//------------------------------// // Chapter 31 // Story: The Sun of My Heart 2: Love's Flames // by BlueSun52 //------------------------------// The Play of the Century? Part - II Soul sat down after he was dragged into the Drama Club by Photo Finish and her two companions, Pixel Pizazz and Violet Blurr. Soul blinked confusedly while Photo was reading over his script once more while Pixel and Pizazz stood on each side of her. Soul scratched the back of his head and spoke up. “So, are we going to talk or can I go back and eat something before-” “There will be no time to eat!” Photo interrupted. “For we have much work to be done!” “Work?” Soul asked. “Yes, work! For something like this, we’ll need to put everything we can to make this piece of art a reality!” Photo explained. “It’ll be a spectacular!” “.... I knew I put a lot of work into it but I really doubt that it's that goo-” “It’s not good! It’s a magical wonder of art!” “Okay! Just… please stop shouting,” Soul said. Photo cleared her throat. “Sorry, I get really into my work when I see something that greatly interests me,” she said. She then looked back at the script. “I like how this story goes and the plot is magnificent!” “Well, I do the best I can to make it great,” Soul commented. “Yes, but to make the costumes for this type of ear would be tricky so I called in an expert to help.” “An expert?” “Pixel, Violet, please get our costume expert in here most haste!” Pixel and Violet nodded before leaving the room in a flash. Soul raised a brow and was about to ask Photo until he heard the doors opened and looked behind. He saw Pixel and Violet bringing in Rarity as she had a shocked looked on her. “What in heavens is going on!?” Rarity demanded. “Rarity?” Soul said. “Soul? What have you gotten me into now!?” Rarity asked. “For once, it wasn’t because of me… Sort of,” Soul replied. “Ms. Rarity, I had you brought here because I’m in need of your assistance!” Photo explained. “This play has so many needs for costumes and you’re the only one that can provide us with best kind within a short amount of time.” “Is that all?” Rarity asked. “We are in dire need of your expertise and creativity for this play! Surely you would be more than willing to help us out,” Photo explained. “Hmmm... Very well then. I suppose if you are in need of my services, I will take you by your offer,” Rarity said. “Umm, could you possibly have some descriptions of the costumes written up for me? I usually use my own imagination to make my outfits but I’m not particularly sure what kind of theme I should go for.” “We would need a mixture of renaissance and medieval in order to have both costume and armor,” Photo said. “Oh! Well, that will certainly be no- … Wait, armor?” “Why yes! We will be needing armor for the play.” “I don’t know how to make armor!” Rarity said. “I’m sure you will find a way. Now please, I have some work with the new director of the play to take care of,” Photo said. “Wait, this is craz- GHAA!” Rarity was dragged out of the room by Pixel and Violet and the door shut behind them. Soul blinked before he looked over to Photo. “What exactly kind of work are we taking care of?” he asked. “Auditions!” Photo proclaimed. “Wait, what?” “Well, we do need actors to play out the show,” Photo replied. “But I thought the Drama Club is made up of actors?” Soul asked. “Sadly, the club has few members this year. Which was why Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna allowed us to hold auditions for all members of the school to be able to have a chance at being apart of this play,” Photo explained. “Now I must be off! I have some school year photos to capture before the end of my senior year and graduation! I will inform you when auditions will start.” Photo pulled a camera from out of nowhere and she headed out the door. Soul blinked a few times before scratching the top of his head. “What did I get myself into again?” A few days had passed since Soul met with Photo Shoot and already several posters of the school’s auditions were all over the hallways. Several students had signed up for the auditions and were soon auditioning on the gym’s stage. Of course, it was not going so well. “Eeehh…. Uum…. What’s my line again?” Derpy asked. “Derpy… for the third time, the lines are in your hands,” Soul pointed out. Derpy was standing there with a script of lines and she looked at it funny. “But I can’t read it! It’s all weird looking,” she said with her eyes crossed and her lips scrunched. Soul let out a sigh. “We have got to figure out a way for that girl to see straight,” he commented. “Just… how bout we just make you a background character without any voice roles, okay?” “Woo hoo! I’m going to make it big in the theater business!” Derpy said before she walked off the stage with a bright smile plastered on her face. Soul placed a hand on his face as Photo only shook her head. Another girl, she had bright green hair with pale green streaks in it. She had dark purple irises and having red beret over her head. The girl wrote a few things down on her paper before letting out an exhausted sigh. “That is the fourteenth audition and the fourteenth person… to be a background character,” the girl said. “Not to be mean about this but… Is there anyone with a talent for actually reading their lines right?” “Well, we have been auditioning people that…. Let’s admit it, not that good at reading so far, Watermelody,” Soul said. “Wait, I just realized. Didn’t I see you in the Artist’s Club one time?” “Yes, and our club corresponds with the Drama Club along with other kinds of clubs,” Watermelody replied. “Huh? How many clubs are like that?” Soul asked. “A lot of clubs are corresponding with one another. It's the school’s way of everyone being friends with one another even being in a different club,” Watermelody explained. “Anyways, who’s next?” “That would be me!” Treble walked up the stage with a bright smile on his face. “Oh god,” Soul commented. “Oh, don’t worry, bro. I was just making a cameo appearance in this chapter,” Treble said. “Wait, what?” “Later suckers!” Treble pulled a nearby rope and he fell down a trap hole. The three looked at the stage with blanks looks. “Eeeeehh…. Next?” Watermelody said. Zero took the stage and looked at his script for a moment. “Zero? You want to be part of the play?” Soul asked. “Well yeah, I like the idea of being famous and becoming a movie actor,” Zero replied. Soul looked at Zero with half-lid eyes. “Just… read your lines the best you can,” he said. Zero nodded and started reading his lines. “Oh my love, I have waited for so long to see you again. My soul was taken away from you and the cruelty of fate had to keep us apart for so long,” Zero read as the judges were surprised to hear how elegant he was reading his lines. “My time maybe short here on the Earth but to know that you are safe is all that I need to keep my soul burning in the high heavens.” He looked away from the script and smiled. “How was that? Should I continue on?” Soul blinked, Photo had her mouth opened and Watermelody was looking at Zero dreamly. “Yes, please go on~” Watermelody said in a sultry tone. Zero went on reading his lines as the three listened. Finally, he had said the last line and looked to the three with a bright smile. “So, what do I get?” he asked. “You will have the lead role of this play!” Photo proclaimed. “You are exactly what we need!” “Umm, shouldn’t we wait until after we hear the rest of the auditions before deciding who’s plays what?” Soul asked. “Alright, let’s put it to a vote,” Watermelody said. “Raise your hand if you want Zero to have the leading role, raise your hand.” Both Photo and Watermelody raised their hands in favor of the idea while Soul looked at them with half-lid eyes. “Yes! Hollywood, here I come!” Zero said. Soul let out a groan. “This is going to be a long day,” he said. After announcing who the lead male was and dealing with the disappointed male students, the three were going over more of the auditions. Unlike the early auditions, Soul was happy to see that there were people that actually were able to act. Just as the last person walked off the stage, Rarity walked up and she smiled brightly. “Miss Belle? What are you doing here?” Photo asked. “I thought I asked you to work on the costumes for the play?” “Oh, they’re going very well! I should be able to have them ready for practices and after I get the measurements from the actors, I can be able to make those armors that you requested,” Rarity explained. “Wait, you figured out how to make them?” Soul asked. “I had help.” -Flash Back- Rarity took in a deep breath before she approached a girl with spiky dark blue hair with brilliant red irises and cyan skin. Rarity made a smile smile and waved at her. “Hello,” Rarity greeted. The girl looked at Rarity with a raised brow. “Can I help you?” she asked. “Yes, I have heard around the school that you could be able to make several medieval things like swords and armor, correct?” Rarity asked. “It’s mostly a hobby,” the girl replied. “You need something made? Because its gonna cost ya.” “I am very aware of that and more than willing to compensate for your troubles. Would you be willing to make several armors for the school’s upcoming play for the Spring Festival, Ms. Ember?” Rarity asked. Ember rubbed her chin for a moment before looking at Rarity with a smile. “Sure, I’ll be willing to make some for the play,” she replied. “But first, let’s see how much you’re willing to pay.” “Oh, I’m sure it won’t be that bad,” Rarity said. -Flash Back End- Rarity then looked at them with a glare. “It turned out to be that bad,” Rarity said. “It took all from my savings just to pay for those.” “We’ll compensate later after we see them,” Photo said. “That explains about the armors but that doesn’t explain why you’re here,” Soul pointed out. “Oh right! I’ve decided to be part of the play and audition for the lead female role!” Rarity replied. “Alright! Then please read your lines and we’ll see if you’re right for the part,” Watermelody said. Rarity smiled and started reading her lines. “Oh my sweet knight, I have always dreamt of being with you since the days of our youth. Please, say that you will forever be by my side and carry me whenever I wish it. And that every morning after our day of consummation that you will kiss these lips and hold me tight into your ever loving arms,” Rarity acted. “Oh my, this quite the lines, Soul. Are these going to be part of the play?” “These are just lines I came up with. They’re just somewhat related to the play,” Soul replied. “Mind reading the next few lines?” “Of course!” Rarity said before looking back at the script. She read her lines elegantly and her voice was matching her character well. After reading the rest of her lines, she looks up at the judges. “Did I do well?” she asked. “Yes! You did magnificent job!” Photo said. “I believe we might have found our new leading fema-” “No! No! No!” Soul interjected. “It’s one thing to just pick a male lead since guys just complain about it but if we go ahead and pick a female lead without going through the entire audition, this school will be torn apart by the entire female body!” The three girls narrowed their eyes at Soul. “Oh, don’t look at me like that! You know it's true!” All the girls glared at him for a moment before making mumbles of agreement. “Very well, we will wait until we audition every girl here… Despite what Soul thinks of woman,” Watermelody commented. Soul narrowed his eyes at Watermelody before looking at Rarity. “But as far as I can tell, you look like you have a good chance at becoming the next lead,” he said. “That is wonderful to hear! I can’t wait to find out if I am the next lead!…. Even with your view on wo-” “Get out of here!” Soul interjected Rarity. Rarity laughed before she got off the stage. Soul let out a sigh before he looked towards the stage. “Next.” The three waited for a moment but no one came towards the stage. “Um…. Next?” Soul repeated. There was still no one on the stage. “Did we already audition everyone?” he asked. “No, there’s still a line outside,” Watermelody replied. “Well whoever is next, please come up to the stage!” Photo yelled. “We have very precious time and we would like to get our actors together!” Finally someone walked up to the stage nervously while she hid behind her hair. “.... Fluttershy?” Soul asked. “Y-Yes…” Fluttershy replied. “I-I’m here for the… audition.” “Wait, why? I thought you get nervous easily if too many people look at you,” Soul said. “I-I do b-but I want to change that and be m-more comfortable with people,” Fluttershy said. “I t-thought that this would be a g-good step.” “Oh…. Alright… Just read your lines and please, take your time,” Soul said. Watermelody leaned over to Photo. “This is gonna be a long audition,” she whispered to her. “She won’t even make it past the first line for about two hours,” Photo whispered back. Soul cleared his throat catching the two off guard and they acted innocent. Fluttershy held her script for a moment as she read it. She looked at three before taking a deep breath and spoke. “Oh my sweet knight, I have always dreamt of being with you since the days of our youth. Please, say that you will forever be by my side and carry me whenever I wish it. And that every morning after our day of consummation that you will kiss these lips and hold me tight into your ever loving arms,” Fluttershy started. “To know that I will be with you for the rest of my life soon is a dream come true. And that I hope we would have many children that would love us just as much as I love you and you the same to me. Hold me tight my love… for I will never let go of you ever when we are wed.” All three of the judges had their mouths hung open as Fluttershy spoke her lines. She spoke so sweet and passionate with her lines and what amazed them the most was that she was hardly looking at the script. Fluttershy had memorized the script in such a short time and would only look at it ahead of her lines to make sure she remember them right. She soon finished and looked up at the three nervously. “Did… Did I do good?” Fluttershy asked. “You did good?.... You did good!? My dear, you’ve done the lines true justice! Your voice, your pacing and the passion you gave it! You are perfect for the leading role!” Photo declared. “L-Leading role?” Fluttershy said nervously. “I-I don’t I can handle-” “Unless of course, Soul has to make us-” Watermelody said until Soul interrupted her. “Fluttershy, you are perfect for the role!” Soul said. “Girls, I change my mind, this would be so worth the school being torn apart if it means Fluttershy would be part of it!” “W-Wait, what!?” Fluttershy pancied. “M-Maybe you should wait till-” Photo walked up towards the the stage entrance and yelled out. “The role for leading female has been taken!” she shouted. “We are no longer looking for a leading female role!” “WHAT!?” Rarity shouted. “Oh come on!” Sweetie Belle shouted from afar in the line. “This isn’t fair!” one girl shouted. “Let’s tear this school apart!” All the girls shouted in agreement before they started tearing off pictures, pulling the lockers towards the ground and papers were thrown all over the hallways. It was soon total chaos as Celestia and Luna watched out from their office. Luna glared over to Celestia as Celestia had a weak smile. “You said nothing bad would happen today at the auditions, nothing at all,” Luna said. “Well… It's that bad!” Celestia let out a sigh. “For once, I wish I was right about these things,” she said. After a while of auditioning and helping with the repairs of the school, Soul was in the library. He hid deep within the columns of shelves and books as he was hiding from the dozens of girls that were still angry and wanted to take it out on him. Soul sat down with his lunch and took a bite out of his sandwich before Sunset poked her head out around a corner and smiles. “Oh, hey babe!” “Hey Sunny, had any trouble looking for me?” Soul asked. “No, you were very easy to find since… well, there’s not that many columns both up and down the stairs,” Sunset replied. “How come you didn’t go to Scruffy’s office? You and the guys usually go in there whenever trouble comes along.” “I can’t…. Some of the girls were standing guard waiting for me,” Soul replied. “Oh… That’s a shame,” Sunset commented. “Yeah… So how’s your day going?” “It’s going well, I thought about being a part of your play but then the riot started and I just got the hell out of there,” Sunset replied. “I never realized this but I think the school has gotten a lot crazier over the last two years.” “Stick around, baby. There’s still a lot to come before graduation,” Soul commented. He took in a deep breath and looked off. “I can’t believe that it's getting near graduation already… I feel like I missed so much before I came here. You turning into a probably hot she-demon and the Dazzling girls taking you guys on at the Battle of the Bands. And I just met you in junior high almost two years ago.” Sunset smiled before she rested her head on Soul’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about all that stuff,” she said. “I mean, it would have been great spending high school with you for two more years but I wasn’t exactly super good girl at the time and when I did, I wasn’t really ready on trying to go out with guys.” “What made you change your mind about that?” Soul asked. “Well, there was this one sweet and awesome guy that wanted to go out with me so much. He hanged out with me and even when I told him I wasn’t interested in any dating or romance, he still stuck around with me,” Sunset said as her smile grew. “Heh, and when it was around the Fall Formal again, he must have been a weck because he feared the possibility of the friendzone. The worst thing that could ever happen to a boy.” Soul chuckled before he wrapped an arm around Sunset. “Yeah, it was very unnerving for that guy,” he commented. “But if I recall correctly, you decided to take the poor guy to the dance and had one of the most romantic times in your life.” Sunset giggled. “Yes, it was the best decision of my life. And from then on we went on so many dates, shared so much time together both good and bad times,” Sunset said. “Now he lives with me and we share the same bed and I get to wake up every morning in his arms because he loves me so much. Just like how much I love him.” Sunset leaned up and kissed Soul passionately. Soul returned the kiss with a deep kiss of his own wrapping both arms around her. While the two were embracing each other's lips, a girl came skidding across the floor and saw the who. “Girls! I found the director, he’s in here!” the girl shouted. Soul’s and Sunset’s eyes widen before looked to see a mob of girls heading straight towards them. “EEP!” Soul squeak before he grabbed his lunch bag and ran off with the mob chasing him. Sunset let out a yelp before the mob ran over her and left her behind as she groaned in pain. She sat up before rubbing head and opened her crossed eyes. “I’m… really getting tired of this s***,” she said. “And the girls grabbed me and threw me through a window!” Soul finished. His clothes was covered in stains and had a foul stench. Zero, Swift, Clyde, Night and Rivet held their noses as they sat at the same booth at the cafe. However they kept their distance as best they could. “Man, that must have sucked,” Swift commented. “Good thing they aimed you at the dumpster.” “That’s the thing…. They didn’t! They threw me through the window without knowing there was one there!” Soul pointed out. “Oh…. Well, good thing there was a dumpster then,” Swift said. “Soul, I’m not complaining or anything like that but couldn’t you have gone home and washed up before coming here to hang out?” Night asked. “Because the smell is very painful to smell.” “I would have but apparently my bike was also trashed by the girls too and it's in the shop as well,” Soul said. “This was not worth casting Fluttershy at the spot and I see that now.” “That’s what you get for contradicting yourself,” Rivet commented. “How about we just talk about something else and try to cover up that smell?” “Wait, I think I got something that might help,” Zero said before getting up and heading out the door. After a moment, he came back in and hung a car freshener on Soul’s ear. “There we go, that should help.” Soul’s eyes were half-lid and let out a sigh. “So Soul, besides the riot and the mob, how is the play going along?” Rivet asked. “It’s going pretty well. Though I hope that everything goes well, we only have a limited time before the Spring Festival,” Soul replied. “I just hope it's good enough for everyone.” “Don’t worry about it, you did put a lot of work into it so I’m sure that everyone will enjoy it,” Clyde said. “I know Rarity is enjoying making the costumes…. Though she is mixed between being bitter and joyful about Fluttershy being the lead female.” “Are you sure she’s joyful for Fluttershy and bitter towards me?” Soul asked. “.... Possibly,” Clyde replied before taking a sip from his drink. “I think your play is going to go great, man,” Swift said. “You put a lot of effort into this and now, your story is going to be used to make this play awesome!” “I agree. I mean you already have a large cast of characters, you’ll be getting your costumes and armors and from what I understand, Pinkie is going to be in charge of the set equipment,” Rivet said. “I gotta say, it sounds freakin badass.” “Thanks guys, I really appreciate the support,” Soul said. “Man we’ve been through alot together over the last couple years.” “Yeah…. Although for some strange reason I was in constant pain and misfortune for the first few months of junior,” Swift said. “I’ve never been that clumsy and always been so careful in those situations. And why would people use me as an example of it? Derpy is a good example of all that stuff! Do you know how many times she gets stuck on the windows?” “Too many to count,” Soul answered. “I mean it was almost like a story that someone was making and misused a character and now everyone thinks that character is like that even though that’s completely wrong.” “That’s a strange way to put it but yeah sounds about right,” Night said. “You know despite some of the stuff I’ve been apart of, it sounded like you guys did so much that I wish I was a part of,” Zero said. “I feel the same way. I pretty much missed two out of three major magical events that had happened,” Soul said. “It’s a shame though that this is our last year of high school.” “Time flies so fast,” Rivet said. “Hey guys, what are you going to do after graduation?” “I plan on becoming a lawyer like my great uncle,” Swift said. “He said he could get me into one of the best colleges here and after that, I can work for him for a while before being one on my own.” “Neat! I’m planning on being part of the law enforcement!” Zero said. Everyone at the looked at Zero with a surprised expressions. “You?…. Part of the law enforcement?.... The guy that always stands up against the man?” Rivet asked. “Hey! I really want to help people and being a cop or a detective let’s me do that,” Zero said. “Although taking down the man from the inside is a good perk too.” Rivet rolled his eyes. “Well, I got plans to join the airforce after college,” Rivet said. “And… Maybe ask Rainbow Dash to…. You know.” “Planning on tying the knot down?” Clyde asked. “Yeah. We’ve been together for so long and she does have other plans after college. So I hoped that after we both graduated from college, I can ask her to marry me… or at least live together,” Rivet explained. “Though to be honest, I’m not sure she’s into the idea of marriage. She always talks about being free as a bird.” “That doesn’t mean she can still be free as a bird and have someone along the way,” Swift said. “I’m sure she’ll love the idea of being with you, Rivet. That girl cares about you more than anything else in the world.” “Heh, I’ll hold you to that, Swift,” Rivet said. “Got any plans for the future, Night?” Zero asked. “Eeeh, nothing yet. I do plan to go to the college but I might take a year off and think about what I want to do in life,” Night replied. “I can get down with that,” Clyde commented. “But I got some special plans of my own. I’m thinking about going to be playing basketball overseas for next year. Though I’m having a hard time how to tell Rarity about it. I promised her that we would go to Manehattan but I think this would be better for the both of us.” “I’m sure she’ll be able to handle it well,” Swift said. “Let’s hope so,” Clyde said. “I bet it’ll turn out well,” Zero commented before looking to Soul. “So what about you, pal? Don’t you have any plans after graduation?” Soul rubbed the back of his head. “I don’t know exactly. I never really thought about it that much,” he replied. “I guess I might do the same with Night and just have a year off to myself. Figure out what I would like to do with it for the rest of my life hopefully.” “Well whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be awesome!” Swift said. Zero lifts up his drink. “Hey, let's make a toast!” he said. “To our future!” All the guys raised their drinks. “To our future!” They all said before clinging their drinks together before drinking them. “Hey guys, can I ask you something?” Soul asked. “Aren’t you asking right now?” Night pointed out. Soul rolled his eyes. “Even though I don’t have much plans for the future but… I’ve been thinking of some things between and me and Sunset,” he said. “And…. recently I’ve been thinking about…. asking her to marry me.” All the guys stopped before looking at Soul with shocked expressions. “Woah, asking her to get married?” Zero asked. “Yeah…. I want to ask Sunset to marry me,” Soul replied. “W… Woah,” Swift said. “That’s…. A pretty big decision, man,” Zero said. “I agree. You sure it's time?” Clyde asked. “You don't want to wait another year before thinking about it?” “I’m sure of it… I mean, I’m already living with her, we share the same bed and… I get to see her every morning when I wake up… It just feels like it's time for me to ask her, you know?” Soul explained. “Dude...that's huge...that's like, the biggest decision you can make in your life,” Swift explained. “Yeah,” Rivet said. “Come on guys, this is a great moment for him!” Night chimed. “Well, if you think it's time, it's time. I love Rarity more than anything but I still think we are too young for that, and especially since I'll be leaving for a year, I'm sure she won't like me asking that before I leave,” Clyde said. “I get where you're coming from and I would totally say go for it as a sign of love and all that jazz but still, when do you plan on asking her?” Zero asked. Soul rubs the back of his head. “I don’t know…. Depends on if I ever get the chance to get an actual diamond ring,” Soul replied. “Yeah, those are super pricey dude,” Swift commented. “Maybe you can get a summer job or something,” Zero suggested. “Riiiiiiiight, a minimum wage job would totally get me the money I need to get a diamond ring in time before Sunset leaves for college to become a teacher,” Soul sarcastically said. “Right. Sarcasm aside, as long as you plan everything out and can afford what you want to do, there shouldn't be a problem,” Night said. “Dude, Sunset loves you, I think you don't have anything to worry about,” Rivet said. “think you can take your time with this.” “I know but… I just can’t wait to ask her this. As reckless as this may sound, I really want to know if she would want to or not,” Soul said. “I've no doubt that she does. You two are great for each other,” Night assured. “Yeah man, you make a pretty fun couple if you ask me,” Zero said. “Plus you're living together, If she's not bothered by you living with her at all, then there's no need to rush the whole marriage thing.” “Yeah, that's right. It's just important to think if you're moving too fast with this or not. Even me and Pinkie are taking it slow in that regard,” Swift said. “Hey guys!” Pinkie popped up next to the group as she handing some of them more drinks. “Here you go!” “Thanks, Pinkie,” Swift said. “So what are you guys talking about over here?” Pinkie asked. “Soul wants to know if it's a good idea to ask Sunset to marry him,” Rivet replied. “Okay, am-am I really the only one who's okay with what Soul's doing here?” Night asked. “Oh, that is so romantic!” Pinkie said. “Nope, you’re not,” Soul replied. “I'm okay with it, I'm just making sure Soul is sure that this is what he wants to do,” Rivet said, “Same,” Clyde agreed. “I don't want him to rush anything is all.” “Because it's such a huge step,” Rivet added. “And We don't want him to screw anything up,” Zero added as well. “I mean, as long as he has a plan and knows how he'll afford everything, I'm all for it!” Night said. “It’s just this feeling. I mean, like you guys said, we’re perfect for each other and she would more than likely to say yes so… why wait?” Soul pointed out. “That is so true! In fact… I know what I have to do.” Pinkie looks to Swift, kneels down and holds his hands. “Swift, would you be my wife?” “W-What!?” Swift asked shocked. “Yeah Swift, what's the answer?” Zero elbows him with a chuckle. “Wait…. I think I got the roles mixed up,” Pinkie said. “Yeah…. You did,” Swift said. “Never mind, we’ll have to do this again at another time. I don’t wanna get married getting the roles mixed up… although you would look nice in a dress, sweetie,” Pinkie commented. “.... Thanks, Pinkie,” Swift said. Soul blinks before he shakes his head. “I’ll…. think about this some more. Thanks for the input on this, guys,” he said. “Ah, okay. Of course you want to be sure yourself,” Night said before sighing. “Darn, I was getting excited.” “Mmhmm, glad we could talk about this,” Swift said. “Seriously, when are we going to get married?” Pinkie asked. “We’re at this again are we?” Swift asked. “When we're sure we want to be together forever?” “How can we be sure we’ll be together forever if you take forever to ask me to marry me?” Pinkie retorted. “.... True.” “Ah ha! I trapped you!” Pinkie said. “Tell you what, how about I go through college and then ask you to marry me once I'm able?” Swift suggested. “I’ll hold you to that. Because if you forget, I’ll come after you,” Pinkie said with a menacing voice before sliming brightly. “... Don't worry, I'll likely ask you to marry me when I can afford a ring,” Swift said. Pinkie reached into her chest before pulling out a stack of money and slamming it in front of Swift. “You can afford it,” she said. “.... Where did you-” “Babysitting.” “Ah…. So.... after college then?” Swift asked. “After college,” Pinkie agreed. “Alright.” “Man, all this marriage talk,” Zero commented before taking a sip from his drink. “Well, at least you don’t have to worry about that for a while. I mean, you’re still single,” Soul said. “Eeeh…. Yeah, you see-” Zero was about to say until his cellphone started to ring. He picked it up and answered it. “Hello?” “Hey Zero, are you doing anything tonight?” Twilight asked. “Because I was hoping we could go out again.” “Sure thing, I'm not doing anything tonight. Where do you wanna meet up?” Zero asked. “Maybe at the park and we can just walk around with our hoods on? I’m still trying to keep our relationship a low profile,” Twilight said. Zero let out a sigh. “Seriously? Can't we just be open about this?” he asked. I know you want this to be more open about us but… I don’t know, it just makes me feel very nervous,” Twilight replied. “Look, there's nothing to be nervous about. If anything happens, I'll be there for you. Easy as that,” Zero said. “Please?... Just a little longer?” Twilight asked. Zero could feel that she was making her cute little pout that she would use him a lot. “Ok, ok. After the play is done. How's that?” he asked. “Alright, that sounds fair,” Twilight said. “Great, see ya at the park later. Love you,” Zero said. “Love you too,” Twilight said. Zero could hear a small kissing sound before Twilight hung up. He did the same and looked up at Soul. “Nevermind, just focus on the play and marriage stuff,” he said. “O…. Kay?” Soul said confused. “So, How's the casting for the play coming along?” Zero asked. “Like I said, besides the riots, it went well. We have all that we need for the play,” Soul replied. “Great! I can't wait to steal the show with my glorious acting!” Zero boasted. “Heh, yeah,” Soul said before he gets up. “Alright, I’m gonna head off. Later guys.” “See ya later my man,” Zero said before he looks at Night. “So Night, You're cool with me and Fluttershy being the leads right?” Night waved his hand. “Pfft. Yeah. Of course. Heh. Yeah. I mean, duh. Yeah,” he said. “Just making sure, I don't want you feeling jealous or anything with whatever happens on stage or during rehearsals,” Zero said before smirking slightly. Night’s eyes widen. “What, ah... wh-what... what exactly are you insinuating?” he asked apprehensive. “Nothing really, I'm just saying we might say some romantic lines, staring into each other's eyes, Me being her knight in shining armor as I save the day or world or whatever as we say I love you to each other or something,” Zero shrugs. “Are... are you just, like, rubbing it in at this point?” Night asked. “Way to be that guy, Zero,” Clyde commented. Zero chuckles. “I'm just kidding around,” he assured. “It's just a play after all, not like I'm really stealing her away. But seriously, Don't worry about what happens in the play. It's all just an act,” He said before he puts on his hoody and gets up. “I know it is but with you, it could go either way,” Night said. Zero chuckled. “Well, later guys. I have some business to take care of,” he said before he walks off and leaves the cafe. A few days had passed and Soul was watching and instructing everyone that was working on the set for the play. Thanks to Pinkie, he had all that he needed to make scenes and backgrounds for the play. One of the students were testing out the slides that moved the cardboard bushes and other background materials while another was testing the lighting over the stage. “Pinkie, once again you’ve outdone yourself,” Soul complemented. “This is going to be the awesomest play of all time!” “Thank you, Soul! I just like to help out a friend!” Pinkie said. “Hey, I was wondering about something. What are you going to do for the boulder scene?” Soul asked. “This! Hey guys, let it rip!” Pinkie yelled. Soul raised a brow before he looked behind him and his eyes widen. He saw a large boulder hanging on a rope swung straight towards him and collided with him. It kept Soul on it for a moment before it stopped and sent Soul towards the wall. “GHAAAA!” “Oops…. Maybe we should have moved a bit to the left,” Pinkie said. Soul groaned before he fell towards the ground and he slowly limbed back towards Pinkie. “Despite the pain…. It was a pretty good effect,” he said. “But how about we make a little more softer in case-” “LOOK OUT FOR THE LIGHT!” A light fell down and it crashed next to Soul. Soul let out a sigh of relieve as he had seen in so many cartoons. “Phew! That was close,” he said. “NOT THAT ONE, THE OTHER ONE!” Soul’s eyes widen before a light fell right on top of him. “AAAAAHH!” “Derpy, I told you to be careful with that!” Vinly said. “I just don’t know what went wrong,” Derpy replied. After everything on the stage was set up and Derpy proofed, Soul sat down on a chair with his left arm and both legs casted. He looked at his script for a moment before looking up towards the stage. “Alright, first day of rehearsal everyone. Let’s see if we can nail this thing on the first try,” Soul said. “Alright, we’ll start with the first scene. Zero and Fluttershy, please come up to the stage.” Zero walked up to the stage in his casual outfit. “Shouldn’t we have costumes on?” he asked. “Naw, we can wait until everyone is comfortable with the play. Also, Rarity is still working on them,” Soul replied. “Plus, where’s Fluttershy?” Everyone looked around for Fluttershy for a moment as she was nowhere to be seen. Zero looked behind him until he saw a small bit of pink hair behind one of the cardboard set. “I think I found her,” Zero said. “Come on, Fluttershy. It’s just a small group of people here today, You can come out.” Slowly and nervously, Fluttershy walked up to the stage and stood next to Zero with her script covering the lower part of her face. ‘The poor girl can barely stand on her legs,’ Soul thought. “Umm, whenever you two are ready, we can begin the play.” Fluttershy nodded before she took in a deep breath and looked at Zero. “Oh my lov-” “LOOK OUT! THE BOULDER BROKE LOOSE!” Pinkie shouted. Zero and Fluttershy looked behind them and their expressions turned to horror as the fake boulder was rolling across. Zero quickly grabbed Fluttershy’s hand and they both jump off the stage as they dodged the boulder. Soul’s eyes widen when Zero and Fluttershy were about to land on top of him. “Son of a-” *CRASH* Soul felt hazy as he groaned in pain. It felt like something was sitting on top of his face and he couldn’t see anything. Fluttershy sat up as she rubbed her head and Zero got on his knees as he let out a sigh of relieve. “That was too close,” Zero said before he looked over to Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, are you okay?” “Y-Yeah, I’m okay. Thank you, Zero for pulling me out of the way,” Fluttershy said. “It what I do best. Rescue damsels in distress and all that,” Zero said. He stood up and looked around the room for a moment. “Hey, where’s Soul?” “I don’t-” Fluttershy was about to say until she felt something underneath her. She looked down and her face slowly turned scarlet red. She saw that Soul was under her skirt and could feel his face in between her thighs. “EEEEEEEEEK!” *SLAP!* “AAAAHH!” “Pinkie, I think it's for the best that we get rid of the boulder. It has come to my attention that it is a health hazard and it can put people in danger… Especially me,” Soul said to Pinkie as a bright red mark could be seen on his cheek after Fluttershy had gave him it. “I’m so sorry! I-I didn’t mean to slap you! I-It was just instinctive!” Fluttershy pleaded. “Fluttershy, for the fifth time, it’s fine,” Soul said before looking back at Pinkie. “I’m gonna have to ask you to find an alternative way of doing the boulder scene.” “Hmmm…. Will, I could use the projector to show an image of a rolling boulder. Vinyl suggested that but I was totally like, we should try making a real one instead! But then we compromised for a super hard cardboard one,” Pinkie explained.. “.... The projector would work fine,” Soul said. He then looked back at his play staff. “Alright everyone, we started out a bit rocky but if there’s one thing that I’ve learned anything from my life is that, well this kind of stuff happens to me a lot. So… actually this has turned out better than I expected to be.” “I…. can’t tell if that’s good or bad,” Zero commented. “Now, if y’all excuse me…. I’m gonna go get some rest. Watermelody will take over for me for the rest of the day,” Soul said before he used his cane and he limped out of the gym. Watermelody cleared her throat. “Yes well, everyone please take your places and try all this again,” she said. “We only have a few weeks and we need to get all this ready before the Spring Festival. Let’s do our best and show everyone what we can do!” Everyone made small gestures of agreement and they all took their places on the stage. Meanwhile, Soul was walking down the hallways seeing that it was mostly empty. It was after school hours and he and his staff were allowed to stay in the school while they prepare the play. As he walked down the halls, going by the cafeteria doors and took a small through the windows before passing them. He then looked back again through the window with a raised brow and saw his grandmother, Granny Smith wiping down the tables. Soul went into the cafeteria and walked up towards Granny Smith. “Hey granny, shouldn’t you be out of here by now?” he asked. “I thought you would be gone by now.” “Well, someone gotta clean these tables up. And Lord knows it ain’t gonna be that Scrubby fella,” Granny Smith replied. She looked over to Soul and raised a brow. “What in sam hella happened to ya?” “Nothing much, just needed to rest for a bit. The directing stuff is killing me both figuratively and literally,” Soul replied. “But I can tough it out and get everything in working order.” “Ah’m sure ya will, Soul,” Granny Smith said before she patted his head and went back to cleaning the table. Soul turned around and was about to leave until he stopped for a moment. He looked back at Granny Smith for a moment before speaking up. “Hey granny, do you have a sec?” he asked. “Well, of course! Ah always have time to spare for my grandkids,” Granny Smith said. “What do ya wanna talk about?” “Well…. Alright, I’m gonna just come out with it. I’ve been thinking about… proposing to Sunset lately,” Soul replied. “And I talked with some my friends and most of them said that I should wait until Sunset and I graduate after college but…. I don’t know if I want to wait that long.” Granny Smith rubbed her chin as she nodded. “Why don’t ya sit down for a moment,” she suggested. Soul nodded and he sat down next Granny Smith. “Soul, Ah can suggest and say a lot of things to ya. Ah can convince ya to wait just like ya friends suggested or Ah can tell ya ya can go ahead and purpose to that sweet girl you live with now. But the opinions of others means nothing between true love of both a man and a woman. What matters is what ya think. Do ya think you’re ready for this, Soul? Cause marriage is a serious and sacred bond between a man and a woman.” Soul stared at his grandmother for a moment before looking down at the table with his thoughts. He thought back to when he first met Sunset as he turned around to see her beautiful face, the first time he held her in his arms when he pulled her out of the way of the soccer ball Rainbow Dash kicked, the moment when he sat next to her at the theater and seeing that awkward sex scene together. Going on that triple date, being asked by her and going to the Fall Formal together where they first share their first kiss, going on their first official date, reuniting with her parents and seeing her happy to be with them again. Sharing a bike ride together when he finally had his motorcycle licence and the times they shared their lips together on top of it. Going to the beach, swimming in the warm water of the sea, their night together in the woods as they camped and all their crazy adventures during the summer. Him sharing a moment with her as he first saw his little baby sister and letting Sunset hold her in her arms. The troubling times of him leaving his family to get away from his once insane mother (Who he still loves and patched things up with) as she comforts him. And finally, being supportive during his writing and congratulating him on the contest. After thinking through everything that had happened between him and Sunset, Soul had never been so sure in his life that he was ready to be fully committed to this woman that he had fell in love with. With a smile, he looked at Granny Smith. “I am, granny. She’s the most important person in my life and I want to show her how important she is to me,” he replied. Granny Smith smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Then you’re all set to ask this girl to be your wife,” she said. “Though Ah bet it's gonna be hard to ask her properly without a wedding ring.” “I know…. And I would have to get a job during the summer to get the money and if I do that, it might be too late to purpose to her before she heads off to college,” Soul said. “And I don’t really have much plans for college right now so I have to at least have a job while she’s gone. And by the time she comes back, I might be gone for college and it would be twice as long before I can purpose to her.” “If it’s such a big deal for ya to give her a ring, then ya can use this one,” Granny Smith said before she pulled her wedding ring off and placed it on Soul’s hand. “G-Granny?.... B-But this your wedding ring. I couldn’t-” Granny Smith closed Soul’s hand with the ring and held it. “Oh sweetie, Ah’ve had that ring for so long without a husband, it might as well be used by someone else,” she said. “And this way ya can purpose and get married before y’all go your separate ways for a while and never have to worry about waiting for so long. Consider this my wedding gift for ya.” Soul held the ring tightly in his hand. “Granny…. Thank you so much,” he said before he went up to her and hugged her tightly. Granny Smith hugged him back and patted him on the back. “You’re welcome, sweetie,” she said. She pulls away from the hug and smiles. “Now, Ah believe that ya have an important question to ask to someone special?” Soul nods before he gets up slowly and starts to walk off. But then he stopped halfway and looked down at himself. “.... Maybe I should wait a bit longer until I healed up,” he said, Granny Smith laughs. “Yeah, Ah think that would be for the best,” she said.