Rarity Takes Manehattan

Pony's Log Number 408: Twilight has always teased me about being too much like Rarity. Well, we do share similar behaviors and like to be creative and artistic, but now we both know how it feels to be taken advantage of...

As the train stood ready to make its voyage from the Ponyville Station, Applejack, Rarity, Twilight, and Mario appeared carrying one suitcase apiece.

"There you are, Rarity!" said Spike as he arrived with a wagon loaded with a tall pile of luggage, "That's the last of your bags."

"Actually, Spike," said Rarity, "I've got one last pile of bags, over there!" Rarity then showed Spike another medium sized pile of luggage. Twilight glared and rolled her eyes at the marshmallow mare. Spike just looked at the pile with a stunned look on his face.

"Won't you be a dear?" Rarity asked sweetly as Twilight glared at her disapprovingly.

"Sure...I'll be a dear..." said Spike wearily as he tried to collect the other bags. Twilight was still glaring.

"Leave her alone, honey," Mario warned, "You do that with me all the time."

"You could just say no when I do," said Twilight.

"But I like serving you," Mario replied innocently. Twilight just groaned inwardly, yet she still had a smile on her face and kissed his cheek. She hated to admit it, but she liked it when Mario did things for her.

"An entire week in the fabulous city of Manehattan!" Rarity said excitedly as Twilight smiled and it was revealed the rest of the Mane seven were with the marshmallow pony, "Plus, all of my very best friends there with me!"

"Of course we'd all come along to support you and Mario during Fashion Week, Rarity!" said Twilight as she stood to the right.

"Not that you two will need it," said Fluttershy, "We're sure you'll win." Rarity then gave a happy squeal.

"I can't begin to tell you how excited I am that you'll all be there with me!" said Rarity, "However...Perhaps I can show you..." Rarity then put the suitcase she was carrying on the platform and opened it to show the group eight slips of paper.

"What's that?" Twilight asked curiously.

"Ooh, ooh, ooh, I know!" said Pinkie excitedly, "A paper fan!"

"No," said Rarity, "it's-"

"A magic trick!" Pinkie interrupted as she bounced before Rarity and squatted down as she spoke, "You know, where I pick a card and remember what it is and then you put it back in the deck so you can't look at it and-"

"These are tickets to the hottest musical on Bridleway!" said Rarity before Pinkie could finish.

"You couldn't mean Hinny of the Hills..." Twilight exclaimed, "because that show's been sold out for months! Or could you?!"

"I could," said Rarity as her voice went up an octave, "I do." Mario nodded in agreement. Twilight gasped excitedly.

"Oh, Rarity, you didn't have to do that," said Twilight, "but...since you did..." The rest of the group cheered excitedly. Except for Spike and Pinkie, the former was still collecting and stacking the luggage and the latter hadn't really been listening.

"This trip is fun already!" said Pinkie as she cluelessly bounced about, "I love jumping up and down!"

(Main theme)

It wasn't long before their train chugged along as it made its way to the big city of Manehattan. Soon the Mane seven were standing outside of the train station with Spike carrying all the luggage. Mario had offered to help him, but Spike was too stubborn to accept it. It didn't help that Rarity insisted Spike could manage on his own.

"Come along, ponies!" said Rarity, "I found us a place to stay only a block from the train station and in the very heart of this glorious metropolis!"

"Let'sa go!" Mario called out as Rarity and Mario lead the group down the street of what led to Equestria's version of Time Square.

"Hey look!" said Applejack as she pointed a fore-leg to something across the street, "That's the theatre where Hinny of the Hills is playin'!" The rest of the group oohed excitedly as they headed across the street and past a long line of ponies waiting in line to get in and see the show.

"Wow, Rarity!" said Twilight impressively, "How'd you manage to get us seats for tomorrow night?"

"Oh, I gave some designs to the costume designer, so he pulled a few strings," said Rarity, "In fact, I wouldn't have never been able to speak and befriend the costume designer if Mario hadn't known one of the lead actors."

"Cool!" said Applejack, Pinkie, and Rainbow at once as they got close to Rarity.

"You know one of the actors to Hinny of the Hills?!" Twilight exclaimed in shock to Mario as the others smiled excitedly.

"Indeed," said Mario, "We used to be part of the Canterlot Junior Theatre Troop back in the day. He always said I could have made it as an actor since I was often picked for do lead parts, but...I suffered from really bad stage fright before performances. It's gotten better, but...I had other priorities."

"Like your crush on a certain purple pony princess," Applejack teased. Twilight blushed as a shy smile appeared on her face as all but Rarity snickered.

"That is what makes Manehattan so splendid and amazing," said Rarity as they made their way down the street, "You do something nice for somepony, and then you never know when they'll do something nice for you!"

"So then you can do something nice for us!" Applejack remarked.

"Like get us in to see Hinny of the Hills!" Fluttershy said excitedly.

"Which is only the best musical in all of Equestria!" Rainbow added.

"It must be good if Rainbow Dash is impressed," Applejack pointed out, "Normally, she doesn't even like musicals."

"I know," said Rainbow, "Ponies just bursting into song in random places at the drop of a hat? Who does that?"

"We do actually," said Mario, "In fact, I think we're about get a song right about...now." Mario then pointed a fore-hoof at Rarity to cue her to start singing.

[Rarity - She stands in front of Rainbow, Applejack, and Mario, stunning the two mares as she sang. Then walked forward with a huge smile on her face. The overview of the city is seen with taxis racing down the streets and ponies walking about. She led the Mane seven down a street with Spike right behind them. Spike then sets the luggage down and glares bitterly.]

Oh, Manehattan, what you do to me
Such a huge bustling community
And there's always opportunity
To do the friendly thing

[Rarity - Spike looked sweaty and irritable. As Rarity sang, she headed over to a carrot dog stand and buys two of them. She gave one carrot dog to a nearby filly at the front of the line and then handed Spike the second one. Spike looked at it hungry as Rarity walked away. He went to take a bite of his carrot dog when a bird swiped it out of its claw, leaving Spike angry as the bird flew away.]

If some are grouchy, pay no mind
Surprise instead with something kind
Lo and behold, you may just find
A smile is what you bring

"Welcome to the Manefair Hotel!" said the bellhop pony named Luggage Cart as the Mane seven and Spike arrived, "Please allow me to take those bags to your room for you!"

"Only if you'll accept this gratuity first," said Rarity as she gave the bellhop stallion a nicely sized purple gem.

"Oh-ho-ho!" Luggage Cart remarked, "I'll get your change!"

"Do keep it all," said Rarity as she tucked the gem into his shirt pocket, "I insist!" Luggage Cart smiled excitedly.

[Rarity - The group is now riding a boat to the pony version of the Lady Liberty. Rarity and Mario were at the front of the boat with the former wearing a pink scarf that was waving in the wind. Once the boat arrived, Rarity got off first with Mario right behind her. Rarity went to go use a set of binoculars when another pony approached it as well.]

Generosity, I'm here to show all that I can give
Generosity, I'm here to set the bar
Just sit back and watch how I live

"After you," said Rarity to the other pony.

"Why, thank you," said the first tourist pony. Rarity then noticed another pony, named Wisp, was shivering.

"Please, take mine," said Rarity as she wrapped her scarf around the pony's neck.

"Wow, okay," said Wisp.

[Rarity - She lead the group down another street as some of the neon light billboards they had seen floated across the view. One grumpy looking pony was working up above in his office when a mare appeared to cheer him up. Another pony was turned away from entering a building. Other ponies just walked about snootily, giving each other a cold shoulder.]

Some may say, "Rarity",
Don't be so big-hearted and bold
Treating strangers like they're friends
This town's too big and cold

[Rarity - As she sang in the background, Rarity then bumped into a pony wearing a trilby and trench coat. The stallion glared at them, leaving the group stunned as Mario raised a fore-leg in front of Rarity protectively. Rarity then looked around until she saw a nearby flower cart. She then grabbed a yellow flower with her magic and gave the mare managing the stand a pink gem for payment. She then tucked the flower into the stallion's trilby hat and smiled. The stallion smiled back and he and Rarity shared a chuckle with each other.]

But this is how I play my cards
I'm not about to fold
Where I see a frown, I go to town
Call me the smile patrol

[Rainbow Dash - They walk past the Pony version of Times Square again.]

Oh, Manehattan, what you do to us

[Fluttershy - She and Rainbow see a pony yelling at the taxi stallion, who looks tired out and unsure of what to do since the wheel to his cab is broken.]

What if you find a Gloomy Gus?

[Applejack - As she sang, she crawled under the cart part of the taxi and lifted it up. Mario also helped by pushing against the side to keep the broken wheel off the ground.]

It's no intimidatin' thing

[Pinkie Pie - appeared out of nowhere behind the taxi cab stallion, making him smile.]

Just be kind without a fuss

[Rarity - she lead Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Spike to the cab. She then fixed the broken wheel with her magic. Both the taxi stallion and passenger smile before the taxi takes off. Rarity then jumped at a streetlamp and spun about a few times. She then hopped off and the rest of the group caught up to her as they look at the sky with their fore-legs in the air.]

Generosity, I'm here to show all that I can do
Generosity, you are the key
Manehattan, I'm here just for you
Just for you

A little later, the group was gathered at the display of a boutique. Applejack and Rainbow were admiring the display as Spike just sat on the edge of the front step of the entrance looking a tad bored.

"To think our dresses could soon be displayed on the most glamorous shopping thoroughfare of the most glamorous city in Equestria!" said Rarity with a content sigh, "Oh, it would be my dream come true!" Mario and the rest of the ponies all smiled.

"Is there anything left to do we can help you with?" Twilight asked.

"I think we've got everything covered," Mario answered as he looked over his checklist, "What about you, Rares?"

"Hm, nothing I can think of," Rarity replied, "The dresses are all completely finished, all made from a fabulous new fabric I've been developing for months. Stretchy, but not clingy. Shimmery, but not showy."

"Sounds amazing," said Fluttershy.

"You'll see how amazing they are when we display them on the runway for the fashion show," said Mario.

"There's nothing left for us to do but check in at the runway with my dresses by two this afternoon," said Rarity.

"And it's barely ten after noon," said Mario as he looked at his pocket watch, "So we've got plenty of time to..."

"Uh, honey, you said it was ten after noon the last time you checked your watch," said Twilight. Mario blinked before he looked at his watch and saw that it wasn't ticking.

"My watch stopped?" Mario exclaimed worried, "I just had it serviced last month!"

"Oh, no worries, Mario," said Rarity, "I'm sure we're doing alright on time. It's probably quite a while before its two o' clock."

"Oh, that's funny," said Pinkie, "Because that clock over there makes it seem like that's only ten minutes from now!" Pinkie pointed to a clock tower that showed that it was ten to two. Then some thunder was heard as a light rain shower passed through the area.

"Momma Mia!" Mario exclaimed frantically.

"Oh, my ribbons and threads," Rarity added in the same tone, "And the runway ballroom is all the way across town! If we don't get there, we're disqualified! TAAAAXIII!" Rarity then rushed ahead

"Rares, wait!" Mario called out as he went after her.

"Oh no!" said Fluttershy with worry, "We've gotta help her and Mario find a cab, now!"

"I'm on it!" said Rainbow as she flew over to the rooftop of a taxi, "Hey, buddy! Is this cab taken?"

"The line ends back there, "buddy"!" a pony named Cherry Fizzy yelled. Rainbow then looked to see a long line of ponies waiting for a taxi.

"Huh? What?" said Rainbow in surprise, "Does everypony in this town want a cab?"

"I'm afraid getting a taxi at this time could prove almost impossible!" said Rarity as she arrived using her magic to hold a newspaper above her head.

"Umm...you guys..." said Mario as Twilight rushed over to a stallion at the front of the line.

"Please, won't you let her have this taxi?" Twilight pleaded, "She and her friend have somewhere very important to be right away!"

"Not likely!" said the businesspony rudely, "They can get in line like the rest of us!" The rest of the ponies standing in line grumbled in agreement.

"Oh it's no use!" said Twilight as she, Applejack, and Rainbow sat on the edge of a street curb, "The cab drivers just drive right past to get to the next pony in line!"

"Uh, hello?" said Mario indignantly, "Twilight, did you forget who you married?" Twilight and the others gave him a puzzled look.

"Mr. Mach 2!" Mario replied, "I can carry Rarity to the location in seconds flat for the check-in!" They all smiled excitedly, but Rarity was a little wearily.

"Oh, I dunno, darling," said Rarity, "I don't think my mane can handle the trip."

"Rarity, if I can complete a highly complex Crystal headdress in under ten seconds flat," said Mario, "I think I can brush your mane back to perfection in less time than that!"

"Well..." Rarity pondered. It was then a familiar taxi stallion and his cab arrived.

"New wheel works like a charm!" said the pony taxi stallion, whose name is Pronto, "So now which of you nice folks are hoppin' in?" Rarity smiled, pulled Mario along, as the two climbed inside.

"Fashion runaway plaza in seven minutes," said Rarity called out, "Can you make it?"

"Hang on!" said Pronto.

"Ta-ta!" said Rarity as she and Mario waved goodbye before they were on their way.

"Whew, that was close," said Spike as he walked up to the other girls holding a newly purchased carrot dog in his claw. The others agreed, but then Spike looked worried.

"Anypony else got a sneaking suspicion we're forgetting something?" Spike asked.

"The dresses!" the five girls exclaimed in shock.

Meanwhile, Rarity and Mario rushed inside the lobby of the runway plaza building.

"Good afternoon," said Rarity to the mare at the front desk, "We're here for Fashion Week!"

"Everypony's gathered in front of the runway and about to start," said the mare at the front desk named Janie Manewitz, "so you'll just have to bring your dresses along with you and store them backstage later." Mario and Rarity felt like their hearts had stopped.

"Our - our dresses!" Rarity exclaimed, "How could we possibly forget them?!"

"We were in such a hurry, we forgot to pick them up!" said Mario, "maybe I could..." Mario then looked at the clock, he only had twenty seconds to get to the hotel and back.

"No good!" Rarity exclaimed, "The dresses wouldn't survive being transported at such high speed!" She and Mario began to hyperventilate.

"We're dooooomed!" Mario and Rarity cried out as they both faceplanted the floor together. It was then Luggage Cart arrived with a rolling rack of outfits at his side.

"Got 'em right here, ma'am!" he told them as the two ponies sat up, "Your friends told me you need these in a hurry, so I offered to race 'em over myself. "Anything for that nice mare," I told 'em!" He had just finished talking as Rarity and Mario collected the rack of outfits and rushed off.

"You're a lifesaver!" said Rarity as he handed him another gem.

"Thank you very much!" Mario added and gave him a gem as well. Luggage Cart just smiled as he received both gems.

It wasn't long before Rarity had appeared in stage with her dresses. The other fashionistas were there waiting. Mario just stayed offstage for the time being. From what he could tell, there was only one other pony who brought an assistant. She and Mario just exchanged some quick hellos before Rarity made her presence known.

"I made it!" said Rarity with a sigh, "and with seconds to spare! Hello, everypony. Pleased to meet you all."

"Rarity, I presume," said a rather snooty voice. Rarity looked to see a grey colored pony with a pink mane and tail wearing a white-ish purple frilly top,

"You must be Prim Hemline," said Rarity, "the host of this grand event."

"Miss Rarity," said Prim Hemline sternly, "How is it that all your competitors are here half an hour early, and yet you arrive seconds before we begin?"

"Uhhhh..." Rarity stuttered and chuckled nervously, "Just...lucky, I guess."

"Once we're done here," Prim Hemline instructed to everypony, "you're to finish setting up backstage, so you'll be ready for your run-through appointment." She then got into Rarity's face, "You show your designs last. We keep to a precise schedule, so let's try to be more than a few seconds early, hmm?" Prim Hemline then walked off in front of the other designers.

"Tomorrow is the contest to see which one of you gets to stay to meet top designers all across the city," she continued, "The rest of you must go home early. So sad. Dismissed!" Prim Hemline then flicked her tail indignantly and walked off importantly. The other designers then headed off to work as Mario approached the stage, now wearing his work glasses.

"Sorry about that..."

"Don't be," said Rarity, "We both should've paid better attention to the clock. Anyways, I'm feeling a bit famished..."

"There's a little coffee bistro just two buildings away," Mario offered, "Shall I get us the usual, mademoiselle?"

"Oui s'il vous plait," Rarity replied with a smile. [translation: yes please]

"Je serai bien tot de retour," Mario replied as he revved his hooves and zoomed away. [Translation: I shall be back soon.] Rarity then walked over to her clothing rack when a pony with a rosy colored coat, purple mane styled in some curls, same colored tail, wearing an aqua blue scarf approached her.

"I'm so glad you made it, Rarity," said the pony as she chuckled.

"Me too, but everything just seems to keep working out!" said Rarity.

"Don't you remember me?" said the pony, "Suri Polomare from the Ponyville Knitters League?"

"Oh, yes, of course, of course! I-I thought you looked familiar, but I couldn't place it," said Rarity with a sheepish smile on her face, "You haven't been back in Ponyville in years!"

"Because I moved here to make it in the big city," Suri replied with a laugh, "Okay?"

"Oh, good for you, Sur-" Rarity was then cut off when Suri gave her a hug.

"Ooh, it's so good to see you!" said Suri, "And now here we are, competing!" Suri laughed before adding, "Okay?"

"Yes, yes," said Rarity, feeling a bit awkward from the hug, "Well, good luck!"

"Oh, I don't need luck," said Suri, "Would you like a hoof with your things?"

"Well, my assistant Mario should be back soon with the coffee," Rarity replied.

"Wait...Mario? As in Prince Mario?!" Suri exclaimed.

"Indeed," said Rarity, "before he was ever a Prince, he was my right hoof assistant. He doesn't feel like he needs to give up his position just because of his royal status. Plus we are the best of friends."

"Well, he's not here now," said Suri, "I don't mind helping you out."

"Why, thank you so much!" said Rarity. It wasn't long before Rarity had her dresses revealed and hanging on the coat rack.

"My, your collection is gorgeous!" said Suri in admiration.

"Oh now, I'm sure your collection is equally lovely," said Rarity as she carried some rolls of fabric in her magic and walked away, "if not more so!"

"It's alright," Suri replied, "but nothing like this! Take my culottes, for example-they are simply crying out for just the right accent, but I haven't the slightest notion where I-" Suri then gasped when she saw Rarity carrying a roll of the special fabric she used to make the outfits with.

"Actually...just a touch of this fabric could be perfect with it," said Suri, "W-Oh, hey, would you mind terribly if I took a swatch?"

"Oh not at all!" said Rarity as she handed Suri an entire roll of the fabric, "I have loads extra." Suri was surprised.

"You're sure?" said Suri.

"Positive!" Rarity replied, "Oh, well, it's been wonderful getting caught up, and I don't want to be rude, but I must finish my preparations and I am a bit late as it...is?" Rarity then turned around to see that Suri had disappeared. It was a few seconds later Mario arrived.

"Seesh, talk about being in a rush," said Mario before heading towards the marshmallow pony holding two to-go cups with his magic, "Sorry for the wait, Rares, but the line was out the door."

"No biggie," said Rarity as she took her cup, "Merci!" Mario smiled but then remembered something.

"I saw one of the designers with a roll of your fabric," said Mario, "they nearly ran me over when I came to find you."

"Oh, that was Suri Polomare, one of the contestants," said Rarity, "I let her borrow some of the fabric for accents."

"I see," said Mario as he took his to-go cup and held it next to Rarity's, "To Fashion Week?"

"To Fashion Week," said Rarity as they tapped their cups, took a drink, and went back to work.

Later that day, Rarity and Mario arrived back at the runway plaza building ready to go.

"Hello!" said Rarity as she spoke to Janine Manewitz. Mario stood behind the rack of their outfits for the show, "I'm here half an hour early for my run-through appointment, just the way Prim likes!"

"Get in line over there," said Janine Manewitz when she noticed the outfits Rarity had, "Oh my, that fabric's gorgeous, did you make that yourself?"

"Oh, why, yes, with some help from my lovely assistant," Rarity answered, "It's stretchy, but not clingy. Shimmery-"

"Shimmery, but not showy," said a voice that caught Rarity and Mario attention. The two ponies rushed to where the runway was and saw Suri displaying the exact same outfits with the material Rarity had given her. Next to Suri was her assistant, who was a cream colored pony with two-tones blue mane and tail, wearing a red flower barrette clip in the back of her mane along with a purple collar and red ascot around her neck. Mario and Rarity gasped.

"And the entire line is made in the same adorable pattern," Suri continued, "It works on everything from skirts to top to shoes and..." She chuckled to herself.

"Oh, bravo!" said Prim Headliner as she applauded Suri, "I've never seen anything like it!"

"You stole my fabric!" Rarity interjected angrily as she got into Suri's face. Mario glared at her as well. Suri just laughed.

"I didn't steal it, okay?" said Suri smugly, "You gave it to me, 'member?"

"I gave you the fabric for accents!" Rarity protested, "Not for your whole line!"

"I should've known something fishy was going on when you nearly ran me over while carry all that fabric," Mario remarked.

"And how you could possibly make all of those outfits out of it so fast?!" Rarity demanded.

"Fast? Hah!" said Suri Polomare as she pointed at her assistant, who was looking rather insecure, "Coco Pommel here took practically forever. Nearly got me completely disqualified!"

"Well, I wanted to make sure you'd win, so I took the extra time to-"

"Quiet!" Suri yelled, making Coco flinch, "I pay an assistant to sew and get coffee, not talk. 'Kay?"

"That's not what an assistant is supposed to be," said Mario sternly, "A proper assistant is supposed to be their designer's teammate and support. They work together to succeed and look out and respect each other. They are not to be treated like your personal minion!"

"Too bad you were too busy getting coffee to save Rarity from making a fool of herself," said Suri, "That's great teamwork right there!" Mario growled, but Rarity was most upset as she turned around with her eyes full of tears.

"How could this happen?" Rarity asked herself with a gasp.

"Aw, sweetie, don't blame yourself," said Suri in mock sympathy, "It takes some small-town fillies a while to learn it's everypony for herself in the big city, m'okay?" Rarity then ran off crying as Mario gave Suri a fierce glare.

"If you think undermining and stealing from others' hard work is the way to get ahead in this big city," said Mario darkly, "You are so wrong!" Suri laughed in a condescending manner.

"I'd expect to hear that from a washout track racer," Suri sneered, "I don't even get how a loser like you is even a Prince!" Mario narrowed his eyes.

"Whatever," said Mario with an eye roll, "You might think you've knocked us down, but don't count us out just yet Suri! It's not over until the last piece of fine couture walks down that runway!" Mario then walked away importantly to go find Rarity as Suri watched him walk away with a smug look on her face.

"Hope you realize how fortunate you are to have me as your mentor," said Suri arrogantly before yelling sternly, "Now get me some coffee!" Coco cringed before taking off in the other direction.

Later on at the hotel, the rest of the girls had arrived back at the hotel after having the time of their lives. Rainbow was even wearing an "I heart Manehatten" cap on her head.

"Oh, my gosh, what a great afternoon!" said Twilight as she and Rainbow entered the group's hotel room first, "That was almost too much fun!"

"Better pace yourself," said Rainbow, "'cause the rest of the day is jam-packed!"

"First there's the salon appointment to get our manes done," said Applejack regally as she and Pinkie entered the room.

"Then our fancy dinner at the Far-Afield Tavern!" said Pinkie as Fluttershy walked in last.

"And after that..." Fluttershy added as she squatted down with her wings open.

"Hinny of the Hills!" the five girls shouted as they jumped into the air and then landed on their backs laughing happily. Spike the wobbled in carrying a tall collection of souvenirs in his claws. It was then Rarity, with a her mane looking rather frizzy, and Mario came into the room. Both ponies looking most upset.

"Oh...hey you guys," said Mario drearily.

"Is...everything okay?" Rainbow asked concerned. Mario just looked at Rarity, who was fighting back tears.

"You got the dresses the bellhop brought and everything, right?" Pinkie asked in her bouncy demeanor. Mario sighed.

"We did," said Mario, "it's just...well..."

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!"

Rarity headed over to one of the beds and began bawling her eyes out.

"And then Suri stole them!" Rarity sobbed and breathed quickly, "I let one of the other contestants use some of our one-of-a-kind fabric and then she turned it into a wardrobe just like mine, only now it looks like We're the ones copying her! My generosity has ruined me, I tell you! RUINED!" Rarity continued to bawl her eyes out as Mario held one of her fore-hooves for comfort.

"It also doesn't help that when we confronted Suri that she laughed in our faces about it," Mario added angrily, "it was like she practically said to Rarity the most painful word somepony as generous as her should never have to hear!"

"What's that?" Fluttershy asked. Mario narrowed his eyes.

"Sucker," Mario muttered quietly. The five ponies cringed as Rarity continued crying as Twilight approached the bed.

"Now, Rarity, whatever went wrong, we're all here to help you get through it, no matter what it takes," said Twilight. The others agreed.

"She's right, Rares," Mario added, "Don't let that Suri think she can knock us down! We'll show her what real teamwork can do and bounce back from this. We've been given lemons before and we've always been able to make the sweetest lemonade ponies could ask for!"

"Oooh, lemonade..." said Pinkie in a dazed state.

"Figure of speech, Pinks," said Mario annoyingly before turning to Rarity, who had calmed down a little from crying, "There's gotta be some inspiration around here in this very room!" Rarity then sat up and began looking around. She took notice of their hotel room curtains and then the yellow circle rug on the floor. She then rubbed her fore-hoof against the bed blanket and then gasped.

"This new line is going to be marvelous!" Rarity exclaimed, "Perhaps even better than the last! It's daring, it bold!"

"It will knock Suri's horseshoes right off her hooves!" said Mario, seeing what Rarity had in mind.

"Perhaps we still have a chance after all!" said Rarity excitedly. The others smiled in agreement.

By the time night had fallen, the Mane seven were hard at work trying to assemble the new outfits Rarity had wanted to do in a spare room in their hotel. Mario had fortunately found some spare tables, sewing machines, fabrics, and other equipment so they could work. It was difficult work to say the least, but it didn't help that Rarity had become rather cold and blunt with everypony as they continued their work. Fluttershy was busy sewing a fabric with a spare sewing machine when the thread bunched up. Fluttershy was feeling rather frustrated until Rarity, now wearing her work glasses, glared in her direction. Fluttershy just smiled sheepishly before fixing her own blunder and got back to work. Rarity was also looking over the design for the fifth outfit before snorting. She had rejected several of Mario's sketches before finding the ones she liked, each time showing her disgust.

"Took you long enough to get the design right," said Rarity sternly, "now break it up so we can assemble it post haste!"

"Yes, Rares," said Mario before heading to a nearby table to do just that. Twilight was rather surprised to see Mario take Rarity's sour attitude so calmly. The marshmallow pony had been lashing out at him all evening and Mario seemed to just take it in stride and kept working without any fuss. Rarity picked up some fabrics with her magic as she walked past Rainbow, who was working with a loom, and Pinkie, who had been just eyeballing a ball of yarn. Rarity gave Pinkie the stink eye before the pink pony smiled and started unrolling some yellow fabric behind her. Rarity then walked up to Applejack, who had just finished folding some fabrics before Rarity dumped the ones she was carrying onto the table. She then grabbed the basket with the folded fabrics, not even bothering to tell Applejack thank you for helping. Twilight was busy sewing her own piece of cloth when Rarity came up to her.

"Twilight!" Rarity said sternly, "Sew these pieces together according to that pattern Mario sketched there!"

"You said if we skipped dinner at the Far-Afield Tavern, you'd order a meal for us while we keep working," Twilight pointed out.

"Don't fret. It'll be here in an hour," said Rarity bluntly before adding bitterly, "That's not going to be a problem, is it?"

"Well, we're supposed to be watching Hinny of the Hills by then..." said Rainbow slowly as she tapped her fore-hooves together. Rarity walked off a bit until she was by a mannequin and tied a bow into the beck

"Oh! I see! I go out of my way to get you tickets for a show, and this is how you repay me?" Rarity retorted angrily, "By abandoning me in my hour of need? Oh, oh, oh! Fine! Go and see Hinny of the Hills tonight! And then tomorrow morning when you come to see my fashion show without any fashion to show, you can have more entertainment! "oh, why look, there's our friend Rarity going down in flames! Isn't friendship magic?"!" Mario just looked at her sadly as he felt a pair of tears leave his eyes. This was starting to feel very relatable to him.

"Rarity, calm down," said Twilight, "What's gotten into you?"

"What's gotten into you?!" Rarity yelled, "Oh, go ahead! See your little show! Congratu-pony-lations, fillies and colt! Sounds like you've all figured out already it's everypony for herself in this town!" Rarity then ran out of the room and slammed the door. The rest of the group just exchanged sad looks with each other and got back to work.

"Everypony," said Mario gently as they all stopped to look at him. Mario then set the completed sketch over to Twilight and took a deep breath, "Please don't let Rarity's attitude today upset you. She doesn't mean any of it. She's just hurting right now."

"How would you know?" Twilight asked rather defensively. Mario glared.

"Because I was hurt in the same manner not too long ago," Mario told her firmly, "I can remember feeling betrayed and unappreciated. Feeling as if my own Element was being used against me and that nopony truly appreciated anything I did for them. I felt as if I didn't even want to be the Element of Love anymore. I didn't see the point of it! Why bother sharing love with others if they are just going to take advantage of you or critized you? I didn't want to care about others anymore, only myself, because I didn't want to get hurt." The others just shared some sad expressions with each other.

"So it's okay if she snaps and yells at us?" Rainbow asked indignantly.

"Rainbow, when you're that angry and hurt, you can't think straight," Mario told her firmly, "there's no way you can stuff that anger down or keep it to yourself. I might not have lashed out at anypony I cared about when I was feeling that way. But I openly grumbled to myself about it, even went so far as screaming at the top of a mountain!" Twilight felt her eyes water.

"I...I had no idea I hurt you that badly..." Twilight whimpered as Mario walked over and gave her a kiss.

"That incident may have been the breaking point for me," said Mario, "But it wasn't you that made me want to quit being the Element of Love. It was all the heckling I was getting from the towns ponies before our friends showed up."

"Those radio ponies sure had alot of nerve," said Applejack, "But they got their just desserts." The others hummed in agreement.

"So...what can we do to help Rarity snap out of it?" Pinkie asked worried.

"Nothing," said Mario, "Rarity needs to figure out for herself that not being generous means losing a part of what makes Rarity...well...Rarity! It's a realization she can only find herself. No one can make her realize it."

"And how long did it take before you snapped out of it?" Rainbow asked in her impatient manner, making all but Mario glare.

"Roughly a day," said Mario, "anyway, I know for a fact Rarity's been too busy being upset to actually order us any food. So you girls keep working and I'll go get us something to eat. Hope you girls are ready for some good old fashioned Manehattan pizza." The others oohed and hummed in excitement as Mario speed away. Despite Rarity's constant vents about being careful not to get the dresses dirty from pizza grease, they enjoyed the pizza and continued to work late into the night. In fact, the sun was already up when they finished and the group completed the last outfit.

"There," said Twilight as they all gave tired smiles, "That's the last of them."

"Good job, ladies," said Mario when he suddenly was rammed by Rarity and the rolling rack of other outfits.

"Finally!" Rarity gasped as she grabbed the dress, put it on the coat rack and took off with it, not even giving her friends a thank you as she ran out of the room.

"WAH! OOF!" Mario cried out as he went flying over the rushing rack of outfits and landed on his back, leaving him dizzy.

"You're welcome!" Twilight yelled but was ignored. Mario then shook his head to recover before turning to the girls.

"Anyways, thank you girls so much for your help," said Mario, "We'll see you later at the fashion show!" Mario then revved his hooves and took off to catch up to Rarity.

"At least one pony appreciated our help," Applejack muttered.

"Remember what Mario said girls," said Twilight, "Rarity just needs to some time to sort herself out." The others just nodded in agreement, but they are all still worried.

At the fashion show stage, Prim Headline was with Suri as the mare presented "her" designs to the audience.

"Let's have another round of applause for Suri Polomare's amazing collection," said Prim Headline as the models posed proudly in the outfits. The audience ooh, cheered, and took pictures.

"That fabric! So original!" said Prim Headline as Suri waved to the audience.

"We outta know," said Mario bitterly as Rarity glared and rolled her eyes at Suri.

"Well, look who's here," said Suri arrogantly with a chuckle as Coco just walked past them without another word, "You and your washout of a Prince here to show your copycat collection, mm? Heh." Mario and Rarity just glared.

"And now, Rarity from Ponyville with her brand new line," said Prim Headline before muttering, "and I mean "brand new" - Hotel Chic!" It was then the models posed in the outfits Rarity and Mario had come up with, which were made out of various hotel materials. The ponies all awed and chatted in amazement at the new collection, including big name ponies like Hoity Toity, Sapphire Shores, and Photo Finish. The other ponies in the audience smiled and took pictures. Rarity and Mario smiled.

"Ha-ha! They're loving it, Rares," Mario whispered excitedly, "Told ya we could bounce back!"

"Oh! You're so right, Mario!" said Rarity, "They're liking it! I think we may have just won this thing! On I can't wait to celebrate with...My friends." Rarity then realized how she had been acting and could feel the guilt and shame hit her conscience.

"Oh no..." Mario said sadly. Rarity then looked at the section that had been reserved for her friends. It was empty.

"They didn't come," Rarity said sadly as she looked at the ground, "What have I done?" The crowds were still cheering and taking pictures of her outfits, but neither Rarity or Mario were paying much attention to it.

"Rares?" Mario asked gently, seeing how sad she looked.

"Rarity," said Prim Headline before Rarity could answer Mario, "they all adore you! Aren't you going to tell them about your fabulous pieces?" As Rarity looked at the rope barricading the stage, a rainbow shinned on it. The rainbow then shinned in Rarity's eyes. She knew what she had to do.

"I have to go!" said Rarity before she charged off. Prim Headline and Mario gasped.

"Rarity!" Mario exclaimed.

"Come back at once!" said Prim Headline. Rarity then bashed a model out of the way before jumping off the stage and running off.

"This is unheard of!" said Prim Headline as she and Mario watched Rarity disappear. Rarity had rushed all the way back to the hotel where Luggage Cart was pushing a roller loaded with various bags on it.

"How do you do, ma'am?" he asked, "Contest going well?"

"No time to talk," said Rarity anxiously, "I have to find my friends!"

"Oh, uh, they're gone already," Luggage Cart replied, "I saw them headed out this morning!"

"Oh, no! Back to Ponyville, I imagine," said Rarity sadly, "Oh, they worked so hard on my behalf! And I repaid them with unkindness. What have I done?!" Rarity then turned to leave, but then stopped.

"Oh...here you are," said Rarity as she handed the Luggage Cart two gems.

"But, miss I-I didn't do anything!" he called out, but Rarity was already out of hearing range. It was then some thunder rumbled again and it started to rain. Rarity just walked slowly down the street, not caring that the rain had gotten her mane and tail wet and straighten out her natural curls. She then looked at herself sadly in a puddle. Then a pony ran through it, nearly getting her wet even more, but Rarity didn't care.

[Rarity - as she walked down the street. She looked at a display in the window. She could imagine seeing her friends admiring the outfit but then disappeared, leaving her all alone. She then turned away from the display and just sat in the rain. Other ponies just passed by her, not even noticing how sad or depressed she looked.]

Oh Manehattan, what have I done?
The thought of Fashion Week was fun
But I went way too far
My friends gave to me in ways so kind
And I gave them nothing but a hard time

And now alone I stand
And now alone I stand

Rarity was then snapped out of her thoughts when she realized she wasn't getting wet anymore. She looked up to see a black umbrella above her head. She turned to see Mario holding it with his magic.

"As long as your my friend, Rarity," said Mario softly, "You will never stand alone." Rarity gave him a watery smile before she began to cry. Mario walked over to hold Rarity as she cried harder into his shoulder.

"I feel so horrid..." Rarity whimpered, her voice muffled into his shoulder, "Is...is this how you felt when you felt your own love betrayed you?"

"Yes," said Mario quietly, "I acted almost exactly how you did. It hurts when the very quality that makes you special is used against you."

"How did you cope?" said Rarity sadly as she pulled away, her eyes still leaking tears, "I feel so...empty. I feel like I don't know who I am anymore."

"I felt the same way," said Mario, "But then I realized something..."

"What, darling?" Rarity asked. Mario looked at her with a serious look on his face.

"Tell me, Rares," said Mario, "Could you spend the rest of your life only thinking of yourself, never showing generosity to any other pony ever again?" Rarity gave him a painful look and slowly shook her head.

"It makes me sick just thinking about it," Rarity answered.

"That was when I realized," Mario continued, "I don't share love for my own gain, but to make others happy, even if I never get any recognition or appreciation for it." Rarity then smiled as the sun broke through the cloudy sky.

"You're right," said Rarity, "Suri chose not to value my generosity and that is her loss, not mine. I won't let her stop me from being who I am. A pony of generosity!" Mario smiled.

"Now that's the Rarity I know and love," said Mario. Rarity then hugged him again.

"Thank you for being there for me," said Rarity, "I love you."

"I love you too," said Mario before they pulled away and adding in a haughty tone, "After all, we fashion designers gotta stick together, darling." Rarity chuckled.

"You really are like me aren't you?" Rarity remarked.

"I'm not afraid to admit it," said Mario, "I might be smart like Twilight and have anxiety, but I'm also artistic and creative. You helped me expand on a talent I was embarassed to share with Equestria. Mostly because I didn't have the confidence to share it until I met you. We appreciate making others feeling beautiful. And let's face it. I don't take criticism very well and I'm a bit of a drama queen." Rarity giggled.

"Well, it's nice to have a crying buddy," said Rarity as they both shared a laugh, "Come on. Let's go send a quick message to Prim Hemline and return to Ponyville to find our friends."

"Wait, they left?" Mario asked surprised, "I told them not to take your behavior personally. You were only lashing out because you were hurt, not angry at them!"

"Wait, you...you defended my horrid behavior?" said Rarity in shock. Mario nodded. Rarity was so deeply moved that she began to cry again, saying thank you constantly in gratitude. Mario just held her until she calmed down again. Once Rarity had recovered and had magically re-curled her mane, plus took care of some other business that will be explained later, they arrived back at the runway plaza. She quickly rang a bell at Janie Manewitz's desk.

"We need a moment with Prim Hemline," said Rarity, "I have to rush back to Ponyville, but I just wanted to thank her first for-"

"Uh-uh-uh," Suri interrupted as they walked into main lobby, "You'd best steer clear of Prim for a while. She's pretty furious. Isn't that right?" Suri gave Coco a death glare.

"Um...yes," said Coco nervously.

"Why?" Mario asked defensively, "I told Prim Hemline that Rarity had to deal with an emergency and..." Mario then saw six familiar faces appear behind the two fashion ponies. Pinkie gave Mario and Rarity a squeaky smile.

"There you all are!" Rarity exclaimed in surprise, "I can't believe it, I thought you went back home!"

"We missed the show because we overslept," Twilight explained, "Suri told us you two lost. I'm really sorry." Suri had a devilish smirk on her face as Coco just looked away.

"We lost?" said Rarity in shock before looking disappointed.

"I'm so sorry Rarity," said Mario sadly, "I guess I need a little more work on my on-the-spot speech making and..."

"Stop!" Rarity said sternly before softening her tone, "You know what? I don't even care. I'm just happy you're all still here after I treated you. Taking advantage of your friendship the way I did. How could you ever see past it?" The others just gave her sympathetic smiles.

"Yeah, you were pretty rotten," Applejack said outright.

"Wow, Applejack," said Rainbow, "I know your thing is honesty, but come on!"

"Yeah, AJ," Mario added, "I told you Rarity didn't mean to act that way. Sometimes things can happen to a pony to make them doubt who they are. But in the end, it is important to remember that even when ponies take advantage of you, that you should always remain true to who you really are." It was then a bright flash appeared nearby the group. Even Suri and Coco were left stunned when a giant purple heart with gold trimming and crown appeared before the Mane seven and Spike.

"Is that a...Power Heart?" Spike exclaimed. Mario and the rest of their group smiled excitedly as he walked up to collect it, but then stopped.

"Come on, Rares," said Mario, "I wanna generously share this moment with you." Rarity beamed as she headed to the other side of the heart and they jumped up to grab the Power Heart together.

(cue "you got a power heart" fanfare, originally the "you got a muli-moon" fanfare)

"Ooh, yes, hahaha!" said Mario as he floated around the Power Heart.

"Oh...marvelous!" Rarity added as she floated opposite of Mario. As they floated around the Power Heart, Mario flicked it into the air. As the Power Heart came back down, the two ponies posed behind it.

"WAA-HOO-HOO!" Mario shouted.

"FABULOUS!" Rarity shouted right after Mario.

The two ponies then landed softly on all fours as the Power Heart went inside of Mario instead of into his saddle bag. Mario had noticed that since the Tree of Harmony, that the other Power Heart would only reside with him and not in the saddle bag, but he didn't think much of it. The Power Hearts made him feel happy so he wasn't complaining about it. Mario and Rarity shared a hoof bump with each other. Suri didn't resist pretending to stick a fore-hoof in her mouth and making a face at the moment, but nopony paid any attention.

"Last night we may not have seen you at your best," said Twilight as she walked up to Rarity, "but we know you. And we would never let one thing like that change how we feel about you." The group gathered around Rarity as the marshmallow pony smiled with teary eyes.

"Oh, thank you!" said Rarity, "You really are the most wonderful friends a pony could have!" Together the group made their exit from the lobby and headed outside.

"You know, I already arranged to make it up to you this afternoon!" said Rarity once they were outside, "Hope you're all available for an exclusive performance of Hinny of the Hills!" The group cheered excitedly as Suri watched the group disappear.

"And that is how it's done," Suri bragged, "Pretty clever how I convinced her and that washed up Prince to stay away from Prim, wasn't it?" Suri chuckled to herself, "Wouldn't have wanted her to find out the truth now, would we?" Coco had been watching Rarity and the group when Suri gave Coco a death glare, leaving the cream pony looking rather conflicted.

At the theater, the Mane Seven and Spike were enjoying their exclusive performance to the play. Rarity had chosen to wear a mini yellow and dark pink cloak around her neck for the performance. Mario had worn a derby cap and a brown tie.

"And I'm a dancing pony!" sang the actor who played the role of Hinny of the Hills as the actors concluded the performance and the curtain closed. The group cheered as the ponies all stamped their hooves in applause.

"Wow! That was even better than I imagined!" said Applejack.

"I loved it!" said Rainbow as she flew above the group but then noticed that everypony was looking at her and casually landed, "Uh, I mean, it was a'ight." Applejack and Pinkie laughed.

"How did you ever get them to agree to do an extra performance just for us?" Twilight asked Rarity as Mario wrapped a fore-leg around his wife.

"Remember my costume designer friend who got us the tickets?" Rarity reminded them, "Well, I offered to make all the costumes for his next show!" The other just looked a little saddened hearing this.

"Um, here in Manehattan?" Fluttershy confirmed.

"Well, um...yes...it will keep us away from Ponyville for a while," said Rarity slowly. The rest of the group just sighed sadly.

"But I wanted you to see this show!" Rarity added in her defense, "And working for this designer is such a great opportunity! And Mario said he'll manage the shop while I'm gone. I'm sure ponies would love to own original designs from a Prince!"

"We know, we're happy for you, Rarity," said Applejack, "We're just sad for us."

"Meaning, we'll miss you while you're gone," said Mario upfront. There was a brief silence before the door to the theater opened.

"Mind if I join you?" said a voice. The group turned to see that it was Coco. She was wearing a red saddle bag on her side.

"Sure, come on down," said Rarity as Coco made her way to the marshmallow pony and Mario. Coco then pulled out a gold trophy to give to the two ponies.

"This is the first place trophy for Fashion Week," said Rarity as she and Mario gasped while the rest of the group stood behind them, "With my name and Mario's on it! I thought we lost!"

"You didn't. You won," said Coco, "Suri was hoping that if you didn't claim your prize, the judges would consider it a forfeit and first place would go to her. So she lied to make you and your friends go away, and, well, I lied too."

"Seesh, talk about desperate for a win," Mario remarked, "But even I could tell that you didn't agree with her actions. May I ask why you went along with her plan?"

"You see, Mario," said Coco as she continued, "I've worked for Suri for so long. I started to believe that it really is everypony for herself in this town." Coco then looked at Rarity, "Until I saw how generous you were with your friends and how generous they were with you. I also saw how loving and caring Mario was to you and that, despite being your assistant, you two are good friends and work together as a team. It made me start believing there was something better for me out there. So I-I quit." Coco then handed Rarity a little wrapped up package.

"I brought you something to say thank you," said Coco as Rarity accepted it.

"Hm. I suppose you'll need a job now that you're no longer with Suri," said Rarity when she and Mario exchanged looks and smirks with each other, "How would you like to work for my friend making all the costumes for his next show?" Coco smiled excitedly.

"Manehattan was simply grand," Rarity recited as she wrote her journal entry, "It was in this magnificent metropolis that I learned that, while there are ponies who will take advantage of your generosity, you should never, ever, let that cause you to abandon your generous spirit. Nothing feels worse than taking advantage of the giving nature of your friends."

As Rarity wrote her journal entry, the Mane seven were seen waving goodbye to Coco as they headed into the train station. Of course, Spike offered to carry all the bags on his own. Their train soon made its way across the bridge and away from the city. As Rarity concluded her journal entry, she was seen sitting inside the Carousel Boutique with Mario sitting beside her. When she finished, she offered Mario the quill since she wanted Mario to include the lesson he learned that had made the Power Heart appear. While Mario wrote his little summary, Rarity then opened the package Coco had given her. She smiled at what appeared to be some rainbow colored thread and put it on a shelf with some other threads. Once Mario finished writing, he joined Rarity as they headed back to work. As they left, a rainbow shinned against the thread.

And that concludes a more dramatic but more heartfelt version of this episode. I hope you enjoyed it. Especially since Mario found the second Power Heart! Only five more to go!

Get ready for some fun with the Apple Family next time!

Peace Pony Fans!