Chapter 11

Carousel Boutique, Ponyville

Nightwing flew through the second story window and landed in Rarity’s workshop. He spotted the rather tired looking mare sitting on her haunches while rubbing her head. Nightwing was concerned that she was working far too hard and his suspicions were proven correct when he saw at least two dozen varieties of intimate wear littered about the room. He was no doctor but he knew that it was possible for unicorns to overexert their magic, which caused extremely painful headaches. Not wanting to agitate the mare, Nightwing gently nudged her shoulder with his wing.

“Hey Ms. Belle are you alright?”

Rarity squinted. “Oh hmm…is that you Captain? I’m terribly sorry but I have a rather nasty headache.”

“You really should take it easy. I think you’ve worked on enough clothing for today. Why don’t you take a break?”

Rarity looked around the room. “Ah yes I think I did get a bit carried away. Perhaps a break is in order.”

“Your creations certainly are…colorful.”

“I was inspired darling, it happens. Unfortunately I sometimes can’t stop myself from being inspired as it were and I end up overexerting myself. What I wouldn’t give for Dusk’s magical abilities!”

Rarity tried to walk but ended up stumbling. Nightwing quickly shot out his wing to steady her. Despite having a terrible headache she still managed a sheepish squeak accompanied by a blush.

“Whoa now don’t try to walk too fast. I wouldn’t want you to fall and hurt yourself even worse.”

Rarity huffed. “I feel like such a foal, letting myself get carried away like that! For heaven’s sake I should at least be able to get down a flight of stairs.”

“Magical exertion is not something to take lightly Ms. Belle. I may not be a unicorn but I know plenty of night guards who are. We’re trained to take care of it in case it happens in the field or while on duty. If you don’t get some rest you could end up with severe nausea and magic fulgurations.”

“Canterlot certainly spares no expense in training the guard. I must admit I’m impressed.”

Nightwing chuckled. “That goes double for the captains. You should’ve seen all the stuff Shining and I had to go through. It was rough but fun. Good times.”

“Hmm so you know Dusk’s brother? I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.”

“Yeah we go way back. He and I were bunk mates back at the academy. We’ve been best friends ever since.”

Rarity rubbed her chin. “I wonder why Dusk never mentioned that. Also, why weren’t you at the wedding?”

“Shining is terrible at mentioning important stuff, so I doubt he ever even told Dusk I was his friend. And as for the whole wedding thing, I was on duty at the time and couldn’t attend.”

“I’m sorry to cut this conversation short darling but the room is starting to spin.”

Without a moment to spare Nightwing swept Rarity into his hooves and flew downstairs. He gently placed her on the couch. Once she was comfortable he went into the kitchen and grabbed an ice pack, a glass of water, and some aspirin. Nightwing let the mare take the aspirin and when she was finished he put the ice pack near her horn, then with a flourish he threw a blanket on her.

“You need to rest for at least an hour. No buts. When you’re rested up enough we can get some lunch, since I’m sure you’re hungry.”

“Very well, thank you Captain.”

“No need to use such formal titles with me Ms. Belle, just call me Night.”

“As you wish Night. I insist that you stop calling me Ms. Belle; it makes me sound like my mother. Call me Rarity please.”

Nightwing smiled. “Rarity it is. As for me I’m going to do some wing-ups. Feel better.”

Rarity waved goodbye and sighed to herself. “He’s such a gentlecolt. It makes me wonder why I ever wasted my time on that dolt Blueblood. Alright Rarity enough dwelling on the past. Time to get some rest!”

The fashionista awoke an hour and a half later feeling much better than before. Her headache was gone but she still didn’t dare use any magic at least until tomorrow. Rarity’s mane was slightly wet because the ice pack had long since melted into a water bag. She trotted over the mirror to find that her mane was a mess and so with a frustrated growl she grabbed a brush with her hooves and tried to straighten it out.

It took about fifteen minutes, but her mane was nice and straight. Without magic it was neigh impossible to obtain her signature coiffure so she just pulled it into a simple pony-tail with a silver scrunchie. Nightwing trotted into the room, his coat gleaming with sweat.

“Whew that was a good work out. Oh Rarity you’re up, how are you feeling?”

Rarity yawned. “Hmm much better darling. I see you’ve been…exercising.”

“Heh yeah I think I got a bit carried away though.”

Rarity’s stomach growled. “Oh my! This is terribly embarrassing but it seems I’m quite famished. Would you mind if we got a bite to eat?”

“Wow you sure are *grrggllluggg*…huh looks like I’m hungry too. Well three hundred wing-ups will do that to ya.”

“Excellent! A know of a simply fabulous café that has the best eggplant parmesan.”

Nightwing blushed. “Umm…that sounds good and all but I don’t have any bits.”

“Don’t worry about that, I have plenty. Think of it as payment for taking such good care of me.”

“But I feel bad. A stallion is supposed to…”

Rarity put her hoof on his lips. “Shhh I shall not take no as an answer. However I am flattered by you chivalrous attitude. Night are truly a gentlecolt and don’t let anypony tell you otherwise.”

“Alright if you insist but you’re going to have to show me where the restaurant is.”

“Oh yes right, you’ve never been to Ponyville.”

Nightwing tucked Rarity’s hoof under his arm. “A gentlecolt must always accompany a lady to a meal.”

Rarity blushed and giggled. “Accompany away Captain.”

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The Golden Wheat Café, Ponyville

Rarity and Nightwing trotted into the upscale café, said to be run by a stallion from Neighples. The restaurant had beautiful mahogany tables and chairs with paintings on the walls depicting the countryside. Once the hostess seated them, they began to peruse the menu. Rarity seemed at home in such a place, but Nightwing felt a bit out of place. He normally didn’t dine at such expensive establishments. Mainly because his appearance tended to attract too much attention and he wasn’t a fan of fancy food. He spotted some fancy sandwiches on the menu called paninis so he decided to order one that had mozzarella cheese, olive oil, basil and tomatoes. A grey coated stallion in tux trotted over to their table. Nightwing assumed it must be the waiter.

“Sir, Madame are you ready to order?”

Rarity cleared her throat. “Yes, I’ll have a glass of Pinot Noir and the eggplant parmesan.”

“I guess I’ll have the bruschetta panini and some hard cider.”

The waiter bowed. “Excellent choice, your food shall be ready momentarily.”

“You know you could have gotten something more expensive darling.”

“I know but I’m just not a really big fan of fancy food.”

Rarity laughed. “That’s quite alright. You eat what you enjoy.”

The waiter brought out their food in a mere fifteen minutes, to Nightwing’s astonishment. He was expecting a fancy place like this to take forever to cook the food. Rarity had a huge grin on her face when the steaming hot eggplant dish was placed in front of her but she frowned a second later. Nightwing was happily munching on his sandwich but noticed Rarity’s frustration.

“What’s wrong?”

“Ugghh this is sooo frustrating! I shouldn’t even bother you with my problems, enjoy your meal.”

“Come on Rarity you can tell me, maybe I can help.”

Rarity laughed sheepishly. “Well you see I use my magic to eat most of the time and it’s been ages since I used my hooves. I’m afraid I’d just end up making a mess if I tried.”

“Huh well I guess that would be a problem for unicorns. I’ve been using my hooves and wings to eat stuff for years so I’m pretty good at it. I could feed you if you want.”

“F-feed me? That would be umm…”

“Would be what?”

Rarity blushed. “Well you see darling that’s something that erm…couples do. It’s an act of intimacy and you see I’m a bit…embarrassed about it.”

Nightwing bellowed with laughter. “Oh is that all? Hahahaha…sweet Celestia ahahhahaha!”

“I-it’s n-nnot funny! It is uncouth for a lady to partake in such intimacy on a first da…I mean lunch break.”

“Sorry Rarity I couldn’t help myself. Where I grew up sharing food was a regular occurrence.”

Rarity pouted. “Fine I guess I’m just being silly aren’t I? I mean it’s not as if we’re sharing a kiss.”

“Nope, it’s just sharing food. Nothing more than that. I know for a fact that if I was hurt you’d help me eat too wouldn’t you?”

“Yes, of course I would. It would be rude not to!”

Nightwing held out a bite of eggplant with his wing. “Open wiiiiiide.”

Rarity hesitantly nibbled on the bite. “Thank you Night, now if you would be so kind as to continue I’m quite famished.”

And so the patrons of the café got a free ticket to see a stallion feeding a fully grown mare her dinner. After three bites the mare lost all of her previous hesitation and was happily gobbling up her meal. While she lacked the dexterity to operate a fork and knife, she certainly could still hold a wine glass. By the time they were done with lunch, school was nearly over for Sweetie Belle. The two decided to pick her up together since it would have been a waste of time to go back to the boutique. As they continued to walk Nightwing noticed that Rarity was progressively getting closer to him.

“I enjoyed our lunch today Rarity.”

“As did I darling, but I think I enjoyed the company more.”

“Heh well I’m not the most exciting pony to be around. You would’ve had more fun with one of those Canterlot party ponies that’s for sure. But thanks anyway.”

Rarity poked him in the chest. “Now listen here you stubborn stallion! Do not and I repeat do not discredit yourself like that. You were wonderful company, in fact that’s the most fun I’ve had on a date in years.”

“Wait…a date?”

“I was originally going to say that it was just a lunch between two new friends…but I think we both know better.”

“Umm ok you know I wouldn’t mind doing it again sometime.”

Rarity leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “Yes I think that sounds like a marvelous idea.”

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Appleloosa, Equestria

Applejack, Molestia and Dusk trotted off the train and headed towards the station house. They found an eager looking Braeburn waving at them to join him. AJ waved back and wrapped him in a bone crunching hug.

“Howdy there AJ how are things in Ponyville?”

“Ah suppose everythin’ is just peachy. Mac and Bloom couldn’t come ‘cause of school and somepony needed ta tend the farm.”

“That’s a shame it’s been a while since I’ve seen ‘em. Dusk looks mighty tired, almost like he wrestled with a manticore. Is he alright?”

AJ rolled her eyes. “Oh he did some wrestlin’ alright. Dusk’s fine ah reckon, all he needs a bit of rest. It was a long train ride.”

Braeburn shrugged. “Alright whatever you say cuz. Oh I see ya invited the princess too. I suppose she’s here to keep the peace.”

“Well ah thought it wouldn’t hurt ta bring her along. Also she ain’t actually Princess Celestia. She’s kind of like her sister…at least that was what ah was told.”

“So she’s like Luna. Huh we’ll give her a good and hearty Appleloosa welcome then.”

The four ponies made the short trip to Braeburn’s farmhouse on the outskirts of town. Most of trees still had fruit on them because the apples in this part of Equestria needed to be harvested in the fall in order to bring out the maximum flavor. On the porch sat a petite orange coated buffalo. Her hair was a slightly lighter shade of orange and was split into two braids. Each braid contained a feather and a rose along with some turquoise beads. She immediately hopped off the porch when she saw Braeburn.

Braeburn wrapped her in a tight embrace. “Did ya miss me sweetheart?”

Strongheart giggled. “Always. It appears that we have some guests, allow me to introduce myself. I am Little Strongheart, earth priestess of the Thundering Hooves tribe, daughter of Chief Thunderhooves. A pleasure to meet all of you.”

Applejack tipped her hat. “Much obliged. Mah name’s Applejack, I’m Brae’s cousin. The unicorn over there is Dusk Shine and the alicorn’s name is Molly.”

Strongheart squinted. “If I recall correctly you Equestrians have only two princesses, is this not so?”

“Well yeah but Molly here is what ya might call an extra. She uhh came about from some magic incident. Ah really don’t know anythin’ else about it, you’d have ta ask her.”

Strongheart trotted over to Molly. “I greet you wizened one.”

Molly smiled. “I greet you seer of spirits, guardian of the earth.”

“You know of my tribe’s customary greeting?”

“Of course dear, Tia herself taught it to me.”

“If you wouldn’t mind your highness could you please stand still for a moment?”

“Certainly but I’m not actually a princess so just call me Molly if you would.”

“Ah yes Molly, please be patient while I converse with the spirits.”

Strongheart began to chant in her native tongue, which sounded like a collection of snorts and grunts to all the ponies present. Her eyes then began to glow with an aquamarine hue as little magic tendrils surrounded Molly. The alicorn very nearly had a panic attack but realized the magic was harmless.

“What manner of magic was that?”

“It is a very ancient magic, a kind that my kin have practiced for untold generations. The magic calls upon the very spirits of the earth. They assisted me in finding out who and what you are.”

“I…I’ve never felt anything like that before. It was unsettling to say the least, but at the same time it was soothing. I felt as if I was one with the very earth itself.”

Strongheart giggled. “Yes many ponies say much the same thing when exposed to earth magic. It is primal force, much more ancient than the princesses.”

“So what did you learn about me?”

“You are conflicted. It is as if you question your very existence, an existence that is dubious to your progenitor. Ah hmm yes you were spawned from magic…that explains much.”

“You figured out all that out just by using your magic?”

“Indeed, earth magic seeps into the very essence of living things. Know this Molly; you are not a mistake nor an abomination. You are a new life, just as sacred as any that inhabits this land. The only one who can prove your worth…is you. I sense that you have something or should I say somepony to help you in that regard.”

Molly shook her head. “Will wonders ever cease? Thank you Strongheart, I will try my best to solve whatever strife has arisen in this town.”

Strongheart sighed. “That is all I can ask for. It has been difficult for Braeburn and I. My father is upset that I have decided to take a pony as a mate and the townsfolk seem to be rather put off as well. My tribe was getting along so well with the townsfolk after the pie incident…it confuses me.”

“Both the Appleloosian ponies and their buffalo counterparts are not used to cross species partners. It is a xenophobic tendency that dates back to the old times, when Tia’s kingdom was not so peaceful. Even in the larger cities such as Canterlot, Baltimare, and Stalliongrad where cross-species romance is accepted, hybrids are rare.”

“My hope is that such an understanding would be possible here. We only wish to live in peace and raise a child.”

Braeburn nuzzled Strongheart’s cheek. “Darlin’ why don’t we go inside and get some dinner. I’m sure they’re all hungry.”

Strongheart blushed. “Yes, of course how rude of me. I got a bit carried away…I apologize. Please come inside friends you are welcome to my table.”

While Braeburn and AJ were busy in the kitchen whipping up some of their famous apple fritters the rest of the gang sat at the table. Dusk looked like he was about to fall asleep and Molly was busy slowly and seductively eating a honey crisp apple. Strongheart nervously fidgeted her hooves unsure of why the alicorn was eating in such a blatantly sexual manner.

“Is there something wrong dear?”

“Oh no you seem to be enjoying that apple…quite a bit.”

“Mhmm it’s so plump and juicy. I love the way it just slides down my throat.”

Strongheart blushed. “Y-yes clearly. So what seems to wrong with Dusk Shine, he appears to be quite tired.”

“That’s because I wore him out on the train. Don’t worry I know what will wake him up.”

“Alright everypony the fritters are ready!” AJ shouted.

Dusk perked up. “Thank Celestia! I’m starving.”

Molly whispered into Strongheart’s ear. “Watch and learn dear. Also take some notes, because maybe you can have some fun later with Braeburn.”

As Dusk was wolfing down fritter after fritter he felt a strange tingling sensation below his waist. He shrugged it off thinking it was just because he was tired. The unicorn chugged down some milk and wouldn’t you know it, the feeling persisted. He looked across the table and saw Molly enjoying a fritter as well but not with so much gusto, oddly her horn was glowing. Dusk’s eyes immediately shrank to pinpricks. At that moment his stallion hood exploded in pleasure as every square inch was being magically massaged. This was going to be an awkward dinner.

Strongheart nibbled on a fritter. “Dusk how are your friends in Ponyville doing?”

Dusk’s cheeks flushed. “OH…they’re dooooooing fine.”

“I’m especially curious about Ms. Pinkie Pie. What does she do? I honestly have no idea because we met so briefly…I was just curious.”

“Pinkie works for the cakes and she’s a really GOOOOOOOOOD baker.”

Molly smiled. “I couldn’t agree more. She makes the most wonderful éclairs with fresh chocolate icing and she stuffs them with so much cream they practically BURST when you bite into them.”

Strongheart nodded. “If I ever visit Ponyville I’ll be sure to try some. Dusk are you sure you’re feeling alright, you look like you’re running a fever. Would you like me to get you a washcloth?”

“Hahaha no need to worry about MEEEEEEEEEE, I’m f-f-fine thanks.”

Molly snickered. “He may not need a washcloth now, but you best fetch him one he may need it later.”

Strongheart excused herself and trotted off to the bathroom to find a washcloth. Dusk tried to make an angry face but couldn’t due to the massive amount of raw pleasure he was feeling.

“Molly what in Tartarus are y-yOUUUUU doing? You can’t be doing these kinds of things in PUUUUUUUUUblic!”

“You seemed so lethargic so I decided to pep you up, a way to increase blood flow.”

“N-n-not like this. What if I make a mess?”

“Then I’ll clean it up. Every. Last. Drop.”

Dusk had it. He couldn’t take it anymore, especially the very sexy way Molly had said that. Loathe as he was to admit it, the idea of Molly cleaning up his mess made him aroused and pleased beyond measure. With a deep groan of pleasure…he made a mess. Ironically Strongheart chose to show up at that very moment with the washcloth. She blushed heavily and threw the cloth on the table.

“By the ancestors! SORRYTOINTERRUPTBYE!”

By this point Dusk was busy covering himself up with the washcloth and blushing like a schoolfilly. Molly laughed and used her magic to vaporize Dusk’s “mess” from underneath the table.

“I love it when I can teach couples a few new tricks to spice things up!”