Chapter 15.5: to asset your existence.
This takes place during the day of the celestial night fair
Fluttershy's hut
The ceiling can sometimes be the most entertaining place to look. The dull and unchanging green is pretty engrossing. For fluttershy, it was a relaxing break from her constantly spinning mind. Especially since her dragon disappeared a day ago. It didn't take her long to break into a small melancholy. Besides shopping for her aging bunny. it's been her main activity for the day. Besides, she didn't really go out on social outings with anyone but…
"Spike…" fluttershy muttered, covering her forehead with a hoof.
The biggest thing on her mind since yesterday. Whether it was cursing herself for being so lovesick or letting herself get that way. The dragon has taken up a massive amount of space in her mind. That wonderful night at the party and all the times they talked before. It almost felt like their relationship was a natural escalation of things. For that, she was happier then any mare could be.
However, that happiness can soon turn to worry. At first, she didn't really have this worry when spike disappeared. He could take care of himself and it might have been a unplanned trip. The thing is, him leaving is not the part she's concerned about. Trixie was gone as well and conclusions immediately started popping up.
Her feeling on what's going on flips from moment to moment. On one hand, she trusts what spike said to her before. On the other, feelings change and she had no idea how long trixie has crashed with him. Matter of fact, most of her thought revolves around that mare. While she has no problem with her, she feels something is up. If anything, she's the element that off puts her the most.
"Gosh, i can't stay in my head all day…" fluttershy said to herself.
She needed something to do and needed it now. Take her mind off the dragon and all the worrying involved with him. However, that green was alluring and no one is knocking down her door to…
"Hello?" a posh voice called out behind her door while knocking.
Fluttershy was on her small couch in the living room. She immediately had a reaction to the knocking. Knowing who that voice belonged to, she was hesitant to open it. First of all, after she introduced herself into town, rarity disappeared. Also, there's the fact fluttershy isn't completely good with her yet. Something about her crawls under fluttershy's skin lately. But, she didn't really have anything better to do for the day. So she took a chance and opened up the door to reveal the smiling mare.
"Fluttershy, darling, how are you doing today?" rarity asked in her posh accent.
"I'm fine" fluttershy replied blankly.
Rarity was surprised by the tone of her response but let it slip by. She hasn't seen any of her core friends in awhile ever since she came back. All she can hope for was fluttershy accepting her invitation.
"I was wondering, would you like to come along with me today?" rarity asked, keeping her smile.
"Um… to do what?" fluttershy asked, still keeping a passive tone.
"Have tea, talk, meet a friend" rarity replied, keeping a momentum in the conversation.
Once she offered this, fluttershy became very split. While the idea of hanging out with rarity wasn't something she was excited about. Once again, she really didn't have anything going on at the moment. So, she mentally sighed before giving her reply.
"Yeah, sounds like fun" she replied with a smile, slightly breaking her passive wall.
"That great darling!" rarity said, extremely excited for her friend tagging along.
"Just give me a minute to get ready, my mane is kinda messy…" fluttershy replied, embarrassed.
"Well i find your bedhead adorable" rarity said jokingly.
Fluttershy had to admit that rarity did get a small chuckle out of her. However, this is only the start of the day and fluttershy rushed upstairs to prepare for the rest of it. Unsure of what could happen or if she made the right decision.
Ponyville, main square
It was a nice and cool summer day in ponyville. Clouds were scattered across a sky that was the clearest blue. A gentle breeze blew through the air, comforting fluttershy while walking. Surprisingly not a lot of ponies were out on this wonderful day. So that gave them less public traffic to worry about.
They ended up in the middle of town. where multiple small stores were located. Fluttershy was constantly eying the cake's sweet shop without saying a word. Rarity wanted nothing to do with the shop. So they kept walking. rarity hoping she'd find this new tea place tracy raved about.
The pair were silent, not really saying anything during their walk. Rarity was usually the first to engage in conversation. But something about the way fluttershy carried herself made her step off a bit. At Least, it stayed that way until now...
"What a lovely day.." rarity commented.
She couldn't help it at this point and the silence was killing her. Fluttershy was just fine with the silence. She was enjoying the time outside more then the company attached. Plus, what could she really talk to rarity about during a walk. Fluttershy's head was in the clouds and for now it was going to stay there.
"You know, days like this didn't feel so good in manehatten…" Rarity added.
Her voice quickly dipped into a melancholic state. Something about manehatten was a real chip on rarity's shoulder. This chip was something that fluttershy was very curious about. She didn't want to push the subject but she found herself a perfect opening to discuss it.
"Why not?" fluttershy asked in reply.
Rarity stopped in her tracks, shocked to hear fluttershy's voice. She wasn't sure if going into detail about her time would be worth it. There was a small silence from rarity. The silence was room for her to think about the answer. She sighed but didn't even look at fluttershy when she replied.
"I became a real homebody while working…"
Those words were enough for fluttershy to understand her point. However, for some reason, she felt rarity was hiding something. Now, she wasn't going to say this to her now but she did keep the idea in mind. deciding to at least try and comfort her old friend.
"Rarity…"
Before any words came out of fluttershy's mouth. Rarity started to quickly reassure fluttershy. She didn't like keeping a vulnerability in herself open for too long.
"But without those days, i wouldn't be where i am today"
She immediately picked herself back up in tone. Returning to her chipper and posh attitude. Although, this time, it felt quite forced on her end. In her mind, she's still thinking about what was left behind in manehatten. Fluttershy could tell this but she didn't wanna push the issue any further. No matter what changes between them. her nature always sways towards kindness.
"So… how have you been enjoying ponyville" fluttershy asked in a still meek tone.
"oh! It's been lovely so far!" Rarity immediately responded.
Rarity became excited that her old friend wanted to engage in conversation. She wasn't a dense mare, feeling the distance between them. However, she was still very unsure as to why this distance existed. For now, she was just glad a conversation was starting between them.
"But more importantly, what have you been up to?" rarity asked.
"Nothing in particular…" fluttershy replied, trying her best to downplay things.
"Come on now, don't be facetious" rarity replied with a knowing grin.
Fluttershy was afraid of this inevitable line of questioning. It obvious that rarity wants an update of her and spike. A subject that has been on her mind all day at home. Depending on how she replied, it could turn into a conversation she didn't want.
"Well...things between me and spike have been going well.."
"Oh, do tell!" rarity's interest was immediately peaked.
"We've been on a couple scattered dates.."
Just thinking about those days put an inordinate amount of bliss in her mind. Laying on the grass side by side, watching the clouds pass by. It seemed simple but being in each other's presence was enough for her. But those dates were nothing compared to the night at vinyl's party.
"There was also vinyl's party, when we…" fluttershy immediately turned a bright red.
"Wait, you were at the party?" rarity interjected in small shock.
"Yeah, i'm surprised I went myself" she replied with a small chuckle.
"I'm surprised i didn't see you" rarity replied.
"Well, you know me, i'm good at hiding" fluttershy replied, getting rarity to laugh.
Fluttershy did something she didn't expect to do with rarity. She put on a genuine smile in front of her old friend. Matter of fact, whatever disposition she currently had was all but gone. For now, she was enjoying a nice walking conversation with her friend.
"Speaking of that party, did you know trixie is back in town?" Rarity asked.
That name, the moment rarity mentioned her name, a slight chill hit her veins. One that only started forming quite recently. It didn't help that both of them were missing in action at the moment. Especially knowing that she's close enough to be living with spike.
While she does have a high trust in spike when he promised nothing was going on. That doesn't mean she's confident that trixie couldn't easily sway him to her. This is the fear that's been looping in her head for hours.
"I'm aware…" fluttershy replied passively.
"Is something wrong?" rarity asked, immediately catching her mood change.
"Nothing" fluttershy replied quickly and defensively.
"Are you…" before rarity could finish the sentence…
"Can it wait till we get where were going" fluttershy said, being quite direct.
Rarity nodded, as much as she wanted to pry, respecting her friend's wishes mattered more. matter of fact, rarity made an effort to keep the rest of the walk silent. Saving a bigger conversation for when they make it to the tea place.
Ponyville tea house: outside
After a long bit of meandering through town, they finally made it. The biggest signifier of this was the giant tea cup on the top of the building.
Besides that, the place was notably high end. The 2nd largest building they've seen in ponyville. only being beat out by the mayor's office. A brick rectangular building, colored while with a massive stained glass double door to greet the mares. Even the windows were stained glass with impeccable art.
Fluttershy gulped, having a feeling what kind of ponies populate a place this high end looking. She didn't fit, no matter how much she changed over the years, that never changed. Her body language wasn't doing a really good job hiding this.
"Now how did tracy get into this place…" rarity pondered out loud.
"Rarity?" fluttershy called out, snapping rarity's attention to her.
"What is it darling?"
" i don't think i can do this one…" fluttershy stated honestly but meekly.
Rarity somewhat predicted this reaction the moment she saw the place. Being honest with herself, the place off put her as well. She got lucky during the party, being able to hide in plain sight with locals. This time, without a disguise, she feared questions about a specific topic. one that she was running away from. However, she wasn't going to let this small feat stop her. And she wasn't going to let it stop her friend either.
"It's ok fluttershy, were doing this one together" rarity replied with a smile.
Fluttershy nodded, feeling warmth from a friend she hasn't in a while. forgetting how kind rarity can be. This kindness was almost making her rethink some of the grievances she had with her before.
After staring at the building for a good amount of time. Both of them walked side by side into the massive double doors.
Ponyville tea house: inside
The inside of the place was just as intimidating for the mares. It had the look of a high end diner more then any traditional tea house. The house was segmented into two different areas. The reception desk and the spectacle that was the dining area. These areas were split by a single double door. The much smaller reception area was thankfully not packed with ponies. It had a nice, red carpeted floor, artworks hanging from the walls. This allowed the pair to decompress for a little bit.
"I can't believe tracy made it here…." rarity commented to herself in amazement.
Fluttershy was quiet at the moment, residing in her own head. While the compact and quiet nature of the room allowed her to relax. She was still anxious about what was beyond the double door. However, she still thought that it was at least better then doing nothing at home. Plus, the place at least looked like they make some pretty good tea.
They both approached the reception desk, no pony behind it. Fluttershy tilted her head left and right, seeing no sign of any pony.
"Really now?" rarity said, slightly annoyed.
"Let's just ring the bell.." fluttershy said in a meger voice
"What do you…" rarity was about ask before seeing what she was talking about.
On the desk was a simple bell on a stick. Designed so that both earth ponies and unicorns can ring it. Rarity saw the simple bell and was deciding whether or not the ring the bell. However, she wasn't given that much time think about before fluttershy grabbed it herself.
Fluttershy rung the bell and placed it back of the desk. Both of them waited in silence, hoping for somepony to come. Fortunately, the bell ring was successful, hearing rapid hoofsteps approaching the counter.
"Sorry, be there in a minute!" a voice familiar to rarity.
"Is that…."
Before rarity could have any doubt about it, the mare appeared at the desk.
"Sorry for the wait, how may …,oh, rarity, you came!"
It was the overly excited tracy behind the desk. Her eyes lighting up the moment she saw her new friend. Her excitement was so high that she didn't even acknowledge the mare next to rarity.
"You work here!?" Rarity asked in pure surprise.
"Do you think that i'd make a living running an inn barely anypony visits?" tracy asked sarcastically.
"Fair enough" rarity replied with a small chuckle attached.
It didn't take long for fluttershy to gain a feel for how this day will be. Being a third wheel of the group. However, that negativity was suddenly put into doubt when tracy turned her vision. She immediately gasped in surprise, almost like a fan meeting a celebrity.
"Oh my gosh, you're fluttershy!" tracy said, amazed by what was in front of her.
"Um… I guess I am.." fluttershy replied, with an awkward smile, unsure of what that means to her.
"Honestly i…"
Tracy, about to say something that had a feeling of significance but she took a quick glance at rarity. Suddenly she had this heavy, nervous pit in her stomach. Whatever she wanted to say, it felt like some kind of betrayal to rarity. So, for that reason, she was about to cancel her statement. At Least, that was the plan until….
"It's fine darling" rarity said with a smile.
This interaction was weirdly a kind of mental ok in her mind. It's almost like she knew what she was feeling. So tracy decided to continue what she was saying to fluttershy.
"Your bravery inspired me so much back in the day" tracy said with the widest smile.
Hearing this from tracy took fluttershy by surprise. A trait that she never really associated herself with. Yet, a mare that doesn't even know her saw something like that. While rarity almost giving consent to complement her was weird. She was still touched by her sentiment.
"Thank you, I'm flattered, truly" fluttershy replied, completely flustered.
"Awee, that's too cute!" Rarity commented like a childish foal.
"Come on rarity…" fluttershy replied, her flustered nature growing.
"Ok, ok, leave her be" tracy said while starting to laugh.
"I will not be punished for speaking the truth!" Rarity exclaimed in an over the top manner.
For some reason, maybe it was the over the top nature of her statement. But this allowed fluttershy to start becoming a bit more comfortable around them. She even started chuckling herself.
"See, she's fine" rarity replied.
"Are you as fine as she says fluttershy?" tracy asks fluttershy in a somewhat joking tone.
"Of course, I can have a bit of fun with myself" fluttershy replied with a warm smile.
Fluttershy of all ponies saying this was a surprise to rarity. She admits to underestimating her sometimes. Thinking that her will is so weak that something like this would truly bother her. Shaking that off, she finally asked the important question.
"Ok, are we all ready to get some tea?" Rarity asked genuinely.
"Yeah, let's get going!" tracy replied with excitement.
"This tea better be worth the expensive look of the building" rarity commented while following tracy.
"Your still thinking they only sell tea…" tracy hinted at with a knowing smirk.
Fluttershy tagged along behind the others, excited for the rest of the day. The small bit of conversation gave her a better outlook on the rest of the day.
As they blew past the double doors. The true beauty of the place shined. The first thing that caught everypony's eye was the massive stage. One that took up a majority of the floor space in the back of the area.
"What's the stage for?" fluttershy asked.
"During specific hours, we have live music here" tracy replied.
"What kind?" Rarity jumped in and asked.
"Oh, just classical music, no local acts" Tracy replied.
Tables were scattered in the middle of this area. A warm red baked the place in a comfortable hue. Booths acted like a small border between the stage area and the entrance. It was a well put together place and impressed both mares.
"Can we sit in a booth?" Fluttershy asked.
"Of course" tracy replied with a warm smile.
It didn't take long for the group to find a seat. The place was basically empty. Something that fluttershy was very relieved about. Although she did question how the place managed to look so empty. Now comes a choice, more of a mental one for fluttershy and rarity. Which side of the booth are they taking?
It seems unimportant at first but one thing remained perfectly clear. One of them was going to be sitting completely alone. Now, none of them really wanted to ask but they were all thinking the same thing. Well, except for tracy, who took her seat on the left side.
"Well, are you ponies gonna sit down?" tracy asked sarcastically
This comment broke them out of their small stuper. It didn't take a lot of thinking for rarity to make her choice. She decided to sit alongside tracy and fluttershy decided to sit on the right side. There was nothing personal about it, she just liked having space to herself. The pair were finally comfortable and seated.
"Alright, there should be somepony coming shortly" tracy said.
"But how?" rarity asked.
"It's because you rung the bell, nothing more" tracy replied.
"That's neat" fluttershy commented.
"It is indeed" rarity replied.
The small talk was already starting. The three waiting for a local waiter to approach the table. There was nothing really personal to start out with. At Least that was the case until rarity kicked off with one of her favorite subjects.
"So, tracy, i've always wondered, do you have anyone special in your life" rarity asked.
"What do you mean?" tracy asked, playing naive, hoping to avoid answering.
"You know, a colt… or a mare, I don't judge" rarity replied with a chuckle.
The excitement in rarity's voice was apparent to everyone. Tracy's discomfort wasn't obviously visible. However, for fluttershy, her discomfort was something she felt. Still, it wasn't enough to say anything about.
"Um…"
Before tracy had anytime to respond, the waiter finally came around with menus. Something that fluttershy was highly looking forward too. The menus were placed on the table, showing dozens of different tea flavors.
"Welcome, what can i start you with?" the waiter said with a customer friendly smile.
"I would like the jasmine tea with a freshly baked croissant" tracy said, being the first to order.
"I would just like the same tea she's having" fluttershy said, playing it safe.
"Of course" the waited replied, jotting the order down on a notepad using her magic.
"I would like a green tea with a croissant as well" rarity said.
"Alright, let me get you your drinks" the waiter said, still keeping her friendly smile.
Ordering their drinks was something that distracted rarity for only a little bit. This distraction immediately died when the waiter walked away from the table. Tracy's hope for the question to be forgotten was immediately dashed.
"So, do you?" rarity asked with a smile hungry for gossip.
"Well…" tracy glanced at rarity and sighed before finishing her statement.
"No, never really found the right ma… colt!" Tracy quickly corrected herself.
"Don;t worry my dear, the good ones aren't dead yet" rarity replied with a smile.
While rarity saw tracy's answer as perfectly normal. Fluttershy saw something off about her response. The correction she made was something she saw as truly suspicious. deciding this was another thing she wasn't going to address at the moment.
"Thank you…" tracy replied, sounding flustered.
"There is someone for everyone, fluttershy would know that quite well" rarity"replied.
Rarity glanced at fluttershy with a knowing smirk after the statement. It was almost like a call for her to jump into the conversation. One that fluttershy wasn't necessarily of fan of. There was really know way out of talking about her special dragon.
"That's no surprise, colts would…" before tracy could finish her statement. Fluttershy made a correction.
"Actually he's a dragon…" fluttershy let this out in a pretty quick pace.
"A..a dragon?" this was a statement that took tracy by complete surprise.
"Yes, the sweetest dragon i know" fluttershy replied with the most blissful smile.
"well, if you say that, then it must be true" tracy replied with a chuckle.
The amount of instant acceptance was surprising for fluttershy. Usually when you throw around the idea of dragon, more questions would be asked. This wasn't something that fluttershy would complain about at all.
"He's a good friend of mine, was a real sweetheart back in the day" rarity added.
With rarity bookending the relationship conversation for now. The waiter returned, perfectly balancing drinks on a plate with her magic. It was an impressive enough feat for the group. Especially to the lesser skilled magic user on the table.
"Woah…, how do you do that?" tracy asked in wonderment.
"Practice, lots of practice" the waiter replied with a friendly chuckle.
The waiter placed the assortment of teas on the table. As soon as the cups hit the table, the sweet aroma hit the trio's noses. Rarity couldn't help herself for even a second. She picked the cup up, blew on it and took a sip.
"Wow, this is sublime" she said, slowly taking in the strong flavor of the tea.
Fluttershy looked at her cup, filled with her chosen flavor. She wasn't necessarily ready to drink hers yet. Letting it sit, the steam rising from the small china cup. For now, she just wanted to enjoy the company around her.
"Enjoy, live music will be starting soon" the waiter said, walking away from the table.
The live music was something that fluttershy was excited about. Her favorite kind of music was classical. It's mellow tone was enough to calm her in a crowded room. For her, it was better then hearing the constant sipping noises from the group.
"Tea is tea but this is some of the best I've ever had!" Rarity exclaimed, raving about the tea.
"There isn't any better tea in manehatten?" Tracy asked.
This question set off a reaction within rarity. It was almost like a reality check, a reminder of her actual home. The home that dulled her connection to the world. She always knew manehatten wasn't something that was gonna stay abandoned.
"Nothing is really… fresh like this in manehatten" rarity replied with a warm smile.
"I see, I see…" tracy replied, contemplative about her response.
Hearing rarity's statement reminded fluttershy of something. The last time she mentioned manehatten, it was almost the same sentiment. Like the world she moved herself into was a false one. At least, that's what she initially thought, her theory soon prove to be untrue.
"Not as fun in manehatten huh?" fluttershy asked, playing it as straight as possible.
"Well. it's not that…" rarity started to reply.
"It's ok rarity, we all get homesick" tracy said in a soft and understanding tone.
"No, it's not that…" rarity said, sounding slightly frustrated.
The pressure was starting to mount on rarity. The amount she was able to hide was lowering. The burden of keeping manehatten a quiet secret was weighing on her. So, in a split second decision, she decided on letting go.
"It's just, i wanted control of my own destiny" rarity finished.
To tracy and fluttershy, this reasoning was a very big surprise. To tracy, rarity was the biggest star in fashion. In fluttershy's eyes, rarity was one of the many success stories of the group. Now, it was up to one of them to ask the follow up question in both their minds.
"Control, what's that supposed to mean?" tracy asked, relieving fluttershy of the task.
"My art turned into a brand, a brand i no longer control…" rarity replied, frustration visible in her voice.
After hearing rarity, fluttershy can admit a small bit of sympathy for her. She always knew that rarity had a deep passion for her work. Losing control of that work must have been a devastating feeling. Enough to run her out of town? That's the only thing that fluttershy was finding hard to believe.
"When did you notice this?" tracy asked, taking a sip of her tea.
"It starts small, a room of one turns into many…" rarity started.
Room of one, really? Aren't you forgetting about the dragon that indulged your every whim. These were the thoughts that were tossing around in fluttershy's head. Matter of fact, if she remembered correctly, didn't she have a fiance?
"Then, it's these many, telling you about your work…" Rarity continued, her frustration growing.
"Rarity…" tracy was making an attempt to calm her.
"Then, your voice starts to dull ever so slightly until…" Rarity's cup started to shake.
"rarity!" fluttershy called out.
Hearing her friend's voice in a higher octave allowed rarity to snap back. Looking around, seeing the look of concerned ponies. Luckily she only lost a small bit of her composure. However, she admits that this compose has been leaking out for awhile now.
"i... apologize, thinking about it works me up" rarity replied with a large sigh.
"It's ok, really" fluttershy replied in a softer tone.
"It is, i'm sure you could regain control" tracy said, a bit more gung ho then fluttershy.
"Well, to be frank… I don't care to get it back" rarity replied bluntly.
"Huh?" tracy blurted out in surprise.
"My old brand was slowly choked and drained of originality years ago" rarity replied.
"So… what's next for you then?" tracy asked.
"That's why I called upon both you and fluttershy today" rarity replied with a genuine smile.
"Rarity i…." fluttershy tried to exclude herself, knowing what was about to happen.
"Hold on, just hear me out.." rarity interjected.
Fluttershy was torn at the moment. While her about to give out some kind of business pitch was a bit much for her. It's not like she was being sneaky about anything. Matter of fact, she was having a decent amount of fun from the day. So, for now, she decided to keep her ears open.
"I have a desire to restart my brand, turn it into something I'm truly proud of…" rarity continued.
"However, I was running out of ideas pretty fast, at least, until i saw your work" rarity said.
With this statement, she directed it towards tracy. Tracy looked around, making sure she wasn't looking at anyone else. Even after confirming that fact, she couldn't believe. Rarity saw that disbelief in her and hooked onto it with her next comment.
"Your designs still need a bit of work, but their rustic charm is already a winner!" Rarity said, excitement in her voice.
"Wow, um… I don't know what to say…" tracy tried to get something of substance but to no avail.
"Me and you could show those uptight moguls true fashion!" Rarity's fuse was fully lit.
Her energy was something to behold when she had passion. That was something fluttershy can admire about her. Tracy felt that energy and had the largest smile on the table. There was a slight amount of charm to these proceedings.
"So, this refresh, when are you starting it?" tracy asked.
"I was hoping to start work by next week, work on design here in ponyville" rarity replied.
Ok now something was off in fluttershy's mind. She's no longer a single pony running a boutique. She owns a company, with multiple things to manage within it. So ditching that in order to make what seems better to her was weird. However, fluttershy was not really ready to comment on anything quite yet.
"I mean, it really sounds amazing and all…" tracy started saying in a voice filled with indecision.
"What's stopping you?" Rarity asked, in pure curiosity.
"How much would you need me?" tracy asked, her gaze heading slowly downwards.
"Well… it would be a full time thing for awhile…" rarity replied, knowing she was losing her.
The moment rarity revealed this small truth, tracy's excitement held a small bit of caution. She already has a lot on her plate at the moment. Rarity saw that discontent and was desperate for a way to reel her in.
"Of course, you will receive a salary…" Rarity added in.
"Really!?" tracy asked, her interest returning to its initial peak.
Fluttershy's ears peaked when she heard this as well. The idea of her even mentioning a salary surprised her. However, hearing this brought back a bitter memory one that was getting hard to bury.
"It won't be as much as you'd expect.." Rarity nervously added.
"That's…" before tracy could even agree, fluttershy decided to step in.
"Why not?" fluttershy interjected, asking a question that tracy should have.
The question took rarity back a bit. Her own friend not even trusting her motives. It's not like there isn't any reason to trust her. She just wanted the same amount of pure faith that tracy had in her currently.
"Well, i still need to move a couple assets around…" rarity said, half heartedly throwing an excuse together.
"Hey, it's ok, we all start somewhere, right?" tracy asked, wanting to fill the small silence.
After hearing those words, fluttershy recalled something in the past. A trend that reminded her of a certain drake in mind. This is where things began with rarity and spike. the abuse of his adoration for her. It almost makes her shudder to think something like that would happen again.
"Uh, of course, you are a beginner after all!" Rarity replied, regaining her control.
Fluttershy was starting to clearly see through her lack of transparency. It was truly starting to get on her nerves but she wasn't sure about confrontation. Should she stop what's about to happen at all? if she accepted it would be tracy's choice in the end.
"Ok… ok, yeah, i would love to join you!" tracy replied, making up her mind in excitement.
"That's wonderful darling" rarity replied, with a genuine smile on her face.
Even after seeing that smile, she still had her concerns about the whole thing. But hey, tracy is happy with it and she's a grown mare. It's not like she's asking anything of her. So, instead of being slightly cynical about the whole thing. The whole project made her curious about one particular thing.
"So, are you going to be returning to the boutique?" fluttershy asked.
"Well of course! I never truly sold it" rarity replied.
"I'm surprised, that place seems almost abandoned" fluttershy replied.
"Nothing a little touch of love couldn't fix" rarity replied.
"You can count on my help when you get there!" tracy jumped in, excited about her new position.
The group continued on with their conversation. Bouncing from topic to topic with ease and having tons of fun. Fluttershy, while still being cautious of rarity, still had engagement in these conversations. Besides one small back and forth, rarity kept business talk to a minimum. Her intention with this was trying to keep a mostly casual feel to this hangout.
Their time lasted over an hour at that table. All parties satisfied with their drinks, music, and lovely baked goods. The group was ready to leave the establishment and head to their homes. All the mares got up from their seats, heading for the door.
As fluttershy left her side of the booth, rarity approached her before leaving the table.
"Hey, when tracy heads back, i wanna ask something of you, if you mind?" rarity asked.
"Sure, no problem" fluttershy replied with a smile, not knowing of the ask in question.
After today, fluttershy was so close to forgetting completely what issue she had with her. It was no longer enough to hold a grudge against her. They walked out of the seating area together, rarity almost satisfied with the days events.
She needed one more thing before proceeding with her new business plan. The one thing that she personally felt was going to put it all together. However, what she didn't know was how much trouble this element was going to put her in.
Infront of tracy's home, inside of the main square
Tracy's home was a small one, looking more like an apartment. She a decently sized closet, a small kitchen, a small living area with a beat up sofa and a back room where she sleeps. At Least, that where she's supposed to sleep. All these details were things that fluttershy learned in the tour provided by tracy.
"And well… that's it, this is what 50 bits and tons of favors get you!" tracy said, finishing the tour.
Fluttershy will admit that 50 bits was a pretty impressive number. However, the favors part left more questions that she didn't want answers too.
"Oh honey, we really need to decorate in here" rarity said, eyeing ever wall of the place.
"Everytime we stop here you say this, i get it!" tracy replied in annoyance.
"How many times has she been here?" fluttershy asked.
"Too many" tracy replied in a joking manner.
Fluttershy at least had one concern alleviated in her mind. As much of a fan mare that tracy can be sometimes. Tracy's friendship with rarity has at least evolved enough to where she can semi stand up to her.
"I was just trying to be helpful, nothing more" rarity replied.
Both tracy and fluttershy took a seat as rarity roamed around the small house. Tracy sighed, looking as if she was in regret of something. Fluttershy saw this and decided to ask her about it.
"Something the matter?" fluttershy asked.
"Oh!, um…" tracy reacted, startled by her sudden ask.
"Everything is moving so fast and rarity…" before tracy could even finish, fluttershy knew what came next.
"Can be a bit much sometimes" fluttershy interjected.
"Pretty much, yeah…" tracy finished, getting fluttershy to chuckle.
"I mean, she's both my idol and friend, so i really mean nothing by it!" tracy quickly tried to clean up.
"I get it, she's my friend too" fluttershy replied.
After that, they both exchanged a small bit of laughter with each other. After having that small exchange with tracy. Fluttershy was quickly endeared by tracy enough for her to trust tracy to be smart about doing any type of business with rarity.
"Hey, for this whole thing, you have any advice for me?" tracy asked.
Knowing this is probably one of the last times she'll see her. Fluttershy wanted to pick her set of words carefully. However, what she didn't check was if rarity would be listening to these following words.
"When it comes to rarity, make sure to always look out for yourself" fluttershy told her.
"But shouldn't we be working together?" tracy asked in small confusion.
"Of course, just… make sure to know what's best for you and not just her" fluttershy clarified.
Tracy nodded at this, understanding what she meant fully. Fluttershy was glad she understood this concept. This was something that spike needed somepony to tell him years ago.
"I hate to break up your small chat but fluttershy and i must go" rarity said, walking towards the door.
"Well, you heard her" fluttershy said with a smile.
"I really hope to see you again, your always invited!" tracy said with her own beaming smile.
Fluttershy nodded and lifted herself from off the couch. Following rarity towards the door, waving good small goodbye to tracy. While is was all smiles before the door cracked open. However. Rarity gave fluttershy a look of discontent. She was upset and fluttershy was not looking forward to confronting that.
Outskirts of ponyville, minutes away from fluttershy's hut.
It's funny how things can loop around in the most tragically perfect ways. Rarity was silent for a decent chunk of the walk. thinking about what to even say to fluttershy. Seeing the purest example of fluttershy's distrust for her disheartening. It was also angering and those emotions were melting together in her mind.
Fluttershy, although she felt these emotions radiating from her. Had no regrets about giving tracy that piece of advice. However,She did have a bit of guilt for upsetting rarity. So, she just kept herself quiet, waiting for rarity to engage.
"Fluttershy, may i ask you something?" Rarity asked in a posh but disconnected tone.
"Um… yes?" fluttershy replied, expecting a question about what she said to tracy.
"What's so scary about working for me?" Rarity asked directly
"Scary, I don't…" fluttershy didn't even finish her response before rarity cut in.
"Enough where you think warning my new friend was necessary" rarity finished.
The frustration was clear in her voice. Fluttershy felt as if she truly hurt rarity with her actions. Even with this infront of her, fluttershy didn't want to back down from her words with tracy. So, she decided to try and respond to her in the nicest way she can.
"I'd rather keep my life the way it is, that's all" fluttershy replied.
"And what life is that exactly…." Rarity tried to say under her breath,
"Excuse me?" fluttershy asked, barely hearing what she said.
"I said, what life is that exactly?" Rarity repeated with more bass and attitude.
While fluttershy didn't appreciate her tone or implication. She really had nothing to fight back with. Her life has an inherent dullness to it and that's not a fact she a deny. However, that dullness is what makes her comfortable.
"I...i just like it here, that's all…" fluttershy replied in a low and unconfident tone.
Rarity sighed, frustrated with her lack of answer. For her, fluttershy's lack of world scale ambition was frustrating. In her opinion, shooting for the stars should be a natural ambition to have. It also didn't help that someone without her ambition was trying to take something away from her.
"If that's how you want things, fine, but leave tracy out of it" rarity replied with the same attitude.
Fluttershy was silent for just a small moment. Cause she needed to think about how to respond to something like that. She hated the possessiveness of that statement. Also, the whole looking down of her thing isn't sitting well either. So, in a halfway accident, she let something slip out.
"It's you ambition, not hers" fluttershy let out quietly.
"Huh?" Rarity reacted, not sure what she just heard.
Fluttershy was shocked that rarity even heard her. Internally, she felt petrified and almost decided to let it slide. However, there was another mare, another feeling inside of her. A feeling of regret, regret for not speaking out in this moment. So, instead of letting her statement slide by, she decided to address it while being tactful as possible.
"Maybe… maybe she just wants what you want" fluttershy said in the lightest tone.
"And why is that such a bad thing?" Rarity asked, frustration hidden in her breath.
"I didn't say…" fluttershy was about to respond but rarity didn't have patience for it.
"Then what are you saying!" Rarity exclaimed, her frustration at peak.
"I'M SAYING YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT"
The yell that broke the conversation in to pieces. Something that even surprised fluttershy the moment it came out. It was more of a response to rarity's tone change then anything else. Fluttershy was thinking heavily about apologizing when they got to her house. However, the words that came out of that tone raise, she has no regrets for.
There was a decent amount a silence, a silence that was deafening. It felt as if rarity was thinking about every individual word in whatever response she had. There was a deep seated anger building up in her. Almost like the words she spoke were ones she heard before. They decided to keep the rest of the walk silent The small distance to her house justified the silence in both of their minds.
Outside of fluttershy's hut.
A sigh, a sigh was the thing that started this massive conflict. This sigh came from rarity, fluttershy's words ringing in her head. They wouldn't leave and that fact was irritating for the white mare. So, she decided to speak, but was she would speak on was a surprise for fluttershy.
"Your no different…" Rarity started.
"What do you mean?" fluttershy asked, cautiously curious.
"Do you think spike stayed here by his own will?" Rarity asked, strangely calm.
"Of course, what's your point?" fluttershy replied.
"So you're aware of the amount of potential your robbing from him" rarity replied.
"Hey, wait a minute!" fluttershy reacted, downright hating her assumption.
"Don't deny it, he's only around because of the amount of pity he has for you!" Rarity attacked.
She was being unnaturally vicious at this point. Something that fluttershy had never seen in rarity before. Her words cut like razors and resentment in fluttershy started to grow as well. These were things she's thought about before and she dropped them off in the back of her mind.
"Spike makes his own choices, i can't change his mind!" fluttershy exclaimed.
"Your right, he does and he will…" Rarity said, prepping for the most hurtful statement.
"What's that supposed to mean?" fluttershy said with a bite of attitude.
"Unlike you, trixie might be a project that will suc…"
WHAM
Rarity couldn't even finish her sentence before receiving a good hoof to the face. That swing came out naturally for fluttershy, she no longer had regrets. At Least, that's where she was at the moment, not knowing what was coming for her.
"AND YOUR JUST A PARASITE" fluttershy exclaimed.
The hit, the words, all lead to another deep silence. However, this one was a lot shorter then the other ones in the day. Rarity was fuming, fluttershy was fuming and they were both ready to run straight at each other. However, one needed a last push to tilt her straight to the edge.
"Take it back" was the only thing rarity had to say to fluttershy.
"No" was the only thing fluttershy had to give back.
Rarity growled and took a deep breath and started to focus her magic. Her unicorn horn lighting up in a classic purple hue. Aimed at the mare of her distaste and ready to fire.
"Are you crazy!" fluttershy exclaimed, looking at the beam of light ready to strike her.
A blast of magic from a unicorn is no joke to deal with. At Least, depending on the charge from the user of said spell. So, with that in mind, fluttershy tried to move as quickly as she can get away from the blast.
However, rarity's aim was faster and she managed to get a direct hit to her chest. The impact of the blast sent her flying towards the front of her house. She managed to avoid hitting any part of her house but the blast still floored her.
She needed a moment to catch her breath but rarity was still going after her. Rarity was charging up another blast to hit her with.
"How is this even a fair fight!" fluttershy called out, alongside an inpained cough.
Rarity had a moment of pause at what she said. Her horn was still glowing but not charging at this point. This moment of thought allowed fluttershy to make a break for her door and almost threw herself into that hut.
"Fluttershy!" Rarity exclaimed, realizing that she got away.
Inside fluttershy's hut
Once fluttershy was inside her hut, she collapsed to the floor. needing a moment to put everything together. So, in the heat of pure chaos, she relied on the one constant, the ceiling. She looked up with a blank stare, the calming effect wearing off on her.
"Fluttershy!, open this door!" she heard rarity screaming.
She hit her, she actually hit someone she once called a friend. Her own mortality was put on a backburner with that slap. Her pain was not only external, but internal as well. Rarity said things that were meant to cut her like a knife.
With that idea spinning around in her head, she shed her first tear. However, it wasn't for the reason that anyone would think.
"Why am I so weak…" she trailed off before breaking into a sob.
This was a feeling that she thought was gone in her mind. Something that her growing confidence would push her though. Ever since she made the choice to stay, that feeling was growing slowly. Her choice felt like inaction and inaction was cowardice in her mind.
"Don't…"
A familiar voice rand in fluttershy's head, a voice she hasn't heard in years.
"Don't let.."
Her sobbing was slowing starting to stop and she was piecing together this familiar voice in her head. Something that she was always so supposed during times of harsh conflict. When her sadness was reaching a peak she couldn't jump easily from.
"Weak, coward, are we talking about the same mare?"
When she sniffled, a metallic smell filled her nose. She was bleeding and it was dripping on the floor. She had her doubts about getting up from her sure if she could take on the now called threat outside.
"Let's ignore the time you took on a dragon, being fair and all"
With this fear in her heart, she still made the attempt to stand. Her hooves were shaky but this didn't deter from still making the attempt to stand.
"Even when you scared, you try you hardest everyday to push through that fear!"
She was standing, her stance was still shaky but was improving. However, fluttershy was wearing a new face. It wasn't one of fear or sadness, it was something different. Determination, the will to stand up for herself.
"So, of all things, don't let anypony call you a…"
"You coward, open this door, or i will!" Rarity screamed.
Fluttershy knew what was coming, another blast, one that was gonna shatter the door. With that in mind, she had two choices in her head. Rainbow dash taught her a couple basic things about fighting before she left. One rule defined her fighting style at the moment, disorient and punish.
For her purposes she decided to never activity try for the second goal. She would rather daze and dash then be responsible for massive amounts of hurt. However, when pushed into a corner, that might be what she needs to aim for. For now, she has one plan and it was a decent one. Bait rarity to take her shot and walk in,then take her by surprise.
She quilty made her way to the far left of her front door. Fluttershy took a deep breath and dug her back hoof into her grass floor. Charging up a massive surprise headutt for rarity when she walked through her door. Fluttershy was ready, all she needed was to set the trap.
"Come on then!" fluttershy yelled back.
She could hear rarity charging another blast from behind the door. It made her uneasy but she still decided to keep her ground. She took another breath, most likely the last one she was gonna be taking for awhile.
"Thanks rainbow…" fluttershy said to herself.
Then, on cue, rarity's blast busted a massive hole into her door. Large enough for her to walk through. Rarity cautiously entered her house through the hole she created. Fluttershy saw the seething anger in her. Fluttershy could tell that there was something abnormal about her anger. Like, something was bottling up inside of her for the longest time.
With rarity in her living area, the couch behind her. She decided that this was the perfect spot and decided to charge now. She rammed rarity with a headbutt to the nose, sending her staggering into the couch.
Fluttershy backed away and held a firm stance. Ready for whatever else rarity was going to throw at her. Luck would hope that one hit was enough for her but she wasn't counting on this. Normally she would run but she was dedicated to standing her ground this time.
Rarity was silent, her head was down, blood was lighty dripping from her nose. The hit really did daze her. She was genuinely impressed by what fluttershy was able to pull off. However, that didn't stop from still being frustrated with her. With all of this in her mind, all rarity had for her at the moment was a silent glare. One that expressed all the frustration she was feeling inside at the moment.
"Rarit…" fluttershy was going to call out until rarity interjected.
"Parasite… huh?" Rarity said, still catching her breath.
Part of fluttershy wanted to back away from her strong statement. But it was that statement that gave her the courage to finally face her. So, with that in mind, she really only had one response. She gave a small nod in reply to rarity's question.
Once rarity saw that nod, something else was going through her mind. Her anger became disappointment. Disappointment that another pony close to her had the same word for her. Hearing this again made her want to blast whatever was in front of her. Her horn was even starting to glow again.
Fluttershy gaze was locked on rarity. Waiting for her move. Then, while looking at her, she saw something in rarity. Not just anger but frustration, like there was an impassable wall in front of her. The anger that fluttershy was holding wasn't gone but she could at least relate to this feeling. This was enough for her to at least try a different approach.
"Rarity…" fluttershy said in her usual lower tone.
Rarity remained silent, her horn still glowing and gaze was still locked. There was a decent probability that what she'd say would get her blasted.
"This isn't you" fluttershy stated.
Those words, those stupid and simple words were enough. It wasn't enough for her to fully think but enough to pause. Look at the actions she's currently taking against what used to be her friend. With this pause, her horn's bright glow was starting to dim. With her rage on pause. Another feeling was starting to bubble up, shame.
"Isn't it though?" Rarity asked, her shame bleeding through her cracking voice.
"Not forever, no.." Fluttershy replied, almost like talking in a mirror.
With this exchange, the room became deathly quiet. Both of them unsure what either should do next. Fluttershy was keeping her guard up but hoping for an end to this small conflict. Rarity was just exhausted, tired of being angry at the moment. The clock to the head didn't help didn't help either.
"I didn't… I didn't want to lead him on…" rarity started saying in her own low tone.
Rarity voice broke the silence and gained the attention of the yellow mare. This is a moment she's been waiting years for. The only disappointing part was spike not being around to hear the words.
"It was the way he made me feel… I just couldn't let go of that…"
These words were the last to come from rarity's mouth. The rest of her time was spent groggily lifting herself up. Making her way out fluttershy's home through the same hole she blasted into it. All fluttershy did was watch, watch as she saw rarity's pride slip from her body with every step she took.
She wanted to feel bad but her exhaustion didn't give her a chance for that. As soon as the white mare seemed far enough from her home, she collapsed to the floor. Feeling more tense then she's ever been for the past couple years. She decided to look up at her ceiling and noticed something different.
A small crack, not significant enough to repair but noticeable. For a second it bothered her, hating the small bit of damage. However, the more she looked at it, the less it bothered her. Honestly, the hole in her door probably deserves a bit more attention. She tilted her head towards said hole in her door.
"I'm gonna need a new door…" fluttershy said to herself with a sigh attached.
When she turned her gaze towards the hole, she couldn't look away. It felt like a sign, a sign that wasn't obvious to her. However, she did feel it and that feeling was one of change. Change that she feared but couldn't run away from anymore.
Meanwhile, present time, nightfall, on the train to ponyville
Trains, to trixie, they feel rather ghostly at night. Lighting only comes from the moon outside and small bits of lantern light inside. A majority of the passengers were either quiet or sleepy. The only ones who refused to take any shud eye were the guards for obvious reasons.
Trixie couldn't really grab the same amount of peaceful sleep. Her mind was restless, especially about doing the show. Magic was something she was so passionate about. Remembering times where she would practice her act until nightfall in her traveling carriage.
That trixie feels like a foreign memory to her. That passion was tainted by memories of eventually uncontrollable ego. Forgetting even why she was so passionate about magic in the first place. She's going to need a lot of practice in order to gain even a fraction of that skill back. Even with that in mind, getting an audience that would tolerate her was another thing too.
There were too many factors, spinning around in lulamoon's mind. This restlessness almost made her regret agreeing to do such a show. Then, she remembers the show was a promise kept for a princess. Not just any princess but one she grew to know and respect. Luna pushed through her fears, so why not her.
With all that thinking. Spike finally decided to wake up. Something impressive was how quick he sprung up. Not even needing to stretch or groggily adjust himself to being up. He looked around and then directed his gaze at trixie.
"Hey. you ok?" spike said casually.
"Eh, getting there" trixie replied.
"For once, i think i can say the same thing" spike replied with a sigh of relief
The same words, meant something completely different for spike. With the only thing shackling him to his past being resolved. It's time for spike to make his own impact on the world, find what makes him happy.
Trixie nodded in agreement and let out a small smirk. She returned to looking out her window, seeing the vast amount of land passing by. Before she fully retreated to her window, she took a small glance at spike.
That small glance brought back a flush of warmth. One she hasn't felt in a while and with that she knew. Her act wasn't the only thing she was going to be dealing with. With that, Trixie returned to looking out the window. Both of them decided to have a silent ride, buried in there own plentiful thoughts.
An: hey…. So this took longer then i thought. I wish I had a better excuse for the insane delay of this chapter. Sadly, the only thing i can say is life got in the way. A lot of stuff happened at the same time and it took priority.
While i do not want to jinx the next chapter release by giving a specific release date, i will say this. When the next chapter comes out, it will be chapters. I'm gonna do a chapter bomb and hopefully when said chapters get done, it'll help shorten delays and stuff. So look out in the next upcoming months for that bomb, i promise it will not take as long as this chapter took.
Thank you for still reading, this story has gving me massive practice as a writer and seeing people read it still blows my mind
Thanks
mysterypen