Chapter 12: Canterlot Boutique
One day at the Carousel Boutique, Rarity was wearing her working glasses and was busy at work as she grabbed some pastel blue and white fabric as well as a two toned minty green fabric and a dark red fabric.
It was then Rarity looked up at the clock as it just hit three o'clock. Rarity smiled excitedly as she dropped the fabrics and pasted her nose against the window.
Rarity then frowned when she didn't see what she was looking for and then looked at the clock again as the minute hand moved to the next minute. Rarity just sighed as she returned to her sewing machine, humming to herself.
Then she heard a bell jingle and gasped.
"Was that the Pony Post?!" Rarity exclaimed as she turned around excitedly but then frowned when she saw that it was just Opal meowing and playing with her mouse toy.
"Oh, it's just you, Opal," said Rarity bluntly. Opal look offended as she gave her owner a glare and stomped away importantly.
"Ohhh...every other day he's here like clockwork!" said Rarity as she looked out the window and paced about. "Not today! What could possibly be holding him up?!"
It was then a familiar pink pony smashed her face into the window.
"Strawberry cinnamon cilantro salutations!" Pinkie said from outside the window and then disappeared.
"What?" said Rarity.
"What indeed, but not come again, I'm already here!" said Pinkie as she was suddenly appeared inside, "I bet you're wondering what warrants such a welcome! Well, that welcome is warranted by a pony that whisked up a warm batch of strawberry cinnamon cilantro cupcakes!"
Pinkie then showed Rarity the cupcake and then tossed the entire thing into her mouth.
"That strangely sickening flavor combination sounds just as bad as it tastes," said Pinkie as she swallowed and she stuck her tongue out in disgust. Even her mane had deflated slightly, "Ugh, so I came here to offer you some!"
Pinkie then offered the cupcakes to Rarity. Rarity made a face.
"After that visually descriptive and disturbing endorsement, I'll pass," said Rarity as she pushed the cupcakes away.
"Oh, I almost forgot!" Pinkie said as she tossed the cupcakes off the silver platter and showed underneath it was a letter and held it with a fore-hoof, "I have this letter for you, Rarity!" Rarity smiled as the former tried to grab the letter but Pinkie kept moving her fore-leg about as she spoke.
"The post pony was going to deliver it," Pinkie continued, "but after a strawberry cinnamon cilantro cupcake, he was feeling kinda queasy. And since I was heading over anyway. I figured I could do it for him! Here you go!"
Rarity finally grabbed the letter, tore the envelope apart with just her fore-hooves and then began mumbling as she read it. Pinkie ate another one of her cupcakes. Rarity then giggled excitedly.
"What's it say?" Pinkie asked with her mouth full.
"I got it!" Rarity screamed as she jumped up and down excitedly.
"Woo-hoo!" Pinkie cheered as she did some cartwheels and then walked back to Rarity. "Got what?"
"Oh, I have been holding out for the perfect location," Rarity explained, "and it finally became available! So now I can fulfill my dream of opening a boutique in Canterlot!"
"Whoo! I'm so excited, I think I'm gonna lose my cupcakes," said Pinkie as she put a fore-hoof over her mouth, feeling sick, as she dashed away and left the boutique.
Rarity just smiled excitedly as she held the letter to her chest.
*Main theme*
A few days later, the train pulled into Canterlot Station. The main nine, minus Rarity, and Spike quickly exited the train.
"Rarity is such a savvy business pony." Twilight said. "I'm so impressed Rarity used the huge bonus she earned making the costumes for Sapphire Shores' Equestria-wide tour to open a second boutique."
It wasn't long before they arrived at building that had imprints of purple gems along the rooftop and a round door that had a heart-shaped window on it. Thus one could say the building has a little bit of Rarity in the outer design. Inside, the five girls and four boys Rarity in the outer design.
"It's lovely," said Fluttershy.
"Really spectacular." Chase added.
"Gosh, Rarity." Clay said with a smile on his face. "I know hard work when I see it, and it looks like you worked your hooves to a nub!" Fluttershy and Sokka nodded in agreement.
"I don't know," said Pinkie as she held one of Rarity's fore-hooves, "Those hooves don't look nubby. They look scubbied and buffied and pedied!"
That's when Chase bonked her on the head as she yelped in surprise and smiled nervously at the angry stallion for getting into Rarity's space.
"Well, despite my 'nubby scrubby buffy pony pedi, I actually have been working very hard! However, I could never gotten the boutique ready for the grand opening without the help of my new manager, Sassy Saddles!"
It was then a rather tall pastel blue unicorn mare appeared with orange and yellow mane and tail. She was also wearing a short black puffy sleeved black mini dress with a golden saddle around the torso.
"Bust my buttons, Rarity!" Sassy said. "The pony of Ponyville!"
All, but Rarity, said hello to the unicorn.
"I knew I needed a manager for the Canterlot Carousel," said Rarity, "so when Sassy showed me her resume and I saw that she worked in all of the finest boutiques in Canterlot. I hired her right on the spot."
"I then laid out this plan, or "pattern" as we say in the fashion biz."
"Good pun," said Chase.
"Thank you," Sassy continued, "This pattern is set up for Canterlot Carousel so that Rarity's boutique will be guaranteed success and those doors will never, ever, ever close!"
Sassy used her magic to hold up some papers as she showed off the first few panels of her master plan.
"Wow, Sassy," said Twilight, "your attention to detail is truly impressive. I can see why you and my husband worked so well together."
"Yeah, that is very impressive." Chase added.
"I've already put a pin in the first place of the pattern - Beautify the Boutique!" Sassy replied as she put a pin over the picture of the boutique. But next was the very crucial pattern piece - Marketing to the Mares!"
"Why just mares?" Sokka asked curiously, "What about us stallions? Rarity knows how to make a fashionable suit and so much more."
"That may be true, Sokka. But I was already informed that Rarity's specialty is the gowns and dresses." Chase corrected Sokka as Rarity nodded in agreement. Then he turned his attention to Sassy. "But we can consider stallion marketing in the future, right Sassy?"
"Of course, Master Chase." Sassy said. "Turns out that everypony here loves royalty."
"Wow, what a shocker," said Sokka sarcastically to his wife.
Fluttershy just lightly slapped his shoulder to be quiet, but still smiled since she agreed with him. Applejack and Clay chuckled in amusement.
"So I have created a collection that beautifully revolves around the royal element of Canterlot!" said Rarity.
"And it just so happens there's a hot new princess in Equestria!" said Sassy.
"There's also a hot new prince in Equestria too," Twilight remarked, making Chase blush deep red.
"Well, you are more hot than usual as a princess, honey." Chase said as he gave his wife a smile. "I never wanted to trade you away for any mare. You're perfect to me and that's all that matters."
Twilight giggled.
"Thanks, honey." Twilight said as she and Chase shared a loving nuzzle.
"In every poll that Sassy Saddles took," Rarity said to Twilight, "you were the most popular princess and Chase was the most popular jiu jitsu master!"
"Coincidentally," said Rarity, getting everypony's attention to a small display stage, "one of our gowns is inspired by the window in Canterlot Castle commemorating your coronation!"
Rarity unfurled the curtains to reveal the dress. It was a blue celestial style dress with a beaded and layered skirt in various shades of blue. It also had some teal colored wings along the back of it. The rest of the Mane nine and Spike walked up to it, giving various comments of approval.
"While I've always prided myself on paying attention to detail," said Rarity, "I have taken my latest collection to a whole new level with "Rarity's Rules of TLC"!"
It was then Pinkie zoomed away and then popped out of what appeared to be Rarity's workroom sitting on top of a mannequin that had a gold observatory-style headband with a wavy skirt.
"Judging by this baby," said Pinkie, "TLC stands for Tasty Liquorice Candy!" Pinkie then fell off the mannequin, which also made the skirt tear off.
"I think TLC means Tender Love and Care, Pinkie," said Sokka.
"Actually, Sokka," Rarity corrected as she used her magic to reattach the skirt to the outfit, "TLC stands for "Time, Love, and Couture". And while I do agree this dress has potential, I have not had enough time to give it enough love to become couture."
Rarity used her magic to set the dress back into the work room and shut the door.
"But the rest of the gowns in tonight's line have met Rarity's Rules and are ready to be presented!" said Rarity.
"My marketing research also confirmed that customers that viewed somepony famous wearing the gown wish to own that gown for themselves," Sassy pointed out as she showed more of her master plan with a picture of Rarity on a gold star. "I call this piece of the puzzle Celebrity Status."
"So, Twilight, we were wondering if perhaps you might possibly wear this tonight?" Rarity asked as she gave her a pleading smile, hoping the purple pony said yes. Sassy also smiled hopefully. "It would also approve Chase to be by your side while he will be wearing a traditional martial arts robe since he is your loving husband."
Chase looked at Rarity with a firm look, telling her that doesn't want to be a celebrity.
"And of course we won't add your design for the Celebrity Status since you hate showoffs." Rarity added with nervous smile.
Chase thought about for a moment before he noticed the others giving him hopeful smiles and he turned his attention to Twilight as she gave him a warm smile. Chase just chuckled.
"Well, if there's anything that would make my wife happy, then maybe we should give it a shot." Chase said with a warm smile he gave Twilight as well as a kiss on the cheek, making his wife giggle.
"If being a princess and wearing that dress can help your boutique in any way, as well as making my husband happy," said Twilight as she stuck a pin into the star with Rarity's face on it, "then I say stick a pin in it. It's done."
"Alright, everypony!" said Sassy, "Let's set the stage!" She then used her magic to close the curtain and walk away.
"Ever since I was a little filly," Rarity told everypony else, "all I've ever wanted was to own a boutique here in Canterlot. Somepony pinch me! I'm about to open the doors to that very boutique!"
"Now hold on, Rarity." Chase said firmly, stopping Rarity in the process. "This is no dream! This is real! Just try not to go over dramatic about all of this. Because the last thing I need from you is to be more understanding. These ponies are very demanding for dresses to be perfect for their own way. Just watch your back and don't get too excited about this."
Rarity smiled nervously and nodded as she went to open the doors to greet the ponies. Then she was taken aback when Sassy stood right in front of her.
"Welcome to the grand opening of the Canterlot Carousel!" Sassy announced as Rarity tried to see around her but the unicorn was too tall.
The crowds cheered and poor Rarity, as well as the rest of their friends, were left dumbfounded and completely speechless.
"Oh hello!" said Sassy to the ponies as they started walking inside, "Oh nice to see you! Welcome, welcome! Oh, so happy to..." Sassy continued greeting as Rarity were still left too stunned to reply over what had happened.
"That Sassy totally stepped on your hooves, Rarity," said Applejack.
"Oh no!" Pinkie exclaimed as she rushed over to one of Rarity's fore-hooves, "Did she mess up that nice pony pedi?!" Pinkie then sighed when she saw that Rarity's fore-hoof was fine.
"Her hooves are fine, Pinkie!" Chase said annoyingly.
"Okay. Phew!" Pinkie replied.
"Oh, I don't think she meant to," said Rarity.
It was then the very unicorn mare arrived.
"Rarity, are you ready to reveal the collection?" Sassy asked.
"Is she sure she doesn't wanna do it herself?" Applejack muttered under her breath to Rainbow. Rainbow snorted.
"Yeah," the blue Pegasus replied under her breath to the orange pony.
"Stop it you two," Chase scolded quietly, "I'll make sure Sassy doesn't overstep her again."
The two ponies just gave him a light nod in reply.
"Yes we are," said Rarity, "Fluttershy, could you help Twilight get ready?"
"Oh, certainly," Fluttershy replied.
"And Chase, can you help as well?" said Rarity, "I want you to escort Twilight down the stairs when I present the dress."
"Don't you need me for the presentation?" Chase whispered, "I want to make sure Sassy..."
"I'll handle Sassy," said Rarity in a hushed tone, "I want you to be with Twilight when we showcase the princess dress. Thus you can get more marketing when they see not just Twilight, but the royal couple."
Chase gave Sassy a discreet glare before sighing loudly.
"Alright, your call," said Chase as he headed on his way with Fluttershy, who placed a comforting hoof on his shoulder since she heard everything.
"It's going to be okay, Chase." Fluttershy said with a gentle smile.
As the ponies continued to chatter with each other, Rarity stood on the main stage of the boutique to address the crowd.
"Fillies and gentlecolts!" said Rarity to the crowd, "I am designer and couturier Rarity. On behalf of myself, I'd like to welcome you - again..." Rarity laughed nervously, "...to the grand opening of Canterlot Carousel, and I'm thrilled that you are here to see our newest collection inspired by this regal city!"
The crowd just oohed and awed excitedly as Rarity opened the curtain to show off four dresses. Sassy smirked as she used her magic to lift the dresses into the air and had the dresses rotate in the air above the crowd, which earned more oohs and ahhs from the ponies watching the dresses move about. Rarity was quite surprised by Sassy's effort to display the dresses before she felt a little indignant that Sassy was once again taking the spotlight away from her. Rarity was about to give Sassy her two bits when a stallion wearing some fashionable glasses approached her.
"Rarity, I'm-" said the stallion.
"Fashion Plate of Cosmare magazine!" said Rarity, "I'm so honored that Cosmare magazine was able to do a piece on the grand opening of our boutique!"
"Well, when Sassy Saddles calls," Fashion Plate replied, "saying she's found the latest and greatest in fashion, we hightail without fail! Now tell me all about your latest collection!"
"Oh, uh, it's called "Rarity's Royal Regalia"," the marshmallow mare replied.
"Royally radiant!" gasped Fashion Plate impressively as two ponies behind him used their cameras to take some photographs.
"My favorite part of being a designer is finding my inspiration," Rarity explained when Sassy lowered a giant picture of Canterlot behind the marshmallow mare, "and that really wasn't difficult when it came to Canterlot. Everywhere I looked, the royal city just spoke to me! I call it "In-spire-ation"." Rarity was a little flustered by the sudden props to her presentation, but managed to recover as she spoke and the first dress was presented to the crowd, who oohed in amazement.
"Genius!" said Fashion Plate excitedly, "Simply Genius!"
"I spent hours by the lily pond on the castle grounds," said Rarity as Sassy removed the picture and first dress and then presented a cloth featuring a picture of a pond. Rarity was still a bit frazzled by the sudden props but managed to recover as the next dress was presented, "which inspired this gown - "Water Filly"!" The crowd oohed once again.
"Oh, the whimsy!" Fashion Plate replied, clearly impressed.
"Watching Celestia raise the sun each morning literally lit up my day…" said Rarity when there was a long pause and she turned to see a glowing prop sun appeared behind her and Sassy set up the dress inspired by Celestia was presented. "This is "Tripping the Light"." The crowd oohed again.
"Fantastic!" Fashion Plate remarked giddily.
He was literally fan-boying now. It was then the lights darkened inside the boutique. Rarity giggled, bracing herself as Sassy made some prop stars float about in the air and the Luna inspired dress was presented with a glowing moon prop behind it.
"And of course," said Rarity, "Luna raising the moon guided me to sleep. I call this "Over the Moon"!" The crowd oohed for this dress as well.
"Well, I certainly am!" said Fashion Plate excitedly as the photographers smiled in agreement.
"And for my finale, we have something very special," said Rarity, "we were inspired by the stained glass windows created in honor of Princess Twilight and Master Chase...I call this "The Reign in Stain"!"
"Because the dress is inspired by the-" Fashion Plate said excitedly as he and Rarity smashed their cheeks together.
"-stained glass window of a reigning princess!" Fashion Plate finished as he and Rarity spoke together.
"Yes!" said Rarity happily.
"Oh, well, I think "The Reign in Stain" is too difficult to explain," said Sassy with a short laugh, "Especially for the signature part of a collection?" Rarity was taken aback by the remark.
"But I rather like the-" Rarity tried to explain when Sassy not only cut her off, but got in front of the marshmallow mare and took over the presentation.
"Fillies and gentlecolts," said Sassy proudly, "I, Sassy Saddles, am pleased to introduce the grand finale of the grand opening of Rarity's Royal Regalia - the "Princess Dress"!"
It was then a spotlight was shown at the top of the staircase where Twilight was wearing the "Princess Dress", as Sassy described it. Chase was also with her, wearing a black and white traditional martial arts robe as Twilight held his fore-leg so he could guide her down the stairs. Before the spotlight had appeared, he had given Sassy a death glare for changing Rarity's name for the dress at the last second, but quickly hid his disgust when the spotlight came back on. Fashion Plate gasped when he saw before him the newest royal couple.
"Success!" Fashion Plate squealed with glee.
The others oohed and awed in amazement. Both Twilight and Chase modestly waved at the ponies while they made their way to the ground floor. Rarity was still feeling a bit stunned at Sassy taking over again but then smiled at how much praise the Princess Dress was getting as Twilight made her way to the ground floor with Chase as her escort. Rarity's joy was soon cut short when Sassy appeared holding up a clipboard.
"Everypony, please follow me and you can all place your orders for the Princess Dress!" said Sassy as a large crowd of ponies gathered around the unicorn mare to place their orders. Chase just walked up to Rarity with a stern look on her face.
"I thought you were going to make sure Sassy didn't overstep you again! Did let her get away with it?" Chase asked, clearly annoyed.
"Oh!" Rarity retorted as she gave the alicorn stallion a glare.
"Rarity," said Fashion Plate as she got the marshmallow mare's attention, "I want to be the first pony to congratulations you! The Princess Dress has just guaranteed Canterlot Carousel's success!"
He then gasped with excitement. Rarity smiled, but then looked concerned once he had walked away. Chase just glared at him annoyingly.
"The success is supposed to come from the collection, not just one dress," Chase said, sternly.
Rarity gave a small nod in agreement. It was then the rest of the Mane nine except for Twilight arrived to give various cheers of congratulations.
"Yeah!" said Twilight, "Rarity's Royal Regalia is amazing! And everypony seemed to love the Princess Dress!"
Rarity couldn't help but roll her eyes despite the smile on her face. Chase was angry at Sassy for ruining everything.
"Yeah, we could tell alright," said Chase.
"You bet your saddle they did," said Sassy as she held a tall stack of papers, "Rarity now has one hundred orders for her signature gown!"
"One hundred orders?!" Rarity spluttered. "All at one time?!"
"According to my pattern," Sassy replied as showed her plan, "the next piece is The Success of the Signature Dress, so I don't see the problem!"
"Don't see the prob…?! GRRR..." Chase snarled.
The rest of the group minus Rarity shared uneasy looks with each other. Even Rarity gave Sassy an angry glare.
"Uh..." Applejack stuttered.
"Cupcake?" Pinkie offered.
"Great idea, Pinkie." Chase said with a fake smile. "A little snack should do the trick."
Rarity just smiled sheepishly in reply as the others walked away. Once they were a safe distance, Rarity spoke severely to Sassy.
"First of all, Sassy Saddles," said Rarity sternly, "I would have appreciated getting to name the final gown from our collection myself." Sassy gave a short laugh.
"My research shows that your "Reign in Stain" name was a play on words that was both very confusing and quite unappealing," Sassy replied in her defense.
Rarity gave her an angry laugh.
"While I see your point, we should have discussed it prior to the grand opening, Sassy." Rarity said sternly.
"My only goal is for Canterlot Carousel to succeed. That's why I changed the name, and that is why I took all those orders for the Princess Dress." Sassy argued.
"But...but receiving orders for one hundred dresses in one day," Rarity stammered, "It's just too much too soon!"
"Are you actually saying we should...cancel the orders?!" Sassy asked rather dramatically.
"Wha...but..." Rarity stuttered. "Uh, n-no, Sassy. Promises were made, and I shall sew my very best to provide each and every pony a Princess Dress full of TLC."
"Oh, thank you, Rarity, thank you!" said Sassy happily as she gave Rarity a hug. Rarity couldn't help but sigh in exasperation.
(Scene changes)
It wasn't long before the rest of the Mane nine and Spike were waving Rarity goodbye as they left the boutique.
Rarity just watched them walk away from one of the windows.
"Oh, satin and silk, Rarity." Sassy "are you sure you don't want your friends to help you make the dresses?"
"No, Sassy," Rarity replied on her behalf as she headed into the workroom, "These orders are my responsibility. All I have do is stick to our plan so I can deliver each and every Princess Dress in keeping with my Rules of Rarity!"
Rarity grabbed some of the materials they already had to get to work.
[Rarity - a pair of scissors cut through some light blue fabric as she sat before her sewing machine wearing her work glasses. As Rarity began to sing, she continued to sew and then some sparkly fabric flowed across the foreground. She then attached the skirt to the mannequin as Mario stitched the beads into place.]
The rules of Rarity, guaranteed quality
This we can assure
For each and every dress
We vow to give finesse
With time, love, and couture
[Rarity - As she sings, she visions several mares approaching the display window with wide smiles on their faces. Then a unicorn mare entered the boutique and smiled at seeing the Princess Dress. Rarity smiled as the mare tried on the Princess Dress and looked at herself in the mirror as she twirled about happily. The mare was later seen holding a pink parasol as she wore the dress and three stallions tried to court her. Rarity watched the scene from the workroom window as she sang a long note and got back to work.]
My favorite moment's when a pony sees it
That special gown that she just adores
That pony's now in style
My hard work's all worthwhile
Oh, yes, it makes my heart
My heart just soar
As some instrumental is played in the background, Sassy entered the workroom as she showed more of her business plan to Rarity with a straight face. It was then some customers entered the boutique. Rarity smiled and went to go greet when Sassy shoved some crafting materials into their faces and snootily waves a fore-hoof at her to keep working.
Rarity saw Sassy remove all the dresses from their collection except for the Princess Dress. Rarity felt rather hurt before she went back to work.
[Rarity - She was now singing sadly as she continued sewing as several Princess Dresses were completed. Everypony was seen outside the boutique and were very happy. But Rarity looked out her window and the former shrieked and sank under the window.]
The rules of Rarity, just a parody
No dress here's unique
The panels all the same
Each colored windowpane
I fashion only makes me want to shriek!
[Rarity - As she sang, she was sadly sitting in the workroom as the sun began to rise outside. It was then the sunlight shined on three bowls filled with colorful, glittery gems and Rarity noticed the gems shining against the skirt of the Princess Dress. She was stunned before she smiled excitedly as she tossed the gems into the air.]
Oh, to create would give us elation
To feel once again some inspiration
Come on now, Rarity
Give me some clarity
Time for your couture love to rule
[Rarity - She got to work stitching gems into the light blue fabric as she created a newer version of the dress.]
The rules of Rarity, extra TLC
This feels more sublime
Soon now, they will see how good these can be
With a little extra shine
[Rarity - She set the "improved" dress in the middle of the workroom. Rarity then began dancing with it as she sang. Then Rarity looked at the ceiling as she finished singing and the dress shining brightly from the sunlight.]
The rules of Rarity, guaranteed quality
All can see it's true
These new gems add such flair
Their beauty can't compare
This old style suddenly gleams anew
A bell then rang as a mare entered the shop. Rarity smiled when she noticed the mare talking to Sassy about her order.
"Is that the customer who ordered this Princess Dress?" Rarity asked as the mare impatiently looked at her pocket watch.
"I'll take care of her," said Sassy bluntly, "You keep working."
"Uh, actually, I'd love to see her reaction to this particular dress," said Rarity.
"Paisley and poplin, Rarity." said Sassy indignantly as she pointed to two stacks of papers. One stack showed how many orders still needed to be completed, "look at all the orders you still have to finish, and you want to take a break? Now?"
Sassy then started walking away.
"Well…" Rarity began to explain. "It's just I made some really lovely changes to this dress-"
"You did what?!" said Sassy as she got into Rarity's face, "But every Princess Dress is supposed to be exactly the same!"
"Yes yes I know," said Rarity. "But these gems just spoke to me, and-"
"Fine," Sassy remarked, cutting off Rarity, and snootily holding up a fore-hoof, "Go see her reaction."
Rarity rushed out of the workroom and removed her work glasses.
"Hello, and welcome to Canterlot Carousel!" said Rarity. "I am so so pleased to present to you your-"
"Princess Dress!" said the mare, whose name was Cayenne, as she grabbed it with her magic, "Finally! I've been simply desperate to get this ever since I saw Princess Twilight wearing it on your-...Wait a minute. There's something different."
"Well, as an artiste," said Rarity, "I did take the liberty to change a few minor details."
Cayenne just gave the marshmallow unicorn mare a long face, which made Rarity feel a little uncomfortable.
"I, eheh, I saw these gems glistening in the light," Rarity explained further, "and they just spoke to me. Aren't they lovely? And so unique!"
Cayenne just sighed with a huff.
"They're...fine," Cayenne replied annoyingly, "but they're not what I ordered, are they?"
"Uh, no. No, they're not," said Rarity in a sheepish tone.
The mare then showed a magazine that had Twilight on the front cover wearing the dress.
"I want the dress to be exactly like the one Princess Twilight wore," Cayenne said angrily, "understood?"
"Yes...Y-yes, of course," said Rarity as she headed sadly to the workroom. Sassy just watched her walk by quietly.
Rarity tossed the dress into a bin set aside for rejected ideas and excess materials. As some order forms were moved from the incomplete to completed pile. Rarity began to reprise her song in a sad tone.
[Rarity - By now, Rarity was just doing her work with a glum and lifeless long look. Rarity was eventually just sitting in one spot and added the final touches to each dress. Outside the work space, Sassy had set up a quick change curtain so each mare could quickly put on their Princess Dress. While the customers were very happy, Rarity was just watching them with tears in her eyes and shut the door to the work room.]
The rules of Rarity
Once stood for something
But now it feels just like some factory
Now every dress we make
With every flaw and mistake
Oh, how it makes our hearts
Ours hearts just break
As this was happening, Chase was watching everything on the other side of the boutique. He felt sad for Rarity as he learned everything from all over the news, but then he became quite angry at Sassy for what she has been doing to his best friend. He finally had enough.
(Scene changes)
One day, Rarity was just working at her sewing machine with a very stern look on her face. Her mane and tail were slightly frazzled.
It was then Chase arrived as he opened the door to the work room.
"Rarity?" Chase said, making Rarity gasp in surprise as she stammered while looking around before seeing Chase.
"Oh, Chase." Rarity said with a relieved smile. "It's just you."
Then she got back to work as Chase walked up to her with a concern look.
"Rarity, are you feeling okay?" Chase asked, worriedly. "I've been reading the news article about the Princess Dress you've been making and Sassy's been taking all of the credit."
"Darling, I'm fine. Sassy's been doing fine too." Rarity said with a blunt look and tone. "I simply have no other reason to go home until I get her to admit this was my idea in the first place."
"Raving rick-rack, Rarity!" Sassy said as she rushed into the work room and shoved the clipboard into Rarity's face, "You've made two hundred Princess Dresses!" Rarity just looked at the unicorn lifelessly.
"Yes," Rarity replied in a deadpan tone, "Isn't it spectacular?"
"Yes. It's lovely," said Chase in a similar tone.
"And I have a special surprise for you." said Sassy as she showed Rarity and Chase a magazine, "The latest issue of Cosmare magazine just hit the stands." Rarity and Chase noticed the front cover had the headshots of Rarity.
""Canterlot's newest rising stars"?" Rarity read aloud in a tired tone.
"And in the hour since the magazine's come out," Sassy added, "we've gotten another hundred orders for the Princess Dress!" Sassy then dumped the order forms into the incomplete box.
Rarity looked at the forms with a weary face while Chase glared at them angrily.
"One...hundred more...Princess Dresses?!" said Rarity.
"Well, I for one have had enough of this!" Chase said, angrily.
"I'm the Cosmare cover pony." Rarity said as she slumped over her stool, "I have he most successful shop in Canterlot...I've gotten everything I ever wanted. But I'm miserable!"
Sassy gave a short but haughty laugh.
"How could you possibly be miserable?" Sassy remarked as she showed her plan and stuck a pin into a picture of Rarity, and just Rarity, on a magazine, "My pattern is perfect! Cosmare Cover Pony - done! You have your signature gown, the Princess Dress of Success!" Rarity and Chase both shook their heads with the former resting her face in her fore-hooves.
"I don't want to make another hundred Princess Dresses!" Rarity protested.
"Sassy, I have had enough of you!" Chase said angrily.
"I have a piece for that!" Sassy remarked, "Assemble the Assembly Line! You two will never have to sew again!" Chase and Rarity were deeply shocked.
"You can't be serious!" Chase exclaimed.
"What?! No!" Rarity exclaimed as well.
"Yes!" said Sassy as she grabbed two Princess Dresses with her magic, "Then the Canterlot Carousel never closes! And Sassy Saddles' boutique succeeds!"
"Stop!" Rarity and Chase snapped. They were both furious and had had enough of Sassy's master plan. They only needed to exchange quick looks with each other before speaking to the unicorn mare.
"This is not your boutique!" Rarity said angrily as she stomped up to Sassy, grabbed the Princess Dresses, and threw them to the floor.
"And Rarity is not going to let you turn her boutique into a factory!" Chase added fiercely.
"And if this is what success in Canterlot looks like," Rarity continued, "I want no part of it! Now go make up flyers for a going-out-of-business sale!"
"I'm closing Canterlot Carousel!" Rarity said firmly.
"What?! No!" Sassy protested, "Oh, you can't, Rarity! I-I've worked too hard to make this a success! I can't be a part of another failed boutique!"
"Well, if this is how you managed them, it's no wonder they all failed!" Chase yelled angrily as he got into Sassy's face, making her lean back in fear of the angry alicorn master. "I don't know what really anger's me the most, Sassy! Either you have been getting all the pride and glory or the fact you made Rarity work all of those dresses for nothing!"
Chase angrily slammed the door to the work room with Sassy still inside. Rarity then sternly walked about the area, collecting all the Princess Dresses from the mannequins. Chase then set up the rest of the other dresses on mannequins and hanging racks that he and Rarity had been working on so they could be sold to the other mares.
"Oh, don't you look lovely?" said Rarity to a nearby dress, "Nice to see you out here again."
"Now all of these will be perfect for the new opening day." Chase said when Rarity walked up to him.
"I'm so sorry about all of this," said Rarity sadly.
"Rarity, it's okay," said Chase. "I know how much you wanted to work here, but you learned your lesson in the end."
Rarity smiled as she felt tears stream down her cheeks before she hugged him happily which he returned back with a smile.
"Come on, it's time for you to shine your biggest moment." Chase said.
Rarity pulled away and nodded in agreement as they went to go open the boutique. Sassy had just been watching them from above with a worried look as all the Princess Dresses were removed and replaced with the other designs. She soon glared when she saw Rarity and Chase when they had their touching moment. Her attitude soon melted away when she saw Chase and Rarity look up at her. Sassy felt rather uncomfortable being noticed and looked sadly away.
"Seems Sassy Saddles isn't rushing to open the door this time, hmm," Rarity remarked in a hushed tone to Chase.
"Fine by me," said Chase in the same tone, "This is your show now."
Rarity smiled.
"Would you be willing to atleast help me with this, darling?" Rarity asked. "Just for today?"
Chase chuckled.
"Alright, but just once." Chase said as Rarity smiled before she opened the door.
"Welcome to the going-out-of-business sale of Canterlot Carousel," Rarity announced to the crowd.
"Please come in and check out Rarity's personally made couture!" Chase added as he stepped aside just as the mares came charging inside the shop, "That was close!"
The two ponies then looked inside and were amazed at how crowded the boutique was. Even Sassy, who remained upstairs, was rather impressed.
"Hey, is this Princess Dress on sale?" a mare named Pretzel asked.
"Oh, no, I'm sorry, the Princess Dress has been discontinued," Rarity answered, "But there are plenty of other lovely dresses on sale today."
It was then another mare named Moonlight Raven noticed the dress inspired by Luna.
"Whoa," said Moonlight Raven in a flat tone, "This dress completely speaks to my soul. Can I try it on?"
"Certainly," Rarity replied, "The dressing area is right back there."
She then noticed another mare, named Sunshine Smiles just looking around when Chase approached.
"Can I help you?" Chase asked politely.
Sunshine Smiles giggled excitedly since she was ecstatic about speaking to a prince.
"I'm looking for a dress that is just as bright and sunny as I am," said Sunshine Smile in a hyper tone, "Can you recommend a dress for me, handsome?" Chase chuckled.
"I think Rarity's got something in mind," said Chase , "Follow me!"
Sunshine Smiles giggled as Chase guided her to the dress inspired by Celestia.
"Many ponies know that Celestia choose me as one of her most faithful students." Chase said as the mare gasped excitedly at the dress, "So this dress is one of the best that Rarity made. Her hope is that the mare who wears it would shine as brightly as Celestia." Sunshine Smiles bounced on her hooves giddily.
"This is the most amazing of amazing dresses!" said Sunshine Smiles excitedly, "Just looking at it brightens my day!"
"And I'm sure you'll feel even brighter once you try it on!" said Rarity.
"Dressing room is right over there," said Chase as Sunshine Smiles excitedly grabbed the dress to try it on. It was then another mare named North Point appeared.
"Do you still have this In-spire-ation dress that's in the new issue of Cosmare?" North Point asked.
"Oh, yes, we do," said Rarity, "It's - It's right here."
She and Chase then led the mare to the dress.
"Bats in the belfry!" said North Point, "I have to try it on!" Rarity and Chase exchanged smiles with each other.
It was then Moonlight Raven was looking at herself in the mirror while wearing the dress inspired by Luna.
"Whoa," Moonlight Raven said flatly, "this dress makes me feel like a princess."
"And this dress makes me feel like a princess!" said Sunshine Smiles excitedly as she pushed Moonlight Raven aside a bit.
Sassy just watched Rarity and Chase interact with the customers.
She watched as Chase was just being his usual self while helping Rarity out, which was all he needed to do to get most girls feeling giddy and happy. He even took some pictures with some of the mares who were wearing their new dresses. Then Rarity noticed a mare named Citrus Blush noticed another one of their dresses.
"This gown is quite beautiful," said Citrus Blush to Rarity and Chase, "but it totally clashes with my complexion."
"Hmmm," Rarity pondered as Chase tapped his chin with a fore-hoof and then a smile formed on his face.
"Rarity, what if you…" Chase whispered his suggestion as Rarity nodded and he backed up. Rarity addressed the mare.
"Perhaps you'd be even more taken with this one," said Rarity as she opened the door and Chase used his magic to set up the mannequin with the dress Pinkie had asked about days ago, "It was inspired by the Canterlot Castle garden. I call it the "Fountain of Truth"!"
"It's exactly what I've been dreaming of!" said Citrus Blush happily.
"Oh! Well, then I will finish it, and the gown shall be yours!" Rarity replied as the maretrotted over to Chase as he wrote down her name and placed the tag on the front of the dress to show it was now in reserve for her. Then Rarity put the dress back into the workroom.
"Chase, do you see what I'm seeing?" Rarity asked him excitedly.
"Happy mares who are getting the dress of their dreams," said Chase, "it's...the reason why you launched the Canterlot Carousel in the first place."
"Precisely," said Rarity, "This is what I've been dreaming about!"
Rarity walked as she began to sing while Chase watched everything.
[Rarity - She and Chase saw Moonlight Raven smile while wearing her new dress. Rarity then ushered a mare into the dressing room and they came out wearing a powder blue dress that shines, making the mar every happy.]
My favorite moment's when a pony sees it
That special gown that she just adores
That pony's now in style
Our hard works all worthwhile
[Rarity]
Oh, yes, it make our heart
Our heart just soar!
Rarity paused impressively as Chase walked up beside her.
"Attention, everypony!" said Rarity to the customers. "Canterlot Carousel will not be closing!"
The crowd cheered.
"But this stuff's still on sale, right?" Moonlight Raven asked. Chase chuckled and Rarity giggled.
"Yes, yes, of course," said Rarity and then she turned her attention to Chase. "Thank you for helping me out with this, Chase Young. You are quite the charmer."
Chase blushed, making some of the girls giggled and cooed at how cute he looked with colored cheeks.
"Well, Rarity. You did a good job today." Chase said with a smile as he and Rarity hugged. They then pulled away. "I'll be heading home now. See you then."
Chase then walked out of the boutique as Rarity waved goodbye. It was then Sassy came down the stairs.
"Oh, Rarity," said Sassy sadly, "I'm so sorry. I focused on that one dress, and the rest of Rarity's Royal Regalia paid the price."
"Well, so did the Princess Dress," said Rarity, "The more I sold, the more each dress lost its time, love, and couture, becoming terrible, lackluster, and common."
"I think I finally understand the Rules of Rarity," said Sassy and then walked away, "...and will apply them at my next job."
Rarity blinked.
"I beg your pardon?" Rarity said, making Sassy stop and looked at her. "The Rules of Rarity are only to be applied at Canterlot Carousel! Which is why you must continue to manage the boutique while I'm in Ponyville."
"Ponyville?" Sassy exclaimed.
"Well, yes, I'll come to Canterlot with new designs and talk to the customers of course," Rarity answered, "but Ponyville was always going to be my home base."
"Bobbins and bodkins, Rarity!" said Sassy excitedly as she hugged Rarity. "Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you! And I promise to run everything following your rules."
"I would expect nothing less," said Rarity as she smiled.
"Oh, my gosh, a sale!" said a mare named Whoa Nelly as she trotted giddily into the boutique, "Do you have the Princess Dress?!"
"No!" said Rarity and Sassy together before the two ponies laughed together.
Whoa Nelly just gave them a funny look before she began to browse about the shop.