floor and landed in a lump around her feet, revealing her naked body yet again. Twilight turned away and hid her eyes from Rarity. “It's alright Twilight.” Rarity grumbled. “Everyone else in this wretched castle has already seen it, including you. I might as well stop fussing over it while I'm in here.”

        Twilight lowered her hand, and turned back to face her. A rosy tint appeared on her cheeks as she kept looking back and forth from Rarity to Applejack.

        “You might as well say it, darling.” Rarity stated, inspecting the green goop on her dress closely.

        “Say what?” Twilight asked innocently.

        “We both know you're thinking it. You might as well get it out into the open air.”

        Twilight scoffed humorously. “Honestly Rarity, I don't know what you mean. Applejack, what does she mean?”

        Applejack offered Twilight a smirk with a raised eyebrow of disbelief.

        “You never had a good pokerface, Twilight.” She said teasingly. “Just say it.”

        “I can't believe you two did that in a CANTERLOT BATHROOM!” Twilight exclaimed in a huff. Applejack guffawed hugely, while Rarity herself let an amused smirk slip across her face. “I was out in front of the door the whole time, having to listen to... THAT!”

        “Ya didn't have to stay, your majesty!”

        “Yes I did, Applejack! I had to stand guard to make sure nobody else came in here while you were busy 'consoling' her. Do you know how many angry ladies I had to send to the bathroom upstairs?”

        “I apologize Twilight, on both our behalfs.” Rarity said, using the tablecloth as a makeshift cover for her hand. With her palm covered, she squeezed the fabric of her dress from both sides, and scraped the green slime off of the end of her dress. “I was not quite in a state of mind to be rational at the time. I was in much need of some moral support, which I'm happy that Applejack was able to provide.”

        Twilight pinched her brow in frustration, an aggravated groan escaping her throat. “At any rate, I'm glad it worked  Rarity. I was really worried about you after Applejack pulled you away.”

        “Well, it certainly was unfortunate.” Rarity said, patting her dress as dry as she could for the moment. “But I'm of much stronger character than some might believe.” With her dress now free of the chunky green mess, she was able to levitate it into the air and over her head, slipping back into its embrace. Despite the added heaviness of her dress, a world of weight was lifted off of her mind. She secure once again being fully dressed (even without and undergarments on underneath). She hovered the bright, gleaming gems back into place. With the exception of some faint dark spots on her dress, she seemed back to her normal, regal self.

        “That's wonderful.” Twilight said in admiration of her resolve. “Right, I think this bathroom's been closed long enough. You girls ready to get back out there?”

        The two ladies nodded. Applejack hoisted herself up from the couch and stepped toward the door. Before she could step across the threshold, Rarity reached out for her closest hand and grabbed it firmly with both of her own.

        “I want to believe that I've just gotten through the worst of it, and that nothing else bad will happen tonight.” Rarity said softly. “ Just in case it does, I know I can ride it out, as long as you're close by.” Rarity squeezed her hand softly, in admiration of Applejack, her hero for the night.

        Applejack smiled back and nodded reassuringly. “You can get yourself through it just fine. But I'm more than happy to help make it easier for ya.” Applejack gently guided Rarity out into the hallway, holding her hand in tow. Rarity had no reason to doubt her. Applejack, not only the strongest of her friends, but also one to pull a hidden strength from others when they themselves weren't aware of its existence. Whatever danger the rest of the night held for her, she and Applejack would get through it together, with a sense of courage she hadn't in her wildest dreams thought possible.