//------------------------------//
// Prompt #307: Downpour 
// Story: Ponywatching 
// by ThunderTempest 
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Rarity loved Spring. With Winter Wrap-Up behind her, she could now concentrate on her new lines, and spring was such an inspiring time. The flowers were in full bloom and their fragrance filled the air in a way that Rarity had trouble describing. It was, in every way for Rarity, a time for fresh new starts, and it was not uncommon for the residents of Ponyville to see her out and about more than usual, taking in the sounds, sights and smells of the new season.

Of course, there was one thing that she wasn’t particularly fond of about spring. It was the rain. Rarity hated getting wet under the best of circumstances, unless it was entirely by her design. But no matter when she went out, it always seemed like the weather patrol was always just setting up for a small rainshower.

But today was just perfect. Only a few scattered clouds in the sky, a wonderfully warm sun to bask in, and Sweetie Belle was off playing with her friends. It was the perfect day for Rarity to get a number of errands done. She had  few orders of cloth that she needed to pick up from the delivery office, and some things to pick up from the market for the night’s dinner, but it was such a nice day that she could afford to take her time with it. 

It was while she was on her way from the delivery office that she noticed the number of clouds increasing. Noting the direction, Rarity assumed that it was simply the wild magic of the Everfree Forest at work again. Rainbow had bemoaned that forest enough times to the rest of them that they understood her frustration with the forest. However, Rarity was not overly concerned. She was confident that she could still get to the market and then back home before the clouds opened up and drenched her with water. 

But as she neared the main market area of Ponyville, and incidentally Sugarcube Corner, which had some absolutely delightful smells coming out of it today, the clouds decided to drop their contents. Within seconds, Rarity was soaked.

And that was when she heard it. The snort of laughter coming from directly above her.

“Rainbow Dash!” said Rarity, “Did no pony tell you that it is exceedingly impolite to ruin a lady’s appearance?”

“Nope!” cackled Rainbow, presumably rolling around on the top of the cloud that had drenched Rarity moments ago.
Rarity considered her options for a moment. She strolled into Sugarcube Corner. A moment later, she exited, holding a pie, and spraying a liberal amount of whipped cream on the crust.

“Oh Rainbow Dash,” sang Rarity. The minute that Rainbow turned around, Rarity’s magic slammed the pie directly into Rainbow’s face.
Rainbow licked the remains of the pie off her face, and shot a delightfully wicked grin at Rarity in a way that sent the most wonderful shivers down Rarity’s spine.

Perhaps, just perhaps, Rarity thought, maybe the sudden rainstorms weren’t all bad.