//------------------------------// // Act 2 Scene 5: Bluebelle's Turn // Story: Bluebelle of the Ball, The Musical // by mr lovecolt //------------------------------// “This is a stupid idea.” Boreas chuckled as he place a white flower in Bluebelle’s mane. “Nonsense.” He said. “Think of it as reinventing yourself.” He pushed the neckline of the dress down a little. “Remember, We aren’t trying to make Fleur look bad, we’re just making you look better than her.” He tapped his chin in thought and then lifted Bluebelle’s mane from underneath the dress. “There. Now aren’t you just the cat’s pyjamas?” She lifted an eyebrow at him. “Hey, isn’t it supposed to be the Roaring Twenties in here? Take a look.” Bluebelle let out a soft laugh as she turned to the mirror. Her eyes widened when she saw how she looked in the dress. It was black and reached down just past her knees. Covering it were lines of sequins that spread out from a central point just at her barrel, as though a silver sun shone in a night sky. At the hemline of the dress were rows of silver fringe that stretched down to her cannons. Boreas had pinned her mane back with the flower, leaving a good deal of her neckline open. She smiled at her reflection. “Cat’s pyjamas?” Came a voice from behind. “I’d say more like the bee’s knees.” Zephyrus stood at the doorway and looked at the two of them as they put the finishing touches on Bluebelle’s outfit. “I wondered where the two of you went. And then father said that you two were back here scheming.” He cast his gaze between the two. “Boreas, I expect it from you, but Your Highness, what is he is trying to do?” “We’re trying to help love bloom.” Boreas replied dramatically. “Is that a crime?” “It depends. Are you using a potion?” “Like the one you accidentally made with Golden Dream?” “Boys!” Bluebelle shouted as she turned to the two Anemoi who were now inches away from each other. “We will not bring my ancestors into this. Zephyrus, we need your help. Can you get the others back here?” “Why can’t Boreas go back out there?” Boreas gently touched his cheek. “Oh, right. Well, then, Your Highness, I will do as you command. I’m assuming father knows about this?” “Of course he does.” she replied. “Well then, if he feels this is a good decision, then I will be back shortly.” Zephyrus turned and trotted back to the door. “Oh, and Your Highness. Good luck.” He bowed his head and disappeared into the hall. Bluebelle turned back to the mirror to look at her reflection. “Do you think it’ll work?” “Oh, Bluebelle.” He replied as he leaned his head down next to her and stared into her reflection as well. “I have no idea.” Bluebelle rolled her eyes. “But what I do know is that this is now more than just about Dusk, or Fleur. This is about you. You trust Dusk, yes?” She nodded. “Then trust him when he says that most of those ponies out there deserve a chance to be trusted, too.” He hugged her and then went to the door. “We’ll be waiting for you. Oh, and one more thing.” “What?” She turned to the doorway. “Have fun.” Boreas bowed. “Your Highness.” And with that, he disappeared in the hall behind Zephyrus. Bluebelle turned back to the mirror and looked back at her reflection. She took a deep breath and leaned in. “Showtime.” ***** Dusk Shine cantered alongside the walls of the ballroom, looking for Fleur De Lis. Such a large crowd, he thought, I can’t even find the top of her head. He stopped for a moment as he passed the animal sculptures, coming to rest just beneath the elephant’s risen forelegs. Bluebelle needs to hurry up and make her appearance, he thought, no, find your date first, then worry about Bluebelle. He looked for a familiar face among the crowd and smiled when he saw a white stallion staring out the window. “Elusive,” he called out as he neared him, “Thank Celestia I found somepony. Have you seen Fleur?” “My guess is she’s on a balcony nearby.” He replied, unable to tear his gaze away from the darkened scene in the window. “What are you looking at?” “Oh, nothing.” He replied as he levitated a glass of wine to his lips. Dusk Shine took a step back and began to turn, but a hoof grabbing his foreleg stopped him. “Dusk.” Elusive began, taking another sip of wine. “Do be sure to always keep your wits about you.” “Elusive, how much have you had to drink?” “This is only my first glass, I’ll have you know.” Dusk Shine nodded and cantered away, leaving Elusive to stare out at the window. Out of the corner of his eye, he swore he could see a wing flapping in the night. He turned just in time to see his friend leave the ballroom. He squinted his eyes and finished the rest of his wine. “Um, Elusive?” Elusive felt a hoof land softly on his withers, and he turned to see Butterscotch with his gaze off to the side. “Oh, what is it, darling?” “Well, I didn’t mean to listen in on what you said, and I’m really sorry that I did, so please don’t be angry with me.” He answered, appearing as though he was frightened to look up. “But why were you warning Dusk?” “Butterscotch, dear.” He said, levitating the empty glass to a nearby table. “It’s difficult to explain, but you remember the Photo Finish incident, right?” Butterscotch met his gaze for a moment, closed his eyes, and nodded. “Remember how you always had to hide beneath that hat and pair of sunglasses? Well, just remember that most of the ponies here are in the same situation.” He looked away again. “They’re just waiting for somepony to make a mistake.” “I… I don’t really want to be here, Elusive.” “Butterscotch.” Elusive looked down and saw that Butterscotch was trembling. He immediately reached out to hold him against his barrel, brushing his hooves against his mane. “Nopony said that you had to stay here. It’s all right. Besides,” he pulled Butterscotch away and looked down at him, “Don’t you have some garden animals to try to make your friends?” Butterscotch nodded, and Elusive couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. “Then go.” Butterscotch smiled and began to trot away, making sure not to get in the way of any other pony in the room. Elusive looked out to the band and started to head towards the hors d’oeuvres, but stopped when he felt two hooves wrap around him. “Thank you.” Elusive watched as Butterscotch trotted away again, but more quickly this time. He turned his head back and forth to see if many ponies saw the scene before finding a young mare carrying a tray of wine glasses. “Waiter.” ***** “Fleur!” Dusk Shine stood at the doorway to the balcony, looking out to where Fleur De Lis stood. The moon had already risen into the sky and was just above her head, casting a shadow across the stone and stretching it towards him. Before he could move towards her, she slowly turned her body around so that her dress flowed just behind her hooves. He smiled as her dress captured the moonlight, casting a glow all around her. As he trotted towards her, he could see a hint of a smile on her muzzle, but then she immediately turned away. “Fleur, what’s wrong? Are you not having a good time?” “What?” She replied, tilting her head towards him. “Oh, I’m fine, Dusk.” She looked down at the rose that she had placed in one of the straps on her dress and levitated it in front of her. “I’m having a wonderful time.” “This is partly because of you, so you have every right to be enjoying yourself.” She smiled out into the gardens below. Dusk Shine looked down and swore he could see a yellow pegasus walking between the trees. “To be honest, this feels almost like a fairy tale. Me, at a ball, with a prince.” She laughed to herself and tapped Dusk Shine’s muzzle with the rose. “Well,” Dusk Shine rubbed the back of his neck. “To be honest, I’ve never…” He stammered. “What I mean to say is that I’ve never done anything like this before.” “Oh, so this is your first date with a mare?” She replied as a grin formed. “Well, at least on that subject I’m sure I can help you.” Dusk Shine blushed. “Oh, stop that. You look too cute when you blush. It’s not fair to me.” His eyes widened as she took a step towards him. “W-what do you mean?” “Well, you like to read, so let’s put it this way.” She moved until they were inches apart from one another. “The stallion runs out to the balcony just as the music dies down. He sees his date beneath the light of the moon, and confesses that he’s never been so much as kissed before.” She smiled. “What do you think happens next?” “I…” Dusk Shine began to close his eyes. “I-I think.” The crashing of a pair of cymbals in the ballroom caught Dusk Shine’s attention, and he jerked his head away and galloped to the entrance. He could hear the voice of a stallion calling out on the microphone fillies and gentlecolts. “Oh no! We’re going to miss the presentation of Bluebelle!” He galloped away, leaving Fleur De Lis alone on the balcony. “Oh, come on!” She shouted to herself as she galloped after him. They arrived in the ballroom at the same time, just as Boreas trotted out to the center of the stage. She and Dusk Shine managed to make their way to the front of the crowd just at the front of the stage. The band’s podium had been divided, and from the middle, the Anemoi walked onto the stage. Here she is, colts! Princess of Winds! Here's Bluebelle! The band began to play and Bluebelle pushed her way out from behind the curtain. Dusk Shine looked to his left and saw that both Princess Celestia and Luna now stood to the side with their mouths agape. Clear the snow! Bring the Spring! Get ‘em, Zephyrus! Dusk Shine turned to his other side and saw his friends. He watched Elusive’s eyes widen and then he finished yet another glass of wine. You want the story of the winds Well now, I write it! You want it? Well, I’ll tell it! “Oh, I love stories, especially when they involve-” Bubble Berry started to speak, but Elusive placed a hoof in his mouth to silence him. Some ponies wonder if Pegasi Control the winds when they work with the sky This pony does it and this pony’s bringin’ ‘em by! Bluebelle pointed to all of the Anemoi who had gathered on the stage. You see these ponies? Well I lead ‘em! Hello, everypony! Meet Apeliotes, the southeast wind! He helps you with your farming, Mr. Applejack! His gentle wind carries pollen And it keeps the crops from stallin’ “Please, excuse me.” He heard Elusive whisper as he backed away from the stage. For a moment, Elusive shot him a glance that went between Fleur De Lis and himself. He watched for just a moment as he galloped out of the room, and then turned back to the stage. Ready or not, shhh, here’s their roll call Skiron blows the leaves Through the Autumn trees Next up here comes Lips He sails through the ships Eurus brings the rain With his eastern wind Notus brings a lot of wind to make it hot Kaikias commands storm winds through the lands Boreas? Boreas? He brings winter’s snow And then he will go For the spring’s warm glow Zephyrus? Zephyrus? Boreas let him go! Bluebelle galloped to the side of the stage where the two Anemoi were currently wrestling. As she pulled them apart, they both looked down at the stage. “Sorry, Your Highness.” Bluebelle smiled and turned back to the crowd. Put ‘em together They help the weather Pegasi work with me in the background I used to fear that everypony Was out to get me But thanks to the new Prince of Friendship All my life I worried for nothing Thanks a lot for helping me to see That more ponies out there are like me Bluebelle reached the part of the stage where Dusk Shine and Fleur De Lis stood. He swayed from side to side as the band played on. And now it seems Life can be a dream, Luna I just could not see, Dusky “I knew I wasn’t the only one who thought of that name!” Bubble Berry shouted, spitting out the drink that was in his mouth. “Yeah… Great.” Shining Armor replied, wiping the sassparilla from his mane. And since you helped me to see To trust when I see Canterlot ponies! The lights in front of the stage flashed, and a line of guards appeared on stage. Well, starting today, you see a new me! I want to make new friends with you! All who thought I was good for nothing Now you know my place in this world! Starting now I trust in friendship! Back off guards, I’m doing it my way! As she crossed the stage, Bluebelle pushed each guard off and replaced them with one of the Anemoi. Aeolus began to rush toward the stage, but Celestia and Luna held him back and simply shook their heads. The Anemoi began to chant as Bluebelle returned to the center of the stage. See all the winds listen to Bluebelle! All the winds listen to Bluebelle! All the winds listen to Bluebelle! They come to me! Zehpyrus looked around the audience and then turned to Bluebelle. He began to gently blow through his lips. The wind lifted Bluebelle’s mane and tail so that it flowed around her haunches and her withers. To me! To me! To me! To me! To me! To me! Bluebelle threw herself onto her hind legs and waved her forelegs in the air. The Anemoi were busy staring out to the crowd pointing at Bluebelle. For a few moments, the ballroom was silent. And then the cheering started. Bluebelle looked out onto the audience, but even the fact that the other princesses were clapping at the front of the crowd with Aeolus wasn’t what caught Bluebelle’s attention; it was Dusk Shine’s smile. He had covered his muzzle with both hooves and his eyes lit up brighter than the stage lights. She turned to each of the Anemoi, who looked at her and bowed, until she reached Boreas, who winked at her. She trotted to the microphone stand and made her announcement. “Fillies and gentlecolts.” Bluebelle said with a small smile on her muzzle. “I want to thank everypony for coming out tonight!” The crowd cheered and she couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “I also want to thank my aunties for their support. I want to thank His Excellency, King of the Winds, King Aeolus.” She turned to him, and he looked straight back at her, his smile beaming through the room. “Obviously, the Anemoi.” The crowd cheered with two notable exceptions, both of them casting harsh glares at Boreas. “And I can honestly say that this night wouldn’t have happened without the help of two particular ponies. Prince Dusk Shine and Fleur De Lis.” She turned to the two as the crowd cheered for them, Dusk Shine slowly turned around so that he could smile and wave, but she saw that Fleur De Lis kept her gaze to her. “And now, let’s get back to the party. Let’s dim the lights. And have fun, everypony!” Fleur De Lis’s eyes widened as the lights began to dim. No, she thought, the lighting. The lights! She began to pull on Dusk Shine’s hoof as she made her way back to the balcony. “Dusk, Dusk, I think I need some air. Won’t you accompany me?” She began to pull him toward the hall when she bumped into another pony. “Watch where you’re-” She shouted, but stopped when she saw Butterscotch trembling at the floor, next to a concerned Elusive. “I’m so sorry.” He said. “I-I wasn’t watching where I was going. I didn’t spill anything on you, did I? Did I ruin your dress?” Elusive glared at Fleur De Lis for a moment, sighed, and helped Butterscotch up. “I-I’m really sorry, Fleur.” “Now, don’t worry, Butterscotch, dear.” Elusive replied as he held the pegasus. “No harm no foul. Fleur, weren’t you about to apologize to Butterscotch?” Fleur De Lis watched as the lights began to dim around them, outside, she watched as the balcony area was consumed by shadows. She blinked a few times, and then turned to the three stallions with a smile plastered on her muzzle. “Yes… sorry… I’m a bit… out of sorts…” You know your part. Her eyes darted from Butterscotch to Dusk Shine and then to Elusive, the implications of what happened finally becoming apparent. Do not make me regret this. “At the moment.” She turned to the stage at the curtains where Bluebelle had ducked away to. I took a huge risk hiring you. “Please, excuse me.” She cantered away and leapt onto the stage. The curtain glowed in her aura, and she pushed it away and galloped into the darkness. ***** “Magnificent!” “Your Highness, you were amazing!” Bluebelle couldn’t help but not laugh at the antics of the stallions before her. One by one, they hugged her and continued to blurt out compliments. “Did you see how excited the ponies were?” “Did you see the look on father’s face when we knocked those guards off of the stage?” “Brothers, please!” Zephyrus shouted as he got the others under control. He turned to Bluebelle. “Your Highness, that performance, how do they say it… made the mountains crack.” “Oh, please.” Boreas replied. “It was simply top drawer!” “You guys.” Bluebelle laughed as she held a hoof out. “The idioms are getting out of hoof. Listen, you guys go back out there, I’m going to get dressed and I’ll see you all later, okay?” “You heard the bearcat.” Boreas continued, “Let’s blouse.” Bluebelle rolled her eyes at the statement and turned back to the dressing room mirror. The Anemoi filed out of the room, leaving Bluebelle to finish getting ready. She levitated her ballgown off of the ponnequin in the corner of the room and smiled to herself. “I can’t believe I let myself do that.” She said to herself as she pulled the flower out of her mane. “Neither can I.” Bluebells gasped and turned to the doorway, where Fleur De Lis stood glaring at her. As the enraged mare began to trot towards her, she instinctively backed up until she hit the wall. “Fleur, what are you doing back here?” She slammed the door shut behind her and kept moving forward, her lips quivering as she found the words. “Do you realize… what your little stunt did?” Fleur De Lis’ eyes shot left and right, as though she couldn’t even focus on any one part of her. “The planning that I did… helping him plan this ridiculous party of yours.” “Fleur, please, I know it will be hard to believe, but this had nothing to do with you. I just-” “I know!” She shouted. “I know it had nothing to do with me! It was about Dusk!” She laughed to herself. “You know how it works in Canterlot. Out of all the stallions… Hoity Toity, Fancy Pants… why him? Why now?” “Listen, Fleur.” Bluebelle replied. “He’s different. He made me see that it actually doesn’t have to be this way. We don’t have to use each other. I’m sure if you listen to him, you’ll see that-” “Listen to him? Really? Two days with him and you expect me to believe that he’s changed you, just like that?” She stomped her hoof onto the floor. “You don’t get it. The pictures from tonight were my last chance to-” She stopped herself. “Bravo, Bluebelle. Bravo. Not only do you destroy everything that I’ve worked so hard for, but you also get to play the heroine, too.” “Fleur, I-” “And just last night.” She continued as her eyes began to water. “Just last night you were trying to convince me that you were above all of this. You’d played the game even better than I did. You see, we are just the same, aren’t we?” “She is nothing like you.” Fleur De Lis sighed and closed her eyes. Bluebelle watched as the door slowly opened and Dusk Shine took a tentative step in. He stopped at the doorway, but refused to turn his gaze up to the two mares. “Elusive told me… to follow you… to make sure you were… okay.” He took a sudden inhale. “Fleur… everything you-” He closed his eyes. “Everything?” Fleur De Lis scoffed and turned around. She stepped forward, but then stopped and turned her head to Bluebelle. “I guess this is checkmate, isn’t it, Bluebelle?” She made her way to Dusk Shine, levitated the rose from her dress strap, and let it float in between the two of them. “Welcome to Canterlot, Your Highness.” Her aura disappeared from the rose and it fell to the floor. “You’ll get used to it.” She looked straight ahead and trotted past Dusk Shine without a further glance, and disappeared into the hallway. Bluebelle heard the ticking of a small clock on the wall. A minute passed with only the sound of their breathing. Finally, Bluebelle walked to Dusk Shine, but when she held her hoof out to him, he took a step back. “Dusk.” She whispered. Dusk Shine took another step back and headed to the door. “Your performance was wonderful, Bluebelle.” A moment later, he too was gone. Bluebelle stood there, her gaze cast down to the fallen rose. ***** Elusive stood near the castle entrance, his gaze moving back and forth between the hall that led to the ballroom and the one that led to the kitchen. He heard the sound of a dress trailing on the floor, and looked over to see Fleur De Lis galloping towards him. When she got there, the two of them simply stood and looked at one another. “You told him to make sure I was okay? Really?” “Isn’t that what a gentlecolt would do?” “It truly is a shame.” Fleur De Lis laughed. “You’ll never have what it takes to make it here.” Elusive shrugged. “That’s your opinion. As I said, I like to play the long game. I’ll find my time to strike.” He smiled. “If there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s bide my time. I managed to play a little part in knocking you off, didn’t I?” “You knew?” She asked. “Your little photographer isn’t very good at hiding.” “At least I was able to get on the board.” Fleur De Lis smirked and cantered to the entryway. “Just you wait.” He replied after her. When she was gone, Elusive heard another set of hooves approach. “Bubble Berry, we have work to do.” “Yeah,” The pink stallion replied. “About that. Are you sure it’s still a good idea, Lucy? I mean, the ponies there really seem to like Bluebelle.” “Yes, I’m sure they do.” Elusive said as he placed his hooves on Bubble Berry’s withers. “But come on. Greatest prank, remember?” He smiled at Elusive, and together, the two of them made their way back down the hall to the kitchen.