"I can't do it! I don't know if I can make it!" Twilight groaned in pain yet struggled, "It's too much for me!"
Shadow Dragon grunted, "Just hold on! You can do it!"
"Don't give in, mummy!" Nyx cheered, "Almost there, you can do it!"
Twilight grunted, "I can't! I really can't!"
"Come on, Twi! You can do this! You beaten Nightmare Moon, Ursa Minor, Discord, Queen Chrysalis and Changelings, King Sombra, Tirek and even Starlight!" Spike exclaimed happily, "You can do this!"
Lance nodded in agreement, "Yeah. This is nothing!"
Twilight groaned in fear, "I can't do it! It's... It's... It's too much! I have to do this!"
Everyone gasped, "Don't do this! Just a little more!"
"I can't!" Twilight exclaimed in fear as she lifted her head up as her horn glowed brightly, "I have to teleport now! I've gotta get out of here!"
Shadow Dragon groaned in annoyance as he pushed Twilight's horn down, "Forget it, Twilight. The purpose of this is that you need to calm down and relax. That means overcoming your still ongoing fear."
Twilight groaned as she stopped her horn glowing. She blew raspberry as she slowly sank down a bit in the large pool of different kind of snakes. Shadow Dragon and his family were above both of the pool tub.
"Do I really have to go through this?" Twilight asked in annoyance, "This is the worst day to deal with!"
Shadow Dragon sighed, "Like it or not, you have to go through. Otherwise you will never able to handle this."
"Doesn't Dragoking count?"
"Nope... He's the Ancient Beast of all reptile and dragon species. And it means you overcame and trusted him because he was part of dragon."
"So, unfair..." Twilight muttered in annoyance. Some snakes slithered around her neck passionately before licking her face. She yelped and shuddered in fear. She turned and found Nyx patted a green Anaconda. She gasped in fear, "Nyx, don't! Don't touch them! They're dangerous and poison!"
Nyx giggled as she continued patted the Anaconda, "C'mon, mummy. They're not very dangerous. They're kinda cute as Spike."
"Hey! I'm nothing like those snakes!" Spike remarked in annoyance.
Lance chuckled, "Someone's jealous."
Spike punched Lance's stomach, "As if, buddy! I'm jealous of nopony!"
Twilight sighed heavily in annoyance as she sank straight down again. Shadow Dragon noticed it as he lowered his head close to Twilight.
"This isn't about the snakes, isn't it?"
Twilight huffed a bit, "I'm bored."
Shadow Dragon scoffed in amusement, "Since when did Princess Twilight get so bored."
"Since I've read all the same books already! I wanna do something!" Twilight complained in upset. Shadow Dragon and others gave their raised eyebrow at her. She continued, "This one is not what I have in mind. Things have been so slow around here and I just—"
"TWILIGHT!" Four familiar voices screamed.
Twilight immediately flew up and straight through the door. Shadow Dragon, Lance, Nyx and Spike went after her at once. They came across the Council Meeting Chamber where they spotted Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie. They approached her at once while their Cutie Marks glowed brightly. That means one thing for sure....
"Yes! Finally! We've been summoned!" Twilight exclaimed happily as she approached the Cutie Map, "I wonder where the map wants us to—"
"Uh, mum? You'd better check on your flank again." Lance said in concern.
Twilight was confused at first. Spike held her wing up while pointed at her Cutie Mark. It didn't glow like others. She was in shock as she groaned heavily before landed her head on the table. She really wanted to go out for adventure.
Shadow Dragon sighed in annoyance while shaking his head. He turned and looked at four mares' glowing Cutie Marks. He wondered, "Where do you think-?!"
Four mares' Cutie Marks holograms emerged as they flew straight up while rotating around for few times. They slowly descended to the ground. Rarity's and Applejack's Cutie Mark landed on Manehattan while Pinkie and Fluttershy's landed on western part of the Land of Ma - Chinese Castle with farms and forests as well as strange giant skull of monkey within castle and hidden beneath the forests.
Four mares looked surprise and shock about it. Lance, Nyx and Spike awed in amazement. Twilight gasped in surprise upon looking at both location. Shadow Dragon remained silent while showing surprise at them.
Rarity excitedly squealed, "Manehattan! We've been called to Manehattan! Oh, I've simply been dying to go back for a visit! And now I return... with a purpose!"
Fluttershy smiled, "That's nice..."
Twilight Sparkle hummed while looking at both Cutie Marks rotating near to Manehattan, "It looks like you've been summoned to this particular neighborhood here."
Pinkie Pie giggled, "That sounds fun!"
"We're off to solve a friendship problem in one of the busiest and most vibrant cities in all of Equestria! Isn't this exciting?!" Rarity squealed happily while hugging Applejack tightly.
Applejack pushed Rarity aside as she took a glance at the Cutie Map, "Seems a hair odd, though, don't it? Map callin' me to a big city like Manehattan?"
"But you did been there before, didn't you?" Fluttershy asked curiously, "I remember you did said that you went there to be sophisticated pony like Orange Family."
Pinkie nodded, "Yeah! But you found out that, staying in Manehattna is not what you really wanted. And don't forget that's when Rainbow Dash hit the Sonic Rainboom! She led you straight back home. And you went home to become the farmer! And you lived in happily ever after! The end!"
Applejack sighed, "I did. But it didn't turn out well. There was more than that."
"Really?" Everyone asked.
Applejack shook her head while smiled a bit, "It's nothing. Nothing important."
"You may be more of a country pony at heart, Applejack," Twilight approached Applejack while patted her best friend and sister-figure, "but the map picked you two because you're the best ponies to tackle this particular mission."
Applejack hummed, "But how will we even know what our mission's supposed to be? That neighborhood probably has twice as many ponies as all of Ponyville."
"Pff. Kch. Ts! More like three times! Why, it's not only home to the Haypacking District – it's also home to the Fashion District!" Rarity exclaimed happily. Twilight looked down in upset while Shadow Dragon cleared his throat. Rarity yelped upon looking at Twilight's looks.
"Hmm. Shame you weren't called as well, though, darling. You did end up quite a fan of the hustle and bustle of Manehattan on our last visit."
"It's such an exciting city, and there's still so much I'd like to do there," Twilight Sparkle nodded as she flapped her wings happily in flying up, "So many museums and historical landmarks to visit. Not to mention all the libraries!"
"Hey, what about this place?" Nyx asked upon looking at Fluttershy's and Pinkie's Cutie Marks rotating around between Land of Ma's western border and strange land for monkeys. She said, "I'd never seen this place before."
"Me too," Fluttershy, Pinkie, Lance and Spike added in surprise.
Twilight descended down and looked at the Land of Ma's Western Border, "I recognize that place - Western Ma - home of peaceful and harmonic creatures in Western Dragon Kingdom! And it's perfect peaceful utopia for ponies, animals and environment. That's where Saber Dragoon lived."
"That's nice especially a friend of ours," Fluttershy commented.
"Wow... That was so amazing!" Pinkie exclaimed happily.
"Not only that, Saber is also the Prince," Shadow Dragon added. Everyone looked at him. He nodded, "Well. Kindy is actual Royal Prince while Saber was adopted. I supposed that considered royalty."
"He doesn't seems to act like one," Applejack said in concern.
Rarity nodded in agreement, "Indeed. He's more of a warrior than royalty. Not that I'm complaining, just curious."
Shadow Dragon chuckled in amusement, "He preferred the battle and war than the politics, though he's good at being detective and strategy much."
Rarity giggled, "I noticed."
"What about this?" Pinkie pointed at the castle with monkey's skull, "This looks like home for all the monkeys."
"It is. That's Ape Nation." Shadow Dragon answered. Everyone looked at him. He continued, "Home for only monkeys and apes. They're not just barbarians but intelligent and respected creatures for the mother nature and animals too. They're Western Dragon Kingdom's important allies."
"Wow... Monkeys have their own kingdom. Who knew? This is definitely Fluttershy's specialty and hobby," Pinkie exclaimed happily. She turned and looked at Fluttershy, "Right?"
Fluttershy nodded while looking at both Western Dragon Kingdom and Ape Nation, "It is. Wow. Two kingdoms being friends. That's really nice."
"Yeah, it is..." Twilight commented while looking at Cutie Map, "I sure wish I could go to that place. It's so amazing. I could see how beautiful and great the farm is. I want to see the inventions and strategies of Prime Minister Skysoar Intellect Dragoon. I even want to see how courageous the generals are. This kingdom is so special as Azure Phoenix's Imperial Phoenix Kingdom."
Everyone looked worry and concern for her. They all knew that Twilight Sparkle wanted for more adventure and knowledge to learn.
"But this is your mission. Heh-heh. Don't worry about me." Twilight insisted happily, "I've got plenty of... work to do..."
Shadow Dragon scoffed, "Good. We can go back to overcoming the fear of snakes."
"Oh no! I am not going through that again! Not in my life!"
"Don't tell me - reading more books? Yeah... That would be very interesting for princess to get bored in the first place."
"I did not say that!"
"Did too!"
"Did not!"
Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon began arguing again. Everyone in the room sighed in concern and annoyance. The couples really need to stop.
"At least, I don't have to be crazy snake lover. You turned my daughter into crazy snake lover now!" Twilight argued.
Shadow Dragon argued back, "Well, at least she can see the snake's true appearance, unlike her mother. She didn't even bother to go with her for Sisterhooves Social!"
Rarity gasped in concern, "The Sisterhooves Social!"
"We'll have to miss it. No tellin' how long we'll be in Manehattan." Applejack said in concern, "I sure hope Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle aren't too upset."
Nyx smiled a bit, "I'm pretty sure they'll understand, right?"
Lance nodded, "Yeah. And I think we'd better leave now."
Everyone nodded in agreement as they slowly walked away while both Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon continued arguing with each other about differences.
Three hours passed...
Applejack and Rarity took the Pony Express train to Manehattan. They have arrived at the station. They haven't been here since last year's fashion event.
Rarity sighed happily, "Oh, Manehattan, what you do to me!"
As Applejack rolled her eyes in annoyance, she yelped in surprise upon looking at the front. She saw Taxi Ponies running and trotting across the street. She gulped in fear as she shivered and shuddered.
Rarity noticed as she approached Applejack, "Darling, are you all right?"
"Ponies move so fast here. Not at all like back home. I forgot how much I'm scared of it," Applejack said in concern as she muttered in concern while approached to the front, "Eyes peeled, ears open. Eyes peeled, ears open."
As the Taxi Ponies continued trotting across the road, traffic pony blew the police whistle in stopping them. He waved to other ponies to cross. As Applejack was about to move, ponies moved from her side and other side quickly. Traffic Pony blew the whistle in signaling the stop for ponies and 'a go' for Taxi Ponies to cross. She missed the turn. It is making her nervous and worry.
Rarity patted Applejack's back, "Remember, Applejack, you're in the big city now. No moseying. You've gotta walk with speed and confidence!"
As the whistle blown, Rarity trotted happily yet gracefully. She reached to the end of traffic. She gave the signal to Applejack.
Applejack snorted as she is ready for it. As she begin crossed the street, she got blocked or blocking ponies from moving. They complained and argued with her for blocking their way while she apologized to them at once. Applejack reached it before the whistle blow again.
"Butter my biscuits," Applejack said in concern, "I can barely cross the street in this town. How am I supposed to help solve a—"
Rarity gasped in shock as she pointed to the front, "There!"
Rarity and Applejack spotted two ponies talking with the hat shopkeeper. One was blackish Earth Pony with black and white spiky mane has the scars but made of zebra's skin worn the black vest, red bow tie and black cape while his Cutie Mark is Spade and Scalpel was talking with the pink little Earth Pony with crimson short mane with two pink bow and has one on her tail.
"Ooh! This one is good!" The little Earth Pony said happily as she worn greenish Phrygian Hat, "I look so cute, doc!"
"No! No." Rarity cried as she approached both Earth Ponies. They turned and looked at her. She continued, "That hat clashes with your mane, not to mention it's far too large and will undoubtedly obstruct your vision."
Rarity approached the hat stall as she looked around of the hats, "Oh, dear, none of these will do."
As Applejack entered the scene, Rarity gasped in surprise as she approached her best friend and her traveling luggage, "Oh, Applejack! What good timing!"
Rarity hummed as she looked through her bag. She came across the blue curved hat, "Here. This will do splendidly."
As Rarity placed the hat on little pink pony's head, she looked at the levitated mirror. She squealed happily, "Oh! It's so cute! How much would you like for it?"
"Oh, no-no, please, please, keep it. I can always make another." Rarity protested.
"Thank you so much!" Pink pony smiled happily. She turned and looked at the adult pony, "Dr. Black Jack! Look at me! Am I not cute?"
Black Jack rolled his eyes a bit while smiling, "Yes, Penny... Now that we're done. We'd better get going. Our patient need us now."
Black Jack walked slowly and calmly while Penny followed him. As they walking across the street, Applejack took a glance at the doctor while showing surprise and shock upon looking at him. Who is he? Why does he reminded her of someone? Does she know him somewhere?
"And you thought we wouldn't discover our purpose here! Pff. Kch. Ts!" Rarity remarked.
Applejack turned to Rarity, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure that wasn't it."
"What? We just saved that poor pony from committing a terrible crime of fashion." Rarity explained. Applejack gave her raised eyebrow. She continued, "Well, she could've been meeting a friend who would've laughed at her new hat, and then their friendship could've been ruined forever! And... mmm... it's possible."
"Did your cutie mark glow signifyin' a job well done?"
"Ye—" Rarity looked at her flank again but found her Cutie Mark did not glow, "No. I suppose it didn't. Still, a disaster was averted!"
"Averted?" Hat Shopkeeper demanded in anger, "You just lost me a paying customer!"
Rarity gasped in concern, "Oh, my! Oh, I-I-I-I-I'm s-so sorry. I never meant to—"
"Beat it!"
"Uh, please accept my sincerest apologies for the misunderstanding, and might I add, what a lovely establishment you have here!"
Applejack pushed Rarity away from the shopkeeper before she could get herself more in troubles. They both continued walking across the street. Applejack gave the annoying yet irritating eyes at Rarity.
"You're right, Applejack." Rarity sighed, "The search continues."
Applejack sighed as she'd never know why Rarity keep fussing over the small matters or even the fashion. As they continued walking, Black Jack was cornered at the alley. He was looking at Applejack. Why?
"Good to see, A.J. You've grown well, little pony..."
Applejack and Rarity were at the district. They were asking the ponies if they have the problem with the town or not. Applejack asked individual one-by-one while Rarity used her commercial style in asking them about their problems at her stall. But so far, none of Manehattan Ponies bother to answer back.
Rarity huffed, "Good grief. This isn't working."
Applejack sighed as she turned to Rarity at her stall, "I'm not sure what we're supposed to do. To be honest, I'm still not even sure what the map called me here for."
"Oh, try not to worry, Applejack. The map picked us for a reason. Although how we're supposed to uncover that reason, I haven't a clue. We can't possibly approach every single pony in town until we find out what we're meant to d—ooh!"
Rarity got interrupted as she spotted two familiar characters coming out from the mayor's office. Both Saber Dragoon and Shorty Thinking were chatting with each other about something.
"It's them!" Rarity exclaimed in surprise. Applejack spotted as well. Both mares approached both Saber Dragoon and Shorty Thinking. She called, "Saber! Shorty-Poo!"
Both Saber and Shorty turned to their back. The boys gasped in surprise as well.
"Rarity! Applejack!" Shorty exclaimed in surprise, "What a surprise!"
Saber nodded, "Yeah. What are you girls doing here?"
"Solve the Friendship Problem," Rarity answered happily.
Applejack nodded in agreement, "But we don't know what's the problem. But don't supposed that you know about something? You did talk with the mayor."
Shorty nodded as he took and passed the flyer to Rarity, "We certainly do. And here's the reason why we have the chat with the mayor."
Rarity hummed as she read the flyer, "Please help us restore our long-lost but beloved tradition, the Midsummer Theater Revival. There's a guest performance by a local theater troupe, the Method Mares, as well as games, food, and much, much more. This event promises to bring our Bronclyn neighbors together and restore our sense of community, but there's so much to do and we need your help."
Rarity gasped upon looking at pony who is responsible of the flyer, "Darling, this is it! The contact on the flyer is Coco Pommel!"
"Oh, right! She's the one you got a job makin' costumes for that designer friend o' yours." Applejack recalled happily.
Saber Dragoon nodded, "This must be why the map called you two here. You're here to help us and Coco to rebuild the Midsummer Theater."
Applejack hummed, "Well, I suppose it's at least worth lookin' into... that is, if we can ever get off this street corner."
With everyone nodded in agreement, they headed off in finding and meeting up with Coco Pommel.
At Coco Pommel's Apartment,
"I can't believe you found my flyer." Coco exclaimed happily while looking at her flyer, "Quite a coincidence, don't you think?"
Coco Pommel was looking at her four friends eating and drinking while chatting with her. Rarity and Coco haven't seen each other since last year.
Rarity smiled as she took a sip of tea, "Applejack and I were specifically summoned here to be of service, and you, my dear friend, are in need of help. It's no coincidence, darling. It's fate!"
Applejack gulped while just finished eating the biscuit, "This Midsummer Theater Revival – what is it, exactly?"
"An outdoor play held at the community park." Coco explained as she took her Photo Album and show it to her friends, "Many moons ago, local theater troupes would perform, and ponies in the neighborhood would help make the costumes and design set pieces, prepare food to share during the performance."
Saber whistled upon looking at the photo album, "You all do look like you're enjoying with each others' company. Kinda reminds me of my home."
Applejack nodded, "Eeyup. I felt the same way too."
Rarity smiled, "It sounds lovely, darling."
"It was, up until several moons ago." Coco said in disappointment and upset.
Everyone looked at her. She continued while pointing at the picture of yellow Earth Pony with curly and messy cyan and lighted green mane and tail worn the redglasses and dressed in her purple coat, and then rest of her in events.
She continued, "That's Charity Kindheart. She was a well-known costume designer on Bridleway. She started the Midsummer Theater Revival as a way to share her passion for theater with the neighborhood. No matter how busy she was, she always made time for the Revival."
Coco sighed in upset as she closed the book down. She stood up and approached to the balcony, "But when she moved away to be closer to her grandfillies, the neighborhood lost the special tradition she had started, and worse, the sense of community it fostered."
Everyone headed to the balcony where they saw many ponies weren't getting along with each other while shouting back and bad as well. It's really bad and not good as well.
"Nopony else stepped up to take over for Charity?" Saber asked.
"I've been trying to." Coco answered as she turned to her friends, "But I've just gotten a last-minute request to alter costumes for the cast of My Fair Filly, and I'm afraid I haven't made much progress."
"Oh... There's just so much to do to bring back the Midsummer Revival, and my flyers haven't attracted a single volunteer!"
Rarity nodded while smiled, "Say no more! You finish up your work, and by this time tomorrow, you'll be up to your mane in ponies who want to lend a hoof. Four of us will make sure of it!"
"Agree. We are here to help and restore the Midsummer Theater. You can count on us," Shorty said confidently.
"You will?" Coco asked in surprise and relief.
Applejack smiled, "You bet your boots we will!"
"Oh, I don't wear boots. I find they chafe my calves when I walk." Coco remarked in amusement.
Everyone yelped in concern. Coco actually buy the Applejack's words of expression?!
"It's just an expression." Applejack remarked.
Coco blushed in amusement and embarrassment. Everyone then laughed happily at Coco for her falling at some jokes and words of expression. Suddenly, Coco yelped a bit of pain on her stomach. They noticed and asked if she was okay or not.
Coco groaned a bit in wanting the pain go away. As if her wish come true, the pain is gone. She sighed in relief. She turned to her friends and said.
"I'm alright. Nothing to worry about."
In the morning...
Rarity, Applejack, Shorty Thinking and Saber Dragoon walked across Manehattan in passing the flyers to other ponies and getting more volunteers to help them work and rebuilt the Midsummer Theater. They went through the Main City, Main Street, Central Park, Zoo and some districts.
But unfortunately, their offer got turned down such as Newspaper Pony claimed he was too busy in selling and delivering newspaper out, Food Merchant didn't have time for it because of customers and Business Pony refused to donate to Midsummer Theater.
This isn't very good...
And for some strange reason, the mysterious Black Jack was looking at Applejack. She noticed him for few times. Was he a stalker or stranger? Why is he interested on her?
At Coco's Apartment...
"This is a nightmare!" Coco Pommel exclaimed in shock and concern. Everyone nodded in concern. She hissed in fear, "I finished the alterations for My Fair Filly, but I've barely started the costumes for the Revival, and the Method Mares are coming to the park tomorrow for a costume fitting and rehearsal!"
"Well, I could help you with the costumes." Rarity insisted.
Shorty Thinking nodded, "I will help as well. Designing the dress is like making some strategies and mathematics."
"But what are we going to do about the rest?" Coco Pommel said in concern, "The park is in desperate need of repairs, and the sets still need to be built!"
"Leave that to me. I'll do the repairs." Saber Dragoon said calmly. Coco turned and looked at him. He smiled, "Where I come from - I was a farm and builder boy before I became the soldier and the Prince."
"Well I know a thing or two about buildin' and fixin' things. It's kinda, well, my thing." Applejack added, "Could be the reason the map called me here!"
"You see, dear? We went out looking for volunteers when all the help you need is right here." Rarity said calmly. Everyone in the room nodded in agreement She continued, "The map wouldn't have chosen just Applejack and me if it was more than we could handle. And not to mention, we have some extra help. Everything is going to be just fine!"
"Perhaps I spoke too soon..." Rarity said in concern.
The ponies were looking at the landscape of Midsummer Theater. The grass were too tall and messy. Too much of flowers. The statue was rusted. And the theater looked old and about to break to pieces. This place is a mess!
"Oh, dear, you're right." Coco Pommel said in concern.
Rarity turned to Saber Dragoon, "Saber, can't you ask the mayor to help us solve this problem?"
Saber sighed, "It's not that simple, Rarity. I need the document for development or repairs from both me and the mayor approve it. And unfortunately, that was last minute to do it. We're on our own to deal with it."
Shorty nodded, "Saber's right. This isn't going to be easy."
Coco gulped in concern, "Are you sure you can manage this by yourself?"
" Well, there's a lot to do, but Rarity's right." Applejack said firmly as she looked at the park, "The map wouldn't have called us here if we weren't up for the challenge. You two go on and take care of the costumes. I'll see you at the dress rehearsal."
"I will help as well," Saber said.
Coco smiled happily to see so many friends to help. Suddenly, the pain came as she yelped in pain. She groaned and moaned painfully as she held her stomach tightly. Everyone looked at her as they asked if she was okay. All she respond is moaning and groaning in pain.
"Coco? COCO!" Everyone asked before screamed.
What happen to her?
At the hospital...
Coco Pommel was resting in her patient bed while having oxygen mask on her muzzle. Rarity, Applejack, Saber Dragoon and Shorty Thinking were worried for her. They wondered if she was alright or not. The doctor emerged from the operation room.
"Doctor! How is she? Is she gonna be fine?" Rarity asked in concern.
Doctor sighed in concern, "It's very serious case. Her symptoms is getting worse. If she had rested for a while, she wouldn't be in this."
"Is there anyway you can do for her?" Shorty asked in concern.
"No, I'm afraid not. It's beyond us to save her now," Doctor said grimly.
Applejack groaned, "There's gotta be something you can do! Isn't there anypony can help and save her? She's our friend."
"I can." The firm voice spoke.
Everyone turned as they found both Black Jack and Penny approached them. Both Applejack and Rarity gasped in surprise while Shorty Thinking and Saber Dragoon looked worry and surprise.
"You?!" Applejack asked in shock.
Black Jack continued, "Lots of patient have suffered this fate, I've deal with this before. I can handle with it."
"Really?!" Rarity asked hopefully.
"Yes. But my fee is not cheap. Are you willing to go through it?" Black Jack asked seriously. Four ponies looked shock yet concern. Shorty Thinking and Saber Dragoon looked concern as Rarity and Applejack nodded firmly. He nodded, "Very well... 10 Billion Bits for that patient's operation."
"WHAT?!" Everyone asked.
Rarity gasped, "You... You can't be serious!"
"We can't pay that much!" Applejack said in concern.
"Money is cheaper than the pony's life," Black Jack said sternly, "If you won't pay, then I will not bother to save her."
"Why you?!" Saber exclaimed in anger.
Shorty held Saber still as the last thing he want was his best friend picked a wrong fight. They both watched and looked at Applejack and Rarity's looks and thinking. The girls looked at each other for the moment before they nodded.
"Alright, we'll pay," Rarity said firmly.
Applejack nodded, "We'll get the bits to pay! Promised. But you have your own word to keep. Save her now!"
"It's a deal," Black Jack nodded, "I will guarantee her safety. I promised. Begin the Operation!"
Penny giggled as she saluted, "Aye-aye captain!"
Black Jack, Penny and the doctor entered the surgeon room at once. They begin the operation in saving her life. The rest headed off at once. They not only need to fix and repair Midsummer Theater but also earned enough money for Coco's payment as well.
"Applejack, are you sure?" Saber asked in concern.
"I don't know," Applejack admitted, "But something tells me that I should trust him. We need to earn some bits by fixing the Midsummer Theater and gain some donation as well."
At Midsummer Theater, both Applejack and Saber Dragoon began working on removing the plants and repairing the theater.
Saber Dragoon was pulling the weeds and flowers out from the ground but too many of them for him to get rid of. Applejack was cutting grass which tired her a lot. Her hat got caught by the branch before it fell down. As she continue cutting the grasses, it caught something into it. She stopped as she looked down and found her hat was torn and in bad shape.
Saber Dragoon continued pulling the weed out but got pushed straight to the statue. As it was about to fall, Saber quickly rolled over to the side. Applejack decided to take a break as she placed her hat on bench. It broke down. Her hat fell on the ground.
Saber Dragoon and Applejack have finished clearing all the grasses and flowers as well as repairing the damages on park. They began repairing the stages now. They were now painting the walls. Rarity and Shorty Thinking have arrived with the prepared sets of clothes. Applejack and Saber Dragoon noticed them.
"I know it looks bad, but I'm movin' as fast as I can." Applejack said in concern.
Rarity smiled, "Don't worry, we've still got plenty of time. Everything's going to be—"
"Um, excuse me?" The voice asked.
Everyone turned and found four Earth Ponies standing on the hill - one was lighted green Earth Pony stallion with short mane and tail dressed in his coat and worn sunglasses, second was the pink Earth Pony mare with dark navy mane and tail dressed in her cyan shirt and worn the French Hat, third was an orange with funky purple mane dressed in his dark gray shirt and finally a purple Earth Pony with pinkish mane worn black-white striped shirt, sunglasses and black hat. The actors have arrived.
"Is this where the Midsummer Theater Revival is supposed to be, perchance?" Method Stallion asked.
Method Mare nodded, "We're here for the dress rehearsal?"
Shorty sighed calmly before approaching the clothes hanger wheels, "Right here! We've just put the finishing touches on the costumes."
Method Mare approached to the clothes hanger wheels while hummed and looking at the clothes. She turned to Shorty Thinking.
"We'll do a dry run of the play first, and then the fitting."
Method Mare approached to the stage as she climbed up. Applejack gasped in concern.
"No, wait! I haven't gotten a chance to—"
As Method Mare sat hoof on the stage, it started shaken like it was about to crumble and fall! Saber Dragoon quickly jumped and pushed her out before it collapsed! Everyone gasped in shock and concern.
Method Mare was safe but Saber Dragoon - he was safe as well. But for Midsummer Theater - it was ruined and messed.
At the hospital's surgery chamber, Black Jack and the surgeons began operating on Coco Pommel on the patient's bed. They have to cure sickness now.
"Scalpel," Black Jack ordered. The surgeon passed the scalpel to him. He began cutting Coco's body in finding the symptoms. He then ordered, "Drain."
Two surgeons inserting the drain into Coco's blood vessels in making sure her heart beating and stayed alive. Black Jack began search and looked for the cause of it.
"Pulse?" Black Jack asked.
The surgeon reported that Coco's blood pressure is 76 and stable. Black Jack continued in finding and removing the symptoms at once, as well as changing surgery tools from affecting bacteria on Coco's body. The surgeons awed and commented in amazement about how fast and good Black Jack is.
After three hours have passed, Black Jack has removed all of symptoms within Coco Pummel. He placed all the tools on the watery pod.
"Thoracic structure is complete," Black Jack concluded.
"Both blood pressure and heart rate are normal," The surgeon reported, "Operation is success."
Surgeons gave the applause for Black Jack in able to save the live of Coco Pommel.
Black Jack sighed as he removed the mask, "I appreciate the staff's help. Now it's up to you and your friends, Applejack to fulfill Coco's dream."
An hour later...
Coco Pommel was resting at patient's room. Black Jack explained and reported to her of what happened. He then left the room. Applejack and her friends returned and told her of what happened. Coco was heartbroken and upset to hear.
Coco sighed, "I just wanted to live up to Charity's example, to bring my neighborhood together again. But the park is still a mess, we haven't even thought about what refreshments to serve during the performance, and even if we had, we don't have a stage for the Method Mares to perform on! It's hopeless..." She broke down in tear as she looked down, "Just hopeless!"
Everyone felt sorry for Coco Pommel. They did everything they can to help her in making her dream come true. But it still wasn't enough.
Rarity, Applejack, Shorty Thinking and Saber Dragoon have their own discussion and away from Coco Pommel. They don't want to upset her again.
"I don't understand. The map summoned us here to solve a friendship problem. We've clearly found it," Rarity said in concern, "but why did it send the two of us? Why not Twilight? I'm sure she could have used her magic to transform this park in an instant!"
Applejack sighed, "I've been thinkin' the same thing. I mean, I can at least see why you're here – Coco's your friend, and you have an eye for costumes and all – but me? I was never gonna be able to finish a project this big. And not to mention, we still need to pay the fee to that Black Jack."
"I'm pretty sure there's the reason behind it," Saber Dragoon said calmly, "After all, Cutie Map decides who go and help the unfortunate souls in dealing with the struggles."
Shorty Thinking nodded, "I agree. You can't give up now. And don't worry about the fee, I'm sure we'll get our lords cover that up."
Rarity dramatically exclaimed, "We'll return to Ponyville as failures! Why must this be, Applejack? Why? Why?! Wh—"
Applejack placed her hoof on Rarity's mouth, "Now hold on there. I'm not suggestin' we pack up and go home."
"Then what are you suggesting?" Rarity pushed Applejack's hoof aside.
"I'm suggestin' we stop worryin' about what we can't do and start doing what we can." Applejack said firmly.
"Sounds like a true spirit of Apple Family," The voice commented happily. Everyone turned to their back as they found Black Jack leaned on the walls, along with Penny. They both entered. He continued, "Think big but start with small. Make it best."
"Black Jack..." Applejack said in surprise, "Why did you help me? I still haven't pay you back."
Black Jack smiled, "Don't worry about the bill. I'm sure you'll get it down. Besides, the patient needs to know this, Applejack."
Rarity, Saber Dragoon and Shorty Thinking were surprised that Black Jack knew about Applejack. As much as she wanted to know, she has to deal with crisis first. She approached Coco Pommel on her patient bed now.
"I think I've got a plan. It won't be anythin' big or fancy, but it'll be somethin'." Applejack explained to Coco, "And somethin's gotta be better than nothin', right?"
Everyone nodded in agreement with Applejack's plan. They can still do it! They can still save and revive the Midsummer Theater!
Coco hummed, "I suppose so..."
"That's the spirit!" Penny exclaimed happily. She stopped and hummed in concern, "Sorta..."
Black Jack smiled, "Then, let's get started."
Late Evening Time at Midsummer Theater...
Applejack, Black Jack and Saber Dragoon were building the new stage outside of park's entrance. They just finished building it up. Rarity, Shorty Thinking, Penny and Coco Pommel who was sitting on her wheelchair were near to the stage.
Saber whistled, "Didn't you were good at carpentering and building?"
"There're lots of things you don't know about me," Black Jack said calmly, "Carpentering is same as surgery. Nothing different."
"Alright, y'all, it's ready!" Applejack reported happily.
Rarity and her friends smiled in relief. Applejack, Black Jack and Saber Dragoon climbed down and sat close to their friends. It is time...
Emerged from curtains, Method Stallion asked, "Should we go ahead and start?"
Coco Pommel smiled and nodded for Method Stallion and his friends to begin his act. He went back in as the curtains unfolded.
ACT 1 - Charity Kindheart's Chance - the scene started with Method Stallion acted as boss while Method Mate acted as Charity Kindheart entered the scene with her hanging clothes wheel.
Method Mare as Charity Kindheart: Excuse me. I'm Charity Kindheart. I'm here about the open design position. I brought some samples of my work. I'm sorry I'm late. I had the hardest time finding my way here.
Method Mare as Charity Kindheart torn up: I just moved here, and I keep getting mixed up by the street names! I had a map, but I dropped it in a puddle, which only made the street names harder to read!
Method Stallion as Boss: I see.
Method Stallion 2 as Receptionist: Excuse me, but your next appointment is here.
Method Stallion as Boss: Alright. Send him in. [to Charity Kindheart] I'm sorry, but based on these samples, I just don't think this is the place for you.
Method Mare as Charity Kindheart gasped dramatically.
Method Mare as Boss: Don't get me wrong. These clothes are all exquisite and well-made, but more theatrical than avant-garde. Have you considered costume design? I have a contact on Bridleway! If you're interested, I can put you in touch with him. ...And scene.
As the curtains closed down, Rarity and her friends heard some muttering and chatting. They turned to their back. They found some more ponies stopped and approached to the stage. They all sat down as they watched the show. It's working! The ponies are coming to Midsummer Theater!
As the curtains unfolded, the scene: Method Mare 2 acted as an aged Mrs. Pearblossom feeding the birds. Charity Kindheart entered the scene with the wagon of donated items. ACT 2 - Meeting Old Friends.
Method Mare 2 as Mrs. Pearblossom: Charity, dear, is that you?
Method Mare as Charity Kindheart: Hello, Mrs. Pearblossom! I didn't see—oops!
Clothes fell on the floor. The ponies awed in concern.
Method Mare 2 as Mrs. Pearblossom: Oh, let me help you, dear. [Helped picking the clothes up.] Are these the costumes you've been working on?
Method Mare as Charity Kindheart: Yes, I was supposed to be finished by now, but there's just so much to do, and I still have a few last-minute alterations to make before opening night! [Sighed] I'm sorry I couldn't get enough tickets for everypony in the neighborhood. I hope Mr. Pearblossom wasn't too disappointed. I know Trotter on the Roof is one of his favorites.
Method Mare 2 as Mrs Pearblossom: Oh, my dear filly, don't worry about that. We're so proud of you. We shall be with you in spirit!
Method Mare as Charity Kindheart: Thank you! You've all made me feel so welcome here and have become like family to me! I just wish I could share this experience with you and the others!
More ponies come and join in watching the show. As the sun setting, they did not leave but to watch it. The show was good for them.
ACT 3 - Charity's Inspiration - Charity Kindheart continued sewing the clothes while chatting with Mrs. Pearlblossom.
Method Mare 2 as Mrs Pearblossom: So nice of you to put on this play for the neighborhood.
Method Mare as Charity Kindheart: I couldn't have done it without everypony's help! I know it's not Bridleway, but—
Method Mare 2 as Mrs. Pearblossom: Oh, pish-tosh! It's perfect, dear!
As the scene almost reached to the end, four method ponies bowed before the crowds. The audience cheered and gave the round of applause for not only the amazing acts of method mares but also the story and morality behind it. Manehattan Ponies started becoming more friendlier and kindhearted to each other again after watching Midsummer Theater Revival show.
Coco Pommel blushed in surprise yet happy while sniffed yet broke down in tears of joy. Her friends smiled in approval and agreement. Her dream is coming true. She finally fulfill Charity's Midsummer Theater Revival.
An old pony Pearly Stitch sniffed, "This is so nice. Haven't seen the neighborhood this friendly since Charity moved away!"
Method Stallion smiled, "Thank you, fillies and gentlecolts. Please give a warm welcome to the one who made this entire event possible – our neighbor Coco Pommel!"
The crowds turned to Coco Pommel as they cheered happily and clapped their hooves. Both Rarity and Applejack helped and moved Coco to the stage. She then began making the speech.
Coco Pommel cleared her throat, "Thank you all so much for coming. The Midsummer Theater Revival was always something that meant so much to me, and it seems it means quite a lot to all of you as well. I really can't take all the credit, though. My dear friends Rarity, Applejack, Saber Dragoon and Shorty Thinking helped me ever so much. And even the legendary doctor - Dr. Black Jack"
Applejack and Rarity bowed. Shorty Thinking and Saber Dragoon climbed as they waved to the crowds. Black Jack remained silent while watching the event. Penny screamed wildly and happily. Audience cheered wildly and happily while clapping their hooves. The speech was truly amazing and inspirational.
"Oh, darling, please, it was just a few costumes." Rarity remarked.
"Aw, shucks, I just happen to be good with a hammer is all." Applejack admitted, "To be honest, we had much bigger plans to start. When those fell through, we decided to simplify. This here was the result."
"Oh, don't be so modest. We were lost." Rarity admitted.
Coco Pommel smiled as she gave the wink to Rarity, "You bet your boots we were!"
Applejack smiled happily as she gave the wink to Mystic Ponies. They winked back to her as well.
After the show, everyone that involved at Midsummer Theater chatted happily with each other as well as being friendly and nice. Applejack, Rarity, Saber Dragoon, Shorty Thinking, Black Jack and Penny watched the event. Both Neighbor Pony and Business Pony approached to the group.
Neighbor Mare Pony smiled, "We just wanted to say how much we enjoyed the Midsummer Theater Revival and how much it inspired us!"
"I used to think that to help my community I had to do something big. Heh-heh. And let's face it –" Business Pony admitted, "in this day and age, who has the time for such a commitment? But here, you did something as simple as building a stage and putting on a play and, heh, look at how it's brought everypony together."
Neighbor Mare Pony smiled, "I saw Coco's flyers for volunteers but didn't think anything I'd have time to do would be that useful. Now I wish I'd offered to help, even if it was just pulling a few weeds or planting a few flowers."
"Not sure if you noticed, but the park is far from bein' fixed up. I imagine if you look around," Applejack said as she looked at the ruined stage, "you'll find there's lots of little ways for you to get involved in changin' this place for the better."
Both Neighbor and Business Pony smiled proudly, "We will!"
Both Neighbor and Business Ponies trotted off. A sudden glowing and ringing loud attract the ponies attention.
Both Applejack and Rarity turned and looked at their flanks. They found their Cutie Marks were glowing. Rarity and Applejack laughed happily as they hugged each other. Saber Dragoon, Shorty Thinking, Black Jack and Penny smiled. Mission Completed!
Applejack exclaimed, "We did it!"
"You bet we did," Saber Dragoon said happily.
"I understand now! It all makes perfect sense! I know why the map called you here." Rarity said in surprise. Everyone looked at her. She smiled as she explained,
"If Twilight had used her magic to fix the park, it wouldn't have fixed the real problem, which is that these Manehattan ponies didn't think they had time to do something for their community! But by building that stage and making sure the play went on, you showed them that just by doing something small, you can make a big difference!"
Shorty Thinking hummed calmly, "She's right. Even if Saber or me created the document with the mayor, it makes no difference here."
Applejack remarked in surprise, "Well, I'll be!"
"Seems you have more in common with the Manehattan ponies than you thought!" Saber remarked in surprise.
"Indeed she is," Black Jack smiled. Everyone looked at her. He continued, "Her parents would be very proud of her."
"Thanks... But for the payment," Applejack said in concern. Everyone looked at her as they wondered what she will said. She continued, "I'm sorry I couldn't pay in time. But if I work hard and earn much, I will pay that back."
Black Jack hummed for the moment before he smiled mysterious, "I think you've already paid me."
"What?"
"You heard me. It's done. You've shown the Manehattan the most importance of charity, cherish and hardworking. Everyone finally opened their eyes and understand the morality. And now, Midsummer Theater is going to be rebuild."
"I... I... I don't know what to say, Dr. Black Jack."
Black Jack smiled as he opened the case. He lifted the familiar yet similar to Applejack's hat except it has a familiar signature to her. The cowgirl gasped in surprise of looking at it. He removed the old hat and held the new one before her. Everyone were confused and surprised of Black Jack's gift.
Black Jack smiled, "Just say thank you, Applejack."
"Thanks..." Applejack said in surprise as she took the hat. She looked at the signature carefully ass she was surprise and shock. She looked at Black Jack again, "Where- Where did you get that hat? It has my pop's signature..."
Black Jack smiled mysterious as he began walking pass Applejack, "An old friend give me that as the token of friendship. Allow me to return it to you as the token of memoir. You remember me as KT, don't you, AJ?"
"KT?" Applejack asked in surprise.
Black Jack walked away from the park. Penny went after him at once.
"Hey, doc? What was that? How did you know about Applejack and her friends," Penny asked curiously, "Why did you give her that same hat as hers?"
Black Jack smiled, "That hat belongs to Applejack's father. He gave me as token of friendship. And now, I returned it to the owner as her only treasure and memoir of her father. She grown up well. I watched her from far."
Penny gasped in shock as she exclaimed while pressed her hooves on both sides of her cheeks, "Achabaniken (Ohmigewdness)!!!"
"Come on, let's get going," Black Jack said.
Applejack and her friends watched Black Jack and Penny walking across the downtown.
"I know Black Jack is unlicensed and strange doctor but," Saber Dragoon said in concern and worry, "But what was that?"
"Unlicensed?!" Rarity asked in surprise.
Shorty nodded, "Yes... He was licensed 1,000 years ago but got revoked for gambit in saving the patient's life. It was risky and dangerous bet he played but he saved the lives countless times. Some said he's a money grubber and thief. Others claimed him to be a deceptive doctor. But most claimed him the 'Miraculous Doctor'. That is why he was called as 'Black Jack' for gambit the impossible odds yet saved the lives."
"Hmm... That was truly mysterious of him yet he was so generous and respected as well," Rarity commented, "Though how does he know about Applejack? How does he know about her family?"
"Beats me," Saber Dragoon shrugged, "That's really mystery for me to figure things out. Mystic Ponies have undisclosed the classification files about him because they relied him for emergency situation. I can't even solve a history about him."
Shorty Thinking smiled a bit, "I guess things are meant to be mysterious and never to be solved."
Applejack continued watched the direction Black Jack and Penny have walked to. As she looked at her hat for the moment, she smiled a bit as if she remembered something. Applejack recalled the event when her parents were alive and she was 6-years-old.
Flashback:
Some years ago when Applejack was 6-years-old...
Applejack and her parents were meeting their old friend dressed in his doctor's uniform at the Manehattan Hospital's rooftop. As the parents and mysterious stallion were chatting with each other, Applejack and Winona were playing a tag together. As Winona ran across the hanger stand's several white sheets, Applejack got tangled and wrapped by them. The cowgirl couldn't see where she was going.
As she reached to the broken yet not repaired barrier's edge hard, it broke and fell off. Applejack screamed in fear as she fell over it while still tangled by the white sheet. But it was caught in time. Applejack whined and screamed in fear upon looking at the ground which it was too high and far for her to look.
"Don't be afraid! Look at me!" The voice called. Applejack turned and looked at the mysterious stallion as he pulled the sheet up slowly yet quick and hard. He grunted, "Don't worry. Hold on! 'I'm not afraid, I'm strong!' Keep telling yourself."
Applejack gulped as she muttered, "I'm not afraid, I'm strong! I'm not afraid, I'm strong! I'm not afraid, I'm strong!"
The mysterious stallion smiled, "That's it! Keep it up!"
As the mysterious stallion continued pulling the sheet up while Applejack muttered quickly, she was reached to the top safely.
"APPLEJACK!"
Both Applejack's Parents cried in fear and despair as they galloped and hugged Applejack tightly and passionately. Winona whined in fear as she nuzzled Applejack's muzzle. They broke down in tears of despair yet relief to see Applejack was safe from. They were so worried for her. She turned and looked at the mysterious stallion smiled at her.
Applejack's Father turned and looked at the mysterious stallion. He sniffed, "Thank you so much, Kuro Tezuka."
Kuro shook his head, "Just call me Black Jack."
"To us, you are Kuro Tezuka," Applejack's Mother said calmly while hugging Applejack.
Applejack's Father nodded as he passed his hat to Black Jack, "Take this for saving my girl. Token of Friendship."
Black Jack was against the idea in taking someone's treasure. But upon looking at his friends' generous and pleaded looks as well as Applejack, he smiled a bit. He took the hat before putting it on his head.
"I'll treasure it to the end, old friend."
Flashback Ends:
Applejack sighed happily as she finally knows who is Black Jack and how does he knows about her and her family. She put her new or father's hat on her head while looking at the moon.
"I guess things are not meant to be solved. It's for the best," Applejack smiled, "Isn't it, Mr. Kuro Tezuka?"
Everyone looked at Applejack as they wondered what she was talking about.
Applejack smiled as she turned and walked, "I'd sure like to head back to Ponyville on the next train. I want to check in with Apple Bloom and find out how the Sisterhooves Social turned out."
"Absolutely," Rarity agreed, "Let's go and get some rest. Tomorrow, we're going home."
END
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Neighbor Mare, Applejack's Mother
Tabitha St Germain: Rarity, Method Mare #2,
Cathy Weseluck: Coco Pommel, Spike
Will Friedle: Saber Dragoon
Skip Stellrecht: Shorty Thinking
Freddie Prinze Jr.: Black Jack
Cathy Cavidini: Penny
Minor Casts:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Jess McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Andrea Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Method Mare, Elderly Pony
Mark Oliver: Applejack's Father, Method Stallion, Street Merchant
Colin Murdoch: Business Pony, Method Stallion #2, Doctor, Surgeon