Crystals Grow on Rainbows

Just about every pony in Ponyville gathered to watch the Wonderbolts exclusive performance, with Rainbow Dash as a special participant in the show of course. While it was only just one day that she had to enjoy with them, it was well worth it. One of those rare moments where she could feel really happy, and not have a care in the world. And of course, it provided the perfect chance to practice her sonic rainboom, each time felt better and better.

Rarity on the other hand spent the whole time she was conscious pulling her whole effort and resources into coming up with a revolutionary outfit for Sapphire Shores. And this time she had a substantial supply of gems to draw on, should there be any notion of costume changes once again. Fluttershy and Spike had volunteered the afternoon to help on top of all that, much to her pleasure.

"I dunno, it looks a little too... frilly." The sleeve that had three layers of frilling on the cuffs, for which Spike clearly had a distaste. Fluttershy giggled softly from her turn at the sowing machine, working hard to finish the hem of the cloak. Rarity peered over the mannequin at Spike as he continued to voice his complaints. Gems hovered around her head as she continued to work on new arrangements.

"Oh Spike, there's some gems over in the small chest that you can have for a snack. They won't work for clothes, and you've been a very good helper." With his attention no longer devoted to being picky, the final pieces settled into place smoothly. "I think it's done! Would you like me to finish off the cloak Fluttershy?" She made her way over to check up on progress. Fluttershy had been very patient with her, and the stitching was excellent.

Spike returned with his mouth and arms filled with gems. A pat on the head accompanied with a bit of tutting was all Rarity managed before the cloak drew her attention away once more. So close to completion, and in just a mere matter of hours. Even if it wouldn't compare to her other recent works, it would certainly be a personal achievement. And she had her dear friends to thank for that. With a quick flick of her head, she pulled the cloak free and placed it over the rest of the outfit. Nothing short of stunning, just the right personality for a performance.

"Fluttershy, Spike... It's done. Now, are you sure Sapphire Shores said she would be returning later today? It's starting to get dark outside now." The Sugarcube Corner had been her destination according to Fluttershy, if there was a delay then there was one rather obvious answer. "Well, I think we should see if she needs rescuing from Pinkie Pie. I can only hope that she isn't too upset with the delay, it wouldn't do at all to have a bad impression."

It was quickly decided that the best option would be to take the outfit to its owner directly, that way there would be less worry about causing unnecessary delays. Fortunately, a lot of ponies were gathered outside Town Hall for the Wonderbolts farewell, the rest had probably gone to Sugarcube corner. Two famous groups in their town at the same time, rare as the chances were, it had happened.

"So Rarity, still having no luck finding that special somepony?" Rarity didn't respond to Spike's question for a moment. How could she possibly answer with certainty? She didn't know exactly what Rainbow Dash wanted to talk about; it could easily go either way. And how would he react knowing she was pursuing the weather pony? But something had to be said, it would be far worse if it seemed like she was deliberately not telling him.

"I uh... have somepony in mind. But I'm not certain if things will work out. Tonight, I should know." Her heart felt like one of Zecora's brews. Bubbly, mysterious, and impossible to discern what was inside. Spike's behaviour was more-so confusing; he seemed fine about everything, despite the heartache that must've been caused by her task. Was it just an infatuation, which until that point he felt was a genuine love?

The last gem that he had carried with him from the Boutique vanished into his chomping jaw. "Well, I hope it goes okay. I'm still going to be your friend, right?" That made her smile, such innocent questions. Maybe she was right, just a little infatuation that he wouldn't tear himself up over. It was at that point she noticed that Fluttershy had fallen behind, probably worried about intruding on their conversation.

"Oh silly, you'll always be my Spikey-Wikey." It was a fun excuse to rest for a moment, patting his head until he shook her hoof away in embarrassment. Now, the sounds of party coming from Sugarcube Corner were audible. Pinkie Pie was definitely there; her unique singing voice was as unmistakeable as her songs. What had her confused was a rather different voice, a very distinctive and unique voice.

Sapphire Shores was definitely singing, but without an appropriate outfit! She couldn't just stand by and let her continue to perform without looking her absolute best! "I'm coming!" Rarity bolted off with that, the dress and cloak struggling to keep up with her speed. A confused Spike and worried Fluttershy remained in her wake. It wasn't like her at all to be so abrupt; Pinkie was the abrupt one of their group.

A loud thud marked Rarity's failed attempt to charge through the door, resulting in quite a bit of pain in her horn. The second attempt proved more successful, bursting through into the midst of the crowd. Sapphire Shores was performing alright, and she did in fact have an outfit on. Though Rarity never expected that Pinkie Pie would provide her with what could only be described as an oversized cupcake for a costume.

"Fluttershy, I think she's broken." There hadn't been any movement from the unicorn, prompting Spike to wave his paw in front of her face. Her jaw began to move at last, sinking down into a silent gawk. One of her most esteemed customers was up there on stage... dressed as a cupcake! The outfit she had put hours into creating merely drifted off to the side.

"Uh, maybe you should go home and rest, Rarity. I'll make sure she gets the outfit after the show." At that moment, Pinkie Pie rushed from Sapphire's side to greet the arrivals, almost throwing Spike up through the second floor in her excitement. Fluttershy picked up the top of the outfit gently in her mouth before retreating to the side of the room where it was quieter. And there was still little movement from Rarity, but she was edging towards the door again.

"Aw! Come on Rarity! It's no fun being alone, especially when there's a party going on!" Seeing a confetti coated Pinkie Pie fill her view was enough to get the unicorn moving again. After all the effort she had gone to, a party certainly wasn't what she had in mind. Sleep on the other hand would be perfect, and nopony would keep her from that. Pinkie was about to try anyway, save for Spike intervening.

"Come on Pinkie, she's just tired. Hey, can I do some of the singing?" Unfazed as usual, Pinkie Pie eagerly bounced back to the microphone with him on her back. Now able to reach it, his moment to shine was there for the taking. Alongside Sapphire Shores, the pony of pop. "Uh, nice costume Miss Shores."

*

Fine trails of steam wafted out through the open window into the night. Rarity had managed to calm herself with a lovely cocoa. How could she have made such a fool of herself! Bursting into the party as if somepony's life depended on it! And what if Sapphire didn't even notice the outfit she prepared? What if she had the sudden urge to move from gems to food for costumes!

As if fate hadn't found enough entertainment at the cost of her reputation and mood, a knock at her door came loud. "Just leave me alone!" The door opened anyway, which for once actually felt a bit comforting. There was a good chance it was one of her close friends, who else would investigate anyway? Rainbow Dash certainly wasn't the pony she had initially expected however, but then she had mentioned returning later.

"Hey uh, I hope I'm not coming at a bad moment Rarity. But uh, we need to talk before I decide anything. About us, that is..." Closing the door carefully with a sweep of her wing, Dash approached the restless unicorn in slight worry. She looked a bit upset, not that unusual, but it did make her feel a bit awkward. There was a good chance she'd go even more sentimental and mushy, ruining the strength she had worked up to go there.

"No no, it's fine Dashie. Come, I'm sure you must be tired from the performance, I'll make you a cocoa if you like, I just had a little, incident at Sugarcube Corner."