//------------------------------// // The Day Before // Story: Just One Little Lie // by PonySage86 //------------------------------// Soaring through the sky, Rainbow Dash positioning clouds for todays weather. The forecast calls for a light drizzle around noon and she had to make sure the clouds were placed just right. Flying down to the ground, Rainbow looks up to make sure the clouds are correct, nodding in approval of her own work she turns towards Carousel Boutique. She stares forlornly at the structure, silently wondering if she'd get an answer if she knocked on the door. Seeing movement in the corner of her eye she turns to the wagon to the right of the door as it opens up and it's owner steps out. "She hasn't come out today." Trixie states after looking at the door and then to Rainbow Dash. "Does she do this often?" "Not really." Rainbow says uneasily. Days ago, after Rarity's first meeting with Trixie to discuss the presentation at the show Rarity had proclaimed she was struck with incredible inspiration and had shut herself inside the Boutique for days, even Rainbow or her other friends hadn't been inside. Sweetie Belle had been inside of course but she hadn't told anypony what was happening. "Trixie needs to discuss the show." Trixie mumbles irritably. "She has a lot of tricks to plan so she must know what she is planning around." "AND YOU WILL!" Comes an excited shout from inside the Boutique. the two mares turn to the sound just as the doors burst open. Rarity emerges from the Boutique, her mane is messy and she has bags under her eyes. "Well somepony let herself go." Trixie says dryly, Rainbow jabs her in the side with a hoof. "Nice to see you again Rare." Rainbow says with a smile. "If anypony can make that look good, it's you." "Yes, yes I know." Rarity says while using her magic in an attempt to straighten her main. "I've just been up the last few days getting these dresses done." "What dresses?" Rainbow asks. "I made all the deliveries and you already picked the outfits for the show." "That was until I spoke to Trixie." Rarity explains. "Our conversation made me realize, I could do so much better! I've been working on brand new designs for the last few days." "Trixie inspired you?" Trixie smiles. "Trixie is honored." "How many did you make?" Rainbow asks while leaning to look around the Fashionista, trying to see if she can see anything inside the Boutique. "Well the show calls for ten designs and I already had the dress I made you." Rarity muses quietly. "So nine." "Geez Rare, the shows coming up. You sure you should be working yourself so hard?" Rainbow asks with concern. "Trixie doesn't wish to be the bearer of bad news." Trixie interrupts. "But we should be preparing to board the train today. Unless you want to miss the show, in which case Trixie will just take her money now." "It's that time already?" Rarity asks, her tired mind having lost track of time. Rainbow and Trixie nod, Rarity's eyes open wide. "Oh dear, we best get ready then. Trixie, we'll meet you at the station." Rarity instructs before turning to enter her home. "I'll get ready, make sure you have everything you'll need." The three mares split up, heading to their respective homes to get what they need. SWEET APPLE ACRES "Are you sure it's not any trouble?" Rarity asks anxiously. Needing to head to Canterlot, Rarity would be gone for a couple of days, one for prep before the show and the other for the show itself. She's come to Sweet Apple Acres to ask Applejack for help, She needs the farm pony to look after Sweetie Belle while she's away. Currently Sweetie Belle is playing with Applebloom. "Well sure, But me an the rest of the girls were gonna head up to see the show tomorrow anyway." Applejack explains with a raised eyebrow. "Why don't you just take Sweetie with?" "I'm going to be very busy setting up for the show, I'm just afraid I wouldn't be able to watch Sweetie Belle properly, especially in a big city like Canterlot." Rarity answers. "Ah can understand that." Applejack admits. "Well, don't y'all worry none, I'll look after her and we'll see you at the show." Applejack promises. As the two mares talk a little more, just a little ways down the path Rainbow Dash is saying her own goodbye to a little orange Pegasus. "Do you really have to go right now?" Scootaloo pleads with puppy dog eyes. Rainbow ruffles her hair playfully. "It won't be so long Squirt, I'll be back before you know it." Rainbow assures. "You got that journal I gave you?" Scootaloo nods. "That thing is packed full of exercises that will help your wings get strong and ready to fly. Whenever you do one you gotta put a checkmark on the page, I want every page to have at least two checkmarks Scoots, got it?" Scootaloo nods in understanding, Rainbow ruffles her hair again and talks in a joking voice. "And I'll know if you didn't really do them. So you've been warned." "Rainbow Dash...I..." Scootaloo says nervously. "I've been thinking...About how fun it was sleeping over at your house... I was thinking maybe you could-" "Have you over again?" Rainbow finishes for her pupil. Scootaloo looks up at her startled before looking away with a blush on her cheeks. "Uh...Yeah...That's....That's what I was wondering." "I tell you what Squirt, why don't you talk to Caregiver while I'm gone? And tell me what she says next time we see each other OK?" Rainbow offers, the filly nods happily, leaping forward she wraps the older Pegasus in a hug. Scootaloo and Rainbow stay that way for a little while before separating, Rainbow turns to Rarity as she walks over. "Are you ready to get going Darling?" The Fashionista asks. "Sure thing Rare. Let's go meet Trixie." With a final goodbye, the two mares head out to the train station. THE TRAIN- PONYVILLE TO CANTERLOT "This stinks." Rainbow mumbles, she lifts a rubber ball in her hoof and throws it at the wall of the train, it bounces down onto the floor and rebounds back up onto Rainbows waiting hoof, who promptly throws it at the wall again repeating the process. Rainbow has been sitting alone since the train ride started, Rarity and Trixie have been talking in the adjacent car. They've been discussing the show the entire time, the more Rarity seems to talk the more excited Trixie seems to become. Rainbow got a little bored, having little to offer to the conversation, Trixie conjured up the rubber ball she's playing with to give her something to do. "That is not good enough!" Trixie's voice floods into the room as the door opens and Rarity and Trixie come into the car. "Trixie has so many ideas, Trixie demands the show begin immediately so she may show everypony she is the best." The showmare declares with a flourish of her cape. "Darling please." Rarity laughs, she yawns lightly before continuing. "There will be plenty of time for your performance, I insist you be patient though." "Trixie will if she must." Trixie says with a huff. "But she will not like it." Rarity and Rainbow laugh just a little, Rarity wobbles slightly before shaking her head and smiling. "Right then, I believe we've discussed all we need." "Yes, Trixie knows what to do." Trixie waves off dismissively. "Trixie will now get to practice so she does not die from boredom." Trixie swishes her cape and returns to the train car she just came from, moments after the door closes Trixie's horn glows and a strange mist shrouds all view of the car. "She certainly has a sense of flair, doesn't she?" "Isn't that why you hired her?" Rainbow questions as the two mares sit next to each other. "I suppose so." Rarity says thoughtfully while looking at the train car Trixie is in. "Show business certainly is the perfect career for her." "I never thought I'd say this about a fashion show. But I'm actually a little excited for it." Rainbow says with a chuckle. "I'm so glad to hear that." Rarity says sleepily. "Oh my dear Rainbow Dash, I have many things to teach you." Rarity mumbles as she lays her head onto Rainbow's shoulder. Rainbow strokes her head gently while laughing quietly. "Take it easy Rare, I'm not joining the fashion side just yet." Rainbow waits for a response but her only answer is the slow steady breathes of her sleeping friend. Rainbow settles into her seat with a smile. Rainbow blinks as she looks forward out the train window, she rubs her eyes to make sure she's not imagining the pink party pony right outside. "Pinkie?" Rainbow gasps in disbelief, sure enough Pinkie Pie is outside the train car window, she clearly isn't holding onto anything meaning she's keeping up to the train herself somehow. Pinkie waves at Rainbow Dash, she then tilts her head while pointing towards Rainbow. Rainbow Dash stares at Pinkie in confusion, the party pony rolls her eyes and puts her hoof down, she then raises it and her other forehoof up holding the head of a Ponyquin. Once again gesturing at the Pegasus Pinkie lays her head down on top of the Ponyquin head. Rainbow Dash slowly lowers her head on top of Rarity's, her nose just a little away from her horn, Rainbow looks at the window but Pinkie isn't there anymore. Rainbow keeps her head where it is, her eyes drift closed with a smile. DOWN THE TRACKS "Did it work?" Discord inquires to the Pink pony on his back as he floats in the air like a winged snake. He snaps his talon and the Ponyquin head he created vanishes. "It sure did!" Pinkie exclaims while bouncing with joy. "They looked so cute!" "But we can't let up yet." Discord says while standing to his full height, Pinkie slides off the Draconequus' body with a giggle. "Seeds are being planted, but we'll need to do more to make them grow." Discord muses while rubbing his beard. "Of course!" Pinkie says with determination. She then looks at Discord with a raised eyebrow. "Hey, Fluttershy is cool with you helping play matchmaker right?" "Are you kidding?" Discord waves off dismissively. "She was over-joyed at the idea." EARLIER: AT FLUTTERSHY'S COTTAGE "Bye Fluttershy! I'm going to help Pinkie Pie make two of your best friends fall in love weather they like it or not! Don't wait up!" Discord yells before he closes the door to the cottage behind him. Fluttershy just stares at the door and blinks. BACK AT THE TRACKS "Alright, here's what I'm thinking." Discord says as he continues rubbing his beard. "You head on back to Ponyville, I'll take care of things here." Discord looks at the train as it gets smaller in the distance. "I'm going to have a word with that showmare." Discord snaps his talon and vanishes with a flash of white and a cackle. Pinkie waves at where her friend used to be before starting to hop back to Ponyville. CLOUDSDALE HOSPITAL "And that is the extent of my current research into medicine." Twilight concludes her thirty minute presentation by collapsing her pointing stick back to a small size. "Unfortunately I didn't find any spells or magical items that could help." Twilight says with disappointment as she turns around to face Morning Dew. The Princess is surprised when the mother seems to be paying complete attention. "Did you actually listen to all that?" Twilight asks in amazement, a small smile forming on her face. "It'd be rather rude if I didn't." Morning Dew states matter of factly. "Besides, there was a lot of stuff you said that I didn't know." The mother says with a smile. "Thank you, I don't often get to give lectures like that." Twilight says happily. Unbeknownst to any of the other elements, Twilight had taken it upon herself to visit the ill Pegasus while Rainbow and Rarity are busy, mostly she'd just been excited to meet the family of one of her best friends. While all she'd done so far was talk about her medicine research, Twilight was having a good time. "Though I am curious." Morning Dew begins. "You talked about how medicine has evolved over the years, but you didn't talk much about ancient Pegasus medical techniques." "Oh well, I've never seen many books about that in the libraries I've been in." Twilight says slowly. "Why? Are ancient Pegasus techniques very different from the other pony tribes?" "You could say that." Morning Dew chuckles. "I could tell you about it, I studied history a lot when I was in school." "Really?" Twilight says with a large grin. "I'd love to hear about it." "My pleasure Princess." Morning Dew says with a slight bow. "Oh, You can just call me Twilight." The Princess insists. "Alright, but I expect you to listen closely, I don't intend to repeat myself." Morning Dew says, only joking a little. Twilight immediately sits down and pulls out a pad and quill, entering full student mode. "The first thing you'll need to understand is that the clouds were used in the majority of ancient remedies." Morning Dew explains. "Ancient Pegasi believed that due to their ability to interact with the weather meant that the weather would help them when they needed it." Twilight listens and writes, completely absorbed in every word as the mother speaks, the two stay this way for awhile but eventually Morning Dew grows tired and the lesson must end. Twilight assures the mother she will return to learn more another time. CANTERLOT TRAIN STATION "Come along now slowpokes, Trixie will not wait forever." Trixie calls to the other occupants of the train. It'd been a few minutes since the train stopped at the station and her companions had not come out yet. "Trixie is getting impatient! You won't like Trixie when she's impatient!" "That's funny." Rainbow's voice can be heard, moments later the Pegasus steps out of the train, a white object on her back. Rainbow smirks as she walks up to Trixie. "Impatient Trixie seems pretty similar to normal Trixie." "Trixie does not think you're funny." Trixie responds flatly, tilting her head to look behind Rainbow Dash she sees that the Pegasus is carrying her friend on her back. "What are you doing back there?" Trixie walks over and taps the Fashionista, only for her to scrunch her nose and squirm, her head cuddling into Rainbow's mane. "Yeah, she's pretty beat." Rainbow says with a chuckle. "I'm going to let her rest for awhile longer, she'll need it for the show." "Normally Trixie would just wake her up anyway." Trixie rolls her eyes. "But Trixie has decided to let you deal with this." Rainbow lets out a giggle as Rarity adjusts a little more on her back and lets out a tiny squeak of a snore. "Thanks I guess, now come on, we gotta get heading out. I think I remember where we're supposed to go." "That's reassuring." Trixie mumbles as she follows Rainbow into the streets of Canterlot. A BIT LATER: SAPPHIRE SHORE'S HOUSE Having knocked on the house door a minute ago, Rainbow Dash was getting impatient and was seriously considering just bursting through the door, the passenger on her back made her decide against that though. It only takes another minute for the door to open, Sapphire Shores blinks before smiling. "Oh, Hello Rainbow Dash, what can I do for you?" "Hey Sapphire, what took so long? Are you the only one here?" Rainbow inquires with a raised eyebrow. "Oh yes I am. I would hire some workers or something but." Sapphire shrugs. "I rather prefer to live alone, A solo performance can be just as thrilling as an entire band I say, though a duet is what I'm hoping for someday." "Yeah, yeah, I hear ya." Rainbow nods in agreement, starting to grasp Sapphire's metaphors. It's at that moment the show-mare decides to make herself known. "Excuse Trixie." Trixie says as she walks up to stand next to Rainbow Dash. "She is wondering why we are speaking to this pony instead of the one actually planning the show?" Sapphire looks at Trixie with confusion. "I'm sorry, who is Trixie?" At that question, Trixie turns to the pop star with a glare and sharply points to herself. "Trixie is Trixie! Why must Trixie always explain this?" Trixie looks away with a huff. "It's like nopony ever pays any attention." "Sorry, apparently she gets that a lot." Rainbow says as she looks at Trixie before turning her attention back to Sapphire. "But she is right, We were actually going to head to Hoity Toity's to talk to him about the show but I kinda only remembered where you live, I was hoping you could help." "So you didn't know where we're going?" Trixie accuses with a point of her hoof. "Trixie knew it!" "Um, I'm a little lost." Sapphire says slowly. "I feel like I missed choreography rehearsal, weren't you helping Rarity with her show?" "Course I am." Rainbow assures. "She's right here." Rainbow tilts her body to display the sleeping Unicorn on her back. "She's a bit tuckered out, a lot of last minute work." "Trixie is helping with the show as well, out of the goodness of her heart." Trixie explains as she returns to the conversation. She turns away for a moment. "And for the bits too but whatever." "Well that's wonderful." Sapphire says happily. "Well, why don't you all come in? I was gonna start dinner soon." Sapphire moves to the side and gestures for the three mares to enter. "That sounds nice Sapphire but we gotta find Hoity Toity." Rainbow insists. "Why do you think I'm inviting you in?" Sapphire asks with a chuckle. "Hoity is coming over later, you can talk to him then." "Well." Rainbow turns to her awake companion for advice, after an apathetic shrug from the showmare Rainbow turns back to Sapphire with a smile. "That sounds fine." "Trixie guesses her break is over." Trixie sighs and uses her magic to grab a large pile of suitcases that had been sitting a distance away, while Trixie had brought some essentials, most of the luggage was Rarity's. With a little strain, Trixie brings the giant pile slowly into the house. SOON: INSIDE A GUEST ROOM IN SAPPHIRE SHORES' HOUSE "Please tell me you're joking!" Rarity shrieks at Rainbow Dash, her voice and eyes filled with panic. "Um...I'm not?" Rainbow says nervously. "You carried me on your back!? While I was asleep!? ALL THE WAY THROUGH CANTERLOT!!?" Rainbow Dash nods slowly, Rarity raises a hoof to her forehead and faints dramatically, though she pops back up a moment later. "Rainbow Dash! I am absolutely mortified! My public image has likely been completely tarnished forever!" "Rare, relax." Rainbow says uneasily. "I doubt anypony even knew it was you, your face was snoring into my mane the whole time." Surprisingly that doesn't improve Rarity's mood. "Rainbow Dash! I do not snore!" Rainbow Dash flinches. "I know, I know. I just wasn't sure what to call it." Rainbow defends. "It was like this little squeak." "Trixie doesn't get the problem." Trixie says with a bored face. "Trixie used a cursed magical artifact to try and destroy Sparkle and nopony even threw a single tomato at her when she was in your town earlier." Trixie rolls her eyes. "Clearly ponies are pretty relaxed about most things." "Trust me, it's important to Rare." Rainbow says as she turns to look at the showmare. "Can you give us a minute to work this out?" "Whatever." Trixie says as she starts walking out the door. "Nopony said Trixie couldn't take anything from the fridge so Trixie will just help herself." Rarity huffs. "I know you're not really interested Rainbow Dash, you think I'm being silly." "Don't put words in my mouth Rare." Rainbow says as she hops onto the bed and sits next to Rarity. "It's important to you, so it's important to me." "It is?" Rarity asks in surprise, she turns her head and the two mares' eyes meet. "I'm not exactly a social etiquette master." Rainbow begins. "And I don't really put much thought into what other ponies are gonna think when I'm doing something." "But..." Rainbow hesitates. "I know that fear, that one little mistake will ruin everything, You're worried that one second you could have everything... And then have nothing...have nopony." "Rainbow Dash..." Rarity says quietly, she reaches a hoof out towards the Pegasus but her companion looks down at the bed, away from her. "Rarity, I've felt what it's like to have everypony love you." Rainbow speaks slowly, her voice practically monotone. "And then to feel what it's like to lose it all, to see it all go to somepony else. You're confused, you're scared, you don't know what you did wrong." Rainbow Dash suddenly raises her head and locks eyes with Rarity. "I will never let that happen to you." Rarity stares at her friend with wide eyes. Is she talking about the My- Rarity mentally reprimands herself. Let's not think about that. Rainbow Dash stands up from the bed. "I promise nopony saw your face while I was carrying you, but if I ever do something, or start doing something that you're worried will effect your reputation. I promise I'll stop." Rainbow promises with determination. Rarity smiles at her. "Th-Thank you Rainbow Dash." Rainbow Dash takes a step back at Rarity's words. "It's fine." Rainbow turns to the door. "Listen I'm gonna go freshen up or whatever before dinner, I'll see you later." Rainbow Dash leaves slowly, occasionally looking back at the fashionista. Rarity just sits there in silence, unsure what to do, think or say. As she sits there, memories come unbidden to her mind, memories of a masked mare and a frustrated and angry Pegasus. Rainbow Dash...? A LITTLE LATER: MANSION DINING ROOM "Hi everypony." Rainbow Dash greets as she enters the dining room, she'd been gone in the washroom for a little while so everypony else was already there. Sapphire Shores had made a simple meal, some soup and sandwiches. "There you are Darling. We were waiting for you." Rarity greets. "Trixie wasn't." "Oh hush." Rarity says with a huff, she looks at Rainbow and smiles. By looking at each other the mares can tell a couple things, Rainbow Dash can tell Rarity isn't one hundred percent sure what Rainbow was thinking about earlier and Rarity can tell Rainbow doesn't want to talk about it. The Rainbow maned Pegasus sits down at the oak table and the two continue like normal. "It's nice to have company." Sapphire Shores notes happily. "Though it is sort of about business so that's normal." "Actually." Rainbow says while rubbing her chin. "Aren't you involved with the show too? Maybe you can tell us something." "While it's true Hoity Toity asked me to be a speaker at the show along with him I'm afraid I'm the backup singer for this performance, not the star." "And you are fine with that?" Trixie asks skeptically. "Trixie would settle for nothing less than being the star." "Oh really? What do you call our arrangement than?" Rarity asks with a giggle, the showmare just looks away, a light blush on her face. Rarity looks at Trixie for a moment, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Anyway, I can tell you what I know." Sapphire offers. "There's actually a large stage being constructed for the show, the finishing touches are almost done. What's happening tonight is that all the designers are bringing their works to the stage, you'll meet the models who will wear them and be able to speak with Hoity about what pyrotechnics or other things you'll need to set up for your portion of the show and naturally you'll find out the order you'll perform in." "Except us, we are guaranteed to be last." Trixie says with a shrug. "Save the best, as they say." "Can't argue with you there." Rainbow says with a grin. "Calm down girls." Rarity says while waving her arms gently. "It will be up to the audience and critics whose designs are truly the best. We need to try and prove that, that it's us." "Very well said Ms. Rarity." A voice from the doorway gains all four mares attention. They all turn to see Hoity Toity standing there, though his large glasses obscure much of his expression a very slight smile is visible. "It's as you said. This is the largest fashion show ever done, as such every critic in Canterlot will be there to see how the show does. Every designer must bring their A game. This show could make or break a career, including mine." Hoity Toity explains as he walks up to the table. "I'm well aware of the stakes and I assure you I have brought my A game. I've even gotten some other ponies to help make the show even better." Rarity says with confidence as she gestures to her two companions. Hoity Toity observes both mares closely, he pauses for a moment when he looks at Trixie. "Do I know you?" Hoity Toity asks. "You seem familiar." "No, we've never met." Trixie assures him, though a barely noticeable frown adorns her face. "Not once." "Hoity Toity! Welcome." Sapphire says cheerfully as she stands up and walks over to shake the stallion's hoof."I wasn't expecting you till later." "I had some free time." Hoity says matter of factly. "I was planning on meeting with one of the designers but she never arrived." Hoity looks pointedly at Rarity, but he doesn't look mad, a little annoyed but not truly mad. "Oh my goodness." Rarity says with wide eyes. "I am so sorry! I was planning to come but I'm afraid I have been a little busy." "She fell asleep." Rainbow says suddenly. "She worked herself really hard making some outfits before the show." "Really?" Hoity inquires, he looks at Rarity and uses a hoof to slightly tilt his sunglasses, though it clearly doesn't effect his ability to see at all. "Then I will certainly look forward to your portion of the show. I expect big things." Hoity Toity put his hoof down and begins walking out of the room, just before leaving he turns back to Rarity. "I'll show you to the stage, I'll wait five minutes at most." "Always the straight forward one." Sapphire says while shaking her head. "I suppose you shouldn't leave him waiting." "Alright, you girls better come to." Rarity addresses her companions. "Right behind you Rare." "Trixie will come." Trixie huffs. "But only because she must see the stage." "Actually I had an idea." Sapphire says to gain the three mares attention. "You see Hoity Toity actually arranged places for all the designers to stay while their in town, that's why he wanted to meet you earlier. But I thought perhaps you'd be interested in staying here? I have plenty of guest rooms." "What? We couldn't possibly intrude like that." Rarity immediately declines. "I insist, It'd only be for tonight. You can go to your own homes after the show tomorrow." Sapphire waves Rarity's worry off. "Trixie thinks it's a good idea." Trixie gestures to Rainbow Dash. "This is the only home we know the location of after all." "So I got lost! Sue Me!" Rainbow says while throwing her hooves up in exasperation. "Alright, alright, that's enough." Rarity hushes the two mares and they quiet down. "Let's go take a look at the stage, we'll be back later Sapphire." With a short farewell to their host the three mares head out. A COUPLE MINUTES LATER: THE STAGE All three mares stare with mouths agape at the massive structure, the stage begins with a large platform that could hold over one hundred ponies, plenty of space for anything the designers would want to set up for their portion of the show. To the right of that is a raised circular platform with a desk with two microphones on it, likely for Hoity Toity and Sapphire Shores who are the announcers for the show. And of course branching off the initial platform is the runway, a very long stretch that will give everypony in the crowd plenty of time to marvel at the designs on display. Standing next to the front of the runway is a large group of designers, although there could be more than thirty designers here they take up very little space around the runway, the area around the stage has enough space to hold hundreds possibly up to a thousand ponies or more. Rarity and her companions walk to stand with the designers while Hoity Toity gets onto the runway to address them all. "Welcome designers, both veterans and newcomers alike." Hoity Toity begins. "As you are all aware this show will be the largest ever held in Equestria, a large amount of talent will be on display with an incredible number of designs. This show was created from a dream of mine to bring the greatest and most promising creators from all around together." Hoity pauses for a moment. "However, you must not let your inclusion in this show make you believe that this is all for simple enjoyment or for my amusement, every critic in Canterlot will be here to judge every single one of us. If your designs are to simple or dull or similar to something already existing the reception of this show could be jeopardized, If you have brought anything less than your absolute best I request that you leave right now." Hoity Toity sits and waits to see if anypony leaves, surprisingly a couple of ponies do leave, looks of shame and disappointment on their faces. Hoity looks happily at the remaining artists. "Very well, allow me to present the models for the show." Hoity claps his hooves and ponies begin filing out from back stage, many beautiful mares and handsome stallions come out and stand along the runway, among them is Fleur De Lis herself, standing tall among the other models. "These are the ponies that will be wearing your designs, take your time to look them over. To make every portion of the show unique we have enough models for everypony, once somepony enlists a model you cannot use the same one." A quiet murmur goes over the crowd but eventually the designers begin walking along the runway and observing the various models, each pony tribe is represented in the line up with numerous models. As Rarity walks along the runway she notices something odd, the majority of ponies are bypassing Fleur De Lis, occasionally a designer will look at her but then hang their head and walk away. Rarity realizes this is likely due the Fleur's size. Fleur De Lis is taller than the average mare so very likely the other designers had created designs with other mares in mind, not her specifically. Luckily for Rarity and Fleur, Ponyville's premiere fashionista is prepared. "Fleur Darling." Rarity says happily as she walks up, Fleur turns and smiles back. "I'd be honored if you would assist me with my show." "My pleasure Ms. Rarity." Fleur says with a smile while slightly inclining her head for a light bow. Rarity selects a few more models, though to many ponies confusion she selects two less than everypony else, fewer when compared to ponies who brought an excess number of decisions. Hoity glances at her, his raised eyebrow barely visible over his glasses. "Oh, I can explain." Rarity says before anypony says anything. "My two companions, Rainbow Dash and Trixie will be wearing a couple of my designs for me." "That's a bit unorthodox." Hoity says as he adjusts his glasses. "But I shall allow it." Hoity returns to addressing the entire crowd. "Now, you must familiarize yourselves with the stage, each of you has a room in the back for preparation so please locate them now." Hoity waves a hoof and the models follow the designers back stage. "Here we go." Rarity says as she points to a simple wooden door with her name on it in a golden plaque, Rarity opens the door with her magic and the models begin filing inside, Rarity holds up a hoof to stop her companions. "Hold on you two." "I want you two to be as surprised as the audience." Rarity explains to their confused expressions. "I'm going to have the models try on their dresses, but even though you two are in the show I want it to be a secret." "Trixie wanted to talk about that." Trixie says with a grunt. "Since when is Trixie physically in the show? She thought she was just going to be in the back using her magic." "That's true, you were." Rarity admits. "But when you spoke to Sapphire about wanting to be a star I realized this was a great way to repay you for helping with my show." "And the bits right?" "Of course you'll get your bits." Rarity deadpans. "Honestly who do you think I am?" Rarity shakes her head in amusement. "Now then, I have the perfect dress for you." Rarity leans over and starts whispering into Trixie's ear, Trixie starts grinning with glee. "Oh, that is magnificent." Trixie coos as she rubs her chin. "Trixie will need to alter one of her performances but it shall be great! AND POWERFUL!" "AND IT SHALL BE TRIXIE!" Rainbow Dash shouts alongside the excited Showmare. "YES IT SHALL-" Trixie pauses and lowers her fore-hooves, having raised them when she shouted. She looks at Rainbow, completely unamused. "You are still not funny." "Eh, I'll work on it." Rainbow shrugs. "Alright girls, wait out here. We'll have our own dress rehearsal at Sapphire's house." Rarity says as she back up into the room. "And try not to get into any trouble." Both her companions just roll their eyes and make a sarcastic remark. "Well now what?" Rainbow asks Trixie, who just shrugs in response, Rainbow starts scanning around the room until she notices a beige colored earth pony heading towards them. "Hey Coco!" Rainbow waves as the mare in question walks over, once she's close enough Rainbow begins whispering. "Did you finish that thing we talked about?" "Sure did." Coco nods happily while whispering back. "I'm holding onto it until it's time." "That's good, thanks. Trixie, you know what to do right?" Rainbow says while looking at the two other conspirators. "Of course Trixie knows what she's doing, She always knows what she's doing." Trixie stares at Rainbow for a moment. "You know what? Trixie is going to take that last part back before you make a quip about the Alicorn amulet." "You're smart." Rainbow says with a smile. "That's not like a sore subject or anything is it?" "Trixie has learned that most bad things in Trixie's life are Trixie's fault." Trixie says forlornly. "She is moving on so feel free to make any jokes should they come to you." "We all make mistakes." Rainbow admits. "I'm glad you're here to help though." Rainbow says with a smile as she holds her hoof out, Trixie pauses for a moment before bumping it. "Ugh, this is to sappy for Trixie, can we leave yet so she doesn't have to continue this conversation?" Trixie groans in annoyance, Rainbow chuckles in response. Coco just observes the exchange, unsure how to react to it. "Yes, we can go." Rarity announces as she walks fully out of the dressing room, her companions turn around, unaware the door had even opened. "I just finished speaking to the models, everything should be ready for the show." Rarity giggles a little. "Did I miss something though? What have you three been talking about?" "Uh...Nothing, nothing major." Rainbow says with a little unease, though she is convincing as Rarity seems to believe the answer. "I'm going to trust you on this." Rarity says simply. "Now come along, we should get rested up for the big show tomorrow." Bidding farewell to Coco Pommel until tomorrow the three companions return to Sapphire's home. The three talk on the way home and Trixie ends up receiving many taunts from the other two mares when she almost laughs at a joke Rainbow makes. THAT NIGHT: SAPPHIRE'S DINING ROOM Sitting alone in the dining room of Sapphire's mansion, with only a couple candles lighting the room, Trixie sits at the table with her head on the surface, the drink right next to her head. If one was to truly pay attention they would not see a mare in a slump, but rather one in deep thought. That's the impression Sapphire Shores gets as she observes her guest. "So... I'm guessing somethings wrong?" Sapphire says carefully as she approaches the showmare. Trixie sits up suddenly and whips around to stare at the new pony in the room, she looks between Sapphire and the drink on the table. "Trixie isn't going to sugar coat it, she raided your cellar." Trixie says calmly, without breaking eye contact she levitates her cup up to her mouth and takes a sip, she smacks her lips and places the cup down. "Good year." "Wanna talk about it?" Sapphire offers. "Is it about Hoity?" Trixie shakes her head. "No, that is something else entirely. It's not important." Trixie waves off. "I was thinking about the other two." "Rarity and Rainbow Dash?" Sapphire inquires. "What about them? It seems to me you three get along fine." "THAT!" Trixie punctuates with a jab of her hoof. "Is exactly the problem." At Sapphire's confused expression she continues. "If we carry on like this we could-" Trixie swallows loudly, her eyes wide. "Become friends." Trixie turns away and returns to her thinking position on the table top. Is having guests always like this?Sapphire thinks to herself. I've never been more confused. "Forgive me if I offend you." Sapphire treads carefully. "But wouldn't that be a good thing?" "No, no it wouldn't." Trixie snaps. "Trixie doesn't have friends." "But-" Before Sapphire can speak Trixie continues. "Trixie hasn't earned it." Trixie suddenly hops off her chair and vanishes in a flash of light. Sapphire stares quietly before leaving, a quick check of Trixie's room reveals the door to be locked. RARITY AND RAINBOW DASH'S ROOM Rarity and Rainbow Dash lay in their beds, each on an opposite side of the room, though Rainbow Dash seems to be comfortable and ready to sleep Rarity is restless. She tosses and turns quietly, eventually she turns to face her friend across the room. "Rainbow Dash?" Rarity calls as loud as she dares, no answer comes for a bit causing the fashionista to assume her friend is asleep. "Meh?" Rainbow mumbles, Rarity's face brightens though she gains an apologetic look. "Sorry to wake you." Rarity apologizes. "I'm afraid I can't sleep so I was hoping we could talk." "About what?" Rainbow mumbles as she turns to face Rarity. "I don't know." Rarity admits as she moves to look at the ceiling. "I guess I'm just nervous." "About what?" Rainbow says confused. "You're the best and you know it." "That's why I'm glad you're here." Rarity giggles. "You've got enough ego for both of us." "Thanks." Rainbow says with her own giggle. "So you're not nervous at all?" Rarity asks. "You've never been part of a true fashion show, so this will be your first modeling for the masses." "Nay I'm good." Rainbow waves off. "I'm working with you and your the best so everything's gonna be fine." "Thank you Rainbow Dash, that's sweet of you to say."Rarity says with a smile. "And it was nice of you to invite me." Rainbow thanks. "I'm no Fluttershy and I'm definitely no you but I should be able to handle one show." "Now,now, Don't sell yourself short Rainbow Dash." Rarity says sternly. "After all, of all our friends I've often thought that your-" Rarity suddenly stops talking, she covers most of her face with her blanket. "I'm what?" Rainbow inquires, as she quirks her eyebrow and tries to look Rarity in her eyes, though the Fashionista is evasive. "Uh, nothing, I wasn't saying anything." Rarity attempts to dismiss. "Aw come on, you can't do that." Rainbow pouts. "Actually I'm rather tired, I'll see you in the morning Rainbow Dash." Rarity turns away from her companion and starts making fake snoring sounds. She lowers her blanket from her face, the red tint having faded. "Alright fine." Rainbow huffs, she looks at Rarity a bit longer before turning away and falling asleep. LATER THAT NIGHT: THE ROOF OF THE MANSION "Wow, this is just to much." Discord laughs to himself, his thoughts reminding him of the events he observed today. "I got so distracted watching I couldn't find any good moments to help out." Discord lays down onto the roof and sighs as he puts his hand behind his head. "At least I've still got the showmare in my corner, We'll see what opportunities present themselves tomorrow." Discord closes his eyes and he can suddenly see inside the bedroom below him, a third eye he created giving him a birds eye view of the room. After a bot of waiting Discord makes a tiny droplet of water fall down and splash Rainbow Dash on the forehead, though the water vanishes as soon as it touches. Disturbed by impact Rainbow Dash slowly and groggily rises up and looks around, after a few moments she throws the blanket aside and hops out of bed. "Gotta pee." The sleepy Pegasus mumbles as she lumbers out of the room, leaving the door ajar so she can use the open door to find the room when she returns. Once Rainbow leaves the room Discord snaps his fingers and the two beds in the room swap position, Discord lightly chuckles to himself. "At least I'll get a laugh out of that." The Draconequus says as he yawns, a few minutes later Rainbow Dash returns to the room and climbs into the bed on her side of the room, soon her and Discord both drift off to sleep. Every pony in and on top of the house slumber peacefully with thoughts of tomorrow.