Weekdays are too short

Chapters

The trip
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Epilogueday

The trip

Celestia's sun grudgingly crested a hill as light began to slowly spread across the land, eventually making its way to a small little town on the edge of a large forest. Ponyville. Normally ponies would be reluctantly rising and departing from their homes as the day began. Instead nearly every pony merely rolled over or glanced up before laying back in bed for plenty of well deserved rest. Why?

Because today was Sunday. A day to rest, relax, do whatever one wished! Even those who did decide to crawl their tired flanks out of bed to work didn't begin until late. As a matter of fact the town seemed to almost be a ghost town except for the birds chirping.

That is, except for one small little boutique near the center of town. Lights were on as a white coated unicorn mare with a sleek but slightly frazzled purple mane and tail darted to and fro. Her horn was aglow as threads, fabric and needles followed her around wrapped in a light blue aura. On her nose were perched a pair of orange rimmed glasses.

Six ponyquins were stationed around the room, they were wearing a different gem covered dress as the pony continued to fret and fiddle with each in an attempt to make them perfect. She stopped in front of a blue diamond covered one as she began talking to herself. “Is this to tacky? To... sparkly? I know diamonds are all the rage right now but maybe I should tone it down a bit... I don't want to appear desperate...” she then glanced towards a drawer in her desk, tightly locked. “Even if it would be the truth...”

She glanced back at the mannequin and nearly let out a scream. Where it had been standing there was now a slightly plump pink earth pony mare with a pink mane and tail that seemed to share similar form with that of cotton candy. Before she could gather the words to scold the little trickster the girl leaned in and gave her a soft, affectionate kiss on the lips.

“Good morning! What's yah doing?” she moved around to poke at the outfits. Each touch made the unicorn cringe and twitch.

“P-Pinky. Please, c-careful! I finished a little bit ago but I just want to make sure they're perfect. D-don't touch that!” she shrieked as she swatted the mare's hoof away with a piece of telekinetically held cloth.

Almost instantly she regretted it as the pink mare pulled away from the dress. “Sorry Rarity. I didn't meant to mess anything up.” She stuck her lower lip out and pouted just a bit, making the unicorn's heart beat a little faster as a hint of red formed in her cheeks.

“No, it's fine. I just need to be ready for this week. I'll be arriving a little after midnight tonight and I'll only have about five hours to get everything ready. It needs to be perfect BEFORE it gets there,” she said as she moved in to give her friend a tight hug followed by a kiss on the cheek. “You on the other hoof, my little cupcake, already seemed to have achieved perfection.”

“Hee hee,” the pink mare giggled as the pout was replaced with a happy grin. “I don't see why you have to work so hard. They all look awesome and sparkly and I'm sure you'll make everypony wanna buy a dozen dresses before Wednesday and you'll be able to come home early!”

Rarity snickered at her friends excitement and obvious motives. “Oh dear darling... Could you be trying to butter me up before I leave? Not to mention you...” she took a nice, long sniff. Something she would never have dreamed of doing to any mare before their relationship had sprung to life. “Smell simply divine! Oh no,” she squeaked as her ears went flat. “Y-you didn't.”

“Wellllll... You were planning to go on a long trip and I wanted to make sure you had something to remember home with,” Pinkie said with a mischievous grin.

“No no no! Darling, you know I simply can't! Those... those delicious morsels are just... you know what happened last time! I had to diet for a month!” her entire body shook as her eyes looked around frantically before stopping on a small bag, which had at one time been brown but was now colored and decorated with all manners of marker, crayon and stickers. She had a sneaking suspicion that the children Pinkie regularly foal sat used it as an art project.

“Awww, you didn't have to diet at all,” the mare said as she moved in and gently nuzzled their noses together. “I think you looked perfect either way. Besides I made them just the way you like them,” she said as she trotted over and slowly opened the bag. Within moments the heavenly scent of strawberries and chocolate wafted over to the unicorn as she took a step forward.

“I-I can't. I shouldn't. I mustn't... How many did you make me?”

“Seven. One for each day of the trip, and one for the ride there and back each,” the mare said as she held the open bag under her friends nose. “Though... I guess if you don't want them,” she yanked them away before the other, now slightly drooling, mare could take them.

“W-what? I... I guess if there's just seven I could... take them. It would be a shame to waste them,” she said as she held out her hoof, but alas no desserts were deposited. “Come on Pinkie... Pinkie...” she made a grab for the bag as it was pulled away. “Pinkie! Gimme!”

“Nuh uh,” the pink mare said as she danced just out of reach of her friend, holding the prize of delicious treats just out of reach. “You already said you didn't want them,” she sang the words as finally the unicorn lunged and sent them both tumbling to the ground.

The bag landed a few feet away as the unicorn stood over her friend, slightly panting as she gazed down. Straight into those pink eyes just filled with mirth and joy. The way her hooves were held flat to her chest as her bushy mane formed a kind of pillow around her head. The way her little teasing grin and playful nature could manage to erase almost all the stress and worry the unicorn had built up over the night. She slowly leaned in and connected their lips one more time, this time not releasing for many seconds.

Rarity then plopped down, less than gracefully, and pinned the mare under her. “Mine,” she said in a teasing voice.

“Me or the pastries?”

“Yes,”she said with a mischievous grin. “Thank you for coming to see me off Pinkie Pie. I don't know what I'd do without you,” she lied. Oh, she knew exactly what she'd do. Spend every waking moment until she left thinking about how the dresses weren't perfect. How they needed to be altered or fixed. That she had delayed it far to long and spent to much time focusing on this new relationship rather than working on her job and lively hood.

And then she'd look into those big pink eyes. The eyes of a pony who could somehow have over a hundred best friends and manage to have them ALL as best friends. Yet she still only had one mare friend. One friend who kissed her. One friend who held her in the way only two so close could hold her. One friend who well... while they hadn't taken that step yet, would one day be the one to touch her in a very new way. Not that Rarity would know anything about such things, as she most assuredly did not have a few dozen steamy romance novels hidden up in her room.

Speaking of steam, the scent of strawberries drew her attention back to the bag as she sighed. “You are soooo going to pay for these later. If I get even so much as one extra pound we're both going on a diet,” she grumbled as she picked the prized bag up with magic and put it onto her desk. She then glanced down and gave one last, much smaller, kiss.

“Okey dokey lokey!” with the ease of well... something not pony-like the earth pony slipped out from under Rarity and started hopping around. “I know you'll do really well Rarity. Your dresses are all amazing! Even the princesses think so!”

The unicorn smiled and nodded, “I sure hope so. I'd better get to putting all these away. If you'd like to head out you-” before she even finished the pink pony had already started bringing down her bags and other objects. “Or you can help me get ready.”

It wasn't long before everything was stacked into a large cart, piling about twenty feet into the air. It wasn't much but she knew most of what she needed could be acquired at her destination. The unicorn double, triple, quadruple and finally quintuple checked everything to make sure it was perfect and she had all her back up materials in case anything went wrong. She glanced at the cart for a moment before sighing. If only Sweetie Belle, her little sister, were here. The little filly was far better at pulling the thing than she was. She then glanced at Pinkie for a moment before smiling, “Oh dear? Would you mind?”

“Okie dokey lokie!” the mare said as she moved to the front of the cart.

Ticks, an average sized earth pony with a red mane and orange coat, lounged on his chair as he watched ponies one by one board the great multi-colored train. It had been a slow day so far as it was their slow season and Ponyville tended to not be a destination of many ponies during the colder time of year. He glanced over to a far older mare wearing large spectacles as she struggled to haul her luggage and he quickly got to his hooves and walked over to her. “Here ma'am, let me help you with that,” he said as he took the handle in his mouth and neatly deposited it in one of the compartments on the side of the train. “Anything else I can help you with?”

“No dear, that... that...” her mouth fell open as her glasses slowly slid off her nose and began to dangle by one ear. She stared behind him with a look of horror that made his blood chill.

He took a deep breath and slowly turned. What could it be? Dragon? Manticore? A... oh no. It worse than he could possibly imagine. His ears went flat as his hat slowly fell from his head.

Rarity. Oh by Celestia's cutie mark. He'd heard of days like this but well, he'd never actually been around on one of her trips! He had been on vacation! Fortunately he was well prepared. He lunged towards his chair and deftly took a small box out from under it and flipped the lid. Inside was a small bronze bell. He took a deep breath before reaching down and grabbing it in his mouth before pulling back and shaking his head left and right. The loud ringing drew the attention of his coworkers as ponies charged out from the station and prepared. He dropped the bell and turned to them.

“Okay every pony, we've trained for this! We've all read the pamphlets and we all knew this day would come. We are the few, the proud, the baggage handlers! We have a lot of work ahead of us but by Celestia's sun we will get it loaded and this train WILL leave on time! Do you hear me?!”

“I-I'm scared sir,” a young stallion, couldn't be much older than a colt, said nervously. Ticks shook his head in sadness, another newbie. He shouldn't have to see horrors like this so soon.

“We're all scared, son. Remember though, we don't just do this for ourselves. We do this for all of Equestria. Without the trains who knows what would happen,” he glanced back at the approaching massive cart. Soon. He turned back to his soldiers. “Okay every pony! Grab a buddy, newbies with experienced! No pony gets left behind and no suitcase gets abandoned. Now, get ready! For the train corporation! For Ponyville! But most importantly, for Equestria!” The assorted ponies let out a cheer as they prepared for the coming cart.

Rarity smiled as the cheer went off and looked to Pinkie. “You know I really do love coming here. They are always so fast and full of energy. It really makes me happy knowing they are so enthusiastic about luggage. I'll be honest the first few times I came here I worried I might have been bringing to much but they always seem so happy whenever I come by.”

The pink mare merely giggled as she pulled the cart along. It wasn't long before the cart was pulled up and they were emptying it and putting things into the train, closely monitored by Rarity to prevent any damage to her precious cargo. She was a little amazed at the dozen or so ponies working side by side in order to get the job done!

The whistle went off as the last piece of luggage was locked inside and the white unicorn quickly gave her mare friend one final kiss and hug before running onto the train. “Good bye Pinkie! I'll see you in a week!”

“Good luck Rarity! I know you'll sell a lot of dresses and stuff! Byeeee!” and with her final words the train slowly began moving. The two ponies waved at each other as long as they could but before to long the train was little more than a spec in the distance. A dozen or so ponies laid in heaps by the tracks, groaning as they watched the train leave, with all their hard work attached.

Rarity let out a soft groan as she sat down in a nice, cushy chair. She closed her eyes and, for the first time in what felt like FOREVER, she had some alone time. She loved Pinkie! She really did! But... sometimes that mare just... could not take a hint.

It wasn't that she was always there, she wasn't. It was that she COULD always be there. She'd pop out at the strangest times to distract the little white unicorn. Rarity could be working on one of her dresses and then all of a sudden BAM! Pinkie was there! Another distraction. She'd open her mailbox and BAM! Pinkie was there! In the mailbox, somehow. She'd go to take a shower and BOOM! Pinkie was... Well to be fair she had only done that once after Rarity told her to NEVER DO THAT AGAIN!

Rarity, like most ponies, did value her alone time. She didn't wish to be alone all the time obviously, but ever so often she enjoyed laying in bed with a nice book, maybe some warm cocoa, and just being alone with her thoughts. As she sat in her chair and gazed out the window she couldn't help but enjoy the rhythmic sounds as the wheels turned beneath the train.

She slowly reached into her bag and pulled out her yellow traveling sun hat, a matching readers scarf followed by the newest romance by Madame Hotatrot. She slowly began to flip through it and slowly enjoy a few hours of well deserved reading alone time.

Of course her enjoyment didn't last long. Before she finished even twenty pages her mind went back to her dresses locked back in the storage cart. What if something happened? What if they were misplaced? Moved? Damaged? What if she didn't pack enough things to fix them? What if diamonds WEREN'T the next big thing? Trends in fashion could be quite geographical after all.

Worst of all, what if it wasn't a good location? What if her stand had been put as far from the entrance as possible and she was, gasp, just supposed to be filler?! Sure, over the years she had managed to make a number of high class clientele like Sapphire Shores, Hoity Toity and even Fancy Pants but this was different. She'd be competing against some of the greatest names in fashion. These would be ponies who were known all across Equestria! The kind of ponies who had shops in the richest avenues in Canterlot!

Names like the Aligate Remor unicorn twins with their synthetic animal hide and skin outfits to give their buyers an outfit that is one of a kind and with a feel and sensation none can match. Gunichi zah Aberchrome who incorporated rare metals into her outfits to create sturdy, form fitting and eye catching wares. But, beyond all them was one mare who stood as a legend long before Rarity had even been born.

Cuckoo Strait. One of the most influential designers in all the world! Having come from humble beginnings on a chicken farm the mare eventually learned the way of the dress and became a seamstress in a small town, far from her own home. She had learned not only how to weave thread but also how to weave words and, after catching the eye of a noble with her elaborate stories of how she came to her new home, eventually convinced him to finance her first shop. From there it exploded, within a year the mare had become a house hold name as she created fashion trend after trend. Rather than focusing on her own style she created whatever she felt was important at the time. None of it failed to become a name brand. Gems, metals, plants, fabric, whatever she touched might as well have turned to gold in her hooves.

Most impressive of all, even beyond her humble beginnings, was the fact she was an earth pony. In a career that had long been dominated by unicorns that single earth pony shook the fashion world down to its core and opened the door to dozens of new ponies who had once been seen as ineligible to join the fashion world with their lack of magic.

Just the thought of meeting this mare sent chills down Rarity's spine. While she thought it was unlikely the mare would still compete, as she had long since hit her golden years and supposedly only designed dresses for the most prestigious and sophisticated of clientele. But she did make a habit of appearing at these events to, in her words, scout out the competition and see the future designers.

“...iss?” a voice finally broke through her thoughts.

“Huh?” she asked as she turned to look at a pegasus mare who was pushing a trolley.

“I was asking if you were feeling hungry? You were looking a bit pale and it's time for the complimentary meal.”

“Oh. Right, yes, thank you,” the unicorn said bashfully as red flooded her cheeks. Before to long she was nibbling at a small hay steak with a side of apple fries. She glanced towards the hills where the sun would be setting soon. It was getting late, a few more hours and she'd arrive. She let out a soft yawn as she finished her meal and then glanced at her bag, inside was her delicious strawberry treat and for a moment she reached out towards it. With a shake of her head she pulled her hoof back. “No. Bad Rarity. Eating something so... mouth wateringly delicious and sugar filled before a nap would be bad...” she mumbled before closing her eyes and leaning her seat back. Pulling a small quilt from her bag she wrapped herself up and was soon sleeping snuggly in the chair.

She was awoken by a gentle touch to her shoulder and a soft shake. The mare from before stood over her. “Miss? We're about to arrive. Just thought you'd like to know.”

“Oh. Thank you,” Rarity mumbled as she began gathering her things and putting them back in the bag. She glanced out the window and there, off in the distance... was the city. Las Pegasus. City of lights. Even at this hour it was lit up like the day and ponies could be seen wandering the streets. The station was just on the edge of the city so she quickly got to her hooves and started making a bee line towards the exit as the train pulled in to stop. Only a few ponies were getting off it seemed and even fewer were getting on.

She made it three steps outside when she froze and her eyes went wide in horror at the pony in front of her. “I-Impossible. What are you doing-” her words were drowned out as a loud whistle went off, signaling midnight and the beginning of monday.

Monday

Luna's moon hung high over Ponyville as many of its residents slept soundly in preparation for the coming days work. Except for a single light that beamed out through a window in a building shaped and designed much like a gingerbread house with candy and frosting, known as Sugarcube Corner. In the top room Pinkie Pie sat on her big fluffy pink bed and slowly took a deep breath before blowing out the candle on her little cupcake. “Congratulations on arriving Rarity, safe and sound and I wish I could be there to give you a party. I just want you to know I'll miss you dearly, so when you get back I'm going to hug and kiss you sincerely...” she mumbled softly before taking a bite out of her cupcake and rolling onto her back and sliding under the covers.

”You know she's not coming back,” a little voice in the back of Pinkie's head said softly, making the mare roll her eyes. ”She's going to make it big and then she'll never have time for any of you again. She'll-Eep!”

”Now just what do you think you're telling the poor girl?” a much nicer, Rarity-ish voice said.

”N-nothing, let me- OW! Stop it! Ow! Leggo! You can't do this to me! I'm the voice of insecu-OW!'

”You're a bratty little voice, that's what you are. Hmph. Imagine skulking around all day in this nice mare's head and trying to make her feel bad. Were you the one who said all those horrible things about her appletini cupcakes?”

”They tasted awful and were tacky!”

”They were original and, while I will admit the taste left much to be desired, they were the first step in the creative process.”

”They were a failure! Just like everything else she- OW! MFFF! GRFFFF!”

”Such a naughty little voice... It seems you'll need to be... disciplined...”

”MFFFFFFFFF!” the voice let out muffled screams that got quieter and quieter until disappearing.

Pinkie giggled as she held Gummy close and rubbed his tummy. “I wonder what Rarity's doing now...” she mumbled as she slowly drifted off to sleep.

“-here?” Rarity finished as she stared at the unicorn stallion with wide eyes. He was small, about the same size as her with a perfectly trimmed red coat and black mane and tail. His eyes were red and his cutey mark was a strip of pleather wrapped tightly around a heart.

“Oh Rarity, is that any way to talk to an old friend? I've been waiting for you to arrive of course! I-”

“What do you want Enigma?” she snapped in annoyance.

“Why, I'm proud you actually remembered me. Come now, can't you at least pretend to be happy? We haven't seen each other in years,” he said as he held out his hooves.

“Where's Lovetap?” she snapped in annoyance as she tried to storm past him. He let her, but followed quickly behind her.

“Ah, we broke up years ago. I'm now with these pretty little twins named, would you slow down?”

“No. I'm not interested in whatever you have to say,” she snapped as she made her way to the luggage drop and began stacking her luggage onto a nice large cart.

Enigma sighed and moved to help her out. “Please, will you just listen to me?”

“No!” she snapped angrily as she tossed one of her bags, cringing as it missed the cart and instead slammed across the ground, cracking open and spilling its contents everywhere.

“Rarity, please...” he mumbled as he continued to help her gather everything. “I pulled a lot of strings to get you to this show, I just want to-”

“YOU?!” she screamed as she turned her gaze onto him. “You... You're the one responsible for this?! How... why...”

“You're work is amazing!” he said as he took a step back, raising a hoof defensively. “I always said you were destined for great things. I've been watching you, in a purely business sense I swear. I heard about the elements, Discord, your fashion line with Hoity Toity and, probably most impressive of all, designing a wedding dress for a princess as well as creating the ceremonial head dress for the newly discovered Crystal Empire? I can't imagine a single mare who deserves to be here more than you,” he said proudly.

“Well... I will admit I may have accomplished a little bit more than the average designer...”

“Of course you have. But... I've also seen the profit margins on that little boutique of yours,” he said with a sigh.

“You've what?! How could you! You violated my-”

“We were business partners once, I merely wanted to see how you were fairing. Tell me Rarity, how much do you still owe on that boutique?”

“Ah, well, with property costs, maintenance, and-”

“Rarity,” he said sternly.

“.... About twenty five thousand.” she mumbled softly.

“Uh huh. I've seen the way you run shops, Rarity. You make only, what, a few hundred bits profit each month? How many pieces of original work do you give away or keep for yourself, just to be on the cutting edge of fashion?”

“Well, I...”

“Not to mention the fact you're in a small little town. You should have a shop in Canterlot by now,” he said with a sigh as he began stacking her suit cases back up again.

“Well, I just, I need to finish paying off the boutique first and-”

“I bet you didn't even accept payment for the wedding dress.”

“... Well the princess was the teacher of a friend of mine and the groom was my friends brother. It wouldn't really feel right taking payment since they supplied the materials and-”

“Rarity. Listen to yourself,” he said as he moved in closer and stroked her cheek a little bit. “You're a generous mare, of that we all know. But you are also running a business. Listen will... you just come to my place? Listen to what I have to say?”

“What? No. I told you, I'm not interested in that line of design any more,” she grumbled as she put the last suitcase on her cart and sighed as she began to haul it.

“Why? Are you afraid of what your friends would s-”

“Don't you talk about my friends!” she snapped angrily. “Don't you dare try to threaten me! I've already given you my answer! I am no longer... that mare. I am a fashionista! I create designs that are the cutting edge! I no longer create such... such frivolities.”

“I would never, I just... Please. I kept my promise, I never told anyone, just why won't you...” he sighed in defeat as she stormed off, ignoring his words. Albeit very slowly as the cart she was pulling was quite heavy. He merely sat down and watched as she slowly pulled her cart away, occasionally having to stop as things toppled off, but, eventually, she made it outside and was on her way.

The city was aglow with life. Ponies were running around and chatting. Bright lights streamed out from diners and markets. There was a constant clop clop of hoof steps surrounding Rarity on all sides as she slowly made her way through the city, glancing around in as refined a manner as she could muster. This was where she belonged! The lights, the sounds. Ponies everywhere at all hours of the night, admiring her designs as she, one of the greatest designers in Equestria, would come walking down the street in the cutting edge of fashion. It reminded her, a little, of her trip to Canterlot. Excitement pulsating the air, the lights, the sounds, but it was different. While the royal capital was more subdued this was unrestrained and alive! Nothing at all like the quiet nights of Ponyville.

It wasn't long before she arrived at a large golden building. Windows surrounded it on all sides and she could see other designers setting up their works, piece by piece, within. All manners of materials were being set up side by side and with an excited squeal she reached out her hoof and tugged on the door.

It didn't budge.

A look of confusion covered her face as she tried a few more times. Nothing. She looked around for a sign or some direction but, nothing. What was going on? Was there another entrance? Maybe... Ah! A blue unicorn dressed in a golden gown walking by! She tapped on the glass a few times until she drew the mares attention and slowly, with a visible sigh, the mare moved over. She popped the door open a few inches and, after taking one look at Rarity, grumbled. “Can I... help you miss?”

“Ah, of course. I am Rarity and I've come to displ-”

“Miss, I'm sorry this isn't one of 'those' events. We don't take designers off the street no matter... how much luggage they have,” she grumbled with annoyance. “This is only for the elite of Equestria.”

“What? But, I am! I have an invitation from-”

“I'm sure you do. Just like the other ponies who have- wha?” the mare stopped as Rarity pulled her invitation from her bags with her magic and held in in front of the woman.

“Oh, I-I see. I'm dreadfully sorry. I thought, well... I mean, you're naked. I thought you were just another... wanna be who... I'm dreadfully sorry,” the mare said as she flustered about with bright red cheeks.

“It's... quite alright, dear. I can understand your confusion, I ahhhh, haven't had time to dress up yet. I've only just arrived from the train and haven't had time to properly prepare,” she managed to keep her composure as best she could but internally she screamed. She hadn't even thought of an outfit for herself! So stupid! Coming to a fashion event completely naked?! She'd have to do something fast!

“Well then, now that that's out of the way. If you'd like to come inside there is an entrance around the back. Just show your invitation to the guards and they'll let you right in,” the mare said as she quickly ducked back inside and closed the door.

Rarity let out a soft sigh as she slowly walked around the building. Windows surrounded it on the sides to allow the outside to see the excitement going on within, but the back was solid stone with only one doorway, albeit a very large one. Two very large, possibly even larger than Big Mac, pegasi blocked the doorway as she moved towards it.

“I'm sorry miss this entrance is only for-” he went silent as she held out her invitation. “Ah. Sorry, here,” he said as he held the door out for her. Despite its size she had to empty part of her cart outside to get it through.

“Would you two be total dears and watch my things for me?” she asked with a charming smile and a bat of her eyes.

Red flowed into the ponies cheeks as he nervously smiled and nodded. “S-sure miss...”

“Thank you ever so much,” she said with a dazzling smile as she slowly hauled her things inside. The building was filled with ponies running back and forth as they set up their stands and did last minute checks on their designs, as well as organizers making sure nothing went wrong. To her delight she found she wasn't near the back, in fact she was near the center of the great hall in a rather sizeable island of her own. After a few trips she had all her supplies within reach and began to set up her dresses. All except one.

It was a soft sky blue dress that flowed down across her blank and came up to just under her neck, though it left her front hooves completely bare almost like a cloak or cape. The front formed a clasp around her neck where a beautiful fire ruby shaped like a heart resided, quite similar to one her dear friend Spike gave her not to long ago. A trail of jewels, rubies, topazs, diamonds and sappires formed a beautiful trail along the hem before they interested near the back, at which point they seemed to explode upwards like a fountain, across the entire back of the dress.

She glanced around the hall before catching the eye of one of the organizers. “Yoo hoo! Hello? Darling?” she asked with a soft smile. “Could you tell me where, ahhh, I can go prepare myself and freshen up before the big morning?”

The stallion, a smaller red unicorn lugging around a clip board, glanced at her for a few moments before looking down at the paper. “Ah. Yes, miss Rarity was it? There are a few small showers set up on the third floor and, if you wish to catch a few hours rest we have a number of cots set up on the second floor,” the pony said in a practiced tone. She imagined he had been telling ponies that all night.

“Ah! Merci!” she said as she glanced back at her little island. Well, it was good enough for now. She really could use a few hours nap before the big show. After all, she only rested a little on the train and didn't get much sleep the last couple of nights either. She took a deep breath and, with a few helpful directions, soon found a room with plenty of small white cots set up. Despite the herds down below setting up she found quite a few of the cots were already filled.

She dropped into the nearest open one and let out a gasp. While the design left much to be desired it was amazingly soft... for a cot. She almost suspected clouds were used in its manufacturing. After a few moments to get nice and comfy she drifted off to sleep, the stress of the coming day eventually evaporating as well.

Shrieking and cries of excitement woke the sleeping mare and she slowly sat up with a confused look. “Wha? What's going on?”

“She's here!” a young pegasus stallion said as he smiled at her.

“Huh? Who's he-”

“Cuckoo Strait!” he shrieked as her heart jumped. Oh my gosh! The mare! The legend!

“Where is she?!” Was her hair done? Were her hooves polished, were her- SHE HAD BEEN SLEEPING! She darted off full pelt, not hearing the stallions response as she galloped towards where the showers had been set up and, using her special cleansing and make up kit she brought to all special occasions she was prepared and looking Fabulous in record time! With a capital F! And in only forty minutes too!

She took a deep breath and checked the clasp on her outfit one final time. While she didn't make a hat for the outfit she did apply a single ruby pin to her hair before slowly heading down to the main hall.

Finding Cuckoo was easy. A single elderly green earth pony with an orange mane and sharp eyes. That and she was surrounded on all sides by dozens of ponies, all hoping to catch her eye with their designs.

The mare was taking her time, looking through each fabric and design with an appraising glance. Even though the hall hadn't even officially opened yet the ponies did their very best to impress the mare. To Raritys delight the mare hadn't even made it to her small island yet and wouldn't for a while, so she quickly ran to it and prepared.

She was in the midst of polishing her showcase dress when a loud sound caught her attention. One of the ponies who's work was being examined by Cuckoo was crying and a moment later the mare turned and just ran, straight towards the exit. The ponies who surrounded the earth pony were looking uncomfortable and she realized the herd was diminishing quickly.

“Oh dear... Poor thing. I hope her comments weren't to harsh,” Rarity said nervously as she got to work even harder. By the time the legend made her way to the unicorn's stand she was visibly shaking at the thought of what her legend would say. Just like all the others' the mare slowly browsed through each outfit, circling a few times as she examined them closely.

As the mare finally stopped she glanced at Rarity and looked her up and down.“Are you the designers of these?”

“Ye- Hic!” she paled as the sound escaped her lips. Oh no. No no no. Not hiccups! Not now! “I'm the *hic* designer of these *hic* dresses,” oh Celestia she wanted to die.

“I see... It looks familiar. You are the one who designed the dress in the recent wedding for the princess Cadence, are you not?” the mare asked as she gently poked one of the gems on a ruby gown.

“Y-yes! I *hic* was the designer an-”

“Fascinating. I remember when I first saw them I thought to myself 'here is a designer who will one day shape the fashion world at its core,'” the earth pony said as Rarity's heart beat faster.

“R-really? You thoug-”

“But I suppose even a blind diamond dog may find a jewel once in a while.”

“I... what?”

“That dress had been fabulous. These ones... I wouldn't clean my bathroom with them,” the mare said harshly as the few remaining ponies of her entourage watched with the fascination one would a wagon wreck.

“But... But I... I...”

“The designs are obvious, the use of jewels is nothing more than pandering to the masses and an awful attempt to draw attention. These outfits are safe. Just that. Safe. The kind of thing you'd see at a bargain rack at the nearest Hoofmart. Not to mention this outfit, the worst offender of them all!” she said as she motioned towards the show piece. “You basically flooded it with diamonds! Replacing the spirit and soul of the dress with a pathetic attempt to be 'current' due to the sudden popularity of diamonds. Frankly this entire line is nothing more than easily forgotten dress after easily forgotten dress. The kind of thing some pony would wear once, then toss in the back of their closet for a few years before donating it to Goodfeels.”

Rarity just stared, her mouth open in shock. “I... I... I...” she squeaked pathetically as her hero slowly turned and moved off to the next designer. It took all her might to resist crying in front of the mare, instead moving around so her dress was between the two of them, apparently the only thing it was good for, before bursting into tears.

When the hall finally opened to the public she managed to barely get a hold of herself, smiling a fake-happy smile to all her visitors. When it finally, mercifully, ended she quickly gathered all her things that weren't staying there and made a beeline straight to the Golden Egg hotel. Fortunately she had booked her room months in advance so she had a nice single princess sized bed to mope on.

She laid on her bed and just stared at the roof, trembling as the mares words ran through her head. Over and over and over again. Obvious. Pandering. Safe. Bargain rack. Each word felt like a knife through her heart. She didn't even know where she had failed! Where she had screwed up! She had kept up with the latest fashion trends in Canterlot, she knew it! Maybe they were more advanced here? Maybe... Maybe she wasn't meant to be a designer. Maybe it was all just a sham. Maybe she... should just give up.

She rolled onto her side and hugged her tummy as she wallowed in her misery. A small bit of white caught her eye and, to her surprise, she found a small envelope on her nightstand. She slowly pulled it to her with her magic before opening.

'Dearest Rarity,

I know you have no desire to speak about our past relationship but, please, I would love to have a chance to talk with you, as friends, while you are in town. Please give me a call. I've left my card with this note.

From, Enigma'

The unicorn stared at the note for a few moments before glancing at the hotel room phone and then the card. If she went back to designing those things... well... She had always been good at it. She slowly picked up the phone in her magic and then dialed the number. It was answered on the third ring.

“Hello?” a young mares voice answered.

“Is Enigma there?”

“Who is this?!” the mare snapped angrily.

“I... oh... Rarity. I-”

“Listen, miss Rarity, we have no need for- huh? Who?” a voice could be heard in the background before the phone was handed off.

“Rarity? Is it you?” Enigma's voice asked excitedly.

“... Yes. I... I want to talk. Can you meet tomorrow?”

“Sure! I have a standing reservation at Madame Lah Creme's tomorrow. How about we meet around noon? My treat?”

“... Sure. I'll see you then. Bye,” Rarity said as she slammed the phone down before she could change her mind. She laid her head down as she wallowed a bit more. “Way to go Rarity,” she grumbled, “not only a horrible designer but selling out to... that life again... Why did I even think I could compete in that world?” she rolled onto her back and stared at the roof sadly as the clock slowly ticked away. Four more days of this. Could she even show up in the hall tomorrow? Could she endure their stares? What if Cuckoo came by again and did it again in front of the visitors? She'd be ruined.

She closed her eyes as she tried, and barely succeeded, to fall into a restless sleep.

Tuesday

Celestia's sun slowly rose into the sky, resisting the powerful tug of its controller as she slowly coaxed it from its place of rest. Down below in the small town of Ponyville many of the village's tenants were undergoing similar battles as parents and spouses attempted to coax their own tired and groggy ponies from bed. Many a pony, in search of the great pick-them-ups, had already gotten in line at their local Sugarcube Corner. The line, despite being so long it went out through the door and about half a block down, was moving at a phenomenal speed as guest after guest was served delicious sugar filled pastry. Fed and satisfied the ponies were transformed from their dull tired selves into colorful energetic delights, smiling and prancing off towards work to continue their day.

Ponying the counter was no other than Pinkie Pie, moving as a rapid blur as she chatted up and served the guests one after another. “Hello Mr. Basket, another blueberry muffin today? Here yah go! Hi Mrs. Grudgy, I got a fresh piping hot apple filled pastry just the way you like it. Oh Mrs. Fran, you look great today, diets really working out! Here's your non-fat non-sugar extra fruit with a dab of whipped-cream strawberry tart. Aloe, Lotus! Hee hee, one strawberry parfait to share with a side of walnuts,” she said rapid fire as she darted around. Behind her in the kitchen the Cakes, a skinny yellow earth pony stallion with an orange mane and a blue slightly pudgy earth pony mare with a dark pink striped mane, baked and ran around as best they could, struggling to keep fresh pastries out for each customer as more and more were served by their zipping tenant.

Within half an hour the last of the line was served and the two elder earth ponies took a seat at the table, wiping the sweat from their brow. “Whew. I don't know what we'd do without you, Pinkie,” Mr. Cake said with a smile.

“No problem! I got all the bits to take to the bank so...” Pinkie asked as she held two bags in her mouth and stared at him with big doe eyes.

He merely chuckled and nodded, “Go on. Just make sure to be back before noon! You know we-” he stopped as he heard the mare run out the door, slamming it behind her. “Wish I had that kind of energy.”

“You used too,” Mrs. Cake teased as she reached out to massage his back and lean in for a soft kiss, though she stopped as they heard the door open. “Coming,” she called out and pulled away. Mr. Cake gave a disappointed sigh but amused himself by watching her walk away, years of marriage doing little to temper his enjoyment of his wife's movements.

Pinkie dropped off the bits at the bank before happily taking off to see Twilight! The brainy mare in question had asked her to pop by this morning to help with one of her experiments, and bring over a grape and cream filled pastry. She hummed happily as she reached out to knock on the door, a quick little rat-a-tat-tat-a-tat-tat-bing-a-ling.

“Hey Pinkie,” a voice mumbled as the door was slowly opened and a little purple dragon waved. He wasn't even surprised it was her, he didn't know any others who could bing-a-ling a door.

“Gooood morning Spikey!” she said as she reached into her bag and pulled out a small jewel covered cupcake for him and held it out. His eyes practically bulged out of his head as he took the delicious treat and happily darted off, leaving the door open for her. She happily skipped inside and, to her surprise, Twilight was already up and at her desk. “You're up early.”

“Never went to bed,” the purple coated mare with a striped purple mane mumbled, “Been working on this all night.” The pony began to tip a small purple vial into a large green cylinder and mixed them around. It began to bubble and turn black as she nodded. “Perfect! Now this should be ready in about an hour.”

“What is it?” Pinkie asked as she laid her chin on the desk and lightly poked the cylinder.

“Careful! If I'm correct it will work as a temporal binding agent that can be used on woods, plastics, papers and metals without binding to the ponies fur if any is spilled.”

“Ohhhh. So you want me to drink it?”

“... What? No. What? Why would I... What?” Twilight stared at the pink mare in confusion as she blinked a few times. “Why would I want you to drink it?”

“Well you said you wanted my help with an experiment, so...”

“Oh! No! No no no! Not that, hee hee, not that at all! This is because I've been having some trouble lately when I was working on some projects earlier. I want your help with something else. I've been working on something with Zecora!” the unicorn said proudly as she pulled out a small wooden box with her magic. Flipping the lid open she revealed a small pink vial. “She's been showing me a few small potions and I've been trying some of my own. This one is supposed to give the wearer wings like that spell I tried before when we went to Cloudsdale, assuming it holds the spell correctly.”

“Why didn't you drink it?” the excitable asked as she took it in her hoof and downed it. “Mmm, minty!”

“What? No, I-” she face hoofed. “Because I wanted to test the visual changes and log any effects and... huh. How do you feel?”

“... My mouth is tingly. My tongue feels fuzzy,” the earth pony said as she stuck her tongue out. It was bright pink with blue poka-dots.

“Oh... Oh dear. Hold on! Let me check something...” Twilight mumbled as she took out a small book from her desk and flipped through it. “No... No I did the spell right... I would of sworn I made the potion right... She did say-”

“EEE!” Pinkie squealed as hee sides started to shake and throb. “Owie owie ow EEEEE!” she shrieked and then *POP* two butterfly wings popped out of her side, toppling over a small stack of books. “Oops, sorry,” she squeaked.

“No no, it's quite alright. Sadly the potion will only last a few hours,” the pony mumbled as she took out a quill and paper. “But if I can get the potion to have a longer shelf life maybe I can extend the duration too... Now Pinkie, how do you... Pinkie? Pinkie!” she yelled as she glared at the door that was wide open. “Get back here!”

“What?” Pinkie asked as she popped her head out from the kitchen. “I was getting a glass of water.”

“I... oh. I thought you... nevermind. Anyway. Come with me to the basement, I'm going to run some tests!”

Pinkie hummed happily as she trotted through the town, her new and temporary butterfly wings flapping behind her on occasion. She couldn't wait to show Rarity! Now she had wings like she had that one time! She stopped at the door and lifted her hoof to knock... before stopping and realizing Rarity wasn't home yet. Wouldn't be until the end of the week. Her gaze shifted down as she let out a sad sigh. Then the most awesome idea, well, an awesome idea popped in her head! Her trampoline! Hee hee!

It wasn't long before she had the trampoline set up underneath the large cloud mansion and began a few quick hops. One. Two! THREE! “RAINBOW DASH!” she yelled as she crashed in through the floor and, true to her prediction, slammed right into the sleeping blue mare with her jumping cry.

“Wha? Huh? Whadda? Wha?” the blue mare asked as she flailed about frantically for a few minutes before finally looking up at the pink pony in bewilderment. “Pinkie? What in Equestria are you doing, how did you get up here?” she glanced to the ground, the clouds already reforming to fix the damage. She then eeped and latched onto her friend. “Pinkie are you crazy?! You could have been hurt, what if you... What if you... You have wings. Why do you have wings?” Finally the mare face hoofed. “Twilight?”

“Twilight!”

“Of course,” Rainbow said as a wicked grin formed on her face. “You any good at flying yet?”

“A little!”

“Okay then... Catch me if you can!” the mare said as she flew off like a bolt, leaving nothing more than a small pegasus-shaped dust cloud in her wake as Pinkie merely giggled.

Far away from the playing ponies, walking through the crammed street of Las Pegasus, was Rarity. A red scarf, a large blue hat and a pair of oversized sunglasses failed to adequately disguise the mare as she slowly walked through the city towards Madame Lah Creme's. It was a, unsurprisingly, large building shaped like a big tuft of whipped cream. What did surprise her was the large line that snaked around the building and down the block. She took a deep breath as she scanned over the ponies. Was it really worth it? Was she making the right decision? What if this all backfired on her in the end?

She shook her head and began to turn but, before she could walk away, a voice called out to her. “Rarity!” Enigma's voice cut through the crowd as she turned back towards the line. Confusion spread across her face as she didn't see him anywhere. “Up here!”

She glanced up and went a tad wide eyed. There were a number of patios branching out from the building and he was sitting at one of them. He merely smiled down at her.

“Just go to the front of line and tell them you're here to see me. I already told them about you!”

For a second her heart shook, he told them about her?! How could he? He promised, he... She stopped when she realized what he meant and she shook her head at her foalishness. The mare slowly walked towards the end of the line, getting a number of glares from other patrons, and nervously coughed. “I'm here to see Enigma...”

The matre'd nodded and flagged down a waiter, “Of course mademoiselle, Olivebranch will escort you to your table.”

The mare nodded and glanced around as they walked through the packed restaurant. Creature's from all over seemed to be here. She saw a buffalo in one corner, wearing a snazzy beaded jacket and a few tables down she saw a bat pony and a zebra discussing something over a large casserole dish. A few more tables away she even caught sight of a griffin! Still, the majority of the guests seemed to be ponies of all sorts and breeds. Pictures were hung on the walls of a completely white unicorn mare, ranging from her as a child to old enough to be Rarity's great-grandmother, smiling on the guests as she cooked in an old-fashioned stone kitchen.

Even more impressive though was the smell. While it was a bit hot and damp inside the restaurant the smell of creams and sauces filled the air, making her stomach growl a little as she followed behind the waitress. She couldn't wait to sample some of the delights here... even if it did mean she had to spend a (short) afternoon with Enigma. She already had an excuse planned. She had to return to her dresses! Her horrible, tacky dresses, that would never sell or make her famous and were nothing more than...

By the time she made it to the table she practically had a cloud over her head and her host merely let out a soft sigh. “Hello Rarity. I take it things aren't going as well as you'd like?”

“What? No! Perish the thought! Things are going marvelous. In fact they are so marvelous I'll likely need to cut this short. If I was to leave my stand for more than a few hours, my, the entire event coul-”

“Rarity. Don't lie to me. You know it won't work,” the stallion said as he rolled his eyes and pushed over the menu. “Please. Order whatever you like. I'd just like to talk, just as friends. Okay? Like old times, before you left for Ponyville.”

“I thought I made my intentions quite clear why I left,” she grumbled as she flipped open the menu.

“You did. Especially when you stopped accepting your share of the profits,” he mumbled softly as he reached out to sip a small glass of water. “I understand, really I do. I just don't think it's any reason to completely cut ourselves out of each others lives. We were friends bef-”

“No. We really weren't,” she grumbled as she looked at the menu. “You merely had a crush on me and I had an eye for fashion and... a thirst for experience. The objects I created should have never been made! They were nothing more than pandering to-”

“They were brilliant!” he snapped as he slammed a hoof down. “The things you designed were possibly the best there ever were! Sure, they weren't designed for the target market you liked but there is more to this world that rich pompous nobles and politicians!”

She growled, “Indeed there is! But I'll be damned if I'll allow my name to be sullied by such trivial... perverted... lecherous garments!”

“This is about what that uptight snob Golden Rod said, isn't it?” he said in annoyance as he shook his head. “That mare couldn't see true brilliance if it was attached to that rod and shoved up-”

“Enigma!” she snapped with a glare.

“Well it's true! Why do you always worry so much about those little things?! Some pony is ALWAYS going to hate your work! There are always going to be those who feel nothing is ever good enough! Why couldn't you focus on the dozens of ponies you made happy with your work?!”

“... I knew this was going to happen. I'm leaving,” she grumbled and turned.

“Wait. No, stop. Please,” he pleaded. “I'll drop it. We can talk about something else, okay?”

“I'm really not in the mood,” she growled.

“... I hate to do this but... if you leave, I'll just come down to your table at the convention later and beg there. You know how good I am at making a scene,” he said with a knowing smile.

She sighed and slowly turned back. “Fine. But no more talk of... that. Understand?”

“Deal. How has Ponyville been? Seeing anybody new?” he asked with a smile.

“Hmmm? Oh. Yes actually, I've been seeing a wonderful mare named Pinkie Pie. She's...” she hummed for a moment. How would one explain such a pony? “unique.”

“Oh? Why don't you tell me about her?”

Pinkie grinned as Rainbow burst into the kitchen and then glared. “How do you keep getting ahead of me?”

The pink mare just shrugged and smiled.

“Whatever. I'm gonna make some breakfast, want any?” the pegasus asked as she reached into her cabinets and pulled out a few Wonder Tarts, official part of the Wonderbolt's breakfast!

“Nah. I should probably head back home. Almost time for the lunch rush! Bye Dashie!” the mare said as she headed towards the door and then stumbled and fell on her stomach. “Huh?” Her wings suddenly burst into flames for a second before poofing in a splash of ash. ".... Oh. Oops." She shrieked as she fell through the cloud cover!

“Pinkie!” Rainbow yelled as she dove through the window and darted down to try and catch the mare. She then stared in disbelief as the mare fell, right on top of a massive trampoline. The pink pony bounced once before flying off and landing in a nearby bush with another shriek. The pegasus flew down and landed by her. “Are you okay? Did you set this up?” she asked as she nudged the trampoline.

“Yeah... Heh heh. I wanted to get a good take off, owie...” she said as she slowly pulled herself from the push and took a few steps, limping a little on her front right hoof.

“Are you okay? What happened to your leg?”

“Just a little sore. It's fine, I just need to walk it out,” the pink mare said with a giggle.

“Are you sure? Maybe you should go see nurse-”

“No, I'm fine. Really. The Cakes need me and I can't disappoint them. Bye!”

“Oh, okay. Bye Pinkie,” Rainbow muttered as he watched the mare bounce off, albeit with less bounce and more subtle limp.

Far away from the small town, on a small balcony, Rarity continued her discussion as tears of laughter went down her face. “So there I am, laying in bed and absolutely horrified, wallowing in my misery and they come BACK! Oh at this point I just wanted to die! But, with some careful words and Twilight literally dragging me out of bed with her magic they finally got me up. Would you believe they set up a SECOND shoot with Hoity Toity?”

“No, they didn't!” Enigma said with a gasp.

“No! They did! They even put together the dress I prepared for myself and got the originals together! Hoity was blown away and ordered a big order, though I'll be honest the large order nearly bowled me over.”

“What happened then?”

“Well... I...” she sighed sadly and looked off to the side. “I sold about a dozen of the dresses but they never really caught on. Apparently word got out that they were designed for the Gala and the Elements of Harmony. It sold a few more after that but very few ponies wanted to wear the copies of our dress since well, you know how some mares can be.”

He nodded sympathetically. “Of course. Wearing a dress designed for some other pony is a social faux pas beyond almost any. Nearly as bad as wearing the same dress as some pony who is of a lower standing than you. Such a shame, I saw them when they were released and they were marvelous.”

The unicorn nodded with a smile. “Indeed. I got a few orders after the Gala as well but, sadly, they stopped coming after a few months as ponies moved onto the next big thing.”

He nodded, “I see. Some of the higher class ponies can just be so... wasteful. Ignoring a talent like yours?” he smiled as he said the words. “However it seems your friends are quite nice, if a bit bereft of gratefulness and tact.”

“Excuse me?”

“Well... After all that work you did they just... did that. It was quite rude. You're an expert in your field, the fact they jus-”

“Now hold it right there!” she snapped. “While it is true they didn't fully appreciate my designs, I did pressure them into telling me. I appreciate the fact they were honest and told me exactly how they felt. The dresses were theirs after all.”

He nodded softly and chuckled. “Sometimes I think you may be a bit to generous. You're the only mare I know who could have her designs insulted by a bunch of normal ponies and rather than getting furious, actually bend over backwards to make their designs. No matter how ridiculous their concepts were.”

Rarity glowered at him, “They are NOT just normal ponies. They are my friends and some of the greatest ponies I've ever met! You should get to know them before you say things like that about them!”

“Easy, easy! I didn't mean anything like that!” he said as he held up his hooves defensively. “I'm sure they're all amazing mares. Like that Pinkie Pie you told me you were with. You keep avoiding questions about her though. Come on, you can tell me.”

Rarity blushed a little then. “Well, it's... She's unique. Adorable. Kinda needy sometimes but she makes the most amazing treats. I can't tell you how much I've had to increase my work out regiment since we started dating. She's pleasantly plump and just... mmmm... delicious...” she looked off a little bit as she thought about her little pink cotton candy mare back home. “Great at cheering me up but has problems with understanding alone time. Very easily excited and... you know we've been talking about me far to much. How about we talk about you now? Whatever happened to Love Tap?”

“Ah... Love Tap. She was...” he shook his head and looked down. “Our relationship... She was really not... good for me. You know how jealous she always was about you and me hanging out...”

Rarity nodded slowly with a cocked eye. “I remember her once chasing me off with a hot iron.”

“Yeah... Turns out she was like that with every pony I hung out with. Every time I went anywhere she'd accuse me of cheating on her, or she'd yell at me. Then if I so much as asked her where she was going she'd get mean and just...” he nudged his drink a little. “It got to the point I'd cringe whenever she came around because I was afraid she'd start yelling at me again. I uhhh, technically never even broke up with her... I just... Left my share of the rent, packed up my things and ran.”

“You ran?! Was it really that bad?” Rarity asked, her mouth open in shock.

“A lot of the times, yeah. I just never really felt... happy with her.”

“... She didn't hit you, did she?”

“What? No! Of course not!” he said with a nervous squirm.

“You never hit her?”

“NO! I'd never, why would you even, I mean, we had tried spanking once or twice but, never, I mean... errr...”

“Well, I mean you did meet her because of the things we designed. A lot of the ponies who are into those kinds of things are, well... you know...”

“... You know, I wouldn't expect you of all ponies to say that. I know you never really tried any of the... Never mind. Just... Never mind,” he said with a slight glare. “Let's just talk about you friend again, okay? I don't want to talk about this.”

“I... I guess...” Rarity mumbled as she stared at the table. A few moments later their food arrived and the two nervously poked at it.

“I'm sorry, Rarity...” Enigma mumbled as he nudged his pasta around on the plate. “I didn't want to get into a fight... I just wanted my old friend back...”

“... I told you already. I'm not the mare I was back then. I've changed, I don't make those any more.”

“I know,” he mumbled as he glanced down. “That doesn't mean we still can't be friends, does it? I missed you... I know that was the main thing where our interests aligned but I'd still like to get to know other aspects of your life.”

“... Fine,” she mumbled softly as she nudged her lean rose salad. “I'm in town for a little bit so I guess we can talk a bit. So how has business been? Remember I'm only asking as a friend though. Not as some pony interested in trying again.”

“Amazing,” he said with a chuckle. “I actually have client's through out the country and am currently in the midst of designing a couple outfits for the founder of this establishment.”

That made Rarity blink a few times. “Wait, I think I saw some pictures on the wall when we came in. Isn't she like... fifty?”

“Seventy-eight actually. Why?”

Her face turned bright red as she focused her gaze firmly on a random piece of broccoli. “What? Oh, no reason. No reason at all. I was just, errr, nothing.”

“What? You thought she was to old to have an active sex life?” he asked with a smirk. “You know, the elderly have just as much-”

“Don't! Wanna know!” she squeaked as she struggled to keep steam from blowing out of her ears.

“Are you sure? Considering the things she sometimes special orders and her-”

“Shush! Or I'll throw my salad at you. All of it. On your head. You'll look ridiculous.”

“You wouldn't,” he said with a mischievous grin. “If you did you'd get covered in pasta. Mine has cheese as well, you'd take hours to get it out of your hair.”

“I see... I guess this means we're at an impasse...” she said with a glare before sighing. “Fine. I won't throw my salad at you.”

“Awwww. I was kinda hoping you would. Woulda been just like old times,” he said with a soft snicker.

“I did it one time and you completely deserved it,” she grumbled as she chewed on a slice of tomato angrily.

“You were being fillyish,” he teased.

“I was right, wasn't I?”

“... Yeah. Was still quite fillyish,” he then grinned at her. “You're smiling.”

“I am not!”

“Yes you are. It's angry, but I can see it. So, how have your dresses been selling?”

“Wonderfully! They are just... I've already had over a dozen orders in the first few hours alone,” she lied.

“Oh... In that case, do you think you could make something for Jadewing and Silverchain? I'd love to get them matching outfits as an anniversary gift. I couldn't imagine any pony who could do a better job.”

“Jadewing and Silverchain? Oh, are those the twins you were talking about before?”

He nodded with a blush. “Y-yeah. They aren't... really twins. I just tell people that because they act like it sometimes. You've never quite been yelled at for leaving the toilet seat up until you've had it in stereo,” he said with a soft snicker.

“Oh? They yell at you a lot too?”

“What? NO! I mean, well, sometimes when I deserve it. But, no, they are NOTHING like Love Tap was. They actually work in the same business as me. I've been working with Silver Chain on a special loin cloth that Madame Lah Creme wanted attached to-” BAM! His head whipped back as Rarity's salad bowl smacked into him. It clattered to the floor as a few pieces of broccoli and corn fell from his mane.

The seamstress merely dabbed the napkin against her mouth before glancing back at the stallion. “Perhaps we should move along to dessert, no? I think I've had quite my fill and it seems you have as well.”

Pinkie darted about the shop, rapidly getting the long line snaking out of Sugar Cube corner dispersed. Fortunately the pain in her hoof had dimmed considerably so she was able to easily hand out pastries and other snacks to the hungry ponies. She hummed happily as the line soon gave way to a small hoofful of eaters. In fact it was only three more and they were three of her favorite little fillies in the whole wide world!

“Hi girls!” she said with a happy grin as she looked them over and tried to determine the best sweets for them today.

“Hi Pinkie!” Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Scootaloo, the founding members of the cutie mark crusaders, said in unison.

“Now, let's see... I'm guessing... Judging by the helmets, the fact you're dripping green slime everywhere and the block of wood currently glued to Sweetie's side you three were trying to go swamp skiing?”

The three eeped and gave each other shifty eyes before shaking their heads. After a few seconds under Pinkie's gaze they slowly began to nod and hang their heads.

“Okie dokey! How about you two go get cleaned up and when you get back I'll have some nice super delicious, super warm and super duper extremely yummy yum strawberry and cream-filled puff pastries.” They gasped in delight at the thought. “And if you promise to let me come next time you do something so fun, I'll share!”

The three fillies nodded rapidly before running out the door, leaving a trail of green slime behind them. The pink earth pony giggled as she went to get the mop. “Three orders of strawberry and cream-filled puff pastries!” she called back as she got to cleaning and happily humming to herself.

Before too long the pastries were up and she, the Cakes and the members of the cutie mark crusaders were happily eating away at the pastries. Mrs. Cake tapped on Pinkie's shoulder, “Dear, can I speak with you a moment?”

“Sure Mrs. Cake! What is it?” the happy mare said as she hopped behind the mare towards the kitchen. When the two were alone the older mare pulled out a drawer and took out an envelope.

“Well... Mr. Cake and I knew how much you'd end up missing Rarity so we got you a little surprise. Open, open!” the elderly mare said as she held the envelope out.

Pinkie popped the envelope open and let out a little gasp. Train tickets! “You... you got me tickets!”

“Yes dear. Now I don't know what we'd do without you but we figured we could let you go a few days without working here. The tickets are for Thursday so you should be arriving late that night. You'll be able to come back with her an- eek!” the earth pony stumbled back as Pinkie glomp tackled her, knocking them both to the ground.

“Thank you thank you thank you thank you!” she shrieked as she tightly hugged the mare and giggled happily. “I'll work extra super duper mega hard to thank you both! Thank you!”

“Oh, it's no trouble dear. Why, I remember when I was your age and Mr. Cake and I would... You can get off dear.”

“Oh! Right, sorry. Hee hee. She's going to be so surprised!”

Rarity sighed, to her surprise, sadly as the two parted ways. Despite the memories and life-style the stallion had ended up choosing she couldn't deny it felt good to see an old friend again. Dessert had been nice as well, though the strawberry-creme puffs made her think of her little cotton-candy mare back home.

Her little section was holding up as well as to be expected. Without her to guide ponies and lure them in she had received almost no attention. When she was there it didn't fair much better. No matter how she tried when she stood in front of ponies and told them about her outfits and designs, as well as a number of custom outfits she could make, all she could hear was Cuckoo Strait. Each and every word stabbing into her like a knife.

Fortunately that particular mare was no where in sight so while her energy and charisma were drastically wounded they weren't completely torn asunder yet. She even got two orders for outfits designed on her showcase number. As the day finally drew to a close, slow as molasses seeping between two boards, the mare gathered her paperwork and left as quickly as she could.

Six orders. That was all. The mare sighed as she nudged her papers about a bit. Six orders in two days of work. Granted, that was still a fair bit of money considering the prices some of them went for, it was no where near what she had hoped or expected. Her original goal had been dozens of dresses and a few noteworthy upper class sellers falling head over hooves for one of her dresses and purchasing the rights for well... As it was, it seemed her dream would never happen at this pace.

She hummed and wrote down two more names on her order list. Jadewing and Crimson Hoof. She chewed on the end of her pen for a moment as she tried to imagine what the two were like. She imagined two delicate waifs hanging on his every word and she rolled her eyes. Hopefully they wouldn't be as passive aggressive as Love Tap had been all those years ago. She rather disliked having to run from burning hot irons.

Her eyes were drawn to a small bag near the bed. She could hardly believe she forgot them. Her horn glowed as slowly one of her precious mare's sweet pastries hovered out from the bag and guided its way to her mouth. With a single bite she felt her energy and drive slowly replenishing and memories of her sugary treat who was such fun filling her mind. She happily put a hoof down and grinned. Tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow she was going to blow that entire event out of the water. They would purchase her dresses by the hundreds! No, they would buy her dresses FOR hundreds!

Wednesday

Rarity groaned softly as she curled up tightly in her nice, warm bed. Silk covers enveloped her in a sea of relaxation and comfort as the sun slowly peeked in from the window, heating her back. “I don't wanna get up...” she groaned in objection as she popped one of the cucumbers off her eyes and glanced towards the clock. Sadly, she had no choice if she wanted to be there when the exhibition first opened. With an objectionable groan she slid out of her bed and set about removing her face mask.

After a fair bit of time, and quite a few grunts of annoyance, the mare had showered, brushed her mane and cleaned up her room. She had brought her own pillows and blankets so the hotel's were stacked neatly in a corner while hers remained around her bed. Finally, after putting on a dazzling red dress with a golden hem, she stood in front of the mirror and smiled. “Okay Rarity. Today you are going to knock them out. You're going to sell a dozen dresses, custom fitted. You're going to show them just how amazing and talented you are. You. Can. Do. This!” she said proudly as she ran a hoof through her mane. After doing another quick check of her teeth the mare turned and trotted out the door, closing it behind her.

The city streets were filled to the brim with ponies walking, talking and working. To her satisfaction she noticed more than a few ponies heads turned in her direction and she couldn't help but smirk. She was beautiful, talented and an amazing designer! No matter what any pony said she was going to blow the roof off the event with her fabulous designs! Even if her hero thought they were garbage or belonged in the discount bin. She sighed as she trotted into the building and made her way to her small island.

Sitting down besides her dresses she glanced over towards the counter. While she did have plenty of materials for repairs she had left the majority of her resources back home. However, she still had one important package she brought with her on all trips. With a deep breath she slowly drew a thick notebook from under the counter, along with her pens.

The notebook was one of her greatest treasures as a designer. Every design, regardless if drawn on a drafting table or on a napkin, that she viewed as good enough was located in here. The notebook was filled with small plastic holders where years of hard work could be flipped through at a moments notice. She, of course, had a dozen others back home but this one was special. This was the one she showed her customers. Only her most fabulous work was within it. The back was filled with blank pieces of paper as she slowly tugged one out and drew her pens. She'd show them. She'd show them all just how amazing her work was!

She hummed softly as she started drawing the outline of the pony for it to go on. Earth pony, pink body, pink mane, p- her cheeks turned red as she shook her head. No! Bad Rarity! Dress! Not cotton-candy! She gripped a black pen in her magic, slowly beginning to draw the outfit with a hum. Perhaps she was making it a bit to tight, not the most comfortable gown. Ah, but then for true beauty sacrifices had to be made. She picked up a yellow pen as she chewed softly on the tip of her tongue. Form fitting, but still flowing around the back. The front was sleek and molded to the body while small dark wraps encircled each leg. Each hoof had-

“Interesting choices,” a voice said from in front of her.

“Huh?” she asked as she looked up. Her ears went flat as she dropped the pen. “M-miss S-Strait...” she squeaked.

“May I?” the earth pony asked as Rarity merely nodded. “Interesting color scheme. Darker than your colorful displays,” she said with a cocked eyebrow.

“W-well, I ummm, I-I was just doodling and...”

“No. It's... passable. Perhaps not for anywhere decent, but it could make a decent Nightmare Night costume. Better than your attempts to imitate a strutting peacock that you so flippantly display here.”

Rarity's mouth fell open as she felt the tears beginning to build up. “I... I see. I guess I... m-maybe use a few to m-many colors...”

“A few to many colors? Hon, my grandson uses to many colors when he draws a rainbow in kindergarten. You might as well mix all your jewels together and dump them on your dresses for how it looks.”

Okay, the unicorn couldn't contain herself then. Tears flooded down her face as she turned around, grabbed her notebook and ran, leaving the picture with the earth pony.

Cuckoo sighed as she watched the heart broken mare run off. She glanced down at the picture once more, cocking an eye as she folded it up neatly and slid it into her bag before walking to the next island.

“Can I... C-can we talk?” Rarity asked as she held the phone in her quivering hoof.

“Huh? Oh, sure. How about we meet at Leh Creme's? Jadewing is here too, want her to come so you can meet her?” Enigma's voice came out from the other end of the phone.

The unicorn let out a soft sigh before nodding and then realizing he couldn't see. “Oh... Yes. I'll get her measurements too... Can you bring a tape measure? Mine was... damaged,” she grumbled, unwilling to head back into the hall to grab it.

“Oh, no need for that. We actually have all of our measurements for... errr... other... things,” he said nervously, his blush almost audible.

“F-fine, I'll see you then,” the wounded mare said before clicking off the phone. She let out another deep sigh before looking into the mirror and forcing a smile. “Come on, Rarity. Pull yourself together. Look at you darling, your make up is running. You're a professional, act like it. You're just meeting a mare, showing her some designs, all of which are atrocious and, no no no! Stop it...” she said softly as she grabbed a napkin to dab at her eyes, before heading downstairs and out the back exit.

The streets were no longer packed, though still quite loud with ponies milling about. She hailed a carriage and hopped inside with a soft sigh and gave some quick directions to the driver. She then glanced out the window as the buildings passed her by, struggling to process her failure. She had to go back, she needed to get more dresses. She couldn't keep surviving like this, getting just a few customers for a few months and then be right back at square zero when the payments ran out.

She stroked the seat next to her and sighed. Maybe she should just give up. Even if it was her passion, not every pony could live their dream job. Another thought formed in her head. She could always just... ask for help from the princess. She'd saved Equestria at least twice! It wouldn't be to much to ask for a little funding. Maybe even a- NO! She slammed her hoof down in anger. “I am NOT a charity case. I'd rather live on the street than beg for bits,” she growled. Frankly it was one of the few things she had in common with her less... refined friend, Applejack. Neither of them would take a hoof out even if it meant they lost everything.

“Ahem, miss?” a voice called out, breaking her from her thoughts. “Are you okay? We've been here a while...”

“Huh? Oh! Sorry, right... Thank you,” she mumbled as she hopped out of the carriage and paid her fare. The building was almost exactly as she remembered it, though far less busy and with no line. She walked to the front entrance and smiled, “I'm here to see Enigma?”

“Ah yes, mademoiselle. He's called ahead and will be a little late, but please come with me,” the door pony said with a smile as he led her off to the same table as before. She sighed and took a seat, glancing around nervously at the assortment of guests. While they were still quite varied, more than half the tables were empty. Not to surprising given the time though.

She slowly glanced at the wine list and sighed. Well, she was having a tough week, she deserved this. After the waiter arrived she smiled and motioned to the top of the list. “I'll have a glass of the Cherry family '07,” she said with a smile before glancing back out towards the city. “Oh Rarity... What are you going to do with yourself... This was supposed to be your big break and you spend it running around the city and hiding from your hero...” she grumbled.

The unicorn sighed and laid her hooves on the table and rested her head. She felt miserable and she wanted her little cotton-candy mare to snuggle and cuddle. She wondered if the mare back home was thinking of her. She missed the scent of cinnamon in her mane, the taste of sugar on her lips, the sight of flour covering her coat.

“Rarity? Are you okay?” Enigma's voice asked from behind her.

“Huh?” she quickly sat up and turned to face him. “What? No! I'm fine! I'm, errr, hello,” she said softly as she stared at the pegasus mare that stood next to her friend. The mares coat was a light blue and her mane and tail were stripes of different tones of hot pink. Her wings however were jade green. “I'm guessing you must be Jadewing.”

“Uh huh...” the mare said as she moved closer. Enigma just stared, his mouth open.

“What's wrong? Is there something on my face? Huh? Hey!” she cried out as her hoof was grabbed by the pegasus and she was quickly dragged off. “What are you, hey, stop!”

“...” the pegasus didn't stop, instead dragging the struggling mare into the restroom.

“What the hay are you doing?” she asked in agitation.

“Sorry, Enigma doesn't do well around that,” the mare said as she motioned to Rarity's face. The confused mare looked in the mirror and let out a gasp of shock. Her makeup was running again. Had she started crying again? Oh by Celestia's mane he saw... Thankfully she didn't wear much makeup, just enough to frame her better features, so the damage was far less severe than it could have been, though still quite obvious. She grabbed some paper towels and worked at removing the last of it. At least her eye lash extensions were safe.

“Ugh... I can't believe you saw that, I wish I could die...” Rarity mumbled as she tossed the paper towel in the trash.

“No, it happens. I kinda understand but... listen,” she said as she moved in close. “You're pretty and all, but Enigma isn't going to leave us any time soon and Silverchain isn't looking for another pet. I'd give up and try to find some other stallion to have a crush on.”

Rarity stared at the mare for a few seconds before bursting into laughter. “What? Me and him? Oh no no no no. That had nothing to do with him. I've been having a... terrible week...” she sighed before smiling again. “I thought I had cleared all that up before I got here though. I guess I should have checked in here first...”

“Oh. Okay then! Come on, he's probably having an anxiety attack with us running off like that. Probably thinks I'm dangling you out the window by your hooves or something,” she joked, at least the unicorn hoped it was a joke.

“Of course,” the seamstress said as she trotted out of the bathroom, keeping her head high and fake smile strong. “Sorry about that, Enigma,” she said as she took a seat across from him. Jadewing took a seat besides him and pulled him against her side.

“I-It's quite alright. I ummm... is everything okay? I mean, with the exhibition I thought you'd feel great. I hear even Cuckoo Strait was there and-” he stopped as he noticed her smile crumble. “She wasn't?”

“S-she's t-there...” the little fashionista said with a quivering lip.

“She is? Then why are you so upset? She's your hero! I thought she was one of your favorite designers ever?”

“S-she... looked at my work and just... she...” the mare shook her head. “No! I don't... I don't want to talk about it. Let's just... Right...” she took a deep breath and pulled out her binder and slid it across the table. “Miss Jadewing, was it? Here are a number of designs I sell. Let me know if a-anything catches your eye.”

The mare nodded and flipped through them as she cocked an eye. “These all seem pretty good. How long have you been designing these?”

“Oh, since I was a filly. I got my cutey mark from it in fact,” she said as she tried to relax and sipped her tea.

“I see, I see,” the mare paused as she pulled the book closer. “So, does this binder have all your designs in it, or is it just one of a bunch of duplicates?”

“What? Well, I have others, but that is my spotlight binder. All of my best outfits and designs go in it, why?”

“So, you take it with you everywhere?” the mare asked with a mischievous smile.

“Well, not everywhere, but I do take it quite frequently. Why?”

“Okay,” she pulled it close then glanced up. “So are you Mistress Diamond Gleame?”

The unicorn's eyes nearly bulged out of her head as she whipped around to glare at Enigma. “You told her?!! You swore to me you'd never tell anyone! How could you?!”

“Jadewing, why, you can't, I never did! I swear!” Enigma floundered, getting to his hooves and looking panicked.

“Give me that back, I'm leaving now!” she yelled, her eyes squinted in rage as she felt more tears going down her face.

“Easy, easy! Calm down, he never told me! I figured it out!” Jadewing said as she held the binder close.

“Horse feathers! He told you, didn't he? I should have known you'd ne-”

“SIT DOWN!” Jadewing yelled as her wings flared out. Her voice was so firm and powerful the unicorn found herself sitting back down instantly and staring meekly. “Now, as I was saying. He never told us. Though I'll be honest, it was kind of obvious. We knew he used to work with her, but he told us he promised never to tell anyone so we couldn't press the issue,” she reached out a hoof to Enigma's side and pulled him close. “Then, every time you ended up in the paper he'd talk about you, but he could never really explain who you were except as an old friend. We put two and two together quickly enough.”

“I... but... secret...” Rarity squeaked softly.

“Hon, you made some of the best outfits any pony ever saw! If you hadn't done all your work through Enigma here you'd probably be hounded daily, as it is I doubt we're the only ponies who figured it out. Heck, a lot of ponies would probably give their manes to know who you are,” the pegasus said with a little snicker as her tail flicked back against Enigma's side, who shifted nervously in his chair.

“O-oh... I guess... Sorry I yelled at you, Enigma,” she mumbled softly before drinking down the rest of her wine in one gulp, though she was beginning to wish she had something stronger.

“So, knowing all this I only have one question for you...”

“What?” Rarity asked nervously, dread filling her as she prepared for the blackmail.

“Make me something like your old lines! Please please pleaaaaaaaase!” the mare begged, actually putting her hooves together and shaking them.

“I... what? No! I will not! I already told Enigma I won't-”

“We'll pay you twice your normal rate! No, ten times as much!” the mare begged. “Please? Pretty please? With sugar and strawberries with whipped cream on top?”

“I told you, I won't. It's not about the money, it's... wait, ten times?” she blinked a few times and did some mental calculations. At that price it could afford her more than a few payments on her boutique. Also considering the time saved. “I... I don't know... You do know my normal rates, yes?”

“Yes! Enigma told me!” she grinned with pure excitement. “Please? Just two things! One for me, one for Silverchain and we'll pay ten times for each!”

“I'm not sure Silverchain will go for that,” Enigma interjected. “Remember what happened last time you went wild buying a bunch of things on m-bay? She was furious.”

“She'll understand! Besides she said I could go up to twenty times per outfit if she was Diamond Gleame. Could you imagine? A custom design from her, one of a kind!” the pegasus said excitedly, practically hoping out of her chair.

“Twenty times?” Rarity asked with a cocked eyebrow.

“I... Oh. Oops, eh heh heh...” Jadewing squeaked as she poked her hooves together nervously.

“See, this is why we make you stay at home when we speak to clients,” Enigma muttered as he shook his head.

“Really? I thought that was because the time I told the Cutsinhoof's how when you were in bed that I could barely tell you weren't a mare,” the pony rebutted.

“I... you... that... I don't... why would you...” Enigma flustered as he looked down, looking quite hurt at the attack.

“Oh honey,” Jadewing said as she moved over and wrapped her hooves around his neck. “I was just playing, you know that. You know I think you're really adorable and snuggly and totally obviously a stallion when we play. Now come on, who's a big strong stallion? Yes you are, yes y-”

“Ahem,” Rarity interrupted as she attempted not to gag, though she couldn't help but enjoy the pegasus's random behavior. She wondered why. “I tell you what. I like to think I'm a fairly generous mare so I will make these outfits for... fifteen times my normal value.”

“Yes!” the pegasus shrieked as she jumped up, accidentally landing on Enigma and bringing them both crashing to the floor. “Ow.”

“But there are some conditions,” the unicorn warned as she glanced down to them. “First, we are in public so stop acting like hot and bothered school students.”

“It's not me! It's her! Hey!” Enigma shrieked as the pegasus used him as a makeshift sofa, laying on his back.

“Okay, go on,” the pony said with a smile.

“Second, you tell no pony. If you really must, tell them I mailed them or something and you have no idea who the real Mistress Diamond Gleame is. I don't want some pony knocking on my door a month from now asking for... that long gone persona.”

“Easy enough! Any others?”

“Yes. I have a room at the Golden Egg hotel. Come by tonight with your uhhh... Miss Silverchain and we can discuss a few things. If all goes well I should have some outfits drawn up by tomorrow night, which you can come and take a look at. Are these terms acceptable?”

“Okey dokey lokey! Thank you! You are the best ever!” the mare said as she lunged at the unicorn, who was to stunned to evade, and hugged her in a tight hug.

“I... uhhh... okay. I ummm... Okay?” she squeaked softly as she patted the mare's head. “Please stop causing a scene...”

“Oh, right, heh heh,” she quickly darted back to the other side of the table and sat down in the chair, allowing Enigma to finally get up.

“So, I must admit you aren't quite how I envisioned you,” Rarity said as she glanced through the menu again.

“Oh? How did you envision me?”

“Well, energetic to be sure, but less enthusiastic.”

“Why?” she snickered softly. “Did you imagine I would be hanging off Enigma's leg, fawning over him?”

“Well, to be quiet honest...” she shifted nervously as she thought about Fleur Dis Lee who hung off Fancy Pant's leg during their occasional encounters.

The pegasus snickered and nudged Enigma, who was busy blushing and sipping from his water. “Actually he does most of the hanging off legs. He's our trophy stallion, but don't tell anyone I said that,” the mare said with a wink.

“Ah, I see. I guess that would make... you the dominant in the relationship then?” Rarity asked with a light snicker.

“With him, yeah. Sometimes. Why, what's so funny?” she asked with a glare.

“What? No, nothing. I just am trying to imagine him walking around in a girdle...” the unicorn said with a snicker as they stared back with confused looks. “Oh, something a pony back in Ponyville did once he lost a bet. It was oddly adorable watching him trying to... nevermind. So, you never told me how you met each other. Do tell,” Rarity said as she brought her wine, freshly filled, to her lips again.

“Oh, well you see it was in the middle of winter so...”

Pinkie hummed as she lightly put her helmet on.

“Boots?” a soft voice asked from behind the mare.

“Check,” she responded.

“Helmet?”

“Check.”

“Parachute?”

“Check.”

“Rubber ducky?”

“Check!”

“Okay! Scoots, let 'er rip!” Apple Bloom yelled as she shoved a log out of the way. The small red wagon the pink mare sat in started to roll slowly down the hill. A long rope, held by Pinkie, was pulled taut as a buzzing sound filled the air. At the end of the rope Scootaloo stood on her scooter, wings flapping and rope in her mouth, as it flew down the hill pulling the wagon behind her. At the bottom of the hill was a tall wooden ramp.

They hit the ramp full speed, sending the filly into the air as the mare followed suit a moment later. At the peak of the jump Scootaloo lost her grip on the rope with a squeak and tried to grab it again, but it flew out of range behind her. As she landed she darted to the side as the wagon, now empty, flew by. A loud splash could be heard behind her as she looked over towards the ramp and the small pond she flew over, which was now covered with a large opened parachute.

“Errr, Pinkie? Are you okay?” she asked softly. “Maybe this wasn't such a good idea...”

After a few moments there was a quack and a giggle as the center of the parachute began to rise. “Mmmmmrrrrffffmmmm mmmffff!”

“Pinkie! I can't hear you through... wait, how did we even hear the, never mind. Take off the parachute!” Scootaloo yelled as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle came running down the hill.

“Is she okay?!” Sweetie asked as her voice cracked, eyes wide with panic.

“We saw everything! Why did you spit out the rope?!” Apple Bloom asked as the two small fillies ran to the edge of the ramp.

“I didn't mean to! I lost my grip and it flew out! Pinkie!”

After a few more moments the parachute was shoved aside as the rubber ducky floated away. Pinkie chuckled and smiled. “I don't think parasailing is going to work,” she said as she climbed out and glanced to the fillys. “But that's what these tests are for!”

“Do you think we should have tried a bigger lake?” Scootaloo asked as a shriek rang out from down the hill. “Ah! The wagon!”

“Oh no!” Apple Bloom yelled as the three fillies ran down the hill towards the source of the scream.

Pinkie watched them run away before pulling herself and the parachute from the water and unhooking herself. She took a step forward and cringed as pain shot up her hoof, dropping out from under her and making her stumble face first into the ground. The pain died down after a few moments as she looked at her hoof closely. It was just a little red so she sighed and slowly got up and gingerly placed weight on it, not feeling any pain. With a shrug she galloped after the others, to make sure every pony was okay.

Rarity hummed softly as she drew all manners of outfits in her binder, occasionally chewing on the end of the pen before drawing again. She didn't know why but she felt... soothed. Probably more relaxed than she'd been her entire trip. She'd managed to even sell four more dresses today, bringing her total to ten and two 'special' outfits.

She'd already drawn up a number of different outfits for the pegasus, many designed to accentuate her power and control over the unicorn stallion the mare kept close. Pleather was of course the fabric of choice, but she couldn't help but draw up a few outfits with velvet. After all, velvet was a sign of royalty at one point and she imagined the mare did have a gentler, smooth side. On the other hoof, pleather was traditional.

From there there were a number of different things to consider. The positioning of the wings, should they be allowed to move freely? Wrapped in tight fabric to make them more imposing, possibly with jewels engraved along the edges? Maybe hidden completely, to give the mare a more earth pony appearance to subject the unicorn to a more lower class of- her cheeks turned bright red as she shook her head rapidly.

This was one of the reasons she got away from such work! It was exciting, dangerous, taboo! Unrefined, the kind of thing an upper class mare such as herself should have never think of, let alone designed! Imagine if any pony back home heard of such things, the scandal would be disasterous. She pulled from the notebook, now holding a number of different designs, and walked to her bathroom. A quick splash of water to the face and a drink of icy water and the mare was back to her old self, calm, collected, totally not imagining such... naughty acts.

A sudden knock on the door made the mare shriek as she dove to the notebook and slammed it shut before shoving it under her pillow. She glanced at the clock and gasped, it was almost midnight! She got back a little after nine, had she really been working on those outfits for so long?

A second knock drew her back to reality as she trotted towards the door. “Coming,” she called out as she opened the door. Unsurprisingly Enigma and Jadewing were standing there. A bit surprising was the silver-maned, purple coated earth pony that stood between them. “Errr, you must be miss Silverchain. A pleasure to meet you, please come in,” she motioned inside as the mare merely nodded and walked inside. “So um, can I-”

“So you are Mistress Diamond Gleame?!” the earth pony asked as she suddenly got right in Rarity's face, staring into her eyes intensely.

“Y-yes?” the unicorn squeaked out as she cowered slightly from the intense gaze. The other mare wasn't that big, only an inch or so taller than the fashionista and a bit wider, but the way she stared made Rarity feel like Apple Bloom being scolded by Big Mac. It took all her willpower not to whimper and try to hide under the bed.

“Interesting...” Silverchain said as she reached out and poked the unicorn's horn. “Well my little Enigma has told me plenty about you. How brilliant and talented you are. I'd love to see some of your designs.”

“Huh? Oh, ummm, right, sure... O-One moment...” she said as she scurried, something she never dreamed she would do, towards the bed and pulled out the binder. “I-I've come up with a n-number of designs for miss Jadewing that I think will do nicely. I ahhh, ummm, h-here...” she opened it and held it out to the mare, floating with the use of her magic.

“I see...” the pony mumbled as she slowly flipped through the pages. She didn't say a word as she slowly went through the papers. Enigma and Jadewing sat besides her and just a bit back, looking around nervously as the earth pony went about examining them. Rarity smiled a bit as she watched the two, at least there was no confusion over which of the three of them was the top pony, so to speak, as the others stood about like nervous royal guards.

After a few more moments the mare closed the book and glanced to Rarity. The unicorn poked her hooves together and gulped, “Y-yes?”

“Well, they are quite good. I did enjoy the outfit with the topazes and I imagine little Jadewing would get hours of enjoyment out of using them on Enigma,” she paused as the mentioned unicorn let out a little eep, “though I can't really say I'm surprised. I figured the way he talked about you that you had to be quite good. After all, my little unicorn doesn't just admire random ponies.”

“So ummmm,” Rarity said with a little blush. “Any particular outfit you're looking for, or would you prefer I try to design something unique,” she paused for a moment, “Though I'd prefer you to be as detailed as possible. I'd rather not spend time designing your dress and then finding out you wanted it... ugh... cooler.”

“Hmmm... cooler could be useful. Once or twice we've used hot wax and the dunge-”

“Okay! To much information!” the unicorn shrieked as she looked away. “I-I'll just... g-get to work on this... c-come on back later tomorrow night, okay? I should have some done,” she squeaked.

“Of course, dear,” she said as she turned and walked away, the other two following her. Once the door closed behind them she burst into giggles. “Oh she was just adorable. A part of me is tempted to try and claim her as my own. Maybe replace our other unicorn.”

“W-what? But, but,” Enigma squeaked. “She's not even, she doesn't, eep!” he squeaked pitifully as he was yanked into the mares hug.

“Shhhh, calm down darling. You know I'd never replace either of you,” she said as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You're far to adorable when you're upset not to tease though,” she said as they walked out through the exit.

The mare minding the front desk glanced up and rolled her eyes. “I swear some ponies have no tact...” she mumbled as she went back to her crossword.

Thursday

Rarity groaned as the sound of her buzzing alarm jarred her awake. Slowly she lifted her head from the drawing board and shook her mane. Climbing out of her chair she let out another soft groan as she stretched out her back. “That was not the wisest move, Rarity darling... I really must not allow myself to get carried away like that again. Chairs are for working, not for sleeping in...” she grumbled as she walked to the bathroom and began her morning rituals.

Once she was sufficiently tended to the mare trotted out of the bathroom with a skip in her step while humming a happy tune. With a quick dressing the mare tossed her necessities into her bag and walked out. “Gooood morning,” she called out in a happy tone as she walked by the front desk. The stallion merely grunted a response as he sipped his coffee.

The sun simmered down on her as she walked through the city, ponies milling about on their busy schedules. She glanced up and saw the sky was completely clear, a beautiful sunny day and, to her pleasure, it matched her mood. She kept her head high as she trotted through the streets, once or twice even breaking out in a little prance.

Her happy mood lasted until she arrived at the exhibition. The doors outside were packed with ponies pushing up against the glass as they tried to catch a look inside, though the locks kept them out. She slowly walked around back and glanced at the two ponies there as she trotted forward. “Is something the matter? What is all this excitement about?”

“No idea, miss. Just some VIP coming about or something. Probably a movie star or somethin'. You'll wanna hurry up and get all your things settled if yah wanna make a good impression,” the pony said gruffly. She nodded and darted inside.

The hall was abuzz with activity as she made her way to her section. Every pony was working to make their dresses and designs stand out and the din was so loud it made her ears hurt. She looked around, but she didn't see any pony who seemed quite VIP material. She took out her design book and started to uncover her dresses when suddenly a loud crash went off behind her. The unicorn turned around and saw a few islands down from hers a young mare's ponyquin had come crashing down to the ground. The mare in question looked near in tears as she struggled to pick up her dress and put the thing back together.

The outfit in question seemed quite similar to one of the Averchrome lines. In fact, it looked more like a suit of armor than actual clothing. Silver, gold and black steel were forged into a design similar to that of the royal guards. It held both an attachment for wings and for one's horn. The entire design made Rarity cringe at what the weight must have been as she looked around. No pony moved to help the poor mare so with a sigh the unicorn trotted towards her.

“Are you okay, miss?” she asked as she moved across from the mare and used her magic to help lift the behemoth outfit.

“What? Yes, I, I'm fine. I-I have everything under control,” the mare said from behind wet eyes. She was a unicorn, though her horn seemed a bit small considering she seemed at least as old as Rarity with only half the horn. Both her coat and hair were a dark silver color and her cutey mark was an anvil.

“Are you sure dear? There's nothing wrong with asking for help,” she said softly as she held out a hoof.

“I-I'm fine! It's... it's just the stupid ponyquin's fault! I just tried to add a few extra things to it and it just, it just fell apart! I've already gone through five! They won't let me have another one...” the mare said through teary eyes.

“I... I see. Well... I currently have quite a few I could lend you one. You will need to lighten the load however. I believe nearly any would crumble under such a design. It is quite... powerful. Are you sure a normal pony could bear it?”

“H-huh? R-really?” the mare blushed and nodded. “W-well. No, n-not this one. But this isn't meant for normal ponies! This one is for... well... you know about the guest, right?”

Rarity's eyes went wide. “Oh yes! Right! We must move quickly, come along!” she called back as she trotted quickly towards her island and glanced around her dresses. With a sad sigh she removed one she had built primarily with cerulean colored stones and gripped the ponyquin in her magic. “Come along, darling. We'll need to move quickly if we are to get this right...”

With a bit of heavy lifting and a few quick adjustments to the outfit soon the large metal creation was standing tall and proud at the center of the island, surrounded by images of other metallic designs. Rarity glanced at one of them before glancing back to the mare. “So long as it just holds the outer layer of the outfit it should be fine. By any chance, are you affiliated with Gunichi zah-”

The mare's eye twitched a little bit as she interrupted. “No. I am not. Though every pony asks me that. Every single one. She wasn't the first to use metals in her designs, you know. As a matter of fact, metals in outfits have existed as far back as the founding of Equestria. The pegasi alone had over a thousand different types of armor depending on position and rank. I just happen to be a big fan of those designs.”

“I... I see,” Rarity said with an awkward cough as she looked off to the side. “I suppose I should, ahhh, leave you to it. Just be certain not to... why is it so quiet?” she asked as she glanced around. The din had gone completely silent. The mare she was talking to was staring past the unicorn now, mouth agape. Slowly the mare gulped and turned around.

Behind her stood a pony that towered over her. The pony's coat was a very dark blue with a mane and tail that flowed likea thick night sky colored liquid, with small dot like stars poking through it. On her back was a pair of large wings and on her forehead was a long horn that put the smaller unicorn's to shame. Around the mare's neck she wore a black wither guard with a crescent moon across it and on her head stood a black crown. The alicorn princess, Luna.

“Y-your highness!” she shrieked as she brought her head down in a bow so fast her horn gouged the floor. She heard a similar sound and she imagined the mare behind her did the same. “I... I-I...”

“Hello again, miss Rarity,” the princess said softly. “You may rise.”

Rarity gulped as she looked up at Luna with wide eyes. “W-what brings you here? I mean, you are a princess and may go as you please. D-don't think I'm questioning your motives or anything. I mean, I'm just curious because I never thought I'd see you of all ponies here. I mean, because you're the princess! Not that you don't have good fashion sense, I just, eep,” she went silent as the alicorn merely raised a hoof.

“You need not worry so. I am merely making an appearance at a number of events through out Equestria,” she then glanced off to the side. “It is not as if I blew up one of our towers after my dear sister played a childish prank when she awoke me and I am now trying to hide for shame...” she grumbled under her breath.

“I'm sorry princess, I didn't quite catch that?”

“Huh? Oh. I was just mentioning how once I heard one of the elements of harmony had come to attend this event I very much wished to visit thee. You. Visit you,” the princess said as her eyes shifted. “These are your garments, correct?”

“Errr... no. I was ummm just helping... helping...” Rarity turned around and looked from side to side. “She was here a moment ago. Her outfit had fallen over and I was merely helpin... oh dear. I believe she has fainted your highness...” the unicorn said as she finally caught sight of the other designer. She lightly nudged the mare with a hoof before gulping. “She uhhh, really did wish for you to see her designs though.”

“Ah yes, of course. I will take care to examine her garments in great detail before the day has ended. I would first like to see yours however,” the princess said with great gusto as a number of ponies gathered around them. They stayed a few feet back due to the royal guards, but still got as close as they could.

“Oh, yes, errr... please come with me your highness,” Rarity mumbled as she led the alicorn to her island. She then face hoofed as she realized her error. “I'm afraid I haven't had much time to prepare. You see, I was helping the other mare and-”

“Think nothing of it, Miss Rarity. As the element of generosity I cannot say I am surprised to find you so graciously helping other ponies in need.”

The unicorn's cheeks turned bright red as she moved her workbook in front of the princess. “H-here are m-my designs. F-feel free to look through it while I f-finish preparing...” she squeaked as she turned and got to work. Nearly every pony working at the exposition was now crowded around her tiny island, staring wide eyed as the princess went through the design.

A sudden shriek drew Rarity's attention back to the book. Luna was holding it out from her face, wide eyed and mouth open. “Do... do ponies... w-wear such things in public?”

The unicorn stared at the alicorn for a few moments before her eyes went wide. “O-oh no... not... I didn't... take... those out...” she let out a shriek as her horn glowed and she tried to rip the binder from the horrified princess's grasp. The two struggled for a moment before the workbook was sent hurtling through the air and straight into the midst of the gathered ponies.

The crowd practically erupted as ponies scrambled to see what it was that disturbed the princess so. Within moments ponies were shrieking, gasping and whispering amongst themselves in hushed tones while glancing towards the fashionista. Rarity looked between the princess and the crowd as tears began to slide down her face. Finally she let out a cry of despair before turning and running from the debacle. Through the hall, out the back exit and through the city. Her sparse make-up ran down her cheeks, but she couldn't bring herself to stop and fix it.

Far from the turmoil, in the city of Ponyville, a different sort of chaos occurred. Sugarcube Corner was filled end to end with ponies as the pink blur darted around serving all she could. A few ponies kept glancing at their watches or tapped their hooves as they waited.

“Pinkie? Is something wrong? I've been waiting over twenty minutes. It never takes this long,” a mint green pony with a single strip of white through her mane and tail asked.

“Sorry, Lyra, we're just experiencing a few minor difficulties!” Pinkie said as she dashed to a nearby table and dropped some drinks on it. “Here, sorry for the wait, every ponies pastries should be ready soon!” she said as she made a dash towards the kitchen. She pushed open the doors and looked around, “Is it almost fixed?”

“Almost!” Mr. Cakes said from under a nearby stove on his back. “Of all the times for the blasted thing to give out...” he grumbled as suddenly a burst of smoke shot out from under it. The earth pony slowly slid out, his entire face aside from his eyes covered in black soot. He grabbed a nearby towel and wiped his face before sighing. “I hate to say it, but she's a goner.”

Mrs. Cake darted by with a hot tray of apple fritters held in her mouth with an oven mouthpiece. She dropped them on the counter before darting back to the counter and grabbing the rolling pin. “Well, we'll just have to work extra hard then! We still have the other stove so we'll just need to get through the breakfast rush and then go see if we can get Greased Hinge to come take a look at it.”

“Now dear,” Mr. Cake said with a shuffling of his hooves, “we don't need Greased Hinge coming by. I'm sure with a bit more time I can-”

“We're getting him out here as soon as our rush is over. Now get over here and take care of the mousse while I prepare the pies!” she snapped as she waved the rolling pin threateningly.

“Yes dear, coming dear,” the stallion said with a chuckle as he moved to help her with the desserts.

Pinkie giggled as she tossed the cooling fritters into small bags before darting out of the kitchen. She quickly handed them out and got the ponies on their way while smiling to the other gathered ponies. “I'm super duper extra sorry about the wait, every pony. We're experiencing some small difficulties, but I promise we'll get every pony served as quickly as possible!” she said as she darted back to the kitchen. “How are the pies coming? The mousse? The tarts?”

“We're working on them! Mousse will be ready in five minutes!” Mr. Cake called back.

“Okey dokey lokey!” Pinkie said as she ran back out and cringed, pain shooting through her front right hoof as she stopped for a second. “Owie...”

“Hey! I've been waiting fifteen minutes out here!” a pony yelled.

“C-coming!” she yelled as she shook her hoof before running back out.

Rarity sobbed into her pillow as she laid in the hotel's bed. Her hooves and face were covered in sugar, cream and strawberries. The bag that once housed her special treats laid on the ground, empty and torn open. She buried her face in the facerest, her make-up now covering it. Occasionally she punched her hoof out into the cushion, so hard it made her shoulders hurt. “I'm the w-worst d-designer ever... I-I'll n-never touch a p-piece of fabric again,” she sobbed as she rolled onto her back and held the soft cushion over her face. After a few moments she finally let out a scream into the padding.

Slowly the mare rolled onto her side and looked at the phone. Her horn glowed as she lifted it up and began dialing. She quickly slammed it down. “No. No! You are... you are not a filly. Calling your mother won't help... you are a grown mare. You... you just have to decide what to do. Your career is ruined. The princess herself has seen your perverted designs, as have some of the greatest minds in the industry. By tomorrow this will be in every... every paper i-in Equestria. I'll... go into exile. Yes, I still have my exile packing list so I'll just go home and pack,” she said as she took a deep breath and glanced to the phone again. “Oh Celestia what will Pinkie think?” her cheeks turned bright red. “W-what if SHE wants to try some of those things?! I can't, I won't, I... I...”

Her horn glowed as she picked up the phone again and began dialing. After a few moments she was greeted by a busy signal and she let out another distraught wail. She slammed the phone down and went back to sobbing into her pillow. “P-Pinkie... I... I wish you were here... I just... I just don't want to be alone...” she cried before glancing towards the phone one more time. She then turned to the note Enigma had left her before as her horn began to glow one more time.

Pinkie stopped in the middle of the street and looked around. She then glared at the ground with a hmph. “Stupid plot,” she grumbled as she trotted towards a large building with a large cut out of an oil jug hanging over the door. She pushed open the door which, ironically, squeaked. “Greased Hinge?” she called out.

“Huh? Pinkie Pie, that you?” a voice called out from the back of the room. She glanced around at the shop. Wood cases, filled with all manner of tools and gadgets, were lined up. Opposite the door was a large open space filled with tools, boards of wood and a thick layer of sawdust. Besides those was a counter and behind that a door. From the door a large gray earth pony with a short greasy orange mane and tail trotted out. He had a small brown cloche hat on his head and a tool belt wrapped around his waist. “What brings you to my little shop today? Don't suppose you brought some of those...” he trailed off as the pink mare held out a small paper bag.

She tossed the bag on the counter and smiled at him. “We're having some troubles with our stove again. Mr. Cake tried to fix it, but he just got all sooty and pouty. Can you come by and take a look at it?”

“Well, I don't see why not. I'm a bit busy at the moment, working on Cherry Berry's balloon engine. Seems the darn thing can't keep a light. I'll probably be by in a few hours, okay?”

“Okey dokey lokey!” she said as she hopped off. “I'll see you then!” she called out as she hopped out from the shop and back towards Sugarcube Corner.

Rarity trembled in bed as she dialed the number again. As expected she received a busy signal again. She put the phone down for a few seconds before calling once again. “P-please some p-pony... just... just answer...” she said softly before finally shaking her head and gripping the phone with her magic. “AHHH!” she yelled before hurtling the thing across the room and shattering it against the wall.

Slowly she reached out and wrapped the blanket around herself as she wallowed in her misery. Before long she began to hear a pounding and she groaned. “It's not bad enough my life is over, I have to get a headache too?” she whined.

The pounding continued until she finally lifted her head up and glanced to the door. “Oh... of course. Who is it?” she called out.

“Miss, this is Cotton Spiel from the front counter. I've had a lot of complaints about noise and I just heard a crash come from here! Is everything okay?”

“I-I'm fine! I'm just, g-go away! I'm not feeling well...” she called back as she laid her head down on the pillow again.

“Miss, can you come to the door?” the pony called out.

“F-fine. I'm coming in, j-just hold your... whatever it is you hold!” she called out angrily as she climbed out of the bed and moved to the door. She swung it open and glared at the mare. “T-there, are you happy?!”

“... Miss, would you mind if I have a look around?”

“... What? Why do you want to look around?”

“We've had a lot of complaints from this room over the last few days. I just need to do a routine inspection...” the pony said softly as he glanced around.

“I... fine. Do whatever you like,” she grumbled as she moved aside.

The mare walked inside and his mouth fell open. “Miss, is that one of our phones? Did you throw it against the wall?!” she asked as she moved over to inspect the dent.

“I... yes. I wasn't feeling well and I... I was... a little flustered and I...” she said uneasily. “I'll pay for the damages...” she squeaked.

“I'm sorry ma'am, but this is the last straw,” the pony said as she glanced up. “I'm going to have to ask you to leave.”

“W-what? But... but I paid for another day...” the unicorn said softly as she stared at the mare.

“Miss, since you've been here you've refused to take service to have the room cleaned,” the mare started, “You constantly are having strange ponies sneaking in and out of your room. Strange letters, fits of rage, your own... sheets, disturbing our other guests. We'll refund you your last days costs, but you need to leave.”

“I... but... but I...” she squeaked as she stared in disbelief. “I... where will I go? I... I didn't do anything...”

“Miss if you refuse to leave I will have to call the authorities,” the mare warned, “We have your address on file and we will mail you bits, minus the costs of damage, within a couple of days.”

“The... the authorities?” she squeaked as images of her on the front paper of the daily gazette being dragged off by the police formed in her mind. “I... I'll leave...” she squeaked softly as she hung her head and began to gather her things. The pony merely watched with an annoyed look until Rarity walked out from her room and soon the building.

Pinkie laid besides the stove, holding a light so it cast the beam under the appliance, as she kept glancing nervously at the clock. “How is it looking?” she called down.

Greased Hinge called out from under it. “I think I found your problem! Some of the wires here have come loose and it's been causing a leak. Completely caked over now. Once I clean all this up and replace some of these wires it'll be right as rain. You okay up there?”

“Yes, I'm just, ummm, in a bit of a rush,” she mumbled as she glanced to her suitcase and ticket on the kitchen table.

“Well if yah got somewhere tah go you can-” the pony was cut off as the door slammed slammed shut across the kitchen. “-go...”

Pinkie dashed as fast as her little hooves could take her, occasionally glancing at the Ponyville clocktower. “Okay, Pinkie, you can do it! Just a little- yipe!” she shrieked as pain shot through her front right hoof again. She stopped for a few seconds and brought it up to her eyes. A narrow crack had formed down the hoof as she gulped. The mare glanced between her hoof and the clock a few more times before shaking her head and taking off again, thought only putting a little pressure on her hoof. “It'll be fine. Can't be late! Hee hee. I can't be late for my very important date,” she said with a giggle as the train station came into view.

A stallion with an orange mane and red coat sat behind a desk reading a paper in front of the train station. He glanced up as she came closer and for some reason a look of horror came over his face. His eyes bulged, mouth fell open and he began to sweat profusely. As she popped up to the counter, he gulped in fear. “H-hello again, Miss Pie. Errr, if you're here am I to guess Miss Rarity is returning?”

“Nopey dokey lokey! I'm going to visit her silly, didn't you see my suitcase?” she asked with a giggle. She then pulled out the ticket and held it out. “You should watch closer, Ticks.”

“What? She's... oh, of course!” Ticks said as he let out a sigh of relief and wiped some sweat from his brow. “Well the train should arrive any moment, would you like any help with your bags?”

“Nope! I got them!” she paused for a moment as her hoof rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “Though you should probably know. Rarity will be arriving home the day after tomorrow.”

“I'll alert my coworkers,” the pony said idly as he stamped her ticket. His eyes then went wide with horror. “Err, I mean no offense. We are always happy to take Miss Rarity where she needs to go! With her great... amount of necessities she travels with it is best that we are prepared.” Sweat began to bead on the ponies forehead as his smile twitched.

Pinkie merely giggled and reached out to boop his nose. “Don't worry, I won't tell any pony. Remember? I'm your best friend Pinkie Pie! I know how much you work and care,” she said as she hopped off.

Ticks watched her hop off before shaking his head and quickly writing a note before going back to his newspaper.

Pinkie sat down near the edge of the station and glanced around. Far off she could see the train quickly making its approach. “Hee hee. Don't worry, Rarity. I'll be there before you know it!”

Rarity gulped nervously as she looked towards the building hosting the exhibition. She paced nervously back and forth across the street. Her hair was a mess, her eyes puffy from crying and she was sweaty from hauling her luggage. “Come on, Rarity. You are a grown mare. You can do this. Just walk in, grab your dresses and leave. Head home and forget this ever happened. No pony is going to stop you. No pony is going to laugh at you. No pony is going to look at you and yell how you're the wretched creature with a binder filled with perverted designs and why did all this have to happen to me...” she whined as she banged her head on the wall a few times. “If only I had been paying attention... I should have remembered to take them out! Showing them to the PRINCESS of all ponies?!” she said with another pained groan. Ponies occasionally glanced at her and attempted to keep their distance as they passed the moping mare.

“Rarity?” a voice called out from behind her.

The unicorn's head whipped around as she saw her. Cuckoo Strait. Even worse, the earth pony had HER binder sticking out from a saddlebag.

“Oh dear...” the earth pony said as she looked the mare over. “What's- Rarity! Come back!”

Rarity shook her head and took off as more tears went down her face. She pushed and shoved through the crowds, uncaring about who she knocked over or pushed. A few ponies called out at her angrily, but she didn't care. Finally as her lungs began to burn she slowed down and turned, sweat falling from her body as she panted and wheezed. Cuckoo Strait was no where in sight.

“Rarity?” another voice said to her right.

“Leave me alone! I... oh,” she mumbled as she glanced over and saw Enigma. He was wearing a rather stunning black tux. Not that she'd ever be one to judge garments again. “H-hello, Enigma.”

“What happened? Are you okay?” he asked softly as he looked her up and down.

“I-I'm fine... I just... I was...” she mumbled as she shifted back a step.

“Why do you have all that luggage? I thought the exhibition didn't end until tomorrow?”

“I-I'm leaving...” she said softly as her hooves began to quiver.

“What? You are? Why? What's going on?” he took a step forward. “I figured you'd be there right now. I heard the princess was making an appearance and... and... Rarity? Are you crying?”

“I-I'm not crying! It's... it's... liquid shame...” she said with a whimper as she shook her head. “I'm just... going back there to g-grab my things a-and then I'm leaving...”

He frowned and held out his hoof. “How about you come with me, okay? My place is nearby and we can talk about it. How does that sound?”

“F-fine...” she mumbled as she slowly followed after him and tried to keep the wetness from bursting from her eyes. It wasn't long before they stood in front of a two story home, one of many in a neighborhood of similar homes. The walls were painted white, lawn was mowed and they even had a line of bushes separating it from the street. “You... live here?” she asked with her mouth open.

“Well, yeah. What did you think we lived in?” he asked as he waved at one of his neighbors, an older mare pruning her bushes.

“I honestly expected ponies to be walking around here dressed in bondage and a pony on a le... oh, there's one. No, wait. That's just some pony walking their dog...” she mumbled softly as she glanced about.

“... Of course,” he grumbled as he opened the door and stepped inside. Rarity followed him and glanced about. It opened into a small hall with a staircase down the hall that went up, a door on her right and then three open doorways to lead into a dining room, living room and a small private library. The walls had flower wall paper and a number of pictures of the three ponies who lived here.

Rarity stared and looked around as they walked, her mouth open slightly.

“Is something wrong?” the stallion asked with a slight smirk.

“What? No. Nothing. Your home looks... nice,” the mare said gently.

“Nothing you want to ask? Say?” he asked as he moved into the lounge and sat on a large green loveseat. He gently patted the cushion besides himself.

“Well... I mean... you errr... where is all your...”

“Our toys are downstairs and we share a work space upstairs. Here is our living space and it's really quite tacky to have naughty things laying about when we have guests. Especially considering how many of our guests have children,” he said with a snicker.

“I... I see...” she mumbled as she looked around some more as the shock slowly wore off. She dropped her luggage on the ground before taking a seat besides him.

“So... what happened?”

Rarity glanced down and put her hooves over her eyes. “It... it was horrible. T-those designs I d-drew for you and... and your... l-lovers. E-everypony saw them. I-I forgot to take them o-out of my w-workbook and I w-was really busy a-and they got out...” she sobbed as she felt the tears start up again.

“Now Rarity, I'm sure it's not that bad. Who care's if a few-”

“PRINCESS LUNA SAW THEM!” she screamed.

He eeped and rolled back a bit in the love seat as his eyes went wide. “N-now, I'm sure she didn't-”

“She picked up my binder, flipped through it, saw those designs and SCREAMED!” Rarity yelled as the tears began coming out full force again. “Then when I tried to grab it back the entire thing was thrown and every pony saw! I'm ruined! I'm going to become known as that perverted pony who designs fetish outfits! How can I ever hope to build dresses for the most elite of Equestria now?!” she waled. “I was going to become a designer like no other! The greatest names in Equestria would wear my designs! I'd make beautiful dresses! Wonderful dresses! Now I'm going to be nothing more than a laughing stock...” she said as she sobbed into her hooves.

Enigma stared at her a few moments as he nervously chewed on his lips. Finally he reached out and wrapped his arms around her. “There... there... it's going to be okay. You're a brilliant designer and um, every pony is going to see that,” he mumbled softly before pulling away. “I'll be right back, I'm going to go make some nice tea. Just wait here, okay?”

The white coated unicorn nodded as her friend quickly moved away and into the kitchen. Once there he quickly put the kettle on the stove with some water and grabbed the phone. He dialed a few numbers quickly and then put it to his ear. “Silverchain? It's me, Enigma. Ummm, when will you be home?” he asked as suddenly his cheeks went bright red! “N-no, I didn't mean because of that. Well, maybe later, but not now. It's Rarity, she's over here and... What? No, I guess I didn't, but it was kinda an emergency,” he paused and listened. “She was crying. Well, errr... I'd rather not say why over the phone. I'll just say her career as a designer could be over. What? No I'm not exaggerating. It's just... No, this is not like the time I accidentally flashed the mayor. That was not my fault, Jadewing was... sorry. Can you please come home when you're done? I'm... I'm not any good at this. What? I'm making tea now. She's in the other room, crying. Her marefriend? I don't know, in Ponyville? I don't know her number.”

He glanced down to the kettle and sighed. “Please. She's my friend and... what? No! I would never, she's just a friend and that's all! I'd have to be a complete idiot to do something like that! Okay. I know, I know. I love you too. See you soon,” he mumbled as he put the phone down and let out yet another sigh. “Nothing can ever be easy, can it?” he mumbled as he took out some cups and put them by the stove. “Tea should be ready in a few more minutes!” he called back to the living room.

Pinkie hummed softly as she tapped her hooves on the ground. Her front right hoof was wrapped up in a cloth. It wasn't much but it was all she had access too. The outside world whizzed by and she couldn't help but feel excited! She was going to see her little cuddly marshmallow soon. They would talk, cuddle, sing and play games! The city was now in sight and she felt cheers bubbling up inside her like a boiling pot of tea.

She glanced out the window towards the rising moon and let out a small-mini cheer, “Yippee!” The mare then glanced at her ticket happily. Weekday expedited service was printed on the front in large golden letters. “I'm gonna have to bake the Cakes an extra big super thank you cake after this,” she said with another happy giggle. A shrill noise filled the air as the train slowly ground to a halt.

Pinkie took off like a bolt the moment the gates opened, sending a few other passengers into headspins. She darted through the building until finally skidding to a stop by the road. Her hoof hurt a little bit, but she ignored it. She raised her other hoof and within a few moments a carriage stopped in front of her. She hopped inside and called out between giggles, “To the, hee hee, Golden Egg hotel!”

With a mighty rear the pony took off! The pink mare looked out the window as they traveled, her mouth falling open at the lights and beauty of the city. After a few blocks she started talking to herself, “Wow... so many ponies. It's just like Canterlot! Only bigger and taller! I bet I could throw a really-eek!” she was suddenly jarred forward as the carriage ground to a halt.

“We're here! Golden Egg hotel! That'll be eight bits,” the stallion said as he held out he held out his hoof.

“Okey dokey lokey!” she said as she dropped the coins in his hoof, before running inside.

“Hm?” the pony at the front desk said as she glanced up from her paperwork. “Can I help you miss?”

“Yep! I'm here to see Rarity!” she said happily.

The mare's smile instantly turned to a frown as she glared at the earth pony. “Oh. So you're here for... that mare. She's no longer here,” she said curtly.

“... What?” Pinkie asked as she cocked her head to the side. “She's staying here though...”

“She was kicked out. Please leave,” the mare said as she tapped her hoof on the counter.

“Kicked out? What? Why?”

“For breaking hotel property, constantly making noise, disturbing other guests and having a constant stream of... 'guests' to her room after hours. Here at the Golden Egg we don't take too such trouble makers,” the mare said as she tapped her hoof quicker.

“But... Rarity isn't a trouble maker. She's one of the nicest mares I know. I know a lot of mares, trust me.”

“... Ah. So you're another one of her lovers then. Kindly vacate the premises before I call the police,” the mare said as she reached for the phone.

“What? But I-”

“I'm calling them!”

Pinkie glanced at the phone before turning around and running out the door. She glared back inside, “Big... big... flank... flank head!” she called back before looking up and down the street. “Okey dokey lokey... if she's not here then she'd be at the exhibition! Don't worry, Rarity! Pinkie is on the way! Taxi!”

Jadewing and Enigma paced back and forth in the kitchen of their home. From down the hall they could hear Rarity and Silverchain talking. “You know, you'll have to go out there eventually,” the pegasus mumbled.

“Y-yeah? Well, so will you.”

“Nuh-uh. She's not my friend,” Jadewing mumbled as she moved to the counter and sipped her tea.

“Well... she's... I-I don't know what to do. Ice cream? Do they make good enough ice cream for 'I just showed one of the rulers of the country my designs for fetish outfits'?” he asked while staring at the mare. After a few moments of silence he spoke up again, “I'm serious, do they? I'll go pick some up if there is.”

“... No, they don't. You know as often as you run to us for comfort, you'd think you'd be a little better at giving it,” she snapped.

“I... I'm sorry... I just... I don't know what to do. I want to make it better, but I don't know how...” he mumbled again.

“Did you try calling her mare friend? If she could ever use her...”

“I don't have any idea how,” he mumbled as he kicked at the floor. “The only Ponyville numbers I have are businesses. I seriously doubt any of them would know this Pinkie Pie.”

“Probably... well maybe Silverchain can do something?” Jadewing said as she glanced down the hall. “The cryings stopped at least. We could go hide upstairs?”

“... I'd be in so much trouble. Not the good kind either. No, I need to do this...” he mumbled as he took a deep breath, grabbed the tea(their fifth pot of the evening) and walked back out to the living room. “Ummm, I made another pot of tea.”

“... Of course you did,” Silverchain mumbled as she pat Rarity's back. The two were sitting on the loveseat. “We were just discussing Rarity's future.”

“Oh?” Enigma said as excitement filled his voice. “So you're going to keep designing? That's good I-”

“NO!” Rarity interrupted. “I'm done. There... there is no coming back from this. But I can probably make a living doing other things. I mean... I'm sure I could use my gem finding spells to become a supplier.”

“Wouldn't that require you to actually... dig?” Enigma asked.

The white unicorn stared for a moment and then burst into tears again. “Y-you're right! I can't even do that! I'm useless, hopeless and going to end up being the crazy cat lady who lives in a broken down shop and showed the princess fetish gear!” she wailed.

Silverchain glared at him as he shuffled about. “S-sorry. I was just trying to help...” He looked up as a light knocking came at the door. “Huh? I wonder who that is...” he mumbled as he ran from the room and opened the door. “Huh? Who are... ohh! Rarity! There's an earth pony here too see you!”

Rarity looked up and then her cheeks went red. “It... couldn't be... Pinkie?” she called out as she got to her hooves and trotted to the door. Her ears went flat and eyes went wide when she saw the earth pony standing there. “O-oh no... M-miss... S-Strait...” Her hooves began to shake as she took a step back. “W-what brings you h-here?”

Pinkie hummed as she glanced around the exhibition. “So many unicorns...” she mumbled softly. Dresses and ponies were everywhere as she walked, occasionally bumping into her as she made her way through the crowd. A few of the islands were empty but, for the most part, they were almost all manned by a pony explaining and selling their designs.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw a glittering diamond dress and squealed with delight. “Rarity!” she called out as she darted towards the island. She stood up with her front hooves on the counter and looked around. “Rarity? Where are you? Hellllooooooo?” she called out.

“She's not here,” a voice said from behind her after a few moments.

Pinkie turned to see a dark silver unicorn standing behind her. “Oh? Where is she?”

The pony looked off to the side. “Well... she left this morning. I don't think she's coming back tonight though. It's almost midnight and the exhibition will be closing down soon.”

Pinkie looked confused as she hummed. “She left this morning? Where'd she go?” the mare asked as she hopped a bit around. “I'm going to be the biggest surprise for her ever!” she said with a happy giggle.

“She... there was an accident. Listen, the general public have to leave around midnight, but there are ponies here all night. Working on their designs. If you talk to one of the event runners I'm sure they'll let you stay and-” the mare was cut off as the pink blur raced past.

“Thanks Ironmane!” the earth pony called back as she darted off in search of a worker.

“No pro... wait, how did she know my name? Did I introduce myself? No, no. I must have...” she mumbled as she trotted back towards her island. She occasionally glanced back after the mare with a worried look.

It wasn't long before Pinkie found a large earth pony in a green vest with the words Event Organizer across the chest. He held a clip board in his hoof. “Hi!” she said quickly.

“Hello, can I help you?” he asked without looking up.

“Yep! I'm here to see Rarity! She-”

“I know who she is,” the pony said with a sigh. “Specializes in precious stone dresses. Created a major scene today in front of the princess. Has left her section unattended eighteen percent more often than the average. I'm afraid she hasn't returned since this mornings incident.”

“Oh... would you mind-”

“No, you may wait if you wish. I imagine after her shameful display this evening she'll be returning to gather her things once the crowds have thinned. It's what most ponies who can't make it do.”

“Do you ha-”

“Yes. I'm a very busy pony so if you have nothing else, please just head towards the back and head upstairs. There are a number of resting places where you can wait. If you wish to store your belongings while waiting ask for a key from the locker room attendant.”

“Oh, well goo-”

“Good night to you as well,” the pony grumbled as he walked away from here.

“Eesh, what a fuddy duddy,” Pinkie grumbled as she trotted back through the exhibits. It wasn't long before she started up the stairs, glancing around as she did. Pictures lined the walls of past designers and there were even a few ponies the mare recognized. Hoity Toity, the stallion who once raved about the gala dresses Rarity had made. Fancy Pants and his marefriend, Fleur Dis Lee, who they had met on Twilight's birthday.

There were a few others she had seen in some of the magazines Rarity kept around the boutique, but none Pinkie could name. Suddenly a unicorn darted out from the rooms at the top of the stairs and ran right at her!

“Ahhhh!” he shrieked as he drove his hooves down and tried to brake. He managed to stop much of his inertia, only toppling her back a few steps when he butted into her. The pink mare shrieked as she tried to balance herself, her back left hoof slipping off the steps. She drove her front hooves down, standing awkwardly sideways on the steps. Massive pain shot through her front right hoof as she let out a scream and pulled it away. The sudden movement knocked away her unbalance as she fell backwards and toppled down the stairs with a shriek.

“Miss?” the pony called as he gazed down at the mare. “Oh Celestia. Some pony! Call an ambulance!” he yelled as he ran down the steps after her.

Above them a voice could be heard over loudspeakers. “It is now midnight. Please finish...”

Friday

Rarity stared at Cuckoo, her idol, for a few moments as a large grandfather clock bonged behind her. The earth pony merely stood there as the twelve bongs played and then glanced to Enigma. “May I come in?”

“Huh? Oh, ummm... sure,” he asked as he glanced back to the white unicorn. “Err... you're... not a friend of Rarity's, are you?”

“Truly, your grasp of the obvious is astounding,” the earth pony said as she took a few steps inside. “Miss Rarity, may I speak with you?” she paused as she glanced to Enigma. “Alone, without your coltfriend?”

“What? No, I'm not her, she's not my, my marefriends are... huh?” he glanced to Rarity and trotted over. He lightly tapped her shoulder before glancing back to the earth pony. “I think she's gone into shock. Just how scary are you?”

“... Quite. Would you mind giving us a little privacy?”

“Oh, um sure...” he squeaked as he walked down the hall and back into the living room. To his annoyance both Jadewing and Silverchain were against the wall and listening in. “I thought you were hiding and didn't wanna know about any of this?” he accused the pegasus.

“Are you kidding? That was the crying part! This is the surprise guest who turns out to be her secret lover from the past part, this is going to be awesome!” the pegasus said with a giggle.

“That's not, she's not, the mare is way older than Rarity! If they got together it would have had to be about... about...” red flared into his cheeks. “I mean, relationships don't usually work like that...”

“We're both older than you, and just look at how your relationships play out,” Silverchain said as she motioned to the floor. “Now sit down so we can listen, I just heard Rarity squeak so it's bound to get good!”

“There, are you with me now?” Cuckoo asked as she closed Rarity's workbook back up.

“Oh Celestia... y-yes. T-those designs were a mistake. I never meant t-” the unicorn said as more red flooded her cheeks.

“Enough. I frankly didn't intend to come here and I've spent more time than I'd like just trying to find where you ran off too. First, here is your book,” she said as she held it out. The unicorn gripped it in her magic as she raised a hoof nervously as if to defend herself. “Open it to the final page.”

Rarity gulped and flipped to the end. Her eyes went wide and her mouth fell open. “What... is this a contract? Wait, this is for... is this for the design I drew up... but... you said...”

“That it would make a nightmare moon costume? Indeed I did,” the mare said with a wave of her hoof.

“I... I don't understand,” Rarity squeaked as she looked over the paper.

“Really? Don't you?” the earth pony asked with a knowing smile.

“... No. I really don't. Are you telling me I should make costumes?”

Cuckoo face hoofed so hard she nearly knocked herself out. “Ow! No. I should have expected this, the element of generosity, not of brain power. Allow me to spell it out for you. You're too thin skinned for this business,” she said as she put a hoof down to gesture to the dress. “You make beautiful, amazing and soul filled dresses. But you've failed to realize that there are only two ponies in the world that matter when you design anything.”

“Ummm... w-who?” she asked as she watched the hoof.

“You and the customer. No matter how beautiful or amazing a dress you make there will ALWAYS be some pony out there who wants to tell you how horrible or common your dress is. Ponies who will use every word they can in an attempt to cut you into little pathetic pieces until all you want to do is burn your clothes and never look at a sewing machine again. If you really want to become a designer then you to learn one important thing. Only two ponies matter when you create something. Are you satisfied that you did it to the best of your ability? Did you make something the customer would be happy with? So long as you have these it doesn't matter if you design dresses, hats or... kinky... fetish gear.”

“But... you said... why weren't you...”

“I know what I said. Dear, listen. When I first started in this job I made dozens of dresses that I tried to sell before I made it big. I know all the stories talk about how amazing I was and how everything I touched turned to gold. It wasn't like that. There were dozens of ponies who would have been happy to kick me down and keep the field dominated by unicorns. But I refused to allow it. I created every dress, every hat, every corset with all my talent and heart. Even when a dress only sold one or two copies I never let it get me down. It never mattered what one old dress maker said. All that mattered was that I was certain the dress was worthy of my talents and the pony I made it for was happy. If you really want to become a dress maker who does... whatever it is you want to do,” the mare said with a dismissive wave of her hoof. “You're going to need to learn this.”

“But... but you were so mean... and... and I showed the princess horrible things with stuff,” Rarity said with a whimper.

“Yes, you did. I will admit that is quite... an interesting fact. Come tomorrow there will likely be dozens of ponies asking you to create them such things... I mean, the pony that dared to show... oh stop your crying and grow a horn,” the mare snapped. “You're hardly the first pony to do something like that. In fact, few years ago there was a stallion who flashed the mayor in the middle of her victory speech.” A loud burst of laughter came from the other room. “Within a few months every pony forgot about it. In the mean time just keep making your dresses and pouring your heart and soul into your work. I've seen a few of your clients after all. Princesses, singers and some of the richest ponies in Equestria. There are dozens of designers who would give up their left hooves to be in your position. Even with what you showed her highness.”

“R-really?” the unicorn asked as she sat down and lightly poked the floor with her front hoof. “But... what about, ummmm...”

“You have plenty of time to develop your art and achieve your dreams. Don't let a few ponies push you around and ruin your confidence, no matter how well known they are. If you keep making things to the best of your ability then eventually you'll achieve your goals. Who knows, perhaps even I'll buy one of your designs eventually,” the mare said as she turned and headed to the door.

“Y-you'd buy one of my dresses?” Rarity squeaked as she looked down at her work book.

“I never said it would be a dress. Perhaps something near the end of your little book,” Cuckoo said as she trotted out the door.

Rarity stared at the door for a moment before her mouth fell open. “She didn't, did she just, but she's so, how would she, what?”

“She did, yes, a little, with some help and mentioned she might order some of your fetish gear. Oh, that shade of red in your cheeks is just adorable,” Silverchain said as she stepped into the entrance way.

“You heard that?!” she shrieked.

“Of course. Why do you think we were laughing?” she asked as she stepped forward and patted Rarity's head. “Do you feel better now?”

“Uh huh...”

“Good. Then go cheer up Enigma.”

“... What?” Rarity asked with wide eyes. “Why is he upset?”

“You're going to have to ask him. He's just pouting a little bit so it shouldn't take long,” she said as she glanced off to the side with a slight smirk. “Though he is oddly adorable when he juts his lower lip out like that and kinda puffs out his cheeks. Reminds me of that time we took him down to the basement and-”

“Enough! I'll talk with him! Just, no more details! I already know more about your three's... lives that I'd ever wish too. No offense,” the fashionista said as she walked back into the living room. Jadewing trotted by her as she entered and winked at the unicorn. She glanced to Enigma and let out a little gasp.

He was adorable! He had curled up on the loveseat with a pillow over his head. His little lower lip was jutting out and he puffed out his cheeks. Even his mane and tail were all limp and pouty, reminding her a little of when her cotton-candy mare would get upset. He even had his little hooves crossed and refused to look at her.

“Awwww, Enigma, what's wrong?”

“Nothing's wrong. Hmph,” he said as he looked at the coffee table.

“Now dear, I know something's wrong.”

“... Why do you listen when she says those things, but not when I do?” he grumbled.

“... What?”

“I try cheering you up and telling you how great you are and you don't believe me. She comes here and tells you that you might be great and stuff if you work at it and not to listen to ponies who talk badly about it and you're all better,” he grumbled as he stuck his lower lip out even further.

“Now Enigma, that's not true. You made me feel a lot better. She was just... my hero,” she mumbled softly as she poked her hooves together. “If it's any consolation I'd probably be on the train home right now, crying, if it wasn't for you.”

“... Really?” he asked as he looked up to her. The lower lip was still pushed out, but his cheeks had lost their puffiness.

“Yes, dear. I would have gotten my things and gone straight home. Probably never try to design a dress again. Give up on my career, sell the boutique. If you hadn't stopped me and brought me here. Thank you,” Rarity said with a small smile.

“... Well, okay. Does this mean you're not going to give up? Are you still going to make the outfits for Silverchain and Jadewing?”

“I'm... going to go home. Lay low for a few months and work on a few of my other designs while completing my other orders. I'm going to settle the details for this contract too. I will create the outfits for your marefriends. After all the help you've offered me, it is the least I can do,” she said before glancing back to the floor. “Could you do me one more favor?”

“Errr, what is it?”

“Could you come with me to get my things tomorrow? I really don't want to walk there alone. I didn't quite reach my goal, but I feel I have enough to keep myself afloat for a year or so. Especially with the rate your marefriends are paying for their... outfits. Not to mention the contract. With all those I should be fine until this blows over,” she mumbled as she poked her hooves together. “D-do you think she meant it? Will t-this really blow over?”

“I'm sure it will. How about you get some sleep and we can go grab your things first thing in the morning?” Enigma asked with a small smile and a pat on her head. She scowled in response. “Are you okay sleeping on the love seat? I ummm, it's namely cause I don't think the loveseat can hold three of us...”

“Three of...” her face turned bright red as she shook her head. “N-no, the loveseat is quite alright! I... do not believe I would wish to sleep in that bed anyway. No offense intended, darling. Just... errr...”

“Yeah... I'll go get some blankets and pillows and bye!” he squeaked as he darted off. He barely made it out of the room before he was grabbed by his tail by Jadewing.

“Hold it,” Silverchain said with a glare. “Didn't you forget to ask us something?”

“O-oh, right. Sorry,” Enigma squeaked as his tail was let go. “C-can she stay over?”

“What? No! Not that. Of course she can stay, she's your friend. No, I meant something very, very important,” the earth pony said as she narrowed her eyes.

“Ummmm... I have nothing, sorry. Please don't be mad, you know I just don't always-” the unicorn was cut off as the stronger mare pulled him close, burying his face in her mane so he went silent.

“I was talking about your plans to go to the event with her,” the mare said as she guided his face up with her hoof. “Don't you think you forgot to ask a pair of very attractive young mares if they might like to come and see? Besides, what if the princess is there? It would be marvelous to meet the famed returned princess!”

“O-oh... well um, if you want to come I don't see why you can't,” Enigma said with a nervous shuffling of his hooves. “I-I didn't think anything like that would interest you though... I'm sorry,” he mumbled as he gazed downwards.

“Oh, dear. Relax, I don't expect you to know all my desires simply like that,” Silverchain mumbled as she gave the stallion a kiss on the cheek. “Now run along and get the blankets for your friend. It's late and if we want to get up early enough to get her things without causing a scene, we'll need our rest.” The stallion nodded and turned to trot off. A sudden light swat to his flank made his cheeks turn bright red and his pace quicken.

Jadewing grumbled as she nuzzled into the earth pony's neck. “You know I could use a bit of comforting too, you know. I was the one who got told my flank was too big for that outfit today.”

“Oh?” Silverchain said as she gently stroked the pegasus under the chin. “Well then, we'll just have to make sure you feel extra comfortable tonight, won't we?” she mumbled as she reached around to give the light blue coated mare a light swat on the cutie mark. “Now come along dear,” she said as she turned to trot down the hall towards the stairs, her tail lightly swishing across the other mare's face as the winged pony's cheeks turned red.

The sun hung high in the sky as the four ponies made their way to the large exhibition hall. Unsurprisingly, ponies were flooding inside as the final day of the event carried on. Rarity was wearing a subtle green dress, yellow scarf, thick sunglasses and a big blue hat as she tried to keep as low to the ground as she could.

“I knew it would be like this if we came after they opened,” the mare said with a slight whine.

“It happens. We stayed up too late,” Enigma mumbled as he glanced back to the other two mares. They were each wearing form fitting backless dresses, Silverchain's was glittering light blue while Jadewing's was a dazzling purple. They had even worn jeweled heels for the occasion. He was wearing a black tux. “Besides, you all look radiant. I'm sure every pony will be too busy staring to remember what happened last night...” he grumbled as he poked the ground a few times with his hoof.

“Now Enigma, you know it's a black tie event,” Jadewing said with a roll of her eyes.

“I know... I still wish I could have gotten a pretty little outfit too,” he grumbled as he poked his tie. “It always has to be the suit though, while you all get dozens of different dress styles...”

“I know. Sucks to be you,” the pegasus said as the trotted inside. After a few steps she moved close to him and nuzzled his neck. “Don't worry, you look adorable, even if it's just a tux.”

“Oh no. No no no. Oh no no noooo!” Rarity squealed with horror as she stopped and stared at her display. Once again a small crowd had formed around it to stare. Five royal unicorn guards of the night stood in front of it, at attention. “They're here to arrest me! Is showing the princess those kind of things against the law? No no, it must be! I can't do this! I can't go to prison! The dungeons! How will I survive? I won't look good in yellow! How will I survive without my silk sheets? What will every pony think?! Do you know what happens to mares like me in the dungeons?!” she shrieked.

“Oh, oh! I know!” Enigma said as he waved a hoof. “When Silverchain got this warden outfit she also grabbed a video called 'Ensnared mares' and... sorry,” he squeaked as all three mares glared at him.

“Now, what I'm sure Enigma meant, is that I don't think you're under arrest,” Silverchain said with a pat to Rarity's withers. “I'm sure there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for this. Come along, dear.”

Slowly the group moved towards the assembled guards and Rarity raised her hoof. “H-hello, sir,” she said to the closest one. “C-can I help you?”

“Are you miss Rarity?” the pony asked as he glared at her. She found herself unable to speak as he looked over her. “Well are you?”

“Y-yes...” she squeaked softly as she tried to hide behind her earth pony companion.

“Very good. I have a letter from Princess Luna to hoof deliver,” he said as his horn glowed and a letter flew out from his dark armor.

“W-what? For me?” she asked as she took the letter with wide eyes.

“Yes, madam. Have a pleasant day. Guards, attention! March!” the pony said as the guards quickly marched away. The crowd only got larger as more ponies tried to catch a peep of what was going on, while simultaneously pretending to be interested in other affairs.

Rarity slowly opened the letter and nearly choked.

“What is it?” Enigma asked nervously as he gulped.

“A-an apology and a few things she would like me to create for her...” she squeaked as she stared at the parchment.

“Hah! I knew she was into that stuff! You owe me fifteen bits, Enigma!” Jadewing said with a cocky smirk.

“What? No!” Rarity squeaked as her cheeks turned even redder. “Not those kinds of things! Dresses!”

“Awwww...” the pegasus grumbled as she kicked the floor.

“Let's just get my things and go. I don't-”

“Miss Rarity! Oh, I'm so thankful you came. I was worried I might have missed you,” a voice said from behind the three. The fashionista turned to see the mare she had helped the day prior running up to them.

“Oh? Errr, how can I help you?” she asked as she cocked her head to the side.

“There was a mare who came by for you last night. A small pink earth pony with a balloon cutie mark,” the mare said as she gazed nervously at the ground.

“Pinkie Pie?” Rarity asked as her eyes went wide and her hoof moved up to her mouth in shock. “I... I should have known. I suppose five days without seeing each other is quite long. Nearly seven with the travel. Where is she though?” she asked as she looked around. “Knowing her she's off making friends...”

“She's in the hospital. There was an accident last night and she had a nasty fall,” the mare said softly. Rarity just stood there, completely frozen with the smile on her face. “I'm afraid I don't know where they took her, but I thought you should know. Miss?”

“.... I think she's in shock,” Enigma said as her poked her head. “The nearest hospital is the Goldenwing memorial hospital so they probably took her there. Rarity? Blink once for yes.”

The mare's lips twitched before she suddenly grabbed Enigma by the collar of his tux. “WHERE?!” she yelled in an almost demonically deep and menacing tone. The hall went quiet as every pony turned towards the frightening sound with horrified looks.

Enigma squeaked, “T-take a right at the exit, t-two blocks down then head left. K-keep going and it's on the right. Please don't kill me and devour my soul...” he said pathetically as he stared up at the mare with frightened eyes.

As the unicorn let him go and ran off Jadewing looked to the cowering stallion. “You know, you're old friend is kind of scary when she does... whatever it is she just did...”

Pinkie was jarred awake by something warm, slightly heavy but plenty soft landing on her stomach. She opened her eyes to look at the beautiful white unicorn that was hugging her tummy.

“Oh my little cotton candy mare, what have I done?!” Rarity cried, “All the time we could have spent cuddling, but I wasted it feeling sorry for myself!” she wailed as she lay her head on the earth ponies stomach. “As Celestia as my witness, I shall never go four days without your company again!”

“Okey dokey lokey,” Pinkie said as she patted the mare's head.

“Pinkie! You're alive! Oh my dear, sweet, delicious and soft cinnamon mare!” Rarity cried out as she hugged the pony close. “I was so worried! I feared you would never awaken! That our love would-”

“Would yah knock it off already?!” a pegasus, wearing a white coat and having a stethoscope around his neck, called into the room. “I told you she was going to be fine! Save the drama for the soap operas! The rest of us still have a lot of work to do!”

“Sorry,” Rarity squeaked. “How is your hoof feeling, darling?”

“Mostly fine. The doctor just said I shouldn't walk on it for a week,” Pinkie said as she happily nuzzled the unicorn. “I missed you so so so soooo much!”

“I... I missed you too. Far more in fact than I thought I would...” Rarity closed her eyes and took a deep breath of her loving marefriend. She could still smell the soft scent of cinnamon in the mare's hair.

“Did you make a lot of sales and become super duper famous and impress all the ponies with how amazing and pretty all your gowns are?”

“... Actually I more made a fool of myself and possibly ruined my career. How was your week?”

“Oh! I got wings for a little bit and the stove broke and we went para-sailing but it didn't work well and apparently I have a fracture in my front right hoof that I need to keep clean and off it until it grows out!” the excitable mare finished off by leaning in and giving Rarity a long, powerful and passionate kiss that made the unicorn's horn spark.

“I-I see... Well I... I was planning to head home early. Will you be okay to travel or would you rather stay in the hospital for a few days? I can delay my ticket if need be.”

“Oh... do we have to leave already? I just got here and I was thinking we could spend some time together,” Pinkie said with a mischievous grin. “Just me, you and the towns ponies. Oh, that reminds me. Do you have other lovers?”

Rarity inhaled so quickly she started choking on the pink pony's hair. After she pulled away and managed to cough up a few strands she turned wide eyed to her marefriend. “Do I WHAT?! Of course I don't have any lovers! What in Equestria would make you think something like that?”

“Oh I went to the hotel you were supposed to be staying at but she said you were gone and that you had lovers and were breaking stuff so I went too-” Pinkie suddenly had her mouth covered by a little white hoof, though she continued to speak around it.

“No, no. I have no lovers. That was just an old friend. A very old friend and we were getting re-acquainted. He is really quite sweet, but most definitely not my type.”

“Oh... can we stay with him then and check out the city?”

“... I suppose. I'll have to ask him, but I'd honestly rather just go home,” she mumbled as she closed her eyes and nestled back into the shoulder of her marefriend. “I'd love to just be home with you. Back in my nice, comfortable bed. Woken up by another one of your little surprises... Pinkie... I have something I need to tell you...”

“Oh?”

“When I first left on this trip I was feeling... I was getting tired of you. No, not quite how I meant! I just... I need alone time...” she mumbled as she nestled in. “but the longer I stayed the more I began to realize I've started to depend on you. Without your constant cheer to help keep me happy I just feel... so lonely. Whenever things got really bad, all I could think about was how badly I wanted you to be there with me. What I'm trying to say is... I'm sorry. I never should have felt that way about you.”

Pinkie wrapped her hooves around the mare. “Awww, it's okay. Sometimes good friends need some time to themselves. I guess marefriends are the same,” she said as she leaned in and nibbled the unicorns horn. “We can go home if you want, as long as we can go together.”

“That would be nice. Have you ever thought about where you want... us to go down the line?” Rarity asked as she slowly pulled her head back.

“Of course, silly! Our anniversary party is going to be wild!”

“What? Anniver...” she squeaked as she looked around. “Oh dear, oh dear! I've been so busy I hadn't even- mmff!” as the unicorn turned back to the party pony their lips touched.

“I'd love to,” Pinkie said with a smile.

“L-love to what?”

The pink mare took a deep breath before beginning, “Move into your home with you so you don't have to stress and worry so much about having to pay off the entire thing month to month all by yourself and worry that you might suddenly fail or run out of money and not be able to finish paying it off. Even though you're too nice to actually ask even though you want to because you really like cuddling up to me at night and I do with you and you don't really know how much I make or if the Cakes would be okay with me leaving.”

“I... what? How did you know I was wanting to... ask that?” Rarity said with a soft squeak as she poked her hooves together. Her cheeks were burning bright red.

“Just a hunch. I can do that now, ever since the girls! Isn't that awesome?” the mare asked as she leaned in with another soft kiss.

“Y-yes. Awesome. So you uhhh, do wish to move in with me then?”

“Only if you want me too. I'll make sure to give you a bit of alone time as well, so you can work on your dresses. Okay my little marshmallow cream puff?”

“Mmm hmmm my little cotton-candy nibble mare...” Rarity mumbled as she pulled back a little bit. “How about we get you discharged and we can head home, okay? It's a long train ride home and... well, I'm happy I'll be on it with you.”

“Okey dokey lokey!” Pinkie said as she pushed off the covers and hopped out of bed. She walked on Rarity's left side, leaving on the white mare as she kept her hoof off the ground.

“We'll just need to swing by the exhibition first. Hopefully Enigma and the others aren't too angry with my sudden departure...”

Rarity stared at her little section of the hall with wide eyes. It. Was. FINE! All her dresses and supplies had been repackaged and were ready to be moved. There were no crowds, no panic and no pony was causing an uproar. In fact, when she arrived the three were sitting on one of her suitcases and flipping through magazines.

“I'm back. I hope everything went well?” Rarity asked as she looked to the three.

“Easy as could be,” Enigma mumbled as he glanced up. “You know how good I am at packing things. Is this Miss Pinkie Pie I've heard so much about?”

“Uh huh!” Pinkie said happily as she waved. “Nice to meet you, Enigma! I'm sorry I'm kind of hurt right now or we could have a super duper awesome party!”

“Oh? You told her my name?”

“Actually... no I didn't,” Rarity mumbled as she glanced to her marefriend. “Did I?”

“Nnnope!” the pink mare said as she leaned on the unicorn's should. “I'm not going to have to pull the cart again, am I? I'm not supposed to carry heavy things.”

“What?” Rarity asked as her mouth fell open. “No! O-of course not darling! I'd never make you do such a thing with your hoof in such a state. Besides, we have such a big, strong, capable stallion who can pull it for us,” she said as she smiled at Enigma.

“Oh come on,” he grumbled as he looked around. Jadewing and Silverchain were smirking at him. Slowly he lowered his head and sighed. “Very well... if I have too. I guess it's not to far.”

“P-please... j-just bury me h-here...” Enigma whined as he collapsed on the pavement outside the train station. Sweat drenched his body as his chest heaved up and down with each struggled breath.

“Oh, please darling. I managed to pull it all the way there myself, I know it wasn't that heavy. Just a little further.”

“I-it wasn't a s-super hot and sunny day though,” he whined pathetically. “and you all keep walking too fast...”

“Come along, dear,” Silverchain said as she moved besides him. “I tell you what, if you go the rest of the way, then when we get home me and Jadewing will...” she whispered the last part in his ear as his face went red.

After a few moments he jumped to his hooves and took off. Rarity looked back to the earth pony with wide eyes. “Just what did you tell him?” she asked.

“You're better off not knowing,” the mare responded as she trotted after the stallion.

Soon Rarity and Pinkie were on the train and gazing out the windows at the three ponies sending them off. The pink earth pony held the window open as she waved wildly at them. “Byeeee! I'll make sure we come and visit! Next time we'll have a really big party with balloons and cake and music and it'll be super duper fun!”

Rarity smiled as she gazed down to the pink mares flank, which swayed with every wave. A grin formed on her lips as she waved as well. “Bye Enigma. I'll make certain not to let so many years pass between visits this time,” she called out while not moving her gaze.

“Goodbye Rarity!” Enigma called back. “I'll make sure to call you tomorrow,” he said as he glanced to where the other unicorn's eyes were watching. “or maybe a few days when you're not so busy.”

A loud whistle split the air as the train began to slowly move. Final waves were given as soon the train pulled out of the station and began its slow trip back to Ponyville. Rarity pulled the energetic earth pony close and softly nestled her cheek. “Well, it's going to be a very long trip back. Anything you'd like to talk about?”

“Mmm hmm... how did you meet your friend?”

Rarity paused for a moment before pulling out her workbook. “That's a very long story. I'm not sure how you'll feel about it but... I just want you to know. After you find out I ummm... I understand if you changed your mind about wanting to move in.”

Pinkie giggled and laid her head on the unicorn's shoulders. “Did you forget already?”

“Forget what?”

The earth pony leaned up and kissed Rarity firmly on the mouth. “No take backsies, sister.”

Epilogueday

Rarity groaned as she rolled over in bed. The sunlight spilled into her room from the open window as a gentle breeze wafted across her blankets. The mare slowly reached out with her magic to bring her clock close and let out a groan. “Seven? Ugh... I wanna sleep...” she whined as she slowly dragged herself away from the warmth and comfort. She headed straight to the bathroom as she began to prepare for the coming day.

Before long the fashionable unicorn stepped from the bathroom with a happy sigh. “Now, where is that Pinkie Pie. She better not be sleeping in after she made us play Candyland so late last night,” the mare grumbled as she trotted down the hall and opened a door. It opened into what used to be her storage room during off seasons, but now revealed a bright pink room filled with all manners of party trinkets. In fact, the only pink thing missing was the owner. A small note was resting on the covers.

Rarity trotted over and picked it up with a nervous gulp.

Dear Rarity,

I went down to the doctor to get the cast removed from my hoof. I'll be going to help the Cakes after so you can have the whole day to yourself! I made you a cupcake for after breakfast.

P.S. You got a whole buncha letters. I left them on the table.

The unicorn chuckled and let out a soft sigh of relief. “Well, if that's all I guess there is nothing to worry about.” She turned and stopped short. A little green toothless alligator was standing in front of her and staring with blank purple eyes. “Now now, Gummy. You need to be more careful,” the unicorn said as she used her magic to pick the creature up and place it gently on the pink bed. “We don't want a repeat of last time. It took all day getting poor, frightened Opalescence down from the top shelves.”

With everything settled the mare trotted downstairs and headed straight towards her design room. She turned the knob and walked straight into the door with a pained groan. “Ow! Oh, right,” she mumbled as she rubbed her nose. “Deary me, I nearly forgot about the lock. Wouldn't be needed if dear Sweetie Belle wouldn't be so inquisitive.” With another glow of her horn she pulled a small black key out from her mane and inserted it into the knob, turning and opening it with a light push.

Inside resided all of her fabrics, designs in progress, a few boxes and the reason for the new lock. On the right side of the room was a neat stack of pleather and a few... creations that were being shipped to Enigma. “Now let's see. If I work on the corset a little before breakfast I should have both the princess's shipment and Enigma's done before the delivery pony arrives,” she muttered to herself as she grabbed a needle and a pair of scissors. “This should just take a moment...”

After much time had passed the mare was jarred from her work by a knocking on her door. “Ah! Sorry! I'm almost done! I'll have everything ready in a moment!” she yelled as she quickly began marking the boxes for delivery. Soon satisfied, the mare labeled two small packages for Enigma and one crate for the princess. She then grabbed a sheet and quickly covered the more scandalous of her materials. Satisfied that everything was perfect, she darted to the front door and smiled at the three ponies who stood outside.

“Oh? Don't you normally work at the train station?” she asked as she stared at the pony in front.

“Yes. Weekend job,” Ticks said as he motioned the other two forward. “I was hired for my expertise in the processing of abundant packages.”

“I see,” Rarity said as she smiled at the pony. “I guess you must be very talented at it. I mean, organizing all those ponies on the day I got back. Oh, sorry. Please, follow me.” Before long the three ponies managed to gather the packages and headed out the door. Ticks somehow managing to get stuck carrying the large one.

“Wah hah hah hah!” she said happily as she trotted to the kitchen. “I am doing excellent today! Not even noon and I've already got two of my biggest orders done. Now let's see about that... oh... dear... Celestia...” she squeaked with her mouth agape. On top of the table was a stack of letters, at least three feet tall! Nervously the mare gripped one near the top and opened it.

Dear owner of the Ponyville Carousel Boutique,

Unfortunately you closed down before I could place an order and, ever since I heard that the princess herself ordered one of your dresses, I have been absolutely dying to have one of your dresses for myself. Inside I've included a picture of myself as well as my measurements. Please respond as quickly as possible with your fee and some design options,

From Madam D. I. Mond.

Rarity blinked at the pictures and letter a few moments before continuing going through the notes, one by one. There were a hoofful of angry letters about her scandal in the paper, as well as a few letters canceling her orders, but for the most part there were dozens of new orders. Each requesting a unique design.

With a happy squeal of delight the mare grabbed the letters, as well as a red juicy apple, and darted towards her work room. “So much work to do, so many designs to make! I can't waste a single moment!” she said happily as the door slammed shut behind her.

A few moments later the door opened once again as her magic picked up the cupcake sitting on the counter and drew it towards her. “Can't forget you, darling,” she said as it popped into the room with her and the door slammed shut once again.

Far away in the royal capital of Equestria, Canterlot, the princess of the moon waited. In a small room Luna was using while her tower was repaired, the mare watched with a wicked grin as the guards brought in a massive crate from the Carousal Boutique.

“Here you are, your majesty,” a dark armored pegasus said with a salute. “Brought as soon as it arrived. Is there any other way we may serve you?”

“No no, dismissed,” the princess said as she rubbed her hooves together. Soon she was alone in the room as she made her way towards the crate. Her horn glowed as the lid was torn away and she began slowly drawing the objects from the box. The garments were placed neatly on the bed until the box was nearly empty. At the very bottom was a small black box, the sight of which only made the princess's grin grow wider.

With a light twitch of her horn the box opened and revealed two pairs of hoof shackles and a large pleather gag. Both large enough even for an alicorn. “Scare me will she...” the princess said with a wicked grin as three long griffon feathers glided out from under her bed and landed in the box. It snapped shut as she quickly hid the box within her flowing mane. “Now sister. Now you will truly pay. The vengeance shall last FOREVER! MWA HAH HAH HAH!” she yelled as lightning cracked ominously overhead. “Or at least until your duties call you away!”

Luna glanced back to the dresses on the bed as she looked through them until she revealed a skin tight black sneaking suit. “Bwa hah hah hah...” she laughed as she began putting it on. Once she was properly garbed the princess slowly opened the door and peeped out. Three guards were standing down the hall, blocking her escape. “You are the princess of the night. Mistress of stealth. Controller of darkness. You can do this...” she whispered as her horn glowed again. Slowly she stepped outside the room and put her hooves to the wall. Magic enveloped them as she smirked and began climbing up the wall and then the roof. Once she was high above them she quickly trotted through down the hall.

Once she turned the corner one of the guards glanced to his comrade. “So, where do you think she's going dressed like that?”

“I don't know. Probably going for a snack. Should see some of the outfits Celestia will wear,” the other guard answered.

Before long the princess of the night returned to the ground and stood in front of a large red door. Behind it lay the object of her attention. “Heh heh heh. Yes, dear sister. Drink your afternoon tea. Alone. Unguarded. For soon... soon vengeance shall be mine!” she drew the box from her mane and shoved the door in as she galloped forth. “VENGEAAAAANCE!” she yelled!

The door opened to reveal a large stone room with a fireplace opposite the door. A large purple cushioned rug with a rolled up yellow rest pillow dominated the center of the room. A bit away from it a few potted plants sat near a large stained-glass window with images of stars. A small orange tea set was resting near the fireplace as well. Surprisingly, there was no pony in the room.

“Huh? Sister? Where art thou?” Luna asked as she looked around with wide eyes.

“Oh sister, must you be so loud?” a voice said from behind the princess of the night. As the alicorn turned around she saw an even larger white alicorn with a flowing rainbow mane and tail. On the mare's head was a small golden crown with a single purple gem and the flank held a cutie mark of the sun itself. The princess's dear sister, Celestia. Wearing a mischievous smirk on her lips.

“Tia! Today I get vengeance for the great terror you bestowed upon I,” Luna said as she held the box aloft, “I have the objects of your destruction! The... the...” her voice trailed off as she opened the box. The completely empty box. She flipped it upside down and shook it, alas nothing came out. “Where...?”

“Oh dear Luna...” Celestia said as her horn glowed. A moment later the gag, hoof shackles and feathers flew out from her flowing rainbow mane. “If you wanted to play, all you needed do was ask. I do have a bit of time until my next meeting.”

Luna paled as she dropped the box and took a few steps back. “N-now sister. It was but a joke! A jest! No need to... no need to... EEEEEK! Kya hah hah hah hah hah!”