There's no place for a dressmaker in war.

At least, that is what the Equestrian Army recruitment officer told me. His words left me alone when all of my friends had left to protect our home. Leaving me behind to "hold the fort," as Applejack said. It was a kind sentiment she gave as she smiled widely before boarding the train to Canterlot and then to the Camp where she will train in the art of war. She was the last to leave after securing extra help at the farm.

Rainbow Dash was the first. It made sense, the Wonderbolts were a branch of the Military, though mostly for morale and acrobatics they were tested to see if they had potential in combat and sure enough Rainbow Dash had a lot of the Pegasus warrior blood in her. She is set to lead her own 'Flight Wing' as she called it.

Fluttershy was next which surprised us all. But then again, after she saw the animals that were brought to her, casualties of the invading army, it shouldn't have been a surprise. She learned quickly how to heal and assist the doctors in their duties. It only took a few sessions to get over the wounds of war, much different than wounds that would appear in casual life.

Pinkie Pie wasn't far behind, I suppose she had a feeling that said she was needed there. She started out as a cook but when she was able to pick morale up at the fort she was stationed at and keep them strong though out the fighting, she was assigned to moral duties. Some say it is mad to expect soldiers to laugh in the midst of war. In a rare moment of seriousness, Pinkie Pie said it was madder still to not laugh when all you can do is cry.

Twilight... Princess Twilight Sparkle, she was always in the midst of the War. Even before it hit the papers, she said she had to leave so suddenly. Then the news reached us and we saw in the papers. She looked so tired in the photos, no matter how strong she made herself to appear. Perhaps that is what called us to join them.

But there is no place for a dressmaker in War.

So I am left behind, to make dresses and suits. I fear that the majority of my newest requests will be for the soldiers who return but never come home. I hate funeral clothing. It is subdued, quiet. Sad. As it is meant to be but I hate it nonetheless. The only thing I hate more is being left behind. But there is no place for a dressmaker in War, especially one with a love of gems.

I put my frustration into those gems and threw them across the room. I waited for the clattering to hopefully ease my soul... instead, I heard thunks. I turned and saw in shock and surprise at what I had done.

The gems, no longer round and smooth for display, had sharpened like blades and buried themselves into the wall of my boutique. It actually took some effort to pull them free they were stuck so deep. I knew I always had a knack for slight manipulation, a change in shape slightly to fit my needs but, never something so drastic. That's when I had an idea.

There truly is no place for a Dressmaker in War, but there is a place for Rarity.

I closed my boutique then and for the next few months, I pushed the limits of my new ability. Shaping the gems into what I willed for them until I could form them into whatever I pleased. Size didn't matter, whether it be the size of my head or as small as a hair, I learned to turn something of beauty into something brutal. I had never pushed myself so hard, even when I was working on my best dress ideas. My friends always had that effect on me.

When I knew I was ready, I made a proper attire, a long cloak covering a suit with plenty of pockets to hold the gems, and traveled to Canterlot. Of course there was a long line of potential candidates for Twilight's Personal Guard. Who wouldn't want to serve under the newest Princess? But I had reasons other than fame to join.

It seems that the main holdup of the line was a rather brutish Earth Pony who stood at the top of the steps into the testing chambers. Although Celestia's guards were nearby, they still let this one pony prevent anypony else from going into the chambers. He shouted from the top of the stairs, "If anyone is going to be her guard, it is going to be me! If you don't want to get hurt, go home." He made it clear that he wasn't going to budge, even for a lady.

That was fine for me. I wasn't a lady at that moment as I weaved my way though the crowd. I was a soldier, just like him. Except I was better.

He snorted a laugh as he looked at me, brutish through and through. Even though I wasn't a stallion like him, he made it clear he would send me rolling down the steps all the same. I said nothing to him, not waiting to waste my breath, instead I pulled out two gemstones from under my cloak and floated them in front of him. This made him laugh.

I let him laugh and boast about his armor. About how my gems would just shatter against the metal and how he will make me eat the gemstones if I don't back off. On and on he went about himself. And when he was done, I said just this to him.

"If you can stop me, then stop me. Otherwise, go home." And I walked forward.

And I walked past him. And he couldn't stop me, for when he tried he felt the needles under his armor. The gemstones I floated in front of me had kept his gaze while I used the rest to slip into his armor and form spikes. If he had attempted to move, he would have been run though like a pin cushion. I only let him go when I was inside the hall and the doors closed behind me.

"...and that brings me here, Twilight." I smiled at my friend. I have to remind myself that I am even as she sits on her throne, the light making her look so regal as it glimmers off her crown.

She is still surprised after listening to my story, same as she was when she first saw me come in. Finally, she asked, "Rarity, I appreciate you coming here to try and help... but I must ask... Why?"

I laughed softly and smiled up to my friend, thinking back to when I first saw her in Ponyville with that mess of a mane, wondering how she could end up here. Remembering all we went though and wondering how she could be anyplace but there. Then I spoke, and said simply this:

"There is no place for a Dressmaker in War. But there is always room for a friend."