//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: Opening Night // Story: Cheerilee's Hearth's Warming Play // by Talon and Thorn //------------------------------// Cheerilee took a quick peek through the curtains. The room beyond was, if not packed to capacity, very full. Row after row of ponies were sitting in seats or even on the floor chatting quietly with each other. Many of them had dressed up for the occasion, Cheerilee didn’t think she’s seen so many well attired Ponyvillians since the gala. There in the centre were her fellow element bearers, minus Trixie and Lyra, and their guests. Raindrops was in the centre flanked by her parents, the yellow pegasus still looked tired but more awake than she’d seemed over the last few days. To her right sat Carrot Top dressed in her finest. Sitting next to her, in a position Cheerilee liked to think maybe a touch closer than was socially acceptable for ‘just friends’, was Written Script with a pink cravat tied around his neck. On Raindrop’s right was Ditzy, the mailmare was talking to Macintosh Apple who was crouched next to her, beyond him was the rest of the local Apple Clan taking up most of the rest of the row. Behind them sat the Riches. Cheerilee’s eyes scanned the rest of the crowd recognising a good chunk of Ponyville’s population, parents and non parents alike. There were even a few strangers here and there, was that Viscount Blueblood sitting next to Pinkie Pie half way back? Had word of her little play even reached Canterlot? Trying to put the thought aside for the moment Cheerilee turned back to the area behind her. If there could be said to be an aura of quiet anticipation from the audience, it was a much louder aura backstage. In the cramped area over two dozen foals were rushing, tugging at their costumes, trying to get into position for the start of the show. They were barely being controlled by Trixie and Lyra. “Alright my little ponies!” called Cheerilee waiting for the chaos to abate, it didn’t slow one iota, “My little ponies!” she repeated with a bit more force. This time the crowd froze and turned to face her. “Good. Now it’s almost time to start and I want you all to know how very proud I am of all your hard work so far, I’m sure this is going to be one of the best Hearth’s Warming Pageants ever!” she lit her face up with a wide grin, inside she couldn’t help feeling a little nervous, there was still quite a bit which could go wrong, but now wasn’t the time to think of that. She nodded to Lyra, who took her cue and began to herd the band around the back to their spot just off stage. “Right, positions everypony,” called Cheerilee, “Do we have everypony? Earth ponies?” The small herd of sack cloth dressed ponies nodded excitedly. Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara, the latter holding her hat in her mouth, glared at each other before joining in. “Pegasus?” With a hum of wings the flying contingent lifted into the air. Cheerilee deftly nudged Bee Bop so that the excited pegasus zoomed towards the correct side of the stage. “Awsome!” called Scootaloo. “Unicorns?” the colourfully dressed foals nodded, several horns flashing in excitement. Alone amongst them Dinky looked down, still upset by her earlier actions. Cheerilee gave her a gentle smile. “Stage hoofs?” she looked over at the opposite side of the stage where a mixed herd had gathered around Trixie. The unicorn nodded. “Prompter?” Snails looked up from the papers in front of him. “Ready!” he cried. “Narrator?” said Cheerilee, outside she could make out the first few bars of the band's opening number. Alula stood near the curtain, the little yellow filly looked even paler than normal and her legs were shaking slightly. She looked up at her teacher and opened her mouth but only a slight squeak came out. Quick as a flash Cheerilee was next to the stage struck foal and rested a calming hoof on her back. “There’s no need to be frightened, you’ve done this dozens of times before. Remember what Trixie told you, just think of the audience in funny costumes. Some of them are wearing them already,” she pointed out towards a fat stallion just about fitting into a colourful red and yellow suit. “Don’t be shy, you’re a really good narrator!” said Firelock encouragingly. “I’m sorry what I said earlier,” said Dinky hopping from hoof to hoof, “You have a really good voice. Alula opened her mouth again, looking from face to face around the backstage area. “Ok,” she squeaked, “Ok, I’m ready,” she repeated with more volume. “Good,” said Cheerilee, first disaster averted. “Ok, everypony break a leg!” she announced, then quickly added, “That’s just a saying, we don’t want anypony to get hurt.” Around the stage one by one the magical light faded into the darkness and the crowd became silent. Suddenly a spotlight illuminated the centre of the stage, there stood a yellow filly with a purple mane, a simple crown on her brow indicating she was supposed to represent Princess Luna Equestris. For a moment the filly shuffled uncomfortably in the light before glancing into the crowd where a unicorn and pegasus couple sat smiling on with pride. Relaxing a little Alula began to speak. “Once upon a time,” she intoned, “long before the peaceful rule of Luna, and before ponies discovered our beautiful land of Equestria, the tribes did not know harmony. It was a strange and dark time. A time when ponies were torn apart... by hatred!” A loud gasp erupted from a pink pony in the audience. Behind the filly the curtains opened to reveal a horde of small ponies of all tribes going about their daily lives. “During this dark and friendless age,” continued the narrator, “Each of the three tribes – the Pegasi,” her small wings snapped open, “the unicorns,” her horn glowed brightly, “and the Earth ponies,” she stamped the ground once, “cared not for what befell the other tribes, but only for their own welfare.” Behind her the various tribe members stopped in their actions and turned to eye each other uneasily. “In those troubled times, as now, the Pegasi were the stewards of the weather. But they demanded something in return. Food that could only be grown by the Earth ponies.” Several of the earth ponies handed over various consumables to the pegasus who flew off with them. “The unicorns demanded the same, in return for creating metal tools.” The same action was repeated although the smallest earth pony didn’t seem keen to part with the carrot he was holding and a brief scuffle broke out until some hissed instructions from off stage broke up the fight. There was some quiet laughter from the audience. “And so, mistrust between the tribes grew, and grew, until one fateful day when mysterious blizzards overtook the land, and shattered the tribes’ precarious peace.” There were some oohs and ahhs from the audience as snow started to materialise over the stage. All of the actors began to shake, some of them stamping their hooves together to keep warm. “The earth ponies were unable to farm their land. The Pegasi fared no better, the snow refused to answer their call. Even the unicorns' magic was powerless. Each tribe blamed the others for their suffering,” On stage the various actors started to stomp and glare at each other, some of them equipped with weapons began to point them angrily. It looked like fighting would break out but before it could the curtains swung closed again. “The worse the arguments got,” continued Alula stepping towards the side of the stage. “The colder it became.” She raised her voice to try and hide the sound of shuffling behind the curtain as the set was changed. “And so it was decided that a meeting would be held to figure out a way to deal with the climate change.” Trixie quickly used her aura to shuffle various bits and pieces of set onto stage ably assisted by the rest of the stage crew. She kept one ear pointed towards the front where Alula was completing the opening monologue. “Ok, all done?” she hissed as the last of the set was put in place. The foals all nodded and the principle actors rushed forwards to take their places around the large table set in the middle of the stage. Taking a nearby rope in her mouth Trixie yanked on it letting the curtains drop while at the same time grabbing Featherweight in her aura as the colt tried to rush forwards to straighten one last prop. “I, Princess Platinum of the unicorn tribe,” declared Dinky as the scene started, “Welcome you all to this summit.” She glanced out into the audience and for the first time was struck by how many ponies were watching her, it seemed like the entirety of Ponyville was present. It made excited tingles spread along her back. She struggled to remember her lines as the big spot light at the back lit up the table she sat next to. “Greetings to you Commander Hurricane of the pegasus,” Scootaloo, looking very impressive in her armour glared fearlessly out towards the audience. “and Chancellor Puddinghead of the earth ponies.” Applebloom’s eyes tracked out to her family and she gave a quick wave before turning to scowl at her fellow tribal leaders. “All I wanna know is why the Earth ponies are hogging all the food!” yelled Scootaloo smacking a hoof on the table. “We'll we’re the ones doing all the farming!” replied Apple Bloom just as angrily, “Which would be easier of you feather headed pegasus that are making it snow all the time!” “it's not us!” yelled Scootaloo again, “We're not making it snow! It must be the unicorns!” she stuck out a hoof at Dinky, “They're doing it with their freaky magic!” For a moment Dinky feared the filly was still angry at her for being so bosy, then she remembered this was just part of the play and struggled to concentrate.“How dare you!” she screeched her voice cracking, she paused for a moment fearful the audience had noticed but they continued to watch impassively. “This whole crisis is down to you bird brained pegasus and you brutish earth ponies,” she cried. As she continued her confidence started to increase, it was actually quite fun to get to say things like this, that she never could under normal situations. “Bird Brained!” yelled Scootaloo, “I will not stand here and take these insults.” “Why, where do you normally stand?” asked Apple Bloom sticking out her tongue causing laughter from the audience. “That’s it! I’m leaving,” yelled Scootaloo galloping towards the edge of the stage. “Commander, return this instant,” commanded Dinky, “I am sure the Chancellor just couldn’t control herself.” “Sure, us brutes don’t mean anything we say, your royal snootiness!” yelled Apple Bloom heading off the stage in the opposite direction. “I am a princess! I won't be spoken to that way!” cried Dinky taking her cue to head towards the third exit at the back of the stage. She tried to keep one eye on her mother sitting in the audience grinning at her filly and failed to notice as she walked straight into one of the pillars making up the meeting room set. Being made of lightweight wood and canvas it fell with a snapping sound. Dinky froze in place, the blood rushing from her face, she’d broken the set! What had she done! She’d ruined the play! “Don’t worry!” hissed Cheerilee from one side gesturing to the filly, “Just carry on!” Dinky blinked still frozen in shock, she could just about hear a few mutters from the crowd behind her. “Just carry on!” repeated Cheerilee. Finally able to move again Dinky picked herself up and tottered off stage. Off to the side of the stage the spotlight once again centered on Alula as she continued her narration with more confidence. “And the blizzard raged on...” There was a ghostly neighing generated by Pip which caused Cheerilee to shudder a little as she reached out to Dinky. “I’m sorry miss, I’m really sorry,” sobbed the filly. “It’s alright, accidents happen,” she said soothingly as she gestured to Scootaloo and Bee Bop to take their places on stage for their next scene. “I really messed up!” Cheerilee’s eyes nervously flickered to the stage, Dinky would be needed back on there in only a minute or two. She’d have to sort this out quickly. “It was just a bit of a trip, if that’s the worst that happens tonight then we’re be doing well.” “I was mean to the rest of the foals, maybe I don’t deserve to be Platinum.” “Yes, you do you’re a really good actress,” said Firelock trotting up ready for her scene. “No, I’m not,” insisted Dinky,” I just broke the set!” “We’ll we’re not going to use it again anyway,” reasoned Cheerilee. “I suppose so,” said Dinky brightening a little. “And yes you were mean,” said Firelock, “but you said sorry and we forgive you. Maybe you can be a bit bossy sometimes, but you meant the best.” “Tha... thanks,” said Dinky drying her eyes. “Are you ready to go back on stage?” asked Cheerilee as the pegasus scene came to an end. “Yes miss,” said Dinky. Firelock nodded. “Good, off you go!” The two unicorns trotted back into the spotlight. On the opposite side of the stage Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara were sitting staring at each other waiting for their first scene together. Apple Bloom glanced at the hat the other other filly had in her mouth. Diamond hadn’t put it on yet, she almost suspected that her rival knew what she’d done, but she hadn’t mentioned anything. The tension was starting to grate on her. “I’m not going to let you sabotage the play,” she snapped breaking the silence. “I’m not!” exclaimed Diamond Tiara, “I’m trying to get back the role you stole from me!” She glanced over towards the area where the too small window was positioned, ready to be carried on to stage. She felt her nerves twang with anticipation, and a little guilt. “Ah didn’t steal it, Miss Cheerilee gave it to me fair and square!” Diamond glanced out towards the audience. “I told my daddy I was going to be Puddinghead.” She turned back and glared at Apple Bloom. “He was so proud, he came home from work early and we went out to get ice cream together!” She’d had lemon, and had laughed when her father had slathered his muzzle in his own ice cream and had made a show of licking it off. “I thought you were rich enough to get ice cream whenever you wanted.” “Of course I am!” snarled Diamond, “Just not always with Daddy,” she trailed off, looking down at the ground. “What... what’s it like?” asked Apple Bloom hesitantly. “What’s what like?” snapped Diamond. “To have a Ma and Pa?” Diamond looked up in surprise and Apple Bloom looked away embarrassed. “It’s... it’s normal, it’s nice, my daddy is one of the smartest, richest, nicest stallions around and I know he thinks I’m the most special filly in the world... it’s just that he doesn’t always have the time to be with me when I want him to, because his job’s so important, Barnyard Bargains is the biggest shop in town afterall.” “Yeah, the Acres is important to and Applejack has so much to do as well, but at least Granny or Mac’s normally around, or even one of my cousins or some of the help,” she glanced out into the audience where her family were laughing at Dinky and Firelocks antics. “What’s it like having lots of family?” asked Diamond quietly. “Well it's nice to always have someone around to talk to, to feel that you’re part of something bigger, helping to feed ponies all over Equestria. Don’t you have any cousins or the like?” “Only gramps Stinkin and he lives in Mareami now, we don’t see him very often,” her ears perked up, “But he should be arriving for the holidays tomorrow.” “Tell you what,” said Apple Bloom tracing a pattern on the floor with her hoof, “I won’t do anything to make you look bad in front of your family, if you don’t do anything to make me look bad in front of mine.” “Well I suppose so,” mumbled Diamond, “Puddinghead might be related to your stupid family after all, and Smart Cookie is kind of better, she was one of the first friends after all, so deal.” “Good!” said Apple Bloom spitting on her hoof and holding it out. Diamond Tiara grimaced and gingerly touched the wet limb. “Now, um, ah may have sort of put something in your hat,” said Apple Bloom awkwardly. “What did you do with grans hat!” gasped Diamond staring into it. “That was your granny’s hat?” asked Apple Bloom suddenly feeling much worse. “Yes, Daddy said I could borrow it for the play, I’ve always really liked it!” “We’ll ah sort of put itching powder in it,” said Apple Bloom guiltily. “Don’t worry it’ll brush right out given a bit of effort,” she said continued seeing Diamond’s horrified expression. “We’re on in a minute! There’s no time! You’ve ruined it now, daddy was so proud I was using the hat,” for a moment it looked like the filly was going to burst into tears. “I really am sorry!” exclaimed Apple Bloom, she glanced around and her eye caught on a discarded copy of the script. “Fill the hat with this!” she cried, “It’ll stop the powder getting on you, we can clean it out during the interval!” “Will this really work?” asked Diamond as the two of them started to layer the paper into the hat. “Certain,” said Apple Bloom with somewhat false cheer. “There you go,” she plopped the hat into Diamond’s head. The filly winced for a moment waiting for a wave of itching to pass down her head but nothing seemed to happen. “I think it’s working!” “Girls!” cried Cheerilee, “Girls you’re on!” The two fillies heads swung around to see that the unicorn scene had just come to an end. “I sabotaged the window!” hissed Diamond, “You’ll get stuck!” Apple Bloom her hooves already carrying her onto the stage suddenly stopped. “What, you... why?” “Sorry! You did put itching powder in grans hat!” “Ok, just get on stage, think of something!” Diamond rushed forwards into the lights, she gawped for a moment looking out into the crowd and all the ponies in it, including her parents. Then back at Apple Bloom. “Why... why are you using the chimney to enter Chancellor?” asked Diamond Tiara hesitantly, “Rather than the door or window?” She nodded hoping Apple Bloom would pick up on her adlib. Nearby she noticed the correct lines flashing in the air in front of Snail’s horn. “The snow has covered all the fields now!” gasped Apple Bloom as she ran onto the stage her eyes searching the audience for her family. Applejack was smiling back proudly, although Granny Smith looked like she’d fallen asleep, although you never could tell with the old mare. “The snow... um, the snow’s up to the roof now!” she continued trying to remember her real lines., “Ah had to climb up the cliff to the east to get here, That’s how ah got my job, because ah get things done! Just like down on the farm,” she stamped on the ground. “There are no farms now!” exclaimed Diamond, glad they were back on script now, she struck a pose in the middle of the spot light, “We need to reach out to the other tribes, it’s only together that we can survive.” “Ah’m the chancellor!” exclaimed Apple Bloom striding forwards to the centre of the stage, Diamond Tiara smoothly stood aside giving her the centre spot, “Ah was elected because Ah know how to think outside the box, how to get things done down on the farm.” She paused for a moment and held up a hoof. “Now hold onta your hooves! Ah have just had the best idea ever!” Another pause to let her declaration soak in. “Ah have decided that the Earth ponies are gonna go it alone! We're gonna go somewhere new where we can grow ourselves some apples!  With me as our fearless leader we’ll have all the apples we could ever need, nopony’s going to starve under ma watch!” The lights flickered for a moment giving time for Dinky and Scootaloo to rush onto stage. “We’re going to find a new land!” they all bellowed as the curtains came down signaling the end of the first act of the play. “That was all very good my little ponies!” exclaimed Cheerilee wiping a bit of sweat from her brow. “Although that wasn’t quite how things were supposed to go Diamond Tiara, Apple Bloom.” “Well, you see I...” started the pink filly. “Um, well noticed that the wrong window was being used,” added Apple Bloom. Cheerilee glanced over at the prop, it did look a little tight, how had that happened? “I see,” she said suspiciously. “It was just at the last moment so we couldn’t do anything about it, so we made up some new lines.” Diamond nodded in agreement, removing her hat from her head and starting to shake it out. “Well, ok, that was very quick thinking then,” said Cheerilee brightly. “Ok, children, we’ve got fifteen minutes before the second act. If anypony is thirsty now’s the time to get a drink or use the toilets! Stage ponies make sure the next set of props and scenery are ready! Windigo's start to put your costumes on!” The class started to rush off to follow her instructions. “All going well so far,” said Trixie moving up to her friend. “So far so good, let’s have a look out front,” the two of them trotted around to the front of the stage. There the audience were standing to stretch their legs and to get get food and drink. In the middle of one of the back rows a white mare Cheerilee didn’t recognise, but Trixie looked at a little suspiciously, was chomping through a huge container of popcorn she must have gotten from somewhere. The two directors made their way through the crowd nodding to the various ponies they past, many of whom offered them praise on the show so far. Even Trixie was surprisingly humble about the issue, repeating that it was all down to the foals rather than the adult supervision. “What do you think so far?” asked Cheerilee as they arrived at their friends seats. “Dinky seems to be doing well,” said Ditzy, “Although she looked a bit nervous.” “Stage fright mostly,” said Cheerilee not wanting to get into the fillies earlier confession at the moment, she could talk to Ditzy about it later. “I’m sure she’ll get over it.” “How’s Snails?” asked Raindrops with a yawn. “We've not really needed him much so far, but he’s been studying really hard, I’m sure he’ll be ready if somepony slips up.” Raindrops and her family nodded at this. “That’s my son,” said Dewdrops proudly. “So what did you all think of the band!” cried Lyra suddenly joining the group, “Next stop Canterlot Symphonic, right!” “There were very good sweetie,” said Bon Bon nuzzling her marefriend. “Yeah, they are, but this teaching thing is harder than it looks.” Trixie nodded along remembering her brief stint mentoring the unicorn foal population. “I don’t know how you manage it Cheerilee.” “It’s not easy but seeing their happy little faces makes it all worthwhile,” replied the teacher. “Still I’m glad I won’t have to be full time music teacher.” “Yes, with what we’re making tonight I should be able to get Bluenote in at least a few times each month.” “I might lend a hoof occasionally though,” said Lyra thoughtfully, “Some of them do have real talent.” Around them the crowds were starting to return to their seats. “We better go,” said Cheerilee, “We need to make sure everything's in place for the second act.” “I’ll be back in a minute,” said Trixie glancing up into the audience, “There’s somepony I recognise from Canterlot I’d like a word with.” “Sure, see you soon,” said Cheerilee heading back to the stage. Trixie made her way towards the white mare with the popcorn she’d noticed earlier. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here, Moonbeam isn’t it,” said Trixie a little sarcastically, “I would have thought you’d be at one of the big Canterlot productions.” “Most of me is, but I think I deserve a treat at this time of year don’t you?” she tossed another kernel into her mouth and chewed, “As I was saying to Blueblood I don’t know why I like this stuff so much, it tastes like sweetened cardboard. Besides those Canterlot performances can be so overblown, different noble trying to one up each other by sponsoring the bigger performance. I so much prefer something a little more, true, don’t you.” “I suppose so,” said Trixie, “Although you might be surprised how seriously the kids can take it all.” “I’m a little surprised to see that you aren't on stage.” “Yeah, we’ll, I thought about putting a show on to warm up the crowd but... well this isn’t really about me is it, it’s the foals time to shine.” Moonbeam grinned and leaned forwards to hug Trixie. “I’m very proud of you saying that. I hope you’re starting to recognise that back stage work is just as important as those out in front, representative.” “Yeah, well I might see my cousin Limelight a bit differently after this little event. Still maybe I’ll get to be on the stage next year?” “Maybe,” said Moonbeam with a grin, “hadn’t you better get back? It’s almost ready to start.” The first half of the second act was the journey to the new world. Traditionally this was seen as a chance for the actors to show off any personal skills, each performance put on a unique version of the events and dangers that threatened the tribes on their long travels. The foals pegasus tribe had decided to show off the various monsters that had been vanquished along the way. Hurricane lead her forces against several creatures, both illusory and costumed. The scene allowed the musicians to show off their talents and had been choreographed so that it ended up looking like something between a ballet performance and a martial arts demonstration. The earth ponies decided to go with something a little more light hearted, their tribe was pursued by some creature which constantly hid from them, only to sneak up when they weren’t looking. The audience were required to yell out when the creature, played by Button Mash, was about. Finally it was discovered and the whole stage erupted into chaos as the whole tribe rushed around the stage falling over each other, causing the crowd to erupt into laughter. “Are you ready my little ponies,” asked Cheerilee looking over the unicorn part of the cast. “Now I know we only got to run through this fully earlier but you were trying some things like it last week so I’m sure everything will go just swimmingly!” I hope, she thought. “So off you go and enjoy yourselves!” On stage the lights went out, leaving the audience blinking in the darkness. Then the spot light illuminated Alula standing on the edge of the stage. “During their journey the unicorn tribe became lost in a deep fog bank and were left cold and alone in the gloom,” she intoned, “With night closing in Clover the Clever knew that she would have to reunite her people before they could continue.” “Your majesty?” came a wavering voice from the centre of the stage, “June Blossom? Jade? Silvery Sheen? Where are you?” There was a moments silence then a single glowing horn was lit revealing Firelock standing there looking scared. “Please see me,” she sobbed, “Please don’t leave me alone!” Her horn went out and all was dark for a moment. “No!” she announced with more force. “I won’t give up! Look! I’m here!” she called, her horn flashing out a pattern in the dark. The few in the audience aware of horn code could see she was flashing out her name and code for ‘you are not alone’. She repeated the code again and again getting fainter each time, a single dying light in the darkness. Just before it went out for the last time there was an answering flash from the far side of the stage, a name and the same code ‘you are not alone’. Firelock and the new unicorn’s horns both glowed brightly as they ran towards each other leaving a trail of light zooming across the stage. The lights circled each other for a moment before they returned to flashing together. After a moment a third light came on, again a name and a welcoming message in the darkness. One by one more the lights started to appear and to meet up, moving in formation sweeping backwards and forwards over the stage like a swarm of fireflies. Last of all the lavender glow of Dinky’s horn was revealed, and the entire cast came to a halt together in the centre of the stage, as one they turned to the audience and flashed out one last message, the code for ‘all is well’ before the light returned and the cast all scampered off stage. Behind them the audience all stood and stamped their appreciation for the spectacle. Alula took her place in the spotlight again ready for the final section of the play. Unlike her earlier performances she now showed not a hint of nervousness as she spoke her lines. “And so each tribe overcame the obstacles along the way and all arrived in a new and wondrous land, that nopony had ever seen before.” “This is the new land we've been searching for!” exclaimed Scootaloo pointing into the crowd. “IT'S SO PRETTY! LOOK AT THAT BEAUTIFUL MEADOW, WE CAN CALL THAT BIT PONYVILLE!” cried Bee Bop fluttering onto the stage and pointing into the corner. “AND WE’LL CALL THAT PILE OF MUD OVER THERE HOOFINGTON!” That caused giggles in the crowd, even the few members of that township present took the joke in good humour. “I Proclaim this new land to be... Pegasopolis!” yelled Scootaloo sticking a colourful hoof made flag into the ground. She froze in place as the spotlight zoomed to the side of the stage where the unicorn party was just arriving. Dinky looked out into the crowd to see all the ponies there waiting for her, she gave a little shiver, then opened her mouth to speak. But suddenly her treacherous mind went entirely blank, with her lack of sleep and the stress she’d completely forgotten her lines! “Um,” she started, sweat began to bead on her flanks and her legs felt rubbery, what was she supposed to say! Next to her Firelock stared and a few whispers could be heard in the crowd. There was a hiss from the side of the stage and Dinky’s head shot around to see Cheerilee pointing down at Snails. The tall foal’s eyes were nearly crossed in concentration but his efforts were not without reward as his horn glowed and words started to form in the air above him, apparently made up of blobby insects. Dinky frowned there was something wrong with them, they looked backwards! Snails seemed to realise his error and redoubled his efforts and the message flipped around. “I’ve never seen such a rich land!” read Dinky, so very glad for the prompter, ”Ore of all kinds, copper, silver, gold!” she continued with greater force as her mind unfroze. “The mana lines are stronger than any I have ever sensed before, your majesty!” added Firelock her horn glowing. “This land is perfect for us. In the name of the unicorns,” yelled Dinky, “I hereby dub this land... Unicornia!” Finally the lights moved to the back of the stage where the earth pony party were standing “The air! The trees! The dirt! The apples!” exclaimed Apple Bloom glancing over at Diamond, “This land is perfect for growing all the food we’ll ever need!” ‘We’ll be able to build homes and shops,” responded the pink filly enthusiastically, her hat firmly attached to her head, “perfect to trade with other species.” “In the name of the Earth ponies,” said Apple Bloom, “I think I'm gonna call this new place, Earth Pony Land!” “Maybe just Earth,” said Diamond. “We found our new home!” yelled the actresses playing the three tribal leaders as the lights illuminated the whole stage. The tribes took a moment to boggle at each other. “I was here first!” yelled Scootaloo. “No I was,” said Dinky. “Were not!” cried Apple Bloom. “Was to!” “I’ll fight you all for it!” growled Scootaloo gesturing with the spear that came with her costume. “I didn’t battle my way through hundreds of monsters just to be stopped by you two!” “Please your majesty,” called Firelock, “There is no reason to fight.” “CALM DOWN!” cried Bee Bop. “We can talk about this,” said Diamond, “please, we can’t bring the same hatreds to this new land, we need to start over afresh!” Offstage Cheerilee could almost see the tears in the pleading foal's eyes, she was really good at this! Maybe next year she would make a good Puddinghead. Shaking herself from her thoughts she gestured to the stage ponies who carefully shoved the racks of pre made snowballs onto the stage ready for the fight to begin. Cheerilee looked up at the device which would be playing the role of the windigo in the performance. It was a tall metal frame, at the top of which were attached three of her class by thick ropes. Featherweight, Pip and Ruby were each covered in strips of blue fabric to try and make them look ghostly. When wheeled on stage the three of them would work together to work the prop. Featherweight provided mobility allowing the three of them to move around the stage a little, Ruby used her magics to surround them in a blue haze which hid the primitiveness of the effect, while Pip had proved to be the best in the class at producing the spooky neighs of the winter spirits. Carefully Cheerilee and Trixie wheeled the device onto stage as the unicorn generated her winterly illusion causing snow to begin to appear to fall. On stage the little actors eagerly got into their favourite scene, as snowballs started to fly back and forth. A few even made it out into the crowd. One shot towards a surprised Carrot Top’s face but she found it intercepted by Written Script’s aura, with a smile the playwright tossed the ball back onto the stage, catching Sweetie Bell a glancing blow. After a few minutes most of the ammunition had been expended and the lights dimmed to allow the stage to be cleared. “And so the paradise that the ponies had found was soon lost,” said Alula mournfully, “Buried beneath a thick blanket of snow and spite. Its beauty turned blizzardy, its wonder, wintry!” She paused for a moment to let the words settle in. “Everypony was forced to seek shelter in a cold and desolate cave. All the three tribes had to huddle together in their self inflicted misery.” The lights turned back on to reveal the founders and their seconds crouched down amongst a mass of painted rocks looking very disgruntled. “Commander,” exclaimed Dinky regally, “Could you please stand back and give me my royal space?” “Oh, I’m sure you need so much space for your fat flanks!” exclaimed Scootaloo advancing on the unicorn. “Stop!” shrieked Dinky, “Any closer and you will be invading Unicornia! One more step and it will be war!” “Fine!” yelled Apple Bloom, “You two can have that corner of the cave, I’ll take the rest for Earth Pony Land! Smart Cookie! Mark out our territory!” With a loud sigh Diamond Tiara took up large paint brush in her mouth and started to inscribe a line on the floor. “Private Pansy!” called Scootaloo, “Stop that mare!” “Yes, Clover, protect your realm!” added Dinky. The three assistants shrugged their shoulders and each took up a brush covering the ground in a mixture of colours, blue for the pegasus, white for the unicorns and green for the earth ponies. Within the now cordoned off areas the tribal leaders continued to yell insults to each other. Above them the foals playing the windigo were once again lowered down into sight, Pip gave another unearthly wail. “Look, everypony!” yelled Firelock, pointing off stage. “The entrance! It’s frozen over, we’re trapped!” “Great. Now there's no way out!” yelled Scootaloo. “Oh, whatever have I don’t to deserve such a horrible fate!” cried Dinky pulling at her mane. “You two have been doing nothing but argue and fight with each other!” “Me! Ah haven't been fighting nearly as much as you!” shrieked Apple Bloom “Ridiculous!” Backstage Trixie stuck out her tongue as she concentrated on altering the illusion of the snow so that it seemed to cover the legs of the three rulers. “Earth ponies are numbskulls!” growled Scootaloo. “Pegasi are brutes!” snarled Dinky. “Unicorns are snobs!” sneered Apple Bloom rearing up on her hind legs. Suddenly there was a single pure trumpet blast and the three rulers froze into position. Their assistants pulled back in horror. Apple Bloom quickly realised her mistake at adopting such an ungainly position as she started to waver, unable to keep her hoofing. Seeing the panic in the farm ponies eyes Diamond Tiara sidled up next to her to provide support. The foals playing the Windigo were lowered to just above the actors heads. “W-W-What are those... things?” cried Diamond pointing up as she allowed Apple Bloom to lean against her. “THEY’RE WINDIGOS” cried Bee Bop. “Of course!” gasped Firelock, she paused for a moment trying to remember her lines, she glanced off stage to see Snails helpfully projecting them into the air. “My teacher Star Swirl the Bearded taught me about them,” she continued, “They're winter spirits that feed off hatred. The more hate the spirit feels, the colder they make things!” “Then... this is our fault,” said Diamond with regret, “We three tribes... we brought this blizzard to our home by fighting and not trusting each other. Now it's destroying this land, too.” “And now our bodies will become as cold as our hearts...,” continued Firelock, “All because we were foolish enough to hate.” She cried pointedly looking out into the audience. “I DON’T HATE YOU GUYS!” cried Bee Bop, looking around the other two assistants. “I’M ACTUALLY MORE ANNOYED WITH SCOOT... WITH COMMANDER HURRICANE THAN YOU TWO!” The three of them met up in the middle of the stage and began to hug. Diamond stuck out a hind leg to keep Apple Bloom upright. “Well, I don't hate you guys either,” said Diamond Tiara. “Me neither,” said Firelock, her horn starting to glow with pink fire. “No matter what our differences, we're all ponies.” The entire cast froze in position, even the music stopped. Alula walked onto stage her wings held wide. “And with that the hope and friendship in the founders hearts formed the fire of friendship which drove off the Windigo and...” “Actually, I can’t do it!” called Firelock the rest of the assistants unfroze and began to huddle against each other again. Alula turned towards the other actors just as the Windigo were lowered onto the stage again. Ruby’s horn shot out a blue light and Pip gave another ghostly wail as the little hybrid froze in her tracks. “OH NO THEY GOT THE NARRATOR!” cried Bee Bop, raising her hooves in horror. “We’re in trouble now!” yelled Diamond Tiara. “You’ve got to help us!” cried Firelock looking out towards the audience, “We’re only little ponies, we’ve got lots of love, but we need more!” “Look to your left and your right!” called Diamond, “Take that pony and hug them, regardless of their tribe.” The crowd buzzed looking around at each other. Gently Carrot Top reached out a leg and wrapped it around Written Scripts withers, he started for a moment then returned the gesture. Further down the line Ditzy almost disappeared under Big Mac’s form, his other leg wrapped around Applejack. Spreading wider and wider the entire audience mare and stallion embraced each other and looked smiling down at the stage. “COME ON EVERYPONY!” called Bee Bop, “SAY IT WITH US, ‘NO MATTER WHAT OUR DIFFERENCES, WE’RE ALL PONIES!’” “No matter our differences, we’re all ponies!” cried the crowd. “LOUDER!” yelled the filly waving her limbs. “NO MATTER WHAT OUR DIFFERENCES, WE’RE ALL PONIES!’” thunder the audience. Behind the stage Trixie found herself resting a hoof on Cheerilee’s back while the teacher had her other leg resting on Snail’s head, around them the backstage crew were likewise embracing. “Time for the big finish,” she mumbled as her horn grew even brighter. On stage Firelocks horn flashed again and a ring of fire shot into the air where it hovered for a second. Then suddenly a massive pink heart shaped flame burst into existence above the stage stretching out over the audience causing gasps of wonder and alarm. Pip gave out another wail which turned into a yelp as he and his fellow windigo were yanked off stage. “What was that?” asked Diamond Tiara “I DIDN’T KNOW UNICORNS COULD DO THAT!” Firelocks head was locked staring up at the flaming shape above her head her eyes wide and her jaw limp. “So cool!” she muttered. From the sidelines Snails desperately signaled the correct lines but the enraptured unicorn didn’t pay attention. “Fire is awesome!” she eventually managed. “All through the night,” began Alula now mobile again and picking up the plot from her stunned classmate, “the three ponies kept the fire of friendship alive by telling stories to one another and singing songs. Eventually, the warmth of the fire and singing and laughing reached the leaders, and their bodies, and their hearts, thawed.” Behind her the leaders started to move again, Apple Bloom finally returning to all fours and they joined in the group hug with their assistants. “The three leaders agreed to share the beautiful land,” continued Alula, “and live in harmony ever afterwards. And together, they named their new land...” From the back of the stage the entire school, actors, extras, stage hooves and Snails all tramped forwards with Cheerilee, Trixie and Lyra at the back. “Equestria!” they all thundered. The band struck up a popular winter carol and the cast and audience began to sing as one As dawn shines on us every morn The fire of friendship is reborn And all the friendships we have made We cherish in every way Loyalty binds us and makes us strong Honesty shows that we belong And kindness shared will unite us through each day The fire of friendship lives in our hearts As long as it burns, we cannot drift apart Though quarrels arise, their numbers are few Laughter and singing will see us through Will see us through We are a circle of pony friends A circle of friends we'll be to the very end Though the winter brings all its cold and storm The glow in our hearts keeps us warm The friends we know called our family Will always see us through Loyalty binds us and makes us strong Honesty shows that we belong And kindness shared will unite us through each day The fire of friendship lives in our hearts As long as it burns, we cannot drift apart Though quarrels arise, their numbers are few Laughter and singing will see us through Will see us through We are a circle of pony friends A circle of friends we'll be to the very end