I woke up the next morning with a smile on my face, why? Cause I was going to keep my promise for Rarity and also to make sure Twilight has the best birthday the next day. After getting myself ready with a small bag full of bits, I left my house and with my wings at the ready, flew upwards and straight to Canterlot castle. The sun had just rose up, so it was perfect timing on my part for sure, I landed outside the castle and walked through the entrance with no problems. I had made my way through the big areas before approaching the big doors, the unicorn guards on either side opened the doors for me as I walked into the throne room to see the Princess writing something down on a scroll.

"Good morning, Princess." I greeted as I bowed with a smile and walking further down the throne room.

"Well good morning to you, Bond, I felt your presence before you arrived into the castle." Celestia replied.

"Must be because of my alicorn status which when I'm here, I seem to be more respected by the ponies than down at Ponyville where everything is equal, not that I'm complaining as I love both sides."

"That is understandable, Bond, but I'm sure you haven't come to discuss formalities. Is there something you want to discuss?"

"Yes, well actually, there are two things. First one is that Rarity is looking to do a whole day of shopping later today here at Canterlot and she wishes to have an accommodation set up for her so that she can buy what she needs."

"I see and may I ask why before I proceed with the preparations?"

"Well, that's where the second thing comes in, in two days, it will be Twilight's birthday and I'm also here looking to find a really thoughtful present for her and I'm sure Rarity will be doing the same with a birthday dress or something."

"That is very thoughtful from both of you. In which case, I'll be glad to accommodate your friend and perhaps some spare space for you if you wish, I'll give you two a suite in the castle."

"Thank you Princess." I replied with a smile.

She faced one of the guards that were outside her room. "Would you please go find a young pony named Rarity from Ponyville and tell her to meet me at the suite?"

"Of course, Princess." The guard responded and began heading out.

Princess Celestia turned to me. "Come on, Bond. We shall go and meet her at the suite."

"Alright."

Princess Celestia walked me to the almost highest tower in the castle overlooking all of Canterlot.

"After I show your friend to her room, I'll let you two get started on finding Twilight's gift." Princess Celestia said to me.

Sometime later, Rarity walked up the steps with Opal by her side and a poor Porter trailing behind her with all her luggage. Knowing Rarity, it had to be full of just about everything a posh mare needed. She smiled when she noticed me...

"Morning dear Bond." Rarity greeted.

"Morning Rarity, as you can see, I lived up to my promise." I replied.

She smiled and looked at Princess Celestia. "One of your royal guards pointed me up here?"

"Yes." The Princess began. "How would you like to stay here?" She pointed towards the door and escorted her in.

As I walked behind them, Rarity grew an immediate surprised face with widened eyes, throwing a gasp in as well. "Here? I get to stay here?" Her voice echoed through the large room presented before her. The room contained a large magnificent bed, looking almost like the one Rarity has in her home, a vanity mirror, and some other furniture for her needs.

"Bond Racer said you were coming to Canterlot for a visit, and asked if I might accommodate you." Princess Celestia replied.

Opal began getting comfortable as she patted her paws delightfully on the bed. "Thank you so much, Princess." Rarity announced as she continued to observe the room.

"You're very welcome."

"No, really." Rarity rushed over to her. "This is so nice of you."

"It's nothing, really."

"Oh, but it isn't nothing, it's everything! I, I just don't know what to say but thank you, thank you!" She quickly bowed down and kissed Princess Celestia's hoof. "Thank you!" She kissed her hoof again. "Thank you!" As she kissed her hoof yet again, Princess Celestia began looking at me very awkwardly and slightly uncomfortable. I could only shrug as Rarity continued to bombard the Princess's hoof with kisses. "You are very we-"

"Thank you!" Rarity exclaimed, cutting off her sentence.

Finally when the Porter had managed to climb up all the stairs with her luggage, he presented himself by the door, panting. "Your luggage, mademoiselle?" His legs began shaking with all the weight.

"I'll leave you to get settled." Celestia finished as she walked out of the room and past the Porter who somehow managed to bow. "Your highness."

She looked back at Rarity. "Enjoy your stay."

"Thank you!" Rarity called out one last time as Princess Celestia left.

"Where would you like me to put these?" The Porter asked.

I was about to help him with more of the luggage, but his legs gave up and he fell towards the floor. One of the boxes from the luggage rolled over to Rarity and stopped below her hooves. Nonetheless, she smiled. "That's perfect."

Soon, we got around to packing and by the time we were done, the porter left and closed the door on his way out. Rarity came forward to me and gave me a loving hug which made me smile.

"Thank you so much for doing this for me, darling." she said whilst hugging me.

I smiled and accepted her hug, "It's alright Rarity, anything to make a close friend feel happy."

"You are so endearing you know, Trixie is very lucky to have you."

"Yeah, it does feel great and besides, I'm here as well in order to get a very good present for Twilight's birthday."

"Oh yes, now that we have everything unpacked, I must go over what I need to get in Canterlot and you can come with me."

"Sounds great to me, Rarity."

Shortly, Rarity picked out one of her fashion hats which was a pink one and placed a small saddle bag on her back, we were then on our way to the town of Canterlot. When we arrived, it was what I had a thought it would be, all posh and elegance with each pony minding it's own business. We took a seat by a posh cafe...yeah, I'm going to be saying posh quite a lot here...

"Bond, do you know what I love about Canterlot?" she asked whilst sipping a cup of her tea, "Everything."

"Yeah, sort of answered your own question there." I muttered

"I may have been born in Ponyville, but I am a Canterlot pony at heart." she stated, "Now I know that I'm here to get fabrics for the shop, but I must get or make something for Twilight as it's her birthday tomorrow."

"Maybe you could design a birthday outfit?"

"Ooh, perfect! Don't you just love it here, Bond?"

"Umm...nope." I answered, intimidating Big Mac's voice.

Then, a couple of ponies walked up to the table and faced Rarity as she sipped her drink some more, completely ignoring me.

"Please excuse our interruption." The male with glasses began speaking with the most snooty accent I've ever heard before. It was so ridiculous, that it made me want to laugh again. "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 marvellous chapeau?" His wife finished, creating overly dramatic gestures for every word she spoke.

Their speech was highly annoying, but entertaining at the same time.

"Oh, this old thing? Oh, it's just something I-"

"Rarity!" We heard as a drop of water splashed on her hat. We turned our attention to see a window washer above us. "Hey Rarity!" However, his movements broke him from his harness and caused him to fall towards us while still hanging on one rope. "Whoo! It's me, Hayseed Turnip Truck!" His presence caused the two ponies to back away, frightened, as the ponies in the background stared at us. "We met at the big hoedown in Ponyville last month?"

Rarity returned a nervous grin. "Oh, yes, of course, how are you?"

"Good! Real good!" The rope snapped and he fell down.

"Hmm..." The two ponies expressed in a disgusted manner. "You're from... Ponyville?"

"Well, yeah, yes, but-"

"She sure is! She's a real big-time fancy pants dressmaker there! Probably made that real purty thing she's got on her head!"

The mare looked over at her husband. "I thought it looked a little country."

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

They then rose their heads and walked off...that was quite rude of them, I had to say.

"Well they sure seem real nice." Hayseed said.

"I think you should get back to work." I told him.

"Umm, oh yes, see ya Rarity...and whoever you are." he replied before leaving us.

I could see that Rarity was looking down after those hurtful comments about her hat and where she was from...good thing I didn't say anything about living there. I put my hoof around her to cheer her up and decided that we should focus on getting the stuff we need for Twilight's birthday.

"Don't let them get to you, Rarity. You're amazing at what you do in the world of fashion, their snooty attitudes just comes with the territory of living in Canterlot I guess." I said to her.

"You are right Bond and I thank you for trying to help me." she replied whilst trying to show a smile.

Afterwards, we got to work and we shopped at several places around the town. I bought Twilight a birthday card and a small gift which was a mini gold statue of a book since I know she loves books.

"Alright, I'm done on my end, I guess it's back to the suite?" I asked her as she was carrying several bags with her magic.

"Yes and I have to get started right away, this new design is very ambitious and I'm going to make sure that it looks fabulous for her party."

"Nice, but watch where you're-" I got cut off as Rarity barged right into another pony, "-going." I sighed.

The bags then fell to the floor as a mare unicorn behind the colt took off a bag that was on his head to reveal a very classy unicorn...I was thinking to myself, oh here we go again...another insult towards Rarity.

"Fancypants." Rarity gasped.

"Wait, you know this pony?" I asked.

"Well, I say, that's one way of making an introduction." Fancypants said.

"My goodness, I am so sorry, I didn't see you there. I just got so many bags and I was trying to get back to my suite at the castle and-"

"You're staying at the castle?"

Rarity began collecting her shopping bags, "Well, this alicorn friend of mine you see here got me to stay at one of the Princess's suites."

"You two know the princess?"

"Hmm, a pony with expensive tastes I see." the pink mare unicorn asked, carrying a bag of feathers towards Rarity.

"Oh it's an ensemble I'm making for a friend, her birthday is in a few days." she then trotted off with her bags, "Again I'm really sorry I bumped into you."

"I'm not. You are obviously somepony worth bumping into." Fancypants replied, "Listen, I have a V.I.P box reserved at the Wonderbolts derby this afternoon, would you two be so kind to join me and a few of my companions there?"

"Us?" I asked

"Well of course, mister..."

"Bond Racer, Ponyville's one and only Alicorn." I replied.

"Bond Racer, a charming name and quite fitting since the wonderbolts derby is all about racing." the pink mare commented.

"Well I uh, sure." Rarity answered.

"We would love to see you there..."

"Rarity."

"...Rarity."

Fancypants and his mare soon walked off, which left me feeling much different than before.

"Well, looks like not every Canterlot pony here is snooty, Fancypants and his mare seemed genuinely polite." I commented.

"Indeed dear, but now I have a bit of a problem."

"What is it?"

"I'll explain when we get back."

"Okay."

We soon walked back to the suite and dropped the bags with the fashion materials and gifts.

"So what's the problem?" I asked.

"Being invited to see the wonderbolts derby in a VIP box is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but going there will cut the amount of time it'll take to make Twilight's outfit." she replied.

"Hmm, well Fancypants seems like the most important pony in Canterlot, his seal of approval could do so much wonders for you and your business. On the other hoof, Twilight's party may not be as sophisticated as the derby, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't put all your energy to creating that ensemble and they would always appreciate your hard work more than any other pony."

"Yes dear, I would hate to let them down."

I smiled as I began to think that she was going to make a good choice.

"And I won't, Bond, I'm going to the Wonderbolts derby as a guest of Fancypants." she then squealed like a little filly in excitement. I could see that Opal did not approve of her choice and I was unsure about it.

"Are you sure, Rarity? Because I can help you with the dress if you want."

"Yes if you could help me after we've been to the derby, that would be sweet of you. Now let's go, I want you to be there for me in case something goes wrong."

I nodded as we left the suite, we walked on over to the derby that was on the outskirts of Canterlot where Fancypants saw us.

"Rarity and Bond Racer, jolly good to see you. So glad you both could make it."

We walked on up to the highest box which was indeed a VIP area where other Canterlot ponies came forward to see us.

"Everypony, this is Rarity and Bond Racer." Fancypants told them. "They're staying at Canterlot Castle."

The other ponies gasped and smiles as they greeted us, not noticing my alicorn status though which was okay. Soon, the derby race was about to start and we looked on over to the wonderbolts preparing to race.

"I'll be rooting for Rapid Fire of course, he's sure to win the Grand Prize." Fancypants boasted.

"I don't think he has a chance against Fleetfoot." Rarity disagreed.

But then the race began as they flew around the track and the mare with the grey hair won the race, that must've been Fleetfoot. The other ponies gasped as Rarity let out a tiny squeal of delight.

"Bravo, Rarity. I say, how did you know Fleetfoot would be victorious?" Fancypants asked.

"My friend Rainbow Dash talks about her all the time, she said what Fleetfoot lacks in size, she makes up for it in speed." Rarity replied.

"And who is this Rainbow Dash?" one of the other guests asked.

I could see Rarity was struggling to answer, so I stood in.

"Oh she's the bearer of the element of Loyalty, one of the seven elements of harmony, she also works with the weather management team from Ponyville, a group of pegasuses responsible for bringing the water to Cloudsdale."

"Well, well, well, you two certainly get around. I told you all these were important ponies." Fancypants said.

Rarity breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that I saved her from embarrassing herself.

"Three cheers for Rarity and Bond Racer, my two new favourite party guests." he announced.

The others cheered in their Canterlot way.

"Say, wouldn't you like to join Jet Set and Upper Crust at the garden party tomorrow evening?" Fancypants asked us.

"Oh I wish we could go, but we have a friend's birthday party in Ponyville to go to on that same time of the day."

"Bond Racer!" Rarity exclaimed. "I don't need you to answer for me." she then cleared her throat, "I apologize for my friend's behaviour, he sometimes forget that we all have minds of our own."

"Oh he doesn't need to be, I can understand why friendships are important, but it would mean so much for us if you could come."

"Sure, I will be there tomorrow evening."

"Splendid, now we shall see you then, take care for the rest of the day."

"Oh we will, goodbye."

Rarity and I then left and headed on back to the suite, but not before getting more invitations to do other things which I didn't say anything about. Heading on inside, Rarity went straight to work on making Twilight's dress, starting with a small pink scarf around the neck on the pony mannequin.

"Looks like my evening for tomorrow will be a rough one." she said. "Turns out bumping into Fancypants like that was the best thing that's ever happened to me."

"So much for Twilight's dress being your top priority." I muttered.

"What was that, darling?"

"I keep looking at the dress you had in mind and you still haven't started it."

"I know and I want to work on it, but I can't possibly disappoint the Canterlot elite by rejecting their invitations now can I?"

I sighed as I had given up at this point trying to reason with her.

"Alright then, I'll work on Twilight's dress for you while you go about with the rest of your day, okay?"

"Okay dear, I'm sure you have some ideas, thank you."

So, she left as I went to work on the dress, it actually took me some time as I had no clue on what to do. After a long while, it was already the evening and I had fallen asleep beside the bed after placing what I could make as as dress on the mannequin. Although, I did hear hoofsteps coming through the door and knowing it would be Rarity, I didn't wake up as I thought she would be tired as well and hope she didn't mind me sleeping on the floor for the night.

The next day arrived and I had just woken up to see Rarity dressed in another outfit, possibly for the garden party later tonight.

"What do you think, Opal, too much?" she asked her cat, "You're right too little." she then placed a hat to match the dress. "Garden Party, here I come!"

Just as I was about to try and talk some sense into her again, the doors opened and it was Twilight and the others.

"SURPRISE!" they yelled, causing Rarity to gasp and then fainted.

"What just happened?" Twilight asked.

"I guess she must have been really surprised to see you all." I replied, "Anyways, happy birthday Twilight." I added as I showed her the card and present I got for her.

"Thank you so much, Bond!" She replied, sharing a hug and taking the card and present.

Shortly, Rarity stood up from the ground and looked at the girls with a puzzled expression on her face. "What are you...how did you...why are you..."

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

"What I mean to say is, what are you all doing here?" Rarity questioned.

"When I got your letter saying you were stuck in Canterlot, 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!"

"Balloons are super easy to pack." Pinkie Pie grabbed a suitcase and opened it, releasing many balloons.

"Wow...first Bond gets me a suite at Canterlot castle and now this. I don't know what to say, Twilight."

Rainbow Dash instantly flew up to Rarity's face. "How about you start by saying what you're doing in that fancy getup?"

"This? Uh." Rarity tried to answer as the girls looked at her with tilted heads. "Well I- I always put on something a little fancy when Opal's feeling under the weather... Cheers her right up." She ended with a nervous laugh.

I shook my head in disappointment.

"Oh, poor Opal, where is the sick darling?" Fluttershy asked, wanting to go inside and check up on her, but Rarity stopped her by placing a hoof in front of her.

"Oh, uhh, she's... hold on a minute." She slammed the door shut.

"Huh?" The girls released in unison.

We waited for several seconds, even exchanging looks. I could see that the girls were surprised of Rarity's behaviour. I knew I could have told them…but it wouldn't be right…

Rarity opened her door. "She's resting on the bed."

Fluttershy immediately dashed in. She flew over to Opal who looked as if she was drenched in water. Nonetheless, Fluttershy didn't seem to notice this and grabbed her from the bed as she held her up. "Poor baby. She looks awful." She growled at Rarity, who flinched after.

The girls had walked in and looked around. Twilight spotted the dress from which I worked on. "Is that my dress?"

"Yes, Bond Racer worked on it." Rarity responded with some slight nervousness.

"It's so, simple, so practical...so me! It's the perfect dress for my birthday party! I love it!" Twilight exclaimed and hugged me.

Rarity released a true sigh of relief. "You don't know how glad I am to hear you say that." She looked over to the design she was actually supposed to make and threw it away with her tail.

I guess we were both lucky there.

Ready to celebrate Twilight's birthday, she led us through the castle in her new dress.

"When I told the Princess that I was moving the party to Canterlot, she was kind enough to offer us the Canterlot castle ballroom!" She opened the doors to reveal the same area where all that chaotic destruction occurred in the Grand Galloping Gala. However, it was fixed up and now filled with party items.

"Isn't it fancy pants?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Fancypants? Where?" She hid behind me. I looked at her with confused eyes. She noticed every other pony stare at her oddly and stood back up. "Ahh, I mean, where did you find the time to put up all these decorations? Haha."

"Oh, I never leave home without my party cannon." She pulled out a cannon and blew the fuse, immediately causing an explosion of streamers, confetti, and the ability to instantly decorate a table in a second. "Tada!"

Rarity noticed the confetti land on her dress and sent an irritated look back at Pinkie Pie.

"I thought about having my birthday outside, but they're having another party on the castle grounds today." Twilight stated as she walked over to the window to look outside.

I walked alongside Rarity to see what she was talking about and noticed a fancy party outside, including those two uptight ponies from the café incident. That must have been the garden party, I narrowed my eyes in slight annoyance.

Pinkie Pie slowly slipped between us and poked her head out, observing the party. "Let's party!"

We began partying through the afternoon, past the sunset time and making sure Twilight had the best birthday party, it was just the seven of us, but it seemed like we wouldn't have it any other way. However a few times, Rarity wasn't with us and she kept making excuses to be with the guests at the garden party outside....until she made a mistake by brining in a croquet mallet.

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

"What croquet mallet?" Rarity questioned in a muffled tone as a drop of sweat fell from her face.

"Duh, the one in your mouth!" Rainbow Dash pointed out, causing the music to cease and all the girls to return surprised expressions.

Rarity looked at her mouth to see a croquet mallet indeed. She instantly dropped it and laughed nervously. "Ooh, that croquet mallet. I- well I, you know, the truth is... the truth is..."

"Were you at that other party in the garden?" Twilight asked in a shocked tone.

"I, I..."

"Rarity, I'm surprised at you!"

"Twilight let me explain!" Rarity dove to Twilight's hooves. "I-"

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

"You must understand! I-"

"All of those ponies look so posh, I bet you could totally get some of them to buy your dresses. Very smart!" Twilight praised.

"Woo, wwwhy yes, I-I didn't want you to think I was being rude, so that's exactly the reason I didn't tell you. The one and only reason." A nervous laughter followed. I narrowed my eyes again but let it slide. I didn't want any other problems occurring after.

"Oh, well you didn't have to do that. You should totally go over there and mingle!" Twilight allowed.

"Twilight, you really are the best friend a pony could ever ask for." She hugged her in relief. "I don't know why I ever thought you wouldn't understand."

"Understand what?" Twilight questioned.

"Nothing." She instantly replied. "See you all later!" She began galloping out the door, but Rainbow Dash stopped her.

"Hey, wait up! We're your friends! I'm sure they won't mind if we check out the party too, c'mon you guys! Let's show them how to party Ponyville style!" I smiled and joined the girls with their trotting towards the garden party. Pinkie Pie trailed behind with her huge party cannon as Rarity stayed behind, shocked.

Soon, the carnage began as I walked into a corner and watch it all unfold, I was laughing so much at how much the five of them were making a mess of the place and ruining those two snooty ponies who insulted Rarity and Ponyville. Twilight was dancing in her nerdy way which was kinda cute until Fancypants walked towards her.

"Excuse me, might I ask where you got your ensemble?" He asked

"Why yes, yes you may." Twilight responded happily. "A very, very close friend of mine from Ponyville made it for me."

Rarity watched as she was drinking more punch, but suddenly spat it out when she heard Twilight's sentence. She walked over to the two as the two ponies from the café were drenched in punch. I smiled at their appearance and joined Rarity.

"Ponyville?" He asked in a sort of lifeless tone. "You don't say?"

"I do say. Her name is-"

"Fancypants!" Rarity exclaimed, cutting off Twilight. "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." He held his hoof up. "This lovely mare from Ponyville was just about to tell me who made her charming dress."

"That dress? Oh come now, who cares, it's just a plain old-"

"Oh don't be so modest, Rarity, this dress you made is beautiful!" Twilight's response caused all the other ponies to return a loud and immediate gasp as they dropped the things they were carrying. The rest of the girls had joined Twilight and me. "We all think so!"

"You know these ponies?" Fancypants asked Rarity.

Rarity seemed to swallow her pride, "Yes. Yes, I do know them, 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."

"Important ponies? These ruffians?" Jet Set questioned.

"Don't make me laugh!" Upper Crust added, and the both of them began laughing arrogantly.

"I, for one, find them charmingly rustic." Fancypants commented caused them to shut their laughter and ponies behind them to gasp. "And I think the dress you made for your friend is lovely. I dare say every mare in Canterlot will be wanting one."

The wife immediately popped up near Rarity. "Oh, I'd like to place my order right now."

"I think you should get two. Hm?" The husband joined.

"Er, yes, now then. How about you introduce me to your friends?"

"With pleasure!"

After the party, the girls began to prepare to leave. I told them that I would meet up with them the next day as it was quite dark and I was tired from today's event, I heard her writing a letter to Princess Celestia.

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

Princess Celestia had appeared out of nowhere and walked towards her. "Now that I would like to hear."

Rarity was surprised by her presence, but turned around to began walking around the room. "I learned that no matter where you go in life, 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."

Princess Celestia smiled and closed her eyes. "Hm, a very valuable lesson to have learned, see you soon, my little ponies." she added before leaving us.

"Mind if we talk, Rarity?" I asked.

"Yes, I wanna get something off my hooves too." she replied.

"Alright, I'll go first, I want to apologize for how protective I was, being with you yesterday."

"It's okay dear, I was just so nervous of trying to fit in that I forgot what's really important."

"Well, I'm really glad that you remembered in the end and Fancypants really helped you out."

"He sure did, so my business could grow bigger for me."

"Indeed, but don't forget about us." I winked.

"I won't...now, this may be a bit personal, but I wish to know...have you been spending time with Trixie as of late?" Rarity asked curiously.

"I haven't seen her since she told me that she was going to take a vacation away from the forest...so I haven't been able to show my affection of love since then." I sighed.

"You poor dear, let me help you with a hug."

She then gave me a warm friendly hug which I accepted. "Thank you Rarity. I guess we should go to bed now." I said pulling out of the hug.

"Okay, climb on the bed."

My eyes widened slightly, "Umm, I don't think I should, I'm in love with Trixie and all and-"

"I know, but I won't do anything to you, darling, I promise." she insisted.

"Oh...alright...have a good night, Rarity."

"You too, Bond."

So we then got into bed and as promised, she didn't put a hoof on me and I was happy with that. It was quite a terrific birthday party and I think Twilight left a very happy mare, I'm sure we'll get to party like that in Ponyville again sometime. Next Chapter: Secret Of My Excess Estimated time remaining: 20 Hours, 44 Minutes