Fright Night in The Everfree Forest

Chapter 10

Rarity was not having the best of nights. She was cold, shehad to step carefully to avoid getting her hoofs all muddy. The posh white unicorn wasn't at all shy about voicing her displeasure. "Oh, this simply will not do. Sure it was a nice idea, but at what cost. I'm sure something in this ghastly place is going to stain my perfect coat, this dreadful moisture in the air is going to make my mane all frizzy, and I can't ignore that foul stink for much longer." She gave an annoyed grunt. "Ugh! Pinkie Pie, when I get my hooves on you." Before she could finish, something fell on her face and blocked out her vision. "Aaaaaahhhh! Spider on my face! Spider! On! My! Face!" She continued her state of panic for some time.

She ran, screamed, fell down a few hillsides, landed in a mud puddle, then pulled herself up. Rarity was simply shaking and surprisingly silent. One thing that she noticed was that, incredibly, her mane and tail were still in the same perfect style she had them in when she left the boutique. She smiled at this one little remainder, but it quickly vanished. As if by some sad twist of fate, her hair just...Poof...All frizzed out and messy. It resulted in what can only be described as a friz-fro, which hid her horn. Again silence, then some subtle squealing, and then...

Fearwing was just putting the finishing touches on his little surprise. There was no doubt in his mind that this was going to scare Rarity out of her mind. Then, out of the blue something caught his ear. He his head out the door of his little set up and listened to what must have been one of the loudest screams he'd ever heard. He tapped a hoof to his chin. "That wasn't one of mine. It was pretty good, but it wasn't my work. I'm sure, she'll be fine."

He kept to his work, arrangements needed to be made before Rarity showed. "Let's see, put this there, these over here. And of coarse my enchanted little surprise. Oh, Trixie, you sweet illusionist. All I need now is..." He was interuppted by hysterical sobbing that seemed to be getting closer. She enough, a mud covered, frizzy maned unicorn with a large flower covering her eyes came stumbling out of the woods. Fearwing seemed a bit worried. "Oh dear. Well, at least she's in my sights. Poor thing, I better start this little show before she gets hurt." He called to her. "Miss? Miss, are you alright?"

Rarity turned about trying to find the source of the voice. "Ah! Who's there? Where are you? I can't see anythng."

The black pegasus flew over and placed a hoof on her shoulder. "There, there, it's okay. You poor thing, you look like you've been throguh the worst night of your life."

The unicorn started to settle when she started to be directed. "Oh, it's been absolutely awful. Although it doesn't even compare to when I attended the gala."

Fearwing led her to a wagon that looked like a traveling shop. "The Grand Galloping Gala?"

Rarity smiled. "Oh, you've gone?"

He nodded, though he's sure she couldn't see. "I crash it every year. Celestia has tried every possible way to keep me out, but I always find a way to slip pass the guards. The last one was a particular treat. The animals from the gardens charged through and terrorized everypony. However the best part was watching Blueblood running out in tears because his outfit was soiled."

She gave a little giggle. "That was actually my handy work. That self-absorbed royal pain pushed me in the way of a flying cake so he wouldn't get dirty. I shook myself off on him."

Fearwing smiled bigger. "You I like. How about we get you cleaned up." He flew around her in a tight circle at incredible speeds. Globs of mud, gunk and the plant flew right out the door. When he was done, Fearwing landed in front of her to observe the result and he was stunned. Rarity was restored to her full glory. Mane and tail returned to their stylish glory, her coat brought back to it's pure white, and her sparkling azure eyes revealed. Allour wicked little friend could say was,"Wow. You look incredible."

Rarity blushed. "Well, thank you. Hhmhmhm, I must say, you're not so bad yourself."

He seemed surprised. "What, me? Oh, my dear, you are much too kind. I never do a thing as far as grooming, other than stand under a waterfall."

She smiled and shook her head. "Nonsense, your look is fabulouse darling. Your mane and tail, the way they just branch out where they please, gives them this whole sheik of the macabre."

Fearwing felt a sense of pride and flattery. He almost felt bad about having to do this. "M'lady, your words mean so much. Not many people appreciate the simpler charms of what I do. Tell, you what, because you've been so nice, you may choose any three items in my little shop here. Absolutely no charge."

Rarity finaly got to take a look at where she was. All around her were the most peculiar things. Antiques and odd little knic-knacks of the most interesting shape and design. She examined some little dolls made of feathers and twigs. "Ooh, such intricet patterns. There's a certain charm in such bizzare looking artifacts."

Her gracious host flew up behind her and draped a dark colored feather boa around her neck. "Mmmm, now that is you. This would go nice with a black dress and matching hat."

She was lost in the idea. "Some heels and some black eye shadow. A little grim, but positively gorgeous." Rarity turned to her host with an inquisitive look. "You wouldn't happen to have anything in the way of jewlery."

With a sly smile, he happily led her over to a table covered in black cushion. On it were some incredible pieces. There was a necklace with a silver skull medalion with emeralds for eyes. Next to it were two metalic black earrings that looked like bats. Fearwing brought these to her attention. "I believe these would go wonderfully with the little ensemble we were discussing."

Rarity's smile grew. "They're adorable." Something caught her sight, something in the corner of her eye at the end of the table. She approached to get a closer look and her jaw dropped. Her eyes widened with adoration. "It's beautiful." It was another necklace. A solid gold chain and attached, was a ruby, about the size of her hoof in the shape of one of the diamonds on her cutie mark. It was a simple design, but something just seemed to draw her closer.

Fearwing saw her and smiled. She took the bait, time to put his acting to the test. He swiftly inserted himself between her and the necklace with a look of panic in his eyes and a fake smile. "Oh, you wouldn't be interested in that old thing. I have some much better items around back..."

She moved him out of the way. "Are you mad? This is positively begiling. I must have it."

He opened his mouth to protest, but she gave him a look that made it clear she would not back down. He sighed. "Okay, but I must warn you, this particular item is not a hundred percent free."

Rarity seemed slightly offened at what he was getting to. "But you told me..."

Fearwing held up a hoof to silence her. "I assure you, no monetary transaction shall take place for this. However, like a few other items I have, there is always a price. Perhaps it would be best if I told you the full story. I was exploring a mountainous country, a bit back water, but peaceful. I came across a gypsy pony at her camp site. She offered me food, drink and rest from my travels. She asked for nothing in return, but I insisted on repaying her for her kindness. For my noble intentions, she rewarded me this necklace. It has been enchanted to give whoever wears it eternal youth and beauty."

She looked more happy and excited than ever. She imediately slipped on the necklace, much to Fearwings mock-dismay. "Young and beautiful forever! Oh this is spectacular, I'll be able to attend every gala, I'll be a legend, I'll be able to socialize with the princesses for eternity!"

The black pegasus put on a sad look. "But miss you didn't hear the rest."

Rarity was confused and worried by his tone. "Rest?"

He sadly lowered his head. "Let me show you." He brought her to the back of the wagon to a large object with a tarp over it. "You see, there's a catch. As long as you wear it you will be young and beautiful forever...but once you take it off." Rarity did just that and Fearwing closed his eyes in false remorse as he pulled the tarp away.

Rarity's eyes widened and her pupils shrank. She actually began to shake. It was a mirror, but what she saw. He complexion was wrinkled to the extreme, her purple mane was now gray as dust, her teeth were gone, her ears drooped, and there were bags under her eyes. There was a few minutes of silence in her pure shock, then, the most horrified scream she ever gave. Her eyes were closed so she didn't see Fearwing smile. Then, too his surprise, she fainted.

He was a bit startled. "Oh, no." He approached her. Nothing had changed, she was just as beautiful as ever. "Rarity, dear are you okay?" She was out cold. Fearwing felt bad. "That may have been just a pinch too much." He put his front legs underhers and lifted her into the air and off toward the tree house.

A.J. and Fluttershy had woken up from their little nap. They got bored and decided on a card game with Edgar and Vincent. Applejack was getting a bit testy. "What do you mean go fish?" Edgar shrugged. The earth pony was getting mad. "You better not be trying to cheat me."

Fluttershy tried to calm her down. "Applejack, let's just try to have a nice game."

A.J. was still peved. "I'm trying, but I just don't believe he doesn't have any threes" Vincent took a look at Edgar's cards when he wasn't looking. When he had a good look, Vincent made eye contact with Applejack, then held up two feathers on his left wing. The farm pony glared at Edgar. "You lying little snake in the grass!" She tried to jump at him, but the ropes wouldn't let her.

Their little party was interupted when Fearwing came in the door calling to his birds with a worried tone. "Boys, get the bed ready, we're going to need it."

He brought the unconscious, limp, Rarity to said bed and set her down as gently as possible. Fluttershy was shocked. "What did you do?"

Fearwing was quick with a response. "I scared her and she fainted. Vincent get some tea, Edgar get me the flowers I keep in my desk." The ravens did just as instructed. While Vincent readied the tea, Edgar flew over and brought his master the flowers. Fearwing held them under Rarity's nose and she started to stir. He spoke softly to her. "That's it Rarity come back to us."

The white unicorn opened her eyes sleepily. Then they shot open. "Ah! My youth! I'm ugly!"

Applejack was confused by Rarity's freak out. "What the hay are you talkin about. You look just the same as you always do, maybe even a bit better."

Rarity didn't understand, then Fearwing brought her a mirror. "My...my face. I'm still beautiful." She almost cried. "But you said..."

Fearwing looked ashamed. "It was all just a story. I was just trying to frighten you."

She was still confused. "But the mirror back at the shop."

He looked her in the eyes trying to calm her. "That was the enchanted part, not the necklace. Anyone who looks into that thing sees themself 50 years older. I had Trixie put up the illusion."

Rarity was still sad. "Why would you do something so mean?"

That stung. Those eyes of hers seemed to look right into Fearwings soul. "Oh, Rarity, " He gave her a hug. "I am so sorry."

She was a bit frightened. "I never told you my name."

Applejack answered. "It's okay, Rarity. He's a friend."

Rarity crawled over to the edge of the bed and saw two of her friends. "Applejack? Fluttershy? What are you doing here?"

Fluttershy answered. "Fearwing brought us here after he scared us."

Applejack gave a nod and a smile. "It's a pretty sweet deal once you get the hang of it. He's got some tea brewing for you if you'd like."

Rarity looked at Fearwing, who smiled at her and gave her a look that said 'I'm sorry.' She smiled back. "A cup of tea would be lovely."