//------------------------------// // Chapter 8- In the Park // Story: Neighbors // by Tethered-Angel //------------------------------// “Well, it certainly looks like we’re at the right place,” Adagio said, stepping off the bus. She glanced around at the throng of people crowding the park. Families played and picnicked on the carefully tended, grassy lawns. Craft stalls and game booths lined the sidewalk, and an assortment of food trucks had arranged themselves along one of the blocked off streets. On the other side of the park, a large gazebo was set up with a curtain, and rows of plastic seats arranged in front. The whole place had the lively air any early autumn festival should. “Wow, I’ve never seen this place so busy!” Sunset said excitedly as she stepped off behind the siren. “I thought this was just some fundraiser.” “It started out that way,” Aria said, following the others. Her eyes were glued to the screen of her smart phone as she read off an article. “The Canterlot Fundraiser Festival was originally implemented to raise interest and money for non-essential public works, like the park itself and the exposition center. It was really well received, so they decided to go all out and make it an annual festival. Most of the proceeds this year go to renovations on some senior center.” She finally glanced up, giving the crowds an annoyed look. “Too crowded for my tastes.” “You’ll get over it,” Adagio replied sardonically. “Keep an eye out for the others,” Sunset cut in. “They were probably coming anyway, but since we all got that big group text from Rarity, I’m sure everyone will be here.” “You already know what the surprise is though,” Aria grumbled. “Well, yes, somewhat at least.” Sunset said sheepishly. “I knew there was something in the works, but I didn’t know all the details, like the date or the fact that Fluttershy was involved. I don’t know why they didn’t give us more heads up though. There must have been some last-minute deal. “Well, I’m sure we can wring an explanation out of them once we see what all the fuss is about,” Adagio said. “Hey guys!” The three girls jumped as Pinkie Pie appeared out of nowhere, pulling them all into a sudden group hug. “You made it! I’m so happy!” she shouted, squeezing her friends tightly. “Howdy, girls,” Applejack said, approaching casually from the same direction Pinkie apparently had. “Ah see she found ya before Ah did.” She chuckled as the trio struggled to disentangle themselves from the perky girl’s grip. “H-hey, Applejack,” Sunset said as she caught her breath. “Hey Pinkie.” Pinkie waved enthusiastically. “Any sign of the others?” “Not yet,” Applejack said, “We just got here ourselves, thanks to work and chores, so we ain’t seen Rainbow or Twilight. Ah know Rarity and Fluttershy have been here since morning though. Same as Big Mac and Ah assume Sonata.” “Yes,” Adagio confirmed, “So you know what’s going on too.” “Yeah, since my brother’s involved,” The farmer confirmed. “Can’t tell ya though, on Sonata’s request. Y’all will like it though.” “Well, can you at least tell us where we need to go?” Aria hissed. “It’s like we’re the only ones in the dark about this.” “Oh, I’m in the dark too!” Pinkie exclaimed. At some point she had obtained a funnel cake and a roll of cotton candy, and she viciously tore into the latter. “But I love surprises!” She said around a full mouth. “Consarn it, Pinkie!” Applejack chided, “Ah told ya not to go overboard on the sweets!” “But it’s so good!” Pinkie answered, finishing the candy in a single bite and immediately starting on the funnel cake. “Yer gonna make yerself sick,” Applejack groaned, but any further scolding was interrupted by Twilight’s arrival. “Sunset, there you are!” The bookworm exclaimed, running up to the group and pulling Sunset into a quick hug. She let go with a blush, adjusting her hair and glasses. “Um, and everyone else too.” Adagio smirked. “I’m just glad I finally found people I know!” Twilight protested. “It’s fine, sugarcube, we get it,” Applejack chuckled. “Now we’re just missing Rainbow Dash.” “Oh no. What will we ever do without her,” Aria snarked, only to receive an elbow to the ribs from Adagio. “What?” “Remember what I said about getting along,” Adagio hissed. “Also,” She pointed toward where a familiar mop of prismatic hair was weaving its way through the crowd in their general direction. Aria groaned. “Careful,” Adagio chided, “If you overplay it too much, I might start to think you’re hiding a crush.” “Bite me,” Aria glared, flipping her sister the bird. “Buy me dinner and we’ll see,” Adagio teased, flicking at the outstretched finger. “You’re the fucking worst.” Aria hissed. “You mean best,” Adagio winked, and then their argument was put to a stop by the timely arrival of the other girl. “Hey girls, what’s crackin?” Rainbow asked as she skidded to a stop in the middle of the circle. “Bout time ya showed up,” Applejack joked, “Ya getting slower lately?” “What!? No way!” Rainbow protested, “I’m faster than ever!” “Suuure ya are,” Applejack laughed. “Applejack, stop teasing Dashie!” Pinkie scolded, waving her ice cream cone admonishingly. Where she had gotten it from, no one could say, and her previous desserts had disappeared without a trace. “Gracious girl, slow down!” Applejack cried. “Come now,” Adagio said, sliding easily between the two girls so she could throw an arm around their shoulders. “Go easy on her, Applejack. Why should she deny herself the pleasure when it’s right there for the taking?” “Ah get the distinct feeling ya ain’t talking about desserts anymore.” Applejack muttered, slipping free of Adagio’s grip. “Aw, lighten up, AJ!” Rainbow teased, “Why shouldn’t she pleasure herself- wait, that came out wrong!” She went beet red, waving her hands in front of her face as the others laughed. “Damnit.” “Adagio!” Sunset scolded, walking over from where she had been talking to Twilight, “Are you trying to seduce my friends again?” “Your friends?” Adagio gasped, feigning offence, “Why Sunset, I thought we agreed to share!” Sunset rolled her eyes, and Adagio laughed, though she did release her grip on the pink girl. Or tried to, only to discover that the girl had somehow turned it back on her and was once again holding her in a tight hug. The other girls snickered as the siren tried in vain to push Pinkie off. Aria especially had a wide grin, as she snapped a picture with her phone. “Thanks for the help,” Adagio deadpanned, only increasing the other girls’ laughter. She had almost resigned herself to her fate when the pink girl suddenly let go, sucking in a big gasp of air and pointing. “Guys, look! Sandalwood and Treehugger are selling brownies!” And just like that she was gone. “W-wait, Pinkie!” Applejack shouted, “Those ain’t- Pinkie!” She rushed off after her friend. Rainbow took off after her, laughing gleefully. “Well, that happened,” Aria muttered. “I wonder what’s gotten them so excited?” Twilight asked. Sunset and Adagio shrugged. “So what exactly are we supposed to do now?” Aria asked. “Well,” Sunset answered, checking her phone, “It looks like we’ve got another hour before the big reveal, we can just wander around the park, visit some booths.” “That sounds like an excellent idea,” Adagio said, “We haven’t been to a fair like this for the sole purpose of enjoying ourselves in… hmm, I don’t think I can think of a single time, actually.” Aria shrugged. “When you gotta eat, you gotta eat.” “Yes, but it’s a shame nonetheless,” Adagio said, almost melancholic. She shook herself out of it. “Well then, it will be a new experience. Let’s go and mingle.” The others agreed, and they made their way in the direction of the game booths. ==O== Sonata peeked nervously through the blinds, eying the park from the building across the street. People were milling about happily, and a few were already saving seats by the gazebo. She gulped. “Don’t worry, darling. You’ll do fine,” Rarity assured her, placing a hand on the siren’s shoulder. “But what if they see us?” “Sunset is keeping them distracted on the other side of the park,” Rarity assured her. The fashionista grabbed a hairbrush and began running it through the blue girl’s hair. “We won’t have any trouble getting to the gazebo before they arrive, and then you can hide behind the curtain until it’s time.” “I just hope they like the surprise,” Sonata sighed, chewing on her lip. “I’m… not used to being nervous to perform.” “It’s only natural,” Rarity assured her, “You’re trying something new, and trying to impress someone you care about.” She finished brushing, and began collecting the hair up into a tight bun. “But I assure you, you are more than ready.” Sonata turned, looking up at the other girl gratefully. “Thanks, Rarity.” ==O== “Ha! Take that, you pathetic little shits!” POP! “Wow, she really gets into it, doesn’t she?” Sunset commented. “Which one?” Adagio shot back. Aria and Twilight had gotten drawn into one of the several dart games set up along the path, and were currently competing to see who could pop more of the displayed balloons with their projectiles. The gentleman behind the counter began to wring his hands together nervously, as they had both been playing quite a while and so had racked up a significant score. “You don’t need to be so aggressive,” Twilight pointed out helpfully, tossing a dart in a gentle arc. It struck the board at an angle, easily popping a bright red balloon. “See, the weight of the dart as it comes down gives it enough momentum to easily puncture the rubber.” Aria scoffed. “Sure, if you wanna be a pussy about it,” She said, closing one eye and taking careful aim. Rearing back, she whipped her arm forward with great force, sending her own dart whistling through the air to impale a balloon and drive itself halfway into the soft cork. “See? My way is way more satisfying.” “Any chance at a competition,” Adagio said, shaking her head. “As long as she wins.” “Yes!” “Like that,” Adagio finished. Sunset giggled. “Well, at least they’re having fun, right?” “True enough,” Adagio said with a smirk. A few minutes later the girls returned, bearing the fruits of their efforts. Twilight had a giant stuffed unicorn, orange with a bright red mane. Adagio smirked as she saw it, and Sunset blushed. “W-what?” Twilight asked, clutching the toy and blushing. “I- I thought it was cute.” “I’ll bet you did,” Adagio said, receiving a glare from Sunset. She just laughed, turning to Aria next. “And what did you win?” “Nothing,” Aria growled, and indeed she did not appear to be carrying a giant plush. However, she had removed her hoodie and held it wrapped in a suspicious looking bundle. “Shouldn’t we be meeting up with the others by now?” “Yes, actually,” Sunset confirmed, checking the time. “Let’s head over to the gazebo.” They arrived after a short walk to find Rainbow, Pinkie, and Applejack already there, fortunately having saved seats for the rest of their group. Applejack was leaning back in her chair with her hat dipped low over her eyes. Rainbow was fidgeting impatiently, while Pinkie was unusually still, staring lethargically up at the clouds and giggling softly. “So, she finally crashed huh?” Adagio said as she took a seat near Applejack. “Something like that…” Applejack muttered. “What if the clouds were really cotton candy?” Pinkie tittered, “And when it rained, instead of water, it was chocolate milk?” “Why does that sound familiar?” Adagio shuddered. “Is she going to be alright?” Sunset asked with some concern as she and the others also found seats. “Yeah, she’ll be good in a couple hours,” Applejack grumbled, “She just got into something she shouldn’t have.” “Giggle at the ghosties, hehehe…” “I see…” Adagio said. “Come on, start the show already!” Rainbow groaned impatiently. “Now Rainbow,” Applejack started, but was saved by the presence of someone walking up onto the stage, “Nevermind.” “Hello, everybody!” Said the sharply dressed, bespectacled woman, “Welcome to Canterlot’s twenty-fourth annual Autumn Fundraiser Festival!” A few people cheered, and there was a smattering of applause. The last few seats filled up, and other passers-by stopped to see what the commotion was about. “We of the Parks and Recreation department thank you for your time and generous contributions today, and we hope you look forward to the musical groups we have set up for you to enjoy going into the evening.” The officiant checked her clipboard. “First up, we have some local talent: a youth quartet. It is my pleasure to introduce to you, the Pony Tones!” She stepped aside with a flourish, and the curtains pulled open. Adagio’s eyes widened as she recognized the four lined up on the stage. The rest of the group had similar reactions, save for Pinkie who was still out of it. Even Applejack and Sunset, who had an idea of what to expect, were caught off guard as the sharply-dressed quartet stepped up to a row of microphones. In the fore positions stood Rarity alongside Applejack’s older brother, Big Macintosh. The former had her hair expertly coiffed while the latter had had his carefully combed and slicked back. To their left stood Fluttershy, and to the right was Sonata, both wearing tight, professional buns and nervous smiles. All four had sharp-looking teal suits, with golden ties. The girls wore professional, knee length skirts, while Big Mac naturally wore slacks. All together they made a very striking first impression, and the effect only increased as they began to sing, blending their voices in harmony. “Bum bum bum-ba-da ba-da Bum bum bum-ba-da ah!” Big Macintosh stepped forward, his deep, bass voice taking over and thrumming through the speakers. “Step outside and you feel the sunshine, Something’s in the air today. Sky is clear and you’re feeling so fine, Everything’s gonna be A-okay.” Then Rarity stepped forward, taking the lead on the next verse, her light, refined voice complimenting the farmer’s deep one. “If you listen carefully, On every corner there’s a rhythm playing. Then it happens suddenly, The music takes you over and you-” Finally, Fluttershy and Sonata stepped forward, abandoning the beat to add their voices to the lyrics being sung. “Find you’ve got the music, Got the music in you, Find you’ve got the music, Got the music in you!” Once again Big Mac took the lead, the others taking a step back to return to singing the beat. “Oh- oh Everybody’s saying you should, Learn to express your voice, But if talk doesn’t seem like it’s the answer, Luckily you have a choice.” The others stepped up, again joining their voice to the bass. “When you find you’ve got the music, Got the music in you, Find you’ve got the music, Got the music in you!” Then, to everyone’s surprise, the leads stepped back to allow Fluttershy to take center stage with a little twirl. “There’s music in the treetops, There’s music in the vale, And all around you music fills the sky.” The she stepped back, and Sonata skipped up, taking the lead for the first time. “There’s music in the river, And music in the grass, And the music makes your heart soar in reply!” And once again everyone joined in with the chorus, “When you find you’ve got the music…” but Adagio and Aria were unable to focus on the music any more. Their eyes were for their sister alone, and the bright smile she wore. She looked so genuinely happy. Adagio could feel tears prickling at her eyes, and Aria tried to hide her sniveling behind a fit of fake coughing. The rest of the group was either swaying with the music or grinning happily. Sunset mouthed the words to herself, bobbing back and forth with her arm around Twilight’s shoulder. Pinkie followed the beat with her finger, giggling absently. Applejack grinned widely at her brother, and Rainbow was staring slack-jawed at Fluttershy. Once the music finally wound down, the audience erupted in applause, many people getting to their feet to give a standing ovation. The quartet smiled, enthusiastically waving to the cheering audience. Sonata’s gaze found her sisters, and she grinned, raising her hand sheepishly to greet them. She wanted to run down to them right then and there, but they still had two more songs in their set. Feeling lighter than she had in a very long time, she looked at the others with which she shared the stage, and at Rarity’s signal she once again began to sing. ==O== “Ohmygosh, Fluttershy, you were awesome!” Rainbow crowed, pulling the mousey pinkette into a tight hug. “Ya did good, bro,” Applejack said with a smile, slapping Big Macintosh on the back. He nodded, grinning proudly. “Sonata!” Adagio cried, pulling her sister into a crushing, possessive embrace. “That was amazing, Sonata. I’m so proud of you!” “Y-you are?” Sonata gasped, “You’re not mad?” “Of course we’re not mad, stupid,” Aria said, patting her younger sister’s back. “Why would we be mad?” “W-well, I thought you- you didn’t like my singing anymore,” She sniffed. “Oh, sister,” Adagio said, pulling her even closer, “We never hated your singing. I am so, so sorry we made you feel that way. It was… painful, to hear it, and be reminded of what we were, what we lost. We- I never meant to hurt you. I’m sorry!” She buried her head in Sonata’s shoulder, sniveling lightly. “H-hey!” Sonata protested, squirming awkwardly, “I thought apologizing was supposed to be unbecoming!” “Oh, shut up and let us love you,” Aria growled, adding herself to her sister’s embrace. A few feet away, Sunset looked on at the heartfelt exchange, the fourth member of the quartet standing next to her. “You did good, Rarity. I knew you were the right choice to help Sonata.” “I’m always happy to help, of course,” Rarity said with a slight smile. “They do look happy.” “Yeah,” Sunset agreed, “They really do.” Then she sighed. “I feel bad though, like I lied to them.” “Posh, you did no such thing!” Rarity chided. “You know this was last minute, I didn’t even have the chance to tell you about it before you began your little adventure yesterday. And it’s not as if you knew Fluttershy was going to be involved.” “Still, I feel a bit stupid though.” “Oh, enough of that!” Rarity scolded. “Honestly, Sunset, you are far too eager to beat yourself up over every little mistake.” “Yeah, I know,” Sunset groaned. “So, what is the story with Fluttershy? What happened with Toe-Tapper?” Rarity huffed in remembered irritation. “Well, as you know, I filled the vacancy left by Torch Song with Sonata, thanks to your recommendation. What I did not know was that Toe-Tapper had decided to move in with her once she left, in Fillydelphia! Of course that meant I had yet another slot to fill, and with almost no notice whatsoever! Well, fortunately Fluttershy was willing to put up with my griping, darling that she is, and when I told her of my difficulties, she actually asked if she could fill in!” Sunset whistled. “I’m surprised. Usually she doesn’t like the spotlight that much.” “Well, it’s hardly the spotlight,” Rarity said, “But I agree, she is definitely more front-and-center than she ever got to be in the Rainbooms. The music is more her speed, though, and I think that makes her more comfortable. Plus, with Big Macintosh in the group, she loses the excuse of being the shyest!” Rarity giggled. Sunset laughed. “Well, I think it’s been good for both of them. She and Sonata both look so happy right now.” “Quite,” Rarity nodded, smiling in agreement. Around them, friends old and new chattered excitedly about the performance. It was a good day.