Pinkie's friends learn what she meant about being serious about parties.
A story I've been wanting to write for a good while now. Also, experimenting with small chapters so expect a quick read. The first five chapters are just funniness until the actual story.
In an unfortunate turn of events, Pinkie Pie gets sick. The illness itself is not the problem. It's the fact Pinkie had some party planning to do. Her friends decide it shouldn't be too hard to help her out. It's only a party, right?
Features a couple of OCs and Discord for good measure. It's an adventure into what do party planners do?
Pinkie sagged on the counter. She could feel a headache coming on and her neck was stiff. Gosh, I hope I'm not getting sick. She looking into the bathroom mirror for a moment before pulling it open. There wasn't too many items inside so some simple headache medicine was easy to find. She put two in her mouth then swallowed them down with a water from the faucet.
Pinkie pulled her muzzle back up from under the faucet. The day hadn't been that tiring! Nor the day before. And she hadn't been doing anything too unusual. No standing in the rain for too long (not that there had been any lately) or been near anyone sick with out the necessary precautions. Ugh, summer time colds are the worst!
She wandered to bed and pulled the covers up. It was too warm so she pushed them down. Then she was too cold. Pinkie shivered a little. She sighed and bent down to only pull up the sheet and not the blanket. It was better. She closed her eyes. Something was off. She looked up to see the fan wasn't on. She sighed again and got up.
Pinkie turned on the fan then went back to bed. Now she was too cold again. Pinkie scrunched her face and closed her eyes. She wanted to just go to sleep already. There was tossing and turning. She stared up to the ceiling on her back. It was 2 a.m. Pinkie got up and walked downstairs. She was surprised when Mrs. Cake was there.
"Hey, Cup." Pinkie smiled weakly.
"Morning, Pinkamena." She smiled back. Pinkie smiled wider at the joke.
"What are you doing up?" Pinkie asked.
"I could ask you the same thing."
"I couldn't sleep. It's either this headache or the headache medicine with it's aiding caffeine."
"I'm sorry to here that. Pound wouldn't go back to sleep. He took a nap too soon before bed."
Pinkie shook her head. That was never a fun thing to happen. She moved further into the kitchen. Mrs. Cake was at the table with a cup of tea. Pinkie grabbed a cup herself before seeing if the kettle needed to be reheated. It did so she turned on the stove. It wasn't too long before the water was hot enough. Pinkie carried the cup of tea to the table.
Mrs. Cake had a cook book by her and a note pad. Probably working on a new recipe. Pinkie threw her head forward at a sudden sneeze.
"Oh dear, are you getting sick?" Mrs. Cake looked up from her papers. She seemed to be examining Pinkie now.
"No, no. Just a random sneeze." She sniffled a little.
Pinkie finished her tea in silence. It was a wonderful time. She always had an appreciation for the early morning. Normally the hours of five am to 9 am. The weak light and the quiet seemed like an odd combination. Like the moment the sun came up, everything was suppose to break into life and sound. Pinkie smiled at Mrs. Cake and went back up stairs. She hoped to get some sleep. It was nearer to 3 a.m. now but she finally found her way to dreamland. first chapter
The first thing Pinkie noticed upon waking was that her eyes didn't want to open. The second was that when she did, it was like accepting an awful truth. Her head hurt. She had a stuffy nose. She turned to the night stand (but seeing as it was daytime, she considered it a day stand) to find out what time it was. A big 10:37 am stood out.
"Ugh, I'm late." She said as she turned over. She should get up. She should get ready for work especially since she was late. She should at least get some water and medicine. Instead, she curled up on her right side and cuddled further into the bed.
She must have fallen asleep cause she woke back up an hour later by knocking on her door. Pinkie felt her sore throat and gave out a cough. Great.
The door opened to reveal Mr. Cake. He walked over to the bed. Pinkie turned over so she was facing him. He didn't say anything yet only put his hoof on her forehead.
"Sugarbun told me you looked a little sick last night. How are you feeling?" He removed his hoof with a concerned looked.
"Kill me now."
He grinned. He went to the bathroom and grabbed her the medicine and a glass of water.
"Here you go sweet bean." He said as she struggled to sit up.
Oh gosh, I just want to be knocked out. Pinkie thought. She felt dizzy like she'd been spinning round and round. She took the medicine and the water.
"Do you think you can stomach a little food?"
"Yeah." she said breathily after gulping down the glass of water.
"Okay, I'll be right back. Just lay back for now."
Pinkie didn't know if she was more grateful for having the nicest bosses or for being able to lay down again. It was a few long minutes before he came back up with a tray of orange juice, a small muffin, and a small cup of soup.
"Eat up. You'll going to need it."
"I love you."
"Haha! I love you too sweety pie. I'll come back in a while to get the tray so when you're done, just put it on the night stand."
"It's a day stand right now."
"Sorry, day stand." he smiled. Pinkie smiled back as he closed the door. She picked at the muffin before thinking a defeated, I hate everything.
It was a horrible first day and it hadn't even ended yet. Pinkie had pulled out a box of tissues from her day stand. It had been a fresh box but now it looked half empty. She moaned at the thought of having to get up for some water. Her glass of juice was empty and the soup was gone. The muffin had been picked apart and laid in clumps on its plate. Pinkie turned back over and opened her other stand. She pulled out a phone and dialed.
"Hello, Sugarcube Corner Bakery. How can I help you?"
"I need water." Pinkie spoke pathetically into the receiver.
"Huh, I'll be right up." Mrs. Cake replied then hung up. For a moment, Pinkie felt bad about calling. But only for a moment.
Soon enough, Mrs. Cake came walking into the room with a tray of a glass of water and a pitcher. Both the glass and pitcher had ice. It was clear by the look on her face, Mrs. Cake wasn't expecting a snow storm of used tissues littering the floor.
"Oh you poor dear." She said as she maneuvered the old tray away and put the new down. She also put the partial muffin down on the new tray. "It's very busy today unfortunately, so I called Fluttershy. I hope that's fine."
"Is Discord with her?"
"Uh? oh! I didn't ask beside, you need rest."
"Awww. Thank you."
"Your welcome." She left the room with the old tray. Pinkie had wondered why Carrot hadn't come up to get it.
I guess I just have to wait until Fluttershy gets here to have some fun. Pinkie grumbled to herself. Then she thought about it. Fun? Fun. Fun!
Pinkie shot up in bed when she realized it. She had a party to plan. No, not a party. Parties. And one of them is not just a party. But, a big event.
She hastily threw back the sheets and wandered over to her desk. There were papers over it about all sorts of things. She shuffled through them until she found what she needed. There were currently three parties to complete and one of them is a carnival. The parties would be easy enough to out source to someone else but the carnival was for a friend who ran a traveling theater show.
Pinkie looked through lists of supplies, ideas for decorations, resources and contacts. Now was not a good time to be sick.
Fluttershy walked down the street with her bags filled. She had gotten a call from Mrs. Cake of all ponies! She had asked her to come over to take care of poor Pinkie Pie who was very sick. Fluttershy was startled from her thoughts when Rainbow Dash landed next to her.
"Oh, hi Rainbow Dash. What are you up to?"
"Nothing much, where are you going?"
"Mrs. Cake called me. Apparently Pinkie's real sick and the Cakes wanted me to come over to take care of her."
"Really? Hey! Why don't I get the other girls and we'll all go cheer up Pinkie."
"Oh, I don't think that would be too good..."
"Come on, it'll be great."
"But Rainbow Dash!" It was too late as she sped off. "Goodness, I hope this doesn't get in the way of Pinkie's recovery."
Fluttershy trotted off as quickly as she could to get to Pinkie's house. Which, wasn't very fast as everypony else was there went she arrived.
"Hey Fluttershy."
"Hello, Twilight."
"Come on! Let's go see Pinkie!"
"Rainbow Dash, don't be too loud. She is sick."
"Uh, we're outside Rarity."
"For now but when we get in there we can't be too loud. She'll be resting." Rarity walked over to the front door and went inside. RD sighed then followed her and the rest of the girls inside. They waved at Mr. Cake who was at the counter. They walked up the stair and were outside Pinkie's door.
"Pinks! You awake?"
"Shh, Rainbow Dash. Gosh, I would guess she would be now." AJ said.
They opened the door to Pinkie's room and walked in. She was sitting by the desk with papers everywhere. Pinkie turned and smiled at them.
"Cough, hi guys." She wasn't very steady on her seat.
"Pinkie! What are you doing out of bed? Come here, let me tuck you in." Fluttershy said. Pinkie waved her away.
"I'm fine, really. I just have so much work to do right now. I've got, ugh, um three no two parties to finish then a big event." Pinkie put her head in one of her hooves.
"No, no. No work or parties. Bed now." Fluttershy said more forcefully. She pulled Pinkie away to the bed. Pinkie frowned but went with her.
"Hey! Can you take care of the parties for me? I don't think it'll be too hard." Pinkie turned on her side.
"Sure, we'll be glad to help." Twilight said, "Where do we start? Do you have any lists?"
"Yeah, on the desk. Just follow it." Pinkie was grateful when Fluttershy put a cool cloth over her forehead.
"Great! Let me see...hm. Um Pinkie? Who is ah.."
"There's a Rolodex on the desk and files in the bottom door. It has all the contact numbers of suppliers and entertainers and decorators."
"Okay." Twilight looked through the contacts. She hand some to Rarity and asked her to called the ponies. She then looked through the files but widened her eyes as she tried to figure out just what to do.
"Pinkie," Rarity called out, "How many streamers? And they have a deal going on?"
"Don't listen to that. I have the amount on the list along with the cost."
"Okay."
Rarity went on to negotiate with the supplier. She had dealt with this sort of thing before what with running her own business.
"What can I do?"
"Yeah, what can we do?" AJ and RD asked.
"Set up, when we get there."
Twilight continued to sort through files. There was decorations to buy, food to order, ponies to hire and particular guidelines to go by.
It was just a party! But as she gave a nervous sidelong glance at Pinkie, she realized this was a career.
The first party to do was a pirate party along with actors. It was for a little colt's birthday. Pinkie had written down where and when to go. It was by the lake.
Rainbow dash flew around putting up decorations. Applejack was busy nailing together a plank to walk.
There were tables to be pulled together and things to setup. Rarity seemed glued to the phone trying to sort everything. She's been in a few runway shows but she'd never had to actually pull it together! The actors needed to be there at a certain time.
Twilight had a check list but that didn't seem to be of any help. Nothing really happened in the order it was supposed to. She looked around. When was the food going to get here? When was she supposed to bring out the ice chests? Did they even have any ice chests!? She turned her head back and forth looking around.
"Rainbow Dash! Can you go see where the ice chests are? They look like pirate chests!"
"But Twilight, I'm not done yet! Can't you do it?"
Twilight sighed. She looked over at Applejack.
"How far are you from getting done?"
"Almost there! Just a few more nails."
"Okay, cause we'll need it ready for when the boat gets here."
"Boat? Ah heard nothing about a boat."
"Yeah, you know, for the pirates? Rarity! When are they supposed to get here?"
"Half an hour after the guest arrive!"
They continued to run around and try to set everything up before anypony gets there.
"But I want another scoop!"
"You can't get another scoop. You can only have two." Rainbow said through gritted teeth.
The little twerp, ah, child was demanding more ice cream then he was given. But, there was a limit on how much anyone could get.
"I want more now!"
"Can it and go away!"
The kid 'hmphed' and walked off. RD was starting to rethink having kids.
The supplies had all gotten there on time fortunately. The actors on time. Twilight had a few problems with sorting out the money but it got taken care of. Everypony seemed happy for the moment.
Only, there were kids running around everywhere. Trash to take care of. A few of the adults had decided to bring a 'drink' of their own seeing as the party was outside. Applejack had to lifeguard around the lake edges in case any too excited child wanted to get closer to the boat.
Rarity was enjoying herself more as she got to play the damsel in distress and was busy making goo-goo eyes at one of the sailors. Rainbow Dash had been having fun until the kids ganged up on her and kept whacking her with the foam swords. She hoped serving ice cream would be a less headache inducing job. Guess not.
Everything went fine and the guest left. The birthday boy's parents thanked them and asked about where Pinkie was.
The girls waved them off and looked around to the mess to clean up. At least they've got one party done without too much trouble.
To say they were sticky would be correct. It would also be an understatement. The amount of stickiness they felt was like, well, they had been swimming in a pool of orange soda. Which they had been.
The second party was the next day. Pinkie still felt like she was dying but not as much. Discord had gotten a letter from Fluttershy so he came to visit. It was all hugs and cuddles and 'I'll always be here for you.' Then she threw up on him. So, the other girls got a fun new helper for the second party. Yay.
Pinkie did apologize before he left rather quickly, 'To help your deal poor friends who don't know how to have fun.'
The second party was an anniversary party. The happy couple had had adventures around Equestria in their youth and wanted others to enjoy that. They were upset Pinkie wasn't there but accepted Discord as a replacement.
He snapped up a rock climbing wall, a wave pool (a pool that makes waves like at the ocean), a table of exotic food and a whole playset themed around spelunking. It was great! The kids were too busy to bother RD who once again was manning the ice stand. 'Cause you were so good at it before!'
Applejack and Rarity helped with the rock climbing wall. And Twilight was stuck in a waitress outfit and hidden by the food table. 'That way the guests have no time to be bothered by your boring knowledge of exotic food.'
The problem happened when a filly dropped some orange soda into the pool. Discord, who was life-guarding but sadly had no Pinkie to 'save and resuscitate', in other words no Pinkie to make out with, decided the best way to fix the problem was to turn the whole pool to orange soda. It was fine until some idiot kid decided to stick his head underneath and only drink it in and not come up for air.
All the girls had been there when it happen cause they saw the pool orange for some reason and went to investigate. Hence they all jumped in (or were pushed by Discord, really, it's how ever you want to look at it) and saved the poor kid. Discord decided to be nice and put them under a dryer so now they are very, very sticky.
In unrelated news, Discord isn't allowed to 'decide' things anymore.
They all had to leave to Rarity's shop to get very, very unsticky leaving Discord to keep the party going. They came back a half hour later to find the party strangely just fine but also having a huge cake. The happy couple blew out the candles and the cake promptly exploded. At least the clean up was quick as Discord snapped it all away.
In other unrelated news, don't get Rarity dirty more than once. It's very scary.
So, in the end, the girls and a shield wielding Discord(cause you never know) came back to tell Pinkie of their triumph.
"Um girls? There is one other thing I need. I have a friend who asked me to help with her traveling theater show. You see, they're setting down close by and are going to have a carnival. I don't think it'll be too hard to do. You'll have two other ponies who are supposed to help. So, what do you think?"
"Let me explain party planning through a poorly written song." Pinkie said, throwing off her blanket. She pushed a notepad in front of Twilight's face.
"Why is it poorly written?" Twilight asked, pulling back.
"Cause I'm sick and this is a little last minute. Also, just between you and me, I don't think Grey has good skills in song writing." Pinkie whispered.
"Grey? What does she have to do with it?"
"It's complicated." She shrugs. Twilight could feel her eye starting to twitch from the proposed insanity of an explanation. Pinkie pulled out a booklet from her hair.
Let's get it together No party's complete until everypony leaves! There's food and banners, booths and workers printing, sponsors and more! What colors do I choose? There's no time to lose We'll have a party yet.
The caterers need certainty they like to know allergies what is the theme of the night? Do you like cold calling? We need some sponsors for our party or else our budget is shot We need to sale, sale, sale Tickets to ponies who love fun like we do the attractions and reactions of the guests where are the banners, what are our colors? we need to hang this up everywhere "Everywhere?" Of course, other wise who will know? The streamers will fly across the sky the glee of everyponies' faces as the confetties falls Here's my list, there's the address and files let's see who's available call this and that and who and they we need
the party's almost here it's not done till they leave! always keep them wanting give them what they want What are our colors?
Pinkie kneeled on the end of bed, "See, original and poorly done. No copyright problems here."
"Ooo-kay? Wow, that was a lot." the unicorn rubbed her head.
Pinkie nodded, "Exactly. I'll be able to help you guys just a little. But Grey's going to come over and continue the whole thing."
"Continue? I don't think I can take more singing." RD said from her spot in the air.
"No, with the party! I think I'm going to knock out for a bit."
RD shook her head, "Okay, Pinkie. I guess we should go down stairs and wait then."
Pinkie waited for them to leave before turning to Discord, "Dizzy~ I don't feel woozy anymore! You want to cuddle?"
"Hmm, okay. But no getting me sick."
The girls sat around the cafe until the door chimed and the grey mare walked in. They had met her before but only for short times.
"Hello, Grey Faerie."
"Hello, Twilight. I'm here to help. Where's Pinkie?"
"In bed. She taking a nap with Discord."
"Ha! He's going to get sick." she said with a sly grin.
"How do you know?" Twilight said with a raised brow.
Grey shrugged, "I know everything. It just comes and goes. It's also rather unreliable. But, you work with what you got."
"Ooo-kay? Well, anyway..." Twilight started before getting cut off from Rainbow Dash.
"What was with that song? It was awful."
"I personally didn't write it. The other me did." Grey waved a hoof.
"Huh?"
"It's complicated."
Twilight takes this time to rub her head. Grey stares at her and raises an eyebrow. It's almost like Twilight's not used to unexplainable events. How silly.
"Anyway, the owners of the theater are coming to help."
"They are?"
"Yeah, they thought it would help what with Pinkie being sick and you gals having no idea about anything."
"Um, okay?"
They sit in silence and wait. Either for Grey to continue or for the owners to arrive.
The door swung open in a clatter of bell chimes. An orange unicorn mare with grey hair walked in talking excitedly to her companion. The other mare was a beautiful blue/blue Pegasus with a large silver flower in her hair.
"Hello! I'm Naty, this is Lalu. Are you Pinkie's friends? I've heard all about you in letters and phone calls." The orange mare smiled. The pegasus nodded in joy at them.
"Hello you two." Grey said.
"Grey!" Lalu's eyes lit up. Her voice was sweet and melodic as she drew the unicorn into a hug, "I feel it's been so long. How has things been?"
"They be good. And you? Still with your stripped warrior I hope?" She raised an eyebrow, Lalu blushed.
"Yes, but I had to leave him behind. He gets so wounded up if I don't force him to take a break every now and again."
"Well, he does double as your bodyguard. So you can't blame him too much." She half smiled back at her.
Mrs. Cake walked out of the back to see who had entered.
"Oh, hello girls. Nice to see you again. And Grey, I made some coffee for you all." She set down a tray for them.
Grey grinned, it was frighting. "I have coffee, fear me." she said as she took a long inhale of the steam.
"You're funny Grey." Naty said, "Now, where's our little miss sicky?"
"Up stairs with Discord." Grey replied.
"Shall we go up then?" Lalu asked.
"You're going to get sick."
"No I'm not."
"You're going to get sick." she sang again.
"Will you quit it. I refuse to get sick."
"And I refuse to stop because it will happen."
"You're just trying to jinx me. I'm not getting sick!"
"You're going to get sick." she whispered harshly. She smirked. He scowled.
Grey was off bothering Discord(aka, distracting him) as the rest of the girls watched Pinkie, Lalu and Naty work.
They sorted out papers and files. When they had everything out on the floor they call Grey over.
Pinkie ambles over to her files. She pulls out a contact and pairs it with a need.
They were like a working machine with its parts uncovered. One to another, they moved papers and cards to the correct pile. Finishing each other's very thoughts. Pinkie could remember ever last detail of a contract and event. Grey worked up contracts the devil would find hard to get out of. Naty arranged clients and cold called with the ease of a shady salesman. Each played a part, each a gear or belt turning the great machine.
"Sooo, you guys got is all set up then?" Twilight dared to ask.
"Huh? Oh, yes. It's all set up now. We need to travel later today to the site to supervise the preliminary set up and the rest tomorrow." Naty said.
"Tomorrow? Isn't that a little soon?" Rarity asked.
"Yes, but Pinkie would usually have this all set up already. This is last minute since she's sick and couldn't finish up everything."
"Sorry guys, I did get most done."
"Aww, it's okay sweetie. We've got this." Lalu said. She smiled at Pinkie and put an arm around her. Discord sneezed.
"I blame you!" He pointed at Grey who glared in glee at him.
"Why don't you stay with Pinkie anyway? She'll enjoy the company."
"Ga! And miss the carnival?! I, ah, I will aa-bluu. I hate you." He glared at Grey again.
"I love you too, now stay here with the sick girl. Naty, you want to go downstairs and talk about the play?"
"Sure! Hey, you girls should go pack, eh?"
"Yeah, you're right. Come on girls."
"Can I come with?"
"No, Spike, it's work."
"It's a party! A fair! I want to go. I'll be good." he pouted and held his little hands together.
"Ughh! Fine."
"Yes!" He hopped for joy and run up to pack his stuff.
Twilight came back to Sugarcube corner with Spike happily by her side.
"Hi guys!"
"Hello Spike, you coming with?" AJ asked.
"Yep! Twilight said I could."
"Only if you're good, remember?" She raised an eyebrow. He grinned wide.
"Oh! This so awesome!" Naty exclaimed as she bounded out the shop, "We could use a real dragon. Lot less work."
"Oh, yes. And with those enlarging spells, add a pair of wings. Just perfect."
"What are you guys talking about?" Spike asked.
"We're doing Sleeping Beauty as the play. We usually spell up a fake dragon but not we can use you."
Spike's face lit up like a Hearth's Warming tree. He was in such a state of shock he couldn't form proper words as he jumped up and down.
"Now Spike..." Twilight started.
"Ugh, Twilight, no need to mother hen him. Let him enjoy his joy." Naty swung her arm around Twilight.
"I'm going to be in a play!"
"You're going to be the main star."
"I'm going to be the star! Wooooo!"
Twilight rolled her eyes but smiled all the same, "Are we ready to go then?"
"Yep. I'm almost a little sad to be leaving Discord. Almost, ha, he's sick." Naty snickered. "Off to the train then!"
They waved goodbye to Pinkie and Discord at their window. Spike waved excitedly and skipped next to Lalu. Gibbering the whole way on 'his big part'.
Twilight and her friends stuck out their heads to look at the wide open field. A large building was being pieced together for the theater. There were tents everywhere and stages being set up. A far off road held carts loaded with wooden booths and other equipment rolled off into the field. Rainbow Dash excitedly pointed to the food carts being pulled. Even farther off on the horizon was the outline of a Ferris Wheel.
"This is going to be awesome!"
They stepped off the train with baggage in tow. Workers swarmed the back cars to off load supplies.
"So, let's get on to where you're going to be staying." Naty said. She grabbed up her bag and trotted over to the front.
The long walk to the trailers behind the half done theater was filled with the sites and sounds of the carnival set up. Grey remarked on the good organization of the vendors. Twilight agreed with her. Fluttershy asked about the spells being put down on the grass and Grey explained it was to protect it. They didn't want to come all the way out here just to ruin the beautiful field.
Everyone was remarking on different things when Twilight's ears picked up a familiar sound.
"No! The barrels need to go over there, not here. And move the rope on top of something. I don't want to little kids to start messing with it." The familiar sound huffed. It stamped the ground while moving closer to them. Twilight was surprised to see Trixie of all ponies.
"Trixie, please be little easier on Trapdoor. He's still new." Naty said, shaking her head gently.
"I, The Great and Power Trixie have made it my personal mission to whip my green horn assistant into shape in record time."
"You can't do it in record time if he quits."
"Well, ah. He wouldn't want to quit anyway. Twilight! What a surprise to see you." Trixie grinned and ran up to her. She even gave her a hug. "How have you been? It's been such a long time."
"It has! You seem so different now."
"Yes, Trixie is different now. I have gone back to my roots and headline The Children's Spectacular Magic Show." She summoned up a bit of confetti at the last part.
"Yeah, I found her in a town one day doing her little act. I was quite impressed at her theatrics. I went up to her and offered a chance at working for my company. She had to go through quite a bootcamp but in the end, she passed the audition and now heads up our children's show. Sometimes she even helps out as a background extra or illusionist."
"Really?"
"Yes. Trixie had, such a hard time at it first. She is too used to her one man show that being an extra was such a disgrace. But, Trixie is strong and pushed through. She's earned her place in this theater. The Great and Powerful Trixie even has her own beautiful assistant. Well, handsome assistant. Trapdoor used to be a part of the prop department. Now he makes illusion props for Trixie's show. You should come and see it when you can. The kids go wild at the part of the show where Trixie does 'magic' without her horn."
"That does sound exciting. I'd love to see it." Twilight said. Trixie's face lit up.
"And I'd love to as well. It does seem you've put your lying ways to good use." AJ commented. Trixie's face reddened but she kept smiling.
"Yes, Trixie has been made aware of that. And is very glad for it. She, uh, I have made up for my mistakes and am using the right kind of fibbing. Anyway, Trixie has to go. A certain assistant of her's still can't remember where he's supposed to put the mystery box."
"Alright then. See you later." They all waved as she ran back to her stage.
"You really hired Trixie?" Rarity asked.
"Hell yeah, she's a great worker and just wonderful with kids. You might see her wandering around the kid's activity area assisting them with arts and crafts." Naty explained. She continued to lead them back towards the trailers.
They were all lead to a single trailer and quickly deposed of their baggage. The place looked quite spacious for its size. It had four beds on the sides and a single in the back.
"Could I possible take the big bed in the back? I'll share it Spike." Twilight asked.
"Oh course you can. Especially since this just for one night." Fluttershy said, testing one of the other bunks.
"Two nights. You girls are going to help with take down on the third day. So two nights." Lalu said.
"The 'take down'? I didn't realize we had to help clean up." Rarity verged on whining.
"Well of course you are! You're the party planners. You coordinate the beginning, the during, and the end. Which includes clean up." Naty said. Rarity frowned.
"Let's show them the theater. I don't think they'll actually be needed right now. Our people are planning out where everyone should be and most haven't got here yet."
"Pinkie would be out there helping." Grey remarked under her breath.
"Security! We need more security!" Pinkie sat up quickly, "They don't have enough. I knew I forgot something."
"Ugh, Pinkie. Not so loud." Discord pulled a pillow over his head.
Pinkie spoke with a stuffed up nose, "It'll be okay. I'll take care of it."
Discord settled down back into the bed as Pinkie got up. She trotted over to the wardrobe and pulled on a hat. Her hair was a mess but she didn't care enough to fix it. She felt like she was weighted down by something at also put her in slow motion. She left the room quietly. The stairs wobbled a bit under her feet.
"Ugh, the sun." She pulled down on her hat.
The streets were too bright as she walked. The air made her nose run even more and she coughed every now and again. She head felt both weighted down and light. It seemed too soon that she got to the house of Officer Steel.
"Steel! Hey! Open up." She banged on the door. A griffin opened the door, narrowing missing being hit by Pinkie.
"Oh, sorry Aya. Where's you husband?" Pinkie wiped her nose.
"Pinkie! You should be in bed. Why are you here?"
"Security. We need more."
"I don't understand. What security?"
"The carnival! I was supposed to plan. I forgot to add more security. Can Steel do it? With some of his uh, his, um Friends! Yeah, other officers."
"Sure, but you should be in bed dear. Come on. I'll take you home."
"I'm not your dear. Aya." Pinkie swayed.
"Pinkie! My dear, there you are!" Discord came running up, "You came all the way here?"
"Yeah! I needed more security. And see Aya, I'm his dear, ha." She pointed hard at the end to punctuate her laugh.
"Pinkie, sweetie, we have a phone. You could have just called Steel. In fact, that's what I thought you had done until I realized you were taking too long." He grabbed Pinkie and hoisted her up into his arms. He saluted Aya, "Tell Steel to come by later. Oh! And bring me some of your delicious soup. The stuff with actual chicken." He winked and carried Pinkie away.
That night the girls laughed and giggled at the thought of the next day's events. The walk through the theater had been so exciting! The place was build like the Royal Theater House only without the chairs inside. Instead, there were tables set up in certain areas and the walls held props and hallways for actors. The tall building and wide middle allowed for plenty of room for the illusionists to cast scenery. The stage had been set up on the far side from the entrance but it almost seemed like they weren't going to be using it much.
Twilight laughed a bit at how Spike had been glued to Naty's side the whole time. She introduced him to two of the illusionists who were going to make him the large dragon for the play. He even had lines! Though, he did pout a little at having his voice altered to match the female dark fairy. He was proud of his 'manly' vocal cords that were coming in.
The next morning was filled with groans and complaints. It was early, too early by Rarity's standard, as they had to over see the last of the set up then find their positions as supervisors.
Twilight breathed in the cool morning air. It was looking like a perfect day. Rainbow Dash flew right up to the air and spun in a spiral. There weren't any clouds in the sky but a light breeze was coming in.
"Woohoo. Let's go! I can't wait to see how everything looks." RD called out as she came in to hover by.
The fair grounds had been set up long into the night. In the morning's light, the place looked amazing. The ferris wheel stood tall over the rest of the grounds. The tents over the different booths were a sea of colors. Banners and streamers waved in the light breeze.
"The kid's table!? But why." Rainbow groaned. They were each handed a map of where they would be for the day.
"What? You can't handle a few little kids? It'll only be for a few hours and you'll just be helping out with hoof painting and other crafts. It's the easiest job." Naty said. She handed her a plastic apron.
Rainbow groaned again, took the apron, and walked to the north side of the field. She could already hear the screaming of kids from a few booths away. I'm starting to think that I don't want kids.
"Applejack, you'll patrol the food booths as extra security."
"Alrighty then." AJ took the hat and sash. She tucked her hat under the staff table.
"Rarity, go with her. You'll be helping out with the food vendors to make sure they have everything or helping when they get rushed."
"Um, don't you think that's a better job for somepony who cooks? Like Applejack?" She screwed her face at the apron and hat.
"Ah'm security, and you'll a fine cook, Rare." Applejack nudged Rarity. The unicorn blushed at the compliment and begrudgingly put on the items. They walked off together to the east side of the field.
"Fluttershy, you'll be helping with the games and rides. It's near where Rainbow will be."
"A-alright." Fluttershy trembled. She put on the t-shirt that said 'staff' then walked off.
"What about me?" Twilight asked.
"You'll work all the behind the scene stuff for the vendors. You'll make sure they set up in their spot properly, have everything they need, that sort of thing."
"Oh! Like orgainization work." Twilight beamed.
"No, not really. You'll more like lackey. Here you go!" Naty smiled. Twilight's own faded when she was handed a shirt with 'runner' on the front. She nodded and walked off to the south side where the entrance was.
"Well, that sorts it all out. Let's go Spike. We've got some practicing to do." Naty said to the dragon by her side. He nodded excitedly.
"Hmm, umm, Security! That's what we need." Pinkie grumbled out of a heavy sleep. "I forgot that. Oh no."
She crawled out of bed and to the vanity mirror. She dragged the brush through her hair in slow, aching strokes. Pinkie yawned. The walked down the stairs was a little wobbly but she made it and walked outside. Pinkie clenched her eyes shut to the sun and held up an arm.
"Ugh, sunlight." She walked down the road to Aya and Officer Steel's house. The place looked too bright to her tired eyes. Even knocking on the door hurt.
"Pinkie? What are you doing here?! You look horrible." Aya the griffin said.
"Security, we need security."
"Whatever for? Come in, come in."
*
Discord rolled over. Something wasn't right. He reached out to the other side of the bed and felt around. Hmm? He opened his eyes. The pink fluff ball of fun wasn't there.
"Shoot! Where is she?" He scrambled around the room looking for her.
Discord ran down stairs. "Have you seen Pinkie?"
The patrons all stared at him. "She was walking to Officer Steel's house when I was coming here," Derpy said.
"Thanks!" He said before running out the door.
*
"That's why we need security. I can't believe I forgot." Pinkie's head was on the table.
"It's alright, really. Now eat up." Aya pushed the bowl of soup towards her. A knock came from the door. "Who could that be?"
Aya opened the door to find a haggard looking Discord leaning on the doorframe. "Where's the pink fun pony?"
"Um, Pinkie's inside. Do you want soup?"
"Do you have real chicken?" He asked.
"Yep."
Officer Steel rushed home after the station radioed him to say his wife requested him home. The door flew open and he skidded to a stop in the kitchen to a strange sight.
"Hi honey, you're here quick."
"Uh, yes. The station called me. What's going on?" He kissed her cheek but kept staring at the pair by the table.
"Pinkie forgot to arrange some security for the carnival for her friends at the traveling theater. Can you call in some help for her?"
"Sure, I'll be glad to. I'll even go there myself to help out. Aya, do you want to come with?"
"That sounds great!" Aya smiled and kissed his check.
Steel stared back at the pair by the table.
"Have some more soup." Discord giggled. He held the spoon out for Pinkie.
"I'd love some." Pinkie sipped from the offered spoon and giggled herself. They were both getting a little wonky from the fever. Steel coughed.
"Officer." Discord saluted.
"Yes, well. Shouldn't you two be in bed?" He asked.
"Pinkie keeps stealing the blanket!" Discord whined. He gave her a harsh look. "I blame you."
"For what?"
"Everything. And you always win the blanket." He crossed his arms.
"Right, anyway, you two should go home and get some rest. Here's an extra blanket," Steel said. He pulled the throw blanket off the couch and handed it to them.
"Thanks Officer," Pinkie said.
"Oh! I just remembered. Pinkie, we have a phone silly." Discord wrapped the blanket around himself and picked up Pinkie.
"Right, I forgot." She laughed. "Bye guys! Thanks for the soup." She waved at them.
Aya waved back. She turned to her husband. "They're cute together."
"They are, they're also annoying. Don't let them in next time."
"Go over there...I mean, it's supposed to be there. Um, oh! The blue tent next to the white, I mean..." Twilight groaned to herself. Organizing was her thing, so why was this so hard? She stared down at the map with a tilt of the head and wide eyes. It was huge compared to Ponyville Center. Every little detail needed to be laid out and the vendors only had an idea of where to go!
"Here you go." A gruff emerald stallion chucked down a small stack of papers on the table under her tent. It was laid on top of all the other paperwork for vendor license, spot reservations, vendor needs, etc. She looked back over her shoulder to her 'assistant' if that's what he was to be called. He was so slow! I could only wish Spike was available...
"One second sir! Let us just take a look at it," she said in vain. He had already walked off to his booth.
"I need change! How am I supposed to run my shop without change?!" the pink mare yelled over the counter. Twilight wanted to pull her ears off. That was the sixth person in only an hour! And the food stalls were complaining of needing more outlets, no one could find their spot, along with fights between artists at the artist alley so they need to be switched.
Twilight tried her hardest to not breathe exercise herself into hyperventilating.
Rainbow Dash grit her teeth. I will not throw a kid off a cloud. I will not throw a kid off a cloud. I will... "Don't use so much glue!" she yelled. "Don't open it! Use the spout...ugh."
The colt giggled as the glitter glue poured out of the uncapped bottle. RD flicked her hooves in an sad attempt at getting some of the sticky substance off of her. She was currently covered in enough paint and glitter to make her look like a coloring page gone wrong.
"Where's my mom!!? She's supposed to be here by now," A little girl yelled and stomped her foot. That's what I'm wondering. Dash thought.
"Here, let's go see." Dash picked up the foal and flew off into the sky. She scanned around the nearby areas before settling on the parent in question.
"There! See, piece of cake," Dash said gleefully. She looked down at the girl only to find her bursting into tears from the heights. Dash grimaced and fluttered down to the ground.
"My baby! What have you been doing to her?" the mother questioned. She shushed her daughter and promised her 'The mean lady won't do that again.' Dash felt her eyes wanting to roll out of its sockets. "You should be ashamed of yourself! Scaring a little filly."
"Hey, lady. Your daughter isn't some angel herself."
"Why I never!" she yelled before trotting away angrily. The filly turned back to stick her tongue out at Rainbow Dash who stuck her's out in return.
Applejack patrolled the food court like a it was a sheep herd out in the pasture. The other security guards walked around giving directions, passing out water bottles or just sitting in the shade. AJ huffed at their behavior. Didn't they know they are supposed to be on alert? As she walked around the mobile vendors, her ears peaked at the sound of stamping hooves and a thump. AJ swelled with pride and walked over to the disturbance.
"Hey! What are ya all think you're doing?" she asked.
A purple stallion swayed, clinging to the bar top. His rump dusted with dirt and grass.
"I ain't doing nothing! This broad isn't giving me was I paid for," he slurred out. The tan mare behind the bar stared wide eyed and shook her head at Applejack.
AJ puffed her chest. "This 'broad' seems to have given you just enough from the looks of it. Now you skedaddle on and leave her alone."
"I ain't doing nothing!" he roared before propelling off the counter and grabbing her around her middle. AJ fell back for a moment then flipped him over. It became an all out brawl with punches flying as quick as curses. The other security guards jumped in to pull them apart.
"What are you doing?!" a guard yelled. "I know he's not being the most civil but you don't have to put him in the hospital." He gave her a disappointed shake of the head as they dragged away the drunken patron.
Applejack blushed and hung her head. This wasn't as easy as it was supposed to be. She trotted down the road to another part of the food market. The sounds of two mares yelling caught her attention and rounding a bend, she came to the scene of a very drunk mare picking a fight. Applejack sighed before walking over to intervene. She barely got there before a familiar voice spoke.
"Alright, pal, that's enough," a stern voice said from behind the drunken mare. She quickly got enveloped by a gray energy and gently lifted from the floor. "We're taking it from here, Applejack," said Officer Steel as he took the patron in his magic grasp. "I brought three other colleagues that are off-duty to supervise the carnival security guards plus one that is still on-duty to take care of any patron that becomes too much of a problem." He nodded and ignored the drunken green pegasus thrashing against his magical grip.
"Thank you kindly, Officer." Applejack said. "But might I ask what ya are doing here? Did Twilight call ya'll in ta help?"
"You are welcome, ma'am. And, actually, Pinkie Pie came knocking on our door a few hours ago, asking me to show up with a few of my colleagues for security."
"Really? That's very helpful, but, she's sick! I hope you dragged her back to bed. I really appreciate the extra hooves but she really should be getting some rest." Applejack shook her head.
"Don't you worry, we told her to go back to bed and we'd take care of everything. I wonder how come she did not think of just calling us."
AJ chuckled, "Ponies do funny things when they are sick, don't they? How about we talk about the show tonight? We've got to work out where everyone will be needed most."
"Sure, but first let me pass this mare to my colleague," Steel passed over the pony in his magical grasp to another officer waiting nearby, "Drunk and disorderly," he said to him with a rub on his mustache. The stallion nodded and took her by the arm toward the police station. Two other security officers sitting on the shade, promptly raised up and began patrolling the carnival.
Applejack and Office Steel started off towards the main stage area. "What's this play going to be about?"
"It's sleeping beauty, a musical version. Spike's mighty exited to be playing some small roles and then the main dragon." the earth pony said.
The unicorn nodded then smiled, "Spike, eh? I bet he is eager to be on stage. I don't talk much to him, but I do know he is not a troublemaker and he helps the ponies around town during his free time. That makes him good in my book,"
Metal rattled as the machine started to throw ponies into the sky and back down at rapid pace. Others forced them in one position as it spun them round at increasing speeds. Even with ears pulled tight, she still could hear the screams.
"Um, miss? Miss! Can I, um, get on now?" The stallion looked over the control console of the Twirl a Whirl with his son.
"Yes."
"Huh?"
"Yy-yes." Fluttershy quickly pushed the button for the ride doors to open. The stallion raised a concerned brow as her almost inaudible voice whispered, "Please keep all hooves inside. Enjoy."
Maybe I should go back to games. I don't care if I get in trouble again for giving away prizes. Those games are all rigged anyway.
Rarity turned her head away from the sizzling oil of the fryer. She squealed for the umpteen time. How did I ever get stuck working the food stalls?
"Hey! I need five more orders of hay fries. Keep them coming!" the cashier yelled from the front of the stall. Rarity had to do as she was told. Someone has to cover for lunch, but why does it have to be me?
The sound of "I'm back!" was music to her ears. Rarity ran out quicker than even she thought she could move.
Aya chuckled and shook her head at the sign of Rarity running away.
"Five hay fries, coming up!" The griffin yelled at the cashier as she expertly moved around the booth. Aya loved to cook and did not mind the smell of grease; she was used to the smell of the fried carnivorous meals they made in Griffinstone.
A while later after the shift change, Aya caught up with Rarity.
"I reek of failure and hay fries!" the unicorn said dramatically. She was rubbing at her coat with moist towelettes.
Aya chuckled as she approached, "You'll get used to it, dear. If you want, I'll give you my shampoo later to wash the grease out of your coat. I brought some to wash up a little before sitting for the show."
"Oh why thank you, Aya. What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were in Ponyville," Rarity asked.
Aya chuckled again and waved her claw. "I was. Pinkie Pie apparently crawled off her bed to tell us you might need some help. So Steel got some of his colleagues to make for an extra security patrol and I decided to come and see if I could help with the stalls."
Rarity rolled her eyes in jest, "She's very sweet."
"Rarity! We need a hand at the corn dog stand!" a vendor called out. He waved his arm at her impatiently.
"If you're okay with it, could you go with him and I go check on the costume department?" She said with a bat of her eyes.
The griffin shrugged with a last chuckle, "I got the stall covered, you can go ahead."
The rush to the line filled the entire main entrance of the tented theater. Security held out hooves to take ticket stubs and push back any one not fit for the show. One or two inebriated ponies had to be dragged to the holding cell kicking and screaming. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash stood guard over the entrance for the outdoor theater center. Trixie and her assistants were preparing a special show for the children as their guardians watched the main show inside.
Trixie glanced out from behind the curtain to the seats. Twilight was trying to make sure every kid had a goody bag with props for the interactive part of the show but they kept leaving them everywhere. She chuckled to herself.
"Ugh, finally!" Rainbow Dash shouted as the last kid was corralled into their seat. "When do we get to go inside ourselves?"
Twilight looked over her check list, "We're going to end up missing the first few minutes of the show..."
"Ahhh!" Rainbow pulled at her face.
"I'm not happy about it either but we have background stuff to do, like starting up the break down of the booths." Twilight shook her head.
"Alright," Rainbow groaned one last time.
"I think I might be of some help with that." Aya came walking up with her husband, Officer Steel.
Rainbow zoomed over to the pair, "Really!!? Awesome!"
"Are you sure about that? It is a lot of work still left to do." Twilight said. She had a two page long checklist floating in the air. Steel took the list with his own magic and brought it over.
"Doesn't look too hard. You girls save us two good seats. We've got this."
"You heard him Twilight, let's go!" Rainbow took her friend by the arm and dragged her towards with tent entrance. Twilight tried muttering a few last statements before giving up and letting herself be taken. The rest of the girls waved at the couple then followed the other two inside. It was ten till current rise.
Sleeping Beauty play, watching the show, Spike's part, going home, Pinkie thanking them
The large tent was vast and empty inside without much inside other than multiple round tables spotting the area and the main stage cutting off a portion of the space. Green grass shined with a spell aura that gently compressed it down to the feel of a flat surface. A few dirt paths trailed around tables connecting the stage to a second entrance on the opposite side from the audience's. Lanterns hang from long chains to the rafters above. They were spelled to shine down like spot lights when needed.
The girls scurried into the tent and around the filled tables to their reserved one. The din of chattering guests seemed to be amplified by empty space about their heads. Two small tables sat side by side with place cards neatly waiting for them. They sat down just as the lights dimmed and a cheer rose up from the waiting crowd. The curtain parted to reveal Naty standing at center stage.
Her mic floated in front of her, "Good evening honored guest to our humble theater! We of the Flying Fish Traveling Theater show will be presenting a mythical story retold over that ages. The legend of Sleeping Beauty." She paused for a moment as the crowd cheered. "We will be having a special guest tonight as well to help us with this presentation, so I hope you all enjoy the show."
A cacaphone of clapping, yells, and whistling filled the air as the curtains closed for a moment before opening once again. A stallion stood where Naty had once been wearing old renaissance clothing.
"Hear ye, hear ye! This eve is be the christening celebration for the first child of His royal majesty the King and our lady the Queen..."
"...we have all given our gifts," the good fairy said. "Only the Lilac fairy is left to give her gift. She is the most powerful of the good fairies."
All the ponies stood on the stage around a crib. They wore beautiful gowns and suits that glittered in the spotlight. A pony with shimmering butterfly wings and trailing lilac dress approached the crib. But before she could speak, the back entrance opened in a fire of light. Spike made his entrance on top of a dais carried by ponies dressed in frightening garb made to emulate dragons. Their black scaled armor and helmets full of teeth clacked as they moved down the path to the stage.
Spike sat on a throne of spires dressed in armor and silk as black as night with trim dyed a blood red. He held a staff that looked tipped with a large diamond. "I have yet to give my gift," he stated.
The dais stopped in front of the stage allowing him to easily step on to the stage. He hung over the crib with a scowl. "Such a sweet child, I would have been glad to have more time to pick a suitable gift."
The king walked forward to get between the dragon and the crib, "We had planned to invite you, Great Carabosse, but the Master of Ceremonies much have forgotten to put your name on the list!"
Carabosse sneered at him and snapped his fingers towards a pony off to the side. They quickly attacked him with their drawn weapons. Once he had be laid dead, they returned to the dais. Carabosse laughed at the scene and turned his attention back to the king.
"Lies! I am the most powerful magic user in all the land. Your lies do not fool me!" He straighten up and waved the staff. The king was instantly pulled away from the crib. "Out of my way, pony. This is still a christening and I still have my gift to give."
The Queen threw herself at his feet and begged for mercy for the child. Carabosse laughed again, ignoring her.
"You foolish ponies, this child will indeed grow up to be a beautiful, healthy, delightful young lady, but on her sixteenth birthday she will prick her finger on a spindle and die!" A light fell on the stage, temporarily blinding everyone. The dragon made his way to the dais, and when everyone could see again, was making his way out the back entrance...
The actors all stood among tables giving small gifts to the guests and telling jokes. They heard a bell and lined up before the princess. She laughed as they gave her gift after gift. Guards stood around the line and checked over the presents. They nodded when it was deemed safe. After the gifts were given, the guest danced around in the area section off in front of the stage. The King and Queen sat among their court on the stage. The princess stood by herself in the circle of dancers. Soon, a small dragon walked up to her and tugged on her skirts. She looked down at him with a smile, "Why hello there, what is it that you need dear child?"
Spike was dressed as one of the many simpler court guests with a blue robe and golden sashes. He blushed at her. The princess could see a bouquet of flowers sticking out from behind him.
"Another gift? How kind."
"It's only a gift of wild flowers collected on the way to your castle. I hope you could forgive me." He held out the bundle of flowers.
She smiled, "It's perfect."
The actors had spread out in their dance so the guest could see the what was happening. Some of them tried to call out to her but she acted as if she couldn't hear them. The princess pointed out the different flowers and their meanings.
"A poppy for sleep, anemone for expectation, a calendula? So pretty but it means grief. Snapdragon is deception or presumption and what's this? A single daffodil, misfortun-oww!"
The princess pulled her hoof away from the bouquet and dropped it. She put a hoof to her head before fainting. The music stopped cold with only Carabosse's laughter to fill the air. "Foolish girl!"
He pulled out a spindle from the cluster of flowers and held it up to the air. The guards jumped in to action to catch him but he threw the spindle to the ground causing a cloud of purple magic to envelop him. When it blew away, he was gone and the princess was dead...
A dinner course was served after the Lilac fairy covered the castle with vines and brambles to protect it during the hundred years of sleep. Twilight and the girls all chattered to each other about the show.
Rainbow Dash stuffed mashed potatoes into her mouth, "It was great! I loved the song after she fell asleep."
"A few manners go a long way." Rarity said, pulling away from her friend, "But I do agree, that was a lovely song. I love the outfits so far. Did you see the armor Spike was wearing! Divine."
Twilight swallowed her soup before answering, "I can just see him asking to keep it for next Nightmare Night. I'm really happy with how the play is going so far. It's really interesting how they changed the part for him."
Fluttershy nodded. She dipped another broccoli in the cheese sauce and chewed it.
Officer Steel, his wife Aya, and the Applejack sat at the table next to them. Steel nodded as well, "It's nice to see a rendition of the original play and not the kid version."
"It's definitely not what I had expected," Applejack laughed. "I'd only seen the kid version.
"I will not let you defeat my curse!" Carabosse yelled. Spike was standing on a high pedestal set up across from the stage and behind the guests. The pedestal looked to be something the tent used as for trapeze acts but was decorated to resemble a piece of the castle. Spike was back dressed in his armor of scales and silk. He waved the staff around, summoning up purple magic. It engulfed him and moved down the side of the tent wall. The area behind the guest was now filled with the smoke.
Behind the scenes, Naty and her line of unicorns strained against the spell they were casting. Sweat dripped down Naty's knitted brows. She hunched down and sprung her head up against the spell. Tense muscles relaxed as the spell configured itself. On the outside, Spike looked as if he had been transformed to a demonic dragon of black steel and blood red diamonds. Yet on their side, he looked to be still standing on the pedestal. Light surrounded him to both make him invisible from the crowd but to also allow his movements to be mimicked by the illusion.
He raked his claws at the Lilac fairy and the Prince. Their battle had them running around the tables on the paths or flying in the air below the lanterns. Spike jumped down from the pedestal to the waiting catch net and to his marker. Naty gave a signal for the team to quit working one at a time till only she remained. Like shattering glass, the dragon appeared to have been broken to pieces. Spike as Carabosse stood in the middle of millions of disappearing fragments.
"How could this be?" He fainted to the ground and faded with the last pieces. The second illusionist summon up a shielding spell so that Spike can run to the back without being seen. Then both unicorns stopped their spell.
"...And that's our show!" Naty announced. All the actors stood on or in front of the stage, taking a bow to the round of applause coming from the audience members. Twilight shouted and waved at Spike. He looked over to her and waved back.
They all stood outside the main stage tent next to the kids' stage around. Parents stood in line to pick up their kids. A part of the kids' area held a tented off section for little children to fall asleep while the older kids enjoyed an interactive show. Trixie walked up to the group with Trapdoor.
"We could hear some of the cheering from out here. It almost got too hard to keep the kids' attention." she joked.
"It was great! And Spike did so well!" Twilight boasted. Spike blushed. She glanced back at him and chuckled, "He did great and the show was fantastic. It seems a shame you couldn't see it."
Trixie waved a hoof, "No bother. I see the works in progress enough times. It's my job to keep the kids entertained. Will we be see you again soon? Maybe another go at acting?" She directed the last question to Spike.
He shrugged, "Twilight's always getting into something crazy. Someone's got to keep the house going."
It was Twilight's turn to blush. "Spike! That's not nice." She turned back to Trixie, "I think we all would be more than happy to come again just as long as we're guest."
"I second that." Aya said, "You girls looked like chickens with their heads cut off."
They laughed and talked a bit about Trixie's show. Naty and Lalu greeted them some time later with thanks for the help. They would take over things from there and get the rest of the stuff packed up. The train ride back was hard as most of them wanted to sleep after the long day.
Rarity looked at the clock at the Ponyville train station. "I really need to get home. I still have some work to do tonight."
"Like what?" Fluttershy asked, surprised.
"Nothing much, just some preliminary designs for a show for a spring fair. I've just got to have them ready to be mailed by the day after tomorrow and I still have two outfits to make."
"Maybe I can help." Fluttershy offered.
"Would you? That would be great Fluttershy. Good bye girls. I'll see you all later." Rarity said. She and Fluttershy waved good bye then left.
"We all need to get to bed. Come on Spike." Twilight said. The rest of the girls waved goodbye and walked home.
Pinkie woke up on a morning a few days later. Her cold had passed but she still felt really tired. Discord was sitting at her vanity combing his goatee. His illness passed in a day lucky for him, but unluckily it meant he had to wait on Pinkie hand and hoof while she was sick.
"The paper had another review of the carnival your friends helped with. I'm thinking you should celebrate your recovery with a bit of a party for Spike. They apparently couldn't get enough of him." Discord snorted.
Pinkie climbed messily out of bed to the vanity. "That sounds great for him! I'll see if Naty and Lalu are available."
They both made their way downstairs for breakfast. The girls were waiting for them at a table.
"Pinkie! You look great. Feeling better?" Twilight asked.
"Yep! I think I'll be all better by tomorrow. Mom always said not to push yourself too much after getting sick. Don't want it to get any worse." Pinkie said. She dug into her oatmeal.
"Pinkie, we all talked and we have to say... that we are sorry." Applejack said.
Pinkie looked up surprised, "Sorry for what?"
"For not taking your party planning seriously." Rarity said. "I guess when your an expert at something, it just makes what you do look so easy."
Pinkie's stuffed cheeks went red at that. Rainbow dash spoke up, "We didn't take you seriously whenever you talked about how much parties meant to you or when you said it was a lot of work. It never really seemed that big a deal before."
The rest of the girls nodded but Pinkie shook her head, "It's nothing, really! I'm not hurt. I'm more than happy to do all the work and see how happy everyone is having fun. Parties is what I do. I'm very serious about silly."
