//------------------------------// // Episode 8: Rarity Takes Manehattan // Story: EoH Evolution: Season 4 // by Bahamut0 //------------------------------// "I must say. I haven't expected you to drop in so soon darling." Rarity said as she regarded her guest. "Tell me Silk Snare. What brings you all the way into town?" "Well. . . it's a little embarrassing." Silk Snare said with a nervous giggle. "I was wondering if you could teach me how to make my own clothes?" "Is that all darling?" Rarity said with a kind smile. "I don't see why you need to trouble yourself with that! I was more than happy to help Nightmare Moon build up her wardrobe. It would be my pleasure to help you build your own!" "Wouldn't my extra legs be a bit of an obstacle?" Silk Snare asked nervously. "I mean, I doubt there's many tops you have that can accomodate two pairs of spider legs." "Oh, I wouldn't worry about that." Rarity said with a dismissive wave. "If anything, your legs could fit through the back slits of the clothing I've modified for Skyborn to wear. In fact, that's how most common changelings are able to fit their wings in. Still, I am intrigued as to why you wish to make your own clothing." "Well, I actually made the rags I'm currently wearing." Silk Snare stated. The spider mutant changeling gestured to the tattered garment that served as her only means of clothing. "I was pretty hasty in making it, so it doesn't look like the nicest thing. Narico mentioned you're a seamstress, so I figured you'd be the best person to get help from." "Ah. I understand." Rarity said with a nod. "Well Silk Snare, you're not wrong with wanting to touch up your garments a bit. Would you mind if I get a feel of your makeshift dress?" Silk Snare shook her head. "Thank you. Hmm. Despite the condition its in, it feels quite soft. What material did you use to make this?" "Well. . . let's just say I don't have to worry about paying for materials." Silk Snare said with a small smile as she shot out a strand of webbing. "Spiders make their own webbing, but I prefer to call it silk due to how soft it is. It's also pretty strong which is why its been able to tank hits from your boyfriend and his friends. Although having chitin instead of skin does help in making me sturdy despite my sleek figure." "Silk Snare I would love to give you some lessons on how to make your own garments. I bet you could even assist me in making a new line made with your silk!" Rarity said with a proud smile. "Sadly, I won't have the time to teach you right now. I've a pressing affair in Manehattan. I was selected to participate in Fashion Week, and I must divert all my energy into making designs that are sure to wow the fashion world! It's also my chance to debut a new fabric I've been working on! Oh, I just know everyone will have their eyes on it!" "Sounds nice." Silk Snare said with a shy smile. "C-Could I come to? I haven't seen much of the world outside of the hive except for the Everfree Forest and Unityville." "Of course!" Rarity said with an inviting smile. "All of my friends are coming along to give me their support! You among them!" "W-We're friends?" Silk Snare asked. A hopeful tone in her voice. "Why are you even asking darling?" Rarity asked. "True, you've had some mis-steps before. But you're doing the best you can to move on and change for the better." She then put her hand on Silk Snare's shoulder. "Besides, my friends and I have a knack for turning enemies into friends. And in certain cases, even more." "Even more huh?" Silk Snare thought with a blush as she imagined herself finding someone to love. While she didn't hunger for it, Silk Snare still wanted to feel love. Not the platonic or familial love that she felt for her fellow mutant changelings and Narico, but the kind that Shining Armor and Cadence had between them. However, a quick nudge from Rarity snapped the spider mutant changeling out of her musings. "So when are you and your friends headed out?" "We leave tomorrow." Rarity said with a smile. "But I'm so excited I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight!" She feel into a restful slumber all the same that night. And when the morning came, Rarity almost sprung right out of bed! Needless to say, the rest of the Main 6 had prepared for Rarity's excited state of being and had woken up about a half hour prior to Rarity's own awakening. "Well darlings, no time to delay!" Unbeknownst to the girls, the guys were discretely boarding the train as well. "Remind me why we're all tagging along on this trip again?" Spike asked. "And why Burst is carrying a gigantic bag full of empty soda cans?" "Because Rarity is my girlfriend, and I need all of you to help me hold up this giant motivation banner Sweetie Belle helped me make." Inferno answered. "And the cans are to help you with your Duelist Arm training. Shooting your arm cannon well means nothing if you can't hit what you're aiming for." "Makes sense." Spike said with a shrug. "But I hope I get to see some action soon." "Trust us newbie." Steel Edge said with a chuckle. "If there's one thing any of us can tell you, it's that you'll get your wish soon enough. If our earlier adventures are any indication, action finds us. We've still got seven Chaos Kin to deal with and we don't know what kinds of minions they've got at their disposal. So just sit tight. Sometimes the action is looking for you instead of you looking for it." The band of heroes boarded the train, and both sets of elements were on their way to Manehattan. Rarity was pretty surprised to see Inferno and the other guys spreading out the support banner as soon as they exited the train, but was nonetheless happy to see her boyfriend coming to support her. "I should've known you'd tag along darling. Do you always have to give me such grand gestures of love and support?" "Hey. I'm your boyfriend." Inferno said with a smirk. "It's in the job description." And the two shared a loving hug. One that was sadly cut short as Rarity's eyes went wide as soon as she looked at the time on her watch! "SWEET CELESTIA!" Rarity exclaimed as she read the time! "I need to get to Fashion Week's building! It'll start in a few minutes!" Rarity hailed a cab, and crammed all her supplies into the back seat with her! "Forgive me Inferno, but I simply can't be late!" Inferno nodded. "You can thank me later. Go!" Inferno smiled as he watched the cab speed off! "You don't even need to be sorry. I know exactly where you're coming from. Same feeling, different field." "It's why the two of you are so perfect for each other." Tyrannus said with a smile as he patted Inferno on the back. "Kinda like me and Fluttershy, Steel and Rainbow Dash, Pinkie and Akage. I want to say North and Applejack, but I can't tell whether or not they're couple material yet." "Slow-burning embers of attraction my friend." Inferno said with a sage nod. "A little something my Mom taught me when I asked her for relationship advice. Not an instant spark between them, but it's one worth waiting to see ignite." "If you two are done musing on romance, we'd better get a move on." Burst Stream said. "You can't very well show your support for Rarity if you just stand here, can you?" "Eh heh!" Inferno blushed slightly in embarrassment. "Can't argue with that logic! Let's roll!" As the the Elements of Heroism and the rest of the Main 6 took off to meet Rarity, the Element of Generosity had arrived at the building where Fashion Week was being held. She had arrived on time, but wound getting lectured to be early. Normally people complain when you're late. Not on-time. But I suppose with how demanding this week is, arriving ahead of time does allow for a few precious extra minutes of planning. Rarity smiled. "Understood Miss Hemline. I'll take your words to heart for both this competition and the rest of my career." And with that, Prim Hemline dismissed the contestants. Allowing Rarity to catch up with her friends who had recently arrived. She blushed a little when she saw Inferno orchestrating some of the guys to help display the banner. "I wouldn't say that little lecture warrants such a grand display of support, but I appreciate it all the same." "I'm just happy you know how much I care about you Rarity." Inferno said as the two of them shared a kiss. "And there's no such thing as 'enough' when it comes to showing you that you're my treasure." "Well, well. You've certainly gotten quite a catch Rares." Rarity turned her head, and saw Suri Polomare approaching her and Inferno. "Not all that surprising to see you here." "Good to see you too Suri." Rarity said with a nod. She then noticed the shy girl next to Suri. "And who might your little friend be?" "Oh, this is Coco." Suri said with a dismissive wave. "I'd be lost without her." Coco gave a small wave, and gave a curious look towards Silk Snare who was setting down some of Rarity's materials. Suri was a little put off by Silk Snare being present, but thought nothing of it. "So anyway, do you have anything you plan on debuting here? Knowing you, it'll probably be dazzling!" Rarity proudly unveiled her latest fabric type. However, red flags started to raise in Inferno's head as he noticed Suri ask Rarity if she coudl borrow a sample to help inspire some designs. Why do I have the feeling her inspiration is more likely going to be a rip-off? All the while, Coco had an uncertain look on her face when she saw Suri take the fabric. "Well, it was nice meeting you again darling!" Rarity called out as she had her friends help move her supplies into the studio room she'd be occupying for the entirety of fashion week. However, she quickly caught sight of Inferno's uneasy expression. "Inferno? What's wrong darling?" "Hm? Oh. Just that girl you were talking to earlier." Inferno said witha shrug as he set a box of fabric down. "Something about her just seemed to rub me the wrong way. Maybe it was that verbal tic of hers, or maybe it was just the way she was eyeing your latest fabric. Honestly? I hope I'm wrong." "Don't trouble yourself darling." Rarity said with a loving smile. "None of the other competitors would dare try to pass off someone else's work as their own. It's one of the greatest crimes of fashion! Such conduct would result in being permanently banned from ever competing in fashion week!" "Maybe you're right." Inferno said with a tired smile. "It's probably just this long trip getting to me. The best thing to do now is probably grab a bite to eat and rest." Rarity smiled lovingly. "I couldn't have but it better myself darling. Besides, I don't work well on an empty stomach!" A quick meal later, and Rarity was already working the rest of the day away like it was the hour before her designs were about to go on stage. It took many hours, but Rarity finally finished the designs she'd had planned to unveil. Her work accomplished, Rarity headed off to bed for a much deserved rest. However, the next morning held an incredibly rude awakening for Rarity. The minute she'd arrived with the rest of the Main 6, there was Suri bragging to the other contestants. Flaunting the very same fabric Rarity had worked on and displaying it like it was her own! Rarity couldn't believe it! "Suri. . . how could you do this to me?!" "Oh please Rares." Suri said with a scoff. "This is a competition. It's everyone for themselves. But hey, at least your work will be the center of attention. It's just in the hands of someone more deserving of the credit." The Main 6 all took a collective big step backward as they saw Rarity trembling with rage. "You know what Suri?" Rarity said as she took a few strides forward before glaring right into whatever resembled Suri's very soul. "I'm not even mad." This surprised both Rarity's friends and Suri and Coco. "I pity the fact you have to stoop so low to maintain your standing and how you can be so self-centered. If this is your definition of winning, then you've already lost. So enjoy your trophy. Just remember that it wasn't your own skills that earned it." Rarity turned her back to Suri and headed off to her studio space. "You five don't have to follow me you know." Rarity said with a small smile as she noticed the rest of the Main 6 and Silk Snare. "I know you all came to support me, but you also wanted to enjoy some of the city while we're here right?" "Rarity. You know you can't make a full line in what short time you have left before you need to go up, right?" Twilight asked. "Not on your own at least." "And you will be debuting a new fabric." Silk Snare said with a smirk as she shot a strand of webbing out between her hands. "Just not the one you originally intended." "All of you. . . " Rarity said with tearful eyes. "I would gratefully accept your help." And so, the seven of them got to work putting together Rarity's new line for the competition. They wound up using unconventional types of garments such as lamp shades, curtains, and a few other types of room design that could serve as good outfit components. And with Silk Snare's spider silk, the outfits were held together quite securely and the light seemed to catch the almost invisible strands of webbing so that there was a little bit of a shine to the outfits as well. Needless to say, the judges were very impressed. However, as the rounds continued, it became clear to Rarity that her friends were missing out on so much of what they wanted to do just for her sake. And on the second-to-last round's conclusion, Rarity couldn't let them continue on like this. "Girls? How about all of you call it a night. You've been putting so much into helping me, and it's taken up so much of your time here in Manehattan that you haven't gotten to enjoy yourselves." "Rarity." Applejack said with a sigh. "We know how much this meant to ya sugarcube. That's why we're not flaking out on you right when you're so close to the end." "Yeah." Rainbow Dash said with a nod. "Besides, our lives aren't gonna end if we miss some stupid play." "All of you, please." Rarity said as she raised her hand for silence. "I truly appreciate the lengths you've gone to. But in good conscience, I can't just expect you to drop everything you have planned just for my sake. If I was ever that selfish, I could never forgive myself. So please, all of you, go have fun. Winning this competition would mean so much to me. But if the price I have to pay for winning is making all of you miserable? I'd be no better, or even worse, than Suri ever could be." The rest of the Main 6 were hesitant to just leave Rarity to do the last of the work herself, but left when they saw Rarity's pleading smile. However, Silk Snare remained. "You know, that includes you as well Silk. You did say you wanted to explore around the city." "Rarity. I haven't known you that long." Silk Snare said with a sigh. "But in the time I've spent with you, you've shown that you're more than worthy to be called the Element of Generosity. And I won't let such generosity go unrepaid. I'll work on the last line with you in your friends' stead. And I'll need to since you said we'd be using my silk to make the garments for the entirety of your last line for the competition." Silk then shot out a few strands of her webbing. "Just guide me on what design to make." To Rarity's surprise, Silk Snare was quite adept at weaving her webbing into clothing. Then again, the tattered clothing Silk already wore was made by her. The only difference between that and the garments being made now was that the current creations were in pristine condition. And with Rarity adding her own skills as a seamstress to the mix, the final line was sure to win! "Silk, darling. Why don't you take a break?" Rarity suggested. "All that's left is to work on the fine details and add a few splashes of color here and there. That's one of my specialties." "Thanks." Silk said with a tired smile as she rubbed her wrists. "Not really feeling a lot of pain, but I am a bit sore from all that spinning and web shooting." Silk Snare exited the studio, and stopped by a vending machine to get something to drink. However, she was not alone in the hallway. Silk noticed Coco was standing nervously behind a nearby trash can. "You can come closer. I don't bite. Well, I don't bite people." "O-Okay." Coco said shakily as she inched forward. "S-So what brings you out here?" "I'm on break from helping our Rarity make her final line for the competition." Silk Snare said with a shrug. "You on your break too?" Coco nodded before wincing and rubbing her wrists gently. "Are you okay?" "Well. . . " Coco said hesitantly. "Don't try and lie to me." Silk Snare said as she narrowed her eyes. "I'm a changeling. I know a lot about lies and deception. There's no use in fooling me. Something's troubling you, so spill it. If there's anything changelings are good at, it's keeping secrets. No need to worry about me ratting you out." "Well. . . it's because of what Suri did to Rarity." Coco said with a sad look in her eyes. "Suri stole something that Rarity put all her heart and effort into. And I saw how devastated she was. When I was making the clothes using that stolen fabric, it felt like creating it hurt every part of me. But then I saw how far Rarity's friends were willing to help her, and it made me think that Suri was wrong. The only problem is, I don't know what to do next." Silk Snare took a long sip from her drink before answering. "The way I see it, the answer's simple. You had the chance to do the right thing before, but didn't." Coco looked dejected, but Silk wasn't finished. "That's the good thing about remorse. It means it's not too late to make things right. I should know." Silk thought back to when she and her fellow defector mutant changelings helped turn the tide at the Castalot Royal Wedding. "I've righted my own wrongs." Silk gave Coco a kind smile. "Just let me know if you want me to put Suri in a sticky situation." Coco blushed. "I'll. . . think about that. . . " And with that, Coco dashed off to find Prim Hemline. Cute girl. Silk Snare thought to herself as she watched Coco dash away. I could see myself with her. . . Silk tossed aside her musings as she downed the last of her drink. "So this is what they call getting struck by Cadence's arrow." The next day was the final round. To no one's' surprise, Rarity was declared the winner. However, her celebration was cut short as Prim Hemline made an announcement. "As much as I would like nothing more than to continue this joyous moment, I'm afraid I must put it on hold for a rather serious matter." Prim said with a blunt tone. "It has been brought to my attention that one of you contestants has plagiarized the work of another designer. Miss Polomore." Suri froze in hear. "I don't believer there are any words to fully describe how utterly disgusted and disappointed I am with your actions. It was your assistant, Miss Pommel, that brought your plagiarism to light. Never, under any circumstances, should a desire to win take priority over love for the craft." "Y-You don't know what you're talking about!" Suri snapped! "It's everyone for themselves in this thing!" "You are greatly mistaken Miss Polomoare." Prim said in a stern tone. "I have seen your fellow contestants assist each other because they want to compete with their peers at their best. And they will accept nothing less than going forward with the best of their ability. It is a behavior that has been frequently encouraged since fashion week was first established. Your actions have disgraced yourself and this competition. And so, you are hereby banned from ever entering fashion week and are blacklisted from competing in any other fashion events until further notice." "You can't do this to me!" Suri screamed! "Do you know what I had to do to-MMPH!" A shot of webbing quickly silenced whatever Suri intended to say. "I was getting really tired of her." Silk Snare said as she lowered herself on a strand of webbing. "Hope nobody else minds that I shut her up. Oh. And congrats on winning Rarity. I was watching from the best seat in the house." Silk Snare dropped to the floor. "Hey Coco. You said you were a local, right? Care to show me around the city?" "I'd like that very much." Coco said with a shy smile. "Great!" Silk Snare said as she hoisted Coco onto her back. "Hold on tight!" Silk Snare shot out a webline, and started webslinging around the city with Coco acting as her guide. "Well." Rarity said. "Those two certainly seem like a nice pair. Now then. I believe a celebration is in order?" And with that, both teams of elements celebrated Rarity's win at fashion week. But as the two teams of heroes celebrated, a new threat was starting to come onlin. On the outskirts of Manehattan, Big Saturn hovered ominously. Behind him, an entire robotic army stood at attention. "Commander Covington." Big Saturn called out to the lead robot at the front of the army. "Ready our army. For tommorow, we march on Manehattan. . . "