//------------------------------// // Act 1: It's all fun and games until... // Story: Blossomforth with all your might // by Skyeheart //------------------------------// Cloudsdale, wow. It seemed like forever since she'd been here. Blossomforth settled down on an outlaying cloudwalk along with her friend Honey. "Wow..." her voice echoed her thoughts. "Feels like forever since I've been here!" "Really? You don't visit your parents every now and then?" her tan friend asked. "Oh, uh, they retired to Neighvada a few years back. What about you?" Honey scoffed. "Believe it or not, not all pegasi are born in the cloud capital or go to school there. Nope, I was born and raised in Coltorado. Even if I was from around here, don't exactly have much of a family to check up on. I'm an only child, dad's a widower on the go, and other than Sandy, I didn't have much to go on as friends were concerned." "Oh..." Blossomforth's mood dampened a bit at the somewhat dismal and blank backstory, but then peaked up when she had a realization. "Then...this is your first time here..." "Huh? Uh, yeah. Kinda. Not a lot of museums or archeological digs up in the sky and-" Honey suddenly took note of a twinkle in Blossomforth's eye. "Uh, Blossom? What's with that look?" "Tooouuurist~!" she sang out loud. "Tourist alert~!" An eruption of cloud fluff sprayed out from all directions, and suddenly, a small group of pegasi were in front of them, lead by a snow white mare with a poofy yellow mane. "Huh? Wha-?" Honey was only able to mumble half a coherent sentence before her mouth was filled with streamers as the lead pony honked a noisemaker loudly in front of her and began to dance and sing. "Ohhhhh...welcome welcome welcome! Welcome new pony!~ Welcome welcome welcome! To our fair cloud city!~ Welcome welcome welcome! To you I say hooray!~ Welcome welcome welcome! Here in Cloudsdale todaaaay!~" The rest of the pegasi let loose a row of poppers at the last falsetto. "What's going on?" the archeologist finally exclaimed. "What's going on is you're a first time visitor to Cloudsdale!" the blonde pegasus chirped directly in her face. "And as head of the Cloudsdale welcome committee, I, Surprise, am solemnly sworn to greet all new ponies and give them the grand tour of this super wonderful cloudy paradise!" "Uh, yeah, listen, I'm just here with my friend to buy some tickets for-" "So off we go!" The perky pegasus hoisted and chucked the newcomer into a large cloud cart, ducked under and appeared at the front of the wagon with wearing an attendant's cap and holding a large megaphone in hoof. "Please keep your hooves, wings, and tails inside the moving vehicle at all times, and thank you again for choosing Surprise Tourlines as your mode of transportation today. We have such a fun-filled busy day ahead of us! So many places to see, so little time!" She then turned to the two pullers in the front. "Alright. Endless Clouds, Pumpkin Tart, let's move 'em out!" "Wait!" Honey protested, but found herself snugly rooted to her seat by a series of seat belts. She turned frantically to her friend shrinking in the distance. "Blossom, help!" "There's no stopping a Surprise welcome committee!" The watermelon maned mare called back. "Just go with the flow and enjoy the sights!" "But what about the Best Flier's competition? We were supposed to get tickets for the gang!" "Don't worry! I can get them on my own! I'll see you back here at six!" "You? By yourself?! But-but-!" Anything more from the tan pony couldn't be heard as the welcome wagon dove over the edge of the platform and out of sight. Blossomforth just chuckled as she fluttered towards the Cloudsdale stadium. "Honestly, that Daring is such a worry wart. I mean, what could possibly happen to me if I'm on my own for a few hours?" My Little Pony, My Little Pony Ahh, ahh, ahh, ahhh… (My Little Pony) I used to wonder what friendship could be (My Little Pony) Until you all shared its magic with me Great discoveries! Tricks galore! A rich slice of life, And a heartfelt score. Budding courage, It's an easy feat And magic makes it all complete! You have my little ponies Do you know you're all my very best friends? The air was bustling with activity as Blossomforth entered the large doors before her. Workers were hanging up posters and banners, athletes were flexing and stretching, merchants were setting up vendors and stocking memorabilia merchandise, and fans of all ages were gossiping, squeeing, and jittering all over for their favorites. Another huge turnout this year, the flower loving pegasus thought to herself as she wandered the noisy coliseum halls. Seemed only yesterday she was explaining about the upcoming spectacle to her bosom buddies...maybe because it was yesterday. "Best Young Flyer's Competition? What's that?" Twilight asked. "Oh, just a little contest Cloudsdale throws every year. It's where all the greatest pegasus flyers get together and show off their different flying styles," Blossomforth explained. "A whole bunch of my seniors go to watch the festivities every year." "My, my. That's sounds very exciting," Sherbet said. "Are you planning on attending?" "Me? Uh, well...I've gone once or twice." Blossomforth shrugged as she downed a biscuit. "I guess it's pretty neat, though I probably would rather stay home and cultivate my spice garden." "I'd like to watch the competition sometime," Honey said. "Be a nice break from my research." "Perhaps Trixie will indulge with said performance as well," the showmare next to her concurred. "Would be a somewhat whimsical idea to see how pegasi work their magic." "Really? You all want to go?" Blossomforth asked. "Yeah, sounds fun!" Spike said. "Actually, we were planning on re-cataloging my alchemical notes this week, so we'll be swamped," Twilight interjected. "Again? But Twiliiiiight-" Spike whined. "No buts, Spike. Princess Celestia doesn't just give holidays to her students at the drop of a hoof. I still want to finish that special talent enhancer potion I'm working on by the end of the year." Spike then rubbed his chin, an idea forming in his head. "That reminds me, didn't the princess say she was overseeing the tournament this year?" "Princess Celestia's going to be there?!" Twilight then realized she had teleported on top of the cafe table, staring down at her dragon assistant. Everypony around was looking at her strangely as she sat back down nervously. "Heh, well...I suppose I could use that opportunity to turn in a few essays in pony." "There is a scratch for every itch," Octavia said to Spike. "It looks like you found hers." "My lady, you haven't seen anything yet," Spike whispered back glibly. "Well I guess if it's unanimous, I can head up to Cloudsdale tomorrow and get us all some tickets to the stadium." "Uh, maybe I should come with you," Honey quickly piped up at Blossomforth suggestion. "Yeah, that may be a good idea," Twilight concurred. Everypony else murmured in agreement. "Huh? Why? You shouldn't have to take off time from your schedules just to help me get some tickets." Everypony averted Blossomforth's naive gaze for a moment. "Um...not to be inconsiderate or anything..." Trixie started. "But...when you tend to...do things by yourself..." Sherbet continued. "You kinda get...uh..." "Sidetracked," Spike bluntly finished for Twilight. Blossomforth just laughed it off. "On come on! I'm not that easily distracted! I can get a job done quick and easy as any other pony!" "Really?" The baby dragon folded his arms across his chest. "What were you doing before you saw us and flew down to join us for a snack?" "Oh, I was just on my way to pick my team's pizza order." Blossomforth's smile suddenly melted away as she jumped up and zoomed off in alarm. "Oh no! Lunch duty! I completely forgot I'm on lunch duty!!" Shaking her head, she pouted to herself. Okay, that had been a bad example. Maybe she did tend to be a little more absentminded than most at times, but that didn't mean she wasn't reliable. She always got the job done in end, like that whole water delivery thing a while back. Besides, it's not like she ever made any HUGE mistakes, say- "Oof!" Her face bumped snout to snout with another pony and they both tumbled over to the ground. "Oh, omigosh I'm so very sorry! I didn't see you there, are you okay?" "Fine, fine. It's alright. I was the one that bumped into you. Head in the clouds there for a moment- wait..." Blossomforth knew that soft, melodious, and over apologetic speech. It was a voice you could never forget that belonged to a pony you could never forget. She quickly looked to the long pink mane concealing the butter yellow coat underneath. "Fluttershy?" Baby blue eyes peeked out of the silky pink locks, a tiny squeaking voice braving the air after it. "B-blossomforth?" "Oh my goodness, Fluttershy it is you! Oh, it's been so long!" Blossomforth swept the extremely shy pegasus up in a hug. "Haven't seen you since graduation!" "O-oh! It's...it's nice to see you too again," her old friend smiled meekly. "I didn't...think anyone would remember me..." "Are you kidding?" Blossomforth snapped her hoof against Fluttershy. "Flower buddies for life, right? We low fliers stick together." Boy, was this a blast from her past! Fluttershy had to be the only flier in her class that had gotten lower marks than her. She was so inward and demure it took literally bumping into her to start a conversation. But what's more, she was also the only pegasus besides her who loved life more to the ground than in the air. It had been so sad for them both that she had to move away to her internship in Manehattan without little more than a goodbye. She had wanted to keep in touch, but had been in such a rush to pack up she plumb forgot she had no idea where her flower buddy lived or to ask for a mailing address. With no way of finding her again, it seemed as if she would fade away from her life forever. But now she was here! She had been reunited with her flower buddy again by sheer luck! Oh, this was so exciting, there was so much to catch up on! "How've you been? Tell me everything! Where are you roosting these days?" "Oh, um...I...I run a veterinary clinic in a small cottage I've rented out in Ponyville..." "Wait, wait, Ponyville? You live in Ponyville now? Oh, rosestickers! I just missed you! I was just there a few months back attending my friend's reunion at Sweet Apple Acres. If I'd known you were just around the corner, I would've given you a ring!" "Oh, I'm so sorry about that! Should I have...wait-" Fluttershy's head straightened out of it's turtle shell position. "Sweet Apple Acres?" "You know the place?" "Oh, yes!" Fluttershy nodded sweetly, "I give regular check ups to their dog all the time. That Winona is such a sweet little cutie." Blossomforth giggled in return. "Obviously, you've never worn a hat around that energetic rascal. Let me tell you a little thing she did with my pal Trixie at the reunion-" Neither of them realized it, but they had just stepped outside into the sunlight. "Oh my goodness, that Lightning Dust mare did all those horrible things?" Fluttershy munched on a cloud crepe as she listened to her old schoolmate's recollection. "Mmhmm, with one entire squad out of commission, the city was in danger of not having enough wingpower to get the windforce necessary. If I hadn't gotten my herbal remedies together for a quick temp fix, Spitfire would have cancelled the whole operation. And even then, they fell just five points short of the limit, my five points." "Oh, you mean-!" Blossomforth nodded, sipping her bubble tea. "I made the difference that day. Me! Tree hugging, grass rooted, Blossomforth, lead a whole injured team to a successful tornado delivery. And I'm still just a junior cadet!" "Oh wow, that's incredible. You've gotten so brave and charismatic." Fluttershy wiped her mouth with a napkin. "You're like another Rainbow Dash!" Rainbow Dash, now there was another familiar name. Bold, brash, always delighted to show off, that mare was an infamous academy legend. If anything, she made school life much more easier for ponies like her and Fluttershy by taking a lot of heat from the bullies that thought she was just a nopony hopelessly trying to be a somepony. If memory served, she was headstrong, but hadn't an inkling when and where to pick her fights. She probably wouldn't have been labeled as a troublemaker and left early if she had. "The big hero of the wimps, huh? I wouldn't go that far. Makes me wonder though, what's she doing now?" "Oh, she's my neighbor now," Fluttershy answered. "She runs the weather patrol, just like you." "Oh no no no," Blossomforth waved her hooves. "I'm just a cadet, not a captain. Still, weather patrol's kinda selling yourself short for a mare of her attitude. I thought she was always declaring back in school she was going to be a Wonderbolt someday." "Oh, she is," Fluttershy explained. "In fact she's entering the Best Fliers Competition just for that. She told me this year's first prize is a personal day with them." She then gasped. "Oh no! I forgot! I was supposed to be working on my cheering for her while she was signing up. Quick, tell me, how does this sound?" She inhaled deeply and..."Yay." Blossomforth just stared blankly at her old friend, desperately fighting back a laugh. Only you, Fluttershy...only you... "Too loud?" the meek pegasus asked. "Don't you worry Fluttershy," Blossomforth said, placing a hoof upon hers. "You won't be the only one cheering for Rainbow Dash now. I'll be sure my friends and I put our best hoof forward to support her too." Now it was her turn to gasp as the window of tranquility broke for a crashing reality. "My friends! The tickets! I completely forgot to buy the tickets!" "Oh no! I just realized! I didn't buy my ticket either! Oh I'm so sorry this is all my fault I-" A chime of the cafe's clock signaled to the two it was now 4:45. "The stadium locks out in fifteen minutes! We gotta get those tickets before the box office closes!" Jerking Fluttershy's hoof with a tight grip, Blossomforth charged ahead with an 'oh no oh no oh no' and an 'oh dear oh dear oh dear' trailing behind. Bursting into the now nearly empty halls, the two frantically swiveled her their heads left and right. "Ticket booth, where's the ticket booth around here?!" The two ran around the circular dome, but every door around them seemed to be closed and locked up tight. Stupid, stupid, Blossomforth! Your friends were right, you do need help keeping your mind on track! Now I'm probably not going to be able to take them to the contest because of- She skidded to a halt as a lit open door off to the side came in view. "There! Fluttershy! That must be it! There's still time!" With one last gallop over the edge, the pair tumbled inside, where a pine green receptionist looked over her table to the two mares on the floor before her. "I-is there still time?" Blossomforth asked weakly from beneath her compatriot's belly. "You're in luck, we were just about to close up for today." The receptionist straightened some papers on the desk and took out a quill. "Can I get your names and addresses?" "Um...uh...why would you need-" Fluttershy started. "Blossomforth, 104 Garden Way, Manehattan!" "Oh, um, okay I guess...Fluttershy...12 Willow Grove, Ponyville." "Okay..." The green mare finished scribbling the info down and slid the bottom of a paper to them. "Now I just need your hoofprint here." "Uh...but why...okay," Fluttershy relented again as Blossomforth dabbed both their hooves in the ink pad next to the papers and pressed down. "Oh yeah, by the way, I'll need seven, and one for her," Blossomforth said as the desk mare took the forms back. "Sorry miss," she replied. "Those numbers are taken. Hope you don't mind 13 and 14." Blossomforth looked in confusion at the large numbered posters that were placed in her and Fluttershy's hoof. "Uh, wait. These look like contestant badges." "That's cause they are," the coliseum employee clarified. "I know, I know. It's complete downgrade from last year's jerseys. Blame the bureaucrats for that. Look on the bright side, it won't affect your performance." "P-p-p-p-p-performance?" the butter yellow mare squeaked. "H-hold on." Blossomforth's dawning comprehension started to kick in. "Are you saying- did we just-" "Signups are closed, please come back tomorrow!" the attendant loudly announced over the microphone as she shoved the two last minute entrants out of the office. "Hey! Wait! There's been big misunder-" And the doors locked behind them. The two ground loving pegasi just sat there in the empty hall now, a scared silence dominating over them. Biting her lip, heart in her throat, the yellow one finally broke the quiet. "Did...did we just-?" "We-" Blossomforth gulped, "-just signed up for the Best Fliers Competition!"