I let out a big yawn as I woke up the next day to find it was already late morning at around the tenth hour. Worried that I might be late, I had a quick breakfast before I got dressed and trotted from my house to Carousel Boutique. I walked into the store to find Rarity not there, maybe she's upstairs in the her fashion design room. When I got there and walked in, I saw a conversation going on.

"I have to leave for dress rehearsal soon, Rarity! Is it finished yet?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Uh, not quite." Rarity replied, "I still feel it needs a certain je ne sais quoi. Perhaps it needs... appliqués."

"Appliqués?"

"Or sequins."

"Sequins!"

Sweetie then grabbed a basket full of sequins but she tripped on a pile of mess and crashed on the floor with a few sequins landing on her tongue.

"Sweetie, do be careful." I advised her.

"Oh morning darling." Rarity said as she came over.

"Morning to you too, love." I replied as we kissed.

"Ugh, get a room." Sweetie moaned which got us giggling.

"Sweetie Belle, I adore having you help me, truly I do, but..."

"Guess I got a little carried away. It's just that I know how important it is for you to finish this wardrobe in time for Sapphire Shores and her backup dancers."

"Wait a minute, you're doing dresses for Sapphire Shores as well?" I asked. "The same one who bought your dresses a long time ago?

"Yes dear. This is without a doubt my most prestigious order ever. After all, Sapphire Shores is the pony of pop, and her Equestria-wide tour launches in Canterlot next week! Which means she must have these outfits by day after tomorrow at the latest!"

"But is there time?" Sweetie asked.

"Barely. But I work well under pressure. Hmm, as long as I stay calm, I'll be fine."

"Hang on, love." I intervened, "What about the rest of us, can Coco and Trenderhoof help?"

"Hmm, I'm not sure about Trenderhoof and Coco only works with me part time."

"But could you at least try to ask them to help you out? I mean, you've done a lot of good things for them, especially Coco...and besides, you don't want to go back to driving that wedge between your bond with your sister again, do you?"

"Ahhh...you're right Bond. I'll go and ask them as soon as I've finished this first dress."

"Oh, good!" Sweetie said, "Then maybe you could check the stitching and finish the buttons on the dresses I made for me, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo? I really want them to look perfect, and...I think I need your expertise."

"My, you've been so much help to me. How could I possibly say no?"

"Oh, thank you thank you thank you thank you! You're the best sister ever! The dresses are right over there!"

Rarity and I looked at the dress on a dress rack and Rarity cringed at the designs and my eyes widened.

"Well I've gotta go now and rehearse for the play later tonight, I hope to see you there."

Sweetie then trotted away happily out of the room and on her way to the Ponyville Theatre building.

"Lemme guess, it's a big no to these dresses?" I asked.

"As much as I appreciate Sweetie doing her best to design with her magic, it just simply won't do." she commented, "She and her filly friends would be a laughing stock. I must make new dresses, ones that the audience will appreciate."

"Maybe, but I don't know, it seems like a bit of a risk to take. Remember the last time there was a wedge between you two?"

"Yes, but I said that I would spend time with my sister and help her out. Anyways, I'll go and get Coco and Trenderhoof to help me with the dresses and I'll need your help too."

"Alright, I'll happily help you with the new dresses, just hope you know what you'll have to face if she takes it the wrong way."

"I do, darling...trust me, I would never want to hurt her."

We smiled and shared a loving kiss before we left and travelled to Coco's home, Rarity knocked on her door and it opened.

"Oh hi Rarity." Coco greeted, "Is there a problem?"

"There is, I need two spare pair of hooves to help me with dresses for my sister's play tonight and also have many other dresses ready for Sapphire Shores's Canterlot Tour show."

"Oh my, that is a lot of work to do. Well it is my day off, but sure I can help...if Trenderhoof was feeling well too."

"Oh, what's wrong with him?" I asked.

"He caught a cold last night, so he's resting on my bed for now."

"That is a bit unfortunate." Rarity sighed, "But thank you for being willing to help me, we've got three filly dresses to design."

"Okay, let's get started."

Coco left her home with Rarity and me and walked back to the dress design room at the boutique.

"Alright, there are the new dresses we are going to design for each of them." Rarity stated as she showed us drawings of the designs.

"They look amazing!" Coco replied.

"Thanks, now let's get to work."

We started working on the dresses for the fillies which took a bit of time, but by the afternoon, we had them finished and I had to admit, they did look fantastic and would be star quality for the play, I was still not convinced that Sweetie Belle would take the change of the dresses lightly. But they're made now so I just have to wait and see for now.

"Magnificent work from both of you." Rarity complimented, "I will now take the dresses over to the Ponyville Theatre whilst you have a break. Coco, you can go back and check on Trenderhoof until I need you again later."

"Thank you Rarity." she replied.

"Bond, I want you to come with me and watch the performance later tonight."

"Alright, but won't you need help with the dresses for Sapphire Shores?" I asked.

"That's where the rest of our friends come in dear. Since the play will be by the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, myself and you will come along and watch the play. As for you Coco, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Twilight will be here to help you with the designs I have laid out right here."

She then laid out a few photos of the designs for Sapphire Shores and there were quite a few to get through, but I believed that they could do it.

"Wow, you certainly have it all planned out, one of many reasons why I love you."

"And having you with me is one of many reasons why I love you too."

She then kissed me.

"In the meantime, Bond, take a rest or let the others know in advance so they can be here and ready."

We left the home and Coco trotted back to her house whilst Rarity went to the theatre. I decided to go to the other mares houses and let them know about Rarity's request for help and to my relief, Twilight, Pinkie and Fluttershy were indeed free to be help out, I also told them about the play which Spike wanted to go and see too and I couldn't blame him.

When it was around sunset, all eight of us and Coco were in the dress design room.

"Alright girls, you have what you need to make the dresses." Rarity announced to Twilight, Pinkie, Fluttershy and Coco. "We're going off now but we'll be back after the play is over."

"Alright Rarity, tell them to break a leg from us." Coco replied. "And I mean good luck to them from us."

"I know what you mean." I giggle, "See you all later."

So Spike, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and me left the boutique and walked over and inside the Ponyville Theatre, it almost looked like it was sold out, but we had a really good row to sit. Just a few away from the stage. Spike, Dash and Applejack sat on my left side and Rarity sat on my right side as we held hooves and smiled.

"Ah sure hope this performance goes well." Applejack said, "Last time they were on stage, it wasn't exactly good."

"You mean the time time they tried to sing a performance and get their cutie marks out of it?" I asked, "It was strange but now that we look back, it was kinda funny to see it all go wrong."

"It does now!" Dash replied as she tried not to laugh before she stopped and sighed.

"Shhh!" Rarity said, "The performance is about to begin."

The main hall lights went off as the curtains went up, the theatre performance by the CMC's was finally underway.

The play lasted for a while, I quickly looked at the other three all smiling happily, Rarity and Applejack were feeling proud of thier sisters and Dash was really impressed with Scootaloo, even though this kind of thing isn't exactly her style.

"Forsooth and anon, I cometh forthwith and post-haste with glad tidings, miladies." Sweetie said in her play.

According to the audience, it was the last line of the play, big fanfare music began to play and the curtains fell as they took a bow. We all got up and cheered at the play, it was really top-notch and from where I saw, they didn't seem to be phased by the dress designs, especially Sweetie.

Backstage in one of the dining rooms, were all chatting away about the play along with a few other ponies.

"Here we are, the stars of the show!" Sweetie announced as the CMC's walked in the room with thier own shades and out of the costumes.

"You may tell us how much you loved it now." Applebloom added.

"Line forms here!" Scootaloo said.

"Your line is already here." I said as the others stood behind me.

"Applebloom, you were really somethin' out there." Applejack complimented.

"Thanks sis." Applebloom replied.

"It wasn't my thing, Scootaloo, but you were awesome with your acting." Dash said to her.

"Thanks Rainbow!" Scootaloo replied.

"Sweetie Belle dear, you were magnificent on stage. I am so proud of you tonight." Rarity said.

"Thank you Rarity." Sweetie replied.

"I wonder if everypony else loved it." Scootaloo said as they walked to a few other ponies.

"What did you ponies like best?" Sweetie asked the others, "The writing, the directing, or the acting?"

"Oh my, I'm Lemon Hearts and I- I loved the dresses." she replied.

"I liked some of those lines you said." Noteworthy added.

"Oh, really? Which ones?" Sweetie asked.

"Uh, I don't really remember, but you were wearing a pink taffeta dress with lots of chiffon when you said them! Whoo-ee, that outfit was a dazzler!"

"I liked that one almost as much as the one with the lacy trim and all the embroidered cuffs!" Lemon added.

"That was a nice one too!"

I could see that Scootaloo and Applebloom were confused, but Sweetie was getting a little irritated by the answers...looks like what I feared all along was going to happen.

"Isn't there anypony here who remembers anything about the play besides the dresses?!" Sweetie growled.

The other ponies all muttered about the costumes, none of them mentioned anything else about the play.

"Ah think we should head home now, ah'm a little tired." Applebloom said.

"Me too," Scootaloo added, "We'll see you tomorrow, Sweetie Belle."

"Okay, see you both tomorrow." Sweetie sighed.

Scootaloo and Applebloom left the theatre along with Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Rarity, Sweetie and me all walked back to the boutique and Sweetie didn't say a word since then. I was worried about her and so was Rarity. When we got back, we walked up to the design room to see none of them were there, but there were new finished dresses, one of which had a lot of feathers in a hat.

We then saw a small message on the table, I read it which explained that they managed to get the dresses done on time.

"Whatever's the matter, Sweetie Belle?" Rarity asked, "I was there to see your play."

"Not even close." she replied.

"Oh, dear. Was there something wrong with the dresses I made you?"

"No, they were perfect, and that was the whole problem!"

"Umm, maybe I should go?" I asked.

"Yeah, you probably should darling...this is between me and Sweetie now." Rarity replied.

"Okay..." I kissed her quickly before I left the room, but I hid myself beside the door outside so I could hear.

"How could you?!" Sweetie yelled, "'Oh, what amazing dresses! Oh, how I love the dresses! Ooh, dresses, dresses, dresses, dresses!'"

"Oh, so they did like them. You had me worried, you silly filly."

"There! I knew it! You did this on purpose! Stealing the spotlight like you always do! It's my fifth birthday party all over again!"

"The... the what now?"

"Don't act like you don't remember. Or are you trying to prove you're a better actress than me too?!"

"Sweetie Belle, if I did anything to upset you, then-"

"Admit you made those dresses too good on purpose!"

"I thought they were supposed to be good."

"Yes, good. Not jaw-dropping amazing!"

"I only tried to do what I thought you wanted."

"Ha!"

I quickly put on a stealth spell when I heard Sweetie's hooves leaving the room, she went into her own bedroom and slammed the door. Rarity came out afterwards and sighed...hate to say I told you so, Rarity, I thought to myself.

I deactivated my stealth spell and sighed which slightly surprised Rarity, I grabbed her hoof and took her downstairs so that Sweetie could have some time to herself and calm down.

"Rarity love, I overheard something that caught my ear." I said, "What was she saying about her fifth birthday?"

"I don't know, it was just a normal birthday I set up for her." Rarity replied as we found a sofa to sit down, "She had a few friends over and we were having a good time. We were waiting for my sister to come downstairs and that she wanted to look like a princess, but all I remember was that the fillies were getting bored of waiting and wanted to leave."

"I see, so what happened next?"

"I did what any other sister would do, kept the party going until she arrived. I brought out a box of party buzzers and other things and they loved it so, calling me the greatest and saying who needs a party pony when they have me. But I protested and said to them they were Sweetie's idea whereas I was the execution who designed them."

"Well, that explains a lot, but I guess your sister never learnt the whole story?"

"Maybe...maybe not....I want to tell her what really happened that day, but I don't think she'll want to listen to me right now."

"Perhaps not, but I know somepony who might be able to help."

"Who?"

"Just leave it to me...and don't worry, I have a feeling that after tomorrow, things will work out in the end."

"Okay, thank you darling, goodnight."

"No problem, goodnight to you too, my love."

We then shared a passionate kiss before I left her home and walked to my home. I went straight to my bed and waited until I started dreaming, when I did. I used my imagination to find Princess Luna and the dream began...

"Princess Luna, are you here?" I called out in my dream, "I need your help!"

Then by magic, Luna appeared in front of me.

"Prince Bond Racer," she replied formally, "It is an honour to see you again since the eclipse event a few weeks ago."

"Likewise Luna, I have a favour to ask and it's somewhat classed as an emergency."

"I see, what do you need me to help you with?"

"I want you to go and check on Sweetie Belle while she's dreaming, I just have a bad feeling that because of what happened to her on her fifth birthday without knowing the full story, she might do or might've done something that she will regret the next day and could cost both of them their future."

"That sounds quite a feat, but not that I couldn't be willing to handle. Of course, I will gladly help Sweetie see the error of her ways. I only ask one thing in return."

"Really? What do you need me to do in return?"

"Pay attention to your pocket-watch closely, I have a feeling that it may be an important key to a future event, that is all."

"Okay, I'll make sure to do that when this is done."

"Sleep well, Prince."

And with that, Luna flew away from my dream and I began sleeping a peaceful dream through the night.

When it was the next day, I heard a knock on my door and opened it to see Rarity with a box of dresses which were made for Sapphire Shores last night.

"Morning darling, I need help with these boxes, could you carry the one behind me and bring it to Canterlot?" Rarity asked.

"Sure Rarity, I can do that for you." I replied. "How is Sweetie Belle?"

"She is still sleeping, when this is over, I'm gonna make sure to treat her far much better than before."

I then left my home and carried the second box with my magic as we caught the train from Ponyville to Canterlot. When we got there, Rarity led the way to where we needed to go. We then arrived at an exclusive dance studio that was guarded by a bouncer I guess.

"This way, dear. Sapphire Shores needs these dresses asap." Rarity said as we walked in.

We then walked upstairs to one of the dance rooms, and upon opening the doors, we saw Sapphire Shores and her group of dancers who seemed to be rehearsing a performance. Rarity squeed in delight as I took both of the boxes and placed the dresses out on a dress rack by us.

"Wooo!" Sapphire exclaimed, "Take five ladies."

The dancers walked off as Sapphire walked towards us.

"Well if it isn't the fabulous Rarity and Prince bond Racer...what a seeeeeeenstational honour it is to see you here too."

Sapphire then bowed at me.

"Thank you Sapphire, but I'm not a pop-star, besides, I sing terrible." I smirked.

"Awww, always the modest Prince." Sapphire noticed the dresses laid out on the rack "Are those the new dresses I ordered?"

"Yes indeed." Rarity replied, "I have made sure that they are up to your standards as before."

"Well in that case, I'd love to try them on, after we give you and Bond a sample of our upcoming tour show...come on ladies!"

Sapphire and the mares all got on stage and gave us a rehearsal of one of her songs.

"Five, six, seven eight, ba-bam!" she instructed.

"Oh, bravo! Fabulous! Magnifique!" Rarity praised happily.

"I agree, you're really great dancers." I added.

"One more time, from the top. Let's not embarrass me in front of the Prince and my favourite designer this time?" Sapphire asked her dancers, "And a-one, two, three, four!"

The rehearsals continued until it was time for Sapphire to put on her new dress.

"Now, that's how I like it! You rocked it, girls! Get some water and be back in ten." she said and the dancers left the room. "Rar-i-ty, come on up here and show me what you brought me. Sapphire wants to see it and love it!"

Rarity went ahead with showing the designs made for her dancers.

"Okay then. Liking what I see so far. So is this the whole she bang?"

"Actually, I saved the best for last!." Rarity replied as she took out the big feathered hat I saw last night. "And here it is."

Just then, we heard smack noises coming from the window and to our surprise, Sweetie Belle landed and grabbed the box with the hat in it and galloped away.

"You gotta see this with the cinnamon ribbon! You'll love it!" Sweetie exclaimed as she left the room.

"Sweetie Belle?!"

"You know her?" Sapphire asked.

"Uh...Ahem. Just a moment!"

Rarity then galloped after her.

"Don't worry Sapphire, they'll be back shortly." I assured.

"They better be, I don't like wasting much time."

Shortly afterwards, Rarity and Sweetie returned with the box and they were ready to show it.

"Rarity, this isn't going to work out." Sapphire said, "You don't get to my level of success without learning to read the signs, and this situation has bad luck written all over it."

"I promise you'll absolutely adore the headdress as soon as you see it." Rarity assured.

She opened the box and lifted out the feathered hat and placed it on Sapphire's head.

"My, it is attractive, but..." she paused as she went to look at herself in the mirror.

"Look at the stitching, real close." Sweetie said.

"Well, I'll be. It's a dolphin! That's my lucky animal! They swim with me in my dreams."

"Wherever did you come up with the idea for a dolphin?" Rarity asked Sweetie.

"Oh, it just came to me...in a dream. I'm sorry I got jealous about those dresses. I know now that you were only trying to help just like you were trying to help save my fifth birthday party."

I smiled and closed my eyes. Thank you Luna, I will look at my pocket watch as promised, I said in my mind.

"Oh, Sweetie, I forgive you and I am so glad you finally know the whole story. Is there any chance you could do an encore performance?"

"Uh, I don't think the play went all that good. To be honest, the costumes were the best part."

Rarity and Sweetie then hugged.

"Well, I think it's time we went on home, it was quite a privilege to see you again." I said.

"I feel the same way too, Prince, I believe you and Rarity have a very strong future together." Sapphire replied.

"Thank you Sapphire, I'm sure you'll need me for more dresses in the future." Rarity said as we began to leave.

"Fabulous! Don't worry about the boxes, leave them here for us. Take care now."

Raity, Sweetie and myself left the dance studio and when we got the station, we saw Applebloom and Scootaloo waiting. When we got on the train, we told them what had happened today, so everything was finally settled.

"Well as soon as we get back, ah've gotta go straight to my family, we're gonna have a swimming session together." Applebloom said happily.

"As for me, I'm going to be having a flying session with Rainbow Dash and Soarin!" Scootaloo added before gasped and closed her mouth. "Whoops...I wasn't meant to say that yet."

"It's okay Scootaloo." I assured, "Nopony knows about them dating, just that they're working together...for now."

Scootaloo sighed in relief.

When we arrived back in Ponyville, we got off the train and Applebloom galloped straight back to her family farm whilst Scootaloo walked to the pond to wait for Rainbow and Soarin. Leaving me, Rarity and Sweetie walking back to the boutique.

"Well Bond, it's time for me and Sweetie Belle to talk about past times and clear them up." Rarity said, "So I'll be spending time with her for the rest of the day."

"That's okay, you two deserve it." I replied, "I'll see you both another time."

Rarity and I shared a kiss and I walked back to my home...hmm, it was still the daytime as I looked up at the sky before walking into my home. When I got in, I began preparing my lunch as I didn't have much else to do before I walked over ot my beside table and grabbed my pocket watch. When I looked all around it, I then noticed a tiny shape of a crystal box, it then showed a shiny glow of rainbow colours.

I gasped...I couldn't believe it, this family pocket watch is one of the seven keys to unlocking that crystal box. I knew I had to keep it safe for now and wait until all the other six keys are found, if they have been found that is. Oh well, better enjoy my lunch now and think about what to do next. Next Chapter: Leap Of Faith Estimated time remaining: 8 Hours, 8 Minutes