//------------------------------// // The Big One // Story: The Big Payback // by GlueFactory //------------------------------// By the time Celestia started raising the sun, Rainbow Dash was already awake and engaging in the one activity she was never quite used to, keeping a low profile. Having to slow herself down to a reasonable speed and hold back on buzzing every home in Ponyville made the flight from Cloudsdale to Fluttershy’s cottage positively tedious. But if was for a good cause. Well, maybe not a cause that would be considered ethically “good,” by any means, but it was still crazy important. Rainbow Dash was anxious, nervous and most of all, excited. In all the time of knowing her friends, this was thing that got her heart pumping and her wings flapping. All of them, together, working hoof in hoof to take down another evil villain who’s got it coming. Though, Sapphire Shores is hardly Nightmare Moon or Discord. But she was a jerk to her, and even worse, she was a jerk to her friends. That was villainous enough for Rainbow. As she finally glided down to Fluttershy’s cottage, Rainbow hovered toward the portal window that lead into the bedroom. On any other day, this was Rainbow’s welcome mat to dive in with a proper dramatic entrance, usually sending Fluttershy scrambling under her bed. Today, unfortunately, Rainbow had to play it more sneaky like. “Hey, Fluttershy,” called Rainbow as she gave a few taps on the window before deciding that was a enough politeness and barged in. “You up? C’mon, it’s time to get to some serious funny business.” Pulling the blanket off of Fluttershy’s bed revealed some nice clean sheets on what was once a well made bed, but no Fluttershy. Heading downstairs to the den, Rainbow saw and heard little else except for rhythmic breathing of numerous animal tenants sleeping away. “Fluttershy,” called out Rainbow. “Where are-” “Shhhhhh, you’ll wake everyone up.” “Huh? Fluttershy?” Tucked away in her kitchen nook, Fluttershy sat holding a cup of tea. Though she appeared to be looking out the window, as Rainbow got closer, she saw her friend just staring. At what she couldn’t hope to guess. “Hey...” muttered Rainbow, now noticing the dark circles under Fluttershy’s eyes. “You okay?” Fluttershy blinked, snapping her out of wherever she was. “Oh! I’m... I’m fine,” she finally answered. I’m still pretty jumpy after tonight... so I made myself some tea.” “Uhhhhh,” was all Rainbow could answer with. Glancing down, Fluttershy’s tea looked untouched, not to mention ice cold. She must have noticed it too, as Fluttershy glanced back outside, fully taking in the brand new day. “D-did I stay up all night...?” she murmured. Fluttershy suddenly felt very, very tired. Looking at her reflection in the stillness of the tea, she could make out a mane strewn with split ends and a pair of puffy eyes.. “Wow, kiddo,” said Rainbow, putting a hoof on her friends’ shoulder. “You don’t look so good.” “To be honest, I don’t feel so good,” said Fluttershy, looking back and sighing. “To be extra honest, I’m really nervous and really exhausted.” “I know why,” said Rainbow, with a smile. “You do? Oh thank Celestia, because I don’t think...” “You’re just as jazzed about tonight’s prank as I am!” “Buh-guh... uh...” Once again, Rainbow demonstrated her bull headed obliviousness, not even noticing Fluttershy’s eye starting to twitch. Rubbing her hooves in her face, Fluttershy took a deep breath, mustering up a more defiant response. “Rainbow,” squeaked Fluttershy. “There’s something I need to tell you...” “Is it how you’re crazy excited about us working together to take down another bad guy like we did with Discord, Crysalis and Sombra? Cause that’s how I feel! Nothing better than the six of us working together to take down another villain! Is that what you were going to say?” asked Rainbow with the biggest smile on her face. Fluttershy had long learned her lesson about putting her hoof down. She didn’t need to shout, scream or show any unpleasantness if she needed to be firm. She was fully ready to let Rainbow know that she didn’t care much for their plan to prank Sapphire Shores. But Fluttershy’s empathy got the better of her. Rainbow just looked so... happy. “... you always came through for us,” remembered Fluttershy. “... I trust you...” “S-s-sure... exactly,” whispered Fluttershy. “Well get those lazy-hooves moving!” bellowed Rainbow, pulling her fellow pegasus out of her seat and pushing out of her cottage. “We’ve got a ton and a half of work to do before tonight!” “B-but where are we going|?” stammered Fluttershy. “Where else? Everfree swamp!” “But why... oh... oh no...” ----------- “I think I’m going to be sick,” choked Fluttershy. Scratch that, Fluttershy knew she was going to be sick. She only needed to find the right time and place to be sick. The rag she tied around her mouth and nose did little if anything to stifle the nauseating stench of rotting vegetation and what smelled like spoiled eggs coming from the Everfree bog. Breathing in took herculean effort, paid off only with wet, hacking coughs. “Ugh... heh, heh, wow,” gagged Rainbow, blinking back tears. Her attempts at making light the situation failed as soon as they were in nose shot of the swamp. “This smells a lot worse then I remembered.” Even as the two of them nestled in the small cloud to start sponging up the putrid slimy liquid, the once cavalier Rainbow Dash couldn’t get the sickly green colored cloud out of the swamp and into its hiding place, a small tuft of innocent clouds just outside of Ponyville, fast enough. It was already the early afternoon by the time they reconvened outside of Twilight’s library, as per her explicit orders. When they arrived the two pegusai found a washtub filled with soapy water with their co-conspirators a healthy distance away. “Oh har har,” sneered Rainbow, loud enough for everypony else to hear. “C’mon you guys, we don’t have all day!” “Exactly!” called out Twilight. “Now clean yourselves off!” It only took one whiff under her foreleg to realize, yep, the smell had traveled right alongside them through their mane and fur. At least it explained the pained looks Fluttershy was giving. The pink-maned pegasus bolted to the washtub, jumping in and vigorously scrubbing out the stench. “Oh thank you thank you thank you!” blubbered Fluttershy. As soon as Rainbow took her turn to wash out her mane, they were joined by the others. Twilight immediately took note of Dash’s sour look. “I knew something like this would happen. Since both of you touched the swamp water, I figured a quick wash was all you needed to get the smell out. Besides, it’s way too inconspicuous with you two stinking like a bog. So... how goes phase one?” “No prob!” chirped Rainbow before quickly dunking her head in the wash tub to rinse. “Me and my main mare got it all set!” “Great! Phase two?” “Just sewn the last threads into my disasterpiece,” responded Rarity. “Excellent! Phase three?” “Done and dusted!” answered Applejack. “Yeah,” added Pinkie. “No problem for the two best bakers in Ponyville!” “Perfect!” cheered Twilight, unfurling a map of Ponyville Square, scribbled with the pegasus-eye view of a stage, backstage, wardrobe trailer, audience seats and three red “X’s” dotting key points. “So far, everything is going according to plan. As you can see, I’ve drafted a map detailing the when, where and how we’re going to strike. I see the best time to move is when they put on the last-minute touches before her encore.” “Great idea,” said Rarity. “Sapphire Shores always puts on at least one encore for every concert, there’ll be way too much commotion to notice us.” “Exactly,” responded Twilight. “And in all the confusion, nopony we’ll see us moving in or out. Plus it’ll be night, so we’ll have a better chance at making a clean getaway.” “Getaway?” blurted Fluttershy finally drying off her tail with a towel. “You mean, we’re not even staying to say we’re sorry?” “Ah’ agree with Fluttershy,” added Applejack, scratching her head. “Don’t seem right ta just cut and run like that.” “Yeah,” joined in Pinkie. “I thought we we’re all gonna have a big laugh together. That’s the best part!” “Well... considering how many will be there tonight, I’m not sure if everypony will get the joke,” said Twilight. “Least of all Sapphire.” “I’m sure, Pinkie, that the very next day we’ll all have a good giggle about the whole thing,” added Rarity. “C’mon,” butted in Rainbow. “Let’s not forget why we’re doin’ this.” AJ and Pinkie could only glance at each other before giving a quick nod. “Okay,” spoke up Twilight after a few awkward moments. “Everything’s ready, all we have to do now is set up before the big encore. We’ll split up to cause less suspicion and meet up back at the town square.” Twilight and Rarity took the East road at a brisk pace. Before Fluttershy knew it, she was being dragged West alongside Pinke Pie. It left Rainbow and Applejack to take the center road, straight into town. “Ya seem mighty sure o’ Fluttershy,” mused Applejack as they ran alongside each other. “You know it,” replied Rainbow. “Look, ya know how she can be a bit... iffy, right?” “She’ll be fine, you just watch.” “But this ain’t like setting up a festival or starring in a play, this is... well this feels a bit more...” “Ugh, AJ, seriously. You’ve seen her before. She hems and haws about doing something scary and then, it’s no big deal. “Yeah, but...” “Just watch, she’ll come through. She always does.” ------------- Ponyville Square was in full swing with ponies galloping from place to place. Some were putting the finishing touches on a massive stage that seemingly sprung up overnight, Other were testing lights, testing the sounds and going over Sapphire’s show wardrobe. Dotting across the square were a number of security ponies keeping close guard, with several standing guard outside Shore’s trailer. What nopony saw, were six mares skulking in an alleyway just a block from the action. “Hoo-wee,” chimed Applejack. “Looks like Sapphire’s goon squad is out in force fer tonight. “Oh my,” preened Rarity, batting her eyes. “It couldn’t have been because of two little mares who thought assaulting a visiting celebrity was a good idea, could it?” “I’m jes gonna ignore that,” muttered Applejack, mustering a good stink eye at Rarity over the low growl coming from Rainbow Dash. “Good thing I thought ahead,” announced Twilight. “Rarity, if you please?” “Why certainly Twilight,” smirked Rarity as she uncovered the large basket she brought along, revealing several pairs of green overalls with matching caps, and a pair of dark suits with a pair of dark shades each. “The best way we can set up is to go out in plain sight,” said Twilight, floating the clothes up with her magic. “Thanks to these disguises Rarity whipped up last night.” “But doesn’t everypony already know who we are?” asked Rainbow. “Not these ponies,” pointed out Twilight. “See? Sapphire Shores always has a sizable entourage of her own workponies and security wherever she goes. Thanks to the mayor, the whole town is staying clear until the show starts. It the perfect chance to set everything up, right in plain sight!” “B-b-but now we’re breaking and entering!?” stammered Fluttershy. “It’s not B and E, Fluttershy,” assured Rainbow. “Sides, we’re not breaking anything.” “Sure,” chirped Pinkie. “It’s more like D and E! Get it?” “Now then,” said Twilight, getting everypony’s attention. “Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash. You three will take on the roles of stagehooves. That’ll allow us to bring in the pie and pumpkin chucker and allow you three to get close enough to switch the dress and set up the stinky cloud.” “Hmmm,” sighed Rarity. “I’ll definitely be playing against type, tonight. But I could always use another lesson in method acting.” “Oh this is gonna be hoot ain’t it?” grumbled Applejack. “Pinkie,” continued Twilight. “You and I will be taking on the roles of two security mares. Our job is to deflect any suspicion and to keep an eye out.” “Ooo, fun!” squeaked Pinkie. “Oh I say! Can I play a mare with a Trottingham accent? Spit-spot, eh? Wot wot? Or whaddya say I’s got a Manehattan accent for ya’s? Fuggedabadet! ‘R how ‘bout I be a maraudin’ scallywag of a pirate fresh from da seven seas, yearrrrrr! Savvy?” “...,” went everypony. “Or... heh, ya know. I could always just... follow Twilight’s lead...?” “Do that,” smiled Twilight. “What do I have to do?” whispered Fluttershy. “I don’t think I’m a very good actress...” “That won’t be a problem,” assured Twilight as she took out a pair of binoculars and thrust them into Fluttershy’s hooves. “You’ll be our eye in the sky. It you spot any trouble, or anything that could blow our cover, just signal us from above.” “Oh... okay...” “Alright everypony,” announced Twilight. “Remember! Nopony starts doing anything until the concert begins. It’ll divert all the attention from us. We’re shooting to make this an encore Sapphire Shores won’t forget. Now let’s move!” ---------- “Maybe I should be grateful,” thought Fluttershy as she hovered over the town square, carrying the binoculars around her neck. “At least I’m not down there.” It was one of those rare moments where Fluttershy felt better off in the sky. Looking through the binoculars, she spotted her friends rolling in a large contraption draped under a big blanket. Fluttershy gulped when she remember that underneath the blanket was weapon of warfare designed to launch a pie filled what was supposed to be lunch of Applejack’s pigs. “Oh, those poor piggies,” whispered Fluttershy. What she didn’t see, or hear, were the tired grunts and groans from Applejack and Rainbow Dash, decked out in their stagehoof regalia, heaving the heavy siege devise down the road and behind a patch of trees inside a park right across from Sapphire’s stage. “Grrrf,” blurted Applejack and she leaned her shoulder into the back of the catapult. “Thanks for the help, Rarity!” she snarled. “I am helping, this is helping!” huffed Rarity as she trotted alongside, occasionally touching the catapult in a weak show of assistance. “It’s called, ‘supervising.’” “Hey!” yelled Rainbow Dash, who pulled catapult with a rope in the front. “I thought I was supposed to be in charge!” “Nopony’s in charge!” scolded Twilight. Alongside Pinkie, the two of them were dressed in their black, official looking suits with matching sunglasses. For Twilight, it was hard enough to keep Pinkie’s attention away from the concession stands. Standing side by side with Pinkie, Twilight kept a vigil on the comings and goings of other ponies while the others set up the re-purposed pumpkin chucker. “Just some routine maintenance,” said Twilight occasionally to anypony giving a glance in their direction. “Nothing to see here, move along.” So deep was Twilight into her role that she didn’t notice Pinkie Pie until she was offered a box of gumdrops from her pink friend, who also somehow procured a taffy apple, popcorn, a steaming hot pretzel and bunch of balloons. Twilight thought it best not to force the issue. Besides, she was a bit hungry. Back in the sky, things were getting a bit boring for Fluttershy as she sat on a tiny puff of cloud keeping watch over her friends. This was a good thing. In Fluttershy’s case, boring meant safe, boring meant calm, boring meant nothing was going to come out and startle her. But still... Fluttershy gulped as she looked through the binoculars again down towards her friend. She spotted them making their way down towards the stage, sans chucker. “Hellooooo, Ponyville!” yelled Sapphire Shores to the thundering of cheers and stomps. The yellow pegasus nearly slipped off her cloud with the sudden burst of noise. She was so focused on her friends, Fluttershy was oblivious to the fact that the concert has just begun. Swinging her view to the stage she found Sapphire Shores trotting from one side of the stage to the other, waving and blowing kisses to a throng of adoring fans. Fluttershy wanted to feel mad, seeing her again, she really did. But as the music kicked in and the audience jumped and danced to the beat, she couldn’t help but smile. “It does look like everypony’s having a good time...” she said to herself. With the exception of Pinkie Pie, the rest of the team was having a miserable time. With the entire town out for the concert, it would only take one glimpse to blow their cover and thus the mission. Having to creep through more alleyways and sideroads in order to circumnavigate around the concert to the backstage was hard enough, but having to wait for what felt like over an hour to make their next move was the real torture. As the afternoon turned into evening it gave them time to prepare. According to Twilight, there was a five minute break between the concert and Sapphire’s first encore. It would be the one and only window of opportunity. Rainbow hovered in place with nervous energy, eyeing the green cloud floating just above town, hidden in a marked batch of clouds. “C’mooon! How long is this gonna take!?” whined Rainbow. “You’d think with all the energy she puts in her songs Sapphie would be exhausted with these concerts,” observed Twilight. “Well what can you say?” replied Rarity. “When you’re a professional... you... Pinkie Pie!? How could you!?” “Pinkie...,” scolded Applejack. “For shame...” “Why you turncoat!” thundered Rainbow. “I... can’t... help it!” cried Pinkie Pie before doing one last twirl on her hind legs before shaking her hindquarters in an impromptu dance routine. “She’s too catchy! I’ve... I’ve got the music in me!” “Hey, c’mon you guys,” assured Twilight. “Leave her alone, she can’t help it.” It was a silent, grouchy agreement, but was still an agreement. Twilight sighed, quickly glaring at her left hoof which for some reason wouldn’t stop tapping. “Stop it,” she whispered. “Please stop...” After a few more agonizing minutes, the music abated as the ground rumbled with the stomping of a mass amount of hooves. From their perspective, the group could see Sapphire give a few more waves before disappearing behind the curtain. “Now or never ladies,” said Twilight. “Let’s do this!” From on high, Fluttershy kept a bead on her fellow saboteurs scrambling towards the back stage. She gulped for what felt like the hundredth time that day as she watched Rarity make her way to the long row of dresses hiding just behind the curtain. Just below the stage were Pinkie and Twilight, running interference. Scanning upwards, she quickly spotted a batch of stormclouds being put into place on stage. Their arrangement was in the likeness of Sapphire herself. Fluttershy couldn’t help but note that the likeness was quite impressive. It was near the cloudy sculpture where she found Applejack either talking or arguing with several other stagehooves while Rainbow Dash, unnoticed, glided in pushing in a green cloud. Flutterhshy didn’t know what to feel worse about. Was she more queasy about her friends getting caught or was she more sickly over what they we’re doing? She didn’t have too much time to think as somepony exiting the trailer behind the stage caught her eye. “Oh no,” said Fluttershy to herself. “Sapphire?” No, it wasn’t Sapphire. First off, he was a stallion and quite big and built for one. He sauntered over to the stage with a cool demeanor, slightly adjusted his dark glasses. He looked familiar to Fluttershy, almost like she recognized that swagger, that... … nonchalance. “Oh!” gasped Fluttershy. “Oh no!” ------------ “No,” cooly continued Rarity. “No no no no no no no no, oh really now, no no no...” “Rarity?” whispered Twilight. “Can you speed things up please?” It was hard enough for her and Pinkie to keep any attention off of Rarity’s back, but it looked doubly so seeing Rarity acting like she was doing some casual shopping. Looking back again, Twilight noticed Rarity finally removing a beautiful blue sapphire encrusted gown and replacing it with its disastrous double. “Apologies Twilight,” admitted Rarity. “It’s just... well just look at these costumes! Horendous, ametaur, clearly someone had fallen asleep at their sewing machine.” “Duly noted,” signed Twilight. “Besides, I’m not the one you need to worry about.” “Huh?” Rarity’s crooked eyebrow was all Twilight needed to turn around to see Pinkie waving at what looks like nopony in particular. “Hi!” squeaked Pinkie. “Hello!” “Pinkieeeee,” went Twilight in a voice that started as a bellow and deflated into a pitiful whine. “We’re supposed to avoid attention, not invite strangers over to talk!” “Since when is Fluttershy a stranger?” huffed Pinkie. “Seriously Twilight, you’ve only been friends since forever.” Looking towards Pinkie’s line of sight, Twilight quickly found Fluttershy wildly waving her hooves and pointing towards the ground. “What has gotten into...” began Twilight before looking down. “Oh... that’s not good.” Twi recognized him instantly, or rather, what he did yesterday to Rainbow Dash and Applejack. From the pace of his casual trot, he was on his way to the backstage. “Pinkie!” cried Twilight. “You have to get Rainbow Dash away from here, now! Go, go, go!” With a salute and about face, Pinkie zoomed towards through the wardrobe, past Rarity and towards the stage. “What’s wrong?” asked Rarity as she hastily stuffed Sapphires replaced dress into her overalls. “That!” answered Twilight, pointing to the imposing stallion. “He’s the one who roughed up AJ and Rainbow, and if he finds them backstage, we’re sunk! We need to get Applejack out of there, ASAP!” -------------- “So which is it, miss?” asked a stagehoof carrying a clipboard. “Are you the maintenance mare or the inspector?” “Inspector?” asked another stagehoof, carrying a ladder. “She told me she was the new carpenter.” “That’s weird,” said another. “She said she’s the new supervisor.” “But I’m the supervisor!” said yet another. “What’s goin on here?’ Applejack fanned herself with her hat, but it did little to stop the sweat beading up on her forehead. “Well shucks,” she muttered. “Feels a little warm in here don’t it?” “Ma’am,” said the clipboard stagehoof with a bit more sternness. “Mind telling us the truth?” “The t-truth!?” “Aw no,” thought Applejack. “Not the ‘T-word!’” She was already wrestling with her naturally honest nature when she started spinning yarns to take everyponys attention off of the Sapphire cloud so Rainbow could do her stuff. But now, she could feel the honesty boiling over, ready to erupt out of her mouth and clean up her conscience. The earth pony desperately looked up towards Rainbow, hoping her partner in pranks had that stink cloud nice and snug so she could beat a retreat. Everything looked ready, but why was Rainbow talking to Pinkie Pie... “Wha..?” stuttered Applejack. “How in the world did she get up...” “Stop that pony!” shouted a high-pitched voice. “S-she’s not supposed to be here!” “Indubitably!” yelled another. “Er, I mean... yeah! Yo! Let’s throw the bum out, and what not!” Before Applejack could turn around, she found herself being pounced on by flurry mess of purple and white. “Ah’ve been made!” thought Applejack before she sprang into action. When you live with a big brother and little sister who love to roughhouse, you learn a trick or two. Without even thinking she already had her two attackers firmly subdued in her family-famous double headlock. “Ya’ll won’t take me without a fight!” she barked. “Ya hear... uhhhhh...” “Can’t... breathe...” choked Twilight. “Blacking... out...” added Rarity. Sheepishly letting her friends go, Twilight did what she could to put herself between the other stageponies and Applejack. “We’ve...” she gasped. “We’ve got...” she gasped again. “We’ve got everything under control!” she finally said after a series of coughs. “Right?” “Where am I? Who is that?” sing-songed Rarity, as Applejack tried to shake her stupor away. “Mother? Mother is that you?” “No, it’s Auntie Applejack,” she hissed in Rarity’s ear. “Now snap out of itl!” “Applejack,” cooed Rarity. “I don’t have an aunt named...” A quick shake of her head brought the unicorn back the here and now, surrounded by a gaggle of confused stagehooves and two familiar, pleading, faces. “Y-yes! E-everything’s under... control,” answered Rarity, gingerly standing on her own four legs. “No worries, we’ll throw this little troublemaker out on her tail!” “Well uh, shoot,” smiled Applejack, turning towards Twilight. “Looks like I’ll never get Ms. Shores’ autograph now. Guess I-eeeeooowch!” Applejack glared at her tail, squarely under the crushing hoof of Rarity.. “Silence, prisoner.” commanded Rarity, with a quick raspberry. “Grrrrr...” “Eh, ha ha! See? We’ve got everything covered,” grinned Twilight. “So back at it everypony!” The trio left into a slow trot. That is until they saw nopony looking, then they bolted in a full on gallop. “I was gonna say sorry, y’know,” grumbled Applejack. “Well you should have said it sooner,” snuffed Rarity. “Argue later!” snapped Twilight. “Right now we need to regroup with the others.” All the running, moving and conning left the six ponies feeling good and exhausted. But it still didn’t stop them from wearing a satisfied smile. At least for five of them. “Looks like everything’s set,” said Twilight, giving her map one last pass. “I’ve got the pie chucker on a magical trigger. If there’s a discharge of lightning in a given area, it’ll send that mucky pastry flying.” “Say for instance, a lightning show that happens to hold a cloud filled with swamp water,” smirked Rainbow Dash. “Which in turn will transform little Ms. Shores from fashion queen into a tacky vagabond,” tittered Rarity. “By the way, thanks you two,” said Applejack. “I woulda been in a fine pickle if’n you two hadn’t stepped in.” “Yeah,” added Rainbow. “Thanks Pinkie Pie.” “No prob, Dashie,” replied Pinkie as she high-hoofed Rainbow. “But it was actually Fluttershy.” “That’s right,” realized Twilight. “If it weren’t for her, we would have been found out!” All eyes fell to Fluttershy, who was at the moment doing her best slink behind the group unnoticed. A blur of rainbow swirled around her as was taken in a big bear hug by her fellow pegasus. “Woo hoo!” cheered Rainbow, holding out Fluttershy like a proud parent. “What did I tell ya!? I knew she wouldn’t let us down!” “I-it really wasn’t anything...” mewed Fluttershy. “Nonsense Fluttershy,” said Twilight. “If it weren’t for you, why this whole operation would have been a disaster.” “You really came through for us sweetie,” beamed Rarity. “Thank you.” “I’ll admit I had my doubts,” said Applejack, tipping her hat. “But I’m glad I was wrong. You really saved my skin.” “I’m gonna call you the new Pranking Princess of Ponyville!” chirped Pinkie as she bounced toward Fluttershy for a hug. “I’ll get you a crown too! One with a arrow through it that shoots water at other ponies! What a riot you’ll be!” “Well... you know...” whispered Fluttershy, looking out at all the friendly faces. “Anything for my friends, right?” “Well,” said Twilight. “Looks like there’s only one last thing to do.” “Good grief Twi,” sighed Applejack. “We’d done everything we set out ta do, what in tarnation is left?” Twilight smirked. “Only getting the best seat in the house.” ------------- The view from atop the roof brought out a number of “ooo’s” and “ahhh’s” from Twilight’s company. The view was like having private skybox seats with a perfect view of the action. To complete the scene, the roof was also decked out with chairs and a picnic basket full of treats. “How in the world were you able to convince Mr. Waddle to let us use his roof?” “More to the point,” added Applejack. “How’d you set all this up in the first place?” “Well first,” smiled Twilight, ”All I did was ask. Besides, that’s what Mr. Waddle is doing with his friends? See?” Only a block away, the group saw Mr. Waddle and several other elderly ponies relaxing on the balcony of the Ponyville Retirement Home. Both sides exchanged a pleasant wave hello.. “Second, I made sure to get up early and set everything up. It’d be a real shame if we didn’t get the best view of our handy work.” Rainbow rewarded Twilight with a gentle headlock and a not so gentle noogie. “Ha! A mare after my own heart!” she laughed. “And look at all these super yummy goodies!” said Pinkie Pie, already ransacking the basket and munching on a donut. “MMmmm! You really went all out Twilight!” “Well this is sort a special occasion,” replied Twilight. “And if you going to do something fun, do it right.” With that, the rest of the group took advantage at their chance at rest and relaxation. Applejack and Rarity toasted the night with a couple bottles of apple juice while Twilight couldn’t help but laugh as Pinkie landed a perfect donut ring toss on her horn. “Here,” said Rainbow, hoofing a bottle to Fluttershy. “Drink up, you deserve it.” “Um, thanks,” whispered Fluttershy, who hadn’t moved since they came to the roof. “C’mon,” smirked Rainbow. “Drop that modesty for two seconds and bask in the glory. I’m real proud of ya.” Clinking their bottles together Rainbow led her friend towards the others. “C’mon you guys!” she called out. “Don’t think you can have this shindig without the mare of the hour here! And for once I ain’t talkin’ about myself!” Fluttershy preferred to sit in the soft yet sturdy hay that comprised the roof as opposed to the others relaxing in their lawn chairs. Looking at her untouched bottle of juice, she glanced over to Pinkie Pie happily munching away on another helping of treats. “Um... Pinkie?” asked Fluttershy. “Nomf, nomf,” chewed Pinkie before swallowing her fifth cookie. “What’s up?” “Do... do you really think this prank will... well... do you think it’ll be funny?” “Well of course it’ll be funny silly,” smiled Pinkie. “That’s why I’m getting my tummy ready for a big ol’ belly laugh!” “Oh.. okay. But... do you think Sapphire Shores will find it funny?” “Huh?” “Isn’t that the point? Aren’t we all supposed to laugh together? Even Sapphire?” “Well... sure! I’m sure she’ll be laughing harder than any of us!” “Really? Because... well... what if somepony did what we’re about to do... to you? Would you still laugh?” “Aw, of course I’d...! Um, er... gee... when you put it like that...” “Fluttershy, darling,” purred Rarity as she took another sip of her juice. “Those are just nerves talking. You’ll see. This will all work out splendidly.” “Will it?” asked Fluttershy, taking a hard pull off her apple juice. “I-I mean, what if we did too much?” “Yeah,” joined in Pinkie. “What if?” “Oh come now you two,” said Rarity, taken aback that she now had Pinkie looking worried. “Look, I know that at the worst this comes off as a bit... overkill... but, but this is tit for tat. Sapphire needs to learn her lesson and that’s what we’re doing.” “But wait,” continued Fluttershy. “How is this... all of this... going to teach her anything!?” Rarity briefly flubbed her response with the surprising amount of force Fluttershy put into her voice. “F-Fluttershy, sweetheart. You make it sounds as though we’re being downright malicious! I swear to you, this is just an innocent joke. Nopony here has any interest in tormenting Sapphire Shores.” “Okay guys!” announced Twilight. “I’ve got the camera all set up!” Fluttershy’s jaw nearly dropped upon hearing Twilight. Glancing at her neighbors only prompted Rarity to start chugging the rest of her apple juice and Pinkie to fill her mouth to cookie overcapacity. With a deep huff, Fluttershy got up and trotted over to the purple unicorn as she finished angling the camera at the stage. “Twilight?” “Yeah?” “What’s the camera for?” “This? Well, y’know...” “No, Twilight. I don’t know.” “So we can capture the big moment!” said Rainbow, throwing her hooves around Twilight and Fluttershy. “Right, Twi?” “Big... moment,” whispered Fluttershy, putting two and two together. “Wait... you mean...?” “When our prank goes off, we’ll snap a picture,” said Twilight with a smile. “Something for posterity.” “I... I... I don’t know what to say...” stammered Fluttershy. “Well if ya want you could thank Applejack,” pointed out Rainbow. “Her camera.” “W-w-what!? Applejack?” “Sure is,” said AJ, who couldn’t pin exactly what emotions Fluttershy was going through. “I mean, it’s hardly what you’d call a precious moment, but still...” “But... but...” was all Fluttershy could respond with. “Hey I wanted to ask,” jumped in Rainbow. “What’re ya gonna do with your photo, AJ?” “Me?” replied Applejack. “Not much, probably just keep it in ma’ dresser when I need a good laugh.” “Hee hee, same here,” giggled Twilight. “Though I was thinking of turning mine into a bookmark.” “Sheesh,” signed Rainbow over the rise of chuckles. “Borning and even more boring. I’m gonna blow mine up into a poster and hang it on my wall!” The absurd idea brought out even bigger laughs from Twilight and Applejack, with Rainbow joining for good measure. The sudden mirth quickly re-energized the dulling moods of Rarity and Pinkie. “Ha ha, that’s ridiculous Rainbow!” laughed Rarity. “How about I use that photo to make T-shirts for all of us!” AJ and Twi we’re now leaning on each other to keep from falling over with laughter and Rainbow was faring no better on her own legs. “Ha ha ha ha, I-I got one!” guffawed Pinkie. “Let’s send a bunch of copies to every newspaper in Equestria!” That did it. What started as a small laughing fit had blown out into a full on laugh riot. Tears rolled down faces, hooves banged on the roof and ponies held tight to their splitting sides. “Ha ha ha! You’re killin’ me!” cackled Rainbow. “I-I can hardly breathe! Ha ha ha! Oh wow, so... so what’re you gonna do with yours Fluttershy... Fluttershy?” By the time Rainbow picked herself up off the ground, she saw Fluttershy standing on the opposite end of the roof. As Rainbow trotted over, she couldn’t help but notice how much her friend was shaking. “What gives?” chuckled Rainbow. “What? Were we too loud or something?” “Terrible...” whispered Fluttershy, not even bothering to turn around. “What?” “It’s terrible... what all of you said...” Fluttershy could hear how loud Rainbow facehoofed. “For crying out... lighten up, Fluttershy! Jeez, we didn’t mean anything by it. It’s just a joke...” All Rainbow saw was a whirl of pink mane and then two piercing eyes. “It’s not a joke!” yelled Fluttershy. “Jokes are supposed to be funny, and that’s not funny!” The mood changed as fast as lightening. Gone were the smiles and laughter, replaced now with confusion and dumbfounded looks. “Whoa... Fluttershy,” blurted Rainbow. “What’s eatin’ you?” “Me? Me!?” barked Fluttershy. “How can you ask me that? How can any of you ask me that with what we’re about to do!?” “Fluttershy, please,” said Twilight, taking one side of Rainbow. “You need to calm down.” “Twi’s right sugarcube,” added Applejack, taking the other side. “It’s just a harmless prank, remember?” “But it’s not!” cried Fluttershy. “It’s not harmless! It’s mean and nasty and very very cruel! This whole thing’s gotten completely out of hoof!” “Outta hoof!?” shot back Rainbow, finally having enough of Fluttershy’s mood. “We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Sapphire! This is payback! The big payback!” “I don’t want payback!” screamed Fluttershy. “This is wrong... so very very wrong. And... and I’m so ashamed of myself to be part of it.” In spite of herself, though she fought back with all her heart, the tears began to flow. They came as fast as Fluttershy tried to wipe them off or shake them away. All Rainbow could do was stretch out a hoof to her. “Hey... hey,” reassured Rainbow. “Take it easy, okay? It’ll be...” Rainbow’s friendly hoof never found its mark as Fluttershy moved back, letting her wings carry her upward. “I can’t...” sniffed Fluttershy. “I... I just... can’t...” Before anypony could speak another word, she flew down and disappeared down a nearby alley. “Fluttershy...” Rainbow whispered. “Oh my,” said Twilight. “I’ve... I’ve never seen her so upset.” “Poor gal,” replied Applejack. “Think all the excitement got to her?” “Probably?” was all Twilight could respond with. The mood took a much more somber tone as the trio returned to their seats beholding Sapphire’s stage. As Rainbow took her seat, she glared at the sullen faces of Rarity and Pinkie Pie. “Hey!” growled Rainbow. “Thanks for the back up you two! Way to leave us hangin’!” “Well... I... I,” stuttered Rarity. Pinkie wasn’t even making eye contact. Instead pushing the basket of treats away from her. “Dial it back, Rainbow,” scolded Twilight. “Things are bad enough with Fluttershy just up and leaving.” “That’s what I don’t get!” argued Rainbow. “Why did she go off like that?” “Well to be fair to her,” said Applejack, scratching her head. “Maybe we are being a little... nasty. What do you think Twilight?” “Me? Gosh, I don’t know. Regardless of what I think, it’s too late to do anything now.” “That’s right!” yelled Rainbow, stomping her hoof. “We made a plan and we’re stickin’ to it! We agreed to get back at Sapphire Shores for all the lousy things she did to us and doggoneit that’s what we’re gonna do! C’mon everypony, put those hooves in one more time! That’s it!” Compared to yesterday at the cafe where they made their vow, the energy was slightly lacking. The hooves were stacked at a much slower pace and everypony outside of Rainbow had a hard time making eye contact. “Alright!” she thundered. “Ready? One, two, three! Goooooooo team!” “... team.” said everypony else, a half second off. “There she is!” pointed Pinkie. Looking up the group found Sapphire back on stage to a very prolonged applause as the cloud likeness of Ms. Shores floated over her head. “Oh man,” shuddered Rainbow. “This is it!” “Looks like she’s getting ready for her big finale,” said Twilight, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow. The eyes of the group zipped from Sapphire to the cloud formation, fully aware that with one swift kick their plan would be in full motion. Where once would stand the pop goddess of Equestria would instead stand a smelly pony mashed with a pig slop pie, with horrible taste in fashion to boot. Of the five ponies, some began to sweat, some trembled in their seat, one or two gulped and one in blue grinned larger and larger as the crowd died down and the spotlights came down on Sapphire. The stage was set, for Sapphire and for her fate. “Hey...” whispered Applejack. “What’s all the hubbub down there?” It looked as though something was pushing its way through the audience. “Who cares AJ!?” cajoled Rainbow. “We’re about to see...” “Wait!” interrupted Twilight. “I see it too... it looks like...!” “Fluttershy!?” said the ponies in unison. “My stars!” cried Rarity. “What’s gotten into that pony!?” “I wish I knew,” replied Twilight. “But it looks like she’s trying to make her way to the stage.” “In the middle of the show!?” balked Applejack. “She’s gonna get up and clobbered by them security types!” “I can’t watch,” blubbered Pinkie. “But I need to cheer for Fluttershy! Wait! Why am I cheering for Fluttershy? Should I be cheering!?” In the distance, the company watched as one of their own ducked and weaved around security, making a mad dash to close the distance between her and the stage. Though the yellow pegasus was even able to get the pony diva’s attention, she was finally cut off by a pony made shield around the stage. ”If they touch one hair...” snarled Rainbow. “They wouldn’t dare,” said Twilight. “Not with the whole town watching.” “But it looks like she’s still trying to get through,” observed Rarity. “Is she... yelling something?” “I don’t know what she said,” added Pinkie. “But it’s making Sapphire look like a super duper meanie mean pants!” “Yikes,” grimaced Applejack. “Wonder what she’s saying...” “I wish I knew,” answered Twilight, shaking her head. “I’m done watching!” thundered Rainbow, flapping her wings. “I’m goin’ down there and...” “Filles and Gentlecolts, may I have your attention!” came a voice over the speakers. “Hey,” said Pinkie. “Where’s Sapphire going? She’s... she’s leaving!” “Due to unforeseen technical difficulties, our encore presentation is cancelled for this evening. We apologize for the inconvenience.” A respective chill was shared by the five fillies, and it wasn’t from the night air. Though the sounds of ponies, moaning, groaning, booing and generally complaining was heard throughout the town, Mr. Waddle’s roof held a frightful silence. Where the town felt a sense of disappointment, the feeling on the roof was one of gnawing, growing panic. “What... in... tarnation...?” whispered Applejack, unable to take her eyes off their now failed prank. “I... I...” Twilight couldn’t even find the words. “What did she say!?” cried Rarity, before she went rigid with a sudden fright. “Oh no... Twilight... you don’t then she... but she couldn’t...” “I know what you’re thinking and... and... I don’t know...” “What’re y’all talkin’ bout!?” said Applejack. “Fluttershy...” Her eyes went wide with the same terrible thought. “No!” she yelled. “This is Fluttershy we’re talkin’ about! She wouldn’t just... just...” “We gotta abort!” yelled Pinkie, grabbing and shaking Twilight. “Game over man! Game over! Situation is MUBAR!” “MUBAR?” asked Twilight. “Messed Up Beyond All Recognition!” clarified Pinkie. “She’s right!” realized Twilight. “We’ve gotta scramble! C’mon!” “Head to the park,” called Applejack. “We need to ditch the chucker! You comin’ Rainbow?” Out of all the sudden commotion, Rainbow continued to stare out at the dispersing crowd. “Rainbow?” Her eyes slowly panned from the stage to the crowd, like a lost filly looking for her mother. “Rainbow!” “Wha-?” she half uttered. “Get it in gear, girl!” ordered Applejack. “We need to hoof it to the park, pronto!” “Yeah,” mumbled Rainbow. “Yeah, okay.” ----------- Back at the park, where Phase 3 was supposed to take place, the five conspirators spent the the wee hours of the night disassembling the pumpkin chucker and the now cold (and even worse smelling) slop pie back under its counsealing blanket. With some not so subtle encouragement from Applejack, even Rarity helped with the breakdown. By the time they finished, it was already well past midnight. “Uuuuuugh,” groaned Rarity, fighting the urge to slump down and sleep right on the grass. “What a night.” “What a waste,” moaned Twilight, trying and failing to stop a yawn from coming. “What a bust,” grumbled Applejack, catching Twilight’s yawn. Though she helped with the break down, Rainbow continued to be mum about anything. “What... SNOOOOOORE...” “Pinkie!” poked Applejack. “What now?” finished Pinkie, snapping back awake. “Well,” yawned Twilight again. “We put the chucker back in AJ’s barn and the pigs get a special dessert. Rarity told me her coloration spell makes the threads super brittle so they’ll be in tatters by tomorrow. As for the cloud, I know enough about weather control to know our stink bomb will evaporate by the first light.” “Okay,” said Pinkie, not paying attention at all. “Um, Twilight?” interjected Rarity. “Huh?” replied Twilight. Rarity made a motion for everypony to turn around. As the entrance to the park stood Fluttershy, slowly trotting towards them. To say it was awkward for everypony would be a gross understatement. For everypony else, it was tug of war with emotions. They knew who they were dealing with, how sensitive Fluttershy could be. But it didn’t stop the boiling anger and resentment. It also didn’t help that Fluttershy wouldn’t look down or nervously cross her hooves. As if she didn’t understand all the problems she caused. “Hello,” Fluttershy finally said. “.... Hi,” sneered Rarity, mentally scolding herself for the outburst of attitude. “I... I know you’re all still pretty mad over everything,” continued Fluttershy. “Thank you for noticing,” coldly answered Twilight, resecuring the wagon even though it didn’t need securing. “I just hope that you’ll understand why...” “Ya lost yer nerve,” interrupted Applejack, helping Twilight with her busy work. “Ain’t nothing to be ashamed for.” “No, it’s not that. Pinkie, you understand right?” “Um, uh, sure!” said Pinkie, fixing a forced half hearted grin, unable to meet Fluttershy’s eyes. “Yeah... I’ll figure it out... uh, eventually...” “C’mon Pinkie,” called Applejack, not wanting to see the awkward moment drag on. “You can help me move the chucker and ditch the pie in the hog pen. Ain’t got much use fer it now.” “Oh thank Celestia...” whispered Pinkie under her breath as she turned her back on Fluttershy. “Uhhh...” she paused, straining out the next word. “Lllllllaaater?” “Sure Pinkie,” waved Fluttershy, though she didn’t notice. “Later.” “I’ll retire as well,” huffed Rarity, who took the long way around Fluttershy as she headed toward the exit. “I’ve wasted enough time here.” “Bye,” said Fluttershy. The farewell wasn’t returned. Turning to Twilight, the pegasus made a motion toward her. “Twilight, I need to tell you...” “I don’t want to hear it,” growled Twilight. Fluttershy was frozen from the icy glare Twilight was giving her before the unicorn closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Fluttershy,” she finally said. “I’m tired, okay? I just really want to go home.” “O-okay,” gulped Fluttershy. “Good-” A flash of purple light, and Twilight was gone. “-night,” finished Fluttershy. Though the silence was thick, Fluttershy still wasn’t alone. Though she might as well have been, as Rainbow hadn’t budged since she showed her face. She didn’t even turn around to face her. “Rainbow,” said Fluttershy moving to face Rainbow. She was once again met with a backside as Rainbow turned again. “Rainbow Dash, please!” cried Fluttershy. “I know you’re mad, but I had to do it!” Silence. “Rainbow... It wasn’t nice.” Rainbow whirled on her haunches and glared at Fluttershy, who nearly tripped on her backhooves in shock. The cyan pegasus opened her mouth, like she had a shout ready and waiting to fly. Only more silence came out as Rainbow stomped her hooves and turned around once more. “Rainbow... I...” “I trusted you,” whispered Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy had to put a hoof to her chest to make sure her heart didn’t stop as she watched Rainbow bolt off into the night sky. Fluttershy strangely didn’t feel like crying, not yet anyway, but she did feel in that moment, terribly cold. ---------- “I’m home,” Fluttershy whispered as quietly as she could so not to disturb her slumbering tenants. With so little energy, Fluttershy didn’t have the strength to carry herself up the stairs and into her bed, cozy as it was. Curling herself up on her couch, she couldn’t help but run the entire day in her mind, painful as it was. Opening her eyes, she stared into a pair of black beady eyes worn by a small fuzzy face. “Hi Angel,” said Fluttershy, taking a breath before she smiled. “I guess I should tell you. I couldn’t get your surprise, I’m sorry.” With a tiny huff, the bunny cross his paws and turned his back. “I know,” laughed Fluttershy, fighting to stop her cracking voice. “I broke a promise and I’m sorry. You have every right to be mad. Ha ha, seems like everypony’s mad at me right now...” As tired as she was, Fluttershy could still feel her chest heave and her eyes start to get wet. But before she could let out a single sob, she felt a fuzzy face bury and nuzzle into her cheek. As fast as her sadness came, it passed. “Happy Birthday, Angel Bunny,” cooed Fluttershy, wrapping her hooves around her furry friend. Closing her eyes, Fluttershy quickly fell into a peaceful, quiet and long-deserved slumber.