Solar Son
Chapter 42: Chapter 41-Suited for Success (Edited)
Previous Chapter Next ChapterAuthor's Notes:
Well, I'm back to updating Solar Son. Wow, I can't remember the last time I uploaded a new chapter to this story. But here you are, a fresh new chapter to read. So before letting you all get down to reading and enjoying, a quick note. I'm going to have four more updates of Solar Son before I move back into The Fabled Warrior, which will get five chapters and then Poke Eques, which will get five chapters. Then back to Solar Son. So that's all I have to say, for now, expect do enjoy this new chapter. Now as always: comment, like, follow, share and tell. I hope to see you all again in the next update of Solar Son. Bye for now.
Suited for Success (Edited)
Solar and Twilight walked the streets of Ponyville heading towards Rarity's boutique. Twilight needed Rarity to make repairs to her dress for the upcoming Grand Galloping Gala. She also needed to make some adjustments thanks to her expanding stomach. But while making it to Rarity's they ran into Applejack. They decided all to head towards Rarity's place together.
They made it to the shop and entered it. But Rarity didn't say anything. They all decided to head up to her room. Twilight, Solar, and Applejack found Rarity at her desk working hard on some clothing with her sewing machine. Rarity was completely in the zone and hadn't even realized that Twilight, Solar, and Applejack were in her room. Applejack then decided tried to get Rarity's attention.
"Howdy, Rarity!" Said Applejack
"Shh... Can't you see Rarity is trying to concentrate?" Said Twilight
"What do you think she's makin'?" Asked Applejack
"Well, her cutie mark is in fashion, so probably a dress." Said Solar
"Well, that makes sense. Since this is a dressmaker's shop and all." Said Applejack
Rarity sighed as she lost her concentration and spun herself around to face the trio.
"Is there something I can help you with?" Asked Rarity
"Oh, so very sorry to trouble you, Rarity, but I need a quick favor." Twilight pulled out a dress from the backpack on Solar's back. She placed it on the table where Rarity stood. "Could you please fix the button for me? It's my dress for the Grand Galloping Gala."
"Also Rarity, could you expanded it for her as well." Said Solar
"Oh, no, no, no! You can't wear this... old thing. You need a glamorous new outfit for the Gala, and I'll make it for you. No problem at all. It will be my pleasure!" Said Rarity
"How nice of you, Rarity? But please make sure you attend for her new belly." Said Solar
Twilight just sighed, "Oh, that's sweet of you to offer, Rarity, but I can't let you do that. It would be so much work. This dress is fine." Said Twilight
"Twilight Sparkle. I insist on making you a new dress. I mean you must have a beautiful dress as you are a princess of Equestria." Said Rarity
"But..." But Twilight got cut off by Rarity.
"Not another word! I won't take no for an answer." Said Rarity
"Twilight honey, I believe we should let Rarity make you a new one. I think a new dress would look great one you." Said Solar
"Well, in that case... Thank you for your generosity, Rarity. Knowing your handiwork, I'm sure it will be beautiful." Said Twilight
"Great darling, so you still don't want me to make you a suit, Solar." Said Rarity
"Thanks for the offer, Rarity, but I'm going to wear my military uniform." Said Solar
"Hm, well if that's what you wish, I can't stop you. Now, Applejack, let me guess. You don't want a new gown either." Said Rarity
"Gown? Shoot. I was just gonna wear my old work duds." Said Applejack
"You can't possibly be serious, Applejack! You must wear formal attire. Solar tell Applejack she must wear formal attire to the Gala." Said Rarity
"Rarity's right with that all who attend must wear formal attire or if you're a guard, your official uniform. Guards on duty are to wear their armor." Said Solar
"See Applejack, now how about I spruce up your... duds for you a little bit?" Said Rarity
"Okay, sure. Why not? Since you're up for it and all, just don't make them too... frou-frou-y." Said Applejack
"Deal." Said Rarity
Solar looked up at the roof of Rarity's house.
"You ok, Solar?" Asked Twilight
"backup, honey." Said Solar
"Huh." Said Twilight
"Look out below!"
Rainbow came crashing into the room and bounced into Rarity's fashion material. Twilight looked at Solar and at the hole in the ceiling and where Rainbow was.
"I guess that's why you told me to move." Said Twilight
"That's right." Said Solar
"You ok, Rainbow." Said Applejack
"Yeah, just a new trick that didn't quite work." Said Rainbow
"I'll say." Said Solar
"Sorry about the damage to your place, Rarity." Said Rainbow
"Rarity." Said Twilight
Rarity was looking at Rainbow before a light bulb went off in her head. "Idea! I'll make you an outfit for the Gala too, Rainbow Dash."
"Outfit for the what now?" Asked Rainbow
"The Grand Galloping Gala." Said Twilight
"Oh, yeah, I totally forgot about that." Said Rainbow
"Yes, this is perfect. I'll make a dress for you and you and all of you. Oh! And of course Pinkie and Fluttershy too. Oh, and we can hold a fashion show once I finish them!" Said Rarity
"Hm, fashion show." Said Solar
"What a great idea! If you're sure, you can handle it." Said Twilight
"Oh, it'll be a little bit of work, but it will be an excellent boost for my business. Plus, fun!" Said Rarity
"Oh, I love fun things!" Said Rainbow
"Then it's settled. We'll have a fashion show starring us." Said Rarity
"So all ya have tah do is make a different, stunning, original, fabulous outfit for one, two, three, four, five... plus yourself, six ponies? And licktey split?" Said Applejack
"Oh, Applejack. You make it sound as if it's going to be hard. But my profession is fashion, and no dress is too hard for me. Now, if you excuse me, I must get to work." Said Rarity
Rainbow, Applejack, Solar, and Twilight left Rarity to her work and when they exited Rainbow and Applejack said goodbye to Twilight and Solar as they went back to the library.
"You think Rarity can do it." Said Twilight
"I have no doubt about it." Said Solar
Twilight looked to see her husband was deep in thought. Twilight knew Solar was thinking about something since they left Rarity's boutique. She first saw it when Rarity first mentioned the fashion show.
"Thinking of something, dear." Said Twilight
"Yeah, you see I think I might have a way to help move Rarity's fashion career forward." Said Solar
"How?" Asked Twilight
"By pulling a few strings." Said Solar
"I guess you're heading to Canterlot." Said Twilight
"Yeah, but just for a few days. Spike can help you out with the girls." Said Solar
"Yeah, well I hope your string pulling works out." Said Twilight
"Oh, it will." Said Solar
***
Solar walked the streets of the wealthy district of Canterlot. A place where ponies could find high-end merchandise, plus where all the rich of Canterlot live. It didn't have many residents as not that many ponies of Canterlot were overly rich. Solar knew the district well as he took Twilight out here a few times. Solar also enjoyed spending time with both Cadance and his mother here. But he wasn't here to enjoy the district or ponies; he was here to see one pony.
Solar search began in front of a bar called the 'High Horse.' Solar pushed open the door, and the sound of classical music hit his ears. He walked towards the bartender who was cleaning a glass. The bartender looked up at Solar as he approached the bar.
"Well, well, if it isn't Prince Solar Flare." Said the bartender
"Hey Double Shot." Said Solar
The two knocked fists and laughed. Double Shot was a Solar Guard that became a close friend to Solar through a few sparing matches.
"Glad to see you're still kicking, Double." Said Solar
"Yeah, so what brings you down here. Oh, where's your wife." Said Double
"Ponyville with our adoptive daughters. I'm here on business." Said Solar
"Business, what business brings you here to the 'High Horse.'" Said Double
"I hear Hoity Toity frequents this bar." Said Solar
"Sure does," Double Shot pointed to a back round booth.
"Thanks, Double." Said Solar
"Hey," Solar turned around. "You still owe me another match."
"You got it Double." Said Solar
Solar walked back to the booth where Double Shot pointed to him. Solar stopped at the table and looked at the stallion looking down at a bunch of different papers and pictures. The stallion had a phthalo blue coat with a gray mane with a light gray streak. On his hand was a folding fan. The stallion was wearing a classy white suit. He also wore a pair of violet shades over his eyes.
"Hoity Toity." Said Solar
Hoity Toity looked up and pulled down his shades to show off his amber eyes. He then placed them back up.
"Prince Solar Flare, please sit down." Solar sat down next to Hoit Toity. "What brings you here?"
"I'm here to ask a favor." Said Solar
Hoity leaned back into the booth, "A favor."
"Yes, you see I have a friend in Ponyville that's a fashion designer. She's holding a fashion show to show off some of her dresses she made for my wife and her friends for the Grand Galloping Gala." Said Solar
"I see, so why do you want me to go and see?" Asked Hoity
"You have strong influences in the fashion world, and her dream is to become big in the fashion world. So I'm asking you to come and see the style and spread the word of it." Said Solar
"Hm," Hoity picked up his drink and took a small sip. "Interesting proposal Prince Solar. How good is she?"
"I could say she could turn the fashion world on its head." Said Solar
"Hm, alright I'll come. If this mare proves that she has an incredible sense of fashion, I'll help spread the word." Said Hoity
"Thanks, Hoity." Said Solar
"But remember Prince Solar, you owe me." Said Hoity
"I know, Hoity, and I'll send you a letter when they hold the fashion show." Said Solar
Solar got up and waved goodbye to Hoity Toity and said goodbye to Double Shot. Solar then went back to the castle to spend some time with his mother and auntie.
***
"I can't believe you were able to get Hoity Toity down here to see Rarity's fashion show. How did you do it?" Said Spike
"Easy, I know him from when we still lived Canterlot. I first got in contact with him about Twilight's prom dress for when she was still in my mother's school. I learned about him from my mom. So I asked him to make a dress for Twilight in exchange I become a model for his suits. An easy deal to make Twilight a beautiful dress." Said Solar
"I remember that dress, so that's where you got it." Said Spike
"Yeah, and after that, I kept in good contact with him. So I can ask him a favor, but in turn, I have to do something for him. Most of the time it has just been modeling his suits or wearing one of his suits somewhere." Said Solar
"Man, Rarity's going to go crazy when she hears this." Said Spike
"Yeah, so did I miss anything while I was gone." Said Solar
"Nothing particular, but the girls have been spending a lot of time with Rarity lately." Said Spike
"Must be putting the finishing touches on the dresses." Said Solar
"I guess." Said Spike
The two arrived at the front door of the boutique and pushed it open. The girls turned to see Solar and Spike coming inside. The first thing Solar saw was how exhausted Rarity looked. He found it strange but pushed it aside as his wife gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Welcome home dear, enjoy Canterlot." Said Twilight
"Yes, and the family says hi." Said Solar
"Glad to hear." Said Twilight
"So Solar what were you doing up in Canterlot?" Asked Rainbow
"Well, I was helping out Rarity." Said Solar
"Helping me out." Said Rarity
"Yes, I know how much you want to ascend in the fashion world, so I pulled some strings and got Hoity Toity to come down and see the fashion show." Said Solar
"The bigwig fashion hotshot in Canterlot?" Asked Twilight
"One of them, he's the one that made your prom dress." Said Solar
"Oh, so I guess you owe him again." Said Twilight
"Looks like it, but it'll be worth it to kick start Rarity's fashion career." Said Solar
"Whoa, Nelly! Ya could sell a ton o' dresses to this guy. Your business will be boomin'!" Said Applejack
"Hoity Toity is coming to see my dresses." Said Rarity
"That's right, now the date for the fashion show." Said Solar
"Oh, Rarity planned it for tomorrow." Said Pinkie
"Great, I'll give Hoity the news. So good luck with all of you. Spike let's go; I need you to send a message to Hoity Toity." Said Solar
"Got it, brother." Said Spike
"Pick up the girls Solar." Said Twilight
"Will do and Rarity," Rarity looked at Solar."You have nothing to fear. With your fashion skills, you'll blow the socks off of Hoity Toity."
Rarity gave a slight laugh and smiled as Solar left with Spike. But as Solar left, he looked back at the boutique. Hm, something felt off with Rarity. Must just be the stress of making the dresses. Solar shrugged his shoulders as he headed off with Spike to the school to pick up the girls.
***
Solar walked from the train station with Hoity Toity to Carousel Boutique for the fashion show.
"Solar I've been thinking about how you can pay me back. You are going to the Grand Galloping Gala." Said Hoity
"Yes." Said Solar
"What are you planning on wearing?" Asked Hoity
"Sorry Hoity, I'm going in my formal military uniform. But my brother could use a suit. How about that?" Said Solar
"Your brother is the dragon, correct." Solar nodded in response to Hoity's question, "I see, hm, yes that would be perfect. Now, let's see this rising fashion star."
They walked up the crowd of ponies gathered around the runway. They whispered about Hoity Toity as he sat in front of the stage with Solar.
"Know let's begin this fashion show." Said Hoity
The lights went out, and soon a few spots went flying around the area. Then Spike's voice filled the area with some music that was typical for fashion shows.
"Since the beginning of time, the elite of Equestria have longed for pony fashions that truly expressed the essence of their very souls. Patiently waiting decades - no, centuries - for the perfect pony gown. Today, at long last, Equestria, your wait is over! Let's hear it for the breathtaking designs of Rarity." Said Spike
Soon the curtain opened and Mane six, excluding Rarity, appeared in the darkness. Then soon the lights came on, and the crowd took a gasp. Even Solar couldn't believe his eyes as she almost fell out of his chair. Each mare was wearing a crazy dress that seemed completely out of place for Rarity's fashion. Each girl began to walk down the runway showing off the fashion. Solar looked at Hoity as he raised his eyebrow and lowered his sunglasses. Solar just pinched his nose. What the hell was Rarity thinkng? The crowd just looked up at the mares with confused faces.
"Why's everypony lookin' at us?" Asked Applejack
Twilight looked at her husband pinching his nose and her dress, "Oh dear."
"You think we overdid it?" Asked Rainbow
"Nah," Applejack looked around. "Okay, maybe a little."
"Oh, those amateurish designs look like a piled-on mish-mash of everything but a kitchen sink!" The crowd laughed at Hoity's comment as Solar just shook his head. "It's a travesty is what it is. Those outfits are the ugliest things I've ever seen, oh for shame. Who is responsible for subjecting our eyes to these horrors? Not mentioning wasting my valuable time."
Spike looked at Solar, and he looked at him to not say a thing. Spike was going to call out Rarity but decided not to say a word. He, himself, couldn't believe how bad the dresses were. But to his surpise, Rarity came on out on her own. She walked hearing the murmurs from the crowd. She stopped at the front of the stage facing both Hoity Toity and Solar.
"I guess you're the fashion designer." Said Hoity
"Yes, sir." Said Rarity
"This the mare you told me about in the bar." Said Hoity
"Yes." Said Solar
"I see, well I've made my point. But let's hear the prince of our proud country speak his opinion. Solar, what do you think of these horrible dresses?" Said Hoity
Solar looked up at Rarity, and the dresses before sighed as he leaned back in his chair, "If I have to say, it's the worst thing I've seen in my life. I'm not sure what happened to you Rarity, but those dresses aren't what you typically produce. The quality isn't even up to your standards. I can't believe what I'm going to say, but Rarity, your fashion dropped to an all time low today." Said Solar
Rarity felt tears start to form in the corner of her eyes. Solar looked away as he couldn't look at Rarity. He felt horrible for telling her how bad her dresses were, but he knew it was the truth. I hope Rarity doesn't hold those words over my head.
"Well said Prince Solar. Now, if you excuse me I must return to Canterlot." Said Hoity
"I'll walk you back to the train station." Said Solar
Rarity watched as Solar and Hoity left and later the crowd. The Mane six looked at each and then Rarity who walked away with her head held low.
***
Solar stood in the library tapping his chin as he worked on a new theory about magic and it's inner workings. He scratched his head as he grabbed a book to read the contents. He soon heard the door of the library open; he turned to see his wife and friends walk in without Rarity.
"Let me guess; she's still not calling out." Said Solar
"Yeah." Said Twilight
"Well, at least you're trying." Said Solar
"Yeah, but I just wish she would come out and talk to us. I mean, she can't stay in that room forever." Said Twilight
"Yeah if she does, she'll become a crazy cat lady." Said Pinkie
Solar looked at Pinkie but shrugged it off and closed the book in his hand, "Well there has to be a way to get her out of that room."
"Maybe you can talk with her." Said Twilight
"Yeah, you did help put her in that room." Said Rainbow
"Look," Solar turned around to face the group. "Hoity asked for my honest opinion, and I gave it. I know it was harsh, but I've seen Rarity's ability and that wasn't it. Not mentioning, I just can't sugar coat what I say because Rarity's my friend. I happen to be a thing in the fashion world." Said Solar
"You are?" Asked Fluttershy
"Slightly, growing up as the son of Celestia subjected me to the fashion world. I had to attend a few fashion shows with my mother, and at times, ponies asked for my opinion on what I say. I soon became well-known for my views in the fashion industry. That's the reason I had to give my honest opinion to Rarity, even if it was harsh." Said Solar
"I guess you're right." Said Rainbow
"But what can we do?" Asked Pinkie
"I believe I have an idea. Solar, you still remember everything about fashion?" Said Twilight
"Sure do honey, why?" Asked Solar
"Becuase we're going to make Rarity's dress she made for herself." Twilight removed Rarity's design paper with her dress design on it. "I believe if we create this dress the way Rarity designed it, it'll show her that she has great talent in fashion. " Said Twilight
"Hm, interestin' plan Twi." Said Applejack
"Thanks, but Solar we also need you to get Hoity Toity to come back to Ponyville. I think he should see the real dresses Rarity made for us." Said Twilight
"I'll have to pull some more strings, but I could get him back down here." Said Solar
"Then the plans set girls, let's show Rarity how great her fashion is." Said Twilight
Everypony nodded as they got right to work on helping out Rarity.
***
"You set Rainbow." Said Solar
"Yeah, I'll steal Opal and stick her in the tree. That'll force Rarity out of her house." Said Rainbow
"Right, get to it, while I get Hoity at the train station." Said Solar
"You got it." Said Rainbow
She flew off to get Opal and Solar looked at the girls who gave him a thumbs up. Solar then headed to the train station and got Hoity.
"I hope you're not wasting my time, Solar." Said Hoity
"No Hoity, I promise you, that this time, you'll see Rarity's true fashion skills." Said Solar
"I hope." Said Hoity
The two made it back to the boutique to see the girls talking. Rarity saw Hoity with Solar.
"Um, what are you doing here, Hoity Toity?" Asked Rarity
"Prince Solar has invited me to come down and view the actual fashion line you made. Now, I don't have all day." Said Hoity
"Yes, I'll get things ready right away." Said Rarity
"I'm pleased." Said Hoity
The girls took Hoity inside as Rarity stood next to Solar.
"Rarity, I'm sorry for my comments I made to you back at the fashion show." Said Solar
"No worries darling, I know you were just giving your honest opinion. And I want to thank you again for giving me another chance to impress Hoity Toity. And I have to say, darling, yours and Fluttershy's sewing skills are quite impressive." Said Rarity
"Thank you Rarity; now it's time your show Hoity your true colors." Said Solar
"Right and darling never be afraid to give your honest opinion." Said Rarity
***
Solar and Hoity sat in front of a stage Rarity put together. After they had been settled in, Rarity came onto the stage.
"Now, let's begin this take two." Said Hoity
Rarity nodded before activating her horn and surrounding the area in her magic, and soon Twilight appeared on stage in her dress. Solar smiled as he knew the dress Twilight was wearing was Rarity's actual ability. Damn, my wife looks great in that dress. It even fits her expanding stomach.
"Hello... Oh, this can't be the same design." Said Hoity
Soon Applejack took the stage, and Hoity lowered his shades to look over Applejack.
"Simply magnificent! And I suddenly have a fierce craving for some Dutch apple pie, candied apples on a stick, apple turnovers, apple cobbler..." But before Hoity could continue Pinkie appeared on stage with her dress, "Brillant, don't you agree, Prince Solar."
"I do, Hoity." Said Solar
Soon the sound of thunder echoed the area and Rainbow came out.
"Oh, spectacular!" Said Hoity
Soon Fluttershy came onto the stage showing off her dress.
"Now this is a fashion show! All these dresses are fabulous. Who is responsible? Step forward, come on out!" Said Hoity
Rarity came out in her dress with the others standing behind her. Hoity started to clap with Solar as Rarity stepped forward.
"Brava! Brava! Magnifico! Encore!" Said Hoity
"Oh, thank you. Thank you! Oh, thank you so much!" Said Rarity
"Now, Prince Solar, what is your opinion." Said Hoity
"Each dress is a perfect fit for the nature of each mare that wears it. That's the skill of Rarity; she's able to match the perfect clothing set up for each individual pony." Said Solar
"I couldn't say it any better. Now, Solar, forget about repaying me. But I'll still want your brother to attend the Gala in one of my suits." Said Hoity
"Understood and thanks again, Hoity." Said Solar
"Yes, I want to thank you too, Hoity for coming back and letting me show you my real skills." Said Rarity
"Yes and my congrats Mrs. Rarity. I would love it if you allow me to feature your couture in my Best of the Best Boutique in Canterlot." Said Hoity
Rarity couldn't speak as her face showed the biggest smile she could muster, so Solar spoke for her.
"I think she would love that." Said Solar
"Perfect, now, I'll need you to make a dozen of each dress for me by next Tuesday." Said Hoity
Rarity went back to normal when she heard Hoity's voice. Then as the words settled in her mind, one of her eyes began to twitch.
"How about two weeks from today." Said Hoity
"Yes, I can do that. I'll have the dresses down and shipped to you by then." Said Rarity
"Excellent and thank you again Prince Solar for showing me this incredible mare. I do hope to one day see your name next to mine in the fashion world Mrs. Rarity. Now, as for our promise Solar, I'll help spread her name." Said Hoity
"Thank you again, Hoity." Said Solar
Solar led Hoity out of the boutique and down to the train station before saying goodbye to him and returning to his wife and friends.
***
Solar stepped out of the shower, rubbing his hair dry as Twilight tapped her chin with a quill and parchment in hand.
"Working on your letter to Celestia, dear." Said Solar
"Yeah, mind if I read it to you. I'm not sure if I want to put more into it." Said Twilight
"Sure." Said Solar
"Dear Princess Celestia, This week, my very talented friend Rarity learned that if you try to please everypony, you often times end up pleasing nopony, especially yourself. And I learned this: when somepony offers to do you a favor, like making you a beautiful dress, you shouldn't be overly critical of something generously given to you. In other words, you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth." Said Twilight
"Seems perfect to me." Said Solar
"Yeah it does, so my sending it away." Said Twilight
Solar took the note and rolled it up before sending off to his mother. He then got dressed and crawled into bed. He kissed Twilight on the lips and clicked off the lights, and they both quickly fell asleep after a busy couple of days.
Next Chapter: Chapter 42-Pinkie Sense Estimated time remaining: 22 Minutes