Friendship is Failure #2: Fallout Fashions

ACT ONE

Rarity sat down with her friends on a bench, and she found a picture of that same pony in one of magazines. “There he is…” she cried and she seemed to fall into a lovey-dovey daze “…Manny Collars; one of the greatest fashion designers in all of Manehatten.”

Even Pinkie Pie realized how handsome the pony seemed, and howled like a wolf, but Applejack, though she found him handsome, didn’t overly express it. She also noted his flank was blank in the picture, “Hey, he’s got no Cutie Mark. I thought he was supposed to be some big time fashion guy, like you said.”

Rarity admitted “That is one of the most mysterious things about him…” She went on explaining How Manny was a mystery to many ponies. He had only came in Manehattan a few years ago, but no-pony knew where he was originally from, and there were no birth records of his existing prior to the time; which suggested he had changed his name from a birth-name.

Apart from all this, Rarity was more interested in his style and his motivation. According to the article, all he ever did was work on his designs, getting through ten times as much as even Rarity herself could do in a week.

The many clothes and outfits in the article about Manny were breathtaking; he made sundresses, swimming gear, and even fashionable suits for stallions.

Rarity was especially intrigued by one design of his entitled “Fiery Heart.”; a red formal gown with an orangey blouse and a yellow sparkling satin scarf.

Rarity stared at it so deeply she had almost forgotten how to blink.

“Says here, he’s unveiling it for sale at his shop today.” said Applejack.

“Well let’s get going then!” cried Pinkie.

“YES!! WE MUST!!” Rarity shouted, scaring other ponies near her. She felt very embarrassed, but not as embarrassed as Applejack felt, “Why did I have to open my big mouth?” she grumbled.

The friends walked down the several blocks to Manny Collar’s shop; “Beauty & Boutique” and they were just in time as they saw Manny standing amongst a large crowd of anxious ponies, mostly mares.

“Attention every-pony…” he hollered, and he waited for the crowds to pipe down. Manny then cleared his throat “For a whole month I have worked day and night without many breaks, except to sleep and eat of course, but now, I have finally perfected my best design yet and I know you mares have been anxiously waiting… And so, without further ado I now unveil my newest item for sale; Fiery Heart!” He pulled a large cloth off the concealed pony dummy exposing the gown for everyone to see.

Many gazed at the beautiful design in awe, while everyone else, preferably the mares. However, some stallions took a liking to it and wished to buy it for their mare-friends, wives, or even their… rather spoiled daughters.

“I’ll take one.”

“I have three daughters going to the Grand Galloping Gala. I’ll take three.”

“My wife runs a fashion shop. We’ll take a dozen!”

More and more offers to buy the dress were pouring in, but Rarity… she stood frozen on the spot with her eyes wide and her jaw hanging open.

Applejack waved her hoof around her face, and Pinkie Pie gave her a soft nudge. “Uh… Rarity…?” Pinkie asked softly.

[youtube= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP8QHE7cFnA] Rarity then burst out giggling excitedly as she bounced up and down.

“I must have that gown! I must! I must!” she cried.

Pinkie Pie bounced giddy with her going, “Yes you should! Yes you should!”

Applejack couldn’t understand why Pinkie was acting like Rarity, until Pinkie softly muttered “I’m just joining in the happiness and giving her support.”

“O…kay then.” muttered Applejack.

“Please… please…” Manny hollered to the many demanding ponies. “As much as I would like to give one to all of you, I only have so many. So I’m afraid it’s first come, first served.”

Hearing this, the ponies crowded to the front of his store, anxious to get in and buy copies of the dress.

Manny somewhat liked this, when customers crowded to buy his works. However, he spotted Rarity off near the back, and his happiness changed into a sneer as he looked at her. She did not notice him, which he didn’t mind, and walked into an alley to enter his store from the backside.

Rarity felt a mixture of anxiety and hopelessness. “Oh, I’ll never be able to get a dress from way back here.” she groaned.

“Are you kiddin’? It’ll be probably sundown by the time we even get to the door.” said Applejack.

Rarity nervously bit her lip, and was on the verge of having a breakdown. Pinkie could see this wouldn’t do and she had an idea and zipped off.

She then came back dragging a small wagon behind her, and then shouted into a megaphone. “Attention Every-pony! Free Desserts, compliments of Pinkie Pie.”

Many ponies turned to look in her direction, and then watched as her wagon unfolded to reveal a full stand with cakes, pies, cupcakes, brownies and many other delicious sweets and surprises.

“Free desserts?”

“I’m all for that!”

More than half the ponies ditched the line for the store and crowded around Pinkie’s wagon, much to Applejack and Rarity’s astonishment. “How does she do that?” Applejack wondered.

“Hey!” Pinkie called, having left her wagon and saving a spot further up the line. The others hadn’t noticed how she got there so quickly, but then hurried up to her. Now they were much closer to the front doors, which guaranteed Rarity a chance to buy a dress.

Or so she thought…!

Despite how much smaller the crowds were now, it still seemed like a while to wait to get anywhere near the store, but Rarity could still see the dress in display in the store window.

She imagined how lovely she’d look in it and stallions all over would treat her like a princess--offering her gifts, kissing her hoofs and cheering, “Hail Rarity! Hail Rarity! Hail Rarity!”

“Hey, Rarity! Hey, Rarity…!” Applejack called to her snapping her out of her daydream, “The line’s movin’. Shake a leg, girl.”

Rarity perked herself up, “Right…” then she took in a few deep breaths. “I really can’t wait to actually meet Manny Collars in person.” she said “He and I are so much alike, dare I say… kindred spirits.”

“Um… you haven’t even met the guy yet, and you’re already gettin’ all dozy.” said Applejack, but she could tell from Rarity’s daze that she hadn’t heard her, much to her own annoyance.

However, upon finally reaching the doors to the shop, two mares, whom were helpers in the store, stopped the trio. “I’m sorry, you are not permitted inside.” one of them said.

“WHAT?!” the friends cried out.

“Why can’t we come in?” asked Applejack. “Yeah… what she said.” added Pinkie.

“Oh, sorry… Not you two; you may come in… but not her.” The other greeter said while pointing her hoof at Rarity.

“What? Me?” Rarity asked in total disbelief “Why ever am I not allowed inside?”

“I’m sorry…” said one of the greeters “But those were strict orders from Manny Collars.” She and her partner motioned to a “No Rarity” sign near the doors.

Rarity, overwhelmed by shock, felt her head spinning and she fainted.

Applejack and Pinkie decided to pick her up and carry her off so as not to hold up the line.

From inside the shop, Manny saw Rarity being carried off. “Huh! Good Riddance.” He grumbled, and then returned to tending to his customers and profits.