Chapter 11: Show Stopper
Worry had settled within Canterlot Castle. The previous night, Stratocaster returned to the Princesses’ banquet without Fluttershy who stayed in her room; nopony bothered her for the rest of the night. The next morning, she still had not come out which concerned her friends. Twilight went in to check on her in private with Stratocaster pacing patiently outside in the hall. After about an hour, she finally exited Fluttershy’s room.
“How is she?” asked Stratocaster.
“She’s alright for now,” answered Twilight. “But she’s still upset about this whole crisis. It certainly doesn’t help that Zecora hasn’t shown up yet.”
“I feel awful; all this time I was so worried about Fluttershy’s voice getting her kicked out of the performance, when I was really putting more pressure on her. I doubt if she wants to see me.”
“It’s nopony’s fault, Stratocaster. And I’m sure she still trusts you as much as she does me. Fluttershy’s very forgiving.”
He smiled at her. “So are you, Twilight.”
They turned to see Princess Celestia approach them. “Is she feeling alright?” she asked.
“She’s fine for now, Princess,” said Twilight. “I think she’s just building up stress about the performance tomorrow.”
“I guess I should take some blame.” Celestia sighed. “I was a fool for serving sushi to her so close to show time.”
“Uh, yeah, don’t worry about that.” Stratocaster tugged his ear.
“There’s still time until the preparations for tomorrow.” Celestia continued. “Although I hope last night hasn’t taken a toll on poor Fluttershy. If you need any of my help, I won’t be far.”
“Thank you, Princess Celestia.” Twilight bowed.
As Celestia left them, Stratocaster looked sadly at Fluttershy’s door. “I wonder if there will even be tomorrow.”
The whole day went by slowly and silently. Fluttershy had not come out of her room and only Twilight had paid her visits to bring her meals and talk. Stratocaster dared not enter still feeling guilty for his partner’s misery. That night, he lay in his bed staring up at the ceiling knowing that getting sleep would be near impossible. After a couple hours of tossing and turning, Stratocaster heard his door creak open. He sat up and was shocked to see Fluttershy standing in the doorway.
“Fluttershy? Is something wrong?” he asked rubbing his eyes.
Fluttershy paused before speaking. “I just wanted to tell you something.”
She walked slowly over to his bedside looking at him with soft eyes.
“Sorry if you're still creeped out by my voice.”
“I think I’m used to it. What’s on your mind?”
Fluttershy sat on the bed and looked at the floor while swinging her back legs. “I know you were just worried about me ruining the performance. You had every right to be strict.”
Stratocaster touched her shoulder. “No, Fluttershy, I was being a jerk. I’m sorry I got you so worked up. I remember how quiet you were when I first met you. It’s really unfair that you have to be cooped up like this. Your voice is beautiful, and I shouldn’t try to keep you in the dark.” He began to tear up a little; but he then felt Fluttershy’s hoof touch his cheek as she smiled at him.
“I don't blame you.” She said and laid a kiss where her hoof was. “You're a loyal partner and a terrific friend. That's nothing to feel ashamed of.”
Stratocaster blushed at her kiss and smiled. “So, are you feeling any better?”
“Actually, I've been having trouble sleeping. Maybe I could...join you?”
He blinked surprised. “Uh…sure.”
“Thanks.” Fluttershy climbed into his bed and snuggled next to him. Already, she closed her eyes as she rested her head on the pillow.
“Hey Fluttershy.”
“Yes, Strat?”
“No matter what happens tomorrow, you still have the best darned voice I’ve ever heard.”
She hugged him close and the two of them fell fast asleep.
It was the big day. The streets of Canterlot became flooded with carriage traffic and the plaza in front of the castle was swarming with invitees to Shining Armor’s knighting celebration. Princesses Celestia and Luna stood in the foyer greeting and shaking the hooves of the distinguished guests; Princess Cadence was helping her husband prepare to meet his public. Throughout the royal soirée, Shining Armor, the Princesses, Stratocaster, Octavia, Vinyl Scratch, and Fluttershy and her friends socialized around the castle in fine dress, with Fluttershy of course keeping speaking to a minimum. During an elaborate dinner, Shining Armor received congratulatory speeches from his family and closest friends; Twilight had no trouble embarrassing her brother with memories from their youth. After more partying and praise for the knight-elect, it was finally show time. The crowd gathered in the large castle theater with the royals and Shining Armor sitting in a balcony. Octavia was prepping a small orchestra on the rear of the stage as a single microphone sat on the front waiting for the star singer. Fluttershy stood backstage with Stratocaster looking out into the audience where her five best friends were sitting in the front row. She especially paid attention to Pinkie Pie and Twilight, who were the only ones in the audience who knew about the trouble with Fluttershy’s voice. Before, she desperately hoped that they hadn’t broken the news to Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack who were less discrete. But by now, Fluttershy had given up hope that the poison joke cure would arrive and it didn’t matter to her who knew and who didn’t. Soon, the crowd settled down and Celestia addressed them under spotlight.
“Honored guests, it is with great pleasure that I introduce your entertainment for this special evening. What better way to celebrate our Shining Armor’s title than with Equestria’s most popular singer. Mares and gentlecolts, please welcome…Fluttershy!”
The ponies clapped and whistled with enthusiasm. Before stepping out, Fluttershy gave a final hug to Stratocaster.
“I guess there's no hiding it anymore.” She sighed.
“It’ll be alright.” Stratocaster smiled. “You’ll still always my music partner.”
With one more look at his trusting green eyes, she walked out onstage and approached the microphone. The spotlight cast upon her as the audience hushed. Without further waiting, Fluttershy took a deep breath to reveal her voice. But something kept her from letting the breath out; she had a hunch it was the distant sound of hooves clopping hurriedly toward the doors outside. Then, breaking the silence, the left doors swung open letting in bright light behind a pony-like silhouette. Fluttershy looked stunned as she heard a familiar mare voice.
“Wait, nopony do a thing! Fluttershy must not yet sing!”
The audience turned their heads around in confusion; to Fluttershy, it was as if she was visited by a guardian pegasus. Galloping down the aisle toward the stage was Zecora with a saddlebag across her back. The zebra hopped up onto the stage and stopped next to Fluttershy.
“I am ever so sorry that I am late,” she panted. “The claw of griffon was hard to locate.”
Fluttershy smiled with relief and whispered to her. “It's better late than never.”
“For sooth, what ever is the meaning of this?!” ordered Luna.
“My apologies, dear Princess,” said Zecora bowing to her. “But there is something I must confess. Fluttershy must take medication, before she makes her presentation.”
“What medication?” asked Stratocaster, who stepped out. Zecora looked at him with a discerning stare; then he got the memo. “Oh right. Uh, you see, Princess, we had Zecora here whip up a serum to, uh, cleanse Fluttershy’s throat so she’ll sing more clearly.”
“Well, can’t this wait?” asked Celestia.
“I am afraid not, Princess, we must make haste.” Zecora replied. “I did not go to so much trouble to have this serum go to waste. We will be backstage, but not for long. Then Fluttershy will be able to sing her song.”
“Very well then.” Celestia shrugged.
“But make quickly! We hath but little patience!” Luna scolded.
Fluttershy followed Zecora back toward behind the curtain; she whispered to her again.
“Do I really need to drink it?” she asked.
Zecora pulled out a small wooden bowl filled with turquoise liquid from her saddlebag. “Actually, it is not for your throat; it is an ointment that you splash on your coat.”
“So, just one little splash and I'll be cured?”
She nodded. “There is no need to fear, Fluttershy my dear.”
“HALT!”
Everypony turned back to the opened doors where they heard the shouting, which came in a Deutschpony accent. Standing in the doorway was a steely gray earth pony stallion similar to Herzeleid, only much more imposing. This stallion had the tall muscular build of a draft horse, and his greasy black mane was styled into a frontward wave. A few burn marks on his face and body indicated that he had somehow been involved in high use of flames. His cutie mark was a bass clef inside a metal gear. The audience gazed in slight fear, as the intimidating stallion glared with piercing green eyes; that is until they heard him speak in the voice of a filly.
“I have been looking for you!” he yelled.
A short silence came before most of the audience burst out in laughter. Even the alicorns and everypony onstage snickered, although Fluttershy was confused as to why this odd pony was pointing to her.
“You, Fluttershy, I am talking to you!” blurted the high-pitched stallion.
She stopped snickering and her knees began shaking. The gray stallion stomped down the aisle drawing more laughter from the crowd at his squeaky voice.
“Stop laughing at me, you ingrates!” he ordered them and leaped up onto the stage.
“Excuse me, but just who are you?” asked Cadence after most of the laughing ceased.
“Does nopony recognize me?” he replied. “I am Till Lindepony, lead singer of the one und only Rammsteed. Und I have ein bone to pick mit your beloved Fluttershy!”
Fluttershy backed up, intimidated, but then Shining Armor appeared onstage to interject.
“Now wait a minute,” he demanded. “Just what could you possibly have against her?”
“I am talking about her singing mein part on the new Rammsteed album.”
Some of the audience murmured in confusion.
“What?!” exclaimed Stratocaster.
“That is right.” Till continued. “Everypony's favorite singer has been involved mit Rammsteed. I get infected mit poison joke, und suddenly she comes along mit ein deep voice und replaces me.”
“Fluttershy, is this what you’ve been hiding?” Stratocaster looked at her hoping it was not true. But she only responded by guiltily avoiding his gaze.
“What are you talking about?” Shining Armor countered Till. “Fluttershy sounds nothing like you in your songs.”
“Wait, Armor, you listen to Rammsteed?” Cadence stared at her husband with disgust.
“Uh, well, I mean, I’ve heard about them…on the radio.” He lied and scratched his head.
“Oh I assure you, herr Shining Armor,” said Till. “Her voice is not vat it used to be. Mein band told me everything. Those idiots hired her because she sounds just like me.”
“Is this part of the show?” asked Pinkie Pie unheeded.
“Go ahead, Fluttershy,” Till smiled at her evilly. “Tell everypony your little secret. Show them how deep your voice really is. This is payback for besmirching mein album.”
Fluttershy winced with tears, too scared to speak to him. Then Zecora stood in front.
“Now you leave her alone, you squeaky Deutschpony.” She scolded. “I assure you that Fluttershy is not a phony. Her voice is still pleasant, sweet and high, so you have no reason to stand here and lie.”
“Ach, enough of your rhyming, zebra,” growled Till. “It is quite annoying. This is between me und that lying pegasus.”
“If you don’t like the way I talk, then maybe you should take a walk.”
“I said enough!” Till then knocked the bowl out of Zecora’s hoof making her cringe and hold it in pain. The bowl holding the cure flew up into the air to Fluttershy’s horror. Quickly, she flew up to retrieve the bowl. But as she reached out and tried to catch it, she instead redirected it in midair making it hurdle toward Till. In that instant, the entire contents of the bowl splashed over him. Till growled in a fit of rage and burst out at Fluttershy.
“YOU VILL PAY FOR THAT!”
He covered his mouth in shocked realization. The giggling ponies finally stopped as they heard him shout in a booming baritone.
“Mein voice, it is back…ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! At last!” cackled Till in his low drone. “Vell then, I guess I should thank you, zebra, for unknowingly restoring mein glorious bass.”
“But…but…but…but…but…” stammered Stratocaster with wide eyes.
“Now that I am cured,” resumed Till. “I can finally get back to vork and replace the damage done to mein album.”
“Somepony get him out of here!” ordered Cadence. “He is ruining this performance.”
“No need, frau Princess,” said Till. “I vill show mein self out. I have much vork to do.” He walked down the aisle and stopped at the doors to call back. “Gut luck, Fluttershy. Now that I think about it, you should be thankful to sound just like me. Till Lindepony is back!” He closed the doors.
The entire theater became silent and all eyes now turned to the yellow pegasus.
“Fluttershy, is it true?” asked Shining Armor. “Is your voice really like his?”
She darted her eyes all around nervously, and then hung her head in defeat. But instead of speaking, she walked over to the microphone on the front of the stage.