A Fashion Peace

"All stop to Ponyville!" The attendant shouted, waking up Peacemaker from her slumber.

"Arrived already? I must have been more tired than I thought if I slept the whole trip." She yawned as the train entered the station.

As soon as she could, she promptly exited the car along with its other passengers. The town was well prepared for the event and was quite lively for its size. Lots of flags and banners strewn across the buildings to really set off the festivities.

"Well might as well check into the local hotel while I'm here." She sighed as she pulled out a camera. "But I gotta earn my paycheck too.

As she walked along, she took pictures of the scenery and ponies as she walked. The citizens were all abuzz with excitement, some even posing for her at local stores or at the town statue.

All things considered, her initial thoughts had changed somewhat as she eventually arrived at her destination. The building was a fairly large 3-stories and its wood construction made it look more like a cottage than any place you could find in Manehattan.

"Golden Horseshoe Hotel, huh? I have to admit, it's nicer than I expected for such a small town." She said as she went inside. The interior was just as well made. The wooden floors were polished to a shine. Well made rugs accented the comfortable furniture in the small but cozy lobby. It could easily be considered at least 3 stars in Manehattan if she were to estimate it. It's lacking qualities being its size and location as it would be closer to a BnB from a citypony's point of view.

"Welcome to the Golden Horseshoe Hotel. Sorry, but we are currently booked to capacity and no longer have any spare rooms." Said the desk clerk, a light pink unicorn with a yellow mane tied in a bun.

"No problem, a room was reserved for me under the Manehattan Times." Peacemaker pulled out her press ID as the clerk inspected it.

"Peacemaker, hmmmm… Ah here it is. It's not often that such a large paper comes here. What brings you to Ponyville?"

"My boss wanted me to cover Ponyville's 'Running of the Leaves'. Normally I don't do this kind of work, but the Boss is the Boss, right?" Peacemaker answered.

"Really? Well there is plenty for you to partake in before the event starts tomorrow. Your room is upstairs, 20A. If you need anything, I'm Merry Berry. Please, enjoy your stay." The mare said as she handed over the room key.

"Thank you." Peacemaker's stomach growled audibly as she blushed with embarrassment. "Um, you wouldn't have to know a good place to eat, do you?"

XXXXX

The mare was feeling a lot better as she bit into her hayburger and sweet potato fries. It was quite a nice lunch and really hit the spot. Plus, this gave her time to survey the town at a slower pace.

As she surveryed, she noticed there was the occasional group of foals running around and playing. School must be over now. She took the time to write down some notes of what she experienced.

"The small town life, as it was. Ponyville is as one would expect from such a place. Its size giving it a greater sense of closeness among its residents. The ponies here are less focused on the pressures of work like those in Manehattan. They seek more interaction with their neighbors that brings a sense of kinship that one would rarely find in the Big Apple."

A red and blue streak suddenly shot by, blowing her and her table over as she shrieked in surprise.

"I told you I'm fine! Now leave me alone!" The fleeing pony cried as she was chased by three fillies.

"Wait! We can help you get your cutie mark! Come back!" They shouted in hot pursuit.

Peacemaker lay sprawled on the ground, now covered in her meal.

"Well that was a bit unexpected." She stated as she got back up, but annoyed that her food was ruined.

"Oh I am so sorry, madam. Are you all right?" The waiter asked, worried.

"Oh I'm fine. Thank you." She replied, trying to brush off the incident.

"Please, it wouldn't be proper for you to have your experience tarnished like so. I will return with your order. No charge." He proclaimed as he quickly cleaned the mess and headed back inside.

Peacemaker nodded at the pleasant interaction as she continued to write. "This is definitely a small town. Nopony would have so much as blinked or even bothered to ask if I was ok." She thought as a small smile crept on her face. After finishing her meal and paying her bill, she left to continue her work. Making sure to pocket the receipt for reimbursement.

"Well better get some more pictures before it gets too late. If it's one thing I'm good at, it's being thorough. Speaking of which…" She eyed a particular building as a grin crossed her face. "And to get a little revenge."

XXXXX

The store's bell chimed as the door opened, alerting the pony inside.

"Coming!" A pony shouted, standing up from her sewing maching, removed her glasses, fixed her purple mane, and walked out from her room. "Welcome to the Carousel Boutique. I'm Rarity, the owner, seamstress, and overall fashonista of Ponyville. If you're in the market for a marvelous dress, then you're in the right place." The beautiful white pony said gallantly as she strutted in.

"Good afternoon, I'm Peacemaker from the Manehattan Times. Congratulations on your business coming to our fair city." The silver pony introduced herself as she walked up to the mare, brandishing pad and pencil in the air with her camera around her neck.

"Oh my, for somepony from the Manehattan Times to personally interview me. It's like I'm rising up in the world." The pony said with dramatic flair.

Peacemaker took a mental note as she had pretty much sized up Rarity in this short interaction; seeing the girl before her as a flamboyant pony with a need for drama and attention.

"Yes, if you have some time to spare. I am working on a piece about your upcoming fall line." She asked, returning to the business at hoof.

"Oooooh, a piece about mua? How exciting? Please do come in. Would you be interested in tea and bisquits?" Rarity was overjoyed as a tray of hot pot of tea was quickly procured along with a fine set of table and chairs.

"That would be nice, thank you." Peacemaker took a seat as Rarity poured her a cup.

"1 lump or 2?" She asked.

"Two please." She requested before the cup was given to her. "Lovely flavor."

"It's Earl Grey. He and his wife, Lady Grey, make the finest teas in all of Equestria. Getting this imported from Trottingham isn't cheap, but is totally worth it should special guests come around." Rarity replied with a smile.

"Oh, I wouldn't call myself special. I'm just a pony doing her job. Of course, I don't always do interviews, but a friend of mine would just love to know that I got to talk to you." She took another drink and set down her cup.

"So Ms. Rarity, with your boutiques becoming some of the best performing businesses in both Canterlot and Manehattan. Are you planning on expanding your brand further? If so, where and when will be your next opening?"

"Oh darling, a business never stops expanding if one's dream is big enough and my dream is certainly big. Although I have to make sure that my current ventures are stable enough before investing further so I have no set date at this time. One must be practical when making such decisions. Of course, if I had to think about it. Las Pegasus would be a great choice. Oh, I can just imagine it. 'Rarity's Design Extraordinaire' worn by every performer. Oh, the lights, the glamour, the dresses! Just the idea makes my mind run wild with the possibilities."

Peacemaker was a bit overwhelmed by the ramblings of the mare's dream as she fought to keep up with the bombardment of lights and fabric being thrown about in the air from the unicorn's magic. Luckily, she had managed to make some shorthoof notes for her "article".

"That's quite a dream, Ms. Rarity, and how has your inspiration for this year's fall lineup progressed? There has been word that it will be the next big thing in the fashion world?" She inquired, taking another sip.

Rarity was surprised, but then beamed with pride at this. "My, I knew the Manehattan Times was well informed, but I haven't told a soul about it."

Peacemaker almost spit up her tea at this. "That was just a bluff. I didn't think that she actually had something yet."

"Well since you have already let the cat out of the bag. You shall be the first to see what I have in store this season. Off the record, of course." Rarity insisted.

"Uh, okay-eee!" The mare was pulled into the center of the room behind a partition.

"Oh you will simply marvel at what I have created. I call it…'The Seasons of Change'."

Peacemaker now stood before a mirror in an elegant green gown with a transparent skirt and laced with gems of various green colors.

"You see, it's green now, but when you expose it to the light for a little while."

Peacemaker had to shield her eyes as a spotlight flooded her vision.

"And viola."

The mare opened her eyes to see that her dress had changed from green, to yellow, then amber, and finally red. It looked like a completely different dress.

"Of course, the rate at which it changes will depend on the intensity of the light. Normally, it would take most of the day for a complete change, but obviously there is no time for that. So I… sped things up a little." Rarity mused. "But it doesn't stop there. When the sun sets, it transforms into a most brilliant white." Rarity quickly covered the windows as everything went dark.

As Peacemaker's eyes adjusted to darkness and then she noticed herself becoming illuminated. With a look of astonishment, the dress seemed to give off its own light as it glowed in the darkness.

"Of course, the dress returns to green when exposed to sunlight again so you can experience the Changing Seasons all over again."

Peacemaker was at a loss for words as she inspected herself. She was never one for fashion, unlike Page Turner, but now that she was wearing a dress created by THE Rarity herself. Even more, the FIRST dress that hasn't even been put into circulation yet. It was surreal and breathtaking.

"I take your silence as gratitude enough. Oh I do love a satisfied customer. The look on your face tells me everything. However, this doesn't come out for another couple of days so the public will just have to wait. Don't forget, off the record."

"Uh, of course." Peacemaker found her voice again as she removed the dress and Rarity returned it to her back room.

"That was my Flagship dress so I can't afford the competition from trying to steal my hard work. I have other designs that will come out along with this one, but that'll be enough for today. Don't want to spoil anymore surprises, now do we?" She winked at the writer.

"Right, ahem. Thank you for a peek into your genius, but may we get back on the record?" Peacemaker asked.

"Sure, Darling. What else would you like to know?" The fashionista asked.

"Given your skills as a renowned seamstress; you are seemingly less lauded for the times that you and your friends saved Equestria. Would you care to comment on this?"

"Well I do admit that I'm not without some remise when it comes to how little me, er, I mean, WE, are not recognized for our contribution to saving the kingdom. Even my Spikey Wikey is celebrated everytime he goes to the Crystal Empire. Not that I'm jealous or anything." She sighed a bit at this, betraying her words before perking herself back up.

"But saving Equestria is ever-fleeting. Once it's saved, everypony goes back to their normal lives. However, Fashion never ends. It's like a neverending battle with every other pony trying to stay ahead of the next new trend. One can become famous for years or even decades if they make the next big style. Now THAT is where the real fight is." Rarity rambled again, but Peacemaker was more prepared and took better notes this time.

"That's an interesting point of view, Ms. Rarity. I have just one last question, but it's really more of a request."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Would you mind if I got a picture with you? It's for my friend."

"Of course, darling, but first…" Rarity pulled some brushes and makeup and quickly gave Peacemaker a quick makeover. Who, despite her protests, was not able to resist due to the speed in which Rarity worked her skills.

"There, now you're ready." She said as the two posed.

With a flash, the picture was taken as the photo whirred out from the camera. "Marvelous, dear." Rarity said as Peacemaker inspected the picture. She now could see that she now had her red and orange mane styled sleekly and shined like the very element itself. Her face was given a light blush and lipstick to match which enhanced the slight mischievous look on her face that she was giving in the photograph.

"Thanks… Ahem, I-I'll be going then. Thank you for your time." The pony said, exiting the door.

"Think nothing of it. Toodles." Rarity waved goodbye as the door closed on the shop.

"Hmmm, she was friendlier than I expected." Given the time of day, Peacemaker figured that she had time to see the town in its entirety. A loud rumble at the town's limit caught her attention and so she decided to investigate. Seemingly oblivious to Rarity's stylistic skills, she wasn't aware that she was getting a lot more attention than she was before as she passed.

She saw a large crowd of ponies spectating an event of some sort. Upon closer inspection, she could see several ponies participating in several events in a makeshift arena. On the far side, there was a large scoreboard with about 10 or so names with numbers ranging from 5 to 15.

"It's an 'Iron Pony' competition? I never thought it was a big thing in the smaller towns. This could be useful for enhancing the run tomorrow." She said to herself as she placed herself in a good position away from the main crowd and began to take notes along with the occasional picture.

XXXXX

A few hours later, Peacemaker finally returned to her room. The train ride along with the 'Iron Pony' events and interviewing Rarity had taken its toll on her. At least she had a nice bed to sleep in, but first, she needed a bath.

She stopped to look at herself in the mirror. She wasn't one for gussying herself up or focusing on her looks. She was always more focused on her job than much else. But upon closer inspection, she couldn't help but feel… pretty. Now that she was thinking about it; she may have even felt a few eyes on her.

But she knew she had a long day ahead of her and knew this was only temporary. But maybe it was something for her to think about in the future.

After her shower, she wrapped up her mane and took a look outside her room's window. The stars were far brighter out here than in Manehattan. Maybe it is because the lights are not as overwhelming as the city's or maybe it was just the atmosphere as there was hardly any loud noises. "Maybe this isn't such a bad assignment. All things considered."

XXXXX

The morning of the big event had come as Peacemaker was woken by a knock on the door.

"Good morning, this is your wake-up call as requested!" The clerk's voice called.

"Yes, I'm up!" She answered as she rolled out of bed and went through a quick regiment of putting her personal effects in her saddleback. As she was about to leave, she paused to look at herself and felt like she should do a little extra today. Despite her modest assortment, she tried making sure she looked presentable in the event she run into any ponies of interest. If she didn't do a good job, Long John may make her do it again… but what if she does a good job? That doesn't sound good either, but she couldn't sacrifice her morals. Cursing her journalistic integrity, she bolted out of the door towards the race.

XXXXX

"Fillies and Gentlecolts, welcome to the Annual Running of the Leaves. This is Pinkie Pie and I'll be your announcer for today's event along with my co-nouncer, Spike!" The energetic pony shouted from her hot air balloon.

"That's right Pinkie, and it looks like it's going to be one of the biggest in Ponyville since the climactic race between Rainbow Dash and Applejack. Also, it looks like we have some new entries as well." Spike commented as he spied the runners and the crowd with his small telescope.

"Where? Where?" Pinkie Pie darted in the basket, her hooves holding an imaginary spyglass as her eye popped through the opening. "Oooooo, I've got so many parties to plan after this. Or maybe one REALLY big one!"

Peacemaker quietly made her rounds at the starting line as she took quick interviews from a few runners. "Peacemaker, Manehattan Times. What do you think your chances are for taking 1st place in the 'Running of the Leaves'?" She asked a dark yellow pony.

XXX

"Oh I don't know. I'm just happy to be a part of this. It's actually quite fun." Golden Harvest said with a smile.

XXX

"Winning or losing doesn't matter as long as we're together." Bon Bon and Lyra Heartstrings said, embracing one another.

XXX

"Yeah, winning this is going to be a piece of cake." Rainbow Dash said arrogantly as she polished a hoof on her chest. "My only competition isn't running this year. Guess she figured selling apples was easier than running against me."

"I heard that!" Applejack shouted in the distance, but Rainbow Dash just shrugged in response.

"You seem confident in your athleticism, Ms. Dash. Considering your legendary Rainboom feat. That does make you the fastest flyer by far. But does that transfer to running as well?" Peacemaker commented.

"Air, land, doesn't matter. I'm awesome."

"Then I wish you the best of luck."

"Thanks, but I don't really need it." The Pegasus said as she pranced her way to the starting line.

XXX

"Well, I was really only looking forward to spending some time with my little girl, but she really wanted to join in the festivities so who am I to turn her down." The massive turquoise pony said with a chuckle.

"Well I hadn't expected to see the former World Champion here in Ponyville. What takes you away from Las Pegasus?" The silver pony asked.

"Just a change of scenery. With my next fight not until after Winter Wrap-up; I thought a nice quiet weekend for me and my little girl would be nice." Triple Crown said.

"Seems like she wanted a bit more excitement." Peacemaker looked down at the filly standing beside him.

"Yeah, but I'm too small right now. So Dad's going to carry me." The foal said, wearing an excited grin on her face.

"Well I hope you two have fun. See you at the finish line." She bid farewell as she finished writing down quotes.

"Well this is a good start, but there won't be much to write about the race itself unless I actually run with them myself." The thought was not appealing to her at the slightest. "But my instincts are telling me that I need to go…" Her eyes followed the hot air balloon. "Higher."

XXXXX

"Alright, everypony, the 'Running of the Leaves' is about to begin. Runners meet at the starting line." Pinkie shouted over her megaphone.

"Um, excuse me." A voice from below caught the pony's attention as she looked down. "Peacemaker, Manehattan Times. Would you happen to have room up there for one more?" The she asked.

"Sure." Pinkie threw down a rope ladder. "Here you go."

Peacemaker hooked her legs in-between the rungs and slowly made her way up. "Thanks. I can really get good coverage for my paper from this vantage point." She said just as Pinkie got muzzle-to-muzzle with her with a hard look on her face.

"Just so you know. There will be a PARTY. There will be CAKE. There will be BALLOONS. And YOU will be there. Got it." She demanded sternly.

"Uh…ok?" Peacemaker said, confused by this aggressive pony.

Pinkie's harsh look instantly turned back to her bubbly smile. "Okie Dokie Loki. All right everypony! On your Mark…get set…GO!"

XXXXX

A/N

The Golden Horseshoe Hotel comes from the MLP Game.