Hem in a gem

The sun seemed to shine brighter as the train climbed higher up the rocky slope. Swirling clouds floated by closely, looking as if you need only reach out your hoof to touch them. Being a rather stuffy afternoon, the few ponies in car three began to sweat and wish they had all brought a water bottle with them. In the far back row near a window lay a sleeping little filly. Her deep purple mane was draped across her sleek white coat. The one little curl covered her closed eyes. A little, blue pocketbook lay in between her mother and her self.

Her mother, a creamy pink coated mare, looked at her sleeping daughter thoughtfully before nudging her daughter to awaken. Waiting another moment, she nudged her still sleeping filly a little harder, saying as she did, "Rarity, dear. Wake up!"

The filly blinked and looked up before replying groggily, "What?...Are we there yet?"

"Not yet, we have about 15 more minutes to go." She paused before adding, "Why don't you look at something to pass the time?"

Taking her mother's advice, Rarity rose up and placed her little blue purse on her lap. Using her magic, she drew out a tiny diamond with a blue ribbon tied around it. This gem brought back a memory that happened not too long ago....

It being the evening before the school play, Rarity was in a hurry to get the costumes done perfectly. She tried everything, from pink sashes to green silk for the grass, velvet for the petals or adding stuffing to the cake costume. NOTHING WORKED!!! Every clothes design trick she knew just wasn't enough. It was missing something to make it stand out. Rarity was at the end of the line with ideas for a new look. The costumes were still lacking and time was quickly running out. Despair and doubt began to fill her thoughts. Perhaps she wasn't meant to be a fabulous fashionista? Perhaps this was not her destiny?

The thought had barely entered her head when she felt a huge magic blast flow through her veins and channel into her horn in a burst of white light(even now she could still feel bits and sparks of the spell on her horn). Before she knew what was happening she felt an irresistible tug pulling her to... wherever it wanted to take her. Out the door and down the stairs into the street, the mysterious spell led her. Rarity did not try to resist, she knew this was a sign, a sign that her destiny was at hoof! Over hills she climbed, through a desert she was urged through, until... BOINK!

She hit a rock.

A ROCK!!! Rarity was furious. This couldn't be her destiny. It was just a plain, dumb rock. “Pfft...dumb rock!” This simply couldn't be her future, her fate...could it? The question was answered when a large, unexplainable explosion cracked the rock in half, revealing a treasure trove of rubies and emeralds. Perfect! It was just what she needed. This was the missing something!!! Gathering each jewel from the stony chest, Rarity rushed back to Ponyville to add every-single one to the costumes.

Well... almost every single one. This little diamond was an extra one, so she kept it as a little reminder of her first "Fashion show".

The show that night was a success, all on account of the spectacular gems that glittered and shone as the fillies danced to the music. Rarity saw how everypony loved her work, and she got joy from seeing them smile and ooh over her, earning her cutie mark! As the last pony left, congratulating her on the designs, Rarity rushed home with an important announcement. After showing her newly-placed blue gems on her flank, she told her parents EVERYTHING, and how she now knew for sure her destiny was to be a fashionista. Both her parents were very supportive of her career choice. They even began to think of alternative ways to help her pursue her dream.

One idea that came up was that Rarity should accompany her mother, Cookie Crumbs, to Canterlot that weekend. An old mare, a friend of hers, Jeweled Neckline, was taking part in a Fashion competition show, and had invited Cookie to come and see her dresses before they were entered. Sadly, her parents could only afford a trip and a night’s stay, not tickets for the show. But it didn't really matter though; Rarity would still get to see the dresses....

WHOO!!! WHOO!!!!

The train whistle suddenly startled Rarity from her thoughts. Looking out the window she saw the city quickly getting closer.

She started to put away her purse when something caught her eye. A red ribbon is what she drew out, and the memory of that morning came back to her. Before leaving for the trip Rarity went into the nursery to say goodbye to her baby sis, Sweetie Belle.The little white filly was awaiting her arrival; her little hooves motioned her closer. Her tiny blue eyes sparkled under her pink-purple mane. In her outstretched hooves was a piece of red ribbon.

"Hewe sissy. Dis is to wemember to bwing somefing fwuffy fo me!" She said in her baby voice.

“I will,” replied Rarity, kissing the filly on the nose and leaving the room for the trip.

"All off for Canterlot!" Yelled the conductor as he went through all the cars. Putting away the ribbon Rarity closed her purse, jumped off the bench, and trotted over to the door alongside her mother. The car door opened and smoke blurred her vision for just a moment. As the dust settled she could not believe her eyes. Being used to the simple wooden homes, cozy shops and stands, and humbly dressed ponies (if they wore clothes at all), Canterlot was a whole new thing! Its smooth, stony towers, rich cafes, and fancy dressed high society ponies, all dazzled Rarity. She could hardly wait to see it all! They grabbed their bags and headed down to the Golden Mane hotel on Stride Street. After receiving their room key from the receptionist the hotel bellhop started to carry their luggage with the help of his son. The grey colt, eager to help, carried more bags than he could carry, and so dropped them with a loud thud.

His father sighed. "Boy, when are you going to learn not to carry so much?"

"Sorry, dad," the colt replied, blowing the orange mane out of his freckled face.

Grabbing only a few this time, they both carried the bags to the room. After Rarity and her mother unpacked their many things they locked the door and left the hotel. They were on Stride Street and the fashion show was on Saddlebuck Street, which was 3 miles away, so the plan was to sight see on the way to the building. With two hours left, they figured they had enough time to look at a couple of things on the way and still make it in time to see Jewel.

They looked in many of the shop windows, occasionally going into a store to look around. Come 2:00 they were both starving, so they looked for a cafe to snack at. The "Half Calf Cafe" was the chosen destination, and the two sat outside to order. Cookie ordered a light salad and wild grass tea, while Rarity ordered a perfect posey sub and orange juice. As they sat sipping and nibbling in a refined way, Rarity asked “Mother... if Jewel is a rich society fashion pony, and you are a... humble treat baker, then how did you to meet?"

"Well," started her mother after swallowing her last bite of salad, “it happened a few years back. I had an order for 12 dozen Cookies and pies for the Canterlot fashion show that night! I slaved all day over those treats, starting over and over again to get them just right. When the Cookies were golden, and the pies had the right amount of fluff to them, I packed them all into large crates which took a while to move to the train. I arrived 20 minutes before the reception was to start, only to find it in a down pour of rain. Eventually I found enough taxis to take all the goods, but it took quite a while. They weren't too happy about that. I finally got it all there to the exact spot, or what I thought was the spot. Due to a leak issue, they had moved over to the other side of town."

"So there I was, all alone with treats that were quickly becoming less fresh, in the pouring rain with only minutes to spare. I gave into despair and began to cry. I would not have made it if it had not been for her. A fine set of coaches pulled up to the curb. Out of the first one stepped one of the prettiest mares I have ever seen. Her mane was a perfect teal green color, falling down in waves; her coat was a smooth, creamy blue. Her eyes, a deep purple, looked kindly in my direction. She levitated an extra umbrella over to me, which I gratefully accepted.

“She asked me what was the matter, and I told her everything. When I told her that I was on my way to the fashion show she got a very surprised and troubled look.

“Immediately she began to call over her coach stallions, telling them to find extra room in the coach for my crates. Each stallion grabbed a crate, and once all of them were loaded safely in them she told them directions and to speedily make it in time. All of them took off, leaving me, the kind mare, and the first coach. I tried to give her something in return, but she would not take it. Instead she hurried me into the coach, relaying the same message to the driver, before getting inside herself.

"Once inside, she handed me a towel to dry of with, saying “Here... you can use this. My name is Jeweled Neckline, but you can call me Jewel."

"Thank you, Jewel. My name is Cookie Crumbs, but you can call me Cookie," I said.

“There was a moment of silence before I got the courage to say, "Thanks… for doing this for me. It’s really nice of you to go out of your way to do

this."

"You’re welcome. But really I was heading there myself. The rain caused a lot of traffic. I am just glad I can be of assistance," she said sweetly.

"Oh..."I said, a bit shy to ask anymore. We chatted a bit, and I did tell her I was from Ponyville. She told me about her family. She is an only foal and her father is a Canterlot professor who worked at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. Before we knew it we were talking and laughing as if we were old filly school friends that had reunited. We arrived not minutes before it began; the other coaches had already arrived and were unloading my crates and dresses. Inside were tables set out for the food, so I started to set out my treats, while Jewel took her dresses with the other contestants. I had just finished getting out the last pie, when she trotted over to where I was.”

"Well, I just came to check on you before I go to enter my dresses. Seems you are doing fine, so I will just go now.”

“She turned to leave, but I stopped her, saying, "Wait! YOU are entering a small contest like this? Why-"

"Why would a high society pony like me need to enter dresses here? Why not somewhere with other high class ponies like me?"

I nodded sheepishly.

"Well, I don't need to win any contests; I just do this for experience. I feel I get more knowledge about dress making here than with ponies who will only inform me on what the modern trend is and nothing else. These ponies seem to care about the dress and learn more about the trade. It’s my passion, but I am not so good at it. I am here to learn from others and practice something I love.

“It doesn't matter whether they are farm mares or have rich parents; we are equal ponies deep down. I am not like some of those stuck up ponies. Everypony here has the same dream, to become a better fashion designer, so that's why I am here."

"Well, Jewel, you sure changed my view on Canterlot ponies. We sure could some more ponies with your point of view. Thank you."

"No, thank you. So, want to get something after the show is over? I sure would enjoy your company."

"Of course!" I said excitedly. “See you after the show!" She waved goodbye, but that was not to be the last that I saw of her.

"Over the years, she has been a great friend. She often kept in touch and we often went out together. That has slowed down a bit since I am now taking care of two fillies. It was really nice of her to invite me up here again. It will be nice to see her again."

Cookie finished her tale with a dreamy yet wistful sigh. Having finished her meal during the story, they paid and left to finish their sightseeing. They walked a little more, looking at the vases in the antique shop, and picking up some post cards to send home.

With only half an hour to spare, they only stayed a moment in the Canterlot Park. Taking out her little cheap camera Rarity took a few pictures of the castle in the distance. The last stop they made was in a toy store. They found nothing fluffy at all, to Rarity's disappointment. At 4:30 they stopped in front of a three story building. Its many glass windows shinning in the afternoon sun,

A big, lighted sign hung over the fancy glass doors.

Inside, Cookie asked the receptionist for a "Jeweled Neckline", and he gave directions to the second floor, room 6. After walking up the few flights of stairs, they knocked on door six. It was answered by the teal and blue mare from Cookie Crumbs story.

"Cookie Crumbs! It’s been forever. How are you? Come in, come in!" she said with a cheerful expression.

"Why, thank you, Jewel,” she said, stepping in with Rarity close behind her.

They both were stunned when they saw her dresses. There were six dresses, each with a different pattern and different colors. The only thing they had in common was the amount of gems sewn into them. Emeralds, rubies, Topaz, diamonds, and every other single jewel you can think of were what the dresses adorned in. A few mares where standing by the dresses, adding finishing touches. One mare in particular was sewing on the last few gems. Rarity noticed her shifty expression, but did not think much about it.

"My word, Jewel, they're STUNNING!" exclaimed Cookie.

"Why, thank you, Cooks." Jewel blushed, turning her blue cheeks a hint of purple.

"Yes! Just lovely," added Rarity.

Jewel looked down at the filly, noticing her for the first time. "Hello, little one. You must be Rarity. Your mother has told me all about you! It’s very nice to meet you."

"You too," said Rarity politely.

"Why, might I ask, did you bring Rarity along?" asked Jewel, turning her attention back towards Cookie.

"Well, Rarity here has chosen to become a fashion designer too. Since you are a designer, and she wants to learn all she can about dresses and designing, I thought I would bring her along for the experience."

"Well, Rarity, feel free to look at the dresses, or the studio. Just make sure to, you know… not break anything. Just be careful, okay? And um... Oh! I was given a little kitten when I finished my first fashion show. She is older now, but about a month ago she had kittens. They are over there, by the window. You can go pet them if you like," Jewel offered, gesturing with her hoof.

Rarity trotted over to the window where a little basket sat. Inside was a large white cat with six creamy white kittens. Each one had a little bow on a little bit of fur that stuck up on its head. Most of them were napping, but a few were playful and went to sniff out the young visitor. Rarity, stricken with their cuteness, sat down to pet them while listening to the adults conversations.

"I must say, Jewel, you have really out done yourself. It seems every year you are getting better and better," commented Cookie.

"Thank you again. Each fashion show I enter I get more and more experience. This year has been a real challenge though. I mean, just look at this dress here." Jewel walked over to one of the ponikins on which a flowing dressed was placed. "This one here, it took me three days to come up with the right color scheme. Or this one right here," she pointed to another one,"I tried over and over to get the silk to overlap this just right, but it wouldn't until I tried a cross stitch. Still, even though this line took a LOT longer to make, it was well worth it. I will be glad when tonight all of it will have paid off."

“I hope so. By the way, what is the theme for this fashion show?"

"Oh! The theme is called “Hem in a Gem." As you can probably tell from the title and my dresses them-"

"Ahem."

Cookie and Jewel turned to see a green mare, her dark purple bangs hanging in her nervous looking eyes, standing by the door with a large blue suitcase. She cleared her throat and said in a rather gruff voice, “I am, um... finished, Mrs. Neckline."

"Oh, thank you, Topaz, for your work. I really could not have done it without your help. Your pay is on the counter there," said Jewel

"Thanks," said Topaz and she grabbed the money and hurried out the door as if something was after her.

Before Cookie could ask who that was Jewel finished saying, “Anyway, this fashion show has one special requirement: Each dress can have any style or color scheme, but it MUST have gems sown into the costume. Of course they have to be real gems. No cheap imitation jewels are allowed. We sew them onto the dresses and then during the fashion show hot shot ponies like Hoity Toity and Photo Finish come to see and inspect the dresses and gems. If you’re caught trying to cheat the rules and don't use all real gems then you’re disqualified."

Cookie had a blank stare on her face. "Wait a minute…. She left her chance of qualifying in the hooves of another pony...?" she thought, but out loud said "So was that the pony that sewed on your gems? She seemed in quite the rush to leave.” She walked over to closely inspect the gems.

"Yes, she was," said Jewel, not noticing the concern in Cookie's tone "Topaz Copy has done all the contestants gems. We are all so busy, trying to make the designs just right for photo finish. It just seemed easiest to leave the sewing work to her. All of us hired her to sew on the gems. She probably just wants to double check on the other contestants."

"And... how did that work exactly?" asked Cookie

"Well, she came to each of us and offered for a small price of twenty bits to sew on the gems for us. It’s a small price compared to the price the gems cost: 78 bits for each set, and I bought 6 sets for each dress. It was not too much for me, but some of the other designers had trouble buying them or even finding them on their own if they couldn’t afford that may! So, Topaz's offer sounded like a fair deal."

"When does she sew them?"

"Usually when I am on a lunch break, so she can get to the dresses when I am not working on them."

"What’s in the suitcase?"

"She said they are her tools, but she always ends up using mine. I suppose mine are better, but she still brings hers for back up?

“Why are you asking so many questions about Topaz? You are not thinking Topaz cheated me... are you?" Jewel looked aghast.

“Maybe, maybe not, but she did look like she was ready to bolt when you started to mention gems. Did you not notice how shifty she was?"

"Well… yes. But I thought that was part of her personality," said Jewel, now looking very worried.

"You did say the gems were worth a lot. She always has a suitcase that you never see her use, and you never see her sew in the gems. You also said it is really hard to get real gems. This would be an easy way to steal them." concluded Cookie.

"Yes, that may be true, but there is no hardcore proof right? We need some evidence to back this theory up." She was scared that she might have entrusted a thief with a fortune, worried that she might be disqualified, and upset that the other contestants might have been cheated as well!

"Well...," said Cookie thoughtfully “We have to find out whether or not the gems are real..." She put a hoof to her chin. “I just don’t know how. I mean, I’m no expert on gems myself. I probably couldn’t tell the difference.”

Rarity suddenly perked up at the sound of that. "Find... gems... my gem finding spell!" she thought. Getting up she quickly trotted over to the perplexed mares.

"The show starts in about thirty minutes. That might not be enough time to get a gem inspector. Do you know any ponies that might be able to tell real ones from a fake?" asked Jewel.

"Um... I might be able to be of assistance," Rarity said.

"You, my dear?" Jewel looked down at her with surprise. “What can you do to help?" she asked politely.

"Well, I know a spell that can find gems. If they are real gems, they will glow with a bright, white light,“ said Rarity

Jewel looked over at Cookie, who nodded her head in approval. She turned back to Rarity and said, "I have nothing against it. Go ahead. Give it your best shot!"

Rarity walked in front of the row of dresses. Each one had at least thirty gems sewn onto it. Taking out the diamond from her purse she set it out on the table. Even if the other gems didn't light up that one should, knowing it’s a real gem. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Magic wasn't that hard once you know the spell, but to copy a spell from memory, one that you didn't even think of to preform, was hard. It was like working from scratch, not knowing when to start. Suddenly she remembered the spark of magic from the spell was still on her horn.

Doing that one thing only unicorns are good at, she activated a ball of energy around her horn. She could feel it, a small, faint trace of the powerful spell inside the aura of magic. She centered on that little bit and focused all her might into it. A small ball of white light steadily started to grow on her horn, but a spell cannot activate by magic alone. Mental power was required as well. A thought; all she needed was a thought. Doubt? Fear or despair? That was what had sparked it, but that wouldn't carry it or hold it. Emotions could start a spark, but a central thought is needed to complete it. Being a fashion designer? She tried it, but it didn't match the magical frequency. “This is a gem finding spell,” she said to herself. “Think of gems.”

Garnet, jade, opal, jasper, amethyst; all of them flashed across her mind. Making a mental picture of each of them she focused them into her spell. "Here goes nothing! "Thought Rarity before she cast the spell. A big white light on her horn appeared, just like the last one. There was a mental tug, and then....

The diamond began to glow brightly. The gems did not.

Everypony gasped as the truth was revealed. They had been scammed. Rarity finished preforming her spell, and sat down exhausted.

"This is terrible! I trusted Topaz!" exclaimed Jewel.

"What about the dresses?" asked Cookie

"I have plenty of extra’s at home, so that's not a problem, but I don't think I can get them sewn in time for the show!"

"I can help! I am pretty good at sewing," offered Rarity.

"Thank you. That is most appreciated, but what about the contestants?"

"I can go warn them about the jewel's being fake," said Cookie.

"Oh, good!" said Jewel. “Here, take some of my extra’s in case they need some. They’re in the cabinet. And inform security of Topaz's robbery, please."

Taking the bags stuffed with gems from the cabinet Cookie rushed out the door. Jewel turned to Rarity. “Come. We have sewing to do."The next thirty minutes was spent in taking out the fake gems and replacing them with real ones. Needles flew, sweat was poured from the brows of the tedious ponies, but they finally got it done. They rushed the now perfected dresses down to the runway.

Cookie came over just as they setup the dresses. "Well, I believe most of the other designers now have a chance of qualifying. It was good seeing you, Jewel."

"That's good. I couldn't have done this without your help. Thank you both so much. I-wait. Are you going somewhere?"

"We cannot make it to the show tonight, I’m afraid. Business has not been booming as usual so we can’t really afford to squander money on something extravagant like this. We just came to see the dresses that you made and be on our way. I am glad we were able to help."

"What time are you leaving?" Jewel asked.

"Tomorrow morning. Why?"

"Well, if you are not leaving until then I would like to treat you to two tickets for the fashion show!"

Rarity was pleased to hear this, but her startled mother said, "No, we couldn't...”

"Think of this as a reward for your service to me and my colleges." Rarity's mother was about to object again, but Jewel levitated two tickets into her saddle bag and left without another word. She looked up at her mother, “Does this mean we can go?" she said hopefully.

"I don't see why not," replied her mother.

"Yippee!" Rarity excitedly giggled, and rushed off with her mother to find a seat somewhere.

The show was a success. Photo Finish and other Canterlot hot shots inspected each line and, finding them to have real gems, stated that they qualified for the next round! After getting a picture with Photo Finish (yeah, with Photo Finish) Rarity and her mother headed backstage to congratulate Jewel on her success. Jewel was sending her dresses back off to the studio when she turned around to see them.

"Oh, there you are. I want to chat with you some more, and I have something for the little filly that saved the show, but first I have a little more work to do. Can you wait for me over at Doughnut Joe’s? Here are some bits to get something while you are waiting." She again levitated over some bits into her saddle bag and rushed off, not waiting for a reply. They were a bit stunned at first by all the fast talking and sudden instructions. Nevertheless, they both left the building and headed for Doughnut Joe’s.

***

"Canterlot is so beautiful at night, so bright and... ALIVE!" said Rarity to her mother as they sat at the three seated table, sipping her hot cocoa. Her mother was sipping her green tea. The shop was almost empty, only a few stallions sat at the corner table. The lights were warm and low, as closing time was quickly becoming definite. The smell of fresh doughnuts filled the shop, and low jazz music could be heard in the background. A beefy, creamy-yellow stallion came over with a tray of doughnuts, and as he set them on the table he said, "Enjoy. Call me if you need more."

Just then, the shop bell rung as Jewel entered. Brushing her teal bangs out of her face she sat down with the two mares.

“Thank you for waiting on me. It took a while to take the dresses back," she said calmly.

"No problem, it’s nice to have a quiet moment after that mess," Cookie said.

Jewel ordered a hot cocoa and took a bite out of a glazed doughnut. There was silence for a moment until Jewel said, "Rarity, for your spell and service today in the shop, and for helping bring Topaz to justice (she wavered at the mention of the name, as she was still trying to cope at the prospect of somepony doing that), I would like to give you something in return.”

Using her magic, she placed a little carrier in front of Rarity. Rarity, shaking with anticipation, opened the carrier to reveal a sleeping little kitten! It was the one with a bow in its fur. A huge smile spread across her face, as she squealed in delight. The kitten awoke at the noise and stretched with a tiny yawn. She began to lick herself with her soft, pink tongue. Rarity took the kitten gingerly into her hooves, and began to stroke her back.

"Thank you, Mrs. Jewel! Thank you ever so much! I love her! She's so soft and white," Said Rarity dreamily.

"You’re quite welcome, Rarity. What will you name her?"

" Opalescence. Opal, " Rarity decided.

"What a perfect name," said her mother, before turning to jewel.

As the two became engaged in grownup conversation Rarity leaned towards the kitten’s ear and whispered, “I found Sweetie something fluffy....

“You."