//------------------------------// // The Manehattan Project // Story: An Earthbound Journey // by ShadeJak //------------------------------// “So here we are in the Big Orange itself!” Rainbow said, taking in the view all around her. Manehattan was HUGE, from down on the the ground many of the buildings seemed to pass the clouds themselves, paved streets spanned all over the place in every direction; with carriages being busily pulled here and there while ponies of all kinds moved along the sidewalks going in and out of the city's many establishments. “I’m so excited! I can’t wait to see that department store!” Rarity said, trotting in place as her excitement grew. “We’ll get to that, Rarity. First we need to get to the library so I can go grab that book we need,” Twilight said. “What are we waiting for, then? Let’s get this out of the way! Nothing else in the world is going to keep me from seeing a few sights while we’re here!” Rarity replied eagerly. Rainbow, meanwhile, remained silent. The towering skyscrapers were kind of cool; she betted if she sat on one she’d see the whole city, which gave her an idea. “Gimme a sec, girls!” With those words, Rainbow flew straight up as fast as she could, to the roof of one of the nearby buildings and looked around. Even from her perch, a number of them still went higher then she was. A building with several signs on it she quickly recognized to be the One Equine Plaza was a couple blocks away which, according to Rarity marked the entertainment district. Meanwhile, a marble building that looked to be a museum was in another direction with what she hoped was the library next to it, and a taller building that had a large sign that read ‘Star Reacher’ on it was just past it. One building in particular caught her notice, however; a skyscraper taller then any other out in the distance that had a large, golden horse head sculpture on top of it. The Equestrian State Building, maybe? Shrugging, Rainbow flew back down and rejoined her friends. “Alright, well I think the library’s just to the north of us, shouldn’t be too far!” Noticing Rarity’s expression, Rainbow frowned. “What?” Rarity looked absolutely livid. “Rarity, please tell me the Smooze stuff’s not gonna make you go all crazy again,” the pegasus muttered. “That stallion…” Rarity's tone was low and dangerous. “Rarity, one stallion looked at you funny,” Twilight said with an eyeroll. “Just let it go, already!” “Not a chance! I am showering this instant! Bring us to a hotel, preferably a nice one!” Rarity said, turning her muzzle up in annoyance at the severe blow to her pride. Twilight did have to admit Rarity looked rather grungy after what they’d gone through with her but she wasn’t about to admit to anything that’d slow them up. Still, she knew a hopeless argument when she saw one and lowered her head in defeat. “Twiiiiiiiiiiiiii!” Rainbow whined indignantly. “Rainbow, you know she’s not gonna quit until we find somewhere to stop at. You bring her to the nearest hotel so she can wash up, and I’ll go look for the book we need,” Twilight replied, earning a facehoof from the pegasus. “Fine,” Rainbow groaned. “Let’s go, Rarity.” “Why thank you very much, Rainbow!” Rarity said, her mood far more improved. ~ “Well, I have to say, this shampoo is hardly what I would call high-quality, but I suppose I can make an exception if it can get this gunk out of my mane. And this conditioner will hopefully restore the luster to my coat,” Rarity said from within the bathroom as the shower water ran. Rainbow Dash, meanwhile, lay on the double bed performing the fifth facehoof she’d made in the last twenty minutes. Fortunately, soon after, Rarity's tirade ended and she began to hum to herself in the shower. Admittedly she did have a beautiful singing voice, which was something Rainbow could stand to listen to as she lay back and closed her eyes, figuring her friend’s irritability had worn off now thanks to the smooze being washed out. Moments later the manedryer had switched off and Rarity emerged from the bathroom, looking much cleaner with her mane and tail restyled. “I suppose this will do for now; however, when the opportunity presents itself, I intend to stop by the salons of the department store to get some mane and coat-care products far more up to standards at maintaining the appearance of a lady like myself. I may even treat you to the same, Rainbow. How long has it been since you last bathed anyway?” the unicorn asked, prompting Rainbow to once again apply her right hoof directly to her forehead. “Oh my! Look, Rainbow!” Rarity shouted suddenly, looking at the paper and catching the pegasus’ attention again. “Fancy Pants is here in Manehattan! He has recently purchased the upper portion of the Equestrian State Building for his new branch here," Rarity said, her eyes beaming with excitement. “We should go say hello once Twilight returns! I’m sure he’ll be delighted to see me again!” Rarity rubbed her chin with her hoof. “Odd, though. Given his status in Canterlot, I would wonder why he’d have need for such a significant form of expansion here.” “Well, I’m no expert on that kinda thing, but this is a pretty big city, full of upper-crust ponies, Rarity. I’m sure there’s plenty to get out of having your business spread here, too,” Rainbow replied with a shrug. “I see what you mean," Rarity replied. "Plus a lot of entertainment and art is done here, it’d be quite the field to get into, knowing as many models and fashionistas… myself included of course… it would be a reasonable place to expand his influence in.” ~ “Hm… dragon fossil display at the museum? Good thing Spike’s not here,” Twilight muttered to herself as she passed the large building, from Rainbow’s direction the Manehattan Library shouldn’t have been much further. As she kept her eyes on the museum, she did not see where she was going and felt somepony bump into her. “Hey, careful there!“ the mare she’d bumped into protested. “…Twilight Sparkle?” Twilight looked at who she bumped into and saw a familiar white unicorn with a wild blue mane and tail, and a pair of mirrored purple sunglasses staring at her. She recognized the pony from Rarity’s fashion show and her brother’s wedding. Vinyl Scratch, was it? “Yeah, that’s me,” Twilight said. “Vinyl? What brings you to the Big Orange?” The other unicorn sighed. “It’s a long story, alright? I’m sorry but I really can’t talk right now… if I don’t get back soon, they’ll sic their dogs on me,” Vinyl explained, looking around nervously. “Vinyl, is there anything I can do? I got Rarity and Rainbow Dash waiting for me at one of the hotels.” “Oh, they made it through the Hollow Shades? That’s awesome!” Vinyl said, managing a small smile. “But I doubt even they can help me now, especially after all they did for me last time.” “What do you mean?” Twilight asked. Vinyl prepared to speak but then something in her saddlebag set off an alarm. “Meet me at the Rock N’ Roadhouse, down Horseshoe Lane in one hour, it’s kinda out of the way but I go there to chill after my gigs. Don’t be late, and I’ll explain everything!” the unicorn said, and without another word, galloped off down the road and was gone. Watching the other unicorn leave and wondering what was up, Twilight was tempted to follow but realized it would have probably accomplished nothing right now. Continuing onward, Twilight entered the library and approached the desk. “Hi, I’m Twilight Sparkle, I run the library in Ponyville and I had a book on reserve… Baccus Brew’s Potion Compendium. I trust it’s still here?” Twilight asked with a friendly smile. “Was, yes,” the librarian stallion answered. “I believe somepony checked it out for the day. Wanted it for perfecting some special effects.” “What?! But I had it on reserve!” Twilight protested. “It’s really important and I need it right now for an emergency!” “You had it on reserve for six days. After the fifth it’s fair game,” The librarian answered. “If you need it that badly, you can wait till the pony who borrowed it returns it, or go and see if she’ll lend it to you.” “Maybe I will!” Twilight said, narrowing her eyes in annoyance. “So who exactly borrowed it?” The librarian turned and went to the desk, pulling out the log of those who had borrowed from there. Finding the match, he floated it over to where Twilight was and placed his hoof on the name. “Right there. All I can say is good luck,” He said as Twilight’s expression became one of utter disbelief. “I… I see… also, can you tell me if there’s any… special tourist attractions here? Maybe ones that are especially old, like… predate-the-city old?” Twilight asked, deciding to keep this trip from being as little a waste of a time as possible. “Yes, actually… well, used to be, right inside a cave just off the coast of the island… at least till till it got bought out just yesterday and sealed off… real shame, ponies used to picnic around there all the time!” The librarian said with a sigh. “I still have an old pamphlet, not that it’d do much good but you can take it if you want...” He floated a pamphlet out of a drawer and over to Twilight, who looked at the picture on it, which featured a bright blue crystal formation. “Sure… so any chance that I can just go ask who bought it if they can let us in?” Twilight asked. “You can do that when you see about that book, I figure,” The librarian said with a smirk, prompting an annoyed groan from the unicorn. “Looks like I’ve got a letter to send,” Twilight muttered as she floated the pamphlet into her saddlebag. ~ “Rainbow Dash, when I said I wanted to sample Manehattan cuisine, I did not mean order Neighsian takeout!” Rarity muttered, floating her chopsticks in a small box and taking some noodles and vegetables into her mouth. “Aw give it a rest, Rarity. I was starving and those little sandwiches weren’t gonna hold me over. Besides, you were the one who gave your last sandwich to that miner at the station, and all you said when we discussed food was ‘no pizza’,” Rainbow answered as she simply poured her carton’s contents into her mouth, chewed it down, and swallowed it all. Rarity stared at her for a moment and gave a slow blink before resuming the far more refined manner of eating her own food. Her disgust was quickly halted when she noticed the candle spark and light up, and a scroll appeared from it. “Oh my, who’s sent us something?” Rarity wondered, using her magic to place her food on the bedside desk and open the scroll. Hello! Hope you’re all doing okay, and I hope I’m not bothering you! If I am, I’m really, really sorry! Anyway, everything’s okay! Pinkie brought Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle back safely and it looks like they’re taking to trying to invent things. It seems dangerous but they really want to try their best in helping you girls, so we’re keeping watch over them. Write back sometime. If you wanted to, I mean. ~Fluttershy “Aw, it has been a little while since we wrote her, hasn’t it?” Rainbow said, realizing Fluttershy may have been getting worried about them. Still, it was relaxing to know Fluttershy was still alright, as well as Pinkie Pie and the fillies. She could only wonder what kind of crazy thing they’d come up with next. “Well, I’m glad to know Sweetie Belle and her friends made it back safely,” Rarity said, already working on a response. “Let’s get this sent to her at once… and I’ll need to ask her if she can give Opal a bath!” Rarity said, tapping her chin with the quill floating next to her. “…Better remind her to use Opal’s favorite mouse toy or she might be extremely fussy! Even Fluttershy has trouble controlling her when it comes to baths!” “Well, let them know Twi’s gone out, she’ll be back soon and we’re three sanctuaries down!” Rainbow said. “Also let her know to tell Scootaloo I said hi.” “Will do.” Rarity said, writing the rest down and then setting it over the candle. In seconds, the letter vanished. “All taken care of, now we just need to—” Before Rarity could finish, another scroll appeared. “Oh my that was quick!” Opening it, Rarity sat next to Rainbow so the two could read it. Girls, I need you to meet me at the Rock N’ Roadhouse. I’ll explain everything there. ~Twilight Sparkle “Well that’s vague,” Rainbow said, glancing over at her friend as both wore unsure looks on their faces. ~ “My word, could this place look seedier if it tried?!" Rarity muttered as she and Rainbow walked into a basement-level tavern and looked around. The place had some dim lights, a pool table in the corner, a jukebox, and several tables and booths. At the end was a bartable with a wall loaded with bottles and barrels of what Rainbow suspected to be hard cider. “Hey, it’s not that bad. You just got crazy-high standards,” Rainbow answered. “I like to think they’re reasonable standards, Rainbow!” Rarity answered. The ponies present paid them no mind and went about drinking and playing at the pool table. “Over here!” Twilight whispered from one of the booths, prompting Rainbow and Rarity over. “No offense, Twi, but couldn’t you have picked a better place? I’ve had enough experience underground already,” Rainbow said. “Well don’t expect that to change any time soon, Rainbow. I got a lead on the next sanctuary,” Twilight explained, floating the pamphlet she’d gotten earlier out of her saddlebag. “This is the Sapphire Spire, a large, concentrated sapphire growth that’s been here before the city was built, believed to have been around since before Equestria was founded. It actually wasn’t long after that Commander Hurricane had to protect it from a dragon that tried to steal it, so it’s got some history to it.” “The Sapphire Spire!” Rarity squealed, gawking at the photo. “I’ve heard of it but never even seen a photo of it! Oh my, it’s absolutely lovely! I wouldn’t mind seeing it with my own eyes.” “Well, until we find a way to make the place public again, it’s not gonna happen. It’s been magically sealed off,” Twilight said. “Also, the book I needed from the library’s been… checked out.” “What? By who?!” Rainbow asked. Twilight sighed. “Fancy Pants’ newest star and consultant in his expansion into financing entertainment management. She’s now in charge of Bridleway but she’s got an office in the Equestrian State Building.” “Well, then I say we go talk to her and get that book, we probably need it more then her, after all. And not to mention Fancy Pants is a friend of mine, I’m certain he’d be willing to assist!” Rarity said. “Is it Fleur? I’m sure she’d be happy to return a favor for saving her from the changelings.” “No, it’s not Fleur. Funny though, Fleur is set for a couple modeling shoots here, later,” Twilight mused. “Still, beside the point. The pony I’m talking about is—” “Hey, Twilight! Made it early!” Vinyl Scratch said as she trotted over and sat herself down. “Aw, cool! You girls are alright! Hope Hollow Shades wasn’t too much trouble for ya!” she said when she saw Rainbow Dash and Rarity there. “Eh, nothing we couldn’t handle!” Rainbow said with a hoofwave. “I’m just glad it’s over. Those zomponies were simply horrid! And then there was that disgusting Smooze, and the changeling queen was behind it all!” Rarity explained. “Whoa, the changeling queen from Shining Armor and Princess Cadance’s wedding?” Vinyl asked. “The very same,” Twilight said. “Wow… Equestria really has been getting crazier every day. And I thought my problems were bad!” Vinyl replied. “Yeah, about that. What’s wrong, Vinyl? You seemed really… jittery earlier,” Twilight replied. “Ehhh…” Vinyl looked downcast and crossed her hooves on the table before burying her face in her forelegs. “Mmmimmdmmmtagmm.” “Excuse me?” Rarity asked. “I’m in debt again,” Vinyl said softly. “AGAIN?! After we bailed you last time?” Rainbow protested. “Are you seriously just that careless with your bits?” “No! No! It’s nothing like that!” Vinyl protested. “I got here, and I’m suddenly greeted by these ponies in suits at the Bridleway, and they give me all these new things for my gigs, and after I use ‘em and the show’s done, they show me my contract again and literally with this poof of blue magic these added terms pop on it with this huge bill of ONE BUCKING MILLION BITS! And they won’t let me pay it by-and-by they want the whole thing up front but I can’t come anywhere close with all these added expenses they put on me when I’m doing my shows here and not to mention paying for keeping my carriage parked! They got me locked in for life now!” the deejay ranted, covering her face again and trembling a little as she tried to hold back tears. The others stared agape from Vinyl’s story. None of them had that kind of money at all and just stared at eachother for a moment. A smile suddenly came to Rarity’s face. “Wait, we need to see Fancy Pants, I’m sure he can pull some strings and get you out of this horridly deceitful contract!” Rarity said. “Seriously… you don’t have to. It’s my problem. Besides, she won’t let you!” the deejay replied. “She?” Rainbow asked. “The one I gotta do all the music effects for. She’s like way up on the ladder and works with him as his main consultant. The contract’s terms’ll get ya laughed out of any courthouse, too so don’t expect to be able to get even the royalty in on this,” Vinyl said, sulking. “Well, like I said, I can probably talk Fancy Pants into helping out. I’m sure of it!” Rarity said with a smile. “Don’t you worry, Vinyl. We’ll have you outta this mess in no time. We got a couple things to settle anyway so it’s like several birds and one stone!” Rainbow said. “Thanks… thanks so much. I’ll be at the Bridleway theater if you need to find me,” Vinyl explained, looking at the clock and immediately rushing out. “Well, girls, we better get all this taken care of!” Twilight said. “Next stop, Equestrian State Building!” Rainbow said, leading the way. ~ “Wow, it’s tall!” Rainbow said, staring straight up as the three of them stood before the large doors of the skyscraper. “Well, we didn’t come for the view, so we’d better go inside,” Twilight said. As soon as they entered they were treated to the sight of a plush lobby with sky-blue walls and plush, azure sofas. The wall behind the reception desk had a painting with a familiar star wand and blue mist. “Hey, we need to see Fancy Pants?” Twilight asked the receptionist pony with a polite smile. “I’m Twilight Sparkle, personal student of Princess Celestia, I’m sure you can make room for me? It’s very urgent.” “I apologize, Mister Fancy Pants is out right now on a personal matter. Not sure when he’ll be back but his entertainment consultant is handling things here in his absence, so any issues will be brought to her. 50th floor, last door at the end of the hall. Don’t do anything foolish, the security is of Canterlot Royal Guard quality!” the receptionist explained like it was routine for her and pressed a button on her desk. “Three for floor 50.” “Uh, yeah, thanks,” Rainbow said as she lead the others to the elevator that awaited them, and were greeted by a unicorn within. “Hello, I’ll be taking you to the 50th floor. We apologize for Mister Fancy Pants’ absence, due to this access to his main office will remain off-limits until further notice, however due to his branch here focusing primarily in the entertainment industry, his primary consultant shall be happy to address any and all matters you may have and bring them to his attention immediately.” the unicorn recited from the clipboard that floated in front of her before pressing the star-shaped button on the elevator with her hoof. “That’s all fine, we need to talk to her anyway about a couple things,” Twilight said, managing her best smile though it was evident she was getting somewhat irritated by the inconvenience as well. As the elevator rose, the wall facing from the doors ended, revealing open sky through the glass windows, giving them a higher and higher view of the bustling metropolis. “It really is something, isn’t it?” Twilight asked. “If we don’t stop Sombra, it’ll all be lost.” “Don’t be a downer, Twi. We’ve stopped a lot of threats before, we can handle this!” Rainbow said with a grin. “I for one just can’t wait to get this over with, this side trip is quite the inconvenience, though if I didn’t know better I’d think it was done intentionally.” Rarity said. “But that doesn’t seem like Fancy Pants at all! I wonder what could be wrong? I’m certain there’s an explanation!” “Well, we’re about to find out.” Twilight said as the elevator came to stop and the doors opened, and they marched past the operator and down the hall, passing several brawny unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies in armor, giving steely glares at them as they walked by. “Well I must say, this all feels rather unnecessary,” Rarity murmured, regarding the security as they passed them to the large golden-plated doors in front of them, where a lone unicorn stood guard. “You may enter. But any horseplay and you’ll pay for it dearly!” he said with a smirk, his horn glowing and the doors opening. Upon entering, Rarity stared agape, her friends’ expressions quickly mirroring hers. The office would put Canterlot’s suites to shame any day; featuring a gold-plated desk, paintings on the wall, plush cloud-soft sofas, a hot tub that was currently covered and attended to by more pony security, and reclined on an elaborately-decorated bed or possibly throne of some kind, was a familiar blue unicorn, her eyes were covered with cucumber slices, and a pair of mares tended to her, one brushing her mane and tail, the other feeding her grapes while they stood on either side of her. She wore a purple bathrobe with star and moon patterns on it, much like her wizard costume which hung on the wall, and took a sniff at the air. “Someone here to see you, Miss Lulamoon,” the security pony said as he entered after the three. “Is it that so? What could possibly be so important as to interrupt the Great and Powerful Trixie's beauty treatment?” Trixie snapped angrily, pulling the slices from her eyes and turning over, her eyes immediately widening in disbelief when she saw who it was. “Well, look what the timberwolves dragged in!” she said with a haughty smile. “Trixie?! YOU’RE Fancy Pants’ new assistant?” Rarity said, louder then she meant to. “Of course! Did you think the Great and Powerful Trixie’s talents would go unseen for long? With a little persuasion, Trixie convinced Fancy Pants to expand his business into investing and representing both fine and performing arts, given his strong appreciation for them. In return, she has become his assistant and gets sold-out shows quite regularly!” the showmare boasted. “Well, I’m happy for you, Trixie. I’m glad to see you’ve moved up in the world,” Twilight said with a smile, though her nervousness was evident, and Rainbow and Rarity’s disapproving looks only worsened it for her. “Look, if it’s not too much trouble, we kinda need a few favors and we’ll be out of your way… they sorta concern the fate of the world and a pony who got cheated by those who… well, work for you.” “Ahhh yes, Vinyl Scratch! Trixie cannot settle for anything less then the finest deejay in Equestria for the sound management in her performances! Of course Trixie had to make certain she could keep her close by!” She said, rubbing her chin with her hoof as she smirked to herself. “Wait a minute, you did that to her on purpose?!” Rainbow shouted angrily. “Now, now…” Trixie gestured to a poster on the wall which featuring several conduct rules, the first being that none but Trixie may yell in her office. Rainbow promptly facehoofed and glared at the smug showmare. “That was very dirty of you, Trixie. What’ll it take to get her free of you?” Rarity asked. “Oh, just the one million bits she owes!” Trixie said with a hoofwave. “Trixie doesn’t suppose you came up to tell her you have it, or something of equal value to compensate for such a grievous loss on Trixie’s part?” “Well… no. But that’s not the only reason we came up here!” Rainbow said. “Also, we can’t get to the Sapphire Spire, and the library says you checked out a book Twi needs!” Trixie turned and laughed, spreading out her forelegs and allowing her assistants to disrobe her and a pair of unicorns came over and magically dressed her in her wizard costume. “Oh, Trixie is sorry for that, but that won’t be changing any time soon. The Great and Powerful Trixie will reopen the former to tourism in… oh, perhaps another two months. As for the book, Trixie finds it quite insightful for her performances so you may be waiting a while on that one as well.” “We don’t have that long, and that book’s a one-of-a-kind tome, Trixie!” Twilight protested. “Sounds like your problem, not Trixie’s,” the showmare said in a condescending tone. “Just a darn minute here!” Rainbow said furiously, her wings flaring out as she approached Trixie. “I remembered seeing you run off with that Alicorn Statue that messed up the ponies in Fun-Fun Village earlier, and I’ve seen what it did to Pinkie Pie and the FlimFlam brothers! You’re using it for all this aren’t you? Including getting Fancy Pants to ever pay attention to a rank fraud like you!” Trixie’s eyebrow twitched and a livid expression quickly formed on her face. “You DARE to make such absurd claims against the Great and Powerful Trixie with no proof but your word?” “This isn’t a game, Trixie! We need those things now!” Twilight protested. “The Great and Powerful Trixie has half a mind to cast you uncivilized foals back into the streets from out the nearest window for your disrespect, but in an undeserved show of mercy, she will give you this one chance to use the elevator,” Trixie replied, turning her nose up and walking away. “Why I oughta—!!!” Rainbow shouted, furious as she flew right at Trixie, only to be engulfed by an aura of magic by one of the security unicorns. “Show them out at once!” Trixie said, her back turned. “Now you see who is truly the great and powerful one!” the showmare said with a smug laugh as fireworks went off around her for added show while the three were immediately trapped in magic auras and lead out of the plush office and down the hall to the elevator. ~ “Come on, Twi! Lemme go right now! I’m gonna fly right up there and beat that stupid showmare to an inch of her life!” Rainbow shouted, struggling furiously against Twilight’s magical hold as they were once again outside the building. “Rainbow, that’s not gonna accomplish anything! Aside from having a lot of security who knows what else she has there!” Twilight said. “You mentioned an alicorn statue? Do you mean the Alicorn Statue?” “Yeah, why?” Rainbow asked, slowly calming down. “I think I read about it… it was a favored statue in Sombra’s palace during his reign in the Crystal Empire, representing his aspirations for alicornhood that he hoped to achieve one day. Like many of his relics, it stored a lot of dark magic, and corrupts those around it like its accessory cousin, the Alicorn Amulet did, which I recall he made as a sort of first step to achieving power to challenge the Princesses,” Twilight explained. “Good thing they stopped him before he could succeed completely.” “That’s all interesting, Twilight, but it means Trixie’s using it to get all the wealth, fame and glory she ever wanted here, at everypony else’s expense!” Rarity said. “It had made Pinkie Pie crazy and converted an entire village into a party-obsessed cult, perhaps it has affected her… or Fancy Pants!” the unicorn said with a shudder. “Well, that’s one of a lot of things we got on our plate, girls, with no real way of how to handle them,” Twilight said. “I’m sorry I couldn’t get the book, either, Rarity.” “It’s alright, darling. I’ll manage till we can find something to do about all this,” Rarity said, managing a small smile. “Oh! We can check out the Star Reacher!” she said excitedly. “Figures, shopping’s on the mind,” Rainbow said with an sigh. “Not necessarily, Rainbow. I do like to see what my work is up against, and I am in need of new mane and coat care products! Plus I really do not wish to partake in more Neighsian takeout!” Rarity answered, trotting off in the direction of the department store, prompting a synchronized eyeroll from Twilight and Rainbow. “She’s got a point I guess. I haven’t really eaten recently, either. And maybe somewhere fun will help us think of what to do next,” Twilight said. Right as she and Rainbow followed Rarity, a loud and all-too-familiar fanfare sounded off, stopping all three mares on their tracks as an equally familiar serpentine figure descended from above and landed before them. “Awww, tough time, my little ponies?” Discord asked with a chuckle. “Well, I think you three should know the drill by now,” he said, making a camera appear before him. “Closer together and say… Fuzzy pickles!” A snapping sound was heard, and the photo was taken, immortalizing the three ponies all facehoofing where they stood. ~ “Now this Prance parfait is delightful!” Rarity said with a grin as she sipped some more of her decorative beverage down as they all sat in the massive food court. Twilight, meanwhile, had gotten herself a decently-sized salad while Rainbow had chosen only a cup of hay fries due to having filled herself earlier. “Glad you like it, Rarity," Rainbow answered. "But we’re still no where closer to any leads. Getting the book, getting to the sanctuary, stopping Sombra, kicking Trixie’s flank into next year, or even getting Vinyl out from under her hoof!” “We’ll never get the bits for that, we’d need something of enough value that the Bridleway theater would be obligated to accept,” Twilight said. “But wouldn’t we need to take it to Trixie? She could just say no or move the goal post further!” Rainbow said, munching on some hay fries. “Not necessarily,” Twilight said with a smirk. “Vinyl’s debt is likely managed by the theater, she’s contractually bound to work there, and I’m sure Trixie doesn’t have the patience to personally oversee it and probably left it with them. We pay the theater manager, they’ll need to accept and terminate Vinyl’s contract… with or without Trixie’s approval... we start small and handle this first, maybe Vinyl will know something that can help us handle the rest of our problems.” Rainbow grinned. “I like that idea. If anything so I can see the look on Trixie’s face when she finds out.” “Not to be the party-pooper,” Rarity began. “But where are we going to find anything of such value to clear a one million bit debt? Even the gems I found in the cave near Fun-Fun Village are more suited for fashion decoration and wouldn’t reach that level of appraisal combined. Could you maybe ask Celestia to send the money?” “Rarity, I may be her personal student, and have my connections, but even that’s asking a little too much. Besides, Celestia’s having enough stress as it is with all that’s happened… I can’t put that kind of pressure on her if there are alternatives we can use.” “You ponies lookin’ for a way to make money?” a stallion asked as he approached. “I don’t do exotic modeling, or service myself on season,” Rainbow deadpanned, causing the stallion to laugh, and Rarity immediately recognized him. “Wait, you’re that miner I saw at the station!” Rarity said. “Sure am! Name’s Dig Site by the way. Thanks for the sandwich by the way! I was ready to keel over any second and it held me another hour!” the earth pony said. “So what brings you out here?” Twilight asked. “Funny thing, that. Here me an’ the others were, tunneling away, we found a gold vein in there! Not to mention plenty of gems, too! Probably would do wonders for renovatin’ this city a bit! But anyway next thing we know… a couple’a diamond dogs show up! They chased the lot of us out and sealed off the entrance! Some city guards tried to tunnel in but… well I think anypony knows those guys’re way better with dirt then ponies! Till further notice, we’re off-duty but anypony that can get back in there can get some nice compensation!” he said with a shrug. “Tell you what, handsome,” Rarity said with her most charming smile. “What if the three of us help you get the tunnels back, will we be compensated, maybe… keep what we find?” “Heh, big talk, there, young lady!” the miner said. “I’ve dealt with those unsavory mutts before! Ask any of my friends! We get them out, we can keep whatever we feel is worth the job?” Rarity asked, batting her eyes. The miner laughed. “Tell ya what, you somehow pull that off, you can keep whatever you want in there and we’ll call it even… provided you leave enough behind to go to the city.” “Why thank you, sir! You’re too kind!” Rarity said with a toss of her mane and she trotted toward the stairs. Shrugging at the miner, Twilight and Rainbow then followed their friend to their next destination. ~ “This must be it!” Rainbow said, looking at the mounds of dirt that surrounded the three of them as they stood on the hilltop one teleportation spell later. Several authorities and a few miners stood near what the three presumed was the entrance. “We’ll need to teleport in. Don’t wanna be seen and have to deal with questions,” Twilight said. “Just don’t teleport us into a bunch of dirt. I don’t want my shower to have gone completely to waste!” Rarity said. “Whatever, I’m just ready to let off a lot of steam on these diamond dogs!” Rainbow said with a grin. “Alright, hold on tight, girls!” Twilight said, focusing the magic of her horn as her friends held onto her before the three of them vanished in a flash of light and into the sealed mine…