//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Desperate plan // Story: Jackie and Velvet's Adventure: Rookies on Stage // by CuTiE_PoNY-JacKie //------------------------------// "Hey, friend, wake up!" "Huh… what?" muttered a purple unicorn with blond hair, whose name was Velvet, slightly opening one eye and threw back the blond strand that fell on his face. Smoothing his mane with his hooves, he turned to a companion and yawned. As it turned out, despite the speed of the train and the clacking of wheels, the ride was relaxing enough to lull him into sleep. "Get up, I said. We’ve almost arrived," answered his best friend, Jackie Pie – a crimson unicorn with a long burgundy mane. "Really?" Velvet said cheerfully, quickly sitting up straight and pulling back the curtains that covered the window. Looking out, he saw how their locomotive was rapidly approaching the high snow-white wall, The capital of Equestria, Canterlot, laying just beyond. The long ride he and Jackie had taken from Manehattan had finally come to an end. "Wow, it's beautiful here!" The stallion said admiringly, looking at the tall towers and ornate houses beyond the city wall, which clashed with the boring high-rise buildings of their native metropolis, until he noticed the outline of the castle on the horizon. "Here comes the princess palace! Wow, how huge and majestic it is, as if it came to us from a foal fairy tale. Our rulers have impeccable taste," he thought, recalling his childhood fantasy, in which he had more than once dreamed of settling in such a place. "True, not as a king or prince," he noted with a slight blush on his cheeks, closing his eyes for a second and seeing himself surrounded by cute dresses and elegant shoes. However, he immediately threw these thoughts aside and, sitting back on the sofa, began to fiddle with his hooves impatiently. "What? Unbearable too? I get it," Jack winked at him. "But it's alright, it won't be long before we get to the station and then we'll have a day of unforgettable fun. Think of all the things we'll be able to see and do when we get to Comic-Con." "Yeah, like meeting your favorite characters," said Velvet dreamily. "And buy ourselves a bunch of souvenirs," added Jack. "We’ll also go to the decorative baking exhibition," Velvet continued. "And at the end, let's get an autograph from Miyuki Hirai herself, a talented kirin who has invented many anime series and has personally voiced some of them," his friend finished. "I can't even believe that she agreed to come to our capital and take part in this event." "Apparently, she couldn't resist the opportunity to see her fans," Velvet suggested. "Or maybe she just decided to go to the local boutiques and buy some new clothes when the convention came to an end," Jack remarked. "Who knows," the purple stallion chuckled. "In any case, the arrival of Miyuki Hirai is the brightest thing that's happened in Equestria, well, since the appearance of the Crystal Castle in Ponyville, and we have to meet her." "Of course, but first, we'll have a little fun. After all, she won't arrive until the afternoon. So you and I will have time for a walk through the exhibition." "Of course, mate," nodded Velvet, watching through the window as the train creaked on its brakes as it pulled slowly toward the palace-like railroad station at Canterlot. When the train came to a complete stop, both stallions immediately grabbed their saddlebags and headed for the exit with quick strides. Deftly leaping onto the platform, they galloped like little foals, bouncing and laughing, towards the city and past the crowds. Once on a busy street, the first thing they did was to go to the nearest vendor and buy themselves a couple of cherry pies, and then, while eating, they jumped into a cab and headed for the cultural center, where the Comic-Con was to be held. "Wow, look at this!" Jack said enthusiastically as they drove through the main gate and into the parking lot in front of the center. The whole place was occupied by numerous tents and stands, near which ponies, kirins, and griffins, dressed as different heroes and heroines from comic books, cartoons, and TV shows, stood surrounded by crowds of fans. Every imaginable character from the good to the evil, from Mane-iac to Captain Goodyear, appeared before the two delighted friends as they climbed out of the cab and, after paying the driver a few bits, plunged into the crowd of merry ponies. Most of them were stallions, but there were mares, too, some of whom also wore costumes (especially the type that drew the eyes of stallions), and who, to the cheers and whistles of their admirers, showed off their lovely forms. "Whoa!" Gasped Velvet, looking at three graceful pegasi dressed in costumes based on characters from the fillies’ animated series Fairies; tight-fitting multi-colored dresses and shiny striped socks. "It would take us a week to see everything here!" "Then let's hurry up and go buy souvenirs and take pictures!" Jack said decisively, taking his camera out of his saddlebag. And both young stallions went for a walk in the parking lot, periodically stopping at various stands and shops to buy something or just gawk at the actors. First, they visited a couple of large pavilions dedicated to the Power Ponies, then went to the catwalk, along which beautiful griffons dressed in costumes of medieval warriors (with incredibly short leather skirts) walked, and then went to the big stage, where charming young kirins were photographed with visitors dressed as heroines from anime. "Oh, their dresses are so pretty. I wish I could try on one of them," Velvet thought dreamily as he was hugged with a giggle by two mares dressed like princesses and Jack snapped a couple of pictures. Yes, Velvet hadn't told anyone about it, but deep down he'd always wanted to dress like a mare and walk around like one among the common ponies. He liked princess dresses the best, with their ruffles and embellishments and charming puffy skirts. He spent many nights in bed, dreaming that one day he could dress up in one of Princess Celestia's ceremonial outfits and pretend that he was her and walk around town in it, listening to flattering comments and compliments from the passersby around him. But dreams remained dreams. In reality, however, Velvet was very afraid that someone would find out about it and everyone would make fun of him. This fear had always held him back and prevented him from going completely into character. The risk was too great. So he preferred to continue to hide his secret from everyone, only occasionally dressing in dresses that hung in the dressing room theater, where he worked part-time. After walking around the parking lot a couple of times and buying a bunch of souvenirs (like badges and action figures), the friends finally entered the main building, where, just as outside, there were many different stands with heroes, along with contests and quizzes, in which everyone could take part, ready to shine their knowledge of comics and cartoons. "Hey, do you see that?" Velvet asked, pointing at the railed area where the fans of the Rainbow Mares cartoon series, in which the main character was voiced by Miyuki Hirai herself. "What? Do you want to take part in it?" The crimson unicorn asked. "Well, of course! After all, I know all the seasons and I will easily answer any question that may be asked to me," Velvet answered with confidence. "Then let's go and show them who's the cool pony here," said Jack, hugging his shoulder. "Cool pony? Are you serious?" someone said behind them. "Do you think being nerds is cool?" "This is probably how they want to impress Miyuki. Dear Celestia, how stupid is that?!" The friends turned and saw two sturdy stallions approaching them, dressed in expensive jackets with monograms. "Oh no, not them!" Velvet thought sadly, stepping back a couple of steps. They were Bucky Ingwood and Cody Markston, two rich bullies with whom Jack and Velvet had gone to the same university. "Although, what else can you expect from losers like you?" said one of them mockingly, a dark orange earth pony with a chestnut mane – Buck, stepping forward. "After all, you can only play board games while holed up in the library." "That’s not what the mares like," added his beige friend, the unicorn Cody. "They are impressed by courage, strength, position in society, and also… a stylish manestyle," he finished, taking a comb out of his pocket and straightening his perfectly laid blue forelock. He chuckled and cast a disdainful glance at Velvet's slightly disheveled mane. "Yeah, yeah, we hear you, Cody," Jack said as he came out to meet them. "Is that why you came here? To show us your greasy hair?" Velvet chuckled softly and Cody tensed slightly and took a step forward, but Buck held him back and just smiled creepily. "Not at all, Jackie. We just wanted to see how outsiders like you spend your time before going back to the party in the private section." He brushed a non-existent speck of dust off his shoulder. "You know that when Miyuki arrives at the Comic-Con, she will put on a little show for her fans?" "And after, go to a private party, with some of her closest friends?" Cody added. "Yes, we know it," said Jack. "But I don’t believe that Miyuki will be with boors like you." "Exactly. She's a sensitive and sweet mare and has always despised arrogant snobs," Velvet added. Buck frowned at him, which caused the purple stallion to shrink in fear, but he did not do anything, and proudly raised his chin. "Yes, you are probably right about something. She is a very kind and compassionate kirin who always donates her income to various charitable causes. Therefore, it is not surprising that while vacationing in Horseshoe Bay, she became friends with my father, who offered her an impressive amount of money to build a new Manehattan hospital for the poor ponies." "What?" Jack opened his mouth in surprise. "Thanks to this, we're now some of her closest friends. We'll be having a special party later, where we'll get to hang out with her. My dad's paid for the whole Comic-Con, so we're in charge." And they, laughing, pulled out from their jackets two plastic badges with three large letters: VIP. "Wow! They have a VIP passes!" Velvet said in disbelief. "Of course we do. And thanks to these cards, tonight we will meet with Miyuki herself, who invited us to her place for dinner." Buck stroked his pass gently. "We will chat with her about this and that, taste delicious delicacies from her homeland, and then, who knows, maybe even I can invite her to my villa this weekend." "Hey! We agreed that this time I would get to invite the star!" Cody exclaimed. "Not now!" Buck said. "The main thing is that you and I will be having an unforgettable evening in the company of the most famous kirin in the world. And you two will hang around the railing all day and wait to see her out of the corner of your eye," he added, glancing contemptuously at Jack and Velvet, who blushed slightly at these words. "But, hey, we are kind today and so, if you ask us politely, perhaps we can convince her to sign something for you," the earth pony smiled. "Yes, maybe a napkin or your handkerchiefs soaked with tears," Cody laughed. "Screw you!" Jack flared up. "We don't need your help! We will get her autograph ourselves!" "And not only that! We will be the first to meet her and become her best friends!" Velvet suddenly said in challenge, surprising not only their rivals, but Jack as well. "Really? How are you going to do it?" Buck asked mockingly. "You are not, as far as I remember, among the chosen ones." "And you don’t have VIP passes," Cody added. "You will see," supported his friend Jack. "Is that so? How would you like to bet on that?" Buck said, squinting unkindly. "What you mean?" Velvet asked. "I'm talking about a small bet," Buck explained. "Between you and us. You think you can get ahead of us and be the first to become Miyuki's friends, and Cody and I are confident that it will be us." "You mean we've already won," his buddy remarked. "Shut up! Anyway, I'll make you a deal: Those of us who make friends with her first will be the winners and receive the proud title of the coolest ponies on our campus." "And what happens to the losers?" Jack asked. "Hmm..." said Buck thoughtfully. "I have an idea," Cody interjected." The losers will serve the winners for a month." "Okay," Velvet said, about to kick his hoof with him. "In maid dresses," the unicorn finished ominously. "In maids' dresses?" The purple stallion repeated in confusion. "Yes. The ones with white aprons and short skirts," Cody said sneeringly. "Great idea, buddy. So, do you agree? Or have you already chickened out?" Buck laughed. "Well…" Jack began hesitantly. "We agree!" Velvet said loudly. "And we’ll show you who’s cool here when you walk in front of us in dresses." In fact, he was not averse to doing it himself (though not as a personal servant for Buck and Cody). So for Velvet, this argument wasn't all that scary. "Oh, what about Jackie?" He thought belatedly, remembering that there would be more than one arguing. "Ha, we'll see," Buck said smugly. "Although our victory is already obvious, you won't even be able to get to it, because you don't have VIP passes." And laughing, they left the friends alone, heading towards the closed section of the exhibition. "Arrogant Donkeys!" said Velvet. "Oh no, donkeys aren't as ugly as those two," said Jack. "And smell much better." "Ha-ha, that's true," Velvet chuckled. "And yet, they're right about something," the crimson unicorn said sadly. "We won't be able to meet Miyuki, not without a VIP pass. And if we don't, then we'll be embarrassed in front of everyone at the university for a month, serving those snobs." "No way! I'm not just going to give up!" Velvet said stubbornly. "I won't let you, too!" "Yeah? How are we going to meet to her?" his friend asked. "They won't just let us in that section. There are too many guards." He waved his hoof towards the Royal Guards standing at each entrance, who had been invited to guard the guest of honor. They were on the alert and closely watched all the guests who came. "I don't know yet, but I don't intend to give in to these knuckleheads!" said Velvet. "We'll think of something, I promise." *** "Look! There she is!" exclaimed one of the fans, when a couple of hours later, a richly decorated carriage pulled by handsome unicorns drove up to the main entrance. The door opened and she came out to meet the shouting admirers – Miyuki Hirai, a charming young cream-colored kirin. She was dressed in the costume of the heroine from her new anime – a futuristic armor with a dress and cybernetic visor that harmonized perfectly with her soft green mane, coiled in a whimsical hairstyle. When she went downstairs, onto the specially laid out red carpet, she was immediately surrounded by loud noisy ponies, among whom were Jack and Velvet. Many of them tried to get her autograph, others congratulated her on the successful end of the fifth season, someone asked her where she ordered her amazing glowing shoes, and some tried to sneak up on her from behind to discreetly cut off a piece of her lush tail with small scissors, for which they instantly received jabs from the guards. Jack and Velvet also wanted to talk to her and by hook or by crook tried to get closer to grab a piece of her attention, but they did not succeed. Finally, when they did manage to get to the kirin, the guards pushed them roughly away, and they again found themselves in the midst of the crowd. Miyuki, meanwhile, finished her chat with fans and headed to the VIP section to get ready for her performance. "Damn it! We missed her!" Velvet said sadly. "And didn't even get an autograph," Jack added. "And most importantly..." Velvet looked toward the entrance, where Buck and Cody were following her, waving plastic cards and laughing, "…we couldn't talk to her, and I guess we lost the bet." "This is awful," Jack said as he climbed out of the crowd of fans, sitting down on a nearby bench. "Well, it looks like we're going to have to serve these dummies." He lowered his head, resigned. "In the maid suits," he finished grimly. "Apparently, yes, but…" Velvet nodded, intending to sit next to him, but then he snorted resolutely and hit the asphalt with his hoof. "No! I won't give up so easily! We'll infiltrate the VIP section and talk to Miyuki first!" "But how? You saw they wouldn't let us anywhere near it, let alone into a private party," the crimson stallion said doubtfully. "We don't have a pass or any other way to get in. We're not agents in a cheap action movie who would sneak in dressed as someone else." "Hmm, dressed, you say?" Velvet repeated in a whisper as she saw a few of the dancing mares (all of whom were ponies) heading toward the VIP area. They got out of the big trailer that was parked near the back entrance to the center, along with the decorations for the stage. "I’ve got idea!" "Idea? What are you talking about?" said Jack. "We'll change and slip inside!" "And who are we going to change into? Guards?" "Better," the stallion smiled, shaking his head towards one of the hangers on the wall where the dresses hung. Jack looked in that direction and his surprise quickly turned into shock. "No," he said with his ears down. "Yes!" said Velvet. "We'll pretend to be members of her group and go in undercover." "But these are dresses! What do you want us to do, pretend to be mares?" "I dream about it all my life!" Velvet mentally said. "Well, yes. This, of course, is madness, but at least this way we will be unrecognizable," he said aloud. "Why don't we pretend to be guards?" Jack asked. "Because the guards probably know each other by sight, and these mares are all in makeup, and they probably don't know each other. You know that Miyuki often takes on new artists, so it would be easier for you and me to change into them." "But… but this is…" Jack stammered. "Yes, I understand what you want to tell me. But, Jackie, for Miyuki's sake and our argument with those boobies, we must take a risk." "Eh, okay, looks like you're right," his friend said with a sigh. "Well, fine. Then follow me, we need to hurry," Velvet said, holding out his hoof. Jack took hold of it and both stallions quickly galloped to the place, fenced off by a low fence, where preparations were underway for the future concert. She was guarded by Miyuki's personal guards. "Well? And how do we get there?" The crimson unicorn asked. "Wait, let me think," Velvet whispered, examining the fence and the vans behind it. "Hey Karl, can I leaving for a while? I need to... um, take my «little friend» for a walk," one of the guards said at that moment, nodding towards the toilet. "Okay, go. It's quiet here anyway," a partner standing in the distance told him. The stallion left, leaving the passage unprotected. "See? This is how we get there. Come on," Velvet said cheerfully, and they cautiously approached the fence, and then quickly ran inside, hiding behind the nearest trailer. "Ha, we did it!" Velvet thought excitedly, rejoicing like a little foal. Crouching down, he and Jack crept carefully past several workers who were collecting the scenery and came to the door of a large trailer. "And now, we need to find where they have a dressing room, before..." Velvet began, but then the door of the trailer opened and two young mares in theatrical costumes came out. "And where have these newcomers gone? The show is about to start, but they still aren't there!" One of them said. "Yes, miss Miyuki was wrong to rely on those spoiled bimbos from the Canterlot acting school," added the other. "It's worse for them. If these lazy mares are late for the show, they won't get anything." "We, too. Without Magic Willow and Princess Cloudy, we won't be able to perform well." "You're right. I really hope that they will appear soon." "As do I. By the way, have you seen what a beautiful job Miyuki stylist did? I would give anything to get my mane done like that." They walked past friends hiding behind boxes. "Well, that was easier than I thought," Velvet said quietly, leaning carefully out of his hiding place. After waiting for the actresses to pass by, he and Jack quickly jumped inside the trailer and closed the door behind him. "Phew, that was close," Jack said. "Oh, mommy!" Velvet gave a muffled gasp when he saw where they were. This place was a real paradise for the lover of elegant outfits. All the space inside was occupied by numerous hangers and wardrobes, filled to the brim with various dresses and dance costumes. Next to it were shelves of shoes and chests of underwear, and against the wall were makeup tables with illuminated round mirrors, beside which were cosmetics and several multi-colored wigs. "I'm home," Velvet thought excitedly, remembering the few times he'd snuck into the dressing rooms of the actress mares and tried on their dresses in secret. It had been so exciting, but now he could not just try something on, but get completely dressed in the image and then go out looking like that to the other ponies. His legs buckled slightly at the thought, but he quickly picked himself up and said with a smile: "Well, I told you, Jackie, we can do it." "Okay, you were right, and..." he tucked his tail in embarrassment and looked at the see-through stockings hanging on the back of the chair, "...what should we do now?" "Can't you guess? We will bring ourselves into a beautiful look, of course" Velvet said, rubbing his hooves in anticipation. "You heard what those mares said, didn't you? They're short two dancers, which means we'll have to change into their dresses." "Yes, but we don't even know what the ponies that are supposed to play them look like," the unicorn remarked. "But we do know what their characters should look like," said Velvet, looking at the cosmetics on the table. "And I can easily give us an approximate look." "Are you sure?" Jack asked. "Of course," Velvet confirmed. "Don't forget, I'm an artist." "Oh, friend," Jack said, blushing, as he followed him to the nearest rack of frilly dresses. "Do we really have to do this?" He touched one of them and asked. "We have to. It was either that or we'd be in dresses tomorrow anyway, except everyone would see it, including Buck and Cody" Velvet reminded him. "Heh, like it wouldn't be the same now." "Well, here at least no one will recognize us." "Eh, okay, let's get this over with," Jack said, putting on one of the dresses. "Wait," Velvet stopped him. "Aren't you forgetting something?" "What?" The unicorn didn't understand. "Before putting on the dress, we have to do something else first," said the purple pony. "And what?" Velvet, opened one of the chests and pulled out beautiful green panties. "Who puts on a dress before underwear?" he said with a chuckle. "Dear Celestia," Jack gasped. "Are you serious?" "Completely. You remember what the «Rainbow Mares» dance looks like, don't you? They always raise their skirts at the end. Which means we'd better make sure no one sees... you know." "Yeah," Jack could only say when his friend handed him the panties. He was embarrassed, but he made up his mind and, with a deep sigh, put them on. Then Velvet helped him put on the corset and fishnet stockings, and then he changed himself. He put on white pantyhose and the same color shirt, and finished with a large white diaper, which was decorated with geometric figures in gold. "Well, we put on underwear. It's time to move on to makeup," he said after looking at himself and his friend. "Come on, Jackie, you will be the first." Sitting down his friend at one of the tables, he opened the box of powder. "Do you know exactly what to do?" Jack said incredulously. "Of course I do. When it comes to makeup, I'm very good at it," Velvet told him with a smile, and immediately began to fix his friend's face. The first thing he did was to dye his fur, giving it a delightful emerald color, then apply blush to his cheeks. "That's it, now let's give you some eyeliner," said the purple stallion, who had gotten a taste for it, taking a small brush and painting his friend's lashes, and then taking a small sponge to apply his eyeshadow. When he finished, he picked up the tube of lipstick from the table. "And finally, the last touch," he breathed, exposing the tip. Carefully brushing Jack's lips over her, he stepped back to assess the work done. "Well? What do you say?" A friend asked him. "Wow!" said Velvet, coming in sincere delight. "Not bad. If I didn’t know that you are you, then I would surely fall in love now. An amazing sexy mare has come out of you." "Come on," Jack said, blushing with embarrassment. "No, I'm serious. You're such a sweetheart now," Velvet assured him. "Um, okay, thanks, I guess," Jack said quietly. "Not at all, beauty. So, I finished with your face, now I'll take care of mine, and after..." he looked with a smile at the hanger with clothes, "...we will change into these wonderful dresses." "Yes, dresses," Jack nodded, looking in the mirror and hardly believing that he sees himself in it. *** "Ta-da! Here we are!" Velvet said cheerfully, coming out of the carriage with a golden staff in his hoof, which suited his new image perfectly. He had a delicate blue wig on his head, and white makeup covered his face. He wore a snow-white dress adorned with gold patterns, with elements of knight's armor on top. They were in perfect harmony with his big soft diaper. He became Princess Cloudy, the heroine who appeared in the world of ponies from foals’ dreams, who fought terrible nightmares sent by the villainess, Gloomyface. "Come on, my faithful companion, let's go! Great things await you and me!" he said, giving his voice the carefree note of a cartoon princess. "Yes, whatever you say," said Jack gloomily, walking after him, dressed in a beautiful green dress, decorated with leaves and flowers. On his head was a red wig with little curls. He became the mistress of nature and protector of the forests – Magic Willow, who was half a plant and saved Equestria from complete pollution. "Well, well, hold your nose higher, Magic Willow! We must not give into despair!" said Velvet, pushing his friend in the side. "Do you remember how the mistress of the Everfree Forest should behave?" "Well, yes, bravely and decisively," Jack smiled. "That's right! So get it together and show everyone your natural passion!" He leaned over slightly and whispered in his ear: "And above all, try to speak more feminine, so that no one can tell we're stallions." "All right, Princess Cloudy! I won't let you down!" Jack said loudly, diligently imitating the voice of his heroine and, straightening his shoulders, went with a friend towards the exhibition. The guards on the set paid no attention to them, except for one who glimpsed Jack's translucent skirt and smiled slightly. "Oh, I think he suspected something," the unicorn said in a whisper. "I don’t think. I think he liked you," Velvet winked. "Seriously?" Jack asked, blushing. "Well, of course. How could anyone resist a beauty like you?" Velvet remarked playfully as he entered the hall and moved toward the VIP section of the exhibit. As they walked, little foals ran up to them every now and then, who asking to be photographed with them or asked about something from the animated series, and Velvet, not at all upset by this, cheerfully answered all their questions, from time to time taking various beautiful poses or putting the kids to on his back so moms can take pictures of them. As for Jack, at first he was embarrassed by such attention, but after a couple of minutes he grew a little bolder and also began to pose for photos, and not only foals approached him, but also quite adult stallions who periodically hugged him or pressed his cheeks. "Ouch! I just got pinched on the croup!" he said embarrassedly. "It's not bad," Velvet chuckled. "But it proves once again that our disguise works." Finally, when everyone who wanted to take a photo with them left, the friends moved on. Having passed the guards without any problems, they found themselves in the VIP section of the exhibition, where wealthy ponies from wealthy families were having fun. "Great, they didn't even ask us for an invitation," Velvet said in a whisper. "I told you those dresses were a good idea." "And most importantly, we can now go to Miyuki and talk to her," added Jack. "But how do we explain our outfits to her?" "Well, if she asks us why we are dressed like mares, we..." "Hey, ladies, there you are!" suddenly said a light-burgundy unicorn with a neatly arranged mane and glasses, who had a small tablet in its front hoof, who came up to them. "The rest of the dancers have been on the stage for a while now!" "Um, what are you talking about? Mister, um..." Jack asked. "Emilio. Oh, you're new girls. I'm talking about your show. Come on, come on, it's time for you to get ready for the performance," he said and began to quickly urge them on, returning them back to the common hall. "But we wanted to meet Miyuki," Velvet tried to argue. "And you’ll meet when you dance with her," Emilio said. "Dance? Uh-oh," Jack whispered frightened as he and Velvet moved toward the stage where Miyuki was about to begin. "I think we're in trouble." He looked at his friend, who seemed scared too. "Real trouble," Velvet confirmed, looking at the brightly lit area, near which the guests of the exhibition had already begun to gather.