Sweet And Elite

Pony's Log Number 209: It is very easy for a pony to get lost in the joys of being accepted and popular, but it often comes at the cost of losing the value of who you are, where you come from, and the friendships you have...

Today in Canterlot, Rarity and Mario had arrived there on official business. But what Rarity didn't expect was for Princess Celestia to set up some staying arrangement for her. She was still in shock as Princess Celestia opened the door so Rarity could see her suite at the top of one of the towers.

"Here?" Rarity gasped as she and Mario walked inside, "I get to stay here?"

"Twilight Sparkle said you were coming to Canterlot for a visit," Princess Celestia explained, "and asked if I might accommodate you. Plus you are friends of my son and I wanted to make sure you were taken care of. I always enjoy it when my son comes to Canterlot." Mario nuzzled her side lovingly. Opal had already made herself at home and was stroking her claws on the bed and purring.

"That's very sweet of you, Mom," said Mario as Rarity looked around her room with awe.

"Thank you so much, Princess," said Rarity.

"You're very welcome," Princess Celestia replied.

"No, really," said Rarity, "This is so nice of you."

"It's nothing, really," Princess Celestia remarked.

"Oh, but it isn't nothing, it's everything!" said Rarity, feeling overwhelmed, "I just don't know to say but thank you, thank you!" She kissed one of Princess Celestia's hooves.

"Thank you." She kissed her hooves again.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Rarity continued to kiss her hooves as Princess Celestia just looked rather uncomfortable.

"You are very we-"

"Thank you!" Rarity said to her face dramatically. Mario chuckled to himself.

"I thought you would be used to ponies doing that to you," Mario remarked. Princess Celestia glared at him.

"Let's see if you like it when ponies do it to you," Princess Celestia replied. Mario looked at her stunned and with a puzzled face.

"I don't ever see that happening, Mom," said Mario, "I may have been raised by you, but I'm not of royal descent. Besides, I've accepted the fact that the Canterlot Elite will never accept me."

"Oh that's just stinking thinking, darling," said Rarity, "I'm sure if they will respect you more once they see what a great fashion designer you've become."

"You're a fashion designer?" said Celestia surprised.

"Indeed," Rarity answered for Mario, "You're son has quite the artistic talents, as well as proficient sewing skills."

"Oh, I know," said Princess Celestia, "I couldn't tell you how many times I caught Mario practicing on my sewing machine in secret, even jammed the thing a few times too." Mario blushed and smiled sheepishly before looking away. They just chuckled to each other when they heard the sound of somepony struggling behind them. It was the Bags Valet colt trying to carry Rarity's huge load of baggage.

"Your luggage, mademoiselle?" said the Bag Valet, panting heavily and struggling to stand up.

"I'll leave you to get settled," said Princess Celestia as she took her leave, "See you later my son, don't let Rarity push you too hard."

"Yes Mom," said Mario.

"Your highness," said Bags Valet as he tried to bow despite all the luggage on his back as Princess Celestia made her exit.

"Enjoy your stay," said Princess Celestia as she left.

"Thank you!" Rarity called out as she ran out of her guest room and watched Celestia descend the staircase. Rarity then returned shortly after to see the Bags Valet was just standing there.

"Where would you like me to put these?" he asked, his voice straining before the pile of luggage toppled down on him. Mario flinched as the Bags Valet was literally buried alive.

"That's perfect," said Rarity plainly with a smile. Mario just sighed and got to work helping the Bags Valet out of the luggage so Rarity could unpack.

(Theme song)

Once Rarity was unpacked and paid a very generous tip to the Bags Valet for his services, and sore back, Mario had taken Rarity into the heart of Canterlot's shopping district. It was there that various ponies of high class stature were walking down the streets with smug and snooty faces. While Mario had grown up being around these types of ponies, he had always hated that stuck up atmosphere these ponies presented themselves with. However, Rarity seemed to thrive in it. In fact, being with Rarity seemed to take his mind off the snooty ponies so he could enjoy himself. For the moment, he and Rarity were at a cafe enjoying what seemed to be the equivalent to a latte. Mario had the same type of drink. They were also wearing some fancy hats for the occasion. Rarity had on a pink floppy hat with a white band and purple brooch on the side. Mario had on a black fedora with a red band as well as his work glasses. Opal was also with them with her own saucer of milk that was served by a fancy waiter. Even Charlie, donning a nice suit Rarity made for him and a top hat with some warm milk served in a cup.

"Opal, Mario, Charlie, do you know what I love about Canterlot?" Rarity asked as they all took a sip of their drinks at once.

"What, Rares?" Mario asked as Charlie held his cup.

"Ahh, everything!" said Rarity, "I may have been born in Ponyville, but I am a Canterlot pony at heart." They all took another sip of their drinks at once, "Now, I know that we are here to pick up some fabrics from the shop, but Twilight was such a dear to get me that suite at the castle, I simply must make her something to express my gratitude. Hmm...Ooh!" Rarity then noticed a few more high class ponies walking by and notices one of the mare wearing a very pretty dress.

"An outfit for her birthday party this weekend! Perfect!" said Rarity.

"Mind if I come up with the design?" Mario asked, "I've been having some trouble coming up with the perfect birthday gift for Twilight. Ever since she opened the door for dating, I really want to give her something that shows just how much I love her. I present I had some hoof in creating just sounds...more genuine. If you don't mind us giving her the outfit together..."

"Not at all, darling," said Rarity, "Together, we'll create something absolutely fabulous!" She turned to the two pets, "Don't you just love it here, Opalescence? Charlie?" Opal just drink her milk quietly as Charlie smiled and raised his cup in agreement. Rarity could resist but chuckle.

"I see you've taught him well in proper etiquette," Rarity told Mario.

"He practically acts like a pony," said Mario, "though I find it weird he likes to sleep on top of triangular rooftops and bed supports. He also keeps writing stories that have the same intro line: "It was a dark and stormy night". I think he's been reading too many of my "Ponynuts" comic books."

"Bel-lah!" Charlie responded by sticking his tongue out at him.

"Good grief," Mario muttered as Rarity giggled.

"He's your koala, Mario Star," Rarity added as she took another sip of her drink. Mario just rolled his eyes when a dark shadow appeared overhead. Mario glanced and inwardly groaned. There before him was a pastel pink pony with a lilac and white mane (very similar to Diamond Tiara's mane) and next to her was a light grey colt with dark grey hair and fancy glasses on his nose.

Out of all the high class ponies I had to run into today, why these two?! Mario groaned to himself. These two particular ponies, in addition to one other and not including Prince Blueblood, were three of the most influential elite ponies in Canterlot. And they were also the most condescending and snobbish ponies as well. They had made it their mission to put Mario down ever since he was a foal, especially around the other high class ponies. The harsh words and the humiliation he faced before them, even when Princess Celestia was around, was still fresh on his mind. As for their third member, she had moved away after getting married, but had settled down in Ponyville (that's another story). With his fedora and glasses he was hoping that wouldn't recognize him. To his luck, it didn't seem like they did. Rarity just look at them sheepishly, especially since some whipped cream had gotten on her nose when she put her cup down.

"Please excuse our interruption," said the grey colt, "I'm Jet Set, and this is my wife Upper Crust. We saw you from across the cafe and just had to find out..."

"...Where did you get that simply marvelous chapeau?" Upper Crust finished. Rarity just smiled.

"Oh this old thing?" said Rarity in her best impression of a high class tone, "Oh, it's just something I-"

"Rarity! Hey, Rarity!" said a voice from above as she and Mario looked up to find a sand colored pony with a caramel colored mane and tail with buck teeth and a green cap on his head. He was apparently doing something on a scaffolding above, but then lost his footing and fell beside Rarity dangling by a rope tied to one of his hind legs, "Whoo! It's me, Hayseed Turnip Truck. We met at the big hoedown in Ponyville last month?"

"Oh yes, of course," said Rarity uneasily, noticing that his shouting had attracted unwanted attention to their table, "...how are you?"

"Good! Real good!" said Hayseed Turnip Truck before his rope snapped and his crashed to the ground.

"Hmm..." Jet Set and Upper Crust hummed disapprovingly.

"Oh...brilliant..." Mario muttered, he knew what their looks meant and he didn't like it at all.

"You're from...Ponyville?" Jet Set asked Rarity.

"Well, yeah," Rarity answered, "yes, but-"

"She sure is!" Hayseed Turnip Truck answered for her, even shaking and rubbing Rarity's hat, "She's a real big-time fancy pants dress maker there! Probably made that purty thing she's got on her head! And over there is her big assistant, Mario Star!" Mario groaned to himself.

Big mouth Mario said to himself as he felt someone use their magic to lift his fedora.

"It is Mario!" said Jet Set, "We've been wondering what happened to you."

"I'll bet," Mario remarked bitterly.

"So he's apparently moved to Ponyville," Upper Crust added, "I had wondered how long it would take before the Princess shipped him off to a place where he belonged. He never belonged in our ranks." Mario growled inwardly, his cup on its saucer angrily.

"Once a ruffian, always a ruffian," Jet Set added before the two laughed, "he's even been reduced to working on country fashions like that hat!"

"I thought it looked a little country," Upper Crust remarked.

"I told you it wasn't something you could get here in Canterlot, dear," Jet Set added.

"Oh please," Mario retorted, "You wouldn't know high quality fashion if it smacked you in the flank!" Jet Set and Upper Crust were taken aback.

"How rude!" said Jet Set snootily.

"That koala has more manners than you," Upper Crust added, "which isn't saying much." Charlie glared.

"Hmph!" Jet Set and Upper Crust together before snubbing both Mario and Rarity as they walked away. Hayseed Turnip Truck just waved them goodbye.

"Well, they seemed real nice," he remarked in a ditzy and clueless manner. Poor Rarity was feeling tears in her eyes and her lips quivering.

"Umm, Hayseed," said Mario gently, "Can Rarity and I have a moment alone please?"

"Why sure thang!" Hayseed Turnip Truck answered before heading on his way. Mario then walked over the distressed unicorn and placed a fore-hoof on her cheek.

"Rarity, please," said Mario gently, "Don't let them get to you. It's not worth it...they're..."

"Only some of the top elite ponies in Canterlot," Rarity whimpered, "Mario, can we just go back to my suite...please?" Mario sighed before he gave Rarity a gently hug.

"I'll go pay our check," said Mario before he pulled away and headed inside. Rarity just gave a disappointed sigh. She was still feeling rather blue as they arrived back at her suite and she used her magic to close the door, leaving the room rather dark.

"Rarity, don't let those two get you down," Mario told her again, "They make their mission to put ponies down who they think are inferior to them. They just love pointing your flaws, your past, and even your friends just to make you look bad. You even said yourself that you and I were just as good as any other high class ponies." Rarity's face then turned into that determination.

"You're right, Mario," said Rarity as she tossed her hat onto the bed where Charlie was napping on the back bed post and Opal was just sitting on the bed sheets and put her glasses on, ""Looked a little country", "Not something you can get in Canterlot". I'll show you something worth of Canterlot!"

"Now that's the best friend I know and I love," said Mario as they grabbed a quill each and began to work on a new design together. It didn't take long before they had come up with a rather dazzling dress with a feathery headset.

A couple of hours later, Mario and Rarity were rushing down the streets of Canterlot using their magic to carry multiple bags of materials. Rarity was also carrying Opal in a pet carrier saddle bag and Charlie was riding comfortably on Mario's back.

"I don't understand why I couldn't have just summoned some of my freight cars to carry all this stuff for you," Mario remarked as they paced down the street rather quickly.

"There was no time and we have to get started right away," said Rarity, "This new design is very ambitious, and I've already written to Twilight to let her know she'll have something beyond fabulous to wear to her party." Mario gasped.

"You told her about the dress?" said Mario, "I thought it was a surprise!"

"It is darling," said Rarity, "I didn't say you were going to-"

"Look out!" Mario called out, but it was too late. Rarity crashed into someone in front of her and dropping all the bags she had been carrying. One of the bag even landed on the head of the colt she had crashed into. Rarity rubbed her head woozily as the mare, named Fleur Dis Lee, standing next to him, pulled off the bag from his head and Mario gasped.

"Oh dear," said Mario as Charlie dusted himself off and climbed up on Mario's back. This was one colt he also knew very well. He had white furr with a baby blue mane, tail, and hooves. His face also donned a small pair of glasses and a mini mustache and a monocle on his left eye. Despite the mishap, he still had a smile on his face and Rarity gasped once she recognized him as well.

"Fancy Pants!" she exclaimed.

"I say, that's one way to make an introduction," said Fancy Pants as he rose to his feet and dusted himself off, Fleur Dis Lee offered him some assistance. He then noticed the colt standing next to the marshmallow pony.

"Why...Mario?" he said surprised, "Is that you, my boy?" Mario smiled and Rarity gasped once more.

"You...you...you know Fancy pants and never told me?" Rarity exclaimed as Mario walked up to the elite colt.

"One doesn't go bragging about their upper class connections," Mario replied.

"Indeed," said Fancy Pants, "I've known Mario since he was foal and he is quite a well-achieved pony. I was there when he pulled the Canterlot Express for the first time. That was certainly your finest hour if I do say so myself." Mario smiled.

"Wasn't he the one ponies once called the Flying Unicorn?" Fleur Dis Lee added.

"Indeed, nopony could fly down a racetrack like Mario," Fancy Pants remarked as Mario blushed a little.

"True, but I certainly didn't handle the popularity too well," said Mario, "Not to mention my accident..."

"My dear boy, from what I can see, you've learned from your mistakes and have managed to make a full recovery despite doctors saying otherwise," said Fancy Pants, "And it appears your still making something of yourself. Nothing to be ashamed of from what I can see." Mario smiled. Fancy Pants was one of very few elite ponies who thought well of him. He just wished Fancy Pants had been around when Jet Set and Upper Crust had been insulting him.

"So what brings you here today?" Fancy Pants asked before looking slightly indignant to the marshmallow pony, "You seemed to be quite in a hurry."

"Oh, goodness, I'm so sorry," said Rarity before Mario could answer, "I didn't see you there. I've just got so many bags and I was trying to get back to my suite at the castle and-" The instant Rarity mentioned staying at Princess Celestia's castle, both Fancy Pants and Fleur Dis Lee looked at her in shock.

"You're staying at the castle?" said Fancy Pants.

"Wh-The Princess invited me to stay in one of the suites," said Rarity, inwardly she was grateful that it had been Twilight who helped and not Mario.

"You know the Princess?" said Fancy Pants surprised.

"She's also one of my best friends," Mario added, "We work together to make fine couture."

"Hmm, a pony with expensive tastes, I see," said Fleur Dis Lee as she used her magic to hand Rarity one of her bags, "Mario certainly has fine taste when it comes to mares." Mario blushed as Rarity giggled at his expense.

"Mario is quite charming, but as for my bags," Rarity explained with a pant, "it's for an ensemble I'm making for a friend. Her birthday is in a few days. Again, I am really sorry I bumped into you. Come on, Mario." Rarity began to walk away.

"I'm not!" said Fancy Pants, stopping Rarity in her tracks and before Mario could follow. Plus Fleur Dis Lee was also leaning her fore-hooves against his backside and looking up at the sky, "Heheh, you are obviously somepony worth bumping into! And you are best friends with Mario! I have a VIP box reserved for the Wonderbolt Derby this afternoon. Would you, would you and Mario be so kind to join me and a few of my companions there?"

"Me?" said Rarity as she used her magic to put a stunned Opal into one of the shopping bags instead of her pet carrier.

"Us?" said Mario, leaning back and causing Charlie to tumble off again.

"But of course, my dear," Fancy Pants answered to Rarity and then looked at Mario, "and we can have some time to catch up, my boy." Mario just looked at Rarity, unsure of what to answer, as Charlie kicked the back of Mario's leg before climbing on his back again.

"Well, I'm, uh, ah-, no-, sure," said Rarity, stuttering a bit.

"We'd to see you there, uh...?" Fancy Pants realized that he had never asked what her name was.

"Rarity," the marshmallow pony answered.

"Rarity," said Fancy Pants, "Looking forward to seeing you both there." He then walked away, Fleur Dis Lee just posed for Fancy Pants, but once she found he hadn't noticed she quickly pranced after him. Rarity just smiled excitedly while Mario looked rather worried. It wasn't much longer before they returned to her guest suite.

"Are you sure we have the time for the derby, Rares?" Mario asked with concern, "I mean, I'd really like to catch up with Fancy Pants. He was very kind to me growing up, but...I don't want Twilight's dress to suffer for it." Rarity hummed as she paced back and forth. Mario did bring up a good point.

"Pro: Seeing the Derby from a VIP box is a once-in-lifetime opportunity," said Rarity, "Con: As Mario mentioned, going to the Derby cuts into the amount of time we have to finish Twilight's outfit. Pro: Fancy Pants is the most important party in Canterlot. His stamp of approval could mean big things for me, er...us, here..." She then looks at their dress sketch and the empty mannequin. She then imagined herself in a fancy hat with Fancy Pants at the high class event.

"True..." said Mario, trying to see both sides of the matter.

"...Con: Twilight's party might not be as sophisticated as the Derby, but that doesn't mean I should put all my energy into creating her birthday ensemble," Rarity continued as she looked at her pulpit again.

"Another good point," said Mario, "Putting all your time into the dress I mean."

"Our Ponyville friends will appreciate our hard word more than anypony," said Rarity, "I'd hate to let them down and I know Mario wouldn't want to do that either."

"Thank you for considering my feelings too," said Mario, "I trust your judgment so...what do you want to do? Do you think we can attend the Derby and still do a fabulous job without letting our friends down?" Rarity glared at her mannequin for a moment.

"Yes and we won't," Rarity answered as she headed into a closet and put on a pink hat with frilly style feathers dangling from it, "Opal, Charlie, Mario and I are going to the Wonderbolts Derby as a guest of Fancy Pants!"

"Alright!" said Mario as Rarity giggled excitedly at the two pets just glared and rolled their eyes at them before looking at the sketch on the pulpit.

"Oh, I almost forgot something!" said Mario as he summoned a changing screen. Once he removed it, he was now wearing a brown sport coat with a white dress shirt, black tie, and a brown derby hat, "How do I look?"

"Dashing," said Rarity with a smile. With that said, the two ponies headed towards the Wonderbolt Derby Racetrack, which was simply a few stands surrounding a cliff edge. The track itself was marked with set of two oval-like shaped clouds that were connected to each other. Hundreds of ponies were already sitting on the stands and the majority of them were wearing a hat on their head at the very minimum. The walking stairs were so narrow that Rarity and Mario both had to push their way through to the top.

"Pardon me," said Rarity politely with Mario right behind her, "'Scuse me, 'scuse me!" Soon they reached the top of the stairs. There sitting on the topmost set of seats were Jet Set and Upper Crust. They gave the two ponies glares and snubbed them, but Mario and Rarity didn't take notice as they made their way towards another set of stairs that was roped off and had a single pony standing guard. Rarity just smiled cutely and fluttered her eye lashes at him.

"'Scuse me, my good sir," said Mario, trying to sound proper, "Can you please let Mr. Fancy Pants that Mr. Mario and Miss Rarity are here?" The guard said nothing and refused to move. Fortunately, the elite pony had taken that moment to come down the stairs.

"Rarity, Mario, jolly good to see you!" said Fancy Pants as he opened the rope so they could enter, "So glad you could make it!" Jet Set and Upper Crust were speechless. As Rarity and Mario, made their way to the top, they found a small group of ponies chattering with one another. Once they saw Fancy Pants, they walked over to him and continued their conversations with him. Rarity and Mario had to step aside to avoid getting trampled.

"Everypony," Fancy Pants announced, "This is Rarity. She is staying at Canterlot Castle. And many of you remember my dear friend, Mario Star." The other ponies gasped and looked at both ponies blankly, making Mario and Rarity smile nervously. It didn't help that they began to mumble and chatter with each other in confusion.

"Typical reaction," Mario muttered quietly to Rarity. He might have gotten used to being looked at skeptically, but it still hurt nevertheless.

"Fillies and Gentlecolts, welcome to the Wonderbolt Derby!" said the announcer as the six Wonderbolts joining the race began to hover at the startling line, "The competitors are taking their places at the starting line, and the race will begin momentarily!"

"I'll be rooting for Rapidfire, of course," said Fancy Pants, "He's sure to take home the Grand Prize." The other ponies nodded and mumbled in agreement.

"I don't think he has a chance against Fleetfoot," Rarity remarked, making the ponies all look at her as Fancy Pants' guests gasped. Rarity just smiled nervously.

"I study each Wonderbolt flyer in terms of their top speed, acceleration, size, and stamina," Mario explained on Rarity's defense, "Rapidfire might have good strengths where it counts, but Fleetfoot is very good at finding a good racing line that helps her maintain her speed." The others said nothing as the Derby trumpet was blown. Everypony headed toward the railing to watch as other ponies began to cheer. With the blow of the whistle, the Wonderbolts were off. Rarity and Mario watched excitedly as the Pegasi raced around the track. Just as they had predicted, Fleetfoot crossed the finish line first.

"And it's Fleetfoot by a nose," said the announcer and Mario and Rarity cheered and all but Fancy Pants were left stunned.

"Bravo, Rarity and Mario!" said Fancy Pants as he walked over to the two ponies, "I say, how did you know Fleetfoot would be victorious?"

"Our friend Rainbow Dash talks about her all the time," Rarity explained before Mario could answer, "She says what Fleetfoot lacks in size, she makes up for in speed."

"And who is this "Rainbow Dash"?" One of Fancy Pants' friends named Silver Frames asked.

"Yes, Rarity," said Mario with a discreet tone of sarcasm, "Please tell them all about Rainbow Dash."

"Uh..." Rarity stuttered and gulped, "Why...she's...she's the...the Wonderbolts' trainer, of course." Mario's eyes nearly popped out as he looked at the marshmallow pony. However, Fancy Pants believed her and was most impressed.

"Staying at Canterlot Castle, and she knows the Pegasus training the Wonderbolts," said Fancy Pants, "I told you these two were important ponies." The ponies began to chattering around Rarity and Mario.

"You could have just said that I know Spitfire and Fleetfoot," Mario muttered under his breath, "You know I hate lying." Rarity just nudged him firmly.

"Just shush and go with it, darling," said Rarity replied in the same tone, "We are now important ponies." Mario discreetly rolled his eyes as he and Rarity smiled for the other ponies chattering around them.

"Three cheers for Rarity and Mario," said Fancy Pants, "my new favorite party guests!"

"Hip hip, hooray! Hip hip, hooray! Hip hip, hooray!" the other ponies cheered. Jet Set and Upper Crust, who had heard everything, just looked even more stunned than ever. Mario couldn't help but smirk as Rarity gave them a wink.

If Rarity can promise not to lie again, Mario thought as he saw all the smiling ponies around him, I could get used to this.

Later on, Rarity and Mario were walking down one of the streets of Canterlot with three of Fancy Pants inner ponies chatting with them.

"...And then I said, "Puh-lease, that isn't a hat, darling, that's a natural distaste that somehow landed on top of your head"!" said Rarity and they all laughed. Mario did as well, but also rolled his eyes a bit since he didn't find the joke that funny. Mario had attempted to crack a joke himself, but it fell flat until Rarity added her own statement to it. Mario hadn't said anything else since and the other ponies seemed to pay more attention to Rarity then him anyway.

"Oh you are a delight, Rarity, an absolute delight," said Silver Frames, "You simply must attend my art gallery opening gallery evening." She then gave a haughty laugh.

"Oh, I'd love to," Rarity said uneasily, "but I-"

"And let's not forget my charity auction tomorrow morning," Golden Gavel added as he got into both Rarity and Mario's faces.

"Well, that sounds wonderful," said Rarity.

"But we happen to be-" Mario tried to explain for Rarity but then they got cut off again.

"And of course there's a seat for you at my dinner party tomorrow night," said Swan Song.

"Only one?" Mario muttered to himself.

"I'm flattered really," said Rarity, "It's just I have a project Mario and I really need to get started on, and-"

"Oh, but Rarity!" Silver Frames protested, "I may as well close down the whole gallery if you can't attend!"

"Only her?" Mario remarked, but was ignored.

"My auction is for charity, dear," Golden Gavel added, "For charity..."

"But what charity?" Mario asked, but was ignored again.

"And my dinner party will be a distaste if you don't come," said Swan Song.

"Again, only she is invited," Mario remarked, feeling more and more excluded before the three ponies shoved Mario out of the way and gathered around Rarity with pouting eyes and faces.

"...of course I'll be there," said Rarity as Mario face-hoofed himself.

"Wonderful!" said Silver Frames.

"On, thank goodness!" added Golden Gavel.

"Disaster averted!" Swan Song added. Rarity just smiled, but deep down she was panicking.

It wasn't long before they had returned to their guest room and Mario was feeling rather annoyed.

"Why'd you do that?!" he asked Rarity, "We need to get Twilight's dress ready for birthday and I wanted this dress to be the tres chic! We can't keep attending all these high class events! We already got accepted by Fancy Pants as important ponies, no need to show ourselves off!"

"Now don't you worry about a thing, Mario," said Rarity, "Remember that I am very good with time management. We will be able attend the events and have plenty of time for Twilight's ensemble."

"If you say so, Rares," said Mario wearily as he noticed that Opal was sleeping on the bed and Charlie was just reading while clinging to one of the bed posts.

"Looks like we'll be spending a few more days here, Opalescence and Charlie," said Rarity as she placed a pink ribbon along the mannequin, "Turns out meeting Fancy Pants like that was the best thing that's ever happened to me. Of course, finishing Twilight's dress in time for her birthday party is still my top priority."

"Good," said Mario.

"But I can't possibly disappoint the Canterlot elite by rejecting their invitations now, can I?" Rarity asked as she looked through some jewelry to wear for the evening. Mario rolled his eyes.

"Maybe you," said Mario, "But I don't think they would care of I didn't show up. You go enjoy yourself and I'm gonna see what I can do on the dress." Mario headed towards the sketch when Rarity zipped in front of him.

"Oh Mario, but you simply must come with me!" Rarity protested, "I promise that the Canterlot elite will accept you just as they have accepted me! But I need you at my side! Pweease?" Rarity gave him the puppy dog eyes.

"Ugh...fine," said Mario reluctantly.

"Thank you!" said Rarity as she grabbed a tiara with her magic, "Now let's get...fabulous!" Rarity tossed the tiara into the air. As it landed on her head, some music began to play as she posed before Mario, now sparkles surround her before she brushed her eyebrows, then her mane and tail and added some hairspray, a little make up. She then rubbed Opal's head, making the cat glare at her.

[Rarity]

I'll be the toast of the town, the girl on the go
I'm the type of every pony, every pony should know
I'll be the one to watch, the girl in the flow
I'm the type of pony every pony, every pony should know

"Yeah, you, not me," said Mario to Charlie.

"Of course you as well," said Rarity before pulling him away.

"Wah!" Mario cried out as Charlie kept reading and ignored him. Rarity pushed him outside and made a pose outside the door.

[Rarity - One can see a multi-view of Rarity's outfit for the art gallery, showing her wearing a black turtleneck, black shoes, and a magenta beret on her head. Mario had a cream and golden yellow stripped turtle neck with his brown beret. They stood together at the art gallery as several high class ponies discuss a particular artwork. Rarity just listens to them talk before giving her nod of approval and the others nod with her. Silver Frames is relieved as they continue on their way. Mario then saw another artwork and tried to give his opinion but finds himself alone. He snorted and stomped away to catch up with Rarity. Then at Golden Gavels charity auction, the auctioneer pony bangs his gavel as he offers a high end vase for bidding. Mario, wearing a grey suit and trilby hat, raises his hoof to bid, but nopony else does so. Then Rarity, wearing a magenta and pink gem encrusted dress with a headset, raises her hoof and the other ponies just gasp and soon follow her lead, shocking the auctioneer. Mario just pouted indignantly.]

Becoming as popular as popular can be
Making my mark, making my mark in high society
I'm the belle of the ball, the star of the show, yeah
I'm the type of pony every pony, every pony should know

[Rarity - As the fancy dinner party, Rarity is wearing a blue and yellow party dress with yellow shoes and hair in an updo. Mario has a red tailcoat with dark blue bow tie and dark blue top hat and his glasses. As she sings, she notices two waiter ponies placing two different hors d'oeuvres on the table. The others wait patiently for Rarity to make the first choice. Rarity gestured for Mario to make a choice. He does, but Rarity picked the other plate and so do all the other ponies. Some even snubbing Mario for making the "wrong" choice. Mario glared as the other waiters walk away and Mario just walked off munching his choice indignantly.]

See how they hang on every word that I speak
My approving glance is what they all seek
I'm the creme de la creme, not just another Jane Doe
I'm the type of pony every pony should know

[Rarity - a brief zoom of the towers of Canterlot is seen before Rarity is seen in her gala dress as she attends an opera with another pony and Mario is forced to sit behind them with a sour look on her face. She is then wearing a white and blue stripped dress as she enjoyed Fancy Pants' Flying Yacht. Mario was just a short distance away wearing a sailor suit and hat, looking rather glum. Then as two rows of high society ponies stand before a carpet, Rarity marches before them in a yellow frilly dress with two mares next to her wearing similar style outfits. This time Mario, wearing a grey vest with a dress shirt and grey fedora, was left behind. He just snorted and walked away. Then Rarity is seen christening the launch of an airship as other ponies cheer for her. Rarity smiled as the airship flew high into the sky. Unlike, the other occasions, Mario was no longer with her.

At home, at the opera, on a fancy yacht
Becoming the talk, the talk of all of Canterlot
I'm the creme de la creme, not just another Jane Doe
I'm the type of pony every pony, every pony should know

[Rarity - She returned back to her suite, tired and her mane rather messy as she had worn a dark blue dress to another event. As she sang with a tired voice, Opal was sitting on the pulpt and pointing to the dress sketch but Rarity ignored her. Rarity then put on a pastel yellow fabric on the mannequin so it now resembled a dress with a pink necktie. Rarity tried to figure out some blue and yellow fabric for a neckline, but then just dropped it as the view showed her entire room.]

Because I'm the type of pony
Yes, I'm the type of pony
Yes, I'm the type of pony every pony should know

Rarity just sat quietly in the dark when she noticed a sheet of paper attached to her bed post. She used her magic to read the letter, but she had to use her glasses since it was dark on the room.

Dear Rarity,

It is clear as day who the elite really appreciate and value and it certainly isn't me. You've been so busy trying to be the pony everypony should know that you've neglected Twilight's dress and left me in the sidelines. I've had enough of trying to impress a group of ponies that clearly only are interested in you. You've clearly put your new reputation over our friendship and I'm tired of feeling abandoned. I'm going back to Ponyville and Charlie is with me. I need to find my own gift for Twilight's birthday since the dress is no longer important to you.

Mario Star

P.S. All I told Mom is that you needed to stay on business and I needed to return home. You're welcome!

Rarity just sighed to herself as she just lowered her head sadly.

"He's right," said Rarity quietly, "I've been so focused on impressing the elite that I've neglected what was my priority and I abandoned my best friend. I owe Mario a big apology..." Rarity then got herself ready for bed, making a personal goal that tomorrow she would set things right.

The next morning was spent packing up her bags and stacking them onto the small back of the Bags Valet, who was once again struggling to hold onto everything.

"Oh, I hope I haven't forgotten anything," said Rarity.

"Me...too..." the Bag Valet strained.

"We better get going," said Rarity. As Opal was sitting on a bed, Rarity used her magic to pick her up. Opal yowled as she held into the bed sheets as Rarity tucked the cat into her pet carrier.

"I must get back to Ponyville with enough time to finish Twilight's ensemble," said Rarity, "and I hope Mario will help me with it. If he's still speaking to me..." She got ready to leave when she heard the opening to her letterbox click and a letter glided to the floor. The Bags Valet was struggling to move forward as Rarity used her magic to pick up and open the letter.

"For me?" said Rarity surprised as she read it, "Dearest Rarity, your prescience is requested at the Canterlot garden party tomorrow afternoon. Yours, Jet Set and Upper Crust!" Rarity then gasped.

"The Canterlot garden party!" Rarity exclaimed, "Why next to the Grand Galloping Gala, that is the premier event in Canterlot!" Rarity couldn't help but pinch the cheeks of the Bags Valet and then squealed with glee, but then realized something.

"Oh, but if I go, I'll miss Twilight's birthday..." said Rarity, "But if I don't go, my new reputation in Canterlot as a Very Important Pony might be ruined! I might never be invited to another high society again! Friend's birthday...Very Important Pony..." Rarity winced, but then made her decision.

"It's just too important," said Rarity before grabbing a sheet of paper and a quill as she sat down on the floor, "My Dear Twilight, I am afraid I won't be able to make it to your birthday party tomorrow, because...because Opal is quite ill, and she is in no condition to make the long journey back to Ponyville! I do hope you understand. Your friend Rarity." Rarity couldn't help but be a rather dramatic as she recited her letter and Opal just glared as she sat amongst the big load of baggage.

"I suppose this means you don't need me to bring down your bags?" the Bag Valet asked.

"No," Rarity answered before adding, "But, I will need some help unpacking them."

"Oomph!" said the Bags Valet as the bags tumbled on top off him, even Opal yelped as well as the Bags Valet was buried alive. Rarity looked a tad concern, but deep down she could feel a certain colt giving her a very stern and disappointed stare at her.

The next day, Rarity was dressed up in a very basic yellow dress and had some flowers tied into her naturally curly tail.

"What do you think?" Rarity asked Opal, "Too much?" Opal just looked and began to lick herself snootily.

"You're right. Too little," said Rarity as she headed towards the door and added a hat with pink flowers and blue ribbons on her head, "Ah, garden party, here I come!" Rarity opened the door when...

"SURPRISE!" shouted five ponies at her, except for Mario who just said nothing but stayed out of view for the moment. Rarity gasped and was so surprised that she passed out. Rarity later opened her eyes slowly, seeing a familiar pink pony in her view.

"Swoosh! And right before she hit the ground," said Pinkie, but her voice sounded faded to Rarity, "shoom, she-Hi again!" The others just looked at her as Rarity rose to her hooves.

"What are you-how did you-Why are you-" Rarity stuttered.

"Listen to her," said Applejack, "She's so excited to see us, she can hardly talk."

"What I mean to say is," Rarity continued, trying to recompose herself, "what are you all doing here?"

"When I got your letter saying you were stuck in Canterlot," Twilight explained, "I asked Pinkie Pie if it wouldn't be too much trouble to move my birthday party here, so you wouldn't have to miss it!" Pinkie nodded in agreement.

"Balloons are super easy to pack," said Pinkie Pie as she opened a small suit case and several balloons came flying out of it. One of the deflated balloons landed on Rarity's hat.

"Wow...First you get me a suite at Canterlot castle and now this," said Rarity, rather touched, "I don't know what to say, Twilight."

"How about you start by saying what you're doing in that fancy getup?" Rainbow interrogated as she flew into Rarity's face. She looked at them nervously and it didn't help that Mario was giving her a death glare.

"This? Uh-well," Rarity stuttered, "I- I always put on something a little fancy when Opal's feeling under the weather...Cheers her right up." Rarity laughed nervously as Mario rolled his eyes since he didn't believe one word she said. Even Rainbow looked at her skeptically.

"Oh, poor Opal," said Fluttershy, believing Rarity, "Where is the sick darling?"

"Oh, uhh, she's..." Rarity said uneasily, "Hold on a minute." She quickly slammed the door.

"Huh?" said the other ponies, looking rather puzzled as Mario just shook his head. Inside the suite, Opal was once again just enjoying herself on the bed when Rarity used her magic to pick her up once more, including the bed sheets. Opal yowled in protest.

"I am so sorry about this," said Rarity quickly before dragging poor Opal into the bathroom.

"ROWR!"

And soaking the cat in running water before setting her down. Opal gave a low growl as she shivered from being left all wet on the bed. Rarity then opened the door again.

"She's resting on the bed," said Rarity quickly as Fluttershy rushed inside. The others then followed at a casual pace.

"Poor baby," said Fluttershy as she cuddled the cat close, making her yowl again, "She looks awful. Opal just growled, wishing she could tell Fluttershy the truth about her "sickness". Rarity noticed that Mario was still glaring.

"I should expose you right now!" Mario warned under his breath before Rarity pushed him outside the door so they could talk in private.

"Mario, please, don't please!" Rarity pleaded, "They don't need to know! Look, I'll...I'll go to Twilight's party. I'll even wear this dress! Okay? Just please, please don't tell them what's really going on!" Rarity was literally kneeling before him. Mario just huffed.

"You...are...so...lucky I'm a merciful pony," said Mario slowly, not hiding his anger, "But you better come clean before the night is over or first thing in the morning, I'm telling them everything you've been up to! This is more than just lying, Rarity, but you turning your back on your friends, breaking your promises to me and abandoning me amongst the elite ponies!" Rarity flinched at his stern tone. Mario had to fight hard not to raise his voice so nopony else could hear, but the anger and hurt he felt towards her was made clear.

"I understand," said Rarity calmly as Mario walked away without another word. He had to take a deep breath so he could calm down a bit as they returned inside the suite.

"Is...that my dress?" Twilight asked as she noticed the pastel yellow gown with just a pink neck tie on it.

"Yes," said Rarity slowly.

"It's so...simple," said Twilight skeptically, "So practical..." Rarity held her breath nervously.

"So me!" said Twilight excitedly as she waved her fore-hooves in the air, "It's the perfect dress for my party! I love it!" Rarity sighed with relief.

"You don't know how glad I am to hear you say that," said Rarity as she discreetly discarded her dress sketch into a nearby wastebasket. Twilight then turned to Mario.

"You like my new dress Mario?" Twilight asked giddily.

"Yes, I'm...I'm kind of surprised you would wear yellow for your own birthday," said Mario.

"Well, you always said a soft yellow goes well with my coloring," said Twilight, "Besides, I wanted to ask you something."

"What is it?" Mario asked casually.

"Would you be my date?" Twilight asked, "If we're donna have a real first date, I wouldn't mind it being on my birthday." The other ponies cooed as Mario blushed shyly and rubbed a fore-hoof on the floor.

"It's official," Rainbow teased as she nudged his side, "best friends who are dating!" Mario bumped her away in annoyance.

"I would be honored," said Mario, "Birthday girl." Twilight gave a squee as she jumped on her hooves excitedly and even Mario was feeling much better about tonight. Though he was going to still make sure Rarity kept her promise.

At last, it was sunset and it was time for the party. At Twilight's request, she had asked Mario to wear a brown vest with a pastel blue dress shirt and his beret. He made sure to be there early to escort her and the rest of their friends to the party sight.

"When I told the Princess that I was moving the party to Canterlot," Twilight explained, wearing her dress and had one fore-leg wrapped around Mario's right, "she was kind enough to offer the Canterlot castle ballroom!" Mario used his magic to open the door and the ballroom area was already decorated for the party.

"Isn't it fancy pants?" said Pinkie as she got in front of everypony's view.

"Fancy Pants?!" Rarity exclaimed as she ducked behind Rainbow, "Where?!"

"She's talking about the interior decor, Rares," said Mario with a slightly irritated tone as Applejack, Rainbow, and Fluttershy gave her some funny looks.

"Ahh, I mean, where did you find the time to put up all these decorations?" Rarity asked with a light laugh and then a whimper.

"Oh, I never leave home without my party cannon," said Pinkie as she presented them a blue colored cannon with pink flower wheels. Pinkie pressed the trigger, causing an explosion and a party blower sound as she perfectly decorated a nearby table, scattering lots of confetti around the table.

"Ta-da!" said Pinkie. Rarity just glared since she was now covered in confetti.

"Take care not to get caught in firing range though," Mario warned the others, "She knocked me out earlier today when she fired her cannon at my face."

"Oh please," said Rainbow, "You just wanted an excuse for Twilight to revive you with a kiss."

"Did not!" Mario retorted, but the thought was still enough to make the others giggle and his cheeks turned pink, "and next time, Fluttershy, don't revive me by stepping on my tail! That hurt!" Fluttershy looked at him blankly.

"I make no such promise," she remarked, getting a raspberry from the colt and more giggles from the others.

"I thought about having my birthday outside," said Twilight lead Mario toward the other side of the ballroom and looked out of the giant windows, "but they're having another party on the castle grounds today." Rarity looked outside and gasped before ducking out of view. She could see that the garden party was in full swing. Rarity continued to peek outside nervously as Pinkie slowly rose up beside her.

"Let's party!" said Pinkie as she grabbed Rarity and pulled her away from the window.

As Pinkie said...IT'S PARTY TIME!

With the sound of a record player playing some very loud swing music, Twilight's birthday party had officially began. To start, the six ponies decided to toss her up and down. Twilight just laughed happily as she rose and fell. A little later, Twilight and Mario were serving slices of her birthday cake to everypony. Pinkie and Fluttershy were already munching away as Twilight handed Applejack her slice. The orange pony had barely taken a bite when she and Fluttershy were hit in the faces with some cake. Mario and Twilight gasped until they noticed Rainbow laughing at them. Her laughter soon turned into a nervous smile as all the ponies minus Rarity smirked at her with slices of cake in their hooves. Rarity looked rather nervous until...

SPLAT!

They all smashed cake at Rainbow. Rarity had gotten a little cake on her hat, but still smiled as the rest of her friends were on the floor, covered in cake and laughing happily. Next, Twilight led a conga line with Mario right behind her, followed by Pinkie, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow, and Rarity at the back end. Rarity did her best to enjoy herself, but she couldn't take her eyes off of the garden party outside, especially when she saw Jet Set and Upper Crust.

"Mmh...No reason I can't at least make an appearance," said Rarity to herself. She waited for when the conga line made a one-eighty near the entrance to the ballroom. She then pretended to conga on the other side of the window before dashing away. '

In the garden party area, a small band was playing some classical music as some other high class ponies were chattering about. Rarity then crossed under a rose arch to present herself.

"I'm here!" Rarity announced proudly.

"Darling, I'm so glad you made it," said Upper Crust.

"Rarity!" said Fancy Pants, "So happy to see you here."

"I wouldn't have miss this for the world," Rarity replied.

"Where is Mario?" said Fancy Pants, "I thought he'd be here with you." Rarity blinked before she came up with another...actually it was a half-truth.

"He's with his special somepony this evening," said Rarity, "It's her birthday and he didn't want to disappoint her."

"Ahh, young love," said Fancy Pants with a chuckle before his nose caught something, "I say what is that scent you're wearing? It smells like..." He sniffed again, "Is that cake frosting?" Rarity looked nervous for a moment. She had forgotten that some cake and frosting had gotten into her hat during the cake fight.

"Yes, I always dab a little frosting behind my ears before I go out," said Rarity quickly with a nervous laugh, "After all, who doesn't like the smell of cake frosting?" Fancy Pants and Upper Crust just looked at her for a moment.

"I know I do," said Fancy Pants in approval.

"Mm-hmm," said Upper Crust, but one could tell she only agreed cause Fancy Pant approved. Rarity sighed with relief.

"Well, all this talk about cake has made me hungry," said Rarity, "Think I'll go see what's on the hors d'oeuvre table. If you'll excuse me..." Rarity then zipped away as Fancy Pants and Upper Crust began their own conversation. Rarity continued on her way, only slowing down before a game of ponies playing crochet. The pony took his shot and the others stomped their hooves to applaud him.

Back inside the ballroom, everypony had put on a blindfold and was holding sticks so they would whack some piñatas. The others swung away as they tried to move about. Twilight just stood still and swung her stick wildly until...

"YEOW!" Twilight had stuck Mario on his flank with her stick since he had been close by. Mario lowered his blindfold and glared as Twilight lowered hers and smiled apologetically.

"OW!" Mario yelped again as he turned and this time it was Fluttershy who had smacked his flank. But the innocent smirk on her face, as well as the fact her blindfold was off, showed that the yellow Pegasus had done it on purpose. Mario glared and had only taken one step towards Fluttershy when he saw Applejack, Rainbow, and Pinkie smiling deviously at him with sticks on their mouths. Mario soon found himself running for his life as the five ponies chased after him with their sticks. Rarity had simply tugged her blindfold off, dropped her stick, and snuck out of the ballroom once more. She returned to see Fancy Pants and Upper Crust still conversing with each other as Rarity picked up an hors d'oeuvre.

When Rarity had returned, a bowl of dipping chocolate had been set up. Rainbow, Twilight, and Mario had grabbed some strawberries on a stick to dip them into the chocolate. Pinkie used a giant lollipop and ducked her entire face into the chocolate as Rarity arrived at the bowl. She smiled nervously and looked out of the window watching the party as she subconsciously dipped her hors d'oeuvre into the chocolate and put it in her mouth. She choked for a moment before spitting it out. Pinkie, Rainbow, Twilight, and Mario looked at her before she pointed at something. They all looked away before Rarity took off again. However, she failed to notice that Mario hadn't looked away and was now scowling at her for sneaking off.

"I think I left the bathwater running in my suite," said Rarity to Fancy Pants and Upper Crust.

"I really should go check on Opal," Rarity told Twilight, Mario, and Rainbow Dash as they were dancing. Mario just glared at her as he continued to dance with Twilight, but Rarity still took off.

"Is that Princes Celestia?" Rarity called out before the ponies near the game of crochet.

"I need to use the little fillies' room!" Rarity told Twilight in a hushed tone. Twilight was just wearing a party hat as she blew her party trumpet.

"Can I get anypony some more punch?" Rarity asked the other high class ponies.

"I...have to go to do the...thing with the...stuff," said Rarity as she continued going from one party to the next and was tiring herself out.

"Uh, what's with the croquet mallet?" Rainbow asked her as she held a pink balloon in her hooves.

"What croquet mallet?" Rarity asked with a muffled voice.

"Duh, the one in your mouth!" Rainbow said as a matter of fact as the other girls looked at her blankly. Mario just glared. Rarity then realized what was in her mouth and spat it out with a nervous laugh.

"Ooh, that croquet mallet," said Rarity, "I- well I, you know..." Rarity could feel Mario's stare burning into her mane as the others gathered around her, "...the truth is...the truth is..."

"Were you at that other party in the garden?" Twilight asked her as Rarity thought her heart had skipped a beat.

"I, I..." Rarity stuttered, unable to answer.

"Rarity, I'm surprised at you," said Twilight.

"Twilight, let me explain! I-" Rarity tried to plead as she crouched before Twilight and looked up at her.

"I hadn't realized you were such a savvy businesspony!" Twilight remarked.

"You must understand! I-" Rarity tried to explain.

"All of those ponies look so posh," Twilight continued, not listening to Rarity as she looked at the ponies outside the window, "And with the Grand Galloping Gala coming up, I bet you could totally get some of them to buy your dresses. Very smart!" Rarity was just stunned. Mario was stunned as well. Twilight had literally given Rarity a chance to get off the hook for all her lying and sneaking around!

"Woo, wwwhy yes, I-I didn't want you to think I was being rude," said Rarity slowly, "so that's exactly the reason I didn't tell you. The one and only reason." Rarity laughed nervously but could see that Mario was steaming and could no longer look at her. The rest of her friends believed what she had said.

"Oh, well, you didn't have to do that," said Twilight kindly, "You should totally go over there and mingle!" Rarity was stunned again and was touched.

"Twilight, you really are the best friend a pony could ever ask for," said Rarity as she gave the purple pony a hug, "I don't know why I ever thought you wouldn't understand."

"Understand what?" Twilight asked.

"Nothing," said Rarity quickly, but heard a low growl of Mario close by, but ignored it, "See you girls later!" Rarity tried to walk away as fast as she could.

"Hey, wait up!" said Rainbow, "We're you friends! I'm sure they won't mind if we check out the party too!"

"I don't know, Rainbow," said Mario, "These ponies look pretty snooty and I mean Gala snooty."

"Whatever!" said Rainbow dismissively, "They'll loosen up once we show them a good time. C'mon you guys! Let's show them how to party Ponyville style!" Rarity was left agape as Rainbow, Applejack, and Twilight zoomed out of the ballroom with Fluttershy not too far behind and Pinkie pushed her party cannon with her.

"Oh no!" Rarity groaned as Mario walked past her.

"You had your chance to avoid this Rarity if you had only told the truth," Mario replied with a stern look on his face as he walked by. Rarity then went to catch up to them. When she had arrived, Pinkie launched her party cannon and the other girls were doing a conga line right behind her with Twilight holding their music player at the back of the line. The other ponies looked at them indignantly. Rainbow then tried her hoof at a game of croquet, but she swung so hard that she spun about and lost grip of her mallet. The mallet ended up knocking off the wig of a mare in the distance. The colt speaking to her suddenly looked uncomfortable and dismissed himself. Some other high class ponies were spluttering and glaring at Fluttershy as she started to feed some of the birds in one of the trees. Rarity then looked as one pony politely ate a cupcake when Pinkie smashed her face into a cake nearby.

"Mmm!" Pinkie hummed as the pony next to her glared and snubbed her. Then several ponies backed away from Applejack as she was apparently doing some weeding.

"How come y'all aren't doing any gardening?" Applejack asked innocently, getting her hooves and tail covered in mud. Then a few more ponies were giving Twilight some weird looks as she was trying to dance. Rarity looked at Mario, who snorted.

"So Twilight can't dance, big deal," he told her, "She's still the perfect pony for me." Mario smiled as Rarity rolled her eyes and grabbed a glass to drink some punch.

"Can you believe what that pony is wearing?" Jet Set remarked as Twilight continued to dance.

"It's just so plain," Upper Crust added.

"Excuse me, but that's my... MMM-MMM," Mario was cut off when Rarity shoved a cupcake into his mouth.

"Hush you!" Rarity scolded sternly before nervously laughing, "yeah." Mario growled at her as he spat out the cupcake indignantly. He was about to speak when a certain elite pony showed up.

"Mario, my boy," said Fancy Pants, "I'm surprised to see you here! Rarity said you were in a date this evening." Mario cleared his throat. At least Rarity didn't lie about what I was doing this evening...mostly. Mario said to himself.

"Yes, I am," said Mario, ignoring Rarity's protests to keep quiet, "She's over there! I do apologize for her unorthodox dancing, but she is enjoying her birthday." Fancy Pants gave a smile before approaching Twilight and Mario followed beside him.

"Excuse me, might I ask where you got your ensemble?" Fancy Pants asked Twilight as Mario went to stand beside his date.

"Why, yes!" said Twilight, "Yes, you may. A very, very close friend of mine from Ponyville made it for me." Rarity did a spit take and rushed over to the three ponies. She hadn't even noticed that she had spat her punch on Jet Set and Upper Crust.

"Ponyville? You don't say?" said Fancy Pants surprised.

"I do say," said Twilight cheerfully, "Her name is-"

"Fancy Pants," Rarity interrupted, "Come with me! I'd like to show you this, er, thing that's over there. On the other side of the room."

"In a moment, my dear," said Fancy Pants, "This lovely filly from Ponyville was just about to tell me who made her charming dress." The other elite ponies gathered around as Rarity grew more nervous

"That dress?" said Rarity. "On come now, who cares, it's just a plain old-"

"Oh, don't be so modest," Twilight interrupted, "This dress you made is beautiful." Now the truth was starting to come out and all the elite ponies gasped and one pony dropped their drink, which shattered as it hit the ground. Rarity looked about rather uncomfortable as she was now the center of attention.

"We all think so!" said Twilight as the five other girls appeared and she rewrapped a fore-leg around Mario's foreleg. Fancy Pants was rather stunned.

"You and Mario know these ponies?" Fancy Pants asked Rarity specifically. The other elite ponies began to chatter about as Rarity looked more and more uncomfortable as she bit her upper lip. Twilight was smiling at first, but then she and the others looked worried as how uncomfortable Rarity was looking. Mario was the only pony who gave Rarity a fierce glare. Rarity felt devastated as she turned away and took a few steps forward.

I can't do this anymore Rarity said to herself a determined look appeared on her face, They need to know the truth...

"Yes. Yes, I do know them," said Rarity with her head held high to maintain her dignity, "They may not be as sophisticated as some of you Canterlot ponies, but they are my best friends. and they are without a doubt the most important ponies I know. And I must add that...while Mario may not have started out as a high class pony, but he has worked harder than any other pony I know to get where he is today. He is what you would call...a Renaissance Pony, one who can be proficient in just about anything he sets his mind to. I have met many stallions who are considered royalty, but Mario is the true definition of what a prince should be. He is kind, smart, well-mannered, gentle, compassionate, and so much more." Mario smiled, deeply touched by her comments. The rest of the girls did the same. The other elite ponies were left stunned.

"Important ponies?" Jet Set remarked, "These ruffians?"

"Don't make me laugh!" Upper Crust added, "I'd say Mario has found his place, especially with that ruffian he calls his date!"

"Now you listen here!" said Mario sternly, "Twilight Sparkle is one of the smartest, sweetest, and most magically talented ponies to ever come out of Celestia's school of gifted unicorns! In fact, like me, she is also a protégé to Princess Celestia!" Twilight couldn't help but feel a little shy.

"Gah!" Jet Set and Upper Crust said in shock.

"And even if she was just a small town librarian from Ponyville," said Mario, "I love her just the same. Being important is not determined by where a pony lives, who their family is, or how much wealth or influence they have. An important pony is someone who make a difference in pony's lives and works hard to make Equestria a better place! Twilight and our friends have done that and so much more! They are the true definition of what is considered to be an important pony." The other girls couldn't help but crack a smile. Now Twilight was literally imitating Fluttershy as she tried her best to avoid eye contact with anypony and her cheeks were deep red. After all, Mario had just said he loved her in a public group of elite Canterlot ponies.

"Well spoken, my boy," said Fancy Pants, "and personally, I, for one, find them charmingly rustic." If Jet Set and Upper Crust weren't left stunned before, they really did look like ponies with egg over their faces now.

"And I think the dress you made for your friend is lovely," Fancy Pants said with a chuckle to Rarity, "I dare say every mare in Canterlot will be wanting one." Rarity beamed as the rest of her friends smiled.

"Oh, I'd like to place my order right now," said Upper Crust eagerly, as she leaned against Rarity.

"I think you should get two," Jet Set added, trying to sandwich Rarity between them before the marshmallow pony dashed away, making the couple bump into each other.

"Er, yes, now then," said Fancy Pants, clearing his throat, "How about you introduce me to your friends?"

"With pleasure," said Rarity, "But before I do, I owe all of you an apology. I got so caught up in wanting to prove I was an important pony to the Canterlot Elite that I...I was afraid of what would happen if anypony learned where I was from or the fact that I was friends with ponies who were less sophisticated. I even tried to justify it by saying that I would help Mario become accepted by the elite ponies, but as I became the popular pony, I left him behind. I was so desperate to hold onto my reputation that I was willing to miss Twilight's birthday party for it. That was why I was so...shocked to see you all here and why I kept sneaking to this party."

"So...is that why you kept giving Rarity all the dirty looks," Twilight asked Mario as he nodded.

"It was more because I was so hurt from being left behind," said Mario, "Plus I had helped her design a dress that was far more...extravagant for your birthday. We were going to give it you together as a birthday present, but...she was too busy."

"It's actually how you got the simple dress your wearing now," said Rarity sadly, but Twilight just smiled.

"Well, I like my simple dress," said Twilight, "and we forgive you. Don't we guys?"

"Yeah"

"Of course"

"Righty do!"

"Uh-huh!" said the rest of the girls as Rarity smiled before turning to Mario.

"I hope you can forgive me," said Rarity sadly, "I know I hurt you deeply from all of this." Mario gave her a smile and a hug.

"It only hurts so much because we're are such good friends," said Mario, "and of course I forgive you." He then turned to Twilight. "I'm sorry if this spoiled your birthday in anyway." Twilight chuckled.

"Of course not," said Twilight, "But...did you have to say you loved me in front of everypony?" Mario blushed a little as the others just snickered.

"I just felt the need to defend you," said Mario, "and I meant everything I said too." Twilight then kissed his cheek, making him blush. Fancy Pants, who had just been listening quietly, chuckled to himself.

"It makes me very happy to see you both have such good friends," said Fancy Pants, "And that Mario has found himself such a charming filly to love. Now let's hear more about them shall we?" Mario and Rarity smiled in agreement as they spent the rest of the evening introducing themselves to Fancy Pants and telling him about some of their adventures. Once the garden party had ended, Mario presented Twilight with a custom made charm bracelet. Mario also gave Twilight a kiss on the check. While she was annoyed at Mario making her blush again, she still appreciated the kiss and declared that had been her best birthday ever. She even admitted she was looking forward to her next date with Mario. Mario and the rest of the girls returned home late that night as Rarity returned to her suite.

The next morning, Rarity was in her guest bedroom, ready to write a letter to the Princess.

"Dear Princess Celestia," Rarity recited, "I wanted to tell you about the important lesson I learned during my visit."

"Now that I would like to hear," said a voice. Rarity turned around to see it was the Princess herself. Rarity decided to vocally share her lesson instead.

"I learned that no matter where you go in life," said Rarity as she walked over to her suite window and saw Ponyville in the distance, "you should never forget that you are the product of your home and your friends. And that is something always to be proud of, no matter what."

"Hm, a very valuable lesson to have learned," said Princess Celestia with a smile.

"It certainly is!" said the Bags Valet, who was once again, straining to carry all of Rarity's bags on his back, "But...might I ask that we hurry things up a bit?! Oh no!" And once again, the Bag Valet got buried alive under all the luggage. Rarity and Princess Celestia just looked at each other and then smiled.

Maybe next time I should just ask Mario to carry my luggage instead Rarity thought before she saw Mario glaring at her in a thought bubble.

With his freight cars of course Rarity corrected in her thoughts as Mario smiled and her thought bubble popped. Rarity just giggled to herself.

As much as I love this episode, especially Twilight's birthday party, it always bugged me that Rarity never formally apologized for all the lies she said to the mane six. It can be assumed she did apologize at some point so that's why I included it here.

And I guess we can say Twilight and Mario are now best friends who are dating.

Peace Pony Fans!