//------------------------------// // 10-Suited for Success // Story: A Novice Swordsman in the Canterlot Court // by DungeonMiner //------------------------------// Chapter 10 “Lyra, please...” “Just a few more minutes, Alan.” Alan was currently being hung upside down, and having the blood rush to his head. “This really hurts, you know.” “Really?” Lyra said, before quickly jotting down some noted along the side of her notebook. “Lyra!” “Hm? Oh!” She said, finally realizing his point. “Alright, alright you can come down.” Alan lifted himself up, pulling at the rail he was hanging off of with everything he had, letting blood rush back down to his body. “Oh, that feels so good...” This was one of many of Lyra’s human-study sessions. She felt, having claimed that Humans existed since the beginning, that she was to have complete, uninhibited visiting rights to Ponyville’s bipedal resident. Using those rights, something that Alan didn’t voice any displeasure against, Lyra was able to almost perfectly guess human anatomy. “Biceps femoris are capable of holding one's weight for an extended period of time, however, it seems that the brain...” she mumbled to herself, writing furiously in her notebook. Alan waited for his head to clear before he instantly began searching for a way out. Don’t get him wrong, Lyra was fun enough to hang out with, and had a most pleasing personality, it’s just that sometimes she got a little carried away with her research. Like the time she insisted on counting his vertebrae. Alan shuddered at the thought. He still had a knot in his back from that session. “By the way, Al,” she said, interrupting his thoughts. “I may have messed up on our last session, I’m going to have to count you vertebrae again.” “ABANDON SHIP!” Alan now frantically began looking for anything that could drag him away. “THERE!” his brain screamed, Caplocks on, “TWILIGHT, HELP ME!” His voice, however, was far more subdued. “Twilight! Where are you going in such a hurry?!” Twilight, who was calmly walking towards the door, paused turning her head towards her housemate. “I’m just heading to Rarity’s with Applejack to get my Gala dress repaired.” The words “Gala", "Dress”, and “Rarity” shot up a few flags in his head, or would have if it weren’t so occupied with escaping a very pain filled few minutes. “Rarity’s? that’s a long way!” “It’s just a few blocks...” “A few blocks of danger!” He corrected, grabbing his sword belt. “Danger? I don’t really...” “I’d better escort you,” he said, slipping the belt on. “I’m so sorry about this, Lyra, but honor’s sake and all that.” “Uh...” the seafoam unicorn muttered just in time for Alan to shove Twilight out the door. “See you next week, alright? Bye!” he said, before slamming the door shut behind him. Now outside, Alan let loose a sigh. “Bad session?” Twilight asked. “About to become worse.” Twilight shook her head. “So are you really going to escort me to Rarity’s?” “It would be worse if I didn’t.” “Alright, Applejack said she’d meet us there.” <<<|Ω|>>> “Howdy Rarity!” Applejack said, bursting through the door. She did knock, but Alan didn’t feel like Rarity would have been too happy with the sudden intrusion. Twilight quickly silenced her, motioning over to the dressmaker, “Can’t you see she’s trying to concentrate?” “What do you think she’s making?” Applejack said, looking over the white unicorn’s shoulder. “Looks like a dress,” Twilight whispered back. “Well that makes sense, since this is a dressmaker’s shop and all.” Rarity turned, a quickly conjured smile on her face, “Is there anything I can help you with?” Alan chuckled. “Sorry to trouble you, Rarity,” Twilight said, “but I need a favor.” Twilight then pulled out a little red and yellow dress with two buttons, one of which literally hung by a thread. “Could you fix a button for me? It’s my dress for the grand galloping Gala.” The look of absolute horror on Rarity’s face spoke louder than words. <<<|Ω|>>> “I’m not so sure that this will look that good on me,” Alan said. Rarity, having heard of the plight of her friends not having new attire, had immediately begun on working on five dresses and two suits, one for Spike, another for Alan. Alan had stayed behind, offering his help to the soon-to-be-stressed pony. Of course, at the time the only thing he could really help with was his own suit. “Nonsense, Darling,” Rarity said. “Everything looks better with gems.” “Well, yes, but...this many?” The black suit was being covered in small emeralds, so many that Alan had lost count. Rarity had something about looking like a dragon, and while Alan had liked the idea, there were just a few things... “Yes, dear, each gem is its own scale, and dragons are covered in them.” “Yes but if you cover me in scales, then no one will be able to see the suit.” Grabbing an eraser, he quickly rubbed it over the drawing. “How about that?” Her eyes lit up. “Oh yes! That is a much better idea. Are you sure you’ve never worked in fashion?” Alan smirked. “I’m sure.” Rarity, however, was staring back at the drawing. “Hm...I rapidly getting off of the black and emerald color scheme...” “Oh?” Alan asked. “What did you have in mind?” She smirked. “I think it shall remain a surprise.” <<<|Ω|>>> “Aren’t they all amazing?!” Rarity exclaimed, beaming as her six friends took in her work. She was met with silence. “I like my suit!” Alan said, quickly, breaking the silence, walking over to the three piece Rarity had made for him. Rubies, rather than the original emeralds accented the hem of the sleeves and pants, with crimson satin lapels and a golden pin with a diamond at its the left lapel's furthest corner. “It looks wonderful Rarity. I would have liked some gold or silver in there, but it looks amazing as is. Besides, you are the authority on fashion, you know best.” He said the last part a little loudly hoping that the others would catch onto his hint. More silence. “W-wow...” Twilight said. “They um...” Rainbow started. “They...” “They sure are...somethin’,” AJ mumbled. “Yes! Something.” “I love something!” Pinkie chirped, “Something is my favorite!” “It’s...” Fluttershy began before her ears flattened. “Nice...” Alan frowned behind his smile. “Wonderful...” <<<|Ω|>>> Alan ducked under a flying pair of scissors as they began to furiously snip at a length of cloth. This was her third pass at Twilight’s dress, and even Alan knew that it was a disaster, fashionably speaking. He couldn’t figure out why, but this episode was being particularly stubborn. Nothing was changing, nothing at all, and Alan couldn’t stand it. Gentle nudges against the other mares simply flew over their heads. At this rate the episode would turn out exactly like it had, and even though it had a good ending, it wouldn’t be enough. Alan wanted a better ending. His original plan of dropping hints that making demands was not a good thing, especially after she made the dresses, had failed. His second plan, to ease Rarity’s stress by helping her, was proving to be similarly bad. The poor girl was throwing everything into these dresses, and hardly even noticed Alan was there. Alan sighed, there wasn’t any point in staying. The poor unicorn will run herself ragged with or without him. “Are you alright here by yourself Rarity?” “Hm,” was her only reply. That was the best he was going to get. “Be sure to get some rest tonight.” “Hm.” Alan sighed again, and grabbing his stuff he left. Alan had taken to wearing his stetson more often. He wasn’t sure why, and his only real answer was “Because it looks awesome.” Alan stepped outside of the boutique, pulled his hat down over his eyes and walked towards the library, his thoughts his only company. Maybe he was going at this the wrong way. Maybe he shouldn’t be changing the circumstances. He should let the girls make their mistake, but how can he get a better ending? What could he do to change the outcome without changing the circumstances? “Alright, let’s see...” he said to no one in particular. “First, the dresses, then the second and third drafts. We've done those. Completed dresses, fashion show, humiliation, and then Rarity locks herself away for a few days...” As he gave himself a checklist, he began running through possibilities where he changed certain actions. The issue was he wasn’t sure if those actions would change other circumstances. He needed a A changing to B, but he couldn’t risk a B changing to C. All of this pseudo-math was starting to hurt his head. “Alright, Alan, breathe.” For a brief second, he stood stock still, his only movement was raising his head to glance at the sun from underneath the brim of his hat. “Now. What can you change?” Alan began his thoughts again, this time moving through them much slower. Each time carrying a single event to its logical conclusion before moving on to the next one. Suddenly, he stopped. That...that could work... A smile spread across his face. It looks like he may need a little help though. <<<|Ω|>>> “Lyra! Get the door!” Bon Bon yelled up the stairs. “I’m busy! And it’s your shop anyway!” "Busy my candy-covered flank." Sighing, Bon Bon carefully laid the tray of chocolate truffles down, dusting sugar off of her apron, and dashed towards the door to the personal section of the house/store. Opening the wooden door, she was surprised to see the human that she had met eight months ago. “Howdy, Miss,” he said, tipping his hat while grinning with the biggest smile he could muster. “Alan, what are you doing here?” Alan kept smiling, “Well, I need the help of two beautiful mares, and well, you and miss Heartstrings were the first to come to mind.” Bon Bon blushed, “Well I...” “I'll make sure that you’ll both are paid for your services, and that sounded really dirty when I said that...” Bon Bon kept blushing, “Just a little.” “Perhaps I should explain just what exactly am I asking you to do.” “I think that would help.” “Is Lyra here?” “Yes.” “Then get her down here.” <<<|Ω|>>> Phase One of his Super Ingenious Plan was a success. Phase Two was underway. Unfortunately, he was about to hit a roadblock. For Phase Two, he needed Rarity’s dress completed for the Event. Rarity had not even touched her dress. It was simply sitting there on the model, untouched. The issue was getting it out of there. Luna had sent him a New Moon that night, and it was fairly difficult to see. Dressed in his duster to break up his form, Alan took another look at the boutique, Rarity’s workshop’s light was on, but he couldn’t see any movement. Taking a deep breath he quickly snuck over to the side of the building, laying himself flat against the white wall. Of course, he was perfectly visible against that wall, and being the only thing in the town that was twice as tall as a pony... “Hey Al!” Pinkie said, appearing from seemingly nowhere. Alan slammed his hand against the Pink pony’s mouth. “Pinkie! What are you doing here?” Alan asked in a strained whispered. “It’s Thursday,” she answered, as if that explained everything. “Thursday?” “Yeah, so when it becomes midnight, then it’s Friday! And Friday is the best day because it comes before Saturday! So I have to spend all morning long planing my Thank Celestia it’s Friday Party!” Alan blinked. “So what are you doing here?” “I...I...” Alan began, searching for an excuse, “I-I’m planning a surprise,” he said through a smile. “Ooh! A surprise!” “Yeah! Yeah. A surprise for Rarity.” “What kind of surprise?” “Well, Rarity has been working really hard on your dresses. So hard, in fact, that she hasn’t gotten to her own. So, I know a pony who can stitch pretty well, and I was thinking her and I could get Rarity’s dress done so she could be a part of the fashion show.” “Oh, that’s a good idea!” “Yeah, so I’m going to try to get her dress, do you want to help?” “Sure!” “And you’ll keep this a secret?” “Of course! It’s a surprise!” “Good,” Alan said, before turning to face the wall. One major advantage to fingers, any animal would tell you is the dexterity as opposed to paws. Three fingers could do jobs that would be impossible for most animals. In this case, climbing the “vertical” surface of pony architecture like a monkey. His fingers grabbing at nooks and crannies in the wall, Alan began his slow ascent, leaving Pinkie on the ground. However, if he knew Pinkie... “Here you go!” Pinkie said, hanging out of Rarity’s window the dress in her hoof.. Not even bothering to ask how she got up there, Alan took the dress. “Thank you, Pinkie.” he said before peeking into the room. Rarity was leaning on one of the mannequins, snoring away. Her mane was a mess, her eyes had bags under them and she had fallen asleep mid stitch. Poor Rarity... “Get the light, Pinkie, and be sure to grab the design.” “Alright!” She answered in an excited whisper. After grabbing the piece of paper and flipping out the light. Pinkie suddenly leapt out of the second story window. She landed with practiced ease. Rarity’s head jerked up, “What? Hm?” Alan quickly shut the window as the white unicorn slowly searched her room. Her sleepy mind was soon satisfied that there was no danger, and she slowly dropped back down to the mannequin, her eyes shut before she touched it. Phase Two was underway, Phase three was about to begin. <<<|Ω|>>> “Ok,” Rarity said, hoping that there was some sense of style in any of them to recognize those pieces of fabric as the horrifyingly hideous monstrosities they were, “I did exactly what each of you asked for. Now don’t hold back, let me know what you really think.” The awe and praise was not what Rarity was hoping for, but at least it meant that she could finally move on to... “Are you as happy with them as we are?” Pinkie squealed, getting much too close to her face, “Huh? Huh? Huh?” Forcing a smile, “I’m happy,” the word tasted bitter when it was being used in relation to those, “that all of you are happy. I just relieved to finally be done.” Suddenly, the door burst open, and the young purple dragon that was Spike took a quick second to catch his breath, “You are never going to believe this!” he gasped, before standing. “Have you heard of Hoity Toity?” “The big-wig fashion hot-shot of Canterlot?” Twi asked. “Uh-huh! He heard about your fashion show,” he smirked before mumbling. “Well, maybe I had mentioned it to him, but he is coming here all the way from Canterlot! To see your work Rarity!” Rarity paled, and if she didn’t have a white coat, it would have been much easier to notice. <<<|Ω|>>> Rarity paced, or would be pacing. It was more like she was making rounds. Checking the dresses, her friends, the stage, the audience, and finally Alan. “Please, Dear, won’t you join in?” she asked. “You’re the only one with a decent outfit.” “No thanks, Rarity, I wasn’t really made for strutting,” Alan said, wearing the ruby-hemmed suit. “Please?” She begged. Alan shook his head, “Trust me, it’s best this way.” Rarity sighed, “Alright, Darling,” she said, hiding the disappointment in her voice. “At least it couldn’t get any worse...” The lights dimmed, and outside Scratch began to play music. “This is your last chance, De—” she began only to see that Alan had disappeared. Rarity sighed again, she hoped this couldn't get any worse. <<<|Ω|>>> “Since the beginning of time,” Spike began, using his announcing talent. “The elite of Equestria have longed for pony fashions that have truly expressed the essence of their very souls. Patiently waiting decades, no, centuries for the perfect pony gown.” Spotlights danced across the stage, sending beams of light up and down the runway. A sizeable crowd gathered, watching with breathless anticipation for the reveal of Rarity's new masterpieces. “Today, at long last, Equestria, your wait is over. Let’s give it up for the breathtaking designs of Ponyville’s own, Rarity!” The spotlights, all four of them converged on the five ponies that had been hidden by the curtain. A gasp echoed through the crowd, and ponies began to mumble back and forth between themselves. Twilight led, giving her best pouty face, with Applejack following, and then Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and finally Pinkie. Half of the crowd was shocked into silence, while the other groaned in outrage. Applejack noticed first. “Why is everypony looking at us like that?” Twilight took a quick glance at herself, noticing the ensemble. It took maybe a second, before she let out a quiet, “Oh, dear.” “Ya think we overdid it?” Dash asked. “Nah,” Applejack answered, before re-noticing her yellow-and-black rubber boots. “Ok, maybe a little.” The pony that sat directly in front of the runway spoke, his white cuffs and sunglasses denoting him as none other that the Hoity Toity in question. “Those amateurish designs look like a piled on mishmash of everything but the kitchen sink!” He was standing now, outraged. “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?” Rarity heard the dirges playing in her head. This was it, it was over. She’d never work in this town again, much less a city like Canterlot. Oh, who was she kidding, she’d never be able to work again at all! This was just The. Worst. Possible. Thing! “That would be me,” A voice said, and Rarity’s head snapped up. Alan stood at the back of the runway, microphone in his hand, light dancing off the rubies at his hem. “I am responsible for these designs, and Rarity, being who she is, just would not say no to having them featured in her show.” He took a few steps forward, giving the disgruntled fashion master a slight bow. “Of course, had I known someone as important as you was going to be here, I would never have come at all. But allow me to make it up to you, if you’ll allow me, sir.” “And how do you propose to do that?” Hoity Toity asked. “By showing you some designs that are worth your while.” Hoity Toity raised an eyebrow, wondering at this odd thing that stood before him. The populace didn’t seem to think him a threat, and it was honestly one of the few things that kept him where he was. Reading a crowd was his talent, his calling. It was how he won so much fame. A few good words in the right crowd, and presto, instantly ponies love you. This crowd, however, was silent, most seemingly interested in the offer. "Very well, creature, let’s see what you’ve got." Hoity Toity sat, “Well?” Alan smiled. “You won’t be disappointed, sir.” “I doubt that.” Alan smirked, before stepping out of the way, back towards the stage, “Fillies and Gentlecolts! Presenting Miss Rarity’s Masterpieces!” With that, the music changed, turning into a techno beat, and a cream-coated mare with a fuschia and navy blue mane stepped forward. She wore a sleek, thin, blue dress that matched her mane, with white frills and diamond accents. Rarity remembered that dress. Bon Bon had just bought it two days ago, or was that yesterday? As Bon Bon strutted down the Runway, the five other ponies began to head towards the backstage. Once they got there, Twilight was suddenly lifted off of her hooves, her dressed ripped away. “Lyra, work on her mane,” Alan yelled, his suit jacket thrown over a chair, “Applejack, help me get her dress on!” “What are you doing?” Twi asked. Alan pushed his face into hers. “We have a matter of seconds to get you presentable. Seconds,” he repeated. “Dash start working on your mane!” he ordered, pulling the star-covered dress over Twi’s head. “Pinkie, you’ll take the less time, help Fluttershy dress Dash!” Rarity rushed backstage, “Alan, what are you-?” “No time! Later! Work on your mane!” “Me? Why, I don’t have a—” Alan interrupted her, pointing at one of the vanities where her dress lay on the table. “Is that my—?” “Yes! Now put it on, you’re the finale!” Alan said, pinning the star brooch behind Twi’s ear before shoving Lyra out. “Go! Twi, help Fluttershy!” She nodded, before she began to help the shy pegasus. “Where did you get my dresses?” “The Boutique, I wasn’t going to let you throw them away. Talk later!” Alan said, spraying Dash’s head with a copious amount of manespray. Dash coughed. “Bon Bon, help Rarity with her mane, it could take a while! Twi, go!” Dash, the laurel in her hair, turned to help Applejack. “AJ, you’re next.” Applejack was already mostly done, thank Celestia for simplicity. Lyra walked back in, “Lyra, finish Fluttershy, and help Pinkie into her dress!” “Sir, yes, sir!” She responded, saluting. “AJ, that’s your cue!” AJ gulped before walking out onto the stage. “Talk to me, ponies! How’s it coming?” “I’m ready!” Dash said, dressed and ready. “Fluttershy is close!” Lyra said. “I’m getting there!” Pinkie said, squeezing into her dress. “Rarity’s mane is being stubborn!” Bon Bon yelled. “Alright, once you come back in, go help Rarity,” Alan said, just as Twilight came in. “Twi, help Rarity. Dash, go!” With two nods both ponies went to do their respective jobs. “Fluttershy’s done!” Lyra said. “Good. I have to cool down. Help Pinkie.” “Alright.” “Don’t forget we’re going to do a big finale. Once Pinkie goes out, she won’t come back in. Everyone is going to head out five seconds after Pinkie, alright?” “Yes, sir!” Applejack walked in. “Fluttershy!” The yellow pegasus “eeped,” before heading to the stage. “AJ, help Rarity, and you’re going back out when we do the finale. Just follow Twilight.” “Gotcha’.” Alan wiped his head of sweat. Couldn’t walk out there with a shiny forehead. Well, Phase Three was going well. <<<|Ω|>>> Pinkie made her round showing off her candy-themed dress, a greatly subdued version of the gaudi one she had worn previously. Suddenly, she was joined by six others: Twilight, Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Lyra, and Bon Bon. Alan stood, dressed in his suit, mic in hand. “Fillies and Gentlecolts, let hear it for our lovely models!” A thunderous hoof applause shook the ground, and cheers broke out. “And now, Ponyville, presenting your Queen of Fashion! The Duchess of Dresses! Rarity!” The Curtain rolled away, and Rarity took a step forward. Her golden tiara and burgundy dress seemed to glow in the light. Her horn glowing faintly as she subtly accented the light. The crowd went wild, whistling and cheering as hooves pounded the ground. “Well, Mr. Toity, have we made it up to you?” The Canterlot pony was silent, before taking off his glasses. “That...That definitely...That was amazing!” Alan smiled. Super Ingenious Plan, complete. <<<|Ω|>>> “Another round of sarsaparilla, for all my friends!” Al said, sitting in Sugarcube Corner, surrounded by the eight mares. Pinkie giggled as bubbles went up her nose, and Twilight thanked him again for the drink. Rarity shook her head. “Alright, I simply must ask, how did you do it?” Alan smirked. “Yes, I do owe you an explanation don’t I?” He set down his empty glass, and leaned back in his chair, still dressed in his suit. “Well, around the third time making the dresses I knew they weren’t going to turn out well, and since you had been so busy with their dresses I knew you hadn’t been getting yours done.” Mrs. Cake came and served the drinks. “Here you go.” “Thank you, Mrs. Cake,” Alan said, taking the new glass. “So I figured, if you guys were going to do your fashion show, that you should be able to show off both your work, and you should be the finale. I mean that only makes sense, doesn't it?” Pinkie nodded enthusiastically. “So, I thought, well, I can’t just interrupt a fashion show. I needed a distraction, so I hired these two,” he said, motioning to the pair of mares. “Speaking of...” Bon Bon said. “Yes, yes,” Alan said, tossing her a bag of bits. “And you'll get an extra session this week, Lyra." "Yes!" The mint green unicorn cheered. "Well, anyway, I also knew you weren’t going to be able to get your dress done, so I took it and brought it to Fluttershy, who I was sure could sew after her oddly specific directions.” “Well...” Fluttershy said, “you did help.” Rarity suddenly noticed the bandages around Alan’s fingers. “I didn’t do much,” Alan said. Fluttershy shook her head, “You did most of it...” Alan shrugged. “Anywho, a few minutes before the show started I ran to the boutique and grabbed the other dresses, and from there it was simply a matter of organization and showmanship.” Dash chuckled, “Leave it to the egghead’s roommate to be organized.” Alan chuckled back, “Hey, it turned out alright didn’t it?” Everyone agreed. <<<|Ω|>>> “Alright, Al, I’m going to bed. See ya in the morning.” “Goodnight Twilight,” Alan said, wearing his duster again. As Twilight began walking up the stairs a knock sounded on the door. The purple unicorn gave a sigh. “Don’t worry about it, Twi, I got it.” “Thanks Alan.” Alan nodded before heading to the door. Opening it, he was surprised to see the white unicorn herself. “Rarity, what are you doing here?” She simply looked down at her hooves, before mumbling, “Thank you for today.” Alan smiled. “Oh, don’t worry about, it was nothing.” She shook her head. “It was everything! You finished my dress! You saved my reputation! You saved my career today!” Alan smiled. “I can tell, you bled for that dress, didn’t you?” Alan looked down at his bandaged fingers. “Well, if Equestria had thimbles I wouldn’t have, but...” He was interrupted by a quick peck on the cheek. “It was very sweet of you, Alan. Thank you. I will make it up to you one day.” Alan grinned. “Don’t even think about it. This is my own little act of generosity.” -------------------------------- “DAAAAWWWW!” Pinkie, calm down. “But you’re shipping!” No. I’m not, yet anyways, and not with Rarity. “But Rarity kissed him.” Yes...it was more of a friendly kiss. “A marefriendly kiss?” Don’t make me hit you. “Grumpy Shirt.” Don’t you mean pants? “Nope! Anyhooves, be sure to give us lots and lots of comments on what you think should happen next!” What? No! Pinkie! No polls! “Oh, fine. Then at least tells Miner here what a good job of giving me cupcakes he’s doing!” *sigh* All you had to do was ask, Pinkie. “Yay! Another Cupcake!” So yeah, do comment, let me know how I’m doing, thumbs up if you want, whatever, thanks for reading so far, Bye!