A/n: I would like to apologize for the long absence. I've been procrastinating and have been pushing this aside for a bit. Also, the ending may be a bit rushed, this was uploaded around 3 A.M.
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{MC pov}
4 months had passed since Rainbow Dash's prank. The Parasprite event happened during the week I was a filly; Got first place in the Running of the Leaves; Cutie Mark Crusaders have been formed; went through winter wrap up; heck I even got a house/secret lab that acts as a warehouse for the moment.
Of course, can't forget to get my revenge on Rainbow. For the First month, I kept whispering, "soon," whenever I see her. Then just leave her alone and confused, and when she starts to ignore it, I would sometimes appear in the corner of her vision and teleport away when she tries to look at me.
To finish off everything, at the end of the first month, I went into Rainbow's room as she slept and put my hoof over her mouth.
---[flashback]---
Rainbow: Mh!
Stardust: Don't scream. No pony can hear you anyway. *Magically deepens voice* Now, do you know why I'm here?
Rainbow: Mhm! *Frantically nods*
Stardust: Good~ sleep tight, I'll be watching~ *kiss on forehead then teleports away *
---[flashback end]---
{3rd pov}
Rainbow did not sleep tight at all that night. She had avoided Stardust for an entire week, until Stardust chased Rainbow down and clarified that it was her revenge prank. After a bit of a back-and-forth Rainbow agrees to tone down her pranks.
At the current moment Stardust is heading towards Rarity's boutique to see if she can get dress made early. However, as fate *cough* the author *cough* would have it, Stardust is in fact not early. Rather she walked right to the beginning of episode 14, "Suited for Success".
Rarity: *chuckles* Ohohoho, Applejack. You make it sound as if it's going to be hard.
Stardust: Hey girls. Am I interrupting something?
Twilight/AJ/Rainbow: Hello/Howdy/Hey!
Rarity: Oh, not at all darling! In fact, you came just at the right moment. I'm going to make a dress for all the girls.
Stardust: 'dang it I'm late.' I see, do you require any assistance?
Rarity: No need! It's just seven dresses. Besides I would love to make it a surprise.
Stardust: Alright, but if you change your mind just tell me.
Rarity: Duly noted.
---[Haven't done it in a while. KINGU CRIMSON!]---
After some time, Rarity brought the rest of the mane 6 and Stardust to the boutique with their eyes closed.
Rarity: *Excited* That's it, keep them closed. Don't look~ Okay, you can look now!
Mane 5: *le Gaspe*
Stardust: Wow!
(((Dress images here)))
Rarity: These are your new outfits! What do you think of your thuds now, Applejack. Pretty swanky are they not? Oh, and Twilight, I made this dress for you. I designed each outfit themed to perfectly reflect each pony's unique personality!
While Rarity is introducing the dresses, her cat Opal is acting like a furry spotlight, going next to the dresses that Rarity is pointing to.
Rarity: What do you think! Aren't they all amazing!
Stardust: *Excited* May I try mine on!
Rarity: Absolutely!
While Stardust goes to try on her dress, the others however, were being ungrateful little lung glitters.
Twilight: Wow, they're...
Rainbow: Yeah, they're...
Applejack: They sure are, uh, something.
Twilight: Yes! Something.
Pinkie: I love something. Something is my favorite!
Fluttershy: Its... nice.
Rarity: But what's the matter? Don't you like them?
Twilight: They're very nice!
Applejack: And we're plumb grateful, because you worked so hard on them.
While the others were trying to be subtle about their disappointment because it's not what they imagined. Rainbow on the other hoof, being the "taste, the rainbow" looking ah, with one extra brain cell per season only child she is, just bluntly said what she thinks.
Rainbow: Applejack, give me your element.
---[take 2]---
Rainbow: Mine's not as cool as I was imagining.
Aj and Twilight: *Glares at Rainbow*
Rainbow: She asked.
Before the tension could go any further, Stardust steps out from the dressing room.
Stardust: Rarity, you've really outdone yourself! Despit- *notices atmosphere* What happened? Why do you all look so disappointed?
Twilight: We're not. We are just saying that the dresses aren't what we had in mind is all.
The others: Yeah. / *Nods*/ Yep.
Rarity, being the somewhat of a perfectionist, insists on redoing the dresses. And perhaps due to her element affecting her, or pride as a fashionista and friend, perhaps all three; Rarity hides her disappointment at their reactions. After some time, Rarity is done with Fluttershy's dress #2 and had called Fluttershy over to try it on.
Rarity: So, what do you think?
Fluttershy: It's, nice...
Rarity: Nice?
Fluttershy: Nice.
Starting to feel a little frustrated, Rarity, kept insisting for Fluttershy to tell the truth. With no choice, Fluttershy proceeds to spill everything she thinks is wrong with the dress and some terms that no one except those with experience can understand, which leaves Rarity flabbergasted.
After this, Rarity had called the others over and listen to their demands, as she slowly start to realize the mess, she has gotten herself into.
Stardust: Hey Rarity!
Rarity: *Internal panic* Yes? Do you want changes to your dress as well? *eye twitch*
Stardust: No. I wanted to see if you need any help.
Rarity: *Massive relief* Oh sweet Celestia! Yes, please! You couldn't have come at a better time!
With that, Stardust got to work, helping wherever she can, and by the end of the whole fiasco, Stardust's system even ringed out a notification.
*Ding*
(A/n: for those who don't remember, the system is named Ordis, after the one in Warframe)
Ordis: [Host has gained a skill: Fashionista(beginner)]
Stardust: [Hey Ordis, haven't heard from you in a long time. You would usually come up with little quips in my head from time to time.]
Ordis: [Apologies, I was busy at the time. Creator was in trouble.]
Stardust: [You mean John the R.O.B.?]
Ordis: [Correct.]
Stardust: [Seeing as you're back, I'm assuming he is fine now. What happened?]
Ordis: [Creator wanted to "liven things up" as he finds your adventures that follows along the plot to be a tad boring. However, creator went a little too far and nearly caused the collapse of this timeline.]
Stardust: [Wait what?! That doesn't sound like "a little."]
Ordis: [Not to worry dear host, by the combined efforts of creator, his wife, and Lady H@%m0#y the guardian of the mlp-verse, they manage to prevent it from happening. But it wasn't perfect, there are still some gaps.]
Stardust: [Should I be concerned?]
Ordis: [No. Not unless the creator screws up even more.]
Stardust: [Not helpful, but glad to have you back.]
Ordis: [And I'm glad to be back.]
---[Few moments later]---
{MC pov}
The others came to the newly created abomination- I mean, dresses. They are very pleased with the results, and not a second later, Spike came to deliver great (horrible) news to Rarity.
The news was that a bigwig fashion hotshot named Hoity Toity, is coming all the way from Canterlot to see Rarity's "dresses". This news obviously terrifies Rarity, while the others thought it would be a great opportunity for Rarity.
Stardust: *Whispers* Rarity, those dresses are horrendous, and you know it. Now would be a good time to say how you feel.
Rarity: *Whisper* But I can't. Look at how happy they are.
Stardust: *Whisper* And those dresses are going to ruin your reputation as a fashionista.
Applejack: What are y'all mumbling about back there?
Rarity: Nothing Important! *Holds Stardust's mouth shut*
Stardust: *rolls eyes*
---[Nighttime. Fashion show]---
{3rd pov}
The time has arrived, the time for Rarity's public execution- humiliation. Ponies gathered, music starts, spotlights shining, just before the girls can go on the catwalk they were struck with a stunt spell by Stardust, who shoots a magic bolt at one of the spotlights creating a loud crash as it falls.
With the crowd confused, Stardust went on stage to explain.
Stardust: I'm terribly sorry everypony, but the show will have to be postponed until tomorrow night. One of the spotlights fell. Thankfully no one was badly hurt except for a sprained leg.
Hoity Toity: It's a shame, but I can understand. A model can't perform their best if they are hurt. Though, is one night really enough for a sprain to heal?
Stardust: No worries, with some potions that's conveniently on standby, time is not a problem.
With a understanding nod, Hoity Toity left, along with the other ponies. After everyone has left, Stardust went backstage, to be met with un-stunned (curtesy of Twilight) and unhappy faces.
Applejack: Stardust, what in the hay was that about!?
Rainbow: Yeah, that was uncool you know!
Twilight: Why would you do this? You almost ruined this for Rarity.
Stardust takes a deep breath while processing the idiocy that was spat at her, then she exhales and begins to explain.
Stardust: Okay first, the dresses are hideous.
The girls: *Gasps*
Stardust: Twi, you look like star-swirl the filly diddler wrapped in a blanket of dead constellations hiding glitter and "candy". Applejack, you look like Goldilocks if she decided to be a pretentious plumber instead of messing with the three bears. Pinkie, you look like a messed-up peacock that crashed into a party. Fluttershy, you look like a mutated bush that stole some poor bird's nest and eggs. What surprises me the most was that Rainbow's outfit, aside from the odd hair do, is somehow the least offensive to my eye, but doesn't fit the event it was intended for.
Applejack: Now that's uncalled for.
Fluttershy: And mean.
Stardust: You girls have a tendency to ignore and/or forget certain things. Applejack, remember harvest season? You ignored your own well-being for a one-sided bet. Or the parasprite problem a few months back? Look, I don't want to come off as spiteful or mean, but this is the only way for me to explain myself before you girls go deaf from anger at the supposed injustice, I've committed. Just straight and brutal honesty.
At this moment Rarity finally could not hold it in anymore and chose to let her thoughts be known.
Rarity: It's true.
Twilight: Everything Stardust said?
Rarity: Yes, though I would go that far, but yes. The dresses are hideous. I hate them so much! But you girls are so happy, I couldn't bear to take that away from you!
Hearing this the girls lower their heads in guilt, and the more observant ones of the girls finally noticed Rarity's messy hair and the light sag around her eyes, showing how little she slept, if any at all. This made the guilt increased by several times.
Stardust: Well lucky for you gals, I figured something like this would happen. So, I saved the previous dresses. We just need to do some minor touch ups.
Rarity: Oh Stardust, what would I do without you!
Stardust: Probably stay depressed and refuse to go out for days, while the girls try cheer you up.
Spike: I can totally see that happening.
Stardust: Now. Rarity. You go to bed. I'll handle the small stuff, as you say, "a lady needs her beauty sleep."
Rarity: *chuckles* Your right. I'll leave everything to you then. Goodnight girls.
Mane 5: Goodnight.
After Stardust is sure Rarity is sound asleep, she turns to the others.
Stardust: Alright girls, I can tell that you all want to make up to Rarity in some way, correct?
Mane 5: *nods*
Stardust: Normally I would let you girls figure it out yourselves, but for the sake of time I'll just say it. Make Rarity a dress. More specifically a dress for the gala. She has worked hard to please you all, and now it's your turn to return the favor. In the meantime, I'll go deal with your dresses. I'll come help you girls when I'm done.
Applejack: Alrighty ponies, you heard the gal! Let's get to work!
Others: Yeah!
Stardust: *hushed tone* Girls!
Mane 6: *awkward chuckles and hushed apologies*
[Next morning]
{3rd pov}
Rarity rouses from her slumber with a delighted stretch. She heads down and was met with the girls sprawled around the floor with blankets over them. Stardust sipping coffee on the fainting couch.
Stardust: Morning Rarity, sorry about the mess. They insisted on helping overtime. Also, I've made breakfast, hope you don't mind me using your kitchen.
Rarity: Good morning, darling. I don't mind you using the kitchen, I trust you would keep everything orderly. Though are the girls okay?
Stardust: They're fine, just tired. This experience showed them how hard your job is. Want to give them the full experience?
Rarity: What do you mean?
Stardust: Ya know. From the long hours of making a dress and the joy you get when you see your client in love with your work.
Rarity: You mean.
Stardust: Yep. I'll let them show you. For now, go eat.
With a nod, Rarity heads to the kitchen, every step filled with anticipation for what's to come. After breakfast, the others woke up, ready to show Rarity their work. Twilight pulls back the cover, revealing the dress they made for Rarity.
Rainbow: Ta-da~
Pinkie: Star probably already told you, but we made a dress for you.
Applejack: Thanks to Fluttershy's freaky knowledge on sewin'. We managed to make this dress without Star's help.
Fluttershy: *light blush* Do you like it?
Rarity: Like it? *Tense silence*
Mane 5: *nervous*
Rarity: I love it!
Mane 5: *Sighs of relief and joy*
After a heartfelt moment, round two of the fashion show begins. Hoity Toity is thoroughly impressed by the gorgeous dresses designed by Rarity, so much so, he has offered to have her dresses featured in his best boutique in Canterlot. Before Rarity could savor the delight, Hoity Toity requested a dozen of each dress and have it be ready in a short timeframe.
Rarity: *left eye twitch* Stardust, could you-
Stardust: Don't worry, I'll help.
Rarity: Phew, much appreciated, darling.
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[End]