Dearest Rarity,
I have to say that the dress you made for me was absolutely stunning. I was the star of the party to say the least. The red made me stand out like a fiery goddess while the gold trim shined brightly, blinding those who looked. I must say that you have outdone yourself this time. Expect many new customers to your boutique. You deserve them.
Anyway, your payment will be waiting for you in the mail. Though, that’s not the only reason I am writing you. For the moment, I no longer need your services. Our special arrangement shall hence forth be stopped, but don’t get to comfortable. You never know when I need another outfit.
Yours Truly,
Fleur
Rarity sighed with relief. She honestly didn’t know how much longer she could keep up the arrangement with Fleur. The money was good and so was the influx of customers, but the secrecy and shame she brought to the almost fur-less ponies was devastating. Every day she was afraid that somepony would know that she had done the dread filled act. Fortunately, no one knew, for now.
Now, she could get on with her life. During her escapades, she had gotten back tracked on other orders. If she hurried, she could get back on track, finish those orders, and gain control of her life. With a smile, she entered her creation room. Instantly, ideas flowed to her mind. She picked up her needle and began to sew. The outfits began to take shape. The rainbow of inspiration was shining bright…until a undesirable scroll crashed in front of her, ruining a stitch she was working on.
Deep within she knew who it was from, but she tried so hard not to let it worry her. So she opened the scroll:
Dearest Rarity,
Disregard the previous scroll. I need an outfit asap. I’m meeting with Zebrican fashion designers, so I want to look like an actually zebra which means…ZEBRA PRINT. I’m not sure if you know any zebras, but I know you can work your magic. Your fashion magic…not actual magic. Anyway, good luck.
Signed,
Fleur
“Just when I thought I was free, the darkness grips me again…” sighed Rarity as she grabbed her coat. The outfits she was working on were almost done; they could wait. For now, Rarity had an evil enchantress to visit
“So, you say you saw Rarity with a bag of red fur?” asked Applebloom.
“I’m not sure if it was fur,” Replied Sweetie.
“But definitely looked like it, right?” asked Scootaloo.
“Yeah…” Sweetie admitted
“Your sister cut muh brother’s fur…”
“I’m not sure, okay?” said Sweetie, “Let me investigate. For now, let’s worry about getting our cutie marks.”
With those final words, Applebloom, Sweetie, and Scootaloo climbed into cannon and lit the fuse.
After going through the Everfree Forest multiple times, it had become second nature to venture to a certain zebra’s house. Just to be safe, Rarity went through the shadows. Unfortunately, the shadows were filled with thorns, bushes, and bugs. All which got in her mane. The things she does for profit.
After a long journey, she finally reached the hut. Even though she knew the masks meant friendly things, but she couldn’t get over the scary appearance of them. She winced every time she saw them. Yet, she couldn’t let those masks stop her mission. She took one step out of the shadows only to feel a massive weight appear on her shoulders.
“Only ponies that are meek have reason to sneak.” Rhymed the voice.
“Oh…uh…Zecora! “stumbled Rarity, “How are you today?”
“I’m alive and the sun is shining.”
“That’s good…”
Zecora shifted her weight to where she would slip off of Rarity’s back. Once she hit the ground, she peered into the unicorn’s eyes. Rarity nervously looked away and smiled. Zecora smiled in return.
“Well, let’s get inside before you start whining.”
Inside the hut, Rarity decided to brush her mane free of the forest’s many problems. She also eyed Zecora’s fur trying to figure a way to get it. Zecora scooped into her kettle and pulled up two cups of brew. She handed one to Rarity, offered her a seat, and then sat in her own chair. The two sat in silence for a while before Zecora broke it.
“My dear friend, what brings you to my end?” Zecora asked.
“Oh…just visiting…” Rarity replied.
“It’s unlike you to just visit. Perhaps other methods you exhibit?”
“No...Just here to enjoy your company.”
“Or rather, you’re here to ensure the survival of yours… by the cutting furs.”
Both equines eyes met. Zecora kept her face stoic; Rarity plunged into anxiety. Zecora took a sip form her cup and left. She returned with a pair of scissors and began cutting her hair. Rarity only stared in disbelief; no words formed in her mouth to stop the zebra.
“Being in these woods allows one a lot of time to notice stuff. Notice how ponies are losing fur and a model gains an outfit of the same color. “
“Zecora stop!” Rarity finally managed to yell.
“When is enough…enough?” asked Zecora, continuing to cut, “Perhaps when you feel your life is fuller?”
Zecora finished cutting her fur. She wasn’t bare, but the cut was noticeable. The zebra gathered her fur, put it in a bag, and handed it to Rarity. She simply smiled and went back to sitting, yet she stood back up. Once she found a blanket, she returned to her chair.
Rarity grabbed the bag and left, but not without saying something. “Thank you, Zecora.”
“Anything for a friend, but you must remember something for me.” Zecora stated, without her rhyme, as she shook from the cold, “The devil may promise you gold, but what is the gold worth when it hurts you and those around you?”