Apples for Ebony 6: Love in All Its Forms
By Misterebony
 
 
Ebony walked into Twilights former castle, not sure what to expect as he approached the map room. Not that long ago this was where Twilight Sparkle and all her friends were sent to help many ponies across Equestria. Now it was the home of Headmare Starlight Glimmer and her two best friends, Sunburst and Trixie.
 
Today only Starlight was present, watching curiously as the symbol of Ebonys cutie mark, an alchemists potion bottle with a smiley face on it that was licking its lips, was circling a section in a large metropolitan area. And it wasn't alone either. A second cutie mark was there, one belonging to a mare that Ebony had met before but had not had too much time with, one who had the cutie mark of three diamonds.
 
In walked who it belonged to, an alabaster mare with deep purple mane and a lovely form, like every move she made was pure grace. The mare, Rarity, was the former owner of Carousel Boutique, a fancy shop that would now be owned by several graduating students of the School of Friendship. She gasped as she ran in.
 
"My word! It has been some time since the map summoned me for a friendship problem! It's extraordinary intriguing! And who will I be going w-" she stopped short as she saw Ebony. "Why your that stallion Applejack has been seeing. I must admit Ebony this is quite a surprise. You and I in Manehatten? What WOULD Applejack think?"
 
Ebony sighs. "She'd probably think that the map sent us somewhere. Incidentally... why us and why Manehatten?"
 
Starlight cleared her throat. "Well... let's see.... the map hasn't really called on someone for awhile. So when it does it is a major occurrence, and focused on a problem that is a very big one for those involved." She leaned close. "It seems centered on this building."
 
Rarity saw what it was and gasped happily. "Why it's Coco Pommels Designs!"
 
Ebony blinked. "Who?"
 
"Darling you wouldn't know her. But Coco Pommel and I met in Manehatten. Back then she was with a sneaky mare named Suri, who stole my designs and tried to make me believe I lost a major contest. But she stood up for herself and quit, and told me everything. After that she worked for various drama houses around Equestria. Even Stage used her talents!"
 
Ebony chuckled. "Well if she is a friend of yours Rarity she must have class. But apparently she may be in trouble. Hopefully we can help her through it."
 
Rarity nodded as Starlight smiled. "Well I wish you the best of luck. And by the way, think you could spare some of that reformative for me and Trixie and Sunburst?"
 
Ebony nodded and handed her a vial. "So which do you choose?"
 
Starlight chuckled some as she took it. "Who says I had to?" She winked as she walked away, Ebony smiling and Rarity laughing.
 
"Well on that note Darling, shall we go?"
 
"After you Rarity."
 
"Why thank you sir!"
 
Ebony followed behind, watching her go, unable to keep images of her as a marshmallow out of his mind. He chuckled and inwardly blamed Stage for the corruption of his mind.
 
**********
 
The train ride to Manehatten was uneventful for the most part. Mostly Rarity was just finalizing a few of her packages for the Manehatten branch of her boutique, while Ebony was reading a couple recipes he wanted to do with Applejack when he got home. Rarity did get curious though and looked at Ebonys book.
 
"Not to pry Mr Alchemist." Rarity began. "But why do you eat Applejack? I mean it is a rising trend I have noticed but... why?"
 
Ebony chuckled and set the book aside. "Mainly because she is tasty. But also mainly because it is like she is part of me. She is giving herself to me. Trusting me that all will be alright. It's a good feeling."
 
Rarity shrugged. "Well I may not understand it, but I am glad you make Applejack feel so wonderful. As for me I do not think I will have a relationship. One bitten and all."
 
Ebony nodded as they looked out the window, the great metropolis of Manehatten before them. It reminded Ebony of his life in Fairton, the massive city at the center of the continent, but this was solely ponies of all kinds, as well as several other races. He smiled wide as he saw some changeling street performers doing shapeshifting acts for the little ones, and saw several street vendors selling hayburgers. As the train pulled in the station they saw a cream brown mare with soft blue mane. Rarity squeed as she got off the train into her hug. Ebony smiled as he toted a cart with their luggage off of the train, tipping th conductor.
 
"Coco! Your looking so wonderful!" Rarity said.
 
"You too Rarity! I just went to the store to opened here, it's so lovely! I'm sorry your not moving here but it is nice you visit now and then."
 
Rarity smiled. "Friends always keep in touch." She showed Ebony the way. "So, what is going on? The map sent us here so..."
 
"Hey sweetcake!" A Male voice said. Everyone turned and saw a very handsome looking changeling. Most changelings had a technicolor coat of all forms of the rainbow, but a few had only one or two colors. This was the latter, a radiant blue highlighted by silver sparkles, almost like Lunas mane but a slightly brighter color. He approached Coco and nuzzled her.
 
"Rarity, meet Proboscis."
 
Raritys jaw dropped and Ebony smiled extending a hoof. Proboscis took it and shook it gingerly.
 
"Name is Ebony. Ebony Alchemist. It's nice to meet you."
 
Rarity came out of her shock and took his hoof. "And... and I'm rarity!" She said with a slightly forced smile. Proboscis did not seem to notice.
 
"Charmed. Though my friends mostly call me Pro." He bowed his head and fluttered his wings in a traditional changeling greeting. Coco smiled some and Rarity put two and two together.
 
"Coco, is he your... Coltfriend?"
 
Coco nodded and blushed. She almost went into more when another harsh voice was heard.
 
"There you are changeling. You may be off the clock but you are MY worker at the fabric shop."
 
Everyone stared at the angry looking light purple mare with a dark purple mane. Having a cutie mark of buttons, her name was flat and her face a mask of frustrations.
 
"Suri Polomare." Rarity practically spat. Suri looked at Rarity and growled.
 
"So you DIDN'T retire. No wonder I'm still stuck in a simple fabric retail store while your designs shine like Celestia."
 
"Can it Suri." Rarity said. "You tried to steal my fabric, and when I still won thanks to my friends you tried to steal the trophy. No wonder Coco quit and became a success."
 
Coco swallowed. Ebony sensed the tension and kept quiet. Meanwhile Proboscis sighed.
 
"Well I guess I have to go." He said sadly, leaving slowly, Suri watching with hawks eyes. She then turned to Coco.
 
"As for you Miss Pommel." Suri said. "I advise you to stay away from my assistant. He is forgetting coffee, and not your deviant desires." She huffed and walked off, before glancing at Ebony and pausing. She looked him over before walking on. Ebony was confused before Rarity tapped his flank.
 
"That is Suri." She explained. Then she realized something. "Coco.... what did Suri mean about.... deviant desires?"
 
Coco scratched the back of her hoof and looked at the ground. "Welll.... you know how changelings eat emotions right?"
 
Rarity nodded.
 
"Well.... their sac is also used to hold ponies, bathing them in their dreams and desires. Its.... enthralling."
 
Ebony blinked as Rarity stared in shock. It was in that moment Ebony realized the terrible truth.
 
They had just found their friendship problem.
 
**********
 
"We met a few months ago when he came in looking for some design ideas. Being a changeling he had little knowledge of pony fashion, and thought they were supposed to dress like food."
 
Ebony and Rarity listened intently as Coco led them to her shop. Rarity giggled at how silly it sounded, and Ebony found it sweet.
 
"I have to ask Coco.... did you dress like food?"
 
Coco blushed. "On our third date yes. We see each other steadily. I hate to say it, but I am addicted to the feel of that belly, and the site I see in Manehatten at night from it."
 
Rarity almost questioned when she remembered that Changeling abdomens are transparent. Coco continued.
 
"Unfortunetly we have attracted some bad attention." She was about to say more as she heard breaking glass ahead. The three ran to a massive and cute building with a stage attire billboard on it. But the windows had just been broken by two ponies dressed in ceremonial armor, running into the night as Coco gasped.
 
"Not again!" She said sadly. She ran to the shop and saw a message taped to the door. Ebony growled as he saw what it said.
 
*Manehatten doesn't need preysluts!*
*-Pure Streets Movement*
 
Rarity gasped, sickened. "How awful!"
 
Coco sighed. "We keep our acts discreet but Suri spreads news about us to these groups. She told me she will not stop until I break up with Proboscis. But we both dont want that. And my workers told me they will not leave. But we are getting less orders and... oh Rarity..." Coco began to cry when Ebony placed a hoof on her shoulder.
 
"There there. We are here to help. And we will do whatever it takes. "
 
Rarity nodded. "Ebony is right darling. Friends help friends after all. And besides I know a lot of ponies in Manehatten who love your work! We will help you get successful again."
 
Ebony however sighed. "That's just half the problem. We need to help Proboscis so he can have a relationship with Coco without any hatred. It cannot be too hard... maybe he can just quit.... right?"
 
Coco sighed and shook her head. "Trust me he wants to. But apparently he signed some kind of phony contract which means he has to work for her for two years. If he quits, he gets deported."
 
Rarity gasped. Twice. "That's just abhorrent!!! Ebony you MUST find some kind of loophole! Then we can get Coco and him together and successful!"
 
Ebony was about to protest when he was shoved out the door. He sighed some and had a hunch this was not the right way to do this. The problem seemed much bigger.
 
He glanced down at the note again. This was not just the two who needed help. Not at all.
 
He decided to try a different approach.
 
**********
 
He knocked on the door of Suris fabric supply, and was greeted by Suri herself. Ebony knew this was a big risk... but he had to try.
 
"Suri.... can we talk?"
 
Suri hummed and finally nodded. Ebony motioned for her to come out and she obliged.
 
"Well?"
 
Ebony sighed. Here we go. "Suri... is there more to this?"
 
Suri blinked. "More to what?"
 
Ebony sighed softly. "Look I am an outsider so I know very little about what happened. But I have learned to look at all sides. You might just find things you don't expect. So was there more to your hatred of Coco?"
 
Suri chuckled. "I don't hate her. I guess I hate she did better than I ever have and basically quit right in front of everyone, especially Primrose."
 
Ebony blinked. "Who?"
 
Suri chuckled. "You ARE an outsider. Primrose is the head of Fashion Weekly, the largest and most renown fashion magazine in Equestria. I lost a lot of clout when it was discovered all that I did at that fashion show and yet still lost.
 
"Rarity will always have my anger for that. I was raised in the finest boutiques and trained by fine dressmakers, and I lost to some.... country bumpkin!"
 
Ebony blinked. "Wow."
 
Suri continued. "That's not the reason I rallied against Coco though. No what is abhorrent to me is her desire, even when she is on top of fashion, to demean herself by being a whore to my assistant! A lowly changeling! And his food nonetheless!"
 
Ebony blinked. "Well that's pretty harsh!"
 
"Look. Reformed or not changelings are bugs. And ponies are bug food. And we should avoid being bug food. Thank goodness for the Manehatten Pure Streets Movement. This gobbling and vore and all that is disgusting! You should fight such a fate. Not walk into the jaws of it."
 
Ebony then felt her hoof on his chest.
 
"Which is why i have nothing more to say to you. I know about you and Applejack and I think it is disgusting. So whatever you came here to tell me-"
 
Ebony stopped her there. "So narrow minded. You claim the moral high ground but won't hear all sides."
 
Suri chuckled. "I dont need to. I know it is evil. No way it can never be otherwise."
 
Ebony narrowed his eyes. He snorted some. He began to walk away.
 
"Tell my former assistant this. Tonight we intend to destroy her buisness."
 
Ebony turned, wide eyed. "What?!"
 
Suri smiled evilly. "If she wants to date my servant then I think you b-"
 
"I'm sorry... .servant?"
 
Suri gritted her teeth. "You know what I mean!"
 
Ebony narrowed his eyes. "No I dont.... and I dont know if you do either. I pity you Suri. So wrapped up in hate and prejudice you cannot look beyond the tree to the beauty that is in the forest."
 
Ebony walked away, growling inwardly. This was more complicated than he thought.
 
**********
 
"So you want to help?" Rarity asked the dashing stallion.
 
"Of course! I know about Coco and her work on many stage productions. And yes I know about her habits, but that is her buisness."
 
Rarity smiled. "Splendid!" She grinned at a smiling Coco. "Looks like you have big jobs after all!"
 
Coco smiled. "Thanks Rarity. I cannot thank you enough."
 
Rarity smiled. "Once Suri sees her efforts are not harming your buisness, you'll be able to see Proboscis as you want!"
 
Coco squeed happily! But if she only knew...
 
**********
 
Ebony was walking back to the shop when he heard odd sounds. He turned to a nearby alley and went wide eyed!
 
Three ponies, all with ceremonial armor that masked their faces, where beating up Proboscis!
 
"Hey!" Ebony called. All three turned and drew knives in their jaws. Earth ponies.
 
"Seriously. Never bring a knife to a magic fight." Ebony said, activating his bracers. He took each of the knives and tossed them aside, going to one and kicking him into the alley. Then he turned to the other two.
 
"Stupid predator lover! Pony eater!" One shouted, swinging for his head. But Ebony just levitated him and tossed him aside.
 
"And what about you?" He said. He grinned a little... until the costume came off, revealing a police pony outfit.
 
"Your under arrest for aiding a felon and assault on officers. And he is under arrest for assault on ponies."
 
Ebony was wide eyed. "Your crazy!"
 
The officer came closer and put cuffs on both of them. "Your criminals." He said with a smirk. Proboscis winced as he was led away with Ebony, who noticed the other two fleeing. Ebony growled at his bad luck. Now the shop was in real danger!
 
"Ypu can't do this!" Proboscis said. "I have my rights! And I know what you did!"
 
The officer chuckled. "Save it for the jury. IF you get one." He chuckled at that. Ebony quickly realized this was no normal arrest. This was planned. And if he didn't get free...
 
**********
 
Rarity looked out the window again. "He's really late. I should go look for him."
 
Coco shook her head as she and her coworkers worked on more designs. "I'm sure he is fine. Maybe he finally got to Suri."
 
Rarity hmphed. "Unlikely." She said. "Pony like that will never learn. Makes me wonder why Proboscis is working for her."
 
Coco didn't have an answer. She and her assistants just went back to work, unaware that outside was the members of the Pure Streets, Suri among them and scratching her back hoof.
 
"Soon Suri. Soon you'll be free of those miscreants, and our streets will be pure. Now you told no one of our plan?"
 
Suri sighed. "No one."
 
The leader looked at her. "What is it? You yourself wanted to do this. Need I remind you they are supporters of the predation, and need I also remind you they love those predatory changelings."
 
Suri swallowed. "But one works for me after all. And no one said anything about..."
 
"Not after tonight he won't. Tonight we send a clear message through all of Equestria: Manehatten is for the ponies who are pure of heart."
 
Suri sighed and suited up. This was what she wanted, to get revenge on Coco and Rarity, right?
 
But then what Ebony said was starting to worry her. He had said her hatred blinded her. Was he right? She didn't know, even as she was given a torch.
 
"Just got word." Another said to the leader. "That dark pony and the bug are in our officers custody."
 
Suri spoke up. "Wait, what?"
 
The leader looked to her. "Never you mind Suri. After all this is how it's done. This is how you stop a problem." He chuckled. "I'll check in on them after we are done. And make sure our designer here is given a proper assistant after the deed."
 
Suri gasped. This was going way too far. But... what could she do!?
 
"Alright everyone. This buisness supports the degradation of our species into simple pets and food for the beasts of our world. Tonight Equestria knows that we are able to take it back once and for all. Down with the voraphiles! Down with the bug lovers!"
 
The group of a dozen members began to approach the boutique, torches high. But they didn't get very close before a couple cult ponies were thrown at them, including the officer in question. They turned and saw Ebony and Proboscis, free from their bonds, The latter having a glowing horn and the former having glowing bracers.
 
"Honestly we just used them against you guys, how did you forget we had magic." Ebony said with a chuckle, as out came Coco and Rarity. The two gasped at the frightening looking ponies, standing by the two stallions.
 
"Surrender deviants. " one cultist said. "We are not having any prey seekers in our town!"
 
"Yeah! Get over here so we can burn you up to ashes!"
 
Suri gasped at that. "I never wanted that! Why would you-"
 
"Then stand with them traitor!" The leader said, shoving Suri to the ground before them. That was the last straw. Ebony stepped forward and began to speak.
 
"Alright, you listen to me and fall back now."
 
The leader went to speak when Rarity stepped forward. "**SILENCE!!!!!!!**"
 
Everyone froze and looked to her, having used the Canterlot voice. She smiled proudly and motioned to Enony to proceed.
 
"You all claim to be seeking perfection and purity. You see beauty only in the perfection and your own races. But that is not what Equestria stands for.
 
"Many look down on what I do, or what Proboscis does, or many others who have a similar desire. Ours is fortunate that we have the ways and the abilities to make it more than just a desire."
 
"Its cannibalism! Murder!" A cultist shouted.
 
"Some twist it to that kind of thing. Some of the most brutal of our past do so. But there is another side. Those who use it as a way to give to another all you are and all you can be. It is a sign of ultimate trust or ultimate love."
 
Ebony stopped and smiled at that, thinking of Applejack and how much they have been together and all they did. He continued.
 
"But then I have seen even colts involved, pretending these very things. Are they evil?"
 
No one answered.
 
"Or when lovers are together and playing their favorite stories, which happen to have these very elements. Is it evil then?"
 
Still no one, even Suri.
 
"Then there is your argument against changelings."
 
Rarity stepped in. "Allow me darling. I have seen how horrible they were before."
 
"Yes! Bugs are bugs and can only be-"
 
"SHUT UP!!!" Rarity shouted. "As I was saying. I saw them at their worst. But also at their best. I see changelings who want to learn to live with us out of love, not hunger. And Proboscis is one of them, who found love with a pony likely not even liked by his boss. But he saw something she had missed."
 
Suri looked up and nodded sadly. She had to admit that one.
 
"You all live by hate and fear claiming it gives purity. But purity is based not in fear, but on elements key to all ponies and all life. Generosity. Love. Kindness. Laughter. Hope. And so much more."
 
He stood in silence before the leader spoke up.
 
"If your done spewing your lying dribble, we will start burning you first." He turned to the others. "And anyone here who would listen to them will also be destroyed!"
 
Suri stepped forward. "I would. And.... and here is how much." She closed her eyes as her whole form was wrapped in blue fire. And when it cleared she was changed into a pink changeling with blue eyes, looking sadly at Rarity, Coco, and Proboscis. "I thought I had to be cutthroat and selfish to get ahead. I was so angry when Rarity succeeded without having to do so."
 
Rarity blushed. "Well to be honest... I had friends who put up with me."
 
Suri nodded. "Something I didn't have. I even felt I had to treat you like a beast just to be accepted Proboscis. And I am so sorry."
 
Proboscis just stared in shock. Suri then went to speak to Coco... but she just hugged her former boss.
 
"I forgive you Suri. Now I know why you really acted how you did... you were afraid. You don't have to feel like that anymore. Just be who you want to be."
 
Suri started to weep as she hugged Coco, the cultists losing their nerve. Ebony looked at them.
 
"Dont you think this is better than blind hate?"
 
There was no answer... until one by one the cultists stripped their armor and the torches. All but the leader.
 
"Say what you want." He said. "Only pure ponies will inherit Equestria."
 
Ebony nodded. "Your right. Those with pure love, pure devotion, and pure kindness."
 
"Save it. You'll see." He turned and walked away, his followers all giving a courteous nod before going home. Suri looked at Coco and smiled.
 
"I should have told you sooner... I missed having a good friend." She turned to Rarity. "And.... I could have had a decent and fun rival."
 
Rarity smiled. "Well how about we try again? Besides, as a changeling you probably have a new perspective on fashion, right?"
 
Suri chuckled. "I might at that."
 
Coco looked at Proboscis and nuzzled him, glad all ended well. Something proven as Ebony and Rarity saw their cutie Mark's glow.
 
"Mission accomplished!" Rarity said, everyone chuckling. "After that we need to celebrate!"
 
Suri hummed some. "I have an idea."
 
*************
 
Ebony waved to Proboscis and Suri, Coco and Rarity tucked into their tummies respectively. He gave them a massive group hug.
 
"You sure you won't stay in town?" Rarity said, shifting in the tingling tummy. "I'm sure you would enjoy the city."
 
Ebony smiled. "I am a country stallion Rarity. Cities are not my thing. Besides... there is a certain Earth Pony I have had no time for lately. I need to see her again."
 
Proboscis nodded. "If there is anything we can ever do..."
 
Ebony smiled. "Just invite me to the wedding."
 
Rarity called out. "And let me help with the dress!"
 
Suri pat her tummy. "You ready to fly Rarity?"
 
Ebony waved to the two as they took off. But they were not the only shapeshifters present. In the alley nearby, watching them, was the cultist leader. He growled.
 
"So, my attempt to cause hate failed. But I gained something else. Knowledge."
 
The cultist began to wrap himself in smoke, changing into another form. One tall and feline and feminine, garbed in royal robes.
 
"After all he has a special somepony. What would happen if... he could not trust her?"
 
She chuckled some, watching him walk. She would make her move. VERY soon...
 
 
To be continued!