//------------------------------// // Manehattan Memories // Story: One Bolt, Spreading Harmony // by Boltsinger //------------------------------// “To all of my friends, I’m happy to inform you that the production Boltsinger and Twilight helped me in my audition for, Luna Bay, has finally finished rehearsals! Our first performance is on Bridleway starting this Friday, and I would dearly love to have all of you come see me perform! Enclosed are two tickets to the performance. Consider it my thank you for your help, and my apology for the unfortunate circumstances of our first meeting. I would also greatly enjoy spending some time with you over the weekend, if you don’t mind. It would be lovely to catch up with all of you! I hope to see you in Manehattan! Your friend, Paradigm” Boltsinger rolled up the letter in his wings, tucking it away in his saddlebag. Looking around at the ponies in the train car with him, he let a smile onto his muzzle. Starlight and Sunburst leaned against one another, the orange Unicorn’s foreleg draped over his special somepony. Likewise, Rarity sat with Fancy Pants across the way, the mare keeping her foreleg wrapped around the noble’s. Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich talked at length about everything that popped into their heads near the back, while Fluttershy and Applejack simply looked out the window at the passing scenery. The Cutie Mark Crusaders sat just in front of Boltsinger, exchanging ideas for what they would do next with their fellow Crusader, Babs. At the front of the car sat Rainbow Dash and Soarin, going over the steps for the latest Wonderbolts routine, while Brightling and Sparks held a conversation in anticipation of the show across the aisle from them. “Everyone looks so excited today!” Twilight stated, looking around at the bustle from her spot next to her spouse. Next to Twilight, Spike turned back from the window with a shrug. “Well, it’s not like we take a huge group like this to Manehattan every day.” Boltsinger nodded, setting his sights out the window. “He’s got a point. It’s gonna be a fun trip.” He focused his attention on the city that grew in the distance, brimming with ideas of what might happen in the days ahead. (Part one: Dinner) Ponies filed out of the Manehattan train station, in droves. More, in fact, than Paradigm expected to see. He found that he wasn’t bothered by the number, though, as it meant there were more ponies for him to acquaint himself with. With a momentary jolt of electricity in his horn, he found himself wishing he had wings to slap his own muzzle with as he took a deep breath, stepping up to the disembarking Princess with a grandly-raised hoof. “Princess Twilight! Welcome!” He brought his foreleg forward in greeting. “It’s delightful to see you all!” Twilight took the offered hoof and pulled the Unicorn into a hug. “It’s great to see you, too, Paradigm!” Sparks trotted from amidst the crowd to approach the brown stallion, looking up at him with excitement threatening to spill out of her horn. “So when is the show? What part are you playing? What can we expect?” Paradigm chuckled, pushing the grey mare back a ways. “Calm down, Miss Sparks. The opening night isn't until tomorrow evening. I'll let you see who I play when I'm up on stage, and right now, you can expect dinner.” He looked over the gathering once more. “My treat!” Boltsinger eyed Paradigm curiously, stepping forward. “Are you sure? This isn’t exactly a…” He performed a head count. Not counting Paradigm, there were at least eighteen guests to the city. “... small group.” Paradigm laughed, floating a remarkably full bag of bits from under his scarf. “Oh, trust me, I can afford it!” He brought his attention to the most fabulous of their number, his face lighting up like the horn on his head. He stepped closer to her, adjusting his glasses and fussing with his scarf. “Rarity, my dear! Lovely to see you again!” He reached out his hoof, taking hers in kind and planting a kiss on it. Rarity retracted her hoof, laughing giddily into it. “The pleasure is mine, darling!” A throat cleared next to the gorgeous mare, turning hers and Paradigm’s heads in its direction. “Oh, yes!” Rarity motioned to the source, bowing her head gracefully. “Paradigm, I’d like to introduce you to Fancy Pants, my boyfriend!” Paradigm held out his hoof, smiling at the mustachioed stallion. “A pleasure to meet you, Fancy Pants!” He said, stepping towards him. “Rarity has spoken of you at length! It’s delightful to finally meet you!” Fancy Pants shook the extended hoof, bringing up a small smile. “Charmed.” He wiped his monocle, stepping closer to his special somepony. “I’ve heard tell of you, as well.” “You have?” He wondered, looking back at the dreamy-eyed mare. “I didn’t realize she spoke of me…” He took a deep breath, turning to the rest of the group. “Shall we get going? That dinner isn’t going to eat itself!” With a loud cheer, he turned down the street, leading the group to the destination he had in mind. Save for the map in the castle throne room, this was easily the largest round table that Boltsinger had ever seen. Several of the ponies had already began sitting down. Soarin approached the table, pulling back one of the chair with a smile crossing his muzzle. Rainbow Dash gave a curious tilt of her head at the gesture, trotting past and pulling out her own chair. He hung his head, taking a seat and getting ready to eat. At the same time, Rarity found herself escorted by a pair of stallions. Paradigm and Fancy Pants trotted along on either side of her, pointing out an empty chair. Rarity gave them both a grateful nod, moving up to it. As she reached for it, it lit up in dual auras of yellow and white, pulled back shakily. She smiled at the stallions, climbing into the chair and pulling out the ones on either side of her. Boltsinger chuckled at his friends’ antics, moving up to an empty seat and pulling it out with a courteous bow to his wife. “Your Highness!” Twilight let out a giggle, bowing in kind and accepting the seat. “Why, thank you, Your Highness.” She lifted him up, placing him in the seat next to her while Pinkie and Cheese bounded into their own spots. Across the table, Applejack shook her head with a fond smile. “And here everypony was sayin’ chivalry was dead.” She turned to Spike, repeating the gesture the stallions had been making for him. “Yer Dragon-ness!” Spike bowed back, taking a seat next to the farmer. As the menus were passed out, Paradigm felt a trio of hooves tapping his back. He turned around to see the fillies he’d only seen in photos until this point all smiling up at him, a sense of wonder seeming to radiate from their being. “And who might you girls be? Surely not the vaunted Cutie Mark Crusaders I’ve heard tell about!” “Ya got that right!” Apple Bloom confirmed, puffing out her chest. “The name’s Apple Bloom!” “I thought so! I've received word of your exploits! And that means that you…” He pointed at the orange Pegasus. “... must be the Scootaloo that I’ve read about in Bolt’s letters!” Scootaloo recoiled from the fact, her bashful side opting to make an appearance as she rubbed her neck with her hoof. “Bolt talks about me in his letters?” Paradigm nodded, looking back at the blue-maned stallion. “Indeed. He devotes at least an entire paragraph to talking about you with each letter. I can feel the pride he has in every word he writes about you!” The orange filly's rump made a quick trip to the floor, her blush going deeper as she looked over to the stallion that gave her her wings. “Wow…” Before long, Scootaloo found a sudden familiar weight on her, wrapping its forelegs around her and nuzzling her cheek. “That's so sweet!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed. Scootaloo pushed against the embrace, only growing warmer in her cheeks. “Sweetie Belle! Get off!” The Unicorn filly's legs tightened, creating a veritable stranglehold. “I… can't… breathe!” Sweetie Belle took a loving look at her friend's face, which was ripe with asphyxiation, and quickly loosened her grip. “Jeez… Did you take some hugging lessons from Pinkie Pie or something?” The little Unicorn offered up a nervous laugh as she pulled away, scratching her mane. “Sorry about that…” She returned her hoof to the floor, sitting up with pride. “I'll take that as a compliment, though!” Paradigm chuckled at the unfolding events, motioning to the green-eyed filly. “Sweetie Belle… Quite an apt name, indeed!” He motioned to the mare next to him. “Your older sister has spoken of you at length, you know. All of it good, of course.” Sweetie Belle's hoof returned to her neck as she looked over st her otherwise-occupied sister, letting a smile and a flush onto her face. “Yeah… she's the best big sister ever…” Apple Bloom looked at her flushing friends, rolling her eyes and shaking her head. “Yeah, yeah, I get it! Interductions’re over! Let's get down ta business!” She pulled her fellow crusaders forward, forming a semi-circle around the tall Unicorn. “Would you mind, maybe, showin’ us yer Cutie Mark?” Paradigm brought his hoof to his chin, the smile above it widening. “Well, I suppose it would help the Cutie Mark Crusaders in their Cutie Mark crusade, so a demonstration might be a good idea.” He turned to face Boltsinger, taking a deep breath and clearing his throat. “Excuse me, Bolt?” The Pegasus Prince's attention snapped away from his conversation with his spouse and his former flight coach, shooting a glance over to Paradigm. “Yeah? What's up?” “Would it be alright if I used you as an example for a demonstration for the fillies?” “Showing them the mirror?” Boltsinger inquired, met with a solid nod from the thespian. “By all means, then. Give those Crusaders a show.” He leaned in next to Twilight, hiding his muzzle with his hoof. “Asking for permission, huh?” Paradigm turned back to the fillies with an unusually wide smile. “All right, Crusaders, everything is set!” He turned his body to the point where his right flank faced the Crusaders. The young ponies each leaned closer, examining the unique mark before them. “Well, that's… interesting…” Apple Bloom stated, scratching her head. “What is it?” Sweetie Belle squinted, looking over the finer details. “It looks like a mirror…” She brought her hoof forward, indicating the lightning that framed the mirror. “But why does it have this instead of a normal frame?” “Because he was hit by Bolt's lightning when he got it!” Scootaloo noted. “I thought I told you about it!” “She's right about that.” Paradigm informed them, adjusting his weight to better display the mark. “It was a bit of a… pardon the phrase… shocking experience, getting my Cutie Mark.” “So why is it a mirror?” Sweetie Belle wondered, looking at the mark as if it would reflect her face back at her. “Are you some kind of supercharged stylist?” With a hearty laugh, Paradigm tousled the white filly's mane. “Your sister made a similar assumption, actually! But think a little harder. What is it that mirrors do?” “Break?” Scootaloo guessed. “Bounce lasers?” Sweetie Belle suggested. “Oh! I know!” Apple Bloom chimed in, raising her hoof. “They reflect things!” “That's absolutely right, Apple Bloom!” He declared, pointing an approving hoof at the yellow filly. “So what would a Cutie Mark mirror charged with magical lightning reflect?” The Crusaders all stood tall, the answer bursting simultaneously forth. “CUTIE MARKS!!!” Paradigm reeled back from the force of their answer, sending them a wide smile. “Exactly right! When I activate the lightning that charges my talents, I can do something very… interesting!” He lit his horn with a spark of electricity, taking a deep and relaxed breath. He let out a relieved sigh as his Cutie Mark began to crackle, his face briefly turning to something akin to ecstasy before he looked back at the fillies. The mirror that was his Mark shined, showing an image of Boltsinger’s Cutie Mark inside as a pair of white magical wings sprouted from his back. The wings began a twiddling motion, letting their owner speak into a budding pocket of air. He flapped the twiddling wing, sending the pocket over to the Crusaders, who looked between the pocket and its creator with wonder in their eyes. “Ain’t this one o’ Bolt’s talents?” Apple Bloom asked. “Perhaps.” Paradigm led, pointing at the pocket. “Why don’t you examine a little closer?” Sweetie Belle extended her foreleg, poking the pocket with her hoof to send a small breeze into their faces, followed by a voice. “When I reflect another pony’s Cutie Mark, I can reflect the talents and skills that come with it!” “Like that.” He finished, motioning to the empty spot. “What do you think?” “That…” Scootaloo began. “Was…” Sweetie Belle continued. “AWESOME!” The Crusaders simultaneously concluded. “I’m glad you approve.” Paradigm said, letting the electricity in his horn die down. As the Crusaders found their places at the table, the honey brown stallion turned to his most royal guests, leaning in close. “So, how is that foal of yours doing? I couldn't help but notice he was absent.” “Oh, his aunt and uncle are watching him and Oathsinger for the weekend.” Boltsinger answered. “So they're having some fun in the Crystal empire.” “The Crystal Empire?” Paradigm repeated, giving his head a confused tilt. “Just who are his aunt and uncle?” Twilight sent back a look of equal befuddlement. “We never told you? We're talking about Princess Cadence and my brother, Shining Armor!” “Ah…” Paradigm let his head and ears droop slightly at the knowledge, a smidge of disappointment about him as he released a soft chuckle. “Why am I not surprised?” Another, more genuine laugh made its way out as he faced them again, taking a deep breath with a small discharge coming out of his horn. “What's next? You're going to tell me that Princess Celestia is one of your go-to babysitters?” The Princess and the Pegasus let their eyes go amusedly wide for a moment. “Well…” Boltsinger began. “Actually…” Twilight stated in kind. While Pinkie and Cheese held a deep conversation about the merit of pepper(jack)ing cheese-based puns into daily conversation, Rainbow Dash found herself staring intently at her placemat. Her special somepony sat next to her, sending a quiet look her way. She smiled at him, putting her wing around him. “So, whatcha wanna do while we’re in town?” Soarin thought for a moment, widening his grin. “It’s been forever since we had a date night. How about that?” “A… date… night?” Rainbow repeated, her smile losing a little of its truth. “What do you mean by that?” “You know, the usual stuff. Spend the day out in town, have dinner, all that stuff.” He pointed over to Paradigm. “I mean, we’re already gonna see a show tomorrow. Why not make the whole day awesome?” The thought of a day full of ‘date’ flashed into Rainbow’s head, sending out a nervous laugh. “Yeah, awesome! Sounds like fun.” At another end of the table, Fluttershy sat next to Applejack, looking over the menus. “So, Applejack, what are you going to do in town?” The farmer shrugged, burying her nose in her menu. “I ain’t sure. I know I’m spendin’ the day with Apple Bloom ‘n 'er friends, but… I’m willin’ ta bet they’ve got some kinda scheme in mind.” “What do you mean by ‘scheme’?” The Pegasus wondered, eyeing her friend rather curiously. “You don't think they're going to try to get you a date here in Manehattan, do you?” Applejack rose from her menu with a solemn nod. “Eeyup. They were talkin’ about sumthin’ like it the whole way up. Even bringin’ Babs in on it!” The caretaker internally cringed, drooping her head. “Oh, dear… Would you like some backup?” “Whaddaya mean ‘backup’?” “Well, Dash told me once that Rarity brought her along to Canterlot once back when she was still… well…” She hid her muzzle with her wing, whispering into Applejack's ear. “... ‘on the market’.” She pulled back, returning to her typical volume. “Apparently the reason she was there was to give Rarity a polite reason to get away from any stallions she didn't like.” “So, like a wing-mare?” Applejack reasoned. “Yes.” Fluttershy confirmed. “I think that was the word Dash used, too.” “Well, if you really feel like puttin’ yerself out there for me, I'd be much obliged!” Applejack affirmed, pulling her delicate friend in for a quickly reciprocated hug. “I mean it. Thank you.” Next to the embracing mares, a lone dragon sat, resting his head in his claw and staring dreamily at the white mare across the table from him. He breathed a heavy, swooning sigh as she conversed with the stallions on either side of her, laughing like she had not a care in the world. “She really does look happy, huh?” Another sigh erupted from within, more audible than before. Rarity’s laughter made a momentary stop as she looked toward the drake. “Spike? Is there something wrong?” Pulled from his thoughts, he shook his head, looking more earnestly at the designer of his dreams. “Huh? What? Oh, it’s nothing. Nothing’s wrong at all!” “I see.” She stated. She crossed her forelegs on the table in front of her, bringing her head forward alongside an idea. “In that case, would you care to join us in town tomorrow? There’s much to create, and you’re always such a big help when it comes to getting the outfits right!” Spike's face turned hopeful as he brought his claws together, looking longingly at the fashionista. “Really? Even though you've… probably got so much help already?” “Oh, Spike, you know I value your help like nothing else!” She argued, earning a curious glance from the ponies beside her. “The sheer devotion you've had over the years… I can't think of anyone I'd rather have by my side for a project as large as…” She motioned to the entire gathering. “... this one!” The tiny dragon's wings began to flap ever-so-delicately, lifting him out of his chair in a dreamy hover. “You can count on me, Rarity… Always…” “Fabulous!” Rarity looked around at the cacophony of companions, absolutely brimming with inspiration. “I can't wait to get started!” (Part Two: How Far They've Come) Twilight and Boltsinger strolled through the park, Brightling and Sparks walking ahead, with Sunburst lagging behind, his foreleg around a nearly stumbling Starlight. “Are you sure you're good to walk around today?” Starlight waved her hoof, shaking her head. “I'm fine! Just a little sore!” She sent her special somepony a playful smirk. “Besides, it was totally worth it!” Boltsinger's ears twitched, sending his intrigued gaze towards the Unicorns. “What was worth it?” A fast flush formed on the magical ponies, recoiling and focusing their attention on the curious stallion. “Oh, nothing important!” Sunburst insisted, shakily adjusting his glasses. Boltsinger shrugged, turning forward again. “Okay… Well, take it easy if you need to rest. We aren’t leaving anypony behind, got it?” “Yeah, yeah. I got it.” She dismissed. “So what’s on the agenda today?” Boltsinger looked to Twilight, implying a repeat of Starlight’s question. The Alicorn pulled a list from under her wing, “Well, everypony is doing own activities for most of the day, but at around five o’ clock, we’re all meeting up to get ready for the show.” She sneaked a look back to Starlight, a tinge of curiosity reflected in her eye. “I was thinking we could all explore the city. You know, give Sparks and Brightling a proper tour. Maybe even check out some of the libraries and museums while we’re at it?” Boltsinger yawned into his wing, slowing down. “Sounds good. We can do a lot before then…” “You sound pretty tired, little brother.” Brightling noted, hanging back to trot alongside his sibling. “Did you get any sleep last night?” “I slept. Just… not well. There was a loud, repetitive pounding noise coming from another room for most of the night. Kept me awake for a long time, and when I finally did fall asleep, it was still in my head.” He twitched his ears repeatedly. “I guess hearing like mine is a bit of a disadvantage sometimes.” “Ouch… That doesn’t sound like a very good time.” the elder brother confirmed. Another flash of red crossed Sunburst’s muzzle as he adjusted his glasses. “Yes, that does sound like a… rough night…” He joined the other stallions. “Well, I didn’t have any problems like that. Honestly, last night was…” A quiet laugh came out, briefly causing him to look back at the mare he loved. “... amazing.” “Amazing, huh?” Twilight repeated. She looked ahead to Sparks, who had already begun to slow down, then followed the grey mare’s lead. As Starlight caught up to the two of them, they simultaneously leaned in, matching her pace. “Tell us everything.” After a few moments of conversation, Boltsinger heard the sound of a pair of wings springing upward, prompting a look back. Twilight’s wings had gone stiff, with the her and Sparks’ horns beginning to emit a fiery aura. All of their faces had turned a bright red, sending a knowing smile onto Boltsinger’s face. He nudged Sunburst with his wing. “So, did you have fun?” “Um… Yes, I did.” “Did she have fun?” “I hope so...” Boltsinger nodded, moving to a trot. “Cool. How ‘bout we get some pizza?” Brightling looked curiously at his brother. “Seriously? You don’t wanna--” “Nnope.” The orange Pegasus insisted. “It’s not our business.” Brightling raised a hoof, letting a small grunt escape his mouth. With another look at the flustered wizard beside him, his hoof, and his point, fell flat, setting his gaze forward in a slightly disgruntled huff. The group settled into a steady pace, finally making their way to their first destination. As their order was placed, Sparks found herself laughing giddily. “Oh, I just can't wait for the show tonight! Luna Bay is one of my all-time favorite productions! And, to think, we get to see it for free because we have a friend in the cast!” She reached across the table, putting her hooves on those of her brother-in-law. “Thank you so much for helping him land that role, Bolt! It means a lot!” Boltsinger recoiled at the sudden gesture, the words to say leaving him entirely. He looked into his sister-in-law’s eyes, finding a luster in them that he still hadn’t gotten used to. “Um… You’re welcome.” He let a soft smile onto his face. “I mean, I was just happy to help Paradigm. Plus… It’s one of my favorite productions, too!” He joined in Sparks’ giddy laughter, talking about their favorite parts of the show and how things might be changing in the new version. As the conversation kept up, Twilight turned to Brightling. “They’ve certainly come a long way, haven’t they?” Brightling sighed, smiling warmly at his wife. “Yeah… I haven’t seen Sparks this happy in a long time.” The Princess’ curiosity took hold once more, looking at the excited face of the grey mare. “She hasn’t been happy? Not even with Oathsinger?” “It’s not that she hasn’t been happy, it’s just...“ His smile fell away. “She… isn't very proud of what she's done in the past… Like, she doesn't seem to have forgiven herself.” “That makes a lot of sense, actually.” Starlight interjected, putting her forelegs on the table. “Speaking from experience, I… still haven’t forgiven myself for all the bad things I did. It’s one of the hardest things a pony can ever do.” “For now, I think it’s best that you let her be happy.” The Princess concluded, placing her hoof on her pupil's. “Let her know that she’s loved, and that her friends are always there for her. Forgiving herself will come with time.” Brightling put his head in his hooves, staring thoughtfully at his spouse. “I guess so…” (Part Three: The Crusade Continues) “I can’t believe you brought Fluttershy along!” Apple Bloom exclaimed, looking back at the mares walking behind her. She trotted along the sidewalk of a residential district in front of Applejack and Fluttershy, her fellow Crusaders on either side of her. “What’s so bad about Fluttershy coming along?” Sweetie Belle queried, glancing back at the Pegasus. “It’s not like she had much else to do today.” Apple Bloom looked forward again, kicking a pebble in front of her. “She’s way too pretty! She’d just get the attention of all the stallions we brought over!” Scootaloo looked back at the shy mare, flashing a knowing grin. “Yeah, she might attract some attention. But then again, she might benefit from getting a boyfriend of her own!” At the word ‘boyfriend’, Fluttershy instinctively reeled back. “What? Oh, no, I’m not interested in things like that! I’m just here to be with all of you.” “And I’m happy ta have you, Fluttershy!” Applejack assured, putting her hoof around her companion. “So, y’all excited to see Babs?” Apple Bloom’s scowl quickly became a grin, looking ahead on the street. “Why wouldn’t I be? I haven’t seen her since the last reunion!” “I can’t wait to see her Cutie Mark!” The young Pegasus declared, jumping into a hover and looking over to Sweetie Belle. “You’ve seen it before. What does it look like?” Sweetie Belle smiled up at her flying friend, pointing to the nearby street corner. “You’ll see for yourself, soon enough. She’s gonna meet us right over there!” As if on cue, a dark orange Earth Pony filly trotted up to the corner. She had deep green eyes with off-yellow freckles at the corners, and a two-tone pink mane and tail, with the mane swept to one side. Her Cutie Mark showed a pair of scissors with handles that took the shape of an apple when brought together. She looked towards the approaching group, bringing a bright smile to the forefront. “Hey! Cutie Mark Crusaders!” Apple Bloom brightened up considerably, moving to a prance to meet up with the filly. “Babs!” She caught her cousin in a hug, laughing together with her. “It’s so good to see you again!” She backed up from the embrace, nearly hopping in place. “How’ve ya been?” Babs swiped a hoof in front of her. “I’ve been okay. But what the hay brings you gals to Manehattan? Sweetie Belle wasn’t very clear in her letter.” “We’re here fer a show our friend is in.” Applejack explained, catching up with her sister. “But we got the day to do whatever before then.” “Sounds good!” The Manehattanite affirmed. She waved the Crusaders over, going into a huddle. “So, the plan still on?” “Yes and no.” Apple Bloom stated, sneaking a look back. “Ya see, we weren't expectin’ Applejack to bring Fluttershy along with us.” Babs gave the mares a look of her own, returning to the huddle with a smirk. “So? Gorgeous mare like that? She's gotta be easy to find a guy for!” “I wouldn't be so sure.” Scootaloo started. “She's pretty shy when meetin’ new ponies.” Apple Bloom explained. “And any other creature, for that matter.” Sweetie Belle added. “And she's afraid of everything!” “Like wearin’ masks!” “Or singing in public!” “Or her own shadow!” “Or--” Babs swiftly placed her hooves on the next mouth to open, shaking her head. “I get it! I get it! She's a real piece o’ work!” She removed her hoof, looking between the Crusaders. “So, how's about we split ‘em up?” She motioned to Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. “You two know this ‘Fluttershy’ pretty good, so you take care o’ her while my cousin and I handle Applejack?” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked at each other with a firm nod, each sharing a hoof bump with their Earth Pony companions. “We’re on it!” “I’m sorry… Where are we going?” Fluttershy wondered. She found herself following Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle into a green clearing. “Weren’t we supposed to stay with Applejack?” “We thought it would be good to give Applejack time with her family.” The Unicorn explained, walking up to a bench. “Besides, how long has it been since we did something together?” Fluttershy brought her hoof to her muzzle, thinking on the subject. “Well, it has been a while… What did you have in mind?” The younger Pegasus smirked, jumping to a hover and scanning the crowd. “Oh, nothing much. Just seeing if you were interested in making some ‘new friends’!” The older Pegasus gave a confused blink. “New friends? What kind of new friends?” “We just want to find you somepony special.” The white filly explained, guiding Fluttershy to a nearby bench. “Because we care about you, and want you to be happy!” Sweetie Belle’s explanation repeated itself a couple times, sending a warmth to her heart and cheeks at the same time. “Oh… That’s very sweet of you, but I already have lots of special ponies in my life.” “But you don’t have the special pony!” The orange filly stressed. She landed in front of the mare, joined by her fellow Crusader. “Just let us try this once!” “I don’t know… She looked over at the sheer number of ponies roaming the park, thinking back on several instances of stage fright from her past. “It almost feels like you’d be… putting me on display…” The fillies leaned in, looking at Fluttershy like a puppy begging for treats. “Pleeeeeeeease!” In that moment, the animal caretaker felt an immense tug on her heartstrings. If there was one thing Fluttershy knew she couldn’t resist, it was the pleading eyes of something adorable and small. And, while these fillies had certainly gotten bigger over the years, they were still just small enough for a trick like this to work. “Okay. But just this once. Got it?” “GOT IT!” The Crusaders confirmed in unison, nearly blowing back Fluttershy’s mane with their volume. They shot off into the crowd, earning a number of gasps from the ponies within. Moments later, Sweetie Belle emerged with a stallion at her side. “Okay, Fluttershy, what do you think of this one?” Fluttershy winced, retreating into herself as she looked the stallion over. He certainly wasn’t a bad-looking stallion, but he looked as confused as she was nervous. “Um… I think he’s fine.” “Only ‘fine’?” She turned around with a huff, looking back up to the stallion. “Sorry, sir, it seems you’re not what we’re looking for.” She escorted him back to the crowd, quickly replaced by Scootaloo and another stallion. The two Crusaders continued to bring stallions forward in alternation, always receiving a polite form of disapproval, even if half of them were largely unintentional. As they went on, Fluttershy had started to open up, smiling just a little more at the ponies that bore certain features. Scootaloo snickered to herself as the pieces fell into place, flying over the crowd and pulling one more pony forward. “Here you are, Fluttershy! Your perfect stallion!” The aerial Crusader declared, motioning to a medium sized orange Pegasus stallion with a blue mane and tail. His Cutie Mark was a pair of clouds, and he had dark blue eyes, but otherwise looked eerily like another pony they knew. “What do you think?” Fluttershy found herself in an immediate fluster, a large lump catching her every word. Before one could come out, the stallion cleared his throat in an eerily familiar baritone. “I think my husband wouldn’t approve of something like this.” He turned back to the crowd, waving a friendly hoof at the ponies as Sweetie Belle returned to the fold. “But, best of luck finding your ‘perfect stallion’!” As the stallion trotted back to the gathering, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle turned to one another. “Husband?” They simultaneously asked. “Eh. Ponies of all kinds, I guess.” Scootaloo stated with a half-hearted shrug. “I guess so.” Sweetie Belle agreed, turning back to the bench. “The most important thing is--” The empty bench. “... Fluttershy?” “Uh… Babs, I appreciate you wantin’ ta help Apple Bloom on ‘er little crusade, but…” Applejack swallowed a lump in her throat, looking at a line of stallions that her sister and cousin had somehow assembled. “... Ain’t this a might too much?” Babs shook her head, patting her cousin on the back. “Nah! Actually, this ain’t even all the ponies I talked to! Some o’ them said they couldn’t make it ‘cause they were sick or sumthin’. I’d say only about half of ‘em arrived!” “This is only… half?” The farmer’s jaw dropped, sending her swaying from disbelief. “I… just… need ta lay down…” Apple Bloom and Babs leaned in, holding up their elder. “Whoa, there, Applejack! Don't pass out before ya meet any of ‘em!” Regaining her balance, Applejack looked down to the fillies. “An’ what the hay makes you think bringin’... What is it, twenty guys? What makes you think doin’ that'll make this whole thing go any faster?!” “Well, how else are they gonna compete?” The orange filly asked. “Come on, why don’tcha give it a shot?” “No way, no how!” The farm mare shouted, swiping a foreleg in front of her. “It just don't feel right, havin’ ponies tryna compete all ‘cause o’ me!” “Even though you compete with Rainbow Dash at the drop of a hat?” Apple Bloom deadpanned. “Come on, Applejack! Give it a try! You might like it!” The blonde mare stomped her hoof, sending a small rumble into the ground. “I said no. I appreciate what y’all ‘re tryin’ to do, but this ain't the way to go about it!” She cleared her throat, addressing the crowd. “Um… Howdy! I really appreciate y'all showin’ up here just fer my sake, but… I'm afraid there ain't anything here for ya!” The stallions in the crowd began to show signs of their disapproval with a mixture of sighs, groans, and some yelling. “Now, don't get yer nickers in a bunch! Just ‘cause I don't wantcha competin’ like a bunch o’ hogs for a meal, that don't mean I ain't willing to give y'all a chance!” She looked over to Apple Bloom, breathing a heavy, relenting sigh. “If’n ya want to try goin’ on a…” The lump in her throat found itself reluctantly swallowed. “... a date with me… Talk to my cousin, Babs, and she'll tell ya where to go from there!” Apple Bloom looked out at the crowd of stallions, then back at her sister. “You really wanna give all of ‘em a chance?” “As long as it's one at a time, yeah.” She patted her sister on the head. “I told ya I'd give it a shot when ya started this thing. I ain't about to go back on my word now.” She glanced over to the crowd with a chuckle “I just don't think I can handle another case o’ the ‘Sweet Apple Admirers’!” Apple Bloom thought back on just how full and stressful the farm had become when those words applied, then looked at the crowd again. “Now that you mention it… That'd be pretty awful…” “Exactly!” The mare affirmed. She put her hoof around her sister, moving to bypass the crowd. “So how's about we give yer little crusade a rest fer now ‘n just have fun today?” Apple Bloom nodded enthusiastically, leaning into her sibling. “Sounds great! Whatcha wanna do first?” “Well… Let's see…” She scanned the horizon, a myriad of unfamiliar sights filling her vision as her mind drew a blank. She quickly brought her hindquarters to the sidewalk, gingerly patting the filly's back. “On second thought, let's just stay here fer now.” (Part Four: The Party Ponies’ Preparatory Procurement of Particular… Stuff.) A pink party pony stood seriously squished against a wonderfully wide window. Her eyes were fixed on a hoof-stitched-ten-thousand-thread-count-velvet-lined rock pouch that sat in a display. “I can't believe they still have it!!!” Next to her, Cheese similarly pressed himself against the window, looking around the shop. “I know! Who'd have thought they'd still have…” With a distinct ‘POP’, he removed his face from the window to look at Pinkie. “... What is it we're looking at?” Another ‘POP’ echoed through the street as Pinkie met her friend's gaze, pointing at the object of her desire. “Do you see that rock pouch with the red drawstring, double-stitching, and ochre-flecked velvet lining with triple-reinforced crosshatched seams?” The brown-maned stallion's eyes drifted back to the window, almost seeing an arrow going from Pinkie's hoof to the coveted item. “Oh! That!” His attention returned to the mare in his company. “What do you need a rock pouch for?” “Not for me! For Maud!” She corrected. “A rock pouch is the perfect gift for her, to keep track of Boulder!” “You mean the rock she keeps as a pet?” He inquired, receiving a rapid nod. “Oh! He's hilarious! You mean she never had anything to carry him with?” “Nope!” Pinkie returned to her position against the window. “And the last time I tried to get her one, the store was closed for a few moons and then I found somepony else who had it and had to give him my party cannon and then Maud found out that I gave up my party cannon and got my party cannon back in exchange for giving back the rock pouch!” She backed away from the window, pawing the sidewalk with her hoof. “So she still doesn’t have one…” “So how much is it?” “Twenty bits.” “We’ve got a lot of stuff to get for party prep. But I’m sure we’ll have some money left over!” He assured her, causing her hopeful head to rise. “If we have that much, why don’t we come back and get it?” The shine in Pinkie’s hopeful eyes increased threefold as her smile widened to its limit. “Really?” “Abso-fetta-lutely!” Cheese confirmed. He jumped in place, spinning toward the street. “Now, let's go!” “Right!” She exclaimed, shooting off down the road. The party stallion let out a laugh at the mare's antics. “Well, we can't let her outrun us, can we? Come on, Bonele--” He looked back at his own back, finding an empty space where there would normally be something. “Oh, yeah… He's gone…” He breathed a reverent sigh, turning back to his focal point. “But that won't stop me!” He reared up for a moment, leaving a Cheese Sandwich-shaped cloud of dust in his wake as he sped off after his party planning partner. Walking down a market street, the party ponies drew their attention to various vendors, eyeing a number of products to obtain for the sake of a good party. Sheese had a relaxed expression on, while the pinker of the two showed a laser-like focus. “So!” Pinkie began, producing a scroll from her mane. “The parties we have to plan for are as follows…” She took the deepest breath an Earth Pony ever breathed. “Lyra’s bachelorette party, Bon Bon’s bachelorette party, Rarity’s bachelorette party, Rainbow’s bachelorette party, Sugar Belle’s bachelorette party, the Cakes’ anniversary, Twilight and Bolt’s anniversary of their first kiss, the anniversary of when they got married, Big Mac and Sugar Belle’s anniversary, Rainbow and Soarin’s anniversary, Starlight and Sunburst’s anniversary, Twilight, Starlight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Sunburst, Soarin, Big Mac, Bolt, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom’s birthdays, Starlight’s baby shower and…” She took one more breath for good measure. “NOVA’S FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!” “That many parties?” Cheese wondered. “How many of those are actually happening?” “Probably just the birthdays and the anniversaries.” She admitted, putting the scroll away. “But it never hurts to be prepared!” A jovial laugh came out of the Sandwich as his hoof graced his muzzle. “Well, okay, then! You’re the expert, so lead the way!” “Oh, please, Cheese, you’re just as much of an expert as me!” She stated, nudging his side with her elbow. “You just had a few bad parties. Don’t let it get you down!” “Just as much as you?” He dumbfoundedly repeated. “You’re the one planning parties that might not even happen! I saw that party cave, too. You’ve got enough planned to last years! All I’ve got to go on is a Cheesy sense and a rubber…” His eyes turned back for a moment, drooping slightly and moving forward again. “... A Cheesy sense.” “And has that ever stopped you from having fantasti-mazing parties before?” She inquired, met with the flattest face possible for the poofy stallion. “Besides for Griffons, Yaks, and dragons!” With a shrug and a smile, Cheese looked back at her. “Well, when you put it that way…” “Good!” Pinkie affirmed. She gave him a hard pat on the back, making his entire body wobble like string cheese. “So, I think we should split up. The more ground we cover, the more stuff we get! And the more stuff we get, the better the parties will be!” Cheese pumped his foreleg, giving her his most confident grin.“Okay! What are we--” With a force that only Pinkie Pie can provide, a list was thrust into Cheese’s raised foreleg. “Here’s a list of what everypony likes! Let your Cheesy sense take over from there!” She was met with a silent nod, the two party ponies moving onto their work. The hours of shopping passed surprisingly quickly, even for the fastest ball of pink in Equestria. Pinkie and Cheese had met up every hour to compare notes, and the only things on their list that they hadn’t managed to get were either things they couldn’t find in Manehattan, or something they had yet to learn about. Originally, Pinkie had thought the task of preparing all these parties to be daunting, but the second perspective her companion provided proved to be invaluable. And she had to admit, she was starting to prefer it this way. Pinkie hung the list from her prehensile forelock, looking it over intently as she dodged ponies and obstacles. “So that should be everything… How many bits do we have left?” The brunette pulled a wallet from under his shirt, peering inside. “You sure you wanna know?” “Of course!” She exclaimed, bits of confetti popping out from seemingly nowhere. He held out his hoof, dumping the contents of the wallet into it in a perfect stack. “Exactly twenty bits!” Pinkie closed the distance between herself and the money as quickly as she could, eyeing it as hungrily as a rock doctor staring at an untouched quarry. “You mean…” “Looks like it!” “Best… day… EVER!” In one swift motion, the bubbly mare swiped the bits,  stuffed them into her mane, and pulled her companion into a hug. “Now I can get the rock pouch for Maud! Oh, thank you, Cheese! I’m gonna go get that rock pouch right now!” She squeezed tighter, giving him a short, but solid, kiss on the cheek as she zoomed off in a streak of pink. Cheese stood still for a moment, slowly looking back with his hoof on his cheek. “Didja see that, Boneless? She…” The emptiness on his back stared at him once again. “Oh… Right.” Little more than a minute later, Pinkie Pie was on the street where she found the store, walking along and looking into the windows. “I just know Maud is gonna love that rock pouch! Just need to get there…” She set her eyes on the store, moving to a trot as her mind began wandering. “But, you know, Cheese has been doing so much to help, I think I should do something to show my appreciation! But what should I do…?” The answer to her query was swift, loud, and squeaky. One of the bits fell from her mane, causing her to stop on it, pick it up, and turn to face the noise. Finding a novelty vendor on the side of the road. Resting in her foreleg was a bright yellow toy with beady eyes, a red crest, and orange legs in the shape of a particular variety of fowl. Her heart skipped a beat, like this toy was here for a reason, and she rapidly approached the vendor. “HOW MUCH FOR THAT RUBBER CHICKEN?!” The vendor smirked at the desperate-looking mare, flashing a golden grin. “How much ya got?” (Part Five: What The heck Even Is A Date?) “Is this really necessary?” Rainbow asked, struggling to breathe as her most fashion-forward friend tightened the dress that was quickly taking shape around her. “I'm just going out with Soarin!” “Oh, darling that's exactly why this is necessary!” Rarity stressed, her in green fabric. “This is a real date, dear, and you need to look the part! Try your hardest to impress him!” “Uh, have you met me?” The Wonderbolt started, confidently putting her hoof on her chest. “I'm pretty impressive!” “Yes, dear, you're very impressive, but you need to impress him in a different way!” She stressed, getting the rest of the outfit into place. “You can't just be brash and commanding all the time! You need to show him your… feminine side!” She pulled the ribbon on the back into place, expelling more air from the Pegasus’ lungs. “Is it ‘feminine’ to not be able to breathe?!” Rainbow staggered out, pulling away from the fashionista to land on her hooves. “How do you expect me to do anything in this?” Rarity lit her horn, tying up some loose fabric and providing other finishing touches. “Oh, don't worry about that little detail. Just go out and show that lucky stallion the time of his life!” She guided her uncomfortable friend to the door, wrapping her magic around her and sending her on her way. Soarin waited on the edge of Saddle row, looking at all of the fashionable ponies passing by. One wore an elaborate black ensemble, almost radiating distress and despair, while another was white and frilly, like a sunny day. Yet another had a dazzling outfit of many colors, reminding him of the mare he awaited. A dopey smile formed on his lips, imagining her making her approach. fast, precise, epic. She was always one for making an entrance, and he relished it. For a while longer, he waited, letting his attention be drawn to an approaching mare in a tight green dress with ribbons tied into elaborate knots all down her sides. A larger knot sat at the base of the collar, all tucked in to slightly puff out and accentuate the chest. The skirt seemed to have a wave to it, flowing just above the ground and bouncing with her every step. She stopped just short of the white stallion, looking up at him with a light red showing up in her cheeks. “Okay, I’m here.” “Huh?” He brought his focus to the mare, finding her rainbow mane and cyan coat familiar. His eyes showed his shock while his jaw went slack, finally bringing the name forth. “R-Rainbow Dash? That’s… um…” He swallowed a sizable lump in his throat, taking in the details of her outfit again. “You look… Wow!” Rainbow fiddled with her collar a little, the red refusing to disappear. “Oh… yeah. Rarity said it was important to wear something…” Soarin rubbed his neck with his hoof, looking at himself. “Yeah… Makes me feel a little…” As was his norm when not at Wonderbolt shows or headquarters, he wore nothing, his pale coat there for all to see. “... underdressed.” He gave her a look of sincere wonder. “Should I go and put something on?” A casual smile found its way onto her muzzle, knowing just what to say in this situation. As she opened her mouth, though, she found herself at a loss for words. The words of Rarity’s insistence entered her mind, repeating themselves in a wispy, ghostly tone that she should show her more feminine side. She thought for a moment, imagining what her most feminine friend might say. Letting out a sigh of lament, she took a deep breath, batting her eyelashes as she looked back up at him. “Oh, I don’t believe that will be necessary… um… dear. What you’re wearing will be just lovely.” Soarin’s wonder turned to abject confusion, his eyebrow rising to match his emotional state. “Ooooookay… So, how about we hit up the Hay Burger? I’m starving!” “Hay Burger?” She repeated. Her stomach began to cry out in agreement, having not been filled since an early breakfast, and with the tight dress hugging her as tightly as it was. “That sounds…” Once again, her friend’s words reverberated through her mind. “... sounds… simply horrid!” “Horrid?” Soarin put his wing on her forehead, putting his own up against it. “You okay, babe? Normally you love getting Hay Burger!” The heat in the mare’s cheeks increased tenfold. The contact was something she was used to from him, but the word he’d used… Something about it furthered her fluster. “What’d you just call me?” Soarin retreated a little. “Sorry, Dash… It just kinda slipped out. Was that too much?” Rainbow shook her head, letting a smile form on her muzzle. “Still, there’s something different about you tonight. Are you alright?” “What? Me?” She gingerly motioned to herself, batting her eyelashes. “I’m just fine! I’d just prefer to go to a more… um… reputable establishment!” She put her foreleg around his, draping her wing over him and starting down the road. “Like... “ Scanning the streets, she saw a number of ponies in formal wear going in and out of a place with tables and chairs situated outside. She pointed enthusiastically at it, pulling him along. “That one!” An hour of waiting, an order placed. Rainbow and Soarin sat across from one another at a fancy-looking restaurant, averting their eyes to look out the nearby window. After a few more moments, Soarin looked back at her. “So… The Pegasi here do a pretty good job on the weather, don’t you think?” “I guess they do alright.” She admitted, listing her eyes to the clouds. “I mean, it’s no Ponyville, but that’s a given!” She laughed to herself, her personal pride making itself known. Soarin let out a swooning sigh, resting his head on his hooves and his eyes on his favorite mare. “Yeah… Nopony does weather quite like you, Rainbow Dash!” The pride swelled up even more, letting her turn to the stallion with a hoof on her chest. “Well, when you can clear the sky in ten seconds flat, it’s hard for anypony to compare!” She looked into his eyes, finding them in a dreamy, dilated state that showed off her reflection. Her prideful smile turned soft, realizing just what she was doing with the pony she was with. She wanted to lean in and really plant one on him, but something seemed to hold her back. As she attempted to move forward, the confines of her dress held her in place, telling her that breathing might become optional if she succeeded in her efforts. But, more than that, there was the presence of the eyes all around them. Around the room, several ponies had been sneaking a look at them, commenting on how there were Wonderbolts there and how romantic it all looked. The attention was something she was used to, but the context for it was… unnerving. She grabbed the dessert menu, holding it up between them to obscure his vision. “So! What should we get for dessert? I sure wish the waiter would get back soon! I am star~ving!” Soarin reeled back a ways, making room for the arriving meal. “Great timing, huh?” He rubbed his hooves together as the Unicorn waiter placed the covering in his magic. “I’m so hungry I could eat a--” As the covering was removed, Rainbow put the dessert menu aside, looking down at the food she’d ordered with a jaw just as dropped as the pony across from her. Three sticks of celery, some… thing she couldn’t quite identify, and a small piece of parsley, all surrounded by a small drizzle of a yellow sauce. “... What’s this?” “It’s what you ordered, sir.” The waiter deadpanned, turning to walk away. “Do enjoy your meal.” The pair of Pegasi gave off a simultaneous sigh, consuming their food in one, insignificant bite. Back out on the street, Rainbow’s mind was once again filled with a repetition of Rarity’s advice to show her feminine side. She practically glued her flank to Soarin’s, walking down the road with a soft rumbling coming from the stomach next to her. “How in Equestria was that a meal?” Soarin queried, clutching his stomach with his wing. He let out a pained groan alongside another rumble. “You wanna check out the roller derby? I bet we could get some hot dogs while we’re there!” “Roller derby? I heard Rarity--” Yet another instance of the aforementioned pony's advice echoed, as if manifesting itself beside her. She sighed in defeat, patting the foreleg she clutched. “Perhaps another time… um… dear. Why don't we go for a nice walk through the park?” Soarin looked over to the park and stewed for a minute. “Can we at least get something real to eat while we're there?” Rainbow reluctantly flipped her mane, holding the foreleg tighter. “Of course… dear. If we find something, we can do just that!” “Good. ‘Cause I'm about ready to start grazing if I have to!” The Pegasus couple made their way into the nearest park, where Soarin was escorted to a bench. He gave the mare a ginger wave as she trotted off in search of something more substantial than the so-called ‘dining experience’ they had been subject to. She looked around the park, finding ponies playing, relaxing, and smiling with a truth she hadn't shown much of today. What about all this frou-frou stuff is supposed to impress him, anyway? I'm barely able to breathe, I can't go do awesome stuff, and I have to act like Rarity?! She stopped cold, digging her hoof into the dirt. “That's it! I’m done with this fancy act!” She turned around with a snort, stomping back to her boyfriend’s bench and sitting beside him. “Hey, babe! You find something to eat?” He asked, putting his hoof around her. There was that word again. something about it sent a warmth to her cheeks, bringing one if her hooves to rub her foreleg. “Uh… No.” What the heck, Dash?! You knew exactly what to say just a second ago! Why'd you clam up now?! “Didn't find anything!” “Darn.” He lamented. He took a glance over to her, finding beads of sweat running down her face. “Are you okay?” “I’m good.” She fibbed, looking away. “What makes you think I’m not okay?” “Well, there’s the dress.” He started, poking at one of the bows that lined her sides. “Then there’s the whole eyelash thing you’ve been doing, and the way you’ve been talking, and how you’ve been holding my foreleg hostage all night.” He pointed to the foreleg closest to her, where the grip he had experienced had turned small parts of it red. “I love you, but you’ve just been off all day!” Words had never pierced Rainbow Dash as much as the three that Soarin had so casually uttered. Her eyes went wide as the heat in her cheeks extended all the way into her heart. “Off? I've been…? Well, I mean… You'd be off too in… this… straight jacket… dress…” She wobbled to and fro, her vision going blurry as the world went sideways, finally fading to black. “--ainbow Dash!” Soarin’s frantic voice exclaimed. Rainbow felt a pair of hooves on her shoulders, shaking her back into consciousness. “Come on, Dash… wake up!” Opening her eyes, Rainbow took a deep breath. Deeper than she thought possible, given her outfit. “Soarin…?” She sat up, looking the worry-stricken stallion in the eye. “What's going on?” In lieu of a reply, Soarin pulled her into a tight hug, gently rubbing her back. “I'm so glad you're okay!” He slowly let go, pulling back to look at her directly. “You had me so worried… You normally never faint like that! What the heck happened?” “I don’t know… I just, well, couldn’t breathe.” She tugged at the now-loose fabric at her sides. “This thing was way too tight!” “I knew that part.” He told her, moving to sit next to her. “But you’ve been weird with everything! Why is that?” “Honestly?” She hung her head, rubbing her neck. “Rarity’s been telling me that I need to ‘impress you’ with my ‘feminine side’. I really did want to go to Hay Burger, and that roller derby sounds really awesome! And I’d love to get out of this thing!” She pulled at her dress, trying to get her foreleg out. “I can hardly move!” “Well, I think you look gorgeous in it, but…” Soarin reached over, pulling apart some of the many bows and sliding the garment over her wings. “If you wanted help out of it, you could’ve just asked.” Rainbow gave him a red-faced smile, slipping the rest of the way out. “And, you know, you don’t have to try and impress me.” He put his hoof around her, pulling her in close. “You’re Rainbow Dash! You’re already impressive!” Finally, a warmth that she knew what to do with. Rainbow Dash sat up as tall as she could, fluffing her wings and puffing her chest. “You got that right!” Soarin smiled warmly, giving her a playful punch to the shoulder. “That’s what I like to see!” He jumped up from the bench, walking back towards the street. “So, what do you say we do one more thing before we meet with everypony?” Rainbow followed suit, giving her head a curious tilt. “Whatcha got in mind?” His smile turned into a smirk. “I heard Applejack talking about Manehattan having local cider bars on the train. You wanna--” “LET’S GO!” Rainbow shouted, grabbing her special somepony and speeding into the city proper. (Part Six: Rarity For You, You, And You!) “Let’s see… Could someone get me some orange thread?” Rarity asked, looking over sections of fabric. Before she could point to the location of the item, it was floated over in a white aura. She smiled at the aura’s owner, nodding to the brown stallion. “Thank you, Paradigm.” She placed it on her sewing machine, starting it up. “And, while I’m thinking about it, I need the--” “I’ve got the design right here!” Spike announced, placing the paper next to her. “Ah! Wonderful!” She floated the parchment to a nearby stand, passing her fabric through. “Now I just need…” A yellow aura floated a full cup over to her, a straw already in place and facing the mare. “I've got your sparkling water right here, darling!” Rarity placed the beverage on a stool next to her, flashing a brilliant smile to Fancy Pants. “Oh, thank you, Fancy Pants! I simply don't know what I'd do without you!” Spike and Paradigm each looked at the scene before them, in which Rarity momentarily ceased her sewing to give her special somepony a nuzzle on the nose, then returned to her work. They gave off a simultaneous sigh, sitting down. “A lot. That's what.” They mutually mumbled, drawing their attention to the floor below. “You, too, huh?” Spike wondered, looking at Paradigm from the corner of his eye. Paradigm gave the dragon a curious glance. “What do you mean?” “You know what I mean.” He stressed, pointing his claw at the gorgeous mare by the sewing machine. “That.” “Ah…” Paradigm sent a look over to the pony in question, gaining a dopey grin. “It’s that obvious?” “Yeah. I get like that all the time.” He rested his head in his claws, letting his own dopey grin take shape. “How'd she get you?” “She helped me look the part for my ‘new role’.” The bespectacled stallion explained. He took a quick, deep breath, a small jolt of electricity sparking around his horn. On the exhale, his smile widened. “Ever since, I've been coming to see her every time she comes to Manehattan. Helping, talking, taking in the town. She's just so…” “Amazing?” “Enchanting. Enrapturing….” He listed, poking one hoof with the other. “In the end, there's just…” “No words.” A posh tenor finished, taking a seat between them as the mare they watched moved to a back room. “I'd give anything to make her happy, you know.” “Here, here.” Paradigm replied, raising his hoof to Fancy pants. The noble smiled back at him, accepting the hoof bump gratefully. “You're the one with a chance, so make the best of it.” “I shall.” Fancy Pants confirmed. “Now, I suppose we’ve done more than enough pining, haven’t we, gentlecolts?” He rose to his hooves, dusting off his rump with his tail. “I do believe she’s going to need further assistance from--” “Paradigm! Could you help me with something?” Rarity requested, poking her head into the doorway. “I could really use a Manehattanite’s opinion on this!” Paradigm excitedly sprang up with an ecstatic grin. “Of course! On my way!” He trotted toward the doorway, taking special note of how her face lit up at his approach. The mare’s delight didn’t go unnoticed by the dragon and the noble. Spike snickered to himself, sending a quick glance over to Fancy Pants, who breathed a sigh and began organizing various items. Rarity led Paradigm into the back room of the boutique, where a large number of mannequins had been put on display. The themes of the outfits reminded him of the ponies he had invited and their various guests, but made for the opposite gender in some cases. Most of them were largely unfinished, with several of them only able to boast a small garment with a picture of the finished work next to it. Rarity stepped between the stallion and the outfits, giving him a look of mild uncertainty. “I need you to be honest. Do you think I can pull it off before the show?” Paradigm looked over the selection. “They’re lovely, of course, but… I’m honestly not sure why we need them for the show.” “Because it’s a night at the theater, darling!” She answered, motioning dramatically to her works in progress. “One simply must look their best for such an event!” He gave the mare a smile, taking another deep breath with a quick spark of his horn. “I admit, everypony tries to look good when they come to a show, but I’ve been to a lot of those shows, as of late. Nopony ever goes in their Sunday best.” Looking back to the outfits, he smirked at some of the designs. “But, I have to say, your designs are simply divine. We simply can’t not use them! Why not refine them for something a little bigger?” “Something bigger, you say?” She examined the budding ensembles, pursing her lip and squinting. “Well… The Grand Galloping Gala is only eight months away… Perhaps I could make these work for that!” She turned back to her friend with a determined nod. “I think I’ll do just that!” She pointed her hoof at him. “But we’re still going to put some effort into tonight! Your debut performance demands it!” Paradigm’s face went white at her words, his jaw dropping as he looked over to a clock on the wall. “My performance!” He slammed his hoof into his forehead. “I’m late for show prep!” He rushed over to Rarity, giving her a light peck on the cheek and running for the door. “I’ll see you all after the show tonight!” With another spark to his horn, he made his exit, leaving a small discharge on the floor in his wake. Rarity froze for a moment, staring at the jolts on the floor with a shade of red adorning her cheeks. “Yes…” Her hoof rose from the floor, finding a new home on the cheek that had been kissed. “See you… tonight.” (Part Seven: Final Thoughts) Against a backdrop of a tropical island, a number of stallions in sailor outfits grouped together, each one dramatically raising a hoof in front while the music paused. “~There is absolutely nothing to compaaaaaaaare…~” From behind the group, Paradigm stepped forward, lifting his own hoof for emphasis. “~Wiiiiith a maaaaaaaaaaaaare!~” He belted out with an exceptionally low tone. The front row of the theater was filled completely with the party from Ponyville, the grey mare of the group starting up an applause with uproarious cheering. “YEAH! THAT WAS PERFECT!” The rest of the audience followed suit, drowning out part of the song as they continued their performance. Boltsinger leaned in towards his wife, whispering into her ear. “He’s really come into his own, hasn’t he?” Twilight gave him a nod, her eyes fixed on the performance in front of them. “He has. I’m surprised he’s made such an effort to better himself!” “How is it surprising?” The Pegasus wondered, putting his wing around her. “You improve everypony’s lives!” “Maybe, but this one is all on you.” She corrected, returning his gesture. “You’re the one that wanted to help him, after all.” Boltsinger smiled, squeezing her a little and giving her a kiss on the cheek. “That’s a responsibility I’m glad to take.” The next few scenes went by quickly, one such moment containing a number where several mares sang about washing some colt right out of their manes. The harmonies and lyrics of the song echoed in the mind of a particular yellow mare in the gathering. She looked over Starlight and Sunburst at the Pegasus Prince, feeling a warmth in her cheeks that, while familiar, was making her uncomfortable thanks to the events of the day. She let out an audible sigh, turning to lay her eyes on the floor as a hoof made its way to her back. “You okay, Fluttershy?” Applejack asked, pulling the mare’s attention from the floor. “Ya look like ya got sumthin’ on yer mind.” “Oh, it’s nothing…” She fibbed, quickly looking back to the stage. “Nothing’s bothering me! I’m… just fine!” Scootaloo shot a look over to the older Pegasus, a frown forming on her muzzle as she looked back to the Crusaders next to her. “I think we might have overdone it with Fluttershy…” Sweetie Belle peeked over her winged friend. “What do you mean? She looks fine to me.” The Pegasus filly shook her head, leaning back in her seat. “I don’t know. It just feels like we tried too hard to help her with… Well, you know.” “From what I hear, that was all you.” Apple Bloom stated. “So whatcha gonna do about it?” Scootaloo’s gaze turned right back to the floor. “I’m not sure… Maybe it’ll just blow over?” Through the rest of the performance, Rarity stared at the stage with a focus tighter than Pinkie Pie on a party. Her face was as red as her farmer friend’s Cutie Mark, and her hoof repeatedly rose to her cheek. As the cast made their curtain call, she was among the first to stomp, and the loudest to yell, her cheers drowning out those of the ponies around her. She jumped to her hooves at the curtain, running towards the place they had deigned to meet after the show, catching the eyes of everypony she passed, Fancy Pants chief among them. She trotted in place, quickly joined by Sparks as the rest of their party made a far more casual approach. Finally, the stallion in question came into view. Rarity and Sparks each let out a high-pitched squee as the white mare ran to him. “Oh, Paradigm, your performance was simply spectacular!” Paradigm rubbed his neck with his hoof, averting his eyes with a furious flush framing his face. “Oh, I don’t know if it was that good…” His eyes turned back to the mare with a soft smile. “But, thank you.” “Oh, nonsense!” Sparks retorted, waving her hoof between them. “The whole show was amazing! Yourself included!” “I have to agree with Sparks, there.” Brightling said, stepping up and putting his wing around her. “I normally don’t care much for musicals. But this show was worth the trip!” The brown stallion chuckled to himself, looking over the ponies in front of him to spot his benefactors. “But, you know… I wouldn’t be here without our friends.” He moved past his newest fans, approaching the most royal of their number with a weakening smile. He took a deep breath, his horn releasing a small discharge as he did so, and straightened up. “It means everything that you gave me the chance.” “And you certainly didn’t waste it.” Twilight affirmed, placing her hoof on his shoulder. “In fact, Bolt and I were thinking about something you might appreciate!” “Oh?” Paradigm looked between the two of them, his curiosity becoming as evident as the glasses on his face. “And what might that be?” Boltsinger stepped forward, scratching his mane with his wing. “Well, actually, there’s a pretty big event coming up that we’re wanting all of our friends and family to be there for. If they can make it, of course.” “And that event would be…?” “Nova’s first birthday party.” He finished, showing him a wide grin. Paradigm’s eyes went as wide as can be, his jaw nearly going slack. “You’re saying… You’d like for me to come to Ponyville?” Twilight gave him a confirming nod. “For your… little Alicorn foal?” Boltsinger nodded in kind. “But… Where would I stay?” Rarity took a spot beside the silver-eyed stallion, putting a hoof on his shoulder. “I’ve got an extra room at my boutique if you’d like to stay there.” “And if not, the castle has plenty of guest rooms.” Twilight added. Boltsinger stepped forward, offering his hoof. “So, what do you say?” After a moment of silence, Paradigm took the offered hoof, pulling the purple-eyed Pegasus in for a hug. “Not even Celestia could tear me away, Boltsinger!”