Episode 18:
Fili Vanilli
On a nice and bright morning at Fluttershy’s cottage, the birds have come over chirping and singing. Once Fluttershy heard them she smiled and opened her bedroom window to greet them.
"Oh, good morning, little friends. Your singing is oh-so pretty." the birds chirped in response. "Yes, it is a very beautiful day today. Certainly something worth singing about."
And considering that everyone went through a lot in saving their friend Rarity and having deal with both Scar and Twilight the other day, a little warm and friendly breather is exactly what she needed.
And right away, Fluttershy got started on her morning chores while singing all along. Caring and feeding her little animal friends is in her nature and being able to treat them well with kindness is what she does best. It was her life's calling after all and nothing made her happier. She started off by feeding the birds, then the rabbits, and then chickens while singing a nice warm and beautiful voice.
“There's music in the treetops
And there's music in the vale
And all around the music fills the sky.”
She sang while feeding the ducks on the pond and the chipmunks in the trees.
“There's music by the river
And there's music in the grass
And the music makes your heart soar in reply
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah.”
She sang and vocalized while continuing to feed the animals by giving honey to her bear friend, Harry, and handed cheese to the little mice. She was suddenly alarmed when she heard another voice singing to the tune. Amazingly, her voice fits in with her harmony. Slightly deeper but still feminine with a warming and inviting tone on par with Fluttershy’s.
“Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah.”
Fluttershy smiled in surprise when she spotted her cheetah friend arriving with a friendly smile.
When it comes to singing like the time she sang to herself when voicing of her preference to be alone, she sings quite gracefully. In fact, that’s what they both like about singing, better when they’re either alone or together.
She would never really share this with her friends because she is doesn’t like showing her softer side more than she wants to and after coming across Fluttershy doing this on one of her visits that’s when a spark of common ground together and they have both got together almost every chance they can get in the very early mornings.
Both the Pegasus and cheetah both sang together with the former elegantly walking forward while the latter flew around in an equally gracefully maneuver over her. While they were doing this, birds placed flowers on their hair when they both concluded their harmonious singing together.
“Ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, aaaahhhh
Ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, aaaahhhh.”
The animals cheered and applauded for them to which both girls returned humble smiles.
“Oh, thank you so much." Fluttershy said with a giggle and slightly pink cheeks, "You're too kind."
“Nice job, Fluttershy.” Fuli complimented. “And as always, great singing.”
"Thanks.” Fluttershy returned sweetly. “And you did a great job too, Fuli. Your voice sounds just like an angel and to think I wouldn’t have known if we hadn’t crossed paths a while back.”
While singing these words she thought back to a time just when she decided to go out for a morning run right by Fluttershy’s cottage where she made a brief stop with the hopes that her friend could offer her some water and that’s when she ended up coming across a lovely sight she didn’t expect to see, Fluttershy singing.
“Ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, aaaahhhh
Ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, aaaahhhh.”
Fluttershy sang before turning her head and saw Fuli watching her in awe she froze her wings shut and nearly fell into the ground when the latter quick swooped in and caught her on her back.
Even after being saved, the Pegasus couldn’t help but blush with flushed cheeks upon being seen in her private hobby.
“It’s okay.” Fuli gently assured. “No need to be embarrassed.”
“But…” Fluttershy stammered still flustered. “…I…I…didn’t even know you were there.”
“I really loved your singing.”
“You…you did?!”
“Of course!” Fuli then saw her critter friends awaiting to be feed. “Would like an extra paw in your chores?” She offered while moving to feed the birds and the rabbits with the food Fluttershy planned to give them.
“Tujiinue
Is all you've gotta say
Tujiinue
We'll lift ourselves up today.”
The animal critters were all stunned and speechless at first at her singing. It was like the next best thing they heard compared to Fluttershy’s. They all cheered and applauded her while Fluttershy was still jaw-dropped in awe with what and how she sang.
Fuli turned to her with the look questioning her if she is going to join her before the latter decided to fly over to do so all while repeating the same song the former had just sang while feeding honey to the Pegasus’s bear friend.
“Tujiinue
Is all you've gotta say
Tujiinue
We'll lift ourselves up today.”
Just after the two finished singing while feeding the chickens the two moved to dance around on the ground with formal grace and elegance they would repeat together to the present day.
“Wow!” Both Fuli and Fluttershy were both alarmed when they turned and saw their Lion and Pony Guard friends, all jaw-dropped, having just heard every word they just sang together.
“What the…?” Fuli exclaimed with her cheeks turning red while Fluttershy slumps her flank to the ground now feeling shy once more.
“Oh… You... um... you didn't hear me... um…" Fluttershy stammered.
"Singing in the most beautiful voice ever?!?" Pinkie finished excitedly.
"Uh, yeah, we did!" Rainbow Dash said while flying up to the two, making Fluttershy gasp and whimper while ducking behind Fuli for safety.
"Wow, I've never heard you sing a solo like that before!" Kion complimented.
“It was amazing!” Bunga added.
“It was beautiful!” Beshte said.
“I’ve never seen anything like it.” Ono added.
“Very impressive.” Kyoga also complimented.
"It was like a little slice of heaven." Applejack included.
"With ice cream on top!" Pinkie added while her honey badger started drooling at the very mention of it.
“Oh yeah!”
Rarity moved Fuli aside so she can look at Fluttershy in the eyes. "Fluttershy, I cannot believe your spectacular voice isn't part of the Pony Tones quintet!"
"Um, well, I—"
“Pony Tones?” Fuli inquired with an arched eyebrow. To answer her friends question she pulled out a poster from her saddle bag featuring herself, Big Macintosh, and two other ponies on it and levitated towards her. “Wow! Big Mac is part of the quintet?”
It was like she is meeting more friends that actually like singing to themselves just by hearing this.
“He sure is!” Rarity confirmed before continuing. “And he along with me and two other friends are gathering together to perform at Fluttershy's Ponyville Pet Center fundraiser tomorrow night! Oh, Fluttershy you simply must perform with us!"
“Yeah, ponies would love to hear you out!” Bunga stated in agreement.
Fluttershy was still shaken to the bone upon the thought. “Well, well, you see, I—"
"This simply must be rectified." Rarity stated. "You must share that stunning voice at the event!"
“Um, Rarity, I think what she is trying to say is…” Fuli tried to speak in Fluttershy’s defense before being interrupted by Pinkie Pie.
"Yeah! It'll be so amazing! You'll be there on stage, basking in the hooflights! The center of attention! A shining star! Everypony staring at you, judging you, jealously noting how they could be way better than you? Why wasn't it them? Why wasn't it them?" She rapidly spoke further increasing Fluttershy’s nervousness, yet oblivious to what effect this is having on her friend.
Then, Bunga getting the same idea jumped in. "And then, when you choke, they'll turn on you, becoming a seething, angry mob, and you'll be horribly humiliated, never able to show your face in Ponyville again!"
“Pinkie Pie! Bunga!” Fuli scolded before hardly whacking the two with the rolled up poster to which Kyoga smiled in amused approval of her decision.
“Ow! What was that for!” Fuli whacked him again. “Ow!”
“Two reasons. One, for scaring her. And two, asking a stupid question.” She answered before whacking him again.
“Ow! What’d I do that time?!”
“Because I think it’s funny.” Fuli returned while simply smirking in satisfaction before handing the poster back to Rarity.
“Anyways…” Rarity said before turning to scold Pinkie Pie. "Don't be ridiculous!"
"Aw, but I'm so good at it!"
Rarity sighed before turning away leading the way away from the cottage. "Come, Fluttershy, you will join the group, no doubt your voice must be known!"
"No." Fluttershy assertively responded, shocking her friend in the process.
"Pardon me?"
"I love the Pony Tones, I'm one of their biggest fans, but I do not want to perform with them."
"Why not, Fluttershy?" Beshte asked.
"Well, you see... I... I have... um... I... I have…" Fluttershy stuttered until she saw Fuli silently encouraging her to say it with a gentle smile. "I have... stage fright."
Pinkie and Bunga both gasped and hid behind the bushes.
"Is it contagious?!"
“Is it dangerous?!”
They both asked with the latter wearing a face mask.
“No! Stage fright isn’t a disease!” Fuli stated incredulous by the two’s antics. “It just means that Fluttershy is scared to perform in front of everybody." She then quickly glared at the two while borrowing the poster once more ready to whack them again until the two quickly ducked back into the bushes if they dared to question why.
"I'm very thankful the Pony Tones are singing at the Pet Center fundraiser…" Fluttershy expressed in gratitude. “…And I'm really looking forward to the performance, but I'll be watching safely from the audience."
Rarity sighed in disappointment while deciding it was best to respect her wishes. "Well… I think it's a terrible waste of an exquisite talent, but I understand that you're not comfortable."
"Thank you.” Fluttershy said in response with Fuli pondering to herself about the idea of singing alongside the Pony Tones..
“And how about you, Fuli…” Rarity turned to her. “…I don’t suppose you would want to sing with the Pony Tones either?”
“Actually…” Fuli said in a way that surprised her. “… I think I can help you out there.”
“Really?” Rarity voiced in delighted surprise to make sure she isn’t joking or being snarky.
“Of course!” Fuli asserted with a grin. “What did you think I was joking when I said that?”
“Well, considering the other times you have been snarky with us, I must quite honestly say, yes.”
“Well aside from right now…” She said while ribbing the unicorn in the shoulder playfully. “…I am more than happy to offer to sing with the Pony Tones.”
“Well then…” Rarity was very pleased to hear this before dragging her off by her paws. “…then let’s get you all fitted for your upcoming performance.”
Fuli simply smiled while rolling her eyes knowing this was typical for Rarity when it comes to this sort of thing.
Fluttershy then noticed her pet bunny gesture to remind her of what time it is. "Oh! Angel's right. We'd better get going. There's a lot of work to do before tomorrow's event."
At the park, preparations for the fundraiser are going along very effectively with many ponies with a handful of Pride Landers joining in on helping set everything up including Timon, Pumbaa, Bupu, Lanini, Twiga.
With help from Ono’s keen sight and Twiga’s height being a tall order of assistance, along with Bunga climbing up and down, putting up flowers was a cinch.
Timon and Pumbaa both bounced around shooting streamers around the trees with the party pony’s cannon. And because they didn’t know how it works they accidentally covered themselves with streamers once. But regardless the three all had a good laugh over it because to them it was admittedly funny.
Lanini joined in with the Cutie Mark Crusaders along with Rainbow and Kyoga in helping decorate the bridge along with the gazebo to where the Pony Tones will be playing while the others walked around to oversee their progress.
Elsewhere at the gazebo on the wooden stage, is the said Pony Tones, consisting of Rarity, Bic Mac, Fuli and two more ponies with them.
One is a skinny and tall blue-coated earth pony named Top-Tapper, with dark blue hair, yellowish-brown eyes, and a silver colored five-point musical star-shaped cutie mark. And the other, named Torch Song, is a plump cream-yellow coated earth pony with a multi-colored mane and tail consisting of purple, red, orange, mane all tied up in large buns with decorative beads placed all over it, with a hat with a card for her cutie mark.
Every member of the singing group, all wore green dress jackets, with yellow undershirts, and white and blue-stripped bow ties, and each had ensemble roles in their group. Rarity is the group’s soprano, Big Mac is the group’s bass, Toe-Tapper is the group’s tenor, and Torch Song’s the group’s alto. Fuli also is now wearing the Pony Tone’s jacket since she is now performing with them and is the group’s soprano/alto alongside Rarity and Torch Song provided generously by the unicorn leader of the singing group.
“Alright, Pony Tones, let's run through that again!" Rarity declared before blowing into a pitch to commence their group singing.
Big Macintosh kicked off the singing first.
“Bum, bum, bum-ba-da, ba-da
Bum, bum, bum-ba-da ah…”
As soon as he did, the others joined in.
While the group sang, a small group of ponies watched them rehearse while moving their heads to the beat. Kion was amongst the crowd so he can see the rehearsal along with giving friendly support to Fuli.
“Bum, bum, bum-ba-da, ba-da (Oh, ah-ah-ah-ah)
Bum, bum, bum-ba-da ah (Oh, ah-ah-ah-ah)”
Next up for their song, Fuli stepped forward to sing.
“Everypony's sayin' you should learn to express your voice
But if talk doesn't seem like it's the answer.”
Then the Pony Tones sang together.
“Luckily you have a choice.”
While the group was singing, Fluttershy was arranging a stand for bird houses. When Fuli was singing her part of the song, the pony found herself singing along. But she suddenly stopped when she spotted a few ponies walk on by who didn't hear her since she was singing a low and quiet tone, but it didn't stop her from shying away before returning to listening on the group’s singing with Rarity singing every other verse.
“When you find you've got the music…”
“Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind the music.”
“Got the music in you.”
“Oh, you.”
“Find you've got the music.”
“Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind the music.”
“Got the music in you.”
Then Fuli finished it off for the group as their song came to a close.
“Got the music in you
Oh, oh, oh, oh, Yeah!”
“Splendid!” Rarity commended finding it very fitting. “Bravo, Fuli!”
“Thanks!” Fuli returned with a hint of modesty and confidence.
Initially, she wasn’t much for singing in public much like Fluttershy, which is why they bonded more other than teaching each other of how to balance their kindness and assertiveness together. But after hearing of how much Fluttershy’s pet fundraiser means to her, she didn’t have the heart to say no and step forward with a brave attitude in showcasing her singing.
Having said that, Fluttershy at that moment has been listening to the singing group the whole time, all while shaking her flank to the beat. She sighed dreamily and silently amazed at her cheetah friend while leaning on the side of the bridge.
“If only I had that I kind of confidence.” She silently thought in her head.
Spike, who was watching from the back of the stage the whole time, cheered and loudly applauded the group, "Woo-hoo, yeah! Rarity, Fuli, you guys were awesome!"
The other ponies glanced at the dragon at his singling out focus on his close friends.
"Uh, thank you, Spike," Rarity kindly returned before reminding him. "…but this is an ensemble."
The other three smiled at him, awaiting for the same equal treatment. But, he instead shrugged it off. "Eh, the rest of you were pretty good too." the three ponies shot glares in his direction in response to that.
“Spike!” Fuli sternly voiced while tilting her head towards the three urging him to give them due respects for their musical talents.
“Okay, okay.” He relented before sincerely speaking from his heart. “You all really rocked out of the park there!” He turns to Big Mac. “Loved that deep voice!”
“Eeyup!”
“And you two both got flair!” He added with thumbs up along with a click of his tongue with complimentary fingers directed at them to which they both smiled in appreciation in return.
Kion got on stage to commend the group. "Well, I’d say you all did a great job singing. In fact, you all were amazing. Especially you, Fuli. Who would have thought you be someone into singing like that?"
“Aw, stop it.” Fuli shrugged it off with a sheepish grin. “It’s all for a good cause and in the name of helping a good friend of mine.”
"Thanks." Fluttershy returned as she approached them to offer her congratulations. "You five were all amazing together, Pony Tones."
"Thanks, Fluttershy!" Torch Song replied.
“And I really loved your singing, Fuli.” Fluttershy once more complimented. “And the fact of how much it will mean to all of the pets who receive the help they need after this fundraiser.”
“No problem, Fluttershy.” Fuli smiled in return. “It’s the least I could do for you.”
Rarity then turned to address to the other singers in the group. "Now, Pony Tones, I want you all to rest your voices for the remainder of the day. We'll do a final run-through tomorrow before the big event, alright?"
"Eeyup." Big Mac said with an understanding nod.
"Sounds great!" Torch Song agreed before leaving while turning to Fuli again. "And great job, Fuli. The Fastest instant expert singer of the Guard."
"Thanks again." Fuli returned trying really hard not to think much of it while finding the exceptional praise hard to shrug off just when the other ponies leave.
Fluttershy flew over to both Rarity and Fuli with , standing between her and Rarity unable to resist repeating how much this fundraiser means to her. "Oh, the Pony Tones are really gonna make the Ponyville Pet Center fundraiser so special. Thank you so much for helping me help the animals."
"And of course yet again, we’re just glad to help." Fuli gracefully returned.
"Oh, yes." Rarity agreed. "It is wonderful when a plan comes together without any sort of drama, isn't it?"
“At least when it’s not one of those days when we have to deal with an evil mastermind.” Fluttershy brought up with a shiver shuddering down her spine. “Especially when one of our friends was working with him.”
“True, true…” Rarity remarked feeling the chills of her most recent actions as Nightmare Rarity still fresh in her mind. “Anyways…let’s just focus on preparing for the upcoming performance, okay?” She suggested in order to keep the conversation in a more upbeat manner.
“Probably is for the best.” Fluttershy agreed before she and Rarity nuzzled each other’s heads together in a friendly manner.
“Good idea!”
“Couldn’t have said it any better!”
Both Kion and Fuli agreed before moving to call it a day for now.
The following morning, the rooster crowed during the sunrise where both Fuli and Fluttershy walked by the fundraiser, which looked all ready for the big day with Angel walking in between them. Angel Bunny normally would hop on other friend’s heads, but didn’t do so on Fuli because he knew better than to do that, especially since she is an assertive girl who doesn’t like strangers touching and hugging her fur. Truthfully it was something that Angel actually respected Fuli for.
"Morning, Fluttershy. Morning Fluttershy!" Torch Song greeted.
"Good morning, Pony Tones!" Fluttershy greeted back.
“Are we all here and ready to perform?” Fuli eagerly asked.
Rarity then appeared from behind the stage curtain to correct them. "Actually, we're the Pony Tones minus one tone. Big Mac is inconveniently late."
“That sure is inconvenient of him.” Fuli remarked just when the wheezing and huffing stallion had just arrived.
"Well, there you are! Haven't I told you about punctuality?" Rarity chastised hi, before using her magic to fix his undone bow-tie, "Nah-ah! I don't want to hear it! It's time to rehearse." she levitated a pitch pipe and blew on it.
The Pony Tones all danced expecting Big Mac to start singing since he start’s off first, but for some strange reason, nothing came out of his mouth.
“Big Mac? We’re ready.” Fuli piped up to the unusually quiet stallion not even saying his signature “Eeyups.” and “No’s.” but nothing came out of his mouth since he instead gulped in response clearly with a reason to why he can’t speak even one word today.
"Big Mac? Can you please start the song?" Rarity asked politely of him while trying to be patient with him.
“Big Mac?” Fuli spoke up having a quickly thought theory what’s going on. “Did you somehow lose your voice?"
“Nope and Eeyup." He admitted in response to both questions with a croaked up voice.
The Pony Tones and Fluttershy all gasped in horror. They’re now down a member!
"What happened?" Fuli asked with concern.
“Yeah, what ever did you do to cause this?” Rarity asked wanting to know as well expecting a good reason for this.
"Well…"
Big Mac recalled the memory from yesterday back on the farm where his sister Applejack stood on stage, speaking through the microphone to the audience.
"Howdy, everypony, and welcome to the twelfth annual Ponyville turkey call! Who will take the title this year? Will it be somepony new? Or will the turkey call champion of six years defend his title to make it lucky number seven?"
Big Mac stood proudly on the stage with all six medals he won from the past turkey call contests around his neck at the same time a very familar pink pony along with her honey badger friend smiled mischievously just in front of the stage, ready to be those new competition winners.
"We'll find out if you stop your gabbin' and get on with the goblin'!" Granny Smith hollered from the audience.
"Alright, everypony! Let's talk turkey! Big Mac, you're up!"
The stallion took center stage and inhaled deeply….
“So that’s what happened?” Fuli calmly asked having figured out the rest from there, just when a furious Rarity used her magic to pull on Big Mac's bow-tie, so she can reprimand him eye to eye for that.
"A…a…a turkey call? You lost your voice doing a... a turkey call?!"
"Lost his voice and the title!" Pinkie Pie said as she hopped on by, wearing her new medal and doing an authentic turkey gobble while Fuli looks on at her with a “Seriously?!” look for further rubbing salt into the wound.
"Now we can't perform tonight!" Rarity then said in dismay.
”Wait, what! No!” Fluttershy gasped. “You have to perform! Otherwise, the fundraiser will be a disaster!"
"Well, we cannot perform tonight with only four voices." Rarity explained otherwise.
"Why not?" She asked.
"It would take rearranging all the music, and we just don't have time.” Rarity explained. “Plus even with Fuli us, they’ll be expecting all four of us to sing together like we have done for every performance we’ve ever done together. I'm sorry, Fluttershy, but I have no remedy for this situation."
Fluttershy while feeling a little down at first then gasped in realization when she got an idea before running off ahead. “Of course! A remedy! Follow me!"
The Pony Tones crew looked at each other in confusion before Fuli, Rarity, and Big Mac all followed after her towards the Everfree’s Forest’s direction where Zecora the zebra resided. There, she inspected Big Mac’s sore throat by having him open up his mouth wide. After she was done inspecting it she closed his mouth before giving her assessment for the best course of action.
"Hmmm. I can cure this pony that is hoarse, but it will take a longer course."
"Uh, come again?" Rarity asked, still having trouble understanding the zebra's rhyming speech pattern.
“I think she means she has a cure to help cure Big Mac’s voice.” Fuli translated which was met with a surprised look from Rarity. “I picked it up when she said can cure and it’ll take a longer course.”
“Oh.” Rarity nodded before sighing in relief. “Oh, thank goodness!"
"And by that I mean he won’t be able to perform tonight." Fuli added with the necessary bad news.
"Oh.” Rarity lowered her ears in disappointment.
"Oh, no!" Fluttershy exclaimed seeing things are looking bleak. "Ah! Where are we ever going to find a deep voice to replace Big Mac's?"
“Don’t suppose anyone else from the Guard can do it?” Rarity asked the cheetah expecting the answer to be no.
“Afraid not.” Fuli confirmed with a shake of her head. “Ono would get really nervous in an instant, Beshte and Kion don't have deep voices yet, Kyoga isn’t very cheerful enough to get into the rhythm, and of course Bunga would get swept up in and bask in all the attention.”
Zecora chuckled to which Rarity didn’t find funny as evident by her narrowed expression. “Pardon me, Zecora, but this is no laughing matter! We need a bass voice for the harmonies to work! Without it, the performance will be ruined!"
"Please, forgive my strange elation, but I was not laughing at your situation." Zecora clarified.
"Then what?" She asked.
"Remember when you pony folk stumbled into poison joke? Miss Fluttershy had an unusual change, deepening her vocal range." She recalled.
“Of course!” Fuli cried out with a smile upon realizing what she is talking about. “Her voice became very low…”
“It did…” Rarity realized while smiling too. “…in fact, low to the point of making it sound like…"
"Flutterguy!" The Pegasus finished remembering the nickname Spike gave her.
Zecora then moved to pull out a bowl of the leaves from the magical blue plant. "With these leaves I can mix a brew, creating the same effect on you."
"Zecora, that's fantastic!" Rarity gratefully thanked their zebra friend now they have a new solution to resolve this.
"Yes! I'll do it! I'd do anything for the animals!" Fluttershy declared on board with the plan.
“Even appearing on stage?” Fuli asked skeptically to make sure she knows what she is getting herself into.
Fluttershy’s confidence dropped upon realizing what she meant. “Oh. Except that."
“Figures.” Fuli responded with an expression that she figured she would say that.
"I just can't bring myself to sing on stage in front of everypony." Fluttershy expressed with Angel turning away from her with crossed arms even giving her the “Talk to the paw.” gesture.
Rarity tapped her chin before thinking of an idea. “What if you sang not in front of everypony?"
"Huh?"
"What if Big Mac was on stage, moving his lips while you're behind the curtains singing his part? It'll be just like singing in your house! Nopony will know it's you!"
“That could work!” Fuli liked the idea while turning to Fluttershy. “And yes I know this sounds deceptive and dishonest, but in times like these, we need the quick solution for this no matter what.”
"Even still, I just don't think I could sing in front of…"
"You must! For the animals!" Rarity quickly insisted while levitating a weeping Angel bunny in front of her pony friend knowing she can’t resist saying no to a very sad face.
Then Fuli joined in on the pouting while holding up her very cat friend. “Please Fuli? For the cutsy whittle animals?” She implored of them with in a babyish-like tone.
And that was enough to get her on board with their plan.
“Oh… Okay then... Mix it up!"
Later that night, ponies are all having a good time with the animals there. One pony was playing with a seal lion, while some admired the cute bunnies, birds, puppies and kittens (minus Fuli’s special kitten friend, of course.) that were there. Applejack and Apple Bloom’s relative they met a while back, Golden Delicious, has adopted a saddle-bag full of kittens much to the Apple siblings dismay since she already has more than she really needs.
Meanwhile, behind the curtain, Rarity was giving the Pony Tones one last brief through in order for their plan to work. "Alright, this is it everypony. Remember, do it just like we practiced!"
Fluttershy inhaled deeply, ready for it even though she is still very nervous.
“You’ll be okay.” Fuli reassured softly while wiggling her tail and briefly retracting her claws while lightly scratching the wood. “Just remember to act on my cues.”
“Got it.” Fluttershy spoke confidently yet quietly.
Rarity, Fuli, and the Pony Tones walked onto the stage, the ponies stomped their hooves to clap. Spike was amongst the front of the audience, at least until an adult Pegasus pony and his little filly daughter seated themselves in front of him. Beshte quickly fixed this by lifting him up on his back so he could get a better view of the performance, especially the pony of his dreams.
"Good evening, citizens of Ponyville!" said the unicorn to the public, looking as dazzling as always and just as confident, "I want to thank you all for coming out tonight and generously supporting the Ponyville Pet Center! Thanks to your kindness, pets are finding loving homes, and we're sure to meet our fundraising goal!"
At the front of the crowd, Kion who was previously smiling in anticipation for Fuli’s performance suddenly noticed that one of their other friends isn’t with them. “Where’s Fluttershy?!” He asked while looking around for the Pegasus pony.
"Probably hidden'." Applejack remarked while rolling her eyes. "You know how much that pony hates the spotlight."
“Yeah, but wouldn’t she have nothing to worry about if she isn’t performing them.” Kion pointed out.
“Don’t worry, Kion, I’ll take a quick look around.” Ono vowed before flying off, while knowing he’ll be watching the show from above.
"So, with no further ado, please welcome the Pony Tones!" Rarity concluded her intro before the rest of the group all walked out, ready to sing. Well, minus one, due to the aforementioned reasons.
Fluttershy gulped, still on the edge whether to press forward or not. And now she had no time to go back now since she already committed herself to this due to her dedication of animals.
Rarity blew on the pitch pipe which was her friend’s cue to start singing. But of course, she ended up getting cold hooves.
Fuli acting quickly in order to avoid suspicion tilted her head to the side while scratching the wooden platform in the curtain’s direction and loud enough for Fluttershy to hear in order to give her the cue that she needs in order to start singing.
Fluttershy quickly mustered the courage she needed before inhaling, with Big Mac doing so upon seeing the cheetah nodding that she is now officially getting started before the pony with the disguised voice opened her mouth to begin singing.
“Bum, bum, bum-ba-da, ba-da
Bum, bum, bum-ba-da ah.”
As Fluttershy sings to the tune as Flutterguy, Big Mac moved his lips while making it look like he is singing. So far they were off to a great start, nobody and nopony suspects a thing and the plan was working.
“Bum, bum, bum-ba-da, ba-da (Oh, ah-ah-ah-ah)
Bum, bum, bum-ba-da ah (Oh, ah-ah-ah-ah)
Bum, bum, bum-ba-da, ba-da (Oh, ah-ah-ah-ah)
Bum, bum, bum-ba-da ah (Oh, ah-ah-ah-ah).”
The Pony Tones sang together while Fluttershy was starting to really enjoy it before singing more of her solo lines in Big Macintosh’s place.
“Trot outside and you see the sunshine
Something's in the air today
Sky is clear and you're feelin' so fine
Everything's gonna be a-okay.”
Then came Toe-Tapper and Torch Song’s turn.
“If you listen carefully
On every corner there's a rhythm playing.”
Then Fuli and Rarity started trading lyrics like before.
“Then it happens suddenly
The music takes you over and you'll…”
“Find you've got the music.”
“Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind the music.”
“Got the music in you.”
“Oh, you.”
“Find you've got the music.”
“Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind the music.”
“Got the music in you.”
“Oh, o-o-oh.”
The entire crowd was amazed while applauding the Pony Tones for their performance, especially the performance from the deep voice for Big Mac to the point Cheerlie nearly fainted with happiness upon hearing his lovely and handsome voice.
The Lion and Pony Guard were clapping to the rhythm along with everyone else. While Fuli was singing she briefly eyed the pony now having a good time singing her passion even though it was in the shadows. But still, it was a start.
“Luckily you have a choice
When you find you've got the music.”
“Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind the music.”
“Got the music in you.”
“Oh, you.”
“Find you've got the music.”
“Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind the music.”
The Pony Tones all sang together when Fuli stepped forward for her big finish at the same time Fluttershy sang louder to sing alongside her friend.
“Got the music in you
Got the music, got the music in you!
“In you!”
“Oh, oh, oh!”
The crowd cheered for the Pony Tones, who waved in gratitude as they chanted their group name.
"Pony Tones! Pony Tones!"
Fluttershy had never felt like this before. She really enjoyed the applause, yet they don’t know the truth about her role as Big Mac’s voice. But it didn’t matter, what’s done is done, and thanks to Fuli, the show was a massive success and the crowd was very pleased with their performance. In fact, the crowd was so excited they ended up clearing out all of the remaining adoptions available from the nearby pet pen.
"Wow! Talk about a hot-selling performance!" Bunga remarked upon seeing so many adoptions so soon.
The Lion and Pony Guard along with Spike all approached the stage once the crowd dispersed so they can congratulate their friends for their performance.
"Pony Tones! That was truly amazing!" Kion praised.
“Especially you, Fuli!” Beshte complimented. “You were really Poa out there!”
“It was Un-Bunga-veilable!” Bunga added.
"And you sounded better than ever, big brother!" Applejack proudly praised her brother, who blushed and smiled sheepishly in response.
Fluttershy, poked her head from behind the stage, before trying to sneak away before anyone could spot her. At least until Ono quickly spotted her, flew in, and spoke up to get everyone’s attention. “Found her! Fluttershy, there you are! I’ve been looking everyone for you!”
“Yeah! You totally missed the show!" Bunga added.
Both Rarity and Fuli silently reacted in surprise before the two quickly approach them to explain their cover story for her.
"Uh, just like a true professional, Fluttershy was backstage making sure everything ran smoothly!" Rarity said to their friends.
“And she did an amazing job at it!” Fuli added while winking at her to let her that she did great tonight leaving the Pegasus greatly pleased from their great support.
Just then the male Pegasus pony with a black shirt, glasses, and had a black beard that had briefly obscured Spike’s view approached them. Beside him was his filly daughter who had brown hair and light white-brown coat with paw prints for a cutie mark and wearing a silver plastic tiara.
"That was fantastic, Pony Tones!" The Pegasus father congratulated when his daughter flew around them at an impressively fast speed, while caring her new puppy.
“You were all super-duper crazy good.” His daughter added while flying around Rarity, Fluttershy, and Fuli.
"Why, thank you!" said Rarity.
“I try not to brag about it.” Fuli said with pride earning herself some snickering from her friends behind her back.
The little filly moved to tap her father's nose to get him to ask the Pony Tones the question she has in mind. "And we were wondering if you would consider performing at my daughter Zipporwhill's cute-ceañera."
"Will you? Will you?" Zipporwhill eagerly asked while flapping her wings.
Of course, there was no saying no to a filly like that. "We'd love to! When is it? Next week? Next month?"
"Tomorrow!" Zipporwhill and her father said in unison.
Rarity, Big Mac, Fluttershy and Fuli all turned their heads up and in shock. They couldn’t possibly force Fluttershy into this position again and Big Mac wouldn’t be ready by then. So Rarity moved forward to both father and daughter with deep regret of having to say this. "Oh, gracious, I'm terribly sorry, but that's much too last minute."
Zipporwhill dropped to the ground in sadness feeling greatly disappointed. "Oh, no…"
"Well… I understand." Her father said in the same tone before they both walked off and away together.
As the two walked away sadly, Fluttershy felt the urge to say otherwise. “Oh, Rarity, we can't disappoint that sweet little filly." She implored of her.
“Really?” Fuli asked her in a hushed voice as she and Rarity are both surprised that she would be up for it even if she didn’t have it in her heart to say no to a cute and eager filly.
“You sure you're up for it?" Rarity asked.
Fluttershy smiled and nodded in reply.
“Okay.” Fuli voiced accepting her decision before calling out to both the father and daughter before they got too far ahead. “Wait up!” She shouted after them while quickly springing after them so she can personally tell them they will gladly perform after much reconsideration.
The following day, the Pony Tones sang for Zipporwhill's party. Like last night, Fluttershy sang from behind the scenes while the Pony Tones all sang on stage singing their signature song.
Truthfully, it really all works out since Fluttershy can sing comfortably without any pony watching her and others can enjoy hearing her voice. Like last night, no one was the wiser only knowing that it was her, but really the voice of the big red stallion she is covering for.
“When you find you've got the music
Got the music in you
Find you've got the music
Got the music in you
Got the music, got the music in you!”
Once the song had ended, all of the foals cheered for their spectacular performance. Especially, Zipporwhill since she flapped her little wings and flew around in joy around and above the stage.
"Whoo, yeah, alright! We got the Pony Tones, we got the Pony Tones!" She cheered along with all of the other fillies just when the Pony Tones turned and headed backstage.
There, Rarity and Fuli both smiled at her feeling very impressed with her improvement backstage.
"Once again, great job, Fluttershy!" Fuli praised.
Just then, the mayor herself approached the group with Fluttershy quickly flying up to the ceiling to avoid being seen by her.
"Amazing, Pony Tones!" She commended them. "And it would be even more amazing if you could perform at my ribbon-cutting ceremony tomorrow!"
The ponies along with Fuli all looked at each other unsure of whether to accept the offer knowing Fluttershy isn’t the kind of pony who would allow herself to agree to this without being given a choice in the matter. Having her suffer a mental breakdown is the last thing they want her to experience.
Rarity politely tried to decline the offer, "Oh, Mayor, we would love to, but…" She stopped when Fluttershy briefly popped her head from above wanting a say in this. So she quickly replied “Would you excuse us for a second, Mayor?"
“Certainly!” She nodded before walking aside.
Once she was out of sight, Fluttershy flew down to her friends, who spoke to her quietly.
“You sure you want to do this, again?” Fuli asked. “We really don’t want to put you up to it if you don’t want to do it.”
"Yes darling, you don't have to perform again." Rarity backed her up.
"But we wouldn't want to disappoint the Mayor." Fluttershy said in her still deep male voice still insisting that she is up for it.
"Really?"
“Are you sure?”
The two asked still slightly surprised.
Fluttershy nodded her head yes in response, with her friends smiling before the unicorn turned to address the mayor.
“Very well, Mayor.” Fuli spoke to get her attention.
“The Pony Tones will happily perform at your ceremony!" Rarity confirmed.
A confirmation that had everyone in the room smiling, especially the smile from Fluttershy’s face since she was really enjoying this to the point she almost didn’t want to stop.
The next day, Fluttershy hid inside a barrel while Big Mc lip-sang in public with the Pony Tones in front of a huge crowd. A crowd that was really into Fluttershy’s voice that they think belongs to Big Mac.
“Trot outside and see the sunshine
Something's in the air today
Sky is clear and you're feelin' so fine
Everything's gonna be a-okay.”
Two mares who worked at the Ponyville spa galloped in place with Fluttershy having spotted this from the hole in the barrel, clearly enjoying their performance.
In fact, they were so thrilled with their performance, they both came to Rarity, asking if they could perform at the spa the next day. Once again Rarity along with Fuli both tried to decline the offer not wanting to push Fluttershy any further. But once again she tapped her friend’s shoulder to voice otherwise. “We wouldn't want to disappoint the spa patrons."
Like the other times she that, Rarity couldn’t say no once again, and neither could Fuli since she is seeing that this pony is really enjoying this singing passion yet is unable to come out into the spotlight due to a potential anxiety attack for the Pegasus pony.
The group did as the ponies asked and sang for the ponies relaxing at the spa while Fluttershy sang and hid from the pool. With help from an underwater helmet with a long tube extending from above the top of her head she was able to sing her crowd-attracting voice to the spa patrons.
Next came Miss Cheerilee and Rafiki requesting the Pony Tones to sing for the school ponies and Pride Landers, and of course, Rarity, out of respect for her friend, tried to decline it again, at least until accepting it for when Fluttershy voiced otherwise.
"We wouldn't want to disappoint them on their special day."
Following that, they moved to accept many performance offers from across Ponyville along for many groups of Pride Landers residing at Diamond Valley who found it as a great spirit lifter which gave them hope that things will get better in due time. All while Fluttershy, uses clever methods of hiding to avoid being seen by the public, and loving every second of it.
“If you listen carefully
On every corner there's a rhythm playing
Then it happens suddenly
The music takes you over and you'll
Find you've got the music.”
But, it was starting to get to the point that Fluttershy was getting more and more into it. From singing more lines to singing at a faster pace to the point Big Mac is starting to have trouble keeping his lips in sync with the pony’s singing without her realizing it. He could only hope that no one would be able to spot the threads out and start investigating into this a little more while moving his lips the best he can while sweating.
“Find the music
Deep down in your heart
You can find it, oh yeah!
You got the music in you now
Got the music, got the music in you!”
Once their most recent performance has finally finished, Big Mac sighed in deep relief. Fuli being quick to spot this out with her eyes alone, knew that she needed to reign herself in a little more, because one slip-up could be costly and have messy consequences should the truth about Big Mac’s singing be uncovered even if the pony is singing her heart’s desire and dreams.
She would later get some free time with Fluttershy later on in the week during her visit at her cottage.
“So…” Fuli began. “…you really getting into this singing business are you?”
“Oh my, yes!” She happily replied. “All while making every pony happy!”
“That sure is a great feeling isn’t it.” Fuli inquired to which the Pegasus nodded. “I can tell. Too bad that nobody knows that it’s really you that’s singing the Pony Tones main attraction.”
“It’s okay.” Fuli assured still not wanting to step into the spotlight. “Just being able to bring smiles to everyone is enough for me to be happy.”
“Fair.” Fuli accepted that response before trying to press her thoughts in regards to her singing. “Although, considering the rate your picking up the pace in your singing from our most recent performances, I’d say you’d do very well on stage. You know, so that way the ponies and Pride Landers could see the true talent you have deep down.”
“Oh, no.” Fluttershy quickly dropped her smiled and hid behind her mane and tail. “I couldn’t possibly show my face around all of those ponies!”
“Understandable…” Fuli said trying hard to be patient and balance this out. “…but something to really consider since it is getting to the point Big Mac is having trouble matching your lips and with the increasing rate you’re going.”
Fluttershy gasped in fright. “You’re not saying…”
“No, no, no, no, no….” Fuli quickly shook her head to dissuade her from losing control of herself. “…I’m not saying you should emerge out into the spotlight. All I’m suggesting is that you slow it down and keep yourself in sync with Big Mac since you’re really getting ahead of yourself here. I mean sooner or later someone is going to find out. So you might want reconsider your approach if you want to keep this up.”
Fluttershy looked aside and lowered her ears feeling downcast by what she said like she is pressuring her into taking up the spotlight even though she made it perfectly clear she is not comfortable doing so. Seeing this had Fuli looking forlorn and guilty before continuing so she can patch things up.
“Fluttershy…I hope you know that I’m not trying to force something onto you against your will…” Fuli gently said with a paw on her shoulder. “…it’s just I don’t want to see you get into trouble over this.”
“I know.” Fluttershy quietly replied while turning to look at her friend. “It’s okay. I just wish I could be able to work the courage to do so like you, Fuli.”
“Someday you will, Fluttershy. Someday you will.” Fuli smiled and assured before sitting down and spreading out her upper paws offering a rare free hug for her to enjoy to which she gladly accepted while throwing herself into the cheetah’s arms. “And no matter what you decide, I will always be proud of you.”
“Thank you.” Fluttershy said feeling very enlightened by this support from the cheetah she sees as an older sister.
The following night, many ponies gathered at Sugar Cube Corner for another performance by the Pony Tones. Spike handled security, along with Timon and Pumbaa. The three were wearing sunglasses and each holding a clipboard all wearing black tuxedos with white undershirts and black bow-ties.
“Hold it!” Timon stopped one pony from entering the bakery before he and Pumbaa eyed the invite list. “We need to make sure you’re on the list.”
The sharp-dressed warthog looked at his list for her name before nodding. “She’s good! Let her through.” Spike gave the pony a heads before allowing her to enter.
Inside, Fluttershy peeked from the window before turning to the gathering audience to where the whole Lion and Pony Guard are all standing and conversing with one another. Once she saw them, she felt very excited knowing they’ll get to hear her voice once again.
"Fluttershy, we must talk to you." Rarity suddenly spoke up to get her attention just when she, Fuli, and Big Mac approached her with good news. "Big Mac's voice is all better!"
"Eeyup." He nodded to which had Fluttershy’s smile fading.
"Now you can bathe in the poison joke antidote and sound like your lovely self again." Rarity happily added before catching the girl’s sadly hanging her head.
“Fluttershy?” Fuli asked correctly seeing what she’s suddenly disappointed in.
"It's just... I didn't know that last performance was my last performance." She sadly explained before turning the opposite direction to walk away.
Fuli nodded at Rarity feeling that should let her this one more time rather than see her feeling miserable, especially with how much fun she was having.
"Fluttershy, stop!" Rarity called out to her just when she about to reach the doorway.
"Ohhh…" Rarity turned to Big Mac. "Would it be okay if Fluttershy sang for you one last time?"
“Does that sound fair?” Fuli asked.
Fluttershy looked up at him buttoning up her shimmering aqua blue eyes at him. If there is one thing Big Mac can’t resist is whenever her sisters and her friends give him that adorable look which lets him know they really want it.
"Hmm. Eeyup." He answered with a touched smile.
Fluttershy smiled with a wide grin and sparkling star-filled eyes before flying over to hug the two ponies and cheetah very thankful for being given that one last chance to which she’ll make sure she’ll capitalize on.
Just before the show started, Ono looked around, still seeing that Fluttershy isn’t with them.
“Ono?” Kion asked having caught sight of him looking concerned.
“Sorry.” Ono snapped to attention. “I just can’t help but wonder where Fluttershy is.”
“Relax, Ono.” Bunga quickly assured to dissuade him from making a big deal about it. “They told you, Fluttershy’s just helping them out with what they need and getting a very front row seat out of it!”
“Yeah, but something doesn’t add up here.” Ono voiced still wondering what was really going on before using his keen sight to examine the curtain with a more concentrated effort to take a closer look.
“I’m sure she’s just back there to make sure their performance goes well like before.” Beshte reasoned.
“True, but I wonder…” Ono replied with full concentration and eyes the ponies and cheetah emerging into the spotlight on stage with one standing from behind the curtains.
Fluttershy sang like she is giving her best and passion performance yet. But at the same time was making it difficult to properly match his lips in sync with her singing.
“Hey, find it, oh why, you can find it
In your heart, yeah, find the music, yeah
It's in you right now! Oh, yeah!
You can find the music!”
Fuli quickly noticed and decided to back up slightly so she can bump Fluttershy in order to get her to control herself while still singing with the other’s.
But Fluttershy didn’t take the hint as she continued to dance and spin from behind the curtain. She shoved Big Mac forward to sing front and center. He quickly had to make himself look like he was singing.
“Odd…” Ono voiced having closely watched their performance so far. “Wait is that…?” He exclaimed upon seeing something that might connect the dots.
“Oh, no.” Fuli muttered under her breath upon seeing that she is going to expose herself by accident.
And as she correctly predicted, Fluttershy ended up getting so into her singing she accidentally kicked the rails that were holding the curtains up. They fell all over the Pony Tones and stopped their singing with Fluttershy the only one still singing unaware at all eyes along with the spotlight are on her now.
“You can find the music!
Yeah, yeah, I love the music, ye—“
The pony stopped once she opened her eyes and realized what she has done and that everyone is now seeing her in plain sight. A sight that highly surprised everyone with the reveal.
"Fluttershy?!" Her friends exclaimed in unison.
“Hevi Kabisa!”
“How about that?!”
Both Kion and Bunga expressed finding
“But how…?” Ono questioned upon learning that the deep disguised male voice was really Fluttershy’s. “Unless…” He thought remembering Flutterguy from a while back. “…Flutterguy! Of course.”
The poor pony slinked down to the ground hiding behind her mane and tail while shaking in fear with the spotlight shining directly on her.
She was now frozen in fear feeling mortified that everyone now knows the truth is out and feeling her worse nightmare come true and she highly expects the laughing and taunting much like the many times she was bullied before to come to surface.
Luckily for her, Fuli was quick to come to her rescue by resuming where the Pony Tones left off. She was not about to let her best friend throw all she has worked for out of fear. Turning and nodding at both Rarity and Big Mac who both quickly nodded too, she resumed the song by singing the song herself
“Find the music in you
Bum, bum, bum-ba-da, ba-da
Bum, bum, bum-ba-da ah.”
She was able to slowly approach Fluttershy with a look to reassure her that everything is okay and that she is here for her while smiling and singing without fear.
And amazingly, Fuli’s inner gentleness caused Fluttershy’s paralyzing fear to fade before joining in.
“Bum, bum, bum-ba-da, ba-da
Bum, bum, bum-ba-da ah.”
While the two were singing together, the rest of the Pony Tones emerged from under the curtain and moved to join them too while both Fuli and Fluttershy trade lyrics.
“Bum, bum, bum-ba-da, ba-da”
“Oh, ah-ah-ah-ah”
“Bum, bum, bum-ba-da ah”
“Oh, ah-ah-ah-ah”
“Bum, bum, bum-ba-da, ba-da”
“Oh, ah-ah-ah-ah”
“Bum, bum, bum-ba-da ah”
“Oh, ah-ah-ah-ah”
Once they were all together, they all commenced the group singing once again.
“Everypony's sayin' you should learn to express your voice
But if talk doesn't seem like it's the answer
Luckily you have a choice.”
The Pony Tones sang with Rarity making her voice heard each other verse from the group.
“Find you've got the music.”
“Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind the music.”
“Got the music in you.”
“Oh, you”
“Find you've got the music”
“Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind the music”
“Got the music in you.”
Then came Fluttershy’s turn to sing solo.
“Trot outside and you see the sunshine
Something's in the air today
Sky is clear and you're feelin' so fine
Everything's gonna be a-okay.”
The came Toe-Tapper and Torch Song’s turn.
“If you listen carefully
On every corner there's a rhythm playing.”
Next up is Toe-Tapper and Rarity with the latter standing out every other verse like before.
“Then it happens suddenly
The music takes you over and you'll.”
“Find you've got the music”
“Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind the music”
“Got the music in you”
“Oh, you.”
“Find you've got the music.”
“Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind the music.”
“Got the music.”
Now for Fluttershy and Fuli’s big finish like before.
“Got the music, got the music
Got the music in you!”
Fluttershy sang feeling very enlightened while excitedly flapping her wings like she really has performed the best performance she has never done before. And it was a song that everybody loved and cheered for them especially Fluttershy. While initially surprised they really loved her singing, even if she was disguised and sounded like a guy.
Unfortunately, even with Fuli backing her up, Fluttershy’s nerves immediately shot up with her happiness turning into trembling fear. To her it was too much for her before galloping away off of the stage crying much to everyone’s surprise.
“Huh? What was that all about?” Timon whispered to Pumbaa.
“I don’t know?” Pumbaa shrugged along with Spike. “Everyone loved Fluttershy’s performance.”
The question Fluttershy’s friends all are now wondering is something that Applejack was quick to find out as she approached her older brother, narrowing her eyes while Rarity backed away slowly not wanting to caught in the middle of this.
"Big Mac, you got some 'splainin' to do!" She said expecting answers making it look like it is going to be an unpleasant interrogation until she started calmly asking him questions.
"Turkey call?"
"Eeyup."
"Trash your voice?"
"Eeyup."
"Zecora remedy?"
"Eeyup."
"Not quick enough?"
"Nnope."
"Needed a deep voice?"
"Eeyup."
"Poison joke?"
"Eeyup."
"Flutterguy?"
"Eeyup."
"Better now?"
"Eeyup."
Applejack then turned over to Fuli since she had something to do with this. "You were in on this too?"
"Eeyup." Fuli replied stoically, expecting to be questioned as well.
"Went along with it?"
"Eeyup."
"Didn’t want to see her get into trouble?"
"Nope."
"And that shy filly was livin' her dream in the shadows because she couldn't bring herself to come into the spotlight?"
Both Fuli and Big Mac replied at the same time. "Eeyup."
"Well, for corn's sake! Let's go!" Applejack declared before leading the crew in finding their upset friend.
The Lion and Pony Guard all hurried their way to Fluttershy's cottage where they all entered one by one with Beshte having to suck his weight in order to squeeze his way inside.
If only Ponyville would actually manage to make these pony-sized doors a little wider for some of the larger animals from the Pride Lands.
"Fluttershy, are you in here? Can please come out and spare us the trouble of having us all look around the whole cottage worried sick?” Fuli kindly asked of her.
"Yes…I'm here." Fluttershy complied in her now normal and sweet voice now appearing in front of the railing on the upper floor. Fluttershy wore a towel over her head, having already bathed in the poison joke antidote.
"That was totally unbelievable!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed before proceeded to climb up the walls reaching up to Fluttershy.
"I mean, the curtain came up and there you were, singing in front of everypony! And you know, I don't think anypony was jealous, 'cause there certainly wasn't an angry mob! But it must have been horrible standing there on stage, all eyes glued directly on you! It's like you were living your own personal worst nightmare!" She insensitively rambled and got in her face further frightening the poor pony.
"Pinkie!!" Everyone scolded with Fluttershy sobbing even harder due to that rant.
"It was. It was!" Fluttershy quickly flew out of the cottage leaving everybody glaring at Pinkie Pie for further upsetting her.
"What? Too much?"
"Way too much!” Fuli sharply stated before sprinting after their stage fright friend with the others following after her.
"What Pinkie meant to say is that you were really great!" Beshte called out to her.
"Wait! Didn't I say that?" Pinkie questioned with her head popping out of the door frame.
"Hardly!" Rarity stated otherwise as she galloped by her.
"Whoops." Pinkie Pie said before following after her friends, after Fluttershy, while shouting at the top of her lungs, "You were great!"
Fluttershy continued to run away while crying and trying to keep breathing through it all when Rainbow Dash flew beside her. "You totally blew my mind!"
Fluttershy still ran ahead, only to stop when Bunga and Applejack intercepted her.
"It was incredible!"
“Un-Bunga-veilable!”
But it wasn’t enough to convince her since she flew up and covered her face while lying on a nearby rooftop.
Pinkie Pie climbed up to her at that moment. "Though, no offense... you kind of sounded like a dude."
Fluttershy flew off crying again and Pinkie received two “What the Heck?!” glares from Ono and Rainbow Dash.
“Yeah, no offense, but you’re not helping things, Pinkie.” Ono scolded.
"Uh, a great-sounding dude!" Pinkie tried to correct herself.
Finally, Fluttershy stopped running away and wiped away her tears before addressing them in a serious tone.
"Well, thank you all. I'm glad you enjoyed it.”
“We really did!” Kion happily stated thinking she is now listening to them until...
“Because I'm never going to sing in front of anypony ever again."
She resumed galloping away yet again, with her friends gasping in shock before following after her again.
"Are you kidding me?!" Pinkie exclaimed while she jumped off of the roof and followed after her.
By using her super speed Fuli quickly sprinted across the footbridge right past Fluttershy and then planted her paws right into the ground in front of her to force her stop. She had to hit the brakes on her rear legs before skidding across the grass before managing to stop her right in front of the cheetah just managing a little nose touch. There they all managed to reach the front of the stage in the park.
“Cute.” Fuli complimented before getting serious with the blushing Pegasus pony. “But seriously, stop running from us when we’re trying to help you.”
"I just don't understand why, Fluttershy." Rarity said once they all caught up to them. "After all, you're the one that wanted the Pony Tones to sing for every silly thing that was requested of us."
Fluttershy removed the stray hairs that fell into her face back into place before turning to face the unicorn. "You mean, you knew I really wanted to perform?"
"Of course I knew!" Rarity confirmed with a comforting smile.
“So did I.” Fuli added with the same expression. “And, for all her babbling, Pinkie Pie was right about one thing."
"Only one?!" Pinkie remarked feeling offended there.
“Yes, only one!” Fuli assertively repeated to which the pink mare pouted in response.
Bunga them jumped onto the stage, while waving his left arm out into the air. "When that curtain fell, and everypony saw you singing, you lived your worst nightmare!” He said rather authentically before asking. “Was it really that bad?"
Fluttershy covered her face in response while crying again. "Yes!"
"Well, what was so bad about it?" Kion asked.
"The thunderous applause?" Rainbow asked.
"The praise for your fantastic singing'?" Applejack asked.
"Stepping out into the spotlight?" Beshte asked.
"Facing all of those ponies in the audience?" Ono asked.
"The screaming fans?!" Pinkie Pie asked loudly, scaring Fluttershy into jumping up backwards onto the stage.
Kyoga then used her magic to tape Pinkie’s mouth shut, leaving the pony making muffled noises while waving her arms at her before struggling to remove the tape. After struggling for a few seconds, Kyoga ripped it right off of her.
“YEEEEEEOOOOOWWWW!” She screamed so loud that it could be heard all the way to Pride Rock while awakening the lion with the black mane resting in his cave who likewise raised a paw to use his magic to get a look at what disturbed him at this hour.
“What was that for?!” The pony exclaimed while rubbing her mouth in pain.
“For everything you’ve done throughout the last few weeks that led up to this.” She answered without any sympathy. “From beating Big Mac’s turkey call, trashing his voice, rubbing it in his face, and of course making Fluttershy cry even harder with every passing comment. Any more questions or do I need to keep your mouth shut literally until you get the memo or do I need to see to it that you are deprived of your specially favorite strawberry chocolate cupcakes to which you've been having one too many through this entire time?!”
Frightened at never eating another one of those cupcakes ever again, Pinkie immediately shook her head no in response upon seeing the killer look in the lioness’s eyes while levitating the piece of tape right in front of her lips ready to slap it on again if she didn’t get the answer she wanted.
“Ugh…” Scar groaned before cancelling the magical visual before slumping his head down to the ground so he can go back to sleep. “…you wake me in the middle of the night for this?” He grumbled before closing his eyes and resuming his rest. “Stupid pony.”
With the constant annoyance of Pinkie Pie now settled, Fuli leaped onto the stage so she can talk to Fluttershy heart-to-heart.
“Remember when I told you of how I never sang to anyone up until now?” She recalled to which Fluttershy meekly nodded in response. “Well, have you ever wondered why and how I gained the courage to step out into the spotlight?”
“No. Why?”
“Because of you.” She replied to the Pegasus’s surprise.
“I enlightened you into singing to everypony? How?” She thought in her head.
“Whenever I sing, it was meant to be just a private hobby for me, whenever I felt like it, much like the time I’ve enjoyed being alone. When I first came across you singing, I was amazed with how much you like your personal hobby and with how much passion you put into it. It was like I was seeing myself when I was a young cub.”
“Really?”
“Yes, Sisi Ni Sawa, Fluttershy. Because the reason I agreed to sing alongside the Pony Tones and to sing in public was because of your desire to make everyone, everypony, and every animal happy had me thinking that if my friends loved my singing then surely everyone else would love it too. You’ve inspired the courage for me to step out into the spotlight, Fluttershy.”
Fluttershy smiled while blushing over what her friend was telling her, the fact that even though their opposites in regards to kindness and bravery, it was because of the common ground they share whenever they are alone along with the Pegasus pony’s big heart that inspired Fuli to work the courage into singing in public.
"Gosh.” She gasped breathlessly before mustering the courage to face the smiling cheetah in the eyes. “I never would have guessed any of that.”
“Neither would I.” She responded similarity before moving to ask her this question. "So, do you think I can help return the favor and get you to work up the courage into following in my paw prints?” She offered while gesturing to the wooden floor they are standing on.
Fluttershy looked down on the floor while looking at each and everyone of her friends before smiling with the inclination to accept the offer from the Lion Guard’s Fastest. “Yes.”
The next morning, Fluttershy performed on stage with the Pony Tones. Her first debut as an official Pony Tone wearing the official Pony Tones jacket. This time, Fuli stood beside the other ponies while letting Fluttershy take the lead in singing.
“There's music in the treetops
And there's music in the vale
And all around the music fills the sky
There's music by the river
And there's music in the grass
And the music makes your heart soar in reply.”
“When you find you've got the music.”
The Pony Tones and Fuli all sang together before trading verses with Fluttershy.
“You've got to look inside and find…”
“Find you've got the music.”
“The music deep inside you.”
“Find you've got the music.”
“'Cause when you look inside, you'll see it.”
“Find you've got the music.”
“You're gonna find it, gonna find”
“You've got the music.”
“Got the music, got the music.”
“Got the music in you!”
The Lion and Pony Guard all cheered for her along with the rest of the audience… Fluttershy's animal friends. The stage they were performing at was set up in front of Fluttershy's cottage for a private performance just for her closest friends.
"You did it, Fluttershy!" Rainbow congratulated her with a hug.
“See that wasn’t so bad.” Applejack added.
“You really nailed it!” Bunga also complimented while affectionately ruffling her long pink mane.
"I never doubted that you had in you." Kyoga said with a sincere smile.
Pinkie was about to say something that could potential shatter her confidence in one fellow swoop until Kyoga quickly froze her in place leaving her unable to move and speak before turning back to her friend.
“So, how do you feel?" Kion asked.
"Surprisingly… okay!" She positively replied.
“Fantastic!” Rarity exclaimed with a smile. “Because the Pony Tones have been booked for the Apple Family Zap Apple Jam Extraordinaire!"
“You up for it?” Fuli asked to make sure it is something she feels comfortable with.
"Oh, no... I couldn't do that!" Fluttershy quickly replied while retreating behind the curtain, much to the surprise of her friends. "I'll get there someday. But for now... baby steps, everypony. Baby steps."
“And that we understand.” Fuli accepted her decision without second thought along with everyone else since things like this usually require patience which is something that she can have a little difficultly with, but not to Rainbow’s extent.
Fluttershy smiled in return when Fuli places a paw on her back with the silent assurance that she’ll always be there for her to help her out every step in that direction.
Brave and fast cheetah, Shy and kind Pegasus, both have common ground in regards to their hobby of singing and being able to teach other a thing or two about kindness and assertiveness deep down.
Sisi Ni Sawa, they are same.
Sometime later, both Fluttershy and Fuli wrote the lesson they recently learned today.
“Sometimes, being afraid can stop you from doing something that you love, but hiding behind these fears means you're only hiding from your true self. It's much better to face those fears so you can shine and be the best pony you can possibly be.”
"And sometimes like before, being assertive can help you stand up for yourself, but at the same time can cause a little more trouble than it's worth. Sometimes it pays to actually show a little kindness here and there to build on a good friendship."
A lesson that, Twilight herself secretly observed from the shadows with a solemn and sadden expression from the nearby bushes unnoticed. Truthfully with a sad sigh, she wished she could do the same with her own feelings before slinking back and away from the cottage while using the nearby trees and bushes for cover to avoid being spotted.