“Wow!” Everyone said as they awed at what was in front of them.
The city looked amazing, they discussed what to do and decided to split up into two teams. But then Chameleo’s wristband picked up two sources of light for this world. One, to the left, and the other, to the right.
“Okay, me, teams magic, loyalty and kindness will go to the right, and teams honesty, generosity, and laughter will go to the left. Let’s meet up here after we find the sources.” Chameleo told his plan to everyone on his team. Everyone else agreed to the plan, so they split up.
Meanwhile with Chameleo and the others…
“Place looks really great. Looks like we’re gonna have some fun while we’re here.” Chameleo said.
RD agreed with that. “Yeah! It’ll be totally epic!”
Raptor agreed as well. “Heck yeah! This is gonna be awesome!”
“Yeah! Way past cool!” Sonic said.
“Why not!” Soulfire said.
“Let’s go!” Makoto agreed.
“I think we'll enjoy ourselves.” Viper said.
“I guess it won’t hurt to have some fun here.” Twilight agreed.
“Alright!” Spike cheered.
“Yay.” Fluttershy softly cheered.
“Haha! Even though it wouldn’t, it might make our stay more entertaining if we were somehow teleported and had to fight off heartless.” Vaida claimed.
“Unlikely, but agreeable.” Crane said.
“Yeah.” Tails agreed with Crane.
“Besides, my fists could use a warm-up.” Knuckles agreed with Vaida.
“I’m glad to be here with Sonic!” Amy said, fawning over Sonic.
“I hope we have fun.” Cream said.
“Chao!” Cheese agreed.
“I think I might do some fishing while we’re here.” Big said.
Then Chameleo caught a flying newspaper and read it.
“Hmm… Maybe this prince Naveen is one of the lights. What do you think? Should we find him?” Chameleo asked.
They agreed and went off to this “Prince Naveen.”
“I think there’s jazz music here.” Raptor said.
"I can hear it too." Soulfire agreed.
“Yeah, feel like I wanna sing something.” Chameleo said.
Meanwhile with Applejack and the other team…
“These clothes look simply smashing! I love this city!” Rarity said.
“Calm down, Rarity. But I admit, I do enjoy this city.” Blade agreed.
“I’m certain we’ll have fun.” Mamota said
“No doubt about it.” Morrigan agreed.
“Almost as enjoyable as fighting opponents in our battles.” Skylyzi said.
“Ah kinda feel more comfy in the city 'cause most of its folks are country.” Applejack said feeling relaxed. Then they heard stomachs growling.
“Guess we could use some breakfast.” Datozo said, realizing they haven't eaten yet.
“How about we eat at that place called ‘Duke’s?’ Good thing Chameleo gave us some of this world’s money from his home.” Pinkie said.
But then all of a sudden, Pinkie started having all kinds of body twitchs from her “Pinkie Sense.” Eye-flutter, twitchy tail, then shuddering.
“What does that mean?” Datozo asked.
“A song is coming on!” Pinkie explained.
Meanwhile, at a house in the country, a woman walked into a room, exhausted.
“Well, Miss Tiana, rough night for tips, but every little penny counts. Don't you worry, Daddy. We'll be there soon.” She said as she took out her picture that said “Tiana’s place” and looked at the picture of her departed father and kissed it.
Song: Down in New Orleans
Then Tiana walked to her bed and fell asleep on it. After a few seconds, her alarm clock went off, then Tiana turned it off and woke up.
“Goodnight Cal’s, good morning Duke’s.” Tiana said as she changed and went outside onto the tram to the city for her new job.
Applejack:
In the south land,
There’s a city
Way down on the river
Rarity:
Where the women are very pretty
And all the men deliver
Morrigan:
They got music, it’s always playing
Start in the daytime
Go all through the night
Bladefin:
When you hear that music playing
Hear what I’m saying
It makes you feel all right
Datozo:
Grab somebody, come on down
Pinkie:
Bring your paintbrush
We’re painting the town
Teams Honesty, Generosity and Laughter:
There’s some sweetness going around
Catch it down in New Orleans
Teams Honesty, Generosity and Laughter came into the cafe to see Tiana as a waitress delivering dishes and orders to customers and making her own dish, honey-drizzled beignets with sugar coated on them and served them up to an army man, who enjoyed it and saluted to Tiana, who saluted back. Then the chef Duke gave her more meals to give to customers. Meanwhile, while Teams Magic, Loyalty and Kindness were looking for prince, they see a strange man.
Chameleo:
They got magic, good and bad
Viper:
Make you happy or make you real sad
Twilight:
Get everything you want
Lose what you had.
Sonic:
Down here in New Orleans
Raptor and Rainbow Dash:
Hey partner
Don’t be shy
Soulfire and Makoto:
Come on down, yeah, and give us a try
Fluttershy and Vaida:
If you wanna do some livin'
before you die
Teams Magic, Loyalty and Kindness:
Do it down in New Orleans
They see the strange man blow some kind of strange dust onto his customer’s face, then they left and kept looking for prince Naveen, while unbeknowist, the customer grew hair all over his body. Later, they found Prince Naveen coming off a boat and joining a jazz band.
“So that’s Prince Naveen.” Chameleo said.
“Hopefully he’s not like Prince Blueblood.” Twilight deadpanned
“Yeah, like at the Grand Galloping Gala.” Viper agreed.
Teams Generosity and Kindness:
Stately homes and mansions
Teams Laughter and Loyalty:
Of the sugar barons
And the cotton kings
Teams Honesty and Magic:
Rich people, poor people
All got dreams
Teams Magic, Honesty, Loyalty, Laughter, Kindness and Generosity:
Dreams do come true in New Orleans
Meanwhile, after the song, in Duke’s Cafe, the service bell rang.
“Order up!” Chef Duke said.
“Another coffee here, chere.” A customer named Vergil requested.
“Comin’ right up, Vergil.” Tiana said.
“Hey, Tiana!” Someone called
“Mornin’ Georgia. Hey y’all.” Tiana greeted Georgia and her friends.
“We all goin’ dancin’ tonight, care to join us?” Georgia asked.
Tiana answered her friend’s question while giving meals to customers. “You know I got two left feet. Besides I’m… Need a napkin sweetheart? I'm going to work a double shift tonight. Here are your hotcakes. You know, so I can-”
"So you can save for your restaurant. I know, I know. Girl, all you ever do is work.” Georgia said
The service bell rang again.
“Order up!” Chef Duke said again.
“Maybe next time.” Tiana said.
“I told y’all she wouldn’t come.” One of Georgia's friends said while Tiana was walking toward the chef.
“Huh. Kinda like how Twilight used to be.” Pinkie said.
“Closer than that.” Morrigan corrected Pinkie.
“Yep.” Blade agreed.
“Exactly how Twi used to be.” Applejack pointed out.
“She could use some friends.” Datozo said.
“I completely agree, darling.” Rarity agreed.
Tiana walked over to Chef Duke to pick up the ordered meals.
“You talking about getting that dang restaurant again?” Chef Duke asked.
“Buford, the eggs are burning.” Tiana pointed out.
“Oh, you ain’t never gonna get enough for the down payment.” Chef Duke joked.
“I’m getting close.” Tiana said.
“Yeah? Hehe. How close?” Chef Duke checked.
“Where are my flapjacks?” Tiana asked, causing the chef to laugh.
“Hahahahahahaha! You got about as much chance of getting that restaurant as I do of winning the Kentucky Derby! Whoo-hoo! Saddle me up, y'all! It's post time! Giddyup, giddyup! (MIMICKING TRUMPET)” Chef Duke joked around as he was mimicking riding a horse while blowing a trumpet.
Then the doorbell rang as a familiar customer came in.
“Morning, Mr. La Bouff.” Tiana greeted Eli.
“Good morning, Tiana.” Eli greeted back to Tiana.
“Congratulations on becoming the king of the Mardi Gras.” Tiana said as she congratulated Eli.
“Caught me, COMPLETELY, by surprise. For the fifth year in a row! Hahahaha! Now, how ‘bout I celebrate with-” Eli said as he was about to suggest something when Tiana got it for him.
“Beignets?” Tiana asked.
“Ah.” Eli said as a yes.
“I’ve got a fresh batch just waitin’ for ya.” Tiana said letting Eli now he can more if he wants.
“Well, keep’em comin’ til I pass out.” Eli said.
“Hey! Excuse me! Miss Tiana? I want to try some of those beignets too!” Pinkie asked.
“Alright. I get some for both y’all and your friends.” Tiana answered as she went off to get more beignets.
A minute later, Tiana gave them the beignets that Pinkie ordered. Pinkie really enjoyed it. The others enjoyed them as well.
“Hoo-wee! That there’s mighty good sweets! It's got some serious kick!” Applejack said with glee.
“Indeed, the taste is just divine!” Rarity added as she agreed.
What the?! How'd that Zecora rhyme get there!? No, wait! We're getting off topic! I'll find out later.
“This is really tasty!” Morrigan said.
"You said it, sis!" Skylyzi agreed.
“No kidding!” Blade agreed as well, and Mamota giggled in agreement with that statement.
“Man, it’s delicious!” Datozo said.
“SO! STINKIN’! GOOD! I must have the recipe for this!” Pinkie exclaimed.
“Oh, I guess y’all got a bit of a sweet tooth, Pinkie.” Tiana said.
Then someone else came in, it was Charlotte La Bouff.
“Oh, Tia!” Charlotte said.
“Hey, Charlotte.” Tiana greeted Charlotte.
“Tia, Tia, Tia, did you hear the news? Tell her! Oh, tell her big daddy!” Charlotte asked her father to tell Tiana about the news.
“Oh, oh yes. Prince Naveen-” Eli started off when...
“Prince Naveen, of Maldonia, is comin’ to New Orleans! (Squeal!) Oh, ain’t he the bee’s knees? Oh, tell her what you did big daddy! TELL HER!” Charlotte interupted her father and asked him to tell Tiana what Eli did.
“Well, I invited-” Eli started off when once again...
“Big daddy invited the prince to our masquarede ball tonight. (Squeal!) Tell her what else you did, Big daddy. Go on.” Charlotte interrupted him again and asked her father to tell Tiana what else he did.
“And he’s staying-” Eli started off when for the last time...
“And he’s staying-OH!” Charlotte started off as her father putted a beignet in her mouth so he could finish his sentence.
“And he’s staying at our house as my personal guest. Phew!” Eli finished his sentence and exhaled.
“Mmm-hmm-hmm-hmm!” Charlotte nodded as a confirmation.
The "Masquarede Ball" got Rarity interested. “Masquarede ball?! Pardon me, Mr. La Bouff, but do you think me and my friends could come to your ball as well?” Rarity asked.
“Hmm, I don’t know.” Eli said unsurely.
“Of course y’all can come! Any friend of Tia’s is a friend of mine!” Charlotte answered filled with energy.
“Well, Lottie, that’s swell. A little word of advice; My momma always said, ‘The quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach.'" Tiana said as he gave Eli La Bouff more beignets.
“That’s good advice!” Pinkie said.
“Mmm! Hahaha.” Eli chuckled as he lifted a beignet into his mouth.
“(Gasp!) That’s it!” Charlotte exclaimed as she grabbed the beignet out of her father’s hand.
“What in tarnation?” AJ asked, baffled.
“What just happened?” Eli asked, confused.
“Oh, Tia, you’re a bona fide genius! I’m gonna need about 500 of your man-catching beignets for my ball tonight! ‘Scuse me big daddy. Will this about cover it?” Charlotte asked as she gave her friend Tiana a lot of money out of generosity, leaving Chef Duke, Teams Honesty, Generosity and Laughter completely baffled.
“This’ll cover just fine, Lottie. This is it! I’m gettin’ my restaurant!” Tiana happily said.
“And we thought me and Rarity were the generous ones.” Blade said confused.
“Yeah, no kidding.” Datozo agreed.
“That was awfully generous of Charlotte.” Morrigan kindly said.
“WOO-HOO-OOH! Tonight my prince is finally comin’! And I sure as heck ain’t letting him go! YEE-HAW!” Charlotte excitingly said as she left with her father in quite a rush.
"Hmm...” Unbeknowest, someone picked up on the whole conversation, who smiled at his shadow, which surprisingly, smiled back.
“Hey, Tiana.” Applejack said.
“Yes, Ma'am?” Tiana asked.
“Mind if we help y’all tidy up the building ya buying before y’all turn it into a restaurant?” AJ asked Tiana.
“Well, as much as I appreciate the offer… Alright, y’all can help me, but after I finish my current shift.” Tiana said.
Later, Tiana and Teams Honesty, Generosity and Laughter met up with each other and the Fenner Brothers.
“Everything looks peachy-keen, Mr. Fenner… And Mr. Fenner.” Tiana said.
“Doesn’t that get confusing? I’ll go with this; Skinny’s Mr. Fenner 1 and Round’s Mr. Fenner 2.” Pinkie said as she decided on nicknames/codenames.
“We'll have all the paperwork ready to sign, first thing after Mardi Gras.” Mr. Fenner 1 said as he and his brother put the for-sale sign into their automoblie.
“I’ll do y’all one better. Why don’t I sign them tonight when I see both y’all at the La Bouff’s masquarede ball?” Tiana asked.
“You drive a hard bargain, Tiana.” Mr. Fenner 2 said as he and his brother drove away.
“Table for one, please.” A woman requested, revealing to be Eudora, Tiana's mother.
“Oh! Mama.” Tiana said in surprise.
“Here’s a little somethin’ to, help you get started.” Eudora said.
Tiana recognized the pot. “Oh, daddy’s gumbo pot.” Tiana said as she and her mother hugged each other.
“I know. I miss him too.” Eudora said as Tiana wiped a tear from her eye.
“Well now, hurry up and open the door.” Eudora said, and so Tiana did.
“Just look at it mama. Doesn’t it just make you wanna cry?” Tiana asked.
“Yes.” Eudora calmly answered.
“Definitely a bit of a fixer-upper.” Blade said.
“Agreed, big brother. We’ll need to tidy up the place.” Mamota agreed.
“The maitre'd is going to be right where you're standing. Oh! And over here, a gourmet kitchen! And hanging from the ceiling, a big old crystal chandelier!” Tiana said as she pictured her own restaurant.
"That sounds fun!” Pinkie said with excitement.
“Confident, aren’t we.” Datozo said.
“(Chuckling) You your daddy’s daughter, alright. He used to go on and on about this old sugar mill, too. Babycakes, I'm sure this place is going to be just wonderful, but it's a shame you are working so hard.” Eudora said.
“Yeah. Honestly, there’s such a thing as too much hard work.” Morrigan agreed.
“How can I let up now, when I’m so close? I got to make sure all Daddy's hard work means something.” Tiana said with DETERMINATION.
Whatta-what!? Where'd that Undertale reference come from?! Sorry, off-track again.
“Ah understand how that must feel.” AJ said as she empathized with Tiana.
“Some people just want to be noticed and recognized.” Skylyzi agreed.
“Tiana. Your Daddy may not have gotten the place he always wanted, but he had somethin’ better. He had love.” Eudora said.
Pinkie started having her Pinkie Sense again.
“That pattern… Pinkie Pie, darling, is your Pinkie Sense-” Rarity was going to ask when Pinkie answered. “Yep! Another song is coming on!”
“And that's all I want for you, sweetheart, to meet your Prince Charming and dance off into your happily ever after.” Eudora said.
Song: Almost There
Tiana:
Mama, I don’t have time for dancin’.
That’s just gonna have to wait a while
“How long we talkin’ about here?” Eudora asked.
Tiana:
Ain’t got time for messin’ around
And it’s not my style
“I want some grandkids.” Eudora said.
As Tiana kept singing the restaurant began to change, showing Tiana’s vision of her future restaurant.
Tiana:
This old town can slow you down
People takin’ the easy way
But I know exactly where I’m going
I’m getting, closer and closer, every day
And I’m almost there
I’m almost there
People down here think crazy
But I don’t care
Trials and tribulations
I’ve had my share
Ain’t nothin’ gonna stop me now
‘Cause I’m almost there
The vision showed Tiana coming in through the front door and getting preparations done for the customers coming in soon. The menus were finalized and the tables were set, then they went to James’ gumbo pot.
Tiana (And Datozo):
I remember what Daddy told me (She remember what her Dad told her)
Tiana (And Pinkie):
Fairy tales can come true (Fairy tales can come true. Mmm! Delicious Gumbo!)
Tiana, Morrigan and Skylyzi:
You gotta make ‘em happen
Tiana, Bladefin and Mamota:
It all depends on you
Tiana (And Applejack):
So I work real hard (So she works real hard)
Each and every day (Each and every day)
Now things for sure are goin’ my way (Now things for sure are goin’ her way)
Tiana (And Rarity):
Just doing what I do (Just doing what she does)
Look out boys, I’m comin’ through (Look out boys, she’s coming because)
Tiana:
And I’m almost there
Tiana helped the chefs prepare the food, came and opened the doors letting the customers in.
Teams Honesty, Generosity and Laughter:
She’s almost there
Tiana:
People gonna come here
From everywhere
And I'm almost there
Tiana (With Teams Honesty, Generosity and Laughter):
I’m almost there (She’s almost there)
Tiana grabbed a glass of wine and slide down the staircase rail and gave the chef the glass of wine while he was putting the cherry at the top of the cake. Tiana ate the cherry. Tiana rode the service table. She used a napkin to clean the face of a young boy she passed by. Tiana then poured in a bit of olive oil into a saute a chef was preparing, turning it into a flambe, surprisng the chef. Tiana then stopped the table on wheels. She pinned a feather on the pianist’s hat as she past by him. As she returned to her mother and friends, the vision begins to fade.
Tiana:
There’s been trials and tribulations
You know I’ve had my share
But I’ve a mountain
I’ve crossed a river
And I’m almost there
Teams Honesty, Generosity and Laughter:
She’s almost there
Tiana, Teams Honesty, Generosity and Laughter:
We’re almost there
The team finished the song as the cleaned up the building and made a table, grabbed James’ gumbo pot and left the building.
“Whoo! That was fun!” Pinkie said.
“Yeah! And from the look of things, even Rarity agrees.” Datozo agreed.
“Well, I letted the others know about the ball we’re going to.” Blade said.
“But knowing Team Loyalty, they might not be interested.” Morrigan deadpanned.
“Well, Tiana's ma told me that you can dress up as anything y’all wanna be. And she said she’s glad to help all of us make our costumes.” AJ said.
“(Squeals!) I can’t wait to help her make our costumes! I might learn a thing or two about making clothes from her!” Rarity said in excitement.
“Oh. I’m sorry, but I don’t think we’ve all properly introduced ourselves.” Tiana said.
“Right, mah bad. Mah name’s Applekack, these here are mah friends; Pinkie Pie.” Applejack started off.
“Helloooooo.” Pinkie said.
“Rarity.”
“Pleasure to meet you, darling.” Rarity said.
“Morrigan.”
“Good to meet you.” Morrigan greeted
“Skylyzi, Morrigan’s little brother.”
“Hey.” Skylyzi said.
“Datozo.”
“Hi there.” Datozo said as he waved.
“Bladefin.”
“Charmed. But you can call me Blade.” Blade greeted.
“And Mamota, Blade’s little sister.” Applejack said as she finished her and her friends’ introductions.
“Good afternoon.” Mamota said.
“Well, my name is Tiana, but y'all might already know that from Duke's, and this here is my mother, Eudora.” Tiana said as she introduced herself and her mother.
“Good to meet y’all, and of course you can help me as much as I help y’all.” Eudora said with kindness in her eyes.
They were gonna have a fun time together.
To Be Continued…