Rarity's Charity Read online

  Copyright

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

  HASBRO and its logo, MY LITTLE PONY and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. © 2014 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.

  Cover design by Elaine Lopez-Levine and Véronique Lefèvre Sweet.

  Hachette Book Group supports the right to free expression and the value of copyright. The purpose of copyright is to encourage writers and artists to produce the creative works that enrich our culture.

  The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book without permission is a theft of the author’s intellectual property. If you would like permission to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), please contact [email protected]. Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.

  Little, Brown and Company

  Hachette Book Group

  1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104

  Visit us at LBYR.com

  mylittlepony.com

  First published as My Little Pony: Rarity and the Curious Case of Charity by Little, Brown and Company in April 2014;

  Originally adapted in 2017 by Five Mile, an imprint of Bonnier Publishing Australia in Australia.

  First U.S. Edition: November 2019

  Little, Brown and Company is a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. The Little, Brown name and logo are trademarks of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

  The publisher is not responsible for websites (or their content) that are not owned by the publisher.

  Library of Congress Control Number 2013034583

  ISBNs: 978-0-316-49297-3 (pbk.), 978-0-316-49299-7 (ebook)

  E3-20190927-JV-NF-ORI

  Contents

  Cover

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

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  Chapter 1

  Rarity is waiting for a letter confirming her acceptance into the House of Outrageous and Opulent Fashion (H.O.O.F.) Summer Mentor Program to arrive. She applied to be a mentor months ago but hasn’t heard a peep since then.

  Rarity glances out the window at the mailbox.

  “I must stop watching the mail,” she tells herself. “This order for the Ponyville Choir is far more work than I thought it would be. Fifteen dresses, and bow ties for the stallions, too! What in Equestria was I thinking?”

  If only Rarity had the helping hoof of an apprentice, everything would go much faster. She could never admit to the other ponies that she was falling behind.

  Suddenly, she notices the mail pony flying past. Rarity races outside at once!

  “Mmmmf umph mrrfff, ump ferf,” the mail pony mumbles, before dropping a purple envelope from her mouth and flying off.

  “Excusez-moi?” Rarity calls after the mail pony. “What was that, darling?”

  Rarity’s little sister, Sweetie Belle, trots over to pick it up.

  “She said sorry for losing the letter. She knows you must have been waiting for it,” Sweetie Belle explains, handing Rarity the letter.

  Rarity examines the envelope and lets out a squeal. She recognizes the H.O.O.F. crest. “‘To the illustrious Rarity of Ponyville,’” she reads. “‘We are honored to welcome you into one of the most exclusive societies in Equestrian fashion: the H.O.O.F. Mentors!’”

  “Yay!” Sweetie Belle jumps up and down.

  Rarity reads on: “‘You will soon be joined by your new apprentice, Sweetmint, a student from Larsons The Neigh School for Design, and—’” Suddenly, the smile falls from Rarity’s face. “Oh no!”

  “What?” Sweetie Belle cries. “What is it, Rarity?”

  “This is a disaster!” Rarity clutches her hooves to her chest. “She arrives tomorrow!”

  Chapter 2

  The next day, Rarity feels so lucky that her best friends have come with her to the train station to pick up her mentee. Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy, Princess Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, and Spike always make things extra special.

  “This is so exciting, Rarity!” says Twilight Sparkle. “Your very own student.” Twilight loves everything to do with learning.

  “Does sound kinda nice,” Applejack chimes in. “Sometimes I think I could use a little more help around the farm.”

  “I’m not hosting her because I need help,” Rarity replies defensively. “It’s about giving back to Equestria.”

  Applejack glances at her. “How do you figure that?”

  “I’m giving back to the community that made me. I am going to guide an up-and-comer through the daunting—yet rewarding—fashion industry.” Rarity puffs up with pride. “Now hurry along!” she adds. It would be awful if Sweetmint were standing on the empty train platform alone.

  “Ponyville Station!” hollers the conductor stallion as the train comes to a stop at the station.

  A stream of exotic ponies begin exiting the train cars.

  “Do you know what she looks like?” asks Twilight, craning her neck.

  “I haven’t the slightest idea,” answers Rarity anxiously. “Could she be that one in the hat there?” Rarity points her hoof at a tall, willowy pony sporting a purple hat with feathers. “No, probably not.” Feathers are very last year.

  “Just relax,” Twilight reassures her. “We’ll find her.”

  “You’re right,” Rarity says. Everypony knows who Rarity is. The society pages have been littered with pictures of elite ponies wearing her fashions.

  “Who’s that?” asks Spike, pointing at a young Unicorn with a striking resemblance to Rarity. She has a white coat, a pale-green mane and tail, and a cutie mark of three light-blue heart-shaped gems. A dark-green scarf is expertly draped around her neck, and she is clearly looking for somepony. It has to be her.

  Chapter 3

  “That’s her!” exclaims Rarity, prancing toward the newcomer. “You must be Sweetmint from Manehattan,” she says. “Welcome to Ponyville!”

  The Unicorn squeals. “Oh, Rarity! Wow! It’s really you!” Her big eyes widen. “But how did you know what I looked like?”

  “I spied your utterly fabulous scarf,” explains Rarity, sizing her up. “Only a true fashionista would know that forest green is the color of the moment!”

  Sweetmint shakes her head in disbelief. “I can’t believe it’s actually you!”

  “Oh, stop, darling!” Rarity flips her mane and laughs. Then she waves the pony on with a grin. “No, please continue if you must, Sweetmint.”

  “Oh, actually… um… it’s Charity, actually. H.O.O.F. must have used my, uh, nickname or something,” she says, looking around nervously.

  Pinkie Pie pipes up. “Hey, your names are almost the same!”

  “Oh, I didn’t introduce you!” exclaims Rarity. “Charity, please meet Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Her Grand Royal Highness Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Rarity is very proud of being friends with royalty. “They’re my very best friends in the whole world.”

  Charity bows her head. “What an honor!”

  “Shall we?” Rarity motions toward the station’s exit. “Spike, can you take the luggage, please?”

  But the Dragon is completely mesmerized by Char
ity. Spike doesn’t seem to hear the request as he stares at the new pony’s mane; Rarity has to clear her throat to snap him out of his daze. Blushing, Spike scrambles to grab the biggest suitcase.

  Charity giggles. “Thank you, sir.”

  “At your service, miss.” Spike bows.

  Charity lowers her voice and whispers to Rarity, “I sure hope everypony likes me.”

  “Don’t worry, dear,” Rarity assures her. “If you’re anything like me, we’ll all become fast friends!”

  Chapter 4

  Later that afternoon, Charity looks around the boutique while Rarity makes tea. “Wow! Now, this is a real designer’s workshop. Nothing like my apartment.”

  The room is littered with bolts of fabric, and the model ponnequins are outfitted in matching green dresses. The fabric is expertly draped and pinned, but they’re still far from completion.

  Charity examines the half-clothed ponnequins. “Oh, this fabric is totally gorgeous! Very John Gallopiano.”

  “Those outfits are for the Ponyville Choir. They have a concert coming up,” Rarity explains as she fills a pair of teacups. “But I detest what I’ve created. If I had time, I’d start over.” Rarity looks at the ponnequins wistfully. “Alas, every artist must go through their process.”

  “What’s your process?” Charity asks.

  “Oh, my process is always changing.” Rarity’s current process is denial. The Ponyville Choir concert is next week and her outfits aren’t ready! But right now, she feels she must focus on her new apprentice. She’s sure everything will fall into place.

  “Now, enough about me.” Rarity takes the seat across from Charity and sips her tea. “Bluedazzle berry tart? They’re my favorite!” She nudges a plate with the tarts toward her apprentice.

  “Oh, I just love Bluedazzle berries!” But Charity takes only a teensy bite then pushes her plate away.

  Rarity glances down at the H.O.O.F. program brochure. “Tell me about this fabulous H.O.O.F. fashion competition.”

  Charity takes a sip of tea. “Well, each apprentice presents the line they worked on with their mentor. The winner gets to display their designs in the fall windows at Sacks.”

  Sacks is one of the biggest, fanciest department stores in Manehattan. Having displays in their windows would be unbelievable exposure for Charity’s designs!

  “You don’t seem thrilled about that, dear,” says Rarity, looking at Charity’s glum face. “It’s Sacks, for Celestia’s sake!”

  “But all the ponies in my program are so talented; there’s no way I’ll ever win!” Charity explains.

  “Oh, that attitude simply won’t do!” Rarity says. “Stick with me, Charity. You’ll be in the spotlight in no time.”

  Chapter 5

  “Is there anything you need me to do?” Charity asks once they’ve finished their tea. She trots over to the choir dresses and begins riffling through them. “I could work on this for you. Maybe alter the hem and bring the sleeves up a bit?”

  “NO!” Rarity shouts. “Get your hooves off!”

  Charity drops a gown in shock. “Sorry, I—”

  “No, I’m sorry, darling.” Rarity laughs nervously. “I’m just very protective of my work. You understand?”

  “Of course,” Charity says, nodding.

  Rarity glances at the H.O.O.F. brochure on the table.

  “Maybe we should start working on your fashion line!” Rarity exclaims. She loves starting new projects.

  “Now?” Charity asks, looking around at all the unfinished choir dresses.

  “No time like the present to make today a beautiful gift,” Rarity says with purpose. She knows she should be working on the choir costumes. But she also wants to help Charity. Rarity clears her throat. “First, you need to come up with an extraordinary topic.”

  Charity bites her lip. “How do you do that?”

  “I always look at my surroundings,” Rarity says. They look around the messy workshop. There are fabric scraps, sewing tools, and a heap of unfinished choir dresses.

  “How about a line inspired by… spools of thread?” suggests Charity.

  Rarity frowns. “Let’s keep thinking. It’ll come together. Remember: When the going gets tough, the tough get sewing!”

  “Hello? Is anypony here?” calls a soft voice from the front of the boutique.

  “Duty calls!” Rarity says, quickly trotting out of the room.

  Chapter 6

  Fluttershy has come to the boutique to invite Rarity and Charity to a picnic. Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie will all be there as well.

  “What am I going to wear?” Charity squeals when Fluttershy has left.

  “I was wondering the exact same thing,” says Rarity. “What have you brought from Manehattan?”

  Charity unpacks, and soon expensive clothes surround the ponies. Rarity notices a one-shouldered gown made of light-green, willowy organza. She’s never seen anything like it.

  “Who designed this impeccable piece?” Rarity asks in wonder as she admires the exquisite beadwork.

  Charity quickly snatches it away. “Oh, that’s just something I… found.” She tosses the dress back into a suitcase.

  Rarity is confused. “But where did—” Rarity begins to ask.

  “Oh, what about this?” Charity interrupts, holding up a glittery sun hat. “I just bought it at Neighcy’s and it’s—”

  “A Rarity original!” Rarity can’t believe it.

  “I found your matching one in the closet. I hope you don’t mind.” Charity puts the second hat on Rarity’s head and giggles. “We’ll be just like twins!”

  Rarity looks in the mirror. If it weren’t for her green mane, Charity could be her twin.

  “What do you think?” Charity looks hopeful. “Can I pull it off?”

  Rarity smiles. “Absolutely, darling.”

  Chapter 7

  When Rarity and Charity arrive, the picnic is in full swing. Applejack and Rainbow Dash are doing cannonballs into the lake.

  “We’ve arrived!” Rarity announces.

  “I’m so glad you could make it,” Twilight says, smiling.

  “Hi, Charity!” Spike yells a bit too enthusiastically. Rarity shoots him a look. “Oh, and—uh—you, too, Rarity. You’re looking nice today,” he quickly adds as an afterthought.

  “Thank you, Spike,” Rarity replies. “We’re very busy today, but time with friends does wonders for creativity.” Rarity puts on her sunglasses. “So I thought this would simply be the perfect distraction!”

  “Um, indeed,” Charity echoes, nodding. “Simply perfect.”

  Twilight raises an eyebrow at the posh accent Charity is putting on.

  Applejack trots over, dripping wet from her last cannonball. “Good to have ya here, Charity!” She tips her cowpony hat. “Care to join in our little contest, girls?”

  “Oooh!” Charity exclaims, taking off her own hat.

  Rarity wrinkles her nose. “I refuse to mess up this look with murky lake water. But you go ahead, Charity.”

  “No, you’re right,” Charity says quickly. She pulls her hat back on. “Lake water is disgusting.”

  “Are you sure, Charity?” asks Twilight Sparkle. “It seems like you wanted to try it.”

  “Nope, I’m good!” Charity replies, before quickly correcting herself. “I mean—no, thank you, darling.”

  Twilight frowns. It’s clear that Charity is learning something from her mentor—maybe too much.

  Chapter 8

  Rarity leans back in her deck chair and closes her eyes. The warmth of the sunshine on her face is just glorious. Just as she starts to doze off, somepony interrupts her.

  “How are things going with you and Charity?” asks Twilight.

  Rarity opens one eye to see Twilight standing next to her expectantly. “Things are going great,” Rarity replies. “We have so much in common!”

  “It certainly seems that way,” Twilight says with concern.

  “What does that mean
?” Rarity sits up.

  “I just worry that Charity is taking her admiration for you a little too far.” Twilight shrugs.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” says Rarity. “She’s a classy, sophisticated pony.”

  Before Twilight can respond, Rarity suddenly shrieks and dives into a nearby bush. “Quick! Somepony hide me!”

  “Rarity!” Charity cries, running over. “Are you all right?”

  “Shhh!” Rarity hisses. After a few moments, she peeks her head out from the branches. “Is she gone?”

  “Is who gone?” asks Rainbow Dash.

  “Golden Harvest!” Rarity whispers. “I simply cannot see her!”

  “What’s wrong, sugarcube?” Applejack asks.

  Rarity’s lip quivers. “I’m supposed to deliver the Ponyville Choir costumes to her next week. But I…”

  Pinkie Pie takes a deep breath. “But you hate your design. You thought having an apprentice would help, but you’re not sure how to teach her. So now you’re embarrassed because you have no outfits and no clue what you’re doing?”

  “Oh, Pinkie! It’s true!” Rarity cries. “I have… designer’s block!”

  Charity gasps.

  “Charity, darling, you might as well head home,” Rarity sniffs. “I’m sure you don’t want to stay now that you know I’m a failure!” Rarity sobs.

  Charity blinks, then grins. “Forget my H.O.O.F. project! Let’s go finish those dresses!”

  “Really?” Rarity says, perking up. “You’ll stay?”

  “Of course!” Charity nods. “Like I always say: ‘When the going gets tough, the tough get sewing!’”

  Everypony laughs.

  “Good one, Charity!” Pinkie Pie giggles.

  Rarity narrows her eyes. What sort of pony takes credit for another pony’s words? But she lets it go. She needs Charity’s help.

  “Well, in that case, let’s go! We have work to do!” Rarity announces, then she trots off.