> The Fab and the Beautiful
>  by BronyDad
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> An Opportunity of a Lifetime
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 1


An Opportunity of a Lifetime


Rarity watched with a discerning eye as Lyra Heartstrings picked out several dresses from the clothing racks.  Seemingly satisfied with her selection, Lyra crossed the shop and entered the fitting room.  

While her customer was trying on the dresses, Rarity trotted over to the racks and rummaged through the clothing.  She believed she knew just the dress that would draw out Lyra's natural beauty.  

Rarity turned when she heard the fitting room door creak open and had to stifle a gasp when she saw the dress that Lyra had chosen for herself.  While it was a beautiful pink frilly dress, it clashed horribly with Lyra's coat and mane.  

"I think this is the one for me," she said, smiling brightly.  "What do you think, Rarity?"

"Uh, well, that one is...nice," Rarity stammered, "but what about this one?"  She held up the stunning light blue and violet dress that she had chosen.  "The blue will go so well with your coat, and the purple will really bring out your eyes."

Lyra stared at the dress admiringly.  "You really think so?"

Rarity nodded.  "I do."

"I'll give it a try then."  Gripping the dress with her magic, Lyra smiled as she ran a hoof over it.  "It's my birthday tomorrow, and I really want to look my best."

"Oh?  Any particular reason why?"

Suddenly, Lyra's face turned red as she smiled sheepishly.  "There's going to be a couple of stallions at my party that I kinda like."

Rarity giggled.  "Well, you are certain to get their attention with this dress."

She led Lyra to a pedestal that was surrounded by three full length mirrors and helped her out of the frilly dress.  With quiet elation, Rarity watched as she pulled on her pick.  

Immediately, Lyra's face lit up as she gazed at her reflection with wonder.  "I-I look beautiful!"

Rarity beamed with pride.  "You're more than beautiful, darling.  You're dazzling."    

"It's so perfect," Lyra stated, still staring at herself in the mirror.  "How much is it?"

"You can have it for sixty bits."

Lyra's face fell.  "I only have fifteen to spend."

"Oh."  Rarity watched with a pang of regret as Lyra dejectedly removed the dress and placed it back on the rack.  "That's too bad."

Lyra sighed as she lifted the pink dress with her magic.  "I guess I'll just take this one."

"That'll be ten bits," Rarity told her.  Then, with a forced smile, she added, "It really does look lovely on you."

Rarity bit her lip as Lyra trotted toward the exit of the Carousel Boutique.  

It was such a shame that Lyra couldn't afford that dress, it had been perfect for her.  She had wanted to offer a lower price, but the dress was easily worth ninety bits, and sixty was as low as she could possibly go.

But that pink dress looks simply dreadful on her!  How could I possibly let her go to her party dressed like that and call myself a fashionista?  Besides, she was hoping to impress some stallions, and it was her special day.

As Lyra took one last look at the stunning dress before stepping through the door, she made her choice.

Rarity quickly pulled the dress from the rack as she raced outside.  "Lyra, wait!" she called.

Lyra turned, and upon seeing the dress floating in the air, her eyes widened.  

"Will you have another fifteen bits to pay me next week?" Rarity asked hopefully.

Her eyes still on the dress, Lyra slowly nodded.  "Yes.  I could pay you next week."

Rarity sighed with relief.  "Great!  Give me your other five bits and you can have this now."

Lyra blinked.  "B-but that will only make thirty bits.  What about the other thirty?"

Rarity smiled amiably.  "I'll cover it.  It is your birthday after all."

Lyra's eyes grew watery.  "Thank you, Rarity!  Thank you so much!"

"It's my pleasure," Rarity replied sincerely.  "Just be sure to tell everypony where you purchased it."  Rarity gave her a wink.  "But please refrain from mentioning how cheap you got it."

Lyra laughed as they traded dresses.  "Your secret is safe with me.  Promise!"

Feeling a warm glow within as she watched her satisfied customer prance across the bridge, Rarity turned back toward her shop and gasped at who was standing in front of the door.

"You really do know your fashion," the pony commented as he lifted his sunglasses up and revealed his emerald green eyes.

Her mouth hanging open in disbelief, Rarity found that she could not speak.

Standing before her was none other than Fashion Forward, a fairly new fashionista who had taken half of Equestria by storm in only two short years.  Envious of his quick rise to fame, Rarity had read every article ever published about him, and had followed his progress closely.

An Earth pony that was born and raised in Baltimare, Fashion Forward's sudden explosive success in his hometown had surprised everypony in the fashion world.  His unique style that many young ponies found hip and cool spread like wildfire to the nearby city of Fillydelphia, and before long his work was sought after by the youth in Manehattan as well.  Now, he had several stores in all three cities, and rumor had it that he was looking to expand.

Fashion Forward moved closer and plucked the dress out of the air.  "This is a killer dress you got here, but it would have been mondo bogus to let that pony wear it to her party.  Those colors would have totally clashed with her coat big time."  

Finally snapping out of her stupor, Rarity stammered, "Why y-yes.  T-that was exactly what I was thinking."  She flipped her mane with a shaking hoof and grinned at the celebrity.  "I wouldn't have been able to sleep tonight if I had allowed her to leave with this.  It would have been an unforgivable fashion atrocity!"

"Right on, sister," Fashion Forward replied, smiling pleasantly.  He lifted a hoof into the air.  "Gimme some hoof!"

Flabbergasted, Rarity slowly raised a hoof and bumped it against his.  Seemingly satisfied with her response, Fashion Forward turned his attention to the pink frilled dress.  

Fashion Forward stood on his two hind legs as he held the dress out before him, slowly turning it in his hooves.  "The name's Fashion Forward, and I've made a bodaciously awesome living off of whipping up gnarly foal clothing."

"Uh...yes, I've heard of you," Rarity said slowly.  Why was he talking like that?  She couldn't understand half of what he was saying.  

Waiting anxiously for him to say something more, she finally asked, "So, um, what brings you to Ponyville?"

"Oh, yeah!"  Fashion Forward slapped himself on the forehead.  "I came here to see you.  I found an article about you in a magazine, and everypony I asked told me that you were a tubular fashion designer." 

Rarity felt as though she were about to faint.  "You came here to see me?"

"Too right."  He ran a hoof through his black mane.  "I need your help."

"You need my help?!"

"Totally."  He nodded.  "My business is booming, and I want to expand it to Canterlot.  The problem is, everypony there is radically persnickety, and I need somepony who can help me make a clothing line that will be killer there."

Rarity scratched her head.  "Are you saying that you want me to help make your style more appealing to the Unicorn population of Canterlot?"

"Right on."

She couldn't believe this!  Fashion Forward, one of the most successful fashion designers in the last two years, was asking for her help!  Not only that, but the work she did for him would go straight to Canterlot!  She couldn't believe her luck! 

Rarity quickly composed herself.  "Did you bring any samples for me to work with?"

He indicated a suitcase sitting on the ground next to her window.  "Sure did."

Trembling with excitement, Rarity tilted her horn and opened the door.  "Let's head upstairs and I'll see what I can do."

As she lifted his suitcase with her magic, Rarity glanced back to watch Fashion Forward lower his sunglasses back over his eyes before following her inside.  

She didn't know what to make of this stallion.  He wasn't anything like she expected a top fashionista to be.  He was so peculiar.  Everything from his speech to his mannerism seemed to clash with his reputation, and Rarity began to wonder if somepony like him even had a chance with a populace as high class as Canterlot's.      

"This is an outrageous store," Fashion Forward stated as they climbed the stairs.  "I am totally stoked to be working with you."

Unsure of what exactly he was saying or how to respond, Rarity simply remained silent as she opened the door to her bedroom.  

Rarity's horn began to glow with a blue light as her closet flung itself open and several smaller versions of her mannequins floated out.  "Please place your clothes on these mannequins."

While Fashion Forward did as she asked, Rarity trotted over to her desk and spread out several sheets of fabric.  She then gathered her scissors, measuring tape, and spools of thread and lined them all neatly on the table.

Finished, she watched Fashion Forward as he placed the last of his clothes on the mannequins.  

She couldn't help but wonder why he was wearing his sunglasses inside.  It just struck her as a very bizarre fashion choice, but after a brief internal debate, she decided not to ask him about it. 

Turning her attention from him, she studied the five outfits.  

Although none of them were anything she personally found appealing, she could see why he was so popular among the young.  The outfits were definitely hip, several of them even sported accessories like gold chains and backward ball caps, and Rarity had no trouble imagining Scootaloo, or even Rainbow Dash, wearing them.

"I see what you mean," Rarity mused.  "These are nice and all, but nopony in Canterlot will be interested in any of this."

"Can you—"  Fashion Forward was interrupted by a sudden knock on the door, and a moment later, Spike entered the room.

"Hey, Rarity.  I finished my chores early today and thought that..."  The little dragon trailed off as he caught sight of Fashion Forward.  Spike immediately turned back toward the door.  "Oh, sorry.  I didn't know you were with a client."

"Little scaly dude!" Fashion Forward cried excitably as he rushed toward Spike.  "You are totally awesome!  Are you, like, a dragon?"

Caught off guard, Spike stared at him for a moment, and then puffed out his chest.  "That's right.  I am a dragon."

"Far out!" Fashion Forward exclaimed.  "I've never seen a dragon before!  This is mondo tubular dude!"

Spike cocked an eyebrow and glanced at Rarity.  When she only shrugged, he said, "I don't understand any of the words coming out of your mouth."

"Spike," Rarity interrupted, "I'm glad you're here.  I've got quite a bit of work ahead of me, and if you would be willing to help, it would be most welcome."

"Of course!" Spike stated enthusiastically.

Rarity favored him with a warm smile.  "That is ever so kind of you, Spikey-wikey."

Spike studied the outfits for a moment.  "So, what are you doing?"

As Rarity introduced Fashion Forward and began to explain what he wanted from her, her bedroom door suddenly crashed opened and three foals barged into the room.	

Breathing heavily and grinning widely, the three young fillies brandished their sabers.  

"Hey, Rarity, can we borrow one of your mannequins?" Sweetie Belle asked.  "We want to use it to practice at being Cutie Mark Crusader Fencers."  As Sweetie Belle finished announcing their title, the three of them lifted their sabers into the air and clashed them together.

"Cutie Mark Crusader Fencers?" Rarity repeated, appalled.  "Where ever did you get such an idea?"

Scootaloo shrugged as she swung her sword around lazily.  "I dunno.  We never tried it.  So why not?" she answered as she leaned against her scooter.

"Why not!" Rarity gasped.  "Because it's dangerous, that's why not!  You don't even have any protective gear."

"Protective gear?"  Apple Bloom blinked.  "It's a mannequin, Rarity.  It's not like we're gonna hurt it."

"That's not wh—"

"And if we do rip it up, we'll pitch in and help pay for a new one!" Sweetie Belle chimed in.

"I'm not worried about—"

"Please!" all three of the fillies said at once.

"Absolutely not!" Rarity exclaimed with a hoof stomp.  "It is much too dangerous, and I forbid you to proceed with this foolery."  Her horn began to glow with a bluish light as she plucked the sword from Sweetie Belle's grip.  "Now, if you had all the proper protective gear, then maybe I would allow it, but only under my supervision."  

Rarity watched them as they voiced their disappointment, and then indicated the other two.  "Give up yours as well."  As Apple Bloom and Scootaloo offered up their sabers, Rarity scooped them up with her magic and sent the three swords up to the highest shelf in her closet.  "I'm sorry to do this, but it really is for your own good."

Suddenly, Fashion Forward stepped up and closely examined Scootaloo's scooter.  "That scooter is boss, dude!" he stated admiringly.  "I'll bet you can catch some primo air with this thing!"

"Totally," Scootaloo replied, beaming with pride.  "You wanna take it for a ride?"

"Most definitely!" 

Rarity watched the two of them with amusement.  It was rapidly becoming clear how Fashion Forward was so successful creating clothing for the youthful.  He thought and acted just like them.

As he followed the three fillies out of the room, Fashion Forward waved.  "I'll be back in a bit to scope out your work.  I'm totally amped to see what you can do."

"Have fun," Rarity said with a smile and a wave.

"What a weirdo," Spike mumbled as the bedroom door closed.

Rarity hid her smirk behind a hoof.  "That's not very nice, Spike," she chided.

Spike raised his clawed hands out in front of him.  "I'm just saying.  I mean, you can't even understand him when he talks."

Rarity allowed a smile to creep across her face.  "Perhaps I should hire Scootaloo as a translator for the remainder of his visit."

That elicited a chuckle from Spike.  "That's not a bad idea!"

"All right, enough of the idle chatter."  Rarity turned back to the five outfits displayed on her mannequins.  "I've got to find a way to make these appealing to the populace of Canterlot."

Spike scratched his head as he studied the clothing.  "Is that even possible?"

"Of course it is," Rarity assured him with a smile.  "All you need is a little creativity."

"And a primo miracle."

Unable to help herself, Rarity began to laugh.  "That's why I always enjoy having you around, Spike."

She pretended not to notice his glowing cheeks as she forced herself to stifle a giggle.  

He was so adorable that she sometimes wanted to scoop him up and snuggle him closely, but she never would.  She knew that he had a huge crush on her, and understood that if she ever took anything too far, she could unintentionally cause him harm.

She recalled her first crush back when she was still in school.  She could still vividly remember the hurt when she had discovered that he hadn't felt the same way.  The feeling of rejection had been nearly unbearable, and Rarity had made a vow to herself long ago that she would never allow Spike to experience the pain that she had.

Still, they had forged a strong friendship over the years, and Rarity harbored no doubt that it would outlive his crush.	    	     

Returning her focus to the task at hoof, Rarity frowned at the outfits.  

It was going to take a lot of work to make them presentable to higher society.  Fortunately, Rarity had spent some time, and even made a couple of friends, with the higher class, and she had a good idea of what would interest them.

Rarity stepped forward and examined the first outfit.  It looked to be aimed at fillies, but it wasn't anything that she would have ever worn as a foal.  Then again, foals these days all seemed to have a rebellious streak, and loved to express themselves in unique ways.  Rarity supposed that this would do nicely for a filly that wanted to show the world how different she was.

The outfit consisted of a light blue shirt that featured a breast pocket with a golden star embossed on it, a black skirt with silver frills, a large, gaudy gold necklace, and two black shoes for the forelegs.

Rarity made a face at the gaudy necklace as she lifted it over the mannequin's head and tossed it unceremoniously into the back corner of the room.  Behind her, the top drawer of her desk opened and a beautiful pearl necklace floated into the air.  

She had created the pearl necklace several days ago as an accessory for another dress, but had decided at the last moment to exclude it.  The pearls were exquisite and shone brilliantly in the light, and were fastened to an elegant silver chain.  

As she placed the pearl necklace over the mannequin's head, Rarity smiled.  The pearls complimented the light blue shirt perfectly.     

Her eyes narrowing in concentration, Rarity's mind began to conceive and reject ideas as she studied the rest of the outfit.  

The skirt wasn't bad, but it lacked the zeal it needed to succeed in Canterlot, and the shoes were much too plain and contributed nothing to the outfit.  Also, she knew that some found it stylish to wear shoes only on the forelegs, but Rarity felt that it didn't quite work for this particular piece.

As she removed the shoes from the mannequin, Rarity glanced at Spike.  "Would you be a dear and head down to my inspiration room?  There is a jeweled box in the closet that I need you to get."

"You got it!"

Rarity smiled as she watched Spike bolt out of the room, and then trotted over to the closet.  Pushing aside several rolls of fabric and a couple of boxes, she finally found what she was looking for.         

Extracting the four white heeled boots, Rarity returned to the mannequin and strapped them onto its hooves.  "That looks much better than those ugly black things."

Another drawer of her desk opened as she turned her attention to the skirt.  "And as for you..." 

Rarity began sprinkling sequins and glitter on the skirt, giving it the dazzle needed to impress the higher class.   

As she was finishing, Spike entered the room.  "Sorry it took so long.  Your closet was a disaster area."

Rarity waved a hoof dismissively.  "You're fine, Spike."  Opening the box and removing several sapphires, she favored him with a warm smile.  "Thanks."

With a critical eye, Rarity began to attach the sapphires to the boots, and was thrilled by the end result.  The boots were magnificent, and the sapphires complimented both the shirt and the skirt.  

"We just need one final touch," Rarity mumbled as she pulled out a silver chiffon ribbon from the closet and draped it over the mannequin's shoulders.  "Splendid!"

Just then, Fashion Forward entered the room.  Brushing the dust from his chestnut coat, he glanced up at her work and came to a halt.  He stared at his altered outfit as he slowly raised his sunglasses onto his head.

"Oh, you're just in time," Rarity announced, suddenly feeling very nervous.  "I've just finished this one.  What do you think?"

Instead of answering, Fashion Forward began to walk a slow circle around the mannequin.  Once he had completed the circle, he turned his wide eyes to Rarity's.  	"You did all of this in that short amount of time?" he asked.

"Yes," Rarity answered uncertainly.

Suddenly, Fashion Forward grinned.  "It's totally awesome!  I love it!  Canterlot will love it!  We're gonna be huge!"

Rarity sighed with relief.  "I'm so glad you like it."	

He ran a hoof through his mane.  "I heard that you were good.  But I had no idea that you were this radically good."  He met her gaze evenly.  "My Canterlot shop opens in two weeks.  Rarity, I want you to be there."

Rarity blinked.  "You mean to help ensure that the opening goes smoothly?"  She turned and gazed out the window as she contemplated his request.  "I suppose I could spare a week to help you."

"No."  Fashion Forward shook his head.  "I want you to run the store.  Like, permanently.  I'll let you make most of the decisions, I'll lend you some employees, and we'll split the profit fifty-fifty."  

Her breath caught in her throat as her entire body began to tremble.  It would be just like having her own store in Canterlot!  It's what she'd always wanted!

But what about my friends?  And Sweetie Belle?  I would have to leave them.  But this was the chance of a lifetime!  It was much too important to pass up.  Besides, Canterlot is only a short train ride away, there would be plenty of opportunities for them to visit.	

Rarity grinned brilliantly.  "I accept!"

"Far out!"  Fashion Forward pumped his hoof into the air. 

"Where will I be staying?"

"There's a bedroom on the third floor of the shop," he told her.  "You can crash there."

Rarity nodded.  "That sounds agreeable enough." 

"Can you be there in a week?"

Rarity made a quick mental list of everything she would need to do before leaving, then nodded again.  

"Sweet!" he exclaimed.  "That will give us time to create some bodacious outfits for the grand opening."  He indicated the mannequins.  "And bring these with you.  I'm stoked to see what you can do with them."	

"I'll meet you in Canterlot in one week's time, then."

He grinned at her as he trotted toward the door.  "See ya there, sister!"

As the door swung shut, Rarity began trotting in place excitedly.  "Oh, I can't believe this!  My own shop!  In Canterlot!"

"Are you really gonna leave Ponyville?" Spike asked dejectedly.  "Permanently?"   

Too enthralled by the prospect of obtaining her dreams to notice his tone, she answered, "Of course, Spike.  This is the opportunity of a lifetime!"	

The large green spine on Spike's head drooped sadly.  "B-but we won't get to see each other anymore."

"Oh, don't be silly," Rarity said as she turned toward her closet.  "I'll only be in Canterlot.  You can visit me whenever you like."

Her horn glowing as she began sorting through her clothes, Rarity muttered to herself, "Now, what to wear for my big night."

So absorbed was she in finding the perfect dress for the occasion that she didn't even notice a crestfallen Spike slip silently out of the room.

> Closing Doors
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 2


Closing Doors


As Rarity finished packing the last of her supplies, she zipped up the travel bag, and levitating it high into the air, carefully added it to the top of the heaping pile of luggage that was stacked in the back corner of the room.  After watching it for a moment to ensure that it would not topple over, she then glanced out the window at the clock tower.

"It isn't even one o'clock yet," she mumbled to herself.  "I finished packing much sooner than I anticipated."

Rarity stared off at the distant forest and mused about what she could do with the remainder of her day.  She still had several hours before Sweetie Belle came over, perhaps she could have a nice relaxing lunch out by the lake.

This being Rarity's final night in Ponyville, she had invited Sweetie Belle to a sleepover.  Her little sister had been upset to hear that she was leaving, but had perked right up at the mention of a night that the two of them could share.  

Rarity smiled as she watched a pair of squirrels chase each other around a tree.  There were few things that she enjoyed more than spending time with her sister, and she couldn't wait for their special night to began.

A sudden knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.  "Come in."

"Hey, Rarity," Twilight greeted as she stepped into the room.  

"Twilight!  What a pleasant surprise!"  Rarity smiled as she flipped her mane.  "I was just thinking of having lunch out by the lake.  Would you care to join me?"

"No, thanks," Twilight replied.  "Actually, I wanted to ask you for a favor."

"Of course!  What do you need?"

Turning away and staring out the window, Twilight said, "I hate to ask this of you, but would you mind coming to the library sometime today and having a talk with Spike? He's been really down the last couple of days.  He thinks that you won't have time for him anymore, and that you'll forget about him once you're in Canterlot."

"We certainly can't have that now, can we?"  Rarity started toward the door.  "I'll come with you and talk to him right now."

Clearly relieved, Twilight said, "That would be great.  Thanks Rarity."

As they exited the Carousel Boutique and crossed the bridge that led to the marketplace, Rarity studied her friend.  After a moment, she asked, "What's wrong, Twilight?"

Twilight shrugged.  "I just don't like seeing Spike this upset.  Usually when he gets like this, I try to reassure his feelings as well as I can without putting any additional pressure on you.  But now that you're leaving...it's getting harder."

Rarity shook her head.  "I didn't realize that my decision had placed you in such a difficult situation."  Slowing to a halt, Rarity nuzzled Twilight's cheek.  "You don't need to worry about Spike, he'll be fine.  I'll remind him how important his friendship is to me, and that he always has a special place in my heart."

Twilight threw her forelegs around Rarity's neck.  "You're a great friend," she stated warmly.  "I'm really going to miss you."

"Me too, darling," Rarity said as she returned the hug.  "I'll visit as often as possible."

As she followed Twilight through town, Rarity couldn't help but feel ashamed for the lack of sympathy she had shown toward Spike.  

On the afternoon of Fashion Forward's visit, Rarity had been so absorbed with finding the perfect dress for her shop's grand opening that it had taken her a while to notice that Spike had left.  Upon realizing that he had left without a single word, she had considered heading to the library to talk to him, but after glancing at the small pile of dresses that she needed to try on, she decided to wait for the morning.

Unfortunately, instead of visiting Spike the following morning, she had gone to her parents to tell them the news, and had ended up dealing with a distraught Sweetie Belle.  By the time that she had satisfied Sweetie Belle with the proposition of a sleepover, she had forgotten all about Spike.

With all of the last minute errands she had to run and all the bags she needed to pack, Rarity's last week in Ponyville had been a flurry of activity.  But now she realized just how selfish she had been.  She could have easily squeezed in a quick visit to Spike, but simply hadn't thought it was that important.  Thanks to her error in judgment, Spike had spent the last several days being completely miserable.

As they approached the library, Rarity allowed Twilight to open the door and then stepped inside.  Immediately, Owlowiscious swooped down and landed on Rarity's outstretched hoof.  Hooting happily, he allowed her to scratch his head before returning to his perch next to the window.

"Spike!" Twilight called.  "There's somepony here to see you!"

"Be right down!" they heard him reply from upstairs.  A moment later, he bounded down the stairs but came to an abrupt halt upon catching sight of Rarity.  "Oh...hi Rarity."

"Spikey-wikey, I've heard that you're upset," Rarity said in a kind voice.  "Whatever has been troubling you?"

Spike cocked an eyebrow as he turned his gaze to Twilight, who suddenly went rigid.  "Uh...I've got something to do...outside."  Quickly spinning around, she hurriedly left the library.

Rarity watched Spike as he clasped his hands behind his back and began to poke at the floorboards with a clawed toe.  "Spike?" she urged.

After several long moments, Spike finally lifted his gaze to meet hers, and she felt a sudden stab of heartache upon seeing the tears in his eyes.  "I don't want you to leave," he sniffed.  "I'm afraid that you'll forget about me."

Rarity lifted a hoof and pulled the little dragon into a hug.  "I could never forget you, Spike.  You'll always be my special little guy."

Placing his hands on her chest, he pushed away in order to look up at her face.  "Really?"

Rarity lowered her head and gently placed her nose against his.  "Really."  As a deep blush began to spread across his cheeks, Rarity couldn't help herself.  Pulling him into a tight embrace, she nuzzled him affectionately.  "Your friendship means the world to me, Spike, and that won't ever change.  No matter how far away I am."

Although she would ordinarily worry that she was taking this too far, she felt that this was a special case, and held him for several minutes before releasing him.

As he stumbled backward, his eyes glazed over and his little chest heaving as he panted, Rarity smiled.  Toying with the spine on his head, she said, "I'll see you tomorrow at the train station."

"Y-yeah," he stammered.  "S-see you then."

Rarity exited the library and made her way toward Twilight, who was sitting in the grass and watching her anxiously.

"How is he?" she asked hesitantly as Rarity drew near.

"A bit disorientated," Rarity answered with a giggle.  When Twilight only stared at her in confusion, she added, "I just reminded him of how important he is to me."

"Good."  Twilight grinned.  "I'd better get back in there."  As she started toward the door, she looked over her shoulder.  "Thanks, Rarity.  I'll see you tomorrow."     

Rarity waved and then headed back toward the Carousel Boutique.  

She hoped that she had done enough to help Spike overcome his worries.  How could she have been so inconsiderate toward him?  Silently chastening herself, she entered her home and prepared a quick lunch.

I'll have to do something extra special at the train station tomorrow.  Something that will stay with him and remind him that I care for him.  And I know just what to do. 

That thought made her feel much better.  Spike would certainly forget his worries and be able to cope with her leaving Ponyville, which in turn would make things easier for the rest of them.  Especially Twilight.

Happy with her decision, Rarity packed her lunch in a wicker basket and carried it to the lake just outside of town.  

While she ate, she gazed at the gleaming surface of the water.  She had come here often during difficult orders, and the natural beauty always inspired her when she needed it the most.  She suddenly wondered if she would find somewhere in Canterlot as special as this spot, but then cast her worry aside as she remembered the city's glamour and elegance.

Finished with her meal, Rarity looked out over the lake for a final time before making her way back to town.  

She spent the rest of her free time cleaning up the inspiration room well enough to be a suitable place for her sister to spend the night, and then began to ready the kitchen for their evening meal.

Before long, she heard the shop door open and Sweetie Belle calling.  Smiling pleasantly, Rarity left the kitchen to meet her sister.

The two of them spent the evening playing games and talking about the Cutie Mark Crusaders and school.  After dinner, Rarity allowed Sweetie Belle to help in the creation of a new dress, and although Rarity felt that it could have gone better, the two of them thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  

Sweetie Belle's excitement kept her going late into the night, but finally, she gave into exhaustion.  Picking up the little filly with her magic, Rarity placed her gently on the bed and tucked her in.  

She leaned forward and kissed her sister on the forehead.  "Good night, Sweetie.  I'm going to miss you."

Quietly shutting the door behind her, Rarity turned and gazed at the empty clothing racks and bare mannequins that lined the back wall, and then looked at the pedestal with its three full length mirrors.  

She was really going to miss this place.  Her first real interactions with Twilight and Spike, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy had all been right here in this room.  

There were so many pleasant memories that, for the first time, Rarity seriously considered backing out of her deal with Fashion Forward, but then strengthened her resolve.  

She needed to do this.  She couldn't stay in this little town all of her life, not if she wanted to become the top fashion designer of her dreams.  Besides, it would be wrong of her to back out on Fashion Forward at the last moment.  She had made an agreement with the stallion, and she was going to keep it.

Full of excitement for the day ahead, Rarity headed upstairs and climbed into bed.  She slept soundly, her dreams filled with beautiful dresses and mares enthusiastically trying them on.  

Without warning, she was awakened by Sweetie Belle, who was jumping up and down on her bed.  "Rarity, wake up!  Today's your big day!  We've gotta get you all prettified before the train comes!"

"All right, I'm up.  I'm up!" Rarity growled as she pushed her little sister off of the bed.  

Politely covering her mouth as she yawned, Rarity climbed out of bed and trotted groggily down the hall to the bathroom.

Wanting to look her best for her first day in Canterlot, Rarity left nothing to chance.

She drew hot water for her bath, then slipped inside the tub, and using the finest scented soaps that she had, vigorously scrubbed her coat, mane, and tail.  

After drying herself, she spent nearly a full hour brushing her hair and adding just the right amount of hairspray to give her mane and tail that buoyancy bounce that she loved so much.  Then came the false eyelashes and the mascara, and finally, she sprayed a single squirt of the most expensive perfume she owned before turning and gazing at herself lovingly in the mirror.

"Oh, Rarity, you have outdone yourself this time."

With a small giggle, she packed all of her soaps, mascara and the bottle of perfume into a small pouch and carried it downstairs.  Very carefully, she sat the tiny bag on top of the stack of luggage, and then made a pouty face as the entire pile crumpled to the floor.

As she let out an indignant sigh over the toppled bags, she suddenly caught a whiff of smoke.  Remembering Sweetie Belle, Rarity rushed into the kitchen and found her little sister waiting for her.

"I made toast!"  Sweetie Belle beamed as she held up a small plate on which sat two blackened lumps while behind her the toaster sparked and caught fire.	      

With a small scream, Rarity raced toward the toaster, and quickly unplugging it, placed a thick towel over top of it to smother the flame.  

Sweetie Belle grinned sheepishly.  "Sorry, Rarity."  

"It's quite all right," Rarity assured her.  "Just try to be more careful."

Sweetie Belle reached into a cabinet and pulled out a skillet.  "I'm gonna whip us up a mean bunch of grits!" she announced.

"Uh, no thanks, Sweetie," Rarity said hurriedly as she tilted her horn and snatched the skillet away from her sister.  "I, um...just brushed my teeth."

Just then, Rarity heard a knock at her front door.  "Now, who could that be?"

Quickly trotting toward the front of the shop, Rarity opened the door and found a grinning Applejack standing outside.

"Howdy, Rarity!  How's your last mornin' in Ponyville goin'?"

"Oh, it's been rather..."  They both winced at the loud bang from the kitchen.  "...exciting."

Applejack laughed.  "Yeah, Apple Bloom mentioned that Sweetie Belle was stayin' the night, so I reckoned you'd have your hooves full."  Indicating a wheel barrel sitting beside her, she said, "I just came by to let ya borrow this here wheel barrel."

Rarity blinked.  "And what, pray tell, would I do with that?"

"It's to help whatever poor sap ya got carryin' all your luggage to the train station."  Applejack cocked an eyebrow.  "Who ya got doin' it, anyway?"

Rarity shrugged.  "Probably Sweetie Belle."  When she saw the dirty look that Applejack was giving her, she exclaimed, "What?  Sweetie Belle loves helping me!  And I can't do it myself, I'd get all icky and sweaty and all the time I spent beautifying myself would go to waste."

Applejack shook her head.  "Rarity, you are somethin' else."

Rarity scowled.  "And what is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothin'."  Applejack gripped the handles of the wheel barrel and lifted it off the ground.  "How's bout I carry your things to the train station?"

"That would be splendid," Rarity replied.  

"Good to hear," Applejack said as she pushed the wheel barrel into the shop.  Upon noticing all the luggage strewn about the floor, Applejack came to an abrupt halt.  "Whoa Nelly!"  She studied the doorframe for a moment, then turned to Rarity.  "We're gonna have to take all of this outside.  It ain't ever gonna get through this door if we load it in here."

While Applejack took the wheel barrel back outside, Rarity began sending out her travel bags one at a time.  

A moment later, Sweetie Belle came rushing out of the kitchen.  "I can help too!" she cried as she enthusiastically gathered up six different bags and awkwardly stumbled out of the shop.

Before long, all of the luggage was outside and loaded onto the wheel barrel.  Taking a final look around her beloved shop, Rarity strapped a saddlebag around herself and exited.  

As she heard the audible click of the latch, Rarity felt as though she had just closed the door to a part of her life as well.  She had always known that she would leave it behind someday, but now that she was actually doing it, it was proving much more difficult than she had ever imagined.

Rarity was suddenly set upon by a barrage of emotions as she gazed at the two blue diamonds that her father had painstakingly painted on her front door, then lifted slightly to the closed sign that was nailed to the door, and finally rose to the bedroom windows on the second floor. 

She recalled her excitement when her parents had agreed to purchase the then abandoned building for her, the thrill of moving in and having a place all to herself, and the sense of accomplishment when she had finally paid her parents back.  She remembered the first dress she ever created here, and the first sale she had made.

Without warning, her eyes began to fill with tears, and with a sniffle, she carefully unzipped one of her bags and removed a handkerchief.  Worried that she would ruin her mascara, Rarity dabbed at her wet eyes delicately.  

Applejack put a hoof around her shoulders.  "It's okay, sugar cube.  It'll always be here if ya need it."  Giving her a quick squeeze, she smiled.  "And so will all of us."

Sweetie Belle moved forward and hugged her tightly.  Nuzzling her chin, the little filly said, "Yeah, and you're gonna be so busy living your dream that you won't even miss this place."

Rarity lovingly stroked her sister's mane.  "You're right, of course.  Thank you, Sweetie.  And you too, Applejack," she added as she nuzzled her friend affectionately.  

Rarity pulled herself free from their embrace and took a deep breath.  "I'm ready."

As she followed the others across the bridge, Rarity turned to look at the Carousel Boutique for a final time, and then continued toward the train station. 

All of her friends and the remaining members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders greeted her as she arrived.   

She returned their greeting and then went straight to Fluttershy.  "How is my Opalescence faring?"

Fluttershy beamed.  "Very well.  She's already made herself at home."  She giggled timidly.  "She claimed Angel's favorite spot on the couch the other day.  He wasn't very happy, but I'm sure he'll be fine."

Rarity hugged her gently.  "Thank you ever so much for agreeing to watch her."

"It's no trouble at all, really."  Fluttershy brushed her mane out of her face.  "Just send me a letter when you're ready for her, and I'll be on the next train to Canterlot."

"I'm really going to miss your company," Rarity replied.  "Especially at the spa."

Rainbow Dash stepped forward.  "Get up there and show those fussy ponies what a mare from Ponyville can do!"  Raising a hoof into the air, Rainbow said, "Knock 'em dead, Rare!"

With a chuckle, Rarity hoof bumped Rainbow.  "You bet!"

Applejack hugged her tightly.  "It just ain't gonna be the same without you fussin' bout every little goll-darn thing in town." 

"I too will have trouble getting along without your crude attitude and uncouth behavior," Rarity retorted.  "I've just grown so fond of them."

As Applejack wiped away a tear, Pinkie Pie suddenly shoved a letter into Rarity's face.  "I wrote you a letter!"

Rarity stumbled backward but managed to keep her balance as she accepted the letter.  It was addressed to her, and even had a stamp.

She scratched her head.  "Uh...okay.  Thank you, Pinkie."

"Open it, open it, open it!" Pinkie cried, hopping up and down.

Rarity broke the seal and pulled the letter out of the envelop.  As her eyes landed on the 'dear Rarity' greeting, she cocked an eyebrow.  "Pinkie, what is-"

"Read it out loud!" Pinkie suggested excitedly.

"All right..."  Rarity turned her gaze to the paper hovering before her.  "How are things in Canterlot?  I hope that you are settled in by now."  Glancing at Twilight, Rarity was amused to see her friend roll her eyes.  "Things are going great back here in Ponyville.  Just the other day, Sweetie Belle sang a super sweet song for a school play."

Exasperated, Rarity lowered the letter.  "Pinkie, I know about Sweetie's song.  I was sitting right next to you."

"Just keep reading!" Pinkie urged.

With a loud sigh, Rarity continued.  "I hope that your new shop is doing really well, and that you have lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of customers.  Your loving friend..."  Rarity paused to sniff the bottom of the letter.  "Did you sign your name in frosting?"

"Sure did!"

Rarity laughed.  "Thank you for your sentiments, Pinkie.  I promise I will write back as soon as I can."

Pinkie beamed at her friend, but then was startled by the sudden toot of the arriving train.  A shroud of sadness seemed to fall over the small group as they silently watched the train come to a slow stop.    	

A moment later, an attendant stepped off the train, and seeing the wheel barrel full of luggage, he frowned at them.  Grumbling to himself, he gripped the handles and wheeled the bags toward the back of the train to be loaded.

As the attendant walked away, Twilight said, "I know it's still a couple of months away, but don't forget about Spike's birthday party."  She indicated Spike standing off to the side with a tilt of her head.  "It would mean the world to him if you could make it."  

She cast a quick glance at Spike and smiled.  "In that case, I'll make certain to be there."

Twilight embraced her.  "Take care."

Rarity gazed at her sister and her friends.  Crouching down, she nuzzled each of the three fillies in turn.  "I'm going to miss all of your escapades of destruction.  You three drove me so crazy that I nearly pulled my hair out on several occasions."  With an amiable smile, she added, "And I loved every moment of it."              

Rarity scooped up her little sister and held her close.  "You mind mom and dad now, Sweetie."  She ruffled the filly's mane.  "And I don't want to hear about you doing anything crazy, such as your Cutie Mark Crusader Fencer idea."

Sweetie Belle giggled.  "I'll be more careful.  Promise."

As she set her little sister back down, Rarity finally turned her attention to Spike.  Batting her eyelashes, she smiled.  "Spike, things simply will not be the same without you visiting me in my shop.  Your charming personality and darling antics have brightened my day on more than one occasion, and I'm going to miss you terribly."

Spike sniffled.  "I'm gonna miss you, too."

When his eyes began to well up with tears, Rarity's horn began to glow with a bluish light as she removed an item from her saddlebag.  Holding it up in the air, she heard everypony around her gasp when they saw what it was.

"Spike, I want you to have this, so that you will never forget just how important you are to me."  Beaming brightly, she fixed the fire ruby around his neck.

With wide eyes, Spike stammered, "B-but you love this jewel!"

"Indeed, it is, without a doubt, my most prized possession."  She then leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.

She heard his sharp intake of breath as his eyes widened further.  Patting him on the head, she spoke softly, "But I value you much more."  

Spike simply stood there with his mouth hung open as his cheeks began to glow.  Upon noticing that everypony was standing around and grinning at him, his blush deepened.  

Twilight trotted to his side and hugged him as she beamed at Rarity.  With a single tear running down her cheek, she mouthed, Thank you.

Just as Rarity was about to respond, the train conductor suddenly called, "All aboard!" 

Gazing at all her friends, she said, "Well, I guess that's my cue."  

Rarity paused as she was boarding the train, and glanced back to see Spike cradling the fire ruby affectionately.  With a smile, she entered the train and found an empty car toward the back.  Opening the window, she stuck her head out and called, "Bye!  I'll write often, and visit as soon as I'm able."

Her friends waved and said their farewells as the train started to move.  Although they all wore large smiles, she knew that they felt the same heavy sadness that was nestled deep within her.  

As the train pulled away and began to pick up speed, Rarity saw Pinkie galloping along beside her window.  "Goodbye, Rarity!  I'll miss you!" 

Laughing, Rarity waved until her friend was out of sight.  

With a heavy heart and her stomach fluttering with nervous excitement, Rarity leaned back in her chair.  Staring out the window, her thoughts turned toward the new life awaiting her in Canterlot.