//------------------------------// // Chapter 76 // Story: The Winning Failure // by marley //------------------------------// Chapter 76 Rainbow Dash pointed out some of the various shops on the way to Rarity's place, mostly for Frost's benefit. They entered the shop and found Rarity talking to her sister, Sweetie Belle. Rarity looked up and smiled as they entered. Sweetie Belle gasped. It was her first time meeting Firewing personally and she had never seen Frost before. “Good morning, Rainbow Dash, welcome back Firewing,” said Rarity. “I see you've brought another friend along.” “Rarity, I'd like you to meet my old friend Frost,” said Rainbow, “Frost this is Rarity, greatest designer in Equestria.” “That's a bit much, Rainbow,” said Rarity. “How do you do, Frost, I've been looking forward to meeting you.” “Pleased to meet you too, Rarity,” said Frost. “Rainbow's told us all about you. I'm glad you decided to include me in your calendar. From what I've seen of your designs, I don't think Dash was exaggerating at all.” “Thank you,” said Rarity, “I can hardly wait to get started on your flight suit. I've been simply dying to do one for a pony with a darker coat. Firewing, your new one is ready if you'd like to try it on.” “I would,” said Firewing, “but don't you think you should introduce your apprentice first?” “My apprentice?” said Rarity. She laughed. “Oh, you mean Sweetie Belle here. She's not my apprentice, she's my sister. Say hello Sweetie Belle.” “It's about time,” said Sweetie Belle, “hello Ms. Firewing, hello Ms. Frost.” The three pegasi giggled. “Pleased to meet you Sweetie Belle,” said Firewing. “Hiya kid,” said Frost, “are you another fan?” “Not really,” said Sweetie Belle. “I've only ever seen Firewing fly and Rainbow Dash of course. I've never been to a real Wonderbolts show. Scootaloo is the real fan in this town.” “Have we met?” asked Firewing. “No,” said Rainbow Dash, “but I'll make sure we do. She's kinda looking to me to teach her about flying and stuff. I've been neglecting her since I left for Cloudsdale. I've just been so busy. I hope she understands.” “I think her head does,” said Sweetie Belle, “but I'm not sure her heart does.” “Well, tell her to come out to Fluttershy's this afternoon and she can watch us all fly. I think she'll like that,” said Rainbow Dash. “She sure will!” said Sweetie Belle. “Can Apple Bloom and I come too?” “Yes,” said Dash, “but that's all, understand. Keep it quiet, okay?” “I will,” said Sweetie Belle, “it'll be just us three. Rarity? Can I go out to Sweet Apple Acres now?” “I suppose so,” said Rarity, “but do be careful and keep quiet about watching our Wonderbolt friends.” I promise,” said Sweetie Belle, “nice meeting you Wonderbolts!” She trotted off. “Cute kid,” said Frost. She smiled as she watched Sweetie Belle exit the shop. “I bet she can be a hoof full though.” “You have no idea,” said Rarity. “Come now. I'll get Firewing's suit and while she's getting dressed I can take your measurements.” Rarity went behind the counter and returned levitating a box. She escorted Firewing behind a screen. Returning to Frost and Rainbow Dash, Rarity levitated a tape measure, notepad and pencil across the room. Frost watched the items float in fascination. She had, of course, seen unicorns do this sort of thing before but it had been some time since she had been outside of Cloudsdale. She took a step forward and let Rarity begin taking her measurements. Rainbow Dash found a comfortable seat and waited. For once she was not impatient. She was feeling more herself now but felt that another hour of sleep would have been nice. Frost apparently felt the same way. Her head began to droop as Rarity measured and she had to ask Frost to stand straighter. It didn't take long for Rarity to take her measurements and soon Frost was looking through some drawings and designs. As she was doing this, Firewing came out from behind the screen dressed in her new suit. Rainbow Dash was the first to see her. “Firewing,” she said, “that looks great on you. Looks like you did it again Rarity.” Rarity and Frost turned to look at Firewing. Frost's eyes opened wide for the first time that day. Rarity hurried over to Firewing and looked closely at her, checking the fit and straightening seams. While the color of the suit closely matched Firewing's chestnut coat, Rarity had woven gold thread into the fabric. The effect was stunning as the thread sparkled and the silk gleamed brighter than any natural pony hair could. “Step over here into the light,” said Rarity, “and I'll get you a mirror.” Firewing did as she was told and Rarity rolled a full length mirror into place so she could see herself. Frost and Rainbow Dash moved closer and walked around her. “What are those gems, Rarity?” asked Dash. “The smoky colored ones.” “Topaz and some sequins of a similar color,” said Rarity, “I thought they really set off the blend of silk as well as Firewing's coat color. I added some clear ones just for a little added sparkle.” “It's beautiful,” said Firewing, “Can I wear it for the calendar pictures?” “I thought it would look good for a fall scene,” said Rarity. “We haven't really worked out what we're doing yet.” “I guess my suit will have something to do with winter,” said Frost. “One of them might,” said Rarity. “Since there are four of you, I thought you could each do three months in different seasons. How does that sound?” The three pegasi thought it was an excellent idea and said so. They immediately starting discussing possible shots and locations. Firewing wanted to do her summer shot on the beach at Pony Island near her home while Frost wanted to do hers at a beach south of Baltimare. Rainbow Dash wanted to do a beach shot too but felt it would be too much for all of them to do the same thing. Firewing suggested the lake Dash favored near Cloudsdale and she was satisfied with that. “Wait a minute,” said Firewing, “if we have to wait until each season arrives to do this it will be a whole year before the calendar comes out. This isn't going to work.” “I thought about that,” said Rarity. “We'll do most of those shots on a set. It's still warm enough to do the summer shots outdoors and the leaves will be changing in just a few weeks. We might even squeeze in winter and still get them out before the end of the year. Spring is the only one that will be a problem and we can do that with artificial flowers on a set. We'll have to go to Manehatten to do it. I have a friend there that can help us out.” “We could do winter on a mountain top,” said Frost. “There's always snow and the views are spectacular.” “That's a good idea,” said Dash, “but I'd like to do one about Hearth's Warming. I guess we could lug some decorations and stuff up there.” The discussion continued for some time with suggestions, both good and bad, flying back and forth. At last Rarity had an idea that they all agreed on. They would each pick a month out of a hat from January through April and then repeat in order until the end of the year. All thought that this was a fair way to do things and couldn't wait for Windy to arrive so that they could begin. “We should be heading over to the cafe,” said Dash. “I told the DJ we'd meet her there around noon.” “But I haven't picked out a suit yet,” protested Frost. “I want to do yours to suit you, dear,” said Rarity, “not just pick something out of these designs. If you don't mind going to lunch a little late, we can start now and you can catch up with your friends later.” “I don't mind,” said Frost, “I can grab something later if I get hungry.” “I can fix you something here, if you'd like,” said Rarity. “We can make it a working lunch. I haven't had lunch yet either.” “Is that okay with you two?” asked Frost. “Sure,” said Dash, “I'm hiring her for my routine anyway. You can find Fluttershy's place, can't you?” “Sure,” said Frost, “no problem.” “Okay,” said Dash, “we'll see you later. Come on Firewing, let's go hit the cafe. See you later Rarity.” “See you, Rarity,” said Firewing, “how much do I owe you for this suit? I'll bring you a check when we stop by.” “I have it right here,” said Rarity, as she trotted off behind the counter. “Let's see... here it is. I think you'll agree it's a fair price.” Rarity levitated it over to Firewing who read it. “I don't agree that this is fair at all,” said Firewing, “it can't possibly be this low. I appreciate that you're probably giving me a discount because I'm Rainbow's friend and I want to do the calendar but this looks like it's below cost to me.” “Well, it isn't that low,” said Rarity, “and yes, you are getting a discount but I think that for all your help and trying to keep our friend safe, it was the least I could do.” “Alright,” said Firewing, “but this is the last time. I just don't feel right taking advantage of your generosity like this.” “Forget it Firewing,” said Dash, “Rarity is generous. You might say it's an element of her personality.” Rarity laughed. “I suppose so,” said the unicorn, “and it's very loyal of you to stick up for me like that, Rainbow Dash.” Frost and Firewing both groaned as Rainbow Dash and Rarity shared a laugh. “Take her and go,” said Frost. “We've got to get these two apart.” “Agreed,” said Firewing. “Come on Rainbow, let's go meet the DJ.”