//------------------------------// // At The Park // Story: My Little Mages: Harmonic Turbulence // by Foxhelm //------------------------------// Within an hour after leaving Twilight's school, Rarity arrived at the entrance of the Four Princess amusement park. Right there were both Filthy Rich and Vignette, “Ah Ms. Rarity,” Filthy said as he greeted Rarity. “Thank you for coming so quickly.” The three then went into the park. Got the first glimpse of the park’s rides and such. There was a haunted house themed ride which looked like the ruined Castle of the Two Sisters it was titled Nightmare Moon's Haunted Castle. There was a building that looked like a fun house but was utterly off. It was titled Discord’s Pandemonium. There were several roller coasters and other rides. A tunnel ride with the opening looking like the open maw of the shade king Sombra title, ‘Sombra’s Dark Crystal Express’. Rarity also spotted a fairly large Ferris wheel designed like Celestia’s aura mark, a pendulum ride that swung in a circle, much like the waxing and waning moon. Rarity swiftly concluded that it was based on Princess Luna. Next Rarity spied was what seemed to be a storybook ride ‘The Crystal Wedding’ which she rightfully assumed was a romanticization of Cadance and Shining wedding and the crystalling of Flurry. One of the most outlandish roller coasters was called The Sonic Rainboom and was clearly designed off of Rainbow Dash achieving a Sonic Rainboom during the Young Flyers Competition a couple of years back. There were several others based on the Pillars and Founders. Also in the park, Rarity spotted a restaurant that based on Sweet Apple Temple called Apple Clan Cafe, a small bakery called Pinkie Pie’s Quick Bake Pastries, a small petting zoo call Fluttershy’s Animal Shelter and a structure much like her own boutique which was most likely for children to dress up as their favorite Mystican heroes, including the princesses, the Six key founders, Shining Armor, the Elements of Harmony (which included Spike costumes) and the Pillars of Virtue (which included Stygian), even Discord, King Thorax, Trixie and Starlight and Tempest Shadow and should they chose villains, Nightmare Moon, Chrysalis, Sombra, Tirek, and The Storm King, were some of more noted people. Another thing that stood out was an arcade, inside were several games, a shooting gallery based around Chrysalis’ invasion of Chanterlot during Cadance’s and Shining’s wedding, an escape room based around Twilight’s Library and a strength test competing against an animatronic copy of the late Storm King. “Oh Filthy,” Rarity dismissed as she hugged him. “So what exactly are you looking for?” Vignette then walked up to Rarity, “Rarity Crumbles-Flank, the queen of fashion.” the two then hugged and faked kiss each other's checks. “It’s a pleasure.” Rarity blushed a small in slight embarrassment when she heard her surname, but it faded quickly it something she would have to accept until she got around to legally changing her surname. Faster than light, Rarity regained her composer, “And the mistress of personality herself, Vignette Valencia.” Rarity said as the two broke so that she could properly greet Vignette. “Darling, it is so exciting to finally meet you.” “Yes, I'm that ‘Vignette’,” Vignette said as she gave a slight laugh of clearly feigned modesty and a slight smile. “But no, I do not think I'm better than you just because I have three million followers on Chat-Limn alone.” She said as she took out her device, “But that’s nothing compared to your true following.” She tabbed on the screen. “Your Royal Regalia line is still a top seller even with the canceling of the ‘Reign in Stain’ aka ‘Princess Dress’ near the start of the line, and your inner strength line is going strong.” She said as she seemed to be looking for the information. “And your boutiques in both Manahatten and Chantalot have the most sales of all clothing stores even after the novelty bump has faded.” Vignette elaborated. She then back to Rarity, “So here’s the thing, Rares, can I call you ‘Rares’, well there’s the stitch, we…” Filthy cleared his throat getting the two’s attention, “Ahem, if I may?” Filthy asked. Vignette rolled her eyes and conceded. “The main thing we need is the costumes for the parade for the night of opening day. It is one of the most important events in the park,” he stated. “Yes, yes, cast count over a hundred and they must perfect.” Rarity countered. “You should have called me in sooner, but everything will be ready for the parade,” she said with a nod. “You do know we need this done for sunset tomorrow?” Filthy asked. “This is Rarity.” Vignette countered, “If anyone can do it’s her.” Later that night as Rarity had thrown another design away, she felt a vibration in one of her pockets followed by a ring. She reached into it and pulled out the device she received the message from earlier that day. The information it projected was the contact information of Sweet Apple Temple. She smiled and answered the call. “Good Evening, Rarity speaking.” “Glad this went through, Sugarcube, these … what are they called again?” “Far-voices are their actual names, but most that have them use the name of the band SonTan.” Rarity informed her least technologically savvy friend. “Ah must be such a Luddite,” Applejack groaned to herself. “Well you are, but should everything go to hell in a handbasket, you’re the only one with their head on straight. So what are you up to?” “Well the students, the CMC, Spike, and the girls, and I mean all of them, are ridiculously excited to go to this park for the opening. Heck even Big Mac’s taking Sugar Belle.” “You youngin’ ain't the only ones gonna have a howling good time” came Granny Smith’s voice. “Yeah, the park is the talk of the town.” Applejack corrected after Granny’s interruption. The paladin then paused for a second. “Rarity are you sure taking this commission was a good idea?” she asked cutting to the heart of the matter. “You don’t have a lot of time, Sugarcube.” Rarity smiled, “Thanks for your concern, Darling, but last I can manage minute designs, done it before, will do so again.” Rarity paused as she looked at the piece of paper in front of her. She smiled as finally, an idea came. “Thanks for calling. You just gave me the inspiration I needed.” “Don’t strain yourself, See ya tomorrow, Sugarcube.” “Good night, darling.” The two ended their call as Rarity penciled her designs. At the same time in the Everfree Forest, Vignette arrived at the trees with the photos, aura marks, and hair of Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash. She smiled as she saw the four trees had completed their transformation into the copies of the four. Vignette was then consumed by a green fire and showed herself to be Chrysalis. She couldn't help but give a sigh of bliss, her cheeks slightly flushed as if she had a little too much Sweet Apple Temple hard cider, “So much admiration.” She swiftly snapped her focus back to the copies. “Welcome to the world my creations. I have a task for you. Find and bring to me the Elements of Harmony.” “Whatever loser,” the copy of Rainbow said as she went to a tree hopped onto a branch and fell asleep. “This is boring.” the fake Pinkie said. “Even breaking the fourth wall is no fun. Hey Foxhelm, You suck! You're a third rate copy paste hack!” she said as she turned to look straight at someone or something but everyone else saw her looking into a void. The Fluttershy copy then shoved the fake Rainbow out of the tree, “Wakie-wakie Dashie-washie.” Chrysalis was about to raise her voice when the copy of Twilight wrapped the other three in a bubble and pulled them towards her. “Listen up you three morons. The spell that made us will turn us into planks in seventy-two hour, that’s three days! We can only become permanent with the Elements of Harmony. Now unlike you trio of suicidal fools, I don’t want to die. So shut up and help me find them.” she ordered as she turned and to look into the forest. Chrysalis smiled, “Very good, now find the Elements!” she ordered as she pointed deeper into the forest. “Question, where are the Elements?” the fake Rainbow asked as she raised her hand. Chrysalis groaned and covered her face, “If I knew that I would be leading you to it right now!” she shouted. “They are in this forest and that’s all I know.” “It’s a pretty big forest.” the fake Fluttershy pointed out. Both Chrysalis and the fake Twilight groaned. “Come on,” the copy Twilight said as she went into the forest levitating the other three copies behind her. She stopped when she saw Chrysalis was not following, “Aren’t you gonna look too?” she asked. Chrysalis shook her head, “Sorry,” she then allowed herself to be consumed by green fire to be Vignette again. “Big plans tomorrow, can’t stay, got to run. Bau-bye.” Vignette said as she turned and left the four to their mission. The next day, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie, and Fluttershy were within in the park not far from the entrance as people were entering and going to the various rides. “Can you believe it, the Four Castles opening day!” Pinkie cheered as she jumped and landed on Applejack’s shoulders much like a young child would on the shoulders of their father. “What do we do first?” She asked as she hopped off of Applejack’s shoulders and started to skip around the others. “Appleloosa Wild West Stunt Show?” she asked as she pointed towards a stage that was set up to be much like Appleloosa. “Nightmare Moon's Haunted Castle?” she then pointed to the Nightmare Moon haunted house themed ride. Before she could list a possible third option, “Now hold on Sugarcube,” Applejack said as the paladin took Pinkie’s shoulder. “Having fun is fine and dandy, but first and foremost, we’re here to help Rarity. Yah all know how Rarity gets at the last minute.” The paladin said as she let go of Pinkie, “She’s all alone here without any of her friends.” Everyone else stared at Applejack as the paladin seemed to get lost in thought. Applejack cleared her throat, “Sorry, my point is we’re here for Rarity.” The paladin then spotted some people, mostly girls, gathered around Vignette and taking pictures with her. Applejack turned to her friends and pointed to Vignette, “Um who is that character?” Everyone sighed in slight frustration at their friend. “She’s not a character, silly!” Pinkie informed. “She's Vignette Valencia!” she elaborated as she pulled out a pocket-size mobile SonTan with a screen. “She's famous on all the platforms, Chat-Limn being her go to, which you'd know if you actually logged in once in a while,” she added with a pout. Twilight then stepped up in the paladin’s defense, “Now Pinkie, portable telephones were only invented a little over a year ago, and Magiville is such a small town, most people don’t need them as every house has a basic telephone and/or scrying crystal.” But apparently, the universe was addicted to showing people were wrong because Twilight’s own pocket suddenly began to ring. She pulled her own mobile phone out of a pocket. She saw that it was Flash calling her, “Hey, Flash.” She greeted. She smiled instinctually as her boyfriend spoke to her. “Where am I? At the new Four Castles theme park, why do you ask?” Twilight cocked her eyebrow upon hearing his reply. “No, I don’t think I require a bodyguard today.” A pregnant silence filled the air as a blush covered Twilight’s face. Her friends began to smile knowingly. “I’m actually here to help out Rarity, so I don’t think I’ll have time for-” Rainbow yanked Twilight’s phone out of her hand before she could finish that thought. “Hey?!” Twilight shouted. Rainbow Dash ignored her. “Hey Crash, it’s Crash.” she held her open hand out so to block Twilight from getting her phone back, “Listen, forget about all that Twilight just said and get down her,” she smirked at her use of pronouns. “This place is actually really dangerous, and she could use all the protection she can get.” she compounded with a wink at Twilight which caused the demigod to blush. There was a distinctive laugh from the other end of the line, followed by what could be assumed was a request for Rainbow to Twilight that he’d be there. “Gotcha Crash.” Rainbow then hung up just before Twilight reclaimed her phone. Twilight scowled at Rainbow, “Rainbow… just who in the Tartarus do you think you are?!” Twilight growled as she questioned her friend. “You can’t just set me and Flash up on a surprise date now!” she continued to berate the elementalist, her wings flapping in her anger, “We’re here to help Rarity.” she finished as she tried to calm down by breathing through her flaring nostrils. “It’s okay, Twilight.” Pinkie Pie explained as she stepped to be on Twilight’s right and reached her “We can’t even find Rarity right now. So having an extra pair of eyes would be super helpful in finding her in this ginormous park. Besides, I’ve been looking at this pamphlet map since we got in here and I found that there's a tunnel of love ride dedicated to Princess Cadence. What self-respecting couple wouldn’t want to ride something like that together?” “Excuse me?” Applejack coughed and got the others’ attention, “Vignette, Ah don’t know who she is but apparently, Pinkie does. Am I the only one in the dark?” Fluttershy gave a small nervous laugh, “Sorry AJ, but I know about her,” the druid informs. “While she actually really active in environmental and animal concerns like us druids are, she is big, I think the term is signal boosters on it and other topics.” As the paladin turned to face the druid, Fluttershy could tell by the slight scowl on AJ’s face that the paladin sense that there was more. “She also posts a lot of pictures of her corgi, Yas Queen.” she gave another weak laugh. Applejack rolled her eyes and turned to the others. Rainbow was the next to speak up as she rubbed the back of her head, “She also knows pretty much every awesome athlete, even the WonderBolts, all over Mystica! And our allied nations! Heck even at Midnight Castle, and has helped them set up their own presence on Chat-Limn, Vid-U, and more!” The elementalist informed the paladin with an amount of enthusiasm that actually surprised Applejack. Applejack then turned towards Twilight. There was a solid second of silence before the demigod spoke, “Don't look at me! I don’t follow her.” “Follow?” Applejack asked as stretched her head. Everyone sighed in slight frustration, “Ask Apple Bloom when you get home.” the four said together. Pinkie then showed Applejack her phone and showed Vignette’s Chat-Limn page as Applejack looked at what was shown, “These are her pictures?” she asked. She showed an image of Vignette on a sandy beach reclining in on beach blanket, "’ Chillin sandy style’? ‘U no how I do’?” She read the text under the photo as a set of question, clearly not understanding. She then went to another picture of Vignette on a desk, "’ I came I saw I vintaged’?” she asked about it but it seemed that the image and the words meaning were ubiquitous to the rest. She rolled her eyes as she looked to another image. “Okay, can somebody tell me why this picture has twenty thousand likes.” she requested as she showed it to Pinkie. On the phone was a short video of Vignette on a bed dressed with her hair covering her eyes slightly, like bangs. ‘#Bangs.’ the Vignette in the video said. Applejack then just gave up and returned the phone to Pinkie. She shook her head, “Uh, I don't know. Spendin' all that time just to look good in a picture ain't my idea of fun.” “It’s not about fun, it’s a business model, darling.” came Rarity’s voice as she walked up to the group from behind them. They all turned to see the enchantress. They all smiled as they greeted their friend. Applejack was the most intimate as she hugged Rarity first. “I am so glad you came.” Rarity said while the two remained in their hug. “Ah don’t get yah more times than Ah do, but this is a big thing far yah, Sugarcube.” The paladin said as the two ended the hug. “Thank you for doing this, but I don’t need your help.” Rarity informed. This didn’t seem to surprise most of the group, however, this did take Applejack off guard. Upon seeing the confusion on Applejack’s face, “You see the staff for the parade’s backstage has been more than helpful, even Vignette.” Rarity then spotted Vignette, “Oh,” she said and then started to wave to get Vignette’s attention, “Vignette, darling!”Vignette turned her attention to Rarity and waved before she walked towards Rarity and her friend. Applejack looked to Rarity and pointed to Vignette, “You know her?” she asked the enchantress. Rarity brushed it aside, “Pfft. Do I know her?” she asked rhetorically before she and Vignette greeted with a hug and a ‘Mwah! Mwah!’ one each of their cheeks. Rarity then turned back to the others, “Why she's my best friend here!” she answered her rhetorical question and Applejack’s own question. This didn’t seem to phase most of the group, but Applejack couldn’t help but blink at first before she felt something in her heart, like someone stabbed her. Vignette then pulled Rarity close to her, “Selfie!” she said as she took out her phone and took a picture of the two check to check. As the two separate as Vignette posted the picture that was taken, “Thanks. You're the best!” Applejack didn’t know why, but something was off about Vignette. She wanted to speak up, but without something more to support her claim, everyone would think she was overreacting. All she could do was growl in annoyance. Rarity then turned back to her friends, “Everyone, allow me to introduce you to Vignette Valencia,” she said as she waved towards Vignette. Rarity then turned to Vignette and waved towards her friends as “Vignette, these are my friends, Princess Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack.” she introduced her friends to Vignette. She then turned back to look at her friends. “Vignette was hired by Filthy to run the P.R. for the park,” she informed as she enlightened her friends to Vignette’s role at the park and why she was there. “and she's my boss,” she added describing the relationship of the two. Vignette laughed as she stepped to the side, “Rarity, Rarity, Rarity, I told you not to use the "B" word.” she said as shook her head a couple of times. “I'm your friend,” the woman wanted to correct the enchantress on their relationship, "who just gets to boss you around!” she finished as if she was trying to tell a joke. There was a solid second of silence before everyone but Applejack, who just remained silent, then gave a nervous laugh. Pinkie turned to her right as if looking at someone, “I don't get it.” she stated. Rarity coughed before she turned back to Vignette, “Now about my friends, they are here to help.” she informed. “Since what remains are a handful of costumes, I was thinking that we could perform a few songs in the parade.” As Vignette seemed to lose interest, “ We play as a band called the Rainbooms.” Rarity quickly added which caused a spark in Vignette’s eyes. “Rainbooms?” Vignette asked as her interest was peaked. “Why is that familiar?” she then started to look up them on her device. “Technically the band’s name is ‘Sparkle and The Rainbooms’,” Applejack pointed out. “and we’re short a member unless Twilight here wants to teleport Sunset Shimmer here all the way from Midnight Castle.” the paladin compounded. “We got plenty of songs that don’t include Sunset.” Rainbow pointed out as she crossed her arms and smirked. At that time, Vignette found what she was looking for, “Millions of followers across Mystica! Focused consumer-centric demographic, too!” she declared in shock. She then raised her head to the group as she questioned them how they got so well known, “Does your curated content consistently aggregate across multiple platforms?” she asked. There was another moment of solid silence. “We sing songs together!” Pinkie answered. Vignette then turned to Rarity, “Brilliant Idea Rarity.” she said as “Just one small tweak, The Rainbooms as the centerpiece of tonight's light parade!” The six looked at each other slightly unsure save Rarity who very much liked the idea. “Don’t fret, you six have saved Mystica at the drop of the hat. Besides, B.Y.B.B. Be yourself, but better!” she said as she walked amongst the six. “That's been my power phrase since I started my first company and look at me now, one of if not the most well-known person around the world. My folks said I couldn’t sell artisanal handmade mascara as a school girl, but I proved them wrong. B.Y.B.B.” she informed. Fluttershy raised her hand, “Um, how many people will be watching us?” she asked somewhat nervously. Vignette threw her arms in the air, “Everyone!” Vignette declared, “So what do you say?” she asked as she gave a big toothy smile with dilated pupils. The six looked to each other inquisitively as they silently debated if they should perform in the parade. Twilight then spoke, “Well, it looks like it will help, Rarity.” the princess stated. Pinkie, Rainbow, and Fluttershy gave various agreements. They all turned to Applejack, who was still giving Vignette a scowl. “Fine,” the paladin said with a huff as she crossed her arms. Rarity turned back to Vignette, “We’re in. I certain I can get us fitting costumes in time.” Vignette smiled, “Fantastic,” she then turned to her device and pulled up the profiles of the Rainbooms and the members, included the absent Sunset Shimmer. “Like, follow, like, follow, like, follow, like, follow, like, follow, like, follow,” she said liked and followed the girls, not seeming to note or care about Applejack not having her own presence. She then typed up something. “Upload and post, ladies,” she said, as she posted her comment. “This'll trend fer sure! I'll @ you later with the exact deets, don’t worry about the instruments, I gotcha.” she winked at the six and started to leave. She turned to Rarity, “B.Y.B.B, Rare. V, out.” before she left blowing a chaste kiss to Rarity. Rarity couldn’t help but blush and giggle slightly. After a second she collected herself, “I know. She's amazing, right?” she asked her friends. Everyone seemed to nod in agreement, while Applejack just scowled and crossed her arms, “She sure is... somethin'.” she stated with a clear case of bitterness. She took a breath in an attempt to calm herself. However there was still something that she had to get off of her chest, “Question when you said she's your "best friend here", did you mean "best friend, comma, here"?” she asked. Rarity was taken aback at the question as it didn’t seem to make much sense to her, “I am … sorry.” she said weakly as she didn’t seem to get why Applejack seemed to be abrasive at the moment. She then turned to the rest, “Listen, tonight's a huge opportunity. And not just for me now, but for all of us!” She smiled at them. “Okay, this conversation is now lame, LET’S GO SEE THE PARK!” Rainbow shouted as she was about to leave. As the rest started to leave as well, Rarity spotted Applejack still standing there with her arms with a scowl and frown. “Honestly, I don't know why you're giving me your frowny eyebrows,” she said as she noted that the paladin’s abrasiveness was towards her. Applejack sighed as she turned her head to her right and away Rarity, “It's nothin'.” Rarity was not sure how to react to that. Rarity then turned to walk away in slight pain, “Uhhh, well, uh... enjoy the park. I'm gonna be super-busy preparing for tonight. So let's meet in the staging area for sound check and run-throughs.” she said and checked her phone for her schedule of the day, “I have three minutes' break at four o'clock, and I can give you two of them. B.Y.B.B.!” she said with a laugh. “Rare, out!” she then bid them all goodbye. Applejack sighed in frustration at that. Rainbow doubled back to be next to Applejack, “Well, looks like Rares doesn’t need us.” She then turned to Fluttershy, “And we know every one of our songs by heart. So let’s have fun!” Everyone but Applejack cheered in agreement as Rainbow and Fluttershy went off together, Pinkie skipped off on her own and Twilight also headed off as she spotted someone and went to them. All of them leaving Applejack. The paladin sighed and elected to follow Rarity and still see if she could help her friend. Besides, amusement parks weren’t her thing. After leaving the others, Rainbow and Fluttershy found themselves at the ride based off of the Sonic Rainboom. The two could hear the patrons scream as the ride went down one of the taller ridges. As the two watched, Fluttershy shuddered at the sight. Rainbow grinned as she turned to the druid, “Pretty great, right?!” she yelled as she tried to be heard over the screaming. Fluttershy continued to shudder as she yelled back to Rainbow, “What?!” she asked. Rainbow turned to face Fluttershy and yelled “Can you hear me over all the screaming?!” to see if Fluttershy was listening but saw that Fluttershy had her right hand next to her ear. Fluttershy also turned to face Rainbow and cupped her hands around her mouth, “What?! I can't hear you over all the screaming!” she yelled answering the elementalist’s question while not seeming to know what it was. Rainbow rolled her eyes before she took Fluttershy’s hand and pulled the two back so that they could speak and hear each other without trying to yell over the screaming. Rainbow turned to Fluttershy, “Look at it this way. It's the perfect opportunity to conquer your fear.” she stated Fluttershy looked back to the ride and gulped before she turned to answer Rainbow, “Can't I conquer something a little smaller first?” Rainbow smiled, "Hey, good idea! A warm-up before the big game! Ooh! What did you have in mind? Dragon Lands Drag Racing? Ooh, the Appleloosa Runaway Train! Ooh, Magagara Falls Barrel Flume?!” Rainbow listed off the rides she wanted to go in she was saving the Sonic Rainboom. Fluttershy really wanted to have none of it as she started to step away. Fluttershy was about to say something, fortunately, her phone rang. She took it out of her pocket and saw it was a message from Vignette. She rubbed her chin in thought and decided to respond. As Fluttershy left with Rainbow, Applejack had elected to follow Rarity and caught up with the enchantress in the backstage and setup area for the parade. Rarity smiled as she rejoined her friend and hugged her. “Ah don’t get all this, but Ah’m here for you. So this is the parade,” she said as looked at everything. Rarity smirked, “Applejack, this parade is a living, breathing dance of light and sound!” she informed as twirled around clearly proud of herself. Several assistants then came up with various fabrics, clothes, and costumes. Rarity looked at what was presented to her, “Love it, lock it, stitch it. Beautiful, perfect, I just threw up, love it.” she said as she pointed to each to the things presented and the assistants went off to follow Rarity’s plans using what she pointed to that was good and set aside what Rarity pretty much say ‘no’ to. “Now hurry up! I need these done yesterday!” she ordered. Applejack smiled seeing that Rarity pretty much did have this in the bag. She patted Rarity on the shoulder, “Vignette was smart to hire you, Rares.” The two turned to actually face each other and the two shared a smile. “Anythin' I can do to help?” Applejack asked. Rarity gave another smile, “Play a great show tonight?” she asked. Applejack nodded with a smirk. Rarity then turned away from the paladin and groaned at someone she spotted, “Excuse me! I know I am not seeing a lapped zipper on that faux fur! A lapped zipper is simply a stuck zipper waiting to happen! Ugh!” she scolded the person and groaned before she looked back to Applejack, “This is what I'm up against.” she gestured to the person off to the side. Applejack looked around nervously and tried to find something to help destress the enchantress, “Say, yall wanna take a break and go get a caramel apple?” she asked. Rarity smiled but shook her head as she saw a few more assistants step towards the two. “I'd love to, darling, but I am a tad super-insanely busy.” Applejack shook her head, “Of course. I-I just thought…” she tried to find the right words, but after a few seconds, she realized she had nothing. “Uh, never mind. You're right.” she conceded. “I wouldn't wanna rain on your parade.” Rarity’s eyes shoot wide open, “Rain?!” she shouted. “I didn't plan for rain!” she started to panic. She turned to the assistants as she was about to run off, “Get me one hundred ponchos, stat!” Applejack shook her head as she covered her face and sighed as her friend seemed to forget that’s a euphemism. As Rainbow went off to ride, saving the roller coaster based off of her Sonic Rainboom for last, Fluttershy had met up with Vignette, “Oh Fluttershy, thanks for meeting me.” Vignette greeted the druid. “You’re welcomed,” Fluttershy said very much unsure what was Vignette had in mind. “What exactly are you thanking me for?” the druid elected to get to the heart of the matter. Vignette smirked, “Theme for your part of the parade.” she said as she pulled out a small picture of the band and each of the girls in get-up very different from their normal attire. “I am thinking let’s mix things up with the get-up. Something beyond the timid little butterfly. No, we need a BOLD, NEW VISION!” She paused as she took notes on her device. “That would be all caps, in Helvetica, sixty-five,” she said as she describing how the letters would look. She then pointed to the rendering of Fluttershy, “I am thinking vampire-themed bad girl, fangs, spiked hair, bat broach ripped tights, the whole package, maybe make your ethereal wings look like bat wings.” Vignette started to describe what she envisioned Fluttershy could not help but look with her eyes around utterly befuddled and confused as what to do. “Also no tambourine,” Vignette said brought Fluttershy back to the present. The idea of her not playing her tambourine was abominable. “I am thinking a custom guitar, I've already commissioned an A-list graffiti/sneaker artist to tag up one for you. How do you feel about skulls?” she asked as she finally looked at Fluttershy with her full focus. Fluttershy took a step back, “It’s not a bad idea, per se, but I don’t think, uh, maybe I, um... shouldn't do it. At all.” she nearly squeaked in a tiny panic. Vignette signed at that information she then looked at her hand and a small grin formed, “You're right.” she said with a degree of calm that sent a chill up and down Fluttershy’s spine. “If collab-ing isn't your thing, that's your life decision to make,” she said as she walked up to Fluttershy. “But I have a way for us both to get exactly what we want,” she said with a slight sing in her voice. Fluttershy turned to Vignette in confusion, “You did?” she asked. As she asked she saw that a small magic circle of lime green color. Her eyes widened in horror as saw the circle started to glow faintly. Vignette grin turned much more sinister, “Of course! Getting what I want is what I do best, sweetie.” she said as circle activated. Fluttershy vanished in a flash of light. Vignette shook her head, “Sorry, Fluttershy. You'll thank me later.” she said to herself. Fluttershy blinked as she came to from the teleportation. She saw that she was in a cave she had no idea existed. “Where am I?” she asked as she started to look around and spotted a wide array of exposed traps. Clearly, the person who set them up wanted anyone they had trapped there to feel utterly hopeless. “With us.” Fluttershy heard Vignette’s voice come from behind her. She turned around her to see Vignette again and the photographer who took the pictures for the Chantalot Historical Society, both looking like they have been there for at least two days and seemed to only have water to drink. Fluttershy looked back to the traps, “Oh dear,” she whispered. She opened her mouth but stopped, “No, I already used my free requests from Discord. So did Rarity and Applejack.” She then kicked a rock, “Shoot.” Back where ‘Vignette’ was. ‘Vignette’ sighed, “Okay change of plans. Let’s see. Looks like I’m gonna have to summon the copies. I knew I should have made more than one of just those four.” Vignette signed again as she rubbed the side of her head. She then spotted a few of her followers that seemed to have spotted her and smiled, “Maybe after a few pics.” she said to herself as she walked towards them. Elsewhere, deep in Everfree Forest, the copy of Twilight held in her magic the other three copies as they traveled. “Oh come on, why are holding us?” the fake Rainbow bemoaned. “Chrysalis doesn’t care about us.” “Imbecile!” the fake Twilight shouted as she brought the orb to be right in front of her. “I am not doing this for Chrysalis!” she continued. “With the elements of harmony, We will be more powerful than her! Now come on we’re almost there.” “I thought you didn’t know where they are?” the Pinkie copy asked. The copy Twilight smirked as she pointed to behind the three. The three turned around in the bubble that they were in to see the Castle of the Two Sisters.