//------------------------------// // Diamond in the Rough, Pt.1 // Story: Fate After Failure // by Antisocialtwilight //------------------------------// Fate After Failure Chapter 9: Diamond in the Rough, Pt. 1 A few days after the smashing success of the school performance, Rarity was still enjoying her new-found popularity when her 'business partner', Smooth Talker, left her a short note in her home. Rarity, it's time we took our operation up a notch. Meet me at the usual spot at midnight with an overnight bag packed and ready to go. We're going on a little trip. Sincerely, Smooth Talker Rarity was overwhelmed by the suddenness of the message and slowly became suspicious. Quickly, however, she dismissed her suspicions as little more than paranoia. Smooth Talker is my friend, he hasn't led me wrong yet. I should hear him out. So, Rarity did as Smooth Talker asked and packed an overnight bag with a toothbrush, hair-brush, and her lucky pink and white scarf. She walked out of her home feeling uneasy but excited. It was a few minutes before midnight, and Rarity was waiting at her and Smooth Talker's usual meetup spot on Stonehoof Mountain. She heard a rustling in the bushes behind her, and she knew immediately that it was Smooth Talker, trying as usual to be sneaky. "You really ought to stick with talking, Smooth Talker, it's what you do best." Rarity remarked playfully. Out of the bushes, however, came another Diamond Dog, one whom Rarity didn't know by name but had seen around while working with them. "And you, my dear Rarity, should stick with sparkling gems and bright clothes. It's what you do best." Smooth Talker walked out of the shadows, chuckling over the success of his prank. "Smooth Talker..why are we meeting so late? Where are we going? What's this about taking our operation up a notch?" Rarity asked, shaken up by Smooth Talker's prank. "All in good time, Rarity, but for now..." Smooth Talker bowed and motioned to the arriving carriage, it's wheels and paint brand new, it's railings gold, and it was pulled by trio of bulky Diamond Dogs. "...our carriage awaits." "Carriage? Just for me?" Rarity said, awestruck. She hadn't ridden in a carriage in years, and certainly not one this luxurious. "No, not just for you; it's for me as well. How else are we going to get to Canterlot?" "Canterlot?!" Rarity exclaimed. She had always dreamed of going to Canterlot. Rarity had only seen pictures and postcards of Canterlot, and they painted it as if it had streets paved with gold. She knew she was the type that would fit into Canterlot's sophisticated society. Rarity used her magic to grab her bag, and dashed into the carriage. "I've been waiting my whole life for a vacation like this! Let's go!" Smooth Talker walked slowly and calmly with a smirk on his face, only adding to Rarity's anticipation. She was ready to get on the road so she could be in Canterlot as fast as possible. "Now, Rarity, remember: this isn't a vacation. Consider this a...business trip. We have a busy couple of days ahead of us." Smooth Talker said, stepping into the carriage coolly. However, caught off-guard by Rarity's look of utter disappointment, he quickly decided to rectify it. "But we do have a free day tomorrow to get settled in...we could see what the city has to offer, if you're interested." After seeing Rarity's eyes light up like they did, he smiled and told their 'chauffeur', another Diamond Dog in the driver's seat, to take them to Canterlot. End of Chapter 9 To Be Continued...