Author's Note: I REALLY don't know what the hell happened with 2.4. I got less than 25% of the usual views that I get and, well, I don't get it. It's got two wimminz, in teh bedz an y u no reed reedrs? Because of that, this one is earliy. Lucky bastards.

*ahem* Well, in other news, I'm POTENTIALLY drawing a cover for Apple Spectrum other than the... poster I have which I made in an hour. Seems really shoddy compared to the cover I did for The Games We Play for Absolute Anonymous. x_x Should I, or is the current one fine?

Special thanks to user Civille/Bellum_Civille as my editor. Check out his stories, especially the Pinkie-verse.

Chapter 2.5:

Dressing Up and Rare Grace

Rainbow soared through the skies, tearing through the winds not bothered by the resistance given off. No clouds out at the moment in Sweet Apple Acres. No aerial obstacles. Except her own limits. She scoffed at herself and flapped her wings faster. Directly below was the lake she and Applejack washed in earlier the week. It was such a refreshing dip or, well, more accurately a flop. She chuckled as she once again sped up. She twisted her wings slightly and she curved to the left, soaring back towards Applejack's house. She had done two laps already and decided this one was her last. She soared towards the barn-like house before aiming more towards Ponyville. She spotted Applebloom lazily stepping onto the porch. Rainbow had flown for a total of 20 or so minutes before coming up to the end. It was a casual flight so it took some time to make her full circles. She decided to adjust her course and dived down towards Applebloom.

"Morning 'bloom." Rainbow said as she touched down gently in front of the drowsy filly.

Applebloom piped up. "Good mor... *yawn* morning Rainbow Dash." she said, trying to shake off her drowsiness. "You stayed the night? Why? Sleep over with my big sis?" Applebloom asked as she started walking.

Rainbow slowly started walking after Applebloom. "Well, I'll be here fer a bit. I'm helping Applejack with the Marker Harvard or whatever." "Market Harvest." Applebloom giggled. "Ah want t' help my big sis an bro with th' competition but they said ah'm too young." Applebloom said trying her best to maintain a subtle pouty attitude.

"Well maybe they have a point. You are a little too young for applebucking or whatever." Rainbow said as they slowly left the acres.

"That's what mah big sis said." Applebloom said as she kicked at the ground as she walked.

Rainbow chuckled. "Well, I sided with your sister for a second. That fulfils my quota for the next month." she giggled to herself. "I'll talk to Applejack. This is the 'Sweet Apple Acres' team, is it not? What's a family without the whole family."

Applebloom got rather excited as Rainbow said this. She did a quick hop.

"Oh you're the greatest, Rainbow!" she said with pure joy shooting out of her voice.

Rainbow chuckled. "Yeah, I am pretty great." she looked at Applebloom before looking ahead. They were entering Ponyville. "So, where ya going?"

Applebloom looked ahead. "Ah was goin' t' see Sweetie Belle 'fore school t' talk about... uh, about somethin'. It's fer Scootaloo." Applebloom said. "She's stayin' with Rarity right now."

Rainbow rubbed her chin for a second. "Ya want me to fly you there?" Rainbow offered.

Applebloom's ears perked up. "Are ya sure? Aren't ya usually tryin' t' get more sleep right now?" Applebloom said.

"Well obviously not and besides, I'm going to Rarity's anyways. Gotta do some Market Harvest stuff." Rainbow said as she crouched down slightly, lowering a wing.

Applebloom's eyes widened as she quickly looked Rainbow up and down before walking over and hopping onto Rainbow's back, wrapping her arms around her neck.

"Hold on tight. Keep in mind not many ponies get to ride these wings." Rainbow said as she stood up and fluttered them quickly before preparing to take off.

"Thank ya, Rainbow Dash." Applebloom said as she quickly looked around to see if anypony happened to be watching.

"Rea-onetwothreego!" Rainbow dashed off the ground, flapping her wings as fast as she could without sending Applebloom flying off.

Applebloom let out an excited squeal during the initial takeoff and resorted to her usual giggling as she held on to Rainbow's neck, her red mane and tail flailing in the wind. She wished she had wings so she could be as awesome as Rainbow, HOWEVER, being an earthbound pony has it's perks. She watched as Ponyville looked more like a model town than an actual town. It was so small from her perspective. Rainbow saw this view each day and it was amazing yet old and familiar. The thought of being higher than everypony else, being able to be seen by everypony below as a hardworking pegasus or simply an object of envy for her wings. Or skills. Or mane. Either way, being so high always made Rainbow feel giddy. For Applebloom, it was a mixture of joy, fear, and anticipation of the ground and to tell her friends. She hadn't kept track of where they were and only noticed when Rainbow dipped down towards the Carousal Boutique. She slowed down, Applebloom's excitement and fear died down and her anticipation only grew as the ground edged closer. Touching down, Rainbow bent her legs allowing Applebloom to slide off.

"Thank ya, Rainbow Dash. Ah can't wait t' brag t' the others." Applebloom said letting out a series of giggles.

"Hehe, you're welcome 'bloom." Rainbow said as she trotted over to the front door.

She knocked on the door twice. She looked up at the sky, noting the orangish, pinkish, blueish tinge it had as the sun peaked out over Canterlot. Everything seems to revolve around Canterlot... Rainbow rolled her eyes. She really did enjoy the fact that sunrises actually were a nice thing to watch. After a few seconds, she knocked again.

"Just a minute." Rarity's early morning voice called out.

It was early to Rainbow but it seems to her friends, 6 am was usual. After a few seconds, the top half of the door opened up.

"Why hello, Rainbow Dash and hello to you too, Applebloom." Rarity said, a smile breaking out on her face as she spotted the two. "I apologize, I... *yawn* I just woke up so I'm a bit drowsy." Rarity played with her curly hair which lost some curl due to sleep. She opened the bottom half of the door. She was wearing her pink robe. "Come on in, Sweetie Belle is asleep still, Applebloom dear. If you want, you can go wake her in her room." Rarity said as she walked over to her kitchen to grab something to eat. "Rainbow Dash, you may sit wherever until I'm done. Indulge yourself in trying on your completed uniform." Rarity called out before disappearing into her kitchen.

Rainbow nodded. "I gotcha." she walked over to the dressforms, spotting a few variations of her uniform. Applebloom nodded with an "Mmm hmm" before marching on towards the stairs up to Sweetie Belle's designated room when she stayed here.

On the dressforms, there are three uniform variations, the original, the one with an extra tidbit on the feet which probably act as shoes, and the third one merely had a more... perfect texture, no clips and it sported a circular pin with an apple on it on the neck where the uniform closes into a V shape.

Rainbow walked over to the original one bearing the clips. She unstrapped, then unzipped the uniform; the zipper was new. She carefully set it down so she could squirm her way into the uniform. She put her back hooves in and pulled the uniform up her legs, over her rump, put her wings through the holes and then she put her fronthooves in and pulled those up with slight difficulty. It always was for the front. She quickly zipped up the uniform at the V-neck, then did the same with her back. She put the flap over, concealing the zipper and she then fastened the straps on the uniform. It fit snug, it was comfortable. She turned to the full-view mirror Rarity had and jumped in front, striking a pose. It looked really good on her. Her mane suited to compliment the uniform's fiery-icy gradient. She just needed her goggles and she'd be set. She did a few pushups, examining herself in the mirror and hovered in the air afterwards. It was an amazing uniform and it radiated colour and apples. She smirked.

"'20% cooler' just isn't possible." Rarity said.

Rainbow spun around to see Rarity leaning in the doorway, drinking coffee out of an average coffee mug. She looked more awake and she had her small, red-framed glasses on as she examined. Rainbow blushed and examined herself once more.

"I'll say, this is totally cool. I can't believe how well you can make these." she said as she walked over to Rarity.

Rarity let out a small giggle. "Why thank you. I assure you that these are the fruits of hardwork, Rainbow Dash. I know you won't listen, but you really should take things slower. Quality over quantity, as they say." Rarity said as she sipped her coffee.

Rainbow rolled her eyes, a smile on her face.

"You just focus on preparing. I'm ready to model." Rainbow said as she turned her head to look out the window.

Ponyville Town Square was visible from here and she could see Big Macintosh dragging the creaky old apple stand out for the day's sellings. Today was Friday, a day where only Applejack bucks... and a little bit at that. Tomorrow was when Big Macintosh goes to Troronto in order to check up on Sweet Apple Acre. She smiled. She really hoped her hardwork paid off. The Wonderbolts, the Market Harvest, Applejack... everything shouldn't be worth it, it has to be worth it or else Rainbow would go insane. It was one of her more uncommon traits unless it's a competition. Paranoia about failure. She sighed and turned to see Rarity taking her final sips of the coffee.

"Well, you just focus on staying with a model's figure. I need to go wash up and check on the girls. Feel free to help yourself to my pantry, dear. I can tell when somepony with a figure like yours hasn't eaten." Rarity said as she levitated the mug to the kitchen counter before trotting upstairs.

Rainbow groaned, but Rarity was right. She should probably eat regardless of her hunger. She trotted into the kitchen and walked to the first cupboard she saw. Plates, bowls, cups, and... gems. There was a bowl of gems sitting in there. On the side of the bowl, there was a piece of tape with marker on it.

"'Spikey Wikey's Snacks'... well, isn't that sweet." Rainbow rolled her eyes before closing the door.

She opened the next one to see several kinds of things; mixing bowls, measuring cups, a mixing machine... not the right one. She decided to check the one at the very end. She closed the current door and walked over to the end of the cupboards. Opening, she spotted bread, bananas, and various kinds of other snacks such as crackers and jelly. Must be for Sweetie Belle. On the inside of the cupboard door was a small note with recommended food amounts. She scoffed as she reached in and grabbed a banana. She bit the bottom and applied some pressure before the bottom split open. She peeled the banana back with her teeth, grasping the banana in her forehooves. She tossed the banana peel across the room, scoring into the trashbin as she munched away at the soft fruit simply staring off into space like Big Mac had last night. After a while, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom trotted downstairs. Rainbow hadn't realized how long she was out of it. Looking at the clock, it was 7. They had arrived here at 6:40... ish. She sighed and bit the last of her banana which lasted a while.

"... so then I said 'what does that have to do with checkers?' and then Snails said 'well it's round and small and red', then I tossed my pog at him." Sweetie Belle said as they walked into the kitchen towards the table.

"*sigh* Ah guess we aren't Cutie Mark Crusader Pog Champions." Applebloom said as she slunked into a chair.

Rainbow finished swallowing the banana as she listened to the two fillies. They sat in silence, looking around before looking back at each other.

"'Who wants a picture of a pog on their flank anyway?'" Sweetie Bell said, mocking Scootaloo's voice.

The two fillies laughed for a second, Rainbow smirking at the two.

"*sigh* Ah wish Scootaloo was here. She's all busy with stuff, and stuff." Applebloom said as she nibbled on the edge of her hoof to pass time.

Sweetie Belle looked lazily around the kitchen. The fridge, the cupboards, the sink, the counter, Rainbow Dash, the doorway, the win...

"... wait, Rainbow Dash?" Sweetie Belle cocked her head to the side. "What're you doing here? And..." she examined Rainbow for a second. "What're you wearing? You look amazing!" Sweetie Belle said with a smile.

Applebloom looked over and piped up when she saw the outfit Rainbow was wearing. It did look good.

"Well, this is my official uniform for the Market Harvest. I'm gonna be doing some..." she groaned. "modeling." she said, retaining a smile. Both Sweetie Belle and Applebloom giggled.

"Well, ah wish ah had a uniform like that." Applebloom said as she put on another pouty face.

"To think, someday, I'll be able to make beautiful dresses like that." Sweetie Belle said as she sighed, fantasizing as she slumped down against the table.

"Well, maybe after I speak to Applejack, you can help... or something." Rainbow said as she heard Rarity's hoofsteps on the stairs.

Sweetie Belle and Applebloom started talking again as Rarity approached Rainbow.

"So, Rainbow Dash, I have marked down several locations here in Ponyville where we shall go to take photos." Rarity said as she leaned against the counter.

Rainbow's attention was now snared by what Rarity said. "We're actually going out on the first day? We're not cooped up in the boutique?" Rainbow said as she stared out the window with a growing smile.

Rarity snickered. "Why yes, we can't very well take photos for the campaign without the scenery. We'll meet up with Fluttershy after Sweetie Belle and Applebloom leave for school." Rarity said.

Rainbow nodded before looking over at Sweetie Belle and Applebloom chatting away about something. She chuckled as they pondered Cutie Mark Crusader "Grocery Baggers".

"Will they ever learn...?" Rainbow smiled.

Later on as Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were shooed off to school, Rainbow and Rarity were leaving the Carousal Boutique towards their meeting place with Fluttershy; the Library. Proceeding through the town during it's waking moments, Rainbow and Rarity were receiving several looks as Rainbow's new outfit caught the eyes of the masses. Rarity smiled and waved as she received compliments; everypony knew that Rainbow wasn't capable of something like that after the dreaded fashion show. Off in the distance, Rainbow and Rarity spotted a little yellow and pink speck gently floating down towards the large tree that is Twilight's home.

"Ah, Fluttershy is already there." Rarity said as she picked up the pace.

"So, why is Fluttershy modelling? Didn't she say she hated modelling?" Rainbow said, matching Rarity's speed.

"Well yes, but she agreed since I promised to be nothing like Photofinish who overworked the poor dear." Rarity said as the entrance to the Library came into view. Fluttershy was already entering as Twilight opened the door. "Bless her soul, she is being quite generous offering her help what with her other business regarding her animals and Sugarcube Corner with Pinkie Pie."

Rainbow nodded. "Well okay then. I don't want her to, y'know, have a freak out or feel like she's forced to help us." Rainbow said as they came up to the Library's door.

Rainbow gave three tough knocks, full of confidence for the day. After a few seconds, the door opened, Twilight at the door. Once again, Spike isn't anywhere in sight. Rainbow was starting to wonder if Spike simply vanished from reality. She smirked.

"Oh, hello Rainbow, Rarity. Fluttershy arrived about 30 seconds ago. Come on in." she said as she walked back over to her work desk. "Oh yeah, Rainbow, I have your new schedule." Twilight said as she levitated a manilla envelope out of her stack of papers on her desk towards Rainbow.

Rainbow groaned and opened the small envelope. Examining her schedule, it was a jumbled mess. It was like trying to decipher a foreign language with no experience. It wasn't something Rainbow could ever remember. She tossed it back to Twilight.

"Sorry, but there's a few things wrong with this." Rainbow said.

Twilight's jaw dropped as somebody said that HER work had a few problems. "Oh? Name them." Twilight said, confident her schedule was perfect.

Rarity merely watched and Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Well, it's way, way, WAY too detailed for somebody like me, it hasn't taken into account that I'm now living at Applejack's house for the Market Harves-"

"What!" Rarity and Twilight said, Rarity with an excited giggle.

Rainbow almost retreated at the sudden outburst. "Uh, it's too detailed..."

"No, the other thing, dear!" Rarity said, excitement bursting on her face.

"I'm living with Applejack now...?" Rainbow asked.

Rarity squealed, Twilight groaned. "Oh no, I have to redo everything." she said as she dragged her hooves back to the work desk. Rainbow giggled and Rarity sighed.

"You're really getting into the competition, Rainbow Dash. I'm surprised. That explains why you were so early today... and with Applebloom, no less. It makes me excited. Oh, I apologize, though." Rarity said as her voice change to a sadder tone.

Rainbow cocked her head. "Oh? Why? Ya do something?" Rainbow asked as she saw Twilight scribbling things down on a new sheet of paper, mumbling and grumbling to herself.

"Oh yeah, you look good, Rainbow. Really suits you." Twilight said through her moaning before going back to writing.

"Thanks. Anyways..." Rainbow looked back at Rarity.

Rarity bit her lip and stared at Rainbow's hooves before finally making eye contact.

"I thought you weren't going to take this seriously and I thought you were going to complain through the modelling." Rarity said. "I didn't think you would resort to living somewhere else and even waking up early. I am so sorry." Rarity said.

Rainbow was taken aback before letting out a chuckle. "It's alright. I probably would have if I didn't know we were leaving to take photos all around." Rainbow said, rubbing the back of her head.

Rarity let out a sigh of relief before smiling. "Thank you. Now, let's go talk to Fluttershy." she said before turning to... not see Fluttershy. "Twilight, do you know where Fluttershy is?" she asked as she walked over to the centre of the room.

"Oh, and Spike? I feel like I haven't seen him in like, three months." Rainbow said.

Rarity turned away at the mention of Spike's name. Rainbow payed no mind.

"Fluttershy is upstairs, talking to Spike. Y'know, because he lives here. And he's 'sick'." Twilight said, sighing before beginning to write again.

"Oh, okay." Rainbow said as she walked to the stairs, Rarity following.

Both walked up the stairs, hearing Fluttershy's tiny voice.

"Okay, just get plenty of rest. Take the medication every four hours, ask Twilight to make you plenty of warm soup and don't forget, if you ever need something or have any concerns, ask Twilight to come see me."

"Uh, okay, but I just have a minor headache..."

"Nonsense. Any headache requires intensive care or else it will get worse."

"Thanks bu-"

"No buts from you, mister! Now, go to sleep."

"Yes ma'am!"

Then the sound of Spike's snoring was heard. Rarity's mouth was agape before smiling.

"Oh, the dear is so kind and... forceful if need be." Rarity said giggling.

Rainbow smiled as the door to the second floor opened up and Fluttershy stepped out.

"Oh, hello Rarity, Rainbow. I was just checking on Spike before coming down. I'm sorry I made you wait..." she said as her voice grew quieter.

Rainbow placed her hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder. "Don't be sorry, we waited like, three seconds." Rainbow said. Fluttershy nodded before raising her head a little higher. "Now, c'mon, let's get off the stairs." Rainbow said before walking back down.

Downstairs, Rarity, Rainbow and Fluttershy were sitting in a circle in the centre of the Library's main room. Twilight was off to the side, grumbling to herself as she scribbled down on the paper. She had already used up three sheets of paper writing a schedule.

"Alright, the first place we'll go is to Sweet Apple Acres to pick up a cart of apples. We need one cart to set up our scenes." Rarity said, showing a map of Ponyville with times written on it. "Fluttershy, Photofinish may have been rushing you and busying up your life, but she does have a point: you are graceful and are perfect as a pre-Market Harvest model. You shall model a few times with Rainbow."

Fluttershy nodded. "Oh, okay..." she said, looking away towards the door.

Rainbow looked at Fluttershy and glanced over at Rarity; her look said it all. Rarity's eyes widened for a second before looking back at Fluttershy.

"Fluttershy, be honest. Are you okay with this? If not, we can always change our plan." Rarity offered, placing a comforting hoof on her shoulder.

Fluttershy looked over at Rarity with a smile. "Thanks, but no. I knew you wanted me to model." she quickly adjusted her sitting position. "It's just the memories of modelling last time were a little too..." Rarity patted her on the shoulder before retracting her hoof.

Rainbow smiled. She was glad that Fluttershy was feeling more confident.

"I understand." she pointed back to the map. "after, we'll go to Ponyville cliffs. The first few shots require high altitude, the ones after require us to be at Ponyville Elementary." Rarity pointed. Rainbow and Fluttershy nodded. "After, we'll be shooting at Sugarcube Corner and then, Twilight will be casting the spell to give me..." she sighed happily. "beautiful wings, so we can take a few photos in the sky." Rarity said.

Rainbow thought; they're going to many locations today. "Uh, how long will this all take?" Rainbow asked as she leaned back further on her haunches.

"Approximately an hour and a half. Not too long. You'll be at Sugarcube Corner in no time." she said as she walked over to her saddlebags. "Fluttershy, I have your uniform. Don't worry, you won't be doing any tricks or stylish poses." she said. She pulled out a small box and levitated it over to Fluttershy who already began poking at it.

"Oh, thank you Rarity. I can't wait to wear it." Fluttershy said as she opened up the box.

"When you get dressed, we'll be off." Rarity said.

Fluttershy nodded and grabbed the uniform, dragging out. She opened it up before stepping into it. She slowly, gracefully put the uniform on her body. "Rarity, is there anything you have to do with our hair?" she asked as she slid the uniform over her rump, pushing her wings and tail out.

"Just a little bit with your hair, dear. Rainbow, I can but it's entirely up to her." Rarity said as she looked into a mirror, examining her own hair.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Do ya even have to ask?" Rainbow said as she stretched out her forelegs.

Rarity snickered. "Precisely why I made a uniform that could work with your hair, stylized or not." she said as she put the mirror away in her bag.

"UGH, FORGET THE SCHEDULE!" Twilight shouted out from her work desk.

Rainbow, Rarity and Fluttershy each stopped and looked as Twilight magically crumpled up another sheet of paper and tossed it onto the ground, over 30 already crumpled up. She shoved the stool back and stomped up stairs.

"Have a nice day, girls." Twilight said before walking into her room, slamming the door.

There was bitter silence before Rainbow spoke up.

"Well, that was ever so friendly." she said, rolling her eyes. "At least my schedule isn't a bother. Just tell me what I'm gonna be doing the next day and I'm fine." Rainbow said as she stood up, watching as Fluttershy slowly zipped up her uniform.

Fluttershy examined herself. "Oh, gosh, I look so pretty, don't I... I wish my animal friends could see me." she said, smiling as she examined the uniform on her.

Rainbow looked at Fluttershy. "Hey, you do look great. You should dress up more often like that." Rainbow said.

Fluttershy's uniform looked extremely natural on her. It fit her body, personality, it fit Fluttershy perfectly. It expressed nature and apples, effectively as Rainbow's did.

"Oh goodness, Fluttershy, you look absolutely magnificent. It's a shame most photographers are snooty." Rarity said as she watched Fluttershy gawk over her uniform. Rarity slipped the saddlebags onto her back and smiled as Fluttershy walked over towards her. "Don't worry dear, I'll only be putting a few clips into your mane."

Rarity levitated a few clips and a brush out of her saddlebags as she slowly brushed Fluttershy's natural pink mane. It removed any possible knots Fluttershy's mane would have. She clipped one, two, three clips into Fluttersh's hair. Apple clippings. It was no different than the clips she got at the Gala. It didn't tug on her mane, it wasn't heavy, and it actually gave her mane more attention. Rarity sighed happily.

"Fluttershy, dare I say it but there are times when I wish I had your grace." Rarity said as she clopped her hooves on the ground.

"Rarity, I doubt that but Fluttershy does look..." she stopped. "prettier than I do." she rolled her eyes as she spoke such a girly term.

Rarity shook her head." Tsk tsk, Rainbow. Let's not get into a 'I'm better than blank', conversation. You look fine, more athletic and spectral. Fluttershy just looks more natural with her down to earth nature." Rarity said.

Rainbow smiled. "Well, thanks, I guess." she said as she stretched out her legs. "Are we ready?" Rainbow asked.

"Let's go, darlings." Rarity said.

The three ponies walked to the Library door. Opening the door, they welcomed the bright early morning sun, ready to work, ready to photograph, ready to model.

Author's Note: So, longer chapter than last because, well, the last was short. Shorter than every single Chihuahua I've seen. Those dogs are annoying bastards. *ahem* We have some more build up and next chapter part, we finally get to see Rainbow do some modelling... with Fluttershy. It's time to make... DA MAGICKS!

Special thanks to Civille/Bellum_Civille as my editor. Please check out his stories, especially the Pinkie-verse.

Thank you very much to the following readers: Lonewolf.007, Triforce of the Gods, Feanor Noldor, kitmaro, Kit Of Despair, and Professor Piggy (that's a badass name). Thanks for leaving a review/comment on FanFiction and FiMFiction. Thanks to you guys, I'm going to make this story a lot longer by making everything slooooweeeer paced. *trollface*