Equestria Trainers' Society: Appraisal

Rarity walked down the streets of Manehattan, determined on finding Suri's boutique so she could get the situation with Coco sorted out. She couldn't get any sleep the night before, her mind too preoccupied to find rest when she thought a friend of hers might be in trouble. Instead she used the time to simultaneously look up the address for the shop as well as working on a few outfits. Before the night was over she had found that she would have to go to every fashion boutique in Manehattan individually as none of them had identified the earth pony as the owner of the shop in its name.

Thankfully after the third shop she was directed by its owner to a place called "The Knit and Weave". It was on Rarity's list of places to check out anyways, so she saw no reason why not to go their next. Getting to the address she found that shop wasn't its own separate building, but part of a highrise apartment that appeared to hold several different businesses in it. Upon entering the building the unicorn was presented with a directory and looking at it she found that Suri had acquired the top floor. Trying to think back to what she remembered about the mare she couldn't really put her finger on anything specific from before the fashion competition.

Back when the two ponies were part of the Ponyville Knitters League Suri really didn't stand out, perhaps because Rarity was already professional in the field and most of the group looked to her for advice on how to better their own crafts. As much as Rarity didn't like to admit it she had done this on purpose as she enjoyed the attention she got from being a big fish in a little pond. It had been some time since then though and she felt that she had come a long way when it came to keeping her ego in check, especially since she had met Twilight. She did wonder if that attitude was part of the reason Suri was the way she was now, if somehow her getting constant praise pushed the earth mare to resort to extreme measures the get the recognition she felt she deserved.

Finding an elevator she took it to the top of the building, finding that it lead into an open space loft that had been set up to look more like a traditional designers studio. Beautiful outfits were placed around in a manner that allowed anyone entering to immediately draw their eyes to them, many of which were on display on mannequins that were crafted to express an unrealistic standard of beauty. The fact that the models were too thin and had breast too big for the frame was only to give potential customers a fantasy to chase, to allow them to picture themselves like that and that all it would take to reach that level of attractiveness was to have the dress.

It was a poor practice of a designer, but unfortunately one that worked as some ponies were easily tricked by the promise of beauty. Rarity had never resorted to it herself, always focusing on making a design that was tailored specifically for the client she was making clothes for. Every pony had features that made them attractive, from super models like Fleur De Lis to those with a portly frame like Ms. Cake, and Rarity's clothing always accentuated those positive aspects.

"Hello? Is anypony here?" Rarity said stepping further into the loft as she looked for Coco, Suri, or perhaps some other pony that could be working there.

The sounds of an active sewing machine could be heard coming from the back of the shop and from its direction came the yell of a small mare. "Just a moment! I'll be right with you!"

Rarity knew instantly that the source of the meek sounding voice was Coco. The unicorn was relieved that it wasn't Suri, if possible she wanted to avoid contact with her so not to cause trouble. Heading to where she had heard the earth mare Rarity found that the sewing machine noises were coming from behind a white curtain that closed off on of the corners of the loft.

"Ooh... Why isn't this seam coming out right? I must have redone it half a dozen times now..." Coco said quietly to herself.

Hearing the earth mare's dilemma Rarity looked for a break in the curtain and once it was found opened it to take a peek inside. The first thing she spotted was Coco Pommel, sitting with her back to the unicorn, working at a table as she labored over several bits of fabric. Hanging to the right of Coco were dozens of dazzling dresses that each seemed to have a unique and interesting style to it that caught the unicorn's discerning, fashion savvy eye. If Rarity could assume that the pony sitting in front of her created all these articles of clothing it was was a testament to her skill.

Coco, growing frustrated with the problem presented to her and realizing there was still a potential customer out on the floor, pushed herself away from the table and stood up. Turning around she was surprised to see that there was a pony behind her and was overly happy when she saw that the pony was Rarity. Before the unicorn knew it Coco had wrapped her arms around her body and was hugging her tightly.

"Rarity!" The smaller mare said excited as she pressed the side of her head against the unicorn's chest, causing the unicorn's face to turn a bit red at the sudden show of affection. Placing her hands on Coco's shoulders she pushed the earth pony away gently, putting her at an arm's length so she could get good look at the girl. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable." Coco apologized, noticing Rarity's light blush.

"Nonsense," Rarity said, not wanting Coco to feel bad. It wasn't that she minded the hug, Rarity just didn't think their relationship as friends had reached that point. As much as she liked Coco and cared about her well being the fact of the matter was that aside from the few letters they had sent back and forth they hardly knew anything about each other. "You didn't make me uncomfortable. You just caught me off guard is all."

Coco smiled at Rarity's words and sent eyes to the floor, not about to look at the unicorn directly in the face as her own blush forming. The earth mare had a large amount of respect for the older, more experienced pony. "So what are you doing here? I was waiting for your reply to my letter, but I wasn't expecting this."

"How could you not?" Rarity replied. "When you told me that you had started working for Suri again I practically fainted. What happened? Did she do something to you? Blackmail, threats, coerced you in some way?"

Seeing how much she had made Rarity worry about her Coco hastily shook her head and waved her hands in objection. "No, no, it was nothing like that. She just... uh... got a hold of me one day and we had a long talk about how unreasonable I was being."

"Unreasonable?!" Said Rarity. "Well I'll admit I don't know what you and Suri's are like together, but when I seen you with her you always looked like you were uncomfortable. You don't need to stay with an employer that make you feel bad."

Coco bit her lower lip for a short second before giving her response. "Well I meant it was unreasonable for Miss Suri. I left her with so much work to do that it would've been impossible for her to finish on time alone."

Saying that reminded the earth pony that she was in the middle of something. Without even excusing herself from the conversation she went back to her station, starting her machine back up and getting back to work.

"So that's what this is?" Rarity asked. "Helping Suri catch up with her orders?" The unicorn could appreciate Coco wanting to follow through with a commitment and if the amount of garments hanging next to her was any indication then her dedication to the task was amazing.

"Oh no, we finished those a while ago." Coco corrected. "I'm working here now because Miss Suri made me an offer I couldn't refuse."

Rarity didn't like the sound of that. "But what about the job I got you working for my friend in Bridleway?" She asked, thinking about how she got her a job making costumes for stage plays. "Didn't you agree to work for him too?"

"I did... but he ran out of things for me to do and dismissed me." Rarity was confused at what Coco said. She had told the stallion to inform her as soon as he was done with the mare. Rarity had wanted to offer Coco a job at Carousel Boutique where a pony of her talent could be appreciated. As the unicorn cursed the stallion under her breath she heard Coco let out another groan. "Why isn't this working...."

Looking over the earth pony's shoulder she could see that Coco was working on a rather simple outfit composed of just a shirt and a miniskirt, but for some reason she was trying to sew the bottom of the folded collar of the shirt back in on itself. Rarity could see what she was going for, to make the fabric form loop that would go around the neck, but she wasn't exactly sure why. While the looped collar could hold something in it, like a tie, it would make it difficult for the wearer to replace such an item should the need arise. Also this kind of outfit didn't really seem to have a level of professionalism to it to warrant a tie and was so plain that it seemed like an oddity in the shop, the rest of the outfits being elaborate and daring, if perhaps a bit gaudy.

Undoing the threads Coco puzzled over the article of clothing. "I just can't make it look right." Said the troubled girl, knowing that Rarity was watching. "The threads keep popping out the other side and making it look bad. Do... do you have any suggestions?"

The unicorn instantly knew what the problem was. Using her horn she picked up a needle from a container full of them and a thread spool from nearby, as well as the dress itself. Floating it forward her and taking the materials in hand she quickly went to work, carefully sending the needle and thread through the collar in such a way that it only went through the back end of the collar flap without poking through the front of it and becoming visible.

"Coco, there are things that you can't do with a machine." Rarity explained. "It's used for quick, repetitive stitches. Something like this needs a patient and skilled hand."

"I know that..." Coco said hanging her head. "But Suri told me to use the machine because it would be faster."

"And you listened to her despite knowing better?" Rarity didn't know how to take this. Even Suri should've realized that some of the work would have to be hand stitched.

"Well of course she did." Rarity heard from behind her. Sending her gaze behind her she saw a familiar purple maned, pink pony. Suri wasted no time coming over and stepping in between the other two mares. "Coco is a good filly that takes orders and does them without question." She said, emphasizing her comment by patting her assistant oh the head in a condescending manner, a gesture that Coco happily accepted.

"Welcome back Miss Suri." Coco greeted. "Did you enjoy your time out today?"

"Quiet Coco, I'm talking to our guest." Coco silenced herself at Suri's command, returning to the machine and the next assignment on her list.

Rarity was a little put off by Suri's tone towards Coco, treating her like a child when the mare was perhaps a more skilled seamstress than the pink pony. The idea that Coco was willing to just take it didn't sit well either. While she made it apparent in the past a bit weak willed Coco seemed much more confident with herself when Rarity had left her last.

"So Rarity, what brings you back to Manehattan? Looking for something new to add to your wardrobe? If that raggedy thing you're wearing is any indication you definitely need it." Rarity's mouth went agape for a split second before her expression turned to one of insult, making Suri laugh in reaction. "Settle down, okay. I'm just tugging your chain."

"Well I never..." Rarity replied.

"Then maybe its about time you had." Suri shot back, thinking she was being witty. "You could stand to be brought down a peg, but that's not why you're here." Sitting herself on the edge of Coco's sewing table Suri gave Rarity a look that the unicorn could only assume was an attempt at being sly. "You're concerned about little Coco's letter."

"You know about that?" Rarity asked, wondering just how long Suri had been listening in before she interrupted.

"Know about it? I was the one who told her to send it." Without warning Suri took hold of one of Coco's ears, giving it a good tug which made the smaller mare cry out in pain. "Figured you'd come running the moment you thought she was in trouble."

Rarity didn't even think about what she did next, acting out of pure reflex from seeing Coco being hurt. Using her horn's magic she picked up a large swatch of fabric and tossed it violently into the pink mare, knocking her off her seat. Hitting the floor hard, it took Suri a minute to begin picking herself up.

"Are you cra-?!" Suri's shout was cut short as she found that she was surrounded by what looked like dozens of sewing needles, all of which were pointing directly at her.

Rarity was furious, ready to stick Suri with the tiny metal spears. "Don't you ever hurt her like that again!" She yelled, foregoing any pretense of acting lady-like. This was all the proof she needed to prove that Suri hadn't changed at all. If anything it appeared that she had gotten worse and she wasn't about to stand for anyone mistreating one of her friends.

"Wait!" Rarity heard as a pair of arms wrapped around her waist from behind. "Please don't hurt Miss Suri! If you have to punish somepony do me instead!"

The unicorn, feeling Coco's body trembling, slowly moved the needles away and placed them back into the container where she found them. Suri, on the other hand, had a grin growing across her muzzle. "Oh come on Rarity. You and I both know that you couldn't go through with something like that. You wouldn't have the stomach for it. Makes me wonder what she sees in you."

Not wanting to frighten Coco anymore than she already had Rarity ignored Suri's comments and instead faced the small mare to hold and comfort her. "Shhhh, it's ok. I just... lost control of my temper. I promise that I'll remain calm from here on out." The unicorn looked back at the other pony in the room, who had returned to standing. "So long as somepony keeps their hands to themselves."

"Hmph, you're just lucky I don't call the authorities on you. Attacking me in my own establishment." Suri dusted off her clothes, straightening out her dress as she did. She continued this until she brushed around her chest, tapping it a few times and slowly becoming unnerved. "Where is it?!" The earth pony said to herself in slight panic, shooting her eyes around the room hastily.

"Missing something?" Rarity asked, more out of her natural politeness than actually caring about Suri's problems. However she couldn't help but look as well. Searching the room for anything unusual she managed to spot something shimmering on the ground. Using her horn once she levitated the item over to her. "Is this it?" She said hovering it in front of her eyes.

The object was a crystal roughly the size of an apple shape in the form of a heart, a strap of silk attached to it to make it into a necklace. It reminded Rarity a lot of the Crystal Heart that protected the Crystal Empire, looking like an exact replica except for its size and the slightly darker hue it had from the original. The unicorn marveled at the stone, her extensive experience with gems telling her that there was something special about it. It was beautiful, unique, yet at the same time emitted a sense of sadness. The unicorn felt a sense that something was off with it, but at the same time felt an irresistible urge to touch it.

Raising her hand up she extended a finger to the shaded crystal, but before she could make contact the gem was snatched out of the air. "That's enough of that." Suri said, placing the necklace around her neck and slipping the heart inside her dress.

Rarity, no longer seeing the the gem, shook off the entrancing feeling that had overcome her. "What... What was that?" She asked, confused and unsure about what had just overcome her.

"It's none of your concern." Suri replied. "At least not yet..." The earth pony's confidence had dissipated, no longer finding enjoyment in the game she was playing with Rarity. "Coco, go take a break. Use it to prepare your things for the club. I'm going to need to work off some stress."

"Yes Miss Suri." Coco said with a smile and a nod, running off to another part of the flat.

"And you!" Suri returned her attention to Rarity. "Get out!"

"But I'm not done with Coco." Rarity rebutted.

"Yes you are. This is my shop and I reserve the right to refuse service to anypony as well as the right to have said pony removed from the premises, by force if necessary. Now leave before I call the guard!" Suri opened up the curtain enclosing the sewing area and pointed the unicorn back to the elevator. Rarity, seeing that she had no other options at the moment, took Suri's offer and headed to the exit, the pink pony right behind her.

"This isn't over." Rarity said as the elevator opened and she stepped inside.

"I know, but I still love to see that look you make when you don't get your way." Suri replied, her smirk returning. "So until later, toodles." The earth pony gave a quick wave goodbye as the doors closed and the moment the metal box started moving Rarity let out her frustration in the form of a growling yell so loud that Suri could hear it even as she was walking back to her assistant.

Hours passed and day shifted to dusk, allowing for the concealment of darkness to creep over the city. While Manehattan was a city that never really slept activities at night did tend to slow down and allowed ponies the ability to walk around with less of a worry of being recognized by those they didn't wish to have following them. It was at this time that Suri left her shop, Coco Pommel following no more than a foot behind her as she carried a large case that caused the girl to struggle a little.

"There... those are the two." Said Rarity pointing out the ponies to the cabbie of the cart she had been waiting in. She had been sitting in it since the time Suri's shop was suppose to close, checking the open hours on the way out as she thought about how Suri said she and Coco would be going to a club that night. "Now just follow them slowly to not tip them off."

"Are you sure about this Miss?" The cabbie asked, not sure himself that he should be doing this. "Isn't stalking illegal?"

"I am not 'stalking'. I'm looking into a situation concerning a friend of mine who might be in a potentially abusive relationship with an ex-employer that she went back to for some unknown reason." Rarity explained.

"Well when you put it that way..." The cabbie was even less convinced than before, wondering if the money would be worth the trouble.

"Look, your job is to take your passenger to their desired location. If the location is a pony and that pony is on the move then it is not your fault if you have to follow them around a bit." Catching the stallion's skepticism Rarity reached into her purse and pulled out a small coin bag. "Plus there will be a fifty bit tip in it for you."

The cabbie conceded, he could really use the money. Pulling the cart he caught up to the two mares and kept just enough distance between them so he could stay out of sight while not allowing them to be able to leave his by turning a corner or ducking into an alleyway. Rarity watched them closely as he did, paying close attention to Suri. The pink mare had slipped into a red dress from the time the unicorn had left the building, even though Coco was still wearing the normal clothing that she wore day to day.

Tailing Suri wasn't the unicorn's first option, not exactly. She had considered going back to Ponyville, telling her friends what was going on and having them assist in confronting Coco with the problem of the position she had put herself in by allowing Suri to push her around. If she did that though it would leave the timid mare in the hands of her cruel employer for longer than Rarity felt comfortable with, especially since Twilight was busy in Canterlot with Princess Celestia. Even if she did there was no guarantee that Coco would listen if confronted in a place where Suri could cow her into submission with her mere presence. Assuming that this club that they were heading to would give her an opportunity to get the mare alone, even for a short moment, Rarity believed that this might be the only chance she had.

Suri and Coco walked many blocks down, so many that Rarity wondered why they didn't take a cab themselves. However the long walk and ever increasing cab fare didn't deter her. Even as Suri took out a compact makeup kit and reapplied her lipstick she focused only on the two mares diligently, ready to exit the cart at a moment's notice if the need should arise and eventually she had to put that dedication to the test.

The cart stopped as the ponies it was tracking slipped between two building, the crevice they went into far too small for the vehicle. Rarity reached into her bag once more, taking out not only the promised tip bag, but several valuable gems that she knew would cover the fare and then some. When her driver turned around to collect what he was owned there was the items left in the seat, the unicorn having snuck out quickly to make sure that she didn't lose her quarry.

Following Suri and Coco down the path Rarity emerged on the other side, entering a back alley. The location was dark and grimy, the type that a pony such as herself would never enter if given a choice. Yet she had to pushed on, watching from a distance as the other mares walked down a set of steps. It appeared that this was where the club Suri had mentioned was.

"How dreadful..." Rarity whispered. "What kind of dingy place is she bringing Coco to?" Not wanting to alert Suri to her presence she waiting several minutes before descending the steps herself. The metal door at the bottom was heavy looking and a bit rusty, not characteristics that inspired a better opinion of the place. Curling her hand into a ball the unicorn readied herself to knock before having second thought and instead using her magic to levitate a rock, pounding the door with it instead.

Within seconds a sliding slot in the door opened, revealing a menacing set of eyes. The eyes focused on the unicorn and from behind the door came an equally intimidating voice. "This is a private club. No admittance without an invitation."

"Oh... I'm quite sorry," Rarity apologized, finding the stallion's deep tone a little frightening. "but one of my friends just went inside. If I could just come in for a minute to-"

"I said invitation only!" He reiterated, slamming the slot shut.

"How rude..." Rarity said, going back up the steps, her plans thwarted by the bouncer. Being unable to confront Coco further she made her way back to the streets, deciding not to take the way she used to enter and instead followed the alleyway out. The entire trip appeared to be a waste of time and the only thing she could do now is return to her hotel. When she started trying to hail a taxi to take her back though she noticed something. From the way she had exited she was now standing where she had seen Fancy Pants go just the day before.

Taking a step back from the side of the road she started forming a few ideas about what the unicorn stallion had said to her when they were together and what she just encountered. "Could it be..?" Seeing a hopeful sign that perhaps she continue her pursuit she ran all the door, pounding on it hard without thinking of getting an object to do it for her this time.

Once more the the slot opened and the eyes showing through it bore a bit of anger at seeing the same mare from before. "I told you that it's invitation only! Scram!"

"But I do have an invitation. This is "The Society", is it not?" The slot stopped in the midst of another slam, opening back up with the eyes behind it now attentively looking at Rarity. "I'm afraid I don't have a physical invite, but you have a list of those allowed inside I presume. My name is Rarity and I've been expected."

The stallion on the other side shifted from his spot from right behind the door and it didn't take long for Rarity to hear the door's deadbolt lock to slide. Entering the opening door the unicorn could now see that the bouncer was a muscular earth pony and that he was still not very happy with her.

"You're on the list, but you're not suppose to be here yet." The stallion explained. "I'm going to have to take you to the club's owner and see how to deal with this."

While it would take away from her time speaking with Coco talking to the club's owner was probably the only way she was going to be allowed access to the facility. "Very well. Please lead the way."

The stallion locked the front door and gestured for the unicorn to follow him, escorting her deeper into the building. Within a few feet the atmosphere changed drastically, much to Rarity's surprise. The front room of the club, which gave the place the appearance of some seedy cider bar, was just a disguise for the beautiful and elaborate decor it hid inside. If not for her worries she would take the time to bask in the splendor of it all, now a little more understanding of why Fancy Pants was associated with the organization.

Along the way Rarity started hearing the sounds of chatter. Passing by a small turn in the hall she spotting where it was coming from, a room that looked like a dimly lit lounge with a stage that she could see through a slightly opened door. "For fuck's sake." Rarity heard her guide say in annoyance. "How many times do they have to be told to close that damn door. We soundproof that room for a reason."

"Soundproof?" Rarity questioned, ceasing her walk. "Why would you need to soundproof a lounge?" The mare soon got an answer from inside the room, a voice saying something over a speaker that immediately caught her attention.

"Please give a round of applause to Coco Pommel and her partner Coco Crusoe as they perform for the amusement of the Society" The announcer said, introducing the two ponies as they appeared on stage before Rarity's eyes. At first the unicorn was just a bit confused. Coco wasn't a performer, at least not as far as she knew. The fact that Crusoe, a stallion Rarity knew from Ponyville, was with her only served to increase the feeling. Focusing her eyes on the pair it soon dawned on her that something else was amiss. Something she had to confirm she saw correctly.

Rushing to the door Rarity pushed her way inside before the bouncer could react, slowing down once she was close enough to the stage and stopping completely in the center of the room. Both Cocos were on the stage completely naked, save for what Rarity could see as different collars around their necks, Crusoe's being a simple one made of brown leather while Coco Pommel's was much more elaborate. The two joined together, caressing and touching on each other sexually as ponies sitting around the lounge clapped and cheered the two on.

The ponies on stage looked out to the crowd, giving a small nod of acceptance before continuing. Taking their actions a step further they touched their lips together and closed their eyes as they gave each other a deep, loving kiss. It didn't last however and soon Coco Pommel broke away, going to her knees. Opening her mouth as wide as she could she took the stallion's flaccid penis into her muzzle, using her tongue to swirl it around as she suckled on it gently. Before long the fleshy rod was fully erect, Coco Crusoe letting out light moans as he allowed the mare to please him at her own pace.

Rarity watched shocked, never having expected to see a scene like this play out before her. It was as if she had just stepped in the middle of one of her friends having sex, except it was worse because it was in a public area. She didn't know what to say or how to feel at all and would've ran out of the building completely if not for the bouncer placing his hand on her shoulder.

"Hey! You're not suppose to be in here!" The stallion scolded.

"It's quite alright Heavy Hitter. She came to just the place she needed to be." Rarity turned her head towards the new voice that had called her name. What she saw was a dark purple crystal pony sitting in a booth against the wall, on one side of her was a large minotaur and the other was Suri. "Allow me to introduce myself Miss Rarity. I am Schorl Tourmaline. Welcome to the Society."