//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 - Dress for A Dance // Story: Violet Skies // by Fluttersnake31 //------------------------------// A Dress for a Dance Violet stood up from her small twin size bed. Her room was mostly bare, as she only stayed here during weekends and other breaks from work. During the week, she stayed at an apartment in Cloudsdale. It was always nice to be on solid ground, not needing a silly little pill or spell just to not fall through the floor. Turning into the hallway, she descended the stairs which led into the kitchen. The house was empty right now, as her father was still at work. When she returned from Cloudsdale, she took a short nap and now it was around noon. This morning's newspaper sat on the counter, bearing the same news she'd skimmed earlier. The main article, the one about a vigilante loose in the city stood out over the rest. She'd heard about him only through her dad, as he'd mention that Canterlot guards are still looking for him almost every time she was home. Apparently, this strange stallion had been beating up thugs every night and 'saving ponies'. Violet rolled her eyes. The article didn't even have any sort of picture of him or any real proof that the pony really was out doing such nonsense. Sure, if he was out there, maybe Canterlot wouldn't be such a dangerous place? After eating a light snack, the lavender unicorn put on her saddlebags and headed out to town. With some extra bits to spend, she figured she'd go dress shopping. While eating, she noticed an open invite to a small dance at one of the nearby theaters in the paper. It had been a while since she went to a social gathering, so she was hoping to go out and enjoy herself tonight. The streets were busy as usual, ponies bustling about their business. She and her father lived on the less busy side, but it was still quite active. Memories of Violet's childhood were in her mind as she wandered the roads. Back then, this was one of the less developed sides of the city. It wasn't until a few years ago that the tall buildings of central Canterlot expanded and grew. Surely, one of these days somepony will get the idea to built something tall enough to match the castle's height. That thought gave Violet a chuckle. Soon enough, she reached Canterlot Boutique, one of the higher end shops of affordable fashion. Once Violet was within eyesight, she noticed it looked like the place was closed. The doors were closed and the windows had the blinds down. Sighing, she went up to knock. There shouldn't be a reason for it not to be open today, and she'd already walked all this way. She really did want something new to wear tonight. A few moments passed before a head carefully peered through the window. Violet couldn't see past the mare or the blinds, but it was Sassy Saddles, the manager of the shop, peering through the window. She smiled at Violet and just barely opened the door. "Good afternoon, but we're closed for a birthday party later. I apologize for the inconvenience." Violet frowned, "I really was hoping to get something for the theater dance tonight though, is there any way I can get something quickly? I'm the only pony out here. I could try and help set up your party, so you're not by yourself, Miss Saddles." The taller mare glanced back inside for a sec before turning back to Violet. "Well, we have more than enough help, and my boss said this was an important party." "Your boss? Isn't she that famous designer from Ponyville?" Violet asked before Sassy seemed to dissappear and a curly pink-maned mare appeared in her place. "Hi! We'd love to have more help, and I'll make sure you get a super fun dress for your dance! I'm Pinkie Pie, what's your name?" the bouncy mare said as she practically dragged Violet into the half-decorated store. Rarity and Rainbow Dash glanced over curiously, wondering who the lone customer was. "Hey, you work at the weather factory. How come you're in Canterlot?" Rainbow asked before anypony else could say anything. Violet shrugged, somewhat in a daze, unsure what to say. Three of the element bearers? In Canterlot? She didn't think she'd run into such important ponies today. "I, uh, was looking for a dress for the dance at the theater tonight, boss." Rainbow just shrugged, "Oh. Well, if you don't mind helping us, I'm sure my friends will be able to find you something to wear. I didn't know you lived in Canterlot. I just figured you lived in the apartments like most of the other scientists and what-not. Well, this is Rarity and that's Pinkie over there, but she already introduced herself." she chuckled. Rarity smiled, setting down a box of streamers with her magic and came over to Violet. "It's a pleasure to meet you, I rarely ever meet anypony employed by Rainbow face to face. Do you have any sort of dress in mind, or would you like my expertise make one specifically suited for you?" "Wow, you'd really do that? I suppose everything I've heard about you is true, you really are very nice. I don't want to take too much of your time though, so one already made should be fine." Violet smiled, being led to a large side room where all the clothing stands have been moved for the party. Rarity began to search through the dresses as she spoke. "Of course I would! You seem like a kind mare yourself. Now, I suggest something inspired by the theatre arts, for a theater dance of course. Perhaps a beautiful gown?" Violet blushed. "A gown? That's a bit expensive for me, and I don't think I'd be all that great in one." Letting out a soft laugh, Rarity pulled out a light-blue gown, almost perfectly matching Violet's lavender coat. "Oh, darling, this one will be on me. Now, I think this one would look wonderful on you. Go on, try it out." Doing as the fashion expert said, Violet went to try it on. It looked like something that would be actually worn in a high-end play or fancy ball. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but to love it's look on her. She stepped out of the dressing room and smiled wide. "Alright, I think i'll wear this one. It's just really comfortable and I look so beautiful." she blushed. Rarity hummed happily, "I agree with you one-hundred percent! Now, I'll go put it in a nice box for you to take when you leave. I'm sure Rainbow and Pinkie would like some help putting together some of the more intricate decorations that require a uncorn's gentle touch." she said with a wink. Nodding, Violet took off the dress and gave it to Rarity before heading back to the main shop. Rainbow was trying to tie bows, mostly failing at the task as Pinkie was wrapping presents. Pinkie was doing significantly better at her task, of course. Violet sat down beside Rainbow and smiled, levitating the fabric out of Rainbow's hooves. "You don't do this often, do you?" Rainbow leaned back in her chair. "Not as much as I used to. My job is pretty busy, so I don't get to help with these sort of things often. It's great to visit my friends again though. Rarity is pretty busy a lot too, so I don't see her much anymore. I think her mane might be getting little grey strands." she chuckled. "She hides it so well though. But anyways, I really hope you and your co-workers can build something before my assistant's inspection. She used to run the company that produces the base for the individual weather suits, so I'm sure that weapons development will be something she wants to see. I'm really counting on you to make something that impresses not only me, but also her." Violet nodded. "I understand, boss. But, I'm only one mare. I don't know anything about weapons. Gat and Morri know about weapons. They'll probably come up with something before I do." she sighed, finishing up another bow before beginning to magically fold another. Rainbow smiled, "You're smarter than you give yourself credit for, kid. I can see a lot of potential in you, and for more than just weapons. You know, I bet if you three come up with something good, I could try and get you in a position that you want. Enjoy yourself tonight at that dance. I'm sure something will come to you naturally. I didn't learn how to do a sonic rainboom overnight, it came to me at just the right time." she stood, glancing to see Rarity returning with Violet's box. "I think you've helped a good amount. You can head off if you'd like." Violet stood too, setting down the last bow and taking the box from Rarity with her magic. "Thank you, both of you. For the dress and the advice. It was a pleasure and an honor to meet you and your friends outside of the factory. Have a nice day." "You too darling! Enjoy that dance tonight, you'll be beautiful." Rarity said as Violet waived to everypony and headed out the door.