//------------------------------// // Episode 7: Rarity Takes Manehattan // Story: The Pony Guard (Season 4) // by MXCDarkHorse2020 //------------------------------// Episode 7: Rarity Takes Manehattan In Ponyville, the Lion and Pony Guard have all gathered together at the train station in preparation for a ride on over to Manehattan City which is said to be the inspiration of fashion in Rarity’s words. Since they were all going out for the week they all had suitcases and bags in tow with what they need for the long trip. While everyone each had one to two suitcases and bags in tow, Rarity however being someone who needed a lot of stuff to bring wherever she goes had quite a lot of luggage in tow. Luckily for her, she had kind assistance courtesy of both Spike and Beshte. "There you are, Rarity!" Spike presented her luggage on a trolley. "That's the last of your bags." "Actually, boys, I've got one last pile of bags, over there." Rarity directed their attention to another large pile of bags right behind them to which had Spike widening his eyes in shock at the sight. "Won't you be a dear? After all, helping 'fair damsels' is what you're good at right?" She gently asked of them while batting her eyes. “Of course.” Beshte replied being kind enough not to say no that, even considering that first pile of luggage was pretty heavy. "Sure… I'll be a dear…" Spike agreed with smitten eyes before joining his hippo friend trying to pull on the luggage. “Here…” Beshte offered while taking control of the lifting. “…let me handle this. This pile is pretty heavy for you.” “Thanks.” While Beshte proceeded to move and lift Rarity’s second pile of luggage without any problems, Fuli couldn’t help but find it rather excessive of their unicorn friend to be bringing along this many belongings. “And this is all necessary how?” “Because I not only need my essentials, I also need my sewing equipment so that I can be prepared to create my latest designs for the upcoming fashion show that’s happening there.” Rarity answered. “And judging from how hard it is for your friends to carry it, she had to bring… a lot.” Ono said feeling weary from having to help sort it out in the first place. “Sorry, Ono. I couldn’t help it.” Rarity apologized before further expressing her excitement for the trip. “Fashion Week. An entire week in the fabulous city of Manehattan. Plus, an entire week with not only my best keen sighted assistant..." Ono shrugged humbly in response trying not to get all too worked up about it now. "...but all of my very best friends there with me!" "Of course we'd all come along to support you during Fashion Week, Rarity!" Kion said in support. “Whatever makes you happy along with wishing you luck.” Kyoga added. "Not that you'll need it." Fluttershy added. "We're sure you'll win." “No question about that.” Bunga wholeheartedly agreed with that statement. “You’re the best dresser maker in all of Equestria. If anything no one knows better about fashion than you.” Rarity squealed with delight from hearing this kind of support. "I can't begin to tell you how excited I am that you'll all be there with me! However... Perhaps I can show you…" She opened her purse with her magic and levitated out eleven tickets." "What's that?" Kion asked curiously. Pinkie Pie rose her hoof like she is in school trying to guess what it is. "Ooh, ooh, ooh, I know! A paper fan!" "No, it's—" But Bunga interrupted wanting to get in on the guessing game too. "A magic trick! You know, where I pick a card and remember what it is and then you put it back in the deck so you can't look at it and—" Rarity moved towards the others while moving aside from Bunga. "These are tickets to the hottest musical on Bridleway!" Rarity answered excitedly with her pony friends smiling in excitement. "You couldn't mean Hinny of the Hills," Rainbow expressed while trying to reign in her excitement "Because that show's been sold out for months! Or could you?!" "I could. I do." Rainbow unable to hold it in anymore flew up and did loop-de-loops in the sky in excitement while the other ponies all galloped and cheered with joy. But the Lion Guard was still confused on what they are so excited about. “Um…” Kion stuttered. “What’s so special about this Hinny of the Hills musical?" Fuli finished and asked. “It’s known to be one of the best musical groups in Equestria.” Ono answered much to the cheetah’s surprise. “Yes, I did my research on them while helping Rarity book tickets for us.” “And judging from the look on your face, this looks like something we have to see for ourselves to see why it is so amazing.” Kyoga said. “Oh I’m sure you’ll all find it quite very fun to watch, much like this trip we’re about to go on.” Rarity assured. "This trip is fun already!" Pinkie Pie said repeatedly hopping around. "I love jumping up and down! Whee-hee!" While everyone all made their way inside their train expressing how much of a good time they are all going to have together while there, what they don’t realize is that they have another passenger already on the train in the same cart of them. Said mare was reading her book with her face obscured while she was reading and had recognizable purple eyes. And those eyes of calculating intent from the dark mare makes it clear she is going to be keeping a close keen eye on them. “And once more something we agree on.” Twilight said to herself with a dark smile. "That this trip is definitely already fun…for me.” The train then made its way across the long bridge of the city, across a silver colored bridge just when they are all arriving in the big city itself. Not here for more than a minute and the place is already building up excitement. The buildings were as tall skyscrapers to the point you could see them a mile away, along with taxi cabs being hand-carted by ponies and ponies wearing fashionable clothing to match the city’s taste. "Wow!" The Lion Guard said in unison. “Un-Bunga-veilable!” “Poa!” “Amazing!” The group arrived at the grand central train station, with Spike and Beshte both equally carrying Rarity's bags with Kyoga behind them to give a little magical assistance. "Come along, everyone! I found us a place to stay only a block from the train station in the very heart of this glorious metropolis!" Rarity told everyone while they made their way to the sidewalk before walking together and admiring the scenery. “Wow!” Bunga once again said as he breathed. “Un-Bunga-veilable!” “Bunga…” Fuli spoke up. “…you said that twice!” “I know.” Bunga said while still awe-struck. “It’s because it is.” "And he’s not wrong.” Ono added while getting a look at the skyscrapers. “These buildings are so tall you can barely see the very top from down here. He then flew up and eyed one skyscraper where the very top of an antenna from one is about nearly a half-mile upwards. “In fact, so tall that it takes a little extra flight to see things from up high.” “That’s a first.” Fuli smirked to which had Ono frowning back at her for that remark. Even still, Fuli did not back down keeping her smile up considering his moments of knowing everything and his being right nearly all the time. "Hey, look!" Applejack directed everyone’s attention towards the nearby theater, decorated with lights and an image of a singing pony overhead a building where there is a long queue of ponies in line for the show. "That's the theater where Hinny of the Hills is plain'!" The ponies all said “Ooh.” in amazement before they continued walking. "Wow, Rarity! How'd you manage to get us seats for tomorrow night?" Kion asked. "Oh, I gave some designs to the costume designer, so he pulled a few strings." She simply answered. "Cool!" the Mane Six said approvingly. “Pretty slick.” Kyoga complimented. “Thanks.” Rarity returned before continuing. “That is what makes Manehattan so splendid and amazing. You do something nice for somepony, and then you never know when they'll do something nice for you!" "So then you can do something nice for us!" Applejack figured. "Like get us in to see Hinny of the Hills!" Fluttershy happily added. "Which is only the best musical in all of Equestria!” Rainbow Dash eagerly added. "It must be good if Rainbow Dash is impressed." Fuli commented finding it rather amusing to the point she ribbed a teasing smile in her direction. "Normally she doesn't even like musicals." "I know.“ Rainbow remarked in reply. “Ponies just bursting into song in random places at the drop of a hat? Who does that?" “Um, actually considering we are in two worlds that spread the magic of music…” Kyoga started just when music started up with Rarity bursting into song rather cheerfully. “Oh, Manehattan, what you do to me Such a huge bustling community And there's always opportunity To do the friendly thing.” “…we do that almost every day.” Kyoga finished while Beshte and Spike continue carrying Rarity’s bags. “If some are grouchy, pay no mind Surprise instead with something kind.” Rarity sang while purchasing two carrots on hot dog buns from a nearby stand and handed them to the two. With his mouth-watering, Spike prepared to eat his, until a bird swooped in and took his right out of his claws along with Beshte's, much to their annoyance. Luckily for them, Kyoga froze the bird in place with her magic before handing the boys back their food to which they greatly appreciated. “Look and behold, you may just find A smile is what you bring.” The Guard made their way to the hotel where they would be staying at, where the bellhop having expecting her to show up, a young grey colored stallion, came out with a trolly for her massive load of luggage. "Welcome to the Mane Fair Hotel! Please allow me to take those bags to your room for you!” He greeted. "Only if you'll accept this gratuity first." Rarity said while pulling out a magenta jewel from her purse. "Oh-ho-ho! I'll get your change!" "Do keep it all. I insist!" Ono reacted with a jaw drop at the sight of this. To him that’s something you don’t do until after the service is done and it was a very valuable gem with money worth saving. "It’s okay." Kyoga kindly assured while closing his jaw for him. Rarity then took her friends to a boat ride across the bay since they now have free time. From there, the unicorn continued to sing her heart while wearing her pink scarf while her friends were enjoying the view. During this Kion and Bunga both helped themselves to some ice cream. “Generosity, I'm here to show all that I can give.” Their ride stopped in front of an island where a statue presides over the middle of the river. Everyone all walked off so they can all witness said statue in front of them before making their way to the top. Said statue was a pony wearing a dress and a crown while carrying a torch in her right hoof and a clipboard in her left. “Generosity, I'm here to set the bar Just sit back and watch how I live.” At the top where there are telescopes some other’s can use to look around the glorious scenery of the city from above, Rarity was about to use the telescope at the same time when another pony was about to use it. Rarity being true to her element, allowed him to go first. "After you." "Why, thank you." He gratefully said. Rarity spotted another pony, who was shivering from the cold wind and gave him her scarf. "Please, take mine." She insisted. "Wow, okay." Kion smiled very pleased at seeing Rarity's kindness, and Ono felt very touched seeing with how well generosity works in this city. Inspired by this, Ono saw one pony having trouble seeing through one of the, so Ono guided him through it so he’ll get a good look at the city.. At the same time, Kion spotted a sad filly who didn’t get enough to eat, so he generously gave him his ice cream. The filly then smiled and hugged him as thanks for his kind act to which the lion cub returned in kind. Following that the whole group walked on to see the rest of the city. “Some may say, "Rarity, Don't be so big-hearted and bold Treating strangers like they're friends This town's too big and cold." During the walk over, Rarity accidental bumped into a pony reading the paper, who in return gave her a grumpy and irritated look. Staying calm and happy, she bought a yellow flower from a nearby stand and placed it on his hat, to which his frown turned into a happy smile. “But this is how I play my cards I'm not about to fold Where I see a frown, I go to town Call me the smile patrol.” During the walk the others got into the singing. “Oh, Manehattan, what you do to us.” Rainbow sang. “What if you find a Gloomy Gus?” Fluttershy sang while pointing in the direction of a taxi driver dealing with an angry pony due to one of the wheels on her ride being broken. Immediately, Kion, Kyoga, and Beshte assisted in lifting the carriage up. “It's no intimidating thing.” Kion sang while she and Beshte lift the carriage up. “Just be kind without a fuss.” Pinkie Pie sang while giving the ragged taxi driver a warm hug. “Generosity, I'm here to show all that I can do.” Rarity sang while fixing the wheel so the taxi can get going, but not without a well-deserved thank you from the two ponies. “Generosity, you are the key Manehattan, I'm here just for you Just for you.” Rarity concluded her song while moving to stand and hold onto one of the nearby lampposts before joining her friends on the walk towards town before catching sight of a dress on display on a window. "To think my dresses could soon be displayed on the most glamorous shopping thoroughfare of the most glamorous city in Equestria! Oh, it would be my dream come true!" She then turned to the Guard's Keenest of Sight. "And I can say I couldn't have gotten this far without you, Ono." "Oh, Rarity, please..." Ono was failing to avoid sporting pink cheeks at the subject of how he helped guide and sparkle Rarity's inspiration. "...you don't have to say that, any dresser with keen eyesight come have come up with that." "Oh, darling, it's all right!" Rarity patted him on the back before raising her hoof up in a proud manner. "There's nothing to be embarrassed of. It's like creating art with the drive and sight to seek perfection!" "Is there anything left to do we can help you with?" Kion offered. "Hm, nothing I can think of.” She honestly answered with a hoof to her chin. “The dresses are all completely finished, all made from a fabulous new fabric I've been developing for months in advance. Stretchy, but not clingy. Shimmery, but not showy. Of course, I have Ono to thank in helping find the right touch for them." Ono looked aside still rather embarrassed with his cheeks now stinging red to which he vainly tried to cover with his wings. "It sounds amazing." Fluttershy complimented. "There's nothing left for me to do but check in at the runway with my dresses by two this afternoon." Rarity then said with a cool attitude about the whole thing. "Oh, that's funny." Pinkie Pie suddenly said while pointing to a nearby clock. "Because that clock over there makes it seem like that's only ten minutes from now!" As if that wasn’t bad enough, thunder rumbled and it began to rain. "Hapana!" Ono gasped upon realizing what this now means. "Oh, my ribbons and ice burgs.” Rarity gasped in horror. “And the runway ballroom is all the way across town! If I don't get there, I'm disqualified!" She quickly galloped ahead, raising her hooves. "Taaaaxiii!" "Oh, no! We've gotta help her find a cab, now!" Fluttershy said to the others. "I'm on it!" Rainbow Dash flew up and landed on the nearest cab she could find "Hey, buddy! Is this cab taken?" The pony inside the taxi spoke up to assert otherwise. "The line ends back there, "buddy"!" "Huh? What?" She said before looking behind her, seeing the long line of ponies waiting. "Does everypony in this town want a cab?" "I'm afraid getting a taxi at this time could prove almost impossible!" Rarity said like her life’s on the line here. Kion stepped forward in an attempt to implore of them to let her have this. “Come on, please won't you let her have this taxi? She has somewhere very important to be right away!" "Not likely! Not even for the prince of the Pride Lands." He rudely refused before getting onto the next cab available. "She can get in line like the rest of us!" Kion growled in response with Fuli quick to get in his face not liking the pony’s attitude. “Excuse me?! All my friend just did was ask a favor of you, and you just turn your head up high like a big time jerk like it would kill you! Shame on you!” She chastised before turning away and leaving him along in disgust. "It's no use Fuli!" Kion said no feeling it’s worth arguing with the other ponies about it when they started complaining. "The cab drivers just drive right past to get to the next pony in line!" Suddenly as luck would have it, a certain pony from before came galloping ahead and stopped right in front of them. It was the cab driver who previously had a broken wheel. "New wheel works like a charm! So now which of you nice folks are hoppin' in?" Everyone turned their heads towards Rarity and Ono with the former quickly hopping on her rainbow colored ride. Despite the looks from the others, Ono got feeling compelled into going with her after exchanging looks, Ono rolled his eyes before turning his head ready to fly alongside the cab and help guide the driver there. "Fashion runway plaza in seven minutes. Can you make it?" "Hang on!" The pony galloped his front hooves before dashing off at top speed with Ono keeping pace from above with Rarity waving at her friends before her ride took off. "Here we go!" "Ta-ta!" Spike sighed in relief, "Whew, that was close." "I'll say." Kion agreed. But Bunga felt something is still wrong here. "Uh…is it just me or did anybody else feel like we forgot something?" Everyone then realized what it was. "The dresses!" Twilight while currently wearing a black and purple rain coat and hat, tilted her dark shades while watching her former friends rush over back to their hotel in order to retrieve them. All while, smiling from watching her observations from the nearby corner while carrying her black and purple umbrella. “The unicorn is on the run.” She commented before a conveniently dark colored taxi cab appearing alongside her. Said driver currently has a black coat and matching hat along with having a long suspiciously green-blue mane and matching eyes. “And so are her friends from the Guard.” She replied before the alicorn moved to hop on her ride before the disguised changeling moved to rush on over so she can catch up to Rarity’s ride (albeit a far enough distance so she won’t realize she’s being following.) Rarity and Ono both came rushing into the plaza, nearly out of breath and stopped in front of the receptionist. "Good afternoon, I'm here for Fashion Week!" The former stated. "Everypony's gathered in front of the runway and about to start, so you'll just have to bring your dresses along with you and store them backstage later." "Hapana!" Ono realized they both completely forgot in their haste to get here. Rarity's eyes widened in horror once more when she realized she forgot them before dramatically crying face first onto the floor. "My– My dresses! How could I possibly forget them?! I'm dooooomed!" Once again as luck would have it, the bellhop from earlier walked in with a trolley that holds every one of her dresses. "Got 'em right here, ma'am! Your friends told me you need these in a hurry, so I offered to race 'em over myself. "Anything for that nice mare," I told 'em!" Rarity quickly took the dresses and ran off with Ono following after her, but not without handing him another gem as thanks for his services to which he greatly appreciated once more even though he was surprised when she suddenly disappeared. "You're a lifesaver!" Rarity and Ono quickly made their way into the runway with the former's line of dresses and stopped right beside a line of other ponies before sighing in relief. "I made it! And with seconds to spare! Hello, everypony. Pleased to meet you all." "Rarity, I presume." The mare with a dark gray coat and a pink mane and tail greeted. She was currently wearing a pale pink jacket, gold earrings and had a cutie mark consisting of a spool and scissors. "You must be Prim Hemline, the host of this grand event. How do you—?" Rarity happily greeted before Prim interrupted her. "Miss Rarity, how is it that all your competitors are here half an hour early, and yet you arrive seconds before we begin?" She sternly questioned her tardiness that is unbecoming of fashionistas to do in this kind of buisness. "Oops." Rarity started rather embarrassed with herself for loosing track of time like that before answering, "I deeply apologize. I…ended up hitting some really bad traffic on the way over here." Prim still frowned at her but it was enough not to disqualify her on the spot before continuing to address everyone. “Once we're done here, you're to finish setting up backstage, so you'll be ready for your run-through appointment." She then turned to Rarity again. "You show your designs last. We keep to a precise schedule, so let's try to be more than a few seconds early, hmm?" “Of course. That’s a promise.” Rarity assured still apologetic for getting off to a bumpy start. “Absolutely guaranteed.” “I should hope so and it better not happen again.” Prim sternly replied before turning back to the others. “Tomorrow is the contest to see which one of you gets to stay to meet top designers all across the city. The rest of you must go home early. So sad. Dismissed!" "Phew! Thank Simba and Celestia that worked out wonders!" Ono stated in relief before falling backwards and crashing down to the ground after fainting. She then left the runway with everyone else all doing the same to get their designs ready while one pony approached the unicorn. Said pony’s coat was bright pink and her purple mane and tail were curled up similar to Rarity's mane style. She wore a bright blue scarf around her neck and had a cutie mark consisting of three differently colored buttons for a cutie mark. "I'm so glad you made it, Rarity!" She greeted the mare placing the nerve shot egret off of the floor and onto her back. "Me too, but everything just seems to keep working out!" Rarity further expressed her relief on her recent streak of good luck. "Don't you remember me?" She asked of her expecting her to know in a friendly manner with the mare still not recognizing her. ”Suri Polomare from the Ponyville Knitters League?" With that, Rarity was quick to remember her. “Oh, yes, of course, of course! I– I thought you looked familiar, but I couldn't place it. You haven't been back in years!" "Because I moved here to make it in the big city. Ha, ha, ha, okay?" She explained with a laugh. "Oh, good for you, Sur—" Rarity complimented before being interrupted when the mare suddenly hugged her accidentally causing Ono to drop face first onto the floor and waking up from his shock. "OW!" "Ooh, it's so good to see you! And now here we are, competing! Ha, ha, ha, okay?" Suri then sees Ono trying to pick himself back up. "Oh dear, I'm so sorry." She quickly helped him back on his legs. "I don't know you were there!" "Ugh, how could you not see me?!" Ono rather really irritated. "I mean I was just right behind her." She gestured to the unicorn next to her. "Easy Ono. I'm sure she didn't mean it." Rarity gestured with a hoof on his back before turning back to Suri with a smile. "Yes, yes. Well, good luck!" She said before turning back to her line of dresses to cart them off. "Oh, I don't need luck.” She kindly returned before offering. “Would you like a hoof with your things?" "Why, thank you so much!" She gratefully expressed in response to her offer before they both walked backstage to get everything set. During the preparations, Suri took notice of the set of dresses she made, more particularly the brightly purple colored fabric. "My, your collection is gorgeous!" "Oh now, I'm sure your collection is equally lovely, if not more so!" Rarity modestly thought nothing of it. "It's alright, but nothing like this!” Suri remarked while continuing to marvel at her work. “Surely it must have taken someone with a keen eye for the right colors to make them work together so well in order to create this.” “It sure did.” Rarity happily replied before explaining more about him while the egret just hides where the two ponies can't see him. “In fact, ever since I met him he’s been a great help in overseeing the right touches I need to create perfection in my work.” "Interesting." Suri commented before gasping when she thought of something while further admiring her fabric. "Your friend must be something if she inspired this! You're so lucky, my culottes are simply crying out for just the right accent, but I haven't the slightest notion where I—" Suri gasped as an idea came to mind to which sparked suspicion from the egret perking his eyes and head from his hiding spot, "Actually… just a touch of this fabric could be perfect with it. W– Oh, hey, would you mind terribly if I took a swatch?" "Oh, not at all!” Rarity kindly said before levitating a large roll of fabric over to Suri’s hooves. “Here, I have loads extra." "You're sure?" Suri hesitantly asked to which Ono fells is off. "Positive!” Rarity nodded it’s no biggie. “Oh, well, it's been wonderful getting caught up, and I don't wish to be rude, but I must finish my preparations and I am a bit late as it... is?" She then sees that Suri had quickly rushed out of the room. "Hmm, must be in a rush too." "I sure hope so." Ono thought to himself still feeling sick to his stomach of how she acted just now. And true to the egret's gut and what Rarity didn’t realize was that the mare didn’t have good intentions when she asked that favor of her and that’s something Twilight having watched the scene with her magic from outside is fully aware of what’s about to happen. “Let’s go!” She told Chrysalis before riding off away and towards the direction of the hotel to where her former friends are staying at. Clearly, she has seen enough not to warrant sticking around any longer and will await. The next morning, Rarity got up early this time and proceeded to make her way back over to the reception area with a half-hour to spare although Ono didn't join her this time around due to feeling still queasy from yesterday afternoon. “Hello!” She happily greeted the receptionist. “I'm here half an hour early for my run-through appointment, just the way Prim likes!" "Get in line over there." The receptionist directed her attention to the line of ponies waiting for their turn. She then suddenly smiled when she took notice of Rarity's clothes. "Oh my, that fabric's gorgeous, did you make that yourself?" "Oh, why, yes. It's stretchy, but not clingy. Shimmery—" "Shimmery, but not showy." Another voice finished with those exact words. Curious, Rarity looked into the theater before seeing an unbelievable sight in front of her. Suri’s presentation consisted of Rarity's unique fabric in ALL of her designs. An exact copy of everything she did and presented it like it was all her idea. "And the entire line is in the same adorable pattern. It works on everything from skirts to tops to shoes…" She finished when Prim Hemline applauded her. "Oh, bravo! I've never seen anything like it!" Suri proudly turned to walk away, but not without being angrily confronted by the white unicorn when she literally got nose to nose with her. "You stole my fabric!" Suri laughed like she did nothing wrong while gently pushing her out of her face. "I didn't steal it, okay? You gave it to me, 'member?" "I gave you the fabric for accents! Not for your whole line! And how could you possibly make all of those outfits out of it so fast?!" She corrected. "Fast? Hah! Coco Pommel here took practically forever. Nearly got me completely disqualified." Suri scoffed before pointing her hoof to her assistant, Coco currently carting her presented work. Said mare had a coat mixed of white and yellow and a bright blue mane and tail along with matching bright blue eyes. She wore a purple collar with a small red tie and a matching flower in her short hair and had a cutie mark consisting of a stylish purple hat with a red feather on it. "Well, I wanted to make sure you'd win, so I took the extra time to—" She tried to explain before being harshly cut off. "Quiet! I pay an assistant to sew and get coffee, not talk. 'Kay?" "How could this happen?” Rarity expressed unable to understand any of this. “This doesn't make any sense." "Aw, sweetie, don't blame yourself.” Suri said with faux assurance. “It takes some small-town fillies a while to learn it's everypony for herself in the big city, m'kay?" With nothing she can do to prove that she is the rightful creator of those already presented designs, Rarity ran out crying with Coco watching her run off feeling sorry for her. "Hope you realize how fortunate you are to have me as a mentor.” Suri smugly said to her before snapping once more. “Now get me some coffee!" Coco quickly obeyed her command before running off while her boss smiles in satisfaction with what she just did before moving the line of dresses backstage. She then spotted Twilight appearing there giving her an approving smile. “Thanks for the tip, Princess.” She said with a mean smirk. “Who would have known that knowing your friend back there would have inspired my new line that is sure to make me win this competition.” “Oh, the pleasure’s all mine.” Twilight thought nothing of it. “It’s more like ensuring the pony who’s the best fashion designer really wins.” “You know I gotta say. You’re a smart pony and I like the way you think.” Suri further complimented the alicorn. “Thanks.” She responded with a humble nod. “I just want to be on the winning side.” “You will be.” Suri assured before Twilight teleports away leaving the mare feeling further self-assured she has this competition all locked up. Back at the hotel, the Mane Five and the Lion Guard had arrived after a wonderful day of fun along with Ono who was now feeling better at this point. Bunga was still filled with excitement in his heart while wearing a soda drinking hat. "Best day of my life!" “I’ll say.” Kion agreed. “And the best part was Fuli getting the hang of ice skating. I never would have thought that using claws would actually make great skates.” The cheetah shrugged like it’s nothing new to her. “Eh, the skates weren’t exactly my style.” Kion chuckled at her response. “I’m sorry, are you Fuli or Rarity right now?” “Fuli, of course, darling. Why would even think such a thing?” Fuli returned with a quirked brow and a tone to mimic Rarity while trying to understand the teasing grin her friend’s giving her but then the realization struck her when she widen her eyes before having a flabbergasted expression. “Oh, very funny, Kion.” Her friends shared a laugh over the moment before Rainbow began to list off their schedule while they enter their room one by one. “Better pace yourself, 'cause the rest of the day is jam-packed!" "First there's the salon appointment to get our manes and hair done." Applejack listed. “While the rest of us go bowling.” Bunga added still feeling pumped to give it try along with doing something with one of best buddies, Beshte. "Then our fancy dinner at the Far-Afield Tavern!" Pinkie Pie added. "And after that…" Fluttershy began with the biggest thing they’ve been waiting for ever since they got here. "Hinny of the Hills!" The ponies all finished happily while jumping up in excitement before landing and laughing together. The door opened once more with a very distraught and heartbroken Rarity entering the room. Kion was the first to spot and see her like this. "Whoa, Rarity…” He began really shocked to see her like this. “…is everything okay?" "You got the dresses the bellhop brought you and everything, right?" Pinkie asked. “Of course she did!” Bunga was quick to point out. “Otherwise we’d see her crying sooner.” His friends glared at him. “What? It’s true. He said he brought them.” Rarity ignored that comment before approaching her bed and then cried her heart out face first into the pillows. Ono feeling that his suspicions are now true spoke his mind of what happened. "And then Suri stole them!" He growled slightly. "I knew there was something I didn't like about her. “What do you mean?” Kyoga inquired with full attention before hearing her out. "I let her use one of the other contestants of my one-of-a-kind fabric" She briefly stopped for some fast breathing before continuing. "And then she turned it into a wardrobe just like mine." She rapidly breathed once more. "Only now it looks like I'm the one copying her! My generosity has ruined me, I tell you! Ruined!" “Not for long!” Ono stated while moving towards the door on her way to take care of her personally. "Just tell me where she is and I’ll take care of the rest!” “Ono…” Kion warned him against doing something rash. “Relax, Kion. I’m not going to hurt her, just tell her off along with a few words for good measure.” Ono firmly assured before being halted halfway out the door by the unicorn’s magic. “Rarity?” “It’s not worth it. Even if you do it’s her word against mine.” She cried before letting the egret go leaving him unable to carry through with it even when he now has free will to do so. Kion then moved onto her bed before moving his paw to gently get her to look at him. “It’ll be okay, Rarity. Be remember we’re here for you and we’ll do whatever we can to help you through it. Right guys?" The others all immediately agreed and said yes in support of their friend. “We’ve got your back, Rarity.” Beshte was the first to offer encouragement. “Yeah, we’ll help you outshine that backstabbing copycat!” Bunga added in agreement. “And I’ll help keep a keen eye on your work every second of the way.” Ono also added in assurance. "Come on, Rarity, buck up!" Applejack added. "All we need is some fabric and you'll be back in business!" After being done crying, Rarity looked around the room, for some quick ideas of inspiration. Then, she started getting it when she got a good look at the curtains, walls, sheets, and the carpets. And after some quick thinking, she had a new line ready to make and was quick to snap out of her depression. "This new line is going to be marvelous! Perhaps even better than the last! It's daring, it's bold! Perhaps I still have a chance after all!" “Whatever you need we’ll gladly help out however we can.” Beshte said once more in a supporting manner. “Yeah, I mean how bad can it be…?” Bunga added with a happy smile. Sometime later… “…me and my big mouth.” He said with a now tired expression personally regretting his choice of words. In the following hours, everyone was increasingly hard at work, going non-stop in order to ensure Rarity doesn’t miss her deadline in the following morning. Rainbow Dash and Fuli both worked on the spinning wheel while Kyoga and Fluttershy worked on the sewing machines, and Applejack folded the fabrics with the help of the Kion, Bunga, and Spike, since they have least experience with sewing. The past experience from helping Rarity the time she was getting ready for her proper presentation with a fashion critic back before their first Grand Galloping Gala had paid off for the girls and it really helped in making progress all under Rarity’s supervision and Ono’s observation. While Ono was calm and patient, Rarity on the other hoof had a much harsher glance prepared for her friends should she catch them doing something time-consuming and she wasn’t letting up ever since everyone starting working. She gave it to Fluttershy when she spotted her nearly jamming her sewing machine before the latter quickly corrected herself with a forced innocent smile. She then gave it to Pinkie Pie, when she caught her playing will a ball of yarn. Once Pinkie saw Rarity catching her in the act she quickly got back to work while tossing aside the yarn. The ball ended up landing on Fuli’s tail who likewise coiled it with her tail but still kept her eyes on the spinning machine along with Rainbow Dash. Even with the tempting urge to play with it, she was not a cat ready to play games and risk being given the stink eye from her friend because of it. Rarity then levitated more swats for Applejack, Kion, Bunga, and Beshte to fold and arrange. She levitated the already arranged fabrics and handed them to Kyoga. "Kyoga! Sew these pieces together according to that pattern there!" She ordered. “You said if we skipped dinner at the Far-Afield Tavern, you'd order a meal for us while we keep working." Kyoga reminded. "Don't fret. It'll be here in an hour." Rarity said while brushing her off before turning to everyone else with a stern question. “That’s not going to be a problem is it?” "Well, we're supposed to be watching Hinny of the Hills by then…" Rainbow reminded her while tapping her hooves trying to implore of her to allow them a little break. “And we have been working for six hours straight.” Kion added trying to be reasonable as possible in dealing with her attitude. “So maybe we should take a little breather.” Ono suggested. But even so, Rarity was quick to overreact to that mere suggestion. "Oh! I see! I go out of my way to get you tickets for a show, and this is how you repay me? By abandoning me in my hour of need?" The ponies had nothing to say in response, while both Kion and Ono both knew that their unicorn friend is being too harsh on them. “No, that’s not what I meant!” Ono quickly said defensively. “All we’re asking for is a little break so we can rest and recover from having us work non-stop for the last six hours.” "Oh, oh, oh! Fine! Go and see Hinny of the Hills tonight!" Rarity angrily remarked. "And then tomorrow morning when you come to see my fashion show without any fashion to show, you can have more entertainment!" She then got in between Rainbow and Pinkie Pie while continuing her dramatic rant. “"Oh, why look, there's our friend Rarity going down in flames! Isn't friendship magic?!"" “Not with that approach.” Kyoga bluntly remarked. “What?!” Rarity shouted in the lioness’s face. “What did you say?” “You heard me.” Kyoga bluntly answered with no fear. “Girls.” Kion spoke up trying to ease the tension. “Let’s all calm down and take this time to cool-down before we say anything we’ll regret.” “Or what!” Rarity then shouted in Kion’s face. “You’ll order the Guard to leave!” She then moved to open the door. “Well go ahead, any volunteers?” She asked of them, actually daring them to go through with it. “You know what…” Ono calmly spoke up deciding he’s had enough. “…I’ll go. Since it’s pretty clear my keen sight is no longer welcome here and that this is going to get even more ugly than it already has been.” With that, Ono quickly flew out of the room without another word and only a stern expression of disappointment in the unicorn’s direction. "Ono?” Kion called after him with a raised paw to no avail before turning back to Rarity with his patience being tested now. ”Rarity! What's gotten into you?!” “What’s gotten into you!” Rarity retorted. “Oh, go ahead! See your little show and have your precious date! Congratu-pony-lations, fillies! Sounds like you've all figured out already it's everypony for herself in this town!" The unicorn angrily ran out the door, leaving the others alone. “Kion…” Kyoga asked what the best course of action is. “Let’s just get back to work.” Kion sighed before moving to exit the room. “Where are you going?” “I’m going to see if I can get her to listen to me one more time before leaving her to cool down because clearly what Suri did is really changing her.” Kion quickly ran out of the room before spotting her. “Rarity!” He called after her. “What do you want?” Rarity hissed in his direction. “Nothing…” Kion insisted before speaking honestly when Rarity was giving her the unbelieving look. “…Other than asking of you to please reconsider with what you are doing.” "And why would I do that?!" “Because this isn’t like you.” Kion answered. “Pushing around your friends and taking your anger out on us. You’re becoming an entirely new pony.” “So?” “So, the Rarity everyone knows and loves would never act like this.” Kion further spoke from his heart trying not to cry. “You’re acting like a pony who’s lost her way after getting back-stabbed by someone who’s fanning the flames.” He then turned to head back to their room but not without looking back and adding. “All I’m asking of you is no matter what, don’t become some pony or somebody nobody wants to see. I’ve already seen that happen with a friend we used to know.” Kion then moved back towards their room, leaving the unicorn deep in thought of what he said before moving along in a huff. Meanwhile, Ono was flying across Manehattan still fuming over his friend’s recent behavior. “Why the nerve of that pony? I oughta to…” He suddenly spots Suri in her hotel room across from the hotel he and his friends are staying at. “…see this.” Ono flew over to her window before getting a close look at Rarity’s copied designs along with Suri being smug and abrasive to her poor assistant working non-stop for her. And judging from her appearance she’s been working as long as he and his friends have. “Oh, poor kid.” Ono said with pity for Coco before eyeing Suri doing nothing more but overseeing her progress. “If only there was some way to prove that this way all Rarity’s designs. “ He looked on with full focus at the dresses before spotting something with a rainbow shimmer sparkling in his eyes when it happened. “And I think I have an idea of how I can.” He said with a sneaky smile before flying off to carry out his plan. “Oh, you’re in trouble now Suri.” The next morning, the dresses Rarity wanted to see to it created, were finally created with Kion, Applejack, and Bunga all putting on the finishing touches on the last item of business. "There. That's the last of them." Kion said with slightly purple shadows under his eyes. “At last!” Bunga said before collapsing on the bed in exhaustion. "Finally!" Rarity stated while rushing out of the room with her wardrobe in tow. "You're welcome!" Kion shouted after her in annoyance. But deep down, he hoped his friend would come around and that history wouldn’t repeat so soon. At the same time, Twilight who is already up having witnessed the scene with her magic is currently reading her book in her cab just when Rarity rushes out of the hotel and towards the cab she requested to give her a ride at this hour. After seeing the white unicorn ride off, she turned to Chrysalis after closing her book. “Let’s go!” “Hang on tight!” Chrysalis took off at a fast pace before stopping at the theater where Rarity’s fashion show is taking place. Once they have arrived, Twilight would get out of her ride and made her way inside while making sure her shades were on in order to avoid being recognized by the other ponies for her princess status. Inside the theater, Suri was currently showing her new (stolen, really) line. Everyone was amazed by the creation being currently worn by the pony models while pictures were taken. "Let's have another round of applause for Suri Polomare's amazing collection. That fabric! So original!" Prim announced to everyone with Suri standing beside her while everyone cheered with Suri waving to everyone in return. Rarity narrowed and rolled her eyes in disgust when Suri approached her. "Well look who's here.” She said mockingly while walking by her with Coco following after her. “Here to show off your copycat collection, mm? Heh." "And now, Rarity from Ponyville with her brand new line – and I mean "brand new" – Hotel Chic." Prim announced with the curtain opening up to unveil the models wearing the fashionista’s new line, inspired by the surroundings from her hotel room. Everypony really liked what they were seeing so far when the models made walked across the runway. Even moreso, that the line Suri copied off of her. Rarity gasped with delight upon seeing that her last-minute improvising actually is topping her previous line. "Oh! They're liking it! I think I may have just won this thing! Oh, I can't wait to celebrate with…" She suddenly realized that her friends who were assigned seats in the show weren’t occupying them. "My friends. They didn't come. What have I done?" The impact of her awful behavior landed hardly on her when she her eyes shimmered a rainbow glitter on the silver metal around the reserved section of seats and when she spotted a familiar mare sitting there with a scar on her face tilting her shades off with an approving smile. “Drove away your friends after treating them like trash. Just like you did to me, Rarity.” Twilight’s voice spoke to her through her mind. “Congratulations! You’re finally seeing things my way.” The very words had left Rarity guilt-ridden just when Prim Hemline approached her. "Rarity, they all adore you! Aren't you going to tell them about your fabulous pieces?" But Rarity didn’t answer when another familiar voice spoke in her mind accompanied with evil laughter. “Sisi Ni Sawa, Rarity!” Rarity backed up in horror of how she had acted before galloping off from the stage and out of the room. “I have to go." Needless to say, everyone including Prim was shocked seeing this from her. "Come back at once!" Prim called out after her. "This is unheard of!" While this was going on, Ono arrived on the scene before tapping Prim on the shoulder to get her attention. “Excuse me, miss?” “What is it?” She demanded. “My apologies, ma’am but I believe I have something you have to see…” He said before showing her some of Rarity’s fabric to which Suri presented. Prim’s eyes widen in shock before turning to the mare who quickly realizes she’s in hot water once Ono had uncovered the truth of the fabric’s origins when she starts sweating in fear. Rarity galloped outside and encountered the Bellhop pony again, carrying an luggage. "How do you do, ma'am? Contest going well?" He asked. "No time to talk. I have to find my friends!" "Oh, uh, they're gone already.” He regretfully answered. “I saw them headed out this morning." "Oh, no! Back to Ponyville and Diamond Valley, I imagine. Oh, they worked so hard on my behalf! And I repaid them with unkindness. Even Kion, who tried his hardest to reach out to me! What have I done?!" She then ran off but briefly stopped and gave the bellhop some jewels in gratitude before running off. "Oh… here you are." "But miss, I– I didn't do anything!" He tried to insist it wasn’t necessary this time around but she was already gone finding the value of her friendship more important than a few gems given away without second thought. Once it another thunderstorm was going on in the streets of Manehattan, the rain coming down was so heavy that it soaked Rarity's mane into its unkempt and straight state trying hard and vain in finding her friends. But with every passing minute and corner she searched there was no sign of them. And it was all her fault. And because of it, she ended up becoming just like Twilight at her worst and worse than that, she realized she ended up acting just like Scar whose reflection showed in one of the puddles instead of her own. Seeing this had her sadly walking forward while singing to a sad and somber tone upon seeing what her actions have resulted in. “Oh, Manehattan, what have I done? The thought of Fashion Week was fun.” She looked on a window display of a dress, where she envisioned all of her friends (including Twilight) selflessly helping her the night before. “But I went way too far My friends gave to me in ways so kind And I gave them nothing but a hard time And now alone I stand And now alone I stand.” As she finished singing, she was left a saddened and down spirited mare feeling she has lost everything with no one to turn to now. Back at the hotel, Rarity returned with her mane restored to its curly and kempt style by the time she walked up to the receptionist’s desk. "I need a moment with Prim Hemline.” She requested of her. “I have to rush back to Ponyville, but I just wanted to thank her first for the opportunity." “I’ll try.” She obliged. “But I can’t guarantee anything.” Just then the doors opened once more and Rarity's heart leaped for joy and relief when she saw the Mane Five, Spike, and the Lion Guard (minus Ono), all smiling in her direction. "There you all are!” Rarity expressed in happy relief. “I can't believe it, I thought you went back home!" "We missed the show because we overslept." Kion said with regret for not being able to come. ”We’re really sorry we couldn’t make it." “No.” Rarity insisted his apology wasn’t necessary. “I’m the one who should apologize for treating you all so horribly. Taking advantage of your friendship the way I did and even yelling at you, Kyoga, and Ono. And worst of all, acting like some pony I’m not. How could you ever see past it?" Her friends smiled holding nothing against her with Applejack commenting. "Yeah, you were pretty rotten." “Whoa!” Bunga gasped. “I get that you’re all about honesty, but seriously, that was just harsh. Kion then moved towards Rarity with words to share. “I know we all said things we regret and last night we may not have seen you at your best, but we know you. And we would never let one thing like that change how we feel about you." Pinkie hopped over and hugged Rarity first, followed by the rest of the Mane Five, Spike, and the Lion Guard. Just when they are hugging they noticed that someone was missing. “Wait…” Bunga spoke up. “…has anyone seen Ono?” Kion opened his eyes and looked around. “Not since this morning.” “Where is he?” Fuli wondered just when said egret appears with Coco standing by his side. “Right here.” Ono replied while grunting and holding up a trophy before handing it to Rarity after some strenuous flying and lifting. “Sorry I’m late, I was just picking up something that belongs to you.” Rarity held the trophy Ono was carrying before reading the plaque down below it. "This is the first place trophy.” She recognized with sudden surprise. “With my name on it! But I thought I lost!" “You didn’t! You won!” “But how?!” “Well it all started when I was out flying to cool off after what happened last night…” Ono recalled what he did the previous night up. “I happened to come across Suri getting ready for Fashion Week across the street from our hotel. It was there I noticed something in your fabric that really stands out from what she came with and proved that it was really your work.” He then recalled sneaking in to Suri’s apartment before snatching up the fabric before flying on over to where Fashion Week was happening. “After sneaking into her apartment and uncovering the evidence of Suri’s plagiarism, well…” He thought slyly before recalling the memory of him reporting it to Prim Headline. “…I decided I had enough evidence to expose her fraud.” Back where, Ono just presents the proof written on the tag of the fabric she used. “As you can tell, this fabric was not designed by Suri Polomare. It was in fact truly created by Rarity.” He told her with the audience gasping at the accusations. “Hmm…” Suri scoffed trying to keep her cool. “Whatever, m’kay. Thinking you can frame me for something I didn’t do, little birdie.” “Little birdie, huh…” Ono returned feeling challenged by that remark. “Okay…” He then eyes her assistant. “…Then maybe your assistant wouldn’t mind me asking her of where she got this from.” “Oh, quit wasting your time…” Suri tried to tell him it’s futile but Ono just flew by and towards Coco. “Ms. Coco.” Ono presented said fabric. “You’ve worked as her assistant, did she really come up with the designs she presented herself alone?” “Well…” She shyly started before spotting her boss’s harsh glare non-verbally warning her against saying anything. But she looked on at all eyes from Prim to Ono to the audience, along with Twilight watching from the stands. “No, she didn’t.” She bravely confessed much to the audience’s gasping. “When she got the fabric, she had me create the same unique style Rarity originally came up with for her presentation overnight. Once I managed to finally complete it, she even thanked by rushing off ahead without a hint of gratitude.” The audience gasped once more with every revealing word coming out of her mouth, and Suri now exposed growled in anger for ratting her out. “Why you little…” She prepared to advance on her before Prim cut her off along with two security guards. “That is enough Ms. Suri!” She scolded. “And for engaging in the very criminal act of stealing another pony’s idea you are disqualified!” “What?! Disqualified?!” “That’s right! Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated! Even from one of the best of the best!” She firmly stood by her ruling before turning to the guards behind her. “Guards, remove this fraud from the building at once because she is banned from competing in Fashion Week forever!” On her command the two guards both gently urged and ushered her out of the room with the dishonored mare returning a scowl in Ono’s direction for exposing her. “Sorry not sorry, m’kay.” Ono smugly remarked in her direction who likewise growled before being led out of the room. While watching this, Twilight smiled finding Ono’s bravery impressive, while detecting another rainbow shimmer when Prim places a gold medal around his neck for his courage and bravery in proving the truth from his keen eye sight. Back in the present, Coco explains to the group of her role in exposing Suri as a fraud to the Guard. "Suri was hoping that if you didn't claim your prize, the judges would consider it a forfeit and first place would go to her. So she lied to make you and your friends go away, and, well, I lied too. I've worked for Suri for so long, I started to believe that it really is everypony for herself in this town. Until I saw how generous you were with your friends and how generous they were with you. It made me start believing there was something better for me out there. So, I– I quit. I brought you something to say thank you." She then pulled out a box from her saddle and gave it to Rarity, who smiled. “Having said that…” Ono then presented everyone the medal he earned around his neck. “…I was awarded this for my keen sight successfully exposing Suri as the fraud she was.” “Wow!” “Poa!” “Nice!” “Zuka Zama!” “Great work!” His Lion Guard friends complimented. “Aww…” Rarity was reduced to happy tears for what he did in order to ensure Rarity truly wins the competition she rightfully deserved to win. “…you did all of that even after I yelled at you.” “Well, it was pretty harsh of you.” Ono bluntly commented. “Phew.” Bunga reacted while turning to Applejack. “And here I thought brutal honesty only lies in your hooves.” Applejack responded with a smirk given that they have spent quite some considerable time together when he’s not at the library, or the cottage, Cloudsdale, or Rariity’s boutique shop. “I know.” Rarity didn’t even deny it while looking aside before turning back to her friend. “And I truly sorry for the way I reacted back there.” “I’m sorry too for storming out on you.” Ono also apologized. “I shouldn’t have done that.” He then quickly turns to Applejack knowing what she’s going to say. “Enough said.” He then turned back to Rarity. “Anyway, point being, the Guard’s Keenest of Sight’s got your back and I will never turn away from you.” Rarity's eyes continued to water up at these kind words before sharing another group hug with her friends. "Oh, thank you! You really are the most wonderful friends a pony could have! You know, I already arranged to make it up to you this afternoon! Hope you're all available for an exclusive performance of Hinny of the Hills!" Everyone all cheered in excitement before they all made their way out towards the theater. Just when they were heading out Ono and Rarity both noticed, Coco sadly looking on the pony who now has no job now that Suri is gone. And that had them stop in their tracks and both decided to show a new more generosity together. “You know…” Ono began while flying back over to her. “We do have room for one more friend to come along for the ride. “Really?” She smiled. “Yes, Coco.” Rarity nodded. “Anything for a friend who’s gone through great lengths to help me out.” “Wow, thanks.” She turned aside feeling a little red on the cheeks from the compliment before moving to join her and Ono. While the three move to catch up with the others, Twilight having popped her head from the building moved to act casual while secretly following them from behind. At the theater, in the audience was only the Lion and Pony Guard plus one since it was a private show just for them. And for everyone, including those like Fuli, Kyoga, and Ono who aren’t really all in for musicals, it was admittedly amazing. “And I’m a dancing pony!” The titular character sang the last verse before the show ended with the cast taking a bow before the curtains closed on them. The ponies all clapped and cheered in excitement. Clearly, this was really worth going to. “Wow! That was even better than I imagined!" Applejack happily expressed. “So beautiful…” Bunga said while getting all teary-eyed. "Now I see why Rainbow is really into them.” Fuli remarked when Rainbow flew up into the air and did a flip. "I loved it!" She then realized her reaction and quickly tried to downplay her love for it. "Uh, I mean, it was ai-right." “Sure it was.” Fuli commented in a snarky manner to which had Rainbow blushing in response with a pout. Applejack and Pinkie Pie laughed jokingly in response to the two before Kion turns to Rarity with a question on his mind. "How did you ever get them to agree to do an extra performance just for us?" Kion asked. "Remember my costume designer friend who got me the tickets? Well, I offered to make all the costumes for his next show!" "Um, here in Manehattan?" Fluttershy asked now feeling sad knowing what this will mean for her. Rarity then saw the others were also adopting sad expressions too. "Well, um... yes... it will keep me away from Ponyville for a while. But I so wanted you to see this show! And working for this designer is such a great opportunity!" "We know." Applejack acknowledged. "We're happy for you, Rarity. We're just sad for us." “I know.” Rarity sighed knowing that her role in the Guard is very important, especially when they still have to be on their toes for whatever Scar has planned for them and be ready in order to save Twilight from her inner darkness. “If only there was another way…” She said before turning to Coco and remembering from her sad expression that she is now without a job and getting an idea while smiling. “Coco…” She began. “Since you'll need a job now that you're no longer with Suri. How would you like to work for my friend making all the costumes for his next show?" Coco smiled in response before quickly saying yes. The following morning, the group waved goodbye to Coco as they took the train back home. Just when they were about to enter the train station, Twilight happened to “accidentally” bump into both Spike and Beshte when she was “distracted” from reading her book leading to all of their belongings to come tumbling down the steps. “Oh my gosh…” Twilight said with a sophisticated tone of voice to avoid being recognized. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you there.” She moved to quickly levitate all of their luggage back on Spike and Beshte’s shoulders. “It’s all right.” Beshte assured with a smile. “Yeah! Hakuna Matata!” Bunga cheerfully added. During the quick cleanup, Twilight moved to secretly and stealthily obtain Rarity’s gift box before replacing it with another similar substitute and did the same with Ono’s box that contained his medal. “Here you go.” Twilight said to them while making sure that she didn’t miss anything before moving ahead inside the train station to get inside her seat in the back of their train cart. “Okay…” Kion remarked finding this stranger’s behavior odd, yet somehow it rings familiar bells. “…Was it me or was there something suspiciously similar to that mare in the black trench coat?” “Like the way she acts clumsy cute yet dresses and acts rather sinister and dark.” Fuli guessed before connecting the dots. “That’s definitely, Twilight there.” “Oh…” Kion said before shaking his head upon realizing. “Twilight!” Everyone all blinked when they all realized who really bumped into them before running into the station to try to find her, but when they all got inside, they all see that she has vanished. “Where’d she go!” Spike exclaimed looking in all directions. “I don’t know!” Ono answered before flying up and using his keen sight to try to find her, but unsuccessfully. Not even the train cart, she walked inside to. “She’s gone now.” “Grr…” Kion growled at another failed opportunity to try to reason with his former friend. “Don’t worry, Kion.” Fuli quickly assured with a calming paw. “We’ll get her back.” “I know…” Kion said with a calming sigh. “I just wish I know what her motive for bumping into us like that.” “Probably trying to take time to screw around with us for petty reasons.” Kyoga guessed. “No…” Kion dismissed it. “She had to have another ulterior motive. Something we had that she was after.” “But what?” Beshte asked while Kion eyes their luggage. “That’s what I need to know.” He said before they pressed forward to getting on their ride home. During the train ride back, Rarity and Ono both took the time to write her friendship lesson learned during their stay. "Manehattan was simply grand. It was in this magnificent metropolis that I learned that, while there are ponies who will take advantage of your generosity, you should never, ever let that cause you to abandon your generous spirit. Nothing feels worse than taking advantage of the giving nature of your friends." "Having a Keen Sight is both a blessing and a curse. I come to see that when it came to helping make dresses for my friend along with performing my duties while on patrol. But regardless I've come to see that of how very useful it can be when it comes helping the friends that need you the most. Mainly, that it allows one to see a designer's work like a fingerprint. A very crucial and special detail that only said designer could have come up with. The lining. And when I saw very small thread in there, the rest was history. And I am very proud of that defining ability in me." Once Rarity was done writing her own entry in the journal, she opened the box Coco had given her earlier. She smiled when she saw it was a little spool of shiny rainbow-colored thread… …which Twilight on the other hoof has an exact copy of it along with Ono’s medal to which both gave a shimmering glittery rainbow glow having watched the friendship bonding from another cart while casting her invisibility spell. She then cancelled it once she was sure she can ride this out without being spotted before resuming her reading of her book along with eyeing the rainbow-threaded spool and red-ribbon gold medal. “Two keys down, nine to go.” She said to herself before conjuring a small pixie dust of magic before teleporting it all the way over to the Pride Lands. Said message contained made its way to Pride Rock where Scar grabs ahold of it before smiling in satisfaction with her success. Slowly but surely, the plan was working, with two more rainbow-glimmering keys on the horizon, coming from just outside of Ponyville with Scar focusing his magic on the next two Guard members next to live up to their elements and roles. Pinkie Pie and Bunga.