//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: CameraShy // Story: Lights, Camera... // by Smoking Gun //------------------------------// Chapter 2: CameraShy “He’s late.” Final Cute, Refined Taste, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie and Twilight were stand around the group of trailers that the film crew had set up since they moved to ponyville. Final Cut was pacing back and forth, checking his watch multiple times. “He’s always been late.” “Give it a rest Final.” Refined Taste put her hoof around the flustered director. “These actor types tend to work on their own schedules. You should know that by now.” “He’s. Not. An. Actor!” Cut’s problems with Refined’s casting methods had never been a secret, why should he start caring now? “Ever since this whole thing started, you’ve brought me nothing but no-acting-no –names.” He coughed and tried not to look Rainbow Dash. “No offense.” “None taken.” Rainbow Dash didn’t want to get the director any more agitated then he already was. Twilight stepped forward. “Maybe you should rethink the decisions going on with all this before you open your mouth and offend somepony.” “Maybe you should put your hoof in your mouth and be grateful your friends with the female lead, which is the only reason you’re standing here right now. Although I imagine Rarity won’t be wanting to see me or Refined anytime soon.” Fluttershy poked her head up. “Umm, excuse me Mr Cut, but, what about Applejack? Security didn’t let her in.” “Because if I see her or another apple before production is over, I’ll be tempted to beat her with a bag of oranges.” “Ah think it’s safe to say our apples are much sturdier then any apples ‘round these parts.” Cut was horrified to see Applejack, hiding on the roof of one of the trailers surrounding them. The security Pegasi were quick to lift her off the ground and remove again. “Celestia I need a drink…” “We can help with that toooooooo” Applejacks echo was faint, but still audible, even from all the way off the set. Everypony’s head turned to the distance as the sound of a loud ‘whoosh’ was heard. Descending quicker than anyone could keep up with, Soarin, not sporting his tradition Wonderbolts uniform, descended in front of the impatient ponies. All he was wearing, was a saddlebag that look more then full. “Sorry I’m late guys.” Final Cut wasn’t amused by the tardy star. He wasn’t amused by much these days. “Only I could hire someone who was one of the fastest in equestrian AND can’t keep an appointment to save his life.” Soarin couldn’t help but chuckle. “Maybe you’ll turn that frown upside down when you see that I’ve come bearing gifts.” “That’s my job bub!” Pinkie was quick to interject. Before Soarin could empty his saddle back, Final Cut used his magic to remove its contents; several copies of the Super-Stallion script. “I remember a day when you didn’t start shooting or casting a movie until the story was done.” Looking past the director, Soarin noticed Rainbow Dash behind him, who was doing whatever she could not to make eye contact. With a welcoming smile, he stepped passed Final Cut and approached her. “Long time no see Rainbow.” Dash was a little shocked that Soarin would go out of his way to talk to her, considering the only way she ever got to speak with him before was to either save his life or his pie. “Oh yeah… Nice to see you too.” Rainbow hoped her blush didn’t show too much. Although against a blue coat, you could only hide it so much. Twilight rolled her eyes, while Pinkie and Fluttershy couldn’t help but feel the ‘Dawww’ factor. The moment was interrupted by Refined, who began to push them towards a podium that was set up outside. “You two can flirt later. We’ve got a public to address right down.” The other ponies walked with the two actors, Fluttershy however, noticed that Soarin had dropped a copy of the script. She picked it up and put into her saddle bag before running to regroup with the others. “Welcome to dawn of a new era, mares and gentlecots.” Final Cut was always great at warming up the crowd for something he was working on, even if he could see that it was destined to turn into a train wreck at some point. “Today, the Super-Stallion will be reborn for your generation!” The crowd stomped the ground in anticipation. Behind the stage, the other ponies were waiting for their cues. “Who would have thought a bunch of nerds could stomp so hard?” Rainbow’s joke was enough to make Soarin and Refined Taste laugh, Twilight however felt the burn. Refined called over a make-up-mare over to do Soarin’s mane. She combed it back, pulling a small part of it forward over his head, making a spit curl. “Introducing, your new Stallion; Soarin of the Wonderbolts!” Soarin touched down onto the stage, causing the crowd to explode. The spit curl he was sporting, made him look like they had used a spell to life Super-Stallion straight out of the comics. “It’s been my life-long dream to play Super-Stallion and now, thanks to Final Cut, I have that chance. And I don’t plan to let any of you down!” Actually, getting into the Wonderbolts was his life-long dream, but playing Super-Stallion was… somewhere on the list. “And reintroducing the fan favourite choice for Sweet Wings; Rainbow Dash!” Rainbow Dash mimicked Soarin’s entry. The crowd gave her the same warm welcome, just with a few extra lude comments thrown in for variety. Rainbow had flash backs to her audition in front of the same ponies a couple days ago, she still wasn’t proud of what she did, but hey, she was standing next to Soarin, that counts for something right? The photographers for various papers and websites, stepped forward to take pictures of the two. Soarin wasn’t new to the cameras, but Rainbow was still a little new to all the attention. Not to say she wasn’t enjoying it. Soarin then placed his hoof around Rainbow Dash. Dash started to blush and shake. “You cold Dash?” “Something like that.” “Angel, I’m home.” Fluttershy entered her cottage, carrying a bag of carrots that she had picked up at the market on her way home. “I picked up your favourites.” Angel was lying on the couch. He was awake, he just couldn’t be stuffed getting up to address her. Angel wasn’t exactly known for being the most supportive pet, often taking advantage of the yellow Pegasus. She joined him on the couch, having to push him aside so there would be enough room on her side. She took off her saddle bag and started rumbling through it. “I also got the new Sudoku book. I was hoping you could help me- Oh goodness.” Fluttershy was shocked to realize that she had pulled out the Super-Stallion script that she picked up before. “Oh dear, I was supposed to return this to Final Cut. I’d take it back now, but the director said he’d rather be beaten by a sack of apples then deal with me or the girls again for the rest of the day.” Angel still hadn’t moved a muscle. “I should just put it next to the door so I don’t-“ Fluttershy stopped and started to exam the front page of the script. It read ‘Super-Stallion, written by Insipid Plot.’ “Well, I don’t suppose reading a few pages would hurt. It’s just a script, I doubt it’ll be that scary.” It’s not like she could expect Angel to comfort her if she did get scared. Fluttershy was a surprisingly fast reader when she was focused enough. She ploughed through the script; page 1, page 6, page 23, page 52, page 127. She eventually reached the end of script. She had a look of horror on her face with sweat rolling down it. “Oh my.” Angel didn’t move. “They should both be form fitting” Refined Taste dictated to Rarity as she took Soarin and Rainbow Dash’s measurements. Final Cut and Twilight were also in the boutique. Final Cut approached Rarity as she wrote down the measurements. “Rarity… I appreciate you doing our costumes. It means a lot that there’s no hard feeling.” Final Cut was very careful not to let slip that Rarity was going to cost a thousand times less than an industry veteran from Canterlot. “Oh that’s quite alright darling. Any help I can give to such a wonderful project is enough for me. That and my usual fee.” “Of course-“ “Sure-“ “Oh! And my name in the credits and-“ “Whatever! We’re cool.” Final Cut walked away before Rarity could add an executive producer credit to her list of demands. “Hey Rarity…” Rarity turned to Twilight, who was staring out the window at something. “Have you been skinning any woodland creatures to make your dresses?” “Heavens no!” “Have you been using illegal Zebras to sew all your stock?” “Twilight… why are you asking questions you already know the answer to?” “Because there must be a reason there’s a protest group outside the boutique.” Everypony in the boutique was now huddled around the window that Twilight was looking out. Coming closer and closer, was a mob of creatures, each of them holding signs chanting inaudible sounds. The eventually reached a clearer distance, the crowd was made up of several woodland creatures, from Badgers to Snakes. In the front of the pack was Angel. The signs had various different slogans on them including; ‘Think of the fillies’, ‘Keep it clean’, etc. Somepony had forgotten Iron Will’s catchphrases. Final Cut stepped back from the window and face hoofed with a huge groan. “Not one of these nuts!” “Care to explain?” Asked Rarity. “Every single time we get a movie off the ground, we always have to deal with some foal coddling stuck-ups who want everything to ‘nice and clean’ and ‘family friendly’. The script hasn’t even been shown to anyone yet. Who could possibly feel the need to rain on our parade?” Fluttershy descended in front of her mob of animals. “Final Cut! I have a few words to say to you Mister!” Final Cut turned to Twilight. “Have I mentioned I hate all of you?” “Fluttershy, what do you think you’re doing?” Rainbow Dash flew straight out the door with the other ponies following her out. They stopped a few feet before Fluttershy and her posse any pony that saw the sight, could have easily mistaken it for the lamest stand-off in pony history. “Excuse me girls, but I’d like to have a word with Mr Cut.” She was a hair away from pulling out the stare, but she knew better than to pull it out on a pony that she was having a disagreement with. Final Cut stepped forward. “Look, Fluttershy. I can understand it if you would disagree with some of the contents of the scripts, however, I have just the thing to say to make this all go away.” “And what’s that?” “Imma do what I want.” Feeling confident, Final Cut turned around and began walking towards the boutique. Fluttershy was quick to swoop in front of him. “Hold it right there! I here because I read your script and I’ve got quite a few issues with it to discuss with you.” Fluttershy reached into her saddle bag and threw the script on the ground in front of him. “Then you’ll just have to make time.” Twilight jumped between the two. “Fluttershy, calm down and tell us what’s wrong.” Fluttershy takes the script back in her hoofs and begins leafing through the script. “Well for starters; it’s way too violent. He’s punching criminals in almost every few pages.” “Fighting in a superhero film… you’re absolutely right Miss Fluttershy, Celestia should banish me to the moon for thinking of such a heinous concept!” Twilight was quick the glare down the director, who wisely took a few steps back. “Also, this character right here; Mayhem Mistress, she’s just a big meanie who bullies everypony.” “She’s the villain you insufferable-“ “Both of you, shut up!” Twilights shout quickly shut everypony up, including the chanting animals in the background. Rainbow Dash and Soarin took a place next to Twilight while Refined stood with Final Cut. Twilight put a reassuring hoof around Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, I know that this sort of thing isn’t your bag, but I think you’re taking things a little too far.” This was one of the few times in her life that Fluttershy didn’t back down. “Fluttershy, I’m not a big fan of these movies either, but don’t you think we should just let them do what they want?” Fluttershy paused for a second. “But… little fillies and colts will be seeing this.” “There parents will be with them though.” “Smart parents wouldn’t take their kids to see this.” Rainbow Dash finally stuck her head up. “Wait a second. You’re saying you don’t want this sort of things in this movie?” “Yes!” “The same movie you said last week that you had no interest in seeing?” ... “Well, it’s just-“ Rainbow put her hoofs on Fluttershy. Rainbow could see that her eyes were starting to water. “Fluttershy, I can understand that you don’t like everything you see. Now granted, I haven’t read it, but I think if it’s their movie, they should be allowed to do what they want.” “But-“ “Let me ask you something; the things that you saw in that script, were they worse than the stuff we used to deal with on a weekly basis?” “Well… with one exception-“ “Then what’s the problem?” “I just… It’s just now that you’re in it, I want to see it and I don’t want to see you put in a position that you wouldn’t feel-“ “Thank you so much Fluttershy… but I’m a big girl now and I can make my own decisions. But I’m lucky I’ve got a friend like you looking out for me.” And then the tears came out. Fluttershy grabbed a tight hold of Rainbow Dash. Getting caught up in the moment, Rarity and Twilight join in. Soarin didn’t join in, afraid of getting the hey smack out of him for hugging a bunch of mares he barley knew. “It’s alright dear. Why don’t you come inside I’ll make you some-“Before Rarity could finish, Fluttershy broke free of their hold, ran over the Final Cut and gave him the tightest hug she could. “I’m so sorry for barging in on your business Mr Cut…” Not being able to see it through her tears, Final Cut had the single biggest ‘WTF-Look’ in history. Refined Taste was giving him the ‘go with it’ look as several photographers started to take pictures. “It’s… it’s alright dear. Maybe the script could use a clean-up…” Final Cut also took the opportunity to mumble something under his breath. “You freaking nutjob” “That should just about do it.” Rarity put away her measuring tape and Soarin and Rainbow Dash stepped down from the stand. Fluttershy and Twilight were in the corner drinking tea. Final Cut had to excuse himself on the grounds that he needed his ‘Daddy Medicine.’ “Well ladies, it’s been fun, but I’ve got to head home.” Soarin flew out the window, Rainbow Dash was quick to follow him out. “Wait, Soarin. I just wanted to thank you for putting up with Fluttershy.” “It’s alright. I’m proud of you for being so adult about it.” “Aww thanks.” The two shared an awkward moment. “Look, I’ve got to head off, but tomorrow, you want grab some cider and talk about the movie? Or something…?” Rainbow knew she had to answer before the blush rushed to her face. “Yeah! Yeah sure!” “Great…” Awkward moment number two. “See ya” Soarin waved as he took off. Waiting till he was outside, Rainbow Dash hoof pumped into the air. “Hey yeah!” “Umm, Rainbow?” Rainbow Dash turned around to see Fluttershy hovering behind her. “I know we agreed I would keep quiet about this, but I think it’s only fair you should read the script yourself.” Fluttershy hoofed over the script to Rainbow Dash. “Umm, thanks Fluttershy, but I don’t know if I should read it before Final Cut gives me a copy.” “Well, you have it if you want to read it.” Fluttershy gave her friend one last hug before flying off with all her animals behind her. Examining the script, Rainbow placed the script under her hoof and flew off to Cloudsdale. “Thanks again for being an adult about that casting stuff before” Twilight thanks Rarity. “Oh it’s nothing darling. It’s disappointing that I won’t get to be in the movie, but, a lady does not need big screen fame for vindication.” “Don’t be so sure.” Twilight and Rarity turned to see Refined Taste hovering in the doorway. “Miss Sparkle, Miss Rarity. If you two have a spare moment, I have a proposition for the two of you.” Rainbow Dash crashed through the door of Cloudsdale house, something she was used to doing. She threw the script onto her bed, kicked back and started reading. Her time spent reading Daring Do books had made her a quick reader when she focused. She started blitzing through the pages; page 1, page 6, page 23, page 52, page 126. She seemed to be enjoying it so far. Lots of action, good character interaction, she could see how Fluttershy might not enjoy it, but it was coming across like a kick ass movie to her. Page 127. When she finished the page, Rainbow Dash lowered the script, with the same horrified expression Fluttershy had earlier. “L…L…L…Love scene?” Next: Call of the Casting!