Rarity and Starflash

by BeefPie

Rating: everyone
Tags: Main 6, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Comedy, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Random
Length: 5740

Rarity's brother is returning - how will she cope with his return?

My 1st published fanfic on the interwebs. OC and Rarity - not shipping. Although it has the potential to be :3

Plot in a nutshell (*Spoilers*)
Rarity's brother, Starflash, returns from his exile. Rarity begins to freak out about preparations and parties - only to find her situation gets worse and worse and then Applejack digs her a hole to sit in (metaphorically, obviously). It all turns out ok in the end and Rarity is happy to be reunited with him.

Published 2012-02-23 23:04:02 UTC
Last updated 2012-02-23 23:04:02 UTC

Chapter 1

Rarity and Starflash
by ~BeefPie1

Rarity and Starflash

Rarity awoke with a start. Today was the day! She'd finally meet him. The one in all the pictures as she grew from a filly, the one she'd met once. Sweetie Belle however, didn't seem as enthusiastic about it all. It meant a long wait, family and her being left out of conversation. Being the youngest is never easy for Equestrians, but moreso for Sweetie. Rarity thrived off of attention. No, attention from stallions. A new one would mean a new target of her fantasies - even if he was in the family!

Chapter 1: Starflash

"Rarity, darling! We're going out to get food for the party tomorrow! Will be out a while! Look after Sweetie!" Rarity's parents called up to her room. Rarity was "asleep" dreading what Sweetie would call breakfast this morning. A few minutes later, the boutique's front door slammed shut, leaving an eerie silence in it's wake. Then the inevitable:
"Rarity! Breakfast! You lazy mare of a..." Sweetie trailed off, remembering last time they got in a quarell. Sweetie could hear movement upstairs, then slowly creaking stairs. Rarity emerged at the bottom flight of stairs, her mane in an almost worst state than normal in the morning. She had a look on her face of immense realisation and shock - perhaps terror.
"T-t-tomorrow? He's coming tomorrow?" She began rushing around moving things to their "correct" places. She had a quick glimpse in the mirror above the sink as she ran past moving the glasses to the correct cupboard. She swiftly went back to get a better look.
"My hair! I can't let anybody see me like this! I'm hideous!"
"I've seen you" Sweetie remarked. Rarity pretended to not hear it and continued rushing around, muttering to herself about a Starflash and a long lost relative. Sweetie scooted over to the kitchen table, where their parents had sat. Recently, the CMC had conducted an experiment and basically, scooting is faster than walking. She nibbled at some "toast" while Rarity calmed down. After about 20 minutes, Rarity came and sat down.
"Who's Starflash anyway? Assuming it's a pony, of course"
"Who's Starflash?" Rarity sounded aggravated. She said it mockingly. "Who's Starflash?! Starflash is our brother! He's returning from exile!" Rarity sat her head on the table and sighed. "He's also meant to be a nice guy, who was wrongly exiled. That's why it's a big thing him coming back! The whole town is celebrating!" She took a bite of "toast" and promptly put it back on a plate, struggling to swallow the mouthful. She pulled her bag out from under the table and placed it neatly on the table.
"Can I help?" Sweetie felt really awkward now. The whole town knew about her brother and she didn't!
"Well, now that you ask. There will be a gathering outside the town hall. He will arrive at approximately 1430 hours tomorrow, via train from canterlot. I need you and your... "CMC" to duplicate as many of these posters as possible." Rarity pulled a roll of paper out of her bag, and unrolled it on the table. It depicted a big headline "The Exiled Returns!" with pictures and dates underneath. It also gave information about the event, namely who's hosting it, catering, entertaining, funding and where it is. All appeared to be in order.
"Now, Sweetie. I need to go talk to Applejack about catering. You can do what you like but mother wants at least 10 posters by tomorrow. And don't leave Ponyville!" the last sentence was rushed as she grabbed her bag and ran out the door. Sweetie sighed and went to get her scooter from next to the door. Today was gonna be fun! Scootaloo was going to teach her scooter tricks. But instead they'll be making posters.

Chapter 2: The Setting Up of the Event

When Rarity arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, the first thing she saw was Apple Bloom up a tree with Scootaloo, picking apples.
"Hi Rarity!" The two chimed as Rarity walked up past them on the dirt path.
"Hi girls! Sweetie is at home right now! If you want to talk just go find her."
"Thank you, Miss Rarity!" Pipsqueak joined the other two as they jumped out of the tree. The trio ran off towards the boutique.
"Finally. Now I can get to business!" Rarity continued up to the family house.

*knock knock*
"Let me guess... Rarity forgot her keys?" Sweetie casually trotted over to the door... And opened it. Just to be trampled by 3 ponies in a stampede.
"Hi Sweetie Belle!"
"Hi Miss Belle!"

"... So you see? I hope you understand and have enough supplies."
"Ah it's nothing sugarcube. I have plenty of goods in ma cellar. I'll be there 1300 hours tomorrow?"
"Wonderful! Thank you darling!" Rarity happily picked up her bag and waved goodbye to the Apples. Next - Fluttershy's!

Fluttershy didnt appear to be home, but Rarity presumed that that was because she was practising for the entertainment part of tomorrows event. Rarity went round back and went through her gate. She entered Fluttershy's pristine garden, with the huge tree and chicken coops. The back door was open. Inquisitive Rarity went inside and began to search the house for signs of life. None was found until she went into her bedroom. The bedsheets lay strewn across the floor, covered in books and other miscellaneous items. Utop the bed lay Fluttershy, asleep. Angel stood on the windowsill, holding an empty syringe.
"Angel!" Rarity rushed over, dropping everything, and grabbed the syringe in her mouth. She removed it from the room and rushed back to check on Fluttershy. Angel picked up a note from the bedside table and gave it to Rarity.
"Dear Reader,
Being me, I want the best for my animals. My chickens are not too well at all, and um, I agreed to partake in the medicine trials. They wouldnt let me take it home and just give it to my poor chickens! So, if i appear ill, take me to a doctor a.s.a.p. Thanks!
Fluttershy"

"Well, I'm not the one who prescribed the test drugs. But I can tell you Rarity, that Fluttershy is going to be fine with a few days bedrest!" Twilight rested Fluttershy on her bed. Rarity had brought her to Twilight's.Her books had proved useful... At times.
"Oh no! I need her for tomorrow! And she needs to be training today! Noooooo!" Rarity sunk down to pick up her bags from the bedside. "oh well. I guess Starflash will have a less than entertaining arrival. Afterall-"
"Starflash?!" Twilight left the bedside with a sparkle in her eyes. "you know him?"
"well yes and no. He is my brother! But I haven't seen him in years. Since I was a filly! Not that that's along time ago or anything like that!"
"Woah. That's cool. I might be able to help you with your entertainment issue..."

Sweetie was currently sitting in the CMC treehouse... Tracing posters. Apple Bloom had to go help Applejack load up the wagon for tomorrow. And Scootaloo was being Scootaloo. She sat outside the treehouse polishing the CMC cruiser. Strange - nopony wanted to make posters. Scootaloo was also on lookout for any Rainbow Dash sightings, to test out her new design : a spotlight. Now everypony would be able to see Rainbow Dash... Get blinded and fall out of the sky. Sweetie told her this but she insisted that rainbow dash was too cool to fall out of the sky. Sweetie decided that each poster should be a bit more interesting, so she added her own little details to Rarity's designs...

"I'm not too sure Twilight. You remember last time? They aren't the most stable of your creations..." Rarity hovered above Twilight in the library. She had her wings back, this time they "were improved 320% and won't burn up!". She had to admit - they were more comfortable than before. They also folded away like a pegasus' while still retaining their looks.
"Believe me. They're fine! I have run numerous tests...most were successful!"
"Oh well..."Rarity saw Spike sitting in the corner. He had a pair of shrivelled wings and appeared to be very ill. "I guess I can do it. It's not as if i can get out of it now, can I? Thank you Twilight... I will attempt to create entertainment! But please, come tomorrow. I would like as much support as possible!"
Rarity soared through the sky, towards the boutique. She could get used to being an alicorn, wings and magic was surprisingly fun and versatile! In the distance she thought she could make out the CMC treehouse... And Rainbow Dash flying overhead. A immensely bright white light was beaming out of the ground near the treehouse, towards Rainbow. She screamed out and lost control of her steering. Rainbow aptly dive-bombed into the river nearby, eyes clenched shut. Rarity flew faster towards the crash site, to attempt to help Rainbow and scold whoever produced the light. Rainbow had landed in the river that Spike had almost dropped Rarity in, beneath a tall apple tree. She could make out the sound of giggling fillies and wheels spinning maniacally. Sure enough, Scootaloo and Sweetie came out of the trees and stopped next to Rainbow. Sweetie seemed concerned and was holding a roll of paper in her mouth, with Scootaloo excited and laughing. Rainbow was holding her eyes and silently laying on the bank. An eerie silence came over the group as Rarity hovered lower towards the crash. Scootaloo had shut up now, standing agape at the sight.
"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity screamed towards the crash.
"Rarity?! You're...flying?"
"And Scootaloo! Which one of you did this?" Sweetie coughed and subtly nodded towards Scootaloo.
"I thought she would like it. She said she liked "being in the spotlight" Scootaloo looked genuinely sorry.
"Scootaloo! not like that!" Rarity dived to Rainbow's side. "No! Not another casualty! I need my display ready for tomorrow! I have no chance of being the entertainer solo!!"
"Rarity! I-I-I-I can't see? It's all dark." Rainbow tried to open her eyes and yelped in pain. "I can see! It just reeeeaaaallllyyyy hurts!!
"Do you girls realise what you've done? Youve doomed tomorrows event! Ponyville is ruined!" She sat down and trailed off "I'm ruined..."

"Well I've got to say Rarity! This is a record! Two down in one hour? That just leaves you as entertainer-"
"Yes yes I know! Don't rub it in! I wasn't meant to be entertaining at all! Let alone doing it solo!" Rainbow lay on the other half of Twilights bed. Both casualties were out for the count.
"What am I going to do Twilight?" Rarity's tone had changed to a genuinely worried and upset one. "I only wanted the best for my brother.... Now he's not going to get anything!"
"Cheer up Rarity! He still gets the party. Just no sonic rainboom and animal music...."
*Belch*
"Spike! What does the letter say?" Twilight jumped up from Fluttershy's bedside and rushed to Spike.

Chapter : 3 - Rarity's Saviour Arrives

"Twilight Sparkle,
I have heard of your homecoming event tomorrow for Starflash. I would personally like to meet this alicorn -"
"Alicorn?!" Rarity gasped.
"- and will gladly assist in anyway I can with this event to safeguard my meeting with him. Please reply if necesary. If no reply is sent back, I will arrive tomorrow at 14:10.
Good luck!
Princess Luna"
"Luna?! It just gets better and better!" Rarity sighed. Great! Now Luna wanted to come see the show as well!
"Don't give up yet, Rarity! Luna said she would help! That means-"
"Yeah like Luna is going to provide entertainment!"
"You'd be surprised!"
"All I can say is I hope so, Twilight Sparkle. I hope so..."

"Celly! I'm off to go help Twilight and her friends! I might not be back till tomorrow! I'll tell Starflash you said hi and I'll-"
"Yes, yes Luna! I'm busy right now! Send him my regards. Tell him I'm deep in negotiations with the dragons! And that I'm sorry I can't be there blah blah..." Luna swiftly grabbed her saddlebags and flew out through the window. She had told her charioteers that she wanted more confidence and experience, so she'd fly the short distance to the train station alone. Then a long train journey to Ponyville...

"Oh hello Mrs Cake! Is Pinkie around?"
"Oh no Rarity! She left a few hours ago with a small orange filly and your sister! They said they were going to see Fluttershy at her place then go to the boutique!"
"Dear Celestia! Not my boutique! Not with 3 immature ponies!" Rarity rushed to the door "Thanks Mrs Cake! Say, are you going to the celebration tomorrow?" Rarity turned back to Mrs Cake.
"Why yes! I'm partnered with the Apple family to help cater!"
"Wonderful! Well, I'd better be off and go save my career! Bye again Mrs Cake!" Rarity ran out the door of Sugarcube corner and flew off towards Fluttershy's, hoping to catch the trio... And Pipsqueak, before they left to go to the boutique.

"Woah. This place's a dump!" Scootaloo remarked on the way into Fluttershy's tree via the back gate. Papers were strewn across the floor, animals running wild. Angel appeared to be sleeping on his master's bed. Fluttershy didn't appear to be home.
"That's strange! Fluttershy is normally always home! She is always tending to her animals." Pinkie hypothesised sinisterly some more while wondering around the tree. Sweetie went up to Angel and Fluttershy's bed and saw a note. A scrap of lined paper sat on the bedside table, a bottle of blue liquid was beside it. The note told the tale of how Fluttershy took... Animal medicine? She picked up the bottle and read the label : "Test Subject 23a : Dragon's Leaf and Diamond - Painkiller and Tranquiliser"
"Scoot! Get up here! I think I know where Fluttershy is!" Sweetie called down to the other three, holding a lock of purple hair.

Rarity got closer and closer to Fluttershy's tree. Her wings were surprisingly efficient at keeping speed while not using too much energy! She saw Scootaloo out the back, playing with the chickens. Pipsqueak and Pinkie were rolling down the bank outside. She knew Sweetie was in there, no doubt looking for... The Note! She left the note! Rarity facepalmed while flying closer. She could now see that the CMC cruiser wasn't there.
"Hi Rarity! Nice wings!" Pinkie called up to her. This got Scootaloo's attention too.
"pinkie! Where's Sweetie?"
"Oh her. She went off to Twilight's to get some 'animal medicine' examined. Apparently, get this, Fluttershy drunk some! Not even I'd do that!" Pinkie began rolling around some more, now laughing.

"Why yes! Rarity was here earlier. For the same reason as you. If you dont mind me asking, why do you want to see Fluttershy?" Twilight turned from Rainbows bedside.
"Um, well. Basically mum and Rarity want me to do some posters for tomorrow. And because the rest of the CMC couldn't help, I thought she could. Y'know... Element of kindness."
"But your sister is the element of generosity!"
"She is? I hadn't noticed. So yeah... I thought her animals might be able to do it or something. Anyway, I'd better be-"
"Sweetie Belle!"
"Oh Celestia..."Sweetie rolled her eyes.
"I have been following you all day!"
"It's for the best! Look, I've been trying to get help to do the posters..."She searched herself "Oh my. I appear to not have any posters, anymore..."
"Sweetie! You even lost the original?! Can I not ask you to do anything?!" Twilight sunk away further into the corner behind them.
"Well I'm sorry! It's not as if you've been doing anything today!"
"What?! I got catering ready for tomorrow! I've got extra people coming to see including Princess Luna! And you've lost some posters!" Rarity seemed in despair now, tears welling up. "I need this event to be the perfect one it could be... He my brother for Celestia's sake! I mean -"
"Sorry I'm late. Had to take the train."

Chapter 4: Evening + Morning
The hours continued to pass, along with Rarity's chances to revive the event. Luna had turned out to be no help at all and had decided to sleepover with Twilight and the others. Rarity was left alone, at the boutique, sewing her dress together in the forthcoming dusk. A small lamp lit her design table as she scrawled away, determined to produce a special dress for tomorrow. Tomorrow appeared to be a disaster. No entertainment, apples, no dress ideas, no posters/advertisements and Princess Celestia was coming. It all seemed hopeless. How could one pony bring about Ponyville's biggest event in a long time? In 8 hours? Rarity thought about her life so far. What had she achieved? What hadn't she? The began to think about Sweetie. What did she have that Rarity didn't? or vice versa? Inspiration and success hit her like the rock that had led her to it.

"Now Luna, I'm aware you haven't really... Been to sleepovers? Let alone outside of the castle?" Twilight reached up two shelves for Slumber Party 101 but remembered what happened the last times.
"No, not really. I've seen what happens so have an idea, but this is a first!"
"Me too!" Pinkie burst out from under a blanket with Gummy huddled in her tail. Pinkie hadn't been invited the past times for a reason... But she became suspicious as usual so had to be invited to prevent a civil war between Ponyville and bags of flour with French accents... Otherwise known as a mental breakdown. Fluttershy had come too, but was being her usual silent self up in a newly placed hammock hanging from the ceiling, despite being still a bit sick from the medicine. Rainbow Dash was still injured but regaining her sight, so that left Pinkie, Applejack, Twilight, Gummy and Luna to chat and hang around in sleepover bags around the rim of the bookcases.

The faint yet familiar sound of a sewing machine was all Sweetie got through the boutique door. It was dark, way past her bedtime. She hoped Rarity had forgotten about her as she began to tip-hoof upstairs towards her room. She shuffled past selections of fabrics scattered over the hallway, trying to keep a low profile. A faint light shone through the crack in Rarity's open door. Sweetie couldn't help it and took a peek in. What she saw was surprising yet strangely normal for Rarity. Various colours were thrown all over the carpet, in the form of silky fabrics, lace and gems. Rarity was sitting at her table, hunched over her seeing machine. Her gala dress was hanging from the windowsill, apparently lacking it's decorations. A crimson fabric hung off the end of the table, slowly being fed into the machine. Numerous off-cuts lay everywhere. The only place not covered in "organises chaos" was her bed, where Opal had evidently taken residence. The hum of the machine stopped and Sweetie expertly dived away from the door towards her room and rushed in. She shut the door, still trying to keep quiet, and jumped into bed. Why was Rarity making a dress? Surely she should he practising her entertainment routine for tomorrow? They were the last questions that filtered through Sweetie's mind before she drifted off to a deep sleep...

Much to Rarity's disgust Celestia had raised the sun too early today, or perhaps 4 hours of sleep isn't enough? Rarity had managed to drag herself across the room to bed, before she collapsed. Her dress was complete. It could use extra time but that is what she didn't have. She had to check with the Apple's about catering and see if Rainbow was well enough to perform. And, as if by divine intervention, Sweetie was still asleep. Rarity heard her get home at 11 last night. That meant an edible breakfast, as Rarity was that little bit more skilled in the cooking department. She scrawled a note and stuck it to Sweetie's door and made her way to Applejack's, to check arrangements.

"What do you mean?! Not literally I hope! Is this a joke?! Really?!" Rarity stormed out of the Apple's barn and began to walk off down the dirt path. She began to cry, slowly at first an then more seriously as she realised what today would be. A disaster. Her brother would remember this forever! He would also judge her on it... She gave up. Rarity flew home, just in time for the wings to wear off and vaporise. She got home to the boutique, to find Sweetie had left. She ran upstairs and locked her workshop door. She rushed to bed and flung the covers over her. She hugged Opal and cried herself to sleep.

"Its time! Where's Rarity?" Luna asked as the 5 ponies walked towards Ponyville town square outside the mayor's office. Rainbow had recovered, not fully but well enough, and Fluttershy was back to her normal self. Celestia had arrived, the whole of Ponyville and some from Canterlot had turned up to see it! Applejack was not visible anywhere, neither was her food stall. This didn't appear to bother anypony as no advertisements had told them about food being provided. Everypony had a picnic or went to Sugarcube corner to buy cakes. It was all working out well.
"Rarity wouldn't miss this! Its the biggest moment of her life since Sweetie Belle!" Fluttershy began to panic.
"Something's wrong." Twilight said rather confidently.
"Huh?" Luna tuned to her.
"It doesn't make any sense! Maybe..." Twilight caught glimpse of the CMC and rushed over to them, the other 4 following.
"Hi girls! Say, Sweetie. You wouldn't happen to-"
"She was up late making a dress... For some reason."
"Do you think she over-"
"No she didn't oversleep. I saw her through the window as I left for Scoot's."
"What could be wrong?" Luna began to worry to. Without her it would all go wrong!
"Well...ah heard Applejack and Rarity arguing about some 'catering' and saw her fly off home." Apple Bloom commented.
"Someone needs to go!" Pinkie bounced in front of everypony.
"What seems to be the problem?" Celestia approached the 8 ponies. The rest of the crowd didn't appear to notice anything.
"Rarity isn't here! Something is really wrong! I mean, why wouldn't she come? It's all worked out fine!" Twilight tried to explain.
"Show me the boutique! I will speak to her." Celestia spoke quietly not to attract attention. Twilight and Celestia went off towards the boutique, hoping to solve this problem in the next 30 minutes.

Rarity's front door was locked, but Celestia gave Twilight permission to force the lock. There didn't appear to be any life in the boutique. No lights were on, and the kitchen didn't look used recently. No hum of a sewing machine, no mewing of Opal. Nothing. Twilight led Celestia upstairs quietly, where they came upon Rarity's room. A note was pinned to the paintwork of the wall to the right of the door.
"Reader,
I'm sure you are hear to complain about the failure that is today, and how disappointed Starflash was. I am well aware of these facts and have decided to take action. The door is locked and I am wearing ear muffs. I am not leaving and showing my shameful face in this town ever again! Starflash's gift is in the spare room next to Sweetie's. Tell him I'm sorry.
Rarity"
"Oh dear." Twilight looked at Celestia for inspiration. Now what?
"Starflash will still arrive. The event must go on. Someone must be nominated to tell him the news and bring him here. Something makes me think he can get her out of there."

Chapter 5: The Arrival
Everypony lined the main road into Ponyville. It was completely packed, all the way along the bridge up to the park where the meeting was planned. In the distance, a carriage - White with gold decorations, being pulled by 2 handsome stallions in darkened silver armour- began it's descent down the far away hill.
"Get ready everypony! E.T.A 5 minutes!" Twilight called from her balloon. She had returned from Rarity's boutique and had the present with her. It had turned out like Applejack's and Rainbow's race earlier that year. Everypony was watching with Twilight and the princesses floating above it all. A large surge of excitement flowed through the crowd at this point, creating a bit of a stir. The carriage was now more visible through the binoculars - it was a white, shiny carriage with the curtains drawn in the only window. The two stallions were apparently rented from Canterlot to assist Starflash in his arrival. Utop the carriage was Starflash's cutie mark - a bright shooting star on a wing shaped background, a lot like Luna's.
'Where is Rarity? I can't believe she's hasn't come to her senses! I mean, she can hear the crowd from there- oh wait. Ear muffs' Twilight thought to herself as the carriage drew ever closer. Twilight glanced over at the present. It was a large wrapped box. White with a red ribbon around it. No tag was evident on the outside. Twilight looked back up as Luna began to call out the everypony that he was 2 minutes away. The last two minutes were as slow as a decade. Thousands of thoughts rushed through Twilight's head - what would Starflash think? Was he a nice pony? How would he react to Rarity's...condition? Before she could even start answering any of the questions, the carriage entered Ponyville and had started the journey to the park. Everypony began cheering as it rolled past, everypony hoping for the first look at him at this historic moment. The carriage rolled over the bridge, and Fluttershy began to fly above it, dropping roses. She had decided that her music display could go ahead. Rainbow still couldn't perform, however. The carriage stopped in the clearing at the park. Everypony went silent as the stallions walked around to the door and lowered the steps. The door swung open and a white hoof stepped out. Everypony cheered as the stallion revealed himself. He was white, with a tail similar to Rarity's. His mane colour was a dark blue and black striped, like Celestia's just not flowing and shiny. In fact, it was swept back creating a wonderbolt kind of style. He had sunglasses on and wore a black cape. As he stepped out everypony moved from the road and gathered infront of the stage that had been moved from outside the Mayor's office. Celestia and Luna had left the balloon to meet him first, and they led him onstage. He instinctively walked to the microphone and began his speech.
"10 years. 10 years of exile from Equestria for being wrongly accused of insulting and assaulting the Griffon King, in his own castle. If I say so, my insult wasn't that bad!" he spoke with an accent much like Rarity's and had a sort of deep, what the mare's call "sexy" voice. As he said this everypony laughed. Nopony liked griffons anyway!
"Ah! Celestia and Luna! How nice to see you again! And mother, father! And dear young Sweetie, who was born when I was away!" They all went up on stage and shared an embrace. "I see. Rarity decided not to show?" Everypony suddenly realised she was missing and started franticly looking around. Twilight went up to whisper to him the news, along with the present.
"I see. Well, I'm sure everypony understands when I say that I am not comfortable with this event going forth without my dear sister! Please, enjoy what you have brought and mingle." he reached down and ripped open the present. Inside was a note and a glimmering black gown.
"Starflash,
My dear brother. I'm sure everypony has told you about me. If not, shame on them! This is your welcoming gift... I know it's not much but I spent all night taking apart my best gowns to create this. I hope you like it. Knock at my door 7 times to the rhythm of our old handshake and I'll open the door.
Rarity"
Starflash whipped the note away and hid it under his cape. He elegantly put on the gown. It was black with blue and white diamonds all over it. It had hoof-stitched embroidery around the rim and had fluffy edges around the neck.
"I will go seek out my 'damsel in distress'"

Chapter 6: Rarity
The trio arrived at the boutique. The princesses agreed to take him.
"Ah. The old boutique. I see she's done the place up a bit!" Starflash walked through the already open door. "Same old layout!"
"I'm afraid we are not going in. Im sure you would like some time alone. We will head back and make sure everypony is occupied until you arrive!"
"Thank you." Starflash left the duo outside and continued in.

He trotted upstairs, admiring all the framed designs over the walls. He could see where his gown had come from. Some pictures were on the walls too, some with Hoity Toity and one with a 'Fancy Pants'. He approached her workshop door... And knocked. 7 times. He could hear frantic movement inside and the door swung open. It took Rarity a split second to recognise him. She jumped at him and embraced him tightly. The two hugged outside for a minute.
"I see you found my gown!" Rarity looked up at him.
"Yes. Tell me, why are you such a mess? Everything's gone fine!" he had a point. He mane was everywhere and she was in her 'breakdown' robe. She had tear marks on her face.
"I-I-I thought it was going to be a disaster!" she hugged him tighter and led him inside.

Inside, off cuts of black fabric and her gala dress were strewn across the floor. Opal was asleep on the bed, utop a pile of discarded silk. Rarity led him in and shut the door.
"Why would it be a disaster? Everypony is happy enough!"
Rarity began to explain.
"I'm sorry you had to see me like this... I don't know what happened. First I lost my two entertainers that were going to provide 'fun' for your arrival. Then Sweetie lost the adverts, Applejack said she couldn't cater and the Princesses were coming! It was all going wrong!"
"Well, I wasn't here earlier, but it all seems to be fine. Everypony appears to have brought their own food, a yellow Pegasus was setting up a group of animals around a tree and a purple unicorn was up in a balloon! She also told me about you and gave me your present!"
"But it was going so badly! How has it possibly worked out?"
"I don't know, but it had." Starflash leaned over and muzzled her. She returned it.
"Its so good to see you again! Say, you didn't ruin all your dresses for silly old me today did you?"
"Erm,yes. BUT! I didn't use all the material. I've spent today crying in my bed and creating - this!" Rarity pulled a rope that lay across the carpet and a curtain pulled back from one of the walls - to reveal a masterpiece. A pink gown, similar to the gala one sat on a mannequin under a dim light. It was emblazoned with diamonds and had a gold rim like Starflash's. It came with 4 velvety slippers and a silver tiara with 4 gems of varying sizes and colours.
"Wow!" The two stood to look at it for a few moments.
"How's you about going down to the stage?" Starflash looked over at his younger sister. They held hooves and looked back at the gown.
"Yes."

Chapter 7: Party
Everypony was eagerly awaiting the arrival of Rarity and Starflash. The atmosphere had completely changed from earlier. Now, everypony just wanted the two to be happy. Luna had rejoined Twilight up in the balloon, both of them were silently watching the boutique. In the upstairs window, Rarity's bedroom Twilight thought, the curtain ruffled. Instantly Twilight grabbed the megaphone and shouted:
"Movement everypony! Movement!"
A large cheer came up from the crowd, as Luna announced the door was now open. Starflash stepped out. Everypony had already gathered around to see, and gasped. Then Starflash moved aside to show Rarity. She was wearing her crimson dress, which clearly matched her brothers. A huge cheer came out of the crowd as the duo begun their trek to the park. Fluttershy had left her birds temporarily to shower the two in roses and petals, once again, adding to the historic moment. Pinkie had supplied a custom cake, which she rushed up to them holding. It was 3 tiers high with a small figurine on top if Starflash. It had icing underneath saying 'Welcome Home!' Applejack was still nowhere to be seen, but neither was Twilight's balloon. Rarity had let her differences with Applejack get in the way. It wasn't her fault she was all out of food, even though she said she was fine. Everything had worked out fine in the end. As the sun set, all of Ponyville gathered in the park once more to witness the entertainment. Fluttershy promised to try and overcome her shyness, but that wasn't likely. Rainbow had rather aggressively said she was going to attempt another sonic rainboom, probably to retain her 'image'. Fluttershy's birds turned out fine and Starflash loved it. And then, as the orange sky was darkening, a huge flash of colour shot across the sky. Rainbow wrote 'Starflash' using the trail the rainboom produced. Starflash loved that also. Once it had got dark, the streetlights on, Rarity asked Starflash to go home with the family. As they walked home to the boutique, two stars shot across the sky, perfectly parallel alongside each other.

Rarity and Starflash walked in through the door. The rest of the family had gone off to visit friends, basically to give them some time alone. It was deadly quiet in the boutique, no sewing machine, no shouting or singing. Silence. The two went upstairs and went into Rarity's workshop.
"Oh dear! I forgot a spare bed!" Rarity started to panic again.
"What about that one? It's a double..."