Altering Harmony

"Ugh," Rainbow Dash grunted, her tail dragging limply behind her as she passed the Carousel Boutique, where Rarity just happened to be working on her latest fashion line.

"Hmm." Rarity examined various sketchings of gem-studded dresses, trying to see which one looked the best. "I like this one, that one, this one..."

She crossed out some of the sketches that she deemed to look ugly. "This line has to look perfect for Hoity Toity. If he likes it, my line could be put under the spotight in Canterlot! My fashion business will bloom!"

Rarity finally came to the conclusion of five outfits she found to be "dazzling" after some difficulty, throwing the leftover sketches in the trash bin.

Soon, after many sleepless nights, Rarity finally finished her entire line. She was extremely proud of herself; if Hoity Toity really would notice her, she'd get the recognition she deserved all these years.

"They're so diverse and unique, it'll catch the eye of all the ponies in Canterlot! Now then, I should most certainly get some rest; I wouldn't want to present these fabulous outfits to Hoity Toity in such a horrid condition, especially since the train ride's tomorrow morning."

Rarity closed the lights and hopped into her bed, putting on the floral-patterned eye shades that she always wore during her sleep. "I just can't wait!" she whispered to herself excitedly before falling fast asleep.

In the middle of the night, what seemed like dark purple fog seeped into her room, searching for its intended target. As soon as it spotted her fashion line, the fog spread itself over it, causing the line to be nothing but ripped fabric studded with gemstones.

The next morning, Rarity awoke, only to behold a terrible scene before her eyes.

"This can't be!" Rarity screamed at the top of her lungs, clearly devastated. "Who would do such a thing to my fabulous, absolutely fantastic clothing line?"

Tears streamed down her face as her expression changed from devastation to disgust. "Of course! Why didn't I think of it earlier? This destruction was an act of sabotage! Another one of Hoity Toity's admirers wanted him all to themselves and ruined my work!"

Rarity scoffed, her rage boiling within her. "This is what I get for trying to share my work with the world? This is even worse than the time Suri stole my line in Manehattan! Nobody deserves to see my beautiful work, not after this... they will all regret losing such a great fashion designer! I will never make dresses for anyone again!"

Hours later, she left the Carousel Boutique, not acting like her usual generous self at all throughout the day.

During her walk, she passed a young filly who immediately asked for her opinion on her dress - which Rarity thought looked like an old rag - upon seeing her. "What do you think, Rarity? Is my dress good?"

Rarity glanced around, sensing that the ponies around them were staring at her expectantly. "It's disgusting! Why would you even wear such a piece of filth in public? Well, of course, I see now... you knew that no one would try to ruin it because it's so ugly!"

The filly lowered her head in shame, her expression miserable as she ran away, sobbing.

"Hmph," Rarity snorted, walking away like everything was normal despite the low murmurs from the ponies around her. "If they can't respect my work, then I can't respect theirs!"

Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind. The showcase is still two days away... maybe I'm taking this too seriously, I still have time to remake my line... no, Rarity! You've made your choice, you can't go back on it now!

She continued to simply roam around Ponyville, occasionally giving her honest opinion on unfashionable things when asked. Of course, she had to eventually return to the Carousel Boutique when Princess Luna's night began to settle in.

Rarity was just about to put away her sewing materials when suddenly Pinkie Pie showed up.

"Rarity! Rarity!" Pinkie shoved her face in Rarity's. "I need a chicken costume, quick! Last minute birthday party, gotta make it count!"

"A chicken costume?" Rarity scoffed. "Really? Have you no dignity, Pinkie?"

"Oh, come on!" Pinkie Pie whined. "No more chitchatting; I need it as soon as possible! If I don't get it in time, a filly's birthday party will be in jeopardy!"

"I suppose I could." Rarity took a brief moment to think before she made her final decision. "Of course not! I don't care about a random filly's birthday party! I would never let my fabulous fashion designs be showcased at something as lowly as a birthday party! My work is far too better for you to just ask me to make you a pathetic chicken costume for a BIRTHDAY PARTY!"

Pinkie shrunk down before immediately getting up and hurrying to the door. "Fine! I'll just ask Applejack instead to give me a chicken to bring to the party!" She left, slamming the door behind her furiously. Why's Rarity acting like that? Usually she wouldn't make such a fuss about making something for a best friend of hers! Everyone's going loco coco! Fluttershy, now Rarity? I don't like this one bit... not one bit.

Rarity sighed as she watched the door slam closed. "You're doing the right thing, Rarity. I know you are."