//------------------------------// // Ch. 3 On The Road to Manehattan // Story: A Renowned Reputation // by JordanJwoww //------------------------------// Everything in Carousel Boutique was in a flutter that day. Rarity rushed around her store trying to find her most appropriate attire for the upcoming trip. She would need something for all occasions. She had to be prepared. “I am going to need cocktail dress,” she muttered to herself, “oh, and not to forget formal dress. Or brunch-wear... or picnic hats... oh my stars, there is simply too much to pack!” She dramatically placed her hoof against her forehead and slumped down on a nearby wicker chair. Her mind was racing around all of the clothes which she kept telling herself she would need. But it wasn’t the clothes that had her attention. It was Prestige. How was Rarity going to be able to be in the same city as him, after how he ended everything with her? But how could she have know that Prestige went back to Manehattan? Where would have he gone? How much has he changed? Would she even bother meeting him? Her head was spinning with questions, and she wasn’t even sure if she wanted to face Manehattan anymore. It was time for Rarity to grow up, she had to move on. Living in the past has only been proven to be more harmful than good. After what felt like hours of packing, Fluttershy came to the front of the boutique and waited outside for Rarity. She simply had a small flankpack of personal items and accessories with her. Fluttershy timidly approached the door to inform Rarity that she had arrived. After knocking on the door, she opened it up and peering around to hopefully see Rarity. Rarity was lying on the wicker basket with a giant suitcase next to her. She had dozed off. It was humbling to see such a tense pony relaxing. It showed that there was something sensitive to them, but Fluttershy already knew that about Rarity. She was fast asleep. *** Rarity and Prestige had been seeing each other for over a couple of weeks now. They were on a late-night walk again, enjoying the cool air against their faces. They stopped in the center of town, and waited for a while, but that was fine because everything they did together felt right. Their friendship had been growing more and more, almost erupting. Rarity could feel something more bubbling in her stomach, and it was infatuating, but she couldn’t let it out. She had to let it simmer for a while, it was all new to her. “Rarity?” Prestige began, “I... want to ask you something.” She cocked her head up to see Prestige looking deeply into her eyes. His voice dropped into a pause. “This thought has been brewing in my mind, and I can’t get it out,” Prestige said softly. “What is it?” Rarity asked. “It’s you...” he replied. “M...me?” Rarity said with a sense of shock. Her heart dropped into the pit of her stomach. “What is it?” she asked him nervously. “We’ve been spending a lot of time with each other...” he started to trail off, “...and I can clearly see that you are looking for something in me.” “I... I cannot help but express how I feel...” Rarity said. “I’m sorry... if I imposed anything...” “Imposed?” Prestige said surprised. “My dear, you’ve got it all wrong.” Rarity cocked head up in confusion. “I really care about you, Rarity...” Prestige said softly. “I care about you more than anything in the world.” There was some clamoring which started to disrupt Rarity’s dream. The memory faded pulling Rarity out of her slumber. Her vision shifted from the ruby of Prestige’s mane, to Fluttershy quickly pulling to attention after chasing Opal. “Oh, I’m so sorry for waking you, Rarity,” Fluttershy stammered, “Opal can be a very difficult cat at times...” Rarity stared blankly at Fluttershy, still in a daze over her dream. A moment’s confusion rushed over Rarity as she was suffering morning-moment amnesia. After a few seconds she remembered that her and Fluttershy had a train to catch. “I’m so sorry, my dear,” Rarity apologized. “I must have gotten overwhelmed with packing. You know me, I must have everything!” She chuckled to herself as Fluttershy gave her a humble look. Rarity jumped to attention and grabbed what she could, and shoved it into her suitcase. They had to make up for lost time. “We can’t keep the train waiting, Fluttershy,” Rarity said, “That wouldn’t be in our best interests.” She smiled through her teeth at Fluttershy. Fluttershy stared right through her. She knew something was bothering Rarity about Manehattan. But, Fluttershy kept quiet and gave Rarity the space she needed... for a while. *** Rarity and Fluttershy had their own separate compartment from the rest of the train. Sapphire Shores had spent a plenty penny on their compartment, making sure that the two mares had everything they needed, from beverages to salt licks. The top-of-the-line luxury car made it so that the two of the did not need to venture out, leaving everything to relaxation. And it was just right because they had a long ride ahead of them. Fluttershy lightly hovered over to the snack bar and was rummaging through everything to find something delectable that would satisfy her for a while. It seemed wheatgrass tea and celery stock would have to do for now. Rarity, however, was more focused on the scenery. It seemed they were passing through the desert to get to Manehattan. It was a rather particular route, but it seemed appropriate. The train had to make an exchange at Appleloosa. Her vision was focused outwards. Her mind continued to flutter away, like earlier that morning in the boutique. Prestige flooded over her mind, yet again... “I... I cannot help but express how I feel...” Rarity said. “I’m sorry... if I imposed anything...” “Imposed?” Prestige said surprised. “My dear, you’ve got it all wrong.” Rarity cocked head up in confusion. “I really care about you, Rarity...” Prestige said softly. “I care about you more than anything in the world.” Rarity’s expression changed from downcast to radiant. She looked at the colt. The moonlight cast a beautiful light across Prestige’s face, reflecting a hint of ruby onto his white coat. Rarity slowly moved towards Prestige, and she saw he moved closer to her. Under the moonlight, they nuzzled together, not caring of what the other ponies thought of them. They meant the world to each other, and that’s how they wanted it to be. The gurgling of the town’s square fountain was the only noise heard that night. No words were spoken that night, but none were required. They spent the rest of the night together. They were not wandering or searching around like they usually did. They had found each other... Something in the desert caught Rarity’s eye. It looked like a desert colossus, but the next moment she looked back, it was gone; a mirage. Fluttershy noticed Rarity fidgeting in her seat. “Sapphire wanted us to be as comfortable as possible,” Fluttershy said. “But... it doesn’t seem like you are.” Rarity looked up to Fluttershy with a hint of distress in her eyes. Fluttershy let out a slight squeal from the intensity of Rarity’s eyes. “Fluttershy...” Rarity trailed off. “R-Rarity?” Fluttershy hesitated to ask. “A-are you okay?” “I was trying not to be obvious, but that seems redundant now...” Rarity whispered. “I really don’t want this to be a problem for me or you... but... I have to share this with someone...” Fluttershy sat across from Rarity with a very confounded look. But deep down, Fluttershy knew what Rarity had been suffering on for so long. “The way I’ve been acting... my attitude. It’s because of... him,” Rarity said. “Prestige?” Fluttershy replied. “Yes... I thought I had finally gotten over him. But... look how well that’s proven to be...” Rarity said softly. “But didn’t you leave him?” Fluttershy said confused. Rarity paused for a moment. How could she have been so foolish to forget. She had an image as a strong mare to protect. She remembered telling everyone in Ponyville that she had kicked Prestige out, that he wasn’t fit enough to be around ponies like them. “N-no...” Rarity hesitantly said. “That’s not the truth...” she said softly. “There is much to Prestige that I never told you. He wa- we were more than what we wanted ponies to know.” She could see that she was losing Fluttershy. She had to start over with her. Fluttershy was a great companion, but could be easily confused with too much conflicting information. Rarity finally delved deep into her heart and told her everything that her and Prestige had shared. What they had meant to each other, and how he abandoned her, when everything was finally fitting into place. Rarity spoke for what felt like hours. Fluttershy, as good as a listener as she was, couldn’t help herself when her drowsiness swooped in. She drifted off to sleep, waiting for their voyage to Manehattan to be over. Rarity sighed and made her way over to the chaise lounge. She laid down and closed her eyes. Before she knew it, the train was pulling into Manehattan. The city noise was enticing, she felt anew. This was her chance at becoming a big shot. A small pony in a big city, ready to make a difference. She tenderly awoke Fluttershy and the two of them made their way off the train. Outside the train station, amongst the crowds of busy ponies, a large carriage was awaiting Rarity and Fluttershy. Two large body guards came out of the carriage to escort Sapphire Shores into the presence of the two mares. “Welcome Miss Rarity!” Sapphire said with spunk. “I’m glad to see that you and your guest made it out here! Come, come! We have much to see and do!” Sapphire prompted the two mares into the carriage, departing off to the residence of Sapphire. Rarity was about to begin one of the greatest opportunities of her life. She felt good. *** No words were spoken that night, but none were required. They spent the rest of the night together. They were not wandering or searching around like they usually did. They had found each other... Almost no words were spoken that night. As the sun slowly began to creep over the horizon, Prestige looked at a sleeping Rarity, curled up against his side. Her slow breathing was in harmony with his. He couldn’t resist himself anymore. He had to. He leaned in and rubbed his forehead against hers. Her eyes slowly opened to see him gazing deeply into her eyes. Prestige smiled at her, and turned away for a brief moment. When he turned back, he had a necklace around his horn. It was a ruby amulet. “This is for you... my love,” Prestige whispered. He leaned over her head, letting the amulet drop from his horn to around her neck. She looked down upon the gem to see the premier cut. The ruby matched almost perfectly with his mane. Rarity looked up at him, touched by his affection. She leaned her muzzle against Prestige’s chin. They were both happy.