It was a peaceful day, and Fluttershy was at her Animal Sanctuary having a picnic with her animal friends.

She gave some bird seeds to a purple bird and a Bluejay, and some ducks. All the animals are enjoying their meal, but Angel hasn't ate anything yet. And he threw the bowl on Fluttershy's head.

Don't worry, Angel, I won't forget you. She said bringing a bowl of salad to him, and Angel begins to eat.

There's nothing so peaceful as a cuddly friends picnic.

FLUTTERSHY!

The animals ran away from the loud cry, as Rarity arrive.

Oh, goodness, Rarity! Fluttershy for her. What's the matter?

Rarity skids to a stop. Oh, the better would be, "What isn't the matter"?

Oh, dear. Do you wanna have some lettuce and talk about?

Not wanting to waste his hunger, Angel shoves as much lettuce in his mouth as he can.

Uh... Oh! I would love to, darling, but I just don't have the time. The Canterlot Royal Fashion Show is practically upon us, and the cornerstone piece of my collection just isn't working!

Oh, that sounds serious.

Oh-ho-ho, it's serious. The entire collection is designed around it!

Do you need help knitting? I've started making tea cozies. Fluttershy then brought a teapot with a cover that looks like a Elephant. It's an elephant.

Then the cover which is meant to be the trunk of a elephant rips.

Yes, well, I don't need help making clothes. Said Rarity. Sassy Saddles is pitching in. Plus, I'll be pulling all three of my Manehattan assistants.

All three? Does that mean you'll have to close Rarity For You?

That's just it, darling. This is Manehattan's busiest shopping season, and I can't just close the shop. So I was hoping... you might consider running?

Of course. I'm happy to help. Though I'm surprised you picked me.

Well, I may have asked a few others.

Rarity has asked Rainbow Dash.

Sorry, but we've got a Wonderbolts show coming up. Said Rainbow.

And she and Spitfire flew up.

She tried Pinkie.

Sorry, but it's pie season and the pie orders are pilling up. Said Pinkie.

Rarity tried Twilight.

Sorry, I've got a curriculum to make up. Twilight said.

Rarity tried Applejack.

Nope.

She tried Starlight.

She shook her head No.

She tried Big Mac.

Nnnope.

She tried Cheerliee, Granny Smith, DJ Pony, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. And she even tried Tyrant and Blue, but both have good excuses, real reason they know nothing about fashion and still new how things work here. And each are going on a hunting trip with some friends.

Rarity then became so desperate, she even tried Maud.

My calendar's packed, but I hear Fluttershy's free. And you haven't ask Boulder. Said Maud.

Uh... Oh?

It doesn't matter who else I asked, because I couldn't be happier that you agreed to help!

Soon the pair arrived at the shop.

I think I forgot how big this shop was. Fluttershy concern. How do you find anything?

Oh, darling, it's easy to track. Rarity reassured. The store is divided into sections - chic, classic, modern, sophisticated, avant-garde, traditional, and obtuse.

Rarity begins to show Fluttershy what to do.

And, of course, each section is divided by season, color, and price. It's a classic SCP system.

She then brought out a black outfit and brought it to the paying counter.

Then it's just a little ringing ponies up...

She then pays the outfit, folds it, and place it in a bag.

... a little fluff and fold... Volia! But, of course, that's the easy part. She finished.

It is? Fluttershy gasped.

Mm-mmm. As you well know, the real focus at Rarity For Us is on the costumer!

Then a orange colored mare with pink colored hair, ruby eyes, with sunglasses, and a blue shirt named Pursey Pink came in.

Care to give it a try? Rarity asked.

Um, okay.

Fluttershy went up to Pursey. Hello. Um, welcome to Rarity For You. What can I help with?

I need something classic but modern. Pursey explained. Something with drama but also understated.

Um, aren't all those things opposites?

Yes. So?

But how can I...?

I'm sorry. Are you asking me how to do your job? Pursey asked getting impatient.

No! But I just, um...

Then Rarity appeared. If I may, I'm thinking noir-esque minimalist but with a twist.

She then brought out a black and pink dress. Perhaps a tapered hem.

Then the two were and in stare off.

It's like you read my mind! Pursey breaking the silence. Are you a fashion psychic?

Hmm. The inseams say, "Yes!"

the two laugh, and Rarity paid the outfit and Pursey leaves.

Wow. Fluttershy amazed. You make it look so easy.

Oh, darling, come now. Said Rarity. You've conquered your shyness a thousand times over. You can't let a few fashion ponies undo all that progress.

I guess not. Fluttershy agreeing.

You simply must access your inner strength and allow it to shine through!

How?

Uh, daily affirmations? Rarity thought. Meditation? Ooh! Power posing works wonders whenever I feel intimidated. Try these. Rarity strikes different poses. Confident warrior! Gold medalist! Showpony!

Fluttershy tries it, but ended up getting tangled by her mane and tail.

Or... not.

Then her 3 assistants came out ready to go.

We need to leave now if we're going to catch the train to Canterlot. Said Blue Ribbons.

Rarity brought out her watch and saw what time it is. Oh, goodness, look at the time! Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, go, go! I'm right behind you!

The 3 assistants begin to leave.

You're not gonna be here? Fluttershy asked. In your work room?

But, darling, I simply can't. The fashion show is in Canterlot tomorrow, and i'll be up all night, even with the help of all my assistants!

Fluttershy gulped.

Well, not all my assistants.

Then 3 familiar raccoons appeared behind the current.

Smoky! Softpad! Smoky Jr.!

The raccoon family rushed over and gave Fluttershy a hug.

Ever since you convinced me to let them live in the shop, these beastie sweeties have been nothing but helpful. Said Rarity.

And I'm sure they'll help me let my inner strength shine through!

The raccoons agreed.

Oh, I wish I could still and offer more help. Then Rarity had a idea. Why not try a new outfit?

Rarity then brought a simple fashion work outfit. Think of it as the costume for your role as... Shop Pony! Ha ha! You know what they say - "clothes make the pony".

Um, who says that?

You know,"them". All right. I'm sure you and your furry friends will do just fine. Ta-ta!

And Rarity left.

Fluttershy sighs. I hope she's right.

Then a mid-aged tan/almost brown, white hair, purple eye, and a work outfit, red glasses named Bracer Britches came in. And looks around.

Whew. Here goes nothing. Said Fluttershy.

And the raccoons cheered.

Welcome to Rarity For You. What can I help you with?

What's the thread count of this shirt? He asked examining a black shirt. I can't be seen in anything less than a thousand.

Um, thread... count? Um... Well, I'm not sure. She then brought a magnifying glass. Let's see... Um, 1, 2, 3, 4...

Then the raccoons started chittering of telling to not to.

Um, excuse me for just one second.

Fluttershy then ran to workroom. And soon the raccoons joined her.

Oh, I'm afraid I don't know much about fashion to satisfy these customers. She said. What am I gonna do?

Then Smoky came in with the outfit Rarity showed her.

Oh, I've never tried to act before, but... I suppose it's worth a shot.

Soon Fluttershy was in the outfit, and even changed her mane style.

She then clears her throat and tries a snooty voice. Severe but not unapproachable. Acceptable business attire. She then speaks her normal voice. Oh, does that sound like a shop pony to you?

The raccoon family cheers.

And Fluttershy convinced enough.

And soon heads outside and speaks in her snooty voice.

So sorry for the wait. Said Fluttershy. The shop has some... staffing issues today.

Yes, well, I still haven't had an answer on this thread count. Britches said impatiently.

Here at Rarity For You, our merchandise defies typical attempts to quantify its quality, but rest assured, it will make you the envy of all who see it.

Oh, in that case. I'll that three!

He was soon paid and leaves the shop.

Ta-ta!

And he was gone.

When he was gone, Fluttershy faints and falls back.

Smoky Jr.! She said in her normal voice. I can't believe it worked! She then got up and spoke in her snooty voice. I suppose clothes really do make the pony after all.

Meanwhile Rarity was making her way to the train station to catch her ride to Canterlot. She then she saw 2 mares walking with each other.

I don't know about you, but I have a full day of shopping planned. Said Luckette. And if even one shop pony isn't up to my standards, well, I shall make my displeasure quite plain.

Oh, you are Wicked! Strawberry Ice laughed.

And Rarity heard heard every bit of their conversation. Canterlot fashion show or no, I simply can't leave Fluttershy to fend for herself with these Manehattanites.

She then took off running back towards the shop.

Rarity?

Rarity skids to a stop and passes Britches.

Oh, darling, I'm stop I can't stop. Rarity apologizes. Potential emergency at the boutique.

Oh, well, whatever it is, I'm quite certain the pony you left in charge can handle it. Britches reassured. Oh, she's simply divine!

He then leaves, and Rarity was surprised.

Oh, well, I always knew Fluttershy had it in her. She laughed. And there's still time to catch the train to Canterlot!

She then continues her way to the train station.

Meanwhile at the shop, Fluttershy notice a gray mare checking out a blue outfit.

It's an unique play of the old standard. Fluttershy said in snooty. We call it a Rarity cut with a triple-cut stitched hem and a guacamole chevka pattern fabric.

Don't you mean "chevron"? Sliver Berry corrected.

If I had meant "chevron", then that's what I would've said.

Of course. Sliver chuckled. It's so unique! So en vogue! It must be mine!

Fluttershy soon pays the outfit, and Sliver leaves. And the raccoon family cheers her.

Aw, thanks, everyone. She said in normal voice. But I feel I should push the snootiness further.

The raccoons agreed.

If you really wanna help, I suppose serving tea would be nice. Oh, if you don't mind.

The 3 raccoon were soon in uniforms and served tea to ponies. And Fluttershy went up to a elderly purple mare

I like my accessories bold and shiny, and I'm just not seeing anything nearly bold and shiny enough. Said the Jeweled pony.

I'm afraid bold and shiny won't work with your whole... modelle. Snooty Fluttershy said. Perhaps...Pointy.

Pointy? She said interested. Yes! I must have pointy!

Fluttershy then places a jewel display on her head like a hat. Not everypony can pull off a bound object, but you... nearly get there.

She then show a reflection in a mirror.

The jeweled pony was amazed and soon leaves with it.

Then a hipster dark cyan Pegasus with blue eyes, red hair, red shirt, and blue shorts appeared. I need, like, a red carpet glitz-and-glamour gown that's also casual, but, like, still artsy and a total head-turner.

Yes. Casual chic pret-a-porter is very branche this season.

Uhhh... Like, I don't understand any of that, so, like... I don't care about it?

Um, one moment, please. Fluttershy then zips away into the back room. And the raccoons went to check on her.

Oh, I think I need a new characther. Said Normal Fluttershy.

The raccoons left for a second, then came back with a scarf, hat and glasses.

Soon Fluttershy was dressed as a hipster with a purple sweater, light blue scarf, light purple hat and deep pink glasses. And has a dark cyan outfit.

Okay, I've got, like, this high-key savage look for you? Said Hipster Fluttershy. It's a totally live ensemble with a little, like, thingies that sparkle and make the whole squad go, "Whoa! That pony is 'woke'!"

The Pegasus's interest was sparked. That is, exactly what I need!

Fluttershy glances back and winks to the raccoons.

Later, Fluttershy walks up to a Goth pony.

This store is a desperate wasteland of nothingness. He said. Do you have anything in black?

Fluttershy wasn't sure a hipster way well solve this. Can you, like, chill for one sec? BRB.

She was soon back in a black goth outfit. And has a black vest.

It's not like the futility of shopping can be made better with black leather and metal studs, but they help. Said Goth Fluttershy.

Uh... that jacket completes me. Said the Goth pony.

Then some spitting was heard from behind and Fluttershy saw a light cyan mare in a red dress having some tea.

This tea's, like, lukewarm. Said Joan Pommelway. It's barely drinkable.

Then Snooty Fluttershy appeared. This tea must always be at a precise temperature! See that it doesn't happen again!

The family of raccoons were sadden.

And soon Fluttershy was rejecting every outfit that the shopping ponies were looking. And she appears to be acting a little too far. Then Snooty Fluttershy pounds her hoof to get the raccoon's attention, but they couldn't make out what she was doing. Fluttershy then made a head gesture to serve the mare next to her. The 3 quickly rushed over, but Softpad came in to halt and a small drop of tea spills and lands on Fluttershy's right hoof.

Fluttershy gasped, and the mare screams.

I don't know what's worse - that you spilled the tea or that it's still cold! Snooty Fluttershy yelled. Either get it right or go back to the forest!

The raccoons were very angry, and then they left.

Oh, it is so hard to find good help these days. She said. And the mare nods in agreement.

The family of raccoons went to Twilight's office and were chittering like mad.

Okay! Okay! Slow down, everyone! Said Spike. I'm doing my best!

The raccoons then made charades of Rarity, Hipster Fluttershy and Snooty Fluttershy.

So, Rarity is busy at a important fashion show, and Fluttershy is running her shop in Manehattan, but to do it, she's playing different shop pony characters that are all mean? He said.

The raccoons chittered happily.

How in the world did you figure that out, Spike? Twilight asked.

I'm not Dragon Charades champion for nothin'! He said proudly.

I can't imagine Fluttershy would ever be mean to her animal friends. Said Twilight concerned. This sounds serious. Spike, tell everyone it's time to head back to Saddle Row!

The raccoons were relieved.

Soon they got to Manehattan, and they could hardly believe it was Fluttershy.

You weren't kidding. Twilight said to the raccoons. This is worse than we thought! She's being horrible to everypony!

Uh, are you sure that's even Fluttershy? Applejack asked.

Maybe it's just three really, really fast ponies that really, really look like her!

Well, let's find out! Said Rainbow Dash. She went up to Snooty Fluttershy.

Hey, Fluttershy? Are you running the shop or performing in a one-pony show?

If you don't mind, I can only improve the taste of one customer at a time. Said Snooty Fluttershy. You'll have to wait your turn. Ugh, honestly! These small town ponies come to the big city and think they can behave any way they please!

What?! Rainbow said in disbelief. You are a small-town pony! And your cottage isn't even in the town!

Then Applejack went up to Goth Fluttershy.

Look, Fluttershy, we came because we were worried and we care about you. She said.

Let's get out of this aura of positivity before it consumees us. Goth Fluttershy said to a customer.

As fun as this Fluttershy switcheroo game is, Smoky, Smoky Jr, and Softpad are really concerned. Pinkie said to Hipster Fluttershy.

Yeah! They came all the way to Ponyville to get us. Said Spike.

The raccoons nodded their heads.

They should have, like, stayed there? Said Hipster Fluttershy. The shop is, like, a no-rodent zone now.

Everyone gasped of hearing that.

She called them "rodents"?!

Twilight went to confront Snooty Fluttershy. Fluttershy, I understand why you think you have to act this way for these customers, but there's gotta be a better way.

Goodness! You are so right. Snooty Fluttershy sarcastically. Please, step this way so we may discuss your concerns.

She then leads them outside.

I knew you'd come to your senses! Said Twilight.

Then suddenly Snooty Fluttershy slams the door.

Indeed. She said.

Meanwhile at Canterlot, Rarity is trying to finish up a pony's outfit at the last minute.

Ugh, the centerpiece of my collection, and it's still not right! Said Rarity. Oh, darling, I'm afraid we've literally run out of time. It's up to you! Go out there and sell it! Now, attitude!

The pony then went outside, and Rarity notice her friends.

And they explained the whole thing.

I don't understand. Rarity stunned. When I left Fluttershy, she had everything well in hoof.

Well, things might have seemed all right when you left, but they're definitely not all right now. Said Twilight.

She's actin' worse than the worst Manehattanite I ever saw! Applejack said.

She kicked us out of the shop! Said Rainbow.

She called Smoky, Smoky Jr., and Softpad... Pinkie covers their ears. "rodents"!

Wh-wh-wh... Rodents?! Rarity shocked. Well, why didn't you say that from the start?! She obviously needs help! Come on!

They soon got back to Manehattan. And they saw everything.

Told ya it was bad. Applejack sighed.

Bad? This is worse than I could've possibly imagined! Said Rarity.

Then Snooty Fluttershy went up to her. Rarity! I'm so glad you're here! Finally, a pony who understands that the couture in this shop is far too brilliant to even consider selling!

Whaaat?!

Then Hipster Fluttershy appeared at the counter. You, like, totally get how lame customers are? Ugh!

Then Goth Fluttershy came in. Watching them leave filled me with a sweet sadness.

Then Snooty Fluttershy reappeared. And you'll be pleased to hear that I've taken care of your rodent situation.

The raccoons were shocked, and Softpad faints.

Will somebody tell her to stop saying that! Said Pinkie.

That's it! Rarity putting her hoof down. Fluttershy, I'm afraid you've left me no choice! You are terminated!

Well! Good luck replacing me! Snooty Fluttershy leaving. Humph!

Well, thankfully I... Rarity saw Goth Fluttershy.

I always thought she was to controlling. She said.

You... you... you are terminated, too!

Whatever. She said Leaving as well.

Now, I...

Rarity saw Hipster Fluttershy.

I know, right? I mean, uh, ugh?

Actually, you're, like, totally terminated as well!

Like, okay. She said leaving.

Well, I'm glad that's over...

Rarity turns and jumps seeing Normal Fluttershy.

I guess I owe everypony an apology.

You think? Rarity sighed.

I got so caught up trying to please all of your customers that...

What customers? Rainbow asked.

Fluttershy looks around and sees she and the others are the only ones in the shop.

I might have taken my salespony characters a little too far. Fluttershy admitted.

Softpad had a Oxygen mask on, and Smoky was trying to keep her breathing.

I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. Fluttershy said the raccoon family. You know I was only pretending, right?

Softpad wakes up, and the 3 hugged her.

But, Fluttershy, why did you think you needed to be somepony else to run the shop? Twilight asked.

I guess acting like the ponies of Saddle Row gave me the confidence to interact with them. Said Fluttershy.

Darling, I'd never trust some horrible Saddle Row pony to run my shop. Rarity said. That's why I wanted a friend to do it.

Well, I'd definitely rather be myself anyway, even if I don't exactly have what it takes to be a shop pony. Fluttershy said.

I wouldn't sell yourself short. Said Twilight. Those salespony characters all came from you!

Yeah! I think you totally have what it takes. Rainbow agreeing with them.

Maybe a little too much. Said Pinkie.

Indeed. You have all the inner strength you need, but I think we prefer it coming from our sweet, regular Fluttershy. Said Rarity.

The others laughed a little.

An idea pop in Rarity's head. And that's just given me the inspiration I'm looking for! Rarity said.

Sometime later, Rarity finished the final touching to a golden dress.

And last one... She was then done. There! The missing piece for my new collection... the Warrior of Inner Strength!

Fluttershy is now in a golden and white dress. And went outside as everyone watches.

Oh, it's lovely, Rarity! Fluttershy amazed by her dress. I'm just sorry you had to leave the Canterlot Royal Fashion Show early.

Oh, darling, making the perfect dress is scads more satisfying than showing it off. Rarity reassured.

The customers chattered of seeing Fluttershy's dress.

Ooh, striking dress, Rarity. Said Blueberry Curls. I certainly hope you aren't trying to undercut the Royal Fashion Show by ducking out and debuting it here.

What? I no...

Have you considered the possibility that the Royal Fashion Show is trying to undercut Rarity's by continuing on in Canterlot and not moving the whole affair here?! Fluttershy said to her Blueberry. Hmm?! Have you?! Hmmm?!

I, uh... No. She said

Hmph! Just as I though! Said Fluttershy walking away. Hmmm!

Oh! She giggled. Inner strength. She said to Rarity.

And the 2 laughed.

Author's Note

I Hope everyone has a Rampaging day, tomorrow.

Cause Rampage is coming.