Chapter 35: Green Isn't Your Color
Author's Note: Alright, I know one of you out there has been looking forward to this chapter in particular so I hope you enjoy. I also edited one part of the last chapter, I was kind of torn between taking out the part where Brutus mentions he has a contact that sells ponies in Manehattan, but since someone already commented on it in fimfiction I felt keep it. So have to put it back in the version on before I post this chapter… and done.
Fire looked at his mail one morning and got some pleasing results.
Dear Prince Fire Sword,
Your information proved to be quite useful. The mare trafficking operation in Manehattan has been effectively disbanded.
Fire smirked. After the Diamond Dogs incident a little while ago, his guards had gone through the rest of the tunnels and eventually stumbled on some papers that involved a contact of Brutus' that dealt with the trade of mares for gems in Manehattan. Fire had written to the local police and given this information.
He continued reading the letter.
Over twenty mares were freed from being abused in the most heinous ways. All of the members there we could find are rounded up and being sent to our local prison. Though a few managed to evade capture and escape, including the Pegasus leader Stalpride Soar. We don't know where he might have gone but we hope to catch him and any working with him soon.
Our thanks and those of the mares we rescued,
Manehattan Police Department
Well, it was good news. Mostly. Unfortunately, a few mare traffickers were still at large and might come for other mares in time. Fire shivered in disgust at the thought of mares being sold like property and violated. In times before Celestia's rule, it was said that stallions ruled, but after a great battle it was decided mares would more often assume the leadership roles since they were less violent. Fire sometimes wondered if that had been the right decision. Stallions were stronger, they made up the vast majority of the Royal Guard as there were very few mares among those ranks. But Fire's mother had ruled wisely for a thousand years of peace, so it seemed a mare rulership had not failed in the slightest.
Fire sighed in relief, glad that those mares were safe and hoping fewer would suffer at the hooves of those monstrous stallions. He looked at Swift Cuisine.
"Have a feast prepared for tonight," he told the Pegasus cook before turning to Vine Archer. "And make certain all guards are present, they did a good job finding those papers after we got Rarity and Twinkleshine out. The operation in Manehattan has been dealt a major blow."
"Yes, my prince!" Vine Archer saluted. "Thank you, my prince!"
Fire then smiled. "You know, I think we should summon them now! They've earned a day of celebration for their service, I think. Let's all go to the spa."
Vine Archer smiled. He gathered the other five guards and the seven of them headed out to the Ponyville Spa. As they walked over, Fire was greeted by a welcome sight. Rarity walking down the street toward the spa as well. She wore a blue and green peacock feathered hat today.
"Well, good afternoon, Rarity," Fire greeted.
"Oh um…Prince Fire!" Rarity exclaimed. "I wasn't expecting to see you and all your guards! Are you putting on some sort of march?"
"No," Fire shook his head. "We just decided to the spa to celebrate."
"Well, what a coincidence I was just headed there myself. Flutterhsy and I meet here every week this time."
"Oh, I didn't know," Fire answered honestly.
"Well, seems I'll have another friend to talk to!" Rarity said happily. "You said you were celebrating?"
Fire nodded and was about to tell her-
"Don't tell me!" she put up a hoof. "Let us share our news when we're all nice and relaxed.
"Very well," Fire agreed.
He led her and his guards the rest of the way toward the spa then used his red magic to open the door then stepped aside.
"Ladies first!" he said gesturing to the opening.
"What a gentlecolt," Rarity said kindly as she stepped in.
Fire followed and they both found Fluttershy sitting in the lobby reading a magazine.
"So sorry, Fluttershy. I hate being late for our weekly get-together," Rarity said as she levitated her headdress off. "But Fire and his guards will be joining as well."
"Oh, how nice," Fluttershy replied.
Rarity then turned to the spa ponies. "The usual!
The spa ponies quickly got 'the usual' for Rarity up and running. Rarity was a regular customer so they knew her well. Hot water was poured over stones, all the ponies were dressed in robes provided by the spa. Rarity also wrapped her mane in a towel.
"So, Fire what happened to make you wish to celebrate?" Rarity asked.
"Well, the police in Manehattan put a stop to that big Mare Trafficking Operation my guards uncovered," Fire told them.
"Oh, that is wonderful," Fluttershy said. "The less cruelty there is in the world, the more kindness can shine!"
"Good news indeed! Those kinds of ruffians are the worst!" Rarity agreed. "It's actually even better than my good news!"
"And what is that?" Fire asked.
"Well, I was on my way here, wearing my latest hat creation," Rarity said, referring to the hat she'd had on when they crossed paths. "When who should stop me on the street but Photo Finish!?"
"Photo Finish?" Fluttershy repeated.
The steam poured again.
"Five-minute silence for relaxation!" Rarity declared as she let herself relax.
They all soon received mud masks of various sizes. Rarity's covered her entire face while Fluttershy's was minimal and only on her cheeks. Fire meanwhile got a moderate amount on his face that was just right he felt. The other stallions passed, but Fire knew that mud masks had good benefits for skin. He could do it now and then.
Rarity then told them about Photo Finish. "She is the most famous fashion photographer in all of Equestria."
The spa ponies put cucumbers over her eyes. "Anywho, she saw my hat and said it was absolutely marvelous!"
"What a lovely compliment," Fluttershy said.
"She was so impressed that she wants to take some pictures of my shop featuring some of my clothes!" Rarity exclaimed as one of the spa ponies took a filing instrument to her horn to smooth it out.
Fire raised his hoof at the other spa pony who was just politely turned down by Fluttershy. She made her way over and smoothed out his hooves instead.
"That's wonderful," Fluttershy replied.
"Yeah."
After their smoothing treatments, they got massages, Rarity and Fire receiving a heavy pounding massage while Fluttershy a calm light one. Half of Fire's guards had to wait as there were only so many workers in the spa at a time.
"Do you know what this could mean for my fashion career?" Rarity asked with a vibrating voice as she was massaged.
"It will be really good that's what," Fire said.
"Exactly," Rarity agreed.
"Oh, Rarity, I'm so happy for you," Fluttershy said.
Rarity was then wrapped in seaweed wrap before entering a literal mud bath. "But I'm going to need somepony fabulous to model for me. Somepony with beauty. Somepony with grace. Somepony... like you?"
Fluttershy stammered at that. She took some time to think about and didn't reply until she cleaned off the mud.
"Oh, goodness. I don't know."
"Oh, this is such a huge opportunity. And it would mean so much to me!" Rarity said.
"Rarity-" Fire tried to say.
Fluttershy, meanwhile, tried to get out of it. "I'm flattered, really."
"Nopony is going to have your elegance and poise."
Fluttershy continued to try and object. "But...
"Rarity you have-
"Nopony!" Rarity insisted.
Fluttershy looked down. "There has to be somepony more quali-"
"Please!" Rarity begged.
"Somepony more into fashion."
"Please!"
"Somepony more comfortable in the spotlight."
Rarity looked desperate now and drew out the big guns, or big begs. "Please, please, pleeease!"
Fluttershy finally relented. "Oh, if it's that important to you, of course I'll do it."
Rarity was relieved. "Oh, thank you thank you thank you thank you! You are the best friend a pony could ever have!"
Fire frowned. "You know Rarity, you have beauty, grace, and poise. I'm sure you could do it yourself."
Rarity smiled at him. "Thank you, Prince Fire. But Fluttershy just has more of it!"
Fluttershy sighed in relief when they left the spa. "What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon."
"Isn't it?" Rarity asked cheerfully. "Though I was so afraid you wouldn't agree to model for me that I felt completely frazzled. I think I feel a pimple coming on. Oh! Only one solution!"
She went back to the spa.
"She was just there," Fire said.
"Rarity can be a bit dramatic at times," Fluttershy said.
Fire nodded. "You sure you're okay with modeling? I mean, I know you're shy and don't really want to be in the spotlight."
"I'll be okay," Fluttershy said. "It's just once. I can do that for a friend."
Fire smiled. "I'm sure you can."
He returned to Warm Heart Tower where he and his guards enjoyed a fine dinner.
Fire raised his golden goblet. "To the mares you all helped save when you searched the Diamond Dog's tunnels! To happiness and friendship in Equestria! To all of you! All for one!"
"And one for all!" the guards finished.
They drank their cups.
"I'm glad we finally got to do something, even if we missed the fight with the Diamond Dogs," Silver Javelin said.
"But the police in Manehattan will get the real glory," Vine Archer said.
"Doesn't matter," Fire said. "We helped save those mares in our way as well. It was a group effort."
…
The next day he joined Rarity, Twilight, Pinkie and Spike at Rarity's boutique to help with the preparations for Photo Finish. Fluttershy was being put into a black and pink dress with a ribbon covered in feathers on her head.
"Hm..." Rarity hummed as she looked at the Pegasus standing on the table. "She's going to want to see attitude and pizzazz."
"A-a-attitude and, um... pizzazz," Fluttershy repeated.
"More light!" Rarity demanded. "It has to catch the sequins just so or the whole outfit is just a disaster."
Twilight who was in charge of the light for the spotlight, shined more on Fluttershy with a glow of her horn.
"Oh, and the headdress needs more feathers. Pinkie Pie! More feathers!"
Pinkie Pie brought over a basket full of pink feathers which Rarity added.
"And sequins! More sequins!" Rarity demanded.
Spike skipped over with another basket full of sequins. Rarity added that to Fluttershy then demanded more ribbon. For a moment she changed her mind but then went back to the ribbon.
The unicorn examined her work as Fluttershy stood on the center table. Rarity narrowed her eyes as she looked at the back of Fluttershy's dress. "Oh, this hem is completely off. Pincushion!"
Spike ran off and returned a moment later using himself as a pin cushion. He looked like he was in pain, but Rarity didn't seem to see it as she took the pins.
At least she soon thanked them. "Thank you all for helping me. I'm sorry to be so short with you, but I'm... I'm just so nervous."
Spike crawled backwards toward the other three ponies. He didn't take his eyes off Rarity but the pin cushions were still in his back.
Twilight looked at him in concern. "Oh, doesn't that hurt?"
Spike got up and smiled. "Thick scales. Can't feel a thing."
He continued to look at Rarity with a lovestruck set of eyes. "And even if I could, there is no pain that would keep me from assisting the most beautiful creature in the world."
Twilight groaned while Fire rolled his eyes. That dragon was so lovesick. Too bad she'd never date him, or Fire for that matter.
Spike then turned to them. "I'm gonna tell you three a secret. Well, you already know, Fire. But you have to promise not to tell anyone."
"Uh okay."
"I promise," Twilight grinned.
Pinkie Pie made her own version of a promise. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.
Spike waited till they were all super close and whispered, "I have a crush on Rarity!"
Pinkie Pie gasped while Fire and Twilight just frowned in annoyance.
"We won't say a word!" Pinkie promised on their behalf after covering her mouth to prevent herself from saying anything.
"Give me a break," Twilight grumbled. "Everypony already knows how you-
Pinkie got up in her face. "Twilight! You promised Spike you wouldn't say anything. He trusts you. And losing a friend's trust is the fastest way to lose a friend forever!"
She pointed at Spike who looked at them with puppy dog eyes.
"But-" Twilight tried to object.
" Forever!" Pinkie repeated with a glare.
Fire stood between Twilight and Pinkie. "Well, I didn't promise anything. So, I'm gonna say this promise is pointless Spike! Everypony already knows it!"
"Well, at least don't tell Rarity!" Spike begged.
"I think I can manage that," Fire relented.
Twilight could agree. "My lips are sealed. Though I'm pretty sure Rarity is gonna pick up on your feelings."
She gestured to a shirt Spike was suddenly wearing out of the blue, it was white with a red heart that featured Rarity in the center. Before any of them could talk further, the bell rung as somepony came in.
The new arrival was a blue pony with a silver mane wearing a black and white dress and glasses over her eyes. "I, Photo Finish... have arrived."
She spoke in a heavy accent while doing poses and flicking her tail.
Rarity approached the photographer pony. "Let me just say, what an honor!"
Photo Finish merely walked past her and looked at Fluttershy on the top table. But then she noticed Fire.
"Well, the Prince of Equestria himself!" Photo finished greeted. "This could work even better."
"We begin... now!"
One of her attending ponies put her suitcase in front of her and Photo pressed a button on it to reveal it was actually her large camera which sprang to life for her to take pictures.
Rarity rushed over to Fluttershy who looked nervous. "Attitude and pizzazz!" she directed.
Photo took a photo, which was so bright it forced Fluttershy to close her eyes. She took more pictures and Fluttershy made various nervous expressions with each click of the camera.
The photographer looked quite pleased. "Yes! Show Photo Finish something!"
Fluttershy stood up on her hind legs in an elegant pose.
"No!"
Fluttershy stood down in a shy pose and Photo Finish gave a prolonged, "Yeees."
Fluttershy tried to follow Rarity's poses which she gave from beside Photo. They looked elegant, but Photo Finish merely said no for every pose Fluttershy copied and receded to a shy pose which was instantly approved.
"Enough!" Photo put a hoof up and closed her camera which was quickly picked up by her attendant.
As Photo walked past them, Twilight muttered. "She hardly took any pictures."
"I'm so sorry. I tried my best," Fluttershy apologized as Rarity took off her headdress.
"Well, the headdress is too big for you and cape had too much sparkle," Rarity voiced. "I can't believe I ever thought Icould impress her."
Photo Finish suddenly appeared back in front of them in a flash. "It seems that I, Photo Finish, have found the next fashion star here in Ponyville!"
Rarity's eyes lit up. "Really?"
"Yes. Really. And I, Photo Finish, am going to help her to shineall over Eqvestria," the photographer spread a hoof as she spoke.
Rarity was pleased to hear that.
"Tomorrow, a photo shoot in ze park," Photo Finish said with a dramatic pause before finishing with, "I go!"
And she was out of there as quickly as she came back, her attendants following.
Rarity watched her go through the open door of her shop. "Did you hear that? I am going to "shine all over Equestria".
Fluttershy was relieved. "Oh, Rarity. I was so worried I'd ruined everything."
"Oh, never. I knew you'd be perfect," Rarity assured as she giggled excitedly.
"Uh… Rarity?" Fire said.
"Yes Fire?" Rarity asked.
"You realize that-
"This is the best of my life? Yes!" Rarity said while bouncing up and down like Pinkie.
She didn't notice she was bouncing on Spike's tail, causing him to alternate between pained expressions and happy eyes for Rarity.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I must prepare!"
She shoved Fire, Twilight, Pinkie and Spike out. They landed in a pile outside the shop.
Fire grunted from the bottom of the pile. "I was gonna say if Fluttershy is the one modeling then she'll be the one picked to shine across all of Equestria."
"Oh, don't kid yourself, Fire!" Spike dismissed. "Rarity is twice as pretty as Fluttershy! Photo Finish will pick her no problem."
Fire rolled his eyes at the dragon's obliviousness.
…
The next morning, Fire went out on his patrol and saw Rarity and Fluttershy in the park. Rarity had Fluttershy in a white outfit lined with sapphires. Photo Finish then arrived, carried by two mopey looking Pegasi on a carrier like royalty.
She took one look at Fluttershy's outfit and said, "Oh, no no no no no no no. The model should be in something simple!"
She turned around and walked towards the trees which she looked at as she said. "Something inspired by... the nature!"
Rarity nodded. "That's just what I was thinking. Um... give me a moment and I'll, uh, put a little something together."
"Yes... that will not be necessary," Photo Finish said.
"But... but... how are you going to help me "shine across Equestria" if I don't design something new for these pictures?" Rarity asked in dismay.
Photo Finish looked at her. "I am not going to help youshine across Equestria."
She then pointed to Fluttershy. "I am going to help hershine. She is my star."
The attendants pushed Fluttershy toward Photo Finish as the Pegasus was frozen in shock.
Photo then turned toward Fire. "Your highness, it would very much help her to rise if you would be so kind as to put on a show of her being your marefriend!"
Fire gritted his teeth. "Me?"
"Yes you! You are royalty! Having a prince pose as her coltfriend would boost her popularity even more I daresay!"
"I uh-"Fire stammered.
Photo didn't wait for an answer as she turned to Rarity. "You! Go!"
Rarity gasped as she heard this.
Fire walked over. "I tried to tell you. If Fluttershy was the one modeling Photo Finish would be helping her shine not you."
"Oh, how could I have been so short sighted?" Rarity lamented. "I should have volunteered myself. But Fluttershy just has so much grace and beauty."
"So do you!" Fire reminded her.
"Yet whenever I tried to give Fluttershy pointers it was rejected," Rarity reminded him.
"Because those don't suit her," Fire told her. "She's shy, and that suits her. Elegance suits you most of all. Now you've probably…"
"Blown the opportunity… I know," Rarity said before walking after Fluttershy.
"I was gonna say put Fluttershy in a position she might not like," Fire said.
"Oh, don't be silly, how could she not like it?" Rarity asked.
Fire hoofplanted. Fluttershy was… shy. Fire couldn't see her enjoying this occupation. Rarity got her outfit back from Fluttershy who was put into a new green dress lined with flowers. It had a slight resemblance to the dress Rarity had made for the Grand Galloping Gala and suited her better.
Fluttershy approached Rarity and Fire to tell them, "I can't."
Rarity looked at her. "Oh, but you must, Fluttershy. Photo Finish wants to make you a star."
"Fluttershy-" Fire started.
"This is the opportunity of a lifetime. I know we were both hoping it would be my lifetime, but nonetheless you can't throw away this chance. You must do this for me. You must. You must! You must!"
"Rarity!" Fire exclaimed.
"Floottershy!" Photo Finish called, mispronouncing the mare's name. "It is time to make... the magics!"
She then turned to Fire. "Have you made up your mind on whether you will pose as her coltfriend or not?"
Fire looked at the two mares.
"Please do it, Fire!" Rarity told him. "It will surely help her views!"
Fluttershy hesitated. "Um… I think I could use some support Fire. This is so very nerve wracking."
Fire sighed. He couldn't leave her to face this alone. "Alright."
He nodded to Photo Finish.
"Very good!" she said. "But we need something more suited for you to wear. Something… royal-like!"
Fire got his armor and crown on and returned. "Will this do?"
"Very good! A proper prince of Equestria!" Photo said with a nod. "That suits you much more than a simple Sheriff's uniform! Now Flootershy, come to your prince!"
Fluttershy walked over nervously.
"Oh, wunderbar! You are like a delicate flower. So much more alluring without all those sparkles und feathers."
She took her place by Fire's side.
"Now your highness! If you would please put your wing around her! You are her devoted protector!" Photo exclaimed.
She was less ordering toward him and made her commands out to be a request, thanks to his royal status. Fire complied and put a wing around Fluttershy.
"Lean closer! Like you are nuzzling!" Photo commanded.
They did so, blushing at the close contact.
"Magnifico!" Photo said with a smile. "That should be enough to get her started, your highness! I won't take up any more of your time today! She and I on the other hoof have much work to do! I will send word when I require your aid again."
Fire looked at Fluttershy. "You sure you're okay with this? You shouldn't force yourself!"
"I have to do it for Rarity," Fluttershy said.
"I know just what to call this latest headline!" Photo Finished declared. "The Prince and his Pretty Pegasus!"
Fire sighed. "Now everyponies gonna think we're dating."
"I say she is quite worthy of you, your highness!" Photo said. "So simple, yet perfect! And she counters you perfectly, delicate on strong!"
Fire rolled his eyes. Seemed everypony was shipping him with one of his friends. First his mother had shipped him with Twilight, then Scootaloo wanted him with Rainbow Dash, now Photo Finish was shipping him with Fluttershy. What was next? Pinkie? Applejack? Well, at least she had a coltfriend.
He walked Rarity back to her shop and asked. "Are you okay?"
She shook her head. "No, I am not!"
Fire sighed. "I know this didn't go according to plan."
"No, it didn't. Why couldn't I see I needed to be the one to model and not Fluttershy? It was such a simple thing. I just felt I needed perfection and Fluttershy seemed to qualify."
"Rarity, you are beautiful, graceful, and generous," Fire encouraged.
Rarity sighed. "Thank you, Fire. But this doesn't change the fact that I was not chosen."
She went back to her shop and dropped off her dresses then made her way back up to her room where she had her sewing machine and began quickly sewing a piece of all black fabric as Fire watched.
"So, you think sewing is gonna make you feel better?" Fire asked.
"Maybe not," she admitted. "But I feel I should have something sad to wear since I'm in mourning."
Fire sighed and was about to try something when the door opened and Pinkie, Spike, and Twilight entered.
"How'd it go? How'd it go?" Pinkie asked as she bounced excitedly.
Rarity looked at them as she grabbed her new mourning outfit and put it on. "It didn't. Photo Finish wanted to work with Fluttershy, not me."
They looked at her in sadness.
"Oh, Rarity. I'm so sorry," Twilight said before asking. "Is there anything we can do?"
"I just vant to be alone right now," Rarity told them with a noticeable v in the word want as she pulled up the black hood.
Fire approached her. "Rarity, I think that's the last thing you need right now."
"Yeah, we're here for you Rarity," Twilight said as she, Pinkie and Spike approached.
They all hugged Rarity as a group and she managed a smile.
"Oh, thank you all, this does make me feel a bit better," Rarity said as she leaned into Fire's embrace, causing him to blush and smile.
Spike threw a frown up at that, wish she had leaned into him instead.
Over the next few days, things were all about Fluttershy. She showed up in front of town hall in a fancy carriage and walked on a red carpet. Merchandise like the apples at Sweet Apple Acres was sold in her image, and Rainbow Dash even flew a Fluttershy banner through the sky.
Fire also got an earful later on.
"YOU ARE DATING FLUTTERHY?" Moondancer yelled at him as she asked.
She'd not paid much attention to the magazines in Canterlot but Twinkleshine, being the fashionable pony of the unicorn mares that lived there, eventually showed her the magazine titled "The Prince and the Prettiest Pegasus."
"No!" Fire denied. "Photo Finish just made that up to make her look even more fabulous!"
Moondancer frowned. "I want to hear that from her!"
They went and searched for Fluttershy. They didn't have to search long as they spotted her fleeing from a mob of admirers looking to take pictures both on the ground and in the sky. Fire flew after her.
"Fluttershy!" he called.
She didn't hear him as she fled and went inside Carousel Boutique where Rarity was working. Fire tried to get in but it was such a big crowd and he couldn't force his way in. Well, he could but he'd rather not.
Fire sighed. "Well, can't verify it right now."
"She didn't look to happy about it," Moondancer noted, apparently putting their earlier quarrel aside.
"No, she didn't," Fire agreed. "Rarity and Fluttershy are due for a time at the spa soon. They do it every week. We'll meet them there and she can tell you there's nothing going on."
Moondancer nodded. "Alright, but you're lucky you're handsome and are always there for me. Otherwise, I might not have given you the benefit of the doubt."
They headed to the spa and asked what time Fluttershy and Rarity usually arrived. It wasn't too long so they waited. Rarity soon arrived but Fluttershy didn't.
"Oh Rarity, I guess you'll do," Fire said.
Rarity looked at him with a frown on her face. "I'll do? What do you mean?"
"You were there when Photo Finish suggested I take a picture with Fluttershy to make it look like we were dating," Fire told her.
"Is it true?" Moondancer asked.
"Yes," Rarity said nervously.
"Oh, good. When Twinkleshine showed me the paper with Fluttershy and Fire on the front page I thought he'd decided to leave me for her," Moondancer said before adding. "I know we're not really together yet but we have gone out a couple times, right?"
"Yeah," Fire acknowledged. "But we can probably call it official after the Grand Galloping Gala… maybe?"
She nodded. "Sounds good to me!"
"Well, I'm going to wait for Fluttershy to come," Rarity said.
They all soaked in the hot water relaxing. But Fluttershy did not come for a long while. Twilight did however.
"Oh, hey Twilight," Fire said as she entered the bath chamber.
"Hey, enjoying yourselves?" Twilight asked as she approached.
Rarity looked at her in dismay. "My hooves are getting positively pruney, I've been waiting here so long."
She showed them her hooves which were indeed very pruney. Fire and Moondancer both checked theirs as well and found them in a similar state.
"Obviously Fluttershy's just too busy with her new careerto spend time with her best friend," Rarity lamented.
"I'm sure she just got tied up," Twilight tried to reason.
"Of course she did," Rarity agreed crossly before raising her hooves. "She's a big bright shining star! I wish that star would burn out."
"Rarity! Fluttershy is your friend!" Twilight exclaimed pointing at her.
"I know, I know," Rarity said in regret. "And I should be happy for her, but instead I'm just... jealous! Oh, please promise you all won't tell her I feel this way. Please, please, please please please!"
"Sure Rarity," Fire said reluctantly.
"You have my word. Losing a friend's trust is the fastest way to lose a friend," Twilight said, repeating what Pinkie had told them a while ago.
Coincidentally, Pinkie Pie appeared there out of nowhere. Her head appeared out of a bucket of sponges nearby and she cried, "Forever!"
Rarity climbed out of the spa, as did Fire and Moondancer. They dried themselves off behind concealing structures and then came out nice and refreshed. Though Rarity took it a step further by appearing in a lovely red and white dress with a peach hem adorned with red flowers.
"Wow! You look great!" Twilight complimented.
"Yes, very lovely," Fire said.
"Uh, yeah," Moondancer agreed with a small frown as she looked from Fire to Rarity.
"Fluttershy may be the one who's famous, but that doesn't mean I have to stop looking fabulous," Rarity said patting her mane before walking out elegantly.
Twilight relaxed in the water as Moondancer turned to Fire. "Well, now that the misunderstanding is up I suppose I should go and see the others from Canterlot."
"See you later," Fire said. "I'm gonna stay just a little longer and see if Fluttershy-
At that moment, Fluttershy flew in looking frantic. "Rarity! I'm so sorry I'm..."
She didn't see the white unicorn and realized aloud, "Oh no. She's already gone, isn't she?"
"Sorry," Twilight confirmed.
"Oh, I can't believe this. I am so frustrated, I could just scream," Fluttershy said as she took a deep breath and let out a… very low-pitched scream that was more like a mere squeak.
"Feel better?" Twilight asked.
Fluttershy sighed and said, "No."
She looked around at the three of them. "Can I tell you all something?"
"Of course," Twilight said.
"What is it, Fluttershy?" Fire asked.
"Just promise not to tell Rarity?" Fluttershy asked.
"Why? Is it to do with your modeling?" Fire asked.
"Yes," Fluttershy confessed.
"I can keep a secret, Fluttershy," Moondancer promised.
"I can too," Fire said.
"I swear," Twilight agreed.
"Pinkie Pie Swear?" Fluttershy asked to be sure.
Twilight did the motions as she spoke. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my… ow!"
She'd poked herself in the eye as she did the cupcake in the eye part.
Fluttershy then told them. "I don't like being a model. No, I hatebeing a model. All this attention is awful, just awful. And I'm only doing it because Rarity told me I must. I must! I must!"
She sighed then looked down and gave one last. "I must."
Twilight's eyes widened. "Oh, really?"
She then gestured for Fluttershy to lean in closer. "Well... If you wanna know the truth, Rarity...
Pinkie Pie suddenly popped out from the bowl of sponges once again, glaring at Twlight then shaking her head and running a hoof across her mouth to say 'keep quiet'. It was a clear warning not to break a pinkie promise. Both mares looked at her in shock before she retreated back into the bowl and vanishing.
"How does she do that?" Moondancer asked.
"No idea," Fire said. "Pinkie is an odd pony. I don't think even the most intelligent mind can figure her out. She throws away all logic."
Fluttershy turned to Twilight. "Oh, what were you about to say?
Pinkie Pie popped back out and mouthed. "Forever!"
"Nothing!" Twilight said.
Fire put a hoof to his chin in thought, then an idea clicked. "Fluttershy, if you hate being a model you should tell Rarity the truth."
"Oh, I could never do such a thing. Rarity would be devastated," Fluttershy said.
"Rarity would not want you to do something she knew you hated!" Fire objected. "Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself and your feelings. I'll be right by your side."
"Really?" Fluttershy asked.
Fire nodded. Fluttershy hugged him. "Oh, thank you! Thank you! I could just kiss you right now, Fire!"
Fire blushed at that before Moondancer grabbed him by the hoof.
"Don't even think about it!" she said as she dragged Fire off.
"Hey wait, I need to help her!" Fire said.
Moondancer let him go. "I suppose! But don't let her kiss you. Promise me that."
"I won't," Fire said with a nervous grin as he recalled that had happened during Hearth's Warming when Rainbow Dash and Pinkie had tried to prank him and Rarity only for it to backfire and him kissing Fluttershy first.
Fire waited for the yellow Pegasus and then walked her to Carousel Boutique. She had to wear a hat and glasses to avoid being recognized. They knocked on the door and Rarity soon answered.
"Oh, Fire, Fluttershy," the unicorn greeted.
Fire cleared his throat. "Fluttershy has something she needs to tell you."
Fluttershy walked forward and Rarity looked at her.
"Rarity…" the Pegasus started slowly.
She hesitated and looked at Fire who nodded. That gave her the courage to stand up for herself.
"I don't like being a model! I hate it!"
"What?" Rarity exclaimed. "But-but I thought you loved the idea of it!"
"No Rarity!" Fire yelled. "You love the idea of it! But Fluttershy is not you! She is shy! She doesn't like being in the spotlight and the attention that comes with it."
Rarity gasped. "Oh, Fluttershy! Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was afraid you would be mad," Fluttershy answered. "You kept begging and-
"You shouldn't force somepony to be what you want them to be," Fire told Rarity. "You begged Fluttershy to do it and you know she can't stand to let anypony down!"
"Oh, Fluttershy I'm so sorry! I should never have forced you to do that!" Rarity exclaimed. "I was so blind by the fact that I wanted to be a model that I didn't think of how you might feel. I also should have modeled myself rather than ask you to do it. Though given Photo Finish's reaction to your appearances perhaps she would not have liked my poses either."
"Your poses are yours," Fire said. "Maybe she would have liked them coming from you."
"Well, I'm glad you understand. I should have been honest with you about my feelings," Fluttershy said.
"You know I was feeling jealous about it!" Rarity said. "But now I don't have to be."
"Now I can just tell Photo Finish I don't want to model anymore. I'm sure she'll understand," Fluttershy said.
…
"Nooooo!" Photo Finish screamed when they all went to see her in the inn she was staying at. "I already scheduled one final show here in Ponyville! Then I was going to take you on a tour all around Equestria!"
"That's um… very kind of you, Miss Finish," Fluttershy replied kindly. "But I don't like being a model. I'm shy, all this attention is just too much."
"Oh," Photo Finish said looking down. "I see. Well, I have no desire to make a model that would be an unhappy pony while doing it. I can cancel the tour of Equestria, but everypony knows that you are to make a final show here tomorrow! They've paid and everything! It will be such a letdown when you do not show up. Will you not consider doing one final show? We can make it a farewell performance."
Fluttershy hesitated and looked at Fire and Rarity. "Well, I don't want to let anypony down."
"You do what makes you happy, Fluttershy," Rarity insisted. "And we will support you no matter what. Although, I would like to see you give a final performance as I didn't get to see the last few."
"Yeah, your friends are right here with you," Fire said.
She smiled. "Thank you, I suppose one more performance won't kill me."
"Not at all, my dear," Photo Finish said. "I'll even let you speak to the audience and voice your feelings. I'm sure they will understand."
Fluttershy lay on her belly in fright. "Oh, I can't speak to a crowd!"
Fire put a hoof on her. "Leave that to me."
He helped her up as she smiled. "Thank you, Fire."
"He certainly is protective of you, I see," Photo Finish noted.
"I care about all my friends," Fire told her. "Though she needs a little extra help every so often."
"And you provide help whenever things turn against us," Rarity said.
"Well, I must prepare your last performance, and then find a new mare to take your place," Photo Finish said.
"Ooh! Would you consider me?" Rarity raised her hoof.
"We have enough unicorns like you! They are everywhere in Canterlot!" Photo Finish said. "I must have something rare!"
Rarity scowled. "Rare? I'll have you know I am a Rarity myself!"
"Don't mind her Rarity," Fire said. "We see you for the Rarity you are."
"Oh," Rarity blushed and put a hoof to her heart. "Thank you, Fire."
Fire turned to Fluttershy. "We'll be there at the final show. Just do your best."
"I don't really have to do anything," Fluttershy said. "They just like me for being me. Oh, what if they want me to continue."
"I'll just tell them you aren't comfortable. If they like you for you, they are true fans and will accept your decision."
Fluttershy smiled.
…
Fire walked to Carousel Boutique the next day and Rarity emerged in a lovely brand-new outfit. It was a three-layered cape that was primarily reddish purple with a blue periwinkle collar, the second layer matched the collar, and the last layer was a bright pink. They all added a nice contrast to each other were adorned with both diamond shaped embroidery and gemstones. Rarity also wore a matching pink feathered headdress on her head with her mane tied in a high loop.
Fire's mouth fell open at the sight of Rarity. "Wow, is that your latest creation?"
She nodded. "I made it once I recovered from my sadness over Fluttershy being picked over me. I wanted something to help me really shine like a diamond."
Fire smiled. "Well, I think it certainly does, might suit you the best out of all your outfits. Very beautiful, as always."
Rarity blushed. "Oh, thank you, Fire. I can always count on you to cheer me up or give a lovely compliment."
"Well, shall we go see Fluttershy's last performance?" Fire asked extending his hoof.
"We shall, my prince," Rarity agreed taking his hoof. "Oh, um, sorry. You aren't exactly my prince since you're going out with Moondancer! Not me."
"It's alright," Fire said.
He led her to the building where Fluttershy was doing her last show. As they walked, Fire looked at her.
"Um... I wanted to apologize for blowing up at you yesterday," Fire said.
She looked at him. "Oh, it's alright. You were just helping Fluttershy after all. And it was very unfair of me to put her in such a position I should have realized she would not enjoy. I was thinking of my business and what I wanted rather than my friend's feelings. I should apologize as well. If I'd just listened to you this whole mess might have been avoided and Fluttershy wouldn't have had to go through that. I also encouraged you to pose as her coltfriend and got you in trouble with Moondancer. I'm sorry."
"It's alright, everything is fine now. I suppose when it's something we're passionate about we can be blind to other things," Fire said. "You have a lot of big dreams Rarity, being a model, fashion designer for my mother, or princess yourself. But don't let those big dreams take precedence over your friendship."
"And what do you want out of life Fire Sword?" Rarity asked.
Fire sighed. "Well, you know I've always been a warrior. I imagine I'll one day rule a part of Equestria. This is probably a stepping-stone for that. But I also wouldn't mind becoming a champion of Equestria who protects it from threats."
"Very noble of you," Rarity said.
"And eventually I want to find the right mare and have foals of my own."
"Well, I'm sure it will work out between you and Moondancer," Rarity told him.
"Maybe," Fire said uncertainly. "We're not exactly living in a fairy tale where everything's perfect you know."
"Perhaps not, but a mare can dream," Rarity said.
Fire just hoped her dreams weren't crushed when she met Blueblood. He opened the door for her as they arrived at the show and stood in the back of the crowd as Fluttershy stepped out on stage. Photo Finish took pictures with a sad look and Fluttershy just reacted naturally, squinting eyes every time a picture was taken.
"Oh, what perfect grace," Photo Finish muttered sadly. "Pity it will not last."
She took several more pictures and then stepped onto the stage with Fluttershy.
"Everypony, I hope you enjoyed Flootershy's performance. But I'm afraid I have news."
Everpony looked at her expectantly, eager to hear what the Pegasus had to say. Fluttershy shook as she looked at the crowd and turned away as Fire flew up to speak on her behalf.
"She is quitting being a model!" he said once faced the crowd.
They all gasped.
"But she is so wonderful and fabulous!" one of the mares said.
"Graceful and beautiful."
"She's perfect!"
Other ponies were likewise disappointed. Fire felt a little nervous, it never felt good to let everypony down. But as his mother had taught him when she let him listen in on her speeches.
"Listen everypony, Fluttershy is probably the prettiest and definitely the kindest pegasus I know. But she is shy! She doesn't like being the center of attention, no offense to all of you! But she would never be happy as model."
"Aww!" the ponies lamented.
"Well, we certainly wouldn't want her to pursue a career where she is uncomfortable," one of the stallions said.
Fire suddenly felt Fluttershy take his hoof, and he looked at her. She smiled at him before facing the crowd, with a burst of determination.
"I am sorry to disappoint you all but it's true! I don't like being a model and all the attention that comes with it," she told them before adding. "But you all have been a wonderful audience, so I suppose I should thank you all for being my fans in this brief career."
Fire nodded in approval.
"And I must also thank my dear friend Prince Fire Sword for standing up for me when I can't do it myself," Fluttershy said as she nuzzled him.
"You're welcome, Fluttershy," Fire said wrapping a hoof around her. "You are probably the prettiest Pegasus I know, and just as kind. I'll always be there for you my dear friend."
"Thank you," Fluttershy said with a blush.
"Dear friend? I thought you were dating?" one of the attending mares asked.
"That was just something I made up to boost her attention," Photo Finish admitted.
"So, she's single?" a stallion asked, intrigued before asking Fluttershy directly. "Are you?"
"Um, yes," Fluttershy replied.
"Would you go out with me?" he asked eagerly. "You don't have to be a model! You just have to be a great mare! And you sound like one of the best!"
"Uh, let's take this one step at a time," Fire said putting a wing around Fluttershy. "I think she's been through enough this past week."
He then looked at the photographer pony, "Photo Finish, good luck finding another star to shine across Equestria."
"Oh, um... thank you, your highness!" She replied. "It will be quite a task, I daresay!"
Fire nodded, agreeing it would be hard to find somepony like Fluttershy.
He turned to her, "Come Fluttershy, we don't need you to spend any more time in front of a crowd then necessary."
"Oh, it's not so bad when I have a supporting friend by my side," Fluttershy said as he flew her off the stage. "But I'm glad it's over now. No more modeling for me."
"How about we have a feast at my place tonight to celebrate?" Fire suggested.
"Oh, and a spa treatment!" Rarity said as she joined them on the way out.
"I could go for that," Fire agreed as he led the two well-dressed mares out.
…
Little did they know, a certain group of stallions were watching them as they made their way out from the crowd.
"That Fluttershy is quite attractive," one of them, an chestnut Earth Pony with the cutie mark of a cracked doorknob said. "Don't you think so, Charm Sin?"
"Oh yes Rough Handle," Charm Sin, a grayish brown unicorn who had a black charm mark on his flank said. "Very attractive indeed. But that other one with the prince is pretty breathtaking too. Don't you think, Stalpride?"
The Pegasus member of their group, their leader, Stalpride Soar, smiled sinisterly. He was a dark brown Pegasus with a cutie mark of a pair of wings on either side of a blue arrow that represented the male gender. Currently he had a blue hat and dark glasses over his silver mane and eyes.
"Yes. My operation in Manehattan was busted, but getting a couple mares like them could really turn things around. They'll learn their rightful place is beneath us stallions. As will all one day. We will see the ancient power of the male ponies restored! Those soft mares are too kind hearted and weak. Celestia has been in power for far too long, and we'll put a new ruler on the throne. Then every mare will be our slaves!"