History Fanfic / SophisticationAndBetrayal

* DoorJudo: The protagonist tries this when [[spoiler: breaking into Slate's house to look for [[StalkerWithACrush evidence of his stalking]]]]. [[EpicFail It doesn't work]]. Turns out the door [[FailedASpotCheck opens the other way]].
* [[TheDoorSlamsYou The Wall Slams You]]: A variation. When [[spoiler: Slate tries attacking the protagonist]], Rarity teleports him inside his house, resulting in him slamming into a wall.

* RealityEnsues: The protagonist - who is ''not'' a [[Creator/ArnoldSchwarzenegger heavily-built man in an action movie]] - tries [[DoorJudo kicking a door down]]. [[EpicFail It fails badly]], and he injures his leg in the process.

* TeleportationSickness: The protagonist suffers this after Twilight teleports them to Canterlot. [[JustifiedTrope Justified]] as the spell is not being designed to take human anatomy into account, which Rarity corrects for when she learns how to do this herself.

* AboveTheInfluence: [[spoiler: The protagonist resists giving in to the mutual attraction between him and Fluttershy after a night of drinking, knowing that it would only lead to meaningless drunken sex]].

* AsYouKnow: A variation. Given that the audience is likely aware of the [[ContinuityNod cast's previous adventures]], the details are usually glossed over by the narrative whenever they're brought up, before cutting to the next scene.
* AttentionDeficitOohShiny: Ponies apparently tend to be quite prone to this, according to the protagonist. Ponyville seems to be particularly susceptible, if Cashmere's words are anything to go by.
* AuthorAppeal: [[WordOfGod The author]] makes no secret that Rarity is his favorite pony, and this was one reason for writing the story. The other reason...

* BelievingTheirOwnLies: [[spoiler: Rarity herself suggests she allowed this to happen regarding her relationship with Cashmere, in order to forget the mistakes she made when handling Cashmere's affections]].

** Threatening their loved ones tends to be an easy way of pushing this for both Rarity and the protagonist.

* BewilderingPunishment: [[ZigZaggingTrope Zig-Zagged]]. [[spoiler: Rarity claims that Cashmere is motivated by her [[GreenEyedMonster jealousy and resentment]], something which she initially denies. However, when Cashmere finally [[VillainousBreakdown breaks down]] and admits this, it's revealed that Rarity [[BelievingTheirOwnLies allowed herself to forget the true details]] of what went down, and thus was actually unaware of what precisely she had done]].

* BitchInSheepsClothing: Cashmere. She'll hide her ruthlessness behind her outwardly friendly and sultry exterior, but when the chips are down she'll readily show her true colors.

* BriefAccentImitation: Cashmere briefly adopts a "terrible" impression of AJ's southern accent when she recounts the time Applejack threatened her over her behaviour towards Rarity. She even gives herself a temporary ponytail to go along with it.

** Rainbow Dash is quite the lightweight owing to her fast metabolism, but completely denies Applejack's warnings over this.

* CatapultNightmare: The protagonist suffers these when experiencing a FlashbackNightmare.
* CatFight: A fairly regular occurance between Rarity and Cashmere, particularly when they very nearly come to blows at a social function in Chapter 3.

* ChekhovsGun: [[spoiler: Rarity's picture of herself and Cashmere, which is first brought up in Chapter 2 and goes unfired until Chapter 25, when Rarity uses her copy of the photo as a reminder to Cashmere of just how bitter she's become, prompting her VillainousBreakdown]].

* CombatPragmatist: The protagonist, who opens his fight with [[spoiler: Slate]] with a HeyYouHaymaker, and is perfectly willing to break limbs and bones. [[JustifiedTrope Justified]], as he does have military training.

* CoolBoat: The Destroyer-class ship at the start of the story, which comes with its own prototype [[InvisibilityCloak cloaking system]]. Unfortunately, there's a very good reason why it's still a prototype...

* DesperationAttack: As a last attempt to evade arrest, [[spoiler: Slate tries to [[RammingAlwaysWorks ram the protagonist]] [[GrievousHarmWithABody with his own body]]. It probably would have killed the protagonist, if Rarity [[ChekhovsSkill hadn't intervened]]]].

** Inverted, if Cashmere is to be believed. She dismisses Rarity's achievements as meaningless and undeserving of the respect that's been afforded to her.
* TheEngineer: The protagonist, who was an engineer in the US Army - on loan to the US Navy for a secret project - before he wound up in Equestria.

* GoodOldFisticuffs: The fight between the protagonist and Slate, when the latter is confronted over his [[StalkerWithACrush stalking]]. Despite the protagonist's martial arts expertise and military training, [[PostVictoryCollapse he still takes a heavy beating]].

* MurderTheHypotenuse: It's left somewhat ambiguous if this was what [[spoiler: Slate]] was aiming for, or if he was just taking advantage of an accident, but certainly elements of this are shown.

* NotSoDifferent: Cashmere accuses Rarity of this when the latter strikes back with some schemes of her own. Rarity protests this assertion.
* NotWhatItLooksLike: [[InvertedTrope Inverted]]. Rarity and the protagonist's encounter in the first chapter is ''exactly'' what it looks like, but Pinkie in her naivety mistakes it for a big hug, and completely accepts the excuse that [[TheImmodestOrgasm Rarity was simply very excited]] [[BlatantLies about her recent business success]].

* GreenEyedMonster:
** Cashmere's resentment and jealousy of Rarity are the main motivation for her antagonistic actions.
** [[spoiler: Slate's obsession with Rarity and jealousy over her turning him down [[StalkerWithACrush leads to him stalking her]]]].

--->"You know, you never see ''that'' in the movies!"

* InsistentTerminology: Rarity would like you to know that they're not socks, they're elbow gloves!

''[[http://www.fimfiction.net/story/12546/Sophistication-and-Betrayal Sophistication and Betrayal]]'' is a [[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic]] fan fiction story by [[http://www.fimfiction.net/user/Drefsab Drefsab]].

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* TeleportationSickness: The protagonist suffers this after Twilight teleports them to Canterlot. Justified as the spell not being designed to take human anatomy into account, which Rarity corrects when she learns how to do this herself.

* TriangRelations: Something of a deconstruction. [[spoiler: Rarity suggests including Fluttershy in their relationship, ostensibly to help coax the shy pegasus out of her shell and allow her to find love of her own, but it's strongly implied that Rarity is using the opportunity to act on her long-nurtured and somewhat one-sided crush on her friend]]. The protagonist spends significant time on trying figure out where exactly this is going in the long term, as well as worrying about what impact it will have on his existing relationship.

* WrongGenreSavvy: After overhearing some of the unusual 'codenames' for ponies, the protagonist initially believes he's been captured by an enemy who want him for information, rather than being TrappedInAnotherWorld. [[JustifiedTrope Justified]], given his military experience.

----

** Pipe does not have the best relationship with his in-laws...

** Averted with newcomers to Ponyville who react with the surprise and staring you'd expect, something which causes the protagonist much frustration.

* UnusuallyUninterestingSight: The protagonist. [[JustifiedTrope Justified]] by most of Ponyville having had time to used to his appearance.

* CatapultNightmare: The protagonist suffers these when experiencing his [[FlashbackNightmare]]s.

-->"You know, you never see ''that'' in the movies!"

-->'''Pipe Wrench''': Sorry, bud, but I gotta spend the day with the old lady and her family. You know how it goes. Especially her mother.
-->'''Dazzle Drop''': *[[DeathGlare dirty look]]*
-->'''Pipe Wrench''': [[VerbalBackspace Not that there's anything wrong with ya mother, dear]]! [[BlatantLies She's a great mare]].

-->'''Rarity''': I had no idea there was...smoke involved!

* WeNeedADistraction: As part of ThePlan to distract [[spoiler: [[StalkerWithACrush Slate]], and investigate his house]] [[ShowSomeLeg Rarity offers to be the lure herself]]. When the protagonist initially refuses based on the danger this presents, Rarity immediately calls him out on this, by pointing out [[BadassDamsel she's dealt with]] [[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic far worse]] and is capable of looking after herself.

* LampshadeHanging: Other characters get in on it from time to time, but pointing out the bizarre nature of Equestia and its residents almost seems to be almost a second job for the protagonist.

* HotBlooded: The protagonist, despite having legitimate reasons to be angry does have a bit of a temper. He gets called on this several times as it being scary, unproductive, or inappropriate to the situation.

* WrongGenreSavvy: After overhearing some of the unusual 'codenames' for ponies, the protagonist initially believes he's been captured by an enemy who want him for information, rather than being TrappedInAnotherWorld. [[JustifiedTrope Justified]], given his military experience.

* DoubleEntendre: Cashmere has a habit of using these... and that's when she's being subtle!

-->'''Rarity''': Perhaps I should stick some padding up there.

* FeaturelessProtagonist: Averted. Despite the SecondPersonNarration, the protagonist ends up having a fair amount of characterization and backstory.

* ShrinkingViolet: Fluttershy. PlayedForDrama because her shell prevents her from finding somepony of her own.

* [[invoked]]TastesLikeDiabetes: The protagonist comments on Pinkie Pie's perpetual happiness, reflecting that if he were constantly subject to it he'd either be the happiest man in the world, or he'd [[CutHisHeartOutWithASpoon kill himself with a frosting spatula]].
* TakeThat: A minor one, where the protagonist and Rarity mock some of the more... [[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment unusual fetishes]] displayed in various fics out there.

* BrickJoke: After waking up in hospital and hearing the unusual 'codenames', the protagonist snidely comments upon hearing Twilight's name that she should have included [[Literature/{{Twilight}} "Sparkling"]] in there. A little later in the scene he discovers Twilight's actual full name.

* BrickJoke: After waking up in hospital and hearing the unusual 'codenames', the protagonist snidely comments upon hearing Twilight's name that she should have included [[Literature/{{Twilight}} "Sparkling"]] in there. A little later in the scene he discovers that this actual part of Twilight's full name.

* [[invoked]]DiscreditedMeme: In-universe, mentioning sparkling whenever Literature/{{Twilight}} is brought up has apparently become this, after it "stopped being funny two years ago".

* JerkassHasAPoint: Cashmere, when she points out that Rarity had let her business stagnate, and that the presence of competition forced her to raise her game. Something Rarity reluctantly accepts.

* RageAgainstTheHeavens: The protagonist, who quite literally rages against the heavens after being caught in an unexpected rainstorm, having had a bad day at work. It's lampshaded as being the [[SarcasmMode completely logical thing to do]] in the circumstances.

* CovertPervert: Rainbow Dash seems to be highly interested in Rarity's sex life, with less emphasis on the "covert" part. Though admittedly she was drunk at the time...

-->'''Rarity''': I swear, it's like I'm having to watch a sugar-crazed foal.

* YouCantGoHomeAgain: Celestia and Luna's efforts to send the protagonist home almost succeed, but fail at the last second when he passes out from the stress of the spell. As a result, the spell is unable to be cast again without killing him, permanently trapping him in Equestria. Needless to say, this is not received well.

* CoolBoat: Destroyer at the start of the story, which comes with its own prototype [[InvisibilityCloak cloaking system]]. Unfortunately, there's a very good reason why it's still a prototype...

* FurryReminder: An in-universe example. When going out on their first date, the protagonist gets Rarity some flowers... and is promptly surprised when she tastes one. The next time he slips a note in, reminding her not to eat them immediately.

** Twilight's reaction to her gift of a telescope in a flashback, particularly where she sheepishly explains away her rapid assembly as due to having a lot of practice.

* AuthorAppeal: [[WordOfGod The author]] makes no secret that Rarity is his favorite pony, and chose her for the story in part because he felt her character strengths were often overlooked or marginalised.

* BerserkButton: Threatening their loved ones tends to be an easy way of pushing this for both Rarity and the protagonist.

* [[CantHoldHisLiquor Can't Hold Her Liquor]]

* CovertPervert: Rainbow Dash seems to be highly interested in Rarity's sex life, with less emphasis on the "covert" part. Though she was drunk at the time...

* HelloInsertNameHere: The protagonist. As a result, the dialogue goes somewhat out the way to make sure he's never mentioned by name. Rarity's tendency to call others [[CatchPhrase "darling"]] helps make this less obvious however.

* SexyDiscretionShot: Used on occasions. Averted on others. [[BaitAndSwitch Deliberately played for comedy on one occasion]].

* ViolentlyProtectiveGirlfriend: Rarity shows shades of this, and is very willing to defend her boyfriend when he's attacked by [[spoiler: Slate]].

* VillainRespect: [[spoiler: after having dealt with Slate]], Cashmere is impressed enough with how Rarity and the protagonist handled the situation to offer to buy them dinner.

* [[CantHoldHisLiquor Can't Hold Her Liquor]]: Rainbow Dash is quite the lightweight, to say the least, and gets drunk very quickly even after Applejack warns her about this.

* DistractedByTheSexy: Rarity's plan for distracting [[spoiler: Slate in order to buy time to investigate his house]] involves using herself as a lure.

* DoorJudo: The protagonist tries this when [[spoiler: breakings into Slate's house to look for [[StalkerWithACrush evidence of his stalking]]]]. [[EpicFail It doesn't work]]. Turns out the door [[FailedASpotCheck opens the other way]].

* [[LikeASonToMe Like a Daughter to Me]]: Rarity's parents apparently used to consider Cashmere as their daughter.

* TwinThreesomeFantasy: The protagonist ends up having a dream of this with two Raritys. The real Rarity finds this quite amusing when he wakes up.

Things are going well for Rarity. She's a national hero, her business is blooming, her friends are doing well, and she's found the one thing [[SingleWomanSeeksGoodMan she's been lacking]]: [[InterspeciesRomance love]]. All is well.

** [[spoiler: Slate develops a one-sided attraction towards Rarity, after he mistakes her polite small-talk and banter as genuine interest]]

* BaitAndSwitch: In Chapter 2, Rarity and the protagonist run back home for brief tryst, only for the narrative [[GilliganCut to cut to]] the protagonist... bouncing a ball off the wall. Of course, the way this is described, you'd think it was initially [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything referring to something completely different]].

* [[CantHoldHisLiquor Can't Hold Her Liquor]]: Rainbow Dash is quite the lightweight, to say the least, and gets drunk very quickly even after Applejack points this out.

* {{Adorkable}}: The protagonist shows elements of this. Morning Blossom as well.
** Twilight's reaction to her gift of a telescope in a flashback.

* BaitAndSwitch: In chapter 2, Rarity and the protagonist run back home for brief tryst, only for the narrative [[GilliganCut to cut to]] the protagonist... bouncing a ball off the wall. Of course, the way this is described, you'd think it was initially [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything describing something completely different]].

* {{Foil}}: Cashmere for Rarity. Both are talented and successful, but where Rarity surrounds herself with those she loves and strives to be generous and ethical, Cashmere indulges in hedonistic behaviour as a distraction for what she lacks, and engages in ruthless business practices.

* InMediasRes: The story starts off with protagonist having already been in a relationship with Rarity for about a year, with flashbacks filling in the events that led up to that point over the course of the story.

* AboveTheInfluence: The protagonist resists giving in to the mutual attraction between him and Fluttershy, knowing that it would only lead to meaningless drunken sex.

** Cashmere fell in love with Rarity but tried to move quicker than Rarity was comfortable with, leading to Rarity turning down Cashmere's affections and breaking her heart.

* AuthorAppeal: [[WordOfGod The author]] makes no secret that Rarity is his favorite pony, and chose her for the story in part because he felt her character strengths were often overlooked or marginalised in the fandom.

* [[CantHoldHisLiquor Can't Hold Her Liquor]]: Rainbow Dash is quite the lightweight, to say the least.
* ContinuityNod: Rarity occasionally brings up events that happened in [[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic the show]], which took place several years before the story.
* CooldownHug: All over the place, but perhaps most notably when Celestia and Luna's efforts to send the protagonist [[YouCantGoHomeAgain back home fail]], resulting in Rarity giving him a much needed hug.

* CovertPervert: Rainbow Dash seems to be highly interested in Rarity's sex life, with less emphasis on the "Covert" part.

* {{Flashback}}: Commonly used to [[HowWeGotHere fill in the gaps]] leading up to the [[InMediasRes start of the story]].

* {{Foil}}: Cashmere for Rarity. Both are talented and successful, but where Rarity surrounds herself with those she loves and strives to be generous, Cashmere indulges in hedonistic behaviour as a distraction for what she lacks, and engages in ruthless business practices.

* RescueRomance: Between Rarity and the protagonist. It's [[LampshadeHanging lampshaded]] several times.

* SexyDiscretionShot: Used on occasions. Averted on others.

** Pinkie Pie takes on the name of [[Music/TenaciousD Tenacious P]] for one of her songs.
* StalkerWithACrush: [[spoiler: Slate, towards Rarity]]. The violation of her personal life is portrayed as being as creepy and traumatic as you'd expect.

* TriangRelations: Something of a deconstruction. [[spoiler: Rarity suggests including Fluttershy in their relationship, ostensibly to help coax the shy pegasus out of her shell to allow her to find love of her own, but it's strongly implied that Rarity is using the opportunity to act on her long-nurtured and somewhat one-sided crush on her friend]]. The protagonist spends significant time on trying figure out where exactly this is going in the long term, as well as worrying about what impact it will have on his existing relationship.
* TwinThreesomeFantasy: The protagonist ends up having a dream of this with two Raritys. The real Rarity finds this quite amusing.

* WriteWhatYouKnow: The protagonist draws upon the author's own experiences, particularly his time in the military.

* AuthorAppeal: [[WordOfGod The author]] makes no secret that Rarity is his favorite pony, and chose her because he felt her character strengths were often overlooked or marginalised in the fandom.
* BaitAndSwitch: In chapter 2, Rarity and the protagonist run back home for brief tryst, only for the narrative [[GilliganCut to cut to]] the protagonist... bouncing a ball in boredom off the wall. Of course, the way this is described, you'd think it was initially [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything describing something completely different]].

* BoldlyComing: Technically, the protagonist is an alien from another world after all.

* FlashbackNightmare: The protagonist [[RecurringDreams often dreams]] of the distaster that transported him to Equestria, and his near-drowning in the process.

** Cashmere's resentment and jealousy of Rarity are the main motiviation for her antagonistic actions.