The first scene to A Journey Beyond Sanity's next exciting chapter this following Saturday. Enjoy!

 

"Once again, we at the Ponyville Boutique are grateful for your purchase." Rarity said in polite farewell to a satisfied high-class pony leaving the facility, before adding by the doorway, "Don't forget to recommend our establishment to your friends!"

Heh.

With a blissful smile, the white unicorn shut the door via magic behind her and hummed elegantly, examining the extra gifts the customer had handed to her aside from the bits. Then, she glanced over to me, "And allow me to be additionally grateful for your generous assistance today, Stardust. It was thoughtful of you to offer some extra hoofs while Sweetie Belle is preoccupied with some important event at her school."

"Glad I can help." I shrugged, after setting down another heavy box containing packages for the fashioner which just arrived, "With Twilight busy right now with your studies - What else is new? - I reminded myself 'Hey, I still have other friends.'" She smiled humouredly, and my gaze dropped to the floating golden tickets beside her, "So, what are they...?"

"A surprise." Rarity simply replied before promptly trotting across the room and placing them inside a cabinet drawer, "You need not know the details yet. But suffice to say, you and our friends will be in for a treat." Fair enough I suppose? "And speaking of Twilight..." Uh oh. Rarity adopted a sly expression, blue eyes glinting in my direction, "How goes your wonderful romance?"

Figures she would ask. No one else was as invested in our relationship than the fashioner over here. "Fine, I suppose." I responded in amusement, shrugging again. Couldn't really think of that much to say. "She seems happy to be with me, I guess."

"And you?"

"Extraordinarily." In a heartbeat.

Rarity blinked at the immediate reply, before her smile widened gracefully, "Excellent." Oh? "Because let me tell you, good sir, when I saw you two have that magical moment upon the castle balcony, I felt nothing but pride and joy for the both of you. Two star-crossed lovers brought together by the hoof of fate; destined to be one! It is simply romantic!"

"Whoa calm down now, Rarity." But the blissful unicorn was in her own little world.

She sighed dreamily, "Twilight is fortunate to have a stallion - or 'man' in your case - to be at her side, to cherish and hold her in her hours of need. Why, it is obvious that you were brought to Equestria by the will of destiny-" Or the will of a talking spirit, "- To fill the void of dear Twilight's loveless life."

This mare is making me sick.

Oblivious to Sombra's disgusted comment, the white mare regarded me brightly, before a contemplative frown took over her features, "Hmm, although, to be with a Princess, there must be some evident features of yours we must adjust to make your relationship more fitting."

What? "I beg your-?"

But Rarity was already on the move, always resolved when it came to work, "Come on, Stardust, we must prepare to fix you. Properly, this time. It's time you actually start regarding your appearance with the attention it deserves; one befitting for royalty!"

Oh God...

"After all, if you are to be our future Prince, you must look the part. Starting with that wild jungle you call a mane. Come!"

I knew I should've offered Fluttershy help first...