The now group of seven walked on back, going past many a rock and a few withered but still growing trees that were rarely found in the area around town. They moved towards the stone that was made as a improvised camp to meet up with the others.

Rarity adjusted her small bags over her shoulders, a brown rough cloak over her person to help ward off some dust and sun while she moved along. When they reached the large stone, Spree was there to greet them with her group and all the minions. It was the later that made Rarity pause and look down with hesitance, asking, “Uh… w-what are… those?” Finger pointing down with weariness.

Moving up, Spree said, “Relax Rar, they won’t hurt you.” Making the mare glance up at the armored pony. “It’s good to see you again.”

Blinking, Rarity spoke, “I’m sorry but…” Looking at the earth mare carefully, “How do you know me? I don’t recall…”

Waving a hand, Spree told, “We met in passing. I’m Storm Spree, I used to follow with Shadow Daze to get new measurements from time to time?”

Slowly, Rarity noded. “Shadow Daze… Shadow Daze… that… that name is familiar…”

Slowly, concern bloomed onto Spree’s face, almost casting a look to Jerry before looking back to Rarity and asking, “Rarity… don’t you remember?”

Hand on her head, Rarity said, “I’m sorry, but I might not. I’ve… had some incident that made my mind fuzzy to a few past details. It’s… not quite all there.”

Spree mutely nodded… but glanced to Palm and Flake, telling, “Why not you two help Rarity through the gate?” Giving the white unicorn a smile and a nod… then moved to Jerry before whispering, “Jerry, what’s going on?” Then went on, “The Minions began saying you wanted them to find a vault, but I got lost at the ‘get a cutie mark’ remark.” Then screwed up her face, “Or the neglection of ‘where’ this vault is.” Which made Jerry blink and want to facepalm.

Sighing as he forgot to ask that, he explained. “Apparently this Starlight Glimmer has this ideal of ‘Equality’ where they reject a special talent and cutie marks, with this...equal sign. They keep it all in a vault somewhere.”

Mist flick her ear, snorting and telling to Spree. “The Overlord made himself a fool, being so certain that apparently it was wrong for them to have their philosophy.”

Spree sighed some and gave Jerry a slight look before shaking her head, “I hope at least you didn’t make too much of a ruckus Jerry.” Then admitted, “I mean, the idea of not having my cutie mark is… well, I don’t like it.” Then went on, “Doesn't mean you can just tell other ponies off for a choice they made. It would be unfair.”

“That's what we told him,” dryly said Mist. “He thought he was so in the right, bullying them into thinking they shouldn't have their ideals.”

Taking a deep breath, Jerry told. “It's one thing to have a ‘harmony’....it's another when it's slowly leading to Perfect Order.”

Spree screwed her face up and said, “Listen, both of you.” Giving looked to each, “We have Rarity, right?” Then raised her hands, “We can work things out from there. We’ve all been a little on edge after having to trudge through this desert for a near week. Maybe we should just head back, get showers and cool down.”

“Spree, all I'm saying is that something is really, really nagging me. Like something was seriously wrong with the town. It's like...like they gave up and want to stagnate.”

“Just give it a rest,” said Lance in annoyance as he glare to Jerry. “How about you keep your thoughts to yourself? Why should we listen to a word of a ‘bad guy’?” Heading into the Gate as he was off.

Spree had to give a disapproving glance at Lance, but didn’t open her own mouth. She let the others move on by towards the gate before looking to Jerry and told, “Listen, you might feel off about it all, but right now? It’s not important. What is, is making sure Rarity is okay and is with the others.” Hand to his shoulder and going on, “We can deal with this another time. And as it stands, they’re not hurting anyone, right? So… just let it rest for now.”

“....the road to hell is paved with good intentions, Spree. Even if it's not hurting anyone now….doesn't mean it might one day.” Moving to the gate and teleport as he thought of talking to Albert, hoping talking with another human with logic might help ease his off feeling.

As the Minions follow some, one of the Blues glance to Spree as it spoke. “Strange feeling of town. Magic wrong.”

Signing, Spree said, “Just let it go for now Goop’s. We literally have more important things to deal with.” Then glanced back at where the town was. It nagged her that it bothered Jerry so much-- but with the Cara on the rampant, the Caribou occupying their homes and the still two missing elements? They had a lot on their plate still. “We’ll deal with it another time.” Turning away and going for the gate.

Although as the ponies enter in the Gate, some of the Blues glance to another as when the Ponies were gone, one told. “Tell Quaver. He’ll know something.” All nodding as they jump into their pits, as they and the Gate disappear… but after a moment, a Main Gate form from where the Waypoint Gate used to be. As it drilled up and set itself to be a permanent part of the area.

---

Applejack felt concerned as while she got her friends back and were all clothed up….Rarity was acting funny, dressed funny too. The Rare she knew...wouldn't wear simple clothings. Even more simple manestyle!

There was something wrong about this, as she asked to the white unicorn. “Are ya sure ya’ll don't remember when we all went t’ tha’ Gala? With them dresses you made?” As the more they try to get their friend to recall...the more concern she grew, even more after the Tree helped Rarity...something was wrong.

“I’ll admit, I… don’t quite know if the same memory.” Admitted the mare, “The tree certainly cleared my head up some, but some of it is still… all fuzzy.” Screwing her face up and going on, “Like… like it’s just out of reach but I can’t quite grasp it.” Then went on, “Like trying to figure out if this dress is a tawny or a caramel shade…” Then shook her head, “No, no, I should really just stick with it being brown.”

Pinkie Pie only staired, holding her sugary treat before her but not eating. She was still unable to seemingly process what was before herself. Similarly, Rainbow Dash gave a suspicious look and asked, “Are you sure you’re not some changeling in disguise?”

Looking a bit affronted, Rarity said, “Rainbow Dash, there is no need to accuse me like that.” Then admitted, “My mind is a little muddled, yes… but really, it’s honestly me.” Then smiled, “Why, I recall when you first came to ponyville, showboating as you did.” Giving a small laugh, “And then saying… saying something about…” Pausing to think before screwing up her face, “Oh, what was it? I want to say it’s on the tip of my tongue…”

“Me becoming a Wonderbolt!” Told Rainbow dash, frowning some as she said. “How could you remember about me coming to Ponyville, but not of my dreams of being the best flyer?”

With a small laugh, Rarity said, “Trust me darling, I was much worse beforehand.” Then went on to tell with no small hint of embarrassment, “When the townsfolk found me, I could hardly remember my left from my right-- Starlight did a remarkable job with a few others to patch me back up. Why, I doubt I’d be able to dress myself with some of their help.” Then shook her head, admitting, “I was quite the mess…”

Applejack frown, as she felt that despite this ‘Starlight’ sounding a good mare, something didn't feel right, as while Rainbow talked to Rarity, she look to Pinkie, seeing her not being her usual self, as she noticed Pinkie looking suspicious as she asked. “Something up Sugarcube?”

Eyes peeking to make sure the rainbow maned mare held Rarity’s attention, Pinkie next to vanished under the table and not a moment latter, popped up next to Applejack. The mare slightly jumped, but the pink party-mare whispered, “I know Rarty’s smile, and that smile?” Pointing at Rarity, “That smile is just fake! It’s the, ‘I have been working so much I am really really tired and worried’ sort of smile!” Which made the farmer wonder how Pinkie knew… but then again, it was Pinkie.

Applejack furrowed her brows, as she said. “But she look fine…” then shook her head. “Who am I kidding? There's no way she's the same, I thought that tree would help heal what them varmints done to us.”

Looking form Rarity to Applejack, Pinkie said, “IDEA!” Her shout causing many to look at her before she next to sipped off in a speedy run.

Rarity blinked and said, “My, Pinkie seems… enthusiastic about something..?” Looking to Applejack with bemusement.

“She is,” said Applejack, as she asked. “Do you at least know what happen to those two good for nothing brothers Flim and Flam?”

Seeming to focus into thought, Rarity said, “Well, not completely.” Taking a long moment to actually think. “It had to do something with… being up north, I can tell you that much.” Folding her hands and bending over a bit over the table. “It’s not a particularly clear memory. They were trying to go someplace, I’m not sure where, but somewhere. And, some time into the trip, things gotten insatiably cold rather suddenly.”

The two perked some as Rarity continued to tell, “I recall that it was pleasant, but then it got chilly. A few trees getting a bit of ice and… and I think a fog bank rolling in?” Pausing to think before shaking her head, “That’s about it before everything skips to that long winding plato's near the Town. I recall I was being carried by some townsfolk a that point, but I never did know what happened to those two.”

While Applejack was worried of the sudden cold, another part of her felt some justice was done to them, even if they had no idea what fully happen. But she did asked. “Do ya at least remember Storm Spree? An’ her friend, Shadow Daze? They’d go an’ come to your store for dresses an’ the like.”

Smiling, Rarity nodded, “I got to talk to Spree, and I do indeed recall Shadow a bit.” Then smiled more brightly, “It even help rekindled some old memories of my little sister, not many mind you-- but more than I had before.” Then admitted, “Spree is still a little fuzzy in my mind, but I do recall a few things..” She was about to go on--

Or right before the table shook and a image of many colored boxes were before them. Pinkie called, “Rarity quick! What are the names of each shade of pink on this sheet!” It made them all just stare at the mare.

“Urm… Pinkie. Dear…” Started Rarity, “I…” Looking down and furrowing her brow some. “Why do you ask?” Then something clicked, “Oh, oh I remember this, a little game we used to do!” This made the pink mare smile. “Alright, let’s see here.” The fashionist leaning over…

They waited… and waited, right until Rarity grimaced, “Well… they are all shades of pink.” Giving a uncomfortable chuckle. “And… I know that’s a solid pink.” Pointing to one box. “And… Blush… that one is … rosewood was it?” Squinting her eyes, “Oh… oh dear, I can’t seem to differentiate some of these.” Though it looked like she was trying, even if it didn’t come to her. “Come now Rarity, you know these colors…” Tapping on one box and it’s shade of pink. “I can’t tell if this was watermelon or if it’s Rouge.”

Applejack glance to Rainbow, as while the Pegasus looked bewilder that this could help anything, Applejack felt a very concern expression growing on her face. She knew Rarity could easily decipher large amount of shaded colors by mere glance….

Made her worried that there was more than ‘memory lost’ at here. But the question was...what?

“How about this?” Pinkie was fast to suddenly slap down another image-- quite a few. All of them held dress styles, and many kind from glamorous, to gothic, to sheik and even casual and just plain bad.

Rarity blinked and said, “Well, some of these are quite lovely looking.” Picking up a few and saying, “This one looks familiar…” Then recalled, “Ah, I remember, made this one for that one party for Cypher Splash-- said she wanted to look her best!” Then went on, “And this one… this one is nice.” Looking at a gothic one, “Oh, and this one isn’t so terrible either.” This time looking at a fairly normal, subpar dress.

While the two athletic mares cast odd glances, Pinkie looked all the more focused, suspicious and unsure. Though she soon grinned and asked, “What about this one?” Pointing out a certain dress that was made for the gala for Fluttershy.

This time, Rarity gave it a look over and said, “Oh that’s simply a lovely dress.” Eyes gaining a gleam almost, “Why, I remember this one! This was for the gala, Fluttershy’s if I recall right.” This time, both AJ and RD perked. “Oh, do I remember the process of making this one.” Giggled out Rarity, “you all kept pestering me about trying to make the dress just right.” Then rolled her eyes, “You all nearly drove me over the edge. But it did work out, didn’t it? Making out those graceful turns, the nice elegant designs and the… and the…”

For a moment Rarity’s reminiscing tone just dropped as she fumbled, “And the… stitching was… nice?” Screwing up her muzzle while the three cast looks to one another, Rarity going on, “And… and the… colors matched?” Then rubbed the side of her head, “I… oh…. With Fluttershy I did a green… nature...thing?” Looking almost stumped as to what she was trying to say.

With a flat look, Rainbow Dash said, “Yeah… now I’m totally sure something is so wrong here.” There was just no way this was a good sign if Rarity just… up and lost that inspirational gleam for dresses. That was her thing! It’s what Rarity did fore a living!

Applejack furrowed her brows more, trying to figure out what is going on as Pinkie narrow her eyes at Rarity and soon move down under the table, and popped up behind the unicorn as she flip up the dress.

Applejack was shock at the mare actions as she was reprimanding Pinkie-- but pause. Seeing the….equal mark on Rarity flank side as she asked. “Rare...where's your cutie mark?”

For her part, Rarity was trying to tug the dress back down and said, “Pinkie Pie, please!” eventually tugging her dress back down and looking a bit annoyed, “Honestly, I’m only wearing some basic undergarments!” Feeling miffed-- or until she registered what Applejack said. “My Cutie Mark?” Then said, “Ah, right, I never told you, did I?”

Clearing her voice, Rarity smiled, “I’ve fully accepted my new Town’s way of thinking. A sort of full up equality for anyone that lives there.” Then went on telling, “No strife, no arguments, no complaints-- it’s such a nice place, pleasant even. Fluttershy would just adore it, I’m sure.”

“But your Cutie Mark!” Rainbow nearly cried out, “What happened to it?”

“I had it removed.” Told Rarity with a simple wave of a hand, “I didn’t need it. Everypony had a mindset that a Cuite Mark was a form of entrapment and overly prideful mindset of having a sort of advantage over others. A sort of unfair state to all round you.” Then went on as she began to organize the papers before her. “I gave it up after a while because I simply felt I didn’t need it anymore while living in such a nice quaint little town like that.”

“Rare, has it ever occur to ya’ll that a Cuite mark is part of who ya are?” Spoke Applejack. “Tha’ it's more than your talent, it's a’part of ya self?”

Shaking her head, Rarity told, “Not that it wholly matters Applejack, I can hardly recall who I am on my best days. So why would it really matter?” Then gave a smile, “Why, it’s rather liberating in a sense. Not having to put up a farce all the time to keep up some silly image.”

“Like the time all of our cutie marks were switch?” Asked Pinkie with a sad tone, gaining her friends look. “Remember that Rarity? When we were each other? How you tried to be Rainbow dash, but you did the weather with fashion?”

Thinking some, Rarity gramance, “I… a little bit…” Then told, “If I recall I made an utter mess of the sky or… something about how I got frustrated with trying to fix the way it looked and..” Then gave a slight groan and rubbing her head, “Oh those migraines. I do hate when they come up before things seem to blank out like that.”

Slight suspicious now, Applejack tried to reason to Rarity. “Maybe ‘cause ya got them headaches, is because you’re better, but not complete? That your Cutie Mark holds all your memories, like when Twi restore our true selves with our own marks?”

Frowning, Rarity admitted, “I’m not sure if I’d want it back, then.” Getting the others to rear back their heads, “There’s some things I’d rather forget, Applejack. In a manner of speaking, I know that something horrible befell Equestria, and to I-- but I don’t know what that is anymore.” Then went on, “It certainly keeps nightmares away. I was told before I had my mark removed I would have them almost non-stop. I can actually sleep now.”

“So you don’t want it to keep a bunch of good dreams?” Asked Rainbow Dash with skepticism.

“Oh no, I don’t dream at all Rainbow Dash.” Told Rarity, which only sent a shiver down each one’s spine. “Hard to gain a nightmare if you don’t have any from a dream to bother you.”

“But Rarity!” Said Pinkie in slight hysterics. “Do you really want to give up not only your mark, but all the good memories? All the time we all shared? Even all that inspiration you gave? I know it might be scary, but that's what we have each other for! To give hugs to each other, and stay with our friends…” looking more sad as she asked.

“Do you really want to give all that up because you don't see us as your friends anymore? That you don't care about all the good memories we had?”

Patting the air with her hands, Rarity tried to pacify, “I’m not saying that Pinkie Pie, I do want to remember.” then bit her lip, “But I… also don’t want to hurt anymore.” Then smiled, “The community has been nice to me, girls. Really nice. I feel at home with them around.”

Letting out a sigh and taking off the station that she was returned by one of the many ponies of the island, Applejack asked, “Rar’, what abou’ us?” Getting a odd look as she told, “We’re worried sugarcube. Ever since ya’ll came back, you’ve been… well, no’ yerself. Not one might bit.”

“Yeah.” Rainbow pitched in, “You used to totally get on my case about my mane and keep trying to make these weird braides out of it-- kinda annoying.” She glanced at the looks her friends gave before saying, “N-not that was a bad thing!” Then scratched the back of her head awkwardly. “I mean… some of them weren't that bad… just… a little weird and awkward… cool ponies don’t usually do fashion so…”

The element of loyalty sighed and told, “Rarity, listen. We’re just… worried.” Then went on, “I had to put up with two scumbags in cloudsdale for a long time-- I kept feeling angry I let things get so bad, I let you all down.” Then set her face some and told, “And now that you’re here, it’s like you’re somepony else-- not Rarity!”

Screwing up her face, Rarity told, “Well, maybe I just changed some and found a better way of living.” Slightly crossing her arms.

“We’re not trying to gang up on ya.” Said Applejack, “Please Rar’...” A slightly sad and somber tone there. “It’s been years since we got t’ see ya in good shape.” Then looked to the side, “We all worried sumthin’ real bad migh’ of happen t’ ya. Just… please, bear with us here?”

Holding a slightly scrunched up face for a moment, Rarity soon sighed and said, “Alright Applejack.” Then pointed to them, “But enough of this pushing and arguing about myself. This isn’t how friend should be treating each other.”

While they wanted to talk more, they knew they need to keep it calm, but Pinkie did asked. “Say where did your Cutie mark go to? Some sort of storage?”

Glad the subject changed, Rarity told, “A vault Pinkie, one that we’re allowed to visit at any time in the day we please.” Then went on, “Not all of us do, most of us just stay around Town with our friends or to get a few things done around Town. I myself haven’t visited it in quite some time now.”

“Oh, is it in a big secret underground facility? Oh what if it’s in a mystical doorway with a giant bear asking 3 questions-- oh what if it's actually a series of tests and puzzles and you may get a chance to get cake?” babble on Pinkie as Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and said to Rarity.

“I think what Pinkie is asking on where it at, I mean saying it's just a vault doesn’t make us understand of it, Rarity.”

Giving a slight shrug, Rarity said, “Well, I don’t really think too much about it. I’ve mostly been leaving it behind myself. Something I just want to leave in the past and not bother dwelling too much on.” To her, it just hurt too much to think about it. And sometimes, or rather most times, Rarity felt better to just forget.

It took a moment for her to notice Pinkie wasn’t babbling, and instead there was a pair of arms around her as the mare said, “you don’t have to be sad Rarity.” Tod the perky mare, “If you need to talk, we’re here you know.”

With a glance, Rarity smiled, “Pinkie, I’m not sad.” Then assured, “I’m perfectly fine.”

Giving a almost small smile, a sadder one that somehow looked off to Rarity, Pinkie told. “No your not. I know your real smile Rarity.” Then lifted a finger to boop the mare’s nose. “This is your ‘I’m hurting’ smile.” And for a moment... Rarity felt her smile crack.

Next Chapter: Discussion and planning Estimated time remaining: 26 Hours, 33 Minutes