Carousel Boutique
As fall continued to wear on, it would eventually become winter before turning spring. While the Grand Galloping Gala was still months away, everybody who attended needs to wear formal attire. At least, that's what Rarity told Goten when she offered to make him an outfit.
The Half-Saiyan was invited to Carousel Boutique to look at the suit she made for him. "I can't wait till you see it Goten!" He was dragged to one of Rarity's new mannequins designed for the humanoid shape and proudly presented the suit. "Please, be completely honest.”
Goten was shown a suit with the same green and red color scheme as his gi, and if the Half-Saiyan were honest, he’d say it looked a lot cooler than the party clothes he wore after Buu’s defeat. He loved his mom, but these clothes were amazing.
"This looks awesome.” Goten smiled gratefully. “Thank you.”
"Oh, I knew it!" Rarity replied happily. "After all, I was thinking about you while making it and realized you pull off the colors. That meant I just needed the style and figured you’d appreciate simplistic formal over true formal. Now, I know the others will love their dresses!”
"Others?" Goten wondered.
"Yes, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie." replied Rarity.
Rarity then showed off five dresses which also looked good. They all had unique designs, and it was evident which ones were meant for which mares.
"I wanted to show you the suit before I showed those dresses to the girls.” Rarity explained. “You know, for a first opinion.”
"I'm sure they will like them." Goten stated with confidence.
"That's sweet of you, darling." Rarity replied.
"Though, wasn’t this too much work?" Goten asked.
"Oh, it was nothing." Rarity replied modestly. "Besides, it was fun making these attires."
Goten nodded. "Well, I still appreciate you making me this suit.”
"Of course, darling.” Rarity smiled. “Now, if you don't mind, I would like to keep it for today, so that I can show it to the others. You can take it with you tomorrow.”
"No problem." Goten stated.
"Perfect!" Rarity happily replied. "Then, I'll see you tomorrow."
“Yeah, see you tomorrow.” Goten replied before taking off.
Next Day...
Once Goten was done with his list of odd jobs, he entered the boutique, but Rarity was nowhere to be seen.
The Half-Saiyan figured she was probably where they’d been yesterday, so he entered her workplace. "Alright, I'm here.”
It looked like Rarity was ready to work on his suit which surprised the guy. She quickly turned around to greet him before dragging him in front of the suit.
"Goten! Perfect!” Rarity exclaimed excitedly. “We can start right away.”
"Start what?" Goten asked in confusion.
They both silently stared at the suit with Rarity leaving his question unanswered.
The mare then looked at him expectantly. "Well?"
"What?" Goten questioned.
"Tell me what I should change!" Rarity demanded.
"Change? Change what?" Goten questioned.
"The suit!" Rarity pointed at it. "Tell me what I should change about the suit!"
"Why would I want her to change anything?” Goten pondered. “Yesterday, I said that it was awesome, and I still think that.” Rarity had also seemed happy that he liked the suit, so why would she suddenly think he wanted to change something? "Rarity, it’s perfect.”
"No, there has to be something wrong!" Rarity said in a stressful voice. "Is it the size?"
"The size?” Goten questioned. “I mean, I haven’t tried it on, but I thought you got my measurements before making it.”
"Is it the color?" The mare asked. "Of course! What was I thinking making the suit colors the same as your gi? I will change it right away!"
Rarity left Goten’s side to get some tools. The mare was clearly stressed, and the Half-Saiyan got a good idea why when he looked around the room. Pictures of star signs, streamers, and balloons were scattered among tools and fabric. The whole place looked more like a junkyard.
"Rarity!" The mare was startled, but at least she was standing still. "I'm sorry for shouting, but could you please calm down? You don't have to work on the suit because I love it. Remember, I told you how awesome it was yesterday?”
"You were just saying that, so my feelings wouldn’t be hurt!" Rarity replied doubtfully.
"Why do I have to tell you that suit looks good?” Goten questioned concerned. “I’m a martial artist/day laborer while you're the one who does this for a living. You have more knowledge on this stuff than anyone I know."
"But, there must be something you don't like." Rarity said saddened.
"No Rarity.” Goten stated seriously. “It is perfect."
"I don't believe you!" The mare replied stubbornly.
"Rarity!" Goten shouted with a practically angry-sounding tone.
They then glared at each other.
"Do you really mean it?" Rarity asked sounding insecure. "You like it the way it is?”
Goten took a deep breathe to cool down before answering, "Yes, Rarity. I like it the way it is. There is nothing that bothers me, and I want to wear this suit to the gala. Please, don't let me say it repeatedly."
He was gearing up for another discussion, but Rarity seemed to have calmed down.
"Yes, of course.” The mare stated. “My work always looks perfect, right?"
“Now, that's more like it.” Goten thought. “This is the Rarity I know, but I still get the feeling there is more to this.” He looked at the mare. "What's the matter, Rarity? You look like a complete mess."
"Yes." Rarity sighed. "I’ve been working on these dresses all day now."
She pointed at five dresses that stood in a corner of the room. Calling them that was generally being nice as even Goten, with his lack of knowledge on fashion, knew these couldn’t be as such. It looked like all the stuff that was scattered across the room somehow formed five dresses.
Rarity looked at him as if she could not wait to hear his opinion. Goten was trying to figure out how he could describe them without hurting her. No matter how badly he wanted to say something nice, his mom always told him to be honest.
"They don’t look good." Goten stated gently.
"I know!” Rarity replied with concern. “They look terrible!"
This reaction surprised Goten, and he thought his friend misunderstood him. Rarity then finally explained the situation. As it turns out, the dresses she designed previously didn't quite match their friend’s expectations, so Rarity had to redesign them all.
"Yeah, that dress definitely screams Pinkie Pie." Goten stated.
He was looking at the dress with balloons and muffins all over it. It surprised him that his friends didn't like Rarity's work. Even if they didn't like her dresses, they could have at least said they like them. They were presents after all, and who doesn’t like a present?
"Don't worry Rarity." Goten patted her back. "I'm sure they will realize your designs look better and want them back.”
“Maybe you’re right.” Rarity was feeling better after hearing that. “Thank you.”
Later…
A fashion show was announced in front of Carousel Boutique, and after hearing about it from Twilight, Goten decided he had to be there. He had a bad feeling about this, but he hoped for the best. The fashion show started, and Spike did good with the opening.
Everypony from Ponyville were expecting Rarity’s usual work, but what they got was something completely different. It was also exactly what Goten feared. All five of them were wearing the new dresses. Of course, everypony was shocked and confused.
Twilight and the others didn't seem to realize how bad they looked, but they eventually noticed the reactions of the crowd. Somepony spoke up making his distaste clear. He had a grayish blue coat, light blue grayish hair, and sunglasses. He spoke with a rather upper-class kind of voice.
This was Hoity Toity. Apparently, the guy was supposed to be someone in the fashion business. Hoity Toity quickly demanded to know who was responsible, and Rarity revealed herself from behind the curtain. The celebrity’s words weren't pretty, but she took responsibility.
Days Later…
Rarity wasn't coming out of her room, and that made her friends worry. Everyone was standing in front of her room trying to convince her to come out, but she was too upset to show her face in Ponyville again. In the end, the ponies and Half-Saiyan discussed what they could do.
Conveniently, Applejack had an idea. "We just need to make another fashion show for this Hoity Toity fellow, so he will realize Rarity's work is fancy enough for him.”
"I don't think he will be interested in another fashion show from Rarity after seeing our dresses." Twilight stated with concern.
"I think I know how to deal with Hoity Toity.” Goten nodded. “Trust me.”
He may not have understood this fashion stuff, but he knew ponies loved Rarity’s work. If Hoity saw her true work, the Half-Saiyan was certain he’d love it. Goten relayed his plan, and the girls agreed while helping to refine it.
Ponyville Streets
Goten was currently walking around Ponyville in search of Hoity Toity who was still somewhere in town. He was also wearing the suit Rarity made for him, and while he was more comfortable in his gi, that was mostly bias on his part as this was rather comfortable.
Goten eventually found the celebrity and used his superior speed to get in his path before the stallion ever saw him originally. After that, Hoity Toity noticed him. Mostly because he was a completely different species, but the pony quickly took note of his attire.
"That suit." Hoity mumbled before approaching him. “Oh creature, might I ask where you got that elegant attire from?"
"You mean this?" Goten asked. "I got it from this wonderful shop called Carousel Boutique.”
"Carousel Boutique?" Hoity Toity asked.
Clearly, he couldn’t believe that this was the same boutique he’d visited early.
"Just follow me, and I will show you a place that makes the best outfits.” Goten declared.
Goten led Hoity Toity to Carousel Boutique, and just as planned, the lights were out. Eventually, Spike started the fashion show. Everypony presented their old dresses and performed in a slightly more professional way. Hoity Toity was fascinated by every single dress.
After seeing the suit and those dresses, Hoity Toity once again demanded to see who was responsible. Rarity revealed herself also wearing a dress. Goten hadn’t expected that, but Hoity seemed to love it. In fact, he could not stop complimenting the designs.
Castle of the Two Sisters
Bulla was back to covering her features as she made her way through the Castle of the Two Sisters. She then walked into the library and up to a book that was on a shelf by itself. When she pulled the book and let it go, a secret passage was revealed.
There was a locked door, but Bulla kicked the lock off swinging the door open. There was a dark room with only a stone path forward, a pedestal, and a stone tome on it being visible. With her vast speed, she was over there picking up the book.
“The Tome of Greed.” Bulla thought. “Two Elements of Disharmony down.”
Suddenly, everything started to crumble, so Bulla sealed the book within a sphere before jumping back to safer ground. She then watched as the path crumbled before using the book from before to reseal the entrance. She left the building.
Champion’s Training Room: Days Later.…
Goten didn’t really have any training planned, but he’d decided to go to his personal training room anyways. He figured it might be nice to hang out there for a bit. Not that he didn’t love his friends, but he could use a small break.
Considering the sky was quickly becoming cloudy, he couldn’t really hang out outside. It’s not like he blamed the weather pony’s and Gilda. When something is controlled by others, there are bound to be accidents. Not like the storm would get him in his place anyways.
Once he was down there, Goten decided to kick back on the nearby bed and read a bit. Eventually, his mind wondered in a direction that seemed to be, in a way, offloading everything that’s happened.
“Since coming to Equis, my life has changed.” Goten thought.
Again, he absolutely missed his family and everyone back home; however, he’s met lots of new friends. Back home, he only had the one, but here he could firmly count 8 with the number rising. That’s not even counting the freedom he had.
He was able to learn, play, work, train, and spend time with his friends. Back home, he lived on a mountain with his mom and brother. His only real trips out were to Capsule Corp to see Trunk or that tournament. Was it a bad thing that enjoyed this freedom?
Back home, his mother had him study and train most of the day away. While he liked that, he loved the experiences he was gaining here. He adored the way people trusted in and were starting to respect him. It made him feel closer to his goal of being on the same level as his idols.
“I know people back home are missing me, but is it bad that I enjoy the life I’m building here?” Goten stated to himself. “Does it mean that I never really cared for them?”
Bardock suddenly appeared with his arms crossed. “Considering you still have them on your mind, I don’t think you should feel bad about enjoying your life here.”
“Master Bardock, is that how you see things?” Goten asked curiously. “Did you always have your loved ones on your mind?”
“I always did, and I always will.” Bardock stated. “At the very least, I don’t think you’re wrong for liking life here. You can still like life here while missing those you left behind… or lost.”
“Oh, did you lose people important to you Master Bardock?” Goten asked.
Bardock looked at the kid and sighed. “You know, you never did question why we look similar?”
“Well, that’s because I sort of linked you with a nicer Piccolo.” Goten laid back on the bed. “My big brother said that he couldn’t get the guy to opened up. He had to choose to open up himself. I figured the same applied to you.”
Bardock choose not to comment on that. “Well, maybe this will help. My son is Kakarot.”
“Wait, that’s my dad’s Saiyan name.” Goten sat up and looked at his master. “Are you my grandpa? I always thought the closest I had to that was an old guy named Gohan.”
“From what I saw, I owe that old man a lot for taking my boy in.” Bardock replied. “As far as your father’s concerned, Gohan was the closest thing he had to a father, and he has every right to think that. Biologically speaking, I am your grandfather.”
“Wow.” Goten looked at him. “So, what is your story? Like, how did dad end up on earth?”
“To make a long story short, you know Saiyans were under Frieza’s rule, right?” Bardock asked.
“Of course.” Goten replied.
“Yeah well, there came a time when he decided all Saiyans must die. Fool feared the Super Saiyan legend.” Bardock stated. “I had one heck of a team, and we were making a name for ourselves. My own power was coming to rival King Vegeta’s.
As such, he decided to end us. One of Frieza’s more trusted soldiers was tasked with the job. Before then, we destroyed this race of people that could see into the future. One of the last remaining ones gave him his future sight so I could see the end of my planet.
It put me out of commission leaving my squad to be ambushed and slaughtered. When I came to, I saw visions of the future and rushed to my squad. By the time I arrived, only my best friend was alive, and he died in my arms. I tried to fight only to lose to the same soldier.
By using my squad’s bodies, I survived. I then rushed back to Vegeta and went to my mate Gine telling her everything. Your uncle, Raditz, was already off world with the prince, so that left your father. With Gine’s help, I managed to steal a single pod, and we sent Kakarot off.
If only we could have gotten two, Gine would have gone with him. In the end, she was willing to meet her fate for his survival. I tried rallying men, but they never believed. I ended up going to confront Frieza myself and would have met my end if not for the Champion’s Element.”
“So, if not for you and Gine, dad never would have been sent to earth.” Goten stated. “Then, my brother and I never would have been born.”
“Don’t thank me.” Bardock stated. “In the end, there was no choice. I would have rather seen neither of my sons die at the hands of or be put under Frieza. I just couldn’t help Raditz. Still, Kakarot became a better Saiyan, and I’m proud of that.”
“Thanks Master Bardock.” Goten smiled. “No, I don’t mean for saving my father as you’ve made it clear not to. I mean, thanks for telling me this.”
“Perhaps I’ll tell you more in the future.” Bardock stated. “Just know that I also have pride in you. This was before you came here. Perhaps you don’t view your accomplishments as much, but you were strong.”
Bardock didn’t often show affection, but that was more by a human’s stand. Some Saiyans certainly thought he was perhaps too affectionate even if Gine showed more than he ever did.
Regardless, after revealing all of this to Goten, the old man decided to give the boy a hug. “Becoming the youngest Super Saiyan and mastering the Metamoran Fusion Dance are accomplishments to be proud off.”
Goten chuckled and hugged his master back. “Thank you.”
It didn’t last long, but the feeling was familiar enough. No mistaking it. That embrace was the embrace of his father, so Goten at least knew where his dad got it from. Clearly, the Half-Saiyan was overjoyed to have come down here.
“Hey Master Bardock, can we train?” Goten asked.
“We’ll train.” Bardock smirked. “Don’t think knowing our relation means I’ll go easy on you.”
“I wouldn’t want it any other way.” Goten hoped off the bed and walked towards the white expanse. “Come on, let’s get to it.”
Bardock smirked. “How about we start working on some of my moves for your arsenal.”
“Really?” Goten asked.
“Sure.” Bardock replied. “That is if you can actually learn them.”
“Just you watch because I will learn all your moves.” Goten stated.
“We might as well get started.” Bardock declared. “I think we’ll start that with my Final Spirit Canon…”
Ponyville: Days Later…
Goten was on his way to see Rarity to make certain everything was okay after that whole dress fiasco.
Suddenly, he heard a pony calling out to him. “Excuse me?”
The Half-Saiyan turned and saw a well-dressed earth pony. She had a light-yellow coat, dark blue mane, and was dressed in a white attire with purple and gold accents.
“Hm, didn’t I read about a pony fitting this one’s appearance?” Goten got it. “Oh, you’re Sapphire Shores.”
“The one and only honey.” Sapphire declared. “I happen to have heard about you, and you looked just as interesting as the rumors baby. Of course, I’m not here to see you, but I am hoping you know where Rarity is?”
“Sure, I know where she is, but may I ask why you want to see her?” Goten asked.
“I’ve seen and heard of her work.” Sapphire replied. “She is said to be an upcoming designer, so I’m hoping to hire her to design a few outfits.”
“No problem.” Goten stated. “I was heading there myself anyways.”
“So, I know so little about the Champion of Equestria.” They had started walking when Sapphire decided to speak up. “Tell me about yourself, my dear. How do you know Rarity?”
“Oh, my name is Goten, and I’m a Half-Saiyan.” Goten explained. “Essentially, I’m a martial artist brought her by the Champion’s Element. As for how I know Rarity? Well, I met her the day I arrived. It was the day of the Summer Sun Celebration and Nightmare Moon returned.
I ended up driving her off and chased after her with a group of new friends. Rarity among them. I managed to beat the mare, but she wouldn’t stay down. Fortunately, my friends came in with the Elements of Harmony and we put a stop to the wicked mare.”
Sapphire Shores nodded. “So ya’ll were the group I heard so much about when I was touring a couple months back.”
“I’d like to tell you more, but we have arrived.” Goten stated.
Carousel Boutique
Goten was the first to enter followed by Sapphire, and that caused the bell overhead to ring.
“Coming!” Rarity said as they entered. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique where every garment is chic, unique, and magnifique.” She entered the main room. “Oh Goten, great to see…” She suddenly gasped upon seeing who was with him. “Sapphire Shores! The Pony of Pop!”
“I know Rarity.” Goten stated casually. “I was on my way here, and she asked me for directions.”
“Good afternoon, Miss Rarity.” Sapphire stated.
“You yah... Y-y-you know my name?” Rarity said in complete shock.
“Well, of course I do darling. I make it a point to know all up-and-coming designers, and Clothes Horse Magazine raved about you.” Sapphire Shores was browsing the dresses on the nearby rack. “Plus, your little friend told me a bit about you, and I liked what I heard.”
“Oh, my stars. If I'm dreaming, don't wake me up.” Rarity approached the popstar. “How may I help you, Miss Shores?”
“Please, call me Sapphire.” Sapphire stated.
Rarity giggled a little. “How may I help you, Sapphire?”
“Well, as I'm sure you know, I'll be touring all over Equestria with my latest concert, Sapphire Shores' Ziegfilly Follies, so I need to look seeensational! Ow!” Sapphire replied.
“I have just what you need.” Rarity approached a curtain. “Sapphire Shores, prepare yourself for the pièce de résistance de la haute couture.” She revealed a gem infused dress that Sapphire seemed to love. “I used every last diamond I found on this one garment.”
Sapphire was satisfied. “And it is spectacular! I'll take it.”
“Really?” Rarity asked hopefully.
“Oh yes, and five more with each done up in a different jewel.” Sapphire requested.
That seemed to hit Rarity like a hurricane, and she shook her head in disbelief. “Beg your pardon?”
“Costume changes honey.” Sapphire explained as she left the store with a chuckle. “I can’t dress in just one outfit as I perform, can I?”
This left Rarity in utter shock as she fainted.
“Rarity! Oh no!” Goten rushed to his friend’s side.
“Yes, I do have that effect on ponies.” Sapphire had poked her head back into the shop. “I almost forgot. Goten, tell Rarity that she has until next week to complete them.”
“Considering she whipped up 10 dresses in two days, that shouldn’t be too much to ask. Especially since Sapphire likes this design already.” Goten nodded. “I will tell her once she comes too, and I’ll even do what I can to help her.”
“I can’t wait dear.” Sapphire stated. “I believe in Rarity’s skills and your good word. I know she won’t disappoint. Now, Sapphire Shores, out!”
Outside of Ponyville, Later…
After Rarity woke up, she’d asked Goten to accompany her out to gather the jewels needed for her outfits. He already voiced his help when talking to Sapphire, so it’s not like he any intention of going back on that.
So, Goten pulled a rather large wagon and dug up any jewels Rarity found through her spell. After gathering quiet a haul of jewels, Rarity ended up marking another spot. This one was a rather large deposit.
“As long as we continue to adequately stack them to where they won’t fall, we can build this up as large as you need Rarity.” Goten declared. “With my strength, I can haul it all back.”
“Good to know because we have many jewels to find before this day ends.” Rarity declared.
Suddenly, Goten began to sense minor, very minor, energies around them. They were vastly underwhelming when compared to Mira even if they had numbers. He wouldn’t say anything now, but if they attacked, the Half-Saiyan was confident he could handle them.
Rarity took note of Goten looking around. “Goten, is everything ok?”
“Don’t worry about a thing Rarity.” Goten smiled. “It’s nothing I can’t handle.”
Rarity nodded as she understood they were being followed, but she wasn’t concerned since her friend didn’t seem to be in the slightest. “That’s good to know.” She walked off. “Come on, let’s continue looking for jewels.”
Later…
Rarity’s haul of jewels kept increasing, and her horn lit up again “Ooo, bring the cart because there’s more over here.” As the minutes passed, the haul seemed to nearly double, and Rarity was able to efficiently stack them to the point that they wouldn’t fall.
“I think these gems should get me through making the outfits for Sapphire Shores.” Rarity smiled. “Yeah, I think it’s time we… Oh! What is this?” Rarity’s horn lit up brighter than before. “I think I got something big.”
“Well, we shouldn’t ignore it.” Goten stated.
“Hmm, this is strange.” Rarity moved towards a tree. “It seems to be in this tree near the leaves.”
Goten could sense one of those energies up there, so he got ready to move just in case. Rarity then looked at it only for a bipedal gray furred dog to poke his head out. The jewel Rarity had been tracking was around his neck.
Rarity backed away. “Oh… uh… Good day, gentle... uh, fellow. I-I am Rarity, and this is my friend Goten. You are?”
Goten decided to speak up as he came to stand protectively in front of Rarity. “He’s trouble.”
“Actually, I’m a Diamond Dog.” The creature stated.
“Oh really? Well, that explains your fine taste in jewelry.” Rarity was still trying to converse with the guy. “I mean, I know diamonds are a girl's best friend, and I now know they're a dog's best friend too.” She laughed. “So, you're out hunting for gems as well?”
“Yes. We hunt.” It was looking at Rarity. “We hunt for gems, but you are a better hunter. Now, we hunt for you!”
With that said, two more Diamond Dogs lunged at Rarity from behind. In the blink of an eye, Goten knocked them out with one punch a piece. It all happened so quickly, that Rarity and the remaining Diamond Dog only registered that the attackers were now unconscious.
“What just happened?” It asked confused. “Did you do this monkey boy?”
Goten was suddenly standing before him with his arms crossed and giving him a glare. This glare was by no means cute since his master had given him lessons on being intimidating.
“You bet I did because I do not take kindly to someone trying to foalnap my friends.” Goten powered up as even though most beings here hadn’t trained to sense ki, they could feel the pressure. “Considering you tried, I’m taking you in.”
The Diamond Dog was certainly intimidated, and in a situation like that, it meant one thing. Fight or Flight. The dog slashed at Goten, but he was already behind the dog giving it a chop to the back of its neck. The Diamond Dog crumpled to the ground unconscious.
“Wow, that was amazing Goten.” Rarity stated. “Thank you for protecting me.”
“Don’t thank me just yet Rarity.” Goten smirked. “There are more so give me a second.”
Goten used his speed to seemingly vanish. He then constantly returned, over the course of a minute, with multiple other Diamond Dogs in armor. They had also been rendered unconscious.
“Rarity, go tell Twilight to contact Celestia.” Goten wiped his hands. “I’ll stay here to ensure they don’t escape until we can get some guards out here.”
“Oh yes, I will go right away.” Rarity stated.
After some guards came to take the Diamond Dogs away, Goten helped Rarity back to her shop with the haul of jewels. As thanks, Rarity gave him her extras even if he tried to deny them. Once she insisted, he decided he might as well. Spike liked to eat gems after all.