//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 - Suited For Success // Story: Guardian of Legends - Unity // by The Hero of Harmony //------------------------------// Carousel Boutique - Ponyville Noon A couple months have passed since the beginning of spring, but now most had one thing on their mind right now: the Grand Galloping Gala. It was nearing the end of the first-half of April, and Rarity was hard at work in preparing her dress for the upcoming Gala that was only a month away near the end of May. It was hard to believe the time flew by, with everything that was going on in Ponyville that required her and her friends to help resolve, she needed to get started on her dress so that it was ready for the Gala. She was looking over a sketch of the design of her dress she was set on creating, looking rather pleased with how the sketched turned out. She trots over to a nearby manikin that had a pink fabric draped around it. Laying on top of it, was a small, white fluffy Persian cat with a wide face, and shortened muzzle. She wore a opal-studded collar around he neck, and a purple bow on the top of her head. The small cat just appeared content napping on it, as Rarity approached her. "Oh, Opalescence. Can't you just picture it? Moi, stepping out in a stunning new gown at the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot!" Rarity asked her pet cat. Opalescence just yawns as she turns her head the other way, not really listening to Rarity and continues to nap. It didn't last, as Rarity pulls the fabric away from the manikin with Opal being flung into the air, before landing on the ground with a meow, as she follows after her. "Why, yes! I did make it myself. Thank you so much for asking." Rarity said, as she looks away from Opal and looks in a nearby mirror, making a duck-face while blinking her eyes rapidly. Taking the fabric over to her sewing station, she prepares to get started on making her dress. Opal then stands ontop of the fabric that was resting on the floor as she presses her paws onto it and curls back up with a content smile. However, the fabric slowly moves toward the station, causing Opal to wake back up and hop back off, before giving her own an annoyed growl and walks away. Rarity picked this up as if she was being asked by her cat to help her, and she obliged happily. "Oh, Opal. Of course you can help me! Thank you.~" Rarity said, as she stops what she was doing and goes to pick her cat off the floor and sets her on a nearby table. Opal just gave her an unamused look, before placing a red pincushion in her mouth. She just gave another annoyed growl, looking away from Rarity. "What's that? You want to help more?" She asked, as she picked up several small tools with her magic. "Well, aren't you the sweetest little thing?"~ She sets the small tools, consisting of a couple of scissors, measuring tape, spindles of pink thread, and some glue. Opal was forced to stand on her one hind paw as she tried to balance all of these with her head, fore paws, and her tail, with the measuring tape loosely around her neck. Rarity begins to pool some thread from one of the spindles Opal was holding as she held her sketch up above her head, and winds the thread into the pink fabric. "Careful now. Don't move. This shouldn't take long at all." Rarity said as she begins to work. Opal, struggling to keep balanced on one paw, simply rolls her eyes before growling in response. An hour later, Rarity was in her zen mode, as she was concentrating really hard in stitching her dress. That was until she heard several loud knocks at her door, before the door opened revealing Applejack and Twilight, who had a saddlebag on. "Howdy Rarity!" Applejack greeted loudly. Twilight then whispered before hushing the orange mare. "Can't you see she is concentrating?" Twilight asked in a low, but loud tone. Rarity was trying hard to stay focused, but as her friends go over to see what she was doing, she slowly beginning to show her frustration with her friends interrupting her. "What do you think she's makin'?" Applejack asked quietly. "Looks like a dress..." Twilight replied in the same quiet tone. "Well, that makes sense. Since this is a dressmaker's shop and all." Applejack replied back. Rarity was nearly ready to burst into anger, but was able to hold back at the last moment, before quickly staring at the two with wide eyes and forced smile. "Is there something I can help you with?" She asked forcefully. Twilight gave Rarity an apologetic look. "Oh, so very sorry to trouble you, Rarity, but I need a quick favor." Twilight answered as she pulls out a rather old looking red dress, with yellow shoulder pads, and with one of the buttons nearly coming off. "Could you please fix the button for me? It's my dress for the Grand Galloping Gala." Twilight responded. Rarity looks over the dress, and just gave a look of disgust before looking at the other unicorn in shock and begins shaking her head rapidly. "Oh, no, no, no! You can't wear this... old thing. You need a glamorous new outfit for the Gala and I'll make it for you. No problem at all. It will be my pleasure!" Rarity replied hastily. Twilight gave a soft smile at her offer. "Oh, that's really sweet of you to offer, Rarity, but I can't let you do that. It would be so much work. This dress is fine." She replied. Rarity wasn't going to back down, however. "Twilight Sparkle, I insist on making you a new dress." "But..." Twilight tried to argue back, but Rarity stops her by waving her hoof in front of her. "Not another word! I won't take no for an answer." Rarity said with a soft grin. Twilight realized she likely won't win against the fashionista. She just gave a side way glance while smiling. "Well, in that case... Thank you for your generosity, Rarity. Knowing your handiwork, I'm sure it will be absolutely beautiful." Rarity nods, but gave a frown as she looks toward Applejack, looking her over. "Let me guess, Applejack. You don't want a new gown either?" She asked in a disapproving tone. Applejack blinks before grinning. "Gown? Shoot. I was just gonna wear my old work duds." She said looking down at herself. Rarity just gave an appalled look at her friend at the very notion of wearing something like that to the Gala. "You can't possibly be serious, Applejack! You absolutely must wear formal attire." Rarity replied in a serious tone. "Hmm..." Applejack puts her hoof up to her chin, thinking about it. "Nah." She said plainly. Rarity just sighs. She realized that Applejack was rather stubborn. She looks back during the slumber party the two had with Twilight some time ago. She then decides to take another approach. "What if I just spruce up your... duds for you a little bit?" She asked, with a pleadingly. Applejack thinks about again, but then shrugs and nods. "Okay, sure. Why not? Since you're up for it and all. Just don't make them too... frou-frou-y." Rarity just grinned brightly. "Deal!" All three were about to get back to their own thing, until they heard Rainbow Dash yell from above, outside. "Look out below!" Rainbow Dash suddenly surprises the girls by crashing through Rarity's ceiling and smacks into the floor, before bouncing backwards into the manikins in the back, toppling them over on top of her. She stands up from the pile, having a bucket on her head and some fabric on her, before chuckling sheepishly at the three. "Sorry. New trick. Didn't quite work." Dash said, readjusting the bucket. Strangely, Rarity didn't seem at all concerned about the fact the cyan pegasus crashed through her roof. She was looking at her closely. "Hmmmm..." She thought, before gasping and smiling brightly. "I-dee-a!~ I'll make you an outfit for the Gala too, Rainbow Dash." Rarity replied in delight. Dash simply blinks before looking at herself and just gave a confused look. "Outfit for the what now?" She asked. "I'll make one for you and you and all of you. Oh! And of course Pinkie and Fluttershy too. Oh, and when I'm done, we can hold our very own fashion show!" Rarity said, hopping in cheerfully. The girls all seemed to smile at the idea. "What a great idea!" Twilight cheerfully added. "If you're sure you can handle it." Rarity goes to her shelf and pulls out several rolls of fabric and brings them to her workstation before replying back. "Oh, it'll be a little bit of work, but it will be a wonderful boost for my business. Plus, fun!" "Oh, I love fun things!" Dash added. Rarity sets a roll of purple fabric out, holding up a pair of scissors with her magic. "Then it's settled. We'll have a fashion show starring us." Rarity replied, with the girls all cheering in agreement. Applejack then walks over to Rarity, who began cutting some fabric out. "So all you have to do is make a different, stunning, original, amazing outfit for one, two, three, four, five... plus yourself, six ponies? And lickety split?" The mare asked, giving the white mare a questioningly look. Rarity simply chuckles. "Oh, Applejack. You make it sound as if it's going to be hard." She repled, giving a confident grin. "Wait a minute! What about Silver?" Twilight piqued up. "Surely he'll need some form of attire for the Gala too." She added. "But of course darling! How can we forget about our young stallion friend? It would be nice to get a good suit of some sort for dear Silver. Do you know where he is?" Rarity asked as she continued cutting fabric. "Last I heard, he went back up to Canterlot a couple days ago. Mentioned something about being needed at his mother's business. He said he'd be back when he sorts everything out, which would be a day or two. I'll write him a letter later today and ask him. I'm sure he'll agree with the idea too, Rarity." Twilight said with a soft grin. "Thank you Twilight. I can't wait to create something that will make him stand out more. I'll wait to see what his reply will be and just meet with him on the details.~" Rarity replied gleefully. Twilight then frowned. "But still... this is going to be a lot of work for you Rarity. Making seven original dresses for something as important like the Gala... are you sure you can handle this?" She asked in a concerned tone. "Don't worry, I always like a good challenge. Besides, as I mentioned to Applejack you make it sound like this is going to be hard." Rarity replied, with no hint of worry. Soon after, the girls decide to leave Rarity to her work, so that she has full focus and concentration. Until she was able to get a confirmation from Silver and time to take his measurements for his attire for the Gala, Rarity decides to focus on her friend's dresses first. She heads to the sewing machine and begins working on Twilight's dress first. As she works, she begins humming a tune, and before long turns into a song. Thread by thread, stitching it together Twilight's dress, cutting out the pattern snip by snip Making sure the fabric folds nicely It's the perfect color and sohip Always gotta keep in mind my pacing Making sure the clothes' correctly facing I'm stitching Twilight's dress Yard by yard, fussing on the details Jewel neckline, don't you know a stitch in time saves nine? Make her something perfect to inspire Even though she hates formal attire Gotta mind those intimate details Even though she's more concerned with sales It's Applejack's new dress Dressmaking's easy, for Pinkie Pie something pink Fluttershy something breezy Blend color and form, "Do you think it looks cheesy?" Rarity asks Opal, who simply mews. Something brash, perhaps quite fetching Hook and eye, couldn't you just simply die? Making sure it fits forelock and crest Don't forget some magic in the dress Even though it rides high on the flank Rainbow won't look like a tank I'm stitching Rainbow's dress Piece by piece, snip by snip Croup, dock, haunch, shoulders, hip Thread by thread, primmed and pressed Yard by yard, never stressed And that's the art of the dress! A few days later... It took her a couple days, but Rarity was finally finished with the girls' dresses. She knew it was quite a challenge to get six dresses done in such short amount of time, but regardless it is sure to payoff in the end, at least in Rarity's mind. "Oh, they turned out great!~ These will certainly impress the girls when they come by later." Rarity said as she admired her handy work. Six elegant dresses made, each fitting the personality of her friends. "Now, I sure hope dear Silver comes back to the Ponyville soon. I am just eager to get his attire started." Rarity thought aloud, clapping her hooves together. Canterlot Noon Silver has just finished up helping at his mother's, or rather now his, jewelry store. He had to help the current Diamond Dust carry out several hundred orders for several hundred clients. The stallion had basic understanding of the business at hand, but never made a single piece of jewelry in his life, as Golden would often have her son work as a helper by polishing jewelry on display or for orders that would be sent out. Diamond Dust was just as good as Golden was as a jewelry maker and was more than capable of handling the production of orders while Silver polished them and submitted a lot of paperwork. Having finished, Silver stated he needed to get to the train station and catch the train back to Ponyville and go meet Rarity at her boutique so she can take his measurements for his Gala attire. After receiving Twilight's letter in regards of Rarity making dresses for the girls and then put on a fashion show to help promote Rarity's business, Silver thought it would be an interesting idea and accepted the offer of Rarity making him an outfit for the Gala as well. Only thing he needed to think about on the way home was what he wanted done, as he never visited a tailor and specified what sort of attire he wanted done, but he could trust Rarity to make the perfect outfit for him. Silver is seen galloping down the main street toward the train station, and managed to board with a few seconds to spare. He goes to his seat in sits down, panting out of breath. "Phew... barely made that..." Silver muttered as he rests his head back against the seat. He yawns and stretches. Having worked for a week straight, all Silver wanted to do was nap for a bit. It would be a couple hours before they reached Ponyville, so he took it upon himself to go and snooze for the ride home. ??? Silver stirs awake as he doesn't appear to be in the train, but rather a white void. He looked around him, and noticed there was nothing here. He wandered about this seemingly endless void of nothingness. "Hello?" Silver called out, as his voice just echoes. "Hellllooooo?" He called out again. No answer, just silence. "...Is this just a dream...?" Silver thought. He felt as though he wasn't alone. There had to been something else here with him. His coat was on end, as he stops and suddenly felt a presence appear behind him. He whips his head around and just stared widely at what he saw. Standing a few feet from him, some sort of... creature on two legs stood there. It was something Silver never seen before, and the only thing close was minotaurs, who stood on two legs. It also appeared to have claws too, but didn't look like a dragon claw or anything. And the attire he was wearing was something he never seen anyone wear before: it looked like some sort of red coat, made of leather, and wore dark gray leggings and what looked like some sort of shoes around where his hooves would be. The figure just stood there, seemingly staring at Silver. Seemingly because he can't make out its eyes, as they are shrouded in the dark, likely from the brim of that hat he was wearing. The whole time, the two just had a stare off and the silence of this dream realm was just making Silver anxious. Finally, the figure spoke, with Silver's ears twitching from the sudden break of silence. "You show promise, but as you stand now you lack the proper skill. You desire to be a protector to those you care for, and help those in need. You have also shown that you are capable of handling a tight situation, but deep down you still carry a burden of doubt. The figure said in calm tone. Silver lessened his gaze, and just looked at the ghost with a look of skepticism. "...What are you talking about?" Silver asked. "You have untapped potential resting within you. The dormant magic that lays within you is untouched as you lack the proper means of utilizing it. Because of this, I can't teach the ways of my skill in blade and magic. Only after the magic within yourself has made itself known, will be the day we shall get down to business..." The figure replied. Silver tilts his head. His untapped potential and dormant magic? Did he refer to his unicorn magic? He was going to ask him more, but the figure held his 'hoof' up. "Yes, you are wondering who and what I am. Of the two questions I can answer, I can only say that I am a creature that existed in the past, and most likely been forgotten to the sands of time. As for who I am, well that is complicated I'm afraid. Only in due time you will learn the truth. "For now, you may simply refer to me as Crimson." Silver was just trying to process all this. This Crimson, he couldn't help shake that there was something very familiar with him and the vibe he was giving off: he couldn't tell if he was friend or foe, but given he hasn't harmed him and simply talked to him, he would think the former. Crimson simply looks up for a moment, before staring back at Silver. "It appears my time is up. Unlocking your untapped potential is still a ways long, but you will succeed in gaining it. Have faith in your skills and never lose your will to help others, as your friends are your strength, so never lose them." The white void began to shake, causing the pony to look around in confusion, with Crimson still standing there calmly. "Relax, you are simply waking up. For now I shall take my leave, but remember: we will meet again, Silver Guardian. You hold the mark of destiny, and one day you will realize your true purpose in life... Until we meet again." The world around the two just became all white, causing Silver to shield his eyes as Crimson simply stood there, not at all phased, as quickly as the world became white, it then became black. Friendship Express Silver jolts awake and begins frantically looking around. Seeing he was back on the train, he began to calm down. He saw that clock above the door to the next train car read it was only an hour since he left Canterlot, and Ponyville was only another hour away. The dream he just had, and this 'Crimson' guy he saw, and how he seemed he knew about him. Everything he heard from this being just confused Silver, making his head hurt slightly. He rubs his head and just sighed. "That was... something." He muttered and just simply stared out the window of the train, seeing Ponyville in far distance. As he sat there, often his mind kept going back to the dream he had. What was it about, and why did he have it? The realm he was in felt too real, as if he was actually there and not dreaming. "Agh... it is probably best not to dwell on it now, if I don't want to get a migraine over it. I should probably focus on figuring out my attire for the Gala when I go see Rarity. Question is how I want it done..." Silver said to himself. As formal and big the Gala was, one thing was for certain: he would not wear a suit. He'd rather differentiate himself from the Canterlot high-class, despite being part of the high-class of his hometown ever since he was given ownership of the Golden Emerald. Silver was a fighter in his heart, and as such he wanted to show his pride as a protector without looking too casual. That was when he had an idea in mind. He mulled over it a bit more, and just smiled over the thought. "Heh, I know this is something Rarity would go for. I should head home first before I head to her place. I need to get the details down." Silver's House - Ponyville Afternoon Silver arrived home a little bit after 2:30 PM. He goes to put his things away and heads to his desk, taking out a piece of paper and a nearby quill. For the next hour, he slowly took the time sketch out a rough design of his attire for the Gala. While Silver doesn't draw that often, when he does have an idea and wants bring the idea out visually, then he would often sketch it out to the best of his ability. Needless to say, Silver looks at the finished sketch and feels content as it did come out rather decently. "Hopefully Rarity will go for this." Silver said to himself, smiling. He then heard a knock on his front door, which causes him to turn toward the source. He then rolls his sketch up before placing it in his hood and goes to answer his door. "Who is it?" Silver asked. "It's Twilight!" The mare's voice answered passed the door. He opens the door, and there she was grinning softly. "Hey Twilight! What brings you by?" He asked. "Did you forget? Rarity finished our dresses for the Gala and we were going to go see them together whenever you got back from Canterlot!" Twilight responded. "Oh right. Sorry, I had to rush back here to drop my things off and... well I had to prepare something for Rarity in regards to my attire for the Gala." Silver said as he comes out and closes the door behind him. "Well we should head to Rarity's and meet with the girls. They are all waiting for you to get there, so we should get going." Twilight then began trotting off ahead of Silver, with him following her. Carousel Boutique - Ponyville Roughly 15 minutes later Silver and Twilight arrive in front of Rarity's place with the girls already standing outside waiting for the two. After they greet each other, Rarity brings them inside but stops outside her workshop. "Alright everypony. I want you to close your eyes and not peek until I say the word!~ I know you will be surprised when you see these beautiful works of art!" Rarity said in an excited tone. With that, they closed there eyes as Rarity opens the door and leads the seven of them in, the group smiling. "That's it. Keep them closed. Don't look. Okay, you can look now!" Rarity shouted gleefully. The group then opened their eyes and everyone, sans Rarity, all gasped in surprise. Across the room, there were five beautifully made dresses that all fit the theme of each of the owners. Rarity, smiling brightly, trots over to her work, and details each dress and what she did with them with pride. "These are your new outfits. What do you think of your old duds now, Applejack? Pretty swanky, are they not? And Twilight! I made this dress for you and I designed each outfit theme to perfectly reflect each pony's unique personality. Oh, it took me forever to get the colors right on this one, Rainbow Dash, but I did it. Oh, and it turned out beautiful, don't you think? And I know you are going to love yours, Fluttershy. It just sings spring! And Pinkie Pie, look! Pink! Your favorite! Aren't they all amazing?" She said with a bright smile, while she just looked at the group awaiting for their response. While that happened, Opal was happily nuzzling against Rainbow's gown and then playing with the tassels of Applejack's dress happily, gave a pleased look before hopping a bit and had her one paw up while grinning with Twilight's dress, jumps and does a somersault before standing up with a pleased grin with Fluttershy's dress, and simply rested on the flank end of Pinkie's dress contently. The silence was getting a bit awkward, and Silver noticed it. He can see it in their eyes they were hiding how they really felt: off-putting. This was likely not gonna end well for anyone in the room, especially Rarity. Finally after what was a minute, Twilight finally spoke up. "Wow... They're..." Twilight uttered out, while trying to think of something else to add. "Yeah... They're..." Rainbow Dash responded as well, thinking the same thing. "They sure are... somethin'." Applejack weakly added. "Yes! Something." Twilight blurted out. "I like 'something'! Something is my favorite!" Pinkie shouted, with a forced smile. She looks over at Fluttershy, who just tried to think of something, but just looked rather put off in expression and in tone. "It's... nice." Fluttershy responded plainly. Silver just frowned. What was with these five? He really didn't see anything wrong with the dresses. Rarity's smile then turned into a frown as she looked at them worried. "But what's the matter? Don't you like them?" She asked concerned. The girls just looks at each other, not wanting to upset Rarity for her work. "They're are very nice..." Twilight said in a forced reassurance. "And we're plumb grateful 'cause you worked so hard on them." Applejack added in. Rainbow Dash just gave a passive look. "Mine's just not as cool as I was imagining." This earns a glare from the group, as she looks at them. Rainbow waves her hoof toward Rarity. "She asked." Rainbow points out. "I guess what we're all saying is that they're just not what we had in mind." Twilight said, as the others sans Silver, respond with a collective 'yeah'. Rarity was speechless and take a back by this. She didn't know how to respond to this. "...Well I think they look great Rarity." Silver then stepped up, as they look at him. "You do?" Rarity asked, seeing a bit of hope. "You do...?" The girls asked collectively. "Well yeah. I mean I think she worked hard in capturing each of your girl's personality and it is a good way of showing it. I mean, I don't think I'll fully understand what you see wrong with these dresses, but know that Rarity did this out of the generosity of her heart, and I think you five should be at least appreciated that she offered to do these in the first place." Silver said as he crossed his hooves. "But... everypony is entitled to their own opinion, and they are your dresses and all I can do is just say my peace and nothing more." Silver added. Rarity gave the stallion a soft smile. "Oh Silver dear, you are too kind and I am glad you like the dresses. But, it is alright. Not a problem. There's plenty more where that came from. They were only a first pass." She looked at the girls. "You're my friends and I want you to be 110% satisfied. Not to worry, I'll redo them." She said sadly. The girls blinked, clearly seeing they sort of hurt her feelings. "Oh, Rarity. You don't have to do that. They're fine." Fluttershy said, placing a hoof on her chest. Rarity shook her head. "I want them to be better than just fine. I want you to think they're absolutely perfect." She puts her hoof down. "Are you sure? I mean, we wouldn't wanna impose." Applejack said with a frown. The white mare gave a soft assuring smile. "Oh, it's no imposition. Really, I insist." The girls look at each other, and simply just shrug and look at their friend, Twilight stepping up. "Well, in that case... Thank you again, Rarity." Twilight said with a cheery smile. The girls all agreed, as Rarity gave a soft smile, but in her mind: she was nervous. "What have I gotten myself into?" She thought. That was until her mind wandered to Silver, who had a look of contempt. She could tell he too also seemed off-put, but mostly for what their friends said. "Oh! Seeing Silver here made me realize I need to get his outfit started as well! But... since I have to work on revising the other dresses..." Rarity said, looking a bit remorseful. Silver then gave her a sad grin as he walked up to her. "Hey, it's alright. I mean the girls' dresses are more of a priority at this point. I mean you are just doing some tweaks to them, so I am willing to wait until you do those before you get to mine. No rush. I just don't want to overwhelm you with what you already got on your plate. Just focus on the girls first, then worry about me, I am a very patient pony." Silver gave her a genuine, secure grin as he pats her shoulder. "Oh Silver dear. You are too kind, and I really am sorry we can get started with your outfit yet. But I assure you darling, the moment I have done the touch-ups on my other friends' dresses, we shall get started on your attire!" Rarity said, determined. Silver chuckles. "Of course. Just try to keep your mind clear and breath easy as you work. Even my mother had her days when she got a lot to work on and got overwhelmed with orders. She would probably say the same thing." Rarity gave a light chuckle. Even so, redoing five dresses was going to be rather tedious, but she made a vow to make the perfect dresses for her friends and that is what she is going to do. Over the week. Rarity has been hard at work making the necessary touch-ups for the girls' Gala dresses. However, it was slowly getting to her and she beginning to feel exhausted and frustrated, but did her best to keep her composure. It got harder when she brought her friends in to see the changes and they all had the same thing in mind: it still wasn't perfect enough. So much so, Fluttershy literally bombarded the seamstress with what was exactly wrong with her dress, detailing ever single term that the two knew, much to Rarity's shock as she had no idea she was knowledgeable in sewing. Needless to say, she was slowly beginning to regret this, as she sews Twilight's gown with the other unicorn pacing about, instructing what she wanted down. "Now, the stars on my belt need to be technically accurate. Orion has three stars on his belt, not four." (Rarity) (Twilight) (Applejack) (Rainbow Dash) (Pinkie Pie) (Fluttershy) Stitch by stitch, stitching it together Deadline looms, don't you know the client's always right? Even if my fabric choice was perfect Gotta get them all done by tonight Pinkie Pie, that color's too obtrusive Wait until you see it in the light I'm sewing them together! "Don't you think my gown would be more 'me' with some lollipops?" Pinkie asked as she looks over her dress. "Well, I think..." Rarity was about to give her input before Pinkie cut her off. "Balloons?" Pinkie asked again. "Well..." Rarity responded, only to be shut down again. "Do it!" Pinkie demanded, leaving Rarity to sigh tiredly. Hour by hour, one more change I'm sewing them together, take great pains Fluttershy, you're putting me in a bind Rainbow Dash, what is on your mind? Oh my gosh, there's simply not much time Don't forget, Applejack's duds must shine Dressmaking's easy, every customer's call Brings a whole new revision Have to pick up the pace, still hold to my vision "That constellation is Canis Major, not Minor." Twilight said as she points to a chart of the constellation. "French haute couture, please." Fluttershy pleased quietly "Ugh..." Rarity groaned. "What if it rains? Galoshes!" Applejack answered ethusatically. Rarity just winced. "More balloons! Oh no, that's too many balloons." Pinkie said as Rarity levitated a bunch of balloons, but then set them aside. "More candy! Oh, less candy." Same thing, but levitated a bunch of candy before setting them aside too. "Oh wait, I know. Streamers!" Pinkie yelled proudly. Rarity just looked at her. "Streamers?" She asked plainly, before Pinkie gets up into her face. "Whose dress is this?" She asked directly. Rarity just answered plainly before giving a sad smile. "Streamers it is." She was working on Rainbow's dress, who was just standing behind her leaning against her sewing table, as Rarity just kept glancing back at her and the dress. Rainbow just raises a brow. "What?" She asked. "Aren't you going to tell me to change something too?" Rarity asked, confused. "No, I just want my dress to be cool." Rainbow replied. "Do you not like the color?" Rarity pressed. "The color is fine, just make it cooler." Rainbow replied once more. Rarity just didn't understand what she meant by wanting it cooler. "Do you not like the shape?" She asked one more time. Rainbow just rolls her eyes. "The shape's fine, just make the whole thing... you know, cooler. It needs to be about 20% cooler." Rainbow answered as she waved her hoof. Rarity just lightly bangs her head against the manikin, giving up. All we ever want is indecision All we really like is what we know Gotta balance style with adherence Making sure we make a good appearance Even if you simply have to fudge it Make sure that it stays within our budget Got to overcome intimidation Remember, it's all in the presentation! Piece by piece, snip by snip Croup, dock, haunch, shoulders, hip Bolt by bolt, primmed and pressed Yard by yard, always stressed And that's the art of the dress! After that, she simply passed out in exhaustion, with her sketch of her Gala dress on the wall behind her. Silver decided to come see how Rarity was doing, considering it has been a week since she started revising the dresses. When he got there and saw the dresses, he just gave a look of that just went 'Are you serious?'. She looks up at Opal, who was standing on the head of the manikin that had her incomplete Gala dress resting on. "Oh Opal! Oh Silver! These are just the ugliest dresses I ever made!" Rarity said sadly as she rested her head on the floor. Opal, just didn't respond and stood there, her tail swaying around. Silver sighs and looks down at Rarity as he kneels down, patting her back. "...Yeah, they are pretty bad." Silver said with a tone to match his mood. "Well... if this is what the girls want, then this is what they are going to get." Rarity said as she got up. Soon, the girls arrived as Rarity, looking exhausted and tired. She gave a calm smile to her friends. "Okay. I did exactly what each of you asked for. Now don't hold back. Let me know what you really think." Rarity said as her friends have a look of awe. Silver just blanched. The girls, however. "Oh my!" Twilight said in awe. "It's... perfect!" Fluttershy exclaimed. "It's cool!" Rainbow said ecstatically. "Why, they're the best duds I ever did see." Applejack said in awe. "It's exactly what I asked for!" They all said in unison. All the while, Opal just hisses at Twilight's dress, wanting to claw it, before turning around and sees Applejack's galoshes and just held her paw up to her mouth and yacked, expressing her displeasure in the outfits. Silver just couldn't understand these five mares and just facepalms groaning quietly. "You girls... CANNOT be serious right now... If I was a mare, I wouldn't be caught dead in these!" Silver thought to himself, irritated. Twilight walks up to Rarity, with a soft grin. "Thank you Rarity." Pinkie hops over and excitedly as ever, got up to her face with questions. "Are you as happy with them as we are? Huh? Huh? Huh?" Rarity is just taken a back, but gave a forced smile. "Well, I'm... happy that all of you are happy. I'm just relieved to finally be done." Rarity tiredly said. And just like that, Silver felt it. He had a hunch when Rarity just said that statement. He knew she just jinxed herself. Because, not too long after that, Spike bursts into the boutique panting. "You guys are not going to believe this! You've heard of Hoity Toity?" Spike asked. The girls looked at each other as Twilight gave a skeptical look, as did Silver. "The bigwig fashion hotshot in Canterlot?" She asked. Spike nods. "Uh-huh. He heard about your fashion show. Well, maybe I happened to mention it to him..." "Spike... you did not..." Silver thought as he softly glared at the baby dragon. "He's coming here all the way from Canterlot to see your work, Rarity!" Spike exclaimed. "Whoa, Nelly! You could sell a ton o' dresses to this guy. Your business will be boomin'!" Applejack said in awe. The girls were all amazed and impressed, as well as proud of Rarity. Rarity though was now on the verge of collapsing onto the floor in shock. "Hoity Toity? He's coming here? To see THESE dresses?" Rarity asked, in a terrified tone. Of course, everyone sans Silver doesn't pick up on this. "Yep! Get ready for all of your dreams to come true." Spike said happily. Rarity knew how she was feeling now: her dreams were going to be shattered. Her right eye twitches. "But... but I still have yet to start Silver's outfit! I mean we all agreed that he'd partake in the fashion show too! I don't have enough time to start on it by tonight!" She screamed. "Rarity! Rarity... It is alright. Just breath." Silver shook her a bit to snap her out of it. "Now, I know this is a big surprise... really big one, but don't worry about me. I'm willing to sit this one out. I don't want you to get started on my outfit when you just spent a whole week on the girls' 'revisions'. You are going to work yourself into a coma. You need time to yourself, clear your head and most of all rest." Silver explained. Rarity just meekly looks down. "Y-your absolutely right Silver. I need a bit of time to gather my thoughts and... process this all as well as rest for a bit. As well as get prepared. The fashion show will begin tonight, so w-we need to get runway set by tonight." Rarity said weakly. Silver knew what Rarity was going through. She will not be able to rest easy after tonight. This is going to be one long roller coaster of a ride. Later that evening, ponies began to gather around the runway stage that was set up in front of the boutique. Opal peers her head out of the curtain and looks about as Rarity does the same, seeing the crowd gather. She gasps as she sees on pony in particular strutting past the crowd. "Oh! There he is...!" Rarity exclaimed to herself, as Hoity Toity kept his head high with a stern look as ponies watch as he approaches the front of the runway. He claps his hooves as a stallion brings a purple pillow for him to sit on, which he proceeds to do, while stallion's who placed the pillow there has his muzzle stuck underneath it as Hoity sits on it. "Okay. Relax, Rarity. Your friends like their outfits and so will he." Rarity said shakily, but squeals as the lights dimmed. "Wah! What's going on?! What happened to the lights?!" She asked herself, panicky. "...Oh, yes... T-the show is starting, good..." She chuckled nervously as she goes back behind the curtain. Nearby, a white unicorn with a wild blue mane and purple glasses stood behind a turntable as she begins playing some bopping music. The stage lights all turn on as they point down at the runway, the crowd eager to see this show begin. Spike then begins speaking in a calm, cool tone behind a screen with his shadow appearing as a silhouette. "Since the beginning of time, the elite of Equestria have longed for pony fashions that truly expressed the essence of their very souls. Patiently waiting decades -- no, centuries -- for the perfect pony gown. Today, at long last, Equestria, your wait is over! Let's hear it for the breathtaking designs of Ponyville's own Rarity!" The curtains come up, and everyone in the crowd just gave a look of surprise as the girls began to walk down the runway, in their gawdy outfits. Silver, who was behind stage with Rarity, just looked up at the night sky with a pleading look. "Luna... give us strength..." He muttered quietly. The crowd begins murmuring, while staring at the five with disgust and confusion as to what they are wearing. Hoity was just appalled by this. The center platiform just slowly spins, as more ponies murmurs start getting loudly. Applejack just stares out at the crowd concerned. "Why's everypony lookin' at us like that? ?" Applejack asked quietly, looking toward Twilight. Twilight looks down at her gown and up at the stars that just jingled and flopped about as she moved her head. She then realized what was wrong. "Oh dear." She muttered out. Rainbow looks at the others. "You think we overdid?" She asked. "Nah..." Applejack replied, but then looks down at her galoshes, before changing her mind. "...Okay, maybe a little." "Understatement of the century, AJ..." Silver thought. Hoity just shook his head in displeasure. "Oh, those amateurish designs look like a piled-on mishmash of everything but a kitchen sink!" Hoity commented, as everyone in the crowd laughed. Meanwhile, Rarity simply pushes a random kitchen sink with her left hind hoof while looking out in shame. "It's a travesty is what it is. Those outfits are the ugliest things I've ever seen, oh for shame. Who is responsible for subjecting our eyes to these horrors? Not to mention wasting my valuable time." Hoity asked, as he looks at his wrist. Rarity starts shaking as she ducks behind Opal. "Eek! Opal, hide me...!" She said meekly as she closed her eyes and hide behind her cat in fear, with the cat looking away from the crowd, feeling the same as her owner. Silver smacked his head. "Oh Celestia... this is not good..." Spike suddenly ran out to the stage as he looks back toward Rarity. "Come on out and take a bow, Rarity. You worked really hard for this. Yes! All right, woo-hoo! Go, Rarity!" Spike cheered as Rarity came out, looking down at the floor of the runway as the crowd just stare at her quietly. Silver just wanted to stuff a bunch of gemstones down Spike's throat for not helping at all. The crowd begins murmuring as the spotlights are on her, and the girls just rotate around the center platform, giving forced grins, before realizing what they have done. Days passed since the fashion show, and the girls haven't seen or heard from Rarity since then. The group decided to go check on Rarity, with Pinkie banging on her bedroom door. "Rarity! Are you okay in there? You haven't come out in days." Pinkie spoke out. Her response was Rarity being over-dramatic, as she paces back and forth in her room, still in her robe. "I'm never coming out! I can't show my face in Ponyville ever again! I used to be somepony. I used to be respected. I made dresses. Beautiful, beautiful dresses! But now everypony is laughing at me. I'm nothing but a laughing stock!" Rarity then began sobbing uncontrollably. "You are not a laughing stock, Rarity..." Twilight reassured her. "She kind of is." Rainbow said bluntly, only to receive a smack over the head by Silver who just glares. "Not helping, Dash." Silver said with a deadpanned stare. Needless to say, Silver was disappointed in the girls. But, he kept his composure not wanting to start something else. "Please come out and talk to us...!" Twilight pleaded. Rarity continues sobbing, as she hops onto her bed. "Leave me alone! I want to be alone! I want to wallow in... whatever it is that ponies are supposed to wallow in! Do ponies wallow in pity? Oh, listen to me, I don't even know what I'm supposed to wallow in! I'm so pathetic!" Rarity cried out. The group outside just stared at the door, hearing her cry. "Now what do we do?" Twilight asked concerned. "Um... panic?" Fluttershy suggested. "That's your answer to everything!" Rainbow points out. "Well we can't leave Rarity like this!" Applejack said in a serious tone, pointing toward the door. "She'll become a crazy cat lady!" Pinkie shouted in horror. Twilight gives her a deadpan stare. "She only has one cat." "Give her time..." Pinkie said calmly. Silver just sighed, as he peeks into the keyhole, seeing a row of manikins, before seeing the unfinished dress Rarity was making herself for the Gala. "Hmm... well, I think there is one thing we could do. Oh, I'm gonna feel bad for this later." Silver said as he turns around to the group. "You girls want to make it up to her? Well, here's what you should do..." Silver began. Sometime later, Rarity was just staring at the mirror of herself. "Exile... I guess technically I'd have to move away to live in exile. Where would I go? And what would I pack? Oh, it's going to take me forever to do all of that packing. What are you supposed to pack when you go to exile? Are you supposed to pack warm?" She asked herself. Her thoughts are interrupted when she heard Opal meowing loudly. "Huh? Opal?" Rarity asked as she goes to open her window and looks outside and sees the poor cat hugging a tree branch in fear, meowing fearfully. "Opal, how did you get up there? Hang on, you poor dear! Mama's coming!" Rarity yelled as she ran out of her room and outside to the tree, only to stop and sees Rainbow Dash sitting up there with Opal. "Rainbow Dash! How dare you stick my poor Opal up in a tree?" She spat out in anger. Rainbow simply grinned as she hovers down. "Well, how else were we gonna get you out here to show you this?" Rainbow points to the girls as they move out of the way, revealing Rarity's complete dress. Rarity's eyes widen and her mouth agape. "What is it? It's not... You..." Rarity gasped. "We all finished your dress for you." Pinkie hopped up. "Thanks to Fluttershy's freaky knowledge of sewing." Applejack points out, with Fluttershy blushing cutely. "Do you like it?" Fluttershy asked. "Like it?" Rarity asked, her tone becoming serious. She moved around and examined the dress carefully. "Like it?!" She yelled. "Uh-oh... she doesn't like it." Fluttershy responded sadly. "No, I do not like it..." Rarity said, facing away from them and eyes closed. "Aww..." The girls groaned. Suddenly, Rarity looks back at them with the craziest smile on her face. "I LOVE IT!!" She declared. The girls smiled, very happy about the outcome. "You ponies did an amazing job. It's exactly the way I imagined it." Rarity said in a pleased tone. "We just followed your brilliant design." Fluttershy pointed out. Twilight then gave a remorseful look. "Like we should have let you do for our outfits. Those first dresses you designed were perfect." "We are super sorry!" Pinkie gave a sadden look as the girls huddled together. "You worked really hard to make our dresses exactly the way we wanted them. We all saw how well that turned out." Rainbow said as she brought Opal down from the tree, who climbed over onto Rarity's back. "Oh, I forgive you." Rarity said with a soft grin. "Well, that's mighty big of you." Applejack said as she came over. "But my whole career is still ruined!" Rarity yells out as she become melodramatic. "Oh, right. That." Applejack muttered. Twilight frowns, but turns her head and sees Hoity Toity standing beside the boutique. She then grinned. "Maybe not." Twilight replied. "All right, I haven't got all day." Hoity said in a uppity tone. Everyone heads back inside. Hoity stands beside the stage for modeling dresses. Hoity then waved his hoof, and pushed Opal back while she was batting at his ascot. "Take two!" Hoity waved his hoof up, as Spike and Silver shut the curtains and blinds of the shop. Rarity steps on stage, giving a confident smile as her horn glows and begins emitting a light show. Show much so, Hoity is just in awe at the sight. It then shows a starry field where several white and blue stars move and seemingly stick the Twilight's gown, while she turns, waving her hooves up as fireworks explode behind her, and sticks a pose. "Hello... Oh, this can't be the same designer." Hoity muttered as he moves his shades down to get a better look, impressed. Suddenly, it transitions to an apple orchard, as a lasso grabs an apple from a tree before showing Applejack waving it around and throwing the lasso off, before crossing her one off over the other, give a rather confident smirk. "Simply magnificent! And I suddenly have a fierce craving for some Dutch apple pie, candied apples on a stick, apple turnovers, apple cobbler..." Hoity said as pink clouds slowly cover the place. Revealing candy falling from the sky as several pieces of candy corn and some lollipops land around the white brim of Pinkie Pie's gown. She manages to catch a green gumdrop with her tongue, before giving a bright smile, while holding her hoof up as if saying 'Ta-dah!'. "Brillant!" Hoity complimented, before being surprised by thunder and flashes of rainbow lightning. The sun is covered by dark clouds, but an array of colors break through the clouds, which transitions into Rainbow Dash flying in the air as her gown flutters in the air, before 'landing' and doing a pose that made her expression cocky. "Oh, spectacular!" Hoity clapped his hooves together, as Opal was on the other side and giving a soft grin as she too was enjoying this. Suddenly, they are surprised by large vines growing up from the earth, before becoming flowers. The wind blows all the petals away, and a bunch of butterflies flutter by when a blue one lands on Fluttershy's ear, becoming an accessory. She just give a kind smile as she stood there. "Now this is a fashion show! All of these dresses are absolutely amazing. Who is responsible? Step forward, show yourself!" Hoity asked as he looked around. A bright array of lights shine out, as Rarity walks forward in her gown with her same confident smile, the lights shining around the room like a disco lamp, before they disappear and stops in the center of the stage in a pose, with her friends behind her in the back as the curtains move to the side. Hoity simply just gushed and applauded the group. "Brava! Brava! Magnifico! Encore!" Rarity's heart suddenly flutters as she looks back at her friends, smiling so brightly and looking back down at Hoity. "Oh, thank you. Thank you! Oh, thank you so much!" Rarity responded. The fashion over, everyone was just talking among themselves, clearly happy for the end result of the fashion show, and admiring each other's performance. All the while, Twilight has Spike write down her friendship report for Princess Celestia. Dear Princess Celestia, This week, my very talented friend Rarity learned that if you try to please everypony, you often times end up pleasing nopony, especially yourself. And I learned this: when somepony offers to do you a favor, like making you a beautiful dress, you shouldn't be overly critical of something generously given to you. In other words, you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. She giggles at the pun. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle Spike nods as he rolls the report up and sends it away with his dragon fire, the smoke moving out the window, as Hoity watched it go. He then approaches Rarity who comes over as well. "Rarity, my congratulations to you on a most impressive fashion debut. Would you do me the great honor of allowing me to feature your couture in my Best of the Best Boutique in Canterlot?" Hoity asked. Rarity just gasp as she gives a really playful giggled. "Now, I'll need you to make a dozen of each dress for me by next Tuesday." Hoity said, leaving Rarity to gasp again, only now she begins twitching her eye. Silver then goes over to her and pats her. "Rarity, breath. Relax, this is your moment. You can do this. You and your friends are here, and we have faith in you." Silver reminded. With that, Rarity stops and closes her eyes and regains composure. "Forgive me Hoity dear. But I would be honored to abide your request. I shall get started right away and have those dresses sent to you by Tuesday." Rarity said with a confident expression. "Wonderful! I shall make my leave now. I do look forward in doing more business with you in the future! Ta-ta for now!" Hoity said as he waves and makes his leave. After he was gone, Rarity almost collapsed and Silver catches her. "D-Dozen of six dresses... by Tuesday..." She muttered. The girls come over and console her, and remind her that it will be alright and they are there for her.