//------------------------------//
// Chapter Fourteen 
// Story: A Journey Unthought Of 
// by Hustlin Tom 
//------------------------------//

The best word to describe Rarity is probably “classy”: the white unicron with the swirly stylized purple mane always tried to keep an aura of sophistication about her.  Even though she did her best to appear like the upper echelon of society, she came from humble enough roots.  She never forgot this, and because of that, she never could be known as “stuck up”.  She had become a semi-famous fashion designer in Equestria, but she still took the time to make unique outfits for her customers, whether they were friend or simply client.  

I still wasn’t quite sure which category I fit into.  I wasn’t even sure if the categories were mutually exclusive.  

I found myself here with Lyra just hours after her heartfelt telling story of her life.  Our primary reason for being there was that Lyra was one of several ponies who had been chosen for an ensemble at the next “Grand Galloping Gala”, (I’ve been told it’s some kind of Royal Ball) and as such, she would need an outfit that would look “absolutely marvelous”.  Rarity was the one to exclaim this.  I honestly have no sense of fashion at all.  Our second reason for being there was that I had need of a second set of clothing.  I hadn’t really been allowed to pack much before my eventful teleportation to Equestria, and my environmental protection suit wasn’t designed for comfort or longevity; large patches were beginning to appear in it.  

I patiently waited in the corner, as Rarity was taking several measurements of Lyra.  She was unaware of my presence in her boutique.  “Alright!  Now let’s take a look at that midsection.  I’m thinking of a style that complements your personality: something that gives a sense of your free-spirited nature.  Oh!  Something flowing and extravagant.  I’m getting chills just thinking about it!”  She gave a little shiver and jumped for joy. 

“No offense Rarity, but I’d like to keep it somewhat simple; I don’t really want to be a bedazzled mess of glitter and jewels.”  

“Oh, if you insist!”  Rarity gave a little pouting face from behind her large red working spectacles.  After a few more measurements from Rarity, Lyra was all done.  She waited a short span before she cleared her throat.  Rarity turned from her design table to look up to Lyra.  “Yes?”  

“Um, our new mutual friend is here with us.”  

Rarity cocked her head in confusion.  

“Our, um, alien friend?”  

Rarity’s eyes grew with realization.  “Ohhh!  He’s here?  Where is he exactly?  I don’t see him.”  

“That’s because I’m invisible.”  I whispered out from under my cloak of invisibility.  

Rarity gave a rather overly dramatic gasp.  “Oh my!  Is this something you can normally do?”  

Lyra shook her head, “No, Twilight was smart enough to give him a magic sheet he can wear to be invisible!”  

“Ah, I see.  Well then, we are going to need the boutique for ourselves for the rest of the morning, maybe the afternoon.  I don’t know how long this could take!”  Rarity quickly trotted over to the doors of her business, and locked them shut.  She then drew the majority of the shutters.  “We’re going to need as much privacy as we can get!”  

“You don’t know the half of it.”  I muttered as I removed my sheet, becoming visible.  “Humans are generally a very modest bunch in public.  We normally wear at least one layer of clothing at all times.”  

“Really?  That’s fascinating!”  Rarity commented.  I stepped into the center of the room to be measured.  Rarity looked up at me; standing up completely.  She then looked over at Lyra, “It’s probably a good thing you’re here; I’m going to need an assistant.”  She then paused to think for one second.  “And a step ladder.”