It’s been a few days since I’ve come back to my world with everyone, We’ve all spent time exploring the house and getting situated. I was unfortunately dealing with getting things set up so i could spend money and getting the feel for driving once again, but this was all a plan so I could take the girls out in small groups to do things I know they would like, today was the first day of those plans and the first small group was going to be.
“LYRA, SWEETIE BELLE, RARITY ARE YOU BOTH READY TO GO?!” I called out, using my slight draconic magic that remained in my human form to amplify my voice to reverb through the entire house.
“Almost ready darling, just give me one moment to fix my mane.” Rarity said, her voice coming through a vent.
“You know you don’t have to yell like that, we can all talk through the vents.” Lyra said.
Sweetie Belle giggled, “And we all know how you found that out huh, Lyra?”
You could hear the blush in Lyra’s voice, “Yes well, we weren’t warned how were Bonnie and It supposed to know?! I-I’ll be down in a minute.” She sad with the tale tale sound of the vent grate shutting.
“I’ll be down to Chris, don’t leave without me.” Sweetie said, closing the vent grate.
Rarity sighed, a playfulness in her tone, “Oh dear, you know Lyra is right Christopher you should have warned us that the vents carry noise this well, what would happen if the little ones heard? It was lucky it was well past their bedtime when it happened.”
“Heh, it’s ok, Lilac, Andrea, and I used the vents all the time when we were little, she knew that having so many adults, young or otherwise in a house would having something like that happen eventually so she shut the vents in the kids’ room before hand. But hurry on down, I have the car running and ready to go.”
She giggled, “Ok Ok darling, you can only rush perfection so much, but fortunately for you I’ve finished, I’ll be down shortly.” She closed the vent gate.
I gave a frustrated sigh, “And I have to deal with this all day…”
Fluttershy giggled, “Well you were the one who planned all this.”
“And I immediately regret it.”
He raised an eyebrow, “Do you really?”
I smiled softly, “Not a day in my life. Will you, the rest of the girls, and Spike be ok?”
She nodded, “We can last a few more days of exploring the house and learning about your world.” She paused, “The woods outside of the house are safe right?”
I shrugged, “Should be, you thinking of going for a stroll?”
“Yes, I’d like to see what animals are around here, do you think they’ll come to me?”
“Well, they should, if some of my draconic aspect and magic work even as a human, your special talent should too.” I mean it made sense, while my draconic magic may not be anywhere near its peak, it was still there.
“Ok, well, I’ll be careful anyways.” She said with a small smile.
I ran my fingers through her and caressed her face, “I know you will Shy, you are the most careful of everyone. But I have to go, I love you I’ll see you when I get home.” I gave her a quick kiss, which she happily returned in earnest.
“Have fun!” She called out to me as I left the room.
I made my way down the hall to the stairs, feeling a small creature brush against my ankles. I looked down to see a white cat with a black tail and black right ear. I bent down and gave her a scratch behind her ears, “Hi Cookie, I’d stay and pet you but I have to go.” She gave off a raspy meow, “I’ll see you later.” I turn to walk and bump into Pinkie, knocking her over, my reflexes kicked in and I caught her halfway into her fall, one arm around her midsection and one catching her head.
She smiled, “Hi Chrissy, nice catch!”
I laughed, “Thanks Pinks.” I was about to say something else but I noticed something in her eyes, I’ve seen that look before, it’s pure joy and happiness, normally whenever I look at Pinkie I can always see something else behind her eyes but this time, nothing, like the sadness and darkness was gone.
That’s when she blinked and tilted her head, giving me a classic Pinkie smile, “You ok Chrissy? You’ve been staring at me for a while.”
I shook my head to clear it, “Uh, yeah, I’m fine, are you ok?” I asked her, bringing her back up into a standing position.
“I mean I could’ve bonked my head pretty hard but you caught me so, I’m better than ok!”
“Well that’s good, but I have to go, going to be late.” I told her.
“For a very important date?” She asked with a giggle.
“You know it, I’ll see you later Pinks.” I said walking past her.
“Chrissy wait!” She called out, I stopped to turn around to see what she wanted but was quickly caught up in a hug, “Have fun.”
I was surprised, Pinkie hugged everyone all the time but this was extra random, “You smell like cotton candy you know that? You ever get the urge to eat yourself?”
She giggled, still hugging me, “Sometimes, I have been told I taste pretty sweet.”
That struck a chord in my head but I’m not sure what so I just shrugged it off, and pushed her to arm length, “Never change Pinkie, but I really gotta go, love you!” I said giving her a quick peck on the cheek.
I made my way halfway downstairs before I realized what I just said and did. I shook my head, don’t think about it. Things to do people to see, I’ll handle it at a later date.
I got to the car and hopped in the driver seat, Lyra was in the back with Sweetie Belle and Rarity was up front in the passenger seat, “Everyone have their seat belts on?” After getting confirmations and helping Lyra figuring her’s out. I backed the car out of the driveway and went on to the highway.
“This is still a remarkable machine Christopher, how did you say it was powered again?” Rarity asked.
“Do you want the Twilight version or the simple version?”
“Simple if you wouldn’t mind, while i may not be uneducated i do not have the intellect of our resident Alicorn.”
“Tiny explosions are pushing the car forward.” I said.
“Ok, maybe you can be a bit more detailed?” She asked sheepishly.
I smirked, “You wanted simple, but sure; so the engine is composed of pistons and levers and a bunch of other stuff I don’t know that are connected. Basically gas is being heated so the fumes build up in the hollow cylinders and the pistons compress it, heating the gas up more until the gas explodes. The force of these explosions push the pistons down and force the pistons on the other side up to repeat the process. This makes a bunch of other things in the engine move which pulls and pushes the car forward, mind you this is all happening in a fraction of a second over the course of the car being turned on.”
At their confused looks sighed, “Ok imagine you get a balloon right? You push it in a tube that had a ball in the other end. Now squeeze the balloon that’s in the tube until it pops, if that air in the balloon can’t go backwards what is it going to do?”
“It’ll rush towards the ball and push it forward as it tries to escape?” Sweetie asked.
I rolled my eyes, “Bingo, give the girl a prize.”
“Oh well that is quite simple, do you think we could have these back in Equestria?” Rarity asked.
“Maybe in a few hundred years, i’m not going to be responsible for polluting your planet and I’m going to make sure Twilight doesn’t either, your scientists will figure it out on their own.” I said hotly, my word was already a mess i would like to keep my new one as clean as possible. After that we rode without talking for a bit, the only sound being the radio playing a song, one that I noticed Lyra and Sweetie nodded to in the back.
“So Chris buddy, where are you taking us? I noticed this little group isn’t exactly… what's the word?” Lyra said suddenly.
“Compatible?” Sweetie offered.
Lyra shrugged, “Good enough, what purple swirls here said.” That nickname made Sweetie huff.
I chuckled, “You all have one thing very in common with one another; you like the Arts. Sweetie is a singer, Rarity is anything that is physical and son art that isn’t dealing with music, and that is where you come in Lyra.” I said, looking at her through the rear view mirror.
She pondered that for a moment, "I’ll give you that, but that still doesn’t explain what we’re doing.”
I gave them a wide smile, “We’re going to a musical, one of my favorites.”
They all got excited at that, “Oh I love musicals and we get to see one from your world? Oh i can’t wait to see what fashion they have made for such a thing.” Rarity said happily.
“Oh and the orchestra, it’ll be interesting to see which ones they use here.” Lyra sad, bouncing in her seat slightly.
Sweetie swooned, “Oh and the voices and the range they singers can reach are amazing, I would do anything to be able to be a part of one.” That got resounding agreement from the other two.
This just made me smile more, well they were in for a pleasant surprise. I drove in silence as the girls talked excitedly for the rest of the ride. After 40 minutes of driving we eventually reached the theatre the opera was being held at. It was a very large and old building, probably constructed in the 1800’s, hard to say, I’m not a historian or architecture buff. But it had a few designs from I would say the early to mid 1900’s what with the ticket booth, the neon lights and signs, the classic vintage title boards. Along the walls of the building it held posters of every play, opera, comedy show, and event that ever played there. If it ever was on the stage it came here, I pulled into a parking space and turned off the car.
Once we all got out we made our way to the ticket booth and I turned towards the girls, “Welcome to Le Grand Théâtre de Cygne! Home of some of the greatest plays, musicals, and Operas this side of Planet Earth! It’s were some of the most prominent actors of all time got their starts and that list is long and plentiful!”
“Ah but only one name truly matters at this moment, Vivienne Amaya Newtown.” Said a high class, yet flamboyant voice from behind me.
I smiled and turned around to see a rather tall man, much taller than me, about 7’6”, wearing a bright blue suit with deep pink vest and off white button up shirt. His hair was peppered and cut short at the sides and styled in a sweep at the top and he wore small gold glasses that rested loosely on his nose. He had a smile that was well practiced but there was a familiarity of warmth behind it.
“Ico, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”I said happily, looking up at the man.
He swept me up in a hug, bringing me up from the ground, “Young Christopher, it is fantastic to see you as well, especially since we all thought you parted from this world all those years ago, imagine my surprise when I get a phone call from you yesterday asking for a favor.”
I laughed and hugged him back, “Right, well it’s a long story but I have some friends I’d like to introduce you to.”
He set me down and gave me a curt nod, “Indeed, I would like to properly meet the people you’ve asked this favor for.”
I cleared my throat, “Ico, these are a few of my friends, Rachel.” I gestured to Rarity, “Probably one of the best seamstress, designers, and over all fashionista I’ve ever met, and you know I’ve had to deal with quite a few.” I gave a small laugh, which he shared with me, understanding completely. Rarity, however, blushed at my praise.
I turned to look at Lyra, “This is Lisa, one of my best friends along with her wife. Lisa is one of the funniest, most lazy and laid back people I’ve ever met.” said with a smirk, but before Lyra could respond I continued, “But she’s also one of the most caring a dedicated when she puts her mind to something, which goes double when she plays her music, she can dish out anything on a Lyre, harp, piano, anything with strings she can play it and knock your socks off while doing so, or put you to sleep, depends on the mood she’s trying to set.”
Lyra looked at me with wide eyes “I…. you! Gah!”
I chuckled, “And last but not least, is the youngest of us. The younger sister of Rachel, Sarah.” I looked at Sweetie Belle, “She’s a sweetheart who never gives up when it comes to others or what needs to be done, she had a rough start when it came to trying to figure out what she wanted to do with her life. She soon found that the stage was where her true talents lie, she can act, sing, dance… ok maybe not dance but anything else dealing with being on stage and performing, she can do it better than most. Shoot she might even be as good as Vivienne, if not better.” Sweetie was staring at me with wide, worried eyes. I gave her a look that told her I was being honest to what i thought.
Ico looked at me in surprise, “That’s a bold claim coming from you.”
I shrugged, “Maybe, maybe not, you’ll just have to see.”
I then turned to the girls, “Girls this is Nicholas Flemmar Ranser, owner of Le Grand Théâtre de Cygne, world famous talent scout and my god father.”
The girls looked at him and me, shocked but Ico just laughed it off, “A pleasure to meet you ladies, please call me Ico, everyone does and any friends of young Christopher here are friends of mine.” He said give a wide bow before standing back u and looking at me, “Though, I must say, it is good to see that wherever you went, and whatever happened that it kicked you out of that rut you were in.”
I smiled sheepishly, about to respond before Rarity cut me off, “It’s a wonder to meet you as well darling, but If I may, I was wondering why exactly we are here so early? I was looking at the title board and the scheduled time isn’t until much later this evening, it is current, somewhere around 10 in morning.” Lyra and Sweetie gave Rarity confused looks and looked up at the board only to realize what she said was true.
Ico raised his eyebrow and looked at me with slight disapproval, “You didn't tell them my boy?”
“It was going to be a surprise?” I said, with uncertainty heavily apparent in my voice.
He sighed and shook his head, before turning sharply, “Well we can discuss it on the way, we are a tad bit late but it should be ok.” He took off in short strides, allowing us to keep up, he lead us through the front towards the stage.
“Chris what is going on?” Lyra whispered in my ear.
“Eh well, you see, this theatre means a lot to me and I wanted to do something special for you three, actually i’m doing something similar for everyone. Anyways, this is the theatre where my mother got her start.” I explained causing them to gasp.
“Indeed, and she was some of the best talent to ever pass through these doors.” Ico said stopping before a picture of a woman and looking at it.
The girls and I stopped to look at the picture as well, the woman had a natural tan skin tone shade slightly darker than mine, shoulder length curly hair, a round face, brown eyes that shone like they could only see the beauty in the world and a smile that would warm any heart that saw it.
Rarity had her hand over her mouth and looked between the picture and me, “Christopher is that?”
I nodded, “Mom…” I put my hand up to the picture and took a deep breath, “This was years before I was born, years before she and dad got married.”
“But not long after Andy was born.” Ico said, “She was a marvel, and she only got better as she got older. It stung everyone to their core when she passed.” He said solemnly.
“Some worse than others.” I said quietly.
“Oh Chris…” Lyra said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“It’s ok she wouldn’t want us sulking over her like this anyways, that's how mom was.”
“Indeed, Vivienne was always a ray of sunshine like that, only ever showing signs of anger when her family or friends were put in any sort of danger. I can’t tell you how many times she went off on paparazzi after you were born Chris.” Ico said with a laugh.
“Believe me I remember. But yeah, this is where she started, I always came to her shows her whenever she did them, it was often as she moved onto do movies and such with the studios in Hollywood but whenever she was in town and there was a show going-”
Ico finished for me, “-She would take up the lead female role immediately and she would blow it out of the water, it hasn’t been packed like one of her shows in a very long time.”
“Wouldn’t her taking the lead role upset the actress who had it before?” Sweetie asked.
“You would think that but no, my girls always let Vivienne take their roles, they loved to get the night off and see one of the best actresses of her age act. Vivienne could bring life to a role like no other could. I have some of her early plays, ones when only Andy was around, recorded on tape, I could give you some copies.” He said looking at me.
I blinked, “I-I would love that, watching her movies… while good… her on stage was something else entirely.”
Ico sighed wistfully, “Tell me about it, what I wouldn’t give to have her on stage again, alas it’s not to be. Though, if what you said about Sarah here, we might have another Vivienne on our hands.” He gave Sweetie a warm smile.
“I-I could never be as good as Chris’ mom, I only just started singing and acting and I-I….” She started to hyperventilate, causing her to have troubles getting her sentence out.
Rarity rubbed her back, “Breathe darling breathe.” She looked at us, “Christopher, your mother Vivienne, is the same Vivienne that Sir Ico brought up outside yes?”
“The very same, Newtown was her last name before she married dad, it was the one she carried while here at the theatre.”
“I thought as much, but none of this explains exactly why we’re here so early. Not that I don’t enjoy learning more about you and where you came from but this is all a little confusing for us, if I may speak on our behalf.”
I chuckled, “I know and I’m sorry, see yesterday I gave Ico a call for a favor.”
“And quite a favor it was, he wanted to put 3 unknown talents into one of our most popular shows same day it was to go on. But as I understand, our time in our city is short and this is from someone we presumed dead, how can I say no?” Ico explained.
“3 unknown talents…. In the show?” Lyra asked, the cogs slowly turning.
Rarity, however was the first to have it click, “Wait you don’t mean?”
I nodded and had a wide smile, “Yup, you 3 are going to be a part of my favorite musical rendition of a story ever, The Count of Monte Cristo. Rachel will help prepare, maintain, and make the outfits, while working with the head seamstress. Lisa will be laying in the orchestra, one of the best in the country I might add. Sarah, oh you have the best part, you have the female lead of Mercédès, you’ll be training, going over the lines and songs with who has been the actress of the part for a while now.”
They all had various reactions, Rarity’s was pure and unfiltered joy. Lyra’s was worry but excitement. Sweetie on the other hand started to hyperventilate even faster until she all but passed out.
“Oh dear, I didn't expect that, is she alright?” Ico asked.
Rarity nodded, “This happens when she gets a bit too much excitement.”
“I see, well, let’s take her to the changing room where Tiana is, she’s the actress who was playing Mercédès, she can rest on the couch until she wakes up to begin practicing. Christopher, be a gentleman and carrying the young lady.”
I grumbled, “Yes sir.” I really didn’t have a problem with carrying Sweetie, just Ico sometimes got a bit bossy, also he hated doing manual labor like this himself, well not hate but he definitely pawned it off on someone else when he could, everyone has flaws.
“Now that the explanations are squared away, follow me and I’ll get you situated with who you need to see.” Ico said, once more leading the way into the back area of the theatre, “If anything this will be an interesting show.”
Lilac was relaxing on the couch in the living room with one of Chris’ friends, Bon Bon. They were just watching T.V., weeeelllll more like they were staring at the T.V. and their minds were elsewhere, which is what made a sudden pink hair woman popping up out of nowhere scare the living daylights out of them, Lilac more so.
“Lila, Bonnie, I need to talk to you about a thing!” Pinkie said, her head poking from behind them between their heads.
Bon Bon recovered first, “Sweet Celestia Pinkie, how do you still manage to do that when there is very little magic in this world?” Pinkie plopped down between the and shrugged.
“Dunno, guess you were just thinking too much to notice?”
Bon Bon looked past Pinkie’s mess of hair, “You ok? I know Pinkie can catch you off guard, you should see her back in Equestria it’s much worse.” This caused pinkie to pout.
After taking a moment to have her heart slow its beating Lilac nodded, “I’m good, I’m good, I should be used to it by now with how often my girls sneak up on me, and the cat, can’t forget about her, I swear she can teleport.” speak of the devil there was a raspy meow from the kitchen that caught even Pinkie off guard, “See what I mean?!”
Bon Bon gave a soft laugh, “So Pinkie what did you want to talk to us about?”
“I wanted to talk to you about Chrissy.”
Lilac tilted her head a bit, “You wanted to talk about my brother, why?”
Pinkie blushed and sunk into the couch a bit, “W-well earlier when he left to take Lyra, Rarity, and Sweetie Belle out today we bumped into each other and he caught he as I was falling and he just held me like that and stared into my eyes.”
Bon Bon was surprised at this, “Oh?”
Lilac just took a sip of the water she had with her, knowing that Chris already planned to bring her in on his and Fluttershy’s relationship, although from Bon Bon’s reaction, it seems like he didn’t tell anyone else yet, he’s going to get a serious earful when he gets home.
Pinkie nodded vigorously, “Yeah and then he pulled me up and said he had to go because he was late and I stopped him and gave him a hug and he hugged me back and kissed my cheek and told me he loved me.”
Lilac spit out her water, coughing as some went down her windpipe, “W-what?!” Ok out of everything she was expecting it was that.
Bon Bon was equally astonished from that statement, “Wait he did what Pinkie?”
Pinkie looked like she was stuck halfway between worried and confused, “He kissed my cheek and told me he loved me he could’ve just have been being friendly I’m pretty sure he’s done that with you all before right Bonnie it would only make sense after all he loves all of us and he’s such a big softy at heart even though when we’re in anger he gets really really angry it actually kind of reminds me of a dog i saw once get super upset at this rock crawler and the dog was usually super nice to me and my sisters but the rock crawler was going after it’s babies and speaking of babies I miss the twins do you think they’re doing ok with me being gone I mean I know the Cakes can handle them I’m not saying that they can’t but-”
“Pinkie!” Bon Bon all but shouted to snap her friend out of the rambling run on sentence she was stuck in.
Pinkie blinked and blushed an even deeper red, “I’m sorry… I’m just nervous…”
Bon Bon rubbed the bridge of her nose and sighed, “It’s fine Pinkie, I don’t blame you for being nervous because, no he’s never done that with me at least and i don’t think he’s done that with any of the others outside of Shy. Lilac, you’ve known Chris longer than we have, has ever done something like this?”
Lilac had to think for a second, it’s been years since he’s been in a relationship, from her viewpoint anyways, “Not that I can recall, he’s usually very dedicated to the person he’s with, normally to the point where if a breakup happens it devastates him.”
Pinkie’s hair deflated, which shocked Lilac and worried Bon Bon, “Right… he did tell us about Cathy… and Braden… and everyone else….”
Lilac’s eyes widened at this, “He did? Huh…. yeah Cathy was a real bitch, glad she’s long gone and far away, she was toxic and its bad when that's the nicest thing I can say about someone… and he’s still beating himself up over him huh?” At their nods she sighed, “Yeah, he said he would never forgive himself for that… well no use on dwelling on that, I have some good news.”
Pinkie’s hair poofed up slightly, “Hm? What is it?”
Lilac sat up straight and looked at them seriously, “He has always had this thing about him, he’s slightly polyamorous, but our world, well more specifically our country frowns upon more than one partner in a relationship. He has this problem where once he loves someone he never stops loving them, unless they’ve messed up something fierce, Cathy being the only real example of that… well her and himself, though it looks like he’s starting to do better. Anyways… wow I really picked up his rambling tick that fast? He put it to me like this one time, there are millions upon millions of stars in the sky right? The sun is a star as well, but what happens when the sun is out?”
“The stars disappear, but they aren’t truly gone, the sun is just shining so bright that you can’t see any other star.” Bon Bon answered, catching on quickly.
“Exactly, so I’d say Fluttershy is his sun and the rest of you are his planets, equally as important but he probably doesn’t see you all as stars, unlike his exes. All of you are part of that except what seems to be Pinkie here, I honestly shouldn’t be saying anything as I’m sure he wants it to be a surprise, although I can’t guarantee if this is his plan at all. First of all, is polygamy a thing on your world?” She knew full well it was but she couldn’t give away that he was actually planning something.
“Kind of, we call them herds, from how ancient ponies gender ratios were a bit more skewed to having more females to males so they herded together to boost their numbers with as man mates as possible. Nowadays it’s closer to fifty fifty so herds are rare but not frowned upon or illegal.” Bon Bon explained.
Pinkie nodded in confirmation, “My uncle, Slate, has 4 wives, they’re all super nice.”
Lilac smiled at this, “Well knowing my brother now that he has a chance he’s probably going to try and have 2 suns in his life, I just hope he can handle the heat.” She said with a laugh, “But, really, I have no idea if that’s what he’s planning, and if it is just act like it’s a surprise ok? I’m sure he has this whole elaborate thing planned out, h might not look like it but he lans for pretty much almost every scenario, how he does it? I’m not sure, but it has always been helpful and at the end of the day he’s always right so none of us have really questioned him.
Pinkie’s hair deflated as a though ran through her mind, one she had to voice, “Well that’s good if he does… but… can I tell you girls a secret?”
Bon Bon put her hand on Pinkie’s lap and gave her a reassuring smile, “Of course you can Pinkie, that’s what friends are for.”
Pinkie nodded and took a deep breath, “M-My family has a curse… one that was placed on us generations ago. We were cursed to always have at least 4 foals but 1 of them would always come out sterile, weather it be male or female it doesn’t matter, my Grammie Pie’s sister was one and my Pa’s brother was another…” She took a shaky breath, “I-I’m the one for this generation… I can’t have any foal, and what if Chris doesn’t want to be with me because of it? I’m so scared, he’s treated me so nicely, and he’s funny, if not a bit dark, but that’s good humor to when done right and he cares about everyone just like me and I… I just don’t w-want to lose this ch-chance again because of s-some dumb curse.” Her speech became more ragged as tears started streaming down her face and her breathing was hindered but hiccoughs, she got pulled into a hug by Lilac, who was stroking her head gently.
Bon Bon blinked and then became furious as something dawned on her, “Is that why your past Coltfriends left? Because you couldn’t give them foals?” Pinkie nodded stiffly, “Well fuck them right in their tail holes, who the actual fuck do they think they are leaving a wonderful mare like you over something so… so trivial?! You know what pinkie you don’t need them and they can all go to Tartarus, and you know what? I know that Chris won’t give two flying halves of a shit about any of that!” She took a deep breath, “But Pinkie… you need to tell the others about this, ok? Start with the ones here, and then tell the others when they get back. Ugh, this isn’t good for the foal, I need to get some fresh air.” Bon Bon said as she stood up, rubbing her swollen belly softly before giving Pinkie a hug and making her way out of the door that led to the hallway that went to the back porch, softly muttering profanities and curses under her breath.
Lilac was impressed and thankful the younger girls were out with Fluttershy exploring the woods, she assured her it was safe and gave free permission, besides Fluttershy took some of those crystals with them, which was good because according to her she can talk to animals, it’s her special talent.
Pinkie was just in stunned silence, she’s never seen Bon Bon like that, annoyed at Lyra’s and Chris’ antics at points but never fuming, “Woah nelly, what’s got Bon Bon all riled up?” Came a country accent from the doorway.
Lilac peeked over the back of the couch to see Apple Jack, Rainbow, Twilight, Spike, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom coming into the living room from the same hallway that Bon Bon left through.
“Yeah, I’ve never seen her this pissed before? What did someone ruin her favorite candy or something?” Rainbow asked jokingly.
“I dunno Rainbow, i accidentally burned an entire wall of candy once and she wasn’t even close to being that mad.” Spike said.
“Yeah and Me, Sweetie Belle, and AB trashed her store pretty bad with one our stunts back in the day and yeah, never that mad.” Scootaloo said, Apple Bloom nodding in agreement.
“I don’t know girls… and Spike…” He protested that he wasn’t included in that, “Whatever it was it must’ve been serious.” That’s when Twilight saw Lilac sitting on the couch, “Oh, Lilac, we didn't see you sitting there, do you know why Bon Bon was so mad, she was in here with you right?”
“Yeah… I know why she’s mad… come on, someone has something they have to tell you.”
“Ok?” That's when Twilight saw a small bit of pink sticking up from past Lilac’s frame, “Pinkie, is that you over there?” the pink dipped under the back of the couch.
“Come on Pinkie, they’re your friends right? If you could come to Bon Bon, and especially me, with this you can tell them and they won't think any different.” Lilac said, softly petting the despondent girl’s head.
The group moved around front and were flabbergasted at what they saw, it was they’re happy-go-lucky friend was the exact opposite of that. She had tired eyes, tear stained cheeks, and her hair was uncharacteristically straight.
“Hoo doggy, what happened to make Pinkie deflate?” AJ asked.
Lilac shook her head, “It would be best if she told you. Come on, if you let this sit it will only get worse.”
Pinkie sighed and nodded her head, quietly she told everyone of her family's curse and how that was the reason all of her previous flings had become just that.
“Wait wait wait, why would anyone put a curse on your family, just don’t sit right with me. Your family seems mighty kind if Maud was anything ta go by.” AJ said, still digesting everything.
Pinkie shrugged, “We don’t know… it’s so far back in our family history that the reason why was lost.”
“Have you tried asking Celestia if she knows about it?” Spike asked, clearly having that be the most obvious answer.
“My Grammie Pie did when she was still around, but even the Princess didn’t now, in fact it was the first she ever heard about it.”
Twilight pondered that before asking her question, “Did your Grammie Pie ever see if Celestia could remove the curse?”
Pinkie nodded, “She did, and the Princess tried to help but she couldn’t do anything about it. The curse was magic stronger than what she could even do.”
They all gasped at that, after all, magic stronger than something even Celestia could handle, that was scary. But one of them thought of something that no one else did.
“What about Discord?” Scootaloo asked.
Twilight looked at her, “What?”
That's when Apple Bloom caught on, “Yeah, what about Discord, his magic can do all sorts of crazy things right? Maybe it could help.”
Twilight face palmed, of course, such an easy solution. After all Discord wasn’t free or even reformed back then, he opens up a whole realm of possibilities, “That’s a really good plan girls. Pinkie, as soon as we get back to Equestria we’ll see if Discord can help.”
Pinkie sniffled, “Thanks girls I don’t know what I would do without you.” She finally moved to sitting next to Lilac, he eyes were still heavy looking, and her hair was still straight, but she wasn’t crying anymore so that was good.
“Yeeeeaaaahhhh, while I’m glad that we have a fix to this or whatever. I still have one question, what even brought all this up in the first place?” Rainbow asked.
Pinkie’s eyes went wide as she realized she didn’t tell them what happened between her and Chris. She looked around in a panic before her gaze settled on Lilac, clearly asking for a save.
Lilac sighed, “Alright so here’s what happened…” a few minutes later, “But I don’t know what he’s planning exactly so if it ends up being the case he’ll most likely want it to be a surprise, so please act like it’s one. Oh, and don’t mention I said anything promise?”
“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” They all chanted ending off with them lightly poking their close eye.
Lilac was just confused, “Uuuuhhhh, what was that about?”
“It’s a Pinkie Promise.” Spike said.
“And no one breaks a Pinkie Promise.” Pinkie finished, darkly, keeping the serious face before bursting out into a fit of giggles, soon being followed by everyone else, except Apple Jack who was more like nervously laughing than anything else.
Lilac was still confused, but she was happy to see the bubbly girl back to, somewhat, normalcy.
“Well that definitely explains a lot about how you kept running through colt friends, shoot some ponies the town thought you were just one and done-ing them.” AJ said suddenly.
Pinkie looked hurt, “W-WHAT?! I wouldn't do something like that, that is the most unfriendliest thing ever. Staying with someone and making them happy is one of the most friendliest things ever.”
“I tried to tell em Pinkie, but some folks just love ta gossip.”
“Wait what about Cheese, he seems too nice to just up and leave you for something like that.” Rainbow said, everyone nodded in agreement.
Pinkie looked confused and then a wide smile plastered itself to her face, “Wait… you thought Cheesy and I? Pfffftttt nooo hhhhaaaa hahahahaha hahaha ha-” Pinkie was giggle snorting for a solid 4 minutes before she calmed down, “No No, Cheesy and I are just friends and rivals, friendly rivals and partners sometimes. Besides, he has a colt friend.”
“Wait Cheese Sandwich is into stallions?!” they all asked simultaneously, still creepy when they do that.
Pinkie tilted her head to the side confused by their reaction, after all it was super obvious, “You guys couldn’t tell?”
“Pinkie, I think I speak for all of us when I say you are the only pony who could tell.” AJ said getting nods of agreement.
“Oh. Well, yeah his coltfriend is the one who got him boneless and boneless 2.” At the confused looks Pinkie shrugged, “We’re also penpals.”
Lilac just shook her head, amused, it was nice to have so many different people in her house, “So-” The phone in the kitchen started ringing, “Nevermind, be right back.” She got up to go answer it, “Hello, this is the McGrath residence how may I help you? Oh Chris, what’s up? Yeah? Oh, really? Yeah, sure sounds like fun, do they have- Rarity’s suitcases, ok. 8 O’clock, alright sounds good see you then.” Lilac hung up the phone and came back to the living room.
“So who wants to go see a musical?” She said with a smile.
~Several hours later~
They pulled up to Le Grand Théâtre de Cygne in a Limo that Lilac rented for them. The chauffeur opened the door to let everyone out, Lilac being the first wearing a sleek dress, with one shoulder strap that was the color of her namesake, her makeup was done tastefully to match her attire , really the only thing that anyone would say wasn’t elegant was the fact that her hair was done up in a bun and held in place by hair pins, of course only people who knew her would think it wasn’t elegant. She looked at the crowd in front of the theatre in utter shock, sure she hasn’t been here in a few years due to being a tad bit too busy but she new the place hasn’t been this packed since her mother was alive. Once everyone was out of the limo and the river pulled away Fluttershy was the first to speak, kicking Lilac out of her stupor.
“Oh my, there are a lot of people here… d-do you think we could head inside quickly?” Sh asked, her demeanor being completely different from what she’s seen the past few days. She seemed to have shrunken into herself and is stick very close to the center of the group.
Lilac looked to Twilight for an answer only to have Apple Jack provided one, “It’s alright, she actually is normally like this, or she used ta be until Chris came along, now she really only gets like this when he ain’t around.”
“Yeah but it used to be waaaaaaaaayyyyy worse, she’s gotten a lot better about it.” Rainbow added.
“Ah, ok makes sense I guess, well let’s get tickets, head inside an find some seats before they're all taken.” Lilac said.
“No need Lilac.” Came a voice from the side, one Lilac recognized very well.
“Ico, it’s been too long, I would’ve come and visited but you know… life.” Lilac said, turning to greet the tall man, much taller than the rest of them have ever seen, “Everyone this is Ico, my god father. Ico this is…” She listed off everyone ending on Golden Skies and Fluttershy, of course giving them pseudonyms.
“Ah you must be the very same Felicia and Grace that are Christopher’s Fiancee and Daughter, and the rest of you must be his close friends. Well, come come, no need to wait out here, you know I never charged you or your friends before so why start now? That goes doubly for family, how are Vivian and Tina doing, did you not bring them with?” He said looking through the group.
“No they’re somewhere in this mess of people, girls come on say hi to Uncle Ico.” They did so, ViVi being her usual casual self despite being all dolled up. Tina was adorable to watch as she knew of her Uncle Ico but has never seen him, they met when she was a baby though.
After pleasantries were done Ico lead the way to some Balcony seats with roo enough for everyone, although there was one empty seat. Once everyone was settled Goldy looked up to Ico, “Uncle Ico, where’s daddy?”
He leaned down and gave her a smile, “He’s helping set up some finishing touches for the show little one, he’ll be along shortly.” He stood back up and turned his attention to Lilac, “I would love to stay and catch up but i have a show to attend to, enjoy yourselves, and if any refreshments are needed, just wave over William, he shall assist you.” He said gesturing to a young man, dressed in a suit, who bowed at the mention of his name, and with that Ico left them to their own devices.
“This is mighty fancy, I bet Rarity would love this, speaking of, where is she, y'all did say Chris and the girls were here right?” She asked Lilac.
“Yes, he said they were all here, though he didn’t exactly say where, I’m guessing they’re getting acquainted with Ico, maybe he’s showing them around backstage, after all this was their day to be shown around.” Lilac said with a shrug.
“Mommy, how much longer until the show starts?” Tina asked her mother.
Lilac looked at her watch, it read 7:30, “Not for another 30 minutes dear.”
Rainbow groaned, “Why did we come so early? Hey Pin- I mean Paige, Sco-carlet, Spike (still not fair he got to keep his name the same) wanna see what kind of food they have?” At their nods Rainbow called over William calling him Will-dude.
As Rainbow, Pinkie, Spike and Scootaloo were preoccupied with food, the rest of the the girls were just holding a steady conversation until the lights dimmed and a spotlight shot on, illuminating Ico in the center of the stage.
~Chris’ POV~
“Ladies and Gentlemen I welcome you to a wondrous night-” I heard Ico start up his greeting and introductions and I turned away from the stage, facing Sweetie Belle, who was glancing around nervously.
“Hey are you ok?” I asked putting hand on her shoulder.
She shook her head and managed to squeak out a no, “What if I mess up, I can’t live up to your mom’s reputation, wasn’t she like the best actress ever?”
I chuckled, “One of them, yeah, but hey look, don’t worry about it ok, don’t even try to go out there trying to better than my mom.”
She looked at me shocked and confused, “What, but you said I was just as good if not better, that’s a lot to live up to.”
I nodded, “I did say that and I wholeheartedly believe it too. But…. look you wanna know how my mom became as good as she was?”
Sweetie nodded, eager for any advice, “How?”
“You ask anyone else that isn’t her family or her coworkers they’ll tell you she probably manipulated, cheated, and fought and clawed her way to the top, taking down anyone and everyone in her way.” Sweetie looked appalled but I held my hand up to silence those thoughts, “However, she never once cared about being the best or climbing to the top. She just was having fun and did everything she could to make sure everyone else was having fun with her, it’s why everyone let her take their roles if she showed up, she actually never asked, despite what anyone says.”
“She didn’t?”
I shook my head, “Whenever she showed up, the actresses would ask her to take their spots just so they could see the stage light up the only way she could make it happen. Of curse my mom refused but they never backed down, it was insane, but the funny things is at the end of the day the actresses and even some actors were happier having watched her perform than performing herself. And audiences loved her because of the energy she put on. And she was able to do all of that because she was just having fun doing what she loved.”
Sweetie blinked at me, “So you want me to just go and have fun? What if i forget my lines or can’t remember them at all?”
I stared deep into her eyes, “Page 6, line 8, go.” She recited the line as if in a trance, but with perfect inflection and emotion. I smiled at her, “See, you’ll be fine and really if you can’t believe in yourself then... believe in the me who believes in you.”
She looked even more confused but laughed, “That made no sense.”
“Heh, but it made you laugh and that was the point.” I could hear Ico finishing up, “I have to go meet up with everyone else, now remember have fun, and besides you’ll always be able to see rarity for scene changes and for scenes you aren’t in. and when you’re out on stage you’ll be able to see Lyra, me, the rest of the crusaders, everyone. We all believe in you Sweetie, you just need to believe in yourself or….?”
She sighed and giggled, “Believe in the you who believes in me.”
“Now you’re getting it.” I gave her a hug, “Good luck, break a leg, we’ll see you once the show is over.” I made my way through the characters rushing on stage and made it up some stairs to the balcony seats everyone was sitting at.
“Hey everyone.” I said sitting down between Shy and Goldy, I felt and pair of arms wrap around my shoulder and something soft press against my upper back.
“Chrissy, where’ve you been, we were waiting 30 minutes and I thought this was supposed to be fast food.” Pinkie said, confusing literally everyone.
I turned my head as far as I could to give Pinkie a skeptical look, “What?”
“Whoops, that’s a reference that only Kingy will get! DOUBLE OOPS NOW HE KNOWS I DIDN’T FORGET OUR LAST MEETING!” She zipped her mouth shut… how she did that with her magic being super limited in this world I do not want to know, good thing it was dark and we were high up, because really the only person who could see Pinkie’s zipper mouth were us, and William but I could just tell him it was the darkness and lights flashing messing with his eyes.
I rolled my eyes and turned my attention to the stage, Pinkie however did not let go of me and was now leaning forward some so she could nuzzle my cheek. Knowing I wouldn’t b able to get rid of her I just accepted it, not that it was really a bad thing.
After the intermission and a little over halfway into the second half it was, and I can say this truthfully, the best show I’ve witnessed, easily on par with one of my mom’s and if not better, all because Sweetie was having fun and she made the stage come to life much like my mom did.
Actually, a lot like another pony I knew. That’s when a revelation hit me, I knew why I was falling for Pinkie and why I fell for Shy, they remind me of my mother… and not in an Oedipus way. I mean… my mom was the kindest, most caring person I’ve known and after she died my world was…. Darker than it has ever been and Pinkie and Shy represent her perfectly. Shy has her unyielding nurturing nature and kindness to everyone, even giving people who shouldn’t a second chance because she could see the good in the when others couldn’t.
I glanced down at the pink ball of hyperactive fluff who took up her position of resting her face against mine. Pinkie… she was who my mom was as a performer, someone who lived to make others smile, and would never dream of hurting someone else’s career or stage time or anything for herself and just wanted to have fun with what he loved to do and get others in on it too. It was… staggering to me how much these two embodied that, and how much they shared the trait of being relentless when it came to those who would hurt their friends but they would never get violent… that was left to me.
I sighed, and I noticed Pinkie was looking up at me, quickly looked away to look at the rest of the show, my cheeks burning in embarrassment, it wasn’t time yet. That’s when I felt Pinkie softly nuzzle against my cheek once more and give it a gentle kiss. I was shocked until I felt Shy squeeze my hand, causing me to look at her. She nodded and gave me a warm smile, giving away that she was witness to what was just transpiring.
I looked at her, then to Goldy and felt Pinkie nuzzling me. I remembered all of my friends were here with me, I was with my family, and we were watching 3 people we knew doing something they loved and you could see each one of them were having the most fun they’ve had in years. Rarity through how elegant yet durable the costumes were, how the music swelled and sank, the emotions it portrayed. And Sweetie acting and singing like she hasn’t a care in the world.
It was at that moment that I knew all was right in the world and I could finally, truly be happy. I squeezed Shy’s hand, let my other arm pull Goldy close to me and I nuzzled Pinkie back, making her hum happily.
The show quickly ended and there was a standing ovation, with clapping and cheering that could be heard the net city over, or so it sounded within the halls of the theatre.
We all made our way backstage being led by Ico to my mom’s dressing room, once he opened the door we saw Sweetie, Rarity, and Lyra sitting in a chair smiling and talking excitedly about this and that dealing with the show.
“Girls, that was a marvelous show, one of the best this theatre has ever seen!” Ico said happily, cutting them off. Catching their attention and having them become aware of our presence.
“Thank you, honestly, it was just fun to play in a band again, and with such emotional music, I also have never played an electric guitar before but it. Was. A. RUSH!” Lyra said with a slight hop in her chair.
“Oh and making so many costumes and adjustments on the fly, having them being worn and put to use immediately, and seeing the sparkle in everyone’s eyes when they saw what they were going to be wearing. I say, I could get used to something like this.” Rarity said in agreement to Lyra’s testimony.
“Chris!” Sweetie yelled, running up to hug me, “You were right, I just went out and had fun and it was the best show I’ve ever done, thank you thank you thank you!”
I laughed and patted her back, “You’re welcome, and see that’s all that you ever need to do, have fun, worry about nothing else. And Ico was right, this was seriously one of the best shows to ever play here.”
“Top 5 really, right up there with Vivienne’s best.” Ico said, giving even more perspective in to how good it was. “I’d love to have you do more shows while you’re here.”
The three who’s day this was looked at each other and nodded eagerly.
Ico laughed heartily, “Excellent, then until the end of next month you 3 shall be a major fixture in our shows, the next one is 2 days from now, does that work for everyone? Yes? Good, now I shall leave you to chat, I need to go check up on the rest of my staff, you all have a pleasant evening. Christopher, do try to see me once more before you leave.”
“Can do Ico.” I waved him off as he left the dressing room, closing the door behind him. “So how was the day I brought you all upon?”
“Fantastic darling, it was perfect.”
“Dude it was awesome, who knew that could be that much fun, I need to find something like this back home.”
“I loved it, thank you Chris.”
I smiled at a job well done, “And something similar awaits everyone, so you all better get excited for your days. Now how about I treat everyone to food for a job well done.” At that everyone cheered, “Lyra, Rarity, Sweetie, you all can ride with me again, i have some things I wish to discuss with you… something I get the distinct feeling everyone else already knows… or has an idea about.” I said looking at my baby sister, she just looked away and shrugged, feigning ignorance.
I sighed but everyone grabbed their belongings and made their way out, it was weird seeing everyone dressed in such elegance, I’ve seen them dressed for balls but never in clubbing attire, except the young ones obviously, they were just dressed in dresses that would fit ones their ages.
My attention however was mainly drawn to Shy and Pinkie, the latter seemingly noticed and her gait changed slightly adding more of a say to her hips, she leaned over and whispered to Shy, who put her hand up to her mouth in a motion I recognized as hiding a giggle, only for her hips to start swaying a bit more prominently.
Man was I glad I didn’t not have the ability to produce cold right now because hooo boy I would be fogging up the entire area. I quickly made my way to the front of the group so I wouldn’t have to be tortured anymore, only to hear giggling behind me, ignore it Chris, it’ll keep you sane.
Once the others got in the Limo that was called back and I got into the car with my group, we made our way to a restaurant in town.
“So Christopher, what is it you wanted to talk to us about in private?” Rarity asked, shifting herself in the car seat slightly to b able to better talk to me.
“Well I know you’ve started working on Shy’s wedding dress and my Tuxedo.” I told her, clearly shocking her, “What you think I wouldn’t have thought about that? Rarity, it’s you you never last minute anything, especially something like a wedding for your friends and technically a royal wedding as well.”
She blushed, “I-yes-well… fine, you have a point. I am working on your wedding attire currently I need to make sure it is absolutely perfect, I even brought them over here to work on them.”
I nodded, “Makes sense, well I hate to add to your workload but…”
“What is it Christopher?”
“Have you started working on all of your bridesmaid dresses yet?” At the shake of her head I sighed in relief, “Ok well then I don’t feel too bad about this… I’m planning on making a herd.”
They gasped at that, “Really with who, you don’t really seem to click with anyone else other than Shy?” Lyra said.
“O-Oh, well that's a surprise.” Sweetie said quietly.
“Hmmm… well that certainly is news Christopher, though I am curious as to how my work on the bridesmaid dresses would affect any of that… unless.” She gasped as her eyes sparkled, “Oh. My. CELESTIA! It’s one of the girl’s isn’t it?”
I nodded, making her squeal with delight, “Oh who is it, who is it?!”
“Is it Twilight? I mean you are both smart and like to talk for a loooong time.” Sweetie said and at my look I gave her through the mirror she clarified, “I mean, I just went over to the castle one day and you two looked like you were deep in a conversation and it looks like you were having fun too.”
Lyra shook her head, “No, because aren’t they like related now that he’s been adopted into Cadance’s family and she married Twilight’s brother?”
“Oh, right. Yeah, that would be weird.”
I nodded, “Yes. It would, Twilight is just a good friend who i can have smart conversations with and the such, I wouldn’t want to marry her. Not saying she isn’t marriage material but yeah, not for me.”
“Well it couldn’t be me, or else I’m sure I would’ve notice something along those lines by now.” Rarity said.
Once more I nodded, “Yeah, we get along great Rarity, but I definitely see you more as a sister.”
“Likewise darling. Rainbow Dash?” She suggested.
“I don’t think so, I don’t know if Chris ever told you but for a long while he did not like Rainbow, like in the slightest.” Lyra explained.
That caught Sweetie’s attention, “Really why not?”
I snorted, “She’s cocky, hot headed, and rarely thinks things through before acting on them. And really she can kind of be an insensitive jerk. But as I spent more time around Shy before left I got to know more about Rainbow and she earned my respect, there are still moments where she irks my nerves but I can look past it.”
“Definitely not Rainbow then. It couldn’t be Apple Jack could it?” Rarity asked.
I shook my head, “No, I like AJ but really I rarely interact with her outside of hanging out with you girls. Not by choice, we just don’t have much in common other than caring about family. She’s nice and all but she really is just a friend.”
They nodded, knowing that to be true to the case as they really have rarely seen me interact with AJ, “Well that just leaves Pinkie Pie.” Sweetie said.
“Hey what about me and Bonnie, you don’t think it could be us?” Lyra asked, and at our blank expressions she just laughed, “Yeah, I know, besides I couldn’t share Bonnie anyways, she gets jealous too easily.” After a few moments of silence Lyra spoke up once more, “Wait, Pinkie… really?” I grunted in affirmation.
“Oh that’s wonderful Christopher! Maybe you can be the one she finally settles down with, I can’t tell you how many times she’s come to the boutique crying her eyes out after a break up, though she always feels better after some rocky road.” Rarity said with a smile.
Sweetie scoffed and rolled her eyes, “She isn’t the only one.”
Rarity looked at her sibling through the mirror, “What was that Sweetie?” She asked sweetly.
Sweetie eep’d, “N-Nothing Rarity!”
“Mhm… as I was saying, that is wonderful Christopher, any particular reason why you chose Pinkie and does Fluttershy and Goldy know?”
“Shy does, I’ll tell Golden Skies soon. The reason why, I honestly didn’t figure out until recently. Really it started before I left but it really didn’t hit until Cloudsdale and the full reason finally came to me tonight. She reminds me of my mom in certain ways, as does Shy.” I went on to explain my reasoning.
“Oh, yes I understand completely, your mother was your role model and template for girls, and those that fit the mold the best are what gain your attention easily.” Rarity said in understanding.
“Well it’s cool, though it’ll be funny seeing you running around trying to chase after her children.” Lyra said.
That caught me so off guard I swerved into the oncoming lane, quickly gaining control over the car and bringing it safely, and unscathed, into the proper lane, “Who… who said anything about children?”
“What? You already have one with Shy, who’s to say you won’t have any with Pinkie?”
“Yeah and that’s a Pinkie decision, if she wants a kid then we’ll go from there. I think one is enough for me right now though.” Jesus, almost got killed from that.
Rarity giggled at my discomfort, after the fear of death was gone anyways, “Well I’ll gladly add Pinkie’s wedding dress to my list.”
“Thank you Rarity, and of course the rest of you will be Bridesmaids.” At Sweetie’s look I nodded, “Yes you too Sweetie and the rest of the crusaders, you’re a bit too old to be flower girls don’t you think, Bridesmaid is a much better role anyways.”
She tried to stammer out something but just ended up nodding her thanks.
“Heh, well, we’re almost there, let’s enjoy the rest of our night.” I said, focusing my attention on driving. Tonight was a good night, I hope the rest are like it.