//------------------------------// // Bubble One: The secret nightlife of Fluttershy // Story: Random Pony Trivia // by Ratnap //------------------------------// Fluttershy was singing softly while she made her daily chores around the house and animals which lived in and next to it. “Good morning Elizabeak, have you slept well?” she said gently while filling the feeding dish for her chickens. She got a happy cluck as answer and smiled docile. “That’s good to hear.” She replied and put back the sack with the crops in her storage room. A small frown was on her face as she saw that she didn’t have much food left for her beloved companions. Sure she had a small garden where she grew some vegetables, mostly carrots, and she got the bruised apples or old seeds from Applejack on a regular schedule, but it wasn’t enough to keep up with all the different demands of her animals. Birds, mice and other rodents were content with seeds, while the bigger herbivores enjoyed the apples, but her carnivore friends were simply eating her mane. She knew enough about nature to acknowledge the necessity of carnivores, but she couldn’t let them eat each other here! All of them were her friends and it would be devastating to see them, well going along with nature and stuff. Instead she had to buy fish and meat. Since ponies don’t eat meat at all there wasn’t an established market of this in Equestria and therefore it was very hard and more so expensive to get her food supplies. She was lucky enough to have a treaty with a griffon merchant who sold her fish and meat, but it was to horrendous prices. The yellow mare sighed. It was just too much to rely on her own small income. The citizens don’t have enough pets to make a so called ‘good living’ and Celestia forbid that she would have wished for more sick pets around Ponyville, she couldn’t even think about such a thing! Instead she had found a nifty little work around for her financial problem. No she didn’t loan money from her friends. No way would she bother them with her small insignificant troubles. Fluttershy went back into the cosy cottage of hers and walked to an almost hidden closet, which was embedded into the wall and behind her sofa. Angel bunny hopped onto the sofa and gave Fluttershy a half worried and half stern look as she approached him. The Pegasus mustered a weak smile at him. “Don’t look at me this way Angle.” Her gaze was a mixture of sadness and apology. “It’s good money, and you know we need it.” The bunny shook his head furiously and made some gestures as if he was drinking something, after that he started coughing, his tiny paws at his throat and finally faint a dramatic death act. “Oh no that won’t happen, I assure you.” She took the ‘lifeless’ body of her best friend to her hooves and nuzzles him lovingly. Angel opened his eyes to give her a most sceptical glare. “I asked Zecora thoroughly about every possible side effect, or if it could be permanent, but she said it will all be fine. Even if I had no remedies it would wear off over time all of its own.” Angel didn’t seem to be fully satisfied by this answer. He shook his head once again and hopped out of Fluttershy’s hooves to make place for her. The mare dragged the sofa to the side and opened up the closet. Therein she found a beige coat with matching trousers and a hat not far away from the shape of Applejack’s Stetson. Within a box there was also a light grey fake moustache alongside huge deep black shades. But the thing she was looking for now was a large bottle with several dried blue leaves in it. Fluttershy took the bottle with her and made some tea out of the plant. After that she sat back on her couch and enjoyed her cup of tea, carefully taking each sip of the aromatic liquid. She would never have thought that this particular mischievous flower would taste so good as a tea. And she had to make sure that Pinkie Pie or Rainbow Dash never found out about it! The possible pranks they could pull of with it would border on the shenanigans that Discord made while he was on the loose. Several hours later, the sun was already touching the horizon, when a ... stallion? left the wooden cottage of the most famous animal caretaker in Ponyville. He was dressed in the very same clothes Fluttershy had within her ‘secret’ closet. His mane was almost completely hidden beneath the hat and under the coat. His tail was long and flat the colour resembles to that of Fluttershy but was far less lively, covered with streaks of grey and paler in the whole. The hide, at least the small bits that could be seen under all those clothes, sunglasses and big moustache was a pale yellow, reminiscence at the high age of this stallion. But since nopony entered her house this day it couldn’t be anypony else than Fluttershy herself. More evidence was proven by a certain bunny that stood in the doorway and looked sternly at the mare. “I’ll be back around midnight.” Something was very odd with her voice, because it wasn’t her voice at all. The lovely sweet and demure voice of her was once again transformed into the deep, soul soothing bass she had during her first encounter with Zecora. She gave Angel bunny a good night kiss on his forehead and closed the door behind her. Now it was Showtime! She trotted slowly towards Ponyville, deep within her thoughts. She wondered what Rarity would say if she knew what Fluttershy did every so often during the night. Would she be upset and say that Fluttershy was lying to her, when she told that she hated it to be a model? The walking mare in stallion disguise didn’t think so. It was the truth that she wasn’t enjoying being a model at all. The flashlights drove her crazy and she couldn’t bear it to be mobbed wherever she stood, with a schedule so tight not even the wing of a butterfly would have fitted between the arrangements. But she was enjoying the fashion show with all of her friends. It was something completely different when she wanted to show herself and when she was pushed into it. She just had to make sure that everything stayed in her control. She decides the when, where and the whether. As long as it stayed that way she was content to keep the charade up. Fluttershy didn’t even notice that she had arrived at her destination. She looked up to a bright neon sign which invited her to the ‘Lucky Mare’ a single club for mares. She was a bit early, but her show was nonetheless the ‘warm up’ for the more embarrassing entertainment that started past midnight when she was already on her way home. She was greeted by a handsome stallion. He was a little bit taller than the average earth pony, but not as tall as Big Mac. Fine toned muscles and a tan coat, alongside a deep blue, almost black, mane combed lazily to his left barely revealing his deep green eyes. His cutie mark couldn’t be seen because he was wearing trousers just like Fluttershy did. “If this isn’t Bass Soul I don’t want to be Gentle Welcome any more.” He said smiling to Fluttershy, or better Bass Soul around these corners. Bass Soul curled one side of his mouth up for a slight smirk. “You should watch what you say boy, maybe somepony else comes up this path who look exactly like I do, what will you do then?” he said jovially to the doorman. “I guess I have to take another name if this ever happens, not that I mind, the Boss could have been more creative with our stage names.” It was a policy within this establishment to use stage names over the regular ones and to hide away their cutie marks, only ‘The Boss’ was never wearing trousers. All about safety since some ponies could get quite scary and very passionate to track down a member of the ‘entertainment group’ which works here. Nothing really bad happened so far tough, but she was very fond of the privacy she got here. “It’s just a pity that you come here every time on such a short notice. You know the Boss would like to make some arrangements with you for a working contract.” The smirk on Bass Soul’s muzzle deepened. “You know that I’m kind of a strider. Sometimes here, sometimes there. I don’t even know when I will put my hoof back into Ponyville until I do.” She had told this ‘lie’ so often it was almost second nature by now. So far it wasn’t a real lie at all, since she didn’t know when her supplies went too short to maintain it without the work in the night club. “I do, I do.” Gentle Welcome agreed and finally opened the door. “Come in now before you catch a cold and rob us the awesome voice of yours.” Bass Soul chuckled lightly and entered the house. Within were several arrangements of tables and comfy sofas which circled around them. On the left a bar which was led by a white unicorn stallion with black vest called ‘Love Liquid’ in here. On the backside of the big room was a stage where she was going to perform later tonight. She sure had a little bit of a stage fright. Her first attempt was really Fluttershy like, her voice barely audible over the noises. But the soothing calmness, the deep bass slowly transpired through the front rows, calmed them down, let them meld and swooning on this voice. Finally the whole audience was quite, passionately listening to her songs. That was the point when she got the confidence to keep this job whenever in need of some extra Bits. “Ah there you are.” Bass Soul heard the voice of ‘The Boss’ as he was called here. The earth pony was as old as Bass Soul pretended to be, still good looking with his greyed black coat, greyly white mane and moustache like Sean Cantery. His cutie mark was a very detailed one, a comforting fireplace with some fluffy pillows in front of it. He never told them how he got his cutie mark, on the other hoof nopony was pushed into something he or she doesn’t want to do here, she was just curious about it. “Ready to melt some hearts tonight are we Bass Soul?” he smirked at him, the voice very nice and warm, more suited for a loving daddy or grandpa than one would expect to run this kind of business. If he would have talked to Fluttershy, she would have flinched and looked away shyly, but he wasn’t talking to Fluttershy, he was talking to Bass Soul the one who could lead any filly into a world of happiness and romance just with his voice. Instead Bass Soul cleared his throat. “I just give the little fillies something to dream on, if it lifts their spirit all the better.” He replied politely. “But I do have to admit that it feels quite satisfying seeing some mares coming in with sad eyes and leaving with a smile.” “That’s the spirit!” The Boss patted Bass Soul’s back just to get an ‘oof’ from him and some side steps. “Sorry, I forgot that you’re about as fragile as our customers, no offence.” He apologized. “None taken.” Bass soul replied with a weak smile. The cover should not be blown! “I’ll go and prepare myself for the show.” The Boss nodded in agreement and left for his own preparations for this night. Fluttershy was now all on her own in the backstage area. She was the first to come and expected only Glittering Perl, the sole mare here, to see for this nights show. The ‘even more handsome’ stallions would arrive later tonight, an hour before midnight or so. She stood in front of a giant mirror and adjusted her suits. Everything was in shape, and more importantly everything that has to be hidden was hidden. She turned her head, when she saw the door opening trough the reflection in the mirror. Glittering Perl was finally here, a crimson red unicorn mare whose beauty and graze could challenge Rarity. Her mane was rosé and cascaded in curls down like a waterfall to her left and right. Her cutie mark was that from a singing nightingale. The voice of the mare was so beautiful, that Fluttershy thought sometimes that nightingales should have a cutie mark of Glittering Perl instead. “Good evening Bass Soul.” She said with her friendly voice. “It’s so good to sing with you tonight again.” “The honour is on my side Lady.” He said courteously. Her laughing ringed like crystal chimes. “You’re such a charmer, I bet you couldn’t get away from all the adoring fillies when you were younger, am I right?” He showed the faintest sight of a smile when he replied. “A gentlecolt never tells.” “And I thought to get to know some little naughty secrets of you.” In that point she was just like Rarity, she loved gossip and mushy romance over her life. Glittering Perl left for a secluded part of the backstage area to dress herself for the evening. It didn’t take too long until both of them where ready, Glittering Perl in a striking outfit. Fluttershy saw the small pebbles and gemstones embedded in the fabric alongside the diamond dust which was worked into the threads. “I see you have followed my advice and visited Carousel Boutique?” Bass Soul asked with an amused tone. He wasn’t prepared for the glare from the mare. “You ruined me. Do you know that?” she asked sternly. The disguised mare raised her eyebrow. It was only vaguely seen behind the shades. “I did what?” “Now I can never buy any other clothes beside that what Rarity made! I’m spoiled for like…” she made a dramatic pause. “Forever!” Bass Soul chuckled. “And this is such a bad thing?” “Do you even know her prices?” she sad flatly Soul Bass choked on his own chuckle. This was a truth. Rarity was generous for sure, but a hard business mare as well. Her dresses were for events like the grand galloping gala and everything around this prestigious area. Her dresses were expensive for sure. Fluttershy and her friends never could have afforded one of her dresses if it wasn’t generously given to them. “When you get to know her I’m sure she will give you some discount. Rarity is very nice and generous to her friends and good customers you will see.” “I guess so she almost talked me into to stand model for her so she can design an entire new gown for me.” Yes that sounded like Rarity, but there was no time for Smalltalk any more. The noises from the main room could already be heard, a distant sound like the ebb and flow of the ocean. “We should go to entertain our eager waiting audience, don’t you think Glittering Perl?” “Of course we should. The usual program?” she asked. Bass Soul nodded. Whenever they were both here they shared the stage time. Some solos from her, some solos from Bass Soul and finally a duet to end the performance. “Ladies first.” He offered and let Glittering Perl go. The distant whisper grew to a staggering applause. Glittering Perl must have entered the stage. Bass Soul sat back on a comfy sofa and listened contently to the beautiful music. It was around half an hour later when Glittering Perl came back. “Your turn Bass Soul, give them something to dream.” She winked at him. “I give my best Lady.” He tipped his hat and went through the satin curtain which divided the main room from the backstage area. The light was dimmed, the audience barely visible from the stage. Fluttershy wouldn’t even know if one of her friends would sat there. She could only distinguish the faces of the ponies in the very first row. One face she knew for sure. Berry Punch was every time here. Everywhere were she could get a good drink and some amusement. The lack of stamping hooves didn’t startle her. On contrary it meant that most of the visitors already knew Bass Soul and were waiting in anticipation. He reached for the microphone and pulled the stand next to him. “I wish you a wonderful evening my mares and fillies.” He said with a melodic tone and a charming smile. “Tonight I will escort you through our wonderful Equestria. Have another sight on this beautiful land of ours.” And than he began to sing the song for which Louis Hoofstrong was most famous for. I see trees of green Red roses too I watch them bloom For me and you And I think to myself What a wonderful world I see skies of blue Clouds of white Bright blessed day Dark sacred night And I think to myself What a wonderful world … The air was filled with sighs and silent sniffles after the song. Bass Soul looked around. The faces of the fillies were softened, some of them seemingly still in the dreamland he had them led to. Fluttershy felt warm in this moment, just like she had sung for her little pets seeing them silently listening to her songs, all of them were now her little children. Bass Soul led the audience through many more dreamlands. Songs of far countries and the love who went there leaving behind the aching mate, songs of the endless sky and the beauty of the night, stars shimmering in the eyes of the one perfect partner. The audience was enthralled. Several of them were swaying their heads in unison with the music an expression of loving melancholy in their eyes. Nopony not even Bass Soul himself noticed the crimson red mare who entered the stage and approached the elderly gentlecolt. He had just finished his last ballade when she touched his shoulder and whispered something to him. He nodded, putting his attention back to the fillies and mares in front of him. “My lovely Ladies.” He spoke slowly so the daydreaming fillies weren’t startled back into reality. “It’s almost time for us to go.” There weren’t few ponies which gave him disappointed looks and much more little pouts. He raised his hoof appeasing. “But we wont go until a final song.” He looked to Glittering Perl. “Shall we?” The music started and it was Glittering Perl’s part to start the song. After a while Bass Soul took over, a dark and soothing contrast to the lively voice of the crimson mare, before they finally joined for a duet. Every single mare was hanging on their lips the entire time, some of them having a lone tear in the corner of their eye. When the last note faded the following silence was absolute. Then slowly some hooves trampled on the floor. Soon other joined and it didn’t take long until the whole crowd were cheering and trampling in applause for the two of them. If it weren’t for another raised hoof from Bass Soul the applause would surely had lasted a few minutes. “Tank you, thank you all Ladies. The greatest pleasure is to sing for so fine mares and fillies like you are. Never forget to dream.” Glittering Perl joined in. “And we hope you enjoy the Hoovingdales right after us.” She winked at the crowd and earned some cheers and enthusiastic whistles for it. Together they left the stage. “Now that was a performance Bass Soul. You seem to be better the longer you haven’t showed up here I think.” The smile he wore was warm. “I guess it’s just that I miss them over the time. In the end it is true what I said, I like to sing for them, some of them really do have a hard living and deserve some distraction.” “How do you know? I thought you aren’t from Ponyville?” she asked. Fluttershy was now in need for an explanation but was saved by the bell. Figuratively. The door to the dressing room opened and let loose four ‘more than handsome’ stallions in coat tight dresses which wouldn’t be too long on their bodies during the following performance. Fluttershy always felt awkward around these guys. She wanted to give them compliments but remembered she was playing an elderly stallion. Glittering Perl wasn’t so hesitant and gave the first one a light smack on his backside. “You deserve your name Iron Buttock.” She frolicked. “You do know that this counts as sexual harassment?” he replied jokingly. The Showmare winked at him. “I’ll take my chances. You will be having fun. They’re warmed up from Bass Soul and me…” she turned around to look for the other singer, but he was already gone, lucky to have avoided some aggravating questions. Now he was standing in the office of ‘The Boss’ who placed a purse full of Bits before his star singer. “I wouldn’t mind it when you could come more often to us Bass Soul.” “What can I say? I have many other duties which keep me occupied.” “So you have kind of a secret day life then?” “You could say that.” Bass Soul smirked. It wasn’t to far off, right? He placed the purse in one of his jacket pockets. “And you can’t tell me when you visit us the next time?” “N~ope.” He answered with an even wider smile. “You’re just hopeless. Good for you the fillies are tied to your lips.” The Boss patted his shoulder, this time much more carefully. Bass Soul said farewell to his part time employer. The moon stood high on the nightly sky when Fluttershy left the building. Fresh cool air welcomed her and the promise of a nice bubble bath with the remedy back at home. The disguised mare trotted back to her cottage, thinking about the day. She really loved this job. Singing is one of her most favourite things to do aside from caring for animals, and the shades and moustache to hide behind gave her the security to not shy away from all the audience. And above all of it she was able to make a lot of fillies happy just because she sang for them. Yes she really felt good about it, the only detriment was to hide her identity. She didn’t want to end like the time Photo Finish had occupied her whole life. She had to be careful, but it was worth it, for her pets, for the lonely fillies around the town, and for her. Her very private hour of being famous, when and only when she wanted it.