//------------------------------// // Call of the Cutie/Suited for Success // Story: Dissidia Final Fantasy Friendship is Magic // by Final Fantasy BRN //------------------------------// Call of the Cutie/Suited for Success At Canterlot Celestia and Cosmos just finished their discussion about what Celestia has been doing, and Twilight’s destiny. “I see, I guess Equestria will need strong leaders.” Cosmos said. “Right, and I do hope Twilight will succeed greatly where I failed.” Celestia sighed. “You can’t blame yourself for what happened.” Cosmos assured. “Maybe, but what happened must not be repeated.” Celestia said. “In fact I think you and your warriors being here will greatly help her in her learning’s, especially with her and Warrior of Light.” “She should, for she will need to understand what it truly means to be a princess.” Cosmos said. “That reminds me, Cadence told me that the Emperor told her that there were reports that Chaos found and from how they were written Garland named them the ‘Chaos Reports.” Cosmos began to ponder something. “You don’t think….” “That maybe there are other reports that are maybe called ‘Cosmos Reports?” Cosmos answered. Celestia nodded. “Hmmmm. In a matter of time give your subjects the Elements of Harmony. I have a plan, but for now I must retrieve my other Warriors. Until next time my dear friend.” Cosmos and Celestia smiled at each other and Cosmos vanished. A few days have passed since the Winter Wrap up. Warrior returned to Ponyville and wandered around the marketplace, he noticed Applejack and Applebloom wearing white aprons with a large cart full of apples. The cart was covered with a green and white striped canopy, along with a giant red apple with the Sweet Apple Acres horse-shoe insignia on the top. He noticed Applebloom looking depressed about something and walked over to them. “Get your delicious nutritious apples here!” Applejack called out to the crowd of bustling ponies. Applebloom put on a happy face for the customers. “Delicious and nutritious, and so many uses!” Applebloom announced balancing a green apple on her head. She tossed it up and caught in her mouth and ate the apple. “You can eat 'em, play with 'em.” She grabbed a nearby badminton racket and smacked an apple in a random direction leaving apple juice and chunks of apple on the racket. The apple hit a nearby mare in the head. “Hey watch it!” She shouted. “Create fine art for your home with 'em.” She took an apple and tossed it into the air and bucked it, it soared and smashed into a nearby stallion’s painting canvas leaving many apple chunks and juice covering both the canvas and the stallion’s face. “You have to be crazy not to get a bushel of your very own.” She said to the Stallion who glared at her. Applejack pulled her away from the Stallion and held her still. “Heh... she's so creative, heh.” Applejack joked nervously with the stallion. She noticed Warrior approaching. “Well Howdy Warrior!” She waved to him. “Good day Applejack, little Applebloom.” Warrior greeted. “Say Warrior I bet a strong knight like yer’self could use some delicious apples in your travels!” Applebloom said trying to make a sale with him. “Food is nice, but I do not need any at this moment.” Warrior said. “Hey these apples are the best! Applejack told me about your memories and if you eat some apples, I’m certain you can recall your real name!” Warrior’s eyes bugged out at Applebloom’s sudden mentioning Warrior’s troubles. “Applebloom!” Applejack scolded. “Don’t be rude and don’t tease Warrior like that!” “It' fine, I’m sure she means no ill will.” Warrior said. He took out five pieces of gill from his pockets, which were small gold coins, much similar to bits, the money in Equestria. He gave them to Applejack and took one apple and began eating it. “You sir! Care to buy some apples?” Applebloom called running towards a nearby brown stallion with an hourglass cutie mark. “Uh, no thanks.” The stallion responded. Applebloom ran around and poked her head through another cart and gave him a big smile. “Why not?” She asked. The stallion began to nervously back away from her. “I have plenty at home.” The stallion replied. He accidentally bumped into Applebloom for she went around behind him. “Are you sure?” She asked. “Yes I'm pretty sure I...” The stallion tried to walk away from her but Applebloom walked around and began to stare him down while backing him up. “You're pretty sure, but you're not absolutely positively completely super-duper sure, are you?” “Y...ah... If I buy some apples, will you please leave me alone?” The stallion stammered nervously. “All right!” Applebloom cheered. The stallion took out a few bits and gave them to Applejack. He took one apple and galloped away. “You forgot your change!” Applejack called but the stallion didn’t turn around to come back. “What is she doing?” Warrior asked, he finished the apple and threw away the apple core. “She’s trying to get her cutie mark. She’s getting teased by the other students at school for not having one.” Applejack explained. “Would this have anything to do with young Diamond Tiara’s party would it?” Warrior asked. “You got invited to that to?” Applejack asked. “Yes, she came over to the Sanctuary today and handed me an invitation.” Warrior explained. “More and more ponies must be learning about the gateway then huh?” Applejack asked. “Well, with the gateway being in the very center of town it wouldn’t take long for other citizens to learn how it works.” Warrior added. “Woo-hoo! That's how you sell s'm apples and get a cutie mark!” Applebloom began walking around in circles with her eyes focused on her flank to see if there was a cutie mark. “So, what does my cutie mark look like? A shoppin' bag full of apples? A satisfied customer eating an apple?” She noticed that there was still no cutie mark. “Hmm... maybe I gotta increase my sales figures first.” She walked over to a bucket of apples being eyed by a light purple mare. “YOU TOUCH IT, YOU BUY IT. We take cash or credit.” Applebloom scared the mare away from the apples. Warrior sighed and shook his head. “I'm sorry ma'am.” Applejack apologized to the mare but she stormed away. “Ma'am! Aww... Now Apple Bloom, you can't just...” Applebloom carried a bucket of apples and secretly put some into a nearby mare’s bag. “That'll be four bits.” Applebloom said. The mare raised an eyebrow at the apples that just appeared in her possessions. “I didn’t put those in my bag.” She objected. “Likely story.” Applebloom replied giving her a suspicious look. “Four bits lady!” “Applebloom!” Applejack said covering her mouth with one of her hooves. “I am really really sorry about that. She's new. Here, take these. No charge.” Applejack put more apples in her bag, but the mare didn’t look satisfied. “And these.” Applejack put even more apples in her bag but she still didn’t look satisfied. “And these.” Applejack tossed a large bucket of apples onto the mare’s back, she struggled to stand but she finally looked satisfied. She walked away mustering all the strength in her legs. “Y'all come back now, y'hear?” She gave Applebloom an angry look. “What?” Applebloom asked trying to sound innocent. “You cleaned out the wares through extortion.” Warrior explained. “That’s no way to be a good sales…uh..salespony.” Applejack giggled at Warrior trying to talk in what Equestria deemed normal. She went back to staring down Applebloom. “Sorry little sis, but your apple-sellin' days are over.” Applejack scolded she reached inwards and took Applebloom’s apron. “What? But how else am I gonna get my cutie mark?” Applebloom panicked, she reached up and took back the apron. “Home. Now!” Applejack ordered. Applebloom tossed away the apron and glared at Applejack. Applejack sighed. “Listen sugar-cube, I know it's hard to wait for your very own cutie mark, but, you just can't force it. Besides, you're not that grown-up just yet.” “So what’s going on exactly?” Warrior asked Applebloom. Applebloom breathed in to give a lengthy explanation. “Well today in class we learned about cutiemarks and Diamond Tiara and Silverspoon started making fun of me and Twist for having blank flanks and she still invited us to Diamond Tiara’s cute-ceañera. I can’t arrive without a cutie mark and Applejack told me about how she and the rest of the family were the last ones to get our cutie marks and I don’t want to get my cutie mark at that point because, I WANT IT NOW!” Warrior paused to take it all in, and came up with a response. “Consider yourself special.” Warrior said kneeling down to the filly’s eye level. “For example, look at myself. I have no cutie mark. I cannot have a cutie mark. At least with you and other ponies here your place in the world is clear to you. With me, especially myself. It may take me a lifetime to figure it out. In fact, I may not be able to find out what it is until it’s too late.” Applejack gave Warrior a sad look, she felt sorry for humans having such a lonely sounding existence. Then felt even worse for Warrior, especially with Warrior not knowing who he is. Applebloom looked at Warrior with a stunned look. “You are a good little filly Applebloom. You’ve shown it when you embraced Zecora when no one else could.” “I guess so.” Applebloom sighed. “But it’s not gonna get me my cutie mark any quicker.” “Ain't there other fillies in your class without one?” Applejack asked. “Well... Twist doesn't have hers yet.” Applebloom sighed. “Do you think you'd feel better if you went to the party with her?” Applejack smiled. “Mmm-hmm.” Applebloom nodded starting to smile. “Well there you go. Bet you and Twist would have a great time together. Now run along and find your friend.” Applebloom began galloping away to meet her friend when she stopped and looked back at her sister and Cosmos’s knight. “You're sure you don't want me to stick around 'till the end of th' market?” She asked. “Hey who’s been using my racket!?” Shouted an athletic looking stallion with a beard. He held the racket Applebloom used to smash an apple with earlier. “Yeah. I'm sure.” Applejack assured. Applebloom galloped away and left the two alone. “What brings you to market today?” Applejack asked. “Nothing, I just needed to take more time, make patrolling Equestria time, since it’s too late to get our crystals.” Warrior explained. “So hey you think I should give you a few apples for that Laguna feller?” Applejack asked. “I don’t know, but you can if you want.” Warrior said. “Hey, were ya’ll serious when you told Applebloom about cutie marks with humans?” Applejack asked. “Yes, but to be honest. I do think it’s silly to allow something so simple to control how you dictate your lives.” Warrior stated. “I see what you mean, but it helps us stay happy with what we choose to do with ourselves.” Applejack giggled. “I suppose.” Warrior sighed looking into the sky. Applejack gave him a concerned look because she knew that he was thinking about his own destiny. “Hey don’t worry, whenever you’re in trouble, me and the others will be there for ya’ll!” Applejack smiled raising a hove to Warrior. “Come and talk you us if you need someone to talk to, ok sugar cube?” Warrior looked at Applejack and nodded. “I shall see you this afternoon.” Warrior said and he turned and walked away. Applejack continued to look at Warrior with concern. Back with Kain he left the unconscious Zidane in some bushes next to a small stream. Kain looked back and noticed Tifa pursuing him. He began to worry and he started running for it, he crossed through a gateway into Castle Pandemonium. Kain went through the gate and traveled through Pandemonium and stopped when five manikins appeared in front of him, two Delusory Dragoons and three Delusory Knights. He groaned bitterly as he readied his lance and charged at the manikins, he smashed through one of the dragoons. While one of the knights charged at Kain and slashed him across the side. Kain groaned in pain as he retaliated quickly and threw his lance at the manikin and shattered it. He ran to his lance and grabbed it and impaled another knight destroying it. The last dragoon ran up to Kain from behind but he quickly swung his lance around and smashed the manikin. The last knight emerged from the dust of the dragoon and successfully slashed Kain across the chest. Kain groaned in pain and moved quickly, holding in his pain and smashed the head off the manikin with the back of his lance. Kain yelled as he released the pain he was holding in. He dropped to his knees and clutched the two wounds he was given. “Kain!” Tifa called approaching him from behind. “Oh good. I found you!” Kain stood up quickly and raised his lance against her. Tifa’s eyes bugged out, she gasped in shock at Kain was proving that Ultimecia was right about him being a traitor. “What are you-” Kain couldn’t take the pain he was feeling so he dropped down to his knees and continued to groan. Tifa looked at him with concern. “Kain? What’s wrong are you hurt?” “The….manikins will….be upon us soon……Return to Cosmos.” Kain struggled to say. As he tried to stand back up. “But what about you?” Tifa asked, Kain fell back to his knees and started panting. “Sparring…thoughts…for a traitor?” Tifa put on an angry face, she took out a potion and uncorked it she walked over to Kain and tossed the liquid at his body. “Stop it!” She ordered. The liquid rolled all over Kain’s body and went into his wounds and healed them up. “You know I trust you! All this time you’ve been helping us, and then you just up and change sides? Yeah right! I mean…even if you hadn’t helped me out before I still wouldn’t fall for that. We’re friends, aren’t we? Just tell me what happened. Where’s Zidane? Have you found anyone else?” Tifa then took a few steps away from Kain for her own safety. “Why…Why did you…point your weapon at me?” “Forgive me, that’s not for you to know.” Kain sighed, trying to catch his breath. Tifa just scoffed at him. “Well, I guess I’ll just have to tag along.” Tifa concluded. “What?” Kain gasped. “No choice. I used my potion.” Tifa explained. “Girl like me…who knows if I can make it back to Cosmos all alone? But as long as I have a friend along, I’ll be ok right?” “Tifa.” Kain sighed “He’s feeling strange that Tifa wasn’t angry with him for what all he’s done.” “Listen. I trust you. We’re friends.” Tifa assured. Kain sighed as he stood back up. His wounds were completely healed, he and Tifa joined together and left Pandemonium. Back at Sugar Cube Corner The cute-ceañera began, several ponies stood around and mingled and enjoyed other’s company and refreshments. Warrior stood by himself and sipped on punch. Very calm party music filled the air. Warrior stood with his helmet off having it sit on a nearby table. “Hey Warrior!” Called a young pink filly with a very trendy hairstyle, she was dressed in fancy young pony clothes. This was Diamond Tiara. The pony that the party was being thrown for. She walked up to Warrior, being accompanied with other fillies. “As Equestria’s honored guest I would love to welcome you to my cute-ceañera.” She smiled. “Thank you.” Warrior replied. “Yes, you must admit a high class knight like you must only like being seen with high class sophisticated ponies like myself right?” Diamond Tiara bragged playing with her mane. Warrior raised an eyebrow to her. “At any rate congratulations for finding your place.” Warrior complimented. “Thanks! Isn’t my cutie mark great?” Diamond Tiara cheered flashing her cutie mark to Warrior. The cutie mark was, like the filly’s name, a Diamond Tiara. “It looks nice.” Warrior complimented. “Thanks!” Diamond Tiara cheered looking triumphant. “Sorry that a human like you can’t have one at all!” Diamond Tiara’s best friend said, a filly that she actually treats more like an errand pony rather than a friend. A gray pony with blue glasses, a blue beaded necklace, and white hair, her cutie mark also resembled her name, Silver Spoon. “Yeah you’re still much cooler that any blank flanks!” Diamond Tiara laughed. Warrior sighed and shook his head. “You really shouldn’t pass judgment on those less fortunate than you.” Warrior advised. He heard popping noises, he turned his head and noticed a unicorn stallion dancing to the music and not looking where he was going. The stallion kept inadvertently popping balloons with his horn. Warrior turned his attention back to the two fillies. “Whatever.” Diamond Tiara scoffed rolling her eyes. “I’m so much better than those losers.” Warrior sighed and shook his head. “Do you honestly believe that finding your place in the world now means that your better?” Warrior asked. “Hey it’s better than being a blank flank!” Diamond Tiara laughed. “Speaking of blank flank!” Silver Spoon shouted. The two fillies saw Applebloom walking through the party with a pink cloth wrapped around her flank. They decided to walk over to her to tease her. “Well well well, look who's here.” Diamond Tiara teased. “Nice outfit.” Silver Spoon complimented in a teasing tone. “Just sumt'n I, uh, pulled together last minute.” Applebloom said nervously, trying to hide her blank flank. “It really shows off your cutie mark--oh wait, that's right, you don't have one.” Diamond Tiara mocked. “Uh, I have a cutie mark.” Applebloom lied. “Eh, what? Since when?” Silver Spoon scoffed not believing her. “Since... Um... Earlier today.” Applebloom lied again. “Oh really? Let's see it.” Diamond Tiara said in a challenging tone. “I shouldn't, I couldn't. My cutie mark is so unbelievably amazing, I'm afraid that if I show it off, everyone will start paying attention to me instead of you. Outshined at your own cute-ceañera, can you imagine how embarrassing that would be?” Applebloom explained trying to sound innocent. “Uh, forget it, I didn't really want to see it anyway.” Diamond Tiara scoffed buying Applebloom’s words. “Okay, well, Imma go mingle. Enjoy your party.” Applebloom took a sigh of relief as she started to walk away. Unfortunately her cloth got caught on a loose nail in the floor and the cloth ripped right off her. Applebloom tripped out of the cloth and slammed right into the record player playing the party music, the player scratched and stop the music. All the ponies in attendance gasped and Warrior had no reaction but felt sorry for the small filly for her blank flank being exposed. “Oh no!” she said softly. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon approached and started mocking her. “Wow, that's an amazing cutie mark.” Silver Spoon mocked. “Nice try Blank Flank!” Diamond Tiara said in unison, they continued to laugh at Applebloom. “You got a problem with blank flanks?” A young voice called out to the two. Two other fillies gasped and moved away from the table and two other young fillies crawled out from underneath it. Warrior recognized one of them being Rarity’s sister Sweetie Belle. The other was a light brown Pegasus with pale purple hair. This young filly also had no cutie mark. “I said, you got a problem with blank flanks?” The Pegasus called out in a standoffish tone. “The problem is, I mean, she's like, totally not special.” Silver Spoon explained. Applebloom hung her head in shame. “No, it means she's full of potential.” Sweetie Belle defended, the two fillies moved next to Applebloom. “It means she could be great at anything. The possibilities are, like, endless. “The Pegasus said mocking Silver Spoon. “She could be a great scientist, or an amazing artist, or a famous writer, she could even be mayor of Ponyville someday.” Sweetie Belle encouraged. Applebloom started to cheer up and she smiled. “And she's not stuck being stuck-up like you two.”The pegasus laughed at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. “Hey, this is my party, why are you two on her side?” Diamond Tiara sneered. “Because…” The pegasus said. Then she and Sweetie Belle put their flanks together and revealed that their flanks were also blank. “You don't have cutie marks either? I thought I was the only one.” Applebloom said happily. “We thought we were the only two.” The Pegasus said. “I for one think you are three very lucky fillies.” Twilight said approaching the fillies. “Lucky? How can they be lucky?” Diamond Tiara scoffed. “They still get to experience the thrill of discovering who they are, and what they're meant to be.” Twilight explained. “And they got all the time in the world to figure it out, not just an afternoon.” Applejack added. “I guess we may have more in common than you might think.” Warrior added. “Hey you’re lucky to!” Twilight said to Warrior. “How?” Warrior asked looking puzzled. “You may not remember who you are or who you’re supposed to be, but our cutie marks tell us what our destinies are, you get to make yours!” Twilight explained. Warrior eyed the fillies and pondered that notion. “I suppose.” He said. The other young ponies gathered around Applebloom and began to admire her for her chances. “Hey, what's everypony doing? This is my party, everypony is supposed to be paying attention to me.” Diamond Tiara shouted. “Whatever. We still think you're losers, right Diamond Tiara?” Silver Spoon said. She got no response from Diamond Tiara so she decided to try a little cheer that the two worked out together. “Bump, bump, sugar... lump...” Diamond Tiara wasn’t doing it with her. “Not now, Silver Spoon.” Daimond Tiara sighed. The two stormed off. “Names Scootaloo!” The pegasus introduced herself. “And I’m Sweetie Belle.” “Applebloom!” The party continued, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon still had not returned. Warrior continued to sip punch by himself while the three blank fillies sat around a table. Warrior watched them as they talked amongst themselves. “So I was thinking, now that we're friends... I mean, we are friends, right?” Applebloom asked. “How could we not be? We're totally alike. We don't have cutie marks, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon drive us crazy.” Scootaloo added. “Totally crazy.” Sweetie Belle added they all shared a laugh. “Well, now that we're friends, what if the three of us work together to find out who we are and what we're supposed to be?” “Ooh! Ooh!” Sweetie Belle called raising her hove. “We could form our own secret society.” “I'm liking this idea.” Scootaloo added. “A secret society. Yeah. We need a name for it though.” Applebloom suggested. The three thought and Scootaloo got an idea. “The Cutie Mark Three?” Scootaloo suggested. “The Cutastically Fantastics?” Sweetie Belle suggested. “How about... The Cutie Mark Crusaders?” Applebloom suggested. “It's perfect!” Scootaloo cheered. “Not much different than me and my comrades.” Warrior pointed out. “How?” Scootaloo asked. “Because you wish to discover your cutie marks, I and my comrades wish to discover our crystals. While we may go out to find them, some information suggests that in order to find them the only place we must look is within.” Warrior explained. “Hey maybe our destiny is to be your comrades.” Scootaloo giggled. The other two fillies giggled with her. “Maybe, you’ll just have to find out.” Warrior suggested. He walked over to Twilight and noticed she’s writing another letter. He peered over her to read it. Dearest Princess Celestia, I am happy to report that one of your youngest subjects has learned a valuable lesson about friendship. Sometimes, the thing you think will cause you to lose friends and feel left out can actually be the thing that helps you make your closest friends and realize how special you are. Your student Twilight Sparkle. “I hope we helped you out through any problems you’re having.” Twilight smiled to Warrior. “Keep your wits about you. I’m currently trying to find the eyes that are spying on us. Unfortunately I don’t know where to start looking.” Warrior explained. He looked back at the Cutie Mark Crusaders, they were leaving to go get cookies when Warrior retrieved his helmet and left the party to return to the Sanctuary. Back at the Lunar subterranean Tifa was returning to the Sanctuary with Kain at her side. They seemed distant for they haven’t spoken to each other after Tifa helped him at Pandemonium. “Kain…you’re really not talking to me?” Tifa said avoiding eye contact with him. “You don’t care if you’re thought of as a traitor?” Kain didn’t respond. Tifa switched to a nagging tactic to get Kain to talk, she wanted to get Kain to say why he was able to attack his allies so easily and without hesitation. “Am I supposed to think that you don’t think of us as friends? Is it better to think so?” Kain still didn’t respond. Tifa sighed and began to seriously talk to him. “Then who ARE your friends? Only the people you remember from your homeworld? You don’t want to remember this world? You don’t want friends from this world?” “You are free to think what you will.” Kain said dismissing Tifa’s concern. Tifa gasped at how Kain’s trying to avoid talking. “So you get your memory back, you know something, and that’s it?” Kain still didn’t respond, Tifa began to get angry at Kain’s silence. “Come on! It might be good for you, but if I lose my friends in this world…I’d be all by myself…” Kain looked at Tifa and sighed thinking that she did have a point. “There’s nothing to discuss.” Kain dismissed. Turning away from Tifa. “Well aren’t you stubborn!” Tifa grumbled. “But I’m pretty stubborn myself you know.” Kain sighed and finally decided to come clean. “It’s not as though I do not consider all of you my allies”. Kain said. "Huh?" Tifa said. She got snapped out of her thoughts, she wasn’t expecting Kain to start talking so suddenly. “I bear grim news. I did not wish to worry you with such news as comrades. However as a warrior summoned to this realm. You should know the truth and what awaits.” Kain said getting ready to spill everything he was told. “The truth…and what’s about to occur?” Tifa said getting ready to hear the truth. “I shall talk if you wish…You’ll forget eventually.” Kain added. Tifa became confused. “I don’t completely understand but fine. Tell me what you know.” Kain breathed as he explained everything Golbez told him. “So no matter how hard we fight, we can’t win.” Tifa shook her head in sadness as she was reveled the true nature of the conflict. But her sadness instantly changed to happiness, she giggled and Kain looked at her with confusion. How could she laugh at this information? “Getting these crystals sure is a pain! I wish they’d just show up already. Then we might’ve had a chance at actually ending things this time around.” Kain simply brushed it off and crossed his arms. “Don’t dwell on it.” Kain advised. “When you wake, you won’t remember the thing we’ve had to endure. And when you have your crystal you’ll have no more reason to despair.” “I guess not.” Tifa said looking away. “Well then, I guess we better go find everyone else!” “What?” Kain asked. Not being too thrilled about seeing Lightning. “You thought I’d let you go alone?” Tifa smiled. She thought maybe she should keep him close in order to keep an eye on him after all the stuff he pulled, however she had another reason. “I mean come on, you look like you’re ready to fall over. I’m still not sure what you’re doing is right, putting everyone to sleep and all. But you do, and you’re going to keep on doing it right? You believe in yourself, and you’re gonna go as far as you can. Well then I am too. I don’t…I don’t want anyone else to get hurt. I wanna help you fight, so I can help keep everyone safe.” Kain looked down starting to feel ashamed for attacking his comrades and convincing Warrior to help him. “It’s not fair. I mean getting summoned here..forced to fight..dissapearing…everything.” Kain gave Tifa a knowing look, he also agreed that this isn’t fair. “We’re not just a bunch of faceless soldiers. We’re friends, and we’ve been through a lot together.” “We could well fall along the way, and never see an end to this war.” Kain added. “You’d still go?” “You’re still going. You know what we’re up against, but you’re not backing down.” Tifa said boldly. She and Kain Stared at each other and Kain could see that Tifa is truly serious in her commitments. “I can make no promise you’ll survive.” “I know.” Tifa nodded. “But for now let’s go catch our breaths, for now we should get back to the Sanctuary.” Kain nodded in agreement as the two turned and continued to return to the Sanctuary. In Equestria, two days later in the late morning, Warrior went back to Equestria for he received a letter from Rarity to come to her Boutique. He approached the building and passed through the door and saw the many fabrics and cloths stashed into the garbage cans. He always felt uncomfortable coming into the Boutique. He never wanted Rarity to make a new suit of armor for him, and he thought that if he continually visits the place, he may get forced into many other outfits. Warrior walked into the back of the Boutique and he heard singing in the back. When he arrived in Rarity’s work area, he noticed she was singing while she worked on making dresses and other outfits by cutting and sewing cloths and silks, with her white fluffy cat Opalescence, Opal for short with her. Warrior sighed, for he would have to hear more random songs. He just stood in the doorway and watched. "Thread by thread, stitching it together Twilight’s dress, cutting out the pattern snip by snip Making sure the fabric folds nicely It's the perfect color and so hip Always gotta keep in mind my pacing Making sure the clothes' correctly facing I'm stitching Twilight's dress Yard by yard, fussing on the details Jewel neckline, don't you know a stitch in time saves nine? Make her something perfect to inspire Even though she hates formal attire Gotta mind those intimate details Even though she's more concerned with sales It's Applejack's new dress Dressmaking's easy, for Pinkie Pie something pink Fluttershy something breezy Blend color and form, Do you think it looks cheesy? Something brash, perhaps quite fetching Hook and eye, couldn't you just simply die? Making sure it fits forelock and crest Don't forget some magic in the dress Even though it rides high on the flank Rainbow won't look like a tank I'm stitching Rainbow's dress Piece by piece, snip by snip Croup, dock, haunch, shoulders, hip Thread by thread, primmed and pressed Yard by yard, never stressed And that's the art of the dress!" When Rarity finished her song she noticed Warrior standing and watching her. “Why hello there Warrior!” Rarity smiled. “Maybe I came at a bad time.” Warrior suggested. “No it’s a great time!” Rarity giggled. “You see I called you here to give you some great news!” “What is that?” Warrior asked. “I’ve decided to make us all outfits for the Grand Galloping Gala!” Rarity cheered. “After which we will all star in a fashion show!” “Really?” Warrior said in an uncertain tone. “What does that mean?” Rarity questioned Warrior’s tone. “You alone are making six outfits for the six of you?” Warrior questioned. "Don’t forget you!" Rarity added. “I could never forgive myself if I didn’t make an outfit for the handsome knight!” “You really don’t have to!” Warrior said nervously, blushing at Rarity’s comment. He sounded as if he really didn't want Rarity to make him anything. “Nonsense!” Rarity assured. “In fact I already had Big Macintosh smith up a fine suit of armor for you!” Warrior’s eyes bugged out, he was afraid to find out what it looked like. “In fact here come the others!” Rarity said as she noticed the other five were standing outside. They walked into the place and Rarity walked over to them and headed them off. “Rarity you better have a good reason for workin’ Big Macintosh so hard on armor for the past couple days!” Applejack warned. “Oh I do! Ok everypony and Warrior, close your eyes and fallow me!” The team shut their eyes and fallowed Rarity’s voice to a back part of the Boutique. “That's it. Keep them closed. Don't look. Okay, you can look now!” The team gasped as they all looked at the seven outfits Rarity made, even the suit of armor that sat on display on the human shaped maniquin. “What do you think of your old duds now, Applejack? Pretty swanky, are they not?” Applejack stared at Applejack’s new outfit. The outfit had many small apple charms sown into it along with a brown saddle on the back, green cowpony boots on the feet a cowpony hat and a green dress with laces on the bottom. “And Twilight! I made this dress for you and I designed each outfit theme to perfectly reflect each pony's unique personality.” Twilight’s dress was blue with white stars sown into the collar and bottom. “Oh, it took me forever to get the colors right on this one, Rainbow Dash, but I did it. Oh, and it turned out BEAUTIFUL, don't you think?” Rainbow Dash’s dress had gold feathers on the head that loop around the ears and gold silk shoes that go on the hooves with a purple pearled necklace that oddly resembled grapes. The dress itself it rainbow colored with cotton on the bottom that resembles clouds. “Ooo, and I know you are going to love yours, Fluttershy. It just sings spring!” Fluttershy’s dress was green, it looked as if it was made of grass. There were blue butterfly charms that went on the ears and the collar. The bottom came complete with a flower pattern and streak of blue petals stretching all around it. “And Pinkie Pie, look! Pink! Your favorite! Aren't they all amazing?” Pinkie Pie’s dress was all pink colored and it had blue and white stripped ribbons on the collar and shoes the thigh area had a lollipop and candy corn pattern sown across it and the bottom had a blue ribbon sown across. The outfit came with a pink hat with a red flower on it. “Warrior! Since I didn’t know much about armor or the human body I basically matched your current armor and changed its color.” Warrrior’s outfit looked almost identical to the armor he had on. The only difference was all the blue was changed to red. “I made it to match that lovely red hair of yours.” The team all stared at them. Rarity waited anxiously for a response. “Wow…they’re…” Twilight spoke nervously. “Yeah they’re…” Rainbow Dash stammered. “They sure are….somthin’.” Applejack uttered. They all looked like they were hiding something. “Yes!” Twilight called. “Something.” “I love something! Something is my favorite!” Pinkie Pie said nervously. “Quite impressive for you and Big Macintosh’s first try in making armor.” Warrior commented, he was the only one who looked sincere, but since his face was almost always devoid of any emotion, nopony could really tell what he’s thinking. “It's... nice.” Fluttershy uttered. “But what's the matter? Don't you like them?” Rarity questioned, noticing the uncertainty on their faces. “They're very nice...” Twilight said, still looking nervous. “And we're plum grateful 'cause you worked so hard on them.” Applejack added. “Mine's just not as cool as I was imagining.” Rainbow Dash confessed. The group all glared at Rainbow Dash. She asked. She shrugged trying to sound innocent. “I guess what we're all saying is that they're just not what we had in mind.” Twilight explained. All the ponies agreed while Warrior stayed silent. He felt relieved when he noticed that this armor only has a different color scheme and he did feel like it fit when Rarity mention that it matches his red hair. “That's okay. Not a problem.” Rarity said sounding as if she failed in something. “There's plenty more where that came from. They were only a first pass. You're my friends and I want you to be 110% satisfied.” Her mood picked up. “Not to worry, I'll redo them.” “Oh, Rarity. You don't have to do that. They're fine.” Fluttershy assured trying to not be a burden. “I want them to be better that just fine.” Rarity smiled. “I want you to think they're absolutely perfect.” “I think mine is perfect.” Warrior stated. Rarity smiled at Warrior hoping to see a very happy reaction, but she remembered that Warrior doesn’t show much emotion at all so she sighed exasperatedly but still had her smile. “Are you sure? I mean, we wouldn't wanna impose.” Applejack asked nervously. “Oh, it's no imposition.” Rarity chuckled.” Really, I insist.” “Well, in that case... Thank you again, Rarity.” Twilight said. The rest of the group, besides Warrior had smiles on their faces and they walked out of the Boutique. Rarity laughed nervously. “Warrior, don’t worry since your armor is almost exactly the same as what you have now. You don’t have to be in our fashion show if you don’t want to.” Rarity called, Warrior sighed in relief for he really didn’t want to participate in a fashion show. “Now I must thank Big Macintosh for his smithy skills.” Warrior admitted walking out with the others. Once they all left. “What have I gotten myself into?” Rarity whimpered eying the dresses. Over in the Lifestream, Lightning, Vaan, Yuna, and Laguna were being led around aimlessly for Laguna was trying to lead them to the source of the Manikins but he had no idea where to go. “Soooooo is it this way? Or maybe this way.” Laguna said pointing in several different directions. “Great, we’re lost!” Lightning shouted. “No, I know what to do!” Laguna objected trying to sound as if he knew what he’s doing when he clearly didn’t. “Only Cosmos knows if we’ve made any real progress.” Lightning scoffed. “Well, we could just be going around in circles.” Vaan suggested. “Oh dear.” Yuna sighed, she wanted to end this manikin infestation quickly for Tidus and Jecht. Just then Cosmos appeared in front of them. “Risky move coming out here.” Lightning commented. “I need you to return to the Sanctuary. It’s urgent!” Cosmos pleaded. “Why? are the ponies in trouble?” Yuna asked. “No but it does involve them.” Cosmos responded. “So how far away from the Sanctuary are we?” Vaan asked nervously, he earned a few heated glares from the rest of the group. “Not far really, just two and a half days.” Cosmos admitted not looking at the rest of the team, she didn’t want to make her warriors look stupid for not making any real progress to stopping the manikins. “Ok we’ll be there.” Lightning agreed. Cosmos nodded and vanished. “I guess those horses are more involved than we realize.” Lightning said. “Well it will be great to see that ‘Applejack’ again.” Laguna admitted, he felt his stomach growl and he rubbed it. “Haha, I haven’t eaten in a while.” The team turned around and walked back towards the Sanctuary. In Equestria, several hours later the same day, Warrior walked back to the Boutique and looked through the windows and noticed several messes of cloths on the floor. He also noticed the Boutique was closed. After seeing all that, Warrior felt concerned for Rarity so he walked through the doors to check on her. “Rarity!” Warrior called. He walked to the back into Rarity’s work area. He saw her working extremely hard and fast. “Rarity.” Warrior gasped with his mouth hanging open in shock. He noticed her mane was scruffy and messed up. It was obivious that she’s being pushed too hard. “Oh hello Warrior.” Rarity said in a tired tone. “Have you been remaking dresses the whole time?” Warrior asked taking his helmet off. “Oh no, I’ve been simply….”Rarity looked at Warrior trying to seem like she hasn’t been under stress. But Warrior stared her down to get her to confess. Rarity knew she couldn’t fool Warrior, so she sniffed and burst out crying and dashed over to Warrior and slid on her belly and stopped at Warrior’s feet. She sobbed at them. “Oh Warrior! I’m being bombarded with so many different requests! And nothing I do is good enough to please the others! It’s getting to the point where my hooves and horn are sore from so much usage. I’m running out of materials. I feel so useless and like I can’t do anything right.” She wrapped her front legs around Warriors and continued to sob. “Oh Warrior, what should I do!? I just want to make my friends happy.” Warrior knelt down and picked up Rarity’s head with his hand. She looked at his face and stopped sobbing. She sniffed as Warrior cleared her tears away with his thumb. “Fear not, your generosity is a gift. You should feel happy that you are who you are. You’re simply showing what a good pony you are.” Rarity sniffed again and smiled. “Oh thank you so much Warrior.” Rarity sniffed as she stood back up. “But what about the others and the dresses?” “Not to worry, the others hold you close in their hearts, I’m certain they will like anything you make.” Warrior explained. “Right, I still have the first dresses I made. And I do have one more thing to do to them all.” There was a knock on the door and the other five walked through the door. “Rarity!” Twilight called. “Hello everypony!” Rarity said. “You said you have a new dress to show us?” Rainbow Dash mentioned. “Yes, this way please!” Rarity said leading the others to the back. “Okay. I did exactly what each of you asked for. Now don't hold back. Let me know what you really think.” Rarity looked upon the dresses in disgust as well as Opal. Warrior also looked at the dresses with an odd face but knew that if that’s how the others like their dresses, then he shouldn’t speak. “Oh my!” Twilight said. “It's... perfect!” Fluttershy smiled. “It's cool!” Rainbow Dash cheered. “Why, they're the best duds I ever did see.” Applejack said happily. “It's exactly what I asked for!” The five cheered. Rarity breathed a sigh of relief and she looked at Warrior and he nodded to her. “Thank you, Rarity.” Twilight said. “Are you as happy with them as we are?” Pinkie Pie asked. “Huh? Huh? Huh?” She closely jerked her head toward’s Rarity’s face with every ‘Huh?’ “Well, I'm... happy that all of you are happy. I'm just relieved to finally be done.” Rarity smiled. “Just then Spike came rushing through the doors out of breath as if he had big news to share.” “You are never gonna believe this! You've heard of Hoity Toity?” Spike said happily. “The bigwig fashion hotshot in Canterlot?” Twilight asked. Warrior didn’t know who that was and didn’t care. “Uh-huh. He heard about your fashion show. Well, maybe I happened to mention it to him...” Spike said trying to get Rarity’s attention. He was hoping that maybe he would have a chance with her if he helped her accomplish her goals. “He's coming here all the way from Canterlot to see your work, Rarity!” “Whoa, Nelly! You could sell a ton o' dresses to this guy. Your business will be boomin'!” Applejack said in awe. The rest of the group said words of encouragement and praise to Rarity. “Hoity Toity? He's coming here? To see THESE dresses?” Rarity said looking at the dresses she made with worried looks. She really hated them but only made them because that’s what her friends wanted. “Yep! Get ready for all of your dreams to come true.” Spike said happily. Later that night the team all went to a catwalk set up outside to see Rarity’s fashion show. Warrior stood on the outside of the catwalk and eyed the music station, which was really just a D.J. station. Warrior never seen anything like it before so he stared at it in awe. “Hey there!” A white unicorn with a blue and light blue striped mane, with violet sunglasses and a music note for a cutie mark called. She approached Warrior who made eye contact with her then continued to stare at the equipment. “You like what you see?” “I understand that this is technology, some of the likes I’ve never seen.” Warrior said eying the equipment. “Thanks! I’ll be working with it during the show. I’m in charge of the music.” “In that case I’m honored to meet you.” Warrior said bowing his head. “Great, I already know who you are.” The white unicorn giggled. “My name’s Vinyl Scratch but I’m also called DJ Pon3.” Warrior heard odd noises coming from behind the curtain and noticed Rarity poking her head out and shaking nervously. Then a stallion dressed in high class clothes arrived. His appearance caught the attention of many in attendance, he had two stallions acting as assistants with him. He wore a white collar with a black tie. He had a fan for a cutie mark. He was grey with a white mane that was combed over his right side and was held fashionably with a gold ring. He also wore dark sunglasses and white cuffs on his hooves. He clapped his hooves together and one of his assistance placed a pillow under his behind and sat on it. “Is that this Hoity Toity?” Warrior asked. “Yep.” Vinyl said. “They say he can be pretty nice but harshly critical." Warrior looked back to the curtain and noticed Rarity deep breathing. “Poor Rarity, she’s nervous.” Warrior commented. “Sadly it’s with very good reason.” “I would be too if I was about to try and impress him!” Vinyl said. “Hey you should sit down, the show’s gonna start!” “Very well it was an honor.” Warrior bowed. Vinyl giggled again. “Hey maybe I’ll see you again sometime?” Vinyl asked. “If there is more of this technology, then our reunion shall be certain.” Warrior nodded. He turned around and sat in the front row. The lights dimmed and Vinyl put a record on and a soft beat music began to play. A stage light shined on Spike but the light was angled to a position to where he was eclipsed and nothing more than a shadowy figure. He stood holding a microphone. “Since the beginning of time, the elite of Equestria have longed for pony fashions that truly expressed the essence of their very souls.” Spike announced, the light went off Spike and flowed around the catwalk as a second light joined it in swaying around the catwalk. “Patiently waiting decades... no, centuries! ...for the perfect pony gown. Today, at long last, Equestria, your wait is over! Let's hear it for the breathtaking designs of Ponyville's own Rarity!” The curtains opened up and revealed the others. Warrior could still see Rarity hiding behind the curtain out of sight of the crowd. They walked down the catwalk and presented themselves to the crowd, they stopped at the end and stood boldly for the crowd to see. Twilight’s dress was a very dark shade of blue with star constellations stitched all over it She also was given a dark green ribbon at the end of her tail and several sticks with green and gold stars sticking out of her mane. Applejack’s dress had yellow boots with overalls and small saddle bags sown together the bottom part was a poorly made yellow cowgirl dress. She also wore a green bandana around her neck and a large cowpony hat. Fluttershy’s dress was light green with a large pink flower pattern stitched all over she wore a red and orange neck dress around her collar. She wore green shoes and a bird’s nest with eggs in it as a hat with several flowers stemming out of the it. Rainbow Dash’s outfit wasn’t really a dress, it was all armor. A rainbow colored helmet with golden boots with wings and her cutie mark on each side. The bottom was a red cloak with a lightning bolt stitched into it. Pinkie Pie’s outfit wasn’t really a dress either. It was a green suit with a yellow bow tie on the chest, with pink shoes with yellow ribbons on the front. A green skirt that fanned out, with a hat that resembles a cupcake with green frosting and sprinkles with a cherry on top. Her tail was being held up by balloons. All the dresses all looked equally ridiculous. “Why's everypony lookin' at us like that?” Applejack wondered looking at the crowd that was giving them odd and disgusted looks. Twilight looked at her dress and got an idea of what went wrong. “Oh dear.” She said. “You think we overdid it?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Nah.” Applejack disagreed. Then she looked down at her outfit and realized that maybe they did. “Okay maybe just a little.” The group looked at Warrior and he shook his head and hung it in dissapointment. “Oh, those amateurish designs look like a piled-on mishmash of everything but a kitchen sink!” Hoity Toity said in disgust. The whole crowd except Vinyl and Warrior broke out laughing at them. Vinyl seemed more interested in her music than the fashion show anyway. “It's a travesty, it's 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.” Warrior’s eyes moved over to Rarity who was cowering behind Opal hoping to not be seen. Spike danced on stage and decided to get Rarity the credit she deserves. “Come on out and take a bow, Rarity. You worked really hard for this.” Spike called, Rarity decided to walk out onto the catwalk. She hung her head low and her eyes were shut in shame. The others started to smile at the crowd, trying to look happy to see them. Vinyl noticed the sudden silence in the crowd and stopped playing the music. “Yes! Alright, woohoo! Go, Rarity!” Spike cheered despite the silence in the crowd. Rarity finally looked at the crowd and Hoity Toity scoffed at her and turned up his nose in a snooty fashion to Rairty and walked away. The crowd began to whisper then talk amongst themselves. Warrior stood up and walked to the others and looked at Rarity. Rarity began to tear up as she felt overwhelmed with fear and embarrassment. Not only with her failure in trying to impress a famous fashion designer but with the horrible dresses that she made on display for everypony to see. She began to feel that maybe everypony may feel that the horrible dresses may reflect her abilities with fashion and clothing. She began to tear up, then she galloped away sobbing. “Wait!” Warrior called reaching an arm towards her but failing to stop her. Warrior noticed Rarity galloping back to her home and burst right through it. He ran to the house to help her, he walked to the door and wrapped his knuckles on it. “Rarity!” He called. But the only response he got was loud crying from her. Warrior heard hoovesteps behind him, he turned around and heard the others approaching with regretful looks on their faces. They heard Rarity’s crying and sighed in regret for what they done by making outrageous request for dresses. Back with Lightning and her team they turned around and headed back to the Sanctuary after several days of wandering aimlessly it felt good to finally go somewhere that they know where to go. “So what exactly do you think Cosmos meant when she said that what’s about to happen involves the ponies?” Laguna asked. “I don’t know but I hope they’re ok.” Yuna said. “No need to worry. After all Cosmos said they weren’t in any danger right?” Vann said reassuring Yuna. “Whatever let’s just see what Warrior couldn’t do alone and help him out.” Lightning said. In Equestria two days have passed since the Fashion show. Rarity still refused to come out of her room in her house. Warrior would have just walked in to comfort her, but she locked the door. Warrior arrived with the others to talk to Rarity again. Rarity kept the front door unlocked for Sweetie Belle. “Rarity? You okay in there? You haven't come out for days.” Pinkie Pie called. “I'm never coming out! I can't show my face in Ponyville ever again!” Rarity sobbed. “I used to be somepony. I used to be respected. I made dresses. Beautiful, beautiful dresses! But now everypony is laughing at me. I'm nothing but a laughing stock!” Rainbow Dash and Twilight felt a very strange combination of pity and guilt. They knew that this was their fault but they also felt that Rarity was overreacting big time. “You're not a laughing stock, Rarity...” Twilight encouraged. “She kind of is!” Rainbow Dash quickly pointed out. Twilight shushed her just as quickly. “Come on out and talk to us.” Twilight said in an encouraging tone. “Leave me alone! I want to be alone!” Rairty cried. “I want to wallow in... whatever it is that ponies are supposed to wallow in! Do ponies wallow in pity? Oh, listen to me, I don't even know what I'm supposed to wallow in! I'M SO PATHETIC!” “Now what do we do?” Twilight said saddened. “Uh... panic?” Fluttershy suggested. “That's your answer for everything!” Rainbow Dash scoffed. “Well, we can't just leave Rarity like this.” Applejack added. “She'll become a crazy cat lady!” Pinkie Pie shrieked. Warrior raised an eyebrow to that statement. “She only has one cat.” Twilight scoffed. “Give her time.” Pinkie Pie warned. Twilight looked through the keyhole in the door and noticed something. “AHA! I have an idea, huddle up!” The team all huddled together and Twilight began whispering a plan to them. “Ok Warrior you create a way to calm Rarity, and begin to help rebuild her spirit.” Warrior left and went back to the Sanctuary and saw Cosmos on her throne. “How is Rarity?” Cosmos asked. “She will be fine I hope, but for now I need the vest.” Cosmos stretched out her hand and the vest Rarity made for Warrior for the Winter Wrap up appeared in her hands. “What do you need it for?” Cosmos asked. “I shall reassure Rarity that I know that I always appreciate her work, even if I chose not to wear it.” Cosmos smiled and Warrior took the vest and left the Sanctuary. “I guess maybe he was wrong about himself!” Cosmos giggled. Warrior returned to Rarity’s home and walked to her bedroom. He walked through the door and saw Rarity in a fuzzy white robe with a pink boarder and in pink fuzzy slippers. She stared at herself in the mirror, it appeared that she was talking to herself. “Exile... I guess technically I'd have to move away to live in exile. Where would I go? And what would I pack? Oh, it's going to take me forever to do all of that packing. What are you supposed to pack when you go to exile? Are you supposed to pack warm?” “You can’t leave.” Warrior said. Rarity turned around and looked at him. “But after that disaster, no pony will think my dresses are any good!” Rarity sniffed. “That’s not true.” Warrior said. Warrior reached under his cape and took out the vest. “I was very keen on keeping my armor on for the Winter Wrap Up. I accepted wearing the vest because at first I wanted to respect your cultural festival. But when I was wearing it, I felt that the vest was a part of me, that shown that you helped me open my mind to new experiences, one of them being a simple change of clothes.” “Yes but only a vest. I can’t do anything that influential again.” Rarity sniffed. “No, you already have!” Warrior said. He walked over the suit of armor that Rarity and Big Macintosh made for him. “You see I actually wanted to wear the armor I have on to the Gala, but after seeing this, I must say you made exactly what I wanted. It’s the armor I want to wear, only you made it better! Please understand there are those who truly appreciate what you make. You can’t give up after only one small mistake!” “Yes….but-” “I must admit, I don't want you to give up!” Warrior said walking up to her and looked into her eyes. Rarity sniffed again but this time, it was in happiness. "Oh thank you Warrior, you’re such a dear!” Rarity said rubbing her eyes. “But I don’t know how this may fare with the others.” Just then Opal meowed from outside. “Opal?” Rarity walked over to her window and opened it. She looked at a nearby tree and saw Opal stuck on a high branch. She kept meowing with her legs wrapped around it, she was shaking for her life. “Opal, how did you get up there? Hang on, you poor dear! Mama's coming!” Rarity cired. She rushed out the door with Warrior behind her. She stopped when she saw Rainbow Dash sitting in a branch right next to Opal. “Rainbow Dash?! How dare you strand my poor Opal in a tree!” “Well, how else were we gonna get you out here to show you this? Thanks to Warrior for motivating you to snap out your slump long enough to pay attention to the outside world. Opal was actually up here for half an hour." Rainbow Dash smiled. “Fear not, I meant every word I said.” Warrior said. Rarity glared at Warrior, thanks to his constant blank expression it was difficult to see if he was lying or not. Warrior pointed to the side of the tree. Rarity looked around and revealed the others. The moved aside and revealed a mannequin bearing magenta dress with yellow streaks, embroidered with small jewels. It came with a gold tiara. “What is it? It's not... You...” Rairty gasped at the surprise. “We all finished your dress for you.” Pinkie Pie cheered. “Thanks to Fluttershy's freaky knowledge of sewing.” Applejack said pointing to the yellow Pegasus. "Even Warrior helped out, although he only cut fabric pieces." “Do you like it?” Fluttershy smiled. “Like it?” Rarity said. She walked around the dress and inspected it closely. “Like it?!” “’Uh-uh. She doesn't like it.” Fluttershy squeaked hanging her head. “No, I don't like it.” Rairty said in a stuck up manner. The ponies sighed in shame as Warrior just took a deep exhale. “I LOVE IT!” Rarity announced. The ponies cheered as Warrior nodded his head to Rarity. "You ponies did an amazing job. It's exactly the way I imagined it.” “We just followed your brilliant design.” Fluttershy explained. “Like we should have let you do for our outfits. Those first dresses you designed were perfect.” Twilight sighed disappointed in herself. “I guess Warrior’s the only sane one here.” “We're so super sorry.” Pinkie Pie sighed. “You worked really hard to make our dresses exactly the way we wanted them. We all saw how well that turned out.” Rainbow Dash sighed, flying out of the tree with Opal on her back. “Oh, I forgive you.” Rarity assured. “Well, that's mighty big of you.” Applejack complimented. “But my whole career is still ruined!” Rarity cried. “Maybe not.” Twilight said as Hoity Toity approached. “All right, I haven't got all day. What did you want to show me?” He called to Twilight. “We want to take you to a new fashion show! This one defiantly has good taste to it!” Twilight assured. The group lead Hoity Toity to the Boutique and the group went away to get ready. Warrior and Hoity Toity stood at another catwalk inside the Boutique. The curtain opened and the five showed themselves and paraded themselves in the dresses Rarity originally made. “Hello... Oh, this can't be the same designer.” Hoity Toity said, reacting to Twilight’s dress. “Simply magnificent! And I suddenly have a fierce craving for some Dutch apple pie, candied apples on a stick, apple turnovers, apple cobbler...” He said in reaction to Applejack’s dress. “Brilliant!” He said to Pinkie Pie’s dress. “Oh, spectacular!” He said to Rainbow Dash’s dress. “Now this is a fashion show!” He said to Fluttershy’s dress. “All of these dresses are absolutely amazing. Who is responsible? Step forward, show yourself!” Rarity revealed herself in the dress that was made for her. She stood in a strait fashion with the others. “Bravo! Bravo! Magnifico! Encore!” Hoity Toity applauded the show. “Oh, thank you.” Rarity said to Hoity Toity. “Thank you!” She said to the others. “Oh, thank you so much!” She said to Warrior. After the show Twilight told Spike her letter to the Celestia. Warrior stood by and listened to Spike record the letter. "Dear Princess Celestia. This week my very talented friend Rarity learned that if you try to please everypony, you often times end up pleasing nopony, especially yourself. And I learned this: when somepony offers to do you a favor, like making you a beautiful dress, you shouldn't be overly critical of something generously given to you. In other words, you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth." Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle Spike blew on the letter and sent it to the princess. “Rarity, my congratulations to you on a most impressive fashion debut.” Hoity Toity said to Rarity in an ecstatic tone. “Would you do me the great honor of allowing me to feature your couture in my best of the best boutique in Canterlot?” Rarity gasped happily. “Now, I'll need you to make a dozen of each dress for me by next Tuesday.” Hoity Toity requested. Rarity’s eyes bugged out for how the pressure will surely eat her alive like it did before. The group laughed except for Warrior as usual.